June 7, 2009 by traveler.

Like many Americans, I grew up playing soccer. Like many more Americans, I have no interest in watching professional soccer. Why the disconnect?

Soccer’s got to be great, right? I mean, the rest of the world adores their ‘football’. So why have Americans so thoroughly rejected this sport? Perhaps Jim Rome can shed some light.

Sorry, world- we’ve seen what ‘football’ has to offer. We’re not interested. Please take it off our hands (not like we’re very good at it anyway). And while you’re at it, take cricket along also. Thanks. We’ll just stick with our own football…the good stuff.

Posted in Gripes, Video, Sports, Funny, Games | No Comments »

May 8, 2009 by traveler.

You’ve probably seen it already, but this clip is too good to pass up. The Corinthians celebrate in style- by setting their trophy on fire. Ok, so technically it was the MASSIVE amounts of flaming confetti surrounding the trophy, but still. Great footage.

This is a real challenger for my favorite Trophy presentation/celebration- the subject of an older post. Clip reposted below…

Posted in Weird, Video, Sports, Funny | No Comments »

June 25, 2008 by traveler.

By now you’ve heard- Maricopa Sherriff’s office yanked Shaquille O’Neal’s special deputy’s badge. Can they also yank Kazaam?

I’d even settle for Shaq Fu.

Posted in Video, Sports, Movies, Games | No Comments »

May 28, 2008 by traveler.

The Spokane Chiefs defeated the Kitchener Rangers for the Western Hockey League championship. The trophy presentation didn’t go too smoothly, though…

Ouch. At least it was a replica. Check out the Puck Daddy or Wrap Around Curl posts for more info.

Posted in Video, Sports, Funny | No Comments »

May 25, 2008 by traveler.

I didn’t know all-you-can-eat baseball seats were popular. Apparently tickets are selling briskly for these seats, which feature a range of free concessions from popcorn to hot dogs. If only baseball were fun to watch, this would be a great deal.

I remember going to Wrigley Field as a kid and watching the Cubs play. Wrigley is a great historic park to visit, but the action was so slow I resorted to throwing peanut shells into a woman’s hair to keep entertained. (Note to self: bored kid + projectiles = trouble) If they had all-you-can-eat peanuts back then, just think of the carnage.

This USA Today article lists the stadiums that have all-you-can-eat seats for 2008. If you’re a baseball fan and you live near one of these stadiums, check out their all-you-can-eat seats. Just keep your peanut shells to yourself.

Posted in Food, Sports, Old News | No Comments »

May 11, 2008 by traveler.

American Gladiators returns tomorrow night, and there are a few new gladiators.

[Editor’s note- Jeez. I barely got this post up and then NBC yanked their vid (above). Check out this other promo]

Last season’s winners Monica & Evan have been transformed into Jet and Rocket. I will be curious to see how frequently they are used. This season’s contenders better pray they don’t go against Rocket in the wall. Rocket and Jet are both strong competitors, but the transition to Gladiators might be a bit rocky. Joining them in the pantheon of Gladiators is Phoenix. Her background in track and field should prepare her for Gladiator life- too bad there isn’t a hammer throw event in American Gladiators.

I’ll be tuning in to the new season of American Gladiators. New gladiators, new events- it should be fun. Also, if you want to get up-to-date info on the show, check out this blog. In the mean time, stay strong, brother.

Posted in Video, Sports, TV, Pics | 1 Comment »

May 3, 2008 by traveler.

Sports writers’ analyses of the NFL draft are usually diverse in details but familiar in tone. Which teams made the best picks, which fans were pleased, and who had to wait longer than expected to hear their names called. This article in The Washington Post by Les Carpenter provided a refreshingly novel look at a little-known part of the draft.

I hadn’t heard of Paul Salata or his annual NFL draft celebration. Every year since 1976, Paul has waited patiently to congratulate the draft’s Mr Irrelevent- the player picked dead last.  This year, that player was David Vobora, overall pick #252.  Vobora has a special week ahead of him.  Irrelevant Week includes a news conference, a tailgate party, a trip to Disneyland, a VIP banquet, and a “Lowsman” trophy.  Despite the tongue-in-cheek tone of the week, most players apparently enjoy their time.  If history is any judge, they have reason to live it up now.  Many seventh-round picks struggle through training camp and may not make a team’s roster.  

Paul Salata and Irrelevant Week keep the draft interesting. If you live in Southern California, you can even attend this year’s events. This year’s Irrelevant Week will run from June 23-27 in Newport Beach, CA. After that, Vobora’s NFL career will begin, and we will all look forward to next year’s Mr. Irrelevant.

Posted in Sports, Funny | No Comments »