Until recently. No one is unaware of my referee bashing, especially in the last NFL season, but some of these refs need to be FIRED.
Watching the Cleveland Cavaliers play at home is nauseating at best. What these zebras are doing to the game is almost disgraceful; it is almost as bad to see them play anywhere else. The series with the Magic has been a prime example. The reason you havent heard from me yet was because the Cavs are heads over heels better than the last teams they have faced in the postseason, but against a notably better team, the Orlando Magic, the Cavaliers have had to rely on their 6th man...
The boys in stripes.
I think it is because the NBA... and David Stern... all want to see LeBron vs. Kobe. The TV ads have been pushing it, both the NBA's own advertisements, and others providers like Nike. Still, to a hardcore sports fan, this is unacceptable. The best team, the one that proves it deserves to win should win the game. Politics run the world, and that includes sports; but a smaller market, lesser known team should never be cast aside in favor of something people would just like to see. This is what XBox is for, so you can play 23 vs. 24 all night long, where the calls don't kill the faith and heart of thousands of fans who see this happening to their team, and are powerless to stop it.
As I write this, the Magic are about to take a 2-1 series lead, (should be 3-0), and Howard just fouled out on what could be the worst call I may have EVER seen. (look it up. It will be on SportsCenter tomorrow. It was that bad.) It was so bad I forgot I was in parenthesis. Hedo Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis' heroics in game one were overshadowed, and rarely mentioned by the media, but LeBron's last second buzzer beater in game two has been played at least once every few minutes somewhere across the globe. It probably just passed a couple million or so YouTube hits while I am writing this.
Nothing against LeBron James, ever. He is a player that words cannot really describe. Maybe just simply put, amazing. I was not too young to remember, or even see Michael Jordan play, but I was too young to see the refs look the other way for him. I am a "WITNESS" to this now. The Magic will try to dig out of this hole, but I fear this is all for naught unless Orlando can win the next two games by 40 points, keeping it far enough away so that the officials cannot determine the outcome.
So what is really happening? It seems that the calls are going one way, and you stop to take a look, and realize they REALLY are.
Why was there no retroactive flagrant foul against Mo Williams after he chucked the ball at Howard in game two? Its funny that everyone in the arena saw that happen except the stripes, who took their eyes off the ball for the first time ever. All at once. Where is the NBA, and Stuart Jackson, that were handing out so many retroactive fouls during the first two rounds of the playoffs? They gave more of those away than Chinese Restaurants give free samples in the mall to passers. I know they saw that clip.
In summary, "King James" never fouls, and the rest of the league fouls him if they get within a foot of him. James challenged at least 3 fast break layups / dunks the Magic turned, and hit the hands of the shooter on all of them. All fouls, and one goaltend. Guess which plays didn't get calls? All of them.
I wish Charles Barkley would become an NBA official. He always calls it like it is- "Ball don't lie."
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
NFL Rule Changes
*Note: this column has been chosen to represent myself in the National Collegiate Journalists' Association, or something like that. Hope you like it!
NFL CHANGES THE GAME
Apr 1st, 2009
By Alex Barrettabarrett@valenciavoice.com
As with most years, the NFL has decided to do their best this off-season to attempt to assure the safety of players in the league. They do this, of course, by implementing rule changes that butcher the game’s core competencies, and rarely ever make any sense.
This year, another Tom Brady rule has been put forth. Hooray! You may remember the original ‘tuck rule’ that was put in place the year after the Raiders were robbed in the AFC Championship game after a clear fumble by Brady. This rule is a little more involved. Following the season-ending injury to Toy-Boy Brady, the league has now made it illegal to hit a quarterback below the hip pads, and illegal to hit the quarterback if you are on the ground as well.
This rule, joined with a legit rule, not being able to strike above the shoulder pads, now makes the only place for rushers to make contact with the QB from the lower shoulders to the belly button.
Thus, after years of seasons, hundereds of games, and millions of fans who tune in to big hits and grimacing quarterbacks, the league has finally decided to use twohand touch on the field generals of the league.
I have a better idea; let’s give the quarterback a set of flags so the defenders don’t even have to risk touching the frail, breakable QB. It is sad that players like Steve McNair, who injured virtually every bone in his body was able to go out week after week and play, but the first time a flagship player like Tom Brady goes down, all of a sudden there’s a problem.
Poor Brady, who is still dating a supermodel, and who still managed to take pictures for endorsemets of clothing, cologne, and feminine hygiene products during his vacation away from the league.
This guy isn’t a football player, he is a pansy. It’s not like the first player in the backfield against the Patriots this year is going Steven Segal Tom’s knee and kick it in backwards to prove a point. Safties aren’t Chuck Norris roundhouse-kicking receivers coming across the middle. Football is a tough sport where contact is completely necessary. If you’re having problems with your QB staying healthy, maybe they should choose a new line of work, or hit the weight room to bulk up and prevent injuries.
Unfortunately, the No Fun League has struck again, making sure we have another diluted contribution on Sundays. No more “Jacked Up!” No more leveling hits to pollute ESPN’s Top 10 countdown. Players on the gridiron are going to get hurt, no matter how many adaptations to hits you make. Sooner or later, we will find ourselves on a path to abolising contact in sports altogether. No matter how many punishing blows you put on a player, there are still more injuries in other sports, such as basketball, where the players don’t even wear pads with the exception of the occasional face protector, or Horace Grant’s famous goggles.
My advice to the league: end this now; I understand you have to protect your investments and players, but the one thing that keeps you going are the fans. Once they fly for greener pastures, it will be hard to pay those players millions of dollars each year. People love football, not sort-of football. Maybe if the league saw this, they would think a little longer about making decisions as potentially hap-hazard as this one.
NFL CHANGES THE GAME
Apr 1st, 2009
By Alex Barrettabarrett@valenciavoice.com
As with most years, the NFL has decided to do their best this off-season to attempt to assure the safety of players in the league. They do this, of course, by implementing rule changes that butcher the game’s core competencies, and rarely ever make any sense.
This year, another Tom Brady rule has been put forth. Hooray! You may remember the original ‘tuck rule’ that was put in place the year after the Raiders were robbed in the AFC Championship game after a clear fumble by Brady. This rule is a little more involved. Following the season-ending injury to Toy-Boy Brady, the league has now made it illegal to hit a quarterback below the hip pads, and illegal to hit the quarterback if you are on the ground as well.
This rule, joined with a legit rule, not being able to strike above the shoulder pads, now makes the only place for rushers to make contact with the QB from the lower shoulders to the belly button.
Thus, after years of seasons, hundereds of games, and millions of fans who tune in to big hits and grimacing quarterbacks, the league has finally decided to use twohand touch on the field generals of the league.
I have a better idea; let’s give the quarterback a set of flags so the defenders don’t even have to risk touching the frail, breakable QB. It is sad that players like Steve McNair, who injured virtually every bone in his body was able to go out week after week and play, but the first time a flagship player like Tom Brady goes down, all of a sudden there’s a problem.
Poor Brady, who is still dating a supermodel, and who still managed to take pictures for endorsemets of clothing, cologne, and feminine hygiene products during his vacation away from the league.
This guy isn’t a football player, he is a pansy. It’s not like the first player in the backfield against the Patriots this year is going Steven Segal Tom’s knee and kick it in backwards to prove a point. Safties aren’t Chuck Norris roundhouse-kicking receivers coming across the middle. Football is a tough sport where contact is completely necessary. If you’re having problems with your QB staying healthy, maybe they should choose a new line of work, or hit the weight room to bulk up and prevent injuries.
Unfortunately, the No Fun League has struck again, making sure we have another diluted contribution on Sundays. No more “Jacked Up!” No more leveling hits to pollute ESPN’s Top 10 countdown. Players on the gridiron are going to get hurt, no matter how many adaptations to hits you make. Sooner or later, we will find ourselves on a path to abolising contact in sports altogether. No matter how many punishing blows you put on a player, there are still more injuries in other sports, such as basketball, where the players don’t even wear pads with the exception of the occasional face protector, or Horace Grant’s famous goggles.
My advice to the league: end this now; I understand you have to protect your investments and players, but the one thing that keeps you going are the fans. Once they fly for greener pastures, it will be hard to pay those players millions of dollars each year. People love football, not sort-of football. Maybe if the league saw this, they would think a little longer about making decisions as potentially hap-hazard as this one.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Why do rape victims' names get withheld from presses?
Anonymity for rape victims
FOLLOW THIS STORY AT www.valenciavoice.com
By Alex Barrett
ORLANDO - It seems that every time a rape crime, or supposed sexual battery incident occurs, there is always one missing piece of information that no one can identify; the victim's name.
You may think that the names are just lost in translation, or kept from the public, but the truth is, there is no law that prohibits the release of information pertaining to the supposed victims name outside of two states, Florida, and South Carolina. In these states, the law prohibits the publication of rape victims’ names and the constitutionality of those statutes is uncertain. The Supreme Court is considering the Florida statute this term in light of a 1974 high court ruling that struck down a similar Georgia law, stating it was alright to print the names of victims in a manner that is not degratory in any way.
In states outside of Florida and South Carolina, the names of victims aren't printed either, but for a different reason. Simply put, to be respectful to those who have been violated. Orlando Lawyer Emma Ubanks has had some background in criminal trials and admits the law is kind of shaded when it comes to rape crimes. "The real law says that no names should be divulged, either the name of the alleged victim, nor the name of the alleged assaulter," Ubanks said. "The name is normally retained by the authorities or by the council that is representing the victim, and subsequently withheld from the media print due largely out of respect for the parties involved. They really don't need any more stress, much less seeing the media and other people making assumptions about their already trying situation." Ubanks added, "rape crimes are still, for some reason, one of the primary crimes where people continue to lay blame on the victim, sometimes more than the person who committed the crime."
Ubanks is one of many attorneys in the state seeking to have this law used in a proper way to defend not only the victims, but all parties involved. "Take the Kobe (Bryant) case, here we see an individual accused of rape, and he was found to be innocent of the crime. Having his name in the media everwhere cost him sponsorship contracts, and he gained negative feedback from many people over something he was found to be not guilty of, while the woman involved recieved virtual anonymity. That just isn't fair, and it can work both ways in these instances."
All the while, many believe that names should be completely confidential, the only parties that should have knowledge of the people involved should be them, immediate family, and whatever authorities have been assigned to the matter. Still more people feel it aids in what has most likely been a traumatic experience to an individual. Rape is considered one of the more heinous crimes that can be committed, and many individuals don't see anything that can be gained by causing random media and other walks of life to come knocking on a victims door for whatever reason.
"It takes alot of strength to work through something as serious as rape, for both parties. People that are involved have a right to be protected from further harm or damages that may be brought on by individuals looking for a scoop, or a paycheck." Said Ubanks. "In almost all cases, they just want to be left alone. People should respect that request."
FOLLOW THIS STORY AT www.valenciavoice.com
By Alex Barrett
ORLANDO - It seems that every time a rape crime, or supposed sexual battery incident occurs, there is always one missing piece of information that no one can identify; the victim's name.
You may think that the names are just lost in translation, or kept from the public, but the truth is, there is no law that prohibits the release of information pertaining to the supposed victims name outside of two states, Florida, and South Carolina. In these states, the law prohibits the publication of rape victims’ names and the constitutionality of those statutes is uncertain. The Supreme Court is considering the Florida statute this term in light of a 1974 high court ruling that struck down a similar Georgia law, stating it was alright to print the names of victims in a manner that is not degratory in any way.
In states outside of Florida and South Carolina, the names of victims aren't printed either, but for a different reason. Simply put, to be respectful to those who have been violated. Orlando Lawyer Emma Ubanks has had some background in criminal trials and admits the law is kind of shaded when it comes to rape crimes. "The real law says that no names should be divulged, either the name of the alleged victim, nor the name of the alleged assaulter," Ubanks said. "The name is normally retained by the authorities or by the council that is representing the victim, and subsequently withheld from the media print due largely out of respect for the parties involved. They really don't need any more stress, much less seeing the media and other people making assumptions about their already trying situation." Ubanks added, "rape crimes are still, for some reason, one of the primary crimes where people continue to lay blame on the victim, sometimes more than the person who committed the crime."
Ubanks is one of many attorneys in the state seeking to have this law used in a proper way to defend not only the victims, but all parties involved. "Take the Kobe (Bryant) case, here we see an individual accused of rape, and he was found to be innocent of the crime. Having his name in the media everwhere cost him sponsorship contracts, and he gained negative feedback from many people over something he was found to be not guilty of, while the woman involved recieved virtual anonymity. That just isn't fair, and it can work both ways in these instances."
All the while, many believe that names should be completely confidential, the only parties that should have knowledge of the people involved should be them, immediate family, and whatever authorities have been assigned to the matter. Still more people feel it aids in what has most likely been a traumatic experience to an individual. Rape is considered one of the more heinous crimes that can be committed, and many individuals don't see anything that can be gained by causing random media and other walks of life to come knocking on a victims door for whatever reason.
"It takes alot of strength to work through something as serious as rape, for both parties. People that are involved have a right to be protected from further harm or damages that may be brought on by individuals looking for a scoop, or a paycheck." Said Ubanks. "In almost all cases, they just want to be left alone. People should respect that request."
Monday, March 2, 2009
Brain Bowl coverage
It was a long day at Valencia Community College for 24 teams from more than 6 states, ranging from VCC’s hometown Red and Black teams all the way up to J. Sergeant Reynolds, Hailing from Richmond Virginia. For some teams, it was a longer process than others.
Valencia fielded two teams for this competition, the Red Team, or their first team, and the Black Team, their secondary team. The Red Team, led by captain Nolan Bensen, had a great day with a final competition record of 10-2, enough to put them in a three-way tie with Chipola College’s A team, considered one of the toughest challengers at the tournament, and the South East Alabama team.
These three teams competed in a playoff scenario, with JSR’s two man team getting a first round bye for their outstanding play. What makes this team so unique, is that it only fields two competitors rather than the traditional four, which is completely legal. in fact, this is the first time JSR’s leading Brain Bowler George Berry has even had another player.
“It puts us at somewhat of a disadvantage, but I try my hardest and put in a lot of study time,” said Berry. His assistant, as he called himself, Gautham Premkumar, competed at Berry’s side, but had to admit he was only a side show. “I am firm saying this, that he (Berry) is the main man. I am just the help.” Just the help or not, the tandem, in a great effort and was able to sit back and rest while the three teams in second duked it out for a chance to face him. What made this rest sweetest, possibly, was the win by JSR less than an hour before the finals where he beat a then-undefeated Chipola team, knocking them into second place and securing his much needed mental health time.
In the first round of the playoffs, the Chipola team faced off against a tough team from the South East Alabama Community College, and from the onset it wasn’t much of a competition. Dominating practically the entire round, Chipola posted a victory with a final score of 155-50, and moving on to try and tackle Valencia’s Red Team.
Valencia started off srong, with Chris Muto nailing three questions in a row, and with Patrice Newkirk grabbing a couple of toss-ups, but the inability of VCC to convert coveted bonus questions left the door open for Chipola. It was a tightly contested match, but Chipola proved too much for Valencia, and defeated the Red Team with a final score of 155-135
Securing third place, the Valencia team was proud of their performance, and optimistic about upcoming tournaments as well.
“We expected to be around the top six or seven, but three is great!” Remarked Mercedes Gosnell in a post-tournament interview.
Valencia was happy with their placement, but the final between JSR’s two man squad, and the highly favored Chipola A team was underway. To say this wasn’t even a real contest would be accurate, as JSR rolled over Chipola for the second time in three matches to secure a first place finish, the best finish in Berry and Premkumar’s Brain Bowl carrers.
After the game had finished, Berry and Premkumar were basking in reflective glory of their triumph. “It means a lot, to come out and be able to beat Chipola. We were aiming for the top seed, but who doesn’t? And then we got it. I couldn’t be happier,” said Berry.
A great victory capped a tiring two days for all of the teams, and when asked about their upcoming plans, more than one team said “food.” “We’re going to Ruby Tuesday immediately,” said Muto.
After that, almost all of these teams will ready themselves for an upcoming tournament in Dallas, Texas, where the national tournament will take place.
Valencia fielded two teams for this competition, the Red Team, or their first team, and the Black Team, their secondary team. The Red Team, led by captain Nolan Bensen, had a great day with a final competition record of 10-2, enough to put them in a three-way tie with Chipola College’s A team, considered one of the toughest challengers at the tournament, and the South East Alabama team.
These three teams competed in a playoff scenario, with JSR’s two man team getting a first round bye for their outstanding play. What makes this team so unique, is that it only fields two competitors rather than the traditional four, which is completely legal. in fact, this is the first time JSR’s leading Brain Bowler George Berry has even had another player.
“It puts us at somewhat of a disadvantage, but I try my hardest and put in a lot of study time,” said Berry. His assistant, as he called himself, Gautham Premkumar, competed at Berry’s side, but had to admit he was only a side show. “I am firm saying this, that he (Berry) is the main man. I am just the help.” Just the help or not, the tandem, in a great effort and was able to sit back and rest while the three teams in second duked it out for a chance to face him. What made this rest sweetest, possibly, was the win by JSR less than an hour before the finals where he beat a then-undefeated Chipola team, knocking them into second place and securing his much needed mental health time.
In the first round of the playoffs, the Chipola team faced off against a tough team from the South East Alabama Community College, and from the onset it wasn’t much of a competition. Dominating practically the entire round, Chipola posted a victory with a final score of 155-50, and moving on to try and tackle Valencia’s Red Team.
Valencia started off srong, with Chris Muto nailing three questions in a row, and with Patrice Newkirk grabbing a couple of toss-ups, but the inability of VCC to convert coveted bonus questions left the door open for Chipola. It was a tightly contested match, but Chipola proved too much for Valencia, and defeated the Red Team with a final score of 155-135
Securing third place, the Valencia team was proud of their performance, and optimistic about upcoming tournaments as well.
“We expected to be around the top six or seven, but three is great!” Remarked Mercedes Gosnell in a post-tournament interview.
Valencia was happy with their placement, but the final between JSR’s two man squad, and the highly favored Chipola A team was underway. To say this wasn’t even a real contest would be accurate, as JSR rolled over Chipola for the second time in three matches to secure a first place finish, the best finish in Berry and Premkumar’s Brain Bowl carrers.
After the game had finished, Berry and Premkumar were basking in reflective glory of their triumph. “It means a lot, to come out and be able to beat Chipola. We were aiming for the top seed, but who doesn’t? And then we got it. I couldn’t be happier,” said Berry.
A great victory capped a tiring two days for all of the teams, and when asked about their upcoming plans, more than one team said “food.” “We’re going to Ruby Tuesday immediately,” said Muto.
After that, almost all of these teams will ready themselves for an upcoming tournament in Dallas, Texas, where the national tournament will take place.
NAQT President Hentzel
Many people know about the Brain Bowls, like the one held on Valencia’s West Campus this week, some people even call them Quiz Bowls. Although they identify with many different names, there’s always one company behind the questions; the NAQT.
NAQT stands for National Academic Quiz Tournament, and they have been expanding the minds of collegiate and high school students via their Quiz Bowls since 1996. A big part of the emergence of the NAQT is their president, R. Robert Hentzel, and he was availible at the Valencia championships in Orlando this week to see the competitions and lead the administrative side of the operations.
The Voice had a chance to speak with Hentzel during breaks in the action about how he runs the ship at NAQT, and why Valencia was chosen as the location for the tourney this year.
“Valencia has had the premier community college team now for the better part of the decade,” said Hentzel. “Orlando is clearly a place that people want to visit around this time of year due to the climate, and Chris Borglum (Valencia’s Brain Bowl team captain) really knows how to run a program and commit staff and volunteers to the competitions. He has been invaluable.”
This tournament represented 24 teams, those that made it through the sectionals tournament which narrowed the field down from 50 teams. “We were only looking at 14 teams originally, but Chris (Borglum) knew he had the manpower to have a few more invitees,” remarked Hentzel.
“We have a lot of teams here, from as close as in town, obviously, to as far away as Allen County, Kansas. It is great to be able to get all of the students together to further education in a competitive manner.” When asked about who can field the best teams, Hentzel was split for a few reasons.
“Ivy league schools can field good teams, but realistically, good teams can be found anywhere, either in two or four year colleges. You would be surprised how well some teams perform, especially when pitted against a tougher team. It isn’t always knowledge that makes a winner, speed and balance is a huge part of perservering as well.”
Hentzel has been growing the program for many years, seeking to add not just teams, but states full of teams to the bill, trying to expand the competitions as much as possible. Even though many states are represented, NAQT has only begun what they have set out to accomplish, and that is for every school, large or small, to have a quiz team to compete with. “We definitely want to get more, really as many people and schools as possible involved; from the smaller ones all the way up to the Harvards and Yales. Diversity plays an interesting role in the competitions as well.”
Hentzel thinks that continued exposure is a great way to get other schools interested in fielding a team, whether they have one, two, or 40 people availible to compete. Seeing tournaments and attending them, and word of mouth has helped the NAQT grow to what it is now, and there’s much more room to expand. The big part of the quizzes of course, are the questions themselves, which are formulated in-house and follow a basic format. Think of it as like when you play the NTN quiz games at the bar, where you get hints and the clock ticks down; same concept. “Questions start out with subtle, difficult hints then get easier as the question is read, hence speed and recognition are key to success in the tournaments. The questions then finish with a much easier hint that puts the question in a much easier state to understand, giving contestants a last chance to get some valuable points, and then get to the bonuses.”
Hentzel works hard to make sure everything runs smoothly, and at trying to develop the NAQT until it is a household name, and widely recognized program. “If we can just keep getting a few more teams a year, we can really bring the Brain Bowl to as many audiences as will grant it.” It is a cheap way to get your school’s name out there, and another way to contribute to the competition that makes college great. The way it seems to be growing everyday, under the caring and stoic arms of president Hentzel, it won’t be long before his dream eventually reaches reality. Until then, you can keep cheering on your local Brain Bowlers here at Valencia.
NAQT stands for National Academic Quiz Tournament, and they have been expanding the minds of collegiate and high school students via their Quiz Bowls since 1996. A big part of the emergence of the NAQT is their president, R. Robert Hentzel, and he was availible at the Valencia championships in Orlando this week to see the competitions and lead the administrative side of the operations.
The Voice had a chance to speak with Hentzel during breaks in the action about how he runs the ship at NAQT, and why Valencia was chosen as the location for the tourney this year.
“Valencia has had the premier community college team now for the better part of the decade,” said Hentzel. “Orlando is clearly a place that people want to visit around this time of year due to the climate, and Chris Borglum (Valencia’s Brain Bowl team captain) really knows how to run a program and commit staff and volunteers to the competitions. He has been invaluable.”
This tournament represented 24 teams, those that made it through the sectionals tournament which narrowed the field down from 50 teams. “We were only looking at 14 teams originally, but Chris (Borglum) knew he had the manpower to have a few more invitees,” remarked Hentzel.
“We have a lot of teams here, from as close as in town, obviously, to as far away as Allen County, Kansas. It is great to be able to get all of the students together to further education in a competitive manner.” When asked about who can field the best teams, Hentzel was split for a few reasons.
“Ivy league schools can field good teams, but realistically, good teams can be found anywhere, either in two or four year colleges. You would be surprised how well some teams perform, especially when pitted against a tougher team. It isn’t always knowledge that makes a winner, speed and balance is a huge part of perservering as well.”
Hentzel has been growing the program for many years, seeking to add not just teams, but states full of teams to the bill, trying to expand the competitions as much as possible. Even though many states are represented, NAQT has only begun what they have set out to accomplish, and that is for every school, large or small, to have a quiz team to compete with. “We definitely want to get more, really as many people and schools as possible involved; from the smaller ones all the way up to the Harvards and Yales. Diversity plays an interesting role in the competitions as well.”
Hentzel thinks that continued exposure is a great way to get other schools interested in fielding a team, whether they have one, two, or 40 people availible to compete. Seeing tournaments and attending them, and word of mouth has helped the NAQT grow to what it is now, and there’s much more room to expand. The big part of the quizzes of course, are the questions themselves, which are formulated in-house and follow a basic format. Think of it as like when you play the NTN quiz games at the bar, where you get hints and the clock ticks down; same concept. “Questions start out with subtle, difficult hints then get easier as the question is read, hence speed and recognition are key to success in the tournaments. The questions then finish with a much easier hint that puts the question in a much easier state to understand, giving contestants a last chance to get some valuable points, and then get to the bonuses.”
Hentzel works hard to make sure everything runs smoothly, and at trying to develop the NAQT until it is a household name, and widely recognized program. “If we can just keep getting a few more teams a year, we can really bring the Brain Bowl to as many audiences as will grant it.” It is a cheap way to get your school’s name out there, and another way to contribute to the competition that makes college great. The way it seems to be growing everyday, under the caring and stoic arms of president Hentzel, it won’t be long before his dream eventually reaches reality. Until then, you can keep cheering on your local Brain Bowlers here at Valencia.
Braves spring training look
The Atlanta Braves have once again returned to Disney’s Wide World of Sports for their spring training games in 2009.
Entering the 12th season in Central Florida, the Atlanta Braves will hope to answer some questions about their upcoming season through rigorous training and exhibition games played at the sprawling Disney complex. In Champion Stadium, the Braves compete in front of about 9,500 fans, not including the luxury boxes, or the special lawn seating in left field, which allows ongoers to unfurl the blanket and enjoy the game like it was happening at the park; just remember your sunscreen because there’s no roof out there.
Inside the locker room and on the field, however, the Bravos have a lot of kinks to work out aside from taking in some sunny weather. The Braves managed to bolster their rotation this year, signing ace pitcher Derek Lowe away from the Dodgers, and again pulling Javier Vazquez away from the Chicago White Sox. These two will join up with Kenshin Kawakami, a new comer to the league, fresh from Japan at 33 years old. The Braves hope Kawakami can add another experienced arm to the rotation while providing new material no one in the league has seen before. Add that to second-year ace Jair Jurrjens, and older than dirt Tom Glavine, and the Braves have a seemingly deep rotation, not to mention Tim Hudson’s possible return at sometime in the season after having successful Tommy-John elbow surgery early last year.
When it comes to hitting, Atlanta is going to have to try a bit harder. Leading the league in mediocrity last year with the bat, aside from Chipper Jones, of course, the Braves had a league low 27 homers from their entire outfield last season, including the platoon-based approach they took in left field after Matt Diaz, who has showed good progress, went down with a freak knee injury. While Jeff Francoeur cannot possibly be as terrible as he was last year, (.239 batting average) he has tweaked his stance and posture while spending plenty of time in Triple-A last season, a great disspointment after and outstanding outing the year before, and a successful World Baseball Classic appearance; the Braves will be hoping for Francoeur to bounce back strong.
While all of these factors look promising, the Braves are trying to enhance their team even more, not wishing to drop another 90 games in the loss column this year again, fielding a far cry from the teams that posted a league record 14 straight division titles through the 1990’s.
Another variable to toss around, this will be Bobby Cox’s 23rd season with Atlanta, and he will celebrate his 68th birthday during the season, and has already hinted at the fact that this may be his last season coaching. The 8-time Manager of the Year has been one of the reasons the Braves made that incredible run at the playoffs so many years in a row.
Whatever the result of this season, the Braves are in Central Florida until the beginning of April, and with ticket prices averaging in the $20.00 range, there’s no reason not to go enjoy a hot dog and beer while taking in a baseball game, something you would normally have to drive to Tampa to do, and see the Rays play; but can baseball ever really be played in a dome? There’s almost nothing better than a beautiful day and America’s greatest past-time.
Entering the 12th season in Central Florida, the Atlanta Braves will hope to answer some questions about their upcoming season through rigorous training and exhibition games played at the sprawling Disney complex. In Champion Stadium, the Braves compete in front of about 9,500 fans, not including the luxury boxes, or the special lawn seating in left field, which allows ongoers to unfurl the blanket and enjoy the game like it was happening at the park; just remember your sunscreen because there’s no roof out there.
Inside the locker room and on the field, however, the Bravos have a lot of kinks to work out aside from taking in some sunny weather. The Braves managed to bolster their rotation this year, signing ace pitcher Derek Lowe away from the Dodgers, and again pulling Javier Vazquez away from the Chicago White Sox. These two will join up with Kenshin Kawakami, a new comer to the league, fresh from Japan at 33 years old. The Braves hope Kawakami can add another experienced arm to the rotation while providing new material no one in the league has seen before. Add that to second-year ace Jair Jurrjens, and older than dirt Tom Glavine, and the Braves have a seemingly deep rotation, not to mention Tim Hudson’s possible return at sometime in the season after having successful Tommy-John elbow surgery early last year.
When it comes to hitting, Atlanta is going to have to try a bit harder. Leading the league in mediocrity last year with the bat, aside from Chipper Jones, of course, the Braves had a league low 27 homers from their entire outfield last season, including the platoon-based approach they took in left field after Matt Diaz, who has showed good progress, went down with a freak knee injury. While Jeff Francoeur cannot possibly be as terrible as he was last year, (.239 batting average) he has tweaked his stance and posture while spending plenty of time in Triple-A last season, a great disspointment after and outstanding outing the year before, and a successful World Baseball Classic appearance; the Braves will be hoping for Francoeur to bounce back strong.
While all of these factors look promising, the Braves are trying to enhance their team even more, not wishing to drop another 90 games in the loss column this year again, fielding a far cry from the teams that posted a league record 14 straight division titles through the 1990’s.
Another variable to toss around, this will be Bobby Cox’s 23rd season with Atlanta, and he will celebrate his 68th birthday during the season, and has already hinted at the fact that this may be his last season coaching. The 8-time Manager of the Year has been one of the reasons the Braves made that incredible run at the playoffs so many years in a row.
Whatever the result of this season, the Braves are in Central Florida until the beginning of April, and with ticket prices averaging in the $20.00 range, there’s no reason not to go enjoy a hot dog and beer while taking in a baseball game, something you would normally have to drive to Tampa to do, and see the Rays play; but can baseball ever really be played in a dome? There’s almost nothing better than a beautiful day and America’s greatest past-time.
Backe Readies the Astros
The National League Central can be a hard place to get ahead these days, putting out two to three playoff hopefuls a year the past few seasons.
Just ask Brandon Backe, one of the Houston Astros’ starting pitchers. Backe is in Central Florida with the rest of his team during spring training in Florida. The Astros will be playing again this year in Kissimmee, at the Osceola County Stadium, where they have been holding spring training since 1985. The stadium was renovated to hold more on-lookers and cater to their needs more fully in 2003.
“It’s great to get out here, to get back in shape. It can be hard at first, but it really gets you going forward as far as the season goes. And it’s better to play here than in Arizona,” said Backe. “More humidity here, but no where near as hot.” Backe will be pooling his skills to a pitching rotation featuring ace Roy Oswalt, and new-comer, injury-master Mike Hampton, whom the ‘Stros signed from Atlanta. Already in spring training, Hampton had to leave a practice due to an irregular heartbeat and fly back to Houston to be cleared to play again, and the Astros will pray that will be the extent of his problems this year.
The Astros will need Hampton healthy this year, and the rest of the team needs to follow suit, because the NL Central can eat you alive. There is already talk about the Chicago Cubs’ playoff chances, without much regard to Houston, but you also have to take in account for prennial competitors in the St. Louis Cardinals, and also in the up-start Milwaukee Brewers, who have been starting to make waves as well with their young bats.
As for the challenge, Backe says he is used to it for the most part, and just tries to get better when he can. This will be his third year in the Houson organization, but is not new to Florida after starting his career with the then Tampa Bay Devil Rays (the devil moniker has since been dropped, now they are just referred to as the Rays) when he was drafted in 1998.
The Astros will be taking a powerful lineup into their 2009 campaign, boasting a few of the league’s elite hitters, including Lance Berkman and Carlos Lee, who came on strong towards the end of last year, and hopes to further his talents this year. Also in the lineup is Miguel Tejada, whos production has fallen off a bit in recent years, but is still one of the more dominant defensive short stops in the league, as long as he can stay away from his immigration issues and all of the steroid talk surrounding him.
Houston is looking to improve upon the third place finish from last season, finishing 11 games behind the division leading Cubs, and falling only eight games back of the Brewers in claiming the final playoff spot. Much about this team has remained un-changed, and Backe likes it that way.
“We have a good core of guys out there. We were to close not to make it last year, but I guess you really shouldn’t let it be that close of a race anyways. We are going to have to try much harder to win the tough and tight games and try to get to the playoffs this year.” Backe and the Astros have a gameplan, and their expectations are still high. “We expect to win. We want to win, I want to win. I can play better, and I still think we have a good enough team to compete with the best in the league. We play to win a championship, but doesn’t everybody? It should be.”
Regardless, Houston will have it’s work cut out for them, chasing an upset Cubs team that fell short last year, and has been in the loss column for World Series wins since well before any player on the Astro’s team’s parents can remember, a remarkable 100 years of drought for one of America’s favorite, and most fan-friendly teams.
“We will all just have to work hard, it’s never easy, but once you get rolling and shake off the cobwebs, there’s only one goal in mind, only one goal that matters.”
Just ask Brandon Backe, one of the Houston Astros’ starting pitchers. Backe is in Central Florida with the rest of his team during spring training in Florida. The Astros will be playing again this year in Kissimmee, at the Osceola County Stadium, where they have been holding spring training since 1985. The stadium was renovated to hold more on-lookers and cater to their needs more fully in 2003.
“It’s great to get out here, to get back in shape. It can be hard at first, but it really gets you going forward as far as the season goes. And it’s better to play here than in Arizona,” said Backe. “More humidity here, but no where near as hot.” Backe will be pooling his skills to a pitching rotation featuring ace Roy Oswalt, and new-comer, injury-master Mike Hampton, whom the ‘Stros signed from Atlanta. Already in spring training, Hampton had to leave a practice due to an irregular heartbeat and fly back to Houston to be cleared to play again, and the Astros will pray that will be the extent of his problems this year.
The Astros will need Hampton healthy this year, and the rest of the team needs to follow suit, because the NL Central can eat you alive. There is already talk about the Chicago Cubs’ playoff chances, without much regard to Houston, but you also have to take in account for prennial competitors in the St. Louis Cardinals, and also in the up-start Milwaukee Brewers, who have been starting to make waves as well with their young bats.
As for the challenge, Backe says he is used to it for the most part, and just tries to get better when he can. This will be his third year in the Houson organization, but is not new to Florida after starting his career with the then Tampa Bay Devil Rays (the devil moniker has since been dropped, now they are just referred to as the Rays) when he was drafted in 1998.
The Astros will be taking a powerful lineup into their 2009 campaign, boasting a few of the league’s elite hitters, including Lance Berkman and Carlos Lee, who came on strong towards the end of last year, and hopes to further his talents this year. Also in the lineup is Miguel Tejada, whos production has fallen off a bit in recent years, but is still one of the more dominant defensive short stops in the league, as long as he can stay away from his immigration issues and all of the steroid talk surrounding him.
Houston is looking to improve upon the third place finish from last season, finishing 11 games behind the division leading Cubs, and falling only eight games back of the Brewers in claiming the final playoff spot. Much about this team has remained un-changed, and Backe likes it that way.
“We have a good core of guys out there. We were to close not to make it last year, but I guess you really shouldn’t let it be that close of a race anyways. We are going to have to try much harder to win the tough and tight games and try to get to the playoffs this year.” Backe and the Astros have a gameplan, and their expectations are still high. “We expect to win. We want to win, I want to win. I can play better, and I still think we have a good enough team to compete with the best in the league. We play to win a championship, but doesn’t everybody? It should be.”
Regardless, Houston will have it’s work cut out for them, chasing an upset Cubs team that fell short last year, and has been in the loss column for World Series wins since well before any player on the Astro’s team’s parents can remember, a remarkable 100 years of drought for one of America’s favorite, and most fan-friendly teams.
“We will all just have to work hard, it’s never easy, but once you get rolling and shake off the cobwebs, there’s only one goal in mind, only one goal that matters.”
Friday, February 6, 2009
NBA Comissioner, David Sell-Out.
Wow, now I've heard it all
Recently, the NBA decided to add H-O-R-S-E to it's All-Star weekend lineup, and I was stoked. I mean, why not? It will be fun to see athletes revert to the games of their youth and see what they can accomplish now.
One problem. now, bureaucracy has taken over, and Geico has bought the rights to rename the game G-E-I-C-O.
ARE YOU SERIOUS?
Hey, Geico, way to take a classic and screw it up. You're already a corrupt organization of crooks - who takes people's money in case they get in trouble, then keeps it even if you don't? You do, Geico. And now you have tarnished a classic. Everyone already knows who you are thanks to your cruddy gecko spokesperson and crappy cavemen commercials. No one will be watching the competition at home then suddenly declare, "Oh, they're spelling G-E-I-C-O! Man does that make me want to go buy car insurance!"
I hear that Travelocity wants to buy the Around-The-World competition to promote their travel company. And hey, while were at it, how about calling Donald Trump, who has plenty of money to toss around and asking him if he wants to buy the rights for the name "basketball."
Kids will no longer play in basketball tournaments, they will play in Trump tournaments. "Hey, Alex, wanna go out front and play Trump?" No. I'm good, ill pass on that. Will the NTA (Formerly the National Basketball Association, now the National Trump Association,) provide more money for The Donald?
One thing is for sure. I would rather give my money to Mr. Trump than to Geico. Someone use their insured car to run over that freaking Gecko. Might as well cost them some money since they have enough from stealing from all of us to buy an entire competition. Ridiculous. Or just sad.
Recently, the NBA decided to add H-O-R-S-E to it's All-Star weekend lineup, and I was stoked. I mean, why not? It will be fun to see athletes revert to the games of their youth and see what they can accomplish now.
One problem. now, bureaucracy has taken over, and Geico has bought the rights to rename the game G-E-I-C-O.
ARE YOU SERIOUS?
Hey, Geico, way to take a classic and screw it up. You're already a corrupt organization of crooks - who takes people's money in case they get in trouble, then keeps it even if you don't? You do, Geico. And now you have tarnished a classic. Everyone already knows who you are thanks to your cruddy gecko spokesperson and crappy cavemen commercials. No one will be watching the competition at home then suddenly declare, "Oh, they're spelling G-E-I-C-O! Man does that make me want to go buy car insurance!"
I hear that Travelocity wants to buy the Around-The-World competition to promote their travel company. And hey, while were at it, how about calling Donald Trump, who has plenty of money to toss around and asking him if he wants to buy the rights for the name "basketball."
Kids will no longer play in basketball tournaments, they will play in Trump tournaments. "Hey, Alex, wanna go out front and play Trump?" No. I'm good, ill pass on that. Will the NTA (Formerly the National Basketball Association, now the National Trump Association,) provide more money for The Donald?
One thing is for sure. I would rather give my money to Mr. Trump than to Geico. Someone use their insured car to run over that freaking Gecko. Might as well cost them some money since they have enough from stealing from all of us to buy an entire competition. Ridiculous. Or just sad.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Bad calls plague NFL season
By Alex Barrett
This NFL season may forever be known for many things; Miami’s improbable playoff run after last season’s 1 win outing. The Detroit Lions, finally becoming as bad on paper as we knew they were on the field. New and stoic coaches patrolling the sidelines. Possibly, and hopefully, the end of Adam Jones’ career.
But there’s one thing that I will always remember this particular NFL season for —and that’s the horrifically blown calls. It started early, and never looked back - and affected almost all of the officiating crews; even those tagged for being the elite flag-tossers of the league.
The first of many, an early meeting between Denver and San Diego, was most likely the sorest spot of Ed Hochuli’s lengthy career. With one minute and change remaining in the 4th quarter, an otherwise decorated official of over 10 years was involved in the worst call of his career, and it was only exacerbated by the fact that it changed the outcome of the game. Even after reviewing a clear Jay Cutler fumble call on the sidelines, Hochuli returned to the field, ruled an incomplete pass, and Cutler capitalized; scoring the go-ahead touchdown after what was sure to be a clincher for the San Diego defense.
While this was a huge call in the game, it was proven to be instrumental all the way to the last game of the season, where the Chargers had to play the Broncos in a rematch to decide who went to the post-season. Had the Chargers been the benefit of a correct call, the game could have been used to rest starters for San Diego’s playoff push.
Speaking of the playoffs, you would think that the zebras would taper it down and make sure calls were right to the best of their abilities, right?
Then you can’t overlookthe Titans playoff game against the Ravens, where bad calls ran rampant.
Now, Tennessee lost this game because of their 3 turnovers in the redzone. But it wasn’t helped by the fact that an obvious forward pass call was botched on third-and-long, allowing the Ravens to run out the clock instead of facing a punt situation, which would have given the Titans ample time to drive for a score.
Even in the Eagles game, a streaking Kevin Curtis was tangled up intentionally, and tripped. No flags were thrown for pass interference against the Cardinals. Curtis almost made the catch to spite, but the no-call erased an almost 70 yard gain through the air. None of these were tough calls to make, every single one of them were reviewed, and still were called incorrectly.
Unfortunately, referees aren’t super-soldiers, they are going to get just as many calls wrong as they are right, but this clearly needs to be addressed by the NFL’s competition committee in the off-season.
And with Jeff Fisher’s Titans on the receiving end of one of these erroneous calls, you can bet the Committee head (Fisher) will bring the problems to light as soon as possible. So let’s say a prayer for the next NFL season, hoping for better, more accurate calls from veteran officiating crews; especially in game-changing scenarios - and just maybe, a better vision plan from the NFL benefits package.
This NFL season may forever be known for many things; Miami’s improbable playoff run after last season’s 1 win outing. The Detroit Lions, finally becoming as bad on paper as we knew they were on the field. New and stoic coaches patrolling the sidelines. Possibly, and hopefully, the end of Adam Jones’ career.
But there’s one thing that I will always remember this particular NFL season for —and that’s the horrifically blown calls. It started early, and never looked back - and affected almost all of the officiating crews; even those tagged for being the elite flag-tossers of the league.
The first of many, an early meeting between Denver and San Diego, was most likely the sorest spot of Ed Hochuli’s lengthy career. With one minute and change remaining in the 4th quarter, an otherwise decorated official of over 10 years was involved in the worst call of his career, and it was only exacerbated by the fact that it changed the outcome of the game. Even after reviewing a clear Jay Cutler fumble call on the sidelines, Hochuli returned to the field, ruled an incomplete pass, and Cutler capitalized; scoring the go-ahead touchdown after what was sure to be a clincher for the San Diego defense.
While this was a huge call in the game, it was proven to be instrumental all the way to the last game of the season, where the Chargers had to play the Broncos in a rematch to decide who went to the post-season. Had the Chargers been the benefit of a correct call, the game could have been used to rest starters for San Diego’s playoff push.
Speaking of the playoffs, you would think that the zebras would taper it down and make sure calls were right to the best of their abilities, right?
Then you can’t overlookthe Titans playoff game against the Ravens, where bad calls ran rampant.
Now, Tennessee lost this game because of their 3 turnovers in the redzone. But it wasn’t helped by the fact that an obvious forward pass call was botched on third-and-long, allowing the Ravens to run out the clock instead of facing a punt situation, which would have given the Titans ample time to drive for a score.
Even in the Eagles game, a streaking Kevin Curtis was tangled up intentionally, and tripped. No flags were thrown for pass interference against the Cardinals. Curtis almost made the catch to spite, but the no-call erased an almost 70 yard gain through the air. None of these were tough calls to make, every single one of them were reviewed, and still were called incorrectly.
Unfortunately, referees aren’t super-soldiers, they are going to get just as many calls wrong as they are right, but this clearly needs to be addressed by the NFL’s competition committee in the off-season.
And with Jeff Fisher’s Titans on the receiving end of one of these erroneous calls, you can bet the Committee head (Fisher) will bring the problems to light as soon as possible. So let’s say a prayer for the next NFL season, hoping for better, more accurate calls from veteran officiating crews; especially in game-changing scenarios - and just maybe, a better vision plan from the NFL benefits package.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Valencia Students Gather for Obama
As many as 2 million people from around the globe gathered in Washington to witness President Barack Obama’s inaugural address. Millions more watched from home on television screens, Internet feeds, anxiously awaiting the 44th president to be sworn in and give his first Presidential speech.
There aren’t nearly 2 million people on Valencia’s West campus, but the HSB building could have been as bustling as the Washington monument spire if there were room.
Theater 105A was crammed full of professors, students, and staff seeking to spy the event. Students popped in and out hastily as they went between classes, if only to get a glimpse of history; not just a presidential swear-in — the first African American President in the history of the United States.
Among these individuals, Linda Ramirez was anxious to see the speech, and was patiently waiting to view the event.
“He represents change on many topics, and we need it,” said Ramirez, when asked what she thought the new president would represent for this country.
“It is great to be able to watch a piece of history like this.”
Andrew Jammer, another student catching the speech, didn’t get the luxury of sitting down to watch the event.
“I ran all the way here from building five, and now I have to go back,” said Jammer. “But the volume wasn’t working on the TV there and I wasn’t about to miss any more of this speech.”
In the auditorium, onlookers alike gathered to gaze upon the giant screens showing the live CNN coverage on location via an internet feed, and that included Xenia Conquy, professor of environmental science on the West Campus.
“This means a lot to me specifically because we finally have an environmentally friendly president in office. He won’t rely on oil as much and will limit wasteful expenditures.” said Conquy. She took her class away from the daily teachings down to see history unfold, and they were there in numbers. “He genuinely seeks peace as well. We can’t overlook that as being vitally important.”
And if that wasn’t enough, the overflow from the classroom went into the Little Bean Cafe across the hallway, with another hundred people gathered to view the proceedings on the cafe’s sole, 27 inch television screen. There were refreshments provided by the SGA, and a scribble-board so those that chose to could write their name for support. There was plenty of support to be seen, as the crowds erupted in unison as soon as now-President Obama completed his oath.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Adam Jones
See blog post; 8-28-2008 of this page.
I called this. That's how good I am.
*Ok, so I didn't necessarily predict Pac-Man calling in a hit on someone. But I never put it past him. Hey Adam, take a cue from Biggie. "I would never wish death upon anyone, because there ain't no coming back from that."
I called this. That's how good I am.
*Ok, so I didn't necessarily predict Pac-Man calling in a hit on someone. But I never put it past him. Hey Adam, take a cue from Biggie. "I would never wish death upon anyone, because there ain't no coming back from that."
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