tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19105637513475306672024-03-05T09:59:51.912-06:00From the Couch...musings of the sports doofusOnly from the mind....of the Doofus.coacharminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15407896015412951879noreply@blogger.comBlogger133125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1910563751347530667.post-48900857944552313742015-11-20T15:04:00.000-06:002015-11-20T15:04:40.672-06:00Moving to MediumI don't think I'm going to blog here anymore.<br />
<br />
(Not that I have been anyway...I haven't written anything since my live blog of the NFL draft back in April).<br />
<br />
You will be able to follow my thoughts and writings from now on at Medium.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://medium.com/@coacharming">https://medium.com/@coacharming</a><br />
<br />
It's been a good run, here at blogger, but just thought it was time for a change.coacharminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15407896015412951879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1910563751347530667.post-87497781916614298042015-04-30T19:12:00.000-05:002015-04-30T22:34:06.849-05:002015 NFL Draft -1st Round Live BlogIt's here, it's here... It's the 2015 NFL Draft!<br />
<br />
I'll be updating the page as it goes... so you'll need to refresh. If you care, And face it, no one cares. I'm pretty much typing this for me and 3 people who feel sorry for me. Or something.<br />
<br />
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<br />
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are on the clock.<br />
<br />
Side Note: I have done little to no research on the draft this year, the prospects, or what team's needs are.<br />
<br />
So, if you are looking for half baked thoughts, unresearched ideas, and unsubstantiated drivel from someon who doesn't know anything...this is the live blog for you.<br />
<br />
The Commisioner is on his way to the podium.... Is it Jameis Winston?<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
And it is! The Tampa Bay Buccaneers select the Quarterback from Florida State as expected.<br />
<br />
He is a good prospect, but surrouned by a number of off-the-field issues. I do know this... I watched Florida State a few times the past few years, and although he makes some mistakes... he made several throws that I don't think any other QB in the college game could have made. <br />
<br />
Whether he makes it or not, I have no idea, but he certainly has the ability to.<br />
<br />
The Tennessee Titans are on the clock.<br />
<br />
Here is where it gets interesting.... Titans have been fielding offers for teams looking to trade up to get Marcus Mariotta all day. <br />
<br />
In fact, I got a phone call from my brother Rich, who is a Bears fan, who said he heard the Bears were trying to get him...they were offering some picks and Jay Cutler. And, the Titans don't want Cutler. (any chance to get a shot in on Cutler, is fine practice in my book).<br />
<br />
Some of the teams rumored to be interested in Trading for Mariotta - Chicago (according to Rich), Cleveland, the NY Jets, Philladelphia, and San Diego (but that ain't happening).<br />
<br />
The Pick is in.<br />
<br />
And it's, it's, it's... Marcus Mariotta the QB from Oregon.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
Not surprising, and kind of almost expected... the excitement was whether the Titans would trade the pick or not.<br />
<br />
Mariotta is talented for sure. The guy put up video game numbers in college.<br />
<br />
However, I watched the CFB Championship game against Ohio State, and there were plays to be made, and he couldn't make them. Maybe it was a bad day, but I saw the things that were knocks on him... struggles to deliver the ball in tight spaces... But he could turn out to be a great one. He is certainly all kinds of athletic, and by all counts and tremendous young man.<br />
<br />
The Jags are on the clock, and the pick is in already. I'm guessing it's the D-Lineman from USC.<br />
<br />
Let me go check twitter.<br />
<br />
Nothing on who the Jags picked... but lots of people making fun of Commisioner Goodell for mispronouncing Mariotta's name.<br />
<br />
Not to toot my own horn, but I've been Misspelling Mariota's name this entire Blog!<br />
<br />
The Jaguars Select: DE Dante Fowler from Florida.<br />
<br />
He's a good player, but I don't know much about him. I thought the first Defensive Player was supposed to be the guy from USC? Also, thought that Amari Cooper the WR from Alabama could have been taken.<br />
<br />
The Raiders are on the clock...<br />
<br />
...and the pick is in.<br />
<br />
The rumor was that they liked Amari Cooper from Alabama. <br />
<br />
And.... They Do! Amari Cooper the WR from Alabama.<br />
<br />
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<br /></div>
I've seen him play a bunch of times. He's really good.<br />
<br />
Here's how you know Amari Cooper is good. Remember Nick Saban. Alabama? Slam the ball. Beat you up with superior talent up front. Well, last season... they threw the ball more than every before. Amari Cooper had 124 catches last season, and his closest teammate has 40. That's how good Amari Cooper is.<br />
<br />
However, I still hate the Raiders.<br />
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The Redskins pick is in:<br />
Brandon Scherff OT from Iowa<br />
<br />
Here is what I know about Brandon Scherff. He played for Iowa. He was high on people's draft boards. That's about it.<br />
<br />
I'm pretty sure RGIII is in favor of this selection... someone to protect him and his gimpy legs.<br />
<br />
The Jets are on the clock with the 6th pick in the draft.<br />
<br />
Biggest Surprise so far... Leonard Williams from USC hasn't been picked yet. According to the few articles I read about the draft this year... some people felt he was the best player...not best Defensive Player...but BEST PLAYER OVERALL.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maybe Williams hair scared teams off?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Interesting to see what the Jets do here.<br />
(Kiper just said... Williams was the #1 player on his board)<br />
(And then he followed it with... "I'd take Kevin White".... Mel Kiper, Everyone!)<br />
<br />
<b>This Just In:</b> Tom Jackson thinks Gary Kubiak will be NFL Coach of the Year<br />
<br />
Kind of Glad the Jets took their time... I was falling behind.<br />
<br />
And, the Jets take Leonard Williams. <br />
-I like it if I'm a Jets fan. Because this: You got probably the best player in the draft... probably the biggest sure thing in the draft. With the 6th pick in the draft.<br />
<br />
If I'm another team in the AFC East (Bills, Dolphins, Patriots), I'd like to line up those 5 teams that passed on him and slap them like Curly and Moe.<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />
The Bears are up next...and the Pick is in.<br />
What do they do? Kiper thinks WR. Others saying Defense.<br />
<br />
And the Bears.... select... WR Kevin White from West Virginia.... and the Crowd goes wild.<br />
<br />
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<br />
Here's what I know about Kevin White: <br />
1. He's super fast. <br />
2. He wow-ed at the workouts. <br />
That's about it. Makes some sense for the Bears give Jay Cutler another deep threat.<br />
(Insert Joke about overthrowing/underthowing WR's and throwing to the wrong team here)<br />
<br />
Right on cue:<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
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And the Bears selected another receiver to overthrow....</div>
— The Irrational Fan (@Irrational_Fan) <a href="https://twitter.com/Irrational_Fan/status/593942285546577921">May 1, 2015</a></blockquote>
<br />
The Atlanta Falcons are on the clock.<br />
-I have no idea who the Falcons will take with the 8th pick...and you know something... I really don't care. <br />
(Aren't you proud of me for not mentioning my favorite team, and who the San Diego Chargers will draft? I haven't mentioned it yet.)<br />
(Darn)<br />
<br />
I predict the Falcons will draft someone with 2 arms, 2 legs, a torso, and NOT a Quarterback.<br />
<br />
The Falcons select: Vic Beasley OLB/DE from Clemson<br />
(The Commissioner said Defensive End... the espn graphic says OLB).<br />
<br />
The Beasley pick is not getting much love from Gruden/Kiper and crew. They do say he can rush the passer, but that he struggles against the run.<br />
<br />
The NYG are on the clock...and I've heard they are interested in offensive line. <br />
(and a new quarterback... just kidding)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Replace Me?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I can't emphasize how much I like the addition of Louis Riddick and the subtraction of Tom Jackson from the espn crew. TJ is probably sitting at home with his Bronco Pom Pons, and copy of "Horseface" magazine, signed by John Elway.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The Giants select an Offensive Tackle, Erek Flowers from Miami.<br />
Sounds good to me.<br />
<br />
The Rams are on the clock.<br />
-Not sure who they will take. I don't really know any of their skill players. Maybe a RB? Maybe a WR? No idea whatsoever.<br />
<br />
With the 10th pick, the St. Louis Rams select... RB Todd Gurley from Georgia!<br />
Todd Gurley is a great football player.<br />
I saw him play alot in college, and to be honest... he's the best RB I've seen come out of college since Adrian Peterson.<br />
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<br />
The Injury concern in the only question with Gurley. Tore his ACL last year. But that kid can run the ball.<br />
<br />
The Vikings are on the clock.<br />
<br />
And they select Trae Waynes the CB from Michigan State. He's another guy who is really fast.<br />
-pretty good pick. (I think, but what the heck do I know)<br />
<br />
The Cleveland Browns, with the 12th pick, select DT Danny Shelton from Washington.<br />
(He's Chris Berman's favorite player in the draft...take that for whatever it's worth)<br />
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<br />
He's a large, powerful man. (6'2" and 340 lbs)<br />
He also gets props for lifting the Commish off his feet when he came to the stage.<br />
<br />
The Saints are up, and their pick is in.. wonder who it could be? <br />
(I honestly have no ideas of the Saints wants and needs)<br />
-Maybe a TE to replace Jimmy Graham? I've got to think that they are thinking Defense, Defense, Defense.<br />
(Quick Aside: How does Rob Ryan keep getting DC jobs? He's not good. Everywhere he goes...he comes in a savior...and then he's gone or fired in 2 seasons or so. Browns? Terrible. Cowboys? Terrible. Raiders? Terrible. Saints? Terrible. I want Rob Ryan's Agent!)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm just not a good coach, guys.</td></tr>
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The Saints decide to go with an offensive tackle... Andrus Peat from Stanford.<br />
Gruden loves the pick, because "<i>Drew Brees needs time to throw, man</i>".<br />
Riddick isn't as big of a fan, and went so far as to call him "an enigma".<br />
<br />
I don't know Andrus Peat from Austin Peay, but I know I don't want analysts calling my first round pick "an enigma". <br />
<br />
The Dolphins are on the Clock with the 14th selection:Twitter seems to think they are looking at a WR. I think they are looking for someone who looks good in uniform.<br />
<br />
And the Dolphins.... select... DeVante Parker WR from Louisville<br />
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He does look good in uniform!</td></tr>
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First Trade of the DRAFT!<br />
<div>
-My Chargers just move up 2 spots to the 15th pick from 17...and will give up a 4th round pick this year, and a 5th round pick next year. <b>(That's a steep price for 2 spots!)</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
This trade has to be for Melvin Gordon, the RB from Wisconsin... the pick is in.</div>
<div>
And the pick is...</div>
<div>
Melvin Gordon, RB Wisconsin</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He fast!</td></tr>
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<div>
Here's what I like about Melvin Gordon:</div>
<div>
1. He is fast</div>
<div>
2. He is good at letting his blocks set up</div>
<div>
3. He is excellent at one cut and go...</div>
<div>
4. Wisconsin couldn't throw the ball last year, and he still ran at will in the Big 10.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I like this pick... I like it alot. He's going to look perfect in Lightning Bolts.</div>
<div>
-and, he's actually one of about 5 guys I knew going into this draft!<br />
<br />
Not everyone is onboard:<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
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.<a href="https://twitter.com/Chargers">@Chargers</a> You just drafted a guy with two first names.</div>
— SportsPickle (@sportspickle) <a href="https://twitter.com/sportspickle/status/593955362123943936">May 1, 2015</a></blockquote>
Melvin Gordon is being interviewed by Suzy Kolber. Hope he doesn't <a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2iwp0_joe-namath-wants-to-kiss-espn-s-suz_fun" target="_blank">try to kiss her</a>.<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Texans are on the clock. (and in Texas) (they are even in Dallas)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And the Texans take a CB from Wake Forest. They needed one. Kevin Johnson is his name, and he's <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhkQFkv-c9M" target="_blank">NOTTHAT KEVIN JOHNSON</a><br />
-He's Riddick's favorite corner in the draft. That is what I know about him.<br />
<br />
The 49ers are on the clock, after trading back with the Chargers.<br />
-no clue as to what they do. Boy have the wheels come off the wagon any faster than they did in San Francisco this past year? A year ago... Super Bowl contenders, just missed winning the SB, great coach, unstoppable QB, impressive running game, phenomenal defense.<br />
-One Year later... Coach is gone. Multiple players are gone. The QB did not look nearly as good last season. I mean... yikes. That's rough.<br />
<br />
The 49ers Take Arik Armstead the DT from Oregon with the 17th selection.<br />
-Here's what I know about Armstead... He's very tall for a DT. 6'7" if I remember right.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">although picture is small, I am 6'7"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Chiefs are up and their pick is in.<br />
Personally, as a Chargers fan, I hope the Chiefs select the 3rd string defensive tackle from <a href="http://www.dwu.edu/" target="_blank">Dakota Wesleyan University</a><br />
<br />
Most people thought the Chiefs would go with a WR, because NONE of their WR scored a touchdown this past season. However, they went with CB Marcus Peters from Washington. He's a player who was actually suspended by his own team last year, for arguing with his coach.<br />
<br />
Andy Reid won't have a problem with him. As long as he doesn't take Andy's Potato Chips. If you take his Potato Chips...you will get in an arguement and get suspended.<br />
<br />
I must say, I don't like the Chiefs taking talented players, but this guy, I could be down with.<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
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Wow...Marcus Peters can play...one of best players in draft...but his list of transgressions is Old Testament length ....</div>
— trey wingo (@wingoz) <a href="https://twitter.com/wingoz/status/593959989305155584">May 1, 2015</a></blockquote>
The Browns second pick of the first round, #19, is in.<br />
Cameron Erving, Center, Florida State. OK. I don't know much about him, or what the Browns need. But Kiper really likes him. "Great Upper Body Strinth".<br />
<br />
The Eagles are on the clock with the 20th pick.<br />
(Pick Mariota anyway, Chip! That would be Glorious!)<br />
-<br />
<b>This Just In</b> - Tom Jackson is getting excited about the Broncos Pick<br />
<br />
The Eagles Select WR Nelson Agholor from USC. (That is a tough last name to spell!)<br />
Not surprised... there were supposed to be alot of good WR's in this round, and he's what the 4th?<br />
<br />
The Bengals are on the clock. What criminal, err.... position are they looking to upgrade?<br />
This is the 21st pick. Only 11 to go after this one.<br />
<br />
The Pick is in...and it's going to be, OT Cedric Ogbuehi, from Texas A & M.<br />
- I know nothing about this young man. I'm sure he'll be a fine player in prison stripes... I mean Bengal stripes.<br />
<br />
Also worth noting, Commish Goodell said Ogbuehi's name right, and Mariota's name wrong. That's just plain racist.<br />
<br />
The Steelers are on the clock. I read on twitter they were looking at CB's. Gruden thinks they need a pass rusher. I think they need someone who can survive the winter in Pittsburgh.<br />
<br />
22nd pick, the Steelers select Bud Dupree, LB from Kentucky.<br />
-There's your pass rusher, Gruden.<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
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Bud DuPree's real first name is Alvin. His Godmother had a dream before he was born he was named Bud and running around playing football...</div>
— trey wingo (@wingoz) <a href="https://twitter.com/wingoz/status/593966117715972096">May 1, 2015</a></blockquote>
<br />
The 23rd pick has been traded from the Lions to the Broncos.<br />
<b>This Just In</b> - Tom Jackson is really excited about this pick!<br />
<br />
The Denver Broncos will select DE Shane Ray from Missouri.<br />
-Cue all the Marijuana/Colorado jokes!<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
Denver selects ALL THE MARIJUANA JOKES.</div>
— SportsPickle (@sportspickle) <a href="https://twitter.com/sportspickle/status/593967230708293632">May 1, 2015</a></blockquote>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
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marjuana is legal Denver lets not forget that</div>
— PFTCommenter (@PFTCommenter) <a href="https://twitter.com/PFTCommenter/status/593967230716481536">May 1, 2015</a></blockquote>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
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Denver drafts a guy that was just arrested with marijuana possession. Good fit.</div>
— Faux John Madden (@FauxJohnMadden) <a href="https://twitter.com/FauxJohnMadden/status/593967345581826048">May 1, 2015</a></blockquote>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
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Shane Ray to Denver. Perfection. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/420Everyday?src=hash">#420Everyday</a></div>
— Michelle Beadle (@MichelleDBeadle) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichelleDBeadle/status/593967379685609472">May 1, 2015</a></blockquote>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
Shane Ray. Colorado. Pot's legal. Just sayin. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GiddyUpBronco?src=hash">#GiddyUpBronco</a></div>
— Bonnie Bernstein (@BonnieBernstein) <a href="https://twitter.com/BonnieBernstein/status/593967786147348480">May 1, 2015</a></blockquote>
That's not all of them.<br />
<br />
The Cardinals pick at #24 is in.<br />
<br />
<b>This Just In:</b> Tom Jackson thinks Shane Ray will win Rookie of the Year.<br />
<br />
9 Picks from the end,<br />
<br />
Cardinals select DJ Humpries DT Florida<br />
-Kiper thinks he's gamble. Not sure I want a gamble with my first roiund pick. But then again, a few years back, my favorite team drafted Larry English in the first round, and I talked myself into THAT being a good pick. So I'm sure the Cardinal fans are happy.<br />
<br />
The Carolina Panthers are on the clock... and since I haven't posted a photo in a while...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7l0ThM9SPfKse-qOShdS3HCIScs=/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/1378960/jerry2.0.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7l0ThM9SPfKse-qOShdS3HCIScs=/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/1378960/jerry2.0.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I own the Panthers, and you don't!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
With the 25th pick in the 2015 NFL draft, the Carolina Panthers select: Shaq Thompson, OLB, Washington.<br />
-Here's my thought... I think Washington has as many picks as any other school...how are they not DOMINATING the Pac 12? Oregon has had 2. USC has had 2. <br />
<br />
The Ravens have the 26th Pick, and as always when it comes to the Ravens...<br />
<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=ray+lewis+white+suit&safe=off&espv=2&biw=1366&bih=643&source=lnms&sa=X&ei=TOpCVca4EqrhsATW_YHQCw&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAA&dpr=1" target="_blank">Where is the White Suit Ray?</a><br />
<br />
While we're waiting for the Ravens pick, let's look at another gif of Melvin Gordon.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8bSmdA_P4BXIpA3GVJggrT2LQzI=/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/2462088/mg408.0.0.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8bSmdA_P4BXIpA3GVJggrT2LQzI=/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/2462088/mg408.0.0.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Ravens select WR Breshad Perriman from UCF.<br />
-Super Fast<br />
-Super Athletic<br />
-Drops the ball. Like alot.<br />
<br />
The Cowboys are on the clockareeno, and I'm getting so tired I'm resorting to lame things like saying "clockareeno".<br />
I think the Cowboys could go RB...because D'Marco Murray left town. But the top two (Gurley and Gordon) are gone. Maybe there's a good DT or something? Not sure what Jerrah wants.<br />
<br />
And it's Byron Jones, CB from Connecticut. I know nothing about him, but he looks impressive on the highlights package. (But they all do, you say!)<br />
<br />
The Lions are up, and the pick is in. I think they pick... they pick... they pick...someone who played college football in the United States of America.<br />
<br />
And I was right! Laken Tomlinson, Guard, Duke.<br />
I'm not sure about this pick... he's a Guard from Duke, and I never even saw him on the court during the Final Four. Kind of a wasted pick if you ask me.<br />
<br />
The Colts have the 29th pick, and I've gotta think they are thinking defense.<br />
-But what do I know?<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
Colts are on the board. Andrew Luck could really use a stylist. Let's see if they go that route.</div>
— SportsPickle (@sportspickle) <a href="https://twitter.com/sportspickle/status/593975655966056449">May 1, 2015</a></blockquote>
The Colts select Phillip Dorsett, the WR from the U of Miami.<br />
-He's a speedy little guy.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
The Packers are on the clock.<br />
They select Damarious Randall, Safety from Arizona State.<br />
-So the Packers have selected 1st round Safeties in back to back years...Ha Ha Clinton Dix last year, and Randall this year.<br />
<br />
The Saints are on the clock. with the 31st pick.<br />
<br />
<b>This Just In:</b> Tom Jackson has picked the Denver Broncos as the favorites to win the AFC and the Super Bowl.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--uu5Oq1tl--/18j544ukp5bg1jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--uu5Oq1tl--/18j544ukp5bg1jpg.jpg" height="217" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Hurry up Saints, it's past my bedtime already.<br />
Stephone Anthony ILB Clemson is the selection.<br />
I have no idea who this is. Although earlier I said they need to look at their defense.<br />
(Gruden just said the biggest problem last year was "communication on defense". Who was the Defensive Coordinator of that unit?)<br />
<br />
The New England Patriots are on the clock. I think the Patriots may select a new ball inflating guy. Or a new videotaping guy. Or a guy who makes their coaching headsets not work.(look it up)<br />
<br />
Malcom Brown DT from Texas in the pick. Makes sense. The Patriots lost their starting DT Vince Wolfork to the Houston Texans in Free Agency. So they get a new starting DT from Texas.<br />
<br />
Tomorrow night will be rounds 2 and 3, and I will be attending a track meet. So no live blog.<br />
Also Saturday are rounds 4-7, and I'll be track meeting it then too.<br />
<br />
Hope you enjoyed my silly live blog.</div>
coacharminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15407896015412951879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1910563751347530667.post-72354173966112277262015-01-05T15:53:00.000-06:002015-01-05T15:53:55.091-06:00No more Alison Rosen?So I downloaded this morning's Carolla podcast, excited to start the new year. They usually just do repeats over the Holidays, and so I hadn't really listened in a couple weeks.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PITEiSwjxOs/TTXChTRtpjI/AAAAAAAABlU/EWEA1hnq8v4/64hbzpf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PITEiSwjxOs/TTXChTRtpjI/AAAAAAAABlU/EWEA1hnq8v4/64hbzpf.jpg" height="161" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">from AlisonRosen.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And Adam starts the show saying that <a href="http://www.thewrap.com/alison-rosen-adam-carolla-show-podcast-news-girl-sidekick-gina-grad/" target="_blank">Alison Rosen will no longer be on the show</a>?<br />
<br />
I don't like it.<br />
<br />
I also didn't like the "reason" given, which was, "She wasn't a good fit as a sidekick." She was a "good sidekick" not a "great sidekick".<br />
<br />
She's been on the show for Four Years, Man!<br />
<br />
Maybe it will come out that there was a contact negotiation that went bad, or maybe it will come out that Alison wanted more money. But there had to be something other than just "she wasn't a great fit".<br />
<br />
She Was An Awesome Fit! I loved her. And specifically, I loved her on this show. I've listened to her solo podcast "<a href="http://alisonrosen.com/category/podcast/" target="_blank">AlisonRosenIsYourNewBestFriend</a>", and while it's ok, it really depends on the guest. <br />
<br />
What I liked, was Alison mixed in with Adam and Bald Bryan. She was great. She was a great "newsgirl". I loved her interactions with them, and the guests, particularly David Allen Grier.<br />
<br />
Alison started off today's "Best Friend" by saying she is no longer working with Adam Carolla, and that she is taking her podcast with her, and she gets to start her "own pirate ship" or "love bus" or something like that.<br />
<br />
I'm not giving up on Adam, I continue to listen to his show, at least for a while. I enjoy his show, and I enjoy his guests, and I'll continue to do so. But it's going to be tough to replace Alison Rosen. I already hated the new "news song" they played as an intro to the news. (And I didn't care for the replacement Gina Grad, but that's not her fault... I'll give her some time).<br />
<br />
Adam, you have a tough job in front of you.<br />
<br />
I don't like it. Just like a week ago I wrote that the Adam Carolla show was my favorite Comedy Podcast of the last year... and now, 1/3 of the dynamic is gone. And that sucks.<br />
<br />
I'll miss you Alison, and I suppose I will check out your podcast more often now.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://firstorderhistorians.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/alisonrosen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://firstorderhistorians.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/alisonrosen.jpg" height="320" width="309" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alison Rosen from http://firstorderhistorians.files.wordpress.com/</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />coacharminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15407896015412951879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1910563751347530667.post-16971733624239609312015-01-04T20:58:00.000-06:002015-01-04T21:01:14.924-06:00Boo Yeah - Remembering Stuart ScottThis morning, I learned of the passing of Stuart Scott, and it made me sad.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ioneblackdoctor.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/stuart-scott.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ioneblackdoctor.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/stuart-scott.jpeg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And then I started reading the tweets, and the stories, and watched the video tributes, and I got really sad.<br />
<br />
What really hit home to me, is he has a daughter who is a Freshman in college (just like me), and he's 49 years old (just 5 years older than I). His oldest daughter is named Taelor, mine is Taylor.<br />
<br />
My favorite story I read today(it's mentioned in <a href="http://espn.go.com/espn/story/_/id/12118296/stuart-scott-espn-anchor-dies-age-49" target="_blank">this piece</a>), was involving ESPN personality <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCAQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FSage_Steele&ei=6fqpVKP-AY6lyATOz4CYAw&usg=AFQjCNEBo9iXlICZKxcHgjUJsDfDhCiZDw&sig2=TFlq-t4waEN282-x9pfMXw&bvm=bv.82001339,d.aWw" target="_blank">Sage Steel</a>, and how when she was moving her family out west from Bristol, CT (where ESPN is headquartered), and her young son was upset about the coming move, and leaving his best friend behind. And Stuart Scott told her "I got this", and took her son aside and talked to him for 20 minutes about when he had to move as a child.<br />
<br />
<script src="http://player.espn.com/player.js?playerBrandingId=4ef8000cbaf34c1687a7d9a26fe0e89e&adSetCode=91cDU6NuXTGKz3OdjOxFdAgJVtQcKJnI&pcode=1kNG061cgaoolOncv54OAO1ceO-I&width=576&height=324&externalId=espn:12118361&thruParam_espn-ui[autoPlay]=false&thruParam_espn-ui[playRelatedExternally]=true"></script><br />
<br />
I'm going to miss you Stuart Scott. I will always remember your highlights, your sayings (As cool as the other side of the pillow), the way you used to 'recognize' Carolina players in the pros (Antawn Jamison, Tar Heel), but mostly I will miss your energy, your perspective and the joy you brought to us all.<br />
<br />
I think the best thing I saw all day, was Rich Eisen's Farewell on the NFL network. Eisen and Scott co-hosted the Midnight edition of Sportscenter for a few years, and they had a great chemistry.<br />
<br />
I will leave the final words on this to to Rich.<br />
<br />
<script src="http://player.espn.com/player.js?playerBrandingId=4ef8000cbaf34c1687a7d9a26fe0e89e&adSetCode=91cDU6NuXTGKz3OdjOxFdAgJVtQcKJnI&pcode=1kNG061cgaoolOncv54OAO1ceO-I&width=576&height=324&externalId=espn:12118983&thruParam_espn-ui[autoPlay]=false&thruParam_espn-ui[playRelatedExternally]=true"></script>coacharminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15407896015412951879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1910563751347530667.post-69106447809019984222015-01-03T17:41:00.000-06:002015-01-03T17:41:26.468-06:00'Just a random reasonto continue to love Pearl Jam.<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://aclp1.c3cdn.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/rsz_pearljamwideuseportraitcolor_creditdannyclinch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://aclp1.c3cdn.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/rsz_pearljamwideuseportraitcolor_creditdannyclinch.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
They sing "Yellow Ledbedder"<br />
<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/hs8y3kneqrs?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
That's really all the reason you need. </div>
<br />coacharminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15407896015412951879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1910563751347530667.post-81152795338161612352015-01-01T14:45:00.000-06:002015-01-01T14:45:26.937-06:00Best of 2014It's that time of year, when I share some of my favorite things from the past year. (If I haven't mentioned them before, or maybe even if I have).<br />
<br />
<h3>
Television</h3>
<div>
As a non-partier and also a person of the antisocial persuasion, I watch alot of television. Here were some of my favorites.</div>
<h4>
Best Comedy-<a href="http://www.fox.com/brooklyn-nine-nine" target="_blank"> Brooklyn 99</a></h4>
<div>
It may not actually be the "best" comedy, but I laugh more at that show than any other current show. Which I think is the actual point of comedies, anyway. Honorable mention to "New Girl" and "The Mindy Project", which are both having strong seasons.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i.huffpost.com/gen/1323894/thumbs/o-BROOKLYN-NINE-NINE-CAST-facebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.huffpost.com/gen/1323894/thumbs/o-BROOKLYN-NINE-NINE-CAST-facebook.jpg" height="224" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
Best New Comedy - <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCAQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cc.com%2Fshows%2Fnathan-for-you&ei=kaylVKHvOde3yASJ4YHgCQ&usg=AFQjCNFiCU6x3DlQOSisYBnX25HlTCbaDQ&sig2=fnChP7V-56KigPXgSldO8w&bvm=bv.82001339,d.aWw" target="_blank">Nathan for You</a></h4>
<div>
I love watching Nathan Felder give his radical business ideas to people. And the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&sqi=2&ved=0CB4QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FDumb_Starbucks&ei=L62lVLeqJ4qZyASM3ICgAw&usg=AFQjCNEQ1otWQPzOO6p9bPoXEDSFY0IYGQ&sig2=udasZL1RMKqQI5QRm8CCPA&bvm=bv.82001339,d.aWw" target="_blank">Dumb Starbucks </a>episode is one of the greatest things I have ever seen.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.newyorker.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/dumb-starbucks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.newyorker.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/dumb-starbucks.jpg" height="223" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
Best Television Series - <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CB4QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fxnetworks.com%2Fshows%2Fthe-americans%2Fepisodes&ei=sKylVLa3AoivyQSbxYDgAQ&usg=AFQjCNF3DD9c7njZ9_pmwb8xYR7vE9yEow&sig2=mHmCmCnNDpDMyJFz-4EDtg&bvm=bv.82001339,d.aWw" target="_blank">The Americans</a></h4>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20130206012340/theamericans/images/4/45/The_Americans.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20130206012340/theamericans/images/4/45/The_Americans.jpeg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There were a lot of good nominees in here, The Walking Dead has been particularly good, I enjoyed the last season of Game of Thrones, and I loved Fargo. But week in and week out, The Americans was as good as anything I've ever seen on the small screen. That's not hyperbole. It's a great, great, show.</div>
<h4>
Best New Television Series - <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CDIQFjAC&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fxnetworks.com%2Fshows%2Ffargo%2Fepisodes&ei=x6ylVMnaOouRyQSB74KgAw&usg=AFQjCNGRSlrahom8XjE59v0kap50kbd_sQ&sig2=3D9IST5CJvU8aRMFWCQyVw&bvm=bv.82001339,d.aWw" target="_blank">Fargo</a></h4>
<div>
I have to admit I was skeptical that any television series could recreate the Cohen Brothers "Universe" from the Motion Picture "Fargo". I was wrong. Fargo was great. Looking forward to the next season which is actually set in Sioux Falls.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
Best Television Series Idea - <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCQQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hbo.com%2Ffoo-fighters-sonic-highways&ei=56ylVMDdJ8f-yQSi4IBQ&usg=AFQjCNHUFB3JAAgN9kM2buquL-OePS4onQ&sig2=DmKRB4Mkzx9svve1k22szQ&bvm=bv.82001339,d.aWw" target="_blank">Foo Fighters "Sonic Highways"</a></h4>
<div>
Genius concept! Take a rock and roll band, have them spend a week in 8 different cities, and learn the lay of the musical landscape (so to speak), in each city, and then end the episode with the band writing and recording a new song in/about each city. I really, really, really, enjoyed this show. In addition, Dave Grohl is the coolest guy in Rock and Roll.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/V_YlZ1JdcVk/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/V_YlZ1JdcVk&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/V_YlZ1JdcVk&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
MUSIC</h3>
<h4>
Best Concert I saw this year - <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&sqi=2&ved=0CB4QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theavettbrothers.com%2F&ei=Wa2lVIieFsyZyATm6YGQAw&usg=AFQjCNHXhyYRi3K3NVeXauXg0UwLwpEWRg&sig2=gY2cRE4dASQl9HntcjigYA&bvm=bv.82001339,d.aWw" target="_blank">The Avett Brothers</a></h4>
<div>
To be fair and honest here, it was also the only concert I saw this past year. But it was excellent. The Avett Brothers are a tremendous group, and immensely entertaining live.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/fBQZnHv74dQ?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
Best New Album - <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=4&cad=rja&uact=8&sqi=2&ved=0CDUQFjAD&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FLazaretto-Jack-White%2Fdp%2FB00JDB4PLM&ei=mK2lVLqQOI2uyAShrIKoAw&usg=AFQjCNETytoB5dF1qT3le9uBhR5kKnctzw&sig2=hy4yzTngzRUWx1vKqBAaVw&bvm=bv.82001339,d.aWw" target="_blank">Jack White "Lazaretto"</a></h4>
<div>
I love Jack White. Which isn't surprising, because he is super talented. But what is maybe surprising is how little attention this album got. It's so good. And I'm not saying that because I'm some sort of a music snob. This new Jack White album is phenomenal, and more people should pay attention.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/qI-95cTMeLM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div>
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<h3>
PODCASTS</h3>
<h4>
Best Podcast - <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&sqi=2&ved=0CB4QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fserialpodcast.org%2F&ei=0K2lVMz-O4KdyASvnYCgAw&usg=AFQjCNGizcY7pAVeAqEd-5xX86lWqB_8Fw&sig2=kkTxz2iHV37upywtoFp_FQ&bvm=bv.82001339,d.aWw" target="_blank">"Serial"</a></h4>
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The story of the murder of Hae Min Lee in Baltimore Maryland, and the resulting case that ended in the arrest of Hae's boyfriend, Adnan, was absolutely fascinating. It's no small wonder that it became the top downloaded podcast of the year. Such an interesting subject matter, and done so well by Sarah Koenig and crew. I highly recommend!</div>
<h4>
Best Comedy Podcast - <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&sqi=2&ved=0CB4QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fadamcarolla.com%2F&ei=762lVJPtItL4yQTirYGYAw&usg=AFQjCNFzVMSqOxq50U_ZzofqnJfEOOe2zQ&sig2=GAX-WT8aZ-2BIf2Kw5qGNg&bvm=bv.82001339,d.aWw" target="_blank">"The Adam Carolla Show"</a></h4>
<div>
I listen to alot of comedy podcasts. some of which would include: Jay Mohr's "Mohr Stories", Bill Burr's "Monday Morning Podcast", Chris Hardwick's "Nerdist", Greg Proop's "The Smartest Man in the World", and so on.</div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://adamcarolla.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Adam-Carolla-Show.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://adamcarolla.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Adam-Carolla-Show.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bald Brian, Adman, and newsgirl Allison Rosen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
The Carolla show is the best of the bunch for 2 reasons. 1. Adam does his show pretty much daily, like a radio show... whereas most of the previously mentioned are only done once a week. This helps you gain familiarity with the show, and the guests, and it just has more of a welcoming tone than some of the others. The Second reason is this: Carolla is great at this. He knows his strengths, he doesn't vary much in format, and he has his standard go to bits such as "Rotten Tomatoes Game", and "What Can't Adam Complain About". It's a great show for those of us who don't have a daily radio station to listen to.</div>
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<br /></div>
<h4>
Best Sports Podcast - <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&sqi=2&ved=0CB4QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fespn.go.com%2Fespnradio%2Fpodcast%2Farchive%3Fid%3D2864045&ei=Da6lVMPfMYahyQTonIGoAw&usg=AFQjCNHnklyq2RIr62wmbVWKpPY7xP9H3A&sig2=NTWmuYdfkqWPgOKOnV3U3g&bvm=bv.82001339,d.aWw" target="_blank">"The BS Report"</a></h4>
<div>
I'm probably wussing out here, as the BS Report is the #1 podcast in downloads, but I'll tell you, it's #1 for a reason. I've tried others. I've listened to "The Lowe Post", I've tried "Short Corner", I've even downloaded some of the Dan Patrick Radio Show in podcast form.... none are as fulfilling as the BS Report. Which is weird for me to say, because Simmons is such a Boston Homer.</div>
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<br /></div>
<h3>
MOVIES</h3>
<div>
I didn't see too many movies this year, but here are a couple of my favorites (that probably everybody saw).</div>
<h4>
Best Super Hero Movie - <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CB4QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.imdb.com%2Ftitle%2Ftt2015381%2F&ei=Kq6lVKOxLIuKyATzpYGgAw&usg=AFQjCNG155zkSEywhZDirR1e8GhzBO5MzA&sig2=3uBRMlD0NlRM6ny_Ot7-Gg&bvm=bv.82001339,d.aWw" target="_blank">Guardians of the Galaxy</a></h4>
<div>
This was definitely the best of the super hero movies this year. I kept hearing great things about Captain America "Winter Soldier" and that wasn't that great. The X-Men movie was pretty good too, but Guardians of the Galaxy reigned supreme.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
Best Drama - <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&sqi=2&ved=0CB4QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.imdb.com%2Ftitle%2Ftt2024544%2F&ei=QK6lVOSkI4K1yQSFhoHADQ&usg=AFQjCNHAepcSmJ4exwOtLmmtRrcEwq6FTA&sig2=t87cSWMa90d-PqZuuPA_nA&bvm=bv.82001339,d.aWw" target="_blank">12 Years a Slave</a></h4>
<div>
I know that came out the year before, but I didn't see it until 2014, and so it sticks for me.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
Best Comedy - <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&sqi=2&ved=0CB4QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.imdb.com%2Ftitle%2Ftt2024544%2F&ei=QK6lVOSkI4K1yQSFhoHADQ&usg=AFQjCNHAepcSmJ4exwOtLmmtRrcEwq6FTA&sig2=t87cSWMa90d-PqZuuPA_nA&bvm=bv.82001339,d.aWw" target="_blank">Neighbors</a></h4>
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Like I said, I didn't see too many movies this year.</div>
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<h3>
SPORTS AWARDS</h3>
<h4>
Best Coach - Gary Patterson, TCU Horned Frogs, College Football</h4>
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What Gary Patterson has done at TCU is not only phenomenal, but also quite unbelievable. Other coaches are bigger names, he does the most with less.</div>
<h4>
Best Team - The San Antonio Spurs - 2014 NBA World Champions</h4>
<div>
Any person who thinks anything else is simply wrong. </div>
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<h4>
Best Athlete - LeBron James, Small Forward, Cleveland Cavaliers</h4>
<div>
In case you forgot, one player or man, basically held the entire NBA off season up this summer. No one decided to do anything until LeBron decided what he was doing. He basically approved of who was hired as coach, and was able to choose his own teammates for the most part. You don't wield this type of power unless you are a once in a generation talent. Unreal. I know he has more than his share of haters, but no one else could do this, in any other league.</div>
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Here's to 2015, and a new list next year!</div>
coacharminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15407896015412951879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1910563751347530667.post-25783537245605787772014-12-31T16:45:00.000-06:002014-12-31T17:03:23.230-06:00To Podcast, or not?I've been debating whether I should start my own podcast.<br />
<br />
I know how to do it. I did a few for the school last year (but haven't done any this year, because frankly, I haven't had the time), but I should probably start doing those again.<br />
<br />
There are a number of sites with free storage where I can hold the mp3 file for the podcast, and I can easily record something.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnNljfF-ExprWPArObuCxnjTBRusUgr9UXrftk7e2FdlEEtIvNrOP0glrwn35z8f-supkFLNg3jGj2fXKPTJm8xP3GTyp6GOxCKLS5UXHeYgWG0t6-JTqhDQhN3ASJmDU0LtMKCnZ5ZFBa/s1600/Soundcloud-Icon.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnNljfF-ExprWPArObuCxnjTBRusUgr9UXrftk7e2FdlEEtIvNrOP0glrwn35z8f-supkFLNg3jGj2fXKPTJm8xP3GTyp6GOxCKLS5UXHeYgWG0t6-JTqhDQhN3ASJmDU0LtMKCnZ5ZFBa/s1600/Soundcloud-Icon.png" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image from SoundCloud</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'm thinking SoundCloud would be a good place to store the podcast at. It's free, it's accessible, and it also has it's own app.<br />
<br />
But what to talk about? I can talk about sports. Current Events. Pop Culture. Things like that. I don't want to talk about my job, or coaching my team, or things of that nature. They would need to be more about things that are out in the world.<br />
<br />
Whatever it is, it wouldn't be very long. I'm thinking like about 15 minutes or so...maybe I could pull it off once a week.<br />
<br />
Every time I consider this, I get cautious, because... well, 2 things:<br />
1. Who the heck am I to have a podcast?<br />
2. Who in the world would listen to it?<br />
<br />
The other reason I'm hesitant, is that I've been unable to keep any sort of activity going on this blog for the past 6 months, and now I'm thinking about adding a podcast to the mix?<br />
<br />
However, there's something about the format that holds interest to me. I love listening to them, myself, and they can be so interesting on so many front. The <a href="http://serialpodcast.org/" target="_blank">Serial Podcast</a> the past few months was immensely entertaining, and recently I've been introduced to a new podcast called "<a href="http://gimletmedia.com/show/startup/" target="_blank">Startup</a>", that actually discusses the process of starting a new podcast company. I've only heard 2, but I think it's pretty interesting.<br />
<br />
There is something about the format that appeals to me. I'm a reasonably opinionated person, and it could be something that is fun.<br />
<br />
Well, I guess it's a possibility that I'll continue to consider.<br />
<br />
I may post a link to a "trial run" of a podcast.<br />
<br />
Maybe I'll post something that will have something to do with the Bowl games tomorrow.<br />
<br />
<br />coacharminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15407896015412951879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1910563751347530667.post-17306995248930625812014-12-26T20:49:00.000-06:002014-12-31T16:47:02.266-06:00This Blog Stinks!So, I'd been thinking of blogging about something, and I actually looked in here, and the last blog post was in April. During the 1st round of the NFL Draft?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://images.cdn.bigcartel.com/bigcartel/product_images/144019537/max_h-1000+max_w-1000/BLOG_STINKS_BURG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.cdn.bigcartel.com/bigcartel/product_images/144019537/max_h-1000+max_w-1000/BLOG_STINKS_BURG.jpg" height="319" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This Blog does stink.<br />
<br />
It's not that there isn't some things out there that I couldn't have blogged about:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>The REM by MTV Documentary</li>
<li>The Foo Fighters Sonic Highways Series on HBO</li>
<li>The first "College Football Final Four?</li>
<li>Why the NFL is losing credibility (at least for me)</li>
<li>"The Interview" movie being cancelled</li>
<li>Seeing the Avett Brothers in concert this summer</li>
<li>Books I've read (there's been some good ones)</li>
</ul>
<div>
So, you know... I think I'm going to maybe look at A Total REVAMP!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Re-doing the format, maybe adding a couple of gadgets. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I heard Henry Rollins on the "Mohr Stories" podcast, and he talked about how much he writes a day.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And I hear Adam Carolla and his show, and they are always talking about how if someone really wants to do something... they just do it. They don't sit around and wait for it to happen. They make it happen.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So, I'm hoping to come back, and soon.</div>
coacharminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15407896015412951879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1910563751347530667.post-64634832470379561192014-05-08T17:04:00.001-05:002014-05-08T22:47:30.819-05:00Live Blog: 2014 NFL Draft<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://turnonthejets.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Draft-2014-e1389404247238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://turnonthejets.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Draft-2014-e1389404247238.jpg" height="300" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I'll be live blogging the 2014 NFL Draft tonight. (Well, round one anyway.)<br />
<br />
Friday and Saturday, rounds 2 through 7... I don't know if I'll have time. I've got an awards banquet on Friday night and a track meet on Saturday.<br />
<br />
However. Tonight, I will be watching, and discussing the picks.<br />
<br />
I've spent less time on the draft this year than just about any other year.<br />
<br />
So who will be the first pick? Signs point to JaDaveon Clowney from South Carolina... Apologies if I spelled your name wrong, Mr. Clowney.<br />
<br />
As I type this line... we are like 5 minutes from the start of the draft.<br />
<br />
I'll type in the picks as they roll in, maybe share a thought or two..and also include others opinions...I'll be on twitter using the hashtag: #doofusdraft<br />
<br />
I just tweeted my first question of the night, Who will pick Johnny Manziel? <br />
<br />
New to the draft this year... they will be playing "Walk Up Music" for each of the picks selected that are in attendence... could be kinda cool, but it could also be bad.<br />
<br />
I'm really sick of this "I'm the man, I'm the man, I'm the man" song. We get it, you're the man.<br />
<br />
I'm starting the night on espn, but I'll switch back and forth with the NFL Network...but I've watch Chris Berman do the draft for so many years, it feels like it would be wrong to start somewhere else.<br />
<br />
The Commish gets a loud round of boos, as he opens the draft. <br />
<br />
The Texans are on the clock. How long will they make us wait?<br />
-earlier today said they weren't taking any trades, and they had their pick ready...so why are we waiting?<br />
The Pick is IN: And it's, it's, it's... <a href="http://www.nfl.com/draft/2014/profiles/jadeveon-clowney?id=2543456" target="_blank">Jadeveon Clowney, DE from South Carolina</a>.<br />
<br />
Sure glad we waited ten minutes for that.<br />
<br />
The Rams are on the clock. They could go any number of ways, but probably an offensive lineman.<br />
<br />
My brother Rich is commenting in the comments below. Let's see if we can get him on the twitter, and I can include his thoughts along with my stream of consciousness.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
One thing we can say for certain is that this guy has a chance to be the greatest Jadeveon in NFL history.<br />
— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) <a href="https://twitter.com/DanGrazianoESPN/statuses/464560202512363521">May 9, 2014</a></blockquote>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>The Rams Pick is in, and it's <a href="http://www.nfl.com/draft/2014/profiles/greg-robinson?id=2543458" target="_blank">Greg Robinson, Offensive Tackle from Aubur</a>n.<br />
-seems like a good pick because their quarterback got killed last year against the Seahawks and 49ers, and the Cardinals defense is no joke either. They gotta give Sam Bradford a chance.<br />
<br />
The Jaguars are on the clock, and the thought is that they will pick Kalil Mack, the Linebacker/Pass Rusher out of Buffalo...but they need alot of help. Rich also thinks they take Kalil Mack.<br />
<br />
Jason LaConfora is tweeting that the pick is Blake Bortles the QB from University of Central Florida.<br />
The Pick is in...and it is <a href="http://www.nfl.com/draft/2014/profiles/blake-bortles?id=2543477" target="_blank">Blake Bortles</a>.<br />
<br />
The Browns are on the clock... Johnny Football time? Or Something else? Personally, I don't want Sammy Watkins or Kalil Mack going to the Raiders, and it looks like one of them will be there.<br />
<br />
And Bortles, girlfriend Linsay Duke was tweeted out within one minute of him being drafted. So that's at least some kind of record.<br />
<br />
The Browns have traded the Pick to Buffalo, and the Bills pick is in: Wide Reciever? Offensive Tackle? Trade is from 9th pick to 4th...so they probably didn't have to give up an arm or a leg.<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
BREAKING: GM Kevin Costner has traded the Browns eventual bust to the Bills.<br />
— Faux John Madden (@FauxJohnMadden) <a href="https://twitter.com/FauxJohnMadden/statuses/464564269485682691">May 9, 2014</a></blockquote>
With the 4th pick, the Bills select <a href="http://www.nfl.com/draft/2014/profiles/sammy-watkins?id=2543457" target="_blank">Sammy Watkins, WR from Clemson</a>. Whew, glad he's not in Oakland...but now Kalil Mack is still there. Still...Sammy Watkins is a big time playmaker.<br />
<br />
Raiders on the clock, and I think they take Mack, unless, unless, they trade back...<br />
-the pick is in. 5th pick is... <a href="http://www.nfl.com/draft/2014/profiles/khalil-mack?id=2543463" target="_blank">Khalil Mack, LB from Buffalo</a>.<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
APOCALYPSE ALERT: Raiders make a good 1st round pick<br />
— Faux John Madden (@FauxJohnMadden) <a href="https://twitter.com/FauxJohnMadden/statuses/464566205127622656">May 9, 2014</a></blockquote>
The Atlanta Falcons are on the clock. The could go O Line, they could go D Line. They shouldn't go Wide Receiver.<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
Pick after the Raiders has been money in the first round the last 10 years. <a href="https://twitter.com/Atlanta_Falcons">@Atlanta_Falcons</a> can u keep it going? <a href="http://t.co/5ahhZXcvif">pic.twitter.com/5ahhZXcvif</a><br />
— trey wingo (@wingoz) <a href="https://twitter.com/wingoz/statuses/464566367552024577">May 9, 2014</a></blockquote>
Tampa and Minnesota both follow the Falcons, and they both could use a quarterback...could Johnny Football be taken soon? Falcons are taking their sweet time.<br />
<br />
The Pick is <a href="http://www.nfl.com/draft/2014/profiles/jake-matthews?id=2543758" target="_blank">Jake Matthews, Offensive Tackle from Texas A&M</a>. I think he'll be a good player.<br />
-and based off the "pick after the Raiders" theory...he'll probably be a hall of famer, like his Dad.<br />
<br />
The Bucs are on the clock...and they are taking <a href="http://www.nfl.com/draft/2014/profiles/mike-evans?id=2543468" target="_blank">WR Mike Evans, WR from Texas A & M</a><br />
<br />
The Vikings are on the clock...could this be Johnny Football? And, and, and... three straight picks from Texas A & M ? Let's see...<br />
<br />
Minnesota has traded the pick to the Browns... let's see what Kevin Costner does here!<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
Updated mock draft: <a href="http://t.co/JADR7AEhrd">pic.twitter.com/JADR7AEhrd</a><br />
— Will Brinson (@WillBrinson) <a href="https://twitter.com/WillBrinson/statuses/464570225850327040">May 9, 2014</a></blockquote>
This has to be for Bridgewater or Manziel... gotta be for a quarterback. Minnesota picked up a 5th round pick for dropping back one spot. I'm trying to stay off twitter to avoid spoilers, until after the pick is announced. <br />
With the 8th Pick in the draft...the Browns select...<a href="http://www.nfl.com/draft/2014/profiles/justin-gilbert?id=2543473" target="_blank"> Cornerback Justin Gilbert, Oklahoma State</a>.<br />
-Woah a surprise pick! He's the best corner in the draft, but it's surprising they traded up one spot to get him. Cries of "Cleveland sucks" echo throughout the draft hall.<br />
<br />
The Vikings are on the clock... and Manziel and Bridgewater are still there...but maybe they are thinking Corner too? because Cleveland traded up for a reason? Let's see what happens...the pick is in. Rich thinks the Pick is Aaron Donald the DT from Pitt...and I'm not checking twitter to have it spoiled.<br />
<br />
The 9th pick in the draft, the Minnesota Vikings select: <a href="http://www.nfl.com/draft/2014/profiles/anthony-barr?id=2543459" target="_blank">Anthony Barr, LB from UCLA</a><br />
-a surprise pick for sure...but I know alot of Chargers fans who really, really liked him.<br />
<br />
With the 10th pick, the Lions waste no time, and their pick is in, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1NcjpoGSNs" target="_blank">Barry Sanders</a> makes the selection of:<br />
<a href="http://www.nfl.com/draft/2014/profiles/eric-ebron?id=2543466" target="_blank">Eric Ebron, the TE from UNC</a>. He's a very talented player. But not anyone I would have suspected going there. (By the way, if you have a few minutes... click on the Barry Sanders link... Wow, he was fun)<br />
<br />
I tell you what, I'm no draft expert...but these last 3 picks have me shaking my head...I can see Gilbert I guess, but why trade up for him?<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, the Heat are up 85-77 right now in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, over the Nets.<br />
<br />
The top 10 Selections are done. The Titans are on the clock.<br />
-The Titans select <a href="http://www.nfl.com/draft/2014/profiles/taylor-lewan?id=2543467" target="_blank">Offensive Tackle Taylor Lewan from Michigan</a>...he's a good player. (Of course, they are all really good college players, this is why they are being selected in the first round of the draft.)<br />
<br />
The Giants are on the clock... Adam Schefter just speculated that Johnny Manziel could fall to the Cowboys. Which would be amazing, but only if they took him.<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
At this rate, Jake From State Farm is going to taken ahead of Manziel...<br />
— Bill Plaschke (@BillPlaschke) <a href="https://twitter.com/BillPlaschke/statuses/464572807712890880">May 9, 2014</a></blockquote>
The New York Giants select: <a href="http://www.nfl.com/draft/2014/profiles/odell-beckham?id=2543496" target="_blank">Odell Beckham, WR from LSU</a>.<br />
<br />
The Rams are on the clock again: <a href="http://www.nfl.com/draft/2014/profiles/aaron-donald?id=2543485" target="_blank">DT Aaron Donald from Pitt is the selection</a>.<br />
<br />
The 14th Pick belongs to the Bears...who ya got Rich?<br />
-Rich thinks it's Calvin Pryor or Kyle Fuller.<br />
<br />
The Pick is in...and it's<a href="http://www.nfl.com/draft/2014/profiles/kyle-fuller?id=2543681" target="_blank"> Kyle Fuller CB from Virginia Tech.</a><br />
-Darn, he's a good player...but I was hoping he'd drop to the Chargers. By the way... 11 picks to go, and only 2 cornerbacks have been taken...the chargers have a big need there, but lets see who goes in these next 10 picks.<br />
<br />
Rich likes the pick (he's a Bears fan). He thought they would go safety, but he (Fuller) makes sense.<br />
<br />
The Steelers are on the clock with #15: Steelers take <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1824417/ryan-shazier" target="_blank">Linebacker Ryan Shazier from Ohio State</a>.<br />
<br />
The Cowboys on the Clock! Pick 16! Johnny Football is still there! <br />
-Everyone on twitter is urging Jerry to do it. This is hysterical. I'm actually laughing out loud.<br />
<br />
The Pick is in: and its.... It's... It's... <a href="http://www.nfl.com/draft/2014/profiles/zack-martin?id=2543480" target="_blank">Zach Martin, OT from Notre Dame</a>. So, they don't take Manziel, and they don't pick a defensive player. That was... anticlimatic.<br />
<br />
The Ravens are up, and they usually draft very soundly. They select <a href="http://www.nfl.com/draft/2014/profiles/c.j.-mosley?id=2543464" target="_blank">CJ Mosley, LB from Alabama</a>.<br />
-No surprise... Ray Lewis really likes this pick.<br />
<br />
The Jets are on the clock, and I think they have to be thinking WR...because there have only been 2 taken, and they don't have much at that position...and they Pick <a href="http://www.nfl.com/draft/2014/profiles/calvin-pryor?id=2543469" target="_blank">Calvin Pryor, Safety from Louisville</a>.<br />
Interesting that the Jets ignored the offense.<br />
<br />
The Dolphins are on the clock... not sure what they need, Maybe an offensive lineman?<br />
-I asked my friend Joey who the Dolphins wanted and he said Morgan Moses, but trading down is the first option. And they took alot of the time up.<br />
-the pick is in, and it is: <a href="http://www.nfl.com/draft/2014/profiles/jawuan-james?id=2543755" target="_blank">Jawuan James OT, from Tennessee</a> They needed help on the line. That pick makes sense.<br />
<br />
Sounds like NO, has traded up into the 20th pick...must have someone specific in mind.<br />
-The Saints select<a href="http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/brandin-cooks?id=2543498" target="_blank"> Brandin Cooks, WR from Oregon State</a> That guy has some wheels! Lance Moore is gone, Darren Sproles is gone...the Saints could use a little Boom! as the playmaking positon. That's another guy I was hoping would last to the Chargers.<br />
<br />
5 Picks until the chargers come in... The CB Dennard is there. Also, my favorite choice is a trade back for someone trying to get a QB.<br />
<br />
The Packers are on the clock... could be the CB Dennard...could be the Safety from Alabama.<br />
-with the 21st Pick, the Packers select: <a href="http://www.nfl.com/draft/2014/profiles/ha%20ha-clinton-dix?id=2543470" target="_blank">HaHa Clinton Dix, the CB from Alabama</a>.<br />
He's a pretty solid selection this late in the first round. He played in a 3-4 style pro system in Alabama...he'll be a pretty good fit in Green Bay, I think.<br />
<br />
4 Picks until the Chargers...and 3 of the Top 5 corners are still there. Although Dennard is the one I really want...he's most likely to be taken before them... would still like a trade down for someone wanting Johnny Manziel, and/or Teddy Bridgewater.<br />
<br />
The Browns have moved up... taking the Eagles pick... here comes Johnny! or Teddy? Reports out of Cleveland earlier today said that they favored Bridgewater, so let's see what happens. But it has to be a quarterback, right? The Pick is in: <a href="http://www.nfl.com/draft/2014/profiles/johnny-manziel?id=2543462" target="_blank">Johnny Manziel, Quarterback, Texas A & M</a>... Johnny Football is finally drafted!<br />
<br />
The Eagles picked up a 3rd rounder for dropping back 4 spots.<br />
<br />
The Chiefs are on the clock: They could go OLine, they could go WR, they could go DB. Whoever they pick, I'll end up being disgusted with in about 6 months.<br />
-This is the 23rd pick. <a href="http://www.nfl.com/draft/2014/profiles/dee-ford?id=2543494" target="_blank">Dee Ford, DE Auburn</a> He don't impress me... I would have been upset if the Chargers took him, and they needed a pass rusher worse than the Chiefs.<br />
<br />
24th Pick: The Bengals are up. Last year, the guy I wanted got picked one pick before the Chargers. So it'll probably happen again. You know what? It worked out OK. DJ Fluker turned out pretty good.<br />
<br />
And yep, I was right: The Bengals select <a href="http://www.nfl.com/draft/2014/profiles/darqueze-dennard?id=2543474" target="_blank">Darqueze Dennard, CB from Michigan State</a><br />
-There goes the guy I've been hoping for all day. Ha.<br />
<br />
The Chargers are on the clock. The could go corner...they could go pass rusher, they could go offensive line, they could go Nose Tackle. <br />
<br />
And the Chargers select <a href="http://www.nfl.com/draft/2014/profiles/jason-verrett?id=2543493" target="_blank">CB Jason Verrett from TCU</a>. I'm ok with this pick, with Dennard off the board. I didn't want Roby, the CB from Ohio State...and the Chargers need a cornerback who can play. He's not a big guy...but he's fast, and he brings the wood. He's a decent pick, and I don't think he's a reach.<br />
<br />
The Eagles are on the Clock at 26, and there are only 6 picks left after that.<br />
The Eagles select <a href="http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/marcus-smith?id=2543725" target="_blank">Marcus Smith, DE from Louisville</a>. I don't know much about him.<br />
<br />
With the 27th Pick: <a href="http://www.nfl.com/draft/2014/profiles/deone-bucannon?id=2543769" target="_blank">Deone Bucannon Safety from Washington State</a> to the Cardinals.<br />
<br />
At 28 the Panthers select <a href="http://www.nfl.com/draft/2014/profiles/kelvin-benjamin?id=2543471" target="_blank">WR Kelvin Benjamin from Florida State</a>. He's a big target.<br />
<br />
With the 29th selection, the Patriots will probably do something surprising, because that's what they Patriots do, and they always make it work. I'm gonna guess DeMarcus Lawrence from Boise State just for fun...let's see how I do... the pick is in: <a href="http://www.nfl.com/draft/2014/profiles/dominique-easley?id=2543487" target="_blank">Dominique Easley, Defensive End from Florida</a> He's a gamble, he only played 3 games his senior season. Talent , yes! But a definate risk.<br />
<br />
San Francisco is on the board at 30, then Denver, then Seattle.<br />
<br />
The 49ers select <a href="http://www.nfl.com/draft/2014/profiles/jimmie-ward?id=2543741" target="_blank">Safety Jimmie Ward, from Northern Illinois</a> I don't know that guy at all...but Northern Illinois had a very good team. Only two picks left, Super Bowl competitors Denver and Seattle. That's four safeties in the first round.<br />
<br />
With the 31st Selection, the Broncos select...I'm gonna guess someone to protect their old balls Quarterback. And I'm wrong again...they picked <a href="http://www.nfl.com/draft/2014/profiles/bradley-roby?id=2543505" target="_blank">CB Bradley Roby from Ohio State</a>. He was the one corner out of the top 5 that I didn't want the Chargers to take, because he played very inconsistent. He's all kinds of talented though.<br />
<br />
Seahawks are up! Let's see if I can get another pick wrong... Maybe a WR? The Lee kid from USC?<br />
-Hear that the Vikings are thinking of moving up, by Trading with Seattle to get a QB. Teddy Bridgewater? Derek Carr?<br />
<br />
And the Vikings have moved up, and Twitter is saying it's for <a href="http://www.nfl.com/draft/2014/profiles/teddy-bridgewater?id=2543465" target="_blank">Teddy Bridgewater</a>. And that is the pick.<br />
<br />
He was my favorite of the three quarterbacks taken in the first round. And he'll fit Norv's offense much better than Bortles or Manziel.<br />
<br />
OK, I'm done. Maybe tomorrow, I'll do a quick update or something...but for tonight...I'm done.<br />
<br />
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<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>coacharminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15407896015412951879noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1910563751347530667.post-74979482478883405412014-04-13T16:58:00.000-05:002014-04-13T16:58:55.136-05:00Hail to the ... Huskies?So, if you are anything like me, I would bet that you didn't have UCONN winning the national championship this year in the NCAA Tournament.<br />
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<br />
In fact, I had them winning 2 rounds, and then losing in the sweet 16. I knew they had a pretty good team this year (but not great). I knew they had a great player is Shabazz Napier. I knew they had a former player (Kevin Ollie) as head coach. And, I knew they had spent last season ineligible for the NCAA Tournament.<br />
<br />
That's about all I knew.<br />
<br />
So I was surprised when the Huskies won it all. But not too surprised. Because the college basketball NCAA Tournament is a crapshoot and a half. Just this year there were an 8 seed and a 7 seed playing in the title game...so not such a big story.<br />
<br />
However, you know what a BIG story is? How the University of Connecticut is now, PERHAPS, the most powerful men's BB program in the nation? <br />
(<i><a href="http://www.uconnhuskies.com/sports/w-baskbl/conn-w-baskbl-body.html" target="_blank">Their women's team is undoubtedly the best program in the nation</a></i>)<br />
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Don't believe me?<br />
<br />
Well, since 1999. <u>The UCONN Men have won 4 National Championships</u>.<br />
Duke has won 2.<br />
North Carolina has won 2.<br />
Kentucky has won 1<br />
Kansas has won 1<br />
Louisville has won 1<br />
Michigan State has won 1<br />
UCLA has won 0<br />
<br />
So the University of Connecticut Huskies have won as many titles in the past 16 seasons, as Duke, North Carolina, and UCLA...COMBINED.<br />
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Not bad for a University that was once joked about on Cheers. (Rebecca Howe mentioned that she was a graduate of the University of Connecticut...and Norm Peterson mentioned that they were big fans of their basketball team "the fighting tax accountants".) (PS... I can't remember if he called them tax accountants or tax attorneys, or what...but I couldn't find it online...but I clearly remember the University of Connecticut joke)<br />
<br />
In fact, when you look back at what Coach Jim Calhoun accomplished...it's quite remarkable. Calhoun was hired by UCONN in 1986. While UCONN was a member of the powerful Big East Conference, they were pretty much perennial 'cellar dwellars'. Coach Calhoun changed all that. In 1990, they won the Big East Tournament for the first time (Which.... by the way, I totally watched that game), and Coach Calhoun was named the National Coach of the year that time.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coach Calhoun took UCONN from a joke to a perennial contender.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
By 1999, he had won the first of 3 National Championships he would gather while running the Huskies. Calhoun was known for being cantankerous and difficult and a general pain in the butt...but he was a great coach. In his time at Connecticut, he would win 8 conference championships, 7 conference tournament championships...and sending 27 different players to the NBA.<br />
<br />
Even more remarkable, when you think about it...UCONN had no tradition going for it...no National Titles, no name recognition, no glamorous location (It's located in Storrs, Connecticut). Not quite the recruiting draw that it would be at places like UCLA or Duke, or heck... any of the traditional powers.<br />
<br />
So the next time you consider the "blue bloods" of the college basketball landscape, the Kentucky Wildcats, the Kansas Jayhawks, the UCLA Bruins of the world.... You should include UCONN. They deserve it.<br />
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<br />coacharminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15407896015412951879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1910563751347530667.post-56484917497074209182014-04-02T19:17:00.000-05:002014-04-02T19:17:44.385-05:00How I Met Your Series Finale<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So, <a href="http://www.cbs.com/shows/how_i_met_your_mother/" target="_blank">How I Met Your Mother</a> ended on Monday evening, after 9 seasons. Most of which were pretty darn good (the last one excluded). It all built up towards this finale...as the main character, Ted still had never actually "met" the 'Mother' (even though we had been introduced to her character this season).<br />
<br />
It was.... Disappointing.<br />
<br />
I'm not going off the deep end, and I'm not ranting and raving or upset about it. After all, it's just a TV show. And a pretty superficial and silly one at that.<br />
<br />
I can kind of understand the reasoning behind the ending (Spoiler Alert...skip the Next paragraph in italics if you don't wants to know.)<br />
<i>In the final episode...Barney and Robin marry, Ted and the Mother meet, Barney and Robin get divorced, the Mother and Ted have 2 children but don't get married for several years (weird?), and the Mother dies...and the show ends with Ted's children imploring to go after their Aunt Robin.</i><br />
<br />
According to sources, show creators <a href="http://how-i-met-your-mother.wikia.com/wiki/Carter_Bays" target="_blank">Carter Bays</a> and <a href="http://how-i-met-your-mother.wikia.com/wiki/Craig_Thomas" target="_blank">Craig Thomas</a>, shot the final scene with the children during season 2. So they have known for a LONG, LONG, time how they planned to end the show. And, on some level... I understand it. The show was continually...year after year...<br />
<br />
OK, IF YOU HAVEN'T WATCHED THE SHOW YET...THE REST OF THIS POST IS A SPOILER...SO GO WATCH IT...IT'S STREAMING ON CBS.COM RIGHT NOW<br />
<br />
The show was continually about Ted being in love with Robin. He was in love with Robin from the first episode. He was in love with Robin when they were dating. He was in love with Robin when she was dating other people. In fact, one of Ted's ex's (Victoria) flat out told him that he needed to get rid of Robin if he was going to move on. She was right. Over the years he was with The Mother, Robin was never around, and was traveling the world...she wasn't there.<br />
<br />
So I get it.<br />
<br />
And the show... WAS... Technically, called... How I MET Your Mother. He was telling the kids how he met their Mother, and we learned she had been gone for six years already.<br />
<br />
HOWEVER... I didn't like it. I understand it, but I don't like it.<br />
<br />
1. You just spent an ENTIRE season...ridiculously, spread out over three days. And then in the last episode, you jump forward,.. year after year roll by within minutes. <br />
2. As mentioned, this ENTIRE season has been spent on Barney and Robin's wedding and marriage, and they were literally divorced in 10 minutes. What a waste of a season.<br />
3. Ted and Robin? Really? He let her go. Seriously. And actually. In This Very Nightmare of a Season...he stood and let a metaphorical balloon of Robin go. He let her go. He went out of his way to help Barney marry her.<br />
<b> If You Knew Ted Was Going To End Up With Robin, You Do Not Film That Scene!</b><br />
4. The Mother - We spend 8 years waiting to see a glimpse of her. Over the course of a season, she is gradually introduced to the gang (meeting all the characters, except for Ted) and we learn that she's just like Ted...and they are a perfect match. In fact, when he breaks the "3 days rule" to call her the day after the wedding...Lilly said "This time is different". It was different. And so, with this incredible character that was built up over 9 seasons, about how perfect and funny and adorable she was and we finally get to meet her...and you kill her off in a half hour?<br />
5. This is the equivalent of a young boy searching for a long lost pet...finally finding him, and then having him die. You don't do that.<br />
6. Why couldn't we have spent a little more time with the Mother? Every single person I know who watched the show actually liked the character, and the actress who played her.<br />
7. Why spread the entire season out over a weekend...and then throw together that rush of a mess of a Finale.<br />
<br />
I know that Series Finale's... especially comedy finales, are hard to do. <br />
<br />
The Friends finale was good, but c'mon...anything that series did that ended with Ross and Rachel together would have been good. Monica and Chandler could have died in a helicopter crash that fell on Joey and Phoebe, if Ross and Rachel would have gotten back together at the funeral, it would have been fine.<br />
<br />
Cheers had a great final episode...but at the time, it was universally panned.<br />
<br />
The Seinfeld finale is still hailed as a terrible episode..but was it? Really? I mean I catch it on re-runs every now and then...and there's alot of funny stuff in there. I just think people didn't like the idea of them going to jail. If they would have gotten off, and gotten to celebrate how they didn't care about other people...it would have been liked better.<br />
<br />
MASH had a great finale. But that wasn't a typical sitcom. Scrubs had a great finale (for the original scrubs...not the rebooted Med School Scrubs that they tried).<br />
<br />
Probably my favorite of any series finale was HBO's "Six Feet Under". Which was simply phenomenal.<br />
<br />
Anyway, I won't care too much about the HIMYM finale, because I legitimately enjoyed the show for 8 years. (Just not this past year).coacharminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15407896015412951879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1910563751347530667.post-49576840181419559962014-03-28T19:44:00.000-05:002014-03-28T19:44:57.361-05:00Year of the BuggJake Bugg, that is.<br />
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Jake Bugg is probably my favorite new artist of the past year or so.<br />
<br />
Most people probably have heard him, if they haven't heard of him. His song "Lightning Bolt" was the backdrop for this Gatorade commercial that ran constantly last spring and summer.<br />
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Jake Bugg's first Album, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Jake-Bugg/dp/B009B1UZ7C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1396051681&sr=8-1&keywords=jake+bugg" target="_blank">Jake Bugg</a>, was released to quite a bit of critical acclaim in late 2012. I remember laying in bed, and reading the review for the album...and it basically said he was a young, British, Bob Dylan.<br />
<br />
So I was a bit intrigued. So I listened to a couple of his songs on YouTube, and thought his album was worth a download. Let's just say this... it's amazing. To think that a 19 year old created an album with that much depth and talent is jaw dropping.<br />
<br />
I'd like to share a few of his songs here, and since most people have heard "Lightning Bolt", how about a few of them you probably haven't heard?<br />
<br />
My two youngest boys (ages 10 and 11) Love Jake Bugg, and this song "Taste It" is one of their favorites:<br />
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My personal favorite off the first album is "I've Seen It All".<br />
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And just so you don't think all his songs are basically uptempo acoustic... here's the example of a ballad.<br />
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<br />
So, you know...the kid is pretty talented. I was impressed, and I recommended him to anyone who would give him a listen.<br />
<br />
And then, this past September...he tweets out that his "second album is finished" and he released <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Shangri-La-Jake-Bugg/dp/B00FB029IU/ref=ntt_mus_dp_dpt_1" target="_blank">Shangri La</a> in November of last year.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Named Shangri La after the name of the studio he recorded it in.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Needless, to say... I was hopeful...but I was also a bit worried. I mean, he's still just a kid (20) now, and how could he have enough...what... experience? moxie? something... to pull off another album that came off as mature as his debut album.<br />
<br />
Except it was. It was just as good. Maybe better.<br />
<br />
A few of my favorites would include: "There's a Beast and we All Feed It"<br />
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There's also the extremely catchy "Slumville Sunrise"</div>
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<br />
and also: A Song about Love<br />
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Do yourself a favor...check him out. You don't have to buy the albums, if you don't want. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/JakeBuggVEVO/videos?sort=dd&view=0&shelf_id=1" target="_blank">Go to his youtube</a> channel...sample some songs... order a few of them, I doubt you'll regret it.<br />
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Whenever I'm working in my office, listening to songs...I usually have my Google play library open, and I just random play through all the music on there. Whenever Jake Bugg comes on...it always makes me smile. He's talented, he's enjoyable, and he has a unique sound to himself. <br />
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I'm hoping 2014 will be the "Year of the Bugg"<br />
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Also...just announced a few days ago...he's releasing a new four song ep, coming out soon...He's the title track from that... called "Messed Up Kids".<br />
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<br />coacharminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15407896015412951879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1910563751347530667.post-82065615543671978982014-03-17T13:19:00.002-05:002014-03-17T13:21:13.266-05:00Happy Birthday!Not only is it St. Patrick's Day, but it is also my wife's Birthday.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Birthday Babe!</td></tr>
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Hope everyone has a safe and happy St. Patricks day (and birthday!).coacharminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15407896015412951879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1910563751347530667.post-66023601484455290652014-02-20T10:45:00.001-06:002014-02-20T10:45:31.530-06:00Happy Birthday to Kurt CobainThe Nirvana front man would have turned 47 years old today.<br />
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Hard to imagine someone so young, with the odds of life stacked so against him, having a significant impact on society in such a short time.<br />
<br />
The recent passing of Philip Seymour Hoffman just serves as another reminder. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uh7l8dx-h8M" target="_blank">Drugs are bad. MMMkay</a>?<br />
I can't imagine the despair and difficulties that would draw someone to grab a heroin needle.<br />
<br />
I know Kurt didn't die from heroin, he took his own life. But it is widely documented that he struggled with heroin addiction, and nearly passed away from an overdose just a month or so before he actually died.<br />
<br />
Highly recommend the book by Michael Azerrad "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Come-As-You-Are-Nirvana/dp/0385471998" target="_blank">Come As You Are: The Story of Nirvana</a>" which documents the band's short time at the top, but also goes into the backgrounds and stories of the members of the band, with particular attention paid to Kurt. <br />
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<br />coacharminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15407896015412951879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1910563751347530667.post-49569628758836915272014-01-29T18:53:00.001-06:002014-01-29T18:55:01.724-06:00General Musings of the DoofusI haven't written anything in here in like, quite a while.<br />
<br />
So, let's see...what's going on in the world?<br />
<br />
The President's State of the Union Address was last night. I tend to avoid politics altogether. And you know why...because it's never ending. Obama spoke, and I thought what he said sounded good, but then the Republicans came on and said how everything Obama said was wrong. I used to think the same thing about President Bush...he'd speak and I thought what he said sounded good (although he's not nearly as good of a speaker as Obama), and then the Democrats would come on and say how everything Bush said was wrong.<br />
<br />
Whatever. I'm a moderate. I take pretty much both parties with equal size grains of salt. There's no way either side can be all right and all wrong. <br />
<br />
The Superbowl is coming up. Peyton Manning and his Broncos face the Seahawks and (I'm not sure who their marquee player is? Russel Wilson? Marshawn Lynch? Richard Sherman?) their complete team.<br />
<br />
It looks like it will be a great game on paper...#1 offense vs #1 defense. The Superstar aging QB vs an intense, young, and hungry defense. I'll probably cheer for the Seahawks, because #1 the Broncos are AFC West Rivals, and #2 I can never cheer for Peyton Manning. (I personally think it's some sort of envy stemming from when he was drafted first by the Colts, and the Chargers got stuck with Ryan Leaf).<br />
<br />
Motley Crue announced yesterday that they are retiring....cue all the "I thought they were retired already" jokes! But, before they go, they are going on a final tour...one last hurrah, if you will. I'm not their biggest fan, but once upon a time I liked them alot, and it's kind of sad seeing them go through this "publicity stunt" type event just to get some attention again.<br />
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The Weather has been in the news...guess what? It's Cold and Snowy! Nevermind the fact that it's January with February coming up and it's pretty much always cold and snowy in the winter. <br />
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Justin Bieber was arrested! And I'm not really sure why anyone cares...or why I brought it up here. (OK, fine, you caught me...I went to Google News after the Motley Crue thing, I was out of ideas)<br />
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I heard something on the news the other day, that teens and young people are fleeing Facebook by the millions. This is not surprising. Have you been on facebook lately? It's a bunch of old people showing pictures of their Grandkids. Frankly, I'd have given up facebook a few years ago...except for the fact that there are a few friends from college and HS on there, that I'd have no other way to keep in contact with...so I keep my account.<br />
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OK, that's it for me. Maybe I'll put something of some substance on here sometime soon.coacharminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15407896015412951879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1910563751347530667.post-60816939304406011392014-01-01T15:24:00.000-06:002014-01-01T15:24:58.374-06:00A Cold Day in Minsk<a href="http://cheers.wikia.com/wiki/Sam_Malone" target="_blank">Sam Malone</a>, the fictional Cheers bartender and owner... in one of my favorite episodes said that the next time he read a book to impress a babe, it would be "A cold day in Minsk."<br />
<br />
He said this after reading Leo Tolstoy's massive "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_and_Peace" target="_blank">War and Peace</a>", to impress Diane Chambers and one of her "snooty" professors.<br />
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How does this concern the self proclaimed Sports Doofus? Well, as part of a ridiculous deal I made with myself a few years back, I try to read at least one "classic" each year. Over the past few years I have read: "<a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CCwQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FLittle_Women&ei=NYPEUsjKDuOQ2QXRpoGQCA&usg=AFQjCNFQioVvQ2kgAphe6Xl8eKF71XGjXg&sig2=N2zxexLTJtR3chjtPzFjoQ&bvm=bv.58187178,d.b2I" target="_blank">Little Women</a>", "<a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&cad=rja&sqi=2&ved=0CEUQFjAC&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FCount-Monte-Cristo-Penguin-Classics%2Fdp%2F0140449264&ei=VIPEUpnqCOOv2wXlvYDIDA&usg=AFQjCNH7AIYVaDM6mJ5z-LTt8ydbbHiRYQ&sig2=v8B34DZG_sqd8M3xw5iZbg&bvm=bv.58187178,d.b2I" target="_blank">The Count of Monte Cristo</a>", and "<a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&cad=rja&sqi=2&ved=0CEQQFjAC&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FDon-Quixote-Miguel-Cervantes%2Fdp%2F0060188707&ei=bIPEUrnCI4qy2QWTloHQBg&usg=AFQjCNFbLMRcvGBlpG_8RetXXZ-mb4x6CA&sig2=9GU-8ckChrpG_xfV_OMBpQ&bvm=bv.58187178,d.b2I" target="_blank">Don Quixote</a>". (and a few others).<br />
<br />
Coming in at 1,296 pages, this has got to be close to the longest book I have ever read. (although there a few Stephen King books in that range).<br />
<br />
As I have noted many times before, I'm not a book reviewer, or a literary critic... but sometimes I like to talk about books.<br />
<br />
Well, what can I say about "War and Peace" other than it's long, like really long?<br />
<br />
It's a good book. It covers a number of Russian families (Most notably the Rostov's and the Bolkonski's), during the early 1800's in Russia. This is the time in which Napoleon was invading Russia. <br />
<br />
It was originally published in 1869, and was of course, originally written in Russian. The translated version that I read was the "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/War-Peace-Penguin-Popular-Classics-ebook/dp/B0033805UG/ref=sr_1_9?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1388609969&sr=1-9&keywords=war+and+peace" target="_blank">free version</a>" available from Amazon's Kindle store. <br />
<br />
Tolstoy rotates back and forth quite a bit in the book between the main characters, and their families, and their lives (in both war and peace time), and the action of the war itself...discussing the generals, and the strategies, and etc, etc...<br />
<br />
There's a little bit of everything in the story...death, destruction, love, temptation, adultery, financial trouble, criminal behavior, and basically anything you could imagine happening in a war torn nation.<br />
<br />
A couple of thoughts:<br />
1. I enjoyed the book. <br />
2. Would I have read it had it not been "free"? No, I would not have paid for it.<br />
3. I did gain a sense of "accomplishment" in finishing it. <br />
(after all, it took me pretty much 3 solid months to finish it...day after day after day)<br />
4. It was NOT an easy book to read. There are a TON of characters, many of whom disappear for hundreds of pages and then reappear.<br />
5. Do I recommend it? If you are a literary type...yes. If you are just a normal casual reader, probably not. Just watch one of the several movie versions, if you want to know what it's about.<br />
6. I am glad to be done. Whew! That took forever, and I'm ready to read some books that were written, you know, in this century.<br />
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Another Point of Interest: <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/books/2013/10/08/book-buzz/2946207/" target="_blank">War and Peace is going to be made into a Television Miniseries by the BBC</a> in the coming year. So, if you want to know the story without reading the massive tome... it is on it's way.<br />
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So while I am glad to be done reading about Pierre, Natasha, Nicholas, Mary, Andrew, Helene, and the rest... I am looking forward to seeing the BBC production, and also to see what they can do with such a massive original work to condense down to 6 episodes.coacharminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15407896015412951879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1910563751347530667.post-80303791931870563132013-12-01T15:22:00.000-06:002013-12-01T18:20:08.108-06:00Live Blog: Chargers/BengalsBecause I got a wild hair...it's time for a Live Blog!<br />
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Today's Matchup...San Diego Chargers and the Cincinnati Bengals.<br />
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Here's how this is going to go today...I'm going to type and save, and then "Publish" sporadically...probably about every half hour or so.<br />
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So, if you want to follow along... You can just read here, and then click refresh every half hour or so.<br />
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It's not very efficient...but then again, we are talking about a Chargers game here.<br />
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Fair Warning: Any and All Bengal fans.... I will be a HUGE Chargers homer. I won't lie, or even pretend to be fair or balanced, or anything of that nature...I'm a Chargers fan. I will blog as one.<br />
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Today's Game features the 7-4 Bengals, who are leading the AFC North and the 5-6 Chargers...who are in 3rd in the AFC West..and their only hope to make the playoffs is with a wildcard birth.<br />
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The Bengals have a good shot either way...Win the Division, or a Wildcard.<br />
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If the Chargers lose today...they are pretty much out of the playoff race.<br />
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Historically, the Chargers haven't fared well against the Bengals (using no scientific data whatsoever to back this up...it just feels like, in the past several times they have faced...the Bengals usually win).<br />
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Most of the World/Nation will be tuned into the Broncos/Chiefs game this afternoon...so this Blog has a chance to be the only documented record that this game actually occured. <br />
(I'm picking the Broncos in the other game...and I don't think it will be close. I could be wrong, but I don't trust that Chiefs team.)<br />
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The Game is Scheduled to start in about 5 minutes. Hold on tight. Feel free to text or tweet me during the game...I may include you in the blog.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let's Go Bolts!</td></tr>
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We've got Ian Eagle and Charger Hall of Famer Dan Fouts calling the game for CBS today. Also known as the combination of "The Bird and The Beard". I like Fouts as the color guy...but he is a Charger Hall of Fame player...and probably had the best NFL Beard of all time.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sportchange.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/dan-fouts.jpg?w=283&h=392" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://sportchange.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/dan-fouts.jpg?w=283&h=392" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fouts beard fears no man.</td></tr>
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Cincinnati burns a timeout on the first drive of the first half...that was werid. Don't see defenses calling time outs that early in the game.<br />
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Chargers gaining some decent yardage, early on so far. Although on all 3 first down plays...they have run the ball...this is kind of a pattern for the Chargers...they like to run on first down. And they do it alot out of the Shotgun. <br />
<br />
The Chargers decide to mix it up, and throw on first down, and run on 2nd and now they are in a 3rd and 10. What do I know? Rivers completes a pass to Gates for the first down, and he fumbles. The Bengals recover, and CBS goes to commercial.<br />
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I think Gates could have been down...but I didn't see the fumble very well, because I was typing the blog.<br />
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BTW, Twitter is abuzz about the Vikings Bears game...could be a tie? I refuse to turn the channel on the basis that I'm blogging this game. I think Gates was down...but then again, I'm an unabashed homer.<br />
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The ruling on the field of a fumble, recovered by the Bengals will stand as called. Not enough evidence to overturn it. Darn. The Bolts had a nice drive going there.<br />
<br />
T<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=the+red+rifle&oq=the+red+rifle&aqs=chrome..69i57j0j69i64l2.3111j0j7&sourceid=chrome&espv=210&es_sm=93&ie=UTF-8" target="_blank">he "Red Rifle</a>" takes the field. Andy Dalton has been struggling this year, but I am a firm believer that the Chargers woeful pass defense will be just what he needs to get off the schnide. Surprisingly, the Chargers hold the Bengals to a 3 and out on the first drive. <br />
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Ryan Mathews is running hard again today. He's been pretty good this year. He's not great, he's no superstar, and he's not going to put up big numbers week in and week out, but he's played well this year, and if he could stay healthy...he could end up making a lot of money in his next contract (probably NOT with the Chargers, however).<br />
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Bengals hold the Chargers...and we'll see Mike Scifres. I love Scifres. He's my favorite punter of all time. Honest, if I were to ever buy a jersey of a punter....it would be Mike Scifres # 5. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.spokeo.com/public/900-600/mike_scifres_2009_10_25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img.spokeo.com/public/900-600/mike_scifres_2009_10_25.jpg" width="197" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do I look like a punter, Punk?</td></tr>
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Plus, he actually looks like a football player (unlike most kickers)...and he kicked collegiately at <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&ved=0CC0QFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.goleathernecks.com%2FSportSelect.dbml%3FDB_OEM_ID%3D12000%26SPID%3D4963%26SPSID%3D50026&ei=lK-bUqzVD87qoASdyoLQDA&usg=AFQjCNFRLyyK0ALVCNQv03uv-NXgCooodw&sig2=IFV-JIzEUEUX8XU-Bd1LvA&bvm=bv.57155469,d.cGU" target="_blank">Western Illinois</a>...who is in the <a href="http://www.valley-football.org/" target="_blank">Missouri Valley Football Conference</a>, the home conference of my <a href="http://gojacks.com/" target="_blank">SDSU Jackrabbits</a> (Who incidentally<a href="http://www.argusleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2013312010029" target="_blank"> dominated Northern Arizona yesterday</a> in the first round of the FCS playoffs).<br />
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The Bengals are now moving the ball. That lost fumble by Gates may be one of the most important things to happen in the game...because the Chargers defense, just can't stop anybody.<br />
<br />
Just saw that Manning and Alex Smith each started their games off with an interception. So, the best Quarterback to play in Kansas City the past two weeks, is Philip Rivers? Right? I mean, he didn't throw any interceptions.<br />
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The First Quarter concludes, and it is 0-0. However, the Bengals are threatening...and will probably get a Field Goal at least...and that's if the Chargers can figure out a way to stop them...which they haven't on this drive.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=the+law+firm&oq=the+law+firm&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l5.2457j0j7&sourceid=chrome&espv=210&es_sm=93&ie=UTF-8" target="_blank">The Law Firm</a> punches the ball into the end zone on the first play of the second half, and the Bengals lead 7-0. Remember back in the first quarter, when the Chargers weren't behind? I liked that better.<br />
<br />
Impressive Drive by the Bengals there. Although... to be honest, the Chargers defense isn't very good. They can't rush the passer, they don't cover well, and they are pretty much a poor tackling team. Other than that, they are great.<br />
<br />
Phil Rivers and his new favorite target, Keenan Allen...just made a beatiful hookup to continue a drive on a 3rd and 10. Keenan Allen is special...I'm just gonna go out on a limb here. Play following that...Rivers hits LaDarius Green Down the seam for a TD... Novak kicks the XP, and we're all tied at 7.<br />
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They just showed Bengals DC Mike Zimmer on the sideline, I was actually a fan of him being hired as the Chargers head coach last season, when it was clear Norv Turner wouldn't be retained. I'm actually glad he wasn't interviewed, because I really like Coach Mike McCoy. But I do have an appreciated for Coach Zimmer...his defenses usually play pretty well.<br />
<br />
Chargers actually hold the Bengals to another 3 and out. A Manti Teo sighting on the first play, breaking up a pass(he's quietly been playing better), and an actual QB sack on 2nd down. Chargers get the ball back, but their decent field position is ruined by not 1 but 2 penalties, on the punt return.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=keenan+allen&oq=keenan+allen&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l5.2202j0j7&sourceid=chrome&espv=210&es_sm=93&ie=UTF-8" target="_blank">Keenan Allen</a>. I just can't help myself. He Good. Can not believe he wasn't drafted until the 3rd round. New General Manager Tom Telesco found a gem in that pick. Anyway, he just made another beautiful catch. But the drive stalls out...forcing Scifres to punt again...and it's downed inside the 5 yard line.<br />
<br />
BTW, Ian Eagle just mentioned that Scifres has the highest % of kicks downed inside the 20 yard line of any punter in NFL History. Don't you see why I want his jersey? The Mike Scifres Jersey! There should be a Kickstarter campaign for this...yes, buy me a Scifres jersey. <br />
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Unrelated Note: Mrs. Coach...who doesn't like "Dumb Comedies" just burst out laughing at the Anchorman 2 Commerical that was just on.<br />
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The Red Rifle just threw the ball about 50 yards downfield...right to San Diego Free Safety Eric Weddle. I'm not a Bengal fan but, What are you thinking, Andy? That was not a good decision. Thankfully, I am a Chargers fan...so.... good job. Weddle returned it to the 45 yard line...good field position for the Chargers.<br />
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Meanwhile, Peyton Manning has thrown 2 interceptions in Kansas City, and Philip Rivers has yet to throw any there. (also, as he played there last week...he's unlikely to throw any there this season)<br />
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2 minute warning, and the Chargers have a first down, on the Bengals side of the 50 yard line.<br />
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The Bengals defense rises up and shuts down the Charger offense though, and they are forced to punt. Bengals get the ball back inside the 20 yard line (thanks Scifres) with just under a minute to play in the half.<br />
-The Bengals play it conservative, so the Chargers burn a couple timeouts to get the ball back.<br />
-When they do get it back (after a great punt), they run a draw play for Danny Woodhead, and that's the half? Why burn the timeouts then? Hoping for a good punt return, I guess.<br />
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All tied up at 7 at half time. Pretty good game. Honestly, I think the Chargers have been playing better, moved the ball better anyway... but the score is tied, because of that Gates fumble.<br />
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I think we need a picture to "spruce up" the blog here. I just changed my facebook "cover" photo to this:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghc_y37HLhBkOrM0BNoupQJrNydFCDDTiy7q7uly9FoZdydQuwqOHVtOLrO6DfKePY5oI8OfbjB9F3JYTepBYnofdakhIuhQx7V6scEBcSKSNw8IRXUJhEyWNDQJhlrfJm4oynxrS_XIs1/s1600/committed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghc_y37HLhBkOrM0BNoupQJrNydFCDDTiy7q7uly9FoZdydQuwqOHVtOLrO6DfKePY5oI8OfbjB9F3JYTepBYnofdakhIuhQx7V6scEBcSKSNw8IRXUJhEyWNDQJhlrfJm4oynxrS_XIs1/s640/committed.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Go Big. Go Blue. Go Jacks!</td></tr>
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In other unrelated news: I'm playing some "Old Man Basketball" tonight at the gym. I hope I don't get injured. Just started my marathon training plan this morning. This leads to an interesting Question: What will there be more of... Points scored by the Chargers or Points scored by me tonight? If I was a betting man...I'd go with the Chargers at this point, even with only 7 points at half. It's been a long time since I've shot a men's size basketball.<br />
<br />
First Half Stats that matter: I drank 3/4ths of a pot of coffee in the first half by myself. I'm going to lay off the caffeine in the 2nd half, probably need to drink water in the 2nd half because I'm playing basketball tonight. Stupid Exercise.<br />
<br />
Bengals get the ball to start the 2nd half. They made it out to midfield, and there the Chargers decide to actually play some defense. Andy Dalton gets called for Intentional Grounding on the incomplete 3rd down pass...which saves the Chargers about 10 yards....Keenan Allen fair catches at the 17 yard line, so that could have been the 7... that penalty may be something. Anyway...Chargers ball, and I need to go get a glass of water.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
Through first series of second half, Andy Dalton is 8-for-13 for 62 yards, OT, 1 int. (41.2 rating).<br />
— UTKevinAcee (@UTKevinAcee) <a href="https://twitter.com/UTKevinAcee/statuses/407284459591835649">December 1, 2013</a></blockquote>
Chargers are mounting a nice drive here, but let's see if they actually get points out of it. <br />
-And right after I type that...Rivers hits Gates over the middle, and Dre Kirkpatrick rips the ball out of Gates hands on their way to the ground. Turnover. Bengals Ball. Gates has now lost the ball TWICE in Cinci territory, at least in Field Goal range. I know he's a future Hall of Famer and all, but Gatesy needs to pick it up.<br />
<br />
And, let me say this...if that goes down as an interception...that's a crime. because all Rivers did was throw a good, completed pass. His Target is the one who gave up the ball. Replay Review confirms...Bengals ball on the 25 yard line. Egads. It's hard being a fan of this team sometimes.<br />
<br />
The Chargers D just blew up a flea flicker near midfield. BGE looked to pitch back to Dalton, but held on, because a defender was back there. Gotta say, I love the flea flicker, and that was the perfect time to call it. 2nd and short...near midfield. Bengals convert on 3rd and short anyway. Now they are really rolling, and the Bengals are into FG range at the very least.<br />
<br />
And a TD pass from Dalton to AJ Green. The XP by Mike Nugent is good, and the Bengals lead 14-7. Green was so open on that play, even Andy Dalton could hit him. <br />
FB Message from my favorite Mailman: <span style="background-color: #edeff4; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;">The most open AJ Green has been all year.</span><br />
<br />
Let me make this proclamation right now...14-7, with 1:35 to go in the 3rd. I fully expect the Chargers to tie this game, and then turn around and lose in the most heartwrenching manner imaginable. It is the way of the Bolt.<br />
<br />
On 3rd and 5, the Bengals Blitz, and Rivers calmly steps up and hits Keenan Allen. Who wisely decided to NOT give the ball to the Bengals for no apparent reason. A Danny Woodhead draw play, and we are at the end of the 3rd quarter comes to a close.<br />
<br />
On an unrelated note: My lovely daughter is making us homemade pizza for us, from the kitchen. She's a peach.<br />
<br />
Another unrelated note: Just scrolled my twitter feed and someone had retweeted a quote from Coach K on there...this is common, I follow alot of coaches and people who follow his "twitter quote" account. Although I have to wonder...why don't they ever quote him the way he talks to his team in the huddle or the sideline? If the outside world knew how much he cursed at them, would he be as universally beloved? I doubt it.<br />
<br />
3rd and 10 at the Cinci 39 yard line...and throws incomplete for LaDarius Green...who was tackled by the Cinci defender while the ball was in the air. Which is legal today for Bengals, I guess. Here's the thing with Pass Interference...I know you can't call it on every play. However, if you see a guy falling down and he runs into the open receiver's legs...and then he falls down, and still almost makes a one handed catch...that's probably pass interference. I'm just saying. <br />
<br />
Anyway, Scifres punts...fair caught on the 9 yard line (Thanks Scifres!), and it's Cinci's ball.<br />
<br />
Bengals running back is tackled for a loss of 1 on the first play. Bengals called for holding, and the Chargers take the penalty? WTH? Instead of 2nd and 11, it's now 1st and 14. I don't like that decision. <br />
<br />
Ona 3rd and 3... Dalton hits his WR Hawkins in stride, and he takes it 50 yards downfield. Good Grief. My prediction of tieing the game isn't looking very good right now. C'mon Chargers...your season is on the line! 3rd and 6 from inside the SD 30, and Dalton calls a TO. Good. I need to pee.<br />
<br />
Mikw Nugent on to kick the 46 yard field goal, and it's "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTVDHnwlz5k" target="_blank">Wang Dang Sweet Poontang</a>" for Nugent. 17-7 Bengals lead...and privately my prediction of tieing the game before blowing it, is looking bleak.<br />
<br />
The Broncos now lead the Chiefs 35 to 21. (They trailed earlier 21-7...and one of those TD's was a Kick Return by the Chiefs) The Chiefs just aren't that good. I'm serious. I think they make the playoffs and lose in the first round. And, I think the Chargers will beat them in the 2nd matchup this season too.<br />
<br />
And then...as Keenan Allen breaks a long 3rd down gain...he fumbles the ball on his way to the ground. This is going to be reversed (he was called down on the field)...and the Bengals will get the ball. This is the curse of the blogger, because I wrote earlier that he didn't do that....now he does it. That's 3, count em, 3 turnovers by the Chargers on completed passes for decent gains in this game. And each and every one of them have been recovered by the Bengals. ARRGH! Frustrating! But what am I gonna do? (although my chance to outscore the Chargers tonight at old man basketball are getting better and better)<br />
<br />
The Mike Zimmer defense has done a great job against the Chargers today. Held them to 7 points. This after putting up 41 in Kansas City last week.<br />
<br />
And The Law Firm fumbles...and Eric Weddle recovers and returns it to the 43 yard line. Andy Dalton had to make the tackle. The Chargers aren't done yet! But they HAVE to score here. Marching now.<br />
-Woodhead, then Allen, then Woodhead, and they are near the 30 yard line. Or as I shall, rename it : The Fumble Zone. The Red Zone is the 20 and in...the Fumble Zone is the 35 yard line and in. (This designation will be for the Chargers only).<br />
<br />
Nick Novak drills a 48 yard field goal, and it's 17-10 Bengals. Chargers will kick it away and rely (gulp) on their defense to get a stop, and get the ball back in the last 4 minutes.<br />
<br />
In other news:<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
Keenan Allen has fifth 100-yard game of season, his second straight. Eight catches, 106 yards.<br />
— Michael Gehlken (@UTgehlken) <a href="https://twitter.com/UTgehlken/statuses/407298660053942273">December 2, 2013</a></blockquote>
I love Keenan Allen. I didn't love that fumble he just had a bit ago.<br />
<br />
Oh my Lord... Penalty on the Chargers Johnnie Troutman for a late hit, after the FG, and so the Chargers are kicking off from their own 20 yard line. Bengals are going to get great Field Position. They return it to the 34 yard line...that kickoff was Boomed too...it would have been a touchback. Let's see if the Field Position plays a factor in this. <br />
<br />
First play was a deep pass to AJ Green. Bengals approaching FG range already. That was really pathetic coverage by Shareece Wright of the Chargers. Bengals pick up another first down, and there's 3:02 to play, and they are in Field Goal Range...inside the 30 yard line.<br />
<br />
The Bengals are Riding the Law Firm down to inside the 10 yard line. And we've hit the 2 minute warning. The Chargers really needed 7 points, and not 3 on that previous drive. Those 3 turnovers by the Chargers, especially the two by Gates in Cinci territory, are HUGE right now. You have to think they cost SD at least 6 points (2 FG's)... which means this would be a very different game from a playcalling and strategy perspective.<br />
<br />
First and goal inside the 5 yard line, under 2 minutes to go, and the Chargers are out of timeouts. That will be your ball game. Andy Dalton takes a knee, and he will need to do so, only one more time.<br />
<br />
So long to the Chargers playoff hopes.<br />
<br />
I am going to sign off. Gotta eat some pizza and then get ready to play some old man Basketball. <br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>coacharminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15407896015412951879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1910563751347530667.post-91797767180348927512013-11-22T14:58:00.000-06:002013-11-22T14:58:16.193-06:00Want to feel old?I saw this on twitter yesterday.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
The baby on the Nirvana album is now 22 <a href="http://t.co/qTA7oC7BxL">pic.twitter.com/qTA7oC7BxL</a><br />
— Just so you Know (@Know) <a href="https://twitter.com/Know/statuses/403408971521720320">November 21, 2013</a></blockquote>
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Yep..</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Feeling old.</div>
coacharminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15407896015412951879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1910563751347530667.post-9217647570705234012013-11-18T18:21:00.000-06:002013-11-18T18:21:07.799-06:00The Last Time....So, in case you missed it this weekend, the <a href="http://t.co/PWR9iy9Yzb" target="_blank">SDSU Jackrabbits defeated the USD Coyotes</a> 27-12 this past Saturday.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxN2n7G-eTzcLTXyWY2kzd2QW578fJcg4vzVqkZKIw6UoEd2Zb2why_tMYYlUTWKi7CcZu8iSms7OPLSECtVqIYr70Ktw3KviZ_1T67hYg_xGnt5RAxysQVR2nmQ5t1GmUnyhZQ1-zzjo/s1600/south-dakota-state-university.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxN2n7G-eTzcLTXyWY2kzd2QW578fJcg4vzVqkZKIw6UoEd2Zb2why_tMYYlUTWKi7CcZu8iSms7OPLSECtVqIYr70Ktw3KviZ_1T67hYg_xGnt5RAxysQVR2nmQ5t1GmUnyhZQ1-zzjo/s400/south-dakota-state-university.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Justice indeed does still rule the galaxy.<br />
<br />
I got to thinking today, that since the series was suspended for about 9 years, because the Jackrabbits wished to move to Division I, and the Coyotes decided to stay Division II and become the "Princeton of the Prarie". (PS. How hilarious is that phrase now?)<br />
<br />
Anyway...as I was saying, since the series had been suspended for a while, and since SDSU had been winning most of the matchups before they quit playing(USD won just <a href="http://articles.aberdeennews.com/2011-02-17/sports/28553740_1_sdsu-campus-coughlin-alumni-stadium-usd" target="_blank">2 of the last 10 before the move up</a> in class)...it has probably been quite a while since the coyotes had beaten the Jackrabbits at football. <br />
<br />
So, I thought I'd look it up.<br />
<br />
The Date was: <a href="http://www.goyotes.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/110400aaa.html" target="_blank">November 4th, 2000</a><br />
<br />
Just for fun...the last time the Coyotes beat the Jackrabbits in football:<br />
<br />
The #1 Television Show for that TV Season was: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_most_watched_television_broadcasts#United_States" target="_blank">Survivor: The Australian Outback</a><br />
<a href="http://www.digitaldreamdoor.com/pages/best_billbord6.html" target="_blank">The #1 Song</a> was "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RQDIJ2CvbA" target="_blank">Come On Over </a>(All I Want is You) by Christina Aguilera<br />
<a href="http://boxofficemojo.com/yearly/chart/?asof=2000-11-04&view=releasedate&view2=domestic&yr=2000&sort=gross&order=DESC&p=.htm" target="_blank">The #1 Movie</a> was Mission: Impossible II<br />
<br />
<h3>
Things that did not exist in 2000.</h3>
The iPod (2001)<br />
The X Box (2002)<br />
The Blackberry (2002)<br />
Facebook (2004)<br />
Playstation 3 (2006)<br />
Twitter (2006)<br />
Wii (2006)<br />
iPhone (2007)<br />
Amazon Kindle (2007)<br />
Android Phone (2008)<br />
<br />
So yeah, I guess my point is...it's been awhile.<br />
<br />coacharminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15407896015412951879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1910563751347530667.post-33886899493451872592013-11-06T20:08:00.000-06:002013-11-06T20:08:07.580-06:00I Know Nothing<div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
"The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing."</div>
<div class="bq_fq_a" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<a href="http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/s/socrates.html" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 153) !important; text-decoration: none;">Socrates</a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.qkme.me/3tizuf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="208" src="http://i.qkme.me/3tizuf.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's totally us, dude!</td></tr>
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<div class="bq_fq_a" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
I consider myself to be fairly knowledgeable about professional football. (The National Football League, not the Premier League, I don't know much about soccer).</div>
<div class="bq_fq_a" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
What I mean is, although I'm no super fan (I don't download video from the league, I don't 're-watch' games to break down film, and I'm not 100% certain who is on my team's practice squad.</div>
<div class="bq_fq_a" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
However, I'm pretty well versed in all the schemes and trends of the league. I know the difference between a "pistol" set and a "shotgun" set. I know the difference between the 3-4 and the 4-3. I know the preferred personnel to run either scheme. </div>
<div class="bq_fq_a" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
I understand the difference between a shovel pass and a screen pass. I can name pretty much every player on my favorite team's roster (the chargers, and don't laugh at me, it's not polite). In addition, I can probably name the 3 deep depth chart at just about every position on the team (although that's difficult with the injuries they have had).</div>
<div class="bq_fq_a" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
When I watch the games I concentrate on what's happening as it unfolds, not just the result of the play. I notice the play-action fake... I notice the crucial block that gets a guy through a crease for a gain instead of a loss...I notice the qb staring down a wr before an interception, and I notice alot of near misses:...near tackles, near sacks, near catches, near fumbles.</div>
<div class="bq_fq_a" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
I enjoy the strategy of the game, always have. When I was a teen and you coach play the "coach mode" or "strategy mode" (I can't remember what it's called now) of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tecmo_Bowl" target="_blank">tecmo bowl</a>, where you just call the plays and watch...I was the only guy I knew who liked that. I played like 4 full seasons of the doomed <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NFL_Head_Coach" target="_blank">EA Sports NFL Head Coach</a> Video game. And that game sucked...but it was what I wanted. (I actually bought the second version of the game, too).</div>
<div class="bq_fq_a" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
In the 1990 season (when I was 20 years old and in college), when the pre-season booklets came out with the NFL Schedules...I filled out the Division winners, and the AFC and NFC Champion, and the Super Bowl champion. (I missed one Division winner, but I can't remember who it was). I predicted the Giants against the Bills in the Super Bowl back in August, and I was right.</div>
<div class="bq_fq_a" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
But I don't understand the NFL today.</div>
<div class="bq_fq_a" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
There is literally nothing you can count on. </div>
<div class="bq_fq_a" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
Week in and week out, there are things happening that don't make sense.</div>
<div class="bq_fq_a" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
For example: This past weekend the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (one of the worst teams in the league) played in Seattle against the Seahawks (one of the best teams in the league). The Seahawks also boast one of the league's best home field advantages, a great defense, and insane atmosphere to play football in...so easy win for Seattle, right?</div>
<div class="bq_fq_a" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
Wrong. They did win. But it wasn't easy. They had to battle back from behind (2 touchdowns behind), in the 2nd half to put the game into overtime.</div>
<div class="bq_fq_a" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
This isn't uncommon. It's the norm.</div>
<div class="bq_fq_a" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
The NFL does NOT make sense. </div>
<div class="bq_fq_a" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
Let's take the Indianapolis Colts season so far.<br />Week one: they beat the Raiders (OK, the Raiders aren't great, but they won)<br />Week two: they lose to the Dolphins (wait a sec... maybe the Colts aren't so good)<br />Week three: they beat the 49ers 27-7 (the niners were regarded as one of the league's top teams)<br />Week four: they beat the Jags (OK, so the Colts are pretty good)<br />Week five: they beat the Seahwaks (wait a second...the Seahawks are also very good)<br />Week six: they lose to the Chargers, only scoring 9 points (The Chargers are a .500 team, right)<br />Week seven: they beat the previously unbeaten Broncos (Wait...the Chargers just beat them right)<br />Week eight: they play the struggling Texans, and barely win... coming back from a 21-3 deficit at the half.</div>
<div class="bq_fq_a" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
Does this team make any sense at all? </div>
<div class="bq_fq_a" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
The Chiefs are 9-0.<br />(They went 2-14 last year) But they are 9-0. (Of course they play against back up quarterbacks nearly every week...and they haven't won impressively, except maybe against the Jags and the Raiders, but they are 9-0).</div>
<div class="bq_fq_a" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
2 Weeks ago, Nick Foles, the Quarterback of the Philadelphia Eagles, posted a QB rating of 46 and only completed 37% of his passes....against a Dallas Cowboys defense that had already given up 400 yards passing 4 different times this season. (So he must stink then, right?)</div>
<div class="bq_fq_a" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
So last week, against the Raiders...he goes out and throws 7 Touchdown passes, completing 78% of his passes, and posts a QB rating of 158.3. (Which is basically a perfect score in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passer_rating" target="_blank">QB Rating</a>)</div>
<div class="bq_fq_a" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
What I'm saying is... I don't know anything.</div>
<div class="bq_fq_a" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
The game is too complex. There are too many moving parts. There are too many "almost" plays...in each and every game, for it to be predictable in any way, shape, or form.</div>
<div class="bq_fq_a" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
So next time you hear someone complaining about their coach's play calling...just shake your head and agree. Because someone who spends a few hours on Sunday afternoon must certainly know more who lives and breathes the game his entire life, right?</div>
<div class="bq_fq_a" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
It's just not a simple game. You can't predict what will happen. </div>
coacharminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15407896015412951879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1910563751347530667.post-38146864984599022092013-11-05T08:19:00.000-06:002013-11-05T08:19:54.634-06:00The Two MonksI've always loved this little story/parable. I thought I'd share it, since I haven't blogged anything in forever.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: large;">Two monks were on a pilgrimage. One day, they came to a deep river. At the edge of the river, a young woman sat weeping, because she was afraid to cross the river without help. She begged the two monks to help her. The younger monk turned his back. The members of their order were forbidden to touch a woman.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: large;">But the older monk picked up the woman without a word and carried her across the river. He put her down on the far side and continued his journey. The younger monk came after him, scolding him and berating him for breaking his vows. He went on this way for a long time.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: large;">Finally, at the end of the day the older monk turned to the younger one. "I only carried her across the river. You have been carrying her all day."</span></div>
coacharminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15407896015412951879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1910563751347530667.post-61419358243930694542013-09-11T19:17:00.001-05:002013-09-11T19:17:58.346-05:00Let us never forget.Almost embarrassing.<br />
<br />
I was just going about my day this morning, and I looked down on my watch on saw the date.<br />
<br />
September 11th.<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://ginacobb.typepad.com/gina_cobb/images/2007/04/29/september_11_burning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ginacobb.typepad.com/gina_cobb/images/2007/04/29/september_11_burning.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
And right then and there, I felt ashamed.<br />
<br />
And I also vowed to do my track workout this afternoon...which I had been actually considering skipping before I looked at my watch.<br />
<br />
It wasn't really anything...not anything at all actually, but it was me being free...enjoying some time doing something I love.<br />
<br />
Suck it terrorists.coacharminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15407896015412951879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1910563751347530667.post-36714678420897596412013-08-17T21:25:00.002-05:002013-08-17T21:25:25.851-05:00In defense of... HansonYep, these guys.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mamamia.com.au/wp-content/gallery/teen-crushes/hanson-young.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="http://www.mamamia.com.au/wp-content/gallery/teen-crushes/hanson-young.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Well actually, I should say "These Guys" because they are kind of grown up men now.<br />
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<a href="http://www.atlasjams.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/hanson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.atlasjams.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/hanson.jpg" width="312" /></a></div>
<br />
You know, the guys responsible for this:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/NHozn0YXAeE?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
I think we can all just cut Hanson a break, for a number of reasons:<br />
<br />
1. First of all, MMMBop is one of the catchiest tunes of all time.<br />
2. It's not Hanson's fault that they were young when they recorded it.<br />
3. I mean, that song is really catchy isn't it.... if you watched the video, you're humming it right now, aren't you. You know you are.<br />
4. Did you know that Hanson is STILL together? And putting out new music?<br />
Check out their <a href="http://www.hanson.net/site/sections/1" target="_blank">webpage</a>: They are actually on tour:<a href="http://www.hanson.net/site/sections/22" target="_blank"> Right Now</a><br />
5. Did you know, that they've made SIX studio albums, and that they are still recording?<br />
6. Their newest album"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zh8mQU-tNyM" target="_blank">Anthem</a>" was released this past June.<br />
7. The first single "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00D8KNK2E/ref=dm_dp_trk4?ie=UTF8&qid=1376789666&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Get the Girl Back</a>" actually cracked the VH1 Top 20 countdown a couple of weeks ago.<br />
<br />
Speaking of which... how do the Hanson Brothers sound these days?<br />
<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/zh8mQU-tNyM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
Actually, I gotta say...they sound pretty good.<br />
<br />
8. That "MMMBop" was one catchy song wasn't it? " I mean, between you and me, don't go spreading the word or anything, and I'm not proud of it or nothing....but that MMMBop, was one of the better pop songs I've heard. Just don't admit that to anyone else.<br />
<br />
9. Did you know the Hanson brothers make their own beer? Well, they do. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00D8KNK2E/ref=dm_dp_trk4?ie=UTF8&qid=1376789666&sr=8-1" target="_blank">MMMHops</a> from the guys who created MMMBop.<br />
<br />
10. So next time you hear someone rag on Hanson, or what a travesty it was for those young "kids" to dare to have a hit song, or what a piece of crap it was... You know in your heart, they are closet MMMBop fans, just like the rest of us. They just want you to think they don't like it, out of some sort of twisted superiority complex.<br />
<br />
So, next time you hear "MMMBop" or "Get the Girl Back" on the radio, go ahead and turn it up, and don't worry about who can hear it.<br />
Go see them in concert, buy a poster or a t-shirt, download the new album, purchase a sixer of MMMHops...wear your Hanson Badge with pride..because, there's really nothing to be ashamed of anyway.coacharminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15407896015412951879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1910563751347530667.post-31225363719969552832013-08-16T22:45:00.000-05:002013-08-16T22:45:41.029-05:00Bolts/Bears BreakdownThis isn't really a live blog...not like I normally do.<br />
<br />
I just watched the game on my DVR, with a pen and notebook, and jotted down some comments, some of which are snarky, along the way.<br />
<br />
I'm a terrible Chargers homer, and most of my comments are based as such. I don't even pretend to be "journalistic". Just a doofus with a keyboard.<br />
<br />
Dennis Leary does the intro welcoming us to Monday Night Football on Thursday night. Which I loved.<br />
<br />
Wonder if Dennis ever thought he'd be doing stuff like this back when he was doing this for a living:<br />
(warning: inappropriate language...and alot of it)<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/UrgpZ0fUixs?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Chris "Boomer" Berman is announcing this game, with Trent Dilfer as the color guy. Boomer is sporting some sort of strange plaid suit jacket...although the plaid stripes are Charger Blue.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
and the Camera goes to NEW San Diego Chargers Head Coach Mike<i> "Dammit Jim, I'm a Coach, not a Doctor!"</i> McCoy. He's looking sporty in a <a href="http://sports.cbsimg.net/u/photos/football/nfl/img22890427.jpg" target="_blank">Chargers Visor</a>. Graphic Says: 2nd youngest Head Coach in the NFL. I'm actually excited for the McCoy era, as a fan.</div>
<br />
Next up, NEW Chicago Bears Head Coach Marc Trestman...Trestman looks kinda <a href="http://www.trbimg.com/img-51f16209/turbine/chi-chicago-bears-marc-trestman-rosenbloom-201-001/600/600x468" target="_blank">like a computer nerd</a> (and yes, the irony of someone who works as a Technology Director calling someone a computer nerd is not lost on me....I'm just saying).<br />
<br />
Soldier Field playing Metallica's "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17HRV8k1YMw" target="_blank">For Whom the Bell Tolls</a>" before opening Kickoff. Nice Touch.<br />
<br />
Devin Hester with a great return to the 37 yard line, and we are underway.<br />
<br />
Jay Cutler has his "douche face" in Midseason form as he takes the field. Never really like Cutler, but I used to really despise the guy. Now that he's on the Bears, I really don't care so much. I think the thing that bugs me the most is just the way the guy looks.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://celebslam.celebuzz.com//bfm_gallery/2012/05/Jay%20Cutler%20Douche%20Finger/gallery_main/gallery_main-jay-cutler-douche-finger-03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://celebslam.celebuzz.com//bfm_gallery/2012/05/Jay%20Cutler%20Douche%20Finger/gallery_main/gallery_main-jay-cutler-douche-finger-03.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ladies and Gentlemen... it's Jay Cutler!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Cutler just has the look of the guy who got a brand new Trans Am from his parents when he passed his drivers exam. I have no qualms about his abilities as a quarterback, the guy can sling it, and he's played behind some terrible o-lines. Honestly, I don't even think his reputation would be so bad if he didn't look so.... douchey. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.ksk.uproxx.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/sulk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://cdn.ksk.uproxx.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/sulk.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jay Cutler doesn't care what you think.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
He's just got one of those faces, ya know? Like one of the cool kids, who thinks it's fun to pick on the underprivileged.<br />
Note: I'm not saying he is this way at all, I don't know the guy, or even know anyone who knows him, or ... you get the point. He just LOOKS that way. He's got a douche face. So tonight, I will call him that.<br />
<br />
Douche Face drops back to pass and is sacked and fumbles. Bears recover.<br />
Second pass, and the Douchemeister is sacked again...it's 4th and 24 for the Bears, and the Chargers D Line looks good, Corey Leguit is a beast-like person out there.<br />
<br />
Chargers go no huddle right away.<br />
<br />
Graphic Alert: Philip Rivers has the 7th most wins of active quarterbacks. That's a bit surprising.<br />
<br />
The Bears hold at midfield, but the protection for Rivers was pretty good.<br />
<br />
Douche Face retakes the field. And Matt Forte breaks a long, long, run down the lest sideline. Douche Face then throws a TD pass to Brandon Marshall and it's 7-0 Bears. (<i>Take that, dude who keeps calling me douche face!</i>)<br />
<br />
That was an impressive long drive by the Bears.<br />
<br />
And now, it's Rivers turn to get sacked. Rookie Right Tackle DJ Fluker was abused on that play.<br />
<a href="http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/Aug/10/dj-fluker-chargers-hurricane-katrina-tornado/" target="_blank">GREAT story</a> on Fluker in the San Diego Union Tribune. Really rooting for him, very uplifting story.<br />
<br />
Then Rivers is intercepted...on a play where the Chargers WR (Keenan Allen) is tripped and taken down by the Chicago defensive back...pretty obvious PI call there, in my opinion (and my opinion is biased).<br />
-The Play is under review...the ball may have hit the ground. Oh it did. Replay confirms. The Ref in the booth with Boomer and Dilfer also says this will be overturned...and the play is upheld. Of Course. So it's a Pass Interference No Call followed by a non-interception that is ruled an interception... I see how it is.<br />
<br />
Douchey McDoucherton takes the field and immediately throws and INT to Donald Butler. To be honest, I was expecting some sort of reveral on that, as no Charger touched intended WR Brandon Marshall, and Butler didnt' come close to touching the ground with the ball.<br />
<br />
A classic sideline Douche Face on return from commercial.<br />
<br />
Bolts come out in no huddle, and run the ball 4 straight times with Ryan Mathews...who is running hard, and wasn't injured on any of the 4 plays.<br />
<br />
Max Starks gives up a sack and Rivers fumbles, the Bears recover. Of course they do...because if we sack their QB and he fumbles, they pick it up and advance the ball a few yards... however, if they sack our qb our Charger players are perfectly happy to let the other team jump on the ball. The Bears are just mean.<br />
<br />
Forte scores and it's 14-0 to nothing and Cutler sends me a text that says "Who's the douche now?" (This MAY NOT have actually happened).<br />
-and the Chargers defense looked BAD on that drive.<br />
-and the O-Line looked bad on that last drive too.<br />
Bears...after a bit of a rocky start, look pretty good.<br />
<br />
Then, Richard Goodman muffs the kickoff, and spins around looking for it, he can't find it...and finally takes a knee about .374 or a second before a Bear takes his head off... you can't make this stuff up. Goodman better pick it up, he hasn't looked good this pre-season.<br />
<br />
and the first Quarter mercifully ends.<br />
-The Chargers start the 2nd quarter with some more no huddle, after the 1st down.<br />
-When Rivers has time to throw, he's so good. Staying no huddle for now.<br />
<br />
It takes a full quarter for Boomer to mention that both starting WR's for the Chargers are out. Donario Alexander tore his ACL, and Malcom Floyd hurt his knee this week..<br />
-and then Jeromy Clary gives up a sack.... that's 3 different Offensive Linemen already. <a href="http://s3.media.squarespace.com/production/882167/10851171/-If99X3wzpHM/TdkDpivbtTI/AAAAAAAAG_8/cjdbJqShr10/s1600/bill+s+preston.jpg" target="_blank"> Bill S. Preston, Esquire</a> would proclaim "Most Non-Triumphant".<br />
<br />
A Manti Te'o sighting... on the sideline, in a book. Sprained foot. The Chargers seem to always be among the most injured teams in the NFL. It's something I pretty much count on. Year in and Year out.<br />
<br />
Backups in for both teams at the skill positions now.<br />
<br />
The Bears Special Teams look phenomenal.<br />
-the Chargers, not so much.<br />
<br />
First a terrible return, then catch a break on a penalty that forces a re-kick.<br />
And then, Keenan Allen (Rookie WR who looks promising) fumbles the return...and of course, the Bears recover. Like I said before, the Bears are mean.<br />
<br />
The Bolts get the ball back, and <a href="https://www.google.com/webhp?hl=en&tab=ww#bav=on.2,or.r_cp.r_qf.&fp=1af70e12f74a2e98&hl=en&q=clipboard+jesus&safe=off" target="_blank">Clipboard Jesus</a> (Charlie Whitehurst) has taken the field! Perhaps he shall lead us to salvation. Probably Not. But "Clipboard Jesus" has to be the greatest nickname in the history of the NFL... or at least top 3. It's up there with "Night Train" Lane, and "Slingin" Sammy Baugh.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYjdgTpFIMFMY8Za55qIpD5zqCw2h2vYpAopPN1PoOBCFCp1o6CQF245PPX2We1mK92ZXyS8LlChhlnsJ1pmLEq-8q_Z2psbi7uRaHKle-gQS4kC62xQPUj-30pXHQnZAFw2aC5Edif0c0/s400/Charlie+Whitehurst.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYjdgTpFIMFMY8Za55qIpD5zqCw2h2vYpAopPN1PoOBCFCp1o6CQF245PPX2We1mK92ZXyS8LlChhlnsJ1pmLEq-8q_Z2psbi7uRaHKle-gQS4kC62xQPUj-30pXHQnZAFw2aC5Edif0c0/s320/Charlie+Whitehurst.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"No...Guys... Seriously...Why do they call me Clipboard Jesus?"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And Jesus does not save on this occasion. Whitehurst fumbles his first snap after entering the game, and of course the Bears recover, because...you know the rule... the Bears are mean.<br />
<br />
So, as a Chargers fan...we've had 4 Turnovers already and there's 5 mins to play in the first half.<br />
To sum it up in one word, that one word would be "Atrocious".<br />
-another FG by Robbie Gould and it's 20-0 Bears.<br />
<br />
Douche Face and Computer Nerd are really kinda rubbing it in, don't ya think?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5282/5322452401_684cddab3a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5282/5322452401_684cddab3a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And the Savior is resurrected! Whithurst leads the Bolts down the field ( kind of impressively) and Fozzy Whitaker runs it in for a TD. 20-7 Bears. Clipboard Jesus not only led the Chargers down the field for a Touchdown on that drive... he didn't spike himself. <br />
<br />
Now watch the Bears return this Kickoff for a TD.<br />
-OK, he only got to the 24, and there's a penalty for being offsides, on the Chargers of course...so they take over on the 29. The Bears have owned Field Position in this game. Hell, they've owned pretty much everything. They take a knee, and it's halftime.<br />
<br />
Yikes, that was depressing. Not even gonna lie, I know it's preseason, and the games don't matter, and teams don't gameplan (much), but that was depressing.<br />
<br />
The 2nd Half is ready to go...a bunch of <a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=FNG" target="_blank">FNG's</a> and people just trying to make the roster.<br />
-Pre-season football...it's Fabulous!<br />
<br />
Clipboard Jesus back out with the backup Offensive line who were terrible last week.<br />
<br />
MLB Jon Bostic of the Bears <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kD6h4tPNCk" target="_blank">just DESTROYED Mike Willie</a> of the Chargers. Just crushed it. <br />
-that hit was clean and brutal. Willies ears gotta be ringing after that one.<br />
<br />
The Bears fumble a punt return, and the Chargers recover. That's just not something I'm accustomed to seeing. And the fun of backups playing continues... 2 fumbled punts by backup returners already, and we're just into the 3rd quarter folks. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thesportsgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Charlie-Whitehurst.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://thesportsgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Charlie-Whitehurst.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You know I'm not holding a clipboard in any of these pictures, right?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Clipboard Jesus finds salvation in the End Zone with a strike to LaDarius Green for a TD. Green had a TD last week too, and he's one Charger who has actually looked good this preseason (and in camp too, from reports).<br />
<br />
And the Bears almost return the Kickoff for a Touchdown. I was one too early on my prediction...Nice hustle by someone on the Bolts to catch him, I'm too lazy to look it up. Michael Bush runs the ball in for the Bears, and it's 27 to 14.<br />
-and the Chargers return their kickoff, comparatively, to the 13 yard line.<br />
<br />
After a Charger punt, a random Boomer quote, "#1 punting to #11". OK. Thanks for that Boom. <br />
<br />
2 straight plays with Bears penalties. Backup Football Rules! 4th and 32 for the Bears.<br />
<br />
CBJ (Clipboard Jesus, I'm getting tired of typing that out...it's really not any shorter than Charlie Whitehurst), throws another Touchdown pass. He's playing much better tonight than last week, and it's 21-27.<br />
-I hope next possession, Rookie QB Brad Sorensen gets in.<br />
<br />
Another Kick Return for the Bears out past the 30 yard line. I am not joking. It's like the teams are playing 2 different games on Special Teams.<br />
<br />
DJ Smith has looked pretty solid at ILB for the Bolts. Something to keep an eye on, especially with Te'o's injury.<br />
<br />
You gotta love the Bears fans, it's 3rd quarter, in the pre-season...and they are cheering on their backups, doing the wave...Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego would be half empty by now. Soldier Field is Rocking.<br />
<br />
And another Manti Te'o segment, because we haven't heard anything about this kid, and his personal life. And we certainly need a 2nd segment on a player not playing tonight because of precautionary measures.<br />
<br />
And Sorensen takes the Field! Yes! I like this kid from Southern Utah. I watched him almost lead his Thunderbirds to a miraculous comeback against my SDSU Jackrabbits a few years back. He looked good last week.<br />
<br />
And the Bears, block a punt. You can't make this stuff up. Don't forget our recurring theme tonight...The Bears are mean.<br />
<br />
Man, the Bears hit hard! Both on Defense, and Special Teams. Just some big shots going on out there.<br />
<br />
Sorensen and Ed "Rock" Baker lead the Chargers on a nice drive, and Sorensen throws a TD pass to Mike Willie and it's 28-30. I have to say, the Bolts Backups look much better tonight than last week, when Seattle just took it to them.<br />
<br />
But the Special Teams have been atrocious, in about every conceivable way, both games this PS. Hold your breathe, there is a Kickoff coming.<br />
<br />
The Bears win. Final score 33-28.coacharminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15407896015412951879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1910563751347530667.post-46970939856441779842013-07-22T15:48:00.000-05:002013-07-22T15:53:11.016-05:00A Bridge Worth CrossingAnyone out there seen the new television series on FX, <a href="http://www.fxnetworks.com/thebridge" target="_blank">"The Bridge"</a>?<br />
<br />
It's just my humble "Sports Doofus" Opinion, but you should really check it out.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.fxnetworks.com/_images/FX_BRD_shows_thumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.fxnetworks.com/_images/FX_BRD_shows_thumb.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Bridge airs Wednesdays at 9 pm Central.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Bridge is actually based off of a Danish/Swedish TV series called<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bridge_(Danish/Swedish_TV_series)" target="_blank"> Bron</a>.<br />
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Here is a brief breakdown of what "The Bridge" is about, according to Wikipedia: <i style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.1875px;">The Bridge</i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.1875px;"> follows two police detectives – one Mexican, one American – and their joint effort to investigate a serial killer menacing both nations along the </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas" style="background-color: white; background-image: none; color: #0b0080; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.1875px; text-decoration: none;" title="Texas">Texas</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.1875px;">–</span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chihuahua_(state)" style="background-color: white; background-image: none; color: #0b0080; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.1875px; text-decoration: none;" title="Chihuahua (state)">Chihuahua</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.1875px;"> border.</span><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Deadline_1-2" style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 1em; unicode-bidi: -webkit-isolate;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bridge_(2013_TV_series)#cite_note-Deadline-1" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;">[1]</a></sup><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.1875px;"> Their investigation is complicated by the rampant corruption and general apathy among the Mexican authorities and the violence of the powerful borderland drug cartels.</span><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-FX_2-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 1em; unicode-bidi: -webkit-isolate;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bridge_(2013_TV_series)#cite_note-FX-2" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;">[2]</a></sup><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.1875px;"> The show title refers to the </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridge_of_the_Americas_(El_Paso_%E2%80%93_Ciudad_Ju%C3%A1rez)" style="background-color: white; background-image: none; color: #0b0080; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.1875px; text-decoration: none;" title="Bridge of the Americas (El Paso – Ciudad Juárez)">Bridge of the Americas</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.1875px;"> that serves as a border crossing between </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Paso,_Texas" style="background-color: white; background-image: none; color: #0b0080; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.1875px; text-decoration: none;" title="El Paso, Texas">El Paso</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.1875px;">, Texas and </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ciudad_Ju%C3%A1rez" style="background-color: white; background-image: none; color: #0b0080; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.1875px; text-decoration: none;" title="Ciudad Juárez">Juárez</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.1875px;">, Chihuahua, the setting of the series.</span><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-FX_2-2" style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 1em; unicode-bidi: -webkit-isolate;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bridge_(2013_TV_series)#cite_note-FX-2" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;">[2]</a></sup><br />
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There have only been two episodes so far, but they have got me completely hooked already. Both lead actors are very good. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diane_Kruger" target="_blank">Diane Kruger</a> (famous from the "<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0368891/" target="_blank">National Treasure"</a> movies) plays the American Detective, Sonya Cross, who has Asperger syndrome. Her counterpart, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demi%C3%A1n_Bichir" target="_blank">Demian Bichir</a> (who was nominated for an Academy Award for <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Better_Life" target="_blank">A Better Life</a>), plays the Mexican Detective, Marco Ruiz. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.thedailybeast.com/content/dailybeast/articles/2013/07/10/the-bridge-fx-s-new-u-s-mexican-border-thriller/_jcr_content/body/inlineimage.img.503.jpg/1373445933007.cached.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn.thedailybeast.com/content/dailybeast/articles/2013/07/10/the-bridge-fx-s-new-u-s-mexican-border-thriller/_jcr_content/body/inlineimage.img.503.jpg/1373445933007.cached.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detectives Cross and Ruiz are the centerpiece of this show.</td></tr>
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The give and take between these two vastly different detectives: Mexican and American, Male and Female, Veteran and Youngster, Laid Back and Aspergers... really makes the show enjoyable. The supporting actors (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ted_Levine" target="_blank">Ted Levine</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_Lillard" target="_blank">Matthew Lillard</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annabeth_Gish" target="_blank">Annabeth Gish</a>) are all solid as well, and did Lyle Lovett make a surprise appearance as an attorney in episode two? Yes, he did. Lillard is particularly enjoyable in his role as a "down on his luck" alcoholic reporter, who has apparently drank himself from the New York Times to the local El Paso newspaper.<br />
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It's a good show, and it's good on many levels. It's a murder mystery, it's a statement on race relations, it's a statement on living (and working) with a behavior disorder, it's all of these things. <br />
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Anyway, if you are like me, and enjoy good television series with strong writing and good performances, you should watch The Bridge. I think you'll like it.<br />
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If you want to catch up on the first two episodes, you can watch them online <a href="http://vod.fxnetworks.com/watch/thebridge" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.cmgdigital.com/shared/lt/lt_cache/thumbnail/400/img/photos/2013/04/01/b8/60/the_bridge_fx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media.cmgdigital.com/shared/lt/lt_cache/thumbnail/400/img/photos/2013/04/01/b8/60/the_bridge_fx.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check it out, it's really, really good!</td></tr>
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coacharminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15407896015412951879noreply@blogger.com1