Washington Redskins Training Camp (Defense)

The temperature was 70 degrees and the weather was drizzly and the grounds were soaked but for an August day in the Summer in the DMV the alternative would be 90 degrees. I will take the rain and make the best of my time. 

The Defense for the Redskins will be a force in 2009 from the Defenive line which appears to be vastly improved with the additions of Haynseworth and the return of Phillip Daniels what was deemed a weakness last season will perform a complete 180 from last season. The line shouldn't have a problem getting pressure and getting sacks on the QB. With this pressure it will allow the LB's to manuveur without dealing with a Offensive lineman which means more tackles behind the line of scrimmage. Also, the Corners and Safeties would be able to jump routes because with the increase of pressure on the edges and center of the line the opposing QB will have to get rid of the ball in a hurry. This defense has the makings of being a special group. As a fan of the team I hope that this will be our season. I just got my new upgraded season tickets and I look forward to rooting them on to what I hope is a Super Bowl season.

How to Store a Cigar

You purchased a box of your favorite cigars now, you will need something to store them in. The box they came in will not do.

Cigars must live in an environment, (warm and very humid); similar to where they were born and the best way to simulate that environment is with a humidor. A humidor will vary sizes from the small wooden boxes to the large wooden cabinets. Before purchasing a wooden humidor perform the “whoosh test” by lifting the lid about three inches, let it drop and listen for a “whoosh” of air escaping which prevents the lid from slamming. A “whoosh” means the humidor is crafted well enough to create a tight seal.

Another option, if for some reason you don’t want to purchase a nice wooden humidor, is to use a plastic container (Rubbermaid or Tupperware); however, plastic containers don’t allow your cigars to “breathe” and a modest amount of air flow is needed to help prevent mold and keeping your stogies fresh. Open the plastic container once a month to check for the proper moisture.

Cigars kept in a Ziploc bag are only good for a couple of weeks before they experience any ill effects.

Along with your humidor (whether it is made of wood or plastic) purchase a humidifier. There are several different types of humidifiers ranging from the cheap florist foam which is enclosed in a vented plastic piece to the built-in which is usually attached by a magnet to the lid of the humidor. Read the Manufacturer’s instructions on the proper way to moisten your humidifier.  Usually you will need to moisten your humidifier by either dunking it into a bowl or use a small squeeze bottle filled with distilled water. 

The other item you will need for your humidor is the hygrometer, which is used to measure the humidor’s humidity levels. The hygrometer is helpful; however, you should perform the “pinch test” (every two weeks) to help make sure your cigars are humidified properly. Based on how your cigars feel, you will be able to determine whether or not to add or remove moisture from your humidor.

A good rule of thumb is the 70/70 Rule, 70 degrees Fahrenheit or 21.1 degrees Celsius and 70% humidity.

The problem with having cigars that are too wet will not only make them susceptible to mold but, also be harder to light and keep it lit.

If the cigars are too dry the wrapper will crack, it will burn hot with a harsh taste. With dry cigars the essential oils within the cigar will evaporate leaving you with a bland and tasteless smoke.

If you don’t want you cigars to end up dry and tasteless, before placing any stogies in a humidor you must first stabilize the humidor by following these simple steps.

1. Charge your humidifying device. 
2. Place a calibrated (salt tested) hygrometer in the humidor. 
3. Place a shallow dish of distilled water in the humidor. Some people rub the sides of the    humidor with distilled water, don’t do this, as this will only bring up the grain of the    wood. 
4. Place the humidification device inside the humidor. 
5. Check the humidity every day. When it reaches and stays at 70%, it's time to add your    cigars. It may take a few days to a few weeks to stabilize.

Several reasons why your humidor may take a while to stabilize:

1. You live in a dry area.
2. The humidor’s wood is very dry.
3. The humidor doesn't seal well.

To ensure you don’t have a leaky humidor place it inside a Ziploc bag and if it comes up to humidity in the bag but, not outside the bag then the humidor is leaky.

After your humidor is stabilized, you will only need to add distilled water to the humidifying device before it is completely dried out (check the manufacturer’s instruction sheet).

Now, calibrate your hygrometer:

1. Place the salt in the bottle cap (or other small container). 
2. Dampen the salt with water. Do not put so much that the salt is "sloppy". You want a damp    pile of salt in the bottle cap. 
3. Place both the hygrometer and the bottle cap full of damp salt in the Ziploc bag and seal    it well. (It is important not to let air on or out while the test is going on.) 
4. Let everything sit like this for over 8 hours.

After 8 hours in the damp salt environment, the hygrometer should read
75%. If your hygrometer has a control to adjust it, set it to 75% right after it has been calibrated. Test the hygrometer every 6 months or so to be sure it is accurate.

http://www.tobacco-barn.com/t-art-HowToStore.aspx

BGObession....a New Redskins Fan Site!!!!!

A long time ago in a galaxy far far away (they called it ‘The 60’s’), I became a Washington Redskin’s fan. One day, shortly after Al Gore invented this incredible thing called ‘the Interwebs’, I wandered into a fan forum, something they called a ‘messageboard’, and discovered a whole new culture out there – communities of fans clustered together to discuss, argue, expound, prognosticate, mourn, rib, and generally have fun together.

I found a great messageboard community and became a big part of it. But like a great head of hair, all good things come to an end. Then, one day, while talking to my best friend on the planet (he happens to be a Redskins fan too), it occurred to us – if you want a better mousetrap, why not build it yourself?

So for the past 6 months, we’ve been thinking and experimenting and hammering and nailing and painting and creating in agonizing excruciating detail our own little perfect corner of the burgundy and gold universe. You might even say we’ve become obsessed with it.

This week ‘BGO’ is finally born, and we think it’s going to be a special place for fans of the Washington Redskins.

With a wealth of existing Redskins internet sites available, one might wonder - what makes this place so special? Great question! First, I hear the guys running the joint are super cool. Secondly, we’re shooting for something rarely found in communities on the world wide web – civility, intelligent discourse, and respectful dialogue. It won’t just be a goal of our community, but an expectation of our members. Oh, and as an added bonus, we like to have fun too! Finally, we think you’ll find our site one of the most feature-rich, energetic, and creative sites both visually and content-wise, anywhere. We’re motivated. We’re committed. We’re good-looking and sexy. Hell, lets face it – we’re obsessed with the burgundy and gold.

We’re betting some of you might be too.

So we invite you – walk, don’t run (unless you really feel the urge, in which case watch out for the corners of that coffee table) to your nearest PC or laptop. Sit down and take a deep breath. Everybody still with me? Now, it’s time to log-in ...

www.bgobsession.com

Hope to see you around!

John

Basic Cigar information.

Did you know?

When color of a cigar is mentioned, it refers to its outside wrapper. There are six basic colors of a cigar wrapper. A lighter wrapper usually has a mild taste, while a darker wrapper has a full-bodied flavor and is sweeter. There is no favorite or popular wrapper, as every individual taste is unique. 

CLARO CLARO

A mild and bland wrapper that is greenish in color. Also know as double claro, candela and jade. Slightly sweet, at one time they were quite popular in the United States.

CLARO

Neutral flavor, light and yellowish in color.

COLORADO

Rich in flavor with a subtle aroma. Reddish-brown in color.

MADURO

Strong in flavor, mild aroma. Dark brown color. The wrapper should be silky and oily.

OSCURO

Darkest of the wrappers because it's left on the tobacco plant longer and has a lengthier maturing period. Almost black in color. 

http://www.cigarwoman.com/colorguide.html

Father's Day

Normally this holiday is kinda of in the ho-hum of holiday hierarchy. It kinda of borders on the least revered in the sense that Christmas, Valentines Day, Mother's Day, 4th of  July and Thanksgiving are by far the most popular. Well this year Fathers Day is probably the most important holiday for me. One thing I have been able to do is really cherish my children and the time that I spend with them. Without spilling all of my doings in this world I will say things have changed alot for me in the last 4 months from separating from my wife and dealing with the process of a divorce it has been trying.

So Father's Day is a bigger and more emotional day for me as I transition to being a single father and the reality that I'm not perfect and know matter how hard I try sometimes even that is not good enough. So I will enjoy every minute with the most important people in my lives my son and daughter. As I type this they are sleeping peacefully and I wouldn't have it any other way!

So to all the men out there that are Fathers to their children I raise my glass and I salute you. This holiday is my favorite and hopefully it will be yours also. To those reading this with a father in your life tell him how much you love him.

Phil Jackson Takes Record 10th NBA Crown—Celebrates with a Cigar

I must defer to Cigar Aficionado on this article on Phil Jackson of the LA Lakers. This will be the beginning of my weekly series dedicated to fine Cigars and those who enjoy them.

http://www.cigaraficionado.com/Cigar/CA_Features/CA_Feature_Basic_Template/0,2344,2790,00.html

Posted: Monday, June 15, 2009

By David Savona  

The Lakers won the NBA championship last night, beating the Orlando Magic 99—86. The win gave coach Phil "the Zen Master" Jackson his tenth NBA title as coach, making him the most accomplished man ever to coach in the NBA, and he intended to celebrate with a smoke.

Jackson, who had been tied at nine victories with Red Auerbach, a man who was seldom seen without a cigar in hand, told the media after the game that he would fire up in honor of moving past the Celtics legend. "I'll smoke a cigar tonight in memory of Red," Jackson said. "He was a great guy."

Jackson won his first six titles with the Chicago Bulls, leading a team that included Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. He left the Bulls in 1998, after feuding with Chicago general manager Jerry Krause, and took a year off before returning to coaching with the Los Angeles Lakers. In his first year with Los Angeles, the Lakers won the NBA title. Last night's victory was his fourth with Los Angeles.

As gaudy as Jackson's ten NBA championships are, even more impressive is the fact that teams under his stewardship have won three in a row on three occasions: his Bulls did the "three-peat" twice, and the Lakers did it once.

Auerbach (who died in 2006) and Jackson have both worn the title of cigar aficionado. Auerbach smoked victory cigars on the Celtics bench when his team was comfortably ahead, and was so synonymous with cigars that back in the days when one could still smoke in some restaurants, Boston's Legal Seafood put these words on its menu: "No cigar or pipe smoking, except for Red Auerbach."

Jackson coached in a different era, where puffing in a NBA arena was impossible. In a 1998 interview, he claimed cigars relaxed him in the same way meditation did. "I owe it all to meditation and to cigars," he said. Jackson cut his NBA coaching teeth with the Chicago Bulls, owned by ardent cigar lover Jerry Reinsdorf, who gave cigars to his star Michael Jordan.

NBA Basketball Fantastic!!!!!!

Just like the motto of the NBA back in the day I'm reminded of how simple a game basketball is. I grew up in an era where people regarded that time as the Golden age of basketball. Magic, Bird and Jordan where the names that everyone knew and we were all glued to our TV sets to watch. Now today was we watch a faster more athletic NBA we call upon the spirits of NBA past to help guide the sport back into the homes of those from the not so distant past.

As we bear witness to the coming of Lebron James the maturing of Dwight Howard or the cementing of a legacy in Kobe Bryant we can hope that the future of NBA basketball is strong and on a good footing. I watched Game 3 of the NBA finals at a great location with good friends and fabulous food. The Magic accomplished a team first by winning a NBA finals game and by doing so they trail the series 2 -1 with game 4 on Thursday June 11, 2009. The game was good for the Magic as they played one of their best overall team games in shooting over 60% from the field. As the Magic played an unbelievable game they only managed to win the game by 5 points and the game was very tight throughout the entire contest. To gain another victory in my opinion with another near flawless night is unlikely considering the level of competition. My previous post I alluded to some great home cooking and good rest to gain a victory and I'm glad they did just that. Now that the food has settled and jitters of playing at home has settled hopefully they can hold serve on their home court and send the series to game 5. 

As much as I have learned to appreciate the NBA again I hope this series can be the defining point were the NBA is able to get its appeal back into the mainstream as it has done in years past with Magic, Bird and Jordan....Whose to say that Lebron, Dwight and Kobe could be the ones to accomplish it for them. "NBA Basketball its Fantastic"

NBA Finals 2009!!!!!!

So as I write this post the Lakers are up 2 games to zero over the Orlando Magic. The first 2 games were played in Los Angeles the home of the Lakers. The first game was a total team victory as the Lakers pounded the Magic who pretty much sleepwalked through the entire contest. As game 2 rolled around people began to question if Orlando had what it took to run with the Lakers. I reflect back to the series with the Cleveland Cavaliers and how the Magic had numerous answers, so I knew they had the fire power to win but will they be able to put it all together. 

So game 2 was a defensive struggle for most of the game with Rashard Lewis being the offensive juggernaut. At one time during the 2nd quarter Lewis had scored 18 of the Magics 20 points...can we say coming out party!!!! I knew of Rashard Lewis when he played in the Northwest with the then Seattle SuperSonics. Rashard Lewis came up the hard way in the straight from High School era of young players. The greatest benefit for Lewis was developing his game in the no-pressure atmosphere of Seattle. He was able to hone his craft from one of the best clutch 3point shooters in the Boston Celtics Ray Allen. In his 10 plus season campaigns in the NBA the limelight he is in is well deserved and I would imagine quite gratifying. So as the Orlando Magic stare down the barrel of an 3-0 deficit hopefully they are taking in the home cooked meal and night with family to get their bearings and basketball in order. One thing is certain the Lakers have come to play and hopefully the Magic is up to the task of pulling out a victory in game 3.

Washington Redskins Family Day!!!!

On Monday June 1, 2009 the Washington Redskins invited players, team employees, their families and select VIPs out to Six Flags yesterday. I must have gotten lucky since I'm neither, a good friend told me he had an extra ticket and since I lived some 10 minutes away it was easy for me.

I must say the Redskins went all out with this affair. The grounds were in great shape, it was clean and the employees were all happy and upbeat. With the limited number of people at the park it was quite enjoyable. I would never at any other time make it out Six Flags but did so today because of the special circumstance and also not having the general public in attendance.

I saw a few Redskins players who were taking in the rides and foods with their families but it was a little difficult for some other more high profile players. I saw Clinton Portis and gave him the good ole "what's up CP" with the fist in the air. He was cool and shot back a "peace" sign. That is at most my only type of interactions with the players since I'm not into the autographs and picture taking. But on the other hand most of the fans in attendance are quite the opposite. As I turned around after seeing Portis because I discovered I was headed in the wrong direction I came upon a giant mob of people. In my mind I new it had to be a player that was swarmed. I was correct and it was Portis, now this guy had about 50 people requesting pics and autographs. As I walked past and headed to my destination, the team provided free food, drinks and ice cream. The team gets major cool points for actually feeding a person meals that would cost about 10 bucks or more. So I ate a cheeseburger that was brought in from the Sunshine Service station(best burger in world)...thanks Mark. I was seated with a few friends who were waiting for us to arrive and they were with the Hoggettes and Chief Zee. So we woofed our food and grabbed some ice cream. We are now headed to the train that will take us around to another side of the park. So we get on the train and the Hoggettes and Chief Zee begin to break out the Redskins fight song..."Hail To the Redskins". It was a nice train ride. We pulled up to the station and disembarked. As I'm walking down the stairs I see a mob of people...so like the last time I assumeed a player, and low and behold it was Clinton Portis from the time I last saw him until now it was probably almost an hour and that man continued to sign every autograph and take every picture. I felt a bit sad for the guy having to sign so much...but it shows tremendous character on his part to not deny a single person. It turns out he was signing for about 2 hours and had it not been for security who had to escort him to a team function on the grounds that guy probably would have signed for everyone. Much props to you CP!

While in the park I heard some grumblings on how one player(high paid) in particular wouldn't sign anything for adults but would do so for the kids. The particular person that grumbled had 3 footballs, 2 jerseys and 2 hats so I would have imagined the player saw all that he had and refused to sign the items...who knows what was headed to e-bay or some other auction place. I don't think the event was called Fan appreciation so to be able to any autographs at all should be a bonus because I don't believe that the players are obligated to give an autograph at a fans request. I might be in the minority but the players should have a life and be able to enjoy themselves like the rest of us.

The Washington Redskins did a great thing that night and I applaud them for their work. Hopefully events like these could be common place because in these lean economic times people need all the incentives and perks possible. I hope I get lucky on the next go-around because I will never attend Six Flags unless it is an event like I attended last night.

Photos from the Maryland Maniacs games!

Santana Moss 30 and on a mission!!!

This week Santana Moss of the Washington Redskins turns 30 years old and like most of us that have a birthday we would normally have some type of party. Santana Moss made a decision to include plenty of other people to enjoy his 30th birthday. From the moments that I have met Santana Moss he seemed very genuine and real. I will post an article from the DC Sports Bog which highligts some of the events that Santana Moss has included in his 30th birthday. Kudos to Santana Moss.

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dcsportsbog/2009/05/santana_moss_on_turning_30.html

"I mean, I actually feel wiser," Santana Moss told me Wednesday night, during the first part of a five-day celebration of his 30th birthday. "Every year I'm growing and becoming more of the man that I should be for my household....So I guess that's a part of being older, you get to start thinking more, and to start trying to make moves with stuff that you didn't do before."

What kind of stuff? Pondering what happens after the end of his career. Planning for his kids' futures. Showing his face at more community events. Putting more time into his foundation.

"You know, before I used to be the guy that said, 'Hey man, I don't want to be involved in this or I didn't want to be involved in that,' " he said. "You know, never shied away when it came to kids, but just other events. Now, I see myself, when I'm called upon, trying to show my face and trying to be there. I like to have fun, I like to party, I like to hang out. Now, I'm thinking like, every now and then, maybe I should go home, maybe I shouldn't go out tonight, maybe I should give that time to this person, that person. You know, I'm just thinking a little wiser.

"As far as the age goes, you're gonna get older every year. So if I was 10, you'd say, 'Do you feel like you're [turning] 11?' You never really feel like it, but you know you're 11, you know? I'm gonna be 30 June 1st, and I'm just pleased to be able to say that that day has come upon me. You have a lot of friends that didn't make it to that day, you have a lot of people that you grew up with, good people, that didn't get the chance. So I'm just proud man of anything that the Lord has blessed me with, and I try to build from it and try to just move on, not take it for granted."

And his legs? Do they feel like they're 30?

"Hard to say man," he said with a laugh. "I think regardless of what you do in life, when you play a sport, your legs gonna always feel the impact of that sport. But honestly, it's not about the legs, it's right here," he continued, pointing to his head. "At the end of the day, you tell yourself to get up and go. Your legs follow this....So, not really. I just feel like I know that every year is a year to cherish in this League, and I just cherish it, I just cherish every part of it. Because a lot of guys want to do what I'm doing, a lot of guys that didn't get the opportunity."

As for the week's events, they're, um, varied. Wednesday was an ESPN Zone Q&A (transcript here) and fundraiser, mixed in with a private party with 13-year old Rhett Stuart of the District and his friends.

The two met at an Obama fund-raiser co-hosted by Rhett's mother in September of '07. Rhett wanted to hold a charity fundraiser of his own in honor of his Bar Mitzvah, so his family got in touch with Santana's people, and they arranged for Rhett and his friends to each donate $50 to The Moss Foundation in exchange for a party attended by the man himself.

"I'm just pleased to have anything to do with some of these kids," Moss said. "I mean, I never know where this will take these kids, but I know for me, regardless of what kind of deed is done, I have something in my heart to just always find a way to give back, even when it's all about me. You know, you might look at this weekend, and say it's Santana Moss's 30th birthday, which a lot of guys might celebrate differently, we all know.

"I'm gonna have my fun, but I feel like on the eve of having my fun I should always have the chance to have time for the ones that look up or the ones that admire or want to be in my shoes."

Yesterday, Moss flew back to Miami, in advance of tonight's high-end party at Miami Beach's Eden Roc, hosted by Wild on E!'s Cindy Taylor, with guest appearances from Scarface's Steven Bauer, Louis Gosset Jr., Alonzo Mourning and Edward James Olmos, plus music from Biz Markie and a Frederick's of Hollywood/Bullets 4 Peace fashion show.

"A real nice, upscale event," Moss described. "It's gonna be a really nice, cocktail event, something that's not normal for me. Because where I'm from, the inner city, I'm always catering to the inner-city crowd. When I have my events, I'm having my events for the inner city most of the time when I'm in Miami. Up here, I got away from that."

But Moss said he didn't want to neglect D.C., so he's back here on Saturday for an event at Current on Connecticut Ave, featuring many of his friends from the U.

"I just welcome everybody always, when you hear something that I'm doing, to always feel free to come out, whether I invite you or not, because it's always a good cause behind it. It's never enough fun for me just to have it all to myself, it's always enough for everybody," he told me. "I mean, they give me so much on Sunday and throughout the year that I have to find a way to always do something up here."

As for any 30th birthday presents for himself, "I don't know, I think I might buy me a new 750 or something like that," he said with a smile.

Sure, why not.

NBA Basketball!!!!

The playoffs for the NBA this year has been just downright the best I have watched in a long long time. The teams contending currently in Conference Finals are just going all out! It all started with the Boston/Chicago series where most of the games finished in OT and it went 7 games. To even right now with Lebron winning a game winner which he contends was the greatest shot of his career. 

The surprise this year is the Denver Nugget. Who would have thought that this team would be where it is at today? It begins and ends with one name "Big Shot" Billups. This guy has been a member of seven consecutive Conference Finals. The guy is a baller no doubt. For those that have followed the NBA for a while you should know the value of Chauncey Billups. Denver's acquisition of him for Allen Iverson has to be looked upon as one of the biggest coups of all-time. Denver went from being a lower end Western Conference playoff contender to damn near knocking off the number #1 seed and punching their ticket to the Finals. Since acquiring Billups Denver has the best record in the Western Conference. Billups as a stabilizing force and leader has put this team in order. With Chauncey and Carmelo running together their future is bright. Beware Los Angeles Lakers the dream match up might not happen if your not careful.

I remember as kid watching Magic and Bird and as an adult that era is looked upon as the time where the NBA jumped into all of the American homes. Ever since Jordan retired I felt as if the NBA has just lacked its own identity. Stars drive the league and now and I believe there are Stars that can stand and produce now on their merits without the hanging comparisons to past legends of the game. I would not be disappointed if any of the 4 teams  made it to the NBA finals.

I'm pulling for Orlando and Denver to meet in the finals just because I want to be the opposite of what I believe the NBA truly wants....Lebron and Kobe. So I will sit back and take in all of these great games and bear witness to the next new age of the NBA. Have a seat with me and pull out a nice Stoagie and enjoy!

Memorial Day!

Memorial Day is a time where we honor those that served in the Armed Services of the United States. As a former vet that served proudly in the United States Army I honor my brothers and sisters who proudly served the colors of this the greatest country. There are those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country and from the depths of my heart I thank you and your families for your loss. But please hold on to the fact that citizens who serve are indeed the best of us all and without that sacrifice our liberties we enjoy daily would be jeopardized. 

Memorial day is considered the kick-off to summer. We hold BBQ's and invite all of our friends and family over for a great time. Some play card games others play horseshoes and some just relax in lawn chairs as the sleep the food off. All of that plus great weather is the perfect combination...it is a relief because a few weeks ago we had rain for about 2 weeks straight. I don't think my grass has ever been this green so early in the year. 

As we begin this summer season and enjoy the fruits of liberty and freedom take some time to try to give back. There are those less fortunate than us who could deserve a little help. If you see guy at a stop light with a sign give him a buck...it is reported that 40% of homeless men age 50 and over are veterans of the Armed Services. Most have been diagnosed with Mental Disorders and whatever got them to this point in their lives is pointless and if a person has a need to resort to pan handling to survive, do what you can and help them out. It will make you feel better and hopefully it will help them. They gave a lot in service of our country and it is sad that our government can't do more for them. 

To our brothers and sisters currently serving abroad we Thank You and pray for your safety and wish you all the best as you proceed in your military career or life after the military.

Memorial Day is more than just a day we kick-off summer it has a far reaching global perspective...we honor those that serve. Your life is precious but you decided to put it in harms way! We hope that all that currently serve can relax with us next year as we BBQ, play cards and other games  to celebrate our brothers and sisters in the United States Armed Services.

Football, Tailgate and Friends!!!!

Ahhh the great weather of Memorial Day Weekend!!! It is the time of year that we officially usher in Summer. Typically everyone enjoys the weekend with a fabulous cookout with friends and family. We all remember those times as children when the family comes together and everyone has a great time. It was great in itself....but with the idea of being able to watch live sporting was out of the question. If you grew up in the DC area there was not much to do this time of year. Basketball was always over, we didn't have baseball until a few years ago...now our favorite love Football has about 3 months left until the beginning of the season.

I would say about 2 weeks ago I was at a neighborhood festival where various vendors were setup selling a variety of items. One table in particular had women scantily dressed who were the dance team of a team called the Maryland Maniacs of the Indoor Football League (IFL). The owner was present and we spoke for a bit. He is a very nice and young African American man in his 30's and he mentioned that this was his first year as the owner of the team in their inaugural season. He was very excited that his team was on a 4 game winning streak and the possibilities of the playoffs was likely if the team maintained. I told him I would come and check out his team since they play only 5 minutes away from where I live at the ShowPlace Arena in Upper Marlboro MD. 

Last week I attended my first game and I was blown away, firstly by the product of play on the field and secondly by the great work that the ownership puts in providing an awesome fan experience. The game was very fast and explosive as guys where hit with the ferocity as I am accustomed to witnessing as a season ticket holder of the Washington Redskins. I know great hits when I see them (RIP 21). The field is 50 yards and the scores can soar and kickoff returns are an adventure. During the breaks in game the kids are brought on to the field to perform competitions against each other and it is a real hoot watching them have a great time...I mean it is a kids game by the way!

I sat in the corner endzone where the cheerleaders are positioned which happened to be right next to the opposing team. In Indoor Football their is no real sideline and the teams bench's are situated  in the back of the end zones. If a player substitutes he must run to his teammates even if they are 50 yards away on the other side of the field. I love it when they are tired and can barely make it back to the endzone to avoid a penalty. So as I was sitting and enjoying the cheerleaders do a dance and I observed an opposing player just all up and enjoying the view of the cheerleaders in their skimpy outfits dropping it like it was hot and getting all Beyonce' like with their moves. So a buddy of mine and I started began to heckle him as he was clearly enjoying the show on the sidelines and not the beating the Maryland Maniacs was putting on his team. The player eluded to not having cheerleaders on his team as to why his eyes where so fixated on the Maryland Dancers. I guess that is why he is playing Indoor Football.

So the Maryland Maniacs beat the Saginaw Sting 43-10 and there was probably around 1000 people in attendance. I hope as the season continues and more people spread the word than this team can hopefully be around for a second season. The owner seems like a very good guy and I wish him the best. With the play of his team doing well hopefully the fan support can increase.

So this Saturday on Memorial Day weekend I will attend my 2nd game but this time I have brought a lot of friends and we will tailgate at 4pm like we do for Redskins games and use these games with our Maryland Maniacs as the fix we need as this new summer season begins. I can't wait!

With prices ranging from $14 - $24 it is certainly an affordable option in these lean times for those wanting to enjoy Football at a time where we are not accustomed to watching it. Hopefully Memorial Days in our future will always include a visit with our local Indoor Football League team. So come on out and enjoy it with me and bring the kids with you!

Mike Vick

So I was reading a posting about Mike Vick and most of the replies submitted were totally against him coming back to the NFL. We all know about the PETA and other advocacy groups that will picket at no end...which I truly hate BTW! The man was convicted of his crime and served the time levied against him. What more is a man to do. 

Back to the postings I was reading, there were people who said his job as QB in football is a privilege...NOT!!!! Driving a car is a privilege! The respondents would rather have him flipping burgers instead. Now that makes no sense at all! You would rather have him flip a burger than play a game. I suspected that the feelings are indeed racial but I wouldn't make that outward assumption until something is actually said that proves it. The burger flipping comment proved it. On television the man would be a person amongst a 100 others only identifiable by his #7. Take the number off and you got 20 others that share his body type. So to the people that would rather have Mike Vick flipping a burger for you I say get a grip on reality and stop letting your racial objectivity make you into a fool!

So this is my response I made to the posting I saw on Mike Vick:

Mike Vick served his time. He admitted to the charges against him. There is nothing more he has to do. The NFL is a business and not a privilege those that make those decisions will shoulder the burden of bringing him back on. Ray Lewis was mentioned in regards to the murder of 2 young guys. Ray Lewis paid a large settlement to the families of those guys. One had a daughter born a few months after the death. This baby has no father but the man who paid off the family, lives his life with the blood of a human on his hands yet people want to throw Mike Vick into purgatory. Is it because he is a celebrity and has the opportunity to make millions that people hate so much. So he can't earn a living in is career field but it is certainly OK for him to flip burgers for the rest of his life. What makes Football so special that he can't come back, but he can do anything else but Sport. This is a game he plays but I guess we as consumers are the authority in who plays and not plays. I'm a programmer if I did what Vick did I can still be a programmer and make good money. If he was a public servant than he would be toast with a felony but the man is not he is playing a kids game. Is it because he violates the purity of an animal that is so disturbing that you want to never hear about him ever again. I guess the mob rules on this one. The man did his time let him get back to his life. If it was you or someone you knew in his situation you would want them doing the things they were good at to provide for their family. Others have done worse and have not gotten half of the attention as this man.

Guys, Sports and Women!!!!!

Last night Wednesday May 20, 2009, I'm at a place called Chima Restaurant. It is a Brazilian themed and inspired Steakhouse. The decor and ambiance is awesome.

So the evening was Social Networking Event, where various companies set up booths and people enjoy appetizer type snacks and drinks while schmoozing it up. In attendance where former ex- NBA and NFL players, these ex-Pro athletes tend to have a way to just draw good crowds. I'm amazed that most of the former Pro athletes have transitioned quite well. In the DC metropolitan area there are so many non-profits and other charitable organizations that want to just get the word out on their cause. The former Pro athlete and these organizations are the perfect match. 

I witnessed alot of things last night....I saw plenty of plunging necklines and one lady without a neckline...hubba hubba! I would say it was pretty classy and a Professional crowd. It appeared that everyone enjoyed themselves with plenty of laughing and plenty of drinks being consumed. As the evening wore on and as the crowd thinned most of the remaining guys and gals converged on the bar to watch the final 5 minutes of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Orlando Magic. It was great watching the shots go back and forth with the Magic pulling out the upset victory. 

The convergence of Sports, Drinks, Food and Women is a nice combination especially when the weather is great! The beginning of summer is always a good time!!!!!

My Sweet Sister

My sister stays with me in my home and see is such a sweet heart.  I brought some clothes downstairs to wash in the laundry room. The machines were already occupied so I left my items their so I can come back when the machines are available. So I didn't get to it last night and when I woke up this morning she had my clothes in basket and my Shirts on hangers and ironed. That was very nice of here. Thanks sis!!! Love ya!

Flooded Basement

Well last week my basement flooded and the Insurance company has sent a company over to pull up the carpet and set up de-humidifiers and fans all around to dry out the area. So they finally retrieved all of their equipment after 3 days of these machines working around the clock. Now I will wait for the insurance adjuster to visit and tell me what kind of carpet will be allowed under my policy...I'm crossing my fingers so I can get a berber style of rug!

Day 1 -- I guess!

Day 1 - Not really when you think about the complexities and reality of life. I guess just a way to say it's my first day blogging.