Hollywood Endings
If you haven’t seen the Hollywood ending of this year’s NCAA D-II Men’s Basketball Championship yet, then please go here immediately.
That one’s just begging to made into a movie. Oh wait, it already has been!
Schadenfreude Has Its Limits
As much as I like to joke around about the UNC-Duke rivalry, schadenfreude has its limits. It goes without saying (but I’m going to say it anyway) that the feeling doesn’t extend to a tragic situation like this.
As the father of three sons who are increasingly out and about and pushing the envelope of safety, this one hits home. UNC mascot Jason Ray sounds like the kind of son that anyone would be proud to claim. My prayers go out for his family, friends, the UNC community and the unfortunate driver who was an unwitting participant in this tragic event.… Read the rest
Schadenfreude–It Feels So Right
Main Entry: scha·den·freu·de
Pronunciation: 'shä-d&n-"froi-d&
Function: noun
Usage: often capitalized
Etymology: German, from Schaden damage + Freude joy
: enjoyment obtained from the troubles of others–Merriam Webster’s Online Dictionary
For a Duke fan like myself, there’s nothing that could ever make up for the Blue Devils’ shameful first round exit against VCU or for Lindsey Harding’s two missed free throws with practically no time remaining against Rutgers on Saturday (bless her heart). But there is something that comes close.
There is this:
Now I know there’s something slightly askew and unseemly about obtaining enjoyment and satisfaction from the woes of others.… Read the rest
Where Have You Gone Ernie D?
Well, he’s safely tucked away in my sports card album. Before the gym rat Billy Donovan, there was the fabulous Ernie D.
Keith, this one’s for you.
Where Have You Gone Bob Cousy?
As I watched Tennessee’s Chris Lofton sprint around the court in his baggy, below-the-knee, capri-length shorts last weekend, it occurred to me that basketball players these days keep wearing their shorts longer and looser. Gone are the days when real men, like Bob Cousy, wore theirs “high and tight.”
I can remember when it started. In the early 90s, Michigan’s Fab Five sported longer, baggier bottoms (which by today’s standard’s appear short-short), and from there, things have continued to head south. I suppose it may have had something to do with bringing a “street look” to the court, and since street fashion has continued to become longer and baggier, so have basketball shorts.… Read the rest
Do Over
In the last post, there was some discussion of what it would be like to “do over” one’s NCAA tourney picks after seeing everyone in action.
ESPN’s Gene Wojciechosky has done just that. As it turns out, he likes Kansas and UNC too.… Read the rest
First Weekend Postmortem
My 35 correct picks out of 48 is nothing to write home about, but it is four better than where I was last year this time and leaves 7 of 8 of my Elite Eight picks intact and all of my Final Fours. I’ve learned to respect USC basketball a little more this weekend, was thrilled with my signature pick (Winthrop over Notre Dame) and delighted in watching the ‘Dores (gotta love that Lionel Ritchie!) play through to the Sweet Sixteen as I boldly predicted. As much as I hate to admit it, UNC’s depth and talent are going to be tough to overcome.… Read the rest
Good Mourning
Good mourning to you all. As you might expect, I will not be available today. I’ll be busy putting up some drywall over that new hole in our family room wall that, oddly enough, is exactly the same size as my head.
Truly, it cuts like a knife.
Appetizers
A few pre-tourney appetizers to get things going:
- If you still haven’t filled out your bracket and need some expert advice on possible upsets, Pat Forde dishes on the possibilities.
- If dark humor and bile are more your cup of tea, then this Slate article should be just the ticket
- If you want to relive some “shining moments” from last year, click here
- I’m not sure if my bracket will show up if you’re not logged into Yahoo, but hopefully it will. In case it doesn’t, my first round upset specials are Arkansas over USC (the Razorbacks should be hopping mad and have something to prove after receiving so much contempt last Sunday) and Winthrop over Notre Dame (the Eagles are due)
- I’m picking Florida, UCLA, Georgetown and Ohio State in my Final Four.
What’s In Your Wallet?
Yesterday evening, Number Two Son was working out with the Rocket City Rowing Club (look for a future post about that little experiment) when he had his cell phone and wallet stolen.
They were in a friend’s car (in plain sight–lesson learned), and although the parking lot was only located a short distance away, the thieves waited until the team was rowing on the Tennessee River before quickly picking out the only vehicle without an alarm system and smashing the window. The driver also lost his phone, wallet and an iPod (Number Two had left his at home fortunately).
Number Two’s wallet contained his learner’s permit, a small amount of cash and his debit card.… Read the rest
Play On!
“I can keep myself involved in a good activity instead of keeping quiet, because if I sit alone and be quiet, I will think about my problem.”
— Victor Musa, captain of the Sierra Leone amputee soccer team.
One of my favorite moments in a soccer match occurs when a hard challenge is issued, followed by the resounding thud of a defender colliding with an attacker. In those milliseconds following, all eyes focus on the center ref who must decide in an instant if the tackle was fair or foul. My heart usually races a little when I hear the cry issuing forth above the fray–“Play on!”… Read the rest
March Madness Memories
I have my share of March Madness Memories, both good and bad.
Among the bad–last year, when I finished dead last in my own pool and looked on in agony as the fabulous Blue Devil duo of Redick and Williams ended their otherwise stellar careers on a down note to LSU.
But anytime your favorite team plays deep into the tourney or wins it all, it’s a good year; and needless to say, as someone who bleeds Blue Devil Blue, my good years far outweigh the bad. Of course, barring divine intervention, Duke will not go far this year (I have them making the Sweet 16 after eliminating perennial tournament underachiever Pitt, then falling to UCLA), and considering my poor track record in prognostication, I turn my attention this morning to some good March Madness memories from the past.… Read the rest
“Lost Tomb” Buried?
“We are very proud of the program – we stand by it 100 percent.”
–David Levy, Discovery Channel executive
This is Neutrality?
Switzerland, who has always fed us the line about how “oh, we don’t actually take sides,” finally showed their true colors (and they weren’t red and white) and stepped over the line, so to speak.
This is neutrality? Note to Swiss soldiers: Stand down; we’re on to you now. Just take off those ridiculous, multicolored baggy britches you guys call camo, toss us those Swiss Army knives and stack up your pikes in a big pile right over there.
When I heard the news, I immediately thought about my Swiss-based blogger friend Brady and hoped that he was keeping his head down and was okay.… Read the rest