I wanna see more fighting out of you

The Chicago Tribune has a rundown of the Skiles vs. Wallace headband feud. Which is your basic detail of a petty argument. But on the 2nd page of the article there is an interesting quote from Skiles:

"We haven't had a good practice fight basically since I was a coach. I take that back. Kendall [Gill] and Tyson [Chandler] got into it once three years ago. Normally when you're with a group, there are four or five altercations during a season. Grown men get into it. I don't think this is anything more than that."

Until a few years ago I had no idea that coaches actually endorsed some amount of infighting among their team. It seems like an awful idea, but it's fairly standard policy. I know that Tuberville and the Auburn coaches allow a fight to go on in practice for 10-20 seconds before they break it up as long as each player keeps his helmet on. And I can understand that with football, because it's offense vs. defense in practice and there is a fine line on how hard you should hit your teammate. Also, there are 85 plus guys on the practice field. But on an NBA team with 13 guys it seems a little risky to be promoting skirmishes. Seems like it could effect people's play on the court (passing the ball) or cause the team to draw sides. But whatever. It's interesting for me as a fan.

another ytmnd

because it makes me happy inside

I'm not a racist that's what so insane about this

So if you haven't already you can head over to youtube to check out Michael "Kramer" Richards onstage racist meltdown and his apology a few days later on Letterman. And of course, this is not a good thing.... I mean I guess. But if it spawns this brilliant but probably not safe for work ytmnd... well I can't say I'm that sorry it happened.

cool interview

EDSBS interviews Michael Lewis about his new book The Blind Side:Evolution of a Game which deals with the recruitment and life of current Ole Miss LT Michael Oher. Lewis also wrote Moneyball and writes for the New York Times.

random thoughts

- Which expose had a worse effect on a city's tourism.... The Wire and Baltimore or When the Levees Broke and New Orleans?

- I went and saw Stranger than Fiction. People kept telling me it was basically Will Ferrell's Truman Show. For many reasons, I think Groundhog Day is the better comparison. Not the least of which being that Will Ferrell is the new Bill Murray. A couple of years ago we did a list of what male actor had the most funny movies. Bill Murray won hands down. No one else even came close. So let's say that Will Ferrell continues to star in humerous movies, and then you throw in the plethora of cameos, he might have a chance to come close. Also, I really liked the soundtrack. I tried to decide about a year ago if I wanted to buy a Spoon album. The soundtrack has convinced me that I do.

- There is a huge shortage of great Thanksgiving Day movies. Actually they don't even have to be great, you can only name so many Turkey Day flicks. I haven't seen all of these but the list my dad, uncle and I compiled was something like: The Big Chill, Planes Tranes and Automobiles, Hannah and her Sisters, Pieces of April, and you can maybe count the movie version of Alice's Restaurant but that is really the only great Thanksgiving Day song (Adam Sandler excluded).

- Say what you will about Coach K, I've long taken the stance that he's a bad in game coach, but his players know their roles. You always see teams, especially in the NBA, where everyone wants to be the scorer. Think about how many players have filled specific roles for Duke. That 1999 team is a great example. Avery was you penetrating point guard, Trajan was the outside shooter, Shane did a little of everything and Brand was the bruiser in the middle. Then they took our Carrawell and brought the Maggette off the bench to provide energy.

- I'm glad that Boris Diaw is turning somewhat back into the pumpkin. I was so confused by last year.

well this didn't take long

I can't believe how quickly people get these videos out now.



wde

SNL

the great Alec Baldwin lounge lizard skit from last week's SNL.

Week 12: IRON BOWL

Last Week: 2-2-1
Season: 32-23-1

CINCINNATTI +6.5 Rutgers

Playing with fire.

Tennessee -8 VANDY

I'm sure there will be some desire on the Vols part to erase the embarassment that took place in Knoxville last year. Plus Crompton has some playing time under his belt now.

TEXAS TECH -6 Oklahoma State

Go Red Raiders!

KENTUCKY -20 LaMonroe

This line makes absolutely no sense to me. But whatever, the Cats will cover.

AUBURN -3 bama

The closest thing to a must win game Auburn has played since the Sugar Bowl 2 years ago. Auburn has a lot of flaws this year. Luckily, a lot of those flaws can be masked with the right game plan and attitude from the players. If we commit to running the ball all day long and force bama to put 8 in the box, it runs the clock and gives us an opportunity to take our chances against single coverage. On defense, we're too small to read and react. We have to bring pressure from every direction and hope our corners will win more battles than they lose.

Though this rivalry has only produced a few upsets, there is no reason to believe this matchup will be decided before the final minutes of the ball game. Both teams will try to eliminate turnovers, run the ball, and play their best defense of the year. Should be a low scoring affair with a couple breaks deciding the game. Here's hoping they fall Auburn's way.

The streak started five years ago when the "little white hope" rolled in to Tuscaloosa and ran all over the "nation's #1 defense". The next year in Jordan Hare, Cadillac made his presence known on the first play from scrimmage, the undefeated 2004 team claimed victory once again in T-town, and then finally the 2005 beat down performance in Auburn. If they come out and play a great ball game, 5 in a row will be a reality.

War Damn Eagle!

Iron Bowl

Ivan Maisel expresses the exact thoughts I've had for awhile:

1. Let's revisit. Which is the best rivalry in the college football?

We live in the era of the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry. It has everything: top rankings, great tradition, compelling backstories. The game Saturday will be the pinnacle of all that college football fans hold dear.

(And my employer, which will be televising it to an audience that will be as big as any regular-season game in recent memory. I know this because my wife wrote the game time down on the kitchen calendar so that she will remember to watch it. We're talking big Nielsens).

The Ohio State-Michigan rivalry has every element of a great college football rivalry but one, the one that means it will never be the greatest rivalry.

When the game is over, Ohio State fans will remain in Ohio and Michigan fans will return to Michigan.

In Alabama, the losing fans have to go to work on Monday and face their co-workers from the other side.

When you can never let your guard down, a rivalry is a 365-day affair.

The Iron Bowl engages more people in Alabama than any other event, sporting or otherwise, in the state. There is no NFL team, no major-league professional team of any kind. The state plans its life around the game.

In 49 states, Ohio State and Michigan will win the TV ratings. But when Auburn and Alabama meet at 3:30 on Saturday, you can book that no one in the state will know or care who wins at the Horseshoe.

Yes, as an Alabama native, my perspective might be skewed. But my logic isn't. Ohio State-Michigan is the most important rivalry now. It is and always will be a grand spectacle. But until Ohio and Michigan become one state, Alabama and Auburn will be the best rivalry in college football.


Also, iTunes has the best episode of 30 Rock this season (the one with the poker game & Tina Fey going on a blind date with a lesbian) available as a free download.

In case you missed it....

the YouTube video that Bill Simmons linked to today of Brian Colangelo trying to acquire Marcus Williams during the draft may be the most insightful and entertaining behind the scenes basketball clip I've ever seen. I'm in shock that he'd just call up Ainge and ask for advice. I wouldn't even do that during a fantasy league draft. I wonder if Colangelo is completely atypical? I can't imagine Billy Knight having laid back conversations with other GMs.

Also, I can't remember, did they trade for TJ Ford after the draft or before? I'm assuming after, otherwise, you'd have to imagine this wouldn't do much for TJ's confidence.

Hoops Broadcasts and Hawks thoughts

Day to day NBA game televised broadcast schedule.

Went to my first Hawks game of the season last night and I've got a few thoughts

- to MARTA (Atlanta's mass transit system) to the game. The machine didn't take debit cards so I had to use a $20 to pay the $1.75 fare. Got 18 Sacagawea coins and a quarter as change. You know I was just thinking, I'd love to carry around a pound of change in my pocket for the rest of the night.

- if you go to Hawks games, make sure you go up the escalators by the CNN Center entrance and play Spin to Win. You have a pretty decent shot of winning free tickets.

- Shelden Williams's legs are freakishly small in proportion to his upper body

- When did Tyronn Lue become an oustanding point guard? I have no clue what's going on with him this year. He's like 29 so theoretcially he could be hitting his peak.

- This team needs Marvin and Speedy back badly. Without Marvin the only really outside shooters are Johnson and I guess Lue (Salim isn't really playing). Josh Smith and Childress are just too streaky from the outside to be reliable. So if you have some of Shelden/Wright/Frieje's minutes taken up by the much more offensively capable Marvin, you have a pretty potent squad. Cedric Bozeman is doing an ok job at backup PG, but Lue is having to play too many minutes.

- It's amazing to me how stars can struggle the whole game then instantly put up 10 points in the last five minutes of the game. Happened last night with Redd, Joe Johnson against Cleveland last week and Pierce against Orlando on Monday. It's like they can just ignore the fact they are shooting 3-10 so far, and then rattle off two clutch 3's.

- The Bucks used the first pick of the 2005 Draft for Andrew Bogut and allowed Zaza Pachulia to leave in free agency and go to the Hawks. Bogut is only 8 months younger. At this point wouldn't you say it's a toss up as to who'd you rather have? People always mention that the Hawks passed on Paul, Deron, and Felton. I can't remember the last time I heard someone in the media question the Bucks for that pick. Which should even more controversial considering they traded TJ Ford this offseason.

- Joe Johnson is an All Star and Josh Childress should have a chance to win 6th man of the Year. Unfortunately for Josh he may be up for that award for the next 5 years.

check the beat

I freaking love this stuff. If I had better rhythm I'd put one of these together. I might anyway. Anyway the link above has more links to videos like the one below.

Bigger than Coke vs. Pepsi?

Who you gonna choose Pam or Karen? Personally, even though she's been featured less, I'm going with Karen.

Couple new albums came out today. Tenacious D's The Pick of Destiny and Damien Rice's 9. I haven't heard either one yet, however I loved Rice's first album O. I mean it's really really fantastic. Slow crazy acoustic stuff. This new album sounds a little more upbeat and a little darker.

Nothing can stop us...we're Atlanta's Air Force

I found this video on Cracked's NBA Team by Team YouTube Breakdown. It takes a second to get started but then it's fantastic. Of course, a ridiculous Jon Koncak dancing is the highlight (although Doc River's Stevie Wonder impersonation is a close 2nd). I'm probably going to be singing that chorus all week. Since the Hawks are winning again it'd probably be a good idea for Ludacris and Jermaine Dupri to do a remake of this sweet jam.

Seriously, the Hawks look good. If Speedy Claxton ever contributes anything, and add that to Marvin Williams coming back and mercifully taking minutes away from Shelden Williams, this team has playoffs written all over it. Unlike last year, we can handle an injury at just about every position. Though we could in no way shape or form afford to lose Joe Johnson for any amount of time. I know the schedule has been easy thus far, but it sure as hell has been exciting to watch. After the subjecting myself to watching the last 4 years of Hawks basketball, it's nice to have playoff thoughts again.

making bank

List of NBA player's salary by team.

- My god Eddie Jones is making way too much money.

- I'll bet you can't guess who the highest payed player on the Raptors is without looking

- This really hits home how ridiculous rookie contracts are. Wade and Lebron aren't making jack.

- The Knicks are spending nearly 3 times as much as the Bobcats and getting the same results

- It actually makes me really happy to find out that Bob Sura is still making 3 million a year.

Week 11: Bragging Rights

My picks have taken a definite slide recently (2nd year in a row I've struggled down the stretch) much like Georgia's performance this season and recently vs. Auburn. In case you were wondering, if Auburn wins on Saturday they will have won 6 of the last 8 against the dawgs. Ouch.

So everything and everybody points to Auburn winning on Saturday. But there is one scenario that worries me. What if, as a result of several situations, Richt actually coaches the game like Tuberville? He's got a young quarterback who is turnover prone and massive injuries in the WR corps. What if he decides to grind the game out. Run 75% of the time, play field position, hope his defense plays their best game of the year, and maybe try a trick play here and there. Couple that strategy with 11:30 local kickoff time (no crowd noise), and the possibility that Auburn didn't get properly motivated to play a second class team, and the Dawgs could make this interesting. Luckily, one key coponent of a field position defensive battle is having a reliable kicker. If they still had Coutu they'd be in a better position. I'm assuming there is a reason Ely-Kelso hasn't been used before. Also, Auburn has had a hell of a time covering TEs all year. If Millner decides he wants to have a big game, he could put 100 yards and a couple of touchdowns.

So it could be an ugly grueling game. But obviously I'd cherish a blowout victory along with my fellow Atlantan Auburn fans as much as you could possibly imagine. Kenny Irons has been hurt all year. I think he's got one last phenomenal game in him. If not, I heard Brad Lester hits the hole at 100 mph and scores a TD every 11 times he touches the ball.

Last Week: 2-3
Season: 30-21

Wisconsin -1.5 IOWA

The Badgers are my saving grace this year. That and the Hawkeyes lost to Northwestern last week.

KENTUCKY -2 Vandy

Wow, both these teams beat UGA this year.

TEXAS A&M +1 Nebraska

Home dog with a better record. Franchione is saving his ass this year. If only the UT game was in College Station.

Georgia Tech -13.5 UNC

Why not? They have to close out their division at some point. Might as well get pumped for this game.

WASHINGTON -19 Stanford

You know you have a crappy team when someone who is on a 5 game losing streak is predicted to beat you by 19.

I'm not going to lie. I don't feel good about these picks. Wasn't much on the board. Maybe I'll go 5-0.

and just for the hell of it. I wish my UGA friends the best but...... Auburn 31 uga 10

tell em Robert Baker sent ya....

"All of the Georgia players on this Auburn team have friends on the Bulldogs. They enjoy a little trash talking — none more than world-class trash-talker David Irons.

"I talk trash to everyone — the Arkansas State receiver, anyone," Irons said. "If I get a chance, I'll get right in Uga's face and trash talk to him. These are bragging rights at stake. I've never cared all that much about Alabama-Auburn. For me, it's Auburn-Georgia."

Auburn's Georgians who got away

music video

Pretty cool video. You have to click the white space below the description to play it.

Week 10: On the Run from Johnny Law

There are important hallmark events in every man's life. The first time you drive, the first time you have to shave for the 2nd time in a month, learning what a rusty trombone is, and that special point in your life when you wake up a realize that Chris Berman is an assclown and knows nothing about sports. Well I'm experiencing a famous male ritual for the first time this weekeend... the bachelor party. Most people go to Vegas until they get bored of it then head up to Vancouver or some other exotic location that lends itself to debauchery. Us? Well the Crafty Vet has been to Vegas too much with work, so we're kicking it on the redneck tip and heading to Nashville or Nashvegas if you will. Drinking, watching football, drinking, playing golf, laughing at the Florida fans in town for the Vandy game wearing leggings underneath their jorts. Just good old fashioned fun. My modest goal is to down at least 50 beers, make sure the Vet has a good time, and stay away from the law.

Last Week: 2-3
Season: 28-18

Boston College -3.5 WAKE FOREST

It's impossible for BC to take this game too lightly. On the road with the ACC Championship bid on the line. The Deamon Deacons are a good story this year and they've played some tough games, but they aren't elite yet.

Georgia Tech -5 NC STATE

Let's hope Tech can get up for this one. They have to win 2 of their final 3 ACC games to make it to Jacksonville. If they have any pride at all they win all three. The Wolfpack have only beaten a mediocre to awful FSU team at home and a BC with a last second play in conference this year. They could win, but everything leans towards the Jackets. The only reason the line is this low is GT's history of let down games.

CLEMSON -20 Maryland

I think Clemson's lost to the Hokies was more a product of unfortunate scheduling than anything else. They've had 9 days to stew over the loss and I'd imagine they'll be healthy and angry. Fuck the Turtle, Fear CJ Spiller.

WISCONSIN -7 Penn State

It's easier to just pick the Badgers instead of doing research. They let me down last week, but they called, said they were sorry, and promised that if I still believed in them they'd bring home the bacon.

AUBURN -30.5 Arkansas State

Auburn hasn't put together a good all around game since the opener against Washington State. And I'm not just talking about against SEC competition. They didn't look sharp against Buffalo or Tulane. Luckily that they had huge advantages in talent. I think the time has come. The passing game is finally starting to come around now that Cox is healthy and Rod Smith and Prechae have stepped up. As long as Muschamp keeps the defense blitzing and aggressive we look good. When don't use our speed and play read and react teams eat us alive. Time to tune up for uga and bama.

And don't worry about me and the cops this weekend. "They'll never catch me man... because I'm fucking innocent"

quick thoughts

- Props to the 30 something white woman I passed driving the Chrysler PT Cruiser with the V.S.O.P. vanity tag. You are obviously a connoisseur of the finer things in life. That's about as appropriate as when I wanted to put the Calvin peeing on the Ford logo on the back window of my Volvo.

- The Bulls looked good last night. Real good. They just have a ton of options/players to throw at you. Tyrus Thomas is going to be something in the NBA. I don't know what, but he'll be something. He's just too fast and his jumpshot looks to pretty to be that tall.

- The Suns needs to bring in a defensive coordinator.