Starting off the month of December, and the home stretch of the NFL season comes some final words of advise: “Carpe Diem!” With snow already on the ground, it seems as though a warning sign has presented itself of the cold winter months to come. Football, having one of the longest seasons in sports is coming to an end. Today, Sunday December 7th narrowed down the teams that will compete in the final stages. The pressure will be on without a doubt. Everything from this point onward will come down to the top teams from each division to represent. Unlike any other year, season 2008 has shown a parity of talent and effort across the board. With such an equal level of performance, I find it hard to predict what the final results will be.
One team that stands out is the Tennessee Titans. From the start, they have been successful. They have proven themselves beyond anyone else at this point. Tennessee has only lost one game in the season. Also, the Titans have Chris Johnson, best rookie of the year. The Titans have really risen to the occasion in this sport and as a team in the NFL. As a result, they happen to be doing very well.
Looking at the Patriots, its hard to say where we went wrong in comparison with other years. Theres been a lot of talk about an absence in our star quarterback, Tom Brady. However, you can’t say one player holds up an entire 40 or 50 person team. We have lost some players, traded some while others are out with injuries. Aren’t injuries normal in a full contact sport? So why is there so much focus on that? New England isn’t much different than other teams as far as opportunity. It’s a fair game.
What really sets this year’s NFL apart from other times is the level of playing. The Patriots have gone down a level in their game, disappointing many fans. Its hard to believe that the New England Patriots who have become so well-known and respected could loose all momentum in so short a time. Was it the money and fame that went to their heads? It is as if they have lost the desire to win. A similar tendency is seen in other teams as well.
My advise like I said before is: “Carpe Diem” or Seize the Day. This season pro-football is coming to an end, so make the most of it. The team with the greatest desire to win will succeed in the end. Some teams have become lazy and expect things to happen. Money and publicity can do that. In the end it all comes down to the players and their goals as a team. It’ll be interesting to see how everything turns out.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Do People in the US Care About Soccer?
Yes, people, it is me and the same strange type of articles again. Yes, I am going to bore you again for the third time I think. Isn’t that great? Not really, I know. Don’t worry, it will go by fast so you don’t have to be scared at all. Just trust me and my writing style, that is exactly what I need right there. Thank you for your respect and kindness, you have no idea how much I appreciate it.
So, today let’s take a look at a sport which I don’t play that often. The interesting fact is, all the time I spoke about activities which I do, but today everything changes. It is exciting, huh? Just be patient, everything needs its time, get it?
The topic is soccer, ladies and gentlemen and it’s definitely an extremely good topic. It is disappointing that David Beckham dazzled the crowd by not scoring the goal in the Los Angeles’ Galaxy 3-0 exhibition win over Oceania XI on Saturday.
Of course, Beckham is usually amazing, he always gives nice passes and goals too. He always enjoys playing in other parts of the world, but he is also supposed to shoot as many goals as he can, right?” I enjoyed playing in Los Angeles, the crowd did too,” he said. By the way, you should know that soccer is the most common sport in the Czech republic. It is the most popular sport there and always has been. Here it is probably football, right? It is ironic that in Czech republic they call soccer as football. That means, Czech republic doesn’t have football, they just have soccer which they call like this.
Another event which is interesting to discuss is the Irish, the Tar Heels advance in College cup. Courtney Barg scored in the fifteenth minute and Notre Dame beat Stanford 1-0 Friday to reach the championship of the NCAA Women’s College cup. The Tar Heels advanced with a 1-0 victory over UCLA after Yael Averbuch, making her school record 104th straight start, converted a penalty in the 41st minute. This stuff is always very impressive in sport, everybody wants to hear and read about it, also in Europe. Speaking about Europe, the Spanish players are the best players there, they won the title about a half a year ago, when they played their final European cup match against Germany, I think. Fernando Torres was amazing, he shot an awesome goal while a Germany player was running next to him. It was a very big moment, you should have seen it. Torres will be sidelined now. The Madrid star was supposed to be out of action for only two weeks, but specialists in Spain advised that he will remain on the sidelines for months. It is always very bad when a soccer player injures his hamstring, like our friend Torres here. Well, hopefully he will return back as soon as possible, he is the Spanish hero!
Soccer is sometimes an expensive sport-major league soccer. For example the Philly area MLS stadium. Officials are scheduled to break ground on a 115 dollar million soccer stadium oter Philadelphia. I mean, it is a lot of money so I don’t understand why people think it is not the most expensive sport.
Alright guys, this would be all, I am that naive to think that you liked this article. That was the ultimate “Czech” article, you will never ever see a better article. Just kidding. I hope you did’t fall asleep while reading it, I would be insulted. So, we are all set and read my next article, otherwise you are not going to get any Christmas presents.
So, today let’s take a look at a sport which I don’t play that often. The interesting fact is, all the time I spoke about activities which I do, but today everything changes. It is exciting, huh? Just be patient, everything needs its time, get it?
The topic is soccer, ladies and gentlemen and it’s definitely an extremely good topic. It is disappointing that David Beckham dazzled the crowd by not scoring the goal in the Los Angeles’ Galaxy 3-0 exhibition win over Oceania XI on Saturday.
Of course, Beckham is usually amazing, he always gives nice passes and goals too. He always enjoys playing in other parts of the world, but he is also supposed to shoot as many goals as he can, right?” I enjoyed playing in Los Angeles, the crowd did too,” he said. By the way, you should know that soccer is the most common sport in the Czech republic. It is the most popular sport there and always has been. Here it is probably football, right? It is ironic that in Czech republic they call soccer as football. That means, Czech republic doesn’t have football, they just have soccer which they call like this.
Another event which is interesting to discuss is the Irish, the Tar Heels advance in College cup. Courtney Barg scored in the fifteenth minute and Notre Dame beat Stanford 1-0 Friday to reach the championship of the NCAA Women’s College cup. The Tar Heels advanced with a 1-0 victory over UCLA after Yael Averbuch, making her school record 104th straight start, converted a penalty in the 41st minute. This stuff is always very impressive in sport, everybody wants to hear and read about it, also in Europe. Speaking about Europe, the Spanish players are the best players there, they won the title about a half a year ago, when they played their final European cup match against Germany, I think. Fernando Torres was amazing, he shot an awesome goal while a Germany player was running next to him. It was a very big moment, you should have seen it. Torres will be sidelined now. The Madrid star was supposed to be out of action for only two weeks, but specialists in Spain advised that he will remain on the sidelines for months. It is always very bad when a soccer player injures his hamstring, like our friend Torres here. Well, hopefully he will return back as soon as possible, he is the Spanish hero!
Soccer is sometimes an expensive sport-major league soccer. For example the Philly area MLS stadium. Officials are scheduled to break ground on a 115 dollar million soccer stadium oter Philadelphia. I mean, it is a lot of money so I don’t understand why people think it is not the most expensive sport.
Alright guys, this would be all, I am that naive to think that you liked this article. That was the ultimate “Czech” article, you will never ever see a better article. Just kidding. I hope you did’t fall asleep while reading it, I would be insulted. So, we are all set and read my next article, otherwise you are not going to get any Christmas presents.
4 qaurters of sports
1st quarter
Starting the game off we are going to talk about the Celtics and if they can repeat last season ending in a championship win. Right now the Celtics have a record of 20 and 2. They are also the best team in the NBA right now. Right now they are playing there best basketball then they have in years. After last season they have been dominate and haven't cooled down at all. They are averaging 100 ppg and the opposing team is averaging 89 ppg. If they keep playing the way there playing and scoring the way there scoring the Celtics will make playoffs and it wouldn't surprise me if they went to the championship again.
2nd quarter
Some major disappointments that happened in he NFL today were the Jets. They lost to a team with 4 wins and they had a chance to take the division even more if they won but now they are tied with the pats for first place. Another is the Giants loosing to the Eagles who haven't been playing good football. Now the Giants have two losses, one to the browns and one to the Eagles. If I were the Giants those would be the teams i wouldn't want to lose to. The last one of the day was the Falcons loosing to the Saints. I thought that should have been a good win for the Falcons but they didn't come through.
3rd quarter
Now its after halftime getting into the Red Sox and how well they will do this year. They have recently signed some really good key players that will help us out this year. Most of them are pitchers. The first good pitcher they got was Junichi Tazawa. He is from japan just like Matsusaka, and he is supposed to be as good as him to. Another good pitcher is the reliver from the Royals Ramon Ramirez. He was one of the best pitchers in the AL last year. Also we have alot of good players that are coming off the disabled list like Mike Lowell. So if we stay healthy this year and don't get hurt we will be in the playoffs again. Also we will beat Tampa bay and go all the way.
4th quater
Now its the end of the game and we are moving on to boston bruins hockey and there success and chances of making playoffs this year. The bruins are currently in first place in there division. They have a good talented young team this year. If they keep winning and skating hard they will make playoffs. If they beat the hard teams and win them they will get more reconized and have a better shot off making playoffs. I think they have a good team this year and this is the group of guys to bring the Briuns all the way
Starting the game off we are going to talk about the Celtics and if they can repeat last season ending in a championship win. Right now the Celtics have a record of 20 and 2. They are also the best team in the NBA right now. Right now they are playing there best basketball then they have in years. After last season they have been dominate and haven't cooled down at all. They are averaging 100 ppg and the opposing team is averaging 89 ppg. If they keep playing the way there playing and scoring the way there scoring the Celtics will make playoffs and it wouldn't surprise me if they went to the championship again.
2nd quarter
Some major disappointments that happened in he NFL today were the Jets. They lost to a team with 4 wins and they had a chance to take the division even more if they won but now they are tied with the pats for first place. Another is the Giants loosing to the Eagles who haven't been playing good football. Now the Giants have two losses, one to the browns and one to the Eagles. If I were the Giants those would be the teams i wouldn't want to lose to. The last one of the day was the Falcons loosing to the Saints. I thought that should have been a good win for the Falcons but they didn't come through.
3rd quarter
Now its after halftime getting into the Red Sox and how well they will do this year. They have recently signed some really good key players that will help us out this year. Most of them are pitchers. The first good pitcher they got was Junichi Tazawa. He is from japan just like Matsusaka, and he is supposed to be as good as him to. Another good pitcher is the reliver from the Royals Ramon Ramirez. He was one of the best pitchers in the AL last year. Also we have alot of good players that are coming off the disabled list like Mike Lowell. So if we stay healthy this year and don't get hurt we will be in the playoffs again. Also we will beat Tampa bay and go all the way.
4th quater
Now its the end of the game and we are moving on to boston bruins hockey and there success and chances of making playoffs this year. The bruins are currently in first place in there division. They have a good talented young team this year. If they keep winning and skating hard they will make playoffs. If they beat the hard teams and win them they will get more reconized and have a better shot off making playoffs. I think they have a good team this year and this is the group of guys to bring the Briuns all the way
Inside My Head
What Were They Thinking?
Jason Whitlock: So much for an undefeated season for your Ball State Cardinals. They took a beating from the 8-5 Buffalo Bulls, the top team in the Mid American East Conference on Friday night. Do you think any team in the SEC or Big 12 would lose Buffalo? I don’t think so. You should keep your mouth shut about these mid major schools deserving a chance because when they blow easy games like this, it makes you look bad. Also, how’d your boy Nate Davis play on Friday? Four fumbles and a pick, not too good I’d say.
Oscar De La Hoya: What was your reasoning behind taking a fight with Manny Pacquiao? First of all, you’re too old. Secondly, the fight was a mismatch anyway. It was over before it started. He murdered you, and then you quit after the eighth round. There’s nothing I hate more than quitters. Ever since you won that gold medal in the 90’s, your career has been downhill. You’ve lost every big fight you’ve ever had. You will always be known as one of boxing’s biggest choke artists.
Teams in the Race for C.C Sabathia: Right now, C.C is sitting on 140 million. Why? I understand that is a great pitcher and turned around the Milwaukee Brewers season last year, but he is not worth as much as he is hyped up to be. There are pitchers out there who are just as good, and are not at risk for heart attack every single day. Tell C.C Sabathia you’ll think about offering him a contract once he loses some weight. 300-pound pitchers should be outlawed.
Bryan Colangelo: The only reason you fired Sam Mitchell was to make it look like you weren’t the one bringing down the Toronto Raptors. You didn’t really even let him do his job. You are a GM and coach in one, and you fired Mitchell for your mistakes. If you weren’t going to let him coach, than you should’ve let him go earlier.
Glen Davis: What is your problem? There is no need to throw a temper tantrum for something that is not that big of a deal. Why are you mad at KG for trying to get you more involved? By getting mad at him for trying to get you in the huddle, it makes it look as though you are not a team player. Are you a team player? Maybe you should think about that.
Junior Seau: I’m sick and tired of people retiring and coming back. We are fourteen weeks into the season, and now you decide that you’re going to come back and play. Make up your mind at the beginning of the year so you don’t waste the whole season. I wouldn’t want you on my team.
College Football: Why is it that the later you lose, the worse off you are? Why is it that Alabama, who won their first eleven games and lost to the best team in the country, will not get their shot at the championship because they lost so late? Now, they will half to play Utah in a BCS matchup, a team who they will likely kill.
O.J. Simpson: Why did you have to give that final plea at your court hearing? We all know that it was an act, and we’re tired of seeing these kinds of things from you. I’m glad that you finally got what you deserved, and I hope you spend the rest of your life behind bars. You will always be seen as a criminal, not a football player.
What to Watch For:
The Celts are on quite a winning streak; let’s see if they can keep it alive.
We’ll, seeing how none of the important Bowl Games will be played for another month or so, turn your attention to college hoops.
I hate saying this, but let’s see if C.C makes a decision any time soon.
Hopefully, Providence can gain momentum from there victory over URI.
Both the AFC and the NFC playoff races should be quite interesting in the final three weeks of the season.
Pull Up a Chair... It's Story Time with Neups
Note to Readers: I will be abandoning the "Can You Pass the Test Concept" for weekly posts, and instead, I will hope to relate sports stories to past, and present stories of my life. Thank you for understanding.
The more time passes by, the more I miss, and yearn for, my elementary school days. Although I will never live the days of extended recess, fountain-like hand washing stations, and milk cartons ever again, my glory days [if you could call them that] can be related to a mess that all of us are complaining about each and every day.
During the fall of my third grade year at Frenchtown Elementary school - when Velcro sneakers were still cool and kickball was everyone's favorite sport - a number of fads emerged on the playground. Not only did Yo-Yo's and Beanie Babies take the school by storm, but so too did Pokemon. Well actually, Pokemon could be considered a tsunami in the tidal pool of 3rd grade culture. Pokemon cards and GameBoy games were so popular that a new rule had the be added to the school handbook that no child was allowed to carry around Pokemon cards at any time for fear of them taking away from the learning process. Before that, kids would bring in binders full of laminated Pokemon cards to lunch just so that they could show off the new cards they bought on eBay from some Japanese guy who lives in his mother's basement in California. Being the true economist that I always have been, I saw no value in a silly card, however when it came to the video game, I was all over it. The first generation of the Pokemon games for the GameBoy Color could not be topped back then, and I just had to get my hands on the first edition. So, like any other 8 year-old, I whined. I whined, and whined.... and whined some more. All in effort to snag this little video game. I whined until my throat hurt, I whined until my face was as red as a tomato. But I actually whined to no avail. My parents never bought me the game. Back them I said that I hated my parents for taking away such a precious game - a "must have" in the "who's who" of 3rd grade socialites - but in retrospect, I am glad that my parents did what they did. They taught me a valuable lesson that I will never forget - whining will never get you anywhere.
My fiasco with the Pokemon video represents the debacle that the surrounds the current BCS mess perfectly. For we the fans and the media are just like myself when I was younger - the ones yearning for the video game, or as I like to call it, a playoff system. We have the notion, just like I once did, that whining 24/7 would get you what you want, but in fact, it does anything but that. Whining exacerbates the once simple problem into something that it is not, and now that the BCS mess has been blown out of proportion, in my mind, there is no way that we will ever be able to recover. We all need to take a lesson from the textbooks of parenthood and realize that our constant whining and nagging will get us nowhere.
There are many reasons why we should keep or destroy the current BCS system, many reasons why we should preserve all of the bowl games, and many reasons for why every college football critic may have a dead wrong solution to the system.
First off, I like the the BCS point system - it creates a computer generated answer to dictate who is where in the nations rankings with no bias whatsoever. But by no means should it be the last element in deciding who are the two teams to play for, or who deserves the title of "Best Team in the Nation." The rankings and numbers are only based of numbers, and not the intangibles - the things that happen on the field, the emotions, the joy ride, and most importantly, the pressure. The point system should only exist for numerical and ranked based purposes only, not for deciding the best team in the nation, and cutting off the dreams of another well deserving school. In a dream world, I would like to see the national championship decided by a 8 game-playoff, where the rankings are decided by the BCS system. This allows the Boise States of the nation to sneak in there, if deservedly so, and really make a run. All the meanwhile, the NCAA would continue its other numerous bowl games for the schools that could never make it into the playoffs - allowing most college players their one last shot at victory.
But every rose has its thorn...
The problem with having a playoff system is that it would extend the football season at least 3 more weeks for the deserving and winning teams, and in case you didn't forget, the players are college students. It seems hard for me to imagine a student to be able to invest so much time in the game while taking so much time away from his studies at his respective university. Traveling wouldn't be by buses anymore, players and staff would have to travel cross country for games, and then travel away from school for weeks at a time. All this missed school can really add up and hurt a player's academic success. This all also adds up to extra stress and strained bodies as well, for the players would be going through a schedule almost as long as NFL franchises. I guess that won't work either...
The point I'm trying to make is that the BCS will never see a revolution in a long, long time. There is too much money invested in the bowl games, and the fact that ESPN just bought out a lot of those production rights, just makes this spectacular event, that much more insane. In my mind, the best way for us fans to lash back at the system, or "The Big Man", as I would like to call it, is simple. We must file simple, and orderly complaints through the schools and divisions of our favorite team, and not rant and whine on television or the radio. The talking heads on sports broadcasting stations deserve as much blame as the common fan, for our collective complaints add more fuel to the BCS fire... and that is just want they want us to do. The big shots for the BCS want to have all this news around their system, for in the end, it will only bring in more voters. I think that the only way we could really make a true effort and make a dent in this flawed system would be to boycott all the bowl games. Although it is impossible to create a nationwide revolution and have thousands or millions boycott, the hypothetical idea is one to consider. Just imagine what would happen if no one watched the televised games - sponsors would pull out knowing that they had no reason to air their advertisements, schools wouldn't reap in the benefits, and the BCS would loose all of its momentum and news coverage. Which in essence means that America needs to take a long hard look at what they are doing, quit whining, and listen to mommy and daddy.
The more time passes by, the more I miss, and yearn for, my elementary school days. Although I will never live the days of extended recess, fountain-like hand washing stations, and milk cartons ever again, my glory days [if you could call them that] can be related to a mess that all of us are complaining about each and every day.
During the fall of my third grade year at Frenchtown Elementary school - when Velcro sneakers were still cool and kickball was everyone's favorite sport - a number of fads emerged on the playground. Not only did Yo-Yo's and Beanie Babies take the school by storm, but so too did Pokemon. Well actually, Pokemon could be considered a tsunami in the tidal pool of 3rd grade culture. Pokemon cards and GameBoy games were so popular that a new rule had the be added to the school handbook that no child was allowed to carry around Pokemon cards at any time for fear of them taking away from the learning process. Before that, kids would bring in binders full of laminated Pokemon cards to lunch just so that they could show off the new cards they bought on eBay from some Japanese guy who lives in his mother's basement in California. Being the true economist that I always have been, I saw no value in a silly card, however when it came to the video game, I was all over it. The first generation of the Pokemon games for the GameBoy Color could not be topped back then, and I just had to get my hands on the first edition. So, like any other 8 year-old, I whined. I whined, and whined.... and whined some more. All in effort to snag this little video game. I whined until my throat hurt, I whined until my face was as red as a tomato. But I actually whined to no avail. My parents never bought me the game. Back them I said that I hated my parents for taking away such a precious game - a "must have" in the "who's who" of 3rd grade socialites - but in retrospect, I am glad that my parents did what they did. They taught me a valuable lesson that I will never forget - whining will never get you anywhere.
My fiasco with the Pokemon video represents the debacle that the surrounds the current BCS mess perfectly. For we the fans and the media are just like myself when I was younger - the ones yearning for the video game, or as I like to call it, a playoff system. We have the notion, just like I once did, that whining 24/7 would get you what you want, but in fact, it does anything but that. Whining exacerbates the once simple problem into something that it is not, and now that the BCS mess has been blown out of proportion, in my mind, there is no way that we will ever be able to recover. We all need to take a lesson from the textbooks of parenthood and realize that our constant whining and nagging will get us nowhere.
There are many reasons why we should keep or destroy the current BCS system, many reasons why we should preserve all of the bowl games, and many reasons for why every college football critic may have a dead wrong solution to the system.
First off, I like the the BCS point system - it creates a computer generated answer to dictate who is where in the nations rankings with no bias whatsoever. But by no means should it be the last element in deciding who are the two teams to play for, or who deserves the title of "Best Team in the Nation." The rankings and numbers are only based of numbers, and not the intangibles - the things that happen on the field, the emotions, the joy ride, and most importantly, the pressure. The point system should only exist for numerical and ranked based purposes only, not for deciding the best team in the nation, and cutting off the dreams of another well deserving school. In a dream world, I would like to see the national championship decided by a 8 game-playoff, where the rankings are decided by the BCS system. This allows the Boise States of the nation to sneak in there, if deservedly so, and really make a run. All the meanwhile, the NCAA would continue its other numerous bowl games for the schools that could never make it into the playoffs - allowing most college players their one last shot at victory.
But every rose has its thorn...
The problem with having a playoff system is that it would extend the football season at least 3 more weeks for the deserving and winning teams, and in case you didn't forget, the players are college students. It seems hard for me to imagine a student to be able to invest so much time in the game while taking so much time away from his studies at his respective university. Traveling wouldn't be by buses anymore, players and staff would have to travel cross country for games, and then travel away from school for weeks at a time. All this missed school can really add up and hurt a player's academic success. This all also adds up to extra stress and strained bodies as well, for the players would be going through a schedule almost as long as NFL franchises. I guess that won't work either...
The point I'm trying to make is that the BCS will never see a revolution in a long, long time. There is too much money invested in the bowl games, and the fact that ESPN just bought out a lot of those production rights, just makes this spectacular event, that much more insane. In my mind, the best way for us fans to lash back at the system, or "The Big Man", as I would like to call it, is simple. We must file simple, and orderly complaints through the schools and divisions of our favorite team, and not rant and whine on television or the radio. The talking heads on sports broadcasting stations deserve as much blame as the common fan, for our collective complaints add more fuel to the BCS fire... and that is just want they want us to do. The big shots for the BCS want to have all this news around their system, for in the end, it will only bring in more voters. I think that the only way we could really make a true effort and make a dent in this flawed system would be to boycott all the bowl games. Although it is impossible to create a nationwide revolution and have thousands or millions boycott, the hypothetical idea is one to consider. Just imagine what would happen if no one watched the televised games - sponsors would pull out knowing that they had no reason to air their advertisements, schools wouldn't reap in the benefits, and the BCS would loose all of its momentum and news coverage. Which in essence means that America needs to take a long hard look at what they are doing, quit whining, and listen to mommy and daddy.
Lighting the Wick of Sports
Welcome back to Varsity College. Class before we begin I would like everyone to introduce themselves to our newest student, Stephan Marbury. Stephan can you please stand up and tell us a little something about yourself? “Nah, I will just sit, I really don’t do too much, and there isn’t too much to know about me. I used to play basketball but now I sit on the bench and watch the game with a foul expression on my face. You know what? I really don’t want to be here right now so I’m just going to leave.” Great, thank you Stephan you are an inspiration to all. Well on that note I would also like to notify the class that Gregg Maddux has graduated. He will most likely be attending graduate school, seeing though he was one of my best students.
A Period
Lesson: Working your way up the depth charts
Two top ten quarterbacks on the same team? That sounds odd but next season that can become a reality. Matt Cassel has filled in unexpectedly well for the injured Tom Brady and the numbers he has been posting recently have made him a star in the NFL. What makes Matt Cassel a top 10 quarterback is his ability to play a primarily pass first offense. Last year with Tom Brady, the Patriots also had an effective ground attack with Laurence Maroney. Maroney allowed the Pats passing game to flourish due to his effectiveness on the ground, especially in third down situations. With Maroney on the injured reserve, Matt Cassel doesn’t have a go to option in the running back position. With Dante Stallworth gone, Wes Welker is now the Pat’s second option behind Randy Moss, which leaves Jabar Gaffney in the slot. What I’m getting at, is Matt Cassel has two viable options to pass two as opposed to Tom Brady who had a much stronger receiving core with Stallworth. 14 weeks into the season Cassel has posted a respectable 8-5 record with 2784 passing yards, 13 touchdowns and a quarterback rating of 85.5. As a first year started these numbers are impressive and should improve within the next couple of seasons. With Tom Brady returning to the starting lineup next season, Matt Cassel will be thirsty for another starting job. Expect Cassel to sign with a team that is looking for a decent passer such as Kansas City or Detroit next season. Matt Cassel passes my class this week with an A- because a comeback victory against the Seahawks is unacceptable this last in the season. The Pats can’t afford to play close games in the middle of a playoff push.
B Period
Lesson: Inspiring others
Not too many people would have been able to tell you that last week was Jimmy V week. You should be ashamed of yourself if you don’t know who Jimmy Valvano was and why there is a week celebrating his accomplishments but most importantly his battle against cancer. Jimmy V was a phenomenal coach to say the least. He had 346 wins as a head coach, complemented by a national championship in 1983 and two conference championships in 1983 and 1987. Valvano’s accomplishments as a head coach are only a fraction of what makes him such a special sports figure. IN 1992 Valvano was diagnosed with cancer that had unfortunately spread over his entire body. Shortly before Jimmy died in 1993 he had the honor of hosting the ESPYs (a sports awards show sponsored by ESPN). During his speech the cameraman had signaled Valvano to finish his speech in 30 seconds. After seeing the signal Valvano replied “I have 30 more seconds, this guy wants me to finish in 30 more seconds. I have tumors all over my body and the last thing I need to worry about is how much time I have left for my speech.” By the end of Jimmy’s though provoking speech, the crowd was in tears and gave Valvano a standing ovation as he was being helped off stage. After his tragic death Jimmy V week began. Some of the best college basketball games are scheduled to play during Jimmy V week and ESPN also raises hundreds of thousands of dollars during Jimmy V week that will be donated to the Jimmy V foundation. Jimmy V will always have “A” in everyone’s grade book.
C Period
Lesson: Never trade away a prime point guard for a “has been”
Practice? Practice… come on we are talking about practice! Practice? Are you serious, practice? These are the lovely words of the Piston’s point guard, Allen Iverson. Without Chauncey Billups the Pistons are 7-8. Why did they trade for AI? No one knows and I have no answers. Allen Iverson has never played for a winning team other than his brief time with the Denver Nuggets. Although Iverson always puts up outstanding numbers he adds nothing to team chemistry. Before Billups was traded to the Nuggets, Detroit was one of very few teams in the NBA that had solid team chemistry. Now holding a mediocre record at 11-8 the Pistons playoff picture is looking much different than it did with Chauncey running the floor. After loosing three straight games, Allen Iverson fails this week of classes.
Homework:
1. After this past weekend (if you are a URI fan) write “Safety School” over and over on loose leaf paper until there is no more paper available.
2. If you are having trouble with your stroke ask Mr. Brocato for some jump shot advice.
3. Keep a close on the hot stove, it could be very interesting to see where all of the free agent closers will end up.
A Period
Lesson: Working your way up the depth charts
Two top ten quarterbacks on the same team? That sounds odd but next season that can become a reality. Matt Cassel has filled in unexpectedly well for the injured Tom Brady and the numbers he has been posting recently have made him a star in the NFL. What makes Matt Cassel a top 10 quarterback is his ability to play a primarily pass first offense. Last year with Tom Brady, the Patriots also had an effective ground attack with Laurence Maroney. Maroney allowed the Pats passing game to flourish due to his effectiveness on the ground, especially in third down situations. With Maroney on the injured reserve, Matt Cassel doesn’t have a go to option in the running back position. With Dante Stallworth gone, Wes Welker is now the Pat’s second option behind Randy Moss, which leaves Jabar Gaffney in the slot. What I’m getting at, is Matt Cassel has two viable options to pass two as opposed to Tom Brady who had a much stronger receiving core with Stallworth. 14 weeks into the season Cassel has posted a respectable 8-5 record with 2784 passing yards, 13 touchdowns and a quarterback rating of 85.5. As a first year started these numbers are impressive and should improve within the next couple of seasons. With Tom Brady returning to the starting lineup next season, Matt Cassel will be thirsty for another starting job. Expect Cassel to sign with a team that is looking for a decent passer such as Kansas City or Detroit next season. Matt Cassel passes my class this week with an A- because a comeback victory against the Seahawks is unacceptable this last in the season. The Pats can’t afford to play close games in the middle of a playoff push.
B Period
Lesson: Inspiring others
Not too many people would have been able to tell you that last week was Jimmy V week. You should be ashamed of yourself if you don’t know who Jimmy Valvano was and why there is a week celebrating his accomplishments but most importantly his battle against cancer. Jimmy V was a phenomenal coach to say the least. He had 346 wins as a head coach, complemented by a national championship in 1983 and two conference championships in 1983 and 1987. Valvano’s accomplishments as a head coach are only a fraction of what makes him such a special sports figure. IN 1992 Valvano was diagnosed with cancer that had unfortunately spread over his entire body. Shortly before Jimmy died in 1993 he had the honor of hosting the ESPYs (a sports awards show sponsored by ESPN). During his speech the cameraman had signaled Valvano to finish his speech in 30 seconds. After seeing the signal Valvano replied “I have 30 more seconds, this guy wants me to finish in 30 more seconds. I have tumors all over my body and the last thing I need to worry about is how much time I have left for my speech.” By the end of Jimmy’s though provoking speech, the crowd was in tears and gave Valvano a standing ovation as he was being helped off stage. After his tragic death Jimmy V week began. Some of the best college basketball games are scheduled to play during Jimmy V week and ESPN also raises hundreds of thousands of dollars during Jimmy V week that will be donated to the Jimmy V foundation. Jimmy V will always have “A” in everyone’s grade book.
C Period
Lesson: Never trade away a prime point guard for a “has been”
Practice? Practice… come on we are talking about practice! Practice? Are you serious, practice? These are the lovely words of the Piston’s point guard, Allen Iverson. Without Chauncey Billups the Pistons are 7-8. Why did they trade for AI? No one knows and I have no answers. Allen Iverson has never played for a winning team other than his brief time with the Denver Nuggets. Although Iverson always puts up outstanding numbers he adds nothing to team chemistry. Before Billups was traded to the Nuggets, Detroit was one of very few teams in the NBA that had solid team chemistry. Now holding a mediocre record at 11-8 the Pistons playoff picture is looking much different than it did with Chauncey running the floor. After loosing three straight games, Allen Iverson fails this week of classes.
Homework:
1. After this past weekend (if you are a URI fan) write “Safety School” over and over on loose leaf paper until there is no more paper available.
2. If you are having trouble with your stroke ask Mr. Brocato for some jump shot advice.
3. Keep a close on the hot stove, it could be very interesting to see where all of the free agent closers will end up.
Hidden Answers
The answers for all the questions that everybody asks but nobody knows
The Question
Is chess considered a sport? If is, why?
The Answer
For see if chess can be considered a sport we need to look at the definition of the word “sport” first, well the dictionary says that is an athletic activity requiring skill or physical prowess and often of a competitive nature. As I recall, chess can be a competitive activity, such as in championships, and that is a necessary condition but not sufficient to be considered a sport.
Chess is clearly not an activity that requires physical exercises , a computer can easily play chess, and the only physical activity that you do is sit, and move your arm. But, is not necessary in that way, chess matches can take hours, even days sometimes, and, the person who is in better physical condition I has more chances to win the match.
Also move the wood or plastic knight, peon, queen, or any other chess pieces is not actually part of the game, sometimes you even move by a click of the mouse on your computer. What actually counts is the production of the move, is what happens after the move. You could say to a computer or other person move the piece for you, you just say where you what put it and it is okay.
I mean, what really counts is not how you made a move, it is how you could think about doing this, how this will influence your opponent's move, what was your move, and how you make your strategy to win the game. On football, for example, is important to make a strategy too, but it is not important the way that you made this strategy, the important is the way that you made your move to make a touchdown, what is important is how you do it, and not why you do it as in chess.
When chess is been playing just for fun, it is considered a game. That makes sense because chess requires all what is necessary to be a game, as its definition says: a competitive activity involving skill, chance, or endurance on the part of two or more persons who play according to a set of rules, usually for their own amusement or for that of spectators.
But when there is a competition on chess, like on the Olympic games it is considered a sport, actually just the International Olympic Committee considers chess a sport. Even them are now thinking twice about consider it a sport. The definition of chess says clearly that is a game: “a game played by two persons, each with 16 pieces, on a chessboard”.
“There is the odd country where there’s some lingering doubt whether chess is art or sport. Quite clearly it is a sport.” said Viswanathan Anand, the number one-ranked chess player in the world. Well, apparently it is not a sport. It is clear that a sport requires physical activity such as in soccer, football, and volley, for example. You need to have your body and mind connected and in good condition to perform those sports and you have to think on the preset, in what is happening right now on the game, not as in chess where you just need have your mind focused on the future, to predict what will be your opponent move.
by Eduardo Watzko 12-07-08
The Question
Is chess considered a sport? If is, why?
The Answer
For see if chess can be considered a sport we need to look at the definition of the word “sport” first, well the dictionary says that is an athletic activity requiring skill or physical prowess and often of a competitive nature. As I recall, chess can be a competitive activity, such as in championships, and that is a necessary condition but not sufficient to be considered a sport.
Chess is clearly not an activity that requires physical exercises , a computer can easily play chess, and the only physical activity that you do is sit, and move your arm. But, is not necessary in that way, chess matches can take hours, even days sometimes, and, the person who is in better physical condition I has more chances to win the match.
Also move the wood or plastic knight, peon, queen, or any other chess pieces is not actually part of the game, sometimes you even move by a click of the mouse on your computer. What actually counts is the production of the move, is what happens after the move. You could say to a computer or other person move the piece for you, you just say where you what put it and it is okay.
I mean, what really counts is not how you made a move, it is how you could think about doing this, how this will influence your opponent's move, what was your move, and how you make your strategy to win the game. On football, for example, is important to make a strategy too, but it is not important the way that you made this strategy, the important is the way that you made your move to make a touchdown, what is important is how you do it, and not why you do it as in chess.
When chess is been playing just for fun, it is considered a game. That makes sense because chess requires all what is necessary to be a game, as its definition says: a competitive activity involving skill, chance, or endurance on the part of two or more persons who play according to a set of rules, usually for their own amusement or for that of spectators.
But when there is a competition on chess, like on the Olympic games it is considered a sport, actually just the International Olympic Committee considers chess a sport. Even them are now thinking twice about consider it a sport. The definition of chess says clearly that is a game: “a game played by two persons, each with 16 pieces, on a chessboard”.
“There is the odd country where there’s some lingering doubt whether chess is art or sport. Quite clearly it is a sport.” said Viswanathan Anand, the number one-ranked chess player in the world. Well, apparently it is not a sport. It is clear that a sport requires physical activity such as in soccer, football, and volley, for example. You need to have your body and mind connected and in good condition to perform those sports and you have to think on the preset, in what is happening right now on the game, not as in chess where you just need have your mind focused on the future, to predict what will be your opponent move.
by Eduardo Watzko 12-07-08
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