Hank Haney is one of, if not THE, top golf swing coaches in the world. How do I know this? He coached Tiger Woods, and that's enough of an endorsement for me. But it would appear that the guy who could breakdown and rebuild Tiger's swing can't fix Charles Barkley's swing. Exhibit A:
This is from a recent event, AFTER Barkley was showcased on the Golf Channel's The Hank Haney Project. Question- what in God's name would possess someone, anyone, to stand in front of Barkley while on the tee? At that point, you're just asking to get hit, which is exactly what happens in the video. Its good to know that no matter how bad I may be a golf, there's always someone worse, that someone is Charles Barkley.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Saturday, May 16, 2009
You Don't Change Horses Mid-Race
Well, unless you're Calvin Borel, I guess.
So jockey Calvin Borel bailed on riding Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird in the Preakness in favor of riding the filly Rachel Alexandra. It was the first time in history that a jockey had done this, and, given that its been over 80 years since a filly won the Preakness, it seemed like a crazy move. But with Rachel Alexandra's win at Pimlico today, it looks like he made the right choice. A few thoughts about this:
1)Rachel Alexandra has to be entered in the Belmont. If that happens, I have no doubt that she'd be the favorite. Let's say that happens and Calvin Borel rides her to another victory; how is Borel celebrated? He'd be a Triple Crown winning jockey without a Triple Crown winning horse; as far as I know, that's never happened before. Would it be like Tiger winning all four majors in a row, but not doing it in the same calander year? Would it recognized and remembered the same as other Triple Crown wins? My gut tells me no, since we tend to only remember the horse, and not the rider. Which is too bad, because if Borel can win the Triple Crown riding different horses, it would be pretty amazing. Maybe he should ride a different horse althogther for the Belmont, just to try and nail the point home.
2)Mine That Bird finished second at the Preakness today, which I guess suggests that he wasn't a fluke two weeks ago at the Derby. A much like he did in the Derby, he started last in the field before charging all the way up to the front, eventually only losing by something like 3/4 length. In fact, given a little more time, I think Mine That Bird would have run her down and won. The Belmont is a 1 1/2 mile track, considerably longer than the Preakness's 1 3/16 mile. If they go head-to-head again in the Belmont, I think I'd put my money on Mine That Bird. The extra length gives him the edge.
3)Finally, its usually a bad thing for horse racing when there isn't a horse running for the Triple Crown, but I actually think that this situation is good for the sport. You've still got Calvin Borel's Triple Crown quest, which is intriguing in its uniquness, plus the Mine That Bird-Rachel Alexandra rematch. Its all about giving the viewers something worth watching, and the Belmont will have plenty of that.
So jockey Calvin Borel bailed on riding Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird in the Preakness in favor of riding the filly Rachel Alexandra. It was the first time in history that a jockey had done this, and, given that its been over 80 years since a filly won the Preakness, it seemed like a crazy move. But with Rachel Alexandra's win at Pimlico today, it looks like he made the right choice. A few thoughts about this:
1)Rachel Alexandra has to be entered in the Belmont. If that happens, I have no doubt that she'd be the favorite. Let's say that happens and Calvin Borel rides her to another victory; how is Borel celebrated? He'd be a Triple Crown winning jockey without a Triple Crown winning horse; as far as I know, that's never happened before. Would it be like Tiger winning all four majors in a row, but not doing it in the same calander year? Would it recognized and remembered the same as other Triple Crown wins? My gut tells me no, since we tend to only remember the horse, and not the rider. Which is too bad, because if Borel can win the Triple Crown riding different horses, it would be pretty amazing. Maybe he should ride a different horse althogther for the Belmont, just to try and nail the point home.
2)Mine That Bird finished second at the Preakness today, which I guess suggests that he wasn't a fluke two weeks ago at the Derby. A much like he did in the Derby, he started last in the field before charging all the way up to the front, eventually only losing by something like 3/4 length. In fact, given a little more time, I think Mine That Bird would have run her down and won. The Belmont is a 1 1/2 mile track, considerably longer than the Preakness's 1 3/16 mile. If they go head-to-head again in the Belmont, I think I'd put my money on Mine That Bird. The extra length gives him the edge.
3)Finally, its usually a bad thing for horse racing when there isn't a horse running for the Triple Crown, but I actually think that this situation is good for the sport. You've still got Calvin Borel's Triple Crown quest, which is intriguing in its uniquness, plus the Mine That Bird-Rachel Alexandra rematch. Its all about giving the viewers something worth watching, and the Belmont will have plenty of that.
Monday, May 11, 2009
To Boldy Go...
Go see Star Trek. Seriously, go see it. Its really good, really fun, and you don't need any prior Star Trek knowledge to enjoy it. Sure, some knowledge helps, but its definitely not required. J.J. Abrams and crew did, in my opinion, did a masterful job of a)introducing the characters, b)acknowledging the existing story canon, and c)establishing a new story arc that all viewers could follow and get behind. Earlier, I said that everyone should go see Watchmen, and while I still stand by that, I think that Star Trek is a far better "you'll enjoy this even if you nothing about the source material" movie.
Without spoiling it, I'll just say that the plot of the movie guards itself from criticism about changes to the Star Trek canon. Sure, it makes for a kinda weak plot, but plot clearly wasn't the point of the movie; the point was to set up the characters and the universe in which they operate so they can tell more substantial stories later in the sequels (and judging by the early box office numbers, I think a sequel's inevitable, if one hasn't already been announced; if it holds at #1 against Angels and Demons this week, I bet they announce TWO more movies). And the characters and character interactions were by far the best parts of the movie. I thought the cast did a great job of embodying the essence of the characters they were playing without resorting to imitations of the original actors. You could see how these characters could logically (sorry) progress into the characters of old. The scene of Kirk as a kid going on a joyride (the one you see in the trailer) was unnecessary, but there's also a scene of Spock as a kid that's just awesome. The action scenes were nice and flashy, but the character scenes were what I found the most interesting.
There were also plenty of Easter eggs planted throughout the movie to satisfy the hardcore Trekkies (or Trekkers, as I guess, from the video below, that's the correct term now). Nearly all the iconic lines from the old show were fit into the script, and every time one was uttered, it drew praise from the audience I was in. Kirk hooking up with the green-skinned alien-girl was a nod to a classic Star Trek episode. I've also read that was a tribble sitting on the desk when we first meet Scotty (I didn't catch this; guess I'll have to see it again). And, much like it was done in Casino Royale for James Bond, you don't hear the iconic Star Trek theme until the end of the movie, implying that its only at that point that they've become "the crew of the Starship Enterpise."
So go see it, you won't be disappointed. Also, watch this clip from last Saturday's Weekend Update on SNL; you won't be disappointed but it, either:
Live long and prosper.
Without spoiling it, I'll just say that the plot of the movie guards itself from criticism about changes to the Star Trek canon. Sure, it makes for a kinda weak plot, but plot clearly wasn't the point of the movie; the point was to set up the characters and the universe in which they operate so they can tell more substantial stories later in the sequels (and judging by the early box office numbers, I think a sequel's inevitable, if one hasn't already been announced; if it holds at #1 against Angels and Demons this week, I bet they announce TWO more movies). And the characters and character interactions were by far the best parts of the movie. I thought the cast did a great job of embodying the essence of the characters they were playing without resorting to imitations of the original actors. You could see how these characters could logically (sorry) progress into the characters of old. The scene of Kirk as a kid going on a joyride (the one you see in the trailer) was unnecessary, but there's also a scene of Spock as a kid that's just awesome. The action scenes were nice and flashy, but the character scenes were what I found the most interesting.
There were also plenty of Easter eggs planted throughout the movie to satisfy the hardcore Trekkies (or Trekkers, as I guess, from the video below, that's the correct term now). Nearly all the iconic lines from the old show were fit into the script, and every time one was uttered, it drew praise from the audience I was in. Kirk hooking up with the green-skinned alien-girl was a nod to a classic Star Trek episode. I've also read that was a tribble sitting on the desk when we first meet Scotty (I didn't catch this; guess I'll have to see it again). And, much like it was done in Casino Royale for James Bond, you don't hear the iconic Star Trek theme until the end of the movie, implying that its only at that point that they've become "the crew of the Starship Enterpise."
So go see it, you won't be disappointed. Also, watch this clip from last Saturday's Weekend Update on SNL; you won't be disappointed but it, either:
Live long and prosper.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
There's Something Wrong With My New Robe
Perhaps that's because its not a robe, but a Snuggie. Yes, a goddamn Snuggie. I swore I'd never buy one, so clearly that was the go-sign for my brother to get me one for my birthday. Thanks, bro (and actually, I'm kinda pissed I didn't think of it first and gotten one for him on his birthday).
As I've previously stated, I would never have purchased such an item on my own volition. There are products that are wacky but also kind of serve a purpose, and there are products that exist solely because they can; this abomination is the latter. However, since I ended up with one anyway, I feel obligated to give it a review.
What: A fucking Snuggie
Purchased: I didn't, it was a gift, so to speak
Does it work as advertised: Uh, yeah.
The question here isn't whether or not it works; of course it works, it's a blanket with sleeves in it and it works like a blanket with sleeves in it. The thing is, my other blankets- you know, the ones without sleeves- work just as well. But in the interest of equal time, I suffered through the Snuggie last night while I watched television (aside: the weekly reviews have stopped, since we're nearing the end of the television season, and I'll be doing a big recap post once all the shows have finished for the season and know whether they've been renewed for next season; I know you all really care about that). It was almost unbearable.
First off, you can't help be feel ridiculous while wearing it. Blankets aren't supposed to be something you wear. Eventhough I was alone and all the blinds were shut, I could feel the world laughing at me. This was not a pleasent feeling.
Second, this thing is waaaaay to fucking big for a regular sized (or smaller) person. I know this because it fits me (like a robe) almost perfectly. Short people (ie- everyone else, as far as I'm concerned) would have a hell of a time "using" this damned thing. The sleeves are insanely wide, in so much as they might as well be pant legs. Yeah, you can still use your hands and move your arms, but there's so much material there, it just gets in the way. So you roll up the material to free you hands, which leaves you with a unwieldy mass of material, and at that point, you might as well take your hands out of the sleeves altogether, which, of course, would defeat the whole purpose.
So anyway, as expected, I'm not impressed. Its a product that exists because someone thought of it, and not because its actually useful. That said, I am glad that I own a Snuggie now so that I can wear it a random and inappropriate times to garner a cheap laugh. But as for regular, daily use, I'll stick with blanket 1.0. No need for the so-called upgrade.
As I've previously stated, I would never have purchased such an item on my own volition. There are products that are wacky but also kind of serve a purpose, and there are products that exist solely because they can; this abomination is the latter. However, since I ended up with one anyway, I feel obligated to give it a review.
What: A fucking Snuggie
Purchased: I didn't, it was a gift, so to speak
Does it work as advertised: Uh, yeah.
The question here isn't whether or not it works; of course it works, it's a blanket with sleeves in it and it works like a blanket with sleeves in it. The thing is, my other blankets- you know, the ones without sleeves- work just as well. But in the interest of equal time, I suffered through the Snuggie last night while I watched television (aside: the weekly reviews have stopped, since we're nearing the end of the television season, and I'll be doing a big recap post once all the shows have finished for the season and know whether they've been renewed for next season; I know you all really care about that). It was almost unbearable.
First off, you can't help be feel ridiculous while wearing it. Blankets aren't supposed to be something you wear. Eventhough I was alone and all the blinds were shut, I could feel the world laughing at me. This was not a pleasent feeling.
Second, this thing is waaaaay to fucking big for a regular sized (or smaller) person. I know this because it fits me (like a robe) almost perfectly. Short people (ie- everyone else, as far as I'm concerned) would have a hell of a time "using" this damned thing. The sleeves are insanely wide, in so much as they might as well be pant legs. Yeah, you can still use your hands and move your arms, but there's so much material there, it just gets in the way. So you roll up the material to free you hands, which leaves you with a unwieldy mass of material, and at that point, you might as well take your hands out of the sleeves altogether, which, of course, would defeat the whole purpose.
So anyway, as expected, I'm not impressed. Its a product that exists because someone thought of it, and not because its actually useful. That said, I am glad that I own a Snuggie now so that I can wear it a random and inappropriate times to garner a cheap laugh. But as for regular, daily use, I'll stick with blanket 1.0. No need for the so-called upgrade.
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