Reset...
It's time to bring the sledge hammer down and bring forth something good and new from the shattered remains.
The pint glass shattered remains. I am an extract brewer. I will be sharing my adventures here.
I will be sharing what happens in the brewery of my kitchen. I've brewed a dozen or so batches in the last year. Most decent, a few terrible, and I'm always learning more. I read insatiably, and love to share with other brewers (and create more of these monsters).
Our current adventures will be the the finishing off my second true pale (first with a large yeast starter), a split batch of fruit wheat beers, and a true cluster of an imperial IPA.
Wish me luck and I look forward to sharing the starts, learning, and screw ups with the unlistening world.
Cheers.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Monday, November 24, 2008
Hurting vs Injury, who's hurting who?
Just words? Or are the teams playing each other like political competitors? Interest should be paid to the word used on Monday. If we see that the halfback is injured, we assume he is going to be sitting out for a while. If we see that the halfback is hurt, we are lead to believe that he may be back this week. How does that change the game planning and prep for the week? Your mobile QB may be in the game. This means your team is prepping with a spy on D, rather than working on a base defense.
Does it always have to be so secretive? Why can't the injury just be listed truthfully? Is that secrecy gaining such a big advantage? That is the value of a win. And on that note, at what point is a player working through pain hurting his team? Who makes that decision? At what point is the player hurting themselves? Is it really worth a guy killing himself, if he can barely walk 2 years after his retirement? I guess what I am asking is, where is someone to watch the teams? That's where the commissioner needs to step in next.
It may seem simple, it may be wrong, but if a team is willing to hire lip readers... why would they leave something as simple as the English language up to chance. Why would they?
This has been a matter of fact.
Does it always have to be so secretive? Why can't the injury just be listed truthfully? Is that secrecy gaining such a big advantage? That is the value of a win. And on that note, at what point is a player working through pain hurting his team? Who makes that decision? At what point is the player hurting themselves? Is it really worth a guy killing himself, if he can barely walk 2 years after his retirement? I guess what I am asking is, where is someone to watch the teams? That's where the commissioner needs to step in next.
It may seem simple, it may be wrong, but if a team is willing to hire lip readers... why would they leave something as simple as the English language up to chance. Why would they?
This has been a matter of fact.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Quantity over Quality?
There are days I'm reminded that sometimes its not that quality that matters. Sometimes its just the quantity.
Ever been dehydrated? That water has does not have to be high quality to make a difference.
Ever come down off an overnighter, after losing some food down the river? Anyone's leftovers are acceptable at that point.
Ever been behind in a game with nothing going right? Take those points however you can get them. Worm-burn a golf ball into the hole. Opponent tips the ball into the hoop for you. The other team fumbles a gift for you into the endzone. When things are going poorly, it does not matter how it gets done, just that it gets done.
That's what most good teams do, get the points. It may be that most of those good teams can manufacture their own points. They may have a dominant offense, a defense that causes others to make mistakes, or a return game that can take it back any time. Again, it does not matter, just as long as they can get the job done.
What turns these good teams into great teams, is when these groups do not fight each other up and down the field. A defense gets a turn over, the offense takes time off the clock, and gets some points. The offense does NOT give it right back. The offense puts the ball in the end zone, and special teams do NOT let the other team run it right back. The special teams put the other team inside the 5, the defense does NOT let them push it right down the field.
That is the big difference in the NFL right now. A lot of good teams can look awful when they are stuck with a single bad unit. They are not always able to get a quantity of points to put them past the other team... just because they lack a little quality.
Quality?
So your dehydration is set aside by a little water, that is full of giardia.
So you get a little food in you., but end up with someone mono.
Quality?
Quantity?
Someone smash the egg over the chicken's head, its not worth starting that debate tonight.
This has been a Matter of Fact.
Ever been dehydrated? That water has does not have to be high quality to make a difference.
Ever come down off an overnighter, after losing some food down the river? Anyone's leftovers are acceptable at that point.
Ever been behind in a game with nothing going right? Take those points however you can get them. Worm-burn a golf ball into the hole. Opponent tips the ball into the hoop for you. The other team fumbles a gift for you into the endzone. When things are going poorly, it does not matter how it gets done, just that it gets done.
That's what most good teams do, get the points. It may be that most of those good teams can manufacture their own points. They may have a dominant offense, a defense that causes others to make mistakes, or a return game that can take it back any time. Again, it does not matter, just as long as they can get the job done.
What turns these good teams into great teams, is when these groups do not fight each other up and down the field. A defense gets a turn over, the offense takes time off the clock, and gets some points. The offense does NOT give it right back. The offense puts the ball in the end zone, and special teams do NOT let the other team run it right back. The special teams put the other team inside the 5, the defense does NOT let them push it right down the field.
That is the big difference in the NFL right now. A lot of good teams can look awful when they are stuck with a single bad unit. They are not always able to get a quantity of points to put them past the other team... just because they lack a little quality.
Quality?
So your dehydration is set aside by a little water, that is full of giardia.
So you get a little food in you., but end up with someone mono.
Quality?
Quantity?
Someone smash the egg over the chicken's head, its not worth starting that debate tonight.
This has been a Matter of Fact.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Football...
Well, its that time again. Time for me to start writing? No, time for football, football, and more football. In that I mean NFL, college, and EPL. I'm going to start with NFL, because there is always the most poo to fling in this subject.
Lets start with the players association. They want a rookie pool limit, they want their head out. They still haven't gotten a whiff of either. Though, if I was the head of a high profile, high paying players union, I wouldn't leave quietly either.
Next to Brett Favre. This was followed with as many cameras as ESPN could muster... and they had their reasons. Brett is always honest. Makes for great TV... though I think most people wanted to stake their eye by the end of it. Its too bad he ended up in NY. As a fan, it would have been enjoyable to watch Minnesota roll into Green Bay on that opening game with Brett at the helm. Now THAT'S great TV. As a Vikings fan, however, I'm glad he didn't end up in Purple. Partially because purple isn't really Brett's color and partially because its just distracting for a team.
Now for an overall look at the AFC. Patriots are still the team to beat. I hope no one will argue that point. However, the Colts, Chargers, and Jags will make their life very, very difficult. If the Jags can keep from imploding, that is. I think it really is a 4 team race. I would be willing to through in the Steelers as well, but something tells me they are just missing 'it' this year. I say this, but I'm usually wrong on these points. Two other fun points... will the Madden curse hit Brett? Will the Superbowl loser curse hit NE? Finally can Russell/McFadden get the Raiders to respectable?
The NFC is a bit more exciting this year (finally). The story lines are great entertainment in themselves. The Saints will score, but can they stop anyone (I think they can)? Dallas brings back a very good team, but will they get by their own division? The Eagles should jump right back into the playoff hunt. Can Eli stay on the war path that he started just before the playoffs last year? Can Minnesota follow Peterson into the playoffs, or will Jackson drag them to the earth? Can Rodgers get by a nasty schedule (defense-wise) to show that he's the real deal? Will the Seahawks leave their claws on their division? Will Steven Jackson ever get to camp?Lastly, will Atlanta stave off the #1 draft pick? The NFC is quite a bog this year, and a lot of teams could crawl to the surface, but I'd say money is on Dallas and the Eagles fighting for the Superbowl bid.
How about some college football. I could talk for days here, and likely will, but to start with just a few nuggets to get us going. Ohio State is scary this year, but I don't think they'll make the national championship game. I just think their conference will play them tough. Georgia is in the same boat. Injuries have started hitting the bulldawgs, and I just don't think they can play the whole season without a loss in the SEC. In the Pac-10, as usual, USC is looking to dominate, but I think that Ohio State may come into town and shut the Trojan's down for the night. I really hope everyone uses Saban and the Tide as a punching bag (personal note). I like the Tide, I'm just not a fan of Saban. And of course Michigan. I think Rich Rodriguez will get that team back on its feet this year, but not necessarily in the title hunt.
Finally, EPL. I have to say that the 'transfer window' is a horrible thing to do to a fan. They sell players off left and right! Anyway, I'm excited for the season. I think Chelsea will likely dominate this year, but Man U and Liverpool should be right there. I'm hoping Portsmouth and Man City finally get their stuff together, but with all years, I doubt they will.
There you have it hopefully I'll beupdating more, but this has been a matter of fact.
Lets start with the players association. They want a rookie pool limit, they want their head out. They still haven't gotten a whiff of either. Though, if I was the head of a high profile, high paying players union, I wouldn't leave quietly either.
Next to Brett Favre. This was followed with as many cameras as ESPN could muster... and they had their reasons. Brett is always honest. Makes for great TV... though I think most people wanted to stake their eye by the end of it. Its too bad he ended up in NY. As a fan, it would have been enjoyable to watch Minnesota roll into Green Bay on that opening game with Brett at the helm. Now THAT'S great TV. As a Vikings fan, however, I'm glad he didn't end up in Purple. Partially because purple isn't really Brett's color and partially because its just distracting for a team.
Now for an overall look at the AFC. Patriots are still the team to beat. I hope no one will argue that point. However, the Colts, Chargers, and Jags will make their life very, very difficult. If the Jags can keep from imploding, that is. I think it really is a 4 team race. I would be willing to through in the Steelers as well, but something tells me they are just missing 'it' this year. I say this, but I'm usually wrong on these points. Two other fun points... will the Madden curse hit Brett? Will the Superbowl loser curse hit NE? Finally can Russell/McFadden get the Raiders to respectable?
The NFC is a bit more exciting this year (finally). The story lines are great entertainment in themselves. The Saints will score, but can they stop anyone (I think they can)? Dallas brings back a very good team, but will they get by their own division? The Eagles should jump right back into the playoff hunt. Can Eli stay on the war path that he started just before the playoffs last year? Can Minnesota follow Peterson into the playoffs, or will Jackson drag them to the earth? Can Rodgers get by a nasty schedule (defense-wise) to show that he's the real deal? Will the Seahawks leave their claws on their division? Will Steven Jackson ever get to camp?Lastly, will Atlanta stave off the #1 draft pick? The NFC is quite a bog this year, and a lot of teams could crawl to the surface, but I'd say money is on Dallas and the Eagles fighting for the Superbowl bid.
How about some college football. I could talk for days here, and likely will, but to start with just a few nuggets to get us going. Ohio State is scary this year, but I don't think they'll make the national championship game. I just think their conference will play them tough. Georgia is in the same boat. Injuries have started hitting the bulldawgs, and I just don't think they can play the whole season without a loss in the SEC. In the Pac-10, as usual, USC is looking to dominate, but I think that Ohio State may come into town and shut the Trojan's down for the night. I really hope everyone uses Saban and the Tide as a punching bag (personal note). I like the Tide, I'm just not a fan of Saban. And of course Michigan. I think Rich Rodriguez will get that team back on its feet this year, but not necessarily in the title hunt.
Finally, EPL. I have to say that the 'transfer window' is a horrible thing to do to a fan. They sell players off left and right! Anyway, I'm excited for the season. I think Chelsea will likely dominate this year, but Man U and Liverpool should be right there. I'm hoping Portsmouth and Man City finally get their stuff together, but with all years, I doubt they will.
There you have it hopefully I'll beupdating more, but this has been a matter of fact.
Monday, November 26, 2007
College Football, 2007
College Football
This year has been spectacular in college football. I watched a Mizzou, Jayhawk game on Saturday that should go down as one of the most interesting games to go down in quite some times. The announcers had to have the time of their life.
Missouri races to a lead, only to have the Jayhawks come storming back. Two Heisman hopefuls slugging it out with a couple of great backup players fighting it out on the outside. And the best part of it all? All of the players were, for all intents and purposes, brand new to the game. Coaches, towns, traditions... all new, all beautiful. There wasn't the old guard, there wasn't the overplayed stories. It was about football. It was as close to perfect as I could have asked for without it being for the national championship.
Now it can only get better if the underdogs keep winning. As many people want to see Ohio St. and LSU in the game... there are just as many that want to see Missouri, West Virginia, Kansas, Hawaii, and Boston College get the big games for once. I for one would prefer a team that doesn't make their own championship doesn't make the national championship either (see Oklahoma a few years ago). Georgia should be eliminated from contention, this being said when I feel their are an outstanding team, but they didn't make their own championship game... that's a fact. I also don't think Hawaii should be in, BUT they had best be in the BCS. They beat Boise, Boise proved they belonged last year.
Lastly, I really hope LSU doesn't make the national championship game. It has nothing to do with their team though. I think they have put together a team that can compete with anyone, but I can't stand the media's love affair with Les Miles. First, he's Mr. 4th down. The same title lost him his first game. Second, unless Michigan gets a coach NOT named Les, I can't take the continual talk of him 'being distracted.' Save me from this... just remove him from the BCS championship.
That's my bitterness... and joy. Its been an amazing year, and I hope the upsets keep coming. Heck, Northern Colorado finally gots its first victory in the Big Sky conference, so anything is possible.
Rest in Peace, Bobcats.
Rest in Misery, Griz.
This has been a Matter of Fact.
This year has been spectacular in college football. I watched a Mizzou, Jayhawk game on Saturday that should go down as one of the most interesting games to go down in quite some times. The announcers had to have the time of their life.
Missouri races to a lead, only to have the Jayhawks come storming back. Two Heisman hopefuls slugging it out with a couple of great backup players fighting it out on the outside. And the best part of it all? All of the players were, for all intents and purposes, brand new to the game. Coaches, towns, traditions... all new, all beautiful. There wasn't the old guard, there wasn't the overplayed stories. It was about football. It was as close to perfect as I could have asked for without it being for the national championship.
Now it can only get better if the underdogs keep winning. As many people want to see Ohio St. and LSU in the game... there are just as many that want to see Missouri, West Virginia, Kansas, Hawaii, and Boston College get the big games for once. I for one would prefer a team that doesn't make their own championship doesn't make the national championship either (see Oklahoma a few years ago). Georgia should be eliminated from contention, this being said when I feel their are an outstanding team, but they didn't make their own championship game... that's a fact. I also don't think Hawaii should be in, BUT they had best be in the BCS. They beat Boise, Boise proved they belonged last year.
Lastly, I really hope LSU doesn't make the national championship game. It has nothing to do with their team though. I think they have put together a team that can compete with anyone, but I can't stand the media's love affair with Les Miles. First, he's Mr. 4th down. The same title lost him his first game. Second, unless Michigan gets a coach NOT named Les, I can't take the continual talk of him 'being distracted.' Save me from this... just remove him from the BCS championship.
That's my bitterness... and joy. Its been an amazing year, and I hope the upsets keep coming. Heck, Northern Colorado finally gots its first victory in the Big Sky conference, so anything is possible.
Rest in Peace, Bobcats.
Rest in Misery, Griz.
This has been a Matter of Fact.
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