Trivia Challenge (Week 4)

Here's how it works:

1.Over 20 weeks, we will be asking a trivia question each Thursday. The challenge started Thursday, May 1, 2014. 

2. Answers must be submitted to groundrulehuddle@gmail.com by 11:59 PM Eastern Time the day the question is posted. 

3. Scoring will be based on each week's question. 

4. During the 20th week, we will have a final bonus question that allows for movement on the leaderboard. 

5. The winner will receive an Amazon Gift Card and an opportunity to be featured on the blog. 

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING CHANGES TO THIS CHALLENGE

6. FOR EACH PERSON YOU RECRUIT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE TRIVIA CHALLENGE, YOU WILL RECEIVE AN ADDITIONAL 2 BONUS POINTS. THE SAME RULE APPLIES TO YOUR RECRUITED FRIEND AS WELL (EACH PERSON THEY RECRUIT, THEY WILL RECEIVE 2 BONUS POINTS).

7. FURTHER, IF YOU WRITE A BLOG ENTRY THAT WE APPROVE OF TO BE FEATURED ON FRIDAY, YOU WILL RECEIVE AN ADDITIONAL 5 BONUS POINTS. THERE IS A 1 BLOG ENTRY LIMIT. 

WEEK 4 TRIVIA QUESTION (5/29)

No Outside Resources. This means you cannot use other people, the internet, or other means to help your answer. 

At the start of the 2014 MLB Season, Name the Top 5 teams for highest payrolls. 

You will receive 1 point for each correct guess, an additional 2 points if you correctly guess all 5 teams, and an additional 4 points if you guess them in order. 

1. LAD, 2. NYY, 3. PHI, 4. BOS, 5. DET

Week 4 Scoreboard
Name	Week Score	Cumulative
Bruce*	3	23
Bryan	3	23
Derrick	4	18
Josh*	4	14
Jarred	3	14
David*	0	28
*Note: Extra points for Blog Submission

Check out the Question and Leaderboard from Week 3

Elite Coaches Since 1990: No. 6

6. Bobby Bowden

Bobby Bowden holds the NCAA record for most career and bowl wins by a Division I FBS coach, with 377 wins total.* Further, Bobby Bowden has directly mentored notable names, such as Mark Richt (Georgia) and Jimbo Fisher (Florida State). But, perhaps most impressive is Bowden's longevity at Florida State and ability to turn around a program that wasn't previously relevant. 

 

At Florida State, Bowden led the Noles to 12 ACC titles, 2 National Championships and multiple appearances, notably in the 1990s. From 1992-2000, Florida State made a major (Orange, Sugar, Fiesta) bowl every year, a remarkable feat. Further, Bowden coached 2 Heisman Trophy winners in Charlie Ward and Chris Weinke. Even though Bowden tapered toward the end of his career, he is undoubtedly and elite coach. 

Don't forget to check us out @GRHuddle. Who do you think are elite coaches? Submit your feedback to us with the hashtag, #GRHEliteCoach

*Joe Paterno technically has the most but due to sanctions against Penn State, his wins are murky.

No. 7: Joe Torre

Til the Next Episode

So Brian and I have a lot going on this week and though we know you rely on our daily wit and musings (along with trivia, well mostly trivia), we are going to be taking a week off. So, enjoy your week leading up to and Memorial Day. I'll be back with Brain Droppings next Tuesday. In the meantime, enjoy this senselessly clean version of a perfectly dirty song. Lata

Guest Blog: "Nerves" by Josh Cahill

Not only has Josh been a great friend to me (Jeremy) since we were in college together, he has also been a supporter of GRH since Day 1. I think he was even our first official follower on Twitter (get with it if you're not following, by the way). Today, he takes us into a world that may be more nerve-racking than cheering for the most-beloved sports team. I don't want to spoil it, so I'll let you read it for yourself. Thanks Josh!

Not gonna happen.  Down 11-3 with only four innings left to play.  We came back and won once already this season down 8 runs, but this is the playoffs.  Not our day.  The team we pull for will regroup and play again Saturday in a “win or go home” contest”.  Our turn to hit, only 12 outs left.  First batter gets on base, then the next, then there’s a line shot in the gap to score both.  We chip away with 5 runs, then our defense suddenly wakes up and gets our defense out of jam, limiting the damage to one run.  The bottom of our lineup keeps the rally going, with great baserunning.  Our weakest hitter legs out an infield single & crashes into the first baseman, drawing blood.  No time for a sub, gotta get bandaged up & get back out there.  Within 2 innings, we’re now up 13-12.  Alright!  Time to lock this down!  But then our defense lets us down and we go from 1 up to 4 down in only one ½ inning.  Down to 6 outs.  We gave it a good run, heck, we even took the lead back, but we certainly can’t survive another surge like that.  Only we did.  The bats remained hot & another 5 runs got tallied in the home half of the inning.  All we need are three outs to cap an amazing comeback.  Again.  First guy up rips a double.  Ugh.  Next guy lines to the SS, who flips back to second to double off the runner.  Then another infield fly lands safely in the glove of our SS and it’s over.  18-17.  We hoot and holler and hi-five each other watching the players excitement over another remarkable comeback.  The highs and lows of the sports fan.

The aforementioned recap would have been amazing enough if you were watching the Braves or your favorite MLB team on TV or perhaps at the ballpark.  Or perhaps your local area minor league affiliate, or even perhaps your alma mater.  As it turns out, none of those would be correct when citing the source material for the story. 

What you just read was my view last night of my eight year old son’s little league postseason tournament game.  And it may have been one of the most nerve-wracking fan experiences I’ve ever been a part of.  My son’s team has made it a habit of pulling out remarkable comebacks this year, including last night.  They stand only a couple of games away from winning the league championship.  As a fan, I’ve know that this only ratchets up the excitement of what may come, but also how badly it could end (think 2012 SEC Championship Game, 1993 World Series Game 6, etc).  The kids have been great, and are learning a lot about baseball and life. 

We all get nerves watching our favorite teams play.  I’m an unapologetic fanatic of UGA, Philly pro sports teams, and anyone playing the Gators or the Dallas Cowgirls.  I have seen plenty of amazing and electric sporting events in my (almost) 38 years on planet Earth.  Many have even been in the company of one of the founders of GRH.  But watching your kids in completion (sports, dance, debate, etc.) takes your level of investment in the event to a whole other level.  Especially if they are young.  You can’t really make a big deal about a booted ground ball or a strikeout.  They know they messed up, but they’ll keep battling.  No need to pile on.  But you are there for them, not only as a parent, but as a fan.  It’s why I love sports.  And it’s why I can’t wait to get back out there Saturday to cheer them on (trying my best not to toss my hat down in disgust when things go wrong).

An update: I happen to know that Josh's son won the Championship on Saturday. Congrats Zachary! You too, Josh.

Trivia Challenge (Week 3)

Here's how it works:

1.Over 20 weeks, we will be asking a trivia question each Thursday. The challenge started Thursday, May 1, 2014. 

2. Answers must be submitted to groundrulehuddle@gmail.com by 11:59 PM Eastern Time the day the question is posted. 

3. Scoring will be based on each week's question. 

4. During the 20th week, we will have a final bonus question that allows for movement on the leaderboard. 

5. The winner will receive an Amazon Gift Card and an opportunity to be featured on the blog. 

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING CHANGES TO THIS CHALLENGE

6. FOR EACH PERSON YOU RECRUIT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE TRIVIA CHALLENGE, YOU WILL RECEIVE AN ADDITIONAL 2 BONUS POINTS. THE SAME RULE APPLIES TO YOUR RECRUITED FRIEND AS WELL (EACH PERSON THEY RECRUIT, THEY WILL RECEIVE 2 BONUS POINTS).

7. FURTHER, IF YOU WRITE A BLOG ENTRY THAT WE APPROVE OF TO BE FEATURED ON FRIDAY, YOU WILL RECEIVE AN ADDITIONAL 5 BONUS POINTS. THERE IS A 1 BLOG ENTRY LIMIT. 

WEEK 3 TRIVIA QUESTION (5/15)

No Outside Resources. This means you cannot use other people, the internet, or other means to help your answer. 

1) Name the Top 5 NCAA programs for College World Series Titles. You will receive 1 point for each correct answer. You can only list 5 guesses. (HINT: 3 PAC-12, 1 SEC, 1 Big 12, 1 ACC, 1 NON-AQ - Several teams tied at 5th. Will accept any of them).

USC (most), LSU, Texas, Arizona State, Arizona, Miami (FL), Cal St-Fullerton

2) You will receive an additional 2 points if you guess all correctly.

3) You will receive an additional 2 points if you guess which program has won the most.

Week 3 Scoreboard
Name	Week Score	Cumulative
Bruce*	2	20
Bryan	9	20
Derrick	3	14
Josh*	4	10
Jarred	2	11
David*	9	28
*Note: Extra points for Blog Submission

Check out the Question and Leaderboard from Week 2

Elite Coaches Since 1990: No. 7

7. Joe Torre 

I typically don't view MLB Managers in the same light as other coaches because their role is a little different than most coaches. Whereas basketball coaches are responsible for strategy, fundamentals, and managing a roster, at the professional level, baseball coaches "manage" more than "coach." In other words, they are more involved with strategy than development. 

However, Joe Torre must have been doing something different than other managers during his era. That is why I put him on this list. Sure, the Yankees are the best baseball franchise of all time and consistently have one of the largest budgets. But, those factors don't guarantee success. Look at the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Cowboys, two of the most successful and high budgeted teams...they haven't been performing at elite levels recently. 

 

During his tenure with the Yankees from 1996-2007, Torre won over 1,150 games and led the Yankees to 6 World Series appearances, winning 4 of them. Further, he took the team to the post-season every year he was manager and won 6 AL East pennants. And, in 1996 and 1998, he was named AL Manager of the Year.  Joe Torre deserves a spot on this list. 

Don't forget to check us out @GRHuddle. Who do you think are elite coaches? Submit your feedback to us with the hashtag, #GRHEliteCoach


No. 8: Mike Krzyzewski

Brain Droppings Thoughts on Michael Sam

Donald Sterling continues to baffle everyone and has dominated the headlines of off the court news for two weeks now. But as I alluded to last week, the biggest "on field" story in sports this weekend was the NFL Draft. The Draft always has compelling story lines. Day one was all about Johnny Manziel and how far he would fall after not being picked with the #1 pick. By the way, Cleveland got themselves a hella good back-up QB there. Day two was about teams filling their rosters with talent. The last day turned out to be the Michael Sam show.



Usually, the 249th pick in the draft doesn't warrant a lot of attention. Last year the Falcons took Sean Renfree, a QB from Duke. In 2012 the pick was Trevor Guytom, a DE from California to the Minnesota Vikings. Arizona took WR Demarco Samson in 2011. You get the picture, not a lot of guys you have heard of. But this year, there was big news with the 249th overall pick. The St. Louis Rams selected Michael Sam, a DL from Missouri. On paper, this pick seems kind of like a steal. Sam was the 2013 Sec Co-Defensive player of the year. Usually guys like that go earlier. However, in this instance, Sam's draft stock dropped because prior to the combine, he came out as gay. Here's how Michael Sam reacted in case you haven't seen it (and no, this isn't the cake video).

So, will Michael Sam's career be special or more like the 7th rounders I mentioned earlier. There's little doubt that he has broken a barrier. The problem is, will he become a star or not? He ran a 4.9 at the combine and his lifting reps left a little to be desired. He's undersized for the position he'll play in the NFL and he'll be playing behind two of the more productive defensive ends in the NFL for the Rams, that is if he makes the team. St. Louis has already made positive head lines by merely drafting him and breaking the Sexuality barrier in the NFL (officially, at least). However, Sam will be entering into a macho culture that has already had to reprimand players for speaking out on Twitter. Can the Rams cut him without any backlash? Will it be a necessity of holding the team together or can they accept it if he is good enough to make the team? Jackie Robinson had a special demeanor that allowed him to endure the hate spewed at him when he broke the race barrier in baseball. Does Michael Sam have the same kind of make-up? He will hear it from not just opposing fans, but opposing players and possibly even feel a chilly welcome from teammates. I commend him for doing what he is doing. There's little doubt that it's a big deal and I hope it opens the door for other players to feel comfortable enough to join him in being public with his sexuality (though it really doesn't matter and is none of our business). Whether other players will feel safe doing that will be partially determined with how Sam is greeted in his rookie season. GRH wishes him the best of luck.

Who Should I Follow?!? (05/12)

Here are some interesting Twitter accounts for you to follow:

Brian

1. @VincetheCat_ (Vince the Cat): This cat LOVES Auburn and Subway

2. @RudyTheParrot (Rudy the Parrot): What's not to like about Rudy the Parrot? 

3. @dril (Wint): Did JD write this too? Not sure what this account means.

Jeremy (passed on by GRH reader, Margaret Inscoe @leggomymeggo84

1. @h_salamanca: Think you heard the last of ol' Hector Salamanca in Season 4 of Breaking Bad? Think again. ding ding.

2. @frattybaseball: Golf is fratty? I think not.

3. @admcgarity: It took Mr. McGarity a few years to jump on the Twitter bandwagon. But if you are a UGA sports fan and want the latest on updates to the Dawgs winning SEC and National Championships, go ahead and follow the AD.

Guest Post: Nothing Like Playoff Hockey

Our latest Trivia Challenge began recently. As a part of the challenge, we are giving participants a chance to earn extra credit by submitting a blog entry (that we accept) for Friday.

This week, David, submitted a blog posting as a guest. Here is a quick profile of David:

David Aldridge is a freelance sportswriter who has written for various publications, including USA Today, Bleacher Report & Duke Report.

In addition, David is a fellow UGA Grad and blogger who runs a blogging site, called "From Ballparks to BBQ." If you get a chance, check it out.  

The focus of David's blog is primarily food, sports, and travel. Whether it's a restaurant review, a game preview, or what to do in a city, David covers it. 

I don't think it's any secret that Jeremy and I are not the biggest fans of hockey. Thus, we felt bringing in an outside perspective from someone who at least values hockey could diversify our blog. Here is what David had to say:

"Nothing Like Playoff Hockey"

I couldn’t care less about the NHL for 10 months out of the year. I don’t know which divisions are home to which teams. I can’t name 10 players in the entire league. And I have no idea how the point system works.

Then, for two months out of the year, none of that matters.

When it comes to the NHL playoffs, I’m completely captivated.

The speed and physicality of the game make it extremely interesting to watch for any sports fan. Unlike every other sport where players are becoming more sensitive and soft, hockey still demands toughness from each individual on the ice.

Playoff hockey keeps me on the edge of my seat.

It could be the incredible toughness of the players, who will throw themselves in front of a puck that’s traveling near 100 mph to make sure it doesn’t reach the goal. These same players show their borderline insanity when deciding to take the ice despite dealing with injuries such as broken ribs, dislocated appendages, and missing teeth.

It could be the unpredictable nature of the NHL playoffs, where it’s not uncommon to see a No. 8 seed knock off a top seed, or a road team steal home ice only to see it taken away from them in the very next game.

Maybe it’s the fact that all the teams are competing for the most sacred trophy in sports. Lord Stanley’s Cup was commissioned in 1892 and there’s a certain mystique around this trophy that you won’t find in any other league. Unlike the other sports in North America, a new cup isn’t made every year for the NHL Champion. The winner retains the cup until a new champion is crowned, and that new team takes ownership of the cup. There’s a reason hockey players are so superstitious that they won’t touch the cup unless their team has won the trophy.

And there’s nothing quite like overtime in postseason hockey.

Sudden death overtime in the NHL playoffs will take your breath away. A team can gain possession of the puck and have a shot on goal in a matter of seconds, and it only takes that long for an entire series to change.

Last season’s Stanley Cup Finals showed how quickly momentum can turn.

With 1:46 remaining in Game Six of the series, the Boston Bruins held a 2-1 lead over the Chicago Blackhawks and appeared to be poised to send the series to a seventh game. Then, the Blackhawks scored an incredible two goals in a span of 17 seconds to take the lead and clinch the series, giving them their second Stanley Cup Championship in four seasons.

In the amount of time it usually takes an NBA team to take one possession, or an NFL team to run a single play, or a pitcher to make one pitch, the Blackhawks mounted a miraculous comeback that gave them a title.

Boston fans experienced the optimism of victory followed by the agony of defeat in the blink of an eye.

If you’ve never watched playoff hockey, I encourage you to give it a try. Don’t worry if you don’t know who the players are and aren’t sure about which team to root for. Just sit back and enjoy watching these incredible athletes play the game hard and give it their all.

If you’re a true sports fan, I promise you’ll be entertained.

NEW Trivia Challenge (Week 2)

Here's how it works:

1.Over 20 weeks, we will be asking a trivia question each Thursday. The challenge started Thursday, May 1, 2014. 

2. Answers must be submitted to groundrulehuddle@gmail.com by 11:59 PM Eastern Time the day the question is posted. 

3. Scoring will be based on each week's question. 

4. During the 20th week, we will have a final bonus question that allows for movement on the leaderboard. 

5. The winner will receive an Amazon Gift Card and an opportunity to be featured on the blog. 

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING CHANGES TO THIS CHALLENGE

6. FOR EACH PERSON YOU RECRUIT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE TRIVIA CHALLENGE, YOU WILL RECEIVE AN ADDITIONAL 2 BONUS POINTS. THE SAME RULE APPLIES TO YOUR RECRUITED FRIEND AS WELL (EACH PERSON THEY RECRUIT, THEY WILL RECEIVE 2 BONUS POINTS).

7. FURTHER, IF YOU WRITE A BLOG ENTRY THAT WE APPROVE OF TO BE FEATURED ON FRIDAY, YOU WILL RECEIVE AN ADDITIONAL 5 BONUS POINTS. THERE IS A 1 BLOG ENTRY LIMIT. 

WEEK 2 TRIVIA QUESTION (5/08)

No Outside Resources. This means you cannot use other people, the internet, or other means to help your answer. 

In the last 25 NBA seasons, there are 5 players with at least 3 triple-doubles in a single postseason. 

1) For 1 point each, name these players. (Westbrook, Rondo, M. Johnson, Kidd, James)

2) You will receive an extra point if you correctly guess all 5 players 

3) For an additional point, which player has accomplished this feat in multiple postseasons?
(Rondo)

Week 2 Scoreboard
Name	Week Score	Cumulative
Bruce*	3	18
Bryan	1	11
Derrick	1	11
Josh*	6	6
Jarred	1	9
David*	4	19
*Note: Extra points for Blog Submission

Check out the Question and Leaderboard from Week 1

Elite Coaches Since 1990: No. 8

8. Mike Krzyzewski

So, I definitely had to look up how to spell his name. What a mouthful! In any case, Coach K is one of the best basketball coaches in history, maybe only 2nd to John Wooden for college basketball. While I personally like Gregg Popovich better than Coach K, I gave the nod to Coach K for coaching the US Olympic teams to two gold medals. 

 

At Duke, Coach K has led the Blue Devils to 4 NCAA Championships, 11 Final Fours, 12 ACC Regular Season Titles, and 13 ACC Tournament Championships. And despite Duke's early exit this year in the NCAA Tournament, Coach K's overall record at Duke is 910-247, which represents 78.7% winning percentage. Quite remarkable, indeed. 

Don't forget to check us out @GRHuddle. Who do you think are elite coaches? Submit your feedback to us with the hashtag, #GRHEliteCoach


No. 9: Gregg Popovich

And With the Overall #1 Pick, Brain Droppings Select...

So, there's a lot going on in the world of sport. The NBA playoff have been scintillating. Baseball is in full swing. The NHL continues to fly under the radar. We've even had a couple of big boxing matches. However, this weekend, a sport that is not even in season will take center stage. The NFL has gotten so big that the draft will supersede just about anything going on in the world of sport. From the #1 overall pick to Mr. Irrelevant, the NFL will be on full display and lots of people will watch. The event has gotten so large that it is now a primetime affair and lasts from Thursday-Saturday.  It's the offseason event that every other sport wants to have and no one even comes close. So, in honor of this year's NFL draft, Brain Droppings is holding it's own draft of most desirable sports to watch. This is purely a personal interpretation but I'll give reasons. I know not everyone agrees with these reasons, so feel free to chime in with what you'd pick...

1) College Football - IF this draft were only about postseason, then CFB would be dramatically further down the list. But, you have to realize, I live in SEC country, went to an SEC school, and am generally a football guy. There's just something different about the atmosphere at a college football game that I don't experience at other sporting events. Perhaps, if I lived in the Northeast or a handful of other places, then I would put a professional sport at #1 but I just can't do it. For my money, you can't beat the pageantry and spectacle that is college football. Add that every week matters (or at least used to) and it rivals any other sport.

2) NFL - Again, I'm a football guy. But other sports could move up if they were willing to shorten their schedule. The NFL has parity down to a science too. If you made the playoffs last year, there's a 50% chance you aren't making them this year. Almost every week matters and there is at least one game a week that is must watch TV. The NFL is an easy #2

3) International Soccer - This is where it gets tricky. But I watch international soccer because it matters to everyone except the US. And the US is starting to care more. It still doesn't compare to other nations nor does it compare the zeal for other sports, but if given the chance to watch a World Cup qualifier or a regular season NBA or MLB game, I'm picking soccer. Go ahead and call me a communist.

4) PGA - Yep. I'd watch most golf tournaments over the NBA and MLB too. Granted, I'm a golf fan, but these are my picks so golf is higher. Obviously the majors rank ahead of other things and if I were solely basing this on the majors then golf would be #3 but I'm not.

5) Major League Baseball - It's boring and slow but I guess I'm a traditionalist. I know there are other followers (and writers) for this blog that won't agree with this but I can still keep a Braves game on and pay attention to it more than I can a basketball game. I think it's just what I grew up doing.

6) NBA Basketball - You know it and I know it, the regular season has so little meaning that I find it difficult to watch. I also coached lower level basketball and the NBA is so far removed from that it hardly resembles the things I taught. However, if this list was about postseason, then the NBA would be much higher. But the fact that we can talk about teams "flipping the switch" late in the year to get ready for their playoff push lets me know that this one can slide further down.

7) College Basketball - This one is close but college basketball has become very difficult to watch in its own right. The players aren't what they used to be and the rule changes from this past year slowed the game way down to a snail's crawl because of all of the additional free throws. Don't get me wrong, the tourney is still magical but the regular season is a slog.

8) Boxing - I know. I should just give up. But I remember watching Mike Tyson get knocked out by Buster Douglas as a kid. I watched old ass George Foreman win the title from Michael Moorer. My grandfather told me about how great the sport was and I still want it to be great. It's not. But I just can't get into UFC. So boxing comes in at 8th.

9) Tennis - I've learned that tennis is a great spectator sport. It's not as much fun on TV though. It's also hard because outside of Serena Williams, there just aren't any Americans to cheer for (not that I couldn't cheer for someone else but that's true). Plus, outside of the majors, there really isn't any worth.

10) NHL - I have some close friends that are big hockey fans and I get it. It's football on ice with weapons. It's fast paced. There aren't time outs. But it's horrible on TV. Again, if I were drafting postseasons then it would come in much higher, but this is as a whole and on TV. Hockey just isn't the same in your living room as it is in person.

11) Professional Wrestling - Ok. It's not a sport but when I flip through ESPN Classis showing old wrestling clips, I'll stop and give a watch just for nostalgia sake. I don't think the stars are what they were even when I was in college but it's still good for a laugh.

Ok, that's all for the picks. Feel free to leave your own thoughts on what you'd watch. In the meantime, enjoy this clip for the Chappelle Show about a different kind of draft. And follow us on Twitter @GRHuddle and like us on Facebook while you're at it.

Who Should I Follow?!? (5/05)

Here are some interesting Twitter accounts for you to follow:

Brian

1. @BaneTHEBOSS (Bane): Bane has lots of thoughts. 

2. @Ray_Finkle_(Ray Finkle): Ray Finkle still can't stand Dan Marino

3. @kittyskateboard (Kitty Skateboard): Did JD write this?

Jeremy 

1. @onionsports (Fake News): Let's be honest, the Onion always hits home runs. Why not follow their sports page as well?

2. @ShooterMcGavin_ (Commentary): Think Shooter was chased down and beaten mercilessly by Mr. Larson after stealing Happy Gilmore's Gold Jacket? Well, maybe he was, but that doesn't stop him from tweeting.

3. @NatePlay60 (Smack Talk): Remember that kid who wanted to take Cam Newton's place in the NFL Play 60 commercial. He's your worst nightmare.

JD's Deuce Points (Giddy-Up!)

1. Reconciliation, Part 1

Lady and I had a "come to Jesus meeting" over the weekend. After she peed in my corn flakes (and it smelled like asparagus), I could tell something was bothering her. I mean, I thought she was upset with me for continually blogging about her, but then I thought about it more: how in the world would Lady know if I was blogging about her? It's not like Lady owns a puptop or iPaw. Silly me.

So, then, I wondered if it was putting Zima on her toenails to prevent her from incessantly biting them. Wrong again, as I actually had to wean Lady off the Zima because she liked it so much. I decided to sit Lady down in the living room with my wife and me.

We sat on the couch and Lady sat in the middle of the floor. Even though the blogging and Zima seemed to be unlikely culprits for her mood swings, I asked her about them anyways.

I said, "Lady, now when I ask you questions, if you don't respond in any drastic fashion, I'm going to assume that's not the issue."  First question, "Lady, do you resent me for blogging about you?" Lady did nothing in response. Second question, "Was it the Zima?" Lady laid her head down on the floor. My wife and I were puzzled at this point. My wife then asked, "Lady, was it the time, we acted like you were supposed to be a horse?" Lady barked pretty loudly after this question. Closure. We knew what did it. You'll have to wait until next week to find out what Lady was barking about. 

2. "Carry on my Wayward Sun"

Shining brightly, you warm the Earth, like a comforter during the Klondike cluster. Your brightness provides a light at the end of the tunnel with no name. 

I can feel you when you're near, but you always go away at night. I take a break from you. I can be down, I can be lonely, but when I see you, I squint. Ouch.

Now you're shining too bright, and I must put on my blinders to see you again. Why so bold? Are you mad at me? I grow warm again. WTF. Too warm. Go away.

It's 8:35P. You're gone again. Except this time I wonder if you're a black hole of despair. Come back, come back. Where are you? Oh, there you are. Carry on. 

Guest Post: JAMEISN'T WINSTON

Our latest Trivia Challenge began yesterday. As a part of the challenge, we are giving participants a chance to earn extra credit by submitting a blog entry (that we accept) for Friday.

This week, Bruce, submitted a blog posting as a guest. Here is a quick profile of Bruce:

Occupation: Retired Professor/Consultant
Relation to GRH: Brian's Father
Interests: Golf, College Football/Sports, and Family
Cool Fact: Was once featured on ABC's 20/20 

"JAMEISN'T WINSTON"

Sports are a reflection or microcosm of the culture at large.  What is tolerated, ignored or endorsed in the culture is often reflected in sports.  Jameisn't Winston is a classic example of this observation.  

There was a time when bad behavior simply was not tolerated...no questions asked.  It did not matter who you were or if you were "legally guilty". Bad behavior simply was not tolerated.  It is true that Jameisn't Winston was not found guilty of rape, based on insufficient evidence.  What is also true is that he made a regular habit of going to bars to pick up women to have sex with, as was the case with the woman who claimed she was raped.  Why is this behavior tolerated by a football player playing organized sports at a state institution who is receiving a free ride?  Where is the ethics committee of the university?  

We have also found out that he was involved in a BB gun incident shooting out windows, and now, he "accidentally" left Publix with crab legs without paying for them.  He was slapped with a $30 fine, 20 hours of community service and suspended from the baseball team for 2 games. If he does the 20 hours THERE WILL BE NO CRIMINAL CHARGES.  

Shopping apparently wasn't a pleasure for Winston

Winston stated, "In a moment of youthful ignorance, I walked out of the store without paying for one of my items."  Youthful ignorance?  Give me a break.  He was caught stealing!   He is the Heisman Trophy winner.  ENOUGH!  Where is accountability for this disturbed young person (I will not call him a man)?  Why is he allowed to continue to behave in despicable ways and essentially get off?  

This is no different than politicians like Anthony Weiner who get caught sexting and end up running for mayor of New York?  REALLY?  Why was he even allowed to run?  He should have been banned from politics.  

After 30 years of blatant racist behavior, the NBA FINALLY lowers the hammer on Donald Sterling.  Was it correct?  Absolutely!  But why did it take so long?  What about all of the people who were harmed for the rest of their lives by this slum lord and his racist actions? Each of us has an individual responsibility to be intolerant of these behaviors.  Every time they are allowed, we endorse some one else crossing the line.  Just saying.....

NEW Trivia Challenge (Week 1)

Here's how it works:

1.Over 20 weeks, we will be asking a trivia question each Thursday. The challenge started Thursday, May 1, 2014. 

2. Answers must be submitted to groundrulehuddle@gmail.com by 11:59 PM Eastern Time the day the question is posted. 

3. Scoring will be based on each week's question. 

4. During the 20th week, we will have a final bonus question that allows for movement on the leaderboard. 

5. The winner will receive an Amazon Gift Card and an opportunity to be featured on the blog. 

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING CHANGES TO THIS CHALLENGE

6. FOR EACH PERSON YOU RECRUIT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE TRIVIA CHALLENGE, YOU WILL RECEIVE AN ADDITIONAL 2 BONUS POINTS. THE SAME RULE APPLIES TO YOUR RECRUITED FRIEND AS WELL (EACH PERSON THEY RECRUIT, THEY WILL RECEIVE 2 BONUS POINTS).

7. FURTHER, IF YOU WRITE A BLOG ENTRY THAT WE APPROVE OF TO BE FEATURED ON FRIDAY, YOU WILL RECEIVE AN ADDITIONAL 5 BONUS POINTS. THERE IS A 1 BLOG ENTRY LIMIT. 

WEEK 1 TRIVIA QUESTION (5/01)

No Outside Resources. This means you cannot use other people, the internet, or other means to help your answer. 

Name the mascots (team nickname) for these college programs. You will receive 2 points for each correct answer:

1. Dayton
2. UConn
3. Texas Tech
4. Pittsburgh
5. New Mexico

Week 1 Scoreboard
Name	Week Score	Cumulative
Bruce	15*	15
Bryan	10	10
Derrick	10	10
Jarred	8	8
Nicole	15*	15
*Note: Extra points for Blog Submission