The Path To The Super Bowl Goes Through San Diego

I've been on vacation so haven't been posting much, but I have to take a break from relaxing to post that the Chargers conclude the 2006 season with the best record in the AFC, the best record in team history, 14-2.

Which means the obvious...the Chargers will have home field advantage until the Super Bowl...

Don't fuck this one up Marty....

8 Chargers Make Pro Bowl

When your team does well, many are recognized and rewarded. The Chargers, who will at least tie the team record for wins in a season (12), will send 9, yes, NINE players to the Pro Bowl which is more than any other team.

Of course the Pro Bowl is a boring, non-game that I will probably not watch as in past years, but being selected to go is an honor in itself.

Charger Pro Bowlers are:

LaDainian Tomlinson, Phillip Rivers, Lorenzo Neal, Antonio Gates and center Nick Hardwick. Jamal Williams and Shawne Merriman get selected on the defensive side of the bowl and Nate Kaeding and Kasim Osgood both go to their first Pro Bowl as special teamers.

Chargers Avenge Loss, Beat Chiefs

The Chargers beat the Chiefs 20-9 but the game was close throughout.

Phillip Rivers had probably his worst game of the season, throwing for under 100 yards and had 2 interceptions and no touchdowns. But the Charger team is well balanced...the defense played well, not giving up any touchdowns and of course, the story of the year for the Chargers and the NFL, LaDainian Tomlinson rushes for 199 yards and 2 touchdowns...breaking even more records in doing so, including the 46 year old scoring record previously held by Paul Hornung. Tomlinson currently has 186 points.

Both the Colts and the Ravens won, so the pressure is still on the Chargers. Losing a game now may still cost the Chargers home field and/or a first round-bye and after playing so good all season there is no time to take any games off. Next up is the Seahawks who failed to clinch their division last week and if they win they are in. That will be in Seattle and the Chargers end the season against Arizona at home. I'd like to see the team come out and finish up strong and stay sharp for the playoffs.

Happy Holidays

Just got done putting up the Christmas tree...

Here's a couple of the decorations...

Chargers - Chiefs: Some Motivation For Both

So this weekend's game between the San Diego Chargers and the Kansas City Chiefs - the NFL's Sunday night prime time game - may have lost a little spice since the Chargers wrapped up the AFC West last week. But not so... The Chargers currently hold the best record in the AFC but if they were to falter and fall into a tie with Baltimore, the Ravens hold the tiebreak and thus, the Chargers lose home field advantage throughout the playoffs. There is also some hard feelings held amongst many of the Charger players. After the Chargers lost to the Chiefs (their last and only 2nd loss of the year) in October, Chiefs rookie De Tamba Hali came out saying that the Chargers were 'soft'. This still is not sitting well with many Charger players and it sounds like the Chargers are coming out to prove that they are not only the best team in the league, but that they most certainly are not soft.

On the other side of the coin, the Chiefs are still in the playoff hunt. A loss now could mean the end of their season. And to give the Chiefs even more motivation, their owner, Lamar Hunt, may soon pass away from his bout with cancer. Lamar Hunt founded the AFL and gave the Super Bowl it's name. Truly an instrumental figure in the history of the NFL and will be missed by all.

The Past Is Paying Off

One more reason I really like the current Charger organization is their front office. I think it is just silly the amount of money first round picks get, especially the top picks. The Chargers, who (in the recent past) have had top picks have not been shy about trading them away and of course the draft day analysts are quick to judge the Chargers move(s) in the now....but let's take a look at a couple of big draft day moves...

First, in 2001 the Chargers traded the top pick to Atlanta, they pick Michael Vick. Every year since then Vick (when healthy) makes some fantastic plays every week but Atlanta, as a team, doesn't do much. This year was the same. Who did the Chargers trade down to pick? Well, you guessed it, LaDainian Tomlinson.

Fast forward to the 2005 draft. Eli Manning, the whining cry-baby, picked by the Chargers wouldn't even put the Charger hat on his head. Traded on draft day to the NY Giants and the Chargers get Phillip Rivers and use the Giants 1st round pick to get Shawne Merriman. I wonder if NY Giant fans are happy with that deal? I certainly know us Charger fans are.

I am the first one to admit that the draft is a crap shoot and that is why I think it is absurd to dump a bunch of money on a player that has yet to take a snap in the NFL...ie: Ryan Leaf. The draft tactics John Bulter and A.J. Smith (Charger GM) have used has proven itself to be productive for the team as a whole. Don't mortgage your future off on one player in the hopes they work out because there is always some other team desperate enough to do so. The end result is that instead of the 'big' college name your squad will in return get more picks that have the potential of becoming an important factor on your team.

Chargers Throttle The Broncos, Clinch AFC West Title

Chargers scored 4 touchdowns in the first half. A turnover and no offense in the third had the Broncos closing the game and going into the 4th quarter the Chargers had an 8 point lead. But the Broncos try twice on fourth down to convert in the final quarter and failed both times. The Chargers put 20 points up in the fourth quarter and the final has the Chargers destroying the Broncos convincingly, 48-20. Chiefs lost earlier in the day so the Chargers have officially won the AFC West and are in the playoffs. The Colts also fell earlier in the day so the Chargers also now possess the best record in the AFC and if that holds, the road to the Super Bowl goes through San Diego.

LaDainian Tomlinson ends the day with 3 touchdowns, breaking the single season scoring record set last year by Shaun Alexander. Tomlinson has 29 touchdowns and there is still 3 games left to go...he has an opportunity to set a mark that may last for while...but the scoring record has been broken almost every year (or other year) since 2000.

A big win, a big day and what makes the whole result even more satisfying was the Chargers gave a beat down to the Broncos to cap it all off...

HOF'ers Deserve The Scrutiny

One of the class acts of baseball, Cal Ripken Jr. probably sums up my feelings best about these Hall Of Fame baseball players that either were on steroids or suspected of doing so...

Cal Ripken Jr. doesn't want the steroid scandal that has tarnished Mark McGwire's Hall of Fame chances to do the same to his own inevitable induction.

"The Hall of Fame run, it should be a celebration of the player's career," Ripken said Tuesday at the baseball winter meetings. "I hope, if that happens with me, that it would be a celebration."

It will be a sad day when baseball writers begin to vote in roid boys, but the bright side is that their induction will have the cloud of suspicion hanging over the entire ceremony...unfortunately, it won't do much to the player that will more than likely revel over their accomplishments.

Chargers Win And Their In

The Chargers, riding a six game win streak, meet the Denver Broncos for the second time this season and within the past 3 weeks. The Chargers beat the Broncos in Denver to become the outright AFC West leader. The Broncos proceed then to lose their following 2 games and now are sitting 3 games out of the division lead. So the Broncos will be bringing their 'A' game this Sunday because a lose will most certainly hurt their playoff hopes and would secure the Chargers in the playoffs and (I do believe) the AFC West title.

Of course the news from Denver the past 2 weeks is the benching of Jake Plummer and the beginning of the Jay Cutler era in Denver. The Seahawks tried everything they could to lose to Denver this past Sunday but managed to eek out a win. I like to think the Chargers will be some stiffer competition for the Broncos and that Cutler would have a tough time against the Charger defense.

Of course the big story to watch will be whether or not LaDainian Tomlinson will break Shaun Alexander's touchdown mark. Currently Tomlinson needs 2 td's to tie and 3 to break the record. With 4 games to go -Broncos, Chiefs, Seahawks, Cardinals- he should have no problem doing so barring any injuries.

Chargers: Life Is Good

Wow... being a Charger fan where there are no other Charger fans is weird... the "home team" where I'm at is the Minnesota Vikings and I shouldn't have to say much more about that if you follow football at all... and in case you don't, my father's advice, since I was young...and yes, he is a Viking fan.. and if I would continue with those stories would prove it amongst the hardest-core Viking fans.. but his words, after following the Vikings for their entire NFL history has said, always said and (I'm waiting for him to say different) never pick the Vikes.

And, do the research... you're winning a lot of money if you never pick the Vikes... today, like most Sunday's puts the 'home town' in a gloom, yet, I'm a Charger fan up at noon watching football... normally the Vikes fans are filing out shaking their heads before I even have 3 beers in me...so I will only say that my glee is not fully expressed in my environment...yet, wearing my Charger gear around these parts is pretty fun... because getting Charger gear (up until this year) has been fairly tough... so I basically knew the other 5 Charger fans in this town. This team is fun to watch...

O.K. I'll say the referees, and Ed Hochuli as the head ref (who I think is very anti-Charger), gave more than 1 favorable call to the Chargers.

The end result... LaDainian Tomlinson continues to be the shit. Over 100 yards rushing in the first half alone! Merriman returned and was a definate presence. Rivers didn't make any glaring mistakes but the past 2 games hasn't looked as good as earlier this year but the defense will hopefully be as close to 100% in the next week or two in time for the playoffs.

And to make things even better, the Seattle Seahawks beat the Denver Broncos and that gives the Chargers a 3 game lead over both the Broncos and the Chiefs and currently tied for the best record in the NFLat 10-2.

If the Chargers can beat the Broncos next week, that could/should all but clinch the AFC West Championship... and if not, when the Chargers throttle the Cheifs the following week would do that... both games in San Diego...

Chargers beat the Bills 24-21...

Go Chargers!

Chargers Win Ugly

The Chargers, especially their offense, looked very vulnerable and could very well have lost the game to the Raiders and instead eek out a 21-14 win. Of course Tomlinson accounted for all 3 Charger touchdowns rushing for 2 and throwing for another.

All the media hype around this team of recent, with a lot of attention being given to Phillip Rivers over the past couple of weeks I think had Rivers a little over-charged. His passes all game long were not thrown very well, he would either overthrow his recievers or would try to run, both uncharactistic of the Rivers we have seen so far this year. The Raiders picked Rivers off once but could have easily been 3 dropping 2 Rivers passes that were literally thrown right to a Raider defender.

But the play of the game was easily Vincent Jackson's bonehead move in the 4th Quarter. With the Chargers down by 7, go for it on a 4th and 2. Vincent Jackson makes a 13 yard reception but thinking he is still playing at the University of Northern Colorado, flips the ball out in celebration but did so without being downed. So the Raiders jump on the ball and think they have just recovered a fumble...and you see it would have been too except thanks to the Raiders in 1978 and the "Holy Roller" play that helped the Raiders beat the Chargers back then...well, 28 years later the rule in place to prevent such a play again came back to bite the Raiders in the ass and the Chargers end up with the ball.

Bills are up next and Shawne Merriman will be back. Hopefully this last game was the worst we see the Chargers for the rest of the year.

And after watching that game ended up going to Sepultura...what a way to wrap up the Thanksgiving weekend...

Michael Richards' Apology

And here is the apology offered up by Richards on the Letterman show...

Michael Richards: WOW!

Boy did Michael Richards try to end his career in a hurry...

If you haven't seen this yet... racial content...

Chargers Praised

If you turned on any national sports program, it was likely that the Chargers might be #1 on many analysts 'power rankings'. ESPN has the Chargers at #1, FOX Sports, etc. Lots of hype will oftentimes ruin a team...

When the season first began I thought the final 8 game stretch would be tougher than the first half...which still may be the case...but the Chargers, coming back from double-digit defecits on the road the past two games really shows a person that the team is good. Also, the Chargers are 3-0 without Shawne Merriman and after this week's game against Oakland will return and will no doubtedly make the Charger defense better.

The 3 remaining divisional games are all in San Diego and things look good for the Chargers in securing a playoff spot with a strong finsih. I think they should handle Oakland this weekend and if KC can sneak out a win tonight against the Broncos, the Chargers would have 2 games on both those teams...that would be sweet!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

EXCELLENT!!!

Chargers beat the Broncos in Denver!

Just wait until the defense is back to 100%....

LT, breaks Jim Brown's record for fastest player to 100 touchdown's....

We all know he is the shit!!!...

GO CHARGERS....

Too Much Free Time

I've said it once and I'll say it again... I wish I had so much free time that waiting in a line for days to see Star Wars or purchase the latest game console is a great idea.

Apparently there were people camping out for days to purchase the Playstation 3. These people bravely cease playing video games - probably their full-time profession - to stand in line to spend $400+ to buy the PS3, games, etc... which they then will most likely not be seen again until the next new gaming console comes out...man, it must be rough and again, I just wish I had enough free time where waiting for days to spend money even seemed like a good idea to me...

And of course it doesn't take long for thieves to enter the equation. Criminals usually aren't the brightest people around but one doesn't need to be a rocket scientist to put 2 and 2 together...

Let me get this straight... a bunch of nerds are going to be standing outside, in a line, at the Best Buy tonight at 3 AM and they all will have lots of cash as well as other items... hmm... I'm sure they'll be fine.

Stop Motion Drums And Piano

My friend Dane sent me the link to this video...it's pretty cool...

Landis: Maybe Not Guilty? Some Hope

I'm not going to lie...when I heard Floyd Landis tested positive for doping and the subsequent reports I labeled him a cheater (like Bonds, Palmerio, Giambi, etc.). But apparently the lab that tested Landis' B sample had the wrong sample. But this all seems very odd because just yesterday the French Anti-Doping Agency was hacked into by computer hackers and now today a story surfaces that Landis' sample may have been the wrong one.

For such a prestigious event you would think that all aspects involved are on the up-and-up but apparently not. If, after all that has been said and done to Floyd Landis, things are found out where the whole testing process is sloppy and inaccurate, that there may have been tampering or just a plot in general, it will vindicate Floyd Landis and totally discredit anything involved with French athletics again...in my opinion...

Chargers-Broncos I

There is no question that this weekend's game beween the 7 and 2 Chargers and the 7 and 2 Broncos is a huge one for both teams. The winner has a game up on the loser and sole possession of the AFC West lead. Regardless of the outcome there will be a rematch in San Diego on December 10th and 6 more games to play. So although this game is hyped up everyone should also keep some perspective.

Because of the 'magnitude' of this game it will be pretty easy to pick out some of the Charger headlines that will surely be talked about amongst the 'talkers' the following week. If the Broncos win Monday's headlines will be: San Diego still has not moved into the 'elite' category of teams. They fail to win a big game on the road. If the Chargers should win they will move into the top 3 category of NFL teams, Rivers will continue to get accolades (this one pending his performance but anything short of awful - which he has yet to be - will gain him praise).

Malcom Floyd has turned out to be a clutch 3rd receiver. With plenty of attention drawn to Gates, McCardell and Parker the speedy and tall Floyd has made the most of his opportunities of late. I think the Broncos are going to come out blitzing a lot to put the pressure on Rivers right away. Making quick reads and plays to key Chargers (Gates/Tomlinson) could be a big key. The Charger defense is still plenty battered, it is unknown if Castillo will be back but Shaun Phillips returned last week and played well.

Prior to last week I really didn't see the Bronco offense winning the game for the Broncos...but after giving up over 500 yards to the Bengals proves that the Charger defense, especially without Merriman, is noticeably weak. The key matchup will be the Charger offense against the Bronco defense. With the Colts able to exploit the Bronco defense about a month ago, I would hope the high-powered Charger offense can do so as well. I think if the Chargers can get out to an early lead and put the pressure on Plummer would be the gameplan.

How O.J. Did It

It just took about 12 years but O.J. is finally going to start raking in some dough for murdering his ex-wife and her boyfriend.

He has wrote a book called "If I Did It, Here's How It Happened", which really should be renamed "Here's How I Did It." Along with the book Fox TV (of course) will air 2 1-hour programs with O.J. and one would think that he will likely detail the events of the murder and essentially prove anyone's doubt about this entire saga...that is, O.J. Simpson killed 2 people and got away with it and proved that there are 2 types of justice systems in America, one for the wealthy who can get away with murder and the one for the rest of us where little doubt or evidence is even required to penalize, incarcirate or otherwise punish common citizens for far less offenses.

Bono: Bigger Than Jesus

Religion: an entity that is as corrupt and bastardized as any government, in my opinion, and a person does not need to go far to see proof of my theory. There is now a church that features the music of U2. A long time agao I made the claim that religion/clans will modify their 'service' (brainwashing) that will appeal to the people of today. A 'faithful' American wants the quickest, easiest church to belong too. With churches beginning to play popular music is just another ploy to get the mindless drones to their building so they can milk them.

I have mentioned it a long time ago that I inted to start my own church which features a drive-thru. You merely have to come and drop your money off and you will receive whatever you would like in return to make you feel like you have received something holy, a shot of wine, some unlevened bread, some holy water, incense, bag of beans...whatever you need, we'll have it for you.

A person may want to join my religion now while I'm keeping things affordable...once I mention that the weekly 'prayer service' is a viewing of American Idol, my congreation will explode...

WOW!

The Chargers go down 21-0 , and go into the half down 28-7.

Chargers made a huge rally in the 3rd quarter, scoring scoring 21 points and then in the fourth a huge sack by Shaun Phillips that forced a fumble inside the Bengal 20 set up the Chargers go ahead score in what ended up being a shootout...

This team and offense reminds me of why I became a Charger fan in the early 80's when it was Fouts, Winslow, Chandler, Muncie, Jefferson and crew... the defense, back then, didn't matter because that offense was scoring 50 points a week... were you?

Now, the Chargers can score 50 against a mediocre defense and the third string defense will give up less than 50 on the road... if all the pieces come together correctly, the Charger defense should/could be up to 100% late in the season, in time to make a playoff push, and should be considered a AFC threat.

Of course, up next is the Broncos. The Charger defense will still be undermanned and that might be the key to next week's game.

I need to sit on this big win today... but the next game against the Broncos is already weighing heavily because I have tired of Bronco talk 20 years ago....

In conclusion... excellent win today... Chargers won't say die and that's what any fan likes to see...

GO CHARGERS!

Will It Blend

Perusing YouTube.com I ran across this video of blending up some golf balls:



You can go to the Will It Blend Web Site to see more incredible blending action...these are essentially promotional videos for their blender, a "...entry level blender for the Blendtec home product line." They make a bigger 20 amp commercial model which could likely shred steel beams because the home model seems to blend things up just fine...

New Feature: Labels

And look at this fantastic feature... LABELS! You can click on any of the categories and view the postings listed in each category.

I have (quickly) gone through a fair amount of my posts and threw a label (or 2) on them... so much of the most recent postings are now categorized for your viewing...

Even a special "Zappy" category for the band that plays once every 10 years... man do they have some pull around here...or maybe it was because their videos that I posted are fairly recent...

New Look

Blogger.com is updating/upgrading their blogging services. They have made it very easy to change the overall appearance of my blog... colors, fonts, layout, etc...

So as you can see the blog looks a little different and I will probably continue to monkey with it until I get bored...

Election Day Snorefest

Yesterday was the big mid-term elections for many areas of the country. For my region was nothing special. The senator up for re-election will continue to be re-elected until he retires or a scandal and the same goes for the representative. Their election days are wrapped up at approximately 8:15...the polls close at 8, victory speech at 8:05, mingle for 10 minutes then hop in the vehicle waiting for you to take you back to D.C. and they won't need to be back here until their next campaign.

Typically then there are at least one or two state or city referendums that will get people to the polls...but not this year. Referendums were not only confusing but fairly boring. There was a 20% energy referendum that stated that 20% of the energy consumed by the city had to come from renewable energy sources but a week prior to the vote had officials first stating that there is no way to enforce the law and then energy companies saying they will gladly comply but rates would increase because of that...needless to say this was voted down.

Democrats take the house and possibly the Senate...yipee... you replace one lying crooked politician with another one, it does not matter if they claim to be a Repub or Dem - both major parties have one thing in common...they both do not want to see anyone get elected that would actually stand up for people's rights, spend wisely and vote as their constituents would like. Dems and Republicans are just one in the same and word their lawmaking a little differently to sound as if they are actually doing something but in reality both parties, if left to their desires, would, and are taking this country to the exact, yet to be determined, same place.

Best Political Ads I've Seen

Got to love pro-marijuana advertisements!

Chargers 2nd Half Beats Browns

The Chargers at home against the Cleveland Browns. On paper, the Chargers rate as one of the most potent offenses in the NFL and have one of the top defenses; the Browns rank in the bottom 5 almost every major offensive category and one would think this game would be in mop-up shortly after halftime. Instead, the Browns go into the half up 12-10 the Charger offense unable to move the ball consistently and the referees doing everything in their power to assist the Browns with some very questionable calls throughout the game, most seemingly against the Chargers. Add Marty Schottenheimer's coaching and the Browns may have enough intangibles to beat the Chargers. The Browns had a 4th and 12 and the Chargers call consecutive timeouts which is a 15 yard penalty and the Browns get a first down... GIVE ME A BREAK... the Browns don't even have to snap the ball on a 4th and 12 and get a first down because the Chargers are incapable of getting a defense out there for a 4th and 12 play? At that point I thought the Chargers would be 'coached' to yet another loss by Marty. For most of the first half and most of the 3rd the Chargers came out passing and Tomlinson had 9 carries for 43 yards. It was almost exactly on que, the announcers of the game see Tomlinson's stat line and utter "...and so far Tomlinson has been ineffective as they hand the ball of to him and he breaks through the line and is gone, a
41 yard touchdown run." You could almost see the light-bulb going off on the Chargers sideline..."Hey, why don't we give the ball to Tomlinson for a while?" In the end, Tomlinson rushes for 172 yards and 3 touchdowns to bail the Chargers out of a game that seemed to be slowly spiralling out of control.

The make-shift defense didn't do too bad except for the penalties, and not just your ordinary penalties, the automatic first down type penalties, 5 times did Charger penalties result in a Cleveland first down.

Up next the Bengals, who don't look to be the AFC super-power the preseason had them hyped to be. Their defense isn't that good, especially against the run and their offensive line seems to be weak. Again, on paper the Chargers look as if they easily outmatch this team. I would like to think the Chargers will go to Tomlinson a little earlier in this game and definately try and get a pass rush on Palmer. The Bengals are still a very talented team on offense and if you let them get their rhythm they will gladly get into a shootout with any team if you let them.

Winslow Jr. Trash Talking, Gates Unimpressed

So the Charger-Browns game this weekend needed some spice and Winslow Jr. is just the man to donate some bulletin board material.

Kellen Winslow Jr., the son of the greatest tight end to ever play the game, his dad, Charger and Hall Of Famer, Kellen Winslow, essentially came out and said that he is the best tight end playing the game.

“It's me vs. Gates. I want to be the best tight end out there, and I've got to go do it on Sunday. You know, Tony's right behind me, Gates is right behind me. So I've got to stay on top.”

“I'm trying to be the best. I said I was the best. I am the best. And I'm going to prove it on Sunday.”

And of any comparison between him and Gates:

“I don't think we're alike at all, except for the speed factor. He plays basketball out there. I compare myself more to a (Jeremy) Shockey.”

I think this reply from Gates best sums up my sentiments:

“I guess he feels like he has something to prove,” Gates said. “You don't have nothing to prove until you prove it to yourself and play a whole year. I can't get caught up with a guy talking about him being the best tight end and it's a heavyweight fight. . . . I don't see it that way. You have to have credibility to say that.”

I also have no issue with anyone trying to light a fire under the Chargers right now. With the defense injured and Merriman out, the Chargers need to keep things tight to stay amongst the top for the playoff run.

Chargers Beat Rams: 38-24

Right when you think Tomlinson might be slowing down and so far this year defenses shutting him down he breaks out for over 250 total yards, 189 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns. It's like Tomlinson is finding his groove for the season and looked very fresh this past weekend.

Rivers continues to look good. He started the game by completing his first 7 passes in a row. He didn't make any glaring mistakes and I think has the potential to be a solid quarterback for the Chargers for many seasons to come.

Merriman was everywhere on the field, had 3 sacks...but he has dropped his appeal for steroid use so that will be the last we see of Merriman until December 3rd against Buffalo. Unfortunately there is a game against Denver in the four games he will be out and that will most likely be for the AFC West lead if both the Chargers and Broncos win their next 2 games (Chargers vs Browns & Bengals; Broncos at Steelers & Raiders).

So it's important for the Chargers to continue to play good and beat these lesser teams...and yes, the Bengals are not as good as they were hyped earlier this year. Their defense is not very good.

Merriman's Plight Bleak

Here's an interesting article about the whole 'tainted supplement' defense. That link also cites the NFL policy on taking supplements and is summed up best by it's opening line:

“You and you alone are responsible for what goes into your body. Claiming that you used only legally available nutritional supplements will not help you in an appeal."

The article also does say that yes, some supplement companies will lace their products with steroids to get good reviews. But I think the NFL has a good policy and should have a zero tolerance level. Now granted, if Merriman's case is legit and he is somehow exonerated from these charges I would be pleasantly surprised.

The Chargers rap sheet since training camp: Steve Foley (LB) shot 3 times before the season starts, Terrance Kiel (DB) gets busted shipping codeine based cough syrup, Markus Curry (CB - practice squad) was arrested and since dismissed from the team for domestic assault and now Shawne Merriman (LB) tests positive for steroids. 2 weeks ago some sports analysts had the Chargers as one of the top 5 teams in the NFL. A loss to Kansas City and Merriman's plight have them dropping quickly.

If the Chargers can battle through these adversities as well as all the current injuries on defense, it might be the building blocks for a playoff run. Of course, such obstacles can often times be the foundation for disaster.

Merriman: Tainted Supplements

What's your excuse when you got caught cheating? Blame something/someone else...

Shawne Merriman's reason for having tested positive for steroids is that he had taken some tainted supplements. Yes, the old tainted supplement excuse.

It sounds like he can play for the next 2 games while he continues to appeal the 4 game suspension but I don't think his excuse is going to save him from the eventual 4 game suspension.

This is just an attempt to try and change public perception as done by most high-profile steroid users (see Barry Bonds, Floyd Landis, etc) and I think it would be very surprising if the NFL reversed their decision. I think the delay is done to help the team in the short term and hopefully when Merriman is serving his suspension some of the injured defensive players will return.

Chiefs Beat Chargers - Merriman Suspended - Defense Battered

What a weekend for Charger fans...

The Chargers almost come back from a 20-3 defecit to beat the Chiefs, but after tying the game the Chiefs were able to convert on a 53 yard field goal to win the game 30-27.

The Chargers were trying to hand the game to Kansas City in the first quarter, 3 turnovers on their first 4 possessions put them in a hole early. But the offense responded, especially in the second half.

The Charger defense comes out of this game extremely battered... Shaun Phillips who has been playing well left and did not return. Olshansky did not play and is likely out for a few more weeks. And to add to the mounting defensive injuries Shawne Merriman, probably the Chargers best linebacker, is being suspended for 4 games for taking steroids... great. Now is Merriman any good or just good when he is juiced up?

I did like to see the Chargers respond even though at halftime it looked somewhat bleak being down 20-6. Kaeding missed a 41 yard field goal just before the half and those points sure what have came in handy towards the end.

I think Phillip Rivers has done a fine job at quarterback so far. He still is making the occassional bad decision but he has looked fairly good at handling the pressure. The Chiefs were blitzing almost every down. Tomlinson is held for less than 100 yards rushing...again, but he did have a 37 yard td catch and he also threw for a touchdown, so his scoring stats are still quite impressive. Gates had a good game catching a touchdown pass and had 9 catches overall for 63 yards.

St. Louis is next up and they are coming off a bye week and the Chargers are coming off a very physical and mentally draining loss plus add in the Merriman story it even becomes a more defeating situation for the Chargers this week. Hopefully they will be able to respond.

Chargers Throttled 49'ers - Chiefs Up Next

Well the Chargers put on a dominating display this past weekend...at least their offense did. The Charger defense, although not too bad, did offer little resistance to the 49'er offense during the first half. The 9'ers were able to move the ball for almost all of the first half and wasn't until the Chargers got a timely interception after Rivers made a poor decision in the endzone to surrender a safety that really put the 9'ers on their heels.

Rivers had his best day as a professional throwing for 334 yards and 2 touchdowns. Tomlinson, who so far this season has yet to really post any insane yardage numbers, had over hundred combined yards and 4 rushing touchdowns. The Charger offense was definately in full gear and hope that this is a sign of things to come.

This week the Chargers roll into Kansas City who got thoroughly trounced by the Pittsburgh Steelers, the same Steelers the Chargers beat fairly handedly prior to the 49'er game. So making the simpliest correlation: Chargers beat Steelers, Steelers trounce Chiefs thus the Chargers should DESTROY Kansas City this weekend...and hopefully that is the case.

Kansas City's run game, with Larry Johnson, is not as fearful as many thought. And to me, as a whole, the Chiefs continue to field the same team they have had for the past 5 years. This just furthers my thought that the Chiefs really aren't getting better each year but rather they are just getting older.

The Chargers should be able to dictate play on both sides of the ball. Hopefully weather doesn't become an issue (not sure of the forecast) and as long as the Chargers limit penalties and turnovers, I see no reason why they shouldn't totally dominate this inferior team....but of course they are an AFC rival so that always throws an intangible in there...

So I'll say Chargers win 31-17.

Chargers at 49'ers

This week's matchup for the Chargers - on paper - looks like it should be all one-sided. Chargers, in theory, should have little trouble with a still young, but improving, 49'er team. But the Chargers of recent like to play to the level of competition. Last year they beat the (up until then) undefeated Colts and looked impressive doing so. It kept the Charger playoff hopes alive at the time and appeared as if it would energize the team for the final few weeks of the season. Instead they lose the following week to a woeful Miami team essentially ending any hope for the playoffs. This will be the first test of this season to see if the Chargers - after rising up and winning a game against a formidable opponent (Pittsburgh) - can keep their intensity level and beat what should be a fairly beatable opponent. Schottenheimer apparently wasn't happy with the exucation and level of play during practice yesterday, so the team may already be taking this week off.

I like to think that the Ravens loss was one that would linger with the team for a while and further give them drive to play at a high level at all times. Phillip Rivers has yet to look bad in any game and I suspect he will again be allowed to pass fairly frequently. Teams have been keying on the run which shows in Tomlinson's early season numbers so far but I think once Rivers gets more comfortable and the team has more faith in the passing game will only make Tomlinson a bigger threat down the road. Word is that the defense is getting the stigma of being a top-tier defense for 55 minutes of a football game but can't seal the deal when the game is on the line and many want to prove that is not the case... I don't think this week it will matter. I think the Chargers should win this game and do so going away.

Chargers 27 49'ers 13

Winter...Already?

In the barren wasteland we have no use for autumn....it goes straight from summer to winter.... I mowed my lawn this last weekend, I maybe shoveling snow tomorrow....

A picture from today at about 5:30 PM...In the photo you should be able to see a large complex across the street but because it was snowing and pretty windy you are unable too... plus not very warm...

Of course, I'll post the photo from November when it's 75 degrees....

Chargers Beat Steelers 23-13

The Charger fan-dom was heard.... Marty had to abandon his conservative play calling and Rivers was finally allowed to throw the ball. Yes, the Steelers stopped Tomlinson...good job... but you lost the game because Phillip Rivers was allowed to throw the ball.

Jamal Williams had an excellent game. The Charger defense looks real good and once teams forget about Tomlinson...which will be the case soon because 'he isn't a factor right now' will happen at the right time...

Big win for the Chargers... no let down next week as they play the 49'ers....

Go Chargers!

Marijuana May Help Alzheimer's

I am fairly certain that if people keep trying they will find a way to eventually legalize marijuana...which I am in full support of. The most recent findings from smoking pot:

The active ingredient of marijuana could be considerably better at suppressing the abnormal clumping of malformed proteins that is a hallmark of Alzheimer's than any currently approved drugs prescribed for the treatment of the disease.

Scientists report the finding in the Oct. 2 issue of the journal Molecular Pharmaceutics.

So to quickly recap the bad effects from smoking pot are: hunger and laziness - really bad societal issues. The positives are: increased creativity, pain reliever for cancer victims, cure for glaucoma and now potentially a way to avert Alzheimer's desease. Not sure how much longer the American government can continue to demonize probably the least abused, most widely illegally consumed drug when most are beginning to realize that pot is not that big of deal.

Week 5 - Steelers at Chargers

The rumblings among the Charger fans have begun to focus in one entity...Marty Schottenheimer. The outcry for him to no longer coach the team began to brew last season and after last weeks 4th quarter collapse those rumblings not only instantly resurface but began this year but now begin to be louder and more angst-filled. I tend to agree with the Charger masses. Marty-ball is worthless and will not get the Chargers anywhere. I think the Chargers have the talent that would rival the best teams in the league and yet have a coach that will choke anyone with talent down. Marty plays to not lose, not to win and that coaching philosophy in itself should mean that you do not coach an NFL team.

So, saying all that...

I think the Chargers should win this Sunday against the Steelers. The Steelers do not appear to be a dominate team of any sort. They struggled against Miami in week one, got shutout by Jacksonville in week 2 and got beat by Cincinnatti in week 3. Of course the NFL always likes to make sure the Chargers play a team after their bye so the Steelers come in rested. This game will likely be a battle of the defenses and whichever offense makes the fewest mistakes...a bit cliche, yet appropriate.

As I said, I think the Chargers should win but until Marty proves that he will take less pressure off the defense and open the offense up a more on a consistent basis I think the Steelers will do the same thing that other disciplined teams in the NFL can do against the Chargers. That is, the Chargers will jump out to a 10, 14 point lead and go into the half. Then the 2nd half the Chargers will get no first downs, never attempt a pass and the Steelers will end up with the ball, down by 2 points with 2 minutes to play and then proceed to move down the field with no resistance and put up the game-winning points with little or no time left.

Ok, I'll still pick the Chargers to win 24-17 but if my above scenario plays out the result will be the same as last years game... Steelers win 24-22...

Choke In Baltimore

The San Diego Chargers had the game won after 3 quarters but the Chargers are becoming well-known for choking and showed just how to choke properly.

The Ravens had no timeouts left with over a quarter to play. The Chargers then muff a field goal try that would have likely been the death nail. The Chargers hold the Ravens and get the ball back with 4 minutes to play. After what seemed to be 50 Charger false starts, end up taking a safety and punting the ball away. The highly touted Charger defense just had to keep the Ravens out of the end zone and the Ravens did so easily.

This could have been a game the Chargers emerge as an AFC power instead show the incompetence of Marty Schottenheimer. Ultra-conservative play late in the game meant the Chargers were trying to sit on a lead rather than dictate the game and, as this has shown in the past, the Chargers come up as losers.

Week 4: Chargers vs Ravens

After the bye week the 2 and 0 Chargers take on the 3 and 0 Baltimore Ravens. After thinking the bye week would help the team of course a big off field distraction needs to happen. Safety Terrence Kiel got arrested for shipping codeine based cough syrup. Add in the Steve Foley shooting incident and the Chargers will soon be threatening the Bengals for most criminally active team. Terrell Owens' attempted suicide easily stole the headlines so this story got only minimal air time so far in the sports world...so far.

But let's turn our attention to Sunday's big game... I did watch the Cleveland-Baltimore game this past weekend. Baltimore should have, could very easily have lost that game. Cleveland shut down the Ravens for most of the game - except the final drive and then still forced a 52-yard field goal from the Ravens to win it. The Raven defense may be good, but I think it is beginning to show its age. Charlie Frye seemed to have little problems passing. I think the Ravens defense is beginning to resemble that of the Chargers of previous years, that being the rush defense will stop anyone from running but they are incapable of stopping a competent passing offense.

My prediction... it is a road game for the Chargers and many an analyst is saying that this will be the first true test for the Chargers this year. So I think they will get up for the game. I don't know how big of a distraction the whole Kiel situation is and hopefully it won't be a factor in the game. I think if Rivers is effective the Chargers should win. I don't see Tomlinson running a lot but I think Gates, McCardell and Parker all have good days.

My prediction: Chargers win 20-10.

ESPN: No Credibility And Getting Even Less

In 3 days ESPN's crack reporting staff posted some stories that probably emphasis how reliable ESPN is and really spotlights their true goal...to sensationalize any and everything no matter what nature it might be.

Early Monday ESPN reported that Matt Leinart was going to start for the Cardinals this week. Later that day Dennis Green (head coach of the Arizona Cardinals) announced that Kurt Warner was the starter this week.

Early today, Terrell Owens alleged suicide attempt... ESPN essentially scratched any programming for the day and covered this story exclusively. At 2:30 CT Owens comes out to refute any and all suicide claims and was even at the team's practice prior to the press conference. Although the facts of his story may not all be known at this time, ESPN was at the forefront of putting out plenty of 'talk' about what may or may not have occured without knowing many of the actual facts.

ESPN continues to exhibit journalism skills of the 21st century and the credo of "Don't let the facts get in the way of a good story."

Zappy Full Show - 9-23-2006

And here is the full show... Party Joke and 12% are both mostly missing due to technical difficulties...

She's Wide - Zappy Live 9-23-2006

She's Wide
Zappy
9-23-2006
Dempsey's Public House

Ride My Horsey - Zappy Live 9-23-2006

More Zappy!

Ride My Horsey, enjoy!

Skoal Brothers - Zappy Live 9-23-2006

Here we go, the first video is here...

Skoal Brothers
Zappy live at Dempsey's Public House
9-23-2006

Zappy Reunion

So Zappy - a band comprised of my friends that were huge in Junior High School/High School throughout the 80's...so they've played 20+ years but haven't played actively together for probably 10 years or more. But once every 4, 5 (or more) years they will get together and rock out all the hits their fans grew up with like 12%, Skoal Brothers, Bug On Your Lip, Ride My Horsey, Party Joke, She's Wide and the list goes on....

Last night was just that occassion and I wasn't expecting what this one show would bring. A good group of folks drove at least 100 miles with several at least twice as far. I saw many old friends that I haven't seen in quite some time. Someone even flew in from San Francisco to see the show...alright, I'm not totally confident if he flew in just to see the show, but for some reason it wouldn't surprise me...Zappy fans are a rabid bunch. I have dubbed the show the "Reunion" because it was just like going to a reunion but the common denominator is Zappy which thus equals drinking and have a fun time.

I think the best comment regarding someone getting to this show was this one:

I was at a wedding and I told my wife we had to leave to get to the Zappy show. We weren't even finished eating yet. She was pretty peeved about this and gave me guff all the way to the bar. When we got there I told Bert (co-owner of bar) this and he said "That the chances of you getting divorced and back together are better than you getting another chance to see Zappy live. You made the right decision!"

I will have some videos up here shortly and I do plan on having the full show uploaded as well...so stay tuned for your fill of some Zappy!

The show was a great time and of course the aftershow has plenty of footnotes to add to the fun time by all!

Burnout

Here's a Camaro doing a burnout...



(I heard Zappy is playing tomorrow...videos will hopefully follow!)

Firecracker II

Good firecrackers! Get some, you won't be disappointed! Blowing up a turntable... is vinyl dead?

Firecracker I

So some crazy bastard I know got a video camera and I can edit video, know how to upload it and have a blog... what took so long? Just add beer and you get videos like this...




We will challenge all crazy fuckers! ... or maybe not, depending on how crazy you are! (I'll hold the camera!)

People That Make Me Laugh

So I am in a free poker league, I like to play cards. Last night was the first night at a new venue for myself and the location for this particular league and I wasn't sure what to expect...but I was in for a treat!

So as I stated in the first sentence, this poker league is FREE - so keep that in mind - but there are some fairly good prizes to those that can advance up from their location, namely travel expenses and buy-ins at WSOP and WPT events which are fairly respectable prizes. I would say the majority of the players there are playing just for fun. But of course there are the exceptions and they are the ones that give me a good chuckle...

So last night there was a group of 3 people - who knew each other - 1 male and 2 females. Each came equipped with their CD player and the male also made sure to have his sunglasses with as well. And note here, that they each brought a CD player, not an MP3 player, IPod or any other device that would fit in a person's pocket, but an actual circa 1995 portable CD Player...right there you know these folks are real 'players'. Once seeing this I made a challenge to myself that I would hope to outlast these three doorknobs.

So girl 1 spills her beer on herself and her chair before even 1 card is dealt. Girl 2 is eliminated before the blinds even increase even 1 level (20 minutes), so I'm thinking things are ending up about as I figured. Then time has come to merge tables and the male ends up sitting right next to me... I'm licking my chops and just hoping to get involved with a pot with this dolt but he goes all-in and loses to someone else...but he does not leave graciously. He grabs his coat from the back of his chair and storms off in obvious anger that he lost. I'm sure he is trying to figure out how he lost on a pair of 8's when the entire board was filled with over-cards? I find out later that he is a 'great' poker player and would take anyone to the cleaners if they so choose to, after finding this out me and some others are trying to get a game going with him.

But the best is girl 1. Yes, after she spills her beer and now is at least moderately intoxicated - we've been playing for an hour or so by now - is so in love with her cd player and music that she makes sure everyone at the table knows exactly what song she is listening too. Then after 1 song is complete she takes out the cd and inserts another to listen to one song and repeat. And to complete her profile, every song that 'she loved' (Oh, I love this song!) was from my high school days. AC/DC, Guns N Roses, Poison, Kiss - she had all the hits - and to top it off, she would ask if any of us like and/or have heard of any of these chart-top hits from just yesterday... another guy and myself started to mock her by saying "No, I have not heard of this band you call Warrant. Are they any good?" And she would then go on a lengthy explanation of how 'awesome' they are and sing the wrong lyrics to most of their popular songs... So then every hand the action comes to her and every hand we have to tell her to either bet, check or fold. And she would say "What? Oh, I'm sorry. How much?" How about you just stay home next week so you can rock out to some more Tesla and let us play cards? Then catastrophe strikes...her batteries in her vintage cd player have gone out and she needs to get more. She asks the table if we would wait for her while she ran to go get some from her car... it got quite a laugh. Oh please, let me go get the batteries for you and is there anything else I can do for you since you seem to think you are the only one that matters that is playing cards? Oh, but that's right, your a girl...even if your stupid, you still think just being a girl is a free pass to be annoying to everyone...

Oh, I succeeded in my challenge and outlasted all three of them... that in itself was a good prize for me!

Early NFL Bye Weeks - BLOW!

Ok, so the NFL implemented the bye week many years ago when the league was at 31 teams and as a result, teams had to have a bye. After the league expanded to 32 teams the NFL decided that the bye week is a good thing and has since kept a bye week for every team. This year (and seemingly every year) the Chargers get their bye week in week 3. How worthless is that? The bye week was kept to help teams rest players, a mid-season breather and just basically a week off for every team during the regular season grind. But to have teams take their bye week anytime before November is basically worthless and why should some teams luck out and get their bye week at a more opportunistic time in the season - namely later - while other teams are just basically given the shaft and given an early bye week?

To make the bye week fair for all teams the NFL should have all the byes for every team in November. 8 teams per week for 4 weeks. You only drop 4 games per week and all NFL teams get their bye week within a month of each other, whereas now, the Chargers bye week and those that get a week 9 bye is a month and a half apart...seems too fair to me...

Skateboarding Fun

Got some beer and a skateboard?

Charger Domination - 40-7: Throttle The Titans

Charger defense looks tight...

Tomlinson used early, lots of all-purpose yardage, 2 TD's...

Rivers looked good, no mistakes...

Turner in garbage time is money... out rushes LT....

But the defense is still the word...for now....

Would of been, could of been a shutout....but 40-7 will suffice... an early bye ( bye week rant to follow, stay tuned) next week...

Bert Blyleven Swears

Rivers Passing Against Raiders - 9/11/06

Week 1 - Chargers 27 Raiders 0

Week 1 of the 2006 NFL season is in the books and the last game of the opening week had the Chargers in Oakland as part of a Monday Night Football double-header.

There really wasn't much of a game. The offensive and defensive lines of the Chargers totally dominated the Raiders. Marty-ball was on full display. It was Tomlinson, Tomlinson and more Tomlinson. LaDainian had over 100 yards rushing in the first half (89 in the first quarter).

Many of us Charger fans were anxious to see how Phillip Rivers would do since it was his first start with the team and unfortunately we will have to wait at least another week to really get a good look at Rivers. Winning the first game of the '06 season is great but not many more games will be won this year with the game plan the Chargers had. One-dimensional and an almost obvious distrust in Rivers.

When Rivers was allowed to pass he looked pretty sharp. A deep ball to Parker, a 3rd down conversion to McCardell and a short-yardage touchdown to Gates. In the end though, Rivers was 8 for 11 and passed for just over 100 yards.

The defense was extremely impressive and Shawne Merriman was on a tear recording 3 sacks out of the 7 total the Chargers put on the Raiders. It wasn't long after the game got underway that it became clear the Raiders' offensive line would not be able to handle Chargers blitz and what made the blitz work last night, where in years past it had failed, was because the secondary was in excellent coverage all night.

It's difficult to say how good the Chargers were in their season opener because of how poor the Raiders were on both sides of the ball. Next week is the Chargers home opener against Tennessee and Charger fans like myself would like to see some more Phillip Rivers worked into the playcalling...especially when you have an all-pro tight end in Antonio Gates on your side. If Marty continues to put the bulk of the workload on Tomlinson's shoulders, he will be run down by week 12.

Good win for the Chargers but definately not an exciting one. Shutting the Raiders out at home hadn't been done since the early 90's. With the Chiefs and Broncos both losing over the weekend means that it is official... the Chargers are in sole possession of the AFC West lead after week 1!

TV On Your Computer

Well it's about time! Watch TV on your computer, all the major networks, Comedy Central, ESPN(s), HBO, news channels and more... nice quality. This internet thing is getting cooler by the day!

TVU is the program and download it here and enjoy... it is freakin awesome!

DJ Unknown

A SayOw Blog exclusive and internet debut, DJ Unknown.

Some of my friends screwing around...but yet, will sweep the nation!

*** Updated 9/19/06 ***

Charger Preview & Prediction

Well, I best get on the record as to how I think the Chargers are going to do this season...

I'll start out by saying that I think the Chargers schedule is considerably easier than it was last season. Of course starting out in Oakland in week 1 and having an early bye week (week 3) may seem as the contrary. But out of their first 8 games only Pittsburgh seems as the only really 'tough' game. Of course Kansas City is in there and being a division foe will no doubtedly be tough. If the Chargers can emerge at 6-2 or better would be paving the way for a potential playoff run. Of course though, the second half of their schedule is a bit tougher, of course the donkeys (Broncos) twice, Cincinnatti and Seattle will be no easy games so I would love to see the Chargers out of the gate quick and better than 5-3 because all their games on paper look winnable - remember they should have beat the Steelers last year in the regular season. And although the first part of the season is not make or break for the Chargers it certainly means they would be more or less likely to make the playoffs as to how they emerge from their first 8 games this season.

But the Chargers can not rely on the schedule, it's the team that needs to win the games and I think the team is good. I think the secondary is better than it was last year by drafting Antonio Cromartie with their first pick and picking up free agent safety Marlon McCree. Of course the loss of Steve Foley will have an impact on the linebacking corps, but the Chargers are pretty deep at that position and may stop trying to shop Donnie Edwards around. I think the defense is better because they improved their secondary.

Now on the offensive side of the ball there are some question marks. Of course the biggest one being Phillip Rivers. Is he going to get the job done? I think it simply comes down to the offensive line and there again, lies some question marks. The offensive line was not very good last year. The Chargers essentially have the same line with a rookie (Marcus McNeil) starting at left tackle. If the line can pass protect well I think Rivers will do fine. But then we come to the next question mark on offense, the receivers. Keneen McCardell we all know is solid, but he is getting old. I like what I saw in Malcom Floyd in the preseason and Vincent Jackson is another young, big receiver...but will either see any time or make an impact? Eric Parker is slated as the number 1 reciever with McCardell at #2. Parker's speed is unquestioned and he has accumulated the experience where this could be his break out year. Rivers has been touted as to having a better arm and deep-ball threat than Brees so it would be great to see some long passes to take some pressure off of the offensive line and give Tomlinson some room to run.

Of course we can not overlook the 'studs' on the Chargers offense, Antonio Gates and LaDanian Tomlinson. I think both are going to be solid contributors to the offense...duh... and really it will come down to the coaching to make sure that both Tomlinson and Gates are used to effectively move the ball down the field. And that is probably my biggest concern. I have not been satisfied with the coaching of Marty Schottenheimer since the Jets loss in the playoffs 2 years ago. I don't like a lot of the play calling when the Chargers are in the lead in a game when it is late. I think the offense gets over conservative and too much pressure is put on the defense and that really needs to change for the team to have any success in big games.

I seriously think the Chargers should challenge for the AFC West title. I also think they should go 11-5. But I think it is important for the Chargers to win as many of their first 8 games as possible, as does every team but the difference with the Chargers is that I think they could legitimately do so.

Nothing Original These Days

I'm trying to figure out what the young people of today know and/or do and from what I have gathered so far is nothing. The music they listen too is more times then not a song that was popular pre-1990. The clothes they wear are gawdy '70's fashions or something that will reveal their tatoos and piercings..which means not much material. Movies are remakes. Television is just fake reality shows of people fighting. Most have no idea that the 'M' in MTV means music and that MTV at one time played music videos. Many of the young people have it so easy they don't even know what 'work' actually is. And the ones that do have jobs treat the job as if it is optional...that is they will work as they feel they need too.

Now my observations aren't from just observing and dealing with one or two people but several. I have been employing and working with college aged individuals for about 10 years now and yes, there are still those that actually need a job to pay their bills, actually listen to music that isn't just redone to today's 'sound' and in general are in tune with 'reality'. But the number of those individuals is greatly outnumbered by the worthless and lazy.

The reason I bring this issue up today is because I have been dealing with an intern that was brought on by someone else in my workplace but she wanted to get involved in my area of work as well. I have no problem with this. But when I describe and detail some of the projects she could take on she is only willing to do the portion of the project that she already knows how to do and if anything requires any more work then that would be left up to me. Well, what good are you then? And why don't I just do the whole project myself so that it will be done right in the first place? I mean it's an internship and the basis of an internship, I thought, was to learn new things that would better prepare you for your occupation after college but not today. Today it is just do whatever you want and as little as possible.

Butterfingers

Panic is running rampant in Charger land. Phillip Rivers fumbled twice on the first 3 plays of this past Saturday's preseason game. He also sustained a bruised shoulder in the first half in trying to recover one of the fumbles. So those that wish to hit the panic button and go on red alert are doing so. Because Rivers' past two preseason games haven't matched his first one of this year and you then add the fumbles from this latest game it is enough ammo for those that wish to bash Rivers or the Charger organization. I am not one of those persons. I would rather see Rivers fumble all he wants to in the preseason and I will have little to say...but once the regular season starts, then I will be as critical as anyone if this tendancy continues.

Another point of interest that has the Charger fans talking is the constant performance of backup running back Micheal Turner. Anytime Turner has been on the field, whether in mop up duty in the regular season or in the preseason he has looked very impressive. Tomlinson is signed until 2010 and unless an injury sidelines him for any considerable time Turner will most likely be riding the pine behind Tomlinson. So many think he has some good trade value and the Chargers should look at maybe moving him for a respectable draft pick. Of course doing it at a time when his value will be at a premium.

Getting Sweeter

I have not been ashamed to gloat about dropping cable and switching to DirecTV. I did so at first when my local cable provider decided to not pick up OLN last year to watch the NHL. Then during the NFL's offseason the NFL Network announced that it would carry select football games. Having the NFL Network, I am not concerned about missing anything, but again the local cable provider here does not carry that network and would likely not carry it...at least not for a rate increase as they have done so many times in the past. I knew there wouldn't be too much of a stink from the locals...that is unless the Vikings should somehow get scheduled to play on the NFL Network. Then and only then would people of this community raise their voices for missing any other NFL games is no big deal but to miss a Vikings game...well then something needs to be done. Well, not only is the NFL Network carrying a Viking game, but the December 21st game is against division rival Green Bay and is always a big game for this region. So the local newspaper ran an article about folks missing that game because the cable provider doesn't carry the NFL Network and of course unless cable subscribers are willing to pay more, they won't be able to see the game...HA HA HA!

And not the NFL Network is the cat's meow, but I also have gotten to see all of the Charger preseason games and their next game on Saturday vs Seattle will be shown live. I have (and will) watched more on the NFL Network since I've had it then about 40 other channels so in my mind is worth it.

I am just sitting back and snickering... the cable company here is shitty, has been shitty and anyone that continues to tolerate it's shittines should expect this type of treatment. I also anticipate them losing a fair amount of subscribers over this as well which serves them right. It is only a matter of time before more people in my town have something other than cable because people are finally seeing that all this cable company does is raise rates and the only channels they add for a small fee increase is shopping networks which they get for free anyways.

Preseason Chargers

So this past weekend the Chargers played their 2nd preseason game in which they lost to Chicago 24-3. It's preseason and I don't get too concerned about the score but here's just a few notes I've made about the Chargers this year so far.

1. Phillip Rivers was allegedly to have a stronger arm than Brees yet the playcalling has been for all short pass plays as it was with Brees. If the Chargers continue to call and just run conservative short-yardage pass plays defenses will stack 8 in the box or just cheat their secondary in making it not only tough for those short passes but also be ready for any Tomlinson runs. This needs to change and the Chargers need to find ways to open the offense up.

2. For 2 years many a Charger fan has been high on Darren Sproles the kick and punt return specialist. I have not been. He does seem to have fairly respectable returns when he doesn't fumble but none have been in a really timely manner and I do believe he has never taken one all the way back for a touchdown. He broke his fibula and is out for the rest of the season and from the talk of some Charger fans it is like we lost our best player. I tend to think that change may be a good thing in this area.

3. Speaking of special teams... in the Charger-Bears game the Chargers were extremely lackluster to put it mildly. No downfield punt coverage, giving up a punt return for a kickoff and nothing special on any of the Charger returns. Clearly an area that should be addressed regardless of the players executing them.

From what I've seen so far, I think the defense is playing better but has yet to be tested by a high-powered offense. Pass coverage has looked better, but again, against no stellar reciever. Overall, based on what I've seen so far, I think the team should play better than last year and make the playoffs.

Seau Unretiring?

Reports from San Diego have Junior Seau signing with the Patriots. Meaning Seau retired this past Monday and may be unretired within a week of that. Not sure why the Patriots would want to sign him, he will most likely be injured for most, if not all of the upcoming season...

Seau's Retirement Announcement Airings

You can watch Junior Seau announce his retirement live at 4:55 PM PT either on the NFL Network (channel 212 on Direct TV) or via a web cast here. If you miss it, you can check the web cast link for an archived version available on the internet approximately 2 hours after it concludes.

Chargers - Green Bay Preseason

I have yet to view the Charger-Packer game from Saturday night...but the Chargers win and the 'buzz' is that Rivers looked good. I found a couple of highlights on YouTube to enjoy - and Rivers does look good...but it is preseason. I'm DVR'ing the game and will be watching it shortly to get my first look at this year's squad...

Junior Seau To Retire

One of the San Diego Chargers greatest linebackers is to retire tomorrow. Junior Seau, when he was in his prime (mid-1990's) was the best linebacker in the NFL. He was voted on the all-decade team for the 90's. He played in 12 consecutive pro-bowls (which I do believe is still a record). He will most definately be a Hall Of Famer on his first ballot, elgible in 2011.

Of course my moniker is in his honor and I bear no shame in having it.

There hasn't been an 'official' announcement that Junior will retire as a Charger - as he should. But the press release says his announcement will be made at Charger Park so I'm guessing he will do the day contract with the Chargers and retire as a Charger.

Thanks for the memories Junior...

(PS: Yes, that is my circa 1996 Seau player figurine. A friend gave it to me to in '96 and I've had it on my computer desk ever since...of course, never been opened...)

Vacation Pics

Here's some select snapshots from the big vacation. The kids had a good time. We did not get any pictures of them at a big water park or Matthew, (my son who is licking the corn on the cob in the second photo) driving a 4-wheeler with me.

The first picture is a picture of me and my family at Ft. Abraham Lincoln State Park. We are on top of a block house and that is the Missouri River in the background.

The 2nd and 3rd pictures are us picnicing...

The fourth is my daughter riding a real, full-sized horse. She has ridden ponies many a time but never an actual full sized horse... she was in heaven.

The last 2 pictures are of the us at the World's Largest Buffalo in Jamestown, ND. You can see the buffalo from the Interstate and they have always wanted to go up and look at it so we did on our way back home today. There is also a live buffalo herd roaming around that statue. The last picture is a marker of the buffalo stats.

The kids had a blast and it was a good time.

New NFL Rules

Four new rules are to be enforced this year in the NFL, briefly they are:

Defensive players may not deliver a “forcible blow” to a quarterback in the knee or below unless they are blocked into him or the passer has left the pocket.

Down-by-contact plays will be subject to instant replay review. If the referee can determine the ball was fumbled before the ball carrier was down and the defense recovered it, then the defense will be awarded the ball at the spot of the recovery.

The time allotted for a referee to conduct a replay review has been cut from 90 seconds to 60.

The horse-collar rule has been toughened. Tacklers are banned from taking down ball carriers from the rear by tugging inside their jerseys.

The first one will be interesting to see how it enforced since it seems to leave some subjectivity and early rumour is that if a defender makes a borderline tackle just below the waist would call for the penalty. It seems as if the NFL will no longer allow tackling of the Quarterback...not sure how that helps the game.

I do like the review of the down by contact rule. How many times was their a potential fumble but because the ball carrier was 'down by contact' the play was not reviewable. And shortening the review time, I think, is also good. If a play can not be properly viewed and reviewed in 1 minute, it should remain 'as is'. But to insure that the proper call is made, I think those in the review booth should have already seen and filtered replays and have a 'preliminary informed' decision on the play that they could then relay that information to the reviewing referee. I think that would accelerate the reveiw process.

And early this week the NFL unvieled new uniforms for the referees. I have yet to see them on television, but from the photo to the left, I guess as of right now I am indifferent about them...

The Chargers first preseason game is August 12th against the Green Bay Packers.

Vacation

Me and the family are on vacation next week and for the first time ever, all four of us are going somewhere together! Well, it is barely somewhere, but it is somewhere other than home, so that will meet the minimum criteria for a family vacation. We are packing up and going to spend a few days in my hometown of Bismarck. I haven't been back there in about 3 years so it is meeting the pleas of my family that continually hound me as to why I haven't been back in so long and after next week, I will remember why I don't go back that often...actually I don't need to go back to remember why, I know why. It is about as boring and lame as it gets. I do have some friends back there but living in Dullsville, USA has made them complacent. The last time I was back none of them even wanted to go out and hit the town...and not that I blame them, there really is nothing to do there...but come on, make an effort. I've already contacted all of them and with the exception of one , I expect to not see much of any of my friends while I am back...and not that it is that big of a deal because we wouldn't be doing much anyways.

This vacation is mainly for the kids and for our family members that don't get to see them that often. I'm sure the kids are going to have a blast and my wife and I will be happy to get back home. It would be nice to have a large sum of money to go somewhere farther and do more but that is not the case...this year. Since my wife and I had children I have always told her I've wanted to go on a family vacation. Every year something has always prevented us from doing so...mostly money and time. This year I made sure my vacation time would be saved and be used during the same time as our daycare provider..taking care of the time issue. Now I just need to work on the monetary issues, but I am hoping a year from now that will at least be less of an issue, but with gas prices rising by the hour may always be an issue.

Anyways, I'm just glad to have a week off and am excited to get done with work tomorrow so that I can officially begin my vacation!

What Am I Watching?

As many that know me and frequent my blog here, know that I am very critical of television...that is, I think most everything on network television is crap. And not just crap, but unwatchable crap. Reality shows are everywhere and they all appear to be getting lamer and lamer. I have never got caught up in the 'reality show' craze. I do admit to watching the first season of the Osbournes on MTV but that is about it. So what the hell do I watch on TV you ask? Well here's your answer:

Sports. Without a doubt I love watching sports. Of course the NFL is my favorite and I'm not much of a college football fan..so I usually skip Saturdays. I like the NHL next and when it comes to the playoffs, I try and catch every game I can. NBA and MLB I will usually only watch playoff games but if I'm home and bored, I'll tune in the Twins or the Timberwolves just because I'm in their market and they are usually on. I will also watch the major PGA events as well as Tennis. I have always enjoyed the Majors in both those sports.

Ok, so if it isn't sports then what? Well, I have just started tuning into FX's 'Always Sunny In Philadelphia'. I have just seen a handful of episodes and I do believe it is a fairly new series so is just beginning to develop the characters, but to me it seems as if it is a bit Seinfeldesqe, that is a show that is basically about nothing. What makes it a bit different is that there is profanity - and a fair amount of that - and is on a basic cable channel. But overall, I think the show has a different tact then most other sitcoms on television today and have enjoyed the episodes I have seen so far.

Next up is the 'Boondocks'. I am an avid reader of the Aaron McGruder's comic of the same name and was interested to see if an animated show would appeal to me and it has. To me it parrallels the Chappelle Show, that is it makes fun of the many stereotypes in American society today. The show, to me, seems like a very edgy, modern animated series.

I have always watched the Simpsons, and as one of my former co-workers said, "The greatest show ever put on television." I definately think the Simpsons is in a class by itself. It has been on television for...ever and every year seems to keep putting out quality episodes.

For some reason I have also endured through every episode of Saturday Night Live for most of my life. SNL is one of those entities that when I was young was a great treat, getting to stay up late on Saturday to watch SNL was like Christmas every week when you are 12, because what else are you going to do on a Saturday night in your pre-teen years? And for whatever reason it is just something I haven't been able to shake. Although I very rarely sit and actually watch an episode of SNL as it is airing but I have always taped (and now DVR) and watched at a later time. I felt this last season of SNL was a down year with very few sketches that appealed to me. Debbie Downer was lame and it seemed as if that was pushed on us every episode. I don't think Horatio Sans is that good. Andy Samberg has some funny moments but it did seem as they were outnumbered by lame moments-cats with lasers comes to mind and his impression off on weekend update first episode of the new season both, lame as lame can be.

I also do watch almost every televised poker show. I enjoy The World Poker Tour and The Professional Poker Tour both on the Travel Channel as well as all the WSOP events aired on ESPN. All three of those productions seem to be the standard that is set for quality poker seen on television.

Finally, I can't get enough of the Colbert Report. I like the Daily Show and still watch it as well but until the Colbert Report started to air I didn't think making fun of the news could get any funnier but Stephen Colbert somehow manages to do it. Every show seems hilarious to some degree and I'm amazed that his schtick(sp?) never grows old.

So there you have it... my television viewing...