Slide it Down

To update the following post:

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2008

Top 5 - Black Crowes
I'm stoked for the new Black Crowes album, and summer tour. In honor, my top five studio tracks. I do not take into account any song performed live (which would produce an entirely different list).

5. Remedy
4. Sister Luck
3. Cursed Diamond
2. Hotel Illness
1. Twice as Hard

I'd dump Sister Luck, drop 1-3, and elevate 'Descending' to #1. Leaving it off the list was a colossal oversight.

2011 US Amateur

I cannot remember a (post-Tiger Woods) US Amateur receiving the attention the 2011 playing has garnered. It is deserved.

All the superstars advanced through stroke play, and are leading and/or have won their opening matches.

If Harris English, Peter Uihlein, Russell Henley, Tom Lewis, and Jordan Spieth continue to advance, English/Uihlein would meet in the semifinals, and Henley/Lewis in the Round of 16. Spieth could advance to the finals before meeting any of the other four.

Five years ago the 'Big Five' in golf were Woods, Mickelson, Goosen, Els, Singh. Recognize the emergence of the 'New Five'.

The President's Cup - Potential Team

The President's Cup is the perfect breeding ground for Ryder Cup exploits. Captain Couples should award as many spots as possible to up and coming American golfers. The leaderboard at the Greenbrier Classic would comprise a good US team, to include.

Anthony Kim
Webb Simpson
Gary Woodland

Stalwarts include:
Phil Mickelson
Steve Stricker
Matt Kuchar
Nick Watney
Dustin Johnson
Bubba Watson
Hunter Mahan


With Jim Furyk and David Toms on the edges of qualification, I'd consider choosing younger golfers to complete the team. The remaining two? Rickie Fowler and last week's winner, Sean O'Hair. Do TIger the favor of not offering him a cross-world obligation.

Ten Things I Love - 2011 Open - Thursday

10. Shot tracker displaying all tee shots for the day.
9. The yellow hand-controlled scoreboards.
8. Tom Lewis still hasn't woken up, and refuses to pinch himself.
7. The Easter-colored putter grip of Mark Calcavecchia.
6. The steamrolled birdies of Rickie Fowler and John Daly on the first hole, a combined 130 foot of putt.
5. A bogey free Thursday, coupled with four birdies and a 66 for Miguel Angel Jimenez.
4. The wristy clip of Tom Watson's downswing. The perfect swing for Open golf. Why aren't young Americans taught to mimic his swing.
3. The sing-song voice of Igor Robson on the first tee.
2. Redemption for Thomas Bjorn, if only for one day.
1. Peter Alliss

Going, Going, Gone

For all the fantastic sporting events, there are a few I'd lose no sleep over their extinction.

1.) Tour de France - Definitely needs a hiatus/reset (five years?) or possible retirement, to get over the drug-laden cloud blanketing the participants.

2.) America's Cup - The swashbuckling days of Dennis Connor are two decades past, it has become the Larry Ellison Invitational.

3.) The Davis Cup - They could play the finals today and I couldn't tell you the winner tomorrow. Sadly, tennis professionals seem to care less about tDC than I do.

Lockouts

Listening to The Steve Czaban show during yesterday's commute, I was incredulous when an on-air personality (I cannot remember who) claimed to support owners 100% in all lockouts.

Absolutely ridiculous.

The rationale behind the decision was the great sum of money owners stood to lose when a season is not played, either partially, or in its entirety. He went on to claim owners take huge risks when purchasing teams, and an upside isn't always guaranteed.

Not to compare apples (NFL) and oranges (NBA), but owners brought on the NFL lockout. An owner can run an organization (Redskins) as a purely profit driven enterprise, to the detriment of the team, and still rake gobs of cash.

I have no sympathy for owners who are sitting on advance season ticket payments, collecting interest, and offering the paltry exchange of credit or future tickets if the season is cancelled. Obviously, season ticket holders bought into the scheme/plan, (I'm not deeming who is right/wrong) but owners stand to benefit and act in their best interests. Ownership can stay within a family for decades, but player careers are brief, and the possibility of not playing has a greater detrimental impact on an athlete, sacrificing part of his career, than an owner, who can weather the storm of a bad season or a poor economic climate, and, sooner or later, embrace profitability.

The Grand Slam - Ordered

If you could win only one Major, which major would it be, and on which course? I've expanded to order for all the Majors, and the corresponding course.

1. The Masters
2. US Open @ Oakmont
3. The Open @ St. Andrews
4. PGA @ Baltusrol

UVA - CWS

What a win for Virginia baseball, staged with a ninth inning two out rally, to advance to the College World Series.

Brian O'Connor is the best in the business.

From Washington to Washington

The NFL Draft is tomorrow. The Washington Redskins are picking tenth. When not devouring walterfootball.com, I've been pondering who I'd like the Redskins to select in the First Round, based on who is likely to be available (strike Von Miller from the list, although he is worth improving draft position to select). My list is very short.

3. Prince Amukamara (CB) - If only because 10th is a good spot to pick a QB. Still too high in the draft to select RB/WR, and the top DE selections will most likely have been chosen.

2. Robert Quinn (DE) - He bolsters the front seven and he's had a year off.

1. Jake Locker (QB). He'd be a reach at ten. I don't care.
- He's been the face of UW for five years, and would be the face of the Redskins.
- He's worked with different coaches, and adapted to a pro-style offense.
- I think he's the best QB in the draft.

Selecting JL with the 10th pick in 2010 would have been considered a steal. One year later, after winning three must win games to be bowl eligible, he accomplished the feat. He's been the focal point of his program for five years. His athleticism (size, baseball skills, etc.) and West Coast origins remind me of one person, John Elway.

Washington has a variety of deficiencies and gaps. Choose the player who addresses the most glaring shortcoming, and, potentially, can provide the greatest improvement.

To Quit, and How?

As a lifelong Washington Redskins fan, it is obvious the team is the scourge of the NFL, and has been for the past 20 years. A friend who shares the same affliction and I were pondering if one was to 'quit' the Redskins, to abdicate his/her loyalty, which would be the best option to follow?

A.) Quit football entirely

B.) Start rooting for another team, which begs the follow-up question, do you choose 1.) another team based on locality (Redskin -> PA team fan) or must you 2.) 'exile' your loyalty to an offbeat team, to avoid any appearance of jumping on a bandwagon (Carolina Panthers, anyone?).

Option B1 is the least realistic option, followed by A, and B2.

RRD's Grammy Picks

Based on a combination of who deserves to win, and my personal preference(s). My choices in bold, projected winners with ***.


Song of the Year
'Beg, Steal or Borrow' -- Ray LaMontagne
***'Forget You' -- Cee-Lo - It has been everywhere
'The House That Built Me' -- Miranda Lambert
'Love the Way You Lie' -- Eminem Feat. Rihanna
'Need You Now' -- Lady Antebellum

Album of the Year
'The Suburbs' -- Arcade Fire
'Recovery' -- Eminem
'Need You Now' -- Lady Antebellum
***'The Fame Monster' -- Lady Gaga - LG is everywhere, KP makes terrible music
'Teenage Dream' -- Katy Perry

Best New Artist
***Justin Bieber
Drake - Terrible to lose to JB
Florence and the Machine
Mumford and Sons
Esperanza Spalding

Record of the Year
'Nothing on You' -- B.o.B. Feat. Bruno Mars
'Love the Way You Lie' -- Eminem Feat. Rihanna
'Forget You' -- Cee-Lo
***'Empire State of Mind -- Jay-Z Feat. Alicia Keys - An instant and immediate classic
'Need You Now' -- Lady Antebellum

Best Female Pop Vocal Performance
'King of Anything' -- Sara Bareilles
'Halo (Live)' -- Beyoncé
'Chasing Pirates' -- Norah Jones
***'Bad Romance' -- Lady Gaga - Anything but KP
'Teenage Dream' -- Katy Perry

Best Male Pop Vocal Performance
'Haven't Met You Yet' -- Michael Bublé
'This is It' -- Michael Jackson
'Whataya Want from Me' -- Adam Lambert
***'Just the Way You Are' -- Bruno Mars
'Half of My Heart' -- John Mayer

Best Female Country Vocal Performance
'Satisfied' -- Jewel
***'The House That Built Me' -- Miranda Lambert - ML has had a great awards season, I see no reason for it not to keep going
'Swingin'' -- LeAnn Rimes
'Temporary Home' -- Carrie Underwood
'I'd Love to Be Your Last' -- Gretchen Wilson

Best Pop Performance by a Group or Duo with Vocals
'Don't Stop Believin' (Regionals Version)' -- 'Glee' cast
***'The Only Exception' -- Paramore - Are Glee remakes really music?
'Babyfather' -- Sade
'Hey, Soul Sister (Live)' -- Train

Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals
'Airplanes, Part II' -- B.o.B., Eminem & Hayley Williams
'Imagine' -- Herbie Hancock, Pink, India.Arie, Seal, Konono No 1, Jeff Beck & Oumou Sangare
'If it Wasn't for Bad' -- Elton John & Leon Russell
'Telephone' -- Lady Gaga & Beyoncé
***'California Gurls' -- Katy Perry & Snoop Dogg

Best Pop Vocal Album
'My World 2.0' -- Justin Bieber
'I Dreamed a Dream' -- Susan Boyle
***'The Fame Monster' -- Lady Gaga - SB is pop?
'Battle Studies' -- John Mayer
'Teenage Dream' -- Katy Perry

Best Country Song
'The Breath You Take' -- George Strait
'Free' -- Zac Brown Band
'The House That Built Me' -- Miranda Lambert
'I'd Love to Be Your Last' -- Gretchen Wilson
'If I Die Young' -- The Band Perry
***'Need You Now' -- Lady Antebellum - Biggest country song of the year

Best Country Album
'Up on the Ridge' -- Dierks Bentley
'You Get What You Give' -- Zac Brown Band
'The Guitar Song' -- Jamey Johnson - Forward-thinking, vastly underrated album
***'Need You Now' -- Lady Antebellum
'Revolution' -- Miranda Lambert

Best Rock Song
'Angry World' -- Neil Young
'Little Lion Man' -- Mumford & Sons
***'Radioactive' -- Kings Of Leon
'Resistance' -- Muse
'Tighten Up' -- The Black Keys

Best Rock Album
'Emotion & Commotion' -- Jeff Beck
'The Resistance' -- Muse
'Backspacer' -- Pearl Jam
'Mojo' -- Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers
***'Le Noise' -- Neil Young

Best R&B Song
'Bittersweet' -- Fantasia
'Finding My Way Back' -- Jaheim
'Second Chance' -- El DeBarge
***'Shine' -- John Legend & The Roots
'Why Would You Stay' -- Kem

Best R&B Album
'The Love & War Masterpeace' -- Raheem DeVaughn
'Back To Me' -- Fantasia
'Another Round' -- Jaheim
***'Wake Up!' -- John Legend & The Roots
'Still Standing' -- Monica

Best Contemporary R&B Album
'Graffiti' -- Chris Brown
'Untitled' -- R. Kelly
'Transition' -- Ryan Leslie
'The ArchAndroid' -- Janelle Monáe
***'Raymond V Raymond' -- Usher

Best Rap Song
'Empire State Of Mind -- Jay-Z & Alicia Keys - Jay-Z and Eminem split their votes
'Love the Way You Lie' -- Eminem & Rihanna
'Not Afraid -- Eminem
***'Nothin' On You' -- B.o.B & Bruno Mars
'On To The Next One' --Jay-Z & Swizz Beatz

Best Rap Album
'The Adventures of Bobby Ray' -- B.o.B
'Thank Me Later' -- Drake
***'Recovery' -- Eminem
'The Blueprint 3' -- Jay-Z
'How I Got Over' -- The Roots

Best Compilation Soundtrack Album for Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media
***'Crazy Heart' -- Various Artists - T-Bone Burnett is a master, Ryan Bingham is a worthy muse
'Glee: The Music, Volume 1' -- 'Glee' Cast
'Treme' -- Various Artists
'True Blood-Volume 2' -- Various Artists
'The Twilight Saga: Eclipse' -- Various Artists.

The First Time and Feels Like the First Time

Professional golfers I'd like to see win on the PGA in 2011.

5. Jamie Lovemark - Add another name to the young greats on tour.
4. Rickie Fowler - A swashbuckling swing and swashbuckling game. I see him winning before the Masters in 2011 (Waste Management at TPC Scottsdale?).
3. Steve Marino - Great Tour talent. I see him winning, and winning again soon thereafter.
2. Jeff Overton - "Boom Baby" would have his confidence skyrocket with a W. His experience from the Ryder Cup will push him over the hump early in 2011.
1. David Duval - Glad to see him playing well at the Hope. A fitting tournament name for a man who has turned around his golf game, and is playing competitively.

Will Read, Reading, and Read

Mostly as a self tracking mechanism, I'm listing the books I read in 2011 on the right. I've got no reading goal (# books) etc., but think it will be interesting to revisit my 2011 rota for insight into my tastes and preferences.

I will follow the honor code, and list all books I am reading, or plan to read.

Grey Area

I don't understand the punishment received by the Ohio State football players who were sanctioned for receiving improper benefits."

"The players are eligible for the bowl game because the NCAA determined they did not receive adequate rules education during the time period the violations occurred, Lennon said."

Quite the non-ruling ruling. On the heels of the Cam Newton ruling, the NCAA continues to arbitrarily dole out punishment, rendering their decisions as laughable. The NCAA couldn't be more transparent that bowl revenues drive their decisions.

As Pryor and his teammates enter the draft, they will escape any punishment.

Luck on Our Side

While I was caught off guard by the benching of Donovan McNabb, I was completely puzzled as to why Mike Shanahan would hand the keys to the Fiero to Rex Grossman. The Redskins thought enough of John Beck to trade for him, and he has a much greater upside than RG.

Then it hit me, and made complete sense.

Shanahan does not want to win. Losses increase draft equity.

The Redskins want Andrew Luck.

John Beck gives the Redskins a greater chance for victory, and if he shows any flash of talent, it will impede instilling Luck as QB from day one. Keeping Beck planted on the bench prevents any chance of an offseason quarterback controversy. The Redskins will show McNabb the door, Rex isn't taken seriously as the starter, and Beck remains an unknown quantity.

Strangely, I fully agree the Redskins need Luck. He is a proven winner, and has the upstanding 'it' quality of a winner. The Redskins won't draft another Auburn dual threat QB (Newton) and may settle for Mallett, but Luck is needed to revive this franchise.

If his career doesn't pan out, he can run for Congressional office.

RIP Bob Feller

Really sad to hear of the passing of Bob Feller. He was the first autograph I ever received (who wasn't a Disney character) at a Prince William Pirates game. I remember him being extremely patient and nice, and I thought, "wow, he's just like my grandfather."

I cannot think of a better compliment to give.

Little did I know of his experience or character, which I've come to learn. I'm glad my first autograph egged me to dig deeper. He was a great individual.

Weekend Chevron Thoughts

- Graeme McDowell makes the most of his talent. His final three holes (ridiculous bogey save on 17, 20 footer for birdies on 18 & P1) at the Chevron World Challenge were magnificent. I don't know how his swing doesn't lead him to hook every shot.

- European golfers putt better than their American counterparts. The (current) best professional putters - McDowell, Poulter, and Kaymer.

- The PGA Tour needs more match play, what better time than the Silly Season? Possibly something similar to Wentworth, but with eight golfers, three round-robin matches, and then a semi-final and final. Possibly invite golfers across different tours (PGA, LPGA, Champions, Nationwide).

- Has anyone heard from Ryo Ishikawa in the last six months?

I'm Embarrassed to Admit...

In the throes of Election Season, I figured there was no better time to watch a Wizards game and provide an outlook on their 2010-2011 prospects.

It will not be pretty. The team is a collection of individual parts, with little cohesion. I don't blame it on newcomers learning the scheme, but the attempt to capitalize on mismatches, to the detriment of development or team cohesion.

The Wizards have a few (two) bright spots.

1.) John Wall - Exciting and talented, and willing to defend and jump passing lanes. Needs to improve shot mechanics and bulk up (while keeping his speed). Beyond speed, he has the ability to fluidly change gears. Unfortunately, hits the floor 10-12 times a game; I hope he has the endurance to last a full NBA season.

2.) Javale McGee - He hustles and has size. Pithy compliments to pay a seven footer making millions, but it passes for praise on the Wizards. He received a standing ovation when he advanced the ball on a fast break.

Middling Wizards:
3.) Andray Blatche - Has size, but refuses to battle in the paint. Content to "operate" from the perimeter and settle for an off-balance contested shot. Not looking to involve his teammates in the offense, marginal defender. Has had two years worth of NBA development in his sixth year in the league. Somehow this constitutes 'middling'.

4.) Nick Young - Spot-up shooter, cannot create his own shot. Had no interest in the outcome of the game.

Horrible Wizards:
4.) Kirk Hinrich - Lost a step since his time in Chicago, which is painful, considering he only started with 3/4 step. Cannot push the ball in transition, or create his own shot. Defensive liability.

And, barely jersey-worthy:
5.) Yi Jianlian - No low post presence. Refuses to work in the paint, and pulled all his rebounds on deflections. Plays like a guard, the worst guard in the NBA. I watched incredulously (and comically) as he hoisted threes. Cannot be in the lineup as the game concludes, as he is a poor FT shooter, and poor defender.

The Wizards need Gilbert Arenas in the lineup (to replace KH), but I worry he'll take shots from Wall. Wall had a great line in last night's Win over Philadelphia (29, 13, 9 steals) but looked exhausted after playing almost 45 minutes.

I'd love to see the Wizards distribute PT to some of the end-of-the-benchers. Cartier Martin has a good shot, appears to hustle, and led to the call of the night ("Cartier playing like a gem!"). They need to dismantle every component of the team not named Wall or McGee and develop size (at any cost). Get something for Arenas while he still has value (any value). I'd take Luke Babbitt for Arenas, who would provide size and an unselfish attitude.

The Wizards are going to have a difficult season. Game 3, at home versus the Sixers, was a must win, which required a buzzer-beating game-tying three to be pushed to overtime. Between a few great nights from Wall and/or Arenas &unexpected wins, I'd guess they win 25 games (25 - 57).

I'd forgotten the pain of the final two minutes of a close NBA game. The half court inbounds after a dead ball won the game for the Wizards, but it was a bore to watch.

Swings and Misses

After Matteo Manassero's European Tour victory, I figured I'd check the progress of my October 2009 Best Golfers Under 25. Updated 2010 rankings below.

10. Tony Finau - Who?

9. Pablo Martin - I remember him being in contention in a few Euro Tour events. Currently 71st on the Euro Tour $ list.

8. Shane Lowry - Saw him on a mid-week Golf Channel Ireland Match with McIlroy, Clarke, and Harrington.

7. Rickie Fowler - Monday Ryder Cup heroics for a team which fell agonizingly short. No PGA wins, but a consistent performer and check casher.

6. Jason Day - PGA Tour winner, had a breakout year.

5. Ryo Ishikawa - Solid year, made cuts in Majors, played sparingly in the US.

4. Matteo Manassero - Great win in Europe, becoming the youngest winner on the European Tour.

3. Jamie Lovemark - Solidly in the Top Five on the Nationwide Tour, will begin career on the PGA Tour in 2011.

2. Anthony Kim - Injury plagued 2010.

1. Rory McIlroy - Win at Quail Hollow right before turning 21. Missed the PGA Championship playoff by a stroke (T3)


2010 Golfers Under 25

10. Seung-yul Noh - Leads the Asian Tour in scoring average.
9. Kevin Chappell - A win on the Nationwide Tour and the game to win on the PGA Tour.
8. Oliver Fisher - Some success on the Euro Tour (2nd, 2010 Madeira Islands Open), still looking for first win.
7. Danny Willett - Finished 2nd at the 2010 Dunhill Championship and has seven Top 10 finishes on the 2010 Euro Tour.
6. Chris Wood - Impressive showings in the Open, needs more consistency on the Euro Tour.
5. Jamie Lovemark
4. Jason Day
3. Matteo Manassero
2. Rickie Fowler
1. Rory McIlroy

At some point, very soon, two or three of these guys will be in contention on Sunday (PGA 2011) vying for their first win at a Major.

Style Blogs

As the list of blogs I follow evolves, I've gained interest in style blogs, which also seem to be proliferating. A few good (great) ones that won't steer your wrong:

A Time To Get - The best, a great place to start, and possibly end. Amazing content (LA based), and Nick is a great guy. I've read from start to finish. Also runs The Get Up and Get Down
A Continuous Lean - One of the bigger style spots, with excellent content
Manifold Destiny - DC based, although you'd be hard pressed to guess.
You Have Broken the Internet - Coming hard out of Chicago.