Bruce Springsteen Sucks

I've been meaning to get a post about how much I don't like Bruce Springsteen and how much he sucks up sooner ... since he was announced as the Super Bowl Halftime act this year ... and am just getting it in before the 'wire'.

Yes, "The Boss" is this year's Super Bowl halftime act and as is my tradition for every Super Bowl I have ever watched, I will not watch one second of the halftime act.  Furthermore, without watching Bruce perform, I can safely say that his show will suck because he sucks.

Is there really anyone in the music industry that is labeled as a 'legend' and sucks more than him?  It would be tough to come by but I am definately open to those suggestions.

I think "Born In The USA" came out when I was like 12 or 13 and sure, I was entertained at that time but it only took a couple of listens of that song to see how much it really sucks and how it became popular is probably more due to the 'message' than the music.  And what is the 'message' of that song?  Well, duh, it is simply "Born In The USA" ... for you see, the entire lyrics to that song is one chorus that references the gas fires down by the refinery and then repeat "Born In The USA" for the remainder of the song ... pure musical genius is Bruce.  His other 'hits' or probably not hits, just songs by him that I can recall being played somewhere at sometime include something like 159 channels and nothing on, Pink Cadillac, Tunnel Of Love and Ghost Of Tom Joad ... all crap, crappier and crappier.  

What really gets me, is how someone is able to get away with essentially putting out this garbage and being seen as a "Rock Legend" or even a "Rocker" of any sort.  Obviously Bruce has a great P.R. department and maybe some other tricks that have idiots think his music is awesome, but it is probably more that his music is so stupidly simple that the droves of simpletons in the world flock to him like a bug-zapper.

Work At Home Scams

Last night as I was watching TV when one of those 'Make Money At Home' commercials came on.  You know the ones, just log onto their website for details and start making money today!  The commercial lists the web site and then has person after person exclaiming at how much money they make ... one makes $2500 a month, just in their spare time!  While others have made it their full time profession and are millionaires.

Every time I see one of these commercials they just make me laugh and I wonder at what gullible souls are unfortunate enough to fall for these scams?  I mean, anyone with a clue can figure out that these things are a total scam.  

Have you ever noticed they never tell you UPFRONT what you will be doing?  Of course not, if they did they would get even fewer people.  Instead the commercials just say how simple and easy it is to make money at home, some even claim that your computer will do most of the work or, in fact, that you don't have to do anything!  Yes, that's right, don't do anything and just collect money ... go to our web site today and begin earning money today!  HA HA HA!

The other part of these commercials that are so laughable is the testimonals of the actors real people that make these wonderful claims at how much money they have made.  How believable are these claims?  Well, so believable I am sure everyone knows of someone that is earning their income this way, right?  Yeah, right!  You see, if anyone, FOR REAL, made any money doing any of these "work at home" deals I would think someone, somewhere knows of at least ONE other person that is doing so ... but of course not one actual or real person can be found on the planet that is earning money through one of these scams ... oh, and if someone does approach you and say "Hey, I am one of those persons earning money at home..." their next line will be "...and let me tell you how ... all you need to do is buy this and get others to do the same..."  you see, they have fallen for the scam themselves.

Of course there are different "Work At Home" scams then the age old pyramid scheme that I described above, but that is the most prominent one out there ... some more recent ones I have heard of is "Learn To Use eBay to Make Money".  Which will essentially tell you to buy low and sell high ... and you need to pay someone to show/tell you how to do that?  

Its tough to feel sorry for the folks that fall into these traps ... they are of course lured into them with the thought of making a lot of money without doing a lot of work and that is their first flaw.  If you think being lazy or not doing anything is going to pay off in the end you are only destined to learn the hard way.

Trailer Park Boys Coming To DirecTV

For those with DirecTV, you are in for a treat!  The Trailer Park Boys series is going to begin airing on ch. 101 starting Feb. 5th. 

It is yet another fake reality show but the plot line(s) and characters are totally hilarious!  I have watched the entire series (and movie) and with the exception of the final season (season 7), all are really funny. 

The two 'main' characters are Ricky and Julian ... Julian is the 'brains/muscle' behind the crew and he and the 'boys' are always on the lookout to make an easy 'score' by selling pot, stealing and reselling goods or whatever might be their whim of the day.  Ricky is just simply funny ... his mannerisms never get old and is self-admitting to not being all that 'bright'.  They have a whole slew of others that aid or hinder their objectives, all of which just add to the humor... Corey and Trevor, Jay Rock, Lahey and Randy ... you'll get to know them all and if you were like me, just couldn't wait to see what happens next. 

The series is no longer in production and was shot and aired in Canada.  It has a strong drug theme (pot) and strong language ... probably why it wasn't acceptable for American airwaves.  But DirecTV is coming to the rescue and going to treat it's viewers with this series...for FREE!  As I stated, I have seen all the shows already, but am already planning on re-watching them all on DirecTV because one time just isn't enough!

Super Bowl XLIII

The Super Bowl is quickly approaching and I guess I might as well make my prediction(s) of the game...which, like most others that do so, are likely to not happen.  It seems that whenever you hear someone make predictions about a game, the more specific the prediction the more likely it is to be incorrect.  Trying to even predict the 'obvious' usually doesn't happen because the other team is also well aware of the obvious and will attempt to thwart that aspect of the game.

So what do I have to say about this game?  My first impression is probably the most common thought about this game between Arizona and Pittsburgh, that being, the Steelers are going to kill the Cardinals and that this game could very well be over by halftime.  Saying that, I also thought that the Cardinals weren't going to beat Atlanta, Carolina or Philadelphia, so there is no question that the Cards have proven me wrong in each game ... but for most, they still are the Cinderella story of this year and I am sure out to prove everyone wrong. 

I am not really 'cheering' for either team ... sure, I've grown tired of the Steelers winning a Super Bowl all the time and I do have some angst against their fans - and that might be what tips me to cheer for the Cards on game day - but in reality I really don't care about either team as to whether they win or not.

I don't see how the Cards can win this game but I am taking the George Constanza route and that is, if every inclination I have towards picking football has been wrong then whatever I think should be the outcome, I should do the opposite ... so using that logic, the Cardinals should win.

Party Joke - Zappy

Here's a blast from the past ... a video we created in 1996 ... Zappy's Party Joke ... Enjoy!

McGwire's Brother Outs Mark

Mark McGwire's brother is outing him in a book proposal, claiming that he injected Mark with steroids starting in 1994.  Most everyone with a clue already knew that Mark was a roid user but because he ended his career before testing and any substantial or speculative 'proof' was found, there were many that had a tiny bit of doubt about those accusations.  Well, looks like that is all over now with his brother coming out and claiming he injected Mark with roids.  Of course Mark's brother, Jay, may have alterior motives or just looking for an easy paycheck but you put this accusation alongside Mark's pathetic performance in congress, it now casts a much larger shadow of doubt on him.  

All this really does is further prove that Roger Maris' 61 home runs in a single season is still the record for non-roid players.  

Tool: The Modern Symphony

For some reason this vein of thought struck me as I was driving home from work tonight ... for some reason, after not listening to Tool for several months but wanting to hear something different in my car, I threw my Tool 10,000 Days CD in the player to rock out to as I drove home. And before I continue I feel compelled to display my "Tool" credentials, not to brag or some display of bravado, but rather to openly display my bias. Yes, I am a Tool superfan...oh, really you exclaim? How big of a Tool fan? In a previous blog entry, I have conveniently listed the 9 live shows since 1997 that I have attended, several with links to the reviews that I posted at that time right here, I encourage you to at least browse my blog reviews but the pre-blog reviews are a nice blast from the past... so you can gauge my 'fandom' accordingly.

What has been perplexing me, as a Tool fan, is the lack of an appropriate label to describe the music that Tool produces. I have heard them called art-metal, prog-metal, alternative-metal, alternative-progressive-art metal and all blank-metal adjectives a writer can come up with. But to me, I have yet to hear of an appropriate label for Tool. I am not now trying to apply some sort of label to Tool but I guess more of a correlation that, to me, seems to explain their music a little better than all the labels I have seen other writers and/or reviewers try to apply to Tool.

Once man began to 'understand' music, 2 basic forms of music have basically always been in existence. There has been a simple and a complex form of music all throughout history.

Let's start with the simple form of music. These are the songs that are simple songs that one can sing as they plow the fields, lay track, chop timber, wrestle bears or whatever. Simple music is not meant to be overbearing or tasking of the mind, instead it is something a person has used throughout history to help pass the time regardless of what that might be ... again, chopping timber, lay track, etc. literally mind candy. Simple music does not hide any pearls of wisdom or underlying theme. Simple music is not meant to spark the engine of ingenuity within a person. Simple music is something you enjoy when you want to be at ease and without thought.

Now to the complex form of music. Complex music is music that will have the listener seeking answers from the song. You may hear complex music for the first time but, if crafted correctly, complex music will have the listener discovering more within the song each time they hear it. Complex music is made with a purpose and with deliberate intent. Yes, most songs may have some sort of 'message' but it is in the manner in which it is delivered that continues to distinguish it from either being a simple or complex form of music.

Both forms of music, simple and complex, have always been appreciated by people, but regardless of how you try to categorize music, whether it be country, rock, hip-hop, blues, jazz, soul, etc., I would say that a person could further separate music into 2 basic types, that of complex or simple forms of music.

I think there would then be little debate amongst those that are avid listeners (or not) to symphonic music from great composers like Mozart or Beethoven (yes, I know more than 2 composers but feel compelled to stop listing them now ... ok, Schubert is one more just to shut you up) would be classified as complex music. A person could not possibly fully understand the intent of these composers with merely just one listen. Oh sure, you may get the 'jist' or the overall picture with some pieces but, again, if crafted correctly complex songs and music will have the listener discovering more within the song whether intended or not.

That is where I think Tool comes in today. I think that the music that Tool puts out is the modern day equivalent to the symphonies like that from the great composers prior to the 'electronic era' of music. What Tool puts out today is music that a person could not fully understand or absorb with just one listen. Their music is the type of music that you can listen to over and over again and each time discover something new. Their songs aren't 3 minutes or whatever length would best fit on an album or for radio play. Tool songs are the length needed to fully deliver the message appropriately and if that is 12 minutes, then the song is 12 minutes in length. Tool songs, like complex music of the past, are made for a person to, essentially, be told a story, a tale, and whatever that might be and if shortened or otherwised altered, that message is lost.

Now I am not trying to convert anyone into 'liking' Tool or even to listen to them if you don't want too. Nor am I trying to come of as being 'superior' or some sort of 'music snob' just because I enjoy Tool and I have now applied my own label and whether intended or not, elevated them. I am simply trying to find a better way to place them in the 'rock music' genre which, as I prefaced this piece with, I have yet to be satisfied with any of the contemporary labels that have been placed upon Tool. Their form of 'rock music' is a form that is often imitated, but rarely duplicated - another cliche but appropriate. Tool has found a perfect blend when creating their music, combining their lyrics with instruments in a manner that sends the music at the listener in waves with peaks and valleys all with multiple layers and throughout it all is a story and a message they are delivering. A clear exhibition of a complex form of music.

And before concluding, I should make sure to put this in the proper context ... when Tool first formed they were a more heavy, harsher, angrier band. But as they developed and evolved as a band, they honed their edge - one final cliche for this piece. I think from the beginning Tool has been a band that delivered this complex music to people but like a craftsman, became more skilled at doing so with every attempt until they have reached the point they are at now. The message in their early years was extremely powerful and rarely subtle. Tool hasn't toned down their music, their power is still fully exhibited, but as I keep iterating, they are far from a heavy metal or any other metal band.

This entire entry was written 2 years after the release of 10,000 Days, Tool's last album but their music continues to ignite thought within me and that was why I was compelled to write this piece.

AC/DC - Fargo, ND - 1-07-09

I attended the AC/DC concert at the Fargodome in Fargo, ND this past weekend and I was still impressed with the band and their performance.

I am like probably 99.9% of other AC/DC fans, that is, I grew up listening to their music and am more fond of their past hits then really trying to like their new stuff ... so going to the show, I obviously wanted to hear all their classic stuff ... and they did not disappoint. Out of their 18 song set list, I think all but 5 songs were their older stuff ... Dirty Deeds, Whole Lot Of Rosie, TNT, Hell's Bells, Shoot To Thrill, Thunderstruck are just a few of their classics that they wailed out this past Saturday.

If I had any complaint regarding the show, it was that they only played for roughly 90 minutes ... but if that is the only complaint they can get from me, that is doing pretty well, in my opinion...

Angus can still rock and the band puts on a pretty good show. The Fargodome was packed to the gills - sold out, so there was 22,000+ people ... a very respectable draw for being a venue located in the Barren Wasteland.

Here are some videos I took with my cell phone, so the audio is fairly crappy ... and I actually had really good seats but, again because it is just a cell phone quality camera, the video really doesn't do the show that much justice ... but in case you want to check them out... here they are...

Cards-Steelers Super Bowl ... Go Cards!

The 2008-09 Super Bowl is set ... The Arizona Cardinals vs the Pittsburgh Steelers.

There is little question that the Cardinals are the 'Cinderalla' story of the playoffs, and I do believe an underdog in every game they played during the playoffs ... I know I did not think they would win any of their playoff games, but they have proven me wrong each step of the way.

Then there is the Pittsburgh Steelers ... a team that seems to make a Super Bowl about every 5 years (or more).  The Steelers have had little competition during their 2 playoff games ... easily handling the Chargers and in a tough game with the Ravens until sealing the deal in the 4th quarter with a pick-6 by their defense to deliver the death blow for the Ravens.

So who is going to win?  Well, I am guessing - because I haven't checked yet - that the Steelers are going to be favored and the Cards will play the underdog role once again, like they have the entire playoffs.  Me personally, I think the Steelers are going to win and the Cards have no chance...but the Cards have proven me wrong every step of the way so I am not going to write them off at all.

Like most Super Bowls that don't involve the Chargers ... which there have been a few ... I am hoping that the game is a good one... there is nothing worse then a total ass-kicking for a Super Bowl where there might be no interest to watch after halftime.  But I am also kind of pulling for the Cards just because I have grown tired of the Steelers (like the Patriots) winning Super Bowls all the time.  But, as I said, I am really just hoping for a good game.

Chargers In LT Limbo

Before the final second even ticked off the clock this past Sunday the rumors had already begun to swirl regarding the Chargers' greatest runningback of all-time, LaDainian Tomlinson.  With the emergence of Darren Sproles, the age of LT and with his hefty contract most pundits have already have the Chargers either outright releasing Tomlinson or trying to trade him - which many think would be a later round pick (day 2).

But yesterday, Dean Spanos - Charger GM/Son of owner, came out to say that no decision has been made regarding LT as of yet and that they have some time to evaluate their situation and position.  But the most refreshing line I read in that news release was the fact that Spanos would personally call and keep Tomlinson updated as to what is really happening ... if the unthinkable was to actually happen and LT is no longer a Charger, I am at least satisfied that the Charger organization is going to treat LT with some class and dignity for all that he has given to the organization.

I am hoping that maybe LT and the Chargers could sit down and renegotiate his contract (or do whatever it takes) to keep Tomlinson in a Charger uniform for his entire career....so I will continue to monitor more of what the Charger organization and Tomlinson are actually saying rather then listen to the talking heads in the media who change their story every 15 minutes...

Convenience Store Clerk Chat

The conveneince store, an invention that revolutionized the 'self-serv' industry.  Before the convenience store a person would pull into a gas station, fill their car up with gas and unless they needed service for their car or some automotive related item, went merrily on their way.  But now, with today's Automotive Super Centers, aka convenience store, a person can fill their tank with gas and then do a bit of shopping ... whether it be grocery, gift or just simply for themself, a properly stocked convenience store should have what you are looking for.

With the convenienc store came the convenience store clerk.  An occupation that would quickly propel itself to the top of the list for people that will get 'talked' too about any and everything, become the 'local' information center, if you will.  For you see, 'regulars' at a convenience store begin to know all the clerks and begin to develop a rapport with them ... for some it will be weather talk, for others it is news or sports and the range of topics varies.  The convenience store clerk is a person, that if they weren't before they started working at a convenience store, need to be informed of the 'news of the day'.  And once a person has developed a relationship with one convenience store, they carry that same demeanor with them to every convenience store they then visit.  My father, for instance, frequents his local convenience store maybe 3 times a week ... mainly for a coffee and gas ... as a result, is fairly familar with the employees there and has his 'talking points' with the workers there. (ie: How's the weather today Joe?).  Because of this, now whenever my father goes to any convenience store, he will strike up a conversation with the clerk there and because he has finely tuned his 'convenience store clerk' banter, can quickly strike up a dialogue with the clerk and they sound as if they have been long-time friends.

Knowing and observing this behavior from serveral people, and being the considerate person that I am, I have kind of took it upon myself to not be one of those guys.  For you see, I feel the convenience store clerk's pain.  Oh sure, you will have the occassional convenience store clerk that just LOVES their customers and enjoys the interactions they have with them, but for the most part, I think most clerks would rather you simply be quiet, pay for your shit and get out ... which is exactly what I try to do.  And to this day, I think it has been quietly yet, greatly appreciated by the convenience store clerks I encounter.  You see what a considerate person I am?

So for the past year or so, I have stopped at a convenience store to purchase a soda on my way to work ... never gas and rarely anything else - gas is cheaper elsewhere as is everything else.  I have walked in, grabbed my soda, payed for it and walked out.  Well, obviously stopping by this convenience store every morning for well over a year now, all the clerks know me ... or at least what I look like... for you see, I have never said anything more than Thank You or No Thanks to them.    And to me, all the clerks seem to not mind our quick transaction with no banter at all.  Well recently, I have begun to notice that one particular clerk has begun to try and talk with me more as I have gone in ... and to tell you I feel awkward is to say the least.  Here, I thought I was doing them a favor, and for the most part I think the majority of clerks appreciate my efforts, but now a clerk is trying to lure me into conversing with them as I make my morning soda purchase.  And the clerk that is attempting this, is a person that in the past, I thought was making deliberate efforts to not converse and to keep transactions brief...but I almost think that my 'accepting' of the brief transaction and having never made even an attempt to converse with the clerk has them curious as to 'what's my deal?'  I come in there every day and don't say much of anything ... surely, at least one time I should ask how's the weather or make some comical joke regarding the cold ... but no, I have never even done that.

So I'm thinking if the clerk does want to start up some sort of chatting whenever I come in, I will oblige .. but my only worry then is, what if the person is a 'long-winded talker?' and that is why they want me to 'talk'.  It really isn't to talk with me, it is more to talk at me.  So the next time I go in to purchase a soda the clerk will lure me into a conversation with them and I'll oblige, it will start simply enough as "So the weather sure has been cold around here, huh?" and the next thing you know I could be standing in the store for 20 minutes as the clerk details their life history to me which is the prelude to their fascinating tales about their cat.  

This Winter Has Sucked

So far this winter has sucked hard ... oh sure, most people that don't live in the barren wasteland think that all of our winters here are as crappy as this year's ... but no, not usually this bad...

We have had over 50 inches of snow so far, which I do believe is on pace to record or near record snowfall ... and actually the snow, although it does get old shoveling and snowblowing every other day, it really doesn't make the winters any worse (or better) ... but what is really making this winter especially sucky is that it has been cold here FOREVER and the word is that it is suppose to get even colder tonight and tomorrow!  How cold you ask?  The high temperature today is likely to be around -5 degrees, the low temperature tomorrow is suppose to be -30 or colder with a high temperature of -10 or colder with, of course, a nice stiff breeze ... windchills are expected to be -50 or colder starting tonight ... and what has made this even more crappy is the fact that it really hasn't been 'warm' at all since November.  And when I say 'warm' I will take any temperature above 10 degrees at this point ... but I don't think we have seen a temperature of double-digits in this area for many weeks and if we did, it was likely accompanied with 20+ mph winds.

When it is this cold and crappy, all I wanted to do this morning was stay in bed...it seems like once you go outside you never, ever can get warm again...

If/when it ever gets to 20 degrees around here, people will think it is the middle of summer ... we will be wearing shorts and no coats ... at that point 'outsiders' who see us natives in the streets will begin to think we have officially snapped, but all we are doing is just enjoying the nice weather!

The Chargers - A Look Back And Forward

What a ride the 2008 San Diego Chargers gave their fans.  You can simply scroll down and read my entries regarding the Chargers...where almost weekly, I would rail on the pathetic Charger defense and that they were basically out of the playoff picture ... which they were.

But then there was the ray of hope this season...maybe it was the miracle win in Kansas City to keep the AFC West crown attainable, which was then followed by improbable wins by Buffalo in Denver and San Diego's win in Tampa which set up the season finale where the Chargers absouletly destroyed the Broncos ... but what was once a season that looked as if it would be another wasted year and wasted talent for the Chargers, instead ended with another AFC West championship and a playoff win.  The flaws in the Chargers were too glaring to not be exposed by other teams.

And with the conclusion of the season for the Chargers means the beginning of the offseason and offseason news ... First off the press is Antonio Cromartie, a pure stud in 2007 looked nothing of the sort in 2008, said he played the entire season with a hip fracture and that he looks forward to a better season next year.  Well, I hope so because Cromartie went from being a great shut-down corner to being toast on a regular basis.

Norv dumped four coaches, secondary and offensive line the primary targets of the firings, not really a surprise considering the play of those units.

Defensive Coordinator Ron Rivera is interviewing for the head coaching job in Detroit, so he is likely gone, if not to Detroit probably somewhere else.

And of course the biggest offseason question for the Chargers will be that of future Hall Of Fame runningback, LaDainian Tomlinson.  Already sports-talk radio hosts have fueled the speculation that the Chargers are beginning to 'shop' Tomlinson around ... the Chargers quickly deny doing anything of the sort.  Tomlinson has 3 years left on his contract and many think that the time is now to trade Tomlinson and go with Sproles.

There is nothing that makes me more sad then to think LaDainian Tomlinson play for a different team ... I think every effort should be made to keep LT a Charger until he retires ... but I understand the economics of the game and unfortunately great players like Tomlinson often end their careers in this fashion ... it still doesn't make me any happier or content in the resolution.

Chargers Season Over

And just like that the Chargers turn-around 2008-09 season is over.  The Chargers go to Pittsburgh and are soundly beaten with little resistance.

The Steelers played a near perfect game and the Charger defense showed it's flaws.  At no point during the game were the Steelers concerned and were able to make 3rd down conversions at will, regardless of the distance.  The Charger defense got zero pressure on Ben Roethlisberger and Ben was able to pick his targets all game long.  

There isn't much really to dwell upon this game and I hope to have some post-season thoughts/reflections as well as some of the Charger news of the day posted shortly...

Go Chargers!

Big game on Sunday.  I like the Chargers chances.  LT is out and Sproles is in.  Pittsburgh's defense will be out to prove itself and the Charger offense will need to counter.  Could be a smash-mouth, low scoring game ... probably not what the Chargers want ... I think if the Chargers can get 21 or more points they should win, imo... but anything can happen... the Chargers need to take care of the ball and maximize the chances they get. 

I like the Chargers chances but listening to the national media all week, all of a sudden the Chargers are the fashionable pick for the upset this weekend ... that could be the kiss of death...

I'm hoping for a good game from the Chargers and hope to see them play next weekend for a chance to go to the Super Bowl!

I Want To Be 6 Again!

My six year old son is my idol.  If I could switch places with anyone in the world right now it would be with my son.  He has the dream life, in my opinion...  Here is a typical day for my son...

7:00 AM - Get woken up and move from bed to the living room couch.  Lie there watching morning cartoons until breakfast is served, where you eat it on the living room couch while watching cartoons.

8:00 AM-3:00 PM - Get dropped off at school and spend the rest of the day in kindergarten.  Kindergarten is probably the greatest grade while going to school where recess is no more than an hour and half away.

3:05 PM - Get picked up and go home.  My son, for some reason, no longer likes to wear his clothes while around the house, so by 3:06 he has all of his clothes removed with the exception of his boxers.

3:07 PM - 6:00 PM - Play video games ... we just got a Wii for Christmas, still have our PS2 and of course a fully functional computer stocked with tons of games.  Even though he has literally 100's of games to choose from he is constantly begging for more.

6:00 PM - Eat supper, with of course the meal prepared by someone else.

6:15 -8:00 PM - Play video games/watch tv/play games, after supper my son might go back to video gaming or watch television (or both) but he does also really like board and card games.  So if he can find a willing game-mate, he is always up for a game.

8:00-9:00 PM - Wind down watching some cartoons - his favs.  For some reason most of his favorite cartoons have new episodes show at 8:00 PM our time, so he makes a point to be near a tv to catch all the newest episodes to his favorite shows.

9:00 PM - Go to sleep.

His schedule is a grueling one and not sure how he can do it day in and day out.  And remember, that throughout the day, most of his needs are, at the very least, assisted by an older person ... he gets help getting dressed, taking a bath, etc... all of which is no big deal.

What makes me kind of chuckle at him now-a-days is that he HATES to even leave the house primarily because it will mean he has to put clothes on ... his most favorite days are weekends where he won't even need to get dressed at all ... now tell me that isn't the life?

Happy New Year! Chargers Win!

The San Diego Chargers, a team that for the most part of this past season, have disappointed myself and most of their fans. But thanks to the late season collapse of the Denver Broncos the Chargers found a way to get into the playoffs and are now trying to make the most of this opportunity...

The Chargers beat the Indianapolis Colts this past Saturday night in overtime to advance to the next round. After the 1st quarter, the Chargers, to me, seemed to be able to man-handle the Colts. Peyton Manning caught the Chargers (namely Cromartie) sleeping and scored an easy touchdown to go up 17-14 ... the Chargers then proceeded to do everything they could to keep Indy in the game ...after an interception by Rivers in the endzone and a Sproles fumble at the goal line it didn't seem like things were going to go the Chargers way ... but the Bolts get the game tying field goal and the Colts even had a fair amount of time to attempt a late game drive to potentially set up a game winning score, but the Charger defense stepped up to the task and the Colts were content to see overtime.

The Chargers win the toss and with the help of a couple of very obvious Colts penalties moved into field goal range but the Charger kicker, Kaeding, would not be needed because Darren Sproles - who had an unbeliavable game (with the exception of the fumble) - ran in for a touchdown and the game was over without the Colts even getting a possession in overtime.

A big factor to the Charger win was punter Mike Scifres who was unfreakin' believable the entire game ... no matter the distance, it seemed as is Scifres was able to get the ball inside the 5 yard line every time, pinning the Colts deep to start nearly every possession.

The Chargers travel to Pittsburgh to play the Steelers on Sunday ... The Steelers are a battered team with plenty of injuries ... Tomlinson, who saw some action on Saturday but sat most of the game is likely to be questionable again for this game, but as most pundits agree with, having Sproles is certainly not a step backwards. I think the Chargers should play better than their first meeting earlier this year and hopefully can pull out a win. I am not really pulling for a Ravens win over the Titans - which would mean the Chargers would host the AFC Championship - because I think the Chargers could handle the Titans over the Ravens ... but really, no need to think that far ahead at this point... I'm just excited that I get to see another week of Charger football ... and Charger playoff football none-the-less!