Robertson vs Blinebury http://www.houstonpress.com/issues/2002-11-28/hostage.html/1/index.html Clash of the Titans The world of sports provides few thrills more absorbing than watching two giants go at it toe-to-toe. And Houstonians these days are experiencing the glories of such a desperate duel, as two of the best in the business try to top each other. In this case, the "business" is hackneyed references to Yao Ming, the Houston Rockets' new center. The two combatants are Chronicle sports columnists Fran Blinebury and Dale Robertson. There were many who were quick to award the trophy to Robertson -- after all, three "Ming vase" references in four months is pretty impressive. Robertson has also worked in "the mysteries of the East," "the mighty mandarin," "Chairman Yao" and asked the burning question "Is 7-5 Yao Ming really China's 21st-century great wall, a dynasty builder as his name suggests?" Blinebury, on the other hand, seemed to be struggling. Sure, Ming was "a 7-5 bundle of mystery and intrigue"; yes, Fran predicted that after playing against Shaquille O'Neal Yao would have "more bruises than if he had fallen off the Great Wall"; not to mention that when he's hot Yao "makes more noise and sparks than a string of firecrackers." Still, the columnist was falling behind. He was lagging even with this quintessentially Blinebury-esque dazzler about the team's complicated negotiations with Yao's homeland: "By the time they're over, the Rockets front office will have done more twists, turns and tumbles than the Chinese acrobats who used to appear on the Ed Sullivan show." All those who counted Blinebury out may have spoken too soon. For on November 18, Fran somehow was able to compare Yao to…wait for it…Erin Brockovich. The Rockets were playing in L.A. "Alas," Blinebury wrote, "no Julia [Roberts] in the house. Just Yao showing us the rough-edged, aggressive, no-nonsense Erin Brockovich side of his personality." Robertson, the ball's in your court. We're sure you'll treat it like a priceless Ming vase.
Blinebury/Robertson Yao Hilarity Richard Connelly writes a column for the Houston Press called News Hostage where he lampoons local media. He always has good jabs for Blinebury and Robertson. This one was in the second half of his column this week. It is freakin' hilarious. <i>Clash of the Titans BY RICHARD CONNELLY The world of sports provides few thrills more absorbing than watching two giants go at it toe-to-toe. And Houstonians these days are experiencing the glories of such a desperate duel, as two of the best in the business try to top each other. In this case, the "business" is hackneyed references to Yao Ming, the Houston Rockets' new center. The two combatants are Chronicle sports columnists Fran Blinebury and Dale Robertson. There were many who were quick to award the trophy to Robertson -- after all, three "Ming vase" references in four months is pretty impressive. Robertson has also worked in "the mysteries of the East," "the mighty mandarin," "Chairman Yao" and asked the burning question "Is 7-5 Yao Ming really China's 21st-century great wall, a dynasty builder as his name suggests?" Blinebury, on the other hand, seemed to be struggling. Sure, Ming was "a 7-5 bundle of mystery and intrigue"; yes, Fran predicted that after playing against Shaquille O'Neal Yao would have "more bruises than if he had fallen off the Great Wall"; not to mention that when he's hot Yao "makes more noise and sparks than a string of firecrackers." Still, the columnist was falling behind. He was lagging even with this quintessentially Blinebury-esque dazzler about the team's complicated negotiations with Yao's homeland: "y the time they're over, the Rockets front office will have done more twists, turns and tumbles than the Chinese acrobats who used to appear on the Ed Sullivan show." All those who counted Blinebury out may have spoken too soon. For on November 18, Fran somehow was able to compare Yao to…wait for it…Erin Brockovich. The Rockets were playing in L.A. "Alas," Blinebury wrote, "no Julia [Roberts] in the house. Just Yao showing us the rough-edged, aggressive, no-nonsense Erin Brockovich side of his personality." Robertson, the ball's in your court. We're sure you'll treat it like a priceless Ming vase.</i>
LOL, Jeff. Blineburro is like Kenny's rented a$$... not shy at all about waving it in the breeze in public. He's riding Yao for all he's worth. Hard to believe the guy is still scratchin' his stuff for the Chronicle after all these years. He needs to go out to dinner with roydelton and compare notes.
Say what you want about fran -- I wont try to defend him -- but there are times when he writes a piece of literature; it is that good. Take for example this article---> click here I think that people hate fran because he doesn't geek out on supporting his claims with hard stats. But I for one would much rather read a technically superior and interesting article to one that is loaded with stats any day of the week.
He's surprised me a few times, but I've never forgiven him for dismissing the Rockets prior to the start of the '86 playoffs. Blinebury wrote that the Lakers and the Celtics would meet in the Finals and the other teams were going through the motions in the Western Conference... including the Rockets. It wouldn't have bothered me as much as it did if he'd owned up to his folly. (Well, it STILL would have bothered me. ) But he didn't. He's the quintessential guy who jumps on the bandwagon, imo. That was a good column though, kbm.
I don't like him because he's an awful writer. He tries to be clever or funny but it just isn't. There are so many writers out there who are so much better and yet we are stuck with guys who don't have half the skills.
