When I Said Busy... I Mean Busy!

So today will probably be the last chance I get to post anything here until next week and with my schedule filling to capacity with every passing minute, postings might be thin for the next week or so... here's some highlights of my upcoming events:

Tonight: Chargers-Vikes... I will watch at least the first half, if not the entire game. Friday is also poker night with some of my buddies, so will play some cards.

Saturday Morning/Afternoon: My last chance, and only opportunity to hang with the family...specifically the kids for the weekend because...

Saturday Evening: I've been doing some freelance technical directing for a regional poker show. Have done 2 shows so far and this next one is in Wisconsin...a 5 1/2 hour drive one way...ugh. I will be only driving a few hundred miles and then jumping in with some other crew members. Arrive around midnight.

Sunday: Set up and direct poker shoot until about 7:30 PM...then hop in a car and bee-line it back home, hopefully get home around 2 AM.

Then all of next week is preparing for the first football game on September 1st...plus get trained on the new switcher I had installed earlier this year. And in the meantime...been invited to attend our local minor league baseball team game on Tuesday and my company picnic (at the exact same ballpark with a game to follow) is on Wednesday... so with the exception of Monday (which I plan on sleeping in a bit), from 8 AM until (at least) 11 PM Tuesday-Thursday almost every second of my time is allocated to doing something.... I just know that I will be doing some drinking Labor Day weekend... I've ran a fantasy football league since 1996 (hey, 10th anniversary is this year...didn't even realize that until now...) and the draft will be held Sunday. My league has always been an 'auction' style draft (way ahead of the curve, I know!) and takes about 4-5 hours...which means 4-5 hours of drinking and then after the draft all participants typically go to a bar to continue with the football talk...it is the only time all members of my league are ever all together for 3 members are from out of town and make the yearly quest to the draft.

So lots of shit going on for me, then lots of drinking... it's a busy time for me, but at the same time it can be a fun time for me... but as I mentioned before, being this busy just takes time from me that I could be doing things (like blogging) that I frequently do in my free time...

Busy!!!

As many may know (or maybe not), I work at a venue that's primary tenant is the local Division 1-AA football team (NDSU)...

With the college football season quickly approaching...my workload is greatly increased over the next few months, which prevents me from doing a lot of things I like to do with the free time I am graced with during the offseason...

So I am basically apologizing for lack of content...but I will continue to post as time permits...

Hope everyone had a great summer, but for some of us, it's time to get back to work and unfortunately I have too...

In conclusion... Go Chargers!

Gates Signs 6 Year Deal

From Chargers.com:

The San Diego Chargers signed Pro Bowl tight end Antonio Gates to a new six-year contract, just one day after returning to the team. No other terms of the contract were disclosed.

“This was our goal from the beginning ... to sign him to a long-term contract,” said General Manager A.J. Smith. “Antonio has been a model representative for the team and we believe he has a tremendous future in this league.”

“I said yesterday that I was pretty sure something would get done, but I didn’t know it would get done this quickly,” said Gates. “I’m grateful to the Chargers for seeing potential in me two years ago and now for having faith in me and wanting me to be a part of this team for a long time.”

In just his second NFL season and second season on the football field since high school, Gates led the team with 81 receptions, 964 yards and 13 touchdowns, an NFL record for tight ends. He was also voted to the AFC Pro Bowl squad.

###

Well it looks like everything turned out as good I as hoped it could. Gates will miss the first regular season game, which sucks, but what can ya do... should mean he will be really fresh for that week 2 game at Denver. I think Gates, himself, had some words with his agent - especially after yesterday's contradicting statements from himself and his agent - that had his agent accepting a 6 year deal with the Chargers, against his previous statements that they were seeking just a 3 year deal.

I'm just glad that this final piece to the Chargers offense from last year is in place. The Chargers, on a whole, are fairly young and talented team that have laid the groundwork for many successful seasons to come...let's hope it materializes!

Go Chargers!

A Gates Of Confusion

It seems as if everytime I post something regarding Antonio Gates (ie: that he will report to camp on Sunday) something changes to contradict the initial reports...

Well, here we go again...

In this AP story, Gates contradicts what his agent, Andre Colona, has said regarding their contract negotiation's deadline of September 11th (the first regular season game). Gates claims that negotiations can continue past that date:

``Absolutely,'' Gates said when asked if he'd negotiate through the season. ``The door is definitely open to negotiation. We're still talking. Things are going perfectly fine right now.''

Whereas both Charger GM and Gates' agent agree that "talks are dead in the water."

Add to the story this bizarre twist... Gates is claiming that he couldn't get a plane to get to San Diego by the Saturday deadline, but he was trying. This is probably an attempt to get reinstated for the first regular season game, something his agent also said was possible but appearing very unlikely.

To me, it appears as if Gates and his agent are either a) not talking or b) not agreeing to how things are progressing. And with today's technology and the dollars at stake, I have to think that them not talking to each other is highly unlikely. I think Gates is frustrated with his agent. I think Antonio wants to be dressed and playing football for the San Diego Chargers today and in the future. Maybe his agent is looking out for the best interestes of his client and trying to secure the dollars Antonio rightfully deserves, but some times I think you need to take a step back and realize that if Antonio is as good as all of us Charger fans hope he can be, he will not have to worry about money... and I think the Charger organization want to give Antonio a fair deal, but don't want to get a raw deal. Is it so bad for a player to sign a deal that is fair to both the club and for the player? Does one side have to get the better end of a deal?

Gates Signs

AP article here details the Antonio Gates signing/story. Although Gates' agent may have originally thought that Gates' inactive status could be changed prior to the first game, allowing him to play, from everything detailed in this latest article seems to contradict that and it appears as if Gates will miss the first regular season game against Dallas.

Also, Gates' agent said that he/Gates is willing to negotiate a new contract up to that first game against Dallas, after that they will not. So there is still some hope that Gates could be secured for future seasons with the Chargers.

Chargers-Rams Preseason Game II

Watched most all of the second preseason game (DirecTV - NFL Channel already paying off!) - Rams vs Chargers yesterday. Again, I preface my comments with that I really don't care about preseason...

Tomlinson carried the ball one time, but it was for a 55 yard touchdown...hopefully that will be the last preseason carry for him. It was good to see Kaeding off the schnide and make 2 field goals and hopefully his confidence will be restored. The offensive line has looked really good these 2 first preseason games...the 'other' Charger runningbacks had good runs themselves...Micheal Turner has looked pretty good as probably the backup to Tomlinson. Defense looked solid for the first half and wasn't until scrubs were put before the Rams were able to really put together any significant offense.

Antonio Gates reported and signed a contract today (Monday) one day after what was previously reported. And from what I've heard from Gates' agent is that Antonio will sign and play with the Chargers this year but probably won't be happy and won't be a Charger next season... which really sucks if this is true. Hopefully both sides can come to some agreement before this season ends, Gates' gets a nice contract and remains a Charger...but isn't sounding all that likely right now...

iToilet

And with the recent unveiling of the new iMac, Steve Jobs
had an idea.
"I have an idea!" he said. "Since most folks seem to think our new iMac is just a really really expensive desk lamp, maybe we should start manufacturing household appliances!"

Steve then danced around a bit, before adding "Hey! Since we're in the business of making crap, why not start with a toilet?!"

And so the iToilet was born. Apple fanatics the world over applauded the idea. Everyone else paid no attention.

Visit the IToilet Web Site here for the complete writeup on the iToilet.

Gates To Report Sunday

Latest news from the San Diego Tribune has Antonio Gates reporting to Charger camp tomorrow (Sunday 8/21). But was placed on the inactive roster today for missing the 'deadline' established by the Chargers to report or be placed on the inactive roster which will have him miss the season opener (Link To Chargers Statement Regarding Antonio Gates Missing Deadline). Of course there is some 'stipulations' that could allow Gates to play.

Towards the end of the article is what I think is what I'm most interesting in hearing about.... that Gates wants a 3 year deal while the Chargers want a 6 year deal... and it sounds like the 6 year deal is what is going to come about and it's just a matter of money now....

So long story short is that Gates will be in camp tomorrow. Hopefully news of a new contract securing Gates for possibly the next 6 years shortly follows. Gates is dressed and starting all regular season games. Hopefully both sides are satisfied and Gates and the Chargers succeed for years to come...

Gates Holding Firm

Word from Antonio Gates' camp regarding the contract talks is not good. The Chargers sent the 'ultimatum letter' this past Saturday and it states that if Gates does not report by Saturday he will be put on the inactive roster for 3 games which would include the first regular season game. The latest SDUT article has Gates' agent (Andre Colona) not offering any encouraging news for Charger fans regarding the ultimatum, stating: "It doesn't change Antonio's and my plans at all," Colona said. "We are going to go forward with our game plan. That letter does not change what Antonio and I had agreed on doing up to that point."

But as the article points out, by all appearances the Chargers have the upper-hand in negotiations. Gates can become a restricted free agent in the offseason, which gives the Chargers the option to match any offer made by any other team, but Gates needs to play in at least 6 regular season games for even that to take place. Also, if you take what the Chargers are saying at face value, that they are willing to give Antonio the league minimum for a player at his position and tenure right now ($380,000) and are willing to renegotiate, but they just want Gates in camp. If Gates and his agent think that by sitting out is going to pressure the Charger management to cave, he is sorely mistaken and in the end both the Chargers and Gates will lose...which sucks primarily for us Charger/Gates fans who would like to see Gates in all 16 games this season...

Update: Yes It Did Suck

Just a follow-up, I am literally 10 minutes out of the chair - screw going back to work...

Yes, for 1 hour and 45 minutes I was worked on, the entire time sucked ass... crown to be installed in 2 weeks...

And my insurance will pay 60%...so that means I'm out at least $450...minimum....

Did I mention that this whole 'deal' really sucks.... not only is someone inflicting the most uncomfortable pain that is legally possible and then as soon as they are done doing that to you, they say thanks and come again as they hand you THE BILL....oh joy, I get to pay for all this fun too... I can hardly wait to come back in 2 weeks to endure some more.... oh, and when's my next cleaning? I hope that's soon too so that I can spend some good quality time at the freakin' dentist office..... ugh

Man Is This Going To Suck...

A week or two ago I began to notice that one of my molars (tooth) was starting to ache when ever I chewed food using that tooth. I have a dental appointment coming up in a couple of weeks and figured if I could 'tough' it out I could have my dentist look at it when I go in for my routine checkup. Well, my tooth couldn't hold out that long... just the other night while eathing a peanut butter and jelly sandwich my tooth fell aprart. It seems as if the filling is still 'inside' of the tooth, but 1 corner of the tooth is now gone...

So in about 20 minutes from this post I should be sitting in a dentist's chair either undergoing or about too undergo some really uncomfortable and more than likely, somewhat painful dental procedures. I'm pretty sure a crown for that tooth is what will be coming my way... and what really sucks is that the dental insurance I have through my work is totally crappy... So not only will the actual procedure suck for me, the paying for it will be equally painful, making this entire experience a really crappy time....

Chargers Issue Gates Ultimatum

So the Charger front office has set a deadline for holdout, All-Pro tight end Antonio Gates. If Gates does not report and sign a contract by 12:30 PM on Saturday the Chargers are prepared to suspend him through at least the first regular season game. They are using the rationale that the staff needs to know who their tight ends will be once the season starts.

I have two comments regarding this matter...first, I know who the Chargers should have as their starting tight end... Antonio Gates. To supsend or not allow him to play is not a smart move. Second, this move is being seen as a method to accellerate contract talks, which hopefully will encourage a conclusion to the talks, but if things don't get agreed upon and turn ugly, the Chargers may have just lost or disgruntled one of their best players...which won't be good for the team...

The Non-Exploitation Of Women

I love those that decry the evils of the exploitation of women for no other reason than to view their stupidity. You see, those that seek to stop the rampant exploitation of women typically tend to be ugly and/or lesbian women, because any woman that is not ugly or a lesbian almost earns to be exploited at some time, and here's my tale to illustrate this...

As I was returning to work from my lunch break a local team of some sort was having a car wash. To advertise this car wash they had a couple of girls in bikini's on the corner of a fairly busy intersection and one that I was using at the time. Now these girls weren't ugly but they definately were not in the eye-popping, accident causing class of hot chicks that you may sometimes encounter. So as luck would have it I hit the red light and end up stopped right besides the girls...so of course they begin to try and coax me into their car wash and even though my excuse was legit in that I needed to return back to work, they refused to believe that I would want to pass up their car wash...they even made a point to tell me that the car wash was all college girls that would be doing the work...

You see, the actual car wash - to them and probably everyone else in the world with a clue - is actually non-essential. Your car may not even be clean after they finished 'washing' it, but that is not the point...they want you to park your vehicle and watch them 'wash' your car and figure that must be worth $5 or whatever the going rate is... They actually think the 'value' of their car wash is not the car wash itself, but who is doing the washing...

And let me make this clear...I'm an avid supporter in the exploitation of women, especially when the women are willing participants in the exploitation... now granted if the girls were all well-endowed and were wearing white t-shirts and had more of a water fight than a car wash, I may have had a few minutes to spare...but I digress...I'm just tired of hearing anyone trying to explain to me how it is demeaning to women, when in fact most women are promoters of the activity themselves even at the most basic, innocent levels.

Preseason Game 1 - Chargers/Packers Thoughts

Preseason wins/losses mean nothing to me...as I've stated many times...but of course fans of their respective teams will watch these games to catch a glimpse of some of the stars of tomorrow...so here are my quick thoughts about last nights game...

Most glaring is the fact that Nate Kaeding missed all three of his field goal attempts. It was raining and the conditions were far from ideal for a kicker. I hope he gets these misses out of his system during the preseason rather than the regular season. The kid has got a great leg and hopefully he will shake this poor outing off.

Phillip Rivers played the 2nd and 3rd quarters and didn't look too bad. The offensive line looked really good, several of the Charger runningbacks had respectable runs. Matt Wilhelm looked real good on defense, seen around the ball on almost every play he was on the field. I thought the Chargers looked good...but mostly scrubs and backups played, so it is really tough for me to get overly excited...

Some observations:

First: ESPN's Suzy Kolber, could she please emphasize more...look at her neck sometime and I think her neck is about to constrict her...but unfortunately it never happened. And can she be any dumber? After all the ESPN 'talent' (and that word is used extremely loosely in this case) rave about how great the Packer fans are and how 'die hard' they are, not an empty seat for a preseason game (until midway through the third quarter and the game was still tied...die hard), Suzy interviews two such fans that have attended every game for 35 years. She asks essentially the same question 4 times to get little to no coherent reply and then asks what was their favorite game they've been to in the 35 years they've came to Lambeau...the interviewee says Green Bav vs San Diego in a playoff game... just proves how 'die hard' these fans are...they barely even know where they are at...

Second: The hat that Marty wore last night was butt-ugly. Hope those find a garbage can before the regular season starts.

Third and finally, I am already tired of that pathetic ESPN announcing crew of Thiesmann, Maguire and Mike Patrick...but that is just a carry over from years past...god are they the most annoying, bickering, blathering idiots doing football? All they need is Randy Cross and Dan Dierdorf and they'd have every moron doing games on one cast...

Pre-Game Notes

San Diego Union Tribune's Kevin Acee put in this preseason - pregame report regarding tonight's Charger-Packer preseason contest. Quick notes from the article are that as previously mentioned, Donnie Edwards and Shawne Merriman didn't make the trip to Lambeau and thus won't be playing. Also that LaDanian Tomlinson won't be playing either...which every Charger fan is more than happy to agree with Marty on that decision. Acee also is reporting that Phillip Rivers will take most of the snaps tonight and that wide receivers Keneen McCardell and Eric Parker will only see limited action...if any.

Goodbye Cable, Hello Direct TV

For several years I've contemplated getting rid of cable tv and switching to DirectTV...my wife was totally opposed to it because she didn't want to lose our local channels...about a year ago (or so) DirectTV started carrying the locals but for whatever reasons...probably just laziness...I still hadn't made the switch. Well, with the NHL tv deal apparently settled and going to Comcast cable - which my cable company is not affiliated with - was the final issue that had me making the switch. I reviewed the channel lineups and the pricing in the past and have no regrets about making this switch. For the same price I am getting approximately 100 more channels...sure I probably won't watch most of them like I don't watch most of my current cable channels now...but at least I know I won't miss out on the NHL and also have the option to subscribe to NHL Center Ice which will enable me to watch more hockey than I ever could before.

I am almost giddy to call my local cable company tomorrow to tell them that I want to discontinue my service with them and hope they ask why...and the reasons are simple... more channels for less money. Plus to have the options of getting NFL Sunday Ticket and NHL Center Ice, something cable isn't offering, are a big bonus as well. Plus, a cheaper route for me to watch even more sports is to subscribe to DTV's sports package which has every Fox Sports region...which almost all carry their regional NBA, MLB and NHL teams. I also am looking forward to getting a digital signal for all the channels, something my local cable company also was doing.

Charger Buzz Has Been Good - My Predictions

Well the buzz around the Chargers from most national sports writers has been pretty good so far... ESPN's John Clayton has this article detailing how Brees and Tomlinson both look more fit than they did last season. Rivers is struggling a bit in camp, but with Brees as the undisputed starter has some time to find his groove. And that Darren Sproles is 'electric' and will add an explosive element to the special teams of the Chargers.

Another Clayton article then goes on to detail the tough schedule that the Chargers have this season...which will either prove that they are truly a much improved team or that the 2004 season was a fluke. And if you haven't had a chance to look at the Charger schedule, take a look for yourself and by all appearances looks to be as tough as you can get for a NFL team.

Speaking of schedule, here's my prediction for the upcoming Charger season: I think winning the first 3 (Dallas, @Denver, Giants) is realistic. Denver, I think, will compete for the doormat of the AFC West. Plummer sucks and their wide receivers are old and fragile and then they sign Jerry Rice. Clarrett is already hurt. When Eli comes to San Diego it should hopefully be a slaughter with Eli being the slaughteree. The next 6 games (@NE, Pit, @Oak, @Phi, KC, @NYJ) before the bye is a tough stretch...4 away games against formidable teams. It would be nice to go 3 and 3 during this time and head into the bye at 6 and 3. I think Pittsburgh (and especially Rothlisberger) was a fluke more than any team last year. Kansas City I don't think has improved that much at all...if they did improve their defense, now their offense looks weak. The Jets have the Chargers number and it would be nice to get some redemption from last years playoff loss, but I won't count on it. Then the final 7 games (Buf, @Was, Oak, Miami, @Indy, @KC, Den) look to be more promising and I would like to see a 5 and 2 finish to end up 11-5. What's the deal with the Chargers having to go to Indianapolis two years in a row? Can't the Colts make a trip to San Diego? Seems a little unfair that the NFL schedules the Chargers to be on the road one of the better teams two years in a row...not to mention that last year the Chargers should have beaten the Colts and was the game that Manning broke the single season TD passing mark in...I've already grown tired of seeing that highlight.

Of course I would like to qualify my prediction with the following: Antonio Gates needs to be signed and playing. I think he is a huge part of the Charger offense and if he is not on the field it will cost the Chargers games. So hopefully he will get signed and into camp before the regular season starts and won't miss any games.

Just to wrap this up... my AFC West predictions:

1. Chargers - Reasons stated above.
2. Raiders - I think Moss is going to help and the Raiders could be in contention for a wild card, but don't have all the pieces to overthrow the reigning champs...at least not right now.
3. Chiefs - As stated above, may have improved their defense, but not enough and now I even question their offensive ability. Their wide receivers don't impress me and Holmes, since getting hurt 2 seasons ago, hasn't been as dominant as he once was.
4. Broncos - As long as Jake Plummer is their quarterback I feel no threat from the Broncos. Add to that the team looks as if it is actually worse than it was last year... I don't see them winning 6 games this year.

Edwards & Merriman Staying Back

Just out, Marty Schottenheimer just announced that veteran linebacker Donnie Edwards and number 1 pick Shawne Merriman will not be making the trip to Green Bay for tomorrow's preseason game. Edwards has an ankle injury and Merriman a hamtring injury.

No qualms here...let's keep our starters healthy.

Others that will be staying behind include tight end Ryan Krause (foot), offensive tackle Courtney VanBuren (knee), wide receiver Malcom Floyd (calf), and linebacker Ben Leber (foot) will remain in San Diego.

Full Story Here.

Chargers First Preseason Game Approaches

Tomorrow the San Diego Chargers will play their first preseason game in Green Bay against the Packers. Although I put no credence in preseason games, I will be watching just to get my first real dose of Charger football for this year. In fact, I am hoping that no key players even take to the field and if so are used very sparingly.

Of course there are things I'd like to see, regardless of who is playing...namely to see how the defense overall performs, especially in the pass rush. The buzz about rookie special teamer Darren Sproles has been really good, so we'll see how he does on kickoffs and punt returns. And of course Vincent Jackson has been very impressive so far, yet with McCardell, Caldwell and Parker will look to get a more prominent role in the starting lineup.

I can hardly wait for this season to start and more importantly, Charger Domination!

New Rules For 2005 Season

NFL Officials were in San Diego late last week reviewing new rule changes for the 2005-06 season... so from the official web site of the San Diego Chargers (chargers.com) here they are:

The following rules were also highly emphasized in the meeting which will be in effect for the 2005 season:

• If a defensive foul is a dead ball personal foul following the end of the second or fourth quarter, the offensive team may choose to extend the period for one untimed down.
• “Peel-back” blocks by offensive linemen are now 15-yard penalties and may be means for a possible fine. If a blocker drifts outside the tackle-to-tackle box and then comes back in on the side of a defender's knee, the player will be penalized.
• Hits on opponents away from the play is cause for unnecessary roughness
• An illegal touching foul committed by a player on the kicking team inside the 15 yard line can result in a touchback if receiving team elects to do so. This rule was proposed by the Chargers following an incident that took place in their Wild Card game against the Jets.
  

(Full story here)

Justifying The Cheaters

On my favorite online fantasy sport game, Jock$tocks, there was a good dialogue about steroid use and whether or not to believe the extremity of the accusations because of the source...namely the media. I had a few drinks late last night and came up with this response and I like it, so I will re-post it here...

Propaganda has run rampant...both for and against the whole steroid issue...

I'm the first to cast stones at the mainstream media... and am willing to see its willingness to exploit a non-story.... I will agree to all this....

But the entire steroid issue is not new... and I would argue that has not been exploited by the media... and if you think it has now...

Just think if all the doubt about Barry Bonds would actually come to fruition.. right now everyone...and I mean EVERYONE suspects his steroid use... but if undeniable evidence came forth that would even squelch the naysayers... the ramifications for the entire league would be astounding... I'm saying right now that the MLB is making a calculated effort to keep as much of the steroid use/abuse in the shadows as are the players.

Like or dislike the media, trust or distrust the reports... in the effort to expose or exploit this story, I don't think anyone can or should ignore or be ingorant of the fact what is ocurring...it is just a futile attempt for justification in something you don't want to believe. I find it hard to believe that the doubters of this sport still are grasping at anything they can... Don't believe the media, what's the player have to say... yet no player to date has offered any excuse other than 'not intentionally' or 'unknowingly' taken steroids... how convenient and how many times do we have to hear the same excuse and still accept it yet? I'm sorry.... those that want to pretend and hold out until undeniable guilt are exactly what the league and the CHEATERS themselves want... as long as they can continue to fool you .... they will... they will point their finger at your face and with a stern tone deny ever taking steroids and be offended at the mere mention that they did... but the truth is, they are lying right to your face so that they can pad their stats and be showered with accolades and praise. I'm sorry I won't buy it for one more second... go ahead and praise all the steroid boys you want too and boo and hiss me for not accepting their 'astounding' drug-induced stats...but the roid boys have done nothing to cast any doubt about their steroid use... and that includes Sosa...

Although I wish the league was as presteen (until proven otherwise) as some you hope it to be... I can not... I'm sorry....

I'm sorry... to be a 'fan' of the sport and hide behind the guise of the media is breaking the story and thus can't be trusted because the media can't be trusted...which I'm the first to admit I would adhere too...in this case is not applicable... the story has already been exposed by so many sources to merely say that I won't believe it, is really unfounded...it is merely an attempt to not want to believe it...

It has been tainted....

And I will post-script this message with this...

I do reside in the home town of Roger Maris, the only place his number is retired in his honor... I still, in my honost opinion view him as the single season homerun holder at 61....steroid free...until proven otherwise, that's how I see things.... McGwire, Sosa, Bonds... all deserve a big old asterisk... Maris donnned one for no reason and these guys all have some reason to do so...I freely admit this bias...but even in my own biased opinion, I think it has more validity than the reality today...

MLB is a farce, a charade and all those that want to buy into it.... step right up....make your points but until proven otherwise...there is no other homerun king that is substance free in my eyes and give me any evidence to prove me wrong and I'll be the right on board to join the bandwagon....

NHL - The Madness

Since the resolution of the lockout, fans of the NHL knew that a 'shakeup' was going to occur... and a 'shakeup' is what is happening! I think the new salary cap is already proving it's worth and proving the owners and Bettman to be correct in how, by having a salary cap, will make the league better as a whole. For now, every team has an opportunity to sign some really talented players.

Here's just a rundown of some the bigger deals that have occurred so far:

First, probably the blockbuster deal so far, Peter Forsberg - arguably the best player in the NHL signs a 2 year deal with the Philadelphia Flyers. The Flyers already released Tony Amonte and John LeClair and word is that they will be moving Jeremy Roenick. Prior to signing Forsberg the Flyers signed defensemen Darian Hatcher, Mike Rathje and Chris Therien.

The Bruins have been active signing Brain Leetch, Glen Murray, Shawn McEachern and Dave Scatchard. The Islanders traded Michael Peca to the Edmonton Oilers for Mike York and then signed Miroslav Satan as well as Alexei Zhitnik and Brent Sopel. The Oilers also traded with St. Louis, giving the Blues Eric Brewer, Doug Lynch and Jeff Woywitka for Chris Pronger.

Jarome Ignila is back the Flames and Calgary also signed Tony Amonte and Darren McCarty.

Other signings: Sergei Gonchar signed with the Penguins, Adam Foote with Columbus and Adrian Aucoin with Chicago.

Mike Modano resigned with the Dallas Stars and Markus Naslund resigned with the Vancouver Canucks...

Again, the movement of all this good talent really is shuffling up the league... it really will be exciting to see the 'new' NHL this year...

Baseball Cheaters Part II

Just hours after I post my disdain for MLB does the story begin to trickle through the media that Bud Selig and the management of MLB may have known about the positive steroid test from Palmeiro since May. If this is the case, then they knowingly let Palmeiro get to 3,000 hits...and I am guessing Palmeiro was also aware of this test result in May as well. This just further sheds light on what a sham MLB is. Not only allowing the 'juiced era' to take place, but continuing to allow the cheating to continue.

Also, the steroid that Palmeiro took was stanozolol, and can not be 'accidentally' or 'unknowingly' injested. Palmeiro has clearly lied about his steroid use and appears to continue to do so. He should be booted out of baseball right now...

Chargers On TV?

Well it looks like the cat is out of the bag and everyone wants to see some "Charger Domination". The Chargers first preseason game will be carried on most ESPN stations. It is next Thursday (8/11) at 8 EST and against Green Bay.

For the record... I couldn't give 2 shits about the preseason. I don't want to see LaDanian Tomlinson on the field. It would be nice if Gates were at least signed by that game. And it will be fun to watch some of the new guys out there. But I will gladly take a preseason lose and a healthy team rather than having the team go out there to 'prove something'.

In conclusion... Go Chargers!

Seen A Movie? Get A Refund

Because Sony Pictures used a fake critic to promote some of it's movies a court case was filed and won by moviegoers. If you seen "Vertical Limit," "A Knight's Tale," "The Animal," "Hollow Man" or "The Patriot" during their original theater runs, you can redeem your ticket stub and get your 5 bucks back.

What a fricken waste of time...or maybe I just envy those with a lot of 'free time' on their hands. And it's probably the latter...

But I'll give a little tip out there to anyone wanting to see any movie today... don't. 90% of all movies from Hollywood suck. I'll let you know when that assement changes.

Story here.

Baseball Cheaters

I will preface my remarks with just a brief history of my background in regards to baseball, specifically the Major League of Baseball. I was like any other red-blooded American boy... I loved baseball. I played baseball, I watched baseball, I had favorite teams and players, I collected and traded baseball cards...I loved baseball. Then the strike of 1994 came, the cancellation of the World Series and the resulting 'settlement' all occurred... since 1994, some 11 years now, I have not had near the passion for the MLB that I once did. The MLB is, in my opinion, a joke now. The Yankees are the World Champions...or whoever beats them - since 1995 the, only the '97 Marlin championship team is the only team that didn't beat the Yankees to win the World Series (or go on to win the World Series). Not that I hate the Yankees, I hate the structure of the league that allows a team to essentially be the best team on the field before a pitch is even thrown each season... it's almost comical to think that some of the small market teams are even in the same league as the big dollar, large market teams.

So my sourness towards the league is established... well to now to add to this sourness is the whole steroid issue. There is little doubt in my mind that many a player used steroids and for the most part, it appears as if owners, players and the league itself did nothing to prevent the widespread use of steroids....and possible in an effort to try and lure many of the fans back. And I'll admit, during McGwire and Sosa's homerun derby in 1998 it perked my interest and I, like the rest of America, began to allow baseball - to some degree - into my life. And now - and really for the past couple of years - steroids is being attached to all these players that seemed to have these outrageous statistics, totally tainting everything that was being used to lure myself and other disgruntled MLB fans of the past.

I think any and all statistics from any steroid user should at the VERY LEAST be asterisked, but I am hardcore... if I was associated at all with the game and had any say in the matter the players entire career would be stricken from the books. MLB shouldn't have this wussy 'random' steroid check right now...it should make every effort to get this sport cleaned up NOW rather than later...all players should take a drug test right now and any indication of steroids should mean a ban from the league forever.

Barry Bonds should be banished from the league forever. His records stricken from the books. In fact, in my eyes, Roger Maris is the only drug-free homerun champ that I know, so the single season homerun record to me stands at 61 and until the MLB at least tries to accommodate my feelings, I am going to go back to not caring about a league that seems to have no regard towards fairness and its fans...

Early Buzz On Merriman

Just visiting the San Diego Tribune's Charger Forum...and those that were at last night's practice, the first with their first selection, Shawne Merriman, had a lot of good things to say about the linebacker. Of course these initial reports are biased, but they are encouraging...one poster said that Merriman is as big as Steve Foley, yet faster...regardless, if Merriman can bring some sort of pass rush to this team, it will only make the Charger team more devastating...

Chargers - Merriman Agree To Terms

The Chargers signed their first pick (12th overall) of the 2005 draft, Shawne Merriman. All they need to do now is get Antonio Gates into camp and all systems are go for a year of Charger Domination.