So the first Off Season Off Topic thread that the fantastic NCChopper made has for some reason been closed for comments, thank you SBN! I know this is not as fancy as one of the ones she makes, but hey there just needs to be 75 words up here. Actually, I will try a poll... Why not?
Which of the Non Roster Invitees do you think has the best chance of making the team out of Spring Training?
This FanPost does not express the views or opinions of Talking Chop.
5 recs | 192 comments
Survivor season premiere tonight!
So stoked.
Andy Kim - February 15, 2012
Bah. Rock Center with Brian Williams!
TheLetter2 - February 15, 2012
That man is several kinds of handsome. If only he were about half his age…
abraves257 - February 15, 2012
How much TV, on average, do y’all watch a week? I am curious with all of the TV talk that goes on around here…
mvandonsel - February 15, 2012
Far more than any man would be proud of… I just watched every episode of HIMYM over the course of ~4 weeks.
abraves257 - February 15, 2012
Same
Binge watching. Haven’t been on Netflix in a while because my PSN isn’t working for some reason, but It’ll be fixed soon. Anyways I’m in season 5 of Friday Night Lights and I am re-watching The Wire.
KINGSLYTUT - February 15, 2012
I will need to power through FNL before the movie comes out. In an ideal world, the movie will then be followed by a book
/circleOfLife.mp3
abraves257 - February 15, 2012
I’m pretty sure there already was a book.
KINGSLYTUT - February 15, 2012
Correct
the book came first.
Mr. Sanchez - February 15, 2012
Wiki Link
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friday_Night_Lights:_A_Town,_a_Team,_and_a_Dream
Mr. Sanchez - February 15, 2012
Oh my goodness I know this. They’re making the show into a movie about Mike Leach’s time at Tex Tech, which means it is now a book that was made into a movie made into a TV show made into a movie, next step is another book which… well hence the circle of life thing.
abraves257 - February 15, 2012
There's already been a book about Leach at Texas Tech too
http://www.amazon.com/Swing-Your-Sword-Leading-Football/dp/0983337195
Mr. Sanchez - February 16, 2012
But its not based off the Friday Night Lights series is it?
abraves257 - February 16, 2012
No, that book is not
Mr. Sanchez - February 16, 2012
I just started watching Friday Night Lights. I was impressed with the critical acclaim and figured I’d give it a shot. Man, it has not let me down.
TheLetter2 - February 16, 2012
As I say to everyone—just make sure to get one of those Men in Black memory eraser things for after you watch Season 2.
Ivan the Great - February 16, 2012
I’ve heard it wasn’t a great season, so maybe that’ll help set my expectations to more realistic levels.
TheLetter2 - February 16, 2012
This comment may or may not be meaningful to you, depending on your inclinations:
It’s the equivalent of when Sorkin left the West Wing and Wells took over.
(The difference being that when Sorkin left he didn’t come back, so if your own personal canon ends after S4, like mine does, that’s fine and dandy. But FNL resumes its S1-level of quality after S2 ends, so you’re forced to suffer through S2 unless you want to be lost when S3 starts.)
Ivan the Great - February 16, 2012
That was actually the most perfect analogy you could have made. I still consider S5 part of my West Wing universe, because I like specific episodes within that season. But seasons six and seven? Yeah. No explanation necessary.
Thanks for the tip.
TheLetter2 - February 16, 2012
too much
Mr. Sanchez - February 15, 2012
although I'd add, a lot of times I use it as little more than background noise
but I still pick up on things when that’s the case.
Mr. Sanchez - February 15, 2012
i would be ashamed to admit how much my TV is on, but how much I watch isn’t as bad i suppose.
Swo12bv - February 15, 2012
Haha, this.
Especially when there’s sports going on that I’m not necessarily invested in watching.
Andy Kim - February 15, 2012
I hardly watch TV anymore, but I’ve been re-watching all the episodes of “Dinosaurs”.
TonyAlmeyda - February 15, 2012
Was that the 90s show with the family of Dinosaurs with the baby who used to say, “Not the mama?!?!”
Does anybody remember Dinosaucers??
mvandonsel - February 15, 2012
I loved Dinosaurs
….I think I was about 10-12 when that show was on.
biggentleben - February 15, 2012
I didn't until looking at the link
I vaguely recall it. I loved the old TGIF Dinosaurs though.
Mr. Sanchez - February 15, 2012
“I’m the baby…gotta love me.”
GumpBrave - February 17, 2012
I figured this out the other day
I DVR 3 hours on Monday night, 4 hours on Tuesday night, 2 1/2 hours on Wednesday night, and 1/2 hour on Thursday night. I rarely watch television outside of watching my DVR’d shows (even sports right now, sadly), which is why I enjoy television discussions on here because I can scan through Netflix and watch them. I do work an overnight security job where I spin probably 5-6 of my 8 hours each night on Netflix, some on movies, some on TV shows.
biggentleben - February 15, 2012
How does it seem perfect that you work security… But I am extremely jealous of your free time at work!
abraves257 - February 15, 2012
Not much at all. In fact, I ditched cable service last month when I realized I’d save a sh*t-ton of money for a service I rarely utilized.
I think over the course of an average week, I probably see less than ten hours of TV. About 50 percent of that is PBS programming. DVDs of my favorite shows make up about 30 to 35 percent, and the remainder of the broadcast networks make up the difference — basically, all I use my “live” TV for now is news, weather and public television.
TheLetter2 - February 15, 2012
But how do you keep up with Jersey Shore?
abraves257 - February 15, 2012
/bewildered stare
TheLetter2 - February 16, 2012
/evil cackle
abraves257 - February 16, 2012
I watch a lot. Unlike most people here (and in life), I actually can’t stomach marathons. I can’t do most things for longer than a few hours (s’why baseball is special—I can watch baseball all day for 3/4ths of the year and not get bored).
Unfortunately, in my opinion the quality of scripted TV has been declining over the last decade or so. Not that there’s nothing good on anymore (there are some great shows out there still), so really only need to watch 2-3 episodes of something a day to stay relatively caught up. I tend not to watch things as they air, or in any particular order. I keep a list of all the shows I’m watching, and every time it’s time to watch something, I use a random number generator to pick a show and watch the next unwatched episode.
In case you were actually looking for a number, I am currently watching 8 shows airing right now. Another few are on hiatus, but I would say that in general the number of shows I’m enjoying and thus actively following ranges from 5 to 11 or so.
Ivan the Great - February 15, 2012
ESPN In$ider
Is doing a countdown of who the top teams in the future of the MLB will be. If anyone with insider could post the Braves rank(maybe why they were ranked there as well) that’d be awesome.
KINGSLYTUT - February 15, 2012
Hm, cant help. But speaking of schtoinking things that are expensive, what is the precedent for people sharing a mlb.tv account, a la netflix? Would mlb see that you are watching from two sides of the country at once and shut you down?
abraves257 - February 15, 2012
In retrospect… That word I made up actually already exists, apparently. Swell.
abraves257 - February 15, 2012
I don’t know about the sharing thing, but $120 to watch the entire season isn’t that bad in my opinion. Or you could spend $20 and listen to the audio stream; besides, Jim Powell and Don Sutton rule!!!
mvandonsel - February 15, 2012
At first I wasn't a fan of Powell
his voice seems a bit nasally. But it’s grown on me over the last year when I’d listen. He does a great job.
Mr. Sanchez - February 15, 2012
Yeah. I never really noticed that about his voice. I just think they bring more to the table, as far as knowledge, than the TV guys.
mvandonsel - February 15, 2012
Sutton is a god. I’ve been pining for him to come back to tv for years now. I was pretty ambivalent about Powell at first, but he’s grown on me because he and Sutton play off each other perfectly and because he’s not Chip, Joe, or—god help us—Brian Jordan.
J-Freak - February 15, 2012
Joe and Boog were a hell of a team. Problem now is that Joe is a color guy, not a PbP guy at all. And Chip shouldn’t be allowed within 50 feet of the booth.
abraves257 - February 15, 2012
Hey, I can actually answer this question.
MLB.tv does NOT at this point in time monitor locations of its users for the purpose of rescinding access. However, it does actually monitor your location for blackout purposes, so it could start doing this at any time. Even if they do rescind access though, you can just yell at them and say that you lead a busy lifestyle requiring travel.
I had to travel a lot for work this past year—every other week for about a 5-month stretch I was in a different city. (As in, home one week, out in another the city next, home the next week, etc.) So it’s definitely feasible.
The only consideration is that MLB.tv absolutely SUCKS at registering you being logged in/logged out. This isn’t a problem if you always use the same computer, but it tends to flip out like crazy about one computer being logged in and then accessing it on another computer. Maybe they’ve fixed that, or will fix it this year, but it used to have major issues with locking me out of everything if I tried to log in on a second computer while forgetting I had the stream running on my first one. So if you are going to share, make sure your friends don’t bar you from watching the games you do want to watch.
Ivan the Great - February 15, 2012
Interesting...
I rarely had issues, but it was usually two devices rather than two PCs. I’d often have the game on the PS3 and use my iPad for the radio broadcast audio.
-C
cthabeerman - February 15, 2012
Love the info here. I knew they kept track for blackout reasons (for some reason Eugene is in the blackout zone of SF), but my main concern is if I have a friend in GA who has it and we both want to watch at the same time, I guess that’s when the flipping out occurs. Seems not worth the risk, plus $110-125 isn’t that bad of a deal seeing as I will be out of broadcast range for most games for the majority of the year.
abraves257 - February 15, 2012
Nope. I’ve done it for two years now.
justincredubil02 - February 15, 2012
Both people logged in at same time?
abraves257 - February 15, 2012
Yes sir – or me logged in on my tv/PS3 with the same account I’m also logged into with on my computer – watching 2 different games.
justincredubil02 - February 16, 2012
Fantastic! If only there weren’t so many Giants fans out here.
Also, did you seriously say you didn’t like 7.13 of HIMYM?
abraves257 - February 16, 2012
I didn’t
Swo12bv - February 16, 2012
No, I haven’t seen any of season 7 yet.
justincredubil02 - February 16, 2012
Oh I just checked the other thread, it was 6.13 you didn’t like. Still… that was a great episode too.
abraves257 - February 16, 2012
Replied to the wrong person here… /ahem
Swo12bv did not like 6.13 for some reason… Why not?
abraves257 - February 16, 2012
He thought you were talking about 7/13, not 6/13.
justincredubil02 - February 16, 2012
Well, that’s what I think anyway, based on the fact that he’s never said anything bad about HIMYM to me before season 7
justincredubil02 - February 16, 2012
Oh, ok I see. Well I thought 7.13 was still a real good episode myself…
abraves257 - February 16, 2012
i meant 7.13, i think… whatever was the most recent episode.
the reason i dont like it was because it was a lazy episode. They told a story that takes about 10 minutes to tell, but dragged it out over 22 minutes (the length of the show) by replaying the same scenes over and over again,
I have other substantive issues with the episode, but for the sake of those who have not seen it, I would discuss the episode. There are too many episodes where the overall narrative of the show isn’t progressing. Also, I didn’t think there was any humorous aspects, which can normally save an episode.
Swo12bv - February 16, 2012
They're not up yet, so they're top 10
…and that doesn’t come out until tomorrow.
biggentleben - February 15, 2012
I am gonna be 7
Yankees and Red Sox will be one or two, based solely on the fact that the future is always bright when you can spend 160M easily.
Swo12bv - February 15, 2012
Their criteria for ranking will curtail that, but I imagine they'll both still be quite high.
Criteria: MAJORS (full weight): Quality of current big league roster
MINORS (full weight): Quality and quantity of prospects in their farm system
FINANCE (2/3 weight): How much money do they have to spend?
MANAGEMENT (2/3 weight): Value and stability of ownership, front office and coaching staff
MOBILITY (1/3 weight): Do they have a lot of young, cheap players, or old immovable guys?
I think the Rays might snag the #1 spot, actually.
Andy Kim - February 15, 2012
The Rays or the Rangers, that would be my guess, honestly. I think the top five will be some order of those two plus the Red Sox and Yankees. Then If I had to pick number 5 it would probably be the Angels.
That’s not necessarily the order I would put them in, but thats the order i think they will be in.
Swo12bv - February 15, 2012
It’s ridiculous to have the Phillies in the top 10 – especially when given the basis of the rating – farm system, future budget, age of current team, etc.
justincredubil02 - February 15, 2012
Braves ranked 9th in the exercise.
Rangers, Yankees, Rays, Cards, Red Sox, Jays, Angels and D’Backs rank ahead of them.
Ranked 12th in Major league talent, Finances and Management, 10th in Minor league talent, and 13th in Mobility. Above average but not spectacular in all areas, basically.
The lowdown
The Chipper Jones era is drawing to a close, and many assumed that Jason Heyward would have taken over as face of the franchise by now. A disastrous sophomore season (.708 OPS) put the breaks on that train for now, and the Braves need a rebound from him so that he and close friend Freddie Freeman can anchor the lineup into the future.
Even if Heyward doesn’t fulfill his potential, Atlanta is well positioned for the future because of its incredible stable of young arms, the envy of many rival execs. Jair Jurrjens, Tommy Hanson, Brandon Beachy and Mike Minor give the Braves four formidable starters all age 26 or younger, and prospects Julio Teheran, Arodys Vizcaino and Randall Delgado are coming on strong behind them. Atlanta is ready to test the theory that you can never have too much pitching. — Buster Olney
The next step
When Chipper eventually retires, he will leave a void both positionally and in leadership. Left field also continues to be a black hole, so the Braves could deal Martin Prado to find Jones’ successor or delve into their deep farm system, which is one of the best in baseball. — Jim Bowden
Andy Kim - February 16, 2012
I'm very amused by this
If that’s truly copy and pasted from the article (I’m an insider, but not able to get on ESPN on this computer – but can get on TC, go figure), they really used the phrase “breaks on that train” instead of “brakes on that train”? Great editing department there, ESPN.
biggentleben - February 16, 2012
Thanks for posting this. SBN (if I am correct) doenst allow commenting on posts to remain up for longer than 14 days.
Swo12bv - February 15, 2012
Nah, it's because
I denied justin’s request.
Mr. Sanchez - February 15, 2012
OBVIOUSLY
i was referring to the secondary cause
Swo12bv - February 15, 2012
That’s what I figured. Always wished they had some way of locking a post to the front page. Last year we had a Braves pics page for people to upload photos/shops/wallpapers, but it doesn’t do any good when it’s only up for two weeks.
abraves257 - February 15, 2012
gondeee confirmed this for me yesterday (the 14 day timeout).
Seems kinda short time period to me, but them is the rules. ;-)
He was nice enough to go in and unlock it for comments, but there really is no need now that this one has been created.
Thanks everyone for all the activity the first 2 weeks :-)
In case you wish to comment on discussions already started over on the other one, you can now.
NCChopper - February 16, 2012
is there anyway to override that before the comments close and it is removed from the front page (on the right side).
Swo12bv - February 16, 2012
I doubt it. That post still has 5 recs so it should be on the front page. But oh well, no harm in making two threads a month.
abraves257 - February 16, 2012
I was gonna rec it to see if it moved back up, but you can’t rec your own.
No worries.
You all are so sweet.
I’ll mark my calendar for 14 days and make the 2nd one from now on.
Thanks for pitch hitting for me abraves257 ;-)
NCChopper - February 16, 2012
I try to help when i can, but I’m no Chopper! You’re the best we got!
abraves257 - February 16, 2012
Second Interview Tomorrow!
Teaching an 80 demo math class to 8th graders. This would be my first real teaching job if I got it. Excited and crapping my pants at the same time tonight. Should find out Friday if I’m finally employed in my degree.
bpk228480 - February 15, 2012
Congratulations! How long have you been student teaching?
Side note to all those who I know were concerned, I ended up with a 94 on my big math exam!
abraves257 - February 15, 2012
I actually have a math degree and entered teaching through an alternate route program. So I had been subbing for two years, but this year I had to stop subbing and take another job because subbing doesn’t pay well enough and isn’t guaranteed enough to pay my bills. Either way I’m in a decent situation if I don’t get the job, but this is really what I want to do and not sit behind a desk all day like I’m doing now.
bpk228480 - February 15, 2012
I strongly believe you will get it. Good guys always win in the end, and from our interactions on here, you are a good one. Best of luck!
abraves257 - February 15, 2012
Got offered the job!
Pending background check I start on the 19th of March! So friggin pumped right now.
bpk228480 - February 22, 2012
Grats!
Ivan the Great - February 22, 2012
Unless of course you’re a secret pedo, which the background check will turn up, in which case you should be ashamed of yourself.
Ivan the Great - February 22, 2012
If there is any water damage on my laptop keyboard, you are paying to replace it.
abraves257 - February 22, 2012
Congratulations buddy! You have a month of celebrating to do so get started!
abraves257 - February 22, 2012
is it weird that I read that and thought…lucky bastard has a whole month to sit around and play video games?
Swo12bv - February 23, 2012
Same here! Well my kind of celebrating would be way too similar to the “Summer of George” in Seinfeld, with me sitting around enjoying having absolutely nothing to do… I would catch up on all my shows, spend time with my pup…
abraves257 - February 23, 2012
I’m adopting a similar program, “The Year of Brandon.” I’m on a yearlong push to improve my life. So far, so good.
TheLetter2 - February 23, 2012
So you only have a year to convince McCann he should marry you?
king of games - February 23, 2012
Sounds like the plot of a romantic comedy. “One year. One man. One dream. Coming to a theater near you this fall…”
TheLetter2 - February 23, 2012
My wife would certainly make me watch it.
king of games - February 23, 2012
I promise it would be smartly written. You’d like it.
TheLetter2 - February 23, 2012
Ok, I'm in.
So, who plays BMac in this movie?
king of games - February 23, 2012
C.B. makes a passable McCann. As for the Hollywood types, I can’t think of one offhand who’d be a good Mac.
TheLetter2 - February 23, 2012
seth rogan?
Swo12bv - February 24, 2012
Nah, there’s a certain charm about Mac… I mean look at that picture down there! And TL2 I hope I’m not steppin on your shoes or nothin, you know who my guy is =)
abraves257 - February 24, 2012
LOL
I do truly wish that was the case, but sadly I’m going to keep working my 45 hours at my other job until the 14th, then take a nice 4 day weekend of watching the NCAA tournament. Every single minute of it.
bpk228480 - February 23, 2012
This is completely OT but...
Archer was effing hilarious tonight. I wondered when it first started how long it would take before it stopped being funny….hasn’t happened yet.
But so, so, so freaking dirty. I won’t even try to paraphrase any of the jokes from tonight.
Bronn - February 16, 2012
That show is amazing. Oddly enough, of the 10-15+ episodes that ive seen, I have been sober for none of them. My roommate always puts it on late at night when we’ve been drinking, and I don’t remember very much of the plot lines but I know it’s effing hilarious.
abraves257 - February 17, 2012
Justin, etc…, your thoughts on last nights The Office?
abraves257 - February 17, 2012
I didn’t see it – I had duplicate timers for all of my NBC shows to record, and I cleaned out my DVR yesterday – and I deleted the local NBC recording instead of deleting the Texas NBC timer. I hate myself.
justincredubil02 - February 17, 2012
Better than accidentally deleting a Fox show. NBC you can catch on hulu tomorrow night, you miss an ep of House its 8 days. But I thoroughly enjoyed the episode.
abraves257 - February 17, 2012
usually shows on USA, pretty soon thereafter.
Swo12bv - February 17, 2012
I thought they couldn’t show current season episodes on USA?
abraves257 - February 17, 2012
i just watched an episode from this season yesterday, i think USA is two weeks behind or something. It was on yesteday at 4, it was the one where they review the “incident.” which was helpful because my DVR couldnt record House onMonday bc there was something else recording, or two other things.
Swo12bv - February 18, 2012
I liked it
Stanley was great
Mr. Sanchez - February 17, 2012
He was amazing. Also, best cold open in years.
abraves257 - February 17, 2012
Agreed on the open
that was beautifully done
Mr. Sanchez - February 17, 2012
So…like we were saying, justin is glad that Whitney Houston is dead.
Your thoughts?
GumpBrave - February 17, 2012
justincredubil02 - February 17, 2012
While you're at it, lets re-open the file-sharing argument...abraves257 - February 17, 2012
I think it’s time to bench Heyward or move him down in the lineup.
Ivan the Great - February 17, 2012
Can Prado play SS?
We really need a SS. We used to have this guy, who had horrible hair with frosted tips, but he wasn’t bad. Whatever happened to him?
Mr. Sanchez - February 17, 2012
he can play 2B and 3B, and seeing as we have some flyball pitchers its not that big of a deal. SS isnt that important overall
Swo12bv - February 17, 2012
McCann won’t last another two years at catcher. We need to move Chipper back to SS, his ORIGINAL position, move Freeman to 3B and McCann to 1B to save his knees.
abraves257 - February 17, 2012
Swo12bv - February 17, 2012
If Top Shot had a baby....
Those of you like me, who watch Top Shots – there is a spinoff show on H2 each week now called Top Guns.
I’ve set the DVR to record all episodes of both.
New season started this past week and enjoyed them both.
If you didn’t know about Top Guns – you can watch the first episode by clicking HERE.
Thoughts?
NCChopper - February 17, 2012
Just saw that Colby is going to live tweet during the shows – here is HIS TWITTER
He gives out a shoutout to the female fans of the show (which there are many).
Loved this quote of his in Nov:
NCChopper - February 17, 2012
Reading Colby’s tweets – says he’s recording audio for a TopShots game. Will you play it?
NCChopper - February 17, 2012
If the show had a baby...
I’m actually working on this.
1. Calling it Topless Shot
2. Only female competitors
3. Super slo-mo on breasts when they fire the gun instead of wasting that on projectiles going thru targets
4. All targets will be shaped as breasts of various sizes, depending upon the accuracy of the gun being used and distance they’re being targeted from
5. ???
6. Profit.
-C
cthabeerman - February 17, 2012
classy, i like it….sell it to NBC
Swo12bv - February 17, 2012
I was thinking a softcore adult channel, or perhaps Skinemax After Dark…
-C
cthabeerman - February 17, 2012
youtube channel
Swo12bv - February 17, 2012
Speaking of Skinemax After Dark
Have they started showing anything made within the last 6 or 7 years? It’s been a while since I had Cinemax, but when I did, all they ever had was old stuff – except for that one show about college…I can’t remember the name of it now, but it was hilarious!
justincredubil02 - February 17, 2012
This completely ignores
…the “leg and butt man” side of the market. LOL!
biggentleben - February 17, 2012
Also, note that nowhere in your list did you indicate that the competitors would indeed be topless. Thus people would tune in, realize that there was no toplessness going on, and be immediately discouraged into flipping the channel.
Ivan the Great - February 17, 2012
Arghhh I hate you SBN list formatting. I meant to say that #4 makes no sense.
Ivan the Great - February 17, 2012
#4: Bull’s eyes look kinda like breasts. Breast, areola, nipple – smaller and smaller circles…makes sense to me.
And of course they’d be topless. I didn’t think I needed to confirm that…
-C
cthabeerman - February 17, 2012
Ouch, I can see the bruises now.
Kickback can be a b*tch.
NCChopper - February 17, 2012
Good point...
Extra money budgeted towards the makeup department. Just touching it up, I’m for keeping it as real as possible…no post-shoot airbrushing and what-not here.
In that vein, no twiggy gals unless they’re really good shots.Full-figured ladies are not exempt from the show, either. People will earn their way onto the program.
If I’m going to objectify, I’m going to do it my way. Real women, real guns, real talent, real breasts. That’s right, no implants.
-C
cthabeerman - February 17, 2012
And thanks...
Ladies, for not getting overly offended by me “fleshing out” this preposterous idea, which admittedly just popped into my head on a whim.
-C
cthabeerman - February 17, 2012
Good luck with that.
Oh, will you grade on a curve?
.
NCChopper - February 17, 2012
Curves will not be graded, but they will surely be admired by all…
-C
cthabeerman - February 17, 2012
Just caught the first two episodes of Top Guns...
I like it… I like that Top Guns gives a bit more of the historical aspects of the guns that Top Shot doesn’t give you, I suppose due to time constraints. The Military Channel had a miniseries similar to this called Triggers that ran a few months back, but I like Top Guns a bit more.
leedawg - February 23, 2012
Love them both – and really enjoying the unique nature of Top Guns.
I really was hoping they would have included the 6-shot grenade launcher in one of the 3 last night. ;-)
NCChopper - February 23, 2012
WW2 Bazooka, Javelin, and 6 shot grenade launcher
that show would be awesome
leedawg - February 23, 2012
A modern day Who's on First
http://www.redreporter.com/2012/2/13/2796324/hus-on-first-a-modernization
Well done RedReporter!
abraves257 - February 17, 2012
MLB.tv subscription just renewed.
And wow is MLB really upping the rapeage factor yet again (for non-auto-renewers at least). Not only did they raise the price yet again, but now if you weren’t auto-renewed from last season you can’t watch from portable devices or video game consoles without a premium subscription. At least they’re giving the MLB At Bat subscription for free for Premium.
king of games - February 17, 2012
Has anyone seen Hey Jude lately?
abraves257 - February 17, 2012
She and I correspond about once a week.
All is well with her, she’s anxious for the season to begin like the rest of us :-)
NCChopper - February 18, 2012
Oh thank goodness! She’s one of my favorites.
Also, tonight marks the start of us watching The Walking Dead. Lets hope it’s good!
abraves257 - February 18, 2012
Angry Birds - Head to Space 3/22
Looks like this popular game will add yet another dimension.
http://games.yahoo.com/blogs/plugged-in/exclusive-angry-birds-space-blasting-off-march-154237614.html
Yep, I play it. It’s amazing on my big screen TV :-)
NCChopper - February 18, 2012
Warning: Gleeful spiel ahead
Happy birthday to Brian McCann. The World’s Sexiest Man turns 27.
Lord have mercy, is that boy handsome.
TheLetter2 - February 20, 2012
He and I are the same age??? WTF?
I should have played C in higschool
justincredubil02 - February 21, 2012
I was under the impression you were a mid 30s fella. How about that…
abraves257 - February 21, 2012
You didn’t catch onto his youthful rebelliousness?
GumpBrave - February 21, 2012
GET OFF MY LAWN!!!
justincredubil02 - February 21, 2012
Sorry Mister, don't shoot!
abraves257 - February 21, 2012
Pics or GTFO
TheLetter2 - February 21, 2012
settle down, just bc they are the same age, does not mean he is as cuddly as McCann.
Swo12bv - February 21, 2012
A MAN CAN DREAM, CAN’T HE?
TheLetter2 - February 21, 2012
More like a nightmare, amirite?
Mr. Sanchez - February 21, 2012
Whoa, buddy. Mac is anything but a nightmare.
TheLetter2 - February 21, 2012
Agreed
I thought you were calling justin a dream.
Mr. Sanchez - February 21, 2012
He speaks the truth.
I’m a terrible big spoon and even worse little spoon.
justincredubil02 - February 21, 2012
Well, heck. I just can’t catch a break.
TheLetter2 - February 21, 2012
Somebody tell NBC to cut the crap. They announced Community will be coming back on March 15, then put Parks and Rec on a five week hiatus, after which they will jumble up the time slots for like the five thousandth time this season.
abraves257 - February 21, 2012
It’s called “someone needs to air in the (Thursday?) 8:00 slot against American Idol/X Factor/other reality dreck so let’s pick a sacrificial lamb and go with it.”
Community was doing blah in the time slot because it was matched up with X Factor, and possibly Big Bang Theory. NBC then announces it doesn’t want Community leading off comedy blocks because its ratings aren’t very good. NBC then moves 30 Rock into that slot, where it gets absolutely mashed by American Idol, so NBC flips out and decides that it may as well have Community crash and burn in and timeslot that 30 Rock also couldn’t make hay with, likely as a preemptive justification for cancelling Community altogether.
Disclaimer: I don’t like/watch any of the shows mentioned in my post.
Ivan the Great - February 21, 2012
I think the simple solution is to put whitney in that time slot. Show is doomed anyway. Plus there is no way that the folks at NBC don’t know just how popular Community is. Ratings can go to hell…
abraves257 - February 21, 2012
Or leave it where it is
how much crossover between Idol and Community fan bases can there be?
Mr. Sanchez - February 21, 2012
You mean
…teenage girls and those who struggle to read at a 5th grade level wouldn’t enjoy Community? Probably likely :p
biggentleben - February 21, 2012
(Raises hand)
bpk228480 - February 21, 2012
Not a terrible idea. Community might not have widespread popularity but it is very well loved within certain circles. Might be that it could be passable in a competitive spot.
GumpBrave - February 21, 2012
Thing is, it already wasn’t passable in a competitive spot, so it’s not really going to get any more passable. It’s just that now NBC is accepting that the only real thing it has going for it ratings-wise is The Voice (not sure what last night’s Smash numbers looked like but it might be getting close to axing if it endured a slip from episode 2 to episode 3 akin to the one it suffered between the pilot airing and episode 2), and it would rather just let shows that aren’t ratings winners roll on until they eventually die at season’s end, and try again with something else likely due to failure because NBC can’t develop shows to save its own life.
Ivan the Great - February 21, 2012
NBC really is disappointing.
My point was more if they are going to concede defeat in a time-slot, why not fill it with a show has a strong core rather than a wide spread appeal might make it less likely to totally fall off the cliff. I personally like Community, not strongly, but I’ve seen it acknowledged widely that the Community fan base is a pretty devoted one. But I’m not sure if that opinion derives from merchandise sales or some in-depth look at their audience. From the people I’ve talked to, however, seem to reflect this phenomenon.
GumpBrave - February 21, 2012
To answer your question—mostly because these days (internet, vidya games, cable TV, etc.) the ratings aren’t zero sum. There’s network v. network, which is a big deal when it’s a heavy hitter against a heavy hitter. But the thing is, you’re getting money based on ratings, so if you can replace a meh-rated show with a well-rated one, that’s money in the bank, no matter what time slot (ceteris paribus for budget, etc.).
This is in fact what NBC is horribly guilty of. They yearn with their hearts that every new show they bring out will have ratings that don’t suck—and churn through their schedule like mad, rapidly cancelling shows that aren’t getting okay ratings or putting them in death slots until their ratings dwindle to the point where cancelling them is inherently justifiable.
The real issue, which we’re not even touching in this discussion, but is hyper-salient for really all the TV talk that goes on here, is that “core” and “appeal” are so different that they’re impossible to reconcile. The most vocal, interested, invested fans of a show are almost never the ones that watch it on TV anyway, or at least dwarfed by the general TV-watching audience. Maybe Hulu, maybe downloading it, maybe buying the DVDs and watching them and all their features over and over—the point is that I doubt that Community’s fanbase, or the fanbase of most popular scripted shows, derives from the week-in/week-out viewing rather than the ability to watch when you want, with no restrictions or interruptions.
Ivan the Great - February 21, 2012
Great points all.
GumpBrave - February 21, 2012
We were saying about NBC not knowingwhat the hell they were doing?
Mr. Sanchez - February 21, 2012
Random OT news...
I jokingly gave up fear for Lent (I’m not remotely religious), but I’ve actually found myself sticking with it.
No, I’m not taking dares to jump into oncoming traffic…I’m not doing that because it’s stupid, not because I’m afraid. Logic still trumps all.
However, my main focus with giving up fear is clear communication. No self-censoring. I’m telling people what I think, upfront and outright. I’m not copy-editing my thoughts based upon the fear of how someone else might feel as a result of my comments (i.e. I’m not protecting them from my honest opinion), and I’m not trying to protect myself from any potential downfalls via rejection or disapproval.
Thus far, it’s actually been really good, though it has been a little bumpy at times.
-C
cthabeerman - February 23, 2012
Nice!
king of games - February 23, 2012
Braver man than I.
I wish you well in your courageous approach.
NCChopper - February 23, 2012
Ryan Braun won his appeal, avoids 50 game suspension…
mvandonsel - February 23, 2012
the worst thing about the whole decision is we still don’t know if he took steroids. I mean when you look at the broad picture, he has taken a ton of tests throughout his career, he passed three others just last year, it seems like he is innocent. However, it does seem like he got off on a technicality.
What does everyone else think, Is he guilty?
Swo12bv - February 24, 2012
The one thing I’ve never seen much about (though I haven’t really gone looking for it) is what it meant that his testosterone levels were so unbelievably high in the failed sample.
From what I read, it seemed like they were at an implausibly high level—a level that warrants a re-test. Given that, it seems like there may have been more going on there—maybe the sample got contaminated in some way, or he was taking something else that make the sample come out wonky. But then again, I’m not a doctor or other scientific professional and have no idea about how testosterone samples work, and whether or not it was at all possibly for a human to actually have levels as high as exhibited in that sample. But generally when someone tests positive it’s just that—we don’t hear about how they had the testosterone equivalents of a power level over 9,000.
Ivan the Great - February 24, 2012
I have also heard that his levels were incredibly high, like someone poured testosterone in the sample (although the report said no tampering was found). And you like say, when you get evidence, it usually states that the sample was just outside the acceptable range (which makes sense, bc players are trying to get as close to teh line without crossing it, by using low dose steroids (which would still help). I guess Braun supplied a re-test soon thereafter, and it was negative, but it wasnt a MLB test it was his own doctor or whatever, from what I remember it was supplied as soon as he found out he failed.
Swo12bv - February 24, 2012
The word around Milwaukee is Braun is a manwhore who was taking multiple STD meds that would have triggered such a positive test. That, to me, is no different than Kevin Williams of the Vikings taking diet pills and finding out there’s a banned substance in the pills. Your pills made you fail a test, you get suspended. You should know what goes into your body (or in Braun’s case, what you put your body into!).
biggentleben - February 24, 2012
well if the unless the STD meds are on the banned substance list, just bc they give off a false positive wouldnt make him guilty of anything. Based on my limited medical knowledge, STD meds do not have testorone in them, so there wouldnt really be any reason for them to be banned.
the diet pills are different, they are on the banned substance list, and everyone has notice of that, so unless STD meds are on there, i don’t think there are any similarities.
Swo12bv - February 24, 2012
The pills themselves were not on the banned list, they included an ingredient that was. The STD drugs were not on the banned list, but they caused a positive for synthetic testosterone. The testing programs are different. The NFL tests for ingredients and items, MLB tests for testosterone level. Until MLB expands their testing, this is essentially the same – a violation of the policy in place.
biggentleben - February 24, 2012
if thats the case then he should be suspended. I just cant see how someone can have a testosterone level that high and have it not be a false positive or the dude is just injecting steroids left and right.
Swo12bv - February 24, 2012
It has been reported as testing for a synthetic testosterone, something that can be a masking result of a number of drugs. “Fake T” is the result of many drugs to treat things like significant infections and diseases (especially STDs). One of my clients tested high for testosterone because of synthetic pot. It’s about the only way in a urinalysis that you can detect sythetic marijuana, elevated testosterone (something typically lower in traditional marijuana user results).
biggentleben - February 24, 2012
That first sentence is in reference to Braun’s test, which reportedly came back as very high, but showing that it was synthetic testosterone.
biggentleben - February 24, 2012
from reports a second test is order for a Testosterone: EpiTestosterone level of 4:1….10:1 is really high, his was 20:1, which based on my brief research is unheard of in sports testing
Swo12bv - February 24, 2012
This is why most in the know said the testing program Bud was so happy with was nowhere near good enough to have warranted actually putting career-ending punishments with it because it was going to have so many screw-ups. The NFL disposed of similar testing in the mid 90s in favor of better testing. In fact, as far as PED testing goes, the NFL is ahead of even the IOC. They still are behind the times in testing for synthetic versions of illegal drugs, like synthetic marijuana, but in PEDs, MLB is still by far the most elementary testing program, so anyone getting caught is just straight out dumb.
biggentleben - February 25, 2012
This is especially interesting concerning all the puffing about how great the procedure was when it was announced, It was heralded as the best system in professional sports. Which, if you were to look at the others it clearly wasn’t.
The one thing both sports need to get on is HGH, because there is no doubt people are taking it right now.
Swo12bv - February 25, 2012
Football has testing for HGH now. Part of the agreement that ended the lockout included baseline HGH screening that basically gives the NFL owners free reign to add to the HGH testing abilites if a certain number are found guilty in the first certain amount of years (that part is unconfirmed and not part of something that is press-released). The number is ridiculously low, like 1 player per season found guilty, which basically guarantees that the NFL will once again headline screening for PEDs with likely innovation in HGH screening. I can tell you, though, that steroids are, and will continue to be, a MUCH bigger issue in the NFL than HGH as steroids are much easier and cheaper to obtain, and the majority in the NFL that are taking steroids are guys looking to make that first NFL paycheck, so they’re not making the megamillions. The combine is not regulated by the players union and has been testing for HGH for years already. This cannot be used in any punishable way by the NFL as the testing is outside of a player’s union contract, and it is voluntary, but it’s much like a “voluntary” breathalizer at a checkpoint on a highway. However, we’ve seen some very high-profile guys drop recently in the draft because of poor screening results (there is no such things as a definitive test for HGH, just a test of levels in the system at this point).
(rant) Baseball’s testing was known to be a joke then, but the ancient, decripid baseball writers who are the morons not voting for a guy like Jeff Bagwell because of “rumors” were impressed that anything was being done and gave it WAY too much positive press. Sid Hartman of the Minneapolis Star Tribune made some comment about it being the best thing to happen to baseball since Mantle and Mays. Ridiculous the idiots we still allow to make a difference in who is in the sport’s most hallowed resting place as a player. (/rant)
biggentleben - February 25, 2012
I agree with all of the rant. I understand not voting in players that were either confirmed users or there was a strong presumption that they took steroids, but I cannot justify any rationale that keeps Bagwell out based on his alleged steroid use. He was never implicated in any real manner, its the lowest level of rumor there is that is keeping him out. The only rationale to keep Bagwell out is he’s not good enough, which again I may not agree with but i understand.
However, my understanding of the new CBA was the HGH was included, but to date hasnt been implemented on current players because they had decided what the final testing procedure will be. There was worry that players would be tested pre-game which was thought to be a big interference into their prep time. I know they will have HGH testing, I just don’t know if it is in effect as of today.
Swo12bv - February 25, 2012
"all the puffing"...
pelican
Mr. Sanchez - February 25, 2012
Any Breaking Bad/The Wire fans?
Who would you rather have represent you Saul Goodman or Maurice Levy?
a hooter's baby - February 24, 2012
Better call Saul.
king of games - February 27, 2012
Anybody know if Warren Buffett is a baseball fan?
Yes, I’m grasping again at tea leaves here … but just askin’.
Link
fandave - February 26, 2012
Wouldn't matter either way
Mr. Sanchez - February 26, 2012
Bummer that Daytona was rained out.
Gonna try again today, but the weather is iffy.
Last week was perfect weather, but the usual week for Daytona was pushed back for fear of the Superbowl being pushed to mid-Feb because of the NFL negotiating the possible 18 game schedule last year.
Gotta be frustrating for the fans who would have had an extra day off (President’s day) if it had happened on the normal week. Now, the grandstands will be almost empty.
Not to mention – they have less time to get the entire crews/cars etc. to Phoenix for the next race. Note to NASCAR schedulers: Perhaps having 2 races on opposite ends of the country in February isn’t the best idea.
NCChopper - February 27, 2012
Extreme bummer… they cancelled HOUSE to show the dumb race.
/very bitter.
abraves257 - February 27, 2012
Yawnnnnn….. 1:30 am before I headed home after the gathering to watch at my family’s house.
The Daytona 500 that would never end.
What a fire huh?! Amazing they could get the track back in working order after that one. 200+ gallons of jet fuel sure creates a big flame. One of the oddest “accidents” I’ve ever seen. Glad no one was seriously hurt. The guy in the dryer truck had no clue that was headed for him.
NCChopper - February 28, 2012
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