sutomcat
No recent Cali or Iggy awards; Mr Irrelevant
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- Aug 15, 2011
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Welcome to Hot Air Balloon Day!
Hot Air Balloon Day is being observed today! It has always been observed annually on June 5th.
Hot air balloons are the oldest form of technology to carry humans, with the first human flight taking place in November, 1783 in Paris, France. Prior to humans taking flight, three farm animals, which some sources say were a pig, duck, and rooster, took to the sky in June, 1783. This flight lasted 10 minutes and the balloon went up approximately 6,000 feet. This balloon was created by the Montgolfier brothers out of sackcloth and paper. Hot air balloons consist of an envelope, which is a large balloon-like bag containing heated low-density air which causes the hot air balloon to rise, and a gondola which holds the passengers, as well as the device which creates the hot air that rises into the envelope. The fabric of modern air balloons usually consists of ripstop nylon or polyester. Both leisure and travel have been affected by the hot air balloon, which is why a day exists for it.
SU News
Syracuse Basketball: A look at the big men | isportsweb (isportsweb.com; Godnick)
Last year’s team showcased an offense that was dominated by the wings. From John Gillon’s penetration to Andrew White III’s smooth three-point stroke, it seemed that the Syracuse Orange would win ball games if/when their core wing players were on their “A-game”.
This year’s offense will still stress the importance of dribble penetration and outside shooting, but the versatile big men that coach Jim Boeheim has to work with will hopefully make life easier for the perimeter players. While there may not be much noise coming from the media regarding Syracuse’s front court presence, these players have the ability to impact not only one game, but a whole season too.
Taurean Thompson
Thompson is the big name on the list as he comes into next season off an impressive freshman year. While he did show some areas that need to be improved, the 6’10” forward showcased his limitless offensive capabilities. Thompson is as crafty as it gets around the rim as his ability to score off the backboard makes guarding him down low a challenge.
It doesn’t stop there. Thompson showed the ability to stretch the defense by hitting jump shots off of the pick and roll. His defense needs to improve if he wants to become the leader the Orange need him to be, but watch out for the forward out of New York, New York: he can be a special player.
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Former Syracuse Basketball Star Michael Gbinije Controls His Fate (itld.com; Weisleder)
Former Syracuse basketball prodigy, Michael Gbinije, is in the NBA. But he’s not exactly where he’d like to be, good news though, he controls his own fate.
Michael Gbinije, the former Syracuse basketball standout, was drafted with the 49th pick in last years draft, and as expected, barely saw the court this year.
The 6-foot-7 guard has great size, and can defend an opposing Point Guard, Shooting Guard, and even Small Forward.
The soon-to-be 25 year old posed far more experience than most other rookies this past season, but was unable to showcase his talents, appearing just nine times for the Detroit Pistons this year due to injury.
However, Gbinije tore it up for the Grand Rapids Drive, Detroit’s D-League affiliate, averaging over 35 minutes per game, 12 points per contest, over 4 rebounds per game, nearly 2 assists, and almost 2 steals, per ESPN.
Although the Guard is under contract through 2019, he is only guaranteed half a million dollars next year, and in my opinion, has the talent to earn more than quadruple that.
Gbinije spent his lengthy college career between Duke and Syracuse, and at times, played more than just Point Guard. During his four years, Gbinije averaged almost 40% from long range. This season, when playing in Grand Rapids, Gbinije served as Shooting Guard or Small Forward, and looked very comfortable taking three-pointers.
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Syracuse Alums Mike Tirico, Jason Benetti Receive Expanded Roles (itlh.com; Adler)
Some juicy sportscasting news here, as Syracuse alums Mike Tirico and Jason Benetti will see their work in the booth increase.
Syracuse University just keeps on crushing it in the fiercely competitive world of sports broadcasting.
NBC Sports has named Mike Tirico, a 1988 SU graduate, its play-by-play voice for Thursday Night Football. Tirico, who left ESPN for NBC Sports in July 2016, will team up with Cris Collinsworth, one of the top analysts covering the NFL.
According to Tirico’s bio on the NBC Sports Web site, Thursday Night Football represented primetime television’s No. 2-rated show during the 2016-17 season.
Earlier this year, NBC Sports announced that long-time primetime Olympic host Bob Costas would pass the torch to Tirico, beginning with the PyeongChang, South Korea, winter games.
Since joining NBC Sports, Tirico has called several Sunday Night Football and Thursday Night Football contests, and Notre Dame telecasts, while also serving as host of Football Night in America. He made his Olympic debut last summer at the Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, games as a daytime host, as well as the host of the closing ceremony.
Legendary broadcaster Al Michaels will continue to provide play-by-play commentary, alongside Collinsworth, for Sunday Night Football.
Meanwhile, 2005 ‘Cuse grad Jason Benetti has signed a new multi-year agreement with the Chicago White Sox, says an announcement from the MLB team.
Benetti, who became a member of the White Sox TV-broadcasting unit in 2016, will get bigger play-by-play duties during the squad’s 2018 term. Beginning with the 2019 stanza, he will serve as the sole play-by-play commentator.
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Other
SummerCuse Day 10: Embrace your pop music guilty pleasure at 93Q Summer Jam (PS; Pucci)
The ninth annual 93Q Summer Jam is coming back to Baldwinsville, bringing with it a quartet of talented pop musicians.
Performers include Maggie Lindemann, best known for her single "Pretty Girl"; Erin Bowman, who performed her hit "Good Time, Good Life" at the 2017 Radio Disney Music Awards; AJR, made up of brothers Adam, Jack and Ryan Met, and toured with the likes of Demi Lovato and Train and Daniel Skye, a 16-year-old singer/songwriter who boasts 2.5 million Instagram followers.
What's the best part? It's only $5. Tickets are available at Express Mart locations around Central New York.
Forecasts call for highs in the mid 60s, but a chance of showers, so don't forget your rain coat.
Haven't heard of these performers? Tempted to leave a snarky "who???" comment? Give them a listen first:
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