Chargers Franchise Sproles

The Chargers placed the franchise tag on Darren Sproles yesterday, a move that most knew was coming.

The status of LaDainian Tomlinson with the team is the next issue for the Chargers. The Chargers say that by franchising Sproles it "...does not affect our ability to negotiate a new contract with LT. We’re hopeful of getting a new deal done with him." I think some news regarding Tomlinson will be known within the next week because of the Feb. 26th cut deadline.

Many state how Sproles isn't big enough to be an every down back ... seems like a reason to keep both Tomlinson and Sproles. The brutal truth, though, is that the Chargers would likely put them self into financial hardship in regards to signing new players if they have both Sproles and Tomlinson signed to expensive contracts. Sproles is now guaranteed at least $6.6 million for next year and Tomlinson's current contract is at $8.8 million and the Chargers would obviously like to 'restructure' Tomlinson's contract so it doesn't cost them as much against the salary cap.

If Tomlinson is still on the Charger roster after Feb. 26th that, then, would be sign that the Chargers and Tomlinson have potentially agreed on either a trade or, more likely, a new contract. So now its time to just wait and see what happens...

Favre Retires, Soon To Announce Coming Back

Breaking news, breaking news...

Since A-Rod's steroid use and admission have dominated the sports media Brett Favre had his annual retirement announcement to make sure sports talkers haven't forgotten about him.

As with the previous, what(?), 5 off-seasons Favre has retired or said he is going to retire or alluding to retiring.  We should then expect a press conference in June or July from Favre to announce that he just quite can't hang it up just yet, that his desire to play football is just too great to ignore that he will indeed be coming back to play football next year.

Of course some NFL team will sign him and he will start next season for some poor team... Favre has no desire to show up for mini-camps and do any offseason work...he just wants to saunter into some NFL lockerroom on game day and heave bombs up all afternoon to pad his consecutive starts as well as his other records.  He has no intention of being a 'team' player which is clearly shown by his yearly ritual of retiring and unretiring and never being totally honest with any team that he has played for.

Most Of Clemens' Lawsuit Dismissed

In what is likely a sign of how successful Roger Clemens and his crack legal staff, headed up by hayseed Rusty Harden, is going to be in their defamation case against Brian McNamee, most of their complaint was dismissed in the Houston court that it was filed in due to lack of jurisdiction, citing that most of the 'defamation' ocurred in New York and not in Texas.

It just goes to show that Clemens and his hicksvilled lawyer have no idea what they are doing and what to do next...just that they need to do something, anything to prove to everyone that Roger didn't roid up.  Well, they would better off if they just slipped away quietly and leave things as they are.  There is nothing they can do that will change people's minds, it is as much a fact that Clemens used steroids as it is Barry Bonds, A-Rod, Canseco, McGwire, Sosa, etc...

Deadlines Loom For Chargers

The day is quickly approaching for the San Diego Chargers, the day the Chargers will be forced to publicly declare what their intentions are with the greatest runningback their franchise has ever possessed, LaDainian Tomlinson.

February 19th is the day all teams must announce their franchise player. Of course the Chargers don't and won't need to franchise Tomlinson, but if they do put that tag on Darren Sproles, which most think will happen, then it will only add to the speculation of what's going to happen to LT.  Would the Chargers dare go into next season with 2 high-paid runningbacks?  Would this be a move for the Chargers to try and get Tomlinson to renegotiate his contract to keep him in San Diego or just the opposite, a move that signals his days are numbered?  No one outside of the Chargers management knows for sure, but most everyone can agree that Charger fans are greatly anticipating whatever decision is made in regrards to Tomlinson and regardless of what that move is, it will likely polarize many a Charger fan ... some want LT to go, others can't bear the thought of Tomlinson playing anywhere but for San Diego.

What is also of interest, to me, is how this entire process is going to 'shake out'.  If there have been lines drawn in the sand already or not, if egos and money are factoring in or if there is any actual dialogue between the Chargers and Tomlinson to work something out that is in the best interest of both parties.

I think most everyone that has followed this story since the end of the season knows the situation... if the Chargers cut Tomlinson by Feb. 26th he will likely get picked up by another team and not make nearly the amount of money he once was as a Charger.  The Chargers will likely get little or very poor trade value for LT because other teams know the Chargers situation and surely won't offer to pick up LT's hefty contract and offer up high draft picks or proven players.  So if the Chargers cut Tomlinson this month, both parties walk away with neither side essentially gaining anything.

I still contend, that if both the Chargers are sincere in their wishes to keep Tomlinson in a Charger uniform for his entire career and Tomlinson is sincere in his desire to end his career in San Diego, then both parties need to sit down and make a deal that both sides can benefit from.  Now if one of the sides plays hard ball... like the Chargers not offering a fair contract or LT not wanting to renegotiate or with minimal reductions... it would show that clearly one side was not truly sincere in their public statements and in either case, it is a lose-lose situation for us Charger fans.

Chargers 50th Anniversary

Last week the Chargers announced that they will be wearing a commemorative patch on their jerseys next season to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the team and the AFL.

There will also be 2 weekends when the Chargers will be playing one of the 7 other original AFL teams and will get to wear their chosen throwback during those games.  The Chargers have chosen to wear the uniform from their 1963 AFL Championship team.

Hopefully the Charger team that takes the field next season can be good representatives of the Charger franchise during this anniversary season.

A-Rod On Roids

It is becoming pretty clear that every player in Major League Baseball was on steroids from the late '80's through (at least ) 2003.  Alex Rodriguez was outed by a Sports Illustrated article using, what were to be confidential, drug tests conducted in 2003 by MLB.  He then came out and publicly admitted that he did use steroids during his 3 years with the Texas Rangers.  He did not offer up anything that he may have used steroids before or after that time frame, but did not say anything to discount that possibility.

Seeing Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens fight a losing battle both in the courts and in the media, A-Rod is trying to side-step all that by offering his excuse for doing so and apologizing for doing it.

In the end, apologies or not, it doesn't change the fact and the perception by many, of which I am one now, that think Major League Baseball was just a bunch of juicers for the better part of a decade and a half.

NBA - Ultimate Sellouts

With the help of TNT's coverage, this year's NBA All Star festivities should reach a level of over-hype, over-production that no other event should attempt to rival. The end result will likely be a ton of TV gimmicks to try and make the NBA All-Star weekend appear entertaining and to further ruin any sense of genuineness that a person may have towards what they are watching, it likely will have some advertisement plastered all over it.

The NBA is adding a game of HORSE as one of the weekend's activities but because the NBA, with the help of TNT Television, are willing to sell any portion of their product to the highest bidder ... so instead of spelling HORSE, the contestants will be spelling GEICO.

Add a rising, swiveling set and EA sports showing "futuristic dunks" it just shows what lengths will be done to try and do anything to get people to watch. I recall last year's slam dunk contest was as close to a buzzkill as you could have gotten ... so now they are going to try and do anything to 'spice it up'.

Bonds Pleads Not Guilty

Yesterday they unloaded the evidence against Barry Bonds and today Bonds goes in and pleads "Not Guilty".

All this time and money is being spent to prove to the world that Barry did cheat because his possible punishment;

Bonds faces a sentence between probation and two years in prison.

Certainly this would not warrant much federal attention if Bonds, himself, wasn't such a prominent figure during the steroid era. But the same is with the Clemens case ... it must be done. If not, there will always be someone out there that is willing to give these two roiders the benefit of the doubt just because they saw some 'contriteness' in their public apologies or, which is more likely the case, have some personal involvement with them that has skewed their opinion to the point of blindness.

Bonds' Evidence Released

The Feds have finally unveiled the evidence they have to use against Barry Bonds to prove that he lied about his steroid use.

Among the evidence is not 1, not 2, not 3 but 4 alleged positive tests for steroids from Barry Bonds.  Bond's trainer, Greg Anderson, who sat in jail for a year instead of testify against Bonds, has said he will not testify in this trail... but the evidence that was released has a recorded conversation with Anderson describing how he injected Barry with undetectable steroids.  There is also doping calendars and notes.  

I didn't need any more proof to convince me of Bond's roid use ... Sure, he may have some super lawyer that might get him out of a perjury charge but having these sort of evidence, especially the positive drug tests, is the death-nail.  Any and all Bonds' supporters always would be quick to say "He never tested positive...".   Well, now we have proof that says the opposite ... what's your excuse now?

Charger Credentials

The fine folks at BoltYou.com have asked if they could post items from my blog on their site ... after confirming that they have indeed read my blog - I have been asked this request before and after I make sure the person has read my materials, I usually do not hear from them again - it does appear as if you will be able to read my Charger related blog entries on BoltYou.com.

But I need to make sure everyone that has read me in the past and will read my entries in the future can better understand my tact and angle with the Chargers and also, because many of my pieces are opinionated, validate my opinion based on my personal thoughts regarding the Chargers.  So I present "My Charger Credentials":

First, I am not a professional writer  - although I am fairly certain many wouldn't need me to point that out.  I do believe I have the record for most run-on sentences as well as the longest run-on sentence in the history of writing - which has yet to end for I am still in the process of writing it.  My use of punctuation is also a bit abnormal but once you can decipher the sentence and it's bizarre characteristics, I've been told, a point can be found. 

Now to the important part...my history with the Chargers ...

The year is 1980, I am 10 years old.  I live in North Dakota which is in Minnesota Viking territory.  My father, who has watched football since his youth, was a big Johnny Unitas fan and his favorite team (still to this day) is the Minnesota Vikings.  For a couple years now, each Sunday I would sit down and watch the Vikings with my father.  My father would often times turn the television off with disgust or merely just get up and stop watching.  After the Vikings were done, the television was all mine and I would stay tuned to watch more football.  The 2nd game each Sunday, during this particular season, often had the high-powered offense of the San Diego Chargers.  Now most everyone knows how that season ended ... with the Chargers winning a playoff game in Miami that many consider the greatest game of all time only to travel to Cincinnati and lose in a low-scoring, incredibly cold game and get ousted from the playoffs.  But the damage had been done.  I instantly fell in love with the Chargers and have been a Charger fan ever since.

For most of the beginning of my Charger 'fandom' watching Charger games were a bit difficult ... since (roughly) 1984 thru (again roughly) 1991 I was in my teens, the Chargers sucked so didn't get to many games on television.  This period of time was also before Thursday and Sunday night games ... you typically got the team in your region (the Vikes for me) and 2 other games on Sunday as well as a Monday night game ... But then 1991 came around, I had turned 21 and the NFL was available on satellite at several bars and I could watch the Chargers every Sunday.

Almost on cue, Bobby Beatherd - (at the time) former GM for the Washington Redskins - came to the Chargers, brought Stan Humphries with him and like a "bolt of lightning" the Chargers were in the Super Bowl in 1995 (after the '94 season).  The ride that season was incredible, especially with the AFC Championship win against the Pittsburgh Steelers being the pinnacle.  It was a game the Chargers weren't suppose to win.  No one, NO ONE, had the Chargers winning and even after it ended my roommate, and fellow Charger fan, were so excited that we hung a Charger blanket as a backdrop and took pictures of us celebrating in front of it.  It was an incredible season and year that season.

I can not say for certain, but I am fairly certain that I have watched almost every San Diego Charger football game for 18 years now.  I know there may have been 1 or 2 games here or there where something has prevented me from watching ... and that was agony, because regardless of what was so important enough to keep me from watching the game, my only thought and concern during that time was wondering what was going on in the game.

I have met one of my favorite and an All-Time Charger Great, Kellen Winslow.  I remember Tony Martin, Natrone Means, Marion Butts, John Friesz, Jim McMahon, Doug Flutie, the Micheal Vick trade, Eli Manning trade, Dan Fouts retiring, Bobby Ross and of course, from the man I have 'borrowed' his moniker, Junior Seau.

Because of this history I have had with the Chargers, I have become a very pessimistic person when it comes to the Chargers.  Oh sure, I love giving the Chargers credit when credit is due, but because I have been a Charger fan for close to 30 years now the number of times the Chargers have disappointed me greatly outweigh their successes.  Has this tempered my passion for them?  Absolutely not.  I would even subject myself to watch the Chargers during the Ryan Leaf era (and shortly after his departure) where the only thing on the agenda for those Sundays was going to be a Charger ass-kicking ... and the Chargers on the receiving end of said ass-kicking.

One only needs to read this past year's recap of the Chargers season that I posted to my blog to see my disbelief in the Chargers ... but anyone that followed the Chargers this past season had the same sentiment.

What I have is a passion for the Chargers.  I do not have 'homer' glasses on in which the Chargers can do no wrong.  I try to 'call them as I see them' when it comes to Charger related matters but of course with my own Charger biased.

I was not happy to see Rodney Harrison go.  I was not happy to see Junior Seau go.  And I will not be happy if LaDainian Tomlinson ends up finishing his career anywhere but with the Chargers.  I understand the circumstances and have already posted my thoughts on that matter.

I am a Charger fan first...a critic second with both positive and/or negative thoughts on any Charger related news.

Clemens DNA Found With Syringes

Word is that tests have confirmed that Roger Clemens' blood was found with the syringes and gauze that his former trainer Brian McNamee turned over to the feds to corroborate his story and as further proof that Roger Clemens used steroids.

Is there anyone out there that still doesn't think Clemens used steroids?  As it has been stated by several media folks already, it is almost to the point now that the more an athlete comes out and tries to deny their history of steroid usage the more likely they are lying.  

My unofficial tally, so far, is anyone that has been accused of using steroids have either came out and admitted using roids while the others have been caught lying about using roids.  Either way, I think most everyone has underestimated at how widely steroids were used in professional baseball.

Super Bowl XLIII Afterthoughts

So it's been almost 2 full days since the Super Bowl ended, so things are slowly returning to normal.

Overall, I thought the game was alright...but I do think the officiating did it's best to insure the Cardinals lost.  The 2 horrible calls, against the Cards, in the third quarter were just ridiculous ... the 'roughing the passer' call on a third and long when everyone in the world was expecting an intentional grounding call and then a roughing the kicker call when the Cardinal player was running into the holder, not the kicker, on a Pittsburgh field goal attempt were the officials making sure no one forgets who really determines the outcome of the games.  Sure, they put their whistles away after both of those horrible calls, but the damage was already done.

I also am beginning to think there is a calculated effort to make the Super Bowl game close and exciting.  For many years, from the 80's through the 90's, most Super Bowls seemed to have been over by halftime ... now, there hasn't been a blowout Super Bowl in such a long time, most everyone almost expects a good, close game.

I didn't pay attention to a single commercial, but from most of the 'buzz' from those that still care about the commercials said that most sucked...as usual.  Which gets me to my other point ... how many Super Bowls need to happen with sucky commercials for people begin to no longer make any sort of deal about them?  I think it was in the '80's when a Super Bowl actually had a good set of commercials and since that time the Super Bowl ads have not lived up to the hype since ... but every year people get all stoked up to watch the commercials ... and year after year the commercials suck.  I am happy that I pay no attention to the commercials (or the halftime act) because the best thing that might possibly happen is that they won't suck...but not likely.

Downside to the Super Bowl... the Steelers won.  Now, I don't really have a problem with the Pittsburgh Steelers but I have always had a bit of angst for the Pittsburgh Steeler fans.  Several times in my life I have been at a location where multiple football games would be airing and fans would be watching their game... without question, one of the loudest, brashest and rudest group of fans are the Steeler fans.  I knew a guy who was an alright guy until he was watching the Steelers play football ... then he was a complete asshole ... no lie.  I would hang out with him all the time and have no issues with him, he was funny and a great guy to hang with, but I quickly learned that I could not watch football, more specifically, Pittsburgh games because this guy just morphed into a total dick.  So with the Steelers win, yet again, only will amplify the dickness of all these Steeler fans making it miserable for the rest of us...

Hopefully they don't make the playoffs next year and that will shut them up for a little while... or probably not...

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!

2008 AFC West Champions - San Diego Chargers

I purposely did not post a blog entry after last weeks unbelievable events because I had predicted the opposite occoruance with such confidence ... there was no way the Chargers were beating Tampa Bay, in Tampa Bay and even if they did that, there was now way the Broncos were losing to the Bills, in Denver ... which would mean the week 17 matchup between the Chargers and the Broncos would be meaningless ... but no, instead, the Chargers beat the Bucs and the Bills beat the Broncos and that would mean a 1 game show down for the AFC West crown and the loser going home... 

No team in NFL history has ever lead from week 1 thru 16 and not make the playoffs.

No team in NFL history has ever lead by 3 games with 3 games to paly and not make the playoffs.

Well guess what, the Denver Broncos now hold the dubious distinction to both of the above honors ... and I know of no better team to hold those honors and it gives me such guilty pleasure in knowing the Chargers are responsible for the final blow in giving the Broncos both those honors tonight....

But WOW!

The Chargers, already penciled in as biggest disappointing team of 2008, destroy a pathetic Bronco's team, win the AFC West and avoid that moniker...likely to go to the Cowboys now...

Now it's time for the Chargers to Pride Up... being 8-8 and making the playoffs will have many thinking you are not worthy to even be in the playoffs, and even putting up a close game next week against Indy will mean nothing...

When it all came down, the Chargers got the best they could have hoped for this season if you looked at the standings after week 8... a one game show down with the Broncos with the AFC West title on the line...

And I don't think I need to regress to detail the Charger turmoils over the past few weeks, specifically against the Chiefs (and are you kidding me, the Queefs?) but my hope is that this season has instilled a mentality within the Charger team... that being, that the Chargers were once a team that some felt could make the Super Bowl and then as the season progressed were written off... 

Well, San Diego Chargers you have risen from the ashes ... now prove you deserve to be in playoffs, you got home field against the Colts ... after the way this season has gone for the Chargers, as a fan, I would be satisfied if the season ended tonight, but mainly because of the late season rally and essentially having the playoffs start tonight against the Broncos and winning the AFC West almost seems as redemption itself... but no, for some reason, being a lifelong Charger fan that I am I feel greedy. Yes, winning the AFC West does feel gratifying this season - the way the season has gone for the Chargers - but I am willing to bet that most "pundits" have the Colts already beating the Chargers ... and that is why the Chargers not only need to beat the Colts next week but also go to the Super Bowl ... earn some respect, something no one associated with the NFL is giving you these days...

GO CHARGERS!

Winter Is Here, Christmas Almost - Time For Vacation

To say that I have tapered off towards the end of 2008 in my blogging is an understatement and now it will likely all but stop until next year with maybe an exception here or there...or maybe not...

But with the Chargers likely to be one of 2008's biggest disappointments - as many have already labeled them and are just waiting for the inevitable playoff elimination to officially crown the Chargers as 2008's biggest disappointment - I really haven't had much to blog about and that is primarily because I have remained fairly busy for the past few months.  I started 'moonlighting' to make some extra cash and it has really helped my financial situation, but then again, when does earning more money hurt a person?  Unfortunately I have to work more to earn more and as soon as I can earn money without working, I will be signed up for that!

But last week I was surveying my time off I needed to use by the end of the year and then when I am needed to work and I realized that I needed to start taking days off RIGHT NOW!  So I did and will continue to do so!  I am essentially working just 4 days from today until next year so I will likely not be posting as much until I return... my children make sure to keep my computer use to a minimal when they are around.  I really don't have any big holiday plans but I almost enjoy doing nothing over then packing up and staying somewhere for an extended stay...usually by the end of a lengthy stay with someone else, I know I am anxious just to return home and settle in again...  but who knows...with having a bunch of time off and nothing to do, something might come up or maybe just on a whim I could be going somewhere and/or doing something because what else do I got going on?

Chargers Rally To Improbable Win Over Chiefs

The San Diego Chargers were being soundly beaten by the Kansas City Chiefs this past Sunday, down 21-3 in the 3rd quarter with most of the few remaining fans heading out of Arrowhead because the Chiefs appeared to have this game all but won.

The Charger offense was totally stagnant against the Chiefs' 30th ranked defense.  In fact, if you watched the Charger offense you would have thought they were playing an all-pro caliber type defense.  The Chiefs are on pace to set a record for the fewest sacks by a team in a single season...I think they had 3 against the Chargers on Sunday...

But, the Chargers somehow found a way to eek out a win... The Chargers score with 1:13 left in the game to close within 5 points, 16-21... they try the 2-point conversion and fail ... now that makes it even more difficult because it takes away the field goal to send the game to overtime, if you should be lucky enough to recover an onside kick... well, luck would be on the Chargers side because the Chiefs fumble the onside kick, the Chargers recover the ball and are in business...having 1:11 on the clock and all three of their timeouts...

The Chiefs defense decided to take the rest of the game off because the very first play after the onside recovery was a 42 yard pass play and 2 plays later Rivers hits Vincent Jackson for the game winning touchdown.

The Chargers had no business winning that game...the Chiefs had slowly and methodically beaten the Chargers for 55 minutes ... but fortunate for the Chargers a game is 60 minutes and the Chiefs just didn't close the deal.

The Broncos lost to the Panthers and so the Chargers are still 'mathmatically' still in the playoff hunt via the AFC West championship but the Chargers play Tampa Bay, in Tampa and I find it highly unlikely that they will beat the Bucs... and the Broncos will host Buffalo and if they win, which I think they should do, but if either the Chargers lose or the Broncos win the Bronc's will win the AFC West Championship ... and good for them...their prize will be an ass-kicking given to them by one of the wild card teams (as it would be the same for the Chargers) in the first round of the playoffs....

 

Oprah Fat Again And Going To Stay That Way

Oprah Winfrey released an upcoming article in her magazine that says she has gotten fat and intends to stay that way.  Now I really don't even bother to waste my time with anything Oprah Winfrey does because she is just a glorified salesperson that has developed an empassioned group of women consumers.  But it is the empassioned group of women consumers I more openly mock...you see, these women IDOLIZE Oprah and she can do no wrong.  Her weight loss a few years ago was so inspirational and the women that idolize Oprah propped her up to near god status... now Oprah admits that her last significant weight loss was accomplished through starving herself and not through proper diet or exercise.  And now, she is openly abandoning any effort to try and stay thin again...I am sure this will be very inspirational to all the overweight women you inspired to exercise and diet...if Oprah can quit so can I ...

Seau Unretires...Again

I've must have missed a few memos...

First I didn't know that Junior Seau retired...again... at the end of last season, but it's not really a big deal because he just unretired...again... and re-signed with the Patriots.  I knew he broke his arm last season and I figured he would return this season with the Pats...after they didn't sign him, I figured it was the typical trick of just waiting until they need him and then they would re-sign him...which is what they did... 

I don't understand why Junior feels the need to say he is retired at the end of each season only to play agian... it is almost as bad as Favre's wishy-washiness....

I still respect Seau's years with the Chargers but to "retire" yearly only to play again is just a desperate gasp to gain some attention... When Seau does actually retire, I doubt anyone will even notice anymore because they have already previously attended a Junior Seau retirement announcement at some time in the past....

Winter Has Arrived

The weather forecast for my region is one that will plunge us ful throttle into winter.  Up to now we the region has slowly been cooling off but there has been no drastic drop in the temperature, just a slow easing of it and for the most par the temperature has been 'seasonal' ... low's in the 10's high's in the 20's ... still brisk.  Add that there has been very little snow and it hasn't been windy, the beginning of winter hasn't bee too rough at all...

The forecast has that all changing... in fact, today is likely the last day the area is above 20 degrees for who knows how long and that will give everyone the 'wake-up' call that winter is really here.

November and December are the months that really make a winter season really bad or not... there have been times when the temperatures and weather plunged full force into winter mode at Halloween and never let up until March, making it a long and hard winter... other years I have seen it be mild and pleasant to Christmas time... a few years ago we didn't have any snow until a few days before Christmas... I do not think I have ever witnessed a 'Brown Christmas'.  So any day(s) we can get through November and December that are mild, not so cold or windy are good winter days.

Once January hits the temperatures can remain below zero for weeks and not let up until March.  I don't recall a Super Bowl Sunday that hasn't been freezing cold here...the upside to this is after living almost 2 full months in temperatures that single-digit or lower, as soon as the sun comes out and it gets to 20 degrees, the temperature it is about right now, it means we get rid of the winter jackets and break out the spring appareal... right now, I am already cold and am not looking forward to the winter blast that I know will be showing up soon...

 

Chargers Destroy Raiders - Media Mocked

The San Diego Chargers completely and utterly destroyed the Oakland Raiders last night winning 34-7.  As I listened to the game last night and sports talk this morning it was very clear that both these teams are not respected at all.  Granted, Collingsworth ragged on the Raiders considerably more but had plenty of shots at the Chargers as well.  The national media couldn't find enough deragotory terms to describe the two teams playing last night as well as the game itself.  It was as if everyone in the sports world was apologizing for this NFL game offering.

And I guess that about sums it up...

I haven't cruised through any of the Charger forums yet but I would guess there are a few super-homers that are still reserving hope that the Chargers are going to somehow pull this season out of their ass and last night was proof as to how 'awesome' the Charger team still is.

Well, I hate to break the news to these guys, but the Chargers only beat what many consider to be one of the worst teams in the NFL... all the Chargers have done is prove that they are not totally shitty... yet.

Chargers go Kansas City next week, a team they barely beat after the bye week only because the Chiefs couldn't convert a 2 point conversion for the win and ending up losing by 1.  The Chiefs host the Broncos this week so KC is a critical part in determining the AFC West Champion...

But I really don't see the Chargers beating Tampa Bay in 2 weeks and that would be the death-blow and it really doesn't even matter... the Chargers have put themselves in a position where they no longer control their own destiny ... instead, they are praying for the Broncos to lose 2 games before they meet up for the final week of the season.  The Broncs are at KC, at Carolina and the Bills before they finish up in San Diego.  The only game that I think is a 'sure' loss (as sure as it can be in the NFL) is the Carolina game.

But it was good to see that the Chargers did come to play last night and haven't fully mailed in this season...yet.

Chargers - Raiders In 3D

Tonight's Chargers-Raiders game the NFL will be testing a 3D broadcast version of the game for team owners, the media, vips, etc...

They really should send that signal to the national audience because there really isn't a reason to watch tonight's game and at least seeing crappy football in 3d might bring some entertainment value to the game...

BTW, the line for tonight's game is still Chargers favored by 9.5 points... are you kidding me?  Of course I don't think I've won a NFL bet this year against the line but I would think taking the Raiders and the 9.5 points is a sure bet....Even if the Chargers win they may not score 10 points total....