JSchool::Student+Alum Blogs

Should Cubs Resign Derrek Lee? (Brian Corbin, BSJ '06)

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 08:00:52 +0200

You can’t be upset with D-Lee’s decision to revoke a trade to Anaheim. As a 10-5 player, he’s earned the right to do so. I am surprised, however, Lee’s decided to go down with the sinking ship on the North Side vs. playing for a contender. Of course, it would’ve been nice to get a [...]

You can’t be upset with D-Lee’s decision to revoke a trade to Anaheim.
As a 10-5 player, he’s earned the right to do so.

I am surprised, however, Lee’s decided to go down with the sinking ship
on the North Side vs. playing for a contender.

Of course, it would’ve been nice to get a little something in return for him,
but having Lee around isn’t all that discouraging, either.

Now the question looms as to what to do about Lee this offseason?
The two-time All Star turns 35 in two months, he’s scuffling offensively
and presumably looking to sign his last professional contract.

But what Lee lacks in production he makes up for in character.
And the Cubs, no doubt, need that leadership with a multitude
of promising prospects on the horizon.

The more I think about it, the more I like the idea of Lee returning
for another two years. Then again, maybe I’m just thinking with
my heart and not my head?

Press Coverage (OLEC 2010)

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 05:38:25 +0200

The OLEC crew weren’t only pulling stunts behind the camera. On several occasions, OLEC students made the news in and around Leipzig. For example, Rachel and Abbey were pinned down by a television news crew at Berlin’s Fan Mile during a broadcast of Germany’s World Cup quarter-final 4-0 victory. Impressed that these fans spoke no German, yet [...]

The OLEC crew weren’t only pulling stunts behind the camera. On several occasions, OLEC students made the news in and around Leipzig.

For example, Rachel and Abbey were pinned down by a television news crew at Berlin’s Fan Mile during a broadcast of Germany’s World Cup quarter-final 4-0 victory. Impressed that these fans spoke no German, yet wore Deutschland’s colors proudly, the reporter asked, “What did you think of the game?” Rachel responded, with class, “We owned them!”

Then later in the trip, rumors circulated that an American film team was shooting a documentary about the emerging Neuseenland landscape south of Leipzig. Suddenly, the dealmaking began.

Gudrun Jugel would give us (Max, Andrew, and Brian, a.k.a. the Post-Industrial Group) access to former coal workers, if we allowed the local paper to interview us at Kulturpark Deutzen, where she works.

Shortly after, the head of Economic Promotions of Leipzig, Rolf Müller-Syring, said he would take us on an excursion and give us access to prime locations, people and stories. That is, after he publishes our names, photos, backgrounds and documentary story line in a Neuseenland [New Lake Land] press release.
In the end, the Post-Industrial team was written about in two newspapers and one city magazine: A total of five different articles, including a letter from the editor of Leipziger Vokszeitung, Leipzig’s largest newspaper. Leipzig got publicity, and we filmed a documentary. Everybody wins.

Translation by Rolf Müller-Syring: What the change is doing to the people

An American filmteam is currently working on a 20-minute long documentary film on the development of this lignite shaped region to an attractive tourism and leisure area.

As the WILL-Wirtschaftsförderung Leipziger Land GmbH (Economic Promotion Company of the County Leipzig) informed yesterday, the team intends to record the social and economic consequences of the reshaping of the landscape and compare it as a positive example with American lignite regions.

The team of Brian Grady from Ohio is looking for an answer on the question, “what is the change doing to the people?” Therefore the film focuses on people in the Leipziger Neuseenland, what changes they have experienced and what new opportunities have arisen.

Translation: Today on the Way in the Leipziger Neuseenland

The WILL GmbH informed, that the documentary filmteam from the USA is travelling today again between Borna and Markkleeberg. It will continue its shooting, with interviews and viewing. The first man being on camera is Andreas Schmidt, project developer of the SSZ GmbH. He will report on the plans at Lake Zwenkau. Another partner of the talks will be Udo Theile. He represents as a current employee of the WILL GmbH and former director of the power plant Espenhain with his personal career as the link between the lignite shaped region and the development to a lake scenery. Rolf Müller-Syring, the managing director of the WIll GmbH, will accompany the Americans today on their way to sites of exemplary significance for the reshaping of the landscape: The loft apartments in the former briquette factory Witznitz, the vantage point of the open cast mine Schleenhain and the Lake Stormthal.

According to the WILL GmbH the shooting will be finished on Monday with a visit of the Bergbau-Technik Park (Mining Technology Park). The Gerald Riedel will be on camera, a former miner and inhabitant of Magdeborn, who contributed in the demolition of its hometown. Today, he is the Chairman of the Bergbau-Technik Park on a voluntary basis. Talks have been carried out also with the Mayor of Markkleeberg, Bernd Klose, the head of the regional planning authority, Andreas Berkner, and the LMBV manager, Stephan Tienz.

Translation: A region with potential

The interest in the Leipziger Neuseenland seems to be growing, not only in Germany, but even on a worldwide scale. The number of reports are rising that Russian manager, students from the Netherlands and currently film-makers from the USA look intensively on the Region between Leipzig and Borna.

It is no wonder, because what is happen here is without equal in Europe. For many of us living here, its normal: But he current change of our home region in an – in historic terms – extremely short period, is sheer breathtaking and is fascinating outsider. It is the change from a dirty lignite shaped region into a clean lake scenery with areas for industry and mining.

But still the number of interested persons in America, in the Netherlands or Russia (and in Germany as well) is still too low. It is important to convince the one or the other investor to invest his ideas and his money in the Leipziger Neuseenland – for prospective and promising jobs in a region with potential.

Peter King: Dallas Cowboys training camp postcard (Peter King, BSJ '79)

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 04:56:17 +0200

SI.com has dispatched writers to report on the 32 NFL training camps across the country. Here's what Peter King had to say about the Cowboys camp in San Antonio.SI.com has dispatched writers to report on the 32 NFL training camps across the country. Here's what Peter King had to say about the Cowboys camp in San Antonio.

It’s not always about the money (OU ImPRessions)

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 03:07:58 +0200

By Molly Essell Account executive, State of Ohio Prescription Drug Abuse Campaign As hard-working college students, it sometimes becomes difficult to think of a job or internship as something other than a form of income. However, if you can find a niche in the PR world that you feel passionately about outside of the job, [...]By Molly Essell Account executive, State of Ohio Prescription Drug Abuse Campaign As hard-working college students, it sometimes becomes difficult to think of a job or internship as something other than a form of income. However, if you can find a niche in the PR world that you feel passionately about outside of the job, [...]

Germany and America (OLEC 2010)

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 19:20:33 +0200

Despite the common mistake of judging an individual or culture too quickly, I found myself making this habit a general tendancy when first arriving in Leipzig. However, after a stay of six weeks it becomes easier to remove oneself prom pre-existing prejudice and the ease of broad generalizations. What I have found to be a fundamental difference between the Germans and the Americans (despite how cliché it may sound) is in the way we choose to combat our image.
Over the past century, Germany has bore a legacy unlike any other country, being the impetus behind two world wars, genocide, and a stringent socialist system. But what one sees today when they witness the broader culture, is a society rooted in democracy, equality, environmentalism, and national service. Let us take two common practices within Germany to illustrate this; recycling and a mandatory two-year service in the military or domestic service. For Americans, the act of trash removal is the most meaningless and routine part of the day, a commonplace task that is overlooked and yet bears extroadinary weight in it’s environmental effects, and the overall reputation of a wasteful populace. However, in Germany most take the time to separate their trash and do so in a refined and neat way, even though the amount wasted is usually in small doses. Recycled glass and plastic bottles are recollected for cash, making it possible for the impoverished to grab some money, all while cleaning up the streets. In the end, Germany reflects it’s desire to progress not simply through its innovation, but through the cnstant chore of maintaining a beauty within their environment, and making sure this will remain as such for their upcoming generations.
As well, the government has made it mandatory for all students upon graduating high school to either serve the state in work or to enlist in the military for two years. Rather than the commonplace American habit of graduating and then milking mom and dad for a while, Germany instills a national unity and national pride through a system that allows one to engage this requirement in a way they see fit. Take a look at our own nation and what does one see; economic disparity, spoiled children, washed out parents, and corruption. That is not the problem inherently, rather the fact that Americans see their country in this way and make no unified effort to combat their reputation is. I may have seen Germany as a lederhosen-wearing, war-mongering, society of pretentious Europeans, but all Germans see their country as a country of change, one that will show the world what a nation should look like. Just look at the red, gold, and black banners waving outside the Brandenburg gate; this is what Germany wants the world to see and rather than putting up a façade, they work each and every day, in every task they perform, to make this a reality.

Wrapping Up Markleeberg (OLEC 2010)

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 19:18:38 +0200

The end of production for our group bore incredible significance, and yet this closure had little sign of “good news. It meant we had 8 German interviews to transcribe. It meant we had to upload and organize well over 75 gigabytes worth of footage and archive material. It meant we had to finally visualize our story within a script, a story that did not entirely reveal itself to us until the last week of shooting. The physical act of putting away the camera in itself however proved to be the biggest obstacle I would have to come to terms with in post-production.
Up until this point, I have normally surrounded myself around individuals that I have known for quite sometime, and thus we have similar styles of writing, production, and editing. Within our team, we all removed ourselves from certain aspects of the project in order to focus on areas we either felt we needed to improve in, or in skills we wanted to strengthen in particular. For me, this meant fully delving myself into a role as a director of photography, as Andrew hoped to experiment with his role of director and editor, and Brian with his journalism and producing techniques.
I can safely say that my camera work, in turns of movement, variety of shots, and exposure has improved beyond my expectations, simply from hours upon hours of walking through Neuseenland with a broad range of subjects and plenty of time. I finally feel as though I can set up an interview to be both functional and smooth as well as aesthetically pleasing. While my XL2 continues to give me struggles and I cannot fully say that I am satisfied with it’s final portrayal on the screen, I feel encouraged and uplifted by the sheer improvement I can see in my footage from our first shots on the lake, to our last at Bergbau-Technik Park.
Where my satisfaction lacks in my individual performance, it does not lack in the overall project. Brian’s journalistic mind and ability to network, schedule, and research is unrivalled by anyone on this trip. And with Andrew behind the computer screen for our editing, my footage took on added significance and exhumed a very different feel that I could have never expected, granting our project a level of originality and synthesis. While the rest of my experience at OU may not grant me the opportunity to work with these two once again, the lessons we have taught each other as individuals and as a singularly-directed unit will reappear in our future work with added clairvoyance.

First Look at Terrell Owens as a Bengal in Madden NFL 11 (Chris Littmann, BSJ '05)

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 17:28:24 +0200

EA Sports just released seven new screen shots of Terrell Owens, the newest member of the Cincinnati Bengals, wearing his stripes. Check out the full gallery on Facebook. One question obviously remains: Will T.O. actually wear No. 81? That would appear to be the current number for the other newly acquired wideout in Cincinnati -- Antonio Bryant.

If Ted Lilly Is Traded… (Brian Corbin, BSJ '06)

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 08:00:18 +0200

I’ve said many times Ted Lilly has been the staff ace since signing a four-year deal in 2006. But it’s likely his outing Tuesday night was his last as a Chicago Cub. The Twins, Tigers, and Yankees are heavy favorites to trade for Lilly before Saturday’s deadline. Lilly’s record with Cubs: 2007: (15-8)–3.83 ERA–207.0 IP [...]

I’ve said many times Ted Lilly has been the staff ace since signing a four-year deal in 2006.

But it’s likely his outing Tuesday night was his last as a Chicago Cub.

The Twins, Tigers, and Yankees are heavy favorites to trade for Lilly before Saturday’s deadline.

Lilly’s record with Cubs:
2007: (15-8)–3.83 ERA–207.0 IP
2008: (17-9)–4.09 ERA–204.2 IP
2009: (12-9)–3.10 ERA–177.0 IP
2010: (3-8) –3.88 ERA–117.0 IP

Summary: (47-34)–3.73 ERA–avg. 177.0 IP

Notes:
*Lilly’s received the lowest run support this season in the majors (2.43).

*Despite issuing 3 walks on Tuesday, he’s averaging just 1.94 walks per 9-innings
pitched the last two seasons–second lowest among all lefty starters. Cliff Lee (1.24)

*Has lasted six or more innings in 14 of 18 starts this year.

*Posted five no-walk outings in 2010.

*From May 10 to June 8 he recorded six-straight quality starts, but no victories.

*On June 13 carried a no-hitter into the ninth inning against the White Sox before Juan Pierre broke it up with a leadoff single to center field.

Are we morally responsible for our actions within our dreams? (Love God. Love People.)

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 02:45:11 +0200

Are you morally responsible for what you dream about? My knee-jerk reaction is “No.” But I know enough about my knee-jerk reactions to not rely on them as a source of truth. This question came in mind after reading the passage in Matthew 5 in which Jesus explains that even our sinful thoughts are considered [...]

Are you morally responsible for what you dream about?

My knee-jerk reaction is “No.” But I know enough about my knee-jerk reactions to not rely on them as a source of truth.

This question came in mind after reading the passage in Matthew 5 in which Jesus explains that even our sinful thoughts are considered sin. “But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matthew 5:28 ESV)

It would follow then, that having a dream in which you reacted in any sinful way that you would be held responsible for that dream and would need to repent.

You could, of course, argue that one has no control over dreams, and therefore that would put a person off the hook. I’m willing to accept that answer, although I would like some sort of Scripture to back that up.

However, the question remains, what if you’re a lucid dreamer? In that case, you can control your dreams. Are you responsible for what you do then?

If yes, then, as a friend of mine pointed out, that opens a whole new can of worms. If you are morally responsible for committing an act of violence against a fictional man in a dream inside your head, then are you in the same way morally responsible for committing an act of violence against a fictional man in a video game?

Thoughts? Obviously the answer to this has some far-reaching moral implications, and I’m no Bible scholar or theologian, so I would appreciate whatever help I could get.

We’re Back; Charmayne James Race in the Rockies (The Barrel Racing Blog)

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 02:14:05 +0200

Things here at The Barrel Racing Blog have slowed down a bit lately, mainly because things in my life have sped up! I don’t mean to abandon this blog, though, and that’s certainly not in the plans. Two weekends ago, I got to run at the Charmayne James Race in the Rockies, the first race [...]

Two weekends ago, I got to run at the Charmayne James Race in the Rockies, the first race of its kind in this area. After two good runs, an awesome weekend in one of the most beautiful places on Earth, and introductions with some amazing show producers and equine journalists, I left the barrel race with a sense of awe at the way the show was handled.

The backdrop for the Charmayne James Race in the Rockies

The fastest time of the weekend was a 14.0, while other 1D horses clocked in the 14.2-14.3 range. The deep sandy ground gave some horses problems, but most horses, like my own, found the ground perfect for a good dig and turn. Unlike any barrel race I’ve been to other than a few select shows back East, the grounds crew drug every five horses and hand-raked to ensure safety. After a major hail storm, show organizers took an hour-and-a-half long break to allow horses and riders to regroup, and to permit the grounds crew to drain the water from the alleyway to keep the entrance and exit safe for all horses.

SO, if you’re wondering what is coming next for The Barrel Racing Blog, expect a review of Seabuck, an all around health product, coming up in the very near future. I’ll also talk a little more about my experiences with JailBreak GI, because I have much more to say about that product. I’m looking forward to figuring out new stories to put up here, and I’m looking forward to hearing from all of you about what you’d like to see – ChelseaEToy@gmail.com.

Madden Demo Releases; Obama Appears in Game (Chris Littmann, BSJ '05)

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 20:57:33 +0200

As release day -- August 10 -- approaches for Madden NFL 11, gamers are getting a first look at the title today on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 through the game's demo. Go forth and download it, and then return to the comments with your thoughts on the demo.

In other news, EA dropped a few Super Bowl celebration videos on Monday, which you can watch over on IGN. Pay particular attention, Jags and Lions fans, because this might be the closest you get for a while.

The detail from Gus Johnson is impressive, but the wrinkle to add President Obama is a nice touch as well. The only other President represented in a video game that comes to mind is Bill Clinton in NBA Jam.

T-Time: UNDRCRWN's King Tee (Chris Littmann, BSJ '05)

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 19:45:18 +0200

WHY YOU NEED IT: The Heat-related t-shirts continue to flow and now UNDRCRWN has gotten into the mix with this "KING 6" tee. Great for Heat fans reveling in their free agent victories, but a tough pill to swallow for the fans in Cleveland.

PRICE: $26

BUY IT NOW: UNDRCRWN King Tee

PRICE: $26

BUY IT NOW: UNDRCRWN King Tee

Peter King: T.O. should wait it out; more mailbag (Peter King, BSJ '79)

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 19:03:24 +0200

Usually I'd say in the case of the Bengals chasing a player with serious baggage, that it's owner Mike Brown forcing a guy into Marvin Lewis' locker room, causing Lewis to roll his eyes and say, "How exactly am I supposed to handle all these divas?''Usually I'd say in the case of the Bengals chasing a player with serious baggage, that it's owner Mike Brown forcing a guy into Marvin Lewis' locker room, causing Lewis to roll his eyes and say, "How exactly am I supposed to handle all these divas?''

Indy Indians game (The Big Read Machine)

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 18:43:00 +0200

The Indianapolis Indians are the Triple-A farm club for the Pittsburgh Pirates and have a beautiful ballpark to call home. I got a chance to see a game Monday night with the other Reeder family thanks to tickets from Uncle Ryan. The Indians beat the visiting Charlotte Knights (White Sox affiliate) 8-5.

Victory Field in downtown Indianapolis, you walk through the gates and enter in centerfield.

From right field, the scoreboard with brand new JW Marriott hotel in the background. The hotel is slated to open in February 2011 in preparation for the 2012's Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis!

We sat on the first base line in the second deck, but unfortunately no foul balls came close.

The foul pole down each line is 325 feet from home plate. Centerfield is expansive; 418 to left-center, 402 straight away, and 362 to right-center.

Here's the view upon entrance from the lawn which extends the length of the fence in the outfield. Perfect for enjoying picnics or catching a souvenir. For more great pictures (not taken by me) click here.

From Bob Costas:

It's a beautiful ballpark, and it's part of one of the best sports downtowns anywhere in America. I mean you've got the Colts stadium right there, the new arena for the Pacers is there, and Victory Field all within walking distance. I don't know of any other town in America where you can literally stroll from one to another.

--March 2000

Victory Field in downtown Indianapolis, you walk through the gates and enter in centerfield.

From right field, the scoreboard with brand new JW Marriott hotel in the background. The hotel is slated to open in February 2011 in preparation for the 2012's Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis!

We sat on the first base line in the second deck, but unfortunately no foul balls came close.

The foul pole down each line is 325 feet from home plate. Centerfield is expansive; 418 to left-center, 402 straight away, and 362 to right-center.

From Bob Costas:

It's a beautiful ballpark, and it's part of one of the best sports downtowns anywhere in America. I mean you've got the Colts stadium right there, the new arena for the Pacers is there, and Victory Field all within walking distance. I don't know of any other town in America where you can literally stroll from one to another.

--March 2000

Posey, Podsednik, Bailey (Bay Bridge Baseball)

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 18:26:43 +0200

I’m taking a page from my blogging (and jogging) hero Andy Baggarly, and writing a post about a variety of topics… Let’s start with Buster Posey, who I wrote about today for FanHouse. Some of my Twitter followers have been relentlessly harassing me about something I tweeted the day Bengie Molina was traded. Reality check: [...]

I’m taking a page from my blogging (and jogging) hero Andy Baggarly, and writing a post about a variety of topics…

Let’s start with Buster Posey, who I wrote about today for FanHouse. Some of my Twitter followers have been relentlessly harassing me about something I tweeted the day Bengie Molina was traded.

Reality check: Buster Posey is in a 7-for-48 (.146) slump, and that was without thinking about catching every day. Just sayin. #sfgiants

It seems people have translated that into “Buster Posey stinks and he’s not going to hit.” Really, my only point in that tweet was that people should be careful in just assuming that Posey would immediately be better than Bengie. Posey was in a slump. That’s a fact. And he was just about to take on a huge defensive responsibility that very well might have affected his offense. I think there’s nothing at all illogical about my suggestion. I keep going back to Matt Wieters, who dominated offensively in the minors, but since he’s been in the majors, he’s been a nondescript hitter. Baseball people still believe Wieters is going to be a very good player, but they accept that it takes time to develop as a major league hitter, especially while catching every day.

Of course, Posey has had no trouble at all. In fact, he’s been not only better than anyone could have expected for a rookie catcher, he’s had one of the best offensive months of any Giants’ hitter in decades.

I still maintain that what he’s doing is exceptional, and you are nuts to say “told ya so,” as if this was at all expected. It’s like a guy playing blackjack who hits on 18 and gets a 3 and then says: “See, I knew it was the right play.” (Actually, the decision to go with Posey is more like hitting on 13 with the dealer showing an 8. You know it’s the right move, but you have to be prepared for the fact that it won’t work a large percentage of the time.)

***

Reports came from three independent sources last night that the Giants were among the teams interested in the Royals’ Scott Podsednik (this and this and this). Although I couldn’t get confirmation from the Giants source I tried, I absolutely believe the reports. Those are three very reputable reporters.

Besides, Podsednik seems to the perfect fit for the Giants, considering what we know.

The Giants were close to acquiring David DeJesus from KC before he hurt his wrist, if Henry Schulman is to be believed (and I believe he is), so that tells you the Royals had already identified a couple Giants prospects who Brian Sabean was willing to move. That’s a big part of the battle.

Podsednik is a poor man’s version of DeJesus. He’s a left-handed hitting outfielder who hits for a good average and gets on base, but doesn’t have much power. Podsednik has a .308 average and .352 OBP today, and he was .304/.353 last year, so he’s no fluke.

He’d also come relatively cheaply, because he’s not a premium difference maker. He’s one of those “incremental improvements” you hear GMs talk about when they can’t get a star player. I’m guessing the Giants could get him for a Grade B and a Grade C prospect. No one the Giants will miss. The problem is that the Padres and Dodgers probably also want Podsednik, so there is some bidding going on.

If the Giants got Podsednik, he could play left field and bat leadoff every day (maybe getting an occasional day off against a lefty). Pat Burrell would go to the bench. If Travis Ishikawa slumps, then Huff could go to first, Burrell to left and Podsednik and Torres to center/right. (Not sure which alignment would be better defensively, but I don’t think you’d want Burrell in right in San Francisco.)

Podsednik is also relatively cheap. He’ll make about $600,000 the rest of this season. The down side is he can become a free agent at the end of the year. He has an option for $2 million, but he’ll be able to void that if he gets to 525 plate appearances, and he’s at 425 now.

Bottom line: This all looks perfectly reasonable from all sides, so I’m saying there’s a pretty good chance the Giants get him.

***

Finally, my only A’s note of the day. Andrew Bailey has been out for a few days with back spasms, but a scout that I spoke to yesterday said he doesn’t believe that’s really what’s going on. He says he thinks Bailey has an arm problem, because back spasms wouldn’t normally sideline a guy for more than a day or two.

This guy also nailed Ben Sheets’ elbow injury, by the way. He called it just by watching him make his last start, despite Sheets’ denials that anything was wrong.

Stay tuned.

The End (OLEC 2010)

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 10:26:42 +0200

Finally being back in America is amazing. Its sad knowing that I will probably not get the chance to go back to Leipzig, but in the end there is no place like home. In the last six weeks we have worked so hard. We produced a documentary. Which I know seems like “Ok. Duh. That was [...]

Finally being back in America is amazing. Its sad knowing that I will probably not get the chance to go back to Leipzig, but in the end there is no place like home.

In the last six weeks we have worked so hard. We produced a documentary. Which I know seems like “Ok. Duh. That was the whole point” but you don’t realize how much of a big deal that is til you’ve spent three days locked in a German dorm room with your team. To me, it was a great accomplishment that Team Mephisto was able to produce a documentary like this. Of course, we had a lot of help. There was a lot of checking in with Sam, Frederick, and Brandon and it would not have been possible without those in Germany will to help us both in front of the camera and behind. I think in the end we owe it all to everyone that made it possible.

Inside Radio Mephisto from Lauren Byrwa on Vimeo.

Steve Stone Says Cubs Need Speed (Brian Corbin, BSJ '06)

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 07:15:15 +0200

During his interview on 670 The Score Monday morning, Steve Stone suggested the Cubs have undervalued team speed for many years. Stone says the Cubs would benifit from more speed than power-bats with the wind typically blowing out at Wrigley Field for 4 out of the 6 months of the season– April, May, June & [...]

During his interview on 670 The Score Monday morning,
Steve Stone suggested the Cubs have undervalued team
speed for many years.

Stone says the Cubs would benifit from more speed than
power-bats with the wind typically blowing out at
Wrigley Field for 4 out of the 6 months of the season–
April, May, June & September.

Right away Rays center fielder BJ Upton jumped to mind.
Upton, 25, has major upside…and serious speed.
He would flourish in Wrigley’s small outfield and could
bat anywhere from 1-6 in the lineup.

It’s been no secret the Rays have grown tired of Upton’s
apparent lack of motivation from time-to-time, and trading
him wouldn’t be out of the question.

Chicago has the chips to get him, but whether or not they
value Upton is another question. According to Stony, probably not.

Buster Posey’s Twin (Bay Bridge Baseball)

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 03:26:08 +0200

Working on a Buster Posey story for FanHouse (it will be up later), but in the meantime I’ve been amusing myself with Buster’s twin, Prince William.

Do what you love, love what you do (OU ImPRessions)

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 23:39:35 +0200

By Sam Browning Account supervisor While most PR students in the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University are utilizing this summer to expand their knowledge with various internships across the country, I decided to take a different route. I am claiming this summer as an opportunity to regain my sanity for next year. [...]By Sam Browning Account supervisor While most PR students in the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University are utilizing this summer to expand their knowledge with various internships across the country, I decided to take a different route. I am claiming this summer as an opportunity to regain my sanity for next year. [...]

Nike Boom Brings Motivational Talks to Your Training (Chris Littmann, BSJ '05)

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 21:02:46 +0200

There's an interesting app that's been out for roughly a week called Nike Boom that I took a closer look at this afternoon. If you lug around an iPod/iPhone during your workouts and you're looking for some sort of free guidance for your workouts, it isn't a bad place to start.

The greatest strength of the app is taking music from player's library and bringing it into the app, using it to guide your workouts. If you're doing interval training, you'll get audio cues about when to rest/resume activity that play over the music. The cues are tough to miss, unless of course you're listening to a hip-hop mixtape with a D.J. shouting over the whole thing. Then it might just blend. But anyway, you're offered three modes: Workout, Interval and Gameday. Each mode features motivation tidbits being said by Nike-related coaches and athletes from Coach K to LeBron James and more. (Currently, the app spans football, basketball and hockey.)

In Workout, you're setting a pretty standard timer with warm-up and cool-down periods. In interval training, you're setting an overall length of workout along with the timing of your intervals, both in time spent working out and time resting. Audio cues (like a whistle or a boom noise alert you to change). The other mode is Gameday, where you pick music to play before your big game. You also pick an "anthem" that is the last song that plays before gameday.

I had some crashing issues the first few times I ran the app, but overall it worked pretty flawlessly after some early hiccups. The motivational talking points do nothing for me personally, but I love the timer element. Admittedly, I've never used this kind of app before, so a similar feature might already exist in another iPhone app. Still, for free, it's worth a try if you need some guidance during your workouts.

Madden NFL 11 Soundtrack Revealed (Chris Littmann, BSJ '05)

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 17:33:40 +0200

EA Sports just sent out a news release unveiling the soundtrack for Madden NFL 11. I'll say it: The thing is pretty uninspired. If they're going for a "Best of Jock Jams" feel, the mission accomplished. And maybe EA can't go broad and interesting in its music choices because of the scale of its audience. But yeah, I can't see anyone getting particularly excited about this year's offerings.

I will say that I don't want to be entirely critical, because I see the spark of a decent idea. With all the attention paid to detail, I wonder whether we're getting closer to having customized soundtracks for each stadium. The inclusion of the fight songs tells me that might be the case. For example, as a Bengals fan I'm used to the Bootsy Collins songs he's done for Paul Brown Stadium on Sundays. I'd rather hear that kind of thing -- as cheesy as the song is -- rather than hearing "Thunderstruck" for the 9,000th time. The soundtrack for the game is listed below. What do you think?

Original Recordings:

-- AC/DC – Thunderstruck
-- Archie Eversole – We Ready
-- Blur – Song 2
-- Bush – Machinehead
-- Guns N’ Roses – Welcome to the Jungle
-- Kevin Rudolf featuring Lil’ Wayne – Let It Rock
-- Kiss – Rock and Roll All Nite
-- Ozzy Osbourne – Let Me Hear You Scream
-- Ozzy Osbourne – Crazy Train
-- The Hives – Tick Tick Boom
-- Todd Rundgren – Bang the Drum
-- Ying Yang Twins featuring Homebwoi – Halftime

Cover Versions:

-- Rock N Roll Part 2 – as made famous by Gary Glitter
-- We Will Rock You – as made famous by Queen
-- Crowd Chant – as made famous by Joe Satriani
-- Kernkraft 400 – as made famous by Zombie Nation

Team Fight Songs:

-- Chicago Bears – Bear Down Chicago Bears
-- Detroit Lions – Gridiron Heroes
-- Green Bay Packers – Go Packers Go!
-- Miami Dolphins – Miami Dolphins #1
-- Minnesota Vikings – Skol Vikings
-- Philadelphia Eagles – Fly Eagles Fly
-- Washington Redskins – Hail to the Redskins

Original Recordings:

Cover Versions:

Team Fight Songs:

Peter King: Optimism is everywhere as camps start (Peter King, BSJ '79)

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 17:22:50 +0200

It is great to be back. The World Cup was terrific, my brother's death a punch in the jaw that still hurts, my vacation was needed but a little ... empty. Today is the start of football season for me, and it's a great feeling because this is as wide-open a season entering training camp as I can remember.It is great to be back. The World Cup was terrific, my brother's death a punch in the jaw that still hurts, my vacation was needed but a little ... empty. Today is the start of football season for me, and it's a great feeling because this is as wide-open a season entering training camp as I can remember.

NBA Jam to the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360? (Chris Littmann, BSJ '05)

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 16:06:30 +0200

As of this moment, EA Sports hasn't announced NBA Jam coming to the Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3, but the screen grab above from the Entertainment Software Rating Board indicates it might not be far off.

EA Sports had yet to return an e-mail seeking comment as of this post. If they give us any further information, this post will be updated.

(H/T to Joystiq)

EA Sports had yet to return an e-mail seeking comment as of this post. If they give us any further information, this post will be updated.

(H/T to Joystiq)

Bobby Valentine’s Resume (Brian Corbin, BSJ '06)

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 08:00:00 +0200

Texas Rangers 1985: (53-76)…replaced Doug Rader 32-games into the season. 1986: (87-75)…2nd place AL West. 1987: (75-87)…7th place AL West. 1988: (70-91)…6th place AL West. 1989: (83-79)…4th place AL West. 1990: (83-79)…3rd place AL West. 1991: (85-77)…3rd place AL West. 1992: (45-41)…fired & replaced by Toby Harrah. Norfolk Tides – International League 1994: (67-75) Chiba [...]

Texas Rangers
1985: (53-76)…replaced Doug Rader 32-games into the season.
1986: (87-75)…2nd place AL West.
1987: (75-87)…7th place AL West.
1988: (70-91)…6th place AL West.
1989: (83-79)…4th place AL West.
1990: (83-79)…3rd place AL West.
1991: (85-77)…3rd place AL West.
1992: (45-41)…fired & replaced by Toby Harrah.

Norfolk Tides – International League
1994: (67-75)

Chiba Lotte Marines – Japan
1995: (69-58-3)…2nd place division.
Was fired after leading team to firt winning season in 11-years!

Norfolk Tides – International League
1996: (76-57)…replaced Mets manager Dallas Green on Aug. 26.

New York Mets
1996: (12-19)…4th place NL East.
1997: (88-74)…3rd place NL East.
1998: (88-74)…2nd place NL East.
1999: (97-66)…Won NL Wild Card, Lost NLDS against Atlanta.
2000: (94-68)…Won NL Wild Card, Lost Subway Series against Yankees.
2001: (82-80)…3rd place NL East.
2002: (75-86)…5th place NL East.

Chiba Lotte Marines – Japan
2004: (65-65-3)…4th place division.
2005: (84-49-3)…Won Nippon Pro Series.
2006: (65-70-1)…4th place division.
2007: (76-61-7)…2nd place division.
2008: (73-70-1)…4th place division.
2009: (62-77-5)…5th place division.

Notes:
*1970 MVP Pacific Coast League, Spokane Indians.
*Breifly coached for Cincinnati after being fired in Texas.
*Has just two MLB post-season appearances, 1999 & 2000.
*The only man to manage in both the World Series and the Japan Series.
*Awarded 2005 Matsutaro Shoriki Award for his contributions to Japanese baseball.

Out My Kitchen Window (Holly Stebbins Michael, BSJ '96)

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 03:49:00 +0200

What do you see out your kitchen window?

Last week I looked out my window to find three calves (plural of baby cow) eating the weeds from my flower bed. As you can see, Morgan and I sprang into action--to ensure the scene was documented for this blog.

I never know what I'm going to see out my kitchen window. But I know this.... it will NEVER be someone else's kitchen window.

What do you see out your kitchen window?

I never know what I'm going to see out my kitchen window. But I know this.... it will NEVER be someone else's kitchen window.

Nächster Haltestelle: America (OLEC 2010)

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 02:00:24 +0200

So here I am, sitting in the Paris airport, reflecting on a full six weeks of intense immersion in German society. Where can I even begin? It’s just been full of those experiences that don’t sound super impressive when you say them, but then when you think about it you just step back and go [...]

For example, this past week, during one of the few breaks my group and I took amongst our 15 hour film-making sessions, I was walking through Augustusplatz sipping on my Fanta when I was approached from my left with a timid “bitteschon?” I turned to face who was talking to me. In the next five minutes I would find out that Michael was a Marxist who was not only from East Germany, but was from the GDR. Not the former GDR. But just the regular ol’ wall never fell GDR. I spoke with him for a bit, assuring him that I was not a capitalist, and trying to give a brief outline of my political beliefs. After explaining that I felt that most political systems would work and be fine if people just stopped treating each other like crap, Michael finished smiling and nodding and informed me that he didn’t understand most of what I said. He shook my hand and then took off with his violin (oh yeah, by the way, he had a violin) into the night, presumably to report me.

I’d like to take this moment to say that a huge moth just flew in my ear. One day I would like to go somewhere, anywhere, and not have giant bugs attack me.

But anyway, things like that are just experiences that are really weak when put into words but really just fantastic when they’re had. I mean, I keep thinking about this…Michael was insistent that he lived in the German Democratic Republic. A title that was put to rest twenty one years ago. I’m searching for stronger words to use but all I keep coming up with is quirky characters. Or how about the man that Abbey, Brian, and I met on the tram on the way to a German wedding in an abandoned (?) warehouse (?). While I did not catch his name, I would like to call him Flute Beardy because I feel that captures him. Beardy is an older gentleman who moved to Europe from Washington DC 30 years ago, the past 15 or so have been spent in Leipzig. Now, if you’ve been to some of the fancier parts of Leipzig, you know that there are more than a few competent street performers. And when I say competent, I mean I’ve seen a dude tear it up on a full-sized marimba, brass quartets, string quartets, and of course the obligatory jerk with the acoustic guitar and “insightful/sensitive/7-th grade english class” lyrics. Beardy, however, is none of these. He doesn’t paint himself all silver and stand silently until given a coin. He doesn’t play an accordion poorly with a puppy by his side while looking like his entire family was just blown up by a Disney villain. He doesn’t even run down the streets in full winter attire screaming in French about his one patch of hair on the back of his head.

This part isn’t necessary, I just want everyone to know that some dude just came, stared over my shoulder, made a cartoony face at me, took an empty pop bottle, and then walked off. Characters, right? Anyway!

No, Beardy is a “clown” as he calls himself. He basically is just a huge goof, plays a flute or a recorder poorly while trying to juggle or something else and follows people as they try to get to H&M without getting held hostage. Basically he’s like the poor man’s street mime. Without the paint.

“Well, Jared, that’s not a story! That’s just sad!” Nah, disembodied voice. You’re wrong.

Because see, Beardy has been at this game for THIRTY years. Traveling across Europe doing this. Living off of this. He can afford plane tickets off of this. He’s visited family in the States off of his clown money. I met a dude who has been living off of the kindness (guilt/pity) of strangers for longer than I’ve been alive. He’s traveled across the continent by performing on street corners.

Stopping here to say that some girl just got her luggage jacked, I guess. Good way to do that is to not leave it laying around while you wander off. Just saying. Oh wait, she was just yelling because she couldn’t find a cart. And now she’s mad that someone took her seat. You were gone for almost an hour. Chill.

But yeah, meeting new people. That was fantastic. Experiencing things like a bar with a flamethrower or a student club with four different rooms all jamming out different kinds of music or just sitting in a dungeon-esque bar chatting about post-rock and gun control with a German student. Human language really seems to fail in adequately capturing the power of experiences. So I guess all I can really say is they were awesome.

EPILOGUE:

This girl just yelled at a bunch of priests, stared down everyone in this sitting area while looking extremely violent, then stormed off.

Also a huge muscle-y dude with a vicious-looking dog just came by doing security checks. The dog slipped on the floor and almost fell. I feel safer?

gOLEC!

I Do (Compelled To Do So)

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 01:09:00 +0200

Mr. and Mrs. Chris and Kari Snyder

I feel compelled to talk about weddings. After all, it is wedding season. Plus, my brother just got married, so it will suffice to say that ceremonies of unity have been on my mind a lot lately. My brother's wedding can be summed up in one word — perfect. The ceremony was beautifully spectacular and the reception was wildly fun. Every aspect of the wedding was exceptional, and, most importantly, the love between the bride and the groom was evident. Numerous guests stated that it was the best wedding they had ever attended; it was the type of wedding that could make even the most commitment-phobic individuals trade their inhibitions for a walk down the aisle. Yes, the wedding of Chris Snyder and Kari Reichard was perfect. It was the type of wedding in which the bride and the groom say "I do," and mean it; they mean they are in this thing for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health. They mean forever.

But forever is a really long time, and forever is not for everyone. Cameron diaz recently expressed this sentiment in an interview with UK's Stylist magazine.

"I think the biggest misconception in our society is that we're supposed to meet the one when we're 18 and we're supposed to get married to them and love them for the rest of our lives. Bullshit. Who would want to be with the same person for 80 years? Why not break it up a little bit?"

That is an interesting concept, Cameron. I totally agree.

Like I said forever is not for everyone. Forever is for some people. For instance, I do think forever is for Chris and Kari. I think they will grow old together and celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary surrounded by family and friends, and I think that is beautiful. However, I also think it would be beautiful for a person to experience the mind-blowing rush of new love at the ripe old age of 75.

Love is supposed to be fun, and words like "until death do us part" only make love scary.

So my advice is this: fall in love. Fall in love and stay in love, or fall in love and fall out of love and then fall in love again. Do whatever you want with your forever; spend it with The One or divide it amongst The Few. Do not get caught up in society's "rules" on marriage, just get caught up in love.

As for me, I do want to fall in love and have a perfect wedding just like my brother's.

In fact, I want to do this at least five times.

Weddings are way too much fun to have just one.

Mr. and Mrs. Chris and Kari Snyder

But forever is a really long time, and forever is not for everyone. Cameron diaz recently expressed this sentiment in an interview with UK's Stylist magazine.

"I think the biggest misconception in our society is that we're supposed to meet the one when we're 18 and we're supposed to get married to them and love them for the rest of our lives. Bullshit. Who would want to be with the same person for 80 years? Why not break it up a little bit?"

Tyler Colvin NL Rookie of the Year? (Brian Corbin, BSJ '06)

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 07:15:54 +0200

Put Tyler Colvin in the race for the NL Rookie of the Year Award. *He leads all rookies in home runs with 15. *Leads Cubs with six game-winning RBI. *Has nine home runs & 20 RBI since June 15. *Is 7-for-25 in his last six games batting leadoff, including 3 home runs & 4 RBI. [...]

Put Tyler Colvin in the race for the NL Rookie of the Year Award.

*He leads all rookies in home runs with 15.
*Leads Cubs with six game-winning RBI.
*Has nine home runs & 20 RBI since June 15.
*Is 7-for-25 in his last six games batting leadoff,
including 3 home runs & 4 RBI.
*Has played all three outfield positions well.
*And has 64 games remaining this season.

Braves outfielder, Jason Heyward (.266, 11 HR & 48 RBI),
and Washington pitcher, Steven Strasburgh (5-2. 2.32 ERA),
are sure to remain the front runners in the National league.
But Colvin, (.264, 15 HR, 36 RBI), has enough time to win
the numbers game, given Lou continues to start the 25-year-old.

Colvin, however, also faces tough competition from
Cincinnati starter Mike Leake (7-1, 3.45 ERA) and
Mets outfielder Ike Davis, (.326, 14 HR, 46 RBI).

Will Foursquare Be a New Model for Information? (Y-rd)

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 21:34:00 +0200

I enjoyed listening to Foursquare and The New York Times discuss the future packaging of information at a conference in New York City this week.

The NYT's Michael Zimbalist described how every object has “information shadows” that can be conjured at different times on different devices.

For instance, Foursquare might work with more media partners (most recently New York magazine) to repackage their content into bite-sized nuggets of information.

As you know, I'm a huge fan of Foursquare, but I feel like I'm one of few of my friends (doesn't seem very mainstream to me). Will Foursquare or another geolocation service like it become more widely adopted?I enjoyed listening to Foursquare and The New York Times discuss the future packaging of information at a conference in New York City this week.

The NYT's Michael Zimbalist described how every object has “information shadows” that can be conjured at different times on different devices.

For instance, Foursquare might work with more media partners (most recently New York magazine) to repackage their content into bite-sized nuggets of information.

As you know, I'm a huge fan of Foursquare, but I feel like I'm one of few of my friends (doesn't seem very mainstream to me). Will Foursquare or another geolocation service like it become more widely adopted?

Making It Official: I’m a Top-5 MTV TJ Candidate! (Ryan Lytle)

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 21:29:06 +0200

So this post should have definitely been written yesterday but, through all the chaos of things, it got pushed toRead the Rest...

So this post should have definitely been written yesterday but, through all the chaos of things, it got pushed to today. I have been on GO since the MTV TJ competition was announced back in early-June. Through all the promotions, the challenges and the lack of sleep in my life something amazing happened yesterday that made all of the work worth it:

That’s right! I made it as one of the top-5 finalists for the first-ever MTV TJ position. On Sunday, Aug. 1, I will be flying out to New York to compete in one final week of challenges which will ultimately culminate in a live finale on MTV Sunday, Aug. 8, at 10 PM on MTV. And when I say LIVE, I mean a LIVE finale. There won’t be any time delay in this show so anything could happen – which is why you will be checking it out!

Although I’ve made the top 5, it does not mean I no longer need ALL YOUR SUPPORT! No, actually, I need your help more than ever. Right now as we prepare for the live finale on Aug. 8, there are a few things that you can do to keep me at the top:

“Show Your Support” for Ryan Lytle on the MTV TJ Fan Page. Yes, it’s exactly the same page where you voted for me the first time so you should know how easy it is to click the “Support” button. And, this time, you have the chance to enter to win free tickets to the MTV VMA Awards. So if you’re going through the support process just to get entered in the contest, why not support me! Click through: http://apps.facebook.com/mtv-tj-search/
Keep spreading the word to everyone you know – through Twitter, Facebook, Word-of-mouth, Texting, E-mailing, etc. Anything you have to do to make sure people know what’s going on is perfect. The more people that know what I’m doing, the better!
All of the work that’s being done is culminating in a live show that will air Sunday, Aug. 8, at 10 PM on MTV. Now I must stress that this broadcast is LIVE! The first-ever MTV TJ will be chosen based on an audience vote. That means I need EVERYONE to be watching and supporting #lytle4MTV. Whether you plan your life around the TV schedule or not, I need you all to make sure to plan your lives around this one specific day. Right now, you should pencil in “MTV TJ Live Finale Aug 8 @ 10 PM – Support Ryan Lytle” in your calendar, on your phone, on the fridge. Whatever you have to do to remember this date and time, DO IT! This dream is so close and you can help me get there!

I am still blown away by all the support I have received from all of you. This has been a fun, exciting and stressful ride and I have loved every second of it. Just know that I don’t look at any of you as just followers or supporters – this is a family, a community. Everything I’ve received during the #lytle4MTV run has been love. I want you all to know I appreciate all of you and love what you’re all doing for me. Let’s keep it up a bit longer! Talk to you all again soon!

My Chemical Romance Frontman Reveals Album Completion at Comic-Con (Views of a Music-freak)

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 19:59:01 +0200

My Chemical Romance vocalist Gerard Way participated in a Dark Horse panel discussion today at San Diego Comic-Con.

Sporting a new hairstyle that sent fans into a shocked frenzy, the singer revealed during panel that "there would be no new comics from him this year, but his band just finished its new album and he would return to comics immediately after," according to a live report from ComicBookResources.Com. Way added that the finished product was a "second attempt" at the album, which is not surprising; as, the band announced in March that they had created enough material for two-and-a-half albums.

Last year, Way said that his newest comic project "The True Lives of The Fabulous Killjoys" would be out in 2010.

It seems the album has made plans change since then.

Just two weeks ago, fans were given a hint in the form of a picture that the album had been completed from MCR lead guitarist Ray Toro.

XoXo
c.

If I find more information, it will be posted here! I'll keep everyone as updated as I can through twitter. Gerard will participate in another discussion at Comic-Con tomorrow.

UPDATE
Video from the panel:

Photo: Blond Way between Gabriel Bá and Fábio Moon
Credit: Hot Topic Live

Women in Baseball (The Big Read Machine)

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 19:11:00 +0200

This 13 year-old knuckleballer is undefeated in four years, has thrown two perfect games, and is arguably the best little league pitcher in America. Meet Chelsea Baker:

For more on Chelsea, click here. Her story first aired on ESPN's E:60 program July 20, watch the full segment here narrated by Geena Davis. And I'll bet Ms. Baker is a Reds fan! Plant City, FL is the former spring training home of the Cincinnati Reds.

Meet Eri Yoshida, a.k.a The Knuckle Princess (pictured right). Hailing from Japan, Yoshida became the first ever woman to sign a professional baseball contract in her home country. At the age of 16 she was drafted by the Kobe 9 Cruise of the Kansai Independent League. Yoshida, also a knuckleballer, was then signed by the Chico Outlaws of the Golden Baseball League and pitched in the Arizona Winter League at age 18 (read about her professional debut in America). She learned her sidearm knuckleball pitch by watching Tim Wakefield of the Boston Red Sox.

By achieving her goal of pitching professionally in the US, Yoshida became the first woman to get paid to play since Ila Borders (pictured left). Borders was the first female to pitch in an NCAA or NAIA game in 1994 playing for Southern California College. In 1997 she made her professional debut with the St. Paul Saints of the Northern League. Her career ended in 2000 playing with the Zion Pioneerzz, which won the Western Baseball League championship that same season. Borders now makes speaking appearances across the country.

Other Notable Woman in Boys Baseball History:

--Cleveland's Alta Weiss could be considered baseball's First Lady. She pitched professionally in 1907 for the Vermillion Independents, drawing huge crowds before her father formed the Weiss All-Stars. The team traveled throughout the midwest to play different teams with Alta as the main attraction. In 1909 she went to medical school and became Dr. Alta Weiss (source).

--Jackie Mitchell of the Chattanooga Lookouts may be the most famous woman to ever pitch a baseball due to her accomplishment on April 2, 1931. This from website page Jackie Mitchell: The Girl Who Struck Out Babe Ruth by Jean Patrick:

On March 28, 1931 17 year-old Jackie Mitchell signed a contract to play baseball for the Chattanooga Lookouts, a Class AA minor league team. Five days later, on April 2, 1931, Jackie pitched against the New York Yankees in an exhibition game. In front of 4,000 fans, she struck out Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig.

--The first female to ever pitch in the Negro Leagues was Mamie Johnson, who amassed a 33-8 record throwing for the Indianapolis Clowns from 1953-1955. She retired from baseball to become a nurse (source).

So the next time someone tells you this, don't take it so hard:

(You knew I HAD to get a Sandlot clip in there, right?!)

*Special thanks to Andie for inspiring this post

This 13 year-old knuckleballer is undefeated in four years, has thrown two perfect games, and is arguably the best little league pitcher in America. Meet Chelsea Baker:

Other Notable Woman in Boys Baseball History:

On March 28, 1931 17 year-old Jackie Mitchell signed a contract to play baseball for the Chattanooga Lookouts, a Class AA minor league team. Five days later, on April 2, 1931, Jackie pitched against the New York Yankees in an exhibition game. In front of 4,000 fans, she struck out Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig.

So the next time someone tells you this, don't take it so hard:

(You knew I HAD to get a Sandlot clip in there, right?!)

*Special thanks to Andie for inspiring this post

Joe Girardi’s Resume (Brian Corbin, BSJ '06)

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 08:00:19 +0200

Florida Marlins 2006: (78-84)…kept Marlins in Wild Card race despite the league’s lowest payroll–$14 million. New York Yankees 2008: (89-73)…3rd place division. 2009: (103-59)..Won World Series against Philadelphia. 2010: (61-34)…1st place division. Notes: *Won 2006 NL Manger of the Year Award. *2006 candidate to succeed Dusty Baker in Chicago. *Catcher for the Cubs from 1989-92. [...]

Florida Marlins
2006: (78-84)…kept Marlins in Wild Card race despite the
league’s lowest payroll–$14 million.

New York Yankees
2008: (89-73)…3rd place division.
2009: (103-59)..Won World Series against Philadelphia.
2010: (61-34)…1st place division.

Notes:
*Won 2006 NL Manger of the Year Award.
*2006 candidate to succeed Dusty Baker in Chicago.
*Catcher for the Cubs from 1989-92.
*Graduate Northwestern University.
*Native of East Peoria, Illinois.

Organizing is key (OU ImPRessions)

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 04:10:46 +0200

Sam Bartlett Account executive, E.W. Scripps School of Journalism What’s that we’re all hearing? It’s the sound of carefree summers screaming goodbye and the hello of ‘the real world.’ Although I do know some students who are still enjoying their free lunch and not having to work or intern…their reality will soon hit, and hit [...]Sam Bartlett Account executive, E.W. Scripps School of Journalism What’s that we’re all hearing? It’s the sound of carefree summers screaming goodbye and the hello of ‘the real world.’ Although I do know some students who are still enjoying their free lunch and not having to work or intern…their reality will soon hit, and hit [...]

The A’s have $20 million to spend (Bay Bridge Baseball)

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 04:06:37 +0200

One of the standard features of my interviews with Billy Beane is him making fun of me because he thinks I’m always doing payroll calculations. Most of the time he just makes fun of me for no reason, but the other day when I was writing a post about how the A’s can take the [...]

I came up with $20 million, and — get this — Beane conceded today that I was actually pretty close.

I came with that number this way. They had about $8 million in commitments for next year (although that number is now about $11 million with the Kurt Suzuki signing. After that I added on the the projected arbitration salaries of other guys who could be back — Kevin Kouzmanoff, Jack Cust, maybe Conor Jackson, etc. I threw in Mark Ellis, who has an option for $6 million. Ellis, plus the arb guys, plus the 0-3 guys (players with less than three years service time, who each make about $400K-$600K) adds up to maybe $30 million, at the most. So that’s about $40 million to bring back the current roster. This year’s payroll is about $60 million. Next year’s payroll could go up or down a little, but it’ll probably be in the same neighborhood.

Anyway, that leaves $20 million.

I listed a handful of free agent hitters (I assume the A’s won’t be spending on pitching) in the post the other day…

Adam Dunn, Paul Konerko, David Ortiz (maybe, he has an option), Derrek Lee, Carlos Pena, Alex Gonzalez, Jorge Cantu, Brandon Inge, Ty Wigginton, Carl Crawford, Magglio Ordonez and Jayson Werth.

The full list of free agents is here. There will also be some guys available who become free agents after they are non-tendered.

Of course, the A’s don’t have to simply use that money on free agents. They could make a trade and use some of that money to pay whoever they acquire.

Suzuki’s new deal (Bay Bridge Baseball)

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 03:15:10 +0200

I’ve got all the details on Kurt Suzuki’s new deal in my short story at FanHouse. I wrote it before talking to Suzuki, Bob Geren and Billy Beane, so none of their comments are in there. I’ll give you the highlights here. Suzuki is very happy. The A’s are happy. There. Seriously, the most interesting [...]

I’ve got all the details on Kurt Suzuki’s new deal in my short story at FanHouse. I wrote it before talking to Suzuki, Bob Geren and Billy Beane, so none of their comments are in there.

I’ll give you the highlights here. Suzuki is very happy. The A’s are happy.

There.

Seriously, the most interesting thing out of all this to me was that Beane said he thinks Suzuki has a chance to be a guy who hits 20-plus homers a year. I know it’s not a big stretch, since he’s on pace for about 17 or 18 this year, but still. Beane also said that he thinks Suzuki is the second- or third-best catcher in the AL. Joe Mauer is obviously No. 1, and Beane said that Jorge Posada still deserves some consideration, too.

Whenever a deal like this is signed, people go a little crazy talking about how it makes for stability and shows that the team wants to keep a player around for the long-term. I always find that amusing, because the player was going to be under control anyway. All this does is set his salary so they don’t have to go to arbitration. It could be a good deal for the team if the player becomes a star (Adrian Gonzalez), or it could be a deal for the player if he gets hurt or doesn’t meet expectations (Bobby Crosby). It doesn’t really change the likelihood of the player staying around, though.

Outie (OLEC 2010)

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 01:35:47 +0200

My adventure from Cleveland to Leipzig has been one that I will never forget. The past week, Team Mephisto has turned up the heat and successfully completed our documentary. We finally finished editing at 6:15 A.M. Friday morning, giving us about 10 hours before the deadline. The process was intense, but well worth it. I actually had fun working into the wee-hours of the night. I even semi-learned how to cook! At 4 A.M. Friday morning, I recalled that I had 6 mini steaks sitting in my refridgerator. I had not consumed them, because I was unaware how to make them. German directions and no microwave = Alex is clueless. But, Rachel and Lauren aided me in making them with a skillet, and steaks at 4 in the morning never tasted better.

Anyways, I learned a whole lot from the process of making a movie. I learned exactly what a producer, director, editor and videographer do when making a film. I also learned the proper and improper ways of interviewing people. There is so much more involved than what is seen on the tv screen. Next, my media vocabulary has grown exponentially. Finally, I made some friends that I will always share a special bond with – OLEC 2010. It is sad to be leaving, but I look forward to coming home to see my friends and family.

Thanks again to everyone affiliated with OLEC 2010. It was an amazing experience.

Tebow/EA Sports Nike Trainer 1.2 Gets Release Date (Chris Littmann, BSJ '05)

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 22:41:00 +0200

It's really the perfect storm sneaker for this fine blog: a shoe devoted to a specific athlete and a video game? All we need is a music and TV tie-in and we're set. Oh, and there's even a shirt to go along with it!

Yes, I'm talking about the Nike "Tim Tebow" EA Sports Trainer 1.2, pictured below:

The sneaker above, along with a "Tebow Knows" shirt -- riffing on the old "Bo Knows" design -- will drop on Aug. 6 from Nike, presumably on Niketown.com.

(H/T to Nice Kicks)

Yes, I'm talking about the Nike "Tim Tebow" EA Sports Trainer 1.2, pictured below:

The sneaker above, along with a "Tebow Knows" shirt -- riffing on the old "Bo Knows" design -- will drop on Aug. 6 from Nike, presumably on Niketown.com.

(H/T to Nice Kicks)

The End (OLEC 2010)

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 15:14:18 +0200

I am a journalist. I tell people stories. This summer, I’ve been able to tell one by means I never have before. Last night (or rather, very early this morning), my group and I finished a twelve-minute documentary on the wachterhauser in Leipzig. It was a six-week labor of love that concluded many trips to the wachterhaus for footage and answers. Often times, we were lucky enough that the days spent in the house felt so comfortable, they didn’t even seem like work. I will always be grateful to the people who live there. They opened up their home to three students from across the ocean and their video camera.

The evening before we finished our documentary, we were given two scrapbooks full of pictures from the beginning of the wachterhaus’s existence. It was the missing puzzle piece we needed to bring our film to life. I know that when we give the people living there a copy of our work on Saturday, they will not only have what we captured for them, but what they did.

It’s funny to remember how nervous I was to introduce ourselved at the first “open kitchen” dinner we attended six weeks ago and how odd it will be to not take a tram there next Thursday when I’m back in Ohio. Exploring the wachterhauser has given me the opportunity to understand a small part of German culture better than I could have ever read about it. I learned something during these six weeks that can’t be taught in a classroom. I also bettered skills that I have learned that way. Six interviews later, I know the practice I’ve had making this documentary will make me a better journalist. I’ve tried very hard to learn to memorize the AP Stylebook and include the facts of a story my freshman year as a journalism major, but I’ve been learning what it means to be passionate about a story and how to tell it so that everyone else who listens can understand it too this summer.

I am a journalist, but after the six weeks I’ve spent in Leipzig, I feel even more like a storyteller. That’s something I can smile about during the travel home.

Bob Brenly’s Resume (Brian Corbin, BSJ '06)

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 07:06:43 +0200

Arizona Diamondbacks 2001: (92-70)…Won World Series against Yankees. 2002: (98-64)…Won division, lost to St. Louis in NLDS. 2003: (84-78)…Finished 3rd in division. 2004: (22-59)…Fired after 3 1/2 seasons (303-262) .536% Notes: *Was member of Cubs 1990-91 radio team, partnering with Harry Caray, Thom Brennaman & Ron Santo. *Serves as the Cubs television analyst since 2005. [...]

Arizona Diamondbacks
2001: (92-70)…Won World Series against Yankees.
2002: (98-64)…Won division, lost to St. Louis in NLDS.
2003: (84-78)…Finished 3rd in division.
2004: (22-59)…Fired after 3 1/2 seasons (303-262) .536%

Notes:
*Was member of Cubs 1990-91 radio team, partnering with
Harry Caray, Thom Brennaman & Ron Santo.
*Serves as the Cubs television analyst since 2005.
*Attended Ohio University!
*Has a terrific mustache…on par with Mike Ditka’s,
Joel Quenneville’s & Phil Jackson’s cookies dusters!

Hodge Podge (The Big Read Machine)

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 06:18:00 +0200

Here are a few things I found interesting and wanted to share:

--Yanks Goin' Yard!

Brett Gardner got tossed in the Yankees 10-6 victory over the Angels Wednesday after arguing a called strike two, no worries though. The speedy center fielder knew exactly what he was doing. Rookie Collin Curtis promptly stepped up to the plate down 0-2, worked the count to 3-2, then parked one in the short porch in right at Yankee Stadium, his first Major League round-tripper & first curtain call (watch here). Watch towards the end of the video as an employee gets the HR ball from the lucky fan who caught it... Yankees.com reported that in return for the souvenir, Curtis had to trade Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez autographs, each of which he had to get from the future Hall of Famers himself!

"It worked out perfect," Gardner said. "Shoot I was up there trying to get the guy in from third. He went up there and hit a three-run homer."

Speaking of Jeter and A-Rod, the pair each went deep in the Bronx Bombers win over the Royals Thursday. The captain notched only his second inside-the-park homer in 16 seasons. Rodriguez, on the other hand, put his 599th home run over the right field fence. He'll turn 35 years-old on July 27 and if he hits another home run sometime in the next calendar year, he will become the youngest player ever to join the 600 HR club. Babe Ruth currently holds the record, he was 36 when he clubbed number 600. If A-Rod does it Saturday, he has a chance to go deep off the same guy who gave up his 500th home run back in August 2007, Kyle Davies. Deja vu all over again!

--Oswalt Offering has Odd Twist

Roy Oswalt has wanted to be traded to a contender all season, however now he's only concentrating on winning another one for his Houston Astros. In ten seasons with the 'stros he has accumulated 143 wins, good for second best on the club's all-time wins list behind Joe Niekro who threw for the team from 1975-1985. Oswalt asked manager Brad Mills to get him two starts before the July 31 trade deadline, according to astros.com, in order to give him an extra outing to tie Niekro. He will go for victory number 144 Saturday vs. Cincinnati. In 33 career games against the NL Central rival Reds, Oswalt is 23-2 with a 2.62 ERA, 1.127 WHIP, .237 BA against, and a 3.13 K/BB ratio (source: baseball-reference.com). Rumors suggest Oswalt will be dealt to either the Cardinals or Phillies, I'm praying he leaves the Central for reasons listed previously. We're talking a .920 win pct. versus my boys!!

Although there's never a deadline, trading in the fantasy world is also getting juicy around this time. Empathize with Yahoo!'s Andy Behrens about all your roto trade woes, I guarantee there's at least one of these guys in your league as well! (Thanks to Andy for the heads up on this entertaining article)

--Drawing Blood

Bud Selig announced Major League Baseball will begin testing for human growth hormone, starting in the minors, by taking blood samples from players. This from nytimes.com:
Olympic athletes have been subject to blood testing for many years, but baseball's decision marks the first time that a professional league in North America will test its players' blood for signs of doping.

--Record-Breaking Rose Bat Goes for $158,776

The bat Pete used to finish his Major League career with 4,256 hits (most hits in MLB history) was sold at an online auction this month, seven bids were entered. Think it'll get X-rayed? Some people love to kick a guy when he's down, or make fun of his hat at a ballgame...

Lastly, I'll end on a happier note -- happier, that is, for everyone except these guys (found this vid via Mo Egger's blog, check it out):

Here are a few things I found interesting and wanted to share:

--Yanks Goin' Yard!

Brett Gardner got tossed in the Yankees 10-6 victory over the Angels Wednesday after arguing a called strike two, no worries though. The speedy center fielder knew exactly what he was doing. Rookie Collin Curtis promptly stepped up to the plate down 0-2, worked the count to 3-2, then parked one in the short porch in right at Yankee Stadium, his first Major League round-tripper & first curtain call (watch here). Watch towards the end of the video as an employee gets the HR ball from the lucky fan who caught it... Yankees.com reported that in return for the souvenir, Curtis had to trade Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez autographs, each of which he had to get from the future Hall of Famers himself!

"It worked out perfect," Gardner said. "Shoot I was up there trying to get the guy in from third. He went up there and hit a three-run homer."

Speaking of Jeter and A-Rod, the pair each went deep in the Bronx Bombers win over the Royals Thursday. The captain notched only his second inside-the-park homer in 16 seasons. Rodriguez, on the other hand, put his 599th home run over the right field fence. He'll turn 35 years-old on July 27 and if he hits another home run sometime in the next calendar year, he will become the youngest player ever to join the 600 HR club. Babe Ruth currently holds the record, he was 36 when he clubbed number 600. If A-Rod does it Saturday, he has a chance to go deep off the same guy who gave up his 500th home run back in August 2007, Kyle Davies. Deja vu all over again!

--Oswalt Offering has Odd Twist

Roy Oswalt has wanted to be traded to a contender all season, however now he's only concentrating on winning another one for his Houston Astros. In ten seasons with the 'stros he has accumulated 143 wins, good for second best on the club's all-time wins list behind Joe Niekro who threw for the team from 1975-1985. Oswalt asked manager Brad Mills to get him two starts before the July 31 trade deadline, according to astros.com, in order to give him an extra outing to tie Niekro. He will go for victory number 144 Saturday vs. Cincinnati. In 33 career games against the NL Central rival Reds, Oswalt is 23-2 with a 2.62 ERA, 1.127 WHIP, .237 BA against, and a 3.13 K/BB ratio (source: baseball-reference.com). Rumors suggest Oswalt will be dealt to either the Cardinals or Phillies, I'm praying he leaves the Central for reasons listed previously. We're talking a .920 win pct. versus my boys!!

Although there's never a deadline, trading in the fantasy world is also getting juicy around this time. Empathize with Yahoo!'s Andy Behrens about all your roto trade woes, I guarantee there's at least one of these guys in your league as well! (Thanks to Andy for the heads up on this entertaining article)

--Drawing Blood

Bud Selig announced Major League Baseball will begin testing for human growth hormone, starting in the minors, by taking blood samples from players. This from nytimes.com:
Olympic athletes have been subject to blood testing for many years, but baseball's decision marks the first time that a professional league in North America will test its players' blood for signs of doping.

--Record-Breaking Rose Bat Goes for $158,776

The bat Pete used to finish his Major League career with 4,256 hits (most hits in MLB history) was sold at an online auction this month, seven bids were entered. Think it'll get X-rayed? Some people love to kick a guy when he's down, or make fun of his hat at a ballgame...

Lastly, I'll end on a happier note -- happier, that is, for everyone except these guys (found this vid via Mo Egger's blog, check it out):

The Kind of Stats that Could Make Someone Hate Weddings (Y-rd)

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 04:53:00 +0200

Most working brides spends 10 hours a week planning their wedding, according to a recently released survey by ForbesWoman, TheKnot.com and WeddingChannel.com.

... I know, I mean, who the heck has time for that? It turns out they do it on company time, which most of us who've ever worked with a bride know: Almost 90% brides admitted to planning their weddings on company time, and one in three felt their workplace performance suffered because of it.

The survey looked at more than 1,000 working women (most of whom are college-educated, live in the U.S. and make more than $70k). Of course, most of the survey respondents came through TheKnot.com — so, presumably the sample skewed to the bridezilla side. I hope a regular sample of women would give me more hope.

Let me clarify: I'm not totally disappointed by my fellow women, but I'm kind of turned off by this complete obsession around one party and the continued female responsibility to plan it, even though most of us have careers. It's true men are more involved, but 90% of respondents said their fiance spends less planning time. Women still bring this on themselves/succumb to the cultural pressure to do it (OK, and maybe even enjoy it).

I'm certainly not anti-marriage or anti-wedding, but it seems like the tradition has gotten out of hand, turning into a big boring hobby for so many people. We shouldn't have to decide whether to have a life or plan a wedding.

Now, about that maid of honor speech I need to write...

Photo by Shelley PanzarellaMost working brides spends 10 hours a week planning their wedding, according to a recently released survey by ForbesWoman, TheKnot.com and WeddingChannel.com.

... I know, I mean, who the heck has time for that? It turns out they do it on company time, which most of us who've ever worked with a bride know: Almost 90% brides admitted to planning their weddings on company time, and one in three felt their workplace performance suffered because of it.

The survey looked at more than 1,000 working women (most of whom are college-educated, live in the U.S. and make more than $70k). Of course, most of the survey respondents came through TheKnot.com — so, presumably the sample skewed to the bridezilla side. I hope a regular sample of women would give me more hope.

Let me clarify: I'm not totally disappointed by my fellow women, but I'm kind of turned off by this complete obsession around one party and the continued female responsibility to plan it, even though most of us have careers. It's true men are more involved, but 90% of respondents said their fiance spends less planning time. Women still bring this on themselves/succumb to the cultural pressure to do it (OK, and maybe even enjoy it).

I'm certainly not anti-marriage or anti-wedding, but it seems like the tradition has gotten out of hand, turning into a big boring hobby for so many people. We shouldn't have to decide whether to have a life or plan a wedding.

Now, about that maid of honor speech I need to write...

Photo by Shelley Panzarella

< 24 Uhr (OLEC 2010)

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 04:12:54 +0200

I just made some scrambled eggs, Heather made over-easy, Drew and Kyle are eating Danishes and we’ve been up since 8 am yesterday. The iced coffee at the market is really cheap, so we decided to buy a bunch and see the sun rise. We are full swing in our penthouse editing suite on the 8th [...]

We are full swing in our penthouse editing suite on the 8^th floor, Tarostraße and the progress of our piece is coming along wonderfully. Over the past weeks, many people have helped us in producing every necessary asset for our documentary. From word-for-word translations of transcripts to voice over recordings in a snazzy flat in the Südplatz district, the people who have helped us in post-production have been incredible to work with. Making a documentary in a foreign country has opened our eyes to see that we really can’t do this alone—and I feel that is the beauty of the process. In less than 24 hours we will finish strong and have a piece that tells the story of the Baumgartl family as they recount their lifelong experiences. From simple times to life-changing moments, this piece will give you a new perspective on one family’s journey through East Germany’s history.

-Annette

Our sound bites are up, our b-roll is rolling, and our room… well it is a disaster. Red bull cans, coffee cups, snacks, scattered surrendered soundbites and 4 macs we are ready to go. We have transcripts and voice over scripts, German scripts and English scripts, but the light is at the end of the tunnel and a complete documentary finally awaits us. It has been a long process filled with many nights and mornings. Our storyboard has a completely different look as you see the sun rise and set behind it for multiple days on end. Now the picture is in our minds and the process begins to transfer it to a computer. That is a lot easier said then done however. Just to put our process in retrospect we began this blog around 8 a.m on Thursday morning. The only time we are concerned about is the time until our deadline. This is one of the most stressful and exciting parts of the project and in a few short hours we will finally be RENDERING!!!! So for now we will kiss black and fade in after the DVD is burned.

-Heather

Thinking back to six weeks ago when this all started, I would have never guessed that the time would have went by so fast. One thing that I really enjoyed is when we traveled with Susan to her hometown of Eisenach the night before we got to meet her family. It seems like just the other day She was taking us out to dinner there so we could relax with a nice meal before our first big day of shooting. I remember Andrew and I ordering the trout for dinner, which Susan explained had come from a stream in a nearby village. So of course we couldn’t resist. It was funny though because when the waitress brought it out it wasn’t just meat it was the entire fish, the head and all. This being our first time eating a fish prepared this way really made the dinner interesting. It was basically us two pulling bones from our teeth while Susan was coaching us on how to separate it from the meat. But even though it was a lot of work it still ended up being one of my favorite meals of the trip and something that I will always remember about my time here in Germany.

-Kyle

P.S. Drew sends his love, he’s in the editing zone right now.

Episode 141: My Thick Irish Skull (Joe Donatelli, BSJ '99)

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 20:02:19 +0200

Mary Jo Buttafuoco (author of "Getting It Through My Thick Skull") joins The Second Column podcast to talk about her seven-year engagement, Mary Jo and daughter Jessica's appearances on Howard Stern, watching the Long Island Lolita movie objectively, how Joey Buttafuoco's sociopath ways affect her family today and saying no to the worst reality TV show idea in history.Mary Jo Buttafuoco (author of "Getting It Through My Thick Skull") joins The Second Column podcast to talk about her seven-year engagement, Mary Jo and daughter Jessica's appearances on Howard Stern, watching the Long Island Lolita movie objectively, how Joey Buttafuoco's sociopath ways affect her family today and saying no to the worst reality TV show idea in history.

The Strasburg Effect (The Big Read Machine)

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 17:56:00 +0200

Stephen Strasburg's ninth career start (5-2) Wednesday in Cincinnati was both a typical and unusual appearance by the rookie fireballer. The Nationals offense uncharacteristically produced runs, putting up eight in support of Strasburg's fifth win of the season, well above his average run support of 4.59. Similar to his past starts, however, was the size of the crowd; 37,868 fans were in attendance at Great American Ballpark, the first week night sellout in Cincinnati in four years according to USA Today. I call it 'The Strasburg Effect'. The kid has sold out the stadium in 44 percent of his starts, and it's no secret that when he takes the mound fans come to the yard to watch. Here are the numbers:

Tues. June 8 @ PIT -- attendance = 40,315 (96.2% full), avg. 2010 attendance = 20,056, difference = 20,259
Sun. June 13 @ CLE -- attendance = 32,876 (72.7% full), avg. 2010 attendance = 16,636, difference = 16,240
Fri. June 18 vs. CWS -- attendance = 40,325 (96.3% full), avg. 2010 attendance = 23,426, difference = 16,899
Wed. June 23 vs. KC -- attendance = 31,913 (76.2% full), avg. 2010 attendance = 23,426, difference = 8,487
Mon. June 28 @ ATL -- attendance = 42,889 (86.2% full), avg. 2010 attendance = 30,551, difference = 12,338
Sat. July 3 vs. NYM -- attendance = 39,214 (93.6 % full), avg. 2010 attendance = 23,426, difference = 15,788
Fri. July 9 vs. SFG -- attendance = 34,723 (82.9% full), avg. 2010 attendance = 23,426, difference = 11,297
Fri. July 16 @ FLA -- attendance = 27,037 (70.1% full), avg. 2010 attendance = 17,096, difference = 9,941
Wed. July 21 @ CIN -- attendance = 37,868 (89.5% full), avg. 2010 attendance = 23,783, difference = 14,085

*AVG INCREASE IN ATTENDANCE WHEN STRASBURG PITCHES = 13,926

Source: ESPN.com

Tues. June 8 @ PIT -- attendance = 40,315 (96.2% full), avg. 2010 attendance = 20,056, difference = 20,259
Sun. June 13 @ CLE -- attendance = 32,876 (72.7% full), avg. 2010 attendance = 16,636, difference = 16,240
Fri. June 18 vs. CWS -- attendance = 40,325 (96.3% full), avg. 2010 attendance = 23,426, difference = 16,899
Wed. June 23 vs. KC -- attendance = 31,913 (76.2% full), avg. 2010 attendance = 23,426, difference = 8,487
Mon. June 28 @ ATL -- attendance = 42,889 (86.2% full), avg. 2010 attendance = 30,551, difference = 12,338
Sat. July 3 vs. NYM -- attendance = 39,214 (93.6 % full), avg. 2010 attendance = 23,426, difference = 15,788
Fri. July 9 vs. SFG -- attendance = 34,723 (82.9% full), avg. 2010 attendance = 23,426, difference = 11,297
Fri. July 16 @ FLA -- attendance = 27,037 (70.1% full), avg. 2010 attendance = 17,096, difference = 9,941
Wed. July 21 @ CIN -- attendance = 37,868 (89.5% full), avg. 2010 attendance = 23,783, difference = 14,085

*AVG INCREASE IN ATTENDANCE WHEN STRASBURG PITCHES = 13,926

Source: ESPN.com

As Ohioans Burn LeBron Gear, Ohio State Will Stick with James' Nike Gear (Chris Littmann, BSJ '05)

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 17:50:05 +0200

If you search "LeBron Burn" on YouTube, you'll find more than a few people in Ohio (and presumably across the country) that have decided to divest themselves of their LeBron James apparel by way of open flame. Meanwhile, the Ohio State Buckeyes are making no such move

The Plain Dealer has the details:

In October 2009, Ohio State presented James with a No. 23 Ohio State basketball jersey before a Cavaliers exhibition game in Columbus. When Nike created James apparel, the Buckeyes were the first to put his logo on their uniforms in 2007. (The Buckeyes' jerseys have sported only a regular Nike logo for the past two years, but the Buckeyes still wear James' shoes.)
Though James left Cleveland, Ohio State coach Thad Matta hopes his team continues its association with James on some level. "In my opinion, LeBron still loves Ohio, still loves Ohio State," Matta said Wednesday. "I hope that he remains a huge fan of ours because I'm still a huge fan of his. In my position, it's more who he is as a basketball player, not who he's playing for.

"Obviously, I view LeBron as one of the all-time greats. I do wish he would have stayed in Cleveland."

Given Matta's success at Ohio State, he's got some wiggle room with fans, but I wonder how this will play when it comes to actual shoppers. Will Ohio State fans try to steer away from Buckeyes gear that has a LeBron logo?

(Image of last year's Nike Zoom Soldier III via Foot Locker Unlocked. H/T to Rush The Court)

The Plain Dealer has the details:

In October 2009, Ohio State presented James with a No. 23 Ohio State basketball jersey before a Cavaliers exhibition game in Columbus. When Nike created James apparel, the Buckeyes were the first to put his logo on their uniforms in 2007. (The Buckeyes' jerseys have sported only a regular Nike logo for the past two years, but the Buckeyes still wear James' shoes.)
Though James left Cleveland, Ohio State coach Thad Matta hopes his team continues its association with James on some level. "In my opinion, LeBron still loves Ohio, still loves Ohio State," Matta said Wednesday. "I hope that he remains a huge fan of ours because I'm still a huge fan of his. In my position, it's more who he is as a basketball player, not who he's playing for.

"Obviously, I view LeBron as one of the all-time greats. I do wish he would have stayed in Cleveland."

(Image of last year's Nike Zoom Soldier III via Foot Locker Unlocked. H/T to Rush The Court)

T-Time: The San Euro (Chris Littmann, BSJ '05)

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 17:17:14 +0200

WHY YOU NEED IT: Everyone's talking NBA, so we shall, too. There are a couple big names out there, but we'll talk about the biggest: Tony Parker. Yes, the stealthy Spur is honored with this NV Euro tee, which simply takes the Spurs logo and replaces it with a styled "Euro." Parker doesn't get nearly enough t-shirt rep, so it's nice of NV Euro to come through and honor the French point guard. They could have gone with the French flag colors in the background to make it better, but this will have to do.

PRICE: $30

BUY IT NOW: NV Euro Spurs tee

Have a product that you think should be featured on FirstCuts? E-mail firstcuts[at]sportingnews.com?

PRICE: $30

BUY IT NOW: NV Euro Spurs tee

Have a product that you think should be featured on FirstCuts? E-mail firstcuts[at]sportingnews.com?

2K Sports Issues the Jordan Challenge; Play with 10 Versions of Michael Jordan (Chris Littmann, BSJ '05)

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 16:04:12 +0200

Much of the excitement about the upcoming crop of NBA games will come from playing with reshuffled rosters across the league, but NBA 2K11 is giving itself a major distinction with a new mode called The Jordan Challenge.

CNBC's Darren Rovell has the particulars:

The mode allows fans to play with 10 different versions of Jordan that are authentic to that moment. [...] Fans can play whatever game they want in whatever order — in other words, the game comes with all the highlighted games and don't have to be unlocked one at a time.

Which Jordans will you play with, according to CNBC this is what you can expect at least in part:

-- April 20, 1986: Jordan scores 63 vs. the Celtics.
-- March 28, 1990: Jordan scores 69 vs. the Cavs.
-- June 3, 1992: Jordan scores 35 in the first half vs. Blazers.
-- March 18, 1995: Jordan's double nickel vs. the Knicks.
-- June 11, 1997: The Flu Game. (If you have to ask who it's against, we can't be friends.)

My favorite detail is that, according to Rovell, knocking down six 3-pointers against the Blazers will cause M.J. to break out in his iconic shrug.

Is this the knockout blow in the NBA simulation gaming world for this upcoming season? More details are expected from 2K Sports later today and we'll update when those details are available.

(H/T to CNBC. Image via USA Today)

CNBC's Darren Rovell has the particulars:

The mode allows fans to play with 10 different versions of Jordan that are authentic to that moment. [...] Fans can play whatever game they want in whatever order — in other words, the game comes with all the highlighted games and don't have to be unlocked one at a time.

Which Jordans will you play with, according to CNBC this is what you can expect at least in part:

My favorite detail is that, according to Rovell, knocking down six 3-pointers against the Blazers will cause M.J. to break out in his iconic shrug.

Is this the knockout blow in the NBA simulation gaming world for this upcoming season? More details are expected from 2K Sports later today and we'll update when those details are available.

(H/T to CNBC. Image via USA Today)

Ryne Sandberg’s Resume (Brian Corbin, BSJ '06)

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 08:00:00 +0200

Single-A — Peoria Chiefs 2007: (71-68)…lost Midwest League Championship Game. 2008: (60-78)…7th place, 18.5 games back. Double-A — Tennessee Smokies 2009: (71-69)…2nd place division. Triple-A — Iowa Cubs 2010: (56-39)…leading North Division by 7-games.

Single-A — Peoria Chiefs
2007: (71-68)…lost Midwest League Championship Game.
2008: (60-78)…7th place, 18.5 games back.

Double-A — Tennessee Smokies
2009: (71-69)…2nd place division.

Triple-A — Iowa Cubs
2010: (56-39)…leading North Division by 7-games.

Google News Users Prefer Dashboards (Y-rd)

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 03:04:00 +0200

I previously wrote about how Google is changing news with new features. Now they revamped their revamp after users complained about some of the features. The backlash suggests that readers might prefer to consume online news as a dashboard, not a stream. I recently blogged about the topic at eMedia Vitals.I previously wrote about how Google is changing news with new features. Now they revamped their revamp after users complained about some of the features. The backlash suggests that readers might prefer to consume online news as a dashboard, not a stream. I recently blogged about the topic at eMedia Vitals.

Sign of the Farmpocalypse (Holly Stebbins Michael, BSJ '96)

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 01:20:00 +0200

Every issue of Sports Illustrated has a brief quote titled Sign of the Apocolypse, a humorous but true sports news item that makes you wonder--have we gone too far? In that spirit, I present another installment of Sign of the Farmpocalypse, because I just can't make this stuff up.

The Midwest Dairy Association has created a new Facebook app that allows you to create your own "Butter Cow" display, with you as the star.

More on last night’s mound-visit mess (Bay Bridge Baseball)

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 22:56:18 +0200

I was discussing last night’s mound-visit stuff with Marty Lurie, one of the hosts on the Giants radio network, and he made a point that the umpires may have bungled that stuff, too. At first I didn’t agree with him, but now I do. (As does a major league official who spoke to Fox’s Ken [...]

(b) A second trip to the same pitcher in the same inning will cause this pitcher’s automatic removal;

(c) The manager or coach is prohibited from making a second visit to the mound while the same batter is at bat,

snip

In a case where a manager has made his first trip to the mound and then returns the second time to the mound in the same inning with the same pitcher in the game and the same batter at bat, after being warned by the umpire that he cannot return to the mound, the manager shall be removed from the game and the pitcher required to pitch to the batter until he is retired or gets on base. After the batter is retired, or becomes a base runner, then this pitcher must be removed from the game. The manager should be notified that his pitcher will be removed from the game after he pitches to one hitter, so he can have a substitute pitcher warmed up.

The substitute pitcher will be allowed eight preparatory pitches or more if in the umpire’s judgment circumstances justify.

So what’s all that mean? If you look at the difference between parts b and c, it doesn’t say what happens if you make two visits with the same hitter up — it says you can’t. And in the explanation that follows, it clearly says what happens if you do. The manager should be tossed and the pitcher should face that hitter and then be removed from the game. So Don Mattingly should have been ejected and then Jonathan Broxton forced to leave after facing Andres Torres.

But Mattingly is also to blame here, because he blew it twice. Not only did he make that second visit, but then he was unaware of this part of the rule, or else he’d have made a bigger stink and protested the game right there. That’s the type of protest that could be upheld. You never know. It’s worth a shot.

EA Sports Active Gets NFL Training Camp Twist (Chris Littmann, BSJ '05)

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 22:11:54 +0200

When initially released, EA Sports Active really targeted a female audience, but in November that will change.

Today, EA SPORTS™, a label of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS), announced the development of EA SPORTS Active NFL Training Camp for the Wii™, a football-based training program that put users right into the football drills and conditioning workouts of an NFL training camp. Developed in collaboration with NFL strength and conditioning coaches, users will experience the thrill of competition while challenging friends and family in authentic NFL football drills. EA SPORTS Active NFL Training Camp with Total Body Tracking uses the included heart rate monitor and wireless motion tracking to provide a challenging workout and help deliver measurable results. It will link to the EA SPORTS Active online hub where users can share training results and challenge others to beat their personal best, as well as track progress toward specific fitness goals.* EA SPORTS Active NFL Training Camp brings the real NFL training camp experience right into the living room, and will be available at retailers on November 16.

The game drops on Nov. 16 -- my birthday, so take note holiday shoppers! -- and it will retail for $99.99. Is this enough to entice you into the EA Active arena?

When initially released, EA Sports Active really targeted a female audience, but in November that will change.

Today, EA SPORTS™, a label of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS), announced the development of EA SPORTS Active NFL Training Camp for the Wii™, a football-based training program that put users right into the football drills and conditioning workouts of an NFL training camp. Developed in collaboration with NFL strength and conditioning coaches, users will experience the thrill of competition while challenging friends and family in authentic NFL football drills. EA SPORTS Active NFL Training Camp with Total Body Tracking uses the included heart rate monitor and wireless motion tracking to provide a challenging workout and help deliver measurable results. It will link to the EA SPORTS Active online hub where users can share training results and challenge others to beat their personal best, as well as track progress toward specific fitness goals.* EA SPORTS Active NFL Training Camp brings the real NFL training camp experience right into the living room, and will be available at retailers on November 16.

The game drops on Nov. 16 -- my birthday, so take note holiday shoppers! -- and it will retail for $99.99. Is this enough to entice you into the EA Active arena?

How would you fix the A’s? (Bay Bridge Baseball)

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 22:07:30 +0200

Today I’ve had a couple debates with my fellow media members about what the A’s need to do to get over the hump. It’s a pretty tough spot they’re in, because they really seem to be pretty far away from having the starting lineup of a contender. However, they’ve got a really good young pitching [...]

So I’ve been mulling over a few different paths the A’s could take to fix their lineup. I think there are pretty much three ways to do it, although it’s possible they’d do a combination of the three.

Trade away some of the pitching surplus to get a hitter or two. This is highly risky, because you can never have too much pitching, as they say. If you have young, affordable, pitching, that’s like gold. Thing is, the A’s seem to have been able to develop some young pitchers lately, but they haven’t been able to develop any hitters, so maybe they have to bite the bullet. I’m talking about trading a guy like Vin Mazzaro for the equivalent offensive player. Someone like Ike Davis.
Go shopping over the winter. The A’s have a ridiculously cheap roster for next season, right now. They’ve got $8 million committed. Guys like Jack Cust, Kevin Kouzmanoff and Conor Jackson will each be due arbitration salaries of $4 million to $6 million. If Mark Ellis’ option is picked up, he’d make $6 million. Otherwise, everyone is cheap. So the A’s could theoretically spend $20 million or so on free agents and still have a payroll of about what this year’s is. The list of free agent bats will include Adam Dunn, Paul Konerko, David Ortiz (maybe, he has an option), Derrek Lee, Carlos Pena, Alex Gonzalez, Jorge Cantu, Brandon Inge, Ty Wigginton, Carl Crawford, Magglio Ordonez and Jayson Werth. (That’s not the whole list, just the guys who would conceivably be significant upgrades to the offense.)
Just keep running prospects through. The A’s could trade Ben Sheets, Craig Breslow and Michael Wuertz and try to get some more prospects. They won’t get blue-chippers for any of the guys on their roster, but the more players they get, the more chance they have of uncovering someone else’s diamond in the rough. They can keep hoping that guys a few of the guys in their system — Chris Carter, Michael Taylor, Jemile Weeks, Adrian Cardenas, etc. — will get to the big leagues and really have an impact. Over the past five years the only guy the A’s have developed who would be a starter on a good team is Kurt Suzuki.

Frankly, I don’t think any of those would work all that well. The problem with the first one is that they’d be giving up pitching, which is generally not a good thing. The problem with the second is that they may not be able to convince a legit free agent to come to Oakland without overpaying, and most free agents tend to be a bad deal because you’re paying for what they’ve already done at a time when their production is due to go down. The problem with the third one is that the A’s have been doing it and it hasn’t worked.

So, my answer is I have no answers. What do you think?

I’m the Captain, I’m the Captain! (Honorary Captain – Cincinnati Reds 7/19) (Ryan Lytle)

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 21:36:50 +0200

I have had the amazing opportunity to be able to promote so much since I was chosen to participate inRead the Rest...

I have had the amazing opportunity to be able to promote so much since I was chosen to participate in the MTV TJ competition. I have appeared on The TODAY Show, made local TV and Radio appearances and even had a park dedicated in my name for the day. But, I lived one of the greatest moments of my life this past Monday when I served as the honorary captain of the Cincinnati Reds. I have to thank Michael Anderson of the Reds PR for taking the great photos. I had such an amazing time. Make sure to check out the photos below of my time as Reds honorary captain:

My parents and I on the field before the game. Not pictured – my wonderful girlfriend.

Myself with Cincinnati Reds Manager Dusty Baker walking to home plate.

Dusty is a funny dude. I had a blast during the brief 5 minutes I talked to him.

It’s “Twitter Jockey” but I think you get the gist.

Just checking out the ground rules. How out of place do I look?

Yeah, I look a little out of place!

I had a blast! Thank you to the Cincinnati Reds for making this happen.

This entire competition has been a dream that I never want to end. You can help keep my dream going for the next few weeks, and hopefully even longer! If you have been a supporter of mine but haven’t voted yet, make sure to vote for Ryan Lytle on the Zync for AMEX Facebook page! The vote ends Thursday at 5 PM and I need all the help I can get!

First Look at NBA Elite 11 with Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry and Brandon Jennings (Chris Littmann, BSJ '05)

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 19:59:32 +0200

Fans have to be excited about the new controls, but I must admit I'm surprised at how unpolished the graphics look. Still, it does say work in progress, and ultimately I'd take sub-par graphics for a basketball game that doesn't feel like you're playing on ice skates.

So Long Sweet Lou (Brian Corbin, BSJ '06)

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 08:00:46 +0200

Lou was the right man for the job in 2007. Now he’s leaving at the right time, too. Of course, we didn’t get the championship or the explosive Lou of years past, but who won’t miss those classic post-game press conferences? The long pauses, the play-by-play of the game and those all too familier Lou-isms! [...]

Lou was the right man for the job in 2007.
Now he’s leaving at the right time, too.

Of course, we didn’t get the championship or the explosive Lou
of years past, but who won’t miss those classic post-game
press conferences?

The long pauses, the play-by-play of the game and those
all too familier Lou-isms!

My personal favorites:
–”winning is like a massage, it’s very relaxing.”
–”he’s stroking the ball well, he really is.”
–”I don’t care about feelings.”
–”what can I do?”

The two division titles were thrilling, especially 2008, my most
enjoyable season of baseball to date.

The postseason, obviously, was heartbreaking–two series, two sweeps.
Didn’t help that Lou wasn’t at his best, either.

The skipper made the mistake of removing Zambrano too early in Game 1 of
the 2007 NLDS at Arizona. Then, failed to start Ted Lilly in 2008
against the Dodgers, going instead with Depmster, Zambrano & Harden.

There were other bone-headed moves too: Fukudome in the starting lineup, Reed Johnson on the bench & Soriano in the leadoff spot.

But Piniella isn’t deserving of all the blame, not in the playoffs
and not for the last two seasons, either.

Like any manager, Lou is at the mercy of his players.
Two years they got it done, two years they didn’t.
Right or wrong, the manager takes the blame.

Piniella’s stay won’t end the way we wanted it to, or the way we expected it to.
But something tells me we’ll look back on the skipper’s stay fondly.
Winning or losing, Cubs baseball has been interesting the last four years. And for that, we can thanks Sweet Lou.

Checked today: No comp for Sheets (Bay Bridge Baseball)

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 04:21:10 +0200

I checked around today, and it seems that I was right about Ben Sheets. Because he missed the 2009 season, there will be no compensation for him if he signs elsewhere next year. That means the A’s won’t get any draft picks if they keep Sheets and let him walk at the end of the [...]

That means there is less incentive for the A’s to keep him — although they may keep him anyway — and it also means that teams will be willing to give up less to get him. He has less value because he is not attached to two draft picks, as a potential Type A free agent (like Ted Lilly) would be.

Why I Follow @MyChemChat Contest! (Views of a Music-freak)

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 04:18:35 +0200

Hey, guys!

A new contest to win MCR posters from yours truly begins today!

Check out this video for more details:

Additional Information:

-Deadline: July 28, 2010

-DM @MyChemChat your video's link on Twitter when you've completed it!

-If you have won an #MCRchat contest before, please do not enter.

-Be sure to clearly state which poster you want (1, 2, or 3) in your video or in the description.

Any other questions? Ask me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/MyChemChat

#MCRchat information:
http://twebevent.com/mcrchat

The prizes:

Posters not shown in the video are extras. Because of shipping rates, only U.S. winners will be eligible to receive the T-shirt. All winners will receive "Life On The Murder Scene" stickers, and I will choose a promotional poster to add to each prize package at random.

Thank you for participating!

XoXo
c.

Sports marketing done right: The Tribe Social Media Deck (Garrett Downing)

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 03:11:25 +0200

Last week I had the chance to attend a Cleveland Indians game and sit in the new “Social Media Deck.” I wasn’t sure what to expect before I arrived because I had only heard a limited amount about the team’s new media project. Basically, I knew I had free tickets. And that I should use [...]

Basically, I knew I had free tickets. And that I should use social media during the game. I thought I could handle that.

I was initially invited to an Indians Social Media Deck because of a blog post that I wrote for CNBC about ways that teams and organizations could better use social media to connect with their fans. Someone with the Indians saw my blog, and invited me to attend.

In my blog, I discussed the importance of sports teams using social media, saying,

“Organizations need to use these outlets as a way to start the conversation. Get fans to interact…Ignoring those outlets is a missed opportunity for teams to reach their audience in their realm of communication.”

The Cleveland Indians Social Deck is exactly what I meant when I wrote that blog.

As a quick description, the area has 10 seats, which allows each person plenty of space. The location is quality and the deck has a nice flat-screen television in the corner, allowing for instant replay.

The section actually is a deck (like a small version of one you might find in your backyard) at the base of the left-field bleachers. Banners decorate the section, creating a somewhat VIP-feel, definitely making the area stand out in the ballpark.

I think that is the idea.

As people walked by the section, they started discussing what it is and what it takes to sit there. Just looking at the section gets people talking.

Again, I think that was part of the plan.

During the game, the guests were treated well by a member of the Indians PR staff who delivered each person a press packet, identical to the one handed out to the media. The small gesture by the team made sure that the guests felt welcome, giving us a connection to the organization and creating memorable viewing experience. No matter how small, these kinds of efforts can go a long way in winning over a fan base.

Once we were in the ballpark, what we did with social media was up to us. Despite what some might think, guests at the Social Deck are given no instructions or expectations about what to say or post. We could share as much, or as little, with our audiences as we wanted. That was up to us.

Some tweeted. Others used Facebook. A couple checked into the Foursquare. I wrote a blog. But none of us had to do any of that. All of us chose to participate, engaging with our audiences and talking about the Indians franchise at a time where we might not have much to say about the team.

That is well worth the cost of a few bleacher seats.

The program accomplishes a number of goals, at a cheap price and in an efficient way.

Most importantly, it gets people coming the stadium and talking about the team. In a year where the Indians have struggled, simply putting people in the stands—even if it is only 10 free tickets—is a place to start.

As the guests enjoy the ballpark, they will naturally talk about the game, using the social media tools to interact with hundreds, even thousands of people about the Tribe. Suddenly, the discussion about the game has extended far beyond the confines of Progressive Field.

At the start of the season, people had to receive an invitation to be part of the deck, allowing the Indians to hand pick the initial participants. In recent weeks, the team has started to open the section to people who apply online, but the organization still has the control to pick the participants. This strategy takes advantage of the team’s most loyal customers and utilizes those with an established social media audience.

Another benefit of the program is that it encourages continued interaction between fans and the team. The day after I was guest at the Social Media Deck, I received a tweet from the team, telling me that I could get $10 tickets for the next game because I was a guest the previous night.

I thought, “for 10 bucks, why not?” So I went to the game the next night, too.

Had I not received that tweet, I’m not sure I would have attended the game. That kind of offer gave me a reason to stay connected with the team through social media outlets, and I continue to monitor the team’s Twitter feed and website.

I’m not sure if the Indians organization considers the program a success, but it is hard to imagine it wouldn’t. Here’s some simple math to show the potential value of the Social Media Deck:

The Deck has 10 seats and the Indians have 81 home games. For the sake of discussion, let’s go with modest numbers and say that each guest of the Deck has 100 Twitter followers or 100 Facebook friends.

If different guests attend at each game, then that is 810 guests throughout the season. If each of those 810 guests send just one tweet, or make one Facebook post to their 100 friends/followers about attending the Indians game, then those messages reach 81,000 people.

That is 81,000 additional people reading, seeing and discussing the Cleveland Indians.

If it weren’t for their friend’s experience at the Social Media Deck, who know if they would have even thought about the Tribe. That is how your use your most loyal fans and followers to share your message.

To me, that works.

ImPRessions’ newest client strikes a new chord (OU ImPRessions)

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:00:28 +0200

By Ashley Showen VP, Operations ImPRessions is pleased to announce the addition of a new client for the 2010-2011 school year, hip-hop/rap artist Kellee Maize. Maize, whose passion is to help people share the power of music, has recorded two albums to date and is the number one downloaded artist on Amazon.com. Some of her [...]By Ashley Showen VP, Operations ImPRessions is pleased to announce the addition of a new client for the 2010-2011 school year, hip-hop/rap artist Kellee Maize. Maize, whose passion is to help people share the power of music, has recorded two albums to date and is the number one downloaded artist on Amazon.com. Some of her [...]

Sweet Lou (The Big Read Machine)

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 22:04:00 +0200

Lou Piniella, manager of the Chicago Cubs, will retire at the end of this season reports the Chicago Tribune. He has managed five teams since his debut in 1986 including the Yankees, Reds, Mariners, and former Devil Rays. Piniella won his only World Series title in his first season managing the Reds, however he arguably had more success in Seattle (with Griffey Jr., A-Rod, Randy Johnson, Edgar Martinez, Jay Buhner, etc.). He was named AL Manager of the Year twice in '95 and '01, losing the American League Division Championship series in each despite winning 116 regular season games in 2001. In his four years managing the Cubs (307-271), Piniella took his club to the postseason only once in 2008 after winning the NL Central, but promptly lost three straight to the Dodgers in the NLDS. As of Monday, the Cubs were 42-52 and 10.5 games out of first place in the Central. His managerial record is 1826-1691 good for a .519 win pct.

We've all seen Lou get tossed from a game or two arguing a questionable call for one of his players, but how about a video of the man himself getting tossed AS a player with the New York Yankees... Piniella's playing career: 1964-84, playing for the Yankees, Royals, Indians, and Orioles. Career stats: 1747 games played, 1705 hits, 102 HR, 766 RBI, .291 BA, .333 OBP

No Man Is An Island (OLEC 2010)

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 19:33:13 +0200

The Conne Island group has been burning through pages of transcripts, constructing a constantly evolving script while simultaneously sorting and editing interviews and b-roll. At first we were concerned we may not have enough footage to fully illustrate the Island’s concepts and its crew, but now it seems that before we know it we’ll have a hefty [...]

I feel the movie has really changed its direction for the better since its initial pre-production stages. While in the states it was intended to simply be a biographical piece that touched on the blend of culture and politics, it now stands as a display of the Islander’s dedication to a place for alternative thought and culture.

MTV TJ Challenge 5 – “I Want My MTV” (Ryan Lytle)

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 17:22:16 +0200

Challenge 5 | I Want My MTV Open for 3 days ‐ from 12:00am (EST) July 18 2010 to 12:00pmRead the Rest...

Challenge 5 | I Want My MTV
Open for 3 days ‐ from 12:00am (EST) July 18 2010 to 12:00pm (noon EST) July 20, 2010.

Personal: What three MTV moments have resonated with you most?

For this 5th and final challenge, MTV has given me the chance to showcase the three moments in MTV history that have resonated with me the most over the years. Well, it’s honestly pretty hard to do. I had a list of 10 moments in MTV that have resonated me and made me who I am but I have whittled that list down to fit the requirements! So, without further ado, the three MTV moments that resonate with me the most.

MTV is … Slim Shady

When Eminem burst on the scene in 1999 and dropped The Slim Shady LP, my love for rap escalated to an all-time high. I remember the first time Eminem appeared on TRL with Carson Daly. I was 10 years old and had just come home from school to see this bleach-blond dude with a funky leather jacket and a hilarious attitude. I was so young and impressionable at that time and I did what basically every other kid in America did during the Slim Shady early years: I bleached my hair. Luckily, I have no pictures on hand to document this atrocious decision but I do have the complete collection of everything Shady has done since he blew up on MTV. From The Slim Shady LP to Encore to his most recent album, Recovery I have been a fan from the beginning and I will continue to be until the end. And I can only thank MTV for introducing me to an artist that is influential, controversial, unpredictable and a trend setter. Check out Eminem’s first appearance on TRL. It will take you back!

————————————————————————————————————————————————–

MTV is … Crazy!

If there is one statement that is synonymous with MTV, it’s this:

Along the same time Slim Shady came on the scene, a group of “jackasses” created the idea for a show where the riskiest, and the dumbest, of stunts were attempted all for the pure joy of entertainment. I always got a little excitement every time the show would come on and I would hear, “I’m Johnny Knoxville and this is Jackass,” as he went into another one of his crazy stunts. When I first watched this show, I thought it was the dumbest thing I had ever seen. Why would people continue to put their bodies through harm in order to get a few laughs? But then I kept watching and kept watching and, before you knew it, the last episode of the series ran and I was wondering what had happened to my favorite show. Luckily, there were plenty of insane episodes of “Viva La Bam” and “Wild Boyz” that had not aired yet. But check out what I watched for the first time back in 2000 – clips from the first episode of “Jackass!”

————————————————————————————————————————————————–

MTV is … All-Access

Growing up, I was always curious to see how the celebrities I saw on TV, heard on the radio and watched on the movie screen lived outside of their bubble. How does a celeb kick back and relax after working? Well, MTV gave us all the greatest access to see just how lavish these celebrities have it when not on the grind. Beginning in 2000, MTV Cribs has kept me plenty nourished in my desires to see the “good life.” From monstrous mansions to amazing cars to the coolest views and backyards. When I was younger, my dream job was to be the producer of this show (well, I’d still be happy doing that). I never thought about the fact that I may want to be the person who lives in those homes. I just wanted to capture it and put it on MTV. There have been so many memorable episodes of MTV Cribs, from 50 Cent’s seven kitchens, Shaq’s 64,000 sq. ft. estate or Big Boi’s Boom Boom Room, we have had the opportunity to see the extravagant. But no episode has been as iconic or memorable as Mariah Carey’s one-hour special that toured her NYC penthouse. It was absolutely ridiculous (but so addicting)! Check out just a short clip from this episode:

————————————————————————————————————————————————–

Those are three MTV moments that have resonated throughout my life and made me who I am, if even just a little bit. If you look at these moments, you might assume that I am a crazy dude that takes risks and loves luxuries. And maybe at times that is right. Just thinking about these moments over again makes me love MTV just a little bit more. I have been so fortunate to have an opportunity to be a part of MTV, if even for a little while. Hopefully, this ride can last a little bit longer and I can continue to live this dream. If I had room to add another, this MTV TJ competition would have to be in there. I love this moment because I get to be a part of it. There are so many people that would kill to have this chance and I am so blessed that I get it. MTV, you’re alright.

If you have been a supporter of mine but haven’t voted yet, make sure to vote for Ryan Lytle on the Zync for AMEX Facebook page! The vote ends Thursday and I need all the help I can get!

David Banner: The Interview (Ryan Lytle)

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 15:06:09 +0200

If you didn’t know, David Banner is deep. After dropping his fourth studio album, Greatest Story Ever Told, Banner saidRead the Rest...

If you didn’t know, David Banner is deep. After dropping his fourth studio album, Greatest Story Ever Told, Banner said he felt trapped musically. With an album that debuted at #8 on Billboard and hits such as “Get Like Me” and “9mm,” it was obvious he wasn’t struggling to find an audience. To him, music was all starting to sound the same. Music videos looked the same. Rappers were acting the same, and he wanted to break away from that.

“I was just in a really funny place emotionally,” the Mississippi MC said. “I just felt like the music had not been about the people and the spirit of the music. Music really had turned just into selling.”

Are we seeing a new David Banner? One that is no longer about the money, the cars, the women?

“Don’t get me wrong I love selling. I love money.”

But Banner was looking to do something different. He saw the guys that were coming out in the industry and felt that the art form of rap was being tainted. It was becoming too easy to become an artist because there was no art being produced. Banner began to question the state of contemporary music.

“If music continues down the path it’s going down now, it’s going to be nearly impossible for there to be another Michael Jackson, Usher, Prince or Chris Brown or someone of that stature.”

Bring in 9th Wonder, a man known for his smooth, soulful production style, and the two collaborated on an album that will be a movement in the rap game. Called Death of a Pop Star, Banner understands that the sound that people hear on this album will not be the typical David Banner sound. He realizes that this LP may not be the best business decision after coming off a mega-hit single such as “Get Like Me,” but he wanted to do something more with his music.

“I just want people to see David Banner and 9th Wonder, they see the Death of a Pop Star brand and they know they’re going to get quality. They’re going to get something that means something. Just know when you see that brand, you see quality and you see soul.”

During late 2009, reports came out that Banner and 9th Wonder were collaborating on a mix tape that would be given out to the public for free. By June 2010, Banner made the decision to turn Pop Star into a full studio album and charge the public for the music.

“Mix tapes were never meant to be the end result,” Banner said. “People feel like they should get something for free. And when people feel like they should get something for free, you’re no longer an artist. You’re a philanthropist – with no money.”

Death of a Pop Star reflects on the state of rap and the world. According to Banner, the rap game is crumbling because it is reflecting upon a crumbling country. To him, music is a reflection of the people. When the country isn’t pushing positivity, music is reflecting those feelings.

“If you notice when America was making more money, people were talking about what? Ballin’. They was talking about partying. The problem is, people never want to tell the truth about what is going on in their life. We want to talk about what Chris Brown is doing but we won’t talk about the politics of our city.”

Banner has known Breezy since he broke onto the scene as a 16-year-old kid. And he still supports Brown as he attempts to come back to prominence after his fall from grace last February after the Rihanna incident.

“The thing that people don’t understand about Chris is that he was a child growing up and being a man in the music industry with everyone’s eyes on him. The thing I tell him is to never duck your head for the decisions that you make. No man or no woman should have to be sorry to nobody but who you feel you were wrong to and to God. Everyone else, they’re not God. Once people stop feeling that because they paid $9.99 or 99 cents for a record that they own the right to judge a man, then I think we’ll all be a little better.”

As he discusses the legacy of one star in the music industry, Banner shares what he hopes people will say about him years after he is gone.

“I just want to leave a man who was not scared to show all aspects of who he was as an artist. He was a man that cared about people and where he came from. He was a good dude but not one to be taken lightly.”

With Death of a Pop Star dropping later this summer, Banner will be switching gears and giving his loyal fans the music they have been waiting for with a new album called The Trinity Movement. People who were expecting Banner to come out with more hits like “Like a Pimp,” “Get Like Me” and “Play” will not be disappointed.

“The Trinity Movement incorporates the trinity of who I am – whether it’s the business cat, whether it’s the street cat or whether it’s the college cat. Usually people have three sides to their personality and that’s what this album is going to be about. You have the radio David Banner, the spiritual David Banner and you have the street side of David Banner. And they’re all just as relevant to who I am as a person.”

Describing who David Banner is as a person would be as complicated and diverse as his newest album but Banner made it easy and summed it up in one line.

“At the end of the day, I want people to say he was a very rich man. Like ‘Damn that boy had people!’”

Video Of Roy Halladay At Wrigley Field (Brian Corbin, BSJ '06)

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 08:00:59 +0200

Here’s some video I shot from the Skybox On Sheffield Sunday Night. It’s the pre-game bullpen session of Phillies ace Roy Halladay, who entered the game riding an 18-consecutive scoreless innings streak! That ended with the Cubs scoring four runs in the second inning en route to an 11-6 win. Halladay took the loss allowing [...]

Here’s some video I shot from the " target="_blank">Skybox On Sheffield Sunday Night.

It’s the pre-game bullpen session of Phillies ace Roy Halladay,
who entered the game riding an 18-consecutive scoreless innings streak!

That ended with the Cubs scoring four runs in the second inning
en route to an 11-6 win.

Halladay took the loss allowing 6 runs (5 earned) in 6-innings.
Soto and Soriano homered off the right-hander, as well.

What should the A’s do with Sheets? (Bay Bridge Baseball)

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 07:47:32 +0200

I’ve got a story over at FanHouse breaking down how Ben Sheets has been pitching lately, as well as what the A’s must take into consideration if they trade him. Personally, I think they are going to trade him. Billy Beane has said that he doesn’t need to trade Sheets and he doesn’t want to [...]

I’ve got a story over at FanHouse breaking down how Ben Sheets has been pitching lately, as well as what the A’s must take into consideration if they trade him.

Personally, I think they are going to trade him.

Billy Beane has said that he doesn’t need to trade Sheets and he doesn’t want to trade Sheets, because he’s given them good innings and he’s been a good influence on the other young pitchers. While I believe he’s done that, I don’t think they need him to do that for the last two months of a season in which the A’s aren’t contenders. The young guys aren’t going to forget whatever Sheets taught them in the past four months.

If you look at the starting pitcher market, there are basically two guys — Roy Oswalt and Dan Haren — and everyone else. And Sheets, in my opinion, is the best of the rest. Haren is going to be very difficult to pry away from the Diamondbacks because he’s got a pretty affordable contract, relative to how good he is. Oswalt is also very good, but the Astros won’t have an easy time trading him because he’s got a no-trade clause and because he’s due at least $23 million through 2011 (including a buyout of his 2012 option).

Any team that needs a starter, but doesn’t have the three top prospects to give up for Haren, and doesn’t have the top prospects or the money to get Oswalt, is going to be shopping in the Plan B bin, where there’s Sheets, Ted Lilly, Jeremy Guthrie, Jake Westbrook.

Sheets, who has a 3.64 ERA over his past 14 starts, is the best of that group. Besides, the A’s can offer something else. They can pay Sheets’ salary. The A’s have a pretty low payroll and next year’s payroll (without Sheets or Eric Chavez) looks to be even lower. If they can get a blue-chip prospect by paying Sheets salary, they should do it. Remember, the Mariners got the Rangers to part with Justin Smoak because they paid some of Cliff Lee’s salary for Texas, which has no money to spend because of the muddled ownership situation.

Also, the A’s are getting close to having six starters, assuming that Dallas Braden (who returns on Tuesday) and Brett Anderson (who could be back as soon as next week) can stay healthy. That’s even more reason to move Sheets now.

Finally, there is the question of draft pick compensation, which I have to check on. Because Sheets missed all of last season, I don’t believe he’d be a Type A free agent this winter, which means the A’s won’t get any (significant) compensation if they keep him and let him walk. Their best chance to get some long-term value out of him is to trade him in the next two weeks.

The Home Stretch (OLEC 2010)

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 00:39:36 +0200

Things are starting to get mighty stressful as all the teams including Radio Mephisto start pulling long hours working on scriptwriting and editing. We have been meeting twice a day for about four hours each working on the scriptwriting and going over broll to see what we are going to put on the screen. Today we finally finished a draft of the script although some of the visuals we are still a little shakey on. Either way, it is still so nice to be able to feel like we can scratch something off of the list of things to do. Today I was also able to throw together a quick little title sequence so that we have something that looks good to introduce the film. Rachel and Alex seemed to like it so hopefully it will entice viewers to want to keep watching the documentary. Only four days left until the premiere.

I’m finally starting to feel like all of this is coming together which is great, but at the same time it also means that it is almost coming to an end. Summer is almost over as sad as that is. People are already looking into which textbooks they need for the fall. In a millisecond we’ll be back in the states and before too long we’ll be back in the classroom. I know it’s sad to already be nostalgic about Germany when I haven’t even left yet, but the time is coming to an end and it feels like not to long ago that I was getting off the plane in Berlin thinking, “Wow. I’m really in Germany.” There are things about heading home that sound amazing to me: air conditioning, public water fountains, my own bed. But I feel like there is so much about Germany and OLEC that I’m going to miss.

Glen Donnellan (The Big Read Machine)

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 00:35:00 +0200

Warning: Today's post will be black and white, but mostly Reds all over... sorry if that's not your thing. However, driving home from Chicago I remembered this guy: Introducing musician and mad scientist Glen Donnellan.

It's kind of like Jimi Hendrix meets the symphony meets a Louisville Slugger. Three words come to mind, God Bless America! Donnellan plays in the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington D.C. and hand made an electric violin out of an ash baseball bat (see image below)

Reds Rant:

--Jason Isringhausen might throw a bullpen at GABP? Seriously Walt? Do we really need a washed up former Cardinal when available pitchers include Harang, Arroyo, Cueto, Leake, Volquez, Bailey, Wood, Maloney, and Owings. It's doubtful as to whether he can help the bullpen, Jordan Smith, Logan Ondrusek, and Arthur Rhodes have been pretty solid lately and here's what Homer told Enquirer beat writer John Fay Monday:

"Whatever they want me to do," he said. "You've got to learn to make adjustments. I'll do whatever they want me to."

--Jay Bruce is bad and people are starting to notice. RedReporter reports (redundant, I know) Bruce is batting .140/.189/.220 for the month of July, with ZERO RBI.

--The combination of Edinson's first start, a Hall of Fame Inductee ceremony, Chris Sabo bobblehead night, and two performances by MC Hammer proved to be a perfect storm as the Reds sold out the ballpark by the Ohio. Attendance was 41,300.

--Unfortunately the Reds 1-0 loss Sunday, their third 1-0 loss in five games dating back to before the break reported John Fay. The cards won and took a half-game lead in the Central.

--The visiting Washington Nationals will send Stephen Strasburg to the hill Wednesday night, I'm trying to go but counting on buying walk-up same day tickets which probably won't be available at the box office. I heard on a local radio station today that since his start was announced, the Reds have sold 1,000 tickets per day and sold 3,000 Monday alone. Get your tickets online here.

Reds Rant:

"Whatever they want me to do," he said. "You've got to learn to make adjustments. I'll do whatever they want me to."

--Jay Bruce is bad and people are starting to notice. RedReporter reports (redundant, I know) Bruce is batting .140/.189/.220 for the month of July, with ZERO RBI.

--Unfortunately the Reds 1-0 loss Sunday, their third 1-0 loss in five games dating back to before the break reported John Fay. The cards won and took a half-game lead in the Central.

Ketchup, Rubber Buns and Liquor (Mr. Sunshine)

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 23:43:00 +0200

Back when I was a kid, there was this awful joke we used to tell...even if we didn't quite understand it.

JOKER: Okay to every single thing I say, you have to respond "Ketchup, rubber buns and liquor," got it?

JOKEE: Sounds reasonable enough and you've never lead me astray so I shall play into your little ruse.

JOKER: Great. So what do you eat for breakfast?

JOKEE: Ketchup, rubber buns and liquor.

JOKER. Right. So what do you eat for lunch?

JOKEE: I see where you're going with this...

JOKER: Shut up. What do you eat for lunch?

JOKEE: Ketchup, rubber buns and liquor.

JOKER: Exactly. What do you eat for dinner?

JOKEE: You know what I'm going to say...

JOKER: WHAT DO YOU EAT FOR DINNER, DAMN IT!

JOKEE: Ketchup, rubber buns and liquor.

JOKER: Good. Now when you meet up with your old girlfriend, what do you do?

JOKEE: Ketchup, rubber buns and liqu....HEY!

JOKER: Hahahahah you like giiiiiiiiiirls!

JOKEE: We're through professionally, man.

I guess what I'm trying to say, Internet, is that it has been a while. And with your permission I would like to now catch up, rub your buns and lick you.

It's been a long summer. That's not to say it hasn't been a good summer by any stretch of the imagination...just long, you know. Well if you are over the age of 20 and live in a reasonable American tax bracket than you probably DO know.

I now live in a house...a house that I make payments on (however late they may be) and a house that I'm responsible for. It seems like just yesterday I was on the receiving end of jokes that cruelly made me prove my attraction to women. Now I study in coffee shops, work at baseball stadiums and live in houses that my parents don't.

Weeeeird, man.

I also have a day job. Only it's not every day...and they don't pay me....and it's not a job so much as it is an internship but it is awesome. I'm writing game recaps for the Southern Ohio Copperheads and living the dream several nights a week, sitting in an overcrowded press box on balmy summer nights watching young men play baseball WITH ACTUAL WOODEN BATS. Then I get to go home and write about it. It's actually rather wild.

I'm also writing here and there for the Athens News. A long time ago I once called a certain editor of a certain local paper "long-winded." Two years later, that man would not only generously let me write for his paper but also patiently wait for me to figure out AP Style instead of saying "Jesus, this kid is an idiot," and kick my short-winded ass to the curb.

Life works in mysterious ways, children.

I don't know if you've noticed but I've also changed the appearance of the blog for a bit. The name "The Collective(ly) Unconscious" is one of my favorite things my demented little mindhas ever produced but my writing habits and skills haven't been able to live up to the name of such a serialized genius. I wanted my blog not to be so much a blog as it was a center for serious

cultural analysis. But almost two years into the process, I've realized that that isn't what a blog is. A blog is a narcissistic cesspool where I write about my day-to-day existence to justify the 55-80 years I will spend suffering the tragic human illness of consciousness.

Also, the blog is now in the color orange.

I've also been catching up with some television as I am ought to do.

I finally finished the third season of Mad Men. I go through Mad Men in spurts. It is such a slow, literary show that my mind can only take so much of it at once. Having said that, season three was the most entertaining the show has ever been and hours like "The Gypsy and the Hobo" prove once again that television is the best it has ever been.

I've also started watching Starz recently cancelled series Party Down. I have a thing for recently cancelled shows. Lord knows I want to tackle Buffy or The Sopranos one day but 20 episodes of Party Down look a lot more conquerable than 70+ episodes of The Sopranos or 100+ episodes of Buffy. I never really watched Veronica Mars, so I had nothing to expect from a Rob Thomas show...I only watched because of the low episode count. Now that I have only four episodes left, I wish I had four-hundred more. Adam Scott and Lizzy Caplan are utterly tremendous - the best star-crossed couple I've seen on television since the first season of Jim and Pam. And how Ken Marino has escaped my radar this long is beyond me. I never would have believed that Ron Swanson of Parks and Recreation may be my second favorite character named Ron on a comedy ever.

Then of course there's True Blood...oh sweet, sweet, soooo damn sweet True Blood. I could write sonnets for this show. True Blood confirms something that I've long suspected about television - it's all in the casting. Every single casting decision that Alan Ball has made regarding True Blood has been utterly perfect. Some shows try to inject fresh blood (pardon the pun) and only succeed in taking screen-time away from better characters. The newbies on True Blood just make everything just so exponentially better.

Dennis O'Hare as a vampire King? So brilliant.

Captain Gault from Lost as a douchebag werewolf? Perfect.

James Frain as a British Vampire PI with a serious case of jungle fever? Best. Casting. Decision. Ever. In. The. History. Of. Forever.

True Blood just continues to be the best B-movie level entertainment for smart people.

Well it looks like the seventeenth episode of Party Down has finally loaded. With that, I take my leave, Internet.

May I lick you once more in the future.

Here's a picture of Copperheads Centerfielder, Luis Pollorena, doing a Mariachi dance...just in case you ever wanted to see that.

Back when I was a kid, there was this awful joke we used to tell...even if we didn't quite understand it.

JOKER: Okay to every single thing I say, you have to respond "Ketchup, rubber buns and liquor," got it?

JOKEE: Sounds reasonable enough and you've never lead me astray so I shall play into your little ruse.

JOKER: Great. So what do you eat for breakfast?

JOKEE: Ketchup, rubber buns and liquor.

JOKER. Right. So what do you eat for lunch?

JOKEE: I see where you're going with this...

JOKER: Shut up. What do you eat for lunch?

JOKEE: Ketchup, rubber buns and liquor.

JOKER: Exactly. What do you eat for dinner?

JOKEE: You know what I'm going to say...

JOKER: WHAT DO YOU EAT FOR DINNER, DAMN IT!

JOKEE: Ketchup, rubber buns and liquor.

JOKER: Good. Now when you meet up with your old girlfriend, what do you do?

JOKEE: Ketchup, rubber buns and liqu....HEY!

JOKER: Hahahahah you like giiiiiiiiiirls!

JOKEE: We're through professionally, man.

I guess what I'm trying to say, Internet, is that it has been a while. And with your permission I would like to now catch up, rub your buns and lick you.

Weeeeird, man.

Life works in mysterious ways, children.

Also, the blog is now in the color orange.

I've also been catching up with some television as I am ought to do.

Dennis O'Hare as a vampire King? So brilliant.

Captain Gault from Lost as a douchebag werewolf? Perfect.

James Frain as a British Vampire PI with a serious case of jungle fever? Best. Casting. Decision. Ever. In. The. History. Of. Forever.

True Blood just continues to be the best B-movie level entertainment for smart people.

Well it looks like the seventeenth episode of Party Down has finally loaded. With that, I take my leave, Internet.

May I lick you once more in the future.

Here's a picture of Copperheads Centerfielder, Luis Pollorena, doing a Mariachi dance...just in case you ever wanted to see that.

T-Time: The LeBron Backlash Tees (Chris Littmann, BSJ '05)

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 21:49:44 +0200

WHY YOU NEED IT: LeBron is no longer a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Sad, especially for us Clevelanders. The manner in which he made his decision, however, and the destination that he chose have raised the ire of the NBA community. Naturally, this anger has extended into apparel, because everyone needs something to wear next year when Traitor James and the Heat come to town. There are a ton of designs out there, some funny, some not, some crass, some just clever, but we don't have room for all of them here. (Stop by this link if you want a roundup of what designs are out there.)

Instead, the one we'll showcase today is from a designer in Cleveland, I Love the Hype. You may remember them as the shop behind the Delonte West tees. In fact, most hoopheads probably were familiar with I Love the Hype thanks to their dozens of designs over the season. So it's only fitting we return there now that The Decision is over. This design? Simple and to the point. Playing off the classic Sports Illustrated cover with the cartoon Modell punching the Cleveland Dawg in the stomach, ILTH just replaces Modell with LeBron and puts a Cavs jersey on the dog. Same feeling. Same villains.

PRICE: $29.99

BUY IT NOW: The Decision tee

Have a product that you think should be featured on FirstCuts? E-mail firstcuts[at]sportingnews.com?

PRICE: $29.99

BUY IT NOW: The Decision tee

Have a product that you think should be featured on FirstCuts? E-mail firstcuts[at]sportingnews.com?

MTV Is All About Moments (Ryan Lytle)

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 17:29:39 +0200

I remember when I got the call from an MTV producer asking me whether I would be interested in beingRead the Rest...

I remember when I got the call from an MTV producer asking me whether I would be interested in being a part of a new competition they were putting together that involved social media and a lot of pop culture knowledge. I was sitting on three great opportunities that would guarantee me a steady paycheck, a great start in life and happiness. But something about this opportunity stuck with me. It wasn’t the fact that I would be garnering local or even national fame. It wasn’t because I didn’t like my other opportunities. It wasn’t even because of the amazing paycheck that would be attached to this job. No, I ultimately took the leap of faith into this competition because I love the idea of actually BEING a part of pop culture. For once, instead of just covering pop culture, I could be something changing the pop culture landscape (no matter how minimal that change may be).

It has been an amazing, overwhelming, exciting, draining, mind-blowing experience that I would never take back for a minute. From the minute this offer fell in my lap, I knew this was the right thing to do. With this being the fifth and final challenge, I want to thank you all for following, reading, watching, voting, tweeting and having faith in my passion and skills for pop culture. It has been a great experience just getting to meet some new people with the same passion for pop culture and also meeting a lot of new people that are so supportive as some of you have been.

If you have been a supporter of mine but haven’t voted yet, make sure to vote for Ryan Lytle on the Zync for AMEX Facebook page! The vote ends Thursday and I need all the help I can get!

Let Jealousy Take Control (Sarah Grothjan)

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 17:29:25 +0200

Ever find yourself envying the girl with the gorgeous locks, and later loathing her because you discover that her “fresh-out-of-the-salon” look is merely a “just-rolled-out-of-bed” makeshift do? Alongside of a few choice words for such a woman of perfection, I am sure you are running excuses through your head as to why she would lie about coming to class/work/the gym with bed head when really you know she spent hours making herself up. The truth is, her fabulous look is probably not that difficult to attain. Looking around this summer, it is clear that the perfected spiral curls are no longer worth loathing over. Take a hint from the cast of “The City”. Both Olivia Palermo and Whitney Port are sporting curls from the chin line down. It seems as if a more natural approach to curly hair is in demand and luckily it’s not tough to replicate. Without focusing on the roots, grab a 1 inch barrel curling iron and twist strands into curls whichever way you like. I won’t say there is a specific science to this technique because there isn’t. Making the process as effortless as possible produces best results. The thicker the barrel of the curling iron, the more leeway you have with curls. Producing loose, flattering waves allows some straight or naturally textured strands to slip through unnoticed. Spritz a bit of hairspray and allow your hair to do its thing. If the curls unravel a bit throughout the day, don’t sweat it. The more natural, the better. Even better if you curl ends of unwashed hair; the natural texture of bed head combined with some effortless curling willhave you looking fresh in no time. Now you too can say you just slipped right out of bed looking like a diva.

Let Jealousy Take Control (Sarah Grothjan)

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 17:29:25 +0200

Give It Up For Tom Gorzelanny! (Brian Corbin, BSJ '06)

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 08:00:14 +0200

Huge series win for the Cubs! Should’ve been a four-game sweep, but 3-of-4 ain’t bad. After watching Marmol’s meltdown and Soto’s missed hurried tag on Saturday, I figured the Cubs would split the series facing Roy Halladay Sunday night. But who thought Tom Gorzelanny would outduel the Phillies’ ace, who was riding an 18-consecutive scoreless [...]

Huge series win for the Cubs!
Should’ve been a four-game sweep, but 3-of-4 ain’t bad.

After watching Marmol’s meltdown and Soto’s missed hurried tag on Saturday,
I figured the Cubs would split the series facing Roy Halladay Sunday night.

But who thought Tom Gorzelanny would outduel the Phillies’ ace, who
was riding an 18-consecutive scoreless innings streak!

Gorzo’s made a strong statement since spelling Zambrano in the rotation.
He’s 3-0 with a 3.06 ERA in his last three starts, having allowed
three or fewer runs in 10-of-13 outings, including the last four.
That’s Big-Time!

No question Gorzelanny’s name resurfaces in trade rumors this month.
But the Cubs shouldn’t deal this guy. He’s young, affordable, and a solid
back-of-the-rotation starter. At the very least, he’s more dependable
than Carlos Zambrano.

I’m going to miss these people… (OLEC 2010)

Sun, 18 Jul 2010 23:56:13 +0200

I have made so many extremely fond memories since I’ve flown out to Germany. Back in the U.S. I would make memories this great once every month or so, if I was lucky. Here in Germany I’ve made so many euphoric memories at least once a day that I will treasure for a lifetime. I don’t really know how to articulate how fond I am of my time here other than to say that I will never forget these days. And so far in my entire life, this experience has been a huge highlight.

Not only is it the country I am in that produces the bliss that I have written about, but it is also the people who I am in this country with. That’s right, I’m talking about the one and only 2010 Olec crew!! When we first met each other during our Germany preparation classes in Athens, most of the group and I were complete strangers. It’s really astonishing that I’ve been taking these classes with the same people that I now know so well. The friendships that I’ve made here with each member of our 16 person crew are ones that I hope will last for our entire lives.

I look at the pictures that my friends have uploaded onto facebook of the past few weeks in Germany. And as I look, I find that I let myself slip into a strong nostalgia, even though I am still in Germany. I know that the only way I can feel such a strong nostalgia so soon is because of the huge degree of happiness I felt at those times.

When we all get back to Athens in the fall, I know that I will hang out with the friends that I’ve made here. And I am always down for an Olec reunion anytime. I’ve heard talk of going to Brazil in 2014 for the next world cup, anyone have any thoughts on this???

I’m going to miss this place… (OLEC 2010)

Sun, 18 Jul 2010 22:55:05 +0200

When I first arrived in Germany at the Berlin airport, I was never 100% sure what I was about to get myself into. The one thing I was sure of was that I would maintain an open mind and exist completely present at every moment so as to absorb as much of my surroundings [...]

When I first arrived in Germany at the Berlin airport, I was never 100% sure what I was about to get myself into. The one thing I was sure of was that I would maintain an open mind and exist completely present at every moment so as to absorb as much of my surroundings as possible.

It feels strange to look back at how I used to perceive Germany compared to how I see it now. After living here for five weeks, I realize that I have completely adapted to life in Germany. I no longer see everything from the point of view of an American student; looking at my surroundings, thinking about how foreign it all is. But instead, I notice that I see the city in the same way I would look at Athens.

I feel so blessed and privileged to have the opportunity to study here at such a young age. I want to thank everyone who had a hand in making this happen. I especially want to thank my parents. Thank you and I love you.

A Classic Marmol Meltdown (Brian Corbin, BSJ '06)

Sun, 18 Jul 2010 08:00:54 +0200

It’s scary how quickly Carlos Marmol falls apart. And yet, remarkable how often he escapes his own jams. The guy’s made an art form out of walking the bags full, then striking out the side. But Marmol has to be more efficient and more accountable than he was Saturday in the season’s second half. Although [...]

It’s scary how quickly Carlos Marmol falls apart.
And yet, remarkable how often he escapes his own jams.

The guy’s made an art form out of walking the bags
full, then striking out the side.

But Marmol has to be more efficient and more
accountable than he was Saturday in the season’s
second half.

Although unlikely, it’s still possible for our Cubbies
to make a little run at the division title.

The starting staff continues to lead the majors in quality
starts, and the offense is clicking as well as it has all season.

But sustaining aspirations of a second half run means the Cubs
must rely heavily on Marmol to close the door.

Far more than they did in the first half with the closer
getting just six save-opportunities in the Cubs’ last 34-games.

With the clock ticking away on the 2010 season, and the pressure
to win cranked-up, there’s not a better time for Marmol to show he’s legit
closer material…for this season and beyond.

MTV TJ Challenge 4: Who Would You Follow? (Ryan Lytle)

Sun, 18 Jul 2010 05:40:04 +0200

Challenge 4 | Follow Me Open for 3 days ‐ from 12:00am (EST) July 15 2010 to 11:59pm (EST) JulyRead the Rest...

Challenge 4 | Follow Me
Open for 3 days ‐ from 12:00am (EST) July 15 2010 to 11:59pm (EST) July 17, 2010.

Personal: If you could only follow one person on Twitter, who would it be and why?

If I could only follow one person on Twitter, it would have to be someone that would inspire, entertain, inform and interact with their followers. Without a doubt, the one person I would follow is Chad Ochocinco. Chad is a 6-time NFL Pro Bowler for the Cincinnati Bengals, but he is so much more than that. He is crossing over into other areas, including television (ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars and VH1′s “Ochocinco: The Ultimate Catch”), iPhone Apps (Ochocinco Official App) and social media (Twitter, Ustream, you name it). Plus, this guy is crazy enough to change his birth name from Chad Johnson to Chad Ochocinco; all to make himself more marketable. Who doesn’t love someone that changes their name to correlate with their jersey number?

You need to find this guy on his Twitter handle: @OGochocinco. He updates all the time and gives people plenty of reasons to check back often. Here are just a few examples of why I love following Chad Ochocinco:

For the inspiration:

For the entertainment:

For the information:

For the interaction:

Seriously, if you haven’t checked this guy out yet, make sure you start following @OGochocinco. He’s about to crack 1 million followers and something tells me there’s going to be a reward if you are that lucky one!

MTV TJ Challenge 4 – Getting Those Celebrities (Ryan Lytle)

Sun, 18 Jul 2010 04:58:41 +0200

Challenge 4 | Follow Me Open for 3 days ‐ from 12:00am (EST) July 15 2010 to 11:59pm (EST) July 17,Read the Rest...

Challenge 4 | Follow Me

Open for 3 days ‐ from 12:00am (EST) July 15 2010 to 11:59pm (EST) July 17, 2010.

Overview: Our TJ needs to be courageous and unafraid. We want to see if they can be magnetic and tactful enough to maintain the attention of a busy celeb. This challenge will prove that the TJ candidates can be persuasive, charming, and persistent.

Social: Convince one or more celebrities to follow you, support your TJ candidacy, and retweet you. If you already have a celebrity follower, you must try for another!

When MTV dropped this challenge, I was actually a little nervous about how it would go. I can’t say for the rest of the MTV TJ’ers but I have not been to accustomed to pimping myself out on the web. It was cool to take the time, though, and find a way to pitch yourself to these celebs without going over the line. I actually had a lot of success with follows and a few RTs with these people. Check them out:

And if that retweet hadn’t been enough, I checked out who he was following to see this:

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Now if you don’t know the man, you probably should. He’s just a 6-time NFL Pro Bowler for the Cincinnati Bengals that is turning into an all-around superstar. He’s been featured on “Dancing with the Stars” and now has his own VH1 reality show, “Ochocinco: The Ultimate Catch.” The guy’s status is definitely growing and I’m so happy to have him on the #lytle4MTV team.

This, by far, was one of the biggest thrills of this challenge. I have been such a huge fan of iJustine since 2007 – after her 300-page iPhone bill video. She has such a huge following and it meant everything to me that she has followed me and endorsed me! It is such a great feeling to know that someone you look up to is a fan!

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Bootsy Collins is THE funk legend. Don’t let anyone tell you any different. Bootsy is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for his work with James Brown and Parliament-Funkadelic. And, I have to say, the best dressed cat I have ever seen! I had to work very hard to get his support. He made me make a video to show my funky side before he would throw his support:

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I received a huge follow from pop star/reality star/TV producer/TV host/actor Nick Lachey. I really tried to push my Cincinnati roots and a lot of people got behind me to get his support. I am one of 11 people that Nick is following! I hope my tweets can stay relevant and fresh enough to stay on that prestigious list!

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One great journalist that I have admired for such a long time, and had the opportunity to work with at The TODAY Show, followed me during this competition and I am so thankful for that. Hoda Kotb is an award-winning TV journalist that is now one of the hosts of the 4th hour of The TODAY Show with Kathie Lee Gifford. Again, she follows so few people and I am so happy to be a part of that!

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I love Ann Curry! From the first time I met her at The TODAY Show, to the last appearance I made on the show, she has been an amazing support system. But, she had never been a follower. Until now! The amazing, award-winning journalist is now on Team #Lytle4MTV officially.

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It was such an honor to get a retweet from such a great guy. He is a 3-time Super Bowl Champion, a 12-year NFL veteran and is now one of the top NFL analysts for ESPN. This guy is great and I’m glad he could help me out a little bit.

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It has blown me away how much support I’ve received from Cincinnati! This is Cincinnati Bengals star Defensive End Antwan Odom showing his support for my MTV campaign. I am blown away by the support and it just makes me even more of a Bengals fan when I see how great these guys are.

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Eric Lange is another great supporter originally from the Cincinnati who is now located in Los Angeles. If you don’t recognize the name, be sure to check out Modern Family, Lost or Weeds for some of his recent work. This guy is awesome and I’m glad to have his support!

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Another great connection from Cincinnati! This is Cincinnati Bengals Linebacker Rey Maualuga. This guy is a beast on the field and I am so lucky to have his support off it. This is now three Bengals players that have showed their support and I am truly blessed for their help!

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If you’d like to keep up with the celebrities that have thrown their support behind #Lytle4MTV, you can follow my list: http://twitter.com/#/list/rlytle/mtv-tj-celeb-support

Follow @rlytle on Twitter and make sure to vote for Ryan Lytle on the Zync for AMEX Facebook page!

The End Is Near (OLEC 2010)

Sun, 18 Jul 2010 02:19:09 +0200

Today I could definitely feel that heat of our documentaries coming to an end and editing will be in the making. Conne Island had its last interview with Robert today and it went so well. He is also transcribing our German interviews tomorrow over some lunch and drinks and we are so grateful to have him. Conne [...]

Today I could definitely feel that heat of our documentaries coming to an end and editing will be in the making.

Conne Island had its last interview with Robert today and it went so well. He is also transcribing our German interviews tomorrow over some lunch and drinks and we are so grateful to have him.

Conne Island had an event today called Wetten das? It was some sort of game show on the stage and people who were dressed up were making bets on things and then people would do things like for example, they would bet that they could tell what kind of mustard is the right one just by tasting it, and so they would have all kinds of mustards and the guy would eat spoonfuls and guess which is right. It was quite funny. They asked me to go on stage and bet on something, but I was too shy. Then tonight I logged all of our video until 2:00 am. These next few days are about to test our abilities. I hope OLEC is ready!

Making Sense of China, Google and Censorship (Rebecca Fannin, BSJ '77)

Sat, 17 Jul 2010 22:46:09 +0200

Making Sense Of China, Google And Censorship
My Forbes Column, July 9, 2010

I had never been called a Communist until I testified at a hearing on Capitol Hill.
The hearing in late June was on "China's Information Control Practices and its implications for the U.S." U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commissioner Carolyn Bartholomew was introducing me as an expert on China's leading search engine company, Baidu.com, and the Internet. What she meant to say was that I am a "columnist" for Forbes--a slip of tongue she immediately corrected.
That slip-up gave me an insight into the types of politically charged censorship issues that would be raised during the day-long hearing. I tried to present a balanced perspective of the Chinese Internet in a business context and point out how Baidu had modeled itself on Google and opened up the Internet to billions of Chinese. But many of the points I made about Baidu got caught in the political crosswinds over U.S.-China tensions.
The questions I was asked to address included some tough ones:
--Describe the nature of Baidu's relationship with the Chinese Government.
--Explain Baidu's censorship activities.
--How do these activities compare to those of other firms that operate in China?
--What are the implications of American involvement in China's Internet censorship activities?
--Two of Baidu's five directors are American, American investors provided much of the startup capital for the company, and U.S. institutional investors own significant stakes in it. Is Baidu, therefore, something of an American organization? If so, what is its responsibility for Internet censorship?
--Explain how Google's recent decision to scale back operations in China has affected Baidu and Chinese Internet users.
While I've covered the rise of Internet startups in China as a journalist for more than a decade, these are not the types of issues that regularly come up during my interviews with venture capital investors and entrepreneurs in Beijing, Shanghai and Silicon Valley. I'm used to reporting on the communications boom in China through a business lens.
But it soon became quite clear that the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, which is charged with submitting an annual report to Congress on the national security implications of trade and economic relations between the two countries, had a political agenda. It provides recommendations to Congress for legislative action.
Commissioner Jeffrey Fiedler started off questioning me by noting that he had invited one of Baidu's American directors--Greg Penner, general partner of Madrone Capital Partners--to testify, but Penner had declined. Fiedler pointed out that Penner moves among the higher reaches of American society and is closely connected to the Wal-Mart Stores fortune through his marriage to a granddaughter of Sam Walton.
I tried to keep focused on the cross-border China-U.S. investment issues that are central to my book, Silicon Dragon. I pointed out that Baidu owed its origins to Silicon Valley's culture of entrepreneurship and was not unlike dozens of startups developed by Western-educated and trained young Chinese who returned to their homeland as China was opening up via economic reforms. Venture capital investment in China-much of it from Silicon Valley's Sand Hill Road-peaked at $10 billion in 2008. Also, China has the world's largest Internet and mobile communications markets, and text messaging is quite routine.
Baidu, like all Internet companies doing business in China, self-censors its content on the Web. Google's recent rumblings over censorship in China--and its decision to redirect searches from inside China to Hong Kong, where it is still subject to the Great Firewall of China but no longer required to censor itself--has strengthened Baidu's financial results and share price. Internet analysts such as Richard Ji of Morgan Stanley are predicting Baidu will capture between 20% and 30% of Google's market share in China. (Google itself has 31% of the Chinese search market.)
Seated next to me at the hearing was Rebecca MacKinnon, a free speech activist and expert on Chinese Internet censorship. As Commissioner Bartholomew correctly pointed out to me during the hearing, MacKinnon's perspective did not match my own. She forcefully argued that American investors in China--institutional investors and private equity financiers alike--should own up to a broader responsibility to invest ethically, whether the issue is human rights, the environment or censorship.
The talk turned to how to deal with Chinese censorship and ethical investing. Commissioner Fiedler asked me if there should be a censorship tax on American companies that invest in countries where speech and information is restricted. My reply was greeted with a frown from Fiedler: It would have to be a very high tax to discourage investment in countries such as China where returns have been outsized in recent years as dozens of Chinese startups have gone public on the Nasdaq and the New York Stock Exchange.
I do agree with MacKinnon that the Chinese people would be worse off if all American companies and investors were to abandon the Chinese Internet. A policy of engagement to work for positive change, rather than withdrawal, will result in the best outcome.
Perhaps in an acknowledgment that my own statements were falling on deaf ears, Commissioner Bartholemew, a California lawyer who was previously chief of staff to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, pulled me aside to let me know that she was probably the only one on the commission who understood what I meant when I referred to "Sand Hill Road." That did make me feel more at ease for a moment. Even so, I think the issues of censorship, American companies and the Chinese Internet will be with us for many years to come.

On to the Final Step (OLEC 2010)

Sat, 17 Jul 2010 20:48:47 +0200

With production finally being wrapped up on Monday, Andrew, Annette, Kyle, and I have finally found ourselves in post production. With six interviews under our belts the editing is in full swing. With four out of the six interviews in German we are currently dividing our time between translating our transcript and writing our script. We [...]

We ended our production with the interview with Susan at a local park in Leipzig. With a beautiful setting we were able to fill the gaps that our other interviews had created. With traveling and working with Susan through this whole process, we have had a chance to hear her speak extensively off camera about her family and history in general, that it was nice to have a chance to see her open up about herself on a personal level.

Aside from our group Sebastian and Daniel have been troopers these past few weeks, putting in countless hours translating the interviews with us. It certainly wouldn’t have been possible without them. They have been both efficient and quick and with only half a transcript to go we will be completed with all of them tomorrow. We have officially transformed Annette’s room into a production studio. The picture windows in our rooms provide a perfect storyboard to situate all the pieces of our documentary puzzle.

We have attempted to find another place beside our dorm rooms to work. This task has shown to be much more difficult than it would be in little old Athens. Leipzig lacks the late night Donkey coffee shops that we have learned to love in Athens. A few coffee shops have proven effective during the early morning and afternoon hours, but 9:00 is the average closing hours for the area. We attempted to try out the Leipzig Universität library, but that posed a major difference as well. The first visit we were greeted by security (they literally had shirts that said security on the back) whom were very confused why we didn’t have the same student cards as everyone else. Finally they allowed us to enter the dead silent library where we sat in a sauna box of a conference room. This only lasted about an hour before we retreated back to our normal dorm room work area. Luckily it is has cooled off with nice breezes so it isn’t so unbearable.

It is officially time to kick it in full gear. A week from now we will be nearing the end of the quarter with a complete documentary in our hands. It has been extremely interesting listening to all the stories this family has been so willing to share with us. The end project will be here before we know it and finally the puzzle will be complete.

When Cincinnati Had @RLytle Park (Ryan Lytle)

Sat, 17 Jul 2010 19:46:19 +0200

So, Cincinnati did another huge thing for me yesterday. After weeks of trying to get something to happen, some greatRead the Rest...

So, Cincinnati did another huge thing for me yesterday. After weeks of trying to get something to happen, some great connections were able to make a big thing happen for me. Just check out this photo below:

That’s right! Cincinnati hooked me up with my own park yesterday! For one day, @RLytle Park could be found in the heart of Downtown Cincinnati. And, I got to make a speech. Woo! Check it out:

Follow @rlytle on Twitter and make sure to vote for Ryan Lytle on the Zync for AMEX Facebook page!

Bengie Molina hits grand slam & gets the cycle (The Big Read Machine)

Sat, 17 Jul 2010 16:56:00 +0200

--More on Molina from baseball-reference.

Rangers newly aquired catcher Bengie Molina hit for the cycle Friday night in Boston, hitting a single, double, triple, and a grand slam (only the eighth player in MLB history to hit a GS home run while completing a cycle, and the first catcher to do it since 1900). Molina's fifth inning 4-run home run and eighth inning triple powered Texas to an 8-4 win, and according to MLB.com it was the team's second win in eight games with Bengie behind the dish. From that article:

Molina became the fifth Rangers player in that exclusive club, when his four hits included both the fifth grand slam and sixth triple of his career...

Also from MLB.com, here's a list of the other seven players to also hit grand slams home runs during a cycle:

Nap Lajoie -- Philadelphia A's -- July 30, 1901
Bill Terry -- New York Giants -- May 29, 1928
Tony Lazzeri -- New York Yankees -- June 3, 1932
Jimmie Foxx -- Philadelphia A's -- August 14, 1933
Jay Buhner -- Seattle Mariners -- June 23, 1993
Miguel Tejada -- Oakland A's -- September 29, 2001
Jason Kubel -- Twins -- April 17, 2009

Reds Rant:

--Edinson Volquez will debut tonight in his first MLB start of 2010 since having Tommy John surgery. Reds face the Rockies at home at 7:30 p.m. Rolen is out of the lineup due to the flu. All this from John Fay's Reds Blog.

--This according to MLB Pro Blog 'Better Off Red';

In 5 relief appearances beginning 7/2, Louisville's Aroldis Chapman allowed 2 runs on 3 hits and struck out 10 batters (6 walks)...in 8 relief appearances overall, he's 1-1 with a 5.06 ERA (10.2ip, 6er).

"His role has changed. The handcuffs have been taken off my hands. Before I was restricted on what I could and could not do with him... I will use him now in any situation I dictate that will make us a better baseball team. He's happy with that." -Bats Manager Rick Sweet on Aroldis Chapman (Louisville Courier-Journal)

Also check out Better Off Red for some excellent photos of the Reds first contest of the second half, 1990 World Series celebration, and MC Hammer concert pictures!

***CHRIS SABO BOBBLEHEAD GIVEAWAY TONIGHT!!!! First 30,000 fans get one of these babies, photo from omgreds.com.

--More on Molina from baseball-reference.

Molina became the fifth Rangers player in that exclusive club, when his four hits included both the fifth grand slam and sixth triple of his career...

Also from MLB.com, here's a list of the other seven players to also hit grand slams home runs during a cycle:

Nap Lajoie -- Philadelphia A's -- July 30, 1901
Bill Terry -- New York Giants -- May 29, 1928
Tony Lazzeri -- New York Yankees -- June 3, 1932
Jimmie Foxx -- Philadelphia A's -- August 14, 1933
Jay Buhner -- Seattle Mariners -- June 23, 1993
Miguel Tejada -- Oakland A's -- September 29, 2001
Jason Kubel -- Twins -- April 17, 2009

Reds Rant:

--This according to MLB Pro Blog 'Better Off Red';

In 5 relief appearances beginning 7/2, Louisville's Aroldis Chapman allowed 2 runs on 3 hits and struck out 10 batters (6 walks)...in 8 relief appearances overall, he's 1-1 with a 5.06 ERA (10.2ip, 6er).

"His role has changed. The handcuffs have been taken off my hands. Before I was restricted on what I could and could not do with him... I will use him now in any situation I dictate that will make us a better baseball team. He's happy with that." -Bats Manager Rick Sweet on Aroldis Chapman (Louisville Courier-Journal)

Also check out Better Off Red for some excellent photos of the Reds first contest of the second half, 1990 World Series celebration, and MC Hammer concert pictures!

***CHRIS SABO BOBBLEHEAD GIVEAWAY TONIGHT!!!! First 30,000 fans get one of these babies, photo from omgreds.com.

Will Jim Hendry Trade Ted Lilly? (Brian Corbin, BSJ '06)

Sat, 17 Jul 2010 07:01:19 +0200

Ted Lilly has two more scheduled starts before the trade deadline. Both are against Houston–July 21 & 28. Lilly made it clear in his meeting with Jim Hendry Thursday that he prefers to stay with Chicago. If the Cubs keep winning, chances are he stays, at least through both starts against the Astros. But if [...]

Ted Lilly has two more scheduled starts before the trade deadline.
Both are against Houston–July 21 & 28.

Lilly made it clear in his meeting with Jim Hendry Thursday
that he prefers to stay with Chicago.

If the Cubs keep winning, chances are he stays, at least
through both starts against the Astros.

But if the Cubs revert back to its first-half form, Lilly’s
most likely gone by the end of next week.

The Met are pushing hard for Lilly, followed by Minnesota
and Tampa Bay. All three teams individually have enough
trade pieces to swing the right deal.

No doubt Hendry feels the rope tightening around his neck.
He’ll be desperate to turn any deal that might improve
the Cubs’ chances in 2011, and Lilly’s his most valuable trade bait.

My gut says Hendry will attempt to sell Lilly on the idea of
trading him for prospects, then re-signing him in the offseason.

It’s a risky move for sure, but Hendry’s in no place to be patient.
With two weeks to save his job, re-signing Lilly this winter
is simply an after thought.

The Wrigley Experience (The Big Read Machine)

Sat, 17 Jul 2010 05:10:00 +0200

I'm in Chicago this weekend on a family vacation and my eldest brother was kind enough to get all the guys tickets to a day game at Wrigley Field. It was my first trip to the hallowed grounds north of the city and I enjoyed the experience immensely! The Cubs beat the Phillies 4-3, Marlon Byrd and Ryan Howard each went deep before Aramis Ramirez hit a game-winning bomb onto the street in left field in the bottom of the eighth. Carlos Marmol shut the door in the ninth as the baby bears recorded their second straight win of the second half.

I'm in Chicago this weekend on a family vacation and my eldest brother was kind enough to get all the guys tickets to a day game at Wrigley Field. It was my first trip to the hallowed grounds north of the city and I enjoyed the experience immensely! The Cubs beat the Phillies 4-3, Marlon Byrd and Ryan Howard each went deep before Aramis Ramirez hit a game-winning bomb onto the street in left field in the bottom of the eighth. Carlos Marmol shut the door in the ninth as the baby bears recorded their second straight win of the second half.

Conne Island filming (OLEC 2010)

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 23:06:50 +0200

The Conne Island group is one interview and a smidgen of b-roll away from being done with filming. Already we have moved onto transcribing interviews and sketching out story ideas for the documentary. Having filmed two interviews in German, we also have to have these translated which may be handled by Conne Islander Robert, who [...]

The people at Conne Island have been very welcoming and patient as we film at their second-home and have seemed to taken a real interest in the progression of our documentary. A few folks have asked about the possibility of showing the film before one of their summer movie nights, which takes place on a projector screen out in the woods behind Conne Island’s buildings. This interest has undoubtedly been a great help in our production.

T-Time: The Baby Face Assassin (Chris Littmann, BSJ '05)

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 22:07:30 +0200

WHY YOU NEED IT: When Stephen Curry was dominating March Madness, he looked like he was 11 years old. Now he's playing for the Warriors, a grown man in the NBA, and he looks like he's 13 now. Progress, right? Well, Curry is still deadly and Tradition, along with Heist & Co., know that, which is why they partnered with Curry to make the Baby Face Assassin tee. He looks so harmless. Not really.

Hat tip to Dime.

PRICE: $?

BUY IT NOW: Gotta call Tradition at (805.497.4717) to see if they still have any left

Have a product that you think should be featured on FirstCuts? E-mail firstcuts[at]sportingnews.com?

Hat tip to Dime.

PRICE: $?

BUY IT NOW: Gotta call Tradition at (805.497.4717) to see if they still have any left

Have a product that you think should be featured on FirstCuts? E-mail firstcuts[at]sportingnews.com?

T-Time: The Baby Face Assassin (Chris Littmann, BSJ '05)

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 22:04:04 +0200

Hat tip to Dime.

PRICE: $?

BUY IT NOW: Gotta call Tradition at (805.497.4717) to see if they still have any left

Have a product that you think should be featured on FirstCuts? E-mail firstcuts[at]sportingnews.com?

Hat tip to Dime.

PRICE: $?

BUY IT NOW: Gotta call Tradition at (805.497.4717) to see if they still have any left

Have a product that you think should be featured on FirstCuts? E-mail firstcuts[at]sportingnews.com?

adidas Fires Shots at Nike with adi Scorch Ad Featuring C.J. Spiller and Eric Berry (Chris Littmann, BSJ '05)

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 17:43:27 +0200

While football endorsers rarely transcend into the commercial market -- Deion Sanders, Bo Jackson and Barry Sanders come to mind -- you've got to love the personality shown by C.J. Spiller and Eric Berry in this ad for the adi Scorch. Spiller and Berry were the top two names picked up by the three stripes from this year's NFL draft class. Watch them literally cut up the competition in the ad below.

Nike is never one to slack on its advertising, so I wonder whether we'll see a rebuttal of some sort. Either way, this is one of the best concept ads I've seen in a while. (And somewhere, Nike is probably kicking itself for not using the same idea on its many Flywire based kicks.)

It's worth noting that according to Eastbay, the difference in weight isn't quite as dramatic as this video might lead you to believe. According to the retailer, the Nike Zoom Vapor is 9.9 ounces, while the Scorch is 8.6While football endorsers rarely transcend into the commercial market -- Deion Sanders, Bo Jackson and Barry Sanders come to mind -- you've got to love the personality shown by C.J. Spiller and Eric Berry in this ad for the adi Scorch. Spiller and Berry were the top two names picked up by the three stripes from this year's NFL draft class. Watch them literally cut up the competition in the ad below.

'Mother Jones' aids traffic with social media (Y-rd)

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 14:00:00 +0200

For those of you wondering if social media can make a difference for publications, here's an interesting success story: Mother Jones magazine says it boosted social media traffic by 676% last quarter.

The progressive news outlet (I guess I shouldn't call it a magazine these days) relies pretty heavily on social media. In an interview for eMedia Vitals, they told me almost 10 percent of the sites traffic last quarter came from sites such as Twitter and Facebook and another 20 percent from aggregator sites such as The Huffington Post, Digg and StumbleUpon.com.

For those of you wondering if social media can make a difference for publications, here's an interesting success story: Mother Jones magazine says it boosted social media traffic by 676% last quarter.

The progressive news outlet (I guess I shouldn't call it a magazine these days) relies pretty heavily on social media. In an interview for eMedia Vitals, they told me almost 10 percent of the sites traffic last quarter came from sites such as Twitter and Facebook and another 20 percent from aggregator sites such as The Huffington Post, Digg and StumbleUpon.com.

Welcome Back, Aramis Ramirez! (Brian Corbin, BSJ '06)

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 08:00:15 +0200

There’s not a more important bat in the Cubs’ lineup than Aramis’. He’s the best clutch hitter on the team, a proven RBI-man, a guy opponents pitch around. No surprise, obviously, the Cubs suffered offensively while Aramis slumped through the first half of the season batting below .200. Lately, however, Aramis has found his old [...]

There’s not a more important bat in the Cubs’ lineup than Aramis’.
He’s the best clutch hitter on the team, a proven RBI-man, a guy opponents pitch around.

No surprise, obviously, the Cubs suffered offensively while Aramis
slumped through the first half of the season batting below .200.

Lately, however, Aramis has found his old self at the plate.
He hit .429 during the recent seven-game road trip, including four
home runs and nine-RBI. He drove in four more runs in the Cubs 12-6 win
against Philly Thursday night.

If Aramis stays true to form, we’re looking at a different Cubs
offense than what we saw the first three months of the season.

It’s probably too little too late. But without Aramis’ bat,
our Cubbies have no chance at all!

Update on my sister's condition (40 Day Tour)

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 06:34:00 +0200

As most of you know by now, my 40-day tour was cut short due to an illness in the family. When I was in Seattle, I received a call from my mom informing me my youngest sister, Alyssa, was sick with an extremely rare and usually fatal disease. Obviously, I needed to get home to be with my family, so the four-day drive from Seattle to Columbus, Ohio began.

Thanks to all for the prayers and support. While the disease she's been diagnosed with (I believe it's called fibrosing mediastinitis) is serious and will take constant monitoring for the rest of her life, she is in no imminent, short-term peril. Since so little is known about it and she's a one in 3 million case, her and her doctor have decided the side effects of the few treatment options aren't worth the risk, so truly the best treatment is prayer. We'll pray the calcifications stop spreading through her body and her vital organs stay healthy. God bless you for your support and my whole family sends love and thanks!!

I know it would mean a lot to my sister if she knew you were praying for her. You can join her prayer group on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=110250712360233.As most of you know by now, my 40-day tour was cut short due to an illness in the family. When I was in Seattle, I received a call from my mom informing me my youngest sister, Alyssa, was sick with an extremely rare and usually fatal disease. Obviously, I needed to get home to be with my family, so the four-day drive from Seattle to Columbus, Ohio began.

Thanks to all for the prayers and support. While the disease she's been diagnosed with (I believe it's called fibrosing mediastinitis) is serious and will take constant monitoring for the rest of her life, she is in no imminent, short-term peril. Since so little is known about it and she's a one in 3 million case, her and her doctor have decided the side effects of the few treatment options aren't worth the risk, so truly the best treatment is prayer. We'll pray the calcifications stop spreading through her body and her vital organs stay healthy. God bless you for your support and my whole family sends love and thanks!!

I know it would mean a lot to my sister if she knew you were praying for her. You can join her prayer group on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=110250712360233.

Episode 140: A Guinea Pig's Chance In Ecuador (Joe Donatelli, BSJ '99)

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 21:09:19 +0200

Keram Malicki-Sanchez (The Punisher: War Zone, American History X, John Q) and Aimee Lynn Chadwick (upcoming Disney pic Prom) join The Second Column podcast to talk about the best way to experience LA for the first time, Aimee's when-in-Ecuador philosophy, the worst job ever, making out with Wynona Ryder and poffing. Can't explain poffing here. You just have to listen. Check out Keram and Aimee's own podcast over at www.keramcast.com.Keram Malicki-Sanchez (The Punisher: War Zone, American History X, John Q) and Aimee Lynn Chadwick (upcoming Disney pic Prom) join The Second Column podcast to talk about the best way to experience LA for the first time, Aimee's when-in-Ecuador philosophy, the worst job ever, making out with Wynona Ryder and poffing. Can't explain poffing here. You just have to listen. Check out Keram and Aimee's own podcast over at www.keramcast.com.

Joey Votto Disses Marlon Byrd (Brian Corbin, BSJ '06)

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 17:39:02 +0200

I voted 25 times for Joey Votto’s All Star selection. When that wasn’t enough, I ‘voted Votto’ again in the Fan’s Choice voting. No way would I let the NL’s first half MVP get left behind… even if it was a Cincinnati Red and not a Chicago Cub. But after Votto’s Bush League move Tuesday [...]

I voted 25 times for Joey Votto’s All Star selection.
When that wasn’t enough, I ‘voted Votto’ again in the Fan’s Choice voting.
No way would I let the NL’s first half MVP get left behind…
even if it was a Cincinnati Red and not a Chicago Cub.

But after Votto’s Bush League move Tuesday night,
refusing to congratulate his fellow teammate Marlon Byrd
because he plays for the rival Cubs, I’m through voting Votto for anything…other than ‘Jerk’ of the NL.

“I don’t like the Cubs,” Votto said.
“And I’m not going to pat anybody with a Cubs uniform on the back.
But because he made that really cool play,
it turned out to be a really cool experience.
I’m really glad we got the win today.”

Somebody on the Reds, perhaps a veteran like Scott Rolen,
needs to check this young man. There’s a time and place for division rivalries,
the All Star dugout isn’t one of them.

Votto needed a ton of support just to be in Anaheim.
The National League needed Byrd’s performance to win.
If Votto can’t recognize this, or Byrd,
then why vote for the guy in years to come?

No body is asking Votto to like the Cubs.
But acting with a little professionalism wouldn’t hurt either.

Weimar and Buchenwald (OLEC 2010)

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 12:04:18 +0200

Amidst the groups constant exposure to the legacy of the GDR in Leipzig and greater East Germany, it is still often too easy to overlook the remaining symbols of opression from not only 40+ years of communist rule, but the Third Reich in the era of WWII. This message of despair was made all too clear by traveling west by train on July 15th 2010 when the group made it’s way to the cultural haven of Weimar. While home to 200,000 classic pieces in it’s library (10,000 of which are 1st edition Shakespeare), Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Frederick Schiller, and a beautiful rural landscape, a mere 15 minute bus ride west takes you to the Buchenwald Concentration Camp, which now stands as a memorial its 250,000 inmates and the 56,000 who would never leave the gates. Riding on the bus was a fantastic opportunity for the students to place themselves in the position of an enemy of the Third Reich, as this bus took the exact same route as the rail cars that picked up the inmates from the Hauftbahnhof of central Weimar to their ultimate destination. Crammed, hot, and wary of what is to come, each passenger of the bus in this moment was granted a brief glimpse into the dire situation that each man faced when traveling to Buchenwald between 1941 to it’s liberation in 1945. Before even entering the main gates of Buchenwald, the landscape that one can witness from afar is all too reminisce of the black and white photography of barbed wire gates, chimneys puffing smoke from the crematorium, compact barracks, and the looming presence of the guard towers. In each important area of the camp, the staff had set up pictures from the exact vantage point they were taken from to help visitors transport them back into the days of it’s use. Although one could explain how each monument to the dead affected them in what way, visiting a concentration camp is truly a personal experience that sobers the ego, questions the soul, and ultimately bears witness to the vile nature of man that all are responsible to confront.

Each member of the OLEC crew left a part of them behind when leaving the beautiful city of Weimar. Rather than exuding stress from the amount of work still left to do on the documentary projects or chatting amongst one another about the bustling night life of Germany, each individual cast away their frustrations and their angst towards themselves and one another into the Nazi ovens and left with a resounding message of the responsibilities of the individual, the calling to love all mankind, and a vision of the ultimate consequences of ignorance and notions of cultural superiority. Many among the trip have begun to take note of the arrogance amongst some native Germans in this region, how some look to bash the American lifestyle and others simply withold racist ideology and prejudice towards other cultures. Just as America has yet to live down the legacy of generations of slavery and the oppression of minorities within our country, East Germany too has to rise above a generation that was told they were physically and intellectually superior to all else, and a government that told them that Western life was inherently evil. Among all the beauty and enlightenment that Germany has to offer, the signs of recovery are visible, enabling each one of us to interact with the citizens as equals, as members of society who not only have to rid themselves of a cultural ideology still lingering, but personal ideologies that disable us all from forging a future society based on a love for all humanity, and a respect for the past whether it is tough to fathom, or all too easy to embrace.

Weimar and Work (OLEC 2010)

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 10:40:10 +0200

Yesterday we spent the whole day in Weimar. It was really interesting and definitely enlightening. The first part of the day was a tour of the city. Weimar is for me the most beautiful city that we have seen yet. It is like something out of a fairy tale. A small city of about 5,600 [...]

After exploring the city we took a ten minute bus ride to nearby Buchenwald, a former concentration camp. It was heavy, and most definitely enlightening. It was an experience like no other to walk the same grounds that thousands of imprisoned Jews walked everyday. Although the barracks had been torn down there were markers of where they stood. We walked through torture cells and the crematorium. I wish I could explain better what it was really like to be there.

Since coming home its been work, work, work. Today is a big day for Radio Mephisto. We started out today headed to Mephisto to get some Broll of a DJ in the morning magazine. The day will also include transcribing our German interview with a Leipzig student Deborah, filming broll of their music editor and more broll of the DJs in the studio. It should be a big day.

We are in the final stretch and working really hard to produce the best documentary possible. We have finally finished all of our interview and Alex and I are in the process of transcribing them. We are hoping to be done transcribing on Saturday and Team Mephisto is meeting Sunday to work on the script together. It should take some time, but once we have a finished script we will be so close to being done.

We look forward to meeting with Sam, Frederick and Brandon on Sunday to discuss the work that we have been doing and go over what ideas they have that might help us in the his home stretch.

If your interested in our work you can check out a short clip of our interview with Professor Steinmetz.

Mephisto Preview from Lauren Byrwa on Vimeo.

Beauty Find…Busted! (Sarah Grothjan)

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 04:38:32 +0200

Summertime trips to lake house, lazy days by the pool and weekend getaways with the girls all call for a low-maintenance look that takes zero prep time. Most girls run to the shelves to snatch a bottle, can, or tub of whatever will keep them looking fine without the added hassle. Perhaps this gives an explanation as to why dry shampoos seem to sweep off the shelves once summer rolls around. A Bargain Beauty find that meets the budget ($5, Drugstore) but fails miserably at actually doing its job is TREsemme Fresh Start Dry Shampoo. This dry shampoo rids hair of oil by covering roots with a thick layer of product, enough to entangle your fingers in a mess of knots during an innocent hair fluffing attempt. Though a beauty bargain financially, the results of this beauty find are busted.

“‘Round the Block” offends, er, I mean, offers perspective to a preacher (Holly Stebbins Michael, BSJ '96)

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 02:48:00 +0200

Friend and fellow blogger Megan at SoyBoyMama has been keeping me on task this week with a new Round the Block posting hosted over on her site. Go check it out! Don't forget to read our previous Round the Block columns here and here.

JSchool::Student+Alum Blogs

Should Cubs Resign Derrek Lee? (Brian Corbin, BSJ '06)

Press Coverage (OLEC 2010)

Peter King: Dallas Cowboys training camp postcard (Peter King, BSJ '79)

It’s not always about the money (OU ImPRessions)

Germany and America (OLEC 2010)

Wrapping Up Markleeberg (OLEC 2010)

First Look at Terrell Owens as a Bengal in Madden NFL 11 (Chris Littmann, BSJ '05)

If Ted Lilly Is Traded… (Brian Corbin, BSJ '06)

Are we morally responsible for our actions within our dreams? (Love God. Love People.)

We’re Back; Charmayne James Race in the Rockies (The Barrel Racing Blog)

Madden Demo Releases; Obama Appears in Game (Chris Littmann, BSJ '05)

T-Time: UNDRCRWN's King Tee (Chris Littmann, BSJ '05)

Peter King: T.O. should wait it out; more mailbag (Peter King, BSJ '79)

Indy Indians game (The Big Read Machine)

Posey, Podsednik, Bailey (Bay Bridge Baseball)

The End (OLEC 2010)

Steve Stone Says Cubs Need Speed (Brian Corbin, BSJ '06)

Buster Posey’s Twin (Bay Bridge Baseball)

Do what you love, love what you do (OU ImPRessions)

Nike Boom Brings Motivational Talks to Your Training (Chris Littmann, BSJ '05)

Madden NFL 11 Soundtrack Revealed (Chris Littmann, BSJ '05)

Peter King: Optimism is everywhere as camps start (Peter King, BSJ '79)

NBA Jam to the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360? (Chris Littmann, BSJ '05)

Bobby Valentine’s Resume (Brian Corbin, BSJ '06)

Out My Kitchen Window (Holly Stebbins Michael, BSJ '96)

Nächster Haltestelle: America (OLEC 2010)

I Do (Compelled To Do So)

Tyler Colvin NL Rookie of the Year? (Brian Corbin, BSJ '06)

Will Foursquare Be a New Model for Information? (Y-rd)

Making It Official: I’m a Top-5 MTV TJ Candidate! (Ryan Lytle)

Although I’ve made the top 5, it does not mean I no longer need ALL YOUR SUPPORT! No, actually, I need your help more than ever. Right now as we prepare for the live finale on Aug. 8, there are a few things that you can do to keep me at the top:

Keep spreading the word to everyone you know – through Twitter, Facebook, Word-of-mouth, Texting, E-mailing, etc. Anything you have to do to make sure people know what’s going on is perfect. The more people that know what I’m doing, the better!

My Chemical Romance Frontman Reveals Album Completion at Comic-Con (Views of a Music-freak)

Women in Baseball (The Big Read Machine)

Joe Girardi’s Resume (Brian Corbin, BSJ '06)

Organizing is key (OU ImPRessions)

The A’s have $20 million to spend (Bay Bridge Baseball)

Suzuki’s new deal (Bay Bridge Baseball)

Outie (OLEC 2010)

Tebow/EA Sports Nike Trainer 1.2 Gets Release Date (Chris Littmann, BSJ '05)

The End (OLEC 2010)

Bob Brenly’s Resume (Brian Corbin, BSJ '06)

Hodge Podge (The Big Read Machine)

The Kind of Stats that Could Make Someone Hate Weddings (Y-rd)

< 24 Uhr (OLEC 2010)

Episode 141: My Thick Irish Skull (Joe Donatelli, BSJ '99)

The Strasburg Effect (The Big Read Machine)

As Ohioans Burn LeBron Gear, Ohio State Will Stick with James' Nike Gear (Chris Littmann, BSJ '05)

T-Time: The San Euro (Chris Littmann, BSJ '05)

2K Sports Issues the Jordan Challenge; Play with 10 Versions of Michael Jordan (Chris Littmann, BSJ '05)

Ryne Sandberg’s Resume (Brian Corbin, BSJ '06)

Google News Users Prefer Dashboards (Y-rd)

Sign of the Farmpocalypse (Holly Stebbins Michael, BSJ '96)

More on last night’s mound-visit mess (Bay Bridge Baseball)

EA Sports Active Gets NFL Training Camp Twist (Chris Littmann, BSJ '05)

How would you fix the A’s? (Bay Bridge Baseball)

I’m the Captain, I’m the Captain! (Honorary Captain – Cincinnati Reds 7/19) (Ryan Lytle)

First Look at NBA Elite 11 with Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry and Brandon Jennings (Chris Littmann, BSJ '05)

So Long Sweet Lou (Brian Corbin, BSJ '06)

Checked today: No comp for Sheets (Bay Bridge Baseball)

Why I Follow @MyChemChat Contest! (Views of a Music-freak)

Sports marketing done right: The Tribe Social Media Deck (Garrett Downing)

ImPRessions’ newest client strikes a new chord (OU ImPRessions)

Sweet Lou (The Big Read Machine)

No Man Is An Island (OLEC 2010)

MTV TJ Challenge 5 – “I Want My MTV” (Ryan Lytle)

Challenge 5 | I Want My MTV Open for 3 days ‐ from 12:00am (EST) July 18 2010 to 12:00pm (noon EST) July 20, 2010.

Personal: What three MTV moments have resonated with you most?

MTV is … Slim Shady

MTV is … Crazy!

If there is one statement that is synonymous with MTV, it’s this:

MTV is … All-Access

If you have been a supporter of mine but haven’t voted yet, make sure to vote for Ryan Lytle on the Zync for AMEX Facebook page! The vote ends Thursday and I need all the help I can get!

David Banner: The Interview (Ryan Lytle)

“I was just in a really funny place emotionally,” the Mississippi MC said. “I just felt like the music had not been about the people and the spirit of the music. Music really had turned just into selling.”

Are we seeing a new David Banner? One that is no longer about the money, the cars, the women?

“Don’t get me wrong I love selling. I love money.”

But Banner was looking to do something different. He saw the guys that were coming out in the industry and felt that the art form of rap was being tainted. It was becoming too easy to become an artist because there was no art being produced. Banner began to question the state of contemporary music.

“If music continues down the path it’s going down now, it’s going to be nearly impossible for there to be another Michael Jackson, Usher, Prince or Chris Brown or someone of that stature.”

Challenge 5 | I Want My MTV
Open for 3 days ‐ from 12:00am (EST) July 18 2010 to 12:00pm (noon EST) July 20, 2010.

Challenge 4 | Follow Me
Open for 3 days ‐ from 12:00am (EST) July 15 2010 to 11:59pm (EST) July 17, 2010.