Super Bowl XLVIII – What did Spogo think?
Well, the Super Bowl didn’t end up being so super after all (unless you’re from Seattle). The Broncos and Peyton Manning were destroyed (43-8) by a hungry Seahawks defense and opportunistic offense.
While the game may have been over in the first half, we kept things interesting here at Spogo. Thousands of predictions were made on more than 50 in-game questions…and many of those predictions were very accurate. Over the course of the game, we awarded over 2 MILLION Spogo points! That’s about 4,000 plates of free nachos. Here’s a look at some of our favorite questions:
Spogo update! Time to get competitive…
The Spogo-verse spoke, and Team Spogo listened.
After hours, weeks, MONTHS of learning about our users, we came to one clear conclusion: Spogoers want to COMPETE! Not only against the “house”, but also against friends and other playing Spogo. That’s what this app update is all about. Competition.
Update your Spogo, and here’s what you’ll find:
Compete with friends (and enemies) on our new leaderboards.
Every game will have its own leaderboard, and you’ll be able to track where you stand amongst others playing that game.
Win bonus points and other prizes for finishing at the top.
The top three in every game will split a point purse (10,000 or more) and also be eligible for special prizes. For the AFC and NFC Championship games we are giving away…
A new “MAX” button that allows you to quickly wager the maximum.
Yes, we know, tapping that button 100 times can get a little tedious….
See what % of players predict each answer for every question!
For each question, you’ll be able to see what other Spogoers think will happen. Are you with ’em or against ’em?
Hey Boston, you’re not dreaming. We’re World Champions.
I woke up on the couch in a contorted position, with a stiff neck and a headache. The TV was at the end of a recording, paused with David Ortiz hoisting an absurdly large champagne bottle over his head. There was a much smaller, cheaper, half empty beer bottle in front of me. I felt like I was waking up from a long, beautiful dream. It took me a second, but then I uncontrollably smiled, realizing it wasn’t a dream. It was real. The Red Sox had won the World Series. In Boston.
It’s cliché, but the 2013 Boston Red Sox are one of those stories that I’ll tell my grandchildren about. The last time the Red Sox won the World Series at home, at Fenway, was 1918. Woodrow Wilson was President. Babe Ruth was our ace. The teams arrived at Fenway on horse and carriage and the country was worried about the Spanish Flu.
Much has changed over the past 95 years — wars have been won and lost, we’ve travelled to the moon and back, invented the iPod, and something called Twerking. But one of the most amazing things about sports is that it serves as a type of compass for understanding and finding our past. No matter how different times were then, the fans in 1918 and those in the stands on Wednesday night, were watching the same simple, perfect game. Baseball. And they were rooting for the same team. The Boston Red Sox.
And what a team it was. From 69 wins in 2012 to 108 and a World Series trophy in 2013. From worst, to first. A perfectly crafted story of redemption that couldn’t have been scripted any better. Nobody expected this team to win except for themselves (and this kid). They played smart and patient baseball, taking pitches and churning out runs. They had consistent starting pitching that went deep into games, topped off with a lights out bullpen that pounded the strike zone. But this team wasn’t just consistent — it was clutch. 21 games were won in final at bats. Timely hitting from a bearded cast of characters throughout the entire playoffs. See: Ortiz and Victorino grand slams, Napoli solo shot, Gomes three run bomb, Victorino double, Ross double…it goes on and on. Stuff of legends.
So, when Koji Uehara threw his final splitter down and away to end Game 6 at Fenway Park, the city erupted. Inside the stadium the players, staff, fans and families smiled, cried and partied. Outside the stadium it was much of the same. Pure elation that lasted long into the night. This one was extra special. It brought the city together – stronger than ever – just months after the ugly events on Boylston street during the Boston Marathon.
As the team and its fans partied long into the night, something in the fabric of this city changed. After decades of losing, the Sox have won for the third time in nine years. This time at home. Solidifying a new, winning culture that now defines Boston and it’s people, and will continue to for generations to come. And we’re extremely lucky to be a part of it.
When I woke up yesterday morning, dazed and confused on the couch — I walked outside to get a coffee. I peered down Newbury street towards Fenway. The lights were still on. As if to remind the city that no, we’re not dreaming. We’re World Champions.
Fear the Beard — Spogo’s Red Sox Beard Power Rankings
When Jonny Gomes showed up to at Fort Myers for Red Sox spring training in March he had a few scraggly whiskers growing from his face. Seven months and 100 wins later, you might mistake the Red Sox dugout for a lumberjack convention.
Gomes now laughs at what he innocently started – but the beards have come to symbolize a changed team with a new attitude. Let’s face it, six months ago when Buchholz’s beard looked like the facial hair of a 97 year old Italian woman in the North End, not a single fan, writer, blogger or barber in Boston believed in this team. But the guys in the dugout did. And those beards have given us quite a ride.
With the Sox beating the Rays last night to move on to the ALCS, the beards are making their final push for eternal playoff glory. Here are Spogo’s power rankings for Boston’s best beards:
MVB (Most Valuable Beard) –
Jonny Gomes
While it’s far from the sexiest beard on the team, Gomes is the one that started it all. The messy, brownish orange facial hair combined with his Kevin Garnett-esque crazy eyes and tatted up arms make for one intimidating dude. I’d be scared to walk past him on the street, let alone pitch to that animal.
The Golden Beard – Mike Carp
Some say ginger, I say golden. This guy knows how to do two things: hit pinch hit grand slams and grow a beard that rivals the mane of Mufasa.
The Silver Fox – David Ross
If Just for Men had a product that made my facial hair gray, I’d buy it. David’s perfectly grayed “soup-catcher” must attract beautiful, mature, sophisticated women from miles away. Silver Fox swag indeed.
The Dirt Dog – Dustin Pedroia
The heart and soul. The engine. The spark. It all starts with Pedey. His dirt dog attitude defines the character of this team – and so does his beard. A thick, burly and well groomed mug that even Ron Swanson would be jealous of.
The Triple Crown – Mike Napoli
The triple crown is awarded to the player with the longest, most manly, well-groomed beard. Napoli’s beard rivals the likes of Karl Marx, Jesus Christ, and the cast of Duck Dynasty. It also mimics his attitude as a player – a fearless, quiet leader.
Got Beard?
Tweet or Facebook us your playoff beard and we’ll send the best beards a Spogo T!
I’ll get us going…
I have a long way to go…I hope.
Spogo is here.
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, BOYS AND GIRLS….
After months of blood, sweat and tears, we’re proud to announce the second coming of Spogo. It’s HERE!
The app is now live – so download it by clicking that massive button above (or update your old version), create an account and start making some pre-game wagers! Within the first week, you’ll be able to play Spogo for the NFL, NCAA Football and MLB! Our first live game will be the Patriots vs. Giants preseason game on Thursday night. If you look like this at your desk right now, we don’t blame you. We’re excited too…
When you launch the app, you’ll notice it looks a bit different. Check out our website, Facebook and Twitter and you’ll see some changes there too. Spogo has a brand spankin’ new logo. We also have new colors and a fresh look.
We’re thrilled to bring you this new version of Spogo. Poke around and you’ll find some exciting new features — including an activity feed to track and share your wagers, unlocked rewards and more.
Rewards are also now available at over 60 locations across Boston, Providence and NYC. You’ll be stuffing your face with free finger food before you can say “Ron Swanson”.
Spogo is officially BACK, so DON’T JUST WATCH. WIN!
Grief 101: How to Cope with the Bruins Collapse
Well, it’s been one painful stretch for Boston sports fans. The Bruins gave up two goals in the last 1:17 of the third period and handed the Stanley Cup to the Blackhawks on home ice, the Heat and Ray Allen won the NBA Championship, Rivers left the Celtics, Gronk had another back surgery and Aaron Hernandez is a potential suspect in a murder case. When things can go wrong, they will.
The day(s) after a Championship loss is always miserable. Especially after a game like last night. The city needed, and deserved to play in a Game 7. I mean, we had it! One minute the Garden was celebrating, and then before we knew it the guys in black and red were hoisting the cup. And suddenly, all of New England enters a deep state of depression.
But don’t worry, I’m here to help. Here are some key tactics in overcoming grief in the days after a crushing loss:
1. Do not watch, read or listen to anything sports related
Unfortunately for us here at Spogo, this is impossible. However, for you cube-dwellers, it’s your lucky day! Do everything in your power to avoid reading about the game or watching highlights. At least for one day. This is an extremely difficult task. People talk about the game on your bus ride to work, you catch a glimpse of ESPN buying your morning coffee, you check Facebook only to see your ex-girlfriend’s status – “there’s always next year! yay!” — it seems as though the darkness follows you wherever you go. Try to avoid it.
2. Only talk to fans who care more than you do
The most painful losses of my Boston fan career include the 2003 ALCS and the Superbowls of 2007 and 2011. After each of these games, I didn’t want to talk to a soul. Getting texts from your Mother that read, “That was a heartbreaking loss :(…Don’t be depressed! It’s summer. ” (actual text from this morning) do not help. The only way to cope is to talk to those who are in more pain than you. Commiserating is a surprisingly good medicine.
Just hug it out.
3. Look for a silver lining
I do not do this. But I’ve seen those who do and they seem much happier than I. But find positives if you can. We lost in the Stanley Cup, we were one of two teams standing in the end. We were able to watch hockey in 90 degree June heat. And with such a youthful team (sans Chara and Jagr), the Bruins have a bright future ahead of them. I don’t believe a word I just wrote, but hey, it might work for you.
I hope the above advice helps. If you are in serious danger of harming yourself or others, please call the Spogo Help Hotline at 617-IMSOSAD.
And that’s why we love sports.
Absolutely incredible. If you somehow missed what happened last night in Boston, watch below:
In the words of Jack Edwards, “Hearts o’ lions!!!” Down 4-1 with less than 11 minutes left in the third period of Game 7, the Boston Bruins staged a comeback for the ages. It’s one of those games that will live forever in Boston (and sadly, Toronto). It’s why we love sports.
Bring on the Rangers.
BOSTON STRONG.
We Are Boston
First and foremost, I want to say that our thoughts and prayers here at Spogo remain with all the victims of the tragic events that unfolded in Boston on Monday, and with their families.
As the hours slowly pass by in the aftermath of this horrific day, it can become more difficult to comprehend just what occurred. The day started as all Patriots’ Day Marathon Mondays before it—a celebration. Friends and families gathering along the historic route from the suburbs to downtown Boston, cheering on runners from around the world. It’s a day that represents the beginning of Spring as the sun warms the streets and smiles blossom. The entire Boston metropolis revels together—from elite Ethiopian runners to solo-cup grasping college students. Marathon Monday is a beautiful, diverse, community celebration.
It’s amazing how quickly things can change.
Just a few hours after joining some friends on a roof deck near the finish line, we heard two large explosions. We quickly ran downstairs and opened the doors to chaos and confusion. Someone yelled “there’s blood everywhere!” After moving quickly towards the Charles River, we ended up at a friend’s apartment. There were 7 or 8 of us sitting in front of the TV for the next few hours, utterly stunned. We called friends and family to make sure everyone was OK. The experience was surreal. Dumbfounding. How could this happen? Who did this? Why?
Since Monday, there’s been an overwhelming amount of information to digest. And it’s easy to get caught up in it—from gruesome photographs and injury reports to rumors about unexploded devices and mystery men on rooftops. In my opinion, it’s now more important than ever to restrain from spreading and exaggerating the terror, because that’s exactly what they want—a horror-fed panic that disrupts life as we know it. While it may seem impossible, by remaining calm and rational and continuing with our daily lives, we will overcome.
Let’s focus on the outpouring of support that we’ve seen from around the world. Let’s praise the heroes who saved lives. Let’s take our anger and confusion and turn it into pride. Let’s live this day as we would any other. And let’s make next year’s Boston Marathon a celebration once again.
We are Boston. We are strong. And we will prevail.
Five Awesome Gadgets I Want But Can’t Have
You know that sinking feeling when you realize you’ve lost something? Well, last Saturday, I had the unfortunate experience (not my first) of losing my cell phone. I had just used it in a cab to make a call – two minutes later when I arrived at my destination and got out of the cab, I grabbed my pocket, and felt nothing. My heart dropped, I turned around and watched the taxi turn the corner…with my phone. Tragic, I know. After a few unsuccessful days of trying to track down my poor baby, I gave up. I finally coughed up the couple hundred bucks to upgrade to the iPhone 5.
When I was in the Verizon store getting my new phone, I felt like a 5-year-old kid in a candy store…so many gadgets to play with, yet no money to buy them. So with that, I give you, the top five most awesome gadgets I want to own, but can’t (yet):
Google Glass ($400)
Expected to be on the market by the end of 2013, Google Glass allows you to view things you would normally see on a smart phone — through a pair of glasses. Confused? Here, just watch:
Nike+ Fuelband ($150)
This hi-tech wristband encourages users to stay active by measuring daily exercises through a unique point system called Fuel points. Sensors measure intensity of movement, step count and calorie intake. And of course, it syncs right to your iPhone.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MT50eLLxPco%5D
GoPro Hero3 Black Edition ($400)
The new GoPro action sports camera delivers amazing image quality unmatched by its rivals. I want this camera for when my dream of becoming a world class surfer comes true.
Samsung 85-inch Floating TV ($38,000)
The world’s largest Ultra High-Definition TV, which can be adjusted like an easel to make it feel as if it’s floating. Can you imagine watching the game on this thing and playing Spogo? Yes, please.
MarketBot Replicator 2 ($2,200)
I really have no idea what I’d use a 3D printer for; I just know that I want one.
Hey Spogo, WHAT’S NEXT?!?
As you are well aware, season one of Spogo is officially in the books — and again, from the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for making it possible. But just as 31 other NFL teams are doing today (screw you, Ravens), it’s time to look ahead. Without further ado, it’s time to answer some of our users’ most frequent questions:
“So, what’s next?! Just tell us!!”
In terms of the application itself, Spogo will be undergoing a significant redesign and rebuild to make it bigger, better, faster and stronger (sorry, Kanye). Unfortunately, this means you’ll have to wait patiently for a few months while we’re working. But when we return, Spogo will be live for multiple sports at the same time. YUP, I SAID IT. I can’t tell you exactly which sports we’ll be launching for yet, but if you use your brain, you can probably figure it out. We’ll also be working hard to bring even more venues and businesses in Boston, New York and beyond to the Spogo platform. Rewards for users will only get better, we promise.
“Why in God’s name are you moving to Providence?”
David and I will be heading down to Providence, RI for the next 3-4 months to participate in Betaspring, an accelerator program for startups. We’ll use this time to rebuild Spogo. The rest of team Spogo will be spread between Boston and New York, working hard building the app, keeping you amused on the blog, and signing up some bad ass partners.
“Will there be more parties?”
More than you can ever imagine. You’ll just have to wait for re-launch until you can do this again.
Silly silly Spogo users.
Over a year ago, Spogo started as an idea between two friends over Gchat. Today, we can proudly say that we launched an actual app that had actual users and actual partners. But we’re not nearly satisfied. It’s just the beginning. So don’t worry, we’ll be back soon! I mean, how can you not trust these guys…
(Naming Spogo — from Gchat on September 9, 2011 — 9:45pm)
David: sporto
fartygame
scorego
Andrew: Sportal
like a sports portal
David: thats actually not bad
Andrew: i know, could be better though
David: yea
Andrew: Spingo
David: splatform
god this is fu%##g impossible
Blonk
Andrew: think winning, rewards, prize, sport
WTF is blonk
David: just a cool sounding word i just made up
Splink, sports link
Andrew: Splinked In
David: haha
Andrew: sportle
David: too close to sporcle
sploosh
Andrew: whats that
David: im just thinking of cool words with sp
Andrew: oh ohk, splooge
Andrew: spwin
mehhhhhhhhhhhhh
David: nah, too awkward to say
sportpoint
pointsport
pointshimmpoeips
Andrew: iSport
iWin
David: eSport
David: wageplay
Andrew: SpoGo
David: Spogo
thats it
andrew
david
