Monday morning sports recap - week #17

Steelers:  Ended on a win that meant nothing regarding continuing in the playoffs.  Gotta take it when we can get it despite the meaninglessness off it.  Long season without much satisfaction, but we did have big egos, lots of injuries, poor offensive coaching calls, many penalties, tons of dropped passes, and the number one defense in the league.

Defense - I'll lead with them because once again they played like the #1 group that they are.  We had sacks.  We had forced fumbles.  We had a Troy Polamalu interception.  If only we had all of that every game this year.

Plaxico Burress - He caught one in the endzone for a touchdown, and I don't care what anyone thinks he will remember that one for the rest of his life.  Burress has already admitted that he made a mistake in leaving Pittsburgh so being back and scoring had to be gratifying.

Mike Wallace - He didn't play due to injury.  I don't think he cares whether he plays for the Steelers ever again.  He has a big head and a lot of disrespect for an organization that certainly doesn't deserve that.  Big Ben says he supports Wallace and wants him back, but my question is whether Wallace wants to even be back with Ben or the Steelers.  Maybe that big contract to Antonio Brown was the right decision in the long run.

Other:  How could I forget those teams that sit out their main players?  My bad.

Adrian Peterson - What a fabulous performance!  At one point it was taking 7 defensive Packer players to pull him to the ground.  This man is so smoking hot that he sizzles when he runs.  So much fun to watch.

Jets - Should have given Tebow a shot.  Couldn't have been any worse.

Colts - Coach Chuck Pagano returned to the sideline with his team after missing most of the year fighting cancer.  It was emotional not only for him, the players and the fans, but it was that way for anyone watching football this weekend.  This team is a group of fighters like their coach, and I have to say that despite my misgivings in releasing Peyton Manning and coach Jim Caldwell it looks like this owner might just know what he is doing when it comes to football.

Texans - How could you really want to beat the Colts knowing that Pagano was back on the field?  Even Adrian Foster showed his respect after scoring by touching and bowing to the "Chuckstrong" banner in the endzone.  After the game most of the Texan players made a point to speak with Pagano who grabbed everyone of them into a big ole bear hug.  Sometimes life is just more important than football.

Saints sign coach - I'm looking forward to next season when we don't have to hear about the Saints and their bountygate anymore.  So Sean Payton scored big by signing a five year contract extension.  Did anyone think he wouldn't?  He has something to prove getting back into the dome, and I look for the Saints to be contenders next year if they continue riding on their "we were done wrong" emotion.

Black Monday - The Monday after week 17 in the NFL arrived with a bang.  So far five coaches have been fired; the Eagles Andy Reid, the Bills Chan Gailey, the Browns Pat Shurmur, the Bears Lovie Smith, and the Chiefs Romeo Crennel.  Two GM's have been fired; the Browns and the Jets.  The Jets have elected to keep coach Rex Ryan, a move I'm not sure is the right one.  So far no word on Chargers coach Norv Turner, but he too is expected to get the boot.  Lovie Smith was a surprise, but the Bears, despite a win yesterday, lost their bid for the playoffs when the Minnesota Vikings beat the Packers to slide in ahead of them.  I'm hoping Andy Reid will take a year off to regroup before applying anywhere.  I think after 14 years with the Eagles and his last five years of personal troubles he needs to take a break.  Will be interesting to watch where everyone lands.

Sunday football picks - week # 17

Last Week -  11 - 5

Overall - 154 - 85

Atlanta over Tampa Bay - Tampa seems to be in the same sort of locker room upheaval they had last year only this time they dislike the coach. Not thinking that translate in winning against the division leader.

Buffalo over Jets - Lots of drama with Tim Tebow isn't helping this team despite what they might have wanted or thought when they acquired him. He is the third quarterback and while the first was benched and the back up now injured the third isn't who Big Rex is going to. Instead he is going back to Sanchez who apparently has learned his lesson after one time out.

Baltimore over Cincinnati - i don't see the Ravens losing this division game and I don't see the Bengals winning it.

Detroit over Chicago - My Chicago nephews differ with me on this one and they could be right. I went back and forth on this game. The Bears have to win to stay alive, but that is just the kind of stuff that makes the Lions play harder. It is a meaningless game for them, but they won't want the Bears to succeed.

Tennesse over Jacksonville - These two teams have to play because, but does anyone care?

Indianapolis over Houston - This is my wild card game. Houston got beat last week, but the Colts are at home with their coach returning after cancer treatment and I don't see them letting him down. Pure emotion will drive them to the win.

New Orleans over Carolina - Still out to prove things, the Saints will show Cam Newton what is what in the game of football.

Giants over Eagles - I think that Manning and Coughlin will want to go out on a win that might help to erase all the losses they have racked up these past few weeks.  The Eagles?  Just plain sad.

Pittsburgh over Cleveland - Home game with fans that are loyal despite the recent play...Sure hope the Steelers go out on a win.

Denver over Kansas City - Did anyone think the Chiefs would play crazy enough to win this game?

Green Bay over Minnesota - This is a must win for the Vikings and at the beginning of the year I might have picked these guys, but mid season they faulted and the last two weeks they picked it up, but not sure it is enough to surpass a team that picked up speed and never faulted.

New England over Miami - Yes, the Patriots had some problems in some games, but they usually finish strong as they ready for the playoffs and I don't see them losing here.

San Diego over Oakland - Another who cares game.

San Francisco over Arizona - Poor Arizona.  Ken should have stayed in Pittsburgh where he was doing some good for a team.  Ben probably wishes he had him now instead of Haley and he didn't much care for Whisenhunt's mouth.  No matter their O line is in trouble and won't help them against a 49ers team that is hoping to win more games.

Seattle over St. Louis - Seattle needs it and wants it and will get it.

Washington over Dallas - The Redskins need this win as do the Cowboys.  Could be an interesting game, but my money is on RGIII the rookie.

Christmas 2012 pictures

Iphone photos: (because my camera was broken...dead)

Christmas Tree 2012

Christmas Eve dinner

Peppermint Christmas coffee

Elliot opening his stocking

Kelly's new Ipad

 New camera photos: (with camera received for Christmas)

Elliot helping Tom open gifts

Cara's Steelers Monkey

New Flag

Darcy's Christmas Loot

Madison's Christmas Loot

Connie yearly foot wrap up

Just when things seem to be going well the foot and ankle started swelling. The first bout cured with just some pressure stockings. The second bout cured with a round of antibiotics. Now we are on the third bout and because if the holidays the Foot God was on vacation. We saw the cutie patootie doctor instead. He didn't seem too excited about the swelling or the strange blotches.

 

He ordered a type of wet dressing that tightens as it dries.  It is a type of cast, but one that allows mobility and reduces the swelling.  She will wear it a week and return to see the Foot God next year.  Connie inquired about a MRI since it had been some time since she last had one, and he agreed it might be time so she had some images taken of her foot.  The Foot God will go over those with her next week.  Minimal walking.  She continues in the wheelchair and with the foot as the two year mark passes.

Merry Christmas

Cara & Rusty & Santa 1969

Cara, Rusty & their loot 1970

Cara & Rusty decorating the tree 1972

Darcy, Madison & Santa 2002

Austin, Gabby, Madison & Darcy 2003

Darcy, Madison & their loot 2006

Monday morning sports recap - Week #16

Steelers: Ended their season with a typical loss.

Ben - He didn't like the hiring of Todd Haley. I blame him for refusing to be the bigger man, but Tomlin should have nipped all of that in the bud long ago. Ben hasn't looked like he cared about Steelers football for the past two games, let alone the past few years. Charlie Batch would have played with more heart today.

Defense - Can't fault them. Kudos to the player of the game - Cortez Allen.

Odd calls - Both coaches made strange calls on 4th down and none of them worked. Not the best game from either team.

Injuries - So tired of these. Someone should work hard at conditioning these guys in the off season as well as during the season. But that too is a poor excuse because you have got to plan for that sort of thing. Be prepared. Where is the heart that we use to have when things went south? We use to rally and make things happen. Hope that heart comes back.

Off season - Well should be interesting. I bet we lose quite a few guys, including Polamalu, because we can't afford to pay these guys who keep getting hurt. Cut Wallace loose.  He doesn't want to be here.  Some of the older guys will be gone.  Have to rework this team because it isn't working.  I'll have to not whine when we lose guys I love, but they didn't work together well this year.  We have got to get our heart back.  This organization is too good.

Immaculate reception - All week Pittsburgh and the Steelers have celebrated the 1972 catch by Franco Harris that still causes Raiders fans to come unglued. The team, along with Harris and several teammates, dedicated a monument in the spot of the old Three Rivers Stadium where the reception was made that pushed the Steelers further into the playoffs and toward their first Super Bowl win. Terry Bradshaw did a nice piece on Fox's Pre-game show. Too bad this Steelers team couldn't have honored that 40th anniversary.


Other:

Cincinnati / Indianapolis - Both teams clinched the AFC wildcard spots for the playoffs. I'll be rooting for the Colts.

Houston - The Texans let the Minnesota Vikings run all over them and then had to watch as their main running back, Arian Foster, went into the locker room during the third quarter.  So much for home field advantage during the playoffs.  Foster is reported to have an irregular heartbeat and it is being downplayed, but the meltdown that the Texans had is more disturbing to the fans who booed the team yesterday.  Personally, I wouldn't worry too much about it.  The team is in.  These last two games are chump change despite getting home field advantage.  We all know teams relax and stretch during these weeks.  What matters is how they play come playoffs.

Seattle - I should have gone with them.  I knew when they played the Steelers that this team had something, especially with their defense.  For the third week in a row they stomped on their opponent racking up major points.  The Seahawks could have scored more than 50 points, but according to Yahoo Sports Blog, Morning Rush, coach Pete Carroll said the team had more class than that.  Hmmm...since when?  But maybe Carroll knew it was Jim Harbaugh's birthday and didn't want to hurt him too deeply.

Rookie of the year - For the past few weeks all I've heard is RGIII and Andrew Luck, with Luck a head by a smidgen, but I've said all along that I believe Seattle's Russell Wilson is the rookie that should be on the podium.  He's the one on the team that no one thought or talked about.  He's the one that is now on the team that has turned heads and turned itself around.  He is the rookie that has thrown the most passes, 25, only one pass behind the leader Peyton Manning who threw 26 as a rookie.  I think he is a strong contender and doesn't belong in the third spot behind the other two.

Oakland/Carolina game - It got a bit heated after the Panthers injured Raiders quarterback Carson Palmer.  According to defensive lineman Tommy Kelly the Raiders made it their mission to go after Panthers quarterback Cam Newton.  First of all, what a stupid thing to say publicly after all of the Bounty Gate with the New Orleans Saints.  But secondly, that is the sort of thing I'm talking about with the Steelers.  Here is a team that got motivated when the other team took down and injured a player.  That would piss me off too and make me want to fight, fight, fight and win, win, win.  Going after Newton is the defense's job.  Unfortunately, they got a little too excited and rough, as the Raiders are known to do, and they drew some stupid fouls for pushing down on Newton while trying to stand.  But the fact that they got motivated is what is missing with the Steelers offense.  Get fired up when the other team attacks you, for heaven's sake!  (Although let's not try to kill people that is not what I'm saying here)

Teams - Some teams had to win and some did just that; Minnesota, Washington, Seattle while other teams didn't; Steelers, Giants.  Watch for those teams to be the leaders in the playoffs because they have the drive.  Remember the Giants last year?  No one thought them a contender when they made the playoffs. 

Sunday football picks - Week #16

Last Week - 9 - 7

Overall - 144 - 80

 

New Orleans over Dallas - I'm not sure what my thinking on this was.  Perhaps I was still annoyed from last week?  New Orleans is out of things I believe so winning does nothing except screw up the Cowboys.  Wouldn't that be sweet?

Green Bay over Tennessee - Yeah, this was a no-brainer despite the Titans beating the Jets on Monday night.  Did you read that?  Beating the Jets.  Ain't the same as beating the Packers.

Indianapolis over Kansas City - Indianapolis has to win this game.  Gee, how hard is that?

Miami over Buffalo - I picked Miami for the hell of it because when I don't they win and this week they are at home.

Jets over Chargers - Uh, not sure my thinking on this one either, but I'm starting to see a pattern, aren't you?  No Sanchez as quarterback for the Jets and no Tebow either so this might be interesting.  The Chargers might want to play or they might not want to.  Who knows?

Washington over Philadelphia - The Eagles are out of it despite their better play after the firing of several people.  Washington, Dallas, and New York are all tied and fighting to the death so I don't see the Eagles winning over a team that has got to win and that has heart.

Pittsburgh over Cincinnati -  Crucial game for both teams.  Could be bloody.  We will see who wants it more.

Tampa Bay over St. Louis - I don't know why I keep picking the Bucs because they either don't have faith in themselves or their coaches, but I certainly hope they keep on chugging because it is their job.

Carolina over Oakland - Pretty much these two teams are fighting each other for nothing so I went with the team I thought had more guts.

New England over Jacksonville - Gee, some teams get breaks at the end, don't they?  A walk in the park for Tom Brady and company.

Houston over Minnesota - This is a big game for Minnesota, but I think the Texans still want to prove something to the public and media so that's why I went with them, but look for Adrian Peterson to try to prove me wrong.

Denver over Cleveland - Peyton Manning is working to get to the bowl so he won't be letting the Browns take charge.

Chicago over Arizona - Da Bears are tied with the Vikings so they too will be looking for a win here.  The Cardinals?  I think they are still looking for a way to play winning football and it is too late.

Baltimore over Giants - This should be a good game if the Giants feel like playing the kind of game they were playing five weeks ago.  Both teams are coming off of three weeks of losing.  Both teams need this game or need other teams to lose if they can't.  I just went with the team I think is meaner.

San Fransisco over Seattle - The Seahawks need this game and the 49ers don't, but that isn't the way Jim Harbaugh plays so I think he will like sticking it to Pete Carroll.  But I don't think it will be an easy game as Seattle's defense is awfully tough.

Visiting Grandma

Grandma so enjoys visiting with her granddaughters!

He does care

A couple of days ago I was lamenting the loss of Madison's high school principal last year. She was part of the county early retirement program, and despite the administration moving her to our school to bring it up a notch and to oversee the arrival of the International Baccalaureate program, she was held to her enrollment in DROP and she retired. I felt it was a huge loss. She was always very prominent around the school talking to the kids, encouraging them, listening to them, and laughing with them. She was outside at arrival and pick up and always around when the school had meetings and functions greeting parents and shaking hands. She brought the school to an A grade in Florida's ridiculous school grading system and generally made us all feel like we were part of a community.

Her replacement, our current principal, is not so personable. I have seen the man one time since school started this year and that was at the back to school information night. Since then I've not seen hair nor hide of him nor have I heard from him. His biggest accomplishment has been changing the dress code for the school. Girls, not boys, are required to wear pants or skirts that reach their knees, blah, blah, blah. He doesn't even record the phone messages that are sent out each Sunday to parents, instead giving that job to an assistant principal. He is rarely in the hallways during school, and I've never seen him out and about at pick-up.  He does write a brief letter for the school newsletter and he does make some of the morning announcements, always cheering on the school and insisting the school is making the leaders of tomorrow.

So I was whining some about all of this to my mother on Wednesday. I would appreciate a principal who gets out among the people, especially the kids. I find it odd that we would go from one extreme to the other, and I wonder whose bright idea it was to hire this invisible man. Then I came home to find the object of my disdain on my message machine. Apparently there had been rumors of school violence planned in several schools for Friday and our principal wanted to assure us.

Nice of him to get involved. His voice was strong and he didn't stutter in reading his script. While the message, which has been emailed to me daily since the phone message, was well written and meant to reassure I still felt our principal thought the whole thing annoying, but then again I don't really know the man. At least he felt this important enough to lend his voice to. I'm hoping this will be the beginning of a new year of more exposure and hopefully it will be for mundane reasons as well as important ones.

A week to go

Seven days left until Christmas,

Still so much to do.

How I will get it all done?

I really haven't a clue.

The tree still needs ornaments,

The cards are not done.

The house is a clutter,

I'm not having fun.

I am not a poet, but Madison has been working on a huge poetry project which I've been roped into helping with, and I had a weak moment when it came to writing today's blog.  I came up with the first stanza fairly quickly and that led me to think that perhaps I was suddenly a poet that could rhyme, because we all know poems should rhyme.  The next two lines came almost as quickly, but then I hit the wall and after desperately squeezing out the next two lines I called it quits.  I am not a poet.  Therefore, my list of the seven things still left to be done before Christmas arrives in seven days:

• Finish decorating the tree - We got our tree on Saturday.  What is usually a family outing ended up being Tom picking out and buying the tree because Madison had homework and Darcy and I were out shopping.  By the time we all convened that evening we decided the decorating was best left for the following day.  The following day Tom was out shopping, Madison had homework, Darcy was wrapping, and I was immersed in football.  Eventually the lights made it on the tree, but that wasn't until we threw out six strands of unlit lights and made two trips out to find new ones.  By that time dinner was ready, the Steelers had lost, and the finale of Survivor was on.  The ornaments still have yet to make their way from box to tree.
• Finish decorating the house - The outside of the house is done, but the inside is a confusion of half done half not done.  The Christmas boxes I couldn't get down didn't come down until Sunday.  Slowly I have been going through them and getting out what I want to put out in my home, but the home is filthy and must be cleaned before decorated.  Football is on Sundays and I had other chores such as mounds and mounds of ironing, which is best done when watching football, so the decorations are now sitting on the dining room table...along with the ornaments for the tree.
• Create, label, and send out cards - I take tons of photos during the year, but for some reason there is never a great photo.  Tom wants a card with all of us on it, I hate being in front of the camera, and no one ever can come together at the same time to even attempt it.  I like just the girls on the card, but as usual there is not one photo of them that would work.  Last year I sent out New Year's cards and it looks like that will be the way I go this year too.
• Order online gifts - I have things that need to be ordered online, yet I haven't done it.  I don't have an excuse except that I'm really not sure what I have and what I don't have.  I'm so discombobulated when it comes to the gifts this year.
• Finish purchasing gifts - I always have a list of all the gifts I need to purchase and then I punch it into a spread sheet with prices so that everything is even and fair, but for some reason I haven't been on top of that this year.  I can't remember what I have.  I bought things and then immediately wrapped them.  My receipts are a mess and I don't feel I have time to go through them to organize.  I still have people on my list that I don't have gifts for and then I wonder how that is possible seeing that I've spent tons of money already.
• Plan the meals - I'm not cooking the huge Christmas meal nor am I hosting it. I was smart to pawn that off on my unsuspecting sister-in-law, but I do know that I need to contribute to the dinner, as well as have the gang to my house for some meals. I feel better when I have some ideas and some supplies on hand when that time arises, but I also am not the best cook of the group and don't feel very confident.
• Relax - The problem with the holidays as an adult is that it is stressful due to the above. I want everyone to have an enjoyable experience, something memorable, and I've taken that upon my shoulders. I must make it happen, but that kind of pressure can be overwhelming to a pressurized person. I need to take a step back and chill, but my "must make people" happy guilt won't allow it.
  

Monday morning sports recap - Week #15

Steelers:  What can I say that hasn't been said in this blog before?  This team is lacking heart and fire and determination.  We have no leadership, no one to run up and down the sidelines screaming, "Let's get fired up!"  Since Hines Ward left this team is blah.  I could write about all the dropped passes, penalties, and sacks that Roethlisberger took, but as I said I've already written about it all season.  I hope this team can regroup and come back next year, but I hoped that last year too.

• Interception - In overtime Roethlisberger was intercepted by Dallas' Brandon Cole on a pass intended for Mike Wallace.  What did Wallace do?  He stood there.  Stood there while Cole fell, got up, and proceeded to run toward the end zone.  Worst move, or in this case no movement, ever.
• Gave it away - Tony Romo's head is easy to climb into and fluster.  He is the interception throwing quarterback of the league.  All the Steelers defense had to do was get into his head.  All the offense had to do was put some points on the board.  The Ravens and the Colts lost their earlier games.  This was the easiest game ever against a team that is mediocre.  No heart.
• Same sound bites - Every losing game the players interviewed say the same thing.  This one hurts.  This one stings.  We will have to go back and look at the films.  We will recover.  Blah, blah, blah.  Only way is to prove it and so far that hasn't happened.  I don't believe anything that comes out of anyone of these guys' mouths at the moment.  I want to see anger.  I want to see some heart.  I want to see something that says they are mad, mad, mad at getting their ass kicked by teams like the Raiders, the Chargers, the Browns, and the Cowboys.

Other:

• Denver Broncos - Thank goodness this game was televised (for awhile at least) for me to enjoy a well played offensive and defensive game where the good guys came out and kicked ass.  The Baltimore Ravens were given an ass whupping yesterday by Peyton Manning and the Denver defense.  I can't tell you how much I enjoyed seeing it.  Then CBS decided it was a boring game and left it to bring me the Houston/Indianapolis game, which turned out to be great because the Colts lost paving the way for the Steelers in the wildcard race.  The only thing my team had to do was win.  Pfft.
• Belichick call on 4th down - The Patriots coach went for it on 4th and 1 while down by 7 to the San Francisco 49ers and the media and fans went nuts when they failed.  "He shouldn't have done that" cries are all over the net, social media, and television.  I say, "Pfft."  Good for Belichick.  Is this football or what?  This man has Tom Brady as his quarterback and 9 times out of 10 he is going to convert on that play.  Gotta take some chances.  It didn't work this time, but how many other times has it or will it work?  Won't know unless you try it.
• Bucs sideline shoving match - Other than it being two guys frustrated at the situation and needing some physical and emotional outlet, I thought the whole thing over exposed.  One of the coaches of the Bucs, Bryan Cox shouted at the referee after a Josh Freeman interception.   Linebacker Adam Hayward tried to calm him down by pushing him back on to the sideline.  Cox, busy with his berating of the official, sort of brushed Hayward like a gnat.  Hayward pushed a tad harder and then harder still.  It did the job because Cox suddenly noticed him, pushed him, and then got in his face and told him to stop the nonsense and remember his place (okay, I don't really know what was said, but I'm guessing).  The whole thing was blown out of proportion by the media. 
• Josh Brent - I do not agree with the Cowboys decision to allow Brent on the sidelines with the team on Sunday.  He is out on bail for a DUI manslaughter charge for killing his friend and teammate Jerry Brown.  Yes, I believe in forgiveness.  Yes, I believe the man is hurting and needs support from his friends and teammates.  But the NFL has a new policy on conduct and Brent certainly has broken that rule, and to allow him on the field was an in the face moment for all those other players who haven't been allowed on the field.  The New Orleans Saints coach can't even be anywhere near the stadium, his office, or his team.  Ben Roethlisberger was shut out of the Steelers facility and games for more than six weeks.  Once again the NFL has shown it's wishy washy side.  I thought it was disrespectful, especially when the cameras caught Brent laughing.  Look, I think it wonderful that Brown's family has forgiven the man, but this isn't Brent's first DUI and he broke the NFL code.  Like the others before him, he should have been at home watching the game on his television.
• Indiana Hoosiers go down - The number one team lost in overtime to the other Indiana team, the Butler Bulldogs 88-86.  I'm one of those firm believers that going undefeated isn't always the best thing so I think this will just make the Hoosiers better, if not hungrier.
• Lakers - They aren't winning and everyone who thinks they know sports wants to weigh in on the problem.  Who cares?

Sunday picks - Week 15

Last Week - 9 - 7
Overall - 135 - 73

Atlanta over Giants - The Falcons took a beating last week. They will hunger this week for a win to stop the "can they, can't they" talk.

Green Bay over Chicago - The Bears are hurting in more ways then injuries. The Packers clinch a playoff spot if they win. Green Bay over Chicago.

Washington over Cleveland - RGIII won't be starting (or playing maybe) due to his injury, but his replacement Kirk Cousins will be making his start and if his play is as good as his play last week the Browns won't have a chance.

Minnesota over St. Louis - Adrian Peterson found his mojo last week and ignited the Vikings. I think it will carry over today.

Miami over Jacksonville - Miami is better.

Tampa Bay over New Orleans - Going out on a limb here and taking the Bucs as my wildcard. I'm expecting quarterback Josh Freeman to pull himself together from the last three games, but the new ruling for the Saints could just push them toward the win.

Baltimore over Denver - Oh, Peyton Manning, how I love thee and how I pray that you and the Broncos kick ass today, but I don't believe the Ravens can actually lose three in a row.

Houston over Indianapolis - Like the Falcons, the Texans lost last week and the sports hosts all began the "can they win the big ones" chitty chat. The Texans have to prove they can. What better way to do that then beating the team that just won't quit and go away.

Seattle over Buffalo - The Seahawks are moving up the board toward the playoffs with their neon uniforms and crazy, jumping bean coach. No one expects them to do it. I do.

Detroit over Arizona - Both teams lost last week. The Cardinals took an ass whupping. I'm not sure they will have recovered from that, but the Lions are crazy enough to take advantage.

Carolina over San Diego - The Chargers will revert back to their old ways while the Panthers kick their butt.

Pittsburgh over Dallas - Old rivals. I think the Steelers are embarrassed. They usually come out after a loss like that fighting. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Kansas City over Oakland - Why not.

New England over San Francisco - The Pats are hoping to win the Super Bowl and this isn't a team that will upset that goal.

Jets Over Tennessee - Rex Ryan will want to win on Monday night. He'll let thT be known.

Sorrow...

This is the time of the year when we gather amidst the chaos that holidays bring to reflect on the past year, to spend time with family, and to rejoice and plan for the future. For most, despite the stress, it is a happy time. While the rest of the year is filled with ups and downs and hardships and triumphs this last month tends to bring out the happiness, the hopefulness in most people. We smile more at strangers, hold open doors to help others, and give more. It isn't suppose to be the time of the year when innocent children are gunned down senselessly while attending school.

I can't wrap my head around this tragedy. I can't fathom the mind of anyone who would look into the eyes of small children and then take their lives. It isn't even human. I can't believe it is even real. Thursday I watched the joy in two little kids' eyes as they approached the Santa Claus sitting in the mall waiting to hear their wishes. I thought then that that was one of the great things about Christmas; that innocent joy in the belief of something wonderful that happens only once a year. To think that twenty children just like those two I saw at the mall were killed by a madman makes me sick and sad and scared.

I know there are crazy nuts in the world. I know we can't shut ourselves away in our houses for the rest of our lives. I know terrible things happen. But this...this is just too much to handle at this time of the year. I'm planning on hugging my girls extra close all weekend. I'm holding those parents who lost their sons and daughters yesterday in my arms and thoughts as well. May they all find the strength to get through this horror. May they all eventually find peace.

Out of the mouths of my babes

Me: "Where did you get those pictures?"

Darcy: "My friend had front row seats."

Me: "How did she get those?"

Darcy: "Her mom's boyfriend got them."

Me: "I didn't realize that guy I met was in that field. I thought he was in another line of work."

Darcy: "Oh, that guy isn't her mom's boyfriend. That's just her friend."

Me: "Uh, no I've seen them together. That's her boyfriend."

Darcy: "No, they're just friends with benefits. She has another guy for a boyfriend."

Me: "Friend with benefits? What do you mean by that? Where did you hear that?"

Darcy: "You don't know what that means? Well, I'm certainly not going to tell you. You can look it up."

How many days until Christmas?

Christmas is coming and the goose is getting fat (I don't know anyone who eats goose for Christmas dinner) and I have yet to purchase gifts for the people on my list.  Except for daughter Darcy who has a very l o n g list and is quite willing to accompany me on shopping trips to point out and try on other things she wants.  I'm so happy that I have gifts to buy that I didn't keep count of all these items until it came time to wrapping.
Sunday after my football game I came home to find that none of my Christmas stuff had been taken down from its high place in the garage.  I use to be able to get the boxes down myself, but with the addition of our new garage door came the addition of a bar across the space that we use to house the boxes.  It requires a tall person with long arms on a ladder and I don't fit that bill.  So instead I pulled out the boxes that are stored on the ground level and put up what I could which amounted to some indoor stuff and the wreaths that I hang between my football flags outside.

Monday I decided to get out the wrapping table.  This is a card table that sits in my Steelers room and it is full of boxes, tape, scissors, paper, etc. used for wrapping up all the gifts that I have yet to buy.  I did this because it made me feel Christmas productive and because I had purchased some things for Darcy on Saturday.  Turns out I had purchased quite a bit for Darcy on Saturday.  Seven packages to be exact and that was doubling up on some of the clothes items.  Moral:  It pays to let people know what you want.

***

Now if only I had a tree to put the wrapped gifts under.  Last year my husband was all Christmas gung ho on getting a tree the earliest we have ever gotten one.  This year?  I'm not sure the man knows the holiday is approaching, although I take that back, he does because he gave me a list.  Which is so uncharacteristic that I should be suspicious.  Now he is under the weather and getting a tree is the last thing on his agenda.  I suppose I could go out and attempt this job on my own.  My friend Kelly does this and has no trouble, but she is a strong, independent, single woman use to taking charge, whereas I am a kept woman use to having a man manhandle these types of jobs.   Besides we have a code; he takes care of the outside of the house and I take care of the inside.  Trees fall in the outside category despite the fact that they come into the house.  And I have a bad back.  And I take down the tree every year.  Last year I even drug the thing through my house and tossed it to the curb.  Perhaps Kelly could assist me?

***

Sunday was the annual holiday concert in Tampa put on by a local radio station, the Jingle Bell Ball.  The headliner was Justin Bieber and other acts included Ke$sha, Sean Kingston, and One Republic.  Tickets were pricey, according to Darcy who desperately wanted to go because her friend was going.  On Thursday I read in the paper that there would be a free concert outside the venue in the afternoon with Good Luck Charlie's Bridget Mendler performing.  I thought, "wouldn't that be nice of me to take Darcy to see her," but immediately my back and legs seized up in memory of my last teeny bopper outdoor concert and I threw the paper in the recycling.  Besides the show was on a football day and nothing gets in the way of Cara's football.

I made the mistake of mentioning this free concert to Darcy and immediately on Sunday she went into Darcy mode.  She did her homework.  She read the article in the paper.  She looked up directions to the venue.  She blinked her eyes at her father and told him he would really enjoy Bridget Mendler.  She was lucky.  Tom had spent the entire day Saturday on the couch blowing his stuffy nose and coughing and he was ready to get out and about.  Off they went to Tampa.  Off I went to my buddy's house to watch the Steelers.  Halfway through the game I got a text with a picture of Bridget Mendler singing on stage and "we will be home late".

True to Tom fashion (I see where Darcy gets it) he had scored tickets to the Jingle Bell Ball for $20 up in the nosebleed section.  True to Darcy fashion (this she gets from her Grandmothers) she told him she would pay for her ticket out of the money I owed her for couponing this summer.  Deal.  The two went to the Jingle Bell Ball and returned with no hearing from all the screaming of teen girls anytime the word "Justin" or "Bieber" was mentioned.  So far she has yet to put his picture on her wall.

***

Why is it that schools want to end the grading period in December before holiday break?  Darcy has finals the last week.  The teachers are up to their necks in cramming in last minute lessons and the kids are sweating it out trying to keep up.  Add in, in this area at least, the fact that this is the month for shadowing high schools because you don't just attend your neighborhood school in these parts.  We have to choose a high school based on curriculum and programs and to do this students have to leave middle school for the day and shadow the high schools.  This annoys the middle school teachers (none of ours have these aged children themselves) who then cram in more things as a punishment and the stress level climbs in the kids.  Whatever happened to celebrating the end of the year?

Darcy told me on Thursday night that she wasn't able to catch a deep breath.  Her body told her she needed some good air, but when she sucked it in in a deep breath she didn't feel fulfilled.  Instead tears rolled down her cheeks.  Of course, it was after hours and Tom was pulling an all-nighter at work so I did what any mother would do in this situation; I panicked.  First I yelled at her for not mentioning this issue during doctor's hours.  Then I ranted and raved about horrible things that it could be.  Then I became motherly and held her.  Eventually, during a conversation with the husband who told me to tell her to quit drinking soda and eating candy, I remember my friend SueG was a respiratory therapist at our children's hospital.  I texted her.  She called me.  She was at work, but she listened, offered up suggestions to do, and calmed me down.

Darcy wasn't turning blue.  Her pulse was fine.  SueG had me give her water to avoid dehydration since she didn't want to eat and we tried to take her mind off of things by watching General Hospital, an addiction I am trying to pass on to my girls.  She slept through the night and the next morning I went into the doctor.  We spent four hours running around town getting chest x-rays and blood work to have it all come back excellent.  Diagnosis?  Stress.  Anxiety.  Middle school kids go through a lot the doctor said.  No kidding.  Holidays are stressful for adults, but I think we have to remember that this time of the year is also stressful for the kids too.

***
13 days until Christmas!

Monday football recap - Week #14

Steelers:   Regis Philbin analyzed the Giants and said they win against the good teams and lose when they play the bad teams. I thought then that he could have been talking about the Steelers. I still think that. The Chargers? Ah, Pittsburgh, I love you guys, but something ain't working.

Offensive Line - Had a hard time holding the Chargers so that Ben could have some time to throw. He did quite a bit of scrambling for a man wrapped tightly with Kevlar.

Phil Simms/Jim Nantz - I'm not thrilled with CBS's team of game callers. I think Kelly and I could do a better job and be more entertaining, and I certainly wouldn't get player's names wrong (Wallace called Brown by Simms) and then admit it and say, "They look alike". Seriously? Anybody catch that but me?

First Downs - The Steelers had only three first downs in the first half. You aren't going to win games that way.

Ben - A bit rusty in that first half especially on his first few passes, but again his line had trouble holding the defense.

Penalties - I'm thinking Tomlin needs to go through the rules with this team because every game we have penalties, penalties, penalties. Offsides on Polamalu; as a veteran you can't make those kind of mistakes.

Wrong side - For most of the game we had bad field position with no first downs and good punts from the Chargers.  Not going to win games if you can't move the ball and chains.

Home game - We shouldn't be losing games at Heinz Field, especially to losing teams.  That field and those fans are the greatest and how a team can come out with the energy that generates through that stadium and not be pumped is beyond me.  What is it this team is looking for?

Philip Rivers - Only thing of happiness was watching Rivers simply give up sit down anytime Steelers James Harrison got lose and started toward him. 

Touchdowns - How great did we look in the fourth quarter? If only we could play like that in the beginning. Ben is best when the team is down. I wonder if he was one of those last minute homework project kind of guys too.

Other:   I got to watch a few of the other games since I was at my buddy's house watching the Steelers. Actually cheered for the Cowboys for the first time in my life. Their win helped our loss and the Ravens losing to the 'skins helped as well. Almost a wash across the board.

Tampa Bay - Came back from a huge deficit and lost in the last two seconds. The Eagles sighed a huge relief, but we have a history with the nasty Philadelphia fans so this loss was hard to swallow...especially on the day the Bucs celebrated the Super Bowl win from 10 years ago.  How they got there?  Through Philadelphia.

Bucs 10th Anniversary - It was big stuff here in Tampa that January night back in 2003.  This was a team that had been in last place for so long people called them the Yucks.  Now they had new owners and new uniforms and were playing in the biggest game in the NFL.  And then they won it.  Won it with guys from those losing seasons that people in Tampa knew as well as they knew their neighbors.  Why then did Fox not show the half-time presentation?  And when some of the guys dropped by the booth to chat with host John Lynch, a member of that very championship team, did Fox not have microphones for them to speak?  Fox dropped the ball on this one.

Redskins - RGIII went down and the rest of the team went forward behind back-up quarterback Kirk Cousins who played the game of his life in the Redskins win over the Ravens in overtime.  God Bless the Redskins.  Nice to see another back-up come out and score big.

Ravens - Lost two in a row?  Wow.  That was huge, but unfortunately the Steelers didn't step up this week and take advantage.  The Ravens fired their offensive coach after the game and gave the position to former Indianapolis Colts coach Jim Caldwell.  I predict they win their next three games.
 
58 - 0 - As crazy as Seahawks coach Pete Carrol is you can't blame him for running up the score on this one.  Seattle's defense had eight takeaways in a game that went completely Seattle's way, and Arizona was left standing with egg on the face.  Quarterback rookie Russell Wilson even sat on the bench the last 25 minutes and still the Seahawks scored.  Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt took the blame and the embarrassment.  Something tells me the Cardinals are going to be flying long and hard all week.

Sunday picks and more - week 14

Last Week - 12 - 4
Overall - 126- 66

Buffalo over St. Louis - The Rams played well last week, but I don't think they are better than the Bills.

Cincinnati over Dallas - The Bengals are fighting for the wildcard spot with the Steelers. They aren't going to lose.

Cleveland over Kansas City - The Browns are the little team that suddenly could. They won't lose to a team that won with emotion last week, although perhaps the Chiefs will ride that emotion another week. I just don't think so.

Indianapolis over Tennessee - I needed the Colts to lose last week and instead they chugged down the field and made an awesome play to win the game. Don't think a team like that is planning on losing.

Chicago over Minnesota - Brian Urlacher is out, and everyone thinks that will bring the Bears down, but sometimes that makes a team just fight harder.

Pittsburgh over San Diego - Don't bet against my boys, but can the Chargers really lose again? Unfortunately, they are playing in da burg at Heinz field and Big Ben is back and looking for a win.

Tampa Bay over Philadelphia - This one was a hard one because, like the Chargers, can the Eagles really lose again? Nine games in a row? But, like the Steelers, the game is at Raymond James on a day where the Buccaneers are celebrating their 10th anniversary of their Super Bowl win with returning, beloved players taking the field. I guarantee those guys will also be in the locker room firing up the current players. Eagles go down.

Baltimore over Washington - The Ravens lost to their most hated rivalry. They aren't going to lose two in a row despite my wishes.

Atlanta over Carolina - I voted for Matt Ryan for the Pro Bowl. He wins again.

Jets over Jaguars - The Jets seem to pull out these games against itty, bitty teams. They are my wildcard this week.

San Francisco over Miami - Miami wins willy nilly every other week, but the 49ers are the better team.

Giants over New Orleans - I went with the Giants because they are at home. Gunning game with both quarterbacks throwing big yardage.

Seattle over Arizona - Get ready to watch Pete Carroll jump up and down again on the field.

Green Bay over Detroit - The Lions could pull this one out if the Packers play like they did a couple weeks ago. But we are down at the end where teams fight for the playoffs and Aaron Rogers is a star. Packers win.

New England over Houston - This is a good game for the Texans to win before the playoffs, but it is Tom Brady so I went with the Pats. But Brady could be tired after the birth of his daughter, although after typing that sentence I realized he probably has a nanny.

Cowboy DUI - Sad news for the Cowboys (who I hope win on emotion this week). Saturday morning two current players, Josh Brent and Jerry Brown, were involved in a crash in Texas. Brent was driving drunk and Brown was killed. This has set off an outcry, much like the one last week after the murder-suicide of Jovan Belcher, this time over DUI's in the NFL. This one, however, makes much more sense than the gun control thing of last week. These pro athletes are always involved in episodes where drinking is heavily involved. The fact that so many of them get behind the wheel of a car is just sickening. These guys can afford to have drivers for heaven's sake.

Tampa's Anniversary - This is one time that I would love to be at the Bucs game, and if the Steelers game weren't so important, I probably would have been. I've said before that I was a huge fan of those former players of old who went out and did what everyone said they couldn't do. A great article about that time in the Tampa Bay Times today

Bounty gate - The NFL, after turning over the case to former commissioner Paul Tagliabue, offered the players involved a new deal if they admitted quilt. The players rejected it preferring to take their shot with Tagliabue.

Regis Philbin - It was so great to see my Regis again! Love him. He was on Fox's pre-game show talking about the Giants and his bit at the end about doing a good job and taking over Michael Strahan's job was hilarious.

My store ratings for Christmas shopping

My Top Stores: (Stores I will definitely shop)

1. Target - While they are trying to reinvent themselves into a higher class store which I feel takes something away, I still use this as my number one store for any item not grocery related.  Lately, they have been mailing me some great coupons ranging from $10 - $15 off purchases over a certain price.  The store is clean, aisles are wide, and I know the store like the back of my hand.  I will likely buy the majority of my gifts from here.
2. Michaels - This isn't exactly a store for gifts, but it is the store for decorations.  The already put together crafted items are quite pricey, but the do-it-yourself crafts are decently priced especially with coupons which they give out every Sunday.  Another plus for me is that they will also take off coupons from your phone without any hassle.
3. Forever 21 - Yes, I have daughters and this is the number one teen store.  The new store in our mall is huge with fabulous lighting and spacing to move around in.  Only downside to these stores are the lack of dressing areas, which leads to long lines and short tempers, especially from mothers at this time of the year. 
4. Bealls - This is a department store exclusive to Florida.  When I was young and hip it wasn't  a store I visited because it was known as the elderly store.  They sold a lot of golfing and fishing ware neither of which interested me.  Slowly as time passed they re-invented themselves (and I got older) to include teens and young, yet mature ladies.  They offer great coupons and sales and have a large variety of clothing for adults.  The purse and jewelry department offers a better variety then most stores, and there is an area that sells very Floridian decorations for inside and outside the home.
5. Bath & Body Works - A great little store to pick up small gifts for co-workers and to pick up stocking stuffers.  Who doesn't need soap? 

My Mediocre Stores:  (Stores I have some annoyances with, but will most likely shop)

1. Walmart - Great prices, but the store near me has several issues that cause me to avoid it if I can get the same item at Target.  Issues include parking, skinny aisles, gross restrooms, disgruntled employees, and crazy customers.  I don't care for their clothes, but they have great prices on household items and certain things requested for Christmas.  They also take competitor's coupons.
2. Amazon -  (technically an online store)  I love Amazon.  I really do, but I put them in this category because of their shipping.  While they offer free shipping my items never, and I mean NEVER, get to me or my recipient in a timely manner when I need the item to do just that.  If I order something that I could wait a month on, the item will show up at my house in a day and a half.  If I order something for a birthday, the item will ship on the day that I need it to get there.  I think they have a camera attached to my account that gauges my anxiety level and adjusts to it.  This month I actually paid for shipping so the books would get to my house on time and after completing my order it told me that it wouldn't get there.  It would arrive two days after the birthday despite my extra $6 in shipping.  So I went out and purchased something else, deciding that I would keep the books for Christmas, and the little camera saw that I had gotten around this dilemma and sent the damn books so that they arrived on the day of the birthday, two days earlier then it said it would.  Oh, Amazon, why?  Why do you do this to me when I love you so?

Stores I will avoid:  (Stores I will avoid like the plague)

1. JC Penney's - This use to be my number one store in the mall.  Best store for clothes for adults and children.  Best store for great buys on jewelry and purses.  Best store for handing out fabulous coupons that led to great deals.  Then they went through the change, hired Ellen Degeneres, chucked the coupons, and changed their clothing.  While I tried to support them because they didn't back down under bigot pressure regarding the hiring of Ellen, I could never find what drew me to them in the first place.  Apparently neither can other people since Penney's hasn't been in the black since they reinvented.
2. Kohls - Don't see the excitement about this store.  The clothes are cheaply made and are priced too high.  I don't think they have much of a selection of goods.  My sis-in-law just reviewed this store and offered more reasons regarding coupons so check out her review.
3. Toys r' us - I don't have small children to buy for anymore, but when I did this wasn't a store I particularly cared for.  Way too high in price.  While the store itself was wide, clean, and brightly lit, I could never make sense of their way of categorizing the aisles.  They couldn't offer anything I couldn't get cheaper at Target and their open registers were always few and had lines out the door.

The garden of misfits

I have two concrete garden rabbits that were made and given to me by a former neighbor after the death of my father. The rabbits resided in my pool area as lifeguards for years, but time and children and weather eventually caused them to loose their color and their ears. Tom repaired the ears on the large bunny, but recently he lost them again. I made it my project this summer to repair the ears and repaint the rabbits, but like so many of my projects it didn't get done.

When my husband put in our side garden complete with banana and fig tree I added the little rabbit with the missing ears thinking that if I saw it daily it would motivate me. I put his ears on Tom's workbench and told my husband that I was planning to repair and repaint the rabbits. Knowing me well, he obviously did not have faith in this project and the ears disappeared, presumedly in the garbage where my husband likes to throw things that he feels don't belong on his work place. I was concerned the little earless rabbit would soon follow but he has continued to reside in the garden, sitting watch over our flowers and various plants. I think it was because of him that the real mother bunny trusted us with her newborn babies.

Elliot and I talk to the rabbit when we go outside because the garden is a favorite place for Elliot to chase lizards and water the various plants. I tell the rabbit he is beautiful and to ignore what the other concrete animals in the neighborhood might say about his disability. I sometimes wonder if he can hear me without ears, but I just go with the assumption that he can read lips if not.

The last night that I was helping Kelly move from her old apartment to her new one we were hauling out the belongings she was donating to the Salvation Army. We were making a nice pile for the pick-up the next day outside her door and I was checking around to make sure we had everything. I noticed a concrete turtle sitting by a potted palm tree. I inquired as to whether this was her turtle or not and whether he was going with her or the Salvation Army. She informed me it was hers and that she was planning on just leaving him as his mouth was missing a concrete piece. She had repaired him once and he had broken again and she had given up on making him whole again.

I told her that if she didn't want him that I would take him as I had a lovely home for misfit concrete animals in my garden. I reminded her of my earless rabbits and she agreed that he should reside there with them. I picked him up and we drove back to my house where I introduced him to my rabbit. They have been buddies every since. I think he is very happy living here.

Monday football recap - Week #13

On Saturday while out with my family I stopped to talk to a man in Steelers gear.  We talked about the upcoming game on Sunday and the man said we wouldn't win, not with Charlie Batch.  I disagreed and told him so.  I'm sorry I can't see that man again.

I've said it for the past three weeks:  I have faith in Charlie Batch.  The quarterback has been with this team 10 years.  He knows the offense.  He knows the players.  He knows what is needed to win.  The man has stepped in several times for Ben Roethlisberger and has proved he can lead this team down the field and to a win.  Yesterday he proved it to those people who weren't believers.  He brought me to tears and I've been on his side from the beginning.  Well done.

 

Picture copied from Facebook

Steelers:

• Charlie Batch - Saying it again.  What a great job he did leading this team, motivating this team, and pulling in the win on that last drive. The coaches let him play and let him throw and while he wasn't perfect, he didn't give up.  If this is the last game, Batch plays, he went out on a high.
• Defense - Another solid performance by the Steel Curtain.  The big fumble caused by James Harrison was huge.  The sack on Flacco another big loss.  They kept the pressure on and didn't let Baltimore take charge offensively.
• Heath Miller - Do we really even need to go to our receivers when we have this tight end?  This man has stepped up to the offensive plate the last five games.  He did it again yesterday catching key passes.
• Heart - Finally!  Finally, I saw what I have been writing about for weeks.  The Pittsburgh Steelers wanted this game and they wanted it like nothing they've wanted before.  And it showed in their play and toughness and perseverance.
• The handshake - At the end of the game Ravens coach John Harbaugh didn't just want Steelers coach Mike Tomlin to quickly do the obligatory, onfield handshake quickly and leave.  Instead Harbaugh held on to Tomlin's hand, pulled him back toward him, and made sure Tomlin heard his congratulations.  Tomlin, ever the nice guy, thanked him and moved on, but Harbaugh seemed to want more.  Seriously?  After all the crap this man has talked about the Steelers in  the last three years?  Granted, Tomlin barely looked at the guy and didn't look like he was even going to touch him, let alone speak to him, but to make sure that he did all of that?  Interesting men these Harbaugh coaches.

Others:

• Kansas City Chiefs - Came out after a tragedy and won.  Kudos to coach Romeo Crennel for holding his team and himself together.  He looked awful after the game at the post conference and who can blame him after what he witnessed?  Also liked hearing what quarterback Brady Quinn and other teammates had to say after the game.  I can't remember the player who spoke after Quinn, but he had a lot of interesting things to say about how men need to talk to one another about important personal issues instead of just high fiving.
• Mark Sanchez - Benched, but not for Tim Tebow, who is out with broken ribs.  Benched for the third string quarterback.  If he doesn't play next week, word is Sanchez' s time with the Jets is over.
• Eagles firing - And the list of specialty coaches getting the axe just keep growing as the Eagles try to figure out what is wrong.  Uh, maybe your head coach?
• Bob Costas - He spoke at halftime of Sunday's nights game about the Kansas City tragedy, quoting a sports writer, Jason Whitlock, on the fact that with gun control these deaths wouldn't have occurred.  That set off a fire storm on social media and television.  Now gun control is the big issue.  Huh?  Refer back to the young man who discussed men needing to open up more, would you?
• Indiana Colts - The Steelers needed the Colts to lose.  My provider switched to the last two minutes of the game where I cheered on the Lions, but, oh, my, how impressive was Andrew Luck's pass and win with 4 seconds remaining on the clock?  Hard not to like this guy, huh, Peyton fans?

Sunday football picks - week #13

Last Week - 10 - 6

Overall - 114 - 62

Houston over Tennessee -  The Titans are having issues. The Texans aren't.

Chicago over Seattle - I went with Chicago on this one, but Seattle is playing some decent ball right now.  This should be a good game. 

Indianapolis over Detroit - I'm not sure why I chose the Colts as this is an away game for them and the Lions aren't the team of old, but are scrappy and feisty like their coach.  But I had a gut feeling, and I'm betting on Andrew Luck and my old Steelers offensive coach Bruce Arians.

Green Bay over Minnesota - The Vikings started out strong surprising everyone by creeping along while the Packers started slow and struggled.  Now the situations are reversed and since Green Bay is coming off of a loss last week I don't see them losing two in a row and certainly not to the Vikings.

Carolina over Kansas City - Cam Newton is on fire and out to prove he can motivate and lead this team.  The Chiefs are, well, they are this year's Detroit Lions.

San Francisco over St. Louis - The interchangeable quarterbacks team is on fire right now and coach Jim Harbaugh, who former teammates said would have never taken being replaced as quarterback for the Colts quietly, is going with what is winning him games easily.  The Rams are a sometimes sometimes not team and I don't see them pulling off an upset.

Jets over Arizona - Ah, maybe I'm feeling sorry for the Jets and coach Rex Ryan.  I just think Arizona doesn't know what they are doing right now running around like cardinals with their heads cut off.  So I picked the Jets.

New England over Miami - The Dolphins don't stand a chance against Brady and Co.

Buffalo over Jacksonville - The Jags won last week after I said they wouldn't, but I'm still not picking them again this week despite their picking up former Eagles defensive end Jason Babin and the 4-7 record of the Bills.

Denver over Tampa Bay - Tampa has to travel.  Freeman has to go up against Denver's defense.  I'm going with Manning at home.

Pittsburgh over Baltimore - How many times do I have to say it?  I don't go against my team.  Despite injuries, penalties, questionable play calls, and lack of fight I still believe.  And I cross my fingers.

Cleveland over Oakland - I don't foresee the fighting game we had last week against the Raiders and the Bengals.  Instead I see the Browns kicking butt to move up the division board. 

Cincinnati over San Diego - Poor Chargers.  Couldn't even help me out last week, could they?  Just win one for a change!  In overtime.  The Bengals, like the Browns, smell a coupe so they aren't planning on losing.

Dallas over Philadelphia - Vick is still out.  The Eagles are getting booed by their fans.  Dallas at home.  Dallas.

Giants over the Redskins - I think this will be an interesting game, but Manning still has ground to make up and he won't want to lose to the exciting rookie.

Ben Roethlisberger out - Did anyone believe he would be in?  The man has a sprained shoulder and a dislocated rib that is quite close to important innards.  Yes, he has played hurt before, but the man is a father and a husband now and his days of not caring what happens to him are over.  I still have my faith in Charlie Ward as our back-up and with the addition of Antonio Brown and Troy Polamalu back in the line-up it should build up Ward's confidence as well.

Fines - A lot of fines were collected by the NFL last week from various players for various reasons.  Fines were levied for fights that broke out during the Oakland/Cincinnati game with five players having to reach into their pockets to pony up.  Other players who drew fines were Houston's J.J. Watt, Chicago's Jay Cutler and Brain Urlacher, Washington's DeAngelo Hall, and a host of others from the Packers, the Panthers, the Saints, the Chiefs, the Ravens, and the Rams.  I'd say something isn't working.

Chiefs Tragedy - Saturday, days after I make my picks for Sunday, Chiefs linebacker Jovan Belcher allegedly killed his girlfriend and mother of his child and then took his own life after fleeing the scene and driving to the Chiefs facilities at Arrowhead Stadium. The suicide supposedly took place in front of two coaches and an employee. The NFL is opting to go ahead with the Chiefs/Panther game at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday. While no one is surprised by that many aren't happy including players and I suppose the family of the slain mother. Too bad the NFL can't fine itself for continued stupidity. Sometimes the games shouldn't go on.

Rick Majerus - The former Ball State and Utah basketball coach died yesterday at the age of 64. He came into the bball scene introducing Ball State as a contender and then coaching the University of Utah into the NCAA finals. He had many heart health issues over the years and recently took a leave of absence from his new job coaching at St. Louis. He had a biting and witty sense of humor, especially when directed at himself, but was also described by his players of being a hard ass, at times even cruel. I kept up with him through his years at Utah and watched him some at ESPN, but lost track and interest of him after his former player's comments. Still, hate to hear of his death.

IU - Indiana University's basketball team is number one and fun to watch...when I can get it on my television.  Cody Zeller's hustle and shooting and Coach Crean's enthusiasm is contagious.  Great fun for Hoosiers who have waited years for the team to bounce back to the days of Indiana ball.  Beating North Carolina by 24 points at one time up by 30?  Priceless.

Alabama wins - It is official.  Notre Dame will play the defending bowl champs Alabama for the title next year.  Yep, next year.  Because we need to wring all the money out of the hype that we can.

BJ Upton - The former Tampa Bay Rays centerfielder is now an Atlanta Brave signing for a big five year $75+ deal.  I hate when we lose beloved players.  Upton has played his entire career, all 8 years, with the Rays and while he had his ups and his downs he was one of this fan's favorites.  As in all sports, money talks and loyalty?  That lasts as long as you are with a team.

Bucs - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will celebrate their ten year Super Bowl anniversary win on December 9th at half-time.  Most of the players are returning with Warren Sapp convincing coach John Gruden to get his butt out on the field with the players.  Ah, the glory days.