Prelude - As Homer Simpson once said, "I'm a male between 25 and 35. All advertisers listen to me. Ummm beer peanuts." Yes 18 to 34 year guys buy things. Very dumb self centred things. So who better to advertise to? Really want their attention? Find the best way to collide sex and sports. Voila: the lingerie bowl. Now this Superbowl half time pay per view event has morphed into being, wait for it, a league! Is this sh#$ for real?
Sport - Football (sorta)
Event - This weekend, the Lingerie Football League recruited 'players' for their new league.
Point to say - "Have you heard of the Lingerie Bowl?"
Follow up point - "Did you hear that there will be a league?"
Get out of the conversation - "Are you going to watch?" Depending on the look you give when asking that question, or the tone you use, conversation will be over in a hurry.
Backgrounder
We could go down the path of advertising to explain this league. But that is a given as to why this was created. History will show that sideshows invented for the Superbowl have been around for a long time (eg Bud Bowl).
Let's instead concentrate on if this "league" will last or not. Of course not.
As a sporting event, the play is horrible. Are the women athletic? Of course they are. But the play is atrocious.
So will it last for as long guys can watch soft porn. Great at the start, but then boring. Really boring. And further, what are you cheering about? The 8 missed tackles per play?
Guys love stats. It is what they use to make conversation with each other. Where are the stats in this league? Check out this page. Her stats are 5.6, 120 pounds, age 20. Um and she runs the 40 yards how fast? Oh yeah. Forgot. Doesn't matter.
Bottom line, no, it won't last. But what will last is the depth that we've taken the collision of sex and sports.
Links
Football cough league web site
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Thursday, April 30, 2009
A Rare Sporting series is about to happen
Prelude - Round 1 of the hockey playoffs is over. Some sports will now wish to talk about something else. Perhaps golf. But there is one match up that will get everyone else's attention. Crosby vs Ovenkin; Penguins vs Capitals. This is the match up to talk about now.
Sport - Hockey
Event - The Pittsburgh Penguins take on the Washington Capitals in the round of the NHL Playoffs.
Point to say - "Are you going to watch the Pittsburgh vs Washington series?"
Follow up point - "Who do you think will win?"
Get out of the conversation - "Wonder why Crosby wasn't an MVP candidate." (don't wait for an answer to this one, just drop it and walk away ;-)"
Backgrounder
The two marque names in hockey right now are Crosby and Ovechkin. They are akin to Gretzky and Lemieux. They were both drafted #1 in their year and were expected to take over the game. Now that have (top scorers each year, MVP awards etc...) they are the current face of the NHL.
It is not that often the best actually play against each other. Very rare that they do it in a playoff series. What makes
Follow up
Got 5 minutes? Read this excellent article by Stephen Brunt in today's Globe and Mail.
Sport - Hockey
Event - The Pittsburgh Penguins take on the Washington Capitals in the round of the NHL Playoffs.
Point to say - "Are you going to watch the Pittsburgh vs Washington series?"
Follow up point - "Who do you think will win?"
Get out of the conversation - "Wonder why Crosby wasn't an MVP candidate." (don't wait for an answer to this one, just drop it and walk away ;-)"
Backgrounder
The two marque names in hockey right now are Crosby and Ovechkin. They are akin to Gretzky and Lemieux. They were both drafted #1 in their year and were expected to take over the game. Now that have (top scorers each year, MVP awards etc...) they are the current face of the NHL.
It is not that often the best actually play against each other. Very rare that they do it in a playoff series. What makes
Follow up
Got 5 minutes? Read this excellent article by Stephen Brunt in today's Globe and Mail.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Cinderalla needs her fairy god mother back
Prelude - Last year, the Montreal Canadiens were dubbed the Cinderella team after finishing in first place when no one expected them to. Well the magic dust the Fairy godmother used has completely worn off. If there was ever a time for her to sprinkle some of that "magic dust" Mrs Claus uses to make Santa fly, now is it.
Sport - Hockey
Event - The Montreal Canadiens lost to the Boston Bruins 4 to 2 last night. Boston now leads the best of seven series 3 games to none.
Point to say - "The season is just about over for Montreal now."
Follow up point - "Will Montreal be able to turn it around next year?
Get out of the conversation - "What's for lunch today?"
Backgrounder
The season has ended up being a disappoint for Montreal fans. Last year the team had been very successful. They had finished in first place after the regular season and they did fairly well in the playoffs. Expectations were high for this year. However, the team did not play well after Christmas and started to slip from the top of the standings. So much so, in fact, they almost missed the playoffs. To try and mix things up, the coach was fired before the end of the season. The biggest factor was injuries to very key players throughout the season. So, speculation is that the team, once healthy, can start next year and again be a top team in the league.
Links
NHL Playoffs
Sport - Hockey
Event - The Montreal Canadiens lost to the Boston Bruins 4 to 2 last night. Boston now leads the best of seven series 3 games to none.
Point to say - "The season is just about over for Montreal now."
Follow up point - "Will Montreal be able to turn it around next year?
Get out of the conversation - "What's for lunch today?"
Backgrounder
The season has ended up being a disappoint for Montreal fans. Last year the team had been very successful. They had finished in first place after the regular season and they did fairly well in the playoffs. Expectations were high for this year. However, the team did not play well after Christmas and started to slip from the top of the standings. So much so, in fact, they almost missed the playoffs. To try and mix things up, the coach was fired before the end of the season. The biggest factor was injuries to very key players throughout the season. So, speculation is that the team, once healthy, can start next year and again be a top team in the league.
Links
NHL Playoffs
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Is something big starting to happen?
Prelude - Baseball long ago stopped being a regular subject for the Canadian sports fan to talk about around the water cooler. There is the odd steriod discussion but nothing really to do with baseball in Canada. That might be about to change, if only for a little while.
Sport - Baseball
Event - The Toronto Blue Jays sit in first place in their Division
Point to say - "The Jays are doing well so far eh?"
Follow up point - "Have you been to a Jays game recently?"
Get out of the conversation - "Do you ever visit Toronto?" or if you live in the city "When was the last time you went up the CN Tower?"
Backgrounder
Sure the season has only begun. The first month of baseball hasn't even finished yet. Really, for many Canadien fans, conversation on baseball doesn't start until the hockey playoffs are over. However, this year's Blue Jays team this weekend just did something we haven't seen since 2001: start a season by winning their first four series.
All predictions at the start of the year figured the Jays would not do well this year. So to jump out by winning more games against each team they've played so far, creates a vibe among sports fans. It shows how sports remains unpredicatble. With the end of month fast approaching, and another 140 games left to play, a lot can change. But the Jays are creating a buzz for all the right reasons. And that gives us something to talk about!
Links
Toronto Blue Jays tickets
Baseball Standings.
Sport - Baseball
Event - The Toronto Blue Jays sit in first place in their Division
Point to say - "The Jays are doing well so far eh?"
Follow up point - "Have you been to a Jays game recently?"
Get out of the conversation - "Do you ever visit Toronto?" or if you live in the city "When was the last time you went up the CN Tower?"
Backgrounder
Sure the season has only begun. The first month of baseball hasn't even finished yet. Really, for many Canadien fans, conversation on baseball doesn't start until the hockey playoffs are over. However, this year's Blue Jays team this weekend just did something we haven't seen since 2001: start a season by winning their first four series.
All predictions at the start of the year figured the Jays would not do well this year. So to jump out by winning more games against each team they've played so far, creates a vibe among sports fans. It shows how sports remains unpredicatble. With the end of month fast approaching, and another 140 games left to play, a lot can change. But the Jays are creating a buzz for all the right reasons. And that gives us something to talk about!
Links
Toronto Blue Jays tickets
Baseball Standings.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
What is the big story in round 1 of the playoffs?
Prelude - Hockey playoffs are heating up. So, what are the stories that sports fans are following this playoff round?
Sport - Hockey
Event - The role of the goalies in the Montreal vs Boston series and Vancouver vs St Louis series.
Point to say - "Can Carey Price save Montreal's season?"
Follow up point - "Do you think Luongo will get Vancouver to the Finals?"
Get out of the conversation - "Is your kid/you playing soccer/golf?"
Backgrounder
The goalies of Montreal (Carey Price) and Vancouver (Roberto Luongo) are the most talked about this round in the playoffs as the highest amount interest in Canada sits with what happens in Vancouver and Montreal (Sorry Calgary).
Carey Price is growing in stature as a recognizable name. He had a great rookie season. Expectations were very high this year for Montreal. The team faltered as did Price (one and the same really). Now that the playoffs have started Price is THE guy that will decide if Montreal stands a chance at taking down the top team in the Eastern Conference.
Luongo is essentially the best goalie playing right now. Yes, you might hear the names of a few others, but Luongo is the most recognizable. Further, his team is playing strong. Combined, he makes Vancouver stand a chance of making it to the Western Conference finals.
Links
An awesome quick profile of the Vancouver series and of Roberto Luongo can be found here.
Also, check out the profile of the Montreal/Boston series.
Sport - Hockey
Event - The role of the goalies in the Montreal vs Boston series and Vancouver vs St Louis series.
Point to say - "Can Carey Price save Montreal's season?"
Follow up point - "Do you think Luongo will get Vancouver to the Finals?"
Get out of the conversation - "Is your kid/you playing soccer/golf?"
Backgrounder
The goalies of Montreal (Carey Price) and Vancouver (Roberto Luongo) are the most talked about this round in the playoffs as the highest amount interest in Canada sits with what happens in Vancouver and Montreal (Sorry Calgary).
Carey Price is growing in stature as a recognizable name. He had a great rookie season. Expectations were very high this year for Montreal. The team faltered as did Price (one and the same really). Now that the playoffs have started Price is THE guy that will decide if Montreal stands a chance at taking down the top team in the Eastern Conference.
Luongo is essentially the best goalie playing right now. Yes, you might hear the names of a few others, but Luongo is the most recognizable. Further, his team is playing strong. Combined, he makes Vancouver stand a chance of making it to the Western Conference finals.
Links
An awesome quick profile of the Vancouver series and of Roberto Luongo can be found here.
Also, check out the profile of the Montreal/Boston series.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Two pucks, one stick.
Prelude - Hockey playoffs have started. The sports fan in your life is now settling in to watch the game... um games.. wait. How many games are on at once? And so the channel hopping starts. This time of year is the time when the batteries in the remote are worked to the max. Your sport fan doesn't want to miss a moment. But flipping simply drives you nuts. What to do?
Sport - Hockey
Event - Watching the hockey playoffs. Round 1 has 4 games a night.
Point to say - At some point during the day, pose the following question to your sports fan: "Let's settle in and watch the game tonight."
Follow up point - "What snack do you want to have while watching?"
Get out of the conversation - "See you tonight!"
Backgrounder
First, the intent is to jointly spend time together. Second, and more subversively, it ensures that if you get your fan focused on a particular event/game, channel flipping, or surfing, will be prevented. So, be strategic; encourage the idea of spending time by watching a live event kind of like you'd watch a movie: without being interrupted.
It will be a bit tough. The fan's hand will automatically wish to flip; your fighting humane nature of a typical sports fan. However, if the larger goal of making the night an event rather than something to do wins out, then presto, two pucks one stick aka two birds one stone.
Links
All playoff standings can be found on the front page of the http://www.nhl.com/
Sport - Hockey
Event - Watching the hockey playoffs. Round 1 has 4 games a night.
Point to say - At some point during the day, pose the following question to your sports fan: "Let's settle in and watch the game tonight."
Follow up point - "What snack do you want to have while watching?"
Get out of the conversation - "See you tonight!"
Backgrounder
First, the intent is to jointly spend time together. Second, and more subversively, it ensures that if you get your fan focused on a particular event/game, channel flipping, or surfing, will be prevented. So, be strategic; encourage the idea of spending time by watching a live event kind of like you'd watch a movie: without being interrupted.
It will be a bit tough. The fan's hand will automatically wish to flip; your fighting humane nature of a typical sports fan. However, if the larger goal of making the night an event rather than something to do wins out, then presto, two pucks one stick aka two birds one stone.
Links
All playoff standings can be found on the front page of the http://www.nhl.com/
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
When in Rome....
Prelude - Travelling can be fun. But, time can drag when the day is done. If you are travelling with sports fans, chances are that they have looked up to see if the local team is in town. Therefore the question is, if the group you are with wish to check out a sports event, what do you do?
Sport - Soccer, Baseball, Hockey, Basketball
Event - Attending a live sporting event.
Point to say - "I head the (insert home team here), is playing the (insert away team here)?"*
*Tip - use the team`s last names if possible. Makes you look better.
Follow up point - "I read in the paper that... insert fact ie important game, star player is in town etc.."
Get out of the conversation - "What kind drinks do they serve? The drink I like best is...."
Backgrounder
First, some sports events are not to be missed. How to know if this is case with your situation? Grab a sports page and see what is on page 1. If they are talking about the event you have ticket for, you are on the right track. Second, check out the standings. Is this team at the top of their league? If so, then crowd will be lively, excited and the game might actually be entertaining.
Ensure you have the team name and know where they are in the standings. Best to know one thing about them, like if they are on a winning streak. Your hotel will have newspapers all over the place, so researching the event won`t take long.
Next, well there is always drinks. Check this story out:
"Working in NC, the heart of Nascar country, I was invited to go to the track. I abhor Nascar but was invited by the client so felt obligated to go. They went to see the race for real, I could have cared less. I made sure the drinks kept flowing all day, that was my task for the day. I asked them questions too. They knew I didn't know anything about it so I asked them because people like to talk about the things they're passionate about. It turned out fine, can check off Nascar from my life list now." (submitted by a friend of Sports and the City blog)
You never know, you could attend a really special event thereby making your sports fan at home super jealous!
Sport - Soccer, Baseball, Hockey, Basketball
Event - Attending a live sporting event.
Point to say - "I head the (insert home team here), is playing the (insert away team here)?"*
*Tip - use the team`s last names if possible. Makes you look better.
Follow up point - "I read in the paper that... insert fact ie important game, star player is in town etc.."
Get out of the conversation - "What kind drinks do they serve? The drink I like best is...."
Backgrounder
First, some sports events are not to be missed. How to know if this is case with your situation? Grab a sports page and see what is on page 1. If they are talking about the event you have ticket for, you are on the right track. Second, check out the standings. Is this team at the top of their league? If so, then crowd will be lively, excited and the game might actually be entertaining.
Ensure you have the team name and know where they are in the standings. Best to know one thing about them, like if they are on a winning streak. Your hotel will have newspapers all over the place, so researching the event won`t take long.
Next, well there is always drinks. Check this story out:
"Working in NC, the heart of Nascar country, I was invited to go to the track. I abhor Nascar but was invited by the client so felt obligated to go. They went to see the race for real, I could have cared less. I made sure the drinks kept flowing all day, that was my task for the day. I asked them questions too. They knew I didn't know anything about it so I asked them because people like to talk about the things they're passionate about. It turned out fine, can check off Nascar from my life list now." (submitted by a friend of Sports and the City blog)
You never know, you could attend a really special event thereby making your sports fan at home super jealous!
Friday, April 3, 2009
Relationship Advice - the Blog is coming back!
Plans are foot to relaunch the blog. In the meantime, here`s a suggestion on to connect with your man.
According to Whitney Casey, author of The Man Plan: Drive Men Wild - Not Away, gives advice on dating and connecting with a man.
Question - "What if you have no interest in the things men are typically interested in?"
Answer - "You need to have a knowledge of them. I'm not saying go out and jump into sports. I'm just saying know what men know so you can appreciate why they know it. It doesn't mean you have to love it. I don't think women should go out and be car or football aficionados. But to not know anything about it all just shows to a man that you're not interested in anything he has a passion for. If you have no understanding of it, how are you going to understand a man? When the game comes on, how are you going to understand that half-time is not the time to talk but the time to flip around and check out the other scores?"
So - engage your partner in sports dialogue to the level you need to. Come back soon and check out the blog to get ready for the upcoming hockey playoffs!
Talk to you all soon!
According to Whitney Casey, author of The Man Plan: Drive Men Wild - Not Away, gives advice on dating and connecting with a man.
Question - "What if you have no interest in the things men are typically interested in?"
Answer - "You need to have a knowledge of them. I'm not saying go out and jump into sports. I'm just saying know what men know so you can appreciate why they know it. It doesn't mean you have to love it. I don't think women should go out and be car or football aficionados. But to not know anything about it all just shows to a man that you're not interested in anything he has a passion for. If you have no understanding of it, how are you going to understand a man? When the game comes on, how are you going to understand that half-time is not the time to talk but the time to flip around and check out the other scores?"
So - engage your partner in sports dialogue to the level you need to. Come back soon and check out the blog to get ready for the upcoming hockey playoffs!
Talk to you all soon!
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