Posting this just before the Michigan vs. Ohio State annual clash of the titans! I am a Michigan man through and through, but I'm concerned about this game. OSU has had the Wolverines number over the past several seasons. I know Henne, Hart, and Long desperately want to win this game, not to mention Lloyd Carr, but injuries and inconsistency are plaguing this team. It would be a HUGE win in the Big House!
Smile down on the Wolverines today, Bo! We miss you!
Go BLUE!
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Sports Update
Crazy week. Not a good week if you're a sports fan in general or a Detroit sports fan. The Pistons and Wings are spinning their wheels right now. It's early, so there's no need to panic, but it's frustrating to watch your teams flail about.
Rod Marinelli is absolutely right when he says that it comes down to "execution". Players who want to win find a way to dig down deep and execute - even if the circumstances are against them. Desire can and should fuel execution. As much as I love watching Rip Hamilton play, his ability to put the team on his back and carry them to victory is limited. Rip gets frustrated when the calls don't go his way, and he loses focus on the job at hand. Opponents have learned this, and they realize they can take his head, and therefore his game, out of the game. He's only human, but he needs to work on rising above the pettiness or finding a way to use it as further fuel for his desire (like Rasheed Wallace).
Extremely good news on the Kenny Rogers front! Looks like The Gambler may be returning to the Tigers after all! It was shocking and disappointing to see all of the posturing coming from Kenny Rogers' camp over the past 2 weeks. Now it appears that a lot of this was due to Kenny's agent, Scott Boras. After firing Scott Boras, Kenny is now representing himself, and he has given every indication that he would like to pitch for the Detroit Tigers in 2008. If Kenny is healthy, that is terrific news!
And speaking of rough weeks, big turn of events for Scott Boras. After the recent article in ESPN The Magazine basically labelled him a sports agent genius, it appears that Scott is being put back in his place. The Yankees refuse to deal with him on the A-Rod deal, and Kenny Rogers fires him publicly. GMs are commenting in the media on the difficulty of working with Boras. Clearly, a message is being sent to Boras that his schtick is getting tired, and he needs to change his approach. Over time trends develop and the trend with Boras is that he manipulates markets and people. After a while, this comes across as viscious and lacking integrity. There's nothing wrong with getting top dollar for your players, but not if it destroys the team where the player lands. This is a lesson to everyone that even in today's society of "me" that there is accountability for one's actions at the end of the day.
Rod Marinelli is absolutely right when he says that it comes down to "execution". Players who want to win find a way to dig down deep and execute - even if the circumstances are against them. Desire can and should fuel execution. As much as I love watching Rip Hamilton play, his ability to put the team on his back and carry them to victory is limited. Rip gets frustrated when the calls don't go his way, and he loses focus on the job at hand. Opponents have learned this, and they realize they can take his head, and therefore his game, out of the game. He's only human, but he needs to work on rising above the pettiness or finding a way to use it as further fuel for his desire (like Rasheed Wallace).
Extremely good news on the Kenny Rogers front! Looks like The Gambler may be returning to the Tigers after all! It was shocking and disappointing to see all of the posturing coming from Kenny Rogers' camp over the past 2 weeks. Now it appears that a lot of this was due to Kenny's agent, Scott Boras. After firing Scott Boras, Kenny is now representing himself, and he has given every indication that he would like to pitch for the Detroit Tigers in 2008. If Kenny is healthy, that is terrific news!
And speaking of rough weeks, big turn of events for Scott Boras. After the recent article in ESPN The Magazine basically labelled him a sports agent genius, it appears that Scott is being put back in his place. The Yankees refuse to deal with him on the A-Rod deal, and Kenny Rogers fires him publicly. GMs are commenting in the media on the difficulty of working with Boras. Clearly, a message is being sent to Boras that his schtick is getting tired, and he needs to change his approach. Over time trends develop and the trend with Boras is that he manipulates markets and people. After a while, this comes across as viscious and lacking integrity. There's nothing wrong with getting top dollar for your players, but not if it destroys the team where the player lands. This is a lesson to everyone that even in today's society of "me" that there is accountability for one's actions at the end of the day.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Deflated, Dejected, Destroyed!
Dismal! I'm too distraught to dwell on the way the Detroit Lions and the University of Michigan Wolverines were dismantled and dominated this weekend, but it was very depressing!
Michigan had a chance to put themselves in the drivers seat for the Big 10 title with Ohio State falling to Illinois. It was a bad game for UM, and one that they could have won. Too many mistakes, too little execution. No offensive line protection and absolutely no running game.
Speaking of no running game, what the heck happened to the Lions? At one point near the end of the game, the Lions had turned the ball over 5 times and only rushed for -19 yards. Yes, negative 19 yards. Talk about going the wrong way! For a 6-2 team trying to make a push for the playoffs, this was a frightening blast of the old Lions. They were unable to establish any offensive rhythym or any protection for Kitna or the running game. They gave the ball away time and time again. Not only could they not stop Arizona, they couldn't even tackle when they had opportunities.
An utterly forgettable weekend for both teams! Sadly, after this weekend's performances, it looks like the same statement may apply next weekend as UM squares off with Ohio State for the Big 10 title, and the Lions host the New York Giants (who will be angry after getting spanked by the Cowboys).
Michigan had a chance to put themselves in the drivers seat for the Big 10 title with Ohio State falling to Illinois. It was a bad game for UM, and one that they could have won. Too many mistakes, too little execution. No offensive line protection and absolutely no running game.
Speaking of no running game, what the heck happened to the Lions? At one point near the end of the game, the Lions had turned the ball over 5 times and only rushed for -19 yards. Yes, negative 19 yards. Talk about going the wrong way! For a 6-2 team trying to make a push for the playoffs, this was a frightening blast of the old Lions. They were unable to establish any offensive rhythym or any protection for Kitna or the running game. They gave the ball away time and time again. Not only could they not stop Arizona, they couldn't even tackle when they had opportunities.
An utterly forgettable weekend for both teams! Sadly, after this weekend's performances, it looks like the same statement may apply next weekend as UM squares off with Ohio State for the Big 10 title, and the Lions host the New York Giants (who will be angry after getting spanked by the Cowboys).
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Red Wings Win Again!
8 Straight! I love it! I thought it would be a rough game after coming off such a long layoff - and so early in the season. It seems that the Wings didn't have their legs in the 3rd period, but they still managed to come out with points!
I think one of the early trends we're seeing in 2007 is that, unlike last year, the Red Wings are finishing games off with a win. During the 2006-2007 season, the Red Wings had 13 overtime/shootout losses. That placed them in the top 5 amongst all teams (not a good thing!). This year, they are converting those lossess into wins! That is a key factor behind their great start this season.
By the way, check out the NHL Stats Machine on nhl.com. A wealth of statistical information at your fingertips, and you can slice it/dice it any way you want - team/player/year/regular season/playoffs/etc. I'd like to see all sports leagues make it so easy to look up that stat that just tickles your brain!
I think one of the early trends we're seeing in 2007 is that, unlike last year, the Red Wings are finishing games off with a win. During the 2006-2007 season, the Red Wings had 13 overtime/shootout losses. That placed them in the top 5 amongst all teams (not a good thing!). This year, they are converting those lossess into wins! That is a key factor behind their great start this season.
By the way, check out the NHL Stats Machine on nhl.com. A wealth of statistical information at your fingertips, and you can slice it/dice it any way you want - team/player/year/regular season/playoffs/etc. I'd like to see all sports leagues make it so easy to look up that stat that just tickles your brain!
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Restore the Roar!
I'm impressed! Only halfway through the season, but I am truly impressed! I never thought the Lions would be 6-2 after 8 games! That is fantastic progress!
As we've learned by watching the Tigers, Pistons, and Red Wings in recent years - it's how you finish that counts, not how you start! But, still, 6-2?! Seriously? Who would have ever thought they'd beat the Bears twice and blow Denver off the field? And they haven't played up to their capabilities yet - at least on offense.
Now that Kevin Jones is back and starting to look like he's really back, the offense should really start to pick up steam! As Jones improves in catching the ball out of the backfield ala Marshall Faulk, the Lions offense will take on a whole new dimension.
I think we saw a real flash of the Mike Martz offense on Sunday when the Lions went 95 yards in 2 plays for a big touchdown! That was something that has been done to the Lions - not by the Lions - for the past many years!
Everyone thought Kitna was crazy when he predicted 10 wins. Personally, I liked his confidence(what is he supposed to say?), and I'm glad to see that he's backing it up (so far!).
Major credit to Rod Marinelli and his staff for laying the groundwork for a major culture shift wiht the Lions. I'm not saying that the Lions are a dynasty in the making or even that they'll have great success the rest of the 2007 season. But I am saying that these Lions are breaking with the past - they are creating their own identity - and that will allow them to define a future that is as much about winning as the past teams were about losing.
Go Lions! The fans in Detroit deserve a winner after so many years of losing! Keep up the winning ways and CRUSH Arizona this Sunday!
As we've learned by watching the Tigers, Pistons, and Red Wings in recent years - it's how you finish that counts, not how you start! But, still, 6-2?! Seriously? Who would have ever thought they'd beat the Bears twice and blow Denver off the field? And they haven't played up to their capabilities yet - at least on offense.
Now that Kevin Jones is back and starting to look like he's really back, the offense should really start to pick up steam! As Jones improves in catching the ball out of the backfield ala Marshall Faulk, the Lions offense will take on a whole new dimension.
I think we saw a real flash of the Mike Martz offense on Sunday when the Lions went 95 yards in 2 plays for a big touchdown! That was something that has been done to the Lions - not by the Lions - for the past many years!
Everyone thought Kitna was crazy when he predicted 10 wins. Personally, I liked his confidence(what is he supposed to say?), and I'm glad to see that he's backing it up (so far!).
Major credit to Rod Marinelli and his staff for laying the groundwork for a major culture shift wiht the Lions. I'm not saying that the Lions are a dynasty in the making or even that they'll have great success the rest of the 2007 season. But I am saying that these Lions are breaking with the past - they are creating their own identity - and that will allow them to define a future that is as much about winning as the past teams were about losing.
Go Lions! The fans in Detroit deserve a winner after so many years of losing! Keep up the winning ways and CRUSH Arizona this Sunday!
Gold!
Congratulations to Placido Palanco and Pudge Rodriquez for winning Gold Glove awards for the 2007 season! Placido had an especially amazing year! No errors for the entire season - and hitting .350! Amazing! The Tigers are much better when he's in the lineup. I love watching Placido play because he's such a complete, disciplined player. He doesn't strike out a lot, he hits for average all over the field, he can jack one out when needed, and he's flawless in the field. The best part is that he's a true team player! Nice recognition for Pudge, too. Perhaps not his best year, but he's still very solid behind the plate. He calls a good game, and he does a great job blocking pitches in the dirt. The one area of his game that seems to be struggling a bit is throwing out runners on steal attempts. Even though his hitting is down, I'm very happy he's returning to the Tigers in 2008.
In reflecting on the 2007 season, it's amazing to think about some of the offensive accomplishments - Magglio and Curtis Granderson had phenomenal years! Placido was right there, too! If (my favorite restrospective word) the pitching had been just a bit better, they would have been right there at the end. Verlander looks primed to be the ace of the staff next year. Let's hope they can beef up the pitching staff around him - especially in Zumaya's absence (OUCH!). Francisco Cordero?
In reflecting on the 2007 season, it's amazing to think about some of the offensive accomplishments - Magglio and Curtis Granderson had phenomenal years! Placido was right there, too! If (my favorite restrospective word) the pitching had been just a bit better, they would have been right there at the end. Verlander looks primed to be the ace of the staff next year. Let's hope they can beef up the pitching staff around him - especially in Zumaya's absence (OUCH!). Francisco Cordero?
Sunday, November 4, 2007
LASIK
I can see!
I had LASIK done last week at the Stanford Eye Laser Center by Dr. Edward Manche.
http://ophthalmology.stanford.edu/laser/index.html
After 30 years of wearing glasses, it is absolutely fantastic to be glasses free! And yesterday, my lovely wife helped me pick out cool (non-prescription!) sunglasses off the shelf! Since I hated (and did not wear) contacts, this was a new and novel experience!
Obviously, the decision to undergo surgery is highly personal, but my experience was very positive. I was pretty anxious leading up to the surgery as I've never had any type of surgery or really any serious health issues / procedures before. And the thought of having my eyes operated on was especially scary - what if something goes wrong? Gulp!
Dr. Manche and his team at the Stanford Eye Laser Center were absolute pros! They made me feel at ease, and walked me through everything multiple times so I knew exactly what to expect. The whole procedure was so fast and painless that there was no time to be nervous once we got started.
Probably the worst part was keeping my eyes closed for the rest of the day to allow my eyes to heal. You can only sleep and listen to music for so long before you get really bored! However, when it comes to eye surgery, boring is good!
My left eye is 20/15 and my right eye is 20/20. WOW!
I had LASIK done last week at the Stanford Eye Laser Center by Dr. Edward Manche.
http://ophthalmology.stanford.edu/laser/index.html
After 30 years of wearing glasses, it is absolutely fantastic to be glasses free! And yesterday, my lovely wife helped me pick out cool (non-prescription!) sunglasses off the shelf! Since I hated (and did not wear) contacts, this was a new and novel experience!
Obviously, the decision to undergo surgery is highly personal, but my experience was very positive. I was pretty anxious leading up to the surgery as I've never had any type of surgery or really any serious health issues / procedures before. And the thought of having my eyes operated on was especially scary - what if something goes wrong? Gulp!
Dr. Manche and his team at the Stanford Eye Laser Center were absolute pros! They made me feel at ease, and walked me through everything multiple times so I knew exactly what to expect. The whole procedure was so fast and painless that there was no time to be nervous once we got started.
Probably the worst part was keeping my eyes closed for the rest of the day to allow my eyes to heal. You can only sleep and listen to music for so long before you get really bored! However, when it comes to eye surgery, boring is good!
My left eye is 20/15 and my right eye is 20/20. WOW!
Digital Infrared Photography
I love infrared photography - it's alien and otherworldly. In the past, I've experimented with both color IR slide film and B&W infrared film photography. Great, unpredictable, beautiful results! Complete and utter hassle!!! Loading/changing the film in complete darkness is very annoying. And some cameras can't even use the films because their film advance mechanism uses a light which can fog the film.
The November issues of Outdoor Photographer has a terrific article by Bob Krist on converting your old digital camera to IR. I have an old Canon 10D that's lying around the house gathering dust. After reading Bob's article and revisting some of my old IR photos, I'm definitely going to look into getting my 10D converted!
Here are two of the links that are suggested for IR conversions:
http://www.maxmax.com
http://www.lifepixel.com
The November issues of Outdoor Photographer has a terrific article by Bob Krist on converting your old digital camera to IR. I have an old Canon 10D that's lying around the house gathering dust. After reading Bob's article and revisting some of my old IR photos, I'm definitely going to look into getting my 10D converted!
Here are two of the links that are suggested for IR conversions:
http://www.maxmax.com
http://www.lifepixel.com
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