A Week of Boredom

It's utterly ridiculous. As much as I complain about my job as teacher, I'm almost starting to miss it to get back to work just so that I've got something to do.

The Christmas holiday itself was fair, or it was just as typical as it seems. Extended family, food, BEER ... same old, same old. The highlight was when my brother Dan brought his new girlfriend to the family Christmas gathering and she tried lutefisk for the first time. I had warned her that it was basically "fish Jell-o," but she was willing to give it a shot. After the first bite, it didn't go!

Then, my aunt out of nowhere asks me, "So, have you seen Kate lately?" Seriously, I would have loved to go one holiday weekend without one of my family members to bring her up. As the reply was, no, I hadn't seen her, but my thoughts return to what was, a place where I really couldn't care less about.

I even had a student ask me a few weeks ago about how it was going to be without my wife there during a holiday. The question itself was inapproipate and too personal to ask, but to come to think about, I hadn't thought about it all that much. I wasn't sure how to take it, since the past 5 years I had attended a holiday with Kate at my side.

But looking back on last weekend, it was normal. I really didn't think much about it. Before my aunt brought up the fact, Katie was the last thing on my mind. I've taken being a bachelor once again in stride, and so far, I've found out that it's got more benefits than pitfalls.

I talked to my ex-brother-in-law tonight through Windows Live! Messenger and he told me that it wasn't the same without me around at his grandmother's house for Christmas. How was I to respond? It was an awkward situation, since I was really close with Kate's brothers and her cousins. It know it's been tough on them, but I don't want to seem like an asshole -- I've actually moved on.

With that said, my week from work has been an extremely boring one. I returned back home on Christmas Day, and in the meanwhile, I've been doing a whole lot of nothing. I've been watching my James Bond DVD's (a Christmas gift), uploading my new iPod (yet another gift), and just playing some PS2. I'm anxoiusly awaiting for the big fight tomorrow night -- UFC 67, Liddell vs. Ortiz. It'll be good to see the old friends back in a social situation -- and who knows what will go down on Sunday night for the New Year's party. Last year, I was sick and drank too much (ended up ralphin' for a couple of hours -- worst ever) and this year, I'll probably take a different approach.

Fantasy Football Update -- Championship Runs

Un-fuckin'-believable.

In both of the fantasy leagues that I am participating in, I've made it to the championship game -- and all this in leagues that are formed from 12 teams.

It's simply unheard of. After the loss of Donovan McNabb, I thought all was lost. I was merely squeaking by, with the help of rookie running back Maurice Drew-Jones.

Week 16 marked the championship game in the South Dakota Fantasy League, as little ol' me, the #6 seed, worked myself through to the final game against the #1 seed (who I had defeated back in Week 3).

Things looked good early on until the Monday games, when I still had three players left to play and he still had his kicker on his roster. It looked like I had it all sewn up, but with lackluster performances from Terry Glenn and Sammy Morris, I fell short by 3 POINTS. If I could have only started Ronnie Brown or Bernard Berrian, the victory and the championship would have been mine for the second straight year. But overall, I surprised myself and the rest of the league that I had made it that far in the first place -- and settling for $100 for second place isn't nothing to complain about!

In the Minnesota League, I upset the #1 seed in the semi-finals, thanks once again to Jones-Drew and his 35-point performance. So far, I have defeated two teams on my way to the championship game that I shouldn't have defeated, but with luck on my side, I'm there to go up against Troy (Sean's brother).

I now legitimately have a chance to win, although I have lost to Troy TWICE during the regular season (we both play out of the dominant "D-3" Division).

Mike, on the other hand, got pretty far with his injury-plagued team, and lost to Troy in the semi-finals. He will now play Justin (the #1 seed that I had beaten) in the 3rd place game -- but you have to give it up to the "smaller budget" teams like Mike's -- last year, he struggled and played for the "Toilet Bowl," but now, he's in position to get his money back!

Crash Productions, Inc. Update

Thoughts galore are running through my head, although I've hit a snag along the way.

Let's just say that I am not satisfied for the book that I had bought regarding the Adobe Premeire 1.5 program. It seems like it's all about one guy's opinions about the program and what he likes and what he dislikes. I just want a manual that will show all of the special little features of the program itself -- so if I want to do something with my video, I can just look in the glossary and go from there.

So, I will look for another book -- and this time -- hopefully that the book will include an actual disc that has some files that I can mess around with BEFORE I can dive into my own stuff.

I've been looking to the music for the 10th Anniversary Project. I'm leaning towards something like a musical score from a movie. Here are some of my choices so far:

• Hans Zimmer-related material: The Rock, Gladiator, or Pirates of the Caribbean
• Jerry Goldsmith: The 13th Warrior
• James Horner: Field of Dreams
• Trevor Rabin: Armageddon
• Maybe some old classical music (Beethoven?)

I really don't want to go with something with a lot of lyrics, because I think it can distract from the main point of the film and if I wanted something with lyrics, it would be difficult for me to find something that would "go-along" with the whole premise.

I would like to get the original videotapes from Mike and dub them all to digital video (get them timestamped) and go from there. My original highlight tape is "pretty good," but I want to start from complete scratch.

It was also good to hear from Robb of his approval to the project itself, when I met up with him and Mike at the local bar last weekend. As far as the newer interviews go -- it's all up in the air -- so if you guys have any input, give me a holler.

I would also like to get some newer footage of the court itself (although one hoop is down, but it only adds to the "ruin value" of the place), but I may wait until spring rolls around to do some taping there.

LT Timmerman Drive

There was an article in the Marshall Independent about Jason just this past week. Rick noticed it and passed it along. I thought that this was truly honorable.

MARSHALL — The Marshall National Guard Unit wants to rename Artillery Drive in honor of Lt. Jason Timmerman, who died while deployed in Iraq in 2005.

“It’s our way of honoring Jason and what he did,” said Sgt. Timothy Green, the officer in command of the Marshall unit. “And to honor his family for what they gave. They gave the ultimate.”

Green said Timmerman joined the Alpha Marshall unit when he joined the National Guard. He was later transferred to Charlie Company in Montevideo. Both units were deployed to Iraq at the same time and served in the same battalion.

The Marshall City Council on Monday approved introducing the ordinance to change Artillery Drive to Timmerman Drive.

Green would like the change to be made before Christmas.

City engineer Glenn Olson said at Monday’s meeting, “we would be able to have (a new) sign ready by Christmas.”

The Council will still need to formally approve the name change at a Jan. 2 meeting.

City administrator Mike Johnson said the city is required to have a hearing on the street name change because more often it requires several property owners to change their addresses.

This street, however, has only one address, the Marshall National Guard Armory, so Johnson said it would be fine to make the change by Christmas.

While Timmerman served with the Montevideo unit, Green said his ties to Marshall were strong.“He wanted to stay here,” Green said. “We were honored to have his wedding here. He had gotten used to Marshall and had ties to the unit.”

Timmerman was a good guy and a good soldier who showed determination and dedication, Green said.

“I remember when he first took his test for lieutenant, he didn’t make weight,” Green said. Timmerman was five pounds overweight, Green said.

Timmerman was disappointed but determined, Green said.“He said he’d see me the next week,” Green said.

Timmerman returned five pounds lighter the next week, Green said.

Artillery Drive was named for an officer several years ago, Green said.

The officer is now a Lt. Col. who served with Timmerman, Green said.

“He thinks it’s a great idea,” Green said of LT Timmerman Drive.

Green and the National Guard had originally requested LT Timmerman Drive but all of the letters wouldn’t fit on a 36-inch sign which is required by the city, Olson said.

Johnson said he spoke briefly with Green before Monday’s meeting about the length issue.

“They are more concerned about getting the recognition for Timmerman,” Johnson said, than of making sure LT is included.

For the actual on-line article, click here.

Fantasy Football Update -- Not Bad!

Well, at least I know I'm getting my money back -- even more!

In the South Dakota Fantasy League, I pulled an upset of sorts, as my #6 seeded team made the championship game for 2 straight years as I try to defend my title against the juggernaut (any team with LaDainian Tomlinson). Luckily for me, I do not have any players going on Thursday night during the Vikings-Packers game, so it gives me a little more time to decide which personnel I should use for this weekend's match-ups.

My prediction: probably a loss, but you never know. I've been pretty up some pretty impressive point totals as of late (thanks to Maurice Drew-Jones).

I've also moved on into the semi-final round in the Minnesota Fantasy League, as I'm pitted against the #1 seed (who, of course, has LaDainian Tomlinson). My opponent has already posted his worries about my team and how tough my team could be ... I'm flattered. If I can have a solid week like I did in the First Round (I scored 154 points -- which is pretty good in this league), but my opponent is AVERAGING 147.5 points per game.

Yeah ... I've got my work cut out for me. Other than that, I could play Mike in the 3rd place match-up which wouldn't be too bad -- I'd have a better chance to beat Mike than anybody else right now.

Fantasy Football Update -- Playoff Stress

For the second straight season in participating in two different fantasy football leagues, I have made the playoffs in both. The anticipation of winning back my entry fee is greater than ever.

The Minnesota Fantasy League:

Week 15 marks the start of the First Round of the playoffs, as my team, aptly named "Team TonyTimes," made it as the #5 seed. I'm currently up against the #4 seed, headed by the "Hubbard's HITMEN," which is Cory's team.

It's been slightly stressful since last Thursday since the football week started, but today, it's almost erupting into something more. First off, I'm up against Cory, in which he has one of most potent offenses in the league, led by his two biggest points-getters, running back Larry Johnson and wide receiver Marvin Harrison.

So far, up 'til the Sunday Night game, I've got a 22-point lead with three players remaining, as does Cory. Cory's got Johnson running tonight, but I've still got running back Rudi Johnson up against a weak Indianapolis Colts rushing defense.

Things are looking up -- and Johnson isn't having the best of games against San Diego right now -- so there is that possibility that I'll move on to the semi-finals next week.

In other news, Sean seems to have conceded defeat to Mike. Mike had a monster game in his tight end Desmond Clark, who came out of nowhere and scored 2 touchdowns against Tampa Bay.

Sean's older brother Troy will also move on with a convincing victory over the #7 seed.

The South Dakota Fantasy League:

This is one league that I really didn't have a faith in this year. Although I'm currently the defending champ, I lost a few players to season-ending injuries, the most notable is Donovan McNabb.

But for some unknown reason, I finished out the regular season at 7-6 and made the 6th and final playoff seed.

Unlike the Minnesota League, we started the playoffs last week during Week 14. Again, I really didn't think too much of my team, but there was this little guy who plays for the Jacksonville Jaguars named Maurice Jones-Drew (I'm sure you've heard of him by now), but he pulled off probably one of the most successful points-weeks in fantasy history. With that performance alone, I "upset" the #3 seed and moved on into the semi-finals, already guaranteeing me my money back!

But, this just in, I may be heading towards the championship game once again. This will mark the second straight year for me as the #6 seed to make the championship game. But, the opponent that I will most likely face has LaDainian Tomlinson as his running back, so who knows. 2nd place isn't bad! Last year, I actually upset the #1 seed in the championship -- it could happen again!

The Girls Next Door

Un-Real.

I must admit, I picked up my copy of the first season of "The Girls Next Door" (hey, I bought it for the articles) on DVD. It still amazes me, that a guy like Hugh Hefner, a.k.a. The Man, can still rock at 80 years old.

And on top of that, he's got the hottest women in the planet at his will. Hats off to you, Hef.

I became a fan of the show just from watching it on the E! Channel, and again, it simply wasn't cool to watch with all the nudity and the bad words all bleeped out. It's actually quite a funny show, plus it's a little interesting to see the goings-on inside the Mansion itself.

My favorite moment so far: the girls head to Las Vegas to visit the 2004 Playmate of the Year, Carmella DeCesare, for her birthday. But wouldn't you know it, she shows up with her boyfriend, none other than the Philadelphia Eagles' quarterback, Jeff Garcia. Now, you have Carmella, who's just so God Damn Hot, then you got ugly lil' Jeff following her around. Man, what a laugh.

What's with these no-name QB's in the NFL that get these Playmates? Kyle Boller and Cade McNown have been rumored in the past to be shacking up with these girls ... *currently shaking my head.

But I've got to tell ya ... Holly Madison ... the complete package. Hef's a lucky man!

Crash Productions, Inc. Update

I've been a little busy transferring some of my old video tapes through my camera so they can be ready to be processed through my computer.

Currently, I've got all of the new series, "902 N. Josephine Ave." inputted and I've got most of it edited, but I'm working out some of more specific details as far as more advanced editing techniques are concerned and using the transistions and titles.

I'm probably not going to input "The Owl Garden" quite yet until I get the original tapes from Mike and I can pretty much start all over again. I'm sure the originals will still have good tape quality, but I just don't want to use the material that I have already incorporated into "The Highlight Tape, Vol. #1.#

I also need to "schedule" the interviews and such ... man, this is going to be a blast.

Weekend Plans

Not much going into the second weekend of December ... just heading back to the Home Town to take care of Cody.

The folks are away on a short trip due to business, so I'm basically taking care of my un-official brother of the family. It's almost border-line pathetic how well my own father takes care of this dog -- to the point where Cody shares the bed with him.

But Code's the Dog, an extremely good hunting dog. Although he still cannot wrap his jaws around a pheasant's body, he's still getting a hang of it.

Besides, it's always good to head back. Especially now that it is extremely cold outside, that just makes the hot tub just that much better! Just might have to throw a party ...

Fantasy Football Update -- Week 14

Minnesota Fantasy Football League Update:

• After the dust from Week 13 had settled and cleared, I'm currently sitting at a 7-6 record, second place in the infamous "D-3" division.
• I defeated Sean, (a.k.a. "Team Punishment") 100 to 98 in a tense battle in which the game came down to last night's game between the Panthers and the Eagles. Sean had wide receiver Steve Smith to finish out his roster, and while I carried a 18-point lead into the game, Smith managed to get Sean only 16.
• I've solidified my #5 seed for the playoffs with one more week of regular season to go. I'm up against "Team Okeson" in Week 14 -- who's lately been on a roll, as far as putting up the big points is concerned.
• Injuries have taken its toll on my team, especially with the loss of quarterback Donovan McNabb and running back Clinton Portis. Still, I've managed to win 7 out of the last 10 games.
• Mike (with his team "The Hurricanes"), wins a big match-up to also sit at 7-6, but he currently has a one-game lead in his division. This is a huge turn-around for his team, considering that last year he and Jake were battling it out for last place the previous season.

South Dakota Fantasy Football League Update:

• Eh ... quite the same as the Minnesota League as I made the 6th and final playoff spot at a 7-6 record. I managed to squeak out a win due to a defensive player (Julius Peppers from Carolina) in Week 13 to secure my spot.
• Again, injuries and just bad personnel hurt my team this season. After starting 3-0, things decided to go downhill as I was hurt by inconsistencies from Donovon McNabb. I was even offered several trades for McNabb, but I never got rid of him and I got stuck with an injured player. Thus, Tom Brady steps in.
• Although I hate trades, I gave up running back Ahman Green for wide receiver Plaxico Burress ... which seems to work in my favor. Chris Chambers has been simply killing me at the wide out spot, so I need Burress to pick it up. Now, my other running back, Ronnie Brown is down-and-out due to a hand injury, so I'm lacking the backs department as I head into the playoffs. Wonderful.

Outlook:

• I'm not putting a lot of faith into my team in the SD League ... I just cannot put up strong points like I used to (Weeks 1 through 5 were glorious). Now, it seems like I'm only averaging 110 points and that isn't going to cut it.
• I may have a chance to make the semi-finals in the MN League, but right now, I'm matched up to play Cory and his "HITMEN", who along with the "719 Playboys" have been the two offensive powers of the year. Although on my side, I did defeat Cory earlier in the season, 148 to 144.

Beaten To The Punch

Josh and his family made it to "The Big Time" before I did!

There was a very good report on Josh and his family on how their dealing with his dad, brother, and sister all taking part in the war in Iraq.

Click here to get to the page and see the actual report.

6 Years Ago Today...

...I was suffering from a pretty good hangover, but it was another pain that has haunted me for life.

I was arrested on a "Driving Under the Influence" charge, a.k.a "DUI."

What a World of Suck that was.

For some reason, I felt compelled to tell my story to a couple of freshman who stopped in during my free period. There were minor consumptions galore around the area last weekend and that was the topic of conversation today in school.

There is no possible way that I'm going to stop the world from drinking and driving, or stop the minors from partying and drinking, but just to tell my experiences with others, hopefully I can steer them clear for a few years.

As I keep telling 'em, the young want to be old, the old want to be young. Is there really a reason to do something that is illegal? Or is it the thrill of being reckless? Sure, I was young once, but it didn't take me long to figure out that it was stupid just because everybody else was doing it.

As bad as being arrested was, it was really THE life-changing moment in my life. From that day forward, I actually started to apply myself, saw things in a different light, and starting "bucking" down in college. I can truthfully say that it was a good experience to go through, and lo and behold, my parents actually agreed with me.

With the weather turning for the worse and the string of recent deaths in the area (not necessarily alcohol-related), these kids have got to be smart!

Michigan Football + BCS = Crap!

John re-kindled my furor today over the BCS selections that went down last night. For some odd bum-fucked reason, Florida leap-frogged the Wolverines into the BCS Championship Game.

As I replied back to John, I have no ill-feelings towards the Gators. They're the SEC Champions, no doubt about it.

But what about this debate about how tough Florida's schedule was? Sure, they played teams like Georgia, Tennessee, Florida State, and Arkansas ... but big deal? Are they saying that the Big Ten is a weaker conference, just because of teams like Northwestern, Indiana, Illinois, and Minnesota?

A person could hear all the debates surrounding the whole BCS debacle: why should a team who couldn't win their own conference play in the championship game? Ohio State is the Big Ten Champion, only because they beat Michigan by 3 points. If they played at a neutral site, Michigan probably could have won that game. If that personal foul penalty didn't go down late in the 4th quarter in Ohio Stadium, who knows? Michigan could have won that game in Columbus.

What if Florida's season ended at the same time as Michigan's? Whole different story there, because the Big Ten does not play a "Big Ten Championship" game.

I say: screw the BCS system. Get a playoff, just like the other Divisons in college. Why not? Teams should just play a 10- or 11-game, not the current 12, then use the polls (AP and Coaches) and then set up a 16- or a 32-team playoff. Play the Saturday games throughout the month of December and into January, then have the final two teams duke it out. That's it!

Sour grapes on my behalf? Perhaps. The Rose Bowl is nothing to cry about, but I have an issue about when teams play and let the computers decide who's going to play where. And that's bullshit.

Viking Woes

Aggravating.

I'll always remember back to 1998 when the Vikings, behind the explosive offense of Randall Cunningham, Cris Carter, and a rookie named Randy Moss, set the NFL record for the most points scored in a season.

Now, it's a bit different. Two head coaches later, the Vikings are still trying to find their offense.

Are they going to find it in a 38-year old arm? Nope. Don't let Brad Johnson's performance against the Arizona Cardinals fool you ... that was a fluke! The Brad Johnson we saw today against the Chicago Bears (4 interceptions), now that was the real deal.

Obviously, my opinion with the Vikes sticking with Johnson as their quarterback is not good. Hell, even back-up Brooks Bollinger looked decent, and third-string QB Tavaris Jackson (the next big hope) looked good.

It doesn't surprise me that running back Chester Taylor is listed on the injury report as being "sore all over," (by the way, congrats on the 1000-yard season). He's the only player who seems to me that comes out to play during game time.

The Vikes have no right side of the offensive line, no wide receiver corps, no defensive backs. The Vikes simply cannot depend on the running of Taylor all game long ... it's just not going to happen.

Don't get me wrong, I like what new head coach Brad Childress is doing, but it's going to be a 2 to 3 year rebuilding process. As a fan, am I willing to wait that long?

Also: is Tony Siragusa on the field during those FOX football broadcasts the gayest thing ever? What a fucking idiot.