I remember my first night on campus at Messiah. My family had left for the home, and I was alone in my room (my roommate hadn't arrived yet). I was sitting there fumbling with an envelope that Dad had handed me as we said our goodbyes. I opened it and read what he had written, his encouragement to me and his desires for me. I cried. Even now, I'm still a little misty-eyed thinking about it. I still have the letter tucked away. But the one thing I remember most about that night was a statement he made, that this moment was '...the start of the next chapter...' in my life's story.
On Thursday, I was fortunate enough to help with moving new Messiah students into Naugle dorm. For 4 hours, I carried more mini-fridges and TV's than I could count, and if there was a box that weighed more than 30 lbs, it somehow ended up in my arms. And I must have had some sign on my back that indicated that I was the guy to see if you were moving into the 3rd floor, because almost everyone I helped that day lived on Naugle 3rd. As I was moving the kids in, I was watching them and their parents, thinking back to my first day on campus. You could tell which families were doing this for the first time, and which one had been through this before. You could tell which kids - and parents - were probably going to have an easy transition, and which ones were going to struggle a little bit. For the most part, it was fun to be part of.
Of course, I was soon struck by the reality that I was helping move kids into the dorm who were half my age. When did I get old?
One of the last trips I made was to the room that was next door to the room I lived in my first year at Messiah. That's when it hit me. I took a moment and stepped into my old room - Naugle B303 - and remembered my first night and that letter. It was in that room where my 'next chapter' began nearly 17 years ago. And I prayed that these kids who were starting out their next chapters would each give their books to the author of all life, and that their journeys would be exciting and fulfilling.
Welcome to Messiah, everyone. Welcome to the next chapter!
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Shawne Merriman is an IDIOT
It appears that steroids really do kill brain cells. It was reported today that Shawne Merriman, the Por-Bowl linebacker for the San Diego Chargers has decided to forgoe the advice of four doctors, and play this season, despite having two torn ligaments in the same knee!!!!!
Now, having been the victim of a single torn ligament in my knee, there is a reason why the doctors tell you not to resume activity right away. It's to have surgery and let the body heal itself, so that you can continue on with your normal life in a few months. Yes, it's frustrating to have to be a quasi-invalid for that time, but it's better to have full function for your entire life than to risk that for a few moments of whatever.
I suspect we're going to see a sight similar to this before the end of the football season, with Shawne "Who needs knee ligaments" Merriman.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1i_bJv_0z-k
Now, having been the victim of a single torn ligament in my knee, there is a reason why the doctors tell you not to resume activity right away. It's to have surgery and let the body heal itself, so that you can continue on with your normal life in a few months. Yes, it's frustrating to have to be a quasi-invalid for that time, but it's better to have full function for your entire life than to risk that for a few moments of whatever.
I suspect we're going to see a sight similar to this before the end of the football season, with Shawne "Who needs knee ligaments" Merriman.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1i_bJv_0z-k
Drafts are over, let the games begin!
Well, it's official. The drafts are over, and I'm now ready for the season to begin. I am in three leagues this year. The first one is with a group of guys back home that I've been playing with for about 6 years now. The second one is a league that I run with a group of guys out here in Mechanicsburg (mostly) from Immanuel (mostly). The third one is something a bit different. Both of my other leagues are through Real Time Sports, and they started up a number of pay league options this year. One of those options was what I'm calling a "draft-it-and-forget-it" league. In this case, you pick your team, and the system chooses your best possible lineup and that's your score for the week. You do nothing else all season other than check on your score each week. So I created a league in that and got 9 other guys to go in on it with me. Should be interesting to see how that one turns out.
So, now that all my drafts are over, I'm left only to ponder the upcoming season and to speculate as to how I might finish in each league. I't like to say that I'm confident that I'll be victorious in all three, but I'm not. In the McKeesport League, I believe I'll be able to make the playoffs again, but I do not see me finishing higher than 3rd again this year. In the Immanuel League, I feel I have a strong team, but I believe there is at least one team out there, on paper, that is much stronger than mine. Second would be a vast improvement over my 7th place finish last year, but still not a championship. The "Draft-It/Forget-It" league? Well, I have no idea. Based solely on predictions, I should finish well, but was my draft good enough for 1st? Only time will tell.
But through all of the drafts, I am always amused and amazed at how people manage their drafts. The guys in the McKeesport League are all a bit fanatical about it (myself included). The amount of preparation - for almost all the managers - is impressive. We draft 20 rounds in that league, so you really have to do your homework and know NFL rosters 3 and 4 deep on the depth charts.
The Immanuel League is quite a bit different. Most of the guys are quite laid back about the approach, which is good in that it keeps the smack talk to a minimum and usually allows for a bit more fun. But the biggest drawback to this is that when guys are less prepared, it takes forever to draft. We only have 16 rounds in the Immanuel League, yet that draft took almost an hour longer than the McKeesport draft did.
The "Draft & Forget" league took 2 hours exactly for 18 rounds. Everyone was online for that one, and that might have made it go a little faster - no chit-chat in between. Plus, I got the sense that most of those guys were pretty well educated in the draft process and were well prepared for any strange occurrences - like the guy who set his team to auto-pick and drafted 8 consecutive running backs, completely screwing up everyone's draft strategy.
I'll probably do one more 'league' this year, but not a draft-based league. I'm playing in the NBC 100K Fantasy Football Challenge for the second year in a row. This one is quite impressive, and really makes you think and prepare. Each week, you can pick 2 or 3 players from each position. The catch is, you can only use them once during the season. So if you pick Tom Brady and Peyton Manning as your week 1 QB's, you cannot use either of them again (with the exception of the Sunday Night Bonus Player rules). This requires a lot of strategy to accomplish. Last season, I finished in the top 5000 (doesn't sound impressive until you realize that there were nearly 400,000 people playing last year). My goal this year is the top 500. It's free to enter, so come join me if you're up to the challenge.
I was always told to get a hobby!
So, now that all my drafts are over, I'm left only to ponder the upcoming season and to speculate as to how I might finish in each league. I't like to say that I'm confident that I'll be victorious in all three, but I'm not. In the McKeesport League, I believe I'll be able to make the playoffs again, but I do not see me finishing higher than 3rd again this year. In the Immanuel League, I feel I have a strong team, but I believe there is at least one team out there, on paper, that is much stronger than mine. Second would be a vast improvement over my 7th place finish last year, but still not a championship. The "Draft-It/Forget-It" league? Well, I have no idea. Based solely on predictions, I should finish well, but was my draft good enough for 1st? Only time will tell.
But through all of the drafts, I am always amused and amazed at how people manage their drafts. The guys in the McKeesport League are all a bit fanatical about it (myself included). The amount of preparation - for almost all the managers - is impressive. We draft 20 rounds in that league, so you really have to do your homework and know NFL rosters 3 and 4 deep on the depth charts.
The Immanuel League is quite a bit different. Most of the guys are quite laid back about the approach, which is good in that it keeps the smack talk to a minimum and usually allows for a bit more fun. But the biggest drawback to this is that when guys are less prepared, it takes forever to draft. We only have 16 rounds in the Immanuel League, yet that draft took almost an hour longer than the McKeesport draft did.
The "Draft & Forget" league took 2 hours exactly for 18 rounds. Everyone was online for that one, and that might have made it go a little faster - no chit-chat in between. Plus, I got the sense that most of those guys were pretty well educated in the draft process and were well prepared for any strange occurrences - like the guy who set his team to auto-pick and drafted 8 consecutive running backs, completely screwing up everyone's draft strategy.
I'll probably do one more 'league' this year, but not a draft-based league. I'm playing in the NBC 100K Fantasy Football Challenge for the second year in a row. This one is quite impressive, and really makes you think and prepare. Each week, you can pick 2 or 3 players from each position. The catch is, you can only use them once during the season. So if you pick Tom Brady and Peyton Manning as your week 1 QB's, you cannot use either of them again (with the exception of the Sunday Night Bonus Player rules). This requires a lot of strategy to accomplish. Last season, I finished in the top 5000 (doesn't sound impressive until you realize that there were nearly 400,000 people playing last year). My goal this year is the top 500. It's free to enter, so come join me if you're up to the challenge.
I was always told to get a hobby!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Too Good To Pitch?!?!?
I just finished reading the article that’s been circulating the net (read the story here) regarding the 9-year-old pitcher in Connecticut who’s been, in essence, banned from pitching because, well, he’s too good. At first I thought it was a joke, until I heard it repeated on two radio shows this morning as well.
I’m almost speechless at this. These morons who run the league are telling this kid that he can’t do what he loves and is exceptional at because he’s so much better than the other kids in the league? Their argument is that it’s a ‘developmental league’ and young Jericho is preventing the other kids from learning. What? In the immortal words of Charlie Brown, “Good Grief!” If you have a kid who can throw the ball hard – and ACCURATELY – at 8 years of age, you need to do everything you can to continue to encourage him to keep pitching.
I remember playing in a game when I was 10 years old, where the pitcher on the other team was almost 6-foot tall, and could throw the ball harder than anything I’d ever batted against up to that point. This kid couldn’t walk and chew gum at the same time, and he literally fell of the mound after every pitch. And you had no idea where the pitch was going. The first one he threw to me went at least a foot behind my back. I remember in my first at bat being so frozen with fear standing in the box, having no idea where the next pitch was going, that I could only take half-hearted swings at the pitches, eventually grounding out weakly to 2nd base. Our parents complained, saying he was too tall to be 10 years old, but his coach and parents had a birth certificate on hand as proof (guess this was a normal occurrence), yet no one complained that he was too good to be out there. Granted, he was a bit wild, but he also struck out nearly every batter he faced. Sure, it was discouraging to whiff against this kid, but rather than sulk and complain, most of us took it as a challenge to try to get a hit off of him. I know I did. He was better than me, and I wanted to prove to him and myself that I could be as good as him. By my last at bat, I hit a deep fly ball to center field. It was caught, but it was one of only two or three balls our team hit out of the infield.
My point is this; going up against a kid who was definitely better than I was made me step up my game to try to get to his level. That what the parents and other managers are missing in this league in Connecticut. This kid, Jericho, has the chance to raise the level of every child in that league. But rather than allow that to happen, they’d rather ban Jericho so their kids don’t get their feelings hurt.
We’re so concerned about fairness and entitlement, that we are raising a generation of weak, feeble, spiritless, spineless children who will eventually turn into weak, feeble, spiritless, spineless adults who feel the world owes them everything. We are becoming the spoiled brats of the civilized world, and we’re going to get slapped hard because of it if we don’t grow up as a nation.
There is a ‘circle of life’ moment here that I think needs to be explored…
Competition eventually breeds Passion
– to compete is to want to win, to fight for it.
Passion eventually breeds Desire
- to fight for something bad enough to prove how bad you want it
Desire eventually breeds Drive
- to want something that you will let nothing get in your way
Drive eventually breeds Perseverance
- to continue to push forward even as obstacles come your way
Perseverance eventually breeds Accomplishment
- to endure the obstacles long enough until you complete that which you set out to do
Accomplishment eventually breeds Confidence
- once the task is completed, you’re ready to show everyone else that you can do it
Confidence eventually breeds Competition
- to put your skills on display in a manner that allows you to gauge your abilities
There will always be someone better than you at something. And if you want to grow as a person, you have to rice to the challenge to place yourself in competition with that person. Iron sharpens Iron. You cannot get better by refusing to play greater talent. You cannot learn anything by taking the easy road. Yet this is the lesson that has just been taught to these kids. Shame you, New Haven!
What if Michael Phelps was banned from the pool because he swam faster than the other kids?
What if Shaquille O’Neal was banned from the basketball court because he was taller than the other kids?
What if Bill Gates was banned from high school because he was too smart for the other kids?
Anyone else seeing the ridiculousness in this situation?
I’m almost speechless at this. These morons who run the league are telling this kid that he can’t do what he loves and is exceptional at because he’s so much better than the other kids in the league? Their argument is that it’s a ‘developmental league’ and young Jericho is preventing the other kids from learning. What? In the immortal words of Charlie Brown, “Good Grief!” If you have a kid who can throw the ball hard – and ACCURATELY – at 8 years of age, you need to do everything you can to continue to encourage him to keep pitching.
I remember playing in a game when I was 10 years old, where the pitcher on the other team was almost 6-foot tall, and could throw the ball harder than anything I’d ever batted against up to that point. This kid couldn’t walk and chew gum at the same time, and he literally fell of the mound after every pitch. And you had no idea where the pitch was going. The first one he threw to me went at least a foot behind my back. I remember in my first at bat being so frozen with fear standing in the box, having no idea where the next pitch was going, that I could only take half-hearted swings at the pitches, eventually grounding out weakly to 2nd base. Our parents complained, saying he was too tall to be 10 years old, but his coach and parents had a birth certificate on hand as proof (guess this was a normal occurrence), yet no one complained that he was too good to be out there. Granted, he was a bit wild, but he also struck out nearly every batter he faced. Sure, it was discouraging to whiff against this kid, but rather than sulk and complain, most of us took it as a challenge to try to get a hit off of him. I know I did. He was better than me, and I wanted to prove to him and myself that I could be as good as him. By my last at bat, I hit a deep fly ball to center field. It was caught, but it was one of only two or three balls our team hit out of the infield.
My point is this; going up against a kid who was definitely better than I was made me step up my game to try to get to his level. That what the parents and other managers are missing in this league in Connecticut. This kid, Jericho, has the chance to raise the level of every child in that league. But rather than allow that to happen, they’d rather ban Jericho so their kids don’t get their feelings hurt.
We’re so concerned about fairness and entitlement, that we are raising a generation of weak, feeble, spiritless, spineless children who will eventually turn into weak, feeble, spiritless, spineless adults who feel the world owes them everything. We are becoming the spoiled brats of the civilized world, and we’re going to get slapped hard because of it if we don’t grow up as a nation.
There is a ‘circle of life’ moment here that I think needs to be explored…
Competition eventually breeds Passion
– to compete is to want to win, to fight for it.
Passion eventually breeds Desire
- to fight for something bad enough to prove how bad you want it
Desire eventually breeds Drive
- to want something that you will let nothing get in your way
Drive eventually breeds Perseverance
- to continue to push forward even as obstacles come your way
Perseverance eventually breeds Accomplishment
- to endure the obstacles long enough until you complete that which you set out to do
Accomplishment eventually breeds Confidence
- once the task is completed, you’re ready to show everyone else that you can do it
Confidence eventually breeds Competition
- to put your skills on display in a manner that allows you to gauge your abilities
There will always be someone better than you at something. And if you want to grow as a person, you have to rice to the challenge to place yourself in competition with that person. Iron sharpens Iron. You cannot get better by refusing to play greater talent. You cannot learn anything by taking the easy road. Yet this is the lesson that has just been taught to these kids. Shame you, New Haven!
What if Michael Phelps was banned from the pool because he swam faster than the other kids?
What if Shaquille O’Neal was banned from the basketball court because he was taller than the other kids?
What if Bill Gates was banned from high school because he was too smart for the other kids?
Anyone else seeing the ridiculousness in this situation?
Saturday, August 23, 2008
My First Auction
Well, after 36 years of avoiding this subset of the populous, I have officially been baptized into the world of Home Auctions & Estate Sales. Growing up in McKeesport, this is not something that I was aware of, but having moved out here to Mechanicsburg, I've come to realize that there is definitely an 'auction culture.'
A little background might be helpful at this point. Anita's grandparents have decided to move to a semi-retirement community, and found themselves needing to sell their home. In addition, they decided to sell a lot of personal property, as they will not have the room in the smaller home they will be moving into. One other key component to keep in mind is that they live in Shippsensburg, which has a significantly large population of Amish and old-order Mennonite, who flock to auctions like my wife flocks to Clarks shoes.
So, off we went this morning to the auction. It was definitely a little bittersweet since it was a significant chunk of memories from Anita's family that was being sold. But the auctioneer was very good, and treated most of the items with respect and sensitivity, which was greatly appreciated. For 6 hours, I helped present items for bid, and watched as pieces of the Wadel family history went to the highest bidder. There were some items that should have gone for more, and there were some items that completely blew my mind for how much they went for. But that is part of the game I've learned.
I also learned that auctioneers do not speak English. I'm sure this comes as no shock to anyone who's every seen any movie or TV show that portrayed an auctioneer. Basically, what they do is slip into some dialect that sounds like a cross between Fred Flinstone, Scooby-Doo and the Sherrif from 'Fargo'. "Hey, yabba dabba doya, rokay, rere we go, gimme 5 doncha know, yabba yabba dabba dabba (snicker like Scooby Doo here), rokay raggy, gimme 10 heya. sold!" Of course, if the bidding keeps going, this jibberish continues on for minutes. Yet, everyone sitting there understands every word coming out of the auctioneers mouth...except for auction virgins like myself.
However, all things considered, it was definitely a unique experience, and one that I might be inclined to try again...especially if I don't have to 'work' it like I did today.
A little background might be helpful at this point. Anita's grandparents have decided to move to a semi-retirement community, and found themselves needing to sell their home. In addition, they decided to sell a lot of personal property, as they will not have the room in the smaller home they will be moving into. One other key component to keep in mind is that they live in Shippsensburg, which has a significantly large population of Amish and old-order Mennonite, who flock to auctions like my wife flocks to Clarks shoes.
So, off we went this morning to the auction. It was definitely a little bittersweet since it was a significant chunk of memories from Anita's family that was being sold. But the auctioneer was very good, and treated most of the items with respect and sensitivity, which was greatly appreciated. For 6 hours, I helped present items for bid, and watched as pieces of the Wadel family history went to the highest bidder. There were some items that should have gone for more, and there were some items that completely blew my mind for how much they went for. But that is part of the game I've learned.
I also learned that auctioneers do not speak English. I'm sure this comes as no shock to anyone who's every seen any movie or TV show that portrayed an auctioneer. Basically, what they do is slip into some dialect that sounds like a cross between Fred Flinstone, Scooby-Doo and the Sherrif from 'Fargo'. "Hey, yabba dabba doya, rokay, rere we go, gimme 5 doncha know, yabba yabba dabba dabba (snicker like Scooby Doo here), rokay raggy, gimme 10 heya. sold!" Of course, if the bidding keeps going, this jibberish continues on for minutes. Yet, everyone sitting there understands every word coming out of the auctioneers mouth...except for auction virgins like myself.
However, all things considered, it was definitely a unique experience, and one that I might be inclined to try again...especially if I don't have to 'work' it like I did today.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Attention all Rookie Fantasy Football Managers...
After much thought and deliberation on the subject, I’ve decided to be helpful and post my guidelines for all Fantasy Football rookie managers. I’m sure you’ve heard many opinions from many sources, and most of that information is probably helpful in some regard. But the truth is, most of that information wants you to toe the line and limit your thinking. I’m here to encourage you to break the mold and be creative in your approach to the game. So here are my suggestions in no particular order.
1) One of the most admirable traits in Fantasy Football managers is to stick with your team. Always grab the 2nd or even 3rd string guys from your favorite team before going with some rival team’s top gun. This will make watching the games on Sunday much more enjoyable for you.
2) Don’t hesitate to extend the loyalty approach to your alma mater or favorite college. Always stick with your school’s alumni when having to choose between players. This is especially true for all Penn State fans.
3) If there’s a run on a position, never be the guy to break it. It’s always best to keep it going, because if you don’t the next player in that position will go to someone else’s team.
4) Rookies rarely produce. The success of rookies like Adrian Peterson’s is the exception, not the norm. If you must pick a rookie, grab a rookie TE, as they are usually the safest bet to be consistent.
5) Never hesitate to take a player who is suspended or hurt. They will eventually make it onto the field at some point in the season, and your patience will be rewarded.
6) If you don’t have at least one sleeper on your team by the end of the 3rd round, your chances of victory dwindle exponentially.
7) Never be afraid to take a Kicker in the first round. Your goal is to grab the best players at each position, right?
8) Have a plan in place, and do not waver from it. Thinking on your feet and changing gears mid-draft will only slow you down and make the other managers upset that you’re taking too long thinking about your next pick. The best plan is to draft by position alphabetically.
9) Never, ever draft the same position on consecutive picks
10) Pay no attention to previous year’s statistics. They will only serve to confuse you and cause you to lose focus on the projected statistics for the upcoming season. Historical data is irrelevant in fantasy football.
11) Never make in-season trades. This only shows that you have little faith in your ability to draft and is viewed as a sign of weakness among the other managers. This holds true for dropping and adding players during the season as well. If they were not good enough to draft, they will not be suddenly good enough to pick up in Week 4.
12) Be prepared. If you arrive at your draft having purchased fewer than 5 magazines, you are not prepared enough and will be mocked by the other league managers.
13) Pay no attention to the players picked by the other teams. They will let you know if your next selection has already been drafted by some other team.
14) Your league’s scoring rules are irrelevant. Player rankings never take this into consideration. There are so many options that, ultimately, it’s best to just assume that every league does the same thing.
15) If any other manager offers to give you advice, always assume that they have your best interests in mind and are honestly looking to help you win the league championship rather than win it themselves. To ignore their advice would be paramount to implying that they are manipulative and unethical, and would be considered the highest of all insults.
If you follow these simple rules, there is one word you will need to remember...Championship!
1) One of the most admirable traits in Fantasy Football managers is to stick with your team. Always grab the 2nd or even 3rd string guys from your favorite team before going with some rival team’s top gun. This will make watching the games on Sunday much more enjoyable for you.
2) Don’t hesitate to extend the loyalty approach to your alma mater or favorite college. Always stick with your school’s alumni when having to choose between players. This is especially true for all Penn State fans.
3) If there’s a run on a position, never be the guy to break it. It’s always best to keep it going, because if you don’t the next player in that position will go to someone else’s team.
4) Rookies rarely produce. The success of rookies like Adrian Peterson’s is the exception, not the norm. If you must pick a rookie, grab a rookie TE, as they are usually the safest bet to be consistent.
5) Never hesitate to take a player who is suspended or hurt. They will eventually make it onto the field at some point in the season, and your patience will be rewarded.
6) If you don’t have at least one sleeper on your team by the end of the 3rd round, your chances of victory dwindle exponentially.
7) Never be afraid to take a Kicker in the first round. Your goal is to grab the best players at each position, right?
8) Have a plan in place, and do not waver from it. Thinking on your feet and changing gears mid-draft will only slow you down and make the other managers upset that you’re taking too long thinking about your next pick. The best plan is to draft by position alphabetically.
9) Never, ever draft the same position on consecutive picks
10) Pay no attention to previous year’s statistics. They will only serve to confuse you and cause you to lose focus on the projected statistics for the upcoming season. Historical data is irrelevant in fantasy football.
11) Never make in-season trades. This only shows that you have little faith in your ability to draft and is viewed as a sign of weakness among the other managers. This holds true for dropping and adding players during the season as well. If they were not good enough to draft, they will not be suddenly good enough to pick up in Week 4.
12) Be prepared. If you arrive at your draft having purchased fewer than 5 magazines, you are not prepared enough and will be mocked by the other league managers.
13) Pay no attention to the players picked by the other teams. They will let you know if your next selection has already been drafted by some other team.
14) Your league’s scoring rules are irrelevant. Player rankings never take this into consideration. There are so many options that, ultimately, it’s best to just assume that every league does the same thing.
15) If any other manager offers to give you advice, always assume that they have your best interests in mind and are honestly looking to help you win the league championship rather than win it themselves. To ignore their advice would be paramount to implying that they are manipulative and unethical, and would be considered the highest of all insults.
If you follow these simple rules, there is one word you will need to remember...Championship!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
What was NBC Thinking?
I found myself screaming at the TV last night (again) as I watched the Women’s 100 meter hurdles event. But I wasn’t screaming during the race. I was screaming afterwards as NBC spent minute upon minute focusing on Lolo Jones, the pre-race favorite for gold, who had tripped on the next to the last hurdle and finished 7th. This poor girl just had the dream she had been chasing for years come crashing down around her, and the cameras won’t let her go.
While I can appreciate the agony of defeat, what was lost in the moment was the fact that another American, Dawn Harper, had actually won the event! So much of the focus of the race was on Lolo Jones, that the winner had to celebrate her enormous victory in virtual obscurity. Dawn Harper, who had barely made the team, wins the biggest race of her life, and NBC inexplicably focuses on ‘the favorite’ who lost? I just don’t get it.
Then, as if to further the insult to Dawn Harper, NBC makes the decision to interview Lolo Jones – with Ms Harper standing right behind her! Give me a break! First, Dawn Harper won the race. Give her the moment in the spotlight that she had earned. Second, Lolo Jones just suffered disappointment beyond words, don’t make her try to explain it.
And to put a cap on the insulting evening, NBC cuts from Dawn Harper’s victory lap to show Lolo Jones crying in the tunnel as she leaves the Bird’s Nest.
NBC – No Brains Center
While I can appreciate the agony of defeat, what was lost in the moment was the fact that another American, Dawn Harper, had actually won the event! So much of the focus of the race was on Lolo Jones, that the winner had to celebrate her enormous victory in virtual obscurity. Dawn Harper, who had barely made the team, wins the biggest race of her life, and NBC inexplicably focuses on ‘the favorite’ who lost? I just don’t get it.
Then, as if to further the insult to Dawn Harper, NBC makes the decision to interview Lolo Jones – with Ms Harper standing right behind her! Give me a break! First, Dawn Harper won the race. Give her the moment in the spotlight that she had earned. Second, Lolo Jones just suffered disappointment beyond words, don’t make her try to explain it.
And to put a cap on the insulting evening, NBC cuts from Dawn Harper’s victory lap to show Lolo Jones crying in the tunnel as she leaves the Bird’s Nest.
NBC – No Brains Center
Monday, August 18, 2008
The First Fantasy Draft of The Season
Well, the first of my three fantasy football drafts is in the books, and as always, the preparation that I did beforehand (which consisted of about 4 hours of actually planning contrary to what my wife thinks), went out the window within the first 5 minutes. After weeks of unsuccessfully attempting to trade my two first-round draft picks for some later picks, I had relegated myself to picking 7th and 8th, then not again until the 4th round, and then not again until the 8th round. I had prepared my mocks accordingly, and was set with a strategy that I was comfortable (though not confident) with.
So, upon entering the draft room, one of my fellow managers quickly announces that he's decided to take the trade I offered a few days earlier (after rejecting it short after it was offered). This deal was much better for me as it provided me with a pick in each of the first 4 rounds, allowing me to balance my team more evenly than I had planned. However, it essentially forced me to throw out my entire strategy and fly by the seat of my pants for the entire draft.
To be fair, I could have turned down the offer and stuck with my plan, but I trust myself and my knowledge of fantasy football enough to know that I can select a decent team even with little preparation. Looking back on it now, I can confidently say that in 16 picks, I really only reached for 2 picks. There's only one pick that I'm leery of, but sometimes you have to accept the risk to enjoy the reward. I feel I have a very balanced team, and I'm looking good heading into the season.
As for the draft itself, it is always a unique experience. It was the first time that all 10 managers were physically present, which was cool. I enjoy watching the other guys, how they prepare, how they draft, how they react when someone snipes a pick out from under them. And I'm convinced that every league has a few guys that fit into one of the following categories...
- The Sleeper/Rookie Picker: This is the manager who is always looking to grab 'the next big thing' before anyone else realizes that. Of course, when 20 different magazines and websites call a player a sleeper, doesn't that kinda disqualify said player from being a sleeper?
- The Over-Prepared Manager: This is the guy who has spent way too much time mulling over the minutiae, looking for that last nugget of information to help decide which player to take in the 19th round.
- The Over-Confident Manager: This gentleman makes every pick as if it was the greatest pick in the draft, and that the rest of us are merely vying for second place after only 3 rounds.
- The Unprepared Manager: The bane of the Over-Prepared Manager's existence. This slouch shows up on draft day late and usually having been reminded the night before that the draft was even happening. Yet, inexplicably, this guy somehow manages to draft a decent team.
(If any of the guys in this particular league are reading this, I'll let you determine who fits which category. I know I have my opinions on the matter.)
The truth is, while it can sometimes get a little heated and gamey, we have a lot of fun doing this, and I find myself looking forward to it each year...once softball has run it's course.
And now, my list of things you never expect to hear (and never want to be the one saying) at a Fantasy Football Draft...
- In the 8th round (of 20), I'll take Kicker... (unless Tom Brady starts kicking field goals, there should never be a kicker taken before round 19 of 20)
- Rex Grossman was the hottest fantasy player for about 6 weeks a few years ago...
- Has Cedric Benson been picked up by a team yet?
- Is (insert name here) over 6'4"? I'm only taking receivers who are over 6'4".
- How much time do I have left on the clock?
- I'll take whatever Defense is left on the board with the highest rating (never, never, never come off this blase about a pick, even if it is a Defense).
- I need a quality backup QB. Should I pick Grossman or Croyle?
- TJ Housyomamma...Championship! (it was funny the first thousand times, now it's an invitation to have something thrown at you).
So, upon entering the draft room, one of my fellow managers quickly announces that he's decided to take the trade I offered a few days earlier (after rejecting it short after it was offered). This deal was much better for me as it provided me with a pick in each of the first 4 rounds, allowing me to balance my team more evenly than I had planned. However, it essentially forced me to throw out my entire strategy and fly by the seat of my pants for the entire draft.
To be fair, I could have turned down the offer and stuck with my plan, but I trust myself and my knowledge of fantasy football enough to know that I can select a decent team even with little preparation. Looking back on it now, I can confidently say that in 16 picks, I really only reached for 2 picks. There's only one pick that I'm leery of, but sometimes you have to accept the risk to enjoy the reward. I feel I have a very balanced team, and I'm looking good heading into the season.
As for the draft itself, it is always a unique experience. It was the first time that all 10 managers were physically present, which was cool. I enjoy watching the other guys, how they prepare, how they draft, how they react when someone snipes a pick out from under them. And I'm convinced that every league has a few guys that fit into one of the following categories...
- The Sleeper/Rookie Picker: This is the manager who is always looking to grab 'the next big thing' before anyone else realizes that. Of course, when 20 different magazines and websites call a player a sleeper, doesn't that kinda disqualify said player from being a sleeper?
- The Over-Prepared Manager: This is the guy who has spent way too much time mulling over the minutiae, looking for that last nugget of information to help decide which player to take in the 19th round.
- The Over-Confident Manager: This gentleman makes every pick as if it was the greatest pick in the draft, and that the rest of us are merely vying for second place after only 3 rounds.
- The Unprepared Manager: The bane of the Over-Prepared Manager's existence. This slouch shows up on draft day late and usually having been reminded the night before that the draft was even happening. Yet, inexplicably, this guy somehow manages to draft a decent team.
(If any of the guys in this particular league are reading this, I'll let you determine who fits which category. I know I have my opinions on the matter.)
The truth is, while it can sometimes get a little heated and gamey, we have a lot of fun doing this, and I find myself looking forward to it each year...once softball has run it's course.
And now, my list of things you never expect to hear (and never want to be the one saying) at a Fantasy Football Draft...
- In the 8th round (of 20), I'll take Kicker... (unless Tom Brady starts kicking field goals, there should never be a kicker taken before round 19 of 20)
- Rex Grossman was the hottest fantasy player for about 6 weeks a few years ago...
- Has Cedric Benson been picked up by a team yet?
- Is (insert name here) over 6'4"? I'm only taking receivers who are over 6'4".
- How much time do I have left on the clock?
- I'll take whatever Defense is left on the board with the highest rating (never, never, never come off this blase about a pick, even if it is a Defense).
- I need a quality backup QB. Should I pick Grossman or Croyle?
- TJ Housyomamma...Championship! (it was funny the first thousand times, now it's an invitation to have something thrown at you).
I'm A Coaster Enthusiast
I’ve always been a Roller Coaster guy. The perfect vacations for me would be a week-long trip that included at least 4 trips to 4 different Amusement Parks – as long as those those parks had decent coasters. I grew up going to Kennywood Park, riding such classics as the Jackrabbit, the Racer, the Thunderbolt, and the Laser Loop. Later, as I got older, Kennywood built what was the fastest and steepest coaster in the world (at the time) The Steel Phantom. For some inexplicable reason, they altered the Steel Phantom – took out all it’s inversions - and renamed it Phantom’s Revenge, which is only a mere wannabe compared to it’s predecessor.
I remember trips to Cedar Point (many, many years ago) to ride such classics as the Wildcat, the Iron Dragon (my first suspended coaster), and Magnum XL-200. Even some trips to Bush Gardens stick out in my memory, with such coasters as Alpengeist, Big Bad Wolf, Loch Ness Monster and Drachen Fire.
Even now, living out here in Mechanicsburg, I am able to hop in the car and make my way to HersheyPark, which boasts 11 coasters within its boundaries. I remember riding the Sooper Dooper Looper and the Comet as a kid, and even now, they’re still fun coasters to ride. And now they have the Great Bear, Storm Runner, and they’re latest entry, Fahrenheit 97.
It is Fahrenheit 97 that brings me to my post now. Last week, I had the opportunity to ride this beast for the first time. The first hill is 90 degrees straight up (see picture above), and then 97 degrees down – yes, it turns under itself slightly. It was a little unnerving to go up the first hill. Without the ability to see the track or any other object provides little vantage as to how high you are, or where the top of the hill is. In fact, you don’t know you have reached the top until the people in front of you begin to pull away from you. Suddenly, you’re thrown over the top and find yourself heading back under the track on your way to a minutes worth of twists, inversions, and some surprising zero-gravity moments when you least expect it. And it is one of the smoothest coasters I’ve ever ridden.
My gripe with the coaster (you didn’t think I was going to go without some kind of rant, did you?) is the seat. This is actually my gripe with many of the newer coasters being built. The seats are made for someone who is 7’2", and weighs 100 lbs. Seriously, it’s ridiculous. Now, I know I’m over the norm in terms of body size (and I’m working on that), but I’m definitely not too big to ride these coasters. But when the seat is so narrow that I feel violated by the leg separation, well, there’s a problem. It’s one thing if the shoulder bar doesn’t come down to where you can lock it in place with the seat belt coming up between your legs – which I had no problem with, mind you. But the depth of the seat is so shallow that it’s almost impossible to realistically fit unless you’re physically too small to even ride the coaster! I’m just glad it was smooth, or I might be a real tenor today.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Olympic Overload
I will admit, I’m not the biggest fan of the Olympics. I do enjoy watching certain sports, and I love the underdog stories that come out of the games. But after a while, I kinda get tired of being force-fed gymnastics and swimming night after night. I mean, if you’re going to force non-stop Olympics upon us, and there’s a 12-hour time delay, surely you could put some of the less popular, but not necessarily less-exciting, sports.
For instance, while I will admit that I’m pulling for Michael Phelps to pull off the 8-for-8, I would have loved to have seen the first day of the Fencing events. Why? Well, besides the fact that the swimming events are televised ad nauseum, and besides the fact that the American women pulled off a medal sweep in the Sabre event (I think I have that right), there is an inherent beauty and fluidity in Fencing that few people are ever given the opportunity to watch.
And now that Gymnastics is in full swing, I find myself wondering how other events, such as handball, are going. I’ve never seen a handball match. I don’t know the rules of it, but I think I’d like to have the opportunity to watch and learn. Although, I will admit I found myself almost cheering out loud for the US Men’s Gymnastics team last night in their Bronze Medal performance. Considering the fact that not one of the guys on the team had ever been in the Olympics before, they certainly exceeded anyone’s expectations and did the US proud.
Of course, if I had DirecTV (see my previous post), I could see the less-mainstream sports, as they are carrying 8 different channels dedicated to the Olympics. Or, if I didn’t have a job, I could watch USA or MSNBC to see something other than swimming or gymnastics. But, neither of those options exist. I suppose I could watch on NBC.com as well, but watching an online video window just gets annoying after a while.
So, all ranting aside, here are some things that I’ve seen so far that may interest only me…
- The Opening Ceremonies were, by far, the most impressive artistic display I’ve seen in a very long time. The choreography of the drums and the other elements was amazing. The grandeur of the ceremony perfectly set the stage for the games.
- Obviously, I have a vested interest in China (due to our slowly pending adoption), but I have been very impressed with the venues, as well as the lack of politics that many thought would permeate the events.
- Jonathan Horton (US Gymnastics) is amazing. This kid nailed everything he tried in the Team All-Around, and was clearly the heart and soul of the team. The US media needs to figure out a way to give this kid some air-time, because he just radiates confidence and pride in the US, and is the embodiment of what the Olympics are about.
- Does anyone really believe the girls on the Chinese Women’s Olympic Team are all 16 or older?
- Bob Costas is actually a very good sportscaster and interviewer.
For instance, while I will admit that I’m pulling for Michael Phelps to pull off the 8-for-8, I would have loved to have seen the first day of the Fencing events. Why? Well, besides the fact that the swimming events are televised ad nauseum, and besides the fact that the American women pulled off a medal sweep in the Sabre event (I think I have that right), there is an inherent beauty and fluidity in Fencing that few people are ever given the opportunity to watch.
And now that Gymnastics is in full swing, I find myself wondering how other events, such as handball, are going. I’ve never seen a handball match. I don’t know the rules of it, but I think I’d like to have the opportunity to watch and learn. Although, I will admit I found myself almost cheering out loud for the US Men’s Gymnastics team last night in their Bronze Medal performance. Considering the fact that not one of the guys on the team had ever been in the Olympics before, they certainly exceeded anyone’s expectations and did the US proud.
Of course, if I had DirecTV (see my previous post), I could see the less-mainstream sports, as they are carrying 8 different channels dedicated to the Olympics. Or, if I didn’t have a job, I could watch USA or MSNBC to see something other than swimming or gymnastics. But, neither of those options exist. I suppose I could watch on NBC.com as well, but watching an online video window just gets annoying after a while.
So, all ranting aside, here are some things that I’ve seen so far that may interest only me…
- The Opening Ceremonies were, by far, the most impressive artistic display I’ve seen in a very long time. The choreography of the drums and the other elements was amazing. The grandeur of the ceremony perfectly set the stage for the games.
- Obviously, I have a vested interest in China (due to our slowly pending adoption), but I have been very impressed with the venues, as well as the lack of politics that many thought would permeate the events.
- Jonathan Horton (US Gymnastics) is amazing. This kid nailed everything he tried in the Team All-Around, and was clearly the heart and soul of the team. The US media needs to figure out a way to give this kid some air-time, because he just radiates confidence and pride in the US, and is the embodiment of what the Olympics are about.
- Does anyone really believe the girls on the Chinese Women’s Olympic Team are all 16 or older?
- Bob Costas is actually a very good sportscaster and interviewer.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
My two-cents on Favre
Okay, I’ve avoided the topic up to this point, and I think I’ve just gotten to the point that I just need to vent about it. But enough with the Brett Favre minute-by-minute updates.
This whole thing just reeks of over-sensationalizing. I sit at work and listen to Sports Talk radio talk about how the issue has been dissected and analyzed to death, yet they spend three more hours talking about it. And they do nothing but spew the same 4 or 5 points over and over again, then take callers who repeat the same 4 or 5 points. It’s a never-ending cycle, and one that just needs to stop. Seriously, just stop talking about it. There is nothing that can be said on the situation that hasn’t already been said.
At this point, who really gives a flyin’ fig as to whether or not Brett Favre plays football at all this season, let alone for the Packers? Actually, I know the answer to that question. There are two groups of people – the most fanatical of Cheese-heads, and the most fanatical Fantasy Football owners.
I think the saddest part of all of this is that Favre, who may be one of the top 10 quarterbacks to ever play the game, is doing nothing more than tarnishing his name and reputation with this whole pathetic affair. I’m not sure there is any way for him to come out of this with his reputation intact. And that’s sad. When it comes time to enshrine him into the Hall of Fame – if he even gets voted in after this – What will the reaction be? An Art Monk-like 5 minute standing ovation, or a meager chorus of indifference?
Someone need to pull Favre aside and give him two names – John Elway and Joe Namath.
Elway, who retired after winning the Super Bowl, is still revered with God-like status by most Denver fans. Elway didn’t waffle, didn’t play games with the team and the community. And his name and reputation are as strong now as it was when he was a player.
Joe Namath, perhaps the first of the truly great modern era quarterbacks, had the world on a string. His years with the Jets were the stuff of legend. But in the last year of his career, he asked for, and received a release from the Jets and was traded to the LA Rams. There, despite his “Broadway Joe” legacy, he couldn’t overcome the trappings of his own success and his bad knees, and failed miserably in the first 4 games of the season, eventually getting roughed up to the point of not being able to play after the 4th week of the season. He quietly retired after only 1 year with the Rams.
The biggest loser in this whole situation is Aaron Rodgers, who has absolutely no chance of succeeding in Green Bay. As soon as he loses a game, or fumbles, or throws an incompletion, he will hear the rumblings…”Brett would have won,” “Brett would have done it better,” “Brett wouldn’t have made that mistake.” On and on it will go.
There is a fact of life for professional athletes that Favre seems to be missing – you cannot play forever. There is always someone younger, faster, and, in today’s money-driven sports world, cheaper than you coming up behind you. You can keep them at bay for only so long before nature, and finances, takes its course.
Brett, be a man. Admit to yourself and to the world that you made a mistake in un-retiring, and enjoy your family and the ridiculous wealth you’ve amassed over the years. Ride off into the sunset with what’s left of your dignity and let us get back to real life.
This whole thing just reeks of over-sensationalizing. I sit at work and listen to Sports Talk radio talk about how the issue has been dissected and analyzed to death, yet they spend three more hours talking about it. And they do nothing but spew the same 4 or 5 points over and over again, then take callers who repeat the same 4 or 5 points. It’s a never-ending cycle, and one that just needs to stop. Seriously, just stop talking about it. There is nothing that can be said on the situation that hasn’t already been said.
At this point, who really gives a flyin’ fig as to whether or not Brett Favre plays football at all this season, let alone for the Packers? Actually, I know the answer to that question. There are two groups of people – the most fanatical of Cheese-heads, and the most fanatical Fantasy Football owners.
I think the saddest part of all of this is that Favre, who may be one of the top 10 quarterbacks to ever play the game, is doing nothing more than tarnishing his name and reputation with this whole pathetic affair. I’m not sure there is any way for him to come out of this with his reputation intact. And that’s sad. When it comes time to enshrine him into the Hall of Fame – if he even gets voted in after this – What will the reaction be? An Art Monk-like 5 minute standing ovation, or a meager chorus of indifference?
Someone need to pull Favre aside and give him two names – John Elway and Joe Namath.
Elway, who retired after winning the Super Bowl, is still revered with God-like status by most Denver fans. Elway didn’t waffle, didn’t play games with the team and the community. And his name and reputation are as strong now as it was when he was a player.
Joe Namath, perhaps the first of the truly great modern era quarterbacks, had the world on a string. His years with the Jets were the stuff of legend. But in the last year of his career, he asked for, and received a release from the Jets and was traded to the LA Rams. There, despite his “Broadway Joe” legacy, he couldn’t overcome the trappings of his own success and his bad knees, and failed miserably in the first 4 games of the season, eventually getting roughed up to the point of not being able to play after the 4th week of the season. He quietly retired after only 1 year with the Rams.
The biggest loser in this whole situation is Aaron Rodgers, who has absolutely no chance of succeeding in Green Bay. As soon as he loses a game, or fumbles, or throws an incompletion, he will hear the rumblings…”Brett would have won,” “Brett would have done it better,” “Brett wouldn’t have made that mistake.” On and on it will go.
There is a fact of life for professional athletes that Favre seems to be missing – you cannot play forever. There is always someone younger, faster, and, in today’s money-driven sports world, cheaper than you coming up behind you. You can keep them at bay for only so long before nature, and finances, takes its course.
Brett, be a man. Admit to yourself and to the world that you made a mistake in un-retiring, and enjoy your family and the ridiculous wealth you’ve amassed over the years. Ride off into the sunset with what’s left of your dignity and let us get back to real life.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Over and Out
Well, the 2008 season for Immanuel Church softball has come to a close. We all know that in a playoff format, every teams ends with a loss...except the eventual winner...but that doesn't make it any easier to swallow. As it's been said "Everything ends badly, otherwise it wouldn't end." (extra points if you can name the movie and the character who gave us that pearl of wisdom). It was a tough loss to end the season, but all in all, it was a good season. I would like to still be playing, but there is a part of me that is a little relieved that we're done and can get back to some semblance of a 'normal life' - whatever that is.
So, my hat is off to my guys. It was a tough road to walk at times, and I thank you all for your perseverance and your commitment to the team and to each other. In many ways, this may be the springboard for the future, the catalyst that compels us to bigger and better things next season. Only time will tell, but I am excited to find out come April.
Of course, now that softball is over, I can focus my attentions on more important matters - like reclaiming my top spot in our fantasy football league!
So, my hat is off to my guys. It was a tough road to walk at times, and I thank you all for your perseverance and your commitment to the team and to each other. In many ways, this may be the springboard for the future, the catalyst that compels us to bigger and better things next season. Only time will tell, but I am excited to find out come April.
Of course, now that softball is over, I can focus my attentions on more important matters - like reclaiming my top spot in our fantasy football league!
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Art Monk - The Epitome of Class and Grace
I had the fortune last evening of flipping on the idiot box just in time to catch Art Monk's Hall of Fame acceptance speech. For nearly 15 minutes, I stood in my living room listening to this man, a man who, admittedly I knew little about the man other than his achievements on the field. I had read somewhere along the way that he was a Christian, but I had no inkling one way or the other how sincere or important that was in his life.
Well, after listening to this man share his personal testimony as the crux of his acceptance speech, I sit here now to tell you that I have a deep and profound respect for Art Monk. If you did not hear his speech, I implore you to set aside 20 minutes and watch it here. (for a printable text version, head over here.)
I'm sure we have all seen example of athletes giving apparent hollow thanks to God or doing the 'point to the sky' motion after scoring a Touchdown. We watch as a gold cross on a chain as almost become part of a sports uniform, rather than a symbolic reminder of Christ's sacrifice. Perhaps I'm more cynical than I should be in this regard. But I can assure you all that this is not the case with Art Monk.
Even today, I am still finding myself drawn to his words, his sincerity and his humility even in the face of such honor and recognition. This man has just been recognized as one of the best to ever play the game of football. Yet, I truly believe that he would have been just as happy had he never made it to that podium last night, because, in his own words... "As great as this honor is, it's not what really defines who I am or the things that I've been able to accomplish in my life. I'll always be known as a Redskin. That's right. And even now as a Hall of Famer, the one thing I want to make very clear is that my identity and my security is found in the Lord. And what defines me and my validation comes in having accepted his son Jesus Christ as my personal savior. And what defines me is the word of God and it's the word of God that will continue to shape and mold me into the person that I know he's called me to be."
Let those words soak in. These are words that all of us who call ourselves children of God should be able to identify with.
To Art Monk: Thank you, and my God continue to use you as His ambassador to those who need to hear His message!
Well, after listening to this man share his personal testimony as the crux of his acceptance speech, I sit here now to tell you that I have a deep and profound respect for Art Monk. If you did not hear his speech, I implore you to set aside 20 minutes and watch it here. (for a printable text version, head over here.)
I'm sure we have all seen example of athletes giving apparent hollow thanks to God or doing the 'point to the sky' motion after scoring a Touchdown. We watch as a gold cross on a chain as almost become part of a sports uniform, rather than a symbolic reminder of Christ's sacrifice. Perhaps I'm more cynical than I should be in this regard. But I can assure you all that this is not the case with Art Monk.
Even today, I am still finding myself drawn to his words, his sincerity and his humility even in the face of such honor and recognition. This man has just been recognized as one of the best to ever play the game of football. Yet, I truly believe that he would have been just as happy had he never made it to that podium last night, because, in his own words... "As great as this honor is, it's not what really defines who I am or the things that I've been able to accomplish in my life. I'll always be known as a Redskin. That's right. And even now as a Hall of Famer, the one thing I want to make very clear is that my identity and my security is found in the Lord. And what defines me and my validation comes in having accepted his son Jesus Christ as my personal savior. And what defines me is the word of God and it's the word of God that will continue to shape and mold me into the person that I know he's called me to be."
Let those words soak in. These are words that all of us who call ourselves children of God should be able to identify with.
To Art Monk: Thank you, and my God continue to use you as His ambassador to those who need to hear His message!
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