Thursday, January 20, 2011

A rant, a prediction, and some happy stuff

Okay, it's more than A rant, it's a few. First off, that Gov. Bentley of Alabama has no reason to apologize in my book. Yeah, being a Christian is exclusive, but it's easy to join! Jeesh, these pathetic ACLU/ADL people remind me of the chicken off of Robot Chicken. You know at the beginning when the mad scientist brings the chicken "back to life" to watch TV clips. That's what these people do; they just scan papers and Internet sites and news reels till they see something to get their nose bent out of shape over. Aren't all "religions" kind of exclusive in their own way? The only reason this guy is singled out is because he said "Jesus Christ" and it wasn't in vain. Seriously, folks, there's serious infringement on the rights of Christians, esp. if you're conservative minded. We have every right to our opinion and beliefs as a crazy, welfare-sucking, mother-earth-loving liberal does!

Second, allowing my dog to sleep in my bed will NOT kill me!! Who are the morons who run these studies anyways?! More over, who are the morons who FUND these studies. So, one kid got meningitis, an elderly couple contracted MRSA... WE ARE ALL DOOMED APPARENTLY!!! I will admit, if one's dog or cat runs loose all day and comes home a mess and you just let them jump in bed, then, yes, you may get sick. But frankly, you deserve it! I'm really annoyed with our drive-by media. One person gets this or does that and we're all at risk! Unfortunately, a lot of people will hear this news and fall for it and more Fidos and FeeFees will be kicked outside, then pet populations will escalate and then the media will be in a tizzy over "How did our pet population boom so quickly?!" Well, it's because you don't shut up long enough and leave people alone. Let the public eat all the McDonalds Happy Meals they want, buy all the Walmart food they can, and sleep with their pets on the bed in peace!

Third, the lady tripping into the fountain while texting was hilarious. She was so engrossed in texting, that she had no clue where she was and SPLOOSH! (note how popular she was that she was alone) It was funny. A classic AFV clip for sure, and a nice reminder to all (sad, pathetic) who text more than pay attention. Now, she caught wind of the incident and rather laugh it off like a normal person, she's getting a lawyer. She claims no one helped her and the security guards laughed at her. Perhaps all her texting buds should've been actually with her and this whole hilarious tragedy could've been prevented. Remember kids, a stupid phone doesn't replace real people... ever. And the lawyer who takes this case should be disbarred.

Okay. There. Now, on to NFC and AFC. I got all teams but the Pats right. For the NFC Packers are at the Bears. I like the Packers. Aaron Rodgers is smokin', the offensive line is giving him plenty of time to scan the field, the defense is solid. I saw some flaws in the Bears against the Seahawks. They make those same mistakes against the Packers and the Bears will certainly lose. Bears will probably make adjustments. Packers will too. I'm thinking the Packers have even more to show the Bears than what we've seen so far. Packers to take the NFC and into the Super Bowl! Packers 21, Bears 16. The AFC has the Jets at the Steelers. I didn't like watching the Jets win last week. Not that I like watching the Pats win, I just like watching the Jets win even less. The Jets will be facing a hard-hitting defense in the Steelers. While Sanchez is doing very well, this is his 2nd season. I think the pressure will get to him. I have really not been impressed with Big Ben this year, but he's a bit more reliable than Sanchez is. Granted, the Jets have knocked off the Colts and the Patriots, but 3 for 3?! It would be remarkable, but I don't think it will be done. Steelers 24, Jets 20.

Now, the next couple of weeks will be fun-filled, packed-to-the-max excitement around here. I mentioned last week about our trip to Hawaii (which is AWESOME!). We leave Jan. 29. But I'm not really thinking about that right now. Jan. 22, my sister, niece and brother-in-law are here for 5 days! I'm so happy they'll be here. Marcia and Daniel have been married 10 years and this is the first time Daniel will have ever been in our home and the 2nd time only for Marcia. And to spend time with Reagan will just be the best. So many people around here have their family close by. It makes me a little jealous sometimes. I guess it makes me really cherish the times we do get to hang out together. The only down side is the weather may prevent us from taking in some local sites but sitting at home just talking is just as good. Yay, I can't wait to see them!

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Divisionals

So, here we are: 8 teams whittled down to 4 after this weekend. If there is one thing I can say about this football season it's this: unpredictable! Did anyone else see the Seahawks going this far? Green Bay, Chicago?! I have to admit some shock at some of these teams appearances this late in the season, but it has been that kind of year. And to be quite honest, I'm not a big follower or fan of ANY of these teams. I'm gonna have to hold my nose on some of these picks. I will admit something to you here. Last week, I cheered AGAINST the Colts! Here's why. When I made my picks for last week's games, I wasn't planning a trip to Hawaii or going to the Pro Bowl. I my picks, then got the call that we're going to Hawaii! Part of the reason for going was to take in the Pro Bowl game. I want nothing more than to see Peyton Manning for real. If his team advanced to the point that they would go to the Super Bowl, he probably wouldn't be at the Pro Bowl. Horrible I know. But it's the truth. Shame on the NFL for changing their schedule around so ALL NFL Pro Bowl nominees can't make the game. And making those of us who admire certain players cheer for their early departure from the game so we can have a shot at seeing them up close and personal. But, either way, I'm still pumped to see some of the leagues premiere players live and in action! This football junkie is floating on air!

Ravens @ Steelers: Okay. We all know this game should be low scoring and hard hitting. I think it will be close too. The one thing that makes this pick a bit easier is the high probability that Troy Polamalu will be starting. In my opinion, his presence in a game determines who wins or loses. He may not be 100%, but any team would probably want Polamalu at 75% than not at all. This guy is an animal and very fun to watch. Now the Ravens have lots of talent too: Boldin, T.J. Housh-man-whatever, Dickson, Heap and of course, Ray Lewis. I have liked the Ravens most of the year, but Steeler depth and recent experience in the playoffs, AND Polamalu have me in their corner. Steelers 13, Ravens 10.

Packers @ Falcons: In Brett's supposed last season, ever (we'll see?), how great is it that he watches his "I'm not gonna mentor him!" predecessor, Aaron Rodgers get this much closer to where Brett thought he might be again about a little over a year ago? It's too good. Rodgers has become one of the leagues hottest QBs and it was all without the help of almighty #4. Thank goodness, he might not be as stellar otherwise. Now we also have to mention this James Starks. He brought the Packers to a whole new level called the running game. My only concern with him is lack of experience in big games like this. Falcons really are new to the playoff scene too. Matt Ryan is becoming known, but nothing like Rodgers. Turner is good, but so is the Packer defense. I like what the Falcons have accomplished this season. They really are for real. But I just like the Packers overall for this one. Packers 21, Falcons 17.

Seahawks @ Bears: I'm really sorry people, but this game is my "What the...?!" game of the season. Seahawks are on the right track with Pete Carroll, are they Divisional contenders yet? "well, they beat the defending champs, do-it-for-Katrina Saints" you may say. That final run by Marshawn Lynch was good, but how many tackles did he break?! Eight. Eight! Saints were terrible that game. I say the Saints weren't a Super Bowl caliber team. Alot of how a team make the playoff depends on their standings in their division, and clearly Seahawks had much in their favor. They had some good plays and some pathetic defense to play against. They aren't at home this week. Apparently, Jay Cutler has much to prove this game: is he for real or not. I still have to be convinced of his greatness. Much depends on Cutler's attitude and we all know how crappy that is. If he can shove the ego aside, maybe he's on to something. But to me, this isn't the game that makes or breaks him. They should beat the Seahawks, whether Cutler shows up or not. Next week, we'll see what Cutler is made of. Bears 27, Seahawks 14.

Jets @ Patriots: Ladies and Gentlemen! This is your junior high smack down game of the week! Can these 2 teams act more like tweens or what?! It's almost pathetic. I did try for a while to give the Jets some respect this year. But Rex Ryan is about as easy to like as a root canal. He's an ass. Let's just be honest. And it's trickling down to his team. Their smack talk is about as desperate as one can get. Did they forget the butt kicking the Pats delivered just a little over a month ago? Now, I like the Patriots about as much as I like the Cowgirls, but they are the better team here. I'm no Tom Brady fan, but he's probably on his way to an MVP year. Bill Belichick is what Rex Ryan is not: Quiet and Brilliant. And I've liked the tad more subtle smack talk from the Pats side this week. Jets will be talking a lot next week, but it will be trying to explain their arrogant, over-cockiness, once again. Patriots 30, Jets 21.

So for NFC championship, it'll be Bears and Packers. For AFC championship it'll be Steelers and Patriots. Have a fun weekend!

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Marcia will miss Wild Card Weekend:(

The Playoffs are here! Get out the chip dip, whip up some nachos! But before I get into that, I want to let people know how amazing my sister, Marcia, is. She is getting ready to welcome home her husband from Korea tomorrow. They leave Georgia Friday afternoon after final inspection and will be driving from Georgia to Montana to visit family all over the state and then on to Washington, where they will catch the ferry to Alaska, which is their final destination. The amazing thing about Marcia is that she has been getting the house ready to move, getting paper work in order for her, Reagan, her vehicles, her animals, working full time, caring for a 7 month old, nursing a bad cold, and has about 2 and 1/2 weeks to prepare (due to the military's last minute notification system)! And she doesn't complain. Well, she does a little, but not like you or I would. She just buckles down and gets things done. She's exhausted and overwhelmed, but come Friday, she and her family will be together and spend lots of catch up time on the 5 day drive to Montana! MARCIA: YOU ARE AMAZING AND AN AWESOME WIFE, MOM, & SISTER!!! You are a great role model for all military wives out there. Can't wait to see you real soon and I'll keep you posted on the games!

Saints @ Seattle: So Seattle won the division and ended up hosting this game. I don't care if they're the the 1st division champ in NFL history making the playoffs with a losing record. Look at the rest of the division! If you don't like it, try to change the division you're in. For heaven sake, it's how it goes! I think the Saints aren't Super Bowl contenders, but I think they bring more to the table than the Seahawks. Seahawks have yet to name their starting QB for Saturday's game, but it won't matter. Saints should win by 10.

Jets @ Colts: I really tried to give the Jets a chance this season. But they kept losing, then getting in trouble, and losing, and getting in trouble. It's hard to like this team, really. Rex Ryan is a jerk. His coaching staff is not much better. But they have had moments than make me wonder, "should I lay off the judgement for a bit?". The Jets have a chance, honestly, to win this game. The Colts have major injuries on both sides of the ball. Peyton hasn't looked like MVP material to me this year... everything just seems off in Indy. Yet they pulled off enough for home field advantage this weekend. Because of how much the Jets have put me on a roller coaster, I'm done with them. No more drama! Colts must win! Colts by 6.

Ravens @ Chiefs: Ravens definitely have a leg up on this game. Say it with me: EXPERIENCE. This is their 3rd playoff appearance in a row. Chiefs are back from a 4 year long hiatus, which ended with them losing in the first round. Tho, I have to admit the Chiefs are doing well this year... till they lost to the Raiders last week! WHAT?! No, I think the Chiefs offense, while good, won't be able to last against the Ravens notorious tough defense. Ravens should win by 7.

Packers @ Eagles: A game that has potential go to the wire. I have been impressed with Michael Vick this year, but is he playing Sunday? Aaron Rodgers looks good too. These 2 teams defenses are fairly equal. I think that with the Eagles playing at home, however, this is certainly in their favor. If Vick starts, and he should (right?!), I think their chances are even better. Eagles by 3.

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Week 17

First off, Happy 2011, everyone! I gotta say that the older I get the less and less I care about "New Year". The whole resolution thing is just silly. A person can make a change any time of the year. I have no problem with someone making a resolution, but it's not for me. Regardless, now we have to get used to writing "2011" or "'11" on everything and that always takes me a while to get used to! Any way, I hope that everyone had a nice holiday... reality sets in Monday.

On to Week 17. I am really sad to see Mike Singletary fired. Could the '9ers record have been better? I believe so. But a lot of the games they lost were thisclose. I'm of the opinion that management in the NFL is much like management in any other business. Decision are made based on short term outcomes, not long term. It's frustrating to see teams, like my '9ers, who will struggle for a lot longer than they need to just cuz management doesn't allow for any consistency in the coaching department. I have to be completely honest and say that at this point, I worry about the '9ers prospects next year as they will be learning another new coaching system. There are times when everything clicks and teams have successful years. But compare, long term for me, the teams who have tenured coaches to teams who change it up every couple of years. It's obvious who is more successful.

Vikings @ Lions: Is this "farewell Brett" part 20? Is this farewell Vikings? Who knows. The whole Metro dome collapsing on itself was a weird analogy for this team. I really want to see the Vikes stay in Minnesota. I hope they can get this done. (Let's remember tho, future contractors, that Minnesota has wet, wet, heavy snow and that ceiling you built was an accident waiting to happen!) Of course they are playing the Lions. Many predictor sites have the Lions taking this game. I don't think so! If there is one thing you can say about the Lions, it's that they lose and lose a lot. Vikings by 3.

Buccaneers @ Saints: If the Bucs lose this one, they're done. They've had a pretty good year, considering the last few years. Saints are disappointing; not even close to the same team they were last year. I'm going out on a limb here and saying the Bucs will pull of a win by 1.

Bears @ Packers: When I looked at these teams records, I was a bit surprised. I find it hard to believe the Bears are 11-4! I had to double take the Packers 9-6 record. I think the Packers are on the cusp of greatness. Take note Brett: the once rookie you pouted and moaned over having to mentor is about to make many say "Brett who?". Aaron Rodgers is getting better with time. Jay Cutler is about past his prime. Bears already have first-round playoff bye, the Packers need a win. Bears have nothing to really play for. Packers by 10.

Cowgirls @ Eagles: Pity the Cowgirls won't be hosting for the Super Bowl. Well, I guess they will, they'll just be serving drinks and hot dogs, not playing! Ha! The Eagles blew a bad game last week and have to settle #3 seed in the NFC. I like how the Eagles have progressed throughout the year. I would like to actually agree (swallowing hard) with Obama in saying how great it was to give Vick another shot. I really haven't seen evidence of the old Michael Vick: cocky, ball hog, who like to disrespect his team, coaches and home town crowd. He is humble and a real team player. What is Tucker Carlson's deal? He paid is debt and did his time. Now if he came back into the NFL and his behavior and attitude were unchanged, we would have a problem. But at this point, Michael Vick is a success story and needs to be given proper credit. I also think it helps that Tony Dungy has played a huge role in Michael Vick's recovery. Eagles by 14.

Rams @ Seahawks: A win for either of these teams gives them a shot at the playoffs. I don't see them making it past the first round, but a shot is a shot. Both these teams are pretty lack-luster in their seasons. It's really hard for me to think who win, but as the Seahawks are at home, I give them the win by 6.

Only posting 5 games as there is no Monday Night Football. So, enjoy the last week of regular season and have fun taking down your Christmas decorations (or not!).