The kickball tournament
1) The mystery isn't why this alleged sport is not popular in America, but why is it popular in the rest of the world.
2) There was a similar kerfuffle played out four years ago in the Southern Hemisphere. Apparently, the sources are not entirely clear, other such tournaments have been held at regualr intervals. Obviously these events settle nothing, therefore it is time to give them up and try something else.
3) Does anyone doubt things will be rigged to favor Brazil?
4) What is the goal of this alleged game? My latest hypothesis is that people are waiting to see the grass grow, but I'm not hopeful about it. For one thing it has also been propposed as the appeal of the stickball game popular in America (now, there's a mystery).
5) Anopther discredited ypothesis is that the sucker match primes primal urges which afterward lead to violent street confrontations. This has been determined to be a side effect rather than a cause.
More as anger and cynicism allows, or commands.
Quote: Nareed4) What is the goal of this alleged game? .
Entertainment. That all. Just like a music concert, Its simply entertainment.
Not really newswothy but entertainment worthy.
Soccer and Baseball?
If so, I can not stand to watch outdoor soccer. It has got to be the worst sport to watch. I do like to watch indoor soccer. I think it has something to do with the large surface that they play on and the speed of the game.
Quote: terapinedEntertainment. That all. Just like a music concert, Its simply entertainment.
Yes, but how?
In baseball the goal is to bore the audience to death (that's why they keep trying). In boxing the goal is to further diminish the active gray matter in one's opponent. In football the goal is to temporarily conquer the other team's pristine ned zone with the ball in posession.
My hypotheses in sucker are: to act injured given the least contact with an opponent; to watch the grass grow; to ellicit a colored card from the man in black (smart wearing black on a hot climate while running up and down the field, eh?); to graze the inverted goal post thing at either end of the field with the ball. I haven't been able to experimentally verify any of these.
Quote: Nareed
My hypotheses in sucker are: to act injured given the least contact with an opponent;.
Its called acting. Probabbly the most popular form of entertainment on the planet.
Quote: Nareed3) Does anyone doubt things will be rigged to favor Brazil?
After yesterday's match, I wouldn't think so.
Quote: Nareed4) What is the goal of this alleged game?
Ooh, Ooh, I know this one... to sell beer! I love how FIFA essentially said, "Screw fan safety, you must sell beer!"
And the thing is, I actually enjoy watching soccer and am excited about the World Cup.
Quote: IbeatyouracesMy idea of soccer consists of a smaller net, skates and a puck instead of a ball. Oh wait, that's hockey!
There is as yet no evidence from numerous broadcasts that there is an actual vulcanized tree sap artifact, the so-called "puck," on the ice at any so-called game. For all we know, these two tribes of barbarians are merely chasing each other around the ice, striking at opponents as the opportunity presents itself.
This is supported by the fact that the combatants wear armor and carry weapons. BTW these weapons may be modeled on implements used by warriors prior to the paleolithic age, making them of particular interest to those interested in pre-pre-history.
Quote: JoemanAfter yesterday's match, I wouldn't think so.
It is particualrly difficult to study this phenomenon when watching it gives me a case of terminal boredom. Therefore I rpeffer to specualte about it using second and even third-hand sources, the better to remove myself from direct exposure.
Quote:Ooh, Ooh, I know this one... to sell beer! I love how FIFA essentially said, "Screw fan safety, you must sell beer!"
That has also been propposed as an explanation for baseball. But you'd think, given the avialability of venues and transportation, that beer could be sold at other times and places, not requiring massive infrastructure like stadia.
Quote:And the thing is, I actually enjoy watching soccer and am excited about the World Cup.
Oh, do you bet on it? ;)
Quote: NareedYes, but how? In baseball the goal is to bore the audience to death (that's why they keep trying). In boxing the goal is to further diminish the active gray matter in one's opponent. In football the goal is to temporarily conquer the other team's pristine ned zone with the ball in posession.
My hypotheses in sucker are: to act injured given the least contact with an opponent; to watch the grass grow; to ellicit a colored card from the man in black (smart wearing black on a hot climate while running up and down the field, eh?); to graze the inverted goal post thing at either end of the field with the ball. I haven't been able to experimentally verify any of these.
Watching Mays and McCovey hit home runs was not boring at all. Watching Koufax and Drysdale pitch was not boring either. I went to Candlestick quite a bit as a kid. I loved it.
There are two clearly defined objectives in soccer. 1. Put the ball in your opponents goal. 2. Prevent your opponents from putting the ball in your goal. Although I admit soccer is boring to me too.
Quote: mickeycrimmThere are two clearly defined objectives in soccer. 1. Put the ball in your opponents goal.
That's the score hypothesis, propposed early in history. it has been rejected, as this event simply does not take place often enough to be the objective.
Quote:2. Prevent your opponents from putting the ball in your goal. Although I admit soccer is boring to me too.
Ah, I hadn't thought of this one. Yes, it would epxlain cerrtain observations. Nevertheless no one keeps track of balls not put through there. perhaps the official results are a summary of it? I'll consult some third-hand sources later.
Quote: NareedThat has also been proposed as an explanation for baseball. But you'd think, given the availability of venues and transportation, that beer could be sold at other times and places, not requiring massive infrastructure like stadia.
Oh, I meant to say "to sell beer at criminally inflated prices." You can get a beer for $1 at any store, but if you want to pay $8 for the same beer, you have to go to the stadium.
Quote:Oh, do you bet on it? ;)
No, just watch. Call it a character flaw. Like betting the 6-card bonus in 3CP. Probably not good for me, I'd be ashamed if friends or family ever found out, but occasionally I do it anyway.
Quote: JoemanOh, I meant to say "to sell beer at criminally inflated prices."
On first blush, that makes more sense.
Quote:You can get a beer for $1 at any store, but if you want to pay $8 for the same beer, you have to go to the stadium.
However, without the need to spend money on large infrastructure projects, which depreciate over time and require substantial sums for maintenance and repair, the beer could be sold in larger quantities at lower prices over shorter periods of time.
Quote:No, just watch. Call it a character flaw.
Just remember you said it. not me :)
Quote:Like betting the 6-card bonus in 3CP. Probably not good for me, I'd be ashamed if friends or family ever found out, but occasionally I do it anyway.
I sense I'm missing an opportunity to say something terribly mordant and wholly inappropriate. But for the life of me I cannot think of what that is.
Quote:If so, I can not stand to watch outdoor soccer. It has got to be the worst sport to watch.
I vote sailing. (until I think of something else).
I assume Beckham was an attempt to get more U.S people interested.
(no doubt sailing is fun to do, but to watch?)
Quote: GWAEI can not stand to watch outdoor soccer. It has got to be the worst sport to watch.
Try golf. I'd rather watch a soccer marathon than a half-hour of flipping golf.
That said, with the exception of the World Cup, the only way I enjoy soccer is in person. Preferably with beer.
Usually your jabs at soccer are just blunt. This one was funny. And your jab at hockey?
Quote: NareedThere is as yet no evidence from numerous broadcasts that there is an actual vulcanized tree sap artifact, the so-called "puck," on the ice at any so-called game. For all we know, these two tribes of barbarians are merely chasing each other around the ice, striking at opponents as the opportunity presents itself.
This is supported by the fact that the combatants wear armor and carry weapons. BTW these weapons may be modeled on implements used by warriors prior to the paleolithic age, making them of particular interest to those interested in pre-pre-history.
You should market that idea yourself. I could find enough people here to field an entire division myself, and we'd start playing immediately =) Just be a good commissioner. I suspect you'd turn your back, disinterested, and let whatever happens happen. That would be perfect =)
Quote: FaceYou should market that idea yourself. I could find enough people here to field an entire division myself, and we'd start playing immediately =) Just be a good commissioner. I suspect you'd turn your back, disinterested, and let whatever happens happen. That would be perfect =)
Oh, but then I'd have to come up with rules. And if we use Roman rules, forget about it! Can't you see the outcry if we instituted decimation, indenture terms and fights to the death? On th eother hnd the conservatives would demand crucifictions, even though we know those can have all manner of unfortunate side effects, which can end in ecumenical councils and endless debate over a tiny iota.
But if you like it, run with it.
Quote: FaceUsually your jabs at soccer are just blunt.
I was going for mean.
In what sport is a 0-0 tie considered a great victory? In the NFL ties are despised for the inconclusive things they are. I think subconsciously most players and fans would rather their team lost than tied.
Baseball owners were assailed.. Willie was bars from baseball old timers games for years. Because he was a hand shaker in Vegas.
Glad you saw him in his prime and not stumbling around in the MET's outfield. I think he holds the record for the oldest
Starting player in a world series game.
Quote: NareedIn what sport is a 0-0 tie considered a great victory?
I had a friend in college who was an avid soccer fan, but couldn't stand watching baseball. He said, referring to batting average, he "couldn't respect a sport where 30% is considered successful." I asked him why, then, he did respect a sport where often both teams would play for 90 minutes and not score at all. Needless to say, he didn't have an answer.
Good one!Quote: JoemanI had a friend in college who was an avid soccer fan, but couldn't stand watching baseball. He said, referring to batting average, he "couldn't respect a sport where 30% is considered successful." I asked him why, then, he did respect a sport where often both teams would play for 90 minutes and not score at all. Needless to say, he didn't have an answer.
Quote: JoemanI had a friend in college who was an avid soccer fan, but couldn't stand watching baseball.
Therefore he's not totally devoid of good taste ;)
Baseball has one saving grace: the "Who's on first" routine by Abott and Costello. Soccer lacks something like that.
Sample:
So I pick up the ball and trhow it to Naturally
No! You throw it to first base!
Then who gets it?
Naturally!
Quote:He said, referring to batting average, he "couldn't respect a sport where 30% is considered successful."
He should try it himself. I can understand hitting a baseball-sized ball travelling in excess of 100 kph with a wooden club not much wider than the ball is a hard feat to accomplish.
I don't understand why the game it happens in is considered anythign other than crushing boredom.
Quote: JoemanI had a friend in college who was an avid soccer fan, but couldn't stand watching baseball. He said, referring to batting average, he "couldn't respect a sport where 30% is considered successful." I asked him why, then, he did respect a sport where often both teams would play for 90 minutes and not score at all. Needless to say, he didn't have an answer.
Considering that scoring more than one time in 10 is considered successful in hockey, the 30% argument for baseball is silly - and I say this an a diehard hockey fan. Given that, I can respect a 1-0 game as thrilling - when I was younger, I went to a hockey game that ended 1-0 in overtime and was probably the best game I've ever seen - but only if there are scoring chances. A team that fails to score shooting 35 times in hockey is OK. A team that fails to score while shooting three times in soccer? Come on.
USA-Portugal was thrilling (albeit heartbreaking - still smarting from that one.) Lots of shots on goal with a 0-0 draw or a 1-0 win is thrilling. No scoring chances is dull.
'Cause the Olympics/IOC>World Cup/FIFA.Quote: NareedHow come one city, and the surrounding areas, can put up Olympic games (summer or winter) involving dozens to scores of sports, including a kickball tournament, in dozens to scores of venues, but for a single "sport" a whole country is required?
Oh, they're both corrupt, but the IOC is just slightly less corrupt.
If this would also mean less money, then obviously they should invite twice as many teams.
The whole thing is completely nonsensical anyway.
