So our family got to visit the epitome of government efficiency this past weekend: the DMV.
Before going to the wonderful DMV, we drove by a new location of Chipolte, a great burrito place, that was new to our area. We have been craving it a ton since leaving Colorado. At least after being frustrated by the morons at the DMV, we’ll at least be able to eat here after our long wait we told ourselves.
Before leaving I checked the web site on what documentation we would need to get our new state residence license. It said in the first sentence of “Proof of Residence” that the definition of this is a government issued, non-expired ID with your full name printed on it. Check, Colorado license covers that. Primary identification is also covered by the CO license, bonus! Secondary identification is the marriage license, great, wife and I both only need to take our CO license and marriage license.
We get to this wonderful establishment after confirming location of said Chipolte and proceed to the “Information lady.” She informs us that we need a passport, birth certificate or something else. At this point of the conversation I blocked out what she was saying because I had too much steam coming out my ears. I wish I would have told her that I don’t even need this kind of identification to be President of the United States! Instead I went with the “I needed more of a background check to get my government ID (as I showed her it) than she did to get this government issued ID.” To which she just started saying “I don’t have to take this from you!” The security guy tried to get me to leave at this point.
Having been taken too many times and having driven 25 minutes to this crap hole with 2 kids under the age of 4, we asked to speak to the manager as I still thought we had the proper identification just to get a new stupid license. The manager did a good job explaining to us that buried in the verbiage of “Proof of Residence” was the fact that to get a new state ID, we couldn’t just use CO driver’s license.
So we left and my blood pressure was still quite elevated. As we drove back towards Chipolte, I talk about what I should have said. The fact that I want to get “DMVSX” on my new license plate and how it’s funny that the one government building that needs security is the DMV, because it’s not uncommon for people to get so jacked up there. I wish I could invent a time machine to go back in time and tell people a much better line than what I did tell them. Then again, rather than doing that altogether, I suppose I could have just gone back in time and taken the correct identification. But I digress…
So pulling up to Chipolte we see the words come into focus on the windows, “GRAND OPENING, JULY 31st!!” The main problem here was that the date this took place was July 24th! If I were by myself in the car at this point I think I would have driven the car straight through the doors. So our Friday afternoon, in which I took the day off “sick”, was a huge waste. The kids were hungry, the wife was hungry and I did not want to hear the words “calm down.”
I learned my lesson and we went back the next day with kids running around screaming and got our paper licenses, although for the pictures we weren’t allowed to smile? Is that what this country has come to? I don’t care if I have to pay $1000/month in health care to keep it privatized, if the government runs my health care I think we can all expect it to be similar to the DMV, crappy.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Red Wings United
This is a quote from a Detroit Free Press article, and I think it shows a lot about the Red Wings style of play. Having played soccer for quite awhile and hockey as well, but not as well, I can see a lot of soccer in the way the Wings play.
And when they aren't on the ice, they have heated soccer battles.
"The rivalry between Sweden and Finland is still going on, with two-touch," Zetterberg said. "And every time, Sweden beats Finland. Basically, the Finns want to become Swedes -- that's what the rivalry is all about."
Most reporters say they play a “puck possession” style of play, that’s just natural soccer that you see. The only difference being the offside is determined by a line rather than the second to last defender or when the ball is played or the ball. To put it simply, the Wings take advantage of the strategy of soccer and the offside rule of hockey.
Watch when the Wings get possession of the puck in their own end, they have lanes and positions that they are at and everyone knows right where each other will be and should be. They don’t even have to look to pass and often pass as soon as they get it, holding on to the puck only when necessary and when they have space or time or also to create space or time for teammates.
Everyone on the team moves very well without the puck, finding space or going to passing lanes for teammates. Another sure tale sign of soccer influence. You can see triangles form for passing, influence of soccer.
The last thing is that everyone plays defense. The first person to play defense is the guy that loses the puck. Just like soccer, it’s easier to run/skate 3 steps/strides rather than going all the way back to your own defensive end.
The main thing that differentiates the Wings hockey play from soccer is the pure hitting and finishing of checks. That’s got the origins of hockey all over it, so until they start slide tackling, I’m not worried about them quitting they’re day jobs.
And when they aren't on the ice, they have heated soccer battles.
"The rivalry between Sweden and Finland is still going on, with two-touch," Zetterberg said. "And every time, Sweden beats Finland. Basically, the Finns want to become Swedes -- that's what the rivalry is all about."
Most reporters say they play a “puck possession” style of play, that’s just natural soccer that you see. The only difference being the offside is determined by a line rather than the second to last defender or when the ball is played or the ball. To put it simply, the Wings take advantage of the strategy of soccer and the offside rule of hockey.
Watch when the Wings get possession of the puck in their own end, they have lanes and positions that they are at and everyone knows right where each other will be and should be. They don’t even have to look to pass and often pass as soon as they get it, holding on to the puck only when necessary and when they have space or time or also to create space or time for teammates.
Everyone on the team moves very well without the puck, finding space or going to passing lanes for teammates. Another sure tale sign of soccer influence. You can see triangles form for passing, influence of soccer.
The last thing is that everyone plays defense. The first person to play defense is the guy that loses the puck. Just like soccer, it’s easier to run/skate 3 steps/strides rather than going all the way back to your own defensive end.
The main thing that differentiates the Wings hockey play from soccer is the pure hitting and finishing of checks. That’s got the origins of hockey all over it, so until they start slide tackling, I’m not worried about them quitting they’re day jobs.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Cops and cell phones
There are states that are thinking of and some cities have already banned the use of cell phones. You can use hands free devices, but don’t dare put that cell phone up to your ear! Well, if you’re a policeman, this rule doesn’t apply to you.
Have you ever noticed that when you see cops on the road, they are always talking on their phones! First off, don’t they have cool CB radios? Who are they talking to all the time? I’m pretty sure they call each other and just make fun of the general public playing pranks on us. Stuff like lighting up the lights and sounding the sirens after you drive by, then just whip right past you.
Who is paying the bills for their usage?! If I ever find out it’s the general public I’m going to be pissed, although not that surprised. Talk about budget cuts! I think they could single handedly get Social Security back to where it needs to be!
Whatever happened to citizen’s arrest anyway? Can we pull them over for all the bone head things they do or call them on their own crap? Of course not, instead whenever a state policeman is driving on the highway, people all of a sudden slam on the brakes and drive 5 mph below the speed limit?! I for one am usually one of the few that feels free to pass them when they are driving slower than the posted speed limit.
It doesn’t make sense, which is why it’s happening right now. People in general just don’t make sense. Have you talked to them recently? People are the worst!
Have you ever noticed that when you see cops on the road, they are always talking on their phones! First off, don’t they have cool CB radios? Who are they talking to all the time? I’m pretty sure they call each other and just make fun of the general public playing pranks on us. Stuff like lighting up the lights and sounding the sirens after you drive by, then just whip right past you.
Who is paying the bills for their usage?! If I ever find out it’s the general public I’m going to be pissed, although not that surprised. Talk about budget cuts! I think they could single handedly get Social Security back to where it needs to be!
Whatever happened to citizen’s arrest anyway? Can we pull them over for all the bone head things they do or call them on their own crap? Of course not, instead whenever a state policeman is driving on the highway, people all of a sudden slam on the brakes and drive 5 mph below the speed limit?! I for one am usually one of the few that feels free to pass them when they are driving slower than the posted speed limit.
It doesn’t make sense, which is why it’s happening right now. People in general just don’t make sense. Have you talked to them recently? People are the worst!
Sunday, May 17, 2009
A few comments on a dynasty
First, in this day in age, I think this Red Wings team can be called a dynasty. First off, because of the salary cap and free agency it's hard to keep any group of talent together for any length of time. Second, this is the third conference finals in a row. Winning it all last year and well on their way again this year, another fact I've heard is that they have been to the conference finals 8 times in the last 14 years. Lastly, the Stanely Cup playoffs is the hardest post-season to go through in all of sports, no arguments, period.
Last time the Blackhawks played the Wings in the Conference finals, the Wings still had a very young Lidstrom, Draper and Maltby. Chelios was playing for the Hawks and was considering retirement shortly after that year too I think. Anyway, the Wings have plenty of great players come up through their ranks and make huge contributions. Take Ericsson for instance, he was the final draft pick in the 9th round, 291st!!! Since football is always talked about, you can almost compare the Wings drafting to that of the New England Patriots. The Pats always seem to find gems and system players as well, but nothing compares to the Wings system.
Most of the credit goes to the Wings system, the front office of Nill and Holland is second to none. The European scouting is by far the best and I have no idea why other teams don't try and offer the Wings top guys more money since their money doesn't count towards the salary cap. Anyway, the Wings don't rush their young talent into playing in the NHL. First, for most of their European players they play them in the AHL to get used to the longer seasons and the different sized rinks. It always seems to work and Holland has a knack for patience.
When the Wings do need to get free agents, they don't do it like they used to anymore. They go out and get players that will fit with the team, like Stuart. Most teams would just try and get a big name rather than the right player. Kind of like what the Avs always seem to do and why they're in the toilet right now. Then other free agents like Hossa come along and want to take a huge pay cut just to play with the Wings for one year. Everything I've been reading is that he'll take another pay cut to remain a Wing, that much remains to be seen though.
In the end, I'm just loving watching these Wings kick so much butt and take names. The Canadiens and Leafs may have more or the same amount of Cups to their names but the last time either of them won anything was in 92-93. Neither of those teams are going to be winning it anytime soon either. The Wings are here and they're here to stay for a long time granted their system stays in place.
Go Wings Go!!
Last time the Blackhawks played the Wings in the Conference finals, the Wings still had a very young Lidstrom, Draper and Maltby. Chelios was playing for the Hawks and was considering retirement shortly after that year too I think. Anyway, the Wings have plenty of great players come up through their ranks and make huge contributions. Take Ericsson for instance, he was the final draft pick in the 9th round, 291st!!! Since football is always talked about, you can almost compare the Wings drafting to that of the New England Patriots. The Pats always seem to find gems and system players as well, but nothing compares to the Wings system.
Most of the credit goes to the Wings system, the front office of Nill and Holland is second to none. The European scouting is by far the best and I have no idea why other teams don't try and offer the Wings top guys more money since their money doesn't count towards the salary cap. Anyway, the Wings don't rush their young talent into playing in the NHL. First, for most of their European players they play them in the AHL to get used to the longer seasons and the different sized rinks. It always seems to work and Holland has a knack for patience.
When the Wings do need to get free agents, they don't do it like they used to anymore. They go out and get players that will fit with the team, like Stuart. Most teams would just try and get a big name rather than the right player. Kind of like what the Avs always seem to do and why they're in the toilet right now. Then other free agents like Hossa come along and want to take a huge pay cut just to play with the Wings for one year. Everything I've been reading is that he'll take another pay cut to remain a Wing, that much remains to be seen though.
In the end, I'm just loving watching these Wings kick so much butt and take names. The Canadiens and Leafs may have more or the same amount of Cups to their names but the last time either of them won anything was in 92-93. Neither of those teams are going to be winning it anytime soon either. The Wings are here and they're here to stay for a long time granted their system stays in place.
Go Wings Go!!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Crosby or Datsyuk?
Datsyuk or Crosby?
As I sit and watch the Philadelphia Flyers playing against the Pittsburgh Penguins, I have to listen to all this dribble about how great Sidney Crosby is. I am not going to say that he is a bad player, he is good, but I think Pavel Datsyuk is better.
First off, Datsyuk’s offense may be a little bit below Crosby’s, but not by much. Let’s say I was scoring them out of 100, Crosby would be at 95, Datsyuk would be a 93. But the defense doesn’t even compare. The most notable thing you can say here is that Datsyuk was finally recognized as being the top defense forward in the league last year and given the Selke Trophy.
Second off, he plays on every penalty kill. He’s rarely in the box himself yet he led the league in take-aways, in a hook-calling-happy league too. If there were a 5 on 3, Datsyuk would be called upon, either in a defensive or offensive capacity. If you want your best player on the ice at all times, shouldn’t that be for defense too? Datsyuk +1.
With a franchise center/player, you also want leadership. Crosby talks a lot and is quite vocal on the ice. Honestly, I think he does a bad job of it because you should lead with your play, not your voice. Watching the greatest hockey leader ever for his entire career, Steve Yzerman that is, I got to witness what it takes to be a leader. During Yzerman’s career, he was a 95 on offense too. Guess who has the highest point total in a single season behind Gretzky and Lemieux, that’s right Yzerman! He was told by Scotty Bowman, great coach in history, that is he wanted to be truly great, he needed to become a more complete player and play better defense. Well he did, and let the Wings to 3 Stanley Cups. His leadership was through what he did on the ice, when he did have to say something, it was needed and it was definitely heard. That’s the way Datsyuk leads, quiet and confidently on both sides of the ice. Datsyuk +1.
Some people may think that Crosby is better along the boards too, he’s more physical some may say. Watch a Red Wings game closely and witness how physical Datsyuk is. I used to think he would never be any good in the playoffs because he didn’t posses the physical prowess that’s required during the playoffs. He has proved me wrong. He can give hits, but rarely receives a big one because he knows where he is, his teammates and opponents too. He’s like a Barry Sanders if he does get hit, he seems to just slide off of them. When he goes to the boards to get the puck, 90% of the time he will come out with it or just make a play from right there, making the other team look stupid in the process. Crosby is physical, but he seems to be stupid about it. Trying with brute force rather than outthinking the opponent. Datsyuk +1.
One thing that Crosby does have an advantage in is his age. Crosby is 10 years younger, which may account for some of his youthfulness I’ve described. Crosby +1.
In the end, as of right now, I would take Datsyuk for a first center to build my team around rather than Crosby. With 2 championship rings and a 3 to 1 scoring, Datsyuk wins!
(As a side note, this was a topic in a Detroit Free Press article today, here’s a snippet of the article: “His relentlessness with and without the puck has helped pull the Wings ahead, 2-0, in the first-round, best-of-seven series against the Blue Jackets, which shifts to Columbus for Tuesday's Game 3. Datsyuk's eight hits rank second on the team to nine from Darren Helm, the young fourth-line center.
Datsyuk has picked up where he left off in last year's playoffs, when he had 56 hits in the 22-game Stanley Cup run, second among Wings to defenseman Brad Stuart's 59. After 76 hits over 81 regular-season games, Datsyuk is averaging four a game.”
As I sit and watch the Philadelphia Flyers playing against the Pittsburgh Penguins, I have to listen to all this dribble about how great Sidney Crosby is. I am not going to say that he is a bad player, he is good, but I think Pavel Datsyuk is better.
First off, Datsyuk’s offense may be a little bit below Crosby’s, but not by much. Let’s say I was scoring them out of 100, Crosby would be at 95, Datsyuk would be a 93. But the defense doesn’t even compare. The most notable thing you can say here is that Datsyuk was finally recognized as being the top defense forward in the league last year and given the Selke Trophy.
Second off, he plays on every penalty kill. He’s rarely in the box himself yet he led the league in take-aways, in a hook-calling-happy league too. If there were a 5 on 3, Datsyuk would be called upon, either in a defensive or offensive capacity. If you want your best player on the ice at all times, shouldn’t that be for defense too? Datsyuk +1.
With a franchise center/player, you also want leadership. Crosby talks a lot and is quite vocal on the ice. Honestly, I think he does a bad job of it because you should lead with your play, not your voice. Watching the greatest hockey leader ever for his entire career, Steve Yzerman that is, I got to witness what it takes to be a leader. During Yzerman’s career, he was a 95 on offense too. Guess who has the highest point total in a single season behind Gretzky and Lemieux, that’s right Yzerman! He was told by Scotty Bowman, great coach in history, that is he wanted to be truly great, he needed to become a more complete player and play better defense. Well he did, and let the Wings to 3 Stanley Cups. His leadership was through what he did on the ice, when he did have to say something, it was needed and it was definitely heard. That’s the way Datsyuk leads, quiet and confidently on both sides of the ice. Datsyuk +1.
Some people may think that Crosby is better along the boards too, he’s more physical some may say. Watch a Red Wings game closely and witness how physical Datsyuk is. I used to think he would never be any good in the playoffs because he didn’t posses the physical prowess that’s required during the playoffs. He has proved me wrong. He can give hits, but rarely receives a big one because he knows where he is, his teammates and opponents too. He’s like a Barry Sanders if he does get hit, he seems to just slide off of them. When he goes to the boards to get the puck, 90% of the time he will come out with it or just make a play from right there, making the other team look stupid in the process. Crosby is physical, but he seems to be stupid about it. Trying with brute force rather than outthinking the opponent. Datsyuk +1.
One thing that Crosby does have an advantage in is his age. Crosby is 10 years younger, which may account for some of his youthfulness I’ve described. Crosby +1.
In the end, as of right now, I would take Datsyuk for a first center to build my team around rather than Crosby. With 2 championship rings and a 3 to 1 scoring, Datsyuk wins!
(As a side note, this was a topic in a Detroit Free Press article today, here’s a snippet of the article: “His relentlessness with and without the puck has helped pull the Wings ahead, 2-0, in the first-round, best-of-seven series against the Blue Jackets, which shifts to Columbus for Tuesday's Game 3. Datsyuk's eight hits rank second on the team to nine from Darren Helm, the young fourth-line center.
Datsyuk has picked up where he left off in last year's playoffs, when he had 56 hits in the 22-game Stanley Cup run, second among Wings to defenseman Brad Stuart's 59. After 76 hits over 81 regular-season games, Datsyuk is averaging four a game.”
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Guys behind the guys...
While I was watching the NCAA Championship last night, it was hard not to notice all the morons on their cell phones trying to get into the camera frame. This was taking place while the cameras were on the commentators during the pre-game and halftime show. This is not the first time I have seen this, if you watch the College Gameday show, it’s pretty much a phenomenon.
I like the funny signs in the background the most I think, some of them are just ripping on friends and quite creative. The dumb ones are trying to incorporate CBS or ESPN into an acronym so their sign will get on camera. Most of these numbskulls can’t even get these letters at the beginning of each word, like “College Basketball RuleS in North Carolina!” or some stupid crap like that.
The great people in the background to watch are the face/body painters. You know these guys are into team spirit. Especially when they guys are half naked during a football game in late November wearing nothing but jean shorts and a thick layer of body paint. Does that stuff insulate? The people I want to punch are the ones talking on their cell phones to their buddies at home and positioning themselves just right to look stupid and right when they have it, the camera cuts away from them.
This also leads to people at hockey games that are on the same side of the arena as the cameras. They are sitting in the lower bowl and when the camera pans across the ice to follow the play, some silly bastard has to stand up with his back to the camera and wave. Too bad someone doesn’t de-pants them when they stand up, then it would be funny to see.
Everyone lives for their 1.8 seconds of fame now, it used to be 15 minutes until we went into a recession. I really can’t say I blame of lot of these people, I admire their spirit, tenacity and obvious lack of better things to do. I would be right there with them if I could. :)
I like the funny signs in the background the most I think, some of them are just ripping on friends and quite creative. The dumb ones are trying to incorporate CBS or ESPN into an acronym so their sign will get on camera. Most of these numbskulls can’t even get these letters at the beginning of each word, like “College Basketball RuleS in North Carolina!” or some stupid crap like that.
The great people in the background to watch are the face/body painters. You know these guys are into team spirit. Especially when they guys are half naked during a football game in late November wearing nothing but jean shorts and a thick layer of body paint. Does that stuff insulate? The people I want to punch are the ones talking on their cell phones to their buddies at home and positioning themselves just right to look stupid and right when they have it, the camera cuts away from them.
This also leads to people at hockey games that are on the same side of the arena as the cameras. They are sitting in the lower bowl and when the camera pans across the ice to follow the play, some silly bastard has to stand up with his back to the camera and wave. Too bad someone doesn’t de-pants them when they stand up, then it would be funny to see.
Everyone lives for their 1.8 seconds of fame now, it used to be 15 minutes until we went into a recession. I really can’t say I blame of lot of these people, I admire their spirit, tenacity and obvious lack of better things to do. I would be right there with them if I could. :)
Saturday, April 4, 2009
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