OLD SCHOOL-ish

By The Fillerbuster

The Cast 032719

SETTING:

This is a quick one snuck in during my work week, and before the Thursday games.  My next 3-4 blogs all have upcoming flights to write them on, so this one is rushed, not prepped, off the cuff, and sort of old school-ish.  More random thoughts, reminding me of when I used to just write 150 hooks all out of order, all out of whack.  I even numbered them for old time’s sake.  Let’s make them one sentence per hook too.  Yeah.

Anyway, forgive the lack or organization and editing.  I feel the need…the need for speed.

I am giving myself about 60-90 minutes tops from start to finish on this.

Let’s turn and burn.

EVERGREEN (topics that don’t fade away):   

None this week.  Plenty of time to have this in next one.

WEEK-FISH (current topics of interest in sports): ALL ONE SENTENCE STYLE

(hoops at the end of weekfish)

1. Trevor Siemian is now Matthew Darnold’s backup QB, so after a run of almost starting for years, he is who we thought he would end up being.
2. So, with the Ravens backing up a running QB with another running QB, I assume they are happy the offense can remain similar, but basically have two injuries waiting to happen, with one on call.
3. How has Kaepernick NOT been given a call yet?
4. I know it is a business, but it kind of freaks me out that a guy like Justin Houston had to switch teams to keep a job.
5. Maybe Cam Newton saw The Abstinence Seinfeld episode.
6. So, Bob Kraft is “truly sorry,” but wants to hide video evidence while pleading guilty…got it.
7. I like bringing an old school rivalry into the opening week of the season, but I sort of liked the whole Super Bowl champion hosting it better as a cool novelty.
8. I feel like all of the new Broncos coaches have names that make me think we are in the Northeast.
9. Gronk has nothing left to prove, much money off the field to make, and is most likely a HOF’er, but a part of me still thinks he changes this decision the moment he remembers that he can still ride with Mr. Brady into the sunset at still a young age.
10. Kingsbury is distracting from him pretending like he is not picking Kyler at #1 by telling us his dumb rules on letting players have cell phone time.
11. Glad they changed the PI rule in the NFL, and still would be pissed if I was a Saints fan.
12. A Football Life with Doug Flutie was on the other night, and it provided a nice refresher on all of the things I have been saying about Kyler Murray in the last six months.
13. James Harden getting 57 and losing the game is real life, while Devin Booker getting 59 with no one else in double figures and losing by 30 made basketball a joke for the night.
14. I think that although I might not have turned on the Phoenix Suns vs. anyone previously, I might think about tuning in simply because they made the fun decision of picking up Jimmer Fredette.
15. I keep saying that when the Warriors check out, they check out BIG time, and them losing to the Mavs by 35 supports this theory.
16. Wherever he ends up, I will be a fan of Jason Kidd getting back into coaching for another round.
17. The Celtics have a cold that we all think they have shaken, and then they still cough and sneeze when they are over for a dinner party.
18. The Blazers were really having a nice season with a very nice lineup, and the Nurkic injury hurts them AND just basketball fans.
19. It was morning time, I am not sure why I had the TV on at the time, but catching Ichiro’s farewell game and his salute to the crowd was really, really cool.
20. We all hear about how there are PRIME time pitchers still out there, how pitching rotations hav changed, and Blake Snell getting just above league minimum less than two years after a Cy Young is outlandish.
21. I love the fact that Justin Verlander just got 2 years/ $66 mil, no matter how out of whack it seems, as I would take his arm AND him in my clubhouse any day of the week.
22. The D-Backs Souza ripping up his knee on a slippery home plate while scoring in the final exhibition game of the season is HEARTwrenching.
23. Between being on Fallon and saying he needs to fight, being on social media at midnight the same night and saying he is retiring, breaking tourists’ cell phones, and being investigated by the Irish authorities for a sexual assault, Conor McGregor really DOES need to fight a legitimate fight soon…you would think.
24. I know he had to eat an animal tongue or something disgusting for NOT answering, but Kobe telling James Corden with a straight face that he ranks himself above MJ and LeBron is kind of disgusting if you ask me.
25. Shame the injuries caught up with him, glad he got a ring, and Jordy Nelson will be missed in the NFL.
26. Not only have I not heard one conversation about the league, not only do I not know what channel or time it is on, but if I didn’t see the headline, I think I would have thought the AAF already DID bottom out.
27. I definitely don’t follow mainstream stories like some people, but still very confused how Jussie Smollett is fully cleared and feel like I am missing something.
28. The Boeing 737 Max 8 is improving in its news stories, as at least it goes up and comes down with no one in it.
29. I feel like with how fast he came INTO the music industry that I wasn’t too surprised that he is stepping away from music to get well from something or someone.
30. Part of me is surprised it took so long for orange vanilla Coke to come around, and part of me is wondering why the bland marketing push.
31. Not only does my used 2005 4Runner run like a dream, but the used car place in OHIO still sends me birthday cards, holiday cards, and just called me the other day…just because they wanted to know how it was running.
32. Stranger Things of course pretty much replicates the time period I grew up in, and very excited about the new trailer which started with Home Sweet Home by Motley Crue.
33. I just sang that song at karaoke the other night.
34. Billy’s Inn stuffed burger is ridiculous.
35. Why does the media call Kaepernick “Kap,” and where did the “e” go?
36. I think about what time these hoops games started and ended last week, and made me realize that East Coast time just kind of sucks.
37. I downloaded the entire movie of Troy to show Lindsey’s sister the fight scene, and although it was sort of worth it, I am surprised how long a movie takes to buffer in today’s technology.
38. So, Hanes REALLY had MJ trading cards in the actual packages, and they are serious about pushing those out to us as something we will care about?
39. How long has Subway been delivering, although it is out of informational curiosity and not out of yearning?
40. Mas Koas is cool little bar on Tennyson in Berkeley.
41. Really enjoyed our first trip to Matador, a bar on 32^nd in the Highlands-good happy hour drink and food values.
42. We might get one more snow, but you really felt this week like spring had arrived in the Mile High City.
43. No, we are not done that damn GOT puzzle yet.
44. Steve installed a microwave in our kitchen because he thought it was weird we had one and didn’t use it, and it looks great now, and now I am concerned that I am so used to NOT using one that I won’t use it.
45. Bet you we finally break down first for microwave popcorn…
46. I think Lindsey will have us hosting a Game of Thrones opener, and those people who come over better be QUIET as I am very focused during GOT.
47. I think my wife and I both sang about five songs each Saturday night.
48. She might have been lying, but somehow the DJ had a shortened version of Sweet Child with no guitar solo.
49. Lindsey and I did our first rendition ever of Toto-Africa…riveting.
50. I had backup dancers for Thriller, but they seemed to only stand up there for about 2 minutes.
51. He was a random guy, but YES, I got someone to do End of the Road with me, as always.
52. I think getting unexpected credits on a jukebox is a really interesting human experiment.
53. Senor Bear on Tejon in the Highlands changed their menu (we had only been there once months ago) and it is FANTASTIC now.
54. I don’t claim to be an Avengers fan, but still unmoved and unsure why the serious “whatever it takes” commercial, as aren’t they superheroes and pretty much can take care of most kinds of business?
55. I find it funny that the WaterPic commercials sub out teeth for corn on the cob.
56. Billions is a brilliant, brilliant show as you know, and they dropped, in the most recent episode, a Heat reference that was on point, character and plot driven, and didn’t even mention the movie Heat, as it was EXPECTED knowledge.
57. I get the feeling that people who thought they were beating the system with Viking Cruises suddenly are switching to Princess, Carnival, Royal, Norwegian, or the other big boys.
58. I love Dr. Dre, but when he posted the social media post about his daughter, Truly, getting into USC “without help,” he does know that we know he gave money and like a wing or two to some buildings there, right?
59. People cry on Shark Tank, The Voice, and other shows, but the chick who broke down crying after going through her miserable life as a bulimic model was hitting my ceiling of tolerance to say the least.
60. Of course, Apple is getting in the on demand show industry, and of course Oprah has a book or movie or something we can stream from it immediately.
61. So, I guess there is another Pet Sematary, and they aren’t going to tell me whether it is a sequel, or a redo, or ANYTHING about it and just ram it down my throat?
62. I know my wife likes the house hunters shows when we started with Caribbean ones and now she will still watch it when people are in the middle of Ohio.
63. Let’s talk some college hoops!!!!!
64. NBA announcers doing college games still isn’t the most optimal thing.
65. I probably should have heeded that “PJ Washington in a walking boot” story a little more before advancing UK to my Final Four.
66. The only problem I have with my knockout pool is that I really, really like me advancing on the first day of each day days, which skews my opinion sometimes.
67. Remember that less upsets means better mid and late round games…chalk is now our best friend with these matchups.
68. So, basically I have all this going on during March Madness:  UVA, my bracket, knockout pool, and betting.
69. You almost hope that FSU keeps advancing just simply for that kid who lost his dad during the first round game.
70. I didn’t know about the sports mix station for March Madness until the second day of my PTO for March Madness, and my wife was the one who alerted me to this treasure.
71. I got tired of hearing about Tom Izzo yelling at his player in this too sensitive of age we live in, as his kids love him, he is quality through and through, he is genuine, and I will watch tough love any time it is needed with someone like that.
72. I get irritated by people who think they are “beating” everyone else in the middle of round 1.
73. Remember when we had to go to bars to even be able to see all the games?
74. Bryce Drew is out as Vandy coach after going 0-18 in SEC play, and his claim to fame will continue to be that long shot in the tourney years ago.
75. Of course, UVA and OU squared off in round 2, although my boys obviously had a MONSTROUS edge in this sport.
76. For about 10 minutes on Friday, ESPN spelled Iona “Ioana” really big as their headline and those things always make me laugh.
77. Three #12 seeds advanced this year, after none last year.
78. Hey, Shayok, guess you should have stayed at UVA, bro.
79. I personally am enjoying immensely those dumb announcer commercials.
80. I think the teams should be able to pick their own “word” from their sponsor, instead of like 4 teams being “Family” for the tourney.
81. Jontay Porter hurt his knee again, and the basketball fan in everyone just cries on that one, as we just want to see what this kid can do on the court.
82. Ja Morant is the first player to average 20-10 in a long time.
83. Then, Ja Morant gets the first triple double since 2012 (Draymond Green).
84. I didn’t figure out that all the favorites were winning until much too late to capitalize on it.
85. Nebraska fires Tim Miles and is eying Fred Hoiberg, who will be that guy trying to get basketball going at a football school in the middle of nowhere.
86. Arkansas fired Mike Anderson, and the cupboard definitely is empty out that way right now.
87. Minnesota came out firing three’s oddly at Louisville, and it worked, but only because oddly they fell.
88. That Yale-LSU game would have gone differently if those three’s would have started falling just a LITTLE earlier.
89. With two deep benches playing, and with 10 minutes left in the game, EIGHTEEN players had played and scored from Auburn and New Mexico State.
90. Nevada came out against Florida trying to be too cocky, too pressing in their offense, too rushed, and basically looked surprised way too late in figuring out Florida was a pretty tough team.
91. If Frank Howard would have played for the Cuse, things might have gone differently vs. Baylor.
92. The Zags were beating a 28 point spread by HALFTIME in the first round.
93. Iowa kept making three’s and very surprised they beat Cincy in the opening round.
94. I thought if there was one coaching job that would come through, it would have been Jay Wright outthinking Purdue in their second round matchup.
95. Ole Miss somehow allowed FORTY FOUR points in 16 minutes versus OU.
96. I had never seen anyone slip screens like Gardner-Webb did against UVA.
97. Yes, I had a slight heart attack in the first round in that game.
98. Kansas State played without its best player, folks, and that is why they folded.
99. I admit to not believing the hype that Oregon’s recent hot play would continue.
100. Hey, an indentation, just like the old school days of long numbered lists.
101. Buffalo proved it was real in the first round against a tough ASU opponent, and then showed us how hot Texas Tech’s defense was in the second round.
102. But, luckily, their coach is already heading to Bama.
103. I get being overmatched in a game, but Houston’s speed was so overwhelming in that first round win vs. Georgia State.
104. My upsets of Belmont and New Mexico State failed in the last seconds, and near misses don’t count, so I was glad that Liberty held up its end of the deal with my third big upset.
105. So surprised Ohio State took out Iowa State legitimately early.
106. Virginia Tech WITH their PG is so different, folks.
107. Yes, Wofford’s main guy set a record going 0-12 ina tourney game, but long arms and ridiculous athleticism had a lot to do with those misses.
108. I can’t believe Iowa fought ALL the way back from being 25 down, and then lost.
109. No Big East teams in the Sweet Sixteen, folks.
110. UCF DID have that shot to take out big bad Duke, but you also have to admit that Zion showed that not only is he the most talented player in the nation, but he also wants this the most.
111. You can hate Coach K, but man does he show ridiculous class after a close win like that.
112. A lot of chalk, and definitely a lack of buzzer beaters, but we are happy with what we have NOW.  Let’s talk about that.
113. This is easier in forecasting (not getting it right, but it still aligns for the most part with my bracket (as most people do NOT have busted brackets)).
114. VA TECH-DUKE:  VA Tech has already beaten Duke, although BOTH teams were undermanned.  Tech is good enough to beat them, but after the UCF scare, I get the feeling that this will be more Duke start to finish. Duke wins.
115. LSU-MICHIGAN STATE:  Well, I had Belmont in this matchup, but it doesn’t change my pick.  Michigan State is in the wrong region overall, and kind of got screwed, and will go down only to Duke.  LSU’s offcourt troubles will take its toll, and MSU is too deep for the Tigers.  And Izzo gets a week to prep them.  MSU wins.
116. ZAGS-FSU:  Well, I think the easy Zags wins are behind us.  FSU is SO deep, and SO long, that IF FSU’s guards can get a little hot, they have the horses to keep up in this one.  Zags win, but close.
117. TEXAS TECH-MICHIGAN:  Well, I just go by my bracket in this one.  I have Texas Tech in the Final Four, and nothing has changed my opinion on that.  Texas Tech wins a close, low scoring game between two defensive minded teams.
118. UVA-OREGON:  Have you enjoyed watching Oregon look SO athletic, fast, and big against the past two teams?  Good.  UVA makes a living out of making fast teams look clunky.  Oregon doesn’t have the shooters.  UVA will win this by 10 or 15.
119. PURDUE-TENNESSEE:  I had Cincy and Nova here, so my bracket is out of whack.  I still smell something off here.  I like Purdue to pull off this upset, and I don’t have any real reasons why except for WOW they surprised me against Nova.  Purdue wins.
120. UNC-AUBURN:  Not buying Auburn still.  Yes, they were good on paper preseason.  Yes, they have gotten hot.  But, I love that UNC can beat you from outside also, and they have the athletes to nullify Auburn’s recent shooting.  UNC is too good.  Coby White will have a great day.  UNC wins.
121. HOUSTON-UK:  Yes, I am very concerned about PJ Washington, and therefore should say Houston.  But, sticking with my bracket on this one.  Calipari will find a way to get them through another round.  I think Travis steps up big time.  Plus, Houston is a smaller lineup and I think UK’s size bothers them.  UK squeaks by.
122. And my Final Four doesn’t change from my bracket.  Duke, Texas Tech, UVA, UK (even though that was pre-PJ Washington knowledge).  Good luck, everyone.

TWEET OF THE WEEK:

No best tweets.  You should probably just follow me on Twitter.

THE BEST WORKOUT SONG EVER FOR THIS WEEK:

Runnin’, Basic Needs, Defying Gravity, Tourniquet, with new ones list already made and ready to be downloaded after March Madness…

My playlist which I will get to updating after March Madness:

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

“They call it March Madness for a reason and sometimes I would rather be lucky than good.”

Bruce Pearl

Anything said in the show Billions.

Billions

LINKS TO SAVE YOU TIME IN LIFE:

BY THE NUMBERS:

Skipping the numbers this week…

THIS WEEK’S LIST:

No list…

THE RIDDLE:

No riddle…

CLOSING:

Enjoy the games.  Wahoowa (hopefully). Talk to you when I head to San Diego early next week.

That’s it for today.  Hope you enjoyed or are at least more informed.  Remember two things.  First, feed yourself, feed your family, but always, always remember to…feed the wolf.  Second,  if you can’t spot the sucker in your first half hour at the table, then you are the sucker.  Will I blog again?  That is a CLOWN question, bro. 

PICS:

No pics of note to share…

And, in case you care about what I threw back in the pond, here you go…