Just A Squirrel Living In An Apatow World

Not much going on here. Oh wait, actually I've got to finish a project today which will mark the end of the semester. Yee-haw. In the meantime, enjoy these two videos, it's on me.

PAUL BROGAN - MVP 2009


This may not be funny if you're not familiar with Judd Apatow's work. However, if you've seen Sarah Marshall, Anchorman, Knocked Up, Dewey Cox, etc, you'll get a kick out of this one. I did at least.



Ummm, looks like it's not showing up here, must have messed up the embedded thingy. If you just can't get through the day without seeing it, click on the link below, and enjoy. Or not, no biggie.

Watch In An Apatow World on CollegeHumor

Lastly, ummm, no words really...

Draft Follow-Up

Well, now that the draft is over, and you know my thoughts about JJones, why don't we talk about something new...Hmmm, I know, how about the Texas Longhorns and the NFL Draft? Pull my leg, you got me.

This is actually from the fine folks at Burnt Orange Nation, but I came across this fanpost while scrolling around the other day. This weekend marked the fourth draft class to come from the Greatest Game Ever, and as the writer notes, an astonishing 54 players who were active in the game are currently on NFL rosters, either via the draft or free agency. That stat amazed me. That's an entire NFL roster, just from two college teams meeting in one game. It's no wonder why the game was so entertaining.

While Young, Bush and Leinart got the most press, both teams were obviously stacked with talent on both sides of the ball. All of UT's secondary from that game is in the NFL, as is all of USC's linebacking corp. 10 of the 11 offensive starters for UT are also in the NFL, and if it weren't for some off the field issues (coughcoughramoncetaylorcough) a key sub in that game would be as well. I can't take credit for the post, but it's worth looking at, and reading the comments at the bottom. One of the comments that struck me is that, even though there were so many NFL-caliber players in the game, only two (VY and Michael Griffin) have made to Pro Bowl in the three seasons since. Just goes to show how truly great you have to be to be an NFL standout.

In more draft news, Quan Cosby signed with the Bengals, making them the second team, along with the Bears, to sign a former ACU and UT player in the same draft.

With The First Pick...

(Update at 7:58 pm, 2009 NFL Draft is over) I've officially had it with Jerry Jones. It's been a long-standing rumor that the former Hog has a thing against Longhorns, and that he won't draft them. After recent trades for Leonard Davis and Roy Williams, I hoped that this discrimination was in the past. It's also been a long-standing fact that he's a grade-A jerk and generally unlikeable human. If there were any question of either, especially the former, this draft has proven it in my mind. Jerry goes and drafts an Aggy and Red Raider with two of their first picks. Bad enough, yes, but with their last pick of the day, apparently in search of an undersized WR from the Big XII, he passes on the completely acceptable and totally awesome choice of Quan Cosby for...an undersized WR from Soonerland. I actually thought about switching allegiances to Da Bears who today picked Henry Melton AND Johnny Knox, late of THE Abilene Christian University. That thought didn't last long, but still. That now puts the count at two Cats and two Horns in Chitown, which is more than I can say for the Boys. Here's hoping that if Quan doesn't sign as a free agent in Dallas, that he goes to an NFC East rival and torches the Boys twice a year. Yeah, I said it.

Today is one of my favorite days of the year. After Thanksgiving, Christmas, June 9th, January 4th, and Sing Song weekend, the NFL Draft is one of the days I circle on my imaginary calendar as a 'can't miss' TV day. If nothing else, I love following who the Cowboys draft, along with where former Horns get picked. Fortunately, this year features three ACU alums who will either get drafted or signed as free agents. You can follow their progress here. Unfortunately, I have a boatload of projects coming due next week, but fortunately I also have DVR, which will allow me to speed through the Draft quickly, so as to not waste too much valuable time. Here now, a few memorable draft memories (was that redundant?):

2007 draft, spent with Jig in Belton. I was on spring break from Graham Jr. High, and came home to watch the draft with Mr Wardell. A very entertaining draft, made especially awesome when, with the 9th pick, the Dolphins were expected to take an already free-falling Brady Quinn since, you know, they didn't have a decent QB at the time. Instead, they took a one-footed return man from THE Ohio State, Teddy Ginn Jr. Jake and me went absolutely bonkers when Ginn's name was announced, but the reaction was tenfold from Dolphin fans who, let's just say weren't thrilled with the selection. However, it did, as you can tell, spawn a ton of great YouTube reaction videos that never get old. It's not hard to wonder why the Fins went 1-15 and had the number one pick in 2008. However, to be fair, they made the right choice that time (Jake Long, left takle), and seem to be heading in the right direction sans Quinn.

2006: The New York Jets, who annually disappoint their fans, go 'smart,' by addressing their offensive line needs, drafting D'Brickashaw Fergeson and Nick Mangold, both in the first round. While the draft class of '06 hasn't turned into any deep playoff runs, both offensive linemen have been starters since they stepped on the field, and Mangold has been in the Pro Bowl.

Yeah, that's it for now, I'm not thinking too deeply. It's currently 3:05, meaning the Lions are about to curse Matt Stafford with being their first pick, but oh well, I'm sure $40 mill can help remove the stench of Detroit from his career.

I'll See Your Barkevious And Raise You A Macadangdang

It's all come down do this. 62 have been eliminated, only two remain, and time is running out. Every one of you should go to Name of the Year and cast your ballots for the final two, Barkevious Mingo, the 4 seed from the Bulltron Region or Iris Macadangdang, the one seed from the Chrotchtangle Region.

I realize this plug is a bit late, and if you've visited Deadspin, BON, or Every Day Should Be Saturday within the last six weeks, you've already seen the ballot and have possibly voted. However, for my dad and father-in-law, here's your chance to be exposed to the greatest internet time-waster, EVER. Please, even if you don't vote, check out the original bracket and laugh your patooty off at some of the gems presented by NOTY. And yes, for inquiring minds, the 5 seed in the Dragon Wagon Region is in fact Temple High's Lache Seastrunk, the number one (or two, depending on who you ask) rated running back prospect in the state for 2010.

Some personal favorites that didn't make the finals: Shot Kleen, Velvet Milkman, Muffin Lord, Calamity McEntire, Bunkless Bovian. Honestly, what is going on here?

My two cents: Barkevious is a Texan, and he gets my vote, even though he's abandoning the great state and attending LSU in the fall. Geaux get 'em, Barkevious.

Another List, Read It

Some reviews of books I've been reading in recent months, with five *'s being the best recommendation:

The Road, Cormac McCarthy

Dark, depressing, hard to read. As JScott said, "After finishing the book, I can now rest easy knowing that we'll be spared at least one 'Feel-Good Movie of the Year' blurb in 2009." I couldn't put it down. I began this novel on a Thursday and finished in the wee hours that Sunday morning. Highest recommendation*****.

The Year Of Living Biblically, AJ Jacobs

A very interesting look about an agnostic Jewish New York writer who lives for a year as a follower of the Bible, taking its words as literally as possible. It's very eye-opening, and even though I don't agree with most of Jacobs' views after his 'experiment,' it was definitely worth reading.*****

Outliers, Malcom Gladwell


A unique look at why successful people are successful. It's entirely possible (and likely) that Gladwell conveniently looked at people and stats that supported his theory, but I don't care. Loved it.****

Loose Balls, Terry Pluto

This book has been one of the best-selling sports books of all time, and it delivers. Pluto fills the book with first-hand accounts of players, coaches, GM's, and others who experienced the ABA as it happened. Filled with entertaining and eye-opening tales of an era that changed the way that basketball is both played and marketed today.****

Busting Vegas, Ben Mezrich


Similar idea of last year's Bringing Down the House, also by Mezrich, but not nearly as good. If you're gonna read one of them, read BDtH.***

Grave In Gaza, Matt Beynon Rees

My least favorite book in this list. It's one of those fictional stories based on true events. I didn't follow it too well, but it's basically a story of bad things going on in Gaza.**

Fast Food Nation, Eric Schusser

I had no idea this book was as old as it is, (copyright 2001) but it was still relevant and quite disturbing. It looks at the growing trend of cattle farms, and the rush to 'raise meat' in the fastest, cheapest way possible, often to the detriment of the cattle, meat packers, and consumers.****

The Lost City of Z, David Grann

Good, but not quite as good as I anticipated. Still, it was an informative account of early exploration in the Amazon, and worth taking a look at.***

When March Went Mad, Seth 'My Favorite Dookie' Davis

Centers around the 1978-79 NCAA basketball season of Michigan State and Indiania State, which culminated with the much-hyped (but largely disappointing) Championship game featuring Bird and Magic, which launched college basketball into its golden age of the 1980's.****

Odd Man Out, Matt McCarthy

I mentioned a few weeks ago how the author was a teammate of Quan Cosby in the Angles single-A team in the summer of 2002. It was an easy, entertaining read that's mostly a lighthearted look at life as a minor-leaguer.****

The Breaks Of The Game, David Halberstam

Due to school getting busier by the second, I haven't gotten too far into this one yet, but it's looking good so far. Halberstam chronicles the 1979-80 season of the Portland Trail Blazers, and is another historic, best-selling book by Halberstam.***

Dog Days Of Spring

Well, The Wife (see the how I capitalized that? Take notes, boys) is out of town for the weekend, which gives me plenty of time to sit in front of the TV and blog about baseball and the NBA playoffs. Lucky you.

HDTV is a great thing. It enhances the experience of watching almost any program, but especially sports. Of course there are a few exceptions to this phenomenon. In any case, the Rangers' new red jerseys look pheeee-nomenal (copyright Jim Rome) in high-def.

Did I mention I love the Rangers bringing back the red? I do, I really do. The best part of it is that they didn't go completely back to the 1990's look. They still have the blue lettering and numbers with red trim on the white jerseys, along with the blue helmets on the road (and occasionally at home). If you have no other reason for tuning in to a Ranger game this season, it's worth it to see what combo they'll be wearing on any particular night.

Bad times in H-Town so far. Not like my Rangers are killing it either, (they're 4-5 and losing 4-0 as I type) but the LAstros (thank you, Garrett) are pretty sad. May want to reevaluate those season tickets, JScott.

Maybe it's from listening to JackO on the BSReport, maybe it's all the hubbub on ESPN about the new stadium, but the Yankees are slowly becoming not completely intolerable. Congrats, guys.

I haven't been too geeked about the NBA this season, but I am more than ready for the playoffs. I'm afraid the Spurs will have a short stay of it, but the Portland/Houston, Denver/Nawlins, Atlanta/Miami should be fantastic first-round matchups before the inevitable LA/Cleveland epic in the Finals.

And what an epic it will be. I've never been a Kobe fan, but I'd like to see him win one without Shaq. Everyone gives Shaq a pass when it comes to criticising him, because he's the 'big, goofy, fun-lovin, Twittering, lovable' Shaq, but he's proven himself to be an extremely self-centered teammate who won't take criticism from anyone, and who's probably wasted a big part of his talent-as crazy as that is-being too concerned with his image. All that to say, while Kobe probably isn't the best guy in the world, he's recognized as one of the hardest-working guys in the league who takes a TON of crap from media and fans, all without saying anything to fuel the fire.
On the other hand, I'd like to see Bron Bron win one in Cleveland in hopes that it may convince him to stick around after next season. Regardless of who you root for, an LA/Cleveland Finals should be one for the ages, and one that all basketball fans will love to watch.

I Don't Like This McCoy/Aikman Partnership

Quite simply, the best bridesmaids/groomsmen outfits ever.

After a weekend of building a horseshoes dynasty with the Father in Law, it's back to the grind. I watched the season finale of Friday Night Lights last night, and-as always-I was thrilled with the episode and the direction the series will take the next two years.

I've read on various blogs and websites that, while this season was great, it didn't compare to the first season. I have to disagree. While the first season was no doubt a great one, the third season was an absolute tour-de-force. (I don't know what that means exactly, but it sounds cool) They cut a lot of the unrealistic football scenes, added some key characters, set up some interesting scenarios for the future, and absolutely brought it with emotional scenes in almost every episode. It's been documented here before, but only one episode this season failed to bring my wife to tears. Not bad for a teen-centric football show.

Some things to look forward to:

Will JD somehow follow Coach Taylor to EDHS?

How long will Riggins stay at San Antonio State before returning to Dillon to work with his brother?

Will someone finally take a crowbar to Joe McCoy's kneecaps?

Is Tammy going to stay on as principal at Dillon High after they forced her husband out?

Will the East Dillon Lions play more than 7 regular season games and 3 playoff game, unlike the 2008 Dillon Panthers?

If Saracen stays in Dillon, what's he gonna do? I can't imagine an interesting storyline if he just takes care of his grandmother, but I guess we'll see.

I enjoy all the Texas-centric names on the show...Wade Aikman, Matt Saracen (Saracen was the name of Sam Houston's horse) JD McCoy, et all, but I wonder what the next one will be. My bet is a hot shot freshman linebacker 'recruit' named Ricky 'White Shoes' Henderson. Maybe it's a stretch, but I like it.

How many episodes into next season will Julie wreck her new Chevy and blame her mom?

All these queries and more have me absolutely amped for next season. Clear Eyes, Full Hearts. Go Lions.

I Had To Turn My Heart Away

Current Reading: In keeping with my newfound attraction to books about basketball in the 1970's, David Halberstam's The Breaks of The Game. It has a quote from Bill Simmons on the cover. I guess he's considered a legitimate sports writer now. Congrats, Bill.

I'm just gonna let this email from my dad be today's post:

'I was catching up on your blog. Did you have to post the clip of the tt/Texas game?? It's like driving by a wreck on the highway - can't help but watch. Yeah, my stomach hurt, too, and yeah, I knew Gideon would catch it this time! Gives me an idea for your blog, if you haven't done it already: Have your readers list their top 3/5 sports heartbreakers. I've got a bunch off the top of my head: Ice Bowl (Starr's QB sneak), the Colt's O'Brien's last second winning field goal v. Dallas, The Catch (49er v. Dallas), The Other Catch and non-catch (Swann and Jackie Smith, Steelers v. Dallas), Fumbled punt by freshman (Ga. v. UT, and there goes the National Championship), I'm not listing the other blown N.C., Notre Dame v. UT & Earl, because they beat the snot out of us), P. Harvesters v. Palo Duro Dons, 1974, 45 yard counter option pass from Stanley Stambaugh to Larry Lipscomb into a 40 mph wind in 40 degree weather at Dick Bivins Stadium in Amarillo to win 12-9, PHS goes 8-2, and 4-1 in district, and stays home (only good thing about all of this, Lipscomb wasn't my responsibility - he was on the opposite side - I can still remember just drifting down the field watching that ball keep flying through the air FOREVER, and falling in to LL's hands as he galloped down the side line... and, finally, P. Harvesters v. Caprock Longhorns (yes, Longhorns!), 1975, blocked punt returned for TD late in Q3 by Caprock to spur them to a 34-22 win in D. Bivins Stadium (D.B. sucks!!!) in game #1 of district. We win out the next four by allowing a total of 12 points, including 3 shutouts in a row, end up 8-2, and 4-1 in district, and stay home (sound familiar)? This was worse than walking 2 miles in the snow barefooted to school uphill both ways!!!'

A few notes:

You know its Texas high school football in the 1970's with names likes Stanley Stambaugh and Larry Lipscomb.

As good as it's been to be a Texas Longhorn and Dallas Cowboy fan for the most part, the mentions of The Catch, Ice Bowl, and the Punt Drop Game are harsh reminders of how sports can break your heart. (The Punt Drop Game-The game that spawned this joke in Georgia: Q: "What time is it in Texas?" A: "Ten to nine." I wasn't even alive for that game, and it hurts.)

Let me be the first to say, I don't like the direction that Texas high school athletics is going, allowing four teams from each district into the playoffs. It was three back in my day, and that was pushing it. It seems like they're promoting the 'every kid is a winner' ideology, and awarding mediocrity with a playoff spot, even though fourth place teams inevitably get housed by a first place team in the first game. Dang liberals. Anyway, as bad as that rule is, how bad was it in the 70's when they only allowed one team in? Case in point, the 1974 and 1975 Pampa Harvesters. They go 4-1 in district each year, and apparently had a hellacious defense, led by none other than Safety Johnny Agan, but miss the playoffs because they weren't the first place finisher. That stings.

Anyway, as my dad said, what are some of your biggest heartbreaks as a fan or player? My top few are:

The 2001 Big XII championship game. (Chris Simms stinks up the joint in the first half, Major comes in to almost save the day, UT misses a shot at Miami in the National Championship)

2002 UT Vs Tech: I went to this game my freshman year at ACU. Texas-again-would have probably played for the NC game, but they fell by four to Tech. Uggghhh.

2001 Bi-District playoff, Belton Vs Navasota: This one hurts personally, because I pretty much cost us the game. A Jared Houston 3 pointer at the buzzer sent it into overtime, where we lost. I played well throughout the game, with the exception of free throws. I was 1 for 6 in regulation, 1 for 2 in OT. If I make just one more in regulation, that last three pointer wins the game, and we advance. For the record, I was a 71% free-throw shooter that season.

1995 District Baseball Tournament, Belton Indians: After winning our first 35 games of the season, and looking like a legitimate threat to be the next MLB exhibition team, we lose two in a row to teams we had beat in previous tournaments. The state tourney was held in Belton that year, so it especially hurt when we got eliminated.

A few others of note: The Derek Fisher game, Leon Lett on Thanksgiving, UT basketball falling to LSU in Overtime in 2006 with a shot at the Final Four on the line, Dallas getting beat (soundly) in San Fran in Barry's first year.

Heads Or Tails

A few weeks ago, the NFL Rules Committee decided not to change its overtime policy. This disappointed me, because I don't like the coin-flip determining who gets the ball, because all too often it seems like the team who receives the kick ends up winning after a short drive and field goal.

On the other hand, the college game doesn't have the best solution either. Yes, each team gets equal opportunities, but from 35 yards out, it's not difficult to get at least a field goal, and the 'you must go for two after touchdowns after the 2nd OT' rule seems a bit contrived, and Pop Warner to me. Gun to my head, I prefer the college rules because, again, at least both teams get a shot.

I guess the point of all this ramblings is this: What would be your ideal OT situation if you could make it up? Or do you prefer one of the existing methods as is?

If it were up to me, I'd install something of an NBA-type overtime. One 10 minute extra session, with possession being determined by a coin flip, just like the beginning of the game. If the game is tied at the end of the period, it ends in a tie. There are some down sides to this, I admit: Football is a physical game, and playing 10 extra minutes is asking a lot of players and can expose them to more risk of injury. Also, the point of OT is to break the tie, and after 70 minutes of playing, it would seems pretty empty to walk away with a tie.

At the same time, that what happens occasionally nowadays, with games ending after 15 extra minutes if no one scores. However, I see this as a good remedy, because field possession is still a factor-which it isn't in college-along with special teams. Also, each team should get at least one possession, but there isn't a threat of the game going on forever and ever, like it is in college.

Maybe it's not the best way, but let's be honest, Rog Goddell won't take the advice of this blog anyway, so who cares? Anyway, let me know what you think, and we can have our happy little ideal scenario in this corner of the internets.

It Puts The Jello In The Pudding Pops

Current Reading: Odd Man Out, by Matt McCarthy
So far, its a pretty entertaining first hand look behind the scenes of a minor-league team. The book has come under a bit of fire, however, for possibly stretching the truth in some of the stories, so we'll have to keep an eye on that. Fibs or not, my favorite part thus far is the fact (I assume it's a fact) that the author was roommates with a now former UT wide-receiver. I won't ruin it for you, but here's a hint: His name rhymes with Juan Schosby. Hmmmm...

One of my favorite parts of any new sports season starting is Paul Lukas' take on updated uniforms on his UniWatch Blog. It is the beginning of April, baseball is upon us, an Lukas is here to help.