Calling all Baltimore Couch Potatoes
Don't know why they contacted me about this, but Baltimore's ESPN Zone is gearing up for this year's Ultimate Couch Potato Competition, which will take place at the Inner Harbor location on Jan. 1.
No doubt, I could improve my chances of winning (I'd probably be a lock) by not telling anyone how they can take part, but that wouldn't be very sporting. Of course, sitting in a La-Z-Boy all day probably isn't all that sporting either, but I generally do it for free, so I'm toying with sending in an entry myself.
Fans who are interested must submit an entry to couchpotato@espnzone.com no later than 11:59 EST on Dec. 10, describing why he or she is qualified to be the ultimate couch potato. The entries, which must include name, age, daytime, evening and cell phone numbers, email address and mailing address. Entrants must live in Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware or Washington D.C.
Is it just me, or does anybody else think it's not fair to have to compete with somebody from West Virginia in an event that requires you to sit in a chair and do nothing?
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Comments
Just one question, Peter: Do we have to bring our own couches to the competition?
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Pete's reply: I hope not. My wife isn't going to part with it easily.
Posted by: wacko jacko | December 4, 2008 2:54 PM
Too bad it's on Jan. 1. I won't be able to get off the couch to get there.
Posted by: Chris Joseph | December 4, 2008 3:23 PM
Pete-Is the Stephen Hunter you refer to the one who wrote the Swaggerty series and Dirty White Boys?
If so he is one of the best-I hope he is busy writing more of them-He got me hooked!
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Pete's reply: The recurring character is named Swagger, and yes, that's him. He has a new one out based around NASCAR.
Posted by: Ron in Va | December 4, 2008 3:50 PM
I see an error right on the application re: Phone #(s). If a guy is a real couch potato, he only has one #-the one which is programmed into his remote!
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Pete's reply: Good point.
Posted by: TerryP | December 4, 2008 7:32 PM
Ooh, Peter, you have crossed the line. I live about 2 hours from the SE West Virginia line, and I can tell you them folk do not like to be stereotyped, criticized or in any way held up to ridicule. It's a good time for you to head for Vegas -- and like everything, stay there.
Posted by: j. roberts | December 4, 2008 8:22 PM
Pete--It was a fun night to watch the Scarlet Knights in the light rain in Piscataway.
Here's hoping Kenny Britt, either in 2009 or 2010, joins Ray Rice as a Raven.
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Pete's reply: In a strange blog vortex, I actually was in Jersey late yesterday afternoon, but not for the game. Maybe I should have taken the off ramp for Rutgers.
Posted by: Barry | December 4, 2008 11:31 PM
People from West Virginia read "The Schmuck Stops Here"??
People from West Virginia read?
Posted by: Ferg | December 4, 2008 11:46 PM
Peter- Can you offer any insight into reports that the offer for Markakis started at 6 years 32.5 million in July, and now is at 6 year 48 million, where as Murphy is looking for 7 and 77 million? That is one heck of a difference. That 7th year is supposedly an option for 12 million for the 2015 season. So that means 6/65 then 12 I guess.
Doesnt that seem fair to you if that is the case?
I have read now in 3 places that league sources said the O's are lowballing and have been since the ALL-Star break, including Zreibek.
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Pete's reply: My understanding is that the offer in July was a lowball starter offer, but I believe the Orioles are already around $60 million for six. I think it gets done pretty close to the $65 million figure you're estimating. My guess was $63 million.
Posted by: ryan | December 5, 2008 5:20 AM
If the Giants end up giving Renteria 18 milll over 2 yrs then I'd say they lock up the dumbest free-agent signing team award-beating out the Dodgers for that dubious award.
Look at their recent moves-Rowand, Zito, Durham and now 9 mill/yr for a guy who's worn out his welcome at many stops.
Apparently, the Giants are in the mix for CC-for 100 mill plus and you have to wonder how that will turn out if he signs on there.
In the meantime, they don't seem to have much offense and with all these moves they will be lucky to play .500 ball.
They do have the makings of a better than average rotation and are helped by playing in the weakest division in MLB but if they were in the AL East they probably finish 3rd at best.
Posted by: TerryP | December 5, 2008 9:38 AM
You must live in Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware AND Washington, D.C.? I guess that rules me out since I'm only a resident of MD, oh well. I don't know too many couch potatoes who have residencies in 5 states and DC.
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Pete's reply: Thanks for noticing that gaffe. I was almost back to having normal self-esteem.
Posted by: John H. | December 5, 2008 12:31 PM
sounds like a good couch potato
contest. unfortunately i cannot enter'being out of state.
if i could be there, i have a coupla
hooters girls, spot a pot and
some coronas and i would be set...
i even bring some couch potato
sour cream....
Posted by: bob moffett | December 5, 2008 9:41 PM
New Years Day!! I'll probably be too hung over to make it, if it was the second of January than maybe I could do it.
Posted by: Marcus | December 6, 2008 10:47 PM