Life Decisions

Life Decisions

From the availability of posts from before to now, some of you may be wondering "What the heck!" It isn’t that I have left the ranks of loyal followers, it’s that life has taken a turn and with that came life decisions. 

My father has been diagnosed with cancer from an unnamed source. The process that follows a cancer diagnosis has been difficult for everyone, especially my parents who are in their 70’s and my brother who is the closest to my father. From multiple doctor visits to absorbing all that we have been told has been stressful at times and we haven’t even made it to the surgery yet, which is next week. There will be lots of traveling back and forth between the city I live, the city I work, the city the hospital is in and the city my parents live. Of course, nothing can be easy. If it were, you would never appreciate what you have.

With all that being said, the time that I have had for the show and the blog is gone, for now. I’ll continue to tune in to the show when I can, but it hasn’t been or won’t be on a daily basis at this time or for awhile it appears. I plan on getting the blog back up and running at some point, but when that will be is up in the air.

If cancer has touched your life in some way, I hope you have chosen a way to fight back. May your life experiences now and in the future be filled with good health.

Blogging off for now -

Dan Patrick Show – More Than Sports

Touchy Touchy, Compare and Compliment, NASCAR Alert

Touchy Touchy 

Marshall calling foul on DP

When you first read the title your mind probably thought of Fritzy saying something inappropriate or a physical extension of the "Love You" saga. For those that were able to watch today, maybe a sensitivity to the front row and back row being color coordinated in charcoal gray for the front and royal blue for the back. No, none of those things. It was Gregg Marshall from Wichita State being sensitive about the comments Jeff Goodman of CBS Sports of Marshall made about him not being considered for other jobs because of his abrasive personality. Marshall felt he was being ambushed right at the beginning of the first time he had ever been interviewed by DP and it showed in the interview. There was no foresight given to DP by the Danettes on the way to, or not to set up the interview with Marshall, only hindsight and criticism afterwards. What was more awkward, the defensive fall out from Marshall to DP during the interview or the back peddling from the Danettes after the interview was over? Sure you want to inform a guest about what another guest said about them earlier on the show, and DP is the front man, but come on guys, speak up! What a tough sell it was for mock headlines following that exchange. 

Compare and Compliment 

Player reaction to the injury says it all

Yes it is true, on the blog I have dished out plates of grief that the show has a limited outreach when it comes to NASCAR. Today DP chose to compare the CBS coverage of the Kevin Ware broken leg to the last lap, final turn of the Daytona 500 tragedy that killed Dale Earnhardt Sr. Sometimes the less shown is the most said and that was the case in both situations. Showing the reaction of the players from both teams, the coach, the fans in the stands said more than showing Kevin Ware’s injury itself. The reaction of Ken Schrader, the safety crew, Dale Jr. when he got the news that his father had crashed, the fans in the stands, once again, saying more than if the actual view in car had been shown. The old adage is true, less is more.

NASCAR Alert

Thumbs up but Denny's
expected out for the
next five races

Friend of the show, Denny Hamlin is scheduled for Wednesday. Certainly his relationship with Joey Logano and his recovery from the back injury obtained from his inside wall crash at Fontana will be topics of discussion. Although an older subject, possibly his 25K fine from NASCAR after his Gen5 to Gen6 car comparison will come up as well. He is also a new dad, Dan, so there’s a warm ‘n fuzzy for you. Funny that you have to be a friend of the show to get on the show if you’re in NASCAR. Surely if Fritzy or Paulie picked up the phone and contacted other drivers, crew chiefs or owners they would discover that they could have more NASCAR friends of the show than what they realize.

Love You! Whatever...., Bracketology, Bittersweet Acknowledgement and More

Less College Basketball, More Danette Drama 

Soon it will all be over

Ok, ok, so the blog has been a little inactive lately. Let’s face it, there hasn’t been a lot of non-sports related story lines lately on the Dan Patrick Show thanks to March Madness and the coaching carousel. Now that April is here, certainly the drama will return in full force, we hope. For what non-sports has occurred lately:





Love You! Whatever… 

Time to move on from Love You?

There has been a small love-fest that began with Seth Davis from SI/CBS that has had a little bit of carry over to other guests and callers while the blog has been down. The problem hasn’t been that Seth started it, it has been that Dan became too comfortable after awhile with it and was replying back too quickly or initiating the salutation himself. Time to find something else.

Job not in Jeopardy

What is, won't be hosting this show.

Don’t worry Alex Trebek, DP isn’t coming for your job. Can’t say that about the rest of the rumored replacements, but it won’t be Dan. One: There is no way that any of the Danettes can fill in for Dan if he needs to be away to tape the show based on their skill levels and ego tussles amongst the group. Two: It’s too difficult to show a sense of humor or highlight your personality in that format. You can’t keep a good man down! So good luck Jeopardy producers, you can remove one more name from the hot list.

Bittersweet Acknowledgement 

Costas expected to take
the Emmy again this
year for Olympic coverage

Dan has once again, and rightfully so, been nominated for a sports Emmy in the category of best studio host. The show as a whole was not recognized. How can you have one without the other? The percentage of contribution Dan provides the show is greater than the contributions of the rest but could those contributions have been so inferior that the voting committee passed the show by? Really people, put it together: One host plus four Danettes equals one show Emmy nomination. How hard was that math?!?

Bracketology 

Can't get enough of DP in
his Grown Ups 2 shorts

What started out as a ho hum punishment had gotten better in time. McLovin the bracket master, who had used his wife and child as an excuse to create two unfinished copies of his bracket, had served out his punishment over the past five shows. The Dartmouth basketball uniform that he began the punishment with was just so unsatisfactory. Shorts too loose and long, socks too long, long sleeve Under Armour compression shirt under the tank – fail. McLovin likes to dress up, this was too easy and Paulie knew it. So the heat got turned up and the last three days the shorts got shorter and each time they got shorter they got a little tighter. Who paid more for McLovin’s punishment? It certainly didn’t seem like McLovin, the audience or Dan. The punishment actually drifted over to the front row as McLovin made his "presence" known as he approached and hovered over Seton and especially Paulie. Now that was entertainment. Not as much as will be seen when Grown Ups 2 comes out this summer and DP will be sporting his "Bill Walton" short shorts but McLovin’s showing was good enough for day time television. 

Sometimes It's Personal, Selective Hearing, Love You Dan!

Sometimes It’s Personal 

Something Dan has been able to do since leaving ESPN more than anything else is express himself when a topic hits the heart. Recent examples are Hurricane Sandy, the Penn State child abuse and cover up case, the suicide of the bartender/friend at the Seven Seas and on Tuesday, alcoholism. Tim Cowlishaw has written a book, Drunk on Sports, about his alcoholism and recovery and was a guest. After the interview Dan spoke of his personal experience reminding us that there is a history of alcoholism within his family and offering a little of what his family went through towards the end of his father’s life with his battle with alcohol. It’s times like these that make this show so endearing to its audience. 
　
Selctive Hearing

Food City 500 Winner

The show gave NASCAR a little love Monday with the play of the day clip featuring Kasey Kahne going over the line to win the Food City 500 at Bristol. Dan quipped that drivers know they’re being recorded so what they say on the radio isn’t genuine because it’s always nice and complimentary even when you did poorly. DP obviously has heard Kyle or Kurt Busch or Tony Stewart on a bad day.

Love You Dan !  

Seth doesn't need to buy a dog to express
DP love

Monday’s awkward moment for Dan came when Seth Davis of SI and CBS said he loved Dan. This is twice in a year that DP has been told by one of his guest that they loved him. The other was Dion Sanders. That comment was less awkward because of the conversation content that surrounded that response. When men can say that to other men is uncomfortable for Dan and Paulie. Let’s face it, it pains Paulie to have fun or personal moments. Fritzy and Seton, not so much, especially if Seton has been in his cups. DP can say it somewhat comfortably to a father or a son but for him, even saying it to a brother is a bit too touchy feely. Chris in Ohio and a couple of others ended their phone calls that way, poking the bear. Too bad not all of the callers today pushed that button.

No Go Game Show, Host Hair

No Go Game Show

With the rumor of Matt Lauer, of the Today Show, taking over hosting duties of Jeopardy from Alex Trebek, the way Meredith Viera did with Who Wants to be a Millionaire from Regis Philbin, game show story time returned.  For awhile, DP was on the short list of who to contact should a game show hosting gig open up.

 When Bob Barker of The Price Is Right gave the go ahead for Dan as one of his possible replacements, Dan was busy covering the NBA Finals in San Antonio.  PIR producers wanted to do a set test with DP and even offered to make a set in San Antonio for screen test.  What they wouldn’t do is tell Dan what he would make.  When he inquired, the response was that they would tell him once he accepted the job.  In whose world does that work other than Hollywood?  

Needless to say, he passed.  Nowadays the only game shows DP would consider would be Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune, the mother of Wheel of Punishment.  Dan would freshen up WOF just a bit to be more viewer friendly.  Vanna - bye bye.  Bring in two new shorties, one for vowels, the other for consonants.  Gotta give the audience what they want.

Host Hair
Who has better host hair?  Alex Trebek, Fake Alex Trebek, Matt Lauer, Dan Patrick or Bob Barker? All have hair helpers of one type or another.  Gotta go with go big or go home.  

Showing Colors, Loves Him Some Rubio, LVD Becoming a Reality

Showing Colors 

So long Pats, hello Broncos

Fritzy was in the words of Phil from Duck Dynasty, “Happy Happy Happy” today.  When the news of Wes Welker going from the Patriots to the Broncos hit, Fritzy was surely celebrating in his zubaz pants.  Choosing which Bronco items to wear and what to leave home must have been pleasurable torture.  How much was too little, what was too much.  Visions of a Super Bowl trophy, shiny and bright, must have been a highlight in Todd’s dreams Wednesday night.  Fritzy in a happy mood makes Seton nuts.  The cooing over the phone with Rich Eisen, from the NFL Network, was just too sugary sweet.  The papal mock headlines were good throughout but the shamrock shake PSA was a colossal fail.  He was even, should I dare say it, a little cocky, getting up during break and standing in one of DP and Seton’s break talks.  Before long Seton will have his chance to be sickening too with all of his Yankee play of the day clips and Jeter references.   Soon Seton, soon, your day will be here.

Loves Him Some Rubio 

Getting props from Mannix long time

Occasional guest host, Chris Mannix of SI, called in Thursday as Chris in New York to berate DP for not giving Ricky Rubio of the Timberwolves, what Chris felt, was some much deserved love.  You could almost get a clear visual of Mannix sitting on the edge of his chair, red faced, hair standing straight up and hands waving as Chris’ voice raised trying to make his points to DP.  Well, at least Rubio has one fan that refuses to give up, even though he can’t shoot.  Yes Chris, we know, he can still learn to shoot. 

LVD Becoming a Reality 

Who will be the shining LVD star for March?

The least valuable Danette award is getting closer to becoming a reality.  The crystal star award was revealed along with its monthly award status.  Up in the air was the value of voting.  Would fans be allowed to vote? It would help to have an outside opinion away from the behind the scenes office politics. What weight would their vote have?  Would the Danettes be comfortable voting, especially if it was a public vote?  The only one who said they would not was Fritzy, so by majority rule, the Danettes get to vote too.  The award is not retro fitted so the first LVD will be for the month of March.  Only 17 days and counting.  Get your stupid on boys!

69 89 86, Is Your Poll Up, Salty Great One, Do You Feel the Heat + More

69, 89, 86, It’s Not All the Same 

I 86'd you man not that other thing!

When using numbers in analogies, sometimes it’s important to use the right ones.  Just ask Charles Barkley.  Since Tiger Woods won this weekend, Dan had inquired if Barkley was still in touch with Tiger and congratulated him since DP knew Charles and Tiger were tight at one time.  What Barkley meant to say was that Tiger had eighty-sixed the relationship.  What came out as Barkley fumbled for the right thing to say was Tiger had sixty-nined the relationship.  Quite a difference in what those numbers mean.  DP even turned a bit red as he corrected the big man.  Must wonder where Fritzy’s mind went when he heard those words.

Broke Back Mountain Isn’t About an Injury 

Doug, this is not the beginning
 of a sleeper hold

While 69, 89 and 86 aren’t the same, Broke Back Mountain and a movie about injuries aren’t the same either. Dear Doug Glanville - know your references!  Yankee fans must have been choking on something when they first heard this.  Just like Pride of the Yankees wasn’t about what lies beneath the jock strap, Broke Back Mountain doesn’t apply to injury-ridden players.







Is Your Poll Up?

Strong Poll?

Over and over again the poll question is an area of agitation for Dan.  Either there isn’t a question or he doesn’t like the question.  It doesn’t matter if the question comes from McLovin, another Danette, or the audience.  Nothing really satisfies Dan.  So what if there was no poll question.  Back in the ESPN days DP got rid of the poll question.  The show seemed to survive without it.  Let’s face it, even at Dan’s age, he wants a strong poll.  Is the poll question such a vital part of the show that it would make a difference to the audience tuning in or not?  Would McLovin’s pay actually be less if there were not poll question?  If McLovin’s most important role was the poll question, would he still have a job?  The audience at one point was going to be able to vote on if there should still be a poll question but that never happened.  The question still hangs; Should your poll be up or hang low?  Oh yeah, way in on the pole isn’t the same as weigh in on the poll either. 

Salty Great One

No salt for you!

Story time with the great one, Wayne Gretzy: While having dinner with Charles Barkley in Barkley’s home, Barkley’s wife said: “Great One, pass me the salt.”  As Gretzy thought the reference was to him, he reached across the table for the salt only to have Barkley intercept him and say:  “I’m the only great one in this house.”  Wonder if in that house they prefer the poll to hang low or be up?






Do You Feel the Heat?

DP's the flame, Fritzy's pan is trying to stay away

Fritzy wants to be more, do more.  He wants a title and responsibilities of a Coordinating Producer, not just a Booker.  DP is trying to get him there, but let’s face it, patient mentor Dan is not.  Fritzy is learning to connect guests and story lines together but until he feels comfortable with that he falls back on taking credit for the number or names of guests that are scheduled.  As Dan says, it’s just a name on the page or chalkboard, it’s what DP does with the guest in the interview that makes the difference.  So in a take on booking scared, Fritzy was tweeting scared last night posting almost the same tweet three times in seven minutes.  It’s burning down there and it’s not from an STD.