The behind the scenes look

Today is a treat for all of you because I am going to get a little more personal in this week’s sports blog. Although, now that I think about it, maybe that will turn some of you away but I hope it won’t as I discuss the secrets behind the dugout. With my internship for the summer at the Daily Herald, I had the pleasure last Saturday of shadowing the White Sox reporter (the pleasure was following a professional sports reporter, not because of the White Sox, except that it was actually a lot easier reporting on a team I wasn’t a fan of.) Any who, I thought I would talk about my experiences and explain to you why I love and want to report on sports so badly.

So after the journey to the big city and surprisingly not getting lost, I walked into the media entrance at U.S. Cellular Field. There, I was able to see the 2005 World Series trophy and get my press pass. There I met the Daily Herald reporter and we quickly (and I was unprepared) walked into the clubhouse, then to the dugout where Ozzie Guillen was sitting comfortably talking to reporters. I was just awed at first with where I was, what I was doing and who was sitting right by me but then my curiosity reporting skills kicked and I was honestly interested in what they were talking about. After having the pleasure of talking to Ozzie on and off the record (he is a funny guy, something I was not expecting. One reason I love sports: reporters probably talked to Ozzie for 10 minutes off the record just about baseball. Love it) we made our way to the press box. This was exceptionally cool because it is filled with all these reporters, and despite everyone kind of being rivals (all searching for that breaking news story) everyone was very friendly, if not actually friends. I then followed the reporter down to the clubhouse (note: never call it a locker room, not that I did but players really don’t like it according to Mr. Reporter) and had the honor of interviewing Paul Konerko. Despite my hatred for the White Sox for more then one reason, Konerko was a very nice man who was extremely polite and surprisingly soft spoken.

That was it for my encounters with the players and coaches, which is another of the reasons why I love sports. Clearly most athletes play sports because they love the game, but they also respect and want to do well for their fans. Which, I think, is one of the reasons they put up with reporters, they have to, we are the direct outlet to the fans. Although professional athletes can be stuck up, snobby, rich, greedy, and just annoyingly awful, some are actual nice human beings and I think all of them want their story to be told. Which is great for any reporter, plus they really love the game they play (well most of them, sometimes I wonder if athletes really do it just do it for the money: cough, NBA, cough.) As I discussed with the other reporters, we decided hockey players are still the most down to earth, reporter friendly guys (although with their salaries raising that could change.)

Anyways, after my interviews, I made my way to the press box and wrote my story. I felt so professional, it was in that instant that I felt so comfortable with what I was doing, I knew it was what I want to do with the rest of my life. Now getting to this point of making this my actual career is another story, but knowing what you want is always a huge accomplishment. So essentially what I’m getting at is that this was a great experience but all the same, behind the scenes is actually not that exciting. Yes, it’s cool to be in the dugout and the clubhouse, but this taught me that athletes are just people and there is no need to be nervous around them (or maybe I just felt that because I am not a Sox fan so it didn’t matter to me that much who I was talking to.) So, even though not all of you can be cool reporters like me, all that really matters is making sure your team wins.

With that I give you some side notes.

1. So sad about Olin Kreutz and Brad Maynard of the Bears who did not get picked up for another season. I could care less about Greg Olsen. I’m really just super sad about Maynard considering he played for the Bears for 10 seasons, plus he was good! Stupid front office, obsessed with money.

2. Baseball is getting really awesome right now, the prime time baseball season. Like games at this point are even more crucial, while players are fighting for those last stats (I vote Sabathia for the Cy Young award mainly because he’s an ex-Indian) and I’m crossing my fingers Cleveland can trump Detroit and make the playoffs. I’m over the Cubs, just done caring (although they have won 3 in a row so far which is a hug accomplishment for them). I am totally in Indian mode now!

3.  Big Ten Media Day was last Thursday and Friday and all I can say is I am so ready for tailgating and football. Looking forward to this season and what it has to offer for the Illini (please let us just be contenders!) It’s always a mystery with these guys, why is a fabulous question.

With that I say… Live long and prosper.

Being better than the Gap

Finding a successful romantic comedy is sometimes very difficult. You have cheesy ones that are actually just bad or guilty pleasures for some people. Movies like, The Wedding Date, Fool’s Gold, The Ugly Truth and Because I Said So, are so unbelievably predictable it becomes a little less fun. It is exciting when you see a movie like Juno, Love Actually, (for me) The Holiday, My Big Fat Greek Wedding and Date Night (although I’m biased on that one) because they have good actors, interesting characters and are actually funny. On Friday night I was able to watch one of the best romantic comedies I’ve seen in a very long in Crazy, Stupid, Love. I actually didn’t know where the film was going after Steve Carell got his makeover, which is shown in the trailer, and is always refreshing. Speaking of the trailer, and the critics in general, I must say I was pleasantly surprised neither ruined the movie (if you see it, you’ll understand what I’m talking about, you can maybe guess it but it’s still awesome). The acting was great, I laughed, there were awkward moments, there were cute moments and it actually had a relatively realistic storyline.

I would also like to just talk about two of the many stars in this film and highlight how much I love them. To begin, all I have to say is Ryan Gosling. This good-looking man is talented and also surprisingly funny. He had good comedic timing, wasn’t over the top in dramatic stuff and was believable in the change his character makes. The other is Emma Stone, who after I saw Easy A, have been kind of obsessed with because that movie is awesome. Not to mention she is starring in two films I’m looking forward to: The Help (a book I absolutely loved) and the new Spider-Man movie. She was also fantastic in this film as her goofy but realistic self. She is pretty easy to relate to but she also has this kind of delivery that reminds me of Tina Fey but in her own quirky way. There is no question I will see every movie she makes (her first movie was Superbad, a movie I’m not a fan of but I now look to watch again and reconsider).

This weekend I also had the honor to watch a movie, for the first time in I can’t even remember, with my entire family. We chose the recently released on DVD, the Lincoln Lawyer. I first must say I’m not a huge fan of Matthew McConaughey (probably like the only one). I haven’t been a big fan of his comedy movies and I’m not sure if he can act in the drama ones he makes. I have to say, though, this movie was very entertaining and well acted. It is not necessarily an award winning film but had a good plot that kept me interested. If you enjoy watching shows like Law and Order or reading books by Michael Connelly or John Grisham (this movie is actually based off a book by Michael Connelly and both are known for their court room drams) then you will like this movie.

Another movie I’d like to mention that I watched a few weeks ago was what I like to call this year’s Inception: Source Code. It was extremely awesome with a very odd plot as in “how do these people come up with these ideas” but really interesting and fun. Personally, you can’t go wrong with a Jake Gyllenhaal movie either, which is another reason why this film wins; October Sky is still one of my favorite movies. I would certainly recommend Source Code over Lincoln Lawyer but both were very entertaining and thought provoking. If you want something less intense, please go out and see Crazy, Stupid, Love. Gosling’s character tells Carell’s to be “better than the gap” and this movie certainly does that.

With that I give you some much needed movie side notes.

1. A milestone for Harry Potter, as Deathly Hallows Part 2 becomes the first boy-wizard film that has ever reached $1 billion. So a very excited congrats to them. As for the rest of the movies, it was announced Monday that Cowboys & Aliens only narrowly beat out The Smurfs after they were tied on Sunday. Both movies received pretty bad reviews (The Smurfs had worse) but congrats to them for entertaining us more then making a good film.

2. Can we agree that this is one of the coolest posters? Not necessarily the coolest ever, but certainly something that catches your eye. It’s not just because it has two of Hollywood’s good-looking guys but also because it is just so creative and perfectly photographed. Well done. Oh and the movie doesn’t look that bad either, not to mention the great cast (George Clooney and Ryan Gosling).

3. These photos were taken on the set of the Dark Knight Rises and even though it’s not much, it only makes me more excited. I have to say though, I’m kind of nervous. No matter how awesome Christopher Nolan is, and he is pretty awesome, he has some high expectations to live up to. Cross your fingers friends!

With that I say… Live long and prosper.

The curse of the spin off

Man does Glee have some drama happening right now. First it was announced that Lea Michele, Chris Colfer and Corey Monteith would not return for a fourth season because they were graduating. Then at Comic-Con co-creator Brad Falchuk announced those three stars would be returning for season 4 (even though technically they don’t have one yet even though they will get renewed released it. Sounded kind of presumptuous). To make matters even more complicated co-creator Ryan Murphy announced that there was in fact a Glee spin off series in the works to house the characters Rachel, Kurt and Finn at Julliard in New York. But Murphy said after all the media frenzy about Lea, Chris and Corey getting fired they decided to put everything on hold and just focus on season 3 and “making it the best ever.” This could be a reason I have started to not like Glee, because its creators are just announcing things left and right without thinking about what they’re saying.

Anyways, this whole spin off thing is mainly why this whole drama got my attention because I totally called a Glee spin off series to happen eventually (considering you can’t be in high school forever unless you’re Boy Meets World or Saved by the Bell, but even those shows moved on to college.) Television spin offs have been around for ages. Most of them unsuccessful and horribly entertaining but some have actually been quite successful, rarely even better than the show (I’m looking at you Frasier). And by spin offs I don’t mean like cartoon spin offs (Transformers: Prime) or reality spin offs like The Hills of the eight Kardashian shows there have been. When I talk about spin offs I mean a character on a show has moved on to make another show. For example: Angel from Buffy the Vampire Slayer; Frasier from Cheers; Addison Montgomery (Private Practice) from Grey’s Anatomy; Joey from Friends. All of those are the ultimate spin offs, where you have to create a whole new life for the characters and things from their old life (the other show) may come into play. You also have the spin offs that come from the same drama like all the Law and Order shows, NCIS and CSI’s but I don’t count those as impressive cause I could have created those.

So to the point of all this mess with Glee, I was trying to decide if a spin off of the show would be successful. I look at Private Practice (which I watched the first season of as a loyal Grey’s Anatomy fan) and found it actually quite good, mainly because I loved Addison. Then I look at the show Joey, who I love from Friends and it epically failed. Like it was painful to watch. Not funny at all. I suppose then it comes down to what every great show needs: great writers. I will say Glee has its funny moments. Some of the plot lines are really stupid and cheesy but anything that comes out of Jane Lynch’s mouth is great. If they are to create this spin off (which I believe will happen sometime in the future) then they really have to be careful not to make the same show they already have. I think that is another big reason some spin offs don’t work. Private Practice works because even though it is still the medical field, it is a totally different atmosphere. And even if the kids would be going to college, Glee would need to make sure they have great characters that are interesting as well. To be honest, maybe a college environment would be more interesting and less annoying then some of the story lines in Glee (like the prom episode or yearbook drama). Maybe this spin off could be a more sophisticated show with less music. It will be interesting to see how season 3 goes, especially now there is no Sam (so sad about Chord Overstreet rejecting to come back for 10 episodes). They are going to have to take up a notch.

Why do they need to kick it up a notch? Because of one show I’m looking forward to this upcoming fall season: Smash. I’m sure all of you will hear about Smash in the coming months since it is the first show to challenge Glee in a musical format (though it is more drama focused then comedy). The show stars Debra Messing (Will & Grace) and season 6 winner of American Idol Katharine McPhee. It actually looks kind of promising. It is a midseason show and will premiere on NBC.

With that I give you some television side notes.

1. Only two weeks left of the greatest reality show, I think, on television right now and maybe throughout the whole year: So You Think You Can Dance. Probably one of the few talent search shows where the entire top-20 can actually dance. I was sad to see Jess go last night (especially since I picked up him in the finale). Since he is gone, I declare Tadd will join Marko for the two boys (Ricky will be off next week) and I still believe it will be Melanie and Sasha for the girls.

2. It was announced yesterday that Sarah Drew who plays April Kepner on Grey’s Anatomy is pregnant. So I’m quite interested to see how that gets written into the show, especially since April has never done it. Should be interesting what the writers come up with. It was also announced that Patricia Clarkson (Mom from Easy A) will play Tammy 1 in Parks and Rec and all I can say is YES! Despite some of her dramatic roles, after seeing Easy A and her as one of the Mother Lovers in the SNL Digital Short, I have no doubt she will be awesome.

3. So this isn’t television, but I couldn’t resist the fact that new the Hunger Games photos were released yesterday in Entertainment Weekly. And I have to say I am very, very excited. Looks like I found something to fill part of the large whole Harry has left.

With that I say... Live long and prosper. 

To replay or to not replay

There is no quote needed for this horrible, awful, monstrosity of a call. All you have to do is watch this clip before reading this blog so you can understand what I'm talking about. 

So, the Braves win the game off of a walk-off single and because a call by the umpire of "safe," means the Pirates lose. Personally I have been very against instant replay in Major League Baseball. It is a classic sport, America's pastime, a game that should not be tampered with. I always thought umpires generally made good calls and if they didn't have the greatest calls they were at lease consistent. The problem I have with instant replay is there has to be some limitations with it and most sports do have them. Like in tennis, each player has three challenges to make when they don't agree with a call. I would say this is a great idea because if there are no rules then it can get a little crazy. Football each team has two challenges. All of those work out nicely. The problem I have with it in baseball is what limitations there can be.

I think it would be silly for the referees to challenge balls and strikes, umpires get paid enough to make that kind of call on if a ball is in the strikes zone. I think if instant replay were to be created then it should really only be for if a player is out or not. Especially in situations when the game is on the line, for example when it is the bottom of the 19th inning and the game ends on a really awful call. So, I think two challenges per team on strictly if he is safe or out should apply. And to be quite honest I'm not even sure if that would work. This is a game that people have been playing for ages, and we are human. It is natural to make mistakes, we're not perfect and we don't all have perfect eye sight. I think that this could have a test trial, maybe in spring training to see how everything works. Or just for one season and then go from there. The other consideration I have is maybe just having it for the playoffs but that could be inconsistent for the whole season.

I suppose what I'm getting at is I honestly don't know. I suppose it would be interesting to look further into these matters. Meaning we should ask the players, managers, umpires if they think is a necessary thing. I mean they are the ones most affected by bad calls so I feel like we should get their input more then just the general public. To be honest, it is kind of refreshing not having instant replay and being a Cubs fan and watching those games at Wrigley Field; that is classic baseball. I suppose I wouldn't want to change any of that just like I would hate to see any type of renovations on Wrigley and would hate to see the Cubs actually win a World Series. I guess things might be better if they are just left alone.

With that I give you some nice sports centered side notes.
1. Finally. A nice deep breath out. I don't have to watch professional bowling every Sunday afternoon on ESPN (although I did recently go bowling and I must say I'm quite good). Instead we are all lucky to have America's most popular sport back in football. The players are heading to their respected training camps, free agents are being let go and picked up, and I am sad to say Brad Maynard of the Chicago Bears has been let go. With a day of celebration, it is sad to see the 10 year punter for the Bears to leave.
2. It read in the Chicago Tribune this morning that Michael Phelps forgot his swim trunks at the World Championships. I read this and died of laughter. We joked at work today that he must have been doing you know what and forgot to bring them. I mean honestly, out of all the sports what else do you need to remember as a swimmer? It's not like you're a football or hockey player with pads. I hope he remembers to bring them when he heads to London for the Olympics.
3. Speaking of Olympics, it's one year to the day before the London games begin. Raise your hand if you're excited! I must say I look forward to see London as hosts not to mention all the great games that happen in the summer instead of the winter (let's be honest, swimming and gymnastics are way more exciting then speed skating or ice skating). Cross your fingers for as great of a games as the Beijing games were.

With that I say... Live long and prosper.

Reminiscing in the past

"So do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us." - Gandalf, Lord of the Rings, the Fellowship of the Ring

Above is probably one of my favorite quotes from the series (which I am currently attempting to read for the first time). I felt like I should document the fact that the Lord of the Rings films are my favorite movies of all time. Some may have thought Harry, but not even close (Harry wins the book battle) because I can probably watch any of the three movies at any time. For some reason I decided I should pay tribute to that fact, which is quite remarkable considering the films are all three hours long. Fun fact, for my 13th birthday party (or two weeks before 8th grade) I had a Lord of the Rings themed party. Some may think that would mean plates, hats, napkins with Gandalf's face plastered on them. But no. The lucky 10 friends I invited had the pleasure of watching all three films in a row (not extended version, but I have done all three extended in one day). We had a sleepover and by an hour through the second movie I think everyone was done, except me. Hey, it was my party so I could do whatever I want. So we continued watching all three magical, magnificent, cinematic genius films in my cozy basement. I hope that demonstrates my love for these films.

I would now like to give a nice shout out to my mother and brother for making me see the Fellowship of the Ring in theaters after many protests and complaints on my end. Half way through the film I was in love. I am eternally grateful to them. I have three great memories with each film as they came out, each in December. For the first film I remember my parents coming home on New Years Eve, after they saw it for the first time, in amazement. I thought they were exaggerating on how good it was. I remember driving to the movie theater after agreeing to see the film as my brother was trying to give me a basic summary (since he read the book). I remember hearing about Orcs and me going "huh?" convinced it was going to be really stupid. But then it was just pure awesomeness. The casting, the acting, the sets, the realism of Middle Earth, the special effects, the makeup, the direction, there are very little flaws in all three movies.

We move on to the second film, my obsession only growing. I clearly remember a Wednesday evening with my brother and sister (who had now been under the curse like the rest of us). My brother was playing a Lord of the Rings video game when my sister was like "Let's see it again." I couldn't believe my ears, it was a Wednesday night and I was in 6th grade. I didn't know it was allowed to go see a movie on a weekday (my parents were in the city) and we did. We went to the movies, we were the only people in the theater and it was extremely fun because we were able to just talk aloud our thoughts on each scene. It was fantastic.

The last movie was much anticipated. My brother and sister (both in high school) were going to see the midnight showing (this is before these were a regular thing) and I wanted to go with them. Considering I was very young, I think 12, my mother would not let me go. Of course I would have been with my siblings but that did not matter. I was heart broken, I had this incredible desire for it to be my first midnight showing movie. I guess I was not persuasive enough and was not allowed, especially since it was a during the week. That next day, which was a Wednesday because all Lord of the Rings movies came out on Wednesday's, my mother picked me up from school. She surprised me with buying tickets for a 4 o'clock showing and we saw the movie together. There are no words to describe how awesome this movie is (if you haven't seen it, get off your butt and go rent it). I suppose the 11 Oscars it won (to tie the most ever with Ben-Hur and Titanic) is evidence of how epic they really are.

Even though they may not have the box office numbers like Harry Potter or Twilight. They may not have the biggest fans in the world like Star Wars or Star Trek. But, in my opinion, I think that they are the best movies ever made based off a book. Now, I haven't read the books, but the attention to detail and thought (after watching the extended special features on all the films) I think these movies are the greatest. Peter Jackson may never live up to his Lord of the Rings success (cross your fingers he does with the two Hobbit films) but the three films he made could possibly be, in all aspects, the best three movies I will ever see in my entire life.

With that some side notes from Hollywood.
1. I am a little bitter but must give my congrats to Captain America for winning the box office this week, but I mainly think it's because Harry made so much money in the first week that it would be hard to have that happen again the next weekend. I am also excited to see next weeks winner, with Crazy Stupid Love and Cowboys & Aliens coming out (both of which are getting good reviews so far).
2. I would like to say I am anxiously awaiting the revamped Spider-Man movie. It may be because Andrew Garfield is really good looking or because I am in love with Emma Stone and her sense of humor, or it might be because Sally Field is in it and you really can't go wrong with Sally Field. To watch a cool interview with director and cast from Comic-Con click here and if you want to watch the trailer check it out here.
3. I hope you like Snow White cause there is gonna be a lot her next year. There are two films in production, scheduled to come out next year by two different production companies: Relativity and Universal. The first will be The Brothers Grimm: Snow White, which will feature Lily Collins (Blind Side) as Snow White and Julia Roberts (I hope you know her) as the Evil Queen. The other is Snow White and the Huntsman featuring Kristin Stewart (Twilight) as Snow White, Charlize Theron (Monster) as the Evil Queen and Chris Hemsworth (Thor) as the Huntsman. I for one am interested in seeing both films, especially seeing Roberts as an evil queen.

With that I say... Live long and prosper.

Wishing I was a Gilmore

Lorelai: Kirk asked me out.
Rory: Shut up!
Lorelai: Yesterday.
Rory: That's so sweet!
Lorelai: Rory!
Rory: What are you gonna wear? Ooh, you should wear your dress with the ponies on it, I bet he likes ponies.
Lorelai: You're not serious.
Rory: I bet you'll have a good time.
Lorelai: "Hello, headmaster Charleston, this is my stepdad, Kirk. Try not to make any sudden movements, he's a fear biter!"
Rory: OK, so how are you gonna let him down?

It has been a sad four years since Gilmore Girls said their goodbyes to the loyal fans. The seventh and final season was the only one I watched live and even thought it got many bad reviews, I still enjoyed it until we last saw Lorelai and Rory eating at Luke's Diner. I was personally incredibly satisfied with how the series ended and loved the last scene. The reason I reminisce about one of the funniest television shows, I think, in the last 10 years is because I have watched the first two seasons over again in the last week or so. It proves that watching reruns is just as fun as watching the show for the first time. I totally forgot how witty, fast talking and great the plot stories were to this show, especially in the early years. I wanted to talk about this fantastic show because I feel like some people have maybe forgotten about it or maybe they have never seen it. If this is the case, you must! Even if you don't like it the first time. To be honest it takes a couple episodes to get into and then it's just hilarious.

I would like to first declare I wish I could take as fast as they do on this show. I also wish I had such quick witty responses to everyday conversation but alas, I unfortunately don't have brilliant writers scripting my life. I love the dynamic of Lorelai and Rory. They are best friends but also mother/daughter at least once in the show. Whether that be discussing Lorelai's parents, Rory's relationships or college applications. They also have lots of fun (note pretty much all scenes at Luke's) and have great interactions (see the quote above). It is also how Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel deliver their lines. The plot is always great and unpredictable (for the most part) which helps keep the show very interesting and easy to want to watch the next episode.

This is the part where I wish very deeply they make a movie from the show. Now they are running out of town but they have like the perfect premise. When Rory left, she had a job for then Senator Barack Obama. How perfect would that be to make a movie out of. What has happened the last four years, on his political campaign with Gilmore's being the core. We could finally see Lorelai and Luke married. Maybe see a new boyfriend for Rory. It would be a huge success and I hope in my heart that the actors would be willing to do it. I understand they are both doing different things (although I will note Bledel has yet have a good movie since Traveling Pants). Lauren Graham has Parenthood, but we know that is kind of hanging on its last thread, even though she is very funny in it, she will always be Lorelai. I for one would love a movie and I know many fans would be in line to watch the next chapter of the Gilmore clan.

With that I will give you some exciting side notes, especially with Comic-Con going on right now.
1. Can you wait for Dexter season six after this teaser trailer? Cause I know I can't. This looks like an awesome season with a cool focus and great guest actors. I'm looking forward to Colin Hanks (Tom Hanks' son) as I believe some sort of religious man. I loved him in Mad Men and excited to see what he brings to Dexter.
2. This breaks my heart, but it will always remain my favorite television show ever: Lost had a panel at Comic-Con called "Totally Lost: One Year Later." The one year later part is just so depressing because it was such a revelation show but nonetheless had to end. Just wanted to point it out because I can't believe it has already been a year since Lost ended. So sad.
3. It would seem wrong for me not to at least mention So You Think You Can Dance as we enter the Top 8 next week. I'd like now predict the final two girls and final two boys. It will be Melanie and Sasha for the girls, Marko and Jess (despite the fact he can't do a lift). The girls are without question, I would say Caitlin has a chance but Jordan is the next one out. For the guys Ricky seems to get in the bottom 3 too much and I just don't really like Tadd, though he has a chance. Plus I love Jess (but not the one from Gilmore Girls).

With that I say... Live long and prosper.

The Legends and the Leaders

"If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude." - Maya Angelou

Looks like I'm going to have to change my attitude toward Big Ten sports from now on. Although it was announced last summer, Nebraska was officially inducted into the Big Ten (which has 12 teams. I know makes complete sense but remember these are sports people creating the leagues) on July 1. I realize this is kind of sad since they were announced 20 days ago but I only just noticed they were  now official. But in my defense I have been very wrapped up in Harry Potter crazy, Women's Soccer World Cup and the summer flying by. Anyways I felt compelled to talk about it because I haven't really thought what this means for the Big Ten, Illinois (which I will refer to as us or we because they're my team) and college sports in general.

First off I'd like to say the Legends and Leaders thing is really stupid and clearly Legends is better sounding than Leaders. But the names are beside the point because I really don't like this idea of splitting the division up. I do recognize it is really only for football considering all other sports compete with every team anyways, I just think it divides the conference. To talk completely in football terms: I do like the fact of having a championship game to prove a true winner but I hate the idea of divisions. I guess I'm being nostalgic. I don't like the fact that the top team from the Legends league and the top from the Leaders league have to faceoff. It should just be the two top teams with the best record. It's kind of how I feel about the MLB or the NFL. For example, how the Seattle Seahawks advanced in the NFL playoffs with a losing record. To me, it just seems incredibly unfair for when better teams in different leagues who play harder games can't make it to the playoffs when a team who can't even be above .500 advances. This is what I'm afraid of will happen in the Big Ten.

Secondly, I would like to point out we have not played Iowa since 2008. We have yet to plan a game against them for the next two seasons. The next time we could possibly play Iowa is 2013 and that's not even for sure. This would mean I never saw Iowa play Illinois during my college career. That seems incredibly wrong. They are in the same division! We play Western Michigan twice in the next two years. Somehow that seems odd to me. Aren't we suppose to be playing teams in our division even if Illinois is a Leader and Iowa a Legend. And it's not like I love Iowa or they are bad or good it just seems wrong not playing them.

The last argument I have with this, we are now forced to play the teams in our division every year. That means Ohio State every year, that means Wisconsin every year. Now I'm not saying Illinois is bad or these teams are great but they have a big history in football. But people graduate and change. Five of the six teams that are in the Leaders division could be going through transitions and that doesn't seem fair to always have to play them. I do realize this happened before the split of the divisions and addition to Nebraska (who by the way we don't see until 2013), but it just seems more definite now. Not to mention this changes how all the teams advance in college football in a Bowl game. The fact we don't play Iowa, a team in our division, could be the difference of whether we advance to a certain Bowl game. Just thinking out loud here. With all the complaints I will say I absolutely with no doubt am happy to see the Big Ten with a championship game. It's about time. Now all we have to do is fix the BCS, but that's going to be a while, I'm sure. All in all I suppose I just better get used to these changes because it's not going to be different. So here's to for sure playing Ohio State, Wisconsin, Indiana, Purdue and Penn State every season for at least the next four seasons.

With that I give you some lovely side notes.
1. First I must congratulate the National Women's Soccer Team for making it to the finals of the World Cup despite the loss. It seems they read my last sports blog and dug deep to get to the ultimate goal but then forgot how to kick a penalty kick. Maybe reviewing Brandi Chastain's winning P.K. would have been a wise. Oh well, looks like soccer has some new heroes to look up to. Thanks Abby and your giant forehead. 
2. This is pathetic. The Cubs have lost eight of their last nine series and the one they didn't lose was a four game series where they tied. Not to mention they have yet to win more than two games in a row. I don't even have a response. Completely and utterly disgusting. 
3. NFL is kind of getting close to an agreement. Yes? Well they did not vote on Wednesday on the new CBA but it's looking like they soon will be. Cross your fingers that they do and they all vote YES and players get back in shape after all those beer bellies they have (gosh I hope not). 


With that I say... Live long and prosper.