November 29, 2011

Paul Wulff fired

It wasn't a surprise when news broke today that Paul Wulff had been fired.

A report on KXLY shows that some WSU fans (Yes, apparently there are a few of those. Three actually) had mixed reactions when they learned of the firing.

LinkNo decision has been made on who will be the next coach of the Cougars. But one thing is for sure, now he won't be able to buy a new hat that's one size bigger.

Seriously, it's way too small!

November 27, 2011

Leader Sports Report Episode Four

Brandon and Dylan talk about Thanksgiving and football. (The Leader Sports Report is a podcast that Brandon and Dylan Kitzan does for the Lake County Leader)

Leader Sports Report Episode 4 by Brandonwhansen

November 23, 2011

Mountain biking dog

A cute video about a dog that like mountain biking.

Lily Shreds trailside. on pinkbike.com

Taking sides for the MSU-UM football game

By Brandon Hansen and Dylan Kitzan

Being from Eastern Washington and being (gasp!) EWU Eagles, we're a bit new to all the Griz-Cat game stuff since the closest thing we have to a Big Sky rivalry are the hipsters at Portland State. However, we decided to experience the rivalry between the heroic boys in maroon from Montana and the talented Bobcats of MSU but took opposite teams to root for.

Brandon chose Montana State because apparently Griz fans have a bounty out for his head after some columns he wrote back in college about the University of Montana. Dylan, by default, had to root for the Grizzlies and went as far as making sure he was decked out in Griz gear for the big game.

While we had planned on going to a local establishment for the big game, a late night of playing Halo (needed research for our article) the previous evening meant we barely had time to get set at home for the matchup.

Right away Brandon got a little worried when MSU's uniforms made the Bobcats look like the St. Louis Rams from afar. If you've seen the Rams play this season you know that's a bad omen.

The banter started almost immediately as we found ourselves naturally at odds with one another.

"First doooown Grizzlies!" Dylan cheered.
"I don't think that's how it goes," Brandon quipped back.
"It's probably not."

In one of the more interesting moments of the afternoon, Montana runs a genius trick play, one that doesn't get run enough (quarterback walks toward the sideline as if to call a timeout, before the ball is snapped). For no apparent reason, quarterback Jordan Johnson gets whistled for unsportsmanlike conduct.

Brandon tries to rev up the trash talking by saying "Oh, Montana's punting. Get used to that."

Let's just say he won't be taking Miss Cleo's job anytime soon.

MSU was able to put together a drive and it appeared they might be able to punch it in for the opening score.

"They're awfully close to the end zone," Brandon said, but Montana State proves him wrong and settled for three... Make that zero! The ball clangs off the right upright with enough force to clear the goalpost of its snowy exterior. There was plenty of snow on those uprights and apparently the MSU field goal kicker just wanted to clean it off. Dylan cackled like a witch and Brandon made a point of cleaning the toilet with his toothbrush later that evening.

The first quarter ends scoreless, but the Bobcat outlook is much better, as they're moving the ball, while Montana's defense is bending, but not yet breaking. The Grizzlies get the first points of the game, thanks to the fact they have a kicker who has yet to succumb to the plague that is college kickers missing anything and everything.

Things got really scary when Montana's Jabin Sambrano was wide open for six! But dropped it! Fit him for his Seattle Seahawks jersey.

After pinning MSU deep, the ferocious Grizzlies defense forces intentional grounding in the end zone, boosting the lead to 5-0! We're not sure about other football fans, but seeing a number like five on the scoreboard always makes us laugh. But a safety? Apparently MSU's line is approaching the game the same way Hamilton's line did when they played Polson in football. "Hey, these guys have a dominant defensive line, so lets just stand around and watch while they tackle our quarterback."

Brandon has officially entered reverse-jinx mode. "MSU is done for, they don't have a chance." Uh, Brandon, it's 5-0.

Did we say 5-0? We meant 12-0. Terrific fourth-down catch by Kavario Middleton.

Halftime's here and if the first half is any indication, this game is over. Rumor has it the Bobcats are a second-half team, as the governor of Montana probably ruined his chances for a second term by showing his true MSU colors and then predicting a comeback in the second half. (Nope, the Bobcats were outscored 24-10 in the final two quarters. Let hope he doesn't have any predictions for the U.S. economy.)

With the way Brandon was acting, Dylan thought he was ready to pop the TV over to How I Met Your Mother. Dylan couldn't blame him either, that show is great and Marshall could certainly block better than MSU's line.

Whatever adjustments MSU made in the locker room are paying off. A quick drive down UM's throat and it's now 12-7. Brandon claims he was right after MSU scored thanks to a big kickoff return and a personal foul penalty that sets up a seven-yard touchdown pass. He added that due to the personal foul, those Montana football players are dirtier than a gas station bathroom.

Anyone watching this game had to figure Montana's response would be the turning point of the contest. A score and MSU had problems. A three-and-out and the Bobcats probably controlled the game. About that same time we were talking about turning points, the Griz put up a touchdown.

Seriously. It took 18 seconds of game time. Brandon looks like he's seen the ghost of Monte. Or perhaps it's just a snow-covered mascot. Either way, he's not feeling well.

Not even four minutes later, Montana puts up another field goal and it's now 22-7. MSU has to score on their next drive because UM is firing on all cylinders. Brandon is now looking for sharp objects to throw at Dylan.

Score? Nope, a MSU punt. Oh well. There's another score by Montana on a 37-yard run by Dan Moore, making it 29-7. You'd think Brandon would be used to this by now, being a Tennessee Titans fan and all. Dylan was just waiting for Brandon to snap and say something along the lines of "I haven't seen a flop like this since the World Cup" or "DeNarius ‘The Disappointment' McGhee."

The fourth quarter is chugging along and Dylan said he's seen closer football games in Indianapolis this year, so it's somewhat tough to keep tabs on.

Brandon marveled at how there hadn't been more Griz-Bobcat violence, since we'd only been doing this "cheering on Montana schools" for merely a column and he already wanted to slash Dylan's tires.

Griz win 36-10! A satisfying victory it is, but now it's time to do away with the gear we wore for one game. Hey, we're still EWU Eagles. Who needs the UM shirt and hat Dylan bought? He promises he won't be wearing it anytime in the near future. Get it soon because you won't need it either after their first playoff game (EWU humor there folks!).

Brandon on the other hand is thinking about holding onto his MSU Bobcats T-shirt, in case any of his Griz friends need to wipe their feet on something.

We have to say it was an interesting experience cheering for each respective team in the Brawl of the Wild and we can understand why it's such a big deal around these parts. Next time EWU is in town though, we'll more than likely be sporting our Reds and Whites.

November 21, 2011

Kohl's Black Friday song

Just when you thought "Friday" from Rebecca Black had died.....nope.

Thanks Kohl's.

November 20, 2011

Why the Mariners have sucked for OH-SO-LONG


Dave Cameron spells it out for you all and it has nothing to do with Nintendo not wanting to spend money on a good team.

I don't want to push the panic button but the Red Sox organization is looking like they might fall in this exact black hole too with the string of stupid front office decisions they've been making.

(SIIIIIGGGHHH)

How to drive in Montana during the winter


Despite my many attempts to coax summer back into Lake County by wearing shorts and sandals to work, the veil of old man winter has apparently come to stay. Thanks to the weather we’ve been struck with for the past few days, the streets have turned into winter wonderlands.

Now being from the state of Washington, it feels like the biggest running gag is the apparent lack of winter driving skills by Seattle drivers. When there’s just a skiff of snow… or heavy rain, traffic becomes more snarled and bogged down than the Seahawks’ offense. The cause of the problem? Drivers who rarely see snow react like aliens have landed.

Luckily, we all live in a state (Montana) where the general winter weather driving experience is much more common and cars aren’t flying off the road like a bad sequel to “Transformers.” You won’t see too many YouTube clips of a panicking driver in a Geo Metro crashing into 40 parked cars like in Seattle because (a) nobody owns a Geo Metro in the state of Montana, and (b) the only time people around here seem to panic is when the fire department or library asks for a little money to keep their serves going.

However, I did see a car fishtailing around the corner last Friday and nearing colliding into some parked cars, and upon closer inspection, that person was texting and appeared completely oblivious that their vehicle was halfway into my lane.

So while I understand everyone probably has this winter thing completely under control and someone will probably have to pull me from a ditch this winter, I’d figure I still throw out a few driving tips.

1. You don’t get bonus points for being Sonic The Hedgehog on wheels
Let me be the wise Mr. Miyagi from “The Karate Kid” and pass along a driving secret known for ages among people with dentless cars… drive slower with it snows. Even if you have four-wheel drive, that doesn’t help you stop any sooner. Sorry to break it to all you NASCAR fans but Highway 93 isn’t going to be a 70 MPH zone for months to come.

2. Tailgating should be done only at Griz games
Unless you want recreate a hockey game and check another driver into the boards, you should give yourself plenty of space from other cars. If the weather is bad and the roads are slick, there’s still a really good chance you’ll be sliding around. That’s nothing to be worried about if you keep and a calm head unless you tailing somebody like you’re in the next “Fast and Furious” movie. Then you just better hope you have good liability insurance.

3. Don’t freak. That’s just embarrassing.
Again, if you slip and slide a bit, don’t slam on the brakes and cause things to get work. If you followed the other two steps you won’t be in serious trouble. Locking up your wheels and therefore all your control will only make things worse. Also keep distractions like cell phones out of your hand, since you’ll need to be aware of potential hazards on the roadway a lot sooner than in normal driving conditions.

4. Give yourself some time
Give yourself more than the regular allotted time when going somewhere, otherwise you’ll feel the need to rush and the resulting accident might make you even more late.

So there you have it! Have a great Holiday season and remember… drive safe! The roads around here are some of the most scenic but also treacherous. Better to get somewhere and have it take longer than normal than the alternative. Also make sure you pack blankets, extra water and food and other important roadside items in case you find yourself stranded.

Because after all… we’re all a little tougher than those Seattle drivers.

Ram Rules

When you have to make a video telling your fans what to do at a game, you've already lost.

And people wonder why there are no Rams fans.

November 18, 2011

Would the real Brandon Hansen please stand up?

In my last post I joked that Brandon had become a Griz fan during his time in Montana over the last few years. I guess I picked the wrong Montana team.

I always considered Brandon and myself some of the biggest Eastern Washington University fans around. We even have custom jerseys. Please take note of this photo snapped three years ago:

Yes, that's Brandon, Swoop and myself at the Eastern game at Qwest Field. Note how Brandon was so excited to meet Swoop.

Now please look at the photo Brandon posted to facebook tonight:

I saw this and got sick.

Who is this guy? And would the real Brandon Hansen please show up to rip this shirt of this imposter's back.

November 13, 2011

Where we've been

You might have noticed that over the past month Just South of North has been looking a bit like a ghost town.

I'd like to tell you that Brandon has been working a lot lately.

I'd like to tell you that school, an internship and a job have been using up all my time.

I'd like to tell you that we were really on vacation in Hawaii. (But that would be a lie)

But instead I'll tell you what we've "really" been doing.

Brandon: He is still in Montana and apparently if you drink the water there you become a Griz fan. If you remember Brandon was the one person that hated the Griz more than anyone. But in his old age he has started wearing Griz shirts and actually watching the football team to cheer them on.

Casey: He sent Swoop over to Polson to beat Brandon up. Apperntly Swoop found Brandon when he was at a local watering hole hitting on fellow Griz fans. The report from witnesses included an account of Brandon screaming and crying as Swoop tickled him. Needless to say the ladies were not impressed.

Brandon: Still being in Montana he got really brave one night. Let's just say that Halloween evening ended with him drinking some really strong "maple syrup", wresting a man in bear costume, dressing as a ballerina, swimming in Flathead Lake and performing a snow dance in hopes that winter would come early.

Casey: Dressed as a Nintendo controller, the NES one, and went with friends who were Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Toad to a costume contest. Yeah, it was awesome.

Brandon: Still being in Montana the snow has started falling. In preparation, and knowing that he won't be able to leave his apartment for 6 months, Brandon has filled his cupboards with top ramen, beef jerky and cheap beer. Wait, that's what his cupboards always look like.

Casey: He will wait until the spring thaw to go and try to find Brandon.

November 9, 2011

21 Jump Street

This movie looks hilarious.