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...

No Luck

If I wouldn't have bad luck, I would have no luck.

So I like playing poker and play a weekly free hold'em league. And with it being free of course that means folks are playing garbage all the time. I understand all this. But to lose on a person calling a 1,300 all-in late in the game with a 3-4 is insane. I have Ace-Jack and lose. To say it is a bit frustrating is an understatement...

I'm steaming so I have to at least vent on my blog... because that is as lame as it gets!