The FairWeather Channel

Introducing .giffy Lube

2011-02-21T21:05:00.000-08:00

It's time to try something new here on The Fairweather Channel. There's plenty moments on TV out there you may just want (or don't want) to see over and over again. And thanks to the modern day concept of watching television on computers, you will be able to do just that.

If you haven't done so already, just follow me on Twitter and check out some of the interesting .giffable moments in your sports (and regular TV) viewing lives. Perhaps you don't do the Twitter thing or don't like to sift through plenty of babble, so I'll do you a favor and post some of the great .giffable moments here.

1. Bill Walton banging a drum on Grateful Dead Night

(Originally posted: http://twitpic.com/3y6d19)

Once reviled by many in the Sacramento Kings' tightly knit clique of fans, Bill Walton is starting to strike a soft spot with some. Looking back, the broadcasting crew of Tom Hammond, Steve Snapper Jones, and Bill Walton on NBC was some of the best sportscasting to the fringe sports viewer. If you want to get someone mildly interested in sports to watch a game, you don't bore them with copious amounts of statistics or shallow sports generalisms (that's what blogs and newspapers are for), you bring in the talking heads that can bring up interesting factoids about the other facets of the game.

Good job Maloofs on hiring Bill Walton, but no thanks on hiring Jim Gray. He can remain in the past and on Raiders Preseason Telecasts.

2. Spike Lee Bringing Wild Wild West To LA

(Posted at http://twitpic.com/4228kz)

I don't remember being so bored with an NBA All Star Game since maybe the last one. But at least you can trust Los Angeles to be gracious hosts and invite local acts like Josh Groban to sing the American National Anthem. They also had the courtesy to not invite local acts like the Black Eyed Peas to perform at halftime. I think plenty of Americans are still mad at the Super Bowl organizers in Arlington over that.

Anyway, Spike Lee knows how to dress for a good time. Hope you enjoy Carmelo there in New York, Denver enjoyed his antics too, very much so.

3. Dwight Howard: The Human GIF Machine

http://twitpic.com/4225om

I can't say I've heard anyone calling Dwight "chocolate shoulders" before, except maybe Dwight Howard himself. But when you're doing the things you do as Dwight Howard, I expect you to create your own nicknames for yourself. Once Howard becomes an aging commodity the likes of Chris Webber, I hope to see him entertaining the masses on a color commentary or intermission report near myself.

(Boom! I had to post this here, http://yfrog.com/hsh40g, totally exceeded my TwitPic limits)

I haven't had a Gatorade beverage since maybe 2007, and I'm not missing any of the electrolytes I could be regaining with it. That does not mean I cannot enjoy any of the fine advertisements for free. Dwight Howard really is just an animated character who plays basketball, like Doug Funnie.

4. Kissing Cousins

(http://twitpic.com/3ur43a)

Demarcus Cousins has been a lot of things this rookie year. If I were to put his antics to one word (and if you know me well you know what I'd say) it'd be "silly". He's the brooding star the Sacramento Kings were expecting him to be one night, another night he's Jamarcus Russell with a stronger work ethic and destructive tendencies. Either way I like where the Sacramento Kings are going with their young core of players. I cannot say I like where the Kings may be going physically (and spiritually), but the franchise should be entertaining to watch regardless where they may be someday.

5. Caroline Wozniacki Solid Effort

(http://twitpic.com/3t763t)

I'm going to be honest, I did not know who Caroline Wozniacki was until the 2011 Australian Open. If you ask me who ended up winning the singles, I did not pay that much attention to that detail. But thanks to the big events such as the Aussie Open, fringe sports guys like me can watch and get a good feel for who these up and coming greats are on an international stage. Also, thank you slow motion.

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Hope these moving pictures moved you to enjoy the Fringe Side of Sports...

It's (Not So) Hard To Say Goodbye to Arco Arena

2011-02-08T23:31:00.001-08:00

When I found out from the Sacramento Kings were going to remove the letters from Arco
Arena's facade, I had to drop by and check it out.

I also managed to get some tickets to WWE Smackdown coming to Arco Arena 2/22. The product these days may be for the kids, but whenever the promotion comes to your town, you have to stop by and pay tribute to the greatness it once had. There were actually a few people in the parking lot walking toward the box office to buy tickets to Arco's Non-Basketball events, i.e. Disney on Ice.

Thanks to Sacramento's Cake for the song Arco Arena. Has any other building had a local band of high caliber create a song for it?

Something to think about, FairWeather Federation.

Hopefully better things will come when people drive through these welcoming columns at the Power Balance Sports Complex.

See more things over at the Davis Sports Deli...

What You Could Have Watched During Super Bowl XLV

2011-02-06T20:45:00.001-08:00

Welcome back again to the The Fairweather Channel. Congratulations are in order to The Green Bay Packers who once again proved that you don't need a quarterback who's unafraid to make racy texts to win a Super Bowl in the NFL's modern era. Aaron Rodgers posing with another California guy and a World Heavyweight Championship Belt. I bet he was a WCW guy back in the day.

At the time of writing this, I don't know the overnight ratings of the Super Bowl available most of Sunday on FOX, but you can probably be sure it will be in the range of plenty of people watched. In case you were wondering (you probably weren't and wasted off your wagon), I took a look at my DirecTV guide while watching the game and here's some interesting things you could have watched instead. Each show somehow reminded me of the game sports people care about.

(Note: my local TV stations could have decided to air something completely different from your neck of the woods.)

News10 (ABC Sacramento)
4pm - Storm Stories
A show originally syndicated on The Weather Channel somehow airing locally talks to survivors who lived through some of nature's worst disasters.

You know what's a real storm to live through? The influx of Steelers fans in Northern California since the turn of the Millennium.

KVIE 6 (PBS Sacramento)
4:30PM - Road Trip Huell Houser: California's Northwest Corner
Not much is known about extreme Northern California. Everyone assumes it ends right around Sacramento and the Bay Area, which in reality is near the center of the entire state.

If you can tolerate the serious levels of camp Huell Houser produces on this publicly funded show, this is a great way to escape the rigors of watching the Super Bowl.

ESPN2
4-6PM WPBA Tour Championship, Niagara Falls, NY
If you're into the fringe sports like I am from time to time, ESPN2 is your place. Without tuning into this I thought it was about bowling, later when I actually searched it did I find out it was Women's Professional Billiards. Sure it was a rerun, but leave it to ESPN2 to give it airtime on Super Bowl Sunday. Super Bowl? Super Pool.

The Golf Channel
The Haney Project: Rush Limbaugh Marathon
People can choose to hate on Rushbo all they want, but the man makes money selling books and entertaining the masses. Isn't that what America is all about? Keith Olbermann was in this similar vein too, but he just became too serious with his politics that he was the rallying cry of the left and MSNBC (or was he?).

If you really hate the NFL, Super Bowl, and wanted a good laugh or two, you should have watched Rush Limbaugh try a more conventional golf swing. (Unlike that Charles Barkley guy...)

FX
Kung Fu Panda
For a network with raunchy night programming, it surprises me with a family friendly selection at the heart of Super Bowl Sunday.

By the way, I hear Pablo Sandoval lost some weight?

The antics of the San Francisco Giants next year will just be as fun to keep track of compared to their 2010 World Series title defense. At least it won't be all Yankees, all Red Sox, all the time...

E! Network Television
Sex in the City Marathon
I suppose there's no such thing as too much Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, and Miranda. Unless it's a marathon on the E! Network.

I don't recommend putting your TV on any of that during the Super Bowl, you'd probably lose your man card.

Animal Planet
Puppy Bowl VII
There were puppies on a small synthetic field that probably felt a lot better to the touch than Jerry Jones' playhouse.

If you were lucky enough to control the remote during the game at any point, you could have seen those sons of bitches duke it out.
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I guess there just isn't much else to watch instead of the Super Bowl. Unless I physically couldn't be near a TV on this day, I'm just doomed to watch the big game regardless of the teams lacing up the shoes and pads.

Just remember, any more of these and I think people will just be turned off to the idea of watching halftime shows involving the Super Bowl.

NFL Conference Championship Sports Bumper Stickers

2011-01-25T13:56:00.001-08:00

This week on the FairWeather Channel is going to be dark. Dark in a sense that since I started to work the graveyard shift, I have a new appreciation for the night. Sure when you're not getting paid to stay up and you're just bored, you can sleep. But there's something electrifying about getting paid to stay up overnight and see other people doing the same and not getting paid.

I'm really just saying, when you're having trouble falling asleep at night, work.

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1.

Let's be honest, you probably know a Steelers fan somewhere in your day-to-day life, they are everywhere. It's like gonorrhea, you know it's out there on someone you know, but you just ignore it and hope it goes away. Something about the most overall Super Bowl Championships, recent successes and their over-saturation with the mainstream media will catch on to anyone in the FairWeather Forecasting business.

Don't buy heavily into the hype that Steeler "Nation" travels well, it's a fair assumption people everywhere just want to get in on a good cause. At least this week's game featured a moment for everyone to forget what kind of a man Big Ben Roethlisberger is off the field. Thank you Illinois' Rashard Mendenhall. Juice Williams would be so so proud of you.

2.

If Big New York Media wants an edgy headline, they could go with "Jets Crash And Burn in Western PA (Heinz) Field" headline. But glad to see they've taken the high road, unlike some people around here... Actually I haven't been paying attention much to Big New York Media (except maybe juicy Bloomberg TV), but it seems like a road taken by guys like the New York Post.

It was a good season still New York Jets. Plenty of hope from defensive acquisitions, Braylon Edwards was a fun gamble mid-season and LaDainian Tomlinson made some very angry San Diego people, very angrier. The country sure had some jokes about this mega team, and early enough in the AFC Championship Game, many were disappointed the jokes were about to stop.

That is until the Jets came up a little short to stuff it back into the funny faces of Pittsburgh. Oh well says this FairWeather Guy, there's always next year to wear construction hardhats and look cool in Northern New Jersey.

3.

The Packers have been something these past few weeks. Despite all the great talk about Brett Favre going away (maybe), Aaron Rodgers doing something he should have been doing much sooner, and James Starks being the more relevant Starks since John, this is a team America can really get behind.

I must say though Chicago Deep-Dish is really the money pizza. Why spend a dollar more on a flatter pizza?

So get ready America to spread those happy cheeks and welcome in all the feel good cheese these jolly Green Bay guys can Pack.

4.

The Bears should have been what they thought they were, winners. They proved it all the way through to the NFC Championship game somehow and it was on that stage where the reality settled in.

Jay Cutler wasn't who Chicago thought he was and the Bears road to the NFC Championship Game was paved with TOMATO CANS.
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Now I do what I normally do in the lull between Conference Championship Weekend and Super Bowl Sunday, hibernate like a Bear and take to the sky like a Jet.

See you next week when I talk about Arena Sports.

Sports Bumper Stickers: MLKJr Day/NFL Playoffs Edition

2011-01-17T09:57:00.000-08:00

Warm MLK Jr Day sentiments to you and yours and a very happy Third Monday of January to you Arizona. As you can see this weekend is all about getting into the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr Day around the country, especially in Los Angeles where that MLKJr Day cheer is spreading well. I especially like Blake Griffin's "can't we all just get along face?" in the middle of it.

The NBA sure has quite a ways to go if they want to spread an image of itself as being a civilized man's game (if you can't tell already, I'm just installing some of the canned outrage people are supposed to feel about these things). But that is not the reason why you're tuning into The FairWeather Channel on this of all special days.

It was another great installment of NFL Playoffs action. Unfortunately I missed most of it working, but I was able to get good looks at the finish of Ravens Steelers and the majority of Falcons Packers. And on Sunday I was around a TV for the end of Jets Patriots.

Safe to say, if you didn't watch much football this weekend, there wasn't much to see. And now some visual aids to take a closer look at these games:

1.

Baltimore had this game from the start, everything was all hunky dory up until halftime. But as any FairWeather observer would tell you, bad things happen when the sun goes down for Baltimore. Turnover city reduced the Ravens' 21-7 lead and its vicegrip control over the crowd crumbling like a tourist eating a Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab.

Ray Lewis' heads will have to wait another year to bring Baltimore back to the promised land.

2.
(This is a Moving Picture, Click on It To See It Move)

Birds just can't catch a break these days. First the Ravens forgot how to close a game, and now the Seattle Seahawks were just too little too late at the end in the Windy City. If they only held on, they could have been 7-9 hosts of the NFC Championship game, instead of this apparent lovefest going on in the Midwest(see below). Ultimately, at this stage of the playoffs, only the best survive and the Seahawks just weren't the best.

At least they'll be the favorites of the NFC West next year, maybe.

3.

What is going on here? Basically just two teams that caught strides at the end of the season and it continues to roll. The sad news for people living on the coasts, they're just going to have to deal with whatever cheese people in Wisconsin or Chicago deep-dishes out the rest of the way.

I bet those of you living on the coasts (the east one especially) are hoping the Jets or Steelers crush this Middle America Rebellion. Personally, I love the midwest, it deserves all the love it can get. Because for whatever reason plenty of people around me don't like the Midwest, they would never live there, it's too cold, or many other FairWeather reasons. Having visited the region many times, I have to say the people are pretty warm, jolly, and equally curious about my bi-coastal self.

Throughout the season, the headlines out of the NFC North had something to do with Brett Favre, Domes, and the not-so-terribleness of the Detroit Lions.

Not anymore. One of those teams is going to the Super Bowl.

4.

Bill Belichick has done plenty of funny things in his coaching career. Of course in the past he's had the help of that pretty CA golden boy Tom Brady, the wily antics of Willie McGinest and Tedy Bruschi, "The Tuck Rule", and plenty of viable weapons to receive passes.

Ever since the acquisition of Randy Moss, the Patriots haven't been their championship winning selves. They're still contenders by any means of your imagination. I thought they would roll on the Jets. But alas, it just was not meant to be yesterday. Were the Pats just rusty? Unprepared? At least unlike other #1 seeded conference counterparts, they didn't get blasted away at home. Those cannons were used somewhat on that day. (They still have canons at Foxboro right?)

Everyone will hate on the Hoodie for his strange methods, but let's not forget one thing. He's still "S-O H-Double O-D" Hood.

5.

The puns in the message are clear. The Jets are a fearsome bunch that anyone with an NFL Media Credential wants you believe. NCAA Sanctions against USC of today or not, Mark Sanchez of USC yesteryear is here to rub your nose in everything that is great about the ultimate goal (making money) of college football, playing/coach in the NFL.

If their excessiveness and in-your-face perverse presence has not been felt in your sports atmosphere, it should be now. And it's only fair that a team that provides witty banter and jokes survives for many deserves to play another day.

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Keep it tuned to The FairWeather Channel for another exciting week of things I'm still mildly interested in paying attention to.

Sports Bumper Stickers: NFL Wild Card Weekend Edition

2011-01-09T21:17:00.000-08:00

Another exciting weekend of NFL Wild Card action in the books. And I must say at the start, it started with a bang, and ended on a whimper for this FairWeather guy.

Watching the games gave me an idea to continue the run of the very popular Sports Related Bumper Stickers. I didn't make any of the Ravens - Chiefs game because I was just not feeling it anymore when I tuned into it after the half. But strong defense not allowing Matt Cassel to throw it to anyone saved the day as expected for the Ravens.

Here are a couple of bumper stickers from the playoff weekend in no particular order of superiority or inferiority.

1.

Not exactly the finish many in the land of the Eagles were hoping for. Michael Vick though still showed the NFL, anyone who watches it, and anyone who likes dogs that he can indeed still play football. Maybe the receivers could have done a better job catching balls (Avant, Celek, Jackson),David Akers could have connected on those field goals, although this year hasn't been so great, or maybe the defense should have stepped up after a year of ups and downs. Either way, it's another year of questions and what could have beens in Philadelphia. I do miss Jim Johnson running the Eagles' defense.

On the bright side in Philadelphia, the Flyers at the moment are in first place, and the Phillies were able to bring back that Cliff Lee guy. There's always something to be hopeful for in that town, whereas other towns still have each other for comfort and warmth (Kansas City).

Did you hear Joe Buck also get a jab in on how the refs could miss Andy Reid running on the sidelines? It's one thing if anyone else takes a jab at Andy Reid's weight in printed forum of anonymous interwebs, but it's another to be making those shots where everyone will hear it...

2.

Kudos to the Green Bay Packers for living up to expectations and hang on at the seams at game's end. California's Aaron Rodgers have given the cheeseheads plenty of time to forget what's-his-name, and soon the moratorium on ESPN will be over.

They'll have to contend with those dirty birds and the Fairweather Flunkies will have to ask, are the Packers dirty enough?

3.

Plenty of people will write this story as, "Nobody gave the Seahawks a chance", but everyone that doesn't write (or even read) will say they had the Seahawks winning at home with the 12th man against the New Orleans Saints. Yes Seattle is terrible. Yes the NFC West sucks Wang Chung. And again to pull out from my book of clichés, the postseason is another kind of animal where anyone is capable of winning. The MLB, NFL, and NHL are fairly apparent examples of this. And it's a reason why the NBA playoffs aren't as fun to some of the sports "purists".

4.

There was a time when the Saints were that team everybody loved. Hurricane Katrina hammered New Orleans worse than any of those wrinkly, middle-aged blondes of yesteryear. Then they won the Super Bowl on the backs of Drew Brees and Sean Payton, thanks a lot San Diego, oh and Hank Baskett. Now a team with a Super Bowl victory, America feels compelled to root against them like a team that never wins on the road.

I bet plenty in Who Dat? Nation wondering where did the love go and how are there all of a sudden Seahawks fans. Take a good look at those people, like Christine O'Donnell, they're you.

On the bright side, Mardi Gras is coming and I'd like to get some of those cougar numbers please. I got some Fresh Choice and Olive Garden coupons with your names on them baby.

5.

So Rex Ryan's wife may have made a few foot fetish videos or two. It's no real big deal in Puritanical or Church of Latter Day levels. I don't think it is widely accepted in Islamic circles, but give it time, I believe it will grow on them. You could probably argue an empowerment or exploitation angle of women in these types of videos, but how degrading is it? People are into some strange things, or things you or I find strange. I wonder if there's a Al Bundy fanfiction on the subject of women's shoe salesman.

In the end the Jets pull out of Indy with a win, putting Peyton Manning (see below) out of the collective misery of NFL viewers. There's always the ads if you really want your fix of Manning's Face.

6.

Not to cheaply borrow from the NBA, although the expression can successfully be used for full comedic effect here. If I had any substantial amount of money, I'd put this on billboards around Indianapolis come every January. In the meantime though, who wouldn't want this on the back of their car?

Pretty good pitchman and regular season guy to have on your team though.

Sports Bumper Stickers

2011-01-01T09:42:00.001-08:00

The bumper sticker, a nice little quib about current events for anyone to put on the back of their station wagon or Trapper Keeper. Throughout the years, has evolved from a simple inspirational message to something much more, a way to better identify the type of person driving.

I usually stay away from drivers with them, but if you like reading the messages, then you're going to love these Fairweather quibs about things related to sports teams.

1.

Michael Vick, quarterback of Philadelphia's Eagles, people love to hate him for heading a dog fighting ring in the good ole South. Others love to defend him, saying he's paid his debt to society for his wrongdoings, spent a little time in pounding assery federal prison (a little longer than Sacramento's own Donte Stallworth in a county jail for a little drunken driving).

Meanwhile the sports media will continue to praise the man's efforts on the football field, as they should, because does anyone tuning into sports coverage want to hear anything apart from highlights and top-notch talking head analysis? (The answer is always no)

Feel free to hate the man, but for someone to bounce back, lose $$$ from initial success and return in contention, and everyone moving on is what sports is all about.

2.

There was a time when Mike Singletary felt like the answer for many in 49er World. Things were looking up, they got rid of Mike Nolan and Mike Nolan's suits, Alex Smith was looking like the franchise quarterback the Niners wanted him to be, and people kept on buying those tickets.

Then Singletary did some strange things, even for a samurai. Glen Coffee decided to take his beans elsewhere, there were experiments with Shaun Hill, David Carr was thrown in there, Nate Davis somehow became the man to some people, and Troy Smith shared some quality time with Mike.

I wonder what lies ahead now for the fleeting greatness of the Red and Gold?

3.

Many laughed when Al Davis made the pick of Polish kicker Sebastian Janikowski from Florida State with the 17th pick in the 1st round. But if you really think about it, football begins and ends with the kicker. Starts the game, and ends the game on offense with an extra point. Granted he hasn't been as clutch in the 2010-2011 season, but he's been a lot better than the other kickers playing musical chairs in the NFL.

Bottom line, Seabass puts the "foot" in and on the "football".

4.

Tim Tebow is something. It's what the great minds at ESPN want you think, there was a Tim Tebow watch for all things Tim Tebow related around the time of the 2010 NFL Draft and the Denver Broncos decided to take a gamble on this guy, in the first round.

They say people eagerly await the day Jesus returns. But Tim Tebow is already here. Just saying.

5.

Not too long after the Kings have put the Webber-Divac-Bibby years behind was there anything else to get them some national attention.

Then head coach Eric Musselman, Mario Elie, Tyreke Evans, and Antoine Wright, gave everyone a reason to print something about the Sacramento Kings in their media landscapes.

The lesson here is pretty simple, if you're going to drive like a moron, do it in California.

6.

Things were looking pretty peachy with the Sacramento Kings before the end of a game with the Warriors. Then a couple of things happened, fouling 3 pt shooters, failing to rebound, not looking like a team that beats the Warriors, and an open Vladamir Radmanovic 3 pointer later had the game in overtime and the rest is history.

Demarcus Cousins is one of those guys whose reputation proceeds him. If he wants to be taken seriously, he should probably act like someone who's been there. Until then remember this: he's young; he's immature; he'll learn, or so I'd hope.
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If you like any of these great Fairweather Channel bumper stickers, let me know, maybe I will eventually make a business of this someday.

Here Is Halladay, Hear Him Roy-ar

2010-10-07T14:42:00.000-07:00

As you probably heard by now, Roy Halladay achieved something only done once before in the MLB's long storied postseason history, pitch a no-hitter. The first since Don Larsen's Perfect Game against the Brooklyn Dodgers nearly 54 years ago. Only fitting for a guy who's never tasted the postseason in his career make a debut that will etch the ink in history.

The Reds haven't played in an MLB Postseason game since 1995, I think they have a little bit of rust that rusty old Dusty Baker will have to fix if they stand a chance against these battle tested foes.

Let's take a look at the newspaper covers across the country with some usual Fairweather commentary.

Philadelphia Inquirer

An obvious place to start. Rightfully planted with the largest print for the title and appropriate picture. Slightly pushing the big key witness news on the Terror to the right.

The Cincinnati Enquirer

A fair warning to everyone this NLDS will have everyone seeing Red. Complete with a predictable story about visiting fans to the City of Brotherly Love. Apparently Phllies fans are a lot nicer than St. Louis or Chicago, who knew?

P.S. Don't forget to get your coupon for the highly collectible Rey Mausaluga Bengals pin on Page C10.

The New York Times

The paper barely has a sports section, but it's nice to see Halladay take front page glory away from that other baseball team in New York. That fiery explosion in Pakistan describes my Twins' fans hearts last night.

The Denver Post

Is it hockey season already? Anyway, you'd think Denver's local hero would a bigger nod, but at least he gets his moment near the bottom there.

Courier-Post

Nice to see South Jersey capture the excitement with that photo on front. If I were Halladay I'd sleep with that newspaper nailed on the ceiling.

By the time you read this, more than likely someone is already heading home or another picther thrown a no-hitter.

Can it be you, Roy Oswalt?

We're All Stars Now (In the Doped Show)

2010-07-15T22:55:00.000-07:00

It’s been awhile, I’m just scratching my itch to write again. Hope everyone survived the MLB All Star Break and the lack of professional sports on your television. If you’re a normal person, you probably did something fulfilling with your life, like a read a book. I have been working on the employment trail (very rewarding, or so I hope). But I also have been thinking about the “All Star” festivities offered by the major professional leagues in the USA.

I am once again reminded why the MLB All Star Game is my favorite exhibition with the “best” cherry picked athletes in its sport.

Typically, you’re not going to get much fluff with the MLB All Star Game. There’s no incentive to fill a non-baseball stadium to overbearing capacity and call it a worldwide event. Yes there is a great corporate presence at all of these events. But somehow, watching the game and fan reactions makes me think there are genuine baseball fans in attendance. Not your typical tools using the event for a photo op.

Location, location, location, baseball like basketball and hockey rotate yearly on where the exhibition will be held. Whereas football tried holding the Pro Bowl a week before the Super Bowl in the same venue and will be going back to Hawaii (for now). You can look forward to a rotating venue year after year which a unique location in baseball.

Now basketball last year, maybe it’s a big ego/Texas/Dallas thing, but overcrowding a football stadium to watch an exhibition basketball game where the majority can’t watch the action without the assistance of a microscope or giant television. It’s not my money to be spent, but where’s the sense in that? 108,713 people apparently don’t share my opinion and bought a ticket to join the crowd, it’s their prerogative.

Why I don’t like that idea you may wonder? It’s not genuine or pure to the game to play in a nontraditional venue. Baseball prides itself on tradition, and justifiably so with its reluctance to instill instant replay to correct obvious human errors. But the MLB All Star Game is a pure baseball game that goes beyond the exhibition feel. Sure, you can argue it doesn’t count in final statistics, and you can say the game COUNTS for World Series home field advantage. What I mean is the quality of the game does not change in the All Star setting. A pitcher faces a batter, the defense shags/fields balls, and everyone is able to play.

It’s fair for anyone to say, you can’t really give it your all in the Pro Bowl, because football is rough. You can break things easier in football. Exhibition hockey isn’t serious; you don’t fight in exhibition hockey. Baseball is a game that allows the player to give a solid effort or none at all (right 2010 Pittsburgh Pirates?).
Plus the timing and lack of other professional sports happening does not hurt the game. The MLB shares the dog days of summer with no one, except maybe the MLS or the WNBA (somehow I miss the Monarchs, how perverse). Yes the ratings reported everywhere will show ratings of the MLB All Star Game were higher than NBA (TNT) or NFL (ESPN), but as I said, nothing else going on and National TV (FOX) help those numbers a lot.

Sure, the game is still exhibitiony, managers try to use every player on the expanded roster, the MLB uses the game as leverage for teams to get new stadiums, and the pregame last Tuesday was a tad more flowery than recent memory (I blame Anaheim being close enough to Hollywood), but compare the game to the other ones in the professional leagues and you should see what I see: A game featuring the best athletes in the sport giving an effort for the entire frame and representing their league with some semblance of pride.

And if you don’t like that explanation of an exhibition game, you can go find a girl and talk about that Deadliest Catch episode and the dreamy Captain Phil.

Saving the Daylight in the Sunshine State

2010-03-14T21:28:00.000-07:00

The San Jose Sharks may have lost more than an hour of sleep last night, dropping an elementary NHL game to the the Florida Panthers in Overtime 3-2. All this after they lead the freaking Saturday Matinee game by a score of 2-0 by the 1st Intermission.

But in all the commotion, I couldn't resist this opportunity to check out the smooth hockey radio announcing stlyings of Mr. Randy Moller. As many Fairweather hockey fans may be aware of, Moller has gotten a bit of attention on Youtube of his goal calls compiled by the Dan LeBatard show. Usually after a Florida Panthers' goal, Moller will exclaim a random pop culture reference submitted to him by listeners.

While many in the hockey circles or announcing purists may criticize his style, it is easy to find many of the calls over the top. It's not too often players score in hockey and we basically dissect the broadcasts to include only the definitive moments (which are usually goals).

In addition to the goal calls, I thought the broadcast was top notch, and easily followable through Moller's folksy charm. Not too often you have ex-professional hockey players handling the play by play duties all by themselves. Don't get me wrong, Dan Rusanowsky of your San Jose Sharks is in a class of his own. You have to credit the man working radio for South Florida's only hockey franchise, keeping things interesting and making you wonder what will he say next.

In the video, Moller brings out the Ice Cube and Hangover references in true West Coast form. It really was a good day for the Florida Panthers.

Do the Texas Two-Step

2010-03-06T13:12:00.001-08:00

Visiting Texas in the NBA really hasn't been an easy task this last decade. But as the Kings have shown, record and youth aside, they can tough it out with the best of them. A 1-2 road trip is not always in the minds of the Fairweather fan, but if you watched any of the games, you can still appreciate the effort. Enjoy this edition of Purple Pain.

Orange You Glad?

2010-03-05T21:23:00.001-08:00

Syracuse Orange Men's Basketball

1. They are #1 in the country right now (3/5/2010)

Hard to go against that logic in the Fairweather Realm.

2. Quality Conference, Quality Opponents

Normally I don't buy all the hype the big media can put into these power conferences, but this year in college basketball, the Big East does not disappoint the college basketball fan.
They've beaten the creme de la creme of the Big East, with some tough home losses to Louisville and Pittsburgh

3. Dome Court Advantage

Obviously this team knows how to win playing all of their home games in a football stadium, really has that NCAA Final Four and Regional feel every home game.

Temptation Sunday

2010-02-21T15:04:00.000-08:00

The First Sunday of Lent, at least in Roman Catholic lore, is known as Temptation Sunday. How can I resist the temptation to create a comic that touches slightly on the latest trade between the Sacramento Kings, Houston Rockets, and the New York Knicks. The Knicks later entry to the fray made it one of the most interesting threeways at the NBA Trade Deadline. At least slightly more interesting than any of the threeways I've been involved in (there's always the one guy that doesn't do much). Things of note were the end of the Kevin Martin era in Sacramento, the beginning of the great Hot Carl Landry era, and whatever we can assume about Larry Hughes. Also, Hilton Armstrong, we hardly knew ye. All three teams involved were in action last night and the first game was rather rough so to say, but I touched on the happy moments.

So gather the kids, or don't if you have a conscience, boil some water, make hot cocoa, and enjoy this edition of "Purple Pain" chronicling the recent NBA Ménage à trois.

Viel Glück Deustchland!

2010-02-17T18:14:00.001-08:00

Team Germany Ice Hockey

Why?
1. San Jose Sharks Backup Goalie Thomas Greiss is their guy

If you haven't gotten around to watching many San Jose Sharks games, Greiss comes in at the end of back to backs or when Nabokov and the defense is feeling generous. He has the same rallying effect as the veteran Brian Boucher

2. They also have ex-Sharks Christian Ehrhoff and Marcel Goc

These were great scrappy guys and they are going to be great scrappy Team German guys

3. Come on haters, World War II and Nazi Germany was nearly 65 years ago

There was a time when there was a German nation divided, but once again united by the power of democracy, Reaganomics, and Baywatch reruns

4. This Olympic team is Chris Kaman free

Real Germans, Real Effort
David Hasslehoff would be all about this team as much as this team is all about David Hasslehoff

clASH Wednesday

2010-02-17T16:46:00.000-08:00

Tonight’s game between Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors from the luscious Oracle Arena has got me to once again think about the attendance disparity between the two teams.

As of today, February 17, 2010, on ESPN’s NBA Attendance report, the Golden State Warriors are 14^th in the league at filling Oracle Arena with an average of 17,942 fans paying for tickets each game (91.6% to capacity). While the Sacramento Kings are near the bottom, 25^th in the league, 13,489 paid tickets (77.9% of Arco Arena’s capacity). The percentage full is just barely better than the Pacers, T’Wolves, Grizzlies, Nets and 76ers.

Let’s take a Fairweather look at the many reasons why the Golden State Warriors outdraw the Sacramento Kings.

1. Arena

The Golden State Warriors play the majority of their games at the Oracle Arena. Constructed in 1966, renovated to the tune of 121 million in 1997, and now seats 19,596 people that want to call themselves Warrior fans. Okay on certain days about 30-50% of those fans are “Lakers, Celtics, and Cavs Fans”. For those not in the know, the basketball seating capacity is larger than Staples Center 18,997.Prior to the renovation, there were only 15,000 seats, now it contains two levels of luxury suites, state of the art electronic scoreboards and that old timey feeling you can get in a building originally built in the 60’s (Think Madison Square Garden West, except in Oakland).

Meanwhile in the capital city, there’s Arco Arena. Built in 1988 at the cost of 40 million to replace a renovated office building turned arena now turned office building (California Department of Consumer Affairs), it seats 17,317 and about as many luxury suites as most people have fingers. During the Kings’ heyday and even before that people came out to support in large numbers. I believe at one point they had a sellout streak of 300+ straight games.

Location wise, both arenas are miles from the center of town, Oracle about 6.5 miles from Downtown Oakland, same exit as the airport if you feel like you want to escape quickly. And adjacent to great nightspots such as Denny’s and GMC Truck Center, In-n-Out if you want to cross 880. Arco Arena also sits 6.5 miles from the State Capitol in sprawling Natomas, and stone’s throw away from the Sacramento International Airport if you feel like you want to escape quickly. At Oracle there are BART and Amtrak Stations nearby which means you can drive and park at the either lot. Arco Arena, much like Dodger Stadium, has parking as far as the eye can see and multiple freeway access.

If you want to base the attendance discrepancy between the Kings and Warriors on arena ambience and in-game experience, you will feel complete with the bells n’ whistles offered by the Warriors and Oracle. For Sacramento, the ease of getting into Arco Arena and getting home with the lack of Bay Area congestion is too easy it’s almost criminal.

2. Team Quality

The road numbers will indicate an opposite trend to the home numbers, the Kings are 16^th in average attendance on the road, 16,864 (88.8% of road arenas filled) while the Warriors sit at 26^th, 16,083 (84.8% of road arenas filled). Record wise, the Kings at 18-35 and Warriors at 14-38, you think you’re looking at identical teams. Well for the Fairweather fan, that’s as identical as they will get. Oh, also in the loveable rookies to watch category.

So far in the first half of the NBA season, I’ve seen the Kings lose a fair bit of their games with a young nucleus and a new coach. This includes a couple of buzzer beaters on both ends of the losing and winning spectrum, a couple of close overtimes to the Lakers and Cavs near Christmas time, an uninspiring 0-6 southern swing where Kevin Martin, like Stella, tried to get his groove back, and many more frustrating finishes that plagues many desperate housewives across America.

In the Warriors sphere, there’s been some quality wins early on against Portland, in Dallas, and at tough New Jersey. While at the same time, there are more head scratchers than slices of Wonder bread. Granted, I would say the Warriors quality of schedule has been likely less favorable than what the Kings have done so far. There’s an ongoing circus of injuries that has forced the Dubs to bring on D-League caliber talent and a head coach that just doesn’t look comfortable coaching. In fact, Don Nelson looks as comfortable coaching as I am riding on the bus when stuff like this happen s. The players that aren’t injured seemingly are not interested in playing for the Warriors or Don Nelson, as Stephen Jackson was and perhaps as Corey Maggette claims to be. Monta Ellis has been hurt which has taken some wind if any in the sails. Davidson standout Steph Curry though has been a pleasure to watch.

Apart from the surprise 2006-2007 season, the Warriors haven’t really had a quality season since the late 80’s/early 90’s. So you got to credit the fans that actually continue to pay and watch. It should also be noted that the Kings prior to the Chris Webber and Lawrence Funderburke years had a healthy fan base to support the Mitch Richmond, Wayman Tisdale, and Tyus Edney era.

In addition to some other economical reasons we could divulge into, the median income in the Bay Area’s various districts is $65,052 with a population totaling somewhere in the neighborhood of 7 million. Let’s not forget the Warriors is the Bay Area’s professional only basketball team, isn’t it obvious as hinted by “Golden State”? Attendance does not struggle as fans are not divided between two baseball or football teams. Which coincidentally the Warriors’ neighbors, the Raiders and A’s have trouble bringing people out to the old ballgame (that’s another Fairweather Channel post and involves Al Davis somehow).

Sacramento can really only draw from 2 million people with a family’s median income of $57,112 of course all these numbers based on the 2000 Census which will probably be different in the 2010 census. Being the only professional sport in town, you’d think people would look to fill the joint like Snoop. But perhaps losing years after years of contention, an aging arena, and some civic resentment toward rich sports owners and construction of a new arena (this is common problem through California) will probably keep people at home watching Peaches (Grant Napear), and good old JR on TV for their basketball fix.

Just remember when you watch the Kings on CSN “California” and the Warriors on national TV (which you can do 7 more times this year BTW) that the economics of sport in Fairweather California, fan support, win-loss record, attendance numbers, and people’s well being just don’t go hand in hand anymore.

2 Game Win Streak

2010-02-11T21:58:00.000-08:00

The Kings may not be heading to the NBA Playoffs this year, but it is a pleasure to watch them give their best effort night after night. Sure they may have beaten the Knicks and Pistons who have not been the overachievers many been. But add the fact that it was a back to back after winning in overtime at Madison Square Garden, which has not been friendly to the Kings, even when they were good.

Perhaps it's just one of those anomalies or it was an off night for the Knicks and Pistons, let's enjoy the win streak heading into the All Star Break. While we wait for Omri and Tyreke's contributions to All Star Weekend in Dallas, enjoy this edition of Purple Pain, They're Trippin, Road Trippin'.

A Royal Thursday Thumpin' Comic

2010-02-04T21:58:00.001-08:00

I never meant to cause you any sorrow, I never meant to mess with your brain.
I only wanted to one time see you laughing, I only wanted to see you laughing at the Purple Pain.

Despite being somewhat Fairweather on the NBA these days, I can still appreciate the raw hustle and grit of these youthful Sacramento Kings. In this first edition of "Purple Pain", I tried to catch some of the Fairweather observations from last night's Spurs and Kings game. It was simply a fine competitive effort by the young Kings, complete with another faltering 4th quarter by the young guys that the veteran Spurs took advantage of. At least if the Kings are going down, they are not going quietly into the night, especially Tyreke Evans.

If you are hurtin' about this team now, just remember...

Honey I know, I know, I know times are changing.
It's time we all reach out for something new,
That means you too.
You say you want a leader,
But you can't seem to make up your mind.
I think you better close it,
And let me guide you to the Purple Pain.

An Athletic Tuesday Tickler

2010-02-02T19:25:00.000-08:00

The Oakland Athletics have had a busy winter keeping all the fans around the Hot Stove warm. Billy Beane sure has had somewhat of an interesting outfield fetish lately, but to most Fairweather Fans, moves like this ensures some ticket sales in the first few weeks.

Enjoy this Fairweather take on the latest moves by the A's in the first edition of the Oak-Town Quadruple A's.

Friday Night Funnies

2010-01-29T22:11:00.001-08:00

Last night's behemoth of a matchup, the Chicago Blackhawks and the San Jose Sharks reminds us all that the NHL is capable of having its own drama on Thursday nights. Like with most drama in the Bay Area, this one seen on national TV, the end just did not have a picture perfect ending. Kudos to the Sharks for making this a competitive affair, get a point in the standings, etc...

Now enjoy this first edition of "Jumping the Shark", there will be more to come from The Fairweather Channel.

First Edition of Golden Statements

2010-01-27T23:38:00.000-08:00

It wasn't a pretty game to watch in the NBA, then again not many games in the Association today entertain Fairweather fans like they used to. But I am confident everyone local to the region can appreciate a few solid thoughts from last night's Warriors and Kings game.

The Fairweather Channel's Pick Wednesday

2009-12-09T20:52:00.000-08:00

Now for a new feature of the blog, the pick section, because everyone seems convinced they can do it better than your average fair-weather fan...

NFL Week 14
Thu 12/10
Pittsburgh at Cleveland, Vegas says: Pittsburgh -9.0/38

The Steelers have a lot of work to do after losing 4 straight, the most recent outing a stunning loss at the hands of Bruce “Almighty” Gradkowski and the Raiders at Ketchup Field. I expect Mike Tomlin can motivate his troops and raise more hell this week against the lowly Browns on a Thursday Night. Keep in mind the Browns stuck around with a blazin’ Charger squad last Sunday.

The Fairweather Pick: Pittsburgh to win outright, but Browns could cover the spread. Be a safe man, take the under 38 points.

Sun 12/13
Denver @ Indianapolis, Vegas says: Indy -8.5/44

Perhaps this is the morning matchup to enjoy your Sunday Morning Brunch or keep track of on your Blackberry while at church, because it will be worth it. The Broncos have turned a corner after crushing the Giants on Thanksgiving and dealt with those pesky Chiefs last Sunday. While Peyton Manning and the Colts have somewhat been waltzing through opponents this season winning games close and late.

The Fairweather Pick: Indianapolis, don’t be fooled by their inner-Hoodini and escaping games late. The Colts are at home in their comfort zone and the Broncos are still the worst 6-0 team in the history of 6-0 teams. For you Over/Under Folk, go ahead go over, tons of offense.

Cincinnati @ Minnesota, Vegas says: Min -7.0/42 ½

Brett Favre and the gang struggled against the Defending NFC Champs Cardinals and their own timeless wonder, Kurt Warner. But no need to be discouraged Vikings fans, expect the best from your team as they return home where they are undefeated. The Bengals will have lots on their minds leading the AFC North being pursued by the Ravens and Steelers. Let’s just call it the AFC Struggle Division.

The Fairweather Pick: Minnesota by more than a touchdown, stay under, don’t want Brett Favre to overdo it now.

New York Jets @ Tampa Bay, Vegas Says: NYJ -5.5/37

The Jets have life again in the playoff hunt, what with the Patriots dynasty crumbling like an old cookie. Kellen Clemens supposed to start as Mark Sanchez still has a knee injury. The Bucs meanwhile have yet to put it together to win a game except that one game with the “creamsicles” and Green Bay. They should bring them out again, maybe they’ll win…

The Fairweather Pick: New York Jets, take the under

Buffalo @ Kansas City, Vegas Says: KC -1.5/41

If this is the game on your local TV, don’t worry I feel your pain. But anyway, the Bills are coming off a Toronto letdown, Maple Leaf sized. The Chiefs struggling with AFC, struggling with themselves, but hey at least they got that Matt Cassel Patriot guy.

The Fairweather Pick: Buffalo, Under 41 (Seriously)

Green Bay @ Chicago, Vegas Says GB -3/45

Big NFC North Division rivalry. Although perhaps this rivalry is not so heated anymore as the Bears take the nose dive on the season with Jay Cutler. Expect a defense struggle. Green Bay looking for Wild Card magic.

The Fairweather Pick: Green Bay, Under

New Orleans @ Atlanta, Vegas Says NO -10/50

Here’s the basics on this game, 1) It’s in a dome, 2) As of Wednesday, no sign of Michael Turner or Matt Ryan in practice, 3) The Saints probably will not lose the rest of the way. Also Chris Redman has showed some promise, but clearly Redman needs Method Man to be relevant to this Fairweather blogger.

The Fairweather Pick: New Orleans, Under

Detroit @ Baltimore, Vegas Says Bal -13.5/43 ½

Baltimore needs this game, Baltimore wants this game.

The Fairweather Pick: Baltimore, Under

Miami @ Jacksonville, Vegas Says Jac -2.5/46

This one is interesting, as the Jaguars are starting improve behind Maurice Jones-Drew and might sellout this game in time to avoid the blackout. The Dolphins coming off an exciting win against the Patriots at Close Shave Stadium. Chad Henne really has stepped it in the absence of Chad Pennington.

The Fairweather Pick: Miami, Over

Carolina @ New England, Vegas Says NE-13.5/43 ½

Jake Delhomme has been shaky and does anyone expect the Patriots to lose at home again? Tom Brady and crew barely have a grasp of the AFC East after losing to Miami late and the Jets surging as of late. Let’s see how the Pats respond in what should be a close affair. The closer the game, the more I like the Panthers to avenge their Super Bowl XXXVIII loss.

The Fairweather Pick: Carolina covers the spread/wins outright, Over

Seattle @ Houston, Vegas Says Hou -6/44 ½

Matt Hasslebeck and the Seahawks just dragged the 49ers down their level last week with a win making them both long shots for any postseason activity. Houston also a long shot to do something postseason wise and they may have shut down Steve Slaton for the year, not like they’ve needed in most games this year anyway.

The Fairweather Pick: Houston, Under

St. Louis @ Tennessee, Vegas Says Ten -11.5/40 ½

Have you gotten on the Vince Young bandwagon yet? He has shined since taking over for the aging Kerry Collins. Still though, at 5-7 they will need a lot of help if they want to extend their season. As for St. Louis, BAAAAAAD RAMS, but hey go Daniel Fells, fellow UC Davis alum. You do your thing Danny Fells.

The Fairweather Pick: Tennessee, Over

Washington @ Oakland, Vegas Says: Wash -3/35 ½

This game may get blacked out as many Bay Area Fairweathers not sold on a Raider team that has beaten, Chiefs, Eagles, Bengals, and more recently, the Steelers. Bruce Gradkowski will try to work his magic and the vertical passing game against a hurt Redskin team. Jason Campbell will try to also put up big numbers against the Raiders secondary as he did in almost beating the Saints.

The Fairweather Pick: Oakland, Over (Really?)

San Diego @ Dallas, Vegas Says: Dal -3/47

A quasi-national game that is available in every city that isn’t hosting a game at the time. Philip Rivers and the Chargers primed to take back the AFC West, again, against Tony Romo and the Cowboys still scratching their heads at that loss to the Giants. Many of the Cowboys’ “fans” will wonder if they can avoid the December Disappointment. I, for one, hope the Chargers can continue their NFC Beastin’ ways.

The Fairweather Pick: San Diego, Over

Philadelphia @ New York Giants, Vegas Says: NYG -1.5/48

I’ve always felt the NFC East has been Philadelphia’s to own since Donavan McNabb and Brian Westbrook. Those were the Fairweather fan’s Eagles of old. Today’s Fairweather Eagles feature LeSean McCoy and Michael Vick to run multiple options. Eli Manning has been the beneficiary of a solid O-Line and a defense that can turn it on command. The real question is, which Giants team shows up?

The Fairweather Pick: Philadelphia, Under

12/14 MONDAY NIGHT
Arizona @ San Francisco, Vegas Says: Ari by -1 /44 ½

Is there anything left to play for? Arizona came out strong against Minnesota as Kurt Warner has gotten back to similar form that brought the Cards to the Super Bowl. The Niners slipping like amateurs on ice without skates. Still though, the Niners are longshots again for any playoff activity, on the national stage, might as well play for pride and Coach “Samurai” Singletary.

The Fairweather pick: Arizona, Under

It's a Down Time

2009-10-23T17:45:00.000-07:00

If you've lived in Northern California for the past 10 years, you will have seen your fair share of teams reach its peak and potential. Unfortunately, unlike our fellow southern brethren, nobody has achieved championship glory.

With the few exceptions that people might not care about.

Do you remember these guys? Sadly, the Bay Area's recent claim to fame has been the 3 Time Arena Football League Arena Bowl Champs, the San Jose Sabercats. Led by one of the UCD greats, Mark Grieb under center, they went on to win Arena Bowls in 2002, 2004, and 2007.

The 2005 Sacramento Monarchs behind the efforts of Finals MVP Yolanda Griffith (Pictured), Ticha Penicheiro, and Kara Lawson captured the first and only championship tied to the city of Sacramento.

Unless I'm forgetting anything else in the professional realm, there have been a few almosts in the region. 2001-2002 Sacramento Kings, the 2002-2003 Oakland Raiders, the 2002 San Francisco Giants, most San Jose Sharks teams since 2005, the Oakland Athletics, and the 2005-2006 Golden State Warriors to name a few.

So I guess while we in the Bay Area and Sacramento area wait for someone to get the job done, we can only hope someone will start to contend late in the playoffs...