a salute to Hawaii-New Mexico.
Unverified Voracity Identifies Self By Name
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Site note. I've gotten a lot of reports that certain ads served by the third-party provider I use have been popping up antivirus notices about malware. I've been told this issue has been killed dead, so if it happens to anyone else please let me know immediately.
I noticed a few people in the comments helping others out with the program by recommending adblock, which is fine by me; I use adblock. Just one tiny ripple-of-guilt note: last I checked, about 20% of expected ad revenue gets eaten up by it. If you'd like to avoid that feeling of regret and horror currently racing through your body, you can either turn off adblock for this site or chuck ten or so dollars at the beveled guilt donation button.
WTKA-in'. My appearance on WTKA in one section thanks to Paul. John U Bacon is the host, as he often is, and the third guy in the booth is Wayne Drehs of ESPN.com, who's in town for the year on a Knight-Wallace fellowship. You should skip to six minutes in because the first caller goes forever.
Bonus: I'll be on WJR today at 5:15 with Mitch Albom.
I'm also scheduled for a Thursday appearance on WRIF, a Saturday morning appearance on WJR, and I will be rocking it at WCBN on a regular basis this fall.
For the record. You could attempt to deal with the specific points and accusations leveled by this here blog, or you could try to paint the author here as an anonymous internet nutjob and avoid any substantive discussion. The Free Press chooses Door Number B, link omitted for obvious reasons:
Twitter is also being used to pass links to the petition as well as share links to mgoblog.com, which has emerged as a go-to place for displaced U-M fans who have given up on the Free Press.
In a blog post on Monday, the site said traffic was temporarily crashing the server.
The Michigan fan blog has branded its coverage of the Free Press report as "Jihad the second," alluding to a holy war on the behalf of Islam.
Most of the posts are written by someone who identifies himself as Brian.
No contact information is given.
I don't know, guys… is the link that says "contact" on top of the blog too obscure? I know it's not huge and red and blinking. For the record, I identify myself as "Brian" because that is my name. My last name is Cook. I even have a bunch of biographical details up. My email address—which plenty of people seem able to find—is mgoblog@gmail.com. If you click the link, it will email me.
There's even a picture at right which was good enough to get into the second round, but no further, of some ridiculous good-lookin' blogger competition that turned into a total fiasco.
I hope this suffices to identify me. I have slightly less hair now, for the record. And I don't always give things a thumbs-up. Sometimes… eh… thumbs in the middle.
Dude… what? Carson Butler, what say you?
Detroit Lions rookie Carson Butler, who played at Michigan, said he didn't think players had to do a lot more work for Rodriguez last year when compared with previous seasons under Lloyd Carr.
"It was just a different structure," Butler said.
Butler said it didn't seem as if the players were forced to spend excessive time training and practicing.
"I don't know all of the exact rules, but I don't remember anything that seemed like it was too much," Butler said. "If the weight room was open, you went. If there was a run, you went. It's just what you do to be a better football player."
I… you… how? What? I can't comprehend this. If Carson Butler, who was basically told to enter the NFL draft because he was not welcome back, has Rodriguez's back here, I need to find anyone who will take bets on Michigan picking up a major violation and put the farm on "nay."
Guess who's pissed off? If you said the family of Je'ron Stokes, you win.
"My wife [Juanita] and I talk to Je'Ron every day. We follow him through the internet, by phone, and we've been up there on a couple of occasions," he said. "We spent an entire Thursday through Monday up there, and I'd see guys voluntarily go into that weight room on Sunday and Saturday and put in extra work.
"I know [the allegations] are not true, because I know how [strength coach] Mike Barwis cares for these kids. He's taken my son to bible study and to church. These are the kinds of things that impress us about the program and Rich Rod and his staff. They are good people, and I hate the fact that every negative thing put out there brings the wrong perception to the Michigan program.
When it rains it actually drops enormous anvils on your head. Rodriguez got served yesterday, and he didn't have a danceoff with Mike Cox:
University of Michigan football coach Rich Rodriguez is being sued for defaulting on a real-estate loan to build high-end condominiums in the shadows of Virginia Tech’s Lane Stadium.
Rodriguez's financial advisor says he's the "victim of a real-estate Ponzi scheme," FWIW.
Recycle. I'm sure Tim will cover this in Tuesday Recruitin' but it's worth a mention here, too: Devin Gardner's bounced up to the #53 player in the Rivals 100, which makes him the #1 QB in the country of any variety. This is where I remind you that MGoBlog got swank HD video of Gardner from Saturday's Inkster-Pioneer game. Yes, we are going to link this until everyone who reads this blog watches the video.
Back and forth. I never actually got around to addressing the ethics of the whole Rodriguez thing, instead choosing to focus on the potential penalties and overall picture, and now I don't have to because the WLA has a couple of articles on the thing that cover it. CFaller's is required reading:
Workouts are voluntary, but so is playing time” is not, in my e-pinion, a wink and a nod to the NCAA rules, but an actual credo embraced by most of these kids. The way I see it the coaches don’t say this as a way to force kids into “volunteering” for workout, but rather to remind them of the environment they are part of.
dex also has an extended post.
Etc.: Smart Football tackles the zone read and the scrape exchange.
September 1st, 2009 at 3:06 PM | 
AdBlock and options
AdBlock and options
September 1st, 2009 at 2:52 PM |
"No contact information is given."
"No contact information is given."
"Most of the posts are written by someone who identifies himself as Brian."
You cannot have a better example of Massive Fail. It's vintage Freep!
September 2nd, 2009 at 2:21 AM |
more like "deliberate insult" than "fail"
more like "deliberate insult" than "fail"
Most of the posts are written by someone who identifies himself as Brian.
They aren't familiar with mgoblog and this Brian Cook character who writes it? Sounds implausible.
I don't have a strong opinion on the merits of the original freep story, but their condescension towards a legitimate, well-informed critic is pitiful.
September 1st, 2009 at 2:53 PM |
"dex also has an extended post."
"dex also has an extended post."
It may not be "required reading," but I'm sure it's good anyway ;)
P.S. I read both, and Brian was right ;)
"Everyone gets dumped Gabe. Let me give you some advice: a little coverup on your Adams Apple will make it appear smaller. Which will make you appear less like a transvestite."
September 1st, 2009 at 4:01 PM |
Reading dex's post is
Reading dex's post is
Reading dex's post is voluntary. And by that I mean if you don't read it the WLA will punish you accordingly.
September 1st, 2009 at 2:53 PM |
Free Press
Free Press
They are confused because they are accustomed to getting information from anonymous sources.
Proud member of the 6/30/2008 circle of trust.
September 1st, 2009 at 2:59 PM |
They have updated the story
They have updated the story
it now reads:
'Update: Thanks to those who have e-mailed me with information on Brian Cook, the creator of mgoblog.com. Here is a Michigan Daily profile on Cook.'
September 1st, 2009 at 3:41 PM |
They word it funny. "Those
They word it funny. "Those
They word it funny. "Those who have emailed me"="the website's about and contact links"?
September 1st, 2009 at 3:02 PM |
Freep = Mess
Freep = Mess
I haven't lived in the AA area since I was too young to even read. But, the more I find out about the Detroit Free Press the more they look like a big sack of animal excrement. I hope that wasn't too big of a word for them to understand.
Nobody home...
September 1st, 2009 at 3:07 PM |
My guilt runneth over
My guilt runneth over
MGoBlog is $15 richer.
"The difference between a man and a boy is, a boy wants to grow up to be a fireman, but a man wants to grow up to be a giant monster fireman."
- Jack Handey
September 1st, 2009 at 3:08 PM |
the freep get's it all wrong
the freep get's it all wrong
The Michigan fan blog has branded its coverage of the Free Press report as "Jihad the second," alluding to a holy war on the behalf of Islam.
they cannot possibly be serious. 'jihad the second' isn't a holy war as the inflammatory freep alludes. that's silly.
it's the yet-to-be-released second song (ergo jihad the second) of thrashmetalband Slayer's hit Jihad. more importantly, it's a power ballad.
"Play hard and with great effort"
September 1st, 2009 at 3:10 PM |
Contact information
Contact information
They seem to have put as much investigative power into finding the Contact link as they did their article.
The update is comical. Yes, thanks to readers for providing contact info for the mysterious Mr. Cook, whose site we have never, ever heard of. Really. Trust us. What?
September 1st, 2009 at 4:24 PM |
My thoughts exactly
My thoughts exactly
Another shining example of their thorough investigative technique.
It must be liberating as a journalist to do away with such pesky notions as facts, research, objectivity and meaningful information.
September 1st, 2009 at 3:11 PM |
Brian,
Interesting to see the
Brian,
Interesting to see the
Brian,
Interesting to see the Freep, per your capture, suggesting your pieces titled "Jihad the second" imply holy war by you against them. I understand these posts as your attempt to expose a holy war by the Freep against RR. Which is correct? Also, what would bin Laden do?
September 1st, 2009 at 3:12 PM |
Carson Butler
Carson Butler
just became my favorite Detroit Lion; I hope he has a long career, becomes a mainstay at the Pro Bowl and automatic first round Hall-of-Famer.
Taking it one week at a time
September 1st, 2009 at 3:12 PM |
The Freep is so
The Freep is so
lazy/ biased that they won't put in Brian's contact information and make it sound like he is some 3rd rate ignorant fan.'
Good job, preserving your integrity Freep. Good job!
... when I see some plays that Mike (Martin) makes in practice, I be like dang. - Jibreel Black
September 1st, 2009 at 3:22 PM |
I wonder what...
I wonder what...
Brian uses on his hair to keep it so shiny and full of body.
Give 'em Hell, Mr. Cook!
caw caw!
Time wounds all heels. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwGXMryTbwE
September 1st, 2009 at 3:27 PM |
Jihad what?
Jihad what?
I love that they have to explain what a jihad is.
That is also why I love this blog. Instead of assuming that the readership is composed of a bunch of morons, Brian assumes that we have functioning brains and can make logical conclusions from data.
September 1st, 2009 at 8:09 PM |
Nice about Carson Butler
Nice about Carson Butler
The next shoe to drop will be one of the anonymous sources coming forward to say he was misled by the Free Press about the NCAA guidelines. Oh, wait, that's already happened! (Clemons, unwittingly)
September 1st, 2009 at 3:31 PM |
I thought the
I thought the
Jihad the second thing was the second one because the coaching search articles entitled "West f'ing Jihad: Day (insert #)" was the first one.
Follow me on Twitter @gfraley05
September 1st, 2009 at 3:38 PM |
Shredgate was Jihad #1.
Shredgate was Jihad #1.
Shredgate was Jihad #1.
September 1st, 2009 at 3:39 PM |
"Someone who identifies himself as Brian"
"Someone who identifies himself as Brian"
Oh, Free Press, can you slant things any more?
I'm going to start referring to Michael Rosenberg as "a journalist who has not, to the best of my knowledge, ever killed a baby."
It's tough to make predictions, especially about the future. -- Yogi Berra
September 1st, 2009 at 3:43 PM |
Or you could call him
Or you could call him
Or you could call him "someone who identifies himself as wrong."
Sportscenter.com raves: Sgt. Wolverine, "Michigan's biggest fan"!
September 1st, 2009 at 4:11 PM |
Don't forget to add that
Don't forget to add that
Don't forget to add that Rosenberg "has not denied the allegations of babykilling or puppy molesting."
"Thank You Team 132!"
September 1st, 2009 at 4:36 PM |
Nor has he gone on record as
Nor has he gone on record as
Nor has he gone on record as publicly condemning the practice of baby killing or puppy molesting.
September 1st, 2009 at 4:30 PM |
Well....
Well....
Well...through my crack investigative techniques I have located several former or current Free Press employees who will, anonymously of course, swear that he HAS killed a baby or at least stepped on some ants.
We ARE Michigan....COME GET SOME!!!
September 1st, 2009 at 3:41 PM |
Ironic!
Ironic!
Do you think the Freep realizes they just got Brian tens of thousands of new hits? That is totally ironic!
Life should not be a journey to the grave to arrive safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What A Ride!" HST
September 1st, 2009 at 3:41 PM |
I had adblock disabled for
I had adblock disabled for
I had adblock disabled for MGoBlog until the malicious ads hit; now that those ads are dead, I'll be disabling adblock here again. Seeing a few ads is an easy way to support a worthwhile site.
Sportscenter.com raves: Sgt. Wolverine, "Michigan's biggest fan"!
September 1st, 2009 at 4:09 PM |
Freep apparently wants to war with the entire Michigan community
Freep apparently wants to war with the entire Michigan community
"Over at PetitionSpot.com, an online petition has been started against the Free Press called "Do your research Freep!"
The petition, started early Monday, has 200 supporters out of its goal of 1,000.
The Web site allows users to post topics of concern and users can sign the petition electronically.
Other popular petitions on the site include one to bring back NBC's "Chuck" for a third season (41,058 signatures) and another trying to get comedian Kathy Griffin's new book selected by Oprah Winfrey for her book club (36,743 signatures)."
Nice snide comment d-bags. Let's review kids.
Brian = internet war with Alabama = 0.000004% of his readers
Freep = internet war with Meechigan = 50%(?) of its former readers
September 1st, 2009 at 4:14 PM |
Here's the link:
Here's the link:
September 1st, 2009 at 4:08 PM |
Is it just me?
Is it just me?
Is it just me or is this whole thing blowing over very, very quickly. We have Herbstreit and Butler (WTF?) defending Rich Rod, WTKA was nothing this morning but player's parents calling in to, literally, call the story "B.S." and the Freep is reduced to taking obviously silly shots at Brian??? I mean, talk about the wheels falling off.
I heard both Mr. Stokes and Mr. Warren (separate calls) on WTKA this morning. Each was very, very clear on the whole voluntary thing. Each said their son was never forced to do anything during the summner, but did so to get better. Ditto extra work. Mr. Warren stated he had spent one or two weeks in Ann Arbor and had never seen anything like what was alleged. One of them, I think Mr. Warren, actually called the story "B.S." Mr. Stokes went on for a while about how much his son is enjoying his time as a Wolverine. He was very clear that his son was putting in extra work because . . . wait for it . . . he chose to use his time to get better and help the team win.
A very pleasant morning commute, indeed.
"Thank You Team 132!"
September 1st, 2009 at 4:11 PM |
"Most of the posts are
"Most of the posts are
"Most of the posts are written by someone who identifies himself as Brian.
No contact information is given."
I CAN HAZ INTERWEBS? HAZ BUTTONS?
Meeechingan Football 2011: Now featuring ManBall™
September 1st, 2009 at 8:28 PM |
It reminds me of LOST
It reminds me of LOST
Well, before the season finale, we always heard about the mysterious leader named Jacob, who gives all the island orders but we never saw him or anything.
September 1st, 2009 at 4:14 PM |
great job for DG - im going
great job for DG - im going
great job for DG - im going to be very nervous though until he signs his LOI.
September 1st, 2009 at 4:25 PM |
Butler
Butler
When you even have the guy that was kind of kicked off the team and told to enter the draft supporting the coach, you know the story is BS.
September 1st, 2009 at 4:27 PM |
These petitions are
These petitions are
These petitions are ridiculous. Don't people have anything better to do? A bunch of posters aren't going to bring down the Freep, contrary to what they may believe.
September 1st, 2009 at 4:58 PM |
Actually Not Necessary
Actually Not Necessary
We don't have to "bring down the Freep". They are losing readers and subscribers every day while MGoBlog continues to grow at phenomenal rates.
Life should not be a journey to the grave to arrive safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What A Ride!" HST
September 1st, 2009 at 4:32 PM |
Br.....ian?
Br.....ian?
Who the fuck is Brian? I thought Tim and Paul ran the site?
Wait, this is Varsity Blue, isnt it?
September 1st, 2009 at 4:33 PM |
Also
Also
Mitch Albom blows.
Just listened to the interview, is he really that clueless that he had never heard of mgoblog. He actually asked Brian what he did for a job.
What a freaking has been.
September 1st, 2009 at 4:40 PM |
Brian.....
Brian.....
Can we get un updated pic? Actually a pic with a different finger sticking up would be nice. I have visions of e-mailing it to Rosendouch once a day for about the next 5 years.
Just kidding, fellas. I'm not that much into cyber-stalking, really.
"Shiny. Let's be bad guys."
September 1st, 2009 at 4:43 PM |
Please please please
Please please please
Can all you people who are going to Saturday's game try to start "We Love RichRod" and "Free Press Sucks" chants?
"Why would you ask a dumb question like that?" -Lloyd Carr
September 1st, 2009 at 4:50 PM |
WCBN
WCBN
Looking forward to talking with you this fall on WCBN!
September 1st, 2009 at 5:01 PM |
FAQ from Brian
FAQ from Brian
Just for kicks, I went to the mgoblog bio data/FAQ for Brian, per his suggested link. One FAQ was, more or less, "when will you do a rip job on X," and Brian answers that he generally avoids doing this. In this regard, however, I think that a rip-job should be up for discussion. Specifically, I'd like to hear more from you on one "Michael Rosenberg."
I also, BTW, understand that it was über-cool that Coach Carr knew and could quote Kipling, that he was literate, well-read, loyal, had a great and wicked and snarky sense of humor. Personally, I think that if I had to choose going out for dinner with Carr or RR, I would rather spend time with Carr. Seems a fascinating figure. But at the end of the day, we need a good Football Coach at Michigan. Whether or not the culture of Michigan loves who RR is or isn't, the real question is whether or not he is a good football coach.
One of my doctors is an ND grad reasonably close to the team. I love talking with him about football. But the reason I go to him is not because he's a nice guy who can talk intelligently about football. I go to him because he's a great doctor. It doesn't matter that much whether I like RR as a person. What I want is the following:
1) Someone who cares about his players, and doesn't treat them like dirt.
2) Someone who plays by the rules (and I believe RR is playing by the rules.)
3) Someone who wins games (and I believe that UM will win games under RR.)
All the other stuff I love about Carr . . . well, if the game has passed him by and he no longer has a consistently winning program, then we had to move on. None of this is new.
It's great to be a Michigan Wolverine.
September 1st, 2009 at 5:03 PM |
Freshman QB's stats
Freshman QB's stats
Interesting table on various past freshmen QB stats. I think I would be happy if Tate Forcier (I'm assuming he will get a decent amount of playing time) performed similar to Chad Henne in his freshman year. Although he could perform better since he is very polished and advanced at this point in his career.
AJ Bluefan
AJ Bluefan
September 1st, 2009 at 9:14 PM |
wooo
wooo
DREW & MIKE! Don't answer any of Mikes questions. He knows nothing about football other than M$U is Michigans rival.
September 1st, 2009 at 9:42 PM |
Uh-oh
Uh-oh
Wait, Barwis was taking these kids to Bible study?
Was this mandatory? Forget NCAA sanctions, we might have a Constitutional issue to worry about.
I'll expect the Freep story alleging violations of the separation of church and state in the morning...
September 1st, 2009 at 9:51 PM |
I wasn't aware
I wasn't aware
Brian looked like Cat Stevens. Maybe all the Jihad posts should be submitted under the name Brosef Islam.
I did the "disable AdBlock for this site" thing the last time the ad revenue came up, and it's a good way to support what you love.
Brian, I don't know if this is possible in Drupal, but a while back I noticed on Slashdot a box on the upper-right that said "Disable Advertising (box) As our way of thanking you for your positive contributions to Slashdot, you are eligible to disable advertising."
I could see applying this option in relation to points, or donations, or both.EDIT: Yeah, I see you can already do that for donating. The points/positive contributions is thusly a second option for removal. *sigh*JME.