Good morning, Duck fans. The NCAA investigation is over and we were severely punished for our misdeeds. Now it’s time to take the high road, as befits the prestigious institution of higher education that we support. Rigghhhtttt… The reaction of Duck fans to the news was predictably understated. But surprisingly football fans around …
Isn’t it Just About Time for My Happy Dance?
Every week, as I approach the time to talk to you folks, I wish for just two things. I wish for the conclusion of the NCAA investigation, and for the beginning of my happy dance with full knowledge that at my age it will likely look more like this: Two weeks ago we were teased …
Father’s Day Gift List for Fans Around the Country
While most people know FishDuck as being the preeminent source of innovative knowledge about all things sport having to do with the University of Oregon (as well as Philadelphia, wink wink say no more) what most do not realize is that FishDuck is also a leading research and analysis firm with respect to societal opinion. We have partnered with the …
Misty Watercolor Memories of the Way We Were
Scattered pictures of the smiles we left behind Smiles we gave to one another For the way we were. Can it be that it was all so simple then Or has time rewritten every line If we had a chance to do it all again, tell me would we Could we? Memories, …
Vacation’s All I Ever Wanted…
Next week will be the first Saturday in 60 weeks that I haven’t submiited a column to FishDuck International. I leave in just over seven hours (from this writing- 10:37 p.m. Thursday) on a vacation that will take me from Tacoma to St. Louis, Branson, and Hannibal, Missouri. On the way I will be sporting Duck attire and preaching the gospel …
Visitor’s Guide to the Great State of Oregon
Every year the Oregon Ducks, and Duck fans, welcome visitors from around the country to our beautiful state, wax their sub-par teams, and send them on their way. Not very neighborly. In light of that I offer the following visitor’s guide to help folks understand, and perhaps appreciate, what is special about Oregon. Our sense of style: It rains quite a lot …
Oregon’s Brenner Faces Stiff Competition for S.I. Player of the Year
As many of you know Oregon multi-sport star Liz Brenner is up for Sports Illustrated female athlete of the year. You can help Ms. Brenner to victory by going to http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/college-athlete-of-the-year/ and casting your vote. Liz’ task will not be easy however. Here is a look at some of the stiff competition that she will face to be named to this …
Spring Game News From Around the Country
The Ducks’ annual spring game was held under sun dappled skies, and in front of 35,000+ fans last Saturday in Autzen Stadium. Early returns on the 2013 iteration of Oregon football indicated continued success based on speed, precision, conditioning, and execution. News from spring games around the country were…mixed. Texas A & M University: The Aggies of Texas A &M had a …
Fun with Writer’s Block
Some days a deadline looms and nothing in particular comes to mind. Creative writing isn’t something that can be forced, so when it doesn’t come, I just have to wait it out. As I go through my day, something will organically grow…I hope. Meanwhile: 12:17 p.m. Who knew how much fun compressed air cans can be? As I was pondering …
The Passion of Boston and Eugene
In August of 1984 I was standing on a footbridge in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. Just over the water was a group of elderly gentlemen playing Bocce’ Ball. I knew nothing about the game, but was trying to pick it up just from observation. My wife tugged on my shirt a little and said, “Let’s go.” I said, …
“42” and Other Numbers of Cinematic Import
I’m taking my wife to see “42” tonight. The “based on history” story of racial strife, cultural change and baseball in the late 40’s is right in my strike zone. Of course, I’ve never spent two consecutive hours rooting for the Dodger, but that’s a story for another day. Thinking about this movie brought me to mind of other …
Auburn is Just the Tip of the Iceberg
The story is just now coming to full light, but according to Sports Illustrated, in 2010 Auburn coaches were only interrupted in giving hundreds of dollars to their players by the need to get busy changing their grades to keep them eligible. Gene Chizik apparently DID NOT appreciate having to call first half timeouts so that his players could run …
