Monday, July 30, 2007

J and K would like a word with you

Tonight we get a re-match with Mandrew, which will be a good measure of the progress of the Hounds over the past three weeks. Of course, the last time we played them did not go so well. The only term I can think to describe it would be “pooping the bed.”

I have brought the Men in Black to make a motivational appearance on our site to help us out. Please look at the light on the neutralizer.

[FLASH]

You did not lose that badly to Mandrew before. They totally cheated and the score should not have been 17-5. You did not get shut out in the first half.

You may not win tonight, but you will not beat yourself. You will play hard and smart, and work the disc up through their zone.

Then you are going to get Pierre really, really drunk.

Oh, and there’s no such thing as aliens.

Thursday, July 26, 2007

TASER HIM!

On Wednesday night, Michelle, Bonners and I saw Toronto FC take on Aston Villa at BMO Field in a friendly. We were joined by Michelle's co-workers, who got REALLY drunk, which was amusing in its own right. Toronto FC lost 4-2 in an entertaining game, even though we had one goal called back on a bad offside call and a missed handball call in the penalty area. Of course, this is nothing new in soccer.

Now, there were two things that happened that I found noteworthy:

The first was when I entered the stadium and got me some beer from a vendor. Just as he gave the person in front of me his beer, he dropped a cup, which bounced all over the ground. He then put it back into his stack of cups, so I was a little worried about getting the soiled cup. I think he saw me staring at his stack, so he poured my beer into a clean cup. I just wanted to say "Thank you" to Philip for not giving me the dirty cup, although I'm pretty sure the next person in line got it. But I don't care about them...

The other event of the game happened because our seats happened to be right beside the Villians (Aston Villa fans...get it?). Well, as the game was winding down, so of course, people were talking smack to each other. I should mention that regular British Football fans are amazed by the fact that you can get as drunk as possible at a game here...in England they do not serve alcohol at the games due to hooliganism. Here...they'll put away 8 tallboys no problem.

So, there was this one guy two rows ahead of us who was yapping at the Villians, and three of the biggest, dumbest ones walked over and got right in this guy's face. One security guy (all there was at the time) came rushing in to tell everyone to sit down. He did a pretty good job at controlling things, considering they outweighed him by about 50 pounds each.

Well, one of the Villians came back down and sat beside the yapper to discuss the finer arts of being a douchebag, when his bleached-blond girlfriend came down in a huff and screamed at him "COME HERE RIGHT NOW!" Everyone had a laugh that Mr. Tough Guy was whipped as he was led back to his seat by his pissed-off girlfriend. To top things off, he then got tossed from the game (pictured below). Later loser!

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Hounds and Friends at Mid-Season

Half of the Hounds were joined by some friends as we competed in the TUC Mid-Season Tournament this past weekend. Austin, Bonnie, Chris, Christian, Laura, Lyanne, Nat and Tien combined Brendan, Dana, Hamid, Lara, Mark C, Mark W, Natasha, Sarah, Sue, and Tyler to form a team that was a little short on height, but had some good speed and skills that some real potential to do some damage.

The initial seeds landed us at 7th out of 37, with us playing 6th seed Throw Les Vaches, Disc in a Box, ELEVEN and Plan Jedi on Saturday. Nat helped me to set the roster and scope out the opponents, while Bonnie supplied the spirit prizes (Which, by the way, she described to me as "crappity crap". If that was crappity crap, then I hope I'm on the receiving end when she gives out the good stuff). It was a beautiful day, Lara and Brendan brought muffins; we were ready.

We started in the late morning (so Christian wouldn't be so hung over) with a game against "Disc in a Box". Obviously, this team saw my Valentine's Day post. After some introductions, some jitters caused us to lose the first point of the game. But not to worry...we scored the next 13.

After a break, we then played 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-ELEVEN! Another efficient effort led to a 13-2 victory. The highlight of the game was the quick series of passes to shred their zone, where the disc went from person to person but never seemed to stop moving.

This allowed us the time to get to the other end of Sunnybrook to play our late game earlier; which meant we wouldn't have to stay at Sunnybrook until 8:00. We played Throw Les Vaches in a battle of the top seeds in the pool. The game started with each team scoring a few points in a row, leading to a 3-3 score. Next thing we know, the game was over and we won 13-5.

Our final game was against Plan Jedi. I missed this one, but we won 13-4, so Tien must have handled things swimmingly, even though there were only 4 or 5 men left standing at the end of the day.

Sunday arrived, with us playing as the 6th seed against #12, Kooks. This was a team that featured several Zen players, including temporary opponent, Sue. A "Sunday morning start" has us alarmed as we found ourselves in a fight early, but we worked through and powered to a 12-6 win.

This put us in the quarter-finals against Game, Set, Schlitz! (aka COOL). They were our most difficult opposition. We hung tough and kept up with the taller and more experienced team in the first half. However, we had trouble maintaining flow and containing their height and speed, and we fell 12-6. Hamid managed a win where we could not, as he defeated Sarah in the Schlitz-chug.

We then went on to play the Disciples of Love in the consolation round. A roster that had 16 at one point was down to 11, and a tired team lost 12-10. There was a final game scheduled against Play Anything, but both teams decided to call it a draw, leaving us in a tie for 7th. After 7 games and with a game looming on Monday for most players, it was probably the right call.

So, good showing by those who played this weekend. It was fun, and I think we had a good, competitive team that played well. To quote Mark W, "I'll see you guys out there on the green stuff."

Monday, July 23, 2007

Yeah, well, you know that's just like uh, your opinion man

Tonight, we play 4D at our home at Sunnybrook. They are green. They won the Summer Experience Tournament last month (league team division). They must be stopped.

Afterwards, we are going to Thorncliffe Bowlerama to celebrate Lyanne's birthday (and hopefully a victory). Don't forget to bring extra socks.

My early favourites to win are Pierre and Lyanne. Pierre, because he's always awesome...plus he should be well-rested after not playing on Sunday. Lyanne, because she was actually a bowler growing up in Sudbury. Why bowling? Well, what the hell else are you going to do in Sudbury, other than freeze your toes off?

So, I'm looking forward to their showdown, which will be way more intense that this one:

Friday, July 20, 2007

My tongue hurts from biting it too much

I was hoping to have a full preview of this weekend's TUC Mid-Season tournament, including in-depth scouting reports on the teams, and each team's odds of winning.

Plus, I was going to...er...include the meaning of life, then perhaps show how to make special brownies and...um...post naked pictures of Jessica Alba and Tom Brady. Too bad the change didn't allow me the time to do that.

So, all I can say is that scheduling mistakes can be a whole lot worse...just ask Jasper:



See you tomorrow at Sunnybrook!

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

A 24 of ale will cover it? Sold!

As most of you know, our old friend and former-Hound Hamid has built quite a reputation for himself as a master-blogger with his site, The Roman Empire. But he is about to become a Toronto-wide celebrity, as his visage will adorn the back of four vehicles in the Sport and Social Club fleet.

For those who have kept up with his site, this is not news. Although, I think it is news that he's going to be on FOUR vehicles...he thought it was only going to be one.

So, why am I bringing this up now, three weeks after Hamid wrote about it? Well, I do have something to add to his story about his picture on the van. At the bottom of his post, he noted: "Hmm, shouldn’t TCSSC be paying me a bazillion dollars to use that photo? What’s that, you say? A 24 of ale will cover it? Sold!"

Well, I showed my director his site (she was away until this past Monday) and she told me to get that man some beer. So, from the lawyers who brought you "The Shinning", may I present to you, Hamid with beer, in front of Hamid on a van.

I'm sorry to say to Hamid though, you totally under-bid yourself. We would have got you at least a 28-pack. Sucker!

Monday, July 16, 2007

El Kabong Rides Again

Not much to be found about El Kabong, however I did learn he is the Mexican-ish, guitar-smashing alter ego to Quick Draw McGraw.



Let's just be aware in case they pull out a silver guitar tonight.

Thursday, July 12, 2007

Why is the door open?

So, Simon wants to start the Hounds mentoring program:

I did want to keep pushing on one area that most folks commented on as being of interest: setting up development mentors within the team. I really see the benefit of this from my own experience – for example on Monday Tien specifically watched me from the sideline and constantly talked to me about field positioning – cutting and clearing – and I found it very helpful.

Now obviously this is optional, but I would really encourage everyone to get involved; mentoring at any level is helpful, even just picking someone to watch you and give you feedback at the end of each game.

Please respond to me with:

1) An area of strength that you would be willing to mentor someone else on
2) An area you would like to develop. Also any suggestions of who you would like your mentor to be

If we get a good level of engagement I will compile likely pairings and chat with individuals to get folks matched up.


I just hope it's better than this mentorship program...

Monday, July 09, 2007

Beware the wrath of Carla

Phew! Carla, you would not have been disappointed with the second half of the game. We started the second half the same way we started the first, and powered our way to a 17-8 victory. I think it was by far our best all-around performance. I think we'll look back on this game and say that was the game where we turned the corner. Or else we'll look back and I'll feel like a colossal ass for saying that just now.

Defensively we had quite a few great individual plays, and we also caused a fair share of Stall 9 throws. Defense can still improve by continuing to work hard, along with communication on the field and help from the sidelines.

I really thought the offense was the best it's been in quite awhile. Smart, quick throws really allowed us to do whatever we wanted out there. We rarely got caught on the sidelines, the HO worked pretty well, people were making crisp passes and motivated cuts.

So, the re-launch of the Hounds has started well. But, to paraphrase the Wolf from Pulp Fiction, let's not start licking each other's popsicles just yet.

Thoughts on the game?

Also, Dan and Owen were introduced to the ritual off the Hounds post-game meal. We'll eat anything...

I never forget a pussy...willow.

Yee haw!!

We're playing the Hootenanni Pussywillows!! It's tonight at Sunnybrook on the North Cricket Pitch! That's our new home!! Bring your banjoes! Use lots of exclamation marks!

Please be there as soon as possible (6:15-ish) so we can have a good warm-up and go over strategy.

Some things we will go over will involve the HO:

1) always set this up off of static plays (turnover in endzone, out of bounds, etc).
2) set up stack 10-15 yards deep (keep it close).
3) handlers keep working the disc to the middle person to distribute upfield.
4) cutters communicate with each other beforehand so you are on the same page.
5) cutters stay on your side of the field (don't cross the electric fence).

Sunday, July 08, 2007

You're stroking my cortex and you know I'm insane

Five reasons why "Space Lord" by Monster Magnet is on my video list:

5. This was their biggest hit, pretty much because of the response to the video. A one-hit wonder that is a one-hit wonder because it makes fun of a one-hit wonder.

4. They are one of the first to make fun of hip-hop money-throwing, hoochie-filled, champagne-flowing, car-strolling videos. Was before the Offspring's "Pretty Fly for a White Guy."

3. Old man with "Mother" written on his chest.

2. They pretty much copy Mase's "Feels So Good" video step-by-step, using the same locations, sets and um...themes. Only when it's Monster Magnet-style...classic.

1. Lightbulb suit.

Friday, July 06, 2007

O Captain My Captain

In recent Release the Hounds news: we have a new Social Coordinator

and have created and filled the role of Field Captain

so now it's back to what RTH Ultimate is all about. Having fun and kicking some ass.

As the new FC, I will try to give us the best chance of winning, but I won't go as far as some other captains...

Wednesday, July 04, 2007

A Very Decent Proposal

Hounds,

We are currently a team in transition, and change brings with it inevitable uncertainties and concerns. I would like to take this opportunity to share my thoughts for the team, and open a team discussion to allow us to reach a common vision quickly.

A Brief Canine History

In the beginning, Chris had no beard. The Hounds came together from multiple social teams in ’05 and entered TUC as one of the only teams that lived for Thursday nights. Games were okay, but socials were awesome. Without fail the entire squad could be found eating Wings and laughing late into the post-game nights. Laura does not exaggerate when she says these were nights to look forward to. Season 2, 2006, and the Hounds became more competitive with an expanded roster and, shock horror, several practices. Where things really took off however was in the social arena – Hounds Bowlerama, Old School Hounds, Hounds Close Sunnybrook, Disc Golf Hounds, Hounds Love Louis…truly the stuff of legends, and this lead implicitly to success on the field, pushing against the highest levels of Thursday TUC. Chris, at this point, probably had a beard. A big one. The 07 season dawned with large roster expansion in terms of quantity and quality, leading to a move into the heady worlds of Mondays. Without being arrogant, the Hounds relished the challenge of putting their newfound roster, energy and restlessness to the test. Hounds were beginning to tour and there was excitement in the air; the Hounds were becoming a real Ultimate team. While clearly still B level, they were at least now in the game and getting minimal BBS airtime… The goal was audaciously outlined as “Become an A level team”. This could mean many things, but was articulated as spending the summer learning team structure, playing against, and learning from, some of TO’s best, and attending a few tournaments with the ability to cause some upsets as the unknown contender. I should mention that at this point Chris’ beard became decidedly well trimmed.

The ’07 season

From that brief history you see that the confluence of Fun and Performance has always been an important consideration. The focus for 2007 though, in order to make the expansion to a higher level, was always going to be on performance. To this end regular training was agreed upon as essential, with the goal being to form a common understanding of the basic A level team structures. Additionally, although not explicitly stated, we could expect to lose just as many games as we won, assuming we really were playing on the edge of our ability and therefore developing. A good plan, methinks.

However, things do not always happen smoothly, and the realities of battle take some adjusting to…multiple commitments sidelined practices, some big losses dampened spirits, a forming squad lost momentum on socials, the goals and aspirations were sometimes questioned. Everything here is normal. In the natural process of evolution, team development is a cyclical process of Expanding and Consolidating.

Well, here is my team proposal for Consolidating, taking stock, refocusing. I think it will make us stronger and really help to align everyone’s needs to the team’s goal, and launch an awesome summer (it is only June!)

The Draft Plan

The most important word here is “draft”. Without your input and endorsement it is nothing, so read away, comment/rant/suggest to your heart’s content, and when the dust settles, we’ll have something legendary.

> Goals
- Finish Top 5 on Monday night (i.e. Tier 1)
- Enjoy RTH summer 07


> Individual performance
- Mandatory pre-game team warm-up and drill
- Commitment to give 110% intensity for 90mins
- assign mentor/benefactor relationships for all players


> Team development
- 1 training session per month with an experienced coach
- Assembly of a team playbook, for pre-game revision
- Attend Canadian Nationals (to watch) as a fun team activity and learn from the best


> Team execution
- Assign a summer Field Captain to execute the game strategy
- Guys & Gals captain to actively manage lines


> Fun Time
- Assign Social Secretary to run 2 events per month
- 1 post game bar, 1 big event (Bowlerama, Disc golf)
- Attend Canadian Nationals as a team and party

Quote of the season

“You’re a tool, can I use you to succeed?”

And now over to you, Hounds. Reactions?

Tuesday, July 03, 2007

How can we sum up our thoughts on losing?

This is dedicated to Tien, who made his feelings known after the last point.

Turn the volume up to 11, because that's how high we go.

Monday, July 02, 2007

Bad things happen when you play with Ninjastars

Just ask Butters.



Need I say more?

See you tonight at Sunnybrook.

Sunday, July 01, 2007

I feel like...shooting my TV

"The Nestle Blue Freezer" commercial: the newest ad that I just don't get. In case you haven't seen it:



To start, what's with casting some 50 year-old, twitchy, Roberto Benigni look-alike as the fairy? If I'm trying to sell ice cream (or anything for that matter) by using a fairy, imp, naiad, nymph, whatever...then I'm starting with this template, and not straying too far:


And what's with the fairy? Does each freezer come with one? Do they work in shifts, or do the live at the store 24/7? If so, he's gotta get into some kind of union, because that would suuuuck. And I'm thinking that having something that can change frozen Nestle products at will; there's gotta be a better use for him than sitting around at the local conveniece store waiting for stoned teenagers to decide what they want to eat.

When the teenagers arrive, was the freezer empty? Was it missing the flavours they desired? NO! When the guy says he feels like a Drumstick, what's the best course of action? Hand him one? Maybe tell him "No problem kid, we have lots of those." Instead he changes all the flavours so there are only Drumsticks. Did he think this kid was going to want to eat a freezer full of Drumsticks? He only needed one.

And then, when girl #1 says she wants a Rolo Chocolate Cone, Mr. Genius Fairy again changes the entire freezer stock to what she wants, knowing full well that the guy wants a Drumstick. Know what I call this? Trouble brewing.

Of course, Token Minority Girl wants something different than the other two, and naturally Benigni-fairy changes the entire freezer AGAIN. (And what's with TMG and how she talks? "I feel like an Aero........Chocolate Cone." Did she forget her line? Was that the best take they could get out of her?) Did Benigni learn nothing from what JUST happened? Is this his first minute on the job? Did no one tell him that sometimes, different people have different tastes and might like different flavours. I don't know what he would do if he worked at Baskin Robbins.

Just to re-iterate: the freezer had all three of those flavours there to start with! That's the point of the Blue Freezer! The fairy (who the teenagers don't appear to see, by the way) serves no actual purpose. And if you need a fairy to keep track of your stock at the corner store, I'm guessing that corner store isn't going to be around for much longer.

Anyways, we go back to spikey-haired dude, who hasn't changed his mind in the past 12 seconds and still wants a Drumstick. Since we know that Twitchy-fairy is a moron, he decides the best course of action is to now turn him INTO a Drumstick. That's for not agreeing on what to eat! Of course, the girls didn't actually want to eat a Drumstick, but that doesn't stop each of them from taking a bite out of their friend. Hell, they don't even look the slightest bit surprised that their friend has turned into a 6-foot-tall frozen snack.

So, the only person who actually wanted to eat a Drumstick is still not able to, because he can't eat himself. And the girls didn't get to eat what they actually wanted. Alright! No one gets what they wanted! The Nestle Blue Freezer...juuuust magic!

And from the way the dude giggles after the girls eat him, it sounds like they did take it easy on his nuts.