The one where we lament over Tiger's tragedy

When the dust settles and the facts of the incident become clear to all, the impact of December 2009 in the world of sports culture will be unable to be understated. Only Jordan had such an impact on sports from such a young age. And even he didn’t find worldwide success as quickly as Tiger did.

In 1996 Tiger was a boy challenging men in the most grueling golfing event of the year. How many times in life do we say, "That kid will be the greatest ever," and it's actually true? Nearly never, but with Tiger it was.

In the midst of steroids and Vick and Kobe and Phelps’ bong...we had Tiger. Even Lance Armstrong faced accusations and a broken household.

He won with class and without controversy. Quite simply, he was (is?) the best.

Was it a lie? Did he let us down? Was the pressure we placed on him fair? He always owned Sunday, and was seemingly never rattled. But was he really striving under the pressure, or just simply keeping from cracking? Did we let him down? He didn’t ask to be our sports savior, were we really offered anything more than the best he could do on the course?

He never cheated the game. This wasn’t Rose’s or Jordan’s gambling. There will be no investigation by the PGA or the FBI. It speaks to how we held Tiger, that he is being so indicted for not a legal issue, but a moral one. Who knows how many women he slept with or how many will come forward? It isn’t important now; once that number hit more than one it was all over. Now each one still matters, is still significant, but they matter less and less.

But should we fans be surprised? The notion of a hero striving for perfection and falling just short is one that is as old as human history. Aristotle coined the term hamartia, referring to the tragic flaw of Grecian heroes. There was always one imperfection, no matter how small or discrete, that would prevent a hero from being anything more than just one of us…from being human.

Perhaps that is what it boiled down to. We were all just shocked that it turned out Tiger Woods was as human as the rest of us. He does stupid shit that he probably knows he shouldn’t. He does things without thinking about consequence. These things are natural and integral part of the human experience.

The next chapter of this saga remains largely unseen. Woods has made his path to greatness even that much difficult. He must continue to chase history under an even larger magnifying glass than before. The fans will be relentless. Everyone will be watching and waiting to see—just as on nearly every summer Sunday afternoon—whether Tiger will persevere and overcome or will he crumble and fail as he rarely does.

It has been two months since PEBs last post. This was due partially to a busy schedule by the writers, an overabundance of alcohol available to the writers and maybe just lack of inspiration. With the upcoming college football bowl games and the NFL playoffs, along with the heating up of the NBA and NCAA basketball seasons, there is no shortage of story lines to report and write about.

But rest assured, we are not back to bitch and moan about the BCS system (at least right now; our official position on the situation is that "It blows") or discuss the implications of the Saints or Colts attempting to go 16-0.

What we cannot (and will not) provide is an asylum from the Tiger Woods circus, unfortunately. It is actually the disaster that has become the world's greatest golfer's life that has awoken us from our slumber. I have never been a good golfer. I enjoy watching it occasionally (especially the majors). But when Tiger is playing golf becomes more than a casual Sunday or Saturday afternoon. It becomes an event that rivals any of the greatest and most exciting sporting events on TV.

So, without further ado, I present PerformanceEnhancedBlogging's resurrection.

Brady's Weekly Picks....

First things first… all I have to say is that even though I didn’t have the start I was looking for last week, BAUM WENT 0-5 on the weekend!! Way to step up your picks bro. You are terrible.

As for me, I went a not-so-impressive 2-3 last week. The ACC once again showed that it is inconsistent when a BAD Virginia team not only covered the spread versus a formally ranked Tarheel team, but THEY WON by double digits! Duke showed that they aren’t as terrible as years past by covering against Virginia Tech at home. The one pick of the week that bummed me out was definitely the Packers over the Vikings pick. I, of all people, should NEVER bet against Favre on a Monday night when his emotions are on the line. He proved to everyone that he can still play, and I’m sure he was excited to impress over his former ‘mates.

As for this week, the main goal is to go over .500. I’m planning on taking a more conservative approach to my picks this week as you will see. With a two game lead over Baum already, look for me to increase that this weekend with some more winners. (PS: The Browns are still bad)

Here we go…

1. Georgia Bulldogs (+1) @ Tennessee Volunteers
With this spread, this is an obvious ‘pick ‘em’ game. I know the game is at Neyland Stadium where Tennessee traditionally plays well. However, I believe Georgia is the better team and will come through with a big road victory this weekend. Don’t forget, a mediocre UCLA team beat the Vols at home. Look for Georgia to win comfortably.
2. Alabama (-5) @ Ole Miss
I’m picking this matchup solely because I believe Alabama is one of the top 2 teams in the country. Their defense is outstanding and their offense has been dominant in the run game so far this year. Ole Miss is a solid team, but they got shut down by South Carolina’s defense for 4 quarters. Alabama’s defense sets the pace, and the Tide cover the 5 points.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Philadelphia Eagles (-15.5)
Welcome back McNabb, Eagles cover the spread.
4. New England Patriots (-3.5) @ Denver Broncos
New England ends the Broncos streak.
5. Indianapolis Colts (-4) @ Tennessee Titans
The Colts continue to dominate and win by 2 touchdowns.

Lines provided by bodog.com

Baum's (not so) can't miss picks of the week...October 3rd and 4th edition.

Hello everyone and welcome. Football season is upon us once again and that means time for some guessing and gambling. And because you are busy heating cheese dip and passing out at halftime, we here at PerformanceEnhancedBlogging are giving you five for-sure picks that will allow you to keep your sad and poorly funded little operation afloat for one more week.

The consistency and helpfulness of Baum's Picks has come under fire by some on the blog recently and a challenger has arisen. It is during times of competition and adversity that a man can truly show himself and others that of which he is capable. I trust this will be such a time.

Baum was 2-3 last week and is 9-11 on the year. He will start off 0-0 vs. The Truth.
Peyton Manning turned out to be, in fact, Peyton Manning and the Falcons refused to throw the ball down field. Meanwhile the Pac-10 continues to be a bettors worst nightmare. Here are this weeks picks (Sorry about three ACC picks, The Pac-1o continues to screw me over and nobody really cares about the Big 10...just nothing else I like):

1. Virginia Cavaliers @ North Carolina Tar Heels (-13)*
The Heels are coming of a road loss at Ga Tech. They played the option much better at home last year, but this year they could do nothing offensively or defensively. Expect Butch Davis to have UNC poised and ready to come out at home against Virginia, which largely counts as a Division II school this year. Tarheels will cover the necessary two touchdowns.

2. Virginia Tech Hokies @ Duke Blue Devils (+16.5)
Duke's only chance of covering is if the Hokies let up late. Don't count on Frank Beamer allowing this to happen...Hokies win by twenty.

3. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (-6) @ Mississippi State Bulldogs
The Jackets are coming off a 24-7 win vs. UNC where they played their best all-around game all year. Miss State is coming of a loss to LSU where they probably did the same. Tech won this in a blow-out in Atlanta last year, which is all well and good, but that means the Bulldogs have a little more of an idea of what to expect in Starkville this year. I don't like Tech to cover, this one will be decided by a field goal.

4. Cincinnati Bengals (-5.5) @ Cleveland Browns
As a Browns fan, this is not easy...or maybe it is. The Browns have no identity on either side of the ball. The Bengals are a miracle play against Denver from being 3-0 and are coming off a win against the Super Bowl Champs. Derek Anderson is the Browns starting QB, for now, but does it really matter? Bengals will win by the lake easily, take Cincy and lay the points.

5. Baltimore Ravens @ New England Patriots(-1.5)
The Patriots are still getting favored hear just on name alone I think. They did play the Falcons tough and took care of business, but there defense is less than fearful and with pressure early this year, Tom Brady has been less than stellar. The Ravens on the other hand, might be the team to beat in the AFC. The defense is just as nasty as always, and with Flacco winging it and a three-headed monster of McGahee, Rice and McClain coming out of the back field, the Boston front four will be begging for mercy. Baltimore wins by a field goal.






*Baum's lines are retrieved from Rivals.com through Yahoo!

If You Want REAL Winners; Listen to Me, Not Baum

Over the first few weeks of the season I would glance at my good pal Baum's "can't miss picks of the week" and at times I would just find myself laughing. How do you pick against Tom Brady and Peyton Manning in the same week? Those picks might even be worse than the Cleveland Browns performances so far this year. Baum, stop holding out hope. Derek Anderson is NOT the savior.

Enter me. I mentioned to Baum earlier in the year that we should make this competitive. He said no. He was scared. And after an 8-12 start on his part, I can understand why. Beginning this week, I will give you MY 5 picks of the week. Now, I'm not going to give you any guarantees or anything but I can promise you I won't do as bad as Baum. If I do, then I'll just blame the swine flu or Eric Mangina.

1. Virginia Tech (-17) at Duke
Coach Beamer and crew have played well all season except for maybe two quarters. They looked like they pulled all the pieces together last week when they absolutely clobbered Miami 31-7. Don't look for them to fall asleep against Duke this week. Virginia Tech covers the 17 points.

2. USC (-5) at California
Who would have thought that both of these teams are playing in a "must-win" game the first weekend in October? Well this game could very well be one of those situations. California got absolutely rocked last week by Oregon on the road. USC has looked great at times and bad at times. Losing to Washington and struggling in the 2nd half against Washington State. Look for the game to be close but my gut tells me that this is the worst USC team we have seen in Pete Carroll's tenure. However, USC still finds a way to win by 7.

3. Cincinnati Bengals (-6) at Cleveland Browns
This game actually scares me a little bit and I'll tell you why. By no mistake am I saying that the Browns are any good, but they have a chance to win this game. And by chance I mean, as much of a chance as Baum has at beating me this week. The thing that scares me is that it is hard to swallow the fact that the Bengals are legitimate. I want to believe it just seems too much like an oxymoron to me. Derek Anderson will try his best to give the Browns a chance to win. I'm going against my gut here, and am going to say..... Take the Bengals, AND the points.

4. New York Giants (-9) at Kansas City Chiefs
I know I'm picking a lot of road favorites to cover, which statistically is not a favorable choice, but the reality here is the Chiefs are almost as bad as the Browns. They got ran over last week by a Philadelphia Eagles team that is not as good as the New York Giants, especially on defense. Look for the Giants to continue their fast start and improve to 4-0. Giants win by at least 10.

5. Green Bay Packers (+3 1/2) at Minnesota Vikings
As if we aren't all intrigued by this matchup. Brett Favre finally gets his chance to play his former beloved Green Bay Packers. I'm emotionally invested in this game as I'm sure a lot of the fans that will be watching are. This is a toss up. Favre was miraculous last week with his 4th quarter comeback. How will he handle the nerves, and the pressure to win this game? Aaron Rodgers also has a lot to prove in this, did-we-forget, huge divisional rivalry. I'm pulling for Brett Favre to have a performance of the ages, but I'm betting on Green Bay to cover the points.


So there you have it folks. My introductory picks of the season. All I really care about is that I get more correct than Baum does, cause he stinks and he's a Browns fan. FHL.com.

Word.

The GAME

Its BALLHAWK TIME.........................
As i sit in the warehouse and drink a cold brew and think about beautiful women, i get to sit back a watch a beautiful game called FOOTBALL. I know all you meat heads are thinking he must be talking about Touchdowns and Cheerleaders, but not so fast my friend..... Im talking about non stop action no timeouts no little red flags that are stuffed between a coaches belt and package. Im talking about the Worlds most popular game that here in the states we call soccer. I get why most people dont like Football (soocer) they think that it isnt a tough sport or its a sport for girls. Ill be the first to say that i hate watching womens sports but to call Football (soocer) and girls sports is like calling the Browns a great franchise. Thats so far from the truth for one these so called girls are the hightest paid athelets and oh yea they also dont let little dumb blondes mess up there chance to win games, thats for you MR. ROMO. I would love to see anyone that doesnt think its a great sport or there isnt enough scorign to try and run for 45min straigh, see how girly the game is. If americans want to get Football (soocer) big than they have to get all these sterotypes about the wonderful game out of the non fit one beer drinking football fans. There are more drama queens in american football than anyother sport but you dont see anyone calling that game a joke or a girls game. So give it a shot grab your favorite brew sit back and get ready to get a hard on....
And im out

Sneak Attack - Round #2! Oh The Carnage!

Baum I Own You.

Word.

Baum Gets Knocked Out With A Sneak Attack... YOU CAN'T SEE ME!

The Champ is Here!!

Word.

Baum's can't miss picks of the week: Week 4

Hello everyone and welcome. Football season is upon us once again and that means time for some guessing and gambling. And because you are busy heating cheese dip and passing out at halftime, we here at PerformanceEnhancedBlogging are giving you five for-sure picks that will allow you to keep your sad and poorly funded little operation afloat for one more week.

Baum was 2-3 last week, making him 7-8 on the year.

1. Arizona State (+12) @ UGA
Georgia has scored points in bunches but the defense has been lackluster. Eventually Joe Cox and AJ Green won't be able to keep up. Luckily for them a mediocre Sun Devil team will not give them too much of a test, but will have some extra motivation looking to avenge a home loss to the Bulldogs last year. Georgia wins, but doesnt cover

2. Florida @ Kentucky (+21.5)
Kentucky is a huge home-dog to number one FLorida. But the Gators were exposed by a far weaker Volunteer team in the Swamp last week. The Wildcat's D is nothing like that of Tennessees but their offense can keep things close. Floirda wins by 19.


3. California @ Oregon (+5.5). Lay the points, take Cal...Jahvid Best is too good.

4. Atlanta Falcons (+4.5) @ New England Patriots
The Falcons are hot and playing well on both sides of the ball. Tom Brady is still shaky coming of a missed year. This one will be decided by a field goal, and Atlanta may win it outright.

5. Indianapolis Colts @ Arizona Cardinals (-2.5)
Don't get caught up in the hype. Peyton Manning and Reggie Wayne will be too much for the Cards defense. Colts will win it 28-26.

The Warehouse Fantasy Football Standings: Week 2!

Mary-- you're lucky.

Ben-- you stink.


Word.

NFL Update: What Have We Learned After 2 Weeks?

It's hard to believe, but two weeks of the NFL season have already come and gone. What have we learned? Let's dig into it....

#1 - Drew Brees is the real deal. Through two games he has thrown for 9 touchdowns with only 1 interception, while completing a ridiculous 75% of his pass attempts. The question now becomes, are the Saints legit? They have put up 45+ points in both of their games this season. Will anyone's defense be able to stop this offense?! Saints are going to be a factor late in the season.

#2 - Tom Brady might be feeling the effects of his knee injury after all. Not only that, but I think the Patriots formula is finally slowing down. For years they have been notorious for signing post-prime players and rejuvenating their careers. The players cost less, and usually performed at a higher level than they did with their previous team. However, I think this formula is slowly going to cost the Patriots some games this year. Their defense is old and slow, and their offense won't be the same until Brady stops thinking about his injury. Don't count the Patriots out just yet, but there should be cause for concern.

#3 - Tony Gonzalez was a major pick up for the Atlanta Falcons. The Atlanta Falcons were an 11-5 team last season with a rookie quarterback and a rookie head coach. After upgrading with a guy like Tony Gonzalez, it give Matty Ice the perfect check down guy. He is arguably the best tight end to play the game and could possibly be the piece that puts the Falcons over the top. So far it looks like the Falcons are a surefire lock to end the streak of never having back to back winning seasons. Falcons are legit.

#4 - Brett Favre is doing exactly what he needs to be doing for the Minnesota Vikings. Favre was brought back to manage a game. His main job is to turn around and hand the ball off to Adrian Peterson, who is the best back in the game. In passing situations, he is protecting the ball and not being his traditional gunslinger self. This has prove very effective for him and the Vikings who are looking solid at 2-0 in a fairly inconsistent division. Props to my boy Favre, glad to see him back on the field doing well.

#5 - Are the San Francisco 49ers legit? Mike Singletary is proving to be a pretty solid head coach. Their defense is playing well enough to keep them in every game as they have gotten off to a 2-0 start to the season; without Michael Crabtree. Koudos to that organization as they finally seem to be turning in the right direction. They have a legitimate shot at winning the NFC West with all of the other teams being fairly inconsistent.

Other quick comments...

-The Browns and Lions are bad. Period.

-Chad Ochocinco is still the man. Loved the Lambeau leap this past week.

-Sleve Slaton was a horrible fantasy draft pick so far.

-The Cowboys new stadium is INSANE. Love it.



That's all for now...

Word.

Baum's can't miss picks of the weekend: Week 3

Hello everyone and welcome. Football season is upon us once again and that means time for some guessing and gambling. And because you are busy heating cheese dip and passing out at halftime, we here at PerformanceEnhancedBlogging are giving you five for-sure picks that will allow you to keep your sad and poorly funded little operation afloat for one more week.


Baum was 3-2 last week and is 5-5 on the year.



Week 2 Recap: Both the Buckeyes and the Gamecocks did well to cover and nearly each won their games. Notre Dame's offense continues to be explosive but not as explosive as the New Orleans saints who easily covered against the lowly Lions. The Hilltoppers ruined the cover by just more than a field goal.



1. Boston College (+7) @ Clemson Tigers

The Tigers are a very talented offense. They have the ability to score in bunches as they did last thursday. They come at Boston College after ten days off and back at home. BC has picked on some lowly team early, but if Daybo can stay away from the tricks and gimmicks, Clemson will win by double digits.

2. North Texas Mean Green (+38.5) at Alabama North Texas is bad and Alabama has looked sharp early. But even Florida Internationl only lost by 24. The Mean Green have already beaten what was a fairly good MAC team last year in Oxford, so look for them to cover.

3. Florida State Seminoles (+7.5) at Brigham Young Cougars
Florida States inability to stop the pass will seal their doom against the Cougar. Travelling cross country for this game will also play a part in the Seminoles poor performance. The ACC has struggled against pretty much every other conference this year, and this game will prove no different. Look for BYU to win big.





4. Utah Utes (+5) at Oregon Ducks
Without their star running back, Oregon's offense will continue to struggle. Utah is now the better team. Oregon barely fended off Purdue last week and will have just as much trouble with the Utes. This one will be decided by a field goal.



5. Minnesota Vikings (-10) at Detroit Lions
I hate to pick on the Lions but it is so easy. Look for the Vikings to use the exact same reciped agains Detroit as they did against the Browns...pound early and play keep away once you get the lead. Adrian Peterson's legs will run Matt Stafford in to making plenty of mistakes. Lay the points and take Minnesota.

BREAKING NEWS: MCNABB INJURED -- VICK TO START WEEK 3.

McNabb goes down after rushing TD vs. Carolina Panthers.

Baum's can't miss picks of the week.

Hello everyone and welcome. Football season is upon us once again and that means time for some guessing and gambling. And because you are busy heating cheese dip and passing out at halftime, we here at PerformanceEnhancedBlogging are giving you five for-sure picks that will allow you to keep your sad and poorly funded little operation afloat for one more week.

All punches aside, Oregon and Boise surprised last week with a knock-down, drag-out defensive brawl. Maryland turns out to be much worse than anyone could have anticipated (along with many other ACC bottom dwellers, as three of them lost at home to CAA teams). Even if they could have pulled out a miracle, the Seminole's defense cost them any hope of covering the spread. Even with the awkward delivery [Miami's QB] shreded the FSU secondary for 330+ yards.

Baum is 2-3 after last week. I am sort of pressed for time so this will be quick. And here are the moneymakers:

South Carolina @ UGA (-7)
Joe Cox is not ready to run the Bulldogs. South Carolina plays them tough traditionally and is coming off a strong win. This one will be decided by less than a field goal. Take South Carolina plus the touchdown.

USC (-7) @ Ohio State
This game is a do-over for the Buckeyes. They lost some key offensive players, but Terrel Pryor continues to mature. USC lost several members on defense and is led by a freshman. Going east in to the Horseshoe is no easy task. Buckeyes will win it.

Notre Dame @ Michigan (Over/under 48 1/2)
These two offense still haven't found a rhythm. Jimmy Clausen will not have an easy time in the big house...this one should get sloppy. Go with the under.


South Florida Bulls (-25) @ Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
Not a whole lot to say here. The Hilltoppers are real bad. The Bulls will cover easily.

Detroit Lions (+13) @ New Orleans Saints
This is the easiest pick this week. The Saints are a well-tuned machine and the Lions are, well, the Lions. Stafford is there to throw to Calvin Johnson but this is still a feeling out period. The Saints will win by more than two touchdowns.

This isn't a spoof... this REALLY did happen. Wow.

Please comment.

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The Warehouse Fantasy Football League... Week 1 Schedule.

Check out the matchups.

College Football Starts Off With A BANG!!

By the way. Nice pick Baum!

Word.

Baum's can't miss picks of the week:

Hello everyone and welcome. Football season is upon us once again and that means time for some guessing and gambling. And because you are busy heating cheese dip and passing out at halftime, we here at PerformanceEnhancedBlogging are giving you five for-sure picks that will allow you to keep your sad and poorly funded little operation afloat for one more week.

Baum starts the season 0-0. And here are the moneymakers:

1. Oregon Ducks @ Boise State Broncos(-3) Over/Under 64

I'm only taking one from the Thursday night set because I am too ready to start the season and this is too good to pass up. If you can stay up and stand the seizure-inducing colors of Boise State's stadium, then you will get to chance to see two of the highest-powered offenses in the nation trade touchdowns. The Ducks averaged 42 points a game last year while the Broncos could only muster 39, so the scoring will score in bunches. Oh, but you know what you won't see? Defense. These teams combined to give up an average of 51 points per game last year (28 by Oregon; 23 by Boise), so seeing both teams score 32 shouldn't be a surprise anyone. Take the
over.

2. Buffalo Bulls (+8.5) @ UTEP Miners

RB James Starks for Buffalo is good. He is very good. He is the main reason they were able to win the MAC Championship last year. And Turner Gill is a very good coach, but a repeat as Mid-American Champs is very unlikely without Starks, who will have season-ending shoulder surgery soon.

This game is a replay of last year's season opener in Buffalo, when the Bulls stampeded to a 42-17 victory. Now the game has moved across the country, waaayyy down south near the border and Buffalo's star running back is gone. It is clear this game will not be a Bulls blowout, and they may even lose, but 8.5 points on year removed from a 25 point victory is too good to pass up. Take Buffalo and the points.

3. Maryland Terrapins @ California Golden Bears (-21)

This game is another replay of one that went the other way last year that is changing sites. Maryland was able to upset Cal at in College Park last year and must now travel all the way to the Pacific Ocean to lock-up again. California is greatly improved over last year's 8-4 squad and Maryland probably won't be able to win seven games again this year. But it is still early in the season and few teams look as sharp now as they will in October. Expect the Golden Bears to win in a possible route, but don't expect three touchdowns. Maryland and 21 will take it.

4. Kentucky Wildcats -15 @ Miami Redhawks

Kentucky is not going to blow many people out. But, reversely, Miami isn't going to beat many teams either. Miami hasn't won in Oxford since September 13 of last year, when they beat Charleston Southern by 11. Kentucky can beat up on lesser teams. Take the Wildcats, and lay the points.

5. Miami Hurricanes (+6.5) @ Florida State Seminoles

Is FSU ready to be meaningful again? This would certainly be a solid game to make a statement in. Well, they will win this game by a touchdown, but probably not be in the top 15 at the end of the year. It's the Noles by at least a touchdown.

Now (Re) Introducing.... THE Michael Vick

Michael Vick makes his long awaited return tonight at 7:00pm vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars. Usually the third preseason game is where the team gets to really see how they are performing as the starters usually see the bulk of the action, however, tonight will be surrounded by the site of Michael Vick on an NFL field once again. How will he fair? Check the highlights tonight to find out. Should be some exciting stuff.

Welcome back #7.

Word.

Faith...restored.

This structure will return hope and promise to a nation riddled in a recession.

And no, e, there is no word on whether or not the ride ends with you fatally being slammed into a wall.

Tom Glavine's favorite revolutionary is Benedict Arnold.

I can understand it to a degree, I really can. My plea is just that there are always exceptions to the rule. This is a giant exception. The bottom line is this: this should have never happened.

I know that the rules are different when an athlete endorses a company, especially when the athlete plays a team sport. Sometimes the presence of that player's current team will shine through in the ad campaign and other times (seemingly often) the players jersey is nondescript or washed out, like this:

But there are times when washing out the jersey or assuming people viewing the ad won't be able to tell isn't enough. Such is the case of two inappropriate billboards within a mile of Turner Field in Atlanta.

It has been more than six years since Tom Glavine abandoned the Braves for the greener cash of Flushing Meadows, NY and Shea Stadium. It's been fifteen years since Glavine helped spearhead the labor union strike that shook the foundation of men and boys alike around the nation (many of which claim to have not been fans of the game since).

The next chapter of betrayal for the one that they call "Tommy G" is not entirely his fault. Personally, I place blame completely and totally on the marketing people at AirTran Airways, who's hub, I might add is a mere seven mile trek down I-85/75 from Turner Field.

This is the billboard. There a few sligh variations, but all carry the same image. Tom Glavine. In a Mets jersey. Across the street from where the Atlanta Braves play their home games.

Maybe Glavine was bitter for being cut by the team earlier in the year. Maybe he just needed the money. I refuse to believe no one thought about it. People were paid thousands of dollars to design and pitch the ideas for this billboard. Nobody, perhaps one of the hundreds of AirTran employees in the Atlanta area, thought to say, "hey, this could perhaps be a bad move."??

I understand you cant really change the design fo a national ad campaign for one market. This just isn't practical. But Tom Glavine, in a Mets jersey, next to Turner Field should have never happened.

The Never Ending Saga.... Favre is BACK! I think... no he's not. Wait, is he? YES.

Brett Favre has come out of retirement AGAIN.

The story of Brett Favre's lack of decision making does not have an end, yet, another chapter. Favre has signed a 2-year $25 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings. Sorry Sage. Sorry Tavaris. Coach Childress appreciates your hard work, but he really doesn't care. I love Brett Favre, but what strikes my nerves a little bit about this whole ordeal is the fact that, in my opinion, the head coach undermined the entire team. Coach Childress should have come out and said that Brett was his quarterback whenever he decided to return. He didn't. Instead he claimed to "close the door" on the situation three weeks ago when Favre said he would remain retired. Coach Childress, while adding a hall of fame quarterback to his team, might have some making up to do with much of his team. He should have been straight forward with his guys, instead he took a huge risk.

I hope it works out. It's going to be fun watching #4 play on a playoff caliber team one more time. Oh, let's not forget-- he gets to play against Green Bay two times. Exciting stuff.

Vikings = NFC North Champs. Superbowl?

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Vick Signs With Eagles..... Welcome back #7.

Michael Vick has signed a one year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles worth a reported $1.6 million with a team option in 2010 worth $5.2 million. The creditors are smiling. Oh, and so is Michael Vick.

So what happens now? What should we realistically expect out of the guy? Only time will tell, so let's talk in the moment. The signing itself is HUGE. Not only for the Eagles franchise but also for the NFL. A lot of people played an important role in the signing of the former Atlanta Falcon turned Leavenworth inmate. Sports television and radio have been on Michael Vick overload over the past 24 hours since the word of the signing spread. I haven't seen this much chatter since Michael Jackson passed away a couple of months ago. Opinions vary from excitement to outrage. It seems like many people across the nation have become somewhat emotionally involved with this story. Why? Because it involves man's best friend; dogs.

What Michael Vick did was sick, wrong, disgusting, pathetic, idiotic and just plain cruel. HOWEVER, it is time the give the man a chance at redemption. He has made many mistakes in his life and now has been given the chance to try and make something better of himself. It bothers me when people, PETA, attempt to sandbag the guy after the fact. His debt to society has been paid. Some would even argue that he has more than paid that debt (see Donte Stallworth). Moving forward, people and organizations should use this as a channel to teach children lessons, not try to run someone into the ground. Michael Vick seems matured. That sounds like an oxymoron and the ultimate judgment remains TBD. To have a guy like Tony Dungy in his corner and as a mentor definitely means something. Dungy is one of the most respected men in the NFL and possibly the world. Commissionar Goodell has also given the Eagles his blessing which is huge. We will never be able to forget the crimes he committed, but now we need to let actions speak louder than words. Michael Vick has the stage, let's see how it plays out.

Tony Dungy believes in him. So should you.

Welcome back #7. Hope you prove all of the doubters wrong.

Word.

New office pool: Over/Under 1.5 weeks that Vick flicks off Philly fans...I'm going under.

Everyone's favorite, dog-loving, No. 7 is back in the NFL. With the ever-classy Philadelphia Eagles. I see no way that this could go badly...



Finally a Super Bowl for Philly?[WDBJ7]

Round 2.... Can't Get Enough of this Guy!

This guy = coolest guy in the world!

A Must See.... Bristol, CT top notch security!

This guy brings me smiles everyday! Enjoy!

The one where Baum rants about the state of popular music ...

Once upon a time...music was free. Sure, records or albums or LPs or vinyl or 8-Tracks or whatever-you-want-to-call them always cost money. There were no mp3 players or smart phones to carry around months worth of songs in a pocket, but music was still accessible and cheap. Not only were albums affordable, but so were the concerts. Good, free music was everywhere. FM Radio was at it's peak and stations around the nation broadcasted unique shows that reflected the music of the region and the time.

In most industries; as the consumer adapts, so must the producer. If the customer wants something different, in a different way, it is the responsibility of the seller to adapt and change its ways in order to stay in business. The music industry is different or special (actually, it really just thinks it is). The media for listening to music has changed drastically. Hearing and playing music is something that is nearly totally technology driven. Changing technology changes how we listen to music more than changing technology affects how we eat a sandwich or jog.

The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) continues to hide behind public policy and copyright law in order to maintain industry profitability. Joel Tenenbaum (no relation) shared 30 songs online and will pay with what is essentially his economic life. $675,000.00 or $22,500 per song. That is the price he must pay regardless of how the songs were obtained. This is somehow to make sure the label/artist/producer/critic review/company janitor/doorman all get their dues. Everyone gets music on the Internet. One would think, using the basic economic path above, that the RIAA would use this medium to making a profit through sales and whatnot. Oh, well of course I can pay $1.29 for one song and avoid mortgaging the rest of my life. But in an economic crisis, shouldn't music be something that is accessible and affordable to all? Whatever happened to collective hope and optimism?

And don't kid yourself, there is no other way to listen to new music cheap and/or free. If you argue that there is always FM radio, then you haven't scanned through the stations in some time. There are fewer stations on the radio than their used to be and they are controlled by the same people! Clear Channel and Cumulus Media own over 1,000 radio stations just between themselves. Each station has a very restricted and limited playlist. Like owning the old-school iPod shuffle with about 40 songs on loop.

Satellite radio is awesome. But it is going to cost you over ten bucks a month. CDs can still be a thrill, but not only do prices continue to rise, there is no where to buy them. You can go to Wal-Mart for the latest and most popular and that's about it. Even Borders and Best Buy aren't tough to stump when looking for a lesser known artist/album and the cost is still going to run you about 20 dollars.

Concerts are still the best way to experience music. But the cost of the middle to top shows is astronomical. Tickets to the present tour for up-and-coming Kings Of Leon concert will run you near $40 for the cheapest seat. Along with $10 for parking and $20 if you want something to eat or drink, you are looking to spend quite a bit of money to sit behind a pole and listen to 2 hours of music.

It's easy to blame the artists, especially following Metallica's performance during the Napster trials. But no one can really blame the talent for looking to strike it big. Who is to blame? It isn't easy to say. The only thing that is safe to say is that a college student from Boston shouldn't have to make up the difference for the RIAAs inability to adapt to an industry that is being changed by the technology that provides it.

Don Mclean was wrong. The music didn't die. But it may be dying. And the scary thing is, the people who are killing also hold the power to save it. Will they?

The men on the other side of the radio.

It's something all sports fans will deal with in their lives. Their favorite sportscaster will retire, or worse, pass on. Often times a radio or TV announcer can become more to a fan than the actual team. The reasons for this are simple: players change, coaches change, management changes, stadiums and even team colors and logos will change, but often times the voice telling the stories of a favorite team will remain the same.

For Cubs fans nation wide, Harry Caray was the most integral part of the hard-luck team.

It is like a continuous book-on-tape with the same narrator. Football fans will spend every fall weekend afternoon tuned in to hear the tales of battle of their favorite team. Baseball fans, probably the passionate about their announcers, will have every day of summer and more narrated by a familiar voice (162 days is nearly a half a year). Even basketball and hockey fans will invite their long time friends on the TV or radio to their home over 80 times a year.

For a life long Atlanta sports fan, the intimacy of the fan/sportscaster relationship is at the forefront of my mind this week. It was one week ago last year that long time Braves announcer Skip Caray died before he could join the team for a West coast road trip. For the first 23+ years of my life, my family had invited a man into our home, car and living room 162 times a year. Next to my immediate family or close friends, I knew no voice better.

Later that year Skip's long time partner Pete Van Wieren announced his retirement. Shortly thereafter, voice of the Dogs Larry Munson decided to call it quits as well. It was as if the door to the past, my childhood even, wasn't being closed...it was slammed. I still recall falling asleep to Steve Holman calling the Hawks as Mookie Blalock would dump it into Mutombo down low, and now have to wonder how much longer he can go?

Munson decided to light a cigar on his stellar career last fall.

Phillies fans mourned the passing of Harry Kalas nationally and I could understand what they were going through. Every team in every market will have to go through it eventually, it is just something the sports fan cannot avoid.

It is a Catch-22, really. We loathe new voices and amatuers who don't know how to tell us the story of the game how we know it is supposed to be told. But we also dread the day that the voice we have become so accustomed to must move on, whether it be by choice or act of God.

Who are some of your favorite/memorable sportscaster and their stories?

Steroids.... the NONE issue.

I've been wanting to write this article for some time now, as it is quite controversial. Members of The Warehouse even got into a passionate argument over the weekend about this issue. I believe one member of The Warehouse called another member by the name "dumb f***." Now I don't condone that kind of language (even though I might have been the one who said it) but what I do condone is....... STEROIDS.

Ok, I don't really condone the use of steroids, but I don't care that professional athletes are using 'roids. Just think about it, nearly every single one of you sports fans out there has been 'crushed' by the fact that your favorite athlete has at some point in his career tested positive for a "performance enhanced drug." Wake up! Now what I'm about to tell you might bring back bad memories of when you found out that Santa Clause wasn't real (sorry kids)... but get your head out of your ass, YOUR FAVORITE ATHLETE HAS PROBABLY DONE STEROIDS. Obviously, I don't have bloody gauze from all of these athletes as proof, but common sense should be proof enough.

We live in a society where anyone and everyone does whatever it takes to get ahead. I.e; Enron, Martha Stewart, Bernie Madoff. Moving forward, common sense tells us that 99% of the athletes who have the chance to use the rage drug, will. If I could get my hands on some PED's, there's no doubt I would take them. Who wouldn't want to be bigger, stronger, faster, quicker, sexier?! In a profession like sports, you HAVE to try to get ahead of the game, by any means possible right? If not, you'll get cut. Period.

As for the state of sports today, the main reason why I don't care that people are using is the fact that EVERYONE is using, and it is in all sports. The fact that today we learned that Rashard Lewis, a basketball player, was suspended for 10 games for 'elevated testosterone' only furthers my point. Professional athletes have tested positive for PEDs in sports such as; football, baseball, basketball, track, swimming, rugby and heck even cycling. You'll probably sit there and argue that using steroids is cheating and that it is a competitive advantage.... blah blah blah.

Is it really a competitive advantage though? Look at it from this perspective; If Roger Clemens faced Barry Bonds, who has the advantage? They are both "cheaters," right?! Neither has an advantage, it is actually as level of a playing field as their can be. That is the reality of the last two/three decades of sports. Everyone is doing it, so are they really cheating? Instead of being bitter about it, appreciate what you are seeing. Regardless of how they are doing it, appreciate the fact that they ARE doing it. You may never see anything like it ever again. At the same time, you can still look back in history and appreciate all the things those guys did.

The game will get clean. Right now, the game ISN'T clean. Get over it. Enjoy sports for the beauty of them and the fun of them. Forget about steroids, it should be a none issue because it is a nonadvantage, at least for now. That's just the reality, sorry to shatter your world.

Steroids. Out.

Word.

P.S. I miss you Barry.

For those of you who appreciate soccer... Christiano Ronaldo... WOW.

How can you not appreciate this?

Word.

The Most Popular Sport In The United States is........... Soccer?!

Ok, so we all know this is obviously not the truth. But hear me out for a second.

Now, I do have to admit, this article might be a little biased as I played soccer nearly my entire youth. BUT I have this innate feeling that soccer is on the verge of blowing up in America. And no, that's not a joke.

Soccer will never compete with the NFL, at least here in the United States. But I think it seriously has the potential to compete with the NHL, NBA and maybe even MLB. For all of you soccer haters out there, I think you are hiding something. Come out of the figurative soccer closet and admit that it's really not all that bad. A great example of this is the recent success of the USA National team in the FIFA Confederations Cup. The US men's national team secured an outstanding upset of the #1 ranked team in the world, defeating Spain 2-0 in the semifinals. They moved on to face annual powerhouse Brazil as heavy underdogs in their first EVER finals appearance in a FIFA sanctioned tournament. They got off to a hot start and even took a 2-0 at halftime only to fall 3-2 at the end of the game.

With all of this being said, there was a sense of buzz throughout the sports world about, believe it or not, SOCCER BEING RELEVANT! As a lifetime soccer player, I enjoyed playing the game but I never really cared to watch it on TV. But now I have a larger sense of excitement for the game when it comes on TV than I ever have before, as do many fellow americans. What will it take for soccer to take off here? I'm not sure that can be answered with just one simple solution. I believe the biggest fuel to the fire will depend heavily on the performance of the US National team in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Just think about this, the entire nation got behind Michael Phelps in the Olympics last year as he went on to do something we have never seen before. If the men's soccer team goes on to exceed expectations and take the world by storm, will you really not watch? I'm willing to bet money you will, and you'll be cheering.

If this were to happen, it'll have a waterfall effect on the entire country. People will CARE. They won't care as much as they will about the NFL but that's not my point. My point is that it's not too crazy to think that more people will WANT to watch soccer. They will go by a jersey, go play FIFA (which is one of the greatest games of all time by the way) and they will talk about it at work. We've already seen more coverage than ever before, i.e. David Beckham in the MLS. Soccer will become relevant and that will boost our leverage to get premier players over to the states to play for the MLS clubs. It's a domino effect. Get some to come over, many will follow.

You just wait. Soccer IS on the verge. And when it does, you 'macho men' won't have to hide the fact that you've conformed to society and bashed soccer for years. You'll be able to live free and cheer hard for soccer here in America. It IS the most popular sport in the world.....

Only time will tell.

Word.

Brian St. Pierre hasn't taken a snap in six years...

and this is only two years more than Matt Leinart.

Leinart sinking? (Yahoo!)

A baseball lover's lament.

Dialogue from Tony Scott's film, the fan:
Gil Renard: Don't get greedy, son. Don't get greedy. What we need now is a sacrifice. A winning team has to know how to manufacture runs. Coop taught me that. He used to say the most beautiful play in the game is a sacrifice fly, and you know why?
Richie Renard: 'Cause you give yourself up for the team?
Gil Renard: And it doesn't even count against your average. That's why baseball's better than life - it's fair.

Soccer is the most popular sport in the world. Football is the most widely watched sport in the nation. Driving down any American street, you will find nearly each and every driveway equipped with a basketball goal of some kind. Each weekend hundreds of thousands of fans flock to the the NASCAR race, whether it be in North Carolina, California or Delaware.

But no sport better embodies the history (and present) of this country better than baseball. Baseball has developed along with the country. Football and basketball didn't gain notoriety until pretty much after America had established itself as the true world power in the forties and fifties. Baseball's rise to popularity began during Reconstruction in the wake of the Civil War. Since then, it has changed with the times and reflected the state of American society.

Shoeless Joe and the White Sox scandal of 1919 came as the country was propelled into the capitalistic prosperity of the 1920s. During WWII, baseball went on a hiatus as the players, along with the rest of the country, refocused their efforts on war. And then, most recently, as all of the nation (and the world) deals with the issues of steroids and PEDs in sports, baseball is at the forefront.
Whereas most sports are representative of a story: an epic give and take that contains an introduction, a rising action, a climax and a resolution, baseball is more of a poem. Each pitch, each play, each inning has it's own separate and significant meaning. Don't believe me? Read this.

Football fanatics will say it is the strategy and war-like mentality of football that makes it the most popular sport in America. Now, a football game is definitely deep in strategy and makes for a very compelling battle, no sport mirrors the ebb and flow of war like baseball. Baseball is a 162-game season. That is a war consisting of 162 battles. A team will not win them all. Actually, they will undoubtedly lose many of them. Some will be one sided, some will not. Some will cost key players due to injuries. Sometimes players must sit in order to survive to fight another day. Managers are much more like Generals than their football counterparts. There aren't specific plays, just nine players that must be counted on to know their part and where to be when the ball is play. There is no speaker in the pitchers hat, only cryptic hand signals that can advise the soldiers on the field.
For the past ten years it has seemed to many that baseball has sunk to a new low. A new, dark time has emerged for the sport. Every few days a new star is found to have taken steroids or HGH. Let's not beat around the bush here, these players are cheaters. Many (maybe even most) have done so, but that doesn't make it right. All baseball fans out there only can hope that years from now things will be straight again and we can look back on this time and be glad that the game emerged better and more pure.

This will NEVER happen again... had to post it!

Wow, this is amazing.... not to mention the guy won a BMW for this.





** Side note... why do people video tape their TV? Kind of creepy if you ask me...

What Will We Talk About in the Summer of 2010? Favre Remains Retired.

Thanks Favre, now we all have nothing to look forward to next summer since you (finally) decided to remain retired.

In case you missed it.... FAVRE HAS DECIDED TO REMAIN RETIRED, at least we think so. After months and months of self indulgence, Favre has informed the Vikings' head coach Brad Childress that he has decided against a return to the NFL. Number four claims that this was one of the hardest decisions of his life. Surprisingly enough, it turns out the throwing shoulder is not the likely suspect to blame in the *shocking* decision. He blames it on the fact that he's, old, sore, banged up from sacks and well, just not that good anymore.

Now what do we do? Is this really the end of the Brett Favre that we all grew to know and love/hate? What happens next summer when teams realize that their quarterback is worse than Charles Barkely playing golf. Does Brett Favre spark our curiosities one more time, for ole times sake?! I sure hope he............. DOES NOT. It's time to move on guys. I think most of us can agree that we loved Brett when he was the famous gunslinger not afraid to make the tough pass even if it got picked off. How could you not love a guy who is in Levi's commercials and hops off of his tractor is Hattisburg, MS just to tell people he doesn't know if he's going to play again? Oh, and he's got one gorgeous wife! In the end, Brett will go down as arguably the greatest QB to play the game but please, please, no more drama. DON'T COME BACK.

He can't come back at this point right? The Vikings have to do some serious damage control right? However, this bit of information should come as no surprise... Favre's agent left a tiny crack open in the door saying that Brett could consider a comeback if midseason someone's quarterback gets hurt, or arrested for dogfighting, or gets banned for steroids, or decides to go to Africa to smoke pot for a while, or has anxiety attacks that keep him off the field, or they just suck. So for now, Favre is done. FINALLY.

Right?!?!

NOTICE TO NFL TEAMS: SIGN MICHAEL VICK, NOW!!!

Controversy creates cash. The biggest risk in life is not taking one (that one is for you Baum).

Ok so maybe the previous statements were full of cliches, but the point being is that NFL GM's should wake up and take a chance on the quarterback formally known as Ron Mexico. Now, I am not going to sit here and try to convince you that Michael Vick is a good human being or that he has honestly turned his life around after his 23 (ish) months in federal confinement. What I am going to try to do is explain from a football standpoint why someone NEEDS to take a risk and sign him to a year long contract, in the NFL.

Let's face it people, Michael Vick is arguably the most athletic human being alive. Yes, I know he was in prison and wasn't able to workout like he would if was in an NFL training camp somewhere but c'mon, that kind of athletic ability doesn't just disappear. Give him a contract, put him through training camp, let him continue to workout with a high profile trainer Tom Shaw, give him a fews weeks into the season to get back into game shape and you've got yourself one hell of a talented player. I think we all can agree that there are numerous teams out there in dire need of a talented athlete that averages 7.4 yards a carry for his career. The wildcat formation is spreading as fast as the swine flu in the NFL and the ability to add a guy like Michael Vick into a formation like that could be a game changer for many teams.

Let's not completely rule out the idea that this guy could play quarterback again as well, somewhere. In the NFL, the talent of quarterbacks is very top heavy. Many teams have average at best QBs. Vick is just that, an average quarterback. The biggest difference, Michael Vick has superhuman abilities (man I love watching those videos). In 2006, he did average 12.1 yards per completion, above the league average.

At the end of the day, I just think the potential reward of a guy as talented as Michael Vick is worth the risk to me. A team like the St. Louis Rams could use the boost, not only in talent, but in terms of excitement as well. As for the whole PETA thing, they will have to call off the dogs eventually and just let the man show the world that he can still fight, I mean play(as Ballhawk would say, that is a pun on words).

If all else fails, I'll being the first one to order a UFL Orlando hat as soon as he signs his contract.. woof woof!!

--The Truth

Can't think of any better way to celebrate being out of jail...

Than going to a strip club with A.I. C'mon! Yes!

Ok, so the lawyers are saying it isn't true. That Iverson and Vick didn't hit up the strip club together a couple nights ago in Virginia Beach. It probably is just a rumor, but if it were true it would probably be one of the sadder and more enlightening nights in sports in the past 15 years.

You have former number one picks from both the NBA and the NFL. Both players changed their respective games as soon as they entered the league. A.I. crossed up Jordan. Mike Vick beat Brett Favre and the Packers in Lambeau.

Now they are (allegedly) sitting together, calmly, cooly taking in and basking in the wide array of beautiful naked women that Virginia has to offer. The interesting thing here is that, they could have been doing this six or seven years ago and it would have seemed normal, almost perfect.

Now it is sad. Iverson continues to try to hang on to his career (he can still score 20 by putting up 40 shots a night). And Vick is hoping to revive his.

It is Vick that will receive all the attention for his (alleged) rendezvous at the club. Just out of jail for electrcuting dogs, awaiting a meeting with commissioner Roger Goodell to determine his fate, many people will point to a visit to a strip club as a sign that he shows no remorse and has not changed.

Last time I killed a dog in a strip club...the owner did not care for it very much. Here, the whole time I thought the two sort of went hand-in-hand. Look, Vick could have scored some crack...raped a chick...got a hooker...killed something else...etc etc etc, but he didn't. He did something (allegedly) completley legal instead. I'd say he has taken a step in the right direction.

Now it seems though that none of this ever happened. That the DJ at the club is a liar/idiot/both. But this is just such a good and easy rumor. No one, upon first hearing that Vick and Iverson went to a strip club they day Vick got released from house arrest went, "no way!?" or "that can't be true!?" because it is totally reasonable to think that two former number one picks would spend their Tuesday night at a strip club in Virginia Beach. I guess everybody gets bored during baseball season.

Introducing...Your starting lineup!!!

...for Performance Enhanced Blogging, coming live from The Warehouse high atop Highland Square!



...at point guard: The Founder, The Producer, Ari Gold... Brady..."The Truth"...Raaaaaaatchfoooorrrrrrd!!!
Performance Enhanced Blogging (PEB) is his vision. He is truly the man with the plan. It is his hope to someday break the first ever steroid scandal in the Namibian cricket league.

Sporting Background: The Truth was at some point a pretty good soccer player, but his hopes for making the bigs (He grew up idolizing the great dynasty Chicago Fire, founded 1999) were cut short in a tragic single golf cart accident that left him with three gnarly pins in his foot. Still, even while gimped, he is the most athletic of the group.

Favorite Athlete: Tiger Woods is held dear, but no one can take the place of Barry Bonds. The Truth has devoted a great chunk of his life to clearing Barry's name. A fact many know, but few can figure out...


..And at free safety: The Mouth, The Linguist, Prime Time...Barrett "Ball Hawk" Parteeeeeeee!!
Ball Hawk is the on again, off again contributor of the group. Think Hunter S. Thompson without the drugs and the inability to make entire sentences. Ball Hawk does not believe in research or statistics or facts. What he says comes straight from the heart...or brain...or whatever. His words may not often makes sense, but at times he will create a sort of dyslexic poetry, a style yet unmatched.

Sporting Background: Ball Hawk has a degree in golf. If you find this funny/odd/awesome/unbelievable...then you are correct (??). Most people would say (as well as himself) that his best sport is drinking. Golf comes in second, but only because he can't stay away from sport number one long enough to finish 18 holes.

Favorite Athlete: There are so many and they change so constantly (normally whoever is hot, or winning). But Ed Reed stands above them all. Ball Hawk gets his name for his ability to shine in the spotlight. He likes winning, but he likes it to be noticed that he is winning even more...

...and your starting pitcher: The Talent, The Gentleman, The Dad...Maaaatttt Baaaauuummmmm!!!

Baum is the consistent force of the group. He treats the blog like work, he goes in, punches his ticket, does his work and heads home at the end of the day. His hard work often makes him the brunt of many punchlines (that or his love of the Cleveland Browns, which may or may not but the brunt of many punchlines themselves).

Sporting Background: One might say Baum has a well rounded sporting history. Don't listen to them. This only means that he can play many sports poorly, but none well. Odds are if he were going to beat you at something, it would be tennis, but nobody plays tennis anyways. He is actually pretty athletic (maybe?) but hasn't been in shape since the Bush administration...The first one, that is.

Favorite Athlete: It is often joked that Baum's favorite is Bernie Kosar (but this is mostly just a slow white guy joke). His man is Greg Maddux...probably because Baum likes to think that someone who is looks to be in similar shape to him could actually be good at real sports.


And that is your starting five...err..nine...or three!
They may not be All-Stars by themselves...but together they hope to be something more.

Now lets plaaaaaaaaayyyyy bbaaaaaaaalllll!!!

If Erin Andrews weren't hot, nobody would care about her.

Posted by Baum.

Maggie Hendricks of Yahoo! Sports published a blog yesterday, lamenting the end of freedom for abnormally hot female reporters everywhere. She brings up some of the bigger travesties that female sideline reporters have had to endure, such as getting hit on by a hall of fame quarterback or by a young multi-millionare who owns his own MMA league. Oh the atrocities that have befallen society. What endurance it must take for a woman to get all dressed up and go interview the most attractive athletes in the world at the biggest sporting events in the world (and getting paid quite handsomely for it).

Yes, the heckling/oogling/trespassing/

gossiping is unfortunate. But is anyone naive enough to think that Erin Andrews--or Suzy Kolber, etc--got their jobs based solely on journalistic ability (even Maggie Hendricks)?? It is a vicious double standard that can be detrimental to women, but also very detrimental to capable and qualified men. Erin Andrews' looks clearly had to have some sort of impact on her rise through an industry that is nearly entirely male-driven, but she is going to be sensitive to the fact that people find her attractive.

Clearly filming someone changing is inappropriate and uncalled for. But is it really that surprising? Can you expect to be a sex symbol not have people try to look at you naked? And let's make no qualms about it, Erin Andrews is a sex symbol. She is on screen in front of millions of male viewers every time she goes to work and the reason is because those millions of men enjoy looking at her (and probably imagining her naked). If she can't handle the pressure and exposure she can step down, just like professional athletes.

As for what on-screen female reporters wear. The scrutiny is coming from females most of the time. It is preposterous to imply that the nitpicking of what female reporters wear is in some way sexist. Most guys watching a game do not care what the hot sideline reporters are wearing (especially if it is nothing, clearly).

Maybe a cut back on the amount of screen time or jobs for attractive female sidelines reporters will happen. And if it did, it would probably be a good thing. No more distraction for players and coaches (yes, that is why they are there and attractive, so they can distract the players to get an inside scoop). No more useless immediate half-time or post-game sweaty interviews that have never yielded anything remotely resembling a good quote (save KG screaming that he was "CERTIFIABLE!" after the Celtics won the NBA Championship, but what does that mean anyways?). And most importantly no slow-news-day-midsummer useless drama because somebody saw somebody elses but. Once football starts no one watching Indiana vs. Penn State at noon in Happy Valley will give a rat's ass that somebody saw Erin Andrews blurry and naked through a peephole. All they will be thinking about is that they want to see her clear and naked on TV.