Responsible Adults? What OF This?
M.D. Wright
1.28.10
***EDITOR'S NOTE: Well, there is no note, this column entry is self-explanatory ha.
I want to make this as clear as possible: I am NOT judging anyone, nor calling anyone out specifically -- no need for private messages and inbox emails asking for the drop on someone ha.
But I think most of us grew up hearing this phrase "Responsible Adult" -- however, what does it entail? Is it purely a values judgment, or is there a criterion involved? WHAT OF THIS?
Personally, I have my own parameters that define what an adult is, and furthermore a responsible one. As I promised from the onset of 2010, I am making my columns and blogs interactive. I'm not a lecturer (until I get my Ph.D. ha), so I'd rather hear from you, rather than speak in absolutes.
I will say this about responsible adults --
1. They do what they say they will do, extenuating circumstances aside.
2. They are motivated to get up and work/look for a job, provide for themselves and/or a family if they have one.
3. They pay their bills -- ON TIME, again, extenuating circumstances aside (and no, those don't mean robbing Peter to pay Paul because you decided to max out your Visa at Bergdorf and want to use your grace periods every month or worse yet, allowing them to lapse).
4. (SEGUE) Aside from business losses and casualties that were unavoidable, they don't max out a dozen credit cards when they only earn $32,000 a year. WHERE THEY DO THAT AT?
5. They return phone calls.
6. They are organized.
7. They wash their dishes, don't allow their wash to pile up for a month, they don't invite people over to a nasty house (or worse yet, offer to allow them to spend the night(s) there when you might be susceptible to rats crawling across your beard -- and yes, beard goes for both men AND women ha -- at night) and there's rotten food in the fridge and dishes stacked high like that episode of Tom & Jerry where Tom was going to get killed by the mammy lady if they broke ha).
I could go on and on, but like Harry Caray used to say during the 7th Inning Stretch, "LEMME HEAR YA!!!"
DISCUSS>>>
As politically incorrect as I wanna be.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Sports & Music
Sports & Music
M.D. Wright
1.28.10
***EDITOR'S NOTE: Continuing the "Favorites" theme, this post is about a few random thoughts -- the connection and interaction between music and sports.
You all know me. I am the Sports Guy. I am a walking music almanac, having been collecting music since 1985 and having a database of 70,000 records across all genres (literally). Some of you go as far back as 6th grade with me, when I began keeping my "Stat Book" (this was pre-internet, you know, when you actually had to do some serious reading, research and compiling to get your information into a binder -- 1990, 1991, etc.) Guys like Antonio Townsend and Rod Glover remember, as Tony kept a stat book also back then. I'm the same way with music. I am a geek, especially when it comes to the business and legal side of the music industry. I learned about the importance of reading liner notes, understanding the significance of publishing, royalties, getting "points" on a record and the benefits of executive producing a record (even if you have no real input on it -- as some big wigs that I won't name currently do).
But one thing that will ALWAYS strike a chord with me is when some of my favorite rappers or even singers mention sports figures in their rhymes. I can name lyrics all day (literally) and I think almost more than anything else, those sports-tinged lyrics stand out to me more than anything else.
Here's one of my all-time favorites by Cam'ron:
"We like Bird, Parish, Kevin McHale... Scott, Worthy, Jabbar and Magic... oh my God, it's magic... Isiah, Dumars, I will carve your casket... Phil, Scottie and Mike... Phil, Shaq and Kobe... my gats will detach you homie..." -- from "We Are The Champions", Diplomats, Vol. III Mixtape. Fitting title.
But rather than me name lyrics all day, give me some feedback: take a gander at this post, no matter the genre, think of some songs with sports-influenced lyrics and post them here for me. Let's have fun with this one.
DISCUSS>>>
M.D. Wright
1.28.10
***EDITOR'S NOTE: Continuing the "Favorites" theme, this post is about a few random thoughts -- the connection and interaction between music and sports.
You all know me. I am the Sports Guy. I am a walking music almanac, having been collecting music since 1985 and having a database of 70,000 records across all genres (literally). Some of you go as far back as 6th grade with me, when I began keeping my "Stat Book" (this was pre-internet, you know, when you actually had to do some serious reading, research and compiling to get your information into a binder -- 1990, 1991, etc.) Guys like Antonio Townsend and Rod Glover remember, as Tony kept a stat book also back then. I'm the same way with music. I am a geek, especially when it comes to the business and legal side of the music industry. I learned about the importance of reading liner notes, understanding the significance of publishing, royalties, getting "points" on a record and the benefits of executive producing a record (even if you have no real input on it -- as some big wigs that I won't name currently do).
But one thing that will ALWAYS strike a chord with me is when some of my favorite rappers or even singers mention sports figures in their rhymes. I can name lyrics all day (literally) and I think almost more than anything else, those sports-tinged lyrics stand out to me more than anything else.
Here's one of my all-time favorites by Cam'ron:
"We like Bird, Parish, Kevin McHale... Scott, Worthy, Jabbar and Magic... oh my God, it's magic... Isiah, Dumars, I will carve your casket... Phil, Scottie and Mike... Phil, Shaq and Kobe... my gats will detach you homie..." -- from "We Are The Champions", Diplomats, Vol. III Mixtape. Fitting title.
But rather than me name lyrics all day, give me some feedback: take a gander at this post, no matter the genre, think of some songs with sports-influenced lyrics and post them here for me. Let's have fun with this one.
DISCUSS>>>
Pet Peeve Phrase Of The Day: 1.28.10
Pet Peeve Phrase Of The Day: 1.28.10
M.D. Wright
1.28.10
***EDITOR'S NOTE: Continuation of the Pet Peeve Series.
Quick hit for today --
Everyone knows this person. I know him/her. You know him/her. We have classes with them. We work with one. We see one who always has to sit on the front pew at church. We may even LIVE with him/her. And that person I'm talking about is the one who always has to utter:
"YEAH, BUT..." to everything you say. They seem to always be ready with a rebuttal to whatever you say, no matter how pertinent, contextual and accurate what you say may be. In the back of your mind you have to wonder what makes such a person tick, that they get off by always trying to refute what you say.
The other type of person who says that seems to always want to be right or sound "better" than you -- or have that "one-up" mentality. Personally, nothing drives me nuts more than this (if I have to be around such a person on a daily/regular basis). I can deal if I'm pretty sure I'll never see them again, but if it is someone who I am related to, work with, have class with or what have you... DEAR GOD.
DISCUSS>>>
M.D. Wright
1.28.10
***EDITOR'S NOTE: Continuation of the Pet Peeve Series.
Quick hit for today --
Everyone knows this person. I know him/her. You know him/her. We have classes with them. We work with one. We see one who always has to sit on the front pew at church. We may even LIVE with him/her. And that person I'm talking about is the one who always has to utter:
"YEAH, BUT..." to everything you say. They seem to always be ready with a rebuttal to whatever you say, no matter how pertinent, contextual and accurate what you say may be. In the back of your mind you have to wonder what makes such a person tick, that they get off by always trying to refute what you say.
The other type of person who says that seems to always want to be right or sound "better" than you -- or have that "one-up" mentality. Personally, nothing drives me nuts more than this (if I have to be around such a person on a daily/regular basis). I can deal if I'm pretty sure I'll never see them again, but if it is someone who I am related to, work with, have class with or what have you... DEAR GOD.
DISCUSS>>>
Monday, January 25, 2010
Favorites Spree
Favorites Spree
M.D. Wright
1.25.10
***EDITOR'S NOTE: As a spinoff to my Pet Peeves of the Day, I am also compiling a Favorites Spree on a semi-daily basis. With this issue, I will be listing some of my favorite words that have entered my vernacular over the past 15 years. The use of archaic wordage and unique verbiage is amusing to me because there are so many ways to express yourself using the English language.
As a wordsmith and as someone who literally studied the dictionary in elementary, middle and high school and parts of college, I have stumbled across words that just stick with me for whatever reason. Some of them are hilarious when pronounced phonetically. Some just look funny in script. Either way, here is a quick rundown of my favorites and why they made the list.
1. FLUMMOX.
Meaning:
To confound, confuse, to cause one to be at a loss.
Usage: "Brad Childress' stubborn play-calling and Brett Favre Worship, even after his continued misguided gunslinging still flummox me to this day."
I just love how it sounds, especially with someone who has a lisp ha. But even writing it is hilarious. Some people see it and say "WHAT ON EARTH???" and I go, "Exactly" ha.
2. VERBIAGE.
Meaning:
Active use of verbs and verb tenses in a phrase.
Usage: "The Bears don't use complex verbiage in their cadence, they just line up and go at the other team."
You know what my first encounter with this word was? Not in high school English. Not in college, but listening to a NFL broadcaster call a game and describing a Quarterback's hard count back in the late 80s. I kind of had an idea of what the word meant back then, but now it is part of my everyday vernacular.
SEGUE.
3. VERNACULAR.
Meaning:
Means by which one speaks and expresses one's self with words.
Usage: "This is a typical example of my everyday vernacular."
It just seems like a whole lot to say very little. Sort of like listening to certain foreign languages only to find out "THAT'S ALL THEY SAID??? SHEESH. I heard 5 sentences worth of chatter!"
SEGUE II
4. SEGUE
Meaning:
A transition from one thought or process to another; a seamless connection.
Usage: "This is a perfect segue for my story, thanks for the idea!"
Again, my first encounter with this word came from the sports world. I want to say Dan Patrick used it when he hosted SportsCenter on ESPN back in the late 80s or so who knows?
5. ASSUAGE.
Meaning:
To coddle, massage, cater to one's whims and desires.
Usage: "Surely you don't expect me to stand here and assuage your guilt. Own up to your mistakes and move forward."
I love certain words that, to the common listener or reader, seem not to have any meaning connection to the phrase and context in which they are being used. This is certainly one of those words. Plus I just love saying it, particularly when someone thinks they've out-witted me.
M.D. Wright
1.25.10
***EDITOR'S NOTE: As a spinoff to my Pet Peeves of the Day, I am also compiling a Favorites Spree on a semi-daily basis. With this issue, I will be listing some of my favorite words that have entered my vernacular over the past 15 years. The use of archaic wordage and unique verbiage is amusing to me because there are so many ways to express yourself using the English language.
As a wordsmith and as someone who literally studied the dictionary in elementary, middle and high school and parts of college, I have stumbled across words that just stick with me for whatever reason. Some of them are hilarious when pronounced phonetically. Some just look funny in script. Either way, here is a quick rundown of my favorites and why they made the list.
1. FLUMMOX.
Meaning:
To confound, confuse, to cause one to be at a loss.
Usage: "Brad Childress' stubborn play-calling and Brett Favre Worship, even after his continued misguided gunslinging still flummox me to this day."
I just love how it sounds, especially with someone who has a lisp ha. But even writing it is hilarious. Some people see it and say "WHAT ON EARTH???" and I go, "Exactly" ha.
2. VERBIAGE.
Meaning:
Active use of verbs and verb tenses in a phrase.
Usage: "The Bears don't use complex verbiage in their cadence, they just line up and go at the other team."
You know what my first encounter with this word was? Not in high school English. Not in college, but listening to a NFL broadcaster call a game and describing a Quarterback's hard count back in the late 80s. I kind of had an idea of what the word meant back then, but now it is part of my everyday vernacular.
SEGUE.
3. VERNACULAR.
Meaning:
Means by which one speaks and expresses one's self with words.
Usage: "This is a typical example of my everyday vernacular."
It just seems like a whole lot to say very little. Sort of like listening to certain foreign languages only to find out "THAT'S ALL THEY SAID??? SHEESH. I heard 5 sentences worth of chatter!"
SEGUE II
4. SEGUE
Meaning:
A transition from one thought or process to another; a seamless connection.
Usage: "This is a perfect segue for my story, thanks for the idea!"
Again, my first encounter with this word came from the sports world. I want to say Dan Patrick used it when he hosted SportsCenter on ESPN back in the late 80s or so who knows?
5. ASSUAGE.
Meaning:
To coddle, massage, cater to one's whims and desires.
Usage: "Surely you don't expect me to stand here and assuage your guilt. Own up to your mistakes and move forward."
I love certain words that, to the common listener or reader, seem not to have any meaning connection to the phrase and context in which they are being used. This is certainly one of those words. Plus I just love saying it, particularly when someone thinks they've out-witted me.
New York Football Giants 2010 NFL Draft Needs Assessment
New York Football Giants 2010 NFL Draft Needs Assessment
M.D. Wright
1.25.10
***EDITOR'S NOTE: The 2010 NFL Draft is April 22-24, 2010 in New York City. The Giants have the 15th pick in the 1st Round of the upcoming draft.
The Giants weren't as bad as they appeared (defensively -- the offense was just fine minus terrible situational play-calling at times by Offensive Coordinator Kevin Killdrive *ehem* Gilbride), but there are always needs that must be filled as players age (Fred Robbins), get out of shape and aren't nearly as productive as they once were (Antonio Pierce) and quite simply don't cut it for the scheme that the Giants like to run (Danny Clark). Those are the glaring holes. The Giants still have a few small moves that can be made in the draft that can shore up their future for the next 3-5 years at least.
Pick #1. The major issue is the linebacking corps.
The first pick should be used on a Mike or Wheel. These are Pierce and Clark's positions, respectively. Pierce appears to be 7 months pregnant these days and can't run middle-of-the-field to sideline, much less the "sideline-to-sideline" that he was touted for when the Giants signed him as a free agent after leaving Washington.
Clark is a good run defender, but with Osi Umenyiora in front of him (playing poorly against the run; serving more like a swinging gate before being benched due to his lack of production against the run all season late in the season), it wasn't all on Clark. Plus the scheme employed by former Defensive Coordinator Bill Sheridan left the LBs in coverage (a major weakness for Pierce and Clark because they no longer have the speed to run downfield against the better Tight Ends and Wide Receivers who ran into their zones). Strongside linebacker Michael Boley is a speed linebacker who is decent in coverage, but even he had a hard time when he finally did get back into the lineup and played consistent games after injury early.
Good Pick:
MLB/ILB/OLB
1. Brandon Spikes, Florida
2. Sergio Kingle, Texas
3. Rolando McClain, Alabama
Pick #2. The Giants' defensive line strength is somewhat overstated. Although GM Jerry Reese signed several players to bolster the depth, they were just bodies all season. DT Rocky Bernard did next to nothing all season. DT/DE Chris Canty lacks leverage to get to the QB, especially standing 6'7" and being relatively light in the legs. DE Justin Tuck was injured all season and played like a warrior, but a healthy year for Tuck yields 12-15 sacks. He only had 7. Likewise with DE Osi Umenyiora. It was obvious he lacked the burst he normally has coming off ACL surgery, and most of us sports guys have watched enough guys come back from that injury to know it takes a year and a half (or a second season after surgery) to get close to where the player once was. The thing with Umenyiora is that he's torn the knee ligament before. There were questions about his drive this season, especially with his total disregard for defending the running game. He got after the quarterback all year, had 6 sacks (7, depending on who you ask) and several forced fumbles and recoveries, but the Giants were gashed all season when teams ran to their left side (the Giants' right side -- Umenyiora, Cofield and Clark) and most of that was off the edge -- at Umenyiora. As previously stated, he was benched late because of this; although Kiwanuka was no better, given that he couldn't even break engagement with the opposing teams' LT when he became starter and was no better against the run.
Tuck should be fine, Robbins will be 33 and was injured also most of the season. Umenyiora has unofficially said that he may not come back to the Giants next year. Who knows? New Defensive Coordinator Perry Fewell will be catering to the Giants' previous strength -- blitzing, attacking the QB with just their front four and allowing the back seven to make plays. We shall see.
Good Pick:
DE/DT
1. Best available at pick #46.
Pick #3. You can never have enough good cornerbacks. The Giants have two, but they were both banged up all year (Ross) or slowed and only played in parts of 13 games (Webster). The other healthy CBs are nickel CBs at best right now; although CB Terrell Thomas will be a starter next year, particularly if Ross does not get back to full strength. That hamstring injury was dubious, because no one spends 4 months recovering from a hammy.
The current CB depth chart consists of:
1. Corey Webster (C)
2. Aaron Ross (C-)
3. Terrell Thomas (A-)
4. Kevin Dockery (C)
5. Bruce Johnson (C)
6. DJ Johnson (INC)
That's not convincing, healthy or not.
Don't be surprised if the Giants go 2nd or 3rd round with a CB pick.
Good Pick:
CB
Pick #4. This is a toss-up, because the draft turns from best player to best value while addressing the rest of your needs. The Giants could use some depth along the offensive line, but it is not PARAMOUNT at this point. The bigger concern, at least at this pick, is SAFETY. There are never more than 4 or 5 NFL-ready safeties in the draft, so finding one in the 100s range is going to require some serious scouting. Nonetheless, there are two major issues with the Giants' secondary. Starting FS Kenny Phillips has a chronic and degenerative condition called patellaosteoarthritis in his knee. It is the reason he was benched after the Week 2 win vs. Dallas in the 2009 season. He could've played through it, as he admitted the day after being informed he was placed on IR on Sept. 24. Considering how the FS position was a veritable sieve and left the Giants playing virtually 10 on 11 all season, one has to question the wisdom of placing Phillips on IR when his play was not negatively affected by the condition. Especially given the fact he has not had surgery yet and probably won't. What was the point of placing him on IR if he could have played and still has not had surgery. That condition is very serious, however; because it may not ever get better and it will cause bone-on-bone pain for young Kenny; and in football that is never good.
The other issue is lack of depth. With Phillips out, the Giants were playing with high school talent. Michael Johnson plays hard, but he just does not have the instincts nor the range necessary to play consistently at the NFL level nor is that range sufficient to make up for average instincts. CC Brown is a sick joke of an NFL player, I will not waste words on him. He's good on special teams and occasionally stacking the box, but in coverage, he is a Giants fan's nightmare. Reminders of CB Elvis "TOAST" Patterson from the early 80s.
Aaron Rouse came in and was a decent stopgap, but he got beat quite a bit as well. His takes were often sloppy and having played the secondary myself, I watch their technique all the time -- his angles were pitiful and he's not a big hitter, even though he's 6'4" and 230 lbs. Go figure.
The Giants only have rookie Sha'reff Johnson who they drafted in '09 in the secondary.
Don't be surprised if the Giants go SAFETY in the 3rd round, but for now, I'm predicting 4th Round, because LB, DT/DE and CB may be more pressing.
Good pick:
Best available.
#5 Pick. At this point in the draft, you just want a hard worker and a value pick. There are usually good finds with linemen on both sides of the ball and a nickel corner/potential special teams star to be had here. WR Sinorice Moss may not return, so the Giants may look at one of those smallish WRs who is a spark plug who can return kicks or serve on the coverage team. They may also be looking at RB, but a backup only; as Andre Brown will be returning (non Giants fans and even those Giants fans who don't fervently follow the team forget he was a steal in the '09 Draft and ran very well at NC State).
Good pick:
RB/WR/ST player
#6 Pick. Most likely a lineman. The Giants had a very good 2009 Draft. WR Ramses Barden will see the field more in 2010 and LB Clint Sintim may move into the Wheel LB spot should Danny Clark leave this year. David Carr is almost sure to leave with 5 or 6 starting QB (6, if Favre finally DOES retire now that the Vikings have been eliminated from the NFL Playoffs for 2009) positions up for grabs in 2010.
Good pick:
Best available/OLB/Backup QB
#7 Pick. No one really cares, but you can never have enough CBs. The Giants do not know if P Jeff Feagles will retire or not, so they may either resort to drafting a guy off the street (bring back Rodney Williams ha?) or maybe letting me try out for the position. I can punt 45-50 yards in the air!
See you for the 2010 NFL Draft -- April 22-24, 2010 here in New York City.
M.D. Wright
1.25.10
***EDITOR'S NOTE: The 2010 NFL Draft is April 22-24, 2010 in New York City. The Giants have the 15th pick in the 1st Round of the upcoming draft.
The Giants weren't as bad as they appeared (defensively -- the offense was just fine minus terrible situational play-calling at times by Offensive Coordinator Kevin Killdrive *ehem* Gilbride), but there are always needs that must be filled as players age (Fred Robbins), get out of shape and aren't nearly as productive as they once were (Antonio Pierce) and quite simply don't cut it for the scheme that the Giants like to run (Danny Clark). Those are the glaring holes. The Giants still have a few small moves that can be made in the draft that can shore up their future for the next 3-5 years at least.
Pick #1. The major issue is the linebacking corps.
The first pick should be used on a Mike or Wheel. These are Pierce and Clark's positions, respectively. Pierce appears to be 7 months pregnant these days and can't run middle-of-the-field to sideline, much less the "sideline-to-sideline" that he was touted for when the Giants signed him as a free agent after leaving Washington.
Clark is a good run defender, but with Osi Umenyiora in front of him (playing poorly against the run; serving more like a swinging gate before being benched due to his lack of production against the run all season late in the season), it wasn't all on Clark. Plus the scheme employed by former Defensive Coordinator Bill Sheridan left the LBs in coverage (a major weakness for Pierce and Clark because they no longer have the speed to run downfield against the better Tight Ends and Wide Receivers who ran into their zones). Strongside linebacker Michael Boley is a speed linebacker who is decent in coverage, but even he had a hard time when he finally did get back into the lineup and played consistent games after injury early.
Good Pick:
MLB/ILB/OLB
1. Brandon Spikes, Florida
2. Sergio Kingle, Texas
3. Rolando McClain, Alabama
Pick #2. The Giants' defensive line strength is somewhat overstated. Although GM Jerry Reese signed several players to bolster the depth, they were just bodies all season. DT Rocky Bernard did next to nothing all season. DT/DE Chris Canty lacks leverage to get to the QB, especially standing 6'7" and being relatively light in the legs. DE Justin Tuck was injured all season and played like a warrior, but a healthy year for Tuck yields 12-15 sacks. He only had 7. Likewise with DE Osi Umenyiora. It was obvious he lacked the burst he normally has coming off ACL surgery, and most of us sports guys have watched enough guys come back from that injury to know it takes a year and a half (or a second season after surgery) to get close to where the player once was. The thing with Umenyiora is that he's torn the knee ligament before. There were questions about his drive this season, especially with his total disregard for defending the running game. He got after the quarterback all year, had 6 sacks (7, depending on who you ask) and several forced fumbles and recoveries, but the Giants were gashed all season when teams ran to their left side (the Giants' right side -- Umenyiora, Cofield and Clark) and most of that was off the edge -- at Umenyiora. As previously stated, he was benched late because of this; although Kiwanuka was no better, given that he couldn't even break engagement with the opposing teams' LT when he became starter and was no better against the run.
Tuck should be fine, Robbins will be 33 and was injured also most of the season. Umenyiora has unofficially said that he may not come back to the Giants next year. Who knows? New Defensive Coordinator Perry Fewell will be catering to the Giants' previous strength -- blitzing, attacking the QB with just their front four and allowing the back seven to make plays. We shall see.
Good Pick:
DE/DT
1. Best available at pick #46.
Pick #3. You can never have enough good cornerbacks. The Giants have two, but they were both banged up all year (Ross) or slowed and only played in parts of 13 games (Webster). The other healthy CBs are nickel CBs at best right now; although CB Terrell Thomas will be a starter next year, particularly if Ross does not get back to full strength. That hamstring injury was dubious, because no one spends 4 months recovering from a hammy.
The current CB depth chart consists of:
1. Corey Webster (C)
2. Aaron Ross (C-)
3. Terrell Thomas (A-)
4. Kevin Dockery (C)
5. Bruce Johnson (C)
6. DJ Johnson (INC)
That's not convincing, healthy or not.
Don't be surprised if the Giants go 2nd or 3rd round with a CB pick.
Good Pick:
CB
Pick #4. This is a toss-up, because the draft turns from best player to best value while addressing the rest of your needs. The Giants could use some depth along the offensive line, but it is not PARAMOUNT at this point. The bigger concern, at least at this pick, is SAFETY. There are never more than 4 or 5 NFL-ready safeties in the draft, so finding one in the 100s range is going to require some serious scouting. Nonetheless, there are two major issues with the Giants' secondary. Starting FS Kenny Phillips has a chronic and degenerative condition called patellaosteoarthritis in his knee. It is the reason he was benched after the Week 2 win vs. Dallas in the 2009 season. He could've played through it, as he admitted the day after being informed he was placed on IR on Sept. 24. Considering how the FS position was a veritable sieve and left the Giants playing virtually 10 on 11 all season, one has to question the wisdom of placing Phillips on IR when his play was not negatively affected by the condition. Especially given the fact he has not had surgery yet and probably won't. What was the point of placing him on IR if he could have played and still has not had surgery. That condition is very serious, however; because it may not ever get better and it will cause bone-on-bone pain for young Kenny; and in football that is never good.
The other issue is lack of depth. With Phillips out, the Giants were playing with high school talent. Michael Johnson plays hard, but he just does not have the instincts nor the range necessary to play consistently at the NFL level nor is that range sufficient to make up for average instincts. CC Brown is a sick joke of an NFL player, I will not waste words on him. He's good on special teams and occasionally stacking the box, but in coverage, he is a Giants fan's nightmare. Reminders of CB Elvis "TOAST" Patterson from the early 80s.
Aaron Rouse came in and was a decent stopgap, but he got beat quite a bit as well. His takes were often sloppy and having played the secondary myself, I watch their technique all the time -- his angles were pitiful and he's not a big hitter, even though he's 6'4" and 230 lbs. Go figure.
The Giants only have rookie Sha'reff Johnson who they drafted in '09 in the secondary.
Don't be surprised if the Giants go SAFETY in the 3rd round, but for now, I'm predicting 4th Round, because LB, DT/DE and CB may be more pressing.
Good pick:
Best available.
#5 Pick. At this point in the draft, you just want a hard worker and a value pick. There are usually good finds with linemen on both sides of the ball and a nickel corner/potential special teams star to be had here. WR Sinorice Moss may not return, so the Giants may look at one of those smallish WRs who is a spark plug who can return kicks or serve on the coverage team. They may also be looking at RB, but a backup only; as Andre Brown will be returning (non Giants fans and even those Giants fans who don't fervently follow the team forget he was a steal in the '09 Draft and ran very well at NC State).
Good pick:
RB/WR/ST player
#6 Pick. Most likely a lineman. The Giants had a very good 2009 Draft. WR Ramses Barden will see the field more in 2010 and LB Clint Sintim may move into the Wheel LB spot should Danny Clark leave this year. David Carr is almost sure to leave with 5 or 6 starting QB (6, if Favre finally DOES retire now that the Vikings have been eliminated from the NFL Playoffs for 2009) positions up for grabs in 2010.
Good pick:
Best available/OLB/Backup QB
#7 Pick. No one really cares, but you can never have enough CBs. The Giants do not know if P Jeff Feagles will retire or not, so they may either resort to drafting a guy off the street (bring back Rodney Williams ha?) or maybe letting me try out for the position. I can punt 45-50 yards in the air!
See you for the 2010 NFL Draft -- April 22-24, 2010 here in New York City.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Pet Peeve Phrase Of The Day: 1.23.10
Pet Peeve Phrase Of The Day: 1.23.10
M.D. Wright
1.23.10
***EDITOR'S NOTE: As part of an ongoing series, this is the next in line for the Pet Peeve Phrase Of The Day.
Today's Pet Peeve:
(Remember, this is all in fun, people who think I'm being a curmudgeon and complaining need to go play in traffic)
People who say "but uhmm" when attempting to converse, and while I'm there, using the non-word "CONVERSATE" instead of "converse".
The other phrase that goes with that is the reliance upon filler words such as "like" when not describing a person or inanimate object.
1. "But Uhmm" or "But Uhhhh".
Usually uttered when the speaker is at a temporary loss of words or cannot formulate their next thought coherently or quickly enough. I'm not the English Nazi by any stretch, but listening to someone speak for 10 minutes straight using those two sounds is very annoying. My professor Dr. Shelly Brown-Jeffy taught me a useful trick when it comes to avoiding the use of filler while speaking --
IF YOU CAN'T FORMULATE YOUR THOUGHTS, JUST PAUSE. Then start back speaking, but for the love of everything sacred, listening to someone speaking like Mike Leach here:
http://www.youtube.com/wat
2. "Conversate".
Where did this come from? People trying to seem articulate and not understanding conjugations? WHERE THEY DO THAT AT? I love hearing it the most when the person just KNOWS that it's the proper manner of speaking. Worse yet, when they try to correct you. I nearly died once when this girl tried to correct me straight up and down that 'conversate' is right and 'converse' "just doesn't sound right".
O_o.
3. "Like".
So people are walking metaphors now ha?
Person 1: "Yeah, he's a like... ummm doctor or somethin''.
O_o
Person 2: "But like, isn't he still in school though?"
o_O
Person 3: "You're right, but his girl was saying that like, he works part time outside of school, too."
PASS THE MOTOR OIL. Castrol Syntec 10W-30, preferably.
DISCUSS>>>
M.D. Wright
1.23.10
***EDITOR'S NOTE: As part of an ongoing series, this is the next in line for the Pet Peeve Phrase Of The Day.
Today's Pet Peeve:
(Remember, this is all in fun, people who think I'm being a curmudgeon and complaining need to go play in traffic)
People who say "but uhmm" when attempting to converse, and while I'm there, using the non-word "CONVERSATE" instead of "converse".
The other phrase that goes with that is the reliance upon filler words such as "like" when not describing a person or inanimate object.
1. "But Uhmm" or "But Uhhhh".
Usually uttered when the speaker is at a temporary loss of words or cannot formulate their next thought coherently or quickly enough. I'm not the English Nazi by any stretch, but listening to someone speak for 10 minutes straight using those two sounds is very annoying. My professor Dr. Shelly Brown-Jeffy taught me a useful trick when it comes to avoiding the use of filler while speaking --
IF YOU CAN'T FORMULATE YOUR THOUGHTS, JUST PAUSE. Then start back speaking, but for the love of everything sacred, listening to someone speaking like Mike Leach here:
http://www.youtube.com/wat
2. "Conversate".
Where did this come from? People trying to seem articulate and not understanding conjugations? WHERE THEY DO THAT AT? I love hearing it the most when the person just KNOWS that it's the proper manner of speaking. Worse yet, when they try to correct you. I nearly died once when this girl tried to correct me straight up and down that 'conversate' is right and 'converse' "just doesn't sound right".
O_o.
3. "Like".
So people are walking metaphors now ha?
Person 1: "Yeah, he's a like... ummm doctor or somethin''.
O_o
Person 2: "But like, isn't he still in school though?"
o_O
Person 3: "You're right, but his girl was saying that like, he works part time outside of school, too."
PASS THE MOTOR OIL. Castrol Syntec 10W-30, preferably.
DISCUSS>>>
NFL Conference Championship Weekend Bettor's Guide
NFL Championship Weekend Bettor's Guide
M.D. Wright
1.23.10
***EDITOR'S NOTE: The AFC and NFC Championship Games will be played at 3:05 PM and 6:45 PM EST respectively on Sunday, January 24, 2010. The AFC/NFC Pro Bowl will be played the following weekend -- BETWEEN the Conference Championships and Super Bowl XLIV.
The picks:
AMERICAN FOOTBALL CONFERENCE
AFC Championship
New York Jets vs. Indianapolis Colts
Lucas Oil Stadium
Indianapolis, Indiana
M.D. Wright
1.23.10
***EDITOR'S NOTE: The AFC and NFC Championship Games will be played at 3:05 PM and 6:45 PM EST respectively on Sunday, January 24, 2010. The AFC/NFC Pro Bowl will be played the following weekend -- BETWEEN the Conference Championships and Super Bowl XLIV.
The picks:
AMERICAN FOOTBALL CONFERENCE
AFC Championship
New York Jets vs. Indianapolis Colts
Lucas Oil Stadium
Indianapolis, Indiana
Sunday, January 24, 2010
3:05 PM EST
Over/Under: 40
IND: -8
NYJ: +280
IND: -340
Let's see. If you're a Bettor, you don't like these figures. If you're confident, you at least take the Jets to cover, but that's about it. That O/U is a tease for sure. As much as the game has makings for being a 20-10 Colts win, it could easily end up being 31-23, Colts. If you're confident, I'd stick with the UNDER and hope that the Jets' defense and running game serve as the best defense against Peyton Manning's league-best QB play.
IMPORTANT MATCHUPS TO WATCH FOR:
Colts' WR Reggie Wayne vs. Jets' CB Darrelle Revis
Why:
Everyone makes a big deal out of Revis' league-best play at CB with regards to shutting down the absolute best WRs in the NFL. Reggie Wayne is certainly in the Top 5 in NFL WRs (#5 in my book, as of January 2010) and runs some of the most precise routes of any WR in the game. He also has impeccable hands, making some of the best catches of the year perennially.
Revis has "it". And whatever "IT" is... well, he's got it -- as John Madden used to day. He has the speed, his backpedal is by-the-book (as a former CB, I know), he reads the football better than most of the WRs in the game, and whenever the best of the best DO manage to get by him, he has the closing ability to get back into position to make a play on the ball and the WR. He is almost never out of position, even when the Jets are playing zone defense. There is something to be said about that.
Potential Outcome:
While Revis may hold Wayne to 3 or 4 catches and inconsequential yardage, it is incumbent upon the rest of the Jets' secondary to hold Collie, Garçon, Clark and Addai (out of the backfield) in check. The Colts have a multitude of weapons. And while the Chargers certainly did as well, along with an equally inept running game, the Colts actually do run the ball well when they NEED to. The Chargers don't run the ball well because Tomlinson is declining rapidly and Sproles isn't an every down back. Addai can carry the load and the Jets also have Donald Brown and Mike Hart to shoulder the load a bit with the carries. The Colts will employ a good bit of play action, crossing routes to Dallas Clark to take advantage of the middle of the field left open at times by the attacking defense. Also, look for the Colts' patented "Stretch Play", which is a longtime Colts' staple -- used best against attacking defenses that overpursue at times. They can play action off this and it could catch the Jets' secondary at times. BE ON LOOKOUT FOR THIS.
Matchup #2:
Jets' QB Mark Sanchez vs. Colts' Defensive Line
Why:
The Jets' offensive line is one of the best in the game. They open major holes for Thomas Jones (who doesn't utilize them adequately all the time, but that's another story) and Shonn Greene (who DOES). If there is a play to be had against the Jets' solid offense, it is against the pass protection. LT D'Brickashaw Ferguson is going to have his hands full with Mr. Whirling Dervish himself, RE Dwight Freeney. The Colts are at full strength with DT Raheem Brock and LE Robert Mathis ready to go. The Jets' offensive line will have to keep a TE or FB Tony Richardson in the backfield quite a bit to chip block on these fast defensive ends for the Colts. If they are able to get to Sanchez with frequency, it could mean bad decisions by Sanchez, which is really the only way to beat the Jets these days.
Potential Outcome:
If the Jets are able to protect Sanchez and give him time to make his progressions, he can make ALL the throws and has not been making rookie mistakes after a bumpy middle of the season. This could mean big days for both the running backs and receivers. And this only serves to inspire their defense, which is always chomping at the bit, due to the feisty nature of head coach Rex Ryan, who basically took the spirit of the Ravens' defense and brought it to New York.
Matchup #3:
Colts' QB Peyton Manning vs. Jets' Defense
Why:
Manning plays mind games with aggressive defenses. He likes to get to them to show their looks pre-snap, read it, audible and make checkdowns based upon what the defense gives him. While this sometimes only yields 6 yard passes in the flat, or a square out to one of the receivers, what it serves to accomplish is slow down the opposing defense, causing them to think -- as opposed to what a defense would rather do: REACT INSTINCTIVELY. Those half-steps and false steps are all Manning needs to get the ball to his receivers. And once the defense begins to sway one way, the running game can get going, and the play-action after that. This is what the Colts will be seeking to do offensively on Sunday. If they are able to do these things, the Jets will always be a step behind Coach Manning.
Potential Outcome:
The Jets have the opportunity to blitz FS Kerry Rhodes or CB Lito Sheppard at times to throw off Manning's timing, but it would have to be timed perfectly. The Colts' line is very athletic and still employs a zone blocking scheme. This enables them to catch the 4th rusher in a 3-4 alignment in space, as well as another rusher from the secondary. Sacks can be had off Manning, and he can throw interceptions if the blitz is disguised perfectly, but the key will be WHEN and WHERE the Jets send their blitzers. Not IF, because the Jets blitz more than anyone in the NFL and are proud of it.
If RB Joseph Addai and company are able to keep the Jets' defense honest with the running game, which the Colts will come out and try to establish early, then this game may very well go UNDER. But the Colts would prefer to get out early and play with it a lead, as opposed to having the Jets play keep away (although the Dolphins tried this earlier this season and still lost -- while managing to keep the football for 45 minutes; which is unheard of) all game.
In short, it will be tough to beat the Colts, especially at home, but the Jets fear no one and are up to the task. They will at LEAST cover, but I just do not feel 100% confident in picking them over the relatively healthy Colts, and I never pick against Manning.
Pick:
NY Jets 17
Indianapolis 23
FINAL
---------------------
NATIONAL FOOTBALL CONFERENCE
NFC Championship
Minnesota Vikings vs. New Orleans Saints
The Louisiana Superdome
New Orleans, Louisiana
Sunday, January 24, 2010
6:45 PM EST
Over/Under: 53.5
NO: -3.5
MIN: +165
NO: -190
So the Vikes are road dogs? I remember the Vikes playing the Saints back in '88 in the Superdome in the Saints' first ever playoff game. While this team is markedly better (especially offensively, as Jim Mora only had a passing interesting in innovative offense while Saints' Head Coach from 1985-1996), the Vikes are still the better team top to bottom in my opinion.
For you who think that "WHO DAT?!" chant is new... no, it's not.
Footage from the first Saints' home game:
-- which was classic, because I was 9 years old and had my favorite broadcasting team on the call: PAT SUMMERALL AND JOHN MADDEN. It was fun to see the Saints do much like they did last weekend, play off the home crowd early (LB Rickey Jackson got a sack to start this game) and then they got blown out ha. While I think the Vikes will win, it won't be a blowout simply because the Saints' offense is so potent.
Sean Payton STUNK as a player, dirty little traitor SCAB who played during the 1987 Player's Association Strike:
And you won't hear him admitting this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dWAvUJB_cM (fast forward to :25 seconds in) after the game.
BUT NONETHELESS, HERE IS MY ANALYSIS:
I think Vegas was right with the O/U and wrong by making the Vikes road dogs. The Vikes are on a mission and they are not going to be deterred. Jared Allen is unstoppable (especially with who the Saints feature along their offensive line). Kevin Williams may be dinged up, but he will get after Brees quite a bit, and even big ol' Pat Williams was running down Felix Jones last week vs. Dallas. The Saints just have to hope Brees has the time to get the ball downfield, because much like Tony Romo had been playing relatively well leading up to the Divisional game vs. Minnesota, Brees is doing the same. And few people thought the Vikings would thoroughly dominate the Cowboys' offensive line and flummox Romo all day. No one thinks Brees can be had http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4m_G2Xf3NnQ, but I believe the Saints are in for a long day and the Vikes are going to do Brees much of the same that they did to Romo and much like the underrated Vikes' defense did to the Saints in the '88 NFC Wild Card Playoff 22 years ago.
Pick:
Minnesota 38
New Orleans 23
FINAL
--------------------------
PRO BOWL IN ONE WEEK.
SUPER BOWL XLIV: Sunday, February 7, 2010, 6:28 PM EST
Miami, Florida
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
The New York City Metropolitan TRAINWRECK Authority
The New York City Metropolitan TRAINWRECK Authority
M.D. Wright
1.19.10
***EDITOR'S NOTE: As some of you know, the New York City MTA (that's Transit, not Trainwreck, of course) decided to yank the free metro program for students. Many students rely upon free bus and subway fare in order to get to school.
I don't understand this. The MTA has proven to be a racket over the past 15 years. Pretty much since the original inception of the MetroCard (not long after Giuliani became Mayor), they've gone off the deep end with the 2nd set of books that we in New York all know they have.
What is the point of doing this? All this does is give license to on-the-fence students who sometimes consider skipping school, but mostly don't -- to go ahead and skip. Most parents (especially those with more than one child) cannot afford to pay (at least) $4.50 in round-trip fare for their child(ren) to go to school and other activities daily. That's over $100 a month, at the very least. PER CHILD. Not to mention their own costs of getting around in this city.
Again, I can't complain TOO harshly, because other cities with subway and train service pay based upon the distance traveled. The more savvy straphangers among us can get from Kennedy Airport to catch a dollar van at the Mt. Vernon/Bronx border on $2.25. I can even get from Tottenville on Staten Island (the southernmost point in New York City) to 241st St. in the Bronx (again, the Mt. Vernon/Yonkers border with the Bronx) on that same amount, but what about those who have multiple transfers and have to go to work and/or school and extra-curricular activities afterward? It's already exorbitantly costly to live in New York as it is. What is the point of doing this, again I ask? What of this?
The MTA workers -- I swear they don't want to work -- they're always threatening strikes or cutting service, reducing train and bus services, re-routing express and local lines more than I can ever remember and making it a veritable NIGHTMARE to use the subway after midnight -- when in the 90s, back when you still had the option to use tokens -- you could still get around relatively quickly late nights. I've sat on line for an hour waiting for a train to come each of the past 4 weekends. And being out on Staten Island for the next few weeks, and having been out here since the summer, that is NOT fun. That's why I don't come out to parties and what not (for those who invite me and wonder why I never show, understand that please -- it's not personal! The commute back is DREADFUL, especially if the express buses to Staten Island aren't running).
Anyway, as someone who is underemployed and relies totally upon public transportation for the time being, I'm being affected just as much as these students will be. Just so the MTA can save a few bucks (they make a million a day, I'm pretty certain -- and that's on the conservative side).
Look at what the rates are:
1. Single Ride: $2.25
2. Express Bus (Unlimited): $45/week
3. Unlimited Rides (Except Express Buses): $89/month.
The other rates are usually for our visitors, but since there is no subway for Staten Island and the ferry is as unreliable as most people have become nowadays, traveling is a female dog. And that's putting it lightly. You pay out of the wazoo and get such s----y (I'm trying so hard to stop cursing, bare with me).
I have an Unlimited Rides Metro that I received as a gift on December 21. I still have not found a job yet. I have an interview tomorrow and another Wednesday. My Unlimited Metro expires Thursday the 21st at midnight. I have ZERO idea how I am going to get around after that. The MTA certainly isn't helping.
DISCUSS>>>
M.D. Wright
1.19.10
***EDITOR'S NOTE: As some of you know, the New York City MTA (that's Transit, not Trainwreck, of course) decided to yank the free metro program for students. Many students rely upon free bus and subway fare in order to get to school.
I don't understand this. The MTA has proven to be a racket over the past 15 years. Pretty much since the original inception of the MetroCard (not long after Giuliani became Mayor), they've gone off the deep end with the 2nd set of books that we in New York all know they have.
What is the point of doing this? All this does is give license to on-the-fence students who sometimes consider skipping school, but mostly don't -- to go ahead and skip. Most parents (especially those with more than one child) cannot afford to pay (at least) $4.50 in round-trip fare for their child(ren) to go to school and other activities daily. That's over $100 a month, at the very least. PER CHILD. Not to mention their own costs of getting around in this city.
Again, I can't complain TOO harshly, because other cities with subway and train service pay based upon the distance traveled. The more savvy straphangers among us can get from Kennedy Airport to catch a dollar van at the Mt. Vernon/Bronx border on $2.25. I can even get from Tottenville on Staten Island (the southernmost point in New York City) to 241st St. in the Bronx (again, the Mt. Vernon/Yonkers border with the Bronx) on that same amount, but what about those who have multiple transfers and have to go to work and/or school and extra-curricular activities afterward? It's already exorbitantly costly to live in New York as it is. What is the point of doing this, again I ask? What of this?
The MTA workers -- I swear they don't want to work -- they're always threatening strikes or cutting service, reducing train and bus services, re-routing express and local lines more than I can ever remember and making it a veritable NIGHTMARE to use the subway after midnight -- when in the 90s, back when you still had the option to use tokens -- you could still get around relatively quickly late nights. I've sat on line for an hour waiting for a train to come each of the past 4 weekends. And being out on Staten Island for the next few weeks, and having been out here since the summer, that is NOT fun. That's why I don't come out to parties and what not (for those who invite me and wonder why I never show, understand that please -- it's not personal! The commute back is DREADFUL, especially if the express buses to Staten Island aren't running).
Anyway, as someone who is underemployed and relies totally upon public transportation for the time being, I'm being affected just as much as these students will be. Just so the MTA can save a few bucks (they make a million a day, I'm pretty certain -- and that's on the conservative side).
Look at what the rates are:
1. Single Ride: $2.25
2. Express Bus (Unlimited): $45/week
3. Unlimited Rides (Except Express Buses): $89/month.
The other rates are usually for our visitors, but since there is no subway for Staten Island and the ferry is as unreliable as most people have become nowadays, traveling is a female dog. And that's putting it lightly. You pay out of the wazoo and get such s----y (I'm trying so hard to stop cursing, bare with me).
DISCUSS>>>
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