Below is a discussion of UW Husky rowing, a film and the director’s Tiquilla.

History of the Pac-12 Conference

The Pac-12 Conference, originally known as the Pacific Coast Conference (PCC), was founded in 1915. The PCC was the first iteration of what would become the Pac-12, with initial members including the University of California (Berkeley), the University of Washington, the University of Oregon, and Oregon Agricultural College (now Oregon State University). Over the years, the conference expanded and underwent several name changes:

• 1959: The PCC disbanded, and the Athletic Association of Western Universities (AAWU) was formed.
• 1968: The conference was renamed the Pacific-8 (Pac-8) after adding more members.
• 1978: The conference became the Pacific-10 (Pac-10) with the inclusion of the University of Arizona and Arizona State University.
• 2011: The conference was renamed the Pac-12 after adding the University of Colorado and the University of Utah.

The Pac-12 was known for its strong athletic programs, particularly in NCAA championships, earning the nickname “Conference of Champions”.

Disbandment of the Pac-12

By 2024, ten of the Pac-12’s schools had announced plans to leave for other conferences, leading to the conference shrinking to just two schools: Oregon State and Washington State. This significant reduction in membership led to the Pac-12 being declared “nonautonomous” by the NCAA within its football governance structure. The departure of these schools was driven by various factors, including financial incentives, media rights deals, and the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics.

Impact on Rowing Rivalries: Cal vs. UW

The rivalry between the University of California, Berkeley (Cal) and the University of Washington (UW) in rowing is one of the most storied in collegiate sports. This rivalry dates back to 1903 for the men’s varsity eight and 1977 for the women’s varsity eight. The annual dual races between these two schools have been a highlight in the rowing community, with UW currently leading the men’s series 74-32-1 and the women’s series 23-19.

The disbandment of the Pac-12 could impact this rivalry by altering the competitive landscape and scheduling of events. However, given the deep-rooted tradition and mutual respect between the two programs, it is likely that the rivalry will continue independently of conference affiliations. The historical significance and competitive nature of the Cal vs. UW rowing rivalry suggest that both schools will strive to maintain this annual event.

2024 UW Rowing Season Highlights

The University of Washington (UW) rowing team had a remarkable 2024 season, marked by several significant victories and events:

Key Competitions and Results

1. Head of the Lake (November 5, 2023)
   • Held in Seattle, WA, UW won all races in this regatta.
2. Class Day Regatta (March 16, 2024)
   • This event took place in Seattle, WA, with the seniors winning the race.
3. UCSD Dual (March 20, 2024)
   • UW “A” team won the race held in Chula Vista, CA.
4. IRA Sarasota Invitational (March 29-30, 2024)
   • UW won the Benderson Cup and secured first place in the 2V8+, 3V8+, and 4V8+ categories, while finishing second in the V8+.
5. Husky Open (April 6, 2024)
   • UW won all races in this event held in Seattle, WA.
6. Oregon State Dual (April 13, 2024)
   • UW won all races in this dual meet held in Seattle, WA.
7. UW-Cal Dual (April 20, 2024)
   • This annual rivalry event was held in Redwood City, CA, with UW competing against Cal. The UW-Cal Dual on April 20, 2024, saw the University of Washington (UW) men’s rowing team winning the Schoch Cup and four out of five races against the University of California, Berkeley (Cal)
8. Windermere Cup/Opening Day Regatta (May 4, 2024)
   • UW won the 38th Windermere Cup, defeating crews from the Italian National Team and Wisconsin. The varsity eight finished with a time of 5:45.830, significantly ahead of the competition.
9. Pac-12 Championships (May 19, 2024)
   • Held in Gold River, CA, this was the final Pac-12 Championships before the conference’s disbandment. UW won the varsity eight (V8+), second varsity eight (2V8+), third varsity eight (3V8+), and varsity four (V4+) races, securing their 19th conference title.
10. IRA National Championships (May 31 – June 2, 2024)
    • UW competed in this national event held in West Windsor, NJ.
11. Head of the Charles Regatta (October 20, 2024)
    • Overall, the UW Huskies demonstrated strong performances across multiple events, particularly with their historic win in the Men’s Championship Fours and top finishes in both men’s and women’s Championship Eights.

Reception of “The Boys in the Boat” Film

“The Boys in the Boat,” directed by George Clooney, is a film based on the true story of the University of Washington’s 1936 men’s rowing team. The film had its world premiere in Los Angeles on December 11, 2023, and was released in the United States on December 25, 2023.

Critical Reception

• Rotten Tomatoes: The film received a 58% approval rating from critics, with an average rating of 6.1/10. The consensus was that while the film tells its inspirational story with heart, its traditional approach limited its impact.
• Metacritic: The film scored 54 out of 100, indicating “mixed or average” reviews.
• Audience Reception: CinemaScore reported an average grade of “A” from audiences, and PostTrak indicated that 86% of filmgoers gave it a positive score.

Box Office Performance

• The film grossed $5.7 million on its first day, finishing fourth at the box office. It made $21.9 million in its first week and $6 million in its second weekend, totaling $55.4 million.

Impact on UW Rowing

The film brought additional publicity to the UW rowing team throughout the 2024 season. Six cast members from the film attended the Windermere Cup, adding to the event’s visibility and excitement.

The key details from the sources are:

• The Weinstein Company originally acquired the film rights to the book in 2011. The film rights to the book were sold the day after the book was sold to Viking Press, the publisher.
• After several stops and starts at The Weinstein Company, Weinstein Company did not end up making the film adaptation. The reasons are not explicitly stated, but it is implied that this was due to the sexual misconduct allegations and scandal surrounding Harvey Weinstein that emerged in 2017. Harvey Weinstein was convicted of rape and sexual assault in 2020 and is currently serving a 23-year prison sentence in New York.
• The author, Daniel James Brown, expressed frustration with the lack of progress on the film at The Weinstein Company and hoped the rights would transfer to a new studio 
• After The Weinstein Company’s bankruptcy in 2018, the rights were purchased by MGM and Lantern Entertainment as part of the bankruptcy auction 
• By 2020, George Clooney ended up directing the film adaptation for a 2023 release.

Impact of Pandemic on Filming:

• Filming was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with Clooney revealing that the cast and crew were hit by the Delta variant during production.
• This led to scheduling challenges, as they had to shoot different sides of scenes months apart when actors recovered from illness.
• Clooney mentioned using storyboards and carefully planning to work around absences due to COVID-19 cases among the cast and crew.
• Despite the challenges, Clooney expressed gratitude that they were inoculated, as he has asthma and could have been in serious trouble if infected before vaccines were available.

The Director’s Tiquilla

George Clooney came up with the idea for his tequila brand, Casamigos, quite serendipitously. Here are the key points detailing how the idea originated and developed:

1. Friendship and Shared Passion: The idea for Casamigos started between George Clooney and his long-time friend, Rande Gerber, while they were spending time in Mexico. The two friends, along with property developer Mike Meldman, owned neighboring homes in a property development called Casamigos, which means “house of friends” in Spanish.
2. Desire for a Perfect Tequila: Clooney and Gerber were frustrated with the hangovers they experienced from commercial tequilas and wanted to create a tequila that they could drink all day without getting a hangover. They aimed to craft a smooth, high-quality tequila that could be enjoyed straight, without the need for salt or lime.
3. Extensive Research and Development: The friends embarked on a mission to create their ideal tequila. They spent nearly two years and sampled around 700 different recipes before settling on the perfect blend. They worked closely with local distilleries in Jalisco, Mexico, to refine their product.
4. Accidental Business Venture: Initially, the tequila was meant for their personal use and to share with friends. However, as word spread about the quality of their tequila, demand grew. They found themselves ordering more than 1,000 bottles each year, which led to the realization that they needed to get licensed to continue sharing it legally.
5. Commercial Launch: With the help of their well-connected friend Mike Meldman, who had expertise in marketing and catering to the high-end market, they decided to commercialize their tequila. Casamigos was officially launched in 2013, and it quickly gained popularity due to its quality and the celebrity status of its founders.
6. Rapid Growth and Success: Casamigos became one of the fastest-growing tequila brands in the world. The brand’s success was further amplified by its simple yet elegant packaging and the founders’ personal involvement in tasting every batch. In 2017, the brand was sold to Diageo for $1 billion, marking a significant milestone in its journey. (Clooney’s share was reportedly $230 million pre-tax)

Diageo is a British multinational alcoholic beverage company. It is one of the largest producers and distributors of spirits and beer in the world. The company was formed in 1997 from the merger of Guinness plc and Grand Metropolitan.

Key Details about Diageo:

• Headquarters: Diageo is headquartered in London, United Kingdom.
• Products: Diageo’s portfolio includes a wide range of alcoholic beverages, such as Scotch whisky, beer, and other spirits. Some of its leading brands include Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, Baileys, Captain Morgan, Tanqueray, and Gordon’s gin.
• Global Presence: Diageo operates from 132 sites around the world and has a presence in over 180 countries.
• Financials: For the year 2023, Diageo reported a revenue of £23.515 billion and a net income of £3.766 billion.
• Employees: The company employs around 30,000 people globally as of 2024.

Diageo is known for its extensive marketing and promotion efforts, distribution and logistics support, training and education programs, and customer support services to build brand awareness and drive sales.

Diageo owns a vast portfolio of over 200 brands, many of which are highly popular and globally recognized. Here are some of the most notable and popular brands owned by Diageo:

Scotch Whisky

1. Johnnie Walker: The world’s best-selling Scotch whisky brand, known for its range of blended Scotch whiskies.
2. Lagavulin: A well-known single malt Scotch whisky from the Isle of Islay.
3. Talisker: Another popular single malt Scotch whisky, known for its maritime character.

Vodka

1. Smirnoff: The world’s best-selling premium distilled vodka, known for its clean taste and versatility in cocktails.
2. Ketel One: A premium vodka brand that is highly regarded for its smoothness and quality.

Gin

1. Tanqueray: The world’s most celebrated gin, known for its classic London Dry style.
2. Gordon’s: Another popular gin brand, known for its distinctive juniper-forward flavor.

Rum

1. Captain Morgan: A leading brand of spiced rum, popular for its versatility in cocktails.
2. Buchanan’s: Known for its rich and smooth flavor, often enjoyed neat or on the rocks.

Liqueurs

1. Baileys Irish Cream: The world’s best-selling cream liqueur, known for its rich and creamy taste, often enjoyed in coffee or desserts.

Beer

1. Guinness: The world-leading iconic stout, known for its dark color and creamy head, brewed at the St. James’s Gate Brewery in Dublin, Ireland.

American Whiskey

1. Bulleit Bourbon: A popular bourbon known for its high rye content and bold flavor.

Tequila

1. Don Julio: A premium tequila brand known for its high-quality production and smooth taste.
2. Casamigos: Co-founded by George Clooney, this brand has gained significant popularity for its smooth and refined taste.

Other Notable Brands

1. Crown Royal: The top-selling Canadian whisky in the United States, known for its smoothness and rich flavor.
2. J&B: A well-known blended Scotch whisky, popular in many markets around the world.

These brands represent just a fraction of Diageo’s extensive portfolio, which spans a wide range of alcoholic beverages, including spirits, beer, and wine. Diageo’s commitment to quality and innovation has helped these brands achieve global recognition and popularity.

Conclusion

George Clooney’s idea for Casamigos Tequila originated from a personal desire to create a high-quality, smooth tequila that he and his friends could enjoy without the adverse effects of hangovers. What began as a private passion project among friends evolved into a globally recognized and highly successful tequila brand, thanks to their dedication to quality and strategic marketing efforts

Origin of the Song “Tequila”

The song “Tequila,” which is often played by the University of Washington’s Husky Marching Band, has an interesting origin and history.

1. Written by The Champs: “Tequila” is a rock and roll instrumental song written by Chuck Rio (the stage name of Danny Flores) and recorded by the American group The Champs. The song was released in 1958.
2. Recording and Release: The song was recorded at Gold Star Studios in Hollywood, California. It was initially released as the B-side of a single, but it quickly gained popularity and became a hit in its own right.
3. Success and Impact: “Tequila” reached number one on the Billboard chart in March 1958 and became a classic rock and roll instrumental. The song is characterized by its catchy saxophone riff and the repeated shout of “Tequila!”.

Connection to the University of Washington

1. Husky Marching Band Tradition: The Husky Marching Band at the University of Washington has adopted “Tequila” as one of its signature songs. During performances, particularly at football games and rowing competitions, the band plays the song, and students and fans shout “Tequila!” during the appropriate pause in the music.
2. Game Day Atmosphere: The song is part of the lively and spirited game day atmosphere at Husky events.It is one of several traditions that engage the crowd and enhance the overall experience of attending a UW football game or rowing regatta.

Summary

The song “Tequila” was written by Chuck Rio and recorded by The Champs in 1958 at Gold Star Studios in Hollywood, California. It became a number one hit and a rock and roll classic. The University of Washington’s Husky Marching Band has incorporated “Tequila” into their repertoire, making it a beloved tradition where students and fans enthusiastically shout “Tequila!” during the song’s performance at sporting events. Because of George Clooney – his directing the film Boys in the Boat and his development of the wildly available Casamia Tequila, there will hardly be an event involving the UW rowing athletes that won’t include it.

Influence on 2024 Presidential Election:

• Clooney wrote an opinion piece for the New York Times urging Joe Biden to “step aside” and not seek re-election, citing concerns about Biden’s age and ability to defeat Donald Trump 24.
• At the Venice Film Festival in September 2024, Clooney praised Biden’s decision to exit the presidential race, calling it “the most selfless act since George Washington” 4.
• Clooney had previously co-hosted a major Hollywood fundraiser for Biden’s campaign, which was described as the “largest fundraiser supporting any Democratic candidate in history” 4.
• After Biden’s withdrawal, Clooney endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee 4.

While Clooney is not a billionaire, his significant wealth and celebrity status have allowed him to wield considerable influence in political circles, particularly within the Democratic Party. His public statements and endorsements appear to have played a role in shaping the narrative around the 2024 presidential race, though the exact extent of his influence on Biden’s decision to withdraw is not definitively stated in these sources.