Make one of your own: iheart.despair.com
Sunday, February 3
Friday, February 1
Final Super Bowl prediction
Ok, I've read and thought about this a lot. Peter King had the cover story in SI on the matchup between the Patriots offense and the Giants defense. Though it was not his intent, he convinced me that will not be the key matchup.
I think the result when those two sides face off will be about the same as the last time they met. If anything, the Patriots will have the advantage: they're getting some O-line and blocking types back and the Giants secondary was very beat up at the end of the season.
Brady will get his yards. The Giants will do what everyone else has done in the last I-don't-know-how-many-weeks: take away the long pass and make them be patient with short passes and runs, and the Patriots will take them (in general).
No, the key matchup will be the Giants offense against the Patriots defense. It was the key matchup last time. The Giants scored on their first possession with the key play being a 52 yard pass from Manning to Burress.
(Watch the NFL Network's highlights of the game. Click on the 'Play-By-Play' tab for specifics.)
The next Giants score came off of a returned kickoff for a touchdown.
With another touchdown off of more measured plays, that put the Giants up 21-16 at the half. Contain those two big plays and you're talking about, maybe, 7-16 (not to mention more time of possession by the Pats).
Finally, the Patriots allowed too many rushing yards in the Giant's first drive of the second half, and they scored.
After that, they settled down and didn't allow the Giants to score again until the game was out of reach.
There is no doubt in my mind that this will be the Patriots' game plan in the three phases:
1. The offensive approach will be the same as if has been back at least to the last time they played the Giants: Assume the Giants will double- and triple-cover Moss to prevent the big play. So the Pats will probably have to take the short passes and runs in the face of a great Giants pass rush that didn't get to Brady last time and won't this time. The Pats will look for the long ball to Randy. Playing in great weather on ideal turf (at least before the halftime show) will prompt them to watch for the long play, and even try it, but not force it. Paging Wes Welker ... We will also need a good game from Maroney, Faulk, and Watson, especially (the normal hot read/outlet receivers).
2. Defense: Focus on the running game, the Giants' strongest asset with two good, young, strong runners. Second, stop the big play to Burress.
3. Special teams: Do not allow a kickoff or punt return for a touchdown on pain of death! Belichick hates that stuff and prides himself on having good special teams. Of course, beyond that, they'll want to play error-free on special teams, with no long returns.
That game plan adds up to a Patriots' victory. I don't claim to be astute (or dumb) enough to predict a score. Even if the Giants score as well as they have been since the last Patriots' game, they will not be able to outscore the historic Pats' offense. And I'm sure Belichick will pull out all the stops to ensure the Giants don't score as much as they have been.
What do you think?
Burress guaranteed a victory and even predicted a score. I don't think this will have a huge effect as bulletin board material, being that this is the Super Bowl.
Macon suggested I live-blog the game, which I don't think I will. However, he and I are talking about doing some chatting during during the game. Feel free to join in the fun (in Gmail or Google Talk. And if you don't know how, email me, of course).
I think the result when those two sides face off will be about the same as the last time they met. If anything, the Patriots will have the advantage: they're getting some O-line and blocking types back and the Giants secondary was very beat up at the end of the season.
Brady will get his yards. The Giants will do what everyone else has done in the last I-don't-know-how-many-weeks: take away the long pass and make them be patient with short passes and runs, and the Patriots will take them (in general).
No, the key matchup will be the Giants offense against the Patriots defense. It was the key matchup last time. The Giants scored on their first possession with the key play being a 52 yard pass from Manning to Burress.
(Watch the NFL Network's highlights of the game. Click on the 'Play-By-Play' tab for specifics.)
The next Giants score came off of a returned kickoff for a touchdown.
With another touchdown off of more measured plays, that put the Giants up 21-16 at the half. Contain those two big plays and you're talking about, maybe, 7-16 (not to mention more time of possession by the Pats).
Finally, the Patriots allowed too many rushing yards in the Giant's first drive of the second half, and they scored.
After that, they settled down and didn't allow the Giants to score again until the game was out of reach.
There is no doubt in my mind that this will be the Patriots' game plan in the three phases:
1. The offensive approach will be the same as if has been back at least to the last time they played the Giants: Assume the Giants will double- and triple-cover Moss to prevent the big play. So the Pats will probably have to take the short passes and runs in the face of a great Giants pass rush that didn't get to Brady last time and won't this time. The Pats will look for the long ball to Randy. Playing in great weather on ideal turf (at least before the halftime show) will prompt them to watch for the long play, and even try it, but not force it. Paging Wes Welker ... We will also need a good game from Maroney, Faulk, and Watson, especially (the normal hot read/outlet receivers).
2. Defense: Focus on the running game, the Giants' strongest asset with two good, young, strong runners. Second, stop the big play to Burress.
3. Special teams: Do not allow a kickoff or punt return for a touchdown on pain of death! Belichick hates that stuff and prides himself on having good special teams. Of course, beyond that, they'll want to play error-free on special teams, with no long returns.
That game plan adds up to a Patriots' victory. I don't claim to be astute (or dumb) enough to predict a score. Even if the Giants score as well as they have been since the last Patriots' game, they will not be able to outscore the historic Pats' offense. And I'm sure Belichick will pull out all the stops to ensure the Giants don't score as much as they have been.
What do you think?
Burress guaranteed a victory and even predicted a score. I don't think this will have a huge effect as bulletin board material, being that this is the Super Bowl.
Macon suggested I live-blog the game, which I don't think I will. However, he and I are talking about doing some chatting during during the game. Feel free to join in the fun (in Gmail or Google Talk. And if you don't know how, email me, of course).
Wednesday, January 30
Fatal Moss
+ Why did I read 'Fatal Revenant'? I should have known all second books in Donaldson trilogies have unhappy, depressing, seemingly despairing endings. I mean, why plow through that many pages (500+?) to be cliffhung on a depressing ending and the next book doesn't come out until when?
Maybe I should have just read the summary somewhere.
Confession: my tastes in fiction run more to the 'Young Adult' section, where 'mature' authors don't feel compelled pour down doom and destruction. I'd pick Harry Potter over George RR Martin every time.
Oh well ...
Check that 'trilogy' thing up above. Apparently this set of chronicles is four books. Wonder if the third book will also be depressing ...
+ Don Banks likes Randy Moss and covers Randy's time with the press yesterday.
Maybe I should have just read the summary somewhere.
Confession: my tastes in fiction run more to the 'Young Adult' section, where 'mature' authors don't feel compelled pour down doom and destruction. I'd pick Harry Potter over George RR Martin every time.
Oh well ...
Check that 'trilogy' thing up above. Apparently this set of chronicles is four books. Wonder if the third book will also be depressing ...
+ Don Banks likes Randy Moss and covers Randy's time with the press yesterday.
Tuesday, January 29
Smart weight fixing Brady
Madhu continues to be my avenging muse of updates. If I don't post, he prods me in IM. So here I go:
+ I'm at that really boring stage of weight loss. The first week I lost 7 pounds. That was great. But I'm only down 2.5 pounds the two weeks since then. It's ok. I know it takes a long time. But it's boring.
Of course, it's important to not watch the scale too closely. Weight changes daily, even with controlled caloric intake. I'm just supposed to be gathering the data and watching the trend, not obsessing about the daily number.
But it's still boring. Not boring enough to eat a pint of ice cream, though ;-)
+ Stuart got a Passion smart car (with pix and subsequent posts). I think Guam Brad will especially be interested in this.
+ Jaq is doing a great series called Fixing the [Star Wars] Prequels. Wish this was the Phantom Menace that got made ...
+ Peter King doesn't like the Giants' D-line's chances against Brady based on how they did in their last meeting.
Add to that some pretty impressive testimonials about Brady's play.
+ I'm at that really boring stage of weight loss. The first week I lost 7 pounds. That was great. But I'm only down 2.5 pounds the two weeks since then. It's ok. I know it takes a long time. But it's boring.
Of course, it's important to not watch the scale too closely. Weight changes daily, even with controlled caloric intake. I'm just supposed to be gathering the data and watching the trend, not obsessing about the daily number.
But it's still boring. Not boring enough to eat a pint of ice cream, though ;-)
+ Stuart got a Passion smart car (with pix and subsequent posts). I think Guam Brad will especially be interested in this.
+ Jaq is doing a great series called Fixing the [Star Wars] Prequels. Wish this was the Phantom Menace that got made ...
+ Peter King doesn't like the Giants' D-line's chances against Brady based on how they did in their last meeting.
Add to that some pretty impressive testimonials about Brady's play.
Thursday, January 24
Happy Birthday, MountainRunner!
Matt Armstrong very kindly posted happy birthday to me on January 2nd. Today's my day to return the favor.
Hope you have a great one, Matt!
Shoot over there and wish him a happy birthday.
Hope you have a great one, Matt!
Shoot over there and wish him a happy birthday.
Wednesday, January 23
Quick note on Heath Ledger
I had no opinion on Heath Ledger before his role as the Joker. He looked great for that and I'm bummed that he killed himself (OD). I wonder if they'll be able to finish the movie with his part intact? Looked like he was developing into quite a good actor. Too bad.
This post says he'd completed all his work in The Dark Knight.
This post says he'd completed all his work in The Dark Knight.
Tuesday, January 22
My take on the candidates
Mark's got an interesting open thread for opinions of the candidates. My response:
Totally naive opinion: I'm leaning toward Obama because I want a change. I confess I am influenced by the good doctor.
I'll tell you what does not appeal to me (well, one thing): the Repub contest to claim Reagan's mantle. I mean, if I wanted that, I would have voted for Bush/Zombie Reagan.
I'm with CKR and CGW on Edwards. He just doesn't pass the smell test.
McCain is just too crabby and combative for me (and perhaps too old).
I tell you what: that Bush/Zombie Reagan site still makes me laugh and it's been around for more than four years!
Pats today
+ Dr. Z might be right. The Giants might win. But I don't think so. Yes, they've won on the road, but the Bucs, Cowboys and Pack all looked bad against the Giants, and I don't think it was just the Giants who did it to them.
True, the Giants have the momentum. Maybe they are peaking.
The Patriots have looked beatable. And Tom Brady's foot might be hurt.
But I still think the Patriots are going to win.
More importantly, I'm pulling for them.
+ Another paean to Kevin Faulk.
+ Banks is right: the Patriots D has been great lately.
+ Some of you will really hate this. I decided to go ahead and get the book 'Patriot Reign' and read it in the run-up to the Super Bowl. Pretty good so far.
True, the Giants have the momentum. Maybe they are peaking.
The Patriots have looked beatable. And Tom Brady's foot might be hurt.
But I still think the Patriots are going to win.
More importantly, I'm pulling for them.
+ Another paean to Kevin Faulk.
+ Banks is right: the Patriots D has been great lately.
+ Some of you will really hate this. I decided to go ahead and get the book 'Patriot Reign' and read it in the run-up to the Super Bowl. Pretty good so far.
I love this book!
But you might not.
It's 'The Blind Side' by Michael Lewis, the author of 'Moneyball'. Similar book: a look at changes in sports through an economic lens, especially changes in value. But this one has a much more compelling personal story that it's built around. I'm looking around for more books to read that are similar to this, but I don't see too many.
Maybe it's my calling to write the next 'Blind Side' ...
Proposal: Bad Sports Life: Coping When Your Favorite Teams Never Win it All
My favorite teams are the Cubs, Vikings and Hawkeyes. They haven't won a major national championship between them in since 1908 (100 years!). Book will combine sports, economics and personal stories. Will focus on near brushes lately: Cubs were 5(?) outs from the World Series in 2003. Viking made the NFC Championship in 1998 while breaking the single season scoring record. Iowa's a more marginal Big Ten team (let's face it). They've had some brushes with greatness but haven't hit the big time.
Lute Olson got us to the Final Four but got hired away. Kirk Ferentz was starting to look good, we sewed him up, but then his record went south. What about other, smaller, newer colleges that have won?
Title evokes 'bad hair day'.
What do you think?
I think I likely won't follow through and actually write it. If I did, that would be something new ;-)
It's 'The Blind Side' by Michael Lewis, the author of 'Moneyball'. Similar book: a look at changes in sports through an economic lens, especially changes in value. But this one has a much more compelling personal story that it's built around. I'm looking around for more books to read that are similar to this, but I don't see too many.
Maybe it's my calling to write the next 'Blind Side' ...
Proposal: Bad Sports Life: Coping When Your Favorite Teams Never Win it All
My favorite teams are the Cubs, Vikings and Hawkeyes. They haven't won a major national championship between them in since 1908 (100 years!). Book will combine sports, economics and personal stories. Will focus on near brushes lately: Cubs were 5(?) outs from the World Series in 2003. Viking made the NFC Championship in 1998 while breaking the single season scoring record. Iowa's a more marginal Big Ten team (let's face it). They've had some brushes with greatness but haven't hit the big time.
Lute Olson got us to the Final Four but got hired away. Kirk Ferentz was starting to look good, we sewed him up, but then his record went south. What about other, smaller, newer colleges that have won?
Title evokes 'bad hair day'.
What do you think?
I think I likely won't follow through and actually write it. If I did, that would be something new ;-)
Monday, January 21
Aah! Something I didn't comment on!
Peter King's column prompted me:
+ There was a surprising amount of skill play yesterday in Green Bay, considering how cold it was. There were problems, too, especially as the game went on. But everyone thought it would be mostly running, and that wasn't the case.
+ And one more thing: King gave Kevin Faulk Offensive Player of the Week. What I'm sayin'.
+ There was a surprising amount of skill play yesterday in Green Bay, considering how cold it was. There were problems, too, especially as the game went on. But everyone thought it would be mostly running, and that wasn't the case.
+ And one more thing: King gave Kevin Faulk Offensive Player of the Week. What I'm sayin'.
The day after
+ Goldberg has the best write-up I've read so far of the Patriots' victory. Nice credit to Kevin Faulk who is an amazing utility player in their system. He's the kind of guy who could not command top dollar somewhere else, but as a part of this team he makes really amazing contributions.
+ Banks is pretty good, too, focusing on the defense, which held the Chargers to only field goals, including three red zone trips. Now, that wasn't an incredible feat, since LT was out and Rivers and Gates were hobbled, but it was definitely the key to this game
+ All the writers want to blame the wind for Tom's bad throws. Not sure that was the problem, but maybe ...
+ This was not exactly the Patriots of old (contra Vrabel). They have created such a high-powered offense that they force opposing defenses to pick part of it to shut down. They all pick Randy Moss because he'll kill you fastest. But that still leaves some pretty good clubs in the bag, including the improving (and crucial in the post-season) running game and the short game, especially to Wes Welker in the slot.
+ Since I am not on the Patriots payroll, I can ask this question: How do they look for next year? Moss is eligible for free agency, I think. If he gets a ring, will he stay? If he doesn't? Anybody else?
The defense, especially, is pretty old. They need to draft some guys who can contribute in each unit (line, backers, secondary), and bring that average age down a little.
+ Prediction: I'll take the Pats, of course. Confession: I keep picking against the Giants and they keep proving me wrong. Good for them. I still don't think they'll win this game. They could, sure. But I don't think they will, because:
1. They're too inexperienced. They almost folded yesterday. The pressure will be huge.
2. Weather will be no factor and the Pats should be able to dust off the offense that buried teams. The banged-up Giants D will not be able to stop Moss, Stallworth, and Gaffney in the long game all night, not to mention all the underneath stuff to Maroney (out of the backfield), Welker, Faulk, and Watson. And the run game.
That's all from me for now.
What do you think?
+ Banks is pretty good, too, focusing on the defense, which held the Chargers to only field goals, including three red zone trips. Now, that wasn't an incredible feat, since LT was out and Rivers and Gates were hobbled, but it was definitely the key to this game
+ All the writers want to blame the wind for Tom's bad throws. Not sure that was the problem, but maybe ...
+ This was not exactly the Patriots of old (contra Vrabel). They have created such a high-powered offense that they force opposing defenses to pick part of it to shut down. They all pick Randy Moss because he'll kill you fastest. But that still leaves some pretty good clubs in the bag, including the improving (and crucial in the post-season) running game and the short game, especially to Wes Welker in the slot.
+ Since I am not on the Patriots payroll, I can ask this question: How do they look for next year? Moss is eligible for free agency, I think. If he gets a ring, will he stay? If he doesn't? Anybody else?
The defense, especially, is pretty old. They need to draft some guys who can contribute in each unit (line, backers, secondary), and bring that average age down a little.
+ Prediction: I'll take the Pats, of course. Confession: I keep picking against the Giants and they keep proving me wrong. Good for them. I still don't think they'll win this game. They could, sure. But I don't think they will, because:
1. They're too inexperienced. They almost folded yesterday. The pressure will be huge.
2. Weather will be no factor and the Pats should be able to dust off the offense that buried teams. The banged-up Giants D will not be able to stop Moss, Stallworth, and Gaffney in the long game all night, not to mention all the underneath stuff to Maroney (out of the backfield), Welker, Faulk, and Watson. And the run game.
That's all from me for now.
What do you think?
Sunday, January 20
Patriots Win!
Patriots' game was closer than I wanted. About what I expected in terms of the Chargers being banged up. However, the Chargers' D was very impressive; made Tom throw three picks.
I pick Green Bay to win this game. They're good, and I think the Giants' luck is past due to run out. Heck, I thought they'd lose last week.
I could be wrong. This could be the new New York Giants, but I'm still picking against them.
I'd rather the Giants win, because I think they'll be easier for the Patriots to beat in the Super Bowl. We'll see.
I pick Green Bay to win this game. They're good, and I think the Giants' luck is past due to run out. Heck, I thought they'd lose last week.
I could be wrong. This could be the new New York Giants, but I'm still picking against them.
I'd rather the Giants win, because I think they'll be easier for the Patriots to beat in the Super Bowl. We'll see.
Wednesday, January 16
American Rubicon radio Pressure
+ Dan had a really great post on why you should vote for McCain or Obama. But my favorite part has nothing to do with who you vote for:
+ Want to listen to my radio station? I'm trying out anywhere.fm and (you won't believe this), I uploaded 828 songs. I can listen to whatever ones I want to when I'm logged in on any computer with an internet connection. You can listen to them in random play. Check it out: anywhere.fm/seanmeade.
+ If you love the Queen/Bowie song 'Pressure', like I do, then you'll want to watch this video with Annie Lennox singing Freddie Mercury's part. Pretty awesome:
America "needs" none of the candidates. We already have the people, the wealth, the rulesets to get by just fine until 2009.+ Shane had a nice post about proposing to his wife at the Rubicon (and how it wasn't all that great ;-)
+ Want to listen to my radio station? I'm trying out anywhere.fm and (you won't believe this), I uploaded 828 songs. I can listen to whatever ones I want to when I'm logged in on any computer with an internet connection. You can listen to them in random play. Check it out: anywhere.fm/seanmeade.
+ If you love the Queen/Bowie song 'Pressure', like I do, then you'll want to watch this video with Annie Lennox singing Freddie Mercury's part. Pretty awesome:
Monday, January 14
Monday football thoughts
Check out this quote from Peter King:
You know why that is? Competition. Improved defense, greater parity, etc. have pushed quarterbacks to be all they can be.
+ Interesting quote from Adam Vinatieri:
Subtext: Vinateri respects Dungy more than Bellichick. I don't blame him. I do, too, especially on the character issues. It's interesting, though...
• Tom Brady was a ref's buried whistle and a stunning drop by Mr. Hands Wes Welker from being 28-for-28 the other night. Are we watching the best quarterback of all time in mid-career? Are we watching, maybe three of the best five or six of all time?
• Peyton Manning threw for 402 yards and Lost. He and Tom Brady started a combined opened 30-of-30. Add what Favre did and is doing. We're in a real golden age at the top of the quarterback list.
You know why that is? Competition. Improved defense, greater parity, etc. have pushed quarterbacks to be all they can be.
+ Interesting quote from Adam Vinatieri:
"I have more respect for him than any other coach," said kicker Adam Vinatieri, who owns four Super Bowl rings. "Selfishly, I'd like to have him back. If he goes, I'll give him a hug and wish him well."
Subtext: Vinateri respects Dungy more than Bellichick. I don't blame him. I do, too, especially on the character issues. It's interesting, though...
Sunday, January 13
Football thoughts
Hmm. This was going to be an extended reflection on the Patriots' win, but I lost interest. Let's see:
+ Brady was perfect. On the two incomplete passes, he hit his receivers in the hands and they dropped 'em.
+ Did you see what that foolish Jags rookie safety, Reggie Nelson, said? 'It was a dump-down game. Anybody can go 26-of-28 in a dump-down game.' Ah, no, they can't, as the author rightly observes. Brady set regular-season and playoff records for passing efficiency. Prediction: If the Pats play the Jags next year, the quote will be on the bulletin board and they'll beat that guy like they beat the Steeler bigmouth.
+ Peyton was unlucky. His two interceptions were tipped. (Though I liked seeing him lose, but not Dallas and Tony.)
+ I found myself, at times today, rooting for the team I thought New England would have an easier time with. Sick, I know.
+ Easy teams for New England has already come to pass, in some ways, I think. Apart from the Packers, and themselves, the Pats already played the best looking team this weekend, the Jaguars. Indy and SD beat up on each other and I don't see Billy Volek or Philip Rivers beating the Pats in Foxboro this coming Sunday. And nobody really thinks the Giants could win the Super Bowl, right? I mean, they played New England close two weeks ago, but their luck's going to run out, just like the Redskins' did.
+ After spotting the Seahawks 14 points, the Packers looked amazing. We'll see how they look against the Giants. Let the hyping of a Packers-Patriots match-up being now.
+ Simms said at halftime that the offenses didn't need to adjust, but the defenses would. And the Pats' must have, right. But I wasn't paying close enough attention to see how they did it. And I haven't seen it in the press so far...
+ I'm disturbed by Rodney Harrison's bad attitude, not to mention his illegal substance use. He got flagged in each of the last two games for personal fouls.
+ Wrap up: I like this whole article by Don Banks (warning: Brady paean ;-) Jags did what it takes to stop Patriots -- and still lost .
+ Brady was perfect. On the two incomplete passes, he hit his receivers in the hands and they dropped 'em.
+ Did you see what that foolish Jags rookie safety, Reggie Nelson, said? 'It was a dump-down game. Anybody can go 26-of-28 in a dump-down game.' Ah, no, they can't, as the author rightly observes. Brady set regular-season and playoff records for passing efficiency. Prediction: If the Pats play the Jags next year, the quote will be on the bulletin board and they'll beat that guy like they beat the Steeler bigmouth.
+ Peyton was unlucky. His two interceptions were tipped. (Though I liked seeing him lose, but not Dallas and Tony.)
+ I found myself, at times today, rooting for the team I thought New England would have an easier time with. Sick, I know.
+ Easy teams for New England has already come to pass, in some ways, I think. Apart from the Packers, and themselves, the Pats already played the best looking team this weekend, the Jaguars. Indy and SD beat up on each other and I don't see Billy Volek or Philip Rivers beating the Pats in Foxboro this coming Sunday. And nobody really thinks the Giants could win the Super Bowl, right? I mean, they played New England close two weeks ago, but their luck's going to run out, just like the Redskins' did.
+ After spotting the Seahawks 14 points, the Packers looked amazing. We'll see how they look against the Giants. Let the hyping of a Packers-Patriots match-up being now.
+ Simms said at halftime that the offenses didn't need to adjust, but the defenses would. And the Pats' must have, right. But I wasn't paying close enough attention to see how they did it. And I haven't seen it in the press so far...
+ I'm disturbed by Rodney Harrison's bad attitude, not to mention his illegal substance use. He got flagged in each of the last two games for personal fouls.
+ Wrap up: I like this whole article by Don Banks (warning: Brady paean ;-) Jags did what it takes to stop Patriots -- and still lost .
Saturday, January 12
Someone in the Jaguars organization is stupid
Did you see they've had an asterisk next to the Patriots record on Jaguars.com for the last four months.
Talk about bulletin board material!
Don't kick to Devin Hester and don't give the Patriots a reason to get angry.
I thought the Pats would win tonight. Now I'm even more confident.
Talk about bulletin board material!
Don't kick to Devin Hester and don't give the Patriots a reason to get angry.
I thought the Pats would win tonight. Now I'm even more confident.
Friday, January 11
New leaf
Madhu demands an 'interact' update, and who am I to ignore my adoring public ;-)
Actually, I sort of semi-intentionally didn't update this week on account of trying to begin a few new habits.
First of all, I let myself get back up to an unacceptable weight (206.5 at the top) and started counting calories again this week. All of the usual stuff, especially feeling hungry a fair bit of the time. I have been averaging just under 1500 calories per day. Still want to get down to 170 and then decide with Christine where to go from there.
Of course, I have tried this many times before. What's worse: failing repeatedly or quitting to try?
I'll tell you this much: I have concluded the only way I'm going to lose weight and keep it off is to weigh myself every day and count calories everyday, even when I make it to my target weight. I just can't be trusted to figure it out for myself.
I keep hoping vaguely that I won't gain weight. Then when I start to, I give up, eat what sounds good, live in denial, the whole shmear. Ugh.
I estimate that, in the last 5 years, I have lost and regained at least 60 pounds (3 20-pound increments). Double Ugh. These are the times you wish you'd gotten to your target weight and stayed there.
For inspiration, I read through The Hacker's Diet. Lots to recommend there. But it basically comes down to what I just wrote above: you have to count (or plan) your calories and you have to weigh yourself every day.
He's also got a 15 minutes per day exercise program that I'm sure is not up to Mark's standards, or Shane's, or ... . But, it seems doable from the start. It can be done inside. It doesn't require special equipment or a gym membership. There's really no reason not to do it. So I've started that and have 5 big days under my belt.
Christine and I walked 4 days this week, too, for a half hour.
Finally, (I'm really not trying to overdo it here) I've been concerned that I am not being intentional enough about the most important things in my life. As a springboard, I've been looking at AA's Big Book, especially the 12 Steps, from the perspective of a garden variety sinner.
How's that for an update, Madhu? ;-)
Actually, I sort of semi-intentionally didn't update this week on account of trying to begin a few new habits.
First of all, I let myself get back up to an unacceptable weight (206.5 at the top) and started counting calories again this week. All of the usual stuff, especially feeling hungry a fair bit of the time. I have been averaging just under 1500 calories per day. Still want to get down to 170 and then decide with Christine where to go from there.
Of course, I have tried this many times before. What's worse: failing repeatedly or quitting to try?
I'll tell you this much: I have concluded the only way I'm going to lose weight and keep it off is to weigh myself every day and count calories everyday, even when I make it to my target weight. I just can't be trusted to figure it out for myself.
I keep hoping vaguely that I won't gain weight. Then when I start to, I give up, eat what sounds good, live in denial, the whole shmear. Ugh.
I estimate that, in the last 5 years, I have lost and regained at least 60 pounds (3 20-pound increments). Double Ugh. These are the times you wish you'd gotten to your target weight and stayed there.
For inspiration, I read through The Hacker's Diet. Lots to recommend there. But it basically comes down to what I just wrote above: you have to count (or plan) your calories and you have to weigh yourself every day.
He's also got a 15 minutes per day exercise program that I'm sure is not up to Mark's standards, or Shane's, or ... . But, it seems doable from the start. It can be done inside. It doesn't require special equipment or a gym membership. There's really no reason not to do it. So I've started that and have 5 big days under my belt.
Christine and I walked 4 days this week, too, for a half hour.
Finally, (I'm really not trying to overdo it here) I've been concerned that I am not being intentional enough about the most important things in my life. As a springboard, I've been looking at AA's Big Book, especially the 12 Steps, from the perspective of a garden variety sinner.
How's that for an update, Madhu? ;-)
Thursday, January 3
Comic book movies
+ Been meaning to post on the Iron Man trailer. Looks so great. Robert Downey Jr is perfect for Tony Stark.
(Geek defense reporter thought: Since Raptors are thought to be capable of 'supercruise' at Mach 2.5+, does that mean Iron Man can go faster? ;-)
+ Mark embedded the Dark Knight Trailer I recently reviewed, so here it is:
(Geek defense reporter thought: Since Raptors are thought to be capable of 'supercruise' at Mach 2.5+, does that mean Iron Man can go faster? ;-)
+ Mark embedded the Dark Knight Trailer I recently reviewed, so here it is:
Wednesday, January 2
Happy Facebook Birthday!
I'm not much of a Facebook participant. I don't spend a lot of time over there. Mostly, I want people to read my weblog ;-)
So I've been pleasantly surprised today by how many people from Facebook have wished me a happy birthday. They obviously are heavier users than me.
Makes for one more part of a fun birthday :-)
So I've been pleasantly surprised today by how many people from Facebook have wished me a happy birthday. They obviously are heavier users than me.
Makes for one more part of a fun birthday :-)
Monday, December 31
Have you grown weary...
of my Patriots coverage? A couple more notes:
+ Peter King's whole MMQB is full of love notes to them. Stand out stat: the number of cold weather games Brady played in his record-setting season ( this page). If he played in warm weather, or a dome, like the guys he finally surpassed, like Manning and Marino and Cunningham (Vikings 98) and Warner, he would have kept up the crazy pace he was on earlier in the season. He would have obliterated all the records it took him until Saturday night to break.
+ Brian Billick is gone from Baltimore, the architect of the high-flying 98 Vikings. Yet he never had a decent offensive year in Baltimore, winning the Super Bowl with Trent Dilfer. Two conclusions: 1. He never had comparable personnel. 2. Maybe he wasn't that awesome to begin with...
+ The resurgence of the Redskins with career backup Todd Collins is crazy (like every commentator has said).
+ Don Banks has an interesting article on the remaining teams' momentum.
+ This is what I'm talking about (ibid, but second page):
The Patriots are already the best franchise in the history of the NFL over a five-year period, given the competition. In the free agency era. They bury the 72 Dolphins in this respect. What remains to be seen is if they can also cap it by winning through the arbitrary championship system we have set up.
+ Kurt Warner has a good season. And he probably did enjoy beating Marc Bulger yesterday. But Bulger has certainly been more consistent than Warner since replacing him. Pretty hard to fault the Rams for not sticking with Warner. How'd he get the job anyway? Took over from injured Trent Green. I like Kurt, but he hasn't been mistreated.
+ 34.5 million people watched the Saturday night game, 'the largest audience for an NFL non-playoff game in more than 12 years'. ( source) Kudos to the NFL for putting it out there for us to watch.
Okay, that's enough for now (maybe the whole week), don't you think? ;-)
+ Peter King's whole MMQB is full of love notes to them. Stand out stat: the number of cold weather games Brady played in his record-setting season ( this page). If he played in warm weather, or a dome, like the guys he finally surpassed, like Manning and Marino and Cunningham (Vikings 98) and Warner, he would have kept up the crazy pace he was on earlier in the season. He would have obliterated all the records it took him until Saturday night to break.
+ Brian Billick is gone from Baltimore, the architect of the high-flying 98 Vikings. Yet he never had a decent offensive year in Baltimore, winning the Super Bowl with Trent Dilfer. Two conclusions: 1. He never had comparable personnel. 2. Maybe he wasn't that awesome to begin with...
+ The resurgence of the Redskins with career backup Todd Collins is crazy (like every commentator has said).
+ Don Banks has an interesting article on the remaining teams' momentum.
+ This is what I'm talking about (ibid, but second page):
New England this season was 7-0 against teams that wound up with a winning record, with six of those teams being 10-6 or better (Chargers, Colts, Cowboys, Steelers, Browns and Giants). By comparison, the 1972 Dolphins were just 2-0 against winning teams. ...
And the Patriots have now won an NFL record 19 regular-season games in a row, topping their own mark of 18 set in 2003-2004. That means that in the span of the past five regular seasons, New England has had two separate 18-game winning streaks. The Patriots are a combined 66-14 in those five regular seasons of 2003-2007.
The Patriots are already the best franchise in the history of the NFL over a five-year period, given the competition. In the free agency era. They bury the 72 Dolphins in this respect. What remains to be seen is if they can also cap it by winning through the arbitrary championship system we have set up.
+ Kurt Warner has a good season. And he probably did enjoy beating Marc Bulger yesterday. But Bulger has certainly been more consistent than Warner since replacing him. Pretty hard to fault the Rams for not sticking with Warner. How'd he get the job anyway? Took over from injured Trent Green. I like Kurt, but he hasn't been mistreated.
+ 34.5 million people watched the Saturday night game, 'the largest audience for an NFL non-playoff game in more than 12 years'. ( source) Kudos to the NFL for putting it out there for us to watch.
Okay, that's enough for now (maybe the whole week), don't you think? ;-)
Okay, this is my first... [updated]
Okay, this is my first try at using jott for blogger for my web blog and jott you know transcribing service from voice to text, so we will see how they do. All that to say I am calling because I was in home depot and you too has had I still haven't found what I am looking for was on the radio and that [...] was pretty funny. listen
Powered by Jott
Update: Not bad, but not great, as you can tell by comparing the recording with the transcription. I liked the old audioblogger better for this kind of service. Anyway, no sweat, since I don't really plan on using Jott this way. I mostly use it to send myself email reminders via phone, and it works great for that.
And, by the way, the funny part above was hearing U2's 'I still haven't found what I'm looking for' at Home Depot ;-)
Powered by Jott
Update: Not bad, but not great, as you can tell by comparing the recording with the transcription. I liked the old audioblogger better for this kind of service. Anyway, no sweat, since I don't really plan on using Jott this way. I mostly use it to send myself email reminders via phone, and it works great for that.
And, by the way, the funny part above was hearing U2's 'I still haven't found what I'm looking for' at Home Depot ;-)
A couple more (very deep) thoughts about the Pats
+ More irony: the team that Commissioner Goodell hammered for video taping the opposing team's signals has garnered unprecedented ratings and buzz for the league.
+ Something else about the Patriots' season: they've been blissfully injury-free.
+ This paragraph (source) amplifies my comparison from yesterday:
+ Something else about the Patriots' season: they've been blissfully injury-free.
+ This paragraph (source) amplifies my comparison from yesterday:
The Patriots' feat is more impressive because in the days of the '72 Dolphins, there was no ritualistic free agent raiding of a Super Bowl caliber roster. There was no NFL scheduling format in place that assured tougher schedules for the previous season's biggest winners. And there was no salary cap to squeeze most teams toward the competitive middle of the league.
Sunday, December 30
They did it!
The Patriots went 16-0. But that was a close one. They're beatable. It's just that nobody's done it yet.
(BTW, the Vikings really stunk last week. Good thing I'm a bandwagon Patriots fan.)
Must address Cris Collingsworth's opinion last night that 16-0 isn't in the same league as the '72 Dolphins if the Patriots don't win it all. I heartily disagree. We all know the competition back then wasn't as stiff. 16 games are quite a bit harder than 14. Plus, the much closer media scrutiny (24-7 sports coverage across all media) makes it harder.
We've all agreed on how championships are decided in the NFL. It's not best of 7 or something like that. It's whoever's the best that day. But not all championships are created equal. (And don't get me started on all of the Packers' 'world championships' before the merger of the AFL and the NFL.)
(I did fell they got jobbed on that excessive celebration penalty that led to the runback for a touchdown, but since they won, I can let it go.)
Hand it to Manning. He did real well against a tough Patriots D. The Giants did a good job.
That said, I look for a major letdown for them this week, emotionally and physically when they play TB. The Bucs will win. The Giants played really hard against the Patriots. And it will come back to bite them in their playoff run.
(Of course, I could be wrong and Eli could be right.)
Nice article on the Brady-Moss records . I like Jim Litke's writing.
Heck, even the mention of beating the Vikings' 1998 single season scoring record brings back painful memories of the losing the NFC Championship Game to the Giants.
But maybe it was for the best: I doubt the Vikes could have beaten Denver in the Super Bowl, and then we'd be all alone at 0-5 in Super Bowls.
A big, public thanks to Christine for watching the game with me. That's love.
(BTW, the Vikings really stunk last week. Good thing I'm a bandwagon Patriots fan.)
Must address Cris Collingsworth's opinion last night that 16-0 isn't in the same league as the '72 Dolphins if the Patriots don't win it all. I heartily disagree. We all know the competition back then wasn't as stiff. 16 games are quite a bit harder than 14. Plus, the much closer media scrutiny (24-7 sports coverage across all media) makes it harder.
We've all agreed on how championships are decided in the NFL. It's not best of 7 or something like that. It's whoever's the best that day. But not all championships are created equal. (And don't get me started on all of the Packers' 'world championships' before the merger of the AFL and the NFL.)
(I did fell they got jobbed on that excessive celebration penalty that led to the runback for a touchdown, but since they won, I can let it go.)
Hand it to Manning. He did real well against a tough Patriots D. The Giants did a good job.
That said, I look for a major letdown for them this week, emotionally and physically when they play TB. The Bucs will win. The Giants played really hard against the Patriots. And it will come back to bite them in their playoff run.
(Of course, I could be wrong and Eli could be right.)
Nice article on the Brady-Moss records . I like Jim Litke's writing.
Heck, even the mention of beating the Vikings' 1998 single season scoring record brings back painful memories of the losing the NFC Championship Game to the Giants.
But maybe it was for the best: I doubt the Vikes could have beaten Denver in the Super Bowl, and then we'd be all alone at 0-5 in Super Bowls.
A big, public thanks to Christine for watching the game with me. That's love.
Wednesday, December 26
Brain waterboarding
+ Nice guide to a healthy brain (I think I got this from Guam Brad). Goes beyond crossword puzzles and sudoku (Blast! Thought I had it covered!) to knowing your brain, nutrition and exercise, optimism, challenging yourself (with new stuff), thinking for yourself, socializing and laughing.
+ Guy tries waterboarding himself and finds it horrifying (via).
+ Guy tries waterboarding himself and finds it horrifying (via).
Mo Merry Christmas
+ Here's a link to our favorite Christmas song, Come On! Let's Boogey To The Elf Dance!
(fyi: when it's me, i spell it 'boogie' ;-)
+ And, just in case you haven't had a chance to hear this classic yet this Christmas season, a link to Adam Sandler's Chanukah Song.
(fyi: when it's me, i spell it 'boogie' ;-)
+ And, just in case you haven't had a chance to hear this classic yet this Christmas season, a link to Adam Sandler's Chanukah Song.
(My) More Merry Christmas
First of all, just a reminder that, according to the traditional church calendar, we have moved from Advent to Christmastide. So feel free to celebrate Christmas for another 11 days!
Also, I got an Amazon gift card that I'm excited about. I'm looking forward to buying some of their DRM-free singles.
Peace!
Also, I got an Amazon gift card that I'm excited about. I'm looking forward to buying some of their DRM-free singles.
Peace!
Tuesday, December 25
Merry Christmas!
For my part, I'm listening to 'The Blues Brothers' Soundtrack, which I got today. How's that for Christmas cheer? (Belushi and Aykroyd were geniuses back then!)
We had a pretty nice day. Hope you did.
We had a pretty nice day. Hope you did.
Saturday, December 22
Christmas post
Shane tagged me with this Christmas post. And away we go:
1. Link to the person that tagged you, and post the rules on your blog.
2. Share Christmas facts about yourself.
3. Tag seven random people at the end of your post, and include links to their blogs.
4. Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
Welcome to the Christmas edition of "Getting to Know Your Friends."
1. Wrapping or gift bags?
+ gift bags. i hate wrapping and am SO lazy
2. Real or artificial tree?
+ artificial, quasi-prelit (but only if Christine puts it up. if not, no tree).
3. When do you put up the tree?
+ Man, Shane and I are 3 for 3 the same. I don't put it up. When Christine does, it just depends. She likes it earlier...
4. When do you take the tree down?
+ When Christine gets to it. The year she was pregnant with the twins, it literally stayed up until Easter! :-)
5. Do you like egg nog?
+ Sure, but I don't drink it much.
6. Favorite gift received as a child?
+ Intellivision!
7. Do you have a nativity scene?
+ Christine says we have 4 if you count Little People and Veggie Tales
8. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?
+ My inlaws like to stuff stockings with practical things like Kleenex, breath mints, etc :-(
9. Mail or email Christmas cards?
+ Neither. If I get out an email with a Christmas picture of us and a 'Merry Christmas', I'm doing well.
10. Favorite Christmas Movie?
+ Easy: A Christmas Story
11. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
+ As late as possible.
12. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
+ Gramma's Buttermilk Fudge
13. Clear lights or colored on the tree?
+ We call them white.
14. Favorite Christmas song(s)?
+ Come on everyone, let's boogie to the elf dance!
15. Travel at Christmas or stay home?
+ 3-year rotation: Iowa with my family, NC with Christine's family, home
16. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer?
+ Easily
17. Angel on the tree top or a star?
+ Star
18. Open the presents Christmas Eve or Christmas Morning?
+ Extended family Christmas Eve, current immediate family Christmas Day.
19. Most annoying thing about this time of year?
+ Again, very like Shane's, but I'm most annoyed when the people closest to me stress out about Christmas. I assume strangers are going to be yahoos ;-)
20. Do you decorate your tree in any specific theme or color?
+ Nope
21. What do you leave for Santa?
+ We don't really do Santa.
22. Least favorite holiday song?
+ Auld Lang Syne.
23. Favorite ornament?
Something with a twin picture in it
24. Family tradition?
+ If Bethy keeps performing in Nutcracker, our early Christmas pretty much gets geared around that.
25. Ever been to Midnight Mass or late-night Christmas Eve services?
+ Yep, lots of times.
I will be passing this "tag" on to the following blogfriends:
Paul
Guam Brad
Jim
Madhu
Detroit Brad
Jaq
Aaron
Wonder if they'll accept it...
1. Link to the person that tagged you, and post the rules on your blog.
2. Share Christmas facts about yourself.
3. Tag seven random people at the end of your post, and include links to their blogs.
4. Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
Welcome to the Christmas edition of "Getting to Know Your Friends."
1. Wrapping or gift bags?
+ gift bags. i hate wrapping and am SO lazy
2. Real or artificial tree?
+ artificial, quasi-prelit (but only if Christine puts it up. if not, no tree).
3. When do you put up the tree?
+ Man, Shane and I are 3 for 3 the same. I don't put it up. When Christine does, it just depends. She likes it earlier...
4. When do you take the tree down?
+ When Christine gets to it. The year she was pregnant with the twins, it literally stayed up until Easter! :-)
5. Do you like egg nog?
+ Sure, but I don't drink it much.
6. Favorite gift received as a child?
+ Intellivision!
7. Do you have a nativity scene?
+ Christine says we have 4 if you count Little People and Veggie Tales
8. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?
+ My inlaws like to stuff stockings with practical things like Kleenex, breath mints, etc :-(
9. Mail or email Christmas cards?
+ Neither. If I get out an email with a Christmas picture of us and a 'Merry Christmas', I'm doing well.
10. Favorite Christmas Movie?
+ Easy: A Christmas Story
11. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
+ As late as possible.
12. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
+ Gramma's Buttermilk Fudge
13. Clear lights or colored on the tree?
+ We call them white.
14. Favorite Christmas song(s)?
+ Come on everyone, let's boogie to the elf dance!
15. Travel at Christmas or stay home?
+ 3-year rotation: Iowa with my family, NC with Christine's family, home
16. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer?
+ Easily
17. Angel on the tree top or a star?
+ Star
18. Open the presents Christmas Eve or Christmas Morning?
+ Extended family Christmas Eve, current immediate family Christmas Day.
19. Most annoying thing about this time of year?
+ Again, very like Shane's, but I'm most annoyed when the people closest to me stress out about Christmas. I assume strangers are going to be yahoos ;-)
20. Do you decorate your tree in any specific theme or color?
+ Nope
21. What do you leave for Santa?
+ We don't really do Santa.
22. Least favorite holiday song?
+ Auld Lang Syne.
23. Favorite ornament?
Something with a twin picture in it
24. Family tradition?
+ If Bethy keeps performing in Nutcracker, our early Christmas pretty much gets geared around that.
25. Ever been to Midnight Mass or late-night Christmas Eve services?
+ Yep, lots of times.
I will be passing this "tag" on to the following blogfriends:
Paul
Guam Brad
Jim
Madhu
Detroit Brad
Jaq
Aaron
Wonder if they'll accept it...
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