OT: General Off Topic Thread [No Politics, Race, Religion, etc.]

[ReasonablySober]

I think one thing driving my disinterest in the NFL and NBA over the last four or five years is the lack of entertaining media in those respective sports. In the NFL I think you've got a lot of very knowledgable folks who do their best, but I don't think they're telling the story of the game in a fun or interesting way. On the flip side of things you've got the NBA, a sport that has basically been figured out. It doesn't need explanation anymore. Since no one is learning anything new we're left with a bunch of people spouting hot takes and that's also bad to read, watch, and listen to.

[KidA24]

I think one thing driving my disinterest in the NFL and NBA over the last four or five years is the lack of entertaining media in those respective sports. In the NFL I think you've got a lot of very knowledgable folks who do their best, but I don't think they're telling the story of the game in a fun or interesting way. On the flip side of things you've got the NBA, a sport that has basically been figured out. It doesn't need explanation anymore. Since no one is learning anything new we're left with a bunch of people spouting hot takes and that's also bad to read, watch, and listen to.

Completely checking out from any show that has two people argue is the best thing I've ever done for my enjoyment of life

[MickeyDavis]

And yes NFL injuries suck and some stars will get hurt (like every sport). But at least I know if I go to Lambeau this year Daniels, Burrow, Hurts and Lamar won't be rested.

NBA you get legends with bad backs and knees, NFL legends are committing suicide. It's hard watching a game and Doubs out there with a bubble helmet knowing he probably shouldn't take another hit.

I'm not insensitive to the long term effects for NFL players but it doesn't affect my enjoyment of the game. Meanwhile in terms of the current game 3 NBA All-stars are out next season with Achilles. Two of those teams are punting the season.

At least the NFL and NBA have leveled the playing field. And while the Brewers current success has some saying everything is fine with MLB, it's not. It sucks.

[MickeyDavis]

I think one thing driving my disinterest in the NFL and NBA over the last four or five years is the lack of entertaining media in those respective sports. In the NFL I think you've got a lot of very knowledgable folks who do their best, but I don't think they're telling the story of the game in a fun or interesting way. On the flip side of things you've got the NBA, a sport that has basically been figured out. It doesn't need explanation anymore. Since no one is learning anything new we're left with a bunch of people spouting hot takes and that's also bad to read, watch, and listen to.

I literally only watch games. No pre or post game. No analysis. There's better analysis here for the most part. Sometimes there is select content online that's decent.

[MickeyDavis]

Speaking of content, my annual subscription to The Athletic expires at the end of the month. Renews at $70. The past couple of years when I cancel they came back with a $9.99 annual offer which I took. This year they only offered $17.99 and I took it. I think it's worth $18 a year. If I held out a couple more weeks I may have got the $9.99

[Badgerlander]

I think one thing driving my disinterest in the NFL and NBA over the last four or five years is the lack of entertaining media in those respective sports. In the NFL I think you've got a lot of very knowledgable folks who do their best, but I don't think they're telling the story of the game in a fun or interesting way. On the flip side of things you've got the NBA, a sport that has basically been figured out. It doesn't need explanation anymore. Since no one is learning anything new we're left with a bunch of people spouting hot takes and that's also bad to read, watch, and listen to.

I literally only watch games. No pre or post game. No analysis. There's better analysis here for the most part. Sometimes there is select content online that's decent.

Sometimes i won’t watch the first quarter live just so i can fast forward thru halftime trash

[dbrodz7]

Speaking of content, my annual subscription to The Athletic expires at the end of the month. Renews at $70. The past couple of years when I cancel they came back with a $9.99 annual offer which I took. This year they only offered $17.99 and I took it. I think it's worth $18 a year. If I held out a couple more weeks I may have got the $9.99

I didn’t cancel my account becasue the credit card on file was expired and I figured that would be the end of it and the b*stards charged me full price for another year somehow still.

[ReasonablySober]

I think one thing driving my disinterest in the NFL and NBA over the last four or five years is the lack of entertaining media in those respective sports. In the NFL I think you've got a lot of very knowledgable folks who do their best, but I don't think they're telling the story of the game in a fun or interesting way. On the flip side of things you've got the NBA, a sport that has basically been figured out. It doesn't need explanation anymore. Since no one is learning anything new we're left with a bunch of people spouting hot takes and that's also bad to read, watch, and listen to.

Just to expand on this for a minute, I used to get a charge from reading Zach Lowe era Grantland. I feel like you would get new and interesting information about the NBA regularly and it would flow here. When's the last time anyone posted something new and well researched here about the NBA? Who's doing the work now?

Meanwhile there's something new and interesting literally every day about MLB over at Fangraphs or Baseball Prospectus. I haven't even gotten around to sharing this on the Brewers board.

Read on Twitter

The level of data that you can now dive into on MLB is NUTS. By the way, parenthetically speaking, maybe be a little worried about Woody in October.

[MickeyDavis]

I used to watch some College Game Day every Saturday. Not all 3 hours but being on location is cool and I think Davis, Howard and Herbstreit do a good job. So did Corso until recently. Saban was a good edition. But it's now Pat McAfee's College Game Day and I can't take it

[humanrefutation]

I have neither the time nor the inclination to watch most of sports media these days. I'll watch the games as I have time, but even then, I often DVR them and go back after when I've got the time to sit and watch. Inside the NBA was probably the only show that I liked to watch, and yet, I probably only end up watching a half dozen episodes every year.

The exception is soccer. I like the pre and post game stuff for the Premier League and Champions League. There's also a few interesting YouTube channels which go through the various analytics which help explain the sport. The transfer windows can be very entertaining too, even if you're a neutral fan.

[Kerb Hohl]

I think that the challenge is that highlights (duh) and basic statistical analysis is available in 30 seconds either via social media/phone or just on the broadcast they can tell you the story during the game so quickly and easily now.

There's almost no reason for Sportscenter to exist anymore as cool as it would be at times. I love Fangraphs and the linked article, but that's a niche thing for anybody that isn't a fan of that team or deeply into the analytics of a sport.

All you're left with is trying to keep people on the channel or streaming service based on shock value or "people they like." That leads to Screamin A all over shows and ESPN buying up McAfee because he was kind of funny/well-liked and then jamming him into any show.

[Finn]

I used to watch some College Game Day every Saturday. Not all 3 hours but being on location is cool and I think Davis, Howard and Herbstreit do a good job. So did Corso until recently. Saban was a good edition. But it's now Pat McAfee's College Game Day and I can't take it

McAfee is an abomination.

[StickeeFingaz]

I have neither the time nor the inclination to watch most of sports media these days. I'll watch the games as I have time, but even then, I often DVR them and go back after when I've got the time to sit and watch. Inside the NBA was probably the only show that I liked to watch, and yet, I probably only end up watching a half dozen episodes every year.

The exception is soccer. I like the pre and post game stuff for the Premier League and Champions League. There's also a few interesting YouTube channels which go through the various analytics which help explain the sport. The transfer windows can be very entertaining too, even if you're a neutral fan.

Yep, soccer coverage is typically on another level, the product is much better compared to our NFL and NBA stuff (besides the crap Fox puts on tv during USMNT coverage).

[RiotPunch]

I still love the NFL, but fantasy football and daily fantasy definitely drives that outside of Packer games.

I hate the CTE aspect and the mistreatment of vets, but the product is good. Kind of similar to my love of steak, despite my love of cows. They are just big dogs with feelings and personalities. I should be a vegan, but **** it's delicious.

[Kerb Hohl]

Also, trying to just go glass half full on football - I'm sure one of the many players that have debilitating CTE or bodily injuries would trade their entire fortune they made to turn back the clock on it, but the league has probably lifted more people up than it has taken down with the dark downsides of playing. Of course, maybe if the NFL didn't exist, soccer or expanded basketball would've taken the market and do the same with less side effects - but there are a lot of positives.

It's kind of like the nation and world's relationship with alcohol. I've seen the dark sides of it with friends and family. I personally indulge less and less. But there are studies that come out time and time again that its legality and existence bring people together and actually extends lifespans for the majority of people that just use it as a social tool.

All of that said, I didn't even want my oldest to play tackle football even if it was an incredible skill building activity for me growing up. Begrudgingly was convinced to recently. I get it and I am slightly less into watching the NFL - but that's mostly because kids and getting older just realizing my team isn't going to win every year. I like fantasy football and such still, so when I'm home - I've got Redzone or the Packers on.

[MickeyDavis]

Like many in Wisconsin I love a good fish fry. But I don't have anyone to go with right now so I decided to do my own tonight, easy enough to do in an air fryer. Just bought some cod fillets at Sendiks. Two that are plain, one potato coated. The plain I just brush with olive oil and then salt and pepper. In the past I've used Old Bay seasoning or a lemon/pepper seasoning but I didn't have any and didn't want to buy any. Same with tarter sauce. I love tarter sauce and homemade rules but I didn't have the ingredients and just bought some in the bottle. Good enough. I prefer perch to cod and I sometimes enjoy haddock but they didn't have any perch today.

So tonight is a fish fry at home with an old fashioned while watching another (hopefully) Brewers win.

[ReasonablySober]

Very random question, but does anyone love their outdoor/patio chair enough to recommend? I just want something nice to sit and read in.

[ReginaldDwight]

Like many in Wisconsin I love a good fish fry. But I don't have anyone to go with right now so I decided to do my own tonight, easy enough to do in an air fryer. Just bought some cod fillets at Sendiks. Two that are plain, one potato coated. The plain I just brush with olive oil and then salt and pepper. In the past I've used Old Bay seasoning or a lemon/pepper seasoning but I didn't have any and didn't want to buy any. Same with tarter sauce. I love tarter sauce and homemade rules but I didn't have the ingredients and just bought some in the bottle. Good enough. I prefer perch to cod and I sometimes enjoy haddock but they didn't have any perch today.

So tonight is a fish fry at home with an old fashioned while watching another (hopefully) Brewers win.

I prefer haddock out of all 3 of those if you are talking store bought. I love a good walleye caught from a clean lake. For pure whitefish I like halibut the most obviously. You can always just go get a fish fry solo my man.

[KidA24]

Very random question, but does anyone love their outdoor/patio chair enough to recommend? I just want something nice to sit and read in.

Is this living permanently outside?

If so, Leisure Line Adirondack from Costco.

You can also buy cushions for them.

One of the few chairs I've felt I can lounge in while sitting up.

Comfort, however is very individual

[Finn]

Very random question, but does anyone love their outdoor/patio chair enough to recommend? I just want something nice to sit and read in.

Polywood stuff is very nice but not cheap.