My Reaction When…
I wake up in the wrong house after a night of drinking.
24
Dec, 2015
23
Dec, 2015
End of Season Waiver Wire Ethics
Let me set the stage: It’s week 15, fantasy championships, your team didn’t make the playoffs and is in the toilet bowl. This game decides who finishes last in the league with unknown consequences. It’s a 2 QB league and Marcus Mariota got hurt last week and needs to be replaced. Do you put in a waiver wire bid for a QB?
Some Schools of Thought
- No. You are out of the playoffs and should not potentially disrupt the championship game that actually matters.
- Yes. You know that other people who are out of it are going to do the same and if the rules don’t apply to everyone, they don’t apply to me. It’s always a competitive league.
- Yes. Waiver wire is open all season to anyone and everyone. Fuck em.
My Thoughts
How my fantasy season went this year.
By nature, I don’t like to give up. Even if I’m out of the playoffs, I don’t lay down. If there were end of year consequences for last place, there is 0 chance I’m laying down which I believe would be agreed by everyone. I don’t like the idea of being told that I can’t pick up players even though I understand what I’m doing serves 0 purpose. If I see ODB in my lineup this week, and I have no one on my roster to substitute him with, I don’t like giving the other person I’m playing the satisfaction of playing me against a lineup that isn’t set. Am I the only one who thinks like this?
This starts to truly come into play when the bid system is in place. In the playoff round of 4, I had 18 dollars, Bud had 9, Evan had 4, and Big Jer had 0. Guys who weren’t still in it had 30+ dollars and I had no idea if I should bid 18 or 10. I would have had to strategize differently if there was a chance other people would bid. People don’t talk about this but it’s a rule that is non-existent and shouldn’t be. What do you think?
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23
Dec, 2015
The Atari 2600 in its Glory
Howard Scott Warshaw
I watched a cool documentary on the rise and fall of Atari and how programmer Howard Scott Warshaw is wrongfully given the blame for creating “the worst video game ever” and this lead to the demise of Atari. The game was ET and the story behind Atari is one of volatility which make the best stories.
Pong
Atari starts with Pong which is a game of hitting a ball back and forth between two paddles. This set the stage for programmers to code more intricate games. The allure was that people could play these games in their homes, instead of feeding quarters at arcades. This breakthrough resulted in Atari to be the fastest-growing company in the history of the United States at the time (1983).
The fascinating part of this story was the video game ET. Howard Scott Warshaw was given 5 weeks to produce it so that it could be released during the holiday season after ET, the movie, was released. Normal production of a game was 6 months to a year. Howard had a reputation of producing games with million unit releases and worked his ass off to finish the game in time. Ultimately the game was a huge flop because it was too hard, ET kept falling in holes, and it felt distant to the movie. People ended up returning it which lead to a huge overproduction of the game. The story goes that Atari had to bury millions of units in a landfill in New Mexico. Story has it that ET started the crashing fall of Atari which lost huge sums in subsequent years and then folded.
ET in a pit.
This isn’t really true but when many people say something, it starts to form. Atari was killed off because it mass produced too many units and over saturated the market. This caused them to hemorrhage money and eventually had to cut it’s workforce and one step led to the next until the company went away. There was also increasing competition at the time. However, ET is sometimes credited with, unfairly, being the worst game of all time and causing this fall. I wasn’t young enough to play Atari or ET but I’ve played bad video games.
What makes a bad game?
Anytime you don’t want to play a game anymore, that’s what makes it bad. Reasons could be it’s too hard, enemies are unfair, or the concept is just plain stupid. Games are good when you don’t lose because of the game, but because you aren’t skilled enough. When I think back to Battletoads, I didn’t hate the game because it sucked, but because I could never advance past the driving/wall stage. This doesn’t make it a bad game, just a game that will piss people off. People couldn’t advance past ET and that’s why they claim it was bad.
Bayou Billy pissed me off. Sure I was about 10 but I watch this walk through and just shake my head.
23
Dec, 2015
Thank You Odell Beckham Jr
How good are ODB and Lake Norman (I pray that nickname doesn’t stick)? Odell Beckham Jr. carries a ProFootballFocus WR Grade of 94. Only A. Brown, J. Jones, A. Jeffrey, and L. Fitzgerald are higher. Jeffrey and Fitz don’t belong in the conversation. ODB is next level.
Josh Norman holds a DB Grade of 89 and only Jason Verrett is higher. He was the #1 coming in but due to some erratic play vs the Giants, he dipped to 2. He’s emerging as the best corner on the best team in the league.
Current State of Affairs?
Once again, people are idiots. Most simpletons are throwing their hands up and screaming how ODB was out of line for his flying head butt and personal foul calls. Of course the bigger point is missed because most people don’t really watch football. They just want some water cooler talk about how ODB is a thug and his behavior is out of line. If you do watch football, you watched was the best individual match up, and the best game, of the entire season after 14 weeks. I’m ranking this the #1 game of about 225 games played this season.
I’ll share the key match up stats for those interested (profootballfocus):
- Beckham was thrown at nine times overall (seven with Norman in coverage), catching six of them (four vs. Norman) for 76 yards (30), a TD (one) and two drops (two).
- Coming into the game, Beckham — the man known for one-handed and other highlight-reel catches — had just two drops on the season, and four in his entire NFL career. He had two in Sunday’s game alone, including that early one that should have been a deep score, and was visibly allowing his frustration with Norman to boil over throughout the game.
- ODB was the lowest graded receiver this week with a -5.5.
What I Care About
This happened on the 5th play from scrimmage.
This was Zeus vs God. These players didn’t give an inch and ODB is taking heat for what is competitive football. Josh Norman was no angel through all this and ODB did what the best do, compete. Sure it was ridiculous but this game is ridiculous. Can we count how many injuries there have been this season? This isn’t baseball.
How about this quote from Sheldon Richardon of the Jets:
Not a pussy.
“They both were going at each other,” Richardson told NJ Advance Media. “It’s football, man. That’s one thing I can’t stand about it now. People still want us to be like guys in suits, but we’ve got helmets on. Some games get a little more physical. A guy might be putting clamps on you, and he might be getting in your head a little bit.
“[Beckham] took a cheap shot. He did. But a game suspension, I think that’s a little overboard. Media drives it, so it feels like Roger Goodell will have to do something about it. That’s just how this league is now. Basically, if the media writes a bad report about you, I guess the NFL looks at you a different way.”
Don’t Fuck With ODB
The retaliation is incredible. You can’t see in this gif but there was 3:11 in the 3rd quarter and the score was 35-7 when this happened. By the end, the game was tied 35-35. This was an incredible comeback spurred on by this emotional momentum created by this battle. The 4th quarter was easily the most entertaining anything the NFL has produced this year. KICK HIM OUT OF THE GAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOLOLOLOLOL. Roger Goodell probably issued orders to make sure he stays in it. Plus the idiots who said Tom Coughlin should have sat him? He wants to get to the playoffs. You know that important place at the end of the season where you don’t sit your best player.
What happened to Norman?
Game on the line? Throw it to OBJ. Beckham beats Norman. Beckham scores. Beckham dabs. Tie game. #CARvsNYG https://t.co/TFvqQEbzRO — NFL (@NFL) December 20, 2015
I obviously care very little about Cam Newton, who beat me in 2 fantasy playoffs as he threw 5 TD’s, and drove his team down the field for the game winning FG to make mince meat of the Giants comeback. I actually like Cam and he is the MVP of this season and there are no other options. If Brady wins, racism. The outcome of the game was an after thought though to ODB’s antics and punishment was necessary.
Oh ,darn…another dropped pass. I’ll get em next time
So ODB gets suspended for one game for letting the nature of competition get the best of him and putting on the performance of the year. Do you think the Eagles might be able to benefit from a player who cared that much about the game? I wish we had a player who wanted to win as much as ODB. That’s why I love guy’s like him. The guys who care the most, have the chance to be the best and there’s no point in liking losers.
22
Dec, 2015
Just Quit Brett Brown
1-29. 1-29. 1-29.
People still show up to the press conference to ask questions and this idiot babbles on that the team’s main problem is turnovers. This the shittiest team in professional basketball history and we make this shill give press conferences. 29 times he’s said they suck. Why do we need to hear 30? Cancel the season. Save the embarrassment. Forfeiting at this point saves more face.
22
Dec, 2015
Lukas Graham – 7 Years
I would recommend listening to this song.
Lukas Graham is an actual band and not a person. They are from Denmark and chart topped with this single 7 years. I can only see 2 of their songs on Spotify but I believe they have an album. I’d like to think I have a talent for hearing songs before they blow up and with “only” 395k, I think this one has a way to go. The way the story is told through life is enjoyable.
22
Dec, 2015
A Fantasy Beat Down
If everyday was like the one I experienced yesterday, I would not have much fun. This is coming from having a lot of fun so I suspect it’s the ups and downs associated with life. If you have a ton of fun, there’s a good chance you experience a let down. Monday was my let down.
This weekend I did a bar crawl in Manayunk and went to the Eagles game on Sunday. It was also the biggest week of the year in fantasy football which if you can’t guess by my tone, didn’t end well. I’ve come to hate weekend recaps of my own experiences so I’ll touch lightly on the bar crawl.
No hands bar.
We started at 3pm and visited 12 bars of Manayunk. Each bar would have its own rule like you can’t use your left hand, you have to repeat the last word of every sentence, and your hands were zipped tied to give an idea. It was a lot of fun but going on a bar crawl of this nature has consequences the next day.
I was woozy from the bar crawl but still made my way to Evan’s for the games on Sunday where I watched ODB put on a show. I’ll most likely chip in on this on another post. The bottom line is the games went terrible for me. In my previous post I wrote how going against the same players would be good, it turned out that the opposite happened as Cam and AB destroyed any inklings of hope I had in 2 leagues. I even lost one last night when Brandin Cooks didn’t outscore Golden Tate by 8 and my bet didn’t cover. It was just one of those days.
I’m well aware this post sucks but I wanted to get something down because I haven’t posted in a while. Normal posting should resume shortly.
17
Dec, 2015
Let’s Talk Fantasy Football
The Turkey’s are projected to lose 111 to 119 to What is a Wren. Right.
Let’s talk ODB for a moment. If you’ve had any fantasy football conversation with me over the last year, I’ve said he is the best receiver in the game and he is proving it. Sticky hands. I wrote this in July when he was snubbed as a top 10 player pre season. This week he gets Josh Norman who is arguably the best cornerback in the game. A true test. Hands down the best match up of the week. I’m not worried.
Wild Turkeys
Time to talk specifics for the 3 leagues I’m in. I’ve won Evan’s league in 4 of the last 5 years and to play in another title game would add to the legend (that no cares about but me). I draw Bud who has had less than great success against my team. In 2013, we played a game where the final score was 144.86 to 146.88 in the first round of the playoffs. I put up huge numbers in the 1pm games getting TD’s from guys like Jordan Todman. Then amazing happened as the Seahawks demolished John Skelton for 50 points or so? and Matt Stafford couldn’t score 2 points in the final minutes and I advanced. Last year Bud ran into the Turkey buzz saw once again in a trouncing 148.9 to 108.28. For the 3rd straight year we meet in the playoffs. Let’s look at the game:
Was the QB at Michigan and now is a big RB
I scooped up Denard Robinson and Bryce Brown which give me some more fire power than I had initially at RB. I have James White consideration as well. I can choose between Alex Smith and Mariota which I like to have as options at QB. My receivers are Julio, who has a plum matchup, and ODB who in my opinion is uncoverable. Zach Miller is a fine plug in TE. Chiefs D has been fire. I like my matchups.
I tried to trade Bud for Cam but he wisely kept him as he led him to a 1st place regular season
Bud has a different story which requires more thought. I know he reads this so I have to put these thoughts in his mind to hopefully have him question his decisions.
I read this: “Pittsburgh’s wide receivers should be downgraded across the board against Denver’s elite secondary.” When you have Antonio Brown and Martavius Bryant, this leads to some concern. Cam Newton and Greg Olson should also give huge consideration because the Panthers are 12-0 and don’t have to win, let alone even play, especially with Greg Olsen tweaking a knee last week. Ivory and Murray are fine RB’s and you have to ride the hot streak of Baldwin. Amendola will see targets as well.
As always, I expect a hard fought game against Bud but the Turkeys don’t like to lose.
The Dark Knight
My team in Baker’s league is pushing forward even with my passive management. Leagues that don’t have waiver bids make me care less because I know I don’t have an opportunity to get the players I want. Fortunately this week I got Shoelace which alleviates my RB pressures of Ronnie Hillman. Carson, AJ, Decker, Ivory, Gronk, and Cooks round out a solid squad. I’m up against Cam & AB in this league as well which I think I’m happy with because if I win 1, I’ll win 2. My opponent is playing Woodhead, Forte, Landry, Tate, and Ben Watson. I like my chances.
Untitled
Note to self: Having these 2 on your team win fantasy leagues
I’ve moved my team name around in this league and haven’t settled on one specific name. I take on Ed McGrath who seemingly finds the playoffs every year. Unfortunately for Ed, my team is a complete powerhouse. As only a 3 point favorite, I expect to make short work of the eldest McGrath. The Brady to Gronk combo is in full effect. Martin, Ivory, and Bryce Brown make up my RB’s while ODB and Doug Baldwin are my WR’s. Panthers have been an awesome defense. I have Hurns and Cooks on the bench so I still may do some tinkering. This team dominated the league scoring almost 1,600 points in a half point PPR which is huge number.
Ed is riding Russell Wilson who I’m not going to lie worries me. Guys who don’t worry me are CJ Anderson and Bilal Powell. Fitzgerald, Crabtree, and Tate are reasonable plays and I’m up against Greg Olsen again. Ed’s decision to bench Dez is smart in my opinion. My biggest concern is that my team is due for a let down game after almost putting up 160 points last week. These players have been so hot that eventually they cool off and hopefully they do enough to squeak by. Anything less than a title shot in this league is a huge disappointment as I undoubtedly had the best team all season long.
17
Dec, 2015
BOY
Music can bring emotion and I wanted to use this video to trigger it.
I love this video. First off, this is the first time (as far as I know) BOY is playing in front of a United States audience in Brooklyn. They are from Germany and Sweden. The reception is unbelievable.
Picture yourself from Germany or Sweden and you’ve produced some music that was good enough to warrant making an album. You have no idea what to expect coming to America. You’ve heard it’s a big place and the land of opportunity but this is only hearsay. Then you start playing your song and HOLY SHIT, the audience can sing along with your music! BOY must have been floored. It’s one of those life moments that are indescribable. This is one of those times I’m super proud of America.
[dropcap]”You’re giving us goosebumps.”[/dropcap]
From Valeska’s mind:
At :53 – “Do they know the words?”
At :57 – They do.
At 1:01 – Uncertainty and joy.
AT 1:08 – Overwhelmed.
At 1:22 – Compose.
At 1:33 – Performance rises.
At 1:58 – Feeling it?
At 3:56 – What just happened?
BOY released an album in September of 2015 and I didn’t hear a word. The video above is not just a sweet moment but it’s a staple of how good their music is. The members of BOY’s names are Valeska Steiner and Sonja Glass. I have no idea what BOY means as a title. I enjoy their music.
Their new album is titled We Were Here. I can’t comment on it because I’ve just started listening to it. I want to add though that I don’t enjoy most female artists. I like Alanis Morrisette, Indigo Girls, Natalie Merchant, and a few others I could name if I wanted to think about it further. I think BOY’s sound is filled with emotion and I liked all 8 tracks of Mutual Friends.
16
Dec, 2015
Glass of Wine Equals 1 Hour of Exercise
Read this ridiculous find about Wine = Exercise
Jason Dyck
Jason Dyck, real last name, from the University of Alberta in Canada, is researching whether resveratrol is equivalent to exercise. He tested this on rats and came to the conclusion that it could.
I’m starting to hate this planet.
Has this poindexter ever been to a bar? This study is comparing one glass of wine (which no one does), instead of binge drinking, but the findings are legitimately comparing drinking wine to exercising. As much as I think Jason Dyck is a moron, the people funding him have to be even dumber.
Am I being completely close minded to Mr. Dyck’s findings? Absolutely. Why? It’s because the work put into exercising for an hour vs the work put into drinking one glass of wine can’t possibly be equal. EVER. Yesterday I spent 28 minutes running on a treadmill. I couldn’t even do an hour. However if I go today, I may be able to do 30 minutes. I may gradually be able to get to an hour if I try hard. Do you seriously think that I’d be able to do an hour if I stopped exercising entirely and just drank a glass of wine every day? Where do these activities correlate? Plus your testing is on rats. Rats don’t exercise the way humans exercise. The whole idea behind this is beyond me.
My conclusion is this guy probably hit a civilian in dark, while driving after drinking some wine, and is using this research to explain how good drinking wine is for you. Have you not seen Fargo, bro? You won’t get away with it.
