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Not a ton along the rail…

Not a ton along the rail line - check out either Wooster's Garden or Holman Draft Hall in Midtown, both within a couple blocks of the rail station and have big patios with good beer/cocktails (they have kitchens as well). Homeslice Pizza (import from Austin) is good if you're looking for an afternoon snack. 

Off-rail, here's a few of my favorites that would be a 15-20 minute uber ride on a non-gameday: 

-West Alabama Icehouse - Massive patio, big beer menu, and the best taco truck across the street (cash only at the taco truck)

- Little Woodrow's in Rice Village - Big patio and good beer selection, some food; This used to be one of the UM alumni watch bars so they will probably be quite Michigan-friendly

- Goode Company BBQ / Armadillo Palace - Across the street from each other, both have patios and good barbecue (same ownership); Armadillo Palace has a full cocktail bar and does live music (not sure if they have anything set for Monday afternoon though)

- The Pit Room - Fantatstic BBQ, have a big patio shared with a bar next door

Well done! I would add to…

Well done! I would add to the tailgate food - Spec's in Midtown is great for any beverages (huge selection) and has some limited fresh food sections as well. 

And great call on Baileson! We were regulars there almost every week when we lived in Montrose. Great little neighborhood brewery, and they usually have a good food truck on site. 

I haven't been to Georgia…

I haven't been to Georgia James but all of Chris Shephard's spots are excellent. B&B Butchers on Washington - I haven't been for dinner but a couple work lunches in the past, and it was really solid. Pricey as well. 

I'd add Boomtown (also in…

I'd add Boomtown (also in the Heights) to the list. They also have a really solid breakfast "taco," though it's more of a knife and fork style because it has a fried egg. 

We lived in Houston 2015…

We lived in Houston 2015-2020 and absolutely loved it. I'll co-sign on everything above, but since OP might want to explore, I'll give some general area recs:

- Avoid downtown - nothing tourist-friendly there unless there is some sort of festival (there aren't really any notable annual downtown festivals though)

- The Heights is a great neighborhood with all kinds of great restaurants, mostly a young family / young professional scene, lots of patio bars (kid friendly in almost all cases)

- Montrose is a little "edgier" but packed with great restaurants, some hidden in the neighborhood (as in, could literally be next door to someone's house). Blacksmith Coffee was our favorite coffee shop in town, and the Menil is a free art museum with a big lawn for a picnic (can BYOB), playing a game of catch, etc.

- West University is probably the most family-friendly and walkable restaurant area, some shopping as well, and it's right next to Rice University, close to the Zoo and Hermann Park. 

- The museums are great. The MFAH (Art Museum) is world-class and enormous. Next door is the children's science museum which has a lot of hands on exhibits, including dinosaurs, Egyptian mummies (I think its permanent), and of course how oil and gas are formed and produced. 

- NASA is probably the coolest thing to do, but it is about an hour outside the city. You could also check out Galveston (a little further past NASA), but it's not really beach season. 

I hope you enjoy the city and Go Blue!

I think there is zero chance…

I think there is zero chance Day gets fired this year, but I can understand the angst in Columbus. My question is who would even be a plausible upgrade? Fickell? He's clearly a great coach but hasn't demonstrated the consistent track record that Day has achieved (I understand Day had no track record prior to getting hired but he was hand picked by Meyer). Who else is even on the short list of potential replacements? 

My list was similar, but I…

My list was similar, but I didn't have Stoops or Whittingham (I think you're right on those). I didn't even think of Leiopold with his FCS wins - not sure if they count for the question. 

On total wins, I think Mack Brown (UNC + UT) and Jimbo Fisher (A&M + FSU) would likely be Top 10 among current coaches as well. 

I assume Jimbo Fisher is one…

Jimbo and Mack Brown would be on the total wins list, I assume. 

Who's the coach at NC State? They seem to always be 8-4 so the coach could have longevity over Harbaugh at current school, possibly wins as well. 

My top 5:

Rory, to avenge…

My top 5:

Rory, to avenge last year's heartbreak and for carrying Jay Monaghan's water for the last two years.

Rickie, because he's had a hell of a comeback year.

Hovland, because he's played great in majors and would like to see him get one and not become another Cantlay or Schauffele

Rahm, because I'm a big fan and would love to see him start collecting a lot of major trophies

and Fleetwood because of the hometown angle plus he's a great all-around player that hasn't been able to get a PGA win yet. 

Hard to beat the backdrop at St. Andrew's for finishing holes with the town butting up to the 18th green. I'm not as familiar with Open courses, but links golf overall is way more interesting to me than US Open or PGA courses/setups (see: Rory's 2 iron last week to win the Scottish, which isn't even in the bag on this side of the pond). 17 should provide some excellent drama down the stretch on Sunday if it's close!

Posted in the Father's Day…

Posted in the Father's Day thread yesterday, but I'm looking at buying a Traeger-style wood pellet smoker. Rather than an actual Traeger, I'll probably save ~$100 and get the Victory version which was higher rated on BBQ Guys and functionally the same. 

I'll also put in a plug for Gridiron Metal Works if you're looking to accessorize or put in a custom grill insert featuring your favorite school. I bought my father in law a custom spatula (he's an Aggie) a few years ago. It looked really sharp. 

https://gridironmetal.com/product-category/michigan/

I have no input on power…

I have no input on power washers, but my Father's Day gift this year will be a new mini-me which I'm quite excited about (baby boy no. 2 expected later this month!).

Aside from the little guy and a couple weeks paternity leave, my Father's Day gift to myself will be a new grill. I bought a used Weber propane several years ago and more recently did a charcoal grill (no longer have either grill), and now I'm looking for something with more functionality and performance for a good price, under $800. I think I'm going to go with a Traeger-style offset firebox smoker/grill (wood pellets), will likely go with the Victory brand though based on reviews at BBQ Guys. I'd be open to any other recommendations, or feedback from those that have gone with similar grill types before.  

Does he need to pivot or do…

Does he need to pivot or do we need more evidence? 1st full offseason he brought in Mike Smith and Chandee - clear wins - and retained Franz. 2nd year brought in Devante (OK, but necessary), retained Eli and had a freshman class everyone was excited about. 3rd year brought in Shannon until administration said no, Llewellyn after Frankie left (incomplete evidence due to injury). I think he's made reasonable roster moves in the offseason to fill in the roster, but the last two haven't panned out as hoped. Dug's development will be key to maximizing whatever roster changes are made for next year IMO

We have no idea what next…

We have no idea what next year's roster will look like. It was a disappointing year, but this team was also one player or ~15 points away from an excellent season. Super young team with lots of time in the offseason to evaluate and retool the roster ahead of next year. Also a long time for Coach Howard (and the staff) to self-evaluate and grow himself, having just finished his 4th season ever as a head coach.  

Braised pork shoulder is…

Braised pork shoulder is delicious, pretty forgiving if you're not an experienced cook, and relatively inexpensive. I like cooking it with citrus and garlic (think Cuban or Central American style flavors). I have a recipe from a cookbook at home, but there's a bunch similar to the link below. It will be tender enough to fall apart with a fork, so you can just put out some tongs, get some taco toppings - onion, cilantro, avocado, and cheese will do, but you can get fancier if you choose. Add chips and salsa and you have plenty for a crowd. 

https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/slow-roasted-pork-with-citrus-and-garlic-recipe-1973022

We're up in McKinney, so my…

We're up in McKinney, so my usual spot for whiskey is the Liquor King on 121 at Lake Forest. They have a pretty solid whiskey/bourbon selection. If you're a wine drinker, the McKinney Wine Shop is outstanding, tucked in a little strip mall on 75 between a Big Lots and Tuesday Morning, so its easy to overlook but worth checking out if you're up this way. 

Thanks, I'll have to keep an…

Thanks, I'll have to keep an eye out for that one. 

My go-to recently has been…

My go-to recently has been Redbreast Lustau (Irish single pot still whiskey, with sherry cask finish), usually ~$70 a bottle here in the Dallas area. I think it's a great whiskey for the price. I've been slowly venturing into more scotch and Irish whiskeys. Currently have a bottle of Tobermory 12 yr which I've enjoyed and would maybe buy again, but not one I'd rave about. 

I'm not as much into bourbon or rye except for mixing, but I keep Michters or Balcones Baby Blue on hand for those purposes. Balcones does have some solid bourbons and ryes in the $80-$100 range, but the Baby Blue is relatively affordable ~$40 (easy to get here since they're out of Waco, TX). 

We replaced my wife's Kia…

We replaced my wife's Kia with a 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee a couple years ago and it's been great. She swears she'll never get a "Mom Van" and I certainly won't blame her if she chooses to stick with the Jeep (only have a 14-month old little guy so far). 

I recently replaced my 2012 Ford Escape with a 2020 Volvo S60. We live in the Dallas area, so no need for handling in the snow (beyond what the Jeep can do), and I wanted a moderately fun, semi-luxury sedan for ~40 mile commutes either to the office or airport. I've been happy with it so far, and super safe for the little guy as well. 

And no knock on Trey, but…

And no knock on Trey, but how many 20pt NBA games does he have? From a quick Google, it looks like he has 20 20-pt games in his career, and a career scoring average of under 10 pts per game.

Two unrelated questions -…

Two unrelated questions - pick both, either, or neither as you wish:

Based on known or anticipated personnel going into next year, what is one change you would like to see in the offense next year (ex: base play, zone reads, RPOs, etc.)? In particular, I'd be interested to hear any thoughts on 3rd down/short yardage approach without Haskins or a FB. 

On defense, what should we expect to see with Hutchinson and Ojabo off to the NFL? Should we expect to see even more mixing of coverages (now that players have been in the system for a year) to generate "pressure" from confusion rather than depositing linemen into the QB's lap? 

The closest Iowa has seen is…

The closest Iowa has seen is probably Wisconsin in terms of OL strength, though its a different scheme. I agree that Iowa is entirely dependent on turnovers, and Michigan takes really good care of the football. 

I think Michigan pulls away in the second half and wins fairly comfortably, something like 31-10. Michigan's offense does have some explosiveness to it, and the passing game has been effective when it's been needed this year. 

I agree with the need for a…

I agree with the need for a significant road win, but I don't see how this is possibly close to the most important game of the Harbaugh era. The team is 4-0 and already playing meaningfully above pre-season expectations. I don't see how this is close to the importance of 2016 or 2018 OSU, or even the 2018 opener against Notre Dame. Those games, all on the road, were more important both at the time and in retrospect.

Even if Michigan loses this weekend, they could still enter East Lansing at 6-1, ranked in the Top 25, against a possibly still-ranked MSU on Halloween. That would be a much bigger game, with B1G East implications on the line. 

(No subject)

I caught the same line. I…

I caught the same line. I guess he didn't specify which quality.

Ding ding ding! Looks like…

Ding ding ding! Looks like there are several companies that offer similar products. 

https://shop.statsports.com/products/apex-athlete-series?currency=USD&variant=9612414713913&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&gclid=CjwKCAjwruSHBhAtEiwA_qCppvJDcrB9NSEISw7KaKceZKK119PTAEJmGaS2zoB0JUyrEhjR9set7RoCls0QAvD_BwE

https://www.amazon.com/Catapult-PLAYR-Tracker-Improve-Android/dp/B07G2RM8RX/ref=asc_df_B07G2RM8RX/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312131884502&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2652522697178761807&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9026833&hvtargid=pla-570858650298&psc=1

I'm not sure on #1, but I my…

I'm not sure on #1, but I my suggestion is finding a routine that works for you. Maybe try 1-2 practice swings at max tempo, then one at your desired (slower) tempo before stepping up and hitting. Tempo is as much (or more) mental than physical, at least for me. 

For #2, I think average golfers (includes me) around the green should be trying to get the ball up and down on the green in the shortest distance possible. For example, if you're 5 feet off the edge of the green and 25 feet from the pin, don't use a wedge to lob or chip it up to ~5 feet from the pin. A mis-hit will either chunk it or skull it across the green. Instead, use an iron (maybe 7 or 8 in this example) to bump the ball 5 feet and let it run across the green up to the pin. A mis-hit in this case will still likely be on the green. It's not sexy, but it saves a lot of strokes. Obviously, if you're chipping over a bunker or need more elevation, you may need to use a wedge, but the point is to de-loft as much as possible around the green. 

 

Harvey Penick's Little Red…

Harvey Penick's Little Red Book is where I first learned about grip and particularly the bit about gripping with the index finger and thumb. I'm far from an accomplished golfer or expert, but focusing on grip (particularly off the tee box and long iron shots) is probably the one part of my game I can now actually self-diagnose mid-round and make adjustments that lead to (relatively) consistent results. If I hit three hooks in a row, I can self correct with reasonable success, thanks to an easy adjustment that doesn't take mental attention (it's a pre-shot adjustment). 

Now, if only I could find a similar fix for the wild variances in my short game...

I had a bad slice for years…

I had a bad slice for years. The fix for me is all in the grip, and there are two things I focus on calibrating at the range now before I play a round: Strong vs. weak grip (Google if you're unfamiliar - it's about how much you "close over" your top hand when gripping the club), and trying to only apply grip/pressure between my index finger and thumb (not gripping in your palm or with your whole hand). If you grip too tightly, your wrists can't turn over as you swing through which will leave the club face open at impact. On the range, I find my grip position to hit a "straight shot," dial that in, then open/close my grip to hit a couple fades and draws until I feel I can control the shot shape.

There are, of course, other things that can contribute to a slice, but for me the grip - particularly focusing on applying pressure with only index and thumb - was a game changer. 

Someone above already…

Someone above already mentioned No Laying Up (podcast and more), and if you're interested you should read Brandon Quinn's write-up on them in The Athletic from earlier this year.

The other podcast I like is The Shotgun Start (endorsed by the Shutdown Fullcast crew, if that's worth anything). They do a good job of hitting the PGA and other events each week (LPGA, Korn Ferry, Euro Tour, etc.). They are associated with the Fried Egg website, which focuses more on golf course design rather than tour results. I've definitely learned more about what makes golf courses unique by listening to SGS, and it's added a level of interest to watching the tour events as well.

For YouTube instructionals, I like Me and My Golf. They've started to focus more on driving, but I like searching their archives for tips and drills on all aspects of the game.

I've always enjoyed this…

I've always enjoyed this version:

 

I believe the argument is…

I believe the argument is that golden goal discourages attacking play and encourages teams to sit back and wait for PKs. If you send extra bodies forward on an attack, you're exposed if there's a loss of possession and counterattack. If the counterattack scores, there's no opportunity to re-tie the game, therefore the "safe" play is to play conservatively. 

I grew up playing hockey and absolutely love watching overtime playoff hockey, so I'm personally a fan of golden goal, but I could also understand the argument that it results in 30 minutes of non-activity so teams can get to a shootout.

That is pretty awesome - I…

That is pretty awesome - I know there are many soccer fans that despise golden goal, but this ending reminds of a playoff hockey winner: bouncing ball/puck off a rebound and full-team celebration as soon as the ball hits the back of the net. Very exciting, and appropriate for such a run!

Also, kudos to the guy calling the game for matching the moment. I often have a hard time watching the "down-ballot" ESPN crews that often call non-revenue sports because they call it with the excitement of watching paint dry. At least in this clip, the broadcaster seemed to add to the intensity/excitement of the play. 

(No subject)

Moe Tossing Barney | Know Your Meme

I think the reason Beilein…

I think the reason Beilein developed his offensive tendencies/systems is because he didn't have access to big men of certain caliber for the vast majority of his career (really until part-way through his Michigan tenure). Those big men are few and far between, so he developed a system that didn't require elite talent and physical attributes. I think your second paragraph hit on this - he couldn't attract high-level post players, so he developed a system that didn't feature them and after coaching it for decades and mastering how to teach his system there was no reason to change.

I was born in Texas (to…

I was born in Texas (to parents from Michigan and Connecticut, who were only in Texas for a couple years before I was born), then California and Wisconsin before moving to Michigan in time for my 8th birthday. I stayed in Michigan until after graduation from UM and always considered it home, until now I've spent the last 8 years in Texas (Waco, Houston, now Dallas). So I consider myself both a Michigan and Texas native, but in different ways.

I'm sorry, where is Campbell…

I'm sorry, where is Campbell going? The Texas job - the only viable upgrade for Campbell this year - has been filled. So Campbell (and Fickell, FWIW) are staying put this year. 

If the buyout under the new deal is significantly lower, as expected, then UM has avoided writing a huge check (even if Harbaugh left, there would be $$ for the next coach) in a pandemic year when the optics of doing so are terrible. Instead, the can is kicked down the road and they could be in the same spot 12 months from now. 

I'm not saying this is a win or the best outcome, but it is a reasonable outcome if the stars didn't align the right way, and saves the University from bad headlines without giving up the possibility of getting a new head coach in a year or two (assuming things don't improve sufficiently).

Gimme the ball because I'm…

Gimme the ball because I'm gonna dunk it auto-post:

 

Not that I would have…

Not that I would have otherwise known this, but Dylan at UMHoops noted that Beilein liked to use Toledo as a preseason secret scrimmage opponent because they are offensively-focused and like to spread the floor a bit. So we have played them more recently than 2008, but only on a super-secret (not available to media/fans) basis. 

Important to note that this…

Important to note that this is only true of Harbaugh at Michigan. He's inarguably achieved more than Campbell in his career as a coach, when you consider his time at Stanford and the 49ers. Obviously, as Michigan fans, we're only concerned about what Harbaugh has done/not done at Michigan, but it just goes to show that Campbell isn't a sure thing to be better than Harbaugh at Michigan. Harbaugh's resume in 2014 far exceeded Campbell's 2020 resume. 

Auto-embed. One of my all…

Auto-embed. One of my all-time SNL favorites.

I think it was meant as a…

I think it was meant as a break after MSU as listed in the post, so Tier 1 would be Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, MSU. Tier 2 would be Michigan, OSU and the rest of Tier 2 as listed. 

Ireland Burke





Animal …

Ireland Burke

Ireland Burke

J¡v∑ †¡M∂§: The Muppet Coat | Animal muppet, Muppets, The muppet show

Animal (Muppets)

I don't disagree - there's…

I don't disagree - there's baggage at UM that makes it more difficult than, say, walking into Ohio St., Oklahoma, etc. But looking around the other "prestige" programs, who doesn't have baggage? Texas is probably as bad or worse than Michigan in terms of donor/administration interference (although admittedly it would be more likely to disappear if you just win). Nebraska's athletic department seems childish and has obvious recruiting hurdles. USC is a bit of a tire fire that has managed to stay under the radar. UCLA is a mess. FSU is a mess. Where is there a prestigious program that would conceivably be hiring a coach in the next three years that doesn't have its own significant baggage?

I think Iowa gets one or two…

I think Iowa gets one or two starter-quality players back from injury as well. They should be elite offensively and have experienced depth, but defense remains a question mark. To crg's original comment - I'll believe Iowa at #5 when I see it, but I can definitely buy them as a top 12 or top 10 level team, with top 5 upside if they can manage defensively.

I've been in Houston for the…

I've been in Houston for the last five years, and adopted the Astros since the Tigers stunk and Verlander got traded to Houston. Hinch was, and possibly still is, very well liked in Houston. He was the manager during the sign-stealing scandal. The MLB report/articles are clear that Hinch did not approve of the setup and, at times, actively interfered with those trying to execute the sign-stealing, but obviously he ultimately didn't do everything he could have. Personally, I think he's a heck of a manager and I'm glad he gets another shot, even more glad that the Tigers will get to benefit from it. He seemed genuinely disappointed in himself for not doing more to end the cheating, and he never tried to blame anyone else or throw them under the bus, even though the MLB decided not to punish any of the players. 

 

I think the jury is still…

I think the jury is still out on run D. UM was playing with a lead for almost the entire game, and particularly in the 2nd half UM was more than content to sit back and let them run the ball for a few yards a play rather than give up something over the top. I think one of the players even said as much after the game (don't remember who or where).

If anything, it may be a sign of good discipline that the defense didn't give up a chunk run all game. 

Bad news for MSU. I assume…

Bad news for MSU. I assume the coaching staff (and team) will be happy to find as many ways as possible to show off how WRs and "speed in space" fit into this offense. 

My dad went to Texas Tech…

My dad went to Texas Tech for his MBA and he (sarcastically) refers to it as the Harvard of the High Plains.

I think that would only make…

I think that would only make sense if there is reason to believe that you are more likely to catch Covid while playing in a game than not. I don't think there's been any indication that there's significantly greater likelihood of that, and I assume any starter not playing would be on the sideline anyway. If that's the case, I don't see why any team would play any differently than in other years.

Also, anybody playing at all this year is obviously very motivated to play despite the circumstances. I can't imagine any coaches telling a player "yeah, I know you've taken on greater risk and done a ton of extra work to make sure you test negative all year, but we're gonna have you sit this one out."  

Even if he's the backup, if…

Even if he's the backup, if he plays then he'll lose a year of eligibility, right (maybe I'm misunderstanding the Covid rules)? So staying would essentially be saying "I want to be the backup and practice, but I don't want to play and I'm not 100% committed to this team." Why would the team allow that? I think he's making the decision he feels is best for him and I won't question it. Good luck to him, wherever he ends up.