Jones/ESPNMAG

[shotglass]

Boo freakin hoo.

It isn't a "boo freakin hoo" issue. That, as much as anything, indicates that you don't understand what people have against your contributions to this thread.

This is a subject you should have disqualified yourself from before typing a word, because you have some sort of hard-on about Jones.

 

[Boom_70]

Boo freakin hoo.

It isn't a "boo freakin hoo" issue. That, as much as anything, indicates that you don't understand what people have against your contributions to this thread.

Stay over in your little club. As usual you add nothing here at the big kids table.

 

[Frank_Ridgeway]

The magazine is rubbish by any objective standard. You won't find it at the dentist's office, for good reason.

Oddly enough, that's the place where I give it sporadic reads, in medical waiting rooms. It's not my thing, but then, most mags disappoint me. I like only about half the stuff in my favorite mag, Esquire. But what I like, I like a lot.

 

[Evil Bastard (aka Chris_L)]

Boo freakin hoo.

It isn't a "boo freakin hoo" issue. That, as much as anything, indicates that you don't understand what people have against your contributions to this thread.

This is a subject you should have disqualified yourself from before typing a word, because you have some sort of hard-on about Jones.

I stood at the wintery border between Vermont and Canada wondering whether to just disappear into the wilderness that is the Great White North or whether I should stoop to responding to you. I had taken my first step into the deep snow when I lost the courage. I had to know. I had to know.

Shotty - what sort of qualifications are required to respond to threads that begin with the fanboy cliche of "Longtime listener, first time caller"? Is it required that I agree with you? What are your qualifications? Are you a frequent caller?

As I look back at the pages of this thread - I see that there are very few who are actually trying to discuss Jones' writing and you ain't one of them.

 

[Evil Bastard (aka Chris_L)]

what did Lance Armstrong do in 2008 that warrants a section in a Year in Review piece

Well, he announced his return to competitive cycling, which is a fairly big deal, given his story and how he's a seven-time TdF winner and all. Also, Armstrong played a perfect role in what I think Jones was trying to go after, in what Fenian pointed out; legacy.
After retiring the first time, he could have devoted all his time and energy to fighting cancer off the bike, but something pulled him back in. Whether that's actually wanting to provide exposure for his foundation or because he missed the competition, it was enough for him to endure the grueling training for another season.
It's clear that despite all he has done in the world, Armstrong is not satisfied with what he has already accomplished. So in 2008, he set out to redefine his legacy and jumpstart a process that would likely alter how we remembered him.

In the strict sense of 2008 Moments of the Year, did Armstrong do anything in the sports world that warrants special mention? No. But if that's all Jones was going to do, he could have just listed the top 11 moments, said fork it, and be done.
But I find the idea of The Things We Forget very compelling, because every December we look back and remember those standout moments from the last 12 months. Every stupid year in review does it. But as the years progress, this year's awesome moments will be reduced to trivia and rough sketches, or forgotten altogether. The details of Armstrong's seven wins have dropped off and the fact that he won them remains.

It's clear Armstrong's not satisfied with that being his footnote on the world, and that's what he has to do with David Tyree, who opened the year with one of the most chance/spectacular Super Bowl catches ever. He doesn't want the helmet grab to briefly define him forever in a game of sports word ashociation, just as Armstrong wants more than to be Armstrong=7 TdF. Is it a foolish venture for Tyree, who might never gain that kind of notoriety again? Maybe, but it's clear he, both of them want to try.

Martin - thanks for your well thought out and civil response.

I have to disagree with you though. If legacy is what Jones was reaching for - wouldn't it make sense to use legacy as some sort of underlying theme in the rest of the installments? Was Jeter trying to enhance his legacy by signing all those items? What is the legacy angle of the frozen pretzel or the vendor who sold it to young Jones? Herky, jerky, mumbo, jumbo. That's what I see in this mailed in piece. Others see greatness and I have to wonder why.

 

[Piotr Rasputin]

Year-end pieces are generally difficult to write.

They're also difficult to read, especially if you have followed sports all year. Tough for new and different insight to be unearthed.

I had high hopes, but I couldn't get through this one.

 

[shotglass]

Don't stoop anymore. There are some things I don't have to give well-carved responses to, and your rantings are one of them.

Done.

And Boom, everyone here knows it's laughable for you to even make mention of the "big kids table." You've never been part of it here.

 

[Evil Bastard (aka Chris_L)]

Don't stoop anymore. There are some things I don't have to give well-carved responses to, and your rantings are one of them.

Done.

And Boom, everyone here knows it's laughable for you to even make mention of the "big kids table." You've never been part of it here.

You're not done.

Your self importance will keep you coming back.

 

[shotglass]

I can't be self important.

I don't blog.

Lockdown long overdue here.

 

[Evil Bastard (aka Chris_L)]

Year-end pieces are generally difficult to write.

They're also difficult to read, especially if you have followed sports all year. Tough for new and different insight to be unearthed.

I had high hopes, but I couldn't get through this one.

Wait - you didn't find it herculean? It wasn't the best piece of sportswriting you've read in a long time? I'm shocked.

Look out Shotty will question your qualifications for making such a "rash" judgment and THE Jones fan club will shun you.

 

[Evil Bastard (aka Chris_L)]

I can't be self important.

I don't blog.

Lockdown long overdue here.

You keep saying the word "done" but I don't think that word means what you think it means.

 

[Herbert Anchovy]

The magazine is rubbish by any objective standard. You won't find it at the dentist's office, for good reason.

Oddly enough, that's the place where I give it sporadic reads, in medical waiting rooms. It's not my thing, but then, most mags disappoint me. I like only about half the stuff in my favorite mag, Esquire. But what I like, I like a lot.

I do much of my magazine reading in these rooms as well. But The New Yorker is the only one I'm tempted to steal. ESPN is the kind of mag that should stay at rest on a tiled shithouse floor.