What do I think of on Boxing Day? Well.. duh!! Boxing.
I may not be the biggest boxing fan but 2 of my favorite sporting moments occurred in the boxing ring. They're not moments of great accomplishment or moments of heroism. They are moments which are so out of control and crazy that they would make Hannibal Lecter seem normal.
Sometimes that's what is so fun about watching sports. Referees can only control so much and when things get out of hand..... CHAOS!!
Here are my 2 favorite boxing moments:
Riddick Bowe/Andrew Golota- 1996: Start at 2:45 of the video
Mike Tyson/ Evander Holyfield- 1997:
Apparently, all the footage of the fight has been taken down to copyright claims but I'm sure you all know the story of Mike Tyson biting Holyfield's ear three times in one fight, and then a huge riot ensuing afterwards.
Unfortunately there's no video of the riot but I have found something maybe even better...
Mike Tyson's commentary of the fights with Evander Holyfield
Happy Boxing Day!!
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
A Holiday Look at the NFL season
As the countdown to Christmas winds down, the countdown to the NFL playoffs is just beginning. We are about 2 and a half weeks away from the beginning of the 3-week battle that will determine the Super Bowl champion.
So, with Christmas so close, let's look at some of the teams who are either in the playoffs or who are fighting for their playoff lives this year by comparing them to Christmas carols:
Cincinnati Bengals- Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer:
This team has been in the playoffs just twice since 1990 and, much like Rudolph, the rest of the NFL used to laugh and call them names while destroying them every week. But the Bengals, with their shiny toothed reciever, have gained respect from the rest of the NFL by vaulting into first place in their division. We'll see if they go down in history.
San Diego Chargers- Winter Wonderland:
Despite being as far away from snow as humanly possible, the team from San Diego seems to thrive when the month of December hits. They have won their last 17 games in December. Unreal. December of 2005 was their last loss. Sleigh bells are ringing, snow is not quite glistening in San Diego, but everyone is happy toinght, because the Chargers continue their quest towards their first Super Bowl in franchise history.
New York Jets- Santa Claus is Coming to Town
Santa Claus being the Jets QB Mark Sanchez who has thrown 20 interceptions this year, yet his team still sits in the playoff hunt. The Jets as a team have also given up a few games this year that they should have won with careless fumbles and bonehead mistakes. As long as Santa keeps on giving, opponents of the Jets won't have to pout and cry, and we don't need to tell you why.
Tennessee Titans- Grandma got run over by a Reindeer
Chris Johnson sure looks likes a reindeer sometimes as he leads the league in rushing with over 1700 yards, 400 more yards than any other back. This Titans team was 0-6, but have fought their way back to 7-7, led by Chris Johnson running over people with force.
New Orleans Saints- Let it Snow
The Saints are a lucky team. With a record of 13-1, they have yet to play a game in any sort of cold weather, mainly because they play their home games in a nice warm dome. And it looks like they will be getting home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. Which means they'll get to avoid places like Green Bay, Philadelphia and New York. The weather outside might be frightful, but the Saints dome is so delightful, and since they don't have to go anywhere else to play, well... just let it snow.
Denver Broncos- I'll Be Home for Christmas
They may not be home right at Christmas, but they'll be coming home pretty quick, because this team will get absolutely demolished by whoever they play in the first round. The worst playoff team of the year is going to sneak their way in because of a 6-0 start to their season. Since then, they have gone 2-6 and have lost some ugly games to Oakland and Washington. At least they'll be home for Ukrainian Christmas in January.
Minnesota Vikings- Frosty the Snowman
Uh oh, the Minnesota Vikings are melting. 2 of the last 3 weeks, they have been spanked by Arizona and Carolina. When you put that old silk hat (football helmet) on QB Brett Favre in September and October, he begins to dance around and throw touchdown passes. But when winter comes, Brett Favre begins to melt and he's doing it once again. Expect the Vikings to get knocked out early in the playoffs. But don't you cry Vikings fans, because he'll be back again someday. (On second thought, you probably should cry.)
Indianapolis Colts- Jingle Bells
The Colts are a team that is laughing their way through the NFL season. They are 14-0 with 2 games left in the season and trying to become just the 3rd team to finish a regular season without a loss. The one horse that is pulling their sleigh is QB Peyton Manning who is continuing to add to his already incredible resume and is beginning to be mentioned as one of the best of all-time. It must be fun for Colts players to ride in that sleigh.
Pittsburgh Steelers- I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas
QB Ben Roethlisberger, at 241 pounds, runs around the field like a hippopotamus sometimes, and has cost the Steelers some big games this year. Yet they remain at 7-7, in the thick of the playoff race. But the Steelers making the playoffs is like getting a hippopotamus for Christmas.... it's not gonna happen.
New England Patriots- The Grinch's Theme Song
Everyone's favorite team to hate is back in the New England Patriots. The same team that got caught for spying on their opponents only a few years ago. Don't be surprised if this team sneaks its way through the playoffs and comes out on top once again led by their grinch-like head coach, Bill Belichick.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone!!!
So, with Christmas so close, let's look at some of the teams who are either in the playoffs or who are fighting for their playoff lives this year by comparing them to Christmas carols:
Cincinnati Bengals- Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer:
This team has been in the playoffs just twice since 1990 and, much like Rudolph, the rest of the NFL used to laugh and call them names while destroying them every week. But the Bengals, with their shiny toothed reciever, have gained respect from the rest of the NFL by vaulting into first place in their division. We'll see if they go down in history.
San Diego Chargers- Winter Wonderland:
Despite being as far away from snow as humanly possible, the team from San Diego seems to thrive when the month of December hits. They have won their last 17 games in December. Unreal. December of 2005 was their last loss. Sleigh bells are ringing, snow is not quite glistening in San Diego, but everyone is happy toinght, because the Chargers continue their quest towards their first Super Bowl in franchise history.
New York Jets- Santa Claus is Coming to Town
Santa Claus being the Jets QB Mark Sanchez who has thrown 20 interceptions this year, yet his team still sits in the playoff hunt. The Jets as a team have also given up a few games this year that they should have won with careless fumbles and bonehead mistakes. As long as Santa keeps on giving, opponents of the Jets won't have to pout and cry, and we don't need to tell you why.
Tennessee Titans- Grandma got run over by a Reindeer
Chris Johnson sure looks likes a reindeer sometimes as he leads the league in rushing with over 1700 yards, 400 more yards than any other back. This Titans team was 0-6, but have fought their way back to 7-7, led by Chris Johnson running over people with force.
New Orleans Saints- Let it Snow
The Saints are a lucky team. With a record of 13-1, they have yet to play a game in any sort of cold weather, mainly because they play their home games in a nice warm dome. And it looks like they will be getting home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. Which means they'll get to avoid places like Green Bay, Philadelphia and New York. The weather outside might be frightful, but the Saints dome is so delightful, and since they don't have to go anywhere else to play, well... just let it snow.
Denver Broncos- I'll Be Home for Christmas
They may not be home right at Christmas, but they'll be coming home pretty quick, because this team will get absolutely demolished by whoever they play in the first round. The worst playoff team of the year is going to sneak their way in because of a 6-0 start to their season. Since then, they have gone 2-6 and have lost some ugly games to Oakland and Washington. At least they'll be home for Ukrainian Christmas in January.
Minnesota Vikings- Frosty the Snowman
Uh oh, the Minnesota Vikings are melting. 2 of the last 3 weeks, they have been spanked by Arizona and Carolina. When you put that old silk hat (football helmet) on QB Brett Favre in September and October, he begins to dance around and throw touchdown passes. But when winter comes, Brett Favre begins to melt and he's doing it once again. Expect the Vikings to get knocked out early in the playoffs. But don't you cry Vikings fans, because he'll be back again someday. (On second thought, you probably should cry.)
Indianapolis Colts- Jingle Bells
The Colts are a team that is laughing their way through the NFL season. They are 14-0 with 2 games left in the season and trying to become just the 3rd team to finish a regular season without a loss. The one horse that is pulling their sleigh is QB Peyton Manning who is continuing to add to his already incredible resume and is beginning to be mentioned as one of the best of all-time. It must be fun for Colts players to ride in that sleigh.
Pittsburgh Steelers- I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas
QB Ben Roethlisberger, at 241 pounds, runs around the field like a hippopotamus sometimes, and has cost the Steelers some big games this year. Yet they remain at 7-7, in the thick of the playoff race. But the Steelers making the playoffs is like getting a hippopotamus for Christmas.... it's not gonna happen.
New England Patriots- The Grinch's Theme Song
Everyone's favorite team to hate is back in the New England Patriots. The same team that got caught for spying on their opponents only a few years ago. Don't be surprised if this team sneaks its way through the playoffs and comes out on top once again led by their grinch-like head coach, Bill Belichick.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone!!!
Monday, December 14, 2009
Hey Tiger, take your time (Part 1 of my Tiger Woods blogs)
Here's Part 1 of my Tiger Woods blogs.
Today's topic: Is golf more exciting when Tiger is not playing?
So the PGA Tour is now screwed, right? The biggest star they've ever had is taking an "indefinite" leave from golf to deal with his ongoing family issues. The last time Tiger took time off was a year and a half ago to undergo knee surgery and the TV ratings plummeted.
It is clear that people tune in to watch Tiger Woods dominate week in and week out. But if you're a hardcore golf fan, like myself, do you want to see total domination or intense drama on Sunday?
Most of the tournaments Tiger played in last year were routs from the beginning and resulted in a final round where Woods played conservative boring golf to hold his 3 or 4 shot lead.
ZZZZZZZZ.......
The PGA basically consists of Tiger Woods and then the rest of the field. He is so much more dominating than the rest of the tour. The rest of the field is almost equal to each other and when Tiger is out of contention, it creates more dramatic, unforgettable and exciting finishes.
Here's a few recent major tournaments where Tiger was either not in the field or out of contention.
Examples:
2009 British Open- The Tom Watson comeback
2009 Masters- Three-way playoff
2008 PGA Champ.- Harrington/Garcia duel
2008 British Open- Greg Norman comeback
2007 British Open- Harrington/ Garcia playoff
2006 US Open- Mickelson Collapse
These tournaments, without Tiger Woods anywhere near the top of the leaderboard, will be remembered forever. And then there's the tournaments where Tiger plays:
2009 BMW Championship- Tiger wins by 8 shots
2009 Bridgestone Invitational- Tiger wins by 4 shots
2009 Buick Open- Tiger wins by 3 shots
That was just this past year. We won't mention where he won by 12 shots and 15 shots at major tournaments.
I hate it when people say golf is boring to watch but it sure is boring when Tiger is kicking everybody's ass. Yet the ratings are at their peak.
If Tiger takes this indefinite leave, it will give the PGA a chance to develop and promote other superstars to the audience. Of course there's Vijay Singh, Phil Mickelson, but those guys are in their 40's and their days of winning tournaments are dwndling. The PGA doesn't seem to take the time to focus on the young stars, the future of the sport. Tiger's break is giving the PGA a chance to do this, but if they don't, and Tiger announces he's quitting golf....the PGA is totally screwed.
But here's what's going to happen. Tiger will take the first 3 months off and will make his much-anticipated comeback in the biggest golf tournament of the year, The Masters in April. You heard it here first. And more likely than not, he'll go back to his usual dominating self.
The point of the blog is this. I watch sports because it is dramatic and unpredictable. When Tiger Woods plays golf, it is boring and predictable. Personally, I enjoy watching golf more when Tiger is not playing, unlike most of the American people.
So keep the mistresses coming, because the more they are revealed, the more time Tiger takes off golf, and the more Sundays I spend watching golf on Sunday afternoons.
Today's topic: Is golf more exciting when Tiger is not playing?
So the PGA Tour is now screwed, right? The biggest star they've ever had is taking an "indefinite" leave from golf to deal with his ongoing family issues. The last time Tiger took time off was a year and a half ago to undergo knee surgery and the TV ratings plummeted.
It is clear that people tune in to watch Tiger Woods dominate week in and week out. But if you're a hardcore golf fan, like myself, do you want to see total domination or intense drama on Sunday?
Most of the tournaments Tiger played in last year were routs from the beginning and resulted in a final round where Woods played conservative boring golf to hold his 3 or 4 shot lead.
ZZZZZZZZ.......
The PGA basically consists of Tiger Woods and then the rest of the field. He is so much more dominating than the rest of the tour. The rest of the field is almost equal to each other and when Tiger is out of contention, it creates more dramatic, unforgettable and exciting finishes.
Here's a few recent major tournaments where Tiger was either not in the field or out of contention.
Examples:
2009 British Open- The Tom Watson comeback
2009 Masters- Three-way playoff
2008 PGA Champ.- Harrington/Garcia duel
2008 British Open- Greg Norman comeback
2007 British Open- Harrington/ Garcia playoff
2006 US Open- Mickelson Collapse
These tournaments, without Tiger Woods anywhere near the top of the leaderboard, will be remembered forever. And then there's the tournaments where Tiger plays:
2009 BMW Championship- Tiger wins by 8 shots
2009 Bridgestone Invitational- Tiger wins by 4 shots
2009 Buick Open- Tiger wins by 3 shots
That was just this past year. We won't mention where he won by 12 shots and 15 shots at major tournaments.
I hate it when people say golf is boring to watch but it sure is boring when Tiger is kicking everybody's ass. Yet the ratings are at their peak.
If Tiger takes this indefinite leave, it will give the PGA a chance to develop and promote other superstars to the audience. Of course there's Vijay Singh, Phil Mickelson, but those guys are in their 40's and their days of winning tournaments are dwndling. The PGA doesn't seem to take the time to focus on the young stars, the future of the sport. Tiger's break is giving the PGA a chance to do this, but if they don't, and Tiger announces he's quitting golf....the PGA is totally screwed.
But here's what's going to happen. Tiger will take the first 3 months off and will make his much-anticipated comeback in the biggest golf tournament of the year, The Masters in April. You heard it here first. And more likely than not, he'll go back to his usual dominating self.
The point of the blog is this. I watch sports because it is dramatic and unpredictable. When Tiger Woods plays golf, it is boring and predictable. Personally, I enjoy watching golf more when Tiger is not playing, unlike most of the American people.
So keep the mistresses coming, because the more they are revealed, the more time Tiger takes off golf, and the more Sundays I spend watching golf on Sunday afternoons.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Twitter: My New Hobby
I think it was last spring, when I was fortunate enough to have a 2-day job shadow with Mike McIntyre of the Winnipeg Free Press, where I first learned about Twitter.
Mike had his own Mike on Crime twitter profile which he constantly updated with live updates from the courtroom. I'll always remember sitting in the courtroom with him while he typed away on his Blackberry effortlessly. I remember thinking how cool this looked. So I ran home (actually I took the bus home) and started my very own Twitter account.
A few tweets here and there and, in about a month, I stopped doing it.
But now we're here in December and I have realized that this Twitter thing that I once got so excited about still gets me fired up.
For some reason, I like sharing my thoughts with others. They must be interested to see what I am doing.. right?.....right?
Well, I don't care if you are or not, because from today on, I am going to use Twitter on a daily basis and it is going to be bombarded with my thoughts, my opinions, my favorite things, my meals, whatever.....
So get ready,Twitter followers, because I vow to you that my life will now be for your viewing.
Twitter.....Get ready for Kevin Hirschfield.
http://twitter.com/kevinhabs
Mike had his own Mike on Crime twitter profile which he constantly updated with live updates from the courtroom. I'll always remember sitting in the courtroom with him while he typed away on his Blackberry effortlessly. I remember thinking how cool this looked. So I ran home (actually I took the bus home) and started my very own Twitter account.
A few tweets here and there and, in about a month, I stopped doing it.
But now we're here in December and I have realized that this Twitter thing that I once got so excited about still gets me fired up.
For some reason, I like sharing my thoughts with others. They must be interested to see what I am doing.. right?.....right?
Well, I don't care if you are or not, because from today on, I am going to use Twitter on a daily basis and it is going to be bombarded with my thoughts, my opinions, my favorite things, my meals, whatever.....
So get ready,Twitter followers, because I vow to you that my life will now be for your viewing.
Twitter.....Get ready for Kevin Hirschfield.
http://twitter.com/kevinhabs
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
The voicemail heard around the world
Here is the new voicemail of Tiger Woods telling his waitress friend to take his name off her phone.
That is clearly the voice of Tiger Woods. Now he's pretty much backed into a corner and, sooner or later, he's going to have to make some kind of public apology.
That is clearly the voice of Tiger Woods. Now he's pretty much backed into a corner and, sooner or later, he's going to have to make some kind of public apology.
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