Reciever Wins Jumpball, Every Time.

Ok, normally, I won't do game reviews on this blog, but due to the overwhelming response from Twitter and Facebook, I will give you my two cents on last night's Packers-Seahawks ending and the Replacement Refs in the NFL..

Unless you live under a rock or you are too busy (I.E. Lame, Un-American) to follow what's going on in the National Football League, the normal referees are on strike, bitching about not being paid enough (NFL owners are assholes) and so the current replacement refs are from Small College divisions, Top High School states, and even that kinda-hot, kinda-shitty Lingerie Football League

That being said, they are missing a shit ton of calls in the first 3 weeks of the season. They aren't used ot the pace of the league and I knew more about the NFL rulebook when I was 6 then most of these Foot Locker employees know now on the field.

Cut to last night's Monday Night Football match-up between the Green Bay Packers (suck) and the Seattle Seahawks (really shitty team). Seattle wins 14-12 on a Hail Mary Pass by Russell Wilson completed to wideout Golden Tate. What comes down as jumpball, the pass is caught by both Tate and   Packers Cornerback M.D Jennings, and insanity ensues:

After the game, Millions of Packer fans and Packer bettors and people who think they know football wIn Monday's game between the Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks, Seattle faced a 4th-and-10 from the Green Bay 24 with eight seconds remaining in the game.


This is the Official Statement From The NFL (anyone who was with me at Wild Tymes last night heard me say the exact same thing damn near word-for-word)


Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson threw a pass into the end zone. Several players, including Seattle wide receiver Golden Tate and Green Bay safety M.D. Jennings, jumped into the air in an attempt to catch the ball. 

While the ball is in the air, Tate can be seen shoving Green Bay cornerback Sam Shields to the ground. This should have been a penalty for offensive pass interference, which would have ended the game. It was not called and is not reviewable in instant replay. 

When the players hit the ground in the end zone, the officials determined that both Tate and Jennings had possession of the ball. Under the rule for simultaneous catch, the ball belongs to Tate, the offensive player. The result of the play was a touchdown. 

Replay Official Howard Slavin stopped the game for an instant replay review. The aspects of the play that were reviewable included if the ball hit the ground and who had possession of the ball. In the end zone, a ruling of a simultaneous catch is reviewable. That is not the case in the field of play, only in the end zone. 

Referee Wayne Elliott determined that no indisputable visual evidence existed to overturn the call on the field, and as a result, the on-field ruling of touchdown stood. The NFL Officiating Department reviewed the video today and supports the decision not to overturn the on-field ruling following the instant replay review. 

The result of the game is final. 

Applicable rules to the play are as follows: 

A player (or players) jumping in the air has not legally gained possession of the ball until he satisfies the elements of a catch listed here. 

Rule 8, Section 1, Article 3 of the NFL Rule Book defines a catch: 

A forward pass is complete (by the offense) or intercepted (by the defense) if a player, who is inbounds: 

(a) secures control of the ball in his hands or arms prior to the ball touching the ground; and 

(b) touches the ground inbounds with both feet or with any part of his body other than his hands; and 

(c) maintains control of the ball long enough, after (a) and (b) have been fulfilled, to enable him to perform any act common to the game (i.e., maintaining control long enough to pitch it, pass it, advance with it, or avoid or ward off an opponent, etc.). 

When a player (or players) is going to the ground in the attempt to catch a pass, Rule 8, Section 1, Article 3, Item 1 states: 

Player Going to the Ground. If a player goes to the ground in the act of catching a pass (with or without contact by an opponent), he must maintain control of the ball throughout the process of contacting the ground, whether in the field of play or the end zone. If he loses control of the ball, and the ball touches the ground before he regains control, the pass is incomplete. If he regains control prior to the ball touching the ground, the pass is complete. 

Rule 8, Section 1, Article 3, Item 5 states: 

Simultaneous Catch. If a pass is caught simultaneously by two eligible opponents, and both players retain it, the ball belongs to the passers. It is not a simultaneous catch if a player gains control first and an opponent subsequently gains joint control. If the ball is muffed after simultaneous touching by two such players, all the players of the passing team become eligible to catch the loose ball.ent to the Facebook and the Twitter and said, "That was an interception, what a fucking garbage call, dumb fake refs!"


What the Real Missed call here is Tate Pushing down Green Bay safety Sam Shields, which should have been offensive pass interference, leading to a 15 yard backpedal, which would have probably ended the game 12-7 Packers final.

But the deal is, from the 4 camera angles repeated Ad Nauseam on ESPN, 2 angles show the interference, 2 don't. The regular officials wouldn't have made a difference here. They only have one set of eyes per person and could have missed that call just as well. Instant Replay, you ask? Can't challenge the ruling of a penalty.

So while I agree with everyone about how bad these crackerjack referees are, I don't want to hear anything else about "It was an interception" because it wasn't. If you want to be mad about something, get mad about the Packer O-Line letting Aaron Rodgers lay on his back the whole first half, or the fact that they don't have a decent run game

For the record, I bet the Under in this game. #Winning.

Grab Bag #13: Lots of Stuff

Sorry that's it's been so long since I've posted on here (with the exception of my College Football Polls)

I have been busy struggling with losing my bets and out drinking, as usual. But there has been lots going on, so let's catch up right quick:

* I'm getting my feet back into the door in the world of music, I am working with some musicians on a blues project here in St. Paul and also doing some session gigs as well. This comes in perfect timing with me about to buy a new Bass Guitar this month. I will keep you guys posted on any shows I ever do right here on the blog.

* I don't know how me or my friends or anyone who likes real fuckin Rap missed this last Killer Mike album, "R.A.P".  This has to be one of the best albums I've heard in awhile. My favorite track right now is "Untitled" but you can listen to the entire album HERE

*Coming up soon will be my 2012 Election Preview. It's one of two times I will talk about the Race for President. Remember this Isn't CNN or Fox News, but keep an eye out for it within the next month.

* Fall is officially here in town, weather-wise. Time to turn off the A.C and dry clean those comforters. Here's a Whiskey to try out and I'll leave you with an awesome recipe for one of my favorite cold-weather dishes, and the closest thing to soup that I'll ever eat, Chili!



Total recipe time: 2-2-3/4 hours
Makes 4 servings

Ingredients
1-1/2 pounds Ground Round
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Salt
Black Pepper
Paprika
1 medium onion, chopped
1 small bag of yellow and white corn
1 medium jalapeño pepper, minced (with seeds)
2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) chili-seasoned diced tomatoes

Instructions
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in stockpot over medium heat until hot. Brown 1/2 of beef; remove from stockpot. Repeat with remaining beef. Remove beef from stockpot. Season with salt, pepper and paprika, as desired. Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil, onion and jalapeño pepper to stockpot. Cook and stir 5 to 8 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Return beef and juices to stockpot. Add tomatoes and corn; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover tightly and simmer 1-3/4 to 2-1/4 hours or until beef is fork-tender.

Never Forget...

11 Years ago on a Tuesday, our lives were changed forever. I just want to thank all of the men and women in the military, firefighters, medical staff and police of this nation, who take on the tasks of keeping all of us safe. And thoughts are with those who perished on that terrible day in New York. #neverforget #9-11-01


If You Know A Soldier, Or Even See One Out Today at a Bar or Restaraunt, Buy that Man or Woman a Drink. Cheers those who make our lives what they are today. For me to even be able to write this blog you are reading, people sacrificed everything to protect us and our nation. Never Take That For Granted!

Asking the Fans to Critique my Dating Profile

I asked a friend to do this once before and they never got around to helping me with it, so I'm leaving it  to you faithful readers to send me messages on what I should change/keep/re-arrange about my dating profile on OKCupid

Here's the link:
http://www.okcupid.com/profile/axbass

Fire away, send suggestions to courtsideseatstohell@gmail.com or leave them on the facebook page

Cute Chicks on Daytime Television

Last month, I got a TV in my bedroom, so now I'm watching a bit more television than I had been the last couple of years (Outside of sports, of course) and I thought, why not point out some of the gorgeous women I've noticed on the tube lately.

* Melissa D'arabian (Ten Dollar Dinners; Food Network)

This cute southwestern mom of 4 was one of the winner's of the Food Network's "Next Network Star" back in 2009, and now she has her own show and cookbook, featuring meals that can feed a family of 4 for just $10 bucks or less. Cute and Thrifty? That's a winning combo right there.

* Clarissa Thompson (SportsNation; ESPN2)

It takes some knowledge and talent to fill the big heels left from the amazing Michelle Beadle, but if there was one woman in sports who fit the job perfectly, it's Clarissa Thompson. She's been around for a bit, bumming along on Fox Sports Net and Big Ten Network before finally getting a shot on the big time in 2010 with ESPN. Hot, Smart, and enough sass to put that moron Colin Cowherd in his place, just like Beadle.

* Elizabeth Ries (Twin Cities Live; KSTP-5 Twin Cities) 

You live outside of Minnesota, I'm sure you've never heard of her. You live in Minnesota, You know exactly who I'm talking about (maybe). Local television around here sucks more than the Vikings and Twins do combined, but this woman is very easy on the eyes. She's been hosting this around town afternoon variety show for awhile, and hopefully, the folks at ABC notice this cutie and maybe give her a shot at the national scene. And like me, she has a cool Blog as well. She even does some double duty on the radio too.

Food Review: Stella's Fish Cafe

This past Sunday, a friend of mine texted me, wanting to go to eat somewhere with a rooftop. So myself and 2 others went to one of the best seafood spots in the Twin Cities, Stella's Fish Cafe in Uptown Minneapolis.

What makes this rooftop so special, is that it has 2 different levels. One spot that is more of a Bar & Apps kinda level and the very top of the restaurant is more of a dining area. it's a perfect spot to take a date for a sunset dinner or to reserve and have a classy dinner party (which they do offer) This spot also has a wonderful bar and 2 levels inside that have the perfect blend of fun and class that is missing from a lot of the hipster, bro-ish bars and spots in the surrounding area.

The food was nothing short of amazing. They offer tons of options throughout the seafood world, from over a half-dozen different varieties of Oysters, several types of fish, from Walleye toP Tilapia to Swordfish, and of course, Shrimp and Lobster.

I had the East Coast Swordfish, which came with a select choice of sauces and veggies. I chose to have the ponzu sauce with the side of wasabi and broccoli. The Japanese influenced flavors went perfectly with the delicate fish. My friends had the grilled Salmon and the Lobster Pasta. One drawback was the lack of decent garlic bread, something that is usually found in any seafood place. But overall, the portions were well-sized and the presentation was fantastic.

Overall, I give Stella's Fish Cafe 4.5 out of 5 Flames

Stella's Fish Cafe
1400 West Lake Street
Minneapolis
Phone: (612) 824-8862

that's a Hang Wiff'em...

Hang wiff'em = A baseball term, famously coined by Sox broadcaster Hawk Harrelson; used to describe a hard hit ball that is heading right to a fielder's glove for an out. The fact that a batter hit the ball hard enough to get a base hit, but landed in the wrong spot means it will "hang with" the player, as he thinks about it.

So here's the scenario. It's midnight at a bar in Dinkytown (U of M Campus area, for you non-minnesotans) and I'm there with a friend-girl (described in a previous post) and she talks to some dude who mentioned South America (where she was traveling abroad this summer). Eventually, we get invited to his table, which consisted of (from left to right) a gay dude, a quiet dude, a cute girl, a really quiet dude with gauges, and travel guy. During name exchange introductions, they mention that they live in St. Paul, and the cute girl says she lives in a house over east and is looking for extra roommates next month.

Key Point: she looks at quiet guy and really quiet gauge guy and says those are her current roommates.

So, at this point I'm nodding along and listening. I see her grab both of them beers along with her drink, which seems to solidify the claim of them being just roommates. As time passes, and I know I'm going to leave I casually mention that "I actually have someone moving here soon. My brother is looking to stay around st.paul" The squeeze bunt play works to perfection as she goes, "Here, take down my number". At this point I type the number in my phone, smile, and wish the table a good night.

This seems to have all the makings of a perfect 9th inning rally, so I decide to play offense and go for the winning run. So when I got home, I sent this text:

Me:
"Hey I'm gonna keep it real with you, my buddy isn't moving up here. I said that to see if I could get your number. You're cute and you said your friends were just your roommates so I'm making the bold assumption you're single? If I'm wrong then forgive me and I'll pretend this didn't happen, but if I'm right, I'd like to take you to dinner somewhere at some point"

So, I'm thinking here's the runner advancing to 3rd on the way to home. She replies:

Her:
Goodness, well thank you. I'm actually not single :( the guy sitting next to me in the black shirt and stretched ears is my boyfriend... I'm sorry :(

Out at the plate, ballgame over, drive home safely.

But one giant plus out of this is that she said later:

Her:
You seem like a good guy, don't give up on the bold moves. If I was single, I'd be impressed by your creativity.

But what kills me is how this guy was so distant and didn't look like he was even her good friend, let alone her boyfriend. I understand not being "That" couple, but for the love of pizza, at least look like your dating the damn person next to ya. Because remember, what one dude doesn't appreciate, another dude certainly will.

Anyways, I thanked her and wished her a good night. Not bad for an on-the-fly play. But "That's a hang wiff'em right there."

UPDATE: Changes made to the Football Days Schedule

http://axsmith.blogspot.com/2012/07/courtside-seats-to-hell-presents.html

Some new updates and changes to the Football Days events, Including a new Tailgate party in Chicago for the Northwestern - Boston College game on September 15th.

Grab Bag #12: Jaz is Alive, Alex dances and dries out, and would you like some tortilla chips?

*Wonderful news about Killing Joke singer Jaz Coleman. He was reported missing by his bandmates a couple weeks ago, but we learned today that he is safe and well and was in the Western Sahara working on a new symphony.

*After 2 incidents of blacking out, vomiting, and not remembering what happened, I have decided to dry out for the next week or so. I'm getting a bit tired of having my right side hurting every morning when I wake up and I'm trying to drink away some of the shit I've been dealing with lately, which isn't a good idea. While I know, very few people don't enjoy and/or have never encountered me sober, I assure you all, I will do my best not to injure or obliterate anyone, even if you say something stupid around me. Maybe.

* Another reason to put the bottle down for a bit: This 30-second gem filmed this past weekend

* I have an awesome recipe for Homemade Tortilla Chips:

Ingredients

Peanut oil, for frying

8 fresh flour tortillas

House Seasoning, recipe follows

Directions

Heat 1-inch of peanut oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat to 350 degrees.

Arrange the tortillas in a stack and cut into 6 equal wedges like a pizza. Fry a few chips at a time, turning occasionally with a slotted spoon, until crisp and lightly browned, ABOUT 10-20 SECONDS! (any longer and they will burn!) Drain chips on a paper towel-lined plate; sprinkle lightly with House Seasoning and store in an airtight container.

House Seasoning:

1 cup salt

1/4 cup black pepper

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

Mix ingredients together and store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

They should come out looking epic, like above.

Is Alex B. Smith gonna buy a dog?

So the other night, I walked out of my apartment to smoke a cigar and I saw 4 attractive women in the park, all walking dogs. Then I walk across the street, I see 2 other good looking chicks huddled by a patio chair, petting some furry poodle or maybe it was one of those shitzu deals, I dunno.

My point is, for some reason, it seems like nearly every woman loves dogs. Especially out here in Minnesota. They are solid conversation starters and girls like to think that a guy with a pet is more caring and kind than someone without.

Here's my problem: I genuinely do not like dogs. Not one bit.

This photo was taken last week at a friend's house.

I posed for my friend (who loves animals to the point where once she swerved out of the way for a duck on the street... But, I digress)

This little puppy thing jumped on me, and while I don't like pets, I'll never be mean to one. I would have loved to move the thing off of me but I wasn't going to go chuck the damn thing in another yard Brett Farve style. It's one thing to not want them shitting and running in your house, it's another to be mean to them.

But, it makes me think more and more that my distate for pets is being translated into a small sign of inablity to commit to something caring and loving (Like a relationship)

While this is Not the case, I am trying my best to be more accepting to pets. I don't mind cats at all. They keep to themselves, keep moderately clean, and they shit in a box, not in the middle of the floor or yard or wherever the hell they want. I used to have a fish tank when I was a kid, but those things die so fast and cleaning the tank can be a hassle every now and then.

In closing, I would just like to let everyone know that I care about people way more than animals. And I'd much rather buy a girl dinner and a fur coat then have to buy dinner for the fur coat messing  up my nice couch.

Grab Bag #11: LOL (Lots of Links)

* One of my new addictions online is this food recipe mega-search engine called Foodily. As you all know, I love to cook and try out new recipes and put twists on old classics. if you like to do the same, this site is a must-bookmark in your browser. You can also favorite different recipes, make lists and share them with friends on the site or on Facebook as well.


* One interesting sports story today is 50 Cent apparently filed and received a Boxing Promoter's Licence in New York this week. He is supposedly going to start a promotion company and draw in currently locked up Welterweight Champion Floyd Mayweather to fight arguably, the best fighter of the 21st Century, Manny Pacquiao, in what would easily be called The Fight of The Century. The door gate and Pay-Per-View draw of this event would rival money made in some of the last several Super Bowls and big Box Office movie hits that have been released in the recent times. I will be keeping an ear open on this story, and while a lot of you might not follow boxing (I am a huge boxing fan, and used to do cornerwork in fights after graduating H.S.) It will be a Breaking News story on here if that fight is announced.


* Been following this story about the ongoing trouble Chick-Fil-A has been through. For those of you who don't know, Chick-Fil-A is an awesomely tasty chicken place that is hard to find in the Midwest, but littered throughout the South. They have their "Old Southern Values" such as being closed on Sundays and apparently not supporting Gay Marriage. Let me now state a disclaimer


*DISCLAIMER* Courtside Seats to Hell has no problem with any couples being together or married, Gay, Lesbian, Straight, Whatever. Get Married if you like (Personally, Marriage seems dumb in general, but people do dumb shit all the time)


That being said, now Chicago, Boston, Philly and other cities are about to try and boycott Chick-Fil-A's from being opened in their respective cities. However, disallowing a franchise to open somewhere violates some Constitutional rights. I hope that things can be resolved so that we can just let people have their rights. Gays and Lesbians need their rights to marry, and I could really use a chicken sandwich about now.



* Read a study about the effects of Alcohol mixed with energy drinks of high caffeine (Vodka-Red Bulls and Jager Bombs) Basically telling us that the combo is dangerous and leads to reckless behavior and lots of casual sex. In other news, I have now started buying women more Vodka-Red Bulls at bars. But seriously, these can be tasty combos, you should just drink them in moderation

*One more thing, check out this awesome recipe I found on Foodily that I'll be making all Football Season long.

I'm not a self-racist, and that stripper's a bitch

So, I am blogging late at night after leaving a strip club for a friend's birthday. I should be telling you an awesome story about hot strippers and blowing cash but I'm writing because I am pissed off and extremely insulted.


I had one long lap dance the whole night. It was amazing. Around 1:45 AM, me and 2 friends briefly left to catch last call at a nearby bar. While it was to no avail, we head back into the strip club and right as I sit down, I am approached by a dancer (who is black) and she rudely states, "Oh, so you must not be into black women?" What makes this such a fucking ignorant comment is that the first girl I conversed with in the club was black and when I wanted to get a dance from her, she was in the back room and was never available. Keep in mind, there are only 5 girls on staff tonight (3 black and 2 white). This stripper goes on to call me an "Uncle Tom" and calls one of my friends's friend a prostitute. At this point, I am completely outraged and I tell the story to one of the bouncers, who has known me since I've started going to this club in 2009.


What kills me about this whole situation is that I have had to deal with simple-minded bullshit like this ever since I was a little kid. When I was 6 years old, I had a crush on a jewish girl and I mock proposed to her with a Ring Pop (She declined, but purchased the ring pop from me for a Quarter) and even then, I remember kids making a comment about me not going after someone "who looks like me."


I get a lot of bullshit for liking things that most black people don't stereotypically enjoy, like Hard Rock music, Hockey, and Cold weather. But one of the things that has always pissed me off is that people feel that I am not attracted to black women because they say that "I've never seen you hang out with any black women" or "You're never hitting on any black women.", I grew up hearing comments in a slightly jestful manner from family like "I could see you marrying a white girl" but they never meant it in a negative connotation, nor was it ever because I disliked a race.


Once again the ignorance is never short of a miscue. I wasn't raised to do certain things or to avoid things based on how few or how many black people were involved. I'm sorry, but I was raised in an era where race was only as big as how someone or the media empathized it. I'm not seen around any black women in Minnesota because a good chunk of the things and places I do and go to, there just aren't any around. I find women of all race attractive. But at the same time, I refuse to feel bad for things that stick out with me. Everyone knows that one big attraction of mine is that I love redheads, especially natural redheads. Now, numbers tell us that Redhead genetics are established from people of Irish or Scottish descent. That eliminates people from all walks of life mostly, not just blacks. But aside from this point, I find women of all races and colors beautiful. Therre are gorgeous women in every race, and there are ugly ones too, and this stripper, for the record, must have interviewed for her spot over the phone.


It sickens me that in 2012, I have to defend myself not from outward racism, but more self-racism than anything else.I don't fucking need to perpetuate any stereotypes and I can do and be with or hang out with or get a fucking lap dance from anyone I want. Like Dr. King preached, I judge by content of charactor, not color of skin. Ergo, I didn't dance with said stripper because she was black, but because she was a total bitch. 

Bands to Watch: Forever Waiting

So, this is a new segment I'm gonna throw in here and there, Bands to Watch


The band to watch in July and August is a 5-Piece Hard Rock band from Glenwood City, Wisconsin called Forever Waiting


Fans of Red and Breaking Benjamin should really enjoy this group, they are busy playing some big shows in the Twin Cities area, Currently in the Rawkzilla Battle of the Bands and also opening for Trapt at Station 4 on August 12. For more info on FW, check them out on Facebook.


Check out their debut single, 
"Lost in Silence" HERE
Like Forever Waiting on Facebook HERE