Jan 16, 2005

Five tips for training a dog

This post has moved:
http://ottawastart.blogspot.com/2005/01/five-tips-for-training-dog.html

Nov 18, 2004

Composer of 'Hockey Night in Canada' theme sues CBC

From cbc.ca:

Dolores Claman, the composer behind the distinctive Hockey Night in Canada theme song, has filed a lawsuit against the CBC, alleging that the broadcaster uses the tune too often.
...
The plaintiffs' claim alleges that CBC's contract stipulates the song can only be used for Hockey Night in Canada broadcasts within Canada, but that the CBC has used the music on games shown in other countries and for other programming.

Read the story...

Nov 11, 2004

Jumbotron for sale on eBay

Up for auction on eBay: Iowa/Hawkeye football scoreboard with jumbotron:

"This large scoreboard is available on 22 Nov 2004. It has recorded some of the most memorable victories in Hawkeye football history. Purchaser is to dismantle and remove from site. Includes controls and Jumbotron. Contact seller for information."

Opening bid is $10,000 USD - but no bids yet.

Go to the auction...

Updated: Land Developers Inc., the owners of Nebraska Raceway Park, have purchased the scoreboard and JumboTron that captured some of the greatest moments in Iowa Hawkeye football... The University of Iowa is in the process of renovating the legendary stadium and the scoreboard and JumboTron will be removed to make way for new suites and seating. More from WhoWon.com...
(Land Developers Inc. made the first and only bid, at US $10,000.)

Nov 5, 2004

I Don't Like The Person You Become When You're On The Jumbotron

From The Onion:

"Okay, Dave, we need to talk. I didn't say anything on the way back from the stadium, because I was collecting my thoughts. But now, I think it's time we clear the air. Look, you know I've always loved and supported you. I believe you are, at heart, sweet, romantic, intelligent, capable, and wise. But something happens when the eyes of an entire stadium are on you, and it makes me wonder whether I even know you. Dave, I don't like the person you become when you're on the Jumbotron.

The Dave I know is polite, modest, and content. Jumbotron Dave is crass and loud. The Dave I know has a sweet, gentle smile. Jumbotron Dave has a tongue that waggles and undulates lasciviously. Accompanied by your red cheeks, your bulging eyes, and that "metal" gesture you do with your hands—it's horrifying. What comes over you, Dave?"


Read more...

Nov 1, 2004

"Let's Get Ready to Rumble" snitch line

Michael Buffer, the announcer behind the "Let's Get Ready to Rumble" catchphrase, wants his fans to tattle on companies who are using the phrase without permission:

"Buffer Enterprises, Inc. now offers a cash bonus to those who report a corroborated unauthorized use [resulting in an actual recovery] of the "Let's Get Ready to Rumble,"® “Get Ready To Rumble”® or "Ready to Rumble"® servicemarked phrases ,any paraphrasing of these marks (including “Get Ready To Crumble,”® “Are Your Ready To Rumble?”™ “Let’s Get Ready To Gamble”™), or use of Michael Buffer’s famous rendition of his copyrighted “Let’s Get Ready To Rumble” recording. This bonus system applies to viable reports [resulting in an actual recovery] of unauthorized use of our servicemarks, copyrights or related rights in or upon TV, radio, the internet, print or in connection with unlicensed products or services such as T-shirts, toys, posters, or other merchandise."


...

"We constantly deal with violations reported to us by fans around the world or which we witness directly,” states Bruce Buffer. “Our servicemarks and copyrights are invaluable. Just like for a movie studio, these intangible rights comprise the very heart of our business.”


...

(I am surprised to read that a) Buffer has fans, and b) Buffer has fans that take the time to report these 'violations'.)

Via Boingboing.net

Oct 11, 2004

Bluebombers penalized for videoscoreboard "noise"

From TSN.ca (all the way at the bottom of the article):

"One of the penalties Winnipeg was nailed for was a 10-yarder for illegal use of electronic equipment after the Jumbotron was used to start crowd noise while Hamilton had the ball."

Read the article...

Oct 8, 2004

Sharks mascot continues work non-stop

From the San Jose Sharks web site:

"S.J. Sharkie may not be rappelling down the rafters, riding his four-wheeler or throwing tee-shirts to rabid fans at HP Pavilion, but he's still doing what he loves most.

Nothing can stop the San Jose Sharks beloved mascot from entertaining fans.

While the NHL season is currently on ice, Sharkie continues to make his dynamic presence felt at a plethora of community events and private gatherings."

Read more...

NFL in-house video replay strategy

From the Dallas Star-Telegram:

"The next time officials blow a call at Texas Stadium that benefits the Cowboys, fans at the game might never see a replay of it. During the Cowboys' road victory against Washington on Sept. 27, the JumboTron at FedEx Field never replayed a close play that benefited the Redskins.

The NFL says that is the home team's prerogative, and the Cowboys plan to use it to their advantage at Texas Stadium."

Read more...

Oct 6, 2004

The life of the Jumbotron cameraman

Long time, no post ... but here's a good one from the Miami Herald:

"It's game day at Pro Player Stadium. You're focused on bases and yardage, pitches and punts. Then he shows up: the man with the camera.

He wants you to get crazy, to scream and wave. You're like most people, and so you do, dancing and clapping like a camera-crazed fool.

If you're lucky, your image will be beamed to the stadium's two Jumbotron screens. And for a moment, 20 seconds at the most, you are larger than life."

Read more...

Sep 13, 2004

James Phillips on "Behind the Mascot"

From GameOps.com:

"A new documentary will be hitting the big screen this month covering the world of the professional mascot. Film producer James Phillips has spent nearly 2 years researching, filming, and editing together an amazing collection of stories and personalities. The movie debuts at this month's Atlantic Film Festival. James Phillips joins us for the September 2004 Interview on Gameops.com."

Read the interview...

(The movie premieres this week in Toronto, with showings later this month in Halifax and Sudbury. More info on the movie website.)