Rock Mamola w/WDUZ Green Bay Updated 12-31-08

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The Winter Classic - The Most Overrated Sporting Event In History

I love the sport of hockey.

I love the Chicago Blackhawks.

It's absolutely amazing the turn-around the Blackhawks have made since the death of Williams Wirtz.

Then came this "Winter Classic" idea at Wrigley Field from the NHL and the Hawks.

At first, I was in awe like most everyone else. I thought the idea of outdoor ice hockey at Wrigley Field was a cool idea and would be a grand spectacle for the entire city to share in.

Now that the details and ice have begun to surface....I've changed my mind about the whole event.

This isn't a spectacle for the city....this isn't about the revamping of the Blackhawks....this isn't a "Winter Classic"......what's so classical about the 3rd ever outdoor NHL hockey game in history? I think when you say classic....you have to have done it more than the last 2 years. Hell...the first time the NHL tried outdoor hockey....did anyone notice or tune in?? Ah....no. The best team in the NHL this season is the San Jose Sharks.....will they ever host a "Winter Classic?" Of course not.....they can't. The average temp in early Jan. is mid 50's for San Jose.....no way you can keep ice solid in that kind of weather. This is a game that counts in the standings....but does the average fan have a shot at going to this fan friendly event? Nope.

The NHL ran the ticket sales for this event....here's the FAQ sheet on getting tickets for the game from the Blackhawks website (http://www.chicagoblackhawks.com)

Question #1: I am a current Blackhawks full season ticketholder. Will I have tickets to the game?

The Blackhawks are proud to be able to offer current season ticketholders -- and new season ticketholders, based on availability -- the right to purchase tickets for the Winter Classic. Season ticketholders will be able to purchase up to the same number of tickets to the Winter Classic as they hold for the rest of the season, subject to any ticket limit set by the NHL.

NOTICE: 2008-2009 SEASON TICKET PRICES!!!

2008-09 Price
Location
$660
300-Level Tickets:Sections 304-308, 310-314, 321-331, Rows 8-17; Sec. 301-303, 332-334, Rows 13-17
$1,188
300-Level Tickets:Sections 304-314, 321-331, Rows 1-7; Sec. 301-303, 315-320, 332-334, Rows 8-12
$1,760
300-Level Tickets:Sections 301-303, 315-320, 332-334, Rows 1-7
$3,640*
Lexus Club Level (200-Level) Tickets:Sections 204-214, 221-231, Rows 1-8
$4,080*
Lexus Club Level (200-Level) Prime:Sections 201-203, 215-220, 232-234, Rows 1-8
$3,740
100-Level Tickets:Sections 103-104, 108-109, 114-115, 119-120, Rows 3-19; Sections 105-107, 116-118, Rows 12-19
$5,500
100-Level Prime Tickets:All Sections, Row 2; Sections 101-102, 110-113, 121-122, Rows 2-19; Sections 105-107, 116-118, Rows 2-11
$12,540
Platinum 100-Level Tickets:All Sections Glass Seats, Row 1

So, it'll at least cost you $660 dollars to have a SHOT at getting Winter Classic tickets. Season ticket holders of the Blackhawks only have a SHOT at getting tickets to this game. The people who have stuck with the Hawks through the dark days of this current century....who have supported the once "worst franchise in professional sports" only have a SHOT at going to his "historic" event.

Single Game Tickets.....NOT SOLD TO THE PUBLIC.

And if you wanna even try getting tickets on stubhub or any other ticket service....hope you have an American Express Black Card. Prices range from 200.00 to 15,000.00 a ticket.

For a league that is trying to reclaim it's image (post-strike) and get new young fans to watch the game and enjoy the game.....this isn't exactly the way you wanna celebrate the game by outpricing it for the average Blackhawk fan to even attend. A stadium full of sponsors and season ticket holders isn't the way to promote your game.

So, when you see sponsor after sponsor flashed on your screen and painted on the ice and boards as well as the ivy on the walls of "historic" Wrigley Field as rich corporate america smiles and waves at you from the stands.....remember all in all.........

It's Just A Fucking Hockey Game.

-RoCk

Why I Think Slammin' Sammy Would Be South Side Sosalicious!!!

Slammin' Sammy wants back in MLB....but will anyone in MLB call Sosa?

That's a question worth looking at if say you're the Chicago White Sox in particular.

NOW I'M NOT SAYING GET RID OF JERMAINE DYE!!! GET THAT STRAIGHT.

But the White Sox should look to Sosa as an option if they do decide to trade Dye in the remaining offseason. The word is the Angels and Sox are peas in a pod this offseason because the Angels got out of the Teixeira sweepstakes and are without a firstbaseman.

SIDE NOTE: How the hell does Mark Teixeira get an 8 yr/180 million dollar contract? Didn't know he was in the same conversation with A-Rod and Manny.

Say the Sox trade Dye...the rumor is they're looking into aquiring Bobby Abreu who's looking for a 3 yr/45 million dollar deal. Why not try a year out with Sosa?

This is Sammy Sosa (40 yrs old) who is the only player in MLB history to hit 60+ home runs in three straight seasons. This is Sammy Sosa, one of only six players in history to hit over 600 home runs in their career. He's a natual right fielder with a career .974 fielding percentage which is a little under Jermaine Dye's career percentage. 2 years ago when few teams gave him a look...the Texas Rangers signed Sosa to a $500,000 minor league deal and got a .252 avg with 21 hr and 92 rbi's that season for half a million dollars.

With the way the Sox have been cutting payroll by getting rid of Javier Vazquez and Nick Swisher's contracts....this would be a perfect opportunity for the Sox to get something for Dye and fill his role with a proven fielder and power hitter in right fielder for cheap. Sammy on the south side would be an interesting story as he plays for his former teammate Ozzie Guillen....but I think when all the options are put on the table for Kenny Williams to make a move for Dye (again....if inclined).....he's gotta take a strong look at Sammy Sosa.

No boombox....just Sosa!!!

-RoCk

Top 5 Albums of 2008

First off, I'd like to admit that between getting married and becoming a first time father....I didn't have as much time to keep up with music as much as I would have in the past.

So, as I do every year for all 6 of you to read....here are my top 5 albums of the year 2008.

#5
WEEZER - THE RED ALBUM

PORK AND BEANS

Maybe it's the fact that Say It Aint So is the first song on Rock Band or maybe my tastes in music are softening a little bit. Weezer like a fungus has grown on me and I appreciate their toetapping sort of rock and roll. The drums are particular my favorite part of their music. Nothing too complicated and it makes for feel good music. THE RED ALBUM is a front to back kind of album, meaning you can listen to it front to back and enjoy it throughout. Favorite tracks include "Pork And Beans" "Heart Songs" and "Everybody Get Dangerous."

#4
SLIPKNOT - ALL HOPE IS GONE

PSYCHOSOCIAL

I've been a Slipknot fan in the inception of their self titled debut but have always felt that with the help and assistance of Rick Rubin on Vol. III that they've never been the same. Slipknot is supposed to play fast agressive hard to understand music....that's SLIPKNOT!! This album may be a return to the Slipknot of old mixing in elements of Vol. III that were the better parts. Overall the first couple of times it's a tough listen, but it grows on you the more you listen to it.

#3
ACDC - BLACK ICE

ROCK 'N ROLL TRAIN

Every family's favorite rock and roll band finally released a cd after a long hiatus of 8 years. Black Ice is exactly what you've come to expect from AC/DC...high energy rock and roll with alot of sing-a-long chorus type songs. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy it.....but as I stated in a previous blog it's just the same ol sound on almost every song. It's a nice family friendly return for the Aussies being that they exclusively sold the cd at Wal-Mart instead of other big box stores. Meaning they sold a shit load of albums...but even if it sounds all the same, even if it's a bunch of 50 year old guys living off 20+ years ago of their better material....it's still AC/DC and the #3 album of the year.

#2
TRIVIUM - SHOGUN

DOWN FROM THE SKY

Their 4th album in 8 years....Trivium keep changing their sound from fast agressive screaming type of music to melodic thrash metal and now it's a combo of the two. I like this album because it came out without the hype, without the buildup and without all the "pregame" bullshit that "The Crusade" had. The whole album is a throwback to the "Ascendency" days with some new twists and turns. It's a very challenging album with the tempo changes but it's a very well done piece. This album also goes back to the days of when the whole band recorded songs together as opposed to the "PRO TOOLS" days of now where you can record everything separately and put it all together. I love this album, i love this band.....make no mistake Shogun is a great thrash album.

#1
METALLICA - DEATH MAGNETIC

ALL NIGHTMARE LONG

OK....MAYBE A LITTLE PLAYING FAVORITES RIGHT HERE. Anyone that knows me knows that I'm a huge MetallicA fan and this album for me was a big highlight of my year. It's 4 guys who are trying to recreate the past and through 10 tracks of 6-7 minute songs....they got pretty damn close. This is a modern Metallica with old school efforts. This album is what St. Anger should have been....although I still stand that St. Anger is one MetallicA album that I can appreciate. There are songs on here that recall days of Puppets/Justice/and Kill Em All and the entire cd makes you wait for what's coming up next. Each song is strong, balls out agression and keeps you hooked in for more. There is only one song on here that I might have left out..."UNFORGIVEN III. I think MetallicA was looking for a way to close out the whole "Unforgiven" series and they choose this album as a new beginning for the new Metallica. Overall, this is my favorite band and my favorite album of 2008. It's good to know that Metallica are once again doing whatever they can for the fans to enjoy their music once again.

-Rock

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM THE MULLY AND HANLEY MORNING SHOW

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!

Which Bands Deserve A Guitar Hero Game??

In case you haven't heard...Guitar Hero: MetallicA is due to come out in 2009 (see video).

I'm extremely excited about this and probably will spend the 100+ dollars for the whole setup when it comes out. What better way to teach my kid the way of the Mighty Met than have him use a tool he can relate with....Playstation 3.

But this news made me think with the success of Guitar Hero: Aerosmith and the excitment building over GH:Metallica.....what other bands deserve a GH game of their own?

Now of course, you need bands with history and a long track list.....meaning Fall Out Boy is out of the question.

You need a band that has had excellent record sales over their career....so Guns And Roses is out. **BTW..did you see the numbers sold on Chinese Democracy....ouch!!**

You also need a band that is not only trendy for early 30 year olds....you need one that is trendy with kids 12+ as well.

So, here's 5 bands that I feel deserve a GH game of their own:

Admit it!!! You know Blink 182 music. You know their videos. You know everytime you hear "All The Small Things"...you sing along. You know that at most sporting event they play "Dammit" on the speaker system.

Did you know though that every major label album they've released went platinum (1,000,000 units sold) and they've had 10 singles in the top 10 on the modern rock charts.

Overall, their music is fun and fast paced. Very little "ballad" types and I personally would enjoy playing "The Rock Show" while making it rain with dollar bills.

Bon Jovi is easily the most requested band at any karaoke. From "Livin On A Prayer" to "Have A Nice Day"...their career spans well over 25 years.

They appeal of course to the 30 somethings who's adolescense was filled with Bon Jovi songs to the younger kids of now who see Jon Bon Jovi in the AFL and even to kids who watch CMT. Jon Bon Jovi is still cool to kids and a game would fit the GH label for sure.

Korn still are the kings of the so called "Nu-Metal" and have sold over 30 million albums worldwide. From their debut album in 1994 to now, even handling many lineup changes...they're still around making dark funky metal music.

You know a KoRn video game would do well because even though many that have grown up with KoRn have noticed how much different their music is today...it's still a hit with kids today because of it's dark tones and sense of struggle lyrics.

Plus KoRn have always been the ones to try new things with technology and a video game based around them would be easily promoted through multiple outlets. Sometimes it tough to get a band involved in promotion...this is one I'm sure they'd enjoy.

OK...don't start with the whole:

"OH ROCK, YOU'RE JUST SAYING PANTERA CAUSE YOU'RE A FAN OF THEIR MUSIC....DIMEBAG FOREVER. BLAH BLAH BLAH"

Pantera is one of those bands that people know and they fit the mold I talked about earlier.

People in their 30's know them as well as young kids.

Record Sales: 5 platinum albums (1 of which is a greatest hits album)

Long track list: "Mouth For War" "Walk" "5 Min Alone" "I'm Broken" "Cowboys From Hell" "Cemetary Gates"...etc.

Pearl Jam...the only surviving band of the "grunge" era where if you wore flannel and has long hair singing about depressing issues of real life.....you sold albums!!

Influencial = yes

Record Sales = yes

Track Listing = yes

I'll admit I'm not a big fan of PJ, but I respect how they've lasted through the nu-metal/hip hop/and nu-punk eras of the last 10-15 years in music.

They tour relentlessly and keep making album after album. 60 million sold worldwide and they keep em coming on a consistant basis.

Pearl Jam would probably be the best fit for the next GH game if they decide to continue making games around band's careers.

Anyway you look at it....the concept of making a game around a band and how their career progressed is an outstanding way for younger kids to learn about how bands of today are just as legendary of those in the 60's/70's that their parents insist is when music was music and today's bands are nothing like those of the past.

The debate will continue long past you and me are gone.

Barry Melrose...(like the rock report)....Speak Tha Truth!!!

The one thing I've always respected about Barry Melrose as an NHL analyst is that he never hides from his opinion and feelings. Much like the "Rock Report"....he speaks the truth!!!


Melrose was recently fired from his head coaching position of the Tampa Bay Lightning (remember when they won the Stanley Cup...2003-04) because of the 'nings' stellar 5-7-4 record with Melrose at the helm. The organization called the results "unacceptable" and fired Melrose who hadn't coached in the NHL since 1995 and hoped it would send a message to the players to play better.


Melrose recently was on 590 The Fan in Toronto as stated the following when asked about Tampa winning only one of their last eleven since being let go if if gave him glee or not:


" "I'm not going to lie to you, yeah it does, and any coach who tells you otherwise is a liar," Melrose said, adding, "I hope Tampa Bay doesn't win a game in the next year."


I love it!!!


Unlike a lot of former head coaches/players...Melrose isn't afraid to speak his mind when people ask him questions about former employers. I'm sure if the show would have dived into the issue further he would maybe told some revealing problems with maybe why the Ning have only won a game since him being let go. Maybe some personal problems some of the players might be having accounting to their horrible play, or call out management for having unrealistic goals or such for the team.


But now the story has taken a new twist. According to Sportsnet.ca (CSN of Canada) the Lightning are contemplating filing a charge with the NHL for breach of contract because of Melrose's comments and so forth allowing the Ning to not pay 2.25 million owed to Melrose on his 3 yr deal he signed in June.


Yeah, in today's economy that is a lot of money....but do you honestly think that Barry Melrose wants their money?? I would think HELL NO.


Why would Melrose make such comments if he needed the money from the Ning. That's like me going to the papers about how much I despise working at the Score and that I hope we lose every book to Mike and Mike.


Melrose doesn't need the money....he's been the only REAL (sorry E.J.) hockey analyst that ESPN has ever had and I'm pretty sure they pay him a nice lump sum every year to show up once a day on sportscenter and maybe an appearance on First Take or whatever. Melrose doesn't need their money and shouldn't be afraid from commenting on anything he's asked about.


The comments alone make me think as well that there has to be something else behind his firing. Yeah a 2 game under .500 record isn't anything to write home about, but after finishing with 71 points and tied for the worst point total in the NHL last year.....what's realistic? Finishing in the top 8 in the conference may be a couple of years away rather than now.


The Ning probably will file the charge and win it, but I find it funny that in a day and age of everyone having an opinion (blogs/myspace/facebook/twitter/etc.).....Tampa Bay can't take the opinion of one disgruntled employee. He's not leading a march or anything..it's just one mans opinion.....and it's gonna be worth millions!!!!


Respect the mullet......


-Rock


Side note: Who's got the better mullet??

On My Friend Fred Huebner......

In case you don't know what happened on Friday, the Score and CBS Radio let go of 16 year veteran broadcaster Fred Huebner. He was not an original member of the station per say, but was there very close to the inception of the Score.

Fred has done everything on-air from hosting to his recent duty of daily sports updates. He was the Bears pre-game host as well as co-host for morning shows with Mike Murphy and the recently departed Mike North.

When I entered the doors of the Score in 2002, I was an intern for the Murph and Fred Morning Show with Matt Abbatacola and Laurence Holmes at the producer role. I never felt more welcome by an on-air personality at the station than by Fred Huebner. Maybe it was that we were both fans of the Chicago White Sox. Maybe it was I saw alot of what I believe I could be in him....a #2 that isn't afraid to share his opinion.

Overall, Fred was one of the good guys at the station. With the locker room mentality of the score with egos running rampant, Fred was always that middle of the road, straight center, nice guy that would do anything for ya. I'm sure some people may disagree with me, but I cherrish the years we worked side by side whether it be on M&F or MNMS and those will be times I will never forget. Celebrating a world series championship together as fans and him introducing me to guiness and soccer as well as some great times in Boston and who can forget Wild Card Weekend (which I'm looking forward to come Jan.).......working with Fred Huebner was indeed a joy. I will miss seeing him at the station on a daily basis, and I know he'll land on his feet.

Thank you Fred.

Remember The Past....

Remember Pearl Harbor
-Rock

Sticks And Stones May Break My Bones....But Sean Avery's Words Lead To Suspensions?? WTF??

For those that have been in a hole about the NHL the past couple of years...(let's face it, that's most of the country)....Sean Avery is a forward currently for the Dallas Stars and is known around the league as an asshole. No censorship here!!!

He is hockey is what is known as an instigator meaning his job is to try to get underneath the skin of his opponents where they hence to do something stupid to cost the game. His mouth has gotten him in trouble before, here's some examples:

1. While a member of the Los Angeles Kings...he was quoted about then Coyotes defenseman Denis Gautheir saying "it's typical of most French guys in our league to wear a visor on their helmet."

2. Also as a member as the Kings, he was accused by Oilers RW Georges Laraque of using a racial slur during a game. Laraque is an african american hockey player still in Edmonton.

3. As a member of the NY Rangers....he was rumored to use Maple Leafs' winger Jason Blake cancer as part of trash talk during a game. Avery sued the source of the rumor for Libel.

This guy is a major throbbing prick....period....not a good guy in the league. Yesterday however the NHL suspended Avery for these comments about his former girlfriend actress Elisha Cuthbert (see below)!!!




The NHL suspended Avery indefinitely for those comments saying that it was "conduct detrimental to the league and to the game of hockey."
Really?

I didn't know a league that promotes fighting in games all of a sudden has the right to punish a player for words that are yes....insulting....but not vulgar in any way.

I didn't know a league where if you can nail a guy over the head with a wooden stick gets you a 2 min penalty and no fine all of a sudden has to be the politically correct police.

The funny thing is I would have been fine if THE TEAM handled this.....but the big bad NHL won't stand for a guy (who yes...is a major asshole) making "sloppy seconds" references to women....they gotta step in with the iron fist and lay down the law.

How are these words detrimental to the game also?? This is an off-ice issue at best and I'm sure the game will go on with or without Sean Avery. You think people who watch hockey or go to the games are not going to go because Sean Avery thinks that players love his sloppy seconds.

Quite frankly....I'd take sloppy 1000ths for Cuthbert. Are you kidding me? This guy is a hockey player, fashion model and he's enjoying some of the hottest women in the world. This man should have a bust in the hall of fame just for that.

I look at it this way....if the NHL is ok with fighting....why not play him and see if one of the goons around the league wanna take some free shots at this clown. That would be good for the game....right?

All in all....is there a double standard?? Ah....yeah!
-Rock

ADIOS JAVY......

FOXSPORTS.COM is reporting that White Sox pitcher has been traded to the Atlanta Braves as part of a 5 player deal. Vazquez who the Sox traded for in 2005 after winning the world series finished with a career record of 38-36 and never really gave the Sox what they were looking for. However the Sox did sign Vazquez to a 3 yr/34 million dollar in March of 2007 which was strictly based of market value of a 8 yr vet. I always said that Vazquez isn't worth that much money although a work horse that gives you innings and is consistantly in the top 10 in strikeouts.

This is the first major move in what I hope is what Kenny Williams is aiming for this offseason....and that is BUILD FOR THE FUTURE!!!

I understand that in today's game...there is a sense of "Win Now And Do Whatever It Takes." Here's the thing though...the Sox are an aging bunch of old tired talent that rely too much on their past and their name....(cough........Ken Griffey Jr anyone??)

The Sox farm system according to everything I've read isn't exactly booming with propects and talented kids and this move may be the first of a few where Williams starts to build up his minors a little and looks towards 2-3 years down the road instead of trying to beat Min/Clev next year.

Looking at the Sox remaining starters...
1. Mark Buehrle - Heading into his 10th major league season and coming off a nice 15-12 mark with a sub-4 ERA.....he is now the ace again. I said the Sox should have signed Buehrle not to have a consistant left handed starter....not to have another career White Sox player....but for his effect on young Jon Danks. If last year showed us anything....it showed how Buehrle and Danks gelled together as not only teammates but as mentor and student.

2. John Danks - 12-9 3.39 era....unbelieveable....and looking forward to more. Put Buehrle at the 1, Danks at the 3......could be a lethal combo come 2009.

3. Gavin Floyd - Anyone missing Freddy Garcia?? AH....no. 17-8 with a 3.83 era last season.....awesome. Remember he had 2-3 games where he took no hitters into the 6-7th inning. Next year could be a big year for Danks and Floyd financially. If they both put up stellar years, could be a short lived career in Chicago.....Hopefully not.

4. Jose Contreras?? - Started 20 games, DL twice and of course that horrible achielles tendon injury. I don't think we'll ever see the old Jose Jose Jose that we saw in 05-06 ever again. This guy was unhittable at one point in those years.....now do we even know if he can ever pitch again?? Isn't he like 50 years old......?? 37 my ass.

5. Clayton Richard - I'll admit I wasn't big on this kid, but the later in the season it got and the more experience he got his belt....he turned out alright. I'd like to see Clayton as a #5 still, not ready for the #4 quite yet. But either way, if he can pitch like he did in New York in his last official start of 08.....Sox could get 10 wins out of this kid next year.

The Sox Needs:
1. Up the middle.......CF NEEDED...APPLY HERE!!!
- The Sox got rid of Swisher Sweets sending his ass to NYY (have fun with the media out there buddy!!!). Does this open the door for Jerry Owens?? First guess is YES....but then again, unproven and needs to be addressed.

2. Second base......Who The Fuck Is Jayson Nix??
- With Juan Uribe a free agent, and the Sox not even considering signing Joe Crede....you may think the hot corner is the #1 need in the infield. Josh Fields I think was in "competition" for Crede's job in spring training last year...I expect Fields to get the job. As far as SS....Alexi....it's all yours....so the real hole is 2B. Jayson Nix hit .125 in the bigs last year before being sent back down to the minors. The Sox have had success signing players from Colorado....Uribe was originally with the Rockies in 2004.

3. BULLPEN BULLPEN BULLPEN.....same thing every year. Good teams don't win unless they have a good bullpen. I hope the Sox keep Jenks and Linebrink together, but they need to fill the holes elsewhere. Wasserman is fun to watch.............until they hit him.

All in all, like the move......hopefully much more to come!!
-RoCk

HEY CHICAGO....THE BLACKHAWKS ARE GOOD THIS YEAR!!! NOTICED YET??

A secret has been making its way around the Chicago sports landscape, and I'm not sure if you know about it yet. So, put your eyes on this and read it carefully...it may shock you...it may confuse you....hell, it could kill you to think that....

"The Blackhawks Are Good This Year"

HOLY SHIT!!!!

No kidding!!! The Hawks currently are the 7th seed in the Western Conference and quite frankly have just gotten back off a very successful west coast road trip. But does anyone notice? I doubt it.

From the front pages of our sports sections....nope.

From the little attention paid to them with bad bulls basketball and a mediocre bears team....nope.

Does anyone care about the fact the once "WORST ORGANIZATION IN PROFESSIONAL SPORTS" finally has something going in this town??

Apparently not...but why?

Is it the fact that it's hockey and little to none of the Chicago sports fans in this town follow hockey like they do the other major sports.

Is it the fact that the media for the longest time has put the Hawks on the preverbial back burner since the "IRON FIST" of Bill Wuertz was around.

Or is it the fact that Chicago is Cubs/Sox/Bears and nothing else.

The Bulls are even begging for attention......CAN WE GET SOME INSIDE SCORING PLEASE!!!!

The story of this winter may be some big move made by the Cubs or Sox in the free agent/trade market. It may be that the Bears somehow someway find a place in the NFC playoffs and maybe make some noise. It may be that we see the progression of Derrick Rose and watch a young 20 year old kid blossom into an NBA superstar.

But for now....people should start paying attention to the Chicago Blackhawks, because there is a quiet noise that come April could be a loud ringing BANG!!!

Chicago....say it with me.....GO HAWKS!!!!

-RoCk

The NFC North Doesn't Deserve A Playoff Spot....Here's Why

So if you look at the playoff possibilities as a whole at this moment.....this is how it would look.

EAST: New York Giants 10-1
SOUTH: Tampa Bay 8-3
WEST: Arizona Cardinals 7-5
NORTH: Chicago Bears 6-5
Wild Card Possibilities:
Carolina Panthers 8-3
-Dallas Cowboys 8-4
-Washington Redskins - 7-4
-Atlanta Falcons - 7-4
-Minnesota Vikings 6-5
-New Orleans Saints 6-5

Here's what is wrong with this picture....The Bears have a worse record than 4 teams bidding for a wild card birth and yet if the Bears were to get in to the playoffs with a worse record than the 2 teams that make the wild card....the game would be at Soldier Field.

The NFC North doesn't deserve a team in the playoffs this season, between a horrible team in Detroit, a Green Bay team that doesn't know how to play against anyone except their own division, and a Minnesota franchise that hasn't had a real QB since the Randall Cunningham days....the Bears certainly shouldn't be the answer to represent the division.

Can't the NFC North just vote present rather than represent a bad division in the postseason of the league. There is a possibility that 3 teams from the NFC East (best division in NFL) could have a better finishing record than the winner of the North. All sports should look at the example this year shown by the NFL and the NFC North of how not to have your playoff standings run.

I suggest this.....have the top 6 records in the league be represented in the playoffs. Period. Is it that hard to put the best against the best? I don't think so...that way you'll have the best talent in the best part of your overall season....the postseason. Here's another great idea.....you have a 16 week schedule in the NFL....and you have 32 teams in the league....why not have one team play the other 15 teams in the conference once and then have a "rivalry" week in the middle of the season where each team plays it "arch rival"....so that way you'll still get the whole rivalry thing going with Bears/Packers....Raiders/Chiefs.....Cowboys/Eagles.....etc.

Am I totally off base here with my thoughts?? I don't think so. That way instead of a guaranteed 2 wins against Detroit...you're playing everyone in the conference. Kinda like AL/NL in baseball. I like the idea and think the NFL should look into it. That way....you have the best of the best from your conference represented in the Super Bowl.

This year however is a blemish on how playoffs should run if the winner of the North has a worse record than the 2 wild card teams. It shouldn't be allowed and in the end, it's not the best the NFL can provide to it's fan base. It'll be disappointing.

-Rock

Charlie Weis: Big Bust or Just Big

I'm not one to sit down on a beautiful Saturday afternoon and plop my fat ass on the couch with a subway sandwich and turn on the good ol NBC and watch Notre Dame football. I didn't go to a major university nor do I root for an inparticular 4 year school.

OK...so I root for the Longhorns and any team from TX if they're playing for a major championship. Sue me!!!

I however am fascinated with the whole Charlie Weis debate the past couple of weeks. For those that don't know, aparently after 3 full seasons, 2 bowl appearances, and an overall winning career record of 28-20....that's all ND fans can take. Who can remember 3 years ago following a 9-3 debut season and a Fiesta Bowl loss to Ohio State....ND thought it'd be a great idea to lock up Charlie for 10 years and a grand total of 30-40 million dollars.

Now keep in mind this contract followed a season where not one player was recruited by the new head coach, and he basically implemented his system of offense and applied it to the talent that already had because of former head coach Ty Willingham.

People always bring up the history and tradition of the "Domers" and from an outsider to the sport....I can't remember the last time I said....Notre Dame, that's a winner!!! This is a program that hasn't won a bowl game since 1994, won only 2 national titiles in the last 30 years and have gone through 6 head coaches since their last bowl win. However everytime I hear someone talk about the "disappointment" that Charlie Weis has been....I look at those stats I just provided and don't understand exactly why the bitching.

This man consistantly has had top 10 recruitment classes in his 4 years at the helm and yet fans want his pink slip. Weis has brought attention, money and endorsements than Notre Dame wouldn't have seen with Ty Willingham or any other possibile head coach. Weis bring in something that the college ranks hasn't seen.....NFL experience and super bowl success.

So, should Weis go?

I say no, because you've got to look at the overall picture rather than the last 2 years. The University said to it's fans/players/alumni that this guy is the answer to get Notre Dame back to that "greatness." Yes, it's alot of money and there is little reward to the program so far, but you have to believe that 3 super bowl rings means something. You have to believe that his presence demands respect in the recruiting ranks. You have to believe that his record on recruiting will continue and the top recruits will play for the Golden Dome. If there is anytime a University should stand behind it's investment....this is the time for Touchdown Jesus to stand behind (and believe me...it's easy) Charlie Weis.

So the real question is......does Notre Dame believe??

You gotta have faith.

-Rock

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

GET OFF LOVIE'S BACK.....

The best part of the NFL season for me isn't the last 3 weeks when teams position themselves for the playoffs. It isn't when the grandest stage is set for the biggest sporting event of the year takeing place in some southern city or a dome that doesn't have a rooting interest besides how much money the city will make from it. It isn't even the day when the top talent from college make way to the NFL at the draft. My favorite part of the season is when the 32 teams get their upcoming seasons schedules and you can go through and mark W or L next to the opponent and figure out how you believe your team will finish based off the previous season.

Let's face it, this past offseason....very few of us thought the Bears would win more than 6-8 games. I personally had the beloved finishing with a stellar record of 5-11 and thought for sure that Rex Grossman would be the starting quarterback and rookie Matt Forte would amount to nothing in his rookie year. I thought the Bears would start slow with their first two games on the road against Peyton Manning and the Colts and Jake Delhomme and the Panthers losing both of course. Then I thought they would return home to face Tampa Bay and win followed by a beatdown at the hands of Donovan McNabb and the Eagles.

To put it mildly, my first four game prediction.....wrong on 3 out of 4.

The Bears stunned a Sunday night football audience beating Indianapolis in their new home, went into Carolina and laid an egg. The went on and lost their homecoming against Tampa Bay and found some way to beat the hometown kid McNabb.

My predictions were wrong. Hell they've been wrong mainly all season long but yet there are alot of people who have been wrong about this team and for some reason won't admit it. So without any hesitation....I was wrong.

So, where does that leave this team. They're 6-5 with 5 to play and yet no one wants to give this team a shot at winning the NFC North and getting a home playoff game. Why? Are Bears fans so frustrated with the style of play they've been seeing all year to sorta hope in their heart of Bears' fan hearts that they find a way to screw it up? Do Bears fans relate to Lovie Smith and this coaching staff at all taking it at a one-game-at-a-time approach laid back, not too emotional, cliche driven demeanor.

Some Bears fans want the yelling, screaming, holding people accountable type of coach, but will that win football games or just please the fans for something they haven't had since a certain coach Ditka was around?

In 2006, I was praying for the Bears to win the Super Bowl like all Bears fans were....just to erase the notion that you need to be a hard nose tough guy coach in this town to win with the Bears. Erase that 1985 memory that so many former players/coaches have made a fortune on. The NFL is a different game now and the more and more fans look to the past to win todays' NFL game...the longer it will be before we have another championship for our beloved in this town.

Lovie Smith is a good coach in the NFL. Looking at his career record of 39-28 with 2 division titles and 1 super bowl appearance....why are some Bears fans enraged about the same things that they were complaining about in 2004? Granted never meeting the man, he's not a very energetic guy from what i've seen....but it works. You need to allow this man to work with the pieces he's been given rather than harp that Lovie needs to start yelling and screaming and show some fire and passion. What good would it do now to pull Devin Hester off punt returns and go all "Singletary" on him? Seriously.

This season has been anything but easy for Lovie and yet in the middle of a playoff push, people wanna bitch about his demeanor on the sidelines based on what they've seen on TV? You need to give Lovie a break and get behind this coach. The Bears may not be what you thought they would be this year.....but Lovie Smith more than anyone has proven that predictions are meaningless in the NFL. Get over it Bears fans!! You were wrong, just like I was wrong, just like your sister-in-law was wrong. With 5 games left and a real good shot at winning the division, let's concentrate on what really matters.

WHAT DO WE DO NOW!!!!????

FINALLY!!!!

THE BIG DAY HAS ARRIVED FOR GUNS AND ROSES FANS ON THE MID 90'S......G&R'S LONG AWAITED ALBUM "CHINESE DEMOCRACY" WILL BE RELEASED TOMORROW (SUNDAY).

SO THIS BEGS THE QUESTION.....WHAT IS THERE TO LOOK FORWARD TO NOW THAT DEMOCRACY WILL FINALLY SEE THE LIGHT OF DAY?


1. Will Heavy Metal Return To Mainstream Radio?

2. How Many More Ex-Athletes Will Become Bad Broadcasters?

3. Will I Ever Figure Out Who The Hell This Guy Is?

4. Will Devin Hester Ever Return Another Kick/Punt For A TD?
5. Will The Rock Report Ever Become A Source For Mass Readership?

We'll See!!!!

SARAH PALIN AINT NO TURKEY!!!

Eddie And Jobo GONE!!!! The Trend Continues....

WELCOME TO THE PPM WORLD!!!! News yesterday from down the hall.....Eddie And Jobo are no more. After almost 20 years of holding down morning drive on WBBM 96.3FM (B96) in Chicago....the duo along with their 2nd co-host Erica Cobb were dismissed with pay. They will be paid for the remainder of their contracts but will no longer be permitted to air a show on B96 airwaves.



Now....why would B96 fire a staple of Chicago radio for the last 20 years on a station that a lot of people I know listen to?



#1 - MONEY

In the economic times we're in, let's face it....CBS was spending over 3+ million on this threesome to drive in ratings and revenue. With advertising revenue dwindling into the red each quarter and no one wanting to spend big money locally....it's hard to pay people big big big bucks with little return. More on the "return" in a bit.

#2 - RATINGS

The 3,000,000+ dollar machine of the"Eddie And Jobo Show" finished 11th in the last October PPM monthly report in their key demo of 18-34 Adults and 9th in 18-34 women. If you were paying people big money and got that kind return....what would you do?

#3 - CHANGE
Just like everything else......change needs to happen for progress to be made. The old model when it comes to PPM doesn't work. This is a new school way of measuring an old school product. At the Score for example, we always used to count on our base core audience and really never reached out and tried to grab new listeners. Now with PPM....you can't rely on the "base" to make sure your top paid talent is on the air. Broadcasting firms are tightening the belt left and right and cutting costs wherever they can with the least amount of causalities as possible. You can't pay people like you used to back in the day, upwards of millions of dollars for what? Losing ratings, less revenue, and an overall bad situation for the station. PPM is useful in gaging what works and doesn't work.. Eddie And Jobo.....god bless em for their years....but it's now the age of quick rapid response and action. People in radio that are able to hold jobs for longer than 10 years at one place.....is now part of the past. Sure people will argue PPM is no better than Arbitron....but right now it's the standard.....and Eddie And Jobo didn't meet it.

I've never really listened to E&J.....but I value the fact that they were able to do what they wanted to do for so long.....they valued their craft and enjoyed what they did. Good Luck to Eddie And Jobo, I'm sure we'll catch em on an internet radio station near you.

-Rock

Hey Dude.....

LARS ULRICH: "Metal Is Like Herpes....It Never Goes Away"

My daily passing by Blabbermouth.net pointed my attention to this. The internet site Javno.com sat down with Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich and posed the question:
"What Is It About Heavy Metal That Is So Appealing To Fans?"

Ulrich's response caught my eye when he said that:
"There's a timelessness to metal, because it sits so outside of fashions, it sits outside of waves of popularity and ins and outs and all that kind of stuff, because it sometimes is, especially by the general mass media, is kind of considered the ugly stepchild or something like that, the urrgghhh, all the smelly heavy metal kids. It's like, because we're not ever associated with anything that's en vogue, or you know, that it just continues and it's just like herpes or something; it never goes away!"

So it got me to thinking, what are some other things in life that are like herpes.....that no matter what you do or say will never go away. Here's what I came up with, let me know if you agree.

1. Boy Bands.....no matter how shitty their music may be to the human ear.....young hormonal girls will flock to lick the sweat off their feet just to pass out in awe of lip-syncing buffoons.

2. The Fox News Channel - The word "news" when it comes to Fox is already misnomer....cause they don't cover "news." Then again.....Republicans need a outlet from how the real world works.

3. Ignorant Blonde Talentless Sluts - Makes the world go round doesn't it. Lovely young ladies that it's all about being seen with famous celebs/athletes/musicians..etc. Facebook whores for example.

4. Scott Bakula - HOLY SHIT HE'S BEEN ACTING FOR A LONG TIME. Remember Gung-Ho!

5. THIS GUY!!! WHO THE HELL IS HE???

AND FINALLY.......

?
You'll Figure It Out.....

Rock Mamola On WDUZ Green Bay!!!

Create a playlist at MixPod.com

CUBS SIGN RYAN DEMPSTER TO 4-YR/52 MILLION DOLLAR CONTRACT???!!!

What a career year for Ryan Dempster. A year removed from fans calling for him to get out of the closer role, he works his way back into great shape and earns a starting role as Kerry Wood because the new Cubs closer....and he goes 17-6 with 2.96 ERA.

I like Ryan, he's an outstanding guy and loves to have a good time dressing up as Captain America and having some Chicken at Stanley's at 2am. Here's my thing however....this could be the biggest gamble the Cubs could have made this offseason rather than going out and getting a proven (more than 1 year in a row) starter.

If the Cubs are looking for starting pitching this offseason then they picked a good year to do so. If you look at some of the names in free agency (Sabathia/Burnett/Garland/Sheets..etc_), was securing Ryan Dempster who was a starting pitcher for the first time 2003 the top priority. General Manager Jim Hendry did say his top priority was Dempster, but the Cubs are also in the running for trading for Jake Peavy? Why the need for pitching?? This is a team who's strength this past year was their starting pitching going on to win 97 games. Their fault in the postseason was scoring 6 runs in 3 games against the Dodgers.

Maybe Hendry should concentrate more on that rather than a man who does stellar in those lovely contract years!!

-Rock

PACKERS PACK IT TO THE BEARS 37-3

Most Bears fans would agree that if the Bears finished 2-14 for the season....just for god sakes beat the damn Packers. Well, the Pack took it to the Bears in almost every sort of fashion. Ryan Grant going for 145 yards rushing and Aaron Rogers doing exactly what I thought he would do....WIN THE GAME!! Overall, it was an embarrasment for the Chicago Bears franchise in this historic rivalry that's been going on since Warren Harding was President.

Before the game began, the debate was whether Kyle Orton was going to give it a go and whether or not he'd be 100%. During the pre-game on WBBM 780AM, the crew discussed the new boot that Orton would be wearing to make sure that no furthur damage would be done to the ankle. The way they were describing it seemed to make me believe that his foot was lodged in boot of cement and would put furthur weight on him moving around in the pocket. He (Orton) looked like a statue all game long, not moving around as we have seen in the past and just overall he looked uncomfortable.

I have 3 issues with this game that I'd like to discuss (get off my chest) with the viewing public.

#1 - THE ABANDONMENT OF THE RUNNING GAME
Matt Forte rushed for a total of 64 yds on Sunday on 16 carries, what people are missing is that he had 15 of the 16 carries in the first half. The playcalling mind you only down 17-3 at the start of the second half was totally imbalanced when it comes to the Bears attempting to put up some points. The Packers going into this game were 26th against the run, and the Bears were looking for a field day on the ground in the cold weather. Well, I guess when you're down 14 going into half...when Lovie Smith talks making adjustments to the game plan....i guess that meant....we're not going to run anymore. What that left the Bears with is your putting the game on the shoulder of a QB with a bad ankle that is a game manager....NOT A GAME BREAKER!!!!! 23 passing plays to 4 running plays in the second half......EMBARRASING!!! Especially since you knew Orton can't move in the pocket and you knew Green Bay was gonna bring the house to try and get him. I don't want to say maybe we should have started Rex Grossman, but then again....he's had success against Green Bay in Green Bay...Career 3-0 at Lambeau. The abandonment was only the first key to a huge Bears loss in the semi-frozen tundra (it's only Nov.).

#2 - SPECIAL TEAMS NOT SO SPECIAL
Devin Hester still returnless (is that even a word??). Point blank...he's not making his keep after getting the huge contract in the offseason getting top WR money only catching 46 balls in his career before this season. Has there ever been a more over priced kick returner in NFL history than Devin Hester? He's truly a one dimensional player...all he knows is how to return kicks because the offenseive scheme the Bears are playing in doesn't believe in the deep ball. Hester outruns people, that's all he is. Why no post patterns (at least 2-3 per game)?? Why no punt/kick returns?? People try to say there is something wrong in his head or he's not concentrating enough. I look at it this way, he played good enough to get big money...now that he has it, there's no hunger to him anymore. He got his bills, and now the Bears are paying for it even more...TEAMS AREN'T AFRAID TO KICK TO DEVIN HESTER ANYMORE!!! How's that great field position for the offense cause they kick out of bounds to Hester doing for ya? He better get his head out of his arse quickly or else people will be clamoring for the "Windy City Flyer" to blow out of town.

#3 - THE BEARS "DEFENSE"
This one is too easy....this is the same defense for the most part that went to the Superbowl in '06.....so what happened? Is the loss of Ricky Manning Jr./Terry Johnson/Ian Scott that big of a deal?? We still have the new minister of defense in Tommie Harris...right?? Alex Brown and Adawale Ogunleye still patroling the ends for the line...right?? The "Great" Brian Urlacher still playing next to Lance Briggs and Hunter Hillenmeyer.....right?? So, what's changed? The first thing the average fan would point to is the loss of Defensive Co-ordinator Ron Rivera now with the San Diego Chargers. What the problem is....this is Lovie Smith's cover 2/Tampa 2 defense scheme, so it's not nescessarily Rivera's absence that makes the difference because he was calling plays for a defense he didn't create. I look at it this way and it's the same concept with Hester as well.....since 2006.....new $$$ for Harris/Briggs/Urlacher/A. Brown/Vasher/Tillman....THEY GOT PAID!! If you've been paying attention this past week or two, the Bears defense has been saying certain things like:

"We're the best team in the NFL when we want to be"

Sound a little egotistical to anyone else?? Yeah.....

The problem with money is that it puts a price on your talent rather than your record. If the Bears played in the 'ol XFL....they'd all be broke this year. This is where I believe Ron Rivera had the most impact....he was a former player and not a former D-2 coach. Now mind you I don't see the practices or watch the sidelines during the games, but I feel there was more of a respect factor when Rivera ran Lovie's defense because he was a former player and I bet cause of that...he didn't hesitate to get in a players face. He's Ron Rivera....an intimidating guy. I remember meeting Ron for the first time and shaking his hand.....my hand still hurts. Bob Babich, former head coach of North Dakota State University (1997-2002) and Linebacker coach of the St. Louis Rams under Lovie's time in STL....just doesn't bring that same swagger. A combination of ego driven athletes with new green and a coach that doesn't command respect of the player.....you're letting the inmates run the asylum.

The Bears are exactly who we thought they were this season.....a bad team.

-Rock

More Reasons Why SUNTIMES.COM Sucks Major Donkey Balls

Thought I'd find a game story on the Hawks game last night against the Blues...

Here's the picture on the front of the of the Sports page.

Brent Seabrook loads up another right as the Blues’ Jeff Woywitka loses his footing at the UC.(Chris Sweda/Sun-Times)

Now as you can see.....the pic (good shot by the way) had Brent Seabrook of the Hawks going after a loose puck with Adam Burrish laying on the ice and Dave Moss of the Calgary Flames being tripped up fighting for the 6oz piece of vulcanized rubber.

As you can see also....the caption has Mr. Moss as a different person and on a different team.....

Am I being too harsh?? nah.

-RoCk

ADD ME TO YOUR BLACKBERRY MESSENGER

So I picked up a Blackberry Curve 8330....yeah...big boys need big toys!!

Add me to your BLACKBERRY MESSENGER..

Pin # 302884D6

Holla!!!

-RoCK

HEAVY METAL MUSIC....NOW TRULY THE MUSIC OF THE DEVIL!!!!

IT's OFFICIAL.....HEAVY METAL IS BAD FOR YOUR HEALTH!!!

According to a study released by The University of Maryland Medical Centre in Baltimore.....listening to stressful or disturbing music can be bad for your heart. The investigation showed that listening to genres like "HEAVY METAL" narrowed arteries and made people more anxious...

FUCK.....WHAT WAS THAT NOISE!!!!????

According to Dr. Miller (why no first name....pussy), he found the genre of music most up-lifting for your health....John Denver.

JOHN FUCKING DENVER???

Now if you ask me about John Denver....he did so much for Rock And Roll with his testimony back in the 1985 session of the PMRC on censorship in music (which led to the lovely Parental Advisory on your cd). But John Denver???? How about Coldplay, or John Legend, or for fuck sake.......DASHBOARD CONFESSIONAL!!!

The whole point of this blog however....there may be death by chocolate....but now officially....HEAVY METAL KILLS!!!

-RoCk