Slovenian Hoops, Kirk Herbstreit, Gin Blossoms, Etc.

I find it funny that such a big deal was made out of the Sasha Vujacic-Goran Dragic rivalry during the Suns-Lakers series. Yeah, I get it: Both guys are from Slovenia. But does that instantly make them the best man in one another's wedding? Do you like everyone in your country? Your office? Your own goddamn family? Of course not. Jesus. It was a fun rivalry to watch (they clearly hate each other), and I'd like to hear the back story (hopefully a lady is involved), but it's crazy to me that everyone was shocked because two guys from the same country aren't BFFs.

**********

Speaking of feuds, Kirk Herbstreit and Bucknuts recently buried that hatchet. Personally, this is sickening. Explain.

For the better part of the past ten years (and especially the past five), Bucknuts.com (and especially Bucknuts brainchild Mr. Bucknuts) has taken shot after unfair shot at Herbstreit, simply because the former OSU QB is an objective analyst on ESPN's College Gameday, as opposed to an unapologetic Buckeye homer (which is all those losers expect).

But now that ESPN and Bucknuts have partnered, the two parties have made nice. Whatever.

Between podcasts and columns, I've made the point numerous times that no matter how much you think you care about Ohio State football, it pales in comparison to Herbstreit's feelings toward his alma mater.

He grew up dying to play for OSU. His dad was a captain there. Eventually, Herbstreit did the same, and was named the team's most inspirational player his senior year. He married an Ohio State cheerleader. He has a talk show in Columbus (or used to) that I once listened to religiously online; it was a daily three-hour advertisement for all things Scarlet and Grey. Following a Mike Doss interception in the 2002 national title game, cameras spotted Herbstreit and Eddie George practically having sex with one another. Et cetera. Et cetera.

Kirk Herbstreit cares about Ohio State football more than you've ever cared about anything, and you're a complete fucking idiot if you've ever questioned his loyalties.

**********

I'm hopping on a aeroplane to Cincinnati at 6:00 a.m.; this excites me for a million reasons but depresses me for one: A little band called Gin Blossoms is playing a show Friday night at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, which just happens to be my place of employment.

Sooner or later, I'll probably get to see these living legends play. How do I know this? Because, the well-rounded journalist in me decided to check out Gin Blossoms' website -- more specifically, the tour schedule -- and goddammit, these bastards are accessible. Four upcoming shows in particular stick out for me:

6/11/2010 -- Fargo, ND -- FargoDome Ribfest

7/10/2010 -- Lake in the Hills, IL -- Rockin' Rotary Ribfest

7/31/2010 -- Toledo, OH -- Smoke On The Water Ribs For The Red Cross

9/4/2010 -- S Parks, NV -- Nugget Rib Cook-Off


I am now certain of two things:

1. Every member of Gin Blossoms is flat broke.

2. Them boys love to eat some ribs

-Brad Spieser (Brad@TwinKilling.com)
6/2/10