“Ultimate, girlfriend, family, job, God.”
Kenny Dobbins explains his priorities (1989)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbKUL3Bfbew
For fun, list the five most important things in your life. If ultimate is number one, I suggest you call your mother, immediately followed by a psychologist. On with the recap?
- Due to the some family and work stuff, didn’t get around to making picks this week. Did get around to upping the weight on the ‘revil rows’ bar to a PB of 100 lbs on Monday.
- Wednesday’s game went better than I would have predicted. Although Downtown Dave Brown broke me at will all night long, my Hammer-happy team-mates managed to outgun the Army by a final score of 25-20. Considering we started late, timeouts were called, and there were plenty of turnovers, the 45 combined points were a reflection of the high-potency huckers and speedy strikers on both squads.
- Here’s an odd observation and the motivation behind this week’s quote: the less I care about frisbee, the better I seem to play. Two Wednesdays ago, I was so exhausted by the time I stepped on the court for the late game, I went through the motions, and cruised to my best game of the year. This past week, I wasn’t thinking as much as reacting, but the reactions were pretty accurate. I’m sure there’s the equivalent of the ‘point of diminishing returns’, where if I don’t care at all, I’ll start sucking…but, I have yet to reach it.
- The one exercise that stood out at M24’s class, was this 'toss a ball up in the air while lying on your back, and stand up to catch it'. Although there’s probably a technique to it, my only goal was not to take out any participants, small trampolining children, or their parents. A quick tip – if you ever see me lying on my back with a ball in my hand, you might want to clear a 10 meter radius and call the ‘up’.
- There was one player I was a little leery about sharing the court with this winter. While hesitant, I had this theory that our games would be complimentary. After 12 or 13 weeks, I’m at the point where I do everything I can to be on the field with him. His throws make me look like a better cutter, and I know we share the same ‘Look long (stall 3) then short (stall 4), then dump’ philosophy, which allows me to be an effective handling partner with him.
- Friday's game went well, with the exception of a 10 minute stretch during which FM couldn't buy a goal. Our team ended up losing by two points. Given the subs we're lining up for next Friday, and the fact that FM will be without their happiest hucker, I think the squad will pull off the upset of the top ranked team.
- Today was mini-workout day (2 instead of the usual 3 sets), in order to save some energy for the ass whooping that I'm gauranteed to get tonight. Thanks to the Fish four who all managed to make it out for what felt like an early morning workout.
- High-light of the workout came in the car on the way there when I received a brown peice of paper with "MGMT Ripoff" on it. To my literary / song critics: you might want to stockpile some venomous slags for use in the next week (or so) when the collaboration is complete.
If ultimate was at the top of your list, there’s still hope for you, as Ken Dobbins ended up a success away from the bizarro-world of frisbee (http://kenneth44.blogspot.com). (Alternatively, someone could have hi-jacked his blog, and tried to imitate him....nah, who'd be immature enough, and be willing to put in that much time just to prove they were an I(A)D-iot?) It’s entertaining to read how he went from the most intense player, to one who’s sole goal is to have fun on the field. Along the same lines, I’m going to keep up my ‘don’t think, just play’ philosophy, and see how it pans out. Until next time, happy hucking!
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
I'm flaterred Marko, but you're not my type...
Yo Newbies,
Yup, I’m the guy who bitched about being cut from IAD. After practicing twice a week all summer, competing in multiple tournaments and playing on some strong league teams, I mistakenly thought that I deserved a spot on center court this winter. While being disappointed, I apparently called the coordinator a “tool” in one of the post-cut entries. Even though I subsequently apologized to him, Marko my mistake justified sending you here to laugh at my emo-ramblings.
As explained in a message to my dream coordinator / man-crush (because obviously mentioning him a couple of times makes me gay…which is apparently an insult), the only two ways I thought people could find my blog were from a link off my Facebook site or through a friend. After installing a hit-counter in early February, I quickly realized that despite specifying I didn’t want the blog to be searchable by search engines, it had been. The kind folks on the Blogger technical support team have assured me that this issue has been resolved.
Three points are worth noting.
1. A multitude of ultimate players in Ottawa, Canada, and around the world have better blogs. These sites are authored by superior players, writers, and commentators of the game. I highly recommend you leave, and use one or more of these other resources.
2. I know of about 20 to 30 friends who read my blog. Having to explain why the URL changed to these individuals isn’t worth my time.
3. One of the benefits about getting older is that you care less and less about what others think of you. Being comfortable in my own skin, I couldn’t give two fucks about what Marko thinks of me.
Honestly, there’s a strong temptation to take a shot back at Marko. Instead, I’ll admit that I was always a fan of his writing, his game, and the fact that he contributed to the development of the league. Since my hit-counter showed that many readers enjoyed searching my blog, I can assure you there’s an older entry that confirms the previous statement.
If you want to stick around, I don’t care enough to stop you. Be warned that I’m far less controversial and entertaining than Marko makes me out to be. I’ll even agree that my ultimate parody songs pale in comparison to such memorable ditties as ‘Happy Feet’ (which I often hum to myself when a travel is called). Who knows, maybe you’ll see me on the pitch at some point in the future, where you can witness firsthand how much I suck.
- James
P.S. Although initially disappointed, I’ve come to truly enjoy my second winter of IID. Not only do I play on a kick ass team with experienced captains, a knowledgeable coach, and many IAD-caliber teammates, the athletic competition on every opposing squad is preparing me for next summer. More important than all of that, I'm having fun...which is what ultimate is all about.
Yup, I’m the guy who bitched about being cut from IAD. After practicing twice a week all summer, competing in multiple tournaments and playing on some strong league teams, I mistakenly thought that I deserved a spot on center court this winter. While being disappointed, I apparently called the coordinator a “tool” in one of the post-cut entries. Even though I subsequently apologized to him, Marko my mistake justified sending you here to laugh at my emo-ramblings.
As explained in a message to my dream coordinator / man-crush (because obviously mentioning him a couple of times makes me gay…which is apparently an insult), the only two ways I thought people could find my blog were from a link off my Facebook site or through a friend. After installing a hit-counter in early February, I quickly realized that despite specifying I didn’t want the blog to be searchable by search engines, it had been. The kind folks on the Blogger technical support team have assured me that this issue has been resolved.
Three points are worth noting.
1. A multitude of ultimate players in Ottawa, Canada, and around the world have better blogs. These sites are authored by superior players, writers, and commentators of the game. I highly recommend you leave, and use one or more of these other resources.
2. I know of about 20 to 30 friends who read my blog. Having to explain why the URL changed to these individuals isn’t worth my time.
3. One of the benefits about getting older is that you care less and less about what others think of you. Being comfortable in my own skin, I couldn’t give two fucks about what Marko thinks of me.
Honestly, there’s a strong temptation to take a shot back at Marko. Instead, I’ll admit that I was always a fan of his writing, his game, and the fact that he contributed to the development of the league. Since my hit-counter showed that many readers enjoyed searching my blog, I can assure you there’s an older entry that confirms the previous statement.
If you want to stick around, I don’t care enough to stop you. Be warned that I’m far less controversial and entertaining than Marko makes me out to be. I’ll even agree that my ultimate parody songs pale in comparison to such memorable ditties as ‘Happy Feet’ (which I often hum to myself when a travel is called). Who knows, maybe you’ll see me on the pitch at some point in the future, where you can witness firsthand how much I suck.
- James
P.S. Although initially disappointed, I’ve come to truly enjoy my second winter of IID. Not only do I play on a kick ass team with experienced captains, a knowledgeable coach, and many IAD-caliber teammates, the athletic competition on every opposing squad is preparing me for next summer. More important than all of that, I'm having fun...which is what ultimate is all about.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Week 12 (?) Recap
"I've seen better days, I've been star of many plays.
I've seen better days and the bottom drops out. "
Sublime - I've Seen Better Days
Since I now have the reputation for being emo, might as well live up to it with those lyrics ;-) After mistakenly drinking a cup of coffee today (what was I thinking?), at half-past-midnight, I have just enough energy to write my 10 minute weekly recap.
- With OC Transpo service restored (more or less, 19 times out of 20, as long as you don't have to get anywhere fast), the starry-eyed one joined s-cubed and I for a Monday workout. We were one gunslinger away from reuniting the fab-Fish-four!
- I did another running interval workout on Tuesday. Afterall, when Glum Ford tells you to work on your 1st step speed in the winter, you do it!
- Wednesday was kinda tough, but it ended well. Having been bullied as a child (you'd be suprised at how many people pick on the tall kid as a way of proving how tough they are), it doesn't really phase me.
- As for the happy ending, at the risk of sounding conceited...I played my best game of the winter on Wednesday :) How awesome was it? Even Mahatma broke down and complimented one of my throws *haha*. Better yet, my team seems to have found our grove, and beat the top ranked team in round one, in order to establish ourselves as the top ranked team in round two.
- Thursday I ran 5 sets of 4 x 15 seconds with 30 seconds between reps, and about 3 minutes between sets. It was a hell of a workout.
- Friday's game was frusterating. With 8 guys, it was hard to get in a grove. With only 2 girls after the first couple of points, well, they must have been exhausted. My decision making was awful, and our team just had an off night in general. We'll bounce back next week.
- Hit up the intermediate clinic Saturday morning. Got some excellent advice about stepping more to the side on my backhand hucks and BF throws. With A. Corey, K. Crump, Bryce, and Mr. Callaghan, they had a all-star crop of instructors. There was a wide range of players there, including two very advanced women, and a tall guy (Tower?) from IAD who I've played against a few times before. In the post-clinic scrimmage, my black team won!
- I always feel that I get my money's worth in clinics, and this one was no exception. The defensive positioning and strategy portion, although short, was well worth the $20 fee by itself.
Damn, that took me 12 minutes...2 more than allotted. As long as I'm in OT, I'm thinking of a new goal for the summer. Even if I fall short, at least I'll have given it a go. Not something I'm ready to share quite yet, but....I"ll keep you posted. Until next time, happy hucking!
I've seen better days and the bottom drops out. "
Sublime - I've Seen Better Days
Since I now have the reputation for being emo, might as well live up to it with those lyrics ;-) After mistakenly drinking a cup of coffee today (what was I thinking?), at half-past-midnight, I have just enough energy to write my 10 minute weekly recap.
- With OC Transpo service restored (more or less, 19 times out of 20, as long as you don't have to get anywhere fast), the starry-eyed one joined s-cubed and I for a Monday workout. We were one gunslinger away from reuniting the fab-Fish-four!
- I did another running interval workout on Tuesday. Afterall, when Glum Ford tells you to work on your 1st step speed in the winter, you do it!
- Wednesday was kinda tough, but it ended well. Having been bullied as a child (you'd be suprised at how many people pick on the tall kid as a way of proving how tough they are), it doesn't really phase me.
- As for the happy ending, at the risk of sounding conceited...I played my best game of the winter on Wednesday :) How awesome was it? Even Mahatma broke down and complimented one of my throws *haha*. Better yet, my team seems to have found our grove, and beat the top ranked team in round one, in order to establish ourselves as the top ranked team in round two.
- Thursday I ran 5 sets of 4 x 15 seconds with 30 seconds between reps, and about 3 minutes between sets. It was a hell of a workout.
- Friday's game was frusterating. With 8 guys, it was hard to get in a grove. With only 2 girls after the first couple of points, well, they must have been exhausted. My decision making was awful, and our team just had an off night in general. We'll bounce back next week.
- Hit up the intermediate clinic Saturday morning. Got some excellent advice about stepping more to the side on my backhand hucks and BF throws. With A. Corey, K. Crump, Bryce, and Mr. Callaghan, they had a all-star crop of instructors. There was a wide range of players there, including two very advanced women, and a tall guy (Tower?) from IAD who I've played against a few times before. In the post-clinic scrimmage, my black team won!
- I always feel that I get my money's worth in clinics, and this one was no exception. The defensive positioning and strategy portion, although short, was well worth the $20 fee by itself.
Damn, that took me 12 minutes...2 more than allotted. As long as I'm in OT, I'm thinking of a new goal for the summer. Even if I fall short, at least I'll have given it a go. Not something I'm ready to share quite yet, but....I"ll keep you posted. Until next time, happy hucking!
Friday, February 20, 2009
You Found Me!
Hey all,
Congrats on managing to find my ingenious new URL (hopefully you just clicked the link on FB). Promise to address the whole Marko situation down the road, but lack the time and energy to do so currently. Despite being warned about him, I continued to give him the benefit of the doubt.
After installing an invisble hit counter on my blog less than a month ago, I quickly realized that there were a lot more than the 20 - 30 people I thought read my blog, who came here. Despite my choosing the "Do not make blog searchable by search engines" option last April, apparently it didn't work. The kind folks at Blogger technical support now assure me it's been fixed.
Instead of starting with a quote, I think I'll finish with one instead. Remember what your parents told you when the school bully picked on you? My dad encouraged me to take matters into my own hands, which I did a few times in elementary school. On the other hand, my mom gave me much better advice that I'll paraphrase "Don't pay attention to bullies because that's what they want. They're just insecure people, desperate for attention".
- James
Congrats on managing to find my ingenious new URL (hopefully you just clicked the link on FB). Promise to address the whole Marko situation down the road, but lack the time and energy to do so currently. Despite being warned about him, I continued to give him the benefit of the doubt.
After installing an invisble hit counter on my blog less than a month ago, I quickly realized that there were a lot more than the 20 - 30 people I thought read my blog, who came here. Despite my choosing the "Do not make blog searchable by search engines" option last April, apparently it didn't work. The kind folks at Blogger technical support now assure me it's been fixed.
Instead of starting with a quote, I think I'll finish with one instead. Remember what your parents told you when the school bully picked on you? My dad encouraged me to take matters into my own hands, which I did a few times in elementary school. On the other hand, my mom gave me much better advice that I'll paraphrase "Don't pay attention to bullies because that's what they want. They're just insecure people, desperate for attention".
- James
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Quick Thoughts on Week 12
"I'm a hard workin' man,
I wear a steel hard hat.
I can ride, rope, hammer and paint
Do things with my hands that most men can't .
I can't get ahead no matter how hard I try
I'm getting really good at barely getting by."
Brooks and Dunn - Hard Working Man
As accurately predicted (there's a change!), work has been busy, but since I find myself with 10 minutes before Scrubs, here's a few quick thoughts about this week's match-ups.
- Grey to beat 2 x 12s. Grey's got a great mix of speed and skill that when combined with fantastic coaching, should be enough to beat 2 x 12s.
- Threezerburn to lose a close one to Corn. Corn's coming off a huge upset last week, and will have their hands full against the Threeze. However, rumor has it that P-Star promised his gf a win ;-)
- Army to march past Cup. It'll be fun to watch the veteran handlers on both teams go at it, but I think Army will prevail based on their edge in athleticism and rules knowledge.
- Ocho may be our toughest test in the second round (with all due respect to Grey and Corn). Their guys are solid and smart enough to let their talented women do most of the heavy lifting. Furthermore, they're well-coached, run their plays, and have a nucleus of players who've played together. With all those strengths, I still think we can beat them based on playing them close until the last 10 minutes in our first encounter. It'll be a matter of the Hammers playing smart (a monumental challenge for yours truly), keeping up the intensity for 75 minutes, and taking advantage of mismatches when we have them.
- Predicted Quote of the Week:
Mama Fish after Ocho's traditional cheer:
"That's not how you count to eight in Spanish!"
(which will induce tired laughter from one purple loving freak).
As I was gently reminded over the weekend, there was no all-starved squad this year as of mid-season. It's not for a lack of deserving players, but instead for lack of time, and better judgment than last year. Afterall, there are others who are much better qualified to list the top (five?) males and females playing on the lesser side of the curtain ;-)
Since I like to test my luck, it's hard to argue that Giddy-up wasn't the most valuable female in the inter-remedial division during the first half of the season. Not only does she 'bring it' every shift, you can learn so much just by watching how smart and aggressive she plays. Similarly, as is evidenced by a new pretty picture on the OCUA forums each week, Steve has skyed his way to first half male MVP. Although not quite as dominant as Ahmad was last year, as he continues to get healthier, he elevates not only his status, but the game of everyone he comes in contact with.
On that note, I'm off to disprove the popular belief that I'm the 'King of the tool shed'. Until next time, happy hucking!
I wear a steel hard hat.
I can ride, rope, hammer and paint
Do things with my hands that most men can't .
I can't get ahead no matter how hard I try
I'm getting really good at barely getting by."
Brooks and Dunn - Hard Working Man
As accurately predicted (there's a change!), work has been busy, but since I find myself with 10 minutes before Scrubs, here's a few quick thoughts about this week's match-ups.
- Grey to beat 2 x 12s. Grey's got a great mix of speed and skill that when combined with fantastic coaching, should be enough to beat 2 x 12s.
- Threezerburn to lose a close one to Corn. Corn's coming off a huge upset last week, and will have their hands full against the Threeze. However, rumor has it that P-Star promised his gf a win ;-)
- Army to march past Cup. It'll be fun to watch the veteran handlers on both teams go at it, but I think Army will prevail based on their edge in athleticism and rules knowledge.
- Ocho may be our toughest test in the second round (with all due respect to Grey and Corn). Their guys are solid and smart enough to let their talented women do most of the heavy lifting. Furthermore, they're well-coached, run their plays, and have a nucleus of players who've played together. With all those strengths, I still think we can beat them based on playing them close until the last 10 minutes in our first encounter. It'll be a matter of the Hammers playing smart (a monumental challenge for yours truly), keeping up the intensity for 75 minutes, and taking advantage of mismatches when we have them.
- Predicted Quote of the Week:
Mama Fish after Ocho's traditional cheer:
"That's not how you count to eight in Spanish!"
(which will induce tired laughter from one purple loving freak).
As I was gently reminded over the weekend, there was no all-starved squad this year as of mid-season. It's not for a lack of deserving players, but instead for lack of time, and better judgment than last year. Afterall, there are others who are much better qualified to list the top (five?) males and females playing on the lesser side of the curtain ;-)
Since I like to test my luck, it's hard to argue that Giddy-up wasn't the most valuable female in the inter-remedial division during the first half of the season. Not only does she 'bring it' every shift, you can learn so much just by watching how smart and aggressive she plays. Similarly, as is evidenced by a new pretty picture on the OCUA forums each week, Steve has skyed his way to first half male MVP. Although not quite as dominant as Ahmad was last year, as he continues to get healthier, he elevates not only his status, but the game of everyone he comes in contact with.
On that note, I'm off to disprove the popular belief that I'm the 'King of the tool shed'. Until next time, happy hucking!
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