Well....I'm not! I knew before this tournament began that it was going to be one of the most unpredictable tournaments of all time. That actually made me really happy because I hate it when people pick "chalk" all the way through the tourney and end up making money off of that bullshit tactic. I mean, this is the NCAA tournament folks! There are supposed to be crazy upsets and buzzer beaters and upset fans and jubilant fans. That's what it's all about. But if I told you that I thought Florida Gulf Coast would look like the Harlem Globetrotters against Georgetown, I'd be lying. That upset ruined my gambling hopes (so I thought). I've always been a huge Georgetown fan and I liked this year's team as much as I liked anyone in the country. Otto Porter might be the best player in the country and JTIII always has the team ready to play. They just ran into a buzzsaw and a lot of alley-oops is all. I said before the tournament started that no team is really and better than any other team. It's proving to be a true statement through the first weekend of the tournament. Last night when Wichita State beat Gonzaga, I wasn't surprised at all. In fact, I wouldn't have been surprised if Gonzaga would've lost their first round game to Southern on Thursday. The college game has gotten so diluted from early NBA defections from kids that aren't ready that most of the talent is even.
So, I think that the team that wins the tourney this year will be the actual real national champion. It will be about coaching, leadership, chemistry, and focus. We could be in for the best sweet sixteen in years! Yeah the overall talent level is down, but the games should be so close and contested that its ok. Basketball is a team sport. It's magical when a real TEAM wins and wins together. Seedings don't mean anything in this tournament. I filled out my bracket just from the "eyetest" alone. Apparently, it's not going all that bad for me so far. This is the year when everyone is tweeting "My bracket is fucked!!!" .......
-tshurn
3.24.2013
3.19.2013
The Next American Gladiator.
I did it! I paid $65 to do everything I wasn't allowed to do when I was a little kid - climb ropes, jump over walls, walk across a plank, "play" in mud. This past Saturday, I participated in my first Warrior Dash. I had good intentions as far as preparing for the race. I was going to start running, lift weights, go to playgrounds to train, and actually use the gym membership I have been paying for the past 5 years. All passing thoughts. The next thing I know, it's the night before the race, and I am planning what to wear so that I don't get mud up my butt.
5 kilometers. 3.1 miles. It's not like I haven't done it before. In fact, I have an awesome habit of running 5 k's cold turkey. So how is this one that much different? Well, let me start with the fucking rocky terrain. Rocky Hill Ranch, to be exact. So many rocks, so many hills. Not enough endurance. The first mile or so was rough, to say the least. I was ready to tap out. I had just gone 10 rounds with Rowdy Rousey. I started to believe I had been tricked into a form of torture. Where were the obstacles I had heard about? As I struggled up what might as well have been Mt. Kilimanjaro, I heard a woman apologize to her husband for letting him down. I told her not to fret, as there were several people still behind her, including myself. To which she replied, "Whatever, I saw your calves. I know what you can do." I know she didn't just go there...
For those who do not know, I am extremely self-conscious about my calves. I don't wear skinny jeans - mainly because I can't fit my oompa loompa-self into them, but also because they would accentuate my turkey legs. I just started wearing capris last year, and that's only because I needed a compromise between my denim jeans and basketball shorts. I inherited my Mia Hamm calves, and they do absolutely nothing for me. No ups. No push. No hops. Nothing.
I completed the first few obstacles like a warrior. I felt like I was flying through The Eliminator, and no American Gladiator could stop me. And then came the first mud pit. I came to a complete halt as my friends stood across the pit, all covered in mud, and cheered me on. As if words of encouragement were going to clear my somewhat germaphobic mind. I quickly realized I signed up for this shit. I knew damn well there was going mud in this race. Just like all the brothas and sistas know there will be water detours and roadblocks in the Amazing Race. It drives me crazy when they can't finish a challenge because of their fear of water or their inability to swim. I wasn't going down like that.
An hour and a half later, I was clearing logs of fire and crawling through one last mud pit. The end was near, and I could taste the free beer. I sent my body through complete shock - it didn't see it coming. But at the end of the day, there was a sense of accomplishment. Knowing that I could do this without any training made me think about all that I was capable of. With some help from P90X, Insanity...regular workouts...I could be beasting. Oh look, another passing thought. The only thing I'll be lifting the next few weeks are 22 oz beer mugs. And a few fist pumps may be had as my brackets dominate March Madness.
-bObD.
5 kilometers. 3.1 miles. It's not like I haven't done it before. In fact, I have an awesome habit of running 5 k's cold turkey. So how is this one that much different? Well, let me start with the fucking rocky terrain. Rocky Hill Ranch, to be exact. So many rocks, so many hills. Not enough endurance. The first mile or so was rough, to say the least. I was ready to tap out. I had just gone 10 rounds with Rowdy Rousey. I started to believe I had been tricked into a form of torture. Where were the obstacles I had heard about? As I struggled up what might as well have been Mt. Kilimanjaro, I heard a woman apologize to her husband for letting him down. I told her not to fret, as there were several people still behind her, including myself. To which she replied, "Whatever, I saw your calves. I know what you can do." I know she didn't just go there...
For those who do not know, I am extremely self-conscious about my calves. I don't wear skinny jeans - mainly because I can't fit my oompa loompa-self into them, but also because they would accentuate my turkey legs. I just started wearing capris last year, and that's only because I needed a compromise between my denim jeans and basketball shorts. I inherited my Mia Hamm calves, and they do absolutely nothing for me. No ups. No push. No hops. Nothing.
I completed the first few obstacles like a warrior. I felt like I was flying through The Eliminator, and no American Gladiator could stop me. And then came the first mud pit. I came to a complete halt as my friends stood across the pit, all covered in mud, and cheered me on. As if words of encouragement were going to clear my somewhat germaphobic mind. I quickly realized I signed up for this shit. I knew damn well there was going mud in this race. Just like all the brothas and sistas know there will be water detours and roadblocks in the Amazing Race. It drives me crazy when they can't finish a challenge because of their fear of water or their inability to swim. I wasn't going down like that.
An hour and a half later, I was clearing logs of fire and crawling through one last mud pit. The end was near, and I could taste the free beer. I sent my body through complete shock - it didn't see it coming. But at the end of the day, there was a sense of accomplishment. Knowing that I could do this without any training made me think about all that I was capable of. With some help from P90X, Insanity...regular workouts...I could be beasting. Oh look, another passing thought. The only thing I'll be lifting the next few weeks are 22 oz beer mugs. And a few fist pumps may be had as my brackets dominate March Madness.
-bObD.
3.14.2013
The (Un)usual Suspects
So yeah, we are a few days late but here are some teams that we think might make a big splash in this year's NCAA men's basketball tourney. By big splash we are talking make it to the final four and win the chip homie. Yeah, that's how wide open this year's tournament is!! F'ing exciting....did I mention its March!!!
-tshurn
- St. Louis University - Yesss! My hometown team is nice this year! The Bilikins play stingy defense, and they are not afraid of anyone. If they score points they will be very dangerous.
- New Mexico - Steve Alford's team plays together and they have shooters..... the Tony Snell, Kendall Williams combo will lead to upsets.
- Creighton - Doug McDermott is the new age Wally Szczerbiak!!! In college that's a good thing, son!
- UNLV - The Runnin Rebels are runnin again....Mike Moser and Anthony Bennet will be beasting down low.
-tshurn
3.12.2013
Team Sean and Catherine.
Guilty as charged - I was one of millions that watched the finale of The Bachelor last night. Three hours I will never get back. I normally don't watch this shit (I used to be anti-reality TV, until I gave into Survivor and then Amazing Race...) but I had heard so much about this Sean Lowe guy...apparently the most chiseled bachelor on the show to date. I just had to see for myself.
So, the plan was to watch the family meet the girls, catch some of the last dates, then go upstairs and return to my normal Monday night drama line-up, Deception and The Following. Easier said than done apparently. An hour and a half later, I found myself slightly anxious...Catherine, please pick Catherine. As a first time viewer, I kept an extremely open mind during the whole selection process. I wanted to punch Lindsay in her mousey face but contained my inexplicable disdain for the girl. I was slightly disappointed with the whole family time. Sean's dad completely won me over, but mom annoyed the crap out of me. She made it quite obvious she didn't want her son to propose...almost as if she wanted to marry her son herself. My first impression of Catherine - lame and reserved. My first impression of Lindsay, lame and not reserved. They were equally lame.
And then their final dates. Lindsay, I know Sean said he finds your affection for him humbling, but there are ways other than sucking face to express yourself. Catherine was able to restore my faith in minorities progressing in the TMZ world. From the moment she started jumping up and down at the site of the elephant, I knew she wasn't lame. When I watched Catherine's emotional struggle at the end of the night, I knew I had hit reality TV low - I was attached. I wanted Sean to say something more than, "Thank you for today."
While not a huge fan of ABC's choice of editing, Chris Harrison really had me sold on this mysterious letter. I know I was not the only one that thought Catherine had possibly given up on a future with the sought after hunk. Turns out it was just one of Catherine's many love notes to Sean. One last opportunity to show the audience she was more than just "funny and weird."
It was an outer body experience as I celebrated the pairing of two complete strangers on television. Sean had chosen Catherine! This moment of happiness had just erased the darkness from when Ozzy came up short in Survivor...or more recently, when Malcolm's Parkinson-hands couldn't get him more than 4th place. All was right in the world of reality television.
So, who's coming over to watch the Lowe-Giudici wedding?!
-bObD.
So, the plan was to watch the family meet the girls, catch some of the last dates, then go upstairs and return to my normal Monday night drama line-up, Deception and The Following. Easier said than done apparently. An hour and a half later, I found myself slightly anxious...Catherine, please pick Catherine. As a first time viewer, I kept an extremely open mind during the whole selection process. I wanted to punch Lindsay in her mousey face but contained my inexplicable disdain for the girl. I was slightly disappointed with the whole family time. Sean's dad completely won me over, but mom annoyed the crap out of me. She made it quite obvious she didn't want her son to propose...almost as if she wanted to marry her son herself. My first impression of Catherine - lame and reserved. My first impression of Lindsay, lame and not reserved. They were equally lame.
And then their final dates. Lindsay, I know Sean said he finds your affection for him humbling, but there are ways other than sucking face to express yourself. Catherine was able to restore my faith in minorities progressing in the TMZ world. From the moment she started jumping up and down at the site of the elephant, I knew she wasn't lame. When I watched Catherine's emotional struggle at the end of the night, I knew I had hit reality TV low - I was attached. I wanted Sean to say something more than, "Thank you for today."
While not a huge fan of ABC's choice of editing, Chris Harrison really had me sold on this mysterious letter. I know I was not the only one that thought Catherine had possibly given up on a future with the sought after hunk. Turns out it was just one of Catherine's many love notes to Sean. One last opportunity to show the audience she was more than just "funny and weird."
It was an outer body experience as I celebrated the pairing of two complete strangers on television. Sean had chosen Catherine! This moment of happiness had just erased the darkness from when Ozzy came up short in Survivor...or more recently, when Malcolm's Parkinson-hands couldn't get him more than 4th place. All was right in the world of reality television.
So, who's coming over to watch the Lowe-Giudici wedding?!
-bObD.
3.10.2013
James Franco as Franco himself.
We all have our reasons for falling in love with an actor or actress. Whether it is their incredibly handsome and gorgeous self (Paul Walker, Chris Hemsworth), their award winning role in one of your favorites (Julia Roberts, Channing Tatum - haha), their sexy accent (Edward Norton), or their ability to out perform each time they're on stage (JGL, Nicholson, Jennifer Lawrence)...we have our favorites.
And then there are those who do not quite fall under these criteria. You can't really pinpoint what the hell attracts you to them. The talent weighs in at about a 5 out of 10 and attraction is a 7.5 out of 10, on a no-stache day. But there is something...it's like the pineapple and Canadian bacon on pizza - you just like it. More on some days than others.
James Franco is my unusual indulgence. I never caught the Freaks and Geeks failure, but I liked his talent in the 2002 Spider-Man movie. It was not until his appearance in General Hospital that I started to really pay attention. It was a gift having Franco star in my admitted television weakness. And then for it to be revealed that he played the fraternal twin of my favorite character on the soap - the attraction was undeniable. You really have no idea.
The actor/director/student/teacher took quite a hit when he co-hosted the 2011 Oscars. I, myself, was somewhat critical of his performance. I wanted him to win others over so that they could see what I saw in him. Videos started to pop up with "Top 10 James Franco is Stoned Oscar Moments." To which Franco responded, "I love her, but Anne Hathaway is so energetic I think the Tasmanian Devil would look stoned standing next to her." James Franco was given a once in a lifetime opportunity and it was not his cup of tea. Those who follow Franco's work should not have been too surprised by his lack of enthusiasm - he's no Billy Crystal.
The Academy isn't the only one criticizing Franco's work. The latest artist unhappy with Franco's performance - Justin Bieber. Earlier this year, Franco filmed himself lip-synching to Bieber's 'Boyfriend.' The video parody...
A silly parody makes him just like the rest of us. He's weird...and different. And people cannot accept weird and different with public open arms. He was recently invited to be the Grand Marshall of the 2013 Daytona 500.
Fans and writers said he butchered the most famous words in NASCAR. His shoutout to Danica was viewed as an intentional separation of the woman from the sport. Come on! He was giving recognition to a female athlete that had just made historic pole position! There was absolutely no disrespect meant by tweaking the drivers' command. But people don't like it when you try to get fancy or cute.
Franco is the ultimate artist in my eyes. Basic art cannot be explained. It has been said that Franco is a workaholic, always has his hands in school, movies, literature...the arts. The world truly is his canvas, and I am always eager to discover his next creation. Oz the Great and Powerful got bad reviews. Critics are calling Franco "withdrawn" and unable to sell his character as a mighty wizard. The audience isn't buying Franco's style; they don't share the same vision. I quote Oscar Wilde, "No great artist ever sees things as they really are. If he did, he would cease to be an artist." Those who do not take to Franco's work, do not share the same palette.
-bObD.
And then there are those who do not quite fall under these criteria. You can't really pinpoint what the hell attracts you to them. The talent weighs in at about a 5 out of 10 and attraction is a 7.5 out of 10, on a no-stache day. But there is something...it's like the pineapple and Canadian bacon on pizza - you just like it. More on some days than others.
James Franco is my unusual indulgence. I never caught the Freaks and Geeks failure, but I liked his talent in the 2002 Spider-Man movie. It was not until his appearance in General Hospital that I started to really pay attention. It was a gift having Franco star in my admitted television weakness. And then for it to be revealed that he played the fraternal twin of my favorite character on the soap - the attraction was undeniable. You really have no idea.
The actor/director/student/teacher took quite a hit when he co-hosted the 2011 Oscars. I, myself, was somewhat critical of his performance. I wanted him to win others over so that they could see what I saw in him. Videos started to pop up with "Top 10 James Franco is Stoned Oscar Moments." To which Franco responded, "I love her, but Anne Hathaway is so energetic I think the Tasmanian Devil would look stoned standing next to her." James Franco was given a once in a lifetime opportunity and it was not his cup of tea. Those who follow Franco's work should not have been too surprised by his lack of enthusiasm - he's no Billy Crystal.
The Academy isn't the only one criticizing Franco's work. The latest artist unhappy with Franco's performance - Justin Bieber. Earlier this year, Franco filmed himself lip-synching to Bieber's 'Boyfriend.' The video parody...
A silly parody makes him just like the rest of us. He's weird...and different. And people cannot accept weird and different with public open arms. He was recently invited to be the Grand Marshall of the 2013 Daytona 500.
Fans and writers said he butchered the most famous words in NASCAR. His shoutout to Danica was viewed as an intentional separation of the woman from the sport. Come on! He was giving recognition to a female athlete that had just made historic pole position! There was absolutely no disrespect meant by tweaking the drivers' command. But people don't like it when you try to get fancy or cute.
Franco is the ultimate artist in my eyes. Basic art cannot be explained. It has been said that Franco is a workaholic, always has his hands in school, movies, literature...the arts. The world truly is his canvas, and I am always eager to discover his next creation. Oz the Great and Powerful got bad reviews. Critics are calling Franco "withdrawn" and unable to sell his character as a mighty wizard. The audience isn't buying Franco's style; they don't share the same vision. I quote Oscar Wilde, "No great artist ever sees things as they really are. If he did, he would cease to be an artist." Those who do not take to Franco's work, do not share the same palette.
-bObD.
3.05.2013
The Griner Effect.
This weekend is the Big XII Women's Basketball Tournament in Dallas. Groupon has a deal out right now - $40 for the Friday and Saturday games. A pretty good price if it was going to be a good tournament. However, I imagine this year's will look similar to last year's championship. With Baylor returning their entire starting line-up and going in as the #1 seed again, the Bears are sure to dominate from tip-off of the second round.
I can appreciate an athlete with talent. Any athlete, male or female, that dominates a sport deserves recognition. So why is it that The Griner Effect leaves a bitter taste in my mouth and creates some fire in my eyes? I get all Metta World Peace-like whenever I see her beat her chest. I guess everyone is entitled to their expressive ways.
Brittney Griner is a female athlete playing on a women's collegiate basketball team. I do not question her gender any more than I question her game. She is an extraordinary player with extraordinary qualities. Under the direction of a fearless and competitive coach, Griner was able to develop her qualities and possess a dominating skill set under the basket.
So again, what is it about her that has people shaking their heads rather than pumping their fists? When Sophia Young was the face of Baylor, nobody questioned her place in the game. When Courtney Paris averaged almost 20 boards a game for Oklahoma, no one doubted her role on the court.
Maybe it was that one game in 2010. You know, the one against Texas Tech where Jordan Barncastle's nose lost to Brittney's right hand...
Or more recently when Brittney got called for a flagrant in February against UConn's Stefanie Dolson only to be followed by an obvious no-call later in the game. And that is when a close, competitive game started to go in Baylor's favor.
Now before anyone starts accusing me of hating the player, let me set you straight by saying I fear I may be hating the game. It was entertaining the first and second year, watching Griner showcase her talents. But this year, it hasn't been fun. I've been on the sideline of a rebuilding team, Texas. Between the Longhorns rebuilding and my favorite bar, which burned down a year and a half ago and is supposedly rebuilding (they haven't broken ground yet!), it's no wonder I haven't become a closet alcoholic at the mercy of my recliner and mini fridge. This year, the Big XII is a struggling conference with an already-crowned Champion coasting the season. Every game is over by the half. Brittney leads in scoring and blocks and doesn't come close to her opponents in minutes played. 40 points against Texas Tech. 50 points against Kansas State. And let's not overlook the triple-double she recorded against West Virginia, her 5th in her career. She is a beast. And I mean that in the most complementary, non-Rutgers-stigma way possible.
It was a celebrated era when UConn went on their run - undefeated in '08-'09 and again in '09-'10. Maya Moore was a goddess on the court. She dominated, as well...but apparently in a more graceful manner? No one questioned her role and her gender. She was a Husky Queen. Right up there with Taurasi and Sue Bird.
Now, back to the Tournament. We just saw what Baylor, or rather Brittney, can do against the Wildcats...
Drop-step dunk, WHAT?!
Texas is struggling...again. Texas Tech has lost a couple in a row. Oklahoma is surprisingly holding their own. With four Sooners suffering season-ending injuries earlier this year, Sherri Coale is doing what she does best with eight active players and two volleyball players they picked up for the Spring season. Iowa State is having a decent season. But decent gets overlooked when next to phenomenal. Oh, and decent probably won't get you a conference title this year. Sorry, Lady Cyclones.
So, how do you hype up a tournament that is over before it begins?
I can appreciate an athlete with talent. Any athlete, male or female, that dominates a sport deserves recognition. So why is it that The Griner Effect leaves a bitter taste in my mouth and creates some fire in my eyes? I get all Metta World Peace-like whenever I see her beat her chest. I guess everyone is entitled to their expressive ways.
Brittney Griner is a female athlete playing on a women's collegiate basketball team. I do not question her gender any more than I question her game. She is an extraordinary player with extraordinary qualities. Under the direction of a fearless and competitive coach, Griner was able to develop her qualities and possess a dominating skill set under the basket.
So again, what is it about her that has people shaking their heads rather than pumping their fists? When Sophia Young was the face of Baylor, nobody questioned her place in the game. When Courtney Paris averaged almost 20 boards a game for Oklahoma, no one doubted her role on the court.
Maybe it was that one game in 2010. You know, the one against Texas Tech where Jordan Barncastle's nose lost to Brittney's right hand...
Now before anyone starts accusing me of hating the player, let me set you straight by saying I fear I may be hating the game. It was entertaining the first and second year, watching Griner showcase her talents. But this year, it hasn't been fun. I've been on the sideline of a rebuilding team, Texas. Between the Longhorns rebuilding and my favorite bar, which burned down a year and a half ago and is supposedly rebuilding (they haven't broken ground yet!), it's no wonder I haven't become a closet alcoholic at the mercy of my recliner and mini fridge. This year, the Big XII is a struggling conference with an already-crowned Champion coasting the season. Every game is over by the half. Brittney leads in scoring and blocks and doesn't come close to her opponents in minutes played. 40 points against Texas Tech. 50 points against Kansas State. And let's not overlook the triple-double she recorded against West Virginia, her 5th in her career. She is a beast. And I mean that in the most complementary, non-Rutgers-stigma way possible.
It was a celebrated era when UConn went on their run - undefeated in '08-'09 and again in '09-'10. Maya Moore was a goddess on the court. She dominated, as well...but apparently in a more graceful manner? No one questioned her role and her gender. She was a Husky Queen. Right up there with Taurasi and Sue Bird.
Now, back to the Tournament. We just saw what Baylor, or rather Brittney, can do against the Wildcats...
Texas is struggling...again. Texas Tech has lost a couple in a row. Oklahoma is surprisingly holding their own. With four Sooners suffering season-ending injuries earlier this year, Sherri Coale is doing what she does best with eight active players and two volleyball players they picked up for the Spring season. Iowa State is having a decent season. But decent gets overlooked when next to phenomenal. Oh, and decent probably won't get you a conference title this year. Sorry, Lady Cyclones.
So, how do you hype up a tournament that is over before it begins?
You posterize the face of the Conference. Nneka Enemkpali and Brittany Chambers don't sell tickets. Brittney Griner does. The Griner Effect, March 8-11.
-bObD.
3.01.2013
Its March!!!
Well, its March ladies and gentlemen.....the greatest month of the year for a college hoops junkie! This year's tournament is figuring to be one of the wackiest on record. Really there are no stand out teams. I've been doing my homework like I do every year and there have been some really, really good games. To me that means that a lot of the teams this year are equally matched and that makes for great finishes and drama. The Heartbreak, the agony, the elation of March is upon us so here at Words we have to roll out a little NCAA tournament preview.......Let's start with the contendas!!!
-tshurn
- Indiana - Oladipo, Hulls, and Watford are natural born leaders. This team plays together and they have great chemistry. The question is can Cody "Big handsome" Zeller step up when it matters most in tourney. They can't win it all unless he is beastin.
- Michigan St. - When it comes down to March, you can never count out MSU. The main reason for that is preparation. No one gets his team more prepared than Izzo. No One. Period.
- Duke - Everyone that knows me, knows that I am a Duke hater. I hate Coach K's rat face, I can't stand Jason William's smug attitude on ESPN...my bad Jay Williams. I really hate Chris Collins for some reason I can't explain. But my hatred won't blind me. There are good. Good enough to win it all. Especially if Ryan Kelly comes back healthy.
- Gonzaga - That Canadian hippie kid they got can hoop. That's all I got.
- Georgetown - Otto Porter is a leader and he doesn't miss shots. He could carry them to the title.
- Miami - I love this team. They have a really nice mix of players, and Shane Larkin is one of the best pgs in the nation. If Reggie Johnson plays hard, they can win it.
- Michigan - They shoot too many threes for my taste, but if they get on a streak...look out. Plus they have the player of the year in Trey Burke.
-tshurn
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