So much for my draft prognostications, I only picked 3 draft choices correctly out of the first 15 teams, so I doubt I'll be sitting at the analyst's table at next years event in NYC.
Post draft summary of the Bucs selections; it's too early to tell anything, but on paper (and we all know the game is played on paper) the draft picks looked to be solid to me, I was satisfied.
Talib looks like he might break the mold of the typical Cover 2 corners we've had here in Tampa. I saw the press conference introducing him, and he definitely is excited about coming to Tampa. Draft pundits thought Dexter Jackson was a reach in the second round, only time will tell on this pick. If he turns out to be a dynamic playmaker, he'll be a steal, if not a bust. The Bucs obviously were targeting a collection of similar receivers and since there was a run on them right around the time they selected in the second, they must have thought he'd be off the board shortly so pulled the trigger and selected him. The third round saw the Bucs select Zuttah from Rutgers. A talented offensive lineman who can play every position on the line including center. If he develops, he will provide alot of depth for the Buccos. Tampa selected Dre Moore, DT from Maryland in the forth round, and this might be a huge value pick if he can elevate his game to the next level and be more consistent in his game play. Then in the fifth, Tampa selected a quarterback, yes number 7 on the roster, Josh Johnson from SDSU, a NCAA Division II school. I admit I've never seen him play a game but the YouTube video highlights were pretty exciting to watch. This young man can run a 4.4 40, completed 68% of his passes last year and threw 43 touchdowns against only 1 interception. Granted, SDSU is a small school but he has run an offensive which is very similar to what Coach Gruden uses with the Bucs . He is going to be an interesting prospect. Tampa, in the sixth round, drafted another linebacker from Florida State University who also wore the #10 in college, Geno Hayes (we all know how the last #10 worked out) Hayes has had some academic issues and some run ins with the law, and decided this year to become eligible for the draft as a junior. Prior to the draft, some publications had selected Hayes among the top 5 OLB's of this years draft. Having seen the Free Agent moves by the Bucs this year adding three LB's, I have to say I was surprised by this selection, but he should contribute on special teams, and maybe one day break into the starting lineup, but that remains to be seen. The final selection in the seventh round was a running back. Cory Boyd from South Carolina. Again, YouTube videos reveal some talent. Elusiveness, not great speed, great receiver, some blocking ability. Will be interesting to watch him during training camp and some preseason games.
So what happens with all the quarterbacks? Jeff Garcia, Brian Griese, Chriss Simms, Bruce Gradkowski, Luke McCown, Josh Johnson and finally the rights to former quarterback now handball player, Jake Plummer. First off, Garcia is the incumbent and should be the starter at this point. Jon Gruden always liked Brian Griese and he was brought back via a trade with the Chicago Bears this off season. I believe Griese would never have left One Buc Place if the team hadn't been so handcuffed with the salary cap a few years ago. Luke McCown showed some flashes this past season, but was making 4-5 questionable plays a game. He showed some scrambling ability and led the team on a comeback against the Saints in a very important late season game. Chris Simms, great kid, great attitude. Questions surround his leadership ability, mobility, whether he can ever flourish in a West Coast Offense system. He's got a great long ball, but so did Jeff George. Simms has earned 7.1 million dollars over the past 2 seasons while only playing in 3 games. Chris has decided that he is going to skip the Bucs voluntary OTA's and reports surfaced this afternoon that teams inquired about a trade for him last weekend in the draft. Bruce Gradkowski. Please, I never want to see "The Polish Popgun" ever take another snap in red and pewter. Finally, Jake Plummer. The Bucs traded for his rights before the start of last season and he refused to report to Tampa, opting to retire instead and play handball. He's now been out of football for over 2 years and should be around 34. Plummer, who has played for Arizona and Denver, often had short bursts of brilliance followed by long periods of mediocrity.
At a post draft presser this week, Gruden responded when asked that the Bucs will take 5 quarterbacks to camp. My guess is that the Bucs will release the rights to Plummer and outright cut Gradkowski. Simms will be shopped, but it would be wise to take him to training camp because you never know when the injury bug will strike and he is familiar with the complex playbook of the Gruden offense. I expect to see him traded around the third week of preseason after he's had a chance to showcase his ability to perform as a quarterback again. Once again, the Bucs should enter the 2008 campaign with 4 quarterbacks on the roster. Garcia, Griese, McCown and Johnson. The see the biggest competition being who will be the number 2.
Dominic Rhodes was released by the Raiders this week. With Williams not due to be ready for training camp or possibly to ever play again and Graham making some noise about a possible holdout, I wouldn't be too disappointed to see him in Tampa soon. Rhodes can still play and would fit our offense nicely. I believe he was on my wish list back in January when I posted the off season needs for the Buccos.
Going into training camp this year, the Bucs should have the most depth we've seen in recent years on the roster. Hopefully, this years draft will continue the recent trend of infusing young, talented players onto this squad.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Friday, April 25, 2008
Draft day hours away
It's now less than 24 hours before this years NFL draft. Can you feel the electricity? NFL draft geeks have most likely been living on double lattes and red bull for most of this week, fine tuning who they think will go in the 127th pick versus the 128th pick. Oh yes, at this, the holiest of seasons, everyone is a general manager.
No doubt, this draft will be just like each of the last several decades of drafts. There will be quality players free fall, there will be surprise picks, there will be a late round or undrafted free agent who makes a big splash in the league next season. And, when the dust settles, the so called draft experts will rationalize each and every expected and unexpected move. Then, on Monday April 28th, the media sources will report to us fans, the draft grades of each individual teams.
How astonishing. Players which haven't been signed yet, survived training camp without injury or played a down in the NFL yet, but the media is going to hand out grades for teams on the players they chose this weekend. The NFL has really done such a marketing job with this event, it's unreal. They have a contest on their homepage and if you win, you get to go to the draft next year and announce a pick in like the 6th round. OOOOOOOOOOhhhhhh, I better be all over this contest. Lets see, fly to New York, announce the name of some shlep who will most likely be cut after training camp, post a video of me announcing his name while at the podium on YouTube for 2 million people to view, hey, I'm famous, I announced John Sampson from Northern Eastern South Kentucky Community Colleges' name on tv, albeit 312 folks were watching.
So, no, I won't be entering the contest, but here are my final 15 picks, one of them is a lock. (I've got an inside source)
Miami Mullets- Jake Long OT- Michigan. Just got a feeling about this one.
St. Louis Ewes- Rumors were swirling today (imagine rumors during draft week) that New Orleans wants this pick and is willing to trade a second rounder and their starting LOT. I think the Ewes take that trade and move into the 10th spot. America's team from 06 then selects homeboy DT Glen Dorsey from LSU, an hour away from the stadium in Baton Rouge.
Atlanta Pigeons- For you Pigeon fans reading, please be nice to the parking attendants this season. The gentleman wearing the orange vest and guiding you to your spot might just be Rich McKay. Hopefully this will be his last position in "football operations" for a team.
There is no signal caller in the ATL and they make the call for the big guy, Matt Ryan from BC.
Oakland (West Coast Buccaneers) Raiders- So many choices here at this spot. I'm sure Al Davis, who is Keith Richards father, hears the refrains of Time on our side in his head. This guy wants to win NOW. Davis is not buying green bananas at this point and as much as he wants McFadden from Arkansas, they have a serviceable backfield and select the son of a former all-time Raider great, Chris Long from Virginia.
Kansas City Chefs- Remember that great Snickers commercial years back where the grounds crew screws up the name of the Chiefs in the endzone, those were the days......... pre double lattes, and an entire section at the local convience store dedicated to just energy drinks, gas was only 2.00 a gallon, you could buy a cell phone which was JUST a phone.........I digress.
Since Jared Allen is now in the land of 10,000 lakes, the Chefs take Vernon Gholston, DE from THE OSU.
New York J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS- So at this point and time in the draft, how excited are you Jets fans? So many failures over the years, so many disappointments. Not this year, you select, Darren McFadden, RB Arkansas.
New England Polaroids- Perhaps I should call them the Beta Max, but that would be lost in the translation. Just to irritate me, they select, Mike Jenkins, CB, USF. I wish him great success in the NFL but not not for this team, perhaps when he becomes a free agent.
Edgar Allan Poe's favorite team from Baltimore- McNair is retired, new coach, new regime, new quarterback. Brian Brohm, Louisville
Cincinnati "work release" Bengals- This is a team filled with demons and will be selecting in the top ten again next season. You'd think the coach could tell the players that they are supposed to hit people on the football field, not off the field. Two years ago, I thought this team was going to be knocking on the door of the Super Bowl this past season, today, I think the Lions will get to the Super Bowl before this franchise. They select, Derrick Harvey, DE, from U of F. Just a quick aside here. Do you know how you can find the University of Florida while in Tampa? Take I-75 north and then simply follow the smell.
St Louis Ewes (from a trade with NO) They execute a trade with Nawlins, pick up some picks and still get a quality D-lineman for alot less signing bonus money. Sedrick Ellis, USC.
Toronto Bills- Yes, this is the first NFL team to move to Canada, perhaps the Wilson family is now looking at the currency exchange rate and what was once the Canadian Peso, has quickly become the US Peso. A few games played over there now and then, but given unemployment, it won't take long, perhaps 3 years, and the Bills will be calling Toronto home for good. The NFL is morphing into the NHL. The Toronto Argonauts....errrrr Bills select, Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State.
Denver (why is our airport in another state) Broncos- With the price of food skyrocketing for staples such as rice and wheat, they choose to upgrade the O-Line and go local with OT Ryan Clady from Boise St. Rumor has it he has an in with some potato people which will lower the food costs during training camp and pregame meals.
Carolina Kittycats- Outside of the New England Polaroids, I despise this team. I was happy to see them lose many players from the defensive line this season, and now that Julius Peppers had a mortal season and all his buddies are gone, just how fearsome are they going to be next year?
Defensive needs are a concern, the Pussys take, Keith Rivers, LB USC
Chicago- Safe pick, they select, OT Branden Albert-Virginia who's stock is rising up the boards.
Detroit (I'll take another wide receiver in the first round Alex) Lions- What an enigma this team is. For all of those who wonder why Matt Millen still has a job, ask your self, why did Wayne Fontes keep his job as long as he did? Ah well, Wayne benefited from Barry Sanders, but come on now what's he doing these days? Running a booth in a flea market outside of Beverly Hills Michigan? The Lions will select Mario Manningham WR Michigan. JUST KIDDING, they will select Jonathan Stewart RB Oregon.
As for the beloved Buccos- again there is all sorts of speculation out there in the past few days about teams wanting to trade up into the area where the Bucs are slated to pick in the first round. Miami is one team which has multiple picks and could offer the Bucs a chance for 3 picks in the second round, or perhaps an additional second and third round pick. Since the Bucs only have 5 picks in this years draft, I'm sure that they are entertaining offers.
Then again, another rumor which surfaced is the Bucs are thinking about a trade with the Philadelphia Buzzards for CB Lito Sheppard for the Bucs second round pick and Michael Clayton.
If that happens you give up a high pick for an injury prone player who is only 26 in Sheppard, but Clayton has been just as injury prone as well. In my eyes it's a wash on the players and the loss of a 2nd round pick.
If the Bucs don't trade down in the first round, I feel they will select one of the following three players. Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson-could bookend with Adams nicely. CB Brandon Flowers, or OT Sam Baker from USC.
I do feel as I look back on the Bruce Allen/Jon Gruden regime here, there will be surprises in store this coming weekend for Bucs fans and there will be a few chances to say, WHO did they pick?
Needless to say, I wont be headed to the Big Apple next year to announce anyones draft choice, but lets just see on Monday how my picks went, then we can grade out the draft. Or not.
No doubt, this draft will be just like each of the last several decades of drafts. There will be quality players free fall, there will be surprise picks, there will be a late round or undrafted free agent who makes a big splash in the league next season. And, when the dust settles, the so called draft experts will rationalize each and every expected and unexpected move. Then, on Monday April 28th, the media sources will report to us fans, the draft grades of each individual teams.
How astonishing. Players which haven't been signed yet, survived training camp without injury or played a down in the NFL yet, but the media is going to hand out grades for teams on the players they chose this weekend. The NFL has really done such a marketing job with this event, it's unreal. They have a contest on their homepage and if you win, you get to go to the draft next year and announce a pick in like the 6th round. OOOOOOOOOOhhhhhh, I better be all over this contest. Lets see, fly to New York, announce the name of some shlep who will most likely be cut after training camp, post a video of me announcing his name while at the podium on YouTube for 2 million people to view, hey, I'm famous, I announced John Sampson from Northern Eastern South Kentucky Community Colleges' name on tv, albeit 312 folks were watching.
So, no, I won't be entering the contest, but here are my final 15 picks, one of them is a lock. (I've got an inside source)
Miami Mullets- Jake Long OT- Michigan. Just got a feeling about this one.
St. Louis Ewes- Rumors were swirling today (imagine rumors during draft week) that New Orleans wants this pick and is willing to trade a second rounder and their starting LOT. I think the Ewes take that trade and move into the 10th spot. America's team from 06 then selects homeboy DT Glen Dorsey from LSU, an hour away from the stadium in Baton Rouge.
Atlanta Pigeons- For you Pigeon fans reading, please be nice to the parking attendants this season. The gentleman wearing the orange vest and guiding you to your spot might just be Rich McKay. Hopefully this will be his last position in "football operations" for a team.
There is no signal caller in the ATL and they make the call for the big guy, Matt Ryan from BC.
Oakland (West Coast Buccaneers) Raiders- So many choices here at this spot. I'm sure Al Davis, who is Keith Richards father, hears the refrains of Time on our side in his head. This guy wants to win NOW. Davis is not buying green bananas at this point and as much as he wants McFadden from Arkansas, they have a serviceable backfield and select the son of a former all-time Raider great, Chris Long from Virginia.
Kansas City Chefs- Remember that great Snickers commercial years back where the grounds crew screws up the name of the Chiefs in the endzone, those were the days......... pre double lattes, and an entire section at the local convience store dedicated to just energy drinks, gas was only 2.00 a gallon, you could buy a cell phone which was JUST a phone.........I digress.
Since Jared Allen is now in the land of 10,000 lakes, the Chefs take Vernon Gholston, DE from THE OSU.
New York J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS- So at this point and time in the draft, how excited are you Jets fans? So many failures over the years, so many disappointments. Not this year, you select, Darren McFadden, RB Arkansas.
New England Polaroids- Perhaps I should call them the Beta Max, but that would be lost in the translation. Just to irritate me, they select, Mike Jenkins, CB, USF. I wish him great success in the NFL but not not for this team, perhaps when he becomes a free agent.
Edgar Allan Poe's favorite team from Baltimore- McNair is retired, new coach, new regime, new quarterback. Brian Brohm, Louisville
Cincinnati "work release" Bengals- This is a team filled with demons and will be selecting in the top ten again next season. You'd think the coach could tell the players that they are supposed to hit people on the football field, not off the field. Two years ago, I thought this team was going to be knocking on the door of the Super Bowl this past season, today, I think the Lions will get to the Super Bowl before this franchise. They select, Derrick Harvey, DE, from U of F. Just a quick aside here. Do you know how you can find the University of Florida while in Tampa? Take I-75 north and then simply follow the smell.
St Louis Ewes (from a trade with NO) They execute a trade with Nawlins, pick up some picks and still get a quality D-lineman for alot less signing bonus money. Sedrick Ellis, USC.
Toronto Bills- Yes, this is the first NFL team to move to Canada, perhaps the Wilson family is now looking at the currency exchange rate and what was once the Canadian Peso, has quickly become the US Peso. A few games played over there now and then, but given unemployment, it won't take long, perhaps 3 years, and the Bills will be calling Toronto home for good. The NFL is morphing into the NHL. The Toronto Argonauts....errrrr Bills select, Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State.
Denver (why is our airport in another state) Broncos- With the price of food skyrocketing for staples such as rice and wheat, they choose to upgrade the O-Line and go local with OT Ryan Clady from Boise St. Rumor has it he has an in with some potato people which will lower the food costs during training camp and pregame meals.
Carolina Kittycats- Outside of the New England Polaroids, I despise this team. I was happy to see them lose many players from the defensive line this season, and now that Julius Peppers had a mortal season and all his buddies are gone, just how fearsome are they going to be next year?
Defensive needs are a concern, the Pussys take, Keith Rivers, LB USC
Chicago- Safe pick, they select, OT Branden Albert-Virginia who's stock is rising up the boards.
Detroit (I'll take another wide receiver in the first round Alex) Lions- What an enigma this team is. For all of those who wonder why Matt Millen still has a job, ask your self, why did Wayne Fontes keep his job as long as he did? Ah well, Wayne benefited from Barry Sanders, but come on now what's he doing these days? Running a booth in a flea market outside of Beverly Hills Michigan? The Lions will select Mario Manningham WR Michigan. JUST KIDDING, they will select Jonathan Stewart RB Oregon.
As for the beloved Buccos- again there is all sorts of speculation out there in the past few days about teams wanting to trade up into the area where the Bucs are slated to pick in the first round. Miami is one team which has multiple picks and could offer the Bucs a chance for 3 picks in the second round, or perhaps an additional second and third round pick. Since the Bucs only have 5 picks in this years draft, I'm sure that they are entertaining offers.
Then again, another rumor which surfaced is the Bucs are thinking about a trade with the Philadelphia Buzzards for CB Lito Sheppard for the Bucs second round pick and Michael Clayton.
If that happens you give up a high pick for an injury prone player who is only 26 in Sheppard, but Clayton has been just as injury prone as well. In my eyes it's a wash on the players and the loss of a 2nd round pick.
If the Bucs don't trade down in the first round, I feel they will select one of the following three players. Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson-could bookend with Adams nicely. CB Brandon Flowers, or OT Sam Baker from USC.
I do feel as I look back on the Bruce Allen/Jon Gruden regime here, there will be surprises in store this coming weekend for Bucs fans and there will be a few chances to say, WHO did they pick?
Needless to say, I wont be headed to the Big Apple next year to announce anyones draft choice, but lets just see on Monday how my picks went, then we can grade out the draft. Or not.
Monday, April 21, 2008
I Love You
Tuesday morning, at 9 am, I have to deliver my 14 year old baby to the vets office so that she can be put to rest after battling cancer. This is the most difficult thing I've ever done in my life and after watching her behavior over this past weekend, and then again today, I never wanted Orph to suffer any pain. Over the weekend, her tumor opened up and she had some massive bleeding and then she became lethargic. X-rays a month ago showed she was starting to get a fluid build up in her lungs and over the weekend, her breathing became raspy and shallow.Orphie isn't the cat she was 3 weeks ago, leaping around, wanting affection, leaping from window to window. She's now, today, she's become a sedentary cat, who is irritated by the ear scratches she used to love so much.
Orph, I've told you this, but I want to say it again. You were rescued out of Pete's mothers car and found a home with me. You meant so much to me in a period which was so dark for me, especially after Peter died so suddenly. You were my best friend, loving without boundary's, regardless of how my day went, there you were at my front door. How many Sundays did we sit on the couch and watch football? And, no, you didn't like nachos, only the cheese. And the sundays when the fox football doubleheaders were over and the X-Files came on.
How many days did Mom stop by and feed you when I was out fishing, or when I was out of town the past few years. Mom says she isn't a cat person, but Orph, you grew on her. She loves you very much.
Karen, Mom and I are going to miss you so very much. I hope that I brought as much joy to your time here as you brought to mine. I'm crying as I type this, but you and I both know it's time to end the pain which started in the past few days.
The trip to the vets in the morning is not going to be easy for any of us. After 14 years, it's tough to say goodbye. Hopefully, you can stay with us through spirit, because you'll never be forgotten Orph. I love you Orph.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
New York Times, losing money.......
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/17/business/media/17cnd-times.html?ei=5065&en=27ae5edad023fa83&ex=1209096000&partner=MYWAY&pagewanted=print
Above is the link to the story. Just reinforces what I've said earlier, people are going to other places for their news, and as the newspapers jack up advertising prices, businesses and classified ads go online to free sites. I really feel sorry for the Times, a benchmark of journalistic integrity, always reporting stories without any bias. Yeah. Perhaps it's time to report the news without the bias slant. Maybe the St Pete Times could take a hint as well.
Above is the link to the story. Just reinforces what I've said earlier, people are going to other places for their news, and as the newspapers jack up advertising prices, businesses and classified ads go online to free sites. I really feel sorry for the Times, a benchmark of journalistic integrity, always reporting stories without any bias. Yeah. Perhaps it's time to report the news without the bias slant. Maybe the St Pete Times could take a hint as well.
Print media wonders why they suffer?
Good God Almighty, when I saw this cover of Time magazine on the internet tonight, my blood pressure went up about 100 points, minimum. What a pillar of journalistic integrity Time magazine is. Wasn't Hitler voted man of the year in 1938?
I find this cover the most offensive thing I've ever seen from Time. Every member of my family has served in the military, my great great grandfather won the Congressional Medal of Honor, TWICE during the Civil War, and for a rag like Time, which no one subscribes to anymore to desecrate a national image in this fashion is disgusting. What's next, a tree planting at ground zero in New York? No, we can't do that because that's where the elitist intelligencia are residing, and they always know better than us lay folks.
Editor Richard Stengal mentions in reports online that America should prepare for Global warming in the same fashion they prepared for World War II.
I'm sorry Dick, we didn't prepare for World War II, we were suddenly and deliberately attacked by Japanese forces at Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941. Your ultra liberal friends are wanting to further this "Global Warming Crisis" on the masses by disrespecting hundreds of thousands of Americans which sacrificed their lives on the field of battle during World War II preserving your right to free speech, if you want to hug a tree, I suggest you not photoshop an iconic image, rather head out of your compfy combines in liberalland and head up to Vermont, you can have your picture on the cover hugging as many conifers as you'd like.
Craigslist, a reflection of America today?
The Internet is a double edged sword. In it's creation, (just ask Algore who created it) it was filled with promise of bringing the Library of Congress into your home, global communication, education possibilities, expanding the work at home job market, and would revolutionize how we did business as a Nation.
Well, it's done some of those things, but the internet has become an extension of the reality driven tv shows on virtually every network these days, or perhaps, the tv shows are a result of the internet. Everyone these days is seemingly connected to high speed mass media in some form or another. Each and every local tv news channel has some sort of portal so you can take a picture on your phone and send in images of the latest disaster in your area, car wreck, brush fire, robbery, whatever. Viewers now have become vidoeographers, without being on the staff payroll. But hey, in this age of Americian Idol, MySpace and Youtube, you never know when you might get your 15 minutes of fame. You might beat up a fellow cheerleader and then come have Dr. Phil come bail you out of jail just to put you on his show. Such celebrity.
In the internet's infancy, people were wondering how they could make money by putting up a website. These days, people put up a website in order to make money. Nationally, newspaper subscriptions and readerships are down, that forces the papers to increase advertising rates, and, Shazam!, the creation of a globally free site called Craigslist. Now, Craigslist is a wonderful concept, but just as all other meeting portals on the internet exist, this location seems to be a cyber squatting location of folks who are ready to post false messages, (see the story about the gentleman in Oregon) or those ready to pounce right out of the gate as soon as you post something for sale. This day and age, given the current economy, lots of folks are lurking on a computer somewhere, wanting to see what you are selling.
This past week, I posted a few items there for sale, and as usual, within minutes I had several responses. It was the usual response, I'll take the free items, I'll be right there, never to show up. The items I posted for sale, everyone wanted to know my address, and they'd be right over etc. Needless to say, after all the items were posted, 20 plus responses, I only finally communicated with one person who picked up a desk for her son for free who was a single mom.
While everyone is consumed about identity theft these days, these postings on craigslist, if you are selling things from your home, pose a greater danger in my opinion to your personal safety.
As the economy suffers, as gas prices skyrocket, as unemployment continues to increase, people will become desperate. Bank robberies are up, drug store robberies are up, strong armed robberies are up, people stealing gasoline is way up.
In this world which we live in these days, the "Americian Idol" attitude, if I can just make it to the national stage for 2 minutes, I'll make money somewhere, from some media source, someone will want to interview me, my name will be in play, it doesn't matter what repulsive thing I've done, America will pay me for the story, prevails. These behaviors are in your local community. Might be a local priest, minister, Pasteur, school teacher. A local sports coach, or a local athlete, and things have just gotten out of control as to saying, everything they did was a result of something else, they had no control, etc.
No one wants to take responsibility for anything anymore, everything which happens in your life is the result of someone else's fault. Slip and Fall, call 1-800 whatever, have a crash, call 1-800 whatever, are you a dog bite victim, did the door hit you on the ass as you left Albertson's grocery? If so, YOU can make a bunch of money! Just come see us!
As the dollar continues to decrease in value, oil skyrockets, housing is at a standstill, people become more desperate, and I believe the division between the ultra rich and the poor is going to become widened, and at some point, there will be the same civil unrest you see in other countries right now over food, happening in this county before the end of this calendar year.
So, for those of you selling things on Craigslist, be prepared, give only a cellphone number, no address, and if you are selling something, meet the buyer in a parking lot somewhere, out in the open, if possible, bring someone with you.
Well, it's done some of those things, but the internet has become an extension of the reality driven tv shows on virtually every network these days, or perhaps, the tv shows are a result of the internet. Everyone these days is seemingly connected to high speed mass media in some form or another. Each and every local tv news channel has some sort of portal so you can take a picture on your phone and send in images of the latest disaster in your area, car wreck, brush fire, robbery, whatever. Viewers now have become vidoeographers, without being on the staff payroll. But hey, in this age of Americian Idol, MySpace and Youtube, you never know when you might get your 15 minutes of fame. You might beat up a fellow cheerleader and then come have Dr. Phil come bail you out of jail just to put you on his show. Such celebrity.
In the internet's infancy, people were wondering how they could make money by putting up a website. These days, people put up a website in order to make money. Nationally, newspaper subscriptions and readerships are down, that forces the papers to increase advertising rates, and, Shazam!, the creation of a globally free site called Craigslist. Now, Craigslist is a wonderful concept, but just as all other meeting portals on the internet exist, this location seems to be a cyber squatting location of folks who are ready to post false messages, (see the story about the gentleman in Oregon) or those ready to pounce right out of the gate as soon as you post something for sale. This day and age, given the current economy, lots of folks are lurking on a computer somewhere, wanting to see what you are selling.
This past week, I posted a few items there for sale, and as usual, within minutes I had several responses. It was the usual response, I'll take the free items, I'll be right there, never to show up. The items I posted for sale, everyone wanted to know my address, and they'd be right over etc. Needless to say, after all the items were posted, 20 plus responses, I only finally communicated with one person who picked up a desk for her son for free who was a single mom.
While everyone is consumed about identity theft these days, these postings on craigslist, if you are selling things from your home, pose a greater danger in my opinion to your personal safety.
As the economy suffers, as gas prices skyrocket, as unemployment continues to increase, people will become desperate. Bank robberies are up, drug store robberies are up, strong armed robberies are up, people stealing gasoline is way up.
In this world which we live in these days, the "Americian Idol" attitude, if I can just make it to the national stage for 2 minutes, I'll make money somewhere, from some media source, someone will want to interview me, my name will be in play, it doesn't matter what repulsive thing I've done, America will pay me for the story, prevails. These behaviors are in your local community. Might be a local priest, minister, Pasteur, school teacher. A local sports coach, or a local athlete, and things have just gotten out of control as to saying, everything they did was a result of something else, they had no control, etc.
No one wants to take responsibility for anything anymore, everything which happens in your life is the result of someone else's fault. Slip and Fall, call 1-800 whatever, have a crash, call 1-800 whatever, are you a dog bite victim, did the door hit you on the ass as you left Albertson's grocery? If so, YOU can make a bunch of money! Just come see us!
As the dollar continues to decrease in value, oil skyrockets, housing is at a standstill, people become more desperate, and I believe the division between the ultra rich and the poor is going to become widened, and at some point, there will be the same civil unrest you see in other countries right now over food, happening in this county before the end of this calendar year.
So, for those of you selling things on Craigslist, be prepared, give only a cellphone number, no address, and if you are selling something, meet the buyer in a parking lot somewhere, out in the open, if possible, bring someone with you.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Prime Time BABY.........Prime Time
Since I'm from Deion Sanders' hometown, I thought I'd steal his moniker for the introduction of the 2008 Buccaneers schedule. 3 Prime time games are scheduled, after failing to play a single game on National TV during the regular season last year. The schedule is listed below.
1
Sept. 7
at New Orleans Saints
1 p.m.
2
Sept. 14
Atlanta Falcons
4:05 p.m.
3
Sept. 21
at Chicago Bears
1 p.m.
4
Sept. 28
Green Bay Packers
1 p.m.
5
Oct. 5
at Denver Broncos
4:05 p.m.
6
Oct. 12
Carolina Panthers
1 p.m.
7
Oct. 19
Seattle Seahawks
8:15 p.m.
8
Oct. 26
at Dallas Cowboys
1 p.m.
9
Nov. 2
at Kansas City Chiefs
1 p.m.
10
Nov. 9
Bye
11
Nov. 19
Minnesota Vikings
1 p.m.
12
Nov. 23
at Detroit Lions
1 p.m.
13
Nov. 30
New Orleans Saints
1 p.m.
14
Dec. 8 (Mon.)
at Carolina Panthers
8:30 p.m.
15
Dec. 14
at Atlanta Falcons
1 p.m.
16
Dec. 21
San Diego Chargers*
8:15 p.m.
17
Dec. 28
Oakland Raiders
1 p.m.
Upon first glance, I like the schedule match ups. The Bucs start their season with 2 divisional rivals. The home game on September 28th vs the Packers will showcase our home field advantage. The Packers have the frozen tundra in November and December but welcome to the 10th level of hell heat and humidity in the Florida sun Mr. Rodgers.
Seattle, a team we've now played a third time in 3 years comes to town in October, in the first of the Bucs Nationally televised games. Even though this is a night game, October nights can be very hot and humid as well and seeing that the Bucs have lost the last 2 games to Seattle, let's hope we can introduce Seattle to our 12th man.
The final 7 games of the season after the bye week, the Bucs get 4 home games, and 2 prime time games, 1 home- 1 away. Sandwiched between the Vikings, Lions, San Diego and Oakland, is a three game stretch of divisional games which will no doubt play a big roll in determining the eventual NFC South champions.
A few other observations from the schedule this year, this will be the Bucs first visit to the Broncos Invesco field. The Buccaneers last visit to Denver was in 1996. And, the Bucs have a away date scheduled in Kansas City, a place they haven't been to in 22 years.
The first cursory observation on the overall schedule, it's a general consensus that if a team wins their division or makes the playoffs, the NFL rewards those teams with a national prime time game or two. If this is the belief, why then do the Chicago Bears and Cleveland Browns each have 5 prime time games this year? Inquiring minds would like to know?
All in all, it feels great to be talking football again and getting the juices flowing. 11 more days and we have the NFL draft. Can you feel it? Football is right around the corner.
1
Sept. 7
at New Orleans Saints
1 p.m.
2
Sept. 14
Atlanta Falcons
4:05 p.m.
3
Sept. 21
at Chicago Bears
1 p.m.
4
Sept. 28
Green Bay Packers
1 p.m.
5
Oct. 5
at Denver Broncos
4:05 p.m.
6
Oct. 12
Carolina Panthers
1 p.m.
7
Oct. 19
Seattle Seahawks
8:15 p.m.
8
Oct. 26
at Dallas Cowboys
1 p.m.
9
Nov. 2
at Kansas City Chiefs
1 p.m.
10
Nov. 9
Bye
11
Nov. 19
Minnesota Vikings
1 p.m.
12
Nov. 23
at Detroit Lions
1 p.m.
13
Nov. 30
New Orleans Saints
1 p.m.
14
Dec. 8 (Mon.)
at Carolina Panthers
8:30 p.m.
15
Dec. 14
at Atlanta Falcons
1 p.m.
16
Dec. 21
San Diego Chargers*
8:15 p.m.
17
Dec. 28
Oakland Raiders
1 p.m.
Upon first glance, I like the schedule match ups. The Bucs start their season with 2 divisional rivals. The home game on September 28th vs the Packers will showcase our home field advantage. The Packers have the frozen tundra in November and December but welcome to the 10th level of hell heat and humidity in the Florida sun Mr. Rodgers.
Seattle, a team we've now played a third time in 3 years comes to town in October, in the first of the Bucs Nationally televised games. Even though this is a night game, October nights can be very hot and humid as well and seeing that the Bucs have lost the last 2 games to Seattle, let's hope we can introduce Seattle to our 12th man.
The final 7 games of the season after the bye week, the Bucs get 4 home games, and 2 prime time games, 1 home- 1 away. Sandwiched between the Vikings, Lions, San Diego and Oakland, is a three game stretch of divisional games which will no doubt play a big roll in determining the eventual NFC South champions.
A few other observations from the schedule this year, this will be the Bucs first visit to the Broncos Invesco field. The Buccaneers last visit to Denver was in 1996. And, the Bucs have a away date scheduled in Kansas City, a place they haven't been to in 22 years.
The first cursory observation on the overall schedule, it's a general consensus that if a team wins their division or makes the playoffs, the NFL rewards those teams with a national prime time game or two. If this is the belief, why then do the Chicago Bears and Cleveland Browns each have 5 prime time games this year? Inquiring minds would like to know?
All in all, it feels great to be talking football again and getting the juices flowing. 11 more days and we have the NFL draft. Can you feel it? Football is right around the corner.
NFL schedule released today
Today is the first step towards the realization that we just might make it through until the start of football season in September. Although as fans, we already know the home and away games our favorite teams will be playing, the only thing missing are the dates.
Bucs fans will be watching to see just when we venture to Denver, Chicago and Kansas City. Will there be a prime time game? Will there be a repeat of the 11 days of hell two seasons ago when the Bucs played 3 games in 11 days over Thanksgiving, 2 of them on the road. And most importantly, when is the bye week?
And just how big has the NFL become? Not only does the NFL have it's own network, but they are rolling out a 2 hour schedule release show. A two hour show? Every other sport simply puts up the schedule, and there it is. Any true die hard football fan is eagerly awaiting the schedule today and I'm sure the NFL network is going to trickle out the schedule in dribs and drabs analyzing each weeks games. Looking at potential match ups and trying to deduce a possible outcome at this point is fruitless. But I admit, it's more interesting to speculate on those games than watching the NBA playoffs. More to come.
Bucs fans will be watching to see just when we venture to Denver, Chicago and Kansas City. Will there be a prime time game? Will there be a repeat of the 11 days of hell two seasons ago when the Bucs played 3 games in 11 days over Thanksgiving, 2 of them on the road. And most importantly, when is the bye week?
And just how big has the NFL become? Not only does the NFL have it's own network, but they are rolling out a 2 hour schedule release show. A two hour show? Every other sport simply puts up the schedule, and there it is. Any true die hard football fan is eagerly awaiting the schedule today and I'm sure the NFL network is going to trickle out the schedule in dribs and drabs analyzing each weeks games. Looking at potential match ups and trying to deduce a possible outcome at this point is fruitless. But I admit, it's more interesting to speculate on those games than watching the NBA playoffs. More to come.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Graham V. Gore
GRAHAM WANTS GORE MONEY
Posted by Mike Florio on April 9, 2008, 4:32 p.m.
With Bucs running back Earnest Graham skipping the first two days of the team’s voluntary offseason workouts, a league source tells us that Graham has gone missing because he wants a new contract.Per the source, Graham wants to be paid on par with 49ers tailback Frank Gore. We’re told that the Buccaneers don’t plan to comply.Graham, by the way, is represented by Drew Rosenhaus, who also represents Gore. In March 2007, Gore signed an extension through 2011, with a five-year contract value at $28 million.The former backup has spent four years in Tampa. He emerged as the go-to back after injuries to Cadillac Williams and Michael Pittman, rusing for 898 yards and ten touchdowns, and starting ten games.Williams is rehabbing a torn patellar tendon amid rumors that he’ll never play again. Pittman is a free agent, and unsigned. The Bucs also have Michael Bennett, Warrick Dunn, and Kenneth Darby under contract.
This story circulated around the past few days, and the St. Pete Times lapped right up on it, being the Bruce Allen and Jon Gruden haters they are. Looking to stir up another Simeon Rice, Keenan McCardell controversy, they hit their blog site ramping up the controversy.
Sure, as a longtime Bucs fan, it's easy to feel tentative here. Another former Florida Gator star, makes waves running the football for the Bucs, and is represented by Drew Rosenpimp, er... Rosenhaus. Similar running backs, similar sizes, running styles, now potential holdout threats. I admit, upon reading this, I was brought right back to Errict Rhett and his situation, which ultimately cost him an NFL career on behalf of his loving agent.
Returning home tonight, I was watching the NFL Network, (thank you Dish TV) and Graham has missed the first OTA for the Bucs because of family issues. Leave it to the National media to get to be bottom of the story instead of the slanted coverage of the Bucs by Florida's Best Newspaper, the Slant Pete Times, (cough, cough, gag, cough)
The possibility of a holdout though, does bring up some interesting issues for the upcoming draft, and perhaps sheds some light on why Warrick Dunn was resigned. I believe Carnell Williams' career in the NFL is over. With Graham a possible holdout, Bennett was resigned almost right after the Super Bowl ( a personal reccomendation by yours truely) Dunn was signed in free agency to come back home, Pittman could still resign as he's not getting alot of interest from other teams, Shawn Alexander from Seattle is supposedly going to released from Seattle and will garner some interest. And, this years draft looks really deep at wide receiver and running back.
Graham and also Jeff Garcia have voiced some concerns about getting a deal re-done before the start of the season. Right now, the front office has got to be focused on the draft, and I'm sure, these two players which contributed greatly to the division title last year, will be rewarded. Need I remind anyone, IT"S APRIL!
So the beat writers from the Times are trying to stir the pot with the anti Gruden/Allen mindset they always have. Look at the past few weeks with the slants on the stories about Simms, Garcia and now Graham, remember the newspaper motto, if it bleeds, it leads. Newspaper readership is way down and advertising revenue is even lower, they are desperate my friends.
When the Bucs line up on opening day, Garcia will be taking the snaps and Earnest Graham will be in the mix running the ball. Garcia is a gamer and Graham did not endure everything he's gone through in his life to throw it all away like Rhett. They are both Bucs and will be ready to go to war of the field of battle next season. Fire the Cannons!!!!!!!!
Posted by Mike Florio on April 9, 2008, 4:32 p.m.
With Bucs running back Earnest Graham skipping the first two days of the team’s voluntary offseason workouts, a league source tells us that Graham has gone missing because he wants a new contract.Per the source, Graham wants to be paid on par with 49ers tailback Frank Gore. We’re told that the Buccaneers don’t plan to comply.Graham, by the way, is represented by Drew Rosenhaus, who also represents Gore. In March 2007, Gore signed an extension through 2011, with a five-year contract value at $28 million.The former backup has spent four years in Tampa. He emerged as the go-to back after injuries to Cadillac Williams and Michael Pittman, rusing for 898 yards and ten touchdowns, and starting ten games.Williams is rehabbing a torn patellar tendon amid rumors that he’ll never play again. Pittman is a free agent, and unsigned. The Bucs also have Michael Bennett, Warrick Dunn, and Kenneth Darby under contract.
This story circulated around the past few days, and the St. Pete Times lapped right up on it, being the Bruce Allen and Jon Gruden haters they are. Looking to stir up another Simeon Rice, Keenan McCardell controversy, they hit their blog site ramping up the controversy.
Sure, as a longtime Bucs fan, it's easy to feel tentative here. Another former Florida Gator star, makes waves running the football for the Bucs, and is represented by Drew Rosenpimp, er... Rosenhaus. Similar running backs, similar sizes, running styles, now potential holdout threats. I admit, upon reading this, I was brought right back to Errict Rhett and his situation, which ultimately cost him an NFL career on behalf of his loving agent.
Returning home tonight, I was watching the NFL Network, (thank you Dish TV) and Graham has missed the first OTA for the Bucs because of family issues. Leave it to the National media to get to be bottom of the story instead of the slanted coverage of the Bucs by Florida's Best Newspaper, the Slant Pete Times, (cough, cough, gag, cough)
The possibility of a holdout though, does bring up some interesting issues for the upcoming draft, and perhaps sheds some light on why Warrick Dunn was resigned. I believe Carnell Williams' career in the NFL is over. With Graham a possible holdout, Bennett was resigned almost right after the Super Bowl ( a personal reccomendation by yours truely) Dunn was signed in free agency to come back home, Pittman could still resign as he's not getting alot of interest from other teams, Shawn Alexander from Seattle is supposedly going to released from Seattle and will garner some interest. And, this years draft looks really deep at wide receiver and running back.
Graham and also Jeff Garcia have voiced some concerns about getting a deal re-done before the start of the season. Right now, the front office has got to be focused on the draft, and I'm sure, these two players which contributed greatly to the division title last year, will be rewarded. Need I remind anyone, IT"S APRIL!
So the beat writers from the Times are trying to stir the pot with the anti Gruden/Allen mindset they always have. Look at the past few weeks with the slants on the stories about Simms, Garcia and now Graham, remember the newspaper motto, if it bleeds, it leads. Newspaper readership is way down and advertising revenue is even lower, they are desperate my friends.
When the Bucs line up on opening day, Garcia will be taking the snaps and Earnest Graham will be in the mix running the ball. Garcia is a gamer and Graham did not endure everything he's gone through in his life to throw it all away like Rhett. They are both Bucs and will be ready to go to war of the field of battle next season. Fire the Cannons!!!!!!!!
r writng skils doa?
I buy and sell quite a few things online through e-bay, craigslist and other sites. It boggles my mind to read some of the responses from prospective buyers of items. Craigslist is a virtual cesspool of vermin which is made up of folks who obviously have nothing better to do than to respond to all listings and torment those who are trying to sell legitimate items.
What really is most surprising to me, is the lack of writing skills by even those folks who are legitimate prospective buyers. No doubt internet chat rooms, and sites such as Craigslist, Youtube, MySpace and others are dominated by teenagers and young adults. Those of us in our 30's, 40's and 50's, should be very concerned that the English language and all writing skills seemed to have left the building with our youth, generally around the time of the introduction of the child's first cellphone with text message capability.
The art of skillful communication is slipping away from our population, little by little. The artful prose of writers gone by is escaping. Speeches by our Founding Fathers will soon not be understood by the next generation because they can't be downloaded from ITunes or put to music on YouTube.
The children today who are incapable of writing complete proper English sentences, are more concerned about voting for American Idol and beating up fellow students or teachers and posting the videos on MySpace and YouTube, will be the same generation in charge of society by about the time I am going to retire. And quite frankly, that, scares the absolute hell out of me.
Lets throw out a couple hundred more million taxpayer dollars for education, after all it's underfunded. My ass, how about personal and parental responsibility. Come on America, you were obviously personally involved in the conception of your children, how about taking care of them now? A guest appearance on the Springer show does not make you a celebrity.
I pity the poor souls who have chosen teaching for their occupation these days, especially those teach English. I love posting ads for something for sale, with a full and complete description of the item, location and price. Then read my email the following morning to see a response to my advertisement, 'how much u axin for this?' , r u sure on $, 2much2ax, and so forth.
The dollars crashing, fuel and food costs are out of sight, but the biggest concern we have should be our future generations, and frankly, that's the scariest outlook of all.
What really is most surprising to me, is the lack of writing skills by even those folks who are legitimate prospective buyers. No doubt internet chat rooms, and sites such as Craigslist, Youtube, MySpace and others are dominated by teenagers and young adults. Those of us in our 30's, 40's and 50's, should be very concerned that the English language and all writing skills seemed to have left the building with our youth, generally around the time of the introduction of the child's first cellphone with text message capability.
The art of skillful communication is slipping away from our population, little by little. The artful prose of writers gone by is escaping. Speeches by our Founding Fathers will soon not be understood by the next generation because they can't be downloaded from ITunes or put to music on YouTube.
The children today who are incapable of writing complete proper English sentences, are more concerned about voting for American Idol and beating up fellow students or teachers and posting the videos on MySpace and YouTube, will be the same generation in charge of society by about the time I am going to retire. And quite frankly, that, scares the absolute hell out of me.
Lets throw out a couple hundred more million taxpayer dollars for education, after all it's underfunded. My ass, how about personal and parental responsibility. Come on America, you were obviously personally involved in the conception of your children, how about taking care of them now? A guest appearance on the Springer show does not make you a celebrity.
I pity the poor souls who have chosen teaching for their occupation these days, especially those teach English. I love posting ads for something for sale, with a full and complete description of the item, location and price. Then read my email the following morning to see a response to my advertisement, 'how much u axin for this?' , r u sure on $, 2much2ax, and so forth.
The dollars crashing, fuel and food costs are out of sight, but the biggest concern we have should be our future generations, and frankly, that's the scariest outlook of all.
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