Pregame Shows are Stupid

Pregame shows are stupid. I quit watching them a long time ago. They have been billed as a source of insider information for the true fan. Truth be told, thanks to the internet, the true fan is already up to speed on most news by the time they sit down to watch a game. Thus, pregame shows are nothing more than a 30-60 minute window to bombard viewers with more commercials.

Not ALL pregame shows are horrible. Just most of them. I do, for example, like Inside the NBA on TNT with Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Shaquille O'Neal and Kenny Smith. But that show may be going away after this post season due to the changing of the guard of NBA broadcast rights holders. Big Noon Kickoff on Fox and GameDay on ESPN have their place and are pretty good. But I don't spend a lot of time watching any of them.

By and large, my biggest problem with NFL on FOX, CBS, NBC on Sunday Night, NFL on Prime or NBA on ESPN, is producers have decided that we need as many people at the anchor desk as possible, (sometimes as many as 6 people) to tell me as little as possible in fifteen second sound bites.

Then there was the ridiculousness of the ABC/ESPN pregame production before the Pacers-Knicks game. Do we need to show Stephen A. Smith arriving at the arena like he is Michael Jordan? Are we supposed to look the other way as he performs a Knick pep rally during the show? Stephen A. should take a page out of the Kirk Herbstreit playbook and watch how he fairly covers his alma mater Ohio State and their opponent.

This is just a thumbnail description on why pregame shows are stupid. We may even discuss how and why pregame shows are stupid on Craig Shemon and Company on ESPN Southwest Florida. Let us know if you agree or disagree.

If I've said it once, I've said it a million times, there is a national holiday honoring just about anything.  And this month is no exception, it's National Hamburger Month in May, according to NationalToday.com.

What is a burger?  Merriam Webster defines a burger as similar to a hamburger, which is defined as ground beef or a patty of ground beef used in a sandwich split typically by a round bun.  Nowadays, you’ll find tofu burgers, turkey burgers, Impossible burgers, among other concoctions.  But, when it comes down to the best burger in Fort Myers, where should we go?

Burgers are a go to here in the US, whether you grab one from a food truck, at a drive thru or grill your own at a backyard BBQ at home.  Hamburgers, in my opinion, are best with cheese, fried egg, bacon, mustard and ketchup.  Yes, things get messy.

The folks over at Yelp! did the work for us.  If you're not familiar with Yelp!  they rank local restaurants and specific food and drink options based off of user reviews and recommendations.

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention a location that is loved by Southwest Florida locals, absent from this list.  We can't forget about Cabbage Key.  Their burgers are nothing fancy, but they are good and the atmosphere cannot be beat.  I also really enjoy the potato salad...a lot!

11481 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33919

The Whiskey Creek Station is a family style restaurant that has been serving the local community under different owners. Previously named Clancey's Restaurant or Clancey"s Irish Pub.

Open Tuesday - Sunday 11am - 9pm and closed on Mondays.

19800 Village Center Drive, Unit 200 Fort Myers

Fat Katz Slider Bar is sister restaurant to two local favorites, Fat Katz Sports Bar and Skinny Dogz Brunchery, both in Fort Myers.  The Slider Bar is located super close to FGCU, making this a favorite for college kids here in Fort Myers.

Open daily 11am - 9pm.

Two locations, one in Fort Myers and one in Cape Coral.  The hours vary at each location so make sure to check the hours here before you head over for a burger.

Always promising 100% fresh meat for their handcrafted burgers.  One reviewer said Jimmy Buffet probably ate a burger from Lehne's when he wrote 'Cheeseburger in Paradise'.  That's quite the compliment.

Check out their Burger Meets Craziness Tuesdays.  Order a double or bigger burger with a side and get up to seven toppings free.  On Wednesdays kids eat for $5.99 and on Thursdays you'll get a free milkshake with your burger and fries.

They've got many other specials throughout the week,  and you can read all about those here.

Two locations, one in Cape Coral and one in Downtown Fort Myers.

Providing a variety of unique homestyle scratch kitchen entrees, crafted cocktails & local craft beer.  10 Twenty Five is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 11am - 11pm, on Friday and Saturday from 11am - 12am and Sunday 11am - 8pm.

I think they'll even let you bring your dog.

16571 S Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers

Motor City is open Monday through Friday from 7am - 10pm and Sunday from 7am - 8pm.

While I am typically a hot dog girl, these burgers look delish.  A quick glance at their menu has my mouth watering.  You'll find burgers like the MCC with chili, cheese, mustard and onions, which sounds like a hot dog, and a classic burger option so you can choose your own toppings.

And get this...$2.99 burgers on Mondays

3 locations in Southwest Florida - Downtown Fort Myers - Cape Coral - Estero

12931 Orange River Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33905

Buckingham Farms is a  full farm-to-table experience! Pick up your fresh produce, order an amazing meal, or reserve a beautiful wedding & event destination today. The produce is fresh, the meals are delicious, and the farm is a sight to see!

Open Tuesday - Saturday for breakfast and lunch and on Fridays, for dinner to go, from 5pm - 6pm.

10080 Daniels Interstate Ct, Fort Myers, FL 33913

Sister restaurant to Skinny Dogz and the new Fat Katz Slider Bar.  Fat Katz serves up unique cuisine that you won't find anywhere else. Whether you're craving a juicy burger, a piled-high sandwich, or some delicious wings, we've got you covered. We pride ourselves on our homemade recipes and use of fresh, high-quality ingredients.

Fat Katz is right near my house off of Daniels and I've been many times.  FAT KATZ BURGERS ARE AMAZING!

Open daily from 11am - 9pm.