Internet Intercourse

I am reminded every time I turn on my computer, that the telephone is fast becoming the least favored form of personal communication in today's fast-moving, slow-motion world.  Notice, I said 'telephone', not smart phone.  Today's hand-held personal electronic devices are utilized for almost everything but personal verbal communication.  We use them to surf, to text, to tweet, to facebook (when did that officially become a verb?) and to play games.  I spend more time talking to SIRI than I do to actual people.  More than half the calls I make to other phone numbers seem to reach a voice message informing me that there is nobody willing to actually answer to the ringtone or vibration and please leave a message.

 

Somebody fed my contact information and profile to a third party online dating service, and now I get at least 15 notices every day from Zoosk telling me that I have messages from willing (seemingly), almost desperate, females in the area.  I'd spam-block the site, but I find the entries, some of them, very funny, entertaining.  I see ads on TV all the time promoting this pairing service, and that dating and connection site.  ChristianMingle, Match.com, eHarmony, BlackPeopleMeet, AsianDating, Just-for-lunch, DisabledPassions, Qiran.com...... it's mind-boggling.  I even googled (declared an official verb in 2006) midget dating, and yes, there are at least a dozen sites including LittlePeopleMeet or DateADwarf.  Are you lonely?  Do you suffer from schizophrenia, paranoia or manic depression?  Well there are numerous sites catering to the mentally challenged, lonely folks out there with an internet connection and a desire to meet someone who will totally understand where you are coming from.  What could possibly go wrong with that?

 

My emailbox is populated every day with funny forwards from friends (FFFF), enjoinders to watch this movie or that TV show, pleas from various charities to donate money, earnest requests from political groups to join in the fight to eliminate whatever or whomever, the latest golf instruction or innovation, notification that I am approved for a loan that I did not apply for and any number of free insurance quotes for which I am automatically qualified regardless of age or infirmity.  I guess that means that I am drawing breath and able to read.  I don't watch the evening news any more.  I just open up Facebook a half-dozen times a day, and I find out what's going on in the real world.  I stopped almost all of the push notifications to my iPhone, because it became difficult to concentrate on any task at hand.  Nothing more bothersome whilst checking my Facebook page and having Tweets and Twitter and YahooMail and GMail and CBSSports and ESPN all vying for my attention.  The only alerts I have now are ding-ding when I get a text and chirp-chirp when the ESPN Streak For The Cash is telling me whether my latest pick won or lost.

 

I still haven't totally mastered the iPhone 5s.  My old iPhone, I think it's a 3, froze up and I had to get a new one.  I tried to transfer all my previous data onto the new phone, but my interaction with iTunes, the Cloud and iOs resulted in chaos.  I manually entered all 937 contacts, character by character, onto my i5s over the course of three nights.  I had an appointment with the Apple Genius Bar to get a tutorial on pairing my laptop and new phone, but it snowed, and I don't like to drive to Boulder even in perfect weather.  I am going to keep my old iPhone as an iPod with all my music, because I don't need to use all the storage on my new smart device for music,  I don't listen to much music anymore, anyway.

 

And finally, today, my first-born child, Sara, turns 36.  I remember back, after a scheduled morning visit to Dr. Macsulka's office on west Arapahoe to check on Joanne's progress, the good doctor advised us that it was time to check into Boulder Community Hospital, that it was near time to welcome baby Sara in the world (well, Boulder).  There was snow on the ground, it was cold, and the Broncos had just lost the Super Bowl, to Dallas.  Manuel and Lynn Gonzales came down from Longmont to be with us as we waited.  Finally, at around 6:00 in the evening, Sara Rene arrived.  Dark eyes looked around, surveyed the bright delivery room, and refused to cry, making mama Joanne a little nervous.  "Why isn't she crying?"  The nurse wiped the vernix off of Sara's tiny body and swaddled her in a blanket and handed her right to me.  I was swaddled myself; paper booties, surgical mask, paper elastic-banded haircover and hospital scrub gown.  Over to the inspection station, measurements and data recorded, APGAR score of 8.0 (probably would have been higher, but Sara just wouldn't cry).  She finally did cry when the nurse poked her heel for a blood sample.  They took her almost immediately to a heat-lamped enclosure to deal with her supposed jaundice, until they realized that she was half Asian.  The doc took a few minutes to stitch up Joanne after the episiotomy, so Lynn, Manual and I went to the waiting area and cracked open a couple of cold Coors Banquets to toast a successful transition.  So, so happy, so relieved.  As I am today.  So happy and proud that our Sara has grown into such a kind and spirited loving wife and mother.  She makes life something to marvel at.

Winners Win, And Gloaters Gloat

When it comes to sporting events, I'm a fan, a loyal and even fervent one.  Sometimes blindly trusting that my optimism and rose-colored evaluations lend themselves to astute (seemingly) and self-important conclusions or opinions.  I try to arrive at my assessments with a critical eye towards facts and history.  That's where many of us fail.  Most sports, ones that I follow, are rife with a plenitude of statistics.  That is a part of why I enjoy baseball and football and also why I enjoy golf.  If it doesn't matter, why do we keep score? 

There are two main reasons for statistical scrutiny.  One, using facts to win arguments, and two, to aid in wagering success.  We (I) utilize these statistics and historical footnotes to formulate, then, to postulate my opinion.  I never played football past one year of intramurals in the ninth grade.  The last time I played ball, was recreational slow-pitch softball back in the 80's.  I bowl once a week and played golf until just this past autumn, when my body went in revolt.  I was never a great, even good, athlete.  But, I've always been a fanatical follower of sports, and sports pages.  Those of you who know me will agree that I have strong opinions, and on occasion, am readily willing to project my viewpoint.  I have even projected my confident assessments into the realm of sports wagering.  Experience, though, has taught me to be both conservative and semi-pessimistic in my actual action.  I believe strongly, yet bet weakly.  It's difficult to formulate a cogent final opinion when so many facts are presented and my heart gets in the way.  Logic and emotion, always at odds.

People argue constantly about whose opinion is right and which facts constitute incontrovertible conclusions.  Super Bowl XLVIII promised to feature the classic contest between the proverbial immovable object meeting the unstoppable force.  Two full weeks of discussion preceded the contest, and thousands of opinions from hundreds of minds spewed forth millions of reasons why Seattle would prevail, or that Denver would emerge victorious.  Record-smashing offensive scoring and passing statistics from the Denver Broncos and Peyton Manning seemed to support the idea that the AFC Champs were the unstoppable force.  The Seattle Seahawks possessed and unleashed a defense that seemed to indicate that they represented the classic immovable object.

It became obvious to me, after 12 seconds into the much-anticipated match, that this wasn't going to be Denver's day.  Trindon Holliday and his coaches on the Bronco staff, seem to have way too much confidence in his ability.  Because he is small, he looks faster and quicker than he really is.  Larger, more physical players, like those that populate opponents' special teams, are just as fast and eminently more physical than Holliday.  On the strength of a few glorious kick returns of last season, he retains the faith and hope in Bronco coaches and fans, that he can break one.  All he's broken for this season, is hearts (okay, two TDs this year).  With Coach John Fox's recent concerns over a healthy heart, Holliday should be replaced on the Bronco roster with, say, a linebacker or defensive lineman, someone who can be productive and not destructive.  Fielding the opening kickoff 6 yards deep into the end zone and scurrying out, it was obvious that Seattle has really fast, quick, physical players.  Starting at the 14, the game began its agonizing (for Bronco fans) spiral as C Manny Ramirez pulled the trigger and whistled the premature snap past Peyton Manning's helmet into the end zone.  As it turns out, PFM was the only one not expecting the snap when it happened.  RB Knowshon Moreno displayed his best hustle of the day to corral the ball in the end zone, thus saving 5 points for Denver.  Freekick to Seattle, return of 20 yards to their 36.  Nine plays, Seattle drive stalls at the Denver 9, Seattle is assessed a 4-yard penalty (?) for a false start on the field goal try, 31-yard Hauschka field goal, 5-0 lead for Seattle, which at that exact instance, I'm thinking, "Well, it could have been a lot worse, Denver's defense kept it to a field goal. One patented Peyton drive and we're back in control."  Three and out, with Manning two-for-two for five yards.  This series was the second set of indicators that Seattle was at least two steps quicker than any defense that Denver had faced this year.  The eldest Seahawk, Heath Farwell, LB #55, led the Seahawks out of the tunnel before the game carrying the 12th man flag of Seattle.  Our team was led out of the tunnel by #11 Trindon Holliday, allegedly our fastest Bronco.  That was his best showing of the day, and his longest run, by far.  The Broncos do not ask him to carry a flag because, well, you know, they're kinda hard to hold on to.

The entire game was a reminder of all the weaknesses that the Broncos possess, exacerbated by all the strengths that Seattle exhibits.  Smoke and mirrors, versus speed and muscle.  Demaryius Thomas caught 13 passes for over 100 yards, but it looked like he was very 'respectful' of the physicality employed by Seahawk defenders.  Almost each pass he caught was followed by a step or two in retreat, as if expecting and bracing for an immediate whack from a linebacker or safety.  The statistic of YAC, yards after catch, seemed to be very lacking for Denver's receivers on Sunday, a testament to Seattle's superior closing speed and high-impact tackling skills.  The offensive line for Denver was collapsed often, by usually only three or four D-linemen, causing Peyton to suffer anxiety and having to make hasty throws into 7- and 8-man coverage.  Seattle defenders were quoted after the game to have deciphered Denver's hand signals from bench to field and from quarterback to receivers.  Shame on Denver for being so transparent and predictable.  I've never like Nebraska, and so........farewell, Omaha.

Professional football games are mostly decided in the trenches, and Seattle was quicker and more physical, on both sides of the ball.  Denver's D-line, pretty much bottled up the Seahawk running game, with the exception of WR Percy Harvin's 45 yards on two end-arounds that happened so fast, Denver's defense never knew what hit them.  There really is no answer on how to bottle up QB Russell Wilson when he finds extra time by scrambling around away from what little pressure Denver's D-line and blitzes could generate.  Seattle can succeed with a mediocre receiving corps, because Wilson is very smart and capable and compensates for a fair to average arm with excellent recognition and decision-making skills.  I think Denver's O-line will be overhauled, with Ryan Clady returning from injury and Manny Ramirez returning to guard, Denver needs a bona-fide center, as they were fortunate to have in Tom Nalen for so many years.  Zane Beadles will probably play elsewhere next year, maybe Orlando Franklin and Chris Clark along with Louis Vasquez can anchor a line that can protect PFM and open holes for Montee Ball next year.

WR Eric Decker is a strong candidate to sign elsewhere next year for more $$$ than Denver is willing to offer.  As heroic and productive that Knowshon Moreno was this year, it'll be hard to justify keeping him here in Denver, unless it boils down to a choice between him and Ronnie Hillman.  Champ Bailey has vowed to return, but to what end?  He has regrettably become a target of opposing offenses.  Perhaps a full off-season and pre-season at nickel or safety will justify his, hopefully, deserved return. Next season's return of DLs Kevin Vickerson, Derek Wolfe and LB Vonn Miller, along with DBs Chris Harris and Rahim Moore, represent some hope that next year's defense has some pieces to build around.  Denver's linebacking corps is a step below adequate, and I am beginning to doubt the efficacy of Jack Del Rio and his defensive staff.  Special teams have to be overhauled!  One more year of experience, one more year of hope follow on the heels of the most embarrassing football game played by a Bronco team, in my opinion.  And I have watched virtually every game since 1960.

Now, my attention will revert to number one love.  Pitchers and catchers report in about a week.  If only there were hope in the Rocky Mountain Region for a competitive ballclub.  Perhaps the under-the-radar Rockies can over-achieve this year, or they just may fall off-the-radar.  The Yankees may have to succeed with a top-notch pitching rotation, a depleted bullpen and a very suspect infield.  Let the Tanaka-mania begin!  Watashi daisuki beisbaru!!!!

Super Brouhaha XLVIII

It has come down to this: a Denver Broncos team led by the best statistical quarterback of all time pitted against a brash and confident Seattle squad seemingly led by a mouthy and polarizing defensive back.  There are many facets and categories that ultimately determine a team's success and performance.  Intense scrutiny, fueled by a world-wide audience and over 6,000 credentialed media representatives, reaches the point where there aren't really any more angles to untangle.  It becomes a stage for every type of personality.  Attention garnered by some individuals parallels their overall demeanor on the field, during and immediately after games.  Peyton Manning has always exhibited a classy, humble personality, comfortable in the spotlight ever since his intensely scrutinized high school days at Isadore Newman School in New Orleans, through his decision to forego his father's and older brother's selection of Ole Miss by choosing Tennessee and on to his storied career in the NFL.

Having watched the ESPN-produced special, "The Book of Manning", it is plain to see that the football success of the Manning men is due to the character and guidance of father Archie and mother Olivia.  Their main emphasis has always been: be a good person.  There's a story that after a game in high school, where Peyton's team lost, Archie observed PFM berating the coach and blaming the loss on the coach's strategy.  Archie later drove Peyton to the coach's house and waited while the younger Manning QB, in tears, apologized to his coach for his behavior.  Archie, just this week commented on the hoopla surrounding the question of Peyton's 'legacy'.  In so many words, the elder Manning said that he didn't buy into the definition and attention paid to the term "legacy", that the only thing that is important is that he be remembered for being a good man and a good teammate.  Humility and class, when embodied by a player with the resume of a Peyton Manning, speaks to what is really good about some sports heroes.  Some people shine in the spotlight, others' character is revealed by the scrutiny.

The question of whether or not sports figures are role models, or not, is often argued.  Those that shy away from the burden of responsibility of that tag, are the ones that want the attention and notoriety of being recognized without acknowledging the import and affectation of their behavior.  In many cases, men's character is not so much revealed, but exposed.  I do not see much to criticize in Marshawn Lynch's obvious discomfort in dealing with the mandatory media onslaught.  If you listen to what he has to say, within the context of an agonizingly uncomfortable situation, he does not seem to be a bad character.  When you listen and watch Richard Sherman in the spotlight, he comes off as a garrulous and falsely portentous man with a huge ego and extensive vocabulary.  Respect means never having to 'splain harsh behavior.  Class means equal amounts of humility in victory and defeat.  Sherman lost a good bit of respect in the immediate aftermath of Seattle's victory over the 49ers and has been using his engaging personality and erudite palaver to backtrack and apologize, kind of.  That's the problem with most people: we want to be judged on some of what we do and say, not all.  Find me a clip or direct quote where Peyton Manning, or John Elway, or John Fox, or Champ Bailey comes off like an idiot, and I'll change my opinion that the Broncos have been built the right way.  Not a thug on the roster.  And, yes, Mr. Sherman equates that term as racist.  Perhaps he'd prefer the term bully, or hoodlum, or punk. 

The players are constantly being prodded with redundant questions and lame attempts to draw them out, perhaps into saying something, *gasp*, controversial or shocking.  This may then transfer notoriety and a blip of fame onto the questioner for being an effective 'journalist'.  The verbally effusive and obnoxious Jim Rome has built his entire 'journalistic' career from one moment in time long ago when he insulted former LA Rams' QB  Jim Everett in a post-game press conference by addressing him as Chrissy, a backhanded slap at Everett by obfuscating his name with the female tennis star, Chris Evert.  Rome persisted and during an interview a couple years later, this happened:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HNgqQVHI_8  The fact that Jim Rome has catapulted himself into the national sports dialogue with these types of tactics, only serves to emphasize one way to riches and fame: at the expense of others' pain and misery.  Rome has had many 'good' interviews and has conducted many 'good' productions, just like Richard Sherman has said many 'good' things since uncorking his true self to Erin Andrews after the NFC Championship game. THUGS, black and white.

I get a kick out of observing all the talking heads, former players and not, attempting to fill their time slots with inane and redundant talking points.  On being asked if he's going to retire if the Broncos win SB XLVIII, Peyton answers politely that he still has the passion and if his health continues to allow, he wants to play into next year and beyond.  "Do you prepare as if this may be your last game?"  Get real.  Technically, each and every play could be any player's last play in his professional career.  Ronnie Lott's last play wasn't the one where he had his pinkie finger mutilated during a tackle of Dallas Cowboy RB Timmy Newsome in the final game of the 1985 season.  Lott had the finger taped up, and finished that game, and played the following week in the Wild Card match against the New York Giants, which the 49ers lost.  After the season, when told that recovery from surgery to perform bone grafts on his damaged finger would possibly cause him to miss the start of training camp the following year, he said "Cut it off!".  Lott played another 10 years in the league, retiring in 1995, elected to the Hall of Fame in 2000.  By the way, 1985 was the year that 'Niners' RB Roger Craig became the first ever player to gain at least 1,000 yards both rushing (1,050 yds) and receiving (1,016 yds) and led the league with 92 receptions.  Since then, only one other player has accomplished the double-1,000 feat.  Can you name him?*

As a life-long Denver Bronco fan, I truly hope that Orange prevails this Sunday.  Seattle, statistically and schematically, is the best defense that Denver has faced this year.  I stop short of predicting a Bronco victory, but I think that Seattle has not faced an offense as efficient and prolific as this Peyton Manning-led squad.  If PFM stays upright with one or none sacks, Knowshon Moreno and Montee Ball can combine for 24 carries or more for more than 100 yards total and Russell Wilson has more turnovers than Peyton Manning, then Denver should win by at least two scores.  If Denver's improved defense can hold the Beast to zero carries of over 15 yards and Seattle's offense has to start from inside their own 25 yard line every time, Denver will own the time of possession.  If it boils down to a kick at the end of the game, both kickers are reliable, with Matt Prater having a 10 yard longer range than Seattle's Steven Hauschka.  Ah fuck it!  Denver wins 30-20 and the parade is Monday.  SB Championship III for Elway and Bowlen.

Oh, pitchers and catchers report in two weeks!

*(Marshall Faulk, 1999 St. Louis Rams, the Greatest Show on Turf, 1,381 yds rushing and 1,048 yds receiving) Super Bowl XXXIV champ.