But first, Nick and I discuss the rumor mongering going around the internet about Pittsburgh going to the BIG TEN. From the looks of it, the rumor started on an OSU message board and Bleacher Report, the least reliable content network for news and information around. So of course, newspaper websites link to the rumors, thus making them more valid, and in turn, setting the internet ablaze.

It’s an issue of gatekeeping, but also of trusting what you read and making sure you illustrate what’s rumor and what’s sourced information. Nick brings up the 96-team NCAA tournament rumor that came up yesterday and we discuss how we, even at TSB or on this show or wherever any of you write, need to figure out if a rumor on SbB is more or less valid than a rumor somewhere else. To parallel the situations, we talk about Bleacher Report. If the same report Brooks posted was on Bleacher Report, we never would have linked to it. That’s just the way it goes. And there are some good writers on that network, but by and large, it’s the Wild Wild West. Clearly, a reporter in Kansas City didn’t know that when he linked to them. Or maybe he did.

Is there a lesson? Not sure, really. But it is good practice to not trust everything you read on the internet as fact, especially when it comes from a message board.

Tech Talk:

We steal some sound from the JSF show talking about what celebrity we’d want in a booth for an inning or a drive in football. Good stuff with Matt Sebek, Josh Bacott and Josh Zerkle on this segment. For more of the show, go to their site and download it later in the week.

Nick answers the question as well, and in light of Ann Curry getting caught in an elevator with Jeff Pulver and other social media-elite, we ask the question of who we’d most and least like to be stuck in an elevator with. Ann Curry’s name comes up. So does Dave Grohl, Glenn Beck, the show runners from Lost and Ricky Gervais. Oh, and Phil the groundhog.

Housekeeping:

Nick and I talk about the passing of Tom Brookshier. The name Tom Brookshier may mean more to the city of Philadelphia than anywhere else, but those in the industry around the country mourn the loss of the NFL standout turned media giant, after he succumbed to cancer this weekend. Brookshier was a member of the 1960 Philadelphia Eagles team – Tommy McDonald said he’d be the first guy you’d want on your team – and followed his NFL career as the lead analyst for CBS, teaming with Pat Summerall before John Madden did. He also was responsible, as part owner of 610 WIP in Philadelphia, for hiring Angelo Cataldi and the morning team, thus changing the landscape of Philadelphia radio, and sports, forever.

Oh, and Nick is all exited for Lost tonight.

Thanks to the JSF guys and to you for listening.

(Original Post follows)

Look, if you’ve ever listened to the show or read some of my internet ramblings you know I like to talk some trash. And in no way can I back any of it up. Nevertheless, I was graciously invited to take part in the Trash Talk Championship of the World, taking place this February, in Vegas. The vital details:

The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino is challenging poker players to put their money where their mouth is during Superbowl weekend in Las Vegas by hosting the first annual Trash Talk Championship of the World. On Saturday, February 6th, Sin City’s premier party property will host a $1,000 +$70 no-limit hold’em tournament benefiting the Sharon Osbourne Colon Cancer Program at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, the supported charity of modern artist Michael Godard, who has dedicated himself to philanthropic causes through his art.

Half of the prize pool will go to charity. The other half will be distributed to winners. The Trash Talk Champion of the World will win cash, a 20 pound custom designed crystal trophy, and a World Poker Tour Celebrity Invitational seat in Los Angeles sponsored by Commerce Casino and ClubWPT.com.

The list of celebs and poker pros includes Mekhi Pfifer, Nancy Cartwright of the Simpsons, Antonio Esfandiari, Paul Wasicka, Lee Markholt, Randy Couture and a whole host of other high rollers I have no business playing poker against. Oh, and there’s a red carpet and a $100-200 high-stakes Trash Talk cash game, with hole cams and everything. It’s all being filmed by Bluff Media and sponsored by VictoryPoker.net.

There’s then a swanky Team Victory after party to watch the Super Bowl on Sunday. Oh, and I get all expenses paid.

Why I’m posting this (other than to brag incessantly that I got invited) is to figure out who is GOING TO COME WITH ME. Yes, I get two tickets for everything.

We’ve narrowed the list of potential bloggers to two worthy traveling partners: Matt Sebek of Joesportsfan.com and Josh Zerkle from With Leather and KSK. You get to decide. Who should come with me? (Listen to Wednesday’s show to hear their impassioned pleas).

Vote now. The winner of this poll gets to go to Vegas.

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