Sigh.... is it weird that at halftime I thought we'd blow that lead? FYI, today's bag will be abbreviated; a Baylor wrap, and some quick thoughts on the Pro Bowl. The weather is nasty, and real work will take precedence.
Follow below for today's (weather shortened) Bag...
Monday, January 31, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
Site News: New Logo is live!
The new logo is finished! Bask in its awesomeness! Big thanks to my buddy Cameron and his brother for putting this together for me. Fucking fantastic effort!
Friday Beer Post: My go-to beers
In basketball you have go-to players. The guys you know will get the ball on key possessions when the team needs a bucket. Since I'm a lazy couch potato, I have go-to beers. As a creature of habit, when I'm in certain situations I tend to go with what I know and like. It's not even necessarily a taste thing; sometime you just go with what you've always had. Here are a few of my must have beers in the corresponding situations.
Buffs Gameday - Buff Gold, Boulder Beer - I'll admit, if there wasn't a buffalo on the label I'd have found a different beer by now. It's shallow, to be sure, but marketing sometimes works on me. Either way, the beer is decent, and it's a must for me on a gameday. I make no apologies. Buff Gold is a rather average (maybe even below-average) gold ale, and is only something I drink out of tradition.
Victory Cigar - Alaskan Amber, Alaskan Brewing - It's become a tradition for me and a few friends to enjoy a victory cigar after every home football win and any big home basketball wins (for example, victory cigar after Mizzou, but not Okie St). With that cigar, I usually want to enjoy a manhattan, but if I go the beer route, I'll always take an Alaskan Amber. The place I go, Johnny's Cigars, has a limited beer selection, but anything Alaskan is enjoyable, and their staple Amber is fantastic.
Random trip to the Dark Horse - Hazed and Infused, Boulder Beer - This goes way back to the days when I may or may not have been drinking at the Horse while under 21 (*cough*, *cough*). Hazed was the first American Pale Ale I ever tasted, and I've stuck with that beer paired with that location ever since. On my first tasting, I was amazed with the flavor and aroma dry-hopping can impart on beer. That dry-hopped nature got me hooked on the first sip, and Hazed has stayed a personal favorite ever since.
Playing a game of softball - Upslope Pale Ale, Upslope Brewing - On nights when I bring beer for my softball team (go Rangers!), I want to bring something a whole hell of a lot better than the Light Lagers that are so un-Godly popular. Since no bottles are allowed at the fields, I have to find something in a can. Last year, that beer was Upslope's staple Pale Ale. Their use of Patagonia hops brings a flavor that is unique to the brewery, and one I'm fascinated with. It's perfect for quenching my thirst after running the bases.
Beer-pong - Blue Moon (in a can), Coors Brewing - I mentioned this last week, but my official beer pong beer is Blue Moon (in a can). It's considered heresy amongst some beer geeks to play pong, but beer is all about having a good time, and what's better than a random game of pong with friends? I'm not talking cut throat, frat-house tournaments here, it's about enjoying a Friday evening. I think it's the perfect pong beer; it's got enough flavor to remind me that I'm actually drinking beer, without being too heavy to drink after a game or two. I like to keep a few oranges on hand, and drip a little juice in each cup before consuming; thereby enhancing the belgian white's distinct orange-backed flavor.
Dinner with friends - Anything from Stone Brewing - I was a passionate Stone fan long before this guy started working there. It certainly doesn't hurt "knowing a guy" now. Stone's impressive Arrogant Bastard has long been my favorite beer on the planet. Intense, hoppy, and, above all else, arrogant, I'm happy to have an AB in just about any situation; it's my ultimate "go-to" beer. Other stuff from Stone, like their IPA or their fantastically dark Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale, are also very welcome at my table when entertaining or visiting friends for dinner.
Happy Friday!
Buffs Gameday - Buff Gold, Boulder Beer - I'll admit, if there wasn't a buffalo on the label I'd have found a different beer by now. It's shallow, to be sure, but marketing sometimes works on me. Either way, the beer is decent, and it's a must for me on a gameday. I make no apologies. Buff Gold is a rather average (maybe even below-average) gold ale, and is only something I drink out of tradition.
Victory Cigar - Alaskan Amber, Alaskan Brewing - It's become a tradition for me and a few friends to enjoy a victory cigar after every home football win and any big home basketball wins (for example, victory cigar after Mizzou, but not Okie St). With that cigar, I usually want to enjoy a manhattan, but if I go the beer route, I'll always take an Alaskan Amber. The place I go, Johnny's Cigars, has a limited beer selection, but anything Alaskan is enjoyable, and their staple Amber is fantastic.
 |
| An Alaskan Amber with a victory cigar means the Buffs just did well. |
Random trip to the Dark Horse - Hazed and Infused, Boulder Beer - This goes way back to the days when I may or may not have been drinking at the Horse while under 21 (*cough*, *cough*). Hazed was the first American Pale Ale I ever tasted, and I've stuck with that beer paired with that location ever since. On my first tasting, I was amazed with the flavor and aroma dry-hopping can impart on beer. That dry-hopped nature got me hooked on the first sip, and Hazed has stayed a personal favorite ever since.
Playing a game of softball - Upslope Pale Ale, Upslope Brewing - On nights when I bring beer for my softball team (go Rangers!), I want to bring something a whole hell of a lot better than the Light Lagers that are so un-Godly popular. Since no bottles are allowed at the fields, I have to find something in a can. Last year, that beer was Upslope's staple Pale Ale. Their use of Patagonia hops brings a flavor that is unique to the brewery, and one I'm fascinated with. It's perfect for quenching my thirst after running the bases.
 |
| Canned beers are perfect for outdoor activities, and this Pale Ale does the trick for softball. |
Beer-pong - Blue Moon (in a can), Coors Brewing - I mentioned this last week, but my official beer pong beer is Blue Moon (in a can). It's considered heresy amongst some beer geeks to play pong, but beer is all about having a good time, and what's better than a random game of pong with friends? I'm not talking cut throat, frat-house tournaments here, it's about enjoying a Friday evening. I think it's the perfect pong beer; it's got enough flavor to remind me that I'm actually drinking beer, without being too heavy to drink after a game or two. I like to keep a few oranges on hand, and drip a little juice in each cup before consuming; thereby enhancing the belgian white's distinct orange-backed flavor.
Dinner with friends - Anything from Stone Brewing - I was a passionate Stone fan long before this guy started working there. It certainly doesn't hurt "knowing a guy" now. Stone's impressive Arrogant Bastard has long been my favorite beer on the planet. Intense, hoppy, and, above all else, arrogant, I'm happy to have an AB in just about any situation; it's my ultimate "go-to" beer. Other stuff from Stone, like their IPA or their fantastically dark Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale, are also very welcome at my table when entertaining or visiting friends for dinner.
 |
| AB is my ultimate go-to beer. |
Happy Friday!
Quick-Post: Cory Higgins playing through pain
Interesting article in the Post yesterday. It details all of the bumps and bruises that Cory Higgins has been playing through this season. (BTW, I had no idea this was going on. Concussion? Bruised kidney? Where was I when this happened?) Cory's the rock that the program is built upon right now, and it's awesome that that rock goes out there every night at battles his ass off, regardless of how he's feeling. He's a great example for the younger talent.
Key quote: "It wasn't an easy thing, but I felt like I battled through it the best that I could, and I felt like I was still helping the team some way even if it wasn't scoring." Could you ask for anything more from a key player battling through some injury problems?
If I was a lot meaner, I'd be saying something about Jay Cutler learning a thing or two about playing through pain right about now.
Key quote: "It wasn't an easy thing, but I felt like I battled through it the best that I could, and I felt like I was still helping the team some way even if it wasn't scoring." Could you ask for anything more from a key player battling through some injury problems?
If I was a lot meaner, I'd be saying something about Jay Cutler learning a thing or two about playing through pain right about now.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Quick-Post: Big 8 Family Portrait
The always entertaining "Every Day Should be Saturday" blog gives us this link today. It leads to cool piece on Uniwatch full of awesome 1969 anthropomorphic renderings of college football mascots. These being from the 1969, CU is included in the "Big 8" picture.
It's fun to see this sort of thing, especially in the light of the conference switch. We've been associated with the other 7 teams in the postcard for over 50 years, and us leaving is "breaking up the family." I'm not saying I'm going to miss them, I'm just saying that its a little hard to see all the history with those schools end.
I realize I'm no where near as creative or funny as the guys at EDSBS, but, after spending an inordinate amount of time looking at the portrait, I've decided that this is a good interpretation of the renderings:
CU: The tough, noble Buffalo is pissed off because the others "harshed my buzz, dude." As a result he's headed west where people "totally get it, man."
Iowa State: It looks to me as if the bird is about to cry. No one cares about him, and no one ever will. "Won't someone pay attention to me, please? I swear I'll never cause a fuss, just include me and I'll be happy."
Kansas: The circus chicken is obviously on cocaine experimenting with cocaine and meth to pass the dreary months until basketball season. He's also thinking of murdering the Tiger "John Brown-style" as an act of revenge.
Kansas State: The Wildcat definitely looks mentally challenged. Considering the low admission standards in Manhattan, I'm not surprised that they would let a retarded wild animal in.
Missouri: The Tiger is pissed off at the world, and no one knows why. He claims it's about getting consistently "cheated" out of football games; something about a kicked ball and an extra down. As a result he's grabbed his football and is going home.
Nebraska: The look of utter befuddlement is perfect. Not only can you tell that the husker is an in-bred dolt, but an abnormally dumb one at that. He's also nervously looking at the Buffalo, knowing that in 32 years that Buffalo will gore the shit out of him. He's trying way too hard to remain focused on the Sooner, resulting in his cross-eyed look, but knows deep down in his heart that the Buffalo is his true rival. I'm also worried about what he's about to do with that ear of corn...
Oklahoma: Oblivious to the stupid hick on his left, the mostly racist and historically incorrect version of the Sooner is staring longingly at the SWC family portrait, waiting for the day when UT will come to save it from the hell of having to play with the Husker every year. He's absolutely unconcerned about the "Seven Dwarfs" surrounding him.
Oklahoma State: Is constantly looking at the disinterested Sooner for approval. Like an annoying terrier returning a tennis ball. "I did good, right? Hey watch this, I can do it even better this time. Hey, come on, you're not even watching!"
It's fun to see this sort of thing, especially in the light of the conference switch. We've been associated with the other 7 teams in the postcard for over 50 years, and us leaving is "breaking up the family." I'm not saying I'm going to miss them, I'm just saying that its a little hard to see all the history with those schools end.
I realize I'm no where near as creative or funny as the guys at EDSBS, but, after spending an inordinate amount of time looking at the portrait, I've decided that this is a good interpretation of the renderings:
CU: The tough, noble Buffalo is pissed off because the others "harshed my buzz, dude." As a result he's headed west where people "totally get it, man."
Iowa State: It looks to me as if the bird is about to cry. No one cares about him, and no one ever will. "Won't someone pay attention to me, please? I swear I'll never cause a fuss, just include me and I'll be happy."
Kansas: The circus chicken is obviously on cocaine experimenting with cocaine and meth to pass the dreary months until basketball season. He's also thinking of murdering the Tiger "John Brown-style" as an act of revenge.
Kansas State: The Wildcat definitely looks mentally challenged. Considering the low admission standards in Manhattan, I'm not surprised that they would let a retarded wild animal in.
Missouri: The Tiger is pissed off at the world, and no one knows why. He claims it's about getting consistently "cheated" out of football games; something about a kicked ball and an extra down. As a result he's grabbed his football and is going home.
Nebraska: The look of utter befuddlement is perfect. Not only can you tell that the husker is an in-bred dolt, but an abnormally dumb one at that. He's also nervously looking at the Buffalo, knowing that in 32 years that Buffalo will gore the shit out of him. He's trying way too hard to remain focused on the Sooner, resulting in his cross-eyed look, but knows deep down in his heart that the Buffalo is his true rival. I'm also worried about what he's about to do with that ear of corn...
Oklahoma: Oblivious to the stupid hick on his left, the mostly racist and historically incorrect version of the Sooner is staring longingly at the SWC family portrait, waiting for the day when UT will come to save it from the hell of having to play with the Husker every year. He's absolutely unconcerned about the "Seven Dwarfs" surrounding him.
Oklahoma State: Is constantly looking at the disinterested Sooner for approval. Like an annoying terrier returning a tennis ball. "I did good, right? Hey watch this, I can do it even better this time. Hey, come on, you're not even watching!"
Baylor Basketball Preview
The Buffs will travel to Waco, TX for the final time to take on the Baylor Bears. The Bears were a team I really liked in the preseason; unfortunately for their fans, the quality of last year's Elite 8 run looks to be behind the program as they've stumbled against stronger competition this year. CU is looking to regain some of the magic that carried them a few weeks back to a quick 3-0 conference start. The Battle of 3-3 Big XII teams tips off at 11:30 AM Saturday morning. Once again, the game will be broadcast on Attitude 2.
As this marks the final time the men's team will face off with Baylor in regular season play, it also marks my final opportunity to say farewell to the lone private school in the conference. Baylor has always seemed out of place in the Big XII. They were forced placement in the conference when the old SWC broke up, and I'm sure most everyone would admit that Arkansas or TCU would've made a more intriguing entrant into the conference than the often-time lowly Bears. Pointing this out to any Baylor alum will immediately start a war of words.
It's no small point that most Baylor fans are sensitive about their place amongst their rivals; afterall, they owe their inclusion not to merit but back-door Texas politics. That same politics (dirty tricks, back-room deals, big-wig pressure, etc.) saved them again as they were one of the leading voices trying to keep some version of the Big XII together (or at least stick with Texas and the rest of the Big XII South teams). Lucky to have survived the conference break-up (I'd have put money on them ending up in Conference USA) they're probably the only remaining non-UT Big XII school to be happy to be where they are next year (Iowa St is just trying to be as quiet as possible, hoping to find a good spot purely from some other big conference taking pity on them).
So farewell, Baylor; I hope you are able to come up with another slimy political plan to save your ass when UT morphs into mecha-UT in a few years.
Click below for my Preview
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| Relphorde and the boys look to drive past Baylor Saturday morning. From: The BDC |
As this marks the final time the men's team will face off with Baylor in regular season play, it also marks my final opportunity to say farewell to the lone private school in the conference. Baylor has always seemed out of place in the Big XII. They were forced placement in the conference when the old SWC broke up, and I'm sure most everyone would admit that Arkansas or TCU would've made a more intriguing entrant into the conference than the often-time lowly Bears. Pointing this out to any Baylor alum will immediately start a war of words.
It's no small point that most Baylor fans are sensitive about their place amongst their rivals; afterall, they owe their inclusion not to merit but back-door Texas politics. That same politics (dirty tricks, back-room deals, big-wig pressure, etc.) saved them again as they were one of the leading voices trying to keep some version of the Big XII together (or at least stick with Texas and the rest of the Big XII South teams). Lucky to have survived the conference break-up (I'd have put money on them ending up in Conference USA) they're probably the only remaining non-UT Big XII school to be happy to be where they are next year (Iowa St is just trying to be as quiet as possible, hoping to find a good spot purely from some other big conference taking pity on them).
So farewell, Baylor; I hope you are able to come up with another slimy political plan to save your ass when UT morphs into mecha-UT in a few years.
Click below for my Preview
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Kansas wrap
Last night the 3rd largest crowd in CEC history saw a desperate Buffs comeback fall short. Even with the level of effort that CU had shown all night, I didn't feel that CU should've been in the game, yet there they were within reach in the games final moments. I say that because of how hot and how lucky CU needed to be in the second half to stay close. With Kansas maintaining a +14 rebounding edge, and a 21 to 2 second-chance points edge, the Buffs had to shoot a blazingly hot 9-13 from 3 even to keep pace. Throw in Josh Selby's late first half injury (which kept him off the court and off the board in the 2nd half), and Levi's lucky charge call in the waning seconds, and it was just enough to keep CU within reach. When you're playing catchup all night, it's always going to be difficult to win.
There are still a lot of positives to take from the game. I never want to talk about moral victories, but every game, win or lose, provides potential growth for the entire team. It was good to see Tomlinson get back to scoring a bit; when he is more assertive offensively, and scoring points, he keeps the defenders honest, opening up more scoring lanes for his teammates. It thought overall the tandem of Relphorde, Dufault, and Roberson did a good job with the Morris twins; they were held under their scoring average and around their rebounding average. Turnovers got back to the low levels that I expect them to be; If CU could've just grabbed a few of those loose balls that slipped through their fingers, the game probably would've been different.
I'd love to be able to say that I thought CU would be able to bring this level of effort with them on the road this weekend in Waco, but I fear they're in for an emotional letdown after playing that hard and still falling short. CU will just have to remain focused and not let the lesser atmosphere in Texas on Saturday keep them from playing the way they did last night.
--
A quick shout out to the students. When I arrived at the CEC an hour before tipoff, I was shocked, SHOCKED I say, to see an already full student section. The kids showed up early, and were ready to go well before tip off. They even successfully kicked out the KU kids who tried to invade (something they hadn't done in previous years). All we have to do now is teach them how to cheer at a basketball game; I kept thinking that they were waiting for 3rd down to bring out the keys and turn up the volume.
 |
| CU fought hard, but just couldn't complete the comeback against the Jayhawks. From: the BDC\ |
There are still a lot of positives to take from the game. I never want to talk about moral victories, but every game, win or lose, provides potential growth for the entire team. It was good to see Tomlinson get back to scoring a bit; when he is more assertive offensively, and scoring points, he keeps the defenders honest, opening up more scoring lanes for his teammates. It thought overall the tandem of Relphorde, Dufault, and Roberson did a good job with the Morris twins; they were held under their scoring average and around their rebounding average. Turnovers got back to the low levels that I expect them to be; If CU could've just grabbed a few of those loose balls that slipped through their fingers, the game probably would've been different.
I'd love to be able to say that I thought CU would be able to bring this level of effort with them on the road this weekend in Waco, but I fear they're in for an emotional letdown after playing that hard and still falling short. CU will just have to remain focused and not let the lesser atmosphere in Texas on Saturday keep them from playing the way they did last night.
--
A quick shout out to the students. When I arrived at the CEC an hour before tipoff, I was shocked, SHOCKED I say, to see an already full student section. The kids showed up early, and were ready to go well before tip off. They even successfully kicked out the KU kids who tried to invade (something they hadn't done in previous years). All we have to do now is teach them how to cheer at a basketball game; I kept thinking that they were waiting for 3rd down to bring out the keys and turn up the volume.
 |
| Real good to see the energy from the students there early last night. From: the BDC |
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