I’m unveiling a new Thursday feature here on the blog, provided I remember to stay with the same theme on Thursdays. At my age, remembering is an issue.
Anyway, the name of the feature is, as the blog headline indicates, “The Name Game.” And it’s simple. I’ll type the name of somebody in sports or entertainment – or maybe even the name of an institution or item – then comment on said person, place or thing in a stream-of-consciousness fashion. I think it’ll be fun and you’re invited to play along at home.
Let’s get started, shall we?
Notre Dame – I know a lot of people care about Notre Dame. I really do. But I don’t. And I don’t understand all the fuss. Yes, the Irish 
used to be good in football. When was that again? But leaving the Big East for the ACC drew a big yawn from me Wednesday because I’m not in tune with why every move Notre Dame makes is such a big deal. And this is especially not a big deal because the Irish are preserving their football independence, joining the ACC in every other sport. Notre Dame will play five football games against ACC schools. Let me guess: Wake Forest, Duke, Virginia, North Carolina State and Maryland?
Jay Cutler – Boy, I don’t like this guy. He certainly has a mouth on him. Between telling Bears fans to be quiet when he has his team in the red zone to taking a jab at the Green Bay Packers’ secondary, Cutler sure does a lot of talking for a guy who hasn’t won anything. So I’m pulling for The Pack in tonight’s game against Chicago. It’s mostly because of Cutler. More specifically, his loose lips.
Britney Spears – My wife and I watched “The X Factor,” last night on Fox, mostly to see what Spears had to offer. Well, that was my reason. I’m not sure why Debbie watched. I’m trying to come up with a word for what Britney had to offer and the one that keeps entering my head is “nothing.” Yeah, I think that’s it. In fact, this show is an utter waste of time, as far as I can tell. And this is coming from Singing Competition Guy. I’m somebody who has stayed with “American Idol” since its inception and I’m even getting to be a fan of “The Voice.” But I’m X-ing out “The X-Factor.”
Jim Calhoun – Did Calhoun cheat to amass those 873 wins at Northeastern and then in 26 seasons as men’s basketball coach at Connecticut? Yes, he did. In 2010, UConn was cited by the NCAA for eight major rules violations after a 15-month investigation. It all led to sanctions and the resignations of two assistant coaches. Also, the Huskies are ineligible for the 2013 NCAA Tournament because of poor Academic Progress Rate scores. So while I understand the heralding of Calhoun by the college basketball world today upon his decision to retire, I think it’s OK to point out that Calhoun used some illegal measures to become as successful as he was. That’s all.
St. Louis Cardinals – Making my life difficult.
Kansas football – I think it’s important for the Jayhawks to have a good showing Saturday at Memorial Stadium against TCU? What constitutes a good showing? I was afraid you were going to ask. Let’s just say that the Jayhawks need to avoid getting blown out by the Horned Frogs, who will be playing their first ever football game as a Big 12 member. What constitutes a blowout? OK, now you’re starting to get on my nerves. I would say a blowout would be something like 45-10, something in that ballpark. If KU can keep it reasonable – say three touchdowns or less – then I would think most Kansas fans would be relieved.
Matthew Perry – I think all of the actors who made up “Friends” were outstanding. Perry, though, has had difficulty finding a star vehicle since he left that show. He’s tried some movies and a couple of television series, but to no avail. I think his new show, “Go On,” could finally be the one. I like the premise – Perry is a sports-talk radio host attempting to find his way (to go on) after the tragic death of his wife in an automobile accident. And believe it or not, this is a comedy. Perry has always had that great comic timing and it’s still with him.
Parenthood – The television show, not the practice. The practice of being a parent is the toughest thing one can do, I humbly submit. Watching the NBC series is not as hard. I tuned in the other night even though I haven’t been a regular viewer because I wanted to see how Ray Romano fit in. He was really good playing a crabby photographer (is there any other kind?) But – and I want you faithful viewers to tell me if I’m wrong – the center of this show is Lauren Graham. I’ll watch again.
Baltimore Orioles – There hasn’t been a better story in sports this year. As I write this, the O’s are locked in an epic extra-inning battle with Tampa Bay. It’s been standard operating procedure for Baltimore to pull these kinds of games out all season long. I follow baseball closely as anyone I know, and I hadn’t heard of a bunch of these Orioles players going into the season. Obviously, Baltimore has that special “it” thing going on. Fantastic to watch.
Thanks for reading. We’ll play The Name Game again next week.