The countdown continues. We now have 364 days* until the opening ceremonies of Sochi 2014. I have much to do to make you fully informed viewers and now have less than one year in which to do it. I also need to come up with less vague ways of filling space.
We have a few things to cover today, but let's begin with the next Olympics. For those of you that followed me during London, 2012, you know my fondness for the Olympics is not limited to the summer games. In some ways (i.e., in the ways that don't include swimming, Alex Morgan, women volleyball players or long track races), I prefer the Winter Olympics. I like to learn new things and develop odd fondnesses for obscure sports. Seven years ago, I discovered curling and fell in love with biathlon. The only problem with curling is the television coverage often doesn't show you the whole round. They only show the last couple of stones. I want to develop a better feel for the strategy of the game. I am hoping to do so in 2014.
Biathlon is simply awesome. Ski until you almost die, then shoot, then ski again. I love the races where a missed shot results in a penalty lap, not just time deduction. The look on the racers' faces when they finish and have to go to the penalty lap area says it all. They are tired enough and they know this will cost them in effort and time. In most of the races I have seen, everyone misses eventually, so when you miss is often as important as how often. Regardless, I just find it enjoyable to watch.
Three years ago, I discovered and fell in love with Nordic Combined. Nordic Combined combines the two nordic ski competitions. (Funny how that works with the name, huh?) At some point in the next 364 days I will research what a Nordic Ski Competition is and give a history for you. Now, since I have 364 days, I shall focus on the bigger issues. As far as Nordic Combined, the bigger issue is whether the US can even approach their historic success of 2010. Prior to 2010, the US had never won an Olympic medal of any color in Nordic Combined. In 2010, we DOMINATED. (That all caps was brought to you by my Volleyball Insider.) The US won four total medals out of nine available medals, including silver in the Team Competition and gold and silver (and 4th) in the Large Hill competition. The names Johnny Spillane, Bill Demong and Todd Lodwick will always have a special place in my Winter Olympics heart.
Three years ago my two oldest boys fell in love with biathlon. This isn't surprising. What could be more fun for two young boys growing up in the snow-starved mid-Atlantic region of the US than imagining a competition that involves skiing and shooting guns. (Yes, I know, the 2010 Winter Olympics happened during the historic 2009-2010 winter so we weren't snow-starved then. Don't let facts get in the way of my "no snow" whining.) Really, though, I think the snow helped, because my boys could actually imagine that biathlon was something they could do. Why not? There was 2 feet of snow outside on three different occassions. I have pictures of the two of them practicing biathlon shooting with Star Wars Nerf guns in prone and standing position. In a couple of the pictures, you can see the Olympic biathlon competition on the television in the background.
Now, we can look forward to Sochi. There are a few problems, but for now I will focus on just one. Sochi isn't exactly a winter wonderland. Jim Caple, of ESPN.com, visited Sochi and wrote about his experience. Among other things, he spent the majority of his time dressed for a summer vacation, not the Winter Olympics. According to Weather.com's 10 day forecast (that link is useless because you aren't looking at it at the same time as I am, but it can be used to get a general feel for Sochi's weather) in the 10 day period from February 12, 2013-February 21, 2013*, the high temperature averages at about 50, the low about 40, and it never goes below freezing. On Valentine's Day, temperatures are expected to reach 60. This is not the stuff a great biathlon course is made of.
(Caple also discusses some of the traffic and human rights issues, which we may touch on later in the year.)
The weather concerns were not a big surprise to my Baltic States Insider, who informed me of Sochi's primary purpose upon Russia being awarded the 2014 games. Sochi is a summer resort city on the Black Sea. The next time the US goes for the winter games, perhaps Myrtle Beach should put in a bid. Seriously though, Sochi is kind of close to the Caucasus mountains, which is where the skiing will be held. Of course, they aren't getting any snow in the mountains right now and traffic is a bear. Start praying for snow in Sochi, we have less than a year for the olympic gods and snow gods to agree that the snow problems in Vancouver didn't help the experience and give us a better show. Unless they decide Putin doesn't deserve a better show and they go out of their way to ruin things for him. There is justice in that, but I want to see a fast downhill, the Flying Tomato and Nordic Combined. So I am praying for snow...in Sochi and Chantilly.
In other Olympic news, wrestling has been dropped from the summer games' core 25 sports. Wrestling has been contested at every Olympic Games except Paris in 1900. I am not exactly a fan of wrestling. I have, as far as I can remember, never attended a wrestling meet. I have never really watched wrestling in Olympic competition. If you asked me to list my favorite sports, for any purpose - to watch on television, to watch live, to listen to on the radio, to participate in for competition, to participate in for fun, or anything else you can think of - I can't imagine wrestling makes it into the top 25, regardless of the category. But this feels wrong. Wrestling is a classic olympic sport. It should be contested at the Olympics. If it is not contested at the Olympics, where will it be contested? It is already one of the most victimized casualties of Title IX, in my unresearched observation. (This website, showing the 281 or so college wrestling programs that have been discontinued since 1972 certainly supports my unresearched observation.) Without the olympics, wrestling is on its way to extinction.
Of course the article says TV ratings and ticket sales are part of the reason it has been dropped. So, I guess, in some small way, my ambivalence played a role in this. Well, mine plus about 100 million other people who don't care about wrestling. It still feels wrong. I don't know why I care now. I'm not going to watch in 2016. Maybe wrestling is the pinky toe of Olympic sports. You never think about it (unless you stub it), but you'll notice when its gone.
I planned to get into some other subjects, but the wrestling story sidetracked me. By the way, the * above is there to indicate that this post was started on February 8, 2013, but not finished until February 12, 2013.
Things to look forward to:
Choosing Spring Sports for my boys
Fat Old Man Update
Winter Sports Review
SI Swimsuit Issue in mailboxes this week
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Oh Where, Oh Where Can My Winter Be?
The Lord took Her away from me.
Two years ago, we had the craziest winter these here parts (DC Metropolitan Area) have seen in a long time. (If not ever, but I don't care enough to look up whether it was the craziest winter in recorded history.)
Two days ago, we had our first of two consecutive 70 degree days in January.
Last year was the warmest winter on record in DC.
Yesterday was the warmest January 30 on record at Dulles airport.
We are currently in the longest stretch of time between snow falls of at least 2 inches in recorded history, with no mention of breaking said streak in the extended forecast I have seen.
Mother Nature, what have we done to spite you?
Jack Frost, where have you gone?
My favorite season is spring. I love cool mornings and evenings and pleasant, sunny days. I love sweatshirt and shorts weather. Anyone who knows me knows I will wear a sweatshirt and shorts in any weather, until it is warm enough to take the sweatshirt off, but I am talking about spring, when people don't look at me funny because I am wearing shorts. I had a friend who once said people are like bugs, they all go outside when the weather gets nice. This is true, especially in my neighborhood. When spring hits whole families emerge from their winter hibernation. The playgrounds are full. The streets are more dangerous, with kids on bicycles, scooters and foot going along and across at various speeds and intervals. It is the renewal of life. Everything looks better, smells better and feels better, because Mother Nature is warm and sunny and renewed. Spring is the best.
I still want winter. I am sure most people have heard San Diego residents sarcastically comment on people who like "seasons." People who don't live in San Diego say they couldn't live in San Diego because they like seasons. People who live in San Diego sarcastically claim they understand, because who would want to live in a place that is sunny and 70 every day. I see both sides of the argument. If I lived in San Diego, I don't think I would miss winter. San Diego is close to ideal weather for me. Last time I was there, I wore shorts and a t-shirt, until it got chilly in the evening and I put on a sweatshirt. I don't, however, live in San Diego. So I want the weather that comes with my geographic location, and that includes winter.
During the three ridiculous snowstorm winter of 2009-2010, I told the Wife that our kids, especially Eldest, were going to develop a warped idea of what winter is. Almost 2 feet of snow is a once every 6-8 years phenomenon in DC, not three times in a season. Our kids had a blast with those snowstorms. When I shoveled our driveway, I created 8-10 foot mounds on either side. The kids turned these into slides, complete with steps up to the top. They created an igloo-like shelter near the mailbox, where even I could go to get away from the wind and the cold. We had massive snowball fights, with giant walls and defenses on either side of the driveway. Then we went inside for hot chocolate with marshmallows. Winter was good.
Since that winter...nothing. Last winter, I sadly watched Middle son try to make a snow angel in the barely white mixed winter precipitation we got at some point. It was the saddest thing I have ever witnessed in mixed winter precipitation. This year, in the 3/4 of an inch snowfall we got over the past weekend, he asked me to have a snowball fight. Each scoop of the barely there snow created a snowball that was 2/3 snow and 1/3 leaves. Ignoring for the moment what this says about my failure to rake this fall, it was another reminder that a boy who wants to love snow becomes a sad, sad sight when Jack Frost doesn't cooperate.
That is why I want winter. I am not a snow nut. I didn't grow up in Minnesota or Maine or Canada and have some demented need for really cold weather. I don't relish spending hours with a snow shovel to clear my driveway which, frankly, isn't that long. I just want my children to have some snow to play in from time to time. Especially Middle, who seems to be craving a real snowfall. Several years ago, after an unxpected 12 inches of snow, I heard on the news that the DC area gets a 10 inch snowfall on average every 3 years. That works for me. My concern is that 2009-10 is filling the average and we won't have another one for 7 more years. We are on the brink of two straight winters without even 2 inches. I just want a good 6-8 inches. Enough for my boys to get snowy and cold and deserve that hot chocolate and marshmallows. Plus a 2 footer every 3-4 years. Is that too much to ask for, Jack Frost?
Tonight they are predicting another tease. Snow showers resulting in a dusting. In fact, the extended forecast has snow predicted for four straight days. Expected accumulation is a dusting to a half inch. This is merely a recipe for more sad images of a 6 year old trying to squeeze a whole lemon's worth of snow fun out of a lemon seed. At least they may get a two hour delayed opening from school.
Things to Look Forward to:
1. Choosing sports for your kids, based on a discussion with friends.
2. Update on winter sports.
3. Renewed dedication to this blog.
4. SI Swimsuit issue coming out, so I don't need to promise pictures of mostly naked women.
5. Sometime before this summer I will give a full recap of last summer.
6. 372 days until Sochi 2014.
Fat Old Man Update:
I have not been consistent, but at least I am consistently inconsistent. Eventually, I tend to fall into an inertia created 2 month break from any serious exercise, which I have avoided. Holidays, illness, laziness and the busy life of a suburban dad have created occassional 2 week breaks, but nothing more than that. I had lunch with my old (I meant former, really, former) coach today who suggested I wear fins when swimming, at least some of the time. We agreed that I am a snob who will resist such an act, but maybe I should invest in some. If nothing else, it will boost my ego by making me feel faster. At this point, my goal is to keep it up on a somewhat regular basis until the summer, when hopefully I can commit to more time.
Two years ago, we had the craziest winter these here parts (DC Metropolitan Area) have seen in a long time. (If not ever, but I don't care enough to look up whether it was the craziest winter in recorded history.)
Two days ago, we had our first of two consecutive 70 degree days in January.
Last year was the warmest winter on record in DC.
Yesterday was the warmest January 30 on record at Dulles airport.
We are currently in the longest stretch of time between snow falls of at least 2 inches in recorded history, with no mention of breaking said streak in the extended forecast I have seen.
Mother Nature, what have we done to spite you?
Jack Frost, where have you gone?
My favorite season is spring. I love cool mornings and evenings and pleasant, sunny days. I love sweatshirt and shorts weather. Anyone who knows me knows I will wear a sweatshirt and shorts in any weather, until it is warm enough to take the sweatshirt off, but I am talking about spring, when people don't look at me funny because I am wearing shorts. I had a friend who once said people are like bugs, they all go outside when the weather gets nice. This is true, especially in my neighborhood. When spring hits whole families emerge from their winter hibernation. The playgrounds are full. The streets are more dangerous, with kids on bicycles, scooters and foot going along and across at various speeds and intervals. It is the renewal of life. Everything looks better, smells better and feels better, because Mother Nature is warm and sunny and renewed. Spring is the best.
I still want winter. I am sure most people have heard San Diego residents sarcastically comment on people who like "seasons." People who don't live in San Diego say they couldn't live in San Diego because they like seasons. People who live in San Diego sarcastically claim they understand, because who would want to live in a place that is sunny and 70 every day. I see both sides of the argument. If I lived in San Diego, I don't think I would miss winter. San Diego is close to ideal weather for me. Last time I was there, I wore shorts and a t-shirt, until it got chilly in the evening and I put on a sweatshirt. I don't, however, live in San Diego. So I want the weather that comes with my geographic location, and that includes winter.
During the three ridiculous snowstorm winter of 2009-2010, I told the Wife that our kids, especially Eldest, were going to develop a warped idea of what winter is. Almost 2 feet of snow is a once every 6-8 years phenomenon in DC, not three times in a season. Our kids had a blast with those snowstorms. When I shoveled our driveway, I created 8-10 foot mounds on either side. The kids turned these into slides, complete with steps up to the top. They created an igloo-like shelter near the mailbox, where even I could go to get away from the wind and the cold. We had massive snowball fights, with giant walls and defenses on either side of the driveway. Then we went inside for hot chocolate with marshmallows. Winter was good.
Since that winter...nothing. Last winter, I sadly watched Middle son try to make a snow angel in the barely white mixed winter precipitation we got at some point. It was the saddest thing I have ever witnessed in mixed winter precipitation. This year, in the 3/4 of an inch snowfall we got over the past weekend, he asked me to have a snowball fight. Each scoop of the barely there snow created a snowball that was 2/3 snow and 1/3 leaves. Ignoring for the moment what this says about my failure to rake this fall, it was another reminder that a boy who wants to love snow becomes a sad, sad sight when Jack Frost doesn't cooperate.
That is why I want winter. I am not a snow nut. I didn't grow up in Minnesota or Maine or Canada and have some demented need for really cold weather. I don't relish spending hours with a snow shovel to clear my driveway which, frankly, isn't that long. I just want my children to have some snow to play in from time to time. Especially Middle, who seems to be craving a real snowfall. Several years ago, after an unxpected 12 inches of snow, I heard on the news that the DC area gets a 10 inch snowfall on average every 3 years. That works for me. My concern is that 2009-10 is filling the average and we won't have another one for 7 more years. We are on the brink of two straight winters without even 2 inches. I just want a good 6-8 inches. Enough for my boys to get snowy and cold and deserve that hot chocolate and marshmallows. Plus a 2 footer every 3-4 years. Is that too much to ask for, Jack Frost?
Tonight they are predicting another tease. Snow showers resulting in a dusting. In fact, the extended forecast has snow predicted for four straight days. Expected accumulation is a dusting to a half inch. This is merely a recipe for more sad images of a 6 year old trying to squeeze a whole lemon's worth of snow fun out of a lemon seed. At least they may get a two hour delayed opening from school.
Things to Look Forward to:
1. Choosing sports for your kids, based on a discussion with friends.
2. Update on winter sports.
3. Renewed dedication to this blog.
4. SI Swimsuit issue coming out, so I don't need to promise pictures of mostly naked women.
5. Sometime before this summer I will give a full recap of last summer.
6. 372 days until Sochi 2014.
Fat Old Man Update:
I have not been consistent, but at least I am consistently inconsistent. Eventually, I tend to fall into an inertia created 2 month break from any serious exercise, which I have avoided. Holidays, illness, laziness and the busy life of a suburban dad have created occassional 2 week breaks, but nothing more than that. I had lunch with my old (I meant former, really, former) coach today who suggested I wear fins when swimming, at least some of the time. We agreed that I am a snob who will resist such an act, but maybe I should invest in some. If nothing else, it will boost my ego by making me feel faster. At this point, my goal is to keep it up on a somewhat regular basis until the summer, when hopefully I can commit to more time.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Christmas Hangover
Christmas Eve is a magical night, devised for the purpose of torturing excited children. I have always believed this, to a certain extent, based in large part on the memory of my own torure as an excited young boy. I learned something new this year. Torture is much easier to handle if you have at least another week off from school than if you have to go to work on December 26. I hope your Christmas Eve was wonderful. Let me tell you about mine.
After spending the day on a wild goose chase for a camera that was sold out of multiple Targets, I finally got home to help the Wife prepare Christmas Eve dinner for my whole family, fourteen people after two had to bail due to the flu. We managed to expertly spread the work out over the full three day weekend, so we were in good shape on Christmas Eve afternoon as we took care of the final touches. The "Polish" themed Christmas Dinner the Wife has introduced to my family (pierogies, kielbasa and shrimp) was as good as ever, and Christmas Eve started off swimmingly. By 7:45, Youngest told his mother he wanted to go to bed and she put him down without incident. We let the two older ones spend a little more time playing with their cousin before everyone left and we got them ready for bed. The excitement level was high, and they were in good spirits. Milk and cookies were put out, PJs were put on and everything looked good at 8:30 when we told them they could play together for a half hour before lights out. I had some last minute wrapping to take care of, so the half hour was well spent. Lights went out without a problem, even though Youngest woke and wouldn't go to bed again until he could sing to his older brothers. Then the bottom dropped out.
At 10:00 we wanted to put presents under the tree, but Eldest was still awake. We waited a little while, then decided just to take care of it despite the potential for getting caught. We were in bed, ready for dreamland by 11:30. I was awakened at 2:30, by Eldest, who couldn't sleep. I had trouble falling back to sleep but did manage until 4, when Eldest and Middle decided to turn lights on and play together. I told them that wouldn't work until 6. Between 4 and 6, Middle came to see me 4 times to tell me, among other things, that he was "dying" because he couldn't play with his brother. I slept, not a wink, during those two hours. At 6, I let them get together and reminded them that presents didn't start until 7. I had to tell them 3 times to quiet down so the Wife and Youngest could sleep. I slept, not a wink, during that hour. At 7, chaos ensued.
I enjoy the chaos. I enjoy the excitement. I even enjoy the torture a little. I did not enjoy the lack of sleep. We did Christmas morning in my house, Christmas afternoon and dinner at my sister-in-law's, about a 90 minute drive away. We returned home for bed Christmas night. I felt like a zombie most of the day and took several days to recover. A bad night of sleep on Christmas Eve is fine when you have nothing to do for the next week, it becomes torture for the adults when they have to go back to work.
Christmas is a wonderful holiday. I am convinced the only thing better than being a parent of young children on Christmas morning is being a young child on Christmas morning. Even better for the child is more than a week off from school. This is definitely the kicker for the Christmas season. The children get their day, then their week to recover and enjoy. As a parent, I had to go to work the next day and the day after that and the day after that. Christmas seems like less a season than a blip. I can handle the build up, the shopping, the decorating, the wrapping, the cleaning the house and the preparation for dinner. I struggle with the aftermath. I struggled this year with a really bad night of sleep. I struggled with the clean up, the taking down of decorations, and the getting the house back in order. To make matters worse, this year I got the Plague about 4 days after Christmas. Well, maybe not really, but it felt like it. That would explain why this post was finished several days after New Years, instead of several days before.
Ultimately, though, that week after Christmas is worth it, because of the joy my boys get during the build up and the excitement of the week off from school after Christmas. A week they spent playing with new toys and wonderful babysitters. I just hope to avoid the Plague next year.
Here's wishing you a very Happy New Year, with fun and happiness, and perhaps a few Observations from a Suburban Sports Dad.
After spending the day on a wild goose chase for a camera that was sold out of multiple Targets, I finally got home to help the Wife prepare Christmas Eve dinner for my whole family, fourteen people after two had to bail due to the flu. We managed to expertly spread the work out over the full three day weekend, so we were in good shape on Christmas Eve afternoon as we took care of the final touches. The "Polish" themed Christmas Dinner the Wife has introduced to my family (pierogies, kielbasa and shrimp) was as good as ever, and Christmas Eve started off swimmingly. By 7:45, Youngest told his mother he wanted to go to bed and she put him down without incident. We let the two older ones spend a little more time playing with their cousin before everyone left and we got them ready for bed. The excitement level was high, and they were in good spirits. Milk and cookies were put out, PJs were put on and everything looked good at 8:30 when we told them they could play together for a half hour before lights out. I had some last minute wrapping to take care of, so the half hour was well spent. Lights went out without a problem, even though Youngest woke and wouldn't go to bed again until he could sing to his older brothers. Then the bottom dropped out.
At 10:00 we wanted to put presents under the tree, but Eldest was still awake. We waited a little while, then decided just to take care of it despite the potential for getting caught. We were in bed, ready for dreamland by 11:30. I was awakened at 2:30, by Eldest, who couldn't sleep. I had trouble falling back to sleep but did manage until 4, when Eldest and Middle decided to turn lights on and play together. I told them that wouldn't work until 6. Between 4 and 6, Middle came to see me 4 times to tell me, among other things, that he was "dying" because he couldn't play with his brother. I slept, not a wink, during those two hours. At 6, I let them get together and reminded them that presents didn't start until 7. I had to tell them 3 times to quiet down so the Wife and Youngest could sleep. I slept, not a wink, during that hour. At 7, chaos ensued.
I enjoy the chaos. I enjoy the excitement. I even enjoy the torture a little. I did not enjoy the lack of sleep. We did Christmas morning in my house, Christmas afternoon and dinner at my sister-in-law's, about a 90 minute drive away. We returned home for bed Christmas night. I felt like a zombie most of the day and took several days to recover. A bad night of sleep on Christmas Eve is fine when you have nothing to do for the next week, it becomes torture for the adults when they have to go back to work.
Christmas is a wonderful holiday. I am convinced the only thing better than being a parent of young children on Christmas morning is being a young child on Christmas morning. Even better for the child is more than a week off from school. This is definitely the kicker for the Christmas season. The children get their day, then their week to recover and enjoy. As a parent, I had to go to work the next day and the day after that and the day after that. Christmas seems like less a season than a blip. I can handle the build up, the shopping, the decorating, the wrapping, the cleaning the house and the preparation for dinner. I struggle with the aftermath. I struggled this year with a really bad night of sleep. I struggled with the clean up, the taking down of decorations, and the getting the house back in order. To make matters worse, this year I got the Plague about 4 days after Christmas. Well, maybe not really, but it felt like it. That would explain why this post was finished several days after New Years, instead of several days before.
Ultimately, though, that week after Christmas is worth it, because of the joy my boys get during the build up and the excitement of the week off from school after Christmas. A week they spent playing with new toys and wonderful babysitters. I just hope to avoid the Plague next year.
Here's wishing you a very Happy New Year, with fun and happiness, and perhaps a few Observations from a Suburban Sports Dad.
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Merry Christmas
Well, it seems I have lost my way.
This all began with a few emails to a few friends about the US Olympic Swimming Trials. I did it for fun and I did it for myself. I enjoy the US Olympic Swimming trials, because I enjoy watching the best of the best in a sport I love fulfill their ultimate dreams. A dream I never even remotely approached. I like to talk about it and, let's be honest, not many around the water-cooler are itching to discuss Olympic Trials swimming, so I harassed a few friends. They seemed to enjoy my aquatic ramblings, so I continued when the Olympics started.
The Olympic blogs were truly a labor of love. Make no mistake, it was labor intensive, but I love the Olympics. I would have watched as much, if not more, regardless of whether I was reporting my observations to an audience of at least 6. Again, I wanted to share my thoughts with others, so I turned the emails into a blog. The Olympics, I now realize, were more than just a subject for writing, they were my muse. I wrote in my conclusion post that the Olympics felt like an old friend, but they were obviously so much more for me. The Olympics, and this blog, took over my life. I wouldn't have changed a thing about it, except for the whole job thing. If I could have, I would have watched more, and I would have wrote more. I loved it that much. I never thought of the writing as work and I never had to convince myself to write. I looked forward to it, and it just happened.
The Olympics did, however, take their toll, as shown by the several day delay between the closing ceremonies and my final Olympics post. Perhaps that was a mourning period. Although I am not sure if I was mourning the end of the games or the temporary death of my muse. She will rise again, like a phoenix from the ashes, on February 7, 2014, a mere 14 months from now. For the time being, though, I find myself without my muse and without my motivation.
Once the Olympics ended, I tried to make this blog reflect its title. To a certain extent, I was successful. I also tried to give my NFL against the spread picks, which I did for a few weeks. The NFL picks was something I did years ago, in an email to a few friends. I even kept a spreadsheet of not just my picks, but those of several others. I think we all enjoyed making the picks and my sometimes witty, sometimes stupid comments. Sadly, I now think that point in my life has passed. The title of this blog is "Observations of a Suburban Sports Dad", and this Suburban Sports Dad doesn't have the time to make and record NFL picks every week. Rather than looking forward to writing, I began to dread it. I found myself rushing to the computer after church on Sunday mornings, trying to write something mildly entertaining while making NFL picks. I failed. I failed to make the picks before the games started and I failed to keep it above the baseline of "mildly" entertaining. I don't like to fail, so I stopped.
I always intended to get going again. I had a few ideas here and there and thought I should sit down and write. Alas, no muse, no motivation. When December rolled around, I thought I had found new motivation. I love Christmas, always have. I love everything about Christmas. I know most people do, and maybe I am not unique, but I remember torturous Christmas Eve nights, lying in bed, unable to sleep for hours, waiting until that magical time of 7:00 am, when I was finally allowed to get up, wake up the rest of the family, and go rip and tear. I was the youngest of three children in my family, and by the time I was about 9 and my brothers were 12 and 16, I was not a popular person on Christmas morning. They did not want to wake up at 7 am.
Even as I got older, and slept in a little later, when I woke up, I was ready to go. Now, as a father, I enjoy Christmas morning just as much. I am, however, able to sleep on Christmas Eve night. Probably because I am exhausted from 4 hours of wrapping before going to bed. Last year, I truly enjoyed that night, listening to Eldest go through the same torture I used to. I don't condone torturing children, but I loved the excitement and anticipation in a small boy who could not wait for 7 am. I let him out of his misery, a little, at 6:30, by joining him in his room and spending the last half hour talking about my torturous Christmas Eve nights. I think it made him feel a little better. I enjoyed that half hour immensely. When 7 am rolled around, we woke Middle and the Wife, then watched the two of them tear through Christmas in less than 20 minutes. The joy in their faces, actions, speech...everything was infectious.
So, I thought about making December a month of writing about Christmas. Christmas music, Christmas shows, Christmas decorations, Christmas preparations, Christmas joy in three boys. Sadly, December is a busy, busy month and it never got off the ground. Maybe next year.
Then, Newtown, CT happened. One of the things I have learned about writing for me is that it is therapeutic. If something is bothering me, writing about it and my feelings helps. I imagine this is no different than talking about it, except perhaps a little more thoughtful and a little less spontaneous. I almost wrote about Newtown for myself, but I thought that was selfish. I like to think that this blog is thought provoking, but mainly in a fun way. Restarting it after 3 months by discussing an unthinkable tragedy for the purpose of self healing just didn't seem right. I have a lot of thoughts on that tragic event, but this is not the time. Perhaps it is the place, and it could have been, but the timing wasn't right.
That brings us back to today. Why now? I don't know. I have found myself generally unmotivated and unmotivatable recently. Perhaps I finally decided I didn't like that feeling. Maybe it was a promise to a friend and to a small group of readers that I would continue the blog that finally needed to be fulfilled. Maybe I am ready to move on from my writing love and find another muse. Maybe I just love Christmas so much that I needed to give this back to you, my 1-6 loyal readers. Ultimately, we shouldn't ask why. We should just enjoy the fact that I did it. It does make me feel better, and hopefully gives you a few moments of enjoyment and an occassional thought provoking tidbit.
From here, I plan to make theis blog what it is titled. My observations as a Suburban Sports Dad. I hope to make this somewhat regular, 2-3 times per week. Sometimes I will be a dad, sometimes I will be a sports fan, sometimes I will be a sports fan and a dad; and occasionally, I will be a surburbanite. I will try to entertain you. I will try to make you think. I will fail from time to time. But, rest assured, I will be here...observing.
Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas. I hope to be back again before the magical day, but if not, I should have lots to motivate me from the boys next Tuesday.
This all began with a few emails to a few friends about the US Olympic Swimming Trials. I did it for fun and I did it for myself. I enjoy the US Olympic Swimming trials, because I enjoy watching the best of the best in a sport I love fulfill their ultimate dreams. A dream I never even remotely approached. I like to talk about it and, let's be honest, not many around the water-cooler are itching to discuss Olympic Trials swimming, so I harassed a few friends. They seemed to enjoy my aquatic ramblings, so I continued when the Olympics started.
The Olympic blogs were truly a labor of love. Make no mistake, it was labor intensive, but I love the Olympics. I would have watched as much, if not more, regardless of whether I was reporting my observations to an audience of at least 6. Again, I wanted to share my thoughts with others, so I turned the emails into a blog. The Olympics, I now realize, were more than just a subject for writing, they were my muse. I wrote in my conclusion post that the Olympics felt like an old friend, but they were obviously so much more for me. The Olympics, and this blog, took over my life. I wouldn't have changed a thing about it, except for the whole job thing. If I could have, I would have watched more, and I would have wrote more. I loved it that much. I never thought of the writing as work and I never had to convince myself to write. I looked forward to it, and it just happened.
The Olympics did, however, take their toll, as shown by the several day delay between the closing ceremonies and my final Olympics post. Perhaps that was a mourning period. Although I am not sure if I was mourning the end of the games or the temporary death of my muse. She will rise again, like a phoenix from the ashes, on February 7, 2014, a mere 14 months from now. For the time being, though, I find myself without my muse and without my motivation.
Once the Olympics ended, I tried to make this blog reflect its title. To a certain extent, I was successful. I also tried to give my NFL against the spread picks, which I did for a few weeks. The NFL picks was something I did years ago, in an email to a few friends. I even kept a spreadsheet of not just my picks, but those of several others. I think we all enjoyed making the picks and my sometimes witty, sometimes stupid comments. Sadly, I now think that point in my life has passed. The title of this blog is "Observations of a Suburban Sports Dad", and this Suburban Sports Dad doesn't have the time to make and record NFL picks every week. Rather than looking forward to writing, I began to dread it. I found myself rushing to the computer after church on Sunday mornings, trying to write something mildly entertaining while making NFL picks. I failed. I failed to make the picks before the games started and I failed to keep it above the baseline of "mildly" entertaining. I don't like to fail, so I stopped.
I always intended to get going again. I had a few ideas here and there and thought I should sit down and write. Alas, no muse, no motivation. When December rolled around, I thought I had found new motivation. I love Christmas, always have. I love everything about Christmas. I know most people do, and maybe I am not unique, but I remember torturous Christmas Eve nights, lying in bed, unable to sleep for hours, waiting until that magical time of 7:00 am, when I was finally allowed to get up, wake up the rest of the family, and go rip and tear. I was the youngest of three children in my family, and by the time I was about 9 and my brothers were 12 and 16, I was not a popular person on Christmas morning. They did not want to wake up at 7 am.
Even as I got older, and slept in a little later, when I woke up, I was ready to go. Now, as a father, I enjoy Christmas morning just as much. I am, however, able to sleep on Christmas Eve night. Probably because I am exhausted from 4 hours of wrapping before going to bed. Last year, I truly enjoyed that night, listening to Eldest go through the same torture I used to. I don't condone torturing children, but I loved the excitement and anticipation in a small boy who could not wait for 7 am. I let him out of his misery, a little, at 6:30, by joining him in his room and spending the last half hour talking about my torturous Christmas Eve nights. I think it made him feel a little better. I enjoyed that half hour immensely. When 7 am rolled around, we woke Middle and the Wife, then watched the two of them tear through Christmas in less than 20 minutes. The joy in their faces, actions, speech...everything was infectious.
So, I thought about making December a month of writing about Christmas. Christmas music, Christmas shows, Christmas decorations, Christmas preparations, Christmas joy in three boys. Sadly, December is a busy, busy month and it never got off the ground. Maybe next year.
Then, Newtown, CT happened. One of the things I have learned about writing for me is that it is therapeutic. If something is bothering me, writing about it and my feelings helps. I imagine this is no different than talking about it, except perhaps a little more thoughtful and a little less spontaneous. I almost wrote about Newtown for myself, but I thought that was selfish. I like to think that this blog is thought provoking, but mainly in a fun way. Restarting it after 3 months by discussing an unthinkable tragedy for the purpose of self healing just didn't seem right. I have a lot of thoughts on that tragic event, but this is not the time. Perhaps it is the place, and it could have been, but the timing wasn't right.
That brings us back to today. Why now? I don't know. I have found myself generally unmotivated and unmotivatable recently. Perhaps I finally decided I didn't like that feeling. Maybe it was a promise to a friend and to a small group of readers that I would continue the blog that finally needed to be fulfilled. Maybe I am ready to move on from my writing love and find another muse. Maybe I just love Christmas so much that I needed to give this back to you, my 1-6 loyal readers. Ultimately, we shouldn't ask why. We should just enjoy the fact that I did it. It does make me feel better, and hopefully gives you a few moments of enjoyment and an occassional thought provoking tidbit.
From here, I plan to make theis blog what it is titled. My observations as a Suburban Sports Dad. I hope to make this somewhat regular, 2-3 times per week. Sometimes I will be a dad, sometimes I will be a sports fan, sometimes I will be a sports fan and a dad; and occasionally, I will be a surburbanite. I will try to entertain you. I will try to make you think. I will fail from time to time. But, rest assured, I will be here...observing.
Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas. I hope to be back again before the magical day, but if not, I should have lots to motivate me from the boys next Tuesday.
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Where is the time?
Yesterday I woke up, cleaned the kitchen, fed the kids, went to a soccer game, went home for lunch, coached a soccer game, picked up a child from selling popcorn, crashed for 10 minutes, went to buy Cub Scout uniforms, went to pick up new glasses, went grocery shopping, ate dinner, bathed three kids, put three kids to bed and then, basically, died. Today, I woke up, showered, went to church, checked a map for my afternoon activity, and then started to write this. After this, I will eat lunch, go to a swim team parents' meeting, do a little house cleaning, eat dinner, then go coach winter swim, before, basically, dying again. Weekends are not exactly relaxing.
The biggest problem with this weekend thing is I have let this blog go a bit. It has turned into little more than football picks. For that, I apologize. I have some ideas to get it back going again, but they won't happen today. I will put a higher priority on it starting this week, but for today, I need to get my picks in before lunch, so I can go to the parents' meeting. Those of you with itty bitty babies who think life is much busier have no idea what you have in store for you in about 6 years. That is assuming you can avoid whooping cough. Those of you with 4-5 kids all of activity age, well, I sympathize and empathize. I would say I don't know how you do it, but I do. The same way I do my slightly easier life, you just do it. And hope everyone survives.
NY Giants @ Carolina(-2.5) - Honestly, I didn't commit to this game before Thursday night. I did, however, pick the Giants to win outright in my office pool, so I am going to take credit for getting 2.5 points. Why was Carolina favored? NYG
St. Louis @ Chicago(-7) - Jay Cutler reverted to his former self against GB. Again proving that my predictions are quite bad. StL
Tampa Bay @ Dallas(-8)- Since Jimmy Johnson's footprint on this team has faded, the Cowboys have been a team perceived to have decent talent that under-achieves. Showed that again last week. Maybe they should try a different story after 15 years. TB
San Francisco(-7) @ Minnesota - My prediction about SF being the classic drop back team this year may have been just a touch off. SF
Detroit(-3.5) @ Tennessee - San Francisco isn't St. Louis, but Tennesse probably is. Det
Cincinnati @ Washington(-3) - Redskins opening day victory over New Orleans is looking pretty unimpressive after the Saints got thrubbed by Carolina. Cin
New York Jets(-2.5) @ Miami - I still say Miami could go winless this year. NYJ
Kansas City(-8.5) @ New Orleans - If you had New Orleans as the last NFC team to win a game this season, stand up and take a bow. Stop lying. KC
Buffalo(-3) @ Cleveland - For the last 5 years, these two teams have been seen as potential break-out teams. Should be the same for about 15 more. Buf
Jacksonville @ Indianapolis(-3) - The king is dead. Long live the king. Ind
Philadelphia(-3) @ Arizona - The Eagles can't win every game by 1 this year, can they? Ari
Atlanta(-3) @ San Diego - Atlanta looks like a true Super Bowl team. SD is coached by Norv Turner. (Yes, I am going to beat this dead horse more and more and more and more.) Atl
Houston(-2) @ Denver - Peyton Manning was trying to remind Denver of the Jay Cutler days last Monday. Of course, how many QBs can throw 3 picks in 4 passes and still lose by only 7? Hou
Pittsburgh(-3.5) @ Oakland - Pittsburgh may be old, but you lose to Miami by 176, you don't deserve to be only a 3.5 point dog to Ben Rothlesburger. Pit
New England @ Baltimore(-2.5) - The only prediction I made that looks good is that Belichick is a better cheater than coach. Bal
Green Bay(-3) @ Seattle - Sorry Seattle, GB ain't Dallas. This win streak ends. GB
Last Week: 7-8-1
Season: 16-15-1
The biggest problem with this weekend thing is I have let this blog go a bit. It has turned into little more than football picks. For that, I apologize. I have some ideas to get it back going again, but they won't happen today. I will put a higher priority on it starting this week, but for today, I need to get my picks in before lunch, so I can go to the parents' meeting. Those of you with itty bitty babies who think life is much busier have no idea what you have in store for you in about 6 years. That is assuming you can avoid whooping cough. Those of you with 4-5 kids all of activity age, well, I sympathize and empathize. I would say I don't know how you do it, but I do. The same way I do my slightly easier life, you just do it. And hope everyone survives.
NY Giants @ Carolina(-2.5) - Honestly, I didn't commit to this game before Thursday night. I did, however, pick the Giants to win outright in my office pool, so I am going to take credit for getting 2.5 points. Why was Carolina favored? NYG
St. Louis @ Chicago(-7) - Jay Cutler reverted to his former self against GB. Again proving that my predictions are quite bad. StL
Tampa Bay @ Dallas(-8)- Since Jimmy Johnson's footprint on this team has faded, the Cowboys have been a team perceived to have decent talent that under-achieves. Showed that again last week. Maybe they should try a different story after 15 years. TB
San Francisco(-7) @ Minnesota - My prediction about SF being the classic drop back team this year may have been just a touch off. SF
Detroit(-3.5) @ Tennessee - San Francisco isn't St. Louis, but Tennesse probably is. Det
Cincinnati @ Washington(-3) - Redskins opening day victory over New Orleans is looking pretty unimpressive after the Saints got thrubbed by Carolina. Cin
New York Jets(-2.5) @ Miami - I still say Miami could go winless this year. NYJ
Kansas City(-8.5) @ New Orleans - If you had New Orleans as the last NFC team to win a game this season, stand up and take a bow. Stop lying. KC
Buffalo(-3) @ Cleveland - For the last 5 years, these two teams have been seen as potential break-out teams. Should be the same for about 15 more. Buf
Jacksonville @ Indianapolis(-3) - The king is dead. Long live the king. Ind
Philadelphia(-3) @ Arizona - The Eagles can't win every game by 1 this year, can they? Ari
Atlanta(-3) @ San Diego - Atlanta looks like a true Super Bowl team. SD is coached by Norv Turner. (Yes, I am going to beat this dead horse more and more and more and more.) Atl
Houston(-2) @ Denver - Peyton Manning was trying to remind Denver of the Jay Cutler days last Monday. Of course, how many QBs can throw 3 picks in 4 passes and still lose by only 7? Hou
Pittsburgh(-3.5) @ Oakland - Pittsburgh may be old, but you lose to Miami by 176, you don't deserve to be only a 3.5 point dog to Ben Rothlesburger. Pit
New England @ Baltimore(-2.5) - The only prediction I made that looks good is that Belichick is a better cheater than coach. Bal
Green Bay(-3) @ Seattle - Sorry Seattle, GB ain't Dallas. This win streak ends. GB
Last Week: 7-8-1
Season: 16-15-1
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Everybody PANIC!!!
The nature of football is perfect for over-analysis and over-reaction. Each team plays one game per week. After that game, fans have anywhere from 4 to 15 days to over-react to what they just saw. Of course, if you look at football long term, you will realize that what happens in one individual week has little bearing on the whole picture. To fully appreciate a football team, you must observe the aggregate of many games and reach conclusions based on trends.
I'll give you an example. Last season in the season opener for each team, the Washington Redskins defeated the New York Giants 28-14. Rex Grossman, the starting quarterback for the Skins completed 21 of 34 passes for 305 yards and two touchdowns. From this game, you would conclude, and Redskins fans did conclude, that Rex Grossman was the answer at quarterback, that Mike Shanahan was the greatest coach ever and that the Skins were once again on their way to Super Bowl glory. Of course, Redskin fans have spent the last 20 years entering the month of September convinced that their team was destined for Super Bowl glory, but that is another issue they have to deal with.
The reality, as we learned over a 16 game season, is that Rex Grossman gives to defensive backs more generously than Santa gives to children, Mike Shanahan is the beneficiary of having coached the greatest quarterback ever and the Skins ended their season just where they have every year since 1991, buried in a sea of disappointment deeper than that of Wizards fans. And let's be honest, Wizards fans are buried pretty deep. We also learned that Eli Manning made a pact with the devil when he was 17 years old, and has been rewarded with more Super Bowl rings than his clearly superior in every way brother and two Super Bowl victories over dreamy Tom Brady. I hope eternity in damnation is worth it.
As you can see, not only is football perfect for over-reaction, but Week 1 is the Everest of the over-reaction weeks. Here is what we "learned" after one week of NFL Football:
1. Mike Vick is more giving than Ron Mexico, and Ron Mexico was giving all sorts of stuff away.
2. Peyton Manning is the greatest quarterback of all time.
3. San Francisco's defense is better than the Steel Curtain.
4. Robert Griffin III is actually better than Peyton Manning.
5. Pittsburgh's defense is older than the Dead Sea.
6. The NFC West is worse than the ACC Coastal Division.
7. I can't predict very well.
8. Cleveland sucks. Brandon Weeden is o-l-d.
9. Baltimore is the best team in the NFL. Except perhaps the Skins.
10. Aaron Rogers's best days are behind him.
11. Ryan Lochte is GORGEOUS.
12. Mark Sanchez and the Jets are the return of Dan Fouts and the San Diego...Super-Chargers.
13. Norv Turner can actually coach.
14. Chicks dig scars.
15. The Washington Nationals are better without Stephen Strasburg.
Now, some of this may be true (see the Vick thing and the Lochte thing.) Some of these are clearly over-reactions to a single incident (like the "I can't predict well" thing and the chicks digging scars thing.) We did, however, have a full slate of Sunday games, two Monday games and a full week to freak out. And, God as my witness, boy did people freak out. Here in Washington, the town is ready to turn Griffin into Dictator for Life. After one game. Over a team without their head coach, their interim head coach and two key defensive players. I thought New Orleans would step up and play with a chip on their shoulder. I was wrong, hence the "bad predicting" over-reaction mentioned above. So, we can't be sure whether Griffin really is Steve Young, John Elway, Troy Aikman, Carl Lewis and Muhammed Ali rolled up into the same person, or if New Orleans is this year's winner of the Most Dysfunctional Pro Sports Franchise Award (won the last 4 years by Les Boulez). We won't know for a long time.
So just relax. Vick isn't the worst quarterback in the league and I didn't get every prediction wrong. And, we get to come back and try again. While, of course, being influenced by various over-reactions
Chicago @ Green Bay(-5) - I wouldn't put Aaron Rogers and the Green Bay Packers into an 0-2 hole, would I? I wouldn't buy into the hype that Green Bay's defense is as stout as the French Army and Jay Cutler is going to take his considerable physical skills and combine them with a knack for quarterbacking, thereby ending the possible and inevitable comparisons to Jeff George, would I? Yes I would. Chi.
Arizona @ New England(-13.5) - Never take a double digit favorite in the NFL...unless they are playing Arizona. NE.
Tampa Bay @ New York Giants(-8) - Eli, the Devil is calling. Losing to Tony Romo does not get you out of your deal. NYG.
Minnesota(-3) @ Indianapolis - If you are consistently bad, you get Adrian Peterson and Christian Ponder. If you are REALLY bad at the right time, you get Andrew Luck or Tim Duncan. Ind.
New Orleans(-3) @ Carolina - Here is my over-reaction of the week. If you give up 40 points to the Skins one week, you shouldn't be a road favorite the next week. Car.
Kansas City @ Buffalo(-3) - If you give up 48 points to Mark Sanchez, you shouldn't be favored over anyone who isn't quarterbacked by Brandon Weeden. Even Matt Cassell. KC.
Baltimore @ Philadelphia(-3) - One team needed a last minute touchdown to overcome a 4 int performance by their quarterback and beat Cleveland, the armpit of America and the NFL. The other team methodically destroyed a 2011 playoff team. Which is favored? Vegas has a lot more money than me, so I guess they know something I don't, but...Bal.
Oakland(-1.5) @ Miami - This is the game this week. I have nothing to say. Oak.
Cleveland @ Cincinnati(-7) - College football rivalries give special trophies for winning rivalry games, like Paul Bunyan's Axe for Minn-Wis., the Old Oaken Bucket for Indiana-Purdue and the Jeweled Shillelagh for Notre Dame-USC. The winner of Cleveland-Cincinnati gets to shine Tom Brady's shoes at the end of the season. Cin
Houston(-6.5) @ Jacksonville - Maurice Jones-Drew has learned that being the best offensive player on the worst offense in the league is not grounds for a contract renegotiation. Arian Foster learned that being the third best offensive player on a top offense gets you a big payday. Life just ain't fair. Hou.
Dallas(-3) @ Seattle - Dallas either wins big or loses this game. You know they won't kick a game winning field goal at the end. Dal.
Washington(-3.5) @ St. Louis - Perhaps St.Louis should have considered keeping the second pick and trading Sam Bradford. Was.
New York Jets @ Pittsburgh(-4.5) - I'm going with the theory that the Jets team that couldn't score in the pre-season is the real J-E-T-S! Jets! Jets! Jets! Five weeks to Tebow Time. Pit
Tennessee @ San Diego(-6.5) - Norv Turner. 'Nuff said. Ten.
Detroit @ San Francisco(-7) - If you get this game, be prepared to watch a video of one lunatic shaking hands with one uptight jack-ass about 932 times. And then see the most irrelevant handshake in history after the game is over. SF.
Denver @ Atlanta(-3) - Peyton Manning is what Matt Ryan should aspire to be - a great QB who spent part of his career with a reputation for not being able to win the big one before winning a Super Bowl. But Ryan isn't Peyton. Atl.
Last Week: 9-7
Season: 9-7
What to Watch For -
1. Fall television season begins. I don't care, because I only watch about 4 shows per week, but I am here to point out the obvious, if nothing else.
2. Will the Phillies be this year's St. Louis Cardinals? Or just the latest Philadelphia sports team to play Lucy to the fans' Charlie Brown?
3. Will Middle score two goals and force an own goal in every soccer game he plays this year (pulled the same move yesterday)?
4. Can I get back on a better posting schedule?
Fat Old Man Update - Lost my Olympics inspired momentum. Looking to find a way back, starting today. We started church again today. There is something poetic about renewing my commitment to my spiritual self and my physical self at the same time.
I'll give you an example. Last season in the season opener for each team, the Washington Redskins defeated the New York Giants 28-14. Rex Grossman, the starting quarterback for the Skins completed 21 of 34 passes for 305 yards and two touchdowns. From this game, you would conclude, and Redskins fans did conclude, that Rex Grossman was the answer at quarterback, that Mike Shanahan was the greatest coach ever and that the Skins were once again on their way to Super Bowl glory. Of course, Redskin fans have spent the last 20 years entering the month of September convinced that their team was destined for Super Bowl glory, but that is another issue they have to deal with.
The reality, as we learned over a 16 game season, is that Rex Grossman gives to defensive backs more generously than Santa gives to children, Mike Shanahan is the beneficiary of having coached the greatest quarterback ever and the Skins ended their season just where they have every year since 1991, buried in a sea of disappointment deeper than that of Wizards fans. And let's be honest, Wizards fans are buried pretty deep. We also learned that Eli Manning made a pact with the devil when he was 17 years old, and has been rewarded with more Super Bowl rings than his clearly superior in every way brother and two Super Bowl victories over dreamy Tom Brady. I hope eternity in damnation is worth it.
As you can see, not only is football perfect for over-reaction, but Week 1 is the Everest of the over-reaction weeks. Here is what we "learned" after one week of NFL Football:
1. Mike Vick is more giving than Ron Mexico, and Ron Mexico was giving all sorts of stuff away.
2. Peyton Manning is the greatest quarterback of all time.
3. San Francisco's defense is better than the Steel Curtain.
4. Robert Griffin III is actually better than Peyton Manning.
5. Pittsburgh's defense is older than the Dead Sea.
6. The NFC West is worse than the ACC Coastal Division.
7. I can't predict very well.
8. Cleveland sucks. Brandon Weeden is o-l-d.
9. Baltimore is the best team in the NFL. Except perhaps the Skins.
10. Aaron Rogers's best days are behind him.
11. Ryan Lochte is GORGEOUS.
12. Mark Sanchez and the Jets are the return of Dan Fouts and the San Diego...Super-Chargers.
13. Norv Turner can actually coach.
14. Chicks dig scars.
15. The Washington Nationals are better without Stephen Strasburg.
Now, some of this may be true (see the Vick thing and the Lochte thing.) Some of these are clearly over-reactions to a single incident (like the "I can't predict well" thing and the chicks digging scars thing.) We did, however, have a full slate of Sunday games, two Monday games and a full week to freak out. And, God as my witness, boy did people freak out. Here in Washington, the town is ready to turn Griffin into Dictator for Life. After one game. Over a team without their head coach, their interim head coach and two key defensive players. I thought New Orleans would step up and play with a chip on their shoulder. I was wrong, hence the "bad predicting" over-reaction mentioned above. So, we can't be sure whether Griffin really is Steve Young, John Elway, Troy Aikman, Carl Lewis and Muhammed Ali rolled up into the same person, or if New Orleans is this year's winner of the Most Dysfunctional Pro Sports Franchise Award (won the last 4 years by Les Boulez). We won't know for a long time.
So just relax. Vick isn't the worst quarterback in the league and I didn't get every prediction wrong. And, we get to come back and try again. While, of course, being influenced by various over-reactions
Chicago @ Green Bay(-5) - I wouldn't put Aaron Rogers and the Green Bay Packers into an 0-2 hole, would I? I wouldn't buy into the hype that Green Bay's defense is as stout as the French Army and Jay Cutler is going to take his considerable physical skills and combine them with a knack for quarterbacking, thereby ending the possible and inevitable comparisons to Jeff George, would I? Yes I would. Chi.
Arizona @ New England(-13.5) - Never take a double digit favorite in the NFL...unless they are playing Arizona. NE.
Tampa Bay @ New York Giants(-8) - Eli, the Devil is calling. Losing to Tony Romo does not get you out of your deal. NYG.
Minnesota(-3) @ Indianapolis - If you are consistently bad, you get Adrian Peterson and Christian Ponder. If you are REALLY bad at the right time, you get Andrew Luck or Tim Duncan. Ind.
New Orleans(-3) @ Carolina - Here is my over-reaction of the week. If you give up 40 points to the Skins one week, you shouldn't be a road favorite the next week. Car.
Kansas City @ Buffalo(-3) - If you give up 48 points to Mark Sanchez, you shouldn't be favored over anyone who isn't quarterbacked by Brandon Weeden. Even Matt Cassell. KC.
Baltimore @ Philadelphia(-3) - One team needed a last minute touchdown to overcome a 4 int performance by their quarterback and beat Cleveland, the armpit of America and the NFL. The other team methodically destroyed a 2011 playoff team. Which is favored? Vegas has a lot more money than me, so I guess they know something I don't, but...Bal.
Oakland(-1.5) @ Miami - This is the game this week. I have nothing to say. Oak.
Cleveland @ Cincinnati(-7) - College football rivalries give special trophies for winning rivalry games, like Paul Bunyan's Axe for Minn-Wis., the Old Oaken Bucket for Indiana-Purdue and the Jeweled Shillelagh for Notre Dame-USC. The winner of Cleveland-Cincinnati gets to shine Tom Brady's shoes at the end of the season. Cin
Houston(-6.5) @ Jacksonville - Maurice Jones-Drew has learned that being the best offensive player on the worst offense in the league is not grounds for a contract renegotiation. Arian Foster learned that being the third best offensive player on a top offense gets you a big payday. Life just ain't fair. Hou.
Dallas(-3) @ Seattle - Dallas either wins big or loses this game. You know they won't kick a game winning field goal at the end. Dal.
Washington(-3.5) @ St. Louis - Perhaps St.Louis should have considered keeping the second pick and trading Sam Bradford. Was.
New York Jets @ Pittsburgh(-4.5) - I'm going with the theory that the Jets team that couldn't score in the pre-season is the real J-E-T-S! Jets! Jets! Jets! Five weeks to Tebow Time. Pit
Tennessee @ San Diego(-6.5) - Norv Turner. 'Nuff said. Ten.
Detroit @ San Francisco(-7) - If you get this game, be prepared to watch a video of one lunatic shaking hands with one uptight jack-ass about 932 times. And then see the most irrelevant handshake in history after the game is over. SF.
Denver @ Atlanta(-3) - Peyton Manning is what Matt Ryan should aspire to be - a great QB who spent part of his career with a reputation for not being able to win the big one before winning a Super Bowl. But Ryan isn't Peyton. Atl.
Last Week: 9-7
Season: 9-7
What to Watch For -
1. Fall television season begins. I don't care, because I only watch about 4 shows per week, but I am here to point out the obvious, if nothing else.
2. Will the Phillies be this year's St. Louis Cardinals? Or just the latest Philadelphia sports team to play Lucy to the fans' Charlie Brown?
3. Will Middle score two goals and force an own goal in every soccer game he plays this year (pulled the same move yesterday)?
4. Can I get back on a better posting schedule?
Fat Old Man Update - Lost my Olympics inspired momentum. Looking to find a way back, starting today. We started church again today. There is something poetic about renewing my commitment to my spiritual self and my physical self at the same time.
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Week 1 Full Slate
You are looking live...at a computer screen...or a smartphone..or a tablet...or something. I used to love Brent Musburger's opening of the CBS NFL pre-game show with a "You are looking live..." for each game CBS was covering that day. I thought it would be appropriate to open this year with his classic call. It doesn't really work when we are all looking at a computer screen, or some other electronic device, but it is still fun.
Of course, before we get to see various NFL stadiums and games "live", we had to witness the great American suburban tradition - the beginning of the fall soccer season. Eldest and Middle began their soccer seasons yesterday at various levels of suburban, youth soccer. We began our fall season with Middle, who turned 6 on Friday. The advantage to an early September birthday is that the cut-off date is August 1, so he is one of the oldest players on his team. The disadvantage is he had to start a year later than planned, and is playing with kids a year behind him in school, including the younger brother of one of his classmates. So, he can be the diva of the team. Yesterday I watched my middle child play the perfect role of a South American striker. He didn't even pretend to play defense. He stood around basically watching until the ball found itself in the right position. Then he struck like a cobra. He went straight to the ball, advanced down field and put it in the goal. This technique worked for two scored goals and one forced own goal. Christiano Ronaldo - watch out.
I missed Eldest's game because I was busy with a volunteer obligation. It is amazing how your life disappears when your children start to grow up. All new parents think a baby changes their lives. And it does in some ways. But you do still have some flexibility. Once they reach about 6, especially when two of them have reached 6, weekends are nothing more than a non-stop run of youth sports, volunteer obligations and food shopping. I did hear about the game, though. Eldest volunteered to play goalie. I thought that would make my Volleyball Insider proud, until he confessed that he wanted to play goalie so he didn't have to run as much. He let in three, but apparently had 8 saves, including a few good ones.
Youth soccer is an interesting sport. If one child is aggressive and mildly skilled, he or she can dominate a game up to at least the age of 8. I have watched multiple seasons of passive defense. The number of times I have told a player, as both a coach and a parent to go get the ball, instead of running near the player with the ball is enough to make me drive my head through a wooden fence. Child after child running right next to or in front of an opposing player, making no effort to take the ball. These kids spend their entire lives as selfish little materialists, then become generous observers on a soccer field. Ahhhh!
As weekend turns from Saturday to Sunday, we go from youth futbol to professional football. Week 1:
Indianapolis @ Chicago(-10) - The Colts made the decision to let their last 12 years go to set themselves up for their next 12 years. Ultimately, I think it was the right choice. Of course, lightning doesn't strike twice, so Andrew Luck will not be as good as Peyton Manning. For week 1, Andrew Luck, meet Julius Peppers. Toto, I don't think we're in Palo Alto anymore. Chi.
Philadelphia(-9.5) @ Cleveland - Typically a home team gets three points on the line. So the line tells us Philly is 12.5 points better than Cleveland. Is Vegas trying to lose money? Cleveland has been trying to figure out how to win football games since John Elway ripped their hearts out with "The Drive". In the meantime, Art Modell, may he rest in peace, did Elway one better by taking the Browns to Baltimore, and winning a Super Bowl there. As for the 2012 Browns, I'm not sure starting a rookie quarterback who can remember when Kurt Cobain was alive is the recipe for success. Phi
Buffalo @ New York Jets (-3) - Tim Tebow Watch: 6 weeks until The Chosen One is starting for the Jets. Buf
Washington @ New Orleans (-7.5) - This line is more ridiculous than the Philly line. New Orleans will be playing with fire coming out of their asses. I just wish they had the sense of humor to give each other Monopoly money after big hits. (They might, but the League doesn't.) Robert Griffin III, you're not in Waco anymore. NO
New England (-5) @ Tennessee - Maybe Belichick is just a better cheater than a coach. NE
Jacksonville @ Minnesota (-3.5) - Every week in the NFL there is one game so non-descript that I have nothing to say about it. This week, it is this one. So, I have nothing to say. Min
Miami @ Houston (-13) - Too bad Detroit went 0-16 a few years ago. It would have been poetic justice if Miami became the first 0-16 team to go along with their 17-0 team in 1972. They could do it this year. Hou
St. Louis @ Detroit(-8.5) - Detroit could go far this year, if half their team doesn't get suspended by Thanksgiving. StL
Atlanta(-2.5) @ Kansas City - In the battle of the Matts this weekend, I'll take Ryan. Atl
San Francisco @ Green Bay(-4.5) - SF has the look of the classic drop back team this year. They pulled a big surprise last year, coming within one game of the Super Bowl behind a great defense, a rookie coach and a resurgent top overall draft pick. This year, they should go about 8-8. Of course, they play in a division worse than the ACC Coastal Division, so by default, they will win 10 games. GB
Carolina(-2.5) @ Tampa Bay - Washington fans like to think that Robert Griffin is like Cam Newton. Other than the 6'5 and built like a stone wall, National Championship in college and proven success in the NFL thing, they are right. Car
Seattle(-2.5) @ Arizona - There are 5 rookies starting at QB this week: Weeden in Cleveland against Philly, a favorite to make the Super Bowl in the NFC; Tannehill in Miami against Houston, a favorite to make the Super Bowl in the AFC; Griffin in Washington against NO, a favorite to make the Super Bowl in the NFC; Luck in Indy against Chicago, a legitimate playoff contender; and Russell Wilson in Seattle against Arizona, a favorite to regret their big QB move of the last couple years even more than Seattle. I...I guess this explains why a team with a losing record last year, starting a rookie QB is a road favorite in week 1. Ari
Pittsburgh @ Denver(-1.5) - Pittsburgh couldn't beat Denver with Tebow as QB. Not sure why they would have a better chance with Manning there. Den
Cincinnati @ Baltimore(-7) - I think the 11th Commandment is "Cincinnati shalt not have back to back winning seasons." Cin
San Diego @ Oakland(-1) - I want Norv Turner's job. Repeatedly fall short of expectations, never seem to have to pay for it. SD
Enjoy the games.
Of course, before we get to see various NFL stadiums and games "live", we had to witness the great American suburban tradition - the beginning of the fall soccer season. Eldest and Middle began their soccer seasons yesterday at various levels of suburban, youth soccer. We began our fall season with Middle, who turned 6 on Friday. The advantage to an early September birthday is that the cut-off date is August 1, so he is one of the oldest players on his team. The disadvantage is he had to start a year later than planned, and is playing with kids a year behind him in school, including the younger brother of one of his classmates. So, he can be the diva of the team. Yesterday I watched my middle child play the perfect role of a South American striker. He didn't even pretend to play defense. He stood around basically watching until the ball found itself in the right position. Then he struck like a cobra. He went straight to the ball, advanced down field and put it in the goal. This technique worked for two scored goals and one forced own goal. Christiano Ronaldo - watch out.
I missed Eldest's game because I was busy with a volunteer obligation. It is amazing how your life disappears when your children start to grow up. All new parents think a baby changes their lives. And it does in some ways. But you do still have some flexibility. Once they reach about 6, especially when two of them have reached 6, weekends are nothing more than a non-stop run of youth sports, volunteer obligations and food shopping. I did hear about the game, though. Eldest volunteered to play goalie. I thought that would make my Volleyball Insider proud, until he confessed that he wanted to play goalie so he didn't have to run as much. He let in three, but apparently had 8 saves, including a few good ones.
Youth soccer is an interesting sport. If one child is aggressive and mildly skilled, he or she can dominate a game up to at least the age of 8. I have watched multiple seasons of passive defense. The number of times I have told a player, as both a coach and a parent to go get the ball, instead of running near the player with the ball is enough to make me drive my head through a wooden fence. Child after child running right next to or in front of an opposing player, making no effort to take the ball. These kids spend their entire lives as selfish little materialists, then become generous observers on a soccer field. Ahhhh!
As weekend turns from Saturday to Sunday, we go from youth futbol to professional football. Week 1:
Indianapolis @ Chicago(-10) - The Colts made the decision to let their last 12 years go to set themselves up for their next 12 years. Ultimately, I think it was the right choice. Of course, lightning doesn't strike twice, so Andrew Luck will not be as good as Peyton Manning. For week 1, Andrew Luck, meet Julius Peppers. Toto, I don't think we're in Palo Alto anymore. Chi.
Philadelphia(-9.5) @ Cleveland - Typically a home team gets three points on the line. So the line tells us Philly is 12.5 points better than Cleveland. Is Vegas trying to lose money? Cleveland has been trying to figure out how to win football games since John Elway ripped their hearts out with "The Drive". In the meantime, Art Modell, may he rest in peace, did Elway one better by taking the Browns to Baltimore, and winning a Super Bowl there. As for the 2012 Browns, I'm not sure starting a rookie quarterback who can remember when Kurt Cobain was alive is the recipe for success. Phi
Buffalo @ New York Jets (-3) - Tim Tebow Watch: 6 weeks until The Chosen One is starting for the Jets. Buf
Washington @ New Orleans (-7.5) - This line is more ridiculous than the Philly line. New Orleans will be playing with fire coming out of their asses. I just wish they had the sense of humor to give each other Monopoly money after big hits. (They might, but the League doesn't.) Robert Griffin III, you're not in Waco anymore. NO
New England (-5) @ Tennessee - Maybe Belichick is just a better cheater than a coach. NE
Jacksonville @ Minnesota (-3.5) - Every week in the NFL there is one game so non-descript that I have nothing to say about it. This week, it is this one. So, I have nothing to say. Min
Miami @ Houston (-13) - Too bad Detroit went 0-16 a few years ago. It would have been poetic justice if Miami became the first 0-16 team to go along with their 17-0 team in 1972. They could do it this year. Hou
St. Louis @ Detroit(-8.5) - Detroit could go far this year, if half their team doesn't get suspended by Thanksgiving. StL
Atlanta(-2.5) @ Kansas City - In the battle of the Matts this weekend, I'll take Ryan. Atl
San Francisco @ Green Bay(-4.5) - SF has the look of the classic drop back team this year. They pulled a big surprise last year, coming within one game of the Super Bowl behind a great defense, a rookie coach and a resurgent top overall draft pick. This year, they should go about 8-8. Of course, they play in a division worse than the ACC Coastal Division, so by default, they will win 10 games. GB
Carolina(-2.5) @ Tampa Bay - Washington fans like to think that Robert Griffin is like Cam Newton. Other than the 6'5 and built like a stone wall, National Championship in college and proven success in the NFL thing, they are right. Car
Seattle(-2.5) @ Arizona - There are 5 rookies starting at QB this week: Weeden in Cleveland against Philly, a favorite to make the Super Bowl in the NFC; Tannehill in Miami against Houston, a favorite to make the Super Bowl in the AFC; Griffin in Washington against NO, a favorite to make the Super Bowl in the NFC; Luck in Indy against Chicago, a legitimate playoff contender; and Russell Wilson in Seattle against Arizona, a favorite to regret their big QB move of the last couple years even more than Seattle. I...I guess this explains why a team with a losing record last year, starting a rookie QB is a road favorite in week 1. Ari
Pittsburgh @ Denver(-1.5) - Pittsburgh couldn't beat Denver with Tebow as QB. Not sure why they would have a better chance with Manning there. Den
Cincinnati @ Baltimore(-7) - I think the 11th Commandment is "Cincinnati shalt not have back to back winning seasons." Cin
San Diego @ Oakland(-1) - I want Norv Turner's job. Repeatedly fall short of expectations, never seem to have to pay for it. SD
Enjoy the games.
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