Bum Rush!
Versed on October 12, 2009 by FreeWill
District Streets Covered
Op-Ed
I’m not racist, I can’t be I have black friends!
I’m not racist, I’m just talking about the president the fact that he’s black is just an additional fact but it doesn’t impact how I view him.
I’m not racist I just think black quarterbacks are not as good
I have mixed emotions about Rush Limbaugh’s attempt to buy an NFL team. He’s the member of a investment group which is typical since football teams are valued in the billions. Limbaugh has a history of questionable acts and statements. He and his like minded media personality (i can’t call them political analyst as they don’t take credible stances) Glen beck seemingly mask their racist rants by reversing the focus of who is the racist and how it is difficult for white people to move forward (white man’s burden!) in this new America.
There’s been enough written about their tactics although I find it telling how strong their ratings and followings are. In my eyes its pretty indicative of the pulse of America and what they think. If your supporting these people it says a lot about your beliefs as well no? Maybe I read too much into it but thats neither here nor there
I find interesting that Limbaugh’s antics may have brought his investment group un-wanted attention. Many players have come out and said they would not go to a team owned by Rush, but is it really true? It would be an interesting to see if the players are willing to back their word, as well as the perception of those players are willing to play for a team partially owned by Rush. What a sight that would be in free agency if players turn down more money due to their beliefs…
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Sports Nets
Versed on October 8, 2009 by FreeWill District Streets Covered
Op-Ed
When I was a youth…the only thing good about the fall, was the fact that it signaled the time to go shopping for new clothes prior to school! But the whole school thing ruined the shopping so in the end the net feeling was a 0 if not less. As an adult and a recent graduate things have significantly changed - besides the fact that I actually enjoyed attending school the fall and Oct in particular represented some of the best times of the year!
For a sports fan this is a great time, football season is a quarter of the way in and most teams still have hope leaving most fans to still be optimistic. Baseball playoffs are underway, and unless your football team sucks, if your baseball team is home watching TV like its fans there’s more to cheer for. Plus it is the best baseball your going to see during the year (sadly the same can’t be said about announcers yuck!). Lastly unless you live in the NYC area or memphis basketball training camp has started and it means that there is hope (once again thank you James Dolan and Isiah Thomas for coming together to murder the game of basketball in this great city, great job guys!) Oh yea and Hockey is also happening…LOL Which is a great sport live but on TV it just doesn’t work for me.
So with all that happening I figured its a good time to look at the Networks for the sports. MLBN, NBATV and NFLN are all alive going strong now (sorry hockey, but since your sport is on Versus and you’ve fallen behind MMA / UFC with regards to relevancy its pointless to mention you again.)
So lets stack them up and see how the leagues are doing…
Game Analysis: NBATV has been doing it the it the longest, and have managed to get a good stable of talent on air during the season. They really provide a good mix of talent from retired players to media guys.
MLBTV: the youngest guys at it, do a pretty good job. To be honest though since no one cares about the national league its tough to really care about 50% of their shows and analysis. Further more unlike the NBA & NFL, I feel as though ESPN has more credible people doing their analysis
NFLN: They do a good but not great job. Losing their ‘Insider’ was a real blow when it came to in depth looks at teams and information. More over they have a show with both Deion Sanders & Mike Irving. That cause you to lose major points when it comes to putting on a “credible” show. Intentionally and unintentionally Funny yes, but not the guys I want to hear when I’m looking for in depth sensical perspective.
Programming:
NBATV: in all honesty, this is a personal thing here, but James Dolan killed basketball for me and many New Yorkers, so regular season games aren’t a big deal for me any more. Even the big match ups (which NEVER include that NY team any more) aren’t a big deal. Further more I’d rather see games on TNT than NBA TV, that studio team they have at TNT is great. I find myself watching them and then skipping the game. Outside of that, they do show some classics from time to time that remind me of times when basketball was as relevant to me. Sadly that was years ago…The most important sign is during the off season, and especially the draft I went to espn first…FAIL
MLBTV: They take games here and there and air them, and do a pretty good job with the games I’ve seen. Again no one cares about the National league so that hurts a bunch. Their biggest issue is that in many major markets (NY, Bos) teams have their own networks (a way of getting around revenue sharing) so in places where they could be doing better ratings they are competing with networks that have better access to the teams, programming of their own and most of all better awareness among viewers since it is the primary source to watching your team play.
NFLN: I will say, I do check out this channel the most for their non-current game day programming. NFL films just does an outstanding job on the production side and it shows. They show classic games like everyone else, but in the off season, no sport has a more compelling programming than the NFL (thanks to ESPN). They take what was a 2 day event and now is about to be 4 days ($$$$) and thanks to the NFLN is damn near a month long bonaza. The combines, the interviews, the stories. The NFL draft is the single greatest non sports sports related programming event by far. Bigger than the ESPY’s or any hall of fame induction.
Distribution: In the end the goal is money
NBATV: great job getting coverage every where. They can be found on all the major cable dish and satellite carriers. Whether it be sports Tier or regular, your going to have NBA tv available. I bet since the Isiah / Dolan error their rating in NY is lower than any beauty pageant but ehh who cares (thanks Jimmy “I did nothing to deserve this team but I will now punish the fans” Dolan).
MLBN: I’m not sure but I’m guessing MLBN is every where and doing pretty good numbers (especially in NL cities)
NFLN: ahhh failure. Sadly when I move I’m going to miss the NFLN. B/c unless you have Dish, DTV or a cable provider who only serves patches of people at a time your not getting it. Its really silly, and considering the fact that the NFLN now stole DTV’s idea and created a RedZone channel which is a great idea if I may add, fantasy addicts like my self love this damn thing, imagine how much more money they could make if they were distributed every where.
Intangibles:
When it comes to intangibles, its as simple as this. The NFL while not widely distributed is a power house. I’d have to venture a guess that where it is available it’s doing good ratings in-season due to exclusive games that it airs later in the season and the coverage during the week. The NFL has the most popular sport so its easy to reason that its Network has to be doing pretty well. The NBA’s decline in popularity has less to due to media coverage or its network and more so with its lack of major likable star between the years Jordan retired and Lebron ran the league. The NBATV and MLBN suffer in a way because their seasons are so long. The NFL’s season is configured in a way that each game is like a weekly event, and they own Sundays and later in the season Mondays as well. During the season, each week programing is used to build up the events. Baseball and basketball have more content to work with but don’t have the same event feel until the playoffs and for the NBA not until the 2nd round.
Digital
MLB has done a great job of going online. They sell access to content and are finding great ways to monetize. That said none of the leagues have really connected the two lines of distribution (TV & digital). It may not be in the plans due to the varying business models and players but in the end the leagues may find that the investments TV could be secondary to the investments in digital.
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Black out!
Versed on October 7, 2009 by FreeWill District Streets Covered
Op-Ed
The Detroit win against the redskins was a great sports story - but the business side of it is what really has me thinking. The NFL blacked out the game due to its long standing regulations. If a certain percentage of the stadium gate is unsold prior to the kick off the game will be blacked out
As luck would have it the Lions were a victim of the black out rule probably due to the economic problems of the city and also due to the lack of success the team has experienced over the last few years. The main stream (old guard) media for the most part vilified the NFL, questioning how the NFL could not lift the rule for the struggling city which was representative of the entire US economy.
Sorry to say, I get it but the NFL made the right call. In the end they are running a business and short of a tragedy you can’t make exceptions and exemptions due to the situation. Also Detroit isn’t the only NFL city experiencing possible black out conditions. Its a bad time for all, but lifting the black out rules disincentives fans from going to future games. The one piece of advice I would give to NFL teams is to lower prices, using promotions so that the price changes aren’t permanent.
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People are silly
Versed on September 28, 2009 by FreeWill District Streets Covered
Op-Ed
So lately I have been studying the iTunes store, as I prep my article about comic books. Thats almost done, but I’ve noticed something extremely disturbing. The itunes store has multiple categories. One in particular has my attention for some of the most disturbing trends I have seen in business.
Amazon has a kindle reader for iphone users that is a grand total of $0.00. This is a seemingly great price especially in today’s current economic situation. Dan Brown’s latest book recently debuted - and is available in both print and digital formats. Here is where the silliness ensues!
People could buy the print format at a price of $17.97
The itunes digital format at a price of $24.99
or the kindle format at a price of $9.99
While I don’t have sales numbers I do notice a disturbing trend. People are buying the itunes digital format at an alarming rate. This is based on its high rankings in the paid apps section of apple…..from my understanding the readers (kindle and the one necessary for the book as an app) are similar in function and yet people continue to buy the itunes version…i don’t get it
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The Beauty of a Word
Versed on August 22, 2009 by FreeWill District Streets Covered
Uncategorized
Just a quick note I was going to write about M. Vick and the reaction in addition to my thoughts. When I realized that I had nothing new to add, nor a take that was refreshing I decided against writing for the time being. So maybe at a later date I’ll bring it up but for now…moving on
Throughout my life I’ve been big on the power of words and their use. So now that I’ve graduated from b-school I realize that my perspective has changed. The perfect example of this is the word Exploit. Prior to b-school the word exploit meant this to me:
to use selfishly for one’s own ends: employers who exploit their workers.
Since b - school my mind on the word to mean something more along these lines:
to utilize, esp. for profit; turn to practical account: to exploit a business opportunity.
Ironically the second definition I listed is actually the primary definition and yet growing up and throughout life I was for the most part familiar with the first. Its crazy how much this experience has changed me and also made me realize why business’ are in the economic situation we are in. Ironic isn’t it…
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New to me Reviews - Long Lost
Versed on July 23, 2009 by FreeWill District Streets Covered
Op-Ed
Let me start this off by saying my former coworker put me on to the works of Mr Coben. This was about 4 years ago. At the this time he had about 16 books published & I managed to read them all over the course of 3 months. They were that damn good. So since then when there’s a new book out by Mr Coben (especially those in the Myron Bolitar series) I’m all over it.
I want to give a special thanks to the barnes & noble sales associate for telling me the book wasn’t out yet. Great job.
Anyway a bit of background: Coben writes novels typically categorized as thriller or mystery and does a damn good job of it. He has 1 series - the aforementioned Bolitar series centered around a former basketball star - turned agent who also happens to do some ‘hero’ work on the side. Assisted by his best friend Win, who can best be described as unique & under estimated. This all occurs in the metro nyc / nj area. Coben does a good job of putting in everyones backstory so that new readers can catch on quickly but existing readers aren’t bored to death either ( so you can start any where & catch up later). Coben also writes another line of books typically about tangential characters in the Bolitar series that have either been introduced or will be intro’ed into Myron’s universe at some later date.
So let’s get on to the book. First of it its a bit longer than his other Bolitar novels which I don’t mind since I love the series. That said as a result of the increased length, there was a lil drag towards the end when it all came together but yet it was worth it. In true Coben fashion there were many plot twist that kept you going all the way through and made you keep reading just to see what was next. Coben also did a great job of mixing in current events / news topics that won’t become dated years from now when the book is in paper back & enjoyed by future readers.
The story is centered around a former love interest of Myron’s who had be gone for some 5+ years ( I think its 10 to be exact) calling Myron out of the blue in need of his special brand of help. In what is like only the 2nd time in the series a major portion of the story takes place out of the greater nyc area. This time in Paris where his ‘long lost’ love interest is at the time of contact. From there Myron falls into a black hole that is sure to never leave him the same once he comes out.
My 2 recommendations is to read a different Coben book prior to reading this one, mainly because Coben takes Bolitar places he never has before & its nice to contrast the various Bolitar experiences to this one because its so different. 2nd recommendation is to clear every book of your reading list because if you like Coben at all you going to want to read all of his work sooner rather than later.
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Message to the MTA riders
Versed on July 20, 2009 by FreeWill District Streets Covered
Uncategorized
I know this isn’t the usual fare. But consider this a psa to the nyc public. If you are a new yorker, know a new yorker or are/know someone visiting nyc please pass this along. Now one note: unless specified the rule applies to all:
Women: if your toes show, assume your ankles do as well so ummm use lotion (same is true of shoulders & elbows)
Before boarding a train for the first time in a given day shower
Men: it is not cool for you to fall asleep on a strangers shoulder
When the train stops if people are exiting, people waiting to get in should not charge as if they are rushing to the trading floor
Let the music play in your head. Even if your good your not getting my money
Kids: Stop selling candy for your insert here (basketball team, trip, school clothes, ps3, etc)
Don’t stare
Don’t spit
The parody song guy who I now see weekly on the green line: go away your not funny to anyone but tourist, & young black kids
Young women, gay men: it is a train, not a club, a lounge or a bar there is not enough room to dance
Men: get up for women & children unless your carrying one or the other.
& lastly:
The mta: go to hell…
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New to me Reviews - Notorious
Versed on July 16, 2009 by FreeWill District Streets Covered
Op-Ed
Ok I want to start a new feature. Good luck to me! Any way I want to review things that are new to me - in media & technology including :cinema, television, music, Novels & even comic books…I emphasize new to me. So it may be newly released, new to a format or I just missed & its simply new to me, since I actually do other things to earn money.
The first review I’m going to do is the Notorious movie. Click on the link for background information. I’m just going to say if you knew nothing about the mans life, or many of the main characters ( like Puff, Kim & Faith) your in for a decently acted, story of redemption, & eventual tradegy. Simple blue print of a boy born on the wrong side of the tracks learning to become a better person & being struck down way too young as he was making these huge strides. Nice, tidy & overall ideal. More a less a mothers story ( in the eyes of most parents their kids do no wrong, & if by chance they can they are always about to turn the tide for the better) with the person who profited mostly from his life & death overseeing it.
While I won’t go into the return of innocence that the late Mr Wallace seemed to be making prior to his untimely death I have to rip on a few things that were blatant & horribly portrayed.
Kim: I now see why she was so pissed. She was made to look like a desperate side chick who was good enough to screw & be objectified but nothing more. Ouch - I’m guessing Ms Wallace & Mr Combs are not big fans of this young lady.
Speaking of Mr Combs: his pearls of wisdom were not only profound but almost made him seem like his main concern was to make his artist better people while avoiding all conflict. This was comical - the real shade of Puff came out probably accidentally when talking about the founding of Bad Boy records. (I’m paraphrasing) Big we bout to blow, keep your cool, I just set up a deal where I get 42 million & you get 5. Wtf??? I understand the business savy & your management abilities garnering a larger cut but 42 to 5 wow. No wonder they called it Bad Boy, because you couldn’t sign an adult with that kind of split. I’m sure the intent wasn’t to show Puff’s ’shrewd’ business acumen but rather his compassion for his people. Let’s just say its bullshit.
Lil Cease: this is quick, with the casting & the acting direction Cease was portrayed as Biggie’s lil pet. Ouch. Then again given how people view Cease now that may be an upgrade…
Faith & D-Roc: obviously among those setting the direction of this movie these 2 were respected & maybe liked.
Lastly Tupac & the media: first the media. Without explicitly saying it, the attention & ‘hype’ that lead to the deaths of tupac & biggie was completely the fault of the media.
Now Mr Shakur, he was erratic, an instigator, an aggressor, & caused all the problems that lead to his death & the death of Biggie. Its like they used criminal prosecution rules while making this movie - meaning that while ‘Pac didn’t pull the trigger, according to the movie his actions set off events that lead to his death ( well him & the media) (side note I’m waiting for the next big celebrity crime where the defense names the media as the true criminal & files for a dismissal of charges because the media really did it!). Any way of all the villains in movie history the portrail of ‘Pac is one that ranks up there with Leger’s Joker. He really seems off balance, for no good reason other than wanting to destroy the world.
So other than Pac, Big’s youthful indiscretions & adult infidelity, Kim’s whorish tendencies, & of course D-Roc being a good friend to payback big for intro’ing him to his drug empire (lmao at empire) no one else does anything else wrong. Ms Wallace perfect just trying her best, puff - a pargon of wisdom, great friend & peace loving soul. The movie was full of shit final word, they took a movie with mostly no bodies save for Bassett & Derek Luke, and a movie that was decently carried by a horrible rapper but apparently decent actor (that describes 80% of hip hop artist since 2001 just for the record) & made it hardcore fiction in the last 35 minutes save for Bigs death & casket ride through bk. Artistic license is one thing but what they did was tragic - hollywood…
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From Fight Club to Fight Night….
Versed on July 16, 2009 by FreeWill District Streets Covered
Op-Ed
A few nights ago I tweeted from my phone, the same device I’m crafting this very post “heading to watch UFC 100…”. No this is not a shameless plug for my twitter account but if you want to follow me go here. This is a land mark moment for me, & many other sports fans. UFC is now main stream. Its gone from being a successful sports organization with a niche dedicated following to being in line with the big 4 or 5 sports in this country. Its at the point now where unless Mayweather, Pacquiao, or some hot shot up & comer is fighting boxing at is best is not a big deal. The event status reserved for the Superbowl, World Series, NBA finals (back finally),& formerly boxing has a new kid on the block & that is the ufc. Personalities straight out of the WWE(not only Lesner also see Dana White who has many Vince McMahon like qualities) boxing like buzz & finally big media coverage the ufc is kind of a big deal. So what did it for me?
This goes back to a trip I had to Vegas for a class where I had a chance to meet fellow NYU Stern Alum & co-owner of the UFC Lorenzo Fertitta & he laid out his vision & more importantly his plans on how he has executed on the business of ufc. From then I believed in the viability of the sport but I wasn’t quiet sold on the product being a fit for me. That changed soon after watching the most recent season of the ultimate fighter. U.S. v. U.K. Quality reality TV that helped you become attached to fighters & appreciate the fights more since you see the training & what have you. I had seen matches prior to this before but not with the same lens. Now I was a changed man. Fully invested I learned more about the styles, the fighters & events. In the end I’m officially a fan, damn near avid, & sadly I’m looking forward to going to any live UFC event as opposed to boxing where I really want to see a big fight or just any fight.
Why I watched…
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Black Evil Television…aka BET
Versed on July 6, 2009 by FreeWill District Streets Covered
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Ok after hearing about the abomination known as the BET music awards / MJ tribute the first thing that comes to mind is did anyone expect anything else? As Aaron McGruger has repeated poked fun at BET’s sole purpose has been to destroy black people. ok maybe not the ultimate & only goal but it has seemed like it is their mission to at least embarrass the hell out of us & set back black progress as much as possible or at least as much as Al Sharpton will leave after he sets us back.
Enough about the channel that will be blocked using parental guides once my children arrive. This is about the controversy within the mess that is BET. Everyone knows so I won’t rehash it much. Lil wayne performs a song about fucking every girl possible. No big deal except for the fact that 1) this is alleagly a mike jackson tribute could bet have the sense to review performers set list & either resuffle or change artist. Everyone else does it - but that would be too professional to expect the folks at Black Entertainment to do. 2) Wayne had his young daughter & her young friends on stage dancing. Surprisingly this part isn’t BET’s fault. Its idiot wayne’s. He managed to prove that he’s not only lil in stature but also in brains, not that we mistook him for a mental giant after hearing lolipop. But damn dude wtf were you not thinking? Personally I have no problem with the song I think everything has a place for the right audience. That said what kind of message is being sent out to all the kids watching this idiocy b/c their parents either didn’t have enough sense to block that dumb network or are probably watching it with them. If that’s not enough what the world at large watching this video. On the “signature” channel for black entertainment run by the same parent company of aptly named networks mtv & vh1. Ha. Its a joke. But wayne, bet and every advertiser out is driven by money & then you have out of touch people like cosby & selfish self serving people like the nut cutter jesse jackson & rollo goodlove er al sharpton reacting saying all that’s wrong with the black community.
In the end I’m all about making a dollar but I also believe in making conscience choices that don’t impact the community at large negatively. In the end the answer is some self policing & proacticity less finger pointing & blaming. But what do I know…
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