Thursday, April 30, 2009

Hey, remember me?

Wow, I almost forgot that I had this blog. Sorry readers, I'm just so gosh darn forgetful! Back to business like usual.

Not sure if any of you are aware but baseball season has finally begun, and I am as happy as a rabbit stuck in a carrot cake factory. It is also the time of the year that I slobber uncontrollably over the St. Louis Cardinals, the greatest gift ever given to mortal humans.

And so far so good.

The Cardinals have jumped out to a 15-7 record in the early goings of the year, 3.5 games up on second place Cincinnati. With a combination of pitching and offense - and a lack of defense - the Cardinals do not look like they will be slowing down any time soon... I'm more giddy than an A.D.D. kid in a candy shop!

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Randoms

http://el-smooterino.mybrute.com

No idea why, but this game is addicting. Become my warrior's pupils! You won't be disappointed.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

The Banter the Man Doesn't Want you to Read

Well fellow readers, the man is keeping me down. Tomorrow was to be one of the greatest banters of all-time, and my answer was nearly poetic in its beauty. Unfortunately, it could not run due to 'certain problems.' Here it is though, here is my answer to the banter, fully uncut.

Question: (Shortened) Blue Jays were forced to ban Alcohol sales at their game Tuesday due to rowdy, drunk fans on Monday. Would you go to a game if there were no alcohol sales?

Answer: Well, as I am underage, I have never tasted an alcoholic beverage in my life. I'm sure my experience will be just as good at the game without a cold tasty beverage in my hand. I mean, I've been told that beer is cold tasty... I wouldn't know. I'm sure I wouldn't have to be stumbily to enjoy my Cardinals... The Royals may be a different story,

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Seems I am Becoming Somewhat Respectable

Well, I wasn't expecting this so early in my writing career. Below is a feature article I did last Wednesday for the Daily Egyptian on women's tennis player Fadzai Mawisire. After that is an article The Southern did two days later, about the same thing. Tell me what you think...

My Article
http://tiny.cc/LCHfl


The Southern's Article
http://tiny.cc/M3qFR

Summary of the Week that was

1. U.S. got angry, beat up a small island-nation in a sport most of us do not care about.

Meant to write a recap of this on Thursday, but my schedule hates me. All I can say is that is how the Americans should play every game. After a near-embarrasing loss to El freakin' Salvador, America dismantled Trinidad and Tobago 3-0 in Nashville, Tenn. Wednesday. Jozy Altidore was sensational at Striker, scoring all three American goals. The 19-year-old proves he deserves to start for America, and shows what could be for America in the future.

2. My Final Four sucked.

Yeah, I'm guessing that my bracket will not be winning me any money this year. After losing UCLA in the first weekend, my bracket has never been the same. With the championship tomorrow, I have correctly picked one of the final four teams. Luckily, it was North Carolina, who I have winning the whole thing. I'll delve more into this topic tomorrow.

3. A higher being is out there to kill me

This has nothing to do with sports, but there is something out there that wants me dead. It all started this Friday, in what seemed was going to be an awesome night. A bit of broken glass later, I was in the hospital getting four stitches put into my thumb. I persevered, and went to the get-together anyway. Unfortunately, my friend headbutted me, and hit my nose instead. An excessive amount of blood loss later, I was in my room hiding in the fetal position, hoping no one could get to me. A recap: 4 stitches in my thumb, a bruised nose, losing at least 1 1/2 pints of blood. Overall. it was a good night.
Now Sunday, I go to the tennis match, as is my job. I get drilled with a freaking serve at around 80 mph. There is a spirit trying to kill me, and I don't know why. Anyhoo, enjoy the rest of your day!

Monday, March 30, 2009

We Didn't Lose to El Salvador!



Wow, what a turnaround that 20 minutes make in a soccer game.

The US men's soccer team didn't look like they could pull it off. Down 2-0 to El Salvador in the 72nd minute at San Salvador, El Salvador. It looked like it was all over, it was going to be the worse loss for the Americans against a regional rival. Hell, El Salvador is ranked 106th in the entire world and yet they almost beat us. Then America realized they should probably stop sucking.

Jozy Altidore decided to spark something, scoring in the 77th minute. Frankie Hejduk tied it up for America, scoring in the 88th minute. A tie was good enough, but Brian Ching tried for a little more.

Ching nearly scored two go-ahead scores in the 7 minutes of injury time. First with a shot on goal, then on a sweet bicycle kick on an unattended goal. Unfortunately, El Salvador's Mardoqueo Henriquez headed the ball away just in time.

So now the Americans are 1-0-1 in World Cup qualify North and Central American and Caribbean region. They lead the 6 teams with 4 points, and the tie not only saves national embarrassment, but gets them a little closer to their sixth straight World Cup. The Americans will play again this Wednesday at Nashville, Tenn. against Trinidad and Tobago (0-0-2). Hopefully being back on American soil will fire up the team and get the team a little closer to the World Cup.

Friday, March 27, 2009

The Decision Has Been Made

Thanks to everybody that voted in my poll this week. Unfortunately, I decided to ignore you votes, I'm choosing my own team!

Although the Chicago Fire were my second choice, I decided that I would be part of something new. I will be a fan of the third incarnation of the Seattle Sounders FC.

The choice really came down to being a part of the team from the beginning. I can be there for them during the growing pains, form long lasting memories that I'll tell my indifferent grandchildren about. I can be there when they win their first ever MLS cup. I am pumped for this, I will be ordering a jersey shortly.

Oh and they won their first match against Red Bull New York 3-0. I chose wisely.

Sunday, March 22, 2009

My Long Awaited Project Begins

This was sure to happen sooner or later. I have told myself that I would do this for the last year, but know it will be official. I am going to pick a soccer club and become a fan of it, blogging regularly about their success/heartbreak.

So who should I pick for this project? I have decided, why limit myself to just one team! The wonder of soccer is that are so many competitive leagues in the world, and rarely do they play each other. So back to the question, which team(s) should I follow?

After some careful thought, and analyzing the pros and cons of each teams. I have come to one of my decisions. From this time on, I will become a fan of Liverpool F.C.

After having watched their play in the last week, I have become a fan. They defeated both Real Madrid and rival Manchester United 4-0 in the last week. Then they dominated Aston Villa 5-0 yesterday, which puts them one point behind Man U for the lead in the English Premier League. Having watched 2 1/2 of these games, I have begun what should be a long and beautiful relationship.

I have yet to make a choice for an American team though. With Major League Soccer beginning to expand, I feel this is the right time to jump on a band-wagon for the long term. But whose will I jump on? I have five potential choices, and I ask you - my fellow readers to help me out. Which team should I follow? I'll reveal my pick later this week.



My new team

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Announcers and their self-righteousness

Just a quick hit today, but something occurred during the Seton Hall - Syracuse basketball game that reminded me of a common problem during my game viewing. Announcers and their overbearing preachiness and self-righteousness.

Among said during tonight's broadcast by an obviously disgusted broadcaster were "Just play the game, you're the embarrasing yourselves," and "No need to do that, he should be thrown out."

Why do the announcers take such a personal attachment to the games they are covered? Going back to Joe Buck's infamous "That's just sick" commentary as Randy Moss fake mooned Packer fans, announcers have told us how to feel about events occurring.

Maybe it is just me, but nothing gets more annoying than when an announcer gets on his soap box and critiques the current state of sports, or the actions of the the athletes. Let us viewers watch and decide how bad the actions are. You can disagree with the action announcers, but please stop being so indignant about the atrocity of such actions. The less preaching, the better.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Recap of SIUC, My Break

Hey, its Tuesday! I am recapping a game that happnend last Friday. My bad, been keeping busy over break. Anyhoo, here is view from the pep band, the first - and only appearance of this article.

So where do I begin about the SIU and Bradley game? Should I mention how Bradley went on a 25-7 run to end the first half? Or about how Kevin Dillard, the Salukis leading scorer, had a whopping zero points in the game? It was a case of almost every bad thing that could happen happening to the Salukis.

First some of the positive aspects. Tony Boyle carried the Salukis all he could in the second half, scoring a total of fifteen points in the losing effort. The senior did what he could after the Salukis fell behind by sixteen. Ryan Hare was also impressive, putting up 11 points and not fouling out in the game. With his shutdown defensive potential, a sign that he could score as well bodes well for Hare and all Saluki fans.

The bad? Well first of all, has anyone seen Kevin Dillard? He seems to have missed the team bus, and didn't show up at all to the game. Kidding of course, but it was discouraging to see a big 0 on the box score after the game. We all know Kevin Dillard is better than what he showed on Friday, and his improving passing abilities bode well for the future of this team.

It seems that playing with eight men finally hit the Salukis. The team seemed sluggish compared to the quicker Bradley squad. The defense came apart, and the Braves had no problem driving around their defenders. Which led either to easy baskets or fouls on Southern, which the whistle-happy refs were more than happy to do. The early foul trouble seemed to doom any future comeback. At least no Salukis fouled out.

So where do we all go from here? The Salukis lose Tony Boyle, Chrisian Cornelius, and Brian Mullins and leave with a young team full of potential. Hopefully a year of experience will help the Salukis, along with having a full squad. Tony Freeman will also be eligible to play next year, and the former Iowa Hawkeye starter looks to be a strong candidate for team senior leadership next year. Hopefully his 13.8 ppg carries over from Iowa.

As for me, I turn in my pep band passes. I still love band, but I cannot find the time to do it next year. So next year, I will either introduce my "Live from the Dawg Pound" or dare I say it "Live from Press Row"

Thursday, March 5, 2009

The World Baseball Classic, plus preview of new feature



Hello again readers - One week, four papers, two tests - and finals week is almost finished! I cannot wait to resume a non hectic life. Heck, I might even get back my social life.

Anyhoo, The World Baseball Classic started up again and you can practically feel the excitement. Oh wait, I forgot - no one in America cares about the Classic. No matter how much commissioner Bud Selig pushes his pet project, it will not catch on anytime soon.

The top American talents decline their bids, as former player Gary Sheffield stated in 2006, "The Yankees are paying me, not America."

So again, the players warm up for two weeks, then they are expected to compete at a high level and for national honor. They play is not crisp, and other countries have been practicing months before the Americans.

So what can America do to draw interest in the WBC? Here are a list of potential savers of interest.

1. Field the best players possible - The 2009 team may not be as bad as the 2006 team, but the potential could have been so much better. Of all the pitchers that could have represented America, and we have Ted Lilly, J.J. Putz and LaTroy Hawkins? There are good players yes, but there could have been so many better representatives.

2. Actually get far in the tournament - America's showing in the opening WBC could be called a dissapointment, to say the least. With losses against Mexico and a near loss against Canada, America showed themselves unprepared to represent their country. Maybe they'll be prepared this time around.

3. Don't televise games at 4 a.m. - You may not be aware, but the WBC actually started this morning. Japan defeated China this morning 4-0 in a game that was on ESPN 2 - at four in the morning. As much as people may love baseball, it is doubtful that anyone stayed up to watch this game.

Anyhoo, another quick note for my readers. I will be traveling to the Missouri Valley Conference in St. Louis tomorrow with the Saluki pep band. I will unleash my first "View from the Pep Band" tomorrow to provide an unique perspective of the game. This feature will continue until the Salukis lose their game. Look for that article in the late afternoon.

Friday, February 27, 2009

A busy week=Lack of updates

Hey fellow four readers. Did not realize how much my time would be taken up by school and the new job. Hopefully once I get settled in my job, and all my mid-terms are done, I can come back and share with you all my amazing opinions. Hell, even Maurice Clarett updates his blog more often than me.

This weekend I have to start writing two different papers, and read two books for my ENG. and JRNL class. Should have my opinion on the men's basketball game this Sunday

Thursday, February 19, 2009

SIU Basketball. Continuing to break hearts

Well, it almost happened again. The Saluki's mens basketball team was down by 20 points in the second half. Only this time, the opponent wasn't one of the elite Missouri Valley Conference teams-it was Indiana State. The same Indiana State below .500 and known as one of the bottom-feeders of the conference. A late rally helped salvage a little respect, but the truth has come out-the Salukis have hit rock bottom.

Everybody knew that it was going to be tough when Mullins went out with a stress fracture in his foot. It was made even tougher since only 8 players would be dressing for every game. To make matters even better, six of the eight players were Sophomores and younger. Sure, there is a lot of potential with the youngsters, but inexperience breeds inconsistency.

Take the Creighton game, the young Salukis shot an embarrassing 25.1% from the field in the first half. Surprisingly, they were down by 26 at half-time.

To recap, a home game against your hated rivals, and you get absolutely blown out. This coming after you were blown out by the best team in the conference.

What is saddest-there is no one to blame for it. The players are young, Lowery has recruited talented people and injuries are just a way of life in sports.

So where do we go from here? We count down the end of the season, see them probably lose in the play-in game of the MVC tournament and hope that next year goes better.

Monday, February 16, 2009

Update about lack of updates



Sorry all my fellow readers, due to my schedule, I have been too nonschalant about my updates. Anyway, here is a quick recap of topics that caught my interest.


1. US beats Mexico 2-0 in opening round 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification - CONCACAF Fourth Round.

Yah, America beat their rivals from the South in the begginging of the fourth round. On the heels of Midfielder Michael Bradley's two goals, America was able to win a deceptively closer game.

Sure it was a shut-out, but Mexico had chances that could have easily made the game at least 2-1 if not 2-2. A poor header and several other missed opportunities spelled the end of their search for victory on American soil for the first time in 10years.

America will next play El Salvador, and Mexico plays Costa Rica, both on March 28th. The Rivals play again August 12th, this time in Mexico.

2. SIU loses second game by 20+ points, this time to Arch-Rival Creighton.

Do not really have much to add to this one. Southern shot 25.1% from the field in the first half, while Creighton shot 57% for the entire game. An embarrassment all around.

Who can you really blame though? The team is dressing only eight players for the rest of the year, and six of the players are sophomores and younger. When you put together a larger workload, then add an already inconsistent squad, then you have a recipe for ugliness. Southern next plays Indiana State on Wednesday.

Alright everybody, I will try to keep the updates coming more frequently. See everybody soon. Before I forget, for your patience.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Alex Rodriguez tested positive for steriods once...



Just as Joe Torre's "A-Fraud" claim seemed the worst thing happening to his image, Sports Illustrated is reporting that Alex Rodriguez tested positive for two Anabolic steroids in 2003.
According to unnamed sources, Alex Rodriguez tested positive for Primobolan and Testoterone during the 2003 testing period, when MLB was determining reason to install drug testing. Rodriguez won the AL MVP and Home Run Title during his 2003 season with the Texas Rangers. Rodriguez has no comment on the issue.
So where does that lead us now. The arguably best player in baseball, and apparent challenger to Barry Bond's Home Run Title, was (won't comment on current) a steroid user. Should any of us be surprised though? MLB had no penalty installed at the time, so anybody could have been using and faced no repercussions. The allure of becoming a stronger athlete and recovering from injuries seems like it is too much for these athletes to deny.
A-Rod is just another in a long line of elite athletes who have been put into the steroid conundrum. It registers as a shock, yes, but how shocked can we be anymore that our favorite athletes juice. When given the opportunity to improve on their natural talent, the answer seems to be how. And A-Rod has always been narcissistic in his evaluation on his talent. As Joe Torre puts it in his new book, "The Yankee Years":
“Alex is all about the game,” Torre said. “He needs the game. He needs all of those statistics. He needs every record imaginable. And he needs people to make a fuss over him.”
Well, people will certainly be making a fuss about him now...

What could be the saddest part of all this-is that Jose Canseco was right again. The former teammate and professed steroid user accused A-Rod of steroid use in his book, Vindicated. Yes everybody-you live in a world where Jose Canseco is more often than not the voice of reason. Let that one sink in for awhile.

Monday, February 2, 2009

February 2, 2009. The day after...Super Bowl analysis




So who actually watching the whole game though that the Cardinals would come back and make it a game after their first drive in the second half? If you say you did, you are a dirty liar. After the 100 yard interception return for a Touchdown, and the Cardinals failure to do much of anything in the third quarter made it seem like it would be another mundane Super Bowl. But just when the Cardinals seemed like they were going away, they had to go and do something like that....AND TOTALLY REDEEM THEMSELVES! Now, I'll give an overview of the game, split into halves and half-time.

First Half: I'll be honest with you readers, I missed most of the first half. I saw the Steeler's first drive, then had to leave and head to my buddy's place 20 miles away. That's what I get for making a late trip to the rec center+"short" nap. HOWEVAH-I managed to pick up the game right as the Cardinals were about to score with 20 seconds left in the half. At least, that's what everybody who was watching the game though, too bad James Harrison had to be there and throw a monkey wrench in the plan, returning a pass 100 yards for a TD with 0 seconds on the clock.

Speaking of the play, what was Kurt Warner thinking on that pass?!? You have two elite wide recievers on your team, you have to throw it up and let them fight the defenders for them (As he did later with the Pope and Fitzgerald TD). Instead the Cardinals went with the slants, and Harrison jumped the route as if he were a mind reader. Anybody who claimed that they still believed in the Cardinals were still in the game at this point, please rise so I can call you a liar to your face.

Half Time score: Steelers - 17 Cardinals - 7

Half Time Show: "What time is it? It's BOSS TIME"

What an odd, wildly uneven ten minutes. After Bruce Demanded that we put down our "Guacamole" he proceeded to go into an overblown version of "Tenth Avenue Freezeout". I mean, really, do you need to have 20+ people in your band playing this schlock at once. Come on. Then Bruce decides to do a running knee-slide, which ends in him teabagging 90+ million people.
The rest of the show runs a little smoother, with classics such as "Born to Run". That was followed by what was possibly the cheesiest sketch ever, with Bruce being flagged for what I assume, being "awesome" The concert ends with a shameless plug of Bruce's new song, which I'm sure about 40 people who watched cared about.
Overall a dissapointing performance by the Boss. Then again, I was never much of a fan.
Score: A field goal

Second Half: Well, I won't refresh much of the Third quarter, considering nothing happened. Fourth Quarter made up for it though, as the Steelers come back in the last minute and beat the Arizona Cardinals 27-23. Heartbreaking for Cardinal fans, great for everybody else!

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Late Super Bowl Prediction


Not sure if anybody is aware, but the Super Bowl is being played right now. (Well, actually Bruce Springsteen just slid into a camera...) I'll call it now though, Pittsburgh holds the lead, and they beat the Arizona Cardinals by 27-20. I base this on absolutely nothing. I'll wager $5 to my first commenter that this does indeed happen.

Saturday, January 31, 2009

First Post

Oh hey, I didn't see you there. I'm Ryan Voyles and you are reading the first of what I assume will be hundreds of thousands posts that will appear on my little homely blog.
As is required by my Sports Writing Class, I will be giving my opinions on upcoming sporting events and games. Maybe I'll even give recaps on the things you may have missed.
Through the coming months, I hope to update the site daily with fun tibids and maybe even some pop-culture and movie reviews, if my professor is cool with that.
Anyway, hope to have this thing fully running by around Monday... Hope you'll check me out-I mean the blog...of course

January 31, 2009. The birth of the greatest Blog...ever