A group of friends and I have been doing a fantasy draft for league games only for several years. I ripped off the idea from a WRNL podcast in the Hoiball era. The last few years I posted the results for everyone to see. This year will be different with the true round robin going away. Due to the added 4 teams we decided to add 1 more bench player. The top 6 start for each person unless they decide to sub in one of the bottom 3. Players can be subbed in for performance reasons. As far as injuries, suspensions, etc. if a player does not play then the first player off his bench automatically replaces him.

The scoring system is PTS +1, REB +1.2, AST +1.5, STL +2, BLK +2, TO -1.

If anyone wants to run their own let me know and I can send you a spreadsheet that is ready to go.

Interested to hear your feedback and opinions on what team looks to be the best. FYI, the number beside the name indicated what pick the player was taken with, Standard snake style draft with 7 people.

Thanks!

Have an insurance question the internet is not very helpful answering so I'm seeking CF mind input.

I changed dental insurance companies in June. I have two dentists I'm using right now - one I've been with for 10+ yrs and the other that I'm doing orthodontia work with. I had previously changed dental insurance in January of this year with no issue. Both providers in network, covered at the % I expected. I did my same cursory search on the new insurance doctor finder site in June, both providers showed us as preferred providers in network. Awesome, I moved over to that during my hiring enrollment period and did NOT go on my spouse's insurance which also would have covered both, though at a lower rate on the orthodontia.

A couple months in, I had cavities to deal with as well as a regular dental appt. When the claims came in, problems began to unfold. I could see things being resubmitted and reprocessed over the fall. I checked with my primary dental and she said she was getting it worked out. Cut to the chase, it turns out my primary dental is NOT in network. This was not discovered until my dentist office admin called in to find out what was wrong with the processing and asked about in-network. The insurance said "yes, you've been in network since XXXX year" office admin replied "Dentist was not yet born in that year so that's impossible." After that, insurance realized my dentist was NOT in network, they had mixed with someone else and reprocessed everything as out of network which of course then cost me several hundred dollars! To be clear, insurance originally processed the claim as in network. The problem was the dentist wasn't receiving payment because it wasn't the right contact info. Sure enough when I now use their search tool, that dentist no longer comes up.

I can see claims sitting not processing for my orthodontist and I'm very concerned a similar problem awaits. I've taken a screenshot to show that he DOES currently show as in-network.

My question is do I have any recourse with the insurance seeing as they provided incorrect information that was not realized until my dentist office pointed it out. I.e., if I had called the insurance in June to verify in network, they would have said yes. I'm sure it's easier to get blood out of a stone but didn't know if there is anything I can do other than jump ship at the next open enrollment.

Very, very interesting story to watch. Haven’t really thought through it yet, but the implications and precedent could potentially be huge.


Police are investigating the first case of rape in the metaverse after a child was 'attacked' in a virtual reality video game.

The girl under the age of 16 is said to have been left distraught after her avatar – her digital character – was gang raped by the online strangers.

The headset-wearing victim did not suffer any injuries as there was no physical attack.

But officers said she suffered the same psychological and emotional trauma as someone who has been raped in the real world as the 'VR' experience is designed to be completely immersive.

I just saw back to back ads for the Masked Singer and We Are Family, the competition where a panel of judges need to guess who the famous relative of a singing contestant might be, and I'm beginning to wonder if this reality/music competition bender the networks have been on for the last few years has played itself out.

Are there any dumber reality show concepts than these?

2 good seats for WBB tonight versus Kansas. Section 113 Row 9 (plus a numbered parking pass north of Hilton if we can meet somewhere). $25 total.

Hey all, looking at getting a sports watch for walking and hiking (I dont run) as well keep an eye on general items such as heart rate, Oxygen (SPO2), fitness, quality of sleep, other.... It would be nice to have GPS features as well, although I have some of those features with my Wahoo for biking.

Just started looking into this market and thought I would start with a basic sports watch as I don't believe I need a $800 watch t this point.

Anyway I'm looking at the Coros Pace 3 as it has a terrific battery life, however, the bread crumbs for mapping is disappointing for when off grid. Price is great though, warranty is very good and customer support seems to get good reviews compared to other larger companies.

Polar Pacer Pro is interesting too.

Fitbit is interesting, however, appears you need a subscription to get the most out of it so I stopped looking into it.

Any thoughts/experience with sport watches? Any must have capabilities or functions?
Thanks
Yaz

**SOLD**
ISUMBB vs. Oklahoma State - 4 seats together and D5 Parking Pass
Section 237, Row 9, Seats 9-12
D5 Parking (parking pass is printed and will need to be mailed or picked up in person)

Sat 01/13 5pm vs. Oklahoma State $160 for everything/OBO

Best offer takes all
**SOLD**

**SOLD**
ISUMBB vs. Houston - 4 seats together and D5 Parking Pass
Section 237, Row 9, Seats 9-12
D5 Parking (parking pass is printed and will need to be mailed or picked up in person)

Tue 01/09 6pm vs. Houston $125 for everything/OBO

Best offer takes all
**SOLD**

I think it's fair at this point in the season to say that Oklahoma and Texas are 1 and 2.

Who do you have at #3?

Hi guys,

Here is video from yesterday's interviews! I was not in attendance but Rob and Ben were. I was stuck in meetings.

Enjoy!

Trying to get a jump on tickets to this game as it is a rare game that is within easy driving distance for us. Is it best to try to buy tickets directly from the
Bearcats website or does ISU purchase a block of tickets for traveling alums and others? Or does the local Cincinnati Alum club reserve tickets for local and out-of-state attendees?Would really love to be seated with ISU fans. Any info much appreciated!

I told my friend that back in the day, Jack Trice had a jacuzzi in the South end zone during football games and he clearly does not believe me (Sooners fan). I am trying to win the bet, but I just can't find any pics of the infamous hot tub. Does anyone have a pic they are willing to share to prove him wrong??

Happy new year!

Quarterly roundup of notable comments/quips from Cyclone Fanatic, October-December, 2023.

Sampling of amusements I encountered & documented. If anyone recalls a nugget I missed, please add to thread.

Some entries have been edited for clarity, brevity, spelling and all that.

Key:
Bold is thread title (or summary of it)
*** indicates break in narrative flow.

In case you missed it: CF Notable Posts: Q3 2023 (belated) ... (delayed roundup, posted a few days ago).

What’s a company you think sh-t the bed discontinuing specific products?
@Clonehomer: Alpha-Bits either was discontinued or my local stores have stopped carrying it. I feel bad for my kids to not get to spell all the naughty words in the milk.

Roctober?
@madguy30: How about one of these years, we see an Olinetober?
@Chipper: Blocktober.

Friday OT: Musica Obscura
@Angie: What is a band or song that is somewhat obscure that you enjoy?
@Clonefan32: I recently made my kids listen to some of the music I listened to in high school like System of a Down, Deftones, etc., and they were appalled.

Kansas NCAA ruling
@JP4CY: A lot of smoke that "the punishment" will be announced Wednesday by NCAA.
@cycloneG: I predict the death penalty for Iowa State.
@Prone2Clone: Forfeit exhibition win vs. Marathon Oil in 1985.

What are the benefits of Cyclone Fanatic premium?
@Rabbuk: A CF staff member washes your car every quarter.
@carvers4math: I believe @ChrisMWilliams will pee on your dog if you take it to Bondurant.
***
@BWRhasnoAC: The benefits are no ads, a premium forum without the morons and lots of insider info.
@trevn: As a premium subscriber and a moron, I take offense to this.

Williams & Blum Wednesday: Cincinnati preview, Gonzaga to Big 12 (Oct. 11)
@brentblum: Candy corn is overrated. When you can get a fun-size Snickers bar or Reese’s cup, why would anyone choose candy corn? We have moved on as a society. It’s just like the triple-option: Like, it once worked, now only Navy does it.
(Compiler’s note: Blum likes the triple-option comparison. Also cited during The Great Alanis Morissette Debate of 2022.)

Louisville basketball court
@VeloClone (re: Cy): We have a bird with fingers, wearing clothes and shoes, dribbling a basketball, and people are fixated on the teeth.

Friday OT #2: But Why?
@Angie: Thanks again to @mj4cy for this thread topic. What is something in society we accept as common/normal way of life but is weird/goofy when you take a step back?
@JM4CY: Hankies. Like, what in the actual hell?
@WooBadger18: I will not stand for hanky slander.
JM4CY: Whatever you say, Snot Pockets.

Don’t forget: Monday’s game is “Stripe Hilton.”
@Cyclonepride: ISU needs a “Color It Random Team Colors” night. We'd nail that.

Random, Useless Interesting Facts
@coolerifyoudid: A sloth can hold its breath for 40 minutes. So if you want to murder a sloth by drowning it, you'd better be committed.
@3TrueFans: This is good information. I was considering drowning a sloth, but I was only kind of half into it … 40 minutes is just too much for me.
***
@mapnerd: Is there some sort of John Tyler podcast I'm not aware of?

Milan Momcilovic Commits to ISU
@Cyched: Milan will become The White Larry Bird.

Official Iowa State vs. BYU Game Day Thread
@burn587: I wish one of the idiots in the Wendy’s commercials would start a grease fire that kills all of them. And yes, I’ve been drinking.
***
@LeaningCy (nominated by @CycloneRulzzz): The children are nestled all snug in their beds, and I'm in the basement with a glassful of bourbon.

Official Idaho State vs. Iowa State Game Day Thread
@cstrunk: As the late, great Colonel Sanders used to say, "I'm too drunk to taste this chicken."

Principal Financial Remote Work
(nominated for post of the year by @madguy30)
@KnappShack: The world was never the same after smoking in the office wasn't permitted. A g*ddamn suit, tie and an ashtray on the desk. That's when mother******* got work done. None of this WFH horse****.

Williams & Blum Wednesday: Mega Texas preview
@cycloneeric: If there's one thing I hate more than Texas, it's Mega Texas.

60th anniversary of JFK assassination (poll)
@BryceC: I look forward to the day when people stop caring about this.
@2122: Not any time soon. It was an enormous historical event, with long-lasting ramifications.
BryceC: Ramifications, such as?
@3TrueFans: This thread.

All-Time Fave One-Hit Wonder
@RonBurgundy: (posts Len “Steal My Sunshine” video)
@IASTATE07: I like the song. Music video weirds me out, since they are brother and sister.
RonBurgundy: Certainly not this video, shot in an afternoon on a Sony HandyCam. Did you see that post-production editing? Someone made the most of their new software. Too bad they blew their budget on scooter rentals.

Official Iowa State vs. DePaul game day thread
@CYDJ: Mom gets some.
cyclones500: This seems like a perfect setup for @CoachHines3.
CoachHines3: I’ve really matured in the last 6 hours.

Official Prairie View A&M vs. Iowa State game day thread
@Acer88: PVA&M appears to play better defense than Iowa.
@IlliniCy: World War II France played better defense than Iowa does.
***
@CycloneRulzzz: Laughing at all the doomsday posts. We nearly doubled them up today.
@CloneLawman: Should have tripled them, man. No excuse for only doubling. Sloppy sloppy.

Favorite/Least favorite Christmas carol
(@1UNI2ISU posts “Mary, Did You Know?”)
@nrg4isu: I'm going to hell for this (and many other things), but every time I hear this song, I can only think "Mary did you know how babies are made?"

Men’s College Basketball Thread
@Pope: Purdue is only 7 feet, 4 inches away from being a very average team.

Friday OT: To Nog or Not to Nog
@BCClone: My MIL sent some lutefisk home with us once. I wouldn’t eat it, so I threw mine out for the dog to eat. After lunch, I looked at him and he was licking his butthole to get the taste out of his mouth.

Candy bar hot takes
@MeanDean: Dark chocolate is hipster trash. Bitter is not better.

Friday OT: All I Want For Christmas
@GMackey32: Hey, some of these surgeries I shouldn't be having this young. It's not fair.
@JM4CY: Penis extension surgery can be done on anyone.
@Ms3r4ISU: Not me.

The apostrophe
@CY88CE11: Several people gave us gifts with an apostrophe in our name for our wedding. Had to throw them all out. I will not be complicit in your awful grammar usage.

New Big 12 Arenas
@AuH2O: WTF is Cincy’s basketball arena? It looks like it should be divided into a Verizon store, Mattress Firm and Noodles & Company.

Liberty Bowl postgame thread
@Proton: ISU didn’t give up after being down 19-0. I’m drunk.
@Spam: We would've won if we hadn't lost. That's my in-depth take.

Nominee for Thread Derailment of the Quarter
Who is 3rd-best team in Big 12?
—> side-tracked into discussion about food-poisoning & diarrhea

-30-

In recognition of ISU's invite to the Liberty Bowl, this week's On That Note is looking for songs containing any of the following words - either in the title or lyrics:

Liberty
Bowl
Memphis
Tennessee

To widen the topic enough to get plenty of posts we will accept any song reference to some thing or some place located in Tennessee. Things like Nashville, Graceland, Smoky Mountains etc.

Your On That Note team consists of @cyclones500, @CycloneRulzzz and me.

Last week the OTN topic was Jump. It can be found here: On That Note: Jump | CycloneFanatic: The Internet's most popular site for fans of the Iowa State Cyclones

My First Five

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I have an extra pair, Section 208 row 12

$40 for the pair, Venmo or PayPal.

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She won it again!

Brown needs to win one here soon. 6 Double-doubles already!

We need a thread about things to do in Memphis. Let's talk about our favorite restaurants, bars, and other destinations.

FS—2 tickets for men vs Okie State on Saturday Jan. 13, 2024 (Sec 216, row 9, seats 3&4) plus D-5 Hilton Lot parking pass. $100. I’m in Ames-Boone area.

New update from Josh Flickinger. Enjoy.

Most of you know that I only was able to take in the first half of the game live, but I stayed up and watched the entire thing after getting home last night. Had a band gig at Revelton Distillery in Osceola from 4-7. There are quite a few things to glean from this one...so here goes...

The first half started a bit ugly after the ladies worked to a 6-5 lead. OSU went on a three point barrage mainly due to a lack of defense on our part. The defensive focus seemed to be to stop the inside game, but the ladies were leaving the three much too open. OSU surged out to a nice lead, but...and this is what I like about this young team...the young sisters showed composure and fought back. The defense settled down a little, but the offense is what really started to flow. Passing settled down and the ladies were making some nice shots. It was back and forth for the rest of the first half with ISU getting 5-6 point leads and OSU answering back. Just very competitive ball. Joens and Brown looked like veterans out there - not rookies. Crooks just keeps doing her thing with confidence. Of great importance, Crooks appears to have been working on her free throws. Of great importance, the ladies were sweeping up every missed shot from OSU. There were no second chances. By the end of one the ladies led by 3.

The second quarter saw some good and bad. More good. AJ showed zero hesitation to put the ball up when given the opportunity. Her shots were deadly yesterday and critical. She was also doing a very good job as floor leader. The bad was way too many missed bunnies. Overall, the quarter was another back and forth as both teams scored and had misses. It was just close all the way. I kept watching Gusters to see what I thought of her. Just when I wished Crooks had a nice short range jumper like Gusters...bang...she goes and hits one. Folks...I'm very happy we have our center. Gusters is a nice player, but we have one that is a couple of steps up from there. The quarter and half ended in style as Crooks made a soft lay in and hustled to the other end to take a charge to end OSU scoring. The sisters led 40-38 at the half. Very competitive game.

A few third quarter observations. One thing we saw yesterday was Brown’s step back ten foot jumper is just automatic. Not a prettier shot out there. For the most part the beginning of this quarter was offensive pain. Neither team was scoring although AJ finally broke the proverbial ice with another trey to put ISU up 47-40. She was on fire yesterday. A downside was seeing Brown really struggle at the line. She was just off yesterday. Just as we’ve seen before, when Ryan is on the floor things happen. She didn’t do a lot of scoring yesterday, but she had some highlight assists. While she was in the game the lead was stretched to 12 points with every basket having an assist attached to it. It was 59-47 after three. That’s a very nice 19-9 quarter. Defense definitely had made some adjustments.

Now, keep in mind that OSU is a much more experienced team that the sisters. Yes, they have one of the very good freshmen in Heard, but they have a lot of experience on the court and you knew they weren’t going away. We’ve seen this earlier in the season, and we will see it again, as OSU applied a full court press. The sisters just seemed lost and tried forcing too many things. Four straight turnovers to start the quarter and OSU scored on every one in transition. Just as the bleeding saw the lead getting narrow Brown hit a banked trey to keep it at ten at the halfway mark. But the turnovers didn’t stop. And OSU kept banging away. Again, just as the lead was cut to six, an assist fed the ball to AJ for another of her treys. Just enough breathing room and too little time. The ladies would battle it out to take a 76-68 victory on the road.

Observations

POG - has to go to AJ this time. She emerged (as we knew she would) as a dangerous scorer. If she hits shots like this consistently, this is a much more dangerous team. Fourteen points of 4-5 shooting from deep.

I’ll just get this out of the way. Our kryptonite has been put on display. The full court press is something I’m sure the coaching staff will work on. It led to 14 second half turnovers after only having 4 in the first half.

Crooks - she just does her thing. Soft hands. Good movement. Continues to impress me with her growth. She knows her game. Twenty-one points and seven boards. And she was playing against a highly touted player in Gusters. Guess who won that battle?

Brown - Last year I absolutely loved watching Fritz play. She was the grittiest player on our team. Well, that is definitely Brown this year. She isn’t afraid to dive into any melee. She can shoot inside and out. She rebounds hard and she can distribute the ball like a point guard. Just another day at the office as she had 20 points, 9 boards and 5 assists. Why can’t Brown and Crooks share a Freshman of the Week honor? Only downside were five turnovers.

Natabou - Another very good game as she really played well on defense. You can tell she is learning as she grows in our system. Ten points and four boards in only 12 minutes. This time there was no drop off when she came in the game.

Joens - not a lot of flashy shots, but that doesn’t always seem to be her thing. She just plays Joens ball. Three points and three rebounds doesn’t show what all she did defensively and helping to move the ball on offense.

Diew - well, I’ve gotten used to Ms. Inconsistent. She is either hot or cold from game to game and this was a cold one. Two points and three boards on 1-9 shooting. Some of the shots were just bad ones. Of course I fully expect to see her on fire come Wednesday.

Ryan - played the most minutes of the year. She found creative ways to share the ball with some outstanding assists. Four points, four boards and six assists. She makes things tick with this young team.

Bristow - As I watched the game there were few highlights that made her jump out. But one thing you can count on from her is rebounding. She pulled in seven critical boards.

Belanger - her injury was talked about prior to the game. She is definitely hurt and was still able to play fifteen minutes. But everything about her offense was just “off.” This is another reason why AJ’s offensive emergence was so critical. We need Belanger back.

Rebounding - So, there were several keys to the game. This was probably the biggest. The ladies ended up with a 48-21 rebounding edge. There were NO second chances for OSU and some of our offensive boards resulted in points. This was fun to watch. Did we have stick-em on our hands?

Three point shooting - our best game so far. 39% from the field on 23 shots. I’ll take nearly 40% every game please.

Free throws - we just didn’t get to the line yesterday. Only shot 7 free throws with four coming from Brown. She had both misses. Crooks made all three of hers. OSU had 18 attempts. Most of those in the fourth quarter.

Assists - over half of our shots had assists attached to them. Sixteen total. This is a very good thing. Ryan and Brown are doing a great job of seeing the open player and then we convert.

This was a good road test for our growing team. We can call them young all we want, but they don’t look anything like the team that took the court in November. They are smart. They are learning. They are becoming a threat. Other teams had best take notice. Now if we can just figure out how to handle a press….

See you all Wednesday for a big game versus KU!

I thought he played really well today in spite of the coaching and we might just have a quarterback. Neither pick was really his fault and he was throwing some dimes. Add in the fact that he had food poisoning and was allegedly puking and halftime, kid is a warrior too. Staff needs to do a complete 180 on philosophy before Okie State and let Rocco cook out there