From the Denver Post:
Bednark, 29, known as DJ Bedz around the Pepsi Center, is enjoying his second season as the Nuggets DJ.
...
Bednark and partner David Lopez, a.k.a. DJ Psycho, work off two turntables, CDs and a "360" machine that is loaded with instrumental music, sound effects and your typical sports sounds like the "Charge!" horn and the "Addams Family" theme.
...
NBA rules specify when songs or sounds can be played. Tunes that mock the officials, like "Three Blind Mice," are prohibited. Ditto for songs that would incite violence. Fines for first offenses range from $2,500 to $10,000 and can be doubled or tripled with multiple offenses.
...
NBA DJs are becoming more popular. Now that Coors Light is sponsoring Bednark's DJ booth, corporations are starting to see the relevance of a DJ at NBA games.
Read the article...
Feb 15, 2005
10 Worst Jobs in Sports: Mascot
From USA Today, a chat with Bromley Lowe, former mascot performer with the Baltimore Orioles, and now performing as YoJo.
On heat inside the costume: "Yes, Sunday afternoon games in August during "Code Red" days on the heat index will do this to you. You do gain it all back when you drink water, gatorade, or whatever beverage you consume by the gallon. (Hic!)"
Does he talk in the suit: "I usually stay silent. However there were exceptions to (A) People I work with, (B) People I know, or (C) People who are obnoxious and being jerks. Usually saying "Yo! Take it easy," in a deep voice usually shocks them."
On close games & blow-outs: "Well, they both have different atmospheres when performing. Example, when were being crushed 14-1, don't even think about making your fans get all "rah-rah." It just won't happen. Close games are easier when it comes to making people make noise."
On mascot pay: "It totally varies. Some MLB mascots make very little for what they're worth, and others get six-digit salaries. The Oriole Bird was only a part time position, so I didn't earn a full living on the birdseed that was given to me. But I do have to say it was a GREAT part-time job. It totally depends on the teams that these performers work for."
Read the full article...
On heat inside the costume: "Yes, Sunday afternoon games in August during "Code Red" days on the heat index will do this to you. You do gain it all back when you drink water, gatorade, or whatever beverage you consume by the gallon. (Hic!)"
Does he talk in the suit: "I usually stay silent. However there were exceptions to (A) People I work with, (B) People I know, or (C) People who are obnoxious and being jerks. Usually saying "Yo! Take it easy," in a deep voice usually shocks them."
On close games & blow-outs: "Well, they both have different atmospheres when performing. Example, when were being crushed 14-1, don't even think about making your fans get all "rah-rah." It just won't happen. Close games are easier when it comes to making people make noise."
On mascot pay: "It totally varies. Some MLB mascots make very little for what they're worth, and others get six-digit salaries. The Oriole Bird was only a part time position, so I didn't earn a full living on the birdseed that was given to me. But I do have to say it was a GREAT part-time job. It totally depends on the teams that these performers work for."
Read the full article...
Feb 2, 2005
Skydome to get a new video scoreboard
Along with a new name (Rogers Centre), the Skydome will get a new video scoreboard sometime in 2005.
TheStar.com has a good history of the jumbotron at the stadium:
"June 1989: Unveiled as world's largest JumboTron scoreboard at a cost of $17 million and hailed as the showpiece of the "Eighth Wonder of the World." Three times bigger than any colour videoboard in the world at 34.8 metres high and 10.6 metres wide. Used 420,000 Trinilite bulbs to decode and display video signals." Read more...
I saw the screen back in the summer at a soccer game, and it looked pretty good for its age. Big, bright, and lots of replays -- including one that clearly showed the acting abilities of one of the Italian soccer players.
TheStar.com has a good history of the jumbotron at the stadium:
"June 1989: Unveiled as world's largest JumboTron scoreboard at a cost of $17 million and hailed as the showpiece of the "Eighth Wonder of the World." Three times bigger than any colour videoboard in the world at 34.8 metres high and 10.6 metres wide. Used 420,000 Trinilite bulbs to decode and display video signals." Read more...
I saw the screen back in the summer at a soccer game, and it looked pretty good for its age. Big, bright, and lots of replays -- including one that clearly showed the acting abilities of one of the Italian soccer players.
Feb 1, 2005
Music at lacrosse games
There's a good discussion on the Lacrosse Forums about music in National Lacrosse League games. The NLL is one of the few sports to play music not just in stoppages of play, but throughout the entire game.
http://www.lacrosseforums.com/showthread.php?t=12675
Some samples:
"Anyone who's sat close to the floor for summer box lacrosse knows that this sport is better when you can hear it....the slash to the forearm that you can hear all the way in the back rows.....the sound of a car wreck when two or more opposing players chase a loose ball into a corner....The sound of a shot hitting the post.....or smacking off the goalie's pads. These sounds are all better than listening to the same crappy CDs I could listen to at home for nothing."
"The music should be used when a larger arena isn't very full. The sport is great to watch but it will become boring after a while if they don't do something to keep the crowd. When the building is packed and the game is intence, there is abosolutly no reason to be playing music since they crowd should be overpowering it anyway."
http://www.lacrosseforums.com/showthread.php?t=12675
Some samples:
"Anyone who's sat close to the floor for summer box lacrosse knows that this sport is better when you can hear it....the slash to the forearm that you can hear all the way in the back rows.....the sound of a car wreck when two or more opposing players chase a loose ball into a corner....The sound of a shot hitting the post.....or smacking off the goalie's pads. These sounds are all better than listening to the same crappy CDs I could listen to at home for nothing."
"The music should be used when a larger arena isn't very full. The sport is great to watch but it will become boring after a while if they don't do something to keep the crowd. When the building is packed and the game is intence, there is abosolutly no reason to be playing music since they crowd should be overpowering it anyway."
Jan 17, 2005
News from the Zambonis
Dave from the Zambonis sent out a newsletter today -- a couple of highlights:
"...Or, it could mean the band has been so busy playing in Eastern Europe, recording a new CD,booking gigs and making a video for a new anti-lockout song called "Just Play" (which will be up on our website in a few weeks) that we JUST HAVE NOT HAD TIME TO WRITE."
...
"iTUNES into The Zambonis!! We always knew Steve Jobs was a hockey fan.
Finally, you and your cousin from Billings can find legally
downloadable Zambonis songs on the Web. Yes, the first pair of
full-length Zambonis CDs ("100% Hockey (and other stuff)" plus "More
Songs About Hockey (and buildings and food)") are now available on
iTUNES.COM!! Whether you choose the epic seven-minute Cold War on ice,
"Hockey on The Moon" or the two-minute toe-tapper "Hockey Monkey",
they're all just 99 cents. News flash: In just days, we're already the
most downloaded all-sports rock band on iTunes!"
More Zambonis news at: http://www.thezambonis.com/news.html
"...Or, it could mean the band has been so busy playing in Eastern Europe, recording a new CD,booking gigs and making a video for a new anti-lockout song called "Just Play" (which will be up on our website in a few weeks) that we JUST HAVE NOT HAD TIME TO WRITE."
...
"iTUNES into The Zambonis!! We always knew Steve Jobs was a hockey fan.
Finally, you and your cousin from Billings can find legally
downloadable Zambonis songs on the Web. Yes, the first pair of
full-length Zambonis CDs ("100% Hockey (and other stuff)" plus "More
Songs About Hockey (and buildings and food)") are now available on
iTUNES.COM!! Whether you choose the epic seven-minute Cold War on ice,
"Hockey on The Moon" or the two-minute toe-tapper "Hockey Monkey",
they're all just 99 cents. News flash: In just days, we're already the
most downloaded all-sports rock band on iTunes!"
More Zambonis news at: http://www.thezambonis.com/news.html
Jan 16, 2005
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...
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.)
"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...
"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
"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
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