Monday, June 23, 2008
Summer News and Notes
Thank you to both the Big Ten Network and Comcast for coming to an agreement, despite many unanswered questions. I am thankful that I will be able to watch my boys at home. It gets expensive (and sometimes a bit annoying) to be forced to go out to watch a game. I would much rather be able to choose what games I want to go out to watch. Now I can really start getting excited about football season!
But, before we get to football, we get to watch the Olympics. I love the Olympics. Former Illini gymnast and current assistant coach Justin Spring earned a spot on the men's gymnastics team and will be headed to Beijing. And there's added incentive to watch Coach K's basketball team -- Deron Williams is on the Team USA roster.
But it's so easy to get ahead of myself. We are in the heart of baseball season, the Cubs swept the White Sox at Wrigley, and center fielder (and reciever) Kyle Hudson was drafted in the fourth round by the Baltimore Orioles, making him the 4th highest Illini position player to go in the MLB draft. Illini RHP Scott Shaw was also taken in the draft, and made a strong pro debut with 8 strikeouts in 4 innings for a short-season Class-A affiliate of the New York Mets.
Wherever these guys go, a bit of orange and blue goes with them. They represent the Illini nation, and we wish them all the best. Go Illini!
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But, before we get to football, we get to watch the Olympics. I love the Olympics. Former Illini gymnast and current assistant coach Justin Spring earned a spot on the men's gymnastics team and will be headed to Beijing. And there's added incentive to watch Coach K's basketball team -- Deron Williams is on the Team USA roster.
But it's so easy to get ahead of myself. We are in the heart of baseball season, the Cubs swept the White Sox at Wrigley, and center fielder (and reciever) Kyle Hudson was drafted in the fourth round by the Baltimore Orioles, making him the 4th highest Illini position player to go in the MLB draft. Illini RHP Scott Shaw was also taken in the draft, and made a strong pro debut with 8 strikeouts in 4 innings for a short-season Class-A affiliate of the New York Mets.
Wherever these guys go, a bit of orange and blue goes with them. They represent the Illini nation, and we wish them all the best. Go Illini!
Labels: Big Ten Network, Comcast, Illini baseball, Illini Olympians
# posted by Alma Mater : 8:24 PM
Friday, August 24, 2007
AAARRRGGGHHH!!! JUST GET IT DONE!
The bickering between the Big Ten Network and Comcast Cable continues as you will read in Teddy Greenstein's update in the Chicago Tribune today. The good news from my perspective is that the BTN is still optimistic about deals with other cable providers and Dish Network, which I have at home. I have called them already to encourage them to carry the BTN and if you would like to call your provider to do the same, call 1-866-WANT-B10.
With regards to Comcast and the BTN, today's article pretty much makes both of them sound like little kids who are whining and can't figure out how to play together. You know what, sit down like grown-ups and work it out. Surely you can come to some sort of agreement that is acceptable to both sides.
On a different note, please let me comment on Alma Mater's post entitled "Crime and Punishment," since she asked for our thoughts on the Jamar Smith situation. When I read yesterday's Trib article on the situation, I was pretty pleased with the decision. I did not support letting him play this year but I also did not want him to be kicked off of the team for good. The redshirt is a good middle of the road option. It punishes him but gives him a chance to get his life together. If he does that well, then he will be back with the team. If he does it poorly, the university still has the option to keep him off of the team permanently. I realize that the situation with the football team was handled differently, but I think the coaches and administration have to examine each situation on its own merits and then make the best decision they can off of the information available. I don't think a "one size fits all" policy is the best way to go in these situations and I am pleased with the end result as it currently stands.
One last thing for today--here is the latest on the Illini's trip for the tournament in Canada.
Have a good weekend and GO ILLINI!
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With regards to Comcast and the BTN, today's article pretty much makes both of them sound like little kids who are whining and can't figure out how to play together. You know what, sit down like grown-ups and work it out. Surely you can come to some sort of agreement that is acceptable to both sides.
On a different note, please let me comment on Alma Mater's post entitled "Crime and Punishment," since she asked for our thoughts on the Jamar Smith situation. When I read yesterday's Trib article on the situation, I was pretty pleased with the decision. I did not support letting him play this year but I also did not want him to be kicked off of the team for good. The redshirt is a good middle of the road option. It punishes him but gives him a chance to get his life together. If he does that well, then he will be back with the team. If he does it poorly, the university still has the option to keep him off of the team permanently. I realize that the situation with the football team was handled differently, but I think the coaches and administration have to examine each situation on its own merits and then make the best decision they can off of the information available. I don't think a "one size fits all" policy is the best way to go in these situations and I am pleased with the end result as it currently stands.
One last thing for today--here is the latest on the Illini's trip for the tournament in Canada.
Have a good weekend and GO ILLINI!
Labels: Big Ten Network, Canada, Comcast, Illini basketball, Jamar Smith
# posted by Good Hope Orange : 10:38 AM
