"If you stumbled across this blog by chance, you might want to consider hitting the 'Back' button before continuing. Consider this your first, last, and only warning...proceed at your own risk."
P. Nurple (1st entry - April 2008)
"As stated in a previous post, it's nice to know that those types of memories won't be lost forever. Here's to the next 50 entries!"
"The Rambler" (50th entry - August 2008)
In my first post, I explained that I started this blog due to Livejournal friends who complained that I wrote too much about ultimate, and Facebook friends who had no idea why I kept posting pictures of this crazy sport. Although that's the reason I started, as I approached 100 entries, I had to question why I continued to blog.
Afterall, I'll never be as eloquent and insightful as Steve, who writes a far superior ultimate blog that's directed to a Canada-wide audience. Nor will I ever be the player that Wronski or Sharpe are, who can both succinctly summarize open games in a few sentences. Hell, I won't even be able to explain the mystic connection between stars and discs like my Gelato-loving friend does on an all-too-infrequent basis. If the three Ottawa ultimate blogs listed above aren't to your liking, just hit up www.ocua.ca for the full details on the Ottawa ultimate frisbee scene.
As stated in my 50th entry, I've come to enjoy re-reading some of my older entries. Reading how down I felt after my first Fish tryout, how insecure I was going to my first two day tournament (Flights), and the pride I experienced after giving my all at Regionals enable me to re-live important moments in my development as a player...and person.
There's definitely more than the ability to re-experience the past that has kept me writing. I'm always pleasantly surprised (and a little scared) when someone approaches me and tells me that they read my blog. It's particularly frightening when this is how a person introduces themselves to me. Having said that, I've met a number of extremely talented players through this blog, which is definitely a benefit. My unscientific research tells me that most of you found my blog through a search engine or got the link from a friend. To these individuals, I appreciate you taking the time to read my thoughts. However, please continue to be warned not to take my rambling too seriously.
There's also the fact that this blog is a creative outlet. The parody songs, top ten lists, poems, predictions, and recaps are VERY different from what I do on a daily basis (analyze credit risk of foreign buyers). In the case of some of the more embarrassing entries (cut from Arrested Development, BigFish, IAD…notice a pattern? ;-)) the blog can even be considered a no-cost form of therapy.
Although I've improved at censoring my entries, I still struggle with how much should go in my posts, and how much should stay private. I'd never want anyone to be upset over something I wrote. At the same time, I feel an obligation to be honest. Having said that, there's been a fair amount of ultimate-related stuff that was simply too personal to appear here.
I continue to fear that if I'm too candid about my shortcomings as a player, someone might use the information against me. That said, a common piece of feedback I get from readers is that I'm too hard on myself. For instance, regarding a recent IID game, even though I focused on bad decisions in the recap, honestly, the other team had nobody who could run with me, which resulted in 5 goals, 5 assists, and 5 D's (yah 55…5!). The challenge of writing a well balanced, insightful, semi-censored post, is kind of fun…if that makes sense?
Looking forward, I can't guarantee that the blog will be around forever or that I'll write as frequently. Finding topics to address is increasingly challenging. That said, if I can achieve my goal next summer and make the tournament roster of Fish, the experience will definitely give me enough material to keep plugging away (maybe in a new location though). More than anything else, it's the people (especially team-mates and friends) that keep me writing. At the risk of sounding cliché, ultimate characters are the salt of the earth.
It's funny, but the last time I posted some ultimate pictures on Facebook, I didn't get any complaints or weird comments from FB friends. That's probably because I've recently reached the tipping point where the majority of my FB friends are from ultimate, as opposed to "real life" (a blurry line lately). My Livejournal friends have recently started to ask about my ultimate exploits, which is equally amusing. Maybe I don't need this blog afterall? ;-)
In parting, I'll echo a line from one of my favorite current songs and leave you with this comment about the blog - Enjoy yourself, take anything you need from it :) Here's to the next 100 entries! Until next time, happy hucking!
Monday, January 19, 2009
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Week 7 Recap
"You laid out
Got turf burn on your knees from it."
Embroiderer of Hankerchiefs - My soon-to-be favorite ultimate parody song
Ottawa was hit with frigid temperatures this week, which worked oh so well with the ongoing (never-ending) transit strike. Even though winter ultimate is played indoors, the chilling weather impacted the level of play as explained below.
- Instead of the early week Fish workout, I hit the gym on my own Monday and Tuesday. Let's face it, my pythons need to be fed ;-)
- With DGo out of the line-up, and Jenny-go-Leng replacing Lilyhammers and Tiesmen on my IID team, the Hammers experienced some "transitional difficulties" losing to former coaches GinnandJuice and Bowsdoesthisitch's team by a score about 19-15.
- Not using it as an excuse, but the cold really hurt the Hammers. The number of drops, especially those in the endzone, were triple the normal. How cold was it? Giddy-up warmed up in a ski jacket and toque. Hell, I was staying on the field for 3 and 4 point stretches just to keep warm.
- As a high-light, I accomplished my goal of shutting down Kennifer Langandtall on D. He didn't catch one point with me on him, and I made him work just for dump passes that lost yards.
- The second high-light of the game was trash-talking Golentements on our opponent's team. Since my background is basketball, and she's a field hockey gal, I knew she'd be down for a little junk talk between points.
- Low-light was not being able to step-up enough to compensate for DGo. Not to say I didn't rack up the offensive stats again this week. I knew I'd have to play at my highest level to make-up for DGo's absence, and I didn't reach that. Although ultimate is a team sport, I take sole responsibility for that loss. I had enough PT to be a difference maker, but wasn't.
- Michelle's ultimate fitness class on Thursday followed the typical pattern for me.
1. Didn't feel like going (the new job and carpooling is draining).
2. Hauled my ass to class to get my money's worth.
3. Had a couple of laughs during the class.
4. Walked out feeling fantastic (thank you endorphins!).
- The high-light of the class had to be Gav, who was supposed to be jogging at 50% for cool down, running at about 85% so he could snap people with a towel (one he surprisingly brought from home!).
- A couple of times during class, I found myself running next to Demonic Kwok. This has inspired me to create a rule: I will NOT race Damian in class…or ever.
- Read that team fees will increase by 17% this summer. Considering field fees went up by 50%, and the majority of OCUA's fields are city ones, 17% doesn't sound excessive. Of course my hammering idol MHJ thought otherwise.
- Finishing Move won our second game of the season on Friday against the Cleverest Everest. I had the score as about 19-16, but it's 25-19 in LeaugeWonder.
- The high-light of the game had to be the play of our supersubs Pistol Pete, Triple S, and...hmmm...need to think of a nickname....Layout Linds (?), The Thunder from Down Under (?), Lindseroo (?). Between the supersubs and AD'er John Nymancan'tbeatme, our offense was impressive.
- The low-light for Friday night was dropping 5 scores. As stated, the cold weather definitely got to me, as my hands were a nice shade of purple for most of the game. Complicating matters was my aching thigh (sports hernia acting up), and my lack of good sense to put on my damn receivers gloves that were in my bag *sigh*. Not my best effort...but, I'm glad FM won inspite of my ineptitude.
- Oh, on a happier note, I might be playing Snowplate this year. It sounds like a good time....even though it's in Sudbury :P
This week, I have to re-committ to my physio exercises, since my groin is giving me some issues. Also on the plate are a Wednesday game against Pistol Pete's undefeated squad, a Friday game against a yet to-be-named opponent(/victim), avoiding being towel snapped by Gavin, and....*drum roll* my 100th entry. It's drafted, but I'd like to go over it once before posting. While I'm downtown Thursday for class, I'm going to try to catch 'The Wrestler' at the Bytown. Here's hoping the temperature warms up, the bus strike ends, and my sports hernia miraculously heals *sigh*. Until next time, happy hucking!
Got turf burn on your knees from it."
Embroiderer of Hankerchiefs - My soon-to-be favorite ultimate parody song
Ottawa was hit with frigid temperatures this week, which worked oh so well with the ongoing (never-ending) transit strike. Even though winter ultimate is played indoors, the chilling weather impacted the level of play as explained below.
- Instead of the early week Fish workout, I hit the gym on my own Monday and Tuesday. Let's face it, my pythons need to be fed ;-)
- With DGo out of the line-up, and Jenny-go-Leng replacing Lilyhammers and Tiesmen on my IID team, the Hammers experienced some "transitional difficulties" losing to former coaches GinnandJuice and Bowsdoesthisitch's team by a score about 19-15.
- Not using it as an excuse, but the cold really hurt the Hammers. The number of drops, especially those in the endzone, were triple the normal. How cold was it? Giddy-up warmed up in a ski jacket and toque. Hell, I was staying on the field for 3 and 4 point stretches just to keep warm.
- As a high-light, I accomplished my goal of shutting down Kennifer Langandtall on D. He didn't catch one point with me on him, and I made him work just for dump passes that lost yards.
- The second high-light of the game was trash-talking Golentements on our opponent's team. Since my background is basketball, and she's a field hockey gal, I knew she'd be down for a little junk talk between points.
- Low-light was not being able to step-up enough to compensate for DGo. Not to say I didn't rack up the offensive stats again this week. I knew I'd have to play at my highest level to make-up for DGo's absence, and I didn't reach that. Although ultimate is a team sport, I take sole responsibility for that loss. I had enough PT to be a difference maker, but wasn't.
- Michelle's ultimate fitness class on Thursday followed the typical pattern for me.
1. Didn't feel like going (the new job and carpooling is draining).
2. Hauled my ass to class to get my money's worth.
3. Had a couple of laughs during the class.
4. Walked out feeling fantastic (thank you endorphins!).
- The high-light of the class had to be Gav, who was supposed to be jogging at 50% for cool down, running at about 85% so he could snap people with a towel (one he surprisingly brought from home!).
- A couple of times during class, I found myself running next to Demonic Kwok. This has inspired me to create a rule: I will NOT race Damian in class…or ever.
- Read that team fees will increase by 17% this summer. Considering field fees went up by 50%, and the majority of OCUA's fields are city ones, 17% doesn't sound excessive. Of course my hammering idol MHJ thought otherwise.
- Finishing Move won our second game of the season on Friday against the Cleverest Everest. I had the score as about 19-16, but it's 25-19 in LeaugeWonder.
- The high-light of the game had to be the play of our supersubs Pistol Pete, Triple S, and...hmmm...need to think of a nickname....Layout Linds (?), The Thunder from Down Under (?), Lindseroo (?). Between the supersubs and AD'er John Nymancan'tbeatme, our offense was impressive.
- The low-light for Friday night was dropping 5 scores. As stated, the cold weather definitely got to me, as my hands were a nice shade of purple for most of the game. Complicating matters was my aching thigh (sports hernia acting up), and my lack of good sense to put on my damn receivers gloves that were in my bag *sigh*. Not my best effort...but, I'm glad FM won inspite of my ineptitude.
- Oh, on a happier note, I might be playing Snowplate this year. It sounds like a good time....even though it's in Sudbury :P
This week, I have to re-committ to my physio exercises, since my groin is giving me some issues. Also on the plate are a Wednesday game against Pistol Pete's undefeated squad, a Friday game against a yet to-be-named opponent(/victim), avoiding being towel snapped by Gavin, and....*drum roll* my 100th entry. It's drafted, but I'd like to go over it once before posting. While I'm downtown Thursday for class, I'm going to try to catch 'The Wrestler' at the Bytown. Here's hoping the temperature warms up, the bus strike ends, and my sports hernia miraculously heals *sigh*. Until next time, happy hucking!
Friday, January 16, 2009
OC Transpo is Ruining Our Flow!
"From the home office in Grand Rapids, Michigan..."
Top 10 Ways That The Transit Strike Has Impacted Indoor Ultimate
10. The know-it-all tyrant on your team is now referred to as "Mayor O'Lyin".
9. When a player is having a bad game, they're asked if they're on strike.
8. DMO has been engaged as a high-priced consultant to fix OC Transpo scheduling issues for the city via a LeagueWonder software upgrade.
7. Teams wearing red and white are thought to be lazy and are heavily jeered.
6. Rules arguments now end with both sides walking away without resolution.
5. When slagged for not laying out, players explain that it's not in their contract.
4. Late arrivers no longer use the excuse of missing their bus…but instead complain about the traffic.
3. Parking passes are useless at FCS, with no refunds offered.
2. Being referred to as "As slow as a 85 on Carling" is no longer considered an insult, but is now a joke.
1. Teams designate their most inexperienced public speaker to do all the talking on their behalf; a position referred to as "Cornellier".
Top 10 Ways That The Transit Strike Has Impacted Indoor Ultimate
10. The know-it-all tyrant on your team is now referred to as "Mayor O'Lyin".
9. When a player is having a bad game, they're asked if they're on strike.
8. DMO has been engaged as a high-priced consultant to fix OC Transpo scheduling issues for the city via a LeagueWonder software upgrade.
7. Teams wearing red and white are thought to be lazy and are heavily jeered.
6. Rules arguments now end with both sides walking away without resolution.
5. When slagged for not laying out, players explain that it's not in their contract.
4. Late arrivers no longer use the excuse of missing their bus…but instead complain about the traffic.
3. Parking passes are useless at FCS, with no refunds offered.
2. Being referred to as "As slow as a 85 on Carling" is no longer considered an insult, but is now a joke.
1. Teams designate their most inexperienced public speaker to do all the talking on their behalf; a position referred to as "Cornellier".
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Week 7 Picks
"Had you thrown that half court hammer, I would have benched you!"
S. GinnandJuice - 1 year ago, to his former (not-so-)prized pupil.
Let's see if I can make it through this Wednesday night without the league coordinator loudly pointing out my mistakes. Oh, and I might as well pick 4 games and 1 quote correctly while I'm at it....
Grey vs. Hammers
Captains GinnandJuice and Bowsdoesthisitch will be out to teach their former (not-so-)prized pupil a thing or two in the opening game of the night. An interesting subplot will be the match-up of former Fish speedster Giddy-up against current Fish speed demon Golontements. With Grey's Deefense CanWaite trash-talking me via Facebook status-comments, I might have to enlist my fellow slag-star Rigid to find a way to quiet the fiery redhead so that I can concentrate on shutting down Kennifer Langandtall on defense, which could prove to be a tall order. Expect a spirited game with Hammer newbie Jenny Go-Leng proving her cutting dominance to lead the Hammers to a close win.
Threezerburn vs. Army of Darkness
In order to improve my predicting accuracy percentage by 25% a week, I'm going stop picking Threezerburn to win until such a time when Mahatma comes to his senses and gives them the handler they so desperately need. Non-Reza-friend Ja'red LaRouge bolsters the team with the best cutters in the league, but a handler he is not. On the other hand, the "loss" of Army's third best cutter (IMHO) to IAD has opened up more striking space for IID's power couple – Mr. & Mrs. Bush. Downtown Dave Brown will huck it long all night long, leading Army to a double digit win.
2 x 12s vs. Ocho
Salmon has the 12s playing decent ultimate, but not quite good enough to beat Ocho...yet. It was odd that Ocho didn't get dismantled in the holiday shake-up, since they have a solid team from top-to-bottom. In order to promote equality in the league, I've decided to unmask one of the leagues' "quiet killers" each week. This week's lucky (?) wiener is Liz No-breaks Drake of Ocho, who's fast, smart, and skilled. My advice to Salmon's squad is to come out with a little more intensity, and be ready to run all night against Ocho. I'm looking for Tree Thompson to bounce back after a valiant effort last week.
Children of the Corn vs. 4 Girls 1 Cup
Pistol Pete did an admirable job last week throwing his patented bullet passes and replacing his two ex-team-mates now honing their skills in the big league. I'd expect more of the same from young Peter as he faces his kilted-rival McKeggar (thanks to Rigid for the nickname) on 4 Girls 1 Cup. Using my insider knowledge, I'm betting on the Children since 4 Girls 1 Cup will be without star-striker Hello Jessie. All bets are off if McKeggar pulls out his not-so-secret finishing move.
Predicted Quote of the Week
From Deefense CanWaite to PN55 after being destroyed by the Hammers:
"Now that was a destruction."
On a serious note, I'm super pumped about both ulty games this week. Not only do I get to face my two former captains tomorrow, I get to do it again on Friday night. If only it wasn't -40, and the busses were running, I'd be a happy lad. Until next time, happy hucking!
S. GinnandJuice - 1 year ago, to his former (not-so-)prized pupil.
Let's see if I can make it through this Wednesday night without the league coordinator loudly pointing out my mistakes. Oh, and I might as well pick 4 games and 1 quote correctly while I'm at it....
Grey vs. Hammers
Captains GinnandJuice and Bowsdoesthisitch will be out to teach their former (not-so-)prized pupil a thing or two in the opening game of the night. An interesting subplot will be the match-up of former Fish speedster Giddy-up against current Fish speed demon Golontements. With Grey's Deefense CanWaite trash-talking me via Facebook status-comments, I might have to enlist my fellow slag-star Rigid to find a way to quiet the fiery redhead so that I can concentrate on shutting down Kennifer Langandtall on defense, which could prove to be a tall order. Expect a spirited game with Hammer newbie Jenny Go-Leng proving her cutting dominance to lead the Hammers to a close win.
Threezerburn vs. Army of Darkness
In order to improve my predicting accuracy percentage by 25% a week, I'm going stop picking Threezerburn to win until such a time when Mahatma comes to his senses and gives them the handler they so desperately need. Non-Reza-friend Ja'red LaRouge bolsters the team with the best cutters in the league, but a handler he is not. On the other hand, the "loss" of Army's third best cutter (IMHO) to IAD has opened up more striking space for IID's power couple – Mr. & Mrs. Bush. Downtown Dave Brown will huck it long all night long, leading Army to a double digit win.
2 x 12s vs. Ocho
Salmon has the 12s playing decent ultimate, but not quite good enough to beat Ocho...yet. It was odd that Ocho didn't get dismantled in the holiday shake-up, since they have a solid team from top-to-bottom. In order to promote equality in the league, I've decided to unmask one of the leagues' "quiet killers" each week. This week's lucky (?) wiener is Liz No-breaks Drake of Ocho, who's fast, smart, and skilled. My advice to Salmon's squad is to come out with a little more intensity, and be ready to run all night against Ocho. I'm looking for Tree Thompson to bounce back after a valiant effort last week.
Children of the Corn vs. 4 Girls 1 Cup
Pistol Pete did an admirable job last week throwing his patented bullet passes and replacing his two ex-team-mates now honing their skills in the big league. I'd expect more of the same from young Peter as he faces his kilted-rival McKeggar (thanks to Rigid for the nickname) on 4 Girls 1 Cup. Using my insider knowledge, I'm betting on the Children since 4 Girls 1 Cup will be without star-striker Hello Jessie. All bets are off if McKeggar pulls out his not-so-secret finishing move.
Predicted Quote of the Week
From Deefense CanWaite to PN55 after being destroyed by the Hammers:
"Now that was a destruction."
On a serious note, I'm super pumped about both ulty games this week. Not only do I get to face my two former captains tomorrow, I get to do it again on Friday night. If only it wasn't -40, and the busses were running, I'd be a happy lad. Until next time, happy hucking!
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Bad Game
Dear Daniel Powter,
I apologize for ruining your song.
Sincerely,
The Rambler
Bad Game
Your team choked when you needed them most
They got burned on D, like a slice of charred toast
They tell me you forgot how to play?
They tell me you threw many hucks away?
But I don't believe them for one second.
Your decision making hit a new low?
Your fakes mistakenly became throws?
You tell me you can't get the disc off the line?
You're falling to pieces on D every time?
But I don't believe you for one second.
Because you had a bad game
You're obviously down
You sing a Pink song just to turn it around
You say you can't throw
You say you can't fly
You ran so much, you thought that you'd die
You had a bad game
The stats don't lie
You got broken on D and that made you cry
You had a bad game
You had a bad game
Will you need an ultimate-free holiday?
Don't laugh at what the people on OUHA say?
But I don't believe you for one second
Because you had a bad game
You're obviously down
You sing a Pink song just to turn it around
You say you can't throw
You say you can't fly
You ran so much, you thought that you'd die
You had a bad game
The stats don't lie
You got broken on D and that made you cry
You had a bad game
You had a bad game
(Oooh an ultimate holiday..)
Sometimes you play better than you think
Even if every decision feels wrong
Your game will come back and that you know
Cause your mind is strong
And I'm not wrong!
(hellz yeah…)
So where is the passion when you need it most?
Oh you and I
Know your magic ain't lost
Because you had a bad game
You're obviously down
You sing a Pink song just to turn it around
You say you can't throw
You say you can't fly
You ran so much, you thought that you'd die
You had a bad game
The stats don't lie
You got broken on D and that made you cry
You had a bad game
You had a bad game
I apologize for ruining your song.
Sincerely,
The Rambler
Bad Game
Your team choked when you needed them most
They got burned on D, like a slice of charred toast
They tell me you forgot how to play?
They tell me you threw many hucks away?
But I don't believe them for one second.
Your decision making hit a new low?
Your fakes mistakenly became throws?
You tell me you can't get the disc off the line?
You're falling to pieces on D every time?
But I don't believe you for one second.
Because you had a bad game
You're obviously down
You sing a Pink song just to turn it around
You say you can't throw
You say you can't fly
You ran so much, you thought that you'd die
You had a bad game
The stats don't lie
You got broken on D and that made you cry
You had a bad game
You had a bad game
Will you need an ultimate-free holiday?
Don't laugh at what the people on OUHA say?
But I don't believe you for one second
Because you had a bad game
You're obviously down
You sing a Pink song just to turn it around
You say you can't throw
You say you can't fly
You ran so much, you thought that you'd die
You had a bad game
The stats don't lie
You got broken on D and that made you cry
You had a bad game
You had a bad game
(Oooh an ultimate holiday..)
Sometimes you play better than you think
Even if every decision feels wrong
Your game will come back and that you know
Cause your mind is strong
And I'm not wrong!
(hellz yeah…)
So where is the passion when you need it most?
Oh you and I
Know your magic ain't lost
Because you had a bad game
You're obviously down
You sing a Pink song just to turn it around
You say you can't throw
You say you can't fly
You ran so much, you thought that you'd die
You had a bad game
The stats don't lie
You got broken on D and that made you cry
You had a bad game
You had a bad game
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
