That Aud Smell

^ All good! It's about that time, though: With the USMNT sidelined, who are you pulling for? So many choices, for me. But I think I mostly want to see Messi take his country to glory.

Fair enough. I wasn't interested in talking about England's team, so much (they're not going to be any good, I think) -- but about the social media they used to announce the team.

I read this rant on a mobile when it posted and sorta glossed it. Chz's reply prompted me to look at it again. It's a couple of weeks late, but, yeah - kindly sod off with that nonsense. Anyone who chooses to believe that Russ Brandon is a decent guy who got done dirty by some PC office sex police is living in a house of illusion -- which, as the saying goes ... (is cheap to build, drafty to live in).

Are you effing kidding me? Feck's sake -- it sounds more like a goddamned commercial, then.

Huh? If the production house decided, in the midst of making a highly anticipated biopic, that the film is going to gloss over ugly details and provide a rosy, sunny view of its subject matter, how is that something separate and apart from the end product?

DAMN. That's an obscure one.

Wasn't sure where to put this, but here seems like a good spot. No one's stodgier than ol' England, yeah? And yet *they* have done something weird, new, and fun (and *young*) in announcing their World Cup team. (I like it!)

Here's what the poster said:

I agree with the sentiments that Dunleavy suffers for not being RJ. RJ is a first ballot slam dunk HOF announcer. He's an absolute marvel of sound, style, pace, knowledge, etc. Dunleavy is good. And I think he'll improve over time. I'm fine with it. As someone who catches more and more hockey via audio streams, I *do* wish that he'd discipline himself to state, as early as possible, whether a shot was saved, went in, or missed the target.

Are you so easily (mis)led?

I'm all for enjoying (to a point) what's happening in Las Vegas. It's fun. I like fun.

Lighten up, Francis. An offseason feat of strength with an old friend has nothing to do with anything. Just a bit of fun.

Lol. I suspect he doesn't work out in that manner during the season. Or maybe at all when he's not with this buddy of his.

Getting the movie done was a disaster, apparently. Sacha Baron Cohen was playing Mercury, but left the project because he wanted a more true biopic done. Then the director quit. Evidently, the stakeholders of Queen (Inc.) wanted a brighter and happier homage -- there's a word for that that I can't call to mind. Where you're just lionizing your subject uncritically. It's fairly craven sounding. Those who stand to profit from Queen's legacy and brand wanted a film done that would promote the brand, not tarnish it.

JFC - that guy is a beast.

I seen what you did there. ... or a broach

A reason they weren’t drafted at age 18. There are late bloomers. In terms of the idea that this guy is undersized and skillful: That’s not really a criticism or even an obstacle. That’s a current league-wide trend.

Team Laurel. And, yes, I've been persuaded that this is a trick of sound engineering.

I gotta make time to watch that movie now. Such a classic. Also a really good point.

Observationally, I think there's something to the idea that game 7 at home has its pitfalls. But, on balance, you want that game 7 at home. The team is tired by then. Having that home crowd can be a real boost.

^ It’s a low risk, low cost, potentially high reward signing. Which means it’s smart personnel management. Also, the signing does not exclude the possibility of bringing in new NHL-proven talent.

Also, the Otto Pilot getting oral was, when I saw it, one of the funniest movie gags ever

Maybe we can find a rugged 3rd pairing guy in a Turkish prison. Sheeeyit. I dug yo rap, big papa.

You funny.