It is now told, here in an interesting article from the New York Times.  Apparently, Brett Favre is renting out Tony Richardson’s house.  You’d think for 10 million a year Brett could help out Tony and just buy the place.  Of course then he’d have to sell, but not until after 2019 when his arm finally falls off at age 50 after he’s led the Vikings to the league’s first undefeated decade. (160-0, not including the playoffs)  By then the market should be back to normal, I hope…

(side note:  Score prediction for Sunday:  Vikings 32, Bears 14.  Over/Under on number of Cutler tears:  255)

It’s that time of year again- time for the Toque craft fair at the Western front. For those of you who are thinking that craft fairs are terrible events best avoided (and I count myself among you) I just want to draw your attention to Banquet by Sarah Edmonds. You MUST click on the link to look at the best bear poster in the world. Then you MUST go to Toque and buy the bear poster. Banquet will make a craft fair lover out of even the most hardened hearts.

Devin Hester

What’s giving The Bears more publicity this week? It isn’t their underdog comeback story, that’s for sure. The Bears big game against the Philadelphia Eagles brought a whole new wave of news on Sunday night’s nationally televised game. Devin Hester, wide receiver for The Chicago Bears involuntarily mooned the entire stadium along with everyone watching on television.

As Hester was attempting to receive a pass thrown by quarterback, Jay Cutler, it was to no one’s surprise that the pass wasn’t a good one. Even so, Hester tried his hardest to complete it and missed, little to Eagles cornerback, Dimitri Patterson’s knowledge. Patterson continued his attempt at tackling Hester, which resulted in Patterson pulling down Hester’s pants for everyone to see.

Of course, nowadays, if anything remotely, funny, embarrassing or offensive happens in the media, everyone will know where to find it. The video was posted on Youtube shortly thereafter, not to mention the HD NBC instant replay. So in case you happened to miss Sunday’s main attraction, here you go:

This is a good book, and I’m recommending it, but it isn’t at all like Julia Glass’s first two novels, Three Junes and The Whole World Over, both of which I reviewed favorably. I See You Everywhere is much darker, and more serious, than Glass’s previous work. This isn’t a criticism, but it’s important information for anyone who might read this book.

It begins lightly, however, and at first I thought it was going to be one of those novels about sisters that makes me glad I have brothers instead (thanks for not being girls, John and Steve!). With rather unexceptional parents, Louisa is the older daughter who is expected to be good at everything (been there), who wants a more conventional life, and who’s not much of a risk-taker. Clem, short for Clement, is 4 years younger, wilder, uninterested in settling down despite the occasional love interest, and a devoted animal lover. Louisa becomes the editor of an art magazine after giving up on being an artist herself, and Clem makes her career as a field biologist, starting with oceanic mammals and ending up following bears in Wyoming.

So they have interesting lives, they bicker, and they turn to each other for comfort even though they don’t understand each other very well. Eventually, the bickering turns into their way of communicating, and they understand each other all too well. It’s an intriguing psychological journey. It’s also very sad throughout most of the book. Both sisters will break your heart at different times, one more than the other. Books don’t make me cry, but if that’s ever happened to you, it’s entirely possible here. You are warned.

And this is a beautifully written, well-told story with great depth. I strongly recommend it, but not for when you’re already blue or want something light.

As for animals, it’s heartbreaking on that front as well. When I read books for this blog, I stick tape flags on the pages with relevant animal activity. I ran out of tape flags while reading this book. Animals die in I See You. Some are mentioned in passing, a few are characters. And yet there are some lovely passages relating to wildlife, like the injured hawk whose mate was there waiting for her when she was released after wildlife rehabilitators helped her through a broken wing. There are cats, horses, seals, birds, animals grown for food, and bears. One of the few light sequences has to do with foxhounds, a devoted caretaker, and puppies, in which Glass shows her characters’ capacity for warmth and compassion. But the bears — oh, the bears will tear at your soul. That’s not to say they all come to a bad end, but they will break your heart nonetheless. After considerable thought, I am declaring this book MOSTLY UNSAFE for animal lovers. I still recommend it for animal lovers, but go into it with your eyes open. This isn’t a beach book.

Power Thursday

Increíble semana sin muchos juegos importantes, pero después de todo resulto ser una semana muy importante con todos los equipos del norte de la americana viéndose mal, los leones y los cafés brindaron un juego muy interesante sin aspiraciones a playoffs y los vaqueros y los Redskings uno muy aburrido. Los Titanes siguen ganando y los broncos siguen perdiendo…

Y para una semana en la que este jueves tendremos 3 partidos, un domingo mas ligero con los partidos de las 12 teniendo cero importancia, los de la tarde quiero verlos todos (menos el de los jefes) y el de la noche un platillo interesante en un duelo divisional entre los Acereros y los Cuervos. Y el lunes por la noche el plato principal:  Santos vs. Patriotas, Brees vs. Brady… oh yeah!

Como nota extra se aprobó en el presupuesto de los equipos el sueldo para un neurólogo, cosa que es una medida de seguridad muy importante… solo falta que los equipos y los jugadores tomen en cuenta la opinión medica.

32. Browns

[1-9] Un equipo espantoso, lesiones al por mayor pero posiblemente falsas; salían del partido dos jugadas y después absolutamente nada… pero pues pese a todo eso, me gusto el partido ya que fueron dos QB que quieren lucir pero aun no están listos contra dos defensivas espantosas

31. Rams

[1-9] Corrieron con suerte de no recibir una increíble paliza, ya que el QB rival salio por lesión y el rival bajo el nivel de juego. Muy seguramente no ganaran ni un solo partido mas y se quedaran con la primera selección para intentar juntar muchas selecciones y poner gente que ayude a Steven Jackson que es mucho jugador para tan poco equipo

30. Buccanners

[1-9] Después de recibir una increíble paliza y con un cierre de calendario que suena muy complicado este equipo que no es tan malo como los dos anteriores podría sufrir pero ser beneficiado; posiblemente no gane ningún partido mas, los cafés tienen un calendario mas flexible y por ahí ganarle a los Chiefs y Tampa tendría la segunda selección del draft y ayudarse para la siguiente temporada

29. Lions

[2-8] Matthew Stafford sigue con molestias en el hombro izquierdo después de la separación de hombro sufrida el domingo pasado, seria una estupidez completa que jugara contra los empacadores… y si las molestias continúan es mejor dejarlo sanar tranquilamente

28. Bills

[3-7] Regresa TO? naaa tuvo muchas yds pero no logro ayudar a su equipo con alguna escapada importante, y en su calendario pues simplemente recibes a los Patriotas y recibes a los Colts…

27. Seahawks

[3-7] Los Vikingos les hasta por abajo de la lengua y ahora tendrán una oportunidad de victoria ante los Rams

26. Redskings

[3-7] En un partido muy aburrido contra los Vaqueros en el cual no hicieron absolutamente nada por intentar ganar (tampoco los vaqueros), con un roster sufriendo con muchos lesionados y con un calendario complicadísimo al cierre contra equipos como águilas, santos, gigantes y chargers… pues no podremos esperar una mejora

25. Chiefs

[3-7] Están en el top25 después de ganarle a un equipo que la semana pasada estaba en el 6to puesto

24. Raiders

[3-7] Suben 4 lugares y crean una interesante situación ya que después de un buen juego por Bruce Gradkowski el futuro de JaMarcus Russell con el equipo esta en duda, Gradkowski sera el que inicie el resto de la temporada. Mejoro increíblemente la ofensiva, sin estar tantos puntos abajo la defensiva aguanto y consiguieron una victoria que hizo ver mal a muchos de los “psíquicos” (al igual que contra las águilas). Veremos que noticias nos trae este equipo que dentro de unas horas enfrentan a los Vaqueros que vienen bajando de nivel y el resto de su calendario le permitiría conseguir una o dos victorias mas; cosa que seria de mucho beneficio para la confianza del equipo para la siguiente temporada y porque es importante no estar en buena posición en el draft no nos valla a tocar otro Russell cuando pudimos haber elegido un Peterson

23. 49ers

[4-6] Derrota ante los Packers pero no se vieron tan tirados pal monte… van contra los Jaguares con posibilidades importantes de la victoria y un calendario que incluye a los Leones y a los Rams que posiblemente pueda meterlos en la pelea si se ponen las pilas

22. Jets

[4-6] Mark Sanchez después del incidente del hotdog no puede levantar y se habla de que tendrá que disfrutar de algún tiempo en la banca

21. Bears

[4-6] Cutler necesita jugar mejor y punto, esta matando a este equipo ya que solamente quiere lanzar la bola sin dejar correr a Forte

20. Panthers

[4-6] Visitan a los Jets y estoy esperando un buen juego por parte de las panteras

19. Texans

[5-5] Bajan 4 lugares ya que se vinieron abajo al final del partido sin poder logar nada

18. Titans

[4-6] Una importante victoria y Chris Johnson es una maquina, con Vince Young se le abre un poco de hueco porque también tienes que cuidar que Young no sea el que corra. Y quizá podrían levantar su temporada ya que esta semana reciben a los Cards y quizá podrían llevarse la victoria y digamos que ganan (5-6), pierden en Indianapolis (5-7), recibes a los Rams (6-7), recibes a los Delfines que sin R. Brown no sabemos si puedan aguantar ya que la gente estará preparada contra Ricky Williams y digamos que ganan (7-7), los Chargers dependiendo de como decidan cerrar su temporada seria otra derrota (7-8) y contra los de Seattle una victoria (8-8) y cerrar 8-8 para un equipo que arranco la temporada con 0-6 son muy buenas noticias

17. Dolphins

[5-5] ¿Estarán con vida estos delfines? Tienen un calendario que les permitiría con un buen juego terminar la temporada con récord positivo, una vez mas si juegan bien podrían estar aunque se ve complicado

16. Ravens

[5-5] Es difícil jugar contra Peyton y los Colts, pero este equipo que empezó bien podría quedarse fuera de posibilidades numéricas ya que tienen un calendario que se podría complicar (pese a tener dos posibles, bueno… casi victorias seguras en contra de los Raiders y los Leones). Pero aun tienen que enfrentar dos veces a los acereros y este domingo es una de ellas… duelo directo que es clave para ambos equipos

15. Falcons

[5-5] Este equipo viene en caída libre. Posiblemente despierte su ofensiva pero su defensiva no esta logrando jugadas clave en el mano a mano, pero tienen la “suerte” de tener un calendario que si se ponen las pilas podría volverlos en la pelea ya que tienen que enfrentar 2 veces a Tampa y a los Bills, y prácticamente son tres victorias que los dejarían (8-5), así que la responsabilidad esta en sus manos enfrentando a las águilas y jets que con una victoria ante alguno de ellos los pondría 9-7 (incluyendo una derrota contra los Santos) y ese 9-7 los puede poner en la pelea

14. Jaguars

[6-4] JonesDrew es una maquina juego tras juego, esta semana tuvo una “baja” en su juego ya que solamente corrió para 66yds y 1TD (si eso es baja de juego pues felicitaciones). Equipo que tiene en sus manos la calificación pero no me agradan como equipo

13. Broncos

[6-4] Una tremenda barrida que recibieron por parte de los cargadores los pone de vuelta en el lugar, derrota tras derrota para tener una racha de cuatro consecutivas. Equipo que esta demostrando lo que la mayoría creíamos, pero gracias al buen inicio tiene la calificación en sus manos ya que aun puede lograr nueve victorias ya que enfrentan 2 veces a los jefes y reciben a los Raiders. Dos derrotas en contra de los hermanos Manning respectivamente (Giants y Colts) y jugarse la calificación en contra de las águilas.

Honestamente no creo que sean capaces de conseguirlo, pero tambien honestamente preferiría ver a los broncos que a algún otro del este o sur de la americana (excluyendo a los Pats y a los Colts obviamente)

12. Packers

[6-4] Interesante victoria en contra de los 49es, su defensiva esta muy lesionada… pero creo que su ofensiva es tan buena que si logran proteger un poco las a Rodgers este equipo puede despreocuparse de las lesiones y concentrarse en un puesto de playoffs

11. Steelers

[6-4] Una dura derrota contra un equipo tan débil como Kansas que podría afectar sus aspiraciones a calificar, ya que no solo es la derrota si no que pierdes a tu QB suplente para la temporada y posiblemente al Big Ben en un partido CLAVE contra los cuervos. Aunque ese posiblemente es falso, Big Ben jugara si o si

10. Giants

[6-4] Regresan a la senda del triunfo, esta semana van a ganarle a Denver lo que los pone en lucha seria y si aprendieron de sus errores como candidatos serios para la final de la NFC, y con tres juegos divisionales restantes en su calendario la calificación esta completamente en sus manos

9. Eagles

[6-4] Interesante victoria en contra de las águilas y esta semana posiblemente le ganaran a los Broncos para conseguir legítimamente el liderato de la división

8. Cowboys

[7-3] Una victoria muy aburrida en contra de los Redskings pero al final es una victoria que los sigue manteniendo empatados en victorias de su división. Buenas noticias es que Romo aparenta esta mejor y listo para enfrentar a los Raiders en algunos minutos

7. Bengals

[7-3] Dolorosa derrota en contra de los Raiders, y esperemos para bien de ellos que perder contra equipos de “abajo” no sea cosa de quedarse porque enfrentan en semanas consecutivas a los cafés y a los leones, y en la 16 a los jefes. De ser victorias estas tres estarían amarrando posiblemente un boleto

6. Cardinals

[7-3] Un partido interesante en contra de los Titanes, digo… interesante si no juega Warner, de lo contrario van a ganar y van a clasificar; si no fuera por ayudarlos mas, aun tienen partidos en contra de los Rams y los Leones

5. Chargers

[7-3] Enfrentan a los jefes, de ahí a los cafés para prácticamente amarrar la división. De ahí vaqueros, bengals, titanes y redskings

4. Patriots

[7-3] Un equipo que se viene viendo consistente durante las ultimas semanas y este lunes enfrenta la prueba de fuego ante los Santos en un partido de si o si…  y sin importar una posible derrota el lunes, de mantener el paso (sin lo de regalar juegos como contra los Colts) este equipo amarra la división y descansa la primera semana

3. Colts

[10-0] Siguen ganando, y como mencionábamos la semana pasada que no son buenas noticias… si ganan y pierden los Jaguares aseguran la división. Su defensa no me agrada y gracias al calendario que tienen posiblemente logren mantener la temporada invicta… y OJO! NOSTRADAMUS! bueno, obviamente descansan la primera semana, y después… eliminados!

2. Saints

[10-0] Un día de campo en contra de TampaBay, la ultima vez que los baje de #1 le dieron una paliza a los Gigantes… así que veremos este lunes si logran retomar la punta ya que no merecen el #1 pese a seguir invictos a como han venido jugando

1. Vikings

[10-0] Nuevo líder! Un día de campo en contra de los Seahawks es importante que el resto de su calendario no esta regalado pero tampoco en un día de campo, lo que serainteresante para mantener a ritmo de juego a Favre pero sin exigirlo al máximo y descansando la primera semana, ojo con el general en los playoffs con ayuda de su gran defensiva y el solido juego por tierra. Con una posible adelanto de playoffs en la semana 16 en contra de los Gigantes

Doug Plank est un nom relativement connu du microcosme de la NFL, ainsi que de tous ceux qui s’y intéressent de près ou de loin. Ce terrible Hard-Hitter, jamais avare d’un bon coup de casque, a évolué 8 années dans la grande ligue sans remporter de titre ni battre de record. Pourtant, il a marqué à jamais l’histoire de sa franchise, les Chicago Bears, et sans doute celle de la NFL. Pourquoi ce joueur, dont le numéro n’a pas été retiré, est-il connu de tous ? Simple, son jersey, le 46, a donné son nom à l’une des formations défensives les plus connues des années 80, la “46 Formation”.

Le créateur de cette formation n’est autre que le Defensive Coordinateur Buddy Ryan, qui débarque aux Bears au début des années 80, avec déjà une très belle réputation. Il est en effet à la base du succès des Jets lors du SB III, durant lequel il a réussi à assommer l’attaque des Colts pour laisser les coudées franches à Joe Namath. Il a ensuite aidé les Vikings à mettre sur pied une fameuse défense connue sous le nom de “Purple People Eaters”. Un DC qui sait donc adapter ses schémas aux joueurs dont il dispose. Qu’allait-il bien pouvoir mettre sur pied avec la terrible armada des Bears ?

Une défense dont le credo est simple, voire simpliste : “Pressure win games”. Une pression de tous les instants, et des blitz continuels qui servent avant tout à stopper le run et à dégoûter le RB adverse, mais aussi à forcer les erreurs du QB et à dérouter les linemen offensifs sur leurs assignations de blocage. La défense 46 fait son apparition sur les terrains, appliquée par l’une des défenses devenue dès lors l’une des plus dominantes de l’histoire. Une appellation bien entendu dérivée de la très connue défense 43, mais qui tire avant tout son nom du joueur favori de Ryan, le Strong Safety Doug Plank, qui a essuyé les plâtres de cette défense. Ryan aimait avant tout le style de Plank (surnommé “Blondie” ou “Goldilocks” en raison de ses longues boucles blondes) : un abandon total à sa tâche défensive, donnant tout à tout moment.

Malheureusement pour Plank, cette formation très particulière n’est reconnue à sa juste valeur que bien après son départ, durant la saison 1985. Cette année-là les Bears doivent en grande partie à leur défense leur excellent bilan (15 victoires pour 1 défaite) et une victoire écrasante lors du SB XX (46-10 contre les Patriots). Il faut aussi préciser que les joueurs qui constituaient cette D étaient de terribles “enforcers”, parmi lesquels les remarquables “Samouraï” Mike Singletary, Richard Dent, Otis Wilson ou encore William “The Refrigerator” Perry, qui faisaient tous des merveilles dans une telle organisation. Mais quel est donc le secret de cette 46 ?

Comme sa consœur, la classique 43, la 46 est constituée de 4 Linemen, 3 Linebackers, 2 Cornerbacks et 2 Safeties. La grosse différence tient dans la position du Strong Safety, celle occupée par Plank aux débuts de cette formation. En effet, celui-ci peut s’aligner également sur la ligne de scrimmage, ou alors “in the box”, au lieu de se positionner à 15 yards du ballon comme à l’habitude. La 46 élève en fait la défense classique à son paroxysme, mettant une pression constante sur la ligne de scrimmage. L’attaque adverse se voit par conséquent dans l’incapacité de faire avancer le cuir, et le QB est poussé à lancer très vite, avec très peu de temps pour prendre une bonne décision. Le SS doit donc être très efficace contre la course lui aussi, cette 46 étant en réalité un défi lancé à l’attaque adverse : Nous sommes huit, serez-vous capables de franchir notre rideau ?

Un rideau dont le “Front 4″ – qui n’en est pas réellement un – est composé d’un Nose Tackle, de deux Defensive End, et d’un Rush End. Ce dernier se positionne assez loin du Tackle adverse et pratique un Pass Rush forcené à chaque action, comme ses trois coéquipiers. Mais la 46 ne s’arrête pas là et ajoute deux joueurs sur la ligne de scrimmage. En effet, les 2 OLB, dont l’un est renommé “Jack linebacker”, s’alignent comme le cinquième et le sixième linemen, sur le strongside, formant ainsi une sorte de “Front 6″. Le MLB et le SS se positionnent eux “in the box”, et le SS devient le quatrième LB. Mais le plus ahurissant de cette formation tient en ce que l’équipe adverse ne sait jamais lequel de ces huit joueurs va participer au Pass Rush, avec la certitude qu’il y en aura au minimum cinq. Un alignement qui, comme dit précédemment, intimide le coureur adverse et pousse donc l’attaque adverse à lancer la balle.

L’une des histoires les plus incroyables à propos de cette défense se joue le 12 Janvier 1986 au cours du “NFC Championship Game”. Le RB des Los Angeles Rams, Erick Dickerson, qui vient de se mettre en position pour un jeu au sol sur un 1st Down, voit les Bears s’aligner en 46, et huit joueurs prêts à le stopper. Il se tourne alors vers son QB, Dieter Brock, afin de lui souffler : “You are going to audible, aren’t you ?”. Dickerson ne se voyait même pas tenter une percée dans ce mur bleu…

Il y a bien entendu un revers à la médaille… Cette défense, qui s’avère extrêmement efficace avec l’effectif adéquat, des Linebackers agressifs, rapides et très bons plaqueurs, peut également faire perdre un important yardage, voire faire prendre à l’équipe un paquet de TD’s sur des passes longues, si le Linebacking Corps n’est pas assez puissant. Mais il y a pire : la secondary ! Les Defensive backs ont en effet un rôle assez simple et unidimensionnel. Les Cornerbacks font un man-to-man, avec du bump’n'run à chaque action. Ils ne doivent bien entendu pas lâcher les receveurs adverses d’une semelle, et il est donc beaucoup mieux pour l’équipe de posséder deux “Shutdown Cornerbacks”. Le Free Safety a quant à lui la charge de jouer deep et de “se promener” dans le centre profond du terrain. Une secondary allégée qui est donc le gros point faible de cette défense, puisqu’elle est sans arrêt pilonnée par les bombes adverses. Un talon d’Achille qui causa d’ailleurs la perte de la 46…

“Some say the 46 is just an eight-man front. That’s like saying Marilyn Monroe is just a girl.” Doug Plank - Jets Defensive Backs Coach

Les grosses cylindrées adverses possédant de bonnes attaques et de bons QB’s ne mettent pas beaucoup de temps à s’adapter à cette défense et à la faire mourir à coup de bombes, mais aussi de passes courtes. Les Niners, et la West Coast Offense de Bill Walsh, ont par exemple causer un tort terrible à la défense des Bears, comme toutes les autres attaques verticales de la ligue. Les bons coordinateurs offensifs ont très vite compris que la 46 laissait des boulevards aux WR adverses, les CB n’ayant quasiment aucune aide des Safeties.

Les Bears se rendront rapidement compte que, passé l’effet de surprise, leur stratégie ne fonctionne en saison régulière que contre les petites équipes, et qu’elle a de trop grosses lacunes en playoffs contre les favoris, comme le montre leur cuisante défaite 28-3 contre les 49ers de Joe Montana et Jerry Rice en 1988. Ils l’utiliseront dans un premier temps moins régulièrement, puis, après le départ de certains cadres, finiront par complétement abandonner l’idée.

A l’heure actuelle, la 46 est en voie d’extinction. Seul le Coach Rex Ryan, le fils du grand Buddy, a tenté de ressusciter la défense de son père avec une nouvelle approche chez les Ravens et continue aux Jets (avec l’aide de Doug Plank), sans cependant plus de succès. Une chose est sûre : même si elle n’appartient plus au présent, il est clair que la 46 appartient pour toujours à l’histoire !

I’ve been on the road this week (in fact, drove 850 miles in 11 hours on Monday — it wasn’t a great idea, but I will brag about it), so this post isn’t exactly timely. But I want to vent before tomorrow’s post-turkey overdose.

I’m generally not a sports assclown, but I am a huge fan of football, and would like to note that the Chicago Bears lost AGAIN Sunday, 24-20, at home to the Philadelphia Eagles.

But the Bears could just as easily lost to the Eagles, the band, in their current touring lineup:

• Glenn Frey – vocals, guitars, keyboards, harmonica
• Don Henley – vocals, drums, percussion, guitar
• Joe Walsh – guitars, vocals, keyboards,
• Timothy B. Schmit – bass guitar, acoustic guitar, vocals

And Frey has no wind at all because he doobed his way through the 70s, 80s, and 90s.

Why do the Bears suck so bad? It has to come from the top: ownership, management, coaching, star players. That’s obvious, but not too interesting.

What’s stunning to me as a current Chicago resident is that the sports base in the greater Chicagoland area actually puts up with this crap. Come on, this is a storied franchise! Why the suckball for so many seasons? And who in ownership is so in love with Rex Grossman that they’ve essentially cloned him as Jay Cutler?

But I don’t put this on Cutler. It takes a village of underperformers to keep things this mediocre, and few QBs could stand in the pocket as their O-line collapses like Iceland’s economy. Not to mention not having a true 1-WR, stand-out backs and ends, et al.

I didn’t grow up a Bears fan, so I feel more objective in my criticism. Being from North Carolina, the choices then were the Atlanta Falcons or Washington Redskins, which is why I pulled for the Miami Dolphins and the Pittsburgh Steelers.  Oh, speaking of, here’s hoping the Panthers suck just enough to get their head coach, John Fox, booted so Bill Cowher can step in with little fuss. It may not happen, but it would be sweet.

So the Bears will likely not collapse completely — they play the Ravens and the Rams, although they have to play the Vikings twice in 30 days — but it can’t look good for next season.

Posts like this may explain why Lovie hasn’t yet accepted my friend request on Facebook, though.

This would be Papa Bear….

A bear family series…this is baby bear

No No No.  Bears are vicious creatures and it’s a horrible disservice to perpetuate the misconception- nay, flat out deception- that bears are cuddly and adorable friends to humans.  I mean, nah, I could take a little brown bear, or even black bear, so those two would stand no chance.  I’m not scared, but the idea of them growing up makes me #1 my pants.  The idea of being out on a hike in the wilderness and meeting an adult one of those things, 30 feet in front of me.  I know I’d have to run until my veins corrode from excessive use and pray to my god of choice the entire time, and I know I’d start gunning it and look back to see the bear chugging forward like a freight train with murder in it’s engines and I know the feeling of certainty that I was not just going to die, but that I’d see my penis and jaw be bitten by countless knife-like teeth and swatted off by frying pan sized claws and hurled into the woods before I finally slip to the sweet numbness of death.  Not cool, guys.  Other than that, your site is adorable :3 Everyone reading should give it a browse (cuteoverload.com)

PS: I want to kiss the cute girl holding the bear.  Somebody let her know she’s got a date whenever she visits my city.

…in a good way.

I discovered this group featured on a friend of mine’s blog(some NSFW stuff on the blog). The group’s called Fucked Up (this is their blog), and they are a punk band. Apparently the lead singer is a shirtless bear who sometimes sings in his underwear and puts suction cups on his belly. Now that’s a concert I’d like to go to. I didn’t hear much music in the clip, but neither did I at a Sleater Kinney concert I once went to. Here’s the youtube clip.

Posted: November 25, 2009

I’ll take another round turkey, a heaping pile of mashed potatoes and a mound of stuffing.  I’ll go for seconds, maybe thirds, on yams and cranberry.  I’ll make room for a slice of pie or three, and then it’s on to dessert and a plate full of Sleepers for Week 12:

QUARTERBACK

Alex Smith (San Francisco) vs. Jacksonville – Projection: 21-35, 220 yards, 2 TD
Smith didn’t look great on Sunday against Green Bay, but still threw for 227 yards and 3 TD.  Jacksonville ranks 25th versus the pass, so another solid performance is a high probability.

Vince Young (Tennessee) vs. Arizona – Projection: 13-21, 155 yards, 1 TD, 5-35 rushing
Young is not an exciting fantasy option, but it’s surprising how little it takes to get double-digit fantasy points from the guy.  With just 116 passing yards in Week 11, Young was still good for 14 fantasy points thanks to 73 rushing yards and a passing TD.

RUNNING BACK

Justin Forsett (Seattle) @ St. Louis – Projection: 13-71 rushing, 5-31 receiving, 1 TD
Even if Julius Jones returns from his bruised lung, Forsett has more than proven his worth in Seattle, and will get his touches.  The Rams are 28th in the league against the run, so this will probably be the last week Forsett qualifies as a “Sleeper”.

Jamaal Charles (Kansas City) @ San Diego – Projection: 14-65 rushing, 3-11 receiving, 1 TD
Against a tough Pittsburgh D, Charles still found a way to be a viable fantasy option by catching a 2-yard touchdown pass from Matt Cassel and returning a kickoff for 6.  San Diego is 21st against the run, so Charles could have another solid day.

Danny Ware (New York Giants) @ Denver – Projection: 9-51 rushing, 3-24 receiving
When the Giants travel to Denver for a Thanksgiving night showdown with the Broncos, Ahmad Bradshaw (ankle) will not make the trip.  With Brandon Jacobs (leg) a bit hobbled, the door could swing open for the Giants’ number three back.

WIDE RECEIVER

Antonio Bryant (Tampa Bay) @ Atlanta – Projection: 5-67 receiving, 1 TD
Bryant had 1248 yards and 7 TD just one season ago.  After battling injuries for much of this year, he’s healthy and could start to build a rapport with Tampa Bay rookie gunslinger, Josh Freeman.  It doesn’t hurt that Atlanta is 29th against the pass.

Earl Bennett (Chicago) @ Minnesota – Projection: 7-84 receiving
Over the past 3 weeks, Chicago’s leading ypc receiver (12.8) has a modest 15 grabs for 177 yards.  Not exactly a trend that would suggest a big game versus Minnesota, but here we go again, putting up the bucks for a guy who always fails to deliver a TD.  This could be the week…

Pierre Garcon (Indianapolis) @ Houston – Projection: 5-72 receiving
Over the past 3 weeks, Garcon is tied with Roddy White for 13th in the NFL in WR targets (28).  Over that span, he has 14 catches, 218 yards and 1 TD, including 108 yards last week.  By the way, he has Peyton Manning throwing him the ball.

TIGHT END

Jermichael Finley (Green Bay) @ Detroit – Projection: 4-39 receiving, 1 TD
How can I not go with Finley (again)?  He’s owned in less than 20% of fantasy leagues, yet, per game, is outperforming Jason Witten, Jeremy Shockey and John Carlson, all of whom are owned in more than 75% of leagues!  Plus, here comes Detroit.

KICKER

Dan Carpenter (Miami) @ Buffalo – Projection: 2 FG, 2 PAT (1 FG 40+)
It’s time to see if Carpenter can be a cold weather kicker.  Safe bet, the Montana alum will be fine, and the Dolphins will get him into range at least twice against the Bills.  Carpenter has scored 74 (real life) points thus far in 2009, and has a big leg.

DEFENSE

Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay – Projection: 17 points allowed, 2 sacks, 1 Int, 1 fumble recovery
The Buccaneers have shown flashes of ability on offense, and there could be some again on Sunday.  That said, Atlanta is averaging 2 sacks and nearly 2 takeaways per game, and Tampa will really be no match at home.

Click here for an awesome post about monitoring bears in Maine!

First the good news:  Your job lets you cuddle with fuzzy wuzzy bear cubs.  Now for the “uh-oh” part:  You have to track down their mom across the snows of Maine, get her sedated (at least five Brandy Alexanders), give her and the kids a physical, and wrap it all up before the drugs wear off.  Sound like fun?

More photos and story about the Maine Bear Monitoring program here, hat tip to sender-inner Jackie.

Week 11

1. Colts – they remain unbeaten and have had a tougher schedule than the Saints.
2. Saints – Big game this week in fact make it a huge game this week and I have to say I think they will go down to their first lose of the season.
3. Vikings – This team is not getting alot of attention which is surprising with Favre in it but they continue to win and win well.
4. Patriots – Pretty much sealed up the division this weekend and can now look forward to ruining the Saints perfect start to the season.
5. Bengals - They are praying the lose to the Raiders doesn’t hurt them too much.
6. Chargers - Looked good beating up the Broncos and should win the division now.
7. Cardinals – This team still seems to surprise people even after last season.
8. Cowboys – Warning signs are up since they struggled to beat the Redskins.
9. Packers - How could would this team be if they could protect Aaron Rodgers?
10. Giants - Got the win they needed after the bye week even though they tried their hardest to lose it.
11. Eagles – The Bears game was closer than it needed to be.
12. Steelers - Must stop losing so silly teams like the Chiefs.
13. Broncos – Simms was so bad he made Orton look like Elway.
14. Jaguars - Nearly losing to Buffalo shows how bad this team can be at times.
15. Falcons – Not surprised by the news they are seeking a new kicker.
16. Ravens - They need to win a game against a good team to be taken seriously.
17. Dolphins – Still winning even with all those injuries.
18. Texans - Things looked so good a few weeks ago but know they look like the .500 Texans we all love.
19. Titans – Being winless seems like a long long time ago now.
20. Panthers – Run the ball in the red zone please.
21. Bears - They are only this high because there are so any bad teams right now.
22. Jets - Looks like a team coached by a rookie head coach and with a rookie starting QB.  Nice to see the disrespected us quote coming out this week.
23. 49ers - Smith looks ok at last.
24. Chiefs - Big win last week.
25. Raiders - Finally they have a QB who can throw the ball.
26. Bills - When do they move to Canada now?
27. Seahawks – Time to start worrying about next season.
28. Redskins – See above.
29. Lions - How do you lose so many yards and points to the Browns?
30. Rams - I still feel sorry for Steven Jackson.
31. Buccaneers - Man this team is bad.
32. Browns - and this team is even worse.

No Lovie, we are not "a little away from being great"

The sky has finally fallen in the Windy City.  After a month of rationalizing losses, praying for wins, and justifying throwing away tiebreakers, the Chicago Bears (4-6) can finally mail in the season.  Sunday night, the Bears took the primetime stage and fell flat on their face, this time with the Philadelphia Eagles (6-4) playing the role of “slightly better than average team.”  My reaction-

1) There is no way around the fact that Jay Cutler is digressing under Lovie Smith and Ron Turner.  The 26 year old former All-Pro who began the year as a proactive playmaker is has become a tentative mechanically flawed shell of his former self.  On consecutive plays in the second quarter, Cutler missed open receivers in the endzone on throws he made during the first four weeks.  After a mediocre third quarter, Jay had a chance to win the game but missed a streaking Johnny Knox who was wide open behind the defense.  Although the interceptions were down (only one on a tipped ball), Cutler threw exclusively off his back foot and seemed almost determined to put the ball in a place it would not be intercepted- rather than caught by a teammate.  For a player who has clearly lost confidence in his coaches and is starting to suffer himself, this is a critical six weeks.  The Bears have a great deal of money invested in Jay Cutler and they would be doing themselves a great disservice if they continue to tie the weight of bad coaching and gameplanning to his ankles.

2) As problematic as Cutler was at times on Sunday night, the receiving corps was arguably the worst facet of the offense.  Of Cutler’s 19 incomplete passes, ten were the result of drops, Bears players not going to the ball, or errors in route running.  These drops included every range of pass from downfield open crossing routes, comeback routes that had some contact, and screen passes that were in the face of the defense.  Every Bears player on the offensive side of the ball dropped a pass.  True, the receiving corps has improved as a result of Cutler’s addition, but without a offensive coordinator who is capable of developing talent, the franchise will continue to run in place.

3) That leads me to a refrain of the last few weeks- the coaching staff needs to go.  This week, the focus is on Ron Turner, but that does not change the fact that a complete rejuvenation is necessary.  After a stellar rookie season, Matt Forte is no longer running for big gains to the outside- rather Ron Turner is force feeding the second year back between the tackles where there has been literally no room all season.  To make up for the problems in the run game, Turner devotes roughly half of Jay Cutler’s throws to receiver screen passes that are effective when the defense is sagging, but is a waste of a throw when teams press the Bears wideouts (which they have done for the last month).  Ron Turner feels that using Cutler in the same way he used Kyle Orton is the best way for the team to win- which is obviously incorrect.  Rather than utilizing the team speed (ranked as the best in the NFL) and spreading the offense, Turner forces Cutler to make short throws which are the polar opposite what made him a successful quarterback in Denver.  I have said it before and I will say it again- giving Ron Turner a passer like Jay Cutler is like giving a fourteen year old an hour with Jenna Jameson.  And if Turner refuses to use the pieces he has in the manner best suited to winning, he should lose his job.  Lovie made mistakes this week too (why you would refuse to play press coverage for an entire game, I have no idea), but given my limited space, the rant is focused on Turner’s ineptitude- which hopefully will be gone soon.

4) Lost in the disaster that was the offense, was some spectacular play on the defensive side of the ball.  Let me be clear, Bob Babbich’s unit was not perfect, but Charles Tillman had one of the best games of his career.  The oft lambasted Bears cornerback forced three fumbles and single handedly bailed out the offense for most of the night.  Despite losing a step from his once average speed, Tillman’s gambling playing style illustrated what frustrates so many Bears fans.  As Cris Collinsworth said, Peanut will either strip the football (as he did Sunday) or miss tackles for an entire game.  Against the Eagles he gambled correctly, unfortunately the rest of the team was unable to help.

To put it bluntly- we suck.  The offensive line is porous, the touted linebacker corps is down two All-Pro starters, the cover two still cannot stop anyone, and Ron Turner is driving Jay Cutler into the ground.  Aside from that, the season is going swimmingly.  Things get no easier next week as the Bears celebrate Thanksgiving by likely having their heads stuffed inside a turkey by the NFC North leading Minnesota Vikings (9-1).  Maybe things will change and the Monsters of Midway will spring the upset (or at least hurt brett favre for my entertainment), but I doubt it.  Hopefully Jay Cutler can find a way to develop in spite of Ron Turner and we can endure these final six games before a very important offseason for the Bears.

Odds are he's swearing at Ron Turner

BEAR DOWN!!!

Some Festive Games and Some Turkeys

We’ve arrived at Thanksgiving week, and the NFL season has become one of haves, have-nots, and mediocre teams.  The haves (New Orleans, Indianapolis, Minnesota, Cincinnati, San Diego, Arizona, and New England) figure to be the eight teams playing in the second round of the NFL playoffs. 

 The have-nots (Cleveland, Detroit, Tampa Bay, St. Louis, Washington, Kansas City, Oakland, Seattle, and Buffalo) have nothing to play for at this point.  To wager on these teams, one must find a reason to believe these teams’ players will have a reason to give everything they’ve got.

 The 15 mediocre teams remaining are the ones competing for the final four playoff berths.  These are the teams that must be watched carefully as the stretch drive begins.  Be careful playing against one of these teams when they are playing a have or have-not.  They can be dangerous.

 This week presents some interesting contests.  On Thanksgiving night, the Denver-New York Giants game features two of the aforementioned mediocre teams.  A match-up of two mediocre teams in essence becomes a playoff elimination game.  The loser of this game has very little chance of recovering to make the playoffs this year.

 Indianapolis plays at Houston, and the Texans find their backs up against the wall.  After losing a close Monday night game, Houston is in a must-win position.

 Arizona plays at Tennessee, and if the Titans win this one to get to 5-6, they would have to be considered a dark horse candidate to finish 9-7 and sneak in as the final AFC Playoff team.  No NFL team has ever started a season at 0-6 and finished 8-8 must less 9-7.  The 1970 Cincinnati Bengals began the season 1-6 and won seven games in a row to win the AFC Central Division at 8-6.

 Baltimore and Pittsburgh face off in a blood and guts battle that could easily be a playoff elimination game.

 The Monday night game is the best MNF game of the year.  New England plays at New Orleans.  It could easily be a preview of the Super Bowl.

See and feed 5 live bears!

See and feed 5 live bears!

The Three Bears Gift Shop has a certain charm for visitors with a wide selection of t-shirts and Smoky Mountain memorabilia.  But beware, Three Bears is not for everyone, due to its unorganized nature and random selection.  This store is huge with t-shirts, dolls, a Christmas shop and just the most random selection of food, ice cream and treats.  Visitors also have the chance to see and feed five live bears (for a fee, of course).

A new shop was built in late 2008 after a fire burned down the old building (no bears were harmed).  Although the new store has its perks – better organization and a cleaner atmosphere, we as a family really miss the old building and its loud annoying toys, selection of sports memorabilia from 1995 and discounted t-shirts.

The new Three Bears Gift Shop

The new store does keep some of the old’s charm. Shoppers can find a wide selection of t-shirts for a reasonable price, as well as hats and keychains.  The new store also has a wide selection of black bear decorations like picture frames, salt and pepper shakers and porch mats.  Something the old store didn’t have that the new store does, is a different selection of food and fudge.  Three Bears now makes and sells jams, salsas, fudge and other random treats that are available to sample. Who doesn’t love free food when they shop?  The new store also has a “Build-a-Bear” workshop, where you can stuff bears and dress them to your liking.  Like I said, Three Bears has a random selection of things to buy and although it may not be for everyone, it provides a lot of shopping and entertainment for many.

Even if you don’t want to see and feed the bears, Three Bears Gift Shop is a must do on a Pigeon Forge vacation.  Stop by and see the charm for yourself.  The location is also perfect for more shopping, putt-putt and go-carts.

What’s your favorite gift shop in Pigeon Forge?  How do you like the new Three Bears?

Dogs playing with bears? Bears hugging dogs? Love, companionship, and friendship between two of the most turbo powered and deadliest cuddliest creatures? Their interaction is adorable. I just know that if I were to travel up to the Arctic and visit these dog-friendly bears that they would love me more than a new born husky pup.

First Science

There’s been some talk about the potential for an NFL team being established in Los Angeles in recent-ish weeks, and it seems to be the consensus that an existing team might move there, rather than a new team being established.  With this assumption in mind, it dawned on me that I wasn’t sure what I would do if the Chicago Bears moved cities.  Technically, I have no geographical bias, as I live in the UK, and thus the closest NFL team to me is technically the Patriots (a short 5000 km away).  Essentially then it has no bearing.  I guess if the team itself remained the same then I would continue to support them, as it is the players more than the city that I love.

However, what the hell do you do if you live in the US.  Say you’re a Jets fan, and suddenly the Jets franchise moves to LA.  What the flying fuck would you do?  Its unlikely you’d support the Giants as I hear there’s a mild rivalry between the two teams.  Its also unlikely that you would continue to support a team that moved to the other side of the country. Its a quandary that I personally don’t have an answer to, but its something that somebody in the near future will have to think about, as it seems like this LA talk is getting pretty serious.

On a mildly related note, whilst looking up what states don’t have an NFL team, I discovered that there 25 states (not cities, states!) that don’t have a major sports team (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL).  25!!!!  That’s half the damn country.  With no local professional sports to speak of.  Mental.  They mostly seem to be in the mid-western (NASCAR alert!) states, although there are plenty outside of this area.  Furthermore, did you know Kansas City (as in, hometown of the Kansas City Chiefs) is not in the state of Kansas!  It’s in Missouri.  I’m starting to feel like one of those idiots who thinks Arkansas is pronounced how it looks.  One of those idiots being me about 5 years ago.  Anyway, anymore fun facts from me and you’ll start addressing me as Mike Gogel, so I’m off for now.

See ya.