Wednesday, January 14, 2009

first post of 2009

Sorry it's been a while since I posted anything, but you know the story, "I've been busy."
Since my last post the Lions finished the season without a victory, but the Red Wings are picking up steam, and should roll into the playoffs as a favorite to take the Stanley Cup.
We have a new heating system, and I'm sitting in the family room actually thinking of turning the heat down, (it's around zero outside.) That seldom happened with the old boiler system we had. We also saved a couple of thousand dollars in the process. The new system will also be cheaper to run from what I've been told, but the main thing is that the house is nice and toasty, just the way Janet likes it.
That's all for this post, but I will be starting another post soon regarding the Lions and their search for a new coach, and speculation as to how they use the first overall draft pick.

Jack

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Detroit Lions vs. New Orleans Saints

Okay, by now many of you know that the Lions lost again today, but that's not what this post is about though. What do the Lions do next year, or next month, after analyzing this past season?
I had predicted that the Lions would beat the Saints and avoid becoming the first team to go win-less in a sixteen game season.
I sadly admit I was wrong and I now believe that the Lions are doomed to become the first team to go 0-16 in one season, I do not like it, but in order to avoid this stigma they would have to win in Green bay, where they haven't won in about 16 years.
The only good to come out of an 0-16 season, is hopefully a thorough house cleaning, top to bottom, New GM, Coaches, and in some cases players.
Look at the Miami Dolphins, they won one single game last year, and this year they are 10-5 and in the thick of the playoff hunt.
The main difference in Miami? Bill Parcels as President of football operations, and a new head coach. They brought in a few new players and instant success.
Could the Lions do the same? Doubtful, but I hope they can bring in the system or people to at least make them competitive. When Rod Marinelli was hired I really wanted to think he was the right guy, but he is just another in a long line of great assistant coaches who don't cut it as head coaches, but in his defense, Matt Millen didn't do anything correct as far as getting the right players, and we could be staring at another long rebuilding process before there's anything for Lions fans to cheer about.
The Offensive Line needs upgrading, as does the linebacking corps, the defensive line, and the secondary, plus we could use another wide receiver to take the pressure of Calvin Johnson, and a franchise Quarterback, but that might wait until next years draft. I think we'll have a really high pick in 2010 too, unfortunately.

Drumcoach

Friday, December 19, 2008

Arena Football R.I.P.

While Jason and his family are down from Marquette for Christmas, I asked him to do a guest blog on any topic he wanted to write on, and here is his entry on the apparent demise of Arena Football;

Thanks Dad. As many of you are probably unaware of, last week (I think it was last week, I know I read it sometime but I'm too lazy to site my sources) the Arena Football League announced that they would be suspending the 2009 season, and while things are technically up in the air, it wouldn't surprise me if, given our current economic climate, they took several seasons off. And for a secondary sports league like the AFL, it might be too big of a task to pick up where they left off.

And it's a shame. If you've never had a chance to see a game, live or on TV, you're missing out! Billed as the '50 yard indoor war', Arena football contains enough components of football to be recognized as an offshoot, but enough differences to be a completely different entity.


Former NFL MVP Kurt Warner started out anonymously in the AFL. Now he is a member of the Arizona Cardinals, which means he is even more anonymous now than he was with the Iowa Barnstormers, or whatever team he was with.

Some of the major differences are (all these differences are taken from arenafootball.com)- 50 yard field, indoor padded surface (which is pretty cool, because the sideline tickets are really SIDELINE tickets), 8 players on the field at a time, 1 receiver allowed forward motion, NO PUNTING (it's illegal...not sure if it's punishable by law, but it is definitely illegal), and passes thrown off the netting are live balls and count as a reception if they caught before touching the ground. Passes off the boards are also considered live, and anything caught off a rebound from the boards counts as a catch. But probably the coolest part of all- the fieldgoal rebound nets. One time when we went and saw the Detroit Drive (our last Detroit Football Champ), George LaFrance took a missed field goal off of the rebound nets back for a touchdown. Way cool!


Is there anyway that the Lions can cancel their 2009 season?

If you are a fan of the forward pass, then you should love Arena football. It is not uncommon for a quarterback to throw 7 TD passes in a game and lose. Games in the 60's are common. It's a completely different style of football, packaged differently and everything. I can't say that I've followed it over the years, so I guess that I'm probably to blame for the league going under...or maybe my narcissism is just rearing its ugly head. I will miss it though.

Probably my fondest AFL memory is the time when we went to a game that some of the Drive players were supposed to be signing autographs before the game. Well, you might not know this about my family, but we don't really know our way around Detroit. We're not really 'street'...we're just studio gangsters. Anyways, it wasn't that we got lost, we just weren't sure where to find the Drive players. So my dad asks this tall, well dressed, athletic young man...who we come to find out is Andre Ware!

Hey if Dan Orlvosky can't go on Sunday, maybe we could get Heisman Andre to suit up...

Now this is before Andre was a dud, and I was about 12 or so, so this was a big deal...I remember being shocked and awed by the presence of an NFL football player- this was huge! He signed a piece of paper for me, and I instantly became a part of Andre Nation...at least, until he started taking snaps for the Lions. Then I swore an oath that I would never again utter the name 'Andre Ware'. We also met Lomas Brown, who is one of the biggest men I have ever seen. Not quite as big as 'Andre the Giant'...more like 'Andre the Large'. Or 'Andre the Above-average'.

Fortunately, Lomas was wearing more than a speedo when we saw him.

Maybe it was a sign of the times for the AFL, that my most memorable moment came from meeting a real live NFL player. Maybe it was a sign of the times for Andre Ware that my most memorable moment from his career was meeting him at an Arena football game. But whatever the case, Arena football is gone for the foreseeable future. It will be missed. But it lives on in our hearts, our memories, and our 2nd generation video game consoles. Arena football, we spill some beer on the ground for you homie.

Photos:
Andre Giant- http://www.cwfarchives.com/Photo2.php?id=1623
Andre Ware- http://espn.go.com/abcsports/bcs/s/where/andreware.html
Detroit Drive logo- http://www.oursportscentral.com/sports/?t_id=1728
Kurt Warner- http://sports.espn.go.com/extra/afl/news/story?id=3247185

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Friends list

This is gutsy, listing friends, but it's not what you think. This is not a "top ten" list, it's just an alphabetical list of friends that I am thinking about as Christmas nears, and the wishes I have for them this holiday season (this is much cheaper than actually buying them something.}

Al B. A very good friend, that I met while Jason was playing JV football at Bullock Creek. Al coached several years with me in the MAYFL, and goes camping with us quite often, we try and take in a few events of some sort when we can, but we haven't had a chance to do much lately.
For Christmas I hope you have lots of quality time with your grandchildren and the Red Wings win another Stanley, Cup so maybe we can enjoy a game or two together during the finals. I'll bring the popcorn.

Andy B. I met Andy when my band played at the Oscoda Air Force Base's NCO Club. Andy sat in on a few songs and ended up becoming an unofficial member of the band, who would play bass with us whenever he was able to attend a gig. I haven't seen him in years, but we keep in touch via e-mail. Andy for Christmas I hope you have a wonderful holiday with your family, and that we can get together and jam sometime soon.

Bill K. I met Bill through the band and still get together now and then, Bill has a wonderful family and is one of the nicest guys I have ever had the pleasure to play music with. For Christmas I hope you have continued blessings from God, and that your family remains close as they grow up. (Both geographically, and Spiritually.)

Carl F. Another friend I met in a band, Carl now lives in Memphis Tenn. and I hope to get down there and visit him sometime so we can check out some of the blues clubs. For Christmas I hope you and your family have time to spend together and that you have success and stability in your job.

Dave B. Actually my cousin, but also one of my good friends while growing up. Dave and I went to see "Planet of the Apes" at the drive in and I was able to watch as he came back from the concession stand and got into the wrong car, that was a hoot. For Christmas I wish you and your son peace and serenity, and blessings from God.

Dave E. A friend from work. Dave and I got off on the wrong foot, and neither of us liked working with the other until we just had a face to face and now I consider Dave to be one of my best friends and a very nice man. Dave, for Christmas I hope you and Kathy get that place in Florida and retire in leisure.

Dave T. Okay, this is a bit odd, but I met Dave by accidentally e-mailing to the wrong e-mail address. We talked baseball over the course of several days, (or weeks) before we discovered I was talking about the Tigers and he was talking about the Cubs. I have never met Dave, but we keep in touch via e-mail, and I consider him a good friend even though I wouldn't know him if we met on the street. Maybe this will be the year I make it out west to see your new location. For Christmas I hope for a Cubs vs. Tigers World Series, don't laugh, it could happen.

Dick N. A very good friend from work, that attended the same high school as I did. For Christmas I hope for an early retirement so you can catch up on Cindy's honey-do list.

Don Disco. What can I say, Don's the big old lovable guy you want in your corner if there's any trouble. He has a volatile temper, but that's what makes him fun to tease. Don for Christmas I hope you have lots of time with your daughter and that the doctor gets you on the right medication.

Dwight M. Dwight is another guy from work, and one that I have the most in common with, as far as age and life experiences, tastes in music and the goal of retiring and remaining fat and lazy, (at least that's my goal.) Dwight for Christmas I hope we can both get that early retirement.

Greg F. One of the most fun guys to work with. Greg is a big sports nut and we can discuss almost any sport as long as it's football, or baseball. Greg, for Christmas how about a Detroit Tigers American League Championship, and a .500 season for Michigan Football, (Doubtful with Coach Rod.)

Jamey H. A friend from work who is off with a knee injury. Jamey is a fun loving guy who I miss working with, but I know he's better off not being subjected to the BS that goes on at the MPC. Jamey, for Christmas I hope Rita gets that early retirement so she can be there to make sure you do what you're supposed to do while she's working, on second thought maybe not. Merry Christmas anyway.

Jef P. Jef is my brother, but also my best friend, that is why he's on this list. Jef is an excellent guitarist and writer who happens to be the biggest Tigers fan I know. Jef, for Christmas I hope for a Tigers World Series victory and that you and Sandy can get tickets for the deciding game.

Jeff W. Another friend from work who is big on sports and trivia, especially sports trivia. Jeff, for Christmas how about some quality time with your daughter and a sports almanac with all the sports info you would ever need.

Jim R. Jim is my former Pastor, fishing & golfing buddy, and the kind of man who will drop everything if someone needs a hand at anything. Jim has a great sense of humor and we got along very well. Jim, for Christmas I hope you and Nancy get to spend lots of time with your grand daughter and family, and that God's blessings continue to come your way, also a new rod and reel would be appreciated I'm sure.

John B. John and I worked together in several different buildings and shifts over the years and we always managed to have fun regardless of who the supervisor was. John has a very unique way of looking at the world and together the two of us came up with solutions to solve most of the problems facing modern society, unfortunately we didn't write anything down and I don't remember them now. John, for Christmas I hope you and your family have lots of time together and that the boys (grandsons) don't destroy anything.

John B. (a different John B.) John is another guy from work who is fun to work with and also enjoys trivia. John, for Christmas I hope you have lots of good powder for skiing, and that you have enough sick time to get you through the season.

Paul D. A former co-worker who retired in '02 and took another full time job. Paul I hope this retirement thing works out well for you, and for Christmas I hope you and Kris have continued joy in the new year.

Rob H. A special friend who I met in a band way back in the early 80's, and he remains one of my favorite guitarists to this day. Rob and I have been through a lot together over the years, and he is my best friend ever. Rob and his family have joined us on camping trips and we have attended concerts and hockey games with the wives on several occasions. Rob, for Christmas I hope you and Lana have a peaceful holiday and a wonderful new year, and a winning lotto ticket to boot.

Roland S. What can I say, he is "Verbal Redirection Man!" And the Crossword King, a very intelligent person who has a great sense of humor, I bow in the presence of his greatness, did I mention he's humble too? Roland is one of the best people to work with at the MPC, and he's a lot of fun no matter what the situation is. Roland, for Christmas I hope you have the time to spend with your family to catch up on things you missed out on while doing all that Overtime, seriously I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas and a great new year.

Tim S. Is a friend from Church and also from Bullock Creek sports, my first three children and his three children all graduated together. Tim is another of those guys who will drop everything to lend a hand, and he puts the needs of others before his own needs. Tim, for Christmas I hope you and Val have a chance to gather everyone together and can enjoy a special family Christmas, and that the Blessings of Our Lord are yours to partake of.

Random thoughts, Detroit Sports Teams

Yikes! The Detroit Lions problems are spreading to the other Detroit sports teams! The Pistons are barely .500, and the Red Wings aren't the top team in the league! (Of course the Red Wings are near the top of the league, but for Red Wings fans that is simply not good enough, plus the goals against average is too high.}
I hope the Lions don't rub off on the Tigers, (sudden visual image I wish hadn't occurred) and that the Tigers return to their form of 2006, or was it 2007?
Anyway, it's Christmas and that means only one thing; Spring Training is only two months away!
{Actually Christmas means a lot to me and I don't mean to trivialize it. It is the time to celebrate the birth of Christ, and in doing so gathering with family and friends.}
But, the Lions ineptness appears to be infecting the other teams in the Detroit area and this has to stop! Maybe until this malaise is over we can refer to the other teams as the Michigan Pistons, The Michigan Tigers, or the Michigan Red Wings, but then Michigan isn't doing that well either. How about the Mid West Tigers? Nah, doesn't sound right.
How about the Los Angeles Pistons that play in Detroit? Or the Boston Tigers who reside in Comerica Park?
This may be solved by a Lions victory in one of the remaining two games. The Saints are coming to town next Sunday and that appears to be the most viable chance for a Lions victory, but finally getting a win in Green Bay isn't beyond the realm of possibility. Or is it? After all, with Favre in New York, the Packers could be had, well maybe, these are the Lions we're talking about.
How nice would a two game win streak be to end the Millen/Marinelli era?

Drumcoach

E-mail scams

Don't send me e-mail forwards about "Bill Gates is giving away his fortune and..." or e-mails that have anything to do with any financial scheme in Nigeria, or any off shore country that promises instant riches. Don't respond to anything that promises to save you money on your medicine, and if you aren't a member of the bank or credit union sending you an alert, don't even bother to open it up.
If an e-mail is legit, and from a banking institution that you belong to, then they will have your name on file, and address you accordingly. Never respond to an e-mail link to another site, no matter how authentic it appears, and never give out any personal info.
You would think that this post was unnecessary, but I have been receiving several "get rich quick" type e-mail scams from internet savvy users, who just want to believe that they will get $240 for every e-mail they forward, or that they have won an internet sweepstakes that they never entered. That's just not going to happen.
The internet in general and e-mail in particular, can be a useful and wonderful method of maintaining contact with family and friends. But I would much prefer to hear about your family or that new job, over just forwards, and maybe, if you're a Detroit Lions Fan, you can vent over the latest loss, or speculate as to when we will get our next victory. (Next week against the Saints, no sweat it's in the bag.)

Drumcoach

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Auto industry bailout, flak aimed at UAW

Watching several members of Congress suggest that the UAW workers tie their compensation to that of the Japanese auto workers, why not do the same for the Big Three auto executives?
Instead of paying several million dollars in total compensation to the management teams of the big three, make sure that their compensation is in line with that of the Japanese management teams at Honda and Toyota.
I'll bet if this was to be the case that the upper management at the Big Three would never accept it.

Drumcoach