So I just saw a lacrosse game with my family. I am not a sports guy. I love video games, but when they try to turn them into "e-sports" I can feel the enthusiasm and interest drain out of me. So I wouldn't be in this place if it weren't a family outing and I would totally weasel out of it if I could. But, even so, I cannot believe for the life of me how anyone can fool themselves into thinking they enjoy this shit because it is fucking terrible.
Let's be clear, I hate people. I don't even understand the game's rules so I have no idea what the hell is happening. The seats are squished and uncomfortable, triggering claustrophobia I didn't know I had. The concessions were overpriced and low quality.
I am not talking about any of that shit.
I am talking about the blaring, BLARING fucking music they played constantly. So many different clips. It was when I notice the music that I realized that this music felt desperate. Like they were trying like hell to distract the audience from how boring everything was, or to trick people into thinking they were entertained. I mean, it was constant. I couldn't hear myself fucking think. I could have spent my time trying to learn how the game worked so I could follow the game, but I gave up on that. Or talking with people. Or fucking anything. I could have learned to like the fucking game but the entire presentation seemed designed to keep me from even noticing the fucking game.
On top of this was other things,like the stupid sound effects whenever the how team would score a goal. (The team is named, somewhat stupidly, the Knighthawks so goals were punctuated with an ear-splitting hawk screech. I started rooting for the other team so I wouldn't have to hear that anymore) There were other stupid activities, like when cheerleaders--I guess-- threw t-shirts into the audience and stupid games where they gave a lucky audience member a chance at fabulous prizes,like gift certificates for the Distillery, and a hot dog race where people pt on awkward hot dog outfits and run around the field. A lot of this is like the stuff above that I decided to ignore. Stupid sound effects and lame promotions have been a part of professional sports for a century or more. But again, it distracts you from the game that you're ostensibly here to watch.
So, is this just me or my shitty city? I ask because I really don't know. Are pro sports losing people and doing stupid shit to retain interest. Are they doing this stuff to fool people into thinking they actually like going to games even though it completely sabotage any potential to gain interest in the game?
I am just frustrated and flabbergast and I have a headache. I hope it's a tumor.
I actually agree with you. I have not been to a live hockey game in years because of the fucking suck-ass rock music they insist on blasting every time the puck stops moving.
I did get the satisfaction of telling some jackass in the Phoenix Coyotes box office why I had stopped attending when they called to sell me more tickets. NOt that I was a fan of the Yotes but I would go see the Rangers and some of the other eastern teams when they came in on occasion but it got to the point where you couldn't even talk to the person you were with because of the noise. I told the aforementioned jackass that the games were neadache inducing because of the music and he said "we want to make the game exciting for the fans."
I suggested that they put a better team on the ice.
Quote from: Minimalist on December 30, 2018, 01:18:43 AM
I told the aforementioned jackass that the games were neadache inducing because of the music and he said "we want to make the game exciting for the fans."
I suggested that they put a better team on the ice.
I am reminded when a friend told me of his experience going to a local titty bar that had recently bought a smoke machine. As he left, he told the guy the smoke machine was a bad idea. The guy mumble something about trying to be artistic and he replied "I can go anywhere and NOT see naked chicks."
While we are on the subject I also can't stand going into a grocery store where they insist on playing this fuck-awful music. These screeching "singers" who have to style on every note make little more than noise. In fact, if I heard an animal making such ghastly sounds I would put it out of its misery.
I am, admittedly, an old fart.
I've only been to one professional sporting event in my life, a baseball game, and it was boring but I got through it and lived to tell the story. It wasn't anything like Casey at the Bat, but since I wasn't expecting much it didn't disappoint me at all.
Sports may be becoming a new form of religion for America, and perhaps the rest of the world as well. I'd be willing to bet that more people attend and listen/watch sports games than go to church every Sunday.
Quote from: Unbeliever on December 30, 2018, 06:09:17 PM
Sports may be becoming a new form of religion for America, and perhaps the rest of the world as well.
Which is kind of my point. I think sports are slipping, so they're adding "production value" to make the game more palatable to the audience. Or maybe like Donnie Darko, which is an awful movie but many said they liked the movie because of the late-80's soundtrack. The movie itself isn't enjoyable, but they liked the music. The gameis no fun to watch, but they played a John Cougar song, so I had fun.
It seems churches have been trying new things to attract a flock, too. Rock music, comedy, light shows, you name it.
Quote from: the_antithesis on December 30, 2018, 12:36:49 AMI am not a sports guy. I love video games
QuoteI hate people.
I knew there was a reason I liked you. :)
As for esports, I've never been to one, so I wouldn't know. Probably not the most enrapturing thing in the world, so I can see why they'd try to jazz it up. Clearly, they're overdoing it.
All I check out is the occasional replay on youtube. The caster is moderately entertaining and there are frequent reversals of fortune that keep things interesting. Plus, the players sometimes vent their frustrations in the game's chat, which is always amusing.
Quote from: the_antithesis on December 30, 2018, 12:36:49 AM
"Let's be clear, I hate people."
I'm not surprised... You often prove that. But I agree with some of your objections to sports. I can watch women's college basketball as "comprehensible" and that is about it. And MLB.
I enjoy watching women's gymnastics and the parallel uneven bars.
Quote from: Unbeliever on January 12, 2019, 01:46:11 PM
I enjoy watching women's gymnastics and the parallel uneven bars.
Which parallel universe is that in, and why is that one uneven? Must be odd then ;-))
Quote from: Unbeliever on January 12, 2019, 01:46:11 PM
I enjoy watching women's gymnastics and the parallel uneven bars.
I CAN enjoy "Womens' gymnastics" in an artistic way, but also note that none of them these days are actually "women" just hyperactively-trained girls. What a goal. You hit 18 (maybe 16 now) and you are done... Not what I call a "sport".
Quote from: Cavebear on February 03, 2019, 09:05:53 AM
I CAN enjoy "Womens' gymnastics" in an artistic way, but also note that none of them these days are actually "women" just hyperactively-trained girls. What a goal. You hit 18 (maybe 16 now) and you are done... Not what I call a "sport".
Not the only sport for teens. Tennis often tops out in your 20s. I know, you like to watch professional shuffleboard ;-)
Curling. Don't forget curling.
The first time I heard about Olympic curling I thought it had to do with hair styles, or some such similar absurdity. After all, the only curling I'd ever heard about was my mom and sister doing it.
Quote from: Unbeliever on February 03, 2019, 05:10:43 PM
The first time I heard about Olympic curling I thought it had to do with hair styles, or some such similar absurdity. After all, the only curling I'd ever heard about was my mom and sister doing it.
I thought you would like synchronized topic dodging ;-)
Hell, I didn't even know it was Super Bowl Sunday until I heard someone mention it.
I can't really comment on this because I've never been to a live sports event, but the thread does seem to suggest that it's probably for the better.
I've only been to one actual sports event, only because my adopted dad was trying to make up for 2 decades of being gone. It didn't help, really.
anti, are you aware that whenever you post about how much something sucks; a movie you watched, somewhere you went...etc, it is something you did with your family? May be just because you are out with people and not doing something by your choice?
Don't get me wrong, sports events do suck. But they have always sucked. Sporting events of any kind hasn't just got to be a religion in the 21st century, it has started in Ancient Rome. It's the best mass scale drug invented after religion.
The only professional sporting events I've been to in the last 40 years have been pro golf, at which events decorum and civilized behavior are prized. No loud music, and crowd noise is restricted to when it's appropriate. One of the best times I ever had was at the Senior Open at Scioto in '16. Took the whole week off and attended all the practice and tournament rounds.
In the 70s, we'd occasionally go see the local minor league teams play -- the Mud Hens (baseball) and Goaldiggers (hockey). As I recall, the music was provided by an actual organist for those.
Quote from: drunkenshoe on February 04, 2019, 02:34:07 PM
anti, are you aware that whenever you post about how much something sucks; a movie you watched, somewhere you went...etc, it is something you did with your family? May be just because you are out with people and not doing something by your choice?
Don't get me wrong, sports events do suck. But they have always sucked. Sporting events of any kind hasn't just got to be a religion in the 21st century, it has started in Ancient Rome. It's the best mass scale drug invented after religion.
Before Romans ... your forgot Greece? Greco-phobia?
Quote from: Baruch on February 04, 2019, 06:22:21 PM
Before Romans ... your forgot Greece? Greco-phobia?
It's Ancient Greece, not Greece. Sports in Ancient Greece is a bad example for the subject related to the mass sports events of our times and the politics behind it.
In Ancient Greece, slaves cannot compete in Olympics. Competitors are usually from rich, noble families. Women and slaves cannot watch Olympics. It serves an 'ideal' in a different sense in its period. It's a different product of cultures and competititon in a different culture. It's the closest one what we call sports today, it is about competition in physical prowess. It doesn't have a mass scale. It's a religious ritual and discipline more than a competition. They treat other cultural performance the same. We just called it 'philosophy' and 'literature' looking back.
In Ancient Rome, not just slaves, but also criminals can compete. Rarely, they can even win their freedom. Everyone can watch. It's in mass scale. It's not based on sports, but violence.
Violence is important, because violence is universal. It's something simple anyone can understand from a child to a house slave; from a prostitute to a farmer. Athletic competitions have rules. You need to know about the sports itself to enjoy it. Also it doesn't have drama.
You also need to have mass structures to have an influence in mass scale.
Ancient Greeks needed geographical support to build big structures while Ancient Romans could erect bigger ones anywhere they liked. Arch and vaulting. The same reason that they can bring water; build aqueducts. Build bridges and roads armies can cross.
Which means central administration and army. Which means crushing central power; colonising everywhere possible. Which means an unbelievable amount of people for that period flowing to certain centers; towns and cities. Which means diversity; too many people you need to take under order, because uprisings would be common and bloody. Which means you need to invent various means for control.
Which means it is a good idea to have distractions in mass scale. Which is the better, the more bloody and colourful they are. While at it, why not create heroes, even gods from fallen men, slaves and criminals people would look up to, they can tell stories about, renact over and over again.
A man from nothing, rising to fame and fortune. From the lowest depths to the highest clouds. You'll be able to have/do anything you want. Everything is possible! Sounds familiar? That's the American Dream.
Today, killing is illegal. We have athletes who are still heroes and gods. Their salaries are outregous. They earn a ridiculous amount of money. They often get away with a lot of things. And sports events are the only events that is regularly watched in world mass scale. People usually wouldn't know anything about a culture or a country, but like or hate it because of football teams or games, players.
Do I even need to get into how much it is of politics and money and not even sports.
Myeh, it is moronic.
Rome was into blood sports. They would have liked boxing, not the Decathalon. Or do you see modern sports as ur-fascist? As toxic-masculinity?
Quote from: Baruch on February 05, 2019, 05:19:20 AM
Rome was into blood sports. They would have liked boxing, not the Decathalon. Or do you see modern sports as ur-fascist? As toxic-masculinity?
I was just thinking that sometimes you need to be hit at the back of your head like an old tv.
Quote from: drunkenshoe on February 05, 2019, 07:08:19 AM
I was just thinking that sometimes you need to be hit at the back of your head like an old tv.
In your cat avatar, you need to lay on top of the TV, so that the rabbit ears (antenna) gets better reception.
Quote from: Baruch on February 05, 2019, 12:42:02 PM
In your cat avatar, you need to lay on top of the TV, so that the rabbit ears (antenna) gets better reception.
Nah my tail is doing a good job, even lying on the floor, tapping (is that correct?). You are not that complicated. :)
Well I enjoyed the Super Bowl this year. Considering how often and completely defensive players are "ignored" this was a classic game of defense. I liked it.
Quote from: drunkenshoe on February 05, 2019, 06:52:27 PM
aitm,, go fuck yourself.
With pornhub that isn't too hard. Well, sometimes hard............................(old age, ya know)
I enjoyed the Super Bowl, too, by not watching it! LOL
Quote from: Mike Cl on February 05, 2019, 07:32:10 PM
With pornhub that isn't too hard. Well, sometimes hard............................(old age, ya know)
OK. I felt bad about it though.
Quote from: drunkenshoe on February 06, 2019, 02:03:44 AM
OK. I felt bad about it though.
Well, of course. But that is what makes it so good--the guilt. :))
QuoteQuote from: drunkenshoe on February 05, 2019, 06:52:27 PM
aitm,, go fuck yourself.
what the hell did I do now?
Quote from: aitm on February 06, 2019, 09:38:32 AM
what the hell did I do now?
Nothing. It is bad flirting. :)
Quote from: Mike Cl on February 06, 2019, 09:22:10 AM
Well, of course. But that is what makes it so good--the guilt. :))
LOL That's what they say.
Quote from: Minimalist on February 03, 2019, 03:35:30 PM
Curling. Don't forget curling.
Oh, we always watched curling on the CBC, when I still lived in Toledo. It was too odd *not* to watch.
While I'm thinking about it, who else misses ABC's Wide World of Sports? They showed damn near everything from caber tossing to jai alai.
Quote from: Unbeliever on February 03, 2019, 05:10:43 PM
The first time I heard about Olympic curling I thought it had to do with hair styles, or some such similar absurdity. After all, the only curling I'd ever heard about was my mom and sister doing it.
Don't ignore "darts". Now there's a sport that could really cause rigor mort...