Chargers Lose On Last Play Of Game

Week 1 of the 2008 NFL season is in the books and the San Diego Chargers are 0 and 1.  The Chargers were behind most of the game to the Carolina Panthers and with 10:09 left to go in the game the Panthers were up 19-10 after a Panther field goal.  The Chargers rally to take the lead 24-19 and kick the ball back to the Panthers with 2:27 remaining in the game...the Panthers made it look easy as they drove down the field and with no time left on the clock connect on the game winning 14 yard touchdown pass.

Really not too suprising if a person watched the entire game... the Panthers were able to run on the Chargers all game long and the Panther offense really had little to no resistence the entire game. Delhomme had plenty of time in the pocket and the Panther offensive line easily handled the Chargers.

The Charger offense took until the 2nd half to get going, but when it did start clicking was looking good.  Tomlinson was held in check with the exception of just a couple of decent carries.  Antonio Gates, who has been rehabbing a bad toe the entire offseason came back to score a touchdown but did fumble the ball which resulted in a Panther run back for a score.

The Charger defense was clearly the weak link in this game...they offered little resistence to the Panther offense and Igor Olshanky's lone sack was the only time Delhomme was pressured the enitre game.

Obviously the season is still early and the first 4 games of the regular season are almost like 'preseason' for the Chargers because many, if not most, of the key players on the Chargers hadn't seen any playing time this season until this game.  Last year the Chargers started out slow from the gate and I think it is almost to be expected again...the problem the Chargers have is that they have the Broncos next week and being a division game is not a game you want to remain rusty or unprepared for because the late-season consequences could be tremedious. 

2008 Chargers Preview

The 2008 NFL season kicks off tomorrow so I best give my Charger preview/prediction/hope post.

And I will start out with this... I still have little to no faith in Norv Turner or Ted Cottrell even though they did take the Chargers to the AFC Championship last year...but for most Charger fans that was the least that team could have achieved without it being a disappointing season.  I say this after personally sitting in the stands and watch Adrian Peterson run all over the Chargers last year.  The Minnesota Vikings had only one offensive weapon last year and every other team in the league except San Diego and Chicago were able to stop Adrian Peterson.  It troubles me that the coaching staff could not find adjustments from taking a beating from basically one form of offense.  The same was with the Packers and the Chiefs loss when both those teams basically kept running the same post play and turned it into huge gains that resulted in their teams beating the Chargers.  But saying that, it clearly shows that Cottrell is probably more inept than Turner and I might agree to that assesment.  The Chargers, though, have so much talent on both sides of the ball they are able to overcome some of the coaching missteps and typically play fairly well.

So what's the deal with the 2008 edition of the Chargers?  Well, we'll start on the offensive side of the ball and for the most part, it is all intact from last year.  Of course the centerpiece of the Charger offense is future hall of famer, LaDainian Tomlinson who is coming off an injury from late last season.  Most of the offseason interviews I have heard with Tomlinson have him expressing how hungry he is this year to win a championship and that the critism of him unable to play in the AFC Championship game has only added fuel for the drive this season.  Phillip Rivers...who has this bizarre throwing motion and at times seems irratic...but to me, seems to have the mental fortitude to be a quarterback.  Phillip Rivers seems like a leader...that he is a guy that when something needs to get done, he will take it personally and get the team on his side.  I like the way he hits the wide open guy...easier said than done in the NFL.  Last year I don't recall how many times the Chargers had a guy that was literally WIDE OPEN and Rivers got the ball to him.  Watching other games, I find it hard to believe that other teams aren't in that same scenario more than a couple of times a game and it is a matter of whether or not the quarterback can find and hit that wide open receiver.  And speaking of receivers, Cris Chambers has already proved his worth on the Chargers and now it is time for Vincent Jackson to step up.  He did have a good playoffs last year but in the regular season he was just too streaky...he was the guy that would drop a pass when he was WIDE OPEN.

Now the defensive side... of course the big news this offseason has been the status of Shawne Merriman.  Merriman has said he is going to play this season and we'll see whether or not he can stand the test of a full season.    I almost expect Merriman to get hurt and his career essentially be over...and not that I want this to happen, just think it is what is going to happen.  I also think that is what the Chargers management thinks as well in signing his backup to a four year deal during the preseason.  But overall the Charger defense should remain a force...especially now that Antonio Cromartie will be playing a full season and starting.  Last season he wasn't starting until a few games into the season and once it was revealed that he is an outright stud he finally got the playing time he deserves.  With Quentin Jammer on the other side of the ball, the Chargers have 2 cornerbacks that I think are amongst the best in the league.  The defensive line remains solid with Castillo, Williams and Olshanksy add the linebackers of Phillips and Merriman/Tucker (his backup) it is a formidable front that should get plenty of pressure on the quarterback and big enough to shut down the run.

Now we look at the schedule... the AFC West is allegedly weak again this year, the Chargers play the NFC South with the game against the Saints in London, the AFC East and of course the other AFC division champs Indy and Pittsburgh.

So my record prediction: 

I think the Chargers should go 4-2 in their division games agains Oakland, KC and Denver.  Realistic, I think the Chargers should sweep the NFC south teams but a game in London and being NFC teams, I could see the Chargers dropping one there to go 3-1 against the NFC South.  Of course the AFC East has the Patriots but the rest of the division doesn't seem as formidable... I think the Chargers beat the Pats but then likely lose a road game to Buffalo or something like that...but end up 3-1 against the AFC East.  The Chargers have owned Indy in the past few years so I think they continue that trend especially since they finally get to play Indy in San Diego but the Pittsburgh game is in Pitt so they will likely split between those teams to go 1-1.

So calculating the numbers, I have the Chargers at 11-5 and I think that is a reasonable expectation for the this team... I think most other fans and many media folks will expect the Chargers with a better record, but I want to put out a reasonable expectation and I think that is reasonable.  Of course regardless of what the Chargers regular season record will be, this season will be gauged on the playoffs.  The Chargers are expected to make the AFC Championship again and anything less will likely be a disappointment and the window of opportunity beginning to shut on this team's current veterans a chance to win a championship.

Sproles And Chargers Look Sharp

The Chargers played their third exhibition game last night and other than a fumble on a bad snap on their opening drive, the Chargers looked fairly good. Darren Sproles enjoyed huge holes in the Seahawk defensive line and was able to run very effectively. Rivers didn't look too bad and overall the Chargers, without Tomlinson, Gates and Merriman, just to name a few of the big names to not play, seem ready for opening day.

The Chargers ended up winning the game by converting a 2 point conversion with 2:30 left in the game to give the Chargers a 18-17 win...not that it matters at all.

Chargers vs Seattle: Preseason Tonight

Tonight is the 2nd to last preseason game for the Chargers and like usual, not much is expected to be seen tonight. I will likely have the game on as I pay a passing interest to it, but I do not put any stock into anything that happens during the preseason unless it is an injury or similar magnitude...but with most of the Charger starters likely not playing, this should be just another boring preseason game....which is fine with me, save your gas for when the season is for real.

Goofing Off In The Rain

Here's a video of my friend's 1964 Impala doing some tricks in the pouring rain one night earlier this month...

Merriman's Season In Doubt

I think we may have heard the last of Shawne Merriman...at least that is the story coming out of San Diego. Merriman has 2 ligament tears and many are figuring this season will be lost to surgery and recovery. I do believe the Chargers have him signed through next season, but I don't think he will be a Charger much after that and I wouldn't be surprised if the Chargers actually traded or cut him outright before the end of this season...but would likely sit on him and see how he heals up for next year.

I, of course, don't watch ESPN hype but apparently if Merriman isn't playing the Chargers are going to suck...according to they hypesters I hear via my acquaintances. But I think Merriman's best years are behind him. Since getting busted for steroids I don't think Merriman has been the same player. Sure his stats resemble that he is still an impact player but he doesn't seem to be as impactful during the big games only against the lesser teams...

Watch USA vs Argentina Basketball Live Online

Here is the USA vs Argentina Men's Basketball Game, free, live and online... how can you beat that deal?

Gates At Practice

The Charger fans are abuzz today... Antonio Gates returned to practice yesterday. There was some speculation by some media talkers that the recovery time for Gates would jeopardize him starting the season. Gates is proving to be a tough player ... he played the final 2 games of the post-season last year on what was equivalent to a broken big toe and now, rehabbing and getting back with the team as quickly as possible.

I don't think we will see Gates in any preseason action but with him at practice it is becoming very likely he will be starting on opening day.

LT Works Out With Kimbo Slice

Here is a video of LaDainian Tomlinson working out with Kimbo Slice...showing you how to work out 'old school' ...

I love seeing LT pull up in the old 70's Stingray Vette to start the whole video out...classic...

AC/DC Selling Out

AC/DC announced today that their latest studio album "Black Ice" will be sold only at Wal-Mart and Sam's Club as well as the AC/DC web site. A move that clearly sends a message to everyone...we have officially sold out and anyone that wants to pay $150+ to see us on our next tour playing some of our greatest hits along with some crap we just threw together for you to throw your money to us...we are coming to a town near you! Thanks in advance!

Madden '09 Is Out

Got my first chance to play the new Madden '09 game. Graphics of course are awesome and I liked the fact that much of the game controls are similar from last year with just some added elements...one big exception is the elimination of the R1 receiver (which is now pump fake) and now making him L1, but not a major adjustment.

They also got rid of the passing cone which I don't think anyone liked. I haven't been able to look through all the plays, but in the quick 2 games I played I was able to find several of both the offensive and defensive plays that I liked from last year but also noted that some were missing as well.

My friends that have the game have said that passing is a bitch, but when I played the game we had the passing slider more towards easier than harder and Philip Rivers was unstoppable!

I'll have to get a few more games under my belt to get a better feel for the game, but overall, just getting rid of the passing cone has me liking the game more so then in than the versions that featured that aspect...

Back From Vacation, Preseaon Began

So my posting was even more light the past week than normal, but it was because I was on vacation for a full week...away from the internet and DirecTV... so I haven't had a chance to watch either of the Charger Preseason games...but I got the last one on DVR that I may briefly scan just to get an early football fix...

I spent most of last week on beautiful Lake Sakakawea, the weather couldn't have been better, I golfed for the first time in 20 years...and it looked like it! But I want to try and get into golfing again, something I did quite a bit of when I was younger. I was using my father's clubs and I think they may have been a little too short for me...so maybe a new set of clubs sized for me might be the first step to regaining my 'game'.

The Kids These Days...Just Don't Get It

I am old... and by today's standards, being just a couple years shy of 40 means you are equivalent to a dinosaur. Oh, I knew I was getting older but I was going to be one of those 'cool' old dudes... I still go to rock concerts, I love playing video games even that zany Guitar Hero and I am extremely tolerant to the youth...letting them crank their music, crazy piercings, colored hair, baggy pants...etc. don't bother me (that much) - heck, we all had our 'fads' in our younger days. But what I was fully unprepared for as I have unwillingly aged is the fact that the media, and more specifically the 'quality' of media, that these kids have been exposed too has essentially skewed their 'senses' to the most simplistic thoughts possible...kids no longer need to 'know' anything...the humor these kids are exposed to today is just pratt falls and fresh from the bathroom wall. Oh and sure, there was plenty of that when I was a kid as well, but it wasn't the sole source of humor that it seems it is today. Here is a couple of examples to illustrate my points...

About 3 years ago I had a project for a college intern I thought would be great... it was simply to go out and rent some DVD's that had some somewhat short yet humorous video clips that could be played back during a down time of a sporting event. I even threw out the example of the John Belushi speech in Animal House where he states "Was it over when the German's bombed Pearl Harbor?" Of course, a classic, funny part from the movie where I thought anyone over the age of 18 would recognize and relate too. When this intern came back a week later with a pile of DVD's and the time code of the humurious video clips, I was excited to see what was in store. At first glance I was a bit perplexed... I saw a pile of DVD's with no movie that I had ever seen...Cheaper By The Dozen, some movie starring The Rock were just a couple of titles I can recall. Well, I thought, I might as well see what we got and proceeded to seek out the snippets from each of the movies that this intern so diligently went through. It didn't take me long to realize that unless you had actually watched any of these movies NONE of this video clips were even remotely funny. That is because the movies of today all mostly suck...whereas I could likely grab a copy of Caddyshack, easily extract a 1/2 dozen or so video clips and regardless if you have ever watched the show or not, would find the humor in those video clips. This intern had a stack of movies he clearly felt were hilarious, I hadn't seen one of those flicks nor did I find any of the 'funny' parts even remotely comical. Sure, it may be due to lack of just not having seen a lot of movies but I thought to myself as I viewed the clips, "If this is suppose to be funny to someone it must not take much to make them laugh."

Another example... I have followed the recommendation twice of my friend's nephew who just recently graduated college. The first was his recommendation to see the movie Borat. His exact words to me after seeing this movie was: "This was the funniest movie of all time and I didn't stop laughing for the entire show! You have to go watch it!" And so I did... oh sure, it was mildly amusing but overall funny? No, I don't think so. And funniest movie ever?!?! What, have you only seen one other movie? The other recommendation he recently gave me was to watch a show called "Kenny vs Spenny" (I think that's the correct title) which aired on MTV...and right there, that's the difference between him and I... I watched MTV all throughout the 80's and saw music videos, he has probably watched MTV since the 90's and may have seen a handful of actual music videos but he is up to date on the Real World Cast. I watched this Kenny vs Spenny show for approximately 3 minutes before seeing that it is just a Jackass type show where you have people that are purposely doing things to themselves that they think others will find funny...with oftentimes the climax being someone bleeding, puking, pissing or shitting themselves with hilarity at it's max if all 4 inflictions could somehow occur.

I am not sure who I should blame for the youth being so dumbed down by the media and accepting such low-brow humor. Is it the media for producing the crap or the kids for actually watching the crap? Probably both and I still fail to understand why the kids would even bother watching the shit that they do and I fully understand that the 'old' folks when I was a kid probably felt the same way, but in our defense the humor may have been close to the gutter whereas the humor of today is swimming and feeding within the sewer system.

As I had mentioned some time ago, I think it is a sad statement for the kids of today when I say "Was it over when the German's bombed Pearl Harbor?" and instead of getting witty Animal House reference in reply, I get a quizzical look and a response of "The German's didn't bomb Pearl Harbor you moron." I can only simply shake my head and know that I am not only old but am clearly of a different generation.

Jesus Favre Christ! Whiner Still Whining

To say that I have been totally sick and tired of Brett Favre would be an understatement... I was already fed up with his selfish bullshit 4 years ago and now, it seems, that the more times Favre pulls his selfish, whining bullshit to try and get out of Green Bay the more the media jumps on the story.

I have begun to scoff at anyone that has said that the Packers have mishandled this whole situation and that if the Packers had a "clue" at all, they would have Favre be their starter... what these morons fail to see is what the Packer organization knows all to well... that Favre is a selfish, whiner who's only concern is for himself. Over the past 4 years Favre has done absolutely nothing to show that he is a 'team' player but rather, he has done everything to show the world at what a whiny bitch he is and the only reason he has gotten a free pass on being blatently labeled a whiny bitch is that there are droves of blind Packer fans that would gladly bend over and get ass-raped by Brett Favre on a moment's notice because they view Favre as the greatest player of all time.

I haven't been near a television for about 15 minutes so I am not sure what the 'latest' is on the Favre saga... but the Packer team is fed up with the Favre story and Favre feels unwanted by the Packers - gee, I wonder why you whiny bitch? All this happened after Favre forced his way onto the Packer roster, showed up for practice and then leaving before practice whining about how the Packers are tired of his bullshit.

What will this glory-hound do next to make sure he can remain as the top NFL story for the entire season? Hopefully continue to be a whining bitch and suck at playing football... my hope is that he will be riding the pine and holding a clipboard for the Packers all season.

Modern Marketing Makes The Stop Sign

If there ever was a video that could give people a general idea of the people that I work with, this is the one! I laughed at this video and I wasn't sure if it was because it was funny or because it is so true! I can't begin to name the number of times I have heard "Everything looks great but we just want to make a couple of changes..." before everything you have done needs to be completely scrapped and you start over...

Beijing Olympics: Trap

The Onion's, "In The Know" video series is quickly becoming one of my favorite video series... here's their latest offering, The Beijing Olympics: Are They A Trap?

2008 Olympic Opening Ceremonies Video Leak

The 2008 Olympics will be starting up soon and I am mostly indifferent about the Olympics... I do enjoy watching the 'real' sports - basketball, tennis, water polo, cycling, track and field events, etc... but of course their are the non-athletic competitions that oftentimes get the most coverage (ie: gymnastics and any other sport involving judging) or are just heavily promoted and a person just gets tired of hearing about it...

2 of my most hated parts of the Olympics are the opening and closing ceremonies which are just mega-glorified Super Bowl halftime shows ... and really the reason I probably hate them the most is because each and every Summer Olympics the ceremonies are brought up constantly, whether good or bad, as if that is the defining moment of the entire Olympics....

As luck would have it, a video has been leaked showing what the 2008 opening ceremonies have in store and I can see I won't be missing much this year by not watching them...and no, I have no idea what the people are saying...

Huge Surprise: Favre Not Retiring

A surprise to no one... Brett Favre is going to report to Packers training camp and it sounds like the Jets and Buccaneers are interested in trading for Favre. Oh am I hoping he sucks total ass because I am so sick and tired of Brett Favre I want him to be hated on as much as possible, whenever possible.

Charger Camp Opens

Time to get back into NFL mode...

The Charger preseason training camp opened yesterday and, like most of the time, the Chargers first round pick, Antoine Cason, is not signed and will not make the start of training camp, but that is a typical Charger tradition to not have their first round pick signed for training camp.

Antonio Gates worked out yesterday as well, testing his big toe that he injured during the playoffs last year...he said it is sore, but tolerable - unclear as to whether or not he will be able to play in the opener against Carolina, but this guy played 2 playoff games with a busted toe, so I'm thinking he is a 'tough guy' and will be playing when the season kicks off barring any setbacks.

New iPhone 3G

Here's a great new commercial for the new iPhone 3G... the new iPhone incorporates so many great features that are helpful to the impoverished...because that's what you will be if you continue to buy iPhones!

More Roids For Clemens

Not that anyone really needs too much more proof that Roger Clemens was a roid user while he played professional baseball, convicted steroids dealer Kirk Radomnski found 2 shipping slips that he said were from packages of steroids he shipped to Clemens' home. Of course Rog will simply say they were for his wife, but I didn't believe that his wife is the steroid user in the house so I won't believe this lie either...

Favre: Attention Whore Part II

Why am I the only one on the planet that thinks Brett Favre is just an attention seeking whore? It was just last year that I noted how every offseason is just a Brett Favre soap-opera. 2 years of the "Am I going to retire?" game, last year was the Randy Moss/hold-out pout drama and apparently Brett didn't like the way that played... so this year he is really ratcheting it up...texting the GM of the Packers...the Packers GM brushes Brett off, because I am sure he has just got to be about the most fed up with Brett's little games, and then all of a sudden a television station finds out that Brett Favre text message the GM of the Packers and was brushed off...gee, how would a television station find something like that out? Oh, I don't know... maybe because Brett Favre probably told them! I mean Jesus Christ this guy is a complete freakin' media whore... if he doesn't see a highlight of him playing on ESPN every night he has to make a phone call to get them right back talking about him... and of course since most Packer fans are blindly loyal to their god Brett, he is infalliable, they don't see that his yearly song and dance show is so transparently a cry for attention they are more than happen to engage in the story and prop Favre up anyway they can. Of course, I have ran into a few, very few, other Packer fans that are tired of Favre's little games...so I know my sentiment isn't exclusive to myself, but at the same time, I have yet to hear of any national sports talker that has really tasked Favre's yearly drama he likes to put on...

What is he going to do next year after he plays for the Packers this year? I think retire say you are going to become a professional bullrider, unretire because the competitiveness is such an intoxicating personal drive but then retire before training camp and then unretire for the final preseason game and come running out of the tunnel just after the halftime because he was 4 hours away not expecting to play but a Packer friend called him from the bus on the way to the stadium and it was just an overwhelming, almost epiphonic rush that told him, Brett, you need to get to that game and help your team this season and the roars we would hear from the crowd would echo to the moon...oh, the made for television movie will be such a tear-jerker when you add that in with all the other Favre moments that will envoke tears from anyone without any embellshment needed...excuse me while I supress my own vomit....

Foley Settles, Case Over

And just like that the Steve Foley case is over with a settlement. It's probably pretty clear that the police officer was in the wrong and the city and his attorneys probably wanted to settle for the least amount of money that they could get away with, but I would guess that several million dollars will be paid to Foley with this victory.

Branded Ball Ends Up At The HOF

How quickly things change...less than 24 hours ago the MLB Hall of Fame stated that it was not getting Barry Bonds' steroid-powered 756th homerun ball and now this morning the ball is in Cooperstown...

The best part...if Barry Bonds is a man of his word...which being a liar and a cheater I doubt that he is...has stated that he will boycott the HOF if the ball was displayed with the branded asterisk, which it will be...so we got that to hope for...

Record HR Ball Not Going To The HOF

Marc Ecko, purchased Barry Bonds' 756th homerun ball and held a contest asking the public what he should do with the ball. The results from the poll had the ball being branded and sent to the Hall Of Fame. But now the MLB Hall Of Fame has stated, "The owner’s previous commitment to unconditionally donate the baseball has changed to a loan. As a result, the Hall of Fame will not be able to accept the baseball." Not sure why Ecko would go back on his committment to unconditionally donate the baseball, especially if it is donated with the branded asterisk... I think everyone in the future will know fully well how tainted that record is.

How To Pretend To Care About The Elections

This is too funny... tips on how to pretend you know politics... actually ways to make it look like your informed!

Landis Verdict Upheld

Well Floyd Landis is 0 for 2 in trying to clear his name and regain the 2006 Tour de France title that he was stripped of after testing positive for doping.

What the Floyd Landis case, for me, more than anything else is to no longer trust the athlete's word when they deny the allegations of cheating. The athlete, like Landis, time and time again will launch an increbile public relations campaign to sway public opinion and offer some sort of plausible excuse. I even was willing to give Landis some benefit of the doubt. But as what has been seen in the past, when these cases go to court the athletes always lose...ALWAYS. What makes me change my perspective towards the athlete in these cases was the Marion Jones case, the Barry Bonds case and now the Floyd Landis case where...

In the end, the panel saved its harshest criticism for Landis, who it said essentially tried to muddle the evidence and embarrass the French lab, and continued on that course even after the evidence was shown not to exist.

It further illuminates the desperation these athletes exhibit to save their fame. You then factor in that the Landis camp also tried to threaten Greg LeMond the night before his testimony during the first hearing, you can see how desperate Landis was to be cleared. The problem the athletes have and is ultimately always the key factor in these cases, is that they did indeed cheat...they only think the bad part that they did was getting caught.

By catching Landis in '06 and with last years scandals during the Tour de France - multiple cyclists dismissed for testing positive including a yellow jersey - it appears that cycling has developed a methodology that should minimalize cheating in their sport. Hopefully this is the beginning of a new drug free era in all sports.

You Suck At Photoshop Season 2

After a short break, the You Suck At Photoshop series has started it's second season...

Enjoy...

Wimbledon '08 Underway

Wimbledon started on Monday and I have been fortunate enough to watch quite a few matches thanks to DirecTV and the Tennis Channel. There are 6 live court feeds and the Tennis Channel is replaying matches during primetime...so it has been really tough to actually not watch Wimbledon coverage!

Today I tuned in time to watch the final set and 1/2 from the Safin-Djokovic match...Djokovic looked totally beaten and dejected, double-faulting on match point(!?!?!)...whereas Safin looked like the Safin of late 2000 when he won the US Open and was the number 1 ranked player in the world. But Safin has had the skills that could beat anyone on any given day...but his mental game hinders him as to where he could lose to anyone on any given day.

Also, Djokovic...this guy has been rammed down my throat as the 'next best guy'...oh sure, he won the Australian Open this year but let's be real...the Australian Open is the 'small pig' on the list of majors to have on your resume....yes, you want to make sure you win at least one for the career grand slam but there really isn't much other 'honor' than winning the warmup tournament of tennis which happens to be labeled a major. I do want to like Djokovic, but he seems to be just a better James Blake... player that can consistantly make it to the semi's yet lose.

I watched Roger Federer beat Robin Soderling over the lunch break...Soderling did break Rog in the 3rd set, but Rog broke Soderling to get back on serve at 5-5, the set went to a tiebreak and Rog was up 5-0 before closing the deal (I think) 7-2. I like Federer and I think he is playing well...this match with Soderling, Rog was able to ratchet up his game to save a set point, get back on serve and then dominate the tiebreak.

I have been paying attention to the women's side, but really haven't had a chance to watch any matches...I'm a Sharapova fan and she is an underdog these days so I'll try to follow her through the tourney...

I'm watching the Igor Andreev-David Ferrer match this afternoon via the internet here, not a bad way to spend an afternoon at work...

Foley Case To Begin

It's been almost 2 years since San Diego Charge linebacker Steve Foley was shot by an off-duty police officer, essentially ending his career. The trial, where Foley is suing the shooter, Aaron Mansker and the city that employed him, Coronado, CA.

I will continue to follow this case, but in my mind, I think Foley has a strong case...even though the court will not allow the fact that Mansker was turned down by employment from 10(!) agencies, because of psychological reasons...namely, a vendetta towards drunk drivers. You then factor in that Mansker has 3 times been involved in off-duty situations, prior to Foley, that he followed Foley for over 20 minutes and then eventually shot him. The mere appearance of a renegade, over zealous officer seems to develop. I have no idea why the court would not find any of that information relevant, but I would think that Foley and his legal team will find a way to get some of that information revealed during testimony during the trial if possible.

Article here.

Religion: Why You Should Join

Here's a fairly factual commercial about religion....

Filter: Sioux Falls, SD 6-17-08

So me and some friends went to Sioux Falls, SD this past Tuesday to go see Filter at the Sioux Falls Expo Building.

The show was really good...the crowd, we felt, was surprisingly small... I would guess 500 people. Filter still put on a really good show...they played all their hits (IE: Head Like A Hole, Take A Picture, Welcome To The Fold) and had a good mix of new songs from their latest album. Filter could have easily gone 'dark' and slow if they wanted too, but instead, played mostly high energy, heavy rocking songs. The drummer that is with Filter right now was really whaling on the drums and he really put on a show.

The Richard Patrick - lead singer/Filter - mentioned at the end of the show that maybe next time the promoter will get it right and get a decent pa for them. The pa did seem small...the upside...my ears weren't ringing at the end of the show.

As we were walking into the show, about 45 minutes before Filter was to play, we walked by Filter's bus to see the guys throwing orange cones for fun and just as we were passing, Richard Patrick came out and greeted one of our buddies that was wearing a Clutch T-Shirt saying that Clutch is one of his favorite bands too. Brush with greatness it was...

Here are some videos taken with my cell phone... so they suck... but it's something....

No Smoking Allowed...ANYWHERE!

So my town just passed a complete no-smoking ban for all businesses. Previously, smoking was permitted only in bars/restaurants that didn't allow patrons under the age of 21. Well, of course this isn't good enough for all the nannies of the world and they rallied their do-gooders and got everyone to pass the complete ban.

Now, let me start out with this... yes, it is probably the 'right' thing to do. Smoking is bad and evil and so on... and it does seem to be a 'considerate' type of thing to do...But here's where I have some issues...

First it is all the non-smoking proponents that say that businesses won't be adversely affected but rather that this will be a boon for them...for you see, there is a plethora of non-smokers that would just LOVE to go out and frequent these establishments but the stench of smoke prohibited them because of health concerns. This couldn't be a bigger lie... here, in my town, the majority of businesses were smoke free and there were even smoke free bars...what prevents them from going to these places? Of course nothing...they have no intention of increasing their frequency to go to bars but will say that they will just to say it...and to prove everyone wrong, they may very well step into one of the former smoking bars...once...but never will return. These people aren't the clientele bars are interested nor do they have any interest into going to bars in the first place.

For you see, probably the most underlying reason a non-smoking ordinance passes is because there are a group of people that don't approve of the type of lifestyle others have. They have non intention of paying for liquor let alone going out to consume it at an establishment and if there is anyway they can make it less 'fun' for those that do choose to go out to the bars, they must be hindered.

I would have less of a problem with the non-smoking ordinance passing if it wasn't for the 'type' of people that are behind it. They have little concern for liberties of a person or for governmental interfering with the way a business operates...their only concern is their personal vendetta against those that smoke and go to bars...which again, is only because they choose not too and want too somehow hinder those that do.

I would gladly vote to outlaw the consumption and sale of all tobacco products but even the health groups don't want that because that is where they get their funding as well. Even when asked during this campaign, many posed the question that wouldn't it be even a better tact to ban tobacco within the city? And the nannies come up with some excuse as to why that isn't even considered...but the real reason would be that they would be out of business if tobacco was totally outlawed...

Woods Wins In Sudden Death

Rocco Mediate had to make a lengthy putt on the first hole of sudden death to extend the playoff with Tiger Woods for the 2008 US Open championship. But Rocco placed his drive into a fairway bunker, then his second shot was well of the mark landing in the grandstands but still had a respectable putt for par to remain tied with Tiger but missed that shot. Tiger, on the other hand, blasted his tee-shot and landed on the fairway. Then made the green in regulation with a lengthy birdie attempt himself...missed that and tapped in for par...and that was the conclusion of the 2008 US Open... the whole weekend had some unbelievable golfing and Tiger Woods provided plenty of highlight material to his resume...

US Open Goes To Sudden Death

Rocco Mediate and Tiger Woods just finished their 18 hole playoff to decide the winner of the 2008 US Open Championship...both golfers shot even par for the round. One would have thought that Tiger had the match won when he up by 3 strokes with 8 to play...but Mediate outplays Tiger on the backnine and Rocco had a putt on the 18th hole that would have won it for him...but was by far no gimme. Just like yesterday, Tiger needed a birdie on the 18th to keep playing for the championship and he got it...

Tiger Thrills At US Open

How could any sports fan not get wrapped up into the US Open this past weekend...and if you are a Tiger Woods fan, then it only meant more excitement for you. It all started Saturday in the third round where Tiger made 2 Eagles - one on the 18th hole to take a 1 shot lead and chipped in 2 birdies...he certainly is an exciting player to watch. Because Tiger then starts out his final round on Sunday with a double-bogey on the first hole and a bogey on the second hole, giving up his lead and now trailing the leaders. He then starts just grinding out pars until he needed a birdie to force a playoff with Rocco Mediate on the 18th hole. Overall, if it wasn't for Tiger's putting he probably wouldn't be in a playoff right now. His driving was extremely inaccurate and he misplayed several short irons as well. It didn't seem as if he hit the ball well with any consistancy...but what makes Tiger still the formidable force is that even when he is not playing well, he is still able to play equal to the rest of the field. Tiger is able to scramble better than anyone else and that seems to be the deciding factor when playing in any of the majors on the PGA Tour.

Has It Been That Long?

Wow, it's been a while... I got busy with work and then drinking so let's quickly recap...

Stanley Cup Finals - Detroit wins the series 4-2 in what was a very entertaining series. I thought Detroit outplayed Pittsburgh in each game and if these teams played another 6 games I think the outcome would be about the same... Fleury, who played out of his mind, for the Penguins was the primary reason the Pens were in the series because any less of a performance and the series could have been a 4-0 sweep. Too bad one of the highlights from the series was him backing in the game-winner for game 6.

The Belmont: I went into the race saying to myself that only a fool will make a bet with Big Brown in the mix because it wouldn't pay...plus, if by chance Big Brown doesn't win the Belmont - which no one even thought was plausible - the payout would be pretty sweet... so what do I do? 3 box-exacta bets all with Big Brown in the mix... BB finishes last, I don't make shit. My friends... fuck it, let's put $10 on the 6 horse...yeah, that sounds like a great idea, he's 38-1 that's easy money... I win jackshit...they win a few hundred bucks...hooray for them the lucky bastards!

The NBA Finals are underway and with 2 games in the books I just have one question....are the refs wearing Celtics jersey's under their uniforms? I am by no means a Laker fan or cheering for either team in particular (although I have money riding on the Lakers but a nominal amount...not enough to make me too bias...) but from what I have seen so far the refs have been totally jobbing the Lakers I mean come on... And Paul Pierce? Is there a bigger pussy on the planet than him? Bawling like a baby, getting carried off, crying in a wheelchair... and then, cue the fireworks, cue the dramatic movie soundtrack and out of the tunnel, ready to lead the Celtics to victory is Paul Pierce... I mean did he have the rights to his 'story' already sold and wanted to make sure they had a scene that didn't need too much more embellshment....

Roids Dealer Found Shot: Named NFL Players

The steroid scandals continue to pile up and to add to the 'conspiracies' a convicted roids dealer that named NFL players he sold steroids too was found shot to death. So the question is, who wanted him dead? I would guess that a NFL player wouldn't be behind the actions namely because if this guy already spoke with the NFL, what has the player got to gain by making sure this guy is dead? It will certainly squelch the guy from any further squealing and refuting any counter-claims...but the public has already accepted the 'guilty until proven innocent' mentality with athletes associated with steroids...because as of right now, any athlete associated with steroids has been found to be guilty even despite their pleas of innocence...which of course is then followed up later with an admission of guilt...so the pattern has been set. My guess is that there has to be a bigger party involved...and underworld... and the supplier wanted to remain in business and can not have this guy revealing any portion of the roid distribution ring that either existed or continues to exist among professional athletes.

But I think the pieces would come together if the killer(s) are found... if they are found, it's likely they were amateurs...likely hired by someone to 'shut this guy up'...I would then guess that the killer(s) would roll on whomever they got paid from - and that very well could be an athlete. If the killer(s) are not found, it would be likely that they are professionals...likely associated with the underworld and even if caught, they likely wouldn't rat out their superiors for their life in prison would be cake if they keep their mouth shut.

But that is just my wild speculation... we'll have to stay tuned to this story and see if anything comes of it or if it just quietly goes away...as those who are behind the killings likely want to have.

Penguins Rally, Win In 3 OT

Last night's game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals was exactly the type of game everyone loves to watch... The Penguins jump out to an early 2-0 lead. The Wings take a 3-2 lead in the third period and the Penguins then score with about 30 seconds left in the game with an empty net at their backs. The game goes to a third overtime where it is finally ended when Petr Sykora notched the game winner.

And what I also wanted to mention...since I am very critical of the media and the way their coverage is on a variety of shows but I rarely mention when I notice someone doing a good job and that is what I am saying... though the first 3 Stanley Cup games that NBC has carried, I think they have done a fantastic job. They have quick, and appropriate replays, multiple angles and overall, have just been really solid. Their commentators aren't dolts, the play-by-play and color, during the game, has been good, Mike Emrick is pretty good at pbp for hockey...but his interview and off-the-cuff, non-game related banter is a little weak but as long he stays within his realm of pbp, I think he is solid as well.

So I did want to give some props to NBC...a network that as of last year, I thought, didn't give 2 shits about the NHL. But they definitely are gettting their money's worth this year with this final and NBC is no-doubtedly helping the NHL with the quality broadcasts that they are putting together for the finals.

Car Slams Into Bike Race

I saw this picture and the image was just too much to not post...

Here's the caption:

A car collides into cyclists participating in a race in Mexico's northern border city of Matamoros, Sunday June 1, 2008. At least one person was killed and 14 injured when a driver slammed into a bicycle race.

If I was a betting man, I'd bet the driver was probably under the influence of something...but is that not just an unbelievable picture?

Penguins Score And Win

After 2 games many thought Detroit could sweep the Penguins since the Pens hadn't scored a goal in either of the first 2 games. But the Penguins notched a win on Wednesday to put the series at 2-1 in favor of Detroit. Even though Detroit lost in Game 3 I thought Detroit is still the better team. Pittsburgh was up 2-0 after the first period and one of the goals was a gift when Detroit turned the puck over in their own zone on a very sloppy pass by Stuart. Pittsburgh did seem to be playing better and generate more scoring attempts then the first 2 games, but Detroit scored 2 goals and had several opportunities to tie the game in the third. To me, the Penguins were able to play with the Red Wings but the Red Wings still appeared to be the better team. I think the Wings' will want to wrap this series up as quickly as possible and with a win tomorrow night...and if done in convincing fashion, might be the blow that sucks the life out of this Penguins team.

2nd BALCO Conviction

Not that a person really needs any more proof that those athletes that have been to related to BALCO were indeed using steroids, today the trainer for steroid users Marion Jones and Tim Montgomery was convicted of lying to a grand jury... which is what all the cheaters have done since the beginning of the BALCO investigation...

How Barry Bonds thinks anyone can take him seriously when he says he never used steroids is beyond me.

Roger Clemens and Barry Bonds, both would be baseball immortals...instead are now viewed as baseball's biggest cheaters....

Cup Finals Ratings Up

After years of hearing how the Stanley Cup finals weren't being watched by anybody, this year ratings are up. Really not that surprising either...the matchup is really good and of course the Penguins have one of the NHL's young superstars, Sidney Crosby, playing. The Wings have shutout the Penguins in the first 2 games outscoring Pittsburgh 7 to nothing. Home ice usually means little in the NHL but the Penguins need something to make this series interesting...

As a side note, like last year, the local NBC station here will not be showing game four of the Stanley Cup, choosing instead to host a telethon... morons...!

Memorial Day Holiday: Long Time Coming

For at least the past 10 years...and likely even more...I have worked every Memorial Day weekend. For the past 6 years it has been the same event, high school graduations - you talk about a total buzz-kill for a holiday weekend, work back-to-back high school graduations that you have absolutely no care about...

But as luck would have it, it appears as if the high schools have moved their graduations a week later meaning that starting this year, I will have the entire Memorial Day weekend off! To celebrate this and because I put in some long hours this past weekend...I will be taking an extended break that starts today...should be a nice relaxing time!

Cup Finals Set:: Wings vs Penguins

I have been able to watch quite a bit of the NHL playoffs this year and am getting psyched up for the finals which will have the Detroit Red Wings playing the Pittsburgh Penguins. I think this matchup should make for an exciting cup final. Both teams are fast skating teams with some unbelievable skill players.

I think Detroit will edge out the Pens, but I think the series could easily go 6 or 7 games. I just think Detroit's experience between the pipes might make the difference. Hasek started out in net during the first round but after looking shaky, was pulled for Chris Osgood...and I wouldn't be surprised that if Osgood begins to falter that Detroit will not even think twice about throwing Hasek back in there and after resting for much of the past month, would be fresh and may be the difference for the final push.

Games 1-4 are this Saturday, Monday, Wednesday and next Saturday. The first 2 games are on Versus and the rest on NBC.

SNL - Steve Carrell Video Clips (5/17/08)

Here are the clips from this past weekend's Saturday Night Live hosted by Steve Carrell... I think every sketch except 2 A-Holes Singing Karoakee sketch are available...unfortunately, the 2 A-Holes are 2 of my favorite characters...anyways, enjoy...

Promos for the show:


Commencenet Open:


Monologue:


Clinton/Obama Commercial:


Deal Or No Deal:


SNL Digital Short: Japanese Office


McCain in One:


Weekend Update: John McCain


Weekend Update: Al Sharpton - Jesse Jackson


Charlie Flitt Show:


CPR Class:


Bless This Child:

SNL - Shia LeBeouf Video Clips (5/10/08)

Here they are, the videos from the SNL hosted by Shia LeBeouf from this past weekend. Lots of videos available from this episode...

Promos For The Show:


Cold Open: Message From Hillary


Shia LeBeouf's Monologue:


It's A Match:


Scared Straight:


SNL Digital Short: Best Look In The World:


Weekend Update Part 1:


Weekend Update Part 2:


Vinny Vedecci Talks With Shia LeBeuof:


MacGruber: Father And Son:


He Likes You:


Girls Trying On Clothes:

Patriots Cheating Scandal Won't Go Away

The scandal that just seem to die...which leads me to believe that there is potentially more that we don't know yet...is the New England Patriots spying scandal. NFL Commissioner, Roger Goodell, did his best to sweep the entire issue under the rug, destroy the evidence, issue a penalty and try to move on. But with the new tapes submitted by former Patriot employee, Matt Walsh, it shows that the spying on opposing teams wasn't just limited to stealing defensive signals but also offensive signals. Also, the attention to detail the Patriots put into their cheating is also quite impressive. They would edit their spy footage with different angles of the ensuing plays...meaning that there was a concerted effort being made...so the question then remains, how much cheating did they really do and is it only limited to video taping?

Cowherd Interview With Tomlinson

Colin Cowherd of ESPN Radio interviewed Chargers' runningback LaDainain Tomlinson recently and they chatted for just a short while. The best part of the interview is at the end when Colin asks LT if the offseason has been an angry one because of the criticism that LT took at the end of the season last year. LT's reply...No, it's more like motivation...take the bad criticism and use it to fuel the fire. Tomlinson remains classy...

Iron Man: Predictable Plot, Still Decent

I don't critic too many movies on my blog mainly because I usually see many movies after they have had their run in the theater, rentable for some time and quite possibly air(ing) on television...so for me to comment on Spider Man 3 right now really is pointless...but I did see Iron Man.

I had seen the commercial for this movie and the graphics/cgi looked pretty good...whereas you will sometime go to a movie where the cgi is so obtrusive and overwhelming a person can barely hold their disbelief.

Overall the movie is alright...I didn't realise Robert Downey Jr. is Iron Man but I think he did a pretty good job. The humor is corny enough for the kids and there was very little 'sexiness' in the film which does make it better for the youngins'.

Ok, if you haven't seen the movie and do plan to see it, you may want to stop reading this review now because I may have inadverntly plot spoil but I do not intend to and if you want to go in 'fresh', stop reading now...

Saying that...is it just me or does every super hero movie now just follow the same cookie-cutter plotline? A wealthy person decides that their wealth and intellect would be put to better use fighting bad guys around the world. Like Dark Knight, Iron Man, is betrayed by someone he trusted and must battle the baddie to right the world. What usually makes these initial Super Hero movies a little better then the usual sequels is the actual process the person takes into becoming the super hero...how they create their identity. Super hero sequels usually have the daunting task of then creating a 'villain' for the movie in a normal world with the exception of the super hero protector...so instead of following the progression towards super hero, you usually get 2 major battle scenes with the first battle scene the super hero gets hurt or nearly destroyed and of course the final battle concluding the film.

But saying that, I stil give the movie high marks for the quality the movie was put together...there really isn't a 'slow' time for the movie and the just over 2 hour run time went by quick and as I started out with, the computer animated portions have been blended well with the live scenes that Iron Man does look very realistic when engaged in battle...

Be High Profile But Not Logical

Last year I posted how charities are becoming scam and to further elaborate that point and to fully display their ignorance, PETA comes to the rescue. The Kentucky Derby this year had a tragic end where the 2nd place horse, Eight Belles, had to be put down after breaking both of its front legs. PETA quick to cease any spotlight they can instantly issues statements demanding the jockey be fired because they 'think' the horse had broken it's legs prior to the finish of the race and the jockey kept whipping the horse, and thus, forced the horse to fatally hurt itself...do they have any proof of this or even a hint of evidence? Of course not...but that doesn't mean they can't demand for someone to pay and in this case they feel the jockey is to blame. And then, of course, the media grants the members of PETA air-time for them to further elaborate their stance and that's when they babble about how these horses are mistreated and this incident just spotlights how cruel these owners, trainers, jockeys, etc. are to these animals. Well, that's where you lose me...I don't know how anyone involved in PETA or any other organization can claim that this multi-million dollar horses are mistreated in anyway. Theses horses are the 'superstars' of the animal kingdom...they are pampered and catered too in a manner that even the moderately wealthy folks would envy. And then after their 'career' is over, the best horses are set to 'stud' for the rest of their life...being only fed the finest of foods, roam the greenest pastures and rest in the nicest stables.

Also, to think that the owner of these horses would enjoy or, at the very least, not care in the least that one of his multi-million dollar animals had to be put to death after the biggest horse race in the world, this is all preposterious yet PETA incinuates that is the case.

I wish the media would not view PETA as a respected, non-profit organization but their entire cause and action from the organization never seems to make any sense or be logical...but rather, I think PETA has set the benchmark for most all non-profits....doing anything of substance is actually optional, but focus solely on getting exposure.

Clemens Offers Broad "Apology"

Big time cheater Roger Clemens has taken his first 'baby step' into admitting some sort of guilt...but of course not for steroid use. Clemens issued an apology today that he simply has made some mistakes in his personal life but does not detail anything. Really this is a non-statement and is just another weak attempt by Roger to get someone, anyone in the media to listen to him and how wrong the truth is about him. With reports of what might be an inappropriate relationship with a minor, Mindy McCready, released last week and then her subsequent confirmation of those reports continue to paint Roger as a liar and a cheater in yet another area in his life, obviously showing a pattern of deception and lying for the Rocket.

UND-NDSU - From The Bunker

The scene from the movie "From The Bunker" is one that shows Adolf Hitler going on an angry tirade, yelling at his top officers while others overhear the anger in the hallway. It has been 'dubbed' many times in a comical way to portray Hitler as a fan of a particular team/school that might have hit some bad times recently. Someone from this region put one together where Hitler is seen as a UND Fighting Sioux booster/alum and is unhappy about the decisions being made at UND that seem to put UND's long-time inner-state rival, NDSU, as the top athletic school in the state...

I think it is pretty funny for the situation...other videos that I have seen have the words better match Hitler's German pronunciation, but all-in-all not too bad. Because this area is ultra-conservative the video made front page news in the paper, was taken down from most places on the internet and some see it as a correlation with North Dakota universities and Nazism...they must not have a sense of humor because I think it is more funny then an attempt to align North Dakotans with Hitler...

The video has since reappeared...to be safe, I downloaded the video myself and am posting it here...enjoy.

WoWing It...

I have begun to play World Of Warcraft...yes, the online sensation, I am going to check it out and see what the 'buzz' is all about... but the reason I am starting to play now is because it is free. I do not like, nor do I think I will ever pay a monthly fee to play a game, which has been the case with WoW...at least up until now. Now, independent WoW servers are starting up allowing people to jump on and play on their server for absolutely free, which is what I needed to hear to try it out. The server, right now, doesn't have a huge online population but by all appearances that will likely change as word gets out that you can now play World Of Warcraft for free...

Black Gold In The Barren Wasteland

Prediction: The Barren Wasteland that I reside in is on the verge of becoming the wealthiest state in the union. Unless oil prices descend to pre-21st century levels North Dakota is going to be an unbelievable place to reside in for the near future...

With oil prices going through the roof, it causes everything to become more expensive...yes. But is the one commodity that everyone will purchase no matter what? Food. That's right, people need to eat and no matter the state of the economy people will continue to buy food and that is what North Dakota is all about...making food. Wheat prices are at all-time highs and a few folks I know in the 'biz' are really raking it in...for a change.

Oh sure, food prices may eventually plane out or even rescind...but they just found 2.1 billion barrels of oil in North Dakota...well, they didn't just find it, but because there was never a need to survey the Bakken formation (the name of the oil reserve) because oil was so cheap, they finally decided to see about how much oil was down there and low and behold we hit the jackpot. I am going to keep my eye on who has drilling rights out west and invest in any of those oil companies because they will be pumping oil in this state for quite some time...

North Dakota should leave the United States to form it's own country because WE'RE RICH BIATCH!!!

This state is a very conservative state...we have a budget surplus and we are nice folk....it will be interesting to see how we start throwing all this oil money around that is surely going to come our way... also, where this oil is at is in some of our poorest, least populated counties...the mid-70's had a small oil boon that injected life into those communities but that has long dried up...the boon we will likely see this time around should be more impressive and sustained...

Vikings: Super Bowl XLIII Champions

Living in a region where you are not a fan of the 'local' team is oftentimes very interesting...then you add the fact that I live in Minnesota Viking land, then it becomes even more interesting... for you see, as long as I have been alive the Minnesota Vikings have led their fans on the ultimate roller coaster ride...taking them to unbelievable highs but then come crashing down in almost an instant... 4 time Super Bowl losers with 0 wins, in 1998 the Vikes set the single season scoring record and with Daunte Culpepper and Randy Moss the Vikes looked to be unstoppable on their way to the Super Bowl but an overtime loss to the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship ended that dream...just to 'highlight' a couple of Viking despairs...

So a person would think that the majority of Viking fans would approach each and every season with some optimism but also with reasonable expectations...everyone can hope that their team will go to the Super Bowl but should they expect it? Absolutely not... But Viking fans are a different breed...never have I met so many fans of one team that have the same skewed expectations...and that may be due to the local media pushing a point of view but I find it hard to believe that ALL Viking fans belong to some sort of brainwashing clan...of course there are some exceptions to this rule, like my father. A lifelong Viking fan but goes into each and every NFL season with absolutely no hope of the Vikes doing good and for 30 years now has not been disappointed...his famous line to me is "Don't ever bet on the Vikes." Sure, you can bet on the Vikes and win some money, but the second you think the Vikes are the "sure thing", a total lock...they will no-doubtedly disappoint.

So the Vikes sign Jared Allen yesterday, yes a notable acquisition for the team...you then turn on the local radio stations and I was expecting hear Viking glee about Allen and how well he will improve the team...it is to be expected. But is this what I hear? No... the first thing I hear when tuning in the sports talk station is a caller discussing the trade with the talk show host...the host asks the caller "Would you be satisfied with a 14-2 season for the Vikes next year as they are now picked to do?" - well, first let me address the question itself...14-2 as they are now picked to do? Who is NOW picking the Vikes to go 14-2? Oh sure, it is probably the host of the show but are you kidding me? You already have the Vikes picked to go 14 and 2? Well, good to know you don't set the bar high at all... but here's the best part... the caller replies "Well, that would be alright and I wouldn't be TOO disappointed." Yes...that wouldn't be too disappointing for Viking fans because you see, the host actually is trying to lower the expectations of the fans of the Vikings to be 14-2 but the fans have already penciled in a perfect season for the Vikes and Super Bowl champs. Now sure, if this was just one person or an isolated incident, I would rule this as just a extreme case of homeritis. But callers continued to call in and essentially itterate that there should be no reason that the Vikes aren't the best team in the NFC if not the NFL!

Well Viking fans have the offseason to dream and prognosticate as to how well the team should be...but I don't know if there is any NFL team that I could definitively say will go 14-2 next year...nor would I even want to 'jinx' my favorite team by making such a extravagent claim...

I have talked to a couple of Viking 'realists' (as I like to refer to them) and are they pleased with the Allen signing, yes. But they are also quick to point out the last time they signed a player that was going to take them to the Super Bowl - Herschal Walker - things didn't work out so well for the Vikes but their trading partner, the Dallas Cowboys, sure liked the deal.

The thing I don't like about this deal, the most, is the benefactor of all the new talent will be the Chargers division rival the Chiefs... if this trade is the fuel for the Chiefs to dominate the AFC West in the near future it will force me to develop some hatred towards the Vikes...right now, only their fans bother me...even despite last year's embarassing Charger-Viking game I witnessed, I really haven't developed that much angst against the team itself...but that could certainly change!

WTH Is Going On?

What the hell am I up too? My blogging has really tapered off lately because I have successfully sunk into 'sloth-mode'. During the work year, my busiest time is from August through March and although I do have a few events the will occupy my time, there is no question that from August through March I am usually working almost every weekend and at times, multiple events each week. For some reason, this year, it seems that I have allowed myself to just be lazy for a while...and I have really enjoyed that. I'm trying to figure out how I can no longer work at all...working sucks! But until I can figure out how I can no longer work I will have to remain a slave to the grind... so here are a couple of just quick comments on a few topics...

- The NCAA Frozen Four, yes that was like 2 weeks ago - UND completely and were utterly embarrassed by Boston College in the semifinals. J.P. Lamireux, the UND goalie who led the nation in goal against averaged picked the wrong game to sieve out in as the Sioux went down 4-0 in the opening period and go on to lose 6-1 in a game UND was out of early. The Sioux were completely out-skated and had no answers for Boston College. It was disheartening to watch to say the least.

- In NHL playoffs, I was following the Wild-Avalanche series because I was hoping to try and get to a playoff hockey game this year...but the Wild lost their series Saturday night. After the loss on Thursday night, I was skeptical of the Wild that they could come back and force a game 7...the Avalanche looked like a better team for the entire series and the Wild were lucky to take 2 from the 'lance.

Watch Live Sports And Movies Online

Living in the barren wasteland that I do, a person finds ways to entertain themselves while...let's just say for hypocritical sake, a person was stuck working a 3 day circus event and was stuck with only their local cable television company, which is debatable the worst in the world, and the internet to kill time for, again let's just say hypothetically, 3 consecutive days. So after realizing that cable television isn't going to cut it, relatively fast, you then turn to the internet...but you really don't have time to sit and read or play or really devote your time to the internet...you are looking for the internet to entertain you.

So, I have stumbled across a couple of the greatest sites ever, yes, I mean EVER! At least until they are taken down by the internet police...

The first one is MyP2P and is your one-stop site for finding out where to watch live sports. Sure, they also feature live television and other features, but I think the most viewed and sought after sectors is the live sporting events. You can watch your favorite teams over the internet...but note, you will need to download some free 3rd-party software, like TVAnts, to view the games and there is some Asian text/scrolls in the windowed version of whatever you are watching...but the games are straight from America with all the American broadcast elements...ie: ESPN.

The other site is Watch-Movies.net. Here you can go and actually watch movies online! And not just any movie, they have the newest releases already available for viewing. Some of the quality is bootlegish, but can you really complain about quality if you aren't paying for it?

Both web sites have handy 'rate' systems that give a person an idea of how reliable the link is that you will be watching...both sites may have multiple sources to view whatever you want but some are dead while others will be working just fine, so it is very helpful to find the best, most reliable stream that you can get...

If anything, I think of how handy it will be to pull up a game that isn't being played in your viewing area on the 'ole internet and still get to follow your favorite teams(s)!

SNL - Ashton Kutcher Videos

Videos from the SNL episode hosted by Ashton Kutcher, 4/12/08. Only 3 have been released, so not much available from this episode. The SNL Digital Short was especially weak...

Cold Open: Petraeus Hearings


Ashton Kutcher monologue:


Death By Chocolate 1-3:

New PC

I've been a bit preoccupied with the new laptop I just got... it is pretty sweet, dual core 2.0, 17" screen...so I haven't been posting too much lately...but then again, nothing really has grabbed my attention lately either...

In addition to the new laptop, I quickly purchased a HDTV/NTSC USB Tuner, so anywhere I can get a television signal I'll get tv on the laptop - as well as any other pc. With digital television soon to be the norm, the picture quality is fantastic, it only makes sense. You know how handy it will be when the Stanley Cup playoffs are on and I will be at some function that would prevent me from checking on the score/game...well worry no more!

Let The Games Begin

The Olympics are this year in China and since being announced there has always been the underlying conversations regarding the amount of protests that will happen surrounding the Olympic events. Well it didn't take long, the Olympic torch couldn't even make it out of Paris before officials of the torch run put out the flame themselves amidst protesters. The Chinese government has said that there won't be any global backlash to the claims of mistreatment in Tibet and I think everyone that is cashing in on the event wanted to believe that. I am beginning to think that these Olympic Games will have more non-sports related stories then sports related stories and the potential for a huge riot very likely if things spiral out of control quickly during the games...

Winter Won't Quit

2 weeks ago all the snow from the winter had about all melted away and then the next day it snowed... a lot. Well, after 2 weeks of some nice weather the snow had all but melted away again. On Saturday, the kids and I were outside, riding bike, playing and enjoying a nice spring day. Yesterday, you could have swore we were in the middle of January in the midst of a snow-storm. The area looks like it did in the middle of December, with piles of snow everywhere and the streets covered in ice. The temperature for the area will be mild so it isn't likely that this snow will be around for very long...but come on...let's close the book on this winter season...it can rain but no more snow!

SNL - Christopher Walken Videos

Here are the videos from this past weekend's Saturday Night Live episode hosted by Christopher Walken.

Bill And Hillary Cold Open:


Surprise Party:


SNL Digital Short: Laser Cats 3


Meet The Family - Christopher Walken goes to a family reunion.


Weekend Update: Pregnant Man

You Suck At Photoshop #10

This episode is fairly dark... Donnie's life continues to suck...

Sioux Rally To Win Region

I usually make a note to let everyone know to cheer for the UND Sioux during the NCAA hockey tournament, which started last week.

The Sioux easily beat Princeton in their opening match but then faced Wisconsin, on their home ice none-the-less, for a spot in the frozen four. After the first 2 periods I was ready to have a blog entry that would have focused on how the NCAA tried to tilt the game into Wisconsin's favor...first, by letting them into the tournament with an at large bid which many have argued could/should have went to Mankato or a more deserving school and then second, conveniently putting Wisconsin in the midwest region which is being played in Wisconsin. And then as the game began, the officiating seemed to again favor the Badgers getting a charity tripping call which set up Wisconsin's first goal (just as the power play was ending). The Badger's second goal was just a bad break for the Sioux and after 2 periods the score was 2-0 Badgers. The Sioux had almost a full 2 minute power play to start out the third period and after they failed to score I was close to writing them off...and then, almost as if on cue, the bar that I was watching the game at had 1 guy, who all of sudden decided he was going to be obnoxious and start cheering for Wisconsin...really loud. Well the Sioux then quickly scored 2 goals and that was the last we saw and heard from that guy. On to overtime where Andrew Kozek made a great play to score the game winner in which the Sioux clearly outplayed the Badgers in the third period and overtime session. T.J. Oshie is freakin' good...at times it looked as if the puck was glued to his stick as he weaved in and around Badger players. Ryan Duncan had a great tournament...scoring a hat trick against Princeton and then the tying goal against the Badgers. J.P. Lamoureux was solid in net all weekend...and it will be interesting to see if Kozek starts on the Oshie-Duncan line - where he was played to start the third period on - you could clearly see the energy and speed he contributed and likely a big reason Wisconsin ended up losing...

Sioux move on to the Frozen Four for the fourth straight year and play Boston College. I saw the end of that B.C.-Miami game and B.C. just got lucky...Miami was outplaying B.C. for most of the third period and overtime but anything can happen in overtime and Boston College escapes with a victory.