Steroids, financial inequality and asymmetrical advantages all harmed MLB.
Steroids --- how many more people are now on an unfair advantage over the others for taking steroids??? Is baseball a game of skills or the art of manipulation?
Financial Inequality --- how many Padres or Royals are being rot to death by financial inability to be on par with the Yankees or the Dodgers???
Asymmetrical advantages --- abolish the DH now!
I feel that NHL is the result of MLB --- they won't get anywhere unless...
Friday, June 27, 2008
Down with David Stern!!! --- A parody of NBA events
I hate David Stern --- he ruined NBA, because while being commisioner, he allowed a lot of things that is done to destroy support from the basic grassroot level.
David Stern, in the pursuit of profits, did a lot of things to earn short-term money --- which causes long-term consequences that rips the league apart!
First, Stern tore up the Supersonics franchise can asked them to move to Oklahoma City. In Singapore slang, Oklahoma City is simply 'ulu', or inaccessible to anywhere. There's no nothing there, and the fan support for Oklahoma City teams seems thin to me, as they can't even fill up a relatively small arena when the Hornets come in. This is worse than their situation in Seattle, which is a large-sized city with a market of more than 5 million or so (in Washington state plus British Columbia --- where another team called the Grizzles moved to another 'ulu' place). Yeah, the Trailblazers finally gained a monopoly on the Pacific Northwest, but they lost even more support and won't be revered anywhere --- thanks to their nickname which is true, 'Jailblazers'.
Then, Stern killed the Supersonics... through forcing the Celtics (which is near New York City and well-supported by long-time NBA fans since the Bird era) to snap up the Sonics' star player, Ray Allen. Stern later allowed the Celtics to kill the Timberwolves by slaughtering a franchise player by the name of Kevin Garnett in Minnesota to come to Boston, by the 'twin city' connection. Boston and Charleston in South Carolina are considered closely related cities in trade as well as wealth, and Garnett, playing in the Twin City (Minneapolis-St Paul) metroplex itself, hailed from South Carolina.
Then, Stern wanted to set up a dream finals. He found a star franchise, Los Angeles Lakers, which is popular throughout Asia thanks to Kobe Bryant (as well as location). This is much better than boring, boring San Antonio (NBA's defending champions in 2007-8, that had lower television ratings ever in all its finals appearances on average than any other team), isn't it? Kobe can attack and dunk while no Spur could attack and dunk like Kobe... Kobe, through his Italian early schooldays, also gained considerable European American support. Then he masterminded a move by Pau Gasol, a popular European player from Spain, to Spainish-speaking (gaining Hispanic markets?) Los Angeles. A point to add: Gasol's last team was hapless Memphis Grizzles, which came from Vancouver. Does Stern wants to kill off all the small franchises --- even San Antonio Spurs (which won 4 titles but gave boring ratings from all)???
In the Conference Finals, Spurs and Detroit Pistons each entered their respective Conference finals with the Celtics and Lakers. Spurs are, of course, tipped and fixed to lose, which may alienate them from casual NBA supporters further. Pistons, hailing from Detroit, are the most pathetic market of all. Their market is big! They have 6 million people in their market, spanning two countries (United States and Canada). But Stern thought it may not be big enough for viewership purposes. Los Angeles has a market of at least 20 million on United States and Boston, 30 million (including New York, which had two currently struggling teams that rotate with the Celtics to increase viewership). There are no better pair of media markets --- Boston/New York vs Los Angeles that can spark fan interest, albeit casual fan interests, to the Tube/Cable. Hence even good ol' Pistons are eliminated by Stern's hands.
In the finals, wary of Bryant's controversies, Stern used dirty tactics again to fix the finals. They purposely posted 6 consecutive freak results... So that Stern could see the better and cleaner team in his eyes to win in their Garden. Kobe had been charged for sexual assault, so it's not that favoured. In contrast, Garnett and Allen and Celtics' mainstay, Pierce, are all relatively free of controversy. Where's my favourite Answer (Allen Iverson, to protect Philadelphia's emerging market which is, again, near New York, he has to be dumped in the mountains of Denver) or Sheed (star of the Pistons) doing???
"It takes thirty good moves to win a game of chess, but one bad move to lose." Losing even one struggling franchise and failure to win the title may cost NBA. If MLB can save all its teams from contradiction, and NFL can ensure all teams make profits, I suppose... If NBA has to make all small market teams die on their own and only allow a few markets like New York and Los Angeles to thrive... Do you want to see a bland 8-team NBA in only a few states, or seeing the smallest franchise (Grizzles) earning the respect of all basketball fans??? NBA must be in a suicidal mode now...
David Stern, in the pursuit of profits, did a lot of things to earn short-term money --- which causes long-term consequences that rips the league apart!
First, Stern tore up the Supersonics franchise can asked them to move to Oklahoma City. In Singapore slang, Oklahoma City is simply 'ulu', or inaccessible to anywhere. There's no nothing there, and the fan support for Oklahoma City teams seems thin to me, as they can't even fill up a relatively small arena when the Hornets come in. This is worse than their situation in Seattle, which is a large-sized city with a market of more than 5 million or so (in Washington state plus British Columbia --- where another team called the Grizzles moved to another 'ulu' place). Yeah, the Trailblazers finally gained a monopoly on the Pacific Northwest, but they lost even more support and won't be revered anywhere --- thanks to their nickname which is true, 'Jailblazers'.
Then, Stern killed the Supersonics... through forcing the Celtics (which is near New York City and well-supported by long-time NBA fans since the Bird era) to snap up the Sonics' star player, Ray Allen. Stern later allowed the Celtics to kill the Timberwolves by slaughtering a franchise player by the name of Kevin Garnett in Minnesota to come to Boston, by the 'twin city' connection. Boston and Charleston in South Carolina are considered closely related cities in trade as well as wealth, and Garnett, playing in the Twin City (Minneapolis-St Paul) metroplex itself, hailed from South Carolina.
Then, Stern wanted to set up a dream finals. He found a star franchise, Los Angeles Lakers, which is popular throughout Asia thanks to Kobe Bryant (as well as location). This is much better than boring, boring San Antonio (NBA's defending champions in 2007-8, that had lower television ratings ever in all its finals appearances on average than any other team), isn't it? Kobe can attack and dunk while no Spur could attack and dunk like Kobe... Kobe, through his Italian early schooldays, also gained considerable European American support. Then he masterminded a move by Pau Gasol, a popular European player from Spain, to Spainish-speaking (gaining Hispanic markets?) Los Angeles. A point to add: Gasol's last team was hapless Memphis Grizzles, which came from Vancouver. Does Stern wants to kill off all the small franchises --- even San Antonio Spurs (which won 4 titles but gave boring ratings from all)???
In the Conference Finals, Spurs and Detroit Pistons each entered their respective Conference finals with the Celtics and Lakers. Spurs are, of course, tipped and fixed to lose, which may alienate them from casual NBA supporters further. Pistons, hailing from Detroit, are the most pathetic market of all. Their market is big! They have 6 million people in their market, spanning two countries (United States and Canada). But Stern thought it may not be big enough for viewership purposes. Los Angeles has a market of at least 20 million on United States and Boston, 30 million (including New York, which had two currently struggling teams that rotate with the Celtics to increase viewership). There are no better pair of media markets --- Boston/New York vs Los Angeles that can spark fan interest, albeit casual fan interests, to the Tube/Cable. Hence even good ol' Pistons are eliminated by Stern's hands.
In the finals, wary of Bryant's controversies, Stern used dirty tactics again to fix the finals. They purposely posted 6 consecutive freak results... So that Stern could see the better and cleaner team in his eyes to win in their Garden. Kobe had been charged for sexual assault, so it's not that favoured. In contrast, Garnett and Allen and Celtics' mainstay, Pierce, are all relatively free of controversy. Where's my favourite Answer (Allen Iverson, to protect Philadelphia's emerging market which is, again, near New York, he has to be dumped in the mountains of Denver) or Sheed (star of the Pistons) doing???
"It takes thirty good moves to win a game of chess, but one bad move to lose." Losing even one struggling franchise and failure to win the title may cost NBA. If MLB can save all its teams from contradiction, and NFL can ensure all teams make profits, I suppose... If NBA has to make all small market teams die on their own and only allow a few markets like New York and Los Angeles to thrive... Do you want to see a bland 8-team NBA in only a few states, or seeing the smallest franchise (Grizzles) earning the respect of all basketball fans??? NBA must be in a suicidal mode now...
Friday, June 20, 2008
Impact on Education
TOP STATES IN INDIVIDUAL UNIVERSITY’S IMPACT
1st Class (Excellent)
1) California – 1.5M
2nd Class (Decent)
2) Florida – 1.4M
3) Georgia – 1.4M
4) Michigan – 1.4M
5) Wisconsin – 1.4M
6) Maine – 1.3M
7) Hawaii – 1.3M
8) Nevada – 1.3M
9) Washington – 1.3M
10) Arizona - 1.2M
11) Missouri – 1.2M
12) Texas – 1.1M
13) Illinois – 1M
14) Massachusetts – 1M
15) Minnesota – 1M
16) Colorado – 1M
17) New Jersey – 1M
18) New Mexico – 1M
3rd Class (Catching Up)
19) Kansas – 0.9M
20) Nebraska – 0.9M
21) Ohio – 0.9M
22) Oklahoma – 0.9M
23) Oregon – 0.9M
24) Pennsylvania – 0.9M
25) New York – 0.9M
26) West Virginia – 0.9M
27) Kentucky – 0.7M
28) Iowa – 0.7M
29) Indiana – 0.6M
30) New Hampshire – 0.6M
31) Maryland – 0.6M
32) Vermont – 0.6M
4th Class (Loads to Do)
33) Alabama – 0.5M
34) Arkansas – 0.5M
35) Connecticut – 0.5M
36) Idaho – 0.5M
37) Mississippi – 0.5M
38) Montana – 0.5M
39) North Carolina – 0.5M
40) Tennessee – 0.5M
41) Virginia – 0.5M
42) Wyoming – 0.5M
43) Delaware – 0.4M
44) South Carolina – 0.4M
45) South Dakota – 0.4M
46) Utah – 0.4M
47) Louisiana – 0.3M
5th Class (Miraculous)
48) North Dakota – 0.3M
49) Rhode Island – 0.3M
50) DC – 0.1M
1st Class (Excellent)
1) California – 1.5M
2nd Class (Decent)
2) Florida – 1.4M
3) Georgia – 1.4M
4) Michigan – 1.4M
5) Wisconsin – 1.4M
6) Maine – 1.3M
7) Hawaii – 1.3M
8) Nevada – 1.3M
9) Washington – 1.3M
10) Arizona - 1.2M
11) Missouri – 1.2M
12) Texas – 1.1M
13) Illinois – 1M
14) Massachusetts – 1M
15) Minnesota – 1M
16) Colorado – 1M
17) New Jersey – 1M
18) New Mexico – 1M
3rd Class (Catching Up)
19) Kansas – 0.9M
20) Nebraska – 0.9M
21) Ohio – 0.9M
22) Oklahoma – 0.9M
23) Oregon – 0.9M
24) Pennsylvania – 0.9M
25) New York – 0.9M
26) West Virginia – 0.9M
27) Kentucky – 0.7M
28) Iowa – 0.7M
29) Indiana – 0.6M
30) New Hampshire – 0.6M
31) Maryland – 0.6M
32) Vermont – 0.6M
4th Class (Loads to Do)
33) Alabama – 0.5M
34) Arkansas – 0.5M
35) Connecticut – 0.5M
36) Idaho – 0.5M
37) Mississippi – 0.5M
38) Montana – 0.5M
39) North Carolina – 0.5M
40) Tennessee – 0.5M
41) Virginia – 0.5M
42) Wyoming – 0.5M
43) Delaware – 0.4M
44) South Carolina – 0.4M
45) South Dakota – 0.4M
46) Utah – 0.4M
47) Louisiana – 0.3M
5th Class (Miraculous)
48) North Dakota – 0.3M
49) Rhode Island – 0.3M
50) DC – 0.1M
I hate Overpaid Playas
Having followed the great sport of hockey for several years, and at several different levels, I feel compelled to reprimand the professional hockey playing counterparts of where they come from.
First, let me explain I’m no fantastic hockey talent, hence why I am a writer. I don’t exactly expect someone to take my words to heart, but merely to think about them. I know all those who have played will agree, and probably many who wish they had and are just die hard fans, with what I have to say.
Lately it seems to me that the real talents, the real players worth having on a team, have become a minority. I remember the days of the amazing rosters of the Stars, Wings, and Devils. The rosters of good upstanding guys who played for love of the game and less for money are long gone now.
I’ll begin my explanation with ripping on my own team, the Anaheim Ducks. How could Brian Burke ever rationalize signing Todd Bertuzzi to such a long, expensive contract? He was a liability from the get-go. Bertuzzi no longer is worth $4 million, and I doubt he ever will be again. But, that is only part of the argument here—the brunt of this is rooted in the players who play for money.
My fight lies with Marian Hossa, and those like him. Many in Pittsburgh will agree that one day we are hearing he would pick “winning over money,” but man did he hitch a ride to Hockeytown fast. True, he took the winning and money route, but it was major back-stabbing to Pittsburgh. If he didn’t like the city, or fans, or team, say it! They wouldn’t care as much as being lied about.
Wade Redden, you have been terrible lately, yet you still expect large amounts to end up in your coffer? So, of course you go to the Rangers, who will fork over cash to any guy who thinks he’s worth it.
The Rangers have a great team, and it would really sadden me for them to not do well, and you to demand a trade or something stupid, but anything is possible with you. I like your play as a younger guy, but lately, you’re in the same boat as Hossa, a money grubbing wuss!
Mats Sundin, I gave you a lot of credit for being an upstanding guy and all with the Leafs, but after having so many teams tossing you contracts, you ignored them. It’s like your going for broke of a hockey team. I’m very sure I’m jumping the gun here, but just bear in mind—it's about the game, not the money. The players above you have forgotten that.
Most of my anger lies with Marian Hossa, and the fact he is as highly paid as Nick Lidstrom, but hasn’t even proven himself as a steady contributor for Detroit. It's sort of stupid on Detroit’s part, but hey, do with your money as you wish.
It seems to me, from my former hockey days, that too many in the NHL only care about the paycheck, and not the game. An NHL team could pay me $100,000 a year and I'd be happy, and this is considering I was that talented.
Talent shouldn’t dictate the entire salary. Why not pay a guy more for being loyal to the team and being a good role model along with on ice performance? Andy McDonald, a favorite example of mine, was a loyal, hard working, goal scoring, undrafted Duck who gets $3.3 million. True, he is no Wayne Gretzky, but I’d take him on my team any day over a punk like Hossa.
Bottom Line—the lockout solved nothing! Fix the salary issues Bettman, before I invest in becoming an AHL fan. It’s not Brian Burke’s fault, or Lowe’s in Edmonton. It’s yours! Hockey is a business; GM’s are forced to pay some players insane amounts in the name of winning.
So Mr. Bettman, please do your job, and end this money grubbing insanity and let it be about hockey again.
To Marian Hossa, keep your head up, pretty boy, that expensive face of yours could get a nice Penguin elbow come fall.
First, let me explain I’m no fantastic hockey talent, hence why I am a writer. I don’t exactly expect someone to take my words to heart, but merely to think about them. I know all those who have played will agree, and probably many who wish they had and are just die hard fans, with what I have to say.
Lately it seems to me that the real talents, the real players worth having on a team, have become a minority. I remember the days of the amazing rosters of the Stars, Wings, and Devils. The rosters of good upstanding guys who played for love of the game and less for money are long gone now.
I’ll begin my explanation with ripping on my own team, the Anaheim Ducks. How could Brian Burke ever rationalize signing Todd Bertuzzi to such a long, expensive contract? He was a liability from the get-go. Bertuzzi no longer is worth $4 million, and I doubt he ever will be again. But, that is only part of the argument here—the brunt of this is rooted in the players who play for money.
My fight lies with Marian Hossa, and those like him. Many in Pittsburgh will agree that one day we are hearing he would pick “winning over money,” but man did he hitch a ride to Hockeytown fast. True, he took the winning and money route, but it was major back-stabbing to Pittsburgh. If he didn’t like the city, or fans, or team, say it! They wouldn’t care as much as being lied about.
Wade Redden, you have been terrible lately, yet you still expect large amounts to end up in your coffer? So, of course you go to the Rangers, who will fork over cash to any guy who thinks he’s worth it.
The Rangers have a great team, and it would really sadden me for them to not do well, and you to demand a trade or something stupid, but anything is possible with you. I like your play as a younger guy, but lately, you’re in the same boat as Hossa, a money grubbing wuss!
Mats Sundin, I gave you a lot of credit for being an upstanding guy and all with the Leafs, but after having so many teams tossing you contracts, you ignored them. It’s like your going for broke of a hockey team. I’m very sure I’m jumping the gun here, but just bear in mind—it's about the game, not the money. The players above you have forgotten that.
Most of my anger lies with Marian Hossa, and the fact he is as highly paid as Nick Lidstrom, but hasn’t even proven himself as a steady contributor for Detroit. It's sort of stupid on Detroit’s part, but hey, do with your money as you wish.
It seems to me, from my former hockey days, that too many in the NHL only care about the paycheck, and not the game. An NHL team could pay me $100,000 a year and I'd be happy, and this is considering I was that talented.
Talent shouldn’t dictate the entire salary. Why not pay a guy more for being loyal to the team and being a good role model along with on ice performance? Andy McDonald, a favorite example of mine, was a loyal, hard working, goal scoring, undrafted Duck who gets $3.3 million. True, he is no Wayne Gretzky, but I’d take him on my team any day over a punk like Hossa.
Bottom Line—the lockout solved nothing! Fix the salary issues Bettman, before I invest in becoming an AHL fan. It’s not Brian Burke’s fault, or Lowe’s in Edmonton. It’s yours! Hockey is a business; GM’s are forced to pay some players insane amounts in the name of winning.
So Mr. Bettman, please do your job, and end this money grubbing insanity and let it be about hockey again.
To Marian Hossa, keep your head up, pretty boy, that expensive face of yours could get a nice Penguin elbow come fall.
What alphabets tell me
College Fanatics
MLB
1) A - Atlanta Braves
2) B - Boston Red Sox
3) C - Chicago Cubs
4) D - Arizona Diamondbacks
5) F - Florida Marlins
6) J - Toronto Blue Jays
7) M - Milwaukee Brewers
8) S - Seattle Mariners
9) W - Washington Nationals
NFL
1) G - Green Bay Packers
College
1) H - Harvard Crimson
2) I - Illinois Fighting Illini
3) L - Louisville Cardinals
4) N - Nebraska Cornhuskers
5) O - Oregon Ducks
6) P - Purdue Boilermakers
7) R - Rutgers Scarlet Knights
8) T - Tennessee Volunteers
9) U - South Florida Bulls
10) V - Virginia Cavaliers
E Team Gear
1) E - Eastern Michigan Eagles
2) X - Xavier Musketeers
3) Y - Youngstown State Penguins
Non any of above but it's awful
1) Z - Zero
2) Q - QUT adjustable hats in Queensland, Australia
3) K - Kent State Golden Flashes, w/o fulfilling any of above but still K
MLB
1) A - Atlanta Braves
2) B - Boston Red Sox
3) C - Chicago Cubs
4) D - Arizona Diamondbacks
5) F - Florida Marlins
6) J - Toronto Blue Jays
7) M - Milwaukee Brewers
8) S - Seattle Mariners
9) W - Washington Nationals
NFL
1) G - Green Bay Packers
College
1) H - Harvard Crimson
2) I - Illinois Fighting Illini
3) L - Louisville Cardinals
4) N - Nebraska Cornhuskers
5) O - Oregon Ducks
6) P - Purdue Boilermakers
7) R - Rutgers Scarlet Knights
8) T - Tennessee Volunteers
9) U - South Florida Bulls
10) V - Virginia Cavaliers
E Team Gear
1) E - Eastern Michigan Eagles
2) X - Xavier Musketeers
3) Y - Youngstown State Penguins
Non any of above but it's awful
1) Z - Zero
2) Q - QUT adjustable hats in Queensland, Australia
3) K - Kent State Golden Flashes, w/o fulfilling any of above but still K
Weaskest teams in Sports Leagues
NBA
New Orleans Hornets
Sacramento Kings
Memphis Grizzlies
Milwaukee Bucks
Los Angeles Clippers
Minnesota Timberwolves
New Jersey Nets
Golden State Warriors
Phoenix Suns
NFL
Buffalo Bills
Minnesota Vikings
San Diego Chargers
Jacksonville Jaguars
Oakland Raiders
New Orleans Saints
St Louis Rams
NHL
Nashville Predators
Florida Panthers
Atlanta Thrashers
New York Islanders
MLB
Oakland A's
Tampa Bay Rays
Florida Marlins
Toronto Blue Jays
New Orleans Hornets
Sacramento Kings
Memphis Grizzlies
Milwaukee Bucks
Los Angeles Clippers
Minnesota Timberwolves
New Jersey Nets
Golden State Warriors
Phoenix Suns
NFL
Buffalo Bills
Minnesota Vikings
San Diego Chargers
Jacksonville Jaguars
Oakland Raiders
New Orleans Saints
St Louis Rams
NHL
Nashville Predators
Florida Panthers
Atlanta Thrashers
New York Islanders
MLB
Oakland A's
Tampa Bay Rays
Florida Marlins
Toronto Blue Jays
Stability of Sports Leagues compared by types of sports
Bat --- everyone equally stable (except less than a handful)
Motor --- everyone equally unstable (except less than a handful)
Others
Maybe the difference is between startup cost per capita...
Minor leagues can survive well but not minor motor racing teams. Only 4-5 teams in F1 can survive. And almost one quarter of the teams in ball sports struggle, with half of the quarter in ruin...
Motor --- everyone equally unstable (except less than a handful)
Others
Maybe the difference is between startup cost per capita...
Minor leagues can survive well but not minor motor racing teams. Only 4-5 teams in F1 can survive. And almost one quarter of the teams in ball sports struggle, with half of the quarter in ruin...
Monday, June 2, 2008
Who shares the same birthday as me?
Robert the Bruce, King of Scotland
King Frederick I of Prussia
John Quincy Adams, US President
Alfred Binet, French psychologist
Aleksandr Milkhailovich Prokhorov, Nobel Physics Laurete
Gough Whitlam, Prime Minister of Australia
Giorgio Armani, Italian fashion designer
Pai Hsien-yung, Writer
Leon Spinks, former boxer
Richie Sambora, musician (Bon Jovi)
David Tao, songwriter and singer
Lil' Kim, American rapper
Samer el Nahnam, Finnish musician (Lordi)
Kelly Poon, singer
Ryan Jarvis, footballer (Norwich)
Shigeaki Kato, Japanese pop idol (NEWS)
King Frederick I of Prussia
John Quincy Adams, US President
Alfred Binet, French psychologist
Aleksandr Milkhailovich Prokhorov, Nobel Physics Laurete
Gough Whitlam, Prime Minister of Australia
Giorgio Armani, Italian fashion designer
Pai Hsien-yung, Writer
Leon Spinks, former boxer
Richie Sambora, musician (Bon Jovi)
David Tao, songwriter and singer
Lil' Kim, American rapper
Samer el Nahnam, Finnish musician (Lordi)
Kelly Poon, singer
Ryan Jarvis, footballer (Norwich)
Shigeaki Kato, Japanese pop idol (NEWS)
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