June 5, 2005

TROY, NY — This beat reporter has recently discovered and personally experienced that trash talking within the Spackler Organization is alive and well. Forecasts for Mt. Valley indicate that high levels of alcohol consumption mixed with egos of varying size will result in a perfect storm of trash talking without any historical precedent.

What is trash talking? Who does it? Is it necessary? What good is it? Trash talking can be defined as a conversation in which one person tries to upset, disorient, or anger another by means of disparaging, often vulgar and insulting language, in hopes of gaining an advantage in an athletic, mental or spiritual competition.

A recent survey of Spackler members has produced many thoughts on the subject. Captains Club members Greg Long, Jay Dilks, and Jeremy Myers all agree that trash talking should be "allowed and even encouraged". Dilks further elaborated saying, "trash talking is good for the Spackler. More money is wagered to back up the claims of greatness. It's definitely a stimulant for the economy."

Myers echoed Dilks thoughts by saying, "Trash talking is very good. As it will provide great humor to me and others who want to see trash talker and CSOC tournament rookie Surinder Punia near the bottom of the heap with me."

When asked who the #1 trash talker is, Long and Myers as well as others agreed that, "the title is held by Don McFarland who is no longer with the group". Both Long and Myers further agreed that "trash talking is an honor if the person can back it up with NOOG points". Dilks on the other had commented that, "there is no honor among thieves and I've never seen a trash talker finish in the top half of the leaderboard."  

Long offered the lone voice of reason and temperance to trash talking by saying, "There is a difference between harassment and trash talking. Trash talking is a form of excitement. Harassment is illegal and sometimes gets physical. Forty percent of the field doesn't seem to know the difference."

There it is. Trash talking is expected. Trash talking is encouraged. Trash talking is good!