Times Are Changing...Again.

Perhaps I should be writing this in my Express-o Shots column, since this seems to be more of a random thoughts article then a clear concise view on any one topic. As we descend into and surpass the mid-way point of the summer, I've taken time to reflect on all the change that is happening around me both on the home front and in the work place. As I sit here enjoying my early afternoon cup of java, I begin to think about change. It has not always been a word that I felt at ease with. To me, change usually means uncertainty or different, and sometimes even fear. I must admit, when someone tells me that things are changing, I still get a little paranoid that it will be for the worse. This feeling would seem to contradict my usual complaints about how things never change and that everything in life is the same, stale routine. Most of the time I chalk this up as a person who is grumpy because he doesn't go out much, or because its my usual dog days of summer mumbo-jumbo that I usually go through around this time of year about a month and a half before the start of school, my birthday, and the first NFL preseason game.

Still, there seems to be more uncertainty surrounding this mid-summer rut then in previous years. This seems to be a summer of questions rather then of answers like: How will I get to and from college everyday come this fall? How will I handle a change in staff and management at my job? How will I handle being an uncle? And will all these changes effect my importance or role in the lives of those involved. This causes me to reflect back to 2002, the last time I reached this proverbial “cross roads.” The last time I felt like I had more questions than answers, where the fear of uncertainty began to creep in.

There are some years in everyone's life that stand out more than others because of certain things that go on that forever leave lasting memories in one's mind. For me that would be 1992-- the year I felt like a real big shot because I was a sixth grader and I had several good friends in Elementary school, 1994--the year I created my very first animated movie (long story) and the year my younger cousin came to visit for a couple of months from down south, which for me was the first time I ever felt like a middle child, which was kind of neat, 1998—the year I started working, 1999--the year my Minnesota Vikings came ever so close to finally going to the Super Bowl, and the year I graduated from high school.

Most recently, there was 2002. I remember being both anxious and excited about advancing to the University of Minnesota from community college. At the same time I became determined to overcome my anxiety and finally broke major ground in overcoming several of my social fears during that period, that changed me forever. I made acquaintances, that eventually became good friends and I experienced new things that had previously only been a myth to me. It was the summer where I felt the real sense of inclusion and belonging. I take pride in those modest, but great accomplishments, like a recovering alcoholic takes pride in passing up his first beer. Prior to that, were years of isolation and alone time.

Many have asked me if that really bothered me and I simply reply that I did not mind that I was a loner, because I had never experienced any other way. It's like a person who is born blind and is asked if they miss the colors of the sunset? You cannot miss what you have never experienced. Just like I can't say now that I miss being married, I miss having kids, or that I miss owning my own house.

However, when people you've known since they were young; grow up, when friends you've made, move on to new phases in life, when you begin to question where you fit in among all these changes or when you no longer feel like anything will ever be the same again...then I can say that I will miss the way things were, if for no other reason then for the uncertainty that lay a head. It stands to ask, is it better to miss what you have lost or to not know what you are missing?

Four years ago I would have said the latter, now I'm not so sure, because I wouldn't trade the last few years for anything.  All I know is that in this ever changing world, there will come years like 2002 and 2006, where the growing questions can only be answered over time. I must face it head-on, like I did four years ago and face up to whatever life throws at me in the future. I tell myself that I can't get preoccupied with the past or even the present. A future of uncertainty awaits everyone. I shall try and focus on what I might gain in that future, rather then on what I might lose in getting there. Its all in the change.

-JSM.

 

Free polls from Pollhost.com

Before the Bell: Which 1st round fight are you most looking forward to?

Realtor Man/Giant Franco J-Cool/Boozemaster Josh/James Ace Compton/Rumblin' Rosie

B-happy edition! Dear Doctor J,

I was wondering if you could give me and my sister some advice. My b-friend, Billy and his friend Bobby asked me and my sister, Britney to come up and bee with them in Alaska, when they move up there later in the summer. B that as it may, my sister and I are a little worried about leaving south Texas and b-coming alaskians. Sure it would bee kind of cool running with the polar bears and having snow ball fights (we don't get much snow down here). But it would bee an awfully big change in our lives. Our b-friends say in the summer it gets to bee a balmy 20 degrees and we are able to take our scarves off for almost an hour before our necks turn purple. But, Doc I've always dreamed of spending my 30^th b-day down here, since I've only been home for 29 of them. Do you think me and my sister should make the move or are we b'ing too adventurous and ambitious? Please bee quick with your answer, we don't have all day, we have to get our hair done at 5 o'clock. Talk to you laterzz.

-B-super, South Texas.

Dear B-super,

It sounds like you have a really busy life down there, I appreciate you taking the time a way from your busy schedule to write me this b-dazzling letter. I'm also quite envious that you are getting your hair done, I seemed to have lost all mine after reading your words. But, not to bee-little your concerns let us examine your problem. You seem to be someone who fears taking chances, and why shouldn't you bee? I mean who would want to leave that paradise where every day it's 150 degrees out side and those with long hair can get a free tan (not to mention a free perm) every day, just by standing in the sun for a few hours. Still if a girl really loves her man, she will stop yapping and just do what makes him happy, your revenge comes once you get married. So go a head and make the move. Just don't forget to trade in those shorts for snow pants and boots, you'll need them in the great white north. Oh, and happy b-day!!!

-Doctor J.

-*This column moves to Tuesdays, starting next week for the remainder of the summer.-JSM

UFF Quarter-Finals		UFF Semi-Finals		UFF CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS!
	Realtor Man Fight 1: 8/4/06 Giant Franco
			Winner of 1 Fight 5: 9/1/06 Winner of 3
					Winner of 5  Fight 7: 9/24/06 Winner of 6
	J-Cool Fight 3: 8/18/06 Boozemaster
	Josh "My Gosh" Fight 2: 8/11/06 "I Maim" James
			Winner of 2 Fight 6: 9/8/06 Winner of 4
	"Ace" Compton Fight 4: 8/25/06 Rumblin' Rosie

***Click on a fight for a profile of each contest-

Before the Bell: Which 1st round fight are you most looking forward to?
	Realtor Man/Giant Franco
	J-Cool/Boozemaster
	Josh/James
	Ace Compton/Rumblin' Rosie
Free polls from Pollhost.com

 

By Gridiron Guru.

Booms or Busts Part II-

The Gridiron Guru here, this week I am taking a closer glimpse at some of the more risky, yet highly rated players that could eventually wind up under performing and qualifying as bust material. Take this line-up of big-name players, for example. Under normal circumstances, you might say that this is a very strong team, but had your fantasy team resembled this last season, chances are you weren't very successful or even sniffed the playoffs.

QB: D. Culpepper

RB: J. Lewis

RB: W. McGahee

WR: A. Johnson

WR: R. Moss

TE: T. Gonzalez

-So lets get right to it and evaluate some players at the skill positions that warrant the label of “BUST” potential or at the very least, “High Risk Warning," shall we.

Quarterbacks-

Trent Green (Chiefs)- Green was pretty average last year, stats-wise when you consider that he was regarded (and still is to some) as a top 5-8 quarterback in fantasy. He simply didn't post enough big games to be a consistent starter, and at age 36, may be best suited as a solid backup for 06'. Simply put, with a mediocre cast of wide outs to throw to and a stud running back in Larry Johnson, it is pretty clear what the offensive priority in K.C will be this coming season.

Michael Vick (Falcons)- Most fantasy pundits either love the guy or don't trust him one bit. Put the Guru in the latter group. If you're wise you will put yourself there too. Vick is one of the most physically gifted athletes in pro football and can run better then anyone in the league.

;

The problem is he plays the quarterback position, and being a fast runner doesn't always translate to being a great passer and Vick has yet to prove that he can put up great numbers as a fantasy starter. He has yet to find a wide out that he can develop a comfort level with and that, alone should caution you from selecting him too early. My advise is to take him as your top backup and try to draft Alge Crumpler as you tight end. He is the primary benefactor of Vick's big games. Any one remember Thanksgiving?

Running backs-

Kevan Barlow (49ers)- Along with “Fragile” Fred Taylor, this guy might make my “All-Century” bust team. Barlow rushed for a meager 581 yards last season scoring just 3 times all year. He has regressed every season and this year faces some real competition for his starting job. The guy to watch on this team is Frank Gore, who could be a super sleeper, especially with Norv Turner as the new Offensive Coordinator. Look what he did with Stephen Davis and LaMont Jordan. When deciding on which of these backs to draft, do yourself a favor and vote for Gore! (The Guru never thought he'd say those words in a sentence).

Ahman Green (Packers)- Let me count the ways. First there is his history of injuries which raises questions about his durability over a sixteen game season. Then there is concern about his tendency to develop the coughs when handling the football. That means it falls out of his hands a lot, to use lay man's terms. Then there is the fact that he will be turning 30 this season and there is the Najeh Davenport factor (if he doesn't get hurt again), and the Gado factor, and the Favre is getting older factor, and the cold weather factor and...well let's just say drafting Green high comes with a little risk...but just a little bit.

Wide Receivers-

Santana Moss (Redskins)- The Moss is always greener on the other side, or something of the sort. At least that is what owners of “Randy” were saying about owners of “Santana,”last season when the latter out performed the former for much of the season. So why does Santana Moss make this list? Namely, because he needs to go out and prove he can do it again. Last season he had a career year. But with an aging Mark Brunell at QB and the additions of receivers, Randle El and Lloyd it almost seems like he is destined to have a fall back type year. Temper your expectations and make him one of your top targets as a #2 receiver.

Lee Evans (Bills)- I'm still not completely sold on Lee Evans as a #1 receiver. Maybe because I hardly ever get to see him play, since the Bills are almost never on TV. Or it could be because they might have the worst quarterback situation in the NFL. (I mean, come on, Craig Nall???) I'll take Jim Kelly, heck give me Jack Kemp!!! Still with this position being as stacked as it is, chances are you won't have to reach in order to draft Evans. Despite the mess at QB, he could be a real bargain as your 3^rd receiver. Just not your first.

Tight End-

Tony Gonzalez (Chiefs)- Unless you get him off waivers dirt cheap in the middle of the season, like I did last year, you should avoid drafting Gonzalez too high in this year's draft. Most magazines still have him as the #2 tight end in fantasy, but I have my doubts. I think a few of the younger players at his position have caught up with him and when you consider that much of his supporting cast is on the wrong side of thirty you should at least be a little wary of going after him too early-- just based on reputation. I think he will rebound slightly this year, but I also think he has already had his best seasons as a pro. That will continue to be the case until the Chiefs decide to get him some real help at the wide-receiver position. Until then, he will continue to get double covered often. Maybe LJ can play the slot too.

I hope you find this helpful when trying to decipher between the booms and the busts of the upcoming season. Like in all walks of life, every pick is a gamble, but knowing what hands are winners is a big advantage. The Guru will return next week with more from the world of Fantasy football. Let me also remind you to look for my special article coming out next month, The Art of Fantasy Football. It will help prepare you for your upcoming drafts and will come in handy, especially to those who are new to game this year. I highly recommend that you check it out when it is posted early next month. Until next week, my fellow fantasy freaklings.-GG.