As 2010 draws to a close, DaMan takes an unusual (possibly somewhat humours) look at all the top headlines this year.
1. Alabama wins National Championship: Do NOT remember this happening: I was watching this game drunk off my @$$ in a little bar near Mexico.......don't ask.
2. Haiti earthquake: One of the sadder stories of the year. CNN was all over this. Sports tie-in: Samuel Dalembert is a good guy.
3. Scott Brown elected to Senate, shocking Democrat Martha Coakley: a tiding of things to come for Democrats in 2010.
4. The Edwards separate, Elizabeth Edwards later passes away in December - further solidifying John Edwards' place in the Douchiest Douchebags Hall of Fame.
5. Apple unveils the iPad: Why is Steve Jobs NOT wearing a belt when unveiling it? Did he have to pawn that off to get funding for this gadget?
6. Toyota pedal recall: giving new meaning to Toyota's motto: "Moving Forward"
7. Vancouver Olympics: U.S. wins 37 medals. Wait, there's a WINTER olympics too?
8. Plane flown into IRS building: ironically, news broke while I was sitting in tax class. Professor had no comment.
9. Tiger Woods apologizes: he's sorry he got caught.
10. Dick Cheney heart attack: Being an ex-VP more stressful than being VP.
11. Sea World employee killed by whale....one of sadder stories of the year. Synonymous with the message Steve Irwin left: Nature can be dangerous.
12. Chilean earthquake: lots of natural disasters this year. Let's hope Cali doesn't get the next big quake? (fingers crossed)
13. Jesse James admits infidelity: he's sorry he got caught.
14. Obama signs healthcare into law: saddling the next Prez with more problems in 2014.
15. U.S. Census: o yea......I participated. Was like a 10 minute thing......faster than a McDonalds run.
16. Polish president killed in plane crash......In other news, LOST had its series finale.
17. BP oil well explodes......hasn't Louisiana as a whole suffered enough these past few years?
18. Arizona passes immigration law: Did they really think this law would fly?
19. Britain elects David Cameron as its new Prime Minister......Not as dashing as Tony Blair.
20. Blackhawks win Stanley Cup........now if only we could do something about the Cubs....
21. Russian spies arrested........yes, it was criminal how hot the red head Anna Chapman was.
22. Lindsay Lohan sentenced: Dude, Lindsay, can we time-warp back 12 years and try that teenage/adolesence thing again?
23. Mel Gibson audio tapes releases (threatens ex-girlfriend): Mel, that's NOT what woman want.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Fantasy football playoff time
Although I was eliminated in my I-really-care-about-this-league league last week, I'm still alive in my high school buddies league and doing rather well.
Observations:
1. If Austin Collie had played 16 games this season, he would have been the Fantasy MVP. Easily. I picked him up after week 1 and enjoyed the ride for 5 weeks, and he would have really helped this week too (8 catches, 87 yards, 2TD's)..... and could have been more if he didn't get hurt. Shame.
2. Jeremy Maclin and Tashard Choice went OFF the week after I desperately needed them. Sometimes that's just what happens in fantasy sports though: timing. Playoffs are a weird thing: studs turn into duds, no-names turn into heroes. Unpredictable, but the crap-shootness of it is part of the reason it keeps people coming back.
3. Vincent Jackson = God. Too bad he wont' be a Charger next year.
4. Ray Rice seemed off the whole season but looked like a SAINT for fantasy owner against the Saints. Maybe a sophomore slump? Great situation in Baltimore, good QB to throw to him, efficient offense. Like.
5. Words cannot describe how much of a fantasy freak Mike Vick is. He's a top-tier RB and a top-tier QB rolled up into one. Basically, a joker in a game of high card. And someone in my league benched him IN THE PLAYOFFS in favor of peyton manning. He's now eliminated.
6. LOVED that the Eagles lost to the Giants. Allows Bears more assurance of playoff spot (we have tiebreak against Eagles, Giants have it against the Bears). And the Eagles look.......better.
7. Lesson for next year: take a chance on young, rising WR's. (Probably true for RB's, too, but I was burned so bad by Ryan Mathews this year I hesitate to recommend it). Cases in point: Hakeem Nicks, Jeremy Maclin, Percy Harvin, Roddy White, Dwayne Bowe, Mike Wallace. These are the names at the top of the WR rankings at the end of the year.
Meanwhile, I had Michael Crabtree. The exception to the rule. Damn.
8. Did you know who Arian Foster or Peyton Hillis were at the end of last season? Neither did I. But they're #1 and #3 in RB rankings and probably made dreams or shattered them this season.
Actually, neither did very well this week despite pretty good matchups.......another sign of the randomness of fantasy playoffs.
9. Kicker: you wouldn't think it w's a big deal, but it is: David Akers has led the league the last few years in points scored, and you'll take the HUGE playoff weeks he put up the last few. This one's easy: Pick akers as your kicker next year, probably in the last round of your draft.
If not akers, just get an accurate guy with an okay leg without a history of mental problems (i.e. NOT Garret Hartley).
10. Good teams have high-scoring fantasy defenses.
11. Don't buy the reniassance Running Back fluke of LaDanian Tomlinson. Don't touch him next year......Youth is in in the NFL.
12. Don't invest yourself too heavily in fantasy football. You'll kill yourself worrying over your team and write a "It's the Worst Day of your life and the World is Ending" post on your blog. And most people WILL lose...only a few people can win every year.
Fantasize on,
Robert Yan
Observations:
1. If Austin Collie had played 16 games this season, he would have been the Fantasy MVP. Easily. I picked him up after week 1 and enjoyed the ride for 5 weeks, and he would have really helped this week too (8 catches, 87 yards, 2TD's)..... and could have been more if he didn't get hurt. Shame.
2. Jeremy Maclin and Tashard Choice went OFF the week after I desperately needed them. Sometimes that's just what happens in fantasy sports though: timing. Playoffs are a weird thing: studs turn into duds, no-names turn into heroes. Unpredictable, but the crap-shootness of it is part of the reason it keeps people coming back.
3. Vincent Jackson = God. Too bad he wont' be a Charger next year.
4. Ray Rice seemed off the whole season but looked like a SAINT for fantasy owner against the Saints. Maybe a sophomore slump? Great situation in Baltimore, good QB to throw to him, efficient offense. Like.
5. Words cannot describe how much of a fantasy freak Mike Vick is. He's a top-tier RB and a top-tier QB rolled up into one. Basically, a joker in a game of high card. And someone in my league benched him IN THE PLAYOFFS in favor of peyton manning. He's now eliminated.
6. LOVED that the Eagles lost to the Giants. Allows Bears more assurance of playoff spot (we have tiebreak against Eagles, Giants have it against the Bears). And the Eagles look.......better.
7. Lesson for next year: take a chance on young, rising WR's. (Probably true for RB's, too, but I was burned so bad by Ryan Mathews this year I hesitate to recommend it). Cases in point: Hakeem Nicks, Jeremy Maclin, Percy Harvin, Roddy White, Dwayne Bowe, Mike Wallace. These are the names at the top of the WR rankings at the end of the year.
Meanwhile, I had Michael Crabtree. The exception to the rule. Damn.
8. Did you know who Arian Foster or Peyton Hillis were at the end of last season? Neither did I. But they're #1 and #3 in RB rankings and probably made dreams or shattered them this season.
Actually, neither did very well this week despite pretty good matchups.......another sign of the randomness of fantasy playoffs.
9. Kicker: you wouldn't think it w's a big deal, but it is: David Akers has led the league the last few years in points scored, and you'll take the HUGE playoff weeks he put up the last few. This one's easy: Pick akers as your kicker next year, probably in the last round of your draft.
If not akers, just get an accurate guy with an okay leg without a history of mental problems (i.e. NOT Garret Hartley).
10. Good teams have high-scoring fantasy defenses.
11. Don't buy the reniassance Running Back fluke of LaDanian Tomlinson. Don't touch him next year......Youth is in in the NFL.
12. Don't invest yourself too heavily in fantasy football. You'll kill yourself worrying over your team and write a "It's the Worst Day of your life and the World is Ending" post on your blog. And most people WILL lose...only a few people can win every year.
Fantasize on,
Robert Yan
Friday, December 17, 2010
End of Finals
There's a lot of things people say "tell a lot about who you are." Examples: 1. how you handle adversity, 2. what you do when no one's watching, 3. what you do in the bathroom when you know it's gonna be awhile, etc., etc.
Add another thing to that list: How you deal with ending a stressful situation. Trust me on this, going through 1L year of law school is a very, VERY stressful situation. 2L and 3L years are marginally better, but still difficult: you usually find yourself in a room with no one but yourself, busily fumbling through notes and computer files trying to find the answer to questions that the professor has hid so well, trying to cram all the information you can into neat, tidy compilations called outlines that are thrown away almost instantly after the test, all the while counting down the hours that you have still to spend slaving away at the material, hoping that you were ANYWHERE but the library AGAIN on a friday night. Shudder.
But when you're finally done with all exams, when you can finally breathe again, when you can not only see the end of the tunnel but you cross through the end of the tunnel, the feeling is HEAVENLY. Nothing feels better. A huge load comes off your shoulders; there's a bit of a bounce in your step; HUGE chunks of time in your schedule are freed up. Sowhat do you do?
Option A: Drink. Drink more. Drink massive amounts of alcohol almost instantly after the exam. (usually consumed in conjunction with cigarettes, or harder drugs). Guru's take: Not recommended, especially the use of harder drugs. Consuming alcohol is good in a social environment where everyone's also in on it, and it becomes more of a congenial atmosphere, but by no means should you do it to TOO much excess, or else heavy puking and/or disastrous hangover might ensue.
Option B: Watch some really bad TV..... also good for numbing your brain, making you forget. Suggested titles: Real Housewives of Orange County, I Love New York 2, Jersey Shore 2, you name it on MTV = yes. Also, old comedy shows, although not "bad TV," are good at making you feel some joy again (i.e. Everybody Loves Raymond, Seinfeld, The Office, etc.)
Option C: Go to dinner with friends. Talk about the stresses of final (nothing substantive, or else it might freak out fellow test-takers who missed substantive things), but just make fun of it.... make fun of the class, make fun of the professors, make fun of the other students (especially quirky ones who stood out), celebrate the fact that you're done with the class forever. Put some closure to it. It works well to fill your stomach in the meantime.
Option D: Sports!! A little exercise/competition never hurt anyone, especially if you've been cooped up taking a final all that time, your limbs need some movement. The Guru recommends basketball, tennis, or hiking in the outdoors: basically anything that requires concentration and for you to forget about other things in your life.
Option E: Sleep..... I heard is also good, although personally I like to feel ALIVE after a period of pretty much death, especially socially and physically. However, if you took great quantities of time during finals cramming and forgoing sleep, this might (medically) be the best option.
Option F: getting a head start on other students by reading material for next semester's courses. Do NOT do this.....omg, you might as well kill yourself because you have NO LIFE!
Option G: Go home for the holidays. Getting on an airplane, subjecting yourself to a stricter body search nowadays, flying to a cold destination and having to pay through the nose is probably not the idea of fun for a lot of people, but it's a ritual that must be followed: there's really no choice. Also, the feeling of returning home, to the place where all your childhood memories are, your childhood friends are, and where family is, still is pretty sweet and makes up for it.
Personally, now that I live in Cali, a mix of Option C, D, G, and a little bit of A (don't wanna go berserk and lose my mind) is ideal.
Fantasize on,
Robert Yan.
Btw, anyone check out that Chargers-Niners drubbing last night?? WWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOO..........Not only that, but Vincent Jackson might have single-handedly moved fantasy owners a round further in their fantasy playoffs. All hail V-Jax!!!
Add another thing to that list: How you deal with ending a stressful situation. Trust me on this, going through 1L year of law school is a very, VERY stressful situation. 2L and 3L years are marginally better, but still difficult: you usually find yourself in a room with no one but yourself, busily fumbling through notes and computer files trying to find the answer to questions that the professor has hid so well, trying to cram all the information you can into neat, tidy compilations called outlines that are thrown away almost instantly after the test, all the while counting down the hours that you have still to spend slaving away at the material, hoping that you were ANYWHERE but the library AGAIN on a friday night. Shudder.
But when you're finally done with all exams, when you can finally breathe again, when you can not only see the end of the tunnel but you cross through the end of the tunnel, the feeling is HEAVENLY. Nothing feels better. A huge load comes off your shoulders; there's a bit of a bounce in your step; HUGE chunks of time in your schedule are freed up. Sowhat do you do?
Option A: Drink. Drink more. Drink massive amounts of alcohol almost instantly after the exam. (usually consumed in conjunction with cigarettes, or harder drugs). Guru's take: Not recommended, especially the use of harder drugs. Consuming alcohol is good in a social environment where everyone's also in on it, and it becomes more of a congenial atmosphere, but by no means should you do it to TOO much excess, or else heavy puking and/or disastrous hangover might ensue.
Option B: Watch some really bad TV..... also good for numbing your brain, making you forget. Suggested titles: Real Housewives of Orange County, I Love New York 2, Jersey Shore 2, you name it on MTV = yes. Also, old comedy shows, although not "bad TV," are good at making you feel some joy again (i.e. Everybody Loves Raymond, Seinfeld, The Office, etc.)
Option C: Go to dinner with friends. Talk about the stresses of final (nothing substantive, or else it might freak out fellow test-takers who missed substantive things), but just make fun of it.... make fun of the class, make fun of the professors, make fun of the other students (especially quirky ones who stood out), celebrate the fact that you're done with the class forever. Put some closure to it. It works well to fill your stomach in the meantime.
Option D: Sports!! A little exercise/competition never hurt anyone, especially if you've been cooped up taking a final all that time, your limbs need some movement. The Guru recommends basketball, tennis, or hiking in the outdoors: basically anything that requires concentration and for you to forget about other things in your life.
Option E: Sleep..... I heard is also good, although personally I like to feel ALIVE after a period of pretty much death, especially socially and physically. However, if you took great quantities of time during finals cramming and forgoing sleep, this might (medically) be the best option.
Option F: getting a head start on other students by reading material for next semester's courses. Do NOT do this.....omg, you might as well kill yourself because you have NO LIFE!
Option G: Go home for the holidays. Getting on an airplane, subjecting yourself to a stricter body search nowadays, flying to a cold destination and having to pay through the nose is probably not the idea of fun for a lot of people, but it's a ritual that must be followed: there's really no choice. Also, the feeling of returning home, to the place where all your childhood memories are, your childhood friends are, and where family is, still is pretty sweet and makes up for it.
Personally, now that I live in Cali, a mix of Option C, D, G, and a little bit of A (don't wanna go berserk and lose my mind) is ideal.
Fantasize on,
Robert Yan.
Btw, anyone check out that Chargers-Niners drubbing last night?? WWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOO..........Not only that, but Vincent Jackson might have single-handedly moved fantasy owners a round further in their fantasy playoffs. All hail V-Jax!!!
Monday, December 13, 2010
Leaders and Legends divisions?
Here are some possibilities for the new Big Ten Football division names, OTHER than what they chose: "Leaders" and "Legends."
(Feel free to submit your entries, the following are a mixture of serious suggestions and not-so serious).
1.) "North" and "South" - straightfoward, geographical, no-nonsense
2.) Losers and More Losers
3.) The Joe P-tizzles and the Kirk F-renzos
4.) The Ohio St. division and the Nebraska division
5.) The Lakes and Plains (***actually thought this woulda been the best one)
6.) The Corn and Wheat
7.) The Black and Blue
8.) The Bread and Butter
9.) The Batman and Robin
10.) The School Names Beginning with I's and the others
11.) The Dumb and Dumber
12.) The Law and Order
13.) The Bold and the Beautiful
...... So many possibilities!!!!!
(Feel free to submit your entries, the following are a mixture of serious suggestions and not-so serious).
1.) "North" and "South" - straightfoward, geographical, no-nonsense
2.) Losers and More Losers
3.) The Joe P-tizzles and the Kirk F-renzos
4.) The Ohio St. division and the Nebraska division
5.) The Lakes and Plains (***actually thought this woulda been the best one)
6.) The Corn and Wheat
7.) The Black and Blue
8.) The Bread and Butter
9.) The Batman and Robin
10.) The School Names Beginning with I's and the others
11.) The Dumb and Dumber
12.) The Law and Order
13.) The Bold and the Beautiful
...... So many possibilities!!!!!
Sunday, December 12, 2010
One of the Worst Days of my life
I hereby declare that this day, the 12th day of December in the year A.D. 2010, to be one of the worst days in the short and irrelevant (but meaningful to me!) lives of Robert Yan.
First off, apologize for not posting recently. Been busy w/ the finals thing, see. Just got done with 4 finals in 4 days (don't ask me why I signed up for such a rigorous schedule) on Saturday, which makes the tragedy of this day so painful because it could have been one of the best days of my life!!!! And no, I'm fine physically, nothing happened to my person, not a car accident or physical injury, I'm just emotionally devastated. And also, not a death in the family or death of someone very close to me, of which when that does happen (and truly I hope it never does), THAT will be the worst day of my life ever. But here goes.
Part 1 of One of Worst Days of My Life: The collapse of my fantasy football "A" squad. I pride myself on being a fantasy sports guru, a "wise-guy" if you will among my peers, someone who "knows more stuff" than other people, and honestly I have sort of a superiority complex when it comes to fantasy football/basketball/baseball: I think I know it all because this is one of the only subjects where I feel like I DO know most of if not all: Therefore it's always devastating when I LOSE at fantasy football, when all the time and energy and trash talking and pride that I've devoted to my team comes crashing down on one December Sunday, ending my season. But today's loss was PARTICULARLY devastating. Greg Jennings, who's been a BEAST for me down the stretch in the season, had not ONE, but TWO touchdown passes in his hands for the Packers before dropping them, amounting to 22 precious fantasy points forgoed. Potentially devastating in a regular season week, this destroyed me. Coupled with the Pittsburgh Steelers Defense picking off Carson Palmer TWICE for TD's (for the opposing team), and I was really deep in the hole. And yet, I was STILL in it going into Sunday night, where I was hoping (crossed my fingers, I really did) that Tashard Choice and Jeremy Maclin would step up and do some damage for me. Ha. Maclin had ONE catch for 10 yards. Choice had like 15 rushing yards and 1 catch for 10 passing yards. Thanks, guys. DEVASTATED. Fantasy football, for me, is a game, but it's also more than that....it's an investment. Indeed, I invest myself more in it than my personal financial investments, where REAL MONEY is involved. And I do fantasy football for free, meaning I HAVE to value it intrinsically more than even making money. I'm like a CEO of a corporation, a General Manager of a professional football team: I'm responsible for all the decisions, and I get the credit when I win. I compete HARD. And losing is tough.
OK, so yea, losing at fantasy football doesn't seem much to the average person. I agree, it's actually not THAT big of a deal in the grand scheme of things.
But #2 hurt: Personal relationships.
I'm not a ladies' man by any means. In fact, all throughout my life I've had trouble, I guess you could say, interacting with girls/women. I'm much more of a guys' guy, if you will. Talk about sports, play sports, trash talk, make fun of each other, laugh about stupid things, guys' stuff. I know how that works. Girls; I don't really speak their language. Couple that with my not-overly-attractive complexion (see pic above) and it's not like girls are hollering at me.
**** Probably a good idea to stop here and explain that I am NOT gay....I've been questioned about it (I think unfairly), so need to put that to rest*****
So it's just that much tougher for me to ask out girls. I've done it before; it's usually pretty awkward; I'm not good at this stuff, I don't have a big bro/big sis to tell me how it's done, I don't like to confide in my friends about this stuff. ally takes a leap of faith for me to do it. As much as movies will say, "jusk go for it," or "just let your heart decide," and the "all they can say is no" attitude, it's different for normal people. A "NO" hurts. A "NO" could mean "you're not good enough for me." And even if you're one of the most thick-skinned people on earth, it's still difficult to get a "NO" because as the asker, you're the one who takes on the risk, who puts himself out there at the whim of the other person, allowing the other person to have all the leverage to say "NO." And when you do get the "NO", it makes you want to take that risk less in the future. It's a vicious cycle if you're a physically not-so-attractive specimen.
So basically, as you've probably surmised, I tried to "casually" ask a girl I've been talking to for a long time out today, and it did NOT go as planned. And I mean, I've built a repertoire with her f while and thought I kind of dug her, and more importantly, thought that she dug me back.
BUT........
It didn't go so well. And now I'm stuck. It wasn't a flat no; it was a "i'm not gonna be available for the next few days." So yea, basically no. I can't "casually" ask again. Basically, it's done. In a flash. Like what else can I do????? I literally cannot do anything anymore besides give up on this, I've gotten my answer.
This is the SECOND time I've been rejected this year alone!!!! What is going on!!!!
The sad thing is, today could have been such a great day. I could have moved on in the fantasy playoffs and looked forward to another intense battle next week in the semis (what I live for, fantasy playoff time). I could have established a time for a date, and initiated a healthy personal relationship with someone who I really enjoy. Instead, I am utterly DEVASTATED. DEVASTATED.
O and I lost at darts TWICE to my roommate in the morning. Fun times.
I dunno why I posted this on this blog. I might delete it, save it, and tuck it in my own private files. There's really no benefit to the reader of this; kinda like listening to a drunk guy at a bar wax on about his life failures, I suppose.
Good night, and I hope everyone has a better experience w/ life/ fantasy football/personal relationships than I did today, the 12th day of December, 2010.
First off, apologize for not posting recently. Been busy w/ the finals thing, see. Just got done with 4 finals in 4 days (don't ask me why I signed up for such a rigorous schedule) on Saturday, which makes the tragedy of this day so painful because it could have been one of the best days of my life!!!! And no, I'm fine physically, nothing happened to my person, not a car accident or physical injury, I'm just emotionally devastated. And also, not a death in the family or death of someone very close to me, of which when that does happen (and truly I hope it never does), THAT will be the worst day of my life ever. But here goes.
Part 1 of One of Worst Days of My Life: The collapse of my fantasy football "A" squad. I pride myself on being a fantasy sports guru, a "wise-guy" if you will among my peers, someone who "knows more stuff" than other people, and honestly I have sort of a superiority complex when it comes to fantasy football/basketball/baseball: I think I know it all because this is one of the only subjects where I feel like I DO know most of if not all: Therefore it's always devastating when I LOSE at fantasy football, when all the time and energy and trash talking and pride that I've devoted to my team comes crashing down on one December Sunday, ending my season. But today's loss was PARTICULARLY devastating. Greg Jennings, who's been a BEAST for me down the stretch in the season, had not ONE, but TWO touchdown passes in his hands for the Packers before dropping them, amounting to 22 precious fantasy points forgoed. Potentially devastating in a regular season week, this destroyed me. Coupled with the Pittsburgh Steelers Defense picking off Carson Palmer TWICE for TD's (for the opposing team), and I was really deep in the hole. And yet, I was STILL in it going into Sunday night, where I was hoping (crossed my fingers, I really did) that Tashard Choice and Jeremy Maclin would step up and do some damage for me. Ha. Maclin had ONE catch for 10 yards. Choice had like 15 rushing yards and 1 catch for 10 passing yards. Thanks, guys. DEVASTATED. Fantasy football, for me, is a game, but it's also more than that....it's an investment. Indeed, I invest myself more in it than my personal financial investments, where REAL MONEY is involved. And I do fantasy football for free, meaning I HAVE to value it intrinsically more than even making money. I'm like a CEO of a corporation, a General Manager of a professional football team: I'm responsible for all the decisions, and I get the credit when I win. I compete HARD. And losing is tough.
OK, so yea, losing at fantasy football doesn't seem much to the average person. I agree, it's actually not THAT big of a deal in the grand scheme of things.
But #2 hurt: Personal relationships.
I'm not a ladies' man by any means. In fact, all throughout my life I've had trouble, I guess you could say, interacting with girls/women. I'm much more of a guys' guy, if you will. Talk about sports, play sports, trash talk, make fun of each other, laugh about stupid things, guys' stuff. I know how that works. Girls; I don't really speak their language. Couple that with my not-overly-attractive complexion (see pic above) and it's not like girls are hollering at me.
**** Probably a good idea to stop here and explain that I am NOT gay....I've been questioned about it (I think unfairly), so need to put that to rest*****
So it's just that much tougher for me to ask out girls. I've done it before; it's usually pretty awkward; I'm not good at this stuff, I don't have a big bro/big sis to tell me how it's done, I don't like to confide in my friends about this stuff. ally takes a leap of faith for me to do it. As much as movies will say, "jusk go for it," or "just let your heart decide," and the "all they can say is no" attitude, it's different for normal people. A "NO" hurts. A "NO" could mean "you're not good enough for me." And even if you're one of the most thick-skinned people on earth, it's still difficult to get a "NO" because as the asker, you're the one who takes on the risk, who puts himself out there at the whim of the other person, allowing the other person to have all the leverage to say "NO." And when you do get the "NO", it makes you want to take that risk less in the future. It's a vicious cycle if you're a physically not-so-attractive specimen.
So basically, as you've probably surmised, I tried to "casually" ask a girl I've been talking to for a long time out today, and it did NOT go as planned. And I mean, I've built a repertoire with her f while and thought I kind of dug her, and more importantly, thought that she dug me back.
BUT........
It didn't go so well. And now I'm stuck. It wasn't a flat no; it was a "i'm not gonna be available for the next few days." So yea, basically no. I can't "casually" ask again. Basically, it's done. In a flash. Like what else can I do????? I literally cannot do anything anymore besides give up on this, I've gotten my answer.
This is the SECOND time I've been rejected this year alone!!!! What is going on!!!!
The sad thing is, today could have been such a great day. I could have moved on in the fantasy playoffs and looked forward to another intense battle next week in the semis (what I live for, fantasy playoff time). I could have established a time for a date, and initiated a healthy personal relationship with someone who I really enjoy. Instead, I am utterly DEVASTATED. DEVASTATED.
O and I lost at darts TWICE to my roommate in the morning. Fun times.
I dunno why I posted this on this blog. I might delete it, save it, and tuck it in my own private files. There's really no benefit to the reader of this; kinda like listening to a drunk guy at a bar wax on about his life failures, I suppose.
Good night, and I hope everyone has a better experience w/ life/ fantasy football/personal relationships than I did today, the 12th day of December, 2010.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Guru's Gradually Improving Guesses - Week 11
After having conquered Brother Mouzone for the 2nd straight week in 10, the Brother claims "We can build on this." Well, there's no way he can beat me if I go 16-0, so here are YOUR NFL point-spread winners for the week:
O, but first, more "general lessons" I'm learning:
1. Chargers make 2nd-half runs.
2. Don't bet on Carolina
3. Teams coming off byes cover A LOT (see Chargers, Packers, Saints from last week)......since there's no more byes to speak of this season, I'll have to archive it for next year.
Again, picks that I differ from Brother are in red. (i.e., the incorrect picks Brother makes that I capitalize on)
1.) Lions +6.5 v. Patriots. Went back and forth on this......Lions are a neat little team.....they've covered a lot for me and Shaun Hill is a keep-you-in-it QB a la Ryan Fitzpatrick. And look at Detroit's home games this year......covered against Philly and NYJ, beat St. Louis and Washington outright.... the definition of a "home dog"..... or in this case, "home cat." Let's just not have Ndamokang Suh kick any more PAT's, shall we?
2.) Saints -3.5 @ Dallas. OK, everyone, let's calm all this talk about the Cowboys running the table and making the playoffs, OK? I see this game as Drew Brees v. Jon Kitna.
3.) NYJ -9 v. Cincinatti: I've been pretty dead-on about the Bengals all year......didn't think they were good, thought they would give one last effort against Steelers (almost won), and thought they'd lay down against the Bills. This week, I'm sticking the fork in the voodoo doll. You can go back to Thanksgiving desserts early this year: Jets win big by halftime.
4.) Washington -1 v. Minnesota: So........Minnesota's supposedly the better team here? This would be my lock of the week if I didn't want to curse myself. Do people just NOT learn to bet against the Vikings? Holy moly.
5.) Pittsburgh -6.5 at Buffalo: The Steelers must make a run to get a first-round bye and they know it. Can't be fooling around now..... Brother had the right idea about the Bills. For the same reason they shouldn't have won 2 games in a row, they CAN'T win 3 games in a row.
6.) Tennessee +6.5 at Houston: Kind of overstating the loss of Vince Young, aren't we? Last I checked, Titans still have Chris Johnson and a respectable D.......they still realistically can win, and like an extra seat cushion, I'll sit comfortably on an extra 6.5 points to say I'm right.
7.) NYG -7 v. Jacksonville: Something about the Jaguars just screams: "We've set expectations mighty high but we're about to collapse!!!" Giants are PISSED after 2 straight losses.
8.) Cleveland -10 v. Carolina: Peyton Hillis. How did I not just grab this guy after Week 2 and hold on for dear life? ech. Also see Rule #1 of my the Guru's Life Lessons: 1. Don't bet on Carolina.
9.) Tampa Bay +7.5 at Baltimore. Every week when I come to picking the B-more game, a feeling of dread comes over. I'm 1-4 in their games. Could the Ravens POSSIBLY be looking ahead to a titanic showdown in Week 13 v. the Steelers???? If you need moral support in this game, Josh Freeman, I know it's hard....give the Guru a call.
10.) Philadelphia -3.5 at Chicago: I remember several games that the Bears gave Mike Vick fits pre-prison. But privately, deep down in a place I keep very secret, I think the Eagles are the best team in the NFL. Shhhhhh.
11.) Atlanta -2 v. Green Bay. Huh? Atlanta is better than than GB.....and they're only getting -2....at home? I've learned my lessons about good teams going into ATL.....they don't come out.
12.) Raiders -3 v. Miami: Darren McFadden will stomp all over the Dolphins like he's running on water.
13.) Kansas City -2 at Seattle. If only Seattle played Arizona every week.
14.) St. Louis +4 at Denver: Rams.
15.) Indianapolis -3 v. San Diego. As much as this is going against Life Lesson #2, and as much as I love Phillip Rivers, and how the Chargers are getting people back, and all that, one overwhelming rule trumps all: Do NOT bet against Peyton Manning at night.
16.) Arizona +1 v. San Francisco: This is just........bleh. Can I choose death?
Fantasize on,
Robert Yan
O, but first, more "general lessons" I'm learning:
1. Chargers make 2nd-half runs.
2. Don't bet on Carolina
3. Teams coming off byes cover A LOT (see Chargers, Packers, Saints from last week)......since there's no more byes to speak of this season, I'll have to archive it for next year.
Again, picks that I differ from Brother are in red. (i.e., the incorrect picks Brother makes that I capitalize on)
1.) Lions +6.5 v. Patriots. Went back and forth on this......Lions are a neat little team.....they've covered a lot for me and Shaun Hill is a keep-you-in-it QB a la Ryan Fitzpatrick. And look at Detroit's home games this year......covered against Philly and NYJ, beat St. Louis and Washington outright.... the definition of a "home dog"..... or in this case, "home cat." Let's just not have Ndamokang Suh kick any more PAT's, shall we?
2.) Saints -3.5 @ Dallas. OK, everyone, let's calm all this talk about the Cowboys running the table and making the playoffs, OK? I see this game as Drew Brees v. Jon Kitna.
3.) NYJ -9 v. Cincinatti: I've been pretty dead-on about the Bengals all year......didn't think they were good, thought they would give one last effort against Steelers (almost won), and thought they'd lay down against the Bills. This week, I'm sticking the fork in the voodoo doll. You can go back to Thanksgiving desserts early this year: Jets win big by halftime.
4.) Washington -1 v. Minnesota: So........Minnesota's supposedly the better team here? This would be my lock of the week if I didn't want to curse myself. Do people just NOT learn to bet against the Vikings? Holy moly.
5.) Pittsburgh -6.5 at Buffalo: The Steelers must make a run to get a first-round bye and they know it. Can't be fooling around now..... Brother had the right idea about the Bills. For the same reason they shouldn't have won 2 games in a row, they CAN'T win 3 games in a row.
6.) Tennessee +6.5 at Houston: Kind of overstating the loss of Vince Young, aren't we? Last I checked, Titans still have Chris Johnson and a respectable D.......they still realistically can win, and like an extra seat cushion, I'll sit comfortably on an extra 6.5 points to say I'm right.
7.) NYG -7 v. Jacksonville: Something about the Jaguars just screams: "We've set expectations mighty high but we're about to collapse!!!" Giants are PISSED after 2 straight losses.
8.) Cleveland -10 v. Carolina: Peyton Hillis. How did I not just grab this guy after Week 2 and hold on for dear life? ech. Also see Rule #1 of my the Guru's Life Lessons: 1. Don't bet on Carolina.
9.) Tampa Bay +7.5 at Baltimore. Every week when I come to picking the B-more game, a feeling of dread comes over. I'm 1-4 in their games. Could the Ravens POSSIBLY be looking ahead to a titanic showdown in Week 13 v. the Steelers???? If you need moral support in this game, Josh Freeman, I know it's hard....give the Guru a call.
10.) Philadelphia -3.5 at Chicago: I remember several games that the Bears gave Mike Vick fits pre-prison. But privately, deep down in a place I keep very secret, I think the Eagles are the best team in the NFL. Shhhhhh.
11.) Atlanta -2 v. Green Bay. Huh? Atlanta is better than than GB.....and they're only getting -2....at home? I've learned my lessons about good teams going into ATL.....they don't come out.
12.) Raiders -3 v. Miami: Darren McFadden will stomp all over the Dolphins like he's running on water.
13.) Kansas City -2 at Seattle. If only Seattle played Arizona every week.
14.) St. Louis +4 at Denver: Rams.
15.) Indianapolis -3 v. San Diego. As much as this is going against Life Lesson #2, and as much as I love Phillip Rivers, and how the Chargers are getting people back, and all that, one overwhelming rule trumps all: Do NOT bet against Peyton Manning at night.
16.) Arizona +1 v. San Francisco: This is just........bleh. Can I choose death?
Fantasize on,
Robert Yan
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Buy Chipotle Stock
The title says it all. I did it yesterday; I only wish I had more money. This stock is like a dot-com company in the summer of 1999: unstoppable. It's doubled its value in this year alone. It's quadrupled since Fall 2008. Its business concept is so simple too; I shoulda already become a millionaire.
Reasons why this company is the best of its era:
1. Good food: Chipotle has the same ingredients for everyone, so you know what you're gonna get, the menu never really changes, but people keep coming back.......over and over again. It's got one of the key maxims of any restaurant business: have good food.
2. Stable price: it raised its price recently a bit for all its products, but in general it stays the same: I know I'll be spending $6.42 on a chicken burrito or $6.69 on any other burrito. And given the fact that it's delicious and fills me up, I can't complain.
3. Attracts all demographics: Usually when you go to a McDonald's or a steakhouse you know what type of people are gonna be there: it's determined mostly by socioeconomic conditions, a lot by the ability to pay. Not Chipotle. I've stood in line with all sorts of people: students, businesspeople, mothers, athletes, doctors, kids, homsexuals, etc., etc., etc. Whenever you're feeling hungry and want something convenient + reasonably priced, you go to Chipotle. Bottom line.
4. The accepted norm for fast food: Whenever my friends/ colleagues are deciding on somewhere to go out and eat, we have a divergence of tastes: Chinese, Mexican, McDonald's, pizza, burger, etc., and sometimes one person isn't feeling Chinese, or McDonald's is rejected because someone just doesn't want all the fat. I've never really heard anyone object to Chipotle......it's always the default option, it's accepted by everyone.......that's MONEY in the restaurant business, when people can come to agreement on the product. That's the cash register ringing over and over again.
5. I don't see anyone really taking down Chipotle for awhile. It's just built such a tremendous brand within the last few years, its business model is almost impeccable. It's gonna really take serious effort by some new company to take away its customers, because I got news for all existing restaurant chains: You ain't taking Chipotle down.
So pardon me for only engaging in an "eye test" of this company, but Chipotle gets an overwhelming, resounding, earth-shattering "Buy buy buy" from the Guru. I buy Chipotle every day, my friends all buy it, pretty much everyone I know buys it. And now I've bought the stock. So should you.
Fantasize on,
Robert Yan
Reasons why this company is the best of its era:
1. Good food: Chipotle has the same ingredients for everyone, so you know what you're gonna get, the menu never really changes, but people keep coming back.......over and over again. It's got one of the key maxims of any restaurant business: have good food.
2. Stable price: it raised its price recently a bit for all its products, but in general it stays the same: I know I'll be spending $6.42 on a chicken burrito or $6.69 on any other burrito. And given the fact that it's delicious and fills me up, I can't complain.
3. Attracts all demographics: Usually when you go to a McDonald's or a steakhouse you know what type of people are gonna be there: it's determined mostly by socioeconomic conditions, a lot by the ability to pay. Not Chipotle. I've stood in line with all sorts of people: students, businesspeople, mothers, athletes, doctors, kids, homsexuals, etc., etc., etc. Whenever you're feeling hungry and want something convenient + reasonably priced, you go to Chipotle. Bottom line.
4. The accepted norm for fast food: Whenever my friends/ colleagues are deciding on somewhere to go out and eat, we have a divergence of tastes: Chinese, Mexican, McDonald's, pizza, burger, etc., and sometimes one person isn't feeling Chinese, or McDonald's is rejected because someone just doesn't want all the fat. I've never really heard anyone object to Chipotle......it's always the default option, it's accepted by everyone.......that's MONEY in the restaurant business, when people can come to agreement on the product. That's the cash register ringing over and over again.
5. I don't see anyone really taking down Chipotle for awhile. It's just built such a tremendous brand within the last few years, its business model is almost impeccable. It's gonna really take serious effort by some new company to take away its customers, because I got news for all existing restaurant chains: You ain't taking Chipotle down.
So pardon me for only engaging in an "eye test" of this company, but Chipotle gets an overwhelming, resounding, earth-shattering "Buy buy buy" from the Guru. I buy Chipotle every day, my friends all buy it, pretty much everyone I know buys it. And now I've bought the stock. So should you.
Fantasize on,
Robert Yan
Monday, November 22, 2010
Multi-Tasking: Good Idea or Bad Idea?
Excited cuz today went well: Went up to Baldwin Hill Scenic Overlook in Culver City (I know, sounds very mundane), but spectacular view of the whole city up there, and you won't kill yourself trekking up there.
Come home, see that Greg Jennings has gone OFF for 7 Rec, 152 yards, and 3 TD's against the team that I have told you REPEATEDLY to bet against. That +3 they got against the Packers didn't look too good anymore after the 34-3 greasefire, did it? Anyway, beat an archrival in a game both of us needed to have and backed up my incessant smack talk (always feels better when you can back it up).
10-5 in picks this week with one game to go, and have edged out the "I feel confident this week about my picks" Brother Mouzone. Was really looking pretty bad around noon PT, but I SWEPT through the afternoon games PLUS Sunday night. Awesome feeling, getting that hot streak. (Brother might have a legit beef about Indy always BARELY covering despite losing close games, but hey, that IS the power of Peyton Manning.... you're never out of it. And really, the Colts were driving and could have scored, or Vinateri woulda kicked a FG to force OT, where the Colts woulda had major momentum........I deserved the cover).
The Walking Dead on AMC is a GREAT show. Absolute insanity in the last 5 minutes of tonight's episode. Whew - yee.
Witnessed another instance of Pickup Basketball Personality #5 tonight at Lyon Center gym: Guy playing with agenda. 3-on-3 pickup game, the "leader" of the other team seemed to really need a win badly, whether he'd just broken up with his gf, lost money picking NFL football games (which he wouldn't have if he followed my picks, btw), who knows, but he was cursing profusely and getting genuinely angry at losing, as evidenced by his aggressive play (he fouled me a LOT). The fact that the 3 on his team were all whites and the 3 on our side were under 5'9'' Asian guys was not lost on me; I'm just hypothesizing here: he thought he could beat us. And he did NOT. We dominated him in both pickup games ( by one's to 11) and there was no doubt who was the better team. Again, disclaimer needed: I'm not a racist, but it feels better to stick it to people who think they're better than you just because you look a certain way.
I bet Joakim Noah sympathesizes with me. (See last November's article, "Why I love Joakim Noah").
Anyway, this post is all about multi-tasking. For those who know me, I am very pushy about wasting time. As in, I HATE wasting time. I have a set schedule for the day and I don't like changing it for trivial pursuits. I try very hard not to waste other people's time; I would appreciate if they don't waste mine. When I'm by myself, therefore, I try to get things done as efficiently as possible, and sometimes that entails muti-tasking. Multi-tasking, the practice of performing multiple tasks simultaneously (at the same time), can be really good, if you have the right combo of things to do. Some things, though, are like oil and water: they don't mix.
1. Writing material for one's blog while watching sports: GOOD IDEA! I do it all the time, and it works really well when you're writing about sports as you're watching.....gets your instant reaction.
2. Eating while driving in the car: BAD IDEA!!!! Actually, this really should be illegal. I admit, I've been guilty of it. It totally impairs your driving, you have to drive with one hand, you have to look down if you spilled something, and don't forget the drink that you have to switch hands for to wash it down with. Don't do this. Alternative: schedule lunch with a good friend/ network with somebody. Driving's already dangerous enough as it is.
3. Catching a football/basketball while trying to run with it: BAD IDEA!!!! This drives me nuts. Secure the ball first, (have one in the hand) before you try to go for something more (2 in the hand). Especially PAID, PROFESSIONAL athletes: fundamental football/basketball, people.....you're taught this as a kid. Learn it.
4. Listening to music while studying for a class: DEPENDS. I think it's a bad idea cuz I can't concentrate when something else is going on.....I'm trained to eavesdrop. I dunno, maybe it depends on the type of music.
5. Running while listening to music: GOOD IDEA!!!! For some reason I find that I have more endurance while listening to music, probably cuz I block everything else out and just go, and time goes by faster.
6. Going on the internet while taking notes in class: The good-student answer is BAD IDEA, but honestly, it's generally a GOOD IDEA. Caveat: if the professor's not reading straight out of his notes and you have to copy everything down. In a 2-hour class, it is difficult to pay attention to EVERYTHING a professor says, so you have to take some mental breaks. The key is not to take too long of a mental break, or too many. Have selective hearing: When the professor goes on a tangent, look how your fantasy team did this weekend. When prof gets back on track, come back in. When the kid in the front row asks a completely arbitrary quesiton with no chance of being on the test, go see who you can pick up from the waiver wire, propose a few trades. When the prof. has thoroughly dashed Question Guy's hopes of being Ace Brownnoser of the Year, click out and get back to note-taking. THAT's multi-tasking at its finest.
7. Checking your blackberry while waiting in line to get Chipotle (I'm having a big Chipotle weekend for some reason): GOOD IDEA. Probably the top reason to have a smartphone. Alternate course if standing next to attractive single member of the opposite sex in line... that's when you suddenly get all clumsy and "bump into people accidentially."
8. Going to law school while working part-time: Probably the best of both worlds, the ideal situation. GREAT IDEA!!! Earn money to pay for future higher (expected) wages....utilize the not-as-hectic law school schedule by working part-time, both expanding your career contacts, establishing more on your resume, and sustaining your financial situation (not suggested during 1L year, in fact, not allowed at most institutions, I believe).
Fantasize on,
Robert Yan
Come home, see that Greg Jennings has gone OFF for 7 Rec, 152 yards, and 3 TD's against the team that I have told you REPEATEDLY to bet against. That +3 they got against the Packers didn't look too good anymore after the 34-3 greasefire, did it? Anyway, beat an archrival in a game both of us needed to have and backed up my incessant smack talk (always feels better when you can back it up).
10-5 in picks this week with one game to go, and have edged out the "I feel confident this week about my picks" Brother Mouzone. Was really looking pretty bad around noon PT, but I SWEPT through the afternoon games PLUS Sunday night. Awesome feeling, getting that hot streak. (Brother might have a legit beef about Indy always BARELY covering despite losing close games, but hey, that IS the power of Peyton Manning.... you're never out of it. And really, the Colts were driving and could have scored, or Vinateri woulda kicked a FG to force OT, where the Colts woulda had major momentum........I deserved the cover).
The Walking Dead on AMC is a GREAT show. Absolute insanity in the last 5 minutes of tonight's episode. Whew - yee.
Witnessed another instance of Pickup Basketball Personality #5 tonight at Lyon Center gym: Guy playing with agenda. 3-on-3 pickup game, the "leader" of the other team seemed to really need a win badly, whether he'd just broken up with his gf, lost money picking NFL football games (which he wouldn't have if he followed my picks, btw), who knows, but he was cursing profusely and getting genuinely angry at losing, as evidenced by his aggressive play (he fouled me a LOT). The fact that the 3 on his team were all whites and the 3 on our side were under 5'9'' Asian guys was not lost on me; I'm just hypothesizing here: he thought he could beat us. And he did NOT. We dominated him in both pickup games ( by one's to 11) and there was no doubt who was the better team. Again, disclaimer needed: I'm not a racist, but it feels better to stick it to people who think they're better than you just because you look a certain way.
I bet Joakim Noah sympathesizes with me. (See last November's article, "Why I love Joakim Noah").
Anyway, this post is all about multi-tasking. For those who know me, I am very pushy about wasting time. As in, I HATE wasting time. I have a set schedule for the day and I don't like changing it for trivial pursuits. I try very hard not to waste other people's time; I would appreciate if they don't waste mine. When I'm by myself, therefore, I try to get things done as efficiently as possible, and sometimes that entails muti-tasking. Multi-tasking, the practice of performing multiple tasks simultaneously (at the same time), can be really good, if you have the right combo of things to do. Some things, though, are like oil and water: they don't mix.
1. Writing material for one's blog while watching sports: GOOD IDEA! I do it all the time, and it works really well when you're writing about sports as you're watching.....gets your instant reaction.
2. Eating while driving in the car: BAD IDEA!!!! Actually, this really should be illegal. I admit, I've been guilty of it. It totally impairs your driving, you have to drive with one hand, you have to look down if you spilled something, and don't forget the drink that you have to switch hands for to wash it down with. Don't do this. Alternative: schedule lunch with a good friend/ network with somebody. Driving's already dangerous enough as it is.
3. Catching a football/basketball while trying to run with it: BAD IDEA!!!! This drives me nuts. Secure the ball first, (have one in the hand) before you try to go for something more (2 in the hand). Especially PAID, PROFESSIONAL athletes: fundamental football/basketball, people.....you're taught this as a kid. Learn it.
4. Listening to music while studying for a class: DEPENDS. I think it's a bad idea cuz I can't concentrate when something else is going on.....I'm trained to eavesdrop. I dunno, maybe it depends on the type of music.
5. Running while listening to music: GOOD IDEA!!!! For some reason I find that I have more endurance while listening to music, probably cuz I block everything else out and just go, and time goes by faster.
6. Going on the internet while taking notes in class: The good-student answer is BAD IDEA, but honestly, it's generally a GOOD IDEA. Caveat: if the professor's not reading straight out of his notes and you have to copy everything down. In a 2-hour class, it is difficult to pay attention to EVERYTHING a professor says, so you have to take some mental breaks. The key is not to take too long of a mental break, or too many. Have selective hearing: When the professor goes on a tangent, look how your fantasy team did this weekend. When prof gets back on track, come back in. When the kid in the front row asks a completely arbitrary quesiton with no chance of being on the test, go see who you can pick up from the waiver wire, propose a few trades. When the prof. has thoroughly dashed Question Guy's hopes of being Ace Brownnoser of the Year, click out and get back to note-taking. THAT's multi-tasking at its finest.
7. Checking your blackberry while waiting in line to get Chipotle (I'm having a big Chipotle weekend for some reason): GOOD IDEA. Probably the top reason to have a smartphone. Alternate course if standing next to attractive single member of the opposite sex in line... that's when you suddenly get all clumsy and "bump into people accidentially."
8. Going to law school while working part-time: Probably the best of both worlds, the ideal situation. GREAT IDEA!!! Earn money to pay for future higher (expected) wages....utilize the not-as-hectic law school schedule by working part-time, both expanding your career contacts, establishing more on your resume, and sustaining your financial situation (not suggested during 1L year, in fact, not allowed at most institutions, I believe).
Fantasize on,
Robert Yan
Saturday, November 20, 2010
The Ten People You Meet on the Pick-up Basketball Court
This post is more exclusive to the basketball players out there, but the demographics who read this blog (fantasy sports managers/ young college-types/ males) should be pretty schooled in the art of playing pick-up basketball.
* Note: the reason they call it "pick-up" basketball is literally you get "picked up" by a team trying to play next......you always need 5 guys to play so that when the current game playing on the court finishes, your team replaces the losers (winners stay on). I've had various issues with the "pick-up" process, including "who really has next game?", "I've got a buddy coming in 5 minutes but don't know exactly when he's showing up," and my most hated, "Yea I got 5 already but I really don't." Some cats are just really bad about the process, they take a look at your appearance (body type, height, ethnicity, etc.) and decide whether they want you on your team or not. No evidence for this, but sometimes I suspect it's blatant racism: Guy takes a look at me, sees I'm Asian, assumes I'm bad, and says, "I got 5 already." 5 minutes later, some other dude (not Asian) shows up and suddenly he's in the game. Very unfair, but on the pick-up basketball court you're pretty much subject to the laws of the jungle. Hard to object to that (especially when you don't have your own group of guys).
Sigh. Anyways, here's the list of personalities you will normally see on the court:
1. The ball-hog: This is the guy who demands the ball on the inbounds pass, dribbles down the court, plays 1-on-5 basketball, and will do everything he can NOT to pass it away. He wants to score, and he wants to score, NOW. While somewhat tolerable if the guy's actually making shots/ scoring points, it's TERRIBLE when he's missing. Ironically, the ballhog's also the guy who yells at you to pass it more when you have the ball. Figures.
2. The foul-caller: Either the most fragile person on earth or just blatantly ignorant of what a foul is, the foul-caller will cry foul every time he has the ball, and sometimes when he doesn't have the ball ( the general guideline in pick-up basketball is not to call fouls when you don't have the ball, no offensive fouls, no loose-ball fouls, etc. unless TOTALLY flagrant). The foul-caller will stagnate the game tremendously and piss off everybody, and inevitably an argument will ensue as to what's a foul or not. Ironically, the foul-caller is also the guy who says "What foul?" when you foul him.
3. The Fountain: The guy who sweats profusely and doesn't apologize for you. If your team is "matching up" (deciding who guards who on the other team) with the team the Fountain is on, you can literally see the whole team gravitating AWAY from the Fountain, playing a sort of "Hot Potato" or "Nose Goes" game to see who gets the dishonorable distinction of guarding the Fountain. It is NOT pleasant to guard the Fountain. Ironically, the Fountain is usually also the guy who wants to grind under the basketball and initiate a LOT of contact, with disastrous results. Also see: the guy who smells. (Similar characteristics)
4. The Girl: When a girl plays, she's always "underestimated." She's never good cuz she's just good, she's "underrated." And when she makes a shot, it's always, "OOOOOOOHHHHH." Ironically, the Girl always actually has a shot, so the previously mentioned sound effect is repeated abundantly.
5. The Guy Playing with an Agenda: This guy had something happen before stepping on the court. Either he just got into a fight with his girlfriend, or someone spilled coffee on his lap earlier at McDonald's, or he didn't get as much meat as he wanted on his Chipotle burrito, SOMETHING.... he's playing with a chip on his shoulder, trying to blow off some steam. He swears, he's angry, he's violent, he fouls a lot. It's uncomfortable having Agenda Guy on your team; it's just downright painful to have him on the other team. Inevitably, Agenda Guy will try to get into a fight.
6. The Friends: The Friends come together, they've played together before, they're practicing for a tournament at a later time, they want to practice set plays, whatever, the Friends will NEVER pass to anybody but themselves.....literally, even if his boy is covered by 3 guys and 2 other teammates are wide open, the Friend will force it to his other Friend. I hate the Friends.
7. Cell Phone Guy: The guy who runs to his cell phone in the middle of the game. It's like, "what are you doing? We're playing basketball."
8. Excuse Guy: Excuse guy will have a reason for everything that he does wrong. "I just lifted before the game, so my shot is off." "I don't got my lucky shorts, sorry." "My nails are too long." "I had Chipotle before the game, my bad." "Is that a woman's ball?" "The rims are too small."
Note to Excuse Guy: I DON'T CARE!!!!!! STOP lifting before the game! Wear your shorts!!!! Do what you need to do to be ready! Play basketball!!!!!!!
9. Lazy Guy: Doesn't run down the court, doesn't box out, doesn't run after the ball. When you pass to him, he instantly shoots a contested 3-pointer, no questions asked. Lazy Guy makes you sick. Note: Lazy Guy usually actually is also Pretty Talented Guy, who thinks he's too good to hustle, too good to have to work for it. Ironically, Pretty Talented Lazy Guy will also be the guy who tells you what to do if something goes wrong because he thinks he knows what the problem is. Note to Pretty Talented Lazy Guy: YOU ARE the PROBLEM!!!!!!!
10. Finally, worse than any of the other guys you meet on the pickup court, is......Always Next Guy. Always Next Guy tries to do his best Hiro Nakamura impression, trying to be everywhere at one time. He's on one court and he's somehow next on the other court. If you're trying to get next, he and his friends are next. Why is he the worst? Not necessarily because of bad intent, I suppose, but if you can't get on the court, none of the other things even apply. Note to Always Next Guy: This isn't online poker. you can only play one game at a time. Another note to Always Next Guy: Learn to share.
Sigh. Yea, as you can imagine, I have a lot of anger towards pickup basketball people. In general, basketball's fun, everyone gets some exercise, and everyone get along. But when you throw in one or more of the aformentioned Guys ( I have no problem with Girls) things start to deteriorate. Quickly. If you're reading this and are one of these Guys, please, please, PLEASE remedy yourself. I realize I might exemplify to some degree one of these Guy characteristics, so I'll do my part to stop it too. That is all.
Fantasize on,
Robert Yan
* Note: the reason they call it "pick-up" basketball is literally you get "picked up" by a team trying to play next......you always need 5 guys to play so that when the current game playing on the court finishes, your team replaces the losers (winners stay on). I've had various issues with the "pick-up" process, including "who really has next game?", "I've got a buddy coming in 5 minutes but don't know exactly when he's showing up," and my most hated, "Yea I got 5 already but I really don't." Some cats are just really bad about the process, they take a look at your appearance (body type, height, ethnicity, etc.) and decide whether they want you on your team or not. No evidence for this, but sometimes I suspect it's blatant racism: Guy takes a look at me, sees I'm Asian, assumes I'm bad, and says, "I got 5 already." 5 minutes later, some other dude (not Asian) shows up and suddenly he's in the game. Very unfair, but on the pick-up basketball court you're pretty much subject to the laws of the jungle. Hard to object to that (especially when you don't have your own group of guys).
Sigh. Anyways, here's the list of personalities you will normally see on the court:
1. The ball-hog: This is the guy who demands the ball on the inbounds pass, dribbles down the court, plays 1-on-5 basketball, and will do everything he can NOT to pass it away. He wants to score, and he wants to score, NOW. While somewhat tolerable if the guy's actually making shots/ scoring points, it's TERRIBLE when he's missing. Ironically, the ballhog's also the guy who yells at you to pass it more when you have the ball. Figures.
2. The foul-caller: Either the most fragile person on earth or just blatantly ignorant of what a foul is, the foul-caller will cry foul every time he has the ball, and sometimes when he doesn't have the ball ( the general guideline in pick-up basketball is not to call fouls when you don't have the ball, no offensive fouls, no loose-ball fouls, etc. unless TOTALLY flagrant). The foul-caller will stagnate the game tremendously and piss off everybody, and inevitably an argument will ensue as to what's a foul or not. Ironically, the foul-caller is also the guy who says "What foul?" when you foul him.
3. The Fountain: The guy who sweats profusely and doesn't apologize for you. If your team is "matching up" (deciding who guards who on the other team) with the team the Fountain is on, you can literally see the whole team gravitating AWAY from the Fountain, playing a sort of "Hot Potato" or "Nose Goes" game to see who gets the dishonorable distinction of guarding the Fountain. It is NOT pleasant to guard the Fountain. Ironically, the Fountain is usually also the guy who wants to grind under the basketball and initiate a LOT of contact, with disastrous results. Also see: the guy who smells. (Similar characteristics)
4. The Girl: When a girl plays, she's always "underestimated." She's never good cuz she's just good, she's "underrated." And when she makes a shot, it's always, "OOOOOOOHHHHH." Ironically, the Girl always actually has a shot, so the previously mentioned sound effect is repeated abundantly.
5. The Guy Playing with an Agenda: This guy had something happen before stepping on the court. Either he just got into a fight with his girlfriend, or someone spilled coffee on his lap earlier at McDonald's, or he didn't get as much meat as he wanted on his Chipotle burrito, SOMETHING.... he's playing with a chip on his shoulder, trying to blow off some steam. He swears, he's angry, he's violent, he fouls a lot. It's uncomfortable having Agenda Guy on your team; it's just downright painful to have him on the other team. Inevitably, Agenda Guy will try to get into a fight.
6. The Friends: The Friends come together, they've played together before, they're practicing for a tournament at a later time, they want to practice set plays, whatever, the Friends will NEVER pass to anybody but themselves.....literally, even if his boy is covered by 3 guys and 2 other teammates are wide open, the Friend will force it to his other Friend. I hate the Friends.
7. Cell Phone Guy: The guy who runs to his cell phone in the middle of the game. It's like, "what are you doing? We're playing basketball."
8. Excuse Guy: Excuse guy will have a reason for everything that he does wrong. "I just lifted before the game, so my shot is off." "I don't got my lucky shorts, sorry." "My nails are too long." "I had Chipotle before the game, my bad." "Is that a woman's ball?" "The rims are too small."
Note to Excuse Guy: I DON'T CARE!!!!!! STOP lifting before the game! Wear your shorts!!!! Do what you need to do to be ready! Play basketball!!!!!!!
9. Lazy Guy: Doesn't run down the court, doesn't box out, doesn't run after the ball. When you pass to him, he instantly shoots a contested 3-pointer, no questions asked. Lazy Guy makes you sick. Note: Lazy Guy usually actually is also Pretty Talented Guy, who thinks he's too good to hustle, too good to have to work for it. Ironically, Pretty Talented Lazy Guy will also be the guy who tells you what to do if something goes wrong because he thinks he knows what the problem is. Note to Pretty Talented Lazy Guy: YOU ARE the PROBLEM!!!!!!!
10. Finally, worse than any of the other guys you meet on the pickup court, is......Always Next Guy. Always Next Guy tries to do his best Hiro Nakamura impression, trying to be everywhere at one time. He's on one court and he's somehow next on the other court. If you're trying to get next, he and his friends are next. Why is he the worst? Not necessarily because of bad intent, I suppose, but if you can't get on the court, none of the other things even apply. Note to Always Next Guy: This isn't online poker. you can only play one game at a time. Another note to Always Next Guy: Learn to share.
Sigh. Yea, as you can imagine, I have a lot of anger towards pickup basketball people. In general, basketball's fun, everyone gets some exercise, and everyone get along. But when you throw in one or more of the aformentioned Guys ( I have no problem with Girls) things start to deteriorate. Quickly. If you're reading this and are one of these Guys, please, please, PLEASE remedy yourself. I realize I might exemplify to some degree one of these Guy characteristics, so I'll do my part to stop it too. That is all.
Fantasize on,
Robert Yan
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Guru's Gruesomely Incorrect Guesses Week 11
I know what you're thinking, "This kid just doesn't give up, does he?" yes, once again, I'm back with my guesses, and once again I'm ABSOLUTELY determined to do well. Brother Mouzone has challenged me for a 3rd consecutive week in a tiebreaker (tied 1-1 the previous 2 weeks).
After an 8-6 WINNING (yay!) record (thank god for Shaun Hill's last-second drive v. the Bills) and pushing the record to 43-36, Da Man wants to get back to 60% on the season in a full (meaning all teams play) week.
Picks that Brother and I disagree on are highlighted in red.
1.) Miami (-2.5) v. Chicago: Line moved in favor of Miami in this game.........but still gotta take Miami at home (they're basically saying that Chicago is a better team than the Dolphins, which I know as a Bears fan is patently false). Bears had their cupcake schedule in the 1st half to go to 6-3 but now face the big boys. Last time I saw Tyler Thigpen, he was throwing darts to Tony Gonzalez in KC and helping my 2008 fantasy teams in the playoffs. He's better than Chad (squared).
2.) Oakland (+7) at Pittsburgh. The line was set just right for this game and has effectively stumped me the whole week. Gimme 6 and I woulda taken Pitt, gimme 8 and I woulda taken Oakland. I'm lean toward points all the time, and this is another case.
3.) Houston (+7) at NYJ: Last time I picked a team that was just coming off of back-to-back OT games, I saw Kyle Orton throw incessantly in the first half en route to a drubbing of the Chiefs. Houston's weird; they can hang with any time but also lose to any team.
4.) Carolina (+10.5) v. Baltimore: Lemme try this one more time and hope the Ravens listen: B-MORE PLAYS WELL AGAINST THE GOOD TEAMS AND PLAYS DOWN TO THEIR COMPETITION!!!!
5.) Tennesee (-7) v. Washington: The naked eye test, the hard-stats test, the Standard Achievement test, whatever test you want to use, the Redskins look BAD.......and McNabb looks BAD......The Titans looked bad last week, but that was an anomaly. I always pick the Titans with confidence.
6.) Detroit ( +7 ) at Dallas: Has one team ever gone from being 14-point underdogs one week to 7-point favorites the next? Those who just jumped off the Cowboys' bandwagon are clamoring to get back on. You might wanna wait until they prove the wheels are back on the wagon, people.
7.) Green Bay (-3) at Minnesota. Pick. Against. Minnesota. For the rest of the year.
8.) Buffalo (+6) at Cincinatti. The Bengals have collapsed. Dunno why, but the Bills still play hard.
9.) Jacksonville (-1.5) v. Cleveland. Browns getting mad respect for playing 2 of the NFL's best tough. But what happens when they travel to a mediocre team on a random noon game w/ no coverage?
10.) Kansas City (-8) v. Arizona: The Chiefs will mohawk the Birds to death.
11.) New Orleans (-11.5) v. Seattle. Words cannot describe how bad the Seahawks are. If the Saints win, credit guest picker "Avon Lukesdale" (subtle "The Wire" trolling) contributed to this pick.
12.) Atlanta (-3) at St. Louis: Rams are young and eager, but not ready to win this game. Falcons had 3 extra days to prepare for this game.
13.) Bucs (+3.) at Niners. Whew, lot of games this week. Running.....out.....of breath!!!!
14.) Indianapolis (+3.5) at Patriots: These encounters usually come down to last-minute field goals
15.) Philadelphia (-3) v. NYG: How can you pick against Michael Vick right now?
16.) Broncos (+10) at Chargers: Whoa nelly, hold your horses, the Chargers still aren't that good, are they? Again, I like Kyle Orton and the passing attack. Uh, btw, bet the over on this game. For your own good.
Fantasize on,
Robert Yan
After an 8-6 WINNING (yay!) record (thank god for Shaun Hill's last-second drive v. the Bills) and pushing the record to 43-36, Da Man wants to get back to 60% on the season in a full (meaning all teams play) week.
Picks that Brother and I disagree on are highlighted in red.
1.) Miami (-2.5) v. Chicago: Line moved in favor of Miami in this game.........but still gotta take Miami at home (they're basically saying that Chicago is a better team than the Dolphins, which I know as a Bears fan is patently false). Bears had their cupcake schedule in the 1st half to go to 6-3 but now face the big boys. Last time I saw Tyler Thigpen, he was throwing darts to Tony Gonzalez in KC and helping my 2008 fantasy teams in the playoffs. He's better than Chad (squared).
2.) Oakland (+7) at Pittsburgh. The line was set just right for this game and has effectively stumped me the whole week. Gimme 6 and I woulda taken Pitt, gimme 8 and I woulda taken Oakland. I'm lean toward points all the time, and this is another case.
3.) Houston (+7) at NYJ: Last time I picked a team that was just coming off of back-to-back OT games, I saw Kyle Orton throw incessantly in the first half en route to a drubbing of the Chiefs. Houston's weird; they can hang with any time but also lose to any team.
4.) Carolina (+10.5) v. Baltimore: Lemme try this one more time and hope the Ravens listen: B-MORE PLAYS WELL AGAINST THE GOOD TEAMS AND PLAYS DOWN TO THEIR COMPETITION!!!!
5.) Tennesee (-7) v. Washington: The naked eye test, the hard-stats test, the Standard Achievement test, whatever test you want to use, the Redskins look BAD.......and McNabb looks BAD......The Titans looked bad last week, but that was an anomaly. I always pick the Titans with confidence.
6.) Detroit ( +7 ) at Dallas: Has one team ever gone from being 14-point underdogs one week to 7-point favorites the next? Those who just jumped off the Cowboys' bandwagon are clamoring to get back on. You might wanna wait until they prove the wheels are back on the wagon, people.
7.) Green Bay (-3) at Minnesota. Pick. Against. Minnesota. For the rest of the year.
8.) Buffalo (+6) at Cincinatti. The Bengals have collapsed. Dunno why, but the Bills still play hard.
9.) Jacksonville (-1.5) v. Cleveland. Browns getting mad respect for playing 2 of the NFL's best tough. But what happens when they travel to a mediocre team on a random noon game w/ no coverage?
10.) Kansas City (-8) v. Arizona: The Chiefs will mohawk the Birds to death.
11.) New Orleans (-11.5) v. Seattle. Words cannot describe how bad the Seahawks are. If the Saints win, credit guest picker "Avon Lukesdale" (subtle "The Wire" trolling) contributed to this pick.
12.) Atlanta (-3) at St. Louis: Rams are young and eager, but not ready to win this game. Falcons had 3 extra days to prepare for this game.
13.) Bucs (+3.) at Niners. Whew, lot of games this week. Running.....out.....of breath!!!!
14.) Indianapolis (+3.5) at Patriots: These encounters usually come down to last-minute field goals
15.) Philadelphia (-3) v. NYG: How can you pick against Michael Vick right now?
16.) Broncos (+10) at Chargers: Whoa nelly, hold your horses, the Chargers still aren't that good, are they? Again, I like Kyle Orton and the passing attack. Uh, btw, bet the over on this game. For your own good.
Fantasize on,
Robert Yan
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Shooting the (Breeze)
One of my favorite things to do in law school: Shoot the (Breeze) with law school classmates (a.k.a. fellow inmates, especially during 1L year). If you don't think you've ever done this, you're probably wrong; shooting the breeze for me has a large circumference, encompassing a large array of activites such as talking before class starts, waiting at a bus stop, chatting on gmail, basically anything that involves talking. O, and it can't be business talking; it's gotta be mundane, effortless converstation that has no agenda. Pretty much the only rule. If you STILL don't think you've ever done this, you really need to try it: it's pretty liberating.
As much as you might think shooting the breeze is intuitive, here are some tips for making your experience more enjoyable:
1. LARGE, COMFY chairs/couches. Oooo boy, you want one of those places that envelopes your body and where you can just slide back and let the world pass by you. You're gonna enjoy yourself, especially if you're coming off a large food coma or 2-hour stretch of class. At USC Law, everyone knows what I'm talking about: the blue chairs area in the middle of the law school. A.K.A. heaven on earth.
2. Circular area, preferably some sort of counter in the center to put your feet on. One of the worst things you can do is not being able to see everyone who's talking within your natural window of vision; this greatly mitigates the awesome experience of shooting the breeze. You gotta place a voice w/ a face.
3. Allow other people ot finish what they are saying before you cut them off. Obviously not strictly enforced and no harsh prophylactic remedies in place, but you want to hear everyone's thoughts; Monopolies are not encouraged. You never know what good stories might be stifled if there's one guy constantly going: "that reminds me of a great story I have!"
4. When allowable/possible, have alcohol (preferably beers) avaiable and in ample quality. Although not a big beer drinker myself, I have found through the years that people's conversation level/ amount they will divulge correlates positively with the liquor that they consume.
5. Allow for others to join the Breezy Circle at a moment's notice. Actually the bigger your Breezy Circle gets, the cooler you seem as compared to other circles around you, thus creating a chain-reaction effect or "supernova effect" where the biggest stars envelop smaller stars. Sort of. You get the analogy, right?
6. If you take a minute or more to tell a story, please make it be (at least) somewhat funny. Different cutoffs fore different people; but in Robert's Breezy Circle long-windedness is not a virtue.
7. Try not to form 2-person clique conversations. Obviously "Yo your car is blocking my car in the parking lot" is allowed, but if you start clique-ing, as I call it, others in the Breezy Circle reserve the right to jump in.
8. Talking smack about other people (exception: public figures) not probitied, but not advised; especially in a setting with many people, you never know who's listening, and who's best friends with who, and who's the gossip-monger of the city. So lesson here: If you talk smack, it might just come back.
9. No TV series/ movies/ sports spoilers!!! This often comes up because someone's overly enthusiastic about a movie they just saw, or a game they were watching. It starts innocently, like "Hey did you see that Lakers game?" To be fair, the spoiler should be careful, but the spoilee also has the obligation to stop the spoiling pre-emptively.
There's also a statute of limitations: different thresholds for different people. I go by "if the movie's been out for 5 years, it's fair game." Also, "if the sports event happened more than a week ago, it's fair game."
10. Kick back, relax, and have a good time; there's not that many times in law school, work, or LIFE in general that you have time to just sit around and do NOTHING; there's no telling where a random conversation can take you; but along the way just make sure you have some fun.
Fantasize on,
Robert Yan
As much as you might think shooting the breeze is intuitive, here are some tips for making your experience more enjoyable:
1. LARGE, COMFY chairs/couches. Oooo boy, you want one of those places that envelopes your body and where you can just slide back and let the world pass by you. You're gonna enjoy yourself, especially if you're coming off a large food coma or 2-hour stretch of class. At USC Law, everyone knows what I'm talking about: the blue chairs area in the middle of the law school. A.K.A. heaven on earth.
2. Circular area, preferably some sort of counter in the center to put your feet on. One of the worst things you can do is not being able to see everyone who's talking within your natural window of vision; this greatly mitigates the awesome experience of shooting the breeze. You gotta place a voice w/ a face.
3. Allow other people ot finish what they are saying before you cut them off. Obviously not strictly enforced and no harsh prophylactic remedies in place, but you want to hear everyone's thoughts; Monopolies are not encouraged. You never know what good stories might be stifled if there's one guy constantly going: "that reminds me of a great story I have!"
4. When allowable/possible, have alcohol (preferably beers) avaiable and in ample quality. Although not a big beer drinker myself, I have found through the years that people's conversation level/ amount they will divulge correlates positively with the liquor that they consume.
5. Allow for others to join the Breezy Circle at a moment's notice. Actually the bigger your Breezy Circle gets, the cooler you seem as compared to other circles around you, thus creating a chain-reaction effect or "supernova effect" where the biggest stars envelop smaller stars. Sort of. You get the analogy, right?
6. If you take a minute or more to tell a story, please make it be (at least) somewhat funny. Different cutoffs fore different people; but in Robert's Breezy Circle long-windedness is not a virtue.
7. Try not to form 2-person clique conversations. Obviously "Yo your car is blocking my car in the parking lot" is allowed, but if you start clique-ing, as I call it, others in the Breezy Circle reserve the right to jump in.
8. Talking smack about other people (exception: public figures) not probitied, but not advised; especially in a setting with many people, you never know who's listening, and who's best friends with who, and who's the gossip-monger of the city. So lesson here: If you talk smack, it might just come back.
9. No TV series/ movies/ sports spoilers!!! This often comes up because someone's overly enthusiastic about a movie they just saw, or a game they were watching. It starts innocently, like "Hey did you see that Lakers game?" To be fair, the spoiler should be careful, but the spoilee also has the obligation to stop the spoiling pre-emptively.
There's also a statute of limitations: different thresholds for different people. I go by "if the movie's been out for 5 years, it's fair game." Also, "if the sports event happened more than a week ago, it's fair game."
10. Kick back, relax, and have a good time; there's not that many times in law school, work, or LIFE in general that you have time to just sit around and do NOTHING; there's no telling where a random conversation can take you; but along the way just make sure you have some fun.
Fantasize on,
Robert Yan
Parallell Parking
How do people who know how to parallell park do it so well? I don't understand it. One of the hardest things to do in life, next to solving the Rubix Cube and whistling for me. Whistling, I think, is never happening for me due to a genetic predisposition and the Rubix Cube is more of an intellectual exercise that I don't have the mental capacity for (or at least the spacial dimensions for), but PARALLELL PARKING!!!! URG!!! That should be me! I actually know how to drive! I'm aware of my surroundings! I check my blind spots!! What am I doing wrong?
Some problems with parallell parking:
1. First of all, I'm bad at guess-timating spaces. Lot of spaces to me seem big when I pass by them, so I slam on the brakes and start backing in, but all of a sudden the spot has shrunk; as I start backing in I realize I'm screwed; time to abort. Time wasted. Damn it!
2 . The exact reverse is also true. I'm so worried about picking a spot that's too small that I BYPASS spots that are sufficient; I go to a much-worse spot geographically and get serious buyer's remorse when I see the gigantic Air Force One hangar of a spot that I passed up. Damn it!
3. Stopping in the middle of the road to back in: especially on a busy street, with people right on my butt tailgating me, no matter how much notice I give, people still get real cranky when I stop for a spot. PLUS if I'm backing in, I'm always afraid my FRONT veers into the OTHER lane and I'll hit somebody. Damn it!
4. Seeing a cream-of-the crop spot open up a couple blocks away, but watching helplessly at a red light whilst your dream spot gets swiped away by another parking vulture. Happened to me last week; cursed myself repeatedly and slammed anything I could get my hands on. Hard. My steering wheel still hates me for it. Damn it!
5. getting into a spot successfully but then finding out the spot has street sweeping during that time, or is only one-hour parking while you need four, or is temporarily "NO PARKING" for the day. L.A. is famous for that. Damn it!
6. Saved the best (worst for last): actually backing into the spot. You next to the car in front, you start backing in, turn furiously just when you pass the other car, start to turn back....BAM. Hit the curb. Head still miles from being straight. No chance. Other car behind you getting restless. Knees week; palms are sweaty; you look like a worse and worse driver by the second. Happened to me countless number of times, lemme tell you. I swear, it would be a LOT better if I had a trunk cam letting me know exactly how far I am from the curb/ how far I am from the car behind, (which our family's 2009 Nissan has but NOOOOOOO....I don't get to drive that car). It's getting to be slightly embarrassing. Do I have to go to the local school parking lot on a weekend and bust out the orange cones???? Really? Has it come to that???? Really?
Hope you enjoyed that. Next time I do a random rant like this, I'll talk about something more interesting.....like bikram yoga. Or parkhour. Or dognapping. Something.
These are the players I'm starting on a bye-heavy Week 10 for my I-really-actually-care-about-this-fantasy-team team: Ryan Fitzpatrick, Jeremy Maclin, Pierre Garcon, Mike Goodson, Donald Brown, Lee Evans, and the Tennessee Defense. If you told me that'd be my lineup at the beginning of the season, I woulda told you to shoot myself in the face.
Fantasize on,
Robert Yan
Some problems with parallell parking:
1. First of all, I'm bad at guess-timating spaces. Lot of spaces to me seem big when I pass by them, so I slam on the brakes and start backing in, but all of a sudden the spot has shrunk; as I start backing in I realize I'm screwed; time to abort. Time wasted. Damn it!
2 . The exact reverse is also true. I'm so worried about picking a spot that's too small that I BYPASS spots that are sufficient; I go to a much-worse spot geographically and get serious buyer's remorse when I see the gigantic Air Force One hangar of a spot that I passed up. Damn it!
3. Stopping in the middle of the road to back in: especially on a busy street, with people right on my butt tailgating me, no matter how much notice I give, people still get real cranky when I stop for a spot. PLUS if I'm backing in, I'm always afraid my FRONT veers into the OTHER lane and I'll hit somebody. Damn it!
4. Seeing a cream-of-the crop spot open up a couple blocks away, but watching helplessly at a red light whilst your dream spot gets swiped away by another parking vulture. Happened to me last week; cursed myself repeatedly and slammed anything I could get my hands on. Hard. My steering wheel still hates me for it. Damn it!
5. getting into a spot successfully but then finding out the spot has street sweeping during that time, or is only one-hour parking while you need four, or is temporarily "NO PARKING" for the day. L.A. is famous for that. Damn it!
6. Saved the best (worst for last): actually backing into the spot. You next to the car in front, you start backing in, turn furiously just when you pass the other car, start to turn back....BAM. Hit the curb. Head still miles from being straight. No chance. Other car behind you getting restless. Knees week; palms are sweaty; you look like a worse and worse driver by the second. Happened to me countless number of times, lemme tell you. I swear, it would be a LOT better if I had a trunk cam letting me know exactly how far I am from the curb/ how far I am from the car behind, (which our family's 2009 Nissan has but NOOOOOOO....I don't get to drive that car). It's getting to be slightly embarrassing. Do I have to go to the local school parking lot on a weekend and bust out the orange cones???? Really? Has it come to that???? Really?
Hope you enjoyed that. Next time I do a random rant like this, I'll talk about something more interesting.....like bikram yoga. Or parkhour. Or dognapping. Something.
These are the players I'm starting on a bye-heavy Week 10 for my I-really-actually-care-about-this-fantasy-team team: Ryan Fitzpatrick, Jeremy Maclin, Pierre Garcon, Mike Goodson, Donald Brown, Lee Evans, and the Tennessee Defense. If you told me that'd be my lineup at the beginning of the season, I woulda told you to shoot myself in the face.
Fantasize on,
Robert Yan
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Guru's Gutsy Guesses Week 10
Guru went a devastating (OUCH!) 4-7 last week (didn't count the NYG game as Hasselbeck declared out after my post was published, and pushed on CHI- BUFF. Now a very mediocre 35-30 record. Ew. That's like a 40-degree day: Not memorable at all. (Wire reference).
Admittedly, I was soundly beaten by Brother Mouzone, who's reportedly doing very well in Bill Simmons Pick'em League. The best of luck to him; he's really got a beat on the NFL and I'm (almost) jealous. I feel like I'm playing a game I don't understand, like trying to figure out where I'm going without a map (or GPS navigation) (or an I-Phone app). Sigh. Here's my last, valiant attempt at guessing games, with Brother Mouzone's (far superior) picks soon to follow in the comments.
Even Brother hinted that this week was one of the harder weeks he's come across.... If he's anticipating a hard time, it'll be like cutting wood with a butter knife for me.
1.) Baltimore +1 at Atlanta: First game and I'm already stumped. Ravens are one of the top 2 or 3 teams in the league, and they play UP to their competition (translation: pick them when they face good opponents, pick against them when they face bad ones ---- I think).
2.) Indianapolis -7 v. Cincinnatti: The Bengals' last gasp came Monday night at home: Time to mail it in, I believe. Colts actually desperate need every win they can get at 6-3.
3.) Jacksonville -1.5 v. Houston: Arian Foster is sick. Unfortunately they're on the road against a rested Jaguars squad who have one of the most reliable kickers (Scobee) for last-game situations and Schaub is not right.
4.) Tennessee -1 at Miami: I don't care about the addition of Randy, the Titans were better before that. Miami's good but just a step below the best teams. Also, can you believe the Dolphins haven't won at home yet?.......This is intriguing matchup too because will be victim to AFC's logjam of good teams.
5.) Chicago +1 v. Minnesota: Muddled amongst the Vikings' comeback win last week was the fact that they didnt' look very good. I don't like them and have no faith in them; but I have even less faith in my hometown Bears. In a battle of teams I don't like, I took the underdog and home team.
6.) Detroit +3 at Buffalo: I guess people think the Lions are really bad at home, but laying 3 to a winless team? The way they gave the Jets a run last Sunday? I think it's got a lot to do w/ whether Shaun Hill plays Sunday...........this bet might get pushed because who knows about the QB?
7.) NYJ -3 at Cleveland. Sigh. Browns, can you REALLY beat 2 top AFC East teams in a row?
8.) Tampa -6.5 v. Carolina: When I think Panthers I think: greasefire.
9.) Kansas City -1 at Denver: To all those who think the Chiefs are a "different team on the road," they put up a heck of a fight against an equally scrappy team in Oakland. I'm not worried about back-to-back overtimes.
10.) St. Louis +6 at SF: Seems like a lot of points for the Rams; can't give the Niners credit enough to win, much less cover.
11.) Arizona -3 v. Seattle: Irony that Seattle dominated this matchup 3 weeks ago but are underdogs now, huh? Derek Anderson showing a sliver of accuracy recently.
12.) Dallas +14 at NY Giants: Am I crazy? Maybe. But maybe the Cowboys get energized with a new coach. Maybe talent actually shows up. Maybe the Giants think they can just walk all over the 'Boys. Maybe the Giants DO walk all over the 'boys but like last time Dallas does work in garbage time. There's a lot of room for "maybes" between 0 and 14 NFL points.
13.) Pittsburgh -4.5 v. New England: As tough as the Patriots have been on the Steelers in the past, this is a different season and a different Pats team that shows more "Patsy" on defense than Patriots, what with gaping holes everywhere and whatnot.
14.) Philadelphia -3 at Washington: the Redskins desperately need this, and they're coming off a bye, and they beat the Eagles last time. But something tells me Philly is the class of the NFC this year.
C'mon, picks, one last gasp of air before I put a fork in myself!
Fantasize on,
Robert Yan
Admittedly, I was soundly beaten by Brother Mouzone, who's reportedly doing very well in Bill Simmons Pick'em League. The best of luck to him; he's really got a beat on the NFL and I'm (almost) jealous. I feel like I'm playing a game I don't understand, like trying to figure out where I'm going without a map (or GPS navigation) (or an I-Phone app). Sigh. Here's my last, valiant attempt at guessing games, with Brother Mouzone's (far superior) picks soon to follow in the comments.
Even Brother hinted that this week was one of the harder weeks he's come across.... If he's anticipating a hard time, it'll be like cutting wood with a butter knife for me.
1.) Baltimore +1 at Atlanta: First game and I'm already stumped. Ravens are one of the top 2 or 3 teams in the league, and they play UP to their competition (translation: pick them when they face good opponents, pick against them when they face bad ones ---- I think).
2.) Indianapolis -7 v. Cincinnatti: The Bengals' last gasp came Monday night at home: Time to mail it in, I believe. Colts actually desperate need every win they can get at 6-3.
3.) Jacksonville -1.5 v. Houston: Arian Foster is sick. Unfortunately they're on the road against a rested Jaguars squad who have one of the most reliable kickers (Scobee) for last-game situations and Schaub is not right.
4.) Tennessee -1 at Miami: I don't care about the addition of Randy, the Titans were better before that. Miami's good but just a step below the best teams. Also, can you believe the Dolphins haven't won at home yet?.......This is intriguing matchup too because will be victim to AFC's logjam of good teams.
5.) Chicago +1 v. Minnesota: Muddled amongst the Vikings' comeback win last week was the fact that they didnt' look very good. I don't like them and have no faith in them; but I have even less faith in my hometown Bears. In a battle of teams I don't like, I took the underdog and home team.
6.) Detroit +3 at Buffalo: I guess people think the Lions are really bad at home, but laying 3 to a winless team? The way they gave the Jets a run last Sunday? I think it's got a lot to do w/ whether Shaun Hill plays Sunday...........this bet might get pushed because who knows about the QB?
7.) NYJ -3 at Cleveland. Sigh. Browns, can you REALLY beat 2 top AFC East teams in a row?
8.) Tampa -6.5 v. Carolina: When I think Panthers I think: greasefire.
9.) Kansas City -1 at Denver: To all those who think the Chiefs are a "different team on the road," they put up a heck of a fight against an equally scrappy team in Oakland. I'm not worried about back-to-back overtimes.
10.) St. Louis +6 at SF: Seems like a lot of points for the Rams; can't give the Niners credit enough to win, much less cover.
11.) Arizona -3 v. Seattle: Irony that Seattle dominated this matchup 3 weeks ago but are underdogs now, huh? Derek Anderson showing a sliver of accuracy recently.
12.) Dallas +14 at NY Giants: Am I crazy? Maybe. But maybe the Cowboys get energized with a new coach. Maybe talent actually shows up. Maybe the Giants think they can just walk all over the 'Boys. Maybe the Giants DO walk all over the 'boys but like last time Dallas does work in garbage time. There's a lot of room for "maybes" between 0 and 14 NFL points.
13.) Pittsburgh -4.5 v. New England: As tough as the Patriots have been on the Steelers in the past, this is a different season and a different Pats team that shows more "Patsy" on defense than Patriots, what with gaping holes everywhere and whatnot.
14.) Philadelphia -3 at Washington: the Redskins desperately need this, and they're coming off a bye, and they beat the Eagles last time. But something tells me Philly is the class of the NFC this year.
C'mon, picks, one last gasp of air before I put a fork in myself!
Fantasize on,
Robert Yan
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Guru's Gutsy Guesses Week 9
Similar to Cousin Sal challenging The Sports Guy (Bill Simmons for those of you who don't read ESPN articles religiously), a law school compadre of mine (let's call him Brother Mouzone for sake of a wire reference) has challenged the Guru on his Gutsy Guesses and will (supposedly) be posting his own picks in the comments. Brother Mouzone talks a big game, claiming he went 12-1 last week (missing just the Jets-Packers outcome, I mean seriously who woulda guessed the Jets would get goose-egged right?) and "averages about 8-5 every week." Riiiiight......
For the record, I was 7-6 last week and have now compiled a 31-23 record on the season, for a guessing percentage of roughly 58%. Big week, gotta learn from my mistakes, like these:
A. Dallas is BAD and can't stop anyone's air attack. Should DEFINITELY have listened to my own advice (bail on those talented but bad teams) and taken the Jags.
B. AFC teams > NFC teams....generally.
C. First decide who might win the game......THEN let the points come into play.
Anyway, without further ado, the 5th edition of Guru's Gutsy Guesses (again, not advocating gambling, people) **** Btw, the team that is listed first is my pick, just to clarify.
1. Buffalo +3 at Chicago.......The Bears had a week to rest here, and the Bills are WINLESS......Will Ryan Fitzpatrick lead them to their first victory here? The Bills have really done a good job for me putting up a fight against good teams to cover the spreads, so I'll stay with them here.
2. Houston +3 v. San Diego.........Word coming out now is Antonio Gates will probably miss this game w/ an injury, which might shift the line to like +2 or +1. Regardless, I'll take the Texans: San Diego hasn't won on the road yet and lost to KC, Oakland, and St. Louis.......Houston's probably better than any of those others.
3. Carolina +6.5 v. New Orleans.......Call me crazy (or underdog-happy), but the Saints just ARE NOT that impressive, and after a huge emotional victory @ home v. Pittsburgh this is perfect opportunity to have a letdown. Panthers are a home dog (you know what they say about home dogs = pick them) and have a history of playing the Saints close.
4. Arizona +9 @ Minnesota...........I'm gonna curse myself again (the last 3 weeks I've called a "sure-bet game" and lost every single one of them), but this has to be the best bet of the week.....Vikings just lost Randy Moss, Brett Favre's about to die, Brad Childress doesn't know where he is, the secondary...what secondary? ......the Vikings shouldn't be a nine-point favorite against ANYBODY, and the Cards aren't that bad, although they do have problems covering on the road. Still, I like them here, especially if the Derek Anderson-Larry Fitzgerald combo keeps clicking.
5. Tampa Bay +8.5 @ Atlanta: Classic case, I think, of more hyped-up team giving up too many points........Bucs are quitely (Shhhhh) o so quietly turning into a very legit, young team (dare I compare them to the Tennessee Titans?), and it's not like the Falcons routinely blow people out....This is my 2nd-most confident pick.
6. NYJ -4 @ Detroit: I read somewhere that out of the last 5 years Detroit is one of the WORST teams against the spread (there were a couple one-win, 3-win seasons in there, so yea, that figures). This is a different team. And Yes, Ndamokon Suh is a beast. But I'm gonna go with my AFC > NFC rule here.
7. Miami +5.5 @ Baltimore. Just a tough, bruising dogfight here. Miami hangs with Pittsburgh, beats the Bengals soundly, beats the Packers on the road. Feels like a late-second field goal.
8. New England -4.5 at Cleveland: The Patriots are the anti-Detroit: consistently cover like nobody's business. The loss of Randy Moss made them better, seriously it did cuz they brought back an all-business guy: Deion Branch. Last time I checked, Colt McCoy was still the Browns' QB, right?
9. Seattle +6.5 v. NY Giants: I think this week should officially be called the "Home Dog" week. EVERY matchup has a home dog!!!!! Classic case of a team going to the Pacific Northwest, something about the mist/ the fog, the rainy weather/the different time zones always confuse East Coast teams, even after supposedly a well-rested bye.
10. Kansas City +2.5 @ Oakland: I've gone back and forth on this pick. Seems as though the Black Hole is unfriendly for visiting teams and fuels the Raiders. Like Brother Mouzone suggested to me, Matt Cassel is NOT good, but would your rather have Jason Campbell? I wouldn't. The thing is, if Raiders get out to an early lead, I LOVE the Raiders (w/ Darren McFadden). But if the Raiders go down early, I HATE the Raiders (Jason Campbell leading your comeback charge? Uh-uh).
11. Indy +3 at Philadelphia: Brother Mouzone and I got into a heated exchange about this matchup: Yes, Indy is coming off Monday Night Football, it's black and blue from all the injuries, and it's on the road in Philly, where Michael Vick awaits and can shred the run defense. But Indy's just one of those teams you consistently pick, and I don't think many people have made a living picking AGAINST Peyton Manning.
12. Green Bay -8 v. Dallas. Curse you, Dallas. Picking against you out of spite.
13. Cincinnati +5 v. Pittsburgh. Bengals are always tough on the Steelers, I like the Home Dog that desperately needs it, although I will probably not pick the Bengals again after this game.
Fantasize on,
Robert Yan
(Your turn, Brother)
For the record, I was 7-6 last week and have now compiled a 31-23 record on the season, for a guessing percentage of roughly 58%. Big week, gotta learn from my mistakes, like these:
A. Dallas is BAD and can't stop anyone's air attack. Should DEFINITELY have listened to my own advice (bail on those talented but bad teams) and taken the Jags.
B. AFC teams > NFC teams....generally.
C. First decide who might win the game......THEN let the points come into play.
Anyway, without further ado, the 5th edition of Guru's Gutsy Guesses (again, not advocating gambling, people) **** Btw, the team that is listed first is my pick, just to clarify.
1. Buffalo +3 at Chicago.......The Bears had a week to rest here, and the Bills are WINLESS......Will Ryan Fitzpatrick lead them to their first victory here? The Bills have really done a good job for me putting up a fight against good teams to cover the spreads, so I'll stay with them here.
2. Houston +3 v. San Diego.........Word coming out now is Antonio Gates will probably miss this game w/ an injury, which might shift the line to like +2 or +1. Regardless, I'll take the Texans: San Diego hasn't won on the road yet and lost to KC, Oakland, and St. Louis.......Houston's probably better than any of those others.
3. Carolina +6.5 v. New Orleans.......Call me crazy (or underdog-happy), but the Saints just ARE NOT that impressive, and after a huge emotional victory @ home v. Pittsburgh this is perfect opportunity to have a letdown. Panthers are a home dog (you know what they say about home dogs = pick them) and have a history of playing the Saints close.
4. Arizona +9 @ Minnesota...........I'm gonna curse myself again (the last 3 weeks I've called a "sure-bet game" and lost every single one of them), but this has to be the best bet of the week.....Vikings just lost Randy Moss, Brett Favre's about to die, Brad Childress doesn't know where he is, the secondary...what secondary? ......the Vikings shouldn't be a nine-point favorite against ANYBODY, and the Cards aren't that bad, although they do have problems covering on the road. Still, I like them here, especially if the Derek Anderson-Larry Fitzgerald combo keeps clicking.
5. Tampa Bay +8.5 @ Atlanta: Classic case, I think, of more hyped-up team giving up too many points........Bucs are quitely (Shhhhh) o so quietly turning into a very legit, young team (dare I compare them to the Tennessee Titans?), and it's not like the Falcons routinely blow people out....This is my 2nd-most confident pick.
6. NYJ -4 @ Detroit: I read somewhere that out of the last 5 years Detroit is one of the WORST teams against the spread (there were a couple one-win, 3-win seasons in there, so yea, that figures). This is a different team. And Yes, Ndamokon Suh is a beast. But I'm gonna go with my AFC > NFC rule here.
7. Miami +5.5 @ Baltimore. Just a tough, bruising dogfight here. Miami hangs with Pittsburgh, beats the Bengals soundly, beats the Packers on the road. Feels like a late-second field goal.
8. New England -4.5 at Cleveland: The Patriots are the anti-Detroit: consistently cover like nobody's business. The loss of Randy Moss made them better, seriously it did cuz they brought back an all-business guy: Deion Branch. Last time I checked, Colt McCoy was still the Browns' QB, right?
9. Seattle +6.5 v. NY Giants: I think this week should officially be called the "Home Dog" week. EVERY matchup has a home dog!!!!! Classic case of a team going to the Pacific Northwest, something about the mist/ the fog, the rainy weather/the different time zones always confuse East Coast teams, even after supposedly a well-rested bye.
10. Kansas City +2.5 @ Oakland: I've gone back and forth on this pick. Seems as though the Black Hole is unfriendly for visiting teams and fuels the Raiders. Like Brother Mouzone suggested to me, Matt Cassel is NOT good, but would your rather have Jason Campbell? I wouldn't. The thing is, if Raiders get out to an early lead, I LOVE the Raiders (w/ Darren McFadden). But if the Raiders go down early, I HATE the Raiders (Jason Campbell leading your comeback charge? Uh-uh).
11. Indy +3 at Philadelphia: Brother Mouzone and I got into a heated exchange about this matchup: Yes, Indy is coming off Monday Night Football, it's black and blue from all the injuries, and it's on the road in Philly, where Michael Vick awaits and can shred the run defense. But Indy's just one of those teams you consistently pick, and I don't think many people have made a living picking AGAINST Peyton Manning.
12. Green Bay -8 v. Dallas. Curse you, Dallas. Picking against you out of spite.
13. Cincinnati +5 v. Pittsburgh. Bengals are always tough on the Steelers, I like the Home Dog that desperately needs it, although I will probably not pick the Bengals again after this game.
Fantasize on,
Robert Yan
(Your turn, Brother)
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Guru's Gutsy Guesses Week 8
Trying this one more time. An abysmal 6-8 record last week puts the YTD (year-to-date) mark at 24-17 (just shy of the 60% mark).
Here's the latest picks:
1. Denver +2 v. San Francisco: Forget what you saw last Sunday, when Darren McFadden ran through the swiss cheese Denver defense to the tune of 4 scores. Denver's a mediocre team, but the Niners are just inept; too bad they can't carry over some of that SF Giants magic. I'll relish in getting the extra 2 points too.
2. Dallas -6.5 v. Jacksonville: have the Cowboys covered ONCE this season? And when was the last time Jon Kitna started an NFL game? But you gotta like the Cowboys in this one, and when the Jags lose, they lose BIG.
3. Washington +2.5 at Detroit: Redskins LOVE to be the underdog. I don't buy Matt Stafford throwing 3 TD's or being the second coming of the Savior in Detroit... I think he struggles in his first game back.
4. Green Bay +6 v. NY Jets: I like that if the Pack is down late, I got Aaron Rodgers for me to try to cover.
5. St. Louis -3 v. Carolina: How in the world should I know who to pick? I DO know that the Rams have firmly established a Ram's Lair home field advantage.
6. Miami +1.5 at Cincinatti: The unraveling of the Bengals season starts here.
7. Buffalo +7.5 at KC: I don't think people understand how good Ryan Fitzpatrick is. Man went to HARVARD, people!! He's smart? Doesn't hurt that he can get it quickly out to any of his WR's at a moment's notice. I LOVE that you get a TD cushion here.
8. Tennessee +3.5 at San Diego: I hesistate to say "this is the best best of the week" cuz I said that about SF-Carolina and Pittsburgh-Cleveland and lost both times, but I just can't fathom this line. It's a 5-2 team v. a 2-5 team, the 5-2 team looking like the obviously better team the first few weeks even against really good competition, and the 2-5 team is literally fumbling their season away, and has the worst special teams in NFL history probably (and possibly the worst head coach in history too). It's naught but pure stats (Chargers have #1-ranked offense and perceived awesome talent) that make the Chargers favorites, but at some point you gotta realize that it's not a fluke that they're losing all these games.
9. Tampa Bay +3 at Arizona: I changed my pick midway through this sentence. I thought it was classic case of Cardinals being world-killers at home, not looking like they've ever touched a football on the road. But Max Hall looked awful in Seattle, and Josh Freeman looked pretty good in leading his team back. When in doubt, pick the team w/ the better QB.
10. Seattle +2.5 at Oakland: Another not very good team v. not very good team matchup. Haven't really watched these teams at all this year, besides both gashing the Chargers. Seems like classic letdown game for the Raiders.
11. New England -6 v. Minnesota: I think the mistake that I've made consistenly so far this season is betting on struggling teams (think Dallas, San Diego, Minnesota) will come back strong because 1. they're talented 2. they made the playoffs last year, so they have to this year too, right? and 3. flashy, hyped up players on their teams lure me into it. Ultimately, though, a rotten egg is probably rotten for a reason, and I gotta give up on some of'em......until they prove me wrong.
12. Pittsburgh +1 at New Orleans: One last gasp for the defending champs on the national stage with everyone rooting for them. I again changed my pick midway through this post. Something is just wrong w/ the Saints; they've lost to bad teams and eked out wins over other bad teams. So what happens when they actually play a good team? I'll take the best team in the NFL right now AND a single point (which is what the Steelers won by last week to foil my bet).
13. Indianapolis -5.5 v. Houston: General rule of thumb: Don't bet against Peyton Manning at night. Only an idiot would do that.
Fantasize on,
Robert Yan
Here's the latest picks:
1. Denver +2 v. San Francisco: Forget what you saw last Sunday, when Darren McFadden ran through the swiss cheese Denver defense to the tune of 4 scores. Denver's a mediocre team, but the Niners are just inept; too bad they can't carry over some of that SF Giants magic. I'll relish in getting the extra 2 points too.
2. Dallas -6.5 v. Jacksonville: have the Cowboys covered ONCE this season? And when was the last time Jon Kitna started an NFL game? But you gotta like the Cowboys in this one, and when the Jags lose, they lose BIG.
3. Washington +2.5 at Detroit: Redskins LOVE to be the underdog. I don't buy Matt Stafford throwing 3 TD's or being the second coming of the Savior in Detroit... I think he struggles in his first game back.
4. Green Bay +6 v. NY Jets: I like that if the Pack is down late, I got Aaron Rodgers for me to try to cover.
5. St. Louis -3 v. Carolina: How in the world should I know who to pick? I DO know that the Rams have firmly established a Ram's Lair home field advantage.
6. Miami +1.5 at Cincinatti: The unraveling of the Bengals season starts here.
7. Buffalo +7.5 at KC: I don't think people understand how good Ryan Fitzpatrick is. Man went to HARVARD, people!! He's smart? Doesn't hurt that he can get it quickly out to any of his WR's at a moment's notice. I LOVE that you get a TD cushion here.
8. Tennessee +3.5 at San Diego: I hesistate to say "this is the best best of the week" cuz I said that about SF-Carolina and Pittsburgh-Cleveland and lost both times, but I just can't fathom this line. It's a 5-2 team v. a 2-5 team, the 5-2 team looking like the obviously better team the first few weeks even against really good competition, and the 2-5 team is literally fumbling their season away, and has the worst special teams in NFL history probably (and possibly the worst head coach in history too). It's naught but pure stats (Chargers have #1-ranked offense and perceived awesome talent) that make the Chargers favorites, but at some point you gotta realize that it's not a fluke that they're losing all these games.
9. Tampa Bay +3 at Arizona: I changed my pick midway through this sentence. I thought it was classic case of Cardinals being world-killers at home, not looking like they've ever touched a football on the road. But Max Hall looked awful in Seattle, and Josh Freeman looked pretty good in leading his team back. When in doubt, pick the team w/ the better QB.
10. Seattle +2.5 at Oakland: Another not very good team v. not very good team matchup. Haven't really watched these teams at all this year, besides both gashing the Chargers. Seems like classic letdown game for the Raiders.
11. New England -6 v. Minnesota: I think the mistake that I've made consistenly so far this season is betting on struggling teams (think Dallas, San Diego, Minnesota) will come back strong because 1. they're talented 2. they made the playoffs last year, so they have to this year too, right? and 3. flashy, hyped up players on their teams lure me into it. Ultimately, though, a rotten egg is probably rotten for a reason, and I gotta give up on some of'em......until they prove me wrong.
12. Pittsburgh +1 at New Orleans: One last gasp for the defending champs on the national stage with everyone rooting for them. I again changed my pick midway through this post. Something is just wrong w/ the Saints; they've lost to bad teams and eked out wins over other bad teams. So what happens when they actually play a good team? I'll take the best team in the NFL right now AND a single point (which is what the Steelers won by last week to foil my bet).
13. Indianapolis -5.5 v. Houston: General rule of thumb: Don't bet against Peyton Manning at night. Only an idiot would do that.
Fantasize on,
Robert Yan
Friday, October 22, 2010
Week 7 picks
After an amazing 10-3-1 record (the Indy-Washington game pushed cuz Indy won by exactly 3) last week picking games AGAINST THE SPREAD, Da Man is now a whopping 18-9-1 on the season picking games. That'll make you money anywhere you bet it, folks. That's why I'm starting to call my picks "Guru's Gutsy Guesses." Making it a tradition.
Gotta admit, it feels good to be winning your picks against the spread. No lie, at one point LATE in the noon games last week, I was right on ALL of my picks. There were NINE games going on, and I had them ALL correct, it was like 12:45PM Pacific time, 2 hours 45 minutes into the games. Then Pittsburgh scored easily on another exclamation-point touchdown, and New England tied Baltimore to go to overtime and eventually won it on a FG, so I lost those. But woooo, imagine that! A nine-game parlay pays out something ridiculous like $100,000 on a $100 bet, imagine if I woulda parlayed that! (In parlays, you need to win ALL your games to actually win......if any of your 9 bets, let's say, loses, you lose).
Regardless, You should be betting (not advocating that, but if you are, this is the site you should be following) with the Guru's Gutsy Guesses cuz the Guru's hot. Here's the picks this week:
1.) Pittsburgh -3 at Miami: Like I said last week about the Miami Defense, I doubt the iron gladiators of Pittsburgh care whether they're at home or away, so basically this game boils down to who's better. As great as Miami looked last week upsetting the Packers in Green Bay (and covering for the Guru), they're not as good as Pittsburgh, who's a title contender.
Pick: Pittsburgh
2.) Atlanta -3.5 v. Cincinatti: The problem with the Bengals is like a lot of fantasy teams: Lotsa big names, not necessarily the best team. As bad as Atlanta looked against Philly, they'll be hungry at home and the defense will be opportunistic against turnover-prone Cincy.
Pick: Atlanta.
3.) Kansas City -9.5 v. Jacksonville: I'm reluctant to take anybody while laying so many points, but KC is DEFINITELY a team that feeds off its home crowd's energy, they should get 5 points for home field, not just the usual 3. Who is Todd Baumann and how many times will he get sacked by the KC D? Jaguars seem like prime candidate to lose BIG.....they do it all the time.
4.) Tennessee -3 v. Philadelphia: Toughest game for me so far to handicap......Titans coming off Monda night game, lost Vince Young, facing a really pretty good Philly team.....basically a coin flip, these two teams about the same talent-wise, also have solid coaches leading them. This is where the "gutsy" part of "Guru's Gutsy Guesses" comes into play.
5.) Washington +3 at Bears: Washington. Is. Good. Bears. Are. Struggling. I hate to say it but it's true.
6.) Saints -13 v. Browns: Saints got one last shot from the Man last week, and they responded by a 20+ point drubbing on the road. Looks like it's all board the Saints Train for awhile now.
7.) Bills +13 at Baltimore: The Ravens have a bad habit of playing down to the competition, and that looks especially true after an emotionally draining loss last week. And I do like that Bills QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, he looks smart enough not to throw (too many) picks (or pick-6's).
8.) 49ers -3 at Carolina: The "Copy Colin Cowherd" pick of the week....this was a lock for Colin, and I saw no one I was taking the Panthers......Carolina might be one of the most atrocious teams in NFL history, Niners a middle-of-the-pack team, record-aside. And Matt Moore at QB? Phew, good luck.
9.) Bucs -3 vs. Rams: For the Rams, another let-down liability for a young team coming off a huge win over the Chargers.......same situation as the @ Lions game 2 weeks ago. The Bucs are PISSED.
10.) Arizona +6.5 at Seattle: The Seahawks getting much love this week and are very trendy, I'm gonna go contrarian on this; something tells me this game comes down to a late-second field goal. Don't let the road win in Chicago fool you; do not put all your eggs in the Seahawks basket.
11.) San Diego -2.5 v. New England. I woulda thought this line woulda been around "pick'em" or even favoring NE, but I guess most people understand how talented the Chargers are. In a dire situation at home, the Chargers finally, FINALLY, start their turnaround.
12.) Oakland +8 at Denver: This line was 7 at the beginning of the week, swung to 8 probably cuz of uncertainty of Raiders QB situation. Monitor this one: I can't believe I'm saying this, but if Bruce Gradkowski plays, I'm sure of this pick. If not, I'd stay away.
13.) Minnesota +2.5 at Green Bay: Packers are in deep, deep trouble. This game may be the straw that broke the camels' back.
14.) Dallas -3 v. NY Giants: Does desperation breed success? Regardless, I believe it'll be a shootout in Dallas, and the Cowboys have just a few more weapons.
Fantasize on,
Robert Yan
Gotta admit, it feels good to be winning your picks against the spread. No lie, at one point LATE in the noon games last week, I was right on ALL of my picks. There were NINE games going on, and I had them ALL correct, it was like 12:45PM Pacific time, 2 hours 45 minutes into the games. Then Pittsburgh scored easily on another exclamation-point touchdown, and New England tied Baltimore to go to overtime and eventually won it on a FG, so I lost those. But woooo, imagine that! A nine-game parlay pays out something ridiculous like $100,000 on a $100 bet, imagine if I woulda parlayed that! (In parlays, you need to win ALL your games to actually win......if any of your 9 bets, let's say, loses, you lose).
Regardless, You should be betting (not advocating that, but if you are, this is the site you should be following) with the Guru's Gutsy Guesses cuz the Guru's hot. Here's the picks this week:
1.) Pittsburgh -3 at Miami: Like I said last week about the Miami Defense, I doubt the iron gladiators of Pittsburgh care whether they're at home or away, so basically this game boils down to who's better. As great as Miami looked last week upsetting the Packers in Green Bay (and covering for the Guru), they're not as good as Pittsburgh, who's a title contender.
Pick: Pittsburgh
2.) Atlanta -3.5 v. Cincinatti: The problem with the Bengals is like a lot of fantasy teams: Lotsa big names, not necessarily the best team. As bad as Atlanta looked against Philly, they'll be hungry at home and the defense will be opportunistic against turnover-prone Cincy.
Pick: Atlanta.
3.) Kansas City -9.5 v. Jacksonville: I'm reluctant to take anybody while laying so many points, but KC is DEFINITELY a team that feeds off its home crowd's energy, they should get 5 points for home field, not just the usual 3. Who is Todd Baumann and how many times will he get sacked by the KC D? Jaguars seem like prime candidate to lose BIG.....they do it all the time.
4.) Tennessee -3 v. Philadelphia: Toughest game for me so far to handicap......Titans coming off Monda night game, lost Vince Young, facing a really pretty good Philly team.....basically a coin flip, these two teams about the same talent-wise, also have solid coaches leading them. This is where the "gutsy" part of "Guru's Gutsy Guesses" comes into play.
5.) Washington +3 at Bears: Washington. Is. Good. Bears. Are. Struggling. I hate to say it but it's true.
6.) Saints -13 v. Browns: Saints got one last shot from the Man last week, and they responded by a 20+ point drubbing on the road. Looks like it's all board the Saints Train for awhile now.
7.) Bills +13 at Baltimore: The Ravens have a bad habit of playing down to the competition, and that looks especially true after an emotionally draining loss last week. And I do like that Bills QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, he looks smart enough not to throw (too many) picks (or pick-6's).
8.) 49ers -3 at Carolina: The "Copy Colin Cowherd" pick of the week....this was a lock for Colin, and I saw no one I was taking the Panthers......Carolina might be one of the most atrocious teams in NFL history, Niners a middle-of-the-pack team, record-aside. And Matt Moore at QB? Phew, good luck.
9.) Bucs -3 vs. Rams: For the Rams, another let-down liability for a young team coming off a huge win over the Chargers.......same situation as the @ Lions game 2 weeks ago. The Bucs are PISSED.
10.) Arizona +6.5 at Seattle: The Seahawks getting much love this week and are very trendy, I'm gonna go contrarian on this; something tells me this game comes down to a late-second field goal. Don't let the road win in Chicago fool you; do not put all your eggs in the Seahawks basket.
11.) San Diego -2.5 v. New England. I woulda thought this line woulda been around "pick'em" or even favoring NE, but I guess most people understand how talented the Chargers are. In a dire situation at home, the Chargers finally, FINALLY, start their turnaround.
12.) Oakland +8 at Denver: This line was 7 at the beginning of the week, swung to 8 probably cuz of uncertainty of Raiders QB situation. Monitor this one: I can't believe I'm saying this, but if Bruce Gradkowski plays, I'm sure of this pick. If not, I'd stay away.
13.) Minnesota +2.5 at Green Bay: Packers are in deep, deep trouble. This game may be the straw that broke the camels' back.
14.) Dallas -3 v. NY Giants: Does desperation breed success? Regardless, I believe it'll be a shootout in Dallas, and the Cowboys have just a few more weapons.
Fantasize on,
Robert Yan
Thursday, October 21, 2010
The Anatomy of a Fantasy Basketball Draft
A few weeks ago I covered the advantages of the Fantasy Auction Draft; and for those who choose them, enjoy- they're still my draft of choice. But that's not to say a serpentine draft is not fun as well, and the majority of fantasy drafts are conducted this way. Having amassed an inordinate amount of fantasy teams in my last 7 years, my genius conclusion is that fantasy drafts are very, VERY important. Their significance varies between 30%-60% of any fantasy season, probably on the high end of that for fantasy football, on the lower end for baseball (cuz you can save yourself more with free agents, etc. over the course of a season, and there's so many positions to fill.)
Here's the essential things you need to do before jumping into any fantasy draft:
1. Schedule your draft for an ideal time. Varies by what profession you're in, what your league members' line of work is in; your eating habits, your sleeping habits. Advice: Do NOT schedule the draft during a weekday: you will spend the rest of the week at work staring at your fantasy team.
2. Research, research, research. Worthy of another post.
3. Compile a list of players you want. I did this for my last draft.....keeps you on track and prevents you from going ape during the draft. A personal "America's Top Wanted" list.
4. Compile a list of players you DON'T want. Didn't do this, but have a mental list, an "I hate these players and I will never be burned by them ever again" list. Trust me, over the years I've compiled quote a list of these guys.
5. On the morning of the draft, have yourself a hearty breakfast.
6. Make sure you know exactly where you're gonna be during the draft. Scout the area, see if there's wi-fi, make sure nothing can go wrong. Worst thing to do is to get ready to pick your first player and have your connection cut out. Say it with me, "Ahhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!"
7. Have hard copy of your draft list ready.
8. Prepare some snacks/ drinks. You're gonna be sitting there anywhere from 2 to 4 hours; might as well settle in and make sure you're equipped.
9. If your league has already disclosed a draft order, FIND OUT THAT ORDER!!!! And then prepare for it. At least know, given a certain situation, who you would pick.
10. Compile a list of players you want to take in an ideal draft. List'em out. Here was mine:
Deron Williams
Dwight Howard
Pau Gasol
Brook Lopez
Rajon Rondo
Al Jefferson
Russell Westbrook
Andrewa Bargnani
Joakim Noah
Marc Gasol
Derrick Rose
John Wall
Manu Ginobili
Kevin Love
Paul Millsap
Eric Gordon
Blake Griffin
Lamar Odom
DeMarcus Cousins
Roy Hibbert
Tyrus Thomas
Carl Landry
JaVale McGee
Andris Biedrins
Robin Lopez
James Harden
J.R. Smith
George Hill
DeJuan Blair
Also take at bottom of draft: D.J. Augustin, Beno Udrih, Aaron Afflalo (great bets based on preseason play)
Here's how my pick went.........take it as an "expert example." You know, like how an expert would draft. I drafted #8 in a 14-team head-to-head league with some USC Law colleagues. Here were the proceedings:
First round.....I know I have the 8th pick coming in. Looking at Danny Granger, Deron Williams, whoever's left. The draft goes exactly according to order, with Durant, Chris Paul, and LeBron coming off early. Mistake, if you ask me. Who the heck is LeBron. But then, in a probably-not-that-odd-for-normal-peoplebut odd for nerdy fantasy nerds like me situation, Stephen Curry goes, Kobe goes, Deron Williams goes......leaving me with Dwayne Wade, if I want him. Totally unexpected, Wade has been a fantasy god for the last several years. But do I take him over Granger? I take the full 90 seconds and decide to stick w/ my research and go with Granger. (Which, as you probably read from the Headhunter letter, I did NOT advise doing. I've ah, had a change of heart). Mr. Granger, here's to your health.
2nd round......I have the 21st pick, and I love, just LOVE, players ranked 17-20........Kidd, Nash, Brook Lopez......I really want a top-tier point guard to not have to worry about it. Then there's Rondo at 24, and there's no Celtics fans in front. Looks good, pretty sure I'll get at least one of my targets. Kidd goes after the wrap-around, Nash goes, guy at #20 right in front of me takes the full 90 seconds......and takes RONDO!!!!! Ahhhhh!!!!!! There goes my early-PG strategy, I HATE Monta Ellis, and think Tyreke Evans will have sophomore slump, and think it's too high anyway. Finally I settle on Andre Iguodala, someone I had not researched AT ALL before the draft. A cross-your-fingers pick.......not happy at this point.
3rd round........I had Bargnani on my list, and everyone totally ignores him. I finally get an easy round. I click and move on.
4th round.....I'm thinking either Wall, Ginobili or Love here. The previous 2 go off. But I LLLLLLOOOOOOVVVVVEEEEEEE love. Lots of jokes in there. I'm sure I'll disperse them over the course of this season....warm-hearted jokes if he does well, disparaging "curse-you" jokes if he sucks.
5th round.......what pick was this, #63? I took Nene here suspecting some kind of trick.....he wasn't supposed to fall this far, was he? Did he break both his legs? What happened. I decide to take and ask questions later.......If a guy goes about 30 or picks later and is still available, I say break the rules and just take him, if not for sheer value.
6th round....... still don't have a PG. Getting worried, but don't like the guys coming up like B-diddy, etc...... Don't have PG's late on my -re-arranged list..... might just wait til WAY late. I go a bit undisciplined, which I don't recommend.......take John Salmons, who hasn't played in the preseason. Might be the worst pick of my draft.
7th round......AK-47 still around. Can't resist the possible 1.6 steals and 1.6 blks.....premimum numbers. I'll be punting assists probably cuz of lack of a PG, don't want to punt steals too.
8th round.........Missed out on a bunch of the big men I had targeted.......either Robin Lopez or Andris Biedrins here. Took the Warrior, not sure if it's the right choice. Lopez a young stud who's unrivaled for big man minutes in Phoenix.
9th round...........finally snag my PG. D.J. Augustin, as planned. Don't laugh, this is well though out.....young player who is finally now a starter with plenty of opportunity.
DeJuan Blair.....is the starter in San Antonio. And he's a starter on my team. 13 and 9 is great for me. Let's go!!!!!
Fantasize on,
Robert Yan
Here's the essential things you need to do before jumping into any fantasy draft:
1. Schedule your draft for an ideal time. Varies by what profession you're in, what your league members' line of work is in; your eating habits, your sleeping habits. Advice: Do NOT schedule the draft during a weekday: you will spend the rest of the week at work staring at your fantasy team.
2. Research, research, research. Worthy of another post.
3. Compile a list of players you want. I did this for my last draft.....keeps you on track and prevents you from going ape during the draft. A personal "America's Top Wanted" list.
4. Compile a list of players you DON'T want. Didn't do this, but have a mental list, an "I hate these players and I will never be burned by them ever again" list. Trust me, over the years I've compiled quote a list of these guys.
5. On the morning of the draft, have yourself a hearty breakfast.
6. Make sure you know exactly where you're gonna be during the draft. Scout the area, see if there's wi-fi, make sure nothing can go wrong. Worst thing to do is to get ready to pick your first player and have your connection cut out. Say it with me, "Ahhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!"
7. Have hard copy of your draft list ready.
8. Prepare some snacks/ drinks. You're gonna be sitting there anywhere from 2 to 4 hours; might as well settle in and make sure you're equipped.
9. If your league has already disclosed a draft order, FIND OUT THAT ORDER!!!! And then prepare for it. At least know, given a certain situation, who you would pick.
10. Compile a list of players you want to take in an ideal draft. List'em out. Here was mine:
Deron Williams
Dwight Howard
Pau Gasol
Brook Lopez
Rajon Rondo
Al Jefferson
Russell Westbrook
Andrewa Bargnani
Joakim Noah
Marc Gasol
Derrick Rose
John Wall
Manu Ginobili
Kevin Love
Paul Millsap
Eric Gordon
Blake Griffin
Lamar Odom
DeMarcus Cousins
Roy Hibbert
Tyrus Thomas
Carl Landry
JaVale McGee
Andris Biedrins
Robin Lopez
James Harden
J.R. Smith
George Hill
DeJuan Blair
Also take at bottom of draft: D.J. Augustin, Beno Udrih, Aaron Afflalo (great bets based on preseason play)
Here's how my pick went.........take it as an "expert example." You know, like how an expert would draft. I drafted #8 in a 14-team head-to-head league with some USC Law colleagues. Here were the proceedings:
First round.....I know I have the 8th pick coming in. Looking at Danny Granger, Deron Williams, whoever's left. The draft goes exactly according to order, with Durant, Chris Paul, and LeBron coming off early. Mistake, if you ask me. Who the heck is LeBron. But then, in a probably-not-that-odd-for-normal-peoplebut odd for nerdy fantasy nerds like me situation, Stephen Curry goes, Kobe goes, Deron Williams goes......leaving me with Dwayne Wade, if I want him. Totally unexpected, Wade has been a fantasy god for the last several years. But do I take him over Granger? I take the full 90 seconds and decide to stick w/ my research and go with Granger. (Which, as you probably read from the Headhunter letter, I did NOT advise doing. I've ah, had a change of heart). Mr. Granger, here's to your health.
2nd round......I have the 21st pick, and I love, just LOVE, players ranked 17-20........Kidd, Nash, Brook Lopez......I really want a top-tier point guard to not have to worry about it. Then there's Rondo at 24, and there's no Celtics fans in front. Looks good, pretty sure I'll get at least one of my targets. Kidd goes after the wrap-around, Nash goes, guy at #20 right in front of me takes the full 90 seconds......and takes RONDO!!!!! Ahhhhh!!!!!! There goes my early-PG strategy, I HATE Monta Ellis, and think Tyreke Evans will have sophomore slump, and think it's too high anyway. Finally I settle on Andre Iguodala, someone I had not researched AT ALL before the draft. A cross-your-fingers pick.......not happy at this point.
3rd round........I had Bargnani on my list, and everyone totally ignores him. I finally get an easy round. I click and move on.
4th round.....I'm thinking either Wall, Ginobili or Love here. The previous 2 go off. But I LLLLLLOOOOOOVVVVVEEEEEEE love. Lots of jokes in there. I'm sure I'll disperse them over the course of this season....warm-hearted jokes if he does well, disparaging "curse-you" jokes if he sucks.
5th round.......what pick was this, #63? I took Nene here suspecting some kind of trick.....he wasn't supposed to fall this far, was he? Did he break both his legs? What happened. I decide to take and ask questions later.......If a guy goes about 30 or picks later and is still available, I say break the rules and just take him, if not for sheer value.
6th round....... still don't have a PG. Getting worried, but don't like the guys coming up like B-diddy, etc...... Don't have PG's late on my -re-arranged list..... might just wait til WAY late. I go a bit undisciplined, which I don't recommend.......take John Salmons, who hasn't played in the preseason. Might be the worst pick of my draft.
7th round......AK-47 still around. Can't resist the possible 1.6 steals and 1.6 blks.....premimum numbers. I'll be punting assists probably cuz of lack of a PG, don't want to punt steals too.
8th round.........Missed out on a bunch of the big men I had targeted.......either Robin Lopez or Andris Biedrins here. Took the Warrior, not sure if it's the right choice. Lopez a young stud who's unrivaled for big man minutes in Phoenix.
9th round...........finally snag my PG. D.J. Augustin, as planned. Don't laugh, this is well though out.....young player who is finally now a starter with plenty of opportunity.
DeJuan Blair.....is the starter in San Antonio. And he's a starter on my team. 13 and 9 is great for me. Let's go!!!!!
Fantasize on,
Robert Yan
The Art of Trash Talking
I am a man who appreciates trash talking.
I confess, I LOVE trash talking. I like dishing it out; I like taking it, but the most important, I like backing up my trash talking with some walking.
But sometimes people don't know how to trash talk, or WHEN to trash talk, or WHOM to trash talk to.....for those who are new at this or need a refresher course, here's some rules of trash talking to live by:
1. Do NOT trash talk after you have lost. It just causes embarassment for yourself as you no longer have a leg to stand on.
2. Trash talk about things that are not THAT serious: fantasy football matchups, poker tournaments (that have less than a $50 buy-in is the general rule), informal co-ed volleyball matches, vicariously through your sports teams (like if the bears are playing the packers, for example)
I confess, I LOVE trash talking. I like dishing it out; I like taking it, but the most important, I like backing up my trash talking with some walking.
But sometimes people don't know how to trash talk, or WHEN to trash talk, or WHOM to trash talk to.....for those who are new at this or need a refresher course, here's some rules of trash talking to live by:
1. Do NOT trash talk after you have lost. It just causes embarassment for yourself as you no longer have a leg to stand on.
2. Trash talk about things that are not THAT serious: fantasy football matchups, poker tournaments (that have less than a $50 buy-in is the general rule), informal co-ed volleyball matches, vicariously through your sports teams (like if the bears are playing the packers, for example)
3. Be confident in your trash talking. Make the best case for yourself (or your team) and just lay it out there. Bad name for a movie, but great name for trash talking: NEVER BACK DOWN. "I see your point" or "That may be true" are never acceptable; "You're just afraid of me" and "Let me know when you're ready to concede" are generally recognized ways to end trash talking.
4. Stop trash talking when people's feelings get hurt. Don't wanna be known as THAT guy. Unless it's your archnemesis who's had your number for years. Then talk until your tongue falls off.
5. Have thick skin when trash-talking. Nothing worse than letting your sensitivty get in the way of a good trash talking session. Your opponent's gonna throw everything he/she has at you to make you break. Your ability to stay stone-faced and immune to insults is what will allow you to retort back quickly with one of your own volleys, possibly neutralizing your opponent's attempt and putting him/her on the defensive.
6. Funny nicknames are icing on the top. If the other guy has Daniel Gibson on his team, it's your duty to lob a "Boobie" joke at him. Insinuate that Chad Ochocinco should change his name to Ochostinko.
7. However enjoyable trash talking is, DON'T overboard. No personal attacks. Enjoy responsibly.
Fantasize on,
Robert Yan
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Revised Fantasy Basketball Headhunter Letter
Dear Fantasy Owner,
Congratulations on deciding to re-invest in another fantasy basketball company, (Insert improved team name that's a bit wittier than last year's). We would like to apologize for last year's debacle, which was to say the least, a subpar performance for our company. Basically, everybody we told you to pick had a down or mediocre year, while everyone we told you to avoid either blew up or at least would have serviced you adequately. We have reviewed the mistakes we made in the previous year and believe we have corrected some fundamental errors in judgment. We of course value your patience and decision to stick with us despite missteps in the past and look forward to serve you this season.
Again, We here at FantasySportGuru Headhunter, Inc. have thoroughly researched the diverse applicant pool that was made avilable to us and and come to conclusions on several remarkable candidates. We would first like to point you in the direction of Mr. John Wall, a rookie out of Kentucky. Ready to become the leader of his organization, Mr. Wall has a year of semi-professional experience under his belt plus profoundly gifted abilities. Hire him before your compettitors and you will be pleased with the results.
Additionally, we would like to recommend one Joakim Noah. His name may sound peculiar, and he will probably never appear in any GQ magazines, but his work ethic is unquestioned, and he really holds a team together.
We would also be remiss not to mention Kevin Love. Working in a small organization in a relatively obscure part of the country, Kevin "Big Country" Love is big, young, solid, and reliable, and if you hire him he will surely be as loyal as a lumberjack. You will *love* him.
Finally, if you are looking for a leader of a proven winning team, Rajon Rondo is the man you seek. Well-known as a facilitator that makes others better, Mr. Rondo oozes ambition, stating recently that he "wants to be the best at his position." If that is not enough, he can also rollerskate, which comes in handy after work when you need to blow off some steam.
Unfortunately, as in other applicants there are some bad apples in the batch, and we feel obligated to warn you about them, so that you will not be suprrised when they do not meet your expectations.
Danny Granger is high on many companies' lists, but we have to warn you: he poses a significant health risk, and a worker's compensation suit may be in your future if you choose to go with Mr. Granger. We cannot advocate hiring an employee for a year if he has a significant chance of missing half of that year. Another red flag we value highly is decaying skills; Mr. Tim Duncan fits that category; his prowess and value was unquestioned during his prime, but in the new technological age with new talent in influx, unfortunately Mr. Duncan's skills are no longer as valuable. He admits also that he will have to work limited hours and garner frequent rest, not what you want to hear when committing to someone for the long term. Cross Mr. Duncan off your list of likely candidates. Finally we (still) believe Mr. Carmelo Anthony to be a ballhog, and that coupled with off-the-job issues, will not be an asset to your organization; we think Mr. Amare Stoudamire will have problems working with a new organization, so you shouldn't have to waste half a year easing him into your company culture; and Mr. Zach Randolph's explosive season last year was the product of a flash in the pan of previously-unfound motivation, the natural lift anyone gets from leaving the Clippers, a healthy stream of Memphis waffles, and working mostly in anonymity. Now that people actually know that he's good, Mr. Randolph will surely (pardon our informality) suck.
We know that you will have many questions and doubts throughout the season about your employees, invovling many trials and tribulations, and you will develop personal relationships with the employees that you do eventually hire. We recommend that you hire mostly with cold hard facts and our numbers, (partly because if you don't in real life there's bound to be employment litigation in your future), but also so that you can have fun with your employees; you will enjoy yourself if you do not enjoy the people around you. And that's really what it's all about.
Fantasize on,
Fantasysportguru Headhunter, Inc.,
Chairman, President, and Omincient Ruler,
Robert Yan
Congratulations on deciding to re-invest in another fantasy basketball company, (Insert improved team name that's a bit wittier than last year's). We would like to apologize for last year's debacle, which was to say the least, a subpar performance for our company. Basically, everybody we told you to pick had a down or mediocre year, while everyone we told you to avoid either blew up or at least would have serviced you adequately. We have reviewed the mistakes we made in the previous year and believe we have corrected some fundamental errors in judgment. We of course value your patience and decision to stick with us despite missteps in the past and look forward to serve you this season.
Again, We here at FantasySportGuru Headhunter, Inc. have thoroughly researched the diverse applicant pool that was made avilable to us and and come to conclusions on several remarkable candidates. We would first like to point you in the direction of Mr. John Wall, a rookie out of Kentucky. Ready to become the leader of his organization, Mr. Wall has a year of semi-professional experience under his belt plus profoundly gifted abilities. Hire him before your compettitors and you will be pleased with the results.
Additionally, we would like to recommend one Joakim Noah. His name may sound peculiar, and he will probably never appear in any GQ magazines, but his work ethic is unquestioned, and he really holds a team together.
We would also be remiss not to mention Kevin Love. Working in a small organization in a relatively obscure part of the country, Kevin "Big Country" Love is big, young, solid, and reliable, and if you hire him he will surely be as loyal as a lumberjack. You will *love* him.
Finally, if you are looking for a leader of a proven winning team, Rajon Rondo is the man you seek. Well-known as a facilitator that makes others better, Mr. Rondo oozes ambition, stating recently that he "wants to be the best at his position." If that is not enough, he can also rollerskate, which comes in handy after work when you need to blow off some steam.
Unfortunately, as in other applicants there are some bad apples in the batch, and we feel obligated to warn you about them, so that you will not be suprrised when they do not meet your expectations.
Danny Granger is high on many companies' lists, but we have to warn you: he poses a significant health risk, and a worker's compensation suit may be in your future if you choose to go with Mr. Granger. We cannot advocate hiring an employee for a year if he has a significant chance of missing half of that year. Another red flag we value highly is decaying skills; Mr. Tim Duncan fits that category; his prowess and value was unquestioned during his prime, but in the new technological age with new talent in influx, unfortunately Mr. Duncan's skills are no longer as valuable. He admits also that he will have to work limited hours and garner frequent rest, not what you want to hear when committing to someone for the long term. Cross Mr. Duncan off your list of likely candidates. Finally we (still) believe Mr. Carmelo Anthony to be a ballhog, and that coupled with off-the-job issues, will not be an asset to your organization; we think Mr. Amare Stoudamire will have problems working with a new organization, so you shouldn't have to waste half a year easing him into your company culture; and Mr. Zach Randolph's explosive season last year was the product of a flash in the pan of previously-unfound motivation, the natural lift anyone gets from leaving the Clippers, a healthy stream of Memphis waffles, and working mostly in anonymity. Now that people actually know that he's good, Mr. Randolph will surely (pardon our informality) suck.
We know that you will have many questions and doubts throughout the season about your employees, invovling many trials and tribulations, and you will develop personal relationships with the employees that you do eventually hire. We recommend that you hire mostly with cold hard facts and our numbers, (partly because if you don't in real life there's bound to be employment litigation in your future), but also so that you can have fun with your employees; you will enjoy yourself if you do not enjoy the people around you. And that's really what it's all about.
Fantasize on,
Fantasysportguru Headhunter, Inc.,
Chairman, President, and Omincient Ruler,
Robert Yan
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Week 6 NFL picks
Finished last week 8-6 against the spread, which is pretty respectable (57%), better than picking from a hat, and just short of that magical 60% number. Here's the Guru's picks this week:
1. St. Louis +8.5 v. San Diego: You should NOT take a team with a losing record (2-3) on the road favored by 8.5 points, EVER. Granted, this is the Chargers, who supposedly are poised to make their typical 2nd-half run, but this is the prototypical "Pick the home dog" game ( home dogs don't give up, have energy, used to their stadium, play with pride in front of home fans, etc.)
2. Kansas City +4.5 at Houston: Houston might have the most atrocious defense on this earth, nullifying their prodigious offense and one Andre Johnson. KC got some credit for hanging in with the Colts and almost covering, and they have THE best cornerback in the league right now, Brandon Flowers, to stunt AJ.
3. Baltimore +2.5 at New England: Baltimore's the better team, New England just lost its best WR, and the Ravens always play up to their competition: Am I missing something? Why is NE favored at all? Should be at least a pick'em.......so I'll take the points.
4. New Orleans -4.5 at Tampa Bay: If the Saints lose this game, they are truly, epically lost. I'm giving them one more chance to prove they're the defending champs......I may regret this later.
5. Philadelphia -2.5 v. Atlanta: Truly one of the tough games this week.......Both teams are for sure good, but does Atlanta have enough in them to pull off the road victory yet? I think it's possible, but not likely.
6. Detroit +10 at NY Giants: I'm sorry, I can't give up 10 points picking a team that got SMOKED by the Titans at home 2 weeks ago. 10 points is a LOT of points and you better be sure that team will win and cover. Don't think so.
7. Seattle +6 at Chicago: Da Bears still got more problems than Lindsay Lohan, among them the fact that their O-line couldn't keep out a feather with a chain-link fence.
8. Miami +3 at Green Bay: Seems to be the trendy but correct pick: Miami's tough defense doesn't care if it's at home or on the road.
9. Cleveland +14 at Pittsburgh: This line was moved from 13.5 earlier in the week, which makes me sure that this is the correct bet.
10. NY Jets -3.5 v. Denver: Finally gonna take a home favorite.........wow, why are the Jets only favored by 3.5? Cuz Darrell Revis is out? this seems deceptively easy......
11. Oakland +7 at San Francisco: How can you POSSIBLY take San Francisco this game? Seriously, you're giving up 7 points for a WINLESS team. You gotta be crazy!
12. Minnesota -1.5 v. Dallas: Seems like 2 teams that are equally inept; I'll take the home team in that case.
13. Indianapolis -3 at Washington: As Bill Simmons famously proclaims, DO NOT bet against Peyton Manning at night. Only an idiot would do that.
14. Tennessee -3 at Jacksonville. Better team, better defense, better coach, and because my fantasy team DESPERATELY needs the Tennessee D to hold down the kittens.
Again, these are just speculative picks, NOT evidence that I'm a compulsive gambler. In the case that you do, gamble responsibly.
Fantasize on,
Robert Yan
1. St. Louis +8.5 v. San Diego: You should NOT take a team with a losing record (2-3) on the road favored by 8.5 points, EVER. Granted, this is the Chargers, who supposedly are poised to make their typical 2nd-half run, but this is the prototypical "Pick the home dog" game ( home dogs don't give up, have energy, used to their stadium, play with pride in front of home fans, etc.)
2. Kansas City +4.5 at Houston: Houston might have the most atrocious defense on this earth, nullifying their prodigious offense and one Andre Johnson. KC got some credit for hanging in with the Colts and almost covering, and they have THE best cornerback in the league right now, Brandon Flowers, to stunt AJ.
3. Baltimore +2.5 at New England: Baltimore's the better team, New England just lost its best WR, and the Ravens always play up to their competition: Am I missing something? Why is NE favored at all? Should be at least a pick'em.......so I'll take the points.
4. New Orleans -4.5 at Tampa Bay: If the Saints lose this game, they are truly, epically lost. I'm giving them one more chance to prove they're the defending champs......I may regret this later.
5. Philadelphia -2.5 v. Atlanta: Truly one of the tough games this week.......Both teams are for sure good, but does Atlanta have enough in them to pull off the road victory yet? I think it's possible, but not likely.
6. Detroit +10 at NY Giants: I'm sorry, I can't give up 10 points picking a team that got SMOKED by the Titans at home 2 weeks ago. 10 points is a LOT of points and you better be sure that team will win and cover. Don't think so.
7. Seattle +6 at Chicago: Da Bears still got more problems than Lindsay Lohan, among them the fact that their O-line couldn't keep out a feather with a chain-link fence.
8. Miami +3 at Green Bay: Seems to be the trendy but correct pick: Miami's tough defense doesn't care if it's at home or on the road.
9. Cleveland +14 at Pittsburgh: This line was moved from 13.5 earlier in the week, which makes me sure that this is the correct bet.
10. NY Jets -3.5 v. Denver: Finally gonna take a home favorite.........wow, why are the Jets only favored by 3.5? Cuz Darrell Revis is out? this seems deceptively easy......
11. Oakland +7 at San Francisco: How can you POSSIBLY take San Francisco this game? Seriously, you're giving up 7 points for a WINLESS team. You gotta be crazy!
12. Minnesota -1.5 v. Dallas: Seems like 2 teams that are equally inept; I'll take the home team in that case.
13. Indianapolis -3 at Washington: As Bill Simmons famously proclaims, DO NOT bet against Peyton Manning at night. Only an idiot would do that.
14. Tennessee -3 at Jacksonville. Better team, better defense, better coach, and because my fantasy team DESPERATELY needs the Tennessee D to hold down the kittens.
Again, these are just speculative picks, NOT evidence that I'm a compulsive gambler. In the case that you do, gamble responsibly.
Fantasize on,
Robert Yan
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Working Out and finding the motivation to do it
So far, like 6-6 in my NFL picks against the spread. Basically the same result if I had flipped a coin on all the games. Sigh. That's the nature of picking games. Here's some stuff I observed while holding my breath since 10AM this moring and getting a gambling fix without actually gambling:
The bet can be decided within the first 10 minutes. The Bears come out of the gate with a 14-0 lead thanks to two long runs by Matt Forte through giantic orifices in the Panthers D. Bet's over at 10:10AM; Bears go on to win big.
I know close to nothing about certain teams and shouldn't bet ANYTHING on them, like the Bills at home getting beat by a Jaguars squad. That's the definition of "blindly throwing a dart."
There's a lot of ups-and-downs on gambling, even if you're not betting money. It's a roller-coaster ride, especially since most games don't end up in a push; it's easier lose your whole bet or win your whole bet; a lot of times one play can decide it. Gotta have the stomach for it. Whatever the case, sports betting is NOT a good idea and has a negative expected rate of return. (Due to the juice). Stick with investing your money in stocks.
I've never been a big workout guy, and have only started really doing weights in 2010. So definitely no expert, not even someone who should be guiding others, but here's some things I've noticed:
1.) Do NOT work out on an empty stomach. You say "duh," but you gotta really time it: If you start getting really hungry during a workout, you lose all motivation and just wanna go fill your stomach.
2.) Do NOT work out on a really full stomach: Like right after lunch, for example. The ideal time, in my opinion, is between 2 hours- 4 hours after lunch. That's when your meals have really digested, and they've broken down into kinetic energy.
3.) Eat a banana before doing any exercise/ physical activity. I might have mentioned this before; perfect shot in the arm, I call it my "all-natural energy bar."
4.) Start slllooooooooowwwwww. No hernias, people.
5.) In order to keep yourself motivated for working out, reward yourself after each workout. Get a smoothie or something; your body subconsciously will want to do it the next day.....and the next day......and the next day.
6.) find a TV to work out in front of......catch up on Sportscenter, baseball playoffs, whatever, so you don't feel like you're "wasting" your time. Eh, maybe only I feel this way......I like to multi-task and get 2 jobs done at one time.
Fantasize on,
Robert Yan
The bet can be decided within the first 10 minutes. The Bears come out of the gate with a 14-0 lead thanks to two long runs by Matt Forte through giantic orifices in the Panthers D. Bet's over at 10:10AM; Bears go on to win big.
I know close to nothing about certain teams and shouldn't bet ANYTHING on them, like the Bills at home getting beat by a Jaguars squad. That's the definition of "blindly throwing a dart."
There's a lot of ups-and-downs on gambling, even if you're not betting money. It's a roller-coaster ride, especially since most games don't end up in a push; it's easier lose your whole bet or win your whole bet; a lot of times one play can decide it. Gotta have the stomach for it. Whatever the case, sports betting is NOT a good idea and has a negative expected rate of return. (Due to the juice). Stick with investing your money in stocks.
I've never been a big workout guy, and have only started really doing weights in 2010. So definitely no expert, not even someone who should be guiding others, but here's some things I've noticed:
1.) Do NOT work out on an empty stomach. You say "duh," but you gotta really time it: If you start getting really hungry during a workout, you lose all motivation and just wanna go fill your stomach.
2.) Do NOT work out on a really full stomach: Like right after lunch, for example. The ideal time, in my opinion, is between 2 hours- 4 hours after lunch. That's when your meals have really digested, and they've broken down into kinetic energy.
3.) Eat a banana before doing any exercise/ physical activity. I might have mentioned this before; perfect shot in the arm, I call it my "all-natural energy bar."
4.) Start slllooooooooowwwwww. No hernias, people.
5.) In order to keep yourself motivated for working out, reward yourself after each workout. Get a smoothie or something; your body subconsciously will want to do it the next day.....and the next day......and the next day.
6.) find a TV to work out in front of......catch up on Sportscenter, baseball playoffs, whatever, so you don't feel like you're "wasting" your time. Eh, maybe only I feel this way......I like to multi-task and get 2 jobs done at one time.
Fantasize on,
Robert Yan
Saturday, October 9, 2010
NFL week 5 picks against the spread
An experiment that failed miserably last year: Da Man picks games against the spread for the NFL. One of the toughest thing to do, I hear.........I've been VERY right in the MLB playoffs......guessed Phillies, Yankees, Rangers, and Giants getting through and will probably be right on all of those.........I figure if I get 60% of the NFL picks, I'm really good (Last year I went something dope like 3-15 and gave up). People, do NOT try this at home.
Denver +7 at Baltimore ......Going with Denver, 7 points is too much in the NFL unless talent gap is huge...plus Orton can lead his team back through the air even if he doesn't win it.
Buffalo -1.5 v. Jacksonville.........In pretty much a coinflip, with both teams pretty even, I'm betting on Jacksonville having huge letdown on road after beating Indy last week.
Indianapolis -7 v. KC: Going with my rule, 7 points is fine if the talent gap is huge, and talent gap IS huge.....just think Peyton Manning v. Matt Cassell......yea. N
Detroit -3 v. St. Louis: Still too young, still too unseasoned, still got some work to do for Sam Bradford and the St. Louis Rams (and James Laurinitis, former THE Ohio State university star).
Atlanta -3 at Cleveland: Potential upset, but my rule has always been: Pick the better team( I mean, seriously, how can you BET for the worst team?) and worry about the points later....Here, -3 is tolerable.
Tampa Bay +6.5 at Cincinatti: Man, picking against the spread is NOT easy......The Bengals have trouble scoring in the red zone, so they could have problems putting away the Bucs despite being the better team. Ugh. This is harder than I expected.
Carolina -3 v. Chicago: Gotta pick the Panthers against Todd Collins: Collins and the O-line looked HORRIBLE last weekend, and Da Bears have never done well in Carolina.
Washington +2.5 v. Green Bay: To me this is the classic home team upsets a slightly better, more hyped-up team scenario, and it's at least 50-50 Redskins win this game outright. I'll take the extra 2.5 points.
Houston -3 v. NYG: Looks like an old-school Wild West shootout in Houston......a lot rests on Andre Johnson's health, who is a major playmaker in a game that will be decided by one or two big plays. Bet is off if AJ is out.
New Orleans -6.5 at Ariz: This looks like the lock of the week......Cardinals starting a rookie CB, team in disarray, the Saints much superior and very capable of blowing people out.
Oakland +6.5 v. San Diego: In contrast, Oakland has it more together and has a history of keeping it close against the Chargers.....Chargers not necessarily the best it can be.
Tennessee +7 at Dallas: Way too many points Dallas is laying, this should be more of a -3 or -4, very likely Tennessee could win this outright.
San Francisco -3 v. Philadelphia: Please, please, let this be the time for the Niners. Philly has troulbe historically out West.
NYJ -4 v. Minnesota: Vikings not nearly as good as last year.
Final note: sports is unpredictable, man. That's why they play the games!!!!!
I've taken up studying some Spanish recently. Some basic stuff, nothing too serious, just trying to get some bread-and-butter vocabulary, and I've noticed something: It's VERY similar to French. People told me in high school how all those romance languages have similar structures and same words, but it's true. I wish I had studied Spanish and French at the same time in high school, or college even; you learn one and you got a good handle on the other. I'll keep up with it and see where I am in a year or so.
Robert's random stock pick for the rest of the year: John Deere. I've been in this stock for 3 weeks and wish I was in it for 3 years. It consistently rises every period, and the recent news of the U.S. declaring a shortage in corn and wheat is just gonna make farmers plant more, spend more, and buy more machines made by...you guessed it, John Deere. I'm lovin' it.
Last year was a VERY VERY poor draft for me in the NBA. I was SO wrong about most of my picks. The worst? betting against Brook Lopez and betting FOR Shawn Marion. Wow that was fatal. This year, I have a new principle for NBA drafts ( applies in most other sports too): AVOID GUYS WHO JUST SWITCHED TEAMS IN THE OFFSEASON. Obviously this doesn't apply if you're comparing 2 players of different calibers like LeBron James and Aaron Brroks, let's say, but when you're choosing between 2 guys, choose the one that stayed put last season. There's a lot of factors here:
1. The player who moved in the offseason probably got more hype and is fresher in people's minds, prompting him to be overvalued
2. New system, new coaches, gotta establish the trust level.
3. most likely, player who moved just signed massive contract that makes him complacent, the opposite of the contract-year effect. (not the case every time, apply on case-by-case basis).
USC fans, we got a keeper in Matt Barkley. He's good.
Fantasize on,
Robert Yan
Denver +7 at Baltimore ......Going with Denver, 7 points is too much in the NFL unless talent gap is huge...plus Orton can lead his team back through the air even if he doesn't win it.
Buffalo -1.5 v. Jacksonville.........In pretty much a coinflip, with both teams pretty even, I'm betting on Jacksonville having huge letdown on road after beating Indy last week.
Indianapolis -7 v. KC: Going with my rule, 7 points is fine if the talent gap is huge, and talent gap IS huge.....just think Peyton Manning v. Matt Cassell......yea. N
Detroit -3 v. St. Louis: Still too young, still too unseasoned, still got some work to do for Sam Bradford and the St. Louis Rams (and James Laurinitis, former THE Ohio State university star).
Atlanta -3 at Cleveland: Potential upset, but my rule has always been: Pick the better team( I mean, seriously, how can you BET for the worst team?) and worry about the points later....Here, -3 is tolerable.
Tampa Bay +6.5 at Cincinatti: Man, picking against the spread is NOT easy......The Bengals have trouble scoring in the red zone, so they could have problems putting away the Bucs despite being the better team. Ugh. This is harder than I expected.
Carolina -3 v. Chicago: Gotta pick the Panthers against Todd Collins: Collins and the O-line looked HORRIBLE last weekend, and Da Bears have never done well in Carolina.
Washington +2.5 v. Green Bay: To me this is the classic home team upsets a slightly better, more hyped-up team scenario, and it's at least 50-50 Redskins win this game outright. I'll take the extra 2.5 points.
Houston -3 v. NYG: Looks like an old-school Wild West shootout in Houston......a lot rests on Andre Johnson's health, who is a major playmaker in a game that will be decided by one or two big plays. Bet is off if AJ is out.
New Orleans -6.5 at Ariz: This looks like the lock of the week......Cardinals starting a rookie CB, team in disarray, the Saints much superior and very capable of blowing people out.
Oakland +6.5 v. San Diego: In contrast, Oakland has it more together and has a history of keeping it close against the Chargers.....Chargers not necessarily the best it can be.
Tennessee +7 at Dallas: Way too many points Dallas is laying, this should be more of a -3 or -4, very likely Tennessee could win this outright.
San Francisco -3 v. Philadelphia: Please, please, let this be the time for the Niners. Philly has troulbe historically out West.
NYJ -4 v. Minnesota: Vikings not nearly as good as last year.
Final note: sports is unpredictable, man. That's why they play the games!!!!!
I've taken up studying some Spanish recently. Some basic stuff, nothing too serious, just trying to get some bread-and-butter vocabulary, and I've noticed something: It's VERY similar to French. People told me in high school how all those romance languages have similar structures and same words, but it's true. I wish I had studied Spanish and French at the same time in high school, or college even; you learn one and you got a good handle on the other. I'll keep up with it and see where I am in a year or so.
Robert's random stock pick for the rest of the year: John Deere. I've been in this stock for 3 weeks and wish I was in it for 3 years. It consistently rises every period, and the recent news of the U.S. declaring a shortage in corn and wheat is just gonna make farmers plant more, spend more, and buy more machines made by...you guessed it, John Deere. I'm lovin' it.
Last year was a VERY VERY poor draft for me in the NBA. I was SO wrong about most of my picks. The worst? betting against Brook Lopez and betting FOR Shawn Marion. Wow that was fatal. This year, I have a new principle for NBA drafts ( applies in most other sports too): AVOID GUYS WHO JUST SWITCHED TEAMS IN THE OFFSEASON. Obviously this doesn't apply if you're comparing 2 players of different calibers like LeBron James and Aaron Brroks, let's say, but when you're choosing between 2 guys, choose the one that stayed put last season. There's a lot of factors here:
1. The player who moved in the offseason probably got more hype and is fresher in people's minds, prompting him to be overvalued
2. New system, new coaches, gotta establish the trust level.
3. most likely, player who moved just signed massive contract that makes him complacent, the opposite of the contract-year effect. (not the case every time, apply on case-by-case basis).
USC fans, we got a keeper in Matt Barkley. He's good.
Fantasize on,
Robert Yan
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