Following a few of the WFAN personalities on Twitter, I came across the very funny Sitesh Shah. His humor led me to checking out his early Sunday night radio show, Between the Lines, on WPRB 103.3 FM in Princeton, NJ (The show is on live Saturday night into Sunday, midnight to at least 1am... or listen to the podcasts here).
On the podcast we talk the Mets plight, the Knicks (without more than a mere mention of Jeremy Lin), and a tiny bit of his interesting journey to sports media.
Sitesh was incredible generous with his time, honesty, take, and advice... cannot thank him enough. He's a legit awesome dude. Can't wait to have him on again!
Follow Sitesh on Twitter at @SSWfan and be sure to check SiteshShah.com currently getting a make over.
Check out other episodes on iTunes, TuneIn and Stitcher! Like me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter!
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Monday, February 27, 2012
Episode 16 - Ryan Deighan Talks Mid-Season NBA
Had a whole lot of fun talking NBA All-Star Weekend and mid-season hoop. We talk LeBron, Kobe, and a whole lot of Jeremy Lin and the Knicks. Follow Ryan on Twitter and be sure to check out his blog.
Check out other episodes on iTunes, TuneIn and Stitcher! Like me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter!
Check out other episodes on iTunes, TuneIn and Stitcher! Like me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter!
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Episode 15 - Stef Preston talks music
I am super stoked to have my old college buddy Stef join me on the podcast to talk some of the best albums of 2011, as well as some awesome new and old acts to keep an ear out for! Check out her blog at ThePrestonBeat.com, follow her on Twitter, and look out for her album reviews on ScenePointBlank.com!
Check out other episodes on iTunes, TuneIn and Stitcher! Like me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter!
Check out other episodes on iTunes, TuneIn and Stitcher! Like me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter!
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Episode 14 - Dave and Kenny Shoot the... Stuff
My good friends David Aboudi and Kenny Jimenez join me on the podcast to talk awkward conversations, a whole lot about animals, Twitter, and so much more. Follow Kenny on Twitter at his new handle and check out his new site MMAHustle.com. Also, listen to Dave's podcast Conversations with Dave Starring Mike!
Check out other episodes on iTunes, TuneIn and Stitcher! Like me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter!
Check out other episodes on iTunes, TuneIn and Stitcher! Like me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter!
Episode 13 - Kate Talks Not Drinking
With St. Patrick's Day upcoming, I was to discuss and explore Kate's decision three months ago to stop drinking. Why did she stop? Has it been a challenge? We discuss these issues and more (CM Punk! haha).
Follow Kate on Twitter.
Check out other episodes on iTunes, TuneIn and Stitcher! Like me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter!
Follow Kate on Twitter.
Check out other episodes on iTunes, TuneIn and Stitcher! Like me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter!
Friday, February 24, 2012
Episode 12 - Pop Fly Boys
I'm lucky to have the Pop Fly Boys on to talk Ryan Braun's suspension appeal win, mid-season NBA basketball, and what's in store for the future of PopFlyBoys.com.
Follow Geoff, Jeremy and The Pop Fly Boys on Twitter!
Check out other episodes on iTunes, TuneIn and Stitcher! Like me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter!
Follow Geoff, Jeremy and The Pop Fly Boys on Twitter!
Check out other episodes on iTunes, TuneIn and Stitcher! Like me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter!
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Episode 11 - Nick Ruotolo talks Hockey
Over an hour talking about hockey? I can hear your groans from here. But, this is a discussion about a man in education talking about his experience as both an assistant and head coach in middle/high school hockey. We also talk about this year's New York Rangers and whether they can hold on to the top spot in the East and make a run deep into the playoffs. Nick is the head coach of the Mahopac modified hockey team.
Check out other episodes on iTunes, TuneIn and Stitcher! Like me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter!
Check out other episodes on iTunes, TuneIn and Stitcher! Like me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter!
Monday, February 20, 2012
Episode 10 - Jeremy the Critic
I am happy to celebrate my 10th episode with my good friend Jeremy Samis (@jeremythecritic). Together we discuss the 2012 Oscars, preview the major awards, and Jeremy makes a few predictions.
Make sure to check out Jeremy's incredible movie reviews on his blog.
Check out other episodes on iTunes, TuneIn and Stitcher! Like me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter!
Make sure to check out Jeremy's incredible movie reviews on his blog.
Check out other episodes on iTunes, TuneIn and Stitcher! Like me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter!
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Elimination Chamber preview
Saturday, February 18, 2012
This American Life
I'm sitting here, actually half-lying here, on a small two-person couch I've had for about two years now. I bought this "love seat" off Craigslist for $25; I don't remember if I haggled on the price or not. I coerced, with much less vigor than I could have imagined, a good friend to load the small sofa into the back of a truck, navigate the small hallways of home, and up a flight of stairs.
I imagine myself writing in a silent corner of a bustling coffee shop in neatly pressed khakis, matching chocolate-colored shoes and belt, a button-down shirt buttoned up three-quarters... a darker earth-tone, maybe green, with vertical stripes and a brown faux-suede jacket. Or, maybe a faded grey t-shirt with worn jeans and a pair of Chuck's.
Even in my head, I cannot entirely pin down my ideal writing style or design; somewhere between Hemmingway and The Huffington Post. My aspiration is to carve out moments of life to hide in plain sight of the aforementioned coffee shop, or library, to be a part of the world as I play my piano, striking each key more confident than the last, until my latest concerto is ready for all the world to see.
I knew little of Ira Glass and "This American Life", save the chances I have saw him on The Daily Show, until a winsome young lady exposed me to a recording last night. Unable to listen on my ride home, I uploaded Episode #74: Conventions onto my iTunes... I aimed to listen last night, but mind racing with inspired energy or double espresso, I couldn't fall asleep nor listen to the show.
Between loads of laundry I listened to each act, not entirely sure what to expect, but expecting to be in my wheelhouse. I was surprised that I was slow to catch on, but as the seconds passed, I found myself connecting to different parts of each story. And, each portrayed a different version of thoughts that I have been analyzing within myself for the past however many moments of my life:
Which version of myself do I want to be? Which version of myself am I?
"Fact is, when people are together with others of their own kind, they act differently."
Hearing stories from a quite different experiences that were pleasantly so similar is what I imagine "This American Life" to be... stories not overly grandiose, but not ones we hear all the time. The understated passion John Perry Barlow continues to posses for his late fiance will consume my thoughts for moments and moments that are and will soon be. What can be matter-of-factly be stated as two people meeting at a convention is anything but... and I feel in-tune as a person having been privy to those moments.
Conventions was recorded in the late summer of 1997, but save a few allusions here and there, this show could have been recorded days ago. I have a feeling as I explore more and more episodes that many of these chapters will have a timeless feel.
In the days to come, with seemingly (and wholly unrealistic) limitless time, I hope to attain a certain level of inspiration for creativity in my own life; the first part being towards my own writing and podcasting, but the aspiration is to gain encouragement and awakening in my own life as I learn to embrace each chapter as a brief, infinite junction in the universe.
I imagine myself writing in a silent corner of a bustling coffee shop in neatly pressed khakis, matching chocolate-colored shoes and belt, a button-down shirt buttoned up three-quarters... a darker earth-tone, maybe green, with vertical stripes and a brown faux-suede jacket. Or, maybe a faded grey t-shirt with worn jeans and a pair of Chuck's.
Even in my head, I cannot entirely pin down my ideal writing style or design; somewhere between Hemmingway and The Huffington Post. My aspiration is to carve out moments of life to hide in plain sight of the aforementioned coffee shop, or library, to be a part of the world as I play my piano, striking each key more confident than the last, until my latest concerto is ready for all the world to see.
I knew little of Ira Glass and "This American Life", save the chances I have saw him on The Daily Show, until a winsome young lady exposed me to a recording last night. Unable to listen on my ride home, I uploaded Episode #74: Conventions onto my iTunes... I aimed to listen last night, but mind racing with inspired energy or double espresso, I couldn't fall asleep nor listen to the show.
Between loads of laundry I listened to each act, not entirely sure what to expect, but expecting to be in my wheelhouse. I was surprised that I was slow to catch on, but as the seconds passed, I found myself connecting to different parts of each story. And, each portrayed a different version of thoughts that I have been analyzing within myself for the past however many moments of my life:
Which version of myself do I want to be? Which version of myself am I?
"Fact is, when people are together with others of their own kind, they act differently."
Hearing stories from a quite different experiences that were pleasantly so similar is what I imagine "This American Life" to be... stories not overly grandiose, but not ones we hear all the time. The understated passion John Perry Barlow continues to posses for his late fiance will consume my thoughts for moments and moments that are and will soon be. What can be matter-of-factly be stated as two people meeting at a convention is anything but... and I feel in-tune as a person having been privy to those moments.
Conventions was recorded in the late summer of 1997, but save a few allusions here and there, this show could have been recorded days ago. I have a feeling as I explore more and more episodes that many of these chapters will have a timeless feel.
In the days to come, with seemingly (and wholly unrealistic) limitless time, I hope to attain a certain level of inspiration for creativity in my own life; the first part being towards my own writing and podcasting, but the aspiration is to gain encouragement and awakening in my own life as I learn to embrace each chapter as a brief, infinite junction in the universe.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Dennis with The Pop Fly Boys: Linsanity, Baseball, NFL...
Listen here.
I don't know whether it's true or not, but I am going to proclaim myself to be the first (and best!) three-time guest of Pop Fly Boys radio!
This time we talked about Jeremy Lin, MLB preview, and some off-season NFL! Always a fun time and can't wait to have the boys on my pod soon!
Follow the Pop Fly Boys on Twitter. And Geoff, Jeremy and Jimmy's personal feeds!
I don't know whether it's true or not, but I am going to proclaim myself to be the first (and best!) three-time guest of Pop Fly Boys radio!
This time we talked about Jeremy Lin, MLB preview, and some off-season NFL! Always a fun time and can't wait to have the boys on my pod soon!
Follow the Pop Fly Boys on Twitter. And Geoff, Jeremy and Jimmy's personal feeds!
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Episode 9 - Provo the Magnificent
After watching the Rangers continue to win this afternoon (seriously, hockey is real guys!), I trekked over my great friend Chris' place to play some Madden and record a pod. We talk about how we met, how we've grown, a little Giants and a lot of baseball. He's the best.
He's a grown man with a real job, so no Twitter or website to promote... but am dying to get him on Twitter! Help me help him!
Check out other episodes on iTunes, TuneIn and Stitcher! Like me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter!
He's a grown man with a real job, so no Twitter or website to promote... but am dying to get him on Twitter! Help me help him!
Check out other episodes on iTunes, TuneIn and Stitcher! Like me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter!
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Super Bowl 46 - Preview
Between my podcast, Twitter feed, Internet radio show appearances, regular radio show appearances, and regular conversations I've had over the past two weeks, I feel like I've broken down Super Bowl 46 just about as well as I could. The two biggest keys of this game for me are the health of Rob Gronkowski and how the Giants take care of the ball.
I feel that Gronk will be healthy enough to be a decoy and useful on short-yardage and goal-line situations with his great hands and huge body, but will he be able to be even a fraction of his usual dominate force all over the field. Hernandez and Welker are great, but Gronkowski takes everything to a whole other level.
The Patriots have lost more turnovers than they have caused so far this playoffs and if that trend continues, I don't believe they have a chance in this game. The Giants' offense has looked fantastic these past few weeks, but I wonder if that careless, stagnant offense is still lingering beneath the surface. If Eli throws a few picks, if turnover prone Ahmad Bradshaw and Victor Cruz make a few bad plays... then this game becomes a lot more manageable for the Pats.
The Giants defensive line has been healthy for the past few weeks and has been something of an incredible force... I see that trend continuing. The Patriots seems to be piecing things together with Hernandez playing downs at running back and Edelman playing in the secondary. I have all the respect in the world for Brady and Belichick, but they don't have the horses this year to get it done.
My prediction: New York Giants 39, New England Patriots 29
Super Bowl MVP: Victor Cruz
I feel that Gronk will be healthy enough to be a decoy and useful on short-yardage and goal-line situations with his great hands and huge body, but will he be able to be even a fraction of his usual dominate force all over the field. Hernandez and Welker are great, but Gronkowski takes everything to a whole other level.
The Patriots have lost more turnovers than they have caused so far this playoffs and if that trend continues, I don't believe they have a chance in this game. The Giants' offense has looked fantastic these past few weeks, but I wonder if that careless, stagnant offense is still lingering beneath the surface. If Eli throws a few picks, if turnover prone Ahmad Bradshaw and Victor Cruz make a few bad plays... then this game becomes a lot more manageable for the Pats.
The Giants defensive line has been healthy for the past few weeks and has been something of an incredible force... I see that trend continuing. The Patriots seems to be piecing things together with Hernandez playing downs at running back and Edelman playing in the secondary. I have all the respect in the world for Brady and Belichick, but they don't have the horses this year to get it done.
My prediction: New York Giants 39, New England Patriots 29
Super Bowl MVP: Victor Cruz
Episode 8 - Kenny talks Super Bowl 46, UFC, "Comedian Cat", and more!
This Sunday morning Kenny and I recap the last two weeks of UFC, preview the Super Bowl, and have a fun conversation that weaved its way to "Comedian Cat" and Meryl Streep. Always a blast to talk to Kenny.
Follow Kenny on Twitter at @theomegachrist
Check out other episodes on iTunes, TuneIn and Stitcher! Like me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter!
Follow Kenny on Twitter at @theomegachrist
Check out other episodes on iTunes, TuneIn and Stitcher! Like me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter!
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Dennis (Has a Podcast) as a guest on Pop Fly Boys Radio: Super Bowl
Listen here.
Really enjoyed bring on Pop Fly Boys radio for a second time. Can't wait to be on their show again and have them back on my show. This time, we all talked Super Bowl XLVI.
Follow the Pop Fly Boys on Twitter. And, Geoff, Jeremy, and Matt's personal Twitter feeds.
Really enjoyed bring on Pop Fly Boys radio for a second time. Can't wait to be on their show again and have them back on my show. This time, we all talked Super Bowl XLVI.
Follow the Pop Fly Boys on Twitter. And, Geoff, Jeremy, and Matt's personal Twitter feeds.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Episode 7 - Nixster talks Sports, Politics and Comedy
Thrilled to talk to my good friend Nixster tonight about her Big Blue boys in the Super Bowl... we also talk a little comedy and politics, and left the window wiiiiide open for a return pod soon.
Follow her on Twitter at @OriginalNixster
Also, please check out a cause dear to her and @RachelFederoff at Stop the Choking Game.
Check out other episodes on iTunes, TuneIn and Stitcher! Like me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter!
Follow her on Twitter at @OriginalNixster
Also, please check out a cause dear to her and @RachelFederoff at Stop the Choking Game.
Check out other episodes on iTunes, TuneIn and Stitcher! Like me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter!
Conference Play
The Conference system in professional sports is something that has always frustrated me. While I understand that on most levels that the organization of teams by region is necessary, I never quite understood the need for conference alignments.
The NHL has recently proposed a system similar to they used until the 1993 Stanley Cup Playoffs; however, instead of 2 conferences and 4 divisions, the new proposal would split the league into 4 distinct conferences. Again, similar to the old system, 4 teams in each conference would advance to the playoffs and the first two rounds would be intra-conference match-ups.
While this proposal isn't changing the world, it is a step in a right direction, if not for only the fact that there is change. In professional sports, change seems to be a very scary word. And, considering the amount of money made by everyone involved, I can certainly understand that. But, there are still many ways to improve these sports leagues.
Over the years, I have been a big proponent of contracting teams, shortening league schedules, and shifting the league calendar to present the best product out there. Fewer teams means less fringe talent in the league, more talent on each of the existing teams, and higher possibility for more/better rivalries... shortening schedules means freshers legs and better games... and shifting the league calendar means extending the NFL further into March and pushing back the NBA season to avoid football. While some changes are easier to consider than others (*cough* money), change needs to be considered everywhere.
The most unique suggestion I have would be to eliminate the two conference system altogether in the four major sports. Here's how I would break it down by league:
Major League Baseball - I would have four "leagues" each with the DH. Each of the leagues would have the league winner with a bye and the second best team in each league would make the playoffs. While, the next four best team records in any league would be "Wild Card" teams. Tie-breakers would be a one-game playoff. I would break down the leagues as follows:
League A: Mariners, Giants, Athletics, Dodgers, Angels, Padres, Diamondbacks, and Rockies
League B: Rangers, Astros, Rays, Marlins, Braves, Royals, and Cardinals
League C: Twins, Brewers, Tigers, Cubs, White Sox, Indians, Reds, and Pirates
League D: Yankees, Mets, Red Sox, Phillies, Blue Jays, Orioles, and Nationals
The teams would be ranked #1-#12 with league winners being #1-#4 and #5-#12 ranked by regular season record regardless of division placement. Each division winner would get a bye. I would also give the leagues cool names (cool names to be determined... suggestions accepted), and re-seed after every round.
How cool would it be to see the Dodgers and Angels play in the playoffs? Or, the Yankees and Red Sox play for a World Series?
National Basketball Association - Can you name each of the six divisions in the NBA? Could you fill out where each team fits in? Can you tell me more than a few division winners from the last few years? Does anyone care? For the NBA, I keep the conference format and get rid of the divisions... in the NBA they are dumb and don't matter.
I would guarantee the top 6 seeds in both conferences make the playoffs, with the last four teams being entered into the playoffs by record regardless of conference. The conference leaders would be ranked #1 and #2, the automatic conference qualifiers would be #3-#12, and the wild cards would be #13-#16. I would then rank the teams #1-#16... if Miami has the best record and Portland is the #16 seed, so be it (though, I might suggest shortening the first round back down to 5 games... four rounds of super travel might be rough). I would not re-seed after each round (brackets, baby!).
National Hockey League - I would go with the leagues four conference plan. The top four teams from each conference would make the playoffs and the first two rounds would take place within the division. The four division winners will make the Frenzied Four, with the last two playing for the cup. Would it be cool to see the Rangers and Flyers or Blackhawks and Red Wings playing for the Cup? Sure. But, I'm willing to give this system a roll.
National Football League - Two conferences, eight divisions, four teams in each division... even the schedule shapes up nicely (it's easy to figure out who you're playing the next season the day the season ends). My proposal would be a fun twist, I feel.
The eight division winners make the playoffs. The six wild card teams can come from any division. Only the two division winners with the best record get byes. Division winners will fill in spots #3-#8... #3 plays #14, #4 plays #13, #5 v #12, #6 v #11, #7 v #10, #8 v #9... with re-seeding after every round. Last two teams make the Super Bowl.
Now, I understand what I am suggesting here is radical, no more conference winners and all, but it freshens up the system and sets up the possibility for each league's biggest rivals to play for the ultimate prize... isn't that something we could all get behind?
-----
I'm curious what you think. Leave a comment or hit me up on Twitter.
The NHL has recently proposed a system similar to they used until the 1993 Stanley Cup Playoffs; however, instead of 2 conferences and 4 divisions, the new proposal would split the league into 4 distinct conferences. Again, similar to the old system, 4 teams in each conference would advance to the playoffs and the first two rounds would be intra-conference match-ups.
While this proposal isn't changing the world, it is a step in a right direction, if not for only the fact that there is change. In professional sports, change seems to be a very scary word. And, considering the amount of money made by everyone involved, I can certainly understand that. But, there are still many ways to improve these sports leagues.
Over the years, I have been a big proponent of contracting teams, shortening league schedules, and shifting the league calendar to present the best product out there. Fewer teams means less fringe talent in the league, more talent on each of the existing teams, and higher possibility for more/better rivalries... shortening schedules means freshers legs and better games... and shifting the league calendar means extending the NFL further into March and pushing back the NBA season to avoid football. While some changes are easier to consider than others (*cough* money), change needs to be considered everywhere.
The most unique suggestion I have would be to eliminate the two conference system altogether in the four major sports. Here's how I would break it down by league:
Major League Baseball - I would have four "leagues" each with the DH. Each of the leagues would have the league winner with a bye and the second best team in each league would make the playoffs. While, the next four best team records in any league would be "Wild Card" teams. Tie-breakers would be a one-game playoff. I would break down the leagues as follows:
League A: Mariners, Giants, Athletics, Dodgers, Angels, Padres, Diamondbacks, and Rockies
League B: Rangers, Astros, Rays, Marlins, Braves, Royals, and Cardinals
League C: Twins, Brewers, Tigers, Cubs, White Sox, Indians, Reds, and Pirates
League D: Yankees, Mets, Red Sox, Phillies, Blue Jays, Orioles, and Nationals
The teams would be ranked #1-#12 with league winners being #1-#4 and #5-#12 ranked by regular season record regardless of division placement. Each division winner would get a bye. I would also give the leagues cool names (cool names to be determined... suggestions accepted), and re-seed after every round.
How cool would it be to see the Dodgers and Angels play in the playoffs? Or, the Yankees and Red Sox play for a World Series?
National Basketball Association - Can you name each of the six divisions in the NBA? Could you fill out where each team fits in? Can you tell me more than a few division winners from the last few years? Does anyone care? For the NBA, I keep the conference format and get rid of the divisions... in the NBA they are dumb and don't matter.
I would guarantee the top 6 seeds in both conferences make the playoffs, with the last four teams being entered into the playoffs by record regardless of conference. The conference leaders would be ranked #1 and #2, the automatic conference qualifiers would be #3-#12, and the wild cards would be #13-#16. I would then rank the teams #1-#16... if Miami has the best record and Portland is the #16 seed, so be it (though, I might suggest shortening the first round back down to 5 games... four rounds of super travel might be rough). I would not re-seed after each round (brackets, baby!).
National Hockey League - I would go with the leagues four conference plan. The top four teams from each conference would make the playoffs and the first two rounds would take place within the division. The four division winners will make the Frenzied Four, with the last two playing for the cup. Would it be cool to see the Rangers and Flyers or Blackhawks and Red Wings playing for the Cup? Sure. But, I'm willing to give this system a roll.
National Football League - Two conferences, eight divisions, four teams in each division... even the schedule shapes up nicely (it's easy to figure out who you're playing the next season the day the season ends). My proposal would be a fun twist, I feel.
The eight division winners make the playoffs. The six wild card teams can come from any division. Only the two division winners with the best record get byes. Division winners will fill in spots #3-#8... #3 plays #14, #4 plays #13, #5 v #12, #6 v #11, #7 v #10, #8 v #9... with re-seeding after every round. Last two teams make the Super Bowl.
Now, I understand what I am suggesting here is radical, no more conference winners and all, but it freshens up the system and sets up the possibility for each league's biggest rivals to play for the ultimate prize... isn't that something we could all get behind?
-----
I'm curious what you think. Leave a comment or hit me up on Twitter.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)