hifigator
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Post by hifigator on Oct 26, 2011 13:59:01 GMT -5
Learn punch when learn, keep dry.
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hifigator
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Post by hifigator on Oct 21, 2011 13:57:30 GMT -5
On a related note, it seems like almost all the focus is placed on the head coach, but you rarely hear much discussion about the assistants. Yet historically, you find that the teams that excel, often have not only marquee head coaches, but quite often have assistant coaches who later develop intot successful hea coaches elsewhere. In that regard, what are your opinions of the staff as a whole and III's mentoring/tutoring skills as far as developing future coaches are concerned?
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hifigator
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Post by hifigator on Oct 18, 2011 12:31:53 GMT -5
Clemson sure is the shocking team this year, aren't they? For more than a decade, they have been the team you could never quite predict. They would seemingly win at least one game a year that surprised you, but they would also find a way to lose a couple that were shockers as well. And when they seemed to have the complete team, and a real shot at a special season, they would lose a game or two early in the year, to pretty much end any hopes for that true miracle season. So as far as Clemson goes, I feel like I'm always waiting for that other shoe to fall. Obviously, so far it hasn't happened.
Ironically, I heard a couple of Clemson fans during the offseason who were basically of the opinion that Dabo Sweeney had pretty much worn out his welcome and that he was a very fortunate coach at the outset, but that now that his magic had worn off, he really wasn't that good of a coach.
I seriously doubt they would say that now.
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hifigator
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Post by hifigator on Oct 14, 2011 13:19:17 GMT -5
I predict that a strong ooc schedule will cause some uncomfortable bumps and bruises along the way, but that this young team will grow and learn from the trials and tribulations and that, followed by the always grueling grind of a BE conference, the young team will be well seasoned by March and The surprise of cutting down some nets will not be that much of a shock. I'd be happy if they manage to cut down 3 sets of nets, but in all honesty, I see at least one pair as a very legitimate goal -- BE title or trip to the Final 4.
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hifigator
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Post by hifigator on Oct 14, 2011 13:07:48 GMT -5
Next time, I'll just come up with a stereotype that applies only to you.
That's not very hard to do. If you google me, you will pretty much find out that I love the Gators in every sport, that I think weed should be legal and that I think that government is a lot closer to being a problem than the solution. It's also not very hard to find out that after the Gators, Georgetown is my favorite hoops team.
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hifigator
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Post by hifigator on Oct 13, 2011 12:37:55 GMT -5
If I'm having selective memory, trust me, it isn't intentional. I remember the controversy -- for lack of a better word. But I honestly didn't remember any significant, official parting of the ways between the Dixie Chicks and sponsor(s). As others pointed out, there were at least some similar instances of dissolution.
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hifigator
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Post by hifigator on Oct 13, 2011 12:25:16 GMT -5
Yes, Skynyrd was not interested in being politically correct. But likening specific songs from them to the entirety of essentially a quadrant of this Country is absurd. But I'm sure Neil Young's Southern Man speaks for every person not in the southeast.
This Just In: It's not the sixties anymore.
Pretending that entire southeast is comprised solely of uneducated racists who live in trailers, chew Copenhagen, smoke Marlboro or Winsten, drink Busch and drive pickup trucks with the confederate flag in the back window is silly.
Although there is some truth to the belief that south (specifically southeast) Florida is full of obnoxious Jewish yankee lawyers who migrated from New York, Massachusettes or Jersey and insist on constantly telling the real natives how much better it is up north.
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hifigator
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Post by hifigator on Oct 12, 2011 13:06:26 GMT -5
In no particular order:
Elvado wrote:
Hey hifi, my cable went out after the Gators' opening score last night. Did they finiszh the job against the Tide?
Strangely enough, that's when I stopped watching too. Seriously, the Gators almost certainly weren't going to win that game either way, but it would have been fun to see how it ended if Brantley hadn't gone down. We would have been passing all over them ... not that it likely would have changed the outcome, but it would have made the game much more entertaining.
Austin wrote:
First, your unnecessary and bizarre capitalization suggests the SEC is focused on being the United States' premier destination for carbonated sports drinks.
I'm not sure what you are talking about. In that post, aside from the start of a sentence, I capitalized "Texas," "Oklahoma," "A&M," "SEC," "King" and "Allsport." Given your mention of "sports drinks," I'm guessing that was what you were talking about. I'm not sure I know the rule on this one, but as the "Allsport Trophy" and therefore the "Allsport" competition, I would think capitalizing would be appropriate. Either way, it isn't worth too much discussion.
Second, that's some really nice spin, but TAMU athletics has a recent history of financial problems. It's tough to fund all sports when your athletic department is in the red.
I will defer to your knowledge of the A&M program. I have never had a reason to pay much attention and admit to nothing other than cursory knowledge. But I did take notice of their standing in the Allsports Trophy competition. That was all I was saying.
rooter wrote:
Wimmen don't count fer nothin in the SEC cept bein cheerleaders and hunnybunnies.
Yeah, your little archaic picture of this entire part of the Country as nothing but a group of revisionists unwilling to acknowledge the outcome of the civil war is a bit outdated. But I don't think you care very much.
Hey, this just in: the SEC is a major, major leader in Women's sports and along with the Pac 10, totally dwarf what other conferences have done as a whole.
rosslyn wrote:
Please, in the SEC, they're "hostesses" not hunnybunnies.
Now please, that wasn't in the SEC, that was at Tennessee specifically. (But if truth be told, we know that the exact same thing goes on everywhere, not just at one school or in one conference.)
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hifigator
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Post by hifigator on Oct 12, 2011 12:50:58 GMT -5
Fair enough. I had not heard that. I remember general controversy and it was certainly a topic of discussion for a while, but I do not remember actual "penalties" such as the Clear Channel Communications. I stand corrected on that. And yes, that would certainly fit as some powerful corportate entity ...
On a related note, I wonder if the fact that such "sanctions" weren't front page on our papers and lead stories on our news programs could suggest that he general mainstream media are a little more interested in stories which fit within their political scope and agenda? But that's a discussion for another day.
Finally, in all honesty, do you all think that making the statement that Obama and Boehner playing golf together is akin to Hitler and Netanyahu playing a round together is some sort of egregious behavior, warranting major punishment?
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hifigator
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Post by hifigator on Oct 12, 2011 12:43:16 GMT -5
Glad to hear things are moving in the right direction. Harry and your whole family will remain in our prayers. Romans 8:28
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Post by hifigator on Oct 10, 2011 15:42:51 GMT -5
Boz, you're sort of making my point. Yes, there were "boycots" of the Dixie Chicks, but those were largely individual responses -- planned or spontaneous -- in reaction to their controversial words. That's the sort of free market adjustment that we all appreciate. That's not the same thing as a powerful business entity deciding for us what they think someone should say and whether they want to acquiesce and allow comments to pass without reaction.
In any case, I'm not going to get to worked up on this one, but I really have a hard time believing that any signifiant number of you all have much of a problem with saying that the golf outing with people of such ideological extremes is odd ... on the order of Hitler and Netanyahu playing a round together.
'nuf on this
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Post by hifigator on Oct 7, 2011 13:13:48 GMT -5
thebin wrote:
That said, what he said really wasn't too offensive unless you are overly-sensitive and feel entitled to be offended and scream about it- but that describes just about all Americans these days. So a good rule of thumb, never compare Hitler to anybody at any time ever ever ever. Just a no win/all risk situation
That was exactly what I was thinking when I first heard all the outcry about this yesterday. I wasn't near a computer and I never heard/read exactly what was said. I presumed it was much, much more severe than it was. I thought he actually likened Obama to Hitler at least in some superficial way. But, if ... and again, that's a big if, as sometimes simple text doesn't convey everything. Still, IF all he said was that Obama and Boehner playing gold together was silly and contrived -- a sort of political staging, if you will -- stupid, and would be like Hitler playing a round with Netanyahu, then all of this controversy is way overblown. Again, if he had simply said it would be like "Netanyahu playing golf with Hitler" would it have been ANY different? Of course not. In that case, I guess he would be calling Obama "Netanyahu." I just think it's totally silly.
Boz wrote:
Oh, and MNF/ESPN/Disney absolutely would've fired The Dixie Chicks. There is literally no question about it.
The Dixie Chicks were very, very vocal about George W. Bush. Additionally, the timing was much more severe, as we were in the middle of two wars. Granted, they aren't "over" but it is a different situation now. Still, that isn't the point. The insults and criticisms of Bush were much more extreme. It's not even close. Yet I don't remember too much of an outcry after their comments in England. I know that they lost some popularity among many of their former fans. But I don't remember hearing of them being fired from something or having any of their shows cancelled. I don't rememember any sponsors severing ties with them. Again, they are free to act in their own best interests. But my point is that if you are using your platform for your own political views, then it is either acceptable or it is not. It doesn't matter what you views are. That's the whole point. Additionally, it Williams' case, I don't see him paralleling Obama himself to Hitler himself AT ALL. Do any of you honestly see that parallel?
That being said, the bin does make the suggestion to refrain from any mention of Hitler, just to be safe. That's true, but at least, in this case, should it be?
Do you really see this as "calling Obama Hitler" as some headlines have worded it?
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Post by hifigator on Oct 7, 2011 12:58:08 GMT -5
I know you all really care a lot about my opinion, but I'm with those in favor of more college basketball. And I really couldn't care less about the NBA until college ends -- and really, not until the playoffs start. So I think this strike/lockout may very well, be a good thing. If we get more coverage of college hoops then, as others have suggested, maybe the powers that be will learn that there is a lot of interest in marquee college basketball games early in the year. After baseball ends, then the middle of the week is wide open for feature NCAA hoops. And I'm pretty sure that most of you will agree that a Gtown--Texas game, followed by a UCLA--Gonzaga game would be a great way to spend a Tuesday or Wednesday night in November or December. There's no reason we can't consistently have a lot more out of conference matchups between major teams. In all honesty, I don't think anyone wants to see Florida play Athletes in Action. Ok, that's an exhibition game, but you get the point. We also don't need to see Idaho St. make a road trip to Gainesville. I rather see the Gators go on the road to play UNLV as the late game of a double header. It could be kicked off by G'town hosting Texas Tech. That would also make an entertaining evening, right?
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Post by hifigator on Oct 7, 2011 12:17:32 GMT -5
I actually just read the story for the first time. If there's not more to it than that, then I think it's absurd to react with such venom. Again, maybe this particular story: m.yahoo.com/w/sports/home/blogs/article?offset=4&urn=urn%3Anewsml%3Asports.yahoo%2Cyhoo%3A20050301%3Anfl%2Carticle%2Cyhoo-ept_sports_nfl_experts-wp8592%3A1&.ts=1317688970&.ysid=PlVK_Skdh4X9C0.ZVfEmCk8_&.intl=US&.lang=endoesn't have the entire text, but if so, then at least as an issue, this is just a bunch of hooey. If Hank had said, "like Netanyahu playing a round of golf with Hitler" would there be the same response? The parallel nature would officially equate Obama to Hitler, but I think it's quite clear that the point was that the opposites couldn't and wouldn't mix. Also, if ESPN is going to take that extreme of a reaction, then I think they need to research all of the statements that any of their spokesmen have made through the years. I am certain that you could find examples at least as extreme as what Hank said. I want all of them canned on the spot. I think this was just an example of someone in charge trying to speak his own political mind. And in this regard, yes, it is a restriction on free speach and Easy Ed was right.
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Post by hifigator on Oct 7, 2011 11:59:24 GMT -5
I think that you all are arguing two different questions. Should Williams be allowed to speak his mind as he did? Yes, of course. Should ESPN be allowed to choose with whom they associate? Yes. So from that standpoint, they are both well within their rights. Taken further, Williams should, at least in theory, consider how his comments might be viewed by others and whether or not they might serve to sever other relationships. Even moreso, forethought would suggest some sort of guaranteed contract or at least a clause addressing the dissolution of the relationship.
That being said, I don't think we are too naive to suggest that making such bold statements didn't influence that decision. So when/where does ESPN's dominance, through control of MNF end? In other words, if the powers that be are free to do as they please and free to fire you for speaking your mind, then do you really have free speach? Interesting point.
The main counterpoint would be how they would have responded if they had a relationship with the Dixie Chicks, for example? The point is that there are a lot of different views out there. What we would probably all agree to is that if anyone had been using the MNF platform to state their political views, then we would be totally turned off. But do their rights as individuals disappear universally when they are some sort of public personality/celebrety?
I can see both arguments here.
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Post by hifigator on Oct 7, 2011 11:38:28 GMT -5
the bin wrote:
I think its worth noting that nothing will stop WVU or Uconn or Rutgers from jumping to a better football league BUT... nobody seems to want them.
I think you are totally right. WVU really wanted an SEC invite from everything that I've heard. But for whatever reason, the SEC hasn't shown the least bit of interest. My guess is that once again, it's all about the money and WVU just doesn't bring in enough revenue to warrant the SEC choosing them. Now if the SEC can't land a Missouri or a Virginia Tech, then I wonder if they would "drop their standards" and then go with the Mountaineers. I'm not sure, but my guess is that that is what WVU is holding out for. And if not, then maybe staying in the BE is what's their second best option.
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Post by hifigator on Oct 7, 2011 11:33:24 GMT -5
Big East should stay within it's geographic region. Go get Memphis, Temple, ECU and UCF or Navy.
I guess Orlando is "Big" and it's in the "East" but not what I think of as the historical Big East geographical region. But then again, Miami was a member not too long ago, and USF is now and Tampa is only about an hour from Orlando. Still, it's a much better geographical fit than TCU.
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Post by hifigator on Oct 7, 2011 11:22:45 GMT -5
Prayers coming from the sunshine state as well.
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Post by hifigator on Oct 7, 2011 11:14:09 GMT -5
I think it's almost comical how these "severance fees" are almost blanketly dismissed as unimportant in inconsequential. "Oh ... 5 million ... not problem." Yeah, I know that it will probably, ultimately get covered by the new conference, one way or another. But still, isn't it somewhat disturbing that such pools of money are whimscally passes around, with little or no thought? I'm not arguing the logic, and I'm sure the revenues from a more successful conference will dwarf those one time penalties. But still ...
Also, to me, the Big 12 isn't reall the one holding the cards, so to speak, but they are the ones who will push the boulder off the edge of the cliff. From everything I've heard, they can't even decide how many teams they want. 10, 12, 14 ... 16? All have been discussed, but nothing seems more likely than the other. You know that the SEC wants 14 or 16. At least we've narrowed it down that much. We know that the Pac 10 wants 12 or 16. Likewise, it's pretty clear that the Big 10 wants 12 or 16. But the "Big 12" ... no one has a clue. Such is the life when the inmates run the asylum, as the saying goes. Texas, in this case, is only one vote, but like my dad said, his vote counts for one more than half the total votes. What I don't see is why the other teams that have some pull, don't see that and take the bull by the horns and make their own decisions. If ... big if ... but if the reports that the Pac 10 would take Ok and Ok State and that the SEC would take Missouri are accurate, then if I'm in their shoes, I'm out of there for greener pastures. Then Texas would be forced to do their chunk of the work. Seeing as how they are getting more than their share of the money, I think that's only fair.
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Post by hifigator on Oct 6, 2011 11:27:29 GMT -5
I'm surprised there wasn't a thread about this already, but apparently, TCU isn't coming to the Big East afterall, opting for the more regionally appropriate, Big "12."
They were talking about it on the lunchtime sports show just now. I missed the very beginning, but the hosts -- local hacks, admittedly -- are talking like the new move to the Big 12 is a done deal.
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