Messages

1

Talk Zone / Re: Baseball - no longer a “safe place” for us to avoid reality

« on: August 06, 2018, 06:22:51 pm »

Sports can be an escape for anyone... just like gambling, going to a bar, hanging with friends can be. Anything can be your reality, or escape.

Kind of stupid to pretend like professional sports of any kind are some safe, happy place intended to be gee-whiz good ole fun. They exist in their current mega states because they are multi-million (maybe billion) dollar industries.

2

Talk Zone / Re: Astros just acquired Osuna

« on: July 31, 2018, 02:26:33 pm »

You have it backwards. I try to take my ethics seriously.

So... I guess you'll be picking a new baseball team? Because surely someone of your moral character couldn't support a team that has this guy on it, right? Because you'd be part of the problem?

3

Talk Zone / Re: Astros just acquired Osuna

« on: July 31, 2018, 02:05:44 pm »

It’s not remotely absurd.

My moral character is compromised (to use your words) by all sorts of different affiliations. To this point I don’t count my support of the Astros as one of them, and if it turns out that Luhnow et al are sincere in their beliefs about Osuna, I still won’t. Make sense?

You really think your sports allegiances can compromise your moral character? Then I have no response. I don't take my sports teams THAT seriously. I'm not sure anyone should. Then it's an agree to disagree.

4

Talk Zone / Re: Astros just acquired Osuna

« on: July 31, 2018, 01:28:03 pm »

But I stand by my point that he who supports them who do bad is part of the problem. I don’t see what’s to argue about that from a logical standpoint. [sse][/sse]

Well, there are people right on front of you (online) who obviously do see what there is to argue about. It's absurd to think your moral character is compromised by supporting a sports team that has a wife beater on it.

5

Talk Zone / Re: Astros just acquired Osuna

« on: July 31, 2018, 11:39:57 am »

I think domestic abuse is a very different offense and should be held to a different standard.

That's fair as your opinion, but obviously not everyone is going to feel the same way. Ask someone who had had a loved one killed by a drink driver, or someone who was the victim of a racially based hate crime if they are less important. I'm not saying that to get on a soapbox.. I just think a lot of people are picking and choosing when we need to take a hard stand. In reality, you either have to be a hard liner with zero tolerance or... Have tolerance.

Also, in my original response that was directed at to OP.. my point was that supporting a team with someone like this doesn't make YOU a supporter of said behavior. No one is going to say "you know, Bob is a great guy.. good husband, active in his community.... But he supports the Astros. And they have a wife beater. So what a pos."

6

Talk Zone / Re: Astros just acquired Osuna

« on: July 30, 2018, 08:20:08 pm »

It’s not hyperbole. If it comes out that the Astros brought Osuna on in spite of or regardless of his actual character, that’s supportive of bad behavior. I doubt that happened.

That’s what I meant. Your examples are reductionist.

Wait.. so you think that he didn't do anything? You say "I doubt that happened"... so does that mean you doubt he did it, because the Astros wouldn't have brought him on in spite of his behavior??

If those other examples are reductionist or theoretical... what about Yuli? He did an actual, real-life thing - I don't consider us an entire fan base of racists. How do you explain the franchise keeping him on the roster?  You said previously that "When you support an institution that itself supports, in whatever way, bad behavior, you are part of the problem. " Is that instance just less important? Or are we picking and choosing what bad behaviors are offensive to us?

7

Talk Zone / Re: Astros just acquired Osuna

« on: July 30, 2018, 07:15:20 pm »

When you support an institution that itself supports, in whatever way, bad behavior, you are part of the problem. I think that is why so many here feel queasy about the trade.

FWIW, I fall into the “jury’s-out” “second chances” “trust Luhnow” camp, but I appreciate the hand-wringing.

I think it is hyperbole to say you are "part of the problem" if you support a sports team that "supports" bad behavior.

So.. racism? Like I mentioned before?

What about if your team has a former drug abuser... you support drugs? DWI... you support DWIs?

8

Talk Zone / Re: Astros just acquired Osuna

« on: July 30, 2018, 06:55:39 pm »

You aren't supporting domestic abuse because your team traded for a guy who beat his wife (allegedly). Just like we aren't all racists because our team has a guy who made fun of Asian people.

9

Talk Zone / Rangers draft Georgia player

« on: June 08, 2011, 08:31:49 pm »

Not sure if you guys remember this kid, but he got paralyzed earlier this year in an OF collision. Sad story. The Rangers selected him in the draft after drafting his buddy with the 37th overall. Real classy move, I applaud it. That's got to make the young man feel good. The only question I have is if you are going to do it, why not just use your last pick?

http://sports.espn.go.com/dallas/mlb/news/story?id=6641490

ATHENS, Ga. -- Georgia baseball player Johnathan Taylor, who was partially paralyzed after breaking his neck during a collision in a game against Florida State on March 6, was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 33rd round of the amateur baseball draft on Wednesday.

10

Beer and Queso / Re: Nintendo Steps Up Its Game

« on: June 08, 2011, 08:28:41 pm »

I'll be interested to see what their next gen games look like, but I'm not sure the games that Nintendo releases will appeal to me too much. They cater to a different, younger group.

And today they admitted that they used Xbox/PS3 footage on that demo video they had, I believe of NCAA football. Not even sure why you'd put out a demo video if you are going to do that?

11

Talk Zone / Re: Posey's agent wants rule change

« on: May 26, 2011, 09:37:42 pm »

Also, aren't collisions riskier for the guy not wearing pads and helmets and shin-guards? 

Probably hurts more in the short-term for the guy wearing no pads, but the biggest injury risk (at least to the lower extremities) is the catcher with his feet planted - having an impact on your legs or knees with yourself planted is the biggest risk for ligament damage/broken bones.

12

Talk Zone / Posey's agent wants rule change

« on: May 26, 2011, 01:46:43 pm »

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=6592212
Didn't see this posted anywhere - I'm sure most, if not all, of you saw the Buster Posey collision at home plate. Poor kid is out for the season after that, but it was a clean play. Now his agent is proposing a rule change:

"You leave players way too vulnerable," Berry said. "I can tell you Major League Baseball is less than it was before [Posey's injury]. It's stupid. I don't know if this ends up leading to a rule change, but it should. The guy [at the plate] is too exposed.

"If you go helmet to helmet in the NFL, it's a $100,000 fine, but in baseball, you have a situation in which runners are [slamming into] fielders. It's brutal. It's borderline shocking. It just stinks for baseball. I'm going to call Major League Baseball and put this on the radar. Because it's just wrong."

Do any of you agree with him? Personally, I don't think that the helmet-to-helmet NFL analogy is a good one. Catcher is the most physically demanding position on the field, but I think these kinds of plays are a fair part of the game and this was an unfortunate accident.  Is this the case of an agent pissed that his best player just got injured, or is there a legit argument here?

13

Beer and Queso / Re: Portal 2

« on: May 06, 2011, 08:47:22 am »

I confused Fallout 3 and Fallout:New Vegas in my mind. (I've played Fallout 3's DLC already (its fun but not essential)).

Fallout:New Vegas has some significant improvements and some neat faction things in it. I would endorse both versions. And while its kind of a FPS, its much less intense than something like Ghost Recon. If Fallout 3 has a problem its that its too easy.

Both are games I enjoyed - but Fallout3 is one of my favorite games that I've ever played. Unfortunately, if you play the GOTY edition, it is very, very glitchy and there are some near game-breaking glitches. But what makes it awesome is how expansive and open to exploration the world is.

I sank... an ungodly amount of gameplay hours into Fallout3.... I liked fallout: NV also, but the story was just missing something to me. I wasn't as captivated, but I still def enjoyed it.

14

Beer and Queso / Re: Bin Laden Dead

« on: May 02, 2011, 04:02:52 pm »

What a great day for the USA.  That evil SOB had caused so much pain, not only here but with his network's senseless bombings and killings worldwide.

I was watching CNN this morning, and they had the father of a 9-11 victim on. They were undoubtedly hoping for a feel-good interview, but the guy immediately started blasting the Clinton administration for creating a wall protecting the terrorists by treating them as regular civilian criminals instead of war criminals. Then when the anchor tried to redirect him, and asked if he thought Obama was doing a better job and if he was happy just for this one day, he went on to blast Obama as well, and said he was disappointed to see the circus atmosphere of last night and today.

My first instinct was to think "man, this guy is bananas and just a bitter dude." But the more I thought about it, you gotta feel for the guy - he lost his son, and you gotta think its torn him up every day of his life since then. That's really the only reason he's angry about things not moving quickly enough. It actually served to remind me how much and how long it has directly impacted folks who had family at the Towers. For this guy, its something he's thought about every day of his life, not just on anniversaries and during memorial services.

15

Beer and Queso / Re: NCAA to Longhorns:

« on: March 25, 2011, 10:33:31 am »

Tell me about Arizona now, Wizard.

Arizona played a helluva game, it was fun to watch. Plus I hate Duke. Its what makes the tournament great to watch, upsets can happen at any time.

It doesn't change anything that was said earlier though. Like was mentioned by others, seeding isn't meant to determine who is going to win the tournament, its meant to be a barometer of you regular season accolades and strength of the team.  Duke deserved a#1 seed, just like Pitt did. That doesn't mean they are guaranteed to beat every team ranked lower (obviously). If Duke and Arizona play 10 times, does Arizona win 5 games or more? Who knows, but I'd say most likely not. Single game elimination puts a lot of importance on coaching staff making adjustments NOW, not after watching game tape.  Its reasons teams like Purdue get elimated when their coach gets shell shocked after VCU throws something at them they weren't expecting. Plus, to get back to seeding and better teams - FSU beat Duke earlier this year. Does that mean that FSU is a better team? Absolutely not, but they can compete with them. Any team in the field can show up and beat another Div1 school, espcially if they match up well.

And your opinion is completely garbage or you just don't want to admit I'm right for some sort of message board e-macho reason.  Games are won over 40 minutes.  And yes, the scoreboard indicates victory, but you win games over the course of the ballgame, not in one play.  And the refs intentionally hosed us??? Comon, you gotta be shitting me. That is the argument some 14 year old kid would give when their team loses. So take your opinions also, and shove them. Who raised you to believe that no one else's opinions who are different than yours don't matter? Haha. Message board macho-ism at work I guess.

Great games last night though.

16

Beer and Queso / Re: NCAA to Longhorns:

« on: March 24, 2011, 06:47:45 pm »

who gives a shit what your opinion about the future is or how far they were down. the only thing that matters, especially in tournament play, is the final score. there are no style points; win and advance. they were down 11 at the half, down 13 in the second half, and led by two when the official screwed them.

answer the fucking question about Pitt. did the NCAA get that seed right? they're gone also.

What the hell are you talking about? I didn't give an opinion of how far down they were, that is a fact, not an opinion. And my opinion is that they weren't gonna go very far in the tournament if they did go further along - and my opinion matters just as much as anything else in here, its a sports forum of fans spouting off opinions. These are all opinions! And no there aren't style points - what REALLY matters, is that they got a loss and are out of the tournament. Bitching about it, while making you feel better, doesn't change that fact. Games are won over the course of 40 minutes, not the last minute. It seems from reading this board that years ago you were some sort of baseball coach, but maybe basketball isn't your game? No bball coach I've ever had would have given us the benefit of crying about losing a game from that ending, they would have drummed in our head that we should have beaten a team they were better than over the course of 40 minutes. Its cliche, but the older you get, you realize its true.

And I didn't think that the Pitt question was a question I needed to answer, it seemed like a rhetorical "how bout that" type of question. But if you want my opinion on it, even though you didn't before (since no one gives a shit), I think that PITT deserved the #1 because they won arguably the best conference in the NCAA this year and got unlucky in that they had to face Butler, who deserved to be ranked higher especially considering they had a good season and have done well in the past few seasons.

17

Beer and Queso / Nader proposes getting rid of athletic scholarhips

« on: March 24, 2011, 05:11:50 pm »

He says they should be need-based instead. But I'd think most athletes in the big money sports like footballs would qualify for need-based scholarships anyway.

WASHINGTON -- Consumer advocate Ralph Nader is calling for the elimination of college athletic scholarships, saying the move is necessary to "de-professionalize" college athletes.

Nader's League of Fans, a group aimed at reforming sports, proposes that the scholarships be replaced with need-based financial aid. He says that would help restore academic integrity to college sports.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/news/story?id=6254572

18

Beer and Queso / Re: NCAA to Longhorns:

« on: March 24, 2011, 05:09:12 pm »

yes, lord. it is clear what game you did not watch. it is also clear what team you dislike.

Is it clear which team I don't like?

Obviously not, if you are inferring what I think you are, that I dislike UT.

And while the refs did hose them at the end, they were down by 15 in the 1st half. Valiant effort coming back. Whether they squeaked out that close game or not, they weren't going to make much more noise in this tournament in my opinion.

19

Beer and Queso / Re: NCAA to Longhorns:

« on: March 23, 2011, 07:11:49 pm »

So was the end result of this thread that the NCAA was correct in its seeding? The team went from being in the running for #1 in the nation to being bounced before even reaching the Sweet 16 by a good, not great, Arizona team - that's the "fun" of the NCAA tourney.

20

Talk Zone / Re: Fox 26 says Astros officially for sale

« on: November 20, 2010, 08:16:46 am »

Maybe we can all just pitch in. I got 5 on it.

21

Talk Zone / Re: How the Pirates win

« on: August 23, 2010, 03:25:58 pm »

The owners agreed to the rev sharing.  They all benefit from a team in Pittsburgh and are apparently willing to prop them up if necessary

How do the other owners benefit from having a team in Pittsburgh? I'm not making a snide remark either, I'm really curious.

22

Talk Zone / How the Pirates win

« on: August 23, 2010, 01:27:20 pm »

The Pirates made nearly $29.4 million in 2007 and 2008, according to team financial documents, years that were part of a streak of futility that has now reached 18 straight losing seasons. The team's ownership also paid its partners $20.4 million in 2008.

The documents offer a rare peek inside a team that made money by getting slightly less than half its income (about $70 million) from MLB sources -- including revenue sharing, network TV, major league merchandise sales and MLB's website. The team also held down costs, keeping player salaries near the bottom of the National League, shedding pricier talent and hoping that untested prospects would blossom.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=5484947

I thought it was an interesting read...

23

Talk Zone / Re: Wallace to start tonight?

« on: July 31, 2010, 06:17:05 pm »

How about Braveheart?

He is seven feet tall, and shoots fireballs from his eyes, and bolts of lightning from his arse.

24

Talk Zone / Re: Marlins' Coghlan to DL after cream pie

« on: July 27, 2010, 09:22:11 pm »

Speaking of injuries....

DENVER -- Colorado Rockies closer Huston Street was hit in the right pelvic area by a line drive in batting practice Tuesday and taken off the field in an ambulance.

Rockies head athletic trainer Keith Dugger said that Street passed out "two or three times" and had ringing in his ears after being struck by the baseball off the bat of Ian Stewart. Street also complained of pain down his right leg and stomach discomfort.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=5415139

25

Talk Zone / Re: Your new hitting coach: Jeff Bagwell

« on: July 11, 2010, 12:08:18 pm »

Am I being too cynical?

Nope

26

Beer and Queso / Team fandom

« on: July 11, 2010, 11:49:44 am »

So this good friend of mine has been a big Astros fan since we were young kids. Its almost something that has been the crux of our friendship. Anyway, I noticed lately he's been talking about the Rangers a lot (he moved to Dallas ~3-4 yrs ago), and this explosion of excitement about the Lee trade. So I asked him, what's up with the Rangers' talk lately? He responds with: I have to admit, I'm a bigger Rangers fan now than I am an Astros fan. And not only that, he called the Astros the "dis-astros". 

While clever, I thought it was an appropriate question to ask the forum. If you physically move to a new city with a new team, is it ok to become a fan of that new team's city? I mean, I live in Chicago, I'm certainly not waiving any Cubs flags and I have refused to buy any Cubs shirts, etc.

27

Talk Zone / Re: Your new hitting coach: Jeff Bagwell

« on: July 11, 2010, 11:42:11 am »

Hmm, I wonder how many crouched stances we will now see in the lineup??

28

Beer and Queso / Re: World Cup Decision Day #1: Groups C and D, 6/23

« on: June 23, 2010, 10:54:12 am »

what a finish!

29

Talk Zone / Re: RIP Jose Lima

« on: May 23, 2010, 05:56:27 pm »

Damn, poor guy. That is young...

30

Talk Zone / Re: for what it's worth...

« on: May 16, 2010, 08:26:29 pm »

Berkman is getting older, as we alll are, but he is not out of shape. This is silly.

He may not be fat, but he isn't the feared hitter he was in 2005 either. I'll now slip out of my Captain Obvious costume.

31

Beer and Queso / Re: Permian IMPOSTER

« on: May 15, 2010, 11:29:58 am »

And bingo was his name-o

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/highschool/news/story?id=5189705

You'd hope he get the upper limit of that possible 2-20 year sentence. I mean, this guy pretended to be 15 years old. Its one thing to play high school basketball, its another thing to have sex with high school girls also

32

Beer and Queso / Re: NBA playoffs

« on: May 14, 2010, 02:50:55 pm »

Cavs just opened a GIANT can of quit.

Down by nine with one minute, they choose not to foul, then walk the ball up the floor.  Totally indefensible.  I will never view LeBron the same way again.

That was unbelievable.

33

Beer and Queso / Re: Permian IMPOSTER

« on: May 13, 2010, 12:01:56 pm »

So the star sophomore was actually 22. I see some statutory rape charges in his future too.

Sad, but probably true.

34

Beer and Queso / Permian IMPOSTER

« on: May 13, 2010, 10:24:09 am »

For some reason I find this story hilarious.... it would be pretty sweet to go back to HS and relive some glory days. Although I think at this stage of my life, I'd go back to high school and just find myself cut from the high school basketball team. And then I'd just be stuck going to.. classes.

http://www.oaoa.com/news/permian-47129-player-bodytext.html

35

Talk Zone / Re: Giving up even the pretense of a "neutral" site:

« on: May 12, 2010, 06:51:22 pm »

While MLB could stick its fingers in its ears and cry that Miller Park was a "neutral" site to make up the Hurricane Ike games, they aren't even bothering to make that argument for the Blue Jays.

The G20 summit in Toronto will displace the Blue Jays-Phillies series scheduled to happen at the Rogers Center Centre, right next door to Convention Centre which is hosting the summit.

Instead of moving to a "neutral" site, they will play all three games at Citizen's Bank Park with the Jays as the "home" team and the teams will use a DH.  

I don't understand how MLB didn't plan for this ahead of time. Am I just ignorant RE the scheduling of the G20 summit?

36

Beer and Queso / Re: Dear audiophiles

« on: May 12, 2010, 06:12:59 pm »

My two cents: wireless is ass.

I am leaning away from getting wireless the more I read.

37

Beer and Queso / Re: Dear audiophiles

« on: May 11, 2010, 05:37:17 pm »

There are plenty of sites on the interweb that compare these things, but from personal experience the 1000 series Pioneers are hard to beat in a feature vs. value matrix.  What are you using the reciever for?  Are you upconverting video?  Just for music? 

I have a PS3 for my BR, so mainly just for music. I will also use it to upconvert my older stuff, but my main priority is music.

38

Beer and Queso / Dear audiophiles

« on: May 11, 2010, 11:07:23 am »

I have a question. Two parts. I am looking to buy a receiver and some home speakers.  I have narrowed my receiver and speaker choices down to two options.

Reciever: Pioneer VSX-1020 v. Onkyo SR-608
Speakers: PolkRM705 v. Klipsch HD500.

Anyone have any previous experience with any particular brand? Also, neither of those speakers has wireless setup, is that worth looking into? I can post specs if anyone wants.

39

Talk Zone / Fine for error

« on: May 10, 2010, 02:55:19 pm »

I don't know if I can recall another time I've seen this.  The Royals fined Bentacourt for dropping a fly ball in a half-assed manner.

http://deadspin.com/5535383/royals-set-dangerous-cash+for+errors-precedent

40

Talk Zone / Re: On a positive note...

« on: April 10, 2010, 11:56:40 am »

2010 Houston Astros - We're Working On It   ?

Are you on the PR team?

41

Beer and Queso / Re: McNabb

« on: April 05, 2010, 11:15:12 am »

Don't keep up with the Eggles.  Will they resign Vick?

I think they did resign Vick, not sure on that though. Too lazy to look it up. But Kolb is going to be the  new starter.

42

Beer and Queso / McNabb

« on: April 05, 2010, 10:53:13 am »

So the Eagles traded him for a 2nd rounder to a division opponent. Anyone else think this stinks of bad karma waiting to happen?

And Kolb? Seriously?

43

Talk Zone / Re: Race For the Lid - TwentyTen - NOW OPEN

« on: April 05, 2010, 10:51:23 am »

Crap, just give me 110. I had a legit chance with 107.. with 110, I'm just being unrealistic.

44

Beer and Queso / Re: March Madness open thread

« on: April 05, 2010, 10:49:30 am »

This really is a David v. Goliath type matchup. I have a hard time remembering a championship game with this type of skew. I'm still hoping Butler can pull it off, they've knocked off some good teams on their way.

45

Talk Zone / Re: Sorry mom!

« on: April 02, 2010, 09:26:15 am »

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/spring2010/news/story?id=5047817

The odds that a ball off Span's bat would hit his own mother are slim. The odds that any fan could be seriously injured are much greater.

Winthrop University professors Robert Gorman and David Weeks have gone back and documented 52 deaths from foul balls hit into the stands -- from Little League to the majors -- in the United States, continuing the research from their book "Death At The Ballpark."

Now, does it make me an evil person that I want to read this "Death at The Ballpark" book? Winthrop is really doing the hard-hitting research.

46

Talk Zone / Re: Race For the Lid - TwentyTen - NOW OPEN

« on: April 02, 2010, 09:22:55 am »

I'll take 109 just to see my name on the list. 

Give me 107. Its always.. been my lucky number?

47

Beer and Queso / Re: Whataburger

« on: April 02, 2010, 09:13:07 am »

Living in a non-WB city now, just reading this thread title makes my mouth water. I miss that ketchup...

48

Beer and Queso / Re: March Madness open thread

« on: April 02, 2010, 09:12:25 am »

So the NCAA is talking about expanding to 90+ teams now?  I think that would actually decrease the amount of upsets, because lower seeded teams would have to battle it out prior to playing the top seeds. Who knows, I could easily be wrong about that. One thing it probably will do is put the dagger in the NIT.

49

Beer and Queso / Re: New Trend in Pictures

« on: April 02, 2010, 09:10:17 am »

I've noticed its also hip to now throw the 70s peace sign again.

50

Talk Zone / Re: Oswalt leaves with hamstring strain

« on: March 30, 2010, 11:07:13 am »

Been there and done that.  It's really not that big a deal what with modern medicine and all.  Simple cortisone shot.  The doctors that do that are incredibly good at it.  For many with disk issues that don't meet the need for surgery a cortisone injection takes away the pain for months.

While that is true, a guy's only allowed to get so many cortisone shots. Also, those shots provide excellent relief but could mask damage being done to an athlete.

51

Beer and Queso / Re: Killer Whale kills trainer

« on: March 01, 2010, 11:18:02 am »

I thought the exact same thing, and was ranting about the fact the Whale in question should have been made into sushi long ago.   Then one of my co-workers said that the people who sold the whale to the park disclosed that it had killed before and it should not be used in shows or be around any trainers...something to that effect.  Have not had time to search the interwebs to determine the validity yet, though.  If that is the case I would bet the victim's family has the inside track to being the next owner of Sea-World.

This thread is really old, but from what I understood is that no trainers got in the water with it because of its history. But it grabbed the trainer from a side platform.

I'm sure that the trainer signed some sort of contract saying working with ginormous animals called killer whales was dangerous, and she could get killed. And I'm sure she was aware of that one's particular history. So, I wonder if the family will sue.

52

Beer and Queso / Re: Smartphones revisited

« on: January 20, 2010, 11:48:49 pm »

I'm a huge fan of the Pre.

53

Beer and Queso / Re: I Sure Hope

« on: January 19, 2010, 12:53:51 pm »

To be a 40 yard kick means that the ball is on the 23 yard line.  The Jets could not have gotten to the 23 yard line without a first down.  Your math is just wrong here.

When I said 41+, I meant just that - it'd be a long field goal. Half the time onside kicks don't go 10 yards, because the kicker is trying to kick it as short as possible, but still getting the minimum 10. And if you get any kind of minuscule return, you can be starting anywhere from the 30-40 yard line. So after getting 8-9 yards, its very possible to be in very makable (if that's a word) field goal range. You can't say "no one" would take that long field goal to go up two scores.  These are NFL kickers, hell yeah some guys would take that FG in a 3 point game.

The Jets wouldn't *need* to go 65 yards.  They wouldn't need anything.  If the Chargers don't score, the game is over.

You misunderstood. Of course the Jets don't need to score, they are leading. Its the Chargers that need to score.  If you kick it deep, the receiving team with the lead is less likely to go for it at their own 20, because they are giving up the tying field goal. That makes the winning team much less likely to take that 4th and 1 chance as opposed to the opposite side of the field.  Its just field position. Its a difference of anywhere between 30-50 yards. That is huge.

There were 2 minutes and change when they kicked off, with one time out left.  That means, at a minimum...even if you force a punt, you get the ball back with about 1 minute on the clock and no timeouts.  That doesn't even consider the possibility that the Jets could get a first down.  Given this, the defense they have, and the Jets running game, an onsides kick is certainly a defensible option.

Sure, its defensible I guess - he did it after all. But if it was the favored choice, he wouldn't be getting second guessed so much.   With that low % of onside kick success, you are going with a gambling mentality of all or nothing. Which is fine, that's the coach's prerogative.  All I'm saying is that I'm definitely more of a safe, play the odds guy rather than "all in on black" type of guy.  If you kick deep and get the stop, you are getting the ball back, period. And the chances of getting a 3 and out are higher than getting an onside kick, and conversely your team has a higher chance of putting that ball back in that QB's hand just one last time at least.  Just my .02. To each their own.

54

Beer and Queso / Re: I Sure Hope

« on: January 19, 2010, 08:41:55 am »

Speaking of the Chargers, they resigned Mr. December, Norv Turner.

And since when has "the Bolts" become the accepted nickname for the Chargers? Has it always been like that?

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/story/12805209/bolts-extend-turners-contract-day-after-big-loss

55

Beer and Queso / The ridiculously raucous Estate Tax debate

« on: January 19, 2010, 08:34:34 am »

Financing war was the primary reason for instituting most taxes.  Federal income tax was instituted to pay for the Civil War. 

Did the rebellious south grumble when they had to pay income tax?

"0.34 cents this year! Does ga'damn Uncle Sam think I'm made of gold?!"

56

Beer and Queso / Re: I Sure Hope

« on: January 19, 2010, 08:29:47 am »

Perhaps.  Of course, if you kick deep, there is no guarantee that the kick won't be run back for a touchdown or back to midfield or more.  You're down by 3 points with 2 minutes left...everything at that point has risks and rewards.  That's my point.

That's true. Still more likely to have them start at the 20, but nonetheless, the risk is there.

No team is going to attempt a 50 yard field goal in that situation.  Witness...the NY Jets.

Just false. Like I said, if the receiving team gets any kind of yards on its 3 and out drive (or if the kick doesn't go 10 yards), it wouldn't even be a 50 yarder. It'd be a 40+ yarder. Just because the Jets weren't in that position (and have Jay Feeley as their kicker), it doesn't mean other teams with a more trustworthy kicker wouldn't take a 41 yarder to go up two scores.

This makes no sense at all.  If the Chargers recover the onsides kick and doesn't score, the game is over.  The Jets don't need to go for anything, much less 65 yards for a touchdown.

How does that not make sense? You don't agree going 65+ yards for a score is harder than going 20 yards?

But if you recover the onsides kick, you get the ball back and don't have to stop them at all.  You seem to misunderstand the purpose of the onsides kick...it's not to get in the best position for your defense to get a stop.  It's so you don't have to play defense at all.

No need to be d-baggy. Yes. I do understand the purpose of the onsides kick.  And I also know they are successful anywhere from 18-26%, depending what source you look at.  I agree, you've got to weigh the risks and benefits. But they were down 3 points, not multiple scores. Making the other team go three and out puts you in position to win. Down by more, sometimes you have to onside kick it, which is a position the Chargers were not in. Especially considering that their defense is good, and really had not played badly all game.

I understand the whole point of an onsides is to get the ball back,not field position. But when you are down with a FG and that much time left, just don't think its the right time. To each their own though. Like I've said before, I'm not an NFL coach, just an guy with a remote and cheetos on the couch.

57

Beer and Queso / Re: I Sure Hope

« on: January 18, 2010, 07:58:27 pm »

I don't think it makes that much difference.  If they kicked it deep, they needed a 3 and out to have a chance.  If they onside it and don't get it, they need a 3 and out to have a chance.  The onsides kick at least gives you the opportunity to get the ball back.  It was a good gamble, IMO.  The failure was not being able to stop the run up the middle when the whole world knew the Jets were going to run up the middle.  

Yeah, but the difference is if you keep deep, the 4th down play if the receiving team is short after 3 downs would be on their own side of the field and you are less likely to go for it.  

If you onside and, say it goes the minimum 10 yds (heck half the time the kick sucks and it doesn't go 10)..... and the receiving team gets 8 or 9 yards in 3 plays - then they are in field goal range.  

And say after an onside recovery, if the receiving team goes for it and doesn't get it, the other team has to go 65+ yds for a td (less for a fg), as opposed to where if you kicked it deep. If you kick it deep, the receiving team wouldn't risk going for it on 4th b/c you'd give the other team the fg.  There is a big difference IMO.

58

Beer and Queso / Re: I Sure Hope

« on: January 17, 2010, 10:56:55 pm »

their fg defense was good enough, i guess.

Knew norv would be dumb enough to onside.

I'm no NFL head coach (obviously), but I'd kick that ball deep every time.

59

Beer and Queso / Gaines Adams, 26, dies

« on: January 17, 2010, 10:47:32 pm »

I watched him a lot in college (I'm a big ACC fan). Always seemed like a humble kid.  Sad story whenever someone so young passes away.

http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/nfl/news/story?id=4833908

60

Beer and Queso / Re: Fuck you, Tony Romo

« on: January 17, 2010, 08:39:30 pm »

I wasn't saying it was.   I was really just throwing that out there.

Also, he finally, after 800 years, beat the Cowboys for the first time in the playoffs.   Again, you want to think Favre is classless, that's all cool and shit.   I can certainly get that.   But c'mon man.  The guy just throttled the #3 team in the NFC, an old personal rival of sorts who owned him in the post season, and is going back to the NFC champ game as an 800 year old.

When 800 years you reach......

I just think it's all bullshit.   99% of professional athletes are, in fact, classless.   That's why they're able to play pro sports and you and I are posting about it in our underwear on a Sunday night.

Hey, like I said, to each their own, I can certainly appreciate that everyone is going to have a different opinion about this one.  I really don't feel the way I do about the subject because I'm a Cowboys fan, I'd feel the same if it were any two teams.  The Cowboys had no timeouts left, it was over.

But you said it, its all internet message board opinion.  And I will have you know, I classed it up over you and your underwear posting, I'm in a wife beater.

61

Beer and Queso / Re: Fuck you, Tony Romo

« on: January 17, 2010, 07:44:31 pm »

What was he supposed to do?  Boo himself for setting a personal playoff record with 4 TDs?

If that's really the reason he was celebrating like that, for a personal playoff record, then it definitely doesn't change my opinion. Classless.

62

Beer and Queso / Re: Fuck you, Tony Romo

« on: January 17, 2010, 07:43:00 pm »

I think the argument of "if you don't want the score run up on you, then stop them" is fine.. not really disagreeing with it.  It is the playoffs.  Realistically, I think throwing the ball with under 2 min when you are up 4 scores is kind of bush, but that's just my .02, I know others feel differently about it.

What I really have a problem with is Favre running around the field with his hands up like a giddy schoolgirl after that throw, like he just broke a tie game.  Give me a break, guy. Act like you've been there - jeebus, you are like 800 yrs old, you have been there.

63

Beer and Queso / Re: Fuck you, Tony Romo

« on: January 17, 2010, 07:29:36 pm »

The Cowboys got whipped pretty soundly as a team. I don't think that loss is on Romo. He surely didn't do too much to help, but when you lose 34-3, that's a team loss.

And Favre celebrating that last touchdown pass with under 2 min already up by 24 points like a schoolgirl was pretty classless IMO.

64

Beer and Queso / Re: I Sure Hope

« on: January 10, 2010, 11:10:38 pm »

the only good thing about football playoff is the fact they take us one day closer to baseball season

False. The NFL playoffs are awesome!

My opinion of course.

65

Beer and Queso / Re: Fuck you, Tony Romo

« on: January 10, 2010, 03:14:31 pm »

unfortunately, i think the vikings are a really bad matchup for the cowboys in the same way that the cowboys were for the eagles.  the vikings' d-line is so good that they can stop the run and get to the quarterback without overcommitting, so they aren't likely to bite on all the play-action and misdirection that confounded the eagles blitzers.  and on offense, the mixture of a strong running game, quick west-coast passing, and a good third-down back (taylor) will blunt the effect of ware and the boys going all-out to the quarterback all game.  while romo probably gets too much credit when they win and too much blame when they lose, this game really will be on his shoulders because throwing the ball all over the place seems to be the way to beat them, as well as getting good pass protection.

What you are describing is a defense that isn't a bad matchup for the Cowboys.. that's just a good defense.  They can stop the run and pressure the QB. That's a bad matchup for any offense in the NFL. I don't think the Vikings match up any better on D against the Cowboys than they would against any other team.

We'll have to see how the Cowboys defense will fare against the Vikings offense.  Stopping the run will be vital obviously - I think the front 7 for Dallas has been playing phenomenal ball.

And as far as Romo, this is the best I've ever seen him play.

66

Beer and Queso / Re: PS3 game suggestions?

« on: January 06, 2010, 05:45:29 pm »

How is Assassin's Creed 2?  The graphics in the first were incredible, but I got really bored with the game play.

I think the 2nd game is definitely an upgrade from the first in terms of gameplay. The fighting mechanics have improved, and they have gotten rid of the annoying bums. I actually did not like the 1st one, but I do like the 2nd one.

67

Beer and Queso / Re: PS3 game suggestions?

« on: January 05, 2010, 05:58:44 pm »

Since you are new to the PS3, you definitely do not have to buy shoot them up games. Here's a list I can come up with:
Bioshock
Fallout 3
Batman
Assassin's Creed 2
Dead Space
Infamous
Street Fighter
Metal Gear

And yes, some of those games do involve guns, but they are not typical 1st person shooters by any means. But if you do want a good FPS, the obvious choice is Modern Warfare.

And I'm a huge, longtime fan of the NCAA series and personally have always preferred it to Madden. But Madden has it beat this year, easily, from a gameplay standpoint. That's my opinion.

68

Beer and Queso / Re: Chris Berman

« on: January 03, 2010, 10:32:32 am »

I used to really like the Stuart Scott/Rich Eisen duo on Sportscenter. Of course, that was, what, 10 or 15 years ago? Before Stuart Scott's attempts to be hip didn't seem so forced.

I was about 10 years old about then too. So I probably need to account for that.

69

Beer and Queso / Re: WAIT A FUCKING SECOND

« on: January 01, 2010, 09:28:49 pm »

Holy fuck.  There is a Tebow cam on foxsports.com.  Anyone who visits that site should have their eyelids circumsized.

unf'ingbelievable

70

Beer and Queso / Re: ESPN

« on: December 30, 2009, 08:58:56 pm »

I have it as a holiday.  In fact, I've been on holiday 12-24 and return 1-4.

I'm going to go ahead  and go out on a limb and say that isn't a normal holiday schedule.

71

Beer and Queso / Re: ESPN

« on: December 30, 2009, 07:30:19 pm »

This is always something I've wondered as a quasi-adult, is new year's eve daytime considered a holiday as far as getting off of work?  I know I'm working during the day tomorrow.

72

Beer and Queso / Re: Urban Meyer stepping down.

« on: December 27, 2009, 12:13:50 pm »

What a strange story. Guy must be pretty sick.

73

Beer and Queso / Re: Rockets

« on: December 17, 2009, 07:19:44 pm »

Clutch has really put on some spectacular halftime shows this year.

But in all seriousness, I like this year's squad. I disagree with the comments that T-Mac brings the team down a notch... he's fine with being a distributor at this point in his career and seems content to distribute.  I think he'll help the team.

74

Beer and Queso / Re: Sad story

« on: December 17, 2009, 07:18:02 pm »

It's very sad. Everyone should have a shot at redemption.

I was reading the story on ESPN, and I wandered to the comments section. People get really big dicks when they are posting psuedo-anonymously on the internet. They were really taking shots at the kid. I'm with you, everyone deserves a second chance. One thing is for certain, IMO, no one deserves to die that young.

75

Beer and Queso / Re: Boston Globe: The Big Picture

« on: December 14, 2009, 11:59:01 pm »

Those are some awesome photos.

76

Beer and Queso / Re: woods injured

« on: December 08, 2009, 06:38:41 am »

Did his wife OD?

http://sports.espn.go.com/golf/news/story?id=4722218

According to WESH-TV, firefighters from Orange County, Fla, responded to a medical call received at 2:36 a.m. The station reported that a radio log showed an adult woman taken to a local hospital.

According to WESH-TV, the log showed the patient initially refused transport, but was later listed as an advanced life support patient.

77

Beer and Queso / Re: Big 12 Title Game Thread

« on: December 06, 2009, 10:02:48 pm »

I don't think McElroy is better.... but Ingram and his fellow backs are a beastly package. 

And I'd take Julio Jones on my pickup flag football team.

78

Beer and Queso / Re: World Cup Draw

« on: December 06, 2009, 02:48:35 pm »

This isn't Nam.  There are rules here.

Everything's a fuckin' travesty with you, man! And what was all that shit about Vietnam? What the FUCK, has anything got to do with Vietnam? What the fuck are you talking about?

79

Beer and Queso / Re: Big 12 Title Game Thread

« on: December 06, 2009, 02:47:31 pm »

Smart's defense is pretty sick... Texas's offense is going to have to step up.

80

Beer and Queso / Re: Kimbo v. Houston Alexander Thread

« on: December 05, 2009, 09:39:05 pm »

Kimbo is dominating the 2nd round after the most boring 1st round in MMA history.

81

Beer and Queso / Re: Kimbo v. Houston Alexander Thread

« on: December 05, 2009, 09:36:46 pm »

This is pretty much the first time I've ever watched MMA - is it always this boring?

This fight started incredibly boring... not much more exciting than the UT game... holy crap as I typed this I just saw a monster slam by Kimbo. NVM.

82

Beer and Queso / Re: Big 12 Title Game Thread

« on: December 05, 2009, 09:35:44 pm »

Won't happen.

I doubt it too, just thinking out loud. I think the only way it could have happened is if FL didn't lose big.

83

Beer and Queso / Re: Big 12 Title Game Thread

« on: December 05, 2009, 09:32:35 pm »

It'll be interesting to see if UT barely wins this game in ugly fashion - if they get jumped by another team in the BCS...

84

Beer and Queso / Re: Big 12 Title Game Thread

« on: December 05, 2009, 09:27:42 pm »

This game is like what would happen if an unstoppable retard met an immoveable retard.

What happens?

85

Beer and Queso / Re: Big 12 Title Game Thread

« on: December 05, 2009, 09:22:01 pm »

If Texas wins this game, the Tide would roll all over them if they played like this again.

86

Beer and Queso / Re: World Cup Draw

« on: December 05, 2009, 06:57:08 pm »

I really don't think there is any group of death this year, IMO.

87

Beer and Queso / Re: SEC Title Game Thread

« on: December 05, 2009, 06:55:43 pm »

Haha, seriously Tebow? Sack up dude.

88

Beer and Queso / Re: woods injured

« on: November 29, 2009, 03:00:22 pm »

So his wife was beating him with a golf club. What's the story here?

89

Beer and Queso / Coach smack

« on: November 26, 2009, 07:57:35 pm »

The Denver Broncos' brash -- some would say cocky -- coach exchanged taunts with a group of San Diego Chargers linebackers during warmups Sunday, at one point telling them, "We own you!"

IMO, a coach shouldn't address the other team's players like that. Responses ranged from PC to "I want to beat his ass."

"As a coach, I hope he has that mindset, but to say you own us? You beat us one time," said Phillips, who is five years younger than McDaniels. "How much has he really done in this league? He had a team 6-0 and now he's looking up at us in second place."

"Honestly, my thought on that is, I would like to petition Mr. [Roger] Goodell and say, if a coach can talk to me like that, I should be able to fight him," Clark said. "I don't know where he's from, but where I'm from, when somebody talks to you like that, they've got a problem with you. And we should be able to fight

90

Beer and Queso / Re: Fight Club

« on: November 25, 2009, 05:03:27 pm »

I think Fight Club is a great movie, FWIW. I've seen it a dozen times also.

91

Beer and Queso / Re: I think I'm going to get drunk tomorrow. . .

« on: November 25, 2009, 05:01:59 pm »

I'll be at work. Sweet.

92

Talk Zone / Re: Yankees after Halladay?

« on: November 22, 2009, 06:46:17 pm »

If the Yankees had CC and Halladay, would they run out a 2 man rotation in next year's playoffs?

93

Talk Zone / Re: Lincecum repeats

« on: November 22, 2009, 06:43:39 pm »

Marijuana is a hell of a drug.

94

Beer and Queso / Re: Tis 2:25pm

« on: November 22, 2009, 06:41:59 pm »

I couldn't come up with something witty that incorporated Boomer Sooner.

So... fuck OU.

95

Beer and Queso / Re: f'ing texans

« on: November 18, 2009, 10:12:13 pm »

Would Isiah Thomas have been able to coach to a Super Bowl win with that Cowboys squad?

96

Talk Zone / Re: 1998: Brewers v Astros

« on: November 17, 2009, 12:49:54 am »

Tralfaz, you are a pervert, sir.

97

Beer and Queso / Re: Vintage Watches

« on: November 17, 2009, 12:48:12 am »

I've got a vintage Iron Man, circa 1998.  Wait, does that count as vintage... or just old?

98

Beer and Queso / Re: Fuck you, Tony Romo

« on: November 17, 2009, 12:47:10 am »

I think you mean Roy Williams is awful. Quit celebrating first downs.

99

Talk Zone / Re: Four-letter word beginning with "V" now completely official

« on: November 05, 2009, 10:28:28 am »

I thought this playoff season was very good baseball.  Despite all the butchered calls.

100

Beer and Queso / Re: Weather Perspective

« on: November 04, 2009, 10:34:36 am »

I moved to Chicago from Austin, and I don't think I've seen the sun in about 4 months.

101

Talk Zone / Re: yankees go home

« on: November 03, 2009, 01:44:13 pm »

This one could be a cold case.

102

Beer and Queso / Re: Some mid-week discussion fodder for college football fans in TX

« on: November 02, 2009, 08:19:08 am »

My question is... during a BCS championship game, if an opponent gets hurt, will Tebow walk over to them, ease aside the trainers, and heal them right there on the field? 

All while organs are playing, of course.

103

Beer and Queso / Re: Rockets thread

« on: November 02, 2009, 08:16:22 am »

Ariza dropping in 33, and the Rockets beating Portland Sat night.  That was a surprising win to me, especially that they led pretty much the whole time.

104

Beer and Queso / Rockets thread

« on: October 31, 2009, 10:40:05 am »

Thoughts on the season?

I think against any team with size, we are going to have a lot of trouble.

Call me crazy, but I think T-Mac (Tracy McLady, She-Mac, just let it all out) is going to come back and help this team though.  I'm biased, because I'm a huge fan... but I am keeping the hope.

105

Talk Zone / Re: Manager search - open interview process

« on: October 25, 2009, 11:59:45 pm »

But, you gotta admit.  Moses would kick ass as a manager.

Eh, I dunno, his laid back apparel consisting of loose fitting clothes and flip flops could really send the wrong message to the young players and rub some fans the wrong way, like he isn't committed to winning.

106

Talk Zone / Re: Manny being... you know

« on: October 21, 2009, 09:00:10 pm »

i don't get why people criticize him so much for his "mentality."  he produces at the heart of the lineup for playoff teams year after year.  who cares if he "gives an F" or not?  what is he really taking away from the team that compares to what he contributes to it?  more consistent left field defense?  you suggest that his attitude has prevented him from fully realizing his talent, but what has he not realized?  steroids aside, he's a surefire hall of famer.

That's not what I suggested at all.  I never said that his attitude prevented him from fully realizing his talent.  Quite the opposite, I think that his production is amazing, the guy is a terror in the batting box.  In fact, the whole point of what I said was that he is a beast despite his attitude.

But like others are saying, there are other ways to contribute to his team other than just hitting the baseball.  As far as being a hitter, the guy wouldn't be much different if he was as passionate as Berkman at a buffet.

But in the shower when your team is trying to win a playoff game.  And not even knowing what happened??? Haha, I mean.. no radio on, no TV??  Jeebus.

107

Talk Zone / Manny being... you know

« on: October 20, 2009, 11:33:32 pm »

Those who watched the ninth inning of Game 4 in the National League Championship Series won't soon forget it.

Manny Ramirez wasn't one of those people.

When asked prior to Tuesday's workout how surprised he was to see Jimmy Rollins beat the Dodgers with a walk-off double into the right-center gap the night before, Ramirez said he was in the shower at the time.

"When I came out, they were turning the TVs off and everybody was coming in," Ramirez said.

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/10246996/Manny:-I-was-in-the-shower-when-Phils-came-back

I'm truly convinced its no act, he really just does not give a F.  Can anyone remember any other player that was as talented as him that had this mentality, AND actually produced when he was in the game?  I'm sure there are lots of guys that were talented, but their I don't give a F mentality stunted their professional athlete growth.

108

Beer and Queso / Re: f'ing texans

« on: October 20, 2009, 11:26:46 pm »

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/6674110.html

At one point, White was so focused on doing his job, he had to let nature take its course, so to speak.

“He couldn't hold it, I guess,” tight end Owen Daniels said. “He didn't want to play uncomfortable is what he said. I guess he had to go.

“Number one, obviously. (It was) like, what? Is he sweating that bad?”

White didn't want to come off the field.

“You got to do what you got to do in order to make plays,” he said. “I just did what I had to do to try to make a play.”

109

Beer and Queso / Re: Well, that was a wild game!

« on: October 17, 2009, 07:17:59 pm »

What an ugly game... will take the win against a rival team though.

110

Beer and Queso / Re: sad austin icon

« on: October 15, 2009, 04:28:10 am »

I never understood the big hubub (sp?) about a guy, in a thong, coming up to hassle you when you were out. I just thought I was never "Austin" enough because I didn't want a picture with him.

111

Talk Zone / Re: Manager search - open interview process

« on: October 15, 2009, 04:25:11 am »

It was the communists, man.  The communists.

112

Talk Zone / Re: No, not Cruuuuuuuuuuuuuuuz

« on: October 15, 2009, 04:23:29 am »

I will miss seeing him on the sidelines...

113

Beer and Queso / Re: Fuck you, Tony Romo

« on: October 07, 2009, 07:28:19 am »

IMHO the Cowboys talent is about .500. They are not in the class with the Giants/Eagles.

The Cowboys lost to the Giants on a last second field goal.  I don't think they are too far behind if Romo can average say... less than 2 TOs a game!  Easier said than done?

114

Beer and Queso / Re: Chicago. WTF?

« on: October 04, 2009, 12:49:21 am »

Why were they wearing orange tshirts?

They were some some shirts the city distributed for the purpose of "backing" the Olympics.

115

Beer and Queso / Re: Chicago. WTF?

« on: October 02, 2009, 06:00:27 pm »

I'm living in Chicago right now.  I passed by that celebration square today right after it was announced we were bounced, it looked like a lot of kids kicking a rock home wearing orange tshirts.

116

Talk Zone / Re: No need to watch the game tonight.

« on: October 01, 2009, 01:58:24 am »

I'll tell you what is worth watching again..

http://www.viddler.com/explore/RandyReady/videos/4/0

117

Beer and Queso / Re: Curb Your Enthusiasm, Anyone?

« on: October 01, 2009, 01:56:14 am »

Is Cheryl Hines still going to be a regular on the show?

118

Talk Zone / Re: Prediction of the Year?

« on: October 01, 2009, 01:55:09 am »

Wow.. that's awesome.

119

Talk Zone / Mauer tipping pitches

« on: October 01, 2009, 01:54:23 am »

This video is pretty cool.  Thoughts?

http://deadspin.com/5371695/think-theres-no-cheating-in-baseball

120

Beer and Queso / Re: This week's Mad Men

« on: September 22, 2009, 09:18:34 pm »

"They think he's going to lose his foot."

"Just after he got in the door."

He will never play golf again.

That scene really came out of nowhere.

121

Beer and Queso / Giants prospect - murder suspect

« on: September 21, 2009, 05:09:52 pm »

Jeebus.

Angel Villalona, a Giants top prospect, was scouted at 13 and signed by San Francisco at 16, and now, at 19, he's the prime suspect in a murder in the Dominican Republic, a top prospect of an entirely different sort.  In 2006, Villalona received what was then a club-record $2.1 million signing bonus from the Giants. On Sunday, according to the Associated Press, he turned himself into police, roughly 12 hours after a 25-year-old was shot in a bar in La Romana. Details are trickling in from the Dominican press. It seems the victim, Mario Felix de Jesus Veleta (or possibly Valette), had argued with Villalona over a VIP seat in a brewery called Tony Super Fria (Tony Super Cold). He was shot in either the chest or the neck or possibly both, and died a short while later.

http://deadspin.com/5364288/giants-teenage-prospect-now-a-murder-suspect

Baseball Prospectus made him the youngest player ever to be included in its annual, writing, "The sky is the limit like it's been for no other prospect perhaps since Alex Rodriguez was drafted." His ceiling figures to be considerably lower now.

122

Beer and Queso / Re: Little Big Planet

« on: September 21, 2009, 05:04:31 pm »

LBP is an ingenious idea for a game... not really my style of game, but still.  Ingenious.

123

Beer and Queso / Re: Fuck you, Tony Romo

« on: September 21, 2009, 05:00:02 pm »

I'm pretty sure I could have a decent NFL career throwing to Andre Johnson.

See Carr, David.

124

Talk Zone / Re: Oh Happy Day

« on: September 21, 2009, 04:54:56 pm »

Everyone seems so unanimously pleased with this move.  I'm surprised I haven't seen a yellow smiley face yet.

125

Beer and Queso / Re: RIP Reading Rainbow

« on: September 01, 2009, 03:58:58 pm »

But don't take my word for it. DA DA DAAAT

126

Beer and Queso / Re: Disney to Acquire Marvel Comics

« on: September 01, 2009, 03:57:29 pm »

IMO, bad news for comic aficionados...

127

Beer and Queso / Re: RIP Reading Rainbow

« on: August 28, 2009, 07:33:07 pm »

Yep, still have the song memorized.

128

Beer and Queso / Disturbing

« on: August 03, 2009, 04:33:35 pm »

I hadn't heard this story... its a weird one.  Some guy posing as a police officer called a McDonald's, and told the manager she needed to strip search a young, female employee.  And the manager then got her fiancee to do it??  And the employee, as part of this search (via the phone) forced her to do things like jumping jacks and eventually oral sex.  WTF. I mean.. how does any of this make sense.  And now the security tape video has leaked onto the internet.  I'm not gonna post the video, but I did link the story.

http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051009/NEWS01/510090392

And McDonald's doesn't want to pay the girl, even though she won a civil suit.

http://www.redorbit.com/news/general/1091834/mcdonalds_worker_wins_stripsearch_suit/

Again... wtf.  Oh, and the caller got acquitted, and the fiancee got 5 yrs.

129

Beer and Queso / Re: Orphan (SPOILER)

« on: August 03, 2009, 04:21:02 pm »

I was skimming the page, and I read this title as "Oprah (SPOILER)".

And... I still clicked the link.

130

Beer and Queso / Re: NFL Conditionally reinstates Michael Vick

« on: August 03, 2009, 04:18:55 pm »

I think Vick has gotten a raw deal, honestly.  I think the animal cruelty part of it is actually a misdemeanor (someone told me that; I don't care enough to verify).  What Vick was charged with was the federal conspiracy to commit a crime involving interstate borders (which I think is a bogus crime anyway).  I mean, yeah, he was acting like a mobster organizing an illegal activity that involved a lot of different parties.  Maybe I don't have enough respect for dogs, but I don't see that as too sick and twisted.  I'm involved in an illegal March Madness bracket every year.     

Don't get me wrong- he was doing a very bad thing; but overall, I think he's just a really dumb kid with too much money.  As I remember I think there was also some pub about him contracting an STD in Mexico while operating under a really bad alias - I think there was a T-shirt about it - again, he's a dumb kid with too much money.   

I think his punishment has been pretty severe.  He'll always be marked as a convicted felon now, with all of the civil rights limitations that go with it.  I want him to play football.  When guys like OJ are walking free, I don't see what the public outrage against this kid is all about.   

So... since you see a federal law as bogus, it should have been treated as a "no big deal, moving on" type of thing?  I don't get it.  And by that, I mean I don't comprehend what your point is by stating that the law is a "bogus" in your world.  OK?  So what?

And like its already been said.. I don't think you participating in a MM bracket every year is quite in the same league.

131

Beer and Queso / Re: Corpus Christi recommendations?

« on: July 11, 2009, 01:13:34 pm »

Boat N Net

132

Beer and Queso / Re: Artest to the Lakers?

« on: July 09, 2009, 05:52:56 pm »

Does anyone follow Ron Artest on Twitter?  He's a funny guy.  "ESPN Hood - All Gatorade baths replaced with purple drink and Erin Andrews replaced by whoever has the fattest ass in a 3 mile radius."

I still refuse to twit, tweet, or twat... wait a min..

133

Beer and Queso / Re: Artest to the Lakers?

« on: July 07, 2009, 06:28:32 pm »

The thing is Ariza got "hot" from behind the line in the playoffs, when he was on the national stage. So to the national audience, the guy seems like a pretty decent long range shooter.  Problem is he didn't exhibit that during the season, which is a much bigger sample size.  So here's hoping he improves, because honestly IMO, I don't think he's a very good shooter.

134

Beer and Queso / Re: Steve McNair

« on: July 05, 2009, 10:45:32 pm »

That is crappy... he seemed like a nice guy from all accounts.

135

Beer and Queso / Re: IE 8 Bitch

« on: July 05, 2009, 10:44:23 pm »

Firefox FTW! That's my bit of internet lingo, seemed appropriate.

136

Beer and Queso / Re: Artest to the Lakers?

« on: July 05, 2009, 10:49:47 am »

Ariza isn't a good three point shooter.. based not only on his numbers, but also the way his shot looks.  He side rims a lot for a perimeter player.

137

Beer and Queso / Re: Artest to the Lakers?

« on: July 02, 2009, 09:58:24 pm »

Damn that sucks...

138

Beer and Queso / Re: Terrible news for Rockets fans

« on: June 29, 2009, 07:24:56 pm »

Jeezus.

139

Beer and Queso / Re: Confederations Cup update

« on: June 28, 2009, 03:22:57 pm »

Jeesuz Brazil really kicked some ass in the 2nd half....

140

Beer and Queso / Re: Billy Mays...dead?

« on: June 28, 2009, 11:59:45 am »

Billy was a colleague and a friend. Everyone here is pretty busted up about this right now. He has had numerous health issues in recent years, including double hip replacements. I would be surprised if it had anything to do with the plane incident but you never know.

Sorry to hear that.

Its just the inquisitive side of me that wonders if he had some dormant aneurysm that was ruptured or some sort of plaque in his arteries that threw a clot when he got jolted.

141

Talk Zone / Re: DeRosa a Co-ard

« on: June 28, 2009, 11:44:15 am »

Jim Deshaies on Mark DeRosa last year, "I want that guy on my team".

Great pick up for the Jakes.

Pretty handy that he can play all IF positions.

142

Talk Zone / Re: backe DFA

« on: June 28, 2009, 11:43:37 am »

He showed a ton of heart (and ability) in those two games.  Its too bad everything didn't work out for him.....

143

Beer and Queso / Re: NBA draft

« on: June 28, 2009, 11:40:59 am »

Rockets took Omri Casspi, a 6'9 Israeli forward, in the 1st round.  The first Israeli ever taken in the first round.

144

Beer and Queso / Re: Billy Mays...dead?

« on: June 28, 2009, 11:38:15 am »

Wow, wtf.  Apparently he was on an airplane which had its front tires blow out yesterday and several passengers had bumps and bruises.  Wonder if the guy had some sort of problem stemming from that.

145

Beer and Queso / Re: Jeff goldblum dead?

« on: June 28, 2009, 11:36:18 am »

I have a friend that works for NBC at the Roc in NYC, and we rode an elevator with Goldblum.  He seemed like a cool guy based on those 15 seconds.

146

Beer and Queso / Transformers (NO spoilers please)

« on: June 28, 2009, 11:35:14 am »

I'm gonna try to check it out today.... who has seen it?

147

Beer and Queso / Re: RIP, Farrah

« on: June 28, 2009, 11:34:35 am »

Don't forget the greatest Texan ever to play in the NHL, soon to be iducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, fromer Conn Smythe winner, Brian Leetch. He was born in Corpus. So what if he move to some cold place when he was less than a year.

I always wondered how the hell Brian Leetch was born in CC.... and ended up in the NHL.

148

Beer and Queso / Re: And Then There Was Porn...

« on: June 28, 2009, 11:31:56 am »

I saw a report on TV a few weeks ago about the amount of porn on the internet.  The numbers were roughly something like 12% of the internet is porn, 25% of searches are for porn, and 35% of downloading is porn... I'm rambling these off the top of my head, so they could be wrong.  But regardless, I remember thinking "those numbers are probably low-balling the actual statistics", and then I laughed at my own play on words.

149

Beer and Queso / Re: Michael Jackson... dead?

« on: June 28, 2009, 11:28:56 am »

It was MJ weekend at work.  Pretty much every computer I walked by had MJ playing on their Pandora station.

150

Beer and Queso / Re: Well, the Recording Industry sure is in a surly mood

« on: June 20, 2009, 10:03:11 pm »

I think I'll defer to MUSICman on this topic, he probably knows his stuff.

151

Beer and Queso / Re: The Greatest Commute Ever.

« on: June 20, 2009, 09:54:04 pm »

Brooklyn is the new Manhattan, you know.

152

Beer and Queso / Re: NBA Championship Series

« on: June 12, 2009, 11:35:30 am »

The Magic completely blew the game by missing a million free throws.  I'd wager the series is over.

153

Beer and Queso / Re: I Agree With Sarah Palin

« on: June 11, 2009, 03:48:51 pm »

Fuck Palin.

Wait, that sounds like a joke on its own...

154

Talk Zone / Re: Official (non-official) SnS: "We're gonna miss you Footer!" thread

« on: May 31, 2009, 10:52:36 pm »

Well, I think creepy successfully and completely sums up this thread.

155

Talk Zone / Re: More shady use of the disabled list

« on: May 31, 2009, 10:30:24 pm »

I can't recall another year where as many players have been placed on the DL for psychiatric-type ailments.  It'll be interesting how this all develops and whether there will be any tinkering with how the DL can be used.

156

Talk Zone / Re: pravata

« on: May 31, 2009, 10:24:23 pm »

Your hard work was appreciated, at least by myself.  You clearly put a lot of work into it, so thanks.  But with that said, if it all took too much of a toll on you, fuck it, I say its not worth it.  Not that you would need my blessing or anything, clearly.

But even though a lot of us never said thanks (myself included), we did appreciate it.

157

Beer and Queso / Re: Texts from Last Night

« on: May 29, 2009, 02:32:38 pm »

(219): Dude, I just saw a bird vs. squirrel fight. A car won.

158

Talk Zone / Re: Firing the manager is not in the cards

« on: May 29, 2009, 10:52:51 am »

Well, the experiment is complete.  There is no character limit per post on SnS.

159

Beer and Queso / Re: Former UT Tight End Battles On.

« on: May 29, 2009, 10:02:47 am »

That's too bad, that is a rough disease.

160

Beer and Queso / Re: Champions League (spoiler alert)

« on: May 29, 2009, 10:01:22 am »

Post less. Eat, drink and experience more.

Well, to be fair, I didn't actually post from Rome.

161

Talk Zone / Re: Zambrano melts down

« on: May 28, 2009, 01:20:55 pm »

Hopefully he doesn't blow out his shoulder as he furiously types e-mails to the commish appealing any punishment.

162

Beer and Queso / Re: Chauncey Billups...

« on: May 28, 2009, 01:18:34 pm »

ESPN had a great article about him a week or two ago.  His family is pretty amazing.  His dad still works at the same warehouse job he's had since Chauncey was a kid, though he's finally retiring this year.  His mom wouldn't let him buy her a new house when he was drafted, so he remodeled her old home.

I read that 30 page article too.  Gotta respect a hard-working family like that.

163

Beer and Queso / Re: Calipari set to lose 2nd final 4 appearance

« on: May 28, 2009, 01:16:32 pm »

Yes, I like how ESPN needed a source to confirm it was Rose.  It would be much too difficult to look at Memphis' 2007-8 roster and see that there was only 1 one and done player on it.  Much better to go with anonymous sources close to the Memphis program instead of simple facts.

The anonymous source is one of the most fabled dudes in all of sports reporting.  Couldn't get and confirm the gossip without that guy.

164

Beer and Queso / Re: Champions League (spoiler alert)

« on: May 28, 2009, 01:13:59 pm »

I was in Rome the day of the match, albeit without a ticket.  I don't think the I ever saw so many people get cursed out in one day.  And on a side note, its pretty funny to hear "wanker" get thrown around in normal language so much in one day.

165

Game Zone 2009 Archive / Re: Good Guys at Wrigley, 5/16/09

« on: May 16, 2009, 01:58:08 pm »

Roy was cruising too...

166

Beer and Queso / Re: Rockets playoff thread

« on: May 15, 2009, 12:20:17 pm »

That has something to do with the shots he's taking. Some of last night's shots (at least in the first half, which is all I saw), were real head-scratchers. Of course, I guess that's just his MO.

Yeah, hit shots do have something to do with that.  It would be nice if he posted up more or drove to the hoop more... but honestly, he hasn't done that all year.  But every now and then, he'll have a scorching hot game and is hitting every ridiculous shot.  That's what I'm hoping for.

167

Beer and Queso / Re: Rockets playoff thread

« on: May 15, 2009, 11:28:56 am »

Ron hasn't had a game yet where he's hit his shots at a high percentage.  I hope he saved that for a game 7.

168

Beer and Queso / Re: A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away...there was...Star Trek (SPOILERS)

« on: May 15, 2009, 11:28:18 am »

The first one is a horrible mess of dullness.

In fairness, its.. well.. old.

169

Beer and Queso / Re: Rockets playoff thread

« on: May 15, 2009, 01:31:08 am »

This team is incredibly fun to watch.  I just can't believe how much heart they've shown.

170

Beer and Queso / Travel plans

« on: May 13, 2009, 11:28:29 pm »

I'm doing a graduation trip, heading to Paris, Venice, Florence, and Rome.  Majority of the time will be in Rome.  Any hot spots that any of you travelers enjoyed in those areas?

171

Beer and Queso / Re: Rockets playoff thread

« on: May 13, 2009, 06:12:59 pm »

Agreed.  Season 4 is one of the finest pieces of television in the history of the medium. 

"You gonna take care of me now, Sgt. Carver?"

Seasons 1 and 4 are my favorite.  The Barksdale Organization was such a fun season to watch.  I also liked the conflicts of season 3.  I mean, hell, the whole series is good. 

172

Beer and Queso / Re: Rockets playoff thread

« on: May 13, 2009, 12:12:00 pm »

What a nasty game...

173

Beer and Queso / Re: Rockets playoff thread

« on: May 12, 2009, 01:45:39 am »

I think looking for Scola as the first option late in a game will earn the Rockets a really good chance at a win late.  If option 2 is Battier on a kick out is yet another good thing.  I'd put the ball in Battier's hands, looking to pass into Scola to create his shot.  If it's there, go for it.  If the defense collapses, then pass out to Battier.  Option 3 is to have Brooks create a shot with dribble penetration.

The San Antonio Spurs made a living beating the Lakers using this sort of strategy: Parker dribble penetrates and looks for his shot, else pass to Ginobili (sp?) to pass into Duncan.  If the defense collapses on Duncan, then pass to cutting Ginobili.  If the entry pass is not available, then Ginobili would look to drive and pass off.  Battier does not have the ability to drive and create a shot so his option should be to pass to Brooks to create against the collapsing defense and then pass back out to Battier for a shot.

If they work this to perfection, they'll get a great look at a winning shot.  The rest of the game it's up to the defense to keep them close and for Ron Artest to do enough to keep himself effective on offense but most definitely effective as a defender (and don't do anything stupid to get himself ejected at a hostile environment in LA). 

The Rockets have a chance if LA continues to play stupid, lazy basketball.  From listening to some National radio coming out of LA, the Lakers are acting like it's no big deal, they'll just win the next two and move on.  In fact, they were talking about Denver already.

Yeah, fuck the Lakers.  They act surprised anytime they lose any game, and IMO, that's the reason they never play with any intensity.  They are acting way too entitled.

AB has had a couple of really nice games.  Hopefully it continues.  Fisher really can't stay with him.  The weakness in that is that he can't finish at the rim very well, in that sense he's a lesser player than Parker.  He also isn't as good as Parker with his court vision and finding open players when he does penetrate (not yet at least).  But regardless, penetrating does draw defenders.  I agree that we need to post up Scola, he's got a sick game down there.  If he looks to make moves one-on-one, and kick it out if he gets doubled, we have a nice shot at winning 2 if the Lakers continue to play lazy, uninspired basketball.

174

Beer and Queso / Re: Rockets playoff thread

« on: May 11, 2009, 08:02:43 pm »

Speaking of Odom, he has a bruised back and is a game-time decision listed as "doubtful".

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs/2009/news/story?id=4159470

175

Beer and Queso / Cuban

« on: May 11, 2009, 07:15:54 pm »

The guy is an asshole.  But I think he's taken it to a whole new level by pushing a cameraman, cursing at the refs, and verbally attacking an opposing player's mother.  That is just absurd to me.  The NBA says it is investigating it.  I hope that he gets banned from his courtside seats.  There is no situation where he should have the right to attack a player's family in any way, shape, form, or fashion following a basketball game.  Completely unprofessional for an owner, or any human being.

And Kenyon Martin seems pretty pissed off about it.  I think he has a right to be.

"Don't say nothing to my kids or my family," Martin said, according to The Post. "If you got something to say, say it to me. But I'm going to take care of it. I'm not going to do the whole media thing, back and forth. That's his thing. I'm more of a face-to-face type of dude."

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs/2009/news/story?id=4158987

176

Beer and Queso / Re: A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away... (SPOILERS)

« on: May 11, 2009, 07:03:22 pm »

I understand that even Captain Pike's role was included?

Yep.  I won't spoil anything for you, but it explores Pike's role as captain of the Enterprise.

177

Beer and Queso / Re: Rockets playoff thread

« on: May 11, 2009, 06:57:58 pm »

Enter Scola.

Scola has a really nice post game.  He has owned Odom down on the block.

178

Beer and Queso / Re: Rockets playoff thread

« on: May 11, 2009, 06:42:32 pm »

Kobe has not respected Shane's shooting at ALL so far in this series.  He's drifted off of him nearly every possession.  I figure that will change once they watch some tape and realize, like everyone else has, that there is no Yao and no need to drift off their perimeter responsibilities.  Its going to get tougher from here for the shooters.

LA is playing every game like its a regular season game.  I don't really understand it.

179

Beer and Queso / Re: A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away... (SPOILERS)

« on: May 11, 2009, 05:00:03 pm »

It was an awesome movie.  I am more of a Next Generation guy, but they did a really cool job. 

Only disagreement I have is that I thought the villain was pretty awesome.

180

Beer and Queso / Re: Rockets playoff thread

« on: May 11, 2009, 04:47:06 pm »

Playoff basketball isn't about having a scorer.  Playoff basketball, at it's best, is about playing half-court basketball, playing defense and having one go-to guy who can get you an important basket.  If you keep a team within ten points of you, you have a chance to win... every time.  In the days of Showtime vs. Boston's infamous half-court, defense lock-down basketball, many people thought LA would blow the Boston team off the court.  They didn't and those games were classic.  But as it were, it was LA being able to adjust to playoff basketball and not the other way around.

You have to play half-court basketball and defense to win a championship.

That's fair that good playoff basketball is in the half court game, but I wouldn't say we have to play a half-court game to beat LA, if that's what you are getting at.  Not every successful playoff team plays half-court basketball.  And conversely, not every championship squad is a half-court type of team.  It is one good formula for winning, but its not the only way.  And now, I don't think our squad really fits the mold of a half-court team.  Both our PGs would rather get to the hoop or score, and our best scorer is a 2/3.  We don't have a low-post presence to play a consistent half-court game.  We aren't gonna run our offense through Scola, our best post-up offensive player now, regardless of how good he's been.

Defense is obviously important.  You aren't going to win ballgames without playing good defense.  But to John Madden it, you still gotta score more points than the other team.  Our team is going to have a tough time scoring enough points to consistently beat LA without Yao.  But if we keep locking down Kobe and forcing him and his tired knees to take jumpers, we have a shot.

181

Beer and Queso / Re: Rockets playoff thread

« on: May 11, 2009, 03:32:22 pm »

Shane is doing a great job of keeping Kobe out of the lane and taking fadeaway jumpshots.  I think that's partly due to Shane's excellent defense and partly due to Kobe's fading knees.  But whatever it is, its working.

The team is going to have to keep on getting points from guys like Brooks and Shane to have any chance of winning the series though.  We weren't a high scoring team to begin with, and with Yao out, we are going to have to keep on shooting lights out.

182

Beer and Queso / Re: Rockets playoff thread

« on: May 10, 2009, 12:34:03 pm »

I am nervous about this game now.  Hopefully the team doesn't forget to show up.

183

Talk Zone / Re: Berkman

« on: May 10, 2009, 12:29:53 pm »

Trying to pick out whats wrong with his swing...
http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/deadspin/2009/05/nose.jpg

184

Beer and Queso / Re: Rockets playoff thread

« on: May 09, 2009, 02:30:07 pm »

I was pretty happy that the Rockets played a bad first half, but managed to stay in the game.  I figured at home, they would turn it on in the 2nd half and run with it.  Obviously, didn't happen.  IMO, they need to get the ball to Scola in the post more.  He is absolutely working Odom on the block.  If you can't get it to Yao, swing it and post up Scola. 

185

Talk Zone / Re: Zipp Meets A Furry

« on: May 08, 2009, 01:01:58 pm »

I was hoping this thread would somehow be related to those Megan Fox posts.

186

Talk Zone / Re: Berkman

« on: May 08, 2009, 12:27:32 pm »

I think Deshaies said he was a career .105 or something against Lilly.  Still, he looks like he isn't having any fun out there.

Maybe someone else can explain this to me.  I don't know how many career ABs Berkman has against Lilly (I'm sure a simple google search would do the job, I'm just lazy), so I don't know how meaningful that .105 is.  But why is it that superior hitters will have one or two pitchers out there that is just their kryptonite?  Why would Berkman have particular trouble against a guy like Ted Lilly?  Is it something like switching him to the right, his release point, type of pitches, or is it just the law of averages.. well.. averaging out?

187

Beer and Queso / Re: Rockets playoff thread

« on: May 08, 2009, 12:24:07 pm »

My post wasn't directed at your Noe, if that was implied.  I was just trying to point out that I am by no means some dirty Kobe lover.  I dislike both guys.  Maybe... dislike Shaq, and hate Kobe.

188

Beer and Queso / Re: Rockets playoff thread

« on: May 08, 2009, 12:02:42 pm »

I think my hate of the Lakers just permeates so deep that I've hated Kobe for so long, I'll never accept him.  Between the rape allegations, his whiny attitude, trying to emulate Jordan with everything from how he chews his gum to how he talks, how he acts towards his teammates, and how he gets away with being a bitch on the court - it adds up.  I'll never be able to look past it.

But because of my hate of the Lakers, I won't really ever like Shaq much again either.  He's a petty guy, he's just funny about it.  He rips just about every city he leaves.  He's done it to Orlando, he's done it to LA, he's done it to Miami, and he'll do it to PHX.  He's ripped former teammates, former coaches, former cities.  He'll even rip on guys he doesn't know.  For example, when he got all huffy and puffy when someone started talking about Dwight during one of his interviews this year and said something like there is only one Superman, and followed that by insulting Dwight's game. 

He was in the wrong when he started talking about Van Gundy this year, and went on a whole rant.  He kept saying "he said I'm flopping, with an -ing, that implies I do it frequently" and went on to completely rip Van Gundy a new one.  And if you watch the tape, Van Gundy said he flopped ONE time, he didn't use the -ing Shaq so emphatically bitched about.  Hell, he's the one that got his coach fired by bitching so much openly (not that I don't think Riley was gonna take over anyway eventually). 

So I don't know, I guess the whole point of my whole rant is - fuck Kobe and fuck Shaq.  Both are Lakers to me.  One has just moved on because their giant egos couldn't co-exist, and the Lakers chose the younger asshole.

Oh, I forgot to mention how much it pissed off a lot of people that Shaq tried to take D-Wade's spotlight when he won the Finals MVP.  Shaq went on stage and held the trophy, acting like he let D-Wade win it.  Give me a break.

189

Beer and Queso / Re: Rockets playoff thread

« on: May 08, 2009, 11:52:30 am »

Let's see, one of them has gone out of his way to help kids and charities, and the other is an admitted rapist.  Personally, I think one WAS better than the other.

I'm talking about their beef.  Off the court, there is no doubt who I'd rather hang out with.  Fuck Kobe.

190

Beer and Queso / Re: Rockets playoff thread

« on: May 08, 2009, 11:50:12 am »

you loves you some Kobe, doncha?

FUCK Kobe.

191

Beer and Queso / Re: Rockets playoff thread

« on: May 08, 2009, 11:48:31 am »

Shaq won without Kobe, in the literal sense.  But he was only a super-role player in the year of Wade for that championship.  Wade played out of his mind in those playoffs and was an All-World player and put on an All-World performance.  D-Wade won that championship, with help from Shaq, not the other way around.

I think in the whole Kobe-Shaq beef, both were just as petty as the other guy.  And it seems Shaq has been the guy that's had a harder time letting go.  Personally, I think both of them were just arrogant, petty, self-absorbed prima donnas and I don't think either one was better than the other.

192

Beer and Queso / Re: Rockets playoff thread

« on: May 08, 2009, 11:16:22 am »

IMO, Most players have this "sense of entitlement", just different degrees.  MJ and Majic both had it.

That's fair.

193

Beer and Queso / Re: Rockets playoff thread

« on: May 08, 2009, 11:06:18 am »

I like LeBron more than Kobe.  But LeBron also has a sense of entitlement, and has several time stated he wants to be the highest paid athlete in history.  He's even toyed with the idea of going to Europe to get paid more where there is no salary cap, because he'd still have time to come back to the NBA and win a championship.  The guy seems to be driven by money, especially given the history of shady transactions going back to his days in high school (ie the famous Hummer).  And his mom is a nut, always proclaiming BronBron is entitled to this and that.

I can't dispute that it seems that his teammates love him.  He hasn't given them a reason not to.  He's a young, cool guy.  But I wonder if that will ever change. 

Oh and on the court, LeBron whines about calls just about as much, if not more, than Kobe.

194

Beer and Queso / Re: Rockets playoff thread

« on: May 07, 2009, 03:49:06 pm »

There was some fucking jackoff in a Kobe jersey on the floor going bananas when Artest was led off the court after his ejection. This fuckstick had on a Kobe jersey and a New York Yankees baseball hat. Slightly sideways, of course. Fucking perfect for an LA "fan." This is precisely the sort of shithead the NBA is gearing itself to now. They're obviously doing a great job of it.

I noticed that too.  What a "fan".  Stern is like the Emperor from Star Wars, leading an evil empire.  I don't know if that is too nerdy of a reference... but whatever.

And it blows my mind that the stabbing story is true.

195

Talk Zone / Re: Sean Berry diagnosed with kidney cancer

« on: May 07, 2009, 12:57:32 pm »

Footers discusses prognosis, treatment, etc. in her blog (LINK).

If there is a silver lining to Sean's condition, it's that this cancer is extremely treatable and should be 100 percent gone once the tumor is removed. He might even be able to do it laproscopically, which would require just a short recovery time.

"You always hear this is the one you want to get," Berry said. "After they cut it out, I should be 100 percent fine. No chemo, no radiation."]/i]

That is the silver lining.  Hopefully they get it out, and it doesn't recur.

196

Talk Zone / Re: Manny Ramirez to be suspended for PADs

« on: May 07, 2009, 12:56:29 pm »

From his statement, sounds like it was a prescribed medication that he's claiming wasn't roids.  It'll be interesting.  But he is waiving his right to appeal.  Manny being Manny.

197

Beer and Queso / Re: Rockets playoff thread

« on: May 07, 2009, 12:41:47 pm »

Calling superstars differently to everyone else; calling the first 5 minutes differently to the last 5 minutes; and calling the playoffs differently to the regular season are all engrained in the NBA.  Basically, the rule of law is fluid, which is what makes the NBA complete bullshit.

Joey Crawford is bullshit.  Ron has seen someone get stabbed through the heart during a basketball game according to his interview, so I'm sure he will come back strong.

198

Beer and Queso / Re: Rockets playoff thread

« on: May 07, 2009, 12:13:38 pm »

As a pessimistic Rockets fan, I think they are gonna let Kobe walk on technicality. 

199

Beer and Queso / Re: Rockets playoff thread

« on: May 07, 2009, 12:10:51 pm »

 "You gotta have balls to hit a guy like me... Don't you know you're hitting Ron Artest? C'mon."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjlxCyUbpMo

Ron's post-game is worth watching.

200

Beer and Queso / Re: Rockets playoff thread

« on: May 07, 2009, 12:09:56 pm »

Did anyone notice the TNT announcer fawning over Fischer's "toughness" after he hit Scola, I thought that was a little out of line.

That f'ing blew my mind.  How are you going to commend actions like that??

The refereeing last night was unbelievable.  I could not believe Ron got ejected for one technical.  Why on earth was he thrown out, and Kobe "The Sex Offender" Bryant wasn't?  And like you guys have said, Ron wasn't making a throat slashing symbol, he was just saying "don't elbow me in the throat".  There's so much to say about last night's game.. but jeezus.  Worst case scenario is that they suspend Ron, and leave Kobe alone.  That would be ridiculous.  I hate Kobe so much.

201

Beer and Queso / Re: Rockets playoff thread

« on: May 06, 2009, 01:02:34 pm »

I'll be honest, Kobe looked so visibly irritated at the end of game 1, and he's probably been hearing about the great job Shane and Ron did... I think he's going to come out firing.  Just hope that those shots come up empty again.

I watched some SC yesterday.  According to ESPN, basically the Lakers lost, the Rockets did not beat them.

202

Beer and Queso / Re: video games

« on: May 06, 2009, 01:00:48 pm »

At this point they're screwed when it does come out because there is no way it will meet people's expectations.  They started developing it two generations ago!  That's like eons in video game years.

Back when you still had cords connecting your controller to the console.  How barbaric.

203

Beer and Queso / Re: Rockets playoff thread

« on: May 06, 2009, 11:12:34 am »

Clutchfans forums are nearing the point of being unbearable to navigate through.  Lots of e-chest beating and insults thrown around. 

204

Beer and Queso / Re: video games

« on: May 05, 2009, 04:22:31 pm »

Nobody goes there no more, its too crowded.

205

Beer and Queso / Re: video games

« on: May 05, 2009, 03:38:55 pm »

Dreamcast was ahead of its time, and if I can play video game elitist here, no one realized it.  It ranks as one of one the most underrated systems that has come out, IMO.

206

Beer and Queso / Re: Tatoos

« on: May 05, 2009, 03:37:37 pm »

Isn't Sublime the Kroger brand Sprite kockoff?

Drinking a squirt and tequila in honor of Cinco de Mayo seems appropriate.

207

Beer and Queso / Cinco de mayo

« on: May 05, 2009, 11:48:04 am »

Anyone doing anything exciting?

208

Beer and Queso / Re: Rockets playoff thread

« on: May 05, 2009, 11:35:22 am »

I agree that we didn't play our best basketball on offense, but neither did they.  Kobe, on any given night, could make a lot of those shots he missed.  It should make for a good series.  We match up well with them.  We have good perimeter defenders, and Pau isn't going to dominate the paint with Yao around.

209

Beer and Queso / Re: Tatoos

« on: May 05, 2009, 11:26:32 am »

If you were to buy a brand new (insert cool car here) and then everyone else on your block gets the same one, your car becomes less "cool."  Doesn't change anything about the car, 'cept that everyone has one.

A car isn't the same as music to me.  You are making the comparison as saying you bought the car to look cool, the same way you'd listen to music to look cool.  I listen to music because I like it.  And if everyone else on the block realizes that the music I was listening to first is good, and starts listening to it also, then I'd be pleased.

210

Beer and Queso / Re: Rockets playoff thread

« on: May 05, 2009, 02:48:37 am »

That was a great game to see. Fuck the Lakers.

Ron's hair was something to see.

And so was the stick job Ron and Shane did to Kobe.  He looked visibly irritated.  32 points on 31 shots, and only 3 FTs - the Rockets will take that any day, any night. 

Also nice to see Yao gut it out.  The scene where Keith Jones was trying to get Yao to walk down the tunnel towards the locker room, and Yao refused and pointed back at the court really made me smile.  Hopefully, its nothing serious.  Looks like he just banged knees.

211

Beer and Queso / Re: Tatoos

« on: May 05, 2009, 02:43:47 am »

If the music is good, then why should they lose their appeal once a wider audience realizes that?  You'd prefer that your favorite bands stay local and.. well, less successful?  I get what you are saying, because a lot of people often use the same argument about bands "selling out", I just disagree with the premise of the whole bit I suppose.

212

Beer and Queso / Re: Tatoos

« on: May 04, 2009, 08:57:20 pm »

you have made a study of this?

More like a rudimentary case series?

213

Beer and Queso / Re: Rockets playoff thread

« on: May 04, 2009, 06:11:52 pm »

I'm just going to assume that "work out of the house" is a euphemism for "sit at the computer in mom's basement in my underwear".

Playing Civ IV, with an X-Files "I Want to Believe" poster hanging and cartoons on in the background.  Wait a minute.. that resembles my life, excluding the basement part. 

214

Beer and Queso / Re: video games

« on: May 04, 2009, 06:10:16 pm »

Marvel v. Capcom is coming out pretty soon also for aficionados of wacky fighting games.  I played the demo on PS3, and it is pretty entertaining.  It will probably be ridiculously overpriced on PSN and XBOX Live, of course.

215

Beer and Queso / Re: Tatoos

« on: May 04, 2009, 06:09:03 pm »

I think its shocking how many women have piercings.. urrmm, downstairs.  By downstairs, I mean below the belt.

216

Beer and Queso / Re: Rockets playoff thread

« on: May 04, 2009, 02:02:43 pm »

The last time the Rockets were out of the 1st round, I was 13 years old.  I'm ready for tonight.

217

Talk Zone / Re: A-Rod tipping pitches?

« on: May 03, 2009, 12:37:56 pm »

i think many in baseball believe him to be a despicable, self-absorbed asshole.

...with bitch tits.

218

Beer and Queso / Re: swine flu

« on: May 02, 2009, 03:34:24 pm »

Yes, if you are referencing what I think you are, it's called Transverse Myelitis.  Your body can react this way if you have any kind of virus, not just the flu.  My mom is currently recuperating from it. 

I'm sorry to hear about your mom.  Transverse myelitis is different though, that is the general term for degeneration of the sheath around your nerves following infection, vaccinations, or some other sort of process.  So that is more a neurological insult to your body, it can affect almost any part of the body.  I hope your mom does well.

219

Beer and Queso / Re: swine flu

« on: May 02, 2009, 11:59:53 am »

A United Airlines flight from Munich to Washington made a two-hour stop at Logan International Airport this afternoon so a female passenger who had complained of flu-like symptoms could be removed and taken to a hospital for treatment.

Getting out of hand much?
http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2009/05/flight_diverted_1.html

220

Beer and Queso / Re: video games

« on: May 01, 2009, 06:36:36 pm »

You missed it!  I'm the one who said it (just grab 'em in the biscuits).

Whoops.  Well, SFIV is ridiculously awesome.  It is a great addition the series, and to the PS3 (or XBOX).  There are so many small nuances to the game, I love it.

221

Beer and Queso / Re: Rockets playoff thread

« on: May 01, 2009, 03:32:58 pm »

He did what he wanted to do.  Period.

One time is absolutely too many times given that.  If four guys are running and you take yourself out of the game then it is a problem.  If he is hurt, then fine, call timeout and run to his aide because he did an absolutely fantastic job to save the ball.  But since he ran back after the timeout and he was grinning, what you honestly think went through the mind of 11 guys on the team?  "Oh, yeah, it's okay if Ron doesn't want to hustle for the entire play... but I can't do that else my butt is on the bench".  I don't see how this is allowed within the context of team.  Maybe I just don't understand team basketball well enough to say that this is wrong.

That very well could be the case.  But trust me if I were an NBA player on said team and one guy gets to lay down with cameramen and fans, I'm pissed... even if we're up by twenty and it's 1:30 seconds to go.

We just disagree I guess.  Because no, I can honestly say I think there's no way the other 11 guys thought that.  They know Ron well enough and see how he plays night in, night out to know that's not his usual character.  Its not going to make every other player want to horse around because Ron did it.  Plus, the fact this is Artest we are talking about.  The defining characteristic of his game is playing hard.

It was a one time thing.  The game was essentially over.  He's demonstrated, over a much larger sample size, that is not how he acts.  Its not fair to say if he does it once when the game is over (much less a playoff game with all the implications of moving past the 1st round for this team), he's going to do it again.  He's been in the league a long time.  He's demonstrated he is not lazy.

222

Talk Zone / Re: noticing things at random

« on: May 01, 2009, 03:28:07 pm »

They blew yesterday's game in spectacular fashion.  It was a fun way to keep myself occupied while I waited for Bulls-Celtics to finish / rockets coverage to begin.  Their defense is truly horrid.

Their IF, outside of Lee, isn't much to write home about defensively.

223

Beer and Queso / Re: Rockets playoff thread

« on: May 01, 2009, 03:24:22 pm »

I never said I think it's ok.  I was pointing out attempting to even save that ball is a form of hustling.  

My thoughts on the matter are he shouldn't have done it, but I don't see it as something worthy of getting worked up over considering the time and score remaining.   If it had been a close game and he pulled that stunt, I'd have been extremely pissed off.  

That sums it up for me too.  Not worth getting worked up over for what you said, and also because of what his usual character is.  He's not a lazy player.

224

Beer and Queso / Re: Rockets playoff thread

« on: May 01, 2009, 03:20:39 pm »

If you accepted now you need to accept it at any time.  How can you possibly tell a player that it is okay if we're up by 20 to dance in the stands while four other guys are still running hard?  How?  You send the wrong message and Adelman did not accept it.  He called timeout to make sure his team and Ron Artest knew that there would be a time to dance but right now, it was not it.  20 point lead be damned.

Well, I'd have to see Ron dancing with fans at a critical time in the game to believe that it would ever happen first.  First and foremost, I just don't think that it would ever happen.  And I just think you are using some hyperbole, Ron wasn't shaking maracas in the stands, grabbing women's hips, while his teammates were streaking down the court. 

I'm a big NBA fan, and I've liked Ron since his early days with the Bulls, so I'm admittedly biased.  But the guy is such a hard-worker, and he fights for his teammates.  It was a one-time thing.  Not fair to characterize him as a loose cannon ON the court.  Off the court, he's crazy.. but on the court, he's a warrior.  He brings it every night.

225

Beer and Queso / Re: video games

« on: May 01, 2009, 03:12:17 pm »

Noe, how can TheWizard find something too wizardy?

The irony.

226

Beer and Queso / Re: Rockets playoff thread

« on: May 01, 2009, 03:11:59 pm »

It isn't about the Trailblazers, it's about his *teammates* still hustling.  Now, we seem to have a disconnect on when it happened, that's cool.  But when you see four guys running... the guys on your own team and one guy is dancing with people at the other end of the court, then you have a problem.  That Lowry and Adelman both shot daggers towards Artest while Ronnie (being Ronnie) ran back to join the huddle with a huge grin on his face is still a problem.  Someday, it will be at a much more critical point because if Ron does it now, he'll do it any time he darn well pleases.

Maybe I'm wrong, maybe Artest does this only during non-critical moments, that he's smart enough to tell the difference.  And then again, maybe not.

I mean, I understand where you are coming from.  If Ron weren't hustling during an important junction of the game, I'd be pissed as a fan, and I'm sure his teammates and Adelman would also not be happy.  But I just don't think he'd do that.  This was an exception, IMO, not only because of the moment, but also because hustle, hard-nosed play, and grit is the focal point of Ron's game.  That's how he's gotten the reputation as one of the best two-way players in the game.  And I don't think its fair to say he'll do it at an important part in some future game because he did it last night.. when his team was wrapping up its first 1st round advance in over a decade at home with under 2:00 left, up by 20.  But I could also be wrong.

227

Beer and Queso / Re: video games

« on: May 01, 2009, 03:07:49 pm »

My PS3 favorites:
Fallout 3
Dead Space
COD4
MGS4
Killzone was eh.

Personally I didn't like Oblivion too much.  Way too wizard-y for me.  And I don't know how no one has mentioned Street Fighter IV yet, unless I missed it, for time wasting.  Its the first game I can play for hours without getting tired of it.  There are so many nuances for the game.

I could list off tens of PS2 favorites... but I figure that system is a bit old now.

Oh, and Civ IV is awesome for time wasting.  You can kill 3-4 hours easily.

228

Beer and Queso / Re: Rockets playoff thread

« on: May 01, 2009, 03:00:54 pm »

Normally, I'd agree that I don't like players celebrating while a game was still going on.  But the game was wrapped up at that point.  I'm by no means an all-knowing prophet, but I watch a lot of NBA games... and if you are up 20 with 1:30 left and the other team has let the 2nd string in, its done.  It would have taken a miraculous miracle (if I'm allowed to say that) for the Blazers to come back, especially with a gimpy-legged Roy.

I honestly didn't see anything wrong with what Ron was doing.  I mean, this team hasn't been out of the first round in over a decade, and there was a huge gorilla on the squad.  The crowd was excited, its easy for an emotional guy like Ron to get caught up in that.  It had to feel good.  Nothing wrong with letting them horse around for a bit, I don't think it was showing up the Blazers in any way.

Artest is a leader on the team because he plays tough and brings good, hard defense.  That's leading by example, different from a guy like Shane.. but still important.  Its painful to watch when he takes over the offense and jacks, taking bad shots.. but he can get hot too.  Have to take the good with the bad with a guy like him.  But the bottom line is he will always play hard and bring it every night.  I think showing hard work for a full game is being a leader.  Young guys can take notice of that.  Noe, you pointed out an instance when he didn't keep hustling... but I honestly think that was an aberration in his game.  The guy is one of the hardest working players in the league, IMO. 

I can see the comparison to Rodman, if there is no leader on the team, he can drift.  But the rifts he has had with his previous teams have usually been with front office/coaching, not with his teammates.  With all accounts I've ever read or heard, his teammates always love him, because he's a guy that battles every night, and he's a cool guy to hang out with in the locker room.  Not so sure Rodman carried that same locker room weight, he was a strange cat.. in a different way from Ron.  So I think there is a difference between Artest and Rodman's team attitude, for sure.  NBA players know its part of the business to have rifts with front office and coaching.  Not saying its the norm, but if it does happen, its just part of the professional NBA game.  In this case, its pretty well known that he loves Adelman, so I don't think that's a concern.  I know no one is condemning Ron in this thread, so I'm not trying to incite an argument, I just don't think its fair to characterize him as a guy that likes to just joke around or doesn't hustle. 

229

Talk Zone / Re: Roy's Restaurant

« on: April 30, 2009, 02:17:51 pm »

Ordering The Pence will require signing off on a release waiver and wearing a protective helmet.

230

Talk Zone / Re: Roy's Restaurant

« on: April 30, 2009, 02:05:18 pm »

Can't wait to try The Eusebio. 

231

Beer and Queso / Hey b---h t*#$!

« on: April 30, 2009, 01:14:55 pm »

Apparently, that's what A-Rod's teammates called him.  That's awesome.  And of course, more yada-yada about how long he's juiced up.  Kid Hercules.

Oh and this:

A-Rod "pitch tipped" when he played for the Rangers by letting opponents at the plate know which pitch was coming in lopsided games. A-Rod expected players he helped would reciprocate when he was having an off night and needed to get his batting average up.

What a bitch.. with.. oh never mind.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4114292



And he is hated at Hooters.  How ironic. Hated by his own.

232

Beer and Queso / Re: swine flu

« on: April 30, 2009, 01:02:25 pm »

How exactly does this flu have a high mortality rate?  9 confirmed deaths since mid march is high?

Healthy people don't normally die from the flu, even in underdeveloped countries.  Usually it is the very young, very old, and immunocompromised that die from influenza.  The fact that these are otherwise healthy individuals succumbing to the respiratory complications tells me (and probably the CDC based on their precautions) that it seems to have a higher mortality rate.  And even if the numbers don't statistically confirm that the mortality "rate" is higher, I'd sure be worried about it if I got it.

Hybrid, brand new, doesn't really matter - the bottom line is its a new strain in the immunology world.  Its going to be harder to combat.

233

Beer and Queso / Re: Rockets playoff thread

« on: April 30, 2009, 12:58:12 pm »

Definitely going to miss that energy off the bench.  This is a huge game, IMO.  Portland is a tough arena to play in, don't want to go back.

234

Beer and Queso / Re: swine flu

« on: April 30, 2009, 12:55:11 pm »

The herd immunity thing is unknown at this point.  Seasonal flu is H1N1.  This flu is a hybrid of swine and H1N1.  There may be some immunity based on the H1N1 component.

But it's an unknown at this point.

HISD has closed an elementary and middle school.  Several day care centers in Houston have closed.  Episcopal High School has closed.

Its not unknown, IMO, its a new strain.. new strains of flu pop up every single year.  The fact healthy people are coming down with it and experiencing mortality says something.. if it was effecting young, old, and immunocompromised, that'd be another story.  And most (if not most, several) are hybrids of H1N1.  Its just this one has a very high virulence apparently and high mortality rate, from early numbers.  And when a new strain pops up, its just the way immunology works - your body doesn't have a history with it, so it can't combat it.  Just that most years new flu strains aren't "dangerous". 

I'm ranting, the whole point is that its a new flu strain, people haven't seen it, can get it easily, and it appears to have drastic effects on the respiratory system.  Not a good combination if you do happen to get it.

235

Beer and Queso / Re: swine flu

« on: April 30, 2009, 12:51:28 pm »

You don't have kids, do you.

Heh, easier said than done, I'm sure.

236

Beer and Queso / Re: Rockets playoff thread

« on: April 30, 2009, 12:15:07 pm »

Damn...

237

Beer and Queso / Re: swine flu

« on: April 30, 2009, 12:14:24 pm »

Swine flu is a big deal because of what that letter said - there is no "herd" immunity.  So if you get it, you are screwed, and by that I mean that you probably need to get some tamiflu because your body will have a tough time. 

But with that said... just wash your hands and don't touch your face, and you probably won't get it.  It is transmitted just like any other flu.  They are basic rules that you should live by normally, but are even more important now, and you should be fine.

238

Beer and Queso / Re: Rockets playoff thread

« on: April 27, 2009, 01:08:32 am »

Big win, up 3-1.  Didn't give away the game down the finish.

239

Beer and Queso / Re: Rockets playoff thread

« on: April 25, 2009, 07:26:44 pm »

And in the other Texas matchup, the Spurs look done.  I'm fairly surprised, I thought they'd lay the hammer down on the Mavs.  Looks like I was wrong... very wrong.

240

Talk Zone / Re: To every idiot Astros fan who booed Mike Cameron after the collision with Q

« on: April 25, 2009, 12:59:09 pm »

Mike Cameron is a hard ass.  I've always liked the way he plays the game.

241

Beer and Queso / Re: Rockets playoff thread

« on: April 25, 2009, 12:56:12 pm »

Artest and Battier did a great job on Roy tonight, really had him frustrated.  And Ron wasn't jacking shots like crazy.  Yao still didn't get many good looks, but the team played well overall. 

242

Talk Zone / Re: Behind in the count

« on: April 24, 2009, 02:51:04 pm »

Just like talking to a glass door

And yet the glass door never gets any flak about falling behind in counts.. hey, it took two to tango.  Why does it get a free pass?

243

Beer and Queso / Re: Rockets playoff thread

« on: April 22, 2009, 12:31:13 pm »

What does everyone think of Brooks so far in the series?  He obviously was a vital part of the win in game 1.  And he had 20 points in game 2, but he racked up half of that in the last minute or two of the game.  This is my opinion, but I feel like he can knock down the three better than Lowry, but I feel safer with Lowry running the point.  He seems more calm, collected, and in control.  I definitely don't think Brooks should be benched, I just think Lowry could be effective with some more playing time.

244

Beer and Queso / Re: Rockets playoff thread

« on: April 22, 2009, 12:27:15 pm »

We still took one on the road and got home court advantage.. I guess I'll take that.  It was still a tough loss.  One thing that would make me happy is if our team just looked to get Yao the ball more often.  The Blazers cannot guard him.  But I will say this... the refs can.  They had as much an impact on taking Yao out of the game.

245

Talk Zone / Re: Kaz Matsui actually Spider-Man?

« on: April 22, 2009, 12:24:20 pm »

So, does he go on the DL.. or is that just a front to head to NYC and take on arch-enemies?

246

Talk Zone / Re: Remembering Cammy...

« on: April 22, 2009, 12:23:32 pm »

Substance abuse is a disease, albiet one that you bring upon yourself.  Its a shame.

247

Beer and Queso / Re: Rockets playoff thread

« on: April 22, 2009, 12:21:35 pm »

I can't tell if I'm blinded by homerism, but I thought that was one of the worst, one-sided officiated games I can remember.  The refs took over.  They had as big a game as Brandon Roy.

And why on earth didn't Yao get the ball more???

248

Beer and Queso / Re: Rockets playoff thread

« on: April 21, 2009, 04:01:00 pm »

My league pass apparently is no good for the playoffs, so no NBA TV for me.  Anyone have an idea of where to watch the game tonight in Austin?  3rd Base?

249

Talk Zone / Re: Follow SpikesNStars.com on Twitter!

« on: April 19, 2009, 11:14:44 pm »

neither is "gift."  Making nouns into verbs drives me bonkers.

What about re-gifting?

250

Beer and Queso / Re: Rockets playoff thread

« on: April 19, 2009, 02:00:31 pm »

What a game... they absolutely crushed them.  I was loving it.  Yao couldn't be stopped (other than by the refs), AB played out of his mind, even Deke got to wave his finger.

251

Beer and Queso / Re: Green Lantern movie is a go

« on: April 16, 2009, 05:15:21 pm »

I'm not happy they are making a GL movie.  Hal is my favorite comic book character, and I'm sure they'll butcher it.

252

Beer and Queso / Re: Rockets playoff thread

« on: April 16, 2009, 03:58:50 pm »

Last night was very demoralizing, especially flipping over to the Spurs/Hornets just moments before the Hornets melted down and left Michael Finley wide open.

Rocket fans just knew that was gonna happen.

Parker(?) swings the ball over to an undefended Finley and Finley's all "BOOM ROASTED." Right at the fucking buzzer. I don't know why they even bothered to play the OT session.

Exactly.. I switched over just as the 3 pointer got sunk.  What a great night.

253

Talk Zone / Re: Chris Carpenter to the DL

« on: April 16, 2009, 01:41:19 pm »

Funny, too, how Carpenter's health and return to form were all but assured as a part of the Co-ards drive to a WS berth, but picking up the slightly older Hampton was a move of last-gasp desperation by an owner in denial. Hmmm.

They overlooked that the back end of their bullpen resembles Kris Benson's wife, its a revolving door.

254

Beer and Queso / Madden retiring

« on: April 16, 2009, 01:38:21 pm »

I may be alone in this one, but he was still my favorite announcer.  Sad to see him go.  Who will circle offensive linemen's ass sweat now or sell me foot fungus cream?

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4073253

255

Beer and Queso / Rockets playoff thread

« on: April 16, 2009, 01:36:15 pm »

I was pretty pissed off last night that we blew the opportunity to potentially be a 2 seed (they f'ing fouled Yao every possession when they fronted him and the refs weren't calling jacksh&*%&%), but I'm over it now, and ready for the playoff run.  Still happy we got Portland, but its no easy task to win on their homecourt.  I think they only lost to two Western Conf teams all year.  With the Jazz/Lakers playing each other, I think that eliminates at least one of the two teams that poses the worst matchups for us.  I'm thinking we can at least make it to the WCF. Agree, disagree, don't give a crap?

Oh, and only slightly, slightly related... KG could be out for the playoffs.  Sorry Cs.

256

Talk Zone / Re: Follow SpikesNStars.com on Twitter!

« on: April 16, 2009, 12:02:05 am »

I still don't really understand what the hell Twitter is.

257

Beer and Queso / Re: Wii

« on: April 15, 2009, 02:57:07 pm »

Wii golf is awesome!  Wii tennis infuriates me, so I refuse to play it and my 10 year old thinks I'm a big baby that I don't want to play against him.  He's like 120-0 versus me in tennis.  Now I know what Andy Roddick feels like when he sees Federer on the other side.

You may know this already, but I always got whipped in Wii tennis until I realized that its more to your benefit to look at the shadow of the ball, rather than the actual ball, and time your hits based on that.  Much easier to time when to put spins and angles on it based on the shadow.

258

Talk Zone / Re: RIP Harry Kalas

« on: April 14, 2009, 05:44:42 pm »

Autopsy shows cause of death was heart disease.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4068695

259

Talk Zone / Beckett gets 6 games

« on: April 14, 2009, 02:12:04 pm »

For being a bush league punk and throwing at Abreu's head.  Its so easy to act like that when you don't have to worry about getting in the batter's box.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4067947

260

Talk Zone / Re: So much for a good start?

« on: April 13, 2009, 10:51:40 pm »

Who cares about 99-07?  The 08 and 09 teams are with a completely different set of players

Who cares about Filo?

261

Talk Zone / Re: RIP Harry Kalas

« on: April 13, 2009, 04:35:09 pm »

I wonder what he died from.. collapsed in the booth?  That's too bad.  RIP.

262

Beer and Queso / Frazier on Ali

« on: April 11, 2009, 11:26:38 pm »

When it comes to his longtime foil, Frazier is sympathetic to the suffering Parkinson's disease has caused Ali. But as a Christian, Frazier said, he isn't surprised by it, either.

"I'm sorry that he is the way he is, but I didn't have too much to do with it. It was the good man above,'' Frazier said. "Maybe I did have a little to do with it, but God judges, you know what I'm saying? We don't have the power to judge that the man has above.''

Frazier believes that Ali's arrogant boasts of "I am the greatest!'' were "a slap in the Lord's face,'' and that he did the same to his family when he changed his name from Cassius Clay to reflect his Muslim beliefs.

"I respect him as a guy who did a fine job in the fight game,'' Frazier said. "I don't think he really loves me. I didn't like nothing he done, you know?''

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/30155176/

263

Talk Zone / Coolbaugh's number retired

« on: April 11, 2009, 11:16:47 pm »

Still an a sad story.  RIP.

http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/express/04/11/0411coolbaugh.html

264

Talk Zone / Re: Looks like Brocail is hurt

« on: April 11, 2009, 07:10:47 pm »

Done.  Stick a fork in him.

Too bad, he had a good long run...

RMPL

265

Talk Zone / Re: Oh my god

« on: April 10, 2009, 01:35:53 pm »

Photos of the wreck:

http://www.latimes.com/media/photo/2009-04/46100853.jpg
http://www.latimes.com/media/photo/2009-04/46096252.jpg

266

Talk Zone / Re: Old

« on: April 09, 2009, 03:20:42 pm »

Watching 20 year-old Seinfeld reruns makes me feel old.

267

Beer and Queso / Re: Caddyshack

« on: April 09, 2009, 03:17:22 pm »

I still laugh everytime I watch Office Space.  Its a different type of humor though, more like a bunch of chuckles. 

Anyone here ever watch Grandma's Boy?  Not a top 5 type movie, but its one of my favorites.

268

Talk Zone / Re: Oh my god

« on: April 09, 2009, 03:13:57 pm »

Just read that article.  I'm a young guy, and he died even younger than me.  Couldn't imagine.  RIP.

269

Beer and Queso / Who is down for a trip to Australia?

« on: April 08, 2009, 10:42:36 pm »

I wouldn't mind witnessing this growing phenomenon.. although the girls pictured don't seem to have DDs.

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574,25290859-36398,00.html

270

Beer and Queso / Re: London

« on: April 07, 2009, 09:04:52 pm »

Do Brits even drink Bud?

271

Game Zone 2009 Archive / Re: Opening Day 4/6/2009 Astros v. Cubs

« on: April 06, 2009, 07:15:58 pm »

Nice.. FSN picked Astros fans to interview that are cheering for the Cubs too?

272

Game Zone 2009 Archive / Re: Opening Day 4/6/2009 Astros v. Cubs

« on: April 06, 2009, 07:09:31 pm »

Well at least soon we'll find out what is in Berkman's pocket...

273

Beer and Queso / London

« on: April 05, 2009, 07:34:53 pm »

So I'm planning a trip and am looking to fly into London.  Any advice on what the best (i.e. cheapest) options are for me?  Online services, (expedia, travelocity, etc), particular airlines, times to buy, what days to fly, anything in particular?  I'm looking to go in early to mid May sometime.  I live in Austin, but would be willing to fly out of Dallas or Houston also.

274

Talk Zone / Re: Ryan on CC

« on: April 03, 2009, 03:49:54 pm »

unrelated to that. no doubt in my mind that the Express will go to the Rangers.

the Ryans want to own an MLB team not invest in one.

That'd be strange to have the Express go to the Rangers.. like bizarro world.  And I wouldn't like it.

275

Beer and Queso / Re: Cutler saga over

« on: April 03, 2009, 03:46:26 pm »

Crazy offseason just got crazier.

Hopefully the Giants didn't shoot themselves in the foot with this move....

276

Beer and Queso / Re: Cutler saga over

« on: April 03, 2009, 03:44:14 pm »

Where did I ever say anything about him being Elway? I don't think he's John Elway, I think he's Jay Cutler.

I know this: he is a franchise quarterback. When you have a franchise quarterback, you do everything you can to keep him under club control. You don't trade him.

I agree that he looks like he will pan out to be a good QB.  But the fact is, in the end, they didn't trade him (originally).  Trade was discussed.. didn't happen.  But the dude went apeshit over being discussed in trade talks?  I think most people would get offended, sure.  But to go in public and drag this thing out, and not even answer calls from the organization.  I just think that it was a petty and immature way to handle it. 

I'm not a GM, but I'm guessing plenty of players get discussed in talks and probably don't know about it.. probably for reasons like this.  They will blow up.

277

Beer and Queso / Re: Cutler saga over

« on: April 02, 2009, 09:59:54 pm »

I just think Cutler is being a huge drama queen, so most of it falls on him.  Sure sounds like there are plenty of egos on both sides of this contributing, but it just seems like Cutler took it to another level.  Up to this point I think he's talked about his coach, his GM, and his owner in public to the media?  But yet, he won't answer his phone or return messages when they try to contact him?  I know now he's tried to turn it around and say they never contacted him, but I have a hard time believing that the entire organization is lying about trying to get in contact with him. 

This is all speculation on my part, but from what I've read he seems like a pampered baby who got his feelings hurt when he found out, for probably the first time in his career, that someone didn't want him and he got all bent out of shape and turned into a 13 yr old girl about it.  That's not the kind of personality I'd want leading my team.  But I'm by no means an NFL GM, so..

278

Beer and Queso / Re: Cutler saga over

« on: April 02, 2009, 09:27:19 pm »

He's good. He's also a whiny bitch.  He got this offended because he was discussed in trade talks.  What makes him bigger than any other NFL player?

279

Beer and Queso / Re: AstroDoom

« on: April 01, 2009, 11:05:39 pm »

Apparently, there is now a major rat problem.

Well, go on.  Who do you think is the rat condemning the place?  Politician, city councilman.. or maybe an inside job??

280

Beer and Queso / Tiger

« on: March 30, 2009, 02:12:21 pm »

He put on a real show this weekend.  It was a combination of Tiger turning it on, and O'Hair completely choking (+6 in the final 22 holes, or something like that).  Do you guys think he is BACK, or he'll have difficulty retaining the level of dominance he's enjoyed in the years past?

281

Beer and Queso / Re: why are homeless people paying for cigarettes?

« on: March 30, 2009, 02:03:16 pm »

I've been offered up to a dollar for a cig here in Austin, and I don't even smoke.  I should buy a pack and carry it around on weekends, just to turn a profit.

282

Talk Zone / Re: D-Train to DL

« on: March 29, 2009, 05:36:46 pm »

did you and I read a different article?

No. Blood tests are not used to diagnose anxiety, and I doubt they will be anytime soon.  I'm done in medical school in 1 week (whoo hoo!).. not saying that to wave my dick around, just that I've done a few months of outpatient and inpatient psych, and that is just not the way things are done.  That article is hocus pocus, IMO.  Doesn't make sense to have a patient sent to get this weird labwork done in order to diagnose anxiety, something which has an easy diagnosis in the hands of a trained psychatrist and has established DSM criteria... woudln't make sense to charge a patient for labwork, particularly for random AChE, BChE and PON.  It would take years to convince established docs to change to doing that (if this single study gets that far).

But anyway, sorry if I'm coming off as a douche about all this.  My only point is that anxiety is not diagnosed with a blood test as of right now.

283

Beer and Queso / Re: Gillispie out at UK

« on: March 29, 2009, 03:43:53 pm »

Anything is possible, but I don't see Rick being interested this time around.    I could see Donovan jumping now.    Two years ago he wanted to go, but the timing was poor coming off two national titles.    After consecutive NIT appearances the time might be right for him.

Donovan says he's staying put, and UF says he will not be considered for an outside job.  Seems like the university won't let him go easily if he does try to jump ship.

284

Talk Zone / Re: Burke a Mariner

« on: March 29, 2009, 03:38:02 pm »

He was told yesterday that he wasn't going to make the Padres, so they traded him to the Mariners.

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/

Cue that "The Price is Right " losing horn.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ytCEuuW2_A

285

Talk Zone / Re: D-Train to DL

« on: March 29, 2009, 03:36:38 pm »

There's a lot I don't know too. Blood test accurately diagnosis anxiety.

That's an interesting study.  I don't know if that would ever make its way over here though, seems like they are just drawing a hodgepodge (is that a word?) of things and trying to correlate that to anxiety. 

But anyway, back on topic, seems like D-Train is FOS or simply ignorant on what he was diagnosed with.  Anxiety is a clinical diagnosis, and not something that a blood test would pick up on.

286

Beer and Queso / Re: texans' ryan moats gets the treatment

« on: March 26, 2009, 08:28:33 pm »

Video. Wow.

http://deadspin.com/5185881/the-video-of-ryan-moats-getting-pulled-over-is-intense-and-troubling?autoplay=true

287

Beer and Queso / He's a masher

« on: March 25, 2009, 01:08:48 pm »

Check out the Deshaies game.

http://awfulannouncing.blogspot.com/2009/03/astros-announcers-dad-gets-his-moves.html

288

Talk Zone / Re: 2 Runs?

« on: March 23, 2009, 11:03:40 pm »

And we all now drive around in flying cars.

289

Beer and Queso / Happy Valentine's Day

« on: March 14, 2009, 10:11:08 pm »

Ouch...

Lexington Park, Maryland -- A Southern Maryland woman was seriously injured in a mishap involving a sex toy over the weekend.

The man who made the 911 call said he had placed a sex toy over a saber saw blade, and then used the power tool on his partner, but the blade cut through the plastic and injured the woman.

http://www.digtriad.com/news/watercooler/article.aspx?storyid=120510&catid=176

290

Beer and Queso / Re: Watchmen

« on: March 14, 2009, 05:17:36 pm »

I thought the movie was amazing also.  I'm a comic nerd, but I didn't mind the ending change so much either.  I thought it was well done.

Another thing with the squid, the whole giant squid thing appearing in NYC was supposed to bring the world together.  I admit, its been a while since I read Watchmen, but didn't the psychic also play a part in not only transporting it, but when the squid landed wasn't it was supposed to broadcast some sort of imagery that would haunt people also?  And that would create a more lasting effect?  I could be wrong about that.

291

Beer and Queso / Re: Please tell me the Rockets aren't this stupid

« on: March 10, 2009, 03:26:32 pm »

Brooks is a fun player who can score in bunches, but I'm a huge Lowry fan from what I've seen.  He's very comfortable running an offense.  Late in games, I'd actually prefer to see Lowry in there.  He seems more comfortable with basic ballhandling and distributing of the ball.  There have been times these past few weeks where Brooks can't get open for the inbounds pass after a made basket or isn't comfortable bringing the ball down the court when a player is pressing him.

292

Talk Zone / Re: What's with all the Astros threads?

« on: March 09, 2009, 05:47:40 pm »

I actually watched Sportscenter last night for.. I dunno, the first time in maybe a year or two.  Between how annoying it got, and the availability of the internet, I haven't had a need for it. 

But anyway, they probably spent 35-40% of the show talking about 3 things - A-Rod, UNC-Duke, and the UPCOMING Shaq interview.  I don't know what happened to such a once great show.

293

Beer and Queso / Re: TO, good riddance?

« on: March 08, 2009, 08:08:01 pm »

Well, TO does sometimes get the stone hands and seems like he's punching the ball instead of trying to catch it, but I think his high number of drops is also due to the fact he's targeted a lot.  But he was still one of the best offensive weapons the Cowboys have ever had.  I think he has lost a step though.  Still can warrant a double team, but can't necessarily get open when he does get one.

All in all, people probably won't have much beef with the move since he was potentially going to finally explode and verbally vomit on one of his teammates.  Kind of have to feel bad for the guy though.. Buffalo?  Damn, that sucks.  He did get a good payday though, hard to feel too sorry for him.

294

Beer and Queso / Re: Chimp rampage during the void

« on: March 06, 2009, 07:26:12 pm »

Saw this followup posted... apparently that chimp ripped off the victim's hands and part of her face... that is wild.

The chimpanzee that savagely attacked a Connecticut woman tore off her hands and a substantial part of her face, and left her with a traumatic brain injury, the Cleveland Clinic said Wednesday in a statement that casts new doubt on her chances of recovery.

http://www.cleveland.com/medical/index.ssf/2009/03/cleveland_clinic_updates_statu.html

295

Beer and Queso / Re: Dreaded fantasy baseball question

« on: March 04, 2009, 03:25:37 pm »

I assume they know you are an Astros fan?  If so, they may wonder if something is "wrong" with Oswalt and leave him alone.

Yeah, they all know, I'm the only Astros fan in the league.  Unfortunately, our commish wrote a two paragraph league note about how great my Haren strategy worked last year.. I hope they have short memories.

296

Talk Zone / Re: Hello!

« on: March 04, 2009, 03:24:33 pm »

U FOO!

Is fighting foo still hip with the kids?

297

Beer and Queso / Re: Dreaded fantasy baseball question

« on: March 04, 2009, 02:59:16 pm »

I think you have to keep Hamels.  I would pick Haren over Oswalt to keep.   Haren is younger, has better strikeout numbers, and plays on a team where IMO he is more capable of getting W's. 

Another thing to think about is who you're playing with in this league and as a result what are your chances of landing Oswalt in the draft the following year.   If you're playing with a bunch of guys from Houston, then the idea of drafting Oswalt before someone else does probably isn't that good.   However, if you're in a league where there's guys scattered all over the place, then the majority of the managers may not have the man love for Oswalt that Stros fans do....and you just might be able to get him in the draft while keeping the other 5 players

That's one thing I forgot to mention, I'm playing with guys from mainly Cali and Florida... I'm hoping I can land Oswalt in that first round if I cut him loose.  Its actually what I did with Haren last year.. kept Oswalt and cut Haren loose, hoping I'd get him in the first round - and it worked. Now I think I may do the same thing with Oswalt.

298

Beer and Queso / Re: worse beer ever

« on: March 04, 2009, 12:27:57 pm »

Anyone ever tried pulque?

299

Talk Zone / Re: Hello!

« on: March 04, 2009, 12:24:56 pm »

I don't know if I can quantify a ton v. the most.. hmm I better just check all of the above so I'm not classified as a bandwagon fan.

300

Beer and Queso / Re: Dreaded fantasy baseball question

« on: March 03, 2009, 08:42:18 pm »

I'm inclined to agree with this statement. I love Ichiro as a ballplayer, but I think he's overrated in fantasy. You can do a lot better for where he's usually drafted (I say this having had him on my team the past two years).

Eh, I'm a fan of his fantasy production.  Hits, not the highest OPS but a consistent OPS because he gets a lot of extra base hits in that giant ballpark, good amount of steals, and runs assuming his team isn't complete garbage because he's on base so much.  He's so damned consistent, which I really appreciate in fantasy.. I've had him on my team for a few years now and I've been happy with him.  With a 5 keeper system, IMO, he warrants sticking around.

301

Beer and Queso / Re: Dreaded fantasy baseball question

« on: March 03, 2009, 11:09:08 am »

What is HRA?

Yeah, sorry for all the abbreviations.  HRA = home runs allowed, QS=quality starts.

302

Beer and Queso / Re: Dreaded fantasy baseball question

« on: March 03, 2009, 11:04:42 am »

Depends on scoring in your league.  Oswalt's K rates are trending down, but if he was valuable last year, at his worst, I'd keep him, as I expect a rebound type of year.

Roto style. Pitchers' categories are Ws, ERA, Ks, QS, WHIP, and HRA (saves too, but those don't apply for these guys).  The Ks and HRA are what worry me, and more than likely his W total will be below those other two guys this year.  But you could say Hamels also has a high HRA total.  Its a tough call for me... I'm struggling with it.

303

Beer and Queso / Dreaded fantasy baseball question

« on: March 03, 2009, 10:46:39 am »

I know a lot of you guys hate talking about fantasy baseball, so I apologize, but I want opinions.  I've been playing in a keeper league for several years now, and Berkman and Oswalt have been bookends of a pretty good run. We keep 5 guys a year, and this year I have Berkman, Pujols (I Know) and Ichiro penciled in as keepers. 

So the question: I have 3 pitchers I think are worth keeping: Oswalt, Hamels, and Haren.  Am I being blinded by Astros allegiance here?  I'm seriously considering keeping Hamels and Haren this year, and setting Oswalt loose. Which of those 3 pitchers would most of you fantasy baseball managers keep?

304

Talk Zone / Re: What would it take...

« on: February 24, 2009, 05:10:53 pm »

I'll defer to Insider...

305

Beer and Queso / Re: Please tell me the Rockets aren't this stupid

« on: February 20, 2009, 04:28:44 pm »

I really don't understand trading Rafer either.  His shooting wasn't great, but he was a good ball handler that didn't turn the ball over too much.  But I'm not an NBA GM.  Guess we'll see how it plays out.

306

Beer and Queso / Re: Chimp rampage during the void

« on: February 20, 2009, 04:26:16 pm »

WTF..

307

Beer and Queso / Re: Please tell me the Rockets aren't this stupid

« on: February 18, 2009, 05:44:14 pm »

Seems Adelman isn't too pleased with the way McGrady handled it..

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3916786

308

Beer and Queso / Re: Chimp rampage during the void

« on: February 18, 2009, 02:55:51 pm »

They could have used Travis in some sort of reapplication process for Michael Vick to get back into the NFL.  Two words - cage match.

309

Beer and Queso / Re: Please tell me the Rockets aren't this stupid

« on: February 18, 2009, 11:53:45 am »

McGrady - out for the year with microfracture surgery:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3914888

Says McGrady.  The whole thing is so weird to me. 

First of all, that of all people yelling Stephen A. got the scoop on this.  And then, this is coming from McGrady, not from any team doctor.  He keeps searching for that second opinion.  And finally, that he announces this when his name is cropping up in trade rumors.  He is one of my favorite players, so I keep giving him the benefit of the doubt and telling myself I'm just buying into these conspiracy theories.  But its getting harder...

310

Beer and Queso / Re: Please tell me the Rockets aren't this stupid

« on: February 17, 2009, 09:19:26 pm »

Isn't Carter a FA after this season?  If so, there would be no reason for him to slow down no matter what team he's on.  Only one thing motivates that guy.

I think he's not a FA for another 3 seasons.

311

Beer and Queso / Chimp rampage during the void

« on: February 17, 2009, 09:04:08 pm »

But the chimpanzee returned and went after several of the officers, who retreated into their cars, Conklin said. An officer shot Travis several times after the animal opened the door to his cruiser and started to get in.

Police have dealt with him in the past, including an incident in 2003 when he escaped from his owners' vehicle in downtown Stamford for two hours. Officers used cookies, macadamia treats and ice cream in an attempt to lure him, but subdued him only after he became too tired to resist.

At the time of the 2003 incident, police said the Herolds told them the chimpanzee was toilet trained, dressed himself, took his own bath, ate at the table and drank wine from a stemmed glass. He also brushed his teeth using a Water Pik, logged onto the computer to look at pictures, and watched television using the remote control, police said.

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-chimpanzee18-2009feb18,0,4250815.story

I don't know what is more wild, that the cops didn't lock their doors, or that the chimp used a Water Pik.

312

Talk Zone / Now say I'm sorry...

« on: February 17, 2009, 08:44:30 pm »

"Scorned" Canseco wants apology...

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=Aqe00qBl7.IvJLd8_5nALGMRvLYF?slug=ap-canseco-steroids&prov=ap&type=lgns

313

Beer and Queso / Re: So how do you Texas fans feel about this?

« on: February 17, 2009, 08:30:24 pm »

Even if it were up for public debate, I don't think most UT fans would have a problem with it.

314

Beer and Queso / Re: Please tell me the Rockets aren't this stupid

« on: February 17, 2009, 08:27:40 pm »

I don't get McGrady.  I'm not him, so I can't say if he really can't go.. but the fact he keeps looking for 2nd opinions and reasons he can't play has really turned me off.

And Carter is having one of his better seasons.  I don't think its an unreasonable trade if the Nets pay McGrady's salary.

315

Beer and Queso / Re: What's there to do in Toronto?

« on: February 11, 2009, 03:50:00 pm »

Robbie Alomar could probably tell you.

Roman bath house district?

316

Beer and Queso / Re: hey limey, are you a nerd?

« on: February 11, 2009, 03:48:41 pm »

We really need the season to start... yesterday national health insurance, today man-crushes.  What's next? Our.. feelings?!

317

Talk Zone / Re: Astros season over, per BP

« on: February 10, 2009, 02:53:42 pm »

You're entitled to your perspective, but I like baseball *a lot* better than math.  Waaayyy more interesting and complex.

You deserve to get a Pi thrown in your face for that comment.

318

Talk Zone / Re: Arod tested positive for steroids in 2003

« on: February 10, 2009, 10:46:18 am »

This thread turned uglier than Clemens' backside real quick.

319

Beer and Queso / Re: Bad basketball

« on: February 09, 2009, 09:39:54 pm »

Anyone else trying to get a sight of some bad basketball just had to watch the Rockets tonight.

320

Talk Zone / Re: Arod tested positive for steroids in 2003

« on: February 09, 2009, 12:04:21 pm »

I certainly don't agree with it, and I never came remotely close to being good enough to being a pro ballplayer, but I can also at least see where some young kids that juice are coming from. 

Doesn't make it right though, obviously.

321

Talk Zone / Re: 10 years at mmpus

« on: February 08, 2009, 11:17:47 am »

This is just my opinion, but I've never liked calling it "The Juice."

322

Beer and Queso / Re: Lily Allen is back in the news. In a good way...

« on: February 08, 2009, 11:15:29 am »

Speaking of chicks, I saw The Wrestler yesterday, and Marisa Tomei's body looked spectacular at 44 years old.  If my wife looks like that at 44, I'd be a happy guy.

323

Talk Zone / Re: Arod tested positive for steroids in 2003

« on: February 08, 2009, 11:11:25 am »

I'll put on my tights and play the role of Captain Obvious.  It couldn't have happened to a better guy.  But definitely not good for baseball..

324

Beer and Queso / Re: Lily Allen is back in the news. In a good way...

« on: February 04, 2009, 05:27:38 pm »

I wonder what Christian Bale's reaction would be if she walked in his line of sight wearing that?

325

Beer and Queso / Re: Michael Phelps is back in the news. Not in a good way.

« on: February 02, 2009, 10:36:36 am »

I think that is far more pernicious behavior.

How about this? Is grabbing ass a bad habit?

http://cache.deadspin.com/assets/images/deadspin/2008/09/phelps1_front.jpg

326

Beer and Queso / Re: The One and Only Reason Why I'm Rooting for the Steelers

« on: February 02, 2009, 10:30:32 am »

Are you telling me Jesus Christ couldn't hit a curve ball?

327

Beer and Queso / Re: Michael Phelps is back in the news. Not in a good way.

« on: February 02, 2009, 10:26:22 am »

From some of the accounts I read, Phelps seems like he likes to party.

328

Beer and Queso / Re: Utah football

« on: January 04, 2009, 11:37:01 pm »

With the way the system is now, pre-season rankings do matter.

329

Talk Zone / Re: Teixeira

« on: December 24, 2008, 03:07:04 pm »

Like Todd said, the only positive I see from all this is that at least the Yankees spend a lot of the money the organization makes (in whatever way) back into the ballclub.  Around here, I see complaining about Uncle Drayton not spending the money he has.   Obviously the Houston Astros don't make as much as the NYY, but there's some happy medium (not that Drayton doesn't spend any money, obviously) where the fans won't complain. 

Or maybe that's just some eutopia-type land I just completely made up.

330

Beer and Queso / Re: Invinceable

« on: December 22, 2008, 05:14:41 pm »

The agents don't make a move without the player's say so.  Perhaps this was brought up when discussing why VY's off-field income has been lower than he planned, and the agent is no doubt in position to lose money should VY lose endorsement income.  But your description of the agent saying "hey Vince, we need to go sue this guy" and Young saying "ok, whatever", is likely extremely inaccurate.

The agents don't make a move without the player's say so, but I figure Bench meant that it was his agent who probably first picked up on all this and initiated any type of legal movement.  Correct me if I am wrong Bench, I am not trying to put words in anybody's mouth.

331

Beer and Queso / Re: Invinceable

« on: December 19, 2008, 09:13:44 pm »

Young needs to worry more about becoming a starting QB in the NFL and less about ensorsement deals at this point.  That said, he should be able to market himself, including the use of his likeness, initials, or any nickname by which he is commonly known.  This is the first time I've ever heard the word "invinceable" uttered in connection with Young though.

I actually saw a lot of "Invinceable" shirts around Austin during his senior year.  I remember a couple promos ABC or ESPN did using that name also during that time.  Haven't heard it much in his post-college days though.

332

Talk Zone / Re: Tejada

« on: December 19, 2008, 07:18:05 pm »

I'm not sure if I'd rather hear about Tejada, or ESPN's minute by minute analysis of how close or how far the Red Sox are from signing Teixeira.

333

Beer and Queso / Invinceable

« on: December 19, 2008, 07:13:01 pm »

I didn't see this topic anywhere.  I figured I'd put it in the Beer and Queso area, and at least that way if it is I'd get less Cabrera remarks.

HOUSTON -- Vince Young is suing former major league infielder Enos Cabell and two other men for applying for a trademark to use his initials and "Invinceable" nickname to sell products without his permission.

The federal suit filed Dec. 12 in a U.S. District Court in Houston alleges the three men applied for the rights in 2006, the day after Young led the University of Texas to a national championship in the Rose Bowl and won the most valuable player award.

The suit claims the trio has spent large sums marketing and branding the VY image and Invinceable nickname, damaging endorsement deals for the Tennessee Titans quarterback, including one with Reebok. Young is asking the court to give him the rights to use the initials and nickname.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3782451

334

Talk Zone / Re: Nontenders

« on: December 14, 2008, 10:22:03 pm »

There are some interesting pitching options on that non-tender list.

335

Talk Zone / Re: Putz a steM in a 12 player 3some.

« on: December 14, 2008, 04:13:35 pm »

The Yankees have over $80 million coming off the books from Giambi, Abreu, Pavano et al. 

ETA: Mussina also.

Didn't the Yanks also get some money from a new radio or TV deal?

336

Talk Zone / Re: AE a Tigger.

« on: December 08, 2008, 06:44:26 pm »

I hope he is healthy this season.

337

Talk Zone / Re: Stark on Astros/Winter meetings

« on: December 08, 2008, 06:42:45 pm »

I knew Spack should have nipped that thread in the bud.  Now it's spreading like syphillis.

I feel like a cheap whore for starting that thing.  On a complete tangent, I randomly learned today that Capone, Van Gogh, Hitler, and Ivan the Great all had syphillis.  So.. there you have it.  A completely useless fact.

Now.. back to Pence!

338

Beer and Queso / Re: UT officially gets screwed

« on: December 08, 2008, 06:36:49 pm »

I would argue that Miami, Florida State, and Boston College are premier football schools, or have been over the long haul.

Miami and FSU continue to recruit good athletes.  They've had a rough stretch, no doubt about it.. and I don't know if they'll ever be "back", but I wouldn't rule it out.  The Florida athlete pool is just too outstanding.

339

Beer and Queso / Re: What do blondes and the Bermuda Triangle have in common?

« on: December 08, 2008, 06:33:42 pm »

Stephany Manson sounds like a prude.

340

Beer and Queso / What do blondes and the Bermuda Triangle have in common?

« on: December 04, 2008, 07:52:18 pm »

They've both swallowed a lot of semen.  This bad boy is $24.99.... wtf, who would buy this?

Here is the description of the book:

    Semen is not only nutritious, but it also has a wonderful texture and amazing cooking properties. Like fine wine and cheeses, the taste of semen is complex and dynamic. Semen is inexpensive to produce and is commonly available in many, if not most, homes and restaurants. Despite all of these positive qualities, semen remains neglected as a food. This book hopes to change that. Once you overcome any initial hesitation, you will be surprised to learn how wonderful semen is in the kitchen. Semen is an exciting ingredient that can give every dish you make an interesting twist. If you are a passionate cook and are not afraid to experiment with new ingredients - you will love this cook book!

http://www.nerve.com/CS/blogs/modernmaterialist/archive/2008/11/21/I-Really-Hope-No-One-Makes-Recipes-From-This-Book.aspx

341

Beer and Queso / Unfortunate gun show

« on: December 04, 2008, 07:47:33 pm »

Don't know how I missed this story, apparently it happened a few months back.  An 8-year old boy was shooting an uzi at a gun show, it recoiled, and he shot himself in the head.  While his dad was behind him taking pictures.  And the gun show was sponsored by a police chief's gun company...

Thoughts?

BOSTON (Reuters) - A police chief was indicted on Thursday for involuntary manslaughter in the death of an 8-year-old boy who accidentally shot himself in the head with an Uzi submachine gun at a Massachusetts weapons show.

http://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSTRE4B37XC20081204

342

Beer and Queso / Re: UT officially gets screwed

« on: December 01, 2008, 09:45:36 pm »

I know absolutely nothing, nada, zip, zero about the BCS and all the hula-buloo going on right now.  That said... here is my opinion!

And the "beauty" of the subjective polls and rankings of college football means that any casual fan's opinion of which team deserves to go to a championship game is as legit as a sports columnist or pollster or what have you.  Reason being that its just an opinion.  The whole think is absurd for such a major sport.  That's my .02.

343

Beer and Queso / Re: Quantum of Solace

« on: December 01, 2008, 09:38:15 pm »

I'm a huge fan of Daniel Craig as Bond as well.

The movie wasn't on par with Casino Royale, but still pretty good.  Like others have mentioned, the storyline wasn't as strong, but I do like that Bond isn't the candyass fancyboy that Brosnan portrayed.

344

Beer and Queso / Re: Muschamp to succeed Brown at Texas

« on: November 24, 2008, 11:27:44 am »

I am all for having a playoff system, like most other people.

But since I don't think that will happen, even though I hope it does... here's what I would do if I had any kind of power.  I would say that rankings shouldn't be published until after mid-season.  No preseason rankings, because we've all seen how teams can be grossly over- or under-rated.  In the end, it wouldn't help the clusterfuck that is the BCS in picking the two teams that deserve to go to the championship game, but at least it would give most deserving teams a chance to be in the hunt.  Teams wouldn't be as hampered if they are climbing up the polls.  And I also think *maybe* it could at least deter from the common method of ranking whoever lost early in the season as the highest team.

But still... I'd prefer a playoff.

345

Talk Zone / Re: Poo-holes win NL MVP

« on: November 17, 2008, 07:58:57 pm »

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/11/29/AR2006112901413.html

hmmn, so albert, should howard have won it this year?

I was just about the post the same thing.  So Mr. Pujols, when should we expect the return shipment of that MVP award?

346

Beer and Queso / A new way to kill some time during the void

« on: November 13, 2008, 04:09:30 pm »

If you guys have some free time and are doing your own plastic surgery, don't make this mistake.  The photo is pretty rough...

A Korean woman addicted to plastic surgery has been left unrecognisable after her obsession led her to inject cooking oil into her face.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/3439638/Cosmetic-surgery-addict-injected-cooking-oil-into-her-own-face.html

347

Talk Zone / Re: .

« on: November 12, 2008, 05:59:14 pm »

"..." ? Isn't this a little excessive?

That's what she said.

348

Talk Zone / Re: .

« on: November 12, 2008, 11:49:08 am »

Now this is a thread that can really take off.

349

Talk Zone / Re: Starting Pitching

« on: November 12, 2008, 01:28:05 am »

Pettitte can still pitch, IMO, but I have a hard time seeing him coming back to Houston.

350

Talk Zone / Re: MLB blackballs Mark Cuban

« on: November 10, 2008, 12:59:44 pm »

Here's my take on all this - fuck the Cubs.

351

Beer and Queso / Re: What is your philosophy of life?

« on: November 07, 2008, 07:04:27 pm »

Don't Be Stupid.  And if you are stupid, be quiet about it.

Solid.

352

Talk Zone / Re: Hey, Austinites!

« on: November 04, 2008, 04:41:19 pm »

I live right off I-35 in Austin, but I avoid it at peak times like the plague because you're better off having your grandmother push you in a shopping cart on the sidewalk, it'll be faster.  The on ramps, exit ramps, lanes.. everything is just not built to handle that type of traffic.

Anyone else ever heard the urban legend that an engineer of I-35 committed suicide because of how crappy it turned out?  I don't believe that, because despite the fact I know jack shit about building roads, I don't think there is one engineer who builds a highway.. just always found it funny.

353

Beer and Queso / Re: Anyone dressing up/partying up for Halloween?

« on: November 03, 2008, 11:25:24 pm »

I went as Iron Man.  Iron Man mask, but the body was a cutout of an actual iron (cardboard box spray painted silver).  Complete with handle, spray button..

354

Talk Zone / Re: SAD, SHOCKING NEWS

« on: November 01, 2008, 12:48:25 pm »

I feel bad for mihoba's family and friends, even though I didn't know him other than his TZ persona.   He seemed like a great guy, judging from his posts and what he had to say.  I see death frequently in my job, so I have an idea about how hard it is to go through that, although luckily I'm young enough to have gone through it only a few times personally.

I've only been around here a couple years, if that, so I'm not part of the inner circle.  But despite that, I love this forum because its a mix of great information with great people.  Its not a bunch of lol'ing and internet insults being slung around, it feels more like a real community.  So I feel bad for all of you guys that lost a close friend.  The mood of the forum really reflects how hard some of you are taking it.  I hope that everyone has time to grieve, and even though you never forget the death of a friend.. hopefully he's remembered around here for how great of a friend he was to some, and how respected and well-liked he was in the TZ for the rest of us.

355

Talk Zone / Re: SAD, SHOCKING NEWS

« on: October 31, 2008, 05:11:45 pm »

I didn't know him personally.. but that is sad news.  Prayers to his friends and family.

356

Talk Zone / Re: Brad Lidge

« on: October 30, 2008, 08:52:35 pm »

I'm far from a Phillies fan, but I couldn't help but smile when I saw Lidge get the last out. 

357

Beer and Queso / Re: In memory of the "World's Worst Beers" thread

« on: October 30, 2008, 08:43:23 pm »

I never had a Zima... guess I won't be able to tell my kids about it.

358

Beer and Queso / Re: Rockets

« on: October 30, 2008, 08:42:34 pm »

My favorite Drexler-ism is "nothing but net!".

359

Beer and Queso / Re: Old[er] women

« on: October 24, 2008, 02:43:06 pm »

This just occurred to me, but what do you mean by "as we've gotten older, we think older women are attractive"?  Are you saying now that you're 30, you suddenly find 45 year old women attractive, or now that you're 30 you suddenly find 30 year old women attractive?  I assumed the first (who thinks of a 30 year old as "older"?), but your 65 at 65 comment makes me think you mean the latter. 

Yeah, I'll clear it up.  I meant at our age, we are finding women anywhere from 25-40ish hot.  Whereas a few years ago, I probably would not have found some 35 year old woman hot, unless she was Catherine Zeta Jones or some shit. 

And in response to Noe's post, here's what I meant by attractive.  You guys may have heard of it, but we are on the binary system.  Its similar to the 0-10 scale, but more simplified.  If you see a girl, you classify her either as a "0" or a "1".  0 is no, 1 is yes, simple as that.  There is no "maybe", no 0.5, no 1.5... 0 or 1.  Forces you to make a decision.  And whatever your own interpretation of "yes" is your discretion. 

360

Beer and Queso / Old[er] women

« on: October 23, 2008, 11:34:22 pm »

So admittedly, I've had a few drinks.. but.. a few of us were having this discussion earlier, so I thought I'd pose it here.  My friends and I are all 25-30 years old, and we've noticed as we've gotten older, we think older women are attractive, naturally. 

Does this process just continue indefinitely?  When I am 65, will I think some 65 year old chick is smoking hot?

361

Talk Zone / Re: the World Series

« on: October 23, 2008, 08:00:13 pm »

Anyone see the stat that since 2003, the NL's DH hitters have gone .079 with 1 RBI in the WS when they are in the AL ballpark.  That is sick.

362

Beer and Queso / Re: How long have you been logged in?

« on: October 20, 2008, 08:34:40 pm »

Think that is amazing?

http://www.spikesnstars.com/forums/index.php?action=stats

(lower right hand)

Holy shit.  That is awesome.

363

Talk Zone / Re: Peavy considers the AL wussified candyasses

« on: October 20, 2008, 05:38:48 pm »

First comment I saw at the end of Footer's mailbag, referencing Peavy:

"...Offer them Bourn, Backe , Rodriguez, Saccomanno, And maybe Newhan."

Oh Sweet Lord Baby Jesus. There has to be a way to hide the comments by default, right?

That guy is a fool.  Just offer them Wandy and Wiggy straight up for Peavy.  They'll bite... oh, they'll bite.

364

Beer and Queso / How long have you been logged in?

« on: October 20, 2008, 05:36:51 pm »

My shows 4 days, 16 hrs, and 37 min.  Amazing to me....

365

Talk Zone / Re: Playoffs

« on: October 20, 2008, 05:30:08 pm »

This is the first time in a long time I won't be upset with who wins/or doesn't win.

That sums it up for me too.  I'm looking forward to just enjoying a good WS.  Both teams have some great pitching.

366

Talk Zone / Re: new rally to get the astros to the playoffs once again

« on: October 20, 2008, 05:27:39 pm »

I thought this post was going to be about a monkey.

367

Talk Zone / Re: Playoffs

« on: October 13, 2008, 09:00:36 pm »

Fuck the Red Sox Nation.

Fuck the Red Sox calling themselves "Red Sox Nation".

368

Talk Zone / Re: McCarver on his Manny-ness

« on: October 09, 2008, 01:52:29 pm »

Fuck Boras.

369

Talk Zone / Re: NLCS

« on: October 06, 2008, 08:54:45 pm »

Same here, but I think Boston is just too strong.  Phillies will give them a fight though.

I think the Rays pitching gives them a legitimate chance of getting by the Red Sox, assuming the Angels don't make a comeback in that series of course.

370

Talk Zone / Re: NLCS

« on: October 06, 2008, 04:37:19 pm »

The Dodgers looked pretty good in the NLDS, of course.. the other team didn't bother showing up.  So I have a hard time gauging how good they really are.

371

Talk Zone / Re: Brandon Backe

« on: October 06, 2008, 04:34:35 pm »

I've seen GPD on horseback using their batons on the Strand.. in addition to seeing one choke slam a 100 lb blond girl.  They don't mess around.. with.. perps.  Like.. small girls..

372

Beer and Queso / Re: Father of the year?

« on: October 06, 2008, 09:32:47 am »

You really needed to include the first line of the article, otherwise I was worried that your subject line was ironic:

I'm a novice thread starter...

373

Beer and Queso / Re: Schaub

« on: October 06, 2008, 09:31:59 am »

I thought that naked bootleg was a great call, considering how they seemingly couldn't get the first ground by running between the tackles.  But Backup QB launched himself like an idiot instead of just protecting the ball.

374

Talk Zone / Re: AH HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHahaHAHAHHAHAHA HA!

« on: October 05, 2008, 12:20:06 am »

Fuck the Cubs

375

Beer and Queso / Re: Austin KXAN

« on: October 04, 2008, 11:16:13 pm »

Quit watching Notre Dame football. Problem solved.

Yeah, that part was a joke lost in the internet.

376

Beer and Queso / Father of the year?

« on: October 04, 2008, 02:16:27 pm »

Police responding to a call from the city's northwest side about 3:20 a.m. found 64-year-old Robert McNally on the hallway floor with his arm around the neck of 52-year-old David T. Meyers, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said Meyers was naked except for a mask and latex gloves and had entered the home through a window near the girl's bedroom with rope, condoms and a knife. He was familiar with the home's layout because it belonged to a relative, police said.

The girl awoke and screamed when she saw the man in her room, police said. The father responded and struggled with the intruder while the girl's mother phoned 911.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,429503,00.html

377

Beer and Queso / Austin KXAN

« on: October 04, 2008, 02:01:26 pm »

I didn't think that it would actually go off the air.  So now if I have TW cable, I have to watch NBC online?  I'm ignorant in all these shenanigans, who is evil?  The cable company, the channel, both, neither?

How will I watch my Notre Dame football now?!?!

378

Talk Zone / Re: Post your playoff predictions

« on: October 04, 2008, 01:05:00 pm »

Unlike cubfan, I used to feel sorry for the Red Sox Nation. But no more. Since they broke the Jinx, the BoSox fans are not only obnoxious (which they always kinda were), they've gotten very cocky. I keep waiting for the BBG's to put it to them, but things happen on the BBG's timeframe, not mine.

Its gotten to the point I cheer the Yankees to beat the Red Sox.  Disgusting.

379

Talk Zone / Re: Lidge wins NL Comeback Player of the Year

« on: October 03, 2008, 02:21:20 am »

What did Lidge come back from? It's not like he was hurt or horrible last year.

The guy had a 3.36 ERA and a WHIP of 1.25 last year(this year 1.22), not to mention 88 Ks (92Ks this year).  Not really sure what he was coming back from... he was never gone.  But nonetheless, congrats to him.

380

Talk Zone / Re: The Gods of Baseball vs The God of Commerce

« on: October 03, 2008, 02:17:34 am »

Maybe all the Cubs fans need silver bats and should wear garlic belts while they are at it.. might give them more luck.

381

Talk Zone / Re: Zambrano

« on: October 03, 2008, 02:13:05 am »

The other discrepancy is that he took nearly 2 weeks off prior to that start.  Lots of rest to give his arm enough to go one game, a game against a shell of a team.  Everything lined up for him to pitch well.  Methinks the BBG's were setting the Cubs up for post-season dismemberment.

I'm trying to hold out any kind of celebration until the Cubs are knocked out, because I don't want to tempt them, but watching the Cubs imitation of the Hindenburg is making me one happy guy.

382

Talk Zone / Re: Sabathia gets lit up!

« on: October 03, 2008, 02:10:06 am »

Brewers and Cubs both down 0-2 in round one?  Rays win?  I'm liking this.

Throw a Red Sox loss in there, and it'd be like f'ing Christmas.

383

Talk Zone / Re: Post your playoff predictions

« on: October 02, 2008, 02:48:52 pm »

Cabrera'd by almost 2 months.....

You even posted in the thread.

That's gotta be some sort of record.

I don't have a prediction, just the deep want for both the Cubs and Red Sox to be bounced in the DS.

384

Talk Zone / Re: Matsui

« on: September 28, 2008, 04:14:34 pm »

Two minutes in the penalty box for illegal quoting.

My bad.  Realized after the fact.

385

Talk Zone / Re: Matsui

« on: September 28, 2008, 03:56:59 pm »

Yeah I wish Chris Burke was still here. Jesus christ quit bitching about Matsui.

First of all, I didn't bitch about Matsui - its an observation and not exactly something subjective, the guy spent a lot of time on the DL.  And what the hell does Chris Burke have to do with anything, who mentioned him? Jesus H stop posting.

386

Beer and Queso / PK Bryant plays

« on: September 28, 2008, 02:55:39 pm »

The guy plays days after his 3 month-old son passed away.  Not sure I could do that.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3614308

387

Talk Zone / Re: Matsui

« on: September 28, 2008, 02:23:51 pm »

Fragile may not be the right word, but the guy is hurt a lot between his back, hamstring, and anal fissures.

388

Talk Zone / Re: Ryan Howard: the personification of feast or famine

« on: September 28, 2008, 02:20:46 pm »

198Ks.  That is not too shabby...

389

Beer and Queso / Re: Somebody in Houston like Whataburger and cigarettes

« on: September 28, 2008, 02:15:40 pm »

Maybe it was the Whataburger announcer guy's apartment.  That explains why he spends so much time at Whataburger.

That also explains how he's tried the thousands of combinations of WB that you can get.  Nothing like a warm WB with cheese, double meat, jalapenos, onions, tomato, A1, and a pack of squares - just the way you like it.

390

Beer and Queso / Re: Palin. WTF?

« on: September 28, 2008, 02:05:50 pm »

This is a really long thread.

391

Beer and Queso / Re: Paul Newman, RIP

« on: September 28, 2008, 02:46:28 am »

I liked his Caesar dressing.

392

Talk Zone / Re: T-shirts

« on: September 22, 2008, 08:47:32 am »

LaTroy should have stolen a famous line from Katrina and went with...
"Bud Selig Does Not Care About Black People"

And to disprove it, Bud will invite Kanye to throw out the opening pitch at the WS.

393

Beer and Queso / Re: Golf

« on: September 22, 2008, 08:45:48 am »

Question for anyone who has an opinion - I'm thinking about getting a new driver.  What do you guys use, and do you like it?

I've been thinking about getting a Nike SQ or Callaway driver - there are some good websites where they are around 150 bones.  Any thoughts?

394

Talk Zone / Re: Wild Card

« on: September 22, 2008, 07:51:18 am »

I hear Milwaukee is lovely in October; and that seems to be the only way anyone in the nation will ever find out.

ESPN on how the Astros have "lashed out"

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3601868

395

Beer and Queso / Re: NOAA/NWS/NHC updates

« on: September 12, 2008, 02:00:58 pm »

Watching the live Fox News feed from Galveston, it makes me wonder how much these bozos get paid more to stand there and narrate "the water is getting higher as the storm approaches."

396

Beer and Queso / Re: Lance Armstrong pulling a Rogah?

« on: September 11, 2008, 10:06:11 pm »

I'm out of touch, I had to google Taylor Swift to find out who the hell you were talking about.

397

Beer and Queso / Re: Ike

« on: September 09, 2008, 08:36:48 pm »

Short memory, huh? There have been 40 major hurricanes (Cat 3+) make landfall in the Gulf states since 1900, three of those 40 made landfall in 2005 alone (Dennis, Katrina & Rita). Another storm from 2005, Wilma was the strogest hurricane ever recorded in the Atlantic Basin, which hammered the Yucatan before hitting Florida. Yet another Cat 5 (Emily) made landfall on the Yucatan Peninsula in 2005, but never made it to the states, but was in the Gulf. 2005 was the busiest season for hurricanes ever recorded and seriously fucked some shit up, 2008 doesn't come close and hopefully we never see another year like it.

You have a good memory.

398

Beer and Queso / Re: Ike

« on: September 09, 2008, 07:29:24 pm »

I don't recall so many storms making it into the Gulf..

399

Talk Zone / Re: Gas Can surgery - out for season, 2009 as well

« on: September 08, 2008, 06:22:18 pm »

That's too bad, hate to see long-term injuries like that to any player.

400

Talk Zone / Re: No pride in Houston, Lidge?

« on: September 07, 2008, 07:22:25 pm »

Give it a fucking rest. Lidge is 2-0, 2.15 and just recorded his 34 save against the Mets at Shea. He has been nails this year.

I don't think Lidge has blown a save all season.

401

Talk Zone / Re: In non-bb news...

« on: September 07, 2008, 07:20:17 pm »

In regards to Carr, IMO, he is one of the worst starting QBs I've ever seen in the NFL... and it wasn't solely due to his offensive line.  Just my .02.

402

Beer and Queso / Re: ocho cinco

« on: September 07, 2008, 02:04:11 pm »

Not yet..
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3574151

403

Talk Zone / Re: What is different with Roy?

« on: September 03, 2008, 06:37:58 pm »

He reached back and discovered the heart of a champion deep within.

... what other cliche can I use?

404

Talk Zone / Re: Taveras on Waivers

« on: August 28, 2008, 08:05:47 pm »

Stark on Lamb

Out like a Lamb: We're hearing that Mike Lamb, just designated for assignment by the Twins, has told his old buddies in Houston he'd love to play in Philadelphia. And with the Phillies still hunting for a left-handed bat off the bench, they clearly would be interested. One big question is whether the Phillies (or anyone else) would try to trade for Lamb or just wait until the Twins release him. He can't be released until next week, meaning he wouldn't be eligible for postseason play. But because he already has cleared trade waivers, he could be dealt at any time.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&page=rumblings

405

Talk Zone / Re: Mariotti Quits- Last seen removing pants on way to his mother's basement

« on: August 28, 2008, 02:25:39 pm »

We wish Jay well and will miss him -- not personally, of course -- but in the sense of noticing he is no longer here, at least for a few days.

That's one emotional goodbye.

406

Talk Zone / Re: Taveras on Waivers

« on: August 28, 2008, 02:16:19 pm »

You missed the thread titled "Twins DFA Mike Lamb", nine lines down from this one?

Yep, that's what would be implied by what I said.  Insert smiley face.

Edit: got past 666, no worries.

407

Talk Zone / Re: Taveras on Waivers

« on: August 27, 2008, 06:48:37 pm »

True, but Willy T could be a decent bench player with tons of speed.  Maybe next year.  I am not sure when he lost his shine, but I personally would not give up on him.  Lamb either for that matter.

I guess I missed it, I didn't even realize Lamb had been DFA'ed.

408

Talk Zone / Taveras on Waivers

« on: August 26, 2008, 08:24:26 pm »

The Rockies have placed closer Brian Fuentes and center fielder Willy Taveras on waivers, and are expected to explore dealing them this week.

According to major league sources, Fuentes was placed on waivers Monday, and Taveras followed Tuesday. So Fuentes' waivers would expire Wednesday afternoon, with Taveras' waivers expiring a day later.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3554807

409

Talk Zone / Re: Instant replay starts Thursday

« on: August 26, 2008, 03:26:25 pm »

I don't see anything wrong with having instant replay.  But having a rule change mid-season is odd.. although I don't know if its a "rule" change in the purest sense.  It doesn't affect how the players will play the game.

410

Beer and Queso / Re: Olympics

« on: August 24, 2008, 11:09:54 pm »

Ya'll are sleeping through an awesome international basketball game.

Kobe puts the US up by nine with his big shot only for Navarro and Jimenez to nail a couple of big ones to whittle the lead down to four.

Thankfully, King James hits a big one and the US has the lead back to seven with just under two minutes remaining.

I stayed up to watch.  There was absolutely no defense, but it was awesome.  Finally Kobe stepped up offensively.

411

Talk Zone / Re: Reineke to start for Padres

« on: August 19, 2008, 09:13:31 pm »

Good luck, Chris.  Try jerking off with the other hand.

I think this ranks up there with Kent "falling off his truck" and Barmes "falling down stairs with meat".

Backup catcher Toby Hall said his right shoulder was fine after teammate Jermaine Dye blocked his attempt at placing a shaving cream pie in his face during a post-game interview following the Sox's 13-5 win over Seattle.

Hall had his right shoulder wrapped in ice but assured reporters he didn't not re-injure his shoulder, which he separated in spring training of 2007.

http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports_hardball/2008/08/close-shaves.html

412

Beer and Queso / Re: Bigfoot found

« on: August 19, 2008, 09:03:14 pm »

Here's another link.

SearchingforBigfoot.com owner Tom Biscardi had paid an "undisclosed sum" — Internet rumors put it at $50,000 — to Georgia residents Matthew Whitton and Rick Dyer for their frozen "corpse" and the privilege of trotting them, but not the body, out in front of TV cameras.

"I extracted some [hair] from the alleged corpse and examined it and had some concerns," Kulls writes. "We burned said sample and said hair sample melted into a ball uncharacteristic of hair."

Kulls called Biscardi in California, who told him to heat the body to speed up thawing.

"Within one hour we were able to see the partially exposed head," Kulls continues. "I was able to feel that it seemed mostly firm, but unusually hollow in one small section. This was yet another ominous sign."

Then came the clincher.

"Within the next hour of thaw, a break appeared up near the feet area. ... I observed the foot which looked unnatural, reached in and confirmed it was a rubber foot."

They admitted it was a hoax and agreed to sign a promissory note at a meeting set for 8 a.m. Pacific time at the hotel.

But when Biscardi got there, he "found that they had left."

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,406101,00.html

413

Beer and Queso / Re: Tuesday Timewaster

« on: August 19, 2008, 04:18:10 pm »

yep, ain't it great...my personal favorite is when the Venus Fly Trap eats the Kitty

I'm a fan of the spikes.

414

Talk Zone / Re: Red Sox wanted Towles?

« on: August 19, 2008, 03:16:06 pm »

Where does Boston come up other than the natural assumption of northeasterners that everyone is scheming 24 hours a day to move to the northeast? 

Someone hasn't been watching enough ESPN....

415

Talk Zone / Re: The Belly of the Beast (NYC Trip)

« on: August 18, 2008, 12:29:52 pm »

Yes.  I assume if you stroll along actually singing "Feelin' Groovy", someone will offer to kick your ass for you.  I know I would.

Me, when I'm in NY, I stroll along whistling "Uptown Girls".

416

Beer and Queso / Re: Olympics

« on: August 18, 2008, 12:21:01 pm »

after the race, not during it. totally classless.

Fair enough.  I agree with you.  I'm not saying its what I would have done, just trying to rationalize it.  I Just think the guy was excited.

417

Talk Zone / Re: Dainty to the DL

« on: August 18, 2008, 12:19:51 pm »

Or we could just shut it down for the season, put up the "closed for business" sign in front of MMP, and open up shop next season to try again.

418

Beer and Queso / Re: Olympics

« on: August 18, 2008, 11:23:32 am »

He definitely hot-dogged it, but at the same time I think the guy was genuinely excited about winning Olympic gold.  The 100m is one of the most exciting events in the whole Olympics IMO, I imagine I'd go batshit crazy in excitement if I just BLEW UP some of the fastest guys in the world.

419

Beer and Queso / Bigfoot found

« on: August 13, 2008, 11:43:57 am »

Veteran Bigfoot tracker Tom Biscardi said he's examined the body, and that scientists will get their chance soon.

"Veteran Bigfoot tracker" huh... I wonder if he puts that on applications for jobs...

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,402882,00.html

420

Beer and Queso / Re: Olympics

« on: August 13, 2008, 12:33:41 am »

And Samson killed 1,000 Philistines with the jawbone of an ass...

Phelps probably swam out of his mom's birth canal in world record time.

And Chuck Norris... ah fuck it, I can't, I won't do it..

421

Talk Zone / Berkman's jersey

« on: August 12, 2008, 10:53:00 pm »

I'm sure Cabrera is a fucking Astronaut, but I didn't see it posted anywhere else.  Just the title of the article, "Berkman's jersey returns from space", made me crack up...

The two men presented first baseman Lance Berkman with his own jersey, which they took with them to the International Space Station in March.

Berkman's jersey spent 14 days on the space station and saw a lot of action.

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080812&content_id=3296933&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou&partnerId=rss_hou

422

Beer and Queso / Re: ACL

« on: August 12, 2008, 05:15:15 pm »

ACL is so damned expensive....

423

Talk Zone / Re: Just throwing this out there

« on: August 12, 2008, 05:05:41 pm »

That's what I love about these high school phenoms. I get older and they stay the same age.

Alright Alright Alright

424

Beer and Queso / Re: RIP Bernie Mac

« on: August 11, 2008, 05:51:23 pm »

They may as well call it whitejack...

425

Talk Zone / Re: I shit you not.

« on: August 11, 2008, 05:49:56 pm »

Was he wearing one of those fake glasses/mustache disguises?

426

Beer and Queso / Re: RIP Bernie Mac

« on: August 09, 2008, 11:12:29 am »

Wow, that's surprising news.

427

Talk Zone / Re: Astros Pitching: Dark Skinned vs. Light Skinned

« on: August 08, 2008, 12:56:34 pm »

is anyone else as confused as i am, about the title of this thread and its content?

Yes.

428

Beer and Queso / Re: Olympics

« on: August 08, 2008, 12:55:46 pm »

Track, basketball, and swimming.

429

Talk Zone / MLB to investigate Boras?

« on: August 08, 2008, 10:45:53 am »

Heard on SC that MLB is going to investigate the way he handled Manny leaving Boston - word is he may have told Manny to intentionally tank the last couple of weeks. 

This is the only link on the matter I could find, although it doesn't directly say Boras is being "investigated." Could be that I misheard, or ESPN is trying to dramatize it like everything else - so take it with a grain of salt.
http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/2008/08/source_mlb_inve.html

430

Talk Zone / Re: The polls are now open...

« on: August 08, 2008, 09:16:46 am »

I'm voting for Bidge.

431

Beer and Queso / Cheeleaders breaking stereotypes

« on: August 07, 2008, 11:16:10 am »

More than two dozen teenage girls on campus for a cheerleading camp got stuck in an elevator at a University of Texas dormitory this evening, resulting in several passing out, a university spokeswoman said.

Between 5:30 and 6 p.m., 26 girls, from 14 to 17 years old, piled into the elevator at Jester Residence Hall apparently to “see how many girls they could fit into the elevator,” spokeswoman Rhonda Weldon said

These girls have a bright future.

http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/blotter/entries/2008/08/05/more_than_two_dozen_cheerleade.html?cxntfid=blogs_the_blotter

432

Talk Zone / Re: Favre to the Jets (non-BB)

« on: August 07, 2008, 10:34:23 am »

He has been a drama queen, and if he wanted to keep playing he should have never had his crying press conference and "retired."

With that said, if an athlete wants to keep playing, I don't have any qualms with it.  Keep playing.  He's the one on the court or field or what have you, not me.  Plus, when given the opportunity to play a freaking sport that you love, and make a few extra million while you are at it.. would most people  decline??  He's playing a game! I know a lot of people not in position to do so, sitting at home pulling a 9-5, would say "sure, I'd go out on top"... not so sure that would really happen if I was given the opportunity though. 

These guys aren't even 40, which is old in the world of sports... but a lot of people at 40 aren't going to be worn down, content, and want to settle down on a ranch watching the cows.  Still got some life in them.  Just my opinion.

433

Talk Zone / Re: Biggio Book to be released soon

« on: August 05, 2008, 04:30:17 pm »

The Biggio Book has been out for several years... sliders, low and away.

Burn

434

Beer and Queso / Re: T.S. Edouard

« on: August 05, 2008, 12:00:44 pm »

You might want to check out some of the local tv station websites.  Sometimes they will post road closings. 
Don't know which direction you are coming from, but I-10 was shut down near Hankamer/Anahuac.

Coming from the opposite direction, from Austin. Not sure if I'm gonna take I-10 or 290.

435

Beer and Queso / Re: T.S. Edouard

« on: August 05, 2008, 11:48:48 am »

Thanks for the info Jane and Ty.

436

Beer and Queso / Re: T.S. Edouard

« on: August 05, 2008, 11:27:04 am »

I'm driving into Houston tonight, I have an exam I am taking tomorrow.  What is the weather there like now?  I've been keeping up with weather.com.. I assume its accurate, but just like to know what other folks are experiencing.

437

Talk Zone / Re: The deal the Astros didn't make

« on: August 04, 2008, 12:05:35 am »

Best team in the majors: Anaheim Angels, fast great defensive team that struggle to score runs (that got better with a good bat and good defender in Mark Texiera).  You are demonstrating a huge misunderstanding of pitching and defense and how it's a symbiotic relationship.  Bad defense will make a great pitcher very mediocre.  Great defense will make a good pitcher a Cy Young candidate.

Any pitcher appreciates solid middle infielders and a good CF.  Hell, they appreciate all great defensive players they have.  Like you mention, defense and pitching go hand in hand.

I don't know this for a fact, but I bet all the Astros pitchers loved AE.

438

Talk Zone / Re: Skip Caray dead.

« on: August 03, 2008, 09:56:41 pm »

That's too bad.

439

Talk Zone / Re: Beltran hatred

« on: August 03, 2008, 11:28:09 am »

Fuck the Mets

440

Beer and Queso / Re: Ron Artest a Rocket

« on: August 02, 2008, 03:09:49 pm »

And apparently, Yao was only joking when he made the comment about Artest and the fans...
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mplkn/5918602.html

441

Talk Zone / Re: It's August 1

« on: August 02, 2008, 03:06:09 pm »

  Things I'm interested in watching:   Whether Roy can put together a good 2nd half.   If Backe can do the same and solidify his spot for next year.  If Wolf will pitch his way into a contract.   What Bourn does from here on out.

And whether Carlos Lee can catch one of those running dogs at an away game in Milwaukee, and devour it prior to taking LF for the start of the bottom half of the 6th inning.

442

Talk Zone / Re: Monday Uni's

« on: July 31, 2008, 10:41:35 pm »

That almost qualifies as some sort of bestiality fetish.. yikes.

443

Talk Zone / Re: Manny Ramirez to the Marlins?

« on: July 31, 2008, 11:43:40 am »

The deal reported this morning on ESPN radio is this:

Pittsburgh - Florida - BoSox in a three way (NTTAWWT)

Pittsburgh gets Jeremy Hermida (sp?)
Boston gets Jason Bay
Florida gets (Grabow from Pittsburgh and Manny from Boston).

Now, why in the world would Florida want two veterans in Grabow and Manny?  For yet another stretch run at the playoff and possibly run through the NLDS and possibly NLCS and possibly World Series and possibly win it all yet again?  Yes.  Very much so.

And then they'll fire sale in the offseason and start all over again.  It is the Florida Marlin way!

Why is Pittsburgh so intent on trading Bay?  As Teddy KGB would say, just pay the man his money.

444

Talk Zone / Re: Griffey to the White Sox

« on: July 31, 2008, 11:40:00 am »

Looks like Griffey approved it.  Now he won't have to kill Brantley.

445

Beer and Queso / Re: Ron Artest a Rocket

« on: July 31, 2008, 10:15:16 am »

Honestly, why the hell did Yao make comments like that about him?  That's not only bad PR, its not the way to welcome a new teammate.  If you have concerns about those things, ask him in a private manner.

But I think Artest actually responded in a pretty solid way, didn't blow anything out of proportion.  Damned media.

446

Talk Zone / Re: Hawkins An Astro

« on: July 30, 2008, 08:45:45 pm »

No loss.  He wasn't going to be an everyday mlb player.  Lacks speed and range so 2b wasn't a great option.  Can play 3b but lacks the offensive punch from a guy playing that position.  I always thought of him as a Johnny Ash type guy.  He can help the minor league club he's on.  This is another example, IMO, of Wade & Co. seeing little long-term value in most of Purpura's minor leaguers.  If Hawkins helps bring in a playoff appearance then great.  If not, this deal isn't going to hurt, at all.  I don't have the chart in front of me to tell me where Hawkins was in the Elias rankings last year so I can't get a feel for if he is going to be a type-B guy this winter.

It is interesting that you mention how Wade/Smith see little value in most of Purpura's minor leaguers.  Most clubs have plenty of guys that will never make the big leagues, but was the Astros' minor league system that bad that so many are expendable, partly the fact that the "Astros are never sellers", or something in between?  I imagine something in between?

447

Talk Zone / Re: Hawkins An Astro

« on: July 30, 2008, 07:41:18 pm »

WTF

448

Beer and Queso / Re: Ron Artest a Rocket

« on: July 30, 2008, 06:02:52 pm »

The problem is, when he goes psycho it's not the slow burn or I'll just be a cancer in the locker room flip out.  To steal a little from the Batman thread, he trends more toward the Joker type of bat-shit crazy than Harvey Dent/Two-Face sort of crazy.  In other words, he's not just going to implode a team, he's going to spark a riot in an over-heated arena and then give you a "Who? Me?" look. 

Love what he does on the court, minus one event (although that was really off the court now that I think of it).  Not so crazy about the off-the-court distractions. 

By all accounts, his teammates have always loved the guy though.  I don't know about locker room cancer.  Most of his dust ups have been with front office/coaching (and with beer drinking fans), but he and Adelman seem to get along.  Didn't he offer to forfeit some salary to keep Adelman around?

Obviously, the guy has baggage, no one can deny that and he knows how to stir up the pot with management, but for the short-term at least, it should be a great move. 

449

Beer and Queso / Re: Ron Artest a Rocket

« on: July 30, 2008, 11:54:30 am »

Nah, he's on the last year of his contract.  If he goes psycho, the Rockets simply don't sign him as a free agent next year.  If he stays stable, it's a huge plus. 

Exactly.. outstanding trade, makes the Rockets more of a contender.  Artest will give the team more than BJax and Green would have this year.  Green has looked outstanding so far, but the bottom line is he is going to be a rookie and Artest is a top 15 player IMO.

450

Talk Zone / Re: Everett designated for assignment

« on: July 30, 2008, 10:57:57 am »

Didn't see that he rejoined the team.. nice.

451

Talk Zone / Re: top salaries, HOF

« on: July 30, 2008, 10:55:08 am »

I can't recall another legit Japanese candidate eligible for the HOF.. unless I'm forgetting someone.

In regards to Jeter, I don't think there's any doubt he should make the HOF.  He gets a lot of praise because he plays for the Yankees, but IMO, he gets shit on a lot also because he plays for the Yankees and folks like to discount his success with "he only gets credit because he's a Yankee."  Obviously, there's more of the former than the latter.  But he's a good player with production in the playoffs, he deserves it.

452

Talk Zone / Everett designated for assignment

« on: July 29, 2008, 07:17:28 pm »

"I just basically told him 'I don't have a spot for you,'" Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. "I can't send any of these other guys down right now."

The Twins have 10 days to release or trade the veteran, who signed a one-year, $2.6 million deal with the club in the offseason.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3510196

453

Talk Zone / Re: best OF throwing arms

« on: July 29, 2008, 12:17:24 pm »

If you guys saw me in little league, I'd be on your lists.

454

Talk Zone / Re: Austin TV tonight?

« on: July 28, 2008, 05:06:59 pm »

Speaking of the Reds, unless I missed this somewhere, I had no idea Griffey wanted Brantley dead!

For those who read Ken Griffey Jr.'s lips after his home run Saturday night and saw him make the throat-cutting gesture at home plate, the antics were aimed at broadcaster Jeff Brantley.

Griffey is angry over different comments Brantley made and said one of them was, "He said I'm pouting because the Reds haven't picked up my option ($16 million) for next year. If I was that concerned about money I wouldn't have come here in the first place."

http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/s/content/oh/story/sports/pro/reds/2008/07/27/ddn072808spredsnotesweb.html

455

Talk Zone / Re: Roy says "I'm ready to go Monday."

« on: July 28, 2008, 11:08:13 am »

Looking forward to Roy taking the mound tonight..

456

Talk Zone / Re: Unsurprising Joe Morgan story

« on: July 27, 2008, 01:15:59 pm »

That's a great read... really reinforces the type of character I imagine Morgan to be.

457

Beer and Queso / Re: The Dark Knight - Spoilers!

« on: July 24, 2008, 01:17:01 am »

I just think they focus on developing Bruce Wayne more than on developing Batman, which may be the director's choice.

458

Beer and Queso / Re: The Dark Knight - Spoilers!

« on: July 22, 2008, 10:33:57 pm »

I thought the movie was great.  The only thing I feel is lacking is that they aren't developing the character of Batman very well.  I understand its harder because they can't have thought bubbles and his feelings have to be expressed through conversations with others, but a few of the guys I watched with had the same sentiment.  I'm being nitpicky about that though.. because otherwise it was a great movie with great drama.

459

Beer and Queso / Re: Billly Packer out, Clark Kellogg in.

« on: July 17, 2008, 09:29:24 pm »

Good riddance to Packer.

460

Talk Zone / Re: Cubs acquire Rich Harden and Chad Gaudin

« on: July 10, 2008, 01:56:30 pm »

I thought Harden was supposed to start today and I tune in and Lilly is pitching.  Was I wrong on the assumption than Harden was supposed to go today?

Lilly was supposed to go today, Pinella said Harden would start Saturday.

461

Talk Zone / Re: The end is near, give up all hope!

« on: July 10, 2008, 01:55:11 pm »

How ironic for a post this long to be titled "the end is near".

If this was a democracy, I'd elect Noe to be GM for the Astros.  And then promptly ask him who really killed JFK.

462

Talk Zone / Re: Cubs acquire Rich Harden and Chad Gaudin

« on: July 10, 2008, 01:51:05 pm »

Harden has some of the best stuff in the majors, IMO.  The "if he stays healthy" has already been beat to the ground, so I won't get into it. 

Regardless, fuck the Cubs.  They'll fuck it up somehow.

463

Talk Zone / Clemens

« on: July 03, 2008, 03:16:19 pm »

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3472451

Tests of syringes and other steroid paraphernalia that trainer Brian McNamee submitted to federal agents will test positive for Roger Clemens' DNA, according to a brief filed in court by McNamee's lawyers.

Does Cabrera use steroids?

464

Talk Zone / Re: Joe Buck dislikes baseball

« on: July 03, 2008, 11:03:19 am »

Amazing, yet unsurprising.

That sums it up well for me too.

465

Beer and Queso / Re: SnS Firefox Question

« on: July 01, 2008, 11:45:37 pm »

Good call, I'll play with it, thanks.

That's a great add-on, useful for those rare websites that just will not work with FF.  On topic, I've never had a problem viewing this forum or avatars with FF.

466

Talk Zone / Re: Union to file greviance for Chacon.

« on: July 01, 2008, 04:19:33 pm »

Looks like they followed through.

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080701&content_id=3041299&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou&partnerId=rss_hou

467

Talk Zone / Re: Hey, how 'bout them Astros, eh?

« on: June 30, 2008, 12:01:47 am »

A tangent, but I saw on ESPN's MLB page the header "Astros target Freddy Garcia", but of course its insider material.  Any legs to this?

468

Beer and Queso / Women dead in front of TV for 42 years

« on: June 18, 2008, 10:27:39 pm »

This story sounds like a bunch of bologna to me, but what the heck, figured I'd post it anyway.  I find it hard to believe that no one would have checked her RESIDENCE when looking for a missing person.

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/2008/05/16/woman-sat-dead-in-front-of-tv-for-42-years-86908-20419070/

THE remains of a woman have been found sitting in front of her TV - 42 years after she was reported missing.

Hedviga Golik, who was born in 1924, had apparently made herself a cup of tea before sitting in her favourite armchair in front of her black and white television.

469

Talk Zone / Beaning an Ump

« on: June 18, 2008, 09:09:20 pm »

Anyone else ever heard of something this strange?  The kids sound like a bunch of punks.. I don't think they realize how they could have seriously injured him.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espnmag/story?id=3450245

470

Talk Zone / Re: The Mess

« on: June 18, 2008, 07:00:17 pm »

"If you get fired at 3AM, that's for sex"

471

Beer and Queso / Re: Game Consoles

« on: June 18, 2008, 06:56:22 pm »

I have a PS3 and I am loving MGS4.  Its an amazing game, particularly if you played the other MGS titles.. follows up great on the story.  It is a bit different because it deviates from some of the sneaking legacy - you can now instead choose to just blow everyone away instead of sneaking by them, for better or worse.

GTA 4 is pretty good.  I don't like it as much as some people.  It has a good storyline, but I've never been into the sandbox feel of just wandering aimlessly around blowing shit up and punching random people in the face.  That aspect gets old for me very quickly.  But, like I mentioned GTA 4 does have a pretty good storyline.

472

Beer and Queso / Re: galveston dining

« on: June 18, 2008, 06:52:41 pm »

I went to school in Galveston.  For seafood, Gaido's is good.  Casey's uses the same kitchen as Gaido's - the menu is a little more limited but it has cheaper prices for whatever reason.

Also, Cajun Greek is not too shabby for seafood.

473

Talk Zone / Re: Ensberg signs minor league deal with Indians

« on: June 17, 2008, 06:31:30 pm »

FYI: That link isn't nearly what you think it is.


ETA: Meaning that it's not anyone wrestling in desserts. Still, check it out.

At least it wasn't that youtube clip - 2girls1cup.

474

Talk Zone / Re: Steaming Steinbrenner...

« on: June 17, 2008, 01:12:13 pm »

At least usually a Steinbrenner is keeping it simple like "we need to win or else..", but the comment that the NL needs to get into the 21st century just goes beyond ignorant.

475

Talk Zone / Re: 600

« on: June 15, 2008, 09:36:57 pm »

I keep hearing a rumor from my friends that Griffey may be heading to the Rays.  Sorry, don't have any linkage to back it up, so take it with a grain of salt.

476

Talk Zone / Re: Cardinals' facing two more challenges

« on: June 15, 2008, 09:33:07 pm »

Looks like Molina took a big hit at the plate.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=280615124

477

Talk Zone / Re: 600

« on: June 12, 2008, 10:46:58 pm »

I'm a big fan of Griffey, and I agree that its a shame that some newer fans (I'm not exactly a salty veteran) may not realize how amazing he was early in his career.  I firmly believe he did not juice - of course I have no actual facts to back up my assertion, just what I believe.  He's got a beautiful swing. One of the coolest facts I heard is he never struck out in a high school game.

478

Talk Zone / Re: Dontrelle Willis back in the Bus League

« on: June 10, 2008, 10:05:17 pm »

I wonder how many $10M players have ever been sent that far down.

479

Talk Zone / Re: The plan to sit Michael Bourn versus the Pyroots

« on: June 04, 2008, 10:02:50 pm »

I hadn't noticed that we slid to 7.5 games back of the fucking Cubs after tonight's loss.

480

Talk Zone / Re: Instant replay savior or sinner

« on: May 29, 2008, 05:14:12 pm »

I am in favor of it, like others said, as long as it isn't used for safe/out calls.  The NBA doesn't use replay to determine whether a foul was really committed or not, sort of analogous IMO.  Well, vaguely, gray-ly analogous.

481

Talk Zone / Stark, Pumas, and the triple crown

« on: May 29, 2008, 05:11:43 pm »

Berkman is trying to join Mickey Mantle as the second switch-hitter in history to win this trifecta. And we're a little worried about him, now that his batting average for the month has dropped under (gasp) .500. But he sure has been hanging at the top of the leaderboard in all three categories for a long time now.

Scouts say they're not sure Berkman "has enough power" to win the home run title. But he's finished in the top five in homers three times. So why not? The big issue with us is actually the batting race. He has to outhit Chipper, and his average hasn't topped .316 since his first full season in 2001. Here's another worry: Berkman's current .438 average from the right side is 162 points higher than his career average. So while it's tough to put anything past the electrifying Big Puma, his odds are long.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&page=rumblings

482

Talk Zone / Re: Move over, Kaz

« on: May 29, 2008, 11:32:57 am »

Some of these guys really need to get their ass in gear.

483

Talk Zone / Re: Rick Ankiel

« on: May 29, 2008, 11:29:57 am »

No, it's a metaphorical allegory, ripe with the subtext of innocence and nostalgia. A morality play in which the spirit of a nation is framed in the context of history, and flanked by the mythology of a bygone era, with unicorns and centaurs and the such. It is so much more than a game. It is the launching pad for a thousand melodramatic missives, consisting of baffling, lyrical prose that thinly veils the desperate need to elevate a simple game to wait, what the fuck were we talking about?

This thread has gone from attemping to bash Ankiel to showering him with man love to a commentary on the finer points of enjoying baseball.  What an epic thread.  All started by a guy who goes by Rambo.  The internet is a beautiful thing.

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Beer and Queso / Re: Corpus Christi

« on: May 29, 2008, 11:27:09 am »

Don't know how old you are, but if you are looking for a bars downtown, Mulligans and Porky's are pretty decent.  Mulligans for good prices, Porky's for good scenery.  I assume both of those are still open.

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Talk Zone / Re: Rick Ankiel

« on: May 29, 2008, 11:19:24 am »

No, this means much less than that.

You mean keeping SnS alive doesn't make you guys millionaires?

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Talk Zone / Re: Rick Ankiel

« on: May 29, 2008, 11:15:39 am »

It's entertainment that means nothing more than what you see on the field.

Or on the message boards.

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Talk Zone / Re: Rick Ankiel

« on: May 29, 2008, 11:11:08 am »

Damn, I hate those kind of fans... really do.  Have to find the wrong things in life instead of enjoying baseball for the fun game it is, win or lose.

Exactly...  its just a game, albiet the fact these guys get paid millions to do it.

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Talk Zone / Re: Bagwell denies knowing gym owner Blair

« on: May 28, 2008, 05:05:46 pm »

Just curious, was there anything further on this?  Or is it just a dying animal with no legs?

489

Talk Zone / Re: What are those maple bats worth?

« on: May 23, 2008, 10:40:59 pm »

$65.50.

490

Talk Zone / Re: Pujols breaks faces and legs

« on: May 23, 2008, 10:55:50 am »

It was a happy day when they moved Neyer inside the Insider.  Could anything be more inappropriate?  Anyway, it meant that access to his particular brand of drivel was limited only to those who pay for the service, and so it would not get waived around by fanboys who could bring themselves near to climax without any tactile stimulation just by having their idiot theories published on an allegedly legitimate media outlet.

What he said.

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Talk Zone / Re: To any so-called "fans" who booed Lidge last night:

« on: May 23, 2008, 10:54:26 am »

As an Astros fan, I was embarrassed by people booing Lidge last night.

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Talk Zone / Re: Philles @ Astros Series Preview Posted

« on: May 22, 2008, 10:59:59 pm »

Nice work.

And the Roy O bobblehead looks like Robert Patrick from Terminator 2, while the Bagwell looks like the fat kid from the McLovin movie.

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Game Zone 2008 Archive / Re: Phillies @ Astros, 5/22/08

« on: May 22, 2008, 09:36:42 pm »

I'm not saying that it turned out he could have played it; not hardly.  I'm saying that he didn't move a muscle, and was within 2-3 inches of looking very, very foolish on the play.

IMO, too close to being in play to stand there like a statue.

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Talk Zone / Pujols breaks faces and legs

« on: May 21, 2008, 10:52:48 pm »

SAN DIEGO -- San Diego Padres pitcher Chris Young and catcher Josh Bard were knocked out of Wednesday night's game against the St. Louis Cardinals by Albert Pujols within a span of two batters.

Pujols hit a line drive off Young's face in the third inning, forcing the right-hander to leave the game. Young immediately fell on his backside and put his right hand up to his face. Blood was running down his face.

But right fielder Brian Giles' throw arrived at the plate at the same time as Pujols, who slid and caught Bard's left leg.
Bard went down in a heap and stayed on the ground for a few minutes before he was helped off the field, dragging his left leg.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3407357

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Talk Zone / Re: pence = new biggio

« on: May 21, 2008, 08:54:25 pm »

Pete Sampras was criticized for not being emotional enough on the court. Bagwell and Sampras were both of the mold that success was best celebrated by giving the impression that you had already been there and done that a 1,000 times before.

I don't see anything wrong with showing emotion, in moderation of course.  Like Limey said, it is sports.  Its not like its supposed to be a funeral.  IMO, its ok to be fiery as long as you aren't showing up your opponent, and its not after every single base hit or opponent you retire.

Sorry for the thread jack, back to the main topic - Pence's sinfully alluring friend.  Wait, what is this thread about again?

496

Talk Zone / Re: Whoa, how did I miss this?

« on: May 21, 2008, 08:38:02 pm »

I thought for sure this post would be referencing what's at the top of deadspin right now.  good fucking god!

I clicked the link and it took me to pinkmeatcompany.com, where I was able to further visually inspect Pence's lady friend.  I now must scan my computer for viruses.

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Talk Zone / Re: pence = new biggio

« on: May 20, 2008, 09:36:27 pm »

Last I heard, Bidge is still alive and well, setting up to coach a HS team.  There is no other #7.

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Talk Zone / Re: Berkman

« on: May 20, 2008, 05:08:23 pm »

Which happens first: .400, or triple crown?

IMO triple crown

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Talk Zone / Berkman

« on: May 20, 2008, 04:47:30 pm »

Just saw Berkman on PTI.  Highlights were that he said Albert Pujols is the best in the game, bar none, and the one guy with a shot at the triple crown.  Also talked about the "genesis" of the nickname Big Puma.

Anyone think Berkman has a legit shot at the triple crown?

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Talk Zone / Re: Coop on postgame

« on: May 19, 2008, 11:01:45 pm »

I don't understand people that walk around Texas wearing Red Sox hats.  What connection, if any, do you have to that team?  I feel like stopping them all in the street and asking them... and waiting for whatever ignorant answer they give.  That's my rant, sorry everyone had to put up with it.