Some Man Advice

I've mentioned it many times ... I'm getting old. Most of the time half-jokingly but yet, aware that it is slowly becoming more of a reality than a joke. I don't get carded at bars anymore...unless I go to one of those places that literally card everyone because it is filled with mostly 21-25 year old people and every minor in the county tries to get in. Not getting carded is really the first step towards officially being old.

Now, I'm not bitter about getting old because I also have discovered that I have become fairly wise, relatively speaking. I can not tell you how many times I have been hanging out with some guys and their would be someone who is pre-30 that would tell a tale of some sort and after hearing this tale us old men would chuckle and point out to the youngin' where he went wrong...it is all common sense we say.

So, as a public service to every man in America, I am going to dispense some invaluable advice exclusively for men. I am by no means a professional consultant or am certified to help anyone in any way shape or form. I am merely a man that likes sports, women, rock music and beer (in no particular order). And some of the things I am about to point out you will exclaim, well of course, that's just common sense...of course it is, but you would be surprised at how many times these instances happen. That really is my goal here...is to inform those that don't know yet. And finally, this isn't like any magazine "10 Ways To Get The Girl You Want" type of advice...this, again, should just be common sense type of advice that not all men seem to know. I am not claiming to break any new ground here.

So let's get's this thing rolling:

Never ask a woman if they are pregnant. Right off the bat, seems like common sense, yet I have seen more then one man make this gaffe. Now of course if your intent is to offend and/or ridicule the woman you inquired, you probably can't get much meaner. I do not care if you see a girl that you knew was 125 lbs just last month and now looks like she is trying to hide a blanket under her shirt, wearing sweat pants and almost 200 lbs ... you should never utter that phrase to any woman. EVER.

Always compliment a woman's hair, especially if she changed it. Now this one seems pretty straight forward but it is one a man forgets and I also say it is something that a man should do to any female acquaintance and will instantly gain favor amongst all the women you interact with. For some reason women, throughout their life, feel the need to change things up and will either cut their hair really short or let it grow really long or hilight it or tint it or whatever...no matter who this woman is in your life, your mom, your sister, neighbor, whoever...by simply noticing it and merely say "I like what you've done to your hair," you are set. Even if the woman, herself, does not like what she did to her hair, most women will then proceed to thank you and explain either why or why not they will keep that hairstyle...either way, you don't lose and most likely don't have to say another word. What also makes the woman more endearing towards you is that most men won't say anything to a woman about her hair ... maybe their spouse or girlfriend, but men, in general, don't usually comment on a woman's hairstyle directly to the woman. That's why by doing so, you will seem so more 'in tune' than the other men that the woman deals with. This tip alone is worth it's price in ... uh.... something....trust me. Start complimenting a woman's hairstyle ...only when she changes it mind you...and you will not be disappointed. Treats will be left on your doorstep, help with your house cleaning...all kinds of favors are magically offered for no apparent reason.

Never buy clothes for a woman. Again, should be a no-brainer here, but you wouldn't believe how many men fail at this. First, they think well I won't buy anything like a shirt or a dress or anything like that...I'll get her some gloves...NO! Don't do it. Not a scarf, no gloves, hat or anything apparel related...the only exception might be diamond or gold jewelry, but even then you are taking a gamble. Unless the woman has given you the precise specifications of the item she wants, which would include no less then the following information: the brand, style, color, country manufactured in and the exact spot within the only store it can be found ... you might be able to get away with this...but it is still extremely risky.

Women are always hungry. I theorized about this quite some time ago and have been able to almost confirm this assertion as fact. Ok, you say, we know women are hungry, how does that help a man? Well easy...anytime anything with a woman is awry, food is a very good pacifier...especially if you know what the woman loves to eat...if you don't know for sure, always start out with a cake, usually can't go wrong there. And let's say that if you are with a woman and you ask if she is hungry and she replies no, she is not hungry, continue to try to obtain food anyways...I'm willing to bet that 8 out of 10 times the woman eats after initially declining...they just decline to not appear like a pig. Here's the scenario... "Hey Julie, want something to eat?" you ask. "No thanks, I'm not hungry" Julie replies. "Ok," you say, "I'm kind of hungry so I'm just going to grab something to eat if you don't mind." Julie will pause and then say, "Well, if you wanted to share something, I might have a little something." Bam...it's that easy.

Never be a stalker. Pretty straightforward here...don't be the guy who has stalker like qualities...calling and texting a girl about her where-abouts, what she is doing, who she is with, etc. You want to start creeping a girl out and probably drive her towards the paranoia you have, this is the way to do that. I know men often feel desperate and that the one girl they are actually getting something off of is the only girl in the world what would do so become very protective and possessive, but women will eventually want to break free from your overbearing personality.

Five quick tips that if men adhered too would, at the very least, not give them too many negative points when trying to deal with women and not necessarily in just an intimate relationship, but with all the women you deal with on a daily basis. Friends, co-workers, family and whatever female acquaintances may have you have, many of the above tips will help you out.

Fantasy Owners Beware: Brees On Madden '11

Drew Brees was selected by the fans to be on the cover of the next EA Sports Madden NFL 11 game.

Of course most all football fans know of the Madden curse that has effected almost every player that has graced the cover of the latest Madden NFL game since 2002 and Dante Culpepper.

Last year Madden had 2 players on the cover, Troy Polamalu and Larry Fitzgerald...Fitzgerald made it the entire season without injury and did perform at a respectable level... Polamalu, on the other hand, was injured a few times this past season...so not how the 'curse' selected its victim last year, but this year the curse can focus squarely on Brees...

2010 Charger Schedule Released

The NFL released the schedule for next year and usually I have a complaint about the schedule and how, by appearances, the Chargers seemed to get screwed on a few games, have an early bye or whatever. But it hasn't really mattered like last year, the Chargers have seemed to overcome any schedule handicaps in the past and have had fairly good success in the regular season. So what about this year? At first glance, the schedule seems very 'kind' for the Chargers...

What seems almost like a tradition now, the Chargers will open the season as the 2nd game on Monday Night Football, this time against the Chiefs...and in Kansas City. Not sure if the NFL knows this or not, but KC is in the central time zone, so that game will start at 9:00 PM local time ... not really a 'fan friendly' start time...why wouldn't the NFL have the Chargers or any other California/west coast team host that game so it would start at a respectable time for the locals?

The Chargers have 5 'prime time' games ... along with the above mentioned Monday night game, they play one other Monday night game against the Broncos on November 22nd. They have 2 Sunday night games, November 28th vs the Colts and then against the Bengals on December 26th. The other game against the 49ers, which is a Thursday night game on the NFL Network.

Unlike last year, when the Chargers didn't play a division rival after Thanksgiving, play 4 divisional games in their last 7 games... The Chargers play the NFC West, which many think is as weak as the AFC West...

So I think the Chargers could very likely mimic last season...have a fantastic regular season...but of course I have lost all faith in the Chargers and am fully expecting a playoff disappointment to conclude their season, as usual.

Sometimes You Can't Win

You know there are sometimes there is something a person tries and no matter how simple or quick and easy this task might be, it just seems destined to not go that way for whatever reason...yesterday, I had one such experience...

So my son is in Cub Scouts and one of his projects that he needs to complete for some badge is to make a scrapbook. I, as luck would have it, had taken our digital camera with to all of his previous scout functions and have a fair amount of pictures...so, for the first step of this project, I was going to get prints of several of the photos and to put them into a scrap book. I wasn't in any hurry for these, but at the same time wanted to do something that was convenient...so there is a pharmacy, literally, right across the street from where I work that has a 1-hour photo and to add to my good fortune, has internet ordering available...so I can simply upload my photos, have them processed and after work simply pick up the photos and be on my way...sounds like a great plan to me... well, I only wanted a dozen pictures printed and the order was less than $2...awesome, I think, until I see the final charge(s) where $1.50 was added to my order because it was less than $5...well screw that I think, I'm not going to pay almost double what I should be paying just because I don't want $5 in pictures printed up right now. I also know they have a picture printing station available right inside their door... I will simply go there after work, insert my SD Card and in about 3 minutes have my prints and be on my way...like I've done before. I go to the store, stick my memory card in, select my photos and wait for them to print out for me...after the 2nd print, sure enough an error message comes up "Printer out of paper/ink get store rep to fix." Great...now I got to go find someone to fix the machine...and of course it can't be a quick, easy process...and then...finally, I get my 10 or so pictures.

As I mentioned above, I wasn't in any hurry, so I wasn't getting steamed or mad about anything...but what I had initially thought would be a less then 3 minute stop across the street after work turned into over a half hour adventure...no matter how hard I tried for it not to be!

Roethlisberger Gets Away With Rape

Off-duty cops, acting as Roethlisberger's bodyguards, helped facilitate Roethlisberger raping a girl...

There's obviously a lot more to this story because with the details that was released to the press, how could the DA not press charges? Is it the fact, that first the girl is only 20 years old and 'clubbing' all night with Ben? Or is it the fact that off-duty police officers essentially 'assisted' Ben in the raping by first, leading the girl to a back hallway and then preventing her friends from going to her?

Either way, Ben was drunk, pulling out his dick and then raping some girl he fed shots too all night long... I just don't get it... you could probably find plenty of willing girls to have sex with, yet you got a rise out of the one that told you no...and now are going to essentially get away with it...

I would be willing to bet that Ben wrote a nice check to the girl and/or parents as an apology for his 'poor judgement' and she decided to not testify against him or some other back room deal...

LT Continues Bashing Chargers

Since LaDainian Tomlinson was signed by the New York Jets he has not stopped talking about how horrible the Chargers were to him...bashing the team, the play calling and most anything he can think of.

I have tried to ignore most of it but LT continues his tirade making it almost unignorable now...I have defended LT his entire career, he has always been a 'class act', in my opinion...but now, I am beginning to rethink of what my impression of him is...

Before the playoffs this past season LT said he was happy with his role with the team and felt the team was united to make a playoff push...since then, he has said the team set him up to fail and there was dissension in the locker room. He was happy when the Chargers were winning but the second they were out of the playoffs LT turned bitter and sour...and in a hurry.

Sure, if he had taken a couple of light jabs at the Chargers, fine, so be it...they were the team that cut you and you want to leave them knowing you didn't like that...but then LT continues on and pretty much blames everyone else as to why his production hasn't been what it once was...it almost seems like he is more than willing to bash the Chargers any chance he can get right now...

Ok, LT, we get it, you are bitter...but there are tons of Charger fans that hold you to be one of the greatest Chargers of all-time, which I am one of...but you are also quickly moving into the ranks as to being one of the biggest whiners of all-time.

Fighting Sioux Name To Be Retired

It appears as if the UND Fighting Sioux will be no more. After a few years of legal wrangling the pc crowd and the NCAA will come out victorious and the University of North Dakota will have to get rid of their nickname and mascot, the Fighting Sioux.

A state supreme court decision came down yesterday stating the the nickname can be retired at any time...whereas, supporters of the nickname wanted to have the name remain intact until the absolute last date...November 30th of this year.

In this world of political correctness, the verdict was probably inevitable...the supporters of the UND nickname had plenty of money to delay the change for as long as they could but in the end, they can not stop political correctness in today's America.

The best part of this, is that the late Ralph Engelstad knew that the nickname and logo would be under attack...so he made sure that neither would be forgotten if and when they would be banished...so he made sure that the Sioux logo is literally EVERYWHERE in one of the world's premiere hockey facilities, the Ralph Engelstad arena...stitched onto EVERY leather chair, logo is made of Italian marble etched throughout the concourse, holographic Sioux logos in the railings...it is everywhere and there is no way, without totally destroying the building, that those logos can or will be removed.

I know I have already begun to collect as much Fighting Sioux attire as I can...

McNabb Traded To Redskins

Wow...that's about all I could say after I read that Donovan McNabb was traded to the Washington Redskins...

And Philadelphia fans...I don't think you realized what you just did...oh sure, you got what you wanted, but I'm guessing this move is a move that could very well come back to haunt you...

Here's my opinion...and granted, I am a Charger fan but my two cents anyways...

What had me perplexed about this entire episode, was why Philadelphia (and their fans) had such a desire to get rid of McNabb...like he was a totally worthless quarterback, which he is absolutely not. Next, why Philly (and their fans) have such high praise from Kolb, who most assume will be the starter now that McNabb is gone, when Kolb really hasn't played that much or done anything that I have noticed that has made him better than McNabb...

And then, to top things off, not only do the Eagles trade McNabb but they trade him to a division rival? Are you really kidding me? The Eagles must have some inside knowledge or are just completely clueless, because McNabb, even to the harshest critics, can't be that washed up where you think trading him to a division rival will hurt them more then help them. The only instance that I can recall would be when Drew Bledsoe was traded from the Patriots to the Bills, I at first thought he was insane, Bledsoe was a young and relatively unproven quarterback but showed signs of being good, how could a team trade him and then to a division rival? Of course Bledsoe sucked and the Patriots had a guy named Tom Brady and a person doesn't have to try to hard to decipher the paths that the Bills and Patriots have taken since that trade....and the Patriots looked like they knew exactly what they were trading away...maybe the same here?

I know McNabb can be a bit streaky, but it always seemed to me that McNabb wouldn't be the reason the Eagles lost a big game. What I think, unfortunately, for McNabb is, is that he is going to Washington...a team where the owner knows no limits to signing big checks for players but also seems to meddle with the team on a way too frequent basis, which has the Redskins appear as a team with all the talent in the world but totally dysfunctional together...

Sioux Win WCHA, ESPN and NCAA Both Suck

What a weekend for the UND Fighting Sioux hockey team at the WCHA Final Five...

They had to play last Sunday the 3rd (of a best of 3) game against the Minnesota Gophers to advance to the Final Five...which they won. That meant if UND wanted to win the WCHA Tournament they would have to play (and win) Thursday night, then against the #1 team, Denver, on Friday and then again on Saturday. They beat Duluth Thursday night, played a great game against Denver on Friday night and then fell down 2-0 in the first minute of play against St. Cloud on Saturday but the Sioux ended the first period tied at 2 and went on to win 5-3 to secure the championship.

So many folks thought that UND might garner a #1 seed in the Frozen Four, or, at the very least, be within driving distance of their fans...but like usual, the NCAA hates UND (probably their nickname more than anything) and put UND in the Northeast region, which is in Massachusetts, and of course make sure Boston College is in the same region as well...essentially securing home ice advantage for B.C. In the meantime, not 1 single WCHA team in the Frozen four is even in the west region playing at the Xcel Center. Are you kidding me? Alabama-Huntsville is in the Midwest region but UND isn't, which sure isn't the Xcel Center but it's at least Indiana. Don't have to look to hard as to who the NCAA is favoring and who they are not...it isn't much more blatant than that...

Then let's go to ESPN's fine coverage...instead of showing the UND game live they are going to tape delay it until Sunday...so what's on the ESPN channels while UND will be playing hockey, here's your lineup: ESPN: Sportscenter and then WSOP reruns, ESPN2: 30 for 30 rerun and then drag racing and finally ESPNU: the one station they are airing hockey games...but of course only one region and of course not the Sioux game.

The NCAA and ESPN have done their best to make sure no one can follow or care about this hockey tournament at all...and I am amazed that WSOP reruns would get better ratings then tournament hockey...

Chargers Trade Whitehurst To Seattle

The Chargers traded their third string quarterback, Charlie Whitehurst, to Seattle yesterday. Seattle must see a lot of upside in Whitehurst, swapping 2nd round picks this year with the Chargers and giving them a 3rd round next year. Next year the Chargers have garnered 2 additional 3rd round picks (1 possibly a 2nd rounder pending Cromartie's play with the Jets) which can give the Chargers some leverage if they wish to seek out a player to work a trade for...or, worse case is that the Chargers will use the picks and bolster their squad up.

Whitehurst is a player that has been in the NFL for some time now but just hasn't had the opportunity to play in the regular season because he is behind Rivers and Volek. He has virtually no wear and tear on his body and what NFL teams typically do to young quarterbacks...let them sit on the bench for a few years to get the hang of the NFL and then give them a chance to start.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

I'm not Irish, I won't be going out and getting drunk tonight but since I haven't had an entry in a while I figured I might as well wish everyone a Happy St. Patrick's Day.

ESPN: Total Schills

I'm really not breaking any new ground with my latest rail against ESPN but just want to continue to point out that most of their live, non-sports related content (ie: Sportscenter, First Take, PTI, etc.) are really no more then commercials for ESPN and ABC Sports.

What had set me off this morning is the whole UConn women's basketball team. Yes, good for them that they won 71 games in a row and they do deserve the media attention that they are getting...BUT what gets me is that ESPN has literally gushed over women's basketball, a sport with virtually no television ratings and have breakdowns, analysis and discussion regarding this feat...but then won't even show many, if any, NHL highlights... which will most certainly be placed towards the end of a 3 hour Sportscenter marathon...couple of highlights from one game then run down the scores from the rest of the league. And then, to add to my dislike, I tune into Mike & Mike this morning and Greenberg couldn't stop babbling about how great this UConn team is, how they have people actually watching their games, etc, etc, etc... essentially trying to get people to start watching women's basketball...and why? Of course, it's on ESPN. I don't recall anytime this past year I have heard the Mikes talk NHL at all (of course I don't listen to them for that long or that frequently because the repetition is too overbearing) but here, they spent a good 15 minutes raving up the UConn women, live interviews, the whole ball of wax.

Sure, when ESPN had hockey they would push the NHL to the deuce over virtually any college basketball game ... but at least ESPN put the minimal amount of effort into covering the NHL when they did indeed have it on their station. But what really irks me is that ESPN calls themselves the "Worldwide Leader In Sports" yet piratically ignores hockey altogether. ESPN doesn't even mention one college hockey game all year long until the national tournament and why? Oh that's right, the Frozen Four is on ESPN....they only care when it's on their station(s), just like every other sport.

Oscars: Boring Television

At one time I actually would watch and even cared about the Academy Awards show, but I think it was in the early 90's when I grew increasingly bored and tired of the Oscars. At first I began to sour on the Oscars because it seemed as if none of the movies I felt should win would win...or even get nominated...and then came the show itself, which after only a couple of years worth of watching had extinguished any desire for me to watch it again. It is an award show that seems to get longer and drag on and on until a person finally gets to see what they've waited for 3+ hours to see...some rich director/actor/film folks win a prize given to them by other rich directors/actors/film folks. I was long asleep before the Oscars even concluded last night and I don't think I had seen a single movie that was nominated for any of the awards but reading the write-up this morning details much of my sentiment about the Oscars each year...which is funny, because the write-up for the Academy Awards have all been very similar in the past few years...a stuffy, unfunny, stiff and extremely long (and boring) awards show...not sure how much longer it will continue to garner large audiences, but I would guess that is more dependent on the quality of the films more then this boring award show.

There is probably nothing on television right now that a person rightly needs to host a 'party' to make something on television enjoyable. The Oscars will cleverly place a "worthy" award about every half hour or so during it's ceremony because if the awards were simply handed out at the end of the show no one would watch any of the rest of their program. And that's why one of the new 'popular' things to do on the evening of the Academy Awards is to host or go to a 'party' to enjoy the show with others. I have yet to attend such a party but I would love to be invited just to observe what people are actually doing during the show... I'm willing to bet that for 90% or more of the show people, attending these parties, aren't paying attention to the show...but when the one person that is actually watching the show calls out that the best actor, movie, director or any of the big categories are coming up, everyone scurries from the snacks and drinks area to huddle around the television...as soon as a winner is announced many will stand up and resume whatever else they were doing and the others will quickly join. Several of these parties, to try and add any entertainment value to the program, will have a pick'em game or something that resembles gambling to try and keep people interested but it really doesn't help...most people don't know or don't care about who is nominated for the best make-up assistant for a documentary adapted for screenplay based on a novel shot in black and white. When the party-goers see that they are just randomly selecting answers it quickly loses any value it had.

Another reason I have grown tired of the Academy Awards is all the extra coverage that goes along with it...there are pre-award shows, red carpet shows and of course post-show shows...all of which go over every second of an almost 4 hour evening ... strike that because actually most of these shows dissect everything surrounding the show and very little of what happened at the show...it's more about what expensive clothes is someone wearing and where did they go to party afterwards then anything that happened on the stage...which really does reveal how much of the actual 'pageant' is relevant in the minds of the people that 'cover' Hollywood. Doesn't every "Hollywood Story" regarding the Oscars start out with so and so just won the best actor award and after accepting the award headed to so and so's party on the strip where they partied the night away...

Breaking News: Favre Doesn't Know If He'll Play Or Not

Brett Favre, not picking an ideal time to try and be the media whore that he is, surprised everyone (not) by announcing on last night's Tonight Show that he doesn't know if he will play next season or not.

Ok, so it isn't a surprise to anyone and it will surprise no one when he announces in late August that he will come back and play next season and the Vikes will roll out the red carpet for him...again...

Not sure if Brett has checked out the opponents for next season but they include the AFC and NFC east ... won't be the cakewalk they had last season in the NFC West and the AFC North.

Cro A Jet

The Jets have acquired Antonio Cromartie from the Chargers...the Chargers will get a 3rd round (possibly a 2nd rounder) in 2011.

Not sure if the Jets coaching staff was paying any attention to the playoff game when they beat the Chargers, but it was Cromartie that had a chance to hit Shonn Greene before he got into the hole (behind the line of scrimmage) when he took off on his td that sealed the win for them...instead, Cromartie pulled up and didn't even bother to make a play on Greene...

Really not a surprise to me... Cromartie has been soft for some time now...if he can't make a play on the ball then he won't make a play.

Sproles To Stay, Chargers Release Jamal Williams

The Chargers, who first appeared as if they were going to let Sproles become a free agent have now put a tender on him and instead, cut Jamal Williams. (Story here)

I did post that cutting Jamal might be an option for the Chargers because of his high salary, 1 year left on his contract and being injury prone since '06 has really cut his value with the team.

Sproles To Be Free Agent

And then there were none...in the Charger backfield...

Darren Sproles will be a unrestricted free agent next season.

So looks like the Chargers will have a fresh face in their backfield...or will they?

Stranger things have happened...maybe LT somehow finds his way back to San Diego...the offseason is long...or at least it seems that way!

FavreWatch: 2010

The first reports has hit the wire... oh sure there were some minor, speculative stories that were printed immediately after the NFC Championship game but I do believe this article does officially mean I can begin the FavreWatch 2010 portion of my blog!

I, of course, have been railing on Brett Favre for several years now about his crybaby, selfish antics...of course, one of a few bloggers when I started several years ago, now one of many as the rest of the pack has caught up to me.

But this article is hilarious... The Vikings are now "Ok waiting for Favre's decision...". What made me laugh about this was...well duh! If you are the Vikings you better be ok with waiting for Favre's decision because if you recall, last season, the Vikes at one point tried to impose a "deadline" for Favre in which he had to announce his intentions...of course he didn't and still ended up with the Vikes...

All the Vikes have done with this press release is get the press off their back...it's all up to Brett now... just as Brett would want it.

Knowing how Favre works I'm thinking he is biding his time right now... with Tiger in the news and the Olympics underway, March Madness is next month and then baseball fires up... I'm thinking maybe a week after the first pitch of baseball is when Favre will reveal that he doesn't know if he will return or not but he most certainly won't commit to either retirement or to playing...

He will be playing again next year (2010) as a Minnesota Viking.... yes, I said it, now all we have to do is sit through all the Favre drama that both Favre and ESPN so desperately love...

LT Says Farewell: Won't Play For Raiders

I have yet to see the video...but according to the report...

LT held a press conference in which he said goodbye to the Chargers and their fans...

No mention of LT saying anything positive about the Charger organization...almost a slight on the way out the door saying that he wasn't given a reason why he was released...yet acknowledging that there probably wasn't a need for one...

The one bright spot to this entire episode might be that LT said he wouldn't become a Raider...hopefully he doesn't end up anywhere in the AFC West because it just wouldn't seem right to see him in a division rival's uniform...and although the Raiders have often been associated with being the Chargers' worst nemesis... I still loathe the Broncos with every fiber of my being so I would hate it even more if LT ended up as a ...cough... gag... as a Bronco more than anything else... I'm hoping some NFC team has a need for him and he can finish up in the other conference but that all has yet to be seen...

Tomlinson Released

The day was today, a day every Charger fan knew was coming this offseason...

Today was the day the San Diego Chargers released the greatest player in their franchise, LaDainian Tomlinson.

2006 was the Chargers best shot at winning a Super Bowl and LT was the fuel that propelled that team. I won't dredge up the obvious past that is now the trademark of the San Diego Chargers of being chokers because this is not the time for that...

LT will go down as one of the greatest rushers in NFL history and most, if not all, of his career was with the Chargers. I'ver heard that there are some teams that might be interested in signing him and with an uncapped season next year, who knows what will happen...but for all intent purposes, I think LT's 'salad days' are over and that his production is about what it has been the past two seasons. If a team wants to give LT a bag of money to put up mediocre numbers (mediocre is a stretch) more power to him and he certainly deserves it...but the Chargers need to do something to make this team more then a regular season sensation every year and at least take the next step to become a playoff factor.

Tiger Woods Apology Speech

Just watched the Tiger Woods apology speech and I think it was about what everyone expected...

A couple of things I am taking away from this is first, it is quite clear who is the dominate one in that relationship and it ain't Tiger Woods. I can understand Tiger's anger at the paparazzi for following his mom and kids but when Tiger specifically came out to address the allegations that his wife, Elin, hit him on that fateful Thanksgiving night, I got the impression that when he (or whoever) wrote his apology speech got word from Elin that someone better 'set the record straight'...of course I don't believe that part and am still in belief that there was a fight and this apology was to deflect the 'impression' people have of their relationship...that is Elin beat the shit out of Tiger. I also then think, that Tiger is doing 'rehab' for two reasons, one to stay clear of Elin until she cools off...who knows how long that will be, and secondly to be in seclusion. I know Tiger has an image that he wants to project, but I've said it before and I'll say it again... I think he should cut the cord, pony up the $100 million to pay off his wife and get a divorce...then he could sleep with whoever he wants too and suffer no negative press for doing so...yes, it is a spendy way to get laid, but pussy has always been costly and in this case, is costing Tiger a shitload of money and will continue to do so until he returns to golf and starts winning again...married or not.

This appearance was Tiger dipping his foot in the water to check the temperature...having this press conference on a Friday, with a PGA event and the Olympics going on, one would think that this event will be swept from the front pages by Monday...

I was kind of disheartened to not hear when he plans on golfing again .

Cromartie Trade Rumors

Several sources are reporting that the Chargers are shopping Antonio Cromartie around in an attempt to either get a runningback or a draft pick (presumably to get a runningback). Not really a big surprise and after seeing several comments regarding his play, particularly in the only playoff game this past season, it probably is a good move. Cromartie, who had a 10 interceptions with the Chargers in 2006, hasn't been able to regain that form. To me, it seems as if he has wanted to 'evolve' into just a cover corner and avoid contact as much as possible. He has exhibited mental lapses on more than one occasion and it appears as if he is expendable.

The Charger defense was extremely lackluster last season and replacing Cromartie, as well as some others, might be a step in the right direction to correct some of the issues the team had on that side of the ball.

Winter Olympics About To Start

The Winter Olympics fire up today and couldn't come too soon...the Olympics will provide me with plenty of sports watching to tide me over until March Madness and the NHL Playoffs start up...

Of course, I will watch any of the real events...and by real events I mean sports that do not involving judges. As I think I have ranted upon before, any event that has a judge tell you who won, to me, is not a sport ... it is a pageant. But any event where any person can follow the progress of the competitors without judges, is a sport to me and I will watch.

So of course I am not going to waste my time with any figure skating or ice dancing or any of the 'femie' events. Of course I will be tuning into every Team USA hockey game... I don't mind bobsledding, luge, speed skating and will even watch some curling, which typically is on during the daytime lull hours...

Lots of stories coming out of Vancouver, with a big headline being that there isn't a lot of snow for some events...they could come to the barren wasteland and take as much snow as they needed and we'd still have plenty left for whoever else wanted some snow...

Congrats Drew Brees, Saints

Yes, it has taken me 3 days to fully recover from the Super Bowl festivities...

The game lived up to the hype...I had the Saints covering the spread, so winning outright was fine with me...

It was nice to see Drew Brees do so well and win the MVP award.

Of course the downside to the Saints winning the Super Bowl is that there is yet another franchise that has won a Super Bowl before the Chargers...not to mention this was the Saints first time there and that their second year field goal kicker was drilling field goals with ease... the differences in a team that can win the Super Bowl and that can't can easily compare the Saints performance in their playoff games versus the Chargers in theirs.

Roger Maris Billboards

2 of these billboards are up in Fargo, ND ... Anyone that wants to come to this town and defend the steroid users is going to have a tough crowd ...

We's don't like cheaters around these parts....

The Office: Getting Worse Fast!

Boy, when I posted in November that I thought the television show The Office had jumped the shark, I had no idea how bad it has gotten and so quickly...

I had not watched an episode in some time...and I guess I didn't miss anything because there haven't been very many new episodes anyways ... but I tried to watch the couple of episodes I had on my DVR this past weekend because I had nothing better to do. I attempted to watch the first episode which was the Christmas episode where Jim lets Phyllis be Santa Claus...like many of the newer episodes, I found nothing funny and stopped watching halfway through... then I watched, what I think was the 'latest' episode where a banker comes to inventory the Scranton branch and it turns into a clip show... a clip show! Well, that was it for me... The Office has been removed from my DVR playlist and I will no longer bother even wasting anymore time with that show ... it was good for a while but now is unwatchable.

LT Won't Restructure Contract

LaDainian Tomlinson did a radio interview yesterday morning and he says he will not restructure his contract under any circumstances. When asked if he sees himself in a Charger uniform next season he said he sees a lot of things but didn't specifically say that yes, he will be a Charger next season. He did say that he will play football next season, was not happy this year with "a lot of changes," and the interview alluded to what kind of situation does he want to go too ... essentially acknowledging that he will not be in San Diego next season. Then rehashed the playoff loss and LT's role as a leader on this team which essentially led to LT saying that he didn't feel connected to the team because many of the new players are more concerned about themselves then they are about playing football.

LT's heart is with the Saints but he thinks the Colts are the best team in the NFL.

2010 Chargers: What's Ahead?

It has been 2 weeks and those living in Chargerdom have had time to fully accept that their franchise is notable for one thing and one thing only....choking in the playoffs....but what lies ahead for the Chargers?

So who is unlikely to be back?

Let's start with the Chargers greatest player of all-time...LaDainian Tomlinson. He is set to make a roster bonus, if still a Charger in March. There really hasn't been much said about Tomlinson's future with the team ... but with the salary he would command and then compared to his productivity there really isn't much to say and most speculators think we have seen the last of LT in a Charger jersey. If this is the case, which I have no reason to discount, his career with San Diego will end like many other Hall of Fame players ... after a few years of declining production his value has become too great to support his legacy and thus justify him being on the team. As I have mentioned in other entries, LT isn't the same runningback he once was. It has been 3 seasons ago when I last saw the LT that I loved to watch ... the past few seasons have almost been painful to see LT struggle on the field...slipping, sliding, falling and ducking out of bounds ... things a person would never see the 'young' LT exhibit during a game. Yes, LT will be in the Hall of Fame and labeled the greatest Charger of all-time, but unfortunately he will not be a Charger much longer. Maybe he will just retire and that would be fine with me because it will be hard to see him in a different uniform...

Shawne Merriman has no contract right now and has came out to say that he wants to remain a Charger. But again, let's examine the facts...prior to Shawne Merriman testing positive for steroids he was a beast...defensive rookie of the year and among the league's sack leaders. Since being busted for roids he has missed an entire season and was good for 4 sacks ... and that is what the stats say, but having watched every Charger game, I'm thinking Shawne was in on 8 sacks and was credited for a .5 sack each time...and even if any of his sacks were legit, they certainly didn't seem to come at a time that was critical. Add his off-field distractions ... Tila Tequilla ... and I don't see any reason to think Merriman would be a Charger next season...

Who will be back?

Well, let's start with the easy ones... quarterback Phillip Rivers will be back. Rivers is a franchise quarterback and plays like one too, signed a 7 year extension and is locked in until 2015. Antonio Gates, who is moving up the ranks of greatest tight ends of all-time, has one year left on his contract. There would be no reason to see him not returning.

Who's questionable, but likely?

Darren Sproles is a restricted free agent. The Chargers franchised Sproles last year and one would have to think that if/when the Chargers shed Tomlinson, that frees up over $7 million in salary they could work into a Sproles contract. The question is, as many pundits seem to point out, is that Sproles is not an every down back. I guess I'm not too concerned with that label knowing that whenever Sproles is in he is a weapon for the Chargers.

Vincent Jackson is also a restricted free agent. After the season he just had one would think the Chargers would be fools to not resign VJ as soon as possible...but VJ has some off-field issues that may cloud the issue. Oh sure, every NFL team has players that have some issues but how much is a team willing to tolerate these issues.

Nate Kaeding is under contract and I would say that he will probably be back as a Charger next year. The only reason I put him under the questionable category is because of his track record as the Charger kicker in the playoffs... if coaches get fired for not winning a playoff game what do you do with the kicker that can't make field goals in the playoffs? It is clear that a person can not put any faith into Kaeding in pressure situations.

Notes about the rest...

And just to wrap this up, here are a couple of other thoughts regarding players...

Eric Weddle, the Charger safety that got ran over by Shonn Greene on his way to a touchdown run in the AFC Divisional game this last season, is in the last year of his contract with the Chargers. He is slated to make just over a 1/2 million dollars. I wouldn't be surprised if the Chargers make future plans without Weddle. The Chargers haven't had a presence in the safety position since Rodney Harrison and that weakness seems to be exploited regularly.

Jamal Williams, set to make $5 million in the last year of his contract, might also be 'trade bait' or, at least, plans to go forward without Williams will likely be made. Jamal has been the middle force for the Chargers defense for several years, but the past couple years he has been hurt and ineffective. The Chargers could try to get their 'money's worth' by keeping him in his final year but as a fan of the team, I really don't see Williams performing as he once did.

Once the Super Bowl concludes the offseason will officially begin. It will be interesting to see if the Charger GM, AJ Smith, makes any free agency moves...something he typically does not do. It is always a pleasant surprise if a rookie pans out but no one should ever expect an instant impact from rookies. The Chargers have a team that implodes during the playoffs and have shown that trait for the past 4 years...I'm not sure how a person goes out to select the proper players to rectify that intangible...but this offseason might be one of the most interesting offseasons for the Chargers in some time.

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...

Chargers - Vikes: A Contrast Of Seasons

Living in the barren wasteland and very well entrenched in Minnesota Viking territory, San Diego Charger fans are very few to say the least. Although the 2009-10 NFL season has yet to conclude, this season has been the rollercoaster year for almost every team with the second season about to start, I think that any team in the playoffs could have a legitimate shot at winning it all, especially if they are hot...

But what I wanted to comment about is that I am really looking forward to running into some of the Viking fans I was seeing earlier this season...the Viking fans that had the Vikes already Super Bowl champions and while trumpeting their awesomeness scoff and take jabs at the lowly San Diego Chargers and their patheticness...

After last night's loss to Chicago it now appears as if the awesome Vikes can't win on the road and, at one time a lock for a first round bye no longer even have home-field locked up yet and a loss next week could mean the Vikes get no bye and will merely host the first game of Wild Card weekend...

Last I checked, the lowly San Diego Chargers are the #2 seed in the AFC, guaranteed a first round bye and host their playoff game...

Sure it won't mean jack squat if the Chargers fail in the playoffs and yes, the Vikes would get the last laugh if they ended up advancing further...but in the meantime...the short term gratification will be enjoyed...as the Viking fans enjoyed their moment of glory...

Now, if only I can find those Viking fans again... I use to run into them on an almost daily basis...lately I can't find a Viking fan if I tried...it's very interesting... in fact, this past Sunday, someone commented to me (as I was wearing my Antonio Gates jersey) that there sure seemed to be a lot of Charger fans around lately... I chuckled, because I am sure he was just a disgruntled Viking fan that hadn't seen a Charger fan since the last time I was there...they still have to try and get their jabs in...

Are The Cowboys The Only Team That Matters?

Maybe it's just because I've had the television on ESPN in the mornings lately, but I can not believe the non-stop talk about the f'ing Cowboys. Oh my god, the Cowboy's might not make the playoffs, the Cowboy's can't win in December...blah, blah, blah...

I have also discovered that the Chargers didn't beat the Cowboys last week, but rather the Cowboys lost the game.

It's like everyone on ESPN has determined that the Cowboys somehow deserve to be in the playoffs only because of their popularity...just like the Yanks, Red Sox and Mets...

Happy Holidays

I will be on a holiday break starting next week so I may not have too many posts until next year ... but I hope to check in with at least my thoughts on the remaining Charger games and who knows, maybe I'll have something else to post while away...

But regardless, I would like to extend my holiday greetings to everyone and hope everyone has a Happy New Year!

Chargers Beat Dallas

For essentially this entire season I have said that the Charger defense has yet to impress me and I have felt is the weak link for this team...this past week they did all they could to change that impression for me...

The Cowboys elected to receive the opening kickoff and promptly marched down the field...until they got to the 3 yard line, and then the Charger defense made it's stand and held the Cowboys to a field goal. This was just a foreshadowing for the rest of the game... for the Cowboys had several opportunities inside Charger territory and each time were repelled by the Charger defense. The Cowboys had a first a goal at the 1 yard line and handed the ball off to Marion Barber four consecutive times and four consecutive times he was stopped.

The Cowboys were able to tie the game at 10-10 in the third quarter but the Chargers answered with their own touchdown drive and the Cowboys scored a garbage touchdown to wind up making the game appear close but was not in doubt, Chargers win 20-17.

Some interesting things I've noticed... very little Merriman and more Tim Dobbins. Dobbins was in on almost every tackle during the Marion Barber 1-yard scoring attempts by the Cowboys. Sure Merriman is listed as injured but I do think his days in San Diego are numbered...especially with Dobbins and Stephen Cooper playing fairly well.

The officiating...oh my god...could it be any more biased towards the Cowboys? The play prior to Phillip Rivers being intercepted the Cowboy defender tackled (I do believe it was) Malcom Floyd while the ball was in the air ... and when I say tackled, I mean tackled. If there was ever a blatant and more obvious pass interference penalty it would be tough to come by...yet there was no call. Then during a Dallas possession get a very generous pass interference call on a way more subjective play. I have a feeling that if it wasn't for the officials the Chargers may have been able to put the game away sooner.

The Cincinnati Bengals lost last week and that's who's coming to San Diego this week...if the Chargers win they will clinch the No. 2 seed for the AFC and a first round bye... who would of thunk? The Chargers are definitely 'hot' right now, I just hope they aren't peaking too soon...

Tiger Taking An Absence From Golf

Tiger Wood's affairs might be the end of him...

Here is an article that provides a pretty good synopsis of all the events leading up to Tiger's press release stating he was not playing golf until his marriage was repaired.

If all these affairs are true and I was Tiger, there would be no need to take a leave of absence because I would have divorce papers brewed up and filed before the crash. Sure she might get 50 million bucks but I think you would survive...plus now you can do whatever the fuck you want too.

Let's be realistic here too...if Tiger was able to get puss whenever and where ever he wanted too I can not believe that he will be able to keep restrained even if he and his wife reconcile. He probably already has a 'plan' where he will just use escort services or something but will eventually get caught again...so just advert that whole scene all together....

Tiger has always tried to have have a positive image and I would say for the most part he had a positive image...but now of course he doesn't. Infidelity, in today's standards, isn't that big of deal. Oh sure the public and media are intrigued with airing all the dirty laundry but after all the dust settles most people pay little attention to their marital and extra-marital activities...

Albums Of The Decade? You can't be serious...

Just happened to read an AP story on the albums of the decade for the years 2000-09 and yes, I know I am old but after reading this list, I didn't realize how old I really have become...

Not only do I not own any of the 'albums of the decade' I knew maybe 3-4 of the acts and can almost safely say that I couldn't recognize a single song from any of those albums...

Ok, so I freely admit that I am old...but this list also has to be some kind of joke, not? I mean every act/album that made the top 10 is a rap/r & b/hip-hop album ... is rock-n-roll really dead? Ok, maybe rock-n-roll is dead, but the new 'rock-n-roll', called country music, surely has to have at least one album on the list, not? Nope...barely an honorable mention sighting.

After reading the article and realizing that yes I am old, I still have determined that this list is total bullshit written by a person that clearly has a biased towards one type of music ... and I don't care if you want to call it rap, hip hop or r & b, they all fit into one niche of music and apparently the author of this article has such narrow taste wouldn't stray too far from that niche...

I'll keep my eyes open for a more unbiased opinion on the music of this decade....

Why I Can't Watch SNL Anymore...

As I have mentioned in the past, I was a big Saturday Night Live fan ... Up until 2 seasons ago I had watched every episode of SNL from 1980 thru 2007. Good episodes and bad episodes, each season to seem to have each ... but I grew increasingly tired of SNL's writing and sketches...the Weekend Update portion of the show was the only part worth watching. SNL's sketches became just plain stupid and Kristin Wiig seems to play the main character in most of these lame sketches... The Target checkout lady...not funny and boring and now her 'Gilly' character is just as lame and not funny...or that's just what I think... Because I must be in the minority, the SNL Christmas special this year is going to be hosted by Wiig playing her character Gilly. I will likely watch this SNL like I do most of them these days...with the fast forward button used extensively and essentially not watching any of it...

I can not believe how bad SNL has gotten these days but it is just god awful ... but after having a brief glimpse of the Jimmy Fallon Show and George Lopez show it is way better ... but that isn't saying anything. Television programming as a whole in this country is getting more and more worthless every year...

Chargers Hang On To Beat Browns

The Chargers did all they could to make their game with the Browns interesting...

The Chargers were unable to do much in the first half but headed into the lockerroom up 13-6. Phillip Rivers and Antonio Gates then exploded in the 3rd quarter ... Gates had 114 yards receiving in the thrid quarter alone and the Chargers blasted to a 20 point lead to start the 4th quarter...

But, the Charger defense is still as soft as advertised...the Browns had their second highest scoring game of the season and had well over 300 yards of total offense.

The highlight of the game was when LaDainian Tomlinson passed Jim Brown for 8th all-time rushing leader as he scored his 150th career touchdown, the fastest player to reach that milestone. Jim Brown was at the stadium ... one of the few spectators in Cleveland ... and gave his congratulations to LT saying he is a "class act...".

The Broncos pounded Kansas City to stay a game behind the Chargers with 4 to play. Chargers have Cowboys, Bengals, Titans and Redskins ... none of them are easy games anymore and the Chargers will have to sharpen up and if they can run the table would get rewarded with a first round playoff bye. Any stumble and they will be fighting to keep the AFC West division title.

Winter Has Arrived

We held out as long as we could but it was inevitable...winter has come to the region...

Temps are still mild, above 10 degrees, but it is windy and cold. There have been light flurries to light snow since last night and continue today...so by all appearances, winter is here...

Oh well ... hopefully it doesn't suck too bad....

Tiger Woods: Accidents And Misttresses

By now most everyone with any interest in sports (and even those that don't) have heard of the Tiger Woods car accident this past weekend. When I first heard of it, happening at 2:30 AM early Sunday, I figured he was probably doing a little drinking...then you hear that he was sober. So what the heck could of happened, drugs? That didn't seem very Tiger... And then it was within hours I began to hear and read about all the gossip that is coming out...that he has had at least an affair with one other woman and possibly two.

First, let me say, that I am not one that typically believes a lot of the rumors that the tabloid rags print. But I will say, that with the way Tiger Woods handled this entire accident, the gossip almost seems to fit the scenario...

What I have read/heard was the 'unofficial' account of how the accident occurred was that Tiger and his wife were fighting about the affairs, she was beating the shit out of Tiger and Tiger was trying to leave. As he was leaving, his wife threw a golf club through the back window which caused Tiger to lose control of his SUV and smoke a fire hydrant and a tree. Of course Tiger comes out and says his wife acted courageously and the neighbors only state that they were asked to call 911 and did so.

But I have also heard that the gated community where Tiger lives has lots of security cameras, as does Tiger's house ... again, from what the gossip/rumor mill, those tapes were quickly seized by Tiger's lawyers and will not be released...

And this, of course, is all the unofficial version as reported by the tabloids. If a legitimate news story comes out validating any of the unofficial account, then I will most certainly give more credence to that version than to the official version... right now, I am guessing some of each version might be true...

Does any of this change the fact that Tiger may be the greatest golfer of all time? No. But if he likes to hang with the ladies he will either need to be more discrete or just get a divorce and play the field...as a married man I don't know why any man that makes an shitload of money would ever get married...

UPDATE:

Within minutes - no lie - of my publishing this entry, this just in: Woods Let Family Down. He does not offer any details of his affair(s) but apologizes to his fans and his family.

Also, US Magazine has posted a voicemail, allegedly from Tiger to his misstriss, saying that his wife found her number and she might be calling her.

So the 'unofficial' version does seem very plausible and very likely...and maybe that is why Tiger did what he had to do and hide from the media until things cool down...

Broncos - Crushed, Chiefs - Crushed...Chargers Control The West

Well it's been over two weeks since I've last reported on the Chargers and what a two weeks it has been...

First, the Chargers destroyed the Broncos in Denver. The Broncos looked like a completely different team then the one that beat the Chargers earlier this season...but the Chargers also appear different as well...

Then came the Chiefs and this game was close for a quarter and a half and then the Chiefs just completely fell apart...

So now the Chargers are a full game up on the Broncos, finished their division schedule at 5-1 and are in control of the AFC West. The Chargers are tied with the Bengals for the 2nd best record in the AFC and will meet to play them in a few weeks so that might settle that...

Over the past 4 games the Charger defense has been much improved but I also have noticed a lot of different players seeing some time ... early this year I saw Shawne Merriman in on almost every play and not do anything... now I see Larry English and I notice Shaun Phillips getting sacks and English making plays ... Steve Gregory has been playing safety in place of Eric Weddle and, to me, it seems as if Gregory is a 'playmaker'. Antonio Cromartie has been playing better ... is this because the db's are rotating? I have read a couple of articles where they have commented that defensive coordinator Ron Rivera was going to hold players more accountable and good play will be rewarded and that no player's spot on defense was secure. But I also have noticed a few different blitz packages ... so I think there might be a combination of tweaking the defensive strategy as well as the personnel. The biggest question, for me, still remains if the defense is for real.

Winning the last four games was a surprise to me... I was hoping to win at least one, maybe two out of the Giants, Eagles, Broncos stretch and then not have a letdown game against the Chiefs...but the Chargers have kept the throttle down. There should be no excuse for the Chargers to not pound Cleveland this Sunday...

Back At It...

I try not to post too much of my 'personal' status on my blog...

But I had an insanely busy time to finish up November, working 20 events in the final 2 weeks, including thru the Thanksgiving holiday...

I was able to to sneak some time off just before Thanksgiving but worked a ton... I had never worked on a Sunday since starting my current job, which I have had now for over 7 years, and in November I worked two!

Not that I am seeking sympathy or anything...just wanted to explain why the blog has been 'barren' lately...

I'm going to try and catch up a bit as I can...