People That Make Me Laugh

So I am in a free poker league, I like to play cards. Last night was the first night at a new venue for myself and the location for this particular league and I wasn't sure what to expect...but I was in for a treat!

So as I stated in the first sentence, this poker league is FREE - so keep that in mind - but there are some fairly good prizes to those that can advance up from their location, namely travel expenses and buy-ins at WSOP and WPT events which are fairly respectable prizes. I would say the majority of the players there are playing just for fun. But of course there are the exceptions and they are the ones that give me a good chuckle...

So last night there was a group of 3 people - who knew each other - 1 male and 2 females. Each came equipped with their CD player and the male also made sure to have his sunglasses with as well. And note here, that they each brought a CD player, not an MP3 player, IPod or any other device that would fit in a person's pocket, but an actual circa 1995 portable CD Player...right there you know these folks are real 'players'. Once seeing this I made a challenge to myself that I would hope to outlast these three doorknobs.

So girl 1 spills her beer on herself and her chair before even 1 card is dealt. Girl 2 is eliminated before the blinds even increase even 1 level (20 minutes), so I'm thinking things are ending up about as I figured. Then time has come to merge tables and the male ends up sitting right next to me... I'm licking my chops and just hoping to get involved with a pot with this dolt but he goes all-in and loses to someone else...but he does not leave graciously. He grabs his coat from the back of his chair and storms off in obvious anger that he lost. I'm sure he is trying to figure out how he lost on a pair of 8's when the entire board was filled with over-cards? I find out later that he is a 'great' poker player and would take anyone to the cleaners if they so choose to, after finding this out me and some others are trying to get a game going with him.

But the best is girl 1. Yes, after she spills her beer and now is at least moderately intoxicated - we've been playing for an hour or so by now - is so in love with her cd player and music that she makes sure everyone at the table knows exactly what song she is listening too. Then after 1 song is complete she takes out the cd and inserts another to listen to one song and repeat. And to complete her profile, every song that 'she loved' (Oh, I love this song!) was from my high school days. AC/DC, Guns N Roses, Poison, Kiss - she had all the hits - and to top it off, she would ask if any of us like and/or have heard of any of these chart-top hits from just yesterday... another guy and myself started to mock her by saying "No, I have not heard of this band you call Warrant. Are they any good?" And she would then go on a lengthy explanation of how 'awesome' they are and sing the wrong lyrics to most of their popular songs... So then every hand the action comes to her and every hand we have to tell her to either bet, check or fold. And she would say "What? Oh, I'm sorry. How much?" How about you just stay home next week so you can rock out to some more Tesla and let us play cards? Then catastrophe strikes...her batteries in her vintage cd player have gone out and she needs to get more. She asks the table if we would wait for her while she ran to go get some from her car... it got quite a laugh. Oh please, let me go get the batteries for you and is there anything else I can do for you since you seem to think you are the only one that matters that is playing cards? Oh, but that's right, your a girl...even if your stupid, you still think just being a girl is a free pass to be annoying to everyone...

Oh, I succeeded in my challenge and outlasted all three of them... that in itself was a good prize for me!

Early NFL Bye Weeks - BLOW!

Ok, so the NFL implemented the bye week many years ago when the league was at 31 teams and as a result, teams had to have a bye. After the league expanded to 32 teams the NFL decided that the bye week is a good thing and has since kept a bye week for every team. This year (and seemingly every year) the Chargers get their bye week in week 3. How worthless is that? The bye week was kept to help teams rest players, a mid-season breather and just basically a week off for every team during the regular season grind. But to have teams take their bye week anytime before November is basically worthless and why should some teams luck out and get their bye week at a more opportunistic time in the season - namely later - while other teams are just basically given the shaft and given an early bye week?

To make the bye week fair for all teams the NFL should have all the byes for every team in November. 8 teams per week for 4 weeks. You only drop 4 games per week and all NFL teams get their bye week within a month of each other, whereas now, the Chargers bye week and those that get a week 9 bye is a month and a half apart...seems too fair to me...

Skateboarding Fun

Got some beer and a skateboard?

Charger Domination - 40-7: Throttle The Titans

Charger defense looks tight...

Tomlinson used early, lots of all-purpose yardage, 2 TD's...

Rivers looked good, no mistakes...

Turner in garbage time is money... out rushes LT....

But the defense is still the word...for now....

Would of been, could of been a shutout....but 40-7 will suffice... an early bye ( bye week rant to follow, stay tuned) next week...

Bert Blyleven Swears

Rivers Passing Against Raiders - 9/11/06

Week 1 - Chargers 27 Raiders 0

Week 1 of the 2006 NFL season is in the books and the last game of the opening week had the Chargers in Oakland as part of a Monday Night Football double-header.

There really wasn't much of a game. The offensive and defensive lines of the Chargers totally dominated the Raiders. Marty-ball was on full display. It was Tomlinson, Tomlinson and more Tomlinson. LaDainian had over 100 yards rushing in the first half (89 in the first quarter).

Many of us Charger fans were anxious to see how Phillip Rivers would do since it was his first start with the team and unfortunately we will have to wait at least another week to really get a good look at Rivers. Winning the first game of the '06 season is great but not many more games will be won this year with the game plan the Chargers had. One-dimensional and an almost obvious distrust in Rivers.

When Rivers was allowed to pass he looked pretty sharp. A deep ball to Parker, a 3rd down conversion to McCardell and a short-yardage touchdown to Gates. In the end though, Rivers was 8 for 11 and passed for just over 100 yards.

The defense was extremely impressive and Shawne Merriman was on a tear recording 3 sacks out of the 7 total the Chargers put on the Raiders. It wasn't long after the game got underway that it became clear the Raiders' offensive line would not be able to handle Chargers blitz and what made the blitz work last night, where in years past it had failed, was because the secondary was in excellent coverage all night.

It's difficult to say how good the Chargers were in their season opener because of how poor the Raiders were on both sides of the ball. Next week is the Chargers home opener against Tennessee and Charger fans like myself would like to see some more Phillip Rivers worked into the playcalling...especially when you have an all-pro tight end in Antonio Gates on your side. If Marty continues to put the bulk of the workload on Tomlinson's shoulders, he will be run down by week 12.

Good win for the Chargers but definately not an exciting one. Shutting the Raiders out at home hadn't been done since the early 90's. With the Chiefs and Broncos both losing over the weekend means that it is official... the Chargers are in sole possession of the AFC West lead after week 1!

TV On Your Computer

Well it's about time! Watch TV on your computer, all the major networks, Comedy Central, ESPN(s), HBO, news channels and more... nice quality. This internet thing is getting cooler by the day!

TVU is the program and download it here and enjoy... it is freakin awesome!

DJ Unknown

A SayOw Blog exclusive and internet debut, DJ Unknown.

Some of my friends screwing around...but yet, will sweep the nation!

*** Updated 9/19/06 ***

Charger Preview & Prediction

Well, I best get on the record as to how I think the Chargers are going to do this season...

I'll start out by saying that I think the Chargers schedule is considerably easier than it was last season. Of course starting out in Oakland in week 1 and having an early bye week (week 3) may seem as the contrary. But out of their first 8 games only Pittsburgh seems as the only really 'tough' game. Of course Kansas City is in there and being a division foe will no doubtedly be tough. If the Chargers can emerge at 6-2 or better would be paving the way for a potential playoff run. Of course though, the second half of their schedule is a bit tougher, of course the donkeys (Broncos) twice, Cincinnatti and Seattle will be no easy games so I would love to see the Chargers out of the gate quick and better than 5-3 because all their games on paper look winnable - remember they should have beat the Steelers last year in the regular season. And although the first part of the season is not make or break for the Chargers it certainly means they would be more or less likely to make the playoffs as to how they emerge from their first 8 games this season.

But the Chargers can not rely on the schedule, it's the team that needs to win the games and I think the team is good. I think the secondary is better than it was last year by drafting Antonio Cromartie with their first pick and picking up free agent safety Marlon McCree. Of course the loss of Steve Foley will have an impact on the linebacking corps, but the Chargers are pretty deep at that position and may stop trying to shop Donnie Edwards around. I think the defense is better because they improved their secondary.

Now on the offensive side of the ball there are some question marks. Of course the biggest one being Phillip Rivers. Is he going to get the job done? I think it simply comes down to the offensive line and there again, lies some question marks. The offensive line was not very good last year. The Chargers essentially have the same line with a rookie (Marcus McNeil) starting at left tackle. If the line can pass protect well I think Rivers will do fine. But then we come to the next question mark on offense, the receivers. Keneen McCardell we all know is solid, but he is getting old. I like what I saw in Malcom Floyd in the preseason and Vincent Jackson is another young, big receiver...but will either see any time or make an impact? Eric Parker is slated as the number 1 reciever with McCardell at #2. Parker's speed is unquestioned and he has accumulated the experience where this could be his break out year. Rivers has been touted as to having a better arm and deep-ball threat than Brees so it would be great to see some long passes to take some pressure off of the offensive line and give Tomlinson some room to run.

Of course we can not overlook the 'studs' on the Chargers offense, Antonio Gates and LaDanian Tomlinson. I think both are going to be solid contributors to the offense...duh... and really it will come down to the coaching to make sure that both Tomlinson and Gates are used to effectively move the ball down the field. And that is probably my biggest concern. I have not been satisfied with the coaching of Marty Schottenheimer since the Jets loss in the playoffs 2 years ago. I don't like a lot of the play calling when the Chargers are in the lead in a game when it is late. I think the offense gets over conservative and too much pressure is put on the defense and that really needs to change for the team to have any success in big games.

I seriously think the Chargers should challenge for the AFC West title. I also think they should go 11-5. But I think it is important for the Chargers to win as many of their first 8 games as possible, as does every team but the difference with the Chargers is that I think they could legitimately do so.

Nothing Original These Days

I'm trying to figure out what the young people of today know and/or do and from what I have gathered so far is nothing. The music they listen too is more times then not a song that was popular pre-1990. The clothes they wear are gawdy '70's fashions or something that will reveal their tatoos and piercings..which means not much material. Movies are remakes. Television is just fake reality shows of people fighting. Most have no idea that the 'M' in MTV means music and that MTV at one time played music videos. Many of the young people have it so easy they don't even know what 'work' actually is. And the ones that do have jobs treat the job as if it is optional...that is they will work as they feel they need too.

Now my observations aren't from just observing and dealing with one or two people but several. I have been employing and working with college aged individuals for about 10 years now and yes, there are still those that actually need a job to pay their bills, actually listen to music that isn't just redone to today's 'sound' and in general are in tune with 'reality'. But the number of those individuals is greatly outnumbered by the worthless and lazy.

The reason I bring this issue up today is because I have been dealing with an intern that was brought on by someone else in my workplace but she wanted to get involved in my area of work as well. I have no problem with this. But when I describe and detail some of the projects she could take on she is only willing to do the portion of the project that she already knows how to do and if anything requires any more work then that would be left up to me. Well, what good are you then? And why don't I just do the whole project myself so that it will be done right in the first place? I mean it's an internship and the basis of an internship, I thought, was to learn new things that would better prepare you for your occupation after college but not today. Today it is just do whatever you want and as little as possible.

Butterfingers

Panic is running rampant in Charger land. Phillip Rivers fumbled twice on the first 3 plays of this past Saturday's preseason game. He also sustained a bruised shoulder in the first half in trying to recover one of the fumbles. So those that wish to hit the panic button and go on red alert are doing so. Because Rivers' past two preseason games haven't matched his first one of this year and you then add the fumbles from this latest game it is enough ammo for those that wish to bash Rivers or the Charger organization. I am not one of those persons. I would rather see Rivers fumble all he wants to in the preseason and I will have little to say...but once the regular season starts, then I will be as critical as anyone if this tendancy continues.

Another point of interest that has the Charger fans talking is the constant performance of backup running back Micheal Turner. Anytime Turner has been on the field, whether in mop up duty in the regular season or in the preseason he has looked very impressive. Tomlinson is signed until 2010 and unless an injury sidelines him for any considerable time Turner will most likely be riding the pine behind Tomlinson. So many think he has some good trade value and the Chargers should look at maybe moving him for a respectable draft pick. Of course doing it at a time when his value will be at a premium.

Getting Sweeter

I have not been ashamed to gloat about dropping cable and switching to DirecTV. I did so at first when my local cable provider decided to not pick up OLN last year to watch the NHL. Then during the NFL's offseason the NFL Network announced that it would carry select football games. Having the NFL Network, I am not concerned about missing anything, but again the local cable provider here does not carry that network and would likely not carry it...at least not for a rate increase as they have done so many times in the past. I knew there wouldn't be too much of a stink from the locals...that is unless the Vikings should somehow get scheduled to play on the NFL Network. Then and only then would people of this community raise their voices for missing any other NFL games is no big deal but to miss a Vikings game...well then something needs to be done. Well, not only is the NFL Network carrying a Viking game, but the December 21st game is against division rival Green Bay and is always a big game for this region. So the local newspaper ran an article about folks missing that game because the cable provider doesn't carry the NFL Network and of course unless cable subscribers are willing to pay more, they won't be able to see the game...HA HA HA!

And not the NFL Network is the cat's meow, but I also have gotten to see all of the Charger preseason games and their next game on Saturday vs Seattle will be shown live. I have (and will) watched more on the NFL Network since I've had it then about 40 other channels so in my mind is worth it.

I am just sitting back and snickering... the cable company here is shitty, has been shitty and anyone that continues to tolerate it's shittines should expect this type of treatment. I also anticipate them losing a fair amount of subscribers over this as well which serves them right. It is only a matter of time before more people in my town have something other than cable because people are finally seeing that all this cable company does is raise rates and the only channels they add for a small fee increase is shopping networks which they get for free anyways.

Preseason Chargers

So this past weekend the Chargers played their 2nd preseason game in which they lost to Chicago 24-3. It's preseason and I don't get too concerned about the score but here's just a few notes I've made about the Chargers this year so far.

1. Phillip Rivers was allegedly to have a stronger arm than Brees yet the playcalling has been for all short pass plays as it was with Brees. If the Chargers continue to call and just run conservative short-yardage pass plays defenses will stack 8 in the box or just cheat their secondary in making it not only tough for those short passes but also be ready for any Tomlinson runs. This needs to change and the Chargers need to find ways to open the offense up.

2. For 2 years many a Charger fan has been high on Darren Sproles the kick and punt return specialist. I have not been. He does seem to have fairly respectable returns when he doesn't fumble but none have been in a really timely manner and I do believe he has never taken one all the way back for a touchdown. He broke his fibula and is out for the rest of the season and from the talk of some Charger fans it is like we lost our best player. I tend to think that change may be a good thing in this area.

3. Speaking of special teams... in the Charger-Bears game the Chargers were extremely lackluster to put it mildly. No downfield punt coverage, giving up a punt return for a kickoff and nothing special on any of the Charger returns. Clearly an area that should be addressed regardless of the players executing them.

From what I've seen so far, I think the defense is playing better but has yet to be tested by a high-powered offense. Pass coverage has looked better, but again, against no stellar reciever. Overall, based on what I've seen so far, I think the team should play better than last year and make the playoffs.

Seau Unretiring?

Reports from San Diego have Junior Seau signing with the Patriots. Meaning Seau retired this past Monday and may be unretired within a week of that. Not sure why the Patriots would want to sign him, he will most likely be injured for most, if not all of the upcoming season...

Seau's Retirement Announcement Airings

You can watch Junior Seau announce his retirement live at 4:55 PM PT either on the NFL Network (channel 212 on Direct TV) or via a web cast here. If you miss it, you can check the web cast link for an archived version available on the internet approximately 2 hours after it concludes.

Chargers - Green Bay Preseason

I have yet to view the Charger-Packer game from Saturday night...but the Chargers win and the 'buzz' is that Rivers looked good. I found a couple of highlights on YouTube to enjoy - and Rivers does look good...but it is preseason. I'm DVR'ing the game and will be watching it shortly to get my first look at this year's squad...

Junior Seau To Retire

One of the San Diego Chargers greatest linebackers is to retire tomorrow. Junior Seau, when he was in his prime (mid-1990's) was the best linebacker in the NFL. He was voted on the all-decade team for the 90's. He played in 12 consecutive pro-bowls (which I do believe is still a record). He will most definately be a Hall Of Famer on his first ballot, elgible in 2011.

Of course my moniker is in his honor and I bear no shame in having it.

There hasn't been an 'official' announcement that Junior will retire as a Charger - as he should. But the press release says his announcement will be made at Charger Park so I'm guessing he will do the day contract with the Chargers and retire as a Charger.

Thanks for the memories Junior...

(PS: Yes, that is my circa 1996 Seau player figurine. A friend gave it to me to in '96 and I've had it on my computer desk ever since...of course, never been opened...)

Vacation Pics

Here's some select snapshots from the big vacation. The kids had a good time. We did not get any pictures of them at a big water park or Matthew, (my son who is licking the corn on the cob in the second photo) driving a 4-wheeler with me.

The first picture is a picture of me and my family at Ft. Abraham Lincoln State Park. We are on top of a block house and that is the Missouri River in the background.

The 2nd and 3rd pictures are us picnicing...

The fourth is my daughter riding a real, full-sized horse. She has ridden ponies many a time but never an actual full sized horse... she was in heaven.

The last 2 pictures are of the us at the World's Largest Buffalo in Jamestown, ND. You can see the buffalo from the Interstate and they have always wanted to go up and look at it so we did on our way back home today. There is also a live buffalo herd roaming around that statue. The last picture is a marker of the buffalo stats.

The kids had a blast and it was a good time.

New NFL Rules

Four new rules are to be enforced this year in the NFL, briefly they are:

Defensive players may not deliver a “forcible blow” to a quarterback in the knee or below unless they are blocked into him or the passer has left the pocket.

Down-by-contact plays will be subject to instant replay review. If the referee can determine the ball was fumbled before the ball carrier was down and the defense recovered it, then the defense will be awarded the ball at the spot of the recovery.

The time allotted for a referee to conduct a replay review has been cut from 90 seconds to 60.

The horse-collar rule has been toughened. Tacklers are banned from taking down ball carriers from the rear by tugging inside their jerseys.

The first one will be interesting to see how it enforced since it seems to leave some subjectivity and early rumour is that if a defender makes a borderline tackle just below the waist would call for the penalty. It seems as if the NFL will no longer allow tackling of the Quarterback...not sure how that helps the game.

I do like the review of the down by contact rule. How many times was their a potential fumble but because the ball carrier was 'down by contact' the play was not reviewable. And shortening the review time, I think, is also good. If a play can not be properly viewed and reviewed in 1 minute, it should remain 'as is'. But to insure that the proper call is made, I think those in the review booth should have already seen and filtered replays and have a 'preliminary informed' decision on the play that they could then relay that information to the reviewing referee. I think that would accelerate the reveiw process.

And early this week the NFL unvieled new uniforms for the referees. I have yet to see them on television, but from the photo to the left, I guess as of right now I am indifferent about them...

The Chargers first preseason game is August 12th against the Green Bay Packers.