We've begun transitioning over to the Bloguin.com network. You can access our new site by clicking here.
We wanted to get some of the growing pains out of the way before football camp was here...
One of those growing pains is that our posts are not automatically fed to our Twitter followers...this is another thing we're working out and should have figured out soon.
We love having the opportunity of working with the Bloguin guys...and soon...soon...it'll start to feel like the BS you know and love.
Thanks for bearing with us during the transition.
-Boilerdowd & J Money
Showing posts with label Boiled Sports news. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Boiled Sports news. Show all posts
Monday, July 22, 2013
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Boiled Sports' Expanding Reach
While you're enjoying your Easter ham and some college basketball, we wanted to let you know that our reach will be expanding to other places on the interwebnets this coming week. Travis Miller of Hammer and Rails has decided to step down and we will be taking over editorial duties at H&R.
BS will continue on in its pleasant, collegial way, so no worries there.
For more on this transition, stay tuned to H&R.
As you were (eating your Peeps).
BS will continue on in its pleasant, collegial way, so no worries there.
For more on this transition, stay tuned to H&R.
As you were (eating your Peeps).
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Miss The Handsome Hour? Get a Fix Here
It's a couple hours of brilliance boiled down to just a lone hour, so you know it's packed with excellence. Rumor has it the outtakes may also be produced one day, which may or may not feature us taking all manner of potshots at other sites and Boilerdowd singing the Mary Tyler Moore theme song.
Get listening.
Wednesday, November 07, 2012
Click to Sign Free Agent zlionsfan
So, while most people have been dodging campaign commercials and preparing for the onset of turkeys (Thanksgiving, people - what did you think I meant?), boilerdowd and J have been hatching a master plan. After secret negotiations that involved the exchange of Jim Rowinski trading cards, they've extended an offer to me to contribute to Boiled Sports, and I have accepted. We thought it might be best to start with a "who is this guy?" post, because ... who is this guy? What's a zlionsfan doing on a Purdue blog anyway?
Before I explain, I'd like to give a quick thanks to those two for this opportunity - I'm looking forward to writing for a larger audience, and on a blog I've been following for years - and to those of you who brought up the idea and supported it ... and of course to everyone who comes here and reads, comments, and supports the site.
I was born in Ann Arbor just before the beginning of the Big Two-Little Eight era, in a family full of Michigan fans (my parents were graduates; my grandmother is nearly 100, has lived in Ann Arbor for at least 70 years and still follows Michigan football), so I started to follow sports at an early age. While other kids were learning how to tie their shoes, I was learning important lessons that would serve me well later in life ... things like "Ohio State sucks" ... and because I'd learned to read at an early age, and the easiest thing for a kid to read in the newspaper (besides comics) is the sports section, I'd already become a big sports fan, and I'd begun to follow Detroit teams in all sports. (I didn't know that you can actually choose the teams you root for: I thought everyone rooted for local teams. If you know anything about Detroit sports in the '70s, you know this was a cruel joke that someone played on me.)
My dad was an electrical engineer, and he worked at the cyclotron at Michigan. When the university had to shut down the cyclotron in the '70s, we moved to Bloomington, and he got a similar job at Indiana.
Yes, it's true. I've lived in that town. I graduated from Bloomington North. At one time, I even rooted for ... those teams. (I was even at the chair game. Sadly, I almost completely missed the event itself. Of course in those days, the camera hadn't been invented yet, so I don't have any pictures.) But during my senior year at North - the one where the Cougars snapped a 31-game losing streak that had them in the old section in Sports Illustrated where they had little bits of trivia from around the country - all that was going to change.
I was already developing a pretty good party circle of friends, and my dad correctly assumed that if I went to IU, I'd be lucky to get halfway through my degree before dropping out, so he gave me the option to attend any in-state public school with a high-caliber CS program. (Back then, out-of-state tuition wasn't nearly as expensive, but I wasn't paying for it, and besides, have you ever been to Evanston in the winter?) So in 1985, my transition from ... one of those fans to Boilermaker began.
During my six years at Purdue (I took the scenic route), I learned two things: Purdue sports will break your heart, and Purdue ADs don't know football. I suffered through the bad half of the Burtnett years, the failed Akers project, and the transition from free to half-price student tickets. (Marketing 101: George King failed it.) I watched the NCAA put higher-seeded Purdue basketball teams on the road at lower-seeded teams again and again and again ... and when they finally got a real chance, I watched Steve Henson take apart the best Purdue team in almost 20 years before they even got a shot at Cheatin' Larry Brown and the Jayhawks.
While I was in school, my allegiance was split three ways: Michigan from my childhood, Indiana from my teen years, and Purdue from my school. Plus, this was the Bill Mallory era at Indiana, and my dad suddenly was making an effort to get to know his kids better, so we made trips to Atlanta and Memphis to watch bowl games. (I drove down to Birmingham with a friend to watch the All-American Bowl on New Year's Eve, too. Did you know that in late December in the South, it gets cold? I do now.) Interestingly, I've only been to one Purdue bowl game: the 2000 Outback Bowl. I chose ... poorly.
But after I graduated, got a job in Indianapolis, and moved here to shorten my drive, I learned two more things: Indianapolis is not a neutral city, and obnoxious IU fans drown out all reasonable ones. The way it's told to you is that Indiana is split in half: Purdue gets the north half, IU gets the south half, and Indianapolis is split down the middle. In reality, Purdue gets some parts of the north that Notre Dame doesn't get, IU gets all the rest, and, well, let's just say the Star reflects its readership fairly well. So it didn't take long for jerk after jerk after cream-and-crimson jerk to wear away what I had left of those days. (You didn't think BS would feature IU writers, did you?)
So that's me today: strong Purdue ties from my nearly-thirty years as a Boilermaker, strong Michigan ties from my childhood and my family (I guarantee they wouldn't have been as strong if Michigan's athletics, particularly football, hadn't also been strong - a lesson Mr. Burke could stand to learn) ... and that's it. Don't worry - what I write here will be about Purdue sports from a Purdue perspective. There are plenty of links in the sidebar if you want Michigan articles.
The zlionsfan part? It's from my old AOL days. I'd been using Lions and Fan in my old QB1 days, back when you signed in a different name to play for each team, and surprisingly, back then, someone else wanted to be lionsfan at aol.com. Rather than take their stupid numeric suggestion, I went with letters. ALionsFan was also taken, so instead of continuing down the alphabet, I figured I'd go to the bottom and work my way up ... and the rest is internet history.
So that's me, and that's why I'm here. Thanks again for having me.
Before I explain, I'd like to give a quick thanks to those two for this opportunity - I'm looking forward to writing for a larger audience, and on a blog I've been following for years - and to those of you who brought up the idea and supported it ... and of course to everyone who comes here and reads, comments, and supports the site.
I was born in Ann Arbor just before the beginning of the Big Two-Little Eight era, in a family full of Michigan fans (my parents were graduates; my grandmother is nearly 100, has lived in Ann Arbor for at least 70 years and still follows Michigan football), so I started to follow sports at an early age. While other kids were learning how to tie their shoes, I was learning important lessons that would serve me well later in life ... things like "Ohio State sucks" ... and because I'd learned to read at an early age, and the easiest thing for a kid to read in the newspaper (besides comics) is the sports section, I'd already become a big sports fan, and I'd begun to follow Detroit teams in all sports. (I didn't know that you can actually choose the teams you root for: I thought everyone rooted for local teams. If you know anything about Detroit sports in the '70s, you know this was a cruel joke that someone played on me.)
My dad was an electrical engineer, and he worked at the cyclotron at Michigan. When the university had to shut down the cyclotron in the '70s, we moved to Bloomington, and he got a similar job at Indiana.
Yes, it's true. I've lived in that town. I graduated from Bloomington North. At one time, I even rooted for ... those teams. (I was even at the chair game. Sadly, I almost completely missed the event itself. Of course in those days, the camera hadn't been invented yet, so I don't have any pictures.) But during my senior year at North - the one where the Cougars snapped a 31-game losing streak that had them in the old section in Sports Illustrated where they had little bits of trivia from around the country - all that was going to change.
I was already developing a pretty good party circle of friends, and my dad correctly assumed that if I went to IU, I'd be lucky to get halfway through my degree before dropping out, so he gave me the option to attend any in-state public school with a high-caliber CS program. (Back then, out-of-state tuition wasn't nearly as expensive, but I wasn't paying for it, and besides, have you ever been to Evanston in the winter?) So in 1985, my transition from ... one of those fans to Boilermaker began.
During my six years at Purdue (I took the scenic route), I learned two things: Purdue sports will break your heart, and Purdue ADs don't know football. I suffered through the bad half of the Burtnett years, the failed Akers project, and the transition from free to half-price student tickets. (Marketing 101: George King failed it.) I watched the NCAA put higher-seeded Purdue basketball teams on the road at lower-seeded teams again and again and again ... and when they finally got a real chance, I watched Steve Henson take apart the best Purdue team in almost 20 years before they even got a shot at Cheatin' Larry Brown and the Jayhawks.
While I was in school, my allegiance was split three ways: Michigan from my childhood, Indiana from my teen years, and Purdue from my school. Plus, this was the Bill Mallory era at Indiana, and my dad suddenly was making an effort to get to know his kids better, so we made trips to Atlanta and Memphis to watch bowl games. (I drove down to Birmingham with a friend to watch the All-American Bowl on New Year's Eve, too. Did you know that in late December in the South, it gets cold? I do now.) Interestingly, I've only been to one Purdue bowl game: the 2000 Outback Bowl. I chose ... poorly.
But after I graduated, got a job in Indianapolis, and moved here to shorten my drive, I learned two more things: Indianapolis is not a neutral city, and obnoxious IU fans drown out all reasonable ones. The way it's told to you is that Indiana is split in half: Purdue gets the north half, IU gets the south half, and Indianapolis is split down the middle. In reality, Purdue gets some parts of the north that Notre Dame doesn't get, IU gets all the rest, and, well, let's just say the Star reflects its readership fairly well. So it didn't take long for jerk after jerk after cream-and-crimson jerk to wear away what I had left of those days. (You didn't think BS would feature IU writers, did you?)
So that's me today: strong Purdue ties from my nearly-thirty years as a Boilermaker, strong Michigan ties from my childhood and my family (I guarantee they wouldn't have been as strong if Michigan's athletics, particularly football, hadn't also been strong - a lesson Mr. Burke could stand to learn) ... and that's it. Don't worry - what I write here will be about Purdue sports from a Purdue perspective. There are plenty of links in the sidebar if you want Michigan articles.
The zlionsfan part? It's from my old AOL days. I'd been using Lions and Fan in my old QB1 days, back when you signed in a different name to play for each team, and surprisingly, back then, someone else wanted to be lionsfan at aol.com. Rather than take their stupid numeric suggestion, I went with letters. ALionsFan was also taken, so instead of continuing down the alphabet, I figured I'd go to the bottom and work my way up ... and the rest is internet history.
So that's me, and that's why I'm here. Thanks again for having me.
Tuesday, November 06, 2012
November 6; A Day That Will Live In History
November 6 is the sixth birthday of Boiled Sports. I hope you got us something nice.
What, did you think I was talking about something else going on today?
Six years ago on this day, November 6, 2006, BS took to the interwebnet waves, via a 14.4k modem, a 12 year old Boilerdowd and some hopes and dreams. [Ed Note: Not all of that is true.]
As you've probably heard us say before, a group of us used to email each other every week on the sports topics of the day/week/whatever, and lively debate would often ensue. After quite a few years of this, we decided to take the conversation into the blog format.
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| Thanks for gambling on us |
We've tried to stick to our formula of giving you our honest opinions and we're proud of the way we've continued to do that. We've made a few mistakes, to be sure, but I like to think we've done more good work here than lousy.
Soon, you'll be learning about another addition to the BS family (the writing family -- B-dowd isn't preggo) and we know you'll welcome him with the same open arms and feisty uppercuts you've always bestowed upon us.
So thanks again. We appreciate the pride and passion so many of you share with us and we're happy and honored to be an outlet for you. Things might look bleak right now around the athletic department of Purdue, but keep the faith -- the Boilermakers will rise again.
Choo choo, muthas.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
BS Appears On Enemy Podcast
So if you've been longing to hear my dulcet tones and continuing trepidation about Purdue football, circa 2012, tune in and give it a listen.
I particularly enjoyed Carmin's last line of his appearance where, after I thanked him for the work he does and for keeping us all informed, he said that they do their best, "under the circumstances."
Take that as you will.
Friday, May 11, 2012
Commenting Guideline
One of the things we never wanted to do at BS was have an official commenting "policy" like some sites do because that felt so....formal. Plus, we're not that important or big-time, so really, creating something like that felt kind of arrogant -- like we're going to make rules for you people to follow. Who the hell are we to make rules?
Despite this continuing to be our ongoing belief, a lot of comments in recent weeks and months have taken a bit of a nasty, inappropriate tone. By and large, we don't care if people want to shout at the wind in the comments, but a few times the shouting has upset other people and has sometimes even taken a turn into made up accusations, insults, etc.
So here's what we'd like to ask -- if you're going to comment on things, treat the interaction as you would if you were guests in our homes. If you wouldn't say it in person to us (and others), then don't say it here -- or at least find a better way to say it that's less inflammatory. As always, disagreement on opinions remains welcome and encouraged.
We don't want to monitor comments (we don't have the time or the inclination), so let's just keep this requested guideline in mind.
Love,
BS
Despite this continuing to be our ongoing belief, a lot of comments in recent weeks and months have taken a bit of a nasty, inappropriate tone. By and large, we don't care if people want to shout at the wind in the comments, but a few times the shouting has upset other people and has sometimes even taken a turn into made up accusations, insults, etc.
So here's what we'd like to ask -- if you're going to comment on things, treat the interaction as you would if you were guests in our homes. If you wouldn't say it in person to us (and others), then don't say it here -- or at least find a better way to say it that's less inflammatory. As always, disagreement on opinions remains welcome and encouraged.
We don't want to monitor comments (we don't have the time or the inclination), so let's just keep this requested guideline in mind.
Love,
BS
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Glad I was born in 1975
I've had a few conversations this morning- some via Twitter, some on the phone and others via e-mail. Some have been constructive and positive (thanks for those), some have been laced with name-calling and curse words. Neato.
I started this site with two of my pals six years ago so we would have a place to vent about Purdue sports instead of sending out long e-mail threads on Monday mornings. It's been a pretty therapeutic part of my life as I tend to get too angry when Purdue loses...so blowing off steam has helped me to fester for less time. But, the last few months, not just the last few hours, haven't been that way.
Comments on Twitter and on the site alike have shown me some things from fellow Purdue fans that have made this site feel more like a just a laborious activity than a labor of love. It's really my naiveté that's the problem- I've always thought of Purdue fans as a cut above the rest of the world...but it turns out (SHOCKER!) that a school of 40K+ has quite a few knuckleheads and dumbasses leaving her doors each year.
But that's not why I'm writing today. I'm writing because I'm a very flawed person...and make a ton of mistakes in my daily life. Most of them can easily be looked past and gotten over. I apologize to my kids and wife when screw up...and they're a forgiving group, thankfully, so life marches on as time does...even with my shortcomings. But some people don't forgive or forget quite as easily.
Earlier today, Boiledsports, which has really been Jandboilerdowd.com for the last six years, published something that isn't in line with the way we think and do things. We removed it, but the record of the article will live on via classy folks at Northwestern sites and elsewhere. In other words, the digital copy is out there, and it will be...forever. I haven't talked to Nikki about her post. I don't know if she regrets putting it up...and don't really care either way. She's entitled to her opinion...and it's really not
But, having a pervasive internet and constant documentation of life has taken away much of the wiggle room that everyday life used to have built in. Sure, much of this is by the choice of the person making the mistake...but perspective changes with time and experience...but internet mistakes are forever.
When I was in high school and college, my fashion choices were questionable. I wore colored jeans and Nike Deion Sanders shoes...at the same time. I once shaved lines...into my eyebrows. I had brightly-colored leather and suede jackets. Nasty, egregious stuff. Sure, there's record of these mistakes...but they're locked away in old photo albums and VHS tapes...many under lock and key at my parents' home. You can't merely hit a few keystrokes and call them up to your computermaphone and show them to your chums...Thank God.
But that's not the case for everyone. I don't know how to do it, but I'm sure there's a way to find old Twitter posts from accounts that are closed. And if you make an embarrassing video, even if you erase it, it's still floating around in the ethos just waiting for the wrong prying hands and eyes to grab it and use it in any way possible.
I haven't ever recorded myself sans pantalones...but I know some of you out there have...and I'm sure your friends have found the proof. What seemed like a good idea for just you and that special someone, wasn't so special or private as the dynamics of the relationship changed...and you and your pride have paid for that.
I guess what I'm driving at, is that, at least in this case, I'm glad to be a bit older than some of you reading this. Like you, I screwed up a lot during my time in high school and college...but back then, my buddies would have had to grab the camcorder to document it...and the only way everyone would have seen it was if we had a viewing party. A good friend of mine once questioned the sexual preference of a girl that turned him down during our Sophomore year in HS...and his reactionary stupidity spread quickly through school. But there was no Twitter or FB to immortalize his stupidity...and it's a good thing. He apologized to the girl, she forgave him and the thing just went away. Now, he's actually a pretty thoughtful and well-respected adult...he just wasn't that way when he was 15. Nor was I.
Sure, when I'm reminded by limited follicles, extra weight around the middle and the fact that it hurts to play basketball, I'm not too stoked about being a 36 year old...But all-in-all, I'm pretty damned thankful that I was born in 1975. And really, more importantly, I'm thankful to have been a teenager in the 90s (even if I may or may not have worn overalls during that era).
I started this site with two of my pals six years ago so we would have a place to vent about Purdue sports instead of sending out long e-mail threads on Monday mornings. It's been a pretty therapeutic part of my life as I tend to get too angry when Purdue loses...so blowing off steam has helped me to fester for less time. But, the last few months, not just the last few hours, haven't been that way.
Comments on Twitter and on the site alike have shown me some things from fellow Purdue fans that have made this site feel more like a just a laborious activity than a labor of love. It's really my naiveté that's the problem- I've always thought of Purdue fans as a cut above the rest of the world...but it turns out (SHOCKER!) that a school of 40K+ has quite a few knuckleheads and dumbasses leaving her doors each year.
But that's not why I'm writing today. I'm writing because I'm a very flawed person...and make a ton of mistakes in my daily life. Most of them can easily be looked past and gotten over. I apologize to my kids and wife when screw up...and they're a forgiving group, thankfully, so life marches on as time does...even with my shortcomings. But some people don't forgive or forget quite as easily.
Earlier today, Boiledsports, which has really been Jandboilerdowd.com for the last six years, published something that isn't in line with the way we think and do things. We removed it, but the record of the article will live on via classy folks at Northwestern sites and elsewhere. In other words, the digital copy is out there, and it will be...forever. I haven't talked to Nikki about her post. I don't know if she regrets putting it up...and don't really care either way. She's entitled to her opinion...and it's really not
But, having a pervasive internet and constant documentation of life has taken away much of the wiggle room that everyday life used to have built in. Sure, much of this is by the choice of the person making the mistake...but perspective changes with time and experience...but internet mistakes are forever.
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| Color me Boilerdowd |
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| Busted!! |
I haven't ever recorded myself sans pantalones...but I know some of you out there have...and I'm sure your friends have found the proof. What seemed like a good idea for just you and that special someone, wasn't so special or private as the dynamics of the relationship changed...and you and your pride have paid for that.
I guess what I'm driving at, is that, at least in this case, I'm glad to be a bit older than some of you reading this. Like you, I screwed up a lot during my time in high school and college...but back then, my buddies would have had to grab the camcorder to document it...and the only way everyone would have seen it was if we had a viewing party. A good friend of mine once questioned the sexual preference of a girl that turned him down during our Sophomore year in HS...and his reactionary stupidity spread quickly through school. But there was no Twitter or FB to immortalize his stupidity...and it's a good thing. He apologized to the girl, she forgave him and the thing just went away. Now, he's actually a pretty thoughtful and well-respected adult...he just wasn't that way when he was 15. Nor was I.Sure, when I'm reminded by limited follicles, extra weight around the middle and the fact that it hurts to play basketball, I'm not too stoked about being a 36 year old...But all-in-all, I'm pretty damned thankful that I was born in 1975. And really, more importantly, I'm thankful to have been a teenager in the 90s (even if I may or may not have worn overalls during that era).
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
The BS Family Is Growing; Play Nice, Everyone
At 2:30 PM on April 16, 2012, Boilerdowd and J welcomed two bundles of joy into the Boiled Sports family.
Nicole Johnson -- Finally, a woman's perspective from a woman
You're used to the dainty nature of Boilerdowd around here so, sure, you've gotten to hear a sensitive side to things a few times. But how many times have you said to yourself, "Self, what this place needs is a woman's touch." Well, talk to yourself no further, because the second new addition to the squad is Nicole Johnson.
Nicole was most recently a writer for the Exponent, so she'll not only be a new voice and a woman voice.... she'll also actually know how to, you know, write. So that's nice. Nicole is also a Reamer so she has to balance her unabashed fan side with her journalistic -- and theoretically unbiased, you know, like Jeff Rabjohns or Terry Hutchens -- side. Boiled Sports will give her the chance to write as a fan. A screaming, hoarse, passionate fan. With a much prettier voice than any of us.
In her own words: "You may best know me as the chick that rammed the Boilermaker Special into the back of a police car."
If nothing else, we're hoping Nicole's now checkered history as it relates to the Special will one day result in us driving it down I-65 in a conductor's hat.
Please welcome Nicole aboard and remember there's now a lady in the house, so boys, zip your fly up and put on deodorant.
James Evens -- Another dude? What is this, a sausagefest?
The second -- and this is in no particular order -- addition is Mr. James Evens, formerly of Bleacher Report. And before you trash B/R, let me be among the first to say that I, too, was not fond of B/R's quality over the years. However, they've made a worthwhile effort to improve the quality and to put their writers through a screening process. James has been writing there for years and has had more that 650,000 "reads" of his content. He's a prominent member of the staff and is a Featured Columnist and a Syndicated Writer at B/R -- neither designation is merely given away. And if you still don't respect B/R, that's fine -- but you can't argue with James' dedication to his craft.
James will be a senior this fall at the best University in the land (no, not Princeton, you jerks) and is eager to provide content to you clowns.
In his own words: "I would be a perfect fit for Boiled Sports because of my love of Purdue, my already massive resume as an online writer and as a general smart ass."
Oh, and he also said Boiled Sports is the best Purdue blog on the Web and we all know flattery will get you everywhere with us.
James will be posting here under the handle "PandaBoiler" (mainly because he's so lovable and cuddly -- also, he likes bamboo) and can be reached at evens.james@gmail.com. We're lucky to have him and we hope that you, too, look forward to another voice at BS.
These two are talented, passionate and excited to write about Purdue sports -- and yet they still chose to work with us. We hope you show our new additions the same respect and kindness you've always shown us.
Errr, well, maybe a little better than that, actually.
Love,
BS
Nicole Johnson -- Finally, a woman's perspective from a woman
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| She's a lady. |
You're used to the dainty nature of Boilerdowd around here so, sure, you've gotten to hear a sensitive side to things a few times. But how many times have you said to yourself, "Self, what this place needs is a woman's touch." Well, talk to yourself no further, because the second new addition to the squad is Nicole Johnson.
Nicole was most recently a writer for the Exponent, so she'll not only be a new voice and a woman voice.... she'll also actually know how to, you know, write. So that's nice. Nicole is also a Reamer so she has to balance her unabashed fan side with her journalistic -- and theoretically unbiased, you know, like Jeff Rabjohns or Terry Hutchens -- side. Boiled Sports will give her the chance to write as a fan. A screaming, hoarse, passionate fan. With a much prettier voice than any of us.
In her own words: "You may best know me as the chick that rammed the Boilermaker Special into the back of a police car."
If nothing else, we're hoping Nicole's now checkered history as it relates to the Special will one day result in us driving it down I-65 in a conductor's hat.
Please welcome Nicole aboard and remember there's now a lady in the house, so boys, zip your fly up and put on deodorant.
James Evens -- Another dude? What is this, a sausagefest?
The second -- and this is in no particular order -- addition is Mr. James Evens, formerly of Bleacher Report. And before you trash B/R, let me be among the first to say that I, too, was not fond of B/R's quality over the years. However, they've made a worthwhile effort to improve the quality and to put their writers through a screening process. James has been writing there for years and has had more that 650,000 "reads" of his content. He's a prominent member of the staff and is a Featured Columnist and a Syndicated Writer at B/R -- neither designation is merely given away. And if you still don't respect B/R, that's fine -- but you can't argue with James' dedication to his craft.
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| BS adds some muscle (may not be to scale) |
James will be a senior this fall at the best University in the land (no, not Princeton, you jerks) and is eager to provide content to you clowns.
In his own words: "I would be a perfect fit for Boiled Sports because of my love of Purdue, my already massive resume as an online writer and as a general smart ass."
Oh, and he also said Boiled Sports is the best Purdue blog on the Web and we all know flattery will get you everywhere with us.
James will be posting here under the handle "PandaBoiler" (mainly because he's so lovable and cuddly -- also, he likes bamboo) and can be reached at evens.james@gmail.com. We're lucky to have him and we hope that you, too, look forward to another voice at BS.
These two are talented, passionate and excited to write about Purdue sports -- and yet they still chose to work with us. We hope you show our new additions the same respect and kindness you've always shown us.
Errr, well, maybe a little better than that, actually.
Love,
BS
Wednesday, April 04, 2012
Boiled Sports is Hiring; Inquire Within
Boiled Sports is looking to take on a Purdue-based writer for the next year. We can't do all the heavy lifting around here (we're old, remember).
Our ideal candidate possesses some or all of the following characteristics/qualifications:
-Current Purdue student, ideally about to be a junior or senior
-Interested in writing about Purdue football and men's basketball
-Season ticketholder for Purdue football and men's basketball (who goes to the games)
-Smart-ass a plus
-Willing to provide opinions, analysis, recaps
-Willing to be associated with guys who like to stir the pot sometimes
We're looking for someone who is currently a student so we can sometimes get that on-campus feel that we are unable to provide because of where we're located. Frequency of posts is not something we want to set at a specific number because we never want this place to feel like "work," but if you're looking for a place to do some writing, talk about Purdue sports and have an audience of 50k-100k site hits a month, this might be the place for you.
If you're interested, send a note to boiledsports@gmail.com and boilerdowd@gmail.com with no more than 300 words as to why you're an ideal candidate. Writing samples are a plus.
And just like your teacher might say, if we don't get any volunteers we'll just pick one of you at random and force you to do this.
Thank you, please drive around.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
A Handsome Hour Scheduling Note
Your favorite handsome lads won't be on Wednesday night this week.
But fret not! You'll have more fun watching your favorite handsome Boilers take on the Illini at 8:30 instead.
We'll return next week and as of now, the schedule tentatively looks like this:
Feb 22
March 7
March 14
March 21
March 28
April 4
All shows at 9:30 PM, Eastern. All guests appear unpaid and, frequently, against their will.
The Boiled Sports Handsome Hour. BS all the time.
But fret not! You'll have more fun watching your favorite handsome Boilers take on the Illini at 8:30 instead.
We'll return next week and as of now, the schedule tentatively looks like this:
Feb 22
March 7
March 14
March 21
March 28
April 4
All shows at 9:30 PM, Eastern. All guests appear unpaid and, frequently, against their will.
The Boiled Sports Handsome Hour. BS all the time.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
11W & BS; Like Dogs and Cats, Living Together
I know, I know. Boiled Sports and Eleven Warriors cooperating? Getting along? Backslapping, giggling, snapping each other's asses with wet towels and pushing each other into the bushes? Hard to believe, right?
Check out his appearance starting about ten minutes in.
Friday, November 04, 2011
BS Turns The Big Oh-Five
Sunday, November 6, will mark the five year birthday of Boiled Sports. My, how time marches relentlessly forward.
In those 1,826 days, we've cobbled together just over 2,600 posts, which works out to almost one and a half posts per day. We're actually not usually much for numbers when it comes to evaluating this little endeavor, but I know that I for one am pretty proud of that kind of consistency. You see a lot of blog sites come and go, many of which start strong for a few days or even weeks and then suddenly peter out as the proprietor realizes it's not easy to come up with content on a never-ending basis.
When we launched Boiled Sports on November 6, 2006, our Boilers were only two years removed from the fumble debacle versus Wisconsin, Joe Tiller was still Purdue's head coach and the "Baby Boilers" were not yet toddling onto campus. The St. Louis Cardinals had just won the World Series (weird), Boiledowd had a full, bushy head of hair, and Tim still posted here. It was like a magic land.
Since then, we've all aged a bit more, entire classes have come and gone from Purdue, and the Boiled Sports child count has increased by 3 (in addition to the overgrown children who run this site).
We've even taken on our first, on-campus writer, the man/myth/legend THuff, who back in '06 was still hiding his dirty magazines under his mattress (now he hides them in the folds of his calculus book -- such a pro).
We never really cared if we played well with others. Sure, if people liked us, that was great... but if they didn't, well, that probably meant we were doing something right. If your opinions are real enough to piss people off, then they are at the very least honest. We've tried our best to be honest, above all else, with you.
As a result of our sometimes abrasive nature, we've made some.... non-friends. I don't want to say enemies because this is only opinion-writing we're doing here. In the end, ours is no more valuable than anyone else's. And we really mean that.
We've also made some friends -- virtual friends -- who we love to death. Those of you who get us and give it right back, who appreciate our bratty humor and give it back....we seriously love you guys and girls. Some of these friends aren't even Boilers, per se, but we've formed a bond with them due to being like-minded wise-asses.
I try to remember to thank you all each year around this time and this year is no different. We started this site because we all used to email one another multiple times a week with our thoughts on Purdue sports, as well as other things, that were rattling around in our heads. We kept an email string going usually for months at a time and it got us to consider the possibility that maybe we should make these thoughts more widely available -- especially considering the (at the time) seeming dearth of Purdue sports outlets. That's how BS was born. How it has evolved to where it is now is something we're still frequently (and humbly) amazed at.
Thanks very much for reading, listening and caring -- about Purdue and about what we have to say. It's flattering and we will continue to do our best to make stopping at our particular Uniform Resource Locator.
 |
| The BS staff working to build something |
When we launched Boiled Sports on November 6, 2006, our Boilers were only two years removed from the fumble debacle versus Wisconsin, Joe Tiller was still Purdue's head coach and the "Baby Boilers" were not yet toddling onto campus. The St. Louis Cardinals had just won the World Series (weird), Boiledowd had a full, bushy head of hair, and Tim still posted here. It was like a magic land.
Since then, we've all aged a bit more, entire classes have come and gone from Purdue, and the Boiled Sports child count has increased by 3 (in addition to the overgrown children who run this site).
 |
| The BS guys welcome THuff |
 |
| Playing well with others? |
As a result of our sometimes abrasive nature, we've made some.... non-friends. I don't want to say enemies because this is only opinion-writing we're doing here. In the end, ours is no more valuable than anyone else's. And we really mean that.
We've also made some friends -- virtual friends -- who we love to death. Those of you who get us and give it right back, who appreciate our bratty humor and give it back....we seriously love you guys and girls. Some of these friends aren't even Boilers, per se, but we've formed a bond with them due to being like-minded wise-asses.
I try to remember to thank you all each year around this time and this year is no different. We started this site because we all used to email one another multiple times a week with our thoughts on Purdue sports, as well as other things, that were rattling around in our heads. We kept an email string going usually for months at a time and it got us to consider the possibility that maybe we should make these thoughts more widely available -- especially considering the (at the time) seeming dearth of Purdue sports outlets. That's how BS was born. How it has evolved to where it is now is something we're still frequently (and humbly) amazed at.
Thanks very much for reading, listening and caring -- about Purdue and about what we have to say. It's flattering and we will continue to do our best to make stopping at our particular Uniform Resource Locator.
Tuesday, September 06, 2011
Handsome Guest Appearance From Saturday
For those who didn't see or hear him on Saturday, Boilerdowd (with special guest appearance by Lil' Boilerdowd!) appeared on the Purdue Tailgate Show on Saturday. The Purdue Tailgate Show is hosted by Clayton Duffy and Brendan Murphy and airs every home weekend in the parking lot near Jimmy Johns across from Mackey Arena.
You can check out the show by going here. It streams live and can then be viewed later on as well.
If you'd like to jump to the BS goodness of this past Saturday's show, jump to about the hour and thirty (1:30) mark of the below video, after the jump.
You can check out the show by going here. It streams live and can then be viewed later on as well.
If you'd like to jump to the BS goodness of this past Saturday's show, jump to about the hour and thirty (1:30) mark of the below video, after the jump.
Monday, August 08, 2011
(In)formal introduction
Meet Teddy.
I suppose there are some things I need to take care of.
Last week, the three handsome gentlemen of Boiledsports realized it’s time to lower the average age around this joint. Enter this guy. My name is Teddy, but I’ll be posting here under my Purdue given (user)name – thuff. I am a 2011 graduate from the college of Technology.
________________________________________________
Why are you qualified to write on this fine, highfalutin website?
I wake up at 6am before a football game to make sure I am the first one there at the gates. I cried when we hung the Big 10 Banner. I screamed with the rest of the Paint Crew until I almost passed out when we defeated OSU. I have ridden the Special in while it was 12 degrees and snowing with a giant smile on my face. I have almost been jumped for wearing a Painter Jersey in Bloomington – fact.
I’ve lived through a Pervus and couple Baltimore Zoos.
I wear the old Gold and Black on my sleeve and I share the same experiences and energy of the staff here and the great readers of this blog.
I also really bugged the BS staff. That might be the most of it.
That told me you’re a super fan, not why you’re qualified to write here..
Cuz I write gud.
What kind of topics will you be writing about?
Purdue?
Specifically, I bring in an insatiable desire to find weird facts that add a little bit of intrigue to the content around here. We can give you some opinions and we can give you some news, but who doesn’t enjoy hearing that the Celtic’s first ever Draft Pick was from Purdue?
I will be more vocal when it comes to Basketball season, but I will also be able to give some onsite coverage of the football games.
________________________________________________
I could go ahead and ramble on, but I’d like to give you the chance to ask some questions. I’ll keep track of the comments here and any messages sent to me @thuff on Twitter. In the mean time, I will be following around the insults that @boiledsports sends out and take jabs of my own as well.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Drew Brees Golf Event -- BS will be on the Scene
Ed Sigo, once again, is the Boiler alum who was kind enough to sponsor not one, but two BS foursomes. The finalists of our reader contest all get to play, in addition to a couple of Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteers from the Lafayette area. All in all, this is a nice thing for a lot of people, and Ed gets the biggest share of credit for his generosity.
I'll do my best to take some pictures and potentially some video. I'll also let smoldering Drew Brees know that all the ladies of BS love him and the men....well, the men love him, too.
Friday, May 27, 2011
BS Giveaway - Oprah-Style
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| OOOH!! So close! |
As you can see at the right, Entry 1 won out by the narrowest of margins, in a true Bush-Gore kind of showdown. Of 1868 votes cast, 1731 of them were for either Entry 1 (Doing it for Dad) or Entry 2 (Ladies Tees). The winning margin was 65 votes, or just 3 1/2 percent. Amazing.
As you may recall from the rules I posted, B-Dowd and I get to vote as well. And our singular votes carry as much weight as the nearly 1900 already cast. What can we say, we like having arbitrary levels of power.
Of course, it really doesn't seem fair for someone to lose by such a slim margin, regardless of how we cast our votes. Our wonderful benefactor for this event, Ed, felt this way as well and so he contacted me during the fierce battle:
"I am seriously considering sponsoring another foursome based on the entries. I am a sucker for this stuff."
Basically, Ed isn't as mean as us and couldn't stand the thought of any of our finalists losing and he DID, in fact, pony up for another group. SO... as Oprah herself might say...
YOU get a spot and YOU get a spot and YOU get a spot....
Yeah, each of the finalists is hereby cleared to play in the event. The top two vote-getters will play with me and Ed, while the others will play with B-Dowd's brother in the other foursome (you've heard his handsomely dulcet tones as a fill-in on the Handsome Hour from time to time). And then we'll all have some brews and be merry at the cocktail reception afterwards. (And then at Harry's into the wee hours if I can slip Ed's American Express card away from him.)
Seriously, thanks to everyone who entered and voted. And a big thanks to Ed Sigo, one of the more generous people we've met in a while.
Monday, May 23, 2011
BS Foursome Finalists Awaiting Your Vote
So here we go.
The following four entries are the finalists for the Boiled Sports golf givaway. If you haven't been reading and aren't up to speed (or have a really bad memory), catch up here and here.
Let me also do the obligatory, "all the entries were great" thing. No, but seriously, they really were. I wish we could buy another foursome or two and declare many winners because, honestly, a golf outing with the witty readers of BS would probably be more fun than should be allowed.
That said, we only have the one slot to give away. And here's where we need reader input. Please read the following four entries and then vote in the poll at the right. No, it's not perfectly scientific, but then again, you aren't determining this by yourselves. We'll close the poll on Thursday evening and B-Dowd and I will confer and, at that time, share our votes with one another. Between, me, him and your votes, hopefully we'll arrive at a consensus. If not, a dance-off will commence. Enjoy.
(And, for the record, these are in no particular order. Just the order I opened the Word docs in.)
Entry 1 -- "Doing it for Dad"
What’s up fellas? I would like to enter my father into this contest and am writing without his knowledge. He’s a Purdue grad from way back in 1978. He’s spent the last 31.5 years teaching U.S. History and Psychology at Connersville High School and this is the first year of his retirement. He now resides in Lafayette and is a season ticket holder for football and split a season ticket package for basketball this season. While in Lafayette he works as a substitute teacher at Central Catholic Junior/Senior High School.
I don’t think his golfing skills would work out that well for winning a trophy but the guy is no slouch. To give you an idea he falls somewhere between Judge Smails throwing his club and Ty hitting every putt on the green. Basically what I’m telling you is he’d probably be good for a shot here or there.
Sure it’s weird to enter my dad rather than myself but I’m not much of a golfer and I don’t think anyone is more deserving. He put 4 kids through Purdue. He has an entire room in his house, where I still live, with Purdue memorabilia. He’s kind enough to put up with his son who lives with them despite having a full time job so I can save money for a wedding that’s upcoming.
Don’t worry about him not being old and curmudgeon like. He isn’t one of the olds at Mackey and Ross Ade. Our seats are in the last row of Ross Ade so that we can stand and clap without any idiots yelling at us to sit down. At Mackey he’s constantly standing and cheering, but more importantly the guy is only in his early 50’s so stop being so judgmental you jerks!
Most importantly to me he puts up with his blogging son who has a full time job and still lives at home. The guy is a saint who raised 4 boys and probably wanted to yell at times but was the best father in the world. The guy deserves so much and I try to give it to him whenever I can, oh man that sounds dirty oh well there’s no going backward only forward (stupid typewriter).
He’s not exactly a hot female golfer but let me tell ya all 5’5 of him is a real catch. If nothing else there’s no way you’d be the smallest guy in the foursome. So he’s got that going for him, which is nice. Also, he has a rather large collection of vintage Playboy’s that I might have snuck looks at in my early years. Keep that in mind.
As you can tell he’s a good dude who I’m sure would love the opportunity to be involved in such a great event. You’ll also notice I only used one space after a period per your earlier tweet (yes I’m clearing sucking up).
Entry 2 -- "Ladies Tees"
So I heard you all need a fourth partner for the Drew Brees Golf Outing and I think I am your girl. I do have some golf ability considering I took the golf class at good old Purdue and the pro thought I had played before (the first day of class was my first day swinging a golf club…ever). But more importantly, I am five foot tall and blonde and although I do not think my back side looks near as good as Natalie Gulbis’s, I get told otherwise.
Besides, I think you should pick me because I am graduating in a week (how cool of a grad gift would free golf be right?) and on my way to law school (read: no life for the next three years), and I could use one last breath of fun before I start living in a library. I want to go into sports and entertainment ideally, so even though I can be a girly girl, I can also talk sports with the boys. And you do not have to worry about walking on eggshells with me either. I have bunches of guy friends and am in a sorority so dirty jokes and cursing like a sailor are my idea of a good time.
Other than that, since I weigh about 100 pounds soaking wet, drinks from the drink cart will not put you out much money since I am a lightweight or cheap date, whichever way you want to look at it. The best part is you will get 18 holes to make fun of me for using hot pink women’s and junior clubs and not being able to drive more than 100 yards off the tee (don’t worry my short game is decent).
I will stop writing now, since after all it is senior week and I should be drinking or doing something irresponsible, like trying to get kicked out of Harry’s.
Entry 3 -- "The Purdue Lifer"
I hope you’ll read this letter and really consider adding me as the crucial fourth member of your group for the Drew Brees golf outing:
First of all, I am currently a Purdue student. I’ll be a senior in the fall. I am majoring in political science and just completed a semester internship at the Indiana Statehouse. I am actually the fourth generation to attend Purdue from my family, and both my parents graduated from Purdue.
More importantly, though, I am a true bleed-black-and-gold Purdue fan. I have been indoctrinated in the culture of Purdue. I love Purdue and have loved it my whole life. It was actually one of the first words I ever spoke.
I have been attending Purdue basketball and football games my whole life. I was there when three Purdue Petes celebrated another Big Ten Championship in 1996. I was there for the field-storming when Purdue beat Notre Dame for the first time under Tiller (but I wasn’t allowed on the field). I’ve enjoyed many spankings of IU in Mackey and Ass Hall. I was there for the deafening atmosphere in Mackey when JaJuan and Etwaun beat the Buckeyes this year. I finally got to storm the field myself when Purdue beat Ohio State two years ago with Joey Elliott. I made the road trip to Detroit for Curtis Painter’s heart attack comeback against Central Michigan. And my best Purdue memory actually involves Drew Brees—I was there for “Brees to Moraleeeeees!”
Having a chance to meet Drew Brees would be so unbelievable to me. The Brees Rose Bowl team was probably my favorite team at Purdue. I got to meet a lot of the guys from the team before and after the games. I was watching warm-ups and Tim Stratton threw me the football from the field. For a ten year-old kid, that was a moment I will never forget. And I really admire the athlete and person Drew Brees has become. He’s a real role model for me.
But enough of the Purdue sentimental crap: The real reason I should be included in your foursome is because I am an awesome golfer, if I do say so myself. I consider myself a modern day Ty Webb (Chevy Chase in Caddyshack), not because I measure myself with other golfers by height but because I have developed that force in the universe that allows me to be the ball.
I try to play almost every day. I went out on the course on Mother’s Day for a round with my mom and grandmother. I know I should have let them win, but I just can’t help getting really competitive when it comes to golf. So, yeah, I basically kicked their asses.
Anyway, I’m a big fan of your Web page and of the Handsome Hour, so please give me this great chance.
Entry 4 -- "Porter Roberts Likes His T-Shirt"
I became a Boiler in 1987 when my oldest brother Dave went there. I put up with IU crap in Greenwood, Indiana. When I got my license I was more excited to visit my other brother Ben, who was then a Boiler, than I was to drive around scenic Fort Wayne.
Some may say I take my love for Purdue sports too far. After Chad Austin's Ass Hall dagger in '97, I saw him wearing his hat tilted to the side when speaking with the media after the game, and I felt obligated to do the same the next day in school. That same year I printed out the NBA stats of Alan Henderson & Glenn Robinson to confront a moron who told me that brittle knees was Big Dog's equivalent as a player.
At Purdue, I was a 4 year season ticket holder for football and basketball. I was there for the Morales catch, the Dorsch bird flip, and unfortunately, saw us lose to ND in our last home game while I was a student. I participated in the 3 consecutive field rushes in 2000. I went in Old Gold to Columbus for the rainy OSU game in 1999 and watched helpless as Dorsch got an easy FG blocked (for the 57th time in his career) that would have tied the game. I was also in Bloomington that year when Vinny ran a punt back that allowed us to win and me to breathe for the 1st time in about 46 minutes.
My co-rec run-ins with Purdue basketball players were almost all positive. Although my intramural team won the game, a then-redshirting Willie Deane threw down a memorable dunk. Mike Robinson/Michelle Duhart were good people and teammates. Alan Eldridge surprisingly had me in the athleticism department, while Tony Mayfield surprisisingly did not. I got into a verbal spat with Joe Marshall (which I was told was quite entertaining) and ended up scoring over him to win the game. While funny, I was slightly embarrased to play against Porter Roberts while wearing a t-shirt with his picture on it (1996 Big 10 title shirt). Porter noticed and complimented me on it, escalating the embarrasment.
My appreciation for Drew has continued since his days as #15. I spend a little too much every year on him in my fantasy football auction. I was angry at any Purdue alum that rooted for the Colts in the 2010 Super Bowl. I have donated to his charity and twice written him letters seeking an autographed gift for my ex-girlfriend. Both times he kindly obliged.
I would appreciate this gift more than some others. Perhaps as importantly, my golf game will not show anyone up. The odds of me playing an entire hole well are equivalent to the odds that Danny Hope will one day be described as the Bill Belichick of the Big 10. Lastly, in honor of Francis from the movie Summer School, this contest is very, very, very, very cool. Thanks.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Vote now. Polls close Thursday. Winner announced Friday.
The following four entries are the finalists for the Boiled Sports golf givaway. If you haven't been reading and aren't up to speed (or have a really bad memory), catch up here and here.
Let me also do the obligatory, "all the entries were great" thing. No, but seriously, they really were. I wish we could buy another foursome or two and declare many winners because, honestly, a golf outing with the witty readers of BS would probably be more fun than should be allowed.
That said, we only have the one slot to give away. And here's where we need reader input. Please read the following four entries and then vote in the poll at the right. No, it's not perfectly scientific, but then again, you aren't determining this by yourselves. We'll close the poll on Thursday evening and B-Dowd and I will confer and, at that time, share our votes with one another. Between, me, him and your votes, hopefully we'll arrive at a consensus. If not, a dance-off will commence. Enjoy.
(And, for the record, these are in no particular order. Just the order I opened the Word docs in.)
Entry 1 -- "Doing it for Dad"
What’s up fellas? I would like to enter my father into this contest and am writing without his knowledge. He’s a Purdue grad from way back in 1978. He’s spent the last 31.5 years teaching U.S. History and Psychology at Connersville High School and this is the first year of his retirement. He now resides in Lafayette and is a season ticket holder for football and split a season ticket package for basketball this season. While in Lafayette he works as a substitute teacher at Central Catholic Junior/Senior High School.
I don’t think his golfing skills would work out that well for winning a trophy but the guy is no slouch. To give you an idea he falls somewhere between Judge Smails throwing his club and Ty hitting every putt on the green. Basically what I’m telling you is he’d probably be good for a shot here or there.
Sure it’s weird to enter my dad rather than myself but I’m not much of a golfer and I don’t think anyone is more deserving. He put 4 kids through Purdue. He has an entire room in his house, where I still live, with Purdue memorabilia. He’s kind enough to put up with his son who lives with them despite having a full time job so I can save money for a wedding that’s upcoming.
Don’t worry about him not being old and curmudgeon like. He isn’t one of the olds at Mackey and Ross Ade. Our seats are in the last row of Ross Ade so that we can stand and clap without any idiots yelling at us to sit down. At Mackey he’s constantly standing and cheering, but more importantly the guy is only in his early 50’s so stop being so judgmental you jerks!
Most importantly to me he puts up with his blogging son who has a full time job and still lives at home. The guy is a saint who raised 4 boys and probably wanted to yell at times but was the best father in the world. The guy deserves so much and I try to give it to him whenever I can, oh man that sounds dirty oh well there’s no going backward only forward (stupid typewriter).
He’s not exactly a hot female golfer but let me tell ya all 5’5 of him is a real catch. If nothing else there’s no way you’d be the smallest guy in the foursome. So he’s got that going for him, which is nice. Also, he has a rather large collection of vintage Playboy’s that I might have snuck looks at in my early years. Keep that in mind.
As you can tell he’s a good dude who I’m sure would love the opportunity to be involved in such a great event. You’ll also notice I only used one space after a period per your earlier tweet (yes I’m clearing sucking up).
Entry 2 -- "Ladies Tees"
So I heard you all need a fourth partner for the Drew Brees Golf Outing and I think I am your girl. I do have some golf ability considering I took the golf class at good old Purdue and the pro thought I had played before (the first day of class was my first day swinging a golf club…ever). But more importantly, I am five foot tall and blonde and although I do not think my back side looks near as good as Natalie Gulbis’s, I get told otherwise.
Besides, I think you should pick me because I am graduating in a week (how cool of a grad gift would free golf be right?) and on my way to law school (read: no life for the next three years), and I could use one last breath of fun before I start living in a library. I want to go into sports and entertainment ideally, so even though I can be a girly girl, I can also talk sports with the boys. And you do not have to worry about walking on eggshells with me either. I have bunches of guy friends and am in a sorority so dirty jokes and cursing like a sailor are my idea of a good time.
Other than that, since I weigh about 100 pounds soaking wet, drinks from the drink cart will not put you out much money since I am a lightweight or cheap date, whichever way you want to look at it. The best part is you will get 18 holes to make fun of me for using hot pink women’s and junior clubs and not being able to drive more than 100 yards off the tee (don’t worry my short game is decent).
I will stop writing now, since after all it is senior week and I should be drinking or doing something irresponsible, like trying to get kicked out of Harry’s.
Entry 3 -- "The Purdue Lifer"
I hope you’ll read this letter and really consider adding me as the crucial fourth member of your group for the Drew Brees golf outing:
First of all, I am currently a Purdue student. I’ll be a senior in the fall. I am majoring in political science and just completed a semester internship at the Indiana Statehouse. I am actually the fourth generation to attend Purdue from my family, and both my parents graduated from Purdue.
More importantly, though, I am a true bleed-black-and-gold Purdue fan. I have been indoctrinated in the culture of Purdue. I love Purdue and have loved it my whole life. It was actually one of the first words I ever spoke.
I have been attending Purdue basketball and football games my whole life. I was there when three Purdue Petes celebrated another Big Ten Championship in 1996. I was there for the field-storming when Purdue beat Notre Dame for the first time under Tiller (but I wasn’t allowed on the field). I’ve enjoyed many spankings of IU in Mackey and Ass Hall. I was there for the deafening atmosphere in Mackey when JaJuan and Etwaun beat the Buckeyes this year. I finally got to storm the field myself when Purdue beat Ohio State two years ago with Joey Elliott. I made the road trip to Detroit for Curtis Painter’s heart attack comeback against Central Michigan. And my best Purdue memory actually involves Drew Brees—I was there for “Brees to Moraleeeeees!”
Having a chance to meet Drew Brees would be so unbelievable to me. The Brees Rose Bowl team was probably my favorite team at Purdue. I got to meet a lot of the guys from the team before and after the games. I was watching warm-ups and Tim Stratton threw me the football from the field. For a ten year-old kid, that was a moment I will never forget. And I really admire the athlete and person Drew Brees has become. He’s a real role model for me.
But enough of the Purdue sentimental crap: The real reason I should be included in your foursome is because I am an awesome golfer, if I do say so myself. I consider myself a modern day Ty Webb (Chevy Chase in Caddyshack), not because I measure myself with other golfers by height but because I have developed that force in the universe that allows me to be the ball.
I try to play almost every day. I went out on the course on Mother’s Day for a round with my mom and grandmother. I know I should have let them win, but I just can’t help getting really competitive when it comes to golf. So, yeah, I basically kicked their asses.
Anyway, I’m a big fan of your Web page and of the Handsome Hour, so please give me this great chance.
Entry 4 -- "Porter Roberts Likes His T-Shirt"
I became a Boiler in 1987 when my oldest brother Dave went there. I put up with IU crap in Greenwood, Indiana. When I got my license I was more excited to visit my other brother Ben, who was then a Boiler, than I was to drive around scenic Fort Wayne.
Some may say I take my love for Purdue sports too far. After Chad Austin's Ass Hall dagger in '97, I saw him wearing his hat tilted to the side when speaking with the media after the game, and I felt obligated to do the same the next day in school. That same year I printed out the NBA stats of Alan Henderson & Glenn Robinson to confront a moron who told me that brittle knees was Big Dog's equivalent as a player.
At Purdue, I was a 4 year season ticket holder for football and basketball. I was there for the Morales catch, the Dorsch bird flip, and unfortunately, saw us lose to ND in our last home game while I was a student. I participated in the 3 consecutive field rushes in 2000. I went in Old Gold to Columbus for the rainy OSU game in 1999 and watched helpless as Dorsch got an easy FG blocked (for the 57th time in his career) that would have tied the game. I was also in Bloomington that year when Vinny ran a punt back that allowed us to win and me to breathe for the 1st time in about 46 minutes.
My co-rec run-ins with Purdue basketball players were almost all positive. Although my intramural team won the game, a then-redshirting Willie Deane threw down a memorable dunk. Mike Robinson/Michelle Duhart were good people and teammates. Alan Eldridge surprisingly had me in the athleticism department, while Tony Mayfield surprisisingly did not. I got into a verbal spat with Joe Marshall (which I was told was quite entertaining) and ended up scoring over him to win the game. While funny, I was slightly embarrased to play against Porter Roberts while wearing a t-shirt with his picture on it (1996 Big 10 title shirt). Porter noticed and complimented me on it, escalating the embarrasment.
My appreciation for Drew has continued since his days as #15. I spend a little too much every year on him in my fantasy football auction. I was angry at any Purdue alum that rooted for the Colts in the 2010 Super Bowl. I have donated to his charity and twice written him letters seeking an autographed gift for my ex-girlfriend. Both times he kindly obliged.
I would appreciate this gift more than some others. Perhaps as importantly, my golf game will not show anyone up. The odds of me playing an entire hole well are equivalent to the odds that Danny Hope will one day be described as the Bill Belichick of the Big 10. Lastly, in honor of Francis from the movie Summer School, this contest is very, very, very, very cool. Thanks.
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Vote now. Polls close Thursday. Winner announced Friday.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Update on the Contest to Play In Our Group At the Brees Golf Event
We will cull the entries to the best three or four (or ten or 16 or whatever I feel like) and we'll post them here. We'll then ask you, the readers, to cast your vote in a poll on who should win the fourth spot in the foursome.
You, the readers, will count as a vote; I will count as a vote; and B-dowd will count as a vote.
If we have not determined a winner that way (that is, if we've all voted for someone different), the three finalists will battle one another in a test of skills much like the end of Billy Madison (or Gladiator, your pick). Only instead of academic trials, you'll be subjected to evaluations on boozing, cartwheels and pole-dancing.
The poll will only be up for a few days so that we can wrap this up by the middle of next week.
Stay tuned.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Play Golf With Us at The Drew Brees Charity Outing -- For Free!
However, you still have a couple more days to get your entries in for the chance to win the fourth spot in the Boiled Sports foursome at the Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex and Amusement Park on June 17.
Imagine it! You could play golf with me!
Okay, not enough? How about this: you'll be playing in a charity golf scramble -- for free -- with a chance to meet Drew Brees. While I can't promise you'll meet Handsome Drew, I can promise you that you'll get your beers bought by me during the round.
We've received some fun entries so far but I'm sure there are more out there. Refer to this post for the rules -- they're pretty simple. Even for our readers. Hey-yo!
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