Back to Men's Basketball coverage

Men's Basketball

Monday, September 1, 2008

Gary Bedore’s KU in Canada postcard: Day 2

By Gary Bedore

Advertisement

Photo Gallery

KU in Canada: Day 2

KU in Canada: Day 2

Ottawa, Ontario — I'm thinking about what I'm going to write today while reclining in a downtown Ottawa Starbucks on a beautiful Sunday morning, 65 degrees, just a few clouds in the sky.

I'm reading the print edition of the Ottawa Citizen newspaper, sipping a Grande-sized coffee and also gazing at tourists ambling past a Sears Department Store with a giant red Canadian Maple Leaf emblazoned above the entry-way.

And I'm feeling a bit guilty.

Not guilty for using American dollars to pay for my java and snack - actually I handed over a colorful $10 Canadian bill, figuring it'd be an insult to use "our" cash while being a guest in a foreign land.

I felt extremely guilty - even thinking for just a second - how much of a "hassle" it had been Saturday and Saturday night navigating the streets and highways of this Capital City trying to find both Montpetit Hall and Scotiabank Place, where Kansas University's basketball team played and won exhibition games against McGill and Carleton Universities.

Dana Hedgpeth's article on the front page of the Ottawa Citizen provided me a much-needed slap in the face.

She described REAL hassles and headaches - ones confronting New Orleans natives fleeing town (again!) in advance of big, bad Hurricane Gustav.

The unimaginable traffic jams on Louisiana Interstate-10 I'm sure have undoubtedly been just a tad more cumbersome than on HW 417 in Ottawa, Ontario.

Anyhow, best wishes to those getting out of Dodge down South.

As far as life North of the Border, it couldn't be better.

Truth be known it's a hassle free Labor Day weekend.

Downtown Ottawa is great. Majestic old buildings, like the Parliament and KU's Castle-like team hotel (Fairmont Chateau Laurier) jut high into the sky with plenty of tourist attractions - some guy will write you a personalized poem for 2 bucks - just two blocks away.

As far as the basketball, it's been such a pleasant surprise.

KU's one-point win over Carleton on Saturday night reminded me a lot of KU's thrilling win over Davidson in the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament.

It took a clutch three by Tyrel Reed, a steal by Sherron Collins and ensuing breakaway dunk by the surprisingly fluid and clutch Travis Releford, plus two free throws by Cole Aldrich to stave off the Ravens.

Earlier in the day, KU rode the 18-point effort of Tyshawn Taylor and 18-rebound (that's a lotta rebounds folks) outing of Aldrich to a five-point win over a gutsy McGill team.

Of KU's newcomers, it's been most fun to watch freshmen Releford and Taylor, who run the court so well.

Yes it was a pleasure, not a hassle, to watch the Jayhawks play on Saturday. And mighty amusing to watch a fan heckle - and get heckled back - by KU coach Bill Self, all in a non-threatening manner.

Believe me as I bat this out in my hotel room, I'm not thinking about what a "hassle" it'll be driving back to Montpetit Hall in a few hours to watch another great game against University of Ottawa.

Comments

Solomon (anonymous) says...

That was a wasted few minutes.

September 1, 2008 at 6:26 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

OutlawJHawk (anonymous) says...

Bedore--Are you working for the Travel Channel, too now? If I wanted to get travel/tourist info about Canada, I would go to AAA or call my Aunt Edna who has been everywhere? Give us more meat on this team. Being that your about the only regular writer worth your salt left at the World Company, don't give up now. We need your sports, not travel, coverage!!!

September 1, 2008 at 8:24 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jross1972 (Johann Ross) says...

Heres the problem I have, and its NOT with the article. Its with the posters here. Everything is a criticism of the authors anymore. Thats all these blogs have become. Mind you, Im NOT saying criticism isnt sometimes deserved. Indeed, it is. Im just saying that you have COWARDS hiding behind computer screens who have nothing but bile to offer regarding the authors, so that when a criticism is duly warranted it gets lost in a sea of futility.

What ever happened to discussing the CONTENT? Most of you could never pen the very articles you criticize.

September 1, 2008 at 8:48 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

OutlawJHawk (anonymous) says...

jross1972--my criticism is warranted here. I love Bedore and his writing, just not on travel. This particular article SUCKED.

I respect and enjoy reading most of the Journal World writers, including many that other posters undeservingly despise. I think several new writers are works in progress, and are getting beat-up maybe unfairly, but WILL get better. They will only get better by getting a pulse on the Jayhawk nation...and that is us. So I see the diatribe and opinion of other posters regarding the articles AND the authors valuable feedback for the sports writers themselves. If you are going to be a journalist, expect criticism and opinions that come with that field of play. I am surpised you can even handle watching sports, because it sounds like you would whine about somebody tackling too hard or playing too rough.

You for one need to lighten-up and watch who you call cowards or imply cannot write . You don't know if the person at the other end is a pimple faced 15 year old (which you're hoping for), a professor of English who could write circles around any journalist, or a hardened ex-con just looking for a reason.

September 1, 2008 at 9:17 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

ku98 (anonymous) says...

I would have liked to read a few lines about how each player performed over the weekend, especially all the newcomers, and not just a boxscore...

September 1, 2008 at 9:53 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

JJHAWK (anonymous) says...

Outlaw

"So I see the diatribe and opinion of other posters regarding the articles AND the authors valuable feedback for the sports writers themselves."

Does your 'stated' belief apply equally to all?

So I see the diatribe and opinion of other posters regarding other posters comments as valuable feedback for the posters themselves.

Or are you alone above criticism?

September 1, 2008 at 9:59 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

weaglehawk (anonymous) says...

The problem with you posters is you don't obviously read. He posted 2-3 articles a day... The other articles had all the info you are looking for. This article was just supposed to be what is called a "unique piece". It is supposed to be different and give you a feel of what it is like to be there. If you want to know more about the team, GO ON THE TRIP or READ THE OTHER FRICKIN' ARTICLE!!!

September 1, 2008 at 10:28 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

OutlawJHawk (anonymous) says...

ku98--You are right on. I would have preferred Bedore keep some stats during the game and report it instead of writing some article about his sight seeing tour of Ottawa.

JJHAWK--I alone am above criticism. Of course not. I'll accept criticism if it makes sense...and jross1972 ridiculously argues that the CONTENT of the article was in some way not problematic. It is and it is my responsibility to let Bedore know that.

Weaglehawk--If you could freakin' read or took time to read the posts on Bedores other articles, you would find I complimented him on those OTHER articles. I always read every Bedore article because I have come to expect good sports journalism from him. He missed on this one, so get over it. I do NOT need to travel to Ottawa to state this fact. This "unique" piece was crap and belonged in the Travel Section of the Journal World, which I do NOT read. I go to the Sports Section to read about sports, play on the field, box scores, analysis of play not to learn more about the traffic and hotel in the city where my team is playing.

September 1, 2008 at 11:21 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

ku98 (anonymous) says...

JRoss, with all due respect, I think the criticism we read here is based on weak content, and as a result, the author had to take the blame for it.
I don't think Outlaw has any problem with the author here, but he is disappointed (as I am) that Gary did not offer more insights as to how our players played, instead of telling us about grande lattes and colorful Canadian bills.
Also, since when do we have to be great writers or journalists to criticize one? Coaches criticize players, journalists criticize politicians, readers criticize writers...

September 1, 2008 at 1:43 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

OutlawJHawk (anonymous) says...

ku98-well stated and thank you. And readers(posters) criticize other readers (posters).

JJHawk--One more thing, Bedore is paid to do his job. And his job is to report sports, KU basketball in particular, to the Jayhawk nation. I am part of the Jayhawk Nation, a consumer of KU sports and the Journal World, and therefore have a right to judge the product I consume. However, I am NOT paid to take unwarranted criticism or be judged from you or JRoss1972. You want to say something in support or against the article or Bedore, you have that priviledge in this forum. If you want to say something about my opinion or call me a COWARD, expect me or any other poster to be take a defensive posture.

September 1, 2008 at 2:20 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

havoc4prez (anonymous) says...

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008...

September 1, 2008 at 4:54 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jross1972 (Johann Ross) says...

outlaw...

either youre blind or youre illiterate.

I said very expressly that sometimes an article is worthy of criticism. yet you say i suggest there isnt something wrong with this piece. I havent said either way. I said MY PROBLEM was not with the article, per se, but moreso in the fact that every article you look at here on kusports.com, there are editors coming out of the woodwork editing for content, grammar, etc.

and ku98, if the articles here are of such weak content, then with ALL DUE RESPECT (and I do mean that), DONT VISIT THE SITE! in all seriousness I know i cant decide that for you, but my thing is that it appears to me that readers disgruntled with the content would rather show up to bitch than to not show up at all. My point is, go find what works for ya!

Granted, I stick it to "Mizzou Woodling" every now and then just on priniciple. But you wont find his articles laced with my venom day in day out. As Susan Powter (sp?) used to say..."STOP THE INSANITY!!!!"

September 1, 2008 at 6:26 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jross1972 (Johann Ross) says...

oh...and outlaw...

I for one am not afraid of your "defensive posture". such remarks are more entertaining than threatening. mmkay, cupcake?

September 1, 2008 at 6:29 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

ku98 (anonymous) says...

JRoss, you often make good points, but you're out of your mind on this one.
You want to discuss the content of this article? Let's do that.... where do you want to start? Lattes in Ottawa? or traffic jam? or Gustav? Are you one of those ignorant Americans who think they can pay for a coffee with US dollars anywhere in the world?
Anyway, let's talk about anything but basketball, because that's what Bedore did. Now, I don't know Bedore, I don't care about Bedore. I visit this website everyday. Sometimes I post a comment, sometimes I don't. I come here because it is the easiest way to get info on my beloved Jayhawks.
We played 3 games in Canada, with very limited media coverage. He was there, and that's all he can report? Lattes and traffic jams?? Come on! That's weak "content".

September 1, 2008 at 8:37 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

kc_wildfire (anonymous) says...

Bedore wrote an article on the game.

How many articles do you want about one exhibition game two and a half months before the season even begins with just a handful of practices beforehand?

Even in this article he ties it in nicely with referemce to the end about a couple of the previous games.

I agree with jross on this one.

September 1, 2008 at 8:51 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

JJHAWK (anonymous) says...

Outlaw,

One thing I recognize is when someone cuts bait and backpedals. If you see yourself as a disatisfied consumer, you should consider changing the channel or asking for your money back.

Don't you don't believe in the corollary to your own pronouncement?

"So I see the diatribe and opinion of other posters regarding other posters comments as valuable feedback for the posters themselves."

Myself, I thought the corollary to your comment was pretty much dead on. Expecially if the vitrolic is avoided.

If you are waiting for only reasoned responses to your comments, I suggest you do not hold your breath. I do, however, understand your anguish. All loyal Jayhawk followers must suffer the inane, the idiotic, and the non-Jayhawk's who get on this site and try to prove their clever when they are not.

What makes it all worth while are those warm thoughts and insightful comments made by so many Jayhawks who take pride in being a Jayhawk. I do think that your corollary actually serves a useful purpose. As an example, are you not glad that the "dump 'Self' bunch" have stopped their inane postings- finally?

Rock Chalk & I wish you well Outlaw.

September 1, 2008 at 10:06 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

rockchalkAZ (anonymous) says...

let's all argue like a bunch of little biotches

September 1, 2008 at 11:54 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

OutlawJHawk (anonymous) says...

rockchalkAZ--Ghetto statement, but probably dead on.

ku98--Another well stated post!

JJHAWK--You are right; I expected too much reason from some of the other posters. I have to remember that not everyone graduated who follow the Jayhawks and post here. I think some argue for the sake of arguing. And there have been some absolute nut-case posters, especially the "dump-Self" bunch.

kc-wildfire--My point is that Bedore is a good writer, but the Postcard Piece was wasted "sports" journalism. As ku98 pointed out, we didn't even get a box score...

jross1972--You stated "here is the problem I have, and it is NOT with the article". And now you say that somehow means that you not expressing an opinion about the article itself. I'm confused. And then you have the audacity to call me an idiot and illiterate, hmmm? Further, I never edit articles for grammar and sentence structure like I have seen some idiots waste time on. Evaluating the content of what we all read is one of the primary reasons we post, and that is what I have done here. I like your venom for Missouri and wish you would use that more on some of the MO fans that post here rather than on a fellow true blue Jayhawk. I believe the incessant name calling undermines your veracity of being a credible poster, as well. I know you are capable of much better. I have seen it in your other posts.

September 2, 2008 at 9:11 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jross1972 (Johann Ross) says...

ill clear it up for you outlaw. put your ears on and youll receive an education.

saying the problem I HAVE (and its not the article) is not saying the same thing as "theres no problem with the article". In other words, i can say there is a problem with the article but thats not what MY PARTICULAR PROBLEM IS.

See the fact is, "evaluating the content of what you read" is stating too ambiguously one of the reasons why posters post. It is not the job, for example, of posters to be editors and yet an editor can say his/her job is to "evaluate the content of what you read".

More to the point, this "editorial evaluation" of article content goes on far more frequently than it should. Sometimes, it dominates the thread and the points made are not addressed at all or done so in a cursory manner. More and more of this has been going on. THAT IS MY PROBLEM with this kind of posting!

September 2, 2008 at 3:42 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jross1972 (Johann Ross) says...

ku98...

heres is my take on the content of the article, since you ask.

the first 3/5 of the article was written to kind of set the stage for those of us who could not be in Ottawa to enjoy the game. yes, that part of the article seemed a little weak (shh...dont tell outlaw).

you say Bedore talked anything but basketball in this article, but the last 2/5 of it, thats all i see.

I say again, that "yes", sometimes things are written which are not as compelling to the readers' attention spans compared to others, but the full-on assault of the LJW writers in these blogs is unwarranted notwithstanding. The fervent key-stroking devoted to the critique of article content is sometimes justly warranted but nevertheless out-of-balance!

September 2, 2008 at 3:52 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

OutlawJHawk (anonymous) says...

Fair enough. I put my hearing aids in and have attended your education course on posting Dr. jross1972. I am not sure if I got an education or do I agree with all you say, but you are probably right about the ridiculous frequency of "editorial evaluation."

However, this is one of the few times I have taken an exception to an article. And some others see no problem with my post. I think you are venting your entire frustration with all assasinine posts on my one legitimately based post. I think it is time for you to find a completely off-base post to complain about; I may even support you. I stand behind what I have stated regarding the subject material of this article by Bedore. We may have to agree to disagree on this issue indefinitely. Rock Chalk jross1972.

September 2, 2008 at 3:59 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

greenworld (anonymous) says...

Who cares about the stupid article, he should be entitled to one or two. Afterall, that's what we have been getting for years out of Chuck Woodling is stupid articles. Outlaw- I dont think jross is worth debating all over this stupid article. Jross go drink 5 more cups of coffee and comb your hair 5 more times. Your just talking in circles and not making a whole lot of sense to anybody.

September 2, 2008 at 5:46 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

OutlawJHawk (anonymous) says...

Greenworld--You are right on most accounts and bring a fresh perspective that I agree with regarding this one article. Bedore writes so much good stuff, he indeed is entitled to one or two misses. However, Woodling is not THAT bad (I always liked his "Notes & Quotes" feature). Also, I have said all I am going to say to jross regarding this issue. I am not sure either one of us cracked each others shells. By the way, I think you meant to tell jross to go and finish drinking his Ovaltine and have his mother brush his hair before the little yellow bus arrives to pick him up for school. Just joking jross...

September 2, 2008 at 6:45 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jross1972 (Johann Ross) says...

hey i resent that remark.

I LIKE OVALTINE!

September 2, 2008 at 9:32 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

OutlawJHawk (anonymous) says...

jross--thanks for having a sense of humor....

September 3, 2008 at 11:20 a.m. ( | suggest removal )