Cleveland State sends Green Bay packing
February 1, 2015Update on J.R. Smith’s three-point bonanza: WFNY Stats & Info
February 2, 2015Ten hours later and I’m still blown away by how the game ended. The catch by Lynch. The bobbled and hauled in pass along the right sideline. Marshawn Lynch getting to the one, only to be relegated to third and fourth down in the event a bizarre slant pass didn’t work? So many thoughts. So much emotion. As mentioned here last week, there were some Cleveland fans who were struggling to find a rooting interest. Not me. Not I. The Seattle Seahawks, to me, represent everything an NFL organization should strive to become. Philanthropist owner, incredible fans, and a team that thrives on toughness instead of finesse. I was pulling for the Seahawks as I believe that the Cleveland Browns have a considerably better shot at becoming them than they do replicating anything the New England Patriots do on the field—now at a 30 percent premium! I guess it’s only fitting that they would blow a winnable game in the final seconds. Apparently the Browns are a lot closer to Seattle than I originally thought.
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So, WFNY quietly turned seven years old this past weekend. In years past, we’ve celebrated each birthday with a post of sorts, documenting our journey to where we are today. Like human birthdays, there comes a point where they become more notable for milestones that typically end in something divisible by five. But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t incredibly proud of this here venture—seven years in the web space is an eternity. So many other sites have come and gone, experienced half-assed comeback attempts, or are just a hodgepodge of hot takes with poor sentence structure and sloppy syntax.
Behind the scenes, where so much work goes unseen, we’re constantly striving to get better in an ever-changing landscape. There are days where I feel like I’m shooting arrows at a moving target while I’m cruising on a skateboard. Not only are the teams changing, but the way we need to cover them is as well. The way we do things today is vastly different from the way things were back in 2008, and they’ll likely be different in 2016 and beyond—they’ll have to be. But as the delivery process continues to evolve, the passion and mission remain unchanged. To those who have been here since Day 1, we thank you. To those who joined the journey somewhere in the middle, welcome—there’s plenty of room.
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I haven’t spoken much about Marshawn Lynch, be it here or on Twitter. Now that the Super Bowl has come to an end, the Lynch versus The Media stuff will (should?) die down for at least a few more months—at least until someone attempts to get him to speak this summer, or the league does something in the way of a fine for whatever they deem unacceptable. But this piece by the most excellent Bruce Arthur sums up a lot of my feelings on the matter: He’s telling the system to go to hell. In the NFL, this is rarely, if ever, a bad thing.
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Say what you want about Katy Perry, buy Missy Elliott absolutely killed that cameo.
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I finally saw American Sniper this past weekend. Intense. Gut-wrenching. Terrific. The way that the entire theatre left in silence speaks volumes as to the emotional toll experienced throughout the film, especially the final 30-50 minutes. I’ve seen a lot of the backlash, mostly from those who were a part of any American-Iraqi conflict, and am not surprised—we tend to neglect that these films are in fact films and not documentaries or purporting to be top-to-bottom depictions of what has taken and is taking place. I care little for the political rhetoric that many want to attach. I do care, however, about getting my money’s worth when going to see a movie in an actual theatre—which is very, very rare in my current stage of life—and American Sniper did just that.
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Reporting over regurgitating. Here’s this week’s edition of #ActualSportswriting:
“Vine: The Best Way to Watch the NBA” by Ben Cohen (WSJ): “But the rise of Vine-like media in NBA circles reflects the changing consumption habits of the modern sports fan. The NBA has more Twitter and Vine followers than any American sports league. It takes social media so seriously that it added its @NBA handle to official game balls this season. NBA fan videos also constantly make it to Twitter, Instagram and YouTube, which has resulted in basketball content thriving online with a younger audience.”1
“The Super Bowl Scammer: Dion Rich Is the Godfather of Gatecrashing” by Brendan Prunty (Rolling Stone): “Hang around Dion Rich long enough and you’re sure to have a story (or several) like Swank’s. Parties at the Playboy Mansion. The Academy Awards. The Olympics. He is the Godfather of the Gatecrash. The Sultan of the Sneak-In. He has been photographed next to Jack Nicholson and Tiger Woods and Bill Clinton. But his biggest claim to fame? Crashing Super Bowls.”2
“Glendale not cheering Super Bowl” by Mina Kimes (ESPN The Magazine): “Much like the women on The Bachelor, host cities adhere to an invisible script. The Super Bowl is an honor, they say, a fount of riches — which is why I was surprised when Jerry Weiers, the mayor of Glendale, Arizona, recently told me he doesn’t expect a windfall when his city hosts the big game in February. In fact, he says, ‘I totally believe we will lose money on this.'”3
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And finally, this week’s Brew du Jour: Magic Hat No. 9
Yep, that’s right. I fell off the wagon a bit, but I blame the Super Bowl—and the Browns. While the Seahawks were busy giving away an NFL Championship, I was partaking in an ale that may as well be Old Faithful, No. 9 by Magic Hat Brewing Company. I’ve long enjoyed Magic Hat, mostly due to their hippy-esque labels and brew names that don’t deviate much from the spirit of its Burlington, Vermont headquarters. (Coincidentally, this happens to be the same hometown as the jam band Phish.) No. 9 classifies itself as a “not quite” pale ale; many beer reviewer types classify it as a fruit/vegetable beer. I classify it as the type of beer that goes down well year-round in a session-like scenario thanks to it’s crisp taste and 5.1 percent ABV.
It pours an amber-like orange with a haze at first, but this doesn’t stick around for long. As the reviewers infer, the taste and smell have plenty of fruit weaved in—berries and apricot being among the most prominent. The head is average, retaining a good amount on the glass, but nothing that would compete with a hoppy IPA. The taste replicates the scent with a refreshing mouthfeel of most fruity ales.
When the final drops are finished off, No. 9 won’t compare to the top-flight pale ales like Sierra Nevada or Stone, or the more highly regarded fruit and veggie brews from the likes of Founders, but for the price point, accessibility and its ability to meet in the middle of those two (oftentimes very different) styles, you could do a lot worse than Magic Hat. Oh—hey there, Redd’s Apple Ale… Didn’t see you standing there…
- I loathe any screen grabs or Vines that are done in a lazy manner—angled, with DVR graphics, TV logos, you name it. Long been a quality over quantity guy, the thought of thousands of fans standing in front of their TV with their cell phone recording—when streaming, direct recording services exist—repulses me, and is also why you rarely see them on this site. That said, I’ll also be the first to admit the way this service has taken over NBA viewing is incredible. Shout out to D Waiters. [↩]
- This story is simply great. Not only has this guy made it into more than 30 Super Bowls without paying, he’s gotten on to the sidelines in at least 20 of them. [↩]
- I was captivated by this piece as we here in Cleveland have long wanted (and received the rights to) events for economic impact. The politics and logistics that come with getting a Super Bowl are eye-opening. [↩]
82 Comments
yeah, Lynch isn’t a virgin. But there’s a part of me that enjoys the evening of the scales. As the league gets younger and younger you rarely have stars who aren’t QBs with enough experience to take a stand for themselves. This guy’s wariness of media has been consistent and the league shouldn’t feel the need to torture guys with trust issues, stutterers, etc.
I admit a strong bias here, against both the intelligence of the questions and the meaningfulness of the responses. Not why I watch sports. Acknowledge others differ: years ago was watching a Duke basketball game on tv and wifey wanted to know the age of Coach K’s own kids. I’m like, what … why?
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I feel bad for him because he very well may not receive the acclaim and awards he rightfully deserves (some of which have monetary prizes tied to them). And why won’t he? Because of petty, vindictive people.
I hope he ends his career strong so we can see the media types squirm over putting him into Canton. “But he wasn’t nice to us!”
Happy birthday WFNY!
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When Buffalo was looking to unload Lynch I had hopes Cleveland would take a chance. Nope. When Arizona was looking to unload Anquan Boldin I had hopes Cleveland would take a chance. Nope.
The Browns are allergic to talent. Alcoholics and potheads are more our speed.
There is a troubling pattern in this discussion group. An item gets posted by the WFNY editors that has a “political” subtext, people respond – generally in a civil and respectful fashion, as I have above – and get excoriated as if we’re rabble-rousers.
If you guys (WFNY) feel there cannot be civil discussions around anything even vaguely political then stories with even a shred of political content simply shouldn’t be posted for conversation here. Or, alternatively, if you feel there is value in these conversation, you should set some ground rules for commenting on stories w/ a political nature. At year 7, maybe it’s time to make a decision on that? Otherwise, we’ll just keep repeating the pattern described above.
I certainly did not excoriate you above, but please understand that one man’s impression and conveyance of his own civilly-minded opinions can nonetheless evoke emotions and unnecessarily jab at very real wounds in those that have a different perspective (and experience). As you clearly and evidently know, it is often difficult to remain silent, not responding to political scree, however “civil” it might be in its packaging, particularly when someone deliberately pokes his finger in a place of very real emotional and personal importance.
Scott’s point about the movie was not political – indeed, he specifically noted that the doesn’t care about the political commentary attached to it. I get that you have political opinions and viewpoints – we all do. But is it necessary to go down that road here, particularly when the writer specifically noted that it’s not the point of his writing? There are myriad places on the world wide web where we can each have our opinions variously confirmed or confronted, at will. Why should this be one of those places?
My mistake, as it always is, was clearly in saying anything at all. I should not have done so, however difficult silence is to maintain.
Sad but true what is worse is changing front office personnel hasn’t made a bit of difference. I really hope Farmer and his staff are doing some serious homework for free agency and the draft. It’s make or break IMO. This team has talent it’s just not anywhere near enough. Pettine has grown on me I liked that despite everything the team finished 7-9 although I can’t overlook the consecutive losses to end the year. Still the Browns need to really do well this spring and summer especially if and I cringe as I type this: Manziel is their QB.
I disagree. Your comment persuaded me away from my response. It was best for all that you and saggy had the responses rather than what I would have typed as civil as I would have attempted to be.
This is not the arena for political discourse even though there have been a few toe dipping conversations around political topics. It is an area where opinions are generally hardened past the point of persuasion even when done in a civil manner.
I’d vote for you! 😉
Thanks. When it comes to the toe-dipping of politics, I’m the guiltiest here – particularly when, as Humboldt noted, a writer seems to invite it. I’ve certainly bashed cyber heads with Scott and others on various things. I just don’t want to do it anymore. It’s foolish, counterproductive, and unnecessarily combative. I am sick to death of internet conflict grounded in irrefutable and cemented personal opinion.
The film evoked something of very real emotional and personal importance to me as well, Garry. Several of my friends have died or been wounded in Iraq (one committed suicide last year), and my satellite clinic treats veterans with TBI and PTSD. The legacy of this war – which is not the soldiers’ fault, btw, it was clearly attributable to civilian leadership – is something we’ll be feeling in this country for decades (not to mention the massive loss of life of innocents in Iraq). That the film decided to whitewash the indisputable strategic lies that led us into the war w/ a non-hostile country feels deeply irresponsible to me. When I saw a younger generation drawn into the misapprehensions promoted by the film it felt like a moral responsibility to correct them – the least I could do to honor the people who have been lost or grievously injured by the war.
As you know, I appreciate your service, and have no intent to offend you. We are all affected by Iraq in a multitude of ways, all legitimate, and a film like this, however flawed, at least provides us the space to civilly discuss it. However, I am happy to leave it here until our WFNY admins clarify where we want to go as a community.
It sums up the season.
“However, I am happy to leave it here until our WFNY admins clarify where we want to go as a community.”
I’ve learned my lesson regarding political items—the David Blatt topic being chief among them. But I refuse to believe that we can’t talk about the merits of a film without getting into some sort of political rant. Again, I don’t think the film was attempting to be a documentary. It was “based” on a true story. So was Cool Runnings.
I went to see a movie. I liked the movie. I shared that I liked the movie. I wasn’t playing the role of film critic. Feel free to replace the title with “Paddington” if needed. I don’t think this is a “we” discussion whatsoever.
Humboldt, that is a very thoughtful comment. Regardless of one’s position on Iraq, I don’t think anyone can find fault with what you wrote.
Well . . .
The moving toe dips, and having dipped, moves on.
I have to admit: I sort of chuckled that your comment about how you don’t care about the political rhetoric about AS resulted in… political rhetoric about AS.
I’m doing everything I can to let my dissension be known without allowing such dissension to actually lead to contention.
Just let it go, man!
Doing so. Doing so.
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Funny how that works out sometimes. #Internet
That is glorious.
by the way – as we watch football games in this century we still use the 20th century television standards. While football has changed, the way we view it has not – but it needs to. (inspiration for this comment can be found here: http://grantland.com/features/how-new-class-promising-nfl-quarterbacks-reach-greatness)
Gone is the need for tight shots on I-formations and the center of the offensive line. Here now is the need for a wider shot of the whole field, which sometimes encompasses 5 receivers and 6 defensive backs.
Why does the camera automatically zoom in right after the snap, to show the QB in the pocket? Why should the cameras be in tight on the QB, his 5 OLs and a 3-man rush when the other 13 players are further downfield?
I think it’s time that the networks evaluate their broadcasting parameters, which includes how they shoot the modern game. There is so much going on off-screen that you can never really tell what’s happening downfield until it has happened. Occasionally, I’d love to be able to see a wide angle of the play, in order to get a feel for what the teams are really doing.
/rant over.
I was thinking something similar on punts. Not sure if all punts were like this, but on more than a few they switched to a field level “behind the punter” view. What good is that? It makes it extremely difficult to judge how intense the rush is.
watching the NFL all year on replay where you get the “coaches all-22” view really does make one frustrated when you have to go back to the normal network broadcasting. especially in college FB where the cameraman often guesses wrong on the read-option (zooming in on someone w/o the ball!) or they play with enough pace that there is not time for replays to fill in the details.
Say what you will about wanting Cleveland to be like Seattle ,but Browns fans will never be like these people. Browns have a tradition of loyal fans . Seattle is about as bandwagon as they come. I have lived in WA state and just north of Seattle for 13 years. I’ve been a huge football fan since I was 10 so I notice these things. It was almost like they didn’t even have a football team until 2-3 years ago. You never saw Seahawk jerseys –just a sprinkling of Mariners stuff. SNL got it right when they poked them this weekend..”I been a fan from the beginning..uhhhhhhhhh, 2013″.
One of the greatest things about coming home to Ohio to visit family is that you ALWAYS see Browns jerseys all over the airport and everywhere you go. Even when the team is awful. I know that some people who have never lived elsewhere can’t relate , but it makes me very , very proud to be a Browns fan.
what is the coaches 22 view? i never heard of that.
NFL replay allows you to select the “all-22” view, which has alternatively been called the “coaches” view. It is the zoomed out view of the field with “all-22” players visible though oftentimes the deepest guys can get cut off the screen.
I’m late to the WWWs this week, but I’m circling back.
Magic Hat #9 was something I coveted after living in Boston. I couldn’t get it here for the longest time and when it finally arrived, it became “my Budweiser.” It was my old faithful everyday beer. I’ve since moved on a bit, but I drink a fair amount of #9 every single year.
I’m happy so many people enjoyed Missy Elliott, but I just don’t get her. There are a couple nice hits, but I don’t know why she’s revered quite as much as she is. Shrug.
With the NFL supposedly wanting to keep their halftime show clean, I find it a bit perplexing that they allowed Missy to perform those songs. The words are not exactly clean. Then again, it followed Katy Perry not exactly being shy about her dancing with Kravitz, so what do I know.