Most people that know me know that I am a huge Philadelphia Eagles fan, and a huge fan of football in general. And a few weeks ago, I had a heated debate with a friend on who the best Running Back in the NFL is. So that has gotten me to make a post on who I think is the best at each position in the NFL. It will also be interesting to see how this last changes over the years. This will obviously take some time, as I don't think I'll get it all finished in one night or two. But I should be finished within 2 weeks.
Quarterback
1. Peyton Manning, IND: Well, quarterbacks are pretty easy to determine a top 5. 99% of people will have the same 3 people in the top 3, just in different orders. For me, #1 goes to Peyton Manning. He might be the most consistent QB in NFL history, and studies more film and prepares for the game better than any other QB. It's like he knows exactly what the defense is going to do every play. If you watch him play a game, you'll see why he is #1 on my list.
2. Tom Brady, NE: To be honest, you can argue for Brady to be #1 or #2, it's really more of a personal preference. Even people that hate Brady can't put him any lower than #3. Maybe it's because I hate the Patriots, maybe it's because I hate Brady, or maybe it's just because I think Manning puts in more preparation time. Who knows, but I have Brady at #2 because I have Manning at #1.
3. Drew Brees, NO: Brees rounds out the top 3 elite quarterbacks in this league. He's always been one of the top quarterbacks in the league, and with the recent Superbowl win, he won't have to face any questions about getting a ring. If you took Manning or Brady off their teams and replaced them with Brees, the offense wouldn't miss a beat. He had major elbow surgery after the 2005 season and since then all he has done since then has gotten better every single season since.
4. Phillip Rivers, SD: Rivers was drafted in 2004, didn't take the field until 2006 when the Chargers released Drew Brees, and Rivers stepped in and played like he never missed a game. He isn't the flashiest quarterback, but he makes the plays and gets the job done. He has also increased his yardage the past 3 years, decreased his interceptions the past 3 years, and has posted back to back 100+ passer ratings. He isn't in the same class as the top 3, but he is the best of the rest.
5. Aaron Rodgers, GB: Rodgers is in the same exact boat as Rivers. Drafted in 2005, sat behind Brett Favre for 3 years, then stepped in and played as if it was his team the entire time. But Rodgers has had the "luxury" of playing behind a terrible offensive line until this year. Had 50 sacks last year, but still managed almost a 65% completion percentage and over 4,400 yards. He also adds another dimension as he is one of the more agile quarterbacks in the league, rushing for over 500 yards and 9 TDs the past 2 years combined.
Running Back
1. Adrian Peterson, MIN: Adrian Peterson ran for almost 4,500 yards his first 3 seasons, and 40 touchdowns. And he may be having his best season yet. While he may be one of the worst at pass protection, there is no doubt I think he is the best at pure running. He is one of the strongest and fastest running backs in the NFL, and above all else, may have cut back on his fumbling problems. While the season is young, he hasn't fumbled through 4 games yet after fumbling 19 times his first 3 years. I believe he not only rushes for over 2,000 yards this season, but will break the single season rushing record.
2. Steven Jackson, STL: I'm sure most will be surprised that Chris Johnson isn't here, but I believe Jackson is one of the hardest working running backs in the NFL and even though he is on a terrible team he still gets the job done year after year. People forget about Jackson because the Rams have been absolutely terrible these past few years, and Jackson has missed 9 games over the last 3 years due to an injury, and yet still manages respectable numbers ever year. People also forget that before the Rams dropped to the bottom of the league that Jackson had over 2,300 yards from scrimmage and 16 touchdowns. I believe Sam Bradford will extremely help that offense and in a year or two Steven Jackson will again be a household name.
3. DeAngelo Williams, CAR: This may be the most surprising ranking you will read, but I believe it is a correct ranking. There is no doubt that the Panthers suck right now, and the defense can still put 8 men in the box to stop the running game. But it hasn't stopped Williams. The Panthers quarterbacks have combined for like 3 touchdowns and 9 interceptions, leaving Williams with just 68 carries through 5 games, but he is on pace for over 1,000 yards and already has 4 runs of over 20 yards, which is tied for 4th in the league. Just 2 years ago he ran for 1,500 yards and 18 touchdowns! Oh, and in case your forgot, Jonathan Stewart is there taking away carries from him. If the panthers can find a passing game, then Williams can continue putting up numbers like he did 2 years ago, when people had him as one of the best in the game.
4. Chris Johnson, TEN: I know what your thinking. Finally, we see Chris Johnson, why wasn't he 1st or 2nd? Well, unlike most people, I haven't hopped on the bandwagon of putting him as the greatest running back of all time. Yes, he ran for 2,000 yards, yes he broke the single season yards from scrimmage record, and yes he may be the most dynamic player in the game. But yes, he also ran more time than any other running back last year. In my eyes he is a complete hit or miss running back. When he hits it's an 80 yard touchdown. When he misses, it's a loss. Through 5 games, Johnson has 113 carries. 13 times he has lost yardage on the play. That's 11.5% of the time. To put into perspective, Thomas Jones has carried the ball 60 times and lost yardage just 3 times (Chiefs have 24th ranked offense at this moment). Sometimes it's not about the yardage you gain, but it's the yardage you don't lose.
5. LaDainian Tomlinson, NYJ: This was a tough pick for me. Any 1 of 5 guys could have gone here, but I decided to go with LT. People get caught up in his terrible season last year where he was hurt, and forget about everything he did before that. He spoiled fans with his 1,800 yard, 28 TD performance in 2006, because when he only ran for 1,100 yards and 11 TDs it was considered a terrible year for him. He is one of the best at picking up the blitz, and is having one of his best statistical starts of his career. If Shonne Greene wasn't on the Jets, I think LT would come very close to 2,000 yards. Last year he had 3 runs over 20 yards the entire season (223 carries). This year, he already has 4 in just 76 carries. He is proving that if your a running back and you turn 30, your career isn't over yet.
Wide Receivers
1. Andre Johnson, HOU: 75.5 - Number of yards Jerry Rice averaged per game. 78.8 - Number of yards Andre Johnson averages per game. 5.1 - Number of catches Jerry Rice averaged per game. 5.8 - Number of catches per game Andre Johnson averages. Need I go on? It should also be noted that Johnson was on a start up team with a terrible offensive line that never gave David Carr a chance, not to mention he has also had Sage Rosenfels as a quarterback throwing to him. Jerry Rice had who? Steve Young throwing to him? Is he any good? Needless to say, Andre Johnson is an incredible talent and may give Jerry Rice a run for his records.
2. Calvin Johnson, DET: When healthy he may be better than Andre Johnson, but injuries have plagued him for his first few years. With that said he has also played through some tough injuries, and it would be a great matchup to see him go against Darelle Revis. He is in a terrible situation and has been the spotlight of defenses, but if the Lions can get any kind of consistency, Calvin Johnson will put up numbers like you've never seen before. If you ever watch him play you'll understand why I have him as the #2 overall WR.
3. Reggie Wayne, IND: Shadowed behind Marvin Harrison for the majority of his career, many wondered if Wayne was just a product of being left in 1 on 1 coverage. So when Harrison left all Reggie Wayne did was grab 145 balls for almost 1,900 yards and 12 TDs in 22 games. He is one of the best all around receivers in the game. He doesn't excel in any category, but has speed to burn most defensive backs, has the agility and awareness to run exact routes, and has even made some nice 1 handed catches over the course of his career.
4. Larry Fitzgerald, ARI: One of the most athletically gifted athletes in the game today. He is probably one of the few guys in the league that could actually hike the ball himself and throw it to himself to make plays. His current quarterback situation is absolutely terrible, and that's what moves him down my list. My top 2 receivers have proved they can perform with any quarterback throwing them the ball, Larry Fitzgerald is having trouble, not to mention is also now the sole center of attention for the defenses since Boldin got traded. He'll need to step his game up a little if he is to be continued to be called one of the elite receivers in this league.
5. Anquan Boldin, BAL: A former teammate of Fitzgerald, Boldin might be the toughest receiver in the NFL. A couple years ago he got destroyed on a play, had to have screws put in his face and some serious surgery, and game back less than a month later. He set all kinds of records in his first few years, and while his production has declined these past few years, but with a new scene in Baltimore, his production is up and his chemistry with Joe Flacco will only get stronger. I believe when his career is over, he will be known as one of the best receivers to ever play the game.
Offensive Linemen
I debated on what to do here. Go by each position, LT, LG, C, RG, and RT, or just do an overall top 5. Well for now, I have decided to do a top 5 of each position, but will hold off on the descriptions as these aren't the glamor positions that people like to read. I do however plan on getting back to them at a later date.
Left Tackle
1. Joe Thomas, CLE
2. Jake Long, MIA
3. Ryan Clady, DEN
4. D'Brickashaw Ferguson, NYJ
5. Michael Oher, BAL
Left Guard
1. Steve Hutchinson, MIN
2. Logan Mankins, NE
3. Alan Faneca, ARI
4. Ben Grubbs, BAL
5. Kris Dielman, SD
Center
1. Nick Mangold, NYJ
2. Jeff Saturday, IND
3. Shaun O'hara, NYG
4. Jason Brown, STL
5. Matt Birk, BAL
Right Guard
1. Jahri Evans, NO
2. Chris Snee, NYG
3. Davin Joseph, TB
4. Leonard Davis, DAL
5. Brandon Moore, NYJ
Right Tackle
1. Jeff Otah, CAR
2. Jared Gaither, BAL
3. Damen Woody, NYJ
4. Jon Stinchcomb, NO
5. David Stewart, TEN
Fullback
1. Leonard Weaver, PHI
2. Le'Ron McClain, BAL
3. Tony Richardson, NYJ
4. Lawrence Vickers, CLE
5. Madison Hedgecock, NYG
Tight End
1. Antonio Gates, SD
2. Dallas Clark, IND
3. Jermichael Finley, GB
4. Brent Celek, PHI
5. Vernon Davis, SF
Right Defensive End (Lined Up Across Left Tackle)
1. Dwight Freeny, IND
2. Jared Allen, MIN
3. Trent Cole, PHI
4. Osi Umenyiora, NYG
5. Mario Williams, HOU
Left Defensive End (Lined Up Across Right Tackle)
1. Robert Mathis, IND
2. Julius Peppers, CHI
3. Justin Tuck, NYG
4. Ray Edwards, MIN
5. Chris Clemons, SEA
Defensive Tackle
1. Kevin Williams, MIN
2. Ndamukong Suh, DET
3. Kris Jenkins, NYJ
4. Shuan Rodgers, CLE
5. Vince Wilfork, NE
Outside Linebacker
1. Demarcus Ware, DAL
2. Clay Matthews, GB
3. James Harrison, PIT
4. Elvis Dumervil, DEN
5. Calvin Pace, NYJ
Middle Linebacker
1. Patrick Willis, SF
2. Jon Beason, CAR
3. Ray Lewis, BAL
4. DeMeco Ryans, HOU
5. Brian Urlacher, CHI
Cornerback
1. Nnamdi Asomugha, OAK
2. Darrelle Revis, NYJ
3. Asante Samuel, PHI
4. Antonio Cromartie, NYJ
5. Champ Bailey, DEN
Free Safety
1. Ed Reed, BAL
2. Darren Sharper, NO
3. Antrel Rolle, NYG
4. Nick Collins, GB
5. Brian Dawkins, DEN
Strong Safety
1. Troy Polamalu, PIT
2. Bob Sanders, IND
3. Kenny Phillips, NYG
4. Atari Bigby, GB
5. Donte Whitner, BUF
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
NFL Week 3, 2010
Some of my thoughts on the NFL after week 3. Hopefully I'll be able to do one of these every other week or so.
I'll start off with straight up wins and losses. There are 5 teams with a 0-3 record, the Bills, Browns, Lions, Panthers, and 49ers. Without a doubt the biggest shock here are the 49ers. This was a team that most people had winning the division and getting over that hump and turning into a good team. Their defense, which was suppose to be the strong side of the team, has given up 87 points through 3 games, which is tied for last in the league, with the Bills. While the season is short, it looks like the 49ers season is almost over.
In terms of 3-0 teams, there are 3, the Steelers, Chiefs, and whoever wins the Packers/Bears game tonight (currently half-way through the 3rd quarter). Regardless of who wins the game tonight, the Chiefs are the most surprising team at 3-0. I thought this team would be battling for 3rd/4th in their division, and instead they are up by 2 games, and again, while it's early, the Chiefs look like they could be making a surprise playoff appearance this season.
Division Talk
The most intriguing division so far this season is without a doubt the AFC East. Outside of the Bills of course. The Jets, Dolphins, and Patriots are all 2-1, and as of right now, any of these teams could finish anywhere from 1st to 3rd in the division. For most divisions, even after just week 3, you could come up with a decent projection for who will win that division. But with the AFC East, it's hard to do that. All 3 teams have a different style of football. The Patriots have the top scoring offense, but their defense is terrible. If the offense doesn't score 30 points, they could lose the game. The Jets are the complete opposite, they have a great defense and an average offense. Most weeks if the Jets score 14 points they will win, but the problem will be scoring those points. And with the Dolphins, they aren't awesome at either offense or defense, but they do the little things right, and in football, that's all it takes to win. I can't even guess who will win this division, but I have a feeling that weeks 16 and 17, none of these teams will be resting their starters.
Surprises
Surprising Quarterback: Well, there are 2 candidates for this, but I think it has to go to Michael Vick. Everyone knew he would be doing some wildcat plays this season, but no one saw him starting and doing this good and having all the success that he is having. He is setting career highs in every category. He is on pace to throw for 4,000 yards. His previous career high is just 2,474. He is also on pace for 30 TDs, with his previous high being 20. While no one knows how long this magic will last, it's clear that as of right now, Michael Vick is back, and better than he ever has been.
Surprising Runningback: This one for sure goes to Darren McFadden. While Arian Foster certainly has surprised many, he was doing good at the end of last season, so it isn't all that surprising. McFadden's career high in rushing yards in his young career is 499. He already has 345 rushing yards through 3 games, and is also on pace for a career high in receiving yards.
Surprising Receiver: Well as of week 3, this goes to Brandon Lloyd. He only has 14 catches, but he is 2nd in receiving yards, 2nd in average yards per catch, 1st in catches over 20 yards, 2nd in catches over 40 yards, and 13 of his 14 catches have gone for a 1st down.
Superbowl Predictions
And to end this blog, I'll give 2 teams from each conference that are my Superbowl favorites as of right now. From the AFC, I'm going to have to go with the Colts and Patriots, with the edge going to the Colts. Both have great offenses, but as of right now, the Patriots defense is just too bad to stop other teams. The Patriots have played the 14th, 21st, and 32nd ranked offenses through 3 games, and have given up the 4th most points and 5th most yards. I don't know if that will get it done in the postseason.
And for the NFC, I'm going to have to go with the Eagles and Packers, with the edge going to the Packers. And again, it's because of the defense. The Eagles have an explosive offense, but the defense hasn't been great.
I'll start off with straight up wins and losses. There are 5 teams with a 0-3 record, the Bills, Browns, Lions, Panthers, and 49ers. Without a doubt the biggest shock here are the 49ers. This was a team that most people had winning the division and getting over that hump and turning into a good team. Their defense, which was suppose to be the strong side of the team, has given up 87 points through 3 games, which is tied for last in the league, with the Bills. While the season is short, it looks like the 49ers season is almost over.
In terms of 3-0 teams, there are 3, the Steelers, Chiefs, and whoever wins the Packers/Bears game tonight (currently half-way through the 3rd quarter). Regardless of who wins the game tonight, the Chiefs are the most surprising team at 3-0. I thought this team would be battling for 3rd/4th in their division, and instead they are up by 2 games, and again, while it's early, the Chiefs look like they could be making a surprise playoff appearance this season.
Division Talk
The most intriguing division so far this season is without a doubt the AFC East. Outside of the Bills of course. The Jets, Dolphins, and Patriots are all 2-1, and as of right now, any of these teams could finish anywhere from 1st to 3rd in the division. For most divisions, even after just week 3, you could come up with a decent projection for who will win that division. But with the AFC East, it's hard to do that. All 3 teams have a different style of football. The Patriots have the top scoring offense, but their defense is terrible. If the offense doesn't score 30 points, they could lose the game. The Jets are the complete opposite, they have a great defense and an average offense. Most weeks if the Jets score 14 points they will win, but the problem will be scoring those points. And with the Dolphins, they aren't awesome at either offense or defense, but they do the little things right, and in football, that's all it takes to win. I can't even guess who will win this division, but I have a feeling that weeks 16 and 17, none of these teams will be resting their starters.
Surprises
Surprising Quarterback: Well, there are 2 candidates for this, but I think it has to go to Michael Vick. Everyone knew he would be doing some wildcat plays this season, but no one saw him starting and doing this good and having all the success that he is having. He is setting career highs in every category. He is on pace to throw for 4,000 yards. His previous career high is just 2,474. He is also on pace for 30 TDs, with his previous high being 20. While no one knows how long this magic will last, it's clear that as of right now, Michael Vick is back, and better than he ever has been.
Surprising Runningback: This one for sure goes to Darren McFadden. While Arian Foster certainly has surprised many, he was doing good at the end of last season, so it isn't all that surprising. McFadden's career high in rushing yards in his young career is 499. He already has 345 rushing yards through 3 games, and is also on pace for a career high in receiving yards.
Surprising Receiver: Well as of week 3, this goes to Brandon Lloyd. He only has 14 catches, but he is 2nd in receiving yards, 2nd in average yards per catch, 1st in catches over 20 yards, 2nd in catches over 40 yards, and 13 of his 14 catches have gone for a 1st down.
Superbowl Predictions
And to end this blog, I'll give 2 teams from each conference that are my Superbowl favorites as of right now. From the AFC, I'm going to have to go with the Colts and Patriots, with the edge going to the Colts. Both have great offenses, but as of right now, the Patriots defense is just too bad to stop other teams. The Patriots have played the 14th, 21st, and 32nd ranked offenses through 3 games, and have given up the 4th most points and 5th most yards. I don't know if that will get it done in the postseason.
And for the NFC, I'm going to have to go with the Eagles and Packers, with the edge going to the Packers. And again, it's because of the defense. The Eagles have an explosive offense, but the defense hasn't been great.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Missing the Old Days
So here I am, on a Monday night/Tuesday morning, at 1 a.m., writing a blog, when I should be sleeping since I have to be at work at 9 in the morning.
Now, if there is anything I can do to change that sentence, it would be replace the word work with the word school. Less than a week ago, I turned 22, and for the first time, school started without me. And I have now realized how much I miss it.
While work isn't all that bad, I would much rather be spending my time up at CCU spending time with friends and complaining about how I wish I wasn't in school anymore. When you grow up going through the different grades and schools, the one thing that 99% of students can agree on, is that they wish they weren't in school anymore. But now that I am out of school, I can say that probably 99% of new graduates wish they were back in school.
School is easy. No major responsibilities, and you're around your friends. Now I get to work 6 days a week, and really, on my day off, I somehow find myself working for about an hour. It's brutal. And while making money is always a good thing, I find myself growing apart from some of my friends I made at CCU. I find myself wondering where I will be 1 year from now, and how close will I be with my friends. Best case scenario, I've made decent money from poker and can afford to not work 7 days a week. Worst case scenario, I continue to work 7 days a week and find myself having grown even farther from the friends I have.
I have never wanted to be in school as much as I want to be in school now.
For anyone that is in high school or college and is reading this, I advise you to try and enjoy school as much as possible, because one day you'll be finished for good, and you'll soon realize how much you miss it.
So that's it for tonight. Didn't put as much thought into this as I would like, but I told someone I would write a blog tonight, and here it is (although it probably wont get read until tomorrow). I've been trying to write more lately, but for whatever reason just can't get started, or I don't have any ideas, so I'm going to try to do better. I'll go ahead and tell you that my next blog will be title "Regrets", because I have found recently that I feel the need to get something off my chest, even if it's just through words. And of all the blogs I have done so far, it will probably have the most thought and heart put into it. While I don't like to set a deadline, I'll try to work on it a little each night and have it finished up by Friday night in case your interested.
Now, if there is anything I can do to change that sentence, it would be replace the word work with the word school. Less than a week ago, I turned 22, and for the first time, school started without me. And I have now realized how much I miss it.
While work isn't all that bad, I would much rather be spending my time up at CCU spending time with friends and complaining about how I wish I wasn't in school anymore. When you grow up going through the different grades and schools, the one thing that 99% of students can agree on, is that they wish they weren't in school anymore. But now that I am out of school, I can say that probably 99% of new graduates wish they were back in school.
School is easy. No major responsibilities, and you're around your friends. Now I get to work 6 days a week, and really, on my day off, I somehow find myself working for about an hour. It's brutal. And while making money is always a good thing, I find myself growing apart from some of my friends I made at CCU. I find myself wondering where I will be 1 year from now, and how close will I be with my friends. Best case scenario, I've made decent money from poker and can afford to not work 7 days a week. Worst case scenario, I continue to work 7 days a week and find myself having grown even farther from the friends I have.
I have never wanted to be in school as much as I want to be in school now.
For anyone that is in high school or college and is reading this, I advise you to try and enjoy school as much as possible, because one day you'll be finished for good, and you'll soon realize how much you miss it.
So that's it for tonight. Didn't put as much thought into this as I would like, but I told someone I would write a blog tonight, and here it is (although it probably wont get read until tomorrow). I've been trying to write more lately, but for whatever reason just can't get started, or I don't have any ideas, so I'm going to try to do better. I'll go ahead and tell you that my next blog will be title "Regrets", because I have found recently that I feel the need to get something off my chest, even if it's just through words. And of all the blogs I have done so far, it will probably have the most thought and heart put into it. While I don't like to set a deadline, I'll try to work on it a little each night and have it finished up by Friday night in case your interested.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Who is Dflo????
September 4th, 2008. That was the first day I went to blogtv.com, a place where you can chill with your webcam online and whatnot. I first went there to watch this guy I follow on youtube, DJ Jehfree; he makes beats for songs. After a while he co-hosted (meaning two people on their webcam at the same time) this guy who called himself Dflo. He was apparently a rapper from Texas. All these people in the room were asking him to do a freestyle, but he never did. He just sat there chillin like he just finished smoking or some shit lol. My first thoughts were, wtf this guy sucks, he won't even do a simple freestyle. He also had this homo-ish looking blanket in the background.
But then, a few days later, I was on blogtv again, and found myself going to Dflo's room, and he actually did a freestyle. And to be honest, that shit was hella cool. There is a difference in rapping on a song and doing a 10 minute freestyle. Anyone that has tried either knows what I am talking about. And from that moment on, I knew that I had just stumbled upon this guy who no one knows, but has a future in this 'field'.
For the next few months, I found myself on blogtv almost 24/7. If I was near my computer, it was on blogtv, just waiting to see if he was gonna get online. I didn't even really know him, but I knew he had some serious talent. After some time, he finally recognized me as someone who was always there, along with some others, but that we were always there just about every day, wasting out life away lol.
To make a 2 year story short, over the time, we all became good friends, and we all still know each other to this day. About 8 of us or so, that met each other on blogtv, thru Dflo. We hardly ever get on blogtv anymore, but to this day, I still talk to pretty much everyone I met on blogtv, and even though I haven't met any of them in person, I consider them good friends of mine.
So now I guess we are getting to the climax of the story if you want. A few weeks ago a saw someone on facebook, who is apparently the audio guy for this underground group. And I realized, that it is super easy for anyone to just become a rapper these days. I mean, for a couple of bucks, I can go get some equipment and drop a mixtape by the end of the week. It's crazy. Thousands of underground rappers out there. And that's when it hit me. Because anyone can do this, it floods the field, and when there is someone who is truly good at it, you may never know because it's like finding a needle in a haystack, where the haystack is the size of New York City.
I've been fortunate enough to find that needle in the haystack. I used to call him Dflo, but now I call him my friend, Dflo. And while I know he hasn't been found by some major artist like Jay-Z or Usher or anyone huge like that (Fuck You Justin Bieber), I know that one day, he is gonna get his big break, and know that I was one of the first to hear him.
And it's not just him. While I may think he is the best, I've met others from Dallas that are just as good as him. Baylor, Britton, Trent, Terry, Big Marv, and Aaron are all guys I have heard on tape, and know they all have good talent. Trent is even a football player in the NFL. Hell, do you know how cool it is to know a guy in the NFL and listen to some of the music he makes. It's not everyday you know people that hang with superstar athletes. It's also hella cool to listen to a song and your name gets called out, not much beats that.
But to be realistic, you have to look at the fact that it is hella hard to get noticed in that business. I can relate with my poker career, the odds of success are overwhelming. And I know we both have haters trying to bring us down. But that's a good thing, because if you have haters, you are doing something right, otherwise why would they be hating? But I have no doubt in my mind, that one day, whether it is tomorrow, next week, next month, next year, or even 10 years down the road, one day, we are both gonna make it and prove all the haters wrong, and there will be nothing sweeter when that day comes.
So if you want to believe the hype, let me know, and I can get you a link to some of his music. You can go ahead and look this over, but one day in the future, you gonna hear of him, and think back to reading this, and wishing you would have been one of the first to hear him.
But then, a few days later, I was on blogtv again, and found myself going to Dflo's room, and he actually did a freestyle. And to be honest, that shit was hella cool. There is a difference in rapping on a song and doing a 10 minute freestyle. Anyone that has tried either knows what I am talking about. And from that moment on, I knew that I had just stumbled upon this guy who no one knows, but has a future in this 'field'.
For the next few months, I found myself on blogtv almost 24/7. If I was near my computer, it was on blogtv, just waiting to see if he was gonna get online. I didn't even really know him, but I knew he had some serious talent. After some time, he finally recognized me as someone who was always there, along with some others, but that we were always there just about every day, wasting out life away lol.
To make a 2 year story short, over the time, we all became good friends, and we all still know each other to this day. About 8 of us or so, that met each other on blogtv, thru Dflo. We hardly ever get on blogtv anymore, but to this day, I still talk to pretty much everyone I met on blogtv, and even though I haven't met any of them in person, I consider them good friends of mine.
So now I guess we are getting to the climax of the story if you want. A few weeks ago a saw someone on facebook, who is apparently the audio guy for this underground group. And I realized, that it is super easy for anyone to just become a rapper these days. I mean, for a couple of bucks, I can go get some equipment and drop a mixtape by the end of the week. It's crazy. Thousands of underground rappers out there. And that's when it hit me. Because anyone can do this, it floods the field, and when there is someone who is truly good at it, you may never know because it's like finding a needle in a haystack, where the haystack is the size of New York City.
I've been fortunate enough to find that needle in the haystack. I used to call him Dflo, but now I call him my friend, Dflo. And while I know he hasn't been found by some major artist like Jay-Z or Usher or anyone huge like that (Fuck You Justin Bieber), I know that one day, he is gonna get his big break, and know that I was one of the first to hear him.
And it's not just him. While I may think he is the best, I've met others from Dallas that are just as good as him. Baylor, Britton, Trent, Terry, Big Marv, and Aaron are all guys I have heard on tape, and know they all have good talent. Trent is even a football player in the NFL. Hell, do you know how cool it is to know a guy in the NFL and listen to some of the music he makes. It's not everyday you know people that hang with superstar athletes. It's also hella cool to listen to a song and your name gets called out, not much beats that.
But to be realistic, you have to look at the fact that it is hella hard to get noticed in that business. I can relate with my poker career, the odds of success are overwhelming. And I know we both have haters trying to bring us down. But that's a good thing, because if you have haters, you are doing something right, otherwise why would they be hating? But I have no doubt in my mind, that one day, whether it is tomorrow, next week, next month, next year, or even 10 years down the road, one day, we are both gonna make it and prove all the haters wrong, and there will be nothing sweeter when that day comes.
So if you want to believe the hype, let me know, and I can get you a link to some of his music. You can go ahead and look this over, but one day in the future, you gonna hear of him, and think back to reading this, and wishing you would have been one of the first to hear him.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Lebron to Miami???
So, its only been WEEKS since my last post. But o well. Truth be told, I have started to other posts, but they are a work in progress. Maybe they will be finished soon....who knows. What I do know is that if you are reading this, you fall under 1 of 4 categories. One, you like to read. Two, you only like to read my posts. Three, your really bored and find what I like to say interesting. If that's the case, then thanks. And finally, Four, you are a stalker. I guess you could fall under multiple of theses, but you get the point.
Anyway, lets get to the post. So if your a basketball fan, and even if your not, you probably know the Lebron James and Chris Bosh have joined Dwyane Wade in Miami to form possibly the best trio of players every on one team. This will be decided after a few years and hopefully after a few titles. I'll go ahead and say I am a Miami Heat fan, but this isn't an objective post, and if you don't believe I was already a Heat fan, I really don't care. I don't have to prove myself to you. A lot of people have been hating on Lebron for leaving the Cavs and joining the Heat. I'll say this, no one is giving Chris Bosh any hate for leaving the Raptors. Maybe not the exact same scenario, but still.
Some people are hating because Lebron left the Cavs after he promised them a championship. First, who doesn't promise championships. What if Lebron said, 'I'm here to play my best, and lets hope we get lucky and win a championship. I know I'm good enough, but lets see if I can carry my teammates.' Yea, he isn't gonna say that. I'll also add that when Shaq was traded to the Heat, then to the Suns, and then to the Cavs, he promised a championship to all teams. And while he did get one for the Heat, when he left the Suns, and is now a free agent after leaving the Cavs, no one is getting mad at him for not delivering on his championship promise. Again, not exactly the same situation, but still.
My whole thing is, I can't blame Lebron for leaving to go to another team if he feels he has a better shot at a championship. Now had he left for the Knicks or the Nets or some other weak team, I would then probably be hating on Lebron, but I can't hate if he wants to put himself in a better situation to win a title. Besides, if a team released or traded a player to put themselves in a better chance to win a title, would we feel the same way? It's all about championships and rings, and teams all the time push players away to put themselves in position to win, so why is everyone making a big deal when a player pushes a team away to put themselves in a better position to win. Now I'm not saying that Cavs fans shouldn't be mad that Lebron left. If Wade left the Heat, I would be hella mad and disappointed. But Cavs fans should at least be able to see and understand why he left, and respect his decision to leave. If Wade left the Heat, it would have sucked majorly, but with that said, I know a team like the Bulls (with Wade) would be in a better chance to win than the Heat (with Wade), because the Bulls have more pieces in place. The first reason you should be playing a sport is because you love it and you are good at it. The second reason is because you want to win a championship. Ask yourself this, if you played a sport, would you feel bad about leaving a team to put yourself in a better position to win the title? (Not saying the Cavs suck, but in my opinion, they weren't gonna win a title anytime soon, even with Lebron). Now, imagine you are playing a sport and you have the chance to not only team with two of your great friends, you would be putting yourself in position to win many titles. But nah, you stay put in your home team, and before you know it, you career will be over, and you will be known as the player that couldn't get over the hump. What's worse? You tell me. (Feel free to comment on this).
The one thing that I can agree on with other people that hate the move is how Lebron did it. When I first heard that he was gonna have his own 1-hour show, I thought it was hella whack. I mean, have an ego. The only good thing I can say about it is that the sponsor proceeds went to the charity he supports. I still think it was whack, but at least there was something good coming out of it. I personally think he should have personally called the Cavs owner and told him his decision before he told everyone on television. I will also add, that what the Cavs owner said in the letter after-wards was somewhat appropriate, but also somewhat childish. But I understand why he did it. But I will say, when the owner said that Lebron quit during the playoffs, that's just stupid. Did Lebron quit? Maybe, maybe not. Who really knows. Only Lebron knows for sure. But I will say this, if the owner really thought Lebron quit during the playoffs, why did he try so hard to resign him? He talked about Lebron setting an example for kids and how he turned his back on his team and city, but what does it show to kids if you tell them that quitting is ok and as long as Lebron is in our city, we don't care if he quits or not.
I guess that's about it. I mean, I could talk about how people say it is still Wade's team, although, if all three players went to Toronto, would it be Bosh's team? Probably not. Whose team would it be if they all went to New York? What about the Bulls? What if Lebron and Bosh went to the Bulls, would it be Derrick Rose's team? The truth is, is that it was Wade's team for the last 7 years, and now it's their team, they just happen to be playing where Wade played. They all took a sacrifice (financial) to make this happen, and the Heat were the only team with the cap space to make it happen. For those that don't know, the Heat had more cap space than ANY other team this offseason. All three wanted this to happen, and Miami had the cap to do it. There is no doubt in my mind now that if Miami didn't have the cap, but another team did, they would be there instead of in Miami.
So that's it. If you hated this post, then I have done something right, and if you like this post, again, I have done something right. So looks like I'm in a win-win situation. Here's to more Heat games being shown on TV than the past few years, and here is to some exciting basketball. I have no doubt, that the next 5 years, will have some of the best basketball that's been seen in years. And a few championships in Miami wouldn't hurt :)
P.S. The .000000000000000000000000000000000000000001% chance that Derek Fisher is stumbling along on the internet, and this website is pulled, and he decides to read this, then I have to say to you Mr. Fisher, that myself along with the entire Miami Heat fan base are rooting you to join the Heat.
Anyway, lets get to the post. So if your a basketball fan, and even if your not, you probably know the Lebron James and Chris Bosh have joined Dwyane Wade in Miami to form possibly the best trio of players every on one team. This will be decided after a few years and hopefully after a few titles. I'll go ahead and say I am a Miami Heat fan, but this isn't an objective post, and if you don't believe I was already a Heat fan, I really don't care. I don't have to prove myself to you. A lot of people have been hating on Lebron for leaving the Cavs and joining the Heat. I'll say this, no one is giving Chris Bosh any hate for leaving the Raptors. Maybe not the exact same scenario, but still.
Some people are hating because Lebron left the Cavs after he promised them a championship. First, who doesn't promise championships. What if Lebron said, 'I'm here to play my best, and lets hope we get lucky and win a championship. I know I'm good enough, but lets see if I can carry my teammates.' Yea, he isn't gonna say that. I'll also add that when Shaq was traded to the Heat, then to the Suns, and then to the Cavs, he promised a championship to all teams. And while he did get one for the Heat, when he left the Suns, and is now a free agent after leaving the Cavs, no one is getting mad at him for not delivering on his championship promise. Again, not exactly the same situation, but still.
My whole thing is, I can't blame Lebron for leaving to go to another team if he feels he has a better shot at a championship. Now had he left for the Knicks or the Nets or some other weak team, I would then probably be hating on Lebron, but I can't hate if he wants to put himself in a better situation to win a title. Besides, if a team released or traded a player to put themselves in a better chance to win a title, would we feel the same way? It's all about championships and rings, and teams all the time push players away to put themselves in position to win, so why is everyone making a big deal when a player pushes a team away to put themselves in a better position to win. Now I'm not saying that Cavs fans shouldn't be mad that Lebron left. If Wade left the Heat, I would be hella mad and disappointed. But Cavs fans should at least be able to see and understand why he left, and respect his decision to leave. If Wade left the Heat, it would have sucked majorly, but with that said, I know a team like the Bulls (with Wade) would be in a better chance to win than the Heat (with Wade), because the Bulls have more pieces in place. The first reason you should be playing a sport is because you love it and you are good at it. The second reason is because you want to win a championship. Ask yourself this, if you played a sport, would you feel bad about leaving a team to put yourself in a better position to win the title? (Not saying the Cavs suck, but in my opinion, they weren't gonna win a title anytime soon, even with Lebron). Now, imagine you are playing a sport and you have the chance to not only team with two of your great friends, you would be putting yourself in position to win many titles. But nah, you stay put in your home team, and before you know it, you career will be over, and you will be known as the player that couldn't get over the hump. What's worse? You tell me. (Feel free to comment on this).
The one thing that I can agree on with other people that hate the move is how Lebron did it. When I first heard that he was gonna have his own 1-hour show, I thought it was hella whack. I mean, have an ego. The only good thing I can say about it is that the sponsor proceeds went to the charity he supports. I still think it was whack, but at least there was something good coming out of it. I personally think he should have personally called the Cavs owner and told him his decision before he told everyone on television. I will also add, that what the Cavs owner said in the letter after-wards was somewhat appropriate, but also somewhat childish. But I understand why he did it. But I will say, when the owner said that Lebron quit during the playoffs, that's just stupid. Did Lebron quit? Maybe, maybe not. Who really knows. Only Lebron knows for sure. But I will say this, if the owner really thought Lebron quit during the playoffs, why did he try so hard to resign him? He talked about Lebron setting an example for kids and how he turned his back on his team and city, but what does it show to kids if you tell them that quitting is ok and as long as Lebron is in our city, we don't care if he quits or not.
I guess that's about it. I mean, I could talk about how people say it is still Wade's team, although, if all three players went to Toronto, would it be Bosh's team? Probably not. Whose team would it be if they all went to New York? What about the Bulls? What if Lebron and Bosh went to the Bulls, would it be Derrick Rose's team? The truth is, is that it was Wade's team for the last 7 years, and now it's their team, they just happen to be playing where Wade played. They all took a sacrifice (financial) to make this happen, and the Heat were the only team with the cap space to make it happen. For those that don't know, the Heat had more cap space than ANY other team this offseason. All three wanted this to happen, and Miami had the cap to do it. There is no doubt in my mind now that if Miami didn't have the cap, but another team did, they would be there instead of in Miami.
So that's it. If you hated this post, then I have done something right, and if you like this post, again, I have done something right. So looks like I'm in a win-win situation. Here's to more Heat games being shown on TV than the past few years, and here is to some exciting basketball. I have no doubt, that the next 5 years, will have some of the best basketball that's been seen in years. And a few championships in Miami wouldn't hurt :)
P.S. The .000000000000000000000000000000000000000001% chance that Derek Fisher is stumbling along on the internet, and this website is pulled, and he decides to read this, then I have to say to you Mr. Fisher, that myself along with the entire Miami Heat fan base are rooting you to join the Heat.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Graduation and What's Next
So its been a while since I have written on this thing. That is mainly in part of my last few weeks of school being extremely lame (a.k.a. lots of schoolwork and whatnot). But as of yesterday, Saturday, May 8, 2010, I am now a college graduate, and I can say with 99% certainty that I am finished with school for the rest of my life. That 1% is in case I decide to go back to further my physics knowledge, as I have found that I like physics more than I would have thought. I also think if you have the opportunity, you should take at least a basic intro into physics if you have the time. There is a lot of knowledge there and it makes you think differently than you normally would.
But for now, lets stop talking about classes, because I now no longer have any. So for those that don't know, I went to CCU and graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration. And the number 1 question I am asked is 'What are you going to do now?" And my usual answer consists of telling them I will be working at the restaurant more. And while that is true, that is really a backup plan for me, something that I hope to do just on the side. I try to set my goals higher than 'living in Georgetown for the rest of my life'.
So if your trying to figure out what I want to do with the rest of my life, then you really don't know me. But I plan on playing poker professionally. And again, for those that don't know me, go ahead and laugh it up, because there is nothing better in this world than proving someone wrong. Those that do know me, I have already proved them wrong, as they use to laugh, until I went to a casino for the first time and came back a winner. Now with school out of the way, I can concentrate more on poker and improving my game, and get ready for the 2010 World Series of Poker.
So in case your wondering, yes, I do plan on playing in the 2010 WSOP Main Event; and yes that does cost $10,000 to enter; and no, I don't have $10,000. The next step in my path to being a great poker player will take me back to Atlantic City from May 23rd (Sunday) until May 28th (Friday). From May 12th until May 27th there is a World Series of Poker Satellite Event at Harrah's Resort. There is an event there that if I win or finish high enough up in the prizes that I will win a seat to the Main Event in Las Vegas. So potentially, for just $140 bucks, I can make my way through the rounds and windup winning millions. Of course, this is the best case scenario. Truthfully, I don't think I can complain if I were to come back from Atlantic City having broke even along with a seat to the Main Event. Anything after that (at this point in my career) is an added bonus.
So that's my next step. Hit up the satellite event in Atlantic City, and then hopefully move on from there to Las Vegas. I've already proved everyone wrong once, now it's time for me to do it again.
But for now, lets stop talking about classes, because I now no longer have any. So for those that don't know, I went to CCU and graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration. And the number 1 question I am asked is 'What are you going to do now?" And my usual answer consists of telling them I will be working at the restaurant more. And while that is true, that is really a backup plan for me, something that I hope to do just on the side. I try to set my goals higher than 'living in Georgetown for the rest of my life'.
So if your trying to figure out what I want to do with the rest of my life, then you really don't know me. But I plan on playing poker professionally. And again, for those that don't know me, go ahead and laugh it up, because there is nothing better in this world than proving someone wrong. Those that do know me, I have already proved them wrong, as they use to laugh, until I went to a casino for the first time and came back a winner. Now with school out of the way, I can concentrate more on poker and improving my game, and get ready for the 2010 World Series of Poker.
So in case your wondering, yes, I do plan on playing in the 2010 WSOP Main Event; and yes that does cost $10,000 to enter; and no, I don't have $10,000. The next step in my path to being a great poker player will take me back to Atlantic City from May 23rd (Sunday) until May 28th (Friday). From May 12th until May 27th there is a World Series of Poker Satellite Event at Harrah's Resort. There is an event there that if I win or finish high enough up in the prizes that I will win a seat to the Main Event in Las Vegas. So potentially, for just $140 bucks, I can make my way through the rounds and windup winning millions. Of course, this is the best case scenario. Truthfully, I don't think I can complain if I were to come back from Atlantic City having broke even along with a seat to the Main Event. Anything after that (at this point in my career) is an added bonus.
So that's my next step. Hit up the satellite event in Atlantic City, and then hopefully move on from there to Las Vegas. I've already proved everyone wrong once, now it's time for me to do it again.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Lying
So apparently a study was done, and researches have found that the average male lies 6 times a day, and the average female lies 3 times a day. I personally am not a huge fan of lying, but even without knowing research was done, I can tell you, it's not if someone is lying, it's why they are lying. And while I can't sit here and tell you that I live up to the program of Radical Honesty, I can easily sit here and tell you that I rarely ever lie anymore, and I tend to look differently at people that have lied to me numerous times.
But before you jump to conclusions, let me explain, there is a different in lying, and telling a joke. And for me, if I tell a joke in which case I would have lied, I end up coming back in the end and saying that I'm just joking around. So while it is technically a lie, it's not the kind that can get you into trouble.
So what is the point of lying. The obvious choice would be to hide something from someone. I have nothing to hide. Ask me a question, and I have no problem telling you what I think. Just be prepared that it may not be the answer you are looking for. So back to the point of lying. I personally don't see why people feel the need to lie. If you have a problem telling the truth, then don't say anything at all.
In most cases, nothing good can come from lying to someone (as a poker player I can argue this two ways, but that's another story). I have found this out firsthand, and is probably one of the biggest reasons I don't lie anymore. I would assume that if others had negative experiences with lying, they would probably stop too. Especially if you end up losing a friendship over it, as was the case with me. It's tough to think of someone you used to be close to, knowing you looked them in the face and lied to them, and that's the reason why you are no longer friends with them. Sometimes it can even eat away at you. It's also just as tough to look at someone lie to your face, knowing that they are lying, and knowing that they think they can pull it off. It's tough to keep friendships when they are built on lies.
So to anyone reading this, I offer a piece of advice for when you are talking to me, and when you are talking to anyone really. Don't lie. There is no need to lie. Tell the truth, and if someone else doesn't agree, then argue for a minute, and then move on, because odds are you were lying about something stupid anyway.
So I suppose if I am going to write a blog on lies, and how I don't like them, I should probably be totally honest with myself and with anyone reading this. As much as I disregard lying, and how I am personally against it, I must say, I am probably carrying the biggest lie of all, or at least of all the people I know.
Some people say, that if you tell a lie enough, you will start to believe it, and then blur the lie with reality, and that it will become difficult for you to know what is the truth. Well, for anyone that hasn't carried out a lie for a long period of time, I can also confirm that this too is true. And while the line between the lie and reality isn't blurred for me, I have reached the point where I no longer think of it as a lie when I have to explain it to other people. I can easily tell the story to anyone as if it's the truth, even though I know it's a lie. How big is the lie, you may ask. Well I'll tell you this, I will take it with me to my grave, because unfortunately, this is the one lie, that I know if it is revealed, will not only destroy me, but destroy the one true person I care most about.
So I'll leave you on a quote that I have come to appreciate.
“I love you, and because I love you, I would sooner have you hate me for telling you the truth than adore me for telling you lies.”
But before you jump to conclusions, let me explain, there is a different in lying, and telling a joke. And for me, if I tell a joke in which case I would have lied, I end up coming back in the end and saying that I'm just joking around. So while it is technically a lie, it's not the kind that can get you into trouble.
So what is the point of lying. The obvious choice would be to hide something from someone. I have nothing to hide. Ask me a question, and I have no problem telling you what I think. Just be prepared that it may not be the answer you are looking for. So back to the point of lying. I personally don't see why people feel the need to lie. If you have a problem telling the truth, then don't say anything at all.
In most cases, nothing good can come from lying to someone (as a poker player I can argue this two ways, but that's another story). I have found this out firsthand, and is probably one of the biggest reasons I don't lie anymore. I would assume that if others had negative experiences with lying, they would probably stop too. Especially if you end up losing a friendship over it, as was the case with me. It's tough to think of someone you used to be close to, knowing you looked them in the face and lied to them, and that's the reason why you are no longer friends with them. Sometimes it can even eat away at you. It's also just as tough to look at someone lie to your face, knowing that they are lying, and knowing that they think they can pull it off. It's tough to keep friendships when they are built on lies.
So to anyone reading this, I offer a piece of advice for when you are talking to me, and when you are talking to anyone really. Don't lie. There is no need to lie. Tell the truth, and if someone else doesn't agree, then argue for a minute, and then move on, because odds are you were lying about something stupid anyway.
So I suppose if I am going to write a blog on lies, and how I don't like them, I should probably be totally honest with myself and with anyone reading this. As much as I disregard lying, and how I am personally against it, I must say, I am probably carrying the biggest lie of all, or at least of all the people I know.
Some people say, that if you tell a lie enough, you will start to believe it, and then blur the lie with reality, and that it will become difficult for you to know what is the truth. Well, for anyone that hasn't carried out a lie for a long period of time, I can also confirm that this too is true. And while the line between the lie and reality isn't blurred for me, I have reached the point where I no longer think of it as a lie when I have to explain it to other people. I can easily tell the story to anyone as if it's the truth, even though I know it's a lie. How big is the lie, you may ask. Well I'll tell you this, I will take it with me to my grave, because unfortunately, this is the one lie, that I know if it is revealed, will not only destroy me, but destroy the one true person I care most about.
So I'll leave you on a quote that I have come to appreciate.
“I love you, and because I love you, I would sooner have you hate me for telling you the truth than adore me for telling you lies.”
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Facebook Addictions
Well, I suppose this could actually be titled as 'Facebook Application Addictions', but I figure lets keep it short. So what qualifies as being addicted to a Facebook application? People might think if you are on Facebook, or just your computer in general, for longer than a few hours each day, that you are addicted. But I think that is slightly skewed. I am on the internet and Facebook for probably 10 hours a day or so. But I'm not on giving my full attention for the full 10 hours. I have my computer on all the time, and I leave an internet tab open that is kept on Facebook. So am I slightly addicted? Probably yes. But I'm not totally addicted. I am more addicted to other things, like sleep for example. I even schedule 8 hours of my day specifically for sleep.
So Facebook applications. I concentrate on Mousehunt and Farmville. There are a few others that I play occasionally, but Mousehunt and Farmville top the list. But I wouldn't say that I am addicted to either. A lot of people would say I am addicted to both, but I don't see it that way. With Farmville, for those that don't know, you plant crops and when they are finished, you harvest them. Then rinse and repeat! Each crop takes a certain amount of time. For me, if I am going to sleep at 12, and I have a break the next day at 10, why not plant something that takes 10 hours. It doesn't effect my day, and I wouldn't say that's addicted. Never have I actually planned my life around Farmville.
For Mousehunt, for those that don't know, you have a trap, you upgrade, and you catch mice, and you will catch stronger mice as the game progresses. In terms of 'playing' the game, all you do is sound the horn, which sets off your trap, and you can only do this once every 15 minutes. So when you consider the few seconds it takes to hit the horn, and the fact that you can only do it once every 15 minutes, you are really actually 'playing' the game for less than 10 minutes a day. And while I have to be in front of a computer to hit the horn, I wouldn't say I am addicted. Although I will say that I can now do just about anything in 15 minutes or less. And also, there is a function of the game, where if you have friends that play, they can hit the horn for you if you are hunting in the same area and you are online, with online meaning you have been on the application within the last hour. So really, you can just be on the game once and hour, and let your friends handle the game. But I don't really let the game take over my life. I have no problem putting the game on hold and going out on a Friday night and hanging with friends.
So back to the original question, what qualifies as being addicted to a application? Am I slightly addicted? Yes. Does the game run my life? No. Well, for Mousehunt, the people at the top of the leaderboard, are, in my words, overly addicted. So as you have read earlier, you can just be active once and hour, and let your friends handle the game for you. Well, the people at the top of the leaderboard, they wake up at night, in hourly increments (59 minute increments to be exact), and this allows them to stay active and let their friends hit the horn for them, thus allowing them to stay atop the leaderboard. I would never do that. Sleep is too important to me.
And while I can't come up with an exact case of overly addicted for Farmville, I will add, that if you decide to make another Facebook profile just to play a certain application more, then you are addicted. I guess technically this has happened to me 3 times, as I have gotten a friend request from someone I am already friends with, but they made another account to play more games. That's a little extreme. And to push it to the limits even further, one of my friends made a 3rd account, just to play Facebook games! In cases like this, I must say.......'people have problems yo.'
So to recap. If you plan your life around Facebook games, you have a problem (as in overly addicted). If you make another account to play more often, you have a problem. And if you make a 3rd account, or maybe even more than that, then you have problems yo.
So Facebook applications. I concentrate on Mousehunt and Farmville. There are a few others that I play occasionally, but Mousehunt and Farmville top the list. But I wouldn't say that I am addicted to either. A lot of people would say I am addicted to both, but I don't see it that way. With Farmville, for those that don't know, you plant crops and when they are finished, you harvest them. Then rinse and repeat! Each crop takes a certain amount of time. For me, if I am going to sleep at 12, and I have a break the next day at 10, why not plant something that takes 10 hours. It doesn't effect my day, and I wouldn't say that's addicted. Never have I actually planned my life around Farmville.
For Mousehunt, for those that don't know, you have a trap, you upgrade, and you catch mice, and you will catch stronger mice as the game progresses. In terms of 'playing' the game, all you do is sound the horn, which sets off your trap, and you can only do this once every 15 minutes. So when you consider the few seconds it takes to hit the horn, and the fact that you can only do it once every 15 minutes, you are really actually 'playing' the game for less than 10 minutes a day. And while I have to be in front of a computer to hit the horn, I wouldn't say I am addicted. Although I will say that I can now do just about anything in 15 minutes or less. And also, there is a function of the game, where if you have friends that play, they can hit the horn for you if you are hunting in the same area and you are online, with online meaning you have been on the application within the last hour. So really, you can just be on the game once and hour, and let your friends handle the game. But I don't really let the game take over my life. I have no problem putting the game on hold and going out on a Friday night and hanging with friends.
So back to the original question, what qualifies as being addicted to a application? Am I slightly addicted? Yes. Does the game run my life? No. Well, for Mousehunt, the people at the top of the leaderboard, are, in my words, overly addicted. So as you have read earlier, you can just be active once and hour, and let your friends handle the game for you. Well, the people at the top of the leaderboard, they wake up at night, in hourly increments (59 minute increments to be exact), and this allows them to stay active and let their friends hit the horn for them, thus allowing them to stay atop the leaderboard. I would never do that. Sleep is too important to me.
And while I can't come up with an exact case of overly addicted for Farmville, I will add, that if you decide to make another Facebook profile just to play a certain application more, then you are addicted. I guess technically this has happened to me 3 times, as I have gotten a friend request from someone I am already friends with, but they made another account to play more games. That's a little extreme. And to push it to the limits even further, one of my friends made a 3rd account, just to play Facebook games! In cases like this, I must say.......'people have problems yo.'
So to recap. If you plan your life around Facebook games, you have a problem (as in overly addicted). If you make another account to play more often, you have a problem. And if you make a 3rd account, or maybe even more than that, then you have problems yo.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Retarded People in Georgetown
So for those that don't know, I grew up and currently live in Georgetown, SC. And when I say retarded people, I don't mean mentally challenged people, I am referring to people that make stupid decisions that make no sense.
So my family owns a restaurant, and growing up with that experience I have met numerous people that have worked for us. A few of those people have turned into good friends, and a few have turned into memories one would want to forget. But about a month and a half ago, we hired this waitress who could fall under the nutcase category. This girl is like 17 or 18, I never went back and verified it, but she was either 17 or 18. She also has a kid, who was somewhere around a few months old. On a side note, I tend to look down on 'kids' that have children at such a young age. There are a few exceptions, but it's poor decision making on the girls part in most cases. There is no way that a girl that is in high school, without a job, without a stable family, and with no means to support herself, plans on having a kid. In my opinion, it is utter stupidity.
But back to the main story. 17 or 18 year old girl, nutcase, already has a child. So within the first few days of her working for us, she meets some guy that came in the restaurant. And not just any guy, this guy is 38, divorced, and has 4 kids, with the oldest being 13. Imagine having a stepmother or stepfather who is just a few years older than you. Again, terrible decision making by people to put themselves in this position. So now your probably thinking, well, there are numerous stories like this in the world. But of course, I reply with, I'm only about half way finished with the story. So apparently after only 2 weeks of seeing this guy, both have come to the conclusion that it is love at first sight and they are meant to be together. So now they are planning a wedding date, after only 2 weeks of being together. And that wedding date is less than 4 months away.
I suppose I can buy into the whole love at first sight thing. I am sure there are instances where it has actually happened and the relationship gone smoothly. But to plan a wedding date so fast, and so soon, that's a little extreme for me. It would be extremely difficult for me to meet someone and then want to marry them just 4 months later. You really don't know them, I mean, how could you. I am a big believer in the saying, you truly don't know someone until you live with them, and if your gonna marry someone, you should know them pretty well.
So back to the story. It's not quite over yet. So, now that they have picked out a wedding date, the next step in a crazy relationship is....you guessed it, having a baby. So two weeks after meeting this guy, a wedding date is picked out, and now they want to have a baby, and are trying to have a baby. And two weeks later, she is pregnant. Like, who plans their life like this? It really is amazing, how some people act and the decisions that they make. So a quick recap for anyone who got lost, a 17 or 18 year old girl, with a child, meets this guy, who is divorced with 4 kids, the oldest being 13, and 2 weeks later, they have a wedding date selected, and 2 weeks after that, she is pregnant.
So she is no longer with us anymore, and the girl we hired to replace her, is 17, and turns out she also has a child. But at least her story isn't as bad as the last. But two weeks later, we find out that she has moved, and is going to be living with her 'ex-boyfriend' who is the father of her child. A little bit of advice that I can offer anyone reading this, if you have a job, and you want to quit, call your boss. Just explain to them that it isn't working and you have to find work elsewhere. You will get a lot more respect from them if you call and explain the situation, instead of just ignoring the business and never showing up again. Respect is hard to get in the workplace, so don't do something stupid to lose yours.
So I thought we were moving in the right direction, making our staff better, but it turns out good help is hard to find. You would think in a tough economy that people would care about having a job, but it's surprising that a lot of people don't care. One of our weekend waitresses that we have now is pretty good, and she is really good-looking, so in my opinion, that's always a good thing. It works for Hooters. Hopefully in the future we can avoid nutcases and start finding good quality workers that care about having a job.
So my family owns a restaurant, and growing up with that experience I have met numerous people that have worked for us. A few of those people have turned into good friends, and a few have turned into memories one would want to forget. But about a month and a half ago, we hired this waitress who could fall under the nutcase category. This girl is like 17 or 18, I never went back and verified it, but she was either 17 or 18. She also has a kid, who was somewhere around a few months old. On a side note, I tend to look down on 'kids' that have children at such a young age. There are a few exceptions, but it's poor decision making on the girls part in most cases. There is no way that a girl that is in high school, without a job, without a stable family, and with no means to support herself, plans on having a kid. In my opinion, it is utter stupidity.
But back to the main story. 17 or 18 year old girl, nutcase, already has a child. So within the first few days of her working for us, she meets some guy that came in the restaurant. And not just any guy, this guy is 38, divorced, and has 4 kids, with the oldest being 13. Imagine having a stepmother or stepfather who is just a few years older than you. Again, terrible decision making by people to put themselves in this position. So now your probably thinking, well, there are numerous stories like this in the world. But of course, I reply with, I'm only about half way finished with the story. So apparently after only 2 weeks of seeing this guy, both have come to the conclusion that it is love at first sight and they are meant to be together. So now they are planning a wedding date, after only 2 weeks of being together. And that wedding date is less than 4 months away.
I suppose I can buy into the whole love at first sight thing. I am sure there are instances where it has actually happened and the relationship gone smoothly. But to plan a wedding date so fast, and so soon, that's a little extreme for me. It would be extremely difficult for me to meet someone and then want to marry them just 4 months later. You really don't know them, I mean, how could you. I am a big believer in the saying, you truly don't know someone until you live with them, and if your gonna marry someone, you should know them pretty well.
So back to the story. It's not quite over yet. So, now that they have picked out a wedding date, the next step in a crazy relationship is....you guessed it, having a baby. So two weeks after meeting this guy, a wedding date is picked out, and now they want to have a baby, and are trying to have a baby. And two weeks later, she is pregnant. Like, who plans their life like this? It really is amazing, how some people act and the decisions that they make. So a quick recap for anyone who got lost, a 17 or 18 year old girl, with a child, meets this guy, who is divorced with 4 kids, the oldest being 13, and 2 weeks later, they have a wedding date selected, and 2 weeks after that, she is pregnant.
So she is no longer with us anymore, and the girl we hired to replace her, is 17, and turns out she also has a child. But at least her story isn't as bad as the last. But two weeks later, we find out that she has moved, and is going to be living with her 'ex-boyfriend' who is the father of her child. A little bit of advice that I can offer anyone reading this, if you have a job, and you want to quit, call your boss. Just explain to them that it isn't working and you have to find work elsewhere. You will get a lot more respect from them if you call and explain the situation, instead of just ignoring the business and never showing up again. Respect is hard to get in the workplace, so don't do something stupid to lose yours.
So I thought we were moving in the right direction, making our staff better, but it turns out good help is hard to find. You would think in a tough economy that people would care about having a job, but it's surprising that a lot of people don't care. One of our weekend waitresses that we have now is pretty good, and she is really good-looking, so in my opinion, that's always a good thing. It works for Hooters. Hopefully in the future we can avoid nutcases and start finding good quality workers that care about having a job.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Philadelphia Eagles
Well, I was gonna do a post today about retarded people in Georgetown, but that will get pushed back to tomorrow because I feel I need to say a few words on the Eagles.
So around 8:30ish, the Eagles front office decided to finally trade Donovan McNabb. For the past few years now, the biggest offseason talk in football was whether or not Brett Favre would retire or not, and are the Eagles gonna trade McNabb. I am a huge McNabb fan, so I am personally not happy with the trade, but after all that has happened with the Eagles here recently, this trade is in no way a surprise, and I suppose I am glad it is finally over so we can move forward as a team. I haven't been a big supporter of Kevin Kolb, the guy who is now supposedly the face of our franchise, but scouts over the league praise his accuracy and say he is a better fit in the West Coast System than McNabb. I suppose that gives me hope with this team in the future, but Kolb's play on the field will need to be impressive for me to fully switch my thoughts on him. In Philadelphia, Kolb will now forever be judged by what he doesn't do.
But what worries me the most, isn't that we traded a borderline Hall of Fame QB to a division rival, but it is now our lack of leadership in the locker room. A few years ago, we released Jeremiah Trotter, who at the time was a great player on the field, and a huge leader for our defense and in the locker room. Supposedly it was because we were getting younger on the defensive side of the ball, so I 'went with the flo'. That backfired, as the linebacker who replaced Trotter was benched last season, and another linebacker who was suppose to help us get younger was traded away. Last offseason, we lost Brian Dawkins, the face of the Philadelphia Eagles defense, a HUGE leader in the organization, because management was too stingy to give him a decent contract offer. Huge loss for us. Earlier this offseason, we released Brian Westbrook, the key to our offense this decade, and later traded away cornerback Sheldon Brown, one of the better shutdown corners in the league. Now we trade away McNabb, and we literally have no veterans on this team. Hopefully our front office knows what they are doing, because right now, it doesn't look good. I'll back my team, because that's what real fans do, but I have to be honest, I don't know what to expect this upcoming season.
So around 8:30ish, the Eagles front office decided to finally trade Donovan McNabb. For the past few years now, the biggest offseason talk in football was whether or not Brett Favre would retire or not, and are the Eagles gonna trade McNabb. I am a huge McNabb fan, so I am personally not happy with the trade, but after all that has happened with the Eagles here recently, this trade is in no way a surprise, and I suppose I am glad it is finally over so we can move forward as a team. I haven't been a big supporter of Kevin Kolb, the guy who is now supposedly the face of our franchise, but scouts over the league praise his accuracy and say he is a better fit in the West Coast System than McNabb. I suppose that gives me hope with this team in the future, but Kolb's play on the field will need to be impressive for me to fully switch my thoughts on him. In Philadelphia, Kolb will now forever be judged by what he doesn't do.
But what worries me the most, isn't that we traded a borderline Hall of Fame QB to a division rival, but it is now our lack of leadership in the locker room. A few years ago, we released Jeremiah Trotter, who at the time was a great player on the field, and a huge leader for our defense and in the locker room. Supposedly it was because we were getting younger on the defensive side of the ball, so I 'went with the flo'. That backfired, as the linebacker who replaced Trotter was benched last season, and another linebacker who was suppose to help us get younger was traded away. Last offseason, we lost Brian Dawkins, the face of the Philadelphia Eagles defense, a HUGE leader in the organization, because management was too stingy to give him a decent contract offer. Huge loss for us. Earlier this offseason, we released Brian Westbrook, the key to our offense this decade, and later traded away cornerback Sheldon Brown, one of the better shutdown corners in the league. Now we trade away McNabb, and we literally have no veterans on this team. Hopefully our front office knows what they are doing, because right now, it doesn't look good. I'll back my team, because that's what real fans do, but I have to be honest, I don't know what to expect this upcoming season.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
First Blog
So this is my first blog. What does one say on their first blog writing? I don't know. If I knew, I wouldn't be talking about what to write, instead I would be writing about that.
So do you ever have that one day where something amazing happens, or something really cool happens, but you never write it down, and then it eventually gets lost in your memory. Well for me, it doesn't get lost in my memory, but I always say, 'man, I should write that down.' So I finally got one of these blogging websites and decided to start doing that. Who knows what I will write on here. Maybe I will have a crazy dream that I feel needs to be shared, or maybe I will just talk about how my day went. Who knows, but I feel that I now have a place to express myself and just say what I want.
So I will assume if you are still reading at this point, you are either a friend who is curious as to what I am gonna write next, your bored with nothing else to do at the moment, or your a major stalker. Either way, I'm glad I could entertain you for the few minutes that you have spent reading this nonsense of a first blog, and I invite you to come back, in the next day or so, where the 'action' will start to get heated up and something more interesting will be blogged about.
So do you ever have that one day where something amazing happens, or something really cool happens, but you never write it down, and then it eventually gets lost in your memory. Well for me, it doesn't get lost in my memory, but I always say, 'man, I should write that down.' So I finally got one of these blogging websites and decided to start doing that. Who knows what I will write on here. Maybe I will have a crazy dream that I feel needs to be shared, or maybe I will just talk about how my day went. Who knows, but I feel that I now have a place to express myself and just say what I want.
So I will assume if you are still reading at this point, you are either a friend who is curious as to what I am gonna write next, your bored with nothing else to do at the moment, or your a major stalker. Either way, I'm glad I could entertain you for the few minutes that you have spent reading this nonsense of a first blog, and I invite you to come back, in the next day or so, where the 'action' will start to get heated up and something more interesting will be blogged about.
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