Question of the Day: (Read the Column too!)

So with the World Cup starting tomorrow, I pose this question:

During the Olympics, rooting for any country not named the United States was seen as anti-American. Is it ok to cheer for another country during the World Cup? Such as the country where your grandparents or great-grandparents are from?


-Yes (Explain)

-No (Explain)

Final(s) Thoughts

With the Blackhawks successfully defeating evil personified in the Philadelphia Flyers last night, and bringing the Cup to Chicago. I thought I'd give my final take on the season that was.

-Great to see NBC cover Game 6. It gave the sport a big-time feel. You had two of the largest TV markets tuning in, and it couldn't have ended on a better night. Sandwiched between two NBA Finals games, and the World Cup. Hockey had it's own night to shine and did it ever.

-Even though everyone wants to see a pivotal Game 7, having Game 6 go into overtime is all you could have asked for. It was an extremely competitive game, with breaks for both teams. There was nothing to complain about in terms of biased referees or non-calls, and the GWG (game-winning goal) was controversy free. Perfecto!

-I said it here earlier in the year, that the Hawks were the Penguins of the West. They proved it last night by having a "younger" team, take it to the experienced Flyers. The Blackhawks, Kings and Canucks are the future of the West, while Pittsburgh and Washington will get over this past season hiccups to dominate the East for several years. Watch out for Boston and Tampa Bay(yes I said it), as they keep adding younger talent, as an under-the-radar pick.

-I don't care what anyone says, hockey is catching on big-time. If you watched any of the Playoffs, each game felt like a big deal, and the fans were electric. I have to give Montreal, Philly, and Chicago their due, as they seem to have the most dedicated and rabid fan base.

-Speaking of Philly, I can't believe I'm going to say this, but you showed real class last night by cheering and allowing the Blackhawks to celebrate in peace. Nothing was thrown on the ice and the ceremony wasn't booed at all, which is phenomenal.

-I still get a kick out of Gary Bettman (NHL Commissioner) getting booed in every venue. The guy is socially awkward, he needs to hire a public speaker, perhaps Bruce Buffer, to give his speeches. I rank him 3rd in the Commissioner poll, only beating Bud Selig in terms of ineptitude.

-Jonathan Toews (pronounced Taves) did his best imitation of Sidney Crosby by winning both a Stanley Cup and Gold Medal in the same year. The guy is 22 yrs old!!! Comparatively speaking, Stephen Strasburg made his debut two nights ago and already is 21. Toews has 3 championships under his belt already. Dominating stuff.

-Patrick Kane (their true superstar) is bringing back the mullet. He needs to be traded to Pittsburgh to fit in with that hairstyle.

-For those that don't know: The handlers of the Stanley Cup (two guys with white gloves) travel everywhere the Cup goes. Everybody in the Blackhawks organization gets a day or two to do whatever they want with the Cup. If I were one of the players, I'd get them drunk and then run off with the Stanley Cup. Maybe you wanted to spend the night with the Cup and some random "Bar rat", would they come into your room and watch b/c they had to keep an eye on the Cup? I need to know this.

-F' You to ESPN once again. Their coverage of the Stanley Cup final consisted of about 5-10 minutes worth of SportsCenter. By comparison, for Strasburg's debut, they interviewed 4-5 different people. Do they not understand the only way to help the Sport grow is to provide coverage?? The Finals had two major markets competing against each other, and don't tell me no one cares about hockey. Go to every major TV market as ask about their NHL team, and you'll find a huge fanbase. Just think if you did this, you wouldn't have to show the Harlem Globetrotters or Spelling Bee on your main channel.

-Doc Emerick is one of the best Play-by-play announcers alive. He gives every play the feel of life or death. In addition, it sounds like he's getting robbed at gunpoint after a great save. Classic stuff.

-We get two days to recover before cheering for the second most underrated and under appreciated sport in America, the World Cup of Soccer. Time for more chants, shenanigans, hooligans, and beer!!

U-S-A, U-S-A!!

Virtual Insanity

I'd like to believe most people are very visual learners. It may sound insane, but I whole heartily trust that my driving skills are attributed to playing Need for Speed, Daytona USA, and Gran Turismo. Sorry, Mario Kart doesn't make the list, because as far as I can see, there are no magic boxes that'll allow me to speed up, fire weapons, or make traffic ahead of me minuscule.

In the same belief, recently I've learned that if the end of the world comes, and the dead rise to become zombies, the safest place will be in Apt. 242. I know Gigs and myself would be Zombie Killing M'Fers. After watching 28 days later, 28 weeks later, Resident Evil 2 & 3, and shooting an African country's worth in Resident Evil 5, I feel pretty confident I'll be able to mow down hundreds of the blood-suckers. Of course if it was an attractive woman, maybe I'd let her think about it, before I took off her head.

I pose this question: Would you hook up with (fill in your celebrity), if afterwards you became a Zombie?

While we're on the subject, here's what else I've learned from video games:

-I could never be a sniper. Instead of firing one shot, I pretty much go into Rambo mode and shoot as many bullets as possible.
-Even in the virtual world, I am frugal with spending. I could have $75k, and I'm thinking "eh I'll pass on the rocket launcher, there may be something better down the line".
-Apparently all great things in life are hiding in boxes/crates. Some you can break with your head, and others you'll need to find a special key.
-Mushrooms give you super powers, or at least you think so, after you've taken them.
-Grand Theft Auto should just be renamed: "Another day in Columbia Heights, DC"
-According to RockBand, I should probably take over as lead singer for Alice in Chains
-If I ever get shot, I'll just either sit in a corner to heal up or eat some plants.
-Never trust Russians. They are ALWAYS evil. Especially Russian women (personal experience aside).


http://www.bing.com/videos/watch/video/the-fratellis-chelsea-dagger/025947d318e1fa4a9a53025947d318e1fa4a9a53-63378358826

LET'S GO HAWKS!!

I drive East every other Friday....

Home. It's where the heart is, the old saying goes. For this blogger, I've called Pittsburgh home for 26 years of my life. Time in DC has flown by, already living here for a year and a half. As Gigs will tell you, I'm still clueless as to how to get around the city. I know my escape route to Virginia and other points East. Otherwise, unless it's Adams Morgan, DuPont, Georgetown or Chinatown, I have no idea where it is.

Back in Pittsburgh, I could find a back road or route to get you anywhere. I'm not sure if that exists in DC. Seems at every turn there is more and more traffic. Another thing I've noticed is that in DC, you don't meet many/any people actually from the area. I'm not exactly sure why, but it's a bit odd to me. Whenever I meet someone from Pittsburgh in DC (that I didn't know beforehand) it's like running into an old friend. You reminisce about the place and your favorite spots.

That's the funny thing about the Burgh. For all those years spent trying to escape, you eventually look back on it and smile. Exploring new cities may be great, but once you KNOW everything about a city, it's that much better.

I'll be heading up to the Steel City twice in the next month. The 250 mile drive Northwest on I-70 and I-76 is equal parts relaxing and boring. The scenery as you're driving up the mountains in PA, heading towards Breezewood is intoxicating. You get a view that looks down upon small towns and the countryside. During the Spring/Summer, it's a perfect example of how tranquil parts of the world can be.

Soon, you hit one of the most amazing places on Earth, Breezewood Pennsylvania. I kid you not. After driving how many hours, being stuck in traffic, and just wanting to get to your final destination, this place is a glimmer of hope. It has everything you want and need. From Sheetz to Dunkin Donuts to Starbucks to Wendy's, it's a fast food haven. If you feel like sitting, there's even a Bob Evans, where Flo will serve you up some of the best fried country cookin'.

After passing through Breezewood, it's a race on the PA Turnpike against Tractor trailers and other crazy drivers. When it's raining or snowing, you may even begin to doubt if you'll make it out alive. Of course, it's just a thought, and as it passes, so do the final 110 miles.

Finally, you jump off on the Monroeville exit, fly through the Squirrel Hill tunnels, and the city landscape is there to slap you in the face. At night, it's a stunning view of steel buildings and lights. To this day, I believe Yellowcard wrote the song "City of Lights" after Pittsburgh.

I finally make it home, and within the first floor of my house the last 20 years of memories rush over me, like a flashback in LOST. I see pictures of family and pets (both with us and deceased). I'd then make my way into the dining room, where the piano I used to play for 10 years sat.

But on this next trip back, the piano will no longer be there. It finally was sold, and it's been a mixed review. Home will look a bit different, just as it marginally does every other time I travel back. Just like the city, for so many years I tried to escape playing the piano, and now that it's gone, I want it back. Just one more time to play "November Rain". As I think about the drive next week, I can't seem to shake this song outta my head...

"So I'll drive
And I'll think about my life
And wonder why, I'll slowly die inside
Everytime I turn that car around, right at the PA line and i count the days and the miles back home to you on that Highway 76 ride"

-Zac Brown Band

New Sporting Rules

Here here, the Sports Czar is holding court and hereby passing these laws.

1) The NBA needs to push those photographers back about 20 feet. Why in the world do they need to be so close to the action? I'm pretty sure we've developed camera lenses that will zoom in. I'm sure the players love it when they're in a full out sprint and end up crashing into a sea of midgets and cameras. Ahhh feels great on the back! I don't blame Dennis Rodman for kicking these guys.

2) While we're on the subject. Just because you're a fan doesn't mean you can get away with anything. Case #1, the Artest Melee in Auburn Hills. If you throw your drink at any athlete, they should have free range to inflict whatever bodily harm they see fit. When else in society is it acceptable to do this? If someone did that to you at a party or on the street, wouldn't you re-act the same?

3) I understand golf is one of the few sports that had remained "traditional" and up until a few decades ago, only snobby old white men played it. However, Golf has become revolutionized since Tiger Woods started playing, and now other aspects need to be changed. Cheering/jeering. Why is it Golf is the only sport where they need absolute silence? Are the golfers that thin-skinned they can't handle hecklers? Every other sport has crowd noise, music, yo-momma remarks. Just accept it Golf and watch the sport captivate more young people. Just look at horse racing for an example. They allowed drinking in the middle of the tracks, and throngs of 20-somethings show up to their major races.

4) If your team has 10+ consecutive years of a below .500 record. They WILL be moved. No if/and/buts about it. There are plenty of other owners and cities looking for teams. Congratulations to the Las Vegas Pirates!!!

5) If a baseball batter steps out of the box more than 3 times in one at-bat, the pitcher gets to ding him with a fastball, free of charge. Hopefully this will stop the whole Nomar and A-Rod trend of constantly adjusting.

6) WNBA is now the professional mud-wrestling league. Of course we'd have to replace all the players now. Sexist you say? Does anyone even attend these games or watch them on TV? Might as well make a bit more interesting at least. Look at the bright side, I'm sure Budweiser will jump all over this as a sponsor.

7) New idea for UFC. Tag-Team fighting or escape from the cage matches.

8) NFL-NCAA Football. No more kickers. We're going old-school here. No more extra point attempts, only two point conversions. If you want to kick a field goal, one of your other players must attempt it. Someone who can actually stand to be tackled. For kickoffs, you throw it, just like in those famous Thanksgiving Bowl games.

9) Steroids are now allowed in any sport. I want to see what the human anatomy is full capable of. 650 foot home runs, tackles that take off some one's arm, 180 MPH slapshots, 135 mph fastball. Let's show the rest of the world what we're made of! GHB and HGH!!

10) Please take away the uniforms from baseball managers. I'm tired of seeing 60-70 year old men walking around in tights. Christ, if I wanted to see that I'd go back to watching WWF.

UPDATE:

1b) All professional athletes are on incentive based contracts. The contracts will have a stated minimum pay, say $1-5 million. Then, based upon your performance, compared to others in your position, you get paid on your ranking. This will eliminate all arguments of being underpaid or overpaid. The top 5-10 players at each position will be handsomely rewarded with $15-20 million/year. I'm tired of seeing guys holding out in training camp b/c of one good year. Let's see how motivated all players remain, it can only increase competition in the league. Of course this makes too much sense and will never happen due to Players Union (another unnecessary evil of sports).

Don't piss on my head and tell me it's raining....

Obama nation is slowly turning each day into a Jim Jones cult. With this BP Oil Crisis, it's becoming more and more prevalent. In the beginning, we were willing to give him a pass, because he had to "clean up" the mess GW Bush left us with. People would argue to me all the time, "anything is better than another Republican President".

So I ask, when do we stop drinking the Kool-Aid and realize what's going on? This isn't meant stir panic like Glenn Beck, it's an honest question. Do we realize how long this event has been going on? It started back on April 20th, and by the looks of it, it'll at least be June 20th, before anything has been resolved.

Two months of oil leaking out into the water, towards Louisiana and affecting not only the Ecosystem, but the Fishing industry as well. People flipped out when Bush did not respond to the Hurricane Katrina quickly enough. It was less than TWO WEEKS, before the Southeast area was flooded (pardon the pun) with supplies, volunteers and benefit concerts. From my view, Obama STILL has not done anything to quell this disaster. Again, some will argue this is not affecting people's lives, and thus does not require immediate response. It is and will affect lives, and two months later, you're still dragging your feet? Pick it up man!

The Unemployment rate is still sky high at 9.7. When he took over the office of President, the rate was 8.2, and it's high mark was at 10% in November-December. Most of the jobs he has introduced recently, have been temporary assignments. Argue you all you want about GWB, but while he was in office the high mark was 7.4 and that was the December before he left office.

Listen, I want Obama to succeed and become this President that unites the country. However, his decision making, authority, and responsiveness has been questionable for much of the first year and a half of his Presidency. Yet, people are still quiet and mum on any flaws he may have.

This isn't a race thing, but Obama needs to start focusing on actual issues. I give him praise for pushing through Health Care reform (even though it should have been passed back when Clinton introduced it). Otherwise, I'm seeing goose-eggs up on the scoreboard. Stop trying to be the friendly, funny, sports-enthusiast President, and focus on getting things done. Be that A-hole needed to put the fear of God in BP and Wall Street. No one wants to look back on your term and think, "he didn't get much done, but he was a nice guy". As we all know, nice guys finish last.

Memorial Day was dominated

Fresh off the 3 day weekend, which seemed like one non-stop day, here's some food for thought.


-Capital Skyline Hotel throws an amazing pool party. At 12:30 pm there was already music blaring, drinking/BBQ'ing, and scantily-clad people everywhere. If they only renovated the hotel, they could become the SW version of the "W" Hotel.

-Speaking of the scantily-clad, after discussing opinions of what bathing suits guys prefer on women, I quietly noted that the wrong crowd wears what I call the "Pregnancy" bikini. You seemingly notice women who are in-shape sporting it, but those who think a Gym, is a name of a guy, have no problem wearing Euro-style suits.

-I'm not sure if I'll ever get used to the dudes wearing the Banana boats. Unless this is a bodybuilding competition, there is no need to be wearing that in public...Just the thought makes me shudder. At this point I wish I was drunk!

-Attended a friend's BBQ on Sunday night and was having an amazing time, when I thought I was about to see a suicide attempt. This woman thought it was a great idea to storm off, jump the railing, put both hands on the ledge and.........sit down. This is about the only negative of ever hosting a Rooftop party. Next time leave the crazy at home!

-Walking from Chinatown to Columbia Heights isn't too bad (2.9 miles). However about halfway through the walk at 2:30 am, after about 8 police cars buzzed by, I thought "do I have a better chance of making it home alive or the Pirates having a winning season?". I felt better immediately afterwards.

-Celebrated a year anniversary of my amazing tan lines on Monday. No one can say I haven't tried to get rid of them. They've survived two beach trips and the recent 5 hour excursion at the pool. After they solve this BP Oil Crisis, perhaps the US Government should focus their attention on this...

-The Chicago Blackhawks (NHL) are up 2-0 in their series after Monday. The only sporting event that could beat this is watching Kevin Garnett scream "ANYTHING IS POSSIBBBBBBBBLAAAAAH"

-I take that back, Jan. 1, 2011, will crush it by comparison. Pens vs Caps at Heinz Field...Where do I sign up????

-Last year was Michael Jackson, this year Gary Coleman and Corey Haim. If I'm Maculy Culkin, I'm in full on panic mode right now. (NOTE: Put your money on him in the 2011 Celebrity Poll)

-DON'T ICE ME BRO!!! http://brosicingbros.com/

-Buy stock immediately this second in Smirnoff, Bacardi and Mike's Hard Lemonade.