Showing posts with label Scrubs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Scrubs. Show all posts

Sunday, May 10, 2009

InClement Weather: Perfect Endings

While this often seems to be "down time" on the blog, especially post-March Madness and post-NFL Draft, that doesn't mean you all have to suffer. On the contrary!!!!

In fact, this only allows me to become a little too creative.

With that in mind, this week's finale of a personal fav of Pay's and mine - Scrubs - hit quite a sentimental note in its closing minutes. Of course, if you are a fan of the show...you know what I'm talking about.

If you've faded out in recent years from new episodes, I understand. (Especially considering last season's failures and the recent switch to ABC, as a sharp lead-in to a very underrated Better off Ted.) If you never got on board, you missed out...big time.


Sentiment? Wait, isn't this a sport's blog? Don't worry, I'm getting to it!
Credit: SunTimes.com

The closing minutes of the show were exactly what myself, and countless other fans of the show, wanted. A cheesy series of moments that culminated the show's ups and downs throughout its (mostly) stellar run.

Kind of make me thinks about sentimental moments in (wait for it...) sports. I'm not here to talk about first loves, proposing to my fiancee, or my feelings about one day potentially becoming a father. This is a sport's blog after all...

Because of that fact, tonight's reflections draw back to that moment in sports. The one that gave you goosebumps then and still gets your heartstrings even a little right now. It could've happened 10 years ago or 10 days...it sticks with you.

Here's 4 of mine.
I'll never forget...

1) Magic Johnson's Return

Credit: CNNSI.com

I was 8-years old in 1991. I was as avid a Knick fan as you could imagine a New York city 8-year old to be. However, there was a special place in my heart for Earvin "Magic" Johnson. The day he retired abruptly, announcing he had the HIV virus...I cried. I'm not afraid to admit that I wept like a baby. I barely knew what HIV was that day, but I thought Magic Johnson would never play basketball again. Even worse, I wondered if his days were numbered. It's the first time in my young life I contemplated dying. I don't remember sleeping much that night. Ditto for the night following the 1992 All-Star Game. It belonged to Magic from beginning to end. Secondly, I felt it belonged to fans like me. I have the VHS from the recording of the game to this day. I'll always have it.

2) The Good Doctor's Return

Credit: DailySkew.com

7th grade and my last Yankees game at the stadium before moving to Leesburg. I was there. I witnessed history. I also was told, throughout each inning from my uncle (an avid Met fan), just how great Doc Gooden was. How beyond great he would have become, if not for the demons that he let keep him down. But for one night, Doc had it again. Redemption doesn't last forever, but for one night, he recaptured immortality. I could barely stand to watch those last few innings for my seat, but I'm thankful I never looked away.

3) Good Defeats Evil

Credit: NewYorkDailyNews.com

With perspective, it seems wrong to consider Plaxico Burress to be "good". However, when you're talking about the New England Patriots - at least around me - you know where the "evil" comes from. The ultimate hate stems when you're happy a team was 18-0, only to finish 18-1. In perhaps the greatest Super Bowl ever (not that 2009 was too shabby), Eli Manning and the Giants may have pulled off the greatest Super Bowl upset since Super Bowl III. The moment lives on for me, despite being a Jet fan instead of a Giant one. My best friend is a lifelong Giants fan; however, I'm not sure if anyone - even him - was cheering louder than myself when Burress caught the eventual game-winning TD than myself.

4) MY National Championship

Credit: Syracuse.com

Was I on the team? No. Was I there? No. Do I consider myself a "we" when I talk about the Orange(men) of Syracuse. Yes. If you can't understand why some fans say "we", even if they know they are nothing but fans...then get back on your high horse and go bring someone else down with a Dr. Cox-esque-rant-covering-up-some-major-insecurity-you-don't-hide-very-well.

Back to our regularly scheduled program.

If you read this blog or know me, you're begging me not to say anything more. So I won't. Except this: best sport's moment EVER in my lifetime. E-V-E-R. Even "One Shinning Moment" loses its cheesiness for those 3 minutes when it's your team's time to shine.

Now while these moments may mean nothing to you, I'm sure - if you at all consider yourself a true sport's fan - you have more than a few of your own. Memories of Miracles on Ice, Olympic triumphs and tragedies, historic upsets, mind numbing meltdowns, and everything else in between. The majesty of sports sometimes brings out the best and other times the worst. In the end, it's a menagerie of moments you remember. You take away what you want from them. For better or worse.

So let's hear 'em.
Your turn.


Hooch is crazy. This montage isn't.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

A Dime a Dozen: Olympic Reactions [I of II]

I’ve decided to finally put down my XBOX360 controller (Madden 09 = sub par) and start transitioning back into “normal” mode (in case you didn’t know, I teach 8th grade social studies)…with a little help from the Summer Olympics: Beijing Edition.

Rather than just briefly highlight a few moments…

Wait, that sounds perfect! That is EXACTLY what I’m going to do.

Even worse, I’m gonna log it in for a week…journal style!!!
Seriously, I don’t watch Gossip Girl. I promise.

Here’s the first of a two-part series – stretched out over two weeks – of Olympic reactions.
One moment from each day. Just for you!
Pass it along!

Day One: Friday, August 8th
…Opening Ceremonies…

Now this is MY type of OC!
Credit: Wordpress


As majestic as anything I’ve ever seen on television. After the debacle with “executive producer” Spielberg stepping down (see: Darfur), China got the ceremonies right in every sense of the word. Perhaps my favorite part of any Olympics is the marching of the 200+ nations into the Olympic Stadium (for this year, the aptly titled ‘Bird’s Nest’). I still remember as a younger version of myself – aka adolescent – looking through the national geographic atlas with my grandfather and learning of countries like Eritrea, Maldives, Andorra, and Seychelles. Fantastic opening to what I predict to be a fantastic two-plus weeks.


Day Two: Saturday, August 9th

…Sans-Costas…

I didn’t mind the Costas/Lauer duo last night; however, I much prefer Jim Lampley in the midnight-desk (remember, China is 12 hours AHEAD of the US East Coast) to the Jordan-loving Costas who gets primetime (live) duty. As for today’s action, the US women’s basketball team is the safest lock in Bejing to capture gold. Even over Phelps medaling in half of his swims.


Day Three: Sunday, August 10th

…Bros over Hos…

So many choices today – especially between the Redeem Team, gymnastics kicking off, and a duo known as May/Walsh – on the boob tube. Sorry ladies, but the boobs are part of allure of Misty May-Treanor and Kerry Walsh. Chauvinism aside, the two are really watched because they’re the best the world has to offer in its sport (one that’s quick and easy to watch and score yourself). Sign me up either way.


In a word...HOT!
Credit: USA Volleyball


Day Four: Monday, August 11
th

…EXHAUSTED…

Seriously, I’m exhausted after sneaking a peak – while dinning on all-you-can-eat crabs – at water polo (while on vacation in Virginia Beach). I’m going to go ahead and “amend” a quote from a favorite movie of mine (Dogma). Loki: “Mass genocide is the most exhausting activity one can engage in, outside of soccer.” After today’s viewing, water polo might get my vote over soccer as most exhausting endeavor EVER! Seriously.


Day Five: Tuesday, August 12
th

…Commentary…

Surprised I really haven’t reflected upon Phelps, the men’s 100 meter trio, or the Redeem Team? Get over it. Honestly, I don’t know what I enjoy more: the fantastic performances inside the pool or the commentary of Dan Hicks & Rowdy Gaines. They’re both seasoned in the sport and let me know EXACTLY what I need to about each race. Some “critics” have called them out for going overboard or showing favoritism. Shut up. Honestly, I can’t stand the commentary value in most American sports. (Last time I checked, NBC targeted a pro-US Olympic push too.) John Madden hasn’t been sane since Brett Favre came to Lambeau, Mark Jackson is putrid on ABC (Momma! I’m gonna dunk this one for you momma!), and Gus Johnson finds way too much excitement and intrigue in a grasshopper leaping over the sidewalk. Props to these two commentators for putting me in the moment time and time again and making me feel like I’m there (in the pool!).


Day Six: Wednesday, August 13th

…Cue the music…

In case you didn’t know, there are two types of gymnastics in the Olympics. One is extremely popular and has delivered three all-around golds in two Olympics for the US (Johnson, Petterson, and Hamm). The other is rhythmic gymnastics. Want to know what that is?

Take a look below and get ready to laugh!


Day Seven: Thursday, August 14
th

…See what happened was…

If nobody else is willing to do it, I’m going to go Dr. Cox and call Olympic boxing DEAD right here and right now. I’ll then put my hands over my head and wonder how it came to this. Now where is that Dr. Reid…


Day Eight: Friday, August 15
th

…CHEATERS…

I’ve stayed up a lot later than I expected in order to watch these Olympics (especially LIVE)…and it’s been highly worth it. Costas better apologize at some point for this! By the way, I can’t say enough how much I love Bella Karolyi and his instinct ability to say exactly what’s on his mind. Don’t let the NBC polo fool you, he loves America (remember him carrying around Kerri Strug in ’96?) and he and his wife (women’s coach) are going to fight every battle the “too-safe” media won’t touch. Mark it down: the Chinese will forfeit those team gold medals in the next dozen-or-so years because they have TWO, not one, girls under the age of 16. Am I bitter? Of course not. But I know an 8th grader when I see one. I teach the idiots.

If she's 16 or older...I'll eat my shoe!
Credit: Newsday


Day Nine: Saturday, August 16
th

...Redeem or Dream…

Wanna know a secret? The Redeem Team is L-O-A-D-E-D. Dismantling Spain should not be taken lightly as they’ll likely double-up Germany (Kaman has had zero impact besides trivial rebounds for them) and then face off with pesky Australia (I think) in 4+ days. While Kobe’s outside shot is flaky, terrible hand-checking inconsistency from the refs might plague might lead to a dozen or so extra foul calls, and Carmelo needs to lose 10 pounds PRONTO…this team is winning the gold. Every game by double digits too. Was that a fragment? Oh well. Honestly, the only thing I would change from this lineup is subbing out Boozer for a healthy Amare Stoudemire. Other than that, even I will prop up Coach K on fine work thus far.


Day Ten: Sunday, August 17th

...Kill Me NOW…

Olympic rowing is by far the most boring event in the Olympics. Oh wait, I just walked into some sort of indoor cycling on a track. With spaceage helmets, no less. Frankly they look WAY too much like the “skull” from the abomination that was the new Indiana Jones movie (ugh!). Nevermind, this is clearly the Olympics most boring sport.

In case you haven't seen it...their movie SUCKED.
Credit: Costumzee

Day Eleven: Monday, August 18th
…TIES SUCK…

Tape-delay RUINS everything; but I blame every major media outlet for never even considering labeling spoilers (shame!) rather than 12-hour delayed NBC. Tonight’s women’s uneven bars debacle doesn’t help my bitterness. Although my interest in the event only further proves real men dig women’s gymnastics. What I don’t dig is the tie-breaking system. Oh wait, you already knew that! In the end, nobody got “screwed” because the system is clear and the top performers each made mistakes. Of course, the Australian judge can suck it for whatever he was smoking before Liukin’s peformance. Nevertheless, the IOC needs to make one thing clear: allow ties or don’t allow ties. FOR ALL SPORTS. Simple. Don’t subjugate it by sport and don’t limit it to certain “circumstances”. Both of those girls, Liukin & He, deserved the gold (despite whatever the trivial scoring system says).

And why didn’t I mention Michael Phelps even once?
Because everyone else did! Duh.

And I’m not crying for anyone “overshadowed” by his dominance.
If they earned their medals, they can enjoy those FOREVER.
Unless Bjorn Borg is their accountant.

…Five More Quick Thoughts…

-Mr. Bolt: run out the last 20 meters and put up a 9.59 number. Then gloat. We want the lowest number possible. Why? Even that mark will be broken in four to five years.
-Angelo Taylor goes eight years between gold medals in the men’s 400 meter hurdle? I love it!
-Phelps goes 8 for 8. No surprise. One word. Superhuman.
-Liukin and Johnson go 1-2 in overall girl’s gymnastics? Boo ya China!
-James Blake. Great job calling out someone who cheated. We’ve all called a ball or two out that was clearly in; however, an Olympic medal was never on the line. You know if a tennis ball hit your racket. Don’t be that guy and spit in the face of a game’s tradition and legacy by claiming ignorance.

Any other pro-American sentiments left? Probably not.
Fear not fans...I’ll return next week (gulp) after I embark into a week of faculty meetings.
Wish me luck!

Until next time...