Z.I.P.

Good guess, but not the Falcons. Happened in 2006. The Canucks. No, no -- it was the Ken-tucks! Wildcats of the MAC. BTW -- if going to the College Cup, don't head to Santa Clara. It's about 200 miles to the SW in Santa Barbara. See ya there

Yeah, I'm sure Obama is beside himself. As if his BP-Katrina isn't taking up enough of his time, now he has to juggle LBJ offers in his role as Chief Sporting Official. I think Bron would actually make a pretty fearsome keeper to tell the truth -- and as the piece says -- he plays just as much soccer as Beckham does.

I've seen both of the Jordan boys as seniors the last two years and I can tell you -- the younger brother who is headed to UCF in the fall is FAR better than his just transferred brother. But neither is an NBA quality player. --edit-- I was off by a year -- Marcus will be a Soph in Orlando next fall. Wow, how time flies. And speaking of which -- I thought it was a joke when someone said the school better wear Nikes. I guess I was wrong!

From the same page: New Coach Coming to Nittany Land. And surprise -- he's not named Bahr. So, PSU is taking a different tack from Indiana.

More on the Akron-to L.A. journey of Ben and Blair from Kyle McCarthy of Goal.com “We play quick and when we lose it, we want to get it back so we can attack some more,” Zemanski said. “We were bred in that system and that's how Martin wants us to play.

I watched the Chivas USA - Real Salt Lake game on Fox Regional last night from Home Depot Center. While the home team took a very disappointing 2-1 loss to the MLS champs on a goal in about the 88th minute, it was one of the most exciting -- though not best-played games of the young season. AND, Ben Zemanski absolutely played the game of his life. With Sasha Klestjan gone to the US World Cup training camp, Blair Gavin has moved up to the Attacking Mid spot, and got more than a couple opportunities to put the ball in the net for Chivas. However, none of his shots or center passes paid off. At the same time, Zemanski took over at the holding mid, and quarterbacked the Goats magnificently. His pass completion percentage from out of the back was so high it eliminated him for life from ever playing for the Cleveland Browns. This "kid" has already developed such a system with the team's attackers that before you can say "Zemanski has the ball", he's released it to a teammate making a serious run. Ben was the leader of what offense Chivas was able to put together. They sure could use another striker though. New coach Martin Vasquez was employing a 4-5-1 that created a lot of possession against Real, but not enough real scoring chances. Reminded me of another team with an Akron flavor -- Zakuani's Sounders. Both teams in big-time need of finishers.

The University of Hawai'i's Athletic Director has come up with a novel approach to raising parking funds through an on-line reverse auction of stadium parking spots. They anticipate possibly raising over 700k total. You think this will catch on?

Link to article Actually, this quote was stolen from ex-Texas governor, Ann Richards speaking about W. Bush (or was it his daddy?) at the Democratic Convention. She also famously said, "He was born with a silver foot in his mouth."

You must be young! Are you saying eighteen hundred people turned out to see the University of Akron baseball team? Where at? Back in the good ol' days of the OVC, when Mike Birkbeck was on the mound, they were lucky to get 18 people at the game. All I remember from Akron baseball was how more than once in the same game, the umps were unable to tell if a ball that landed deep fell inside or outside the fence, because there was just a chain link fence separating the OF from Exchange Street, with no canvas even covering it. Was that a HR or a Ground Rule Double? Ask the center fielder?

Very fascinating -- though I think I took this previously several years ago. Not sure if I've changed (though change is a good thing) BUT: Econ Left/Right -6.62 Social Libertarian/Authoritarian -8.41 Yes -- I'm way out there! Can GP-1 say that? How about the Paulists? Go Left Libs!

Looking back at the entirety of this thread, the most interesting thing I find is that I end up agreeing with much of the basic opinions of BOTH sides -- El Grande GP-1 representing the Libertarian Right, and Cornbread and Dave being (and I believe the term is accurate) representative the Libertarian Left. The fact GP-1 states that I agree with is that for a large swath of America, Mr Rand Paul's ideology is very much "mainstream". Sadly to me and others, Paul's beliefs are not at all extreme within his own political party. As shown in this very incisive political cartoon far too many Americans think that because government too often screws up, that we should therefore shoot ourselves in the foot by eliminating the very engine of democracy, and embrace the ideal that "the only good government is a dead government". On the other hand, I would never choose freely to live in a state where private institutions, be they the limited liability corporation, or not-for-profit corporations like the major labor unions or political groups ranging from the ACLU to the John Birch Society enjoy rights to discriminate wantonly based on (just a few among many potential -isms), race, sex, age or disability when public institutions (mean, evil, representative government) are prevented from doing so by the document that ties the nation together. As I read in a comment yesterday to the original Paul article from the Maddow Show -- Rand Paul doesn't personally believe in or practice racial discrimination, but he wants to reserve the "rights" of others (private businesses, not public agencies) to discriminate because that will all settle out in the "free market" of personal choice. Of course the free market of personal choice is just another term for Jim Crow society. And not even Rand Paul wants to go back there. But back there is where we will all end up if we leave justice up to the strongest or best armed force in the hood, as the right-wing Libertarian perspective desires. An interesting aside: One of the first politicians I supported for office after moving to my current home state was the Libertarian Party candidate for Mayor of Honolulu, in the late 1980s. His name, I think was Michael Schweigart, and he was a grad of the U of Akron School of Law. His graduate institution was not the reason for my support, but rather his strong support of individual rights and limits to government abilities to pry into the private business of citizens. Back then the Libertarian Party here and in many other places were very much more left-leaning. Someplace in the 1990s, the party was kidnapped by forces that were more interested in protecting the interests of private profit than the rights of individual citizens. A great example is the "Citizens United" case, where Corporate Citizenship rights were endorsed by the US Supreme Court. Should a libertarian support giving "rights" to non-human corporate entities that drown out the rights of natural-born citizens, because the corporations have "free-speech" under the Bill of Rights? The founders of the nation certainly fought against that concept, and over 80% of people polled after the SCOTUS decision (including over 75% of Republicans) disagreed with it. But I'm sure that Ron and Rand Paul would fight to preserve just such anti-democratic corporate rights. That's the difference between civil rights (left-libertarian) and corporate/private institutional rights (right libertarian).

Soth Caolina is a tough place for the ladies. All the rich men are off hiking the Appalachian Trail.

They are red herrings designed to distract from real issues like an ever expanding government, national debt, high unemployment and a never ending war. The DOW was down 376 today and unemployment is up and Europe is five years ahead of us into bankruptcy, but Maddow wants to discuss the civil rights movement. Give me a break. I realize how much Baby Boomers like to relive their youth because it somehow further inflates their already overblown sense of themselves, but Maddow is not focusing on the issues that face America today. The next time Maddow asks Paul about his opinion of anything that went on in the 1960s, Paul should say, "I respectfully submit that is a stupid question and we need to focus on more important issues that face America today." Rachel Maddow is a childish little girl who can't grow out of her glory days in high school debate club. There is a promo MSNBC runs with her saying she wants her show to be "fair" and she says it with a straight face. That's like saying Sean Hannity want to be fair. The only promo more crazy on MSNBC is the one of Olberman saying he "illuminates" issues on his show. Olberman illuminates political issues like I make a room more fragrant when I blast a fart after a two day bender. Maddow's show, Hardball and Olberman are no different than the clowns on the other liberal network filled with neo-conservatives, FOX News. As far as gun ownership, I'll just say this. Freedoms are lost at the end of a pen. Freedoms are won back at the end of a gun. Never give up your gun. No matter how much you try to twist, push and pull, the so called red herring argument is going to be Rand's undoing. You can't mess with the civil rights laws. Once it gets out that he wants to repeal social security, the dept of education, the IRS, etc... the election is lost. I can't turn you arguing his policy points. Tea Baggers are the hard right of American Politics. Everytime I talk to one of you, guns or something racist comes out. Your fringe party is unelectable. America has matured. This is not your father's Paul-itician. I'm sure daddy's eyes went a-rollin' when he watched THAT interview.

So what is the Crew/MLS giving to the PDL to have their logo on the Michigan team's website? I can't find anything describing the relationship. I'd call it a farm team like the minor leagues in baseball. Well, it's not like they're going to "call up" players from the Bucks to Columbus. Maybe these players have some "special opportunities" when it comes MLS Superdraft time? I doubt it, depending on the MLS' new rules regarding reserve rights to academy players. But the Bucks are not exactly part of the Crew Youth Academy. I'll look, but I bet there is no mention of the Michigan team on the Crew web site.

And, below that story: Senior defensive end Shawn Lemon has been reinstated to the Zips football team. Lemon asked for his release in late April after having a disagreement with Coach Rob Ianello. When will we hear the I-Coach's apology?

I had to feel for Rachel! The guy started out attempting to argue that the constitution only applied to government institutions, and was somehow voluntary for private businesses. So, when Rachel tried to press him on his answer, he did everything in his power to change the subject -- including this effort to confuse the issue by inserting "gun rights" -- something he and his tea party allies are more familiar with. One thing Rachel said that is a sure thing: You (speaking to Paul) are sure to hear this issue raised much more in the future. For his part, Paul at first tried to demure by acting to be too young to be familiar with the Civil Rights Movement ("Well, I was only a year old when that was passed"), then seemed to infer that those issues were all settled, and said that the questioning of his position on civil rights was an effort by his opponents to change the subject, and referred to the issue as "a red herring". Positive thing for him -- he hasn't (yet) suggested exchanging a chicken for health care! More to come!

Speaking of EJ Thomas, if you've got your tickets (its sold out!) you can see my home boy, Jake the Shake Shimabukuro there on Saturday night.

So what is the Crew/MLS giving to the PDL to have their logo on the Michigan team's website? I can't find anything describing the relationship.

Does anyone out there know the full story on Blair's bio? He's really gotten around -- what I've read says he grew up in Louisville, but played for a club team in Tennessee -- as well as Arizona's top club Sereno Valley Golden Eagles (in between a long residency with the US Youth system), which I think trains in Scottsdale. So, if the LeBrons played the Nashes...

I love getting athletes in football/basketball/soccer who also ran track. Frankly, I see what is happening with Caleb's recruiting and the overall athleticism on the pitch as a return to the days of old -- like when I was a student. In the 70s, it was easy to see that the best athletes on campus were the soccer players. I suspect after the school went to D-1 in all sports, the football and basketball -- and track teams were able to recruit better all-around athletes, but once again I would not be surprised if our soccer players are the all-around most athletic mansters on UA.

That's bookin'! For a comparison, here is the men's 800m final from this weekend's MAC outdoor meet. Could Willie Brown have some comp on campus? Event 7 Men 800 Meter Run ======================================================================= Meet Record: # 1:46.48 1995 Paul McMullen, Eastern Michigan Name Year School Finals Points ======================================================================= Finals 1 Destin Heasley JR Can't State 1:49.05 10 2 Willie Brown FR Akron 1:50.30 8 3 Shaun Brummert JR Buffalo 1:50.97 6 4 Blake Figgins SR Eastern Michigan 1:51.33 5 5 Colin Pettiford SO Can't State 1:52.23 4 6 John Bauman SR Buffalo 1:53.51 3 7 Isaiah Mask SO Buffalo 1:53.72 2 8 Jack Spilman FR Miami (Ohio) 1:59.03 1

Got the following info in my box recently from my friends on the California Riviera. College Cup tix are on sale to UCSB season ticket holders (my guess -- maybe 1000-2000 sold, as they lead the nation in attendance) beginning this week. Non-season ticket holder sales begin Sep. 1. See ticket prices below. Most seats are general admission, with VIP seating available. Not sure how many of the Gold Section seats there are, but I doubt many will be available by 9/1. In any case, we Zips will want to be together to multiply our power. Knock on wood! 2010 Gaucho Soccer Season Tickets Now Available UCSB season tickets include 2010 College Cup passes May 3, 2010 SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Season tickets for the 2010 UC Santa Barbara men's soccer season are now on sale and this year's packages include tickets for the NCAA College Cup, being hosted by UCSB on Dec. 10-12 at Meredith Field at Harder Stadium. Season tickets start at just $75 and include one ticket to all home men and women's regular season games and one College Cup All Session ticket. UC Santa Barbara staff and faculty can purchase their season tickets for a reduced rate of $50. For the second consecutive season, the Gauchos are also offering a special Family Plan. For just $175, a family of five (2 adults, 3 youth) can get tickets for all home men and women's regular season games and two College Cup All Session tickets - that's just $1.25 per game! Everyone who purchases a Family Plan will also get free GKids memberships for all youth eighth grade and under in their household. All 2009 UCSB soccer season ticket holders and all Gaucho Fund donors may purchase tickets for the 2010 season starting today, May 3. On May 10, season tickets will be available to the general public. College Cup All Session tickets will be made available to non-season ticket holders on Sept. 1. To purchase your season tickets, please call (805) 893-UCSB, visit the Ticket Office located inside the Intercollegiate Athletics building on campus or click here. Where Can I Sit? ?Seating sections in Harder Stadium are marked as Gold (Gaucho Fund donation area), Blue (reserved season tickets) and White (General Admission and groups). Gold Zone seating includes a cushioned chair-back seat located on the east side of Harder Stadium, which is mid-field behind the Gauchos' bench, and also includes free parking and access to the hospitality area. Access to the Gold Zone requires a $300 per seat donation to the Gaucho Fund in addition to the purchase of a season ticket. Please click here to see the seating map for Meredith Field at Harder Stadium. One Donation Is Gold Donations to the Gaucho Fund - regardless of the sport it supports - are part of the "One Donation is Gold" system. This allows donors to purchase priority/premium seating and parking at UCSB games across several sports in addition to other benefits. For more information on the Gaucho Fund and to make your donation, click here. College Cup Tickets? UCSB is proud to be hosting the 2010 NCAA College Cup at Harder Stadium. Season ticket holders can purchase additional College Cup All Session tickets at the time of their season ticket purchase. College Cup All Session tickets will allow ticket holders to attend the championship's two semifinal games on Friday, Dec. 10 and the national championship match on Sunday, Dec. 12. When purchased without 2010 season tickets, All Session College Cup tickets are $60 for the Gold Zone, $40 for Adult General Admission and $30 for Youth General Admission (eighth grade and younger).

This could end up being a major steal for KD and Co. But only time will tell. I really like the comparison to the Vermont star, who led the Cats to the NCAA -- He is a HiMajor Stud. I can't figure out though, if Chauncey's as good as the press above, how did he become "odd-man-out" at a low major program like UMBC? I imagine Curtis Gilliam will find this site, if he hasn't already, and we are ready to welcome him to the Zips Legion. As far as Humpty's future, I can tell you, that guy would be the best guard at Hawaii in the past decade if he showed up on O'ahu. However, I suspect he wants to stay closer to home and family, so will probably be at D-II. He should blow away the field there.

But except for his being so completely awful, he was truly lovable! This one belongs in the Hall of Something... Another Jake original.

They haven't sold out a game in Columbus since the joint opened -- except USA vs Mexico. Don't worry about finding good seats. Most games they draw around 10k. 15 is a very good attendance figure (for them!). It seats 19k I believe. Let's get a good crowd of Zips. I would expect many from the UA team. You might even call the soccer office and see if you can get a deal -- or better yet even, contact that guy 72Zip. It's right in his backyard. Where is he, anyway? BTW -- re: Zak's refund idea. Let's hope the Cleveland Indians and Browns fans don't find out. Those clubs could go bankrupt giving back for their performances.