State Of Me Caring About The State Of The Union

So last night was the State of the Union address and I was just reflecting on how I once reacted about the State of the Union address throughout my life ...

The 1975-1985 - The State of the Union speech sucked because I wanted to watch something else. There were only 13-20 total television channels and the State of the Union would be on at least 6 of those. As a young boy the State of the Union speech was soooo booorrrring.

1986-1993 - I felt a need to become 'educated' on political issues of the day so watched to have an 'informed' opinion, mostly for school purposes. I also do recall watching the speech during the first Iraqi war.

1993 - 1997 - I was single and in my 20's, television was totally a secondary activity. I would watch sports and a few other shows (Seinfeld, Simpsons, etc.). So any State of the Union addresses during this time were missed due to other activities. (IE: Hey do you want to go out and have some beers tonight?)

1997-2004 - Married with children. My children are young, they command a lot of my time and if not my time then most certainly the television. Very rarely, during this time, when the children are awake would a person get more than 30 minutes to themselves. And as soon as they went to bed it was then time to clean up their destruction and go to bed yourself.

2005-present - Now having DirecTV with over 150 channels ... not only have I not seen the State of the Union address, there wasn't even a channel that I would flip to randomly just to see what's on and mistakenly see it....how times have changed. My son will never have to pull out the checker board or build something with your erector set because the president is giving some booorrrring speech.

Saints - Colts in the Super Bowl

After some good conference championships we have our Super Bowl teams ... the Indianapolis Colts vs the New Orleans Saints...

I'm really pretty indifferent about both teams...I don't really hate either team nor do I really like either team... sure I do still like Drew Brees, so maybe that's who I'll pull for...Drew Brees...

A quick recap of this past weekend's games... you could see how the Colts were able to beat the Jets and why the Chargers couldn't ... the Jets were playing the Colts really tough until the Colts made some adjustments and then they couldn't be stopped. The Vikes, as I was saying for most of the game, were lucky that they even got that game to overtime...have 6 turnovers in the NFC Championship game and was heading into o.t.? Most teams could never get away with such sloppy play and still have a chance to win...oh, and the best part, the annual Favre retirement watch now begins for the Vikes. I'm thinking he will be back next season, about week 2 of the preseason ... which was my call last year and I was off by about 2 weeks...so I'm going to stick with it again this year.

I think this year's Super Bowl should be entertaining...hi-scoring with lots of big plays...I just hope the officials don't feel the need to determine the outcome...

Chargers; Extend Turner's Contract

The Charger ownership, content in this season's disappointment, extended head coach Norv Turner's contract by 3 years. Kind of weird that they fired Marty Schottenheimer after a 14-2 season and no wins in the playoffs but extend Norv's contract after an almost similar season...but word is that GM AJ Smith and Marty didn't get along...

And really, can you fire a coach that wins the AFC West Division every year? Sure, that was happening before Norv, but I think the Charger organization is looking at the big picture... that is, making the playoffs and even failing is better then what potentially could happen to this team if mishandled.

And Norv will be able to now better sculpt this team... LaDainian Tomlinson will be cut and I would guess that Shawne Merriman will be let go as well ... so Norv can hand-pick the replacements for those two spots ... not sure what the plan is for Nate Kaeding, but if the intent is to keep him on this team, I hope they then plan to get a different kicker if the team makes the playoffs...

Charger Fans = Joke

I have fully accepted that the Chargers are a joke ... for as long as anyone can remember the Chargers have disappointed ... except for one game in 1995, when they somehow lucked out and beat the Steelers and then promptly got stomped by the 49'ers in the one and only Super Bowl the Chargers lucked out to get too...

I can't change the fact that I will continue to cheer for the Chargers but any faith in success has been totally extinguished... the Chargers should and will be underdogs in the playoffs regardless of who they play because of their history ... and deservedly so...

What's the history of the 21st century Chargers to date? ... Disappointment ... What's the history of the Chargers in the 20th century? Disappointment? Have the Chargers ever not disappointed... Nope....

I cheer for losers....which I have done for over 30 years now and I guess I will continue to do so... at least I am comfortable in knowing that my team is what it is... losers....

Chargers - Vikes: Contrast Of Seasons: Part II

I have to do it... it pains me but it must be done...

I mocked the Viking fans of the regions for laughing and mocking me and the Chargers ... I was then so bold enough to make a blog post taunting them and enjoying the (seemingly) Charger wave of success ... but, as stated in that post, if the Vikes progressed further in the playoffs that the Chargers my 'taunt' was meaningless... but regardless....

The Chargers were and are totally over-rated ... can't win at home in the playoffs... you don't deserve to win...

When they fired Marty after the 2006 season I was hoping Rex Ryan would have been named the Charger head coach...instead we have Norv Turner ...

Disappointment Relief...

Oh, these losses like this are already common place for us Charger fans ... just another year of misery ... how will the Chargers lose this year?

That's why you need a 7-year old boy... why? Because he didn't watch one second of the game but upon hearing that his dad's favorite team lost he is now going to begin training to avenge the loss ... but he has no idea what he is up against ...

But as a Charger fan you will never get any respect and nor do Charger fans desreve any. Go 14-2 in 2006 and can't win a playoff game... win 11 in a row in 2009 and can't win a playoff game ... if you want to be disappointed become a Charger fan ... because until further notice that is status quo and I DEFY the Chargers to change my view...

Recapping:

As a Charger fan I was prepared for the Chargers to lose... why? Because the Chargers disappointed in the past have never, ever done anything to fulfill any of some labeled expectations ... tell me when they haven't?

Sure, I will think the Chargers can and should win...and right when I think that, right when I think the Chargers have a chance, they totally suck ass... it's the same deal all the time... I think it's almost better when the Chargers just suck shit all the time and not even be in the playoffs ... makes it easy then... just beat the Broncos twice a year and be 2-14 ... even pretending to be a Super Bowl team is becoming tiring... today's disappointment was expected ...

Chargers... get no respect ... deserve no respect.

Why'd The Chargers Lose?

Oh... in case anyone wondered why the Chargers lost? Oh, that's right, I told everyone before the game even happened... note the special teams notes... Nate Kaeding, choking in the playoffs in 2004... solid all this year but no faith ... who's saying that... oh, yeah.. that was me...

Living in the Barren Wasteland... I mocked the Vikes and they are in the conference Championship... the Chargers lose at home ... Vikes fans get the last laugh on me ... congratulations....

Go Drew Brees!

Thanks For Letting Me Down

I know I've only been a Charger for for 30 years, so I'm a total newcomer to anyone that even admits that they are a Charger fan...

This was probably a "good year" for the Chargers ... making the playoffs and losing to the Jets at home...

Chargers deserve no respect ... have gained no respect ... as a long time Charger fan, today's loss just adds to the Charger legacy of disappointment.

Thanks Chargers... I can hardly wait to see how you can disappoint me next year ....

Only 1 Home Team Loses

Only 1 home team provided disappointment to their fans this weekend...

Saints (at home) ... crushed the Cards....
Colts ( at home) ... crushed the Ravens...
Vikings (at home) ... crushed the Cowboys...
Chargers (at home) ... lose pathetically to the Jets ...

The game was over soon...

The Chargers couldn't move the ball, couldn't score.... couldn't do anything ...

The game was played on the Jets terms from the beginning... Chargers were lucky it was this close...

At home ... ranting on the internet before the game is even over ... That's how shitty the Chargers played ... if the game was even close, I wouldn't have been home... but to be blogging half way through the fourth quarter of a playoff game ... I'm going back to the bar... yes, and I will continue to drink, yes.... but I will not be wearing a Charger jersey... if they would have lost even somewhat respectably then maybe but today was a complete mockery....

It's a good thing I'm a long time Charger fan so I'm use to the disappointment and this year is just another frickin' day of misery... Thanks Chargers... I can hardly wait to be disappointed next year....

Not Even Close...

I was at home half way through the 4th quarter... Braced to lose and the Chargers provided the losing....

Got a free tab for the Conference championship games and the Super Bowl... I'd trade them both right now to see the Chargers play again... but they don't deserve too...

Braced To Lose

Did I mention I was braced to lose? Of course I did...

Game isn't even over and I am at home typing a blog post ...

Chargers.... .... Ugh.... Thanks for another year of disappointment ...

Jets better win it all....

Nate Kaediang ... tough to make field goals with your arms wrapped around your neck....

Go Chargers!

Just about to head out to watch the games...

I see no reason the Chargers shouldn't beat the Jets and if the Chargers lose it will just continue to add to their legacy of failing, I am already braced for losing but am still hopeful, I've heard a lot of talk about how the Jets are gonna win...I think that's all crazy talk...at least it better be!

The Colts are awaiting their opponent and I think everyone would love to see the Chargers vs Colts as well as the Vikings vs Saints would likely lead to a hi-flying, hi-scoring conference championship Sunday next weekend.

Win or lose, I can guarantee I will drink too much today...good thing I don't work tomorrow!

Go Chargers!

LT's Last Stand?

Something I forgot to include in my playoff preview but should be noted is that this very well could be LaDainian Tomlinson's final game in San Diego as a Charger and, at the very least, could very well be playing in his final games as a Charger. And I would have to guess that unless LT renegotiates his contract to reduce his salary that he likely will be let go. It will be a strictly "business" decision but everyone knows that is mostly true but everyone also knows that you don't keep high priced, low-productivity players which LT, unfortunately, has become on this team. You then factor in that Darren Sproles was franchised last season would likely be the top signing priority for the Chargers to fill their backfield and if freeing up money by letting LT go would totally make sense.

I have to admit that since the 2006 season LaDainian Tomlinson is a different running back. LT for the past two seasons slips, slides, ducks out of bounds, runs right into his own blockers, jukes and jives and not blasting through a hole. Add all that and then only on a handful of plays this past season did a person even see LT into the second line of a teams' defense. The halfback pass, a play that in the past made LT versatile and was ran several times a year...this past season, ran once and LT badly overthrew his receiver. Yes, unfortunately LT's recent past will be his own worst enemy in any negotiations with any team he wants to play for.

But I really don't want to dwell on the past few seasons ... LT, will always be remembered by myself as the greatest Charger running back ever. I remember when he first came into the league and the Chargers stunk. He reminded me a little of Barry Sanders at that time...literally running for his life and with purpose. The 2006 regular season was unforgettable and a time I know I will reflect upon for the rest of my life.

LT has been nothing but a stand up guy. Has never been a vocal leader but led by example. He has never been anything but classy. I will not be glad or happy to see LT leave San Diego and for him to go to any other team is almost heart-wrenching ... but I know what must be done for both sides. I continue to hold hope that LT will remain a Charger but by all appearances, after this season, the likelihood of that happening is not likely.

I am not will to say LT is gone and am holding out hope that his presence will be felt in the playoffs...the past 2 post seasons LT has been hurt. If part of the Chargers 'master plan' was to keep LT healthy for the playoffs so he can make an impact, it is fully in place. And at the very least, LT has an opportunity to redeem himself this year in the playoffs and wouldn't it be great to see LT return to his own form and run wild and help the Chargers get to the Super Bowl?

Preview: Chargers vs Jets In AFC Divisional Game

Sunday is quickly approaching and I have had so many thoughts about this weekend and so many are mixed...so, in what makes my blog infamous, here is my jumbled, disjointed and grammatically incorrect playoff preview post...

I want to start out by saying that I think I should be going into this game confident the Chargers are going to win...and handedly. But I am an old time Charger fan...anytime the Chargers should or are suppose to win in the playoffs they don't. For as long as I can remember, and as recent as last year, the Chargers have been a team that has performed better in the playoffs as the underdog. The '94 playoffs when the Chargers beat the Steelers in the AFC Championship was one of the greatest upsets in Charger history. The NFL playoffs are also a whole different beast then the regular season. Any team that thinks they are unbeatable just because they breezed through the regular season will have a quick exit in the playoffs. The Chargers are the "flashy" pick by much of the national media...yet another moniker that often destines teams to a short playoff run.

Regardless of my pessimism, I still do think the Chargers should win this game and I will try and detail a few things I think will be a factor as to whether or not the Chargers will be successful against the Jets or not...

Strength vs Strength: The Jets have one of the best passing defenses in the league and the Chargers have one of the best passing offenses in the league. If the Chargers have made their bread and butter all season with the passing game and the Jets have made theirs with a stiff defense and a solid run game. The Chargers will need to be able to pass on the Jets and score points, if the Chargers are behind by even a score or two the Jets would likely try and do what the Steelers did to the Chargers last year in the playoffs...hold the ball for an entire quarter. Doesn't matter how good your offense is if it isn't on the field...ever.

Special Teams: The Chargers special teams game, in all facets, has been extremely solid. This needs to remain solid. In the playoff loss to the Patriots in '06 a muffed punt was a huge momentum changer that helped the Patriots. Kaeding, who has been a very solid kicker throughout his entire career...including in 2004 but he then went on to miss a 40 yard field goal in a playoff game against (ironically) the Jets, that would have won the game in overtime. Kaeding, since has kicked game winners but for some reason that game continues to be burned into my mind...maybe because it was a playoff game...but at the same time, he could redeem himself with a strong outing this Sunday.

Charger Defense: The other factor in this game that very well may determine if the Chargers win or not is the Charger defense. The Charger defense has looked much better towards the latter half of the season. The Jets defense can shut down the Charger offense all day long, but if the Charger defense is equal to the task on the other side of the ball, then the advantage would certainly be for the Chargers.

The Obvious Factors: Finally there are the obvious factors that come into play in every game that certainly may effect the outcome, like turnovers and penalties. You look at the Arizona-Green Bay game and that game ended on a turnover score by a defense that had been abused all night...one big play at the right time and it could be a game changer.

So saying all that, I think the Chargers should easily dominate this game but with it being a playoff game I think it might be closer than I would expect ... so I'm going to say Chargers win 28-23....and I hope my next Charger post is not about how everything went wrong because once you've been hit with a hugely disappointing playoff loss they are tough to shake off ...

LT Electric Glide

It's been all over the internet since last week, so I guess I might as well post it as well...

Here is a Nike video of LaDainian Tomlinson dancing/singing(?) ... the video has several subliminal, intentional/unintentional football references with the "Hit That Hole" being one of my favorites...

Uh, I think, enjoy?

McGwire: Now Admitted Cheater

Not to anyone's surprise, but Mark McGwire has finally came out to admit that he used steroids to break Roger Maris' single season homerun record. I continue to contend that 61 is still the single season homerun record hit by Roger Maris in 1961 ... steroid free. Hank Aaron is still the career homerun record holder with 755 ... steroid free.

16 Degrees Is Warm!

Here in the barren wasteland we were hit by a Christmas blizzard that dumped close to 20 inches of snow and almost immediately after it stopped snowing it got cold ... temperatures were at or below zero for much of the week prior but the cold has snapped... it is currently 16 degrees above zero and because it is January, that is like summertime for us! In October and November if we hear of a high temperature of 16 we shudder from the thought of that cold temperature but in January and February, now hardened and use to sub-zero temps, 16 degrees means a light jacket might be all one needs to keep warm on such a mild day....

Young, Inexperienced and Pampered

A trend that has been going on in this town, as well as for most of the "cities" in the barren wasteland, is that the news coverage is no longer being carried out be people that have had, virtually, a lifetime of experience doing so. Instead the 'news' of the region is brought to you buy people that are fresh out of school, and I say school because a college degree is no longer relevant in journalism today. And no offense to those folks that are trying their best but one thing that I have noticed of late is that the stories that are being reported on are often lacking much substance, factually incomplete and more times than not, bias to some degree. There is no longer any care towards fairness and accuracy it is all about just filling space now...quality is totally inconsequential.

Which then had me tie in another thought that I had...as I put my coat, boots and gloves on to go outside and snowblow the most recent 7 inches of snow we got, I commented to my daughter that if she wanted to be nice she could go out and shovel the front walk and steps ... it wouldn't take her more than 10 minutes, but both her and I knew that she wasn't going to do that... in fact, my daughter (as well as my son) have never had to do much of anything in terms of 'work around the house.' But they are not alone, I see that is the case for many of the kids these days and I imagine it likely has been this way for a little while. So what's my point? After I was done, I merely commented to my daughter that she doesn't have much more time before she will have to move out and be on her own and who is going to shovel her walk then? Who is going to do her laundry? Who is going to cook for her? Who is going to clean for her? And almost like a bell went off in her head, I could see a terror stricken look on her face that she may have just realized something...and to tell you the truth it was probably the realization that she is never leaving home because the service she gets there is fantastic...what a silly notion for me to ask who would be doing these chores...but it was probably the realization that she will have to stay and live at home because she has literally not done anything in her entire life...which is the case of many of these kids these days...

They grow up in a sheltered environment, coddled and pandered too their entire life and then they are set free in the real world...what would you expect? They lack common sense and ambition. Anything cold, cruel or mean is covered up and ignored. Basic social skills aren't even understood because their socialization has been via instant and text messaging where mean and callous words are thrown around routinely at and about others.

And I can just see that my daughter's "lifestyle" is just an evolution of those that are beginning to take positions in the media world today. Last month I posted about the top albums of the decade essentially picking only albums from one style of music - lazy writing and reporting...that writer likely didn't even have to leave his house to obtain and listen to music and, yet, they were still too lazy to even listen to any other kind of music then what they already enjoy. The kids today are even more uninformed than ever and don't mind it one bit. They would rather be lazy and wrong then have to do anything to find out what is right...

I'm not sure how many jobs there are going to be in the future where you just sit on Facebook and YouTube all day long, but that seems to be the most touted skill from kids these days...

2009 Chargers: A Look Back

What happened? It was the middle of October and I, along with most everyone else, had the Chargers all but dead... a lowly 2 and 3 record and a loss to the Broncos had me implying that the Chargers would be in contention for the worst team in the AFC West at that point.

Well the Chargers haven't lost a game since and even the week 17 matchup against the Redskins, which had the Chargers field mostly backups, was still another tally in the win column for the Chargers...although many wouldn't give much credit for that win one must note that the Indianapolis Colts haven't won a game with their backups in and they were playing inferior competition as well.

The biggest difference has been the improvement of the defense...and sure, the defense is certainly nothing to brag about but it doesn't have to be anything special, just adequate and if it is able to at least put up noticeable resistance for opposing teams, the Chargers have a chance to win any game with their offense. But the defense, especially in the latter part of this season, has seemed to be much improved ... goal-line stands have been statement plays for the defense with the Charger d winning many of those battles which then provides a huge momentum boon for the entire team.

The other two aspects that I think have really helped the Chargers be successful was the lack of penalties and the kicking game, namely Nate Kaeding. The Chargers don't seem to be getting those untimely penalties that can kill a drive and Nate Kaeding has been absolutely money this season, a person could easily scratch several Charger wins off the board if Kaeding hadn't been as consistent as he has been this season.

But a person doesn't have to dig too deep to find what the 'identity' of this San Diego Charger team is and why they were able to win their last 11 games in a row...the offense...and to be more specific the passing offense. The Chargers are still among the lowest in the league for rushing and that's by design. The Chargers are a pass first team with multiple threats and quarterback Phillip Rivers that can accurately and effectively deliver the ball to those threats. Vincent Jackson, at the beginning of the season, was on a tear. Teams began to double cover him and all of a sudden there's Antonio Gates wide open all the time. When you over compensate for both of them then here's a swing pass to Darren Sproles... just too many weapons the Chargers have for most teams to account for.

Keep mistakes to a minimum and if the defense plays well, the Chargers most certainly can contend for the Super Bowl...