tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22861652359946931772024-02-18T22:34:35.017-08:00The Knee Jerks Podcast Official BlogThis is the official blog of "The Knee Jerks" Detroit sports podcast.The Knee Jerkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709687086885419538noreply@blogger.comBlogger136125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2286165235994693177.post-24492342685971167612016-05-22T06:49:00.000-07:002016-05-22T06:49:59.244-07:00Our seventh anniversary: The Detroit sports landscape----then and nowOn Sunday, May 22, The Knee Jerks will be celebrating our seventh anniversary of what might be the longest-running Detroit sports podcast....ever.<br />
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Our lineup of guests will be, as it always is for our anniversary shows, a laundry list of some of our favorite podcast visitors.<br />
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<li>Linda Murray Hofmans of the Jim Murray Memorial Foundation</li>
<li>Adam Biggers, college sports reporter extraordinaire</li>
<li>Ray Scott, former Pistons player and coach</li>
<li>Dave Mesrey, who'll talk about the 40th anniversary of Mark Fidrych's big year</li>
<li>Earl Shores, author of <i>The Unforgettable Buzz</i>, an illustrated history of electric football</li>
<li>Bob Page, retired Detroit and New York sports broadcaster, host and anchor</li>
<li>Matt Hutter, our Red Wings and NHL Insider</li>
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But what was the Detroit sports landscape like back in May, 2009, when Al Beaton and <a href="http://thegregger63.wordpress.com/">Greg Eno</a> started The Knee Jerks?<br />
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<b>Red Wings</b><br />
When the show began, the Red Wings were about to lose a heartbreaking, seven-game Cup Final to the Pittsburgh Penguins, with Game 7 on home ice, no less. Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg were in their prime, and Niklas Kronwall was starting to make a name for himself with his thunderous hits.<br />
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Darren Helm was a rookie and Justin Abdelkader was also just coming onto the scene. The goalie was Chris Osgood. Chris Chelios was still an active player!<br />
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The team was one year removed from winning their fourth Stanley Cup in 11 years.<br />
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<b>Pistons</b><br />
The Pistons were coming off their first losing season since 2001, as the great Allen Iverson experiment failed miserably. Iverson, acquired from Denver for Chauncey Billups in November, 2008, wasn't a good fit with rookie Pistons coach Michael Curry (a bad hire).<br />
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The 2008-09 season, in fact, was the first time the Pistons missed the playoffs since 2002.<br />
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This lends itself to a trivia nugget: until last month, the subject of the Pistons in the playoffs had NEVER been discussed on The Knee Jerks.<br />
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<b>Lions</b><br />
The Lions had just made their draft pick---number one overall in the 2009 draft---and it was quarterback Matthew Stafford, who joined first-year coach Jim Schwartz as new Lions.<br />
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"New" was a tricky word, though, because coming off an historic 0-16 season in 2008, fans were rightly skeptical about the notion of the "new" Lions---albeit with new uniforms for 2009.<br />
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The Matt Millen Era had been mercifully ended about seven months prior to our first podcast.<br />
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Calvin Johnson was heading into his third season and the leading rusher was Kevin Smith, who had 976 yards in 2008.<br />
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And Matthew Stafford was the new franchise QB.<br />
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He still is---for now.<br />
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<b>Tigers</b><br />
In May, 2009, the Tigers were coming off a highly disappointing 2008 season, which saw them stockpile on big names but nonetheless get off to a horrible start on their way to a last-place finish (sound familiar?).<br />
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Jim Leyland was in his fourth year as the team's skipper. Justin Verlander was also coming off a disappointing season---and he was just 26 years old, same as Miguel Cabrera.<br />
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The starting catcher was mostly....Gerald Laird. Carlos Guillen, Magglio Ordonez, Brandon Inge and Placido Polanco were all starters. The closer was Fernando Rodney and a youngster named Rick Porcello was a rookie who made 31 starts.<br />
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Sadly, the 2009 season would end with that horrific Game 163 in that damn Metrodome.<br />
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So that was the lay of the land, Detroit sports-wise, when The Knee Jerks first hit the Internet air seven years ago.<br />
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In some cases (*cough* Lions *cough*), the more things changed, the more they stayed the same!<br />
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<br />The Knee Jerkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709687086885419538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2286165235994693177.post-1717155255349716182015-11-03T07:26:00.001-08:002015-11-03T07:26:49.666-08:00New episode! Ray Scott likes the Pistons' chances, the Jerks eviscerate the LionsIt's time to launch another NBA season and unlike last year at this time, Knee Jerks friend Ray Scott is high on the team.<br />
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A year ago, the former Pistons player and coach expressed grave concerns about the makeup of new coach (and President) Stan Van Gundy's odd roster, which was in transition from the previous regime. And coach's concerns were justified, as the team got off to a 5-23 start.<br />
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But Josh Smith was released and the Pistons went 27-27 the rest of the way.<br />
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This year, the Piston jumped out of the gate 3-0 and coach likes what he sees.<br />
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"I'll be disappointed if this team doesn't make the playoffs," coach says in his visit with us.<br />
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We asked him if anything about the team concerns him. His answer will probably surprise you.<br />
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After the warm and fuzzy Pistons talk, the Jerks lay into the sad sack Lions, discussing what needs to be done to change course. But...will the owner follow suit?<br />
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Of course, there's "Jerk of the Week" and "Whose Birthday Is It?" At stake: a case of Stroh's "Bohemian Style" beer!<br />
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You can listen to the episode <b><a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mkesportsgeeks/2015/11/02/the-knee-jerks-eno-and-big-al--ray-scott-pistons-preview-lions-blitzed">HERE</a></b>.<br />
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<br />The Knee Jerkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709687086885419538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2286165235994693177.post-72638438821857238612015-07-20T12:37:00.001-07:002015-07-20T12:37:57.260-07:00New episode! Lotsa Tigers, some Red Wings, a little bit of U-MBuy or sell?<br />
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By now you're tired of hearing that question when it comes to the Tigers, so why don't you tune in to the latest episode of "The Knee Jerks" and hear the final answer, once and for all?<br />
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Eno and Big Al tackle the team's future as the July 31 interleague, non-waiver trade deadline approaches.<br />
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Buy or sell?<br />
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Tune in and find out what the Jerks think!<br />
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There's also some time for Red Wings talk, particularly the locking up of forward Gustav Nyquist with a contract extension.<br />
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Finally, the Jerks discuss the gargantuan new apparel contract that the University of Michigan signed with Nike, to the tune of $169 million. Do you <i>still</i> think that college athletes shouldn't be compensated?<br />
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Listen to the show <b><a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mkesportsgeeks/2015/07/19/the-knee-jerks-eno-and-big-al--tigers-and-dombrowski-in-no-mans-land">HERE</a></b>.<br />
<br />The Knee Jerkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709687086885419538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2286165235994693177.post-40264453143598439692015-06-02T09:32:00.000-07:002015-06-02T09:38:08.667-07:00It's our six-year anniversary!Hard to believe, but it was May 2009 when "The Knee Jerks" turned from an online chat into an online podcast.<br />
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Every year around this time, we celebrate another 12 months of Eno ranting and Big Al editing (and listening) while he waits to get a word in edgewise.<br />
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As usual, we've invited back a number of past guests to help us mark the occasion.<br />
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They are:<br />
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Earl Shores (Electric Football book author)<br />
Linda McCoy-Murray (Jim Murray Memorial Foundation)<br />
Matt Hutter (Red Wings Insider)<br />
Ed Cmar (covers Columbus Blue Jackets and the NHL)<br />
Pete Krupsky (longtime voice of the OHL's Plymouth Whalers)<br />
Ray Scott (former Pistons player and coach)<br />
Michael Schottey (formerly of Bleacher Report and about to start a new, exciting venture TBA)<br />
Dave Mesrey (Navin Field Grounds Crew)<br />
Dave Pallone (former big league umpire and current author and motivational speaker)<br />
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We had a great time catching up with each of these folks!<br />
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You can listen to the podcast <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mkesportsgeeks/2015/06/01/the-knee-jerks-eno-and-big-al--6th-anniversary-show"><b>HERE</b>.</a><br />
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Here's to six more years!The Knee Jerkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709687086885419538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2286165235994693177.post-60902718232442002952015-02-24T12:39:00.002-08:002015-02-24T12:39:19.551-08:00Latest episode! Pistons active at the deadline; should Red Wings deal? And more!Eno and Big Al's latest episode of "The Knee Jerks" covers all four Detroit sports teams.<div>
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Pistons: Red-hot and active at the deadline; will they make the playoffs? What is future of Reggie Jackson in Detroit? Is Tayshaun Prince just here until the end of the season?</div>
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Red Wings: The trading deadline is next week. Should the Red Wings make a splash, or should they stand pat or stick to minor moves?</div>
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Tigers: The Jerks discuss the health of Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez heading into the 2015 season.</div>
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Lions: GM Martin Mayhew proposes changes to the NFL's replay system. Good or bad?</div>
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All that plus Jerk of the Week and Whose Birthday Is It? (on the line for Big Al: a case of ScotchGard!)</div>
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Listen to the episode <b><a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mkesportsgeeks/2015/02/22/the-knee-jerks-eno-and-big-al--pistons-make-waves-at-the-trade-deadline">HERE!</a></b></div>
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<b>Next episode: Coach Ray Scott (March 8) stops by to talk about the new-look, rejuvenated Pistons!</b></div>
The Knee Jerkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709687086885419538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2286165235994693177.post-17257666413194806782014-12-04T11:54:00.000-08:002014-12-04T11:54:38.455-08:00New episode! Bob PageThere's never a dull moment when retired (and we use that word loosely!) sportscaster Bob Page (Detroit, New York) joins The Knee Jerks, and his latest appearance is no exception.<br />
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In a brisk 35+ minutes, we run the gamut with Bob, talking about Michigan and Michigan State football, the Tigers, the Lions, the Red Wings and, yes, even the Pistons (at Bob's request). Page also riffs on the Ray Rice/NFL situation.<br />
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It's all great fun, and it can be heard by clicking <b><a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mkesportsgeeks/2014/12/02/the-knee-jerks-eno-and-big-al--bob-page-and-michigan-wolverines">HERE</a>.</b><br />
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After Bob, the Jerks tackle many of the same issues but with their own inimitable spin.<br />
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As usual, there's "Jerk of the Week" and "Whose Birthday Is It?" (at stake: a year's supply of Faygo Red Pop)!!The Knee Jerkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709687086885419538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2286165235994693177.post-56770659761420154432014-11-25T07:16:00.002-08:002014-11-25T07:16:28.565-08:00New! Big Al fears for Eno's well-beingEno almost has an aneurysm in the latest episode of "The Knee Jerks," talking about the "infuriating" (Eno's word) Matthew Stafford and the rest of the 7-4 Detroit Lions.<br />
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Everything gets Eno agitated in this episode---from the Lions to the in-flux Tigers as their critical offseason begins.<br />
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As usual, there's "Whose Birthday Is It?" and "Jerk of the Week"!<br />
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Listen to it happen <b><a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mkesportsgeeks/2014/11/24/the-knee-jerks-eno-and-big-al--gregs-hot-takes">HERE</a>.</b>The Knee Jerkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709687086885419538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2286165235994693177.post-18566107666065258932014-10-22T17:46:00.002-07:002014-10-22T17:55:46.149-07:00New episode! Lions, Red Wings, Tigers and a World Series preview<div style="background-color: #f0f0f0; color: #454747; font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 1em;">
This week Eno and Big Al talk Detroit Lions, Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings, starting with the Lions' wild, come-from-behind 24-23 victory over the New Orleans Saints. Matthew Stafford's up and down performance, the conservative play calling of Joe Lombardi, Golden Tate stepping up in Calvin Johnson's absence, and Detroit's 4th quarter defense are all dissected by the Jerks.</div>
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The middle of the podcast is all baseball, with Eno and Big Al giving their opinions on the end of season press conference given by Tigers' GM Dave Dombrowski and the upcoming Royals - Giants World Series, a matchup few expected to see or will bother to watch. </div>
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The guys end the show with a discussion of the Detroit Red Wings' hot start to the NHL season, their youth movement, and the ongoing speculation swirling around head coach Mike Babcock's refusal to sign a contract extension.</div>
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There's all that and more, including "Whose Birthday Is It?" and our "Jerk of the Week!"</div>
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Long-time Detroit sports bloggers and podcasters, <a href="http://gregeno.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #0099cc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Greg Eno</a> <em>(aka the man who knows a lot of things about a lot of things)</em>, and <a href="http://waynefontes.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #0099cc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Big Al Beaton</a> are <a href="http://thekneejerks.us/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #0099cc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">The Knee Jerks!</a> Eno and Big Al's podcast is released every Monday on the <a href="http://sportsgeeksradio.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #0099cc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Sports Geeks Radio Network</a>!</div>
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Click <b><a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mkesportsgeeks/2014/10/20/the-knee-jerks-eno-and-big-al--lions-tigers-and-red-wings">HERE</a></b> to listen!</div>
The Knee Jerkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709687086885419538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2286165235994693177.post-2154854520310884752014-10-09T12:42:00.000-07:002014-10-09T12:42:05.293-07:00Latest episode: Former Red Wing Bill Lochead and Matt Hutter's 2014-15 preview!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hFpl9mIKFC4bskyJozl7jx3dTsoQxsV9Ri4TPRWoJEJ8axjyYCCNy3OymSLHQgklRpz3mwXQm9oumi_xnD1XTgmMqTZHHsH9wXnm04GO2bA2FNIgheGClBqXljBHNIiEfLtfiQIpsY8/s1600/080230_Det-Atl_77-78_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hFpl9mIKFC4bskyJozl7jx3dTsoQxsV9Ri4TPRWoJEJ8axjyYCCNy3OymSLHQgklRpz3mwXQm9oumi_xnD1XTgmMqTZHHsH9wXnm04GO2bA2FNIgheGClBqXljBHNIiEfLtfiQIpsY8/s1600/080230_Det-Atl_77-78_2.jpg" height="232" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lochead's series-winner in the 1978 first round vs. Atlanta</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Some 36 years ago, Bill Lochead scored a goal that was, at the time, the signature goal for the Red Wings franchise when it came to the baby boomer fans who suffered through bad hockey throughout the 1970s.<br />
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Lochead's goal late in the third period of Game 2 of the preliminary round of the 1978 playoffs at Olympia Stadium knocked out the Atlanta Flames, as the Red Wings swept the best-of-three mini-series.<br />
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Lochead, who scored 20 goals that season, eventually made more of a name for himself playing in Europe, where he also coached.<br />
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Today, Lochead is a player agent. And he joins Eno and Big Al on the latest episode of "The Knee Jerks."<br />
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Bill talks about that famous goal and other trips down memory lane, regaling us with stories of old-time hockey.<br />
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Joining us for the Lochead interview is our Red Wings and NHL Insider, Matt Hutter, who sticks around to preview the 2014-15 squad.<br />
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All that, plus the sad exit of the Tigers from the playoffs and the Lions' meltdown against Buffalo, plus the ugliness that is Michigan football, are all part of our latest episode.<br />
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As usual, "Whose Birthday Is It?" and "Jerk of the Week" are included.<br />
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You can listen to the latest episode <b><a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mkesportsgeeks/2014/10/06/the-knee-jerks-eno-and-big-al--former-red-wing-bill-lochead">HERE</a></b>.<br />
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<br />The Knee Jerkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709687086885419538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2286165235994693177.post-1012995625036125952014-08-28T13:28:00.002-07:002014-08-28T13:28:35.575-07:00Our mini summer hiatus continues; new episode September 8!Are you going through "Knee Jerks withdrawal"?<br />
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Never fear---we haven't left you for good. We're just enjoying a mini summer hiatus.<br />
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Our next new episode will be on <b>Monday, September 8.</b><br />
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The Lions open up their 2014 season that night, so we won't be able to talk about Week 1 for the Honolulu Blue and Silver, though Eno and Big Al will wrap up the NFL's Sunday games.<br />
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The Tigers are sure to be on the agenda, plus Michigan and MSU football!<br />
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All that and much more on September 8! See you then!The Knee Jerkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709687086885419538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2286165235994693177.post-63393280094992572032014-08-05T08:12:00.000-07:002014-08-05T08:12:12.111-07:00New episode! Adam rants, David Price and are YOU ready for some football?!<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; outline: 0px; padding: 10px 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
This week Eno and Big Al welcome back the “Fourth Jerk,” Adam Biggers, for another edition of Adam Rants. This week Adam complains of heat stroke and can’t believe that U-M Athletic Director Dave Brandon is getting flak over daring to hold a soccer game at The Big House.</div>
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After Adam rants, Eno and Big Al assess the Tigers’ big deadline day move of bringing in lefty ace David Price, at the expense of Austin Jackson, Drew Smyly and 18 year-old shortstop Willy Adames.</div>
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More Tigers talk follows, then the Jerks get into the nasty Paul George injury, Lions training camp and whether the guys feel like they’re ready for some football!</div>
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All that and more, plus “Jerk of the Week” and “Whose Birthday Is It”!</div>
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It all happens <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mkesportsgeeks/2014/08/04/the-knee-jerks-eno-and-big-al--tigers-acquire-david-price" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #023565; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">HERE</strong></a>.</div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; outline: 0px; padding: 10px 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i>Long-time Detroit sports bloggers and podcasters, <a href="http://gregeno.com/" rel="nofollow" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #023565; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Greg Eno</a> (aka the man who knows a lot of things about a lot of things), and <a href="http://waynefontes.com/" rel="nofollow" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #023565; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Big Al Beaton</a> are <a href="http://thekneejerks.us/" rel="nofollow" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #023565; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">The Knee Jerks!</a> Eno and Big Al’s podcast is released every Monday on the <a href="http://sportsgeeksradio.com/" rel="nofollow" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #023565; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Sports Geeks Radio Network</a>!</i></span></div>
The Knee Jerkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709687086885419538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2286165235994693177.post-62762974374743894192014-07-08T12:12:00.000-07:002014-07-08T12:12:12.381-07:00Latest episode, and coming July 21: EMU football coach Chris Creighton!Here's the <b><a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mkesportsgeeks/2014/07/07/the-knee-jerks-eno-and-big-al--tigers-at-the-midpoint">link</a></b> to our latest episode, in which Eno and Big Al talk Tigers at the halfway point and discuss free agency in the NBA and NHL, including why Eno thinks no FAs signed with the Red Wings.<br />
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Also: Whose Birthday Is It? (at stake: a Brunswick bowling ball with handsome case) and Jerk of the Week!<br />
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Coming on July 21: EMU football Coach Chris Creighton, who'll talk about how he intends on rejuvenating that wayward program---plus why the school is going with a GRAY football field and nicknaming Rynearson Stadium "The Factory."<br />
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<br />The Knee Jerkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709687086885419538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2286165235994693177.post-64598462183156672302014-06-29T10:31:00.002-07:002014-06-29T10:31:40.431-07:00An announcement for our fansTo fans of "The Knee Jerks": No show this week due to prior commitments. Eno and Big Al would like folks to know that while forces outside of our control have led to the Jerks taking more weeks off than normal in 2014, we are still committed to bringing you as many new episodes as we can this year and beyond. Go Tigers, Pistons, Lions and Red Wings!The Knee Jerkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709687086885419538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2286165235994693177.post-15453301046193328202014-06-23T19:28:00.001-07:002014-06-23T19:28:39.309-07:00New episode! Oakland University's 'King of the Three'We are joined by special guest Travis Bader of Oakland University, who is looking to be drafted by an NBA team this Thursday.<br />
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Last March, Travis <b><a href="http://www.ougrizzlies.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/travis_bader_445176.html">set a new all-time record for three-pointers made in the NCAA</a></b>, breaking that of JJ Redick from Duke.<br />
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Travis talks to the Jerks about his whirlwind life in recent weeks, traveling the country, working out for various NBA teams. He also looks back at his time at OU and speaks about the quality of basketball in the state of Michigan. Joining in the interview is resident ranter Adam Biggers.<br />
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After Travis's interview and Adam's rant, the guys talk Tigers (are they back?) and the World Cup (Eno hasn't watched a minute and Big Al has turned into a soccer fan).<br />
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All that, plus "Whose Birthday Is It?" (at stake: a giant tube of Brylcreem) and "Jerk of the Week"!<br />
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It all can be heard <b><a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mkesportsgeeks/2014/06/23/the-knee-jerks-eno-and-big-al--oakland-university-shooting-guard-travis-bader">HERE</a></b>.<br />
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<br />The Knee Jerkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709687086885419538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2286165235994693177.post-67219719767305897522014-04-03T14:25:00.003-07:002014-04-03T14:25:57.274-07:00ICYMI: MSU/U-M hoops, Miggy, Max, the Pistons and more!In case you missed it, the latest episode of The Knee Jerks is chock full of stuff!<br />
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Eno and Big Al discuss the brand spanking new contract of Miggy Cabrera's, plus the offer rejected by Max Scherzer. Also on the docket is a post-mortem of the U-M and MSU basketball seasons and a look at the Pistons' season as it mercifully winds down (it's a tough job but somebody has to do it!).<br />
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It's available for download NOW, when you click <b><a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mkesportsgeeks/2014/03/31/the-knee-jerks-eno-and-big-al--elite-8-miguel-cabrera">HERE</a></b>!!!<br />
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<br />The Knee Jerkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709687086885419538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2286165235994693177.post-26196158495063252282014-03-10T14:44:00.002-07:002014-03-10T14:44:30.169-07:00Tonight! 66 minutes of fun, featuring our Red Wings and NHL Insider Matt Hutter, and reaction to Bill Ford's deathTonight we present a short and sweet episode (66 minutes) of "The Knee Jerks"!<br />
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In about an hour, we pack a lot in!<br />
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It all starts with a visit from our "Third Jerk" and our Red Wings and NHL Insider, <b><a href="http://bleacherreport.com/users/85480-matt-hutter">Matt Hutter</a></b>, who talks about the legacy of Nick Lidstrom, the team's playoff chances (you're not going to like it), and the brightness of the future with the kids.<br />
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After Matt, Eno and Big Al discuss the breaking news (at the time of recording) of the death of Lions owner Bill Ford at age 88. Should Ford's legacy be limited to the Lions' success (or lack thereof) on the field? Or was he much more than that, and should be remembered as such? How much of the losing was his fault? What happens to the franchise going forward? Will it be another Pistons situation?<br />
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Then, it's a few minutes on the health of another Detroit sports owner---Mike Ilitch. If the worst happens, how are the Red Wings and Tigers set up for the future in an ownership transition? Any Pistons-like worries with them as well?<br />
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All that, plus "Whose Birthday Is It?" (at stake: 3 days, 1 night in Tijuana---Al is on his own the second night---courtesy of Air Mexico) and "Jerk of the Week"!<br />
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It all can be found <b><a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mkesportsgeeks/2014/03/10/the-knee-jerks-eno-and-big-al">HERE</a></b>.<br />
<br />The Knee Jerkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709687086885419538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2286165235994693177.post-16923328164190138762014-03-03T13:53:00.001-08:002014-03-03T13:54:57.548-08:00Tonight: Adam Biggers; Pistons President Isiah Thomas??? (plus Tigers "aggressive" base running)If it's Monday, it's the Knee Jerks!<br />
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Tonight we regale you with a new episode, featuring "4th Jerk" Adam Biggers in another edition of "Adam Rants." This week, Adam (who can be <b><a href="http://bleacherreport.com/users/138313-adam-biggers">read at Bleacher Report</a></b> and heard on Blog Talk Radio's <b><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thegreatdivide&sa=U&ei=jfgUU7e_L87TqQHQ84GgCg&ved=0CAoQFjAB&client=internal-uds-cse&usg=AFQjCNGWgH7ciX2g6gal3bAKht26FJYpig">"The Great Divide"</a></b>) handicaps MSU basketball, specifically the Spartans' chances of doing damage in the B1G Tournament and the Big Dance later this month.<br />
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After Adam, Eno and Big Al try to wrap their minds around the <b><a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&cad=rja&sqi=2&ved=0CDUQqQIwAg&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nydailynews.com%2Fsports%2Fbasketball%2Flawrence-bumbling-pistons-turning-isiah-article-1.1707481&ei=xvgUU_rtFIG4yQGYzIDgBQ&usg=AFQjCNH9rzyRnxsGDClF20jSo32UA3XLpQ&sig2=PhFQiEAVRWQ6VB8t0ChB6w&bvm=bv.62286460,d.aWc">rumors</a></b> that the Pistons are considering hiring Isiah Thomas to run the team. Could Isiah---whose post-playing resume, especially when it comes to management, is suspect---actually fix the mess in Auburn Hills?<br />
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Also on the docket: the Tigers and their new "aggressive base running is back in town" approach; the NHL and fighting (especially in light of the recent war of words between Ottawa's Chris Neal and the Red Wings' Johan Franzen); all that, plus "Whose Birthday Is It?" (prize: year's supply of Silly Putty and Silly String) and "Jerk of the Week"!<br />
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It all happens at 7:00 p.m. <b><a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mkesportsgeeks">HERE</a></b>.The Knee Jerkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709687086885419538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2286165235994693177.post-75295452733547094992014-02-24T14:13:00.000-08:002014-02-24T14:13:37.897-08:00Tonight: Tigers lineup, the N-word-FL, Olympics, "how the sausage is made" and more!It's just Eno and Big Al tonight, pontificating and ranting for 90 minutes.<br />
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The show opens with the usual plugs and another edition of "Whose Birthday Is It?", in which Big Al has a shot at winning the Civil War Chess Set from the Franklin Mint! Can he correctly guess this week's Birthday Boy within the first two clues?<br />
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Then it's Tigers Talk, as the Jerks break down new manager Brad Ausmus's proposed lineup, and who he might slot at key places, and why.<br />
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The guys also take on the NFL and its desire to legislate the n-word out of the game; the Olympics and the NHL's love/hate relationship with the Games; Big Al's weariness of seeing how the "sausage is made" in sports, and more!<br />
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There's also "Jerk of the Week" to close the show.<br />
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It all starts at 7:00 p.m. ET <b><a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mkesportsgeeks">HERE</a></b>!The Knee Jerkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709687086885419538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2286165235994693177.post-21784253240971670352014-02-10T14:35:00.000-08:002014-02-10T14:35:16.550-08:00Back after 2 weeks off! Coach Ray Scott talks Mo Cheeks firing; Adam RantsWe took a couple weeks off due to the Super Bowl and some real life stuff, but we're back and what a Sunday we picked to start recording again!<br />
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The Pistons fired coach Mo Cheeks early on Sunday afternoon, and we just had to ask former Pistons coach and player Ray Scott, a good Knee Jerks friend, to come on and talk about it.<br />
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So that's what we did, and that's what Coach did!<br />
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We start the show with, to use basketball terms, "quality minutes" from Coach Scott as he breaks down why the firing may have happened, where the team goes from here, and what kind of owner Tom Gores may prove to be.<br />
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Coach Scott has seen both sides of the coin; he's been an assistant elevated to head coach (replacing Earl Lloyd in 1972), and he's been fired mid-season (January, 1976).<br />
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After Coach, we open the floor to Adam Biggers, who rants about National Signing Day and speaks a little to the Michigan Wolverines' quarterback situation, plus the controversy surrounding the expulsion of kicker Brendan Gibbons for alleged sexual misconduct.<br />
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All that, plus more on the Pistons with Eno and Big Al, the additional breaking news of Missouri DE Michael Sam coming out as openly gay, the Red Wings and more!<br />
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Don't forget "Whose Birthday Is It?" (prize: year's supply of Lectric Shave---by Mennen!) and "Jerk of the Week"!<br />
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It all starts at 7pm ET <b><a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mkesportsgeeks/2014/02/10/the-knee-jerks-eno-and-big-al">HERE</a></b>.The Knee Jerkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709687086885419538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2286165235994693177.post-49445459317164365192014-01-23T07:47:00.000-08:002014-01-23T07:47:09.006-08:00The latest episode is available for download! Adam Biggers, the Lions' new coach and more!In case you missed it, the latest episode of "The Knee Jerks" is available for download!<br />
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Adam Biggers of <b><a href="http://bleacherreport.com/users/138313-adam-biggers">Bleacher Report</a></b> returns, as promised, for a second consecutive week of ranting. In Adam's crosshairs this week are Michigan and Michigan State basketball---and the state's crazy drivers he's seen on the road this winter.<br />
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The Jerks discuss the Lions' new head coach, Jim Caldwell and the machinations that went on prior to his hiring. Also talked about is what Big Al refers to as the "Tony Dungy Mafia," and what impact it had on the hire.<br />
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Will Caldwell be the man to turn the franchise around? Listen to hear what Eno and Big Al think!<br />
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After football, the talk switches to MLB's expanded use of replay starting in 2014. Big Al likes it; Eno is not so sure.<br />
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All that, plus the Max Scherzer contract situation (especially in light of Clayton Kershaw's new deal), "Whose Birthday Is It?" (at stake: Florsheim shoes), "Jerk of the Week" and more!<br />
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It can all be downloaded <b><a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mkesportsgeeks/2014/01/20/the-knee-jerks-eno-and-big-al">HERE</a></b>.<br />
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<br />The Knee Jerkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709687086885419538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2286165235994693177.post-89241745036521209652014-01-13T14:38:00.000-08:002014-01-13T14:38:41.154-08:00Tonight! "Adam Rants," the Lions' coaching search, A-Roid, the Pistons and more!It's been awhile since we brought you Bleacher Report's <b><a href="http://bleacherreport.com/users/138313-adam-biggers">Adam Biggers</a> </b>and one of his rants, so to make it up, we're giving you Adam in back-to-back weeks, starting tonight!<br />
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"Adam Rants" will feature Adam going off on Michigan State basketball and the situation at Michigan with its new OC, Doug Nussmeier. It's must-hear stuff!<br />
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After Adam's segment, Eno and Big Al take on the tale of Justin Verlander and his "core muscle" surgery. Will it have an adverse effect? Is this a sign of an almost-31-year-old pitcher's body starting to break down? Eno talks Big Al off the ledge on this one.<br />
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Lots more on the docket: baseball Hall of Fame voting; the Lions' coaching search; A-Roid; and the maddening Pistons.<br />
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All this and more, plus "Whose Birthday is It?" (at stake: a Longines Symphony watch) and "Jerks of the Week."<br />
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It all can be found <b><a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mkesportsgeeks/2014/01/13/the-knee-jerks-eno-and-big-al">here</a></b>!<br />
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<br />The Knee Jerkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709687086885419538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2286165235994693177.post-22487892827984392722014-01-06T14:15:00.002-08:002014-01-06T14:15:50.663-08:00Welcome to 2014 and another episode of The Knee Jerks!Happy New Year!<br />
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The Knee Jerks are back after taking two weeks off to celebrate the holidays.<br />
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No guest tonight, as Eno and Big Al have more than enough to talk about, all by themselves.<br />
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First it's the Lions, and the spiral that led to their coaching search.<br />
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Will Jim Schwartz, who's rumored to be the new DC of the Cleveland Browns, get another HC job in the NFL? What went wrong? Why wasn't he the right guy to take the Lions to the next level? Who will be the Lions' new HC? Why is Matthew Stafford being involved in the interview process?<br />
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After the Lions talk, the guys talk Winter Classic, MSU and U-M football, and more.<br />
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Don't forget "Whose Birthday Is It?" (at stake: a lifetime ticket to the Bob-Lo boat) and "Jerk of the Week"!<br />
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It all starts at 7:00pm ET <b><a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mkesportsgeeks/2014/01/06/the-knee-jerks-eno-and-big-al">HERE</a></b>.<br />
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<br />The Knee Jerkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709687086885419538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2286165235994693177.post-70429604745146801732013-12-16T14:19:00.001-08:002013-12-16T14:19:23.088-08:00Tonight! Adam rants; plus, the Tigers' off-season, the Lions' fate, Red Wings and more!If it's Monday, it's (usually) The Knee Jerks!<br />
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Tonight we welcome <b><a href="http://bleacherreport.com/users/138313-adam-biggers">Adam Biggers</a></b> back for another edition of "Adam Rants!"<br />
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Adam hasn't been on the show for a little bit, so tonight he makes up for it, ranting about MSU's big win over Ohio State in the B1G Championship game, their chances against Stanford in the Rose Bowl, and rumors about Mark Dantonio perhaps being a coaching candidate at Texas. He also touches on MSU basketball.<br />
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After Adam, the Jerks talk Tigers---particularly the team's busy off-season, culminating (so far) with the signings of RHP Joba Chamberlain and LF Rajai Davis.<br />
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The Lions' fate is discussed, ahead of tonight's big MNF game against the Baltimore Ravens. The Lions' "magic number" remains at three after the Bears and Packers both engineered come-from-behind wins on Sunday.<br />
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Finally, the Red Wings and their woes at home are on the docket.<br />
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All this and more, plus "Whose Birthday Is It?" (at stake: a slew of Hamburger Helper) and "Jerk of the Week."<br />
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It all starts at 7:00pm ET <b><a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mkesportsgeeks">HERE</a></b>.The Knee Jerkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709687086885419538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2286165235994693177.post-20126094552615032842013-12-09T14:24:00.001-08:002013-12-09T14:26:09.304-08:00Tonight: Electric Football, Tigers, Lions and Sparty!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglEEMDaB7BCaXUqiPrHR5rInUFmvTpXGhLIDLfnXsqV0XpUIkRWKVbBumOmfYWVDqz-5PMiURYqPP3Czl7jxyawFMtlC4-1c0rcPU_k2xkp-GA8Ea4IJyZ-SMr_p43qAXwFzE9y2jiVoY/s1600/Unforgettable+Buzz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglEEMDaB7BCaXUqiPrHR5rInUFmvTpXGhLIDLfnXsqV0XpUIkRWKVbBumOmfYWVDqz-5PMiURYqPP3Czl7jxyawFMtlC4-1c0rcPU_k2xkp-GA8Ea4IJyZ-SMr_p43qAXwFzE9y2jiVoY/s320/Unforgettable+Buzz.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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For lots of boys in the late-1960s thru the 1970s, an electric football game under the Christmas tree was as indelible a memory as anything in childhood.<br />
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On tonight's show, we talk about EF with author Earl Shores, who co-wrote <b><a href="http://www.theunforgettablebuzz.com/">"The Unforgettable Buzz"</a></b> with Roddy Garcia. The book is an exhaustive history of EF and Tudor Games, which was the first game company to market and distribute electric football, starting over 60 years ago.<br />
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Earl spends a fascinating 40 minutes with us, regaling us with stories about the game's beginnings, its heyday and its state right now as a collector's item. Check out <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Unforgettable-Buzz/260637127374922">their Facebook page</a></b>, Like it, and be amazed with photos and other goodies throughout every week.<br />
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After Earl, we get into the Tigers' off-season, especially the trade of Doug Fister and the prospects of the team improving in left field. Then, sadly, it's some Lions talk, as we dissect the travesty in the snow in Philadelphia. Finally, we talk a little Sparty football and MSU's big win over Ohio State in the B1G Championship Game.<br />
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All that, plus "Whose Birthday Is It?" (at stake: home improvement by Belvedere) and "Jerk of the Week"!<br />
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It all starts at 7:00pm ET <b><a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mkesportsgeeks/2013/12/09/the-knee-jerks-eno-and-big-al">HERE</a>!!</b>The Knee Jerkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709687086885419538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2286165235994693177.post-45345170467408921602013-11-19T13:29:00.001-08:002013-11-29T12:26:36.230-08:00Book giveaway for the December 9 show! "The Unforgettable Buzz," a history of Electric Football and Tudor GamesIt was one of the best childhood memories for sports fans around the USA: finding an electric football game under the Christmas tree!<br />
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On our December 9 show, our guest will be author Earl Shores, <a href="http://www.theunforgettablebuzz.com/">who along with Roddy Garcia has penned</a> <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0989236315/ref=as_li_tf_til?tag=theunfobuzz-20&camp=14573&creative=327641&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=0989236315&adid=1DSR6K7087Q9EQA06XFA&&ref-refURL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theunforgettablebuzz.com%2F">"The Unforgettable Buzz,"</a></b> a detailed and exhaustive look at the history of Electric Football and Tudor Games.<br />
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To help celebrate the game and the upcoming holidays, we are asking that you submit a question for Earl re: electric football. If we use the question on the air, you will be placed in a drawing to win a copy of Earl and Roddy's book!<br />
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Your chances to win are pretty good if we use your question, as we plan on only asking 3-4 listener questions. So submit away!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmuuu_b8tQRbRMWepSDp8k9TxmZVaXuiSzBXL0SqNaqabQWTWMKTVbyeQt79kyQGqWp2eUdegk7v_JH7yioOTBC8aUTaBm1LRuXAFf4P3lJvIw4RZFRmxl-n8lmw-08cjosJc0lU7ZXyo/s1600/Unforgettable+Buzz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmuuu_b8tQRbRMWepSDp8k9TxmZVaXuiSzBXL0SqNaqabQWTWMKTVbyeQt79kyQGqWp2eUdegk7v_JH7yioOTBC8aUTaBm1LRuXAFf4P3lJvIw4RZFRmxl-n8lmw-08cjosJc0lU7ZXyo/s320/Unforgettable+Buzz.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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E-mail your question (one per person please) to thekneejerks at gmail dot com. All questions received through <b>Friday, December 6</b> will be considered. Please include your name and mailing address.<br />
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Good luck!<br />
<br />The Knee Jerkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709687086885419538noreply@blogger.com0