The Chore

I have the good fortune of sharing the holiday with my sister, who is in town to adopt a dog. I have the grave misfortune of having volunteered to cook the turkey. What a week ago sounded like a fun lesson now looms as a miserable 4am chore. F-U-C-K!

The List

I could say many things about my roommates over the years. The merry fairy, Jeffrey. Jolly G. Juvenile Jackie. The list goes on. Today, I might have come across the most succinct way to sum up my current roommate: I came across a list in the kitchen in her writing that read "1: clean bathroom! 2: clean poop off closet door". The only problem I have with this is deciding what's funnier, that she deemed cleaning dog shit up list-worthy--as opposed to an immediately necessary task--or that cleaning the bathroom received the '!'. Then again, you probably haven't seen her bathroom. Bud-dum-dum-ching.

In other news, the Colts have now lost two games so the Pats would have to lose three to lose home-field advantage. I don't see the team taking the chances with home-field in the bag necessary to go undefeated the last few games of the season, risking serious injury and their Super Bowl chances. But that's what's so great about this season, isn't it? Truly ANYTHING is possible.

NE Sports Chronicled

It won't be thorough but it's certainly worth documenting here that the Sox' second World Series victory celebration parade in four years took place in Boston today. Hard to believe. Even more difficult to believe I'm just getting around to noting that here now.

It's an unrivaled time of excitement for New England sports. Sox just won the Series (again). Yankee ownership chased Torre out of town, the meatheads (but, hey, what Sox fan is complaining?). A-Rod opted out of his record $27 million dollar contract looking for more money, the meathead. The eight-and-oh Patriots, currently blazing through the league while averaging a victory margin of three TDs, face the defending world champs, seven-and-oh Colts, who have won the last three match-ups between the two. Should be a fun game to watch. And if the Pats get by the Colts with a win I wonder if they'll back off, cool their jets and cruise to the finish line or continue to trample the remainder of their schedule in record-breaking fashion. The scoring and yardage records they're on pace to trash are even too great to keep track of. Good times.

Not to mention, since last word the Celts luck faltered, failing to land either the first or second draft pick. Things may have turned out just as well, however. No, Doc didn't leave. But as though through some freakish accident Ainge tripped into deals that brought Ray Allen and KG to town. Talk has them among the best in the East after a couple solid free agents signed due to the KG addition. They're now a trade deadline deal away from being an elite force in the pathetic (but improving) Eastern Conference.

FINALLY, the BCS has Boston College ranked #2 behind The Ohio State for the second straight week. Not saying it'll last, but if BC were to remain undefeated through the remainder of the season I don't see any way they're not playing for the national championship in December. That this is even imaginable is simply amazing.

Prospectively, it'll be interesting to see how the Sox handle the likes of Lowell (World Series MVP) and Schilling as free agents, what they get for Coco, and who they consider bringing in, although more exciting for next season is prospect of witnessing the continued development of Pedroia, Ellsbury, Matsuzaka, Lester, Buchholz and the numerous promising minor leaguers. And can't neglect the potential fun to be had watching free agents bolts from the Yanks just as fast as they can pack their bags.

As for now, watching the Pats play the part of big bully bad guy and seeing how these Celts shape up will be more than enough entertainment until the Sox return in spring.

Most importantly, let's not become like Yankee fans, get lost in the losing and feel only extreme disappointment when a title isn't won. Once you reach that point all is lost. Gotta remember to enjoy the ride while it lasts!

Back in Biz

Been awhile. Yup. Haven't had time nor energy to produce original, creative thoughts let alone share them. Well, here's a few I thought worth the while.

In regard to week 15’s Jets-Patriots game, the possibilities seem about endless. Do the Pats push to make the 42 points scored versus the Dolphins in the first half to shame by attempting to score 40 each half? Could they make a run at 80 or more?? Maybe, the division likely being locked up by that point, anyone worth a damn on the Pats sits so as to eliminate the risk that the likely dirty play resulting from all the bad blood gets one of the key guys injured. What are the odds Bill B. and Eric M. end up throwing blows by game’s end? What will the game’s over/under be? How can anyone really anticipate the game’s outcome? Will this be Vegas’ first NFL three-touchdown spread or will they simply pull the game off the board altogether? Just thinkin’.

McCarver and Buck have been embarrassing themselves throughout the series, but never more so than when they couldn’t grasp why Beckett was still pitching in the seventh inning of game 1. It was as though they couldn’t comprehend the Sox had to be prepared to go to the bullpen relatively early in at least two of the next three starts (Schilling, Dice-K, Lester) and that there was NO WAY Beckett was going to be pitching again prior to game 5, allowing for sufficient rest before the next start. These guys are paid to do this for a living and have a support staff; can they honestly be so clueless?

Taco-madness: Some are concerned about consuming a free taco in the midst of a Taco Bell riot. What about in the middle of a marathon? College students, countrywide, will spend 2p to 5p Tuesday flying between every Taco Bell within their range to score a free meal. Tom, Mental and I used to do this in college when Dunkin Donuts would give out a free doughnut, Burger King free fries, etc., with bragging rights awarded to whoever hit the most DDs. Talk about eating on the run.

I’ll probably jinx myself here, but must boast for I’ve been picking against spreads on every NFL game for seven years (a little fun between friends, again, for bragging rights), and at 53-42-8 am in the midst of my best start yet. I’m certainly no Nostradamus but the majority of people who do this have trouble keeping their head above .500.

It's Xmas come early

Xmas come early: July 31, 2007. Not likely to forget today any decade soon. So much promise! Just like June 22. Well, sort of anyway. Yiipppeeee!!!

Poofing

So it's only been what, a month-and-a-half? I said I was going to be cutting down on errors and here it would seem I've done so, no? I work a lot. Came home at ten last night. It's 6amish and I've been up for at least an hour already thinking about going to work and being productive. Is it the work that has me sleepless or the bean-heavy soup I chugged before bed? I'll ask dad this afternoon.

Proofing

It's almost mid-May, the Sox lead that AL East, the Yanks are in second, two games below .500, the Brewers have the best record in baseball...all proof nothing means anything in baseball until June. Clemens just signed with the Yanks in his now annual 2/3 season routine--for a mere $18,000,022--, certain to provide the team with an emotional lift as the majority of their starting rotation should soon re-join the team from their DL stints, the Brewers have completed their cupcake scheduled start and hit the road to play some real teams (Mets this weekend followed by the Phillies) so we'll see where they stand against tougher competition, and the Sox clubhouse will soon realize spring training has ended and fall into their annual rash of unreasonable losses, allowing the rest of the AL East the opportunity to catch up by simply playing a few games over .500 for a month. I'd be lying if I were to suggest I'm not reservedly optimistic but very excited about the Sox' team and chance to win the division this year.

Speaking of exciting, how 'bout them Pats? Sure, there may be some remaining roster Qs but they must have less than about any other team out there. Even San Diego, by consensus the most talented NFL team and which is returning almost its entire '06 roster, has some serious Qs due to a good deal of turnover on its coaching staff. The best news for their AFC rivals may be that Norv Turner is their new head coach; is any coach other than he who was replaced, good 'ole conservative Martyball extraordinaire himself, less intimidating or of less concern to opposing coaching staffs than Turner? Just asking.

It would seem the Pats loaded up in an atypical spending spree on fire power to re-tool mainly their receiving core (Randy Moss, Stallworth, Welker, Kelley Washington), also addressing RB in the form of a stud backup in Sammy Morris from Miami, a top-blocking, veteran TE to replace Daniel Graham with Kyle Brady's signing, and potentially most significant is the acquisition of possibly this offseason's top free agent, hybrid Pro Bowl LB Adalius Thomas, who can wreak havoc on the field. (You may think it a stretch to suggest the single signing of Thomas is more significant than all the other changes made, but considering Moss, Stallworth and Washington--the most notable offensive signings--each received only one-year contracts it's altogether likely at least a couple of them won't be with the team a year from now while Thomas figures to be a defensive centerpiece for multiple years among an otherwise aging LB core). In addition, drafting first round safety Meriweather provides important depth in the event Harrison's body continues to break down. The biggest remaining Q is the outcome of Samuel's potential hold out. And yet, reason for optimism remains almost extraordinary.

I wouldn't be true to myself without admitting my mouth waters and heart beat quickens in anticipation of controlling the all-stud Patriots' roster on 2008's Madden.

In case you're wondering why I have been and will continue to walk around with my fingers crossed for the next couple weeks, it's in hopes the Celts land one of the first two picks in this year's NBA draft. Somehow, this feels the least likely of the three events considered in this blog--the Sox winning the division this year, the Pats returning to the AFC championship game in the '07/'08 season, and the Celts' fortune of making good on its 39% chance to land one of the top 2 picks and the opportunity to draft either Oden or Durant. Good thing I'm not a betting man!

I was just reminded of an incident I was involved in today on my drive home and had considered sharing in this space. Eh, it's ultimately of no consequence and this is already long enough to deter potential readers' interest. Maybe the story will make its way here later.

Finally, I just re-read the April 16 post and came to the conclusion I suck at writing and REALLY need to focus on typos/incomplete thoughts. My apologies for the lack of clarity. I'll work on that--not that any one really stops by to check this out, but I'll feel better. And isn't that really all that matters?

Freedom Writers

Check out Freedom Writers. Great movie. Yes, it's worthy of its own post.

Long-time, no-see

I'm about over the Patriots' loss by now. Baseball is in full-swing and brings with it newfound hope. This weekend's slaughter of Rivera and the Yanks by the Sox (despite the Yanks' weakened state, sporting only 2/5 their starting rotation and Matsui, among lesser teammates), the promise that comes with next weekend's NFL draft and the optimism the Celts land one of the top two picks in the NBA draft--and with it an all-but guaranteed all star-caliber rookie--have rejuvenated my sporting spirit for the next season.

Work is going well, but wears me down at times. This coming week promises to be particularly challenging, its being the last prior to a week's vacation, and therefore loaded by preparation for two weeks' time.

We live in a flea haven. The complex is owned by fleas and they simply tolerated our presence because we provide pets for them to live off of. Despite having bombed the house only a couple weeks ago and having tried regimes of regular flea baths, flea collars and spray, then later switching to using top-of-the-line FrontLine, we've only had momentary success. I've lived with dogs all my life and I've never seen anything like this. We've consulted vets, read online, trying it all. I'm about to give up bathing and teach them to use the tub (then they wouldn't have to ever go outside).

Scorn, In a Good Manner

Took my first full weekend off from work for the year and somehow it ended up being one of the tougher weekends since the move. A friend of Amy's had a birthday get-together out at Cowboys due to the free Bud bottled beer and on account of his being broke. Now, I go out less than rarely so I didn't complain about a night out or the country-hick bar, but I most certainly did about the group we were going to be with. They all met life guarding at the Nick hotel and were a tight, fun bunch that went the way of the DC crew: to hell in a hand basket. The nightmares need not be relived here. Suffice to say, the group really isn't a crew any longer and they hardly keep in touch any more--they're all better off for it--, while some will never speak to each other again. It just so happened to be the bday of the one good guy who never got mixed up in all the others' drama and was the reason they were all friends in the first place; he had always been the group's glue and continued to be friendly with everyone despite that they'd all gone their separate ways. And so, despite each other's presence, they were all going to come out and wish Bobby a happy bday. Thankfully, the anticipation of a miserable night was worse than the actual events that evening and the social interaction was even a borderline pleasant one, considering expectations.

The bigger disappointment that night came completely unexpected by way of a phone call from good friend Steve. We're in the process of getting the flag football team back together for the fourth or fifth season, and three of the team's six core players, having participated every season since the beginning, haven't been returning phone calls. Until Steve's call, I'd assumed they'd been busy, out of town, etc. Well, through the sixth core player, a good friend of Steve and mine, we learned one of the other core guys had decided to put his own team together, invite a bunch of guys from our team, and not mention it to me and Steve. The sixth guy remained loyal--they weren't really his friends anyway--and filled Steve in. Gut-punched. That's how I felt when I heard the news. We had been a cohesive, tight bunch, but apparently one of them felt otherwise. Too bad, he was one of the guys I really liked.

In previous seasons, I had suspected he was hurt for our having removed him from QBing for the sake of the team. To be honest, he's a slow-footed, weak-armed, slow-to-react QB who is constantly sacked, throwing lobs and getting picked off; we don't have an offense when he leads the team. He always said the right things about whatever is best for the team's being cool, but I still had the impression it seemed to hurt him. He made a good WR and a great DB, however, so it's unfortunate he's leaving. What sucks most is that as a friend he went behind my back and tried to pull our team apart. Bastard. It's been a few days, we've exchanged an email, but I must suspect his gentle words were just as carefully chosen as those he used to suggest he was okay with not playing QB. Seems he chooses to avoid confrontation at the expense of honesty.

The good side of all this is that he's apparently taken the two guys the rest of the core group we were hoping would walk away soon. While one has generally provided a positive influence on offense, this past season he made a habit of throwing interceptions and costing us two or three games in the process. The other fellow, his brother-in-law, played only center and while he did step up at times, although that's easy to do when expectations are so low, we perceived the team as a whole would be better off if they were both replaced by any one. So, net, the team is better off, but this wasn't the best way to get there. Now to find three more fun, good, fairly athletic guys who have Wednesday nights free and are willing to pay $60 to play twelve or so games of flag football in two weeks. Uggh.

G, Josh, Alex, Jesse, Mario, Tugga...any interest? We have a very comfy couch, lots of sunshine, free water and beer if you have some free Wednesday evenings....

Took my first full weekend off from work for the year and somehow it ended up being one of the tougher weekends since the move. A friend of Amy's had a birthday get-together out at Cowboys due to the free Bud bottled beer and on account of his being broke. Now, I go out less than rarely so I didn't complain about a night out or the country-hick bar, but I most certainly did about the group we were going to be with. They all met life guarding at the Nick hotel and were a tight, fun bunch that went the way of the DC crew: to hell in a hand basket. The nightmares need not be relived here. Suffice to say, the group really isn't a crew any longer and they hardly keep in touch any more--they're all better off for it--, while some will never speak to each other again. It just so happened to be the bday of the one good guy who never got mixed up in all the others' drama and was the reason they were all friends in the first place; he had always been the group's glue and continued to be friendly with everyone despite that they'd all gone their separate ways. And so, despite each other's presence, they were all going to come out and wish Bobby a happy bday. Thankfully, the anticipation of a miserable night was worse than the actual events that evening and the social interaction was even a borderline pleasant one, considering expectations.

The bigger disappointment that night came completely unexpected by way of a phone call from good friend Steve. We're in the process of getting the flag football team back together for the fourth or fifth season, and three of the team's six core players, having participated every season since the beginning, haven't been returning phone calls. Until Steve's call, I'd assumed they'd been busy, out of town, etc. Well, through the sixth core player, a good friend of Steve and mine, we learned one of the other core guys had decided to put his own team together, invite a bunch of guys from our team, and not mention it to me and Steve. The sixth guy remained loyal--they weren't really his friends anyway--and filled Steve in. Gut-punched. That's how I felt when I heard the news. We had been a cohesive, tight bunch, but apparently one of them felt otherwise. Too bad, he was one of the guys I really liked.

In previous seasons, I had suspected he was hurt for our having removed him from QBing for the sake of the team. To be honest, he's a slow-footed, weak-armed, slow-to-react QB who is constantly sacked, throwing lobs and getting picked off; we don't have an offense when he leads the team. He always said the right things about whatever is best for the team's being cool, but I still had the impression it seemed to hurt him. He made a good WR and a great DB, however, so it's unfortunate he's leaving. What sucks most is that as a friend he went behind my back and tried to pull our team apart. Bastard. It's been a few days, we've exchanged an email, but I must suspect his gentle words were just as carefully chosen as those he used to suggest he was okay with not playing QB. Seems he chooses to avoid confrontation at the expense of honesty.

The good side of all this is that he's apparently taken the two guys the rest of the core group we were hoping would walk away soon. While one has generally provided a positive influence on offense, this past season he made a habit of throwing interceptions and costing us two or three games in the process. The other fellow, his brother-in-law, played only center and while he did step up at times, although that's easy to do when expectations are so low, we perceived the team as a whole would be better off if they were both replaced by any one. So, net, the team is better off, but this wasn't the best way to get there. Now to find three more fun, good, fairly athletic guys who have Wednesday nights free and are willing to pay $60 to play twelve or so games of flag football in two weeks. Uggh.

G, Josh, Alex, Jesse, Mario, Tugga...any interest? We have a very comfy couch, lots of sunshine, free water and beer if you have some free Wednesday evenings....

Return of the Great Wazoo

So, whatever it is that took my computer and router out hasn't yet been resolved, but at least we're back online! This, and all the time I'm spending at work, explain the lack of activity here of late.

I'm glad to have rejoined the over 63 million active blogs, as opposed to fading into the graveyard of 200 million abandoned blogs, and having now surpassed the initial three-month threshold in which most new bloggers lose interest and ditch their blog, I'm here to re-establish my blog's vitality. Apparently, there are people who are interesting and then there are those who are not--of whom no one but their mothers read their blogs (no offense, mom!).

Unfortunately, reviving my computer won't be so simple or as inexpensive. Ugh.

Still in Disbelief

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/070122&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab3pos1

'Nuff said.

A Helluva Game

Feeling like the significance of tomorrow's game should be recongized. But everything that can be said has. A dozen times. Hourly. I stopped following sports coverage on Wednesday due to nausea.

I could rip the nonsense spattered across every tv screen and radio wave but that would just waste everyone's time. The game will be historic, either way. Pats win and they join the most successful of franchises by reaching four Super Bowls in six years. Colts win and the most prolific QB since Marino ups him one with a Super Bowl appearance. The media has another two weeks' fuel either way. Pats: Officially a dynasty. Colts: Manning and Dungy throw the monkey from their backs.

But no Pats or Colts fan would have it any other way, they face each other to reach the big game. My take? The Colts D isn't as good as its 140 total rushing yards in two playoff games and now better than its regular season statistics suggest. If the Pats can control the line of scrimmage--their heavier offensive line should be able to over power the Colts' small Dline while the Pats' Pro Bowl D-lineman should be able to stuff the opposing offense's O-line--and are able to control the game with the run then they should stand a good chance. If the Indy D that's been flying around the field the past two games is allowed to do the same this week things won't look good. Manning stands a good chance of shredding New England's secondary if he's not under almost constant pass rush pressure. So that's my two cents. Not that it's worth a penny.

In the early game, I suspect Chicago's defensive speed matches up better than most teams with the Saints' explosive offense. But Brees has been the best QB in the playoffs thus far and Grossman hasn't. And isn't. Not to mention, Chitown's D has been less than suberb of recent. Unless it's heavily snowing, New Orleans wins a possibly close game as the Saints D pretty much shuts down the Bears' O.

Enough prognosticating; for the same reason I shut the tv off on Wednesday, I don't expect you to turn your computer on for this.

Now nothing left but for the game. And a great one it should be.

Randomness

Today was random.

I woke up late for work...not that anyone important could notice, which is why I did. Had to stop in the Apt complex office to clarify a bill. That took some time. Had plenty to take care of at work. Including a project for tomorrow's 8am directors' meeting with my VP. Wouldn't even be noteworthy if I hadn't been told by Investigations that I needed to be out of the building by 9pm so they could arrest someone. Um...ok. So, how am I s'posed to get things finished up for my 8am? Well, I managed. Guess they wanted everyone out of the building when the guy they hoped to arrest started working so he wasn't discouraged from hitting the trap they'd set for him. He apparently has a violent record so there was also concern over having employees around when it went down.

So, in honor of my random day, a random fact: Chad Pennington is tied with Joe Namath for QBing the most NY Jets' playoff victories...with T-W-O. Now there's a team bright people want to root for--one rooted in medocrity. Explains a lot about their fans, however!

A fun fact to pair with the random fact: Belicheck's Pats are 7-2 versus the league MVP's team. Bring on LT! (It's going up against the SD defense that concerns me.)

Patriots Win!

A quick post to celebrate the Patriots' dominate win over Gang Green. Next week's matchup versus SD's D make for a game the Pats will need to step it up another level, but that's a worry for another day.

Some quick Pats' hits:
Since 1994, the Patriots lead the NFL in total victories (143), winning percentage (.630), Super Bowl championships (3), conference championships (4), playoff wins (14) and playoff winning percentage (.737). New England is also tied for the NFL lead since 1994 with nine playoff seasons and 19 playoff games played. That's 12 years of dominance. THAT'S a dynasty.

An SC Experiment

So this is what I've been doing all day. My non-girlfriend roommate seems to be annoyed by this. But she and her friends are drinking my liquor, so I'm not terribly concerned. I did a good job of smoothing things over, though. Sooo smooth, I tell ya. Amy would likely be pretty annoyed, too, but fortunately she's spending the weekend in Gainesville. Time to wrap this up, though, since her friends are behind me, possibly reading as I type. Fortunately, they're current buzzing and captivated in a hotly contested line dancing decision. Needless to say, I had fun playing with that picture when there weren't enough around to get a game going. Time to see how the blog posts the pict.

Clean Up Day

So, here I throwing down my first post. I'd like to lie and say I've got something very exciting that needs to be shared with the greater public if not whole world, but I've got...nothing. I'm just sitting here, waking up, stalling from my inevitable trip to Home Depot that marks the beginning of a miserable weekend in which I unpack everything I own, sort through it all, and re-pack all of my extraneous shit based upon which of two piles it finds itself in--shit I will throw away and shit I'll keep, move into storage, and sort through again next time I move.

I don't know why I do this to myself. I'm not keeping a stack of crap based upon sentimental attachment. More so, it's because I'm afraid to throw it away. It's a bad thing when junk scares you into keeping it. I'm in a very bad place.

Well, time to go tackle the crap! ... Right after a quick game of SC.