Finkbowl XV is in the books. The decorations are down, the final winnings have been paid out, and all travelers have returned home. Still got a fridge full of leftovers to work through, but that's part of the way I make this event last longer.
This has become such a great event for us. As I mentioned last year after the Snowmaggedon Finkbowl, it's humbling to have so many people travel so far for our little party. The locals seem to enjoy it too, and the nice weather this year allowed the traditional kids football game outside to resume after a year hiatus.
With the looming NFL lockout, someone questioned what would happen if there is no Super Bowl next year. There's no question at all: whether or not there's a game, the first Sunday in February will have a Finkbowl. We'll just have to find something else to bet on other than football.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Monday, January 31, 2011
Mad props
It's been a while, but I've not forgotten about the Things I Love series of blog posts. What better way to jump back into things than to feature a Thing I Love fitting for the season: sports betting.
I enjoy gambling- I like the thrill of the games and the logic behind the betting. I've played poker since I was 13 or 14, with a coffee can of pennies I'd tote along on Boy Scout camping trips. I love table games like craps, black jack and roulette. In all those games though, the bet lasts only as long as a hand of cards, a roll of the dice, or a spin of the wheel.
Sports betting offers something unique: the ability to drag a bet out over several hours, or even longer, all the while enjoying an event in its own right. Just a few bucks on a game brings immediate attention to the contest, inciting interest where there previously may have been none. I'm way too cheap to bet more than a few bucks at a time, but it doesn't take much to create passion about something I may have not cared much about before.
One of my favorite parts of Finkbowl is the side action on the game- the bets on the coin toss and the commercials, the dollar-a-box bets, and the props throughout the game. I love looking at the list of props that are being offered by websites and casinos and finding interesting ones that are near even odds, then picking a side at random and placing a bet with someone (usually Judge). The fun in rooting for something crazy, like for more goals in the Penguins/Capitals game on Sunday than touchdowns in the Super Bowl (currently a prop offered at the above site), is well worth my dollar investment.
I enjoy gambling- I like the thrill of the games and the logic behind the betting. I've played poker since I was 13 or 14, with a coffee can of pennies I'd tote along on Boy Scout camping trips. I love table games like craps, black jack and roulette. In all those games though, the bet lasts only as long as a hand of cards, a roll of the dice, or a spin of the wheel.
Sports betting offers something unique: the ability to drag a bet out over several hours, or even longer, all the while enjoying an event in its own right. Just a few bucks on a game brings immediate attention to the contest, inciting interest where there previously may have been none. I'm way too cheap to bet more than a few bucks at a time, but it doesn't take much to create passion about something I may have not cared much about before.
One of my favorite parts of Finkbowl is the side action on the game- the bets on the coin toss and the commercials, the dollar-a-box bets, and the props throughout the game. I love looking at the list of props that are being offered by websites and casinos and finding interesting ones that are near even odds, then picking a side at random and placing a bet with someone (usually Judge). The fun in rooting for something crazy, like for more goals in the Penguins/Capitals game on Sunday than touchdowns in the Super Bowl (currently a prop offered at the above site), is well worth my dollar investment.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Resurrection
Like a phoenix from the ashes, Finkipedia rises again.
With Finkbowl XV next weekend, a new Idol season just kicking off, and pitchers and catchers reporting in just a few weeks, I figured it was time to get back to the blog you and I both love the most. Thanks to those who asked where I've been- I hope both of you enjoy the multitude of posts I have planned for the weeks ahead!
Lock down the internets- Finkipedia is live again!
With Finkbowl XV next weekend, a new Idol season just kicking off, and pitchers and catchers reporting in just a few weeks, I figured it was time to get back to the blog you and I both love the most. Thanks to those who asked where I've been- I hope both of you enjoy the multitude of posts I have planned for the weeks ahead!
Lock down the internets- Finkipedia is live again!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Things I Love: cover songs
I'm resurrecting the "Things I Love" series that I started a while back so I can discuss in depth something I mentioned in the comments section of one of my Idol posts. I love cover songs. If you considered cover songs to be their own genre, I'd choose them over any other. It might have something to do with familiarity- that perhaps it's easier to like a song you already kinda know over something brand new. It might be the "They're fans just like us!" feeling you get when you hear one of your favorite bands playing the songs of another. It might be the appreciation you feel whenever someone presents something to you in a way you hadn't previously considered possible.
But I believe the thing I like most about cover songs is that deep down, it's what we all really want to do. Every time you sing a song- whether it's along with the radio, in the shower, or just in your head- you're covering it yourself. Every one of us with some musical talent has picked up a guitar or sat down at a piano to play a song we like. Some of us learned to play those instruments just for that purpose. When we hear cover songs, it justifies that feeling we all have when we hear a good song- that the best way to express our affection for the song is to belt it out and make it our own. Every cover song is a tribute to the original, and every one we hear encourages us to keep doing what we do- paying tribute in our own way. (Just without the royalties).
Up next: What makes a great cover song? Stay tuned. (pun intended)
But I believe the thing I like most about cover songs is that deep down, it's what we all really want to do. Every time you sing a song- whether it's along with the radio, in the shower, or just in your head- you're covering it yourself. Every one of us with some musical talent has picked up a guitar or sat down at a piano to play a song we like. Some of us learned to play those instruments just for that purpose. When we hear cover songs, it justifies that feeling we all have when we hear a good song- that the best way to express our affection for the song is to belt it out and make it our own. Every cover song is a tribute to the original, and every one we hear encourages us to keep doing what we do- paying tribute in our own way. (Just without the royalties).
Up next: What makes a great cover song? Stay tuned. (pun intended)
Thursday, June 10, 2010
If it weren't for Myrtle Beach, I'd restart their secession movement for them
With no disrespect to any of the fine citizens of South Carolina, I'd like to express my disappointment with something I read today. It was in a column about SC gubernatorial candidate Nikki Haley and her statements from her website about her faith. (Haley is a Christian, and goes to great lengths on her site emphasizing that point.) The column reports that the SC constitution contains the requirement that "No person shall be eligible to the office of Governor who denies the existence of the Supreme Being."
From a constitutional law standpoint, I find it hard to believe that a state constitution can so directly contradict the federal constitution's stated right of freedom of religion. But aside from the legality of the requirement, I have grave concerns with the limitations it puts on the citizens of the state. The requirement does not go so far as to impose a belief system upon citizens of the state, but it does limit the positions that citizens without certain belief systems can hold.
I believe in "the Supreme Being", but also respect the right of others not to. I also don't see how an argument can be made that the governing ability of one who does not believe would be lesser in any way than one who does. The record shows that believing in a Supreme Being doesn't exactly keep you off the Appalachian Trail, if you know what I mean.
From a constitutional law standpoint, I find it hard to believe that a state constitution can so directly contradict the federal constitution's stated right of freedom of religion. But aside from the legality of the requirement, I have grave concerns with the limitations it puts on the citizens of the state. The requirement does not go so far as to impose a belief system upon citizens of the state, but it does limit the positions that citizens without certain belief systems can hold.
I believe in "the Supreme Being", but also respect the right of others not to. I also don't see how an argument can be made that the governing ability of one who does not believe would be lesser in any way than one who does. The record shows that believing in a Supreme Being doesn't exactly keep you off the Appalachian Trail, if you know what I mean.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
What do we want? REPLAY! When do we want it? NOW!
By now you've no doubt heard of the umpire who screwed up and cost that guy a perfect game. (I'm leaving out the details not because I don't care but because they don't matter here.) The aftermath was the feel good story of baseball so far this year- guy screws up, guy owns up to his screw-up, affected parties forgive him, all is well.
All that making nice somewhat diffused the furor over the mistake and diverted the attention from the obvious issue- that baseball needs more replay. The argument of purists is that mistakes are part of the game, that the role of the umpire is essential to the integrity of baseball and makes the game what it is.
That's horsecrap. There's no industry out there that accepts mistakes as part of doing business. Umpires do their best to make the right call, but sometimes make a mistake. If there is an immediate way to evaluate the umpire's judgment, why not use it? When that immediate method (replay) is already being used and broadcast to viewers in real time, it displays the flaws and calls into question whether the outcome of the contest is legitimate.
Here's one group of people who deserve replay the most- gamblers. The outcome of the game in question here (the near-perfect game) was not affected by the missed call. But no doubt there are games that either have or will have their outcomes affected by a mistake. If a wager is lost despite visible evidence that it should have been won, it becomes an unfair loss (or a contrary illegitimate win) to the gambler involved.
Tennis has been using the electronic eye system for years. It does not replace but supports the line judges and the chair umpire in their jobs. It works. I've never heard a tennis purist, commentator, or player bemoan the system. They're happy that the calls are being made consistently and fairly for all players.
The technology exists to correct these flaws. There's no reason not to institute it now, in fairness to all. Too bad it's too late for Armando Galarraga (you know, that guy.)
All that making nice somewhat diffused the furor over the mistake and diverted the attention from the obvious issue- that baseball needs more replay. The argument of purists is that mistakes are part of the game, that the role of the umpire is essential to the integrity of baseball and makes the game what it is.
That's horsecrap. There's no industry out there that accepts mistakes as part of doing business. Umpires do their best to make the right call, but sometimes make a mistake. If there is an immediate way to evaluate the umpire's judgment, why not use it? When that immediate method (replay) is already being used and broadcast to viewers in real time, it displays the flaws and calls into question whether the outcome of the contest is legitimate.
Here's one group of people who deserve replay the most- gamblers. The outcome of the game in question here (the near-perfect game) was not affected by the missed call. But no doubt there are games that either have or will have their outcomes affected by a mistake. If a wager is lost despite visible evidence that it should have been won, it becomes an unfair loss (or a contrary illegitimate win) to the gambler involved.
Tennis has been using the electronic eye system for years. It does not replace but supports the line judges and the chair umpire in their jobs. It works. I've never heard a tennis purist, commentator, or player bemoan the system. They're happy that the calls are being made consistently and fairly for all players.
The technology exists to correct these flaws. There's no reason not to institute it now, in fairness to all. Too bad it's too late for Armando Galarraga (you know, that guy.)
Friday, May 28, 2010
Idol recap
I'm a few days late to the internet Idol recap party, but none of you watch Idol anyway, so I guess it doesn't really matter.
As you may have heard, paint store clerk Lee Dewyze beat out single mom Crystal Bowersox (this is the way they were both referred to all season) for the title of Season 9 American Idol, no doubt thanks to the millions of tweens and divorcees who voted early and often for Lee over the more talented Crystal. Really, it was the best possible outcome for the Idol producers as well, because in Crystal they have a talented artist who can become a marketable performer in her own right, and in Lee they have a likeable guy with a pretty face and a nice smile who they can label as the next American Idol and make a few bucks off of along the way.
Here's a few best of's for Season 9:
Best Performance:
3) Crystal and Lee, "Falling Slowly"- from Songs from the Cinema week, this Oscar winning song from the movie Once fit them perfectly and showed a ton of chemistry between them
2) Lee, "Hallelujah"- as posted previously, a haunting version of a great song
1) Casey James, "Jealous Guy"- I wasn't a Casey James fan at all, but I've got to give him credit- this was a beautiful performance, both on vocals and guitar, and the best of the year by anyone
Best Celebrity Mentor:
3) Adam Lambert- Helped that he was only a year removed from being in the same situation
2) Usher- Terrific- first of the mentors to actually offer constructive advice and tips on style
1) Harry Connick Jr- Head and shoulders above the rest. His ability to work with the contestants, along with his wit and charisma, make him my vote to replace Simon next year
Best Contestants Not To Make It To The Top 3:
3) Aaron Kelly- Kid's got chops. Huge voice, and may still have a career ahead of him. Eliminated at the Top 5.
2) Katie Stevens- I was surprised she didn't go further. I think she too is young enough and talented enough to have a career. Eliminated at the Top 9.
1) Lilly Scott- Huge surprise that she didn't make the finals, to no one more than her. She had a unique voice and style that I thought would take her pretty far in the competition, but perhaps her Patsy Cline song choice did her in. Eliminated at the Top 16.
Best Song Choices:
3) Crystal, "Me and Bobby McGee", Billboard #1 week- Kind of her stereotypical song, but fit her so well that it was easy for her to crush it.
2) Casey, "Jealous Guy", Lennon/McCartney songbook week- see above
1) Lee, "That's Life", Sinatra week- The perfect Sinatra song for him- meant to be a little free form and throaty. I think it's the song that sealed the victory for him.
Glad to have my Tuesday and Wednesday nights back, but I am sad to see Idol go. Truly surprised at how invested I became in the show and its contestants. Not ready to go buy a Ford just yet, but I am excited already for Season 10.
As you may have heard, paint store clerk Lee Dewyze beat out single mom Crystal Bowersox (this is the way they were both referred to all season) for the title of Season 9 American Idol, no doubt thanks to the millions of tweens and divorcees who voted early and often for Lee over the more talented Crystal. Really, it was the best possible outcome for the Idol producers as well, because in Crystal they have a talented artist who can become a marketable performer in her own right, and in Lee they have a likeable guy with a pretty face and a nice smile who they can label as the next American Idol and make a few bucks off of along the way.
Here's a few best of's for Season 9:
Best Performance:
3) Crystal and Lee, "Falling Slowly"- from Songs from the Cinema week, this Oscar winning song from the movie Once fit them perfectly and showed a ton of chemistry between them
2) Lee, "Hallelujah"- as posted previously, a haunting version of a great song
1) Casey James, "Jealous Guy"- I wasn't a Casey James fan at all, but I've got to give him credit- this was a beautiful performance, both on vocals and guitar, and the best of the year by anyone
Best Celebrity Mentor:
3) Adam Lambert- Helped that he was only a year removed from being in the same situation
2) Usher- Terrific- first of the mentors to actually offer constructive advice and tips on style
1) Harry Connick Jr- Head and shoulders above the rest. His ability to work with the contestants, along with his wit and charisma, make him my vote to replace Simon next year
Best Contestants Not To Make It To The Top 3:
3) Aaron Kelly- Kid's got chops. Huge voice, and may still have a career ahead of him. Eliminated at the Top 5.
2) Katie Stevens- I was surprised she didn't go further. I think she too is young enough and talented enough to have a career. Eliminated at the Top 9.
1) Lilly Scott- Huge surprise that she didn't make the finals, to no one more than her. She had a unique voice and style that I thought would take her pretty far in the competition, but perhaps her Patsy Cline song choice did her in. Eliminated at the Top 16.
Best Song Choices:
3) Crystal, "Me and Bobby McGee", Billboard #1 week- Kind of her stereotypical song, but fit her so well that it was easy for her to crush it.
2) Casey, "Jealous Guy", Lennon/McCartney songbook week- see above
1) Lee, "That's Life", Sinatra week- The perfect Sinatra song for him- meant to be a little free form and throaty. I think it's the song that sealed the victory for him.
Glad to have my Tuesday and Wednesday nights back, but I am sad to see Idol go. Truly surprised at how invested I became in the show and its contestants. Not ready to go buy a Ford just yet, but I am excited already for Season 10.
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