Chargers lead a division of losers

As of this posting, my Chargers are fresh off an undeserved win over the Colts. I still say they only won because I picked them to lose in the office pool. If it weren't for spectacular Sproles returning both a kickoff and a punt for touchdowns, the Bolts would have had no chance at all. Even with those gifts, they still had to get a missed chipshot field goal attempt at the end. Sheesh! Rivers is aweful and the running game isn't what I expect. LT can't run if there's no hole. He's good, but who's that good?

Since the Denver Donkeys beat the Chiefs at Arrowhead, the Chargers are in first. Big deal. Denver stinks and they ruined KC. Oakland is deserving the basement. None of them are going anywhere in the playoffs. Let me state what's obvious to any NFL fan. The Patriots are going to take it all. They're just too good.

It's almost that time of year!

Time to turn thoughts to another football season. May my Chargers go all the way this time. They certainly have the talent. I know there are many Denver Donkey fans out there who'd like to spoil things, but be prepared to get swept away. I think my boys have an excellent chance to win it all as long as Ladanian Tomlinson (quick prayer) stays healthy. The Chiefs are a minor threat and the Raiders seem to be a broken unit. I think the Colts are San Diego's biggest obstacle. Tom Brady & Co. are a concern as well.

Let's hear it for your team. Who's your money on? Who will improve the most? Who will be a disapointment?

The real inconvenient truth

Go to Craig's place and see this post by Gman on global warming:

http://www.mtpolitics.net/archives/5508-The-REAL-Inconvenient-Truth.html

Many of us agree the Earth is getting warmer. Some of us think it is a more natural thing than man made. The sun has a lot of input to this 'problem'. This piece also shows that a warmer planet causes higher CO2 levels- not the other way around. It's a long piece (presented by ACTUAL SCIENTISTS) but worth seeing if you really want to know what's going on. I'll warn you liberals that there are some 'inconvenient' facts included which will challenge your beliefs if you're honest with yourself.

Is Civility Dead?

I find the level of civility in discourse about politics to be falling into the gutter lately. It seems many are quite willing to belittle people who disagree with them and call them names. Both sides are quite willing to overlook facts if they are inconvenient and go for the throat of their political opponent. I'll not claim to be free of guilt on this point, but I try to avoid it and show at least a bit of respect for my opponent. My grandfather always told me to try to "be the better man" in an arguement. I try to remember that. Even if your opponent seems to deserve little respect, you'll feel better about yourself if you refrain from acting childish.
I'm not referring to any single person on this point. We need to debate positions and show each other courtesy. I find this lack of respect in a lot of places. Rush Limbaugh often disrespects people. He loses me when he stoops to that level. He's certainly not alone in doing this. Visit daily Kos and you'll find plenty there too. It alienates some and convinces few on the author's point. Unfortunately, it seems to be everywhere. It might help to admit when your debate opponent is right on some things instead of blindly ignoring their point while pursuing ideological superiority. That will lose you respect as well.
We have plenty of problems and concerns in our world today. Working toward coming together somewhere in the middle seems to be a better idea than the polarization that is happening now. Neither the "left" or "right" has all the answers. Most of us really aren't that extreme anyway. I agree with liberals on some points and conservatives on some others. It just seems counterproductive to fight each other so hard. We need each other if we are to do what needs to be done. Our nation would be better served if blatant partisanship died.

Missed Vacation!

Since I'm starting the new job with Century gaming, I felt I had to forego the planned family vacation to Puerto Vallarta and the five star Barcelo La Jolla hotel. My wife and son will enjoy the trip along with my sister-in-law. This place looks like a fabulous getaway. Too bad I have to miss it! I guess having the house to myself for a week will have to suffice. That will be nice in its own way. Maybe I can get a few rounds of golf in. Unfortunately, no local course will be as nice as the ones down there!

A wild couple of weeks for me!

Just last week I was informed that my employer, Fleetwood gaming's routes were going to be sold to Century gaming- its chief competitor. That meant my job was virtually eliminated after 15 years of service. Imagine my trepidation at what the future held for me. I was quite nervous and wondered at what a 46 year old man would do to pay the bills and support my family. While Fleetwood would continue as a gaming manufacturer, they would have no use for an account representative like me. My gut was being eaten full of holes!

This week I met with the nice folks at Century and they basically hired me on the spot. Not only would I get a job, but I would get paid at the same rate I had been used to and keep my seniority, vacation time, insurance and 401k. This was partly due to my former employer's input in actually giving a damn about his former employees. While I was sad to lose my position at Fleetwood, I am happy to give thanks to Jon Dehler and Fleetwood for going to bat for their people.

I have heard some say less than nice things about Jon when he donated money for Cobb field reconstruction. Some said he did it for publicity and naming rights only. I know he did it because he loves baseball and our fine community.

Thanks for a great job over the last 15 years Jon. May you continue to have success in the future. You were a great guy to work for. Thanks also to Steve and the gang at Century for giving me a shot. You won't be sorry.

I'm considering siding my house-

Any of you out there have a point of view on siding? Steel or vinyl? Is it expensive? If you recently did your house, may I ask what it ended up costing you? Just picking brains. I know many of you have good ones. Give me some input.

Weather finally turns to spring?

We finally had some decent temperatures here in Billings today. Damn am I tired of the gray, wet and cold! I guess it will be yard work time soon. I have done some spring clean up, but mowing will soon follow. I get to pawn that off on my 14 year old boy though. He should have an easy time of it since we bought a new self-propelled Craftsman today. We looked at Toros, but they have plastic gears these days. Did you know that? The Honda looks nice, but for $700 it should!

I've been guilty of not posting much lately. Nothing exciting to talk about. I'm tired of Anna Nicloe and Don Imus (Don Imuschmuck?) I see Rosie is still an ignorant bitch though. She suggests Bush blew up WTC7. Imus is stupid, but Rosie takes the cake!

Super Bowl should be good

Yea- My Chargers let me down. They dropped way too many balls to beat the Pats. That stunk, but I'm hopeful for better next year.

As for the big game- I'd put my money on the Colts but don't look for a big bet. It should be a fine matchup of a VERY capable offense vs. probably the best defense (sorry Raven fans) in the league. I'm going to lean toward Manning leading the Colts more steadily than Rex Grossman does the Bears. My wife will disagree as she is a long time Bears fan. Don't take my advice though. My pre-playoff picks for the Super bowl were San Diego and Philly. Shows you what I know. I'll say 34-27 Colts.

What's your pick?