The 10 Spot Blog

44 The 10 Spot Blog by Pete McEntegart

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http://img.fannation.com/images/layout/profile-headshot.gif Happy trails to the 10 Spot The 10 Spot began humbly on June 21, 2004. It’s ending today on even more humbling terms, with a pink slip. And, if history is any guide, with a comment by DJ Chris linking… The 10 Spot began humbly on June 21, 2004. It’s ending today on even more humbling terms, with a pink slip. And, if history is any guide, with a comment by DJ Chris linking the color pink to A-Rod. (That’s not a challenge, incidentally.) We weren’t trying to bring about world peace or stave off a global financial meltdown. Which turns out to be just as well, because nobody else could do that either. Rather, our stated goal was simple -- to provide a few chuckles by commenting on the sports news of the day. As longtime readers might recall, the initial format consisted of 10 short, numbered items. (Thus the name.) The topics ranged from the latest pompous athlete in trouble to reality TV to whatever else I could scrounge together to reach No. 10 before hitting “send.” In May 2007, the format changed to a blog and my hat came off. The first comment of the brand-new blog was, “This format sucks.” It got better, I hope. The 10 Spot began humbly on June 21, 2004. It’s ending today on even more humbling terms, with a pink slip. And, if history is any guide, with a comment by DJ Chris linking the color pink to A-Rod. (That’s not a challenge, incidentally.) We weren’t trying to bring about world peace or stave off a global financial meltdown. Which turns out to be just as well, because nobody else could do that either. Rather, our stated goal was simple -- to provide a few chuckles by commenting on the sports news of the day. As longtime readers might recall, the initial format consisted of 10 short, numbered items. (Thus the name.) The topics ranged from the latest pompous athlete in trouble to reality TV to whatever else I could scrounge together to reach No. 10 before hitting “send.” In May 2007, the format changed to a blog and my hat came off. The first comment of the brand-new blog was, “This format sucks.” It got better, I hope. I doubt that the 10 Spot has added much to the world’s collective wisdom, except to reinforce the facts that Roger Clemens has three ears, Terrell Owens has 25 million reasons to live and Barry Bonds has a ginormous noggin. On the other hand, writing the 10 Spot for the past four and a half years has taught me much that I will never forget. Let me indulge your patience for one last time to share some of these morsels. I learned that if you post a picture of Tom Brady, make sure none of his teammates in the frame could be construed as being overly “friendly.” That Greg Oden’s injuries are no laughing matter. That Rob Bironas has many friends who care about his welfare. I learned that Pagination needs a President, and you don’t want to get fresh with her in the server room. That the basement is a beehive of activity. That PittsburgH has a capital “H” on the end. I learned that when the IT people at your office furrow their brow when you approach and bury their head in one of their four open screens, the odds are better than they’re commenting on a blog than fixing the server. That pants are optional on Thursday. That we should accet the things we cannot change. I learned that if you want to tuck your unlicensed, loaded handgun down your drawers, you should wear something sturdier than sweatpants. That if you use steroids, make sure your trainer doesn’t save your syringes, bloody gauzes and empty beer cans. That making it rain is best left to God. I learned that the 10 Spot was disproportionately popular in Canada and among Kansas Jayhawk fans. That computer illiteracy is no impediment to landing twins. That Polish divorce law can be tricky. I never quite learned what the RiP stood for, but that most NASCAR races are liable to be won by Jimmie Johnson or Carl Edwards. That I dress much hipper in Mark G’s avatar than in real life. That young Will loves the Vols. I learned that everyone’s a non-winner when a blog’s game can be raised by its many talented members through the Write Your Own Joke contest and Caption This. That not everybody likes Chuck Norris. That spelling can be made eisiar through the Barzhacinator 2000. I learned that nobody at Molly’s wants to watch the LSU-North Texas game. That Tim is in NY, Sean is in NJ and Jen is on the trains. That AV likes readheads. I learned that the Peanut Gallery has become a true community, not just a virtual one. That “lurkers” would better be described as the “silent majority.” That bears are best handled with benign neglect rather than poking. I learned that this ain’t Loveline, bub. That that’s what she said. Wait, what? I don’t know what the future holds for me. I will, however, post my plans on Mungo’s <a href="http://thenew10spot.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The New 10 Spot</a> whenever I figure out what the heck they will be. Much of the Peanut Gallery has already decamped there and I will surely check in from time to time. I’ve been honored that so many of you have made the 10 Spot a part of your daily routine. I will most miss interacting with you. It was a real gift to have a hand in creating and being a part of a like-minded online community where clever > crass, the frivolity flowed and the insults were almost always good-natured. That’s a rare thing on these here Internets. It’s been a great ride. Thanks for taking the trip with me. 10 Spot, Alex Rodriguez, Roger Clemens, Tom Brady, Greg Oden, Rob Bironas, Jimmie Johnson, Carl Edwards, Chuck Norris

2008-12-08T10:18:48-05:00

2009-11-08T12:00:06-05:00

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http://img.fannation.com/images/layout/profile-headshot.gif (Final) Write Your Own Joke contest results Well, this is the swan song for the Write Your Own Joke contest. I was laid off this morning, while sitting at this very desk eating a bowl of Fiber One cereal with a side of… Well, this is the swan song for the Write Your Own Joke contest. I was laid off this morning, while sitting at this very desk eating a bowl of Fiber One cereal with a side of fruit. (Hey, I need my health now more than ever.) So the 10 Spot will shortly go the way of my employment here at SI. Which is to say, into the wind. Still, it seemed churlish not to follow through with the results of the WYOJ contest. I also anticipate producing a “regular” edition of Friday LTLs, complete with a LOW. Perhaps next Monday will bring some sort of farewell edition, but that is still TBD. After that, your guess is as good as mine. [UPDATE: This will actually be the final post for today. I just don't think I'll be able to summon the funnies for Lunchtime Laughs. My apologies. On the positive side, at least for me, that also means I will close shop on the Lock of the Week with a season record of 9-4 (.692). So if the season ended today -- along with, coincidentally, my SI career -- I'd get a first-round bye into the picking playoffs.] Anyway, there were a lot of great entries, especially for the Burress/Pierce mess. Here we go: Topic 1: “Giants LB Antonio Pierce will reportedly testify against teammate Plaxico Burress in front of a grand jury. __________.” Winner: “Pierce will then enter the federal witness protection program; he'll be traded to the Lions and become completely anonymous.” (greybeard) Honorable Mention: “Giants' Coach Tom Coughlin is said to be red-faced over the whole affair, but that could just be the weather.” (Tim in NY) Well, this is the swan song for the Write Your Own Joke contest. I was laid off this morning, while sitting at this very desk eating a bowl of Fiber One cereal with a side of fruit. (Hey, I need my health now more than ever.) So the 10 Spot will shortly go the way of my employment here at SI. Which is to say, into the wind. Still, it seemed churlish not to follow through with the results of the WYOJ contest. I also anticipate producing a “regular” edition of Friday LTLs, complete with a LOW. Perhaps next Monday will bring some sort of farewell edition, but that is still TBD. After that, your guess is as good as mine. [UPDATE: This will actually be the final post for today. I just don't think I'll be able to summon the funnies for Lunchtime Laughs. My apologies. On the positive side, at least for me, that also means I will close shop on the Lock of the Week with a season record of 9-4 (.692). So if the season ended today -- along with, coincidentally, my SI career -- I'd get a first-round bye into the picking playoffs.] Anyway, there were a lot of great entries, especially for the Burress/Pierce mess. Here we go: Topic 1: “Giants LB Antonio Pierce will reportedly testify against teammate Plaxico Burress in front of a grand jury. __________.” Winner: “Pierce will then enter the federal witness protection program; he'll be traded to the Lions and become completely anonymous.” (greybeard) Honorable Mention: “Giants' Coach Tom Coughlin is said to be red-faced over the whole affair, but that could just be the weather.” (Tim in NY) “In a related story, Tiki Barber announced with glee that he's willing to testify against any and all of the Giants.” (Zowie) “That is, of course, if Pierce doesn't have to drop *his* kids off at school that morning.” (Mark G) “Most NFL insiders saw the Giant's decision as further evidence that, while he is a quality linebacker, Pierce is no Ray Lewis.” (Galloping Ghost) “Antonio isn't thinking about it so much as ratting on a friend, but as helping him negotiate a new multi-year contract with the State of New York.” (Tphtwpe) “To protect his identity Pierce will be allowed to use a tinted visor.” (Finsterbaby) “To ensure Plaxico is unarmed, Pierce requested the testimony be given on Pantsless Thursday.” (RgrRabbit) “Since he has his own related legal issues, Pierce's main goal during his testimony will be to not shoot himself in the foot.” (The Card Says Moops) “Plax reportedly offered an olive branch by sending him a Carmelo Anthony DVD for Christmas.” (hedgehog) “Burress is thought to be the first NFL player to be shot in the leg and stabbed in the back over the course of one week.” (Galloping Ghost)   Topic 2: “Auburn AD Jay Jacobs says he was ‘shocked’ when Tommy Tuberville resigned as football coach yesterday, and had never considered firing him. __________.” Winner: “The comments played right into the hands of Jacobs' critics, who have consistently complained that he lacks the speed to keep up with SEC coaching changes.” (Tim in NY) Honorable Mention: “Jacobs said that if that had intended to fire Tuberville, he first would have secretly flown in at least one potential replacement for an interview.” (fluffy kitten) “He was so shocked, in fact, he almost hung up on Mike Leach.” (Caveman HC6) “Jacobs also says he was ‘damn near electrocuted’ when he found out about Santa last week.” (Finsterbaby) “Jacobs stated that he was operating under the assumption that Tuberville still had 3-4 assistants that he planned to pin blame on, just like always.” (gc -- Chairman of the Bored) “‘In fact,’ Jacobs continued, ‘didn't we get rid of that guy four or five years ago?’” (Galloping Ghost) “Jacobs continued that it had always been Auburn's policy to pay ridiculous golden parachutes to coaches who resign.” (Caveman HC6) “The hit man Jacobs hired confirmed that report.” (Rickapolis) “Jacobs later went to the emergency room to have his wrenched fingers uncrossed.” (BKJ) “Unfortunately, Jacobs and Tuberville each interpret ‘re-signed’ with completely different meanings.” (rock chalk) “Jacobs fully expected boosters would simply run Tuberville off.” (Caveman HC6) Plaxico Burress, Antonio Pierce. Jay Jacobs, Tommy Tuberville

2008-12-05T10:55:59-05:00

2009-06-11T21:54:57-04:00

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http://img.fannation.com/images/layout/profile-headshot.gif Write Your Own Joke contest Welcome to the December edition of the Write Your Own Joke (WYOJ) contest. As always, I will supply two potential set-ups from today’s sports news. Your job is to supply the… Welcome to the December edition of the Write Your Own Joke (WYOJ) contest. As always, I will supply two potential set-ups from today’s sports news. Your job is to supply the punchlines. Here they are: Topic 1: “Giants LB Antonio Pierce will reportedly testify against teammate Plaxico Burress in front of a grand jury. __________.” Welcome to the December edition of the Write Your Own Joke (WYOJ) contest. As always, I will supply two potential set-ups from today’s sports news. Your job is to supply the punchlines. Here they are: Topic 1: “Giants LB Antonio Pierce will reportedly testify against teammate Plaxico Burress in front of a grand jury. __________.” Topic 2: “Auburn AD Jay Jacobs says he was ‘shocked’ when Tommy Tuberville resigned as football coach yesterday, and had never considered firing him. __________.” Everyone knows the rules by now. If not, please observe your neighbor. I will post a winner and some honorable mention selections from each set-up as tomorrow’s morning post. Good luck, and have fun. Antonio Pierce, Plaxico Burress, Jay Jacobs, Tommy Tuberville

2008-12-04T16:08:09-05:00

2009-05-21T20:02:08-04:00

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http://img.fannation.com/images/layout/profile-headshot.gif Lunchtime laughs: Knicks laughing to bank Here's some (small) inspiration heading into today's Write Your Own Joke contest: • For the fourth straight year, the Knicks have been named the NBA’s most valuable… Here's some (small) inspiration heading into today's Write Your Own Joke contest: • For the fourth straight year, the Knicks have been named the NBA’s most valuable team. No surprise there; the Knicks are obviously rolling in it. Why, they’re paying one female executive $11.5 million -- and she doesn’t even work there anymore! What princes! • A 21-year-old hockey fan at Wednesday’s Senators-Thrashers game in Ottawa fell from the upper deck when he stumbled over a purse while carrying two beers back to his seat. Tragic story, really. Not because of what happened to the guy -- he’s going to be fine. But the beers didn’t make it. Here's some (small) inspiration heading into today's Write Your Own Joke contest: • For the fourth straight year, the Knicks have been named the NBA’s most valuable team. No surprise there; the Knicks are obviously rolling in it. Why, they’re paying one female executive $11.5 million -- and she doesn’t even work there anymore! What princes! • A 21-year-old hockey fan at Wednesday’s Senators-Thrashers game in Ottawa fell from the upper deck when he stumbled over a purse while carrying two beers back to his seat. Tragic story, really. Not because of what happened to the guy -- he’s going to be fine. But the beers didn’t make it. • Actually, we hear that as soon as the guy flipped off the upper deck, several fans eyed the tossed-aside beers quite thirstily. But then they decided they didn’t want sloppy seconds. • A Texas Tech DB has been arrested by the Drug Enforcement Agency. Come on, I saw that defense play against Oklahoma. None of those guys were dealing. • Olympic swimmer Amanda Beard has sued a tanning salon company in California for allegedly “using” her picture without permission. It seems she never dreamed anything that sordid could happen after posing in Playboy. Knicks, Texas Tech, Amanda Beard, Playboy

2008-12-04T14:33:13-05:00

2009-05-28T22:17:50-04:00

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http://img.fannation.com/images/layout/profile-headshot.gif Suggested new names for Citi Field The Mets and Citigroup have announced that the team’s new ballpark will keep the name Citi Field, despite the federal government’s $45 billion (and counting) bailout of… The Mets and Citigroup have announced that the team’s new ballpark will keep the name Citi Field, despite the federal government’s $45 billion (and counting) bailout of the troubled financial institution. Citigroup agreed in 2006 to pay the Mets $400 million over 20 years for naming rights and insists it intends to follow through, thanks in large part to your money. You're some swell folks. Then again, this question may not be resolved after all, given the way the Treasury and the Fed seem to change their mind almost daily on what to do with the $700 billion in Congress-approved bailout money. Two New York politicians have already suggested calling the stadium “Citi/Taxpayer Field.” We think that’s not a bad idea, but it could be catchier. So just in case the Mets need a new name after all, here are some humble suggestions: 10. Bailout Bowl 9. Sold Down The Riverfront Stadium 8. Choking Confines The Mets and Citigroup have announced that the team’s new ballpark will keep the name Citi Field, despite the federal government’s $45 billion (and counting) bailout of the troubled financial institution. Citigroup agreed in 2006 to pay the Mets $400 million over 20 years for naming rights and insists it intends to follow through, thanks in large part to your money. You're some swell folks. Then again, this question may not be resolved after all, given the way the Treasury and the Fed seem to change their mind almost daily on what to do with the $700 billion in Congress-approved bailout money. Two New York politicians have already suggested calling the stadium “Citi/Taxpayer Field.” We think that’s not a bad idea, but it could be catchier. So just in case the Mets need a new name after all, here are some humble suggestions: 10. Bailout Bowl 9. Sold Down The Riverfront Stadium 8. Choking Confines 7. Paulson Park 6. Golden Parachute Grounds 5. Suckers Stadium 4. DepressionDome 3. Purloined Palace 2. Collapse Coliseum 1. Fleece Field Mets, Hank Paulson

2008-12-04T11:22:56-05:00

2009-09-18T14:17:16-04:00

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