polometer

History

Member for

1 year 32 weeks

Blog

View recent blog entries

Karma

Current value

1

Recent Comments

Date	Title	Body
2 weeks 5 days ago	They are probably	left out for readability's sake, but do you have any error analysis for these stats?
5 weeks 1 day ago	My two cents are that	FFP isn't inherently wrong, but in its current form it is doing more harm than good.  Firstly it is rather toothless.  Yes it can go so far as to ban clubs from international competition, but the violations clubs need to commit (ex: too much funding coming from owner) are easily skirted by the richest of owners.  (ex: family members becoming sponsers, etc.)   The penalties need to be progressive in my opinion as well.  That is, I think the financial penalties should scale with the financial size of the club.  Otherwise, when one of the giants breaks a rule--the deep pockets of their owner can get them out.  However, if a little club breaks a rule, it can paralyze the club for quite some time.
6 weeks 14 hours ago	Marking this offtopic	because I am sure you must be talking about some other game.
6 weeks 1 day ago	I'll try not to incite	anyone, but there are two reasons I see folk in my personal life pile hate upon her.   1) As others have mentioned she was basically Britain's equivalent to Reagan; a very decisive figure.  A lot of people hold her up as an ideal, a lot of people look upon her as the mother of almost all today's economic problems in the United Kingdom.   2) (as a soccer supporter I'll try not to let my colors show through) The Hillsborough Disaster. (great read on it by the BBC) Basically there was a stadium disaster at an English soccer match. Many people, 96, ended up dead.  The police investigated and layed blame on the drunk and unrurly fans.  High ups in the police and Thatcher herself let the matter end there and refused to ever look more into what happened.  For over 20 years people were upset with this and didn't believe the reports.  Recently evidence has come to light that the fault of the disaster really lay at the fault of the police and that there was a MASSIVE police cover up, smear campaign, and propaganda push.  A lot of people put blame on Thatcher for being complacent with the incident and not pushing to find out what really happened--i.e. disrespecting the 96 people who died and whose families were smeared by police and media.  This is why a select group of English soccer fans hate her and don't want you to buy the fucking Sun.
8 weeks 1 day ago	It has been pointed	out to me three reasons that nothing should come of this. (I say should because you never know with FIFA)   First, the game looked like it was going to be called off, but both sets of players appeared to be protesting and advocating to the head official for play to continue.  The announcers pointed out several times that the final say is down to the official--and he gave in to requests and allowed play to go on.   Second, teams/countries routinely take advantage of their home climate to get the most out of a home field advantage.  In the USA's last game against Honduras--which the USA lost--it was reported that Honduras changed the kick-off time so that the game would be played during the sweltering 100+ degree temperatures during the day.  This type of tactic, trying to get the most out of a homefield advantage, is not that uncomon.  It is also notable to mention the USA didn't change any kick-offs to take advantage of the snowstorm.   Third, as I have heard many others say: this is what CONCACAF soccer is all about.  Water-logged fields, huge dirt mounds, uneven ground, rough play, and generally shitty playing conditions.  This, the history of bad game conditions, might not be the best reason to allow the game to stand, but it does set precident.
8 weeks 6 days ago	The short linked article	mentions that Minnesota lost this money due to paying for things like increased security and hiring additional workers.  They also mention that about $30,000 was spent in one-time only expendetures and henceforth they expect a profit next year.   They managed to give older fans something they would enjoy, (I doubt this is changing students' drinking habbits) and they are going to be able to turn a small profit in the end.  I am not sure why we are making fun of them...?
9 weeks 5 days ago	While I don't	totally disagree with you, it is hard for me to separate the Patriots success as an organization vs the success of Tom Brady.   Is Brady winning despite the organization?; Is the organization putting Brady in the best position to win?; some combination of both?   In recent years (since maybe 2005-2006) the Patriots have been pigeon-holed as: high flying west coast passing offense with a very limited run game and a porous defence.   The Patriots have been lampooned for trading away draft picks, not being able to bring in wide receivers and tight ends (there have been 10-20 utter failures for ever Moss or Welker, ditto for Gronk and Hernandez), and their defense has really gone down hill since "spygate".   I think the new rookie wage contracts are prompting the Pats to be more aggressive with the draft, and I think Belicheck's long defensive makes up for spygate, but I still can't make up my mind if the Pats are a leader of franchises, or a follower of Tom Brady.   (the owner, Bob Kraft, seems like a great dude though.  He stays out of the football decisions, tries to build relationships with players, and had a heavy hand in ending the last lock out.  Stand up guy it seems.)
15 weeks 2 days ago	Kept the	Ravens offense off the field for 90 minutes.   Ravens had just ran a record kick-off return back for a touchdown and gone up by 22.   I dunno, I feel like if the 9ers come back, this one is tainted.
15 weeks 4 days ago	Ray Lewis	has spent 17 years in the NFL (how many do this?) and has spent all of it in Baltimore (how many do this?)   He led the team to their only (and Baltimore's only over the past 28 years) major sports championship.   He has twice been a defensive MVP of the league and a superbowl MVP. He has numerous records for linebackers in the NFL (wiki)   He is beloved in Baltimore.  Absolutely adored.  Him getting to go out on the field for the victory formation of his final home game is as much for the fans as for himself.   The Ravens do a weekly official captain assignment, but Lewis is definitely looked upon as a captain. He holds film sessions at his home and is a big influence to many on the team. (whether you like his methods or not)   I don't really understand this criticism.  On the field, who are his peers?
23 weeks 1 day ago	Cameron has been	around a lot of good QB's, but they tend to get better once he leaves...   Most would argue the both Drew Brees and Philip Rivers had their least productive years under Cameron in San Diego.
23 weeks 1 day ago	I don't see this one	in particular overused that much.   However, I cannot stand incredibly short gifs like this.  I have to watch it 12-15 times just to figure out what is going on.  Then, after I read the words, I stare at everyone's mouths to see if anyone is actually saying "come at us bro".  But of course, the gif loops too quickly and I can't quite be sure.  Then I get frustrated and keep watching to try to figure out what is going on....and then I just realized I spent 15 minutes trying to decipher a gif.
26 weeks 5 hours ago	I don't know	where else he would post this on MGOBlog, but if he is truely giving away the jersey for free...I don't really mind this.  It would be nice if there was a non-board place to put stuff like this.   But please, no selling...
26 weeks 8 hours ago	I'm sure that are many	sports fans associated with Michigan that would love to see more money being put towards the non-revenue sports.  Michigan could start a varsity women's lacrosse team, men's water polo team, men's crew, men's volleyball, etc.  The money could be put towards improving the coaching, equipment, and facilities of varsity sports that already exist but don't generate revenue.The money could be put into promoting the non revenue sports to drive up their followings, get games put on tv (or BTN), and get involved with the community.   I also agree that as other programs around the country continue to grow Michigan needs to continue to keep pace.  Even if atheletic facilities, gear, and coaches are top notch--there are still many good places for the money to go: tutors for atheletes, imrpoved study centers and resources, post-playing resources, job training, alumni support for former athletes, community outreach, etc. etc. Hell, if the athletic department is really swimming in useless cash they could turn it over to the University; give it to a scholarship program, specific related departments (like kineseology or the medical school) or even improve atheltic facilities for the student body. I don't think that decisions about "how to make a better product" should boil down to "how to make as much money as possible"...but even if this money is used for athletic related reasons--there is a glut of other places it could go and do a lot of good.
26 weeks 1 day ago	They absolutely	won't change the name.  This conference is about tradition.  If the Big 10 actually changes it's name it will just be the tip of the ice berg; I'm talking about spread offenses, conference expansion, even mascots.
26 weeks 1 day ago	The rise of	other "super"-conferences and the end of our Notre Dame series are both making it much harder to schedule good OOC games.  Scheduling two good OOC games a year is becoming much much more difficult.  Hopefully we can counter this by playing one more good BIG team each season.
26 weeks 2 days ago	I'm gonna have to disagree that	Georgia Tech is much better for academics.  Both schools (Maryland and Georgia Tech) receive very similar rankings from most college rating systems.(Like USNWR)  Both are AAU acredited schools, but Georgia Tech just received this rating two years ago.  Maryland has been an AAU school since the 60's (link). Both are large research institutions and very comparable, but there are plenty of things were one school out preforms the other academically. As far as basketball goes Maryland has been a very good school for the past 10-20 years at least.  They have a national championship to their name from 2002.  I think many would argue that they have been the better program over the past decade or so. Although I will sede that Georgia is a good TV market, I also think it is incredibly dominated by the SEC when it comes to college football.  The College Park park area is ripe for a new college football TV market.  The only succesful nearby teams are PSU and Virginia Tech; both many hours away.  Plus there is not one consistantly decent football program in Maryland.  This could begin to bring and entire sports crazy state (Ravens, Orioles, local lacrosse all have phenominal following) into the fold of the Big Ten.
26 weeks 3 days ago	I think Maryland could fit in academically.	Sports wise they would be a big pick up for basketball competition.  On the football field they have a loooooooooong way to go to catch up to an average Big Ten school.  However, having them in the conference would help bring in more Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvannia recruits to the conference.   I think eventually the NCAA is going to fall into four super-conferences: the Big Ten, S.E.C., PAC, and one other.  Eventually I will see the Big Ten needing/being able to add two more schools to the conference.  This could be a reasonable step in that direction.
27 weeks 2 days ago	I don't mean to be too harsh but	coaches know jack about teams that they don't face.  I know this sounds a bit harsh, but does anyone honestly think a head football coach, after all his game planning, after all his practices, after all his scheming and preping, after all his recruiting and booster duties--really goes home and watches film from teams that he will never face this year?   I just don't understand the rationale behind the coaches poll.
35 weeks 3 days ago	Oh god,	the BTN doesn't even realize that sports other than football and basketball get played in the Big 10.  I would venture to say that 80-90% of their programming is nothing but football and basketball.  I understand that these are the "money making" sports, but they consistantly and constantly forgo airing other sports live to bring us supposedly "classic" football and basketball match ups.  It's quite irritating.
39 weeks 4 days ago	Are you sure	it isn't something else?
43 weeks 7 hours ago	Please tell me	that you read definition 3a.  Does my sarcasm meter need a tune-up?  You could have even read definition 3b at http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decimate and you would find another example of a definition not based on the definition.  Hell, in the example section they use "decimiate" in the same fashio as Ace.  Seriously though, where do you even get a sarcasm meter tuned up: auto-mechanic, head shrink, or do I just go home and watch Seinfeld?
1 year 1 week ago	Oh man	this.  Could never stand the Maize and Blue deli.  I couldn't stand Zingerman's either (or their roadhouse).  I actually felt bad when I took my parents there and they paid 50 bucks for 2 and a half overrated sandwhiches and pickles.   I am a firm believer in good ingredients, but I think these two shops are just thriving on the size of AA.  In a decent sized city where you can find delis, bakeries, butchers, and even cheese shops--it put's the AA deli's to shame.  Plus they are almost never as crowded as Zingerman's.   The one thing I miss most about Ann Arbor is the food, and I have never felt a longing for either of these two shops.   edit: Oh and I forgot, who the hell at Zingerman's decided sandwhiches were supposed to be that small?  It's one thing to be rediculously overpriced, it's another to be rediculously overpriced but sell small portions so you force me to go wait in your line from hell and get more food.
1 year 1 week ago	Came to read about	RVB and Long's parents getting together to produce mutant super babies that would be brothers to both players.  Am disappoint...
1 year 3 weeks ago	Do you have magic fingers?	Is your internet coated in unicorn blood?  Do you dance with the devil in the pale moon light?  I've been following round 7 like a hawk and somehow you beat me to the post.
1 year 9 weeks ago	Why does he	always get the wrap that people avoid him like the plauge? (re: Harbaugh, Marshall, Manning, etc.)
1 year 10 weeks ago	I don't think	that's how coach of the year works.  If you look at football, basketball, or any pro-sport--you'd know that the COY award goes to the coach whose team has the best players, best record, and best statistics. Coaching, strategy, improvement, and development are explicitly not considered.
1 year 10 weeks ago	Gahh	And I just finally droped him from my fantasy team!   But in all seriousness, I hope he is doing well. Not a lions supporter, but I like watching Best run the ball.
1 year 12 weeks ago	I do feel a little bad	about that, you did lose 3 years of football.  We on the other hand went 12 years without a team when the Colts up and ditched Baltimore.
1 year 12 weeks ago	Seriously,	I would like to know what they think Hoke should be doing better?  I guess some people will say he should be beating MSU, but what else: nat. championship in year one; number 1 recruiting class in year one, pooping gold?
1 year 13 weeks ago	I think it	was in terrible taste and not very well edited.  That said, I think the reason ESPN is so quick to punish is because they, along with the NBA, are desperately trying to maintain a hold on their asian fanbase.  Since Yao Ming retired there have been a lot of news stories about the NBA.  (see this as an example.) I think this was an incredibly dumb thing for ESPN to do, and I think they are desparately trying to move past this so they don't hurt themselves in asian markets.

more