You’ve got mail! And a Tweet…and a wallpost, a blog, a LinkedIn invite, and a video recommended by ESPN. Although the newspaper industry is slowly washing away, the social media whisper is turning into an uproar. Has the downfall of Metropolitan Dailies resulted in the rise of social media’s revolution? Or did the advent of social media push newspaper columnists out the door? Either way, I believe the future of news dissemination won’t be at your doorstep every morning, but rather, online 24/7…a truly discomforting notion.
For sports fans, the future of media coverage is going to come from Twitter updates, RSS feeds, blogs, and citizen journalism. Most people agree with me regarding the citizen journalism covering teams better on blogs and podcasts, but my question is, Who’s going to get the quotes from the official people?
For instance, Rickie Weeks of my beloved Brewers hits a game winning homerun in the bottom of the ninth to beat the St. Louis Cardinals. I can wax poetic about the dramatics of the game for 6000 words, but I’ll never have a direct quote about the game unless Tom Haudricourt or Anthony Witrado from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel releases the info on their blog or in an official article the next day. I’m all for personal stances and subjective reporting styles, but I’m also a big fan of REAL information.
I recently attended a community forum for AnnArbor.com, the new website (kinda...sorta...but not really) taking over for the Ann Arbor News in July. It was fascinating to hear Tony Dearing and his colleagues discuss the new venture. I like the way AnnArbor.com is going about this for a few reasons:
1) They are ambitious in their goals to be a leader in the field of moving the newspaper to the internet. They know the "newspaper of tomorrow" will look very different from today and they are attempting to find out how to make their website look like the ideal news source.
2) They are working tirelessly in trying to attend to all the concerns the public has concerning the loss of the daily and launch of the 24/7 website news source. This was their third forum with (I think) one more on the way. Each forum brings more detail and (slightly) more answers to the public.
3) They want AnnArbor.com to be perfect as soon as possible, but they are not too pretentious to think the first version WILL be the end all, be all of internet newspapers. Numerous times, Mr. Dearing said this site would evolve as the technology evolves and the kinks get figured out.
As newspaper move onto the internet, I think its important to mantain a high level of skill and citation. Journalism is an art and I would hate to see the finer points of the written word disappear for the sake of "getting the scoop". Please media gods, grant me this wish.
Talk to you later Pointees.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Final Four Coverage
Congratulations Tar Heels!! The University of North Carolina won the Men's NCAA Basketball Championship last night, soundly defeating the Michigan State Spartans...a conclusion many saw coming. While the game was far from compelling, the media coverage leading up to crowning game was fairly interesting to note.
Many story lines revolved around the Final Four.
The Good: A surprising Michigan State team appearing on the national stage, drawing increased national attention to the economic despair in Metropolitan Detroit.
The So-So: Tyler Lawson overcoming injury to appear in the game.
The Bad: The University of Connecticut's recruitment scandal.
Each story line received a bit of attention, but in my estimation, Detroit and Michigan State received the most press...and deservingly so I'd say. Michigan State, a team many figured to bow out close to the Elite 8, defiantly beat out an impressive UCONN team to arrive in the finals. Many are saying this story is too good to be true.
- Detroit, once a worldwide leader in automobile production and innovation, has spiraled into an economic recession unseen in other parts of the country.
- Michigan State, a team from the lowly Big Ten Conference, coached by legendary Tom Izzo, found a reason to have pride. This pride comes to people in a city and state that has rare reasons to smile
It’s amazing how the sports scene has been able to consistently revive the city of Detroit and it’s surrounding areas. Maybe “revive” isn’t the best word because the D has not been able to shake off its economic problems. But it seems that every time Detroit may fall apart completely, the Red Wings win a Stanley Cup. Or the Tigers make it to the World Series. Or the Pistons win another Division title. It is these stories that keep the media coming back for more. Sport has been able to personify a city and keep its heart beating and viewers could see as much when they tuned into Final Four broadcasts.
Each announcer loved talking about the Spartans and the city of Detroit.
“The Spartan fans have to be loving this. Look at all the green we’ve got here” – Dick Vitale
“UNC is pretty powerful, but with the hometown fans back you up…who knows what Sparty can do” – Coach Knight
“Let’s hear it for Detroit” – Emcee at Spartan’s pep rally
“This is just an amazing city. All the noted problems and bailouts, but you would never know it from the excitement in this city” – Mike Tirico
Even after UNC dismantled the Spartans, the story still seemed to focus on Michigan State. It was amazing how little press UNC received for winning the title. Headlines concerned themselves mostly with how the Big Ten accredited itself or how successful the Final Four was in a northern town.
The Final Four media circus was fun to watch, read and listen to this past weekend. Some surprises. Some heart-warming stories. And one un-heralded Champion. I expected more about UNC’s rise to the title, but an intense focus on suffering Detroit was welcome.
Case Ernsting
Many story lines revolved around the Final Four.
The Good: A surprising Michigan State team appearing on the national stage, drawing increased national attention to the economic despair in Metropolitan Detroit.
The So-So: Tyler Lawson overcoming injury to appear in the game.
The Bad: The University of Connecticut's recruitment scandal.
Each story line received a bit of attention, but in my estimation, Detroit and Michigan State received the most press...and deservingly so I'd say. Michigan State, a team many figured to bow out close to the Elite 8, defiantly beat out an impressive UCONN team to arrive in the finals. Many are saying this story is too good to be true.
- Detroit, once a worldwide leader in automobile production and innovation, has spiraled into an economic recession unseen in other parts of the country.
- Michigan State, a team from the lowly Big Ten Conference, coached by legendary Tom Izzo, found a reason to have pride. This pride comes to people in a city and state that has rare reasons to smile
It’s amazing how the sports scene has been able to consistently revive the city of Detroit and it’s surrounding areas. Maybe “revive” isn’t the best word because the D has not been able to shake off its economic problems. But it seems that every time Detroit may fall apart completely, the Red Wings win a Stanley Cup. Or the Tigers make it to the World Series. Or the Pistons win another Division title. It is these stories that keep the media coming back for more. Sport has been able to personify a city and keep its heart beating and viewers could see as much when they tuned into Final Four broadcasts.
Each announcer loved talking about the Spartans and the city of Detroit.
“The Spartan fans have to be loving this. Look at all the green we’ve got here” – Dick Vitale
“UNC is pretty powerful, but with the hometown fans back you up…who knows what Sparty can do” – Coach Knight
“Let’s hear it for Detroit” – Emcee at Spartan’s pep rally
“This is just an amazing city. All the noted problems and bailouts, but you would never know it from the excitement in this city” – Mike Tirico
Even after UNC dismantled the Spartans, the story still seemed to focus on Michigan State. It was amazing how little press UNC received for winning the title. Headlines concerned themselves mostly with how the Big Ten accredited itself or how successful the Final Four was in a northern town.
The Final Four media circus was fun to watch, read and listen to this past weekend. Some surprises. Some heart-warming stories. And one un-heralded Champion. I expected more about UNC’s rise to the title, but an intense focus on suffering Detroit was welcome.
Case Ernsting
Monday, March 16, 2009
Sports Page PR
I've waited a few weeks to post this take, just to make sure the dust had settled. A few weeks back, it was hard to turn on ESPN without a report on Michael Phelps or Alex Rodriguez. Both superstar athletes have suffered massive blows to their public image in the past few weeks, but each has taken a different approach to managing their respective crisis.
Various media personalities heralded Phelps as the greatest athlete in Olympics history (a modern history dating back to 1896) after he swam to eight gold medals at the Beijing Olympics. Equally captivating was the recently released picture of Michael holding a bong at a college party in November. The Phelps camp has been frantically trying to save the swimmer’s reputation ever since the picture hit the internet. Strategically, Phelps management agency, International Management Group (IMG) is playing the “youthful spirit” PR card, asking for understanding and forgiveness…a very sound strategy. But the drawn out saga that has unfolded probably wasn’t in their plans. Every additional apology Phelps’ issues goes straight to the front page; every informal poolside press conference has Phelps out of breath and un-groomed. Phelps needs his character and integrity reaffirmed, but neither his coaches nor friends have displayed support to the media. More proactive PR tactics are needed in times of crisis management.
Alex Rodriguez and his PR staff were far more aggressive in handling his recent admission to steroid use in Major League Baseball (MLB). Sports Illustrated broke the story on Sunday and Rodriguez disclosed all in an interview with ESPN’s Peter Gammons on Tuesday. He attacked the allegations and tried to minimize the damage by giving answers to questions sports fans were asking. Pulling a page from Phelps’ book, Rodriguez blamed his humanity for “making a mistake”. While Rodriguez’s image will never be the same, he was able to control the story, instead of letting the story control him.
These two sport-related cases offer lessons in crisis management. While the public will never forget these two incidents, savvy PR practices can minimize the damage to their respective reputations. Basketball’s Michael Jordan was able to stay in the public’s favor for years despite gambling allegations. Many businesses, company leaders, athletes, celebrities, etc. make mistakes because they are human. PR specialists must realize this fact and build a plan to emphasize the way individuals learn from mistakes.
Case Ernsting
Various media personalities heralded Phelps as the greatest athlete in Olympics history (a modern history dating back to 1896) after he swam to eight gold medals at the Beijing Olympics. Equally captivating was the recently released picture of Michael holding a bong at a college party in November. The Phelps camp has been frantically trying to save the swimmer’s reputation ever since the picture hit the internet. Strategically, Phelps management agency, International Management Group (IMG) is playing the “youthful spirit” PR card, asking for understanding and forgiveness…a very sound strategy. But the drawn out saga that has unfolded probably wasn’t in their plans. Every additional apology Phelps’ issues goes straight to the front page; every informal poolside press conference has Phelps out of breath and un-groomed. Phelps needs his character and integrity reaffirmed, but neither his coaches nor friends have displayed support to the media. More proactive PR tactics are needed in times of crisis management.
Alex Rodriguez and his PR staff were far more aggressive in handling his recent admission to steroid use in Major League Baseball (MLB). Sports Illustrated broke the story on Sunday and Rodriguez disclosed all in an interview with ESPN’s Peter Gammons on Tuesday. He attacked the allegations and tried to minimize the damage by giving answers to questions sports fans were asking. Pulling a page from Phelps’ book, Rodriguez blamed his humanity for “making a mistake”. While Rodriguez’s image will never be the same, he was able to control the story, instead of letting the story control him.
These two sport-related cases offer lessons in crisis management. While the public will never forget these two incidents, savvy PR practices can minimize the damage to their respective reputations. Basketball’s Michael Jordan was able to stay in the public’s favor for years despite gambling allegations. Many businesses, company leaders, athletes, celebrities, etc. make mistakes because they are human. PR specialists must realize this fact and build a plan to emphasize the way individuals learn from mistakes.
Case Ernsting
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Crisler Arena - Minn vs. Mich
On February 19, the Michigan Wolverines clashed with the Minnesota Golden Gophers in Ann Arbor. The game was played in at Crisler Arena in Ann Arbor, MI. At the end of the night, Manny Harris and the Michigan Wolverines shot their way past the Gophers, crushing Minnesota, 74-62. In attendance that evening was 10,520...maybe. 
As one of those reported 10,520, I was shocked to hear the attendance was that high. For one of the most important games of the season, the Wolverines failed to fill the lower bowl of Crisler and barely filled half of the upper seating bowl...and that's with free student tickets. Kind of like Minnesota going up against Beilein’s 1-3-1, I felt bamboozled by these numbers.
Crisler Arena, built in 1967 is a real life magician trick. When walking around outside the stadium, or inside the concourse, you are neither impressed nor awed. Some sports facilities are attractively dated…or retro. Crisler is not that kind of place. It’s an outdated arena, erected before people cared about luxury boxes or fan’s needs. Whereas other universities have replaced their outdated facilities, Michigan remains resolute, happy to supply a positive fan experience through smoke and mirrors. Bill Martin and Co. aren’t going to build a new basketball arena. Fine. Until the time comes for a venue worthy of the block M, the powers that be are trying to enhance the gameday experience through intangibles; canned music, cheerleaders, pep-band, halftime shows, student section, and timeout performances. These efforts are actually pretty entertaining and go a long way to improving the subpar structure housing them. That’s a compliment right?
My mom always said I should have at least one good thing to say about someone if I am going to criticize them too. In tribute to my loving mother, I present Good Crisler / Bad Crisler.
The Bad
1. Dirty – The concourse and seating areas are covered in years of grime.
2. Not noisy – If you go to a Badger basketball game at the Kohl Center in Madison, WI you will be impressed. No matter what level of sport fanaticism you celebrate, your experience will be fulfilling and electrifying, regardless of who the Badgers are playing. Not so at Crisler Arena. Crisler’s noise level and fan interest waxes and wanes with the level of opponent, only reaching respectability against the likes of Duke and Michigan State.
3. Dark – A few years back the Athletic Department sprung for new lights…but these new lights only improved lighting on the court. Fan seating areas are still dingy and strange. It’s like sitting in your parents basement.
4. A/V Club – The multi-media implements used throughout the game were pedestrian and predictable. Walk into any second-tier basketball game throughout the country and you can expect a similar Jock-Jams inspired playlist and roster introductions.
5. Seating – Newer stadiums implement modern building techniques allowing for stadium seating “bowls” to sit on top of each other, rather than grow away from the court, as is the case for Crisler. (See picture on right)
Bowls sitting atop each other allow for upper-tiered seats to be closer to the action.
Needless to say, most of Crisler’s inadequacies are a result of the arena’s age and outdated structure.
The Good
1. The Maize Rage – Game after game, a stronghold of Michigan Wolverines superfans show up and cheer their maize n’ blue butts off. These guys and gals are ferociously focused and intensely witty in their unrelenting cheers. Bravo
2. The Band – From their post on the south side of the arena, this collection of brass and drums fills the stadium with high octane vibes. It’s a treat
3. The Court – Many of friends from rival universities commend the Michigan brass on keeping their playing court sleek and traditional. Whereas some colleges are content clouding up their court with obnoxious ads and “tributes”, Michigan keeps it clean.
4. Seating Access – The best part about only having ¾ of the arena full? The ease of movement throughout the concourse and to your seat. If you hate having to battle for seats, Crisler is your place to be. If you don’t like your view? Fine, move to another seat…like I have done on multiple occasions.
5. Manny Harris, CJ Lee, DeShawn Sims, Zack Novak, Stu Douglass, Jevon Shepard, Kelvin Grady, David Merritt, Laval Lucas-Perry, Zack Gibson, and John Beilein. They’re worth the price of admission and will keep you coming back. No doubt. The shooting, the dunks, the 1-3-1. Watch out. Beilein’s got this team on the right track.
In the end, my night at Crisler was very enjoyable, as most nights are when your team wins. Regardless of Crisler’s inadequacies, ultimately, wins will make the fan experience enjoyable. Go Blue!
Case Ernsting
As one of those reported 10,520, I was shocked to hear the attendance was that high. For one of the most important games of the season, the Wolverines failed to fill the lower bowl of Crisler and barely filled half of the upper seating bowl...and that's with free student tickets. Kind of like Minnesota going up against Beilein’s 1-3-1, I felt bamboozled by these numbers.
Crisler Arena, built in 1967 is a real life magician trick. When walking around outside the stadium, or inside the concourse, you are neither impressed nor awed. Some sports facilities are attractively dated…or retro. Crisler is not that kind of place. It’s an outdated arena, erected before people cared about luxury boxes or fan’s needs. Whereas other universities have replaced their outdated facilities, Michigan remains resolute, happy to supply a positive fan experience through smoke and mirrors. Bill Martin and Co. aren’t going to build a new basketball arena. Fine. Until the time comes for a venue worthy of the block M, the powers that be are trying to enhance the gameday experience through intangibles; canned music, cheerleaders, pep-band, halftime shows, student section, and timeout performances. These efforts are actually pretty entertaining and go a long way to improving the subpar structure housing them. That’s a compliment right?
My mom always said I should have at least one good thing to say about someone if I am going to criticize them too. In tribute to my loving mother, I present Good Crisler / Bad Crisler.
The Bad
1. Dirty – The concourse and seating areas are covered in years of grime.
2. Not noisy – If you go to a Badger basketball game at the Kohl Center in Madison, WI you will be impressed. No matter what level of sport fanaticism you celebrate, your experience will be fulfilling and electrifying, regardless of who the Badgers are playing. Not so at Crisler Arena. Crisler’s noise level and fan interest waxes and wanes with the level of opponent, only reaching respectability against the likes of Duke and Michigan State.
3. Dark – A few years back the Athletic Department sprung for new lights…but these new lights only improved lighting on the court. Fan seating areas are still dingy and strange. It’s like sitting in your parents basement.
4. A/V Club – The multi-media implements used throughout the game were pedestrian and predictable. Walk into any second-tier basketball game throughout the country and you can expect a similar Jock-Jams inspired playlist and roster introductions.
5. Seating – Newer stadiums implement modern building techniques allowing for stadium seating “bowls” to sit on top of each other, rather than grow away from the court, as is the case for Crisler. (See picture on right)
Bowls sitting atop each other allow for upper-tiered seats to be closer to the action.Needless to say, most of Crisler’s inadequacies are a result of the arena’s age and outdated structure.
The Good
1. The Maize Rage – Game after game, a stronghold of Michigan Wolverines superfans show up and cheer their maize n’ blue butts off. These guys and gals are ferociously focused and intensely witty in their unrelenting cheers. Bravo
2. The Band – From their post on the south side of the arena, this collection of brass and drums fills the stadium with high octane vibes. It’s a treat
3. The Court – Many of friends from rival universities commend the Michigan brass on keeping their playing court sleek and traditional. Whereas some colleges are content clouding up their court with obnoxious ads and “tributes”, Michigan keeps it clean.
4. Seating Access – The best part about only having ¾ of the arena full? The ease of movement throughout the concourse and to your seat. If you hate having to battle for seats, Crisler is your place to be. If you don’t like your view? Fine, move to another seat…like I have done on multiple occasions.
5. Manny Harris, CJ Lee, DeShawn Sims, Zack Novak, Stu Douglass, Jevon Shepard, Kelvin Grady, David Merritt, Laval Lucas-Perry, Zack Gibson, and John Beilein. They’re worth the price of admission and will keep you coming back. No doubt. The shooting, the dunks, the 1-3-1. Watch out. Beilein’s got this team on the right track.
In the end, my night at Crisler was very enjoyable, as most nights are when your team wins. Regardless of Crisler’s inadequacies, ultimately, wins will make the fan experience enjoyable. Go Blue!
Case Ernsting
Thursday, February 19, 2009
John Beilein Show - Great Success
Welcome back Points fans. How’s February treating you? Spring training has begun and the Major League Baseball season is right around the corner. BUT FIRST! The college basketball season is getting interesting. Bubble teams are preparing for a dash to the finish and the elite teams are trying to polish off their seasons for a top seed in the tourney. Basketball fever is sweeping the University of Michigan campus. Will they make it? Can they hold up? Do they have enough quality victories? With all these unanswered questions (and a required attendance from our teacher) I headed to the John Beilein radio show this past Monday to see what the man in charge had to say.
The John Beilein show is hosted by Pizza House in Ann Arbor, MI. Pizza House is in the heart of campus and was packed for this specific show. The vibe was fantastic from the very beginning of the program. Anticipation mounted as the show’s start time began and Coach had no shown up yet. Did he forget? Not quite. At 6:50pm (the show started at 7:00) a calm, cool, and collected Coach Beilein waddled into the restaurant greeted by a standing ovation from the throngs of Wolverine fans. All in attendance could tell, this was the man Michigan basketball could believe in. And as soon as the questions from host Jeff Roach started, we were even more sure. Every headscratching inquiry Jeff threw at Coach was answered in a matter-of-fact, thoughtful manner. Jeff seemed very prepared for the back and forth dialogue with Beilein, asking him opinions on specific details from games and referencing conversations and interviews from earlier in the season. Jeff and John seemed to have a very good rapport and their conversation flowed seamlessly from topic to topic. Beilein had a well informed, well intentioned response to every question...amazing because he showed up minutes before the show began = little time to prepare with the host. Everything was very professional.
The atmosphere of the restaurant was what I would call "Very conscious" of the fact that there was something significant happening in front of them. I had to keep reminding myself that thousands of people were listening to this discourse because it seemed as if everyone was just talking to each other...and that's a good thing.
I think this show can be a beacon of fanaticism for Michigan Basketball fans. It something to do on cold winter nights in Ann Arbor...its fun...the food is good...Beilein is awesome. They just need to advertise it more to students. I had never heard of this radio show before my Media class. If the Michigan sports network targets a students, possibly advertising AT the games, more fans are sure to show up at Pizza House...and you should go too!!!!
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The John Beilein show is hosted by Pizza House in Ann Arbor, MI. Pizza House is in the heart of campus and was packed for this specific show. The vibe was fantastic from the very beginning of the program. Anticipation mounted as the show’s start time began and Coach had no shown up yet. Did he forget? Not quite. At 6:50pm (the show started at 7:00) a calm, cool, and collected Coach Beilein waddled into the restaurant greeted by a standing ovation from the throngs of Wolverine fans. All in attendance could tell, this was the man Michigan basketball could believe in. And as soon as the questions from host Jeff Roach started, we were even more sure. Every headscratching inquiry Jeff threw at Coach was answered in a matter-of-fact, thoughtful manner. Jeff seemed very prepared for the back and forth dialogue with Beilein, asking him opinions on specific details from games and referencing conversations and interviews from earlier in the season. Jeff and John seemed to have a very good rapport and their conversation flowed seamlessly from topic to topic. Beilein had a well informed, well intentioned response to every question...amazing because he showed up minutes before the show began = little time to prepare with the host. Everything was very professional.
The atmosphere of the restaurant was what I would call "Very conscious" of the fact that there was something significant happening in front of them. I had to keep reminding myself that thousands of people were listening to this discourse because it seemed as if everyone was just talking to each other...and that's a good thing.
I think this show can be a beacon of fanaticism for Michigan Basketball fans. It something to do on cold winter nights in Ann Arbor...its fun...the food is good...Beilein is awesome. They just need to advertise it more to students. I had never heard of this radio show before my Media class. If the Michigan sports network targets a students, possibly advertising AT the games, more fans are sure to show up at Pizza House...and you should go too!!!!
Monday, February 16, 2009
Daytona 500 - Kenseth Reigns over Weathered Field
Happy Belated Valentines Day out there bloggers.
My career as a NASCAR fan is 152 laps strong, but I really wish it was 200. The 51st running of the Daytona 500, and the 1st NASCAR race I’ve ever watched, was cut short on Sunday and surprisingly enough, I was annoyed by it. Articles across the internet agreed. Ending the Daytona 500 in lap 152 would be like ending this year’s Game Five of the World Series after 5 innings. With weather like the stuff brewing in Daytona, Sunday’s race had to end though and in the end the threatening rain just added an intriguing twist on the day.
Commentators were checking in on team strategies throughout the day as drivers raced hard continuously. Their thinking: “The rain could come at any moment so I better be in first if that red flag drops”. Lucky for Wisconsin native Matt Kenseth, he was in position to dart out to the lead when said flag reigned over the field. Many other drivers would have been in such auspicious positioning if not for the Earnhardt, Jr./Vickers crash in lap 124 that derailed 10 fellow drivers. Although my eye isn’t as trained as most NASCAR enthusiasts, it seems like Earnhardt wasn’t right. He was missing pit stops, and had a penalty called against him…everything seemed a little out of control and then the crash with Vickers. Earnhardt was one of the drivers I had heard of before the race = my second favorite driver behind my statesman Kenseth.
From a distance, Kenseth always seemed like a very cerebral driver. He was never the flashiest “pedal to the metal” guy, but his conservative style netted the Series Championship in 2003. Matt’s quiet demeanor probably doesn’t win many points with NASCAR fans, but he sure has made me a fan of the number 17 car. I always rooted for the Larry Birds, David Ecksteins, or Mugsy Boogs of the world and that’s what Kenseth bring to NASCAR. (If you find more beauty in a bounce-pass than a dunk, check out CJ Lee of the Michigan basketball Wolverines. The senior co-captain plays relentlessly and intellectually.)
As for the rest of the race, I was intrigued by ESPN’s lead-in going into the race on Sunday morning: “What other sport would face off a 53 year old with an 18 year old?” I think that’s a beautiful question to pose to new NASCAR audiences that might be drawn into the Daytona 500… “The Great American Race”. While FOX was the main carrier of the race, ESPN did a great job covering the race, keeping tabs on story lines as they unfolded while constantly running a “Who’s in What Place” tab at the top of their main page.
The excitement of the Daytona 500 was mildly unexpected in my eyes. I watched the NBA All-Star game a few hours after the Daytona and while flashy, it lacked the intensity and grit of the NASCAR race. Despite almost a quarter of the race washing down the drain, the Daytona 500 was a joy to watch.
My career as a NASCAR fan is 152 laps strong, but I really wish it was 200. The 51st running of the Daytona 500, and the 1st NASCAR race I’ve ever watched, was cut short on Sunday and surprisingly enough, I was annoyed by it. Articles across the internet agreed. Ending the Daytona 500 in lap 152 would be like ending this year’s Game Five of the World Series after 5 innings. With weather like the stuff brewing in Daytona, Sunday’s race had to end though and in the end the threatening rain just added an intriguing twist on the day.
Commentators were checking in on team strategies throughout the day as drivers raced hard continuously. Their thinking: “The rain could come at any moment so I better be in first if that red flag drops”. Lucky for Wisconsin native Matt Kenseth, he was in position to dart out to the lead when said flag reigned over the field. Many other drivers would have been in such auspicious positioning if not for the Earnhardt, Jr./Vickers crash in lap 124 that derailed 10 fellow drivers. Although my eye isn’t as trained as most NASCAR enthusiasts, it seems like Earnhardt wasn’t right. He was missing pit stops, and had a penalty called against him…everything seemed a little out of control and then the crash with Vickers. Earnhardt was one of the drivers I had heard of before the race = my second favorite driver behind my statesman Kenseth.
From a distance, Kenseth always seemed like a very cerebral driver. He was never the flashiest “pedal to the metal” guy, but his conservative style netted the Series Championship in 2003. Matt’s quiet demeanor probably doesn’t win many points with NASCAR fans, but he sure has made me a fan of the number 17 car. I always rooted for the Larry Birds, David Ecksteins, or Mugsy Boogs of the world and that’s what Kenseth bring to NASCAR. (If you find more beauty in a bounce-pass than a dunk, check out CJ Lee of the Michigan basketball Wolverines. The senior co-captain plays relentlessly and intellectually.)
As for the rest of the race, I was intrigued by ESPN’s lead-in going into the race on Sunday morning: “What other sport would face off a 53 year old with an 18 year old?” I think that’s a beautiful question to pose to new NASCAR audiences that might be drawn into the Daytona 500… “The Great American Race”. While FOX was the main carrier of the race, ESPN did a great job covering the race, keeping tabs on story lines as they unfolded while constantly running a “Who’s in What Place” tab at the top of their main page.
The excitement of the Daytona 500 was mildly unexpected in my eyes. I watched the NBA All-Star game a few hours after the Daytona and while flashy, it lacked the intensity and grit of the NASCAR race. Despite almost a quarter of the race washing down the drain, the Daytona 500 was a joy to watch.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Phelps Phlop
WHAT ARE WE DOING?!
This chastising of Michael Phelps must stop immediately. Regardless of your opinion on drug use, Michael Phelps has suffered plenty...and we're next. What? He's a role model and must be held to a higher standard than the rest? He betrayed your belief in everything good? Is Michael Phelps the reason the economy sucks? Is it Mike's fault your favorite band sucks? Why are we attacking this American Hero so ruthlessly??! If you haven't figured it out yet...it's time to lay off the kid and focus on your own life.
Ok, so maybe you're not the reason Kellog's dropped its sponsorship of Phelps. And you're probably not the reporter probing Phelps for his 108th apology next to the pool. BUT if you watch the next SportsCenter story on Michael Phelps then you are still the problem. All this media scrutiny will end as soon as ESPN sees we don't care anymore.
Why must we dissolve any feelings towards the Phelps case? Because now he's considering taking away the 2012 Olympics from us. That's right, the salacious media and public scrutiny has pushed Mike so far into a corner that he's made an ultimatum. Great work America. Is your memory so short that you can't recall the emotions you felt during this?
This Phelps case shows how ridiculous our standards for great athletes has become. I'm not defending the actions of sportsmen like Michael Vick, Alex Rodriguez, Pacman Jones, or the like...these individuals hurt other people with their actions. Athletes like Phelps and Brett Favre made mistakes humans would make, and I think that's lost in the hoopla of million dollar sponsorships and ESPN commentaries. The humanity of our greatest athletes is what I find so appealing. Michael Phelps is more than a swimmer. He was a student here at the University of Michigan at this time last year, enjoying the youth that most find fleeting. Brett Favre threw interceptions, set records, retired, un-retired...and I loved him for it. The more we demand of these great athletes, the harder it will be for anyone to meet thee expectations.
Where will Michael be in 2012? Hopefully being congratulated by President Obama for setting a new Olympic record and not toking up with the president. Oh did you forget that Barack smoked? See? It's that easy to forget.
This chastising of Michael Phelps must stop immediately. Regardless of your opinion on drug use, Michael Phelps has suffered plenty...and we're next. What? He's a role model and must be held to a higher standard than the rest? He betrayed your belief in everything good? Is Michael Phelps the reason the economy sucks? Is it Mike's fault your favorite band sucks? Why are we attacking this American Hero so ruthlessly??! If you haven't figured it out yet...it's time to lay off the kid and focus on your own life.
Ok, so maybe you're not the reason Kellog's dropped its sponsorship of Phelps. And you're probably not the reporter probing Phelps for his 108th apology next to the pool. BUT if you watch the next SportsCenter story on Michael Phelps then you are still the problem. All this media scrutiny will end as soon as ESPN sees we don't care anymore.
Why must we dissolve any feelings towards the Phelps case? Because now he's considering taking away the 2012 Olympics from us. That's right, the salacious media and public scrutiny has pushed Mike so far into a corner that he's made an ultimatum. Great work America. Is your memory so short that you can't recall the emotions you felt during this?
This Phelps case shows how ridiculous our standards for great athletes has become. I'm not defending the actions of sportsmen like Michael Vick, Alex Rodriguez, Pacman Jones, or the like...these individuals hurt other people with their actions. Athletes like Phelps and Brett Favre made mistakes humans would make, and I think that's lost in the hoopla of million dollar sponsorships and ESPN commentaries. The humanity of our greatest athletes is what I find so appealing. Michael Phelps is more than a swimmer. He was a student here at the University of Michigan at this time last year, enjoying the youth that most find fleeting. Brett Favre threw interceptions, set records, retired, un-retired...and I loved him for it. The more we demand of these great athletes, the harder it will be for anyone to meet thee expectations.
Where will Michael be in 2012? Hopefully being congratulated by President Obama for setting a new Olympic record and not toking up with the president. Oh did you forget that Barack smoked? See? It's that easy to forget.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Super Bowl Commercials
How great was this year's Super Bowl? 
The game, the commercials, the halftime show...far more exciting than anyone anticipated. We're getting close to awards season with the Grammy's last night and Oscars right around the corner so why not hand out some of my own awards for Top Three Super Bowl Ads.
And the Pointee goes to....
Third Best Commercial:
Cash 4 Gold
Brilliant. I thought this ad spot was perfect for the Cash 4 gold brand. Super Bowl ads all have their own goals and objectives, but I liked how this commercial really leveraged the Cash 4 Gold name, while sticking to their unassuming roots. Pre-Super Bowl, Cash for Gold appeared to be just another info-mercial company; scamming the public into selling keepsakes and heirlooms. Previous commercials ran like a PowerPoint Presentation with hasty editing and shoddy color schemes…..
But that all changed with this Super Bowl ad. By mixing humor, precise timing, identifiable characters, and a quick revisit of what Cash for Gold means, the company was able to reestablish their brand image. Notice the items Ed McMahon and MC Hammer offer to melt down: Gold sledge hammer, gold hip replacement, gold pants, gold toilet, etc…Cash 4 Gold is definitely poking fun at themselves, softening their image and reaching a new audience
Runner Up:
Coke Zero - Mean Troy Polamalu
While some people think this ad missed the mark, I think it was a bullseye. This commercial went beyond the typical cute kid/animal formula so many commercials implement and I think Coke Zero should be rewarded for respecting our cerebral capabilities. The ad gurus recall the factors that made the "Mean" Joe Green ad of 1979 a hit: embattled, vicious superstar, Steelers Defenseman, hesitant acceptance of coke, campy 70's music...BUT they do this for a purpose! The Mean Joe green ad is one of the most respected of all time, but it gets mocked fairly often on shows like the Simpsons and Family Guy. Coke Zero wants to have fun with the ad too, but in doing so, they advance the message. This new style of Coke has everything the original has, but with a contemporary twist that will make you feel good.
Best Super Bowl Commercial 2009:
Miller High Life - THE 1 Second Ad
This commercial didn't end up on USAToday's Ad Meter, but it's the best commercial NBC aired on Super Bowl Sunday. I won't lie, the fact that Miller (Milwaukee's Best) was behind this ad peaked my interest initially. But what kept me hooked, and apparently millions of other viewers, was the campaign Miller created to bolster the 1 second of commercial time. Miller High Life, a good honest beer at a tasty price, complemented this brand position by cutting through the nonsense of 30sec ads and getting to the point. When you drink a Miller High Life (and you should) you know immediately what you're getting yourself into. Anheuser-Busch aired commercials that looked kind of pretty, but didn't really get to the point. Miller effectively matched product and brand recognition and will undoubtedly receive high level of Return On Investment (ROI). Make sure you check out the rest of the "1 Second Ads That Didn't Make the Cut"...Frugal Bugle, Pigskin Gravy, Bean Dip, Back Bacon, Muckity-Mucks.
The game, the commercials, the halftime show...far more exciting than anyone anticipated. We're getting close to awards season with the Grammy's last night and Oscars right around the corner so why not hand out some of my own awards for Top Three Super Bowl Ads. And the Pointee goes to....
Third Best Commercial:
Cash 4 Gold
Brilliant. I thought this ad spot was perfect for the Cash 4 gold brand. Super Bowl ads all have their own goals and objectives, but I liked how this commercial really leveraged the Cash 4 Gold name, while sticking to their unassuming roots. Pre-Super Bowl, Cash for Gold appeared to be just another info-mercial company; scamming the public into selling keepsakes and heirlooms. Previous commercials ran like a PowerPoint Presentation with hasty editing and shoddy color schemes…..
But that all changed with this Super Bowl ad. By mixing humor, precise timing, identifiable characters, and a quick revisit of what Cash for Gold means, the company was able to reestablish their brand image. Notice the items Ed McMahon and MC Hammer offer to melt down: Gold sledge hammer, gold hip replacement, gold pants, gold toilet, etc…Cash 4 Gold is definitely poking fun at themselves, softening their image and reaching a new audience
Runner Up:
Coke Zero - Mean Troy Polamalu
While some people think this ad missed the mark, I think it was a bullseye. This commercial went beyond the typical cute kid/animal formula so many commercials implement and I think Coke Zero should be rewarded for respecting our cerebral capabilities. The ad gurus recall the factors that made the "Mean" Joe Green ad of 1979 a hit: embattled, vicious superstar, Steelers Defenseman, hesitant acceptance of coke, campy 70's music...BUT they do this for a purpose! The Mean Joe green ad is one of the most respected of all time, but it gets mocked fairly often on shows like the Simpsons and Family Guy. Coke Zero wants to have fun with the ad too, but in doing so, they advance the message. This new style of Coke has everything the original has, but with a contemporary twist that will make you feel good.
Best Super Bowl Commercial 2009:
Miller High Life - THE 1 Second Ad
This commercial didn't end up on USAToday's Ad Meter, but it's the best commercial NBC aired on Super Bowl Sunday. I won't lie, the fact that Miller (Milwaukee's Best) was behind this ad peaked my interest initially. But what kept me hooked, and apparently millions of other viewers, was the campaign Miller created to bolster the 1 second of commercial time. Miller High Life, a good honest beer at a tasty price, complemented this brand position by cutting through the nonsense of 30sec ads and getting to the point. When you drink a Miller High Life (and you should) you know immediately what you're getting yourself into. Anheuser-Busch aired commercials that looked kind of pretty, but didn't really get to the point. Miller effectively matched product and brand recognition and will undoubtedly receive high level of Return On Investment (ROI). Make sure you check out the rest of the "1 Second Ads That Didn't Make the Cut"...Frugal Bugle, Pigskin Gravy, Bean Dip, Back Bacon, Muckity-Mucks.
Welcome
Hi,
Welcome to my blog. While this is an assignment, you'll find a unique perspective on the sports world. I am Case Ernsting and I am a senior at the University of Michigan. I'm from Wisconsin so when the conversation sails towards Brewers, Badgers, or Packers (like all sports conversations inevitably do), a bias might sneak in.
Thanks for visiting this small corner of the internet and I hope you enjoy.
GO BLUE,
Case
Welcome to my blog. While this is an assignment, you'll find a unique perspective on the sports world. I am Case Ernsting and I am a senior at the University of Michigan. I'm from Wisconsin so when the conversation sails towards Brewers, Badgers, or Packers (like all sports conversations inevitably do), a bias might sneak in.
Thanks for visiting this small corner of the internet and I hope you enjoy.
GO BLUE,
Case
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