Why is it that the largest daily newspaper in the state of Missouri doesn't have a reporter assigned to cover the University of Missouri athletic teams?
Since the woman who covered the Mizzou beat left the St. Louis Post-Dispatch last year, the Post has passed around the state's largest and most prestigious University sports beat as if it were some general assignment.
The daily papers in Kansas City, Springfield and Columbia all have reporters assigned to the beat and it is a prized job at those publications. But, not the Post-Dispatch. If someone from the Post wants to reply I will be glad to post your explanation. As I posted below, the Post is ignoring the largest college fan base in the region with shoddy and in some instances no coverage of Mizzou sports.
March 27, 2009
Reflections on the NCAAs
Earlier this week the St. Louis Post-Dispatch went out of it's way to run an article from a coach at a second rate basketball school saying Missouri would lose in the "Sweet 16".
Coach Rick Majerus of St. Louis University was quoted as saying Memphis had the better team and would win the game. I had respected Majerus in the past and applaud his taking a Utah Utes team to the Final Four several seasons ago. But, the article was out of line. Maybe the paper was looking for a fresh angle in covering Missouri, but really, who the heck cares what the coach at St. Louis University thinks?
But, why did the Post even run an article saying the Tigers would lose? I'm not sure. It certainly doesn't make any sense for the paper to alienate the largest alumni base in it's readership area. But, the Sports department has shown little concern for Missouri fans and alums in the past. Perhaps it's because many of the writers are from the Baltimore Sun and perceive Mizzou as inferior for some reason. Whatever it's motivation, the publication alienated even more Missouri fans and alums this week. Maybe someone needs to suggest to the paper's management this type of coverage is a reason the Post's readership base continues to shrink.
Coach Rick Majerus of St. Louis University was quoted as saying Memphis had the better team and would win the game. I had respected Majerus in the past and applaud his taking a Utah Utes team to the Final Four several seasons ago. But, the article was out of line. Maybe the paper was looking for a fresh angle in covering Missouri, but really, who the heck cares what the coach at St. Louis University thinks?
But, why did the Post even run an article saying the Tigers would lose? I'm not sure. It certainly doesn't make any sense for the paper to alienate the largest alumni base in it's readership area. But, the Sports department has shown little concern for Missouri fans and alums in the past. Perhaps it's because many of the writers are from the Baltimore Sun and perceive Mizzou as inferior for some reason. Whatever it's motivation, the publication alienated even more Missouri fans and alums this week. Maybe someone needs to suggest to the paper's management this type of coverage is a reason the Post's readership base continues to shrink.
MIZ ZOU RAH!!!
My Tigers picked up their 31st win of the season last night by knocking Memphis out of the NCAA tournament 102-91. Mizzou jumped to a 24 point lead with 16 minutes left in the second half and then held on to pick up the win and move into the "Elite Eight".
Those may have been the longest 16 minutes of my life as the two teams stopped the clock on almost every possession with fouls. A total of 77 free throws were shot with Mizzou making 30 of 45. I was at my favorite watering hole and as the game ended the familiar "MIZ" "ZOU" cheer was heard echoing through the bar.
This may be the best MU team of all time. This squad has more wins than any team in school history and is only the fourth Missouri team to make it to a regional championship. Up next the top seeded Huskies of Connecticut.
Those may have been the longest 16 minutes of my life as the two teams stopped the clock on almost every possession with fouls. A total of 77 free throws were shot with Mizzou making 30 of 45. I was at my favorite watering hole and as the game ended the familiar "MIZ" "ZOU" cheer was heard echoing through the bar.
This may be the best MU team of all time. This squad has more wins than any team in school history and is only the fourth Missouri team to make it to a regional championship. Up next the top seeded Huskies of Connecticut.
March 24, 2009
Two More Fine IPAs
If you like the IPA beer style than I have two recommendations for you.
One is Sierra Nevada's Torpedo Extra IPA. The other is Boulevard's Single-Wide IPA.
Each contains a fine mixture of hops. Single-Wide is lighter and more amber in color than Torpedo which has a reddish tint to it. Both are pleasing to the nose. If push came to shove and I could drink only one it would be the Torpedo Extra IPA. But, Single Wide IPA is for all intents and purposes every bit as good.
One is Sierra Nevada's Torpedo Extra IPA. The other is Boulevard's Single-Wide IPA.
Each contains a fine mixture of hops. Single-Wide is lighter and more amber in color than Torpedo which has a reddish tint to it. Both are pleasing to the nose. If push came to shove and I could drink only one it would be the Torpedo Extra IPA. But, Single Wide IPA is for all intents and purposes every bit as good.
NCAA Tournament - Part Three
Congratulations to the remaining teams in the NCAA tournament making it to the "Sweet 16".
My favorite of course is my beloved Missouri Tigers. Mizzou, with the third seed, knocked off Marquette on Sunday afternoon 83-79. Up next for Missouri; the two seed Memphis Tigers.
The next round sets up some battles of giants as all but two of the top four seeds in each region are still alive. It appears the NCAA selection committee did a better job than the media initially reported.
My favorite of course is my beloved Missouri Tigers. Mizzou, with the third seed, knocked off Marquette on Sunday afternoon 83-79. Up next for Missouri; the two seed Memphis Tigers.
The next round sets up some battles of giants as all but two of the top four seeds in each region are still alive. It appears the NCAA selection committee did a better job than the media initially reported.
Less Post-Dispatch...but no improvement
The "St. Louis Post-Dispatch" has reduced the width of it's daily paper and removed sections from it. The paper is about an inch and a half narrower than it was last week. The paper on Monday dropped it's Metro section too. The ownership of the paper may be doing this to cut down on newsprint costs.
But, it's remains the same old mediocre publication it's always been. The ownership of the Post-Dispatch continues to place ads on the front page in a cry for revenue. Apparently, things really are that bad at the parent company Lee Enterprises.
But, it's remains the same old mediocre publication it's always been. The ownership of the Post-Dispatch continues to place ads on the front page in a cry for revenue. Apparently, things really are that bad at the parent company Lee Enterprises.
March 21, 2009
NCAA Tournament - Part Two
Someone tell CBS to can the obnoxious sound effects they play every time a graphic changes. They are annoying and add nothing to the coverage. CBS get your head out of your butt.
NCAA Tournament - Part One
I just got done watching Villanova defeat UCLA by 20 points in the NCAA tournament. The game was played in Philadelphia and is about a 15 minute ride from the campus of Villanova. Villanova is a good team but is not deserving of it's three seed and a home court advantage. For that matter neither is fellow Big East team Syracuse which really shouldn't be in the tournament let alone a three.
But, for UCLA it just wasn't fair. The Bruins had to fly 3,000 miles and cross three time zones to play the game. Come on NCAA committee...get your collective head out of your butt.
But, for UCLA it just wasn't fair. The Bruins had to fly 3,000 miles and cross three time zones to play the game. Come on NCAA committee...get your collective head out of your butt.
March 14, 2009
The Cream Rises to the Top
The Louisville Cardinals finally put the Syracuse basketball team in it's place. The Cards knocked off the Orange Men by double digits, 76-66 in the Big East championship game. If you watch the East Coast biased ESPN network, you might have bought into the Syracuse overtime legend of the last few days. But, Syracuse finally played to it's level and were easily beaten by a far superior Louisville team. The Cards will be a number one seed and may very well be the top seed in the NCAA tournament with the win.
MIZ ZOU RAH!!!
How 'bout them Tigers!
The Missouri Tigers beat Baylor this evening to win the Big 12 Conference post season tournament. This is the first time my beloved Tigers have won the tournament since the inception of the Big 12. The final was Mizzou 67-59.
The Tigers are in the "Big Dance" with the win and I have to think they may be in line for a three seed, but more realistically a four seed. Regardless, I am happy to see the team do something no other Missouri basketball team has accomplished since the Big 12 was created.
MIZ ZOU RAH!!!
The Missouri Tigers beat Baylor this evening to win the Big 12 Conference post season tournament. This is the first time my beloved Tigers have won the tournament since the inception of the Big 12. The final was Mizzou 67-59.
The Tigers are in the "Big Dance" with the win and I have to think they may be in line for a three seed, but more realistically a four seed. Regardless, I am happy to see the team do something no other Missouri basketball team has accomplished since the Big 12 was created.
MIZ ZOU RAH!!!
March 13, 2009
Hey ESPN Move On!
I've been watching tournament basketball this afternoon on several networks. But ESPN keeps telling the public about a six overtime game last night that was played in New York City.
Granted, it was a very long and probably exciting game for people who care about over-rated Big East Conference teams. But, the game is over and ESPN needs to move on. The baloney coming out of ESPN's studios is laughable. The term "Instant Classic" or "Greatest Game Ever" is overkill.
You ask why does ESPN behave like this? The reason is simple. ESPN management believes the world revolves around the area encompassed by New York City, Boston and it's little headquarters in Connecticut. Add the regional bias of a bunch of workers who went to Big East schools and you see how important it is in their parochial little world. Now, add the fact that it was played in the "Rotten Apple" and you understand why it is so important to ESPN decision makers.
The "inconvenient" truth is while the game was unique in having six overtimes, it was one of many major conference tournament games played yesterday. In that right it is deserving of coverage. But, the overkill displayed by ESPN's talking heads is nothing more than parochial hyperbole.
Had this game been played in the Conference USA tournament in Memphis it would have been treated as a rarity; a six overtime game. But, ESPN would have put it behind them already never to be heard of again. And for the 90 percent of this country living west of the Hudson River, we wouldn't be subjected to the onslaught of elitist bull crap coming from ESPN.
Granted, it was a very long and probably exciting game for people who care about over-rated Big East Conference teams. But, the game is over and ESPN needs to move on. The baloney coming out of ESPN's studios is laughable. The term "Instant Classic" or "Greatest Game Ever" is overkill.
You ask why does ESPN behave like this? The reason is simple. ESPN management believes the world revolves around the area encompassed by New York City, Boston and it's little headquarters in Connecticut. Add the regional bias of a bunch of workers who went to Big East schools and you see how important it is in their parochial little world. Now, add the fact that it was played in the "Rotten Apple" and you understand why it is so important to ESPN decision makers.
The "inconvenient" truth is while the game was unique in having six overtimes, it was one of many major conference tournament games played yesterday. In that right it is deserving of coverage. But, the overkill displayed by ESPN's talking heads is nothing more than parochial hyperbole.
Had this game been played in the Conference USA tournament in Memphis it would have been treated as a rarity; a six overtime game. But, ESPN would have put it behind them already never to be heard of again. And for the 90 percent of this country living west of the Hudson River, we wouldn't be subjected to the onslaught of elitist bull crap coming from ESPN.
March 12, 2009
More Choking Noises in Oklahoma City
The number two seed in the Big 12 tournament...Oklahoma has also been knocked out in the quarterfinals. Oklahoma State did the job a short time ago. The Cowboys beat the Sooners 71-70. That leaves my beloved Missouri Tigers as the top remaining seed!
Gayest Commercial on TV
Have you seen those TV commercials for Sonic burger drive-ins? They have to be about the worst spots you've ever seen. Why would a hamburger chain use those two gay dudes hanging out at their hamburger joint to try and sell it's product? If the ads are supposed to be humorous they're not. If anything they scare me away from going to this restaurant. And just think, some ad agency type got paid big money to think up this crap.
Chickenhawks Choke
The Baylor Bears pulled off one of the biggest upsets in Big 12 Conference basketball history a few moments ago. The Bears knocked off the top seeded Kansas Jayhawks 71-64 in the quarterfinals of the Big 12 tournament. The Bears zone defense confused the chickenhawks repeatedly as they raced to a 17 point first half lead. KU made several runs at Baylor in the second half but the Bears held on to pull off the upset.
Up next for Baylor either Texas or Kansas State. Up next for the Chickenhawks a week off before the NCAA tournament. But I'll guarantee you it won't be the number one seed Kansas fans have been mouthing off about for the past week.
How 'bout them Bears!
Up next for Baylor either Texas or Kansas State. Up next for the Chickenhawks a week off before the NCAA tournament. But I'll guarantee you it won't be the number one seed Kansas fans have been mouthing off about for the past week.
How 'bout them Bears!
March 05, 2009
Post - Dispatch Continuing to Lose Money Hand over Fist
"The St. Louis Post-Dispatch" appears to be slowly driving it's parent corporation Lee Enterprises into bankruptcy. The Post has resorted to placing advertising stickers on the front page in an effort to bolster declining revenues. (See previous posts about the meaning of advertising on the front page of a daily newspaper). I've said before the Post-Dispatch has no integrity. But, now I would say it is going broke AND has no integrity.
On top of this, the paper's employees have voluntarily agreed to week long furloughs for all Newspaper Guild members at the Post. Labor has a contract with the company, but for some reason agreed to have it's members take a week off of work without pay. To me this is the height of stupidity on labor's part. The employees did nothing to drive Lee's stock down to less than 50 cents a share. This is a management problem and management needs to pay the price. Lee Enterprises should stick to running the "Park Hills Daily Journal" and similar small town operations.
If I were a guild member at the Post I would be getting rid of the current leadership and setting up a slate of candidates to replace them at the next newspaper Guild elections. But, then it may be academic since Lee appears headed for bankruptcy.
On top of this, the paper's employees have voluntarily agreed to week long furloughs for all Newspaper Guild members at the Post. Labor has a contract with the company, but for some reason agreed to have it's members take a week off of work without pay. To me this is the height of stupidity on labor's part. The employees did nothing to drive Lee's stock down to less than 50 cents a share. This is a management problem and management needs to pay the price. Lee Enterprises should stick to running the "Park Hills Daily Journal" and similar small town operations.
If I were a guild member at the Post I would be getting rid of the current leadership and setting up a slate of candidates to replace them at the next newspaper Guild elections. But, then it may be academic since Lee appears headed for bankruptcy.
Tigers Knock Off the Sooners
The Missouri Tigers didn't have too much trouble last night as they beat the number five ranked Oklahoma Sooners in Columbia 73-64. The Tigers harassed the OU guards into numerous turnovers and frustrated Sooners post man Blake Griffin into several key mistakes. Griffin is projected by many to be an NBA lottery pick later this year.
The win gives 12th ranked Missouri a perfect 18-0 record for the season at Mizzou Arena. And the win improves Mizzou to 25-5 and 12-3 in conference. Oklahoma falls to 26-4 and is also 12-3 in conference.
Up next for the Tigers is Texas A&M in College Station on Saturday afternoon.
The win gives 12th ranked Missouri a perfect 18-0 record for the season at Mizzou Arena. And the win improves Mizzou to 25-5 and 12-3 in conference. Oklahoma falls to 26-4 and is also 12-3 in conference.
Up next for the Tigers is Texas A&M in College Station on Saturday afternoon.
March 04, 2009
No One's Worth That Much
Apparently the Los Angeles Dodgers have lost their minds. It's being reported the team will pay Manny Ramirez 45 million dollars over the next two years to play the outfield.
Granted, Ramirez has a .314 lifetime average and has hit 527 home runs in his career. But, for crying out loud. Ramirez is 37 years old and has an attitude. Remember, this is the same dude who knocked down his team's travelling secretary last summer, because the man couldn't come up with a boat load of tickets for a sell out game at the last minute.
Manny you are a selfish jerk. Dodger management you are officially out of your minds. Dodger fans; you are going to be digging a lot deeper to pay for this.
Granted, Ramirez has a .314 lifetime average and has hit 527 home runs in his career. But, for crying out loud. Ramirez is 37 years old and has an attitude. Remember, this is the same dude who knocked down his team's travelling secretary last summer, because the man couldn't come up with a boat load of tickets for a sell out game at the last minute.
Manny you are a selfish jerk. Dodger management you are officially out of your minds. Dodger fans; you are going to be digging a lot deeper to pay for this.
March 01, 2009
The Irish Ale is Here
I got my first taste of Boulevard Brewing's Irish Ale this afternoon. It is a seasonal that is available until about St. Patrick's Day.
It's reddish in color (as you would expect) and has a nice toasty flavor. It comes from the blending of six different malts. The batch this year is as good as I remember it in past years. Hats off to Boulevard's brew master.
It's reddish in color (as you would expect) and has a nice toasty flavor. It comes from the blending of six different malts. The batch this year is as good as I remember it in past years. Hats off to Boulevard's brew master.
It May be the Worst Show Ever
I have been meaning to write this for several weeks. There is a show on NBC on Thursday nights called "Kath and Kim".
It's awful. The writing is lame, the acting is lame and the whole show sucks. Avoid this program and change the channel if it comes on your TV.
It's awful. The writing is lame, the acting is lame and the whole show sucks. Avoid this program and change the channel if it comes on your TV.
Ouch...
My beloved Missouri Tigers took a trip west today to Lawrence, Kansas.
The outcome wasn't very good. Kansas beat the Tigers 90-65 and had the game easily in control ten minutes into the affair. Mizzou was ice cold from the field and had one of it's worst shooting days of the season. But, the chickenhawks, played well and were by far the better team on the court.
Hopefully, the Tigers can redeem themselves in two weeks at the Big 12 tournament.
The outcome wasn't very good. Kansas beat the Tigers 90-65 and had the game easily in control ten minutes into the affair. Mizzou was ice cold from the field and had one of it's worst shooting days of the season. But, the chickenhawks, played well and were by far the better team on the court.
Hopefully, the Tigers can redeem themselves in two weeks at the Big 12 tournament.
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