College football is coming! And I can't wait.
One sign that the season is almost here is the 2011 Heisman campaigns are kicking off for the players who are trying to win the most coveted award in college sports.
Hawaii's star quarterback Bryant Moniz is among the best in the nation. And he's a really classy guy with a great story of how he got to become the starting quarterback for the Warriors. He also does a lot for his community.
Oh, and he's a heck of a quarterback too.
As a sophomore Moniz threw for 5,040 yards, 39 TD, 14 INT and 65% completion rating.
I'd love to see a guy who delivered pizzas, WHILE being the quarterback of a university, just to pay his tuition, win the Heisman. Enough with the guys who get a fullride scholarship while they are in 8th grade winning this thing.
There's a lot of eyes on the Hawaii football program this season, with many "experts" predicting the Warriors will finish with a 10-3 record. But the success of the team this season will all start with the success of their junior quarterback Bryant Moniz.
July 23, 2011
University of Hawaii new football uniforms
Yesterday the University of Hawaii and Under Armour debuted the new 2011 Hawaii football uniforms.
And man do they rock!
The changes are very subtle from last year's jerseys but still add a lot.The main difference is that the striping on the pants and shoulders have a green tapa pattern that runs through the black.
HONOLULU – Under Armour, the outfitter of University of Hawai'i football, unveiled the new home and away uniforms to be worn by the Warriors for the 2011 season.
And man do they rock!
The changes are very subtle from last year's jerseys but still add a lot.The main difference is that the striping on the pants and shoulders have a green tapa pattern that runs through the black.
HONOLULU – Under Armour, the outfitter of University of Hawai'i football, unveiled the new home and away uniforms to be worn by the Warriors for the 2011 season.
Two designs were unveiled, an all-black home uniform and all-white road uniform. Each uniform includes a green tapa pattern created specifically for the Warriors. The unique pattern is featured on both the pant and jersey. It was inspired by the current “H” logo and represents 'ohana (family) and teamwork.
Each jersey includes the word “Hawai'i” across the chest while the team motto “We Are One” is stitched near the bottom. The “H” logo is featured on the left hip of the pant. The uniform will continue to include the distinctive UH tapa numbers on both the front and back of the jersey.
July 22, 2011
Bear Grylls Underneath Jimmy Kimmel's Desk
This is hilarious. Bear Grylls tries to survive under Jimmy Kimmel's desk.
July 21, 2011
July 20, 2011
Captain Planet live action movie
Oh yes, you read that headline correct.
Cartoon Network announced today it has signed a deal with Angry Filmworks to develop a Captain Planet live-action feature film:
Cartoon Network has signed a development agreement with action-adventure producer Don Murphy and partner Susan Montford and their company Angry Filmworks to develop a live-action motion picture based on the groundbreaking, environment-saving animated hero, Captain Planet and the Planeteers, it was announced today by Stuart Snyder, president and COO of Turner Broadcasting System Inc.’s Animation, Young Adults and Kids Media division (AYAKM). The agreement gives Murphy and his company the exclusive rights to develop and package the property and advance it towards production
Cartoon Network announced today it has signed a deal with Angry Filmworks to develop a Captain Planet live-action feature film:
Cartoon Network has signed a development agreement with action-adventure producer Don Murphy and partner Susan Montford and their company Angry Filmworks to develop a live-action motion picture based on the groundbreaking, environment-saving animated hero, Captain Planet and the Planeteers, it was announced today by Stuart Snyder, president and COO of Turner Broadcasting System Inc.’s Animation, Young Adults and Kids Media division (AYAKM). The agreement gives Murphy and his company the exclusive rights to develop and package the property and advance it towards production
Eastern picked to win the Big Sky Conference
Preseason media polls are out for Big Sky Conference football and look who are the favorites? Those incredible Eastern Washington Eagles.
You know what this also means? Montana wasn't picked to win the Sky. Wonder of wonders! And obviously this is making a little bit of news in the Treasure state:
It's the lowest the Griz have been ranked by the media since 1992, when they were predicted to finish third; the coaches haven't picked them this low since 1991, when Montana was No. 4 in both polls.
Montana had been either first or second in each poll from 1993 on, and first in every poll other than 1997 (Northern Arizona) and 2005 (Eastern Washington).
"It's really pretty close to what I expected," said second-year Griz coach Robin Pflugrad, who guided UM to a 7-4 mark last season, 5-3 in the Big Sky. "I think primarily historical date is what goes into it, and they look at who has what coming back.
"With Eastern Washington having so many players back, including an outstanding quarterback, that's where they should be."
If you read between the lines what Pflugrad is setting up for is that Sept. 17 game against the Eagles at Washington-Grizzly Stadium. I hate to say it, but all the pressure of the world will be put on the Eagles.
It's one thing to be a good team, it's another thing to be a good team with expectations. The road to a Big Sky Championship will be tougher for the Eags this year, and they'll have to brace for everyone's best shot. Montana State and Montana are going to come after Eastern Washington like Spokane just insulted their mother.
I feel a bit uneasy, not really looking forward to that EWU-UM game, it could get a bit ugly on both sides.
You know what this also means? Montana wasn't picked to win the Sky. Wonder of wonders! And obviously this is making a little bit of news in the Treasure state:
It's the lowest the Griz have been ranked by the media since 1992, when they were predicted to finish third; the coaches haven't picked them this low since 1991, when Montana was No. 4 in both polls.
Montana had been either first or second in each poll from 1993 on, and first in every poll other than 1997 (Northern Arizona) and 2005 (Eastern Washington).
"It's really pretty close to what I expected," said second-year Griz coach Robin Pflugrad, who guided UM to a 7-4 mark last season, 5-3 in the Big Sky. "I think primarily historical date is what goes into it, and they look at who has what coming back.
"With Eastern Washington having so many players back, including an outstanding quarterback, that's where they should be."
If you read between the lines what Pflugrad is setting up for is that Sept. 17 game against the Eagles at Washington-Grizzly Stadium. I hate to say it, but all the pressure of the world will be put on the Eagles.
It's one thing to be a good team, it's another thing to be a good team with expectations. The road to a Big Sky Championship will be tougher for the Eags this year, and they'll have to brace for everyone's best shot. Montana State and Montana are going to come after Eastern Washington like Spokane just insulted their mother.
I feel a bit uneasy, not really looking forward to that EWU-UM game, it could get a bit ugly on both sides.
July 15, 2011
Harry Potter!
Went last night to the Polson Showboat Theater for the midnight showing of Harry Potter and it was weird to begin with for a couple of reasons.
1. I hadn't seen the last three movies so I was a little behind on what was going on in the whole Harry Potter universe but I'm sure you can excuse me for that since I'm a 20-something male and being a hard-core Potter fan would just be a wee bit weird.
2. I was watching the movie in Polson, MT and it literally felt like everyone in town was at the movie. No joke. And the dressing up was at a minimum because that's not who they roll in Montana.
3. Our paper had just done a feature on how the theater had switched from film to digital projectors so it was cool to see the kind of new-wave of theater technology.
Anyways, it was an awesome movie but I won't go into too much critical analysis because me talking about Harry Potter would be like Miley Cyrus talking about the NFL... not exactly an expect on the whole thing but there were some things I liked about it though.
SPOILER ALERT - I'm not going to ruin the entire movie, but come on, don't freak out... the books have been out for a long time.
1. Be prepared for akward cleavge shots of Hermione. Not kidding.
2. I found myself laughing at Voldemort more than being scared of him. This guy is like Charlie Sheen, Smeagle and the bad guy from "Waterworld" all rolled into one. Every scene he's in, it's very entertaining namely because he's the wizard version of that bar guy douche.
3. Final Epic Battle in the Matrix Trilogy < Final Epic Battle in the Harry Potter Series. It's pretty awe-inspiring and in this age where we've seen roughly a million different takes on a huge battle, this one is pretty unique and awesome.
4. Voldemort handles crunch time about as well as Lebron James.
1. I hadn't seen the last three movies so I was a little behind on what was going on in the whole Harry Potter universe but I'm sure you can excuse me for that since I'm a 20-something male and being a hard-core Potter fan would just be a wee bit weird.
2. I was watching the movie in Polson, MT and it literally felt like everyone in town was at the movie. No joke. And the dressing up was at a minimum because that's not who they roll in Montana.
3. Our paper had just done a feature on how the theater had switched from film to digital projectors so it was cool to see the kind of new-wave of theater technology.
Anyways, it was an awesome movie but I won't go into too much critical analysis because me talking about Harry Potter would be like Miley Cyrus talking about the NFL... not exactly an expect on the whole thing but there were some things I liked about it though.
SPOILER ALERT - I'm not going to ruin the entire movie, but come on, don't freak out... the books have been out for a long time.
1. Be prepared for akward cleavge shots of Hermione. Not kidding.
2. I found myself laughing at Voldemort more than being scared of him. This guy is like Charlie Sheen, Smeagle and the bad guy from "Waterworld" all rolled into one. Every scene he's in, it's very entertaining namely because he's the wizard version of that bar guy douche.
3. Final Epic Battle in the Matrix Trilogy < Final Epic Battle in the Harry Potter Series. It's pretty awe-inspiring and in this age where we've seen roughly a million different takes on a huge battle, this one is pretty unique and awesome.
4. Voldemort handles crunch time about as well as Lebron James.
July 14, 2011
Why soccer fans are ruining soccer
My news feed blows up with a ridiculous amount of team spirit which would usually be welcomed but I just can't stand it anymore. I really do enjoy the Sounders, their games and what they have done for the Northwest and soccer.
But this team spirit that gets thrown on my Facebook news feed is like a monkey tossing its own excrement and expecting me to smell it.
Let me present the following...
1. You shouldn't get a pat on the back for being a soccer or Sounders fan.
I don't get a badge of honor or a Fight Club wink if I tell someone I like baseball. Honestly, nobody cares that I like baseball. Why would they, it's a pretty normal thing for a 20-something male to do. It's like saying I'm a fan of eating.
Talking about how awesome you are because you and your fans love soccer is annoying. Nobody cares that you like soccer. Get over yourself. Instead, you could make a snarky comment or funny take on the day's game. Ever notice how Seahawks fans always has something clever to say about the St. Louis Rams? Maybe you should start doing something like that. But....
2. Most new soccer fans don't know a thing about soccer
In order for me to be a fan of something, I need a backstory on the team. I need to know something about what's going on between the two teams. However, instead of actually following the sport, Sounders and Portland Timbers fans are more apt to post photos of thems getting their faces painted for the game.
And then some will even say "We're such big fans, we were too busy cheering we didn't even know the score of the game!"
..... that means you're not actually a fan of the team. You're a fan of being a fan. And it's SOCCCCER! There's like two, maybe three goals a game. Not that hard to follow. So instead of getting a passionate recap of what happened at the day's match, if you ask somebody who went to a soccer game how things went, you get something like this...
"Yeah a lot of people showed up and we cheered a lot and two teams played. Chuck got a ear piercing. I dressed up like a Sounders Boba Fett. Jerry played Magic the Gathering during the game on the bleachers. It was sooo cool."
That's usually what MLS soccer fans say. Not kidding. While a baseball team can tell you why their game was important, the key plays of the game and what it means for the season, most new soccer fans in Seahawks Stadium, couldn't tell you the Sounders' leading goal scorer.
In essence, they're not even front-running fans (the worst kind of fans). They're not fans at all. They belong at a Star Trek convention.
3. Most die-hard soccer fans can't explain the complexity of the game to new fans
Because they're snobs. I'm sorry, but they're huge snobs. If you don't know the best teams in Europe, they won't even want to go out and get a cup of coffee with you.
Much like hockey fans, who explain the game as well as college math class TA with a speech impediment, if you try to follow a soccer game with die-hard soccer fans, you're going to be about as confused as Courtney Love after a night out on the town.
They don't explain anything. They don't talk about why rivalries are important, and why they're rivalries. Then they whine about soccer about not being a bigger sport.
You know it isn't? Because you don't go out and promote your own sport. You just assume everyone should know just as much as you.
4. The media sucks when it comes to covering soccer
Can you think of the best soccer news website? The best soccer writer? Can you think of a stat that can figure out the value of a player? Nope. Nope. Nope.
The things that fans really want... drama, back stories, interesting statistics, reasons to watch games and some media personalities just don't exist in soccer as they do in the other sports.
Instead, you just have a bunch of people dressing up like they're going to Harry Potter convention.
July 13, 2011
2011 ESPYs Justin Timberlake
Tonight Justin Timberlake will be presenting the Capital One Cup for excellence in college athletics.
This video shows what college athletes is really about. Well, and it shows Justin get hit in the groin a lot.
This video shows what college athletes is really about. Well, and it shows Justin get hit in the groin a lot.
Trailer for Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows
Check out the first trailer for Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows.
The film stars Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Noomi Rapace, Jared Harris, Eddie Marsan, Kelly Reilly and Geraldine James.
The film stars Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Noomi Rapace, Jared Harris, Eddie Marsan, Kelly Reilly and Geraldine James.
Clark Retirement Community LipDub
Saw this on the Today show. It is very well done and VERY humorous.
The whole thing is one continuous shot and only took them 8 trys! Awesome!
The stars are residents of Clark Retirement Community in East Grand Rapids, Michigan. The song is Michael Buble's rendition of Nina Simone's song Feeling Good.
My favorite part comes at 1:47.
The video is awesome. Check it out:
The whole thing is one continuous shot and only took them 8 trys! Awesome!
The stars are residents of Clark Retirement Community in East Grand Rapids, Michigan. The song is Michael Buble's rendition of Nina Simone's song Feeling Good.
My favorite part comes at 1:47.
The video is awesome. Check it out:
Donut Seeds
Finally! They have come out with a seed that Brandon would actually like to grow in his garden. And by garden I mean the moss covered area behind the dumpster near his house.
Check it out:
Check it out:
July 12, 2011
REI blog post
Today I got a blog posted on the REI blog.
It's called:
Can a Video Game Improve Your Outdoor Survival Skills?
I talk about the new Man vs. Wild video game.
Please check it out and let me know what you think!
It's called:
Can a Video Game Improve Your Outdoor Survival Skills?
I talk about the new Man vs. Wild video game.
Please check it out and let me know what you think!
July 11, 2011
July 8, 2011
A Wild Year in Banff National Park
This is an awesome video from Banff National Park in Canada.
12 months. Four seasons. One revolution of the sun.
That's how long Banff National Park's remote wildlife camera project has been going and to celebrate, we've assembled a year's worth of images from one single location into a short Wild Images video timelapse.
Have a look -- you'll be amazed by how much goes on. And it all happened a short two-and-a-half-hour stroll from the hustle and bustle of downtown Banff!
It goes to show how alive the woods are and, if you get into them, what you might be lucky enough to see!
12 months. Four seasons. One revolution of the sun.
That's how long Banff National Park's remote wildlife camera project has been going and to celebrate, we've assembled a year's worth of images from one single location into a short Wild Images video timelapse.
Have a look -- you'll be amazed by how much goes on. And it all happened a short two-and-a-half-hour stroll from the hustle and bustle of downtown Banff!
It goes to show how alive the woods are and, if you get into them, what you might be lucky enough to see!
July 7, 2011
July 6, 2011
Jake Gyllenhall on Man vs Wild
On Monday, July 11, 2011, actor Jake Gyllenhaal joins Bear on an adventure to Iceland.
I can't wait!
I can't wait!
July 4, 2011
Tour de France stage 3 video
Here's the video of stage 3 of the Tour de France with Tyler Farrar winning!
Tyler Farrar wins 3rd stage of Tour de France
Happy 4th of July!
To celebrate Tyler Farrar of Wenatchee, Washington won the 3rd stage of the Tour de France. He's my favorite rider and this was so awesome following the day after Team Garmin Cervelo won the team time trial.
As he crossed the finish line Farrar held up his hands to make a "W" with his fingers to honor his friend Wouter Weylandt. Weylandt died in a crash during the Giro d'Italia in May.
“It’s a dream to win today. I was close the past few Tours, second, third, second, so to win a stage is incredible,” Farrar said.
To celebrate Tyler Farrar of Wenatchee, Washington won the 3rd stage of the Tour de France. He's my favorite rider and this was so awesome following the day after Team Garmin Cervelo won the team time trial.
As he crossed the finish line Farrar held up his hands to make a "W" with his fingers to honor his friend Wouter Weylandt. Weylandt died in a crash during the Giro d'Italia in May.
“It’s a dream to win today. I was close the past few Tours, second, third, second, so to win a stage is incredible,” Farrar said.
“To have the world champion and yellow jersey leading you out is amazing. Our team was perfect today, with Millar and Dean and Hushovd. The first objectives were to win the team time trial and to win a stage. Now we’ll what the rest of the Tour brings.”
Garmin-Cervélo proudly rode at the front of the peloton to protect the leader’s jersey held by Hushovd. Five riders peeled off the front early and methodically built up a seven-minute, but it was all for naught as Garmin kept up steady to pressure to assure that Hushovd would arrive to the line with chances to defend his yellow jersey as well as challenge for the stage victory.
“The objective today was to win with Tyler and keep the jersey,” Hushovd said. “After winning yesterday and having the jersey, now we win a stage, it’s perfect. We’ll see tomorrow if we can keep the streak going.”
Dave Zabriskie, Ramunas Navardauskas and Tom Danielson took turns setting tempo on the front of the peloton to keep the pressure. Strong crosswinds became a factor, especially over the day’s lone climb at a bridge over the Loire at Saint-Nazaire. The team rode perfectly to set up Farrar. Millar took a long pull in the closing 500 meters, before Hushovd then long-time leadout man Dean finishing off the work to set up Farrar. French rider Romain Feillu came through second and JJ Rojas was third, but Farrar won with style in his first-career Tour de France stage victory.
Farrar also becomes the first American to win a Tour stage on the Fourth of July.
Congrats Tyler! Way to represent not only your country but also Washington!
July 2, 2011
Impact of loss won't stop Tyler Farrar
Here is a great article by Bonnie D. Ford of ESPN on Wenatchee's Tyler Farrar.
TIFFAUGES, France -- Tyler Farrar is a sprinter disguised as a gentleman. He has all of the drive and passion but none of the abrasiveness often associated with the specialty. At 27, he is one of the most good-natured, composed presences in the peloton, and he is not one to wear his emotions on his jersey sleeve.
That was partly why it was so heartbreaking to see him grieve publicly. Farrar's dear friend Wouter Weylandt, a Belgian from the American rider's adopted home in Ghent, died after crashing in the Giro d'Italia on May 9, leaving behind a pregnant partner. Farrar learned the news in the most jarring manner possible, from a reporter at the team bus. His Garmin-Cervelo teammate David Millar tried his best to console an inconsolable young man that night.
The next morning, Farrar set off with the rest of the field, riding 134 miles at a deliberately neutralized pace to pay homage to Weylandt. It took more than six hours. A short distance from the finish, Weylandt's Leopard-Trek teammates went to the front and beckoned Farrar to join them. They wrapped their arms around each other's shoulders. The images of Farrar inclining his head slightly, making no effort to hide his raw, stricken face, are not easily forgotten.
You can read the rest of her article over on ESPN.
Here's to a great Tour for Farrar!
TIFFAUGES, France -- Tyler Farrar is a sprinter disguised as a gentleman. He has all of the drive and passion but none of the abrasiveness often associated with the specialty. At 27, he is one of the most good-natured, composed presences in the peloton, and he is not one to wear his emotions on his jersey sleeve.
That was partly why it was so heartbreaking to see him grieve publicly. Farrar's dear friend Wouter Weylandt, a Belgian from the American rider's adopted home in Ghent, died after crashing in the Giro d'Italia on May 9, leaving behind a pregnant partner. Farrar learned the news in the most jarring manner possible, from a reporter at the team bus. His Garmin-Cervelo teammate David Millar tried his best to console an inconsolable young man that night.
The next morning, Farrar set off with the rest of the field, riding 134 miles at a deliberately neutralized pace to pay homage to Weylandt. It took more than six hours. A short distance from the finish, Weylandt's Leopard-Trek teammates went to the front and beckoned Farrar to join them. They wrapped their arms around each other's shoulders. The images of Farrar inclining his head slightly, making no effort to hide his raw, stricken face, are not easily forgotten.
You can read the rest of her article over on ESPN.
Here's to a great Tour for Farrar!
Happy Tour de France day!
Today the Tour de France started! 10 Americans in it. Including Tyler Farrar of Wenatchee, Washington.
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