ON THE DL with Dan Levy

On the DL Podcast - Episode 118

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 06:50:05 -0500

The fellas from The 404 -- CNET’s smash daily podcast hosted by Jeff Bakalar, Wilson Tang and Justin Yu -- join take over the show to talk about doing their show every day, the future of the industry and why the people at Wikipedia hate them.

We start by introducing the The 404. Basically their show is a look and the internet and technology from a somewhat skewed perspective. CNET has about 20 different podcasts, covering everything from cell phones to other gadgets to straight tech talk. The 404 is an amalgam of all that information, but much funnier and nowhere near as serious. And that’s what makes it a fun listen.

The show is streamed online via ustream.tv every day at 11am, then podcasted for easy downloading. But the three hosts have other responsibilities at CNET, so we discuss what each person does to, you know, sustain a living.

And that’s the thing we get into next. Right now, people are still trying to figure out how to make money off of new media. Smart companies realize that podcasts and online video can be a loss leader to get exposure for the people on the shows and drive traffic to the site, hoping that the traffic checks out other things while there. But at some point the bottom line has to come into play.

Working for parent-company CBS, I ask if there is more pressure from the higher-ups to make this something viable. We’ve been asked on our show, so I posed the question to them -- what is the future of this business. Are we it?

The 404 has a very dedicated listenership, and many of them watch the show live and converse in their chat room during the show. We talk about the balance between catering to a small yet dedicated following when compared to a much larger overall audience. What the chat room might like isn’t necessarily what the average listener will like. I ask if they ever struggle with finding a medium.

Unlike our show where the guests are really the stars, Jeff, Wilson and Justin are the stars of their show. I wonder if there is more pressure when people are tuning in every day specifically for them. (Foreshadowing, perhaps).

We end with some tech talk, including the Padres pitcher who lost 25 pounds using Wii Fit. Does it really work? Does anyone use the Wii Fit or is it just another fad gimmick gaming item? And again, why does their Wikipedia page keep getting shut down? Is the internet running out of space?

Oh, and poop jokes.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 117

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 07:48:14 -0500

Jay Busbee from Yahoo joins the show to talk about Frank’s Red Hot! Yes, I got a case of it in the mail, so its only right to plug he hell out of it.

Oh yes, we talk about NASCAR and golf as well.

Busbee writes both From the Marbles and Devil Ball Golf, two of the sports blogs in the Yahoo blogs family. We talk about the difference in both content and audience for the two blogs -- it doesn’t seem that NASCAR and the PGA would have much crossover -- and how he manages to cater to both fan bases.

We discuss the niche nature of both sports, and talk about the relative infancy of national blogs that cover them. Blogs have been around for a while now, but not many have covered the NASCAR or PGA circuit like Yahoo is doing from a national level. We discuss the challenges that has created, especially when working with some of the old guard media who have patrolled the galleries and pit rows of these events for years.

We talk a lot about the economics of the sports. Team sports are in near-crisis mode with layoffs and hiring freezes and commissioners taking pay cuts. If the team sports are having a hard time staying afloat in this economic climate, what is happening to the individual athletes? What about the individual team owners?

How far will the economy effect these individual sports? Will we see fewer races and tournaments because sponsors pull out? Will we see fewer people in each field because without sponsorship money, it’s far too costly to go travel to some of these events? Will the minor leagues survive?

Onto this past weekend...The Daytona 500 just ended because of rain. That’s it, it’s over and this guy is the winner. This is the Super Bowl of NASCAR. Could you imagine that happening in the actual Super Bowl? Something isn’t right with that, but how can it be fixed?

We also talk about some of the personalities behind the cars. How great is Tony Stewart? How cheap does Home Depot look with their commercial teaching their new 18 YEAR OLD driver how to “Race on a budget.” It turns out, it’s as easy as 1-2-3.

Oh, and does everyone love or hate Dale Jr. And will he ever be as good as he’s supposed to be?

Some fun to end it: Why did Fox create Digger? Are fans really as dumb as Fox thinks we are? And who would win in a fight -- Digger or Cletus the Dancing Robot?

Last, Tom Cruise was at Daytona. So was Nicole Kidman with her husband Keith Urban. Someone asked Urban what his favorite racing move is (he said Cars, not Days of Thunder), so I pose the question to Busbee. With golf, it’s Caddyshack (but Happy Gilmore is close). What about racin’?

On the DL Podcast - Episode 116

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 11:26:28 -0500

I’m 31 today. So who better to spread the birthday cheer than the ol’ grouch Tony Kornheiser.

Tony once again says that he misses radio, so I try my best to make the show like his old radio program. Which means let Tony rant, and get out of the way.

First, we hear about Tony’s day yesterday which included Jury Duty. Only Kornheiser can make an entire day at the courthouse compelling, and for someone who didn’t who has never gone to jury duty, it’s actually pretty interesting.

And no, he surprisingly didn’t use “do you know who I am?” Well, until he got in front of the judge, then it gets funny.

Then we talk about Michael Phelps and Alex Rodriguez. Who was stupider? (Phelps.) Tony actually asserts that A-Rod wasn’t stupid at all. He was cold, calculated and completely in the know about what he was sticking into his body. Phelps is just a moron.

And what about the children? That creates one hell of a rant.

We look at the sports calendar and realize how much February sucks. So what, in Tony’s mind, is the best sports time of year? Has that changed since he’s been doing Monday Night Football?

Before we get to the radio-equivalent to the Big Finish, we touch on two things near and dear to Tony’s heart: dogs and Idol. An old dog won Westminster, so I ask if there’s any chance for Maggie. And we get into a debate about Idol.

To finish, the big Mail Bag is back!!!!!

All the regulars, and while Tony doesn’t read them (sorry) he cuts me off at every chance. We talk Twitter, Cindy Boren, Wilbon on a fence, haikus galore, Rehoboth Beach and Bea Arthur’s bong.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 115

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 07:48:06 -0500

Brian Stelter of the New York Times joins the show to talk about TV, media, ratings, Twitter and social media. And I think we even throw a little A-Rod in there as well.

Stelter graduated college in 2007 and had a website that was getting a million monthly pageviews. We talk about how he was able to make a name for himself while in school and what it’s like working for the New York Times while being just out of college. Oh, and we find out he hates the term ‘wunderkind.’

We talk about the difference between writing a blog, and writing a blog for the Times. Which leads to an interesting conversation about the traditional media’s clash with online content and new media.

Speaking of new media, we ask him what he thinks the future of the industry is. We also discuss the journalistic merits of Twitter and talk about the change in dynamic of ‘citizen journalism.’

Shifting gears, we talk A-Rod, but bring the topic up in the context of breaking a news story. How much pressure is there to break news rather than report news? Whoever is first is who gets linked, so how much importance is there in being first?

We also talk about the notion out there that people -- supposed media people on radio -- were upset that information was leaked out about Rodriguez? Wasn’t this country founded on ‘sources?’ Would there have been Watergate without Deep Throat?

Which leads to politics. Are the cable news channels the most competitive of any sect of television? I’ve seen people at CNN try to eat their own, so we ask Stelter his thoughts on the cable news ratings battles. And what was it like covering MSNBC covering the Inauguration? He gives us a unique perspective on the day.

Stelter writes and edits TV Decoder for the Times, so we talk about ratings and wonder if they even matter anymore. With so much content available online and through other channels (literally), how can networks assess the value of a show anymore? In other words, how is anyone making money with so many things to watch and ways to watch them?

Last week, we were bumped by Congress (at least that’s what I like to say) so we ask Stelter about the delay in the Digital TV roll-out. Why is there a delay? Are we that concerned about six-million people without television for a while? What’s the hold up?

Oh, and last, as a guy who covers TV for a living, we want to know what he watches. Do his favorite shows end up on our 24-hours of programming?

On the DL Podcast - Episode 114

Thu, 5 Feb 2009 06:54:27 -0500

A late reshuffling of the deck leads us to something we’ve been wanting to do for quite a while. Our guest had to move the interview (Brian Stelter from the New York Times will be on next week, btw) because of the news of the DTV postponement.

In other words, we got bumped by Congress. Sonsabitches.

So, Nick and I do the show we talked about a few weeks ago. Programming an entire day of television!!!!

Now, there are rules – it’s not an exercise to pick our favorite 24-48 TV shows of all time. No, we are programming a day of television. Prime time shows in prime time slots. Overnight crapola, dinner-time syndications, cartoons, news, whatever.

This is as fun as you’d imagine (note: if you don’t imagine this to be fun, you suck, but in theory, it will still be as much fun as you imagine.)

Go to the website to read our full lists. And SEND US YOURS.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 113

Tue, 3 Feb 2009 07:00:47 -0500

Drew Magary of KSK joins the show for our official Super Bowl recap. And by recap we mean a few minutes on the game, a few minutes on the terrible officiating and HALF AN HOUR on the commercials.

Working in the advertising industry, Drew is especially qualified to rag on other people’s ads, so we go through the best and worst of the night.

We also talk about the logic behind some of the ads. When does a company decide to go funny or sappy or serious? Who is involved in making the commercials and why to so many of them seem like they are just trying too damn hard to be funny or sappy or serious.

We discuss the brand recognition aspect of a Super Bowl ad. Is it enough to say, “hey that commercial with the monkeys was funny” when nobody can remember what product the monkeys were pitching? Is that a failure, or is the fact that people are talking about it enough of a success?

Does anyone else have a problem with E*Trade spending upwards of 10 million dollars to produce and run two ads during the game when they just got a bailout for $800 million a few months ago? We debate the necessity of companies in need of bailout money to advertise and frankly, discuss if one really has anything to do with the other.

Nick brings up the Miller High Life one-second ads. Did we miss them? Was it all an elaborate Miller hoax? And what about the NFL contest to “hire” a Director of Fandemonium? They’ll layoff 150 people but give 100 grand to some douchebag from Cleveland or Baltimore (I assume the winner will be an AFC North fan). Does anyone have a problem with this, or are we all getting our resumes ready. And isn’t Bill Simmons already the world’s best fan?

We do talk about the game a bit. How great was it? Was it one of the best of all time? And did the last five seconds ruin the previous three minutes? There may not have been a more exciting three minutes in Super Bowl history than the last two minutes of Sunday’s game -- what with two potential game-winning drives -- but we wonder if that was tarnished by the last play of the game that CLEARLY should have been reviewed.

Look, we don’t debate if the Cardinals would have won. They wouldn’t have. But we as fans were cheated out of the Hail Mary...the most exciting yet anti-climactic play in sports. That said, if Larry Fitzgerald was on the other end of a 44-yard pass, America would have held its collective breath.

We deserved that moment.

Last, we talk food. What did Drew have for the game? Nick and I also share our Super Snacks and realize, man we’re hungry.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 112

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 08:23:05 -0500

It’s Super Bowl week, so we give you THE BIG CALL IN SHOW: SUPER BOWL EDITION.

Lots of great calls/emails and banter. For those new to the call-in show, we try once a month, or so often, to do a radio show the way we feel terrestrial radio should be. Calls to listeners, from us. Calls from listeners to us. It’s a big community, and we try to do our best to help other bloggers, podcasters and media members get their name out there.

First on the show is a young writer you may have heard of. William F. Leitch. He had a blog for a while and now writes for some magazine named after some city.

Leitch is the biggest Cardinals fan I know, so we talk about the Buzzsaw’s run to the Super Bowl and their chances against the Steelers. We also find out that Leitch is MUCH stronger than anyone anticipated, and get the report of his bet with Daulerio -- which involved Daulerio getting a tattoo and letting Leitch hit him in the face with a cookie sheet -- from the sheet swinger himself.

And we get the low down on the question that everyone wants to know: who hits another man in the face with a cookie sheet WHILE WEARING A SPORT COAT.

Nick and I then give our picks (both head and heart) and tell you who is going to win the Super Bowl.

Next up, Cameron Frye, who writes at cameronfrye.com and really really loves hockey. So we talk to her about ice and sticks for a while. We discuss the recent All-Star Game, the fact that the game is on Versus and the lack of Sidney Crosby. Is he just kind of a wimp, or a total wimp? And we talk ask an actual hockey writer why the Winter Classic isn’t the All-Star Game? Make the All-Star Game outside. It’s the best way.

Oh, yes, and we get the story on why she was fired from her job for writing something on Deadspin.

Next up: emails. We read some listener mail including a question from Devine at The City Line asking us who in sports would make our favorite uncle. It’s a great question.

Next up, we chat with Andy Hutchins, an 18-year old student at Florida. He also writes The Arena and asks us about the future of social media. It’s an interesting blog/podcast/new media discussion. We then him what he’d let Tim Tebow do to him, just because he’s Tim Tebow.

Next up, a call with Eric DeLash from Maryland who we ask the status of Gary Williams. Can Gary really get fired? Should he get fired? And when am I going on UMD’s radio station to regale them with old stories of Walt Williams?

To close, Nick and I get on a soapbox about the NFL layoffs. It involved Deion Sanders and is one I’m particularly angry about. So hopefully it makes good listening.

Long show, good show. Listen to the show.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 111

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 08:08:15 -0500

AJ Daulerio from Deadspin joins the show to talk about getting hit in the face with a cookie sheet.

We talk about the NFC Championship bet gone horribly awry. How is AJ’s face feeling? Why didn’t he take it in the side of the head to avoid the potential for a nose explosion?

And frankly, we get to the bottom of the question everyone wants to know...did anyone think that Will Leitch was that strong?

We also talk about the Buzzsaw on AJ’s ass. Literally. If you didn’t know, he had a Buzzsaw tattooed on his buttocks in honor of the Arizona Cardinals. We get the story on how things are progressing now (turns out there is an itchy phase of getting tattoos. Who knew? Well, I guess all of you who have tattoos). We also wonder if this is the start of something fantastic and AJ will soon be adorned with hundreds of ink spots, including a Canseco-like tiger across his back.

Just a matter of time.

We actually talk about some sports and find out who Daulerio is rooting for in the Super Bowl and wonder if there’s any ill-will toward Will. We also talk about how Deadspin is covering the game and wonder if there’s any juice going into the game or it’s just the requisite “Super Bowl” buzz. Do people care more about this game? Less?

Before we get on to more business, I take the opportunity to (yet again) bitch to Daulerio about something. Hilarity ensues. Or something like that.

We talk about Mark McGwire and the Breaking News that resulted from Deadspin’s reporting of a book being pushed by his brother. Rather that discuss the story (because who doesn’t think Big Mac was on something) we talk about the transition of Deadspin into mainstream media, and talk about how that transition just sort of happens.

Then I liken Deadspin to Green Day, AJ tells us he’s a vagabond and we make sure he doesn’t miss his train. You know, typical stuff when Daulerio is on the show.

To close, Nick and I spend a few minutes catching up and talking about friends, listeners and how listeners can become friends. Weird world.

Oh, and we spend time plugging some really awesome stuff that we have on the site and some public speaking engagements we’ll be doing and promoting our Super Bowl Box pool. Get in before it’s too late.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 110

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 10:54:18 -0500

Tony Kornheiser is back on the show to talk about, what else, the next American Idol.

And by that, of course, we mean Barack Obama.

We first discuss his absence from the radio airwaves. Does he regret his decision to stay away from radio in the off-season? Does he miss it? Did he even have a station to come back to? We discuss these things, as well as Tony explaining that he can’t just stick a piece of tin foil in his nose and start a radio station. I try to explain to him that, with the internet, you can do just that (sans tin foil, of course).

Which leads to Twitter. And Facebook. And Tony asking if I’d cheat on my wife with Cindy Boren (via Twitter, I assume).

I ask Tony if he ever gets concerned about becoming irrelevant. I’m not even relevant and I spend half my day concerned about becoming irrelevant. But Tony doesn’t seem to mind, and it spawns an interesting discussion about getting old and finding your place and your audience in the world. More tin foil talk ensues.

Speaking of becoming irrelevant, we do talk about American Idol, the show, but with it being early in the season, we don’t get too in-depth (a good thing for most of you). We do, however, discuss the changes to the show and Tony takes the opportunity to explain how the new judge is on board in case Paula Abdul explodes one day...and I think he means that quite literally.

Then of course, we talk about the Inauguration of Barack Obama. What was it like being in DC? How bad was the traffic? How did he manage to get to PTI and back home?

But more nationally speaking, What does this mean to us? To the country? To the world? I know that’s a big set of questions, but I think that’s what everyone is wondering. What does this mean?

I ask Tony, as a writer, what the lasting storyline will be from yesterday’s ceremony. It’s hard to pick one, and Tony has a few, as do I, and they include the speech, the walk, and of course, the raccoon sitting on top of GHW Bush’s head.

We also talk about Sunday’s concert and I wonder who the most famous person was? I’ve been thinking about that since I watched it. I wonder who got the most people excited. Springsteen? Beyonce? Stevie Wonder? Obama himself? I think the answer, at least for now, is Obama. Which is pretty cool.

We talk about Tony’s lack of balls last night. Wait, that came out wrong. We talk about Tony’s lack of invitation to any balls last night. And yes, we bring back Mr. Tony’s Mailbag! An extended version with emails from many of the old radio listeners and littles.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 109

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 08:35:11 -0500

Adam Gertler, star of Will Work for Food on the Food Network, joins the show to talk about...well, being a star on the Food Network.

Gertler was a contestant on Next Food Network Star, and despite losing in the finals, was offered his own show by the network, premiering tonight, January 19, 2009 at 8:30 pm.

We talk about his journey from Syracuse acting troupes to LA to become an actor to co-owning a restaurant in Philadelphia to making ends meet as a waiter to his inevitable tryout for Next Food Network Star. I’m tired just typing that.

We also talk about what it takes to try out for a reality show. Was it a last resort? A lark? It’s interesting to get into the mindset of someone who is part of the reality TV world.

Then, we get into the happenings on a reality TV show. How much of what they show us on the episodes is “reality?” How much of what they show us is for the benefit of television. Gertler explains that there is no gray area on TV and that in order to make compelling drama, everything has to be in black and white.

We talk in detail about his time in Philly. What is the hardest thing about owning a restaurant? What’s it like owning a restaurant in a town like this, where everything is so colloquial? And what advice would he have for someone thinking about opening a restaurant?

Also, we talk a lot about why the Smoked Joint closed. Gertler explains that while he had a great location for his restaurant, it’s not great when neighbors are calling the police all the time. And it’s not great when you serve hearty, roll-up-your-sleeves food in the theatre district. After hearing Gertler explain all the perils of owning the Smoked Joint, I wonder why anyone would ever want to own a restaurant. But after hearing him talk about the ups and downs with such passion, I understand why.

So, now that he’s a big-to-do celebrity, would he ever think about opening another restaurant and would that restaurant be in Philly?

Obviously we talk about his new show on the Food Network. Basically he travels the globe showing viewers how certain foods are made, cultivated and created. Anything from harvesting truffles to flair bartending, if it’s a job in food, Gerlter plans to try it.

There will be some “yuks” on the show, and there is ample opportunity for Gertler’s ebullient personality to shine through, but he assures me the show is as much information as entertainment. At the very least, he promises we’ll learn just how hard some of these jobs are.

He’s an easy guy to root for, and it comes through on the interview. It’s like you’re talking to the guy next door, only he’s on TV. That’s what will hopefully make the show a success.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 108

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 21:52:42 -0500

Ed Rendell, the Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, joins the show to talk about his two careers - one in public office and one talking sports. Seriously, is there a more perfect guest for this show than Governor Rendell. We love sports. We love politics. And in this case, we get the chance to talk a lot about both.

The interview was done in his Philadelphia office, so we start there: Philadelphia. The city of champions. We discuss the genius that is the miniature William Penn statue atop the Comcast Building. Gov. Rendell suggests they should sell those, to which I replied that I would purchase one and affix it to the top of my house. And I would in fact do that.

We talk about the Governor’s life and what a week is like for a man who runs a state and still has time to talk football on TV. How much of his time is spent in Philly? How much in Harrisburg and how much in the Steel City? And I ask a question that you never expect a straight answer to: can he be a real person, or is he always Governor Rendell. In short, no, he can’t be a real person, but only feels that way when he’s in the safe haven of sports. Pretty interesting answer.

We talk at length about his comment regarding the life and family – or lack thereof – of Arizona Governor and appointed head of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano. CNN’s Campbell Brown took Rendell to task for saying Napolitano had “no life” and “no family” and the Governor talks frankly about his comments, Brown’s reaction and the idea that, as a public figure, you’re always on. The microphone is always pointed at you and if there’s even a cell phone in the room, anything you say can make national news. I ask what kind of pressure that creates when out in public.

I ask the Governor to break down his job. How much of what he does is interviews, press conferences, publicity events and how much of his job, or the job of any politician is rolling up your sleeves and actually governing.

We talk about outgoing President Bush and incoming President Obama. Rendell takes some of Bush’s decisions to task, but in doing so, defends Bush’s ambition for trying to get things done. They were just the wrong things. With regard to Obama, we talk about the scrutiny he’ll be placed under (perhaps more than GW) and wonder how long his grace period will last.

I ask the Governor what his political end game is. There was talk he might be a running mate if Hillary got the nomination, so what further political aspirations does he have? After downplaying his name being on any “short lists” he does mention that after his term as Governor is up, if the position presents itself, he’d be interested in a position in Obama’s cabinet. But, as he says, “what will be, will be” and he’d be just has happy getting a full-time teaching gig.

Interesting.

Onto sports, I ask the Governor what he knows more about: politics or sports. We talk a lot of Eagles chat, including what the legacy of Donovan McNabb will be (and should be) in this town. We also discuss the career of Andy Reid and the Governor explains just how good Reid has been in his time in Philly.

We talk about the fact that we’re one game away from an all Pennsylvania Super Bowl, which would be one of the greatest things for a Governor to be a part of. I ask what his Governor’s bet will be (it involves the two cities donating food to shelters) and I ask what others around the state think of him, especially with his loyal affinity for the Eagles. He mentions that in 2004, when a PA Super Bowl almost happened, he lobbied to the NFL to have the game played in State College (joke, but good idea) and that he’ll happily do it again this time around if both teams get there.

Last, I ask him what athlete or Philly sports figure would make the best politician. His answers might surprise you.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 107

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 06:26:46 -0500

The Mighty MJD of Yahoo’s Shutdown Corner joins the show to talk about the best weekend of the NFL season. It’s widely thought that Division Round weekend is the best weekend in the NFL so we “tackle” all that happened on Saturday and Sunday with one of the top NFL bloggers around.

First, we talk about his podcast, On the Corner (a member of the On the... sports podcasting family) as well as writing Shutdown Corner. Could he do his job covering the NFL without ever talking about the games? There is so much going on around the league that the games sometimes seen secondary. We also talk a little about Chris Cooley’s contributions to the Corner and ask MJD what other football player or coach he’d like to see blogging.

On to the games. Three road teams won, so what was the most surprising thing about Divisional Round weekend? This leads to a conversation about Carolina and how terribly Jake Delhomme played. Was it because he was terrible, or because the Cardinals played well.

And speaking of the Cardinals, we ask MJD what we’re supposed to think about Kurt Warner. Is he likeable, or is his public persona too good to be true (like a certain QB in Philly, perhaps)?

We cover the biggest surprises, so we look at the flip side - what happened that shouldn’t have surprised us? And who is the best player left in the playoffs. MJD goes defense first, but we all come around to wonder at the spectacle that is Larry Fitzgerald.

Looking forward - is a nine-win team slated to go to the Super Bowl a good thing? MJD wrote yesterday that it shouldn’t even be a factor. They are in the title game for a reason, and that reason is that they are playing the best football right now. We discuss that, the importance of hot streaks and discuss if the bye week has become more of a hindrance for teams. Why not expand the playoffs to 16 teams and eliminate the bye week?

If the Eagles win the title, it will be the first Super Bowl for Philadelphia. Even though everyone will agree that this isn’t even close to the best Eagles team, it’d be the one with the trophy. We ask MJD which is more important: the legacy (like the Pats going 16-0 and 18-1) or the trophy? Is it more important to be remembered as one of the best, or be an average team that got hot and won a ring?

We’re in a bubble here, so we ask who America is rooting for. We also talk about Josh McDaniels getting the Denver job at 32-years old and lament what we’re all doing with our lives.

After the interview, Nick and I talk about some of the potential Super Bowl storylines.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 106

Thu, 8 Jan 2009 05:35:49 -0500

Months in the making, Ian Eagle joins the show to talk about the myriad of things he’s been doing while not being on our show.

You know, Monday Night Football, Army-Navy, NFL Playoff games, the NBA (a case can be made that the last decision...actually a poor one). But he’s here, and he’s hilarious.

We talk about his schedule and I ask how much of it is set and how much of it is, “hey Ian, can you come do this game...” We talk about the legend that is Marv Albert, and Eagle does his stellar Marv impersonation. Spot on.

We talk about the legend that is Bill Raftery and are treated to the story of how Raf’s “ONIONS” call originated. Then we delve into the (even more) ridiculous to get the story of Raftery and Eagle in a sauna. Yes, that’s the hook of the show now...old men in saunas. It’s worked before, it’ll work now.

With Dick Vitale taking over the NBA for a night, we discuss the actual job of calling basketball games and the difference between calling an NBA game and a college game. We also talk about the preparedness needed to call a game. How much of the telecast is canned information and how much of it is reaction on the fly?

I wanted to talk with Eagle about his Sports Broadcasting Camp with Bruce Beck where they teach kids to ostensibly become their replacements. For money. It’s a brilliant idea and a great camp that I wish existed 17 years ago. I lobby to get a guest speaker role in this year’s camp.

Before we end, I get the scoop on the rumors this past summer that Eagle was a candidate to replace Chris Russo on Mike and the Mad Dog on the FAN. Turns out, Eagle was offered the gig, but turned it down. We get the story.

We also talk about the vast power of the internet, and I wonder why the only funny thing you can find on Eagle is that silly head-bob video where he feels like he’s at a bar mitzvah. We need sauna footage! Wait.....no we don’t.

Oh and we get into the name – is his name REALLY “eye-in” Eagle or is that just a clever stage name?

On the DL Podcast - Episode 105

Tue, 6 Jan 2009 08:21:54 -0500

A long 105th show, ostensibly broken into to parts. The first half of the show is a talk with Brian Powell of Awful Announcing.

We talk about the decision by both the NHL and MLB to push big TV ventures – the Winter Classic and the official launch of MLB Network – on the day that is synonymous with college football.

Oh, speaking of college football, we talk about the BCS and how great the semifinal between Utah and USC is going to be next week...wait, WHAT? We use the great teams still standing to show exactly how stupid the BCS system is. Well, we discuss how the ratings for these games, compared to the ratings for say the NFL playoffs, have been terrible. Maybe someone will finally wake up to see that a playoff system will be more profitable than bowl games nobody cares about.

That brings us to the actual NFL playoffs. We talk about the quality of games on Wildcard Weekend and discuss the fact that an 8-8 team and a 9-6-1 team could be the favorites to go to the Super Bowl after last weekend.

We also talk about the terribly awkward interview between Dan Patrick and Matt Millen between Saturday’s games. It had to be done, but did it have to be done the way it was? It was, in fact, awkward and terrible.

Speaking of awkward and terrible, we discuss the big announcement that Jay Mariotti has started blogging at Fanhouse. Interesting decision.

The second half of the show is a more in-depth breakdown of the NFL weekend with Nick. But first, we talk about the insane situation brewing at Boston College. Gene DeFillipo is a bad guy.

Then, we talk about the Birds, their legit chances to go to the Super Bowl and who we think, and who we want, to get into the big game. We also plug some stuff for the show, including FREE T-SHIRTS.

Enjoy.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 104

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 08:27:27 -0500

Yes, we went from 100 to 104, sue us. In this episode we talk about our New Years Resolutions, both personally/professionally and what we’d like to resolve in sports.

We enlist some help from around the blogosphere from AJ Daulerio at Deadspin, Jamie Mottram from Mister Irrelevant and Yahoo! and Drew Magary from Kissing Suzy Kolber.

In addition, we talk some sports. We talk Eagles with Daulerio, and give him a chance go vent about the “soul sucking” nature of his job. Funny stuff.

With Mottram, we talk about the soul sucking nature of being a fan of the teams in Washington. Mottram does not seem so optimistic about the chances of anything going well in DC anytime soon.

With Drew, we try and get through the interview without him cursing (fail) and talk about the upcoming Vikings-Eagles matchup. We also talk about my feud with Bill Simmons and whether or not I have a feud with Bill Simmons. And there’s some hilarious trash talking between Nick and Drew.

Oh, and we read listener mail! We talk about some of our listeners personal resolutions and sports resolutions and give our own for the new year.

Happy New Year.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 100 - Part 5

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 07:12:08 -0500

Episode 100 is here, in the flesh, or in this case, in the computer. This episode is so big, we’ve cut it up into five parts. The DL, in conjunction with washingtonpost.com was given the opportunity to go behind the scenes with Monday Night Football. These interviews took place throughout the day, and into the night.

Today, we present Part 5. Parts 1,2, 3 and 4, uploaded last week, are conversations with Tony Kornheiser, Ron Jaworski, MNF producer Jay Rothman and Suzy Kolber. To end our 100th Episode Extravaganza...

Part 5 is a sit-down with Mike Tirico.

The interview with Tirico is actually in two parts of its own. First we talk on location at his radio show at Mitchell & Ness in Center City Philadelphia. We had the chance to tape part one of this interview in between segments of Tirico & Van Pelt on ESPN Radio.

In that segment we talk about his role at ESPN and why he likes doing, well, everything. He does NFL, NBA, Golf and less we forget the radio show he was doing at the time. Why?

Mike talks about why he loves doing all the different sports and different mediums and the reason he does it is because that’s how the people he grew up watching and listening to did it.

I also ask if anyone up at the WWL harbors any resentment toward Mike for taking some of the bigger gigs away from other people.

I ask Mike about his first love, or at least what seems to be his first love, golf. From a host perspective, how hard is a golf event to call, with everyone in your ear and very few breaks in a very long day, constantly having to drive traffic all over the course. Mike calls it the easiest and hardest of all the sports.

We also talk about his national Radio show and if he feels he can’t be as opinionated or stir as much controversy because of his status at ESPN. Does he feel he speaks for the network now?

Part two of the interview takes place in the booth of Monday Night Football, just before kickoff of the Eagles and Browns. That alone is pretty freaking awesome. We follow up on the radio show conversation to talk about the difference between a national show and a local format show.

That leads to a lengthy conversation about competition. Everyone is everyone’s competition now. If you can get someone’s attention for five minutes on the street (or 25 in a podcast) you are taking away from national radio or TV or movies. The world has changed, so we discuss the changes in media. Mike really seems to get this whole blogosphere thing.

We touch on the BCS coming to ESPN. With Mike cutting his teeth in the college ranks I wanted to get his thoughts on the current system, the NCAA and Barack Obama’s push for a playoff system.

Last, we talk about what Mike hasn’t done yet. Is there anything out there that he wants to do? Oh, and then he calls a Monday Night Football game, so I’m pretty sure you can guess that answer.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 100 - Part 4

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 05:59:32 -0500

Episode 100 is here, in the flesh, or in this case, in the computer. This episode is so big, we’ve cut it up into five parts. The DL, in conjunction with washingtonpost.com was given the opportunity to go behind the scenes with Monday Night Football. These interviews took place throughout the day, and into the night.

Today, we present Part 4. Parts 1,2 and 3, uploaded earlier in the week, are conversations with Tony Kornheiser , Ron Jaworski and MNF producer Jay Rothman. Part 5 is actually a two-part interview with Mike Tirico which will be up on Monday but first...

Part 4 is a sit-down with Suzy Kolber.

This interview was conducted in one of the locker rooms at The Linc in between Kolber’s updates for SportsCenter, NFL Live and the other ESPN shows throughout the day leading up to Monday Night Football.

First, we talk about her homecoming, having grown up in Philly. She talks about her family situation, and how it changed with the addition of a daughter this year. I ask how different it’s been, and how she’s been able to balance her role at ESPN with her new role as a mom.

We talk about her WIkipedia page. At the time of the interview, it stated that Ron Jaworski had babysat her. Falso. It also said she played for her high school football team. Also false. Her dad knew Jaws and they were friendly. And she did play football, but at the pee-wee level. But it leads to a conversation about the internet and how anything that’s out there is out there. Is it fair?

We talk about the transition from Sunday Night Football to Monday Night Football and how different it is, especially with her role changing with the telecast completely this season.

We talk about the power of ESPN, and I wonder where people can go anymore? If you get to ESPN and get a level where she’s gotten – hosting studio shows, working Monday Night Football – there are fewer and fewer options for people with EPSN buying up every sports property around.

Kolber actually goes the other way and thinks with the internet and cable TV growing, there are even more options for people who might want to make a name elsewhere. Interesting debate.

Last, I ask Kolber what event she hasn’t had covered that she’d like to most work. She tells us about a job offer from NBC to work the Olympics in a three-Games deal that she turned down. Interesting.

Busy time of the day for her, but Kolber was very nice to sit down and spend a few minutes with us.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 100 - Part 3

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 07:48:37 -0500

Episode 100 is here, in the flesh, or in this case, in the computer. This episode is so big, we’ve cut it up into five parts. The DL, in conjunction with washingtonpost.com was given the opportunity to go behind the scenes with Monday Night Football. These interviews took place throughout the day, and into the night.

Today, we present Part 3. Parts 1 and 2, uploaded yesterday are conversations with Tony Kornheiser and Ron Jaworski. Part 4 is a sit-down with Suzy Kolber. Part 5 is actually a two-part interview with Mike Tirico. These interviews will be coming in the next few days, but first...

Part 3 is an interview with MNF producer Jay Rothman. This is the segment for all the media geeks out there. With all the names surrounding Monday Night on ESPN, there is one guy who is in control of everything. And that’s Rothman. It’s a big job, and Rothman has worked his way up in the industry to have earned that right.

We talk about his resume and I ask him, with all the events he’s done, is anything a big deal to him anymore?

We talk about balancing the amount of people he’s in control of each game, and how much of that control is predicated upon being being prepared going in and how much is reacting to the situation.

We also talk about his responsibility as a producer. Is his charge to create the best show possible, or is it to garner the best rating possible? Can those two concepts be mutually exclusive?

Rothman has worked on World Cup soccer matches, so I ask him to compare putting on a game live in studio to the way ESPN covered Euro 2008 and other big soccer matches. How important is it to be at the venue?

We talk more football, and specifically talk about his competition. Does he watch other networks? How much of the business is keeping up with the network Joneses?

A production this huge is a mass undertaking, so I wanted to ask Rothman if he’s ever had an “oh sh!t” moment. He tells a great story about losing power for a Notre Dame football game.

Last, I try to find out what else he’d want to cover. Monday Night Football is at high as it gets at ESPN, so I wonder if he has any other events he hasn’t had a chance to run.

Again, the audio isn’t great on this. It’s actually not great at all (sorry about that...it gets better in Parts 4 and 5). But the content is quite interesting and it’s a great look into a man with a lot at his fingertips.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 100 - Parts 1 and 2

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 09:49:38 -0500

Episode 100 is here, in the flesh, or in this case, in the computer. This episode is so big, we’ve cut it up into five parts. The DL, in conjunction with washintgonpost.com was given the opportunity to go behind the scenes with Monday Night Football. These interviews took place throughout the day, and into the night.

Today, we present Parts 1 and 2. Part 3 is an interview with MNF producer Jay Rothman. Part 4 is a sit-down with Suzy Kolber. Part 5 is actually a two-part interview with Mike Tirico. These interviews will be coming in the next few days, but first...

Part 1 is a chat with everyone’s favorite kvetcher, Anthony Irwin Kornheiser. We talk about his return to radio, or lack thereof, and why he’s made that decision. We also talk about the life of doing Monday Night Football and how to balance that with doing a daily radio show in the off-season. Is that balance possible for him? This is Tony, on the record, talking about his future in radio. Pretty exclusive stuff.

We also talk about Tony’s role on Monday Night Football, and if he feels he’s gotten any better at the job. Does he listen to what the critics say? Does he care that whatever he does makes “bloggy news?”

Part 2 is a sit down with Ron Jaworski. Jaws and I talk about his love of doing Monday Night Football games in Philly, and how exciting it is to do games from home. We also talk about his preparation during the week, from the Matchup Show to all the research and preparation it takes for each highlight that may be on the screen for 30 seconds.

And while we are breaking news, we talk with Jaws about the future of the AFL. He gives us his information as to whether the league will ever be back, and if so, when. (Gave a little away there, didn’t I). We also talk about the economics of sports. The AFL is on break. The NFL had more layoffs. Is anything recession proof?

Great kickoff to the 100th show. Look for more in the coming days.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 99

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 16:28:39 -0500

Drew Magary joins the show to talk about the goings on in the world of the NFL. In other words, sweatpants, guns and exposed wangs.

Yes, we talk to Drew about his book, Men with Balls, and wonder if Plaxico Burress read a chapter or two before heading out that fateful night.

We discuss the impending doom of the Arena League and get into a somewhat serious discussion about the economics of the sport and how it’s even viable to sustain a sport like that in any economic climate, let alone a terrible one.

We continue the economic portion of the program to gawk at the number of zeros in CC Sabathia’s new seven-year deal. With no salary cap in baseball, the Yankees can do whatever they want. So we ask Drew what he thinks will happen in the un-capped NFL season, and if the NFL would be better or worse without a salary cap.

Oh yes, the wangs. We talk about Visanthe Shiancoe and his exposed member, whether it was purposefully exposed and why athletes seem completely comfortable being naked around one another.

Then we get into a strange conversation about old men in the gym who like to be naked while they talk about business, or eat lunch, or whatever else they do. I mean come on, make an attempt to put on some pants at some point in the 10 minute conversation. Am I right?

Since I’m going to Monday Night Football this week, we talk about Drew’s knock on Tony. Is it fair to knock a guy who was given a high-profile job just because you think he isn’t good? (Short answer: yes). But we debate the fact that if someone know he isn’t good, how far is too far to go to make fun of that person?

We also ask Drew who the easiest person in sports is to consistently make fun of. Oh, and to make sure our karmic aura is clear from negativity, we plug the charity efforts of the fine young men at KSK.

Drew, as always, is hilarious. You know what I mean?

After Drew departs, Nick and I discuss the season Finale of Dexter. A must watch, and hopefully a must listen.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 98

Sun, 7 Dec 2008 22:02:23 -0500

Chuck. Norris. On the DL.

The toughest man on the planet joins the DL to talk about...whatever the hell he wants. He’s Chuck (Freaking) Norris.

In all seriousness, Norris has a book out called Black Belt Patriotism and joins the show to talk about how his brand of politics can help save the country.

His ideas are pretty simple. Basically, he suggests we go back to the way things were 200 years ago. The taxes, the beliefs, the values. On it’s face, it seems far fetched, but it’s actually a pretty interesting concept.

I ask him about being so staunchly political and if he thinks that his right-leaning stance may alienate fans. He asserts that while some of us are liberal and some conservative, we are all Americans and that should be enough to bind us all.

In what seemed to be the prepared statement portion of the program, he talks about his ideas for changing the tax laws to fix the deficit and get us out of this recession.

We talk about his thoughts on Barack Obama and if he thinks the new POTUS will practice what he preaches. In other words, how much Hope and Change does Norris expect?

We talk about the corruption in congress, and Norris has some strong words (and actions) for those on the Hill. I also ask if he has any political aspirations. Seriously, who would run against Chuck Norris and expect to win – or live?

Finally, we talk about some sports, framed within the Second Amendment. What does Norris think about the Plaxico Burress situation and what does he think about people who are using the case as a pulpit for the right to bear arms? Oh, and what does the martial arts Hall of Famer think about the new breed of fighters...MMA?

On the DL Podcast - Episode 97

Thu, 4 Dec 2008 06:26:38 -0500

Matt Mosley from ESPN joins the show to talk about the always-interesting soap opera that is the NFC East.

First, as Mosley is a Dallas-area native and Big 12 alum, we sneak in a little BIg 12 talk, specifically how that conference has totally screwed up the BCS this year with their crazy tie-breaking rules.

We talk about his role at ESPN as the NFC East’s blogger in their new blogosphere introduced this year. We talk about the differences between covering the league for a national entity like the WWL as opposed to covering a local beat or being a local columnist. We also discuss the changes to his role from covering the entire league at Hashmarks, to just being responsible for covering the NFC East....clearly the most fascinating of all the divisions.

Speaking of fascinating, we cover the Plaxico Burress situation, and ask Mosley to put this into some historical perspective with regard to NFL off-field legal issues. Is this as big as Ray Lewis? TO in his driveway? Where does it rank?

Also, the Giants put Plax on the PUP list, but what if a doctor says he is able to perform. What legal grounds to the Giants have to keep him out, or would they just have to cut him? What will the NFL do to help the Giants in this situation?

With all the Giants mess this week, we almost forgot about how crazy the Dallas season has been. From Pac Man to Romo’s finger to TO just being there (and ready to explode at any time)...has Dallas gotten through the tough stretch and settled down into a legit contender, or is there something brewing down there we should look for in the next few weeks? If anyone would know, it’s Mosley.

We end with some Philly talk (sorry Skins fans). Will Reid or McNabb be back next season? What will happen to them? Why would either of them even want to come back at this point?

Last, as Christmas approaches, we ask Matt if he can promise never to reference throwing snowballs at Santa, and as someone who grew up a Cowboys fan, if he can help spread the word to his out-of-town media brethren.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 96

Tue, 2 Dec 2008 06:32:50 -0500

Kevin Kaduk from Yahoo! re-joins the show to talk about the Hot Stove...or as Nick calls it, the hot plate. There hasn’t been much in the way of baseball moves this off season, so we talk about what a baseball blogger does when there is no baseball about which to blog.

In other words, how off is the off-season?

Fortunately for us, there was a lot of actual baseball happenings this week, so we discuss the Hall of Fame list and discuss who should get in, who will get in, and how many times Rickey Henderson will refer to himself in the third person during his, what will undoubtedly be, epic acceptance speech. We don’t actually discuss the last one, but Rickey thinks we should.

We get into the “first-ballot” Hall of Fame moniker and ask ‘Duk about his thoughts on the matter. If you are a Hall of Famer, shouldn’t you be in the Hall? Why does it take some guys 14 years to get in?

We also discuss the idea of changing the criteria for voting for the Hall of Fame, especially with the shift to new media. Hell, can we vote?

We shift to the Turnkey S & E report that talks about teams’ brand loyalty with their fans, and wonder why there are so many football teams in the top 10 but only two baseball teams. ‘Duk has some interesting thoughts on that, and how the game perceives itself.

We talk MVP/MOP and wonder how you can define value. Should the MVP be named after a player like the Cy Young Award is?

We then get into the Winter Meetings. Who will be moved? Who will make any money? Will the Obama Tax Plan and lack of money anywhere in this country change the way contracts are constructed? And what makes someone a Type A/B Free Agent? Is it really just based on one year’s performance?

Last, does what happen in Vegas stay in Vegas, or is it all going to end up on Big League Stew? How will ‘Duk go about covering such a strange event...and does any business really even happen, or just enough for all these executives to justify getting away from their families for a few days in the off-season.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 95

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 06:57:51 -0500

What are you thankful for in sports? We ask that question to a cavalcade of bloggers from all reaches of the internet.

First up, AJ Daulerio from Deadspin joins us to talk about what he’s thankful for this sports year. We also talk about the BCS and college hoops, the demise of the Eagles, the rise of Joe Biden and the reprise of the BS Report. Oh, and AJ thinks he looks like actor Charlie Day. We’re thankful to him for joining us yet again.

Next up, Lisa Winston from MiLB.com. She has a column out today of her A-Z of what she’s thankful for, so we get some insights to that, and talk about the world of covering minor league baseball.

Next, Ian Cassleberry from Bless You Boys joins us to talk his comprehensive list of Detroit-area thankfuls. He’s actually thankful for the Lions. Yeesh. We also talk about Beilein and Rich Rod...and which he’s actually thankful for.

Following that we talk with Zach Harper from Talkhoops.net about his thankfuls. He has nice things to say about our show (and we’re thankful for that) and we talk some hoops including the hub bub of LeBron going to NY....in two years.

Last up, we talk with Dan Steinberg and get his thankful list. Basically he hates commercialism in sports. Somewhere in there, he’s thankful for something. It’s worth it when he gets there. Oh, and we talk Tofurky!

Thank you, and have a great Thanksgiving.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 94

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 05:13:41 -0500

Michele Tafoya joins the show to talk about her career patrolling the sidelines of some of America’s biggest sporting events.

We talk about her role with Monday Night Football and how much it actually changed from last season. We also dissect the different responsibilities a sideline reporter can have, from interviewer to news reporter to game-play analyst and how the job has changed over the last decade.

I ask Michele if she’s ever gotten blown off by a coach at halftime and how she’s dealt with that. And we talk about the overwhelming attention the younger sideline reporters get from men ogling them in the stands and the bevy of blog sites dedicated to their every moves.

I ask her if Erin Andrews (and the like) have become this generation’s Anna Kournakova. We talk about how the perception of women in sports has change from when she started.

We also talk about celebrity, and how being a national television personality opens more doors with coaches and players than the lowly beat writers can open.

With John Lynch starting at Fox this week, we talk about athletes leaving the field and going into the booth...who would be the best at it? She brings up some interesting names.

We also discuss her decision to stop covering the NBA this year to spend more time with her family. Reports questioned if ‘not renewing her contract’ was code for ‘her contract was not renewed’ so we talk about that, and get the real scoop on why she didn’t go back to the NBA this year.

Finally, we talk a little about Barack Obama becoming the President and how our kids may laugh at us 30 years from now that it’s such a big deal and wonder why it took so long for a minority to become POTUS. We equate that to women in sports...how far have we come exactly?

Oh yeah, we also rip on Minnesota building an open-air baseball stadium and take some shots at Kornheiser.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 93

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 08:55:23 -0500

The great call in show! Yes, we actually turn the podcast into your typical, run of the mill, standard sports talk radio call in show...except we do it awesomer.

Actual calls from listeners, previous guests and even a few voicemail calls. We talk about the Eagles tie, Donovan McNabb not knowing the rules of football, Sarah Palin’s book deal, the NL MVP, college football and basketball. and the idea that photographers are media people too.

Then, in our last call, we talk HOCKEY! Yes, our de facto hockey preview is tacked on to the back of our great call in show. Marc Sonsini re-joins the show to talk about the league, the Flyers and the Mullet getting the axe.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 92

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 06:05:14 -0500

Our NBA Season Preview, a few weeks late, with J.E. Skeets. Skeets is one of the top bloggers/podcasters/vidcasters in the ‘sphere and that’s not just limited to basketball. He is the editor of Ball Don’t Lie over at Yahoo as well as co-host of the daily podcast - now with video - of The Basketball Jones. Both worth your time.

We talk about Canada a lot, as he is from the country up north, including the proper way to say ‘about.’ We also spend a lot of time in nerdy podcast world discussing the way his show is produced every day and the process by which they can do amazing video, daily, on what looks like the set of the Matrix.

We also discuss the NBA and if the empty arenas around the league are something to be concerned about. We dissect the many criticisms of the NBA, namely the ideas that it’s about the personalities off the court more than the play on and that ESPN has turned the league into a highlight reel that doesn’t need to be watched in full. Skeets is obviously a fan of the game, so we debate that and more.

Finally, we talk about this season, and get into the Iverson trade and who it will help. I don’t think anyone in Philly ever imagined Iverson becoming a journeyman. We discuss the Sixers chances in the East this year and if he really thinks Mo Cheeks will get fired.

We end with his unofficial pick for the Finals this year, and get into some more nerdy podcast talk. Skeets is the man.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 91

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 06:53:09 -0500

Let’s reshuffle the deck a bit, shall we? After a few weeks of Championships and Presidential elections we get back to how we started....two guys talking sports and politics.

Consider this a thank you to our loyal listeners as we spend a fair time actually thanking our loyal listeners.

We do talk about the election and ask “what’s next” on the sports calendar now that the Phillies are World Champs.

Thanks to everyone out there who is listening.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 90

Tue, 4 Nov 2008 05:46:21 -0500

Election Day!

We bring back our two political pundits to talk about the election. First, Rachel Sklar of the Huffington Post joins the show to talk about how to cover all the political coverage. With at least eight networks covering the election, how can she cover it all?

We also talk about the election without Tim Russert and ask Sklar, who is Canadian, where we can find good real estate. She confuses Nick and Dan and hilarity ensues.

Second, we bring back political consultant and GOPerative Phillip Stutts to talk about the view from the right.

We discuss Barack Obama’s grandmother passing away and if that can actually help Obama with undecided voters (yes, I’m a monster and it’s evident on the show). We also talk about the polling process and exactly how inexact that science is.

And what’s with 10% of voters being undecided? We question if these people are really undecided or just latent racists and don’t want to admit it on the phone to a stranger.

We talk about each campaign and how the race was run from an organizational standpoint, and we look into the future of the GOP: does it include Sarah Palin?

Listen to this...then go vote. Or go vote, then listen to this.

On the DL Podcast - WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS EDITION

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 19:18:57 -0400

We celebrate the Phillies winning the World Series with a two part show, in one part.

First, Kevin Kaduk of Yahoo’s super blog Big League Stew joins us to talk about covering the World Series. How cold was the Auxiliary Press Box? How much did people outside of Philly really care about this Series? Are we bad fans, or just misunderstood (or understood properly)? And what the hell do we do now?

Then, in part two of one (yes, on giant file, sorry), we talk to many of the local Philly writers, bloggers, talkers and baseball lovers about what this means to them, and what this means to the city.

The list includes, but is not limited to, AJ Daulerio, Buzz Bissinger, Rhea Hughes, Jason Weitzel, Todd Zolecki and Jayson Stark. Oh, and there’s a little treat mixed in for ya.

Long show, but if you’re a Phils fan, download it, burn it on CD and keep this show forever. Go Phils! Why Can’t Us!

On the DL Podcast - Episode 88

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 05:53:33 -0400

AJ Daulerio from Deadspin joins the show to talk about the PHILLIES IN THE WORLD SERIES!!!!!

But first....we talk about the news of the week. We get AJ’s take on this whole Brett Favre situation. This time, Fox and ESPN are in the middle of a he said-no he didn’t say feud and Brett Favre is the he. Is Favre tarnishing his legacy?

We also talk about Hitler. Jemele Hill was suspended from ESPN for using a Hitler reference in her column. Lou Holtz was not suspended for equating Michigan head coach – as a joke, it seems – to Hitler. Double standard? And why do people keep making those references?

We also talk about the bomb Rick Telander dropped on us the night before. If you didn’t hear it, we’re talking about Telander, a sauna and Jay Mariotti. Yeesh.

We do talk baseball, and wonder how Deadspin will cover the World Series with the boss being such a fan of one team. Will he recuse himself?

We talk about Why Can’t Us and give AJ his due credit for helping start a craze in this town.

We also talk about some on the field stuff, including AJ predictions. Put it this way, his heart and his head aren’t agreeing, no matter what he says about not giving us a prediction. But we break down the series talking about who the MVP will be and who will have that moment....there’s always a moment.

Go Phils!

On the DL Podcast - Episode 87

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 06:14:10 -0400

Rick Telander of the Chicago Sun Times joins the show to talk about his career as a feature writer, columnist and author. Oh yes, we talk a little baseball too. And oh yes, Jay Mariotti’s name comes up.

Did you know that Telander has written eight books? Eight. We ask him about the balance of holding down a day job as a writer at the same time as writing a book. He gives a glimpse into the mindset of writing a two different styles at the same time. Great stuff.

We use one of his books, The Hundred Yard Lie, to talk about the BCS rankings (we’re saved) and get his thoughts on the corruption in college football 18 years after his book came out.

We also talk about his time at SI and compare that to being a columnist. At SI, one can dictate the storylines but as a columnist, the storylines are dictated for him. How different is that process of writing and does he ever find himself writing differently – even using different verbiage – for a more colloquial audience?

We spin to the ridiculous, and in this case, it’s LA Times writer TJ Simers. Simers is a bully and took his shots at Philly this week, so we ask Telander if he respects that style of journalism, or if it’s even journalism at all?

Speaking of bullies, we get his thoughts on Jay Mariotti. It turns out, an hour before this interview Telander was in a sauna and Mariotti walked in. That’s all I’m giving you.

We delve into sports writers becoming pundits and what he thinks about the medium having been one of the first. And oh yes, we talk baseball. The Cubs were awful, so we ask what the city thinks about that team, the upcoming World Series - do they even care about baseball anymore - and which curse is worse, 100 years without a WS title or 25 years without any team winning a title?

We end with a prediction for the World Series. Well, sort of.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 86

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 06:38:40 -0400

John Gonzalez of the Philadelphia Inquirer joins the show to talk about THE PHILLIES IN THE WORLD SERIES!!!!!!

Gonzalez worked in Dallas and Boston before coming back to Philly. Now the Phils are in the World Series, so we ask him...’where the hell ya been?’

Gonzalez is a political junkie and actually ran for congress in Texas to further a story he was writing. We talk about that, and about how running for the New Libertarian party just ticks off everyone, including Libertarians.

We ask about his trip to LA and why the national media hasn’t taken more of an interest in the criminal behavior of Dodgers fans. Knives were pulled on people and Phillies fans were penned into areas for their own safety, yet we’re the terrible fanbase? We get Gonzo’s thoughts.

We also talk about working an event when there are a dozen writers for the same publication working along side. How hard is it to find new stories and give a different perspective? Are we stuck with the same retreads all week? Can a World Series team be over-covered?

We follow that up by over-covering the team. They got to the Series, so is all forgiven? Do we love this team unconditionally now? And how do they compare to the ’93 team?

To end the show, we talk about Charlie Manuel and how this is for his mom and Victorino’s grandmother and even Gonzalez’s dad and everyone who isn’t here to share this with us. This isn’t about 25 years of frustration. It’s about 25 years of pride waiting to finally boil over.

Oh, and yes, Gonzo is on the Why Can’t Us movement. It’s taking over the world.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 85

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 06:21:41 -0400

Steve Sabol of NFL Films – one of the true innovators in professional sports – joins the show to talk about his career and company in the ever-changing sports landscape.

The one job I always wanted was to work at NFL Films so I ask if having a job there is as much fun as I’ve always imagined it to be.

We talk about how football has passed baseball as the national pastime and if there was one moment that helped that switch or it was just a natural progression. He talks about the importance of television in football and football in television.

We talk about the Ice Bowl, and we get the real story behind “The Frozen Tundra of Lambeau Field” which leads to a conversation about his favorite moment in the history of the NFL.

NFL Films has ‘100 million feet of unforgettable football moments’ so I ask how many of those film reels are now hard drives. We talk about the transformation to digital media and if the 24-hour news cycle and on-demand world we live in has changed the focus of the work NFL Films does. I also ask if with all the innovations he’s instituted in sports that are now being used by everyone (multiple camera angles on replays, microphones on players, etc) if he ever feels like he’s competing against himself.

We talk about the layoffs a few months ago, and yesterday by the NBA to ask if sports isn’t recession proof, what is?

Are fans being priced out of the market and in a few years sports as we know it will be watched at home on TV, produced by people like Sabol on an elaborate sound stage?

We close with a chat about Al Davis and if the Raiders are going through a tough time or Davis has totally lost it. We also talk about the Broncos and why I’m a fan (it’s because of Sabol).

Last, I get the scoop on the old electric chair he had in his apartment (he called it a ‘Jesus Christ’ piece) and if the 1972 Dolphins football I have is real, or a bunch of his forgeries. It’s on the record.

This was our first show of year two, and one hell of a way to start it off.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 84

Tue, 7 Oct 2008 06:46:21 -0400

Dan Le Batard joins the show to talk about his sabbatical and how it’s not really a sabbatical at all.

Le Batard hosts a Miami radio show for four hours a day, and still does PTI, but took time off from writing. We talk about why, and I ask if he misses it.

We also talk about Miami, and I ask if it’s as bad a sports town as the rest of the country thinks. That leads to a discussion about how he can do a sports talk show in a town that doesn’t care about sports. He actually feels that’s to his advantage.

I’ve always wondered how people like Le Batard transition from being a reporter to being a pundit. Was it a difficult move? Does it take a different skill set to be successful?

We talk about his role on PTI, and if he’s actually hatable or if that’s just the schtick on the show. And we get the real story behind “BAM!”

We go from Emeril to Michael Phelps. Le Batard seems sorry that his interview with Phelps went the way it did. I think Phelps showed his true colors, and they aren’t red, white and blue.

I ask Dan about his relationship with Ricky Williams, and ask for his response to a quote he gave The Big Lead about defending athletes and judging people. How is he able to do his job without judging athletes? Interesting conversation, to say the least.

We end with a makeshift Big Finish, talking Kimbo Slice, golf as a sport, McCain/Palin and Dexter. Really good show.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 83

Thu, 2 Oct 2008 06:32:10 -0400

Tony Reali, host of ESPN’s Around the Horn and ‘Stat Boy’ on PTI, joins the show to talk about going from a researcher at the WWL to hosting his own show. How does that happen?

We talk about his beloved Yankees and being from New York but growing up in Jersey. We also touch on his time at Fordham with Lakers announcer Spero Dedes. Some crew that must have been.

We discuss his relationship with Kornheiser and Wilbon, and how much he owes them for his career. We also discuss why PTI works so well, and if he feels that translates to ATH.

What is his relationship with Max Kellerman, and does he think Kellerman is holding a voodoo doll of him, waiting for the right time?

We talk more ATH, including how the show has been different since he became host and how the topics are selected for each day’s discussion. Is a panelist ever given the side of a topic they don’t really agree with?

We talk about ATH as a breeding ground – a triple-A affiliate – for ESPN.com and SportsCenter. With many ESPN writers being hired after regular appearances on ATH, I wanted to get his reaction to that claim and get his thoughts on people using that job as a job interview.

Yes, we talk Mariotti. Reali has some strong thoughts on the maligned pundit. Oh, and why not have a bloggers week on ATH?

Last, what does the future hold for Reali? Will Stat Boy ever become Stat Man?

On the DL Podcast - Episode 82

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 06:06:15 -0400

Todd Zolecki joins the show to talk about the Philadelphia Phillies upcoming trip to the Post Season!!!!

Zolecki is the beat writer for the Philadelphia Inquirer. And he’s from Milwaukee. Conflict of interest? We ask.

We also ask about the job of a beat writer, and just how daunting that job is. People call the baseball beat the toughest job in sports journalism, so we get Todd’s reaction to that assertion. We also talk about his relationship with the players having to go into the locker room every day and ‘work’ them to get information.

We discuss the changes in his job over the last three years, going from working a near-empty press box in September to sharing his job with at least a dozen writers at Philly.com. And did he even bother going into the champagne bath on Saturday?

We talk on the field stuff, including the merits of Ryan Howard being the MVP. Is Howard even the MVP of the Phillies this year, or should that honor go to Brad Lidge?

We compare this year’s team to last year’s. Now that the Phillies have been there before, and looking at the teams in front of them, do the expectations change for this season? How far do they have to go for this season to be a success?

Last, we talk about the Philly fans. What is our reputation around the country? Are we as hated as Red Sox fans? Do we just care too much?

On the DL Podcast - Episode 81

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 06:44:35 -0400

Author Jeff Pearlman joins the show to talk about his new book, Boys Will Be Boys. The book is a look at the Dallas Cowboys dynasty of the 1990s both on the field...and off.

Jeff has done somewhere in the area of 80 interviews for this book, so we try to do something different. We talk about those 80 interviews. Every. Single. One. No, we talk about the process of being interviewed so much, and telling the same stories over and over. We also talk about what it’s like being the interviewee when it’s your job to be an interviewer.

We briefly cover his career and talk about the sheer number of stories he has penned, including his latest piece for ESPN.com on Lyman Bostock.

And yes, we talk about the book. Is Emmitt Smith as pompous as he seems on TV? Should Michael Irvin be in jail? Should Charles Haley be in a mental institution?

He plays the book straight, telling all sides of every character, but there has to be some backlash. I ask him if this book has led to any more hatred than his previous works.

We also talk about the role of athletes. His job is to humanize – and in some cases dehumanize – athletes. Can sports be both a commodity and still focus so much on personalities?

On the DL Podcast - Episode 80

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 11:37:17 -0400

AJ Daulerio comes back on the show in his monthly spot. We talk about the goings on at Deadspin and why my wife doesn’t like him. Or more specifically, why she doesn’t like me when AJ is on the show.

We talk about AJ’s date with Linda Cohn and get the scoop on exactly how bad her accent really is. We also talk about the last year in AJ’s life at Deadspin, and get into a conversation about watching sports when it’s your job to cover sports.

We talk about baseball, and specifically the end of Yankee Stadium. Is it as big a deal as the media and MLB is making it? We also talk about our own Yankee Stadium memories.

We also talk NL East, and discuss the Phillies and Mets rivalry. Did you know that Phillies fans booed the Phanatic for missing a foul ball on Monday. Phantastic. Nobody is off the hook in Philly.

Last, the Phillies are offering a cruise for fans to enjoy. On the ship will be Shane Victorino, JC Romero, Greg Luzinski and Larry Anderson. If Daulerio could go on a cruise with anyone in baseball, who would it be.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 79

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 09:27:10 -0400

Aditi Kinkhabwala from The Record and SI.com is back on the show! She was our first-ever media guest (a long time ago) and she’s back to talk about college football and the collapse of the Mets. I hope.

We touch on the Mets, and it turns out, they are nervous in Flushing. But we chat about the rivalry and I wonder if people in New York are doubled over in pain as much as we are. And it’s great.

We talk a lot of college football. We touch on her day job covering the beat for Rutgers, and talk about how many people care these days, when four years ago nobody paid attention at all.

Aditi is an AP voter, so we talk about the process of becoming a voter and get very in depth about the process of voting each week.

We also talk about the importance and necessity of preseason polls and how much they sway the landscape of the season.

At the end, Nick Tarnowski joins me to talk more about the college football situation, including the revisitation of a playoff system. We also talk about how far this little show has come since the last time we had Aditi on.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 78

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 09:42:32 -0400

Mike Greenberg of ESPN joins the show to talk about his career at the WWL, the many hats he wears, and yes, germs.

Being under the weather, there was no better guest to have on the show than a noted germophobe in Greenberg. He gives me some tips on how to get better fast.

We run though a typical day in the life of Greeny, including a discussion about how he’s able to get on the air at 6am and talk about events that end well after he’s in bed.

We talk about the vastness of ESPN Radio and if he feels he has to be all things to all people. I also ask if he feels he has to dumb it down to appeal to more people.

We talk about his relationship with Mike Golic and why it has worked for nearly a decade. We spin that to talk about the demise of Mike and the Mad Dog.

We do talk some Favre, but more about if he thought the story was over-covered. That spins into MNF and what it was like getting to call a game on Monday night two years in a row.

We end with some MetroSexual talk and Greeny’s assertion that he’s the Kelly Ripa of sports talk radio. And is there anything he hasn’t done in his career that he wants to do before he’s done?

On the DL Podcast - Episode 77

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 07:49:38 -0400

Drew Magary – aka Big Daddy Drew – joins the show to talk about his book, his website(s) and what it’s like being funny.

We talk about the many jobs Drew has, from his day job in advertising to Kissing Suzy Kolber to his work with Deadspin and his book. All while having a family.

We talk about the Buzz Bissinger situation. Buzz blurbed Drew’s book, so we get the scoop on how that came to be. We also talk about how something as simple as starting a sports blog can make you relevant. If you’re good at it.

We get in depth about how the collaborative that is KSK works, and if he’s ever read anything from someone else that made him want to take it down. We talk about his lazy writing style and how it does take a long time to, in fact, come off that lazy.

Drew’s upcoming book is a handbook for athletes. And it’s funny, from what I hear. We talk about the process of writing the book, and if he has anyone to bounce ideas off of, or if he just crosses his fingers that readers think what he’s written is funny.

Then, as he IS a football writer, we talk about the NFL. What are his thoughts on Tom Brady. What does he think of the Ocho Cinco situation and this unravelling Vince Young situation. And we talk Karma, with Shawne Merriman, Al Davis and the Pats.

We end with a nice rip on the Vikings and some more hilarity from one of the funniest guys in the blogosphere.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 76 Part 2

Tue, 9 Sep 2008 09:19:47 -0400

The big political show. With two NFL games on Monday we decide to go off-book to talk about another passion of ours, politics. We chat with Phillip Stutts, a political consultant and campaign specialist in Washington D.C.

In part two of the show, we talk about the current election process.

First, who is Sarah Palin and is she qualified to be one heartbeat (and a weak heart at that) away from running the country. Phillip likes the pick, so we ask why, and wonder when she’ll have to face media scrutiny.

We talk about the conventions and ask a real political strategist (and pundit) how each side fared. Was it as simple as Obama going way over the top and McCain is a bad public speaker? Was there more to it?

That leads to who these conventions are for? Hasn’t most of America already made up its mind?

We talk a little media, including my thought that all anchors should have to disclose their voting record. This is topical with regard to MSNBC’s recent shakeup, so we wanted to address it on the show. I feel we should know more about the people we get our news from, and I think knowing who they voted for, or who they plan to vote for, will help us determine exactly how skewed their coverage is.

Staying on the topic of media, we ask about the John McCain alleged affair and marvel at how quickly that story went away. Brilliant.

Last, we talk about the overall coverage, and I assert that politics are for smart people, but campaigns are geared towards dummies. It’s the campaign’s job to dupe people into voting for their candidate by any means possible. Phillip calls me cynical and asserts that I don’t give Americans enough credit, which leads to a spirited debate.

No typical TV pundit yelling, just a very informative and lively debate between left and right. Hopefully a good listen.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 76 Part 1

Tue, 9 Sep 2008 09:10:51 -0400

The big political show. With two NFL games on Monday we decide to go off-book to talk about another passion of ours, politics. We chat with Phillip Stutts, a political consultant and campaign specialist in Washington D.C.

In part one of the show, we talk about Phillip’s career, working on many campaigns including the Presidential campaigns of George Bush and, gulp, Dan Quayle.

He also ran Bobby Jindal’s first gubernatorial campaign and we talk about the differences between running local, regional and national campaigns. He also parallels some of the obstacles Jindal had in Louisiana to some issues Obama may have in both the south, and rural America. Really interesting similarities.

We get into Bush and discuss the fact that someone can be a great guy, but that doesn’t make him a great leader. Also, with regard to Quayle, we ask about what happens to all the people who work on a campaign after it folds up shop. Do they just go home?

Good insight into the entire campaign and election process.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 75

Thu, 4 Sep 2008 05:41:37 -0400

With the NFL season starting, we talk with Hall of Famer Ray Didinger about his career covering the game for more than 40 years.

Ray is an encyclopedia of football knowledge, and not just about the Eagles. The man has lived football his entire life, from covering the game for the Philadelphia Bulletin and Daily News to writing books with Don Shula to working for 12 years at NFL Films.

We talk with Ray about his time at the Bulletin and how sports coverage is different today than when he started. We also discuss the reasons behind the rift that is prevalent between most media members and teams. Is it a sheer numbers game?

We talk about his book, One Last Read, and he tells a great story about his favorite moment in that book about Moses Malone. We also get in depth about what it’s like working at NFL Films, including working for a legend like Steve Sabol.

Since the season is starting, we talk a little Birds, including working with Governor Rendell on the post game show. And we ask Ray to address the Lito situation. Is that just a Philly problem, or does this happen everywhere.

This show is like a history lesson from a man who literally wrote much of that history.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 74

Tue, 2 Sep 2008 06:25:29 -0400

Buzz Bissinger, Pulitzer Prize winning author and foil to the sports blogosphere, joins the show to talk about his career as a writer, interviewer – and yes – new media-discussing town hall panelist.

Listen, our audience is very diverse so there are some of you who only know Bissinger for what he said on Costas Now, and the aftermath that ensued. There are some of you who read sports books or live in Philly and just said, “what’s Costas Now.”

There’s something in this for both of you. We talk about his career from winning the Pulitzer to Ed Rendell to picking up his entire life and moving to Odessa Texas on a chance a book might come out of it.

We talk a lot of baseball, including a discussion about the overuse or underuse of pitchers in the minors.

We also talk about many of his articles for Vanity Fair, including one on Don Imus and one on Stephen Glass that was turned into the movie Shattered Glass. That leads us to a talk about the need for editors, which spins us nicely into the world of internet writing.

And blogs. We not only talk briefly about that night and what his thoughts are many months later, but find out why he decided to do every interview that asked him in the weeks following. I’d have probably just gone into a shell, but he was out there taking punches from anyone.

We also discuss how that night extended the conversation about newspapers and new media. Does he regret anything? What does he think about the Mariotti’s of the world now saying newspapers are dead? What will his Deadspin Hall of Fame induction speech say?

On the DL Podcast - Episode 73

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 05:40:53 -0400

Rachel Nichols from ESPN joins the show to talk about her career, including her path from studying at the top journalism school in the country to camping out in the trunk of Brett Favre’s SUV.

We talk about Nichols’ time covering The U and what it was like to be a 21-year old female beat writer interviewing the likes of Ray Lewis every day.

We discuss her time at the Washington Post and I make the claim that it’s not blogs that are killing newspapers but young writers like her, JA Adande and the like leaving newspapers for TV. She has an interesting take on that claim.

We then talk all things ESPN, including E:60, the Stuart Scott interview with Barack Obama and what she would have done differently and what she thinks about the “Summer of Erin” and if she’s felt anything similar in her time at the WWL.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 72

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 07:03:26 -0400

AJ Daulerio from Deadspin is back to talk about the goings on in the month of August.

We talk about the Olympics and if it was a success, or a failure because of its success. We also debate the biggest story of the Olympic Games – Phelps or Bolt. We talk about our fascination with swimming and track every four years, but never in between, and spin that to a talk about the fame bestowed upon Alicia Sacramone.

We talk Deadspin and get the story on Daulerio’s interview with Sean Salisbury. We also talk about his experience at ESPN’s Monday Night Football press luncheon and exactly how out of place he felt.

Our show covers a lot, but so does Deadspin, so we talk non-sports topics like the Larry Mendte/Alicia Lane saga and discuss the pick of Senator Joe Biden as Barack Obama’s running mate (and according to Daulerio – muscle).

We end with talk of Kevin Millar’s mustache and wonder if its an homage to Hitler, or silent-film star Charlie Chaplin.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 71

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 05:26:40 -0400

Jason Weitzel from Phillies blog Beerleaguer joins the show to talk about being named Best of Philly Sportswriter. Oh, and the Fightins.

We talk with Weitzel about his site and how he’s made it a part of his job at the Reading Eagle Company. We also ask him if he’s gotten any backlash from MSM writers after his honor from Philly Mag came down.

Beerleaguer has a prominent quote on the front page from Buzz Bissinger, so we ask Weitzel about his relationship with the most polarizing figure in the blogosphere.

We also talk a lot (A LOT) about the Phillies, including the J-Roll situation, Pat Gillick’s tenure as GM and how he’s tried to replenish the farm system and whether or not this team can win the division. Hint - we all think yes. But he gives some interesting thoughts as to why and how.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 70

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 11:25:36 -0400

Sal Paolantonio joins the show to talk about his career as a writer, reporter, tv personality and fighter of pirates.

Yes before donning the sets of millions of sports viewers for ESPN, Sal Pal was at the helm of ships for the Navy, rescuing Vietnamese refugees from being kidnapped from, yes, modern day pirates.

We talk about his time as a political reporter, including his best-selling book on former Philly Mayor Frank Rizzo, and discuss how one transitions from politics to covering the Eagles. In this town, that’s not a far leap.

We compare the current Brett Favre saga with that of T.O. and ask Sal which was worse. We then go in depth about the Favre trade, but form a standpoint of how it impacted Sal standing outside in Tampa while Jay Glazer of Fox was in the airport reporting Favre’s trade to the Jets. There’s some pretty interesting notes in there about the entire day, and you can tell, Sal doesn’t like getting scooped. That leads us to the a question about the 24-hour news cycle and how that impacts both ESPN and the people who work there.

We talk about Sal’s two football books, The Paolantonio Report about the most over-and-underrated players in history and his upcoming book, How Football Explains America which is a detailed and analytical look at how the game of football mirrors society throughout the time of our country.

We end with some talk on the Birds and get his thoughts on Jimmy Rollins’ recent comments about the fans of the city. Oh, and we couldn’t let him go withtout taking shots at Merrill Hodge and, yet again, Jaws’ glasses.