Navigation: Jump to content areas:

Pro Quality. Fan Perspective.
Login-facebook
Around SBN: Kobe Bryant Isn't Up To Speed On Jeremy Lin, 'Linning'

102709 OTDOD - Home Improvement Edition

Tiny by Faux on

It's new OTD time again, folks. In lieu of the usual OT fare of video games, books, making fun of celebrities and yuppies, etc. I've decided to go with a different theme for my occasional contribution to this wonderful site - home improvement.

This is a topic that has been the bane of my existence for the past month and a half, as I bought quite the clunker and am determined to make it livable on a budget. I won't go LLFB and detail every change I've made so far, but here are a couple things that I've done, and a longer list of neat stuff I'm looking to do.

Done -
* New kitchen cabinets
* Bedroom tear out, replacing wiring (drywall going up soon!)

Neat stuff that I may want to build/do in the future -
Catwalk on the ceiling - I don't even like the cat, but I think this would be awesome, especially the carpeted pole in the front room (maybe have the carpet removable so it can serve double duty without the rug burns)
Spray foam insulation - I can't do it now because of time constraints, but this is something I will be coming back to in the near term. It's the wave of the future, and it's not a flying car this time. R-Value of 21 for a 2x4 framed wall with built-in leak sealing and vapor barrier? Yes, please.

Normal projects in the pipeline -
Make a real front door
Built-in office desks and shelving
Tear down and rebuild shed
Replace deck/patio

Links to sites that I read about housing/remodeling/design -
http://diydiva.net/
http://www.inhabitat.com/
http://www.doityourself.com/

So, now comes the sharing portion of  the show. What things have you done to make your place more livable? Good ideas that maybe you don't see everywhere? Any questions about work you want to do? I know I have quite a bit of experience in roofing, siding, electrical, insulation and tree work. I'm sure there are other people here that know about other things as well.

As always, normal OTD rules apply - talk about whatever within the rules.

Comment 1229 comments  |  0 recs  | 

Do you like this story?

Read More: Seattle Mariners

Comments

Display:

Also, my neck hurts from shaking my head at all the shit the last owner did horribly, horribly wrong.

Splices in the walls? No grounding for the main box? Electrical tape as pipe fitting tape? Ugh.

It's hard to convince people to let you eat them if you're an asshole. - Thingray

by Faux on Oct 27, 2009 7:39 AM PDT reply actions  

Yes.

It would appear the previous owner of my house fancied himself quite the general contractor. We knew something was wrong with the wiring, because we’d blow a circuit by doing something like making tea while a light was on in a totally separate part of the house. We’ve added 5 lines (things like getting the oven on a dedicated line), and it’s still not quite right.
We totally redid the kitchen last year, and put down slate tile (and that cool underfloor heating mat stuff!), and unwittingly found that previous owner/bob villa wanna be had run a live wire across the kitchen floor. We missed it by an inch when we were running the circular saw through the old laminate to start demo. That was close.

I still want to put in a half bath and water in my basement, though I realize that if I did, I would probably never leave. Finishing the basement was a project from 2 years ago, and it’s probably been the biggest return-on-investment deal since we bought the house, oh, 8 years ago. Sheesh, that was 8 years ago?

by marc w on Oct 27, 2009 9:05 AM PDT up reply actions  

Yeah, you'll find more.

I decided to make the best of my chaotic moving situation and tear out all the inside walls and start fresh before settling into the room. I’m only doing it room by room, but everything I find goes into the dumpster. There’s pre-asbestos insulation in all the walls, wires run between lath boards, a MISSING ROOF JOIST, no wire nuts to be found, the washer drain going straight into the drain pipe w/o a one way valve, etc.

Luckily for me, the two biggest things are new, the main electrical box and the furnace. Everything after that is just running lines and ductwork (and a ROOF JOIST).

It's hard to convince people to let you eat them if you're an asshole. - Thingray

by Faux on Oct 27, 2009 9:14 AM PDT up reply actions  

Hey, that underfloor heating mat.

Did you use the kind that has to be covered in grout and left to set first, then tiled? Or the all-in-one-step type. These are the only types I’m familiar with at this point.

by Kermit. on Oct 27, 2009 10:43 AM PDT up reply actions  

I love the idea of the catwalk. I wish I could do something like that for my kitty.

That DIY site is a little misleading when they’re talking about the potential drawbacks to using sprayfoam insulation at the underside of the roof. They say that it’s an industry “standard” to ventilate the attic. This makes it sound like it’s questionable whether you should ventilate your attic or not, but in Washington and Oregon, and any other state that has adopted the IBC (International Building Code), it’s required by the building code that you ventilate the attic.

I will smash your face into a jelly.

by Phil Hatzenbuehler on Oct 27, 2009 7:53 AM PDT reply actions  

Yeah, that part does vary by state.

The states that use the ICC allow non-ventilated attics, and even in states where the IBC is used there are variances that are usually easy to get as long as you make clear the attic will be within the interior air envelope.

Also, there are ventilated runners that will work with spray foam application that offer the best of both worlds.

It's hard to convince people to let you eat them if you're an asshole. - Thingray

by Faux on Oct 27, 2009 7:59 AM PDT up reply actions  

Our house was built to contractor grade

(read: cheap-ass Home Depot finishing everywhere)

so we’re in the long, slow process of making it look better. Nothing major, fortunately, it’s all mostly cosmetic – we’ve put down laminate flooring in the living room, we’re going to learn how to tile so we can replace the linoleum in the kitchen and bathrooms, and we’’re replacing sinks and faucets everywhere. I had no idea that faucet replacement is as easy as it is – our kitchen faucet didn’t even require tools. Crazy. We do want to replace the kitchen cabinets, though – how involved was that process? How much did you know about doing it before you started? For some reason that project terrifies me.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Oct 27, 2009 7:53 AM PDT reply actions  

Cabinets are pretty tricky.

There’s a lot of fine woodworking skills required. They’re difficult to level, because often times the kitchen floor framing isn’t level at all. If you’re planning on having a solid surface countertop installed, be prepared to buy a six-foot level and a planer, because you’ll have to do a lot of checking, double-checking, and planing of your base cabinets to get them as close to perfectly level as you can.

The folks who installed our solid surface countertop had to come out twice because we weren’t in their tolerance for level the first time around. We spent a lot (and I mean a lot) of time planing off our base cabinets.

I will smash your face into a jelly.

by Phil Hatzenbuehler on Oct 27, 2009 7:59 AM PDT up reply actions  

This is exactly right, and then some.

One thing I also recommend (that I didn’t do) is to not get wall cabinets that go all the way to the ceiling. All this gives you is the same headache you had with the base cabinets, but with more plucking it off the wall and putting it back up.

Crown molding only does so much, and if you have a bad enough ceiling you have to level that as well.

It's hard to convince people to let you eat them if you're an asshole. - Thingray

by Faux on Oct 27, 2009 8:03 AM PDT up reply actions  

Faucets are easy to replace when they are recent.

Older houses can have compression or solder fittings that have to be the most ornery, pain in the ass fittings I’ve had to try and take off.

It's hard to convince people to let you eat them if you're an asshole. - Thingray

by Faux on Oct 27, 2009 8:06 AM PDT up reply actions  

Help me fix a toilet!

so the stopper on the inside of my toilet bowl won’t go back down after I flush, and it empties the entire bowl every time. I would be much more worried, but we don’t pay for water (landlord does), it’s just annoying to have to lift the bowl to push the stopper back down every time.

Any idea how to make the stopper go back to sealed after I flush? I can provide pictures later.

by seattlebruin on Oct 27, 2009 9:09 AM PDT reply actions  

Are you sure the chain attached to the stopper isn't kinked?

Sometimes a few of the links will become tangled up in the lever that is attached to the flush handle.

I will smash your face into a jelly.

by Phil Hatzenbuehler on Oct 27, 2009 9:13 AM PDT up reply actions  

Check to see if the chain is somehow wrapped around itself, or broken, or if it's slipped off the stopper

I guess you’d see that if you were pushing the stopper down every time.
Is the stopper, er, stopping just above the hole, or is it not really moving at all?

by marc w on Oct 27, 2009 9:13 AM PDT up reply actions  

Sounds like it could be a problem with the float.

Sometimes you have to bend the metal piece that the float is attached to to make sure that it engages the water in the tank correctly.

I will smash your face into a jelly.

by Phil Hatzenbuehler on Oct 27, 2009 9:19 AM PDT up reply actions  

Could be rusted joints in the mechanism.

You could take it off and WD-40 it or just replace it (they’re cheap).

by waldo rojas on Oct 27, 2009 9:43 AM PDT up reply actions  

If it's completely stuck my guess would be it's the hinge of the stopper that's the problem

Try taking it off and look at the hinges to see if there’s rust buildup or something.

by OlSalty on Oct 27, 2009 11:35 PM PDT up reply actions  

Simple fix, see if adding a link to your chain will do it.

Sometimes the chain is too short and it pulls the flapper up too far, so gravity won’t pull it back down on its own.

Easy way to test this is see if not pushing the handle down all the way fixes it. Just push it enough to flush and see if it goes back down.

Otherwise maybe the arm on your handle isn’t long enough (so it pulls it back too far) or the flapper is binding at the bottom (try turning off the water to your toilet and manually moving the flapper, see if it sticks anywhere)

It's hard to convince people to let you eat them if you're an asshole. - Thingray

by Faux on Oct 27, 2009 9:20 AM PDT up reply actions  

Also check the stopper itself, sometimes some algae will grow on it or the rim of the hole.

And if the stopper is really old, for whatever reasons they can become brittle and stiff and need to be replaced. They don’t always have to be that old either, maybe some materials are just cheap, or react badly to cleaning agents like the little clorox pucks people like to put in there.

by Kermit. on Oct 27, 2009 10:23 AM PDT up reply actions  

When you replace your deck I recommend using Azek composite.

It doesn’t scratch or mold like other composites. Its what I used when I built my deck last spring.

NEEDS MORE FREEDOM!

by Scruffy Lefty on Oct 27, 2009 9:32 AM PDT reply actions  

Heh

Composite dick.

NEEDS MORE FREEDOM!

by Scruffy Lefty on Oct 27, 2009 9:42 AM PDT up reply actions  

But does it fade under prolonged exposure to UV is what I want to know.

Some of those composites don’t hold color very well, and who wants a grey deck.

by Kermit. on Oct 27, 2009 10:24 AM PDT up reply actions   2 recs

So I can quit it now? This is good to know!

This was actually a good healing exercise. It’s been so long since the Yankees have hurt me, it was time to let go of the anger and resentment I’ve been holding on to all these years. You’ve helped me finally learn how to talk about them, laugh about them, and shown me how to empower myself.

It really wasn’t about the Yankees anymore, that team doesn’t even exist . Oh sure, there’s a few players still there, but without Williams, Knoblauch, O’Neill, or the rest of them, it’s just a shadow of the team that hurt me. So it wasn’t about hating the Yankees anymore, it was about holding onto the pain and anger. And it was time to stop, I was ready. Thank you seattlebruin, for giving me my life back.

by Kermit. on Oct 27, 2009 10:37 AM PDT up reply actions  

Perfect timing - I just discovered water damage in my skylight in my bathroom.

My house is only 5 years old and I went up to the roof yesterday and couldn’t find anything that would’ve caused the leak. I’m thinking it was condensation because the leak doesn’t start at the top of the skylight. Anyone else had anything similar?

NEEDS MORE FREEDOM!

by Scruffy Lefty on Oct 27, 2009 9:34 AM PDT reply actions  

Not really.

We have 2 skylights and no other windows. And neither skylight opens. Plus we have the bad habit of never running the exhaust fan when taking a shower.

NEEDS MORE FREEDOM!

by Scruffy Lefty on Oct 27, 2009 9:44 AM PDT up reply actions  

Run the exhaust fan.

Especially with no other ventilation source in your bathroom. That’s probably what’s causing your problem.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Oct 27, 2009 9:45 AM PDT up reply actions  

Water damage isn't your only worry at that point

Mold can grow really easy anywhere in a bathroom if you don’t ventilate.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Oct 27, 2009 9:48 AM PDT up reply actions  

Yes

And it can actually be poisonous in a poorly ventilated area, so check the corners behind your toilet and such to make sure you don’t have any already.

by OlSalty on Oct 27, 2009 11:37 PM PDT up reply actions  

Get the timer switch for it.

Easy swap, switch for switch, and you can just turn the dial and it’ll run for 1/2 hour.

It's hard to convince people to let you eat them if you're an asshole. - Thingray

by Faux on Oct 27, 2009 2:46 PM PDT up reply actions  

I'm home sick.

What are the best movies on Netflix Instant Watch? I’m looking for cheesy/epic.

NEEDS MORE FREEDOM!

by Scruffy Lefty on Oct 27, 2009 9:36 AM PDT reply actions  

I like Danny McBride, too.

The movie was an odd one, but I enjoyed it more than I expected to.

by Teej on Oct 27, 2009 10:09 AM PDT up reply actions  

Why do comedy writers feel their films need a plot?

The best part of these movies is usually the first 1/4 – 1/2, when the characters are being introduced and setup. Then they devolve into some ludicrous, half-assed action movie or horror film or romance that’s not funny and not compelling. What would be wrong with just following the funny characters around for the entire movie, watching them be funny?

by waldo rojas on Oct 27, 2009 10:12 AM PDT up reply actions  

Go watch Hot Rod.

It will solve all your problems.

NEEDS MORE FREEDOM!

by Scruffy Lefty on Oct 27, 2009 10:23 AM PDT up reply actions  

Yes yes yes.

I loved Hot Rod so much.

Cool Beans.

I will smash your face into a jelly.

by Phil Hatzenbuehler on Oct 27, 2009 10:35 AM PDT up reply actions  

Cool beans

I want to poop at your house - Thingray

by tootthekazoo on Oct 27, 2009 10:35 AM PDT up reply actions  

FEAR DOT COM

Finish it!

I want to poop at your house - Thingray

by tootthekazoo on Oct 27, 2009 10:35 AM PDT up reply actions  

I'd have to start all over

I don’t remember a thing about it.

I want to poop at your house - Thingray

by tootthekazoo on Oct 27, 2009 10:41 AM PDT up reply actions  

Why would you do that to yourself?

"Ever tried? Ever failed? No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better." - Samuel Beckett http://mvn.com/marinersminors/

by JY on Oct 27, 2009 11:14 AM PDT up reply actions  

I was drunk and we were looking for a shitty horror movie

That one wasn’t even entertaining though

I want to poop at your house - Thingray

by tootthekazoo on Oct 27, 2009 11:16 AM PDT up reply actions  

DOUBLE TEAM!!!!

Jean-Claude Van Damme & Dennis Rodman. Need I say more? Oh what…Mickey Rourke is the villain? Seriously. Watch. Now.

by SethGrandpa on Oct 27, 2009 2:22 PM PDT up reply actions  

Also water knocking sounds!

Coming from the bladder like thing on my hot water “in” line. I replaced the bladder and it changed the pitch of he water sounds but I’m still getting the issue. I’m wondering if I need a pressure regulator.

NEEDS MORE FREEDOM!

by Scruffy Lefty on Oct 27, 2009 9:39 AM PDT reply actions  

You have old plumbing lines that need to be replaced.

I have the same issue. The pressure coming from the intake is too high for the old piping.

by Sec 108 on Oct 27, 2009 10:08 AM PDT up reply actions  

But my house is only 5 years old. Could they have used the wrong piping?

It has been said that since I have a firestation that does training in our area that it affects our water pressure and causes knocking. But I’m the only one that has the issue consistently.

NEEDS MORE FREEDOM!

by Scruffy Lefty on Oct 27, 2009 10:25 AM PDT up reply actions  

French Press.

2 tablespoons per 6 oz. Press down after 4-5 minutes and drink immediately. Otherwise coffee will be bitter. It may seem as though this is a lot of coffee to water, but if you use less, the coffee will be bitter. Bitter is to be avoided.

by Kirsten Schlewitz on Oct 27, 2009 9:47 AM PDT up reply actions  

I have a small french press at work

since everyone else drinks Folgers around here, it’s the only way to get good coffee. I like the coffee it makes, but they’re a bit of a pain to clean.

I have a small drip machine that’s fast and easy to clean; perfect for work mornings.

angels fan in seattle

by Eyebrows on Oct 27, 2009 10:00 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions  

Soccer today!

I don’t care if it’s the Carling Cup. It’s still soccer.

by Kirsten Schlewitz on Oct 27, 2009 9:48 AM PDT reply actions  

SOUNDERS SOUNDERS SOUNDERS

I spent my day off yesterday playing Houston on FIFA while blaring songs from this page. I can’t decide if this is awesome or terribly nerdy.

by Robert on Oct 27, 2009 9:54 AM PDT up reply actions  

Craigslist subthread!

furnish my apartment! I need a dresser for my room, dining table and chairs and a coffee table. Must be located in Inland Empire or San Diego (strongly prefer San Diego), and reasonably priced (total budget is ~$125, and no item should exceed $100)

I have a medium brown tile floor for the two tables with a two tone couch, espresso base and chocolate-colored cushions.

For the dresser, it’s in a room with a dark cherry-ish bed, and needs to sit a 46" TV on top of it.

Go!

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/
http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/

by seattlebruin on Oct 27, 2009 9:54 AM PDT reply actions  

You might also want to check local thrift stores

Some people are dumb and donate decent furniture instead of selling it, and thrift store prices always rock

I want to poop at your house - Thingray

by tootthekazoo on Oct 27, 2009 10:39 AM PDT up reply actions  

My brother got a 3 piece matching living room set for like $80 at a Value Village

Couch, loveseat and recliner, in black. They looked brand new. He was stoked

I want to poop at your house - Thingray

by tootthekazoo on Oct 27, 2009 10:42 AM PDT up reply actions  

See, sofas/cloth furniture are the one thing I can't get without knowing the reasonable history of

I’m so deathly allergic to cats that I need to know that cats haven’t been the furniture. With solid surfaces, it’s not perfect, but a good cleaning will do wonders

by seattlebruin on Oct 27, 2009 10:44 AM PDT up reply actions  

If you want to check thrift stores, I had the best luck

on Sports Arena Blvd, there’s a Goodwill and a Salvation Army about a block apart that aren’t terrible.

I never had any luck at the Baras chain.

angels fan in seattle

by Eyebrows on Oct 27, 2009 10:45 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions  

Thank you for the idea.

My coffee table has had a wobbly leg, which snapped off while I was watching a recent Seahawks game with friends. I’ve been in the market for a new table, and it didn’t even occur to me to look on Craigslist.

by katal on Oct 27, 2009 11:11 AM PDT up reply actions  

Here's your table and chairs, asking $100

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/ssd/fuo/1430782388.html

Because I know you have to haggle, don’t try for lower than $75.

angels fan in seattle

by Eyebrows on Oct 27, 2009 11:20 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions  

I mean, you HAVE MONEY!

Why waste everyone’s time with lowball offers? These are great deals already, you don’t have to insult them.

angels fan in seattle

by Eyebrows on Oct 27, 2009 11:24 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions  

Offer $40.

Be strong. Your negotiating through email – makes it easier not to break!

NEEDS MORE FREEDOM!

by Scruffy Lefty on Oct 27, 2009 11:22 AM PDT up reply actions  

God damn it! SHIT!

I’m out of god damn tea. Awww, for pete’s sake!

If I can make it to a store without punching anyone, what kind of tea should I get, which is a way of asking what kind/brand of tea you prefer?

by marc w on Oct 27, 2009 10:03 AM PDT reply actions  

Lemon Lift!

And when that runs out, whatever’s in the Meals on Wheels room.

by Teej on Oct 27, 2009 10:04 AM PDT up reply actions  

Hmm...

I’ve bought some Yogi Tea in the past but it’s realistically about thirty variations on four or five different teas and a lot of them are fruity. They are effective at what they claim to do though, the Detox Teas do help (I use them for hangovers) as does the stomach settling one, but generally they are a bit fruity.

To summarize, better offerings are available for just tea purposes and from now on I think I’m just going to peruse the aisles of the Japanese supermarket.

"Ever tried? Ever failed? No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better." - Samuel Beckett http://mvn.com/marinersminors/

by JY on Oct 27, 2009 11:19 AM PDT up reply actions  

I like Tetleys, and PG tips

you just missed a swell sale at Bartell’s on Stash tea, which has some good flavors. Trader Joes actually has some nice tea (even the decaf, a decent cuppa is hard to find)

by msb on Oct 27, 2009 1:19 PM PDT up reply actions  

Not big on Stash, though I love PG tips (that's what I just ran out of)

Yeah, the trader joe’s surprised me, but I’ll probably just get more PG. That or Yorkshire Gold.

by marc w on Oct 27, 2009 1:29 PM PDT up reply actions  

Only some of the Stash ...

lemon ginger is ok, and the decaf English breakfast if you have to go decaf.

by msb on Oct 27, 2009 1:33 PM PDT up reply actions  

If I am having iced tea Red Rose.

If I am having hot tea with caffeine, Mighty Leaf Earl Grey. If I am having hot tea without caffeine, Yogi Licorice Root.

by Aaron Campeau on Oct 27, 2009 5:56 PM PDT up reply actions  

It seems one is either a bergamot-er or not

Lapsang souchong is another divider of tea drinkers

by msb on Oct 28, 2009 9:18 AM PDT up reply actions  

Yes, and yes.

The cilantro of beverage flavorings.

I kind of want to snort powdered bergamot.
Lapsang Suchong doesn’t really smell or taste like something people are meant to ingest.

by marc w on Oct 28, 2009 9:38 AM PDT up reply actions  

Does anybody know of a site where I can find MP3's for cellphone notifications?

The stock sounds for android that I can assign for text messages are too brief and quiet and I tend to not notice it. I’m not looking for an obnoxious one or voice one, just one that I wont likely miss. My old WM6.1 Treo had an amazing one but I can’t find it anywhere.

by Robert on Oct 27, 2009 10:09 AM PDT reply actions  

Why meth?

Why not meth?

I want to poop at your house - Thingray

by tootthekazoo on Oct 27, 2009 11:04 AM PDT up reply actions  

One of those commercials that warns against meth.

Is someone I went to high school with. He looks like hell.

NEEDS MORE FREEDOM!

by Scruffy Lefty on Oct 27, 2009 11:07 AM PDT up reply actions  

Yay! The Army Corps of Engineers released updated flood maps for the Green River Valley

In all but the most minor of flooding events, my place of work will be under up to 2 feet of water at a minimum. Good times. Maps at the link here

Does this look to effect anybody else here at all?

I want to poop at your house - Thingray

by tootthekazoo on Oct 27, 2009 12:06 PM PDT reply actions  

I suppose that may effect you then

Both of our shops will flood if anything happens, which would be quite terrible

I want to poop at your house - Thingray

by tootthekazoo on Oct 27, 2009 12:56 PM PDT up reply actions  

Way to go, Seattle Times! (or, Hey SB! Sparkle Sparkle!)

The Seattle Times is running a Twilight contest, inviting people to declare their allegiance to Team Edward or Team Jacob in the comments.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/movies/2010138949_twilightcontest.html?cmpid=2628

angels fan in seattle

by Eyebrows on Oct 27, 2009 12:16 PM PDT via mobile reply actions  

These are fun!

“These are some of the reasons on why to be team Edward. For starters he is extremely hansome , romantic, protective, will die for you , has your best interest at heart doesn’t want to do anything to hurt you and if breaking your heart is what he has to do to protect you then that is what he will do , he has centuries of knowledge and is willing to share information with you , he has passion in his eyes for the one he can’t live with out . That is why i am team Edward for he is the perfect man that all women dream of and long for … "

angels fan in seattle

by Eyebrows on Oct 27, 2009 12:18 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions  

It's the holidays

LL should do a Christmas pantomime. I’ve always thought America should do that.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Oct 27, 2009 1:09 PM PDT up reply actions  

You can be the pantomime horse!

Sometimes they’re secret agents!

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Oct 27, 2009 1:14 PM PDT up reply actions  

THIS!

LL should absolutely make a teen comedy! It can star Big Vin Diesel as Jeff, Hulk Hogan as Graham, and Wesley Snipes as Matthew!

The three will race across Europe, tracking down a very expensive bottle of wine wine! The climax of the film will feature an incredible hot air balloon chase! Yes!

by katal on Oct 27, 2009 2:56 PM PDT up reply actions   1 recs

As I've said,

I really hope that some nasty storms go through the Northeast for the next couple weeks, preventing the series from finishing until sometime in December. Then maybe the MLB will plan the thing a bit better. I mean, what if the next one is Colorado and Minnesota, and it snows the whole time? This is a bunch of bullshit

I want to poop at your house - Thingray

by tootthekazoo on Oct 27, 2009 1:46 PM PDT up reply actions  

Maybe we'll get lucky and the temperature will drop to below zero with a stiff breeze just for kicks.

Nothing says post season baseball excitement like sub-zero wind chill conditions! I’m already getting excited thinking about the endless possibilities for Selig to say stupid shit while trying to sort it out.

by Kermit. on Oct 27, 2009 2:40 PM PDT up reply actions  

Maybe the start of season should be moved up to early March.

I built a koi pond once with extensive use of spray foam insulation. Great stuff.

The 2009 Pregame Picks Winner and Iron Man of Halos Heaven.com

by 44FAN on Oct 27, 2009 2:43 PM PDT up reply actions  

The WBC is the only reason the WS is this late.

But I still don’t understand why the WS couldn’t start tonight.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Oct 27, 2009 2:44 PM PDT up reply actions  

Why can't we just schedule the first world series game after the ALCS and NLCS are completed?

If you bought tickets to the world series I’m pretty sure you’re willing to take a personal day when the date changes.

by OlSalty on Oct 27, 2009 11:56 PM PDT up reply actions  

Scary robot news!

Anybody here remember the Big Dog (be ready for SCARY at the :35 mark) created by Boston Dynamics? They’ve now created Petman, a bipedal walking robot that will possibly terrify you. Watch the video here

I want to poop at your house - Thingray

by tootthekazoo on Oct 27, 2009 4:43 PM PDT reply actions  

That is insane.

But yeah, :35 is freakin’ WEIRD.

I will smash your face into a jelly.

by Phil Hatzenbuehler on Oct 28, 2009 8:55 AM PDT up reply actions  

If you've played Half Life 2: Episode 2

Tell me that the big dog doesn’t remind you of the hunters. TERROR

I want to poop at your house - Thingray

by tootthekazoo on Oct 28, 2009 11:46 AM PDT up reply actions  

IT CATCHES ITSELF FROM FALLING JUST LIKE REAL THINGS DO

AND IT WON’T FALL WHILE ON ICE EITHER, BECAUSE IT KNOWS

I want to poop at your house - Thingray

by tootthekazoo on Oct 28, 2009 11:56 AM PDT up reply actions  

A bittersweet day.

I like the world series even if my team isn’t in it [i.e. every year]. However, this will be the first year that the WS has not been shown on free UK TV. For the previous 12 years, every WS game was shown live and it was awesome, but due to the recession five tv cut back on their American sports coverage, and baseball was cut.

So, tonight is about the game but also remembering the awesome show that introduced me to baseball in the first place. It is just a shame that no other people will have the same opportunity that I had [unless they pay £12/month for ESPN…].

I was at Shea for the Felix-Slam!
Personal M's record: 5-4.

by EnglishMariner on Oct 27, 2009 5:17 PM PDT reply actions  

Favorite types of bacon?

I like hickory smoked and peppered the most.

Favorite way to eat bacon?
I like a strip of bacon and two slices of cheese on a lightly toasted english muffin half.

by lailaihei on Oct 27, 2009 9:35 PM PDT up reply actions  

Yes.

That stuff cooks away into nothing.

"Ever tried? Ever failed? No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better." - Samuel Beckett http://mvn.com/marinersminors/

by JY on Oct 28, 2009 9:00 AM PDT up reply actions  

Sometimes when I get fancybacon, it kind of tastes like fish.

I don’t know if it is a fault or a feature but I think it is kind of gross.

by waldo rojas on Oct 28, 2009 11:55 AM PDT up reply actions  

Yes, let's.

There’s a cafe two blocks east of me where they serve Billionaire’s Bacon, which is essentially bacon cooked in brown sugar until it develops a sort of glaze. Ideally, and most frequently, the bacon is firm but not crisp, retaining that meaty consistency as you chew through it. They serve it separately as a side, but I prefer to get it with the Eggs in a Basket, which would be more easily recognizable (to me at least) as Eggs in Frame, a center hole cut out of two slices of rye bread with an egg fried in each until just before the yolk hardens up. You get a a bit of each in every forkful, consuming it with small French press’ worth of coffee on the side, and sit there soaking it all in as the foot traffic goes by.

That’s generally how Fridays go for me.

"Ever tried? Ever failed? No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better." - Samuel Beckett http://mvn.com/marinersminors/

by JY on Oct 27, 2009 10:13 PM PDT up reply actions  

On the west side of Amsterdam Avenue between 109th and 110th St. in Manhattan.

"Ever tried? Ever failed? No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better." - Samuel Beckett http://mvn.com/marinersminors/

by JY on Oct 27, 2009 10:47 PM PDT up reply actions  

Doubt it.

It’s one of those oddball places with local artwork on the walls, where you end up knowing most of the people on staff.

Besides, their business model, which includes half price food Mondays, half price wine bottles on Wednesday (with food orders, of course), and free tapas everyday, is not especially conducive to a large corporation.

"Ever tried? Ever failed? No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better." - Samuel Beckett http://mvn.com/marinersminors/

by JY on Oct 28, 2009 7:59 AM PDT up reply actions  

Nope.

It doesn’t have pepper in it as far as I know.

If you Google the phrase “Billionaire Bacon” it will come up with a whole list of recipes from places around NYC that claim to have done it first.

"Ever tried? Ever failed? No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better." - Samuel Beckett http://mvn.com/marinersminors/

by JY on Oct 28, 2009 7:54 AM PDT up reply actions  

Did they field a full strength side though?

I saw the score but it was the first round of the Copa Del Rey and I’m not sure if major Spanish sides take it seriously or not. Either way it’s a big result though.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Oct 28, 2009 9:08 AM PDT up reply actions  

Looks like it was a decent side on further research

Although any team with Jerzy Dudek in goal is always in danger of shipping a lot of goals. Benzema and Raul played, although a lot of the first team seemed to be injured. But still.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Oct 28, 2009 9:09 AM PDT up reply actions  

So I thought I was blocked from LL at work but apprently that is incorrect.

I am, however, unable to login from the drop-down menu, scroll, reply/rec/flag, switch to widescreen or post comments from work. I can see the site, I can login from the “Join the Conversation!” box at the bottom of threads, but if I want to do anything besides read I have to use the mobiLLe site.

Any ideas why this would be?

by Aaron Campeau on Oct 28, 2009 9:24 AM PDT via mobile reply actions  

What browser are you running?

Also, your company’s admins could have locked down things like javascript and other plug-in languages for security reasons – I don’t know the backbone of LL but that could be a reason.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Oct 28, 2009 9:29 AM PDT up reply actions  

Firefox 3.0.14, but same deal on IE.

I’m assuming it’s a blocked script; I think Ajax is what makes the things I’m having trouble with go, but it’s weird because I’m fully functional on other websites with similar features. SO I dunno. Guess I’m Eyebrowsing.

by Aaron Campeau on Oct 28, 2009 9:35 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions  

That's sounds dangerous.

Make friends with an IT guy and they become that puppy who shadows you everywhere you go.

by Sec 108 on Oct 28, 2009 10:10 AM PDT up reply actions  

It is a joke in case you missed that part.

We have a few very cool IT people who hang out here.

by Sec 108 on Oct 28, 2009 10:21 AM PDT up reply actions  

It's hilarious.

I’ve only seen a couple of episodes, but it’s ridiculously silly and fun.

I will smash your face into a jelly.

by Phil Hatzenbuehler on Oct 28, 2009 10:39 AM PDT up reply actions  

Also ...

Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace.

by msb on Oct 28, 2009 10:43 AM PDT up reply actions  

IT people are awesome

I’m one of them. All I meant was don’t demand unfettered access to everything right away, because that makes you sound dickish.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Oct 28, 2009 10:24 AM PDT up reply actions  

I realize that.

Sorry, I forget how hard it is to convey sarcasm over the internet.

by xero3k on Oct 28, 2009 3:50 PM PDT up reply actions  

They block sbnation.com.

Probably Websense, as I’m in the same boat (but can get around it).

The login function goes through sbnation.com, so it just takes you nowhere.

It's hard to convince people to let you eat them if you're an asshole. - Thingray

by Faux on Oct 28, 2009 10:48 AM PDT up reply actions  

They may have a special lunch or after-hours policy.

Try to login before or after work or during lunch, and it may go and you’ll carry the cookie for it 24 hours.

It's hard to convince people to let you eat them if you're an asshole. - Thingray

by Faux on Oct 28, 2009 10:56 AM PDT up reply actions  

They don't.

I tried to check my Facebook while I was off the clock for lunch yesterday and it was blocked.

by Aaron Campeau on Oct 28, 2009 11:21 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions  

Oh, maybe not that then...

Odd, as that’s the same exact problems I have with my filter.

Maybe they store the scripts on SBN and your browser is set to not allow cross-site scripting. In FF this is difficult to lock down, you may be able to get into your settings to change it.

It's hard to convince people to let you eat them if you're an asshole. - Thingray

by Faux on Oct 28, 2009 11:27 AM PDT up reply actions  

HOLY BALLS NBA TICKETS ARE EXPENSIVE

It’s been years since I’ve gone to an NBA game that I’ve paid for – I go to a game every couple years but usually in comp seats from a friend’s work. A seat in the lower level of the Rose Garden is a minimum of $53, all the way to $150 for club seats. Looks like we’ll be in the $19 nosebleeds at the top corner! I had no idea.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Oct 28, 2009 9:39 AM PDT reply actions  

Whoa.

I remember getting Sonics tickets for about 15 bucks. And they were decent seats, too.

I will smash your face into a jelly.

by Phil Hatzenbuehler on Oct 28, 2009 9:45 AM PDT up reply actions  

yeah, these are pretty crazy.

I can see paying the $19, or maybe even the $25 to get the seats paralleling the court at the very top, but that’s about as high as I will go.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Oct 28, 2009 9:50 AM PDT up reply actions  

$19 is pretty good for a professional team.

I was looking at how much tickets are for the local Ice Hockey team, and they wanted £12 per ticket! For Ice Hockey! English Ice Hockey!

I was at Shea for the Felix-Slam!
Personal M's record: 5-4.

by EnglishMariner on Oct 28, 2009 10:19 AM PDT up reply actions  

Probably close up though

for $19, you’re talking back row of the Staples Center in the upper deck

by seattlebruin on Oct 28, 2009 10:21 AM PDT up reply actions  

Oh my god Staples is so much more than even the RG

Can’t even get into the lower level for less than $100 for premium games, and for everything else it’s at least $90. Crap.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Oct 28, 2009 10:40 AM PDT up reply actions  

Those are the second-worst seats in the venue though.

I can sit right behind the Diamond Club at Safeco, close to home plate, for $40 ($65 day of game). $40 at the Rose Garden doesn’t even get me into the lower level.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Oct 28, 2009 10:22 AM PDT up reply actions  

To be fair the ticket prices at Safeco are very reasonable as well, I was delighted with the prices when I went compared to my trip to New York.

Having never been to a basketball game, how much of an impact does it have sitting close compared to far away? Is it like baseball/boxing where you miss a lot of the action, or football where it doesn’t really impact on your enjoyment much?

I was at Shea for the Felix-Slam!
Personal M's record: 5-4.

by EnglishMariner on Oct 28, 2009 10:24 AM PDT up reply actions  

Depends on how serious of a fan you are

I’m a pretty casual basketball fan, so I don’t mind sitting high up – I get a good view of the whole court and of the players, and can get a sense of how plays develop and how the game flows.. If you really want to watch an individual player or matchup, though, you want to be close.

The typical basketball arena is a little smaller physically than the O2, and typically holds 18-20,000 people; the Rose Garden also is fairly steeply raked for a modern arena, so the cheap-ass seats are still pretty decent.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Oct 28, 2009 10:28 AM PDT up reply actions  

I hate you Portland.

http://burgerville.com/ – Check out the Nomad under the main flash.

This truck needs to go nationwide, preferably starting in NJ.

It's hard to convince people to let you eat them if you're an asshole. - Thingray

by Faux on Oct 28, 2009 10:54 AM PDT reply actions  

Fucking sweet.

I loooooove their spicy anasazi bean burger.

I will smash your face into a jelly.

by Phil Hatzenbuehler on Oct 28, 2009 10:56 AM PDT up reply actions  

They've also started putting complete nutritional info for what you bought on their receipts

not just calorie counts. So you know exactly how disastrous that double cheeseburger is!

But they also allow bikes through their drive through so good for them. I’m not a huge Burgerville fan – shakes great, burgers not so much – but I love that they do stuff like this.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Oct 28, 2009 10:56 AM PDT up reply actions  

Which?

Bikes in the drive through? Nothing illegal about it, but most companies don’t allow it. Burgerville does.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Oct 28, 2009 1:00 PM PDT up reply actions  

On a similar note for all you LL folks in Portland,

Check out Big-Ass Sandwiches coming soon to SW 3rd & Ash. My old neighbors are starting it up because they both were laid off this year and decided to say screw it to working for someone else anymore.

by Sec 108 on Oct 28, 2009 10:59 AM PDT up reply actions  

Ehhhh...

Why the fuck did they have to use that fucking stupid Kanye meme on their website?

I will smash your face into a jelly.

by Phil Hatzenbuehler on Oct 28, 2009 11:00 AM PDT up reply actions  

We don't have burgers in trucks

But we do have Wafels & Dinges, and those things definitely need to go nationwide.

"Ever tried? Ever failed? No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better." - Samuel Beckett http://mvn.com/marinersminors/

by JY on Oct 28, 2009 11:03 AM PDT up reply actions  

Havarti and Turkey? Classy.

Wafels & Dinges only does the sweet stuff, nothing savory, so it’s fudge, or nutella, or fruits, nuts sometimes, and they have a syrup and bacon if you really wanted it. But Flavour Spot seems to take it into a whole new evolutionary level.

"Ever tried? Ever failed? No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better." - Samuel Beckett http://mvn.com/marinersminors/

by JY on Oct 28, 2009 11:12 AM PDT up reply actions  

I have never really had a desire to own a smartphone

but this….this makes me kinda start to rethink that stance. This is awesome.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Oct 28, 2009 11:12 AM PDT reply actions  

It's amazing, is what it is. Oh, and FREE

Here’s what Garmin and Tom Tom shareholders have to say about it:

I want to poop at your house - Thingray

by tootthekazoo on Oct 28, 2009 11:52 AM PDT up reply actions  

Pretty much

The world can be very unfair sometimes. Google offers more features, portability, and usability than pretty much any other GPS on the market, and for no cost. Amazing

I want to poop at your house - Thingray

by tootthekazoo on Oct 28, 2009 12:03 PM PDT up reply actions  

Doing which thing?

I’m hopped up on cold meds and will blame that for not following you here

I want to poop at your house - Thingray

by tootthekazoo on Oct 28, 2009 12:34 PM PDT up reply actions  

Yup. GPS navigation has been a standard feature on my plan for years.

(Though I’d prefer Google’s version because I’m sure it’s less cumbersome.)

by Teej on Oct 28, 2009 12:34 PM PDT up reply actions  

They do free, graphical turn-by-turn navigation?

I thought it involved a fee of some kind, either per-use or an inexpensive monthly fee

I want to poop at your house - Thingray

by tootthekazoo on Oct 28, 2009 12:40 PM PDT up reply actions  

Verizon wants 10/month.

It's hard to convince people to let you eat them if you're an asshole. - Thingray

by Faux on Oct 28, 2009 12:43 PM PDT up reply actions  

Yeah.

It's hard to convince people to let you eat them if you're an asshole. - Thingray

by Faux on Oct 28, 2009 12:46 PM PDT up reply actions  

This is why it's so amazing

Verizon has in one fell swoop gone from being the most closed platform on the planet to one of the most open, at least in the smartphone world. No need to pay for the relatively useless VZNavigator (I had it on a free trial once and it wasn’t as good as any other nav system I’ve used) if you have a smartphone, now.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Oct 28, 2009 1:01 PM PDT up reply actions  

That's what I was getting at

Although, in the interest of fairness, Google has said that this maps app will be updated across most platforms eventually (i.e. iPhone, Palm Pre, etc.)

I want to poop at your house - Thingray

by tootthekazoo on Oct 28, 2009 1:07 PM PDT up reply actions  

I'm just excited that Verizon got it first

they’ve gotten a really bad rep about their smartphones – most of it deserved – and while I don’t have one and aren’t in the market for one, I dearly love Verizon and its awesome network reach, and I’m glad that their smartphone options are catching up to it.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Oct 28, 2009 1:10 PM PDT up reply actions  

They're still pretty closed.

Most new phones still don’t have Wi-Fi or GPS. Hell, even the BB Curve 8300 was released without both 6 months after the Storm release.

It's hard to convince people to let you eat them if you're an asshole. - Thingray

by Faux on Oct 28, 2009 1:15 PM PDT up reply actions  

As I understand it

Verizon has committed to all its Android phones being “completely open” to everything Android offers. if they hold to that (which they seem to be at least for the first releases), the closed Verizon platform of the Blackberrys will die a fairly rapid death, methinks.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Oct 28, 2009 1:17 PM PDT up reply actions  

Let's hope so.

GPS was the one and only thing that I liked about ATT over Verizon.

It's hard to convince people to let you eat them if you're an asshole. - Thingray

by Faux on Oct 28, 2009 1:21 PM PDT up reply actions  

That's awesome.

FUCK THE ANGELS! FUCK THE ANGELS! FUCK THE ANGELS!

by Goose on Oct 28, 2009 1:30 PM PDT up reply actions  

Here's an e-mail I just received from Time Warner
Time Warner Cable – Congratulations. Your order has been installed.

Congratulations. Your service has been installed.

David,

Congratulations on your recent installation and welcome to Time Warner Cable.

A little repetitive? I think I am being congratulated for having my cable installed.

by seattlebruin on Oct 28, 2009 11:38 AM PDT reply actions  

This is an important milestone for you.

"Ever tried? Ever failed? No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better." - Samuel Beckett http://mvn.com/marinersminors/

by JY on Oct 28, 2009 11:42 AM PDT up reply actions  

You have cable installed?

Couldn’t tell from the email.

It's hard to convince people to let you eat them if you're an asshole. - Thingray

by Faux on Oct 28, 2009 11:43 AM PDT up reply actions  

It should say

“I’m sorry You have Time Warner Cable”

NEEDS MORE FREEDOM!

by Scruffy Lefty on Oct 28, 2009 11:48 AM PDT up reply actions  

Why would you need installation to get cable?

I thought plug-and-play was sort of the deal these days

Determined, Jonesing Commentor | Proud proprietor of Wyomingroutes.org & Washingtonhighways.org

by Corco on Oct 28, 2009 12:17 PM PDT up reply actions  

Very

I want to poop at your house - Thingray

by tootthekazoo on Oct 28, 2009 11:55 AM PDT up reply actions  

Seriously.

I loved how people gave John Morgan shit when he said that the microfracture surgery effectively ended his career.

John Morgan is smarter than those people.

I will smash your face into a jelly.

by Phil Hatzenbuehler on Oct 28, 2009 12:58 PM PDT up reply actions  

The demo was excellent

I likely won’t get the game until it becomes cheap since I rarely play a racing game to it’s full value, but there’s a lot to love there

I want to poop at your house - Thingray

by tootthekazoo on Oct 28, 2009 12:01 PM PDT up reply actions  

Agreed.

I love the rewind feature.

I will smash your face into a jelly.

by Phil Hatzenbuehler on Oct 28, 2009 12:59 PM PDT up reply actions  

Pure innovation

Super smart to put that in a racing game, so you don’t have to constantly reload if you screw something up. You can seamlessly practice it until you’ve nailed it

I want to poop at your house - Thingray

by tootthekazoo on Oct 28, 2009 1:08 PM PDT up reply actions  

Exactly.

I played the demo enough that I was finding myself improving my driving skills…not just getting better at the game.

I will smash your face into a jelly.

by Phil Hatzenbuehler on Oct 28, 2009 1:36 PM PDT up reply actions  

The thing on Google Maps where it shows you the Wiki entries of places on the map is freaking awesome

almost as sweet as the thing where it tell you what buildings are on the satellite shot. Really helpful for finding bars and restaurants. And Wal-Marts.

by seattlebruin on Oct 28, 2009 12:09 PM PDT reply actions  

Wal-Marts seem difficult to miss?

"Ever tried? Ever failed? No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better." - Samuel Beckett http://mvn.com/marinersminors/

by JY on Oct 28, 2009 12:14 PM PDT up reply actions  

Things I never thought about.

What happens to old cemeteries?
Some apparently are incorporated into parking lots for malls.

It's hard to convince people to let you eat them if you're an asshole. - Thingray

by Faux on Oct 28, 2009 12:53 PM PDT reply actions  

from Larry Stone

“Zack Greinke today won the Players Choice award as the American League’s outstanding pitcher in voting by the players. As we wrote about earlier, Felix Hernandez was not even a finalist. The top three were Greinke, Sabathia and Roy Halladay. Adam Wainwright of St. Louis won the NL honor over his teammate Chris Carpenter and the Giants’ (and UW’s) Tim Lincecum. "

by msb on Oct 28, 2009 2:22 PM PDT reply actions  

Hey Scunthorpe, how did it feel to have a 12 inch Manchester City embossed cock inserted in your rectum this evening?

Also, obligatory Arsenal! mention for pdb.

Dream draw for the next round:

Manchester City Vs Manchester United

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!

I was at Shea for the Felix-Slam!
Personal M's record: 5-4.

by EnglishMariner on Oct 28, 2009 3:27 PM PDT reply actions  

yawn

I just can’t get excited about the Carling Cup. I know I should, but I save my energies for the FA Cup. Which is awesome.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Oct 28, 2009 4:26 PM PDT up reply actions  

This, I can get excited about.

And it was the Junior Gunners!

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Oct 28, 2009 4:39 PM PDT up reply actions  

Having watched the highlights of that match

that was much more about the fact that United looked absolutely horrendous and couldn’t advance the ball with any sort of precision or skill rather than some sort of Liverpool resurgence. Scunthorpe probably could have given United a game on Sunday.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Oct 28, 2009 4:45 PM PDT up reply actions  

Liverpool looked fine.

Man U didn’t look so good, but at least some of that was Liverpool’s doing.

by marc w on Oct 28, 2009 4:48 PM PDT up reply actions  

I thought they looked fairly sharp.

They were in control the whole time, even with Gerrard out and Torres playing hurt, and the defense held up better than I would have expected. That said, United did look lost.

by Teej on Oct 29, 2009 10:40 AM PDT up reply actions  

Surprised face!

NBA officiating makes much, much more sense now.

by marc w on Oct 28, 2009 3:56 PM PDT up reply actions  

This is why I stopped watching the NBA many years ago.

I’m starting to think this shit is happening in the NFL too.

by Sec 108 on Oct 28, 2009 4:00 PM PDT up reply actions  

I feel the same with both points

Hard to accept that it isn’t happening on some level in the NFL

I want to poop at your house - Thingray

by tootthekazoo on Oct 28, 2009 4:16 PM PDT up reply actions  

I think he means penalty calls

There’s a lot that isn’t reviewable.
Pass interference was getting out of control for a while, but I think the Seahawks/Ravens game was the peak of that particular problem – I don’t see it absolutely changing games anymore.

But refs could do a ton to affect a game… say, by calling holding penalties.

by marc w on Oct 28, 2009 4:50 PM PDT up reply actions  

PI all changed with the Pats and Colts playoff game.

The one that lead to the illegal contact penalty.

The point remains though is the NFL takes steps to not allow this to happen. Wether its changing rules, adding new ones or eliminating judgement calls (ex. force out rule)

So to say its happening in the NFL like it did in the NBA is just ridiculous.

NEEDS MORE FREEDOM!

by Scruffy Lefty on Oct 28, 2009 5:02 PM PDT up reply actions  

Ooh, good call on the Pats/Colts game

The NBA could always point to steps that they took to prevent the kind of shit Donaghy alleges.

But you’ve mentioned a big playoff game, I’ve hinted at a Super Bowl… what’s the argument again? Not only is it possible for refs to influence a game, we can all point to several. I am absolutely not saying that it’s as bad in the NFL as it was/is in the NBA, but instant replay alone doesn’t ‘protect’ the NFL.

by marc w on Oct 28, 2009 5:21 PM PDT up reply actions  

You are fooling yourself if you believe that.

There are tons of judgment calls in football regarding penalties that replay cannot touch.

by Sec 108 on Oct 28, 2009 4:50 PM PDT up reply actions  

Yes but the game is under a bigger microscope.

Because of the amount of games played. NFL teams play 16 and NBA teams play 82 – Think of the Ed Hochuli call last year in the Denver/SD game. That call alone cost him refereeing the superbowl.

NEEDS MORE FREEDOM!

by Scruffy Lefty on Oct 28, 2009 4:58 PM PDT up reply actions  

Yes, but how many times a year does the NFL apologize to teams for

missed or blown calls? Almost every week. The big mistakes get tons of media exposure, but 10 no calls on holding would get zero exposure yet could radically affect the outcome of a game.

by Sec 108 on Oct 28, 2009 5:03 PM PDT up reply actions  

But thats what makes it different then the NBA

Is the NFL sees it enough as a problem that they will apologize. When has the NBA ever done that?

NEEDS MORE FREEDOM!

by Scruffy Lefty on Oct 28, 2009 5:05 PM PDT up reply actions  

All of this should've been added to my original argument by the way.

I know judgement calls can make a difference but in no way has the NFL slummed down to NBA status.

NEEDS MORE FREEDOM!

by Scruffy Lefty on Oct 28, 2009 5:10 PM PDT up reply actions  

Ya

I was just the dumbass with a hasty answer. And didn’t full explain myself.

NEEDS MORE FREEDOM!

by Scruffy Lefty on Oct 28, 2009 5:32 PM PDT up reply actions  

It is definitely not at NBA status, but I guess my fears are that it could go

down that road. The NFL right now is where the NBA was in the 1980’s in terms of popularity and they need to make sure they do not make the same mistakes the NBA did.

by Sec 108 on Oct 29, 2009 9:44 AM PDT up reply actions  

I really hope this book gets a release

The NBA is threatening lawsuits to prevent it being published

I want to poop at your house - Thingray

by tootthekazoo on Oct 28, 2009 4:14 PM PDT up reply actions  

In other news, fuck Ticketmaster.

A $20 ticket to the Sounders playoff game? Nice! Nevermind, add a $4.50 “convenience charge,” $5.50 “processing fee,” and $2.50 for the “©Ticketfast Method” of printing the ticket off oneself. Seriously, what the fuck? Why does one have to pay $2.50 to PRINT THE FUCKING TICKET OFF THEIR WEBSITE. I understand paying to have it mailed to you and to pick it up from them directly, but printing it off yourself?

by redwolf75 on Oct 28, 2009 5:23 PM PDT reply actions  

You are right.
Retail Outlet Pickup US $3.00 Avoid long lines and pick up your tickets at a participating Ticketmaster Retail Outlet. The cardholder must be present with a picture ID, the physical credit card or gift card used to place the order (excluding single use temporary cards), and the order number. Certain geographic restrictions may apply.

Misread this and thought it referred to will call.

by redwolf75 on Oct 28, 2009 9:30 PM PDT up reply actions  

I find it extra dickish that they charge to pick up from a TM location

it’s bad enough they charge to print from home, but charging for something they do anyway at a place where they do it is that extra layer of FUCK YOU that really chaps me.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Oct 28, 2009 9:34 PM PDT up reply actions  

Has anyone else been watching the new BBC documentary series called 'Life'?

Some of the camera work and sounds they have captured have been stunning, I’m not sure if you can watch the iPlayer over there but if you can find a proxy and you enjoy this kind of thing, you really need to check it out.

I was at Shea for the Felix-Slam!
Personal M's record: 5-4.

by EnglishMariner on Oct 28, 2009 5:25 PM PDT reply actions  

15 bucks at some of the garages, 10 bucks at some of the street lots.

If you get there early enough there is plenty of free parking. Under the viaduct is a good spot.

by redwolf75 on Oct 28, 2009 11:33 PM PDT up reply actions  

Well, it's a playoff game, and it's on a weekday, so that's probably not accurate.

Getting there “early enough” would be before 5pm (as someone who often has to find viaduct parking on game days) which means you’re paying at least a bit for parking under the viaduct.

Brian, I would say bring a $20 bill as you might need it. People running the lots know that it is a playoff game and those that are parking are competing with normal workday parkers.

by Kirsten Schlewitz on Oct 29, 2009 8:49 AM PDT up reply actions  

I get to take light rail!

It’s the greatest thing since dinosaurs

I want to poop at your house - Thingray

by tootthekazoo on Oct 29, 2009 9:42 AM PDT up reply actions  

Took the words right out of my mouth

By time they have it finished the tectonic plates will have moved enough that downtown Seattle will only be a 15 minute walk from the Eastside

I want to poop at your house - Thingray

by tootthekazoo on Oct 29, 2009 9:51 AM PDT up reply actions  

90?

I read an engineers report on the stress light rail will add to the I-90 bridge and it isn’t pretty. They really need to give it a brand new support system which means it will never get done.

by Sec 108 on Oct 30, 2009 9:28 AM PDT up reply actions  

I will honestly take whatever they give me.

Ever since they opened up light rail my life has become much better. I never have to drive to games anymore which is just a beautiful thing in my opinion.

by Sec 108 on Oct 30, 2009 9:47 AM PDT up reply actions  

$4.50 round trip from Tukwila to the stadiums

And a 25 minute ride. SOLD

I want to poop at your house - Thingray

by tootthekazoo on Oct 29, 2009 9:52 AM PDT up reply actions  

Hey, that's the same price as one-way fare on a subway.

"Ever tried? Ever failed? No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better." - Samuel Beckett http://mvn.com/marinersminors/

by JY on Oct 29, 2009 9:59 AM PDT up reply actions  

And with the bonus of only being one line that doesn't run 24/7!

It’s really unfair to compare a light rail system anywhere in the world to the NYC subway…

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Oct 29, 2009 10:01 AM PDT up reply actions  

I was solely focused on the price.

And besides, service can change drastically over the weekends to the point where five stations in a row on a single line might be shut down.

"Ever tried? Ever failed? No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better." - Samuel Beckett http://mvn.com/marinersminors/

by JY on Oct 29, 2009 10:05 AM PDT up reply actions  

Yes.

And far more reasonable than paying tens of dollars on a late-night cab uptown.

The costs I save by not being ludicrously impatient, as most New Yorkers are.

"Ever tried? Ever failed? No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better." - Samuel Beckett http://mvn.com/marinersminors/

by JY on Oct 29, 2009 10:17 AM PDT up reply actions  

Live there long enough and you'll get to be that impatient too.

WHY THE HELL SHOULD I WAIT FIVE MINUTES FOR A TRAIN WHEN I CAN BE IN A CAB IN 45 SECONDS

oooops crosstown traffic guess that subway ain’t so bad after all

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Oct 29, 2009 10:18 AM PDT up reply actions  

I'm praying I never get to that point.

"Ever tried? Ever failed? No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better." - Samuel Beckett http://mvn.com/marinersminors/

by JY on Oct 29, 2009 10:24 AM PDT up reply actions  

My cousin used to live at 27th and 7th, right behind the Chelsea

and her next door neighbor, a lifelong NYC resident in her late 40’s, had never once set foot inside the subway. I asked her why once, and her response was that it took too long to get to the subway.

It’s important to note for the non-MTA-familiar here that there is a subway stop at 28th and 7th, LESS THAN A BLOCK FROM HER FRONT DOOR.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Oct 29, 2009 10:28 AM PDT up reply actions  

I believe it.

"Ever tried? Ever failed? No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better." - Samuel Beckett http://mvn.com/marinersminors/

by JY on Oct 29, 2009 10:34 AM PDT up reply actions  

That's a good point on parking prices. I was making the flawed assumption

that because only 3,000 more people were attending, the prices wouldn’t be that different from that of a regular season match.

On free parking, I guess everyone’s experience varies. Numerous people have told me they’ve found plenty arriving an hour and a half before kickoff.

by redwolf75 on Oct 29, 2009 10:36 AM PDT up reply actions  

So... I'm probably not the only one who is going to be switching over to the Sounders mid-WS game right?

I mean I might have to turn it off far before that if the Yankees beat up on Pedro like I expect them too.

by lailaihei on Oct 29, 2009 8:39 AM PDT reply actions  

It's great to see Seattle embarcing the Sounders.

I realise that a lot of it is due to the novelty, and some if it due to them having a good campaign, but I am sure there are many who have found a new sport that they like and will follow for many years to come.

I was at Shea for the Felix-Slam!
Personal M's record: 5-4.

by EnglishMariner on Oct 29, 2009 9:03 AM PDT reply actions  

I hope that carries over to Portland in 2011

I look at what the Sounders have done this year, with the marketing and the ticketing and the quality product on the field, and I fear that the Timbers will struggle to match the Sounders’ debut season. The Sounders seem to have done everything right.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Oct 29, 2009 9:06 AM PDT up reply actions  

I have been waiting 10 years for this team.

They have grabbed hold of a fanbase far quicker than I expected, but it is amazing to see and be a part of it.

by Sec 108 on Oct 29, 2009 9:53 AM PDT up reply actions  

Yes.

Perfectly said. I think there’s some good fortune/good negotiating at play here, in that they seemingly stumbled on the one NFL team/stadium ownership who WANTED the team to succeed, but they made a lot of their advantages and then they made the most of them.

by marc w on Oct 29, 2009 10:17 AM PDT up reply actions  

Do the SeaHawks and Sounders team up for any marketing?

I was at Shea for the Felix-Slam!
Personal M's record: 5-4.

by EnglishMariner on Oct 29, 2009 11:37 AM PDT up reply actions  

Not much really. The rah-rah stuff from the Hawks players/coaches mostly played in the stadium

But the more important stuff, like sharing back-office functions, having the Seahawks run season tickets, giving the Sounders a deal on the lease, etc., that’s made a massive difference. If only there wasn’t a cap and revenue sharing, the Sounders would be the Yankees+Man U of this league.

by marc w on Oct 29, 2009 11:41 AM PDT up reply actions  

Well, according to the Times, via ESPN, we're interested in at least meeting with Aroldis Chapman

in all honesty, I’m not sure this guy is worth it. From everything I’ve heard/seen, he has a lot of development left to do as a pitcher, isn’t terribly mature, and in general is huge question mark due to pitching out of the eyes of scouts for the majority of his work. I’d like to think that GMZ can spend $65M more efficiently somewhere else.

Plus a certain someone has made me less trustful of Cuban players =(

ESPN linky

by seattlebruin on Oct 29, 2009 9:20 AM PDT reply actions  

Quick while it's still up

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8NkTHe47wk

Easily my favorite episode of the second half of this season.

by Robert on Oct 29, 2009 11:57 AM PDT up reply actions  

Oh, yes yes.

Just watched the episode this morning. I had never heard the “original” Pokerface song, so I had to look it up. Just like I had to look up “Whale Wars.” I’m so over the hill when it comes to pop culture knowledge. =(

by katal on Oct 29, 2009 12:01 PM PDT up reply actions  

You had to look up Whale Wars?

That show is the worst.

NEEDS MORE FREEDOM!

by Scruffy Lefty on Oct 29, 2009 12:14 PM PDT up reply actions  

I had never heard of it either. And I watch a decent amount of TV.

I was lost for the first half of the episode until I ran to Wikipedia to figure out what the hell the joke was. But even though I was lost, the ending was good enough to make up for it. And Cartman singing “Poker Face” was unbelievable.

by Teej on Oct 29, 2009 12:18 PM PDT up reply actions  

The first one I saw

The first mate wasn’t holding enough tension as they were lowering the skiff down. And let the boat enter the water sideways while moving. The boat flipped and all 4 people were in the water. The first mate then blamed it on the people in the boat and the Captain backed him up.

NEEDS MORE FREEDOM!

by Scruffy Lefty on Oct 29, 2009 12:31 PM PDT up reply actions  

Also, my knowledge of boating might be limited, but

I’m pretty sure you’re not supposed to deploy those tiny little rubber boats from a ship that’s travelling at full speed. Especially not in antarctic waters.

by OlSalty on Oct 29, 2009 4:38 PM PDT up reply actions  

In normal cases yes.

But they had been “Practicing” to insure they don’t waste time launching the skiff allowing the whaler boats to get away.

NEEDS MORE FREEDOM!

by Scruffy Lefty on Oct 29, 2009 4:40 PM PDT up reply actions  

Oh yeah I got that that was why they were doing it

But it’s still an incredibly dangerous and stupid thing to do. From watching a few episodes of it I don’t think that captain really gives a damn about the safety of his crew. There was one episode where he just straight up rammed one of the Japanese ships and ended up busting a big hole in the front of his ship, and probably the only reason they didn’t sink was because the hole was above the waterline.

by OlSalty on Oct 29, 2009 4:57 PM PDT up reply actions  

Well, now I know two more pop culture things than I did this morning.

I wonder what important bit of information fell out of my ear to make room for Captain Stan.

by msb on Oct 29, 2009 1:37 PM PDT up reply actions  

That show is amazing

my brother ran into my room to tell me about it one day, excitedly describing it as “a bunch of hopelessly inept eco-terrorists trying to fight an evil Japanese whaling boat.”

Needless to say, I was excited

by seattlebruin on Oct 29, 2009 4:42 PM PDT up reply actions  

?
While Seattle Sounders FC plays on FieldTurf currently, Qwest Field has previously had a temporary natural grass surface installed for international soccer events. If an MLS rule change requires natural grass playing surfaces, the field will be permanently replaced with natural grass.

Emphasis mine.

Well, that’s some fucked up shit. The Sounders are going to destroy the field before the Seahawks even have a chance to play in the fall. It’s going to be a mudbowl at the end of every football season.

I really hope MLS doesn’t change the rules.

I will smash your face into a jelly.

by Phil Hatzenbuehler on Oct 29, 2009 9:38 AM PDT reply actions  

Qwest was originally supposed to have natural grass year round.

Soccer isn’t nearly as destructive on grass as American football is.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Oct 29, 2009 9:42 AM PDT up reply actions  

Football players played exclusively on grass for decades

I thought they were supposed to be tough manly men.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Oct 29, 2009 9:46 AM PDT up reply actions  

I would assume as a state-of-the-art stadium

that Qwest has superior drainage ability, and that plus a great grounds crew would go a long way towards keeping the field in good shape. The major London soccer teams’ stadia host 2-3 games a week during the fall/winter with nary a problem, and London is every bit as wet as Seattle. I could be wrong, though.

I just don’t like artificial turf and would love to see it go away wherever possible.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Oct 29, 2009 9:51 AM PDT up reply actions  

It's better than astroturf, but I still got tons of turf burn (and they came with a coating of small, black rubber bits!)

I think the stadium could figure out drainage and make it one of the best fields for either soccer/football anywhere. But it’d cost a lot more money, so I understand that they may not jump at the chance.

by marc w on Oct 29, 2009 10:19 AM PDT up reply actions  

Fieldturf is terrible for skilled soccer players

It rewards pure athletes with speed and stamina and completely screws over players whose main advantages lie in ball handling and pinpoint passing.

by Graham MacAree on Oct 29, 2009 12:43 PM PDT up reply actions  

So true. I've played on every surface known to man and FieldTurf

is a huge step up from Astroturf, but it still sucks compared to grass.

by Sec 108 on Oct 29, 2009 12:45 PM PDT up reply actions  

My co-worker who used to play professional soccer completely disagrees with this.

He says if you’re a skilled soccer player you can accomplish excellent ball handling and pinpoint passing on any surface.

He also used to swear by grass until he played on newer field turf.

NEEDS MORE FREEDOM!

by Scruffy Lefty on Oct 29, 2009 12:48 PM PDT up reply actions  

That's what she said?

I will smash your face into a jelly.

by Phil Hatzenbuehler on Oct 29, 2009 12:54 PM PDT up reply actions   2 recs

Science!
The aim of the present study was to examine the movement patterns, ball skills, and the impressions of Swedish elite football players during competitive games on artificial turf and natural grass. Time – motion analyses (36 observations) and technical analyses (16 team observations) were performed and 72 male and 21 female players completed a questionnaire. No differences were observed between artificial turf and natural grass in terms of total distance covered (mean 10.19 km, s = 0.19 vs. 10.33 km, s = 0.23), high-intensity running (1.86 km, s = 0.10 vs. 1.87 km, s = 0.14), number of sprints (21, s = 1 vs. 22, s = 2), standing tackles (10, s = 1 vs. 11, s = 1) or headers per game (8, s = 1 vs. 8, s = 1), whereas there were fewer sliding tackles (P < 0.05) on artificial turf than natural grass (2.1, s = 0.5 vs. 4.3, s = 0.6). There were more short passes (218, s = 14 vs. 167, s = 12) and midfield-to-midfield passes (148, s = 11 vs. 107, s = 8) (both P < 0.05) on artificial turf than natural grass. On a scale of 0 – 10, where 0 = "better than", 5 = "equal to", and 10 = "worse than", the male players reported a negative overall impression (8.3, s = 0.2), poorer ball control (7.3, s = 0.3), and greater physical effort (7.2, s = 0.2) on artificial turf than natural grass. In conclusion, the running activities and technical standard were similar during games on artificial turf and natural grass. However, fewer sliding tackles and more short passes were performed during games on artificial turf. The observed change in playing style could partly explain the male players’ negative impression of artificial turf.

Swedish study in 2008

by Graham MacAree on Oct 29, 2009 1:15 PM PDT up reply actions  

So less short passes and fewer slide tackles?

Tested on a field thats turf is probably not as nice as Qwest’s turf.

NEEDS MORE FREEDOM!

by Scruffy Lefty on Oct 29, 2009 1:20 PM PDT up reply actions  

Have you been on qwest field?

Like down on the turf. Wether or not its as long as grass its the nicest field turf field I’ve ever stepped on.

NEEDS MORE FREEDOM!

by Scruffy Lefty on Oct 29, 2009 1:25 PM PDT up reply actions  

Damn!

I’m still loaded up on cough medicine.

NEEDS MORE FREEDOM!

by Scruffy Lefty on Oct 29, 2009 2:00 PM PDT up reply actions  

I've been down on the field-level and walked on the turf.

I’ve got to agree with Graham, it just isn’t long enough to be a good approximation of real grass for soccer.

by BrianL on Oct 29, 2009 1:27 PM PDT up reply actions  

Yes, I have

And if you asked me to play a game of soccer on it I would play much worse than if you asked me to play a game at Stamford Bridge

by Graham MacAree on Oct 29, 2009 1:27 PM PDT up reply actions  

The ball slows down much faster on grass than it does on turf

If you co-worker thinks that turf doesn’t favour speed over close control then he is crazy

by Graham MacAree on Oct 29, 2009 1:04 PM PDT up reply actions  

He didn't say it doesn't favor.

Its just less of a deal then you guys are making it out to be.

NEEDS MORE FREEDOM!

by Scruffy Lefty on Oct 29, 2009 1:18 PM PDT up reply actions  

Well, we could experiment

Take a second rate team (like the Sounders) and play them against the best in the world (Barcelona) on a turf field. Then have them play again on a grass field. Multiple trials of each is probably best.

The Sounders would lose by less on a turf field according to all conventional wisdom, which is a view supplemented by the actual physics involved.

by Graham MacAree on Oct 29, 2009 1:31 PM PDT up reply actions  

If you could set that up

I would gladly bow out of this.

NEEDS MORE FREEDOM!

by Scruffy Lefty on Oct 29, 2009 1:33 PM PDT up reply actions  

I clearly can't

But anecdotally, I can say that the relative difference in skills is shrunk by playing on turf while the difference in physical ability is not. And, as I said, there’s a reason for that.

Your colleague disagrees with me, which ok, I can point to a much larger pool of professionals who disagree with him.

by Graham MacAree on Oct 29, 2009 1:36 PM PDT up reply actions  

Probably

But has that larger group spent a lot of time on turf? Yes Grass is better. But players can adjust.

I just feel its sort of the way golf is going to go in the next 30 years. Where you are going to see a lot more courses with dead grass because of the water waste it is. Or how baseball will eventually have to adopt some type of replay/robot method.

That grass in soccer is more of a purity thing that traditionalist don’t want touched. Or maybe I’m just rambling.

NEEDS MORE FREEDOM!

by Scruffy Lefty on Oct 29, 2009 1:41 PM PDT up reply actions  

It's not a purity thing, it's about what the sport favours

If you want the sport to favour power and athleticism more than it currently does, great, turf is fine.

If you want there to be room for players juking through defence with crazy, mazy runs, you have to be using grass.

by Graham MacAree on Oct 29, 2009 1:46 PM PDT up reply actions  

And the size, I've been thinking about your point and the size of these guys all evening.

A guy wrote a paper a few years ago on the size and speed of athletes, and the accessibility of football (and sports in general really) to the common fan . It had some interesting points to consider, I’ve been looking for it all afternoon. Whether it was wrong or right, it had the makings for some good conversation.

by Kermit. on Oct 29, 2009 9:09 PM PDT up reply actions  

Yeah, but they changed their minds after the Seahawks saw how much wear and tear Husky Stadium took.

It was so bad that Husky Stadium is now FieldTurf as well. Natural grass stadia just don’t work for fall/winter sports in the Pacific Northwest.

I will smash your face into a jelly.

by Phil Hatzenbuehler on Oct 29, 2009 9:45 AM PDT up reply actions  

Actually the story that I remember is

Husky Stadium was the concrete kind until the Hawks played their in 00-01 when Allen sprung for the Field Turf out of his own pocket as part of the renovations that let the Hawks played there. The players in the NFL then voted the turf as the playing field in the entire NFL so they put it in Qwest under the condition that if FIFA required them to change it that they will.

by Robert on Oct 29, 2009 9:52 AM PDT up reply actions  

The teams that played on FT are:

Seattle
New England
NYRB but they are moving to Red Bull Arena and I assume that is natural grass.
PGE is currently FT but I have no idea what the renovation calls for
And Vancouver will likely use FT as well.

by Robert on Oct 29, 2009 9:57 AM PDT up reply actions  

Plays is a lose term

The way the field looks for them, it seems like they have to sneak in the middle of the night and play a match before the Patriots notice them.

by Robert on Oct 29, 2009 10:06 AM PDT up reply actions  

I'm curious where that quote came from

You didn’t provide a link. This sounds interesting, but it wouldn’t be so terrible if they switched to natural turf

I want to poop at your house - Thingray

by tootthekazoo on Oct 29, 2009 9:57 AM PDT up reply actions  

.

Linky. Scroll down to “Why is FieldTurf installed in the stadium instead of natural grass?”

I will smash your face into a jelly.

by Phil Hatzenbuehler on Oct 29, 2009 10:06 AM PDT up reply actions  

I know I am in a minority here, but I would not have voted for Qwest if they had not

promised us a grass field that would be up to FIFA regulations. I was pretty upset when they changed it to FieldTurf as were a great many of us in the soccer community here. We basically felt like Paul Allen lied to us to get our vote.

Many people do not realize that the field surface was a huge reason behind it taking so long for the MLS to give Seattle a team. In the early years of MLS they adhered to FIFA rules and only allowed grass surfaces. The Seahawks are a nice diversion and all for me, but I will always back whatever brings more soccer to Seattle

by Sec 108 on Oct 29, 2009 9:59 AM PDT up reply actions  

This is all true.

They changed it to FT sorta at the last minute and didn’t even justify it.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Oct 29, 2009 10:03 AM PDT up reply actions  

I read that the MLS wanted to use Seattle as an original squad but the kingdome was so subpar that it ended any talks of it.

I really doubt with the support that Seattle has given soccer recently that FIFA will be passing on the city anytime soon.

by Robert on Oct 29, 2009 10:05 AM PDT up reply actions  

2018 and 2022 hosts will be announced in Dec 2010

and the US has indicated that they’ll be bidding for either of the two.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Oct 29, 2009 10:09 AM PDT up reply actions  

Yeah I've been trying to get involved with the bid for the last few months.

I think Seattle would be able to get a semi which would be amazing.

by Robert on Oct 29, 2009 10:10 AM PDT up reply actions  

Yeah, but Europe gets it all the time.

Having it in France would be, for you, like having the WC in Portland for me.

by marc w on Oct 29, 2009 11:43 AM PDT up reply actions  

No no no

that’s the wait to WIN the thing.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Oct 29, 2009 1:18 PM PDT up reply actions   3 recs

It wasn't that the Kingdome was subpar as much as they required grass the first few years of MLS play.

Agreed on your second point, but I guess I am saying I hold grudges against the Seahawks for making me wait so long to have a team. Seattle has definitely made itself the soccer capitol of the US and will always be included in opportunities for big matches going forward, but it did not need to take so long to happen.

by Sec 108 on Oct 29, 2009 10:11 AM PDT up reply actions  

In that respect Seattle will always be better than Portland

just by the very nature of Qwest. Portland, even as an MLS city, won’t attract a World Cup game I wouldn’t think, because even post-renovation PGE will probably only hold about 26-30,000 people.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Oct 29, 2009 10:15 AM PDT up reply actions  

How so?

Because of one season?

NEEDS MORE FREEDOM!

by Scruffy Lefty on Oct 29, 2009 11:29 AM PDT up reply actions  

Right on - But one of the NFL's best rated turfs shouldn't be replaced with Grass

For a sport that won’t have to play on it when it going to be a mud pit.

Of the 31 NFL stadium fields rated by the players, FieldTurf’s Qwest Field, the home of the Seattle Seahawks, was ranked 2nd, behind only the natural grass at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. This marked the third consecutive survey over the past six years that Seattle has rated in the top five. This year was the highest ranking ever for the FieldTurf turf system. Qwest Field ranked ahead of 18 of the NFL’s 19 grass surfaces.

http://newsblaze.com/story/2007020210234500002.pz/topstory.html

NEEDS MORE FREEDOM!

by Scruffy Lefty on Oct 29, 2009 11:35 AM PDT up reply actions  

That's nice and all, but it wouldn't be a mud pit for one,

and secondly you wouldn’t even have that stadium if not for the soccer fans in Seattle pushing it over the top in the polls. The bill for building Qwest barely, just barely, passed.

by Sec 108 on Oct 29, 2009 11:39 AM PDT up reply actions  

The drainage system in Qwest is probably the best out there.

I doubt that it would ever turn into a Heinz-like mudpit.

by BrianL on Oct 29, 2009 11:44 AM PDT up reply actions  

I still think you would be underestimating a game being play in a actual downpour.

Not saying this would happen again but do you remember the monsoon game water bubbles?

NEEDS MORE FREEDOM!

by Scruffy Lefty on Oct 29, 2009 11:46 AM PDT up reply actions  

Not if you designed your entire defense to take advantage of your home stadium.

All of the hawks undersized speed rushers become useless on a slower turf.

NEEDS MORE FREEDOM!

by Scruffy Lefty on Oct 29, 2009 12:52 PM PDT up reply actions  

No, they are just disadvantaged compared to playing on turf

But since they appear to be pretty shitty anyway why should they disadvantage the best players on a team that actually wins sometimes?

by Graham MacAree on Oct 29, 2009 1:11 PM PDT up reply actions  

Because its not the only team that has the use the field?

And you can actually get skilled position players to come here because of the turf. I seem to remember it being something JJ was drawn to when signing with seattle.

NEEDS MORE FREEDOM!

by Scruffy Lefty on Oct 29, 2009 1:31 PM PDT up reply actions  

Your position is that it would hurt the Seahawks to switch

Yes, it would.

Why is that manifestly better than keeping the status quo hurting the Sounders?

by Graham MacAree on Oct 29, 2009 1:33 PM PDT up reply actions  

We need a slide out field like arizona?

Remove the parking lot?

Yes it hurts the Sounders. If someone comes up with a great idea that benefits both teams I’m all for it.

But to say that we need to switch to grass because the soccer is played better on it and the seahawks can deal with it. Is about as dumb as this argument we’ve been having for the last hour.

NEEDS MORE FREEDOM!

by Scruffy Lefty on Oct 29, 2009 1:36 PM PDT up reply actions  

Currently yes.

In 5 years if the Seahawks still suck and the Sounders selling out a full stadium for 30+ home games (how many regular season home games are there in MLS?).

Then switch to grass and reward the Sounders.

NEEDS MORE FREEDOM!

by Scruffy Lefty on Oct 29, 2009 1:44 PM PDT up reply actions  

Thats what I'm saying

If we secured a World Cup bid. Then I have no problem going with grass.

NEEDS MORE FREEDOM!

by Scruffy Lefty on Oct 29, 2009 2:28 PM PDT up reply actions  

I think we have to commit to grass

before we can even be considered for a World Cup.

by BrianL on Oct 29, 2009 2:34 PM PDT up reply actions  

Agreed

If we tell them that we will put in a grass pitch for the WC there is absolutly no reason to hold us hostage until their demands are met. We already did it on two separate times this summer.

by Robert on Oct 29, 2009 2:41 PM PDT up reply actions  

Those were not FIFA standard grass pitches

Playing on that would be totally unacceptable for the World Cup

by Graham MacAree on Oct 29, 2009 2:42 PM PDT up reply actions  

Out of curiosity

is it at all possible to put come up with a temporary FIFA standard pitch solution?

by BrianL on Oct 29, 2009 2:45 PM PDT up reply actions  

The World Cup takes place during the NFL offseason

so it seems like they would have ample time to get a proper grass pitch in place and not have to worry about converting to and from FieldTurf for the Seahawks.

by BrianL on Oct 29, 2009 2:50 PM PDT up reply actions  

The World Cup was once played in the Pontiac Silverdome

I think they’d be amenable to whatever solution we proposed.

(God that was weird).

by marc w on Oct 29, 2009 2:58 PM PDT up reply actions  

Depends on whether they want to give the USA the bid or not

My understanding (although I’m probably misinformed) is that they were actively trying to have the USA host in 1994. A future bid would have to be more competitive.

by Graham MacAree on Oct 29, 2009 3:14 PM PDT up reply actions  

Even if they did, Detroit didn't have to be

a host city. I still can’t believe that happened.

by marc w on Oct 29, 2009 3:22 PM PDT up reply actions  

That was back when Detroit

had a population, and jobs.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Oct 29, 2009 3:25 PM PDT up reply actions  

No it wasn't.

Detroit hasn’t had those things since maybe the early 70s.

It was just a really big field, and I’m guessing the US committee wanted to do something big and ‘cool’ like putting in a grass field indoors for like 10 days.
Interestingly, the Astrodome started with a natural grass field, but it didn’t survive.

by marc w on Oct 30, 2009 9:30 AM PDT up reply actions  

FIFA is much like the IOC.

You don’t really ever dictate anything to them.

by Sec 108 on Oct 29, 2009 2:43 PM PDT up reply actions  

Being the soccer capital of America

is meaningless in a World Cup context, when FIFA could award the tournament to Spain, Brazil, Mexico, or any other country that already has natural grass pitches everywhere.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Oct 29, 2009 2:51 PM PDT up reply actions  

We'll just fly some bald eagles at 'em

and they’ll be so blinded by our patrioticness they’ll have no choice but to make the USA the permanent home of the World Cup.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Oct 29, 2009 2:54 PM PDT up reply actions  

They also played 2-3 test

matches on it first and barely got approval.

by Sec 108 on Oct 29, 2009 2:49 PM PDT up reply actions  

Your point?

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Oct 29, 2009 2:39 PM PDT up reply actions  

There is more at stake when you have the Seahawks play on a surface that will increase their likelihood of getting injured

If the current FT was a injury risk for the Sounders (and as I understand it, its not) it would be a different story. To make the homefield of one team more dangerous just so the other team can have the quality of play raised slightly is an unacceptable tradeoff.

by Robert on Oct 29, 2009 2:45 PM PDT up reply actions  

Do you know how many Seahawks the old turf took out?

I’m convinced Curt Warner never recovered fully from his turf toe injury.

by marc w on Oct 29, 2009 3:00 PM PDT up reply actions  

Field turf is unquestionably a huge improvement

but I think a lot of us are struggling to figure out how it’s like this magic substance that both cradles and protects delicate Seahawk limbs while simultaneously making the Hawks cybernetic velociraptors as players.

by marc w on Oct 29, 2009 3:11 PM PDT up reply actions  

I think there's a fear amongst a lot of players

that a grass field in the Pacific Northwest is going to turn into a muddy disaster like you see at Heinz Field during the winter.

I’m not particularly concerned about that simply because Qwest has such a great drainage system in place.

by BrianL on Oct 29, 2009 3:15 PM PDT up reply actions  

If Pittsburgh had the drainage system Qwest has

their field conditions would be dramatically improved and they probably wouldn’t bother considering turf.

by BrianL on Oct 29, 2009 3:28 PM PDT up reply actions  

Its a newer stadium I doubt there drainage system is really that bad.

Problem is they let high school football teams play on the field as well as the steelers.

NEEDS MORE FREEDOM!

by Scruffy Lefty on Oct 29, 2009 3:29 PM PDT up reply actions  

Honestly I don't expect that the MLS will change this rule anytime soon, if ever.

I’d wager that the current arrangement will continue for some time. League matches will be played on the FieldTurf, and Paul Allen will foot the bill to temporarily convert to grass whenever an international match takes place.

by BrianL on Oct 29, 2009 11:42 AM PDT up reply actions  

Ah, the legal system...

Google Books vs. The World in the case of intellectual property rights

"Ever tried? Ever failed? No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better." - Samuel Beckett http://mvn.com/marinersminors/

by JY on Oct 29, 2009 9:44 AM PDT reply actions  

I read this as "Garth Brooks vs..."

And then I was confused when I opened the article.

I will smash your face into a jelly.

by Phil Hatzenbuehler on Oct 29, 2009 9:47 AM PDT up reply actions  

Garth Brooks' struggle against the world also continues.

Unfortunately, the triumphant return of Chris Gaines into the public circle remains on indefinite hiatus.

"Ever tried? Ever failed? No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better." - Samuel Beckett http://mvn.com/marinersminors/

by JY on Oct 29, 2009 9:52 AM PDT up reply actions  

That brings back some memories of lame. Remember when he had a problem with used music

Remember when he had a problem with used music stores? He didn’t like that artists weren’t getting a cut on the resale, and this was after he had made the comment about having more money than his grandchildren could spend.

by Kermit. on Oct 29, 2009 10:34 AM PDT up reply actions  

Vaguely.

No one thinks of him much anymore, but I do remember slogging through that pop country phase of the 90s with Brooks and Cyrus (pre-Miley) and all the rest. The whole experience may have been exaggerated by the fact that it was pretty much all my dad would listen to at the time, but I did hate every minute of it.

"Ever tried? Ever failed? No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better." - Samuel Beckett http://mvn.com/marinersminors/

by JY on Oct 29, 2009 11:35 AM PDT up reply actions  

There's a lot of good stuff out of the eye of the mainstream

Luckily the really awful with no end in sight country music happily coincided with the advancement of the internet. So the one forced me to go looking, and the other provided the means. Good times. Hmmm, I’m overdue to provide an OT and that might be a good are to throw in. Recommendations for bands that most people haven’t heard of.

by Kermit. on Oct 29, 2009 11:58 AM PDT up reply actions  

While not a listener of country music

I am convinced there is good in any medium if one knows where to look.

"Ever tried? Ever failed? No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better." - Samuel Beckett http://mvn.com/marinersminors/

by JY on Oct 29, 2009 12:24 PM PDT up reply actions  

WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS SHIT??!!

NFL-360.com has a questionnaire to help people just getting into football to choose an NFL team to follow. The “Gut Instinct” method gave me the FUCKING DALLAS COWBOYS. FUCK THAT SHIT.

And then the “Sports Match” method gave me the Detroit Lions.

So, either I’m a larger-than-life Texan, or a starving, out of work Lions fan.

I will smash your face into a jelly.

by Phil Hatzenbuehler on Oct 29, 2009 9:55 AM PDT reply actions  

As somebody who doesn't care about football(American or otherwise) I got the following:

Sports Match-Packers
Locker room-Redskins
Gut Instinct-Cowboys

Meh.

FUCK THE ANGELS! FUCK THE ANGELS! FUCK THE ANGELS!

by Goose on Oct 29, 2009 10:35 AM PDT up reply actions  

I want to hate you right now but I can't.

"Ever tried? Ever failed? No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better." - Samuel Beckett http://mvn.com/marinersminors/

by JY on Oct 29, 2009 11:44 AM PDT up reply actions  

New York Giants!

Wooo I love New York!

I was at Shea for the Felix-Slam!
Personal M's record: 5-4.

by EnglishMariner on Oct 29, 2009 11:43 AM PDT up reply actions  

So the "Fire.fm" add-on for Firefox is pretty freakin' sweet.

It integrates your Last.fm controls into a handy tool bar.

I will smash your face into a jelly.

by Phil Hatzenbuehler on Oct 29, 2009 10:13 AM PDT reply actions  

I would laugh harder at that

but I’ve done that a few times and it’s the worst feeling in the world.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Oct 29, 2009 11:16 AM PDT up reply actions  

The worst part

is that I’ve never even done it in a remotely competitive situation – I used to play on some reeeeeeeeally bad rec league teams – and it STILL feels like you wish the earth would open up and swallow you whole when it happens.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Oct 29, 2009 1:20 PM PDT up reply actions  

Ominous

Since we play Houston tonight

by Brian Floyd on Oct 29, 2009 4:13 PM PDT up reply actions  

I'm eligible for a phone upgrade from Verizon on 11/14

I currently have the Samsung Alias, and I love the hell out of it. I’m interested in the Alias 2 (the e-ink buttons are fucking awesome), but was wondering if anybody here has had experience with the Alias 2.

Also, I’m willing to listen to other recommendations. I do a fair amount of texting, so I’m looking for something with a QWERTY keyboard, but I don’t want or need a smartphone.

I will smash your face into a jelly.

by Phil Hatzenbuehler on Oct 29, 2009 2:37 PM PDT reply actions  

I've got a Dare and I love it

it’s really a smartphone without the smartphone baggage. Full touch screen, good size QWERTY keyboard, reasonable screen, and lots of good features (internet, video, music), all very convenient. Plus it’s cheap now!

by seattlebruin on Oct 29, 2009 2:38 PM PDT up reply actions  

Motorola DROID

is supposed to be the shiznit. Should be out by your upgrade date.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Oct 29, 2009 2:39 PM PDT up reply actions  

I had a Motorola previously and I swore I'd never own another one.

Worst piece of shit phone ever.

I will smash your face into a jelly.

by Phil Hatzenbuehler on Oct 29, 2009 2:39 PM PDT up reply actions  

I still miss my old Motorola E815

Motorolas are apparently like Volkswagens – they went through a few year period there, after the E815 and until about a year ago, when they were unreliable pieces of crap, but apparently they’re getting it pretty right with the Droid. But you don’t want a smartphone so that doesn’t matter.

I hated my Alias, but I find myself missing the form factor of it now that I’ve got an LG Voyager, and the Alias 2 does look pretty cool with the e-ink.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Oct 29, 2009 2:41 PM PDT up reply actions  

The E815 was exactly the phone I hated.

Constantly changing rings in my pocket (it was way too easy to change your ring style from the external buttons), crappy battery that required charging EVERY DAY for the last six months I owned the phone, and a horrible, HORRIBLE user interface.

I will smash your face into a jelly.

by Phil Hatzenbuehler on Oct 29, 2009 2:43 PM PDT up reply actions  

So basically take everything I say about phones and do the exact opposite

since I loved the E815 and hated the Alias. I’m very undemanding about phone user interfaces, so the E815’s never bothered me much.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Oct 29, 2009 2:44 PM PDT up reply actions  

My main concern with getting a smartphone is the data plan I'd have to get.

My wife has a Blackberry, and she pays something like $100 for her plan. I just have a regular phone and pay $65.

I will smash your face into a jelly.

by Phil Hatzenbuehler on Oct 29, 2009 2:42 PM PDT up reply actions  

My wife was thrilled to bits with her iphone until she got her first bill

She was on my Verizon share plan and paid something like $35 a month for her phone, now she’s up to about $105 a month I think.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Oct 29, 2009 2:45 PM PDT up reply actions  

I may have to make a whole OT about this someday

I have a Samsung clamshell with pay as you go minutes, but I am coming closer to wanting something with a Qwerty keyboard and maybe even access to the web.

by msb on Oct 29, 2009 2:59 PM PDT up reply actions  

They still make pagers?

And I don’t mean that in a snarky way. Just….pagers? Still?

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Oct 29, 2009 3:15 PM PDT up reply actions  

I remember when my workgroup at the time first got pagers

we never really used them for work (we were IT support, but third-level, so the only things we got paged for were major system outages), so we used to sit them on the conference room table, set them to vibrate, and calling them to race them across the table.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Oct 29, 2009 3:19 PM PDT up reply actions  

My brother used to use one at work all the time

when he was floating between various hospitals

by msb on Oct 29, 2009 4:15 PM PDT up reply actions  

I like my nV3 and I text a lot.

But the Alias 2 is also nice from what I’ve seen. DO NOT get the Voyager.

by Mariner John on Oct 29, 2009 3:09 PM PDT up reply actions  

The Strom 2 just came out as well.

You could take a peak at that.

NEEDS MORE FREEDOM!

by Scruffy Lefty on Oct 29, 2009 3:11 PM PDT up reply actions  

Yay!

by the way, I enjoyed the light caper show that premiered on USA last week with Chuck’s Bryce & Tim Dekay. So light that I cannot recall it’s name.

by msb on Oct 29, 2009 3:07 PM PDT up reply actions  

Oops.

I will smash your face into a jelly.

by Phil Hatzenbuehler on Oct 29, 2009 4:04 PM PDT reply actions  

No shit

I would be so pissed if that was a screw-up by the tattoo artist

I want to poop at your house - Thingray

by tootthekazoo on Oct 29, 2009 4:43 PM PDT up reply actions  

I think it's Mad Dog 20/20

Drink up!

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Oct 29, 2009 4:12 PM PDT up reply actions  

Per Drayer

Mariners roster moves-Jimenez, LaHair, Messenger, Vega outrighted to AAA-J Thomas claimed by Pirates-40 man at 35

by msb on Oct 29, 2009 4:17 PM PDT reply actions  

Ooohh! chances for wacky hijinks!!

“Raul Ibanez returns to left field, and Matt Stairs takes over at DH against righty A.J. Burnett. "

by msb on Oct 29, 2009 4:21 PM PDT reply actions  

So you're saying there's a chance?

A chance of Season Three of Flight of the Conchords? That would be awesome. Money quote from Jemaine interview:

AVC: Now that the show’s been nominated and the album’s come out, there’s probably even more pressure to do the third season of Conchords. Any movement on that?

JC: Yeah, I can’t really tell you. I don’t know. We’re thinking about it. We’re kind of on the Larry David model. The writing is just a boring job. It’s just a horrible job. And then we’re filming for like seven days a week for four or five months. It might be with an occasional day off, or like a half-day off, but it’s really grueling. Because the creative part of it, we’re doing—writing the music, recording it, playing all the instruments, either doing the scripts or the rewrites for other people’s scripts on the weekend, and then filming it in the week.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Oct 30, 2009 8:39 AM PDT reply actions  

Uhhhhh...

Awesome? The second season was pretty legitimately terrible. You could tell having to write all new songs as well as a whole show season took a toll on them. The music was mediocre, and the show was worse.

I hope it doesn’t happen.

I will smash your face into a jelly.

by Phil Hatzenbuehler on Oct 30, 2009 8:44 AM PDT up reply actions  

See, I thought Season 2 was underrated

The music wasn’t great, by a long shot, but I thought the comedy was just as funny as Season 1 – if not quite as consistent. Every episode had something funny in it, and some episodes (like the one where the NZ prime minister came over) were just as funny as anything in Season 1.

as strange as it sounds I would love to see a Season 3 with no music whatsoever.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Oct 30, 2009 8:53 AM PDT up reply actions  

Someone wanna fire up a new one of these?

My work network doesn’t like 1200+ post threads, and my one from last week is still there so it’s someone else’s turn.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Oct 30, 2009 10:25 AM PDT reply actions  

I'm on it.

I will smash your face into a jelly.

by Phil Hatzenbuehler on Oct 30, 2009 10:37 AM PDT up reply actions  

Comments For This Post Are Closed

Search

User Tools

By reading a game thread of your own volition you agree to accept all liability for any and all damage done to your delicate sensibilities.

FanPosts

Community blog posts and discussion.

Recommended FanPosts

Moar_bacon_small
Everything I Know About Jesus Montero

by Lord Duggan 3 days ago

24 comments | 43 recs

Recent FanPosts

Wbc_029_small
Friday Morning Music Thread

by Jeff Sullivan about 19 hours ago

198 comments

Small
OTDOD - Early February Edition

by Faux 3 days ago

212 comments | 2 recs

Agentejebaox3_small
A Statistical Analysis of Mariners' Fan Support

by Agent_J 4 days ago

22 comments

Small
Who will have a better season?

by bp42810 14 days ago

22 comments

Claw_small
BA's Top 10 M's Prospects

by JY 15 days ago

217 comments | 7 recs

Wbc_029_small
Friday Morning Music Thread

by Jeff Sullivan 15 days ago

16 comments

Small
Munenori Kawasaki Predictions!!!

by marina-zu 16 days ago

20 comments

Small
The Longevity and Future Success of Felix Hernandez.

by TheFranchise78 16 days ago

10 comments

Small
The present vs future conundrum

by paulmer37 17 days ago

12 comments

+ New FanPost All FanPosts >

Recent Posts

In Association With

Baseball Nation Recent Stories

SCOTTSDALE, AZ: Buster Posey #28 of the San Francisco Giants runs drills before a spring training game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Scottsdale Stadium in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Rob Tringali/Getty Images)

SI.com: Buster Posey's Comeback Trail

ANAHEIM, CA: Angels owner Arturo Moreno stands between Albert Pujols #5 and C.J. Wilson #33 at a public press conference introducing them as newly signed Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim players at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Baseball Teams Set To Get Even Richer Thanks To Local TV

NEW YORK, NY: Magglio Ordonez #30 of the Detroit Tigers celebrtes in the locker room after the Tigers won 3-2 against the New York Yankees during Game Five of the American League Championship Series at Yankee Stadium. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

Oakland's Bizarre Interest In Manny Ramirez And Magglio Ordonez

More from Baseball Nation >

Sexy People

Wbc_029_small Jeff Sullivan

Small Matthew