Archive for June, 2009

What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.  Well, my money happened it Vegas, and you can bet that it stayed in Vegas too.  Fresh off of the plane from Vegas, I have some mistakes I made to share with you so if you go you will be better prepared to gamble wisely.  There are smart ways and dumb ways to gamble.  Getting caught up in the moment is not hard to do.  Flashing lights, bells, whistles, free drinks, and so many different ways to lose money contribute to a lack of concentration when you need to be able to.

Having an extra three hour layover in Denver pushed my arrival time from 7:30 to about midnight.  Once I landed at McCaren Airport in Las Vegas, I was just feeling the rush to get checked in, get a players card and get to the casino.  By 1:00 AM, I was gambling.  I started out playing blackjack with Toni Lynn Bisconti, a lifelong friend who shares my joy of gambling.  We were at a $10 minimum table.  After about an hour of back-and-forth wagering, the dealer caught fire.  I was out about $200 in a very short time.  The next day, the craps table, the roulette wheel, and the Captain kicked my ass.

The Captain?  Captain Morgan.  I am not much of a drinker.  At about 9AM, after I had a good breakfast, I settled in at a video poker machine and was getting ready to start playing when a cocktail waitress asked me if I would like something to drink.  I told her that I would take a Captain and Coke.  This turned into an all-day thing.  I’ll bet I killed a bottle myself.  I was in bad shape and needed to sleep by 9 PM.  The group I was with went downtown and had a blast while I watched my room spin.

My final day, I battled a hangover, but won back some money betting on the Penguins to win the Stanley Cup.  I put up $50 to win $90.  People were all over the Red Wings and were putting up $240 to win $100.

Here are some tips:

• If you are a drinker, build your tolerance before the trip so you can keep focus while gambling.  If you are not a drinker, or only drink on special occasions, don’t get caught up being Mickey Mantle while you are gambling.  You will lose more times than you win because of mistakes caused by a lack of focus.
• Find time to go downtown.  Old Vegas is nice because you can play $1 craps or blackjack.  The atmosphere is more fun because your focus is allowed to wander a bit due to the reduced stakes.  The Vegas Strip is a brightly lit trap for the casual gambler.  Downtown is missing that new shine and luster, but offers better play odds and more affordable table minimums.
• If you have a hangover, avoid loud slot machines.  My last day there, I put a twenty into a machine.  On my first spin, I hit one cherry on the payline.  The audio blared at me and almost knocked me out of my seat.  It was louder than a KISS concert, for one cherry.  I cashed out and moved on.
• Plan your days but not each event.  If you want to go to New York, New York on Friday until 5 and then to Rio until 9, and then to Bally’s until 11, leave windows of time, just in case.  If you find something you are really enjoying or winning at, stay.  Don’t cash out at 10 minutes to 5 because you have to be somewhere.  Stay on the roll.  It only happens a couple of times while you are there.
• Player cards are great if you are Mr. Howell from Gilligan’s Island.  You need to drop some very serious cash to have your status moved from gold to platinum on your rating card.  The comp trap is usually good for a free breakfast or a T-Shirt, but never panned out to much else.  I gambled for two days straight and was only a quarter of the way to platinum status.
• Know when to take a break.  If you get your clock cleaned in ten minutes at any game in Vegas, either switch games, switch tables, or take a break.  I was persistent at craps and lost major cash because no one was making a point.  Discipline adds to your chances of winning.

The trip to Vegas is one I will continue to make every year or two.  I don’t want to swim or ride a rollercoaster, I want to gamble. 

Ah… victory.  Congratulations Pittsburgh Penguins!  What a great show of heart in the decisive game 7.  Here are some stories from other great sites.

• Total Pro Sports has video of Sidney Crosby hoisting the Stanley Cup out of the sunroof of the bus while still in Detroit.
• Bootlegger Sports brings footage of Ray Mercer vs Tim Sylvia in a boxing match with MMA surroundings.  See what happens when you piss an old man off…
• Sharapova’s Thigh takes an in-depth look at what is wrong with Johan Santana after the worst outting of his career.
• On the other end of the pitching spectrum, Mighty Matt Cain is having a great year and putting up solid numbers as told by Josh Q. Public.
• Fanhouse has a disturbing video of LA Lakers fans rioting after the championship was decided last night.
• NESW Sports provides an EA Sports video of Tiger Woods clowing around with Scott Van Pelt.
• No Guts, No Glory thinks the Cavs would be making a huge mistake if they obtained Shaquille O’Neal.
• PacMan Jonesin’ found Shaq sending tweets of congrats to Kobe and calling Stan Van Gundy a panicker.
• Sports Rubbish has an entertaining story of an umpire who ejected the entire crowd at a high school game recently.

Things can’t get much worse for the Mahoning Valley Thunder.  Struggles on the road continued as the Thunder dropped to 1-10 losing 62-28 at Albany.  This loss extends the teams losing streak to ten straight and 18th straight road loss. 

The Thunder started new acquisition Brad Roach at quarterback.  Roach was rushed into action because Davon Vinson was banged up but could play if needed.  Roach threw interceptions on his first two drives.  Roach was pulled and Vinson was inserted only to set a franchise record by throwing seven interceptions.  Vinson did manage to find CJ Brewer twice for Thunder scores.

Albany player Alvin Ray Jackson had five interceptions in the game to set a new AF2 record.  Albany recorded 11 interceptions in the game.  He also caught two touchdown passes on offense.  Firebird QB Stephen Wasil threw for six touchdowns.

The Thunder go back to the board this week hosting Manchester.  Kelly Pavlik will be doing a book signing from 6-8 at The Covelli Centre, so get there early, meet the champ and enjoy some football.  See you there! 

I made it back from Vegas in one piece.  Sorry there has not been much content for you guys, I will be working hard this week to catch up.  The sign (shown above) looks a whole lot prettier when you are flying in than when you are leaving.  I will be doing a story later this week about the trip and an editorial to highlight my experiences and observations.  For now, here are the best of the best I could find to hold you over!

• Sports Rubbish provides the visual proof of what an idiot Milton Bradley is as he throws a live ball into the stands and does some stupid dance.  Bet he gets traded soon, we know Sweet Lou wont have it!
• Major League Jerk checks in and talks about how former NBA ref Tim Donaghy may be released from prison earlier because of the beatings he is receiving.  You may remember Donaghy as the ref who fixed games.
• Fansided has pictures of Chad “Ocho Cinco” Johnson’s new face tattoos.
• Zoner Sports makes a valid argument that at this point, a slow start in baseball is now a bad season.  Zoner has a hitters and pitchers article, here are the links for both.
• Gunaxin throws us Playing Dirty, a look at taking the right steps to ensure your fantasy baseball team won’t finish last.
• No Guts, No Glory posts the dirt on how bad the Minnesota Gophers upcoming football season is going to suck worse than usual because the fans have to endure the beatings sober now.
• Steady Burn invites you to hear Alonzo Mourning giving Phil Jackson almost no credit for guiding the Lakers.
• Style Points found a picture of Evgeni Malkin making out with some chick that might is worth checking out by clicking here.
• The Fifth Corner takes an in-depth look at why people hate Duke teams.
• King James Gospel tells us that the Cleveland Cavaliers will stick with Mike Brown as their coach instead of pursuing Pat Riley.
• PacMan Jonesin’ finds that Rick Sutcliffe angered ARod and Teixera by accusing them of cheating.
• NESW Sports hooks us up with some Dwight Howard Vitamin Water commercial outtakes.  Howard will have all kinds of free time now that LA beat Orlando for the NBA title.
• Detroit4lyfe will be submitting a story about how the Pens beat the Wings for the cup this week as part of a friendly wager we made.  For now, enjoy the great writing in a Justin Verlander piece.
• Total Pro Sports has video of the limo done up in Red Wings artwork riding through Pittsburgh.  Maybe he was bringing Sidney or Geno home after he probably lost a bet on the outcome.

If my leg was going in that direction you can bet your nachos I would have dropped that ball.  Lots of good stories from other sites today!

• In Game Now provides a video of Alex Rios blasting the constructive criticim he doesn’t need in a foul-mouthed tirade.
• Steady Burn shows an Australian rugby team quarantined for swine flu potential.
• Detroit4Lyfe brings out the etiquette book for a ball game, pointing out that the “F” bomb shouldn’t be used.
• The UNC gurus on The Fifth Corner looks at Tyler Hansbrough, his blogging, and his experience as a Tar Heel.
• Yanks Go Yard says New York can’t always rely on free agents and needs to have a solid draft to restock the cupboard.
• Gunaxin takes a look at the 2009 MLB Draft with an extensive preview.
• Rip City Project throws up their mock NBA draft preview.
• Josh Q. Public takes a look at Steven Strasburg and the Washington Nationals contract and potential.
• Creation Rex is not a bandwagon Penguins fan declares PSAMP.
• Major League Jerk poses an interesting question.  What hat should Randy Johnson wear when he is inducted in the MLB Hall of Fame?
• NESW Sports dives into technology and brings us a Chris Bosh Bobblehead and iphone app video.
• Sharapova’s Thigh takes a look around the bigs and tell us why the Braves are boosting their chances in the NL East.
• Total Pro Sports finds George Foreman III starting his career as a pro boxer with a devastating win.
• The World of Isaac has the video footage of a fan attacking Roger Federer.

Growing up, I never had a pet.  I used to win a goldfish at the local festival every year, but failed to feed it after a couple of weeks resulting in a toilet flush and an empty fish bowl.  My father used to make it clear to me that if I was not going to be home to take care of a pet, that he surely wouldn’t rearrange his day to do so.  Hence, no pets.  I am not an animal lover because I have not had the exposure some kids have toward many different types of animals.  So a petless home was my tradeoff for playing football, being in a band, working, going to school, and having the social agenda of a rockstar through college.

I watched a disturbing piece on ESPN’s Outside The Lines yesterday about what happens to a racehorse when it can no longer race.  Naturally, an animal story has to be represented by PETA, the animal loonies who are extreme in most cases.  However, on the other side of the coin, ESPN showed disturbing footage of a horse being taken to a barn, shot in the head, and skinned.  The horse was then processed, like a cow, for consumption. 

Horse meat is a delicacy in Japan.  They showed it packaged like beef in a Japanese grocery store.  Then they mentioned that horse meat is also used to make dog food.  I can’t imagine having a slice of Mine That Bird for dinner in a couple of years, but I guess some people can.

Some owners keep the horses and let them live a natural life, but others are quick to sell the horse for consumpyion purposes.  I guess if Wisconsin started a derby race involving cows, we might take the same stand on eating beef.  However, in our structured USDA-stamped meat cases, we learn at a young age where beef comes from.  We accept it, and for the most part, we eat it.

Take Japan off of my vacation destination list. 

New Thunder Head Coach Chris MacKeown is without a doubt obsessed with turning Mahoning Valley’s turbulent season into a smoother ride.  MacKeown has eleven years of arena coaching experience and a great track record to behold, a good sign for Thunder fans.  He kind of reminds me of a young Bill Parcells in the sense that he is called upon to turn bad into good, much like Parcells has done for a few NFL teams.

MacKeown grew up in Dayton, Ohio but now calls Amarillo, Texas his home.  When I asked him what he though of Youngstown so far, MacKeown said, ” In my short time here, I am shocked that people will come up to me in a restaurant to encourage me to win.  It says a lot about this area and its love for football and this team“.

When I asked MacKeown what his realistic goals are while he is in charge to which he replied, ” Realistically, the goal is to win a championship.  I want to win, make no mistake about it.  What I have to work with here is a good bunch of guys who will fight to the finish, the attitude and morale is still pretty high despite the 1-9 record“.  MacKeown also was very clear to point out that those who do not want to win will not be wearing a Thunder uniform for long.

In his free time, Coach MacKeown said he likes to get in a good workout.  He was quick to point out that his free time is scarce.  He spends time in his office creating ways for this Thunder team to do better.  In fact, Coach MacKeown said he doesn’t have hardly any free time.  He makes his job as head coach a daily and nightly task.

When I asked Coach MacKeown what he watches on TV, he chuckled and informed me that he doesn’t even have cable. 

With the recent loss of Blake Powers with a broken collarbone, MacKeown reflected on the progress Powers made in the Kentucky game.  He has no problems turning to Davon Vinson saying his biggest problem as a quarterback is that he sometimes calls the wrong play in the huddle.  He smiled again, as Vinson was within earshot and probably heard the comment, and picked up his new starter by saying, he is having a great week of practice and I like the pure athletic ability he brings to the table, he is going to have a good week.

To say that Coach MacKeown is all business is an understatement in so many ways.  Thunder fans, know that you have a general in the trenches, the guy is a proven winner and will not put up with anything less than success while he is here.  Coach Brennan Booth and MacKeown will make a great tandem and I hope these two gentlemen stay for awhile.

The Mahoning Valley Thunder trailed Milwaukee 28-7 in the second quarter of their AF2 game Friday.  The Thunder rallied back to tie the game at 34 apiece, but eventually ended up losing the contest, 58-47.  The Milwaukee offense scored 41 of their 58 points in the first and third quarter.  The Thunder failed to score in the final quarter to extend their road losing streak to 17 straight and their 2009 campaigns ninth straight loss. 

Milwaukee QB Todd Hammel threw for 337 yards and seven touchdowns without a fumble or an interception.  Hammel’s main target of the night was Antoine Burns who caught eight passes for 112 yards and three touchdowns.  Burns also added a rushing touchdown for the Iron.  WR Bryan Pray also did damage catching seven Hammel passes for 79 yards and a TD.

Quorey Payne was nothing short of sensational in the loss for Mahoning Valley.  Payne had two special teams touchdowns for the Thunder.  A 50-yard kickoff return and a 50-yard missed field goal attempt yielded big in Mahoning Valleys rally.  Starting QB Davon Vinson played well in defeat throwing for 222 yards on 20-34 passes.Vinson finished the game with five TD’s and one pick.  CJ Brewer stepped up and had twelve receptions for 107 yards and three TD’s.  Hopefully this is a sign of things to come for Mahoning Valley offensively.  Brewer catching that many balls will force opposing defenses to better defend him leaving Payne a little operating space.  If a defense chooses not to worry as much about Brewer, than Vinson -to- Brewer will be a resounding tandem the rest of the season.

The Thunder get back on the bus Friday and head to Albany for their third meeting with the Firebirds on Saturday night.

Penguins played so bad last night, lost their composure and ended up getting smashed by Detroit.  Orlando and LA go back at it tonight.  Here are some stories worth checking out:

• Fanhouse posted a tribute by Mickael Pietrus who wore shoes in Game 1 to honor the fallen of Air France Flight 447.
• Steady Burn brings us the results of the Conan O’brien sports figures lookalike contest.
• AskMen.com brings us 5 things you may not know about Derek Jeter.
• NESW Sports found video footage of a 15 year-old Grant Hill dominating the opponents in a basketball game.
• Detroit4lyfe looks at the beating Detroit gave Pittsburgh in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup.  Sidenote, if Pittsburgh loses this series, I have to write a story on Detroit4lyfe about how Detroit beat Pittsburgh and why they are deserving champions…
• Talk Hoops And Both Teams Played Hard open their E-mails to each other to provide a unique preview for the NBA finals in Cross Polination: NBA Finals Preview.
• My Sports Rumors details the Cavs needs and thinks that Charlie Villanueva may be headed to Cleveland.
• Josh Q. Public takes a look at Randy Johnson, his 300 wins and lists some facts you may not know.
• No Guts, No Glory also features a Randy Johnson story called Randy Johnson’s road to 300, every mullet and moustache along the way.
• Major League Jerk takes a look at a new sport called baby racing.
• Sharapova’s Thigh takes a look at the short career of Hensley “Bam Bam” Meulens in their random retro baseball player segment.
• Sports Rubbish found us an early favorite for idiot of the year: A 41 year-old man who attacked the Special Olympics torch relay.
• The World of Isaac takes a look at what the Cavs have been doing since being eliminated.
• Moondog Sports found a story on a Chinese man who lost his hand in a tug-of-war.

With the 2008-09 Pittsburgh Penguins battling the Detroit Red Wings for the Stanley Cup, I decided to compare this years team to the 1991-92 Penguins team that won back-to-back Stanley Cup championships.  The only common link between the two teams is Mario Lemieux.  Player then, owner now.

The 1991-92 Pens finished third in their conferences regular season and struggled to get by Washington in the first round, winning 4-3.  They then got by the powerhouse Rangers 4-2.  The semis were a cake walk as the Pens swept Boston, and won the championship by sweeping Chicago.

Mario Lemieux led the 91-92 Pens en route to winning the Art Ross & Conn Smythe trophies.  Super Mario had 44 goals and 87 assists, good for 131 points.  The next big dog on that particular team was Kevin Stevens.  Stevens was second behind Lemieux in scoring for the league that year.  Stevens had 54 goals and 69 assists for 123 points. 

The 91-92 Penguins were blessed with offensive talent.  Larry Murphy may have been the best at keeping the puck in the zone during a powerplay.  Jaromir Jagr and Mark Recchi scored frequently.  Ron Francis was nearing the twilight of his career, but was a great second-line center.  Tom Barrasso was in net for the two championships.  The Penguins defense gave up too many points during the regular season in 91-92.  In fact, they gave up more points than everybody in the league besides the Quebec Nordiques and the expansion San Jose Sharks.

The 2008-09 version of the Pittsburgh Penguins has a similar top two on offense.  Evgeni Malkin had 35 goals and 78 assists for 113 points.  Sidney Crosby had 33 goals and 70 assists for 103 points.  This is where the similarities stop on offense in this comparison.  The next highest scorer on the team was Jordan Staal with 49 points.  Sergei Gonchar and Bill Guerin were nice additions and had they played full seasons, I am still not sure this team would even be close to the 91-92 team in overall firepower.

What the 08-09 team does have that the 91-92 team did not get much of is defense.  Brooks Orpik is a bad man.  If this years Penguins had the 91-92 defense, they would be out already.  To hold a powerful Detroit Red Wings team to four third period shots says alot about a defense.

Marc Andre-Fleury is better than Tom Barrasso by leaps and bounds.  Fleury showed in game four he is the real deal at clutch time.

Overall, I have to say the 08-09 team isn’t quite the special bunch that the 91-92 team was.  If they win the cup, then they overachieved with what they had.  Coach Blysma has really been an asset coming in after the All-Star break and really turning things around.  Scotty Bowman is a legend in hockey and had many toys to play with.

Edge: 1991-92 Pittsburgh Penguins