30 April 2013
Quote of the Day: Happy Endings
From "Sabado Free-Gante" (3.02):
Jane: You create your own destiny, like Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games.
Penny: Oh, I love those books! You read them, too?
Jane: No, those books are for nerds. But I knew it'd get your attention.
Jane: You create your own destiny, like Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games.
Penny: Oh, I love those books! You read them, too?
Jane: No, those books are for nerds. But I knew it'd get your attention.
Labels: Happy Endings
29 April 2013
SYTYCD Is (Almost) Back!
My favorite, favorite, favorite reality show -- probably the only one I have ever watched without a trace of guilt -- is coming back soon! I think the commercial I saw said May 14th? Yay!!!
Here's one of my all-time favorite routines, from the first season I ever watched (season 4). It's Mark & Courtney in "The Garden":
Here's one of my all-time favorite routines, from the first season I ever watched (season 4). It's Mark & Courtney in "The Garden":
Labels: So You Think You Can Dance
Quote of the Day: Supernatural
This is one of my favorite scenes from Supernatural. It's from "Sam, Interrupted" (5.11). Dean takes Sam to a psychiatric hospital:
doctor: You were referred to me by a Dr. Babar, in Chicago?
Dean: That's right.
doctor: Isn't there a children's book about an elephant named Babar?
Dean: I don't know. I don't have any elephant books. Look, Doctor, I think that the doc was in over his head with [Sam]. My brother's [crazy].
doctor: [to Sam] Why don't you tell me how you're feeling.
Sam: I'm fine. I mean, a little depressed, I guess.
doctor: All right. Any idea why?
Sam: Probably because I started the apocalypse.
doctor: The apocalypse?
Sam: Yeah, that's right.
doctor: And…. you think you started it?
Sam: Well, yeah. I mean, I killed this demon -- Lililth -- and I accidentally freed Lucifer from Hell. So, now he's topside, and we're trying to stop him.
doctor: Who is?
Sam: Me, [Dean], and this one angel.
doctor: Oh, you mean like an angel on your shoulder?
Sam: No, no. His name's Castiel. He wears a trench coat.
Dean: See what I mean, Doc? The kid's been beating himself up about this for months. [pause] The apocalypse wasn't his fault.
doctor: It's not?
Dean: No! There was this other demon -- Ruby -- she got him addicted to demon blood. I mean, near the end he was practically chugging the stuff. My brother's not evil, he was just …. high. So can you fix him up, so we can get back to traveling around the country hunting monsters?
doctor: You were referred to me by a Dr. Babar, in Chicago?
Dean: That's right.
doctor: Isn't there a children's book about an elephant named Babar?
Dean: I don't know. I don't have any elephant books. Look, Doctor, I think that the doc was in over his head with [Sam]. My brother's [crazy].
doctor: [to Sam] Why don't you tell me how you're feeling.
Sam: I'm fine. I mean, a little depressed, I guess.
doctor: All right. Any idea why?
Sam: Probably because I started the apocalypse.
doctor: The apocalypse?
Sam: Yeah, that's right.
doctor: And…. you think you started it?
Sam: Well, yeah. I mean, I killed this demon -- Lililth -- and I accidentally freed Lucifer from Hell. So, now he's topside, and we're trying to stop him.
doctor: Who is?
Sam: Me, [Dean], and this one angel.
doctor: Oh, you mean like an angel on your shoulder?
Sam: No, no. His name's Castiel. He wears a trench coat.
Dean: See what I mean, Doc? The kid's been beating himself up about this for months. [pause] The apocalypse wasn't his fault.
doctor: It's not?
Dean: No! There was this other demon -- Ruby -- she got him addicted to demon blood. I mean, near the end he was practically chugging the stuff. My brother's not evil, he was just …. high. So can you fix him up, so we can get back to traveling around the country hunting monsters?
Labels: Supernatural
28 April 2013
Quote of the Day: Leverage
From "The 10 L'il Grifters Job" (4.02):
Hardison: Nate killed someone?
Eliot: Nate didn't kill anyone.
Parker: But you would tell us though, wouldn't you?
Nate: Yes, Parker, I would tell you if I murdered the mark.
Hardison: Nate killed someone?
Eliot: Nate didn't kill anyone.
Parker: But you would tell us though, wouldn't you?
Nate: Yes, Parker, I would tell you if I murdered the mark.
Labels: Leverage
27 April 2013
Sketch Comedy: The "What If" Premise
Quote of the Day: Tumblr
This seemed apt as we approach the end of Supernatural season 8. (Seen here.):
"Most fandoms are shocked when a character is killed off. The Supernatural fandom is surprised if a character survives."
"Most fandoms are shocked when a character is killed off. The Supernatural fandom is surprised if a character survives."
Labels: Supernatural
26 April 2013
Quote of the Day: Supernatural
From "Pac-Man Fever" (8.20):
Sam: When did you become such an expert [on hunting]?
Charlie: Well, after you guys left, I dug into all things monsters. I'm a wee bit obsessive... if "a wee bit" means "completely". I also found a series of books by Carver Edlund. Did those books really happen? [Sam & Dean nod uncomfortably.] Wow -- that is some meta madness. Thanks for saving the world and stuff. [To Sam] Sorry you have zero luck with the ladies.
Sam: [to Dean] We need to find every single copy of those books and burn them.
Charlie: They're online now, so good luck with that.
Sam: When did you become such an expert [on hunting]?
Charlie: Well, after you guys left, I dug into all things monsters. I'm a wee bit obsessive... if "a wee bit" means "completely". I also found a series of books by Carver Edlund. Did those books really happen? [Sam & Dean nod uncomfortably.] Wow -- that is some meta madness. Thanks for saving the world and stuff. [To Sam] Sorry you have zero luck with the ladies.
Sam: [to Dean] We need to find every single copy of those books and burn them.
Charlie: They're online now, so good luck with that.
Labels: Supernatural
25 April 2013
Quote of the Day: Nerd Approved
It's better with the pictures. (h/t The Mary Sue):
Batman: Why do you always change in a phonebooth?
Superman: I like them. A blue one showed up on Krypton once. My father said it's where heroes come from.
Batman: Was it bigger on the inside?
Superman: YES! I think my pediatrician owned it. He's the one who told Jor-El to send me to Earth. He said that being the last makes us stronger.
Batman: I'm familiar with The Doctor. I'm surprised he didn't save Krypton.
The Doctor: Fixed point in time. I am so sorry.
Batman: Why do you always change in a phonebooth?
Superman: I like them. A blue one showed up on Krypton once. My father said it's where heroes come from.
Batman: Was it bigger on the inside?
Superman: YES! I think my pediatrician owned it. He's the one who told Jor-El to send me to Earth. He said that being the last makes us stronger.
Batman: I'm familiar with The Doctor. I'm surprised he didn't save Krypton.
The Doctor: Fixed point in time. I am so sorry.
Labels: comics, Doctor Who
24 April 2013
Another Opening Credits Mash-Up
This might be the most ridiculous opening credits mash-up I've ever seen. Battlestar Galactica, in the style of Friends. Whaa???
[h/t the hairpin]
[h/t the hairpin]
Labels: Battlestar Galactica
Quote of the Day: Doctor Who
I haven't really been enjoying the recent episodes of "Doctor Who". I'm not sure if it's just the new companion (Clara), or the writing, or what. Let's take a trip back to when everything was awesome...
From "Flesh and Stone" (5.05):
Father Octavian: Dr. Song, I've lost good Clerics today. Do you trust [the Doctor]?
River Song: I absolutely trust him.
Father Octavian: He's not some kind of madman?
River Song: [pause] I absolutely trust him.
From "Flesh and Stone" (5.05):
Father Octavian: Dr. Song, I've lost good Clerics today. Do you trust [the Doctor]?
River Song: I absolutely trust him.
Father Octavian: He's not some kind of madman?
River Song: [pause] I absolutely trust him.
Labels: Doctor Who
23 April 2013
Quote of the Day: Dead Like Me
From "Curious George" (1.03):
George: What would happen if everybody died?
Mason: What do you mean?
George: Like if we were the only ones left.
Mason: Oh, like if the frogs ate everyone on the planet?
George: Yeah.
Mason: I reckon we'd be shoveling a lot of frog shit.
George: What would happen if everybody died?
Mason: What do you mean?
George: Like if we were the only ones left.
Mason: Oh, like if the frogs ate everyone on the planet?
George: Yeah.
Mason: I reckon we'd be shoveling a lot of frog shit.
Labels: Dead Like Me
22 April 2013
"Our enemies hate each other almost as much as they hate us."
This weekend I watched season two of Game of Thrones. Tyrion Lannister is one of my favorite characters:
"I would like to know how you tricked Father into this."
"If I were capable of tricking Father, I'd be emperor of the world by now."
"I would like to know how you tricked Father into this."
"If I were capable of tricking Father, I'd be emperor of the world by now."
Labels: Game of Thrones
Quote of the Day: Swish Appeal
From The early [2013-2014] NCAA women's basketball preseason top 10:
[UConn is #1.]
2. Duke Blue Devils: They have the most talent of any team other than UConn and get point guard Chelsea Gray back from injury but they couldn't beat UConn on a bet no matter where the game is being played.
[UConn is #1.]
2. Duke Blue Devils: They have the most talent of any team other than UConn and get point guard Chelsea Gray back from injury but they couldn't beat UConn on a bet no matter where the game is being played.
Labels: UConn basketball
21 April 2013
Quote of the Day: Tumblr
Seen here:
I miss Death.
I think he needs to make another appearance soon.
Add this to the list of things that sound odd outside the SPN fandom
I miss Death.
I think he needs to make another appearance soon.
Add this to the list of things that sound odd outside the SPN fandom
Labels: Supernatural
20 April 2013
Quote of the Day: Game of Thrones
From "The Night Lands" (2.02):
Tyrion Lannister: Tell me, when your men slaughtered Ned Stark's men in the throne room, did you give the order?
Lord Janos Slynt: I did, and I would again. The man was a traitor; he tried to buy my loyalty!
Tyrion Lannister: The fool... he had no idea you were already bought.
Lord Janos Slynt: [angry] Are you drunk?! I'll not have my honour questioned by an imp!
Tyrion Lannister: I'm not questioning your honour, Lord Janos... I'm denying its existence.
Tyrion Lannister: Tell me, when your men slaughtered Ned Stark's men in the throne room, did you give the order?
Lord Janos Slynt: I did, and I would again. The man was a traitor; he tried to buy my loyalty!
Tyrion Lannister: The fool... he had no idea you were already bought.
Lord Janos Slynt: [angry] Are you drunk?! I'll not have my honour questioned by an imp!
Tyrion Lannister: I'm not questioning your honour, Lord Janos... I'm denying its existence.
Labels: Game of Thrones
19 April 2013
Your Funny for the Day
Olympic swimmer and aspiring reality star Ryan Lochte appeared on a Philadelphia morning news show to promote his TV show, and, well, watch for yourself:
Jezebel has a different set of interview clips, but the same ending.
Jezebel has a different set of interview clips, but the same ending.
Labels: random silliness
Quote of the Day: Tori Amos
From "Happy Phantom":
And if I die today I'll be the happy phantom
And I'll go chasing the nuns out in the yard
And I'll run naked through the streets without my mask on
And I will never need umbrellas in the rain
I'll wake up in strawberry fields every day
And the atrocities of school I can forgive
The happy phantom has no right to bitch
So if I die today I'll be the happy phantom
And I'll go wearing my naughties like a jewel
They'll be my ticket to the universal opera
There's Judy Garland taking Buddha by the hand
And then these seven little men get up to dance
They say Confucius does his crossword with a pen
I'm still the angel to a girl who hates to sin
Or will I see you dear, and wish I could come back?
You found a girl that you could truly love again
Will you still call for me when she falls asleep?
Or do we soon forget the things we cannot see?
And if I die today I'll be the happy phantom
And I'll go chasing the nuns out in the yard
And I'll run naked through the streets without my mask on
And I will never need umbrellas in the rain
I'll wake up in strawberry fields every day
And the atrocities of school I can forgive
The happy phantom has no right to bitch
So if I die today I'll be the happy phantom
And I'll go wearing my naughties like a jewel
They'll be my ticket to the universal opera
There's Judy Garland taking Buddha by the hand
And then these seven little men get up to dance
They say Confucius does his crossword with a pen
I'm still the angel to a girl who hates to sin
Or will I see you dear, and wish I could come back?
You found a girl that you could truly love again
Will you still call for me when she falls asleep?
Or do we soon forget the things we cannot see?
Labels: music
18 April 2013
Quote of the Day: The Hairpin
From their interview with a woman who solo-hiked in the Tetons for several days:
What was your main terror?
The bears. From my summer in Jackson I knew people out there take the bear situation very seriously — most years at least one person is attacked, if not in the Tetons, in Yellowstone — and to prepare I read the “Be Bear Aware” chapter of my trail guide about ten times (it is filled with this kind of thing: “a large percentage of hikers mauled by bears were hiking alone”) and dutifully bought bear spray. I still managed to keep my fear in check until I got to the park ranger station to sign up for campsites. The ranger who gave the canister you're supposed to keep all your food in and leave 100 yards away from your tent at night explained that even if you drink an Emercen-C in your Nalgene you should put it in your canister, and that was actually what put me over the edge. Because if bears can smell an Emercen-C in a closed Nalgene, they were clearly a sort of advanced supercreature that could definitely sniff out the crumbs I’d likely drop on myself at some point. Plus, for all I remembered the last time I had used my sleeping bag I had been binging on beef jerky right next to a barbecue smoker. Also I didn’t know how far 100 yards was.
The whole thing's a hoot, so I urge you to click the link and read the whole thing.
What was your main terror?
The bears. From my summer in Jackson I knew people out there take the bear situation very seriously — most years at least one person is attacked, if not in the Tetons, in Yellowstone — and to prepare I read the “Be Bear Aware” chapter of my trail guide about ten times (it is filled with this kind of thing: “a large percentage of hikers mauled by bears were hiking alone”) and dutifully bought bear spray. I still managed to keep my fear in check until I got to the park ranger station to sign up for campsites. The ranger who gave the canister you're supposed to keep all your food in and leave 100 yards away from your tent at night explained that even if you drink an Emercen-C in your Nalgene you should put it in your canister, and that was actually what put me over the edge. Because if bears can smell an Emercen-C in a closed Nalgene, they were clearly a sort of advanced supercreature that could definitely sniff out the crumbs I’d likely drop on myself at some point. Plus, for all I remembered the last time I had used my sleeping bag I had been binging on beef jerky right next to a barbecue smoker. Also I didn’t know how far 100 yards was.
The whole thing's a hoot, so I urge you to click the link and read the whole thing.
Labels: hiking
17 April 2013
Quote of the Day: Farscape
From "Mind the Baby" (2.01):
[Crichton and D'Argo are playing "Rock, Paper, Scissors".]
Crichton: Again?
D'Argo: Yeah.
Crichton: One, two, three.
[Crichton does paper; D'Argo does rock.]
D'Argo: Again, I win.
Crichton: No, I win. Paper wraps rocks.
D'Argo: No, paper cannot possibly beat rock.
Crichton: It does. Paper beats rock.
D'Argo: Rock rips through paper.
Crichton: D'Argo, that's not how it works. Paper beats rocks.
D'Argo: That's unrealistic.
Crichton: Well, it's the rules. And it's not supposed to be realistic, it's supposed to be entertaining.
D'Argo: My coma was more entertaining.
[Crichton and D'Argo are playing "Rock, Paper, Scissors".]
Crichton: Again?
D'Argo: Yeah.
Crichton: One, two, three.
[Crichton does paper; D'Argo does rock.]
D'Argo: Again, I win.
Crichton: No, I win. Paper wraps rocks.
D'Argo: No, paper cannot possibly beat rock.
Crichton: It does. Paper beats rock.
D'Argo: Rock rips through paper.
Crichton: D'Argo, that's not how it works. Paper beats rocks.
D'Argo: That's unrealistic.
Crichton: Well, it's the rules. And it's not supposed to be realistic, it's supposed to be entertaining.
D'Argo: My coma was more entertaining.
Labels: Farscape
16 April 2013
Basketball News
Strangely, none of it is about UConn. It's my other two teams that are in the news...
Over at ESPN.com, Mechelle Voepel grades the draft and gives Seattle an "A":
The Storm won't have Lauren Jackson or Sue Bird this season, as both are sitting out to recover from injuries. Thus, the odds are Seattle could end up with a lottery pick for 2014.
But that doesn't mean this is just a throw-away season for the Storm. Coach Brian Agler was high on Maryland's Hawkins, and that's who he got at No. 6. The versatile 6-3 post should be able to help right away with some of the scoring void.
Iowa State post player Chelsea Poppens (No. 18) also could lend a hand with that -- and rebounding -- if she is able to make the team. The Cyclones have had very little success putting players into the WNBA, but maybe Poppens will be the exception.
And in the third round, Seattle took Georgia's Jasmine James (No. 30). It made sense for the Storm at that stage in the draft to get a point guard who was at least worth a look.
Washington coach Kevin McGuff recently signed an extension, and now he's leaving to take the open job at Ohio State. (I guess it's his home state?) Money-wise, it will be ok for the UW. Jayda Evans reports that OSU will be paying a $1.75 million buyout for his contract -- more than he made in his two years here.
Still, it stinks. He was building up the program, and now he's gone. They had some good new players for next year, but now they might transfer.
Over at ESPN.com, Mechelle Voepel grades the draft and gives Seattle an "A":
The Storm won't have Lauren Jackson or Sue Bird this season, as both are sitting out to recover from injuries. Thus, the odds are Seattle could end up with a lottery pick for 2014.
But that doesn't mean this is just a throw-away season for the Storm. Coach Brian Agler was high on Maryland's Hawkins, and that's who he got at No. 6. The versatile 6-3 post should be able to help right away with some of the scoring void.
Iowa State post player Chelsea Poppens (No. 18) also could lend a hand with that -- and rebounding -- if she is able to make the team. The Cyclones have had very little success putting players into the WNBA, but maybe Poppens will be the exception.
And in the third round, Seattle took Georgia's Jasmine James (No. 30). It made sense for the Storm at that stage in the draft to get a point guard who was at least worth a look.
Washington coach Kevin McGuff recently signed an extension, and now he's leaving to take the open job at Ohio State. (I guess it's his home state?) Money-wise, it will be ok for the UW. Jayda Evans reports that OSU will be paying a $1.75 million buyout for his contract -- more than he made in his two years here.
Still, it stinks. He was building up the program, and now he's gone. They had some good new players for next year, but now they might transfer.
Labels: college basketball, Seattle Storm
Quote of the Day: Norm Feuti
From the Retail comic for 3/29/13:
Cooper: You've got that far-off look in your eye that says you're thinking of something awesome, Lunker.
Lunker: Lunker wondering if Swedish caviar made of candy like "Swedish Fish".
Cooper: Ah, you never disappoint, Lunk.
Cooper: You've got that far-off look in your eye that says you're thinking of something awesome, Lunker.
Lunker: Lunker wondering if Swedish caviar made of candy like "Swedish Fish".
Cooper: Ah, you never disappoint, Lunk.
Labels: comics
15 April 2013
Draft Day!
I started off really well -- I was 6/6! And then I was 0/0 after that....
The Storm picked Maryland forward Tianna Hawkins. She seems like she'll be pretty good. Was very sweet in her interview. Here is her overview from Swish Appeal. And check out the shoes she was wearing in her official pose-with-the-jersey picture. I guess she wanted out of those heels asap!
In the second round the Storm picked Chelsea Poppens from Iowa State.
In the third round the Storm picked Jasmine James from Georgia.
My beloved Kelly Faris is staying in Connecticut -- she was drafted #11 by the Sun. Coach Donovan has said she plans on Faris playing small forward. Ummm... ok? I guess I can see that.
One last note: At #12, the Minnesota Lynx took Lindsey Moore of Nebraska. I thought the name sounded familiar, and it's because she went to Kentwood High School. Home town girl!
The Storm picked Maryland forward Tianna Hawkins. She seems like she'll be pretty good. Was very sweet in her interview. Here is her overview from Swish Appeal. And check out the shoes she was wearing in her official pose-with-the-jersey picture. I guess she wanted out of those heels asap!
In the second round the Storm picked Chelsea Poppens from Iowa State.
In the third round the Storm picked Jasmine James from Georgia.
My beloved Kelly Faris is staying in Connecticut -- she was drafted #11 by the Sun. Coach Donovan has said she plans on Faris playing small forward. Ummm... ok? I guess I can see that.
One last note: At #12, the Minnesota Lynx took Lindsey Moore of Nebraska. I thought the name sounded familiar, and it's because she went to Kentwood High School. Home town girl!
Labels: Seattle Storm, UConn basketball, WNBA
Quote of the Day: Richard Cohen
Probably the best thing about watching the WNBA draft at the Storm party was that I didn't really listen too much to the presenters. When they weren't actually announcing a draft (or interviewing a draftee), I talked to my mom. Over in the UK, Richard Cohen didn't really have that option, and was forced to listen to Carolyn Peck. Luckily, he found the bright side:
Okay, the one fun thing about watching [Carolyn] Peck is when [Rebecca] Lobo follows her nonsense with "Yeah, but..."
Okay, the one fun thing about watching [Carolyn] Peck is when [Rebecca] Lobo follows her nonsense with "Yeah, but..."
Labels: WNBA
14 April 2013
Quote of the Day: Richard Cohen
WNBAlien is back! The draft is tomorrow, and he's got a two-part draft preview. Here is his understatement-of-the-century for the Storm:
"It’s been a painful offseason for Storm fans. Their star tandem of [Sue] Bird and [Lauren] Jackson, the pair this franchise has been built on for over a decade, have both been ruled out for the 2013 season due to injury. The Ann Wauters experiment was ended after just one season (understandably, neither side seemed to want it to continue) and Katie Smith left [to go to New York] for the Detroit [Shock] reunion. The additions of Temeka Johnson and Noelle Quinn will help paper over the cracks, but that’s about it. Optimism for the 2013 campaign isn’t exactly high in Seattle."
"It’s been a painful offseason for Storm fans. Their star tandem of [Sue] Bird and [Lauren] Jackson, the pair this franchise has been built on for over a decade, have both been ruled out for the 2013 season due to injury. The Ann Wauters experiment was ended after just one season (understandably, neither side seemed to want it to continue) and Katie Smith left [to go to New York] for the Detroit [Shock] reunion. The additions of Temeka Johnson and Noelle Quinn will help paper over the cracks, but that’s about it. Optimism for the 2013 campaign isn’t exactly high in Seattle."
Labels: Seattle Storm, WNBA
13 April 2013
"Sail" and "Radioactive"
Two songs I'm currently obsessed with (much to my surprise):
AWOLNATION's "Sail":
Imagine Dragon's "Radioactive":
AWOLNATION's "Sail":
Imagine Dragon's "Radioactive":
Labels: music
Quote of the Day: Chris Kluwe
From his twitter:
"My older daughter just informed me that a purple traffic light means you have to get out of the car and dance. Sounds legit."
"My older daughter just informed me that a purple traffic light means you have to get out of the car and dance. Sounds legit."
Labels: random silliness
12 April 2013
Kelly Faris
The WNBA draft is Monday. Iris is probably right, and Kelly Faris probably won't get drafted by the Storm. I just hope she ends up on a team I like, so I can root for her team (when they're not playing the Storm). Indiana would be perfect! (And she's from Indiana!!)
But let's back up a few days, to Tuesday and the championship. ESPN has a great article about Kelly Faris, Maya Moore, and Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis:
Kelly Faris was the first UConn player to find her former teammate [Maya Moore], which seemed appropriate given the respect the two players have for one another. Faris was tipped off by her older sister, who said, "Maya's down there!" and gestured toward the seats at the far corner of New Orleans Arena. Faris walked gingerly across the cushioned folding chairs, careful not to slip through, then climbed over the railing and into Moore's open arms. Faris and Moore played together for two seasons at Connecticut, winning an NCAA title during Faris' freshman season, then losing to Notre Dame -- a shocking result, considering Moore's collegiate dominance -- in the national semifinals a year later.
"I'm just so proud of you," Moore said to Faris, one of the hardest-working players in UConn history. "And so happy for you."
Moore later told espnW.com: "I was just so happy for her, to see her be able to go out on top. After the loss to Notre Dame my senior season, it was just her and me at the press conference afterward, and it was so tough. I didn't want that for her."
[...]
In a way, Moore turned over the team to Faris two years ago. And on Tuesday night, Faris did the same with [Kaleena] Mosqueda-Lewis.
[...]
The two teammates were exchanging thoughts with one another as the clock drained on both an NCAA title and Faris' career at UConn. They looked as though they were waiting for the starting gun in a sprint, except it was the opposite: They were waiting for the finish line, the final buzzer, so they could race onto the court with their teammates.
"Kelly was just saying to me, 'I'm proud of you, thank you so much,'" Mosqueda-Lewis said of the moment. "And I just said, 'You know what, Kelly? Thank you. Thank you for getting us here.'"
Ok, moving on to draft stuff:
The WNBA coaches had a conference call with reporters and said nice things about Faris.
The Storm's draft page.
Swish Appeal uses fancy statistics to sort the players into "tiers". Then they acknowledge that just looking at the numbers doesn't work for every player: "Faris [who was sorted into the bottom tier] has a number of major strengths - including her defensive ability, which isn't accounted for in the numbers - but if she makes a roster she'll have the lowest usage rate of any player to do so in the last five years (in plain terms, a low usage player is typically a player who either isn't very involved or passive in a team's offense). Guards with low usage rates just don't tend to make WNBA rosters. However, Faris was in a unique situation at UConn where she played a vital role without having to be an aggressive scorer and the fact that her numbers improved across the board when her usage did go up in her senior year is actually encouraging. So going strictly by the numbers is actually just unfair to her."
But let's back up a few days, to Tuesday and the championship. ESPN has a great article about Kelly Faris, Maya Moore, and Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis:
Kelly Faris was the first UConn player to find her former teammate [Maya Moore], which seemed appropriate given the respect the two players have for one another. Faris was tipped off by her older sister, who said, "Maya's down there!" and gestured toward the seats at the far corner of New Orleans Arena. Faris walked gingerly across the cushioned folding chairs, careful not to slip through, then climbed over the railing and into Moore's open arms. Faris and Moore played together for two seasons at Connecticut, winning an NCAA title during Faris' freshman season, then losing to Notre Dame -- a shocking result, considering Moore's collegiate dominance -- in the national semifinals a year later.
"I'm just so proud of you," Moore said to Faris, one of the hardest-working players in UConn history. "And so happy for you."
Moore later told espnW.com: "I was just so happy for her, to see her be able to go out on top. After the loss to Notre Dame my senior season, it was just her and me at the press conference afterward, and it was so tough. I didn't want that for her."
[...]
In a way, Moore turned over the team to Faris two years ago. And on Tuesday night, Faris did the same with [Kaleena] Mosqueda-Lewis.
[...]
The two teammates were exchanging thoughts with one another as the clock drained on both an NCAA title and Faris' career at UConn. They looked as though they were waiting for the starting gun in a sprint, except it was the opposite: They were waiting for the finish line, the final buzzer, so they could race onto the court with their teammates.
"Kelly was just saying to me, 'I'm proud of you, thank you so much,'" Mosqueda-Lewis said of the moment. "And I just said, 'You know what, Kelly? Thank you. Thank you for getting us here.'"
Ok, moving on to draft stuff:
The WNBA coaches had a conference call with reporters and said nice things about Faris.
The Storm's draft page.
Swish Appeal uses fancy statistics to sort the players into "tiers". Then they acknowledge that just looking at the numbers doesn't work for every player: "Faris [who was sorted into the bottom tier] has a number of major strengths - including her defensive ability, which isn't accounted for in the numbers - but if she makes a roster she'll have the lowest usage rate of any player to do so in the last five years (in plain terms, a low usage player is typically a player who either isn't very involved or passive in a team's offense). Guards with low usage rates just don't tend to make WNBA rosters. However, Faris was in a unique situation at UConn where she played a vital role without having to be an aggressive scorer and the fact that her numbers improved across the board when her usage did go up in her senior year is actually encouraging. So going strictly by the numbers is actually just unfair to her."
Labels: UConn basketball, WNBA
Quote of the Day: Veronica Mars
The Veronica Mars Kickstarter ended today, with $5.7 million raised! In honor of that awesomeness, here's a quote from "Plan B" (2.17):
Weevil: I need your help.
Veronica: Ah, if I had fifty bucks every time someone said that.
Weevil: Look, I know it's a drag being you, and --
Veronica: No, seriously. I'm going to need fifty bucks if you expect me to keep listening.
Weevil: Well, I'm banking on curiosity getting the better of you...
[Veronica hesitates, then stamps her foot.]
Veronica: Alright, tell me! Damn my curiosity!
Weevil: I need your help.
Veronica: Ah, if I had fifty bucks every time someone said that.
Weevil: Look, I know it's a drag being you, and --
Veronica: No, seriously. I'm going to need fifty bucks if you expect me to keep listening.
Weevil: Well, I'm banking on curiosity getting the better of you...
[Veronica hesitates, then stamps her foot.]
Veronica: Alright, tell me! Damn my curiosity!
Labels: Veronica Mars
11 April 2013
Quote of the Day: Battlestar Galactica
From "Valley of Darkness" (2.02):
Apollo: Remember, just head away from the sound of gunfire.
President Roslin: What about you?
Apollo: We're heading towards the gunfire.
Apollo: Remember, just head away from the sound of gunfire.
President Roslin: What about you?
Apollo: We're heading towards the gunfire.
Labels: Battlestar Galactica
10 April 2013
Quote(s) of the Day: assorted members of the press
From here:
In Auriemma's previous seven championships, his teams had gone 256-6. This team --talented as it was -- lost four games, which would be cause for celebration at 95 percent of programs. At UConn, though, four losses can twist this into the Storrs version of an underdog story.
From here:
UConn (35-4) had five players in double-figures. [In addition to Breanna Stewart, Kaleena] Mosqueda-Lewis, the All-American and UConn's greatest three-point shooter in history, added 18 points, including five threes. She had nine rebounds.
Kelly Faris, the fundamentally fabulous one, who transformed herself from a team player to a team leader, scored 16 points with four three-pointers. She had nine rebounds and six assists.
Bria Hartley, whose season was seriously uprooted in August by an ankle injury while playing for USA Basketball in Greece, added 13 points.
And Stefanie Dolson, the All-American junior center, who played in so much pain for the last month because of a stress fracture and plantar fasciitis, had 12 points and six rebounds.
From here:
These were not the undefeated Huskies of Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi and Swin Cash, who won the 2002 N.C.A.A. tournament with peerless talent. Nor were they the 2004 Huskies, who won with Taurasi and a cast of selfless role players.
Without a true superstar, this UConn team (35-4) fought through injury and self-doubt and prevailed with renewed assuredness, collective spirit and expectation, depth, conditioning and a relentlessness that made victory in the N.C.A.A. tournament seem not only possible but inexorable with a resurgence over the past month.
In Auriemma's previous seven championships, his teams had gone 256-6. This team --talented as it was -- lost four games, which would be cause for celebration at 95 percent of programs. At UConn, though, four losses can twist this into the Storrs version of an underdog story.
From here:
UConn (35-4) had five players in double-figures. [In addition to Breanna Stewart, Kaleena] Mosqueda-Lewis, the All-American and UConn's greatest three-point shooter in history, added 18 points, including five threes. She had nine rebounds.
Kelly Faris, the fundamentally fabulous one, who transformed herself from a team player to a team leader, scored 16 points with four three-pointers. She had nine rebounds and six assists.
Bria Hartley, whose season was seriously uprooted in August by an ankle injury while playing for USA Basketball in Greece, added 13 points.
And Stefanie Dolson, the All-American junior center, who played in so much pain for the last month because of a stress fracture and plantar fasciitis, had 12 points and six rebounds.
From here:
These were not the undefeated Huskies of Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi and Swin Cash, who won the 2002 N.C.A.A. tournament with peerless talent. Nor were they the 2004 Huskies, who won with Taurasi and a cast of selfless role players.
Without a true superstar, this UConn team (35-4) fought through injury and self-doubt and prevailed with renewed assuredness, collective spirit and expectation, depth, conditioning and a relentlessness that made victory in the N.C.A.A. tournament seem not only possible but inexorable with a resurgence over the past month.
Labels: UConn basketball
09 April 2013
Hooray!
My beloved Kelly Faris ends her college career with a win! And check out her box score: 16 points (including 4-7 from three!), 9 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, and a block.
Probably the most adorable moment of the game was at the end, when Coach Auriemma had cleared his bench and put red-shirt senior (and Connecticut native) Heather Buck in the game. She got a steal, drove to the other end of the court, and made a lay-up. The UConn bench went CRAZY! They were so excited for her. As the announcers said, you would have thought she made a game-winning shot! But they were just so happy to see her get a basket in her last game.
My favorite photo (that I've seen so far) is this one of the two UConn #23's: Maya Moore and Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis. Awww!
Funny: Swin Cash posted this yesterday. Ha!
Probably the most adorable moment of the game was at the end, when Coach Auriemma had cleared his bench and put red-shirt senior (and Connecticut native) Heather Buck in the game. She got a steal, drove to the other end of the court, and made a lay-up. The UConn bench went CRAZY! They were so excited for her. As the announcers said, you would have thought she made a game-winning shot! But they were just so happy to see her get a basket in her last game.
My favorite photo (that I've seen so far) is this one of the two UConn #23's: Maya Moore and Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis. Awww!
Funny: Swin Cash posted this yesterday. Ha!
Labels: UConn basketball
Quote of the Day: Swish Appeal
From their post-game coverage:
"The lesson that the rest of the country learned is that UConn will be difficult, if not impossible, to beat for at least the next two or three seasons."
"The lesson that the rest of the country learned is that UConn will be difficult, if not impossible, to beat for at least the next two or three seasons."
Labels: UConn basketball
08 April 2013
Quote of the Day: Breanna Stewart
From John Altavilla's blog post When All Is Said and Done, They Are Just Kids:
How did Breanna Stewart celebrate her career-high 29 points in Sunday’s semifinal win over Notre Dame?
“We went back to the hotel. I talked to my parents, got some food, did some rehab and went to my room,” Stewart said. “Bria Hartley is my roommate and we watched SportsCenter for a while. Obviously, they were showing clips of UConn/Notre Dame and it was cool to watch.”
How did Breanna Stewart celebrate her career-high 29 points in Sunday’s semifinal win over Notre Dame?
“We went back to the hotel. I talked to my parents, got some food, did some rehab and went to my room,” Stewart said. “Bria Hartley is my roommate and we watched SportsCenter for a while. Obviously, they were showing clips of UConn/Notre Dame and it was cool to watch.”
Labels: UConn basketball
07 April 2013
UConn Won! UConn Won!
I predicted Louisville would beat Cal (they did) and I hoped UConn would beat Notre Dam -- and they did! Woo-hoo!!!
Even with an 83-65 final score, I didn't really relax until the final buzzer sounded.
Breanna Stewart was definitely the player of the game (29 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 4 blocks).
I was also really impressed with her fellow freshman post player, Morgan Tuck. She wasn't spectacular, but she was solid defensively and offensively. And with junior center Stefanie Dolson still battling leg and foot injuries (Coach Auriemma has joked that she's playing on "half a leg"), it's really important to have another post player playing well.
The championship game is Tuesday and I'm already nervous. UConn's playing great right now, but Louisville's been playing out of their minds lately. (Check out this amazing fast break: Shoni Schimmel with a no-look pass to Jude Schimmel.
Even with an 83-65 final score, I didn't really relax until the final buzzer sounded.
Breanna Stewart was definitely the player of the game (29 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 4 blocks).
I was also really impressed with her fellow freshman post player, Morgan Tuck. She wasn't spectacular, but she was solid defensively and offensively. And with junior center Stefanie Dolson still battling leg and foot injuries (Coach Auriemma has joked that she's playing on "half a leg"), it's really important to have another post player playing well.
The championship game is Tuesday and I'm already nervous. UConn's playing great right now, but Louisville's been playing out of their minds lately. (Check out this amazing fast break: Shoni Schimmel with a no-look pass to Jude Schimmel.
Labels: UConn basketball
Quote of the Day: Queenie from Swish Appeal
Her Notes, observations, and random things from the Final Four weekend:
"The UConn autograph line is already packed, and UConn doesn't sign until after 12. Good Lord, people. Cal's line is pretty much empty."
"The UConn autograph line is already packed, and UConn doesn't sign until after 12. Good Lord, people. Cal's line is pretty much empty."
Labels: UConn basketball
06 April 2013
Quote of the Day: Leverage
From "The Toy Job" (5.14):
Nate: What do you think parents are most afraid of?
Parker: Clowns?
Nate: No.
Parker: Evil clowns?
Nate: No.
Parker: Crazy clowns named Gigi who whisper your name from under your bed?
Nate: [pause] No.
Nate: What do you think parents are most afraid of?
Parker: Clowns?
Nate: No.
Parker: Evil clowns?
Nate: No.
Parker: Crazy clowns named Gigi who whisper your name from under your bed?
Nate: [pause] No.
Labels: Leverage
05 April 2013
Civil Unions vs. Marriage
Excerpt from a great article:
But can’t a lawyer set all this [legal stuff] up for gay and lesbian couples?
No. A lawyer can set up some things like durable power of attorney, wills and medical power of attorney. There are several problems with this, however.
1. It costs thousands of dollars in legal fees. A simple marriage license, which usually costs under $100 would cover all the same rights and benefits.
2. Any of these can be challenged in court. As a matter of fact, more wills are challenged than not. In the case of wills, legal spouses always have more legal power than any other family member.
3. Marriage laws are universal. If someone’s husband or wife is injured in an accident, all you need to do is show up and say you’re his or her spouse. You will not be questioned. If you show up at the hospital with your legal paperwork, the employees may not know what to do with you. If you simply say, "He's my husband," you will immediately be taken to your spouse's side.
But can’t a lawyer set all this [legal stuff] up for gay and lesbian couples?
No. A lawyer can set up some things like durable power of attorney, wills and medical power of attorney. There are several problems with this, however.
1. It costs thousands of dollars in legal fees. A simple marriage license, which usually costs under $100 would cover all the same rights and benefits.
2. Any of these can be challenged in court. As a matter of fact, more wills are challenged than not. In the case of wills, legal spouses always have more legal power than any other family member.
3. Marriage laws are universal. If someone’s husband or wife is injured in an accident, all you need to do is show up and say you’re his or her spouse. You will not be questioned. If you show up at the hospital with your legal paperwork, the employees may not know what to do with you. If you simply say, "He's my husband," you will immediately be taken to your spouse's side.
Labels: GLBT
Quote of the Day: John Altavilla
From 10 Keys For UConn On Sunday Against The Irish:
8). I can’t stand seeing Kelly Faris and Stefanie Dolson cry. Three times is enough.
[bonus!]
9). Notre Dame played for the national championship in football this season. It has met its quota. Give someone else a chance.
8). I can’t stand seeing Kelly Faris and Stefanie Dolson cry. Three times is enough.
[bonus!]
9). Notre Dame played for the national championship in football this season. It has met its quota. Give someone else a chance.
Labels: UConn basketball
04 April 2013
Quote of the Day: The Hairpin
The Hairpin is a pop-culture-y website, and one of their regular features is "A [length of time] alone in [a country]" where they interview people who have traveled interesting places by themselves. (For instance, here's someone who spent ten days in Shanghai.)
This quote is from A Week Alone in Lithuania and Poland:
What was the hardest you laughed?
On my second day in Krakow, I decided to go see the Polish National Gallery, wondering how Poland represented itself, officially. There was a huge and boring exhibit on the evolution of Polish military uniforms over the last 500 years (spoiler alert: gold braid! lots of felt!), and a more interesting one on 20th Century Polish art, and in a little hallway between the two were three little glass display cases and a little bit of wall text: about the Jews in Poland! (Spoiler alert: there used to be some.) The cases were full of beautiful silver ritual objects — menorahs etc. — all labelled "Purchased from synagogue X between 1937 and 1939." Which — I mean it was just this obvious obscuring of history, this cognitive dissonance as what I knew and what I saw totally didn't line up. I knew there was no way I could really convey that, but I noticed that one of the books (in Hebrew, so right to left) was upside down, and tried to convey it to a museum employee. "No English, no English!" he shouted, flapping his hands in the air and walking briskly away. When he was gone, I just completely broke down laughing at the absurdity of the whole thing, at my inability to communicate or reconcile. Like, how is this true! There is nothing I can do here! I give up! It felt very much like being in a Kafka story.
This quote is from A Week Alone in Lithuania and Poland:
What was the hardest you laughed?
On my second day in Krakow, I decided to go see the Polish National Gallery, wondering how Poland represented itself, officially. There was a huge and boring exhibit on the evolution of Polish military uniforms over the last 500 years (spoiler alert: gold braid! lots of felt!), and a more interesting one on 20th Century Polish art, and in a little hallway between the two were three little glass display cases and a little bit of wall text: about the Jews in Poland! (Spoiler alert: there used to be some.) The cases were full of beautiful silver ritual objects — menorahs etc. — all labelled "Purchased from synagogue X between 1937 and 1939." Which — I mean it was just this obvious obscuring of history, this cognitive dissonance as what I knew and what I saw totally didn't line up. I knew there was no way I could really convey that, but I noticed that one of the books (in Hebrew, so right to left) was upside down, and tried to convey it to a museum employee. "No English, no English!" he shouted, flapping his hands in the air and walking briskly away. When he was gone, I just completely broke down laughing at the absurdity of the whole thing, at my inability to communicate or reconcile. Like, how is this true! There is nothing I can do here! I give up! It felt very much like being in a Kafka story.
Labels: travel
03 April 2013
The Schimmel Sisters
This year's Cinderella story is Louisville. Their star is Shoni Schimmel, and she and younger sister Jude Schimmel have been playing great in the tournament. (After they beat Tennessee to get into the Final Four, the two of them shared a big hug. Very sweet!!!)
Here's an article about their tournament run.
I first learned about Shoni Schimmel when I watched the documentary "Off the Rez" about her family's decision to move off the Umatilla Reservation in Oregon to a public school so she could play basketball on a bigger stage.
It's a good movie; I recommend it. I got it from the King County Library System, so if you're interested, I know they have a copy.*
*ETA: I just checked KCLS, and they don't have a copy. Very strange -- I could have sworn that's how I saw it. Weird!
Here's an article about their tournament run.
I first learned about Shoni Schimmel when I watched the documentary "Off the Rez" about her family's decision to move off the Umatilla Reservation in Oregon to a public school so she could play basketball on a bigger stage.
It's a good movie; I recommend it. I got it from the King County Library System, so if you're interested, I know they have a copy.*
*ETA: I just checked KCLS, and they don't have a copy. Very strange -- I could have sworn that's how I saw it. Weird!
Labels: college basketball
Quote of the Day: Firefly
From "Shindig":
[The ship is approaching a planet.]
Wash: Closing in.
Zoe: Planet's coming up a mite fast.
Wash: That's just 'cause I'm going down too quick. Likely crash and kill us all.
Mal: Well, [if] that happens, let me know.
[The ship is approaching a planet.]
Wash: Closing in.
Zoe: Planet's coming up a mite fast.
Wash: That's just 'cause I'm going down too quick. Likely crash and kill us all.
Mal: Well, [if] that happens, let me know.
Labels: Firefly
02 April 2013
The Final Four Is Set
On one side of the bracket: The #1 seeds UConn and Notre Dame. (For the third year in a row!)
On the other side of the bracket: A #2 seed making its debut (California) and a #5 seed for only the second time in the history of the tournament (Louisville).
I think most people are assuming that the Cal/Louisville game is irrelevant, and that the winner will be determined by the Notre Dame/UConn game.
But Louisville's been on a tear this week, upsetting Baylor and Tennessee. They always play UConn hard during the regular season, so I think they could really make a play.
The first year I followed UConn (2010-2011), they beat Notre Dame three times before losing to Notre Dame in the Final Four. This year Notre Dame won the first three games this season. Hopefully UConn can mirror the 2010-2011 season!
By the way... With Kelly Faris graduating, I was wondering who my new favorite player was going to be. Well, Moriah Jefferson has been trying her best to earn that spot. She's itty bitty (5'7"), looks like she's twelve, but is playing fearless since the Big East Tournament. She's tough on defense, getting a lot of steals, is driving to the basket, and is generally making good decisions and using her speed well.
Oh! And she's blocking shots, too!
On the other side of the bracket: A #2 seed making its debut (California) and a #5 seed for only the second time in the history of the tournament (Louisville).
I think most people are assuming that the Cal/Louisville game is irrelevant, and that the winner will be determined by the Notre Dame/UConn game.
But Louisville's been on a tear this week, upsetting Baylor and Tennessee. They always play UConn hard during the regular season, so I think they could really make a play.
The first year I followed UConn (2010-2011), they beat Notre Dame three times before losing to Notre Dame in the Final Four. This year Notre Dame won the first three games this season. Hopefully UConn can mirror the 2010-2011 season!
By the way... With Kelly Faris graduating, I was wondering who my new favorite player was going to be. Well, Moriah Jefferson has been trying her best to earn that spot. She's itty bitty (5'7"), looks like she's twelve, but is playing fearless since the Big East Tournament. She's tough on defense, getting a lot of steals, is driving to the basket, and is generally making good decisions and using her speed well.
Oh! And she's blocking shots, too!
Labels: college basketball, UConn basketball
Quote of the Day: Rebecca Lobo
A few days ago, Rebecca Lobo presciently tweeted this:
"We could have three Big East teams in the Final Four. I mean two ACC and one no-name conference."
"We could have three Big East teams in the Final Four. I mean two ACC and one no-name conference."
Labels: college basketball, UConn basketball
01 April 2013
Quote of the Day: Doctor Who
I finally found time to watch the new Doctor Who episode, "The Bells of Saint John" (7.06):
Clara: Okay, when are you going to explain to me what the hell is going on?
The Doctor: [At] breakfast.
Clara: I'm not waiting ’til breakfast!
The Doctor: It’s a time machine. You never have to wait for breakfast.
Clara: Okay, when are you going to explain to me what the hell is going on?
The Doctor: [At] breakfast.
Clara: I'm not waiting ’til breakfast!
The Doctor: It’s a time machine. You never have to wait for breakfast.
Labels: Doctor Who
