Reflections on 2006

Last year I started a "favorites" list for the previous year. As we put another one behind us, I like this way to reflect and record what made an impact on me. These aren't anything serious and it's not a reflection of the years events .... news programs can do that.

2006 Bests and Favorites:

TV Show: Grey's Anatomy & Family Guy (tie)

New TV Show: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip

CD: Let Love In ~ Goo Goo Dolls

Song: Without You Here ~ GGD & 155 (+44) (tie) 155 is a song from Mark Hoppus' new band (+44).

Movie (in theaters): The DaVinci Code (I didn't see many)

Rental: RENT (It changed my CD rotation--I listened to it 45 days straight and the movie makes me cry every time!)

Football player: Packers Aaron Kampman

Football player I wish I could watch more: Saints' Drew Brees

Biggest Surprise: Chad Pennington and the New York Jets

I'll turn the channel if ______ is on: a Jessica Simpson commercial, Two and 1/2 Men and any Nick Lachey song

Celebrity I'm sick of: Mel Gibson

Best Gift Given: Beauty & the Beast Soundtrack to Mom

Best Gift Received: RENT Christmas gift from Mom

Wine: 15 bottles, Favorite: Muscat Cannelli from San Francisco trip that I opened on my year anniversary at work.

Most enjoyable new tradition/habit: Reading the Sunday Comics during Monday night's supper

Commercial: Peyton Manning's MasterCard commercial where he cheers on the regular people ("Rub some dirt on it!")

Traveling: week stay at the Hilton in Chicago and dining 80 stories up.

KoL Moment: Ascending in 15 days--fastest run yet, reaching 500,000 meat & getting a ghost pickle on a stick

Happy New Year everyone! Best wishes for 2007.

Packer Post -- Installment 50

December 21, 2006: Vikings at Packers
Sorry folks, this was aired on the NFL Network, and since we don’t have any form of cable I was out of luck. It’ll be nice for the nice folks in the broadcasting world to work out a deal so the Official Packer stations could share the game with our Central Wisconsin ones so the rest of us could watch the Packers.

Here’s the AP Story…always good to get a win (and SWEEP!) over the Vikings.
http://www.packers.com/news/stories/2006/12/21/2/

* First Quarter: 3-0 ~ Packers *
* Second Quarter: 6-0 ~ Packers *
* Third Quarter: 6-7 ~ Vikings *
* Fourth Quarter: 9-7 ~ Packers *

December 17, 2006: Packers at Lions
DE-Cullen Jenkins starts instead of DE-Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila. Packers start the game with a defensive battle. Jenkins and DT-Colin Cole sack QB-Jon Kitna. Lions recover a Packers fumbled snap, but CB-Al Harris intercepts a tipped pass.

TE-David Martin drops two touchdown passes and Packers settle for a 24-yard field goal. Jenkins finishes the quarter with another sack.

* First Quarter: 3-3 ~ Tie *

CB-Jamar Fletcher intercepts a Favre pass in the redzone. Packers lose a Driver catch to coach’s challenge. TE-Donald Lee gets enough yardage for the first down—15 yards purely from his second effort. Favre to Driver for another first down and Morency scores a touchdown off a 14-yard rush.

* Second Quarter: 10-3 ~ Packers *

A couple of penalties stop a Packers drive and former Packer LB-Paris Lennon intercepts another ball in the end zone.

* Third Quarter: 10-6 ~ Packers *

CB-Dre Bly intercepts Favre in Packer territory, but all the Lions can eek out of it is a K-Jason Hanson field goal. Morency gets the Packer touchdown and Lambeau Leap

Packers rack up six sacks and the win.

* Fourth Quarter: 17-9 ~ Packers *

December 10, 2006: Packers at 49ers
49ers get on the scoreboard first with a 24-yard field goal. RB-Frank Gore broke off a 73-yard run, setting it up. Gbaja-Biamila and S-Marquand Manuel miss tackles as Gore powered his way through.

The Packers offense answered on the next drive, Morency set up good yardage with a rush to the 36. Favre connected to Driver for 23 yards and threw a 36-yard touchdown pass to WR-Ruvell Martin for his first career touchdown.

Special teams come up with a good play as CB-Patrick Dendy downs the Packer punt on the two-yard line. Gore fumbles on the next play and the Packers recover.

* First Quarter: 7-3 ~ Packers *

Green gets the touchdown run.

* Second Quarter: 17-6 ~ Packers *

Collins picks off 49er QB-Alex Smith in the second half. Favre hits Driver on a 68-yard touchdown strike. In his excitement, Favre rushed downfield 68 yards, picked Driver up over his head, bench pressed him and carried him to the sidelines.

The defense gets the ball back for the Packers with a Kampman sack and Hawk interception in the end zone, but the offense is only able to get field goals out of the possessions.

* Third Quarter: 24-13 ~ Packers *

Favre throws a block (that really doesn’t do anything, but it’s the thought that counts) on a 38-yard rush by Morency.

The 49ers take a knee with one minute left in the game.

* Fourth Quarter: 30-19 ~ Packers *

NFL News (but not from today)
Denver Broncos Rookie QB-Jay Cutler was welcomed to the NFL with two fumbles and two interceptions.

Carolina Panthers QB-Jake Delhomme is out for the season with ligament damage in his right thumb, replaced by Chris Weinke.

College News: Ohio State University QB-Troy Smith received 87 percent of the No. 1 votes for the Heisman Trophy, winning by the largest margin in history.

Broken Records
San Diego Chargers RB-LaDanlian Tomlinson scores 26 rushing touchdowns, the new record for the most in a season, eclipsing Seattle Seahawks RB-Shawn Alexander’s record set last year. Tomlinson dubbed “best football player.” (Note: not running back, the man is a powerhouse: runs, catches, throws nothing but touchdowns.)

Atlanta Falcons QB-Michael Vick reached 907 rushing yards—most rushing yards in a season by a quarterback. This continues my belief that Vick is an amazing football player, not so much a complete quarterback.

Falcons K-Morten Anderson scored 2,437 points in his 24-year career—breaking K-Gary Anderson’s record.

New Orleans Saints QB-Drew Brees is on pace for a 4,000+ yard season, and MVP Buzz.

Dallas Cowboys WR-Terrell Owens spit in the face of his friend Falcons DeAngelo Hall in the Cowboy 10 point victory. The incident happened away from the play, Owens said he was frustrated by DeAngelo’s constant smack talk and apologized on the NFL Network—later recanted saying it never happened.

Commentary
The color guys during the Pcaker-49er game questioned the effect Favre’s extended tenure would have on the development of QB-Aaron Rodgers. Their general argument is the front office doesn’t have confidence in Rodgers; otherwise, they’d have put the reigns in his hands.

My opinion is learning behind Brett Favre could never be a hindrance. Look at all the successful quarterbacks to come from behind Favre or any other great quarterback—Tony Romo, a three year back up (not to mention that guy from San Francisco Steve Young) are prime examples.

This is an opportunity to makes young quarterbacks smarter, more able to win games and manage the challenging times when their team is behind. This year Favre was able to help teach the players to stick through it, finish plays and not give up during games. Now they’re learning to win. In a “Win Now” league I don’t know if they have a better chance winning Favre vs. Rodgers—but I think Favre will hang up his cleats when the day comes that he isn’t helping them win.

And put away any thoughts of Favre going to a different team. Like I said, Win Now. If he’d go put on someone else’s colors, he’d have to win. To do that he’d need to learn a new offense, new coaches and new players. There’s no guarantee there’d be “W’s” in his future.

And he knows that.

A Mix of Obligation, Stupidity and Disregard for Others

So here I am again.

As I grow older, I seem to have mixed reactions about the holidays. I love doing the gift-giving and getting together with loved ones. It's the general large gathers of family that I'm not enjoying anymore. We don't go because we can't wait to see people. We go because we have to. And I'm getting sick of that.

I was able to get out of going to Christmas Eve this year. Each year we would go to church and then to Grandma & Grandpa O's for presents and food. Well after I turned 18 the presents dried up--okay that sounds really bad and it's not like I ever got anything good anyway. Last year there wasn't enough chairs so my mom and I stood half the night. Then we got to sit between the fridge and dishwasher. No one said anything to us. Then as we were leaving grandma asked me "do you really liked your hair like that?" No how is work? Congratulations on graduating college, what are your plans for life? Nothing. For whatever reason I've always been lower class in that family.

Now since we've been gathering at the Lions Shelter, Christmas with the K's isn't that fun either. It's always freezing there, too loud, too many kids running around (literally running from one end of the building to the other) and families mostly stay within their own little pack without interacting.

Families are where you feel you belong. I don't feel like that with either group. In fact, I dread the afternoon of Christmas, and can't wait to get home. I love the Kilty side, but would rather it be in a different place or visiting each family separately.

Sorry that's so blue, but sometimes it feels good to expel the truth.

We went shopping today, and the baltent disregard people have for others is just unbelievable. My mom parked in a part of the parking lot that wasn't even a space--I'm just running in quickly, we do it all the time, she said. No freaking way.

Then, in a shopping aisle where there's hardly room for one cart about three idiots have their carts. This was the clearance Christmas stuff so there were about eight people in each aisle plus three carts and no place to move. I mean, seriously people.

I ducked and slithered and glared a few times. I did not elbow anyone and I even said excuse me a few times. But some people are a mix of stupid and inconsiderate. And should be smacked.

Magical Gift Cards of Christmas

So, this is my 101st post. It took a couple of days to finally post again, but no specific writing buds have come to me.

On a KoL note, I finally received a tiny plastic from my Spooky Advent Calendar ~ whoo! It's a Tiny Plastic Gift-Wrapping Vampire.

On a second KoL note, now that the bulk of Crimbo adventuring is done, I'm feeling a little restless. While adventures are still important, they aren't as precious as in a speed run. It's losing it's purpose. I don't know how people never ascend and still keep interest.

I'm starting to look forward to Christmas. I think I did a particulary good job shopping this year, especially for mom, and I can't wait to see if she likes everything.

I had a huge internal conflict (I know, who else thinks like that?) about buying presents for the nieces this year. I haven't seem them recently to know what they like. And the girls are getting to the age that it's harder to buy presents. When little girls are young you can buy them a huge range of toys: barbies, coloring stuff, craft stuff, dolls and all sorts of accesories to go with each of these things.

Now they're becoming teenagers and you can only buy them so much nail polish. Who knows what they listen to, read or are generally intersted in.

Mom gave me a lot of flack last year for giving them gift cards, but Lisa said that was bascially they're favorite gift last year.

I don't want to be the person in their lives giving them gifts that they'll hate or never use. I enjoyed that for 18 years. Jewerly boxes for every birthday and Christmas is enough to make a person a bit jaded.

When I got these gifts where I just had to smile, pretend and say thank you I felt hurt. Hurt that they didn't ask my mom what I wanted. Hurt that they didn't know me. Hurt that they didn't care.

So that's why I get so frustrated when I'm shopping and can't find the perfect present for my loved ones. There was a news report that Miss Manners frowns on giving gift cards. It says I don't know enough to buy something else for you, or that I don't care. This seems to be the constant debate this year. Is a gift card good enough?

I buy gift cards to say I care. I care enough to get you something that you will like and use, not something I think is good for you.

Day 10 -- Quest to Save Crimbo

YAY FOR ME ~~ IT'S MY 100th POST!!

The last time I blogged, I was on Day 4 of my Crimbo Quest. It took one or two days for Phase 3 of Crimboween to unfold. I didn't do much extra adventuring in Linnea's spooky Crimbo Town. I looked on wiki which items I wanted and went back to my other quests after Linnea made those toys for me from what I collected from her minions.

Then, on Day 6 or 7, I ventured back to Crimbo Town ... You decide that now is a good time for another nap. What exactly are you doing that makes you so sleepy, anyways?

You are awakened in the middle of the nap to see three figures standing over you. Well -- two are standing, one seems to be kind of hovering. All three are dressed in black robes, but you see that one’s an average-looking white guy, one’s some kind of golden spider duck, and the hovering one appears to be a squat crimson pig.

“Hey,” the golden spider duck says. “Don’t you think you’ve spent about enough time in the present? It’s time for you to go back to the future!”

“Back to the future?” the squat crimson pig says. “s/he hasn’t even been there yet! How can you go back?”

“Beck to the future?” the average-looking guy responds. “I don’t know if that’s where it’s at.”

“Anyway,” the average-looking guy continues, “you’ve been in Crimbo right-about-now for quite a while. Why don’t you try Crimbo in the not-too-distant future? If you want to rescue Uncle Crimbo, you’d better get on the ball.”

“Some balls are held for charity,” the golden spider duck chimes in.

“Do not taunt happy fun ball,” the pig agrees.

So what you wanna do?

The three figures fade into the dark. One says, "when you awake, you'll be able to visit THE FUTURE!" "INDUSTRY!" shouts another. "Science and technology!" "She blinded me with..."

So now I'm transported to Crimbotown Not-So-Distant Future. Uncle Crimbo had evolved, or maybe was kidnapped and assimilated into Uncle Crimborg. He assimilates machinery into really awesome (but complicated to make) toys. I adventure in the Crimborg Collective Factory and get my ass handed to me several times over by (Killer) Festive Elfbots that assemble weapons, calibrate lasers, weld and apply decals and Rudolphus of Crimborg (think Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer meets RoboCop).

After taking a break from the ass-whooping and continuing with my other adventures, I learn from wiki that the Borg minions level to my stats, so I use the "beaten up" adventuring to collect much of what I need to assimilate the awesome toys from Uncle Crimborg.

Peppermint oil drops and I mix it with fermenting powder. After all this adventuring I indulge myself with this festive holiday spirit and ...

Before you drink the peppermint schnapps, you decide to pour a little out for your homies. The schnapps forms a little puddle on the floor. You look into it and see a desert island with a hammock strung between two palm trees. Suddenly, a deeply tanned arm reaches out of the puddle and grabs the whole flask out of your hand! You hold onto the flask tightly and pull Uncle Crimbo out through the floor.

"Thanks, kid," he says. "I knew you could do it. Well, actually, I was pretty sure you couldn't. But thanks for proving me wrong. See ya on Crimbo Eve!" With that, he lays a finger inside of his nose and rises up into the sky.

About halfway up, Uncle Crimbo yells down, "Hey, you wanna play with my sleigh for a while? Wait, no, I mean literally, kid, geez. I don't need it until Crimbo Eve, so have yourself some fun, you've earned it."

You acquire an item: time sleigh

Whoo! Look at me, saving Crimbo. And that time sleigh is pretty spiffy. I went back to Crimbo Rock to make all the items, and I'm going to do the same with Linnea. Of course, I'm also still battling the borg, trying to assimulate all the toys.

I'm a little disappointed with the Advent Calendar right now, no tiny plastic drops. I've gotten 1 Spooky Eggnogs, 3 Candy Stakes, 4 Ancient Unspeakable Fruitcakes and 2 Gingerbread Horrors.

I have finished all of my Council of Loathing quests, and I'm one muscle point away from becoming Level 10. I'm 14 days into this run, and though I am a little disappointed that I couldn't use all of these awesome new items for a hardcore speed run, maybe I'll be able to get a couple more trophies since I won't be ascending until after Crimbo.

I'll let ya know if anything else unfolds, so far no trophies or outfits discernable from this Crimbo, but there are plenty of days left.

The Crimbo Town of Right About Now

Day 4 of the Quest for Crimbo ... I've gotten some ancient fruitcake and two candy stakes (in case there is ever a vampire living on my tongue) from my Advent Calendar. I figure it's just about time to go to CrimboRock and see if there's anything else cooking in the quest and ...

You decide that now is a good time for a nap. You're not sure why, but you do.
After sleeping soundly for about 10 minutes, you wake up to the sound of a flat, electronic beat playing loudly in your bedroom. You push aside your bed-curtains and look out. Since you don’t have any bed-curtains, and may or may not have a bedroom or a bed, you’re pretty sure you’re dreaming.

You see a shimmery, transparent guy standing in front of two turntables. He doesn’t appear to have a microphone, though. “Greetings, adventurer, he says. “I’m the ghost of Crimbo right-about-now. Greetings, adventurer. I’m the ghost of Crimbo right-about-now. Greetings, adventurer. I’m the ghost of Crimbo right-about-now.”

He stops and thumps himself upside the head. “Sorry, got stuck in a loop there. Anyway, I’m here to tell you that you’ve spent enough time in Crimbo Rock, and you should come to my realm now. If you ever want to save Uncle Crimbo, you’ve got to get with the now, man. Don’t you want to meet Linnea, the Scream Queen? Quit living in the past. Are you ready to go to Crimbo right-about-now? Are you ready to go to Crimbo right-about-now? Are you ready to…”

The ghost smiles and fades away, repeating "When you awake, you can visit Crimbo Right-About-Now. When you awake, you can visit Crimbo Right-About-Now. When you awake..."

When I awoke and went back to the Big Mountains, Crimbo Town of Right About Now was waiting for me. It seems as the Screem Queen has made herself at home.

Lucky for me, her minions ... mummies who tie bows and zombies that ... well I don't know what they do, but the put up a big fight! Anyways, lucky for me, her minions drop well and I was able to collect a spooky frank to make and eat some spooky franks and beans ...

You start to chow down on the franks and beans, but before you can take a bite the plate levitates into the center of the room. A deeply tanned arm reaches through a magical portal and grabs the plate. "Thanks, kid," Uncle Crimbo's voice says. "You're getting even closer."

Until tomorrow ...

Packer Post -- Installment 49

November 12, 2006: Packers at Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings are first in the league against the rush, which could have proven to be a tough ride when the Packers rely on establishing the run.

QB-Brett Favre, under pressure by the blitz, steps into the pocket and delivers a bullet to WR-Donald Driver for 22 yards. RB-Ahman Green can’t convert on a third and inches and Packers take the points from K-Dave Rayner’s 28-yard field goal.

LB-Brady Poppinga sacks Vikings QB-Brad Johnson forcing a fumble; Packers recover on the Vikings 22 yard line. Green rushes for 19 yards and a first down, but drops a touchdown pass. RB-Noah Herron is caught in the backfield for a loss of two, but they give the all back to him and he moves in for a five yard touchdown run.

* First Quarter: 10-0 ~ Packers *

Johnson connects with WR-Bethel Johnson and CB-Al Harris blows coverage, letting Bethel Johnson go deep with no one on him. On the next Viking series, LB-Nick Barnett missed a tackle on a third down and Bethel Johnson makes a one-handed catch on the 30. Johnson scrambles and completes to RB-Chester Taylor, LB-AJ Hawk’s tackle causes a fumble, but WR-Billy McMullen falls on it for the touchdown.

Favre goes deep but overthrows WR-Greg Jennings. WR-Ruvell Martin drops a pass and the Packers punt. Vikings start on their own 15 because of an illegal block on the punt return. Johnson hits WR-Bethel Johnson for a big gain that’s increased by a holding call on Harris. The drive self-destructs when holding on the offense creates a 2nd and 16 and TE-Jermaine Wiggens drops a 3rd down pass.

Favre lasers the ball to WR-Greg Jennings for the first down. Green pushes the ball forward three yards and Favre hits Driver for an 82 yard touchdown pass. In Favre’s true fashion, he rushes 82 yards down the field to pick up Driver and carry him to the sidelines.

* Second Quarter: 17-14 ~ Packers *

Packers offense sputters in the third quarter, but are able to get in the red zone for a Rayner field goal that bounced in after hitting the left upright.

T-Mark Tauscher is injured and leaves the field.

Packers defense holds strong, shutting the Vikings out.

* Third Quarter: 20-14 ~ Packers *

Packers defense roughs the Vikings up. Barnett sacks Johnson and on the next Vikings drive, CB-Patrick Dendy intercepts Johnson, and Packers get three points off the turnover.

Vikings K-Ryan Longwell hits a 34-yard field goal. Vikings attempt an onside kick, but are off sides and are forced to re-kick, which then goes out of bounds.

* Fourth Quarter: 23-17 ~ Packers *

November 19, 2006: Patriots at Packers

Patriots WR-Troy Brown is playing nickel back, because of all the injuries in their secondary. Doing double duty on the field, but it doesn’t show in his play.

On their first drive the QB-Tom Brady connects to TE-Daniel Grahm for the touchdown.

Packers recover a RB-Corey Dillion fumble on the Pats 30 yard line, but Rayner misses a 44-yard field goal.

* First Quarter: 0-7 ~ Patriots *

Poppinga gives the Pats easy yardage for a first and goal on an interference call and Dillion takes it in for a yard.

Brady connects with WR-Reche Caldwell for 54 yards and another touchdown.

Packers offense makes some big plays but can’t string any together on the same drive.

Favre sacked and lands on throwing shoulder, leaves game holding his wrist.

QB-Aaron Rodgers walks on field to a chorus of cheers, but doesn’t do any better.

* Second Quarter: 0-21 Patriots *

Rodgers broke his foot in the third quarter, but continued to play through the fourth.

* Third Quarter: 0-28 ~ Patriots *

* Fourth Quarter: 0-35 ~ Patriots *

Packers defense has 31 sacks, LB-Aaron Kampman leads the league with 10. Rookie LB-AJ Hawk has 90 tackles.

November 27, 2006: Packers at Seahawks

* First Quarter: 7-3 ~ Packers *
* Second Quarter: 14-12 ~ Packers *
* Third Quarter: 21-19 ~ Packers *
* Fourth Quarter: 34-24 ~ Seahawks *

I didn't get to see the game ... check out the AP Story from Packers.com: http://www.packers.com/news/stories/2006/11/27/2/

December 3, 2006: New York Jets at Packers

Packers are the youngest team in the league and show it in the 38-10 loss to the Jets. The bright side of this lop-sided match is the Jets didn’t leave Lambeau Field with a shutout.

Packers lead the league with most points allowed in a game and showcased it with 31 points scored in the first half.

LB-Nick Barnett’s broken hand that kept him out of the Seahawk game limited him against the Jets, incurring penalties and missed tackles.

Favre turned the ball over twice in the first half, a fumble and an interception.

Jets QB-Chad Pennington spread the ball around to several receivers and got his running back active in the scoring.

Rayner missed a 40-yard field goal.

The defense isn’t being effective because of the Jets constant offensive shifting there is motion until they set before the snap causing general confusion on coverage.

Jets scored on every possession in the first half.

* First Quarter: 0-10 ~ Jets *

* Second Quarter: 0-31 ~ Jets *

Packers special teams is playing better, consistently giving them field position on the 25-35 yard line.

Green and RB-Vernand Morency put together a solid drive capped off with a 34 yard field goal. Some fans booed for the Packers settling for a field goal, but Packers needed to get points on the board to zap the shut out.

CB-Charles Woodson picked off Pennington’s deep pass, but the Packers don’t capitalize.

Corey Williams and Kampman pressure Pennington for an incomplete pass and the next down, Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila hits him and CB-Patrick Dendy intercepts it.

Favre hits Driver for a touchdown. Driver does the Lambeau Leap but all Favre celebrates with is a grim smile.

In a huge momentum swing, Packers attempt an onside kick, the officials rule that Dendy touched it within ten yards, making it a re-kick situation. The replay showed 56 touching it before the Packers and McCarthy challenges it. Favre points to the big screen and takes the offense on the field while they review it.

Unfortunately, the Packers can’t keep the momentum in their favor and go three and out.

* Third Quarter: 10-31 ~ Jets *

Jets score one more time, and Packers don’t put anything together for another score.

* Fourth Quarter: 10-38 ~ Jets *

NFL NEWS

A new rule is instated: if a coach challenges an unchallengeable penalty, the team will be charged a time out or lose 15 yards (if there are no time outs remaining).

Patriot’s coach Bill Bellichek was on the field screaming at the officials about a call. The next week, the NFL issued a Memo reminding the coaches that they are to stay in the Coaching Box, which is between the 32 yard lines.

San Francisco Great Bill Walsh announced he has leukemia.

Dallas Cowboys QB-Tony Romo is from Wisconsin and went to college in Eastern Illinois.

Atlanta Falcon QB-Michael Vick gives the dirty bird to the home crowd after losing to the New Orleans Saints, and is fined $20,000.

Denver Broncos QB-Jake Plummer is benched for Jay Cutler.

New York Giants blow a three-touchdown lead with ten minutes to go in the fourth quarter. A rookie defensive end doesn’t wrap up QB-Vince Young, which would have ended the game. The next series instead of throwing the pass out of bounds, QB-Eli Mannning lobs it up for an interception, returned for a touchdown.

No holiday spirit shown on Thanksgiving Day by the personnel of Detroit Lions stadium when they announce Miami Dolphins QB-Joey Harrington to the tune of “Piano Man.” The Dolphins specifically told the Lions staff NOT to announce Harrington during on field warm-ups so he would not incur boos. Announcers around the league label this a disgraceful and classless act.

Records
Minnesota Viking’s QB-Brad Johnson is the oldest quarterback in the league, with Brett Favre coming in second.

Indianapolis Colts are first team since 1929-30 Packers to go 8-0 two seasons in a row.

New England Patriots two game slump is the first time the Patriots have lost two consecutive games in four years.

Buffalo Bills QB-JP Lossman throws for 215 yards and two touchdowns in the first half.

Injuries
Washington Redskins RB-Clinton Portis breaks his wrist, is out for the season.

Baltimore Ravens LB-Ray Lewis is out for three games.

Philadelphia Eagles QB-Donovan McNabb tears his right ACL—is out for the season. Jeff Garcia takes over the helm.

New Orlean Saints WR-Joe Horn out for a couple games.

Returns
- KC-Trent Green back
- Oak-Aaron Brooks back

Again, what’s up with the third Uniform color?!
- Panthers light powder blue
- Titans powder blue
- Giants Red Jerseys
- Bills have odd helmets

Crimboween Days 2 & 3

I return to the Kingdom of Loathing for my daily alottment of adventuring. I wander back to the Big Mountains to help Uncle Crimbo. I visit the simple tool making cave and gather 2 sticks, 1 stringy sinew and 1 big leaf. This was no simple task, mind you, the elves just weren't dropping what I needed. But finally, I visted Ugh Crimbo (featured at left) and made a cigar and fire(because apparently Uncle Crimbo has a smoking habit). I go back to my inventory to combine fire and unlit cigar ...

You hold up the lit cigar, take a puff, and blow a square smoke ring. It hangs in the air like a window, and through it you can see what looks like a tropical island. Suddenly, Uncle Crimbo reaches through the window and grabs the cigar! "Thanks, kid," he says. "You're on the right track."

I also was able to piece together a new familiar ... the toothed pet rock (yet another familiar I need to name).

I also put together a combat item (a Yo). I'm not going it use it, because zapping a yo-yo produced a snowy owl, so this might have a similiar result.

Of course, I'll need to get a wand before I can even think about zapping, and that is far in my future. During the course of this, I was in a battle to defeat Baron Von Ratsworth, and he kicked my ass up, down, across, sideways, diagonal and every other which way he could. So in the process of trying to defeat him, I spent way too much meat on healing items, so my purse is now quite light.

Today I gave up, conceeding that having a bartender in a box sooner is much more important that getting the monocle--though it pains me to turn off the rat faucet without it.

However, other than my meat situation, I am right on track with everything else. I have each cavern of the Bat Hole revealed and my Knob Harem Girl Outfit + perfume. I figure I'll investigate which setting of the Candian Mind Control Device I want to defeat them at, take a Tomato Reagent Potion and make quick work of both these foes.

I'm at Level 7, and finally was able to get my Hat from the Dark & Dank Cave. Reagents, Meat and Cocktail Crafting Accessories are my general focus until the next part of Crimbo unfolds.

So now I'm waiting for the next part of the Crimbo Quest to continue, and going abut my merry little way. I have realized that I won't be able to attempt a speed run this time around. I don't want to ascend mid-Crimbo season, it might mess everything up.

Happy Adventuring to All and to All a Good Sunday!

The Adventurer who Saved Crimbo

Oh no--Uncle Crimbo is missing and adventurers around the Kingdom have received their advent calendar. But wait! There's a lonely Crimbo Elf in the Mountains where Crimbo Town had been.


A quest unfolds ... huzzah! Come with me as I chronicle it for you (and partake in it myself--this has to be some world exclusive exciting thing (if you ignore wiki))

As you're walking around the Big Mountains, looking for Crimbo Town, you notice a sad, sniffling little Crimbo Elf. He spots you, and says, "Man, this is ridiculous. I never dreamed something like this could happen? It's almost Crimbo time, and where's Uncle Crimbo? He's been bewitched, I tell you, bewitched by that evil Scream Queen. It's like a bad dream, man."

"I thought she banished him to a dreamy desert island," you say.

"Oh yeah, banished, sure. Nah, she scrambled his brain with some weird spell! He's on a dream vacation. He doesn't even remember that he's Uncle Crimbo. He's going to luaus and wearing brightly-colored shorts, living the dream, and meanwhile the Scream Queen's taking over Crimbo. You've got to find the three magical things that will remind him who he is."

"You mean, like, candy canes and gingerbread?"

The elf laughs. "You don't know him very well, do you?"

"Where should I start?" you ask.

"I wouldn't dream of telling you that," the elf replies.


I return to my campsite and punch my Advent Calendar: Spooky Eggnog (the secret ingredient is Spooky Nutmeg) and a lump of chocolate. After using my chocolate, I learn that it was really a lump of chocolate covered potato--yummy.

Back at my campsite I rest on the ground (regretfully, as I am only Level 5 and working my way towards more adventures).

Nightmare 1

You wake up in the middle of the night and see a bright light outside of your bed curtains. Since you don't have any curtains (and may or may not have a bed), you're pretty sure you're dreaming. You hope it's not curtains for you, though.

You push back the curtains and the bright light solidifies into a ghost! He has the requisite long, white robe, but some decidedly non-requisite dreadlocks hanging down past his shoulders. He gazes piercingly at you and speaks.

"Hey, mon," he says. "I be Marley's Ghost. I come to tell ya that tonight ye will be visited by tree spirits."

"Tree spirits?" you ask. "You mean those fruity little things in Canadia?"

"Nah, mon," he says. "One, two, tree -- tree spirits."

"Is this about me realizing I'm a horrible person and resolving to change, and ending up all giddy as a schoolboy?" you ask. "Because, if so, I'd rather just stay horrible. It doesn't bother me, except when people move my chair."

"Nah, mon." The ghost answers. "Uncle Crimbo's gone missing, and these tree spirits are going to help yah rescue him. The first is de ghost of Crimbo Way, Way Past. The second is the ghost of Crimbo Right-about-now. You'll like him, he's a funk soul brother. The third is the Ghost of Crimbo In The Not-Too-Distant Future. You'll see the first one the next time you fall asleep."
"Seriously," you say, "I don't really want to bother with any ghosts, man. I mean, I don't even have my proton pack."

"Expect the first one the next time you fall asleep," the ghost repeats, and starts to fade away, singing some song about martial bison.

Nightmare 2

You wake up to the sound of someone banging a bone against a rock. Well, you don't know that's what the sound is until you get up and look, but that's what it is.

You see a shimmery, transparent caveman (who may or may not have just saved a lot of money on his car insurance), dressed in furs and squatting on your floor, pounding said rock with said leg-bone.

"Me Ugh. Gwee tonga nala tonga macha pooka." he says, gesturing and grunting at you.

"You're Ugh, the ghost of Crimbo Way, Way Past, and you want me to go to the Big Mountains, where Crimbotown was last year, and I'll be magically transported to CrimboRock, which is Crimbotown thousands of years ago?"

"Ugh. Gwee zug fech haraka ool."

"And you say that once I'm there, I can fight monsters, make toys, and find part of the magic spell for rescuing Uncle Crimbo?"

"Ugh," the caveman says, nodding his assent.

Wow, I wish I could speak Caveman.

Now I trek back to the Mountains to behold Crimbo Town of yore, as I get closer I realize that it looks like a Christmas Tree, hmmm, fancy that.

I make quick visits to the Toy-Making Cave and the Eating Cave and spend about 5 adventures in the Simple Tool-Making Cave.

Even though Uncle Crimbo is lost, I must still remember the other inhabitants of Loathing, there are rats over running the Typical Tavern (and delaying my bartender in a box), the Boss Bat is making a rukus in the Bat Hole, the Goblin King is terrorizing Cob Knob and there's an unspeakable foe in the Dark & Dank Sinister Cave.

So for now I'm going to eat and drink my fill and return tomorrow on a muscle day to help Uncle Crimbo and save Crimboween.

And your little ghost pickle on a stick, too!

I've gotten several new familiars in KoL lately, and I'm having trouble naming them. In the Kingdom of Loathing, you're allowed pets (much like the wizarding world uses animals) to join you in your journey and quests.

These little animals, machines, inanimate objects and sometimes foods are quite helpful to you as you're wandering on your merry little way.

Familiars can heal your wounds, find you meat (the Kingdom's currency), locate objects, scare, wound and de-level your opponents and give you stat points.

You can gain familiars several different ways: as an award for a quest, build them out of parts you find, buy them in the mall with meat or use real money (that's $$ in the real world) to buy Mr. A's that you can exchange for special multi-talented familiars that are released each month--or you can simply find them while adventuring.

Right now I have three unamed familiars, and I have a general personal rule that I don't adventure with my familiars if they don't have names.

My other familiars have such perfect names ... and I'm just drawing a blank.

So here's who I need to name and their haikus. Comment if you have any ideas, IM or email so these little guys can hold their heads up high in the Familiar-Grow Terrarium.

Origami Towel Crane
know where your towel is?
here in your terrarium
you hoopy frood, you

Ghost Pickle on a Stick
Salty, translucent
floats above, its only need
to lay dill smack down.

Scary Death Orb

shiny ball of death
cuts, slices, eviscerates
who? it's not picky

Hic Hic Hic

I have the hiccups. I hate having the hiccups.

My hiccups come when I eat potatos or meat too fast, or drink something the wrong way. Or, like right now, for no reason at all.

I can never get rid of my hiccups--the most effective method I've found is just to shut my mouth and ride them out ... for however long it takes.

Having the hiccups is something that gets people talking ... "have you ever tried a spoonful of sugar? That always works for me," they say.

Pinch your nose and drink water ... take gulps of air ... drink tons of water ... drink water upside-down ...

I used to say nothing works and politely listened, which never satisfies people. Now I try their little suggestions--because I have nothing to lose. But like I said, I have yet to find my miracle cure.

So I'll just sit here ... hic, hic, hic

Vacation

I was reading through my first posts and realized that I did more "daily" on the spot blogs. I tend to enjoy them the most. Sometimes it's hard to think and write and come up with a post that's well written with a good subject. While it's something I do still strive for, it limits how much I post.

So here we go!

This week I took off work. It's my first week of vacation since Spring Break 2005. I'm not doing anything spectacular, but it's still nice to sleep in, watch some television, and just have the freedom to do what I want and not think about reaching a million dollar goal or worrying about deadlines.

And how do I start my week of vacation? I'm woken up by a phone call at 6:43 a.m. Please note my usual wake up time during work is 6:45. Yeah, not so happy.

Since Thanksgiving is this week, I'm helping get the house ready. Mom's family comes over so there's about 40 people over. (It's usually 60, but some aren't coming this year).

We're listening to Rent as we clean, so that's nice. Poor mom though, she has to listen to me sing.

Yesterday the CDs I ordered on Friday came in the mail. I was so excited to get it, listen to it, look at the liner notes. I love listening to a cd for the first time. Hearing the composition, harmonies, melodies, lyrics ... all the different beats and instruments. So far so good. Mark is the lead on each song and there's one featuring a duet with Mark and a woman (I need to investigate this a little more).

I fell completely in love with Blink182's last cd when I listened to it the first time. Most CDs I have to listen to them a couple of times to really like them. There aren't many instances where I love it the first time around--only Rent and Let Love In from the Goo Goo Dolls.

I did have an urge to listen to it ... which I'm doing right now ... so that's only a good sign.

I saw on PBS yesterday that snakes can climb trees (you know, slither up). That has me completely creeped out ... I always banked on in case of an apocolpyse or nightmare-ish snake situation I would climb a tree or hit high ground ... now all those plans are out the window.

182 ... +44 ... hike, hike!

About a month ago I went to Yahoo! Music Videos for some tunes to work to (I had hit my quota of ESPN Radio and music on file).

There was a small picture of a group of four people. I couldn't make out who was in it--but I swore one guy was Mark Hoppus of Blink182. So I clicked on it, and my video player loaded with "When Your Heart Stops Beating." Again, low quality, I couldn't get a close look at any one--it *sounded* like Mark. He played a guitar like Mark (very distinctive stance) and the mohawked tattooed drummer looked like Travis Barker.

So I searched +44. I think I pulled up a bio from wiki. And there they were: Mark & Travis sans Tom. I read further ... Blink182 had been inactive and disbanded since February 2005. What an in-touch fan I am!

I've been a fan since Enema of State--and have purchased every album since then--loving the self-titled one released in 2003.

I was just thinking to myself that three years was a long time to not have a new Blink album.

Now once I get something in my head I need more information, and it stays in my head until this bizarre fascination is satisfied.

And here's what I found ... some of it prolific:

Random article: Mark says they hit a time in their lives that need family time, time away from the road. They have wives, children that they don't see, lives they aren't living.

Yahoo! Interview: Mark says, we've hit our apex ... there's no where to go but down.

Yahoo! Interview: Tom says, I love these guys, I'm close to guys. Mark's my brother--we've grown up together. We'll always be friends.

Hmm.

Now I read that Tom left the band (I take offense that one article referred to him as frontman--pshaw!). He has his own group: Angels and Airwaves.

Mark and Travis have played with other bands, have done other projects: TV, clothing, skate gear, etc. etc.

In articles and various interviews the guys reflect that the "general public" and critics still view them as a joke band, singing about humping, making naked videos.

Yeah there's the off color humor and way out there lines ... but then there's songs that their generation relates to. Bands like Blink182 have brought the outcast skaters into the mainstream--and let us picket fence kids feel a little of the rebellion and connect to the music and make it our own.

Their music was for the teens who didn't worship Britney, Christina or Jessica. They mocked bubble gum pop and gave the rest of us an outlet.

Well ... nonetheless, I bought +44's CD and I'm anxiously waiting for it to get here!

How I'm doing so far ...

NFL Predictions: (Made at the beginning of the Season)

Week 1: 11-5
Week 2: 6-8
Week 3: 9-5
Week 4: 10-4
Week 5: 9-5
Week 6: 6-7
Week 7: 6-7
Week 8: 6-7 *** October really beat me up
Week 9: 6-8

Steelers, Bengals, Dolphins are losing and I thought they would win.

Saints and Chargers are winning where I said they would lose. (Yay for Drew, Hisss for Phillip Rivers)

Packer Post – Installment 48

Five-Week Review

October 2: Packers at Eagles

The Packers defense kept points off the board in the first half, but let QB-Donovan McNabb run all over them—literally—in the second half. Against this above average, but not spectacular team, Packers lost on the national stage.

* First Quarter: 3-0 ~ Packers *
* Second Quarter: 9-7 ~ Eagles *
* Third Quarter: 9-24 ~ Eagles *
* Fourth Quarter: 9-31 ~ Eagles *

October: 8: Rams at Packers

Against the threat of a high-powered Rams offense, when coming from behind would be a constant pressure, the Packers started the game with a mistake.

RB-Vernand Morency fumbled on the 31 in the opening drive.

QB-Marc Bulger connected to WR-Tory Holt for a touchdown.

Packers get a break with a holding penalty downfield. RB-Noah Herron scored the Packers first rushing touchdown of the year and made his first Lambeau Leap.

* First Quarter: 7-7 ~ Tie *

The Packers defense leads the league with the most 20+ yard plays lost. Bulger throws an incomplete pass on a 3rd and 11.

Favre hit WR-Greg Jennings for 38-yard completion. A personal foul on a facemask pushes them closer to the end zone.

LB-Will Witherspoon drops an interception and Favre is sacked on the next play leading to a K-Dave Rayner field goal. Rams draw two penalties and LB-AJ Hawk nearly intercepts a Bulger pass, forcing a 3rd and 15.

The next Rams drive, Bulger hit former Packer RB-Tony Fisher on a 3rd and 22, which sets up his three-yard touchdown pass to WR-Kevin Curtis.

WR-Koren Robinson pulls in 27 yards on the Packers drive setting up 33-yard Rayner field goal.

* Second Quarter: 13-14 ~ Rams *

Only score in the third quarter is Rams K-Jeff Wilkens field goal.

* Third Quarter: 13-17 ~ Rams *

Two more Rams field goals inch up the score. Rams offense looks off with several penalties and two Packer sacks.

In a comeback effort, Favre connects with Jennings for a 46-yard touchdown. Favre and the offense try to put together a scoring drive again, but are unable to capitalize.

* Fourth Quarter: 20-23 ~ Rams *

October 22: Packers at Dolphins

Packers sack QB-Joey Harrington opening drive and they go three and out.

DE-Jason Taylor strips Favre and Harrington logs a touchdown pass.

* First Quarters: 0-7 ~ Dolphins *

Rayner makes a field goal at the end of the half. He worked hard for it because he actually kicked the ball three times. The first one was called back because of a Dolphin penalty, pushing him closer to the uprights. He made another one, then the Packers penalty backed them up and then made the final field goal from the original distance.

* Second Quarter: 6-7 ~ Dolphins *

Packers worst pass defense in the league allows a 40-yard catch from WR-Marty Booker. Woodson turns the table, intercepting a Harrington pass and took it 23 yards for the touchdown.

Jennings leaves the field for an X-Ray on a twisted ankle. Favre take it for the first down and then throws the ball to WR-Donald Driver between two defenders for the touchdown. Driver reaches 5,000 career yards receiving.

The next Packers drive RB-Ahman Green breaks a run for 70 yards and a touchdown.

* Third Quarter: 20-13 ~ Packers *

Barnett misses a tackle and the Dolphins take the ball 44 yards, leading to a touchdown. They go for the two-point conversion, and it’s good, Harrington to Booker.

Packers answer that score with a tipped pass to Martin for a touchdown.

Dolphins K-Olindo Mare misses a field goal—hitting the upright.

* Fourth Quarter: 34-24 ~ Packers *

October: 29: Cardinals at Packers

Rookie WR-Greg Jennings not playing.

Cardinal go three and out on their first possession. Packers go for a fake field goal, but Ryan can’t connect for a first down. Cardinals get ball on their own 30, but can’t do anything with it.

A pass interference call put the Packers in striking range and Favre hit TE-David Martin for the touchdown.

CB-Charles Woodson hyper-extends his knee, but returns to the game.

* First Quarter: 7-0 ~ Packers *

Driver makes a 13-yard catch on a slant route. Green scores his 50th career touchdown. Packers defense sends a three-man rush of Woodson, LB-Nick Barnett and DE-Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila and Barnett gets the sack for a loss of eight.

Packers establish the run with the Green-Morency tandem. Morency has a big gain off a Driver block and Green scores another touchdown.

Rookie QB-Matt Leinert is stopped on the quarterback sneak in the redzone, but Cardinals score on the back of RB-Edgerrin James on fourth and goal.

* Second Quarter: 21-7 ~ Packers *

On a Packers 4th and 5, the defense is called for encroachment—making a fourth and inches and Green rushes in for 10 yards.

* Third Quarter: 28-14 ~ Packers *

Pass interference on the Cardinals in the end zone puts the ball on the one-yard line. Favre scrambles in for his first rushing touchdown since 2001 and his first ever Lambeau Leap.

* Fourth Quarter: 31-14 ~ Packers *

November 5: Packers at Bills

Kick returner Terrance McGee takes the opening kickoff for 59 yards.

Kampman tied for first in the NFL for most sacks with 8 ½ and AJ Hawk leads the team with tackles.

QB-JP Lossman completes a nine-yard pass to TE-Robert Royal for a first down. RB-Willis McGahee rushes for nine yards. Kampman pressures Lossman forcing an incomplete pass. McGahee is hurt and leaves the game. Bills K-Ryan Lindell make a 28-yard field goal.

WR-Greg Jennings is back, but RB-Vernand Morency isn’t playing. Favre throws a pass to TE-David Martin good for a first down. Bills LB-Aaron Schobel pressures Favre into a shovel pass to WR-Donald Lee.

It’s a defensive quarter with each team punting twice.

* First Quarter: 0-3 ~ Bills *

Favre throws an interception on the eight-yard line and LB-London Fletcher takes it for a touchdown.

Packers are driving downfield and the Bills recover a fumbled snap by C-Scott Wells on the Packer 45. Bills offense can’t get anything going and punt.

Packers punt on the next drive, but respond with a 19-yard pass to Martin. After a sack, Favre throws to Jennings, who makes the catch between two defenders. The possession is challenged and upheld but luck swings back into the favor of the Bills when Wells misses the snap count again and the snap is fumbled and recovered by the Bills in the red zone.

* Second Quarter: 0-10 ~ Bills *

Green rushes for 25 yards, but they eventually have to punt. Their next drive starting on their own 35, was the best field position of the day. Favre hits Driver for 22 yards and again on a 3rd and goal for a touchdown.

* Third Quarter: 7-10 ~ Bills *

Packers K-Dave Rayner ties the game with a field goal.

Bills get the ball back and have some help advancing it with 20 yards of penalties from the defense. S-Marquand Manuel is injured and leaves the game, but it’s veteran CB-Al Harris who’s burned by the 43-yard play for a touchdown.

The Bills defense creates points for their team by intercepting Favre in the end zone, giving their quarterback the ball on the 21. RB-Anthony Thomas scores a touchdown with three minutes left.

The final nail was Barnett’s personal foul, which runs 27 seconds off the clock, ending the game.

* Fourth Quarter: 10-24 ~ Bills *

NFL News

Robert Ferguson placed on IR—Ferguson makes the statement that the Packers don’t want him anymore.

“Vick said he would love to play with the Colts offense. Yeah, so would his receivers—they would love to play with Peyton Manning.” ~Shannon Sharpe, CBS Pre-Game show

Big Ben leaves the game, suffering his second concussion since June, and plays in the next week’s Steelers loss.

Seahawks QB-Matt Hasselbeck is out for four weeks with knee injury.

“Adam Vinetari would have tackled him,” Chris Collinsworth, referring to the touchdown run back from an Indianapolis kick off when K=Martin Gramatica (Vineteri’s backup) couldn’t tackle the runner.

On Collinsworth segway to post game press coverage of a Cowboys game, “And now we’ll go to TO telling us how good he is.” --Looks like NBC has better writing than FOX Sports.

“I don’t know where the ball is because the camera guys aren’t following it—this is not a FOX game by the way.” Color guy on a FOX Game break for the Ravens-Bengals game.

Quarterbacks losing their starting role:
Dolphins: Daunte Culpepper (injury) to Joey Harrington
Cardinals: Warner to Rookie Matt Leinert
Titans: Kerry Collins to Rookie Vince Young
Cowboys: Drew Bledsoe to Rookie Tony Romo

Play of the Week: Cowboys K-Mike Vanderjagt’s field goal is blocked and recovered by the Redskins with seconds left in the game. The Redskins kicker, who had missed a field goal earlier in the day, and had made only two in the season made a 47-yard field goal, winning the game.

Terrell Owens draws a 15-yard penalty for celebrating in the end zone by taking a nap—which was a reference to reports earlier in the week that he fell asleep in a meeting. Later in the game, he dropped a sure touchdown pass 72 yards out.

Bears lose to the Dolphins 31-13, which ends their run at an undefeated season. Though die hards think this means they’ll go to the Super Bowl, because that’s how the 1985 season played out.

Hair today, gone tomorrow

A guy once asked me why women always get their hair cut really short after they got married. The first answer that popped into my mind is they're growing it out for that tradional (and hopefully) glamorous spectacular updo. And for the most part, I think that probably is the case. Kerry got her hair cut after her wedding and another friend is growing it out ... waiting for her guy to pop the question.

But it also occured to me this week that women hack it all off after they're married because they don't need to seek out and impress anyone. Yes, after marriage people still want to look nice, etc. for their mate. But they've already landed them. Just as the guy starts letting his nasty little habits come back into day to day life ... women do the same.

I had long hair all my life--except for that horrible haircut my sister gave me--and the number one reason I wouldn't consider cutting it for the longest time, is because I didn't want to look like a boy. Then as I got older and sick of my long, heavy hair I considered cutting it more seriously. The fear of not being as attractive or as femine kept my hair long.

One former boyfriend made some comment while playing with my hair and I said that chopping it all of was one of my life goals. He looked at me like I grew a second head and said that he certainly hoped I wouldn't do that. Women should have long hair. My thoughts: Well F#ck You Then. (Okay, so I knew it probably wasn't going to work out with him)

Now, with my short hair that's not weighing me down, but is frickin' cold in the winter--I feel happy, as cute as I was with long hair ... and I hope that guys don't look at me and think ugh...if only she had long hair (and yes, I know they probably aren't focusing on my hair first, but this is my current issue of semi-discontent)

Someone mentioned that I should grow my hair long again, find a boyfriend.

Is short hair boy repellent? What about Jenna Elfman? She was hot--and tall, okay that's probably a bad example. Oh well, I'm keeping my short hair until I get sick of it.

Burning cherry tree
Ev'ry blossom is aflame
Uh, here come the cops.

Autumn writing

I've noticed that it's hard for me to blog or write at this time of year. In other instances writing fills my spirit and often it's the only way I can work out my demons or find peace.

But during this time of year is when I do most of my writing at work. Two to three months of information gathering, research, interviews and finally writing. It wears me out so that I have no interest (or creativity) to randomly write.

I've been working on two stories just for the fun of it ... and continously cooking up other ideas, but once I get the paper in front of me, it just makes me tired.

I also have three or four packer games I haven't written about. I have my notes and the Monday paper, but can bring myself to do the further research on the internet ... laziness and a slow internet connection are a fatal combination.

Searching for new ideas to write about also has been getting to me. The first thing to spring to mind is usually complaining about something, but taking the lesson learned from Ms. Brey, I don't always want my rambling to have that negative flavor. The other thing that pops up is random observations ... unfortunately, I never have the forsight to write down my observation, so when it comes to my time at the keyboard, I can never remember my random tidbit. Alas.

Fuzzy

I’ve been sick for the past week. It hit full blown on Friday. Or maybe because I didn’t have to move or think it came in and decided to have a fun day. I think the cold is pretty much gone. My head doesn’t feel fuzzy any more and I had my first full night’s sleep in a week. I’m still kind of stuffy with a shaky stomach.

Today I’m drinking coffee because that’s what I do on Sunday mornings. It’s not quite hitting the spot it usually hits, but that’s prolly cuz I’m only tasting 75 percent of it.
I wanted to bake bread or make pancakes, but I’m not up to doing either. I am getting hungry though. I think I’ll have an early lunch.

I adventuring dedicately, trying to ascend before I hit 29 days, which will be a new best for me. At the same time, I'm trying to get all the bones for the new familiar from Spookyraven Manor. I have 28 bones, which means there's 72 to go! Gah, I have ignore all the adventures I'm wasting in the Haunted Conservatory.

It might be a tough week, I have a Monday night thing that'll last until 7:30, a meeting on Tuesday night and presentations at 6 a.m. on Wednesday. And I'm getting over from being sick. Damn. I can't cut out of any of them. I'm prolly a bad person for considering a way out of any of them.

I need my hair cut something fierce. It's getting quite shaggy and there's nothing I can do with it. The only problem is I'm nervous about finding a hair dresser closer to where I work. The one I currently go to is about 45 minutes from work, which means I have to go after. And she runs such stupid hours. But I can't complain, because she'll stay open late to take me. But still, if she would see me on a Friday, I could take it off and get my hair cut.

I'm just going have to bite the bullet and find someone else for the next one.

If Donte Stallworth plays for the Eagles on Monday Night and gets big points, and I lose ... I'll be pissed.

The Packer Post--Installment 47

September 24, 2006 ~ Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions

Packers went three and out in the first series. The Lions were able to put together significant drives with quick screen passes for 10 or more yards gains.

DT-Corey Williams sacked QB-Jon Kitna, ending a drive.

A 75-yard pass from QB-Brett Favre to WR-Greg Jennings scored the first touchdown of the game and Favre’s 400 touchdown. He was as excited and as jubliant as the first touchdown in the Super Bowl, this pass put him in the record books only behind Dan Marino.

Kitna connected to RB-Bryson on another screen pass for a 37 yard touchdown.

Packers offense sputtered, going three and out. With a breath of fresh air, S-Marquand Manual made his first career interception, from a pass tipped by CB-Amand Carroll and took 29 yards for a touchdown.

Lions offense responded with a 42 yard touchdown pass to WR-Roy Williams.

* First Quarter: 14-14 ~ Tie *

Packers make the drive down to the red zone, a high snap and incomplete pass result in a 24 yard field goal.

A screen pass from Favre to RB-Ahman Green for 15 yards seemed to get the momentum rolling again, until the Lions recovered a RB-Noah Herron fumble.

* Second Quarter: 17-14 ~ Packers *

Packers were given a first down after a personal foul call on a late hit on Favre. WR-Koren Robinson made a nice catch and Favre hit WR-Donald Driver for a five yard touchdown.

Lions return the kick 45 yards. Then have a 20 yard pass to Williams and a touchdown from RB-Kevin Jones.

* Third Quarter: 24-21 ~ Packers *

LB-AJ Hawk sacks Kitna to draw a K-Jason Hanson field goal.

Robinson returns the kick 30 yards, and Favre connects with Green for a 10 yard touchdown pass.

Williams sacks Kitna on a fourth down.

With 54 seconds left in the game, Green fumbles. With this second chance Lions make the drive down the field. Last play of the game, Kitna chucks a Hail Mary, but the Packers bat it away. Kitna gets up limping.

* Final 31-24 ~ Packers *

Points of Interest:
For the first time in the 2006 season, Brett Favre is not sacked!
Favre wins the Golden Peacock award (from NBC’s Sunday Night football, voted on by fans), the FedEx Air Player of the Week and the NFC Offensive Player of the Week.

Hitting/knocking down a player away from the ball draws a personal foul (new rule)--which John Madden dubbed the Chad Clifton Rule.


NFL News

Dolphins QB-Daunte Culpepper sacked 10 times in the first two weeks. The league is on pace to breaking the season overall sack record. Already in the start of the season there have been 170 sacks.

Buccaneers QB-Chris Simms is rushed to the hospital following Sunday’s game to remove a ruptured spleen. Simms left the game after a hit, but later returned. There is no report on when in the game this injury occurred.

Cowboys WR-Terrell Owens made sure his return to play was in the news and on the minds of the NFL. Owens’ publicist called the 911 saying he had taken too many pills. ESPN and other news sources reported it as an “attempted suicide.” When police arrived and were taking Owens to the hospital they asked him if he was trying to hurt himself. He said yes.

The next day he reported that it was a reaction to his other supplements and reports were untrue that said he got his stomach pumped or that he took more than 35 pills. His publicist went on to assure the press that “Terrell has 25 million reasons to live.”

From victim to villain in less than five seconds. New record, congrats again Owens.

Commentary:
On the CBS pre game show they asked the question that is asked every season. “Can anyone stop Michael Vick?” It just made me laugh. Every year, early in the season, every one talks about Vick like he’s the second coming—but by week 15, no one’s asking the question anymore. Because the one person who can stop Vick always does. Who? Michael Vick himself.

He’s an explosive player, sure, but when it comes to February he isn’t hoisting the Lombardi trophy. Would it be different if he more talent around him? I haven’t followed the Falcons too closely in recent years, but at various times he’s had a lot of talent around him. Maybe they’ve never pulled it together on both sides of the ball. Maybe. Could be. What if.

Vick always fizzles out. I wish the pregame shows would cover that. “Say, Michael, can you tell me and our viewers why you’re not consistent?”

I think he should give up being a quarterback and change over to wide receiver. He can’t pass in the pocket. Often is the lead rusher on the team. We know he’s fast. Hopefully he could catch. He’s tough enough to take a pounding, though has suffered a couple of injuries. Why not?
Yeah, he’s an above average quarterback. If he wasn’t people wouldn’t talk about him. But if he was a wide receiver, maybe he could be the best—without any qualifiers.

Murphy's NFL Law:

No. 1: The game you want watch will not be the one broadcast.

No. 2: On your fantasy team, the players you benched (because they haven't been scoring for two-three weeks you played them) will be featured on GameBreak for getting two or more touchdowns. Sit them and they will score. (Week 2: My bench scored 40 pts)

The Packer Post--Installment 46

September 17, 2006: New Orleans Saints at Packers

Packers start fast when DB-Aaron Kampman strips the ball at the 38 from Saints’ QB-Drew Brees.

Favre connects to Jennings for a 32 yard touchdown on a third down conversion. DB-Kabeer Gbaja Biamila recovers a fumbled ball, but the Saints’ defense pressures Favre, and the Packers put three points on the board with a K-Dave Rayner 24 yard field goal.

Packers come up with another turnover when DB-Nick Collins tipped the ball into CB-Al Harris on the 11. It was a bad decision by Brees throwing down the field with no receivers in the vicinity of Harris and Collins.

What looked like a bad snap from Packers’ C-Scott Wells turned into a good play. Wells recognized the neutral zone infringement and snapped the ball. Favre had to chase the ball for 10 yards then throw it away, but it turned out to be a positive play. Driver made a good catch for 5 yards that he turned into a 43 yard run down the field. A couple plays later in the series, Favre couldn’t find anyone to toss the ball to and took a sack, causing a 3rd and 13. Packers score from a 36 yard Rayner field goal.

* First Quarter: 13-0 ~ Packers *

Brees connects with TE-Mark Campbell for 33 yards and RB-Deuce McAllister runs three yards for the touchdown. After a short drive of modest gains, Brees makes a 26 yard throw to WR-Devery Henderson for the touchdown, Carroll on coverage.

* Second Quarter: 13-14 ~ Saints *

New pick up, former Viking, WR-Koren Robinson returns the kick off to the 30 and scuffled enough after the play to get the referees involved. Driver smoked CB-Mike McKenzie for 16 yards and S-Roman Harper body slammed Driver after he was down to draw a personal foul. Packers weren’t able to capitalize from this because TE-Bubba Franks drew an unsportsmanlike conduct call on the same play. Favre was intercepted by S-Omar Stoutmire in the end zone.

Brees hit WR-Joe Horn for 57 yards on a LB-Brady Poppinga missed coverage. Kampman sacks Brees, creating another fumble, this time recovered by the Saints. They settle for a 45 yard field goal.

Very little Packer offense and the Saints got the ball back. LB-Nick Barnett took a poor angle on RB-Reggie Bush and then couldn’t keep up with the number two draft pick, resulting in a 23-yard gain. Poppinga dropped what would have been an interception and K-John Carney made a 47-yard field goal. Favre hit Driver on a pass, and he smoked pass McKenzie again.

* Third Quarter: 13-20 ~ Saints *

The day’s play created a little more fire in the players, Favre was waving a towel on the sidelines and the defense tried to pump up the crowd more. A Carroll pass interference call gave the Saints a first down, and Brees connected with WR-Marques Coleston for a 25-yard touchdown. Green put another nail in the Packers’ would-be-win when he fumbled the ball on the Packers’ 25. McAllister took it in for the winning score.

RB-Noah Herron scored his first NFL touchdown, catching a six yard pass at 4:18 left in the game. Packers’ defense got the ball back to the offense for another try, but the receivers just couldn’t pull it in with two minutes left on the clock. The Saints get the ball and run down the remaining time on the clock.

* Final: 20-34 ~ Saints *

Commentary
The Packers showed more life in this game, but against a lower level team. The fact that they couldn’t put them away early in the game, or pull the win out in the end is somewhat troublesome. The receivers played a better game than last week, catching more balls and making some plays. They had nine dropped passes, and Favre’s favorite weapon remains Driver. When the defenses start focusing the majority of their attention on him, Favre will be in trouble. Green couldn’t get it together for a run game.

I’m not sure if it’s because of a young line, poor blocking by a tight end/fullback combo or what the deal is. I saw more fire and smiles out of Favre this week, but a couple of plays of frustration—after the play turned out in the Packers’ favor. Special teams has improved since last game—or just looks better because the Saints aren’t as good as the Bears.

As hard as it is to swallow, I think the trade of Samkon Gado was a good move. Noah Herron looks like he will be a good receiver, not sure about his rushing or blocking capabilities, but Green has a sufficient back up in him. Gado wasn’t getting it done on special teams, he got owned on coverage, blocked down the field. I want to see what Koren Robinson can do for the Packers pass game. I certainly hope they didn’t get him for just special teams returns.

September 10, 2006: Bears at Packers

* First Quarter: 0-7 ~ Bears *
* Second Quarter: 0-15 ~ Bears *
* Third Quarter: 0-19 ~ Bears *
* Fourth Quarter: 0-26 ~ Bears *

Packers’ defense did a good job stopping the run, limiting an explosive running duo of Thomas Jones and Cedric Benson to 23 rushes for 103 yards. The secondary looked good on paper with Pro Bowlers CB-Al Harris, CB-Charles Woodson and DB-Marquand Manuel, but this didn’t translate to the field. While they played well, they consistently missed big plays, or the little yardage string together to keep drives going.

The offense wasn’t connecting. The most reliable pass was QB-Brett Favre to WR-Donald Driver. RB-Ahman Green looked good coming back from injury, but the run didn’t dominate the defense. Rookie WR-Greg Jennings dropped most chances he was given, and the tight ends were a non-factor.

For the most part, Favre made better decisions, taking less of a chance when he was put into a corner. But late in the game, Favre went on the field seemingly by himself, throwing the ball to everyone who moved. This resulted in two interceptions. Favre had 170 passing yards, 96 yards to Driver. This loss dealt the Packers and Brett Favre their first shut out since 1991. Echoing the country’s proclamation of the Packers the worst team in the NFL—or second worse if they got some props compared to the Oakland Raiders.

Week 1: My NFL picks 11-5

September 17, 2006: New Orleans Saints at Packers

Packers start fast when DB-Aaron Kampman strips the ball at the 38 from Saints’ QB-Drew Brees. Favre connects to Jennings for a 32 yard touchdown on a third down conversion.

DB-Kabeer Gbaja Biamila recovers a fumbled ball, but the Saints’ defense pressures Favre, and the Packers put three points on the board with a K-Dave Rayner 24 yard field goal.

Packers come up with another turnover when DB-Nick Collins tipped the ball into CB-Al Harris on the 11. It was a bad decision by Brees throwing down the field with no receivers in the vicinity of Harris and Collins.

What looked like a bad snap from Packers’ C-Scott Wells turned into a good play. Wells recognized the neutral zone infringement and snapped the ball. Favre had to chase the ball for 10 yards then throw it away, but it turned out to be a positive play. Driver made a good catch for 5 yards that he turned into a 43 yard run down the field. A couple plays later in the series, Favre couldn’t find anyone to toss the ball to and took a sack, causing a 3rd and 13. Packers score from a 36 yard Rayner field goal.

* First Quarter: 13-0 ~ Packers *

Brees connects with TE-Mark Campbell for 33 yards and RB-Deuce McAllister runs three yards for the touchdown.

After a short drive of modest gains, Brees makes a 26 yard throw to WR-Devery Henderson for the touchdown, Carroll on coverage.

* Second Quarter: 13-14 ~ Saints *

New pick up, former Viking, WR-Koren Robinson returns the kick off to the 30 and scuffled enough after the play to get the referees involved.

Driver smoked CB-Mike McKenzie for 16 yards and S-Roman Harper body slammed Driver after he was down to draw a personal foul. Packers weren’t able to capitalize from this because TE-Bubba Franks drew an unsportsmanlike conduct call on the same play. Favre was intercepted by S-Omar Stoutmire in the end zone.

Brees hit WR-Joe Horn for 57 yards on a LB-Brady Poppinga missed coverage. Kampman sacks Brees, creating another fumble, this time recovered by the Saints. They settle for a 45 yard field goal.

Very little Packer offense and the Saints got the ball back.

LB-Nick Barnett took a poor angle on RB-Reggie Bush and then couldn’t keep up with the number two draft pick, resulting in a 23-yard gain. Poppinga dropped what would have been an interception and K-John Carney made a 47-yard field goal.

Favre hit Driver on a pass, and he smoked pass McKenzie again.

* Third Quarter: 13-20 ~ Saints *

The day’s play created a little more fire in the players, Favre was waving a towel on the sidelines and the defense tried to pump up the crowd more.

A Carroll pass interference call gave the Saints a first down, and Brees connected with WR-Marques Coleston for a 25-yard touchdown.

Green put another nail in the Packers’ would-be-win when he fumbled the ball on the Packers’ 25. McAllister took it in for the winning score.

RB-Noah Herron scored his first NFL touchdown, catching a six yard pass at 4:18 left in the game.

Packers’ defense got the ball back to the offense for another try, but the receivers just couldn’t pull it in with two minutes left on the clock. The Saints get the ball and run down the remaining time on the clock.

* Fourth Quarter: 20-34 ~ Saints *


Commentary

The Packers showed more life in this game, but against a lower level team. The fact that they couldn’t put them away early in the game, or pull the win out in the end is somewhat troublesome.

The receivers played a better game than last week, catching more balls and making some plays. They had nine dropped passes, and Favre’s favorite weapon remains Driver. When the defenses start focusing the majority of their attention on him, Favre will be in trouble.

Green couldn’t get it together for a run game. I’m not sure if it’s because of a young line, poor blocking by a tight end/fullback combo or what the deal is.

I saw more fire and smiles out of Favre this week, but a couple of plays of frustration—after the play turned out in the Packers’ favor.

Special teams has improved since last game—or just looks better because the Saints aren’t as good as the Bears. As hard as it is to swallow, I think the trade of Samkon Gado for ?? was a good move. Noah Herron looks like he will be a good receiver, not sure about his rushing or blocking capabilities, but Green has a sufficient back up in him. Gado wasn’t getting it done on special teams, he got owned on coverage, blocked down the field.

I want to see what Koren Robinson can do for the Packers pass game. I certainly hope they didn’t get him for just special teams returns.

2006 Season Picks

I took a look at the season's schedule and made my picks. So here they are in writing so I can be embarrassed or vindicated in February:

NFC:

North
Bears 13-3
Vikings: 8-8
Packers: 6-10
Lions: 1-15

South
Falcons: 8-8
Panthers: 7-9
Buccaneers: 5-11
Saints: 4-12

East
Eagles: 13-3
Giants: 13-3
Cowboys: 9-7
Redskins: 5-11

West
Rams: 12-4
Seahawks: 11-5
Cardinals: 5-11
49ers: 1-15

AFC:
North
Steelers: 14-2
Bengals: 12-4
Ravens: 11-5
Browns: 8-8

South
Colts: 15-1
Jaguars: 12-4
Texans: 3-13
Titans: 0-16

East
Jets: 11-5
Pats: 9-7
Dolphins: 9-7
Bills: 3-13

West
Chiefs: 9-7
Broncos: 9-7
Chargers: 7-11
Raiders: 0-16

NFC Wild Card
Seahawks vs. Rams—Seahawks
Falcons vs. Eagles—Eagles

NFC Divisional
Giants vs. Eagles—Giants
Bears vs. Seahawks—Bears

NFC Conference: Giants vs. Bears--Giants

AFC Wild Card
Jets vs. Jaguars--Jets
Chiefs vs. Bengals--Bengals

AFC Divisional
Colts vs. Bengals--Colts
Steelers vs. Jets—Steelers

AFC Conference: Colts vs. Steelers—Colts

Super Bowl: Colts vs. Giants -- Colts

I'm not quite sure about the Giants making it ... but that's how the schedule pans out and I think they can beat the Eagles. So whoohoo~football!

Give me Miracle or Rent anyday over Lights shining on the Permian Panthers

I watched "Friday Night Lights" (the movie) for the first time last week. I don't know if I built it up too much if I don't have the male mind to truly appreciate it--but the movie was a disappointement. Don't get me wrong, it was enjoyable. But it wasn't the gridiron classic worthy to kickoff each September.

When I say I don't have a male mind, I mean that there is something intrincicly different about our wiring. Peter Berg (who I've always been a fan of) said he doesn't understand women, maybe his world just doesn't translate into mine.

I know football. I have as much of an idea of how emotional high school football is as I can have without playing the game. But this movie just didn't touch me. The character development stopped when the football sequences began. The football action was filmed well, but so disjointed and incomplete in its editing.

And I just can't swallow all the liberty Berg took with the story. From changing Boobie's number, playing in Houston to fudging the actual game (they never made it to state championship). How did any of these changes further your story? As far as I can see they didn't, and now I don't trust what you tell me.

Sure Berg, you came up with a few good lines and your casting was awesome (Lucas Black--meow! I'm such a sucker for an athlete). This movie just didn't live up to the likes of Miracle.

This may be the best football movie so far, but there is much room for improvement.

Nervous

My opinion and emotions are still out concerning the 2006 Packer season. I'm not sure if I'm listening to too much ESPN, but the anti-hype is getting to me. There's nothing but disaster laid out for the green and gold and I'm afraid Brett Favre's legacy is growing increasingly tarnished.

Today's NFL defense was built to shut down the likes of Favre, and he's making no move to adjust. It's hard to say that a phenom's glory days are behind him and I'm doing all I can not to lose the faith.

Now, 10 years since that moment on top, the term fair weather will be tested. In days of paridy and dynasty anything's possible and it's the game that makes the Sundays glorious not the L vs. the W.

I can hear ya now

Cell phones. Can you imagine life without them? But the inevitable truth of time and getting older, we were the last generation that didn’t have a cell phone by the time we were 13. With that said, I would have more perspective on them right?

There was an article from a news service that I stumbled across griping that as the cell phones increase, etiquette with their use decreases. To a point I agree. There are the people who don’t turn them off in the movies, at meetings or during class. For the most part, the general public agrees these three areas are merit vibrate.

And recently, I’ve been vaguely annoyed when people take calls when they are out with others. It all depends on the situation. If I see you every day and we’re not engaged in conversation, by all means, answer your phone. But, if we’re out to lunch, talking or are otherwise engaging each other’s attention … you have voicemail. Utilize it. Take the call if you’re expecting it—if it has a purpose. Answering your phone while with someone else and starting to chat away idly—is a deal breaker for me.

This article tells a story of a mother with her children in a video store, appalled at a woman who is talking into her phone graphically about a surgery. How is this any different then if the person on the other line was in the aisle with them?

It also looks down upon using your unlimited minutes while shopping. I am frequently guilty of this sin. And I’m not gonna stop either. I’m not harming anyone, I’m being just as attentive to my surroundings as I would be without the phone and there’s nothing wrong with multi-tasking.

According to their 2006 survey of 2,119 adults on polite cell phone use:
--21 percent say it’s okay to talk during dinner at a restaurant—I say: if you’re alone and quiet: Yes. If you’re with someone: No.
--45 percent say its okay on the bus or subway. I say: 100%:Yes—it’s so amusing to listen to the convos, but if you miss the bus from your inattentiveness, it’s your own fault
--66 percent say its okay to talk in the checkout line. I say: Yeah, but only if you hang up when it’s your turn to pay

Come on people, cell phones are a great addition to our lives. In moderation, as with everything else. So use it. Be safe. And start being a little bit more respectful.

As we go along ...

Beyond being a wonderful event six years in the making, Kerry's wedding was a nice high school reunion--the high school reunion we'll never have.

And it's not because Estan is our president, but because we were able to share the evening as the SkillsUSA-VICA group once again, the factions from Colby and West De Pere reunited, save for a couple of friends. Friends we missed ... or at least, I missed.

Someone must have been smiling down on us that day at UW-Stout when these two groups intertwined. And, sure, it hasn't been happily ever after for everyone. But it says something that some of us are still internet buddies.

Because the truth of the situation is that I talk to these people more than most of the people I went to high school with.

When I was in middle school ... it was one great big game of trying to fit in. Sarah was hanging with the band buddies--I wasn't in band. Claudia was with the people who didn't care about school orcollege--and I cared. Lindsey Thell was with the theatre people, and, well, I'm an introvert. They were still all my friends. But no matter who I was with, I always felt uncomfortable. Faking a smile, waiting to be alone, so I could feel like myself.

Then I met Kerry, Jenny, Charity and Josie. (I already knew Heather, Lynn and Kriston--Kriston btw threw me under the bus by setting me up to piss off Heidi who then threatened to beat me up...thanks again for that Kriston.)

The eight of us formed a group without really trying to. Of course, we each were friends to varying degrees and some of us were part of other high school factions as well.

I finally belonged. And it was great! I didn't have to try to smile or even fake it. We had so much fun, and didn't care what others thought of us. And I really feel West De Pere is an extension of that group.

I'm not the same person I was in 2001, not by a long shot. And a couple more people who have been cut from the same cloth have made their way into my life.

But all of these people in the same room again was just great for me. I felt at home. Like myself. I wasn't transported back in the essence that I felt like that person from 2001--but I remember someone sulking in the window sill, the horrible "wrestling" in the hotel room and the origami frogs and footballs.

Pre-2001--Goo Goo Dolls, Travis Jervey ... somethings never die
2001--Licking discovered: thanks to Sarah Brehm & Kerry's Mom
2001--Llamas ... I don't know, I don't even care anymore, but they're amusing n0netheless
2005--San Francisco, Ghrirdelli Chocolate & wine ... new fascinations to add to the list!
2006--Together again

Things have come an gone, I've lost interest in some things, hobbies here there and everywhere, but for the above and some obessessions that never die --- as Laura said, Well, at least I'm consistant. :-)

The 2nd of July

Being able to sit in your living room and watch fireworks outside is spectacular.

Quest for the Cup

There is nothing more exciting in the Quest for Lord Stanley's Cup than an overtime ... well maybe a triple overtime that extends into the next day ...

But the ulimate ending of the quest is a Game 7. No holds barred. Smashmouth. Here's your dream so reach out there and take it -- fight for your life, pride and the Cup type of game.

I've witnessed three (that's counting this year's) Game 7's. And usually I would rather have the team I'm rooting against win the Game 7 then to see the Cup being unveiled and marched down it's red carpet during a Game 6.

Now, I am not in any way shape or form a diehard hockey fan. Classify me as casual at best. I watch hockey one time a year: The Stanley Cup Finals. I tried watching during the regular season, but I got bored.

Maybe it's because I don't have anything personally invested in any of the teams? Or it could be because it takes so long to get to what matters--the playoffs, or fight for the playoffs (like baseball or basketball). What's at stake when you're playing an endless number of series? Three or four or six losses here and there aren't so bad .. while in football ... your season is all but over. Those stakes are high--the team battles every week and as a fan you don't dare miss a game.

I gear up each year for these games. I know summer has started when i commit my nights to the ice. I don't follow the game enough to have "my team." I do have Cup favorites ... and unlike football, I can root against a team one year to cheer them on in the next. Buffalo Sabres vs. Dallas Stars -- I hated the Stars ... now they are probably closest to what could be my favorite team. Stars vs. New Jersey Devils (hated them). Devils are on my good list now.

My June was a little empty last year without the Finals.

But this year they completly screwed me up by putting Games 1 & 2 on cable. I couldn't get into Game 3, I wasn't able to watch Game 4. I saw most of Game 5.

They broke my system!

Game 6 I was back into swing. Thank god for Game 7, without it the whole series would have been ruined for me.

In order for me to get into this at all, I need a solid start, the history, the packages expounding on the random stories. How else will I know who I should be cheering for?

So hurrah for Game 7. And though I am merely a casual observer, I'm glad the Quest for Lord Stanley's Cup is back.

For God Sakes Big Ben, wear sunscreen!

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger, was struck by a car while riding his motorcycle Monday morning. Roethlisberger, the youngest quarterback to win a Super Bowl at age 23, fractured his upper and lower jaw bones and broke his nose. He also sustained head lacerations in addition to losing two teeth and chipping several others. He underwent seven hours of surgery.

I have no problem with the fact that he was on a motorcycle or if he didn't a liscense. But Ben wasn't wearing a helmet. And I can't believe he could be so stupid.

Whatever happened to an ounce of prevention goes a long way? But of course there still aren't people wearing saftey belts, sunscreen, condoms and the like.

Pennsylvania law doesn't require people to wear helmets, so against the advice of his coach and others, Big Ben decided he'd go without. And he could have lost his career and his life instead of a couple of teeth.

I wish Big Ben a speedy recovery ... but next time Ben, put on a helmet ... and wear some sunscreen!