What the Duece?

The "State Game"

2006-03-20T07:32:00.000-08:00

While Perusing Mr Tuttle's Blog, I noticed the "State Game" him and Trevor were discussing. Well, since he asked for people to post their States Here you go:

You can make your own
or check out their CA guide.

Only a few more to go (19 to be exact). Gotta love the military for making sure you go to a lot of different places and having to drive cross country on leave, Mostly along the I-40. The New England states come from cards and the wife's family. the I-40 Corridor is from driving from DC to OKC about 10 times. Ugh, I driven too much across the Eastern US.

Hey Dan, you can buy me too!!

2006-03-15T05:12:00.000-08:00

Well, it's that time again. Free Agency! And no one does it higher, bigger or louder than the Redskins. Once again jumping head first into the pool this year, it looks like they have a couple big fish to go along with the stuff they should have thrown back. Dan Snyder has the bucks to spend, and the highest paid coaching staff in probably all of major sports right now. They better bring home the ring this year. Yet again we've grabbed the hottest Wide Receiver, Randle El. I'm sure this move has my step-mom weeping back home (she's a die hard Steelers fan from the Bradshaw days), I'm kind of elated. I just hope he doesn't turn into that guy down in NYC, you know, Plexico Burress. Having arguably 2 of the fastest receivers in the game on the same team is just sick. Now to find a QB that can throw it to them in stride (Brunell can't do it anymore and that Todd Collins, can we say Career back-up?) Along with Antwaan, they also grabbed SF #1 receiver for a steal. Good Luck Alex Smith.

I don't know what to say about Miami though. The QB Carousel spins on, this time with Dante Culpepper. Hopefully, for my little brothers sake, the spinning can stop. He's been a fan his entire life, and I know he's been having troubles trying to find a reason to continue to watch (Ricky Williams really made him want to quit being a fan altogether).

With Drew Brees heading to New Orleans, I wonder how the top 3 in the draft is going to go now? Is it going to be SD all over again for Drew? Playing hold the team for the rookie to gain knowledge on the bench? Next year is looking so good right now. I wonder who's going to go after NO's #2 pick in the draft?

Now, away from football and on the NCAA. I tell you, sometimes I can't stand living in Syracuse, NY. My friends have gone to the measure of never going to a sports bar with me when the Orange are on; As it will probably lead to me getting into a fight because I refuse to root for Syracuse and will always root against them. I do like the heart of G-Mac, but ugh, when it's all you hear day in and day out, it gets old really fast. Thank god he's gone next year. Maybe they'll really have no shot at anything and people will finally shut up about it. 2003 is gone, quit living in the past on get on with it. I'm sure my Sooners will once again get knocked out early, as they haven't really done well against any top teams, only beating Texas once this year and got smacked by them in the rematch and then the quick exit in the Big XII tourney at the hands of Nebraska for goodness sake. Just anybody but Duke or Syracuse, please win this.

On the home scene, it's stressville. The company I work for is downsizing, and my last day is March 31st. Finding a job is difficult in a job market that I work in. You're either way over qualified for what they want or under-qualified for the position you want. It sux big time. Not to mention I make lower than the industry average, so finding a job that pays what I make now should be easy, it comes down to the whole over-qualified junk again. Bah. I'm always hopefully though, it's just getting down to the serious crunch time, and I've had no call backs, even from the company's that I've been calling and trying to get in the door.

With my lovely daughter, she's still the reason I get up in the morning and try everything I can. She makes all the stress and headaches worth it. Although, she is starting to throw temper tantrums, which really is upsetting as nothing calms her down, and I'm not one to budge when it's something that matters. This past week has been very difficult to say the least at my house. Although every morning it gets better as I get her out of bed and ready for her day. I'm continually amazed at almost everything she does. From helping me get her dressed to actually answering my questions when I talk to her. It's amazing. The other day she woke up and called for me and when I went into her room, she said "book", made me sit down on the edge of her bed and grabbed her bedtime song book and crawled into my lap and started flipping pages like she was reading. It's times like those that make everything allright in my book.

Where's the Road?

2006-02-14T12:13:00.000-08:00

Well, it's been awhile since I've posted, and I've been through quite a bit since then. I won't get into the whole Less-than Super Bowl other than say congrats to Jerome Bettis. I hope I make a couple dollars on his Rookie cards.

Although I think we need either new referee's in the NFL, or the ones we have need a lot more training. I love football, but the way the things have been this past year have truly put a damper on my enthusiasm to continue to watch old men blow call after call.

Now, on to cards. I went to NYC this past weekend and had a blast. Got to hook up with some old friends, see a couple more, and meet some new ones. All in all, a great trip. Now the trip home, though, was a completely different story. Besides having a Migraine all Saturday, we had to leave around 3am to make it back to Syracuse by 9am. I had to back that early because my wife was working the morning shift at Friday's and I had to be there for my daughter. Steve and the boys roll in about 2:45 covered in snow. So we pack and walk out the apartment. 1 step outside the building, I go airborne and land on my large posterior in the snow. Starting off well aren't I? Now, I'm cold, wet and in pain. So the 3 block trek to the car in 8-9 inches of snow (not plowed much by the way). 10 minutes to clean the car off and Steve and I are off. Now, since it's snowing and blowing, I can't read any of the street signs, so we miss Lexington. But thanks to NYC's 1 way streets, we were able to swing around and finally make it out of town.

Once we passed the Tappan Zee (spelling?) it was wall to wall white. I stayed in the middle of the Highway watching the left Guard rail as Steve tried to stay awake to watch the right guard rail. It was a harrowing experience. Worse than anything I've ever dealt with in Syracuse. Blazing the trail in a Pontiac Sunfire (I left my Pathfinder for my wife in case it snowed back home) in the wee early morning is not cool. At 7:30 we finally made Albany and called to say I wasn't gonna be home by 9. We stopped and I napped till 8:30 and then back on the road. Finally making it home by 10:30. Fortunately, my wife called in sick, so I didn't have to worry about my daughter.

I really wish people would learn how to drive in bad weather. No one but Me had their flashers on and 1 idiot didn't even have his lights on! I mean, come on, you aren't the only idiot out there, so you have to be wary of the others as well.

On to home, the little one is learning to really talk now, and it's amazing. The words she learns are outstanding. She has taken to trying to sing along with the SpongeBob them song and the Jimmy Neutron themesong. It's awesome. It's great to finally have her be able to convey what she wants (most of the time) is great. Not having to wonder is a nice feeling. That and waking up and have her call for me instead of her mom first thing in the morning.

Well, enough for now, have to get back to finding a new job. The company I work for is downsizing 2/3rds of the office, so come the end of march I need to have a new job. Ugh, job hunting is such a pain in the buttocks.

What a way to wake up

2006-01-06T05:56:00.000-08:00

I gotta stop going to bed when football is on. As earlier in this year's NFL Season, I went to bed in the 4th Quarter after being disgusted with a team I was rooting for. Then, it my Favorite NFL Team, Washington. Down 13-0 to Dallas, in Dallas. I couldn't take it anymore. Half way throught the 4th Qtr, I went to bed. when I awoke, it was Washington a winner 14-13. Damn.

Well, this past Wednesday night, the same thing. I was rooting for fellow Big XII school (and hated rival of Oklahoma) Texas. Even though they are a hated rival, I will go Big XII, especially against the Craptacular most over hyped team in the world, USC (Neither Bush nor Leinhart should own a Heisman in my opinion). Down 38-26 half way throught the 4th Quarter, I couldn't take it anymore. I went to bed.

Well, upon logging in the next morning, I check the sports pages (I didn't get to watch the morning Sportscenter as Alyssa was already up and was watching cartoons). I see Vince Young kissingthe BCS championship trophy. My eyes nearly popped out of my head. They had done it. Come back from 12 points down to beat the Over-Hyped and over-confident USC Trojans. man that was such a good feeling to see that.

Sorry to all those USC fans, but you had it coming, and I LOVE IT. The better team won this year. And to all thos who thought that USC was going for a three-peat, go figure out what the BCS is. Division 1-A football has agrreed to name the winner of the BCS Championship game a Unanimous #1. So, 2 years ago, LSU was the college Champion. USC was #2. The Associated Press is full of shit if they really think that they determine the Champion anymore. The BCS is the ONLY entity that can crown a NCAA Football Champion these days. So, there was no mythical 3-peat this year. It was all in the oversized heads of the Media who think they still control the college world. Wake up America, and smell what the BCS has cooking. They finally got it right this year.

Boomer Sooner, Boomer Sooner

2005-12-30T05:54:00.000-08:00

Wow, it's been awhile since I've posted. to everyone, I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and/or any other holiday you celebrate during this time of year. Also, Happy New Year to you all as well.

Now that is out of the way, on to more interesting stuff. why is it for Christmas everyone gets the biggest and loudest toys for the smallest child? My Care Bear got her First Doll House (with working doorbell and ringing telephone set to volume 10 with no way to lower it). This thing is almost as big as she is!!! The smallest big toy she got was from her mother and me, which is the Winnie the Pooh Activity Tree (once again with the annoying sound effects). Her grandfather got this gym wall thing for her, which is about 3 1/2 feet long and in 3 sections. It has all sorts of stuff that twist, turn, push, pull, kick, hit, etc for her to do and makes noise with each one. It's crazy. I'm running out of room in the living room for all this stuff. At least she enjoys them all and plays with each of them everyday. She is getting so big and smart. although she has my attitude, which isn't so great at times. She is getting into everything, but will mind about half the time about stuff she's not allowed to have. She ate her first Star Wars CCG card last night (Lightsaber Parry) and couldn't have been happier doing it. I've got to set up a web-page so I can post my pitures of her and the couple of digital videos we have. She's so amazing and learning so fast. I can't imagine what she'll learn today!

So, it's Bowl Season in the NCAA and my team made it in one. Although the Holiday Bowl isn't the best or even in the top 5 or so Bowls, it's still a bowl and we got a great opponent in the Snubbed Ducks of Oregon. Little Alyssa, decked out in her sooner Onesie and Sweat pants cheered along with dad vs. Uncle Steve's ducks until bedtime. I'm surprised she didn't wake up while I was yelling at the TV later in the evening. All I have to say is watch out folks. With THREE Freshman wide-receivers, a Redshirt Freshman QB and Super sophomre Adrian Peterson all returning next year, this is gonna be a tough team. I hope their Offensive line will practice hard this offseason and come together, as 4 of their starters are seniors and will be leaving the team. Oh, and final score last night, 17-14 Oklahoma. Ingram sealed the win with an Interception of Ryan Leaf's little brother in the Red Zone with 33 seconds left in the game. What a game!! I loved it. The second lowest scoring Holiday Bowl in history.

On the Pro Front, 4 down, 1 to go. When Washington was sitting at 5-6, no one outside of their fans and themselves gave them a chance. Most everyone thought their season was over. Well, lookie lookie, they've won 4 in a row, and totally dismantling divsion rival NY giants last week and destroying all time Division and personal rival, the Dallas Cowbays 2 weeks ago. This Sunday, they play in Philly for a shot at the playoffs and a possible NFC East Championship if the Raiders can knock of the NY Giants and go 3-1 vs teams from the NFC East this year (they've only lost to Philly). Hail to the Redskins!!

Who do you have to pay?

2005-12-01T08:57:00.000-08:00

Who do I have to pay or maim, or whatever for Washington to win a close game in the 2nd half of the Season? Jeez, I can't stand it. At least I don't hav as many heart attacks as those Giants fans. hehe. Feely, misses 3? WTF!! Glad I'm not a NY fan. next up, the Rams. With a beat up QB or a Rookie from HARVARD of all places. Wash had better win this one, or their season is over.

In college, Colorado does it again. Walks backwrds intot he Big XII championship game. that's now 2 years in a row. Iowa State needs to figure out how to win the last game of the season one of these years.

With the Heisman, it is Reggie Bush's to lose. Here's hoping UCLA blanks him and Leinhart and Young has his best game ever vs a belittled and non-deserving Colorado squad in Houston on Sat. The Heisman Should come back to the Big XII (shouldn't have left last year, I still believe Adrain was the best College player then).

Onto Basketball, OU is #5, heding into their game with #4 Villanova this weekend. gotta love the domination of Texas and Oklahoma in the Big XII. without either one of these teams, the Conference falls apart. Nebraska is nowhere near it used to be.

With gaming, still struggling with what to do. I still support the game that got me into this, but it's hard when I see nothing that is supposed to be mailed to me. It's tough to stay loyal. at least with the new game I have, their is no promise of compensation, just fun and the best mechanics in the gaming industry. Might be picking up a new one, if it releases.

I finally got a computer at home now. A little modest for me, only 1 800mhz Pentium 4 with 256megs of memeory. 18 Gig HD. Won't have the internet until Jan/Feb. Then, i might join up with either City of Heros/Villians or World of Warcraft. i know lots of players in each that can help a newb out.

On the home front. The wife's car is costing approx $700 to fix. Stupid Water Pump and everything else connected to it. Labor is a kiler in the Auto Shop business. Ugh. with My universe, she is great. Still running around and putting anything she can grab in her mouth. We just bought a Pink Snowsuit for her. She is so beautiful in it. She now say Wow and Ow alot. Not sure if she really knows what they mean,but she sure has a blast saying them! she has now taking to sitting in my ap as I play Diablo II and even has her own keyboard that she plays with while I play. It's so fun just to sit and watch her run around the living room and play. She gets so excited when the dog either runs behind her (makes her think he is chasing her) or runs in front of her and she chases him. It's makes all the troubles in the world go away, if only for a little bit. she truly is a gift from god and nothing will ever compare to the happiness she has brought into my life. She is almost learning to jump. She can get about 1 inch of height, and I figure in a month or so, she'll be jumping up ion the couch on her own. It's crazy to look at the pictures in my cubicle at work and believe she as ever that small. She is getting her first big girl bed this weekend. Her Grandfather bought it for her birthday. A canopy bed from Sears. Supposed to be delivered on sat. gues what i'll be doing after I help my brother in law move. Have to take apart the futon in her room now too. No more morning of just laying down in her room and watching her sleep in her crib.

Ah, to be back in the Saddle

2005-11-16T06:34:00.000-08:00

Well, at least things are looking up. My last post was a rather downer, so this one should be better. It’s finally the holidays and I always feel better during these times. I don’t particularly care for the Weather, but I like the times. It’ll be my daughter’s first interactive Thanksgiving and Christmas, as she was only a couple months old last year. I’m hoping she has a wonderful time and is happy. Other than being sick for the past week and a half, life’s been rather swell for a little bit.

In terms of games, I did have an X-box 360 as a Christmas Gift, but the wife’s car is out of commission right now, so we had to take the money she had put down on it (for Mid December Delivery too) and get her car fixed. Oh well, it’ll be cheaper next fall/winter anyway. With Cards, I’m at an impasse. I love playing my current game, but I don’t have the time anymore to help make it work. Hopefully after the New Year we get some more players in or some old players back. On to the “new” game I’ve picked up, it’s so much fun, yet I still have so much to learn. At least most of the decks are pretty easy to learn how to play. Now just to learn how to track properly!

With Sports, As of Now, I think Referee’s need Eye tests and they need that little chip from Soccer Balls and Hockey for Football. Mike Alstott did NOT make it in on the 2-point conversion. Replay has shown he didn’t; yet the stupid ass Ref still ruled it was good. It should have been a Washington Win. I know people will bitch about Betts’ return, but even after replay you can clearly see his heel didn’t touch down out of bounds. Ugh. At least the Giants lost as well. Too bad Philly can’t win in the 4th Quarter. Jesus Reid, just run the damn ball!

In college, it’s looking like a USC/Texas BCS. That’s ok. At least it’s a Big XII team. Oklahoma is back in the BCS of not the National polls. How many other teams are there that have worse losses than OU? Quite a few. OU has lost to 3 teams, with a combined record of 29-2. That’s saying something. Although their wins haven’t been anything to topple big schools about, it’s still a better SOS of losses than all the other teams with the same records. At least they have a shot to go back to the Cotton Bowl This year. They just have to knock off Texas Tech this weekend and they have #2 in the Big XII wrapped up. Adrian Peterson is back to form and Bomar is playing up to snuff. Here’s hoping Next Year the Receivers are back to par and we can make another run at a National Championship!

Will it ever end?

2005-10-27T09:40:00.000-07:00

Well, time for a huge rant, cause that's how I feel right now. You know that time in your life when you wonder what it all means and why you deal with everything? Well, it's my time for that right now. This week has been hell. I go from a shitty day Saturday and it hasn't stopped since. We have 2 people leaving from my work (1 left 2 weeks ago and 1 is leaving next week), so it's 2 people's work that isn't getting done, so here I am going in early every morning to help keep their work up to date all the while falling behind in my own.

Our Office Printer shit the bed finally this morning (after my 3 hours of tinkering yesterday just to keep it going for the afternoon.) So another 2 hours of wasted time trying to fix it, then grabbing the printer from our files room and then another 1 1/2 hours setting it up on everyone's PC. And I'm not in IT, I'm a Claims Adjuster!! So in the hole some more I dig myself. At least my paycheck will be better next week for all the OT I'm putting in.

And then to last night, I get a call at 10 from my older brother. My step-father (whom I grew up hating) has fallen and cracked his skull and is in a coma (he's been battling cancer for a while now). My Sister and Mother are in hysterics and can't call me. Which makes me feel even less useful as I'm half a country away and there is no way to go home for them, unless I win the lottery by Next Monday. To this morning, where I am guilt-tripped by my wife into going into work early (after all the crap last night) and the printer problems, then I get another call from my brother. Yep, he's gone. I thought I would feel nothing, but it does hurt. Even more than I ever thought it would. I literally grew up hating this man. We fought all the time, coming to blows a few times. I've had the police called on me, kicked out of my house, beaten, went through counseling, all because of him. I was always treated like a dog, and was held responsible for everything that went wrong growing up, and here I was seriously affected. Man I hate this. Will this week never end?

I can't say that this has helped, but it at least has let me vent about this, even if it is to god knows who, and my friends online. Today is the worst I've had in a long time. It just puts a lot into perspective and out of perspective. I just can't wait to go home today and spend time with 1 of the only things that makes me happy right now, my daughter. I just hope and pray she never has to deal with this stuff like I did and she never has to see me torn inside like I am now.

God bless and God speed to all of you. Cause you never know, you never know...

Ah, the good stuff

2005-10-25T07:29:00.000-07:00

I’m so glad the Redskins trounced the 49ers on Sunday, as I had nothing left after watching OU almost lose to Baylor on a ton of turnovers. I understand OU is on their 4th and 5th string RBs, but come on. He fumbled like 4 times!! He also ran for over 150 yards. 2 Overtimes? This game should have been put away twice if it wasn’t for his fumbles. I have to hand it to Baylor though; they fought hard against a team that has pounded them in the past. A truly great game for them, and another growing experience for Freshmen Bomar and Kelly. That Acrobatic catch late in the game by Kelly was awesome, if only he could have come down inbounds!

On to the BCS, HAHAHAHAHAHAHA USC. Although they were passed by Texas, it’s still HAHAHAHAHA. If the season continues its run like it is, I can see 4 unbeatens at the end of the season and more people crying and whining for a playoff in College Football. It’s not going to happen people. When the almighty dollar still drives the College Bowl Bonanza, then we will never see a legitimate Playoff in College Football.

In the Pros, it’s the first time in quite a long time that all of the NFC East has a winning record this far into the season. It’s a tie in wins all the way down with 4. 3 Teams at 4-2, 1 at 4-3. It’s amazing. This year is going to awesome. I know I was surprised with the Blocked kick for the Eagles, stupid Chargers. Why can’t you win? And the Broncos, AAGGGH. Although Eli has proven this year why he was the #1 QB taken last year. He’s definitely grown up quite a bit. The Giants will be a force to reckon with. If you could have seen me cheer as I sat in my living room on Sunday when LaVar Arrington returned to the field and yet again proved he is a Playmaker! My little Alyssa clapped and cheered along with her dad each and every time LaVar made a great play. And she was yelling right along with me as Clinton Portis made it into the end zone for the First time all season, and then did it 2 more times! Those Cartwheels were great! Here’s hoping the ‘Skins can continue the success they have had with Brunell to Moss this weekend against the Giants secondary. The card store I’m playing at in CT had better have some sort of TV with the game going or Dan and I are going to lose it. I’m just glad we’ll be in different cars on the way, as we would both be digging into each other all the way.

For life at home, Alyssa is walking quite a bit now. She doesn’t like to crawl unless she’s really tired, and then she mainly sits and cries a bit until she gets back on her feet. It’s amazing to watch her learn everything that we take for granted every day. She trying now to climb up on the couch. She’s about 3 inches too short and gets really upset about it. I usually sit on the floor and she’ll stand on my leg and then climb up. She’s getting pretty good at that. And she gets down by herself as well. She has already learned to turn away from the edge and kind of scoot her 1 leg off and then the other. She’s wonderful!! I can’t wait until we can get her own bed for her. That crib is getting on my nerves now! I still haven’t taken the Futon apart, which I really should do soon. Maybe tonight after I take the Air Conditioner out of the Bedroom Window.

Nowhere to go but up right?

2005-10-10T06:14:00.000-07:00

Let me just get this out of the way first: Congratulations Mack Brown. You have finally done what you couldn’t do before: Win the Red River Shootout. Savor this one, cause I don’t see Young staying for a Senior year if they go all the way, and After OU is done “reloading” it’ll be on!!

Even with this year’s loss in Dallas, OU is still optimistic. How could they not be? There is nowhere to go but up. Bomar continues to show his toughness and he’s learning. Adrian Peterson (the one in college, not the idiot in Chicago) will play next week and he should have a fantastic rest of the season. It just gives homage to the old tidbit of “You can’t win ‘em all”. I just hope Coach Stoops can finish it out this year with a 6-5 record and a shot at a Bowl Game. There are only 2 teams left on the schedule that are ranked, and it’s all Big XII for the rest of the year. Boomer Sooner!!!!

As I sat in Upstate NY, I bitched the whole time because the OU/Texas game wasn’t televised (WTF!) and yet Rutgers/West Virginia was on. Come on, who wants to watch the worst BCS division play ball when #2 Texas and Oklahoma are on? We all know the Big XII is the toughest Conference in the NCAA and yet there was Hofstra and Delaware being aired. I’ve lost all faith In the Cable and television industry for this one. I can understand that ABC wanted Northwestern and Michigan. I guess I have to move back out west to see my Sooners on the Tube. And how great was the Northwestern Game. I actually watched (it was the only good game on I thought). I’m sure my friends from Ohio were happy about Michigan losing, but them OSU can’t win either. Penn St destroyed their chance for National anything. And my buddy Steve’s Ducks of Oregan pummeled Arizona State. I figured ASU had this one in the bag after coming close last week vs USC. Oh well. At least Notre Dame has the chance now to end USCs run. No one else can do it.

On the Pro scene, the toughest Division in Football, the NFC East, it’s all tied up at 3 wins a piece. I almost felt sorry for the Eagles yesterday, then I fell on the floor laughing. I love to hate TO and McScab ain’t all that. Although it was at the hands of the Cowboys, whom I hate just as passionately, it was a better finish for Washington, as they have the Tie-Breaker over Dallas and it keeps the division even. Hell if Washington could have pulled it out (damn you Ian Gold!) vs. Denver they would own the top spot of the NFC East. We’ll find out just how much Washington can take this week as they go into Kansas City.

In non-sports related info, My Precious, Alyssa, has moved from Baby Car Seat to Toddler Car seat. The Rocket Seat as I like to call it. She can now look forward and see Mom and Dad as we drive. Bad thing about it, she can now see if we eat her French Fries and lets us know about it! She up to 3 steps on her own before she plops down. She should be walking all by herself in the next month or so. It’s time to take the Futon apart in here room, as she’s also at that point of climbing out her crib. I am dreading that day. I just hope I’m not there, as it’ll probably kill me. I was the one with her when she fell off the couch for the first time and I think it gave me a Heart Attack when she did it. She always seems to know when I’m talking to her Uncle Steve though, she won’t come to me on the phone unless it’s with him. Well, that’s enough for today, I actually have to get some work done now!

Who's Next to Choke?

2005-10-03T11:46:00.000-07:00

Ok, those Damn Sun Devils couldn’t get the job done. You have the #1 team in the nation, on your field, your up by 3 scores, and you let them come back, and win. WTF! Sorry Scott, but Damn, ASU had this game. Same crap that happened vs LSU. Turnovers killed them. UGH. At least Oklahoma won this weekend. Pasting Kansas State without Peterson for more than half the game. I seriously hope he can bounce back from this nagging ankle injury and rest up for this weekend. He’s gonna be needed. Texas once again is pummeling their opponent. I can’t believe Missouri thought they had a chance in that game.

Another team that had an ASU sized meltdown, the Kansas City Chiefs. Come on. How does TO get that Wide Open? Really, HOW!!!!!!! I guess Champ said it rightly last week, they just aren’t playing hard. Eli continues to impress, while the Raiders gave me a great gift in their win over Dallas. It could be any team out there playing Dallas and I would root for them, even Philly. The Skins won again, proving they have the toughness to stay in it, but need to stop giving up the big plays. Nick Novak will be worshipped for at least a week in DC. A rookie kicker hitting the GW FG from 35+ yards? Very Nice. Stay rested Hall, Novak has your back.

I’ve informed my loving wife to stay upstairs on Saturday. Texas takes on Oklahoma in the 100th Anniversary of the Annual Red River Shoot-Out. I’m sure they will be able to hear me screaming down in Dallas during this game. Mack Brown hasn’t won this game since 1999, Stoops first year in Norman, and the last year that OU wasn’t in the top 25. If OU wins this game, the Ass Pirates Poll had better have them back in it. They will have deserved it. For Arizona, oh boy. The other Stoops had better have something shoved way up his sleeve, as he’s gonna need all the help he can get. I really don’t want to wait until Oct 15th for USC to lose. It needs to happen now!!

So, if on Saturday, you hear about some crazed fan in Upstate NY running through the streets clad in Crimson and Cream and burning anything with orange in it, you’ll know it’s me, and OU has pulled the greatest upset of the year!

Nowhere to go but up

2005-09-20T05:12:00.000-07:00

Well, another week in the bag and so far, it’s looking like a great rebuilding year in Norman. Once again, OU’s offense is struggling and their defense can only stop the run. At least Bomar is starting to look like a QB, I just wish he could hold on to the damn ball! 4 Fumbles? Come on now, that’s really bad. Travis Wilson, about time. A WR has finally stepped up to try and lead this team. But he’s a senior, so he better make this his best year! Paul Thompson, moving to WR and still remaining the backup QB. They must really be desperate, either that or Thompson knows he ain’t getting back under center for a LONG time. Oklahoma had better make damn good use out of the bye week this coming weekend. Kansas State looms on the horizon in their Big XII opener, and then it’s down to Dallas for the Annual Red River Shootout. Not to look ahead, but after Texas’ pummeling of Rice, Stoops had better have a great game plan for this one.

Oh to be a Redskin fan in Dallas Texas. I shut the game off at 13-0 last night to go to bed. I couldn’t watch it anymore (That and I can just hear my older brother’s voice in my head, he’s a ‘Boys fan). I wake up this morning to ESPN and a 14-13 Skins victory! What a way to wake up. Beating Parcells for the first time since his return, and doing it on the day the Trips are inducted to the Ring of Fame was Excellent! I’m beating myself up for going to bed. It only took over 4 quarters for Brunell to look like his old form (I still don’t like him) and into the 8th qtr before Washington finally scored a Touchdown. At least the defense is holding up Bring on the Seahawks!

Enough of the Football for now. A wonderful time in my life is approaching wicked fast. The center of my little universe, my daughter Alyssa, is turning 1 year old tomorrow. I can’t believe it’s been that long. I can still remember as if it were yesterday the day she was born. I still can’t believe how much she has changed my life. As I look around my cubicle at work, I have pictures of her right next to me, and she looks so small, yet she’s smiling and laughing in everyone. Just like she is at home. I can’t start to thank God for the miracle of her. She’ll be attending her first wedding this weekend, her 2nd cousins. Man, the hard part is gonna be to find something where she won’t be more beautiful than the bride, that’s going to be real tough.

Quarterback needed desperately, apply at Memorial Stadium!

2005-09-12T06:16:00.000-07:00

Even some hands from Receivers would help on this one. Thank God for Adrain Peterson. I really think my wife would have kicked me out the house had I been home to watch the OU/Tulsa game. Going from the top ranked High School Prospect at QB to throwing for less than 50 yards and 2 picks is horrendous. Somebody, please step up. Even I am wishing Jason White had just one more year. How the hell can you drop 3 spots in the polls after a win? I guess having only a running game matters to the voters of the Ass Pirates poll.

As much as it hurts to admit it, I enjoyed watching the Texas/Ohio St game on Sat night. Although Texas is the mortal enemy of my beloved Sooners, they are a Big XII team, so for them I cheered. Vince Young continues to amaze, and Mack Brown completely pulled this out his ass. You’ve got to credit the LB core for OSU though, they played great, keeping OSU close and Young on the move the entire game. Again, here’s hoping that OU can solve their passing problem before the Red River Shoot-out. Either that, or they better be able to stop Vince like they did last season with their 12-0 victory!

To the ASU fans, I feel for you. I can’t believe they lost that game. A blocked FG and a Blocked Punt returned for TDs? WTF! Although ASU’s QB showed poise near the ned as he kept marching them back down the field after the D gave up TD after TD. I was pulling for another upset, but you can only have so many.

Iowa, Iowa, Iowa…LOL. A little too big for your britches eh? Gotta love that game. Although I’m not much of a Cyclone fan, it’s all about the Big XII this past weekend.

Missouri and Texas A&M, you’re killing me Smalls. These 2 are the only 2 Big XII teams to lose. How could you? Hell even Baylor won!! The rest of the conference is out to prove why it’s the Toughest Conference in the NCAA and you 2 go out and lose. Get with the program!

Oh My, Charlie Weiss. Notre Dame back into the Top 10 of the AP Poll? It seems we have a contender here. Keep it up Irish. This may be the year. How bad was the decision to can Tyrone Willingham now?

So now Syracuse got the super easy win out of the way by beating Buffalo. I know it’s great for the Orange, but come on, how old is it that your best win almost every year is against Buffalo. Tragic, I say, Very Tragic.

TCU, Fluke? Not really, as they actually kept Adrian Peterson under 100 yards. Tulsa didn’t.

On another note, I rented NCAA 2006 for the X-box last night. My OU Sooners actually have a QB. Plays a lot like Vince Young, and I didn’t lose to TCU. Crushed ‘em, 49-6. Race for the Heisman my ass, it’s no race, it’s for whoever I decide to give it, my QB (Taz England) or Adrian Peterson. Gotta love the Video Games!

On to Pro Sports, all I have to say is at least the Redskins won. It was a Craptacular day for the ‘Skins, although Clinton did run for a lot, their passing is horrendous. Although it doesn’t help when your starting QB has his head almost taken off. That play made me cringe.

Oh the Lime-anity...

2005-09-07T06:25:00.000-07:00

Well, I knew it would happen, but just not this soon. I’m kind of glad of Regional Coverage now. If I would have had to set through the TCU/OU game, I think I would have lost my mind (I had a Migraine all Saturday anyway). With 2 new starting QB’s, a new host of Receivers, and the loss of the their best Offensive Linemen, this was going to be a rough year. But allowing TCU to score 17 points? Come on D. You only lost 2 DL, 3 CB, 3 LB and 1 Safety, you should still be able to hack it. I guess OU has definitely lost their swagger and toughness. Here’s hoping the get it back before Oct and the Red River Shootout.

It’s about time Florida State wins a game due to the Kicking Game, especially vs. Miami. But who knew it would be “The U”’s atrocious kicking game that does it? USC continues its rampage of, quoting Barry on this one, “Hanging Half-a-Hundred”. Even though it was against Hawaii, “Lionhart” and Co did what everyone thought they would, and the blowouts continue. Once again, here’s hoping someone in the PAC-10 has balls enough to beat these guys. The only game that allowed to have the 3-peat is Basketball, and the Chicago Bulls.

And what’s up with Ohio State? Is it that big of a deal who starts vs. Texas? We all know it’s gonna be about if the D can stop the Young & Young show, not about OSU’s offense. All I have to say is if Texas runs the gauntlet this year and ends up vs. USC in the Championship, It’s gonna be a sad day for me, as I will have to root for the Longhorns; even if I have to do so while committing Hari-Kari.

And to all the Sports announcers, let’s wait until the end of the season before we hand out the awards and the Championship trophy. Less we forget about 2003 and what happened in the Big XII Championship game and then the Sugar Bowl.

Here’s to Sat, and the Sooners getting back in line with Bomar and Peterson corralling the Golden Hurricanes of Tulsa. Nothing like a little State Rivalry to get you back on track. And then to Sunday where I get to continue rooting against Cedric Benson, as Chicago is playing the Redskins and I really want to see the QB Killer welcome Kyle Orton and Benson Properly.

Hey Rookie, Welcome to the NFL!

To Retire, or Not to Retire...

2005-09-01T12:58:00.000-07:00

Well, let me tell ya, retiring from being a volunteer for the game I really enjoy playing and judging was a very tough decision. As a friend stated, it must have been one of the hardest choices I've made. Well, it was pretty difficult. In the end though, family will win out, and I need to spend a lot more with them right now. It hurts to step away from something I've been passionate about for over 4 years now, and "officially" volunteering my time and efforts for 2 years. I felt like I let people down by stepping out, but if I were to remain in, other aspects of my life would start to suffer, and right now, I can have that. So, I'm back in the shadows, but don't worry, I'm still a lurker and I'll be watching...

And the years trickle by...

2005-08-30T05:54:00.000-07:00

Well, it's that time again, my Birthday. Why is it I don't feel it coming on, but the couple of days afterwards it really sets in? God I hate being old. Yes, I can admit it, I'm old. When I was in my teens and early twenties, I never thought I'd live to see 30, much less 31. And don't give me that crap "you're only as old as you feel". You chase around an 11 month old little girl and we'll see how old you feel at the end of that day. Don't get me wrong, it's wonderful and great to spend time with my Alyssa, but unfortunately, she gets some grim satisfaction (just like her mother) in torturing me and high-tailing it around the couch and down the hall when I turn away. It's off to the races, I tell ya!

Well, that's enough rambling now. It's gonna be great this Sat, as I have to find a place to watch my Beloved Sooners "whoop up" on the TCU Horned Frogs (and to think, I almost went to College there!) and not worry abot getting sanctioned or what deck I have to build. Ah, relaxing...

Banned

2005-08-26T05:08:00.000-07:00

Well, it finally happened. I've been banned from Decktech. I was wondering why it was taking him so long. What an asshat. I guess I proved my point, Challenge him, be right, prove him wrong and you get banned.

First, he deleted my posts that had a major berring on the conversation, and had great valid points, then I call him out about how he says he can own up to his mistakes, and he bans me. Good Riddance. The guy is such a Hipocrit.

Well, I have 2 words for "Dredlox": PISS OFF! Have fun in Hurricane Katrina Pal.

Man, I Hate this Game

2005-08-25T08:54:00.000-07:00

You people expect me to remember all this crap? Oh well, here goes...

Ten years ago, 1995-08-25:

Coming up on 2 year mark with the Marine Corps. Military life is rough when you’re borderline weight mandated. Training for a new position, as the Civilian contractor we had passed away. Having difficulty dealing with everything, although I’m adjusting now. Going out to Chapps with my friends is the hotness, as I can really cut a rug with the Two-Step and Line Dancing! Working the Door at Blackies, Bar and Grill nets you numbers, as working the coat rooms net you Dances and $100 a night in tips. Not Bad.

Five years ago, 2000-08-25:

NY isn’t so bad. Been here for 4 months, just moved into my own apartment, although I have to share it with my buddies sister. Playing Magic Is allright, especially with my wicked good discount on packs. Just got promoted to Sales Manager at Autozone. Learning more about cars every day. The card store is takin off, as I now have a great core of players for Magic. Might start a tournament schedule soon. Although it being in a Mall really sucks. Preparing for my first winter in NY. I hear the snow is gets pretty deep up here.

One year ago, 2004-08-25:

Heather is wicked Big. 1 more month to go before Alyssa joins the world on the outside. Just bought my Pathfinder a month ago, and it’s still having electrical problems. The dealer had bette fix it right this time. I’m tired of Heather stressing about it, as it causes some problems between us and isn’t good for the baby. I can’t travel now, as I have to always be within 10 miles of the house and hospital.
I can’t wait!!!!!!!!!!

Yesterday, 2005-08-24:

Pissed off more people. Man I am tired of Webiste coordinators that are Hipocrits. Piss Off. Although EPS can calm me down. Just found out my buddy is serious with a chick. I hope they are really happy. He just mentioned the “M” word and I nearly spit out my coffee. At least I get some daddy time with Alyssa tonight. Maybe we’ll watch Sportscenter again together. I really hope she loves sports!

Tomorrow, 2005-08-26:

It’s Friday!!! Hopefully Heather, Alyssa and I can spend a nice quiet evening at home. Alyssa’s been fussy the past week as she has 2 more teeth coming in. It must be agony for her, and she’s still getting over me shaving and cutting my hair. She didn’t recognoze me for over a day. :( That sucked. Maybe I can get a baby-sitter and go see The Cave. That would be nice.

Five snacks I enjoy:

Corn-Dogs, Corn-Nuts, Doritos and Salsa/Queso, Jalepeno Poppers, Watchamacallits.

Five bands that I know most of their lyrics:

Disturbed, Seether, Breaking Benjamin, Papa Roach, Hair of the Dog

Five things I'd do with a million dollars:

Pay off all my debts, Pay off my family’s debts, Put aside enough money for Alyssa to go to any college she wants, buy a better house, tell Heather’s Boss to Piss Off cause she quits and will never have to work again.

Five places I'd run away to:

Vegas Baby!! San Diego, CA; Baltimore MD, Richmond, VA; Boston, MA.

Five bad habits I have:

Wanting to be included in everything, thinking I know more than I really do, being an extremist, not listening when I really should, folowing when I should really lead.

Five things I like doing:

Playing with my Daughter, playing T/CCGs, playing Vidoe Games, Swimming, just spending time with my family.

Five things I wouldn't wear:

Anything from Old Navy, Medium T-Shirts, Thongs, Bling-Bling, Tighty-Whiteys.

Five TV shows I love:

CSI (the Original in Vegas), Sportscenter, Lost, According to Jim, Family Guy

Five movies I love:

Star Wars, Lord of the Rings (PJs version), Dune (The Original), Hackers, Alladin

Five famous people I'd like to meet:

Darrell Green
Terry Brooks
Raymond Feist
Joe Gibbs
Marshall Mathers

Five biggest joys at the moment:

Alyssa, Lord of the Rings, Friends, Sleeping in Late, Sunday Afternoon drives

Five favorite toys:

G.I Joes, Transformers, He-Man, Beanie Babies, Grandpa Teddy

Five people to tag:

Seth
Mike
Hayden
Kim
Justin

And the band played on...

2005-08-25T07:23:00.000-07:00

Well, it's almost that time again, Football Season. As much as I hate the winter's in NY, the football season in the fall is a great thing to take your mind off all that damn snow.

Speaking of Football, I can't wait for Ohio State to play Texas. As much as I hate Texas (which is quite a bit), this game can determine the Big 12 South all by itself. If OSU can pull off the upset, then every team that plays Texas will key off what they did to beat Young, and whatever RB they decide will take a shot at the Hesiman in the next few years (as we all know, Oklahoma's Adrain Peterson is THE BEST in the whole land and had better win it this year, even if he is originally from Texas. Screw Lienhart, Adrian should have won it last year too.) I was watching ESPNCL last night, and watched Texas play Nebraska in the Big XII Championship game from 1996 ( I think) Wathcing Priest Holmes and Ricky Williams on the same team in the same game brought to mind how dominant Texas has really been with their RBs in the past decade. (Priest, Ricky, Cedric, ugh.) Just proof positive that they grow them Big and Bad in the Mid-West!

Here's hoping Syracuse (whom I really can't stand either) will be better this year with new Head Coach Robinson. Although, in the Big East, is there any Good Team left? I'd much rather watch Oklahoma every Saturday rather than have to sit through another Orange Game. If Stoops and gang were to ever come to Salt City, I think I would be first in line.

On to the pros, I have to say STFU and play T.O. As much disdain as I have for any NFC East team besides Washington, TO has brought shame to a once great Division. He's worse than all the Crack-Heads in Dallas ever were. Tampa Bay did it write when they benched that other loud mouth for an entire season, Philly should do the same here. McNabb can win without him, albeit not as much.

Attention Joe Gibbs: Try and find a QB worth starting, Please. I love watching the Skins play, but without a leader on the field, Portis can't do it all by himself. Find a line that can STAY HEALTHY and maybe a decent QB can lead us back to greatness. You got the defense already, and the QB Killer should be back this season. I really want to see Arrington take Eli out.

Where to Begin

2005-08-23T11:05:00.000-07:00

Let me get this out of the way first, if you don't like what I post, you can either a) let me know about it in civilized manner, b) continue to be upset or c) Piss off. You don't have to like me or what I post, and if I've offended you, if you want, let me know. I'll work with anyone to resolve a problem if there is one. That being said, I'll get down to business.

I figured since everyone else had one of these, I might as well. Reading these from the other s has been fun, and you know, I think I need a place to vent. I'm so tired of people right now. Not my friends/family/etc, just dopes in general. Those that a) don't know how to drive, b) think they were put here for others to worship, c) think they deserve everything and yet won't pay to get it and d) cowards. They just rile me. Ugh.

In other news, just got back from GenCon and had to go back to work. What Crap. Such a great 4 days, and now back to the grind, bitchy people, and schmucks. Other than that GenCon was a blast. Everything was smooth and orderly. I think everything went well, as 2 of my boys placed high, and some good friends did as well. Some issues came up in another game, and the guy who handled it, did so with class. I do not envy him that position that a player put him in. What that player did to him was crap, and making it personal was totally the wrong thing to do. Just respect the position, it doesn't matter if you are frineds or not, respect the judge and his ruling. There's an official complaint form if you sill have a stick in your ass about it.

Another thing I am getting tired of (which I feel is on the decline now) is Bashing. Get over it already. Shit happens. You don't like them anymore, we get it. Just let us play our game in peace. I don't Bash on your choice of games, have some respect and don't bash on mine.

Just want to give thanks to Scott, Dan, Kim, and Mike. You guys make this game worth it to keep going. I'll be taking a mini-vacation from the game for a little while, as I want to spend a few more Saturdays with my daughter before she gets to where she can tell me to change the channel. And it's football season, and OU is on the tube, Boomer Sooner.......