1.15.2009

Thursday chatter

Hey everyone. Thanks for being patient with me yesterday as news broke about my parent company, Gannett, which announced a "furlough" program for all employees. It's a time of professional uncertainty for a lot of private-sector worker bees. I never thought my career would come to this.

What does this mean for the HABOTN? We'll cross that bridge later.

For now, let's discuss more enjoyable stuff.
  • RADIO APPEARANCE FORTHCOMING: I (again) will be a guest host on WMSP's "The Roundtable" program this afternoon. It runs from noon to 2 p.m. CST and is streamed on the Interwebs. Please take a listen. It'll be me and Baggy going at it for two hours.

  • NEW COMMITMENT: Auburn added a 20th commitment on Wednesday when Izauea Lanier of Gordo High announced plans to sign with Au­burn in February. A 6-foot-1 wideout by trade, the Tigers are planning to use Lanier at cornerback or safety. I hadn't heard a word about him until yesterday. Bryan Matthews of AuburnSports.com said Lanier also had offers from Kentucky, MSU and Troy.

  • LIVING FREELY: The Auburn men threw away a game last night at the free-throw line. The Tigers played at least as well as Florida in a 3-point loss. The difference was a 10-for-21 performance at the line. Starting guard Quantez Robertson was 0-for-6. Oh boy.

    Alabama @ Auburn is this weekend. Should be a dandy.

117 comments:

  1. 2
    with apologies to PeterF

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  2. 9999999999999999999999999999989

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  3. I think Jay should walk up to Mr Gannett and say, "Your mom is a furlough!"

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  4. Glad you broke up the 9s with an 8s, Michael. Far more trendy.

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  5. Mr. Jay G Tate,

    I think you should spend your furlough Hunter Thompson style, holed up in a cabin with high grade pharmaceuticals, guns, liquor, and of course, your HABOTN. Gonzo HABOTN would rule.

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  6. In Rick Pitino accent:

    "Mistah Gannett isn't walkin' through that doah. Gutenberg isn't walkin' through that doah. And if they did, they'd be GRAY and OLD."

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  7. Anonymous9:55 AM

    I follow Mikal's blog now...not sure what that means, but I pushed the little button that said "follow me."

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  8. I could send "Mr Gannett" some flair on FB that says "I facebooked your Mama." You know, in the interest of solidarity and all. Where's Lech Walesa when you need him?

    Damn the Man!
    Save the HABOTN!

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  9. Michael's blog kind scares me.

    Mr S. are you "taping" the roundtable today?

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  10. i had forgotten about that Pitino clip. nice work.

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  11. Haven't read michael's blog yet..but it is on my list.

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  12. I wonder if Dubow is on Facebook...there's someone with his name, but no picture.

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  13. Micheal's blog scares me a little, and that's saying something.

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  14. Another Pitino classic

    Look at the evil he gives dude right before he walks away.

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  15. Yes, I was thinking of this when I did the 9s and 8 and such:

    Ali G Techmology

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  16. Michael:

    "The URL contained a malformed video ID. "

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  17. My blog should not be too hard to follow, since I only post 1-2 times a week.

    And yes, one of the intents is probably to scare people. You know the old saying, if you can't make them laugh, then scare them.

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  18. FSJ: My take on this name thing is that Steve Jobs isn't dead or anything. To remove his name from your fine work here makes him seem passe, and that's not right.

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  19. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eB5VXJXxnNU

    I spend 10 minutes making a link and it doesn't work. F'n internets.

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  20. Pitino dropped the loudest F-bomb I've ever heard at Coleman Coliseum during the mid nineties. The beat the heck out of us but he lit into Ron Mercer during a timeout. The coliseum was relatively quiet. That F-bomb echoed like no other. Much worse than the one I dropped during the 1997 Scissum fumble Iron Bowl.

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  21. Ok Jay..you convinced me...

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  22. It was either Jerry Green or Kevin O'Neill of the Vols who was forced to move their hold their time outs near mid court because of the language by the coach offending the fans behind the bench.

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  23. Anonymous10:08 AM

    why don't you so Fake Sick Steve Jobs?

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  24. RK..I bet it was Kevin ONeill...He seems like a hothead.

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  25. FSJ, even if RSJ dies, I don't think you should have to change your name. It is not like you are making fun of him.

    If you feel icky about it, just go by FSJ, kinda like how Kentucky Fried Chicken is all KFC and stuff. The initials become more identifiable than what they stand for.

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  26. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  27. Jobs has the "good" form of pancreatic cancer and should recover. We certainly don't want to remove the HABOTN tribute in his time of need.

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  28. So does anyone think the new CEO of Apple will take over Lowders spot as being the biggest donor?

    Auburn grad takes helm at Apple

    Jobs made the announcement Wednesday.
    A native of Alabama, the 48-year-old Cook graduated from Auburn University in 1982 with an engineering degree. He is said to still be a huge fan of Auburn's football team.

    http://www.myfoxal.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=8256035&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=3.2.1

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  29. I wasn't high on the new recruit, Lanier. He was a * upgraded to a ** when Auburn became interested. I thought we were stealing another from Troy. And then I looked at his films. The kid can play, and is definitely a D1 prospect.

    He's the best running back, safety, and wide receiver for Gordo (easily identifiable on film because he's big among the other players - so I would like to know Gordo's classification). Gordo was about to be eliminated from the playoffs when he put them on his back with four minutes left and won the game (long receptions, runs, and an interception). He was a man playing the game with boys.

    Reminds me of Marks in high school in terms of the films being great, but no recognition. We're recruiting as a safety, but he's definitely an athlete.

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  30. Do What.....

    Why did you have to tell me that about Mr. Cook?

    Just what I need....An Auburn fan running one of my favorite companies...

    :-(

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  31. Anonymous10:31 AM

    viva Apple...

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  32. I remember when Apple was a computer company.

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  33. I do too astatguy...

    I can remember when Apple was mainstream.....the first time...

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  34. I remember when I ate an apple with my lunch last week.

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  35. Anonymous10:39 AM

    The Genius Behind Steve.

    This guy should be the coach at Auburn, not running a computer company:

    "One day back then, he convened a meeting with his team, and the discussion turned to a particular problem in Asia.

    "This is really bad," Cook told the group. "Someone should be in China driving this." Thirty minutes into that meeting Cook looked at Sabih Khan, a key operations executive, and abruptly asked, without a trace of emotion, "Why are you still here?"

    Khan, who remains one of Cook's top lieutenants to this day, immediately stood up, drove to San Francisco International Airport, and, without a change of clothes, booked a flight to China with no return date, according to people familiar with the episode. The story is vintage Cook: demanding and unemotional."

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  36. So, when does the furlough actually commence?
    Whatever course of action (or non-action) you choose, J-G, we will support you 100%. You gots to do what is best for you and your family (real one, not HABOTN). We will endure.

    I still say we should make Doug and Moon hook up all the Hotties with free lunch at Salsaritas.

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  37. Astute - I like the Lanier kid as well. Chiz knows D so I trust his eye for talent.

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  38. Thanks for the link Peter

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  39. Any of you guys seen the youtube video with Charles from Reeltown featured in it? Its from the Fbaum show where he threatens Barkley and P. Dye

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LewMxNQsDw

    "Instant Classic"

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  40. Contrary to some beliefs, I actually like Cook at the helm of Apple and think the company will do just fine in the absense of SJ. There is a lot more to Apple than Jobs and I find it humorous that all the skeptics think the company will completely fall to shambles without him at the helm.

    Cook on the AU BOT would be interesting to see. That would be a nice replacement for Lowder or Rane.

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  41. MillerTime...

    Truth be told I am sure that Cook has essentially been running the company for a while anyway.

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  42. Good thread.

    J-Z - I think Michael would have a special appreciation for the Quarter story.

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  43. Anonymous10:56 AM

    Johnnie Farms says ‘no’ to Spurrier, ‘yes’ to Central Florida and ‘maybe’ to Auburn
    By Phil Giltman | Thursday, January 15, 2009, 11:05 AM
    The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

    Perry offensive lineman Johnnie Farms, who had an infamous encounter with Steve Spurrier earlier this year, appears to be shopping around again.
    The 6-2, 295-pound Farms is committed to North Carolina, but said he got permission from the Tar Heels to visit Central Florida this weekend. Farms, an AJC Super 11 selection, decided against traveling to South Carolina and said he has not spoken to Spurrier since the face-to-face meeting. However, Farms said he is talking to Auburn and is considering a visit. “I’m not sure,” he said.

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  44. Because my thoughts are critically important to the future success of Auburn athletics ... I am copying and pasting my last post from the previous thread ... you are welcome.

    My "5 Star" Manifesto:


    1. I expect Auburn teams to pull together in the same direction and NEVER be out-worked, out-hit, or out-hustled.

    2. I expect Auburn teams to HATE BAMA with the same intensity and fervor that I do.

    3. I expect Auburn to embrace high expectations -- Auburn preferring the underdog role irritates me to no end.

    4. I expect Auburn coaches to be held accountable for the players they recruit/don't recruit. This is not based on "stars" (which I don't care about one bit) but what the players do on the field.

    5. I expect Auburn to be in the hunt for the SEC Championship Game every year.

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  45. Looks like Eltoro has helped convince Demond Washington to ditch his Ole Miss commitment to take an Auburn offer.

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  46. I did some research on Lanier. His films were just SO good, and yet the rating was low. The problem was in the classroom. Nobody gave him a chance of qualifying, but he's raised his GPA and looks like he will make it. Qualification is a combination of ACT and GPA, and his ACT was only 14.

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  47. Monica,

    I had to dive out last night but I see where you gave me the goods on Cooper. Thanks. I guess he did not get an offer for this class since Lanier was the first commit.

    Everybody needs to relax about who we are going to be able to get in at this time. Most of the big dogs are pretty well set on where they are going. They like to take visits for the attention. Chiz and crew should be working on next year more than chasing all the big timers this year.

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  48. Try sitting behind the Indiana bench in the national championship season of 1987. You want a show? Now that's a show.

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  49. JetZ - excellent 1-5, perfect. I'd not seen your Manifesto previously. Thanks for the repost.

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  50. Jay,

    I hope everything goes your way. I wouldn't work for free either, I doubt they would pay you if just say hey I need some down time but just hook me up.

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  51. What's this "infamous meeting" with Spurrier. Steve-o may have just lost his touch. He's lost his rights to Tucker High in Atlanta, and now Farms. Interesting.

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  52. My pleasure, Cowboy. I agree. The thing I'm happiest about is the vigor with which Chiz & Co. are going after guys. Even if we're not going to get them I like that we're putting Auburn in their face and on their menu of options.

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  53. Thanks, Monica. Powers' departure means early PT and our kick returner graduated as well. Here's hoping.

    Sometimes recruits make the best recruiters. I remember Tommy Jackson being sent home from Tuscaloosa.

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  54. Agreed, I think the recruiting now is really more about next yer. Though it certainly doesn't hurt going after thses guys now, AU already has "NO" in their pocket.

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  55. Anonymous11:11 AM

    Mon - Is that a good thing?

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  56. Mon,
    What's the deal w/ Demond Washington?
    The kid looks like a burner... Listed as an athlete, what position is AU recruiting him for? His size and speed looks to point towards CB?

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  57. Hi Mon,
    How's the weather today in WVA?

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  58. Anonymous11:15 AM

    MiztertommyD: This is what happened.

    Credit Farms for keeping people guessing: He first tried to commit to Alabama, but was told the Crimson Tide was full at his position. He then committed to South Carolina, but later switched, with one of his reasons being “the education was a little better” at North Carolina.

    Spurrier was bothered by the remark, and traveled himself to Perry last month to try to defend South Carolina’s academics and convince Farms to accept an official visit.

    Farms, an AJC Super 11 selection, decided against traveling to South Carolina and said he has not spoken to Spurrier since the face-to-face meeting.

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  59. Anonymous11:16 AM

    It looks like Kenney is putting GA over AU and then got an offer from Okie.

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  60. Anonymous11:18 AM

    The AJC also has this news today. Hopefully, we can keep him.

    By Michael Carvell | Thursday, January 15, 2009, 02:58 PM

    The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

    There is good and bad recruiting news for UGA with wide receiver Cameron Kenney.

    The good news? It appears that Georgia has moved ahead of Auburn, which is where Kenney originally committed. The bad news? Kenney got a surprise call from Oklahoma late Wednesday, with the Sooners offering both an official visit and scholarship. Kenney is a Dacula native who plays at Garden City (Kan.) Junior College.

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  61. I say Washing is a good thing.

    Demond Washington:
    Ht: 5-foot-9
    Wt: 185 lbs
    Forty: 4.3 secs
    In high school:10.98 seconds in the 100-meter dash.

    JUCO - Offers from Ole Miss, So Miss, Ohio, UAB, Louisville, Memphis
    His grades made him a sure thing for JUCO right out of high school. He wants to be closer to home, he and Eltoro are like brothers and after talking the Chiz & Co. he's even more convinved.
    Rivals has him as a 3star, Scout as a 5star

    From Rivals"Washington said Ole Miss is recruiting him to play running back. At Gulf Coast, he played the position his freshman year. As a sophomore however, Washington made the switch to cornerback.

    He excelled at both positions. At running back in 2007, Washington rushed for 1,182 yards on 172 carries (6.9 avg.) and 12 touchdowns. He also caught five passes and two scores."

    Expected to enroll in Spring.

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  62. HA While washing is a good thing, that was supposed to be Washington.

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  63. Anonymous11:25 AM

    a 10.98 100 meter sounds slow for someone that runs a 4.3 forty.

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  64. About time we took a commit from Ole Miss after two years of them stealing ours!

    I really want Kenney but he's making me tired!

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  65. Just remember, Omnica ...

    Washing is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever stinks.

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  66. Mobilz - it's wicked cold here today. It's 12:30 and 13 degrees with wind chill of -5. Snow flurries.

    Ouch.

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  67. hmmmm...some good things stink..

    just saying

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  68. Where is this going? LOL

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  69. This is a good time for me to go to work. :-)

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  70. Oh my. Oh my, my.

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  71. Oh lawd......

    Not going there...

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  72. So. Uhhhhhh... yeah.

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  73. Youtube Demond Washington, he will be awesome in CGM's offense. Or if CGC wants to put him on D he has the speed for it.

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  74. Jet,

    I copied the Manifesto. I'm going to have it tattooed on my neck this afternoon. Neck tattoos are the scariest.

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  75. You have obviously never seen a mole tattoo, j-z.

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  76. That's funny right there...

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  77. This Washington kid has serious skills as a DB too

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GInMlBNEsc&feature=related

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  78. I can't get the listen live option on the Roundtable to work at my desk at work, so I guess I'll miss out.

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  79. WarEagleRK - try hitting the ? button, without the new Bill Gates crap I couldn't get it to work either. Mine now works with just the "Lite" version.

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  80. The Roundtable is so much better when Jay is on the show.....

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  81. I like the Roundtable when Jay is on...

    Josh is actually growing on me too. I'm one of those Bama fans that couldn't stand him a year or so ago.

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  82. One other random thing...

    UT is shelling out some dough on Assistant Coach salaries.

    They just hired Lance Thompson for a big sum too.

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  83. GATiger...no luck.

    Oh well, back to listening to the Derek Trucks Band.

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  84. For the record Monica, I'd happily trade you. The high in Michigan today is 6 with a wind chill of
    -10. Its supposed to get to a wind chill of about -30 tonight.

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  85. Demond Washington has NOT committed to Auburn. You can read the entire article by Yancey Porter via auburn.scout.com (no subscription needed for this article). Here's a blurb:
    "That stuff is not true at all," stated the always personable Demond Washington. "I am still committed to Ole Miss..."

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  86. Guards should be a minimum of 75% from the line. That is a minimum percentage. It really should be 85% or above. For a guard on a Division I basketball team to shoot that poorly is telling me about the guards work ethic and desire to get better.

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  87. Free throw shooting is all about repetition. Am I right, coach Crum?

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  88. Michael says,
    Free throw shooting is all about repetition. Am I right, coach Crum?
    Free throw shooting is all about repetition. Am I right, coach Crum?
    Free throw shooting is all about repetition. Am I right, coach Crum?

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  89. Jay G is the man on AM 740. I agree as well with this being a much better show with Jay and Josh. The show seems a little more upbeat!

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  90. Jay needs to be on that show all the time much better show....

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  91. The quality of the show absolutely increases when he's on. JGT is a natural and could easily have his own show.

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  92. Might I suggest a furlough during the 2nd week of Feb with daily radio appearances. I could actually listen that week.

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  93. A recruit messed up chizik's name? haha

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  94. Alumnus -- former student or graduate of an institution

    Alumni -- plural form

    Alumna -- feminine form, not used much

    Alumnae -- feminine plural, not used much.

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  95. Not just any recruit, one of our top defensive recruits/commits T.Coleman called him coach Cheese Steak! lol

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  96. Anonymous1:25 PM

    101 dalmations

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  97. JetZ - the proper forum for that tidbit is actually on 740 is it not?

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  98. I mean, I'm just sayin...

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  99. Yes. .. I flipped on for a second at the desk and hear them arguing about vocabulary.

    If it is in reference to Charles Barkley or myself ... although Chuckster never graduated and I ultimately obtained my degree from AU-Gump ... we are both alumni.

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  100. My point was to try to prod you into picking up the phone.

    On another note, you were just recently mentioned by name in a separate email exchange I just had with a former classmate.

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  101. Washington's from Tallassee, Alabama, a bicycle ride from Auburn. The previous coaching staff screwed this one up, but I think it can be salvaged.

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  102. Send message via FB, gatiger.

    I don't do radio.

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  103. Tallassee = Reeltown suburb

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  104. Tar - Here's a quote from the Rivals article on Desmond Washington:
    "I'm going to Auburn for a visit and I'll probably be a Tiger the way it's looking," said Washington.

    So, who knows.

    You're right, Brad. I'll keep my tropical temps here in WV thank you very much! 30 below??? OUCH!

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  105. I'm wearing a sweater again today. You all don't want to know how cold it is here.

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  106. oops, I misread the post and missed the roundtable. Whoever is on WMSP now just put my puppy to sleep. She looked at the speakers for a few minutes, seemingly soothed, then passed out.

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  107. Thanks for listening in, you all.

    I have fun down there on the air.

    New thread coming ... nothing ground-breaking.

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  108. Anonymous2:27 PM

    J-Z.....Before you schedule the scary neck tattoo featuring the 5* mainfesto, you might want to consider that no coach/team anywhere has ever met that criteria for any length of time other than a few seasons.

    Truly "expecting" that perfection will only lead to heartburn and a serious case of "naysayer fan disease".

    Of course that cynical naysayer attitude is cool on the internet blogs. So if the real intent is to be cool.....then adopting that manifesto will keep you cool....on second thought, you may want to go get that scary tattoo ....and invite Jim Rome to go with you.

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  109. Anonymous2:31 PM

    Anyone see Bama recruits jumping ship with the departure of Lance Thompson? He's contributed with recruiting the 3 5* and several 4* (on rivals)

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  110. Hoopie, bro, I guess we'll just have to disagree on "expectations."

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