Whats goin on. Ever have one of those lazy days where you don't feel like doing anything? Happens all too often to me and a favorite pastime of mine is to watch montages on youtube.
WHY? WHY do I love montages so much?
When am I not trying to watch, great sports moments set to solid tunes?
Today I have done my research and picked some of my favorite montages of all-time to share.
Sit back and enjoy.
Lance Armstrong Montage:
My favortie single sports athlete of all-time. For many years in a row I would get up early to watch the Texan tap away on his pedals to seven Tour de France victories while overcoming a life-threatening illness. His triumph is among the greatest in sports history and he remains as one of my idols.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Kif_S8wwRRs
Gus Johnson Montage:
Sometimes its not a video, but an audio montage that gets the job done. Gus Johnson is college basketball and this montage features some of the best calls and moments in the past five years. He is simply the best there is.
http://media.putfile.com/GJ-Mix
Ted Ginn Jr.:
Over the past three season you don't remember Ted Ginn Jr. being this dominant, but this montage is a grand reminder of how good he really was as an OSU Buckeye. Six minutes and 31 seconds of 4.3 speed, bowl winning catches and oh yeah...the punt return against scUM. Great song too, makes the video. Keep in mind, this video doesn't even include highlights from 2007.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGyrgqOKZLg
USA Soccer:
Respect to the 2007 Gold Cup Champions. Good Luck to the Under-20 team. Although we wet the bed in the 2006 World Cup, this team has come father in six months than I have ever seen. Johnson, Beasley, Adu, Altidore, Donovan, Feilhaber and Dempsey will become known in 2010 when this team is one of the world's best in 2010. Or sooner in the 08 olympics and 09 Confeds Cup.This vid got me hype before we beat Mexico in the Gold Cup Final.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5L_DPDAC-CE&mode=related&search=
Thats it for now, more to come.
KIR
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
1st Half Thoughts
Well boys and girls it’s All-Star time again. Time to reflect on a very successful first half that culminated in a disappointing fashion, with consecutive series losses. It’s 7 in the morning; forgive me if I’m still a bit peeved. Nevertheless, the tribe holds the wildcard lead. It’s lovely to have an Indians team in serious contention. Will this playoff dream become a reality for the first time since 2001? Let’s take a step back before taking a step forward with Rosen’s first half thoughts.
· Biggest surprise: Bar none Victor Martinez. Amazing job by the V-Mart this year, I had him dead wrong. My frustration with Victor always stemmed from the lack of power. If a cleanup hitter only knocks around 15 homers a season, a major problem exists. Well better late then never as Vic’s power has been in full effect all year. Not to mention the clutch hitting and consistency, the latter a Martinez staple for many years. I missed the boat on Victor this time and I anticipate another big second half.
· Biggest disappointment: Travis Hafner. How informative has this blog been! Another obvious choice here and this one stings badly. I’m a firm proponent of rooting for the uniform over the player and this will never change. On this end though I must admit that the Pronk is my favorite player and I want to see him successful. My biggest issue is his approach. He doesn’t seem to be attacking the ball in clutch situations nor is he looking for a single. Too many big swings, not the same Hafner. Look no further then his stats with runners in scoring position through Saturday: .172 (15-for-87, 37 RBI). Ouch. It’s fair to assume he will rebound in the second half. I’m just not confident enough at this time to predict any sort of huge finish. I guess he dented this wannabe child’s heart just a bit.
· Game of the year: Easily the Tribe’s astounding 9th inning comeback victory over the Tigers. Significant for many reasons including that David Dellucci actually delivered with a game-winning single. Beating the Tigers is fun but winning this game in Cleveland was better. I exclaimed on that evening that, “The magic is back” to anybody and everybody that cared. Perhaps our strong home record indicates something special about this season. Maybe the Tribe will have at least a .500 road record in the 2nd half. Then we’d really be in business.
· Tribe’s continuity pleasing: Many teams have solid clubhouses and more have major issues. This bunch sure seems to be at the top of that first group. I love the fact that every home victory ends with a pie in the face, (during the STO post game interview). Normal teams do not do this. A lack of leadership bothered me about last year’s team, now I’m not so concerned. It has to be my least favorite player, Trot Nixon. He still has a job and it has nothing to do with his on-field performance.
· Trot part 2: Every team, every season, one person to loathe. I cannot help my hatred for Trot Nixon, he just seems done to me. The guy cannot hit a fastball anymore, moves worse then myself after an extra value meal, and doesn’t see more then three pitches in an at bat. Now I respect his effort and extol his leadership efforts but it’s not enough. He will not rebound at all in the second half and is either still really hurt or the game has passed him. I think it’s a little of both, but he has no business starting multiple times a week.
· Lack of fans at the Jake: This is sad but only slightly. The reality is that Larry Dolan has not proved a willingness to spend enough money at any point in time (minus 2001) to motivate the disturbed Cleveland fans. It’s early and I expect fans to show up in August and September for the pennant race. Furthermore, expect fans to support this team in 08 from the beginning, if the tribe plays meaningful baseball in October.
· Prognosis slightly negative: Looking at the second half, I do not expect the Tribe to win the central. I have concerns about the 2-man bullpen of Joe Borowski and Rafi Betancourt. An injury to either could be extremely problematic. I love the starting pitching but the offense concerns me along with the pen. Lack of corner outfield production scares me. I’m not sold on Pronk dominating the second season. Without at least a veteran back-end reliever and/or an outfield bat, the central race may end sooner then expected. The Tigers were my World Series pick and that teams rolling all the way to the best record in baseball. Expect the Tribe to contend the whole season and stay the favorite. Maybe it’s too early in the morning, but I’m also not ready to anoint the kids of the Cuyahoga as playoff participants.
Now it is finally time for my break. Not saying I’m an All-Star but I’m just as deserving as Grady Sizemore this year. Grady has money, girls and isn’t bitter though. He wins.
Well boys and girls it’s All-Star time again. Time to reflect on a very successful first half that culminated in a disappointing fashion, with consecutive series losses. It’s 7 in the morning; forgive me if I’m still a bit peeved. Nevertheless, the tribe holds the wildcard lead. It’s lovely to have an Indians team in serious contention. Will this playoff dream become a reality for the first time since 2001? Let’s take a step back before taking a step forward with Rosen’s first half thoughts.
· Biggest surprise: Bar none Victor Martinez. Amazing job by the V-Mart this year, I had him dead wrong. My frustration with Victor always stemmed from the lack of power. If a cleanup hitter only knocks around 15 homers a season, a major problem exists. Well better late then never as Vic’s power has been in full effect all year. Not to mention the clutch hitting and consistency, the latter a Martinez staple for many years. I missed the boat on Victor this time and I anticipate another big second half.
· Biggest disappointment: Travis Hafner. How informative has this blog been! Another obvious choice here and this one stings badly. I’m a firm proponent of rooting for the uniform over the player and this will never change. On this end though I must admit that the Pronk is my favorite player and I want to see him successful. My biggest issue is his approach. He doesn’t seem to be attacking the ball in clutch situations nor is he looking for a single. Too many big swings, not the same Hafner. Look no further then his stats with runners in scoring position through Saturday: .172 (15-for-87, 37 RBI). Ouch. It’s fair to assume he will rebound in the second half. I’m just not confident enough at this time to predict any sort of huge finish. I guess he dented this wannabe child’s heart just a bit.
· Game of the year: Easily the Tribe’s astounding 9th inning comeback victory over the Tigers. Significant for many reasons including that David Dellucci actually delivered with a game-winning single. Beating the Tigers is fun but winning this game in Cleveland was better. I exclaimed on that evening that, “The magic is back” to anybody and everybody that cared. Perhaps our strong home record indicates something special about this season. Maybe the Tribe will have at least a .500 road record in the 2nd half. Then we’d really be in business.
· Tribe’s continuity pleasing: Many teams have solid clubhouses and more have major issues. This bunch sure seems to be at the top of that first group. I love the fact that every home victory ends with a pie in the face, (during the STO post game interview). Normal teams do not do this. A lack of leadership bothered me about last year’s team, now I’m not so concerned. It has to be my least favorite player, Trot Nixon. He still has a job and it has nothing to do with his on-field performance.
· Trot part 2: Every team, every season, one person to loathe. I cannot help my hatred for Trot Nixon, he just seems done to me. The guy cannot hit a fastball anymore, moves worse then myself after an extra value meal, and doesn’t see more then three pitches in an at bat. Now I respect his effort and extol his leadership efforts but it’s not enough. He will not rebound at all in the second half and is either still really hurt or the game has passed him. I think it’s a little of both, but he has no business starting multiple times a week.
· Lack of fans at the Jake: This is sad but only slightly. The reality is that Larry Dolan has not proved a willingness to spend enough money at any point in time (minus 2001) to motivate the disturbed Cleveland fans. It’s early and I expect fans to show up in August and September for the pennant race. Furthermore, expect fans to support this team in 08 from the beginning, if the tribe plays meaningful baseball in October.
· Prognosis slightly negative: Looking at the second half, I do not expect the Tribe to win the central. I have concerns about the 2-man bullpen of Joe Borowski and Rafi Betancourt. An injury to either could be extremely problematic. I love the starting pitching but the offense concerns me along with the pen. Lack of corner outfield production scares me. I’m not sold on Pronk dominating the second season. Without at least a veteran back-end reliever and/or an outfield bat, the central race may end sooner then expected. The Tigers were my World Series pick and that teams rolling all the way to the best record in baseball. Expect the Tribe to contend the whole season and stay the favorite. Maybe it’s too early in the morning, but I’m also not ready to anoint the kids of the Cuyahoga as playoff participants.
Now it is finally time for my break. Not saying I’m an All-Star but I’m just as deserving as Grady Sizemore this year. Grady has money, girls and isn’t bitter though. He wins.
Monday, July 9, 2007
I'm Still Bitter
I stumbled across this article on Yahoo! Sports during my daily devouring of sports news and it's actually very ironic that I did. This article talks about the tragic events that happened exactly one year ago today. To say the least, I am still not over them.
Zinedine Zidane - my favorite soccer player since I have been 12 years old - was famously ejected from France's World Cup Final loss to Italy one year ago today, July 9, 2006. Zidane, who was later named the tournaments best player despite the now famous incident, has since retired from professional soccer, that being his last game.
Now I have said from the beginning, there is no way in hell Zidane was not provoked by Materazzi, as a player of "Zizou's" stature would not lose his composure like that otherwise. It has since come out that Zidane's mother was hospitalized that day and Materazzi said something regarding her situation. (For those who can't understand the magnitude of this single play, it would be like Michael Jordan head butting Byron Russel in the Game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals instead of hitting the game winning shot)
Anyways, Italian soccer players continue to impress me with their abundant amount of class. What happened, happened. Get over yourselves. Talking trash for a Euro 2008 qualifying match does not make you cool. You guys won under ***CHEAP*** circumstances, and you will never change my mind otherwise.
(The article mentions a fall rematch of the teams, and it's on September 8. 2007. If you want to see some intense soccer do not miss this game!)
Back to where I started though, I think it's funny how I reflect on certain dates of the year that have importance to me when it comes to sports. Just to mention a few:
January 3rd - GREAT DAY. I don't care what happens to me on that day each year, it will be a glorious one no matter what. I annually throw in my OSU-UMiami DVD with a bowl of popcorn and relive each play with the same eagerness that I had back in 2003 (like I don't even know what happens??).
January 8th/9th - Very bad day(s). Two of the worst day's of my life. I was there. I traveled across the country to see that. In fact, I really don't even like talking about it now six months later because so many different and descriptive expletives are running through my mind (Wow, almost EXACTLY six months later. Do I hear twilight zone music in the background?). The events that happened on those days this year were bad enough to annually ruin 2 days, not just the normal one. Every Jan. 8th/9th from now on will be shitty. There is just no way around it.
April 2nd - see above.
P.S. 54 days til OSU vs. YSU
P.S.S. I can't believe I am actually excited for a game that will be over before it even starts.
-Gabe Norris
Zinedine Zidane - my favorite soccer player since I have been 12 years old - was famously ejected from France's World Cup Final loss to Italy one year ago today, July 9, 2006. Zidane, who was later named the tournaments best player despite the now famous incident, has since retired from professional soccer, that being his last game.
Now I have said from the beginning, there is no way in hell Zidane was not provoked by Materazzi, as a player of "Zizou's" stature would not lose his composure like that otherwise. It has since come out that Zidane's mother was hospitalized that day and Materazzi said something regarding her situation. (For those who can't understand the magnitude of this single play, it would be like Michael Jordan head butting Byron Russel in the Game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals instead of hitting the game winning shot)
Anyways, Italian soccer players continue to impress me with their abundant amount of class. What happened, happened. Get over yourselves. Talking trash for a Euro 2008 qualifying match does not make you cool. You guys won under ***CHEAP*** circumstances, and you will never change my mind otherwise.
(The article mentions a fall rematch of the teams, and it's on September 8. 2007. If you want to see some intense soccer do not miss this game!)
Back to where I started though, I think it's funny how I reflect on certain dates of the year that have importance to me when it comes to sports. Just to mention a few:
January 3rd - GREAT DAY. I don't care what happens to me on that day each year, it will be a glorious one no matter what. I annually throw in my OSU-UMiami DVD with a bowl of popcorn and relive each play with the same eagerness that I had back in 2003 (like I don't even know what happens??).
January 8th/9th - Very bad day(s). Two of the worst day's of my life. I was there. I traveled across the country to see that. In fact, I really don't even like talking about it now six months later because so many different and descriptive expletives are running through my mind (Wow, almost EXACTLY six months later. Do I hear twilight zone music in the background?). The events that happened on those days this year were bad enough to annually ruin 2 days, not just the normal one. Every Jan. 8th/9th from now on will be shitty. There is just no way around it.
April 2nd - see above.
P.S. 54 days til OSU vs. YSU
P.S.S. I can't believe I am actually excited for a game that will be over before it even starts.
-Gabe Norris
Friday, July 6, 2007
Random Thoughts ...
Even though most people in the sports business label this part of the year as the slowest, I personally enjoy the summer months as there are still some really great sporting events going on. You of course have Major League Baseball really hitting its stride after the all star break, as well as the NFL and College Football right around the corner. Here are some things that I am following right now to get me through the summer:
The Tour de France will be starting up soon and even though it will probably surprise some of you, this is an event that I have always enjoyed following. This may be due to the recent American domination -- nonethless, you have to respect what they are putting themselves through. Here is a great article that may help sway your opinion if you think otherwise. The part that really gets me about this year's competition is that, they are starting the race in London and will be commemorating the London bombings from two years ago. Classy.
The US favorite for the event is Levi Leipheimer. Here's to another US victory!
Here is an outstanding article in my opinion on Oden and Conley going to the NBA and finally having to separate ways. I fell in love with these guys along with the entire 06-07 OSU Basketball team (minus Daequan) and am looking forward to following both of their NBA careers.
It's also good to see that another former Buckeye, Ron Lewis, is going to get his shot at making it in the league. This week, he was signed by the Houston Rockets to play in the NBA's summer league and will have to impress to make Houston's roster for next year. I have been telling anyone who will listen for months now that there is no question in my mind that Ron has the skills to play in the NBA (see Xavier game, both Tennessee games, the North Carolina game, and his game clinching block against Wisky), he just needs a team to give him a chance. I've watched this guy play every game the past two years and he definitely has what it takes to be at least a solid bench player in the NBA.
Andy Roddick just lost to some French guy at Wimbledon. Quit playin games with my heart Andy!!!!! This was suppose to be your year to take down Roger!
In closing, I am going to rant a little bit about ESPN. Now, I know that they are doing the best that they can up in Bristol, but for god's sake WHAT WERE YOU GUYS THINKING WITH THE " WHO'S NOW " segment? This is quite possibly the dumbest thing that has ever been put on television. This is such a big turnoff from ESPN to all true sports fans. I have never willingly wanted to change the channel from Sportscenter before this. In fact, I would rather watch WNBA highlights than the "Who's Now" thing.
I can't believe I just said that.
Anyways, words cannot even begin to describe how much I hate this segment. Every time it comes on I seriously consider throwing something at my TV out of pure anger. Wow. Whoever thought of "Let's have a totally hypothetical athlete popularity contest and stick it into a march madness style bracket" needs to be fired. NEWSFLASH to ESPN: Stick with what got you there -- highlights, and analysis.
-Gabe Norris
The US favorite for the event is Levi Leipheimer. Here's to another US victory!
Here is an outstanding article in my opinion on Oden and Conley going to the NBA and finally having to separate ways. I fell in love with these guys along with the entire 06-07 OSU Basketball team (minus Daequan) and am looking forward to following both of their NBA careers.
One more year couldn't have been that bad could it guys? We would have gone undefeated!!!
It's also good to see that another former Buckeye, Ron Lewis, is going to get his shot at making it in the league. This week, he was signed by the Houston Rockets to play in the NBA's summer league and will have to impress to make Houston's roster for next year. I have been telling anyone who will listen for months now that there is no question in my mind that Ron has the skills to play in the NBA (see Xavier game, both Tennessee games, the North Carolina game, and his game clinching block against Wisky), he just needs a team to give him a chance. I've watched this guy play every game the past two years and he definitely has what it takes to be at least a solid bench player in the NBA.
Andy Roddick just lost to some French guy at Wimbledon. Quit playin games with my heart Andy!!!!! This was suppose to be your year to take down Roger!
In closing, I am going to rant a little bit about ESPN. Now, I know that they are doing the best that they can up in Bristol, but for god's sake WHAT WERE YOU GUYS THINKING WITH THE " WHO'S NOW " segment? This is quite possibly the dumbest thing that has ever been put on television. This is such a big turnoff from ESPN to all true sports fans. I have never willingly wanted to change the channel from Sportscenter before this. In fact, I would rather watch WNBA highlights than the "Who's Now" thing.
I can't believe I just said that.
Anyways, words cannot even begin to describe how much I hate this segment. Every time it comes on I seriously consider throwing something at my TV out of pure anger. Wow. Whoever thought of "Let's have a totally hypothetical athlete popularity contest and stick it into a march madness style bracket" needs to be fired. NEWSFLASH to ESPN: Stick with what got you there -- highlights, and analysis.
-Gabe Norris
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Rosen's Rumblings: 7/3/02 edition
Rosen’s Daily Rumblings
Sizemore an all-star?
This is new folks, an undeserving Indian making the all-star team. Grady is on his way to a fine career with several all-star appearances (last year was deserved) but this makes little sense. Despite being tied for 3rd in the league in runs scored with 67, Grady strikes out to much and continues to struggle against lefties. Surprisingly, Gary Sheffield was not elected by his own manager, despite having a better batting average and more homeruns and rbi’s then Grady. While Sizemore is one of only three players that can be used in center, it’s slightly shameful to see a player go who hasn’t had an outstanding year make the team. Of course it’s even more pathetic that two centerfielders (Torii Hunter and Ichiro Suzuki) cannot split the whole game in this day and age. Back to the point though, Grady may be an Indian, but after Travis Hafner’s snub a year ago, I hate to see players make the team who aren’t justified to attend. Perhaps Jim Leyland was influenced by his appeal and potential, rather then by his play on the field.
Add Ichiro to the list of Cleveland’s most hated:
This came out around three weeks ago and I’m still irate at Ichiro for his negative comments about Cleveland. For those that missed it, Ichiro commented through an interpreter that, "To tell the truth, I'm not excited to go to Cleveland, but we have to," "If I ever saw myself saying I'm excited going to Cleveland, I'd punch myself in the face, because I'm lying." Hilarious. All I can say is that Ichiro is a great player with ample media attention and a whole region of this earth in his corner. Hopefully, in the time he’s been here he has learned a few four letter words. Next time he enters Cleveland; he’ll learn a few more words and may contemplate enhanced security. I certainly do not condone violence but… let’s just say I won’t be upset the next time something happens negatively in his life. If you hate on my city, I wish you nothing but the worst. At least the M’s lost Grover and I look forward to a collapse at some point this season. Think 95’ Angels: young, talented, and destined to fall apart with a poor rotation.
Wishful thinking for courageous Bentley:
Amazing developments out of Berea: Injured Browns center LeCharles Bentley told the Plain Dealer in an exclusive interview that he plans to attend training camp, in hopes of starting the season opener versus Pittsburgh. Bentley tore his left patella tendon on the first day of contact drills, during training camp last July, and has been out ever since. He also revealed that he had four surgeries, rather then the two previously reported. The most amazing aspect of this story: Bentley stated that New York Giants team Physician Russell Warren advised him that he should retire and that, “he basically bet his license that I'd never play football again." So much for the value of a doctor’s license. It’s premature to expect Bentley to return by opening day, but that is far from the story here. Bentley’s tireless effort to, “fulfill my promise to Browns fans to come back and help this team win," proves that the Browns made the right decision in shelling out the do on Bentley. His presence alone should motivate every player to bust their rear ends on every play. Great for LeCharles, great for the players, great for the Cleveland sports fans. No matter what happens, his place is permanently enshrined as my favorite player ever to come out of St.Ignatuius high school. So now there’s LeCharles, Anthony Gonzalez and a slew of people I’m never going to like.
That’s all I have for July 3rd, 2007. Look out for these blogs on Ohio.FM in a short period of time. Looking forward to the Tribe and Tigers. By the way, it’s 10:28 AM EST and we still own Michigan.
Sizemore an all-star?
This is new folks, an undeserving Indian making the all-star team. Grady is on his way to a fine career with several all-star appearances (last year was deserved) but this makes little sense. Despite being tied for 3rd in the league in runs scored with 67, Grady strikes out to much and continues to struggle against lefties. Surprisingly, Gary Sheffield was not elected by his own manager, despite having a better batting average and more homeruns and rbi’s then Grady. While Sizemore is one of only three players that can be used in center, it’s slightly shameful to see a player go who hasn’t had an outstanding year make the team. Of course it’s even more pathetic that two centerfielders (Torii Hunter and Ichiro Suzuki) cannot split the whole game in this day and age. Back to the point though, Grady may be an Indian, but after Travis Hafner’s snub a year ago, I hate to see players make the team who aren’t justified to attend. Perhaps Jim Leyland was influenced by his appeal and potential, rather then by his play on the field.
Add Ichiro to the list of Cleveland’s most hated:
This came out around three weeks ago and I’m still irate at Ichiro for his negative comments about Cleveland. For those that missed it, Ichiro commented through an interpreter that, "To tell the truth, I'm not excited to go to Cleveland, but we have to," "If I ever saw myself saying I'm excited going to Cleveland, I'd punch myself in the face, because I'm lying." Hilarious. All I can say is that Ichiro is a great player with ample media attention and a whole region of this earth in his corner. Hopefully, in the time he’s been here he has learned a few four letter words. Next time he enters Cleveland; he’ll learn a few more words and may contemplate enhanced security. I certainly do not condone violence but… let’s just say I won’t be upset the next time something happens negatively in his life. If you hate on my city, I wish you nothing but the worst. At least the M’s lost Grover and I look forward to a collapse at some point this season. Think 95’ Angels: young, talented, and destined to fall apart with a poor rotation.
Wishful thinking for courageous Bentley:
Amazing developments out of Berea: Injured Browns center LeCharles Bentley told the Plain Dealer in an exclusive interview that he plans to attend training camp, in hopes of starting the season opener versus Pittsburgh. Bentley tore his left patella tendon on the first day of contact drills, during training camp last July, and has been out ever since. He also revealed that he had four surgeries, rather then the two previously reported. The most amazing aspect of this story: Bentley stated that New York Giants team Physician Russell Warren advised him that he should retire and that, “he basically bet his license that I'd never play football again." So much for the value of a doctor’s license. It’s premature to expect Bentley to return by opening day, but that is far from the story here. Bentley’s tireless effort to, “fulfill my promise to Browns fans to come back and help this team win," proves that the Browns made the right decision in shelling out the do on Bentley. His presence alone should motivate every player to bust their rear ends on every play. Great for LeCharles, great for the players, great for the Cleveland sports fans. No matter what happens, his place is permanently enshrined as my favorite player ever to come out of St.Ignatuius high school. So now there’s LeCharles, Anthony Gonzalez and a slew of people I’m never going to like.
That’s all I have for July 3rd, 2007. Look out for these blogs on Ohio.FM in a short period of time. Looking forward to the Tribe and Tigers. By the way, it’s 10:28 AM EST and we still own Michigan.
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