So this weekend my wife was away on a girls trip to Las Vegas. I decided that I wanted to utilize the time to get ahead on some projects and errands I needed to get done. So after kicking off a few of the more mundane tasks like the laundry, spackling a few walls to repair holes the kids made, mailing some bills, putting chemicals into the large cement Green pond out back we call the pool, getting all the dishes in the dishwasher cleaned, cleaning the upstairs bathroom, running to the store for a few groceries and a lottery ticket, hitting Sam’s club for more items….I decided that 106 degrees was a good temp to head to the garage and start a cleanup project. Things went pretty well to start, the large pile of boxes I had been keeping for use as eBay mailing boxes had basically consumed one whole garage stall. I probably had enough for what I needed and then some so I started there.

Quickly I realized that my strategy of just tossing them into the recycle container was not going to suffice when I noticed after the 5th box that I had already filled the container. Plan B would take much longer, breaking down each individual box and in some cases using a box cutter to cut the cardboard into smaller pieces. As I uncovered the mountain of boxes, it became obvious as the work bench began to appear from beneath the cardboard mountain, that there was all sorts of other cleanup of parts that had to take place beyond the box project. I ended up spending pretty much the whole weekend working on the garage project. The best thing I did was find my daughters dorm room refrigerator and quickly plugged it in and filled it with cold water and beer. It would be all filled with beer except for that nagging little kidney stone issue I have but that is another story! Anyways I think I ended up sweating out about 10 pounds of water but slowly the garage began to take shape.

With the lions share of boxes removed, the next step was to play a little game I learned from watching Sesame Street, picking out what things don’t belong. You know the song, “one of these things is not like the other, one of these things doesn’t belong”.  This game played out in determining what loose items on the bench were like other items. Screws, nails, brackets, batteries, and all sorts of assorted crap. What I found most helpful is that if you put items in a container, regardless of whether you sort them or not…they just seem much more organized. This idea killed two birds with one stone. I utilized various shoe boxes from the cardboard box pile and at the same time I got some organization to items (to deal with at a later time).

Finally able to see the floor I was able to get the compressor on and blast the dust and dirt and leaves from the floor. Wow it had been a while since I had seen the floor in this section of the garage.  It actually looked quite nice!  Feeling a big sense of accomplishment I should have stopped there….But the two mountain bikes that I had been moving around all weekend were in the way and I had finally cleared a large enough wall space that I determined would be a good location to get some wall mounts and hang the bikes out of the way…So off to the bike store to get a couple of hangers.

It seemed simple enough, either find a stud or use moly bolts to anchor the hanging rack to the wall. I was able to find the studs but their locations lacked a good use of space to be able to mount both bikes. No problem I have several sets of molys in one of those boxes that I just put away…if I could just find it. At last I did and we were in business. 90lbs moly bolts should be more than enough! Right? Instructions were simple enough. Just pound the moly into the wall then use the screw that came with it and attach your item to the wall. Well after carefully measuring the wall and finding the exact locations I wanted ( I even used a level so it looked straight),  I proceeded to install the molys. So Far so good. Next attach the mount to the wall.

My trial run on the workbench went marvelous the only problem is that it no way simulated the problem I would encounter in the actual implementation on the wall. I got the screws installed and it was time to put the plate over the screws that helps guide the tire. This is where everything went down hill fast…

Apparently the plate slides over these clips on the mount. Again on the work bench I had no issues. But on the wall different story due to a pretty tight clearance on the wall and due to a bend in the rack mount it would not go on easily. Instructions said to tap lightly with a mallet to get it to slide on…I did that but not much action. So I figure a hammer will work better. Same results. So now I think I have done something wrong. So not wanting to mar up the wall and cause extensive drywall damage, I carefully back the bolts out and inspect the whole assembly. Everything looks correct and again the plate slides right on the mount… back on the wall with it. Again the gentle tap from the mallet, no luck. A gentle tap from the hammer, no luck. A more aggressive tap from the hammer, no luck. A much more aggressive tap…and you know we have passed the line of where this is going to end well….A final smack with the hammer and it happens. The moly’s pull and rip the drywall a bit loosening them from the wall. The mount now hanging at a strange angle and will require removal.

I’m frustrated but not defeated. I carefully remove the mount from the wall and remove the moly’s from the wall. Get out the Spackle and patch the holes. I then mark a new set some inches away from the originals. I will have to repaint now for sure! This time I inspect the mount much more carefully and find that it has a slight bend in it that is not allowing the plate to slide on easily when mounted to the wall. I decide that I can fix this by bending it straight. It seems to work. I remount new molys and remount the newly bent rack. This time things go smoother. The plate slides on with the gentle mallet encouragement as suggested in the manual. TahDah! Just like it was planned…Now the moment of truth. I need to now hang the bike to get the position of where to put the next mount for the other bike. I lift it up and hook the tire in the rack. A bit tight but it seems to work good. I let the rest of the weight of the bike fall against the wall…and that is when it happens.

Both Moly’s tear out at once sending the bike, the mount, two large 2X2 inch chunks of drywall and a cloud of drywall dust to the floor…It was at this point I declared the garage project over and decided it was time to go inside. I dropped my tools where I stood and exited the garage. Maybe next weekend we will work on a different section of the garage!

Well I came to a decision this weekend. It was much easier than I thought. I decided to sell the Motorcycle. Maybe it was the fact that I have had the same gas in the tank for a year, or that I have put less than 300 miles on it in that same time. But really I think it was just time to start on a new chapter that begins with cleaning the garage.

This is the third actual bike I have had over the last 15 years or so of riding. I love the feel of the wind rushing by, the sound of a throaty exhaust and the feeling of whacking open the throttle and hanging on for dear life as the rolling missile between my legs tries to unseat me. I think it has always been the raw speed that excited me. The ability to accelerate is like a drug. A dizzying high that can only be rivaled by a few other experiences for sheer adrineline rush!

Although I have been down twice on motorcycles, I have never really been afraid of crashing and thankfully in both of those events I wasn’t hurt. I thank fantastic advancements in protective equipment and my almost religious commitment to wear that gear even when it was 115 degrees outside. Riding without a helmet or a jacket really scares me. Getting hit by a piece or truck tread, various rocks, a swarm of bees, and one time a turtle dove that tried to dent my chest, has made it impossible for me to understand why anyone would go without a helmet. Of course there are other reasons and my Arai Edwards III model sports three of those reasons as it sports lovely deep jagged rock divots that absorbed the impact as my head met the pavement during one of crashes in Yellowstone Park.

But then again as my friend Bill Hanson can attest to, having a crash can have a life altering impact on you both physically and mentally as well. I always new and was told by the old timers that it wasn’t “IF” you were going to crash but a question of “WHEN”. Also knowing that most new motorcyclists have a major accident before their first 6 months of riding, I felt pretty good when I passed that time frame without a scratch. It was actually about 6 years before my first crash in beautiful Yellowstone. I mention this because it is probably the biggest thing I am asked about is the fear and danger of riding a bike and that I am crazy for doing it. And I do agree, you are playing percentages when you ride one. But that wasn’t the reason.

I would tell you that my motorcycle trips with my buddies all over western US have been some the the funnest, exciting and memorable things I have done in my life. It is not an experience you can have in a car or an RV either, its unique and it has a profound impact on your life. There is something about riding into a sleeply little town like a lakeview Oregon, peeling off the leathers, and heading to the local tavern / bar to have a beer and recount the days riding experience with good buddies. I even in a strange way liked the strange stardom you garner as a stranger riding into town. Going up to the bar and ordering drinks and getting a comment from the bartender “hey aren’t you the four guys that rode into town this evening?, with one you dressed like a power ranger?” You can only smile and say yes that was us on the 4 identical bikes and it was me in the white leathers that make me look like the Power Ranger”. It was almost in some way like a twisted western about the cowboys that had just ridden in from the dusty trail. The townsfolk weren’t sure if we were going to cause a problem or just pass through. But one thing was sure, we had made an impression and it kind of made you feel alive with the small town celebrity status.

No actually for me having turned 40, with a daughter in College and three more quickly on the way to heading there, it has become more a question of economics and lack of time that is driving this departure. Don’t read Mid life crisis though. Being a chronically insane collector all my life, My house and garage is filled with well all sorts of crap I collect. From hot wheel cars to, camaro parts, to comic books to baseball cards. Heck we even have a complete set of the lord of the rings figures collected from Burger King that we went to no less than 12 different locations trying to find every last piece and then had to go to Ebay to get the coveted Bilbo piece…Yes I am stupidly insane with collecting at times. So as I look back on the last 40 years I decided that those collections while fun to get, really don’t give much joy just sitting in a box in the closet or the garage…just hoping for that one time when someone is over and happens to ask the right question about a certain baseball player or certain lord of the rings kids meal toy (yeah like that happens a lot). It is the collecting process that I love.

So while I have not been collecting motorcycles, it has become an object very much like the Bilbo Baggins toy in the garage that is taking up space and not allowing me to get on to the next thing. What that next thing is….who knows? The important thing that I have learned to let go of things that are no longer being enjoyed or used. Being an 80 year old man with a bunch of things is not my idea of interesting, having the memories and the experiences is so much more valuable. Does this mean I will never have a motorcycle again. Probably not… but if it does, it doesn’t matter as I have gotten quite a lifetime of memories over the last 15 years that will not go away. So what can I go get now where I can still use my helmet…hmm drag racing has always seemed fun!

It had been awhile but on Monday, after enjoying a long weekend we decided to get up, jump on the motorcycle and hit Waffle House for breakfast.  We had not been to Waffle house for quite a while and the bike even longer.

I noticed the gas gauge was showing reserve on the tank that got me thinking it was almost a year since I had last gassed it up on a ride I took….I guess that tells me it is probably time to sell it.

Tabby and I donned our helmets and headed to our favorite Waffle House at Chandler and 48th, right next to our other favorite restaurant Hooters.  It was almost 11 and we had the choice of doing either but the smell of covered and smothered hash browns, eggs, toast and sweet cream waffles was too much to take.  We walked in and surprisingly a table was immediately open with no waiting. That is something that is rather unheard of at the Waffle House anytime earlier than noon. We sat down, dusted off a non sticky place for our helmets and got to ordering!

We ordered up two of the all american meals and had a feast.  For a little change I ordered the biscuits and gravy instead of the Waffle.  It was mighty tasty! Tabby unloaded her hash browns on my plate (mmm double stack hash browns). As always there are all sorts of entertaining people at the Waffle House.  Of course not quite as interesting as the wee hours of the morning but still colorful to say the least. Based on the fact that we just jumped out of bed as we were, we probably fit the profile of many of the folks seated around us.  No need for fancy clothes or makeup here!

Our server, a young man was a delight and we could tell he was just learning the job. He did fantastic even if his hollering out of the order wasn’t perfect. He noticed our helmets and mentioned that his goal was to get a bike. I told him it was good on the gas but not the safest mode of transportation around. He smiled and I knew he didn’t hear a word out of my mouth after good on gas….

After completely gorging ourselves (well at least I did) we finished off the OJ and coffee, threw down a healthy tip and mounted up on the bike to check out the used car tent sale going on at the AZ mills mall.  THAT was an experience probably better left for another blog post at another time… But regardless nothing would dampen our spirits that day after having our favorite breakfast we rode into the beautiful afternoon breeze, with full tummy’s and a big smile on our faces.

Thanks Mark for inspiring me to relate my waffle house love as well.

After a few people had read my last post they said the thing I left out was a review on the food for Shane’s Rib Shack.  Since BBQ is one of my favorite foods it is only fitting that I give some comment on it in my oh so unofficial role as food reviewer.

First I must confess I have yet to sample the Ribs yet. I wasn’t really in a rib mood the day I was there so I opted for Big Dad Pork sandwich.  I was not disappointed. I found the meal to be quite good. The sandwich is on big thick Texas toast and is toasted to perfection. The chopped Pork was outstanding. It came with a light BBQ sauce but a big bottle was at the table to augment the sandwich to your liking. I like this feature. Too often you get a BBQ sandwich that is drenched in sauce and you can’t taste the meat or anything else.  I like the ability to add my own to flavor. The BBQ sauce was good enough that I put both the sauce and ketchup on my plate to dip the frys.

I did talk to a few people that ordered the ribs and they were pleased with them.  I continue to hound my daughter to bring some home to sample!!! hint hint hint!  So I can give a good a complete review.  Prices were not cheap but about medium.  I got my sandwich, side and drink for roughly 9 dollars. That is about how much I spend when I go across the street to Chipotle so I don’t think it is out of line for what you get.

I would recommend you stop in and try it out if you like BBQ, I don’t think you will be disappointed.

This weekend I had a bit of a boiling over point over an incident that happened. It has to do with something that I have been thinking about for a while and something that has been irritating me for even longer. It’s this nation of selfish people we have been breeding.

Everyone is out for themselves and they don’t care if they screw anyone else in the process. Its all about what do I get and there is absolutely no thought to what if any impact does my selfishness has on others…The incident happened this weekend at the grand opening of Shanes Rib Shack at Ray Rd. My daughter on break from ASU happened to get a job there and the grand opening was on Saturday. The first 100 people to the door would receive a free tee shirt (jersey) with a number identifying which customer you were through the door. The advantage of being one of the first 100 was that you got Free Ribs (or menu item you wanted), free drink and of course the free shirt.

My daughter had told me about the opening and suggested that I get there plenty early to get in line. I unfortunately had other tasks to get completed in the morning and didn’t manage to come by until about 10:30. I was there early but obviously not early enough based on the herd of people standing outside. As I pulled up I noticed that I could see people wearing the fabled Shane’s tee shirts with numbers on them and when I spied a guy guy in the crowd of people wearing number 93 standing outside I pretty much knew that number 100 was long gone. But regardless I was really there to support my Daughter in her new job and free meal or not I was going to check it out and try out the grub!

As I parked the motorcycle I noticed another car pulling in rather rapidly not far from me. It was a Lexus, (not that it matters what he drove) but I noticed after his rapid parking job out jumps a guy and his about 8 year old kid with him. They break into a sprint in the direction of the Rib Shack. Knowing fully well that the chances of them or me getting in on the free eats was smaller than possibility of a guy with a vasectomy impregnating someone while wearing a condom. It was this that made me chuckle as the Lexus guy and his kid sprinted down the parking lot dodging traffic.

I took my time, locking up my helmet on the bike and ensuring it wasn’t going to fall over on the asphalt in the already climbing Arizona temperature. I then strolled to the front of the establishment and it was somewhat chaotic. Because of the morning heat everyone was proceeding to stick to the areas of shade rather than trying to form some orderly snaking line much like the old days of camping out for Concert tickets…Ah what fun times those were…

Anyways It didn’t take long to find a group of people standing around a girl sporting a red Shane’s shirt with a clipboard. I noticed that there was somewhat of an orderly process by which she was trying to answer each persons questions and writing down names of people who were the first 100 visitors but somehow didn’t get their tee shirt or were not listed. Patiently everyone was waiting their turn to talk to the girl.

It was at this point I caught out of the corner of my eye a guy approaching. You know when you have the feeling that something is going to happen. I don’t know if it is body language or intent stare or what, but you know before it happens that some guy is about to be a jerk…

And that is when Lexus guy jumps in, pushing others out of the way so that he can get in front of the girl to get HIS question answered “I want my one of the first 100 visitors tee shirt” . Now, Had he paid attention to people in the crowd wearing shirts # 98, #99 and such, or listened to what the hostess was telling each person, or been focused on anything but himself he might have noticed that they had already handed out the shirts and were done with the first 100. It is at this point it finally registered a boiling point in me. Maybe it really wasn’t this guy in particular, maybe it has been something that has been brewing in me for a long time now but, I had finally reached that mark where I wasn’t going to just take it I was going to say something about it! Maybe it was also the fact that not only had he cut in front of me but also two elderly ladies in front of me who were currently talking with the girl that really set me off. It was at this point I blurted out even before my brain could process it “EXCUSE ME! but you need to wait your turn!”

Obviously he was quite taken aback by my exclamation. I’m sure I would have been to and to think about it that was my desired effect. But now my flood gate has been breeched and the slightest little retort by this guy was getting both barrels of my attitude brought to bear right on him and his son in tow. He physically stepped back and then muttered that he didn’t know there was any line. It was then that I let him know that all the people standing around the girl had been waiting longer than he had. I think it was at this point that I scared the Hostess a bit as she also took a step back and fumbled for words (not my desired effect). She quickly identified that they were complete with getting the first 100 visitors and that he could get a free tee shirt if he wanted but the free food promotion was filled. She referenced the list of people on the clipboard and quickly she added that she was only getting the names of the first 100 people taken down.

It was at this point I decided that it was better for me to walk away rather than continue with the urge that was boiling in me. Filtering back into a shady corner I continued to watch and listen to Lexus guy. When he finally got the understanding that he wasn’t getting any free food but was welcome to wait in line to buy food he walked off in a huff not to return. It was this action that made me shake my head, that the guy was just in it for what he could get free and if it wasn’t free he wasn’t wasting his time.

I stood there waiting for the first 100 people who were being called by number to enter. Funny thing was that there was a good number of people that took off and just apparently wanted the shirt, as when their number was called they were not around. After the 100 people had filed in I was about the 3rd person to place a regular order which I gladly paid for and took my number waiting to get my food. It was then that I saw my daughter, Red faced and breathing hard as she had just ran in for some water after being out directing street traffic into the grand opening.

I felt kind of good that she wasn’t around to see me lose my cool, but at the same time it is the core of what has been bothering me. It doesn’t matter where you go, whether it is a grand opening or a concert or a meet the teacher, I have noticed that at a statistically high number most people are selfish assholes only out to get what they want and screw anyone else.

Thinking about it this weekend I have come to the conclusion that we breed this as a society. Instead of manners and treating those around us with respect. We teach our children (much like Lexus guy) that you don’t have to wait in line or wait your turn, you just need to be aggressive and you will be rewarded. It is the old squeaky wheel syndrome. Do whatever it takes to get the irritation out of the way and that means grease the squeaky wheel first. The rest will go like lambs. And then as one of those Lambs you finally get fed up with always missing out on getting things you want because the asshole always gets his way at your expense. I have also noticed that this is what our kids are seeing. This is what you do when you don’t get your way…throw a tantrum or make a scene and in order to get what you want….and guess what we reward this. The real go getter is the one who wins the sales contests, he’s the guy that get the Wii when only 25 out of 200 people are going to get one at the store. So in the end there really is no down side for the aggressive asshole. Nobody wants to deal with them so they bend over backwards to make them happy at the expense of everyone else who follows the rules of edict or common politeness.

The problem is we continue to breed more and more of this character type and it becomes more darwin and natural selection at every business or event you go to. I guess I am just getting tired of it and may end up going the way of the do-do bird. But maybe hopefully I did have some impact in the world this weekend. I doubt it but I can hope.

I ran across this several months ago and I still think this is very cool. It is a blog site where this gentleman is posting letter written by his grandfather ( Harry Lamin) and sent home during WW1.  What is really cool is that it is 90 years to the day and each letter arrives and they are posted on the same day it would have been received As you read them you are along for the ride to see what this Harry’s fate is.  Will he make it home, will he be killed, you begin to await the next post like I’m sure his family did during the war.

Starting from the beginning as suggested, takes you first through who all the participants are. Then you can read along as each letter is received.  Gaps that happen correspond to gaps in time that letters were not received. Included are insightful explanations and very nice historic references like maps, period photos, and even a Battalion War Diary that documents the British troop movements so you can follow along with Harry’s letters from where he was at and what his battalion was doing.

The letters can be rather plain and somewhat redundant but then other letters are very descriptive and help paint the history of a place and a time very well.  Having not been in a war or separated from my family during a war, I have to imagine how hard it was for all those involved. Letters from home had to be a huge benefit. It is amazing that these were kept and I think this is a fantastic project.

WW1 Blog

Isn’t this a great country we live in! I find it funny that here in the US we collectively take holidays and basically turn them into reasons to drink, we lose the meaning of the real holiday but at least we celebrate it.  I think it is great how we are a huge melting pot of cultures and people and how we embrace the ability for those people to celebrate those holidays.

I decided to look up Cinco De Mayo celebration this year to understand a little of the background. So as we know, Wikipedia has become the Oracle of Delphi for knowledge and so I dialed up Wikipedia and put it Cinco de Mayo.

Here is a quick excerpt from it:  “Cinco De Mayo is a regional holiday in Mexico, primarily celebrated in the state of Puebla. It is not an obligatory federal holiday. The holiday commemorates an initial victory of Mexican forces led by General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín over French forces in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. The date is observed in the United States and other locations around the world as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride.

In the United States, Cinco de Mayo has taken on a significance beyond that in Mexico.^{[6][8][9][10]} The date is perhaps best recognized in the United States as a date to celebrate the culture and experiences of Americans of Mexican ancestry, much as St. Patrick’s Day, Oktoberfest, and the Chinese New Year are used to celebrate those of Irish, German, and Chinese ancestry, respectively.”

So it just seems funny that no matter what your heritage background is we love to celebrate it.  Its almost any reason for a party is ok!  What do Cinco de Mayo, St. Patrick’s Day, and Oktoberfest all have in common….Beer of course! and along with that you have your huge parties at the bars and of course it wouldn’t be a party unless you had scantily dressed gals from various alcohol companies running around giving you shots and free Tee-shirts and hats to commemorate the occasion.

Ah yes its good to be an American no matter what your heritage. Where else in the world can you be stupid silly drunk, make a fool of yourself and celebrate a holiday from a far off country that isn’t even your heritage. Its kind of like having a birthday and even though it isn’t yours, you get to celebrate it like it is.  Fantastic!

Hmm Chinese New Year, somehow we have missed that one…I think next year I will throw a big party for that one….It will be called New Years Part Deux Party!  and bottles of Tsing Tao for everyone!

So I was in Albuquerque New Mexico for a couple of days at a training class. One of the things I think I like most about NM is the food. New Mexican food just has that right amount of zing and taste that really wakes up ordinary Taco’s, enchilada’s and burritos. The big secret is the ample use of green chilies. If you go you can’t miss an opportunity to visit Sadies, or Garduno’s, or El Pinto.  You really can’t say you have experienced NM, until you have been to these places.

But if you really want a fantastic experience you have to go to what I consider one of the finest restaurants I have ever been to. Tucked away in Downtown Albuquerque at Central and First is Tocanos (”like the bird). This is a Brazilian Steakhouse and if you love meat and you love something a little different, you cannot miss this experience.

For the Carnivore this is a must. For those not having experienced this, it works this way. You sit down and you get the all you can eat plate. Order your drinks and then head over to the condiment bar (at least that is what I call it). This area has sides of pastas, salads, vegetables, and fruits. But be careful though to not fill the plate too full because this is just the side dish and the real meal is yet to come. I have never actually gone back to this area once I initially load up. Hmm kind of strange…

Once back at your seat you prepare for the feast. You turn over your little table indicator that appears to be a small wooden salt or pepper shaker that has Red paint on one end, Green on the other and a Yellow stripe in the middle. Turn that bad boy, so the Green is on top, and let the festivities begin. This signals to the wait staff that you are ready for them to bring on the main course. Waiters then will begin a parade of various meats that have been prepared with Brazilian spices and cooked on a spit over wood flame fires. They come to your table and present you with the first selection of meat. This varies depending on what they are cooking but each visit from a waiter brings a new and different meat item. One time it will be Turkey wrapped in Bacon, next it could be Top Sirloin, next it could be Glazed Pineapple, Next it could be Filet, Next it could be a caramel glazed Pineapple. Next it could be Chicken hearts and the list goes on and on. While you have you table indicator with the green side up, the parade of food will not end. They will recycle the offerings at your table if you find something that is your favorite. You can pass on items you don’t want and feast on items you like most. For me this is better than any buffet I could ever conceive of. Everything is fantastically prepared and presented and the Brazilian seasoning is very light and tasty.

When you think you have had enough you turn over your table indicator to Red to tell the people you are done…or if you are like me you put it on its side for Yellow, identifying that you are just taking a rest before resuming the feast. The pace can be feverish if you filled your plate too full of side dishes, but that is just a good reason to pause the flow, so you can catchup.

Just when you have finally thrown in the white towel or napkin as it were. They bring you the dessert tray. Again this is something special with some fantastic items to choose from. I love the Brazilian ice cream that has fruit mixed in. You have choices of Guava, passion fruit, strawberry, etc as the mix in. This is so fantastic you can’t say no.

All that for 25-30 dollars, how can you beat that?!? Well I have to make it a habit that every time I am in Albuquerque this is a must. But really unless you blow it and go to one of those chain restaurants I know you will be very impressed with the New Mexican food there. Just make sure one night is saved for Tocanos!

So I wasted time watching this years NFL draft, much like I do every year.  But for some reason it has finally hit me that it is about as stupid as watching paint dry.  First is the colossal hype that surrounds it. For weeks it is all you read about, how this mock draft shows this, or what this team really needs is this player, and on and on. Then on draft day you got five guys flapping their lips for 6 hours on Saturday and then another 6 on Sunday about who might be picked next and how this player or another will help this team or another.

So this all leads to what? So every year we see these kids sign outrageous, no ridiculous amounts of money to sign some kid that hasn’t taken a snap in the NFL.  There is no guarantee that any of these kids will be the next savior of the team that drafted him.  Further more the likelihood of a kid first getting a starting position on a team, and then actually playing to half the hype they are suppose to have is next to nil.  I would love to see the statistics on how many of each draft class are out of football before their contract is up, how many are starters on a team before their contract is up, how many are still on the same team that drafted them at the end of their career. I bet in all those cases it pretty small.

So if this draft is so unimportant, why is it given so much coverage and hype? I think it is because as a football fan,  we need something to dwell on and complain about and to cheer about during the time period from the final tick of the Superbowl game (Feb) until that kickoff on the Thursday in Sept.  I think we should make football seasons be as long as hockey seasons…that way we could have NFL almost all year round….

And that is my take on it!

PS.  MY own little NFL experience…. I had to travel to New Mexico this Sunday evening and who did I run into in the Phoenix airport….None other than Payton Manning and his Dad Archie.  I was kind of blown away at first because I really didn’t expect to see them and before I knew it I was standing almost in front of them as they were walking down the concourse to catch another flight…and it struck me.  Wow they sometimes fly like normal people too. Also Payton is much taller than he appears on TV. Needless to say I was too slow to recognize them to say anything or to ask for an auto before they walked past me, but somehow It made my whole draft day weekend, instead of being bummed that I wasted a whole weekend watching a draft that means nothing. I got to see some super players that at some point had their draft day and people wondered if they would ever pan out…

The other day I saw this bumper sticker that for some reason cracked me up. Being how we are in an election year it seems every car is sporting some political opinion or statement. The other day coming back from lunch I saw this one and for some reason it struck me really funny and true. If you are a racer or you love Star Wars you will love this….

” Duct-tape is like The Force; It has a light side and a dark side, and it holds the universe together”

I think that sums it up!

And if you liked that you will love this little gem I found on Digg on Gizmodo. Deathstar