The Flyers are on a roll right now. Offense is scoring, defense is keeping the other team at bay and the goal tending has been solid. Not much else to say really. The Flyers have moved into 7th place in the Eastern Conference.
While it is fun to see a Philly team beat up on a team from Dallas, this win does nothing to relieve the sting of losing two consecutiveweeks to the Cowboys. But thanks anyway for the effort Flyers. They have scored more times this season against the Dallas Stars than the Eagles have against the Cowboys.
The big news in TV this week has been the drama surrounding NBC's late night programming. When Jay Leno was given a show, The Jay Leno Show, at 1o pm EST I had serious doubts about the success he would have.
Clearly I was right. Leno is not funny, and now a wider audience at an earlier time slot confirmed what I have been saying for years. Now NBC is removing the 10pm talk show from their schedule and Leno, and NBC, are hoping to insert the former Tonight Show host back in his familiar 11:30 pm EST time slot.
Not so fast. Conan is not about to back down and play second fiddle to his predecessor. Conan has worked years to earn his chance at the big chair behind the desk and he has said rather clearly that he does not welcome the change in moving back a half hour.
In the last few days, I've been getting a lot of sympathy calls, and I want to start by making it clear that no one should waste a second feeling sorry for me. For 17 years, I've been getting paid to do what I love most and, in a world with real problems, I've been absurdly lucky. That said, I've been suddenly put in a very public predicament and my bosses are demanding an immediate decision.
Six years ago, I signed a contract with NBC to take over The Tonight Show in June of 2009. Like a lot of us, I grew up watching Johnny Carson every night and the chance to one day sit in that chair has meant everything to me. I worked long and hard to get that opportunity, passed up far more lucrative offers, and since 2004 I have spent literally hundreds of hours thinking of ways to extend the franchise long into the future. It was my mistaken belief that, like my predecessor, I would have the benefit of some time and, just as important, some degree of ratings support from the prime-time schedule. Building a lasting audience at 11:30 is impossible without both.
But sadly, we were never given that chance. After only seven months, with my Tonight Show in its infancy, NBC has decided to react to their terrible difficulties in prime-time by making a change in their long-established late night schedule.
Last Thursday, NBC executives told me they intended to move the Tonight Show to 12:05 to accommodate the Jay Leno Show at 11:35. For 60 years the Tonight Show has aired immediately following the late local news. I sincerely believe that delaying the Tonight Show into the next day to accommodate another comedy program will seriously damage what I consider to be the greatest franchise in the history of broadcasting. The Tonight Show at 12:05 simply isn't the Tonight Show. Also, if I accept this move I will be knocking the Late Night show, which I inherited from David Letterman and passed on to Jimmy Fallon, out of its long-held time slot. That would hurt the other NBC franchise that I love, and it would be unfair to Jimmy.
So it has come to this: I cannot express in words how much I enjoy hosting this program and what an enormous personal disappointment it is for me to consider losing it. My staff and I have worked unbelievably hard and we are very proud of our contribution to the legacy of The Tonight Show. But I cannot participate in what I honestly believe is its destruction. Some people will make the argument that with DVRs and the Internet a time slot doesn't matter. But with the Tonight Show, I believe nothing could matter more.
There has been speculation about my going to another network but, to set the record straight, I currently have no other offer and honestly have no idea what happens next. My hope is that NBC and I can resolve this quickly so that my staff, crew, and I can do a show we can be proud of, for a company that values our work.
Have a great day and, for the record, I am truly sorry about my hair; it's always been that way.
Yours,
Conan
Even in his press release statements, he has a sense of humor. But on a serious note, Conan is absolutely, 100% correct in what he says. What NBC is asking, possibly forcing Conan (and Late Night with Jimmy Fallon) to do is unfair. Leno was not brought back to host The Tonight Show ultimately for one reason: David Letterman and the Late Show was kicking his butt. And guess what? Conan was actually doing a decent job against Letterman, although Letterman still was king of the late night shows.
I imagine that Letterman is sitting back in his office chair doing that little laugh he does at the whole NBC mess. Remember, Letterman was once in the middle of the NBC late night drama when Johnny Carson was set to retire. Letterman once was the third wheel in NBC late night and he jumped ship to CBS to take over the crown of late night television. It was also a pretty decent movie as well.
If Conan really is on his way out of the NBC family then I would look for FOX to do their darnedest to reach a deal with him. How would a late night battle between Letterman, Leno and Conan in the same time slot sound?
Letterman would still hold rank I would imagine but I could see Conan taking second ahead of his mentor, Leno. Conan has a loyal following and on the FOX network Conan would fit right in with his sense of humor.
I admit I do not watch late night talk shows the way I used too, but I can not help but be interested by this mess. As a fan of Conan I hope for the best for him and the rest of his staff.
I remember finding a couple Game Boy games in the parking lot of the apartments next to my home growing up once. No clue how long they were left in the open like that, but they seemed to work just fine.
Nintendo systems in general have a reputation for being extremely durable back in the heyday of the Nintendo Entertainment System and Game Boy. Sadly my original NES saw it's Game Over screen a long time ago. My sister eventually received the updated version not long after my NES went kaput (I didn't care because I had already moved on to the Super NES).
Go figure that I now know exactly what I needed to do to repair my old NES and put it back in good working order. So if anybody has an NES that they just feel like getting rid of, I'd be more than happy to take it off your hands.
Read more...
So the Sixers have now won two straight games and at just 12-25 are considered to be in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff hunt. With a fifth seed sitting at 18-18 (Miami Heat) and three teams with records under .500 currently sitting in playoff positions in the east it is unbelievable how bad the conference, and the league, really are.
Regardless of their current record I still feel the team is performing well below expectations. But for one night Andre Iguodala finally was able to get some rest...
Next up for the Sixers is another home game against the New York Knicks on Thursday night.
Read more...
Big news on the baseball front today as Mark McGwire, who once owned the single season home run record, admitted to steroid use during his career, including the record smashing 1998 season.
Mark McGwire finally came clean Monday, admitting he used steroids when he broke baseball's home run record in 1998.
McGwire says in a statement sent to The Associated Press on Monday that he used steroids on and off for nearly a decade and he apologizes for his actions.
He says: "I wish I had never touched steroids. It was foolish and it was a mistake. I truly apologize. Looking back, I wish I had never played during the steroid era." [link]
If this is the case then I would hope that the powers that be in baseball strike McGwire's numbers form the record books in an official manner. Never before has a player admitted to using steroids during such a notable season, and since McGwire, who has absolutely NO RELATION to me, has singled out one specific season I see no reason why this can not be done.
Many will applaud McGwire for coming clean to one of the worst kept secrets in baseball history. While I will not laud a guy for admitting to cheating in his sport I will get off his back for not doing so. Now that he has come clean though there will likely be some people that feel he should now be considered for the Hall of Fame.
No dice.
The man admitted to cheating in multiple seasons during what many once felt was a Hall of Fame career. He may have been a legitimately good player on his own merit at one point in his life, but there is now no question that he should never be elected to the Hall of Fame.
That's how I feel about it at least. What do you think?
The Sixers made like the Flyers and picked up a win that nobody will pay attention to last night. Their win in Detroit gets them off a losing streak but will be an after thought for a couple reasons.
The Sixers still stink
Wins prevent the team from having more lottery balls in the NBA lottery
So the question is this; when is it time for the Sixers to tank the rest of their season? Will Allen Iverson skip the all-star game? He is currently second in fan voting, which is absurd.
Read more...
Before the Eagles drowned the city's sports fans of their enthusiasm, the Flyers (and Sixers) actually provided some positive wins. The Flyers took on the Tampa Bay Lightning, who will essentially be playing three games in three days, with the third coming this evening.
Simon Gagne's 500th career point, just days after teammate Danny Briere scored his 500th point, will be overshadowed in the sports headlines today, but it is worth mentioning.
Gagne has only played with the Flyers and when healthy gives the Flyers a goal scorer on any given line. With all of the injuries he has dealt with the 500th point should have come a long time ago, but it is still a remarkable feat. Congratulations to Gagne.
While most of the Philadelphia region is in the familiar mourning that follows an Eagles playoff exit, one of my blogging buddies woke up this morning with a grin on their faces. Before Eagles fans go all crazy and drink the kool-aid sports radio talk and ship Donovan McNabb out of town consider this...
The Cowboys were just the better team this season. Nothing proves that more than the 3-0 record, and two consecutive beat downs in Dallas. It happens.
McNabb had a poor outing again, but keep in mind the lack f protection he received behind an offensive line that was pieced together with inexperienced and over-rated players. Jason Peters is a Pro Bowler? Are you kidding me? He's good for at least key false start penalties any game, and more against a top defensive end like DeMarcus Ware.
The youth of the key offensive players was clear. DeSean Jackson, as good as he can be, could not get open against the Dallas secondary and neither could Jeremy Maclin (except for that one fun play involving Mike Vick.)
It was not McNabb who allowed the Cowboys to score over 30 points. That fault is of the defense. Losing Stewart Bradley for the season hurt this defense, especially when Omar Gaither went down too. Brian Dawkins would have been nice too, but that's another debate for another time...
If Andy Reid is an offensive genius he should have had his team more prepared to score more than 14 points in the past two weeks against a division opponent, regardless of who the quarterback was.
It was an ugly game for sure, but I actually like the prospects of the 2010 season, with McNabb at quarterback. The team needs stability on the offensive line. Losing two Pro Bowlers had more of an effect on the team this season than the team probably anticipated. And the defensive line needs to improve and apply pressure up front. Without it every good quarterback in the NFL will have time to find someone that is open every time. And can the defense finally figure out a way to cover tight ends? Sorry Jeremiah Trotter, but I do not think you are the answer there. A healthy Bradley will help immensely next season.
I leave no question that I would rather see the Eagles keep McNabb behind center, but I anticipate many people feel differently. So how do you feel about McNabb as an Eagle moving forward? Yea or Nae?
Read more...
Many people are unaware of the Flock browser. Essentially it takes everything that is great about Firefox and adds a couple touches to satisfy the social media enthusiast. You can do all of your normal web browsing in the usual window and utilize the greatness that is tabbed browsing. In addition you can post to your grab photos from practically anywhere and blog right from the browser without much of a problem. As if that were not enough you can load up your Facebook and Twitter streams (and MySpace if you still live in the stone age of social networking) in your left sidebar.
What makes these sidebars so useful, for me at least, is I can post a link directly to Facebook without having to load up the Facebook server. I can also upload photos and videos right to my Facebook page, which has helped me become more of a fan of Facebook than I used to be. Truth be told, I probably have become a little annoying on Facebook because of it as well.
I can also update my Twitter status on the same sidebar after clicking on the Twitter logo. But as a loyal Tweetdeck user (although I am getting fed up with the mobile version lately) I tend to use my sidebar primarily for Facebook purposes.
But recently the sidebar that I adore has been a little buggy. Updates have not been as frequent, leaving me to see updates from friends that are hours, if not days behind. So the good news for me is that they have just released an updated version this week.
Usually I receive an alert informing me that there is a new update for my browser of choice, but the Flock tam has turned off auto-updates for version 2.5.6. So I had to check my RSS feed from the Flock Blog to learn of the new update. The new version is supposed to address issues regarding the Twitter stream, some Firefox security issues and Flickr log out issues.
Facebook chat notifications are still in the works for an upgrade, but because Facebook is always changing their API for that feature and do not share it with developers like they do other features, it looks like the Flock team is going to hold off on correcting that problem until Facebook calms down.
I just installed 2.5.6 so I'll give it a couple days before offering my thoughts on the new version. If you happen to use it and wish to share your thoughts go right ahead in the comments below.
With the conclusion of the NFL's regular season it is time to take one final look at my performance in the football pool in my dad's office pool. Needless to say it was a rough season for me. After winning the football pool in week 15 I took a slide to end the season. Much to my dismay my dad's weekly total went up each of those weeks, giving his lead on me one final push at the end of the season. When all was said and done my dad outscored me on the season by 67 points. In the bar graph on the right my dad's point total is represented by the orange bar and my points are represented by the blue bar.
So I have my work cut out for me in the future. If I am included in the pool next year I will have to spend some more time planning out my point allotment on a weekly basis.
I clearly have relied too much on the defending champion Pittsburgh Steelers early on in the season and tended to give too many points to Matt Schaub at the Houston Texans. I think I did a little better with laying points on the Philadelphia Eagles though. In recent years I would tend to lay too many points on the Eagles, letting my fandom get in the way.
I was amazed at how much the New York Giants let me down this season, but I suppose that Giants fans feel the same way in general.
Sure the Flyers took care of business against the hated Penguins in blow out fashion, but will Flyers fans be talking about? How the NHL screwed Simon Gagne and the Flyers by not awarding a short-handed goal. After looking at some video (and photo) evidence I am not sure how the NHL decided that Gagne did not score a goal.
Or the Sidney Crosby goal that never should have been because the Penguins were offsides. Take your pick really.
I'll be honest though, I did not watch the game originally. I was covering the BCS Championship game over on Examiner with a live examination. But if you watched the Flyers-Penguins game feel free to let me know what I missed last night.
When my wife got a new phone recently (HTC Eris utilizing Android) I was instantly jealous. You see, I am not due for an upgrade for another six months so I have to wait a while until I can move to the next stage of cell phone usage. Now, I have no problems with my current phone, a Motorolla Adventure V750, but seeing how much my wife gets out of her new phone makes me eager for an upgrade.
I had figured that with the Android phone being relatively new it would take some time for any wrinkles to be ironed out in the system so I was fine waiting that long. Perhaps a new and improved phone would be added to fit my personal preferences in that time.
Turns out I was right, although it was not quite what I had expected.
The Google phone, now given a name of Nexus One, may be just the phone I will be waiting for.
The Nexus One will be available to Verizon users in spring and will be available to T-Mobile users immediately. This is proof that Google is set out to compete head to head with the iPhone as it is the first time a phone of this nature will be available on two competing providers so early in its release. When comparing networks PC Magazine predicts that the Nexus One will overtake the popular Droid once it becomes available on Verizon's network.
I also like the news that the Nexus One will support Flash. When it comes to web surfing the ability to view Flash content is almost a necessity. More importantly, it is something not supported by the Apple iPhone right now as Apple and Adobe have an ongoing stalemate that ultimately keeps iPhone users from experiencing web browsing the way it is largely intended.
I have no doubt that the Nexus One will be successful. Nick Bilton of the New York Times claims that the Nexus One will be successful largely due to its prime advertising space right on Google's simple front page. I can't argue with that belief and I am sure it certainly won't hurt sales for Google. But take a look at Google's history. When was the last time they did anything that was not a success?
Google is really coming on strong as a viable competitor in a number of various markets. Now they take on the cell phone market. Next up? Operating system.
Will the Nexus One be an iPhone killer? Probably not because of the large iPhone user base and loyal Apple users. But the Nexus One does appear to be the kind of phone that could sway people away from the trendy iPhone, at least while it is available solely on the AT&T network. Being a Verizon customer I have fixated my eyes on the Nexus One as my next phone.
Now that's the kind of hockey I like to see the Flyers play. Six goals, including Danny Briere's 500th career point, and some fights. Who doesn't love old time hockey? The win puts the Flyers in tenth place n the Eastern Conference and just two points behind the current eighth seeded Montreal Canadiens with two games in hand.
And whikle we are on the topic of the Flyers, it was cool seeing them wear their Winter Classic jerseys again for their home fans. I guess tht would be the final time they wear those jerseys though. I love the look of the classic jersey.
The Flyers get right back on the ice tonight with a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Read more...
I came across this humorous picture while putting together my previous post on how Twitter changed my life in 2009. I could not resist sharing it with you.
With the long awaited return of Lost, for its final season on television, many people are scrambling to finish up the season five DVD or Blu-Ray before the season premiere. However, if you do not have time to watch the previous season, or the entire series, here is a handy video to get you all caught up on what has made Lost such a great program.
Truth be told I have been on Twitter since 2008 but in 2009 I feel I took my Twitter experience to a new level as I explored the benefits of the micro-blogging tool. I consider myself a "Twitterer" or whatever you want to call it but I feel that I use Twitter in a respectable manner. I do not inform people that I have just woken up from a nap or tell people that I am about to head out to the post office.
Instead I try to use Twitter for two purposes.
Publicize myself
Communicate back and forth with like minded individuals
Twitter is a valuable resource for anyone and you can tailor it to best suit your needs any way you can imagine. In 2009 here are a couple ways that my Twitter experience has grown.
It's like my own personal PR machine Athletes and celebrities have publicists and agents to publicize their work. I do not, but I do have Twitter.
Using Twitter is a great way to publicize my posts on a variety of forums such as this site, Examiner and Nittany White Out. All I have to do is send a tweet that I have a new post active to all of my followers and see if any of them check it out. If I am fortunate enough one of my followers will be compelled to re-tweet my work, sending my posts to a whole new set of followers and potential readers.
I honestly feel that taking advantage of Twitter helped me find a position with Examiner as the Penn State Football Examiner, and then National College Football Examiner. There is no doubt in my mind that Twitter helped to clear my path to recurring guest spots on The 700 Level and Phinally Philly as well, in addition to my contributing to Nittany White Out. Posting on those sites opened me up to a whole new reader pool and I have picked up some followers from each outlet over time.
When news breaks, it's on Twitter Harry Kalas. Michael Jackson. The plane on the Hudson. The Iran election.
When these news stories broke they spread quickly on the Twitter servers either locally or world-wide. When something news worthy happens they look to Twitter for instant reaction and sometimes analysis. I have learned a lot of news just by reading what people are tweeting. Think it is over the top? Google does not think so. Why else would they have added real-time Twitter streaming in their Google search results?
The death of Michael Jackson practically crashed the entire Internet, with Twitter being one of the major culprits. When President Barrack Obama was sworn in as President of the United States people were tweeting about it, including myself.
Twitter is still growing in users on a daily basis, although it is often still mocked by those who feel it is a waste of time. It can be a time-waster if not used responsibly, but so can e-mail and text messaging. When I hear media and everyday people mock Twitter I tend to think that these people have never used the service and therefore do not fully understand it. When people do not understand something they tend to mock them and the people who do use it.
I see the value in Twitter and I hope that you do too. In the past year how has Twitter changed your life? It may be a major change or something on a much smaller scale. Let me know your thoughts. Also be sure to be following me on Twitter @krmcguire!
Read more...
Another day, another loss for the home town NBA team. The Sixers let a healthy lead slip through their hands as the Washington Wizards completed a three game seasonsweep. How many teams get swept in a season by the Wizards AND Clippers?
How bad are the Wizards? Of their eleven wins this season, three have come against the Sixers. The Sixers now have the fourth worst record in the league. I'm not a basketball expert here, but doesn't this team have too much talent to only have won ten games this season? I am not claiming that the Sixers should be up at the top of the Eastern Conference with the Celtics or Cavaliers, but to be behind the Wizards, Pacers and Knicks?
Seems to me as though Eddie Jordan is not working out.
Oh and if you did not notice, extra credit to Philadelphia Inquirer Sixers beat reporter Kate Fagan.
Whether she came up with it or not, somebody on the Philly.com staff has a sense of humor. Gilbert Arenas of the Wizards is in the thick of a gun controversy within the team locker room, so after the Wizards defeated the Sixers the lead on the game recap had a play on words (pictured, right).
Iverson's contract with Sixers guaranteed for remainder of season - Sixers.com For better or for worse, the team had to come to a decision yesterday on whether or not to keep Allen Iverson on the team for the remainder of the season. Perhaps in an attempt to stay in the news they opted to guarantee Iverson's contract for the rest of 2009-2010 season. If you ask me this is a good move. As poor as this team is playing, letting go of a franchise icon would not have gone over well with the fan base.
You know what would make basketball more interesting in Philadelphia? Crazy dunks from down town and basketballs that set the net on fire.
EA Sports has announced that they will be bringing back a classic arcade, and to many a home console hit, and it will be exclusively available on the Nintendo Wii. That title is none other than NBA Jam! I'm heating up just thinking about the updated NBA licensed title.
For those who do not remember the great times that wre had on NBA Jam then you are likely in for a treat with the upcoming remake. Flaming basketballs, wild shots, crazy dunks, 2-on-2 arcade play, classic announcer, an entire roster of secret players like Bill (and Hillary) Clinton, mascots and no-fouls made for a good time whenever played! I just hope that EA Sports does not hack the traditional style too much in the remake.
Many questions should be asked though.
Will it be playable on-line?
This, to me, is a must as NBA Jam is tailored for multii-player fun, being an arcade game. I'm sure multi-player will be available on the same console, and given it is being produced by EA Sports I would assume an on-line mode would be created. This could open the doors for some outstanding on-line interaction; NBA Jam tournaments, rankings, create a player and share a player? Huge potential here.
Will it make use of the Wii Motion Plus?
Perhaps enhanced WiiMotion Plus features could allow for certain styles of dunks with a specific motion.
What do you remember most about the original NBA Jam? What do you hope to see in the exclusive Wii title? Feel free to discuss in the comments.
Read more...
I have always been a fn of Cheerios. I enjoy my share of chocolate. So when you combine the two it should be no surprise that my interest has been piqued. Perhaps another time.
The Eagles are 0-1 and the Flyers are 0-2 in 2010. The Sixers are now 1-0.
After a last second shot by the Denver Nuggets failed to go through the hoop as time expired the Sixers claimed their first victory of the new year and finally reached double digits in the win column. At 10-23 would you believe that the Sixers are just 4.5 games out of the playoffs? Isn't that just embarrassing?
Now the Sixers are also in the Tracy McGrady trade watch. There would be no real benefit on the court this season but his expiring $23 million contract could help GM Ed Stefanski find some room to build a contending team. It would likely require trading AndreIguadala.
Not sure how to feel about it. The team looks like a mess still so I would prefer a higher draft pick, but what do you think?
Read more...
The Flyers lit the lamp six times against Dallas. Getty Images
