Well it comes down to this in order to be a successful day. I thought the Rams had secured a perfect 4:00 games selection for me but was wrecked in overtime. Have to turn the page.
Ravens (+3.5) at Steelers: Tonight's game is one of those where you have to decide if you're on the side of history or your gut. In the Steelers-Ravens first meeting this season, I went with the history and the fact that all of these games had been close and backed the underdog in the first game (Steelers). The Ravens then proceeded to score and score and score and score. Then they went out and lost to the Titans the next weekend. So my question is, what is the false result? Is it the Ravens losing to the Titans, Jaguars and struggling against the Cardinals? Or is it them whooping the Steelers and Jets?
I've decided it is actually neither and they instead fall somewhere in between, but leaning more toward the bad version of themselves. As I predicted before the season started, this defense has to get old at some point and not be able to make up for their own aggressiveness when going for the big play on defense. On top of that, I believe Joe Flacco may be regressing at least in the confidence department.
On the other hand, Pittsburgh looks like a different team than the one that played the Ravens in Week 1. With some starters out this week, there is a definite disadvantage in terms of health, but this will be a team out for vengeance. I'm not going to go out and say it will be a blowout, but I believe the Steelers will control this one from start to finish with Baltimore making it interesting late, meaning I'll be buying the half-point just in case.
Steelers 27, Ravens 22
Season Record ATS: 4-2 (NFL - 4-2)
11.06.2011
WANTED
Patrick Peterson - for inexplicably returning a punt for a TD in overtime and killing my 4:00 hopes and dreams
Afternoon Delight
Well, I was way off on the Redskins. Have to be quick for this afternoon. I'm purposefully posting close to kickoff just so this first week can be more of a test-run rather than giving you all week to tell me what an idiot I am or allow me to second-guess myself.
1.) Bengals (+2.5) at Titans - I love the Bengals and think they're one of the most underrated teams in the league. I'm going to still buy the half-point here, though. I don't trust the Titans and think they're still getting a lot of credit for the Ravens win. Like the Bengals in the upset.
Bengals 24, Titans 6
2.) Rams (+1) at Cardinals - Is a Kevin Kolb injury a good or bad thing for the Cardinals' chances? Gotta think Rams keep momentum and Howie Long's son keeps it in beast mode.
Rams 24, Cardinals 20
3.) Giants (+9.5) at Patriots - I don't trust that mouth-breather Eli Manning as far as I can throw him, but he somehow finds a way to get the Giants in this position every year. All I have to say is yuck on this pick, but I'm going with it.
Patriots 35, Giants 27
Season Record - 2-1 Overall (assuming Redskins continue to stink it up) (2-1 NFL)
1.) Bengals (+2.5) at Titans - I love the Bengals and think they're one of the most underrated teams in the league. I'm going to still buy the half-point here, though. I don't trust the Titans and think they're still getting a lot of credit for the Ravens win. Like the Bengals in the upset.
Bengals 24, Titans 6
2.) Rams (+1) at Cardinals - Is a Kevin Kolb injury a good or bad thing for the Cardinals' chances? Gotta think Rams keep momentum and Howie Long's son keeps it in beast mode.
Rams 24, Cardinals 20
3.) Giants (+9.5) at Patriots - I don't trust that mouth-breather Eli Manning as far as I can throw him, but he somehow finds a way to get the Giants in this position every year. All I have to say is yuck on this pick, but I'm going with it.
Patriots 35, Giants 27
Season Record - 2-1 Overall (assuming Redskins continue to stink it up) (2-1 NFL)
Easy Like Sunday Morning
I'm not really sure if this is even a good idea. I'm the only one of my friends that likes predicting the NFL, but that doens't mean I'm good at it by any stretch of the imagination. There's been low points in my lifetime of following this unpredictabilty, at times even estimating my best strategy may be to pick the exact opposite of my gut.
Here's my first three predictions on the site, all for 1:00 PM games this afternoon. Also, if you're looking at your clock right now and wondering why the games aren't already being played, set your clock back, jackass.
1.) Falcons (-6.5) at Colts - I'm not really sure why anyone would expect the Colts to start playing any better now than they have been all year. At this point, the "Suck for Luck" campaign strategy may be rising above whispers and out from closed-door meetings, and the Falcons need to keep the Saints close enough to strike so they can't afford to lose this one, as it looks more and more like at least one Wild Card is coming out of the NFC North and the Eagles may have just woken up. It's going to be a nail-biter, but I believe the Falcons cover the TD.
Falcons 24, Colts 14
2.) 49ers (-5) at Redskins - There is no reason for me to pick the Redskins in the upset here. No reason at all. Except for the fact the Shanahan got shut-out for the first time in his career last weekend and you have to think that woke him up a bit. Doesn't mean his players don't still suck, but they will be more competitive. Plus you have the West going East play. Will probably regret this one.
Redskins 20, 49ers 17
3.) Seahawks (+13) at Cowboys - I refuse to believe the Cowboys can beat anyone by double digits again until they prove it otherwise. You know that game film of Shady getting loose last Sunday night had to make it roll over for Pete Carroll. Expect Lynch to have a decent game and the Seahawks to keep it closer than the final will indicate.
Cowboys 27, Seahawks 21
Best of luck to everyone. And we'll see you prior to the 4:00 games.
Season Record (0-0, 0-0 NFL)
Here's my first three predictions on the site, all for 1:00 PM games this afternoon. Also, if you're looking at your clock right now and wondering why the games aren't already being played, set your clock back, jackass.
1.) Falcons (-6.5) at Colts - I'm not really sure why anyone would expect the Colts to start playing any better now than they have been all year. At this point, the "Suck for Luck" campaign strategy may be rising above whispers and out from closed-door meetings, and the Falcons need to keep the Saints close enough to strike so they can't afford to lose this one, as it looks more and more like at least one Wild Card is coming out of the NFC North and the Eagles may have just woken up. It's going to be a nail-biter, but I believe the Falcons cover the TD.
Falcons 24, Colts 14
2.) 49ers (-5) at Redskins - There is no reason for me to pick the Redskins in the upset here. No reason at all. Except for the fact the Shanahan got shut-out for the first time in his career last weekend and you have to think that woke him up a bit. Doesn't mean his players don't still suck, but they will be more competitive. Plus you have the West going East play. Will probably regret this one.
Redskins 20, 49ers 17
3.) Seahawks (+13) at Cowboys - I refuse to believe the Cowboys can beat anyone by double digits again until they prove it otherwise. You know that game film of Shady getting loose last Sunday night had to make it roll over for Pete Carroll. Expect Lynch to have a decent game and the Seahawks to keep it closer than the final will indicate.
Cowboys 27, Seahawks 21
Best of luck to everyone. And we'll see you prior to the 4:00 games.
Season Record (0-0, 0-0 NFL)
Piecing the Night Back Together
I must say I’m very happy there are plenty of good NFL games this weekend, as I don’t think I could take any more Sportscenter breakdowns of the LSU-Alabama game. The defenses were who we thought they were and the offenses proved to be just as mediocre and conservative as I imagined. LSU needed to win this game in order to give the SEC a shot at another national title, because I don’t know if Alabama has enough offensive weaponry outside of Richardson to hang with a team like Oklahoma State. LSU’s QB and receivers will continue to get better and give their offense a chance to keep them in the game against an Oklahoma State or Stanford, where if you hold them to half their average point total it still means they just dropped 28 points on you.
The only saving grace of over-coverage was the “I’m So Glad You Friggin’ Lost, Saban” grin on Urban Meyer’s face as he helped lead the postgame coverage. There’s something about Meyer’s cockiness that you have to appreciate, but if/when this guy ends up replacing Brian Kelly at Notre Dame after retiring from Florida to be with his family, can we officially start lumping him in with Bobby Petrino as one of the slimiest snakes in the business? I vote absolutely. Vote or die.
On the local front, you had to be impressed with Kentucky playing spirited football when they had every reason to mail it in. You could even say the play-calling was borderline aggressive. I had a buddy text me and ask where this playbook came from. I told him I can only imagine Joker dusted it off as he does every year, carefully reading the warning label to make sure he’s not misusing it: “Only Install After Being Mathematically Eliminated from the SEC East Race.” While I’m still not over the first 8 games of the season, this one definitely does a lot to heal what was quickly approaching hate of the program’s current state. I’ve come to terms that Joker’s going to be here, I just politely ask he tries EVERYTHING to win while he’s here.
You can’t prop out Kentucky without going straight to the source of the resurgence, Max Smith. I never thought my UK football career would have a “Max Smith Era” but I’m feeling pretty good about it now. He’s poised, he’s accurate, and he’s actually missing the hands of the opposing defense and those three things make him the polar opposite of someone else in the program. While I’ve replaced him in my mind, it’s going to take longer in my heart, as the four book series of fan fiction I’ve written about Ryan Mossakowski leading us to a second place finish in the Chic-Fil-A Bowl doesn’t seem as heart-warming anymore. And that’s a real shame. While biased, I truly believe those books would have had the ability to join “Catcher with the Glass Arm” and “The Kid Who Only Hit Homers” as instant sports-literature classics.
Florida, Nebraska, and Arizona State. Thanks a lot to each of you for individually ruining three parlays and teasers during the day yesterday. These will be the last words I ever write about you. Take it sleazy.
Nice job by Flynn and Hitch opening up their prediction careers with a strong moneyline, underdog pick on LSU out of the gate. We’ll pretend that’s the only game Flynn picked yesterday.
I’m going to take on the daunting task of predicting the NFL within the next hour. Check back soon for the update.
On the local front, you had to be impressed with Kentucky playing spirited football when they had every reason to mail it in. You could even say the play-calling was borderline aggressive. I had a buddy text me and ask where this playbook came from. I told him I can only imagine Joker dusted it off as he does every year, carefully reading the warning label to make sure he’s not misusing it: “Only Install After Being Mathematically Eliminated from the SEC East Race.” While I’m still not over the first 8 games of the season, this one definitely does a lot to heal what was quickly approaching hate of the program’s current state. I’ve come to terms that Joker’s going to be here, I just politely ask he tries EVERYTHING to win while he’s here.
Florida, Nebraska, and Arizona State. Thanks a lot to each of you for individually ruining three parlays and teasers during the day yesterday. These will be the last words I ever write about you. Take it sleazy.
Nice job by Flynn and Hitch opening up their prediction careers with a strong moneyline, underdog pick on LSU out of the gate. We’ll pretend that’s the only game Flynn picked yesterday.
I’m going to take on the daunting task of predicting the NFL within the next hour. Check back soon for the update.
11.05.2011
Alright chumps...Let's do this!
For my inaugural post we need to get one thing out of the way. I am here for the sports. Don’t get me wrong, I love music and listen to anything and everything except for new country (when did a red solo cup become an acceptable subject for a song?). Music is an awesome escape at work from the inane conversations of coworkers, and at home from the fourth replay of Sportscenter in the background at 3am (I work second shift so I’m up late trying to find the end of the internet and find my way back again). But sports are a whole different kind of animal. From the late season Tuesday MAC matchups, to the obligatory Thursday Big East matchup between Louisville and whoever is left in the worst BCS conference to date, you can zone out for three hours and possibly make some money in the process. When you add betting into the equation, games are even more enthralling.
I will be giving you my blind faith predictions mostly based on names and past years performances. Kind of kidding there, but really, I’m too lazy to do any research. The first game that locked eyes with me, like the portly girl with the hot friends in a dimly lit basement, was Michigan Iowa. You wonder why it is there, surrounded by all these big name matchups, and the longer you stare, it starts to look pretty good. Michigan is a 4 point favorite to a team that lost to Minnesota last week. This team also put up only 3 points against a Penn State team that hasn’t covered since I enjoyed my day to day life (it’s been a while). I am all over Michigan in the game. Which probably means you should go with Iowa on the money line, but it just looks so good the more you drink.
Prediction: Michigan 38, Iowa 24
So there you have it. This kind of seems like a rambling post, but it works for me. I will not be mailing it in the rest of my time here, but its 2am and I had to get my picks on paper so I can have proof of awesomeness. Good luck tomorrow and God speed my fellow addicted people.
Record: 0-0 (I get to say that because this blog startup sets me back to even right?)
To reiterate MBZ’s words from earlier, this blog accepts no responsibilities of lost wagers if you take my predictions or go against me.
11.04.2011
Rocksmith....muse or cheat?
All I know is that I'm definitely watching the Oregon vs Washington game on Saturday. Not for the 16.5 point spread (take the Ducks). Not for the rivalry (it's the Pac 12). But I have my own reasons. Trust me!
But no, I'm not here to advise on lines, spreads, or handicaps. As the initial vehicle for Tangent Lyrics SHARPsquares, music is where my "authority" rests. Ok, anyway....so have you heard of this new game, Rocksmith? Neither had I, up until roughly 24 hours ago.
We all remember our first encounter with Guitar Hero. Up at ridiculous hours in the night trying to get to the next level. Calling next, only to be the 10th person in line. But even as fun as it was, I always thought to myself that the game had the potential to be a lot better, had it been a real guitar that you're playing with. Well my friends, let me introduce you to Rocksmith. Where games like Guitar Hero and Rock Band left off, Rocksmith takes over. Giving the user the ability to appear as an actual musician.
With the obvious skeptical thoughts behind the game aside, I applaud the advancement of technology to achieve the feat that many guitarists were thinking just a few years ago while holding the little plastic toys with a pivot switch and four multicolored buttons. Although we must go into this with a pessimistic outlook, will it really allow a transparent view of how the instrument is played? As you may already be thinking, the game is being touted as a way to learn the guitar. I have no doubt that the game can teach a three chord song, but can it really convey the theories necessary to truly understand the instrument.
I'm a firm believer that any creative outlet is beneficial, so don't allow the pretentious attitude to mold your opinions on the game. But everyone has been to the party where the guys won't stop it with the same G-C-D melody.
But I must take a moment to say how excited I am to be back at on the blogger diet. In echo of Mike's foreword, we promise to provide thought provoking gibberish from time to time. My personal commitments are that of keeping it real, not telling my parents of this blog, and that I'll always be capitalizing my G's. Keep it classy, kids.
But no, I'm not here to advise on lines, spreads, or handicaps. As the initial vehicle for We all remember our first encounter with Guitar Hero. Up at ridiculous hours in the night trying to get to the next level. Calling next, only to be the 10th person in line. But even as fun as it was, I always thought to myself that the game had the potential to be a lot better, had it been a real guitar that you're playing with. Well my friends, let me introduce you to Rocksmith. Where games like Guitar Hero and Rock Band left off, Rocksmith takes over. Giving the user the ability to appear as an actual musician.
With the obvious skeptical thoughts behind the game aside, I applaud the advancement of technology to achieve the feat that many guitarists were thinking just a few years ago while holding the little plastic toys with a pivot switch and four multicolored buttons. Although we must go into this with a pessimistic outlook, will it really allow a transparent view of how the instrument is played? As you may already be thinking, the game is being touted as a way to learn the guitar. I have no doubt that the game can teach a three chord song, but can it really convey the theories necessary to truly understand the instrument. I'm a firm believer that any creative outlet is beneficial, so don't allow the pretentious attitude to mold your opinions on the game. But everyone has been to the party where the guys won't stop it with the same G-C-D melody.
But I must take a moment to say how excited I am to be back at on the blogger diet. In echo of Mike's foreword, we promise to provide thought provoking gibberish from time to time. My personal commitments are that of keeping it real, not telling my parents of this blog, and that I'll always be capitalizing my G's. Keep it classy, kids.
Breeders' Cup Baby
About to head out to Churchill for Breeders' Cup Friday. Will let you know how the day went and finish up my massive post about the art of the trifecta tonight. If today is successful, will provide picks for tomorrow's huge day of racing.
From a horse racing perspective, this is as big as it gets. Imagine if the World Series, NBA Finals, Final Four, Stanley Cup Finals, BCS Championship game, and Masters were played on the same field over a two-day span. I know that sounds over the top, but with all the different types of age groups, distance specialists, and surface specialists at the Breeders' Cup, that's essentially what we have. Sure the Derby has its own weekend full of pretty hats and taglines, but the fillies will race tonight for the same purse as the actual Derby. Churchill will be full of horse enthusiasts unparalleled by any Derby crowd with over $150 million estimated to be bet over the next few days (which means Churchill is set to make over $25 million in rake alone over the next two days). I'm not sure the city of Louisville knows how lucky they are to be given the opportunity to host for the second year in a row (good chance it goes back to the West Coast next year due to Del Mar ties with the new Breeders' Cup president).
TV coverage starts today around 4 PM with 5 Breeders' Cup races scheduled for today, including at least two under the lights. Check it out.
From a horse racing perspective, this is as big as it gets. Imagine if the World Series, NBA Finals, Final Four, Stanley Cup Finals, BCS Championship game, and Masters were played on the same field over a two-day span. I know that sounds over the top, but with all the different types of age groups, distance specialists, and surface specialists at the Breeders' Cup, that's essentially what we have. Sure the Derby has its own weekend full of pretty hats and taglines, but the fillies will race tonight for the same purse as the actual Derby. Churchill will be full of horse enthusiasts unparalleled by any Derby crowd with over $150 million estimated to be bet over the next few days (which means Churchill is set to make over $25 million in rake alone over the next two days). I'm not sure the city of Louisville knows how lucky they are to be given the opportunity to host for the second year in a row (good chance it goes back to the West Coast next year due to Del Mar ties with the new Breeders' Cup president).
TV coverage starts today around 4 PM with 5 Breeders' Cup races scheduled for today, including at least two under the lights. Check it out.
11.03.2011
Here We Go
With this being my first post I should probably stick with something like the UCF –Tulsa game, but what would be the fun in that. So here we go, LSU and Alabama.
Let me start out by saying that I think LSU will win this game. Not cover, but win. Both of these teams are built around a great defense and an amazing secondary. With both teams wanting to avoid putting the ball in the air I think we will see a heavy dose of the running game from both sides. The most important aspect of this game is going to come down to time of possession - the team that can stay out of 3rd and long and keep the ball on the ground will win this game. In a game that might rely heavily on field goals, there is a good chance that the last person to touch the ball wins.
Even though I’m not a big fan of statistics, these teams play each other every year and there are a few that you cannot ignore. In this series the visiting team is 27-13-1 with the home team splitting wins in the last two meetings. If you were lucky enough to lock in LSU at +6 when this line opened you should be feeling great about putting some profits in the bank. However, this line has already moved to +4.5 with a lot of people laying money on LSU. If I was a gambling man (wink wink) and already had LSU at +6, it might be fun to see how far the line drops and see if you can take Alabama at -2.5. But that really wouldn’t do you any good because like I said, LSU is going to win.
Prediction: LSU 20, Alabama 17
Let me start out by saying that I think LSU will win this game. Not cover, but win. Both of these teams are built around a great defense and an amazing secondary. With both teams wanting to avoid putting the ball in the air I think we will see a heavy dose of the running game from both sides. The most important aspect of this game is going to come down to time of possession - the team that can stay out of 3rd and long and keep the ball on the ground will win this game. In a game that might rely heavily on field goals, there is a good chance that the last person to touch the ball wins.
Even though I’m not a big fan of statistics, these teams play each other every year and there are a few that you cannot ignore. In this series the visiting team is 27-13-1 with the home team splitting wins in the last two meetings. If you were lucky enough to lock in LSU at +6 when this line opened you should be feeling great about putting some profits in the bank. However, this line has already moved to +4.5 with a lot of people laying money on LSU. If I was a gambling man (wink wink) and already had LSU at +6, it might be fun to see how far the line drops and see if you can take Alabama at -2.5. But that really wouldn’t do you any good because like I said, LSU is going to win.
Prediction: LSU 20, Alabama 17
11.02.2011
Welcome Back! Welcome Back! Weeeeeelcome Back!!!
First of all, let me apologize to all of our loyal followers for the last 949 days without a post. That’s uncalled for and I don’t know what I could ever do to make it up to you. For those of you wondering how someone could empty-handedly look for an update for almost 1,000 days straight, I cordially invite you to step inside my mind for about twelve hours.
Secondly, please allow me to introduce the new format of the blog, including both its name and its vision. We are now SHARPsquares, an idea born out of my and my friends many drunken nights of wondering why we follow other people. You’ll notice the vision of the blog has changed a bit – we no longer solely focus on music and lyrics but also sports, specifically sports gambling. That’s not to say that music and lyrics aren’t still what make us tick, it’s just that we’re adding a second focus in order to accommodate what we spend the rest of our time doing.
Some of you may initially ask what “Where sports and music play food and shelter” truly means. To me that answer is simple – these are the two things in this world to the contributing members of this blog that mean the most (besides the obligatory answers of God, family, friends, in no particular order). Food and shelter is a given; however, without sports and music, I’m not sure where my life or my conversations with others would play out. I imagine I would’ve probably already finished Game of Thrones long before HBO decided to start it, and I would probably be able to compare and contrast the un-read Lord of the Rings trilogy against it (stripped-of-all-pleasures-in-life-Mike likes to believe Game of Thrones would still kill it). I would probably watch even more TV than I already do, and trust me when I say there’s no DVR on Earth yet created to handle that load. I would probably like politics. I would probably be able to say when Brian Williams was having an off-night. I may even subscribe to the local paper (forgive us archaic means of news for we know not what we do). I would probably be more attractive in my wife’s eyes.
In my honest opinion, music is what moves us and sports are what keep us moving (I should probably TacoMark that immediately). So what better way to celebrate both than to combine them into one spot, into one site? I say all of this fully aware that some people are only here for one or the other, which is great but not exactly the target market we’re going after. My usual afternoon of doing anything but work consists of the following four websites: Kentucky Sports Radio, Entertainment Weekly, Yahoo, and ESPN. From there I can scope out anything from a line-moving key injury to a Kardashian divorce plot to the newest Mumford and Sons unreleased. It’s what I do. And I hope with this, we can make SHARPsquares what you do.
Now for the disclaimers – the fine print on what can you expect and what you can’t count on:
1.) We will always be honest. In our reviews, our previews, and our biased views, we will always give you exactly what we’re thinking with no holds barred. The day that ends will be the day we end.
2.) We will mostly be wrong. I’ve seen “Two For The Money” and Matthew McConaughey’s character was just as worse off rich and right as he was poor and nobody. If your mortgage payment relies on one of our second predictions, the bad outcome doesn’t lie with us, it lies with you and your problem. We only provide these as a way to measure yourself against people like you, not as selections to risk your entire weekend/life on. Any chance you take on something we do is entirely on your hands and we disclaim all liability and fault associated.
3.) We will always be legal. Gambling is not legal in this state and most every state in the country. We simply like to see how we would fare if we did take a chance on these games. There’s no greater feeling than bragging rights and that’s all we’re aiming for here. If you’re fortunate enough to legally “rent” a team for full ticks of the clock, best of luck to you and we wish we could join you. What we’re doing here is providing an outlet to those who know State University is going to win, they just want to measure how great of a predictor they are by tracking how much they’re going to win by.
4.) We will be biased, homers, single-minded, and uncultured. Everything you read on this site has to be taken with a grain of salt. We love our teams, we love our bands, and we love our opinions. We guarantee they will not always align with exactly what you think. That’s what makes the Internet great. But PLEASE, PLEASE, comment on everything. Lead the conversation.
5.) We want our parents to read this blog. This means we expect our parents to read this blog and we will conduct ourselves in a way that only borderline offends them. What we ask of you is to do the same (assuming your parents have souls and/or morals).
6.) We will have fun. Which means you should have fun reading this. If this became even your second or third stop on a daily basis, our mission is accomplished.
I’ve probably already forgotten two or three of the most important rules, but space is limited and I’m really pissed at the guy who invented this new type of keyboard with the small “Backspace” bar (or a left arrow as he likes to represent it by).
If this post is only read by me and the rest of the administrators of this site, so be it. I love the font of my own type as much as the sound of my own voice. But I hope this initial reboot is looked upon in a few years as a huge moment for us and the many who read our site daily.
Thank you for participating in conversations once limited to a small group of people. Let’s do this.
MBZ
Secondly, please allow me to introduce the new format of the blog, including both its name and its vision. We are now SHARPsquares, an idea born out of my and my friends many drunken nights of wondering why we follow other people. You’ll notice the vision of the blog has changed a bit – we no longer solely focus on music and lyrics but also sports, specifically sports gambling. That’s not to say that music and lyrics aren’t still what make us tick, it’s just that we’re adding a second focus in order to accommodate what we spend the rest of our time doing.
Some of you may initially ask what “Where sports and music play food and shelter” truly means. To me that answer is simple – these are the two things in this world to the contributing members of this blog that mean the most (besides the obligatory answers of God, family, friends, in no particular order). Food and shelter is a given; however, without sports and music, I’m not sure where my life or my conversations with others would play out. I imagine I would’ve probably already finished Game of Thrones long before HBO decided to start it, and I would probably be able to compare and contrast the un-read Lord of the Rings trilogy against it (stripped-of-all-pleasures-in-life-Mike likes to believe Game of Thrones would still kill it). I would probably watch even more TV than I already do, and trust me when I say there’s no DVR on Earth yet created to handle that load. I would probably like politics. I would probably be able to say when Brian Williams was having an off-night. I may even subscribe to the local paper (forgive us archaic means of news for we know not what we do). I would probably be more attractive in my wife’s eyes.
In my honest opinion, music is what moves us and sports are what keep us moving (I should probably TacoMark that immediately). So what better way to celebrate both than to combine them into one spot, into one site? I say all of this fully aware that some people are only here for one or the other, which is great but not exactly the target market we’re going after. My usual afternoon of doing anything but work consists of the following four websites: Kentucky Sports Radio, Entertainment Weekly, Yahoo, and ESPN. From there I can scope out anything from a line-moving key injury to a Kardashian divorce plot to the newest Mumford and Sons unreleased. It’s what I do. And I hope with this, we can make SHARPsquares what you do.
Now for the disclaimers – the fine print on what can you expect and what you can’t count on:
1.) We will always be honest. In our reviews, our previews, and our biased views, we will always give you exactly what we’re thinking with no holds barred. The day that ends will be the day we end.
2.) We will mostly be wrong. I’ve seen “Two For The Money” and Matthew McConaughey’s character was just as worse off rich and right as he was poor and nobody. If your mortgage payment relies on one of our second predictions, the bad outcome doesn’t lie with us, it lies with you and your problem. We only provide these as a way to measure yourself against people like you, not as selections to risk your entire weekend/life on. Any chance you take on something we do is entirely on your hands and we disclaim all liability and fault associated.
3.) We will always be legal. Gambling is not legal in this state and most every state in the country. We simply like to see how we would fare if we did take a chance on these games. There’s no greater feeling than bragging rights and that’s all we’re aiming for here. If you’re fortunate enough to legally “rent” a team for full ticks of the clock, best of luck to you and we wish we could join you. What we’re doing here is providing an outlet to those who know State University is going to win, they just want to measure how great of a predictor they are by tracking how much they’re going to win by.
4.) We will be biased, homers, single-minded, and uncultured. Everything you read on this site has to be taken with a grain of salt. We love our teams, we love our bands, and we love our opinions. We guarantee they will not always align with exactly what you think. That’s what makes the Internet great. But PLEASE, PLEASE, comment on everything. Lead the conversation.
5.) We want our parents to read this blog. This means we expect our parents to read this blog and we will conduct ourselves in a way that only borderline offends them. What we ask of you is to do the same (assuming your parents have souls and/or morals).
6.) We will have fun. Which means you should have fun reading this. If this became even your second or third stop on a daily basis, our mission is accomplished.
I’ve probably already forgotten two or three of the most important rules, but space is limited and I’m really pissed at the guy who invented this new type of keyboard with the small “Backspace” bar (or a left arrow as he likes to represent it by).
If this post is only read by me and the rest of the administrators of this site, so be it. I love the font of my own type as much as the sound of my own voice. But I hope this initial reboot is looked upon in a few years as a huge moment for us and the many who read our site daily.
Thank you for participating in conversations once limited to a small group of people. Let’s do this.
MBZ
3.13.2009
3.11.2009
Paranoia In B Flat Major
Will you love me still when we awake and you find that the sanity is gone from my eyes.....
I dare you to write something more thought provoking.
I dare you to write something more thought provoking.
3.10.2009
For Today
I was walkin with your left hand in my back pocket
And I stared at the sky while you kissed me
You were runnin away, away from everything
And I stayed behind so you'd miss me
But all these words they sound so sweet
I could care less about you, care less about you
And I love the sound of you walkin' away
I can see clearer and I'm gettin' closer
To findin' out just who I am without you in the way
So hold me, but only for today
Despite the best ambitions, I get into the worst situations
But here I am crystal clean
And on the nights so lonely, the words I say to you are phony
Cause there's nothin' left to say
And though you say you cant live without me
And every night you dream about me
I could care less about you, care less about you
And I love the sound of you walkin' away
And I can see clearer and I'm gettin' closer
To findin' out just who I am without you in the way
So hold me, but only for today
3.09.2009
I declare Avett Brothers week
Simplicity is a component that is far too often overlooked in today's society. Music that is forced down the public's throat is no exception. Because of this we will be taking a different approach to our blog. For the remainder of the week, we will be featuring a different Avett Brothers song/video. It is my belief that Seth and Scott bring an enlightened mood to the current babble that is excepted music. Today's choice is Murder in the City. Enjoy!!
3.03.2009
LaundroMatinee Sessions: Blitzen Trapper
A band that has been mentioned numerous times on this site is that of Blitzen Trapper. Today, while hitting up each of my routined blogs, I saw that LaundroMatinee has featured the Furry ones in their latest session. The article that parallels the feature provides quick reference to the obvious influence of past musicians. It's worth checking out to say the least.
2.19.2009
Avett Brothers: April 17 @ Centre College
I've been patiently waiting for a chance to catch The Avett Brothers in concert. I was disgusted to find out that the DMB show that I will be attending in April was one of the few that the Avett's will not be opening for. But my patience has paid off, as they will be coming to Centre College (Danville, Ky) on April 17th!!
Here is a video of the boys performing St. Joseph's, from a gondola of all places. Pay attention to the harmony that unites around the 1:15-ish mark. Simply amazing.
2.16.2009
LaundroMatinee: MBAR
Sometime ago, I wrote a quick feature on Miles Bejamin Anthony Robinson claiming my adoration of his then recent self-titled album. It seems that the folks at LaundroMatinee feel the same way.
Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson - Trap Door
Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson - (Sittin On) The Dock of The Bay
Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson - Trap Door
Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson - (Sittin On) The Dock of The Bay
2.13.2009
....really??
So this one made me shake my head. One, for never have hearing that they were a couple, and two, for the unlikely duo. So you're telling me that Ryan Adams is now engaged to Mandy Moore, and that he recently announced that he is leaving music behind?!?! Come on!!! Oh well. As long as he doesn't suddenly cancel the remains of his current tour (as this would adversely affect my plans on a particular night in March).
2.12.2009
Blah blah blah
Many times when I'm having the kind of day that I'm having today, I'll play a few songs from the Foo Fighters live album Skin and Bones. It seems to do the trick, if only for a short time, but a proven remedy of mine nonetheless. Hopefully you don't need them in the way that I do, but they might help make it just a little better.
2.10.2009
(Every Other) Tuesday Tunes
There has been an episode of Storytellers airing lately featuring The Black Crowes, and each time I find myself watching the entire show. Something about the ways those Robinson brothers come together, truly a treat. But their latest album, Warpaint, offers the same soul that has put The Black Crowes on the map for the past few decades.
I've been playing out the album Lucky by Nada Surf lately. A band that I had often overlooked in the past years, but I am quick to rectify my bad. I consider this one of those "middle of the road" albums, where you don't receive too little but you don't receive too much either (when speaking in terms of consistent sounds). But also an album that I can play from start to finish....those don't come around too often.
Since the opening days of this blog, I've been meaning to bring a little justice to Ben Folds. I will admit that the latest efforts of the ivory-tickling entertainer did not quite meet the extraordinary expectations set forth by previous attempts, but from time to time one must reflect on the past to appreciate the present.
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