Well, tomorrow night is when the most pizzas are sold, where just before the halftime show begins that the sewer systems in the country overflow (sorry, had to say it), and The Boss will play halftime at some Pop Warner flag football game going on that no one will watch.

 

Ok, all kidding aside, it's an unofficial holiday called Super Sunday. I'm debating on going to Cubby's (http://www.cubbyssportsbarandgrill.com/index.swf) and have a massive hangover, or play it safe, and stay home. If I go, I'll prolly head down right before game time.

 

Now my thoughts on the game itself. Currently, Pittsburgh is favored by seven points over the "Where in the HELL did they come from??!" Arizona. I see some synergy between the '05 Steelers and the '08 Cardinals, not to mention other surprise teams in recent memory.

 

1). in '05, no one expected Pittsburgh to win all on the road to win it all.

 

2). Arizona, by some wierd fluke, didn't have to go that route, HOWEVER, it's a wierd road nonetheless. They beat the Falcons at home, Philiadelphia won in Minnesota and beat Jersey A (aka New York Giants). If Philly didn't win that game, Arizona would have to go to New York. The Cardinals were not expected to even come close to beating Carolina, but Jake Delhome (QB for the Panthers) self-destructed. Which in turn brought Philly to the Desert.

 

3). Look at the New York Giants from last year. They won 10 road games at the end of the season (including playoffs and Super Bowl). They were the David to New England's 18-0 Goliath.

 

4). Indianapolis two seasons actually won in the playoffs due to defense, which was remarkable. Usually it is on the shoulders of some insignificant QB named Peyton Manning (GOD I hope they have more Mastercard commercials with him this year. He's so hilarious!), but when playoff time came around, they stepped up. Interesting fact: Cardinals RB Edgerrin James was traded from Indianapolis to Arizona prior to that season, and the Colts actually gave him a ring, because he was a major part of the Colts' revival with his carrer there. To me, that's class.

 

5). I remember watching much of "The Greatest Show On Turf"'s 1999 season. The St. Louis Rams (led a former grocery store bag boy/AFL Iowa Barnstormer QB named Kurt Warner who ended up being Super Bowl MVP) seemed to quietly go 14-2 without much respect. When Minnesota games weren't played (since they're the local market for me), Rams games seemed to be on alot. I missed a good portion of the season due to my work sched, and I had to listen to the Super Bowl on the radio on that Sunday. I was trying to tape it, but only got the first half.

 

6). Super Bowl XXXV (Ravens-Giants) had the two weakest offenses in Super Bowl history. The Ravens won solely on defense. The giant's lone score was a touchdown on the second half kickoff runback. People are arguing about the Cardinals being the worst Super Bowl contender due to record, and the fact they came out of the weakest division of football. The trick is, they won the games that have mattered in the playoffs. They won the "One and Done" games.

 

7). In contrast, Pittsburgh this year is kind of a combination of the 2000 Ravens due to defense, and the quietness during the season. Everyone was focusing on "Can New England win without Brady (Answer: True), and "What's wrong with Peyton Manning?" (Earlier in the season, Manning was still gimpy from his off-season knee surgery, but became himself again). It didn't help that the Tennesee Titans rocked most teams' worlds, the 1-15 Dolphins of last year perform the best turnaround in a seaon in history, and to focus on the New York Bretts (err, Jets). So yeah, they were kind of buried in the news (except for Steeler Nation, of course).

 

8). Kurt Warner and Ben Rothlisberger (Arizona QB, Pittsburgh QB, respectfully) both are charmed men. In 1999, Warner's jump to starter was due to a season ending injury to Trent Green in the pre-season. After the loss to New England, his career turned journeyman/backup due to injuries. In Arizona, he became starter when QB Matt Leinert was ineffective. Suddenly, if he wins the game tomorrow, he very well could become Hall of Fame worthy. "Big Ben" on the other hand, is much more lucky than Warner in the sense that a few months after winning the Super Bowl, he nearly died in a motorcycle accident. He wasn't wearing a helmet. The following season, his performance was subpar, but not surprising.

 

9). Here's an article that is rather fascinating to me. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/01/21/chff/index.html?bcnn=yes

The reason I think this is fascinating is, Peyton Manning is considered one of the smartest on-field QBs in the business, and a shoe-in for the Hall of Fame. He's one of the few (if not only) QBs who can call his own plays. Yet, Kurt Warner has a much better record in the post season. Granted, as the article states, his is better with five fewer games, so that possibly can skew the data, but it can't be ignored.

 

10). Arizone coach Kent Wisenhunt won a ring with Pittsburgh in '05, and has the opportunity to win against his old team. If Pittsburgh wins, Mike Tomlin will be the second black coach to win the big game, and the Steelers will have six rings out of seven tries.

 

I'm rooting for the Cardinals, but if Pittsburgh wins, I'm cool with that.

As one who watched wrestling in the past, the following article must be dissected.

 

 

Terms:

 

 

First, that it's on WWE's site is the fact it's a promo (promotion).

 

Secondly, I have heard runors that Mickey Rourke may have an apperance at Wrestlemania 25. In the past, celebreties outside of wrestling have been a major part of the draw in a show. (Basically, someone you would pay to see in appearance).

 

I haven't watched in years, but I know how the set up goes. I do not know Chris Jehricho's persona, but he's an intense guy and has always been popular.

 

If it comes to fruition, it will be something like this:

 

1). Mickey Rourke was a former boxer, and his resurgance to Hollywood happens to have him play a washed up professional wrestler. The film The Wrestler has Oscar nominations. WWE would be crazy to not use this angle? (fake story)

 

2). Have one of your A-Team wrestlers do an interview with Mickey, have your guy critticize his performance, and eventually turn it into an angle oh TV with Mickey being at the events Chris is at.

 

3). Have shoot interviews, and eventually there's involvement with Chris and Mickey.

 

4). Chris and Mickey have some sort of resolution at the pay-per-view.

 

The Wrestler is to pro wrestling that Rocky was to boxing.

 

I have yet to see the film, but from this shoot, the community it represents respect of the industry.

 

I met Chris Jericho once, and I'm thinking he's playing heel, which he is incredibly good at doing. He's a very friendly guy, I might add.

I tend to use my Sundays (when football isn't on) to just pick something random to learn about, or just visit topics I'm interested in, and just see what happens. Today it seems to be movies and historical.

 

I started off by reading about 3:10 to Yuma which I watched last night, and then explored the western genre. Of course, I would come across Clint Eastwood, and read wikis of Unforgiven and Pale Rider (where it has a quote of an interesting interpretation/observation by Eastwood about Preacher being a ghost or dream).

 

Most of it has been driven about me eventually making the decision on what movies I want to buy on Blu Ray, either to have since I've never owned (in the case of Pale Rider) or to upgrade in my current DVD collection.

 

As I was surfing Amazon's offerings, I came across one of my favorite movies of all time: Patton. As the WWII buff that I am, I began to wiki Patton and many others in his life. I decided to read about Omar Bradley, and something hit me that blew my mind.

 

Ninety years ago, Omar Bradley was the ROTC instructor at South Dakota State University (known then as South Dakota State College).

 

An eventual five-star general taught at SDSU. It blows my mind that someone who helped change the world was here.

 

Then again, I grew up six blocks away from George McGovern's house, so what do I know?

 

Stuff like this fascinates me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To write a song one

Must know the story

Of what to convey

The melody and rhythm

And the cadance and

The lyrics

 

 

Opinions matter

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

---For Martin Luther King, Jr.

 

 

The last couple of weeks I managed to upgrade my living room ameneties. THanks to a sale at Wal-Mart, X-mas cash (from both family and work), I purchased an HDTV. It's not huge (only a 22" VIZIO), but I really don't care. It's a start.

 

However, yesterday was alittle different, as a co-worker and I went to the local Wal-Mart for lunch. He and his wife are planning to buy a Playstation 3, and he wanted to scope out what they had.  Turned out, the one he wanted was not in until the weekend. Besides being a gaming console, it's also a Blu Ray player, which is the replacement of DVDs.

 

I'm not a console gamer (more on that in a minute), but we were in the same area as the Blu Ray players, and I saw the price of one at $200.

 

I figured why not? So I bought one after work! The nice thing is, my DVD collection won't be obsolete, because with an HDMI cable (looks very similar to a USB..best way to describe it) it converts the picture/sound up to Blu Ray standards. I browsed through The Empire Strikes Back for various sequences, and it was incredible. This morning, I watched Goldfinger, and I don't think I've ever seen it like this before. I haven't bought any Blu Ray discs...no sense in buying any unless there's extra content of a title that I own.

 

The thing is, you can't do this with non-HDTV televisions, because they need to have the HDMI port. The other trick is, if you do wish to buy an HDTY and Blu Ray, you don't get the HDMI cable. DO NOT BUY AN HDMI CABLE IN STORES! It'll cost you $30.  Buy online, like at Amazon or NewEgg. You can get them for $3.00. When I bought my TV, I bought my cable anticipating my Blu Ray.

 

Now, when I get my income tax, I only have one more toy to buy (well, two). A Wii and Rockband 2. I found out for the Wii, I have to camp out at Wally at 8am on Sundays.

 

I like the Wii mostly because it's different than the other consoles, and it's a lot of fun.

 

After the Wii, I'm done buying major toys for awhile...:)

 

For Mom.

 

Probably a questionable song for a dedication. If you know me, it makes sense to a degree, if you know what words are meant for her.

 

I always loved this song.

 

Peter King's comments pretty much sums it up.

 

I'll miss you coach. You're a fine man, and I am happy for you.

 

 

 

 

 

I usually don't try to bring work to my blog, but this one is rather personal to me, considering that this is one of the most influental bands in my guitar playing and style.

 

I didn't receive news of this from work until a day or two ago, and when I found out, I told one of my co-workers about it. I was so awestruck.

 

My friend asked me what I would do if I met AC/DC. I cited "Wayne's World".

 

I'm not worthy.

 

Meeting Angus Young, or just seeing him in person would rock my world. His ability to just zone and play is probably his biggest influence on me; especially running around like he does.  That's talent.

 

So my Inner Angus is just jamming out..:)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*mimicking Captain Kirk*

 

"Why..is this..so important..to animals out there....why must we care...about the name of a highschool? Why should Spearfish, South Dakota...be forced to change the highschool's name to 'Sea Kitten HighSchool'? SPOCK!"

 

 

When I read about this, I was just like, "WHAT THE HELL?"

 

Hrm. If they want Spearfish to change the name of the highschool, might as well change the name of the town as well to "Sea Kitten", which would make ZERO sense in the Black Hills.

 

I suppose they woud be offended if they knew we had towns named both Buffalo and Bison.

To PETA,

 

I eat cow meat, drink lots of milk, love buffalo meat, live on chicken and turkey, chislic, and cheese. Venison is good. Lamb is good. I do get picked on by friends when they go eat Chinese (their signature phrase when they go is simply "Meow!"). I love most seafood.

 

But to be so desparate to try to ask a town that has been around for over 130+ years to change the name of their highschool...which is named after the city?

 

This is why I laugh at you.

 

 

Read that, you dummies.

Maybe finally, Adam "Pacman" Jones will get his just desserts. He was cut by the Dallas Cowboys today.

 

Here's the deal: Mr. Jones is more famous off-field than on. Before the 2007 season, the former Tennessee Titan was either implicated or present for no less than ten off-field confrontations with police, or investigated in such activities. One of these incidents was at a Las Vegas strip club where a bouncer was maimed.

 

Due to these transgressions, he was suspended for the entire 2007 season.

 

However, one might haunt him:

 

 

I'm not a Cowboys fan by any means, but I'm glad they cut him, because we really do not need people as role models such as this.

Janis here, as my slave seems to be suffering from hairballs.

 

He seems to be coughing and spitting much as of late, like something is caught in his throat. I know when I have done so in his presence, he has noticed that it bothers me. I notice this bothers him.

 

Therefore, I have made the conclusion that humans suffer hairballs.

 

At times like these, you can purr for your slave, and feel sympathy towards them.

 

"I have been around the world

Looking for that foreign girl

Who's love can endure.

And you know it will."

 

I love this song.

I intended to post about this on Sunday, but I had more important things to deal with. However, I feel that this is a very important topic to address, considering the times we're in. It's important, because of what is going on with the auto industry, and quite frankly, I see a parallel.

 

Sports is an endeavor that is a great way to release tension, get exercise, and get jacked up on emotionally. I never played any sports in highschool except intermural basketball, and later football (soccer). Mostly for me for fun.

 

As a fan, I root for my teams. I also root against rival teams. Like last year's New England Patriots going undefeated until the Super Bowl, it got old hearing about it. But what I am about to discuss is a contrast. That team certainly had incredible talent, and if they had won it all, fine. But they got blindsided, and more than likely, just tired.

 

What the Detroit Lions did this year was the epitome of failure from the owner down to the players. I'll be honest, as it got closer to the end of the season, I was rooting for the Lions to go winless, even though the players or coaches themselves really didn't deserve it. They actually could have won some games.

 

In the dawn of the century, the Ford family hired Matt Millen, former NFL player and game announcer as president and CEO. Basically, he ran everything from hiring coaches to running the draft. He failed on every single decision he made. During the "Millen Era" as his tenure is known, he had several teams start off with major hot win streaks (last year's Lions went 6-2 before going 7-9.) Millen was fired early in this past season, but futility just kept on going.

 

The problem is, Bill Ford, Jr. (son of owner William Clay Ford, Sr.) had to publically voice his opinion before Millen got fired. This was despite Millen getting a contract extension, despite the fanbase of Detroit chanting "Fire Millen!" not only in home arenas for the other franchises, but also on road games for all four teams over the years.

 

If anything, Detroit got some draft picks by sending Roy Williams (WR) to Dallas. That might help them, but it depends on the "new management".

 

It was sad watching that Thanksgiving game with the Tennesee Titans, because the ineptitude of the team was televised nationwide. If that was the only game you saw of this team, trust me, it was a good example. I saw the Green Bay game earlier in the season, and as always, early season games are hard to judge. The Lions were winning until QB John Kitna threw interceptions (two that went for touchdowns outright). This happened in the final five minutes of the game.

 

They had some "almost wins"..some close ones, but somehow, they just could not execute And as the season went on, I guess I was more in disbelief than anything. I actually started to read articles from the Detroit papers, and die-hard Lions fans wanting them to do the unthinkable, because it might just give a wakeup call.

 

Ford didn't clean house, like he should have with the executives. Perhaps he should cede to his son, Bill.

 

The hardships of Detroit (as a whole) is based on an archaic model. If the Lions would have won a game or two, I don't think that it would be that glaring. But, consider:

 

1). Detroit is one of two major cities with four separate playing fields for their respective teams: Ford Field (Lions), Tiger Stadium (Tigers), Joe Louis Arena (Red Wings) and The Palace (in Auburn Hills for the Pistons). With the exception of the Lions, every other major team has won championships since 1957 (the last time they won a championship).

 

2). Ford Field replaced the Silverdome as the home field for the Lions. It was a $500 million investment that has yet to have even a sniff of a playoff game for both the team and their field.

 

3). The team kept on executives who were part of the debacle of this past season. Now, that could be good or bad. If the staff has fresh ideas, then ok. But if next season goes sour...

 

4). This shows a glaring problem of management in the auto industry. Make more economical cars. Make more affordable cars. Why do you think foreign cars are more popular? It was poor management of allowing the CEOs of the industry fly out to be bailed out in company jets.

 

It saddens me to see 0-16, even thought I rooted for it. But it should be a wakeup call. Of the four professional teams, the Lions are the most vulnerable. With the ties to the auto industry as well, they could lose their team to another city, or worse.

 

I'm not a fan of the Lions. I prefer them to lose their Thanksgiving game. I know it's "tradition", but sometimes tradition needs to end to renew yourself.

 

That's the shame of 0-16.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thiis is one of the hardest posts for me to ever write, because on December 28,2008, my mother passed away.

 

We had the mass on New Year's Eve, mostly because we wanted to have it quick, due to family missing work. my brother and father came and brought me to Mitchell Sunday night after I had informed work on what happened.

 

My mom (we never called her mother, just mom; although I'll explain in a bit on when you call her 'mother' to her face, it means you KNOW you're in the doghouse..:)) was a tiny little woman no more than 5' and some change.  It was interesting looking at her yearbook, because the description of her says just that, which I found appropriate. As one of my aunts who couldn't make the service stated in a very touching poem, my mom may have been in a small package, but she was not only feisty, but loving, and full of humor.

 

Two of my favorite stories about her (one involving me in said doghouse; another that is just classic mom.

 

One October night during my senior year of highschool, my parents went out to eat and go to the bar (as they always did on Saturdays back then). I had gotten off work just after they left, so I didn't go. My best friend in highschool got off work alittle later and procured some beer (hrm..me and beer?  NAAAH!!), which during highschool, I didn't go out and party or drink (shocking to those who know me), and we decided to do the no-no. We got busted by a highway patrolman, but were let off with a warning.  Of course, our stash of beer was confiscated.

 

It was after midnight and mom, as always, was up reading. Considering that I thought the patrolman called my parents, I had no reason to lie. I was pretty drunk after all, so I couldn't hide it. So, I simply answered her questions with me saying, "Yes, Mother."  Needless to say, I thought I was going to never have the ability to father children. I remember her telling my dad about it the next morning. I knew I was dead, because I knew how my dad went off on my sister the year before, except she lost her license (come to think of it, had I actually gotten arrested, I KNOW I would never father children...:))

 

The second story involves mom going to the Junior High for some reason. She was trying to locate the office, and as I said, she's tiny. It was between periods, and appearantly, she got sucked up into the crowd of eighth and ninth graders. Some kid made the mistake of 1). pushing my mom, and 2). saying something to the effect of, "Get the *f-bomb* out of my way, *female dog in heat*!" Mom's reaction was (as she told me and my sister later that day), "I *BEG* your pardon?" I guess the kid was speechless, and one of his friends stammered, "Oh my GOD! It's a MOM!"

 

I would have paid to have seen that.

 

There are countless stories like that about her.

 

I will miss her, but considering her health issues, she's in a much better place.