Recipes, driving directions, gifts for him, gifts for her, baby names, college admissions, celeb xxx, job interview questions, school closings, weather, sports scores, Michael Jordan, Donald Trump, Oprah Winfrey.
(Please disregard the above sentence. I’m trying to manipulate the Google search engine, which also explains why the blog has been renamed “Mike and the Mad Dog”. )
First and foremost I’d like to thank all who have applied for the Sports Marketing Internship. I’m truly flattered by the volume of applicants. Our admissions team will carefully comb through the resumes and respond within a few days. Good luck.
I’d also like to thank you all for the support this past week. After my Personal ZN rant, a great deal of you have emailed me offering your support and weighed in on the subject. Many of these responses are too vulgar for this forum, as ZN’s act of defiance clearly struck a nerve with many of you. There is one in particular that was extra special to me, and I’d like to share it with you.
Victor Valentini from Westerly RI wrote: Jack how’s it going my man? I love the new site, definitely an improvement from the “Zach flying solo” days. As a 59 year old widower, I am in constant search of a little escapism in my day. I read the kid’s website before you joined due to boredom, but as I continued reading, the boredom worsened. When you joined the site it gave me a reason to wake up in the morning. I now consider you my favorite writer on the World Wide Web. Zach’s post last week was uncharacteristically strong, but I just figured it was a fluke. When you came out with the plagiarism allegations I was furious and actually punched a hole in my wall. Can I mail the bill to that dishonest thief’s house? If you’d like me to do something to take care of this situation, I will. I value you as a writer, and can’t risk losing you. Please let me know. - Victor
Response: Thank you for the kind words Mr. Valentini. I’m very sorry about your loss, I know it can be hard to move on and I’m happy to be part of your personal journey to closure. I’ve thought about what you’ve said and I’m going to have to DECLINE any assistance in “offing” ZN. He gave me that “foot in the door”, that “seat at the table”, and for that I am forever grateful. Keep your head up and keep reading, without loyal readers like you I am nothing.
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"Short" AL Wrote:
Dear Zach,
I noticed that you wrote nearly 3000 (captivating) words in your NFL Divisional Picks post, while Jack merely submitted a bunch of irrelevant rhetorical questions. Your shoulders must be killing you from always having to carry Jack's dead weight. Why'd you put his name in the new website URL? I feel for you man.
Reponse: *Nodding in Agreement*
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Ryan from Narragansett RI wrote: Hey Jack, Long time reader, first time poster. I wanted to hear your thoughts on Igor Olshansky's recent verbal attacks on the Patriots. In case you missed it, Igor said "trust me, the Patriots are much more nervous than we are... (ESPN, PTI)” Remarks like this are commonplace for the Chargers, especially during the last 2 seasons. From Merriman's theatrics last year, to Rivers' trash talk to opposing teams and fans this year, it seems like the Chargers lack respect. Do you think San Diego's lack of discipline and perceived arrogance will affect their performance this weekend in New England? Or do you think the media is blowing this out of proportion? Thanks guys and keep up the good work. Response:
Response: First off, I really appreciate you citing your source on the Olshansky quote. I can’t tell you how many experienced writers I have seen neglect this- we all know what took place last week. As for the question, I actually like what Olshansky has done here. The undefeated Pats are clearly not nervous about this game. Igor’s comments will galvanize the team. Playing a superpower like this, it’s very important to come in with a swagger and play with that “chip on the shoulder” football fans love to talk about. San Diego has some of the best trash talkers in the league with Rivers, Merriman, Tomlinson, and now Olshansky. If these guys can somehow keep the disruptive chatter alive for 60 minutes, they’re going to have an excellent chance of knocking off the Pats.
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George F. from Boca Raton, FL wrote: Zach, I noticed that you nailed the Jaguars vs. Patriots score on the nose (31-20) in your Divisional Playoff Picks? Are you going to gloat now? Go work for Bodog? Caesar’s Palace?-
Response: Georgie Boy… Thank you for noticing. Trust me, I would love to gloat; it’s not everyday you guess an NFL score EXACTLY correct. But even though I predicted the score, I still feel as if I missed the boat on this game.
I picked the Patriots to score 31 points because I thought the Jags would be able to milk the clock with their running game and use their physicality on defense to slightly limit the Patriots point output. In actuality, the Jaguars did not slow down the Patriots in the least. Not even a smidget. Furthermore, Jack Del Rio’s defensive game plan, which entailed attempting (seemingly) zero blitzes, thus giving Brady an infinite amount of time to scan the field for open receivers - was amongst the most overlooked coaching blunders the entire NFL season.
I also picked the Patriots to allow 20 points, which I equated to a dominant defensive effort. Granted, 20 points is not a lot , especially when you consider the Jags scored the 2nd most amount of points in the NFL the second half of the year, but it just felt like the Jaguars had NO problems, for the better part of 4 quarters, moving the ball up and down the field on New England. The bottom line:The Patriots are the ultimate “Bend but don’t break defense.” Any solid offense can move the ball on them. But when their opponent gets into the Red Zone, more often than not they’re going to force them into a field goal or turnover. And when you’re trying keep pace with the New England offense, you need to come away with 6 every time.
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Charles from Westerly, RI Wrote: Jack, did you see the news about the 7-11 robbery yesterday? This cowardly act hits home to me. I am a cigarette smoker and a gambler. These guys probably jacked some bones and cash, headed up route 2, hit up Foxwoods, high-rolled and blazed all night. The only question I have is: what type of cigarettes? The only solution is, hire an individual to sit on the roof of 7-11 24 hrs a day and stop this madness.
Response: Charles don’t be so quick to judge these guys. Yes, they are thieves, but is all thievery unwarranted? What if these men were dolling out the cigarettes and money to the less fortunate, a la Robin Hood? After further review, there is an outside chance these crooks were justified in their actions. It was reported the police were waiting for the suspects at the end of RT. 78. Would it have been too much to ask for them to cover the other 3 exits on that road? I think the Westerly PD has some explaining to do.
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DeQuan from Rego Park Wrote: Yo Jack, wuz up cuz? I’ve been reading your (explitive) for a minute dog, that (expletive) is hot. You seem like you know your (expletive), so I got a question for ya. Ya see, me and my boys usually get a couple pizzas at night for dinner, ya dig? The problem is, the leftovers be flying out the fridge every night. I’m wakin up for a little snack and I ain’t got nothin to grub on. I’m getting sick of this (expletive) I ‘m gonna cap a (expletive). You got any advice for me?
Response: Wow, very passionate question- I respect the enthusiasm. It sounds like a very troubling situation you’ve found yourself in here. You’re being attacked on two fronts, financially and nutritionally. You need to make a decisive move here otherwise you’ll find yourself penniless and emaciated. So let’s make a move here before those ribs start peeking through. I like where your head’s at with the pizza, my personal favorite meal. It’s relatively cheap, portable and conducive to good chatter and camaraderie (I’m actually eating a slice right now). Here’s what I’m going to have you do. Next time you get a pizza make sure it’s the best quality your delivering radius has to offer. I’ve done a bit of research for you and it looks like Rosa's Pizza on Fresh Pond Road is going to be your best bet. Go with a Large Italian Sicilian pizza, which is generously topped with sausage pepperoni and cheese, cooked to order. Your next step is to go to your local RX and get an odorless, tasteless laxative. After eating a few slices of the pizza, load up the leftovers with the product. Whichever roommate is spending an exorbitant amount of time in the bathroom is your culprit. I’ll let you take care of the rest.
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Randy from East Lansing, Michigan wrote: Help me Jack. I’m freezing. It’s getting very cold outside. I’m hungry. This winter has been very difficult on me, being my first one “homeless”. I’m writing this email from our public library. I try to spend a great deal of my time in here to escape the cold. A librarian is looking over my shoulder right now; I don’t know how much longer they’ll let me stay- vagrants are disposed of rather quickly around here. My wife left me a few months ago. She left me to die. She got the apartment and what little money I had left. She caught me cheating and burned all my winter clothing. Jack I’m telling you here, I have NOTHING. The librarian has just asked me to wrap up the email and get the (expletive) out. So with the success of your site, you must be generating some money. Please, anything you can give me would be much appreciated. Find it in the goodness of your heart to help me out.
The Response: Wow Randy, I’m very sorry to hear that. It has been an especially cold winter- I could not imagine spending it without food and shelter. I want you to consider going to the Crossroads Homeless Shelter in East Lansing for the time being. I have already contacted them and they have a bed for you and will provide two meals a day. Once you are there I will be able to mail you some money to get you set up for a little while. Hang in there bud, we’ll get you through this, I take care of my readers.
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Thanks to the readers and those who submitted emails. We couldn't do this without you!
To be a part of the next "Mailbag" installment:
Email Zach: Znapolitano@gmail.com
Email Jack: Ilovethisgame101@yahoo.com
NFC/AFC Championship Game Picks on Thursday!!
I picked the Patriots to score 31 points because I thought the Jags would be able to milk the clock with their running game and use their physicality on defense to slightly limit the Patriots point output. In actuality, the Jaguars did not slow down the Patriots in the least. Not even a smidget. Furthermore, Jack Del Rio’s defensive game plan, which entailed attempting (seemingly) zero blitzes, thus giving Brady an infinite amount of time to scan the field for open receivers - was amongst the most overlooked coaching blunders the entire NFL season.
I also picked the Patriots to allow 20 points, which I equated to a dominant defensive effort. Granted, 20 points is not a lot , especially when you consider the Jags scored the 2nd most amount of points in the NFL the second half of the year, but it just felt like the Jaguars had NO problems, for the better part of 4 quarters, moving the ball up and down the field on New England. The bottom line:The Patriots are the ultimate “Bend but don’t break defense.” Any solid offense can move the ball on them. But when their opponent gets into the Red Zone, more often than not they’re going to force them into a field goal or turnover. And when you’re trying keep pace with the New England offense, you need to come away with 6 every time.
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Charles from Westerly, RI Wrote: Jack, did you see the news about the 7-11 robbery yesterday? This cowardly act hits home to me. I am a cigarette smoker and a gambler. These guys probably jacked some bones and cash, headed up route 2, hit up Foxwoods, high-rolled and blazed all night. The only question I have is: what type of cigarettes? The only solution is, hire an individual to sit on the roof of 7-11 24 hrs a day and stop this madness.
Response: Charles don’t be so quick to judge these guys. Yes, they are thieves, but is all thievery unwarranted? What if these men were dolling out the cigarettes and money to the less fortunate, a la Robin Hood? After further review, there is an outside chance these crooks were justified in their actions. It was reported the police were waiting for the suspects at the end of RT. 78. Would it have been too much to ask for them to cover the other 3 exits on that road? I think the Westerly PD has some explaining to do.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
DeQuan from Rego Park Wrote: Yo Jack, wuz up cuz? I’ve been reading your (explitive) for a minute dog, that (expletive) is hot. You seem like you know your (expletive), so I got a question for ya. Ya see, me and my boys usually get a couple pizzas at night for dinner, ya dig? The problem is, the leftovers be flying out the fridge every night. I’m wakin up for a little snack and I ain’t got nothin to grub on. I’m getting sick of this (expletive) I ‘m gonna cap a (expletive). You got any advice for me?
Response: Wow, very passionate question- I respect the enthusiasm. It sounds like a very troubling situation you’ve found yourself in here. You’re being attacked on two fronts, financially and nutritionally. You need to make a decisive move here otherwise you’ll find yourself penniless and emaciated. So let’s make a move here before those ribs start peeking through. I like where your head’s at with the pizza, my personal favorite meal. It’s relatively cheap, portable and conducive to good chatter and camaraderie (I’m actually eating a slice right now). Here’s what I’m going to have you do. Next time you get a pizza make sure it’s the best quality your delivering radius has to offer. I’ve done a bit of research for you and it looks like Rosa's Pizza on Fresh Pond Road is going to be your best bet. Go with a Large Italian Sicilian pizza, which is generously topped with sausage pepperoni and cheese, cooked to order. Your next step is to go to your local RX and get an odorless, tasteless laxative. After eating a few slices of the pizza, load up the leftovers with the product. Whichever roommate is spending an exorbitant amount of time in the bathroom is your culprit. I’ll let you take care of the rest.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Randy from East Lansing, Michigan wrote: Help me Jack. I’m freezing. It’s getting very cold outside. I’m hungry. This winter has been very difficult on me, being my first one “homeless”. I’m writing this email from our public library. I try to spend a great deal of my time in here to escape the cold. A librarian is looking over my shoulder right now; I don’t know how much longer they’ll let me stay- vagrants are disposed of rather quickly around here. My wife left me a few months ago. She left me to die. She got the apartment and what little money I had left. She caught me cheating and burned all my winter clothing. Jack I’m telling you here, I have NOTHING. The librarian has just asked me to wrap up the email and get the (expletive) out. So with the success of your site, you must be generating some money. Please, anything you can give me would be much appreciated. Find it in the goodness of your heart to help me out.
The Response: Wow Randy, I’m very sorry to hear that. It has been an especially cold winter- I could not imagine spending it without food and shelter. I want you to consider going to the Crossroads Homeless Shelter in East Lansing for the time being. I have already contacted them and they have a bed for you and will provide two meals a day. Once you are there I will be able to mail you some money to get you set up for a little while. Hang in there bud, we’ll get you through this, I take care of my readers.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks to the readers and those who submitted emails. We couldn't do this without you!
To be a part of the next "Mailbag" installment:
Email Zach: Znapolitano@gmail.com
Email Jack: Ilovethisgame101@yahoo.com
NFC/AFC Championship Game Picks on Thursday!!
Zach quit trying to act like Bill Simmons. Your response to "Short" Al's question is a disgrace. I think ive read those exact words come from a Bill Simmons' mailbag. Lets come up with something original next time.
ReplyDeleteWow very harsh words anderson, i think we need an a rebuttle from Zach.
ReplyDeleteAnderson,
ReplyDeleteGlad you're reading.
I can't belive the 3 words I posted "Nodding in Agreement" got you to throw such a hissy fit.
Unfortunately, the web site typing template does not allow for "super script" type, therefore I cannot use footnotes. Obviously if I could, I would have sited Bill Simmons. Next time I rip 3 words off from your precious "Sports Guy" I'll make sure to include MLA approved END NOTES at the end of the post.
Anderson - "You did a wonderful job" pointing that out for us. (Chris "Mad Dog" Russo, 1988-2008, WFAN).
Ya see, I got your message.
Zach you just conceded the fact that you plagiarized from Bill Simmons and then got defensive about it. As a new reader of your website it was just disturbing to see that you have twice been caught taking the work of others and trying to pawn it off as your own. I hope you can clean up your act.
ReplyDelete