Thanks, like I said this is my first attempt at a longer post but I’m glad at least some people have read it.
In response:
1. I don’t doubt it, but I will admit that I did not fully understand what was happening at that time. At least some of that regionalism was maintained.
2a & b. It definitely dilutes the Midwestern identity, but at its core the B1G is always going to be associated with the Midwest. If the converse had happened, where Michigan and 3 other B1G schools had merged into the PAC-12, I think that most would see that as a complete loss of identity for those schools while the PAC-12 maintained their core identity but annexed some Midwestern schools for cash. The receiving conference is definitely changed during a merger, but the receiving conference still exists.
3. I think you pinpointed the concern I should have explored more and I think you are absolutely right. Ultimately, a national conference (or conferences) is going to shut out the little guys. That is not only detrimental to the allure of the sport, but likely devastating to those programs financially. I would not be surprised to see massive cutbacks in the schools that get left behind. I don’t want to go as far as saying that they will function as FCS schools (which are great and I watch them all the time), but a step down from their place on the national stage is imminent. That sucks.
The fact that Graham earned his shield IN THE FIRST GAME BACK FROM INJURY WHILE STILL USING ONE HAND needs to be emphasized. I vote for an Infinity Gauntlet to be added next to the shield. Josiah Stewart started calling him “Thanos,” so it seems fair.
Are you actually serious? It’s a trash Nebraska team at a 3:30 kick that should never have been at that time. It was cold and dark and a boring game that appeared much closer than it actually was.
I don’t say this lightly, nor do I do so often: Shut the fuck up.
I want the numbers to reflect the offense taking advantage of the weaknesses of the defense. Running was working, so do it until they stop it. Passing, especially at those corners, was not a good idea unless needed. It wasn’t necessary, so don’t do it. Take what the defense gives you. How many times have we begged for that? There were people in the stands PISSED that the passing numbers were so low, and I cannot understand how they don’t see the domination in front of them.
In all seriousness, this is a great post. I'm sorry for your breakdown but I'm glad that we live in a time and commune in a (digital) place where people can intelligently speak about their mental health struggles. All the best to you!
Simple answer: While I see your general point, my opinion about whether that would make me happy does not matter. What matters is what Jim would think. Luckily, he expressed his exact feelings on pay just a few days ago.
Like I said, money can be part of it, but the greater issue here is Jim being able to show the administration that he can get to the playoff in the current system but the big boys of recruiting will decapitate him and any other coach every time. He needs institutional change in order to elevate the program and is likely getting tired of asking nicely. Flexing a B1G Championship and 2-5 NFL teams calling him on a daily basis is a good way to get that change.
I've seen here and a couple of other places that Jim may be using this to renegotiate his contract. At the same time, he did just say "I would do this job for free." I can't believe he would just turn around and make a cash grab again.
I have a slightly different theory. The leverage he has here is for changes within the program, not money. He realized the difference in talent between Michigan and other good programs when compared to the Bama/Georgia/OSUs of the world. He wants more control over who gets admitted to the school. No more Xavier Worthy situations. No more academic requirements. Either the school backs off and lets Michigan recruit with the big boys or he walks. Of course, a pay raise/extended contract may be in play simply for the purpose of shutting up rumors of NFL suitors, but I really don't think that this is about the money.
Conversely, can Alex show everyone else how to get GIFs to autoplay by rolling over them with your cursor? I have to open each GIF in a new webpage for all other articles except for the ones Alex writes.
As much as it truly pains me to say it, I think I may be with you on this. CFB is just flat-out boring now. The same 6 teams are successful all the time and the same 2-3 teams are the only ones who can actually win championships. It would be akin to watching the Lakers or Celtics win a championship every single year for 7 years, with no sign of other teams even challenging to take a Finals spot from them, let alone a championship. Is a large part of my waning interest based on Michigan's downward trajectory? Sure. But even when they are good (2016 comes to mind), it is never enough and the playoffs still look the same each year.
I am not a particular fan of any specific NFL team, so watching for individual player performances is far easier and less heartbreaking. Weighing the two, it is starting to feel like the NFL is more worthy of my time.
Thanks for the tip! I'll have to look into one, but I'll need a new phone first. All of my phone money is sitting in my bag in the form of irons and the bag itself right now.
Glad this topic made a return, as I have pushed hard into golf over the last year. I upgraded my clubs and currently carry:
Driver: TaylorMade SLDR - 10.5 degrees adjustable (I finally decided that I am not on the Tour and raised the loft to 12 up from 9 where I had it, now I hit 250 yards but it is straight 90% of the time as opposed to 270-80 yards straight 10% of the time.)
3-Wood: TaylorMade SLDR (which I cannot hit to save my life);
5-Wood: TaylorMade SLDR (hit straight as an arrow);
4-Hybrid: Lazrus 4H (fantastic and cheap club, highly recommend for high handicappers);
6-AW Irons: TaylorMade Sim2 Max (Got fitted for these, not the longest I hit but were easily the most consistent in terms of the dispersion. Not the OS model. Beware, I had to pick up an A wedge bent to 48 because the loft spacing on new irons is absolutely terrible, my P wedge is only 43.5);
Wedges: Kirkland Signature 52, 56, 60 (great for the price, I either drop dimes with these or skull them over the green. The 60 is my go-to chipping club);
Putter: Some old ugly blade that works absolute wonders;
Bag: Nike Air Hybrid - Black (very spacious, has 14-way full-length dividers, but the umbrella holder does not work with my umbrella and keeps making the leg stick. Kind of disappointing considering the price of the bag, but otherwise a great grab so far);
I also picked up a rangefinder, as I spend a bunch of time figuring out my distances with my clubs. it has actually helped quite a bit, and I expect it to help even more once I stop sending every iron shot left, every wood shot right, and every wedge shot 30 yards over the green.
I am still terrible, but as a new golfer, I can confirm that you can get better with practice. The local ranges are making a fortune off of my buying buckets, but the progress is there.
Not the best game ever, or even my favorite, but the energy in that stadium from opening kickoff (returned by Chesson for a TD) until the final whistle was a full unleashing of the Harbaugh hype.
Thank you for including the link to a valuable resource on a difficult topic, OP. I have known a number of people who have struggled with suicidal thoughts, and I appreciate you bringing the issue to the board and promoting helpful resources. The holidays can be an especially difficult time for depressed and/or suicidal individuals, especially this year.
Also, please don't upvote me for this comment. This is a genuinely thankful comment, not a post for points. Instead, look out for yourselves and your loved ones. That is much more valuable.
I can admit that it has been a while since I have been there so my memory of their prices may be off. Thanks for pointing it out to make sure OP is aware.
Eating dinner on a College Student Budget (in no particular order):
No Thai (under Landmark, other ones are good but this is the best. Drunken Fried Rice with chicken and your choice of spice. Add 2-4 of the small plastic cups of sweet & sour sauce. Just trust me on this)
Charley's (their lunch menu is pretty good, especially the grilled chicken sandwich. Not sure if it carries over to dinner or not)
Totoro's sushi (Near CVS on State & Liberty, get the Yummy roll. All of their food is good but this roll is all you will ever need)
BTB/Mr. Spots (State/Packard)
Pizza House (Church)
Blue Lep (S. University, really good fish sandwich)
Brown Jug (S. University)
Slurping Turtle (Liberty, Japanese food)
Isalita's (Liberty, Mexican food)
Jerusalem Garden (Liberty, Lebanese food)
Asian Legend (E. Wiliam, highly recommend for both food and service)
Tios
Downtown area (generally more expensive but not too bad if you choose your meals carefully):
Grizzly Peak (W. Washington, brewery)
Pretzel Bell (S. Main, burgers and whatnot)
Palio (Italian)
Frita Batidos (Cuban street food)
Real Seafood (S. Main)
Black Pearl (S. Main, seafood, get the fish tacos)
Miki Sushi (S. 1st St.)
Fleetwood Diner (S. Ashley, get any of the hash you like, less expensive than the others)
I was 100% sure that this was a request for a referral to a psychiatrist for wanting Lions tickets.
If you cant get Wolverines tickets, Red Wings are your best bet. The Wings are terrible now but give it time and those tickets will be worth a fortune.
As far as your S.O. and snow, please explain that no matter how heavy her jacket is or how waterproof her shoes are, it is probably not enough. I had experience with someone moving from a similar climate come to Michigan in the summer. All the while, they said winter would be fine and it couldn't be THAT cold or THAT snowy. That was the winter of 2013-2014, which some of you may remember for the endless snow and cold that rivaled the surface of Mars (-40, in both Farenheit and Celcius).
On that note, I recently heard a rumor from someone much younger and more well-versed in current music that Paramore is working on a new album, but with a sound much more akin to "Riot!" (which I believe to be their best album). If that is true, they should immediately be put near the top of this list.
Things in my bag: A full set of used clubs I bought for $60 (Driver, 3-wood, 3-hybrid, 4-hybrid, Irons 5-9, PW and SW, Putter), mountains of used and found balls that I never lose, brand new balls that I lose in droves, a pack of tees, a left-handed glove, a right-handed glove, and sunblock.
Things definitely not in my bag: A single, solitary ounce of skill whatsoever.
Khan Academy is the reason I passed high school calc at all. Amazing product. I had great teachers as well, I just refused to accept that math was not my calling until college math kicked my teeth in.
In my mind, this is the must-have next step in the evolution of this stadium (as much as a absolutely love the upper deck idea). A retractable roof would completely change both the atmosphere and the willingness of people to attend games. Shade in the early season, rain/snow cover in the late season. The only problem is, as you said, justifying the cost.
I'm sorry to hear that, but, as a stranger on the Internet, let me offer a bit of unsolicited advice:
College/trade school/whatever adulthood path you choose is MUCH better than high school. Don't get me wrong I had a good time, but I think that high school graduation is WAY too exaggerated in society unless there is a specific reason you had a difficult journey (developmental disability, injury, loss of loved one, learning disability, etc.)
We also live in an age where you will undoubtedly stay in contact with friends for years to come. Some of my best friends to this day are from first grade, but even those I don't really talk to anymore are only a FB message away. You can keep your social circles far past school if you want.
As a recent college grad, trust me, you'll be fine.
The Pistons are a tire fire, and how anyone can continue to support the team while it is owned and operated by Tom Gores will forever escape my understanding. To be clear, I have nothing against any of the players, I just see and hear all of the fake hype generated by the Pistons ("The Push For The Playoffs!" campaign last year, for instance) and get disgusted with how badly the organization is robbing fans (like the Lions).
I loved the Pistons as a kid, but watching or going to a game now is just a sad experience. Any win is meaningless. Last year wins only meant getting the 8th seed in the playoffs, where everyone knew Giannis was going to eat them alive. This year, like you said, wins are ruining draft position. Anyone who has not accepted that tanking is the only way for small market teams to move up in the NBA clearly has not been paying attention. Parity is achieved through higher draft positions, meaning that it is not parity on a per-season basis, but a rolling basis; the worse you are now, the better you can become later either through high draft picks or trading assets. The Pistons have been awful for 10 years, with no end in sight.
Haha just playing around. I think there's far too much age-blaming on this site (and the planet, I guess) when someone has a different take than another person.
Wow, there's a lot of age-related attacks in these comments. I don't think it really matters how old someone is when considering whether they might want the banners raised or not. The fact of the matter is that there are two camps, either (1) hang the banners or (2) don't hang the banners. Let's not get all worked up here. I'm sure there's a solution we can all reach where both parties will be happy.
.
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Ok, the boomers have stopped reading by now. Hang the motherf*cking banners.
This has absolutely nothing to do with the topic. You clearly have some need to demonstrate to the entire Internet (or at least this small corner of it) how proudly masculine you are. I'm sorry you lack the capacity to care for an animal, and I hope that you can find that compassion sometime in the future. Until then, please go away if you are just going to be ignorant and unhelpful.
Recent Comments
Thanks, like I said this is my first attempt at a longer post but I’m glad at least some people have read it.
In response:
1. I don’t doubt it, but I will admit that I did not fully understand what was happening at that time. At least some of that regionalism was maintained.
2a & b. It definitely dilutes the Midwestern identity, but at its core the B1G is always going to be associated with the Midwest. If the converse had happened, where Michigan and 3 other B1G schools had merged into the PAC-12, I think that most would see that as a complete loss of identity for those schools while the PAC-12 maintained their core identity but annexed some Midwestern schools for cash. The receiving conference is definitely changed during a merger, but the receiving conference still exists.
3. I think you pinpointed the concern I should have explored more and I think you are absolutely right. Ultimately, a national conference (or conferences) is going to shut out the little guys. That is not only detrimental to the allure of the sport, but likely devastating to those programs financially. I would not be surprised to see massive cutbacks in the schools that get left behind. I don’t want to go as far as saying that they will function as FCS schools (which are great and I watch them all the time), but a step down from their place on the national stage is imminent. That sucks.
The fact that Graham earned his shield IN THE FIRST GAME BACK FROM INJURY WHILE STILL USING ONE HAND needs to be emphasized. I vote for an Infinity Gauntlet to be added next to the shield. Josiah Stewart started calling him “Thanos,” so it seems fair.
Are you actually serious? It’s a trash Nebraska team at a 3:30 kick that should never have been at that time. It was cold and dark and a boring game that appeared much closer than it actually was.
I don’t say this lightly, nor do I do so often: Shut the fuck up.
I want the numbers to reflect the offense taking advantage of the weaknesses of the defense. Running was working, so do it until they stop it. Passing, especially at those corners, was not a good idea unless needed. It wasn’t necessary, so don’t do it. Take what the defense gives you. How many times have we begged for that? There were people in the stands PISSED that the passing numbers were so low, and I cannot understand how they don’t see the domination in front of them.
In all…
Who am I? 24601!
In all seriousness, this is a great post. I'm sorry for your breakdown but I'm glad that we live in a time and commune in a (digital) place where people can intelligently speak about their mental health struggles. All the best to you!
Simple answer: While I see your general point, my opinion about whether that would make me happy does not matter. What matters is what Jim would think. Luckily, he expressed his exact feelings on pay just a few days ago.
Like I said, money can be part of it, but the greater issue here is Jim being able to show the administration that he can get to the playoff in the current system but the big boys of recruiting will decapitate him and any other coach every time. He needs institutional change in order to elevate the program and is likely getting tired of asking nicely. Flexing a B1G Championship and 2-5 NFL teams calling him on a daily basis is a good way to get that change.
I've seen here and a couple of other places that Jim may be using this to renegotiate his contract. At the same time, he did just say "I would do this job for free." I can't believe he would just turn around and make a cash grab again.
I have a slightly different theory. The leverage he has here is for changes within the program, not money. He realized the difference in talent between Michigan and other good programs when compared to the Bama/Georgia/OSUs of the world. He wants more control over who gets admitted to the school. No more Xavier Worthy situations. No more academic requirements. Either the school backs off and lets Michigan recruit with the big boys or he walks. Of course, a pay raise/extended contract may be in play simply for the purpose of shutting up rumors of NFL suitors, but I really don't think that this is about the money.
Conversely, can Alex show everyone else how to get GIFs to autoplay by rolling over them with your cursor? I have to open each GIF in a new webpage for all other articles except for the ones Alex writes.
Bruh...
As much as it truly pains me to say it, I think I may be with you on this. CFB is just flat-out boring now. The same 6 teams are successful all the time and the same 2-3 teams are the only ones who can actually win championships. It would be akin to watching the Lakers or Celtics win a championship every single year for 7 years, with no sign of other teams even challenging to take a Finals spot from them, let alone a championship. Is a large part of my waning interest based on Michigan's downward trajectory? Sure. But even when they are good (2016 comes to mind), it is never enough and the playoffs still look the same each year.
I am not a particular fan of any specific NFL team, so watching for individual player performances is far easier and less heartbreaking. Weighing the two, it is starting to feel like the NFL is more worthy of my time.
Thanks for the tip! I'll have to look into one, but I'll need a new phone first. All of my phone money is sitting in my bag in the form of irons and the bag itself right now.
Glad this topic made a return, as I have pushed hard into golf over the last year. I upgraded my clubs and currently carry:
I also picked up a rangefinder, as I spend a bunch of time figuring out my distances with my clubs. it has actually helped quite a bit, and I expect it to help even more once I stop sending every iron shot left, every wood shot right, and every wedge shot 30 yards over the green.
I am still terrible, but as a new golfer, I can confirm that you can get better with practice. The local ranges are making a fortune off of my buying buckets, but the progress is there.
Pain. Complete and utter pain. Just like every year.
Sir, this is an Arby's
2-4. Anyone…
1. Gordie Howe
2-4. Anyone else listed in the other comments is fine with me
Really good point…
*Fewer
Really good point, though. Way to look ahead!
…
2015 Northwestern Shutout.
Not the best game ever, or even my favorite, but the energy in that stadium from opening kickoff (returned by Chesson for a TD) until the final whistle was a full unleashing of the Harbaugh hype.
I miss those days.
Remembering that things get even weirder from that point gives one pause.
Few things on this site make me laugh anymore, but this was one of them.
This comment is criminally underrated.
Calling McNamara Patrick Mahomes already? That is awfully bold.
For real though, excellent work as always.
Thank you for including the link to a valuable resource on a difficult topic, OP. I have known a number of people who have struggled with suicidal thoughts, and I appreciate you bringing the issue to the board and promoting helpful resources. The holidays can be an especially difficult time for depressed and/or suicidal individuals, especially this year.
Also, please don't upvote me for this comment. This is a genuinely thankful comment, not a post for points. Instead, look out for yourselves and your loved ones. That is much more valuable.
Shouldn't this say that Oklahoma plays TCU and/or Oklahoma State plays Iowa State this weekend? Or is there some joke WHOOSHing over my head?
Also, I see MSU as -13.5 over Rutgers on my ESPN app.
YYYYEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Gotta get those delicious MGoPoints!
"BAAANNG!!!" from Mike Breen on a game-winning or otherwise clutch shot is always a good one.
Wow you people really don't read my posts at all, do you?
Eh, nobody listens to that guy who authored the linked post anyway. He did the Saban test info as well and people still posted after him.
I do this as well, but only because I operate under the theory that not having the app will result in less time spent on Twitter overall.
The theory is not holding up very well.
Respect
Just saw somewhere on Twitter that he's actually doing that. I'll have to find the source but you are spot on.
The Toledo War is my main reason. Hate older than statehood itself.
I can admit that it has been a while since I have been there so my memory of their prices may be off. Thanks for pointing it out to make sure OP is aware.
Eating dinner on a College Student Budget (in no particular order):
Downtown area (generally more expensive but not too bad if you choose your meals carefully):
I was 100% sure that this was a request for a referral to a psychiatrist for wanting Lions tickets.
If you cant get Wolverines tickets, Red Wings are your best bet. The Wings are terrible now but give it time and those tickets will be worth a fortune.
As far as your S.O. and snow, please explain that no matter how heavy her jacket is or how waterproof her shoes are, it is probably not enough. I had experience with someone moving from a similar climate come to Michigan in the summer. All the while, they said winter would be fine and it couldn't be THAT cold or THAT snowy. That was the winter of 2013-2014, which some of you may remember for the endless snow and cold that rivaled the surface of Mars (-40, in both Farenheit and Celcius).
On that note, I recently heard a rumor from someone much younger and more well-versed in current music that Paramore is working on a new album, but with a sound much more akin to "Riot!" (which I believe to be their best album). If that is true, they should immediately be put near the top of this list.
Things in my bag: A full set of used clubs I bought for $60 (Driver, 3-wood, 3-hybrid, 4-hybrid, Irons 5-9, PW and SW, Putter), mountains of used and found balls that I never lose, brand new balls that I lose in droves, a pack of tees, a left-handed glove, a right-handed glove, and sunblock.
Things definitely not in my bag: A single, solitary ounce of skill whatsoever.
Khan Academy is the reason I passed high school calc at all. Amazing product. I had great teachers as well, I just refused to accept that math was not my calling until college math kicked my teeth in.
In my mind, this is the must-have next step in the evolution of this stadium (as much as a absolutely love the upper deck idea). A retractable roof would completely change both the atmosphere and the willingness of people to attend games. Shade in the early season, rain/snow cover in the late season. The only problem is, as you said, justifying the cost.
Awesome work!
Imagine needing attention this desperately.
I'm sorry to hear that, but, as a stranger on the Internet, let me offer a bit of unsolicited advice:
College/trade school/whatever adulthood path you choose is MUCH better than high school. Don't get me wrong I had a good time, but I think that high school graduation is WAY too exaggerated in society unless there is a specific reason you had a difficult journey (developmental disability, injury, loss of loved one, learning disability, etc.)
We also live in an age where you will undoubtedly stay in contact with friends for years to come. Some of my best friends to this day are from first grade, but even those I don't really talk to anymore are only a FB message away. You can keep your social circles far past school if you want.
As a recent college grad, trust me, you'll be fine.
I was going to log in specifically to name this film. I have not cried watching a movie as an adult until I saw this.
The Pistons are a tire fire, and how anyone can continue to support the team while it is owned and operated by Tom Gores will forever escape my understanding. To be clear, I have nothing against any of the players, I just see and hear all of the fake hype generated by the Pistons ("The Push For The Playoffs!" campaign last year, for instance) and get disgusted with how badly the organization is robbing fans (like the Lions).
I loved the Pistons as a kid, but watching or going to a game now is just a sad experience. Any win is meaningless. Last year wins only meant getting the 8th seed in the playoffs, where everyone knew Giannis was going to eat them alive. This year, like you said, wins are ruining draft position. Anyone who has not accepted that tanking is the only way for small market teams to move up in the NBA clearly has not been paying attention. Parity is achieved through higher draft positions, meaning that it is not parity on a per-season basis, but a rolling basis; the worse you are now, the better you can become later either through high draft picks or trading assets. The Pistons have been awful for 10 years, with no end in sight.
Big oof
Not gonna lie, I thought this was going to be a football countdown. My immediate reactions were:
(a) There are definitely more than 99 days until the season starts, and OP is about to get downvoted into Oblivion for starting before that, and
(b) I am ready to get hurt again. Bring on the season.
Haha just playing around. I think there's far too much age-blaming on this site (and the planet, I guess) when someone has a different take than another person.
Seriously though, hang the banners.
Wow, there's a lot of age-related attacks in these comments. I don't think it really matters how old someone is when considering whether they might want the banners raised or not. The fact of the matter is that there are two camps, either (1) hang the banners or (2) don't hang the banners. Let's not get all worked up here. I'm sure there's a solution we can all reach where both parties will be happy.
.
.
.
.
Ok, the boomers have stopped reading by now. Hang the motherf*cking banners.
VeryBlue, you continue to demonstrate a misunderstanding of the topic. Please go away.
This has absolutely nothing to do with the topic. You clearly have some need to demonstrate to the entire Internet (or at least this small corner of it) how proudly masculine you are. I'm sorry you lack the capacity to care for an animal, and I hope that you can find that compassion sometime in the future. Until then, please go away if you are just going to be ignorant and unhelpful.