Look, I'm going to admit something here - I messed up. I know, I thought I was perfect too, but no...
I've spent most of this weekend covering The Australian Grand Prix and watching UFC 111 and Wrestlemania 26 as a fan. That means that I have absolutely trashed my body clock. I've always had a somewhat lapse grasp on my sleeping patterns, but this weekend it has gotten ridiculous. It is like jetlag, except I didn't even get to go on fucking holiday.
Anyway, the upshot of all of that is I've fallen off the ball here a bit. I intended to do Thursday's post inbetween the first F1 practice sessions, but I couldn't keep my eyes open for long enough to do so. I meant to do today's while watching Wrestlemania, but instead we started doing shots whenever anyone was on screen in just their trunks and it all got a little fuzzy...
Because of all of that, I'm left with the immortal question that plagues students the world over - do I stay awake for two days to correct my body clock, or do I just wing it and stay on a messed up body clock. I mean, it can't be THAT bad for you to sleep at 7am and wake up at 4pm, can it?
Actually, compared to some students, a 7am till 4pm sleep pattern is sort of normal. I'm up late at night quite a lot watching\covering sport and without a word of a lie, a huge number of students I know are known to turn up on Skype calling me at 3am saying "Yeah, I just woke up. What day is it?"
And that is another reason while I'm always jealous of students. They seem to live the life of a king - sleeping as much as they want, whenever they want and they ALWAYS have money to go drinking. All the more reason why I'm strongly considering becoming one, just to take a 3 year holiday... I mean, getting a degree can't be that hard, can it?
Anyway, I'll be back to normal tomorrow as , even though today is Monday, this is Sunday's post...
Showing posts with label sport. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sport. Show all posts
Monday, 29 March 2010
Sunday, 14 March 2010
Blogging keeps you awake for boxing - FACT!
Oh my fucking god am I tired. I mean, I thought this whole covering sport thing would be fun. Well, it isn't when it keeps you up for 22 odd hours at a time. Anyway, in order to keep myself awake throughout the Pacquiao vs Clottey fight, I thought I'd make running updates for today's post. Here we go...
Pre Fight
It is sods law that the fight before the main event is going the distance. Don't they know that I am crying out for my bed!? Come on people, stop coasting to the end and knock each other out. Or go to points. Whatever. Just make me suffer.
Finally... now we just get the twenty minutes of video packages and ring entrances... yay...
The Sky guys are amazed about the massive HD screens at Cowboys Stadium. That is what I've been gawking at all year during Cowboys home games... well, the screens and Romo's interceptions...
My lungs are going to regret the whole smoking to stay awake thing I'm doing at the moment. Also, it took Clottey so long to reach the ring... god only knows how much Pacman will milk it.
After about 7 hours of build up, LETS GET READY TO RUMBLE!!
Round One
Pacman looks to take an early advantage, but most of his hits bounce off Clottey's guard. Clottey has a few searching punches but he must know that no judge in the world would give him a points victory over the cashcow of Pacquiao. He is just sizing him up for a KO shot. 10 – 9 to Pacman.
Round Two
Pacman is starting to pick his gaps and get shots in on Clottey, who is too busy protecting his head to protect his sides. Clottey is in a very passive mood tonight, and that annoys me. He is getting the odd shot out, but nothing that will ruffle the wee diddy Filipino. Second round to Pacman too – 20 – 18
Round Three
Come on Clottey, PLEASE do something other than make Pacman throw punches. Please. That will not get you a victory. No, do something – stop standing there getting hit. And throw punches other than jabs. That may help. Hmm.. saying that, Pacman is getting caught by a few. If he didn't have a chin made of steel that may do something. I'm still giving this round to Pacman, but it would not surprise me if at least one judge gave it to Clottey – 30 – 27 to Pacquiao.
Round Four
Pacman is still unloading, but it looks as if the few punches Clottey is landing are a bit heavier. Still, in terms of work rate and ring control Pacman is walking this so far. He shouldn't get careless, but Clottey doesn't appear interested in challenging at the moment. I stayed up for this? 40 – 36 to Pacman.
Round Five
Pacq is easing off a tiny bit, allowing Clottey to get a word in. Clottey has had the best opening here but Pacman is finishing the round strong. To be honest, I think Pacman is easing off and looking for counter opportunities. Eurgh, tough round to judge... still, I'll give it to Pacman again. 50 – 45
Round Six
Come on Clottey... let loose. It won't hurt... well, until you get punched in the face. I think the last round got a bit close for comfort for Pacman, he is still allowing Clottey to come at him to open up counter opportunities but is throwing enough to control the round. Watching this one sided match makes me wish I was seeing Mayweather in there even more. 60 – 54.
Round Seven
The trainer is finally taking my advice and is telling Clottey to start taking some chances. He needs to do something, his only hope to get remotely even is a knock down. And, no offence to Clottey, I don't see him knocking Pacq down unless something really fucking weird happens. Right now, Pacman is just sitting back, throwing the odd punch, letting Clottey come at him and then throwing a ton of punches. He did get caught by one sole meaningful punch, though. Oooh, and one or two more. Still dominating, though. Respectful touch of gloves after the taller Clottey got on top in a weird clinch on Pacman. Still, after all that it is 70 – 63.
Round Eight
I've got bored of saying this now. Pacman doing enough, Clottey gives it a token go and then Pacman unleashes. Low blow by Clottey there, and Pacman takes a few seconds to check his balls are intact. I guess they are as they are back at it. The ref, weirdly, tries to break up the friendly glove pat at the end of the round. 80 – 72.
Round Nine
Clottey's trainer Jesus (no relation) points out the blindingly obvious – he is losing every single round. Despite knowing he is losing, Clottey is still just sort of standing there getting hit. I really hate fights like this. And I know it will trudge on like this for the distance. The Sky commentators, trying to keep us bored sleepy people interested, wonder if Clottey has something special he is saving for the last rounds. I'm betting.... no. In a weird way, it is a shame Clottey hasn't got a cut or something so his corner have an excuse to pull him. Pacman now bored with poking Clottey and looks like he is going for the knockout. 90 – 81.
Round Ten
Clottey is just going for the 12 rounds so he can say he went 12 rounds with Pacquiao. Jesus says the ref will stop it unless Clottey throws some punches. Personally, I think this should have been stopped in round four. Clottey does not stand a chance and if Pacman goes for the KO, he could get hurt. I suppose I need to give Clottey his dues for taking this ass whooping like a man, but come on now. Just give up, there is no shame in losing to a monster like Pacman. 100 – 90. The round hasn't even finished and I'm writing up the score. Clottey is giving it a little go now, but if he thinks he can get a one punch KO on Pacquiao then he is gravely mistaken.
Round Eleven
The crowd are urging Clottey on, probably to just fucking do something of use. He has wounded Pacman, though, who has a tiny welt under his eye. Two huge punches from Clottey. He is not going down without a fight. At this rate I might give him the round. Probably wont, but I might. The crowd have woken up. Pacman is not happy that Clottey started throwing and is now turning the power back up. 110 – 99, although you could argue the case for Clottey in that round.
Round Twelve
The roof is open in Dallas to let all the hot air out. God I hope that Mayweather's fight is better than this. Anyway, Clottey is finally just throwing without a care in the world. He is getting tagged, though, and Pacman looks as lively now as he did in the first. Any young boxer should take a lesson from Pacman's work rate. Right, this is boring now... just finish, let me see if Pacman did win every round and I got the card right and let me fucking sleep. 120 – 108.
Post Fight
They are hugging and now Clottey is wondering how he will spend his purse as he gets a lap of honour on his trainer's shoulder. He could be a good opponent for people looking to test their work rate and counter punch countering, but that is about it. He got hit so many times and never blinked. In fact, Pacquiao's face is a bigger mess.
One judge agreed with me. The rest gave Clottey one token round, probably the eleventh. All I can say is that if boxing wants to compete with MMA, you need to do better than that. That was so fucking dull. I'm going to sleep. Humph. Oh, and I can be up in a few hours
Pre Fight
It is sods law that the fight before the main event is going the distance. Don't they know that I am crying out for my bed!? Come on people, stop coasting to the end and knock each other out. Or go to points. Whatever. Just make me suffer.
Finally... now we just get the twenty minutes of video packages and ring entrances... yay...
The Sky guys are amazed about the massive HD screens at Cowboys Stadium. That is what I've been gawking at all year during Cowboys home games... well, the screens and Romo's interceptions...
My lungs are going to regret the whole smoking to stay awake thing I'm doing at the moment. Also, it took Clottey so long to reach the ring... god only knows how much Pacman will milk it.
After about 7 hours of build up, LETS GET READY TO RUMBLE!!
Round One
Pacman looks to take an early advantage, but most of his hits bounce off Clottey's guard. Clottey has a few searching punches but he must know that no judge in the world would give him a points victory over the cashcow of Pacquiao. He is just sizing him up for a KO shot. 10 – 9 to Pacman.
Round Two
Pacman is starting to pick his gaps and get shots in on Clottey, who is too busy protecting his head to protect his sides. Clottey is in a very passive mood tonight, and that annoys me. He is getting the odd shot out, but nothing that will ruffle the wee diddy Filipino. Second round to Pacman too – 20 – 18
Round Three
Come on Clottey, PLEASE do something other than make Pacman throw punches. Please. That will not get you a victory. No, do something – stop standing there getting hit. And throw punches other than jabs. That may help. Hmm.. saying that, Pacman is getting caught by a few. If he didn't have a chin made of steel that may do something. I'm still giving this round to Pacman, but it would not surprise me if at least one judge gave it to Clottey – 30 – 27 to Pacquiao.
Round Four
Pacman is still unloading, but it looks as if the few punches Clottey is landing are a bit heavier. Still, in terms of work rate and ring control Pacman is walking this so far. He shouldn't get careless, but Clottey doesn't appear interested in challenging at the moment. I stayed up for this? 40 – 36 to Pacman.
Round Five
Pacq is easing off a tiny bit, allowing Clottey to get a word in. Clottey has had the best opening here but Pacman is finishing the round strong. To be honest, I think Pacman is easing off and looking for counter opportunities. Eurgh, tough round to judge... still, I'll give it to Pacman again. 50 – 45
Round Six
Come on Clottey... let loose. It won't hurt... well, until you get punched in the face. I think the last round got a bit close for comfort for Pacman, he is still allowing Clottey to come at him to open up counter opportunities but is throwing enough to control the round. Watching this one sided match makes me wish I was seeing Mayweather in there even more. 60 – 54.
Round Seven
The trainer is finally taking my advice and is telling Clottey to start taking some chances. He needs to do something, his only hope to get remotely even is a knock down. And, no offence to Clottey, I don't see him knocking Pacq down unless something really fucking weird happens. Right now, Pacman is just sitting back, throwing the odd punch, letting Clottey come at him and then throwing a ton of punches. He did get caught by one sole meaningful punch, though. Oooh, and one or two more. Still dominating, though. Respectful touch of gloves after the taller Clottey got on top in a weird clinch on Pacman. Still, after all that it is 70 – 63.
Round Eight
I've got bored of saying this now. Pacman doing enough, Clottey gives it a token go and then Pacman unleashes. Low blow by Clottey there, and Pacman takes a few seconds to check his balls are intact. I guess they are as they are back at it. The ref, weirdly, tries to break up the friendly glove pat at the end of the round. 80 – 72.
Round Nine
Clottey's trainer Jesus (no relation) points out the blindingly obvious – he is losing every single round. Despite knowing he is losing, Clottey is still just sort of standing there getting hit. I really hate fights like this. And I know it will trudge on like this for the distance. The Sky commentators, trying to keep us bored sleepy people interested, wonder if Clottey has something special he is saving for the last rounds. I'm betting.... no. In a weird way, it is a shame Clottey hasn't got a cut or something so his corner have an excuse to pull him. Pacman now bored with poking Clottey and looks like he is going for the knockout. 90 – 81.
Round Ten
Clottey is just going for the 12 rounds so he can say he went 12 rounds with Pacquiao. Jesus says the ref will stop it unless Clottey throws some punches. Personally, I think this should have been stopped in round four. Clottey does not stand a chance and if Pacman goes for the KO, he could get hurt. I suppose I need to give Clottey his dues for taking this ass whooping like a man, but come on now. Just give up, there is no shame in losing to a monster like Pacman. 100 – 90. The round hasn't even finished and I'm writing up the score. Clottey is giving it a little go now, but if he thinks he can get a one punch KO on Pacquiao then he is gravely mistaken.
Round Eleven
The crowd are urging Clottey on, probably to just fucking do something of use. He has wounded Pacman, though, who has a tiny welt under his eye. Two huge punches from Clottey. He is not going down without a fight. At this rate I might give him the round. Probably wont, but I might. The crowd have woken up. Pacman is not happy that Clottey started throwing and is now turning the power back up. 110 – 99, although you could argue the case for Clottey in that round.
Round Twelve
The roof is open in Dallas to let all the hot air out. God I hope that Mayweather's fight is better than this. Anyway, Clottey is finally just throwing without a care in the world. He is getting tagged, though, and Pacman looks as lively now as he did in the first. Any young boxer should take a lesson from Pacman's work rate. Right, this is boring now... just finish, let me see if Pacman did win every round and I got the card right and let me fucking sleep. 120 – 108.
Post Fight
They are hugging and now Clottey is wondering how he will spend his purse as he gets a lap of honour on his trainer's shoulder. He could be a good opponent for people looking to test their work rate and counter punch countering, but that is about it. He got hit so many times and never blinked. In fact, Pacquiao's face is a bigger mess.
One judge agreed with me. The rest gave Clottey one token round, probably the eleventh. All I can say is that if boxing wants to compete with MMA, you need to do better than that. That was so fucking dull. I'm going to sleep. Humph. Oh, and I can be up in a few hours
Friday, 12 March 2010
Hey, check this out!
All weekend I'm going to be covering the opening Formula One Grand Prix of the season live at my F1 blog The Black Stuff. This is a hugely daunting task.
I've never really done the whole live sports coverage thing before. I've done more analysis than I can shake a stick at, and taken part in umpteen of these live chats with the guys over at Shutdown Corner, but never actually done one myself.
Well, still, lets see how I cope. Drop in over the weekend and check it out -I'll be live whenever the cars are on the track.
I've never really done the whole live sports coverage thing before. I've done more analysis than I can shake a stick at, and taken part in umpteen of these live chats with the guys over at Shutdown Corner, but never actually done one myself.
Well, still, lets see how I cope. Drop in over the weekend and check it out -I'll be live whenever the cars are on the track.
Thursday, 4 March 2010
Introducing: The Black Stuff
Once more no OC for you guys as I've been just ridiculously busy recently getting some new projects off the ground. One of them is my new F1 blog, www.TheBlackStuff.co.uk
Go There.....now... GO!
Go There.....now... GO!
Wednesday, 24 February 2010
Hot Curlers
I'm still obsessed with curling. Obsessed with curling and very, very hung over. Therefore, have some pictures of curlers and be happy.
Sunday, 21 February 2010
I am still totally obsessed with the Winter Olympics...
I want to learn how to either do Ski Cross or Snowboard Cross... preferably Ski Cross. Basically I want to race down a mountain with sticks, duelling along the way. Or, perhaps, I'll learn to bobsleigh. As a no-year no claims bonus will attest to, I'm a damn good driver and as I'm also a pretty big guy, I'm sure I could give it a decent push. I helped push start my dad's car once. One time, I was also part of a gang that stole my mate's Vauxhall Nova by just picking it up and walking off with it, although that is entirely a different story.
I wouldn't mind giving curling a go as well, purely to get to shout and slide a lot. Oh, and hang out with female curlers. They look awesome. It appears that (German curlers excluded) to be a female curler, you have to either be some saucy little minx or some kinky MILF.
One sport I could never, ever do, though, is cross country skiing. Seriously, those guys are defective in the head. Have you seen them at the finish line? It is the only sport I can think of where absolutely everyone who crosses the finish line collapses on site. No exceptions. It is absolutely bonkers.
I couldn't do speed skating either, as I'd feel self conscious in all that lycra, bent over. It just isn't natural. Plus, I'm not Korean and from what I've seen that is a major disadvantage. Figure skating, too, is out for me. I do not have an ounce of agility in me. Seriously, have you seen those guys and gals? They defy the laws of physics on a regular basis. I also can't do Ice Hockey as I have an aversion to being punched in the face by angry Canadians.
TL:DR – Yes, I am still utterly obsessed with the Winter Olympics and my Twitter feed is still just one giant monument to the glory that is sliding down a mountain as fast as possible.
I wouldn't mind giving curling a go as well, purely to get to shout and slide a lot. Oh, and hang out with female curlers. They look awesome. It appears that (German curlers excluded) to be a female curler, you have to either be some saucy little minx or some kinky MILF.
I want to slide down the ice with these people, if you know what I mean...
One sport I could never, ever do, though, is cross country skiing. Seriously, those guys are defective in the head. Have you seen them at the finish line? It is the only sport I can think of where absolutely everyone who crosses the finish line collapses on site. No exceptions. It is absolutely bonkers.
I couldn't do speed skating either, as I'd feel self conscious in all that lycra, bent over. It just isn't natural. Plus, I'm not Korean and from what I've seen that is a major disadvantage. Figure skating, too, is out for me. I do not have an ounce of agility in me. Seriously, have you seen those guys and gals? They defy the laws of physics on a regular basis. I also can't do Ice Hockey as I have an aversion to being punched in the face by angry Canadians.
TL:DR – Yes, I am still utterly obsessed with the Winter Olympics and my Twitter feed is still just one giant monument to the glory that is sliding down a mountain as fast as possible.
Friday, 19 February 2010
Things I've Noticed About The Winter Olympics
As anyone following my Twitter feed will know, I've become obsessed with the Winter Olympics. Here are some of my thoughts:
- Every Russian athlete is hot. Especially the curling team. Seriously. Wow.
- The speed skaters' thighs defy logic, physics and possibly the laws of God
- If the Winter Olympics is just full of sports that involve sliding, why aren't water slides and those long sheets of plastic that you laid on the lawn as a kid, squirted with washing up liquid and a hose and slid down that broke at least one kids collar bone each summer proper Olympic sports?
- Have I mentioned the speed skaters' thighs?
- Why invite some of the Ice Hockey nations when it is just obvious that they are there to be mocked?
- Since when did it become a part of the Communist party plan to make gymnasts turn into snowboarders? Is it like some form of punishment? "Oh fuck you, you fell of the bars, we are going to strap you to a baking tray and shove you down a steep mountain!"
- I feel morally superior to Shaun White. He may be infinately more talented than me, but I have better hair.
- I want to bobsleigh. Not in the Olympics, just in my day to day life. Also, I want to bobsleigh drunk.
- Curling is slightly erotic. All that sliding about on the ice and grunting. Think about it.
- Figure skating is the best sport ever invented. I couldn't do that shit standing on firm ground, let along skating around on one leg. Also, Brett Favre may be renowned for throwing a football hard but I doubt even he could get a spiral on a fucking person.
- Why don't speed skaters use their blades more constructively? I mean the big juicey acheles tendons of their rivals are there for the stomping
- Double Luge is the most homo-erotic sport ever. Seriously, it's just full of men in lycra laying on top of each other grunting.
- Finally, who in their right mind thinks 'I want to be an Olympian. I know, I'll lay on a baking tray on my front and slide down a mountain at 140kph! GENIUS!'
Monday, 15 February 2010
NASCAR Daytona 500 Hour by Hour
As I sometimes do, I recorded my thoughts throughout an event. Here are my thoughts on the Daytona 500...
17:58 – I do love the over the top intro videos that you get on big sporting events.
18:02 – I love the whole patriotism thing you get before the flag as well. You don't get that over here, sadly.
18:05 – I love how in F1, a great race has a lead change on the track. In NASCAR, a great race is a 'Crashfest'.
18:08 – Obligatory Danica Patrick mention #1
18:16 – Only in America do you get commentators plugging beer on air during a race.
18:21 – Boogity Boogity Boogity! Let's go racing!
18:29 – That wasn't long before the first crash, was it?
18:39 – How Juan Pablo Montoya hasn't just spun everyone else out yet is beyond me.
18:46 – I blinked and missed it – what happened to Mark Martin? He was in the lead last I saw...
18:47 – Oh yeah, caution pit stops. I knew that, don't any of you say that I didn't.
18:56 – This is where NASCAR does get a little dull, when nobody is crashing and it's all single file. I mean, I know that is F1 all the time but at least in that you get more interesting circuits.
19:11 – Crash, damn you. 50 laps with one caution is just not good enough. CRASH!!
19:13 – My laptop is running like mud recently. Methinks a spring cleaning is in order tomorrow.
19:22 – Mass pitstops!! Is there a more beautiful sight?
19:29 – Yes – the whole field running close at top speed. Freaking awesome!
19:57 – Why do US sports analysts always tell UK audiences that the race\game\etc. is like some chess match on speed?
20:03 – Oh Dale Jr. “It's fun being that lose, but I don't think it's going to be very productive”
20:10 – CRASH! All I want is one 10 car pile up, is that too much to ask?
20:15 – Popping Tyres. When will people learn drugs and racing don't mix.
20:43 – I go for dinner and find everyone stopped in pit road! WHAT HAPPENED!?
20:45 – The track broke. How the hell does a track break...
20:50 – I love Dale Earnheart Jr. Wise cracks and baseball trivia in race, that is the way to roll.
20:56 – Seriously, how does a track break? I've heard of relaying tarmac overnight but an in race repair? Yikes...
21:28 – Yawn. The guys are now talking about who should QB the Eagles next year. RACE AND CRASH DAMN YOU!
21:43 – Don't get me wrong, I like hearing from all the drivers, but dear lord is it boring. Still, I'm a man and as a man shall see this through to the end.
21:55 – They are getting back in their cars! Woop! I don't care if it will still be 20 minutes or so till the green flag goes, they are getting ready!
22:10 – WE ARE RACING! Fucking finally...
22:20 – Pack racing at 190mph. This is what we want, why not start this race at night if this is the result?
22:26 – I would love to spin a NASCAR car like Allmenginger just did. Looks kick ass fun.
22:41 – So the racing gets good, and the track breaks again. Nice one, NASCAR, way to look competent.
22:44 – Wohoo! Another hole!
22:47 – If they call NASCAR's flagship race because of an asphalt problem on a NASCAR owned track, then they deserve all the stick they get. This is absolutely bleeding ridiculous. Seriously, you would never get the Super Bowl match called off over the pitch, the Monaco GP over a track problem, the World Series over a pitchers mound or the Stanley Cup over an ice problem. Why can't NASCAR get their track sorted for THEIR flagship event?
22:58 – Dear NASCAR Drivers – Yes, I wish that they would just race around it too.
23:18 – RACE DAMN YOU! I WANT TO GO TO BED!
23:23 – Juan Pablo Montoya? More like Juan Porky Montoya AMIRYTE!?
23:26 – That's a good point – why does everyone harp on about Schumacher racing at 41 when Mark Martin does it at 51? I know F1 is very different to NASCAR, but still...
23:28 – The Sky Sports studio guys nearly just kicked seven bells out of each other. Proper Oprah\Brees awkward.
23:42 – Come on, race already! It's been nearly six hours of my life I have dedicated to this! Oh, and crash too. Kthxbai.
23:57 – I've always liked Scott Speed, so here is hoping there is a caution.
00:05 – You get the feeling that this is going to end in one big crash as everyone goes for broke. Or at least, I hope thats what happens.
00:16 – Here we go – shootout time. Can. Not. Wait.
00:22 – Right, let's try that again.
00:25 – So glad I didn't back Khane. Nearly did, though...
00:35 – Well after 6+ hours, well done Jamie McMurray. SLEEEEEEP.
17:58 – I do love the over the top intro videos that you get on big sporting events.
18:02 – I love the whole patriotism thing you get before the flag as well. You don't get that over here, sadly.
18:05 – I love how in F1, a great race has a lead change on the track. In NASCAR, a great race is a 'Crashfest'.
18:08 – Obligatory Danica Patrick mention #1
18:16 – Only in America do you get commentators plugging beer on air during a race.
18:21 – Boogity Boogity Boogity! Let's go racing!
18:29 – That wasn't long before the first crash, was it?
18:39 – How Juan Pablo Montoya hasn't just spun everyone else out yet is beyond me.
18:46 – I blinked and missed it – what happened to Mark Martin? He was in the lead last I saw...
18:47 – Oh yeah, caution pit stops. I knew that, don't any of you say that I didn't.
18:56 – This is where NASCAR does get a little dull, when nobody is crashing and it's all single file. I mean, I know that is F1 all the time but at least in that you get more interesting circuits.
19:11 – Crash, damn you. 50 laps with one caution is just not good enough. CRASH!!
19:13 – My laptop is running like mud recently. Methinks a spring cleaning is in order tomorrow.
19:22 – Mass pitstops!! Is there a more beautiful sight?
19:29 – Yes – the whole field running close at top speed. Freaking awesome!
19:57 – Why do US sports analysts always tell UK audiences that the race\game\etc. is like some chess match on speed?
20:03 – Oh Dale Jr. “It's fun being that lose, but I don't think it's going to be very productive”
20:10 – CRASH! All I want is one 10 car pile up, is that too much to ask?
20:15 – Popping Tyres. When will people learn drugs and racing don't mix.
20:43 – I go for dinner and find everyone stopped in pit road! WHAT HAPPENED!?
20:45 – The track broke. How the hell does a track break...
20:50 – I love Dale Earnheart Jr. Wise cracks and baseball trivia in race, that is the way to roll.
20:56 – Seriously, how does a track break? I've heard of relaying tarmac overnight but an in race repair? Yikes...
21:28 – Yawn. The guys are now talking about who should QB the Eagles next year. RACE AND CRASH DAMN YOU!
21:43 – Don't get me wrong, I like hearing from all the drivers, but dear lord is it boring. Still, I'm a man and as a man shall see this through to the end.
21:55 – They are getting back in their cars! Woop! I don't care if it will still be 20 minutes or so till the green flag goes, they are getting ready!
22:10 – WE ARE RACING! Fucking finally...
22:20 – Pack racing at 190mph. This is what we want, why not start this race at night if this is the result?
22:26 – I would love to spin a NASCAR car like Allmenginger just did. Looks kick ass fun.
22:41 – So the racing gets good, and the track breaks again. Nice one, NASCAR, way to look competent.
22:44 – Wohoo! Another hole!
22:47 – If they call NASCAR's flagship race because of an asphalt problem on a NASCAR owned track, then they deserve all the stick they get. This is absolutely bleeding ridiculous. Seriously, you would never get the Super Bowl match called off over the pitch, the Monaco GP over a track problem, the World Series over a pitchers mound or the Stanley Cup over an ice problem. Why can't NASCAR get their track sorted for THEIR flagship event?
22:58 – Dear NASCAR Drivers – Yes, I wish that they would just race around it too.
23:18 – RACE DAMN YOU! I WANT TO GO TO BED!
23:23 – Juan Pablo Montoya? More like Juan Porky Montoya AMIRYTE!?
23:26 – That's a good point – why does everyone harp on about Schumacher racing at 41 when Mark Martin does it at 51? I know F1 is very different to NASCAR, but still...
23:28 – The Sky Sports studio guys nearly just kicked seven bells out of each other. Proper Oprah\Brees awkward.
23:42 – Come on, race already! It's been nearly six hours of my life I have dedicated to this! Oh, and crash too. Kthxbai.
23:57 – I've always liked Scott Speed, so here is hoping there is a caution.
00:05 – You get the feeling that this is going to end in one big crash as everyone goes for broke. Or at least, I hope thats what happens.
00:16 – Here we go – shootout time. Can. Not. Wait.
00:22 – Right, let's try that again.
00:25 – So glad I didn't back Khane. Nearly did, though...
00:35 – Well after 6+ hours, well done Jamie McMurray. SLEEEEEEP.
Thursday, 11 February 2010
Motor Racing and how it Ruined The Western World
Lets face it, motor sport probably has the most elitist fans in the world. I don't mean that in a bad way, its just that each set of fans will stand up for their own particular discipline of motor sport with the sort of passionate fanboy-dom that is usually reserved for video game consoles and professional wrestling.
Moto GP and Superbike fans will mock those who take to four wheels, drag racers will argue their place atop of the hill due to their lightening quick reactions and rally drivers will consider themselves gods among men for their all terrain racing, despite the fact they never have to overtake anyone. Elsewhere, Formula One will continue to consider itself at the top of the world with a sense of elite pomp while touring car fans will argue that their rough and tumble variety of circuit racing is tops.
One thing, though, is true of pretty much all motor sport fans – they all dump on oval racing. Well, that is unless you are an oval fan to begin with, in which case you obviously think your discipline is tops.
I must admit, I used to be a part of the badwagon that jumped up and down at NASCAR and IndyCar saying that it isn't real racing as you don't turn right. “Oh no, he forgot to turn left!” I used to shout when they crashed, and I used to write oval racing off as boring. I was a true F1 and Touring Car fanboy, I was. Especially the not racing in the rain thing, that annoyed the hell out of me as the best F1 races are often in the wet.
Then, like most sports I'm not a huge fan of, I gave it a go. And I tell you what, it is awesome.
The racing and tempo is obviously a lot different to that of, say an F1 race. In Formula One, the lead may only change one or two times in a race and if you're lucky you might get one or two cars spin off innocently into a gravel trap. In NASCAR, however, you will see the lead change one or two times every ten minutes and seven or eight huge smashes are considered the bare minimum.
The main problem I think that a lot of trad circuit racing fans and oval fans have when trying to cross over to each others style of motor sport is that the philosophies are different. In F1, the aim of the race is to stay in complete control of your vehicle through a whole circuit, holding on to your own position while trying to catch the car in front. The emphasis is just as much on putting together a qualifying lap and nailing strategy as it is on getting your breaking and acceleration points right. Also, there is a huge emphasis on the car as a whole.
In NASCAR, it is proper mayhem, though. You get respites of yellow flag periods, where the race goes under safety car after a crash until the circuit is clear, but the rest of the time it is about running as close to the edge as you can get. You get packs of 40 plus cars all travelling around the 200mph mark, something that is impossible in any other discipline of racing, and then you see it all come to a pause when they crash into each other. Even the pit stops are so much cooler in NASCAR, to the point where the mechanics are often recruited out of college as athletes.
The long and short of this is just this – give other kinds of motor sport a chance. And if you like crashes, and frankly that is the only reason anyone ever watches motor sport, watch NASCAR and feel like a proper Roman.
If you don't know, the Daytona 500 is on Sunday. Check back here after the race for my thoughts. I'll be logging them.
Moto GP and Superbike fans will mock those who take to four wheels, drag racers will argue their place atop of the hill due to their lightening quick reactions and rally drivers will consider themselves gods among men for their all terrain racing, despite the fact they never have to overtake anyone. Elsewhere, Formula One will continue to consider itself at the top of the world with a sense of elite pomp while touring car fans will argue that their rough and tumble variety of circuit racing is tops.
If you like this, chances are you also like prawn sandwiches
One thing, though, is true of pretty much all motor sport fans – they all dump on oval racing. Well, that is unless you are an oval fan to begin with, in which case you obviously think your discipline is tops.
I must admit, I used to be a part of the badwagon that jumped up and down at NASCAR and IndyCar saying that it isn't real racing as you don't turn right. “Oh no, he forgot to turn left!” I used to shout when they crashed, and I used to write oval racing off as boring. I was a true F1 and Touring Car fanboy, I was. Especially the not racing in the rain thing, that annoyed the hell out of me as the best F1 races are often in the wet.
Then, like most sports I'm not a huge fan of, I gave it a go. And I tell you what, it is awesome.
The Colleseum circa 2010
The racing and tempo is obviously a lot different to that of, say an F1 race. In Formula One, the lead may only change one or two times in a race and if you're lucky you might get one or two cars spin off innocently into a gravel trap. In NASCAR, however, you will see the lead change one or two times every ten minutes and seven or eight huge smashes are considered the bare minimum.
The main problem I think that a lot of trad circuit racing fans and oval fans have when trying to cross over to each others style of motor sport is that the philosophies are different. In F1, the aim of the race is to stay in complete control of your vehicle through a whole circuit, holding on to your own position while trying to catch the car in front. The emphasis is just as much on putting together a qualifying lap and nailing strategy as it is on getting your breaking and acceleration points right. Also, there is a huge emphasis on the car as a whole.
In NASCAR, it is proper mayhem, though. You get respites of yellow flag periods, where the race goes under safety car after a crash until the circuit is clear, but the rest of the time it is about running as close to the edge as you can get. You get packs of 40 plus cars all travelling around the 200mph mark, something that is impossible in any other discipline of racing, and then you see it all come to a pause when they crash into each other. Even the pit stops are so much cooler in NASCAR, to the point where the mechanics are often recruited out of college as athletes.
The long and short of this is just this – give other kinds of motor sport a chance. And if you like crashes, and frankly that is the only reason anyone ever watches motor sport, watch NASCAR and feel like a proper Roman.
If you don't know, the Daytona 500 is on Sunday. Check back here after the race for my thoughts. I'll be logging them.
Sunday, 15 November 2009
14 Hours Of Sport Recap
Right, so here is the lo-down. For roughly some 16 hours I watched sport on Saturday. And I recorded some running thoughts as the day and the beer progressed. Here they are. Imagine this like a Twitter feed, except I've blogged it as I have like one follower and I think they are just some Eastern European porn site spambot.
Here are my thoughts from throughout the day. If you like, I'll do another on an NFL Sunday.
2:35pm – Is it me or are England just not very good at rugby any more? Well we are but we are just the worst good team ever.
2:37pm – Oh Cueto... if only you weren't so fumbly.
2:57pm – Lewis Moody is playing like his sex is on fire and tackling the Argies is the only relief he can get.
3:41pm – What happened to smash mouth England rugby? Maybe we should try to find out seeing as out kicking game is absolutely rubbish...
4:00pm – So where has THAT form been all day!? What a try
4:24pm – Bit of culture on the Rugby – Ludivicio Enaudi on the outro music. Yes, I know I spelt his name wrong. Sue me.
4:34pm – I can tell you now that the Sky interview man nearly got mauled to death by Martin Johnson
4:58pm – Well, that was the rugby. Now on to the football. Let's watch Brazil sacrifice England's second stringers.
5:00pm – Hmm, probably should save this doc at some point. Nice little tribute to Robert Enke, the German keeper who committed suicide at the weekend pre game.
5:13pm – An England defensive mistake!? I don't believe it...
5:35pm – Pretty impressed with the atmosphere in the Qatar stadium. Also, my backside hurts after being sat in the same spot. Only about 12 hours to go... yay...
5:38pm – Good continuity by the ref. He didn't give Brazil a blatant free kick on the edge of the area and just denied England.
6:17pm – Good old England and their defensive cock ups. Good old Brazil and their inability to score penalties.
6:34pm – England look properly rubbish up front. Rooney is getting no service and they don't have a big guy to lob the ball at.
6:50pm – I'm not calling the match boring, but I'm looking at cars, video games and holidays.
7:08pm – Ahh, a small break from my sporting schedule. UFC 105 is up next at 8. Although for some reason, I'm watching Merlin. This concerns me.
8:01pm – Merlin was actually quite good. Luckily, I can rebalance the man-karma by now watching UFC. I really wish they would change their tacky intro video though.
8:02pm – Did Mike Goldberg just say 'beautiful Manchester, England'?
8:05pm – There is something childishly hilarious about the fighters who have 'Condom Depot' on the backside portion of their shorts.
8:08pm – First beer of the night. I am willing to bet it will be nowhere near the last.
8:22pm – Dominating fight by Pearson here. Would be good to see if he can get a KO and go to ground at least once.
8:24pm – Bloody win by TKO for Ross Pearson. That isn't a posh swear word, Riley is bloodied heavily as the doc stops the match.
8:29pm – I love the Twingo advert where the mother is just so glad that her daughter got a job, she doesn't mind that it is as a whore. Sort of actually sums up the modern working climate.
8:32pm – Dammit America! Leicester is pronounced Less-ter not Lie-chester!
8:39pm – One of the fighters has a mouse under their eye. That must be uncomfortable and a bit of a distraction. Oh, it's now a bad mouse. Very bad mouse. Joe Rogan is very worried about it.
8:51pm – I really think that France may not make it past the Republic of Ireland here. Also, Greece have to go to the Ukraine and win to get through. That is unlikely at best.
8:52pm – Really good fight with Matt Brown picking up the W. The bad mouse, who I just learned has recently finished a 3 year stretch in the hole, clearly was on his team.
9:04pm – Apparently, the UFC might contain scenes that some viewers could find disturbing. I know – Joe Rogan only has light stubble, not the full manly beard!
9:10pm – Bisping comes out to Song 2 by Blur. Whenever I hear that song, I just think about FIFA 1998
9:24pm – Atta Boy Bisping! Great come back for the win.
9:44pm – How much product must Dan Hardy use to keep his hair maintained throughout a fight?
9:45pm – Dan Hardy just got kicked in the nuuuuuuts
9:58pm – Is Joe Rogan slurring into a bad British accent at times?
10:16pm – Main event time in the UFC. All of this is being eclipsed by the prospect of Pacman vs Cotto. No matter how good UFC gets, boxing will always be better.
10:29pm – Randy is still a good fighter, I mean he could beat 7 shades of crap out of me, but he just seems to be lacking a little something at the moment. I think his age his finally catching up to him.
10:32pm – And as I said that, he is having the round of the night against Vera.
10:38pm – Not 100% sure on that unanimous decision for Randy. But I think he did win 2-1 round wise. Then again, I rarely guess UFC score cards.
10:40pm – Joe Rogan and Brandon Vera both slag of the judges for that decision without saying it. There is something about the scorecard decisions in a lot of these fights that stink a bit. Quite often they are very shocking. And in a monopoly MMA company that is completely self regulating, it is going to start hurting the company and industry soon. I mean, you can bet on this shit and the judges often seem to have a mind unto themselves. Little bit odd.
10:43pm – I am stopping gambling for the day now. At the start of the day my bankroll was $250. I'm down $100. That is bad times. I've forgotten what a tournament cash or cash table double up feels like.
10:47pm – Just flicked over to the replay of the Haye vs Valuev fight. I never watched it live as I was in London at the time. I also never realised just how quick Haye was.
11:00pm – With the joy of hindsight, I know that Haye won. But the commentators weren't half pessimistic on the night.
11:35pm – First bit of promo came on for the fight tonight. I cannot wait.
00:03am – Not much on the sporting front at the moment. The Haye vs Valuev undercard is whetting my appetite nicely though.
00:26am – Wohoo, live bobsleigh!
00:55pm – As if knowing what is to come in a few hours, ESPN is showing an old Ali fight
1:59am – FINALLY, now we only have to wait for the undercard and it's show time.
2:28am – Why are under card fights so bad? At the moment this is just a contest to see who will either bleed to death or get DQed for ball smacking.
2:48am – I'm sure these prelim fights are good, but I'm just a tad too excited for the main event. A bit like the way a support band is often ace at a concert, but people don't care. Also, I've now moved back to the original position I was in earlier after a brief few hour sojourn to my office. And I've run out of beer. Boo!
2:54am – How the heck can a World Champ only defend his title once a year for 4 years? Also, I found rum. Yay!
3:00am – Looks like Mr. I'm Too Important To Defend My Title is getting his ass handed to him, Hazzar! Also, all the pro's are backing Cotto. He is a beast, but I think Pacquiao will do it. Did I spell his name right?
3:04am – Boxing is the only sport in the world where a guy more cut than 90% of the population is described as a bit 'soft around the middle'.
3:16am – Cotto's boys are watching Pacman get his hands taped. Antonio Margarito, the person who had put the one blemish on Cotto's otherwise perfect professional record, was suspended for illegally wrapping his hands. Apparently, the amount of tape Margarito used equated to having two cinder blocks on his fists. Cotto are making sure Pacman's camp aren't up to any such shennanigans.
3:23am – Daniel Santos is currently being beaten up by a rabbi. True story.
3:28am – I've just realised that I haven't tended to my aquarium today. Poor fish.
3:48am – Chavez Jr isn't old enough to be out this late, never mind be a pro boxer.
3:52am – Why do people always randomly whistle at boxing events...
4:02am – This fight was meant to be a gimmie for Chavez Jr. He is currently behind...
4:03am – I've also resorted to chain smoking to stay awake. Bad times. Not as bad as my buddy, who has resorted to smoking weed to build up for a game. Because we all know that smoking weed makes you be able to stay up late.
4:12am – No, the crowd aren't getting bored of this fight per se. It's more along the lines of 'GIVE US THE MAIN EVENT NOW YOU BASTARDS!'
4:14am – Chavez wouldn't just get bullied by John Duddy. He would get raped. Also, 41 fights at age 23? Bloody hell...
4:23am – I refuse to believe Nicky Piper was ever a boxer. A geography teacher maybe, but not a boxer.
4:29am – Is it weird that I'm not sold on Pacquiao? I mean he beat an old and obviously ill De La Hoya and ripped through a Hatton who was completely undone by a rubbish training camp. Where as Cotto is a beast at this weight who has only lost once, and that may have been due to the illegal hand wrapping we discussed earlier.
4:39am – Out comes Pacquiao, and I reckon already I've spelt his name 4 different ways.
4:48am – Here we go... Cagey stuff from both, but so far Cotto has the edge.
4:50am – First round Cotto I'd say. You can feel the atmosphere bubbling.
4:54am – Round two Pacquiao. For a minute it was close, but in the end Cotto made some mistakes and the Pacman absolutely ravaged each and every one of them.
4:56am – Cotto went down. Not in a major way, but his gloves hit the canvas to steady himself, and that is all you need. Pacman seems to be shrugging off Cotto's big hits.
4:58am – Got to give that one to Pacquiao as well, along with a nice knockdown. 10-8 to Pacman, making it 29-27 to the little man from the Philippines. Although, Pacman looks cocky just standing there and letting Cotto hit him.
5:02am – A very convincing knockdown on Cotto and he is hurt. That was so nearly Cotto's round too, then the little man let loose and floored him with a huge thwack. Cotto keeps doing well, wearing him down then loosing his head, letting loose and getting caught. 10 – 8 again, so 39 – 35 but I tell you now that the scores will be irrelevant.
5:05 – I think I'm going to give this round to Cotto, although I would not by any stretch begrudge anyone giving it to Pacquiao. Or should I give it to Pacman? Lets give it to Cotto and say 48 – 45
5:10 – That round was Pacquiao all over. He so nearly rocked Cotto a few times. 58-54 on my card. Although, the wee man hasn't looked as lively as before. Maybe all that extra weight is pulling on him. Saying that, Cotto is hurting badly all over. I can see a quiet round or two. Now, watch a KO happen...
5:14am – That round was all Pacman. 68 – 63 and Cotto is either going to get KOed or have his corner stop this mess. I have never seen a more dominant fighter than Pacquiao. He will beat Mayweather Jr at this rate. Easily one of the greatest ever. Easily
5:18am – Cotto cannot win this fight now. His punches are impotent, movement slow and he is just taking a beating. Freddie Roach just said 'next round'. Pull Cotto now and save his skin. 78 – 72. That said, I want this to go the distance so I can see how my score cards are doing. I think I'm a point off but close.
5:22am – 88-81. This is now just uncomfortable to watch. If they don't pull Cotto, then Freddie Roach needs to do the right thing and tell Pacquiao to go easy on him. Same as Calzaghe did against Jones Jr.
5:26am – Another Pacman round making it 98 – 90. Either Pacquiao is taking my advice and going easy on Cotto, knowing his corner won't pull him and having no wish to hurt his fellow boxer or Pacman is hurting. I'm not sure which it is, although I'm willing to bet Pacquiao knows that even Cotto doesn't have enough for one more big punch left in him.
5:30am – The crown begin to boo as the fight winds down. You know, I'm actually giving that round to Cotto. It may have been back foot boxing but he was better I thought. 107 – 100. Final round coming up, and I don't think Pacquiao will inflict the hurt on Cotto with a final KO. On an annoying note, I shunned a £20 bet on Pacman for a points win at 5/1. I'm gutted.
5:32am – The ref steps in and doesn't let the fight have the formality of going to the cards. If he was going to do that any time that Pacquiao looked lively, he could have done it 3 rounds ago. Odd decision, but Cotto was never winning this from round 3 onwards. Apparently Pacquiao has a concert he is playing later tonight. Insanity.
5:33am – I wasn't sold on Pacquiao at welterweight coming into this fight. He had a spar with De La Hoya in the dismantlement of the Mexican legend and he beat an aged Hatton. He has now beaten a dominant fighter in an amazing fashion. He is by far the best fighter on the planet today. If he stepped into an Octagon with no training, he would beat Brock Lesnar. Not really, but right now I'm that sold on him I'd back him for it.
5:35am – That is it, I'm going the fuck to bed. Then I can do it all over again tomorrow for NFL Sunday. I love working freelance!
Here are my thoughts from throughout the day. If you like, I'll do another on an NFL Sunday.
2:35pm – Is it me or are England just not very good at rugby any more? Well we are but we are just the worst good team ever.
2:37pm – Oh Cueto... if only you weren't so fumbly.
2:57pm – Lewis Moody is playing like his sex is on fire and tackling the Argies is the only relief he can get.
3:41pm – What happened to smash mouth England rugby? Maybe we should try to find out seeing as out kicking game is absolutely rubbish...
4:00pm – So where has THAT form been all day!? What a try
4:24pm – Bit of culture on the Rugby – Ludivicio Enaudi on the outro music. Yes, I know I spelt his name wrong. Sue me.
4:34pm – I can tell you now that the Sky interview man nearly got mauled to death by Martin Johnson
4:58pm – Well, that was the rugby. Now on to the football. Let's watch Brazil sacrifice England's second stringers.
5:00pm – Hmm, probably should save this doc at some point. Nice little tribute to Robert Enke, the German keeper who committed suicide at the weekend pre game.
5:13pm – An England defensive mistake!? I don't believe it...
5:35pm – Pretty impressed with the atmosphere in the Qatar stadium. Also, my backside hurts after being sat in the same spot. Only about 12 hours to go... yay...
5:38pm – Good continuity by the ref. He didn't give Brazil a blatant free kick on the edge of the area and just denied England.
6:17pm – Good old England and their defensive cock ups. Good old Brazil and their inability to score penalties.
6:34pm – England look properly rubbish up front. Rooney is getting no service and they don't have a big guy to lob the ball at.
6:50pm – I'm not calling the match boring, but I'm looking at cars, video games and holidays.
7:08pm – Ahh, a small break from my sporting schedule. UFC 105 is up next at 8. Although for some reason, I'm watching Merlin. This concerns me.
8:01pm – Merlin was actually quite good. Luckily, I can rebalance the man-karma by now watching UFC. I really wish they would change their tacky intro video though.
8:02pm – Did Mike Goldberg just say 'beautiful Manchester, England'?
8:05pm – There is something childishly hilarious about the fighters who have 'Condom Depot' on the backside portion of their shorts.
8:08pm – First beer of the night. I am willing to bet it will be nowhere near the last.
8:22pm – Dominating fight by Pearson here. Would be good to see if he can get a KO and go to ground at least once.
8:24pm – Bloody win by TKO for Ross Pearson. That isn't a posh swear word, Riley is bloodied heavily as the doc stops the match.
8:29pm – I love the Twingo advert where the mother is just so glad that her daughter got a job, she doesn't mind that it is as a whore. Sort of actually sums up the modern working climate.
8:32pm – Dammit America! Leicester is pronounced Less-ter not Lie-chester!
8:39pm – One of the fighters has a mouse under their eye. That must be uncomfortable and a bit of a distraction. Oh, it's now a bad mouse. Very bad mouse. Joe Rogan is very worried about it.
8:51pm – I really think that France may not make it past the Republic of Ireland here. Also, Greece have to go to the Ukraine and win to get through. That is unlikely at best.
8:52pm – Really good fight with Matt Brown picking up the W. The bad mouse, who I just learned has recently finished a 3 year stretch in the hole, clearly was on his team.
9:04pm – Apparently, the UFC might contain scenes that some viewers could find disturbing. I know – Joe Rogan only has light stubble, not the full manly beard!
9:10pm – Bisping comes out to Song 2 by Blur. Whenever I hear that song, I just think about FIFA 1998
9:24pm – Atta Boy Bisping! Great come back for the win.
9:44pm – How much product must Dan Hardy use to keep his hair maintained throughout a fight?
9:45pm – Dan Hardy just got kicked in the nuuuuuuts
9:58pm – Is Joe Rogan slurring into a bad British accent at times?
10:16pm – Main event time in the UFC. All of this is being eclipsed by the prospect of Pacman vs Cotto. No matter how good UFC gets, boxing will always be better.
10:29pm – Randy is still a good fighter, I mean he could beat 7 shades of crap out of me, but he just seems to be lacking a little something at the moment. I think his age his finally catching up to him.
10:32pm – And as I said that, he is having the round of the night against Vera.
10:38pm – Not 100% sure on that unanimous decision for Randy. But I think he did win 2-1 round wise. Then again, I rarely guess UFC score cards.
10:40pm – Joe Rogan and Brandon Vera both slag of the judges for that decision without saying it. There is something about the scorecard decisions in a lot of these fights that stink a bit. Quite often they are very shocking. And in a monopoly MMA company that is completely self regulating, it is going to start hurting the company and industry soon. I mean, you can bet on this shit and the judges often seem to have a mind unto themselves. Little bit odd.
10:43pm – I am stopping gambling for the day now. At the start of the day my bankroll was $250. I'm down $100. That is bad times. I've forgotten what a tournament cash or cash table double up feels like.
10:47pm – Just flicked over to the replay of the Haye vs Valuev fight. I never watched it live as I was in London at the time. I also never realised just how quick Haye was.
11:00pm – With the joy of hindsight, I know that Haye won. But the commentators weren't half pessimistic on the night.
11:35pm – First bit of promo came on for the fight tonight. I cannot wait.
00:03am – Not much on the sporting front at the moment. The Haye vs Valuev undercard is whetting my appetite nicely though.
00:26am – Wohoo, live bobsleigh!
00:55pm – As if knowing what is to come in a few hours, ESPN is showing an old Ali fight
1:59am – FINALLY, now we only have to wait for the undercard and it's show time.
2:28am – Why are under card fights so bad? At the moment this is just a contest to see who will either bleed to death or get DQed for ball smacking.
2:48am – I'm sure these prelim fights are good, but I'm just a tad too excited for the main event. A bit like the way a support band is often ace at a concert, but people don't care. Also, I've now moved back to the original position I was in earlier after a brief few hour sojourn to my office. And I've run out of beer. Boo!
2:54am – How the heck can a World Champ only defend his title once a year for 4 years? Also, I found rum. Yay!
3:00am – Looks like Mr. I'm Too Important To Defend My Title is getting his ass handed to him, Hazzar! Also, all the pro's are backing Cotto. He is a beast, but I think Pacquiao will do it. Did I spell his name right?
3:04am – Boxing is the only sport in the world where a guy more cut than 90% of the population is described as a bit 'soft around the middle'.
3:16am – Cotto's boys are watching Pacman get his hands taped. Antonio Margarito, the person who had put the one blemish on Cotto's otherwise perfect professional record, was suspended for illegally wrapping his hands. Apparently, the amount of tape Margarito used equated to having two cinder blocks on his fists. Cotto are making sure Pacman's camp aren't up to any such shennanigans.
3:23am – Daniel Santos is currently being beaten up by a rabbi. True story.
3:28am – I've just realised that I haven't tended to my aquarium today. Poor fish.
3:48am – Chavez Jr isn't old enough to be out this late, never mind be a pro boxer.
3:52am – Why do people always randomly whistle at boxing events...
4:02am – This fight was meant to be a gimmie for Chavez Jr. He is currently behind...
4:03am – I've also resorted to chain smoking to stay awake. Bad times. Not as bad as my buddy, who has resorted to smoking weed to build up for a game. Because we all know that smoking weed makes you be able to stay up late.
4:12am – No, the crowd aren't getting bored of this fight per se. It's more along the lines of 'GIVE US THE MAIN EVENT NOW YOU BASTARDS!'
4:14am – Chavez wouldn't just get bullied by John Duddy. He would get raped. Also, 41 fights at age 23? Bloody hell...
4:23am – I refuse to believe Nicky Piper was ever a boxer. A geography teacher maybe, but not a boxer.
4:29am – Is it weird that I'm not sold on Pacquiao? I mean he beat an old and obviously ill De La Hoya and ripped through a Hatton who was completely undone by a rubbish training camp. Where as Cotto is a beast at this weight who has only lost once, and that may have been due to the illegal hand wrapping we discussed earlier.
4:39am – Out comes Pacquiao, and I reckon already I've spelt his name 4 different ways.
4:48am – Here we go... Cagey stuff from both, but so far Cotto has the edge.
4:50am – First round Cotto I'd say. You can feel the atmosphere bubbling.
4:54am – Round two Pacquiao. For a minute it was close, but in the end Cotto made some mistakes and the Pacman absolutely ravaged each and every one of them.
4:56am – Cotto went down. Not in a major way, but his gloves hit the canvas to steady himself, and that is all you need. Pacman seems to be shrugging off Cotto's big hits.
4:58am – Got to give that one to Pacquiao as well, along with a nice knockdown. 10-8 to Pacman, making it 29-27 to the little man from the Philippines. Although, Pacman looks cocky just standing there and letting Cotto hit him.
5:02am – A very convincing knockdown on Cotto and he is hurt. That was so nearly Cotto's round too, then the little man let loose and floored him with a huge thwack. Cotto keeps doing well, wearing him down then loosing his head, letting loose and getting caught. 10 – 8 again, so 39 – 35 but I tell you now that the scores will be irrelevant.
5:05 – I think I'm going to give this round to Cotto, although I would not by any stretch begrudge anyone giving it to Pacquiao. Or should I give it to Pacman? Lets give it to Cotto and say 48 – 45
5:10 – That round was Pacquiao all over. He so nearly rocked Cotto a few times. 58-54 on my card. Although, the wee man hasn't looked as lively as before. Maybe all that extra weight is pulling on him. Saying that, Cotto is hurting badly all over. I can see a quiet round or two. Now, watch a KO happen...
5:14am – That round was all Pacman. 68 – 63 and Cotto is either going to get KOed or have his corner stop this mess. I have never seen a more dominant fighter than Pacquiao. He will beat Mayweather Jr at this rate. Easily one of the greatest ever. Easily
5:18am – Cotto cannot win this fight now. His punches are impotent, movement slow and he is just taking a beating. Freddie Roach just said 'next round'. Pull Cotto now and save his skin. 78 – 72. That said, I want this to go the distance so I can see how my score cards are doing. I think I'm a point off but close.
5:22am – 88-81. This is now just uncomfortable to watch. If they don't pull Cotto, then Freddie Roach needs to do the right thing and tell Pacquiao to go easy on him. Same as Calzaghe did against Jones Jr.
5:26am – Another Pacman round making it 98 – 90. Either Pacquiao is taking my advice and going easy on Cotto, knowing his corner won't pull him and having no wish to hurt his fellow boxer or Pacman is hurting. I'm not sure which it is, although I'm willing to bet Pacquiao knows that even Cotto doesn't have enough for one more big punch left in him.
5:30am – The crown begin to boo as the fight winds down. You know, I'm actually giving that round to Cotto. It may have been back foot boxing but he was better I thought. 107 – 100. Final round coming up, and I don't think Pacquiao will inflict the hurt on Cotto with a final KO. On an annoying note, I shunned a £20 bet on Pacman for a points win at 5/1. I'm gutted.
5:32am – The ref steps in and doesn't let the fight have the formality of going to the cards. If he was going to do that any time that Pacquiao looked lively, he could have done it 3 rounds ago. Odd decision, but Cotto was never winning this from round 3 onwards. Apparently Pacquiao has a concert he is playing later tonight. Insanity.
5:33am – I wasn't sold on Pacquiao at welterweight coming into this fight. He had a spar with De La Hoya in the dismantlement of the Mexican legend and he beat an aged Hatton. He has now beaten a dominant fighter in an amazing fashion. He is by far the best fighter on the planet today. If he stepped into an Octagon with no training, he would beat Brock Lesnar. Not really, but right now I'm that sold on him I'd back him for it.
5:35am – That is it, I'm going the fuck to bed. Then I can do it all over again tomorrow for NFL Sunday. I love working freelance!
Sunday, 8 November 2009
How about some Chelsea and Manchester United feedback?
For those of you who have been living with their head firmly buried in the sand this weekend, let me enlighten you to something quite important.
Manchester United paid a little visit to Chelsea.
Yeah. Bet you feel silly for having your head firmly hidden now, huh?
I thought I should pipe in with some feedback. I do supposedly offer some sporting opinion in the tag line round here. It's only polite. You want to know how I would sum up that match?
The officiating was just plain and simple inept.
I'm a Manchester United fan. We lost, and I hate loosing to Chelsea more than anything I can think of. But, I can be a man about it. Although I think we were possibly the better team, overall Chelsea have been better this year. So long as we can be a comfortable second and don't get dragged into the dog fight for 4th I'm happy.
But honestly, the entire officiating crew needs to be looked at after that mess. From inconsistent calls to phantom fouls, make believe timing rules to making decisions that just go completely against the rule book... it was a mess. In the first half, Terry takes down Valencia with a fist full of shirt in the penalty box. No penalty. A few times the ball crossed the line for corner kicks, and all the officials missed it. People kicked the ball away after play was brought back with no reprimand. Drogba gets kicked in the chest and gets a yellow card for it. Players were left on the sideline after being treated for injuries. There was no compulsory 30 seconds added on to extra time for the substitution. This is just stuff off the top of my head, if I actually did my job and put in some research, I'm sure I could find more.
Oh, how could I forget. The goal.
From the free kick that wasn't that set it up, to the awfully suspicious shoulder that knocked it on to Drogba standing a country mile offside waving a boot in Van Der Sar's face.... just pick some reasons as to why the goal was a summation of the refereeing performance.
I'm not bitter that United lost. I can accept that. I'm incredibly annoyed that we lost, but putting in a strong performance doesn't mean that you get what you deserve. What is the most galling of all is that once again officiating has defined a top game.
I know that all the referees are very highly trained and all that, but they need to stop being the be all and end all of the match. Instead of writing about how Valencia did a better job than Ronaldo ever did against Ashley Cole, or how Brown and Evans were as solid as Ferdinand and Vidic at their best, or how Ancelotti has guided Chelsea to a 5 point lead after just 12 games, I'm writing about refs.
The Premier League needs to do something, as more often than not the top of the table is decided by the handful of games the big clubs play against each other. Maybe give a special title to the top refereeing crews, and say flat out at the beginning of the season “These same guys will handle all the times that the four Champions League teams play each other.” Then stand behind them absolutely. Tell the managers that it is an automatic ban for questioning them, tell the refs to yellow card immediately for dissent and put in the strong officiating that is needed to control and better these matches.
Once again, it is ridiculous that the emphasis of these matches is not on the players after the final whistle is blown.
Manchester United paid a little visit to Chelsea.
Yeah. Bet you feel silly for having your head firmly hidden now, huh?
I thought I should pipe in with some feedback. I do supposedly offer some sporting opinion in the tag line round here. It's only polite. You want to know how I would sum up that match?
The officiating was just plain and simple inept.
I'm a Manchester United fan. We lost, and I hate loosing to Chelsea more than anything I can think of. But, I can be a man about it. Although I think we were possibly the better team, overall Chelsea have been better this year. So long as we can be a comfortable second and don't get dragged into the dog fight for 4th I'm happy.
But honestly, the entire officiating crew needs to be looked at after that mess. From inconsistent calls to phantom fouls, make believe timing rules to making decisions that just go completely against the rule book... it was a mess. In the first half, Terry takes down Valencia with a fist full of shirt in the penalty box. No penalty. A few times the ball crossed the line for corner kicks, and all the officials missed it. People kicked the ball away after play was brought back with no reprimand. Drogba gets kicked in the chest and gets a yellow card for it. Players were left on the sideline after being treated for injuries. There was no compulsory 30 seconds added on to extra time for the substitution. This is just stuff off the top of my head, if I actually did my job and put in some research, I'm sure I could find more.
Oh, how could I forget. The goal.
From the free kick that wasn't that set it up, to the awfully suspicious shoulder that knocked it on to Drogba standing a country mile offside waving a boot in Van Der Sar's face.... just pick some reasons as to why the goal was a summation of the refereeing performance.
I'm not bitter that United lost. I can accept that. I'm incredibly annoyed that we lost, but putting in a strong performance doesn't mean that you get what you deserve. What is the most galling of all is that once again officiating has defined a top game.
I know that all the referees are very highly trained and all that, but they need to stop being the be all and end all of the match. Instead of writing about how Valencia did a better job than Ronaldo ever did against Ashley Cole, or how Brown and Evans were as solid as Ferdinand and Vidic at their best, or how Ancelotti has guided Chelsea to a 5 point lead after just 12 games, I'm writing about refs.
The Premier League needs to do something, as more often than not the top of the table is decided by the handful of games the big clubs play against each other. Maybe give a special title to the top refereeing crews, and say flat out at the beginning of the season “These same guys will handle all the times that the four Champions League teams play each other.” Then stand behind them absolutely. Tell the managers that it is an automatic ban for questioning them, tell the refs to yellow card immediately for dissent and put in the strong officiating that is needed to control and better these matches.
Once again, it is ridiculous that the emphasis of these matches is not on the players after the final whistle is blown.
Thursday, 5 November 2009
Oh poker....
Oh poker, thou art one heartless bitch.
I'm a strong believer in karma. I don't exactly go throughout the day while helping small birds fly and nursing injured butterflies back to full health, but I try not be a complete and utter bastard. I would like to think that the arsehole in the BMW who cut me up will at some point suffer some calamity in order to right the scales.
I think in a much, much smaller way karma applies to poker. You get some bad luck and some good luck. If you get a massive, massive stroke of good luck then at some point you are likely to come a cropper. I think this is what I'm experiencing.
I'm not usually one to bitch, moan and complain if I loose at poker. So long as I'm happy with the decision I made, I'm don't mind if I've been outplayed. I'm not one of these sorts who troll around the internet going “Derp Derp DONK Derp Derp” every time they loose a hand. I'm angry at times, sure, but try to at least fake some decorum.
On Tuesday I managed to sneak a win in a little “friendly” pub game I play in possibly the cheekiest manner possible. After getting heads up, I did a pure bluff all in to try to steal a small raise. Except they of course called, as they had an Ace and a King. And I only sort of had a seven and a two... and I sort of hit a seven and won. Yikes. That is sort of like an F1 car being beaten by a Smart Car.
Since then, I've been paying. I've sat down for two little online poker sessions since then and have suffered from some sort of poker karma. Honestly, it is just ridiculous. As I type this, my King Queen suited was beaten by nine seven off because they flopped a full house. This no longer worries me and I perceive it as normal.
So I am using this posting to formally regret the poker gods to cut me some slack. Please. I mean, I didn't mean to get cheeky. Honest. I would have done the dummy all in shove with any two cards. Please, I'm sorry I won. I even said that at the time. At least give me a fighting chance!
I'm a strong believer in karma. I don't exactly go throughout the day while helping small birds fly and nursing injured butterflies back to full health, but I try not be a complete and utter bastard. I would like to think that the arsehole in the BMW who cut me up will at some point suffer some calamity in order to right the scales.
I think in a much, much smaller way karma applies to poker. You get some bad luck and some good luck. If you get a massive, massive stroke of good luck then at some point you are likely to come a cropper. I think this is what I'm experiencing.
I'm not usually one to bitch, moan and complain if I loose at poker. So long as I'm happy with the decision I made, I'm don't mind if I've been outplayed. I'm not one of these sorts who troll around the internet going “Derp Derp DONK Derp Derp” every time they loose a hand. I'm angry at times, sure, but try to at least fake some decorum.
On Tuesday I managed to sneak a win in a little “friendly” pub game I play in possibly the cheekiest manner possible. After getting heads up, I did a pure bluff all in to try to steal a small raise. Except they of course called, as they had an Ace and a King. And I only sort of had a seven and a two... and I sort of hit a seven and won. Yikes. That is sort of like an F1 car being beaten by a Smart Car.
Since then, I've been paying. I've sat down for two little online poker sessions since then and have suffered from some sort of poker karma. Honestly, it is just ridiculous. As I type this, my King Queen suited was beaten by nine seven off because they flopped a full house. This no longer worries me and I perceive it as normal.
So I am using this posting to formally regret the poker gods to cut me some slack. Please. I mean, I didn't mean to get cheeky. Honest. I would have done the dummy all in shove with any two cards. Please, I'm sorry I won. I even said that at the time. At least give me a fighting chance!
Wednesday, 4 November 2009
My Big MLS Rant
I wrote this little rant about Major League Soccer for one of my London Chronicles pieces over at Elevation Radio. Except it is horrendously off topic so did a little bit of self editing. I can post it here though.... enjoy!
Now, last week I got a wrapping of the knuckles for making fun of David Beckham's beard. To quote Mr. Elevation - “He is all (MLS) has”. Well, once again, you don't have him. It is all but a done deal now that will see Sir David of Beckham return to Milan in order to ensure he gets his ticket to South Africa for the World Cup. Let's look at this two ways (as The Premiership isn't that full of scandal this week, I have some column space).
It is very, very good for England. Beckham lifts England. Not having Beckham in the England squad is awfully reminiscent of the mismanagement of England from a few years ago. He can still distribute the ball and deal with dead ball situations better than anyone else in that squad. When he was initially dropped, the argument was that he was not a part of England's future. That was true. He is still a massive part of England's present. Being in Milan will see Beckham gearing up for his last World Cup playing in one of the world's top leagues and for one of the world's top teams. Now, let's see if he continues his tradition of breaking his foot just before the tournament starts...
The down side is it shows MLS up for what it sort of is. I watch a fair bit of MLS when it's on ESPN over here. I mean absolutely no offence, but the standard isn't great. Football in the States has a lot of potential – just look at how good the USA National Team are – but MLS by their very nature are choking the game. I'm not even talking about player quality, as that can only get better as more young people choose to play soccer and the collegiate game improves. I'm talking in the nature of it's set up.
The season is out of sync with Europe as MLS team's can't play in the winter due to sharing stadia with NLF teams. The salary cap, draft and player caps that are present in MLS are unique to US soccer, and incompatible with the rest of the world. In terms of soccer, I also have real issues with the two conference system, although with the massive distances teams have to travel it is more than understandable.
I suppose it boils down to this – MLS will never, ever be able to integrate itself into the world game while it insists on it's current model. I know a lot of it is designed to give sustained growth both financially and in terms of player development, but it cannot work. You cannot expect one league to be able to join in when it does absolutely everything differently. This isn't like the designated hitter rule. This is square shape into a round hole stuff. If Chelsea wanted to sign Landon Donavan for about £7m (a fair price, probably) then LA Galaxy would see about £250,000 of that money. They couldn't go out and spend it all to replace him. This is the only league where that happens.
I really, really want soccer to take off in the States. Soccer has been 'on the brink' since the 70's, except nobody has dared to shove their chips onto the table and put the ante up. Look at the short term exposure that Beckham got. Now imagine if that was happening every season, because the MLS was viable option for top players. Top players attract top sponsors, which attracts top TV and fans through the turnstiles. Imagine if the MLS could field competitive sides against top European clubs. Imagine if when a player like Robinho gets unsettled and could move on, he could just as likely play in Houston as he could Barcelona.
MLS needs to take a look at Manchester City and Chelsea. They were pushed that next step by throwing money at it. I know I bemoan the money in football, but if it was used to propel soccer in the States then it would be a glorious thing. It would equal the karma.
Beckham must have repaid most, if not all and then some, of his price tag back in merchandising and marketing rights for LA Galaxy. If the New York Red Bulls threw $100m at Anelka, or if the Chicago Fire threw $200m Tevez, or whatever, it would get a fair bit of interest as well. It would also sustain interest. Players of that calibre also sustain financial interest, which is equal to that of fans.
Also, are you telling me that between any sports' minor league teams, colleges, midweek use of NFL stadiums and the like, MLS can't find a few 20,000 capacity venues to use during the winter? Are you telling me Red Bull or Mark Cuban don't have an extra $500m to invest?
More to the point, MLS appears to think that attracting one or two big players and money is the be all and end all. The absolute number one problem they have, even above the way the league is made up, is that no non-American player really cares about winning the MLS Cup. The reason some players are so desperate to play in The Premiership, Serie A, La Liga and the rest of them is because they are prestigious. To be able to say you won two or three of the biggest leagues in the world in your career is huge. It puts you in another class of athlete. It needs to be something an athlete wants to do. MLS won't take off overnight. Nor will it be able to slowly burble into life, like it is trying to do now. If the MLS puts in serious money and effort into recruiting players like Beckham, and spread the players around the league, the league itself becomes more prestigious. The league becomes a more viable option for players both financially and competitively. The increase in sponsor, TV and fan interest means bigger growth. Only then can the MLS really shine.
Now, last week I got a wrapping of the knuckles for making fun of David Beckham's beard. To quote Mr. Elevation - “He is all (MLS) has”. Well, once again, you don't have him. It is all but a done deal now that will see Sir David of Beckham return to Milan in order to ensure he gets his ticket to South Africa for the World Cup. Let's look at this two ways (as The Premiership isn't that full of scandal this week, I have some column space).
It is very, very good for England. Beckham lifts England. Not having Beckham in the England squad is awfully reminiscent of the mismanagement of England from a few years ago. He can still distribute the ball and deal with dead ball situations better than anyone else in that squad. When he was initially dropped, the argument was that he was not a part of England's future. That was true. He is still a massive part of England's present. Being in Milan will see Beckham gearing up for his last World Cup playing in one of the world's top leagues and for one of the world's top teams. Now, let's see if he continues his tradition of breaking his foot just before the tournament starts...
The down side is it shows MLS up for what it sort of is. I watch a fair bit of MLS when it's on ESPN over here. I mean absolutely no offence, but the standard isn't great. Football in the States has a lot of potential – just look at how good the USA National Team are – but MLS by their very nature are choking the game. I'm not even talking about player quality, as that can only get better as more young people choose to play soccer and the collegiate game improves. I'm talking in the nature of it's set up.
The season is out of sync with Europe as MLS team's can't play in the winter due to sharing stadia with NLF teams. The salary cap, draft and player caps that are present in MLS are unique to US soccer, and incompatible with the rest of the world. In terms of soccer, I also have real issues with the two conference system, although with the massive distances teams have to travel it is more than understandable.
I suppose it boils down to this – MLS will never, ever be able to integrate itself into the world game while it insists on it's current model. I know a lot of it is designed to give sustained growth both financially and in terms of player development, but it cannot work. You cannot expect one league to be able to join in when it does absolutely everything differently. This isn't like the designated hitter rule. This is square shape into a round hole stuff. If Chelsea wanted to sign Landon Donavan for about £7m (a fair price, probably) then LA Galaxy would see about £250,000 of that money. They couldn't go out and spend it all to replace him. This is the only league where that happens.
I really, really want soccer to take off in the States. Soccer has been 'on the brink' since the 70's, except nobody has dared to shove their chips onto the table and put the ante up. Look at the short term exposure that Beckham got. Now imagine if that was happening every season, because the MLS was viable option for top players. Top players attract top sponsors, which attracts top TV and fans through the turnstiles. Imagine if the MLS could field competitive sides against top European clubs. Imagine if when a player like Robinho gets unsettled and could move on, he could just as likely play in Houston as he could Barcelona.
MLS needs to take a look at Manchester City and Chelsea. They were pushed that next step by throwing money at it. I know I bemoan the money in football, but if it was used to propel soccer in the States then it would be a glorious thing. It would equal the karma.
Beckham must have repaid most, if not all and then some, of his price tag back in merchandising and marketing rights for LA Galaxy. If the New York Red Bulls threw $100m at Anelka, or if the Chicago Fire threw $200m Tevez, or whatever, it would get a fair bit of interest as well. It would also sustain interest. Players of that calibre also sustain financial interest, which is equal to that of fans.
Also, are you telling me that between any sports' minor league teams, colleges, midweek use of NFL stadiums and the like, MLS can't find a few 20,000 capacity venues to use during the winter? Are you telling me Red Bull or Mark Cuban don't have an extra $500m to invest?
More to the point, MLS appears to think that attracting one or two big players and money is the be all and end all. The absolute number one problem they have, even above the way the league is made up, is that no non-American player really cares about winning the MLS Cup. The reason some players are so desperate to play in The Premiership, Serie A, La Liga and the rest of them is because they are prestigious. To be able to say you won two or three of the biggest leagues in the world in your career is huge. It puts you in another class of athlete. It needs to be something an athlete wants to do. MLS won't take off overnight. Nor will it be able to slowly burble into life, like it is trying to do now. If the MLS puts in serious money and effort into recruiting players like Beckham, and spread the players around the league, the league itself becomes more prestigious. The league becomes a more viable option for players both financially and competitively. The increase in sponsor, TV and fan interest means bigger growth. Only then can the MLS really shine.
Sunday, 25 October 2009
NFL in the UK
Well, today the NFL is playing at Wembley. As I type this I'm watching that game on the telly while keeping track of the Vikings vs Steelers on Game Pass. I'm a little bit of a huge fan. I do feel guilty not being at Wembley, like as a fan I have some obligation that I have to go, but frankly I have no desire to watch Tampa struggle to get anything going while the Patriots get a nice lead then kill the clock for three quarters. Oh, and having to pay £160 for the pleasure. A probable £250 Sunday late in the month just before Christmas isn't cool.
Oh look, Tampa just threw an interception. That was totally unexpected...
Anyway, even though I'm not there I do love the NFL. But there appears to be a bit of anti-NFL in the UK feeling out there. Chris Chase wrote a pretty scathing piece, and a lot of the commentators in absolutely any US based NFL blog have been very against the whole thing. I'm all for it. I get rather excited when Roger Goodell gets chatting about adding another game or maybe even a Franchise.
But there is a little something that I would like to see before we get all of that stuff. It's a very basic thing. That is some decent TV coverage.
You see, for those who don't know the TV coverage for NFL over here has taken a major nose dive. Coming into last season, we had a full compliment of magazine shows and 6 games a week live on the telly box. This year, we have magazine shows shown so long after the games that they are irrelevant, the same re-runs of NFL documentaries that have been on Sky for the last 2 years and only 3 live games a week. Next year, under the terms of the current contracts, it will drop to 2 as Five is scrapping all late night sports to show a television casino type thing.
I doubt that the NFL will ever do it, but if they truly want to grow the game then they should consider maybe subsidising TV contracts to boost the number of games back up to a realistic full compliment of 6per week. Maybe they could try providing edited versions of their TV magazine shows for international markets, as they are currently so full of advertising they can't be shown until 5 days after the events.
I can see where the NFL is going with their expansion plans. See if the UK market can support 4 games a year, then maybe give them a franchise. But please, please can we sort out the basics first?
Oh look, Tampa just threw an interception. That was totally unexpected...
Anyway, even though I'm not there I do love the NFL. But there appears to be a bit of anti-NFL in the UK feeling out there. Chris Chase wrote a pretty scathing piece, and a lot of the commentators in absolutely any US based NFL blog have been very against the whole thing. I'm all for it. I get rather excited when Roger Goodell gets chatting about adding another game or maybe even a Franchise.
But there is a little something that I would like to see before we get all of that stuff. It's a very basic thing. That is some decent TV coverage.
You see, for those who don't know the TV coverage for NFL over here has taken a major nose dive. Coming into last season, we had a full compliment of magazine shows and 6 games a week live on the telly box. This year, we have magazine shows shown so long after the games that they are irrelevant, the same re-runs of NFL documentaries that have been on Sky for the last 2 years and only 3 live games a week. Next year, under the terms of the current contracts, it will drop to 2 as Five is scrapping all late night sports to show a television casino type thing.
I doubt that the NFL will ever do it, but if they truly want to grow the game then they should consider maybe subsidising TV contracts to boost the number of games back up to a realistic full compliment of 6per week. Maybe they could try providing edited versions of their TV magazine shows for international markets, as they are currently so full of advertising they can't be shown until 5 days after the events.
I can see where the NFL is going with their expansion plans. See if the UK market can support 4 games a year, then maybe give them a franchise. But please, please can we sort out the basics first?
Wednesday, 21 October 2009
Jay Culter Cost Me Money, Logically Leading Into Poker Bad Beats
According to Google Images, this large man is the Chicago Bears' emo kid QB... I call shennanigans
Except Cutler decides to throw two interceptions, one of which was in the red zone. And then Matt Forte decides it will be a whole barrel full of laughs to fumble the ball not once, but twice on consecutive plays in the end zone. All in all, the Bears should have had 3 more touchdowns than they actually did, easily been within 4.5 points of Atlanta and they wouldn't have cost me my entire sports book balance. What is more gutting is that thanks to my own, personal rules, I can't reload it until next month. Gah!
I meant this Jay Cutler all along. I think Google Images had one of it's moments earlier...
As you can tell, I'm a bit of a sore loser when it comes to certain things. But at the end of the day, it is called gambling for a reason. I'm not an expert, I do it recreationally. I never bet on teams I support as heart clouds the judgement, and sometimes do it to add a bit of excitement to games I'm not all that otherwise interested in.
My philosophy is much the same in poker. Every poker player knows the pain and anguish of a bad beat. Whether you have the nuts pre-flop or even going into the river, only to have that one bloody card you did not want to see pop out and give the hand to someone else, it sucks. There is no other way for it. Whether you have to see yourself walking away from a tournament table or paw longingly at where your large stack at a cash table used to be, it just is not fun. But it is poker. The reason the other player as a 5% chance is because, 5 times out of every 100 that you are in that situation, it will go the other way.
This is why I absolutely have bad losers at poker. They are far more prevalent on the interweb than in real life casinos, as real life casinos tend to kick people out if they act like douche bags. They are the people who, if they get beaten from behind, go on and on about it for ages. It may be that I'm neither a semi-pro player nor someone who has aspirations of going pro. I enjoy the game. If I'm having a good run I'll play more, if I'm not I'll stop for a week or two. This is nicely summed up by my SharkScope stats, as after 230 tournaments at the site I use I'm exactly up $3.
However, some people are awful losers. Point in case, on Saturday afternoon I was watching some sport on the telly and playing poker online, a favourite combination of pastimes. I was playing a $5 single table sit and go, which means 10 players each pay $5 plus a little bit that goes to the company and the top 3 get paid winnings, with a top prize of $25. Not exactly world series of poker style, near $10m first place prize cash pools here. There was one guy who was getting very shaken at the table and I thought may be on tilt, meaning he may be making bad decisions. He had raised big pre flop and I thought it was a desperation bet, so I went all in with one of my favourite hands – an ace and a nine of the same suit. He called and had an Ace and a Jack meaning that I was absolutely dominated about 70/30. Needless to say, I hit a 9 and won the hand. He then spent the remainder of the tournament (which I won, go me!) berating me via the little chat box.
I've never got this mentality. Yes, it sucks to lose when you are ahead. It sucks to be a football team that throws away a 2-0 lead. It sucks to be an NFL team that throws away a 3 score advantage. It sucks to be a cricket team that looses a lot of wickets in quick succession. But c'est la vie. It happens. Be the bigger man, tell someone they got lucky (believe me, they will know they got lucky) and fight another day.
For the record, the worst beat I've ever seen was against my mate, and fellow soon to be Ball Soup writer, McGoo. Someone he was up against needed two 5s in a row to win a big hand. He got them. I will allow swearing in situations like that...
Monday, 19 October 2009
Never Gamble On A Sunday, Evidently It Pisses God Off And He Will Spite You
You there!
Yes you, why don't you come over here. I have a proposition for you!
No, no. Don't worry, its nothing like that. Say, you look like a sports fan. Are you?
Excellent. Got a big game coming up? You do! Want to know the 100% guaranteed way for you to win? Let me bet on the opposition.
Seriously. That just about sums up my Sunday. I'm not exactly a proper, huge gambler. I mean, if I bet over £10 then it is a small miracle. I just like to add a bit of excitement to it all. I can give up any time I want to...
But consider the following. Before Jenson Button pulled off the drive of his life to win the F1 World Championship, he was due to start right at the back of the grid amongst people who would probably do their bestest to knock him off the track, while his team mate and championship rival Barichello was right up the front on pole position, in form and in a prime position to take the title to the wire. Rubens was also 10/3 this weekend to win the World Championship. Seeing as he had the upper hand on the track, it would take a series of odd events such as the entire field turning into lemmings on the first lap and a puncture to make sure that he couldn't win the title. Oh, wait....
Look, after the first half Minnesota are up 14-3 to the Ravens. Surely a spread of -13.5 is a glorious idea. This is daylight robbery. The Vikings have looked good all year. Oh, wait...
Look at those silly Oakland Raiders. What with their constantly under 50/0 quaterback rating achieving JaMarcus Russell and general awful play, surely they will not be able to stand up to the Eagles. Oh wait...
Oh well at least we have the Rookie Of The Year contender Mark Sanchez going up against a Bills team which has played like a bunch of accident prone blind chickens all year. It would take something special for them to upset the Jets. Oh wait...
Oh and Seattle, fresh off of a 41-0 rout of the Jags, must be able to upset a stuttering team in the worst division in the NFL. Surely. Oh wait....
But, I would like to say a great big thank you to Tom Brady for at least not leaving me completely out of pocket today, and managing to have the game of your life against the simply awful Titans. Thank you, Handsome Tom. You have redeemed my day.
Although, I bet that Jay Cutler will now squander the winnings I made on you, and put on him and his Bears at +4.5. If he does, expect an angry update on Tuesday...
Yes you, why don't you come over here. I have a proposition for you!
No, no. Don't worry, its nothing like that. Say, you look like a sports fan. Are you?
Excellent. Got a big game coming up? You do! Want to know the 100% guaranteed way for you to win? Let me bet on the opposition.
Seriously. That just about sums up my Sunday. I'm not exactly a proper, huge gambler. I mean, if I bet over £10 then it is a small miracle. I just like to add a bit of excitement to it all. I can give up any time I want to...
But consider the following. Before Jenson Button pulled off the drive of his life to win the F1 World Championship, he was due to start right at the back of the grid amongst people who would probably do their bestest to knock him off the track, while his team mate and championship rival Barichello was right up the front on pole position, in form and in a prime position to take the title to the wire. Rubens was also 10/3 this weekend to win the World Championship. Seeing as he had the upper hand on the track, it would take a series of odd events such as the entire field turning into lemmings on the first lap and a puncture to make sure that he couldn't win the title. Oh, wait....
Look, after the first half Minnesota are up 14-3 to the Ravens. Surely a spread of -13.5 is a glorious idea. This is daylight robbery. The Vikings have looked good all year. Oh, wait...
Look at those silly Oakland Raiders. What with their constantly under 50/0 quaterback rating achieving JaMarcus Russell and general awful play, surely they will not be able to stand up to the Eagles. Oh wait...
Oh well at least we have the Rookie Of The Year contender Mark Sanchez going up against a Bills team which has played like a bunch of accident prone blind chickens all year. It would take something special for them to upset the Jets. Oh wait...
Oh and Seattle, fresh off of a 41-0 rout of the Jags, must be able to upset a stuttering team in the worst division in the NFL. Surely. Oh wait....
But, I would like to say a great big thank you to Tom Brady for at least not leaving me completely out of pocket today, and managing to have the game of your life against the simply awful Titans. Thank you, Handsome Tom. You have redeemed my day.
Thank you Tom. I'll even overlook that Pee Wee Herman thing on your arm...
Although, I bet that Jay Cutler will now squander the winnings I made on you, and put on him and his Bears at +4.5. If he does, expect an angry update on Tuesday...
Sunday, 11 October 2009
Sunday is only good for one thing...
Now, the main reason that we are going with a Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday update pattern here instead of the pretty standard Monday, Wednesday & Friday is simply because I'm a huge NFL fan. The fact that Sunday is officially NFL day means that on Monday's I'm dead unto the world. So we update on Sunday's.
I'm not just an NFL fan though, I follow a few American sports such as baseball, IndyCar and NASCAR. A lot of theories have arisen as to why this is. Now, I know why I follow all these sports I have no right following. It goes back to the good old days where I used to work behind bars. Not in prison, you understand, but as in bar tending. When you ritually get home from work at 2am, there isn't a whole lot on the tellybox aside from dodgy re-runs and American sport. And at the end of the day, live sport is live sport and man code dictates it is what must be watched. JD and his ethnically sensitive doctor friends just aren't as much fun at 2am. Although, weirdly, South Park is even funnier.
However, I have also been accused of being a fake American. This is, despite being a popular theory, one I really do protest. I am proudly British, enjoy crumpets, watch cricket, drink ale and hate on the French. But the fact that I have a habit of staying up all night watching sports that most people mock, allegedly have an American fashion sense and have a body type that estate agents would describe as 'voluptuous' seems to sway popular opinion.
I think America gets a bit of a bum rap. I mean, France sticks a McDonalds into the Louvre and they get a bit of good natured ribbing about the smile on the Mona Lisa being confirmed as her eyeing up a Big Mac. If America had stuck one in, oh I don't know, the Smithsonian or at the top of the Statue of Liberty then they would have had a horrendous bashing for being 'typical Americans'.
And what is so bad being a 'Fake American'? All it means is I like steak, beer and sports? I think it's better than people I know who, despite being as white as snow and incredibly middle class, are convinced they are from the heart of a rough London estate.
'Innit blud. I was cruising round in my old man's BMW 7 Series to pick my boy, Willoughby-Toft, before we went to hit up that sick new wine bar. It was wickid man, got chatting to this proper buff blonde girl who worked for some doctor round in Walton-On-The-Lake but I was all like 'you is only some secretary, and not a doc or nursey? What is you, dumb?' KnowwhatImsaying!?'
Sadly, that wasn't much of an exaggeration... See ya'll Tuesday!
I'm not just an NFL fan though, I follow a few American sports such as baseball, IndyCar and NASCAR. A lot of theories have arisen as to why this is. Now, I know why I follow all these sports I have no right following. It goes back to the good old days where I used to work behind bars. Not in prison, you understand, but as in bar tending. When you ritually get home from work at 2am, there isn't a whole lot on the tellybox aside from dodgy re-runs and American sport. And at the end of the day, live sport is live sport and man code dictates it is what must be watched. JD and his ethnically sensitive doctor friends just aren't as much fun at 2am. Although, weirdly, South Park is even funnier.
However, I have also been accused of being a fake American. This is, despite being a popular theory, one I really do protest. I am proudly British, enjoy crumpets, watch cricket, drink ale and hate on the French. But the fact that I have a habit of staying up all night watching sports that most people mock, allegedly have an American fashion sense and have a body type that estate agents would describe as 'voluptuous' seems to sway popular opinion.
This is not me, even in the slightest
I think America gets a bit of a bum rap. I mean, France sticks a McDonalds into the Louvre and they get a bit of good natured ribbing about the smile on the Mona Lisa being confirmed as her eyeing up a Big Mac. If America had stuck one in, oh I don't know, the Smithsonian or at the top of the Statue of Liberty then they would have had a horrendous bashing for being 'typical Americans'.
And what is so bad being a 'Fake American'? All it means is I like steak, beer and sports? I think it's better than people I know who, despite being as white as snow and incredibly middle class, are convinced they are from the heart of a rough London estate.
'Innit blud. I was cruising round in my old man's BMW 7 Series to pick my boy, Willoughby-Toft, before we went to hit up that sick new wine bar. It was wickid man, got chatting to this proper buff blonde girl who worked for some doctor round in Walton-On-The-Lake but I was all like 'you is only some secretary, and not a doc or nursey? What is you, dumb?' KnowwhatImsaying!?'
Sadly, that wasn't much of an exaggeration... See ya'll Tuesday!
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