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Serious business: It only looks like we're watching TV

By Jack Lail (Contact)
Originally published 09:14 a.m., March 21, 2008
Updated 09:14 a.m., March 21, 2008

Ah, yeah, Boss I'm on that report (that was no foul) and I'm giving it my full attention (You tell 'em Bruce).

Thousands of Tennessee fans will be mightly productive beginning at 12:15 p.m.

While you're watching the game on TV or on the computer, you can also be doubly productive by blogging along with sports writer Dave Hooker, who'll be courtside to a TV as well. Go to his blog and comment along with friends during the game.

And while Tennessee is heavily favored over American, there could come that Belmont moment.

Do people call in sick, take off days or generally hang around the TV on the clock during the games? This video suggests a few of us might.

Chicago-based outplacement consultant Challenger, Gray & Christmas certainly says they do. The firm says office workers will cost their employers $1.7 billion in lost productivity revenue during the NCAA men’s basketball tournament.

But a lot of people have pointed out that this stuff is a pretty bogus headline grabber. Salon media critic Jack Shafer is but one.

I totally agree with Shafer. It's never happened. Besides, watching a little TV has never interferred with my work. It may be what I do best. They wouldn't have put like 15 TV sets in this newsroom if we weren't supposed to watch them, right?

Oh, right, I didn't mean they voted 75-66.

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.

       11 Comments

Posted by ThaiVolFan on March 21, 2008 at 9:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I live in Thailand and I was wondering what is the best way to watch the games on the web? I saw just yesterday where ESPNU has it set up to watch the games live on the web. Is this the best option out there, or is there something that provides a better feed on another site? Just thinking that maybe some of you guys might have found the best way to watch over the internet and that you could give me a little advice. Thanks.
Go Vols!

Posted by VolFan_stuck_in_FL on March 21, 2008 at 10:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

also try www.ncaasports.com/mmod

just sign up and it's free to watch all the games

Posted by johnlg00 on March 21, 2008 at 10:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

You could try cbssports.com. You can sign up to receive live streaming video of any game you choose. Better sign up NOW, however, as the system can only accommodate so many feeds at a time. Last year, it could only serve 200,000 feeds at once, though I have heard that they have increased their capacity this year.

Posted by ThaiVolFan on March 21, 2008 at 10:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Thanks guys. I really appreciate the help and the advice. I'll have to stay up late and watch this one as I am 12 hours ahead of Central US Time. Game is 12:15 a.m. for me. No big deal. I did it every week during football season. I'm just so glad that I have a reason to do the same for Vol hoops.

I think with the early loss in the SEC tourny, we will be hungry and ready to put a string of wins together. I hope a string of 6. Go gettem' Bruce!

Posted by Huntingdonvol on March 21, 2008 at 10:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Good read abought todays matchup Tennessee vs, American http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/...

Posted by HotlantaVol on March 21, 2008 at 11:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I actually was sick yesterday. Called in and slept right through the UK and UGA games. Unfortunately I'm back at work in time for the UT game. Oh, well.

As much unpaid overtime on nights and weekends as I put in, a little slack time during March shouldn't matter much. Besides, the boss is a Miami grad and is certainly doing the same thing in his office.

Posted by ccantrell on March 21, 2008 at 12:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Why is Ramar not getting any PT?
Must be sick or in trouble...

Posted by GoVol on March 21, 2008 at 3:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

In an earlier article Lofton suggested the team must play 'as if it was their last game'. Well, with play like that...it should have been their last game. What has happened to the TN team we knew not long ago? Bring on the TN team that played Memphis St....that's the team we want!!!

Another outing like today and they'll be gone next round.

Posted by kimzy1961 on March 21, 2008 at 5:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey VOL fans!
How about helping a BIG ORANGE BROTHER out!
Click or copy and paste the link below and vote for awVols1985, the TENNESSEE representative on CBSsportsline's Member Mayhem contest! Let's keep UT in the essay tournament too!
Thanks for your interest and participation!

http://www.sportsline.com/mcc/message....

GO VOLS ! ! !

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