What Really Matters: Keep Sending Prayers for Vada

An update from Vada Murray's wife Sarah-posted on their blog.
Keep sending good thoughts and prayers to vskmurray@yahoo.com

January 24, 2009 Another treatment is behind us. 6 down and another 6 to go for this cycle. Each treatment is getting harder and harder, especially emotionally. Vada is struggling with the season; he wishes it were warmer outside and he could be cutting the grass or messing around in the garage (two of his favorite past times). He is back to playing basketball a couple of times a week and giving his lungs some hard work. Our February calendar is full - two more treatments and then a trip to Disney. Once we return, another ct scan......I look forward to updating everyone with more good news. In the meantime, your calls, emails, visits and hugs have been much appreciated. Sarah

The Irish are coming, The Irish are coming !!!!

<---- If you thought Conboy and Tropp attacking you would be bad, imagine having this guy fall on you ??

The last time we saw the Notre Dame hockey team they were celebrating their asses off after knocking us out of the NCAA Hockey Tourney last April. Now they are ranked #1 in the country and have not lost in their last 20 games. Tonight Tomorrow they come to Yost. Tomorrow Tonight we go to South Bend. Both games are on TV.

We need to get at least one win this weekend. A sweep would be sweet.

Go Blue ! Beat those Irish PIGS !!

Edit: If you are going to the game tomorrow, please watch your language. And don't think you are going to wander into the locker room to grab a free poweraide.

Snow Day

The big snow storm this week required our friends down in Columbus to cancel classes on Wednesday. Of course we all know it was safe enough for everyone to drive to Value City Arena for the free admission and french fries to watch their Bucks kick our cinder-block shooting asses in basketball.

I know, I know..... before you ask the question : You mean they hold classes down there ? Yes, they have actual classes. I wanted to give you view into how these two enterprising buckeye co-eds re-acted to the news of school being out.

In case you needed another reminder of how sad and pathetic your post-graduation life is:

Your Wednesday: Shoveling your driveway. Driving in the blinding snow to get to work. Work. Driving home praying you don't slide on the black ice driving over an overpass and end up buried in a snowbank 15 feet high only to be discovered in Mid-April when the snow melts. Shoveling your driveway three more times.

Their Wednesday: Getting a text that school is canceled. Sleeping in. Dancing and drinking in the dorm room until the beers run out. Eating something from the microwave. Taking a power nap. Having a snow ball fight. Wandering over to the free basketball game. Cheering the Bucks crush Michigan AGAIN. Drinking a couple of more beers. Sleep.

Tacopants lives

A couple of years ago my son announced to us that he wanted to be a "high school football coach". Cash flow concerns aside, I consider this to be an honorable and exciting choice. He has continued to hold tight to this plan even after I explained to him the path to be a coach involved becoming a teacher, graduating from college, graduating from high school, all the way to his (at the time) immediate problem of passing freshman algebra. He did -- and is well on his way.

I have to say, when we watch football games, my son sees things that I don't. He watches the offensive and defensive line do battle -- I follow the ball. He watches the coverage and routes -- I follow the ball. He watches the blitzes come and how the offense reacts -- I follow the ball. In an attempt to communicate at this advanced level I introduced him to Brian's UFR posts. He has grown to love this type of breakdown because it gives you a indication of individual performance based on something other than "following the ball". It also introduced us to Tacopants:

From MGoBlog: "Tacopants"? Tacopants is Jason Avant's eleven-foot tall imaginary friend. Chad Henne spent much of 2005 hitting him between the numbers, which are unfortunately eight feet off the ground and made of dreams. Blessed with infinite eligibility and the ability to sneak on and off the field without alerting the referees -- made of dreams, remember -- Tacopants has taken a lesser role in the offense as Henne matures but still pops up at inopportune times.

Brian claims the name has its genesis in this post. All credit needs to go to him. It continues to be part of the QB charting process. T9 and I typed it frequently last year during our in game text storms.

Last weekend while I was fooling around on the XBox360 version NCAA 2009 - I threw a bad pass over the open reciever and my son quipped "Tacopants". It wasn't long before I convinced him that we should modify one of Michigan's WRs in the game into Tacopants himself. I am sad to report the programmers at EA Sports decided to limit an individual players height to only 7'0'' -- but we created him anyway. On the other hand, I am happy to report with Tacopants in the lineup, Michigan easily defeated Utah, Notre Dame (in the rain), Michigan State, and Ohio State... even with Steven Threet and Nick Sheridan at QB.

RR has 5 days and 17 hours to get Tacopants to sign his letter of intent.

Buckeye Basketball Open Thread

Tough times never last, but tough people do
~ Robert H. Schuller

Go Blue !! Beat the Buckeyes !!!

Alan Branch = Dance King

The annual Super Bowl Media Day frenzy took place yesterday -- and as expected there were all kinds of strange questions and occurrences, including a Telemundo reporter dressed in drag. I typically don't pay that much attention to this circus, but while helping with the dishes last night this short spot on ET caught my eye (my wife watches ET, not me).

Behold a dance contest between Cardinals (and former Michigan) teammates Gabe Watson and Alan Branch. Former NFL clown Warren Sapp was the judge. Hail !

Wallpaper Wednesday: Super Bowl Wolverines

This sunday LaMarr Woodley, Steve Breaston, Gabe Watson, and Alan Branch will join the long and impressive list of former Wolverines that have played for the modern NFL World Championship.

The first Michigan player to play in the Super Bowl was the Packers John Rowser (Super Bowl II). We have had representation in 34 of the 43 games. Two players of our guys have walked away with the MVP trophy (Desmond Howard with the Packers in SB XXXI and Tom Brady with the Patriots in SB XXXVI and SB XXXVIII). The last time a Super Bowl was played without a Michigan player involved was SB XXXII when John Elway's Denver Broncos beat the Green Bay Packers in San Diego. Personally I am cheering for Breaston and the Cardinals on Sunday -- but I will be OK with Larry Foote (his second) and LaMarr getting a ring.

THUGS*

As expected the additional suspensions for the Michigan State Hockey team were handed down last night. Both Tropp and Conboy were suspended for the rest of the season by MSU. The CCHA agrees with the punishment and will not do anything else on this matter.

Sparty Hockey coach Rick Comley: “What happened near the end of the game this weekend is not the way in which we want our hockey program represented. We cannot condone their actions. We felt that we had to send a strong message that this behavior will not be tolerated. However, one thing needs to be clear — this was an incident that was an emotional, split-second action, for which these players are being punished. I don’t want this to be portrayed that this was anything premeditated or that any single player was targeted.”

As you might expect the local news and Michigan blogosphere has some things to say about this incident and turn of events. Brian at MGoBlog says it is not enough because Sparty's season is essentially over anyway. Jason at MichiganHockeyNet is pleased with the decision. Packer at the Blog that Yost Built is OK with it based on the fact that Kampfer was not seriously hurt. This thing is even getting national media attention as both the NY Times and ESPN have picked up the story.

Here is my opinion: I believe that what happened on Saturday night was an emotional/frustrated outburst from a couple of undisciplined hockey players. But the fact still remains it was an assault with a weapon and needs to be looked at and resolved within the legal system. The self imposed season long suspension is appropriate given the fact that Kampfer was not seriously injured. The CCHA has a problem on its hands right now, as I believe we will see a wild-assed display of hockey justice the next time Tropp and/or Conboy skate against Michigan. Strap yourselves in, it may be a bumpy ride.

* Talentless Hockey University Goon Squad

Edit: The Free Press is reporting Andrew Conboy dropped out of school. I think it safe to assume we won't see this hack in the CCHA ever again. The News is now reporting that both players are no longer with the MSU program, which seems like their suspensions are like... forever. If this is the case I would consider the issue between the two program closed and future anarchy is put on hold. I still think the Washtenaw County DA may have more to say.

Chuck Bernard

Last week (before our little insignificant corner of the Michigan blogosphere was invaded by the Determiner's Army of correct fandom) I was in a presidential mood and posted a wallpaper of former football captain Gerald Ford. I was educated by one of our new posters named GoBlueChuck27 about the former Michigan All-American Chuck Bernard. To be honest up until this point he was just another guy on our long All-American list. As a result, I did some quick research.

As it turns out, Chuck was basically a stud. He was a star for the Benton Harbor Tigers. He came to Ann Arbor and was a true 60 minute player, a two time All American and won two National Titles. He also played a season in the NFL for the 1934 Detroit Lions were he was a center, kicker, punter, kick returner and punt returner. I am hoping that GoBlueChuck27 can tell me why he only played in the NFL one year.

However, he is most famous for keeping future President Ford on the Michigan Stadium sidelines for 2 seasons. When asked in his later years about his greatest regret in life, Ford thought for a moment and said: "Well, I wanted to play more football as a sophomore and junior, but one year ahead of me, Michigan also had an All-American center, Chuck Bernard. I was the better offensive center, but Chuck was 25 pounds heavier and better on defense. And in those days a coach played one guy. So that was my great regret." The interviewer asked, "But, Mr. President, what about losing the election in '76?" Ford laughed and said, "Oh, well, that too."

100-0

Thirteen days ago there was a Texas high school girls basketball game between The Covenant School and Dallas Academy. Both schools are private institutions, Covenant is a high end college prep school and Dallas Academy is a place that specializes in kids with learning difficulties. No one really expected much from this game as the Dallas Academy Lady Bulldogs have not won a game in 4 years. But when the dust settled and the score was 100-0, people were stunned.

The box score reveals Covenant scored 35 points in the first quarter and built a 59-0 lead at the half. The score after three quarters was 88-0. Apparently they kept the full court pressure on until the 100th point. Their crowd cheered wildly as they approached the century mark. In the end, the Covenant coach called the result "unfortunate".

The aftermath of this "unfortunate" display of sportsmanship has been predictable. Dallas Academy cancelled its remaining game with Covenant this season. They pulled out of the league, and are now putting together a non-league schedule. The Covenant School issued an apology on the school web site and offered to forfeit the game, however their coach remained defiant claiming his team played "with with honor and integrity". On the flip side, the Dallas Academy team has gained national media attention and Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has invited the Lady Bulldogs to be his guests at an NBA game.

I am happy to report the Girls Basketball coach at The Covenant School was fired on Sunday after he continued to defend his honor and integrity in the face of the school apology. If this guy ever gets another coaching job in the world some administrator needs to go to jail.

Vacation

I just had this vacation photo sent to me from my friend Billy. Since Michigan was not in a bowl game this year, he decided to go someplace warm and just relax.

He swears on his stack of media guides that the one on the right (#20) is prettier and has a higher SAT score. He says his personal experiences will confirm that her teeth are whiter and her taste in music is better.

On the other hand he reports the one on the left (#1) has onion breath, oppressive ear wax, and lint in her belly button. He swears that despite being faster and stronger, she can't read the label on a beer bottle and has a serious drug problem.

I told him he was being ridiculous and judgemental. I'm not sure I can be friends with Billy anymore.

Sparty Sweep

The Michigan Hockey team just finshed sweeping the season series against Michigan State at Yost, winning tonight 5-3. For the first time in the history of this heated rivalry the Wolverines went 5-0 while facing the Spartans.

Michigan took a 3-0 lead in the 1st period and never looked back against the worst MSU team I have ever seen. I am not sure what is happening in East Lansing, but their hockey program has taken a nose dive this year. On the season they are 7-16. Ouch. The announced "three stars" of the game were Matt Rust (1 goal & 1 assist), Aaron Palushaj (3 assists), and Brandon Burlon (1 goal & 1 assist).

The end of the game was marred by an ugly attack from two very frustrated players in green sweaters on Michigan's Steve Kampfer. You may recall that Kampfer was the hockey player that had his skull fractured this fall in a campus fight with a now former football player. From the replay I saw it looks like both Spartans took cheap shots. Andrew Conboy smashed Kampfer into the boards and Corey Tropp took a wrist shot swing at his head while he was on the ground. Both players were ejected and will likely face more suspensions from the CCHA. Needless to say the the Yost crowd was quite vocal on how they felt about the team in green.

Next week we get #1 ranked Notre Dame.

Edit: Greg at MVictors does a good job of breaking down the Kampfer attack using video and still shots. The Detroit Free Press also breaks it down and has quotes from both Coaches. I expect both Conboy and Tropp to miss additional games for this idiocy. This is classic old-timey NHL crap and has no place in college hockey. I hope they both miss the rest of the season.

Morgan Trent is an All Star Ironman

Tomorrow night is the 2009 Under Armour Senior Bowl. The game will be played in Mobile, Alabama. If you don't get the NFL Network, this will be your loss.

Michigan seniors Morgan Trent and Tim Jamison will play on the North Team in what will be their last college football game. This week of practice is a great opportunity for both of these guys to catch the eye of an NFL team as they seek to play at the next level.

I want to thank the efforts of Morgan Trent and the rest of the Michigan seniors. This was a difficult year and not exactly what you guys signed up for. The hard work, sweat, and dedication you have showed the program has been great. Good luck as you pursue your future careers.

The DETERMINER

Greetings, my name is Rasputin. I am the DETERMINER. Please... Please... do not be afraid as I mean you no harm. I am only here to help you along your journey. Won't you please just sit down and relax while I educate you with my vastly superior level of knowledge on all things.

I am not sure how to say this gently, but I determine what is the perfect Michigan fan. It is my sacred responsibility to police all opinions within the vast MGoUniverse. That is why they call me the DETERMINER. I decide what is RIGHT and what is WRONG. I spend my days watching the Wolverine interworld for idiotic opinions that stray from my own perfect level of fandom. When I happen to find one, I gather my army and we strike. Don't waste your time to respond. Defense is fruitless. Do not attempt to stand by your opinion, as it will only extend the pain and suffering you will feel. Fortunately for us, my opinion is the only one that matters. I am right. You are wrong. No matter what you may believe... remember this: I am right and you are wrong.

I have no equal. My army is unmatched. I am everywhere. I will taunt you. You are a choad. I will crush your feeble uneducated soul. I know everything there is to know about you. Do not attempt the foolish waste of time to disagree with me. I am not interested in your opinion. Your arguments are flawed. You blog is a skidmark on the underpants of the interwebs. I am right. You are not. I am the DETERMINER.

No mercy, no surrender.

Morgan Trent - messing with perfection

One of the more quirky things that happens at these various post-season all star games is players trading helmet stickers. I really don't ever give it much thought, it is only a all-star game. This looks fine if you play for Arizona, Iowa State or Rutgers, and your helmet is just another in the crowd. If you feel like it looks better covered with the USC, Oklahoma or Miami logos -- that is your choice. But I saw something at the recent East West Shrine Game that absolutely made my skin crawl. It took me a while to find an actual picture from the game, and today I finally did.

Why in the world would anyone change the classic look of the Michigan helmet ?

Outgoing Michigan senior Morgan Trent decided to cover the distinctive Michigan winged helmet with stickers from other schools. I don't have a ton of images, because outside of the ESPN broadcast the East West Shrine game does not attract a lot of fans or photographers. From the angles that I have been able to grab, it looks like he has a logo from Georgia Tech, Florida State, Nebraska, Northwestern, Richmond (spider on top), and Georgia (left side). As if this was not bad enough, our man Morgan decided to kick every Michigan fan in the balls as he placed an Ohio State BUCKEYE "atta-boy" sticker on the front of his helmet. Ouch, that stings.

In direct contrast, fellow senior Terrance Taylor wore his Michigan helmet without any additional logos. And while I am clearly biased -- I must say his helmet was the best looking one on the field.

I don't have anything personal against Morgan Trent. He is what he is. Some NFL team (please NOT the Lions) will take a shot at him because he is fast. Quite frankly, I doubt he will have much of a pro career: he really can't cover anyone, he takes horrible tackling angles, and makes bad decisions costing his team touchdowns. Trent gets another chance to showcase his skills at the Senior Bowl on Saturday in Mobile. Let's hope someone from the Michigan staff got a hold of and coached him up on this matter.

My message to any Michigan player playing in one of these Senior All-Star games: Resist the temptation to alter the best looking helmet in football. The winged Michigan helmet is one of the most distinct and recognizable helmets in the world. The brand associated with this helmet stands alone. There is nothing you can do to improve how it looks. Wear it this last time with pride.

The Interview

Thanks to T9 for getting out the Greg Robinson version of "Know your Coach" so quickly. As I said in the comments section, regardless of how GR performed as the head man at Syracuse -- the man does have some success as a defensive coordinator. I am willing to give RR the benefit of the doubt for now.

But of course that won't stop me from poking a little fun at this hire.

Here is a brief snapshot of the interview transcript:

RR: For God's sake, Mr. Robinson, here we are, you've got me into your house. You give me a drink. You put on music, now you start opening up your personal life to me and tell me your wife won't be home for hours.

Mr. ROBINSON: So?

RR: Mr. Robinson - you are trying to seduce me.... (gulp) Aren't you?

Mr. ROBINSON: Why no. I hadn't thought of it. I feel rather flattered that you...

RR: Mr. Robinson, will you forgive me for what I just said?

Mr. ROBINSON: It's all right.

------------------------------------------------

Note 1: For those of you that have never seen the movie "The Graduate" -- do yourself a favor and add it to your Netflix queue. It is a classic and this post will make a lot more sense.

Note 2: While I was researching for this post, I was shocked to find out that the "leg" in the original movie poster was not that of Anne Bancroft (Mrs. Robinson) - but rather a (at the time) unknown model named Linda Gray. She went on to act in the hit TV Series "Dallas".

Wallpaper Wednesday: Gerald Ford

All this presidential inauguration stuff inspired me yesterday to create a wallpaper focused on our own former President: Gerald Ford.

Ford grew up in Grand Rapids and played center (and linebacker) on the undefeated National Champions of 1932 and 1933. During his senior year he was named Captain, but the team only won one game. Ford was voted the Most Valuable Player on that team.

In 1974 he became President of the United States after Richard Nixon resigned following the Watergate scandal. Even as the most powerful man in the world, Ford retained his passion for the Wolverines. He often had Hail to the Victors played instead of Hail to the Chief at events and he even requested to be awakened to find out the score of a 1974 Michigan-Ohio State football game while attending a summit in the Soviet Union. (Yes Sru, I know the Bucks won that one too.)

Michigan retired Gerald Ford's #48 in 1994.

Know Your (new) Coach: Greg Robinson

Buh-bye Shafer. Hello Mr. Robinson....
It's official. Greg Robinson is our new defensive coordinator. In the weirdest swap ever Shafer goes to Syracuse to become their D-coordinator and Robinson was fired as Syracuse's head coach and becomes our D-coordinator.
Geez, I hope we got a player to be named later or something too?....

Originally from LA, Coach Robinson has a long resume both in the NFL and the NCAA beginning in the 1970s where he played linebacker at Bakersfield Community College. He transferred to Pacific, graduating there with a degree in political science in 1975.

He worked his way thru the collegiate ranks at the University of the Pacific (1975-76), Cal State Fullerton (1977-79), and North Carolina State (1980-81).
He headed back to LA in the early 80s where he coached UCLA's D-line from 1982-88, adding O-line responsibilities in 1989. During that time UCLA won 3 Rose Bowls one each over Michigan, Illinois, and Iowa (in the '82, '83, and '85 seasons).

The Siren Song of the NFL then grabbed hold and Robinson headed to the New York J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS as their D-line coordinator from 1990-1993 and then defensive coordinator in 1994.

Then he was woo'd by the Denver Broncos to finish out the decade as their defensive coordinator, garnering back-to-back Super Bowl Championships in 1997 and 1998 while there.
Feeling that itch once more, off he went to the Kansas City Chief for 3 years going 21-11 during that time.

I guess two rings was enough? so Robinson went back to college and Austin, TX where he was the defensive coordinator in 2004-5 winning a fourth Rose Bowl (yep, beating Michigan that year 37-38.....ok really Vince Young beat Michigan and Robinson's defense allowed 37 but his D gets credit somehow too). His Longhorn defense ranked 18th in scoring defense and 23rd in total defense that year.

He then got a head coaching position at Syracuse where he has not been very successful at all, and in fact, was fired. His record from 2005-2008 leading the Orangemen was 10-37. Brian at mgoblog explains why he is not very excited about this hire at all....and well, I trust Brian.
MGoBlue is spinning this one hard by including quotes from the likes of Mack Brown and Derrick Johnson. Oh dear.

I don't get it. While Robinson has tons of experience, he seems to have peaked and is at the end of his career, so why add him to the staff? Ok, to be nice, maybe he's just not head coach material and does better focusing on only one thing. But it seems spurious to say that he is the best coach out there right now. Not that I'm smart enough to come up with other names for you, but this is just weird. At the risk of getting slapped with a suspension a la Sean Avery why hire someone else's cast off???
Maybe he's the cheapest??? The blogosphere says he'll get what Shafer made (about 265K) and given all the money Bill Martin has to give WVU for Rich Rod, funds are kinda tight over in Schembechler Hall. So we got a bargain. Turn on the blue light, eh?
I'd hate to think that Rich Rod was looking for someone with more experience than he, and that this is his Yoda? Um, don't take any head coaching advice Rich Rod ok......

But, the players apparently LOVE this guy according to Chris Burke over at mlive.com
This is the quote from Derrick Johnson, 2004 Nagurski Trophy and Butkus Award winner at Texas, from mgoblue.com
"The first thing I think about when I think of Coach Robinson is his passion for coaching and love of the game. He's a players coach who is very patient with his players and works well with everyone. He knows how to get his point across about what he expects and has you prepared for everything on game day. He's a guy who has a lot of experience and has won Super Bowls so you know he knows what he's doing. Then, when you get working in his defense, you really see it because he puts you in a position to make plays. He's always adding in new wrinkles for the defense to keep the offense off balance. When he came in my senior year, he tweaked his defense to the players we had and helped me become a better player. I was making plays before that but his style allowed me to make even more and all over the field. He was great for Texas and I think he'll do great things at Michigan."
Maybe he can inspire the D to play well and play hard? I tried to look at some Syracuse blogs to get their take on Robinson...and....well....they care about Basketball a whole heck of a lot more than Football so I've got no read on it that way. Maybe that was the issue? Robinson is a great coach who belongs at a great football school???

I dunno. What do you guys know about this?

January 20, 2009: We The People

January 20, 2009
We The People

The Promise of America
On this Historic Day
every voice
every human
across the USA

The Promise of America
Written Down by Hand
Embodied by Everyone of Us
As Citizens of this Land

The Promise of America
Will Once Again Ring True
Life, Liberty, and Justice
Honored for All
and not
for just the few

The Promise of America
We Celebrate This Day
To Cheer the Triumph of Hope
Across the USA

The Promise of America
Where Dreams
Indeed Come True

The Promise of America
Held Ever So Dear
for me
and for you

----Title IX

NFL Championship week

The number of Wolverines still playing in the NFL continues to get smaller each week.

• Pittsburgh LB LaMarr Woodley had 5 tackles and 2 sacks as the Steelers beat the Ravens in the AFC Championship game. LB Larry Foote added 2 tackles. The Steelers are headed to the Super Bowl for the 7th time in franchise history. Congrats to Geoff and all the other Steeler fans that visit here, I hope someday to enjoy that feeling with the Lions.

• The Arizona Cardinals beat the Philadelphia Eagles in an exciting NFC Championship sending WR Steve Breaston, DTs Alan Branch and Gabe Watson, LB Victor Hobson and recently signed TE Jerame Tuman to the Super Bowl. Breaston made one catch for 10 yards and returned punts/kicks for 39 yards. Gabe Watson added 2 tackles. Branch, Hobson, and Tuman did not play. This is the 1st trip to the Super Bowl for the Cardinals franchise.

• The Cardinals win means the season ends one game short for the Philadelphia Eagles Jason Avant and Jon Runyan. Avant had 2 catches for 23 yards and Runyan played a solid Right Tackle despite being hurt with a bum knee.

• We also have some coaches involved. Former Wolverine player and graduate assistant coach Harold Goodwin is the Steelers' assistant offensive line coach. Goodwin was was on the staff for the 1997 National Championship Michigan team. The Cardinals defensive backs coach is Teryl Austin, he was an assistant coach for Lloyd Carr from 1999-2002.

• This is the second Super Bowl for both Foote and Tuman. They both played on the Steelers Super Bowl XL (hosted in Detroit) championship team. This is the first Super Bowl for Woodley, Breaston, Watson, Branch, and Hobson.

On the Eve of History

I happened to be in Washington DC last week on business. At the last minute I decided to bring my camera with intention capturing DC at night. In a effort to change things up here, I wanted to share these images.

I consider myself lucky that I got out of town before the arrival of thousands of buses carrying inauguration visitors and the crush of millions of people for the events this week. I understand the desire for people to be there this week, I for one, will be happy to watch from my television.

On Wednesday night I decided to jump on the Metro train and check out the preparations going on at the National Mall. Armed with my camera I started at the US Capital building. You can see the flags and stage behind the statue of US Grant. I could not get within 200 yards of the building itself. There was already a sea of seats and different fenced off areas for special ticket holders.

I then started walking towards the Washington Monument. The number of chem-cans and crowd control structures was astonishing to me. I guess with the expected number of people to exceed 1.5 million, they need to have a place for them to go to the bathroom and control where they can go. Beyond the Washington Monument, on the edge of the reflecting pool is the new World War II Memorial. This plaza and fountain structure was opened in 2004 and has become one of my favorite places to visit during my frequent trips to Washington DC.

I continued my walk along the reflecting pool towards the Lincoln Memorial. The Memorial site was buzzing with late night construction crews erecting the stage for the pre-inauguration concert yesterday featuring Bruce Springsteen and U2. It took a little navigation expertise to work around the stage structure, but I was able to get up the stairs to get this shot of the huge Abraham Lincoln mable statue. I have been coming to this memorial for 30+ years and it gives me goose bumps each and every time. It is a very special place.

Regardless of your politics, tomorrow we will witness one of the most important aspects of our American democracy. Outside of the historical impact of this day -- the peaceful transition of power is a wonderful and astonishing event. The excitment that has overtaken Washington is breathtaking.

Colin Cowherd has amnesia

The internet is a funny place. You can get every idea and perspective in the world, if you want to look hard enough.

ESPN Radio show host and original idea thief Colin Cowherd is back on my radar screen. No, this time he has not ripped off a joke that Yost created, attempted to bring down a sports blog, or even jumped to an incorrect conclusion about a tragic murder.

Listen:

Colin Cowherd on his ESPN radio show last week about regrettable emails

For those of you that do not know the history of the MZone story:

1) Yost created a pretty funny post about Vince Young and the Wonderlic on the original MZone.
2) Cowherd used the bit on his show, without giving Yost or the MZone credit.
3) Yost (and the readers) respond by sending Cowherd emails seeking credit.
4) Cowherd fires back with a less than gracious response.
5) Yost (and readers) escalate to ESPN ombudsman.
6) Cowherd gives MZone Credit.

Now it appears that Colin Cowherd doesn't recall that he stole used an idea from someone else, he doesn't remember that he did not give them credit, and he seemingly forgot he was forced to acknowledge the MZone for coming up with the original idea. Instead he only recalls that he sent an email that he regrets to "that guy" that was taunting him.

He actually blames Yost for "snitching" on him and "running to daddy". Essentially because of Yost, he is not NOT ALLOWED to respond to listener emails. He claims a wall needs to exist between "fans and the media". Wow.

I think it is pretty safe to say that Colin Cowherd is the radio version of Drew "Ass-Clown" Sharp. His radio show is nothing more that an annoying verbal right handed jab designed to grab a response. As such, my response is provided by Johnny Cash at the top of the post. Luckily I have a satellite radio in my car and I been able to avoid listening to Cowherd since the MZone incident.

Thanks to Greg at MVictors for posting this and hostin the audio. His blog has been on my daily rotation for over a year now - if it is not on yours, it should be.

New Lions' Coach??? Meh.

Jim Schwartz is the guy, apparently. And the general ennui of the media and the blogosphere is somewhat comical to me. Honestly, I didn't even realize that the Lions HAD a new coach. And in fact, Tyrone Wheatley being hired over at Eastern is a bigger deal to me than this new development.

Then I started reading about Jim Schwartz and I REALLY became ambivalent. First, his 42. FORTY-TWO. Once upon a time that was OLD. Now it's ridiculously young and definitely makes me feel old. Bah.

What else? Well, Coach Schwartz majored in economics at Georgetown. Ya think he could have done a bit better than a 4-year contract worth 11 mil. Oh wait. He has no track-record as a head coach so ya can't give him the big bucks yet. I love how the Lions keep hiring guys with no job experience. Brilliant. Ugh.
He was hired away from the Tennessee Titans where he served as their defensive coordinator for the past 8 years. The Titans have a strong defense, as we know, and finished second in points allowed per game at 14.6 in 2008. His 2003 defense ranked first in the NFL in rushing defense and led the league in third-down defense. The guy is originally from Baltimore, is one of 9 kids, and is a big chess player. Jeff Fisher calls him a "motivator" and a "communicator".
Whatever. I'll believe it when I see it........

SHOCK THE WORLD. 20 years on.

Remember that April 3rd night in Seattle??? Where were you when sophomore guard, Rumeal Robinson, stepped to the line with 0:03 ticks left on the clock?
#3 seed Michigan down 78-79 to the #3 seed Seton Hall Pirates in overtime????
Rumeal bounces the ball. Eyes the basket, bends his knees----SWOOSH>>>> tie game.
He backs away from the line, bounces, readies, shoots.......
SWOOSH
MICHIGAN WINS 80-79 !!!!!!
No one can forget the drama leading up to that final tournament win

Michigan went into the 1989 tournament 30-7 overall and 12-6 in the Big Ten Conference. Prior to the tourney, then coach Bill Frieder announces that he will be leaving Michigan at the end of the season to coach at Arizona State University. Bo Schembechler, then AD, fired Frieder and pronounced "A Michigan Man is going to coach a Michigan team" and elevated assistant Steve Fisher as interim head coach. The team responded with tournament wins over Xavier, South Alabama, North Carolina in the Sweet 16, Virginia in the Elite 8, and a fantastic Final Four 83-81 victory (FINALLY!) over the Illini. THAT was a crazy night. People poured into the streets (myself included) and clogged South U.--until Ann Arbor's finest came and hosed us away. Literally.....
Next up Seton Hall. And the win in OT. Glen Rice named tournament MOP for his tournament record 184 points.

Demetrius Calip (#13, Guard)
Michael Griffin (#20, Forward)
Sean Higgins (#24, Forward)
Mark Hughes (#55, Center, Captain)
Marc Koenig (#30, Guard)
Terry Mills (#52, Forward)
Glen Rice (#41, Forward, Captain, jersey honored, All-American)
Eric Riley (#42, Center)
Rumeal Robinson (#21, Guard, All-American)
Loy Vaught (#35, Center)
and don't forget Rob (pachenko) Palinka, J.P OOOOOOOSterbaan, Chris Seter, and James Voskuil

Fast forward 20 years because most will be in attendance at Saturday night's game against tUOS as the Wolverines celebrate that magical season (must have pdf file!).
According to mgoblue.com "In honor of the national championship team, the 2008-09 Wolverines will wear dark blue replica 1989 uniforms furnished by adidas for the national championship 20-year anniversary. The game-worn jerseys will be auctioned to the public starting at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 14, until 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 20. Please go to MGoBlue.com and click on Michigan Online Auctions for details. All proceeds of jersey sales will go to the Joel Portnoy Baksetball Manager Scholarship fund." Tipoff for the game is at 8pm and will be televised by the BTN.

SHOCK THE WORLD BABY
SHOCK THE WORLD
Go Blue! Beat the Buckeyes

Superman in the orange helmet II

OK... I will admit it. I did create this one. I couldn't stop myself.

Have a good weekend.

Go Blue!!! Beat Ohio State in basketball on Saturday.

Superman in the orange helmet

Hail all powerful Tebow:

When you get done in the Hudson River, please jog on over to Wall Street... the economy needs a little motivation.

Note: I did not create this image with photoshop, it was sent to me via email. My friend is a reliable source. I have no reason to believe that is not true.

Sports Science Friday: Substitute Teacher II

Since I know that T9 is soooooooooo busy with work (whatever...I know she was at the M/MSU women's game last night, because she was texting me updates). I will once again have to fill in for her for Sports Science Friday. A friend sent me this today, and I thought it was pretty funny. Since I wasn't ever really I "science" guy -- I will deliver a Sports Political Science Friday instead. I knew that LSA PoliSci degree would pay off sometime. If you happen to be from one of these countries, please do not take offense or declare "jihad on my ass", I am just the messenger.

If The Big 12 was the Middle East....

KANSAS = Saudi Arabia. Not altogether a bad place; has had historical success in oil and basketball, and continues to be a world leader in those areas. However, parts of the ruling family tends to thrive on its excess, much to its detriment; a certain prince's fondness for American culture (especially for its sweet baked goods) could very well lead to its downfall.

KANSAS STATE = Armenia. No one wants to be here, especially the Armenians. What's more, nobody really knows where it is. First came to prominence just a decade ago, and nobody can really remember it existing as an independent nation before that. Primary exports: Corn, junior college transfers.

NEBRASKA = Egypt. Was once a great power; its history, through the ages, is matched by few. Has languished in recent years, failing to recognize its new place in the world order as a follower, and not the leader it once was. Its people tend to be the friendliest to its neighbors, though still harboring a long simmering, yet contained, hatred for Israel.



COLORADO = United Arab Emirates. An incredibly refined populace -- probably because it's impossible to make it your home unless you're incredibly wealthy. Does its best to compete with its neighbors, but has resigned itself to being the playground of the region, instead of one of its traditional powers. Doesn't have a baseball team.

IOWA STATE = Afghanistan. There's really no reason that this nation should even exist, and if it weren't for previous colonial empires, it probably wouldn't. Easily overlooked over the last 300 years, its people are a ramshackle alliance of groups that don't belong anywhere else. Wishes to God, Allah, and whoever else that it would either cease to exist, or be swallowed up by Pakistan to the south, or the University of Iowa to the west.


MISSOURI = Turkey. Everyone is still trying to figure out how it got mixed up in this region, anyway. They're a member of NATO. Shouldn't they be in the Big Ten?


OKLAHOMA STATE = Syria. Nobody pays attention to them until they start mouthing off to the other nations around it. Will occasionally attack its neighbors, with varying success, with most of its successes coming in areas that others couldn't care less about, like wrestling.


TEXAS TECH = Iran. Really, REALLY wants to be noticed in the international community. Will go so far as to fake the development of nuclear weapons, or choose homicidal, maniacal, self-aggrandizing men as their president/basketball coach, just to get noticed. Incredibly eccentric as a nation. Has a deep-seated hatred of both Israel and Iraq--and a huge inferiority complex to go along with it. Very arid, dry climate featuring frequent windstorms.


BAYLOR = Lebanon. Everything they do is just a cluster, and no matter what they do, nothing ever seems to get better. Every once in awhile, it'll nip at the ankles of one of the larger nations, and piss those other nations off just enough to where they're smacked down and consequently can't achieve anything noteworthy for the next ten years.


OKLAHOMA = Iraq. Lies, cheats, and steals to get its way in the international community. If caught doing something wrong, or illegal, its excuse is that "everybody else has done it, we just get caught." No one wants to live here, but everybody that does wishes they could move away. Recently has undergone minor restructuring due to numerous ethics violations.



TEXAS = Israel. Pretty much everyone else in the region hates them. Can destroy lesser countries at will using incredibly advanced tactics. Not relegated to the stone-age lifestyle of many of its neighboring nations. Home of God's chosen people.


TEXAS A&M = Palestine. Doesn't actually exist as an entity to really be dealt with, but loves nothing more than to take pot-shots at Israel, just to tick them off. Economy based on farming, with an emphasis on sheep. Continuously complains that they're the real power in the region, and that their status should supersede that of Israel. Religious zealotry abounds; small, infrequent attacks on its neighbors are hailed as moral victories.