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JSM Cafe: Originals
Wednesday August 9, 2006
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I hope everyone is having a good week, after working 37 hours over the past six days, I enjoyed a much needed day off yesterday. I even made a rare trip outdoors and got a little softball practice in at our neighborhood park. I'm not quite ready for the big leagues yet, but I was able to shake off a little bit of that old tee-ball rust. ha.
- For those wondering, I will be continuing to cover a wide variety of topics both here and at my new site, JSM Cafe:Sports, which opens this Monday. I am aware that I have stepped back a bit lately in covering the range of subjects that I have in the past, which is why I felt the time was right to expand my thoughts of sorts and move some of my takes on the sports scene over to the new Cafe, where I will be able to express my views in more depth and with a specific audeience, I hope some my regular viewers will stop by next week and check it out. It is all about presenting my take on sports, but with the added touch of satire and entertainment that you have come to expect, here.
I have yet to receive much feedback on anyone who might be interested in being interviewed by me and posted here at the Cafe. It is a really great opportunity and experience to get your story out there and to share what interests you with the readers. I think a lot of people may be apprehensive because they don't feel as though they have any interesting stories to share, but having read many of their words, I know that is not the case. You choose the topic, the only requirements for the interview are that you send me the certain topics you would like to talk about, such as a unique hobbie, career or experience you have or had, and then I ask the questions from there.
- The entire interview is done through e-mail. I e-mail you the list of questions and you write back your answers, so it's really quite simple. I am looking for a good interview candidate for the month of September, so if you are interested or know of a blogger who has some good stories to tell, contact me and send me a topic you would like to discuss. I would also like to extend this invitation to all my non-blogger readers, as well. I look foward to hearing from you.
- It looks as if I will be flying down to Atlanta again for the holidays. It will be my first opportunity to see my sister since the baby news. At that point she will be carrying for almost six months, so the baby will definitely be kicking by then. It is a banner year for babies and I am happy to report that things are going well on that front, both for my sister and for my friends who are also expecting their first child, which is also due in early spring. I continue to send out best wishes to both couples.
- Voting is a bit down for the second week of the Ultimate fantasy fighter's tournament, so if you haven't voted yet or wish to vote a second or third time, you still have a chance, for this week's simulated showdown. I was very pleased with the large turn out for the opening fight last week, so let's keep that support coming and let your opinion be heard. It's the fun interactive game playing all summer long. Will your favorite fighter be crowned champion?
- Now that I'm going back to Atlanta for the holidays, that means I will have to tune up for another round of karoke, I'll be ready to defend my title as Karoke champion, that much is for sure.
- September is rapidly approaching and that means three things to me: Football season (yippie!), back to my college career, and the birthday of yours truly. It seems like only last year that I turned 25. Would there be a better birthday gift then the NFL Sunday package?
I wonder if people that I know will throw me a party...just a thought. After all, you only turn 26 once, at least that is what I was told. Enjoy the week and remember to check out my new site, which will be up and running on Monday, take care. -JSM.
1-day left to vote on this week's fight below. Begin Pollhost.com Poll Code // -->
| | Posted by JSM80 at 1:26 AM - | |
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Tuesday August 8, 2006
Ask The Guru (Q&A Fantasy Football Special!)  Filling in once again this week for the vacationing Doctor J, and stealing his gimmick is the Gridiron Guru, who is here to answer fantasy football questions sent in by some of his readers. The following questions are authentic, as are the answers. The Gridiron Guru 's new sports column can soon be found at: jsmcafesports.blogstream.com.
Q:What has happened to the overall value of Thomas Jones now that Cedric Benson has been named the teams starter?
-L. Smith, Champaign, ILL.
A: The situation at running back has gotten a little muddled in the windy city, especially, given Benson's recent training camp injury. My sources tell me that the Bears turned down an offer to trade Jones to the Broncos in exchange for disgruntled receiver, Ashley Lelie. This leads me to believe—and this is only a hunch at this point—that the Bears would like to hold on to Jones for at least one more season. Assuming that is the case, I think we will see a decrease in the number of carries for Jones in the back field, as he gives way to the younger and more expensive Benson, provided he can stay healthy. Jones still holds value, as insurance for Benson and is still expected to be taken late in most drafts. Because of Benson's injury issues, the fact that the Bears are a running team, and the solid production Jones produced last season, he remains one of the better insurance players to have on your bench.
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Q: I play in a keeper league. We are allowed to keep one player. Who would you choose among the following (and why?): Tiki Barber, Bryant Westbrook, Chad Johnson, or Steve Smith?
-Black Napalm, blogstream.
A: I know most pundits would say to keep one of the running backs, because they are difficult to come by, but you have two of the elite wide receivers here and as good as both Barber and Westbrook are- Tiki isn't getting any younger and Westbrook is more of a #2 back, though a very good one. So I would keep either Johnson or Smith, with Johnson having the slight edge over the long haul. I don't think you could go wrong with either one of them, but because of his size advantage, Chad Johnson will always be less of an injury risk than the smaller Smith(who is already nicked up in camp). Use that as your tie breaker. Smith has the more immediate upside, but if you're talking overall, the next 2-3 years, then I'd go with Johnson.
Q: Why is it that all the magazines have Chester Taylor ranked no higher than 16th? The Vikings have the best pulling center (Birk) and the best pulling guard (Hutchinson) in the league. Not to mention Taylor has fresh legs. Where do you rank him?
-A. Bauermeister, Champlin, MN.
A: Most of these “so-called” expert magazines often base there numbers conservatively, and on past accomplishments. In the case of Taylor, I would agree with you, however, because he hasn't been the “main man” in the backfield, most of these magazines are playing the "wait and see approach". If you recall, similar steps were taken with players such as, Priest Holmes, Mike Anderson, and LaMont Jordan in the past because they had never been full time starters before, but once they were, they eventually got their due and respect from the magazines. My advice is to go with your gut instinct come draft day, if you smell a breakout player who is ripe for the picking, such as Taylor, and use the magazines merely as a reference. As far as where I rank Taylor, I believe he has a chance to be a top 10 back, and certainly in the top 15, playing behind that revamped and improved offensive line.
Q: What's the best list out there for drafting?
-Todd Charske, blogstream.
A: Well, that really depends on your particular take on specific players, as far as I go, having sifted through at least a dozen magazines over the summer, I have yet to find one that I am totally content with. This is often the case with fantasy football magazines, that is why they are worth reading and buying mainly as a starting point or reference as opposed to basing your entire draft thinking on them. With that being said, I often find that the best lists tend to be found on the Internet, perhaps because they are more current and updated regularly, and even daily, which makes them much more relevant than the mags that are sometimes outdated by the time they hit the stores. Mine for instance still lists players that have since retired, like Jimmy Smith and Willie Roaf. My favorite on-line lists I would suggest are at http://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com and possibly fanball.com. While not perfect, they are frequently updated and provide good depth and analysis. May I also suggest: http://jsmcafesports.blogstream.com/ as a good source for your fantasy news.
Q: Do you think the Cardinal's receiving duo will have a better year or does the Edge (James) hurt them a little?
-Brenda Warner, Tempe, ARI.
A: I'm a big fan of both Anquan Bolden and Larry Fitzgerald, but even I have a difficult time seeing them improve on their numbers from last season. Though, I think they can come close. I think the addition of James will balance out the offense, though depending on how well the offense line opens up holes, I think this will still be a pass-first system. Fitzgerald's end zone catches could take a slight hit with James in the back field and with more running plays that may mean a drop in catches for Bolden. Still, even with more balance, Bolden and Fitzgerald are still among the top 5-10 receivers on the board and will continue to put up very good numbers, especially if the defenders are forced to respect the running game more, which wasn't the case a year ago. Now if only Warner could stay upright for a full season.
-GG.
-Keep sending in those questions to the Gridiron Guru, his weekly column can now be found exclusively at: http://jsmcafesports.blogstream.com/ starting next week. |
| | Posted by JSM80 at 12:12 AM - | |
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Saturday August 5, 2006
 Josh My Gosh Konnors vs. "I Maim" James
Introductions:
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 Joe: Welcome everyone to another epic showdown of this Ultimate Fantasy Tournament. Tonight it's Josh “My Gosh” Konnors vs. the Maniacal martial artist, “I Maim” James. My regular broadcast partner, Dave Razz is out of action this week, with a hang over. Filling in for him at the booth is Ultimate fantasy fighter, Ace Compton.
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 Ace: Shut your mouth Joe, nobody cares where Dave Razz is, they just want to hear me talk! I'm not out here tonight just as a favor to Dave, I'm also out here to scout the competition, because after I beat Bumblin' Rosey in two weeks, I'll be stepping in the ring with one of these chumps!
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Joe: So you definitely have an invested interest in this fight, tell me, if you were to get by Rosey in a couple weeks, which of these combatants would you prefer to face in the semi finals?
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Ace: First of all, Joe Peein it's when I beat Rosey, not if. Secondly, I don't care if it's fat-boy Josh or “I'm lame”James, because neither one of them is in my league. Besides, I'm the man with the plan and right now all my focus is on that commie, Rumblin' Rosie!
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Joe: Well you'll have your chance to back up your words in two weeks, but right now our first fighter is making his way to the ring.
Announcer: “Making his way to the ring, accompanied by his posse, weighing in at 210 lbs, from Hell, Michigan...”I Maim” Jaaaames!
((crowd is in awe))
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Ace: I've got to give James credit, he's playing the numbers game, he's got all three of his buddies out there watching his back, you've got to play the odds, Joe, you've got to play the odds.
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Joe: He's also got his giant sword with him Compton, and he's not afraid to use it. This one won't be pretty.
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Ace: Just looking at these guys, I could have you told you that, Joe...but that's ok, because this ain't no damn beauty contest, these guys are here to fight!
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Announcer: And his opponent...coming down the isle and accompanied by Ronald McDonald, weighing in at 275 lbs....Josh “My Gosh” Konnnnorrrrssss!!!
((Crowd cheers))
Ace: Not the brightest bulb on the branch, but Josh is a tough, tough fighter. I've seen some of his fights and he holds nothing back in that ring...especially if he missed breakfast!
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Joe: Josh always comes out wearing his Minnesota Viking sweat shirt that's two sizes too small and with his shopping cart of munchies, that he likes to throw out into the crowd.
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Ace: Yeah, what a kiss up! You don't see me throwing my dice into the crowd, do you?
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Joe: There's nothing wrong with giving a little back to the fans once in a while, now is there?
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Ace: Josh resembles one of the broads that Dave and I picked up the other night at the bar, except, she had a thicker mustache.
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Joe: Too much information, Ace.
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Ace: Hey, anything looks good when your drunk on whiskey!
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Joe: These two fighters look ready to go at it, as the bell has rung. Ace, I don't know what to expect out of this one.
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Ace: Pain, Joe...lots and lots of pain and carnage. I'm glad I won't have to clean up this mess!
 You choose  the winner! 
***You can vote up to once everyday--Voting closes Thursday Night!!!
-Check out the "Tale of the Tape" below for fighter details.
| | Posted by JSM80 at 10:48 PM - | |
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Game Details
Voting begins Sunday!!! Fight is Next!
| Date/Time: |
8/11/2006 |
| Location: |
TBA |
Story line:
James and his posse were eating at McDonalds following one of their swashbuckling sword fights, when they see “Big Josh” walk in after one of his fights. James and his gang use the opportunity to taunt Josh, throwing fries from across the room. In his anger, Josh hulks up and begins flinging chairs and scarfing burgers. Soon after a full-fledged food fight breaks out at the eatery. James and his posse pull out their swords for combat, when out from the back comes Ronald McDonald. He has security escort the James Gang out of the restaurant, but not before challenging them to a real fight in the first round of the tournament. Ronald agrees to be in the corner of one his most loyal customers for this epic encounter...that fight is next...only at the J.S.M. Cafe. | |
Fighter: Josh “My Gosh” Connors
Style: Slow brawler
Weight: 275 lbs.
Hometown: Land of unwanted Toys
Weapon of choice: cart of groceries
Allies: “Rumblin' Rosey, Lucus.
Rivals: Boozemaster, Giant Franco
Theme song: Circus music
Corner Man: Ronald McDonald
Favorite Game: Hungry, Hungry Hippo
Finishing Maneuver: “The Josh-Kibosh”
Quote: “I'm gonna chew you up and spit you out...unless I'm hungry.” | |
Fighter: “I Maim” James
Style: Mixed Martial Arts
Weight: 210 lbs
Hometown: Hell, Michigan
Weapon of Choice: his trusty sword
Allies: his posse and sword
Rivals: everyone else
Theme Music: heavy metal
Corner Man: his posse
Favorite Game: Dungeons and Dragons & Sword fighting
Finishing Maneuver: “the James-misson”
Quote: “I just like to hurt people.” | | | | | | | Posted by JSM80 at 9:06 PM - | |
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Friday August 4, 2006
JSM Cafe:Sports!
"Grand Opening Week"
August 14-19
at
jsmcafesports.blogstream.com
Featuring:
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Around the Blog interview with "Man Mountain Dean", former pro wrestler.
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NFL Season Preview
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MLB playoff predictions
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Review of "NFL Head Coach" for playstation 2.
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Ultimate Fantasy Fighting Extras.
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Gridiron Guru's fantasy football special and more!
Your new source for sports and extreme entertainment!
Come check it out, August 14th!
| | Posted by JSM80 at 11:44 PM - | |
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