Good Morning. Haven't had the itch to do much writing lately, until this morning as I was leaving work. Was it just me or did everyone on the roadways around the greater Tampa Bay area seem extra antsy? I couldn't tell at times if I was on Memorial Drive or Daytona International Speedway with all the traffic whizzing by me like there was no tomorrow, and that was with me going about five over the posted limit of 45mph as it was! Then on US 41, more of the same. People, seriously, chill the bleep out. If you're afraid you're going to miss out on that early bird special at Cracker Barrel (what I think those drivers on Memorial were heading towards), don't worry because you can have breakfast all day there...
...speaking of all-day breakfast, McDonalds has started their venture into serving all day. Two issues though; if you live in the south you can have biscuits for an option--unless you live in Florida. McDonalds in Florida has McMuffins instead of biscuits. Blasphemy I say!! Then again, maybe chalk one up to snowbirds screwing everything up down here. Them and maybe #FloridaMan. But I digress.
The second issue I have is this: if they're going to serve breakfast on non-breakfast hours, then they better have certain other sandwich items available during late night and breakfast hours. True story, I was on 95 South in Orangeburg, SC one late night about 2am or thereabouts. I stopped at one of the very few 24-hour McDonalds in the Carolinas (because after all the Carolinas are Mayberry; nothing is open after 9pm). I asked for a quarter pounder and was answered to in a nasty tone, "We're only serving breakfast right now!" Pffft. Thanks, miss. And remind me never to stop in Orangeburg ever again. Like the old saying goes, what's good for the goose is good for the gander, and that means if I'm on the road at 3 in the morning and craving a Big Mac then dammit I better be able to get one!
Hey congratulations to the New York Mets on winning the NL pennant last night, which happened to be the day their opponent, the Chicago Cubs, was supposed to sweep the World Series according to Back to the Future Part II. Instead of that now-debunked prophecy, we now have the plotline for Back to the Future Part IV; Parts I-III were actually a dream that Marty McFly had falling asleep in Doc Brown's laboratory.
...speaking of movies, show of hands how many of you have NOT seen the new trailer for "Star Wars: The Force Awakens"? Nobody? Good. Now, have you bought your advance tickets yet? Spoiler alert I won't be able to go to opening night. The Postal Service and the Holiday Season doesn't not bode well for participating in extracurricular activities on a night where I have to be at work. So much for asking someone out on opening night. Uggggghhh...
My football picks haven't been on this blog lately with the lack of activity but they have been on my twitter page (@boneyscribe). Currently I'm 60-31 after a 7-7 week. Tonight Seattle travels to San Francisco in a game that suddenly may make or break the Seahawks season. They don't seem so invincible anymore especially after that collapse at home against Carolina, who have McGyvered their way to an unbeaten start to the season. The Niners aren't the team they were two seasons ago, but they still have Colin Kapernick, who can more than make plays, and the emergence of Carlos Hyde at running back. Still though I think the Legion of Boom gets their act together after two successive fourth quarter collapses to win on the road.
Rest of my picks will come Saturday, whether they're here or on twitter.
On a personal note, I have an appointment with my therapist on Monday. Much needed to be honest; I've had some ups and downs lately and if you know me well enough, you know what I'm referring to. Also, I've had some rather bizarre dreams of late, including one where I was an unlikely hero in a science-fiction action-adventure film. Plus other dreams where I felt I was still in the Navy yet working at my current job. Weird stuff.
On that note, I guess I better take my meds and head to sleep; enjoy your Thursday.
Thursday, October 22, 2015
Saturday, October 3, 2015
Beef With The Bucs and The Rest Of NFL Week 4...
Well, I had originally planned on attending tomorrow afternoon's game at Raymond James Stadium between the Carolina Panthers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, in light of one particular event that took place this week, I will not be doing so.
What event am I alluding to? Well, in case you either missed it or aren't from the Tampa area, let me fill you in. At the end of the 2016 college football season, Raymond James Stadium is slated to host the College Football Playoff Championship Game. As part of agreeing to do so, several renovations must be made to the seventeen-year old facility; most notably a brand new surround sound system, improved concessions, and new HD video boards at both endzones, something that has not changed since the stadium's debut in the fall of 1998. So, this week news broke that the Glazer Family, owners of the Bucs, and the Tampa Sports Authority, who owns the stadium, were close to an agreement in which the Glazers would spend $75million in stadium upgrades.
But there is a huge catch.
Little known to many of us who follow the Bucs was that there was already an agreement in place that allowed the Glazers to move one regular season home game per year to a site other than Tampa. It has only been used twice; 2009 vs. New England and 2011 vs. Chicago; both games outsourced to London's Wembley Stadium as part of the NFL's International Series (more on that later in this post). Well, as a condition for the Glazers to pay for the stadium upgrades, they now want to move a SECOND regular season home game away from Tampa.
Oh.
Hell.
No.
I have been a Bucs fan since I was a little kid; since the days of Doug Williams, Jimmie Giles, Hugh Green, and God bless their souls, Ricky Bell and Lee Roy Selmon, and never have I been as disappointed and angry with this franchise as I am now. Their putrid play since 2011 only scratches the surface; ten consecutive home losses dating back to December of 2013. No playoff wins since their triumph in Super Bowl XXXVII; thirteen seasons ago. Only three winning seasons since that season and two home playoff losses. An 8-33 record since starting the 2012 season 6-4.
Growing up a Bucs fan was difficult enough with fourteen straight losing seasons (double digit losses in thirteen of them); but this is a whole new level of incompetence, and now I may have to see as many as two home games played somewhere else??! Come on, man...
Of course, had Hillsborough County voters not capitulated in 1995 AND had Art Modell not decided to uproot the Browns to Baltimore because he couldn't get a new stadium deal in Cleveland, instead of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers we could be talking about the Baltimore Bucs, and long-suffering Tampa fans finally were rewarded two years later; the last at old Tampa Stadium; when Tony Dungy led the Bucs to the playoffs. It started a new love affair between the Bucs and Tampa, the likes nobody had seen here before...
...until two consecutive playoff losses to the Eagles sent Dungy packing. Followed by one of the biggest coaching search fiascos in NFL history. That was until Malcolm Glazer brokered a deal that would bring Jon Gruden here, and that magical season of 2002.
Since then? Pffft...GM Rich McKay bolted for Atlanta after 2003, supposedly after a rift between him and Gruden regarding the drafting of Chris Simms. The rest as they say is history, or should I say in this case, misery; Josh Freeman, Schiano, MRSA, blackouts, etc...
Of course, there IS precedent for a team to play home games regularly somewhere else. The Jaguars already do (what is it with NFL team ownership and Florida, by the way, do they not like us?), playing an annual game in London. The Bills had done so the last few years in Toronto. But the more notable precedent in my mind is the Green Bay Packers. Unless you're an NFL fan over the age of 30, you probably aren't aware that the Packers played home games in Milwaukee from the 1930's to 1994. Should the Bucs decide to play two home games away from Tampa, it would make some sense to relocate them to Orlando and their newly-renovated Citrus Bowl, some 90 miles away. However, the Bucs haven't played in Orlando since a 1997 preseason game against the New York Jets. Also, the set of circumstances regarding the Packers vastly differs the current situation with the Bucs; Milwaukee is Wisconsin's largest city for starters and many season ticket holders for Packers games are from greater Milwaukee. Furthermore the Packers are publicly owned by their ticket holders.
Also, it's not like there is a lot of love lost for the Tampa area from sports fans in Orlando. For starters, Orlando Magic games are not on a local radio station in the Tampa market. Plus the last time the Magic scheduled an exhibition game in Tampa, slated against the Miami Heat and then-new acquisition LeBron James no less, they never even tipped off. Then there's also the snafu from Orlando local TV on week 1 of this NFL season when WKMG, the local CBS affiliate in Orlando, opted to air Ravens-Broncos instead of the Bucs' home opener (and the debut of FSU's Jameis Winston) against the Titans. Add that to the "War on I-4" and the newly-formed rivalry between UCF and USF in college sports, and you would probably get the sense moving Bucs games to Orlando wouldn't go over very well in EITHER market.
But this is the last straw with me regarding the Glazers, ever since they bought Manchester United in the early part of the last decade (and alienated THAT global fanbase), it seems most of their attention has drifted away from the Bucs and more on Manchester United. Sure MUFC has a far more popular brand worldwide than the Bucs, but have we seen an MUFC game in Tampa? I didn't think so. It's like the Glazers just don't want to stop sticking it to the Tampa area.
So, you know what? Why should I (or any other self-respecting Bucs fan) pay to see them if the franchise isn't willing to play all their home games here? That said, unless the Glazers are willing to fully commit to Tampa OR they sell the team, I won't be attending any more Bucs games.
Now on to my picks:
Carolina at Tampa Bay
Bucs are honoring fan favorite Mike Alstott at halftime by putting him in their Ring of Honor. Sure Glazers, throw us a bone after kicking us in the nuts. Or is that the other way around? Anyway, after how I feel it should not be any surprise who I'm picking. Make it 11 straight home losses...
Panthers win to go to 4-0
NY Jets vs. Miami at London
Another game as part of that aforementioned International Series, where the NFL is hell-bent on teasing London into thinking that they may get an NFL team someday. Newsflash, it's like me going on a date with Katy Perry; not happening. As for the game, how fitting that the disappointing Dolphins are playing this game. Britons love their fish & chips, and with the suddenly improving Jets in town, they look to have a feast. Calling Arthur Treacher!!
Jets drown the Dolphins
Jacksonville at Indianapolis
Hey, break up the Colts, they won last week...barely. Their reward? The Jaguars, who apparently have just given up another touchdown.
Colts in a romp
Green Bay at San Francisco
Aaron Rodgers may the best QB in the NFL this year, even without Jordy Nelson. The Niners meanwhile, well they're worried about whether or not head coach Jim Tomsula passed gas at a presser this week. They may have cut the cheese on Friday, but not Sunday.
Packers are my survivor pick this week.
...and now my other picks:
Oakland over Chicago
Cincinnati over Kansas City
Buffalo over NY Giants
Atlanta over Houston
Philadelphia over Washington
San Diego over Cleveland
Denver over Minnesota
Arizona over St. Louis
New Orleans over Dallas (upset special)
Seattle over Detroit
Time for me to grab some Italian and watch the Gators whoop up on Ole Miss...
...I hope.
Enjoy the weekend.
What event am I alluding to? Well, in case you either missed it or aren't from the Tampa area, let me fill you in. At the end of the 2016 college football season, Raymond James Stadium is slated to host the College Football Playoff Championship Game. As part of agreeing to do so, several renovations must be made to the seventeen-year old facility; most notably a brand new surround sound system, improved concessions, and new HD video boards at both endzones, something that has not changed since the stadium's debut in the fall of 1998. So, this week news broke that the Glazer Family, owners of the Bucs, and the Tampa Sports Authority, who owns the stadium, were close to an agreement in which the Glazers would spend $75million in stadium upgrades.
But there is a huge catch.
Little known to many of us who follow the Bucs was that there was already an agreement in place that allowed the Glazers to move one regular season home game per year to a site other than Tampa. It has only been used twice; 2009 vs. New England and 2011 vs. Chicago; both games outsourced to London's Wembley Stadium as part of the NFL's International Series (more on that later in this post). Well, as a condition for the Glazers to pay for the stadium upgrades, they now want to move a SECOND regular season home game away from Tampa.
Oh.
Hell.
No.
I have been a Bucs fan since I was a little kid; since the days of Doug Williams, Jimmie Giles, Hugh Green, and God bless their souls, Ricky Bell and Lee Roy Selmon, and never have I been as disappointed and angry with this franchise as I am now. Their putrid play since 2011 only scratches the surface; ten consecutive home losses dating back to December of 2013. No playoff wins since their triumph in Super Bowl XXXVII; thirteen seasons ago. Only three winning seasons since that season and two home playoff losses. An 8-33 record since starting the 2012 season 6-4.
Growing up a Bucs fan was difficult enough with fourteen straight losing seasons (double digit losses in thirteen of them); but this is a whole new level of incompetence, and now I may have to see as many as two home games played somewhere else??! Come on, man...
Of course, had Hillsborough County voters not capitulated in 1995 AND had Art Modell not decided to uproot the Browns to Baltimore because he couldn't get a new stadium deal in Cleveland, instead of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers we could be talking about the Baltimore Bucs, and long-suffering Tampa fans finally were rewarded two years later; the last at old Tampa Stadium; when Tony Dungy led the Bucs to the playoffs. It started a new love affair between the Bucs and Tampa, the likes nobody had seen here before...
...until two consecutive playoff losses to the Eagles sent Dungy packing. Followed by one of the biggest coaching search fiascos in NFL history. That was until Malcolm Glazer brokered a deal that would bring Jon Gruden here, and that magical season of 2002.
Since then? Pffft...GM Rich McKay bolted for Atlanta after 2003, supposedly after a rift between him and Gruden regarding the drafting of Chris Simms. The rest as they say is history, or should I say in this case, misery; Josh Freeman, Schiano, MRSA, blackouts, etc...
Of course, there IS precedent for a team to play home games regularly somewhere else. The Jaguars already do (what is it with NFL team ownership and Florida, by the way, do they not like us?), playing an annual game in London. The Bills had done so the last few years in Toronto. But the more notable precedent in my mind is the Green Bay Packers. Unless you're an NFL fan over the age of 30, you probably aren't aware that the Packers played home games in Milwaukee from the 1930's to 1994. Should the Bucs decide to play two home games away from Tampa, it would make some sense to relocate them to Orlando and their newly-renovated Citrus Bowl, some 90 miles away. However, the Bucs haven't played in Orlando since a 1997 preseason game against the New York Jets. Also, the set of circumstances regarding the Packers vastly differs the current situation with the Bucs; Milwaukee is Wisconsin's largest city for starters and many season ticket holders for Packers games are from greater Milwaukee. Furthermore the Packers are publicly owned by their ticket holders.
Also, it's not like there is a lot of love lost for the Tampa area from sports fans in Orlando. For starters, Orlando Magic games are not on a local radio station in the Tampa market. Plus the last time the Magic scheduled an exhibition game in Tampa, slated against the Miami Heat and then-new acquisition LeBron James no less, they never even tipped off. Then there's also the snafu from Orlando local TV on week 1 of this NFL season when WKMG, the local CBS affiliate in Orlando, opted to air Ravens-Broncos instead of the Bucs' home opener (and the debut of FSU's Jameis Winston) against the Titans. Add that to the "War on I-4" and the newly-formed rivalry between UCF and USF in college sports, and you would probably get the sense moving Bucs games to Orlando wouldn't go over very well in EITHER market.
But this is the last straw with me regarding the Glazers, ever since they bought Manchester United in the early part of the last decade (and alienated THAT global fanbase), it seems most of their attention has drifted away from the Bucs and more on Manchester United. Sure MUFC has a far more popular brand worldwide than the Bucs, but have we seen an MUFC game in Tampa? I didn't think so. It's like the Glazers just don't want to stop sticking it to the Tampa area.
So, you know what? Why should I (or any other self-respecting Bucs fan) pay to see them if the franchise isn't willing to play all their home games here? That said, unless the Glazers are willing to fully commit to Tampa OR they sell the team, I won't be attending any more Bucs games.
Now on to my picks:
Carolina at Tampa Bay
Bucs are honoring fan favorite Mike Alstott at halftime by putting him in their Ring of Honor. Sure Glazers, throw us a bone after kicking us in the nuts. Or is that the other way around? Anyway, after how I feel it should not be any surprise who I'm picking. Make it 11 straight home losses...
Panthers win to go to 4-0
NY Jets vs. Miami at London
Another game as part of that aforementioned International Series, where the NFL is hell-bent on teasing London into thinking that they may get an NFL team someday. Newsflash, it's like me going on a date with Katy Perry; not happening. As for the game, how fitting that the disappointing Dolphins are playing this game. Britons love their fish & chips, and with the suddenly improving Jets in town, they look to have a feast. Calling Arthur Treacher!!
Jets drown the Dolphins
Jacksonville at Indianapolis
Hey, break up the Colts, they won last week...barely. Their reward? The Jaguars, who apparently have just given up another touchdown.
Colts in a romp
Green Bay at San Francisco
Aaron Rodgers may the best QB in the NFL this year, even without Jordy Nelson. The Niners meanwhile, well they're worried about whether or not head coach Jim Tomsula passed gas at a presser this week. They may have cut the cheese on Friday, but not Sunday.
Packers are my survivor pick this week.
...and now my other picks:
Oakland over Chicago
Cincinnati over Kansas City
Buffalo over NY Giants
Atlanta over Houston
Philadelphia over Washington
San Diego over Cleveland
Denver over Minnesota
Arizona over St. Louis
New Orleans over Dallas (upset special)
Seattle over Detroit
Time for me to grab some Italian and watch the Gators whoop up on Ole Miss...
...I hope.
Enjoy the weekend.
Thursday, October 1, 2015
Baseball going Back to the Future(?), Joaquin, and Rising to the Occasion.
Good morning. A few quick thoughts this morning; I wish I had more time to devote to this, but when you work a couple of hours overtime it kind of puts a clamp on this little project that is this blog. Nevertheless, let's get to it...
Back To The Future, Or Back To The Past?
For those of you who follow baseball, the Postseason is right around the corner. For those who follow classic movies, in particular the "Back To The Future" trilogy, you would know that this year (2015) was where Doc Brown, Marty McFly, and Jennifer Parker time travel to in Part II. If you recall towards the beginning of the movie, this scene appeared:
Yes, that's right, the Cubs win the World Series. Well, that being said, wouldn't you know the Cubs are indeed in this year's playoffs. However, they won't sweep Miami in the World Series; although (and I suppose much indeed to Marty's surprise) the Marlins (not Gators) are in Miami, they play in the same league as the Cubs and cannot face them in the World Series. Twelve years ago though, they DID meet for the right to play in that year's World Series, and had it not been for a bespeckled dork in the left field stands, life may have indeed imitated art:
Last I heard he was still in exile, probably under an assumed identity in DeKalb (ok, not really but still...). Suffice to say I'm still a little bitter about that...but I digress
Back to the movie; now of course the start of the movie (which was concurrent with the end of Part I) was in October of 1985. In baseball that year, the Toronto Blue Jays, Kansas City Royals, St. Louis Cardinals, and Los Angeles Dodgers were the teams that made the playoffs. The Royals would rally from 3-1 down to defeat the Blue Jays in seven games to win the American League, while the Cardinals (thanks in large part to that Ozzie Smith "GO CRAZY, FOLKS! GO CRAZY!!" home run) defeated the Dodgers in six games to win the National League. The Royals would rally from ANOTHER 3-1 deficit to win their first, and to date only, World Series title.
Fast forward to 2015, and interestingly enough not only are the Chicago Cubs in the playoffs (albeit a wild card game vs the Pittsburgh Pirates), but ALL FOUR participants in that 1985 postseason are as well. And would you believe that it is indeed possible that the Blue Jays and Royals could meet in the ALCS, while the Cardinals and Dodgers could meet in the NLCS?? And could we have a reprise of that World Series thirty years ago between the Royals and Cardinals???
Whoa Doc, this is heavy!
So although we may be celebrating going Back to the Future, we may be going back in time...
Monitoring Joaquin...
As quiet as this Atlantic Hurricane Season has been, what a surprise to see that one storm actually may pack a punch. Joaquin is wreaking havoc on the Bahamas, and appears to be taking aim for southern New England, much like Sandy did a few years ago. Now according to the forecast model in the link above, it appears Joaquin will weaken to a tropical storm once it nears the New England coast. In addition, should it make landfall near the New York metro area, it may come in disorganized, incoherent, and possibly drunk.
Ok, so I exaggerated just a wee bit on that last sentence (honestly that was the first thing I thought of when I saw Joaquin could land in NYC; who could ever forget), but seriously if you're anywhere along the east coast from Myrtle Beach north, please be careful the next few days. And if you happen to be in the Carolinas, be extra careful with all that rainfall you've been getting...
I Was Called Out; I Answered
If you remember my post last week, you may recall I mentioned that my nephew Eric had called me out on my football picks. Well, did I ever deliver! 14-2 last week, the only two losses being the Jets and the Ravens. Speaking of the Ravens, they are 0-3 for the first time in their history...that's twenty seasons; quite a remarkable run. Tonight they hope to lick their wounds on another team licking their own wounds, the Pittsburgh Steelers, who will be without Ben Roethlisberger for at least four weeks. Not good for Steeler Nation who now have to turn to Michael Vick...uggggggghhh...
Last year in the playoffs, Baltimore shocked the Steelers in Pittsburgh. I have a feeling history may repeat itself; this is a hungry Ravens team and they can win in the Steel City, and certainly better than 0-3.
I'll take the Ravens in a close one, 21-20.
Rest of the NFL as well as my survivor pick coming possibly Saturday. For now though it's past my bedtime...
...like I said, I wish I had more time to devote to this...
Back To The Future, Or Back To The Past?
For those of you who follow baseball, the Postseason is right around the corner. For those who follow classic movies, in particular the "Back To The Future" trilogy, you would know that this year (2015) was where Doc Brown, Marty McFly, and Jennifer Parker time travel to in Part II. If you recall towards the beginning of the movie, this scene appeared:
Yes, that's right, the Cubs win the World Series. Well, that being said, wouldn't you know the Cubs are indeed in this year's playoffs. However, they won't sweep Miami in the World Series; although (and I suppose much indeed to Marty's surprise) the Marlins (not Gators) are in Miami, they play in the same league as the Cubs and cannot face them in the World Series. Twelve years ago though, they DID meet for the right to play in that year's World Series, and had it not been for a bespeckled dork in the left field stands, life may have indeed imitated art:
Last I heard he was still in exile, probably under an assumed identity in DeKalb (ok, not really but still...). Suffice to say I'm still a little bitter about that...but I digress
.Back to the movie; now of course the start of the movie (which was concurrent with the end of Part I) was in October of 1985. In baseball that year, the Toronto Blue Jays, Kansas City Royals, St. Louis Cardinals, and Los Angeles Dodgers were the teams that made the playoffs. The Royals would rally from 3-1 down to defeat the Blue Jays in seven games to win the American League, while the Cardinals (thanks in large part to that Ozzie Smith "GO CRAZY, FOLKS! GO CRAZY!!" home run) defeated the Dodgers in six games to win the National League. The Royals would rally from ANOTHER 3-1 deficit to win their first, and to date only, World Series title.
Fast forward to 2015, and interestingly enough not only are the Chicago Cubs in the playoffs (albeit a wild card game vs the Pittsburgh Pirates), but ALL FOUR participants in that 1985 postseason are as well. And would you believe that it is indeed possible that the Blue Jays and Royals could meet in the ALCS, while the Cardinals and Dodgers could meet in the NLCS?? And could we have a reprise of that World Series thirty years ago between the Royals and Cardinals???
Whoa Doc, this is heavy!
So although we may be celebrating going Back to the Future, we may be going back in time...
Monitoring Joaquin...
As quiet as this Atlantic Hurricane Season has been, what a surprise to see that one storm actually may pack a punch. Joaquin is wreaking havoc on the Bahamas, and appears to be taking aim for southern New England, much like Sandy did a few years ago. Now according to the forecast model in the link above, it appears Joaquin will weaken to a tropical storm once it nears the New England coast. In addition, should it make landfall near the New York metro area, it may come in disorganized, incoherent, and possibly drunk.
Ok, so I exaggerated just a wee bit on that last sentence (honestly that was the first thing I thought of when I saw Joaquin could land in NYC; who could ever forget), but seriously if you're anywhere along the east coast from Myrtle Beach north, please be careful the next few days. And if you happen to be in the Carolinas, be extra careful with all that rainfall you've been getting...
I Was Called Out; I Answered
If you remember my post last week, you may recall I mentioned that my nephew Eric had called me out on my football picks. Well, did I ever deliver! 14-2 last week, the only two losses being the Jets and the Ravens. Speaking of the Ravens, they are 0-3 for the first time in their history...that's twenty seasons; quite a remarkable run. Tonight they hope to lick their wounds on another team licking their own wounds, the Pittsburgh Steelers, who will be without Ben Roethlisberger for at least four weeks. Not good for Steeler Nation who now have to turn to Michael Vick...uggggggghhh...
Last year in the playoffs, Baltimore shocked the Steelers in Pittsburgh. I have a feeling history may repeat itself; this is a hungry Ravens team and they can win in the Steel City, and certainly better than 0-3.
I'll take the Ravens in a close one, 21-20.
Rest of the NFL as well as my survivor pick coming possibly Saturday. For now though it's past my bedtime...
...like I said, I wish I had more time to devote to this...
Sunday, September 27, 2015
NFL Week 3
Good morning everybody. Sunday number three of the 2015 NFL season is upon us, and after last week if you're participating in a survivor pool and you're still alive, congratulations. In a week that is indicative of how unpredictable this league has become, five of the six teams with the worst records last year all won; Tampa Bay, Oakland, Washington, Jacksonville, and the Jets. The sixth (Tennessee)? Lost to another perennial doormat (Cleveland). Doing some research on the fly as I typed this, it was the first time in NFL history that particular six-team combination (CLE, JAX, NYJ, OAK, TB, WAS) won on the same week. Of course, the Jags have only been around since 1995, and there were no Browns from 1996-1998. I guess it's like hitting the NFL lottery if you have a six-team parlay and pick THOSE teams to win (of course with bye weeks and head-to-head matchups that makes that accomplishment all the more difficult). Will it happen again? Not this week, as the Giants (as I said they would earlier this week) defeated the Redskins on Thursday Night Football. What about today and Monday?
Tampa Bay at Houston
The Bucs knocked a LOT of people out of their survivor pools with their upset win last week in New Orleans. More on the Saints later, but virtually NOBODY saw this coming. However, I did state last week that this game was going to be closer than many thought, which is why I wound up picking Pittsburgh instead of New Orleans. Smart move on my part. This week however, Jameis Winston meets JJ Watt, and Jadaveon Clowney. And the Bucs are without Austin Sefarian-Jenkins until mid-season. Uh-oh...
As bad as they are offensively, I'll pick the home team Texans in a squeaker. By the way it should be noted I'm 0-2 picking the Buccaneers so far, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that trend continues.
Jacksonville at New England
Speaking of surprises, the JAGUARS winning over the Dolphins? Yep. So much for the Dolphins being that up-and-coming team in the AFC East, especially with that offensive line (more on that later). The depressing thing about that game is that half the fans went home disappointed, then again that ALWAYS happens in Jacksonville, regardless of who wins. Seriously, have you ever been to a game in Jacksonville?? I did when they were halfway decent many moons ago; I thought I was at a Jerry Springer Show casting call, and sure enough a fight broke out between two drunk Jags fans several rows behind me. No wonder hardly anyone likes them, even if Shad Khan is doing a lot for that community from what I hear. Anyway, their reward for beating Miami? A trip to Foxborough. Good. Luck. With. That.
Patriots in a romp.
Buffalo at Miami
Remember when this was THE rivalry in the AFC East? Pepperidge Farm remembers, because it was so long ago. It's the home opener for the Fish in the halfway-revamped SunLife Stadium, which is a good thing because the new aqua seats makes it that much easier to disguise all those empty seats at Dolphins games. Ok, I kid (although South Florida is a favorite target of @EmptySeatsPics on Twitter), but you KNOW the resurgent Bills will have strong showing by the Bills Mafia (I guess that's Buffalo's answer to the Raider Nation). Oh, and did mention the Dolphins offensive line? Oh yeah, and Richie Incognito returns to Miami! Hmm. That ought to be interesting.
Bills take it in Miami.
New Orleans at Carolina
Watching the Saints last week, Drew Brees did not look like the Drew Brees we know and love. His passes were flutterballs, and he was uncharacteristically inaccurate. Turns out he has shoulder issues and will not start in Charlotte today. Enter Luke McCown. I don't know what Jedi mind tricks he has up his sleeve, but he may have to use more than just the Jedi force against a formidable Panthers force in Luke Kuechly. Of note, the last time Carolina started 3-0? 2003. They wound up winning the NFC that year and lost a heartbreaker in a Super Bowl known more for the halftime show (thanks, Janet) than the game itself. Ugh, if only John Kasay had kept that kickoff inbounds...
In my SURVIVOR PICK OF THE WEEK, Panthers win it over a depleted Saints.
Atlanta at Dallas
No Romo? No Bryant? The Falcons are actually good again? Hmm...
Falcons in an upset.
San Diego at Minnesota
Congratulations to Philip Rivers on becoming the Chargers all-time TD leader, surpassing Hall of Famer Dan Fouts. Too bad I cannot trust this team whenever they go on the road; especially in back to back weeks.
I'll take the Vikings.
Indianapolis at Tennessee
This is the home debut for Marcus Mariota, and I wonder which Marcus we'll see? The one who torched an unprepared Bucs in Week One, or the one who butt-fumbled his way to a blowout loss in Cleveland last week? Either way I don't expect Andrew Luck and the Colts to have another putrid performance. Five turnovers? Yuck! They're better than this, and this week is a good time to prove that.
Colts spoil Mariota's home debut.
Oakland at Cleveland
After Johnny Football torched the Titans last week, the Browns decide to go...back to Josh McCown??? Cue the clip of Zach Galifianakis with his wheezy-sounding laugh. How refreshing it was though to see the Raiders have something to cheer for last week? By the way, check out this article by Amber Lee that tells us that Raider fans aren't the thugs many football fans think they are. Still, Mark Davis' haircut, my goodness...better than Josh McCown at quarterback though.
In a tossup, I'll take the Raiders in a mild upset.
Cincinnati at Baltimore
Home opener for the Ravens, and are they glad for that. Consecutive road losses at Denver and Oakland to start the season has to have John Harbaugh in a bad mood, and you know how fiery both him and Jim are.
Ravens roll at home.
Philadelphia at NY Jets
If you had told me at the start of this year that going into this matchup one team would be 2-0 and the other 0-2, you'd probably be right. However, it's the JETS that are unbeaten and the EAGLES who are winless. Come on Philly, get your act together. I thought you were the chic pick to take the NFC East this year and instead you're 0-2 and looking nothing like the offensive juggernaut we thought you would be. Then again, maybe it is Chip Kelly after all...too soon to tell yet though. Although maybe after this week it won't be too soon to tell. Too bad the Birds aren't at home to be blessed by the Pope, they could use it right about now.
Jets in a surprise.
Pittsburgh at St. Louis
This is an interesting matchup. The Steelers offensive firepower against a pretty decent Rams defense. I like Big Ben though.
Steelers with a road win.
San Francisco at Arizona
Could it possibly be that the Cardinals may just be the team to beat in the NFC West? A convincing win this week could prove that.
Cardinals in the desert.
Chicago at Seattle
Finally, the Seahawks are home in front of the 12th Man, and after last week's debacle in St. Louis it couldn't come at a better time.
Seahawks roll.
Denver at Detroit
Time to sing along with the Peyton Manning Nationwide On Your Side jingle for this pick:
Broncos win on Sunday Night.
Kansas City at Green Bay
While we're on the subject of auto insurance, the Monday Night game features State Farm pitchman Aaron (discount DAAAA-ble check!) Rodgers against a Chiefs team licking their wounds after their Thursday night collapse at home to Denver. Too bad for them they're in Wisconsin this week; more cheese for their whine.
Packers over KC.
So, to review:
HOU
NE
BUF
CAR (survivor pick)
ATL
MN
IND
OAK
BAL
NYJ
PIT
AZ
SEA
DEN
GB
Hopefully, a better Sunday is in store than last, when I went 7-9. Record for the year after TNF: 19-14.
Enjoy your Sunday everyone!
Tampa Bay at Houston
The Bucs knocked a LOT of people out of their survivor pools with their upset win last week in New Orleans. More on the Saints later, but virtually NOBODY saw this coming. However, I did state last week that this game was going to be closer than many thought, which is why I wound up picking Pittsburgh instead of New Orleans. Smart move on my part. This week however, Jameis Winston meets JJ Watt, and Jadaveon Clowney. And the Bucs are without Austin Sefarian-Jenkins until mid-season. Uh-oh...
As bad as they are offensively, I'll pick the home team Texans in a squeaker. By the way it should be noted I'm 0-2 picking the Buccaneers so far, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that trend continues.
Jacksonville at New England
Speaking of surprises, the JAGUARS winning over the Dolphins? Yep. So much for the Dolphins being that up-and-coming team in the AFC East, especially with that offensive line (more on that later). The depressing thing about that game is that half the fans went home disappointed, then again that ALWAYS happens in Jacksonville, regardless of who wins. Seriously, have you ever been to a game in Jacksonville?? I did when they were halfway decent many moons ago; I thought I was at a Jerry Springer Show casting call, and sure enough a fight broke out between two drunk Jags fans several rows behind me. No wonder hardly anyone likes them, even if Shad Khan is doing a lot for that community from what I hear. Anyway, their reward for beating Miami? A trip to Foxborough. Good. Luck. With. That.
Patriots in a romp.
Buffalo at Miami
Remember when this was THE rivalry in the AFC East? Pepperidge Farm remembers, because it was so long ago. It's the home opener for the Fish in the halfway-revamped SunLife Stadium, which is a good thing because the new aqua seats makes it that much easier to disguise all those empty seats at Dolphins games. Ok, I kid (although South Florida is a favorite target of @EmptySeatsPics on Twitter), but you KNOW the resurgent Bills will have strong showing by the Bills Mafia (I guess that's Buffalo's answer to the Raider Nation). Oh, and did mention the Dolphins offensive line? Oh yeah, and Richie Incognito returns to Miami! Hmm. That ought to be interesting.
Bills take it in Miami.
New Orleans at Carolina
Watching the Saints last week, Drew Brees did not look like the Drew Brees we know and love. His passes were flutterballs, and he was uncharacteristically inaccurate. Turns out he has shoulder issues and will not start in Charlotte today. Enter Luke McCown. I don't know what Jedi mind tricks he has up his sleeve, but he may have to use more than just the Jedi force against a formidable Panthers force in Luke Kuechly. Of note, the last time Carolina started 3-0? 2003. They wound up winning the NFC that year and lost a heartbreaker in a Super Bowl known more for the halftime show (thanks, Janet) than the game itself. Ugh, if only John Kasay had kept that kickoff inbounds...
In my SURVIVOR PICK OF THE WEEK, Panthers win it over a depleted Saints.
Atlanta at Dallas
No Romo? No Bryant? The Falcons are actually good again? Hmm...
Falcons in an upset.
San Diego at Minnesota
Congratulations to Philip Rivers on becoming the Chargers all-time TD leader, surpassing Hall of Famer Dan Fouts. Too bad I cannot trust this team whenever they go on the road; especially in back to back weeks.
I'll take the Vikings.
Indianapolis at Tennessee
This is the home debut for Marcus Mariota, and I wonder which Marcus we'll see? The one who torched an unprepared Bucs in Week One, or the one who butt-fumbled his way to a blowout loss in Cleveland last week? Either way I don't expect Andrew Luck and the Colts to have another putrid performance. Five turnovers? Yuck! They're better than this, and this week is a good time to prove that.
Colts spoil Mariota's home debut.
Oakland at Cleveland
After Johnny Football torched the Titans last week, the Browns decide to go...back to Josh McCown??? Cue the clip of Zach Galifianakis with his wheezy-sounding laugh. How refreshing it was though to see the Raiders have something to cheer for last week? By the way, check out this article by Amber Lee that tells us that Raider fans aren't the thugs many football fans think they are. Still, Mark Davis' haircut, my goodness...better than Josh McCown at quarterback though.
In a tossup, I'll take the Raiders in a mild upset.
Cincinnati at Baltimore
Home opener for the Ravens, and are they glad for that. Consecutive road losses at Denver and Oakland to start the season has to have John Harbaugh in a bad mood, and you know how fiery both him and Jim are.
Ravens roll at home.
Philadelphia at NY Jets
If you had told me at the start of this year that going into this matchup one team would be 2-0 and the other 0-2, you'd probably be right. However, it's the JETS that are unbeaten and the EAGLES who are winless. Come on Philly, get your act together. I thought you were the chic pick to take the NFC East this year and instead you're 0-2 and looking nothing like the offensive juggernaut we thought you would be. Then again, maybe it is Chip Kelly after all...too soon to tell yet though. Although maybe after this week it won't be too soon to tell. Too bad the Birds aren't at home to be blessed by the Pope, they could use it right about now.
Jets in a surprise.
Pittsburgh at St. Louis
This is an interesting matchup. The Steelers offensive firepower against a pretty decent Rams defense. I like Big Ben though.
Steelers with a road win.
San Francisco at Arizona
Could it possibly be that the Cardinals may just be the team to beat in the NFC West? A convincing win this week could prove that.
Cardinals in the desert.
Chicago at Seattle
Finally, the Seahawks are home in front of the 12th Man, and after last week's debacle in St. Louis it couldn't come at a better time.
Seahawks roll.
Denver at Detroit
Time to sing along with the Peyton Manning Nationwide On Your Side jingle for this pick:
Broncos win on Sunday Night.
Kansas City at Green Bay
While we're on the subject of auto insurance, the Monday Night game features State Farm pitchman Aaron (discount DAAAA-ble check!) Rodgers against a Chiefs team licking their wounds after their Thursday night collapse at home to Denver. Too bad for them they're in Wisconsin this week; more cheese for their whine.
Packers over KC.
So, to review:
HOU
NE
BUF
CAR (survivor pick)
ATL
MN
IND
OAK
BAL
NYJ
PIT
AZ
SEA
DEN
GB
Hopefully, a better Sunday is in store than last, when I went 7-9. Record for the year after TNF: 19-14.
Enjoy your Sunday everyone!
Thursday, September 24, 2015
More random thoughts...
Good morning, a few things on my mind today.
School Zone Worries?
First off, something concerned me on my way to Spring Hill after work the other day; I was turning north on Henderson off Linebaugh, where apparently one of the charter schools in Hillsborough County is located. As I made my turn onto Henderson, I noticed traffic going into the school was at a near standstill as a result of parents dropping off their kids. However, I also noticed after completing the turn a young girl and her sister walking to school. Not that big of a deal, right?
Well not unless the school zone warning light isn't flashing, as was this case here. I did happen to see that this school zone sign was solar-powered, but the sun was BARELY over the horizon, so assuming the flashing light is indeed activated via solar power, there wasn't enough sunlight to trigger the device. Rather disconcerting if you happen to be a parent who has kids that walk to school in that vicinity. Then again, I'm not 100% certain how these school zone devices truly operate.
If anyone knows for sure, drop me a line in the comment box or contact me via twitter @boneyscribe.
Rock The Vote, or Wag The Dog?
Another thing that happened to catch my ears that morning was that iHeart radio is teaming up with the Rock the Vote organization, which is a non-profit and (supposedly) non-partisan group that attempts to drive young adults to go to their polling places and vote in elections, especially during presidential cycles. When I heard about this partnership, I immediately called shenanigans. Why???
Well, if memory served me correct, "Rock the Vote" was first utilized in the 1992 presidential election cycle, and one of the biggest driving forces behind it was MTV. And, if memory serves me correct, who made an appearance on MTV that election cycle? One William Jefferson Clinton. And I can't seem to recall then-President George H. Bush making an appearance on MTV.
And who won the election that year? Hmmm...
So now, here we are with RTV teaming up with iHeart Media, which up until last year was known as ClearChannel. Their vast group of radio stations has a working agreement with Fox News to air news updates on the hour and half-hour. I don't think I need to tell you which way that organization leans politically. Also, let's take a look at three of their biggest names in talk radio that has many affiliates on iHeart Radio: Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh, and Sean Hannity.
Glenn Beck: evangelical right wing homer.
Rush Limbaugh: the most recognizable right wing homer in talk radio.
Sean Hannity: arguably the biggest right wing homer out there.
See where I'm going with this? Hopefully I'm wrong, but this reeks of shenanigans in my opinion.
Football
I was called out this week by my nephew. Why? Because he wants to know how good my football picks are. This just in: they aren't. 7-9 last week after Monday night's debacle in Indy, and that makes me 18-14 on the young season. Tonight, I try to get back on the winning side as the Washington National Football League club takes on the NY Giants. Here's a dubious honor the Giants hold: last week they became the first team in NFL history to lose consecutive games in which they held double-digit leads in the 4th quarter. No, not even the Bucs in their sordid history have done that. (On a tangential note, RIP Richard Williamson, former Bucs head coach who died last night.) With that in mind, I'm a little leery picking the Giants at home, however, these aren't the Falcons and Cowboys they're playing. I should feel a little more confident for tonight. Not my knockout pick (I'm still alive there, thanks Steelers), but I'll take the G-Men tonight.
The rest of my picks will be this weekend.
Papal Matters
I won't see this, but the Pontiff is speaking to Congress in Washington today. I imagine considering the social issues that have been in the forefront of the news cycle this year it will be interesting to hear about Pope Francis will have to say not only today, but this weekend in New York and in Philadelphia. I guess I'll read about it via twitter or hear it on the news. I know, night shift problems.
On that note, I guess I better get some sleep. Enjoy your Thursday!
School Zone Worries?
First off, something concerned me on my way to Spring Hill after work the other day; I was turning north on Henderson off Linebaugh, where apparently one of the charter schools in Hillsborough County is located. As I made my turn onto Henderson, I noticed traffic going into the school was at a near standstill as a result of parents dropping off their kids. However, I also noticed after completing the turn a young girl and her sister walking to school. Not that big of a deal, right?
Well not unless the school zone warning light isn't flashing, as was this case here. I did happen to see that this school zone sign was solar-powered, but the sun was BARELY over the horizon, so assuming the flashing light is indeed activated via solar power, there wasn't enough sunlight to trigger the device. Rather disconcerting if you happen to be a parent who has kids that walk to school in that vicinity. Then again, I'm not 100% certain how these school zone devices truly operate.
If anyone knows for sure, drop me a line in the comment box or contact me via twitter @boneyscribe.
Rock The Vote, or Wag The Dog?
Another thing that happened to catch my ears that morning was that iHeart radio is teaming up with the Rock the Vote organization, which is a non-profit and (supposedly) non-partisan group that attempts to drive young adults to go to their polling places and vote in elections, especially during presidential cycles. When I heard about this partnership, I immediately called shenanigans. Why???
Well, if memory served me correct, "Rock the Vote" was first utilized in the 1992 presidential election cycle, and one of the biggest driving forces behind it was MTV. And, if memory serves me correct, who made an appearance on MTV that election cycle? One William Jefferson Clinton. And I can't seem to recall then-President George H. Bush making an appearance on MTV.
And who won the election that year? Hmmm...
So now, here we are with RTV teaming up with iHeart Media, which up until last year was known as ClearChannel. Their vast group of radio stations has a working agreement with Fox News to air news updates on the hour and half-hour. I don't think I need to tell you which way that organization leans politically. Also, let's take a look at three of their biggest names in talk radio that has many affiliates on iHeart Radio: Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh, and Sean Hannity.
Glenn Beck: evangelical right wing homer.
Rush Limbaugh: the most recognizable right wing homer in talk radio.
Sean Hannity: arguably the biggest right wing homer out there.
See where I'm going with this? Hopefully I'm wrong, but this reeks of shenanigans in my opinion.
Football
I was called out this week by my nephew. Why? Because he wants to know how good my football picks are. This just in: they aren't. 7-9 last week after Monday night's debacle in Indy, and that makes me 18-14 on the young season. Tonight, I try to get back on the winning side as the Washington National Football League club takes on the NY Giants. Here's a dubious honor the Giants hold: last week they became the first team in NFL history to lose consecutive games in which they held double-digit leads in the 4th quarter. No, not even the Bucs in their sordid history have done that. (On a tangential note, RIP Richard Williamson, former Bucs head coach who died last night.) With that in mind, I'm a little leery picking the Giants at home, however, these aren't the Falcons and Cowboys they're playing. I should feel a little more confident for tonight. Not my knockout pick (I'm still alive there, thanks Steelers), but I'll take the G-Men tonight.
The rest of my picks will be this weekend.
Papal Matters
I won't see this, but the Pontiff is speaking to Congress in Washington today. I imagine considering the social issues that have been in the forefront of the news cycle this year it will be interesting to hear about Pope Francis will have to say not only today, but this weekend in New York and in Philadelphia. I guess I'll read about it via twitter or hear it on the news. I know, night shift problems.
On that note, I guess I better get some sleep. Enjoy your Thursday!
Sunday, September 20, 2015
NFL Week Two and some random thoughts...
Good morning, everyone. Thought I'd begin this week with some things that have been on my mind
So how long before Donald Trump's lead in the polls suddenly vanishes into thin air? I hear he's trailing Carly Fiorina in one poll amongst New Hampshire Republicans. It certainly didn't help his cause that he was caught in a bit of a lie by Jeb Bush during Wednesday night's debate, nor did it help that he stood silent the next day when an attendee at a town hall meeting in NH put his foot in his mouth; a silence that Trump broke yesterday.
While we're on the subject of islamophobia, good for Ahmed Mohammed that he's moving to a different school after this week's ridiculous arrest for bringing a clock to the Dallas-area school he currently attends. However, as radio host Todd Schnitt brought up on Twitter this week, there may be a different controversy surrounding Mohammed.
Speaking of twitter and on a personal, many thanks to you for allowing me to crack the 600 follower mark this week.
Is it me or do there seem to be a LOT more popup ads wherever you browse nowadays? It's almost as bad as television, especially if you're for example watching a Rays game on Sun Sports and you see that God-forsaken Tropicana "Good Morning!" spot. Every. Bleeping. Inning.
Speaking of the Rays, they're toast. Wait until next season...and hopefully a vastly improved bullpen.
With the Rays out of the way however, at least here in the Tampa Bay region can focus on the defending NHL Eastern Conference Lightning. Training camp has begun and FanFest is today at Amalie Arena; I may try to go there today.
Also happening today; the majority of week 2 of the NFL season, after last week (and Thursday night), I'm 12-5 in picks, and last week's survivor pick (MIA) won. What about today and Monday? Well for starters, I'm hoping the Bucs don't get embarrassed like they did last week. That was probably the most ashamed I've ever been as a Bucs fan, and given that franchise's history, that takes a heck of a lot for THAT to happen. This week it's New Orleans at the Superdome.
My friend from Albuquerque, Nikki (Bucs_Princess on Twitter), will be in attendance for today's game with her friends. Nikki also happens to be a huge Auburn Tigers fan and was in Baton Rouge for their game yesterday against LSU. Unfortunately for her, things didn't turn out very well. One can only hope today will be a lot different...
As for my picks today and Monday?
Bengals over Chargers
Panthers over Texans
Bills over Patriots
Titans over Browns
Giants over Falcons
Steelers over 49ers
Cardinals over Bears
Saints over Bucs (may be closer than you think though)
Vikings over Lions
Rams over Redskins
Ravens over Raiders
Dolphins over Jaguars
Eagles over Cowboys
Packers over Seahawks
Colts over Jets
My knockout pick this week? Can't use Miami; I used them last week. Of the games I've picked, I'm not very sure about CIN, BUF, and NYG. Same can be said for PHI, though I may want to use them later in the year should I still be alive. I also don't really want to use IND & BAL this early. I think I may (albeit unwisely because of how early the season is) pick the Pittsburgh Steelers for this week's survival pick.
That's all from me for now, enjoy your Sunday!
So how long before Donald Trump's lead in the polls suddenly vanishes into thin air? I hear he's trailing Carly Fiorina in one poll amongst New Hampshire Republicans. It certainly didn't help his cause that he was caught in a bit of a lie by Jeb Bush during Wednesday night's debate, nor did it help that he stood silent the next day when an attendee at a town hall meeting in NH put his foot in his mouth; a silence that Trump broke yesterday.
While we're on the subject of islamophobia, good for Ahmed Mohammed that he's moving to a different school after this week's ridiculous arrest for bringing a clock to the Dallas-area school he currently attends. However, as radio host Todd Schnitt brought up on Twitter this week, there may be a different controversy surrounding Mohammed.
Speaking of twitter and on a personal, many thanks to you for allowing me to crack the 600 follower mark this week.
Is it me or do there seem to be a LOT more popup ads wherever you browse nowadays? It's almost as bad as television, especially if you're for example watching a Rays game on Sun Sports and you see that God-forsaken Tropicana "Good Morning!" spot. Every. Bleeping. Inning.
Speaking of the Rays, they're toast. Wait until next season...and hopefully a vastly improved bullpen.
With the Rays out of the way however, at least here in the Tampa Bay region can focus on the defending NHL Eastern Conference Lightning. Training camp has begun and FanFest is today at Amalie Arena; I may try to go there today.
Also happening today; the majority of week 2 of the NFL season, after last week (and Thursday night), I'm 12-5 in picks, and last week's survivor pick (MIA) won. What about today and Monday? Well for starters, I'm hoping the Bucs don't get embarrassed like they did last week. That was probably the most ashamed I've ever been as a Bucs fan, and given that franchise's history, that takes a heck of a lot for THAT to happen. This week it's New Orleans at the Superdome.
My friend from Albuquerque, Nikki (Bucs_Princess on Twitter), will be in attendance for today's game with her friends. Nikki also happens to be a huge Auburn Tigers fan and was in Baton Rouge for their game yesterday against LSU. Unfortunately for her, things didn't turn out very well. One can only hope today will be a lot different...
As for my picks today and Monday?
Bengals over Chargers
Panthers over Texans
Bills over Patriots
Titans over Browns
Giants over Falcons
Steelers over 49ers
Cardinals over Bears
Saints over Bucs (may be closer than you think though)
Vikings over Lions
Rams over Redskins
Ravens over Raiders
Dolphins over Jaguars
Eagles over Cowboys
Packers over Seahawks
Colts over Jets
My knockout pick this week? Can't use Miami; I used them last week. Of the games I've picked, I'm not very sure about CIN, BUF, and NYG. Same can be said for PHI, though I may want to use them later in the year should I still be alive. I also don't really want to use IND & BAL this early. I think I may (albeit unwisely because of how early the season is) pick the Pittsburgh Steelers for this week's survival pick.
That's all from me for now, enjoy your Sunday!
Thursday, September 10, 2015
Remembering America's Darkest Day
Tomorrow marks the 14th anniversary of arguably the darkest day of this generation's history; the September 11th terrorist attacks on New York and Washington. As the years have gone on, I have heard many conspiracy theories regarding controlled demolitons, missles being launched, inside jobs, blah blah blah. I have also watched ad nauseum television coverage of this sad event from YouTube.
In my opinion, it was clear to me that it wasn't an inside job by our government; we were caught with our pants down, plain and simple. We had zero idea that the terrorists who committed this heinous act would hijack planes and use them in kamikaze-style attacks on both towers of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. There was a heightened security alert that day, but it was for Americans abroad, not at home (go back and look at the news coverage). A missle didn't hit the Pentagon, it was indeed an American Airlines jet; Flight 77. No missle shot down United flight 93, passengers heroically stormed the hijacked cockpit before crashing into a wooded field near Shanksville, PA. And while jet fuel indeed doesn't melt steel beams, it can weaken them to a point where it no longer supports a tangible weight. That caused the towers to collapse, not a "controlled demolition."
If you happen to get the chance tonight, take a look at YouTube and search for RKOwens4. He has a concise series of videos that debunk every 9/11 conspiracy theory that is known. Here is a link to one of these videos; The Top Five 9/11 Conspiracy Theories Debunked.
May we never forget the tragic events, the lives that were lost, and the first repsonders who were so valiant in their efforts on America's Darkest Day.
In my opinion, it was clear to me that it wasn't an inside job by our government; we were caught with our pants down, plain and simple. We had zero idea that the terrorists who committed this heinous act would hijack planes and use them in kamikaze-style attacks on both towers of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. There was a heightened security alert that day, but it was for Americans abroad, not at home (go back and look at the news coverage). A missle didn't hit the Pentagon, it was indeed an American Airlines jet; Flight 77. No missle shot down United flight 93, passengers heroically stormed the hijacked cockpit before crashing into a wooded field near Shanksville, PA. And while jet fuel indeed doesn't melt steel beams, it can weaken them to a point where it no longer supports a tangible weight. That caused the towers to collapse, not a "controlled demolition."
If you happen to get the chance tonight, take a look at YouTube and search for RKOwens4. He has a concise series of videos that debunk every 9/11 conspiracy theory that is known. Here is a link to one of these videos; The Top Five 9/11 Conspiracy Theories Debunked.
May we never forget the tragic events, the lives that were lost, and the first repsonders who were so valiant in their efforts on America's Darkest Day.
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
Is This Thing On?
Hello. In case you're wondering what this is, well, this is my blog that I have unearthed after burying it for the better part of the last three years. I used to do this sort of thing every so often until for I guess what came out to be a lack of time to devote towards this as well as various other reasons; forgetting I actually had a blog being one of them. But I may as well try to bring this back.
One reason I decided to bring it back is because if I wanted to express my opinions, thoughts, etc. I normally would turn to twitter. But as all of you reading this that use twitter realize, you can't write that much on there without making a number of separate posts. So, here I am.
Now some of you are asking yourself, what the heck is a boney scribe? Well, boney scribe (and yes, it's misspelled, more on that later) is a nickname that has stuck with me ever since I was a little kid living in the Orlando area. I don't know why, because I never asked--likely because I was the baby in my family--but my mother and four of my five siblings had nicknames for me. Nincompoop, Spotted Gopher, Skeleton, and Skinflint were four of them. The other one, given to me by the youngest of my three older sisters, was Boney Scribe. Whenever she wrote the name down (when getting Christmas gifts, playing cards, etc.), the always added an "e" to the word "bony". Hell, I was too young to care how it was spelled to be honest, and so when I decided to go ahead and use that nickname for my twitter account, as well as this blog, I thought it was only fitting to go ahead and use the misspelled word as a wink and a nod to my childhood. Love you, sis.
So why was I so named? Well I'm sure you've heard the term "runt of the litter", and that's pretty much what I was. I don't believe I weighed five pounds when I was born on that snowy Friday in Atlanta in 1974, and I never was all that big growing up, which is a huge reason I didn't play sports although I had wanted to. But that was the reasoning for why I was so nicknamed, and no I don't find it unflattering at all; it's a term of endearment.
In the future, I hope to use this blog to give my opinion on a number of topics, make picks on football games (without too much analysis; sports were meant to be fun and an escape from everyday life; stats can be boring and I'm not a rotisserie geek), and share with you things here I may not be able to share on other platforms of social media such as my Boneyscribe pages on Twitter and Instagram. So yes, my blog has returned, and as the kids say nowadays, "IT'S LIT!"
CT
One reason I decided to bring it back is because if I wanted to express my opinions, thoughts, etc. I normally would turn to twitter. But as all of you reading this that use twitter realize, you can't write that much on there without making a number of separate posts. So, here I am.
Now some of you are asking yourself, what the heck is a boney scribe? Well, boney scribe (and yes, it's misspelled, more on that later) is a nickname that has stuck with me ever since I was a little kid living in the Orlando area. I don't know why, because I never asked--likely because I was the baby in my family--but my mother and four of my five siblings had nicknames for me. Nincompoop, Spotted Gopher, Skeleton, and Skinflint were four of them. The other one, given to me by the youngest of my three older sisters, was Boney Scribe. Whenever she wrote the name down (when getting Christmas gifts, playing cards, etc.), the always added an "e" to the word "bony". Hell, I was too young to care how it was spelled to be honest, and so when I decided to go ahead and use that nickname for my twitter account, as well as this blog, I thought it was only fitting to go ahead and use the misspelled word as a wink and a nod to my childhood. Love you, sis.
So why was I so named? Well I'm sure you've heard the term "runt of the litter", and that's pretty much what I was. I don't believe I weighed five pounds when I was born on that snowy Friday in Atlanta in 1974, and I never was all that big growing up, which is a huge reason I didn't play sports although I had wanted to. But that was the reasoning for why I was so nicknamed, and no I don't find it unflattering at all; it's a term of endearment.
In the future, I hope to use this blog to give my opinion on a number of topics, make picks on football games (without too much analysis; sports were meant to be fun and an escape from everyday life; stats can be boring and I'm not a rotisserie geek), and share with you things here I may not be able to share on other platforms of social media such as my Boneyscribe pages on Twitter and Instagram. So yes, my blog has returned, and as the kids say nowadays, "IT'S LIT!"
CT
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