Wednesday, May 31, 2006

World Cup Coverage

The World Cup is less than two weeks away, and I'm getting excited. It's not just because of the commercials featuring Bono or the fact that I just bought FIFA 2006 for my XBOX which is a nice change after months of playing NCAA Football 2005. If you're looking for World Cup Coverage, I have two links for you:

The World Cup Soccer Blog - This may be the most complete site that I've seen to the point that it is overwhelming.

The Washington Post's Road to the World Cup - Much more management with quick posts and links. There seems to be more entries each day as the World Cup nears.

I'm sure I'll write more about the World Cup over the next month.

Monday, May 29, 2006

Today's Rant

During an afternoon walk, three guys wearing white shirts and ties riding bikes stopped me. As many of you probably already know, these folks were representatives of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I told them that I was Jewish, hoping that they would decide that I wasn’t about to switch leagues. Instead, I was surprised that they were actually very excited (maybe converting Jews is worth extra points). I let them give their speech about the book of Mormon for a few minutes and they gave me a card.

As someone who has worked with multiple religious organizations (the Mormons were a huge help in several blood drives I coordinated several years ago), I am probably too nice just to dismiss them. However, I really, really, really don’t like being proselytized. I am very happy and comfortable with my religion. I would never tell people what to believe and don’t want to be told that I’m going to hell. Just leave me alone! Thank you.

Friday, May 26, 2006

Funny Video

I have no idea how to show a video, so go to Deadspin and see what happens when you mix a kid with a trampoline and basketball hoop.

I seem to have a dark sense of humor tonight, so please don't get upset if you don't find this funny.

Show Your World Cup Spirit!

If you are a true soccer fan, you may want to buy this contact lens with a soccer ball pattern. I can't decide if this looks cool or scary. Probably a little of each.

If you really want to buy these lenses, it seems like you'll have to get them in Germany.

Thursday, May 25, 2006

Fall TV Schedule (Part II)

With the season finales of Lost and American Idol now come and gone, there will now be very little on TV until the fall. I presented a preview of the fall TV schedule for ABC and NBC last week; here is the fall line-up for CBS and FOX.

Basically, there is nothing new for CBS. There will still be 3 CSIs and the rest of the military and crime shows (Cold Case, Without a Trace, The Unit, NCIS...I have never watched any of these shows). Even though I haven't watched the show much over the past few months (courtesy of Prison Break), I'm very happy that How I Met Your Mother will be back. This is the one show I hope to catch in reruns this summer. Gone are Yes Dear and Still Standing. Oh, the Dharma (Jenna Elfman) show didn't make it either. There are a few new dramas that I know about only through this article: Smith starring Ray Liotta (I also heard that this may be filmed in Pittsburgh; well possibly one episode) and Shark with James Woods. Unfortunately, Shark has nothing to do with Spring Break Shark Attack.

Lisa De Moraes (the extremely funny Washington Post TV writer; read her American Idol reviews) has a preview of FOX and CW (the new network from CW and WB). FOX has a few new shows including Standoff with Ron Livingston and 'Til Death starring Brad Garrett (from Raymond). The Simpsons and Family Guy will be back, and remarkably, so will The War at Home. The producers of The War at Home must have some dirt on Rupert Murdoch because this may be the worst show on TV. I never watch WB or CW but 7th Heaven and Everyone Hates Chris will be back.

If there are any good shows this summer (Hit Me One More Time?), I'll be sure to let you know. In the meantime, I'll be watching the first season of Lost.

Tuesday, May 23, 2006

Why Not?

I wrote a running diary about the Academy of Country Music Awards last year, and since I found while flipping channels, I figured I would do it again. Well, at least until I got bored or switched back to the Heat-Pistons game.

* What do the best new female artist nominees have in common? They all have blond hair, blue eyes and are showing cleavage. Carrie Underwood was the (not so much of a) surprise winner. I never heard of the other two nominees. Carrie made sure to thank Simon Fuller and American Idol. I can't wait for Idol to be over.

* Tony Stewart came out to say something about Home Depot and a Humanitarian Award for Vince Gill. Stewart looks about as athletic as John Kruk or Craig Stadler. Does NASCAR have any kind of fitness program or does Stewart just choose not to participate?

* I would love to see a male country singer wear a hat other than a cowboy hat. Maybe an old school LL Cool J Kangol hat.

* Wow! Rascal Flats were just performing in Vegas and then magically are now performing wherever the award show is taking place. I'm getting bored very quickly.

* The Heat are up by five to start the fourth quarter. I'll be asleep before the game ends.

* Stupid awards show. Everyone who performs just before their category, wins. OK, I don't know if it is EVERYONE but that just happened for Rascal Flats and Keith Urban Kidman.

That's it for me. Over Done; Done Over.

Monday, May 22, 2006

Two Links

Looking for something to do online? Here are two suggestions:

1. Google Trends (google.com/trends)

While this is still in the early stages, you can go to Google and "see what the world is searching for." Where else could you learn that the top city when searching for "Debbie Gibson" for all regions in 2006 is Santiago, Chile followed by Atlanta and Lima, Peru?

2. Project Implicit (www.implicit.harvard.edu)

I learned about this from Malcolm Gladwell's Blink. There are about a dozen tests on this site that demonstrates the conscious versus unconscious. I just tried the Gender-Science IAT (Implicit Association Test). Based on my test, the data suggested a slight association of Male with Science and Female with Liberal Arts compared to Female with Science and Male with Liberal Arts. I'm going to try the Presidents IAT next. If you take any of these tests, feel free to share your results in the comments section.

Sunday, May 21, 2006

Looking for a Book to Read (or a Father's Day Gift)?


A friend of a friend recently had his book, "Glow Pucks and 10-Cent Beer: The 101 Worst Ideas in Sports History" published. Sample subjects include Disco Demolition Night, Rafael Palmeiro for Viagra and Mixing Santa with Philly Fans. I honestly know nothing about the book but I've met the author (Greg Wyshynski) and have a feeling that this book will be a good read. For more information about the book, click here.

Thursday, May 18, 2006

Clemente

There is a new book by David Maraniss about the great Roberto Clemente. I am really looking forward to read the book, especially after viewing an online discussion with the author on washingtonpost.com. The folks posting comments and questions share wonderful stories and memories about Clemente. Plus, I learned through the discussion that Maraniss will be a bookstore close to where I work next Wednesday. Has anyone out there already read the book?

Tuesday, May 16, 2006

Fall TV Preview (Part I)

The TV networks have started to announce the fall line-ups. NBC's fall schedule (here or here includes two "behind the scenes" Saturday Night Live-type shows, three Law & Orders and two nights of Deal or No Deal. The good news is that Scrubs will return at mid-season, which is a good thing. I've enjoyed having new episodes of Scrubs just about every week over the past few months. So long to Joey, Teachers (which I thought had potential), Four Kings, E-Ring and Fear Factor.

The big news from ABC's fall line-up (and here) is that Grey's Anatomy is moving to Thursday at 9. That is going to be a huge TV match-up against CSI and the Saturday Night Live show that looks good (the Aaron Sorkin one with Matthew Perry). John Stamos is out of work as Jake in Progress is gone. Same with Commander in Chief, another show I thought had potential. Maybe ABC shouldn't have show three word show titles with "in" as the second word! That's not a good sign for "Men in Trees."

JQ, if you are reading this, I remember you having something last year about a contest where you guessed what shows would be cancelled first. If you have it, I would love to run it/participate in it in the fall.

I'll have the FOX & CBS line-ups here later this week.

Monday, May 15, 2006

Ithaca College Sports News

Congratulations to the Ithaca College softball team on winning the NCAA Regional Championship and advancing to the 2006 NCAA Division III Softball Championship. The Bombers are now 39-5 and will head to Raleigh for a game on Friday.

Congrats to the IC baseball team on being selected for the NCAA Division III playoffs. The Bombers are seeded second in the seven-team New York Regional, which starts on Wednesday.

Besides the official website of Ithaca College athletics, this has to be the best place on the web for IC news!

Very Quick Question

If you are reading this RIGHT NOW, I have a question. What is the TV station FOX going to do tonight? I want to watch the season finale of Prison Break, but the Presidential Address is scheduled for 8:00. Will FOX air Prison Break in its entirely after the address (8:30 or 9:00) or postpone it to another night?

Sunday, May 14, 2006

I Feel Old & Young

This actually has nothing to do with my birthday; just with my activities from this weekend. On Friday night, we went to a community theatre performance of "Run For Your Wife," a very funny British play about a taxi driver that has two wives in opposite ends of London and has his worlds collide. Anyway, my wife and I are about 35 years younger than the age of the average audience member. The performances are great; I just wish that there were a few more people around our age in attendance.

On the other end of the spectrum, we went to a Bar Mitzvah yesterday. Naturally, there were dozens of 7th graders running around. Oh, to be 13 again when life revolved around school, sports and friends (not in that particular order). Good times!

Hockey Playoffs

I talked about my issues with the Penguins a few weeks ago, but I didn't really mention the NHL as a whole. I feel like I am familiar with many of the league's best players. Here are the goalies for four of the teams still in the playoffs:

Ilya Bryzgalov, Anaheim
Cam Ward, Carolina
Vesa Toskala, San Jose
Ryan Miller, Buffalo

Who are these people?!?! And is the NHL going to get good ratings with these "stars."

Oh, and when did the Buffalo Sabres get to be good again? Is Dominik Hasek playing?

Saturday, May 13, 2006

Happy Birthday Today to...

Stevie Wonder
Dennis Rodman
Peter Gabriel
Harvey Keitel
George Lucas
Barry Zito
Bea Arthur
Joe Louis
Darius ("Hootie") Rucker
Stephen Colbert
Mike Bibby
Ritchie Valens
and to Mr. Ramblings himself (that would be me)!

Have a great Saturday and Happy Birthday to everyone out there with a May 13th birthday!

Thursday, May 11, 2006

Fantasy Leagues

ESPN's Bill Simmons, AKA The Sports Guy, has an article about fantasy sports and trying to find a fantasy league for his wife. I can relate to much of the article since I spend way too many hours of my life contemplating line-ups and closely following the at-bats of "legendary" players such as Mike Lamb and Jason Repko. Anyway, I like really like his idea of an Us Weekly fantasy league, although I think my wife would excel in a People fantasy league.

Wednesday, May 10, 2006

I'm Lost

I've watched Lost occasionally since the show premiered, but only since the recap show a few weeks ago do I feel like I know a little bit of what's going on. I watched the entire episode last week and was truly shocked by the ending. I missed the first half hour of tonight's episode, so I really don't know what happened. It also seemed like nothing too important occurred in the second half of the episode, but I could be completely wrong. Can anyone fill me in on what I missed and if what I did see was crucial to the plot? Thanks.

Monday, May 08, 2006

My Return

I just wanted to let you all know that I am back from Wyoming. I actually saw bison or buffalo (is there a difference?) on the way to the Jackson Hole airport today. They were just grazing maybe 50 feet from the road. It was very cool.

Here's a fun fact from the trip: the Jackson Hole airport is the only airport located within a U.S. National Park (Grand Teton National Park).

More tomorrow...

Sunday, May 07, 2006

Jackson Hole Update


I have not had consistent internet access, but wanted to provide an update of things here in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. First, this is a sample picture of a room in the hotel. My hotel room is extremely similar except my view is not THIS nice.

A few other notes...if you are ever in Jackson Hole and need a taxi, call Jimmy at Teton Taxi. I'll even give you the number (307-733-1506). Of course, if you are in Wyoming you don't need the area code since there is only one for the entire state. Jimmy is Teton Taxi (it is a one-cab fleet), has been extremely friendly and reliable and suggested a great restaurant that is popular with locals and not filled with tourists.

I also visited the Jackson KMart. Apparently, the KMart here is either the highest grossing or has the highest revenue of any KMart in the country. I guess that's what happens when there are few national chains in the region and no Walmarts or Targets.

Thursday, May 04, 2006

Snow in May?

When I look over my left shoulder as I am typing this, I see snow. It is not snowing at the moment, but there are flurries expected tonight. I should probably mention that I'm in Jackson Hole, Wyoming and not in the DC area, which may explain a few things. I just flew in this afternoon, and it is beautiful here. Plus, my hotel room is AWESOME! The fireplace is on and sitting on the very comfortable chair with my legs resting on the ottoman is a nice way to live.

Wednesday, May 03, 2006

Why I'm In Last Place

I wrote last month the results of my fantasy baseball draft. I am in two leagues, but I really care about the league I have been in for 15 years. Only one month into the baseball season and I'm in last place with little hope of improvement. Here's why:

Odalis Perez (LA) 3-1 record/6.90 ERA/1.70 Walks + Hits divided by Innings (WHIP)
Oliver Perez (PIT) 1-4/7.535/2.163
Ben Sheets (MIL) 1-3/6.639
Carlos Zambrano (CHI) 0-2/5.346/1.723

Ray Durham (SF) .203 average/1 Home Run/8 Runs Batted In
Rafael Furcal (LA) .203/0/3
Jeff Kent (LA) .189/1/12
Brian Schneider (WAS) .198/0/9
Skip Schumaker (STL) .180/1/2
Jose Valentin (NY) .130/0/0

Just terrible.

Monday, May 01, 2006

NFL Draft Recap

I just have a few quick notes from this weekend's NFL draft related to the Steelers and more:

* I like the pick of Ohio State WR Santonio Holmes. He seemed to make big plays in every OSU game I saw him.

* I miss the days of 12 rounds of the NFL draft. Who made the decision to only make it 7 rounds? The NFL or ESPN?

* With some of the injury problems Ben has had, it was a good pick to take Bowling Green QB Omar Jacobs in the 5th round. Let me preface this by saying that I really like Charlie Batch; he's much better than people give him credit for. Anyway, here's the reason I like Jacobs: in 2004 he threw 41 TD passes and only 4 interceptions. He really "struggled" last year throwing 26 TDs and 7 interceptions. That's a great ratio on any level.

* Like previous star wide receivers at Pitt, Larry Fitzgerald and Antonio Bryant, Greg Lee decided to leave early to go to the NFL. Fitzgerald and Bryant both won the Fred Biletnikoff award for best college WR. Lee did not and did not get drafted at all yesterday. Not such a good move for Lee.

* Is there any list out there where I can find the free agent signings of undrafted players? The only thing I can find is that Jai Lewis is going to the Giants and that Connecticut basketball player Ed Nelson was signed by the Rams.