My Fantasy Football Teams August 31, 2009
Posted by Matt in fantasy football.Tags: draft, fantasy football, picks
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In the past week I’ve taken part in two fantasy football drafts and, since I know you are all dying to find out, these were my picks.
Team: Far Left Wackos (8th pick of 10)
QB: Tony Romo, Dal
WR: Anguan Boldin, AZ
WR: Chad Ochocinco, Cin
WR: Bernard Berrian, Min
RB: DeAngelo Williams, Car
RB: Chris Johnson, Ten
TE: Visanthe Shiancoe, Min
K: John Kasay, Car
D: New England
BN: Darren McFadden (RB, Oak)
BN: Anthony Gonzalez (WR, Ind)
BN: Lance Moore (WR, NO)
BN: Larry Johnson (RB, KC)
BN: Trent Edwards (QB, Buf)
BN: Jeremy Maclin (WR, Phi)
Team: Fightin’ Pacifists (4th pick of 10)
QB: Aaron Rodgers, GB
WR: Marques Colston, NO
WR: Vincent Jackson, SD
WR: Santonio Holmes, Pit
RB: DeAngelo Williams, Car
RB: Steve Slaton, Hou
TE: Kevin Boss, NYG
K: Kris Brown, Hou
Def: New England
BN: Carson Palmer (QB, Cin)
BN: Pierre Thomas (RB, NO)
BN: Knowshon Moreno (RB, Den)
BN: Donald Brown (RB, Ind)
BN: Bernard Berrian (WR, Min)
BN: Nate Washington (WR, Ten)
The Passion of Clint Eastwood August 31, 2009
Posted by Matt in Christian Beliefs, movies.Tags: Christ, Clint Eastwood, Dirty Harry, Gran Torino, Jesus, nonviolence, redemptive violence, sacrifice, The Man with No Name
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I finally got around to watching Gran Torino, the latest and perhaps last film from 79 year old actor/director Clint Eastwood. So let me first issue a warning that if you have not seen the movie yet and plan on watching it at some time in the future, you should probably skip this entry.
The movie deals with Eastwood’s character, an elderly Korean War veteran and a recent widower, who lives in a world that has undergone incredible changes while he himself remains mired in a past time, miserably trudging through what little remains of his lonely existence. He drinks heavily, curses profusely, and has little tolerance for those of other ethnic heritages, particularly the poor Asian immigrants that now make up the vast majority of his neighborhood. Through a series of circumstances, he befriends and becomes an unlikely guardian of sorts for the two Hmong children living next door who are facing challenges of from a local Asian gang. Eastwood’s character is haunted by horrible acts that he participated in during wartime some 50 years ago, and he often threatens the use of violence against those who cross him in the film, so it is particularly poignant in the end when he sacrifices himself in an act of radical nonviolence that helps to bring down the gang and strengthen the minority neighborhood.
Now, there are a multitude of aspects of this film that could be talked about, whether it be racism, war, or any number of other issues, but I was mostly struck by its view on the effectiveness of violence as a means to an end, especially when one considers the past work of Eastwood, the film’s star and messiah of sorts. He has starred in a multitude of films throughout his long career, but in this context there are two of his most famous roles that could easily be focused on: that of the .44 magnum-bearing Dirty Harry and the Man with No Name from Sergio Leone’s incredible spaghetti western trilogy. Both of these men often used violent means to reach their desired end result, which generally consisted of their nemesis being brutally destroyed. It is within these worlds, then, that we see violence as the cure to one’s ill, that evil must be physically punished. Thus, Clint Eastwood became an icon of the American ideal of redemptive violence.
So, it is with great interest that, in his older age, the Eastwoodian ideals (I need to get a patent on that phrase) have been pushed away and deemed ineffective by the man himself, that the idea of using violent means to obliterate evil has been deemed counterproductive at the least and an evil itself at the most. It is with that in mind that he steps out for the final showdown in Gran Torino, unarmed and with the expectation that perhaps some good will come out of his self-sacrifice, that his support for the least of these may cause a change in heart or that it may allow evil to destroy itself. Thus, Eastwood becomes a drinking, smoking, cursing, racist Christ figure with a violent past, who finds redemption through self-sacrifice.
With a career that has been built upon it, Clint Eastwood now pleads to be forgiven for preaching the gospel of redemptive violence, for perpetuating a piece of American mythology that is best done away with.
And we are all better for it.
Happy Birthday Rachel! August 30, 2009
Posted by Matt in family.Tags: birthday, family
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My little girl turns 7 today. Wow, time flies…
Random Play Friday August 28, 2009
Posted by Matt in Random Play.Tags: Ipod, random, shuffle
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My Ipod contains over 5,400 songs, so anytime I hit “Shuffle Songs” it is interesting to see what comes up. Because of the nature of my work, I am able to listen to music through headphones most of the time, so naturally I do so and I thought I would share with you what came up when I “shuffled” today. Enjoy.
Bob Dylan – Most Likely You Go Your Way and I’ll Go Mine
Johnny Cash – We’ll Meet Again
Two Cow Garage – Camaro
Drive-By Truckers – Checkout Time in Vegas
The Gaslight Anthem – Meet Me by the River’s Edge
Mos Def – History
The Jayhawks – You Look So Young
Smashing Pumpkins – By Starlight
Coldplay – Green Eyes
Lucero – The Last Song
The White Stripes – The Hardest Button to Button
Thom Yorke – Black Swan
Nirvana – Come as You Are (Unplugged)
The Beatles – She Came in Through the Bathroom Window
Motley Crue – You’re All I Need
Okkervil River – A Girl in Port
Radiohead – Electioneering
Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova – When Your Mind’s Made Up
Liz Phair – Girls! Girls! Girls!
Wilco & Billy Bragg – Eisler on the Go
Kings of Leon – Use Somebody
Free Music Friday – Some Old Pumpkins August 28, 2009
Posted by Matt in free music friday.Tags: Mayonaise, Smashing Pumpkins, video
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I had the chance to see the Smashing Pumpkins twice back in the 90’s, the first time on the Siamese Dream tour at the Little Rock Convention Center, which, if you aren’t familiar with it, is basically a big room with a stage at one end. It was an intimate setting and a heck of a show in a venue similar to that on the video below of one of my favorite songs from that era, Mayonaise. Enjoy.
To Coffee August 26, 2009
Posted by Matt in poetry.Tags: coffee, poetry
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C is for the caffeine that fuels my every day
O is for your odor, a pungent smell to light the way
F is for your face, as black as darkest night
F again for family, for you and I are tight
E is for the enjoyment that I will not be denied
E for everlasting love with you right by my side
2009 Fantasy Football Rankings – Wide Receivers August 25, 2009
Posted by Matt in fantasy football.Tags: 2009, fantasy football, NFL, rankings, wide receiver
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Over the past 12-13 years or so, fantasy football has become one of my favorite annual pastimes. With a mathematically-inclined mind and a great love for the game of football, the coupling just seems to be natural. Each year I give my top ranked players by position and 2009 will be no different. These are based on a combination of my statistical forecasts and expert opinions from various magazines I look at throughout the summer. If anyone out there would like to join my league please let me know. We still have two spots open.
While they are important pieces to the fantasy puzzle, the wide receiver is perhaps the most unpredictable position on a week-to-week basis. Though they can pick up points through both yardage and touchdowns, they touch the ball far less than a running back, which gives them fewer chances to rack up large amounts of fantasy points. Nevertheless, a good receiver is an important tool in one’s arsenal and they can make or break a team.
WRs to Stay Away From
Braylon Edwards, Cle – In 2007, Edwards looked as though he could be the next big WR in the league, amassing 1,289 yards and 16 TDs. Last year, though, things came crashing back to earth for the young man and his production fell off considerably for a terrible Browns team. He may be worth a late round pick, but definitely should not be looked to as a starter.
Anyone from St. Louis – Laurent Robinson and Donnie Avery are listed at the top of the Rams’ depth chart. Never heard of them? Me neither and the Rams are awful, so stay far, far away.
WRs to Watch
Bernard Berrian, Min – The addition of future-Hall of Famer Brett Favre has dramatically changed the look of the Viking offense, especially the passing game. Berrian is currently listed at the WR1 position, so I would expect to see a large increase in production for him with Favre playing the role of gunslinger.
Anthony Gonzalez, Ind – With Peyton Manning and a high octane Colts passing attack, Gonzalez steps into the role of WR2 in this, his third season, and we can safely assume that his numbers will improve dramatically from last season’s 664 yards and 4 TDs.
15. Chad Ochocinco, Cin – The artist formerly known as Chad Johnson again enters the year as QB Carson Palmer’s top target in the high powered Bengals offense. Though he disappointed in 2008 after Palmer went down with an injury, garnering only 540 yards and 4 TDs, his production should pick back up this season. He’s temperamental and carries some risk, but I expect him to return to his pre-2008 form in 2009. My Prediction: 90 catches, 1400 yards, 7 TDs.
14. Vince Jackson, SD – Jackson broke through in 2008 with the best season of his young career, picking up almost 1100 yards and 7 touchdowns. He has the luxury of playing with an elite young quarterback in Philip Rivers and with a strong running game that helps keep some of the heat off of the passing game. I expect Jackson to continue to improve and to be another great weapon for a strong offensive squad. My Prediction: 70 catches, 1200 yards, 9 TDs
13. Wes Welker, NE – Welker is Mr. Consistency for another top-notch Patriot team. Welker excelled in 2007 with Tom Brady at QB and in 2008 when Brady was out with injury, so he should again put up nice numbers, particularly when it comes to the number of receptions (223 over the past two years). My prediction: 110 catches, 1200 yards, 7 TDs
12. Dwayne Bowe, KC – Though new coach Todd Haley demoted Bowe to third team because of his work ethic, logic says that he will be back in the starting lineup by Opening Day. The arrival of QB Matt Cassel and the departure of future Hall of Fame TE Tony Gonzalez leave Bowe as the sole proven passing target, meaning that he should again put up excellent numbers. My prediction: 90 catches, 1200 yards, 9 TDs
11. Terrell Owens, Buf – At 35 and starting over with a new team, how much gas does Owens have left in the tank? He remains both an incredibly gifted and divisive figure in the NFL who should do well lined up with a talented young receiver for the Bills, Lee Evans. I expect at least one more productive season out of Owens, especially when it comes to end zone catches. My Prediction: 75 catches, 1100 yards, 12 TDs
10. Anguan Boldin, AZ – Though he shares passes with two 1,000+ yard receivers – Larry Fitzgerald and Sean Breaston – Boldin continues to put up excellent numbers for the Cardinals’ high-octane passing attack. With a resurgent Kurt Warner at quarterback and a pass-first playbook, I expect him to continue to be a big time fantasy player. My Prediction: 95 catches, 1200 yards, 10 TDs
9. Marques Colston, NO – Being the top target for the best quarterback in the league has its privileges. Colston’s excellent 2007 campaign (1202 yards and 11 TDs) was unfortunately followed by an injury-plagued ’08, in which he only played in 11 of 16 games. This season, barring another injury, I expect Colson to return to his form of two years ago. My prediction: 90 catches, 1200 yards, 10 TDs.
8. Roddy White, Atl – For the past two seasons, Roddy White has proved himself to be an excellent NFL receiver, picking up more than 2500 yards on 171 catches. QB Matt Ryan had a great rookie campaign and should continue to improve this year with White as his top target. The addition of TE Tony Gonzalez will only help improve White’s stock as some of the heat gets taken off of him. My Prediction: 90 catches, 1400 yards, 9 TDs
7. Steve Smith, Car – Despite the fact that the Panthers are an obvious run-first team with a quarterback on the downside of his career, Smith remains an excellent option at wide receiver. He should continue to excel as Carolina’s lone viable option in the passing game. My Prediction: 90 catches, 1400 yards, 8 TDs
6. Reggie Wayne, Ind – Marvin Harrison is gone, so now Wayne has officially taken on the mantle of Peyton Manning’s favorite target in Indy’s high-powered offense. The capable Anthony Gonzalez takes over the second option where he should serve to take some of the coverage off Wayne. My Prediction: 90 catches, 1300 yards, 10 TDs.
5. Greg Jennings, GB – Jennings is an excellent young receiver for the Packers with a huge amount of potential. Last season he and the aging Donald Driver split catches from QB Aaron Rodgers, but in 2009 I expect Jennings to shoulder the majority of the load, thus improving even more on his excellent 2008 numbers (1292 yards and 9 TDs). My Prediction: 90 catches, 1400 yards, 11 TDs.
4. Calvin Johnson, Det – The loan bright spot in the fantasy world for the lowly Lions, Johnson really broke through in 2008, his second season, as an elite NFL receiver. Regardless of who ends up as the starting QB, whether it be veteran Daunte Culpepper or rookie Matthew Stafford, Johnson should continue to get plenty of touches and will put up huge numbers again in 2009. You just can’t help but wonder how great he would be if he were on a decent team. My Prediction: 90 catches, 1500 yards, 14 TDs
3. Andre Johnson, Hou – With great young players like Johnson, Matt Shaub, and Steve Slaton, the Texan offense is on the rise and all three are poised for excellent campaigns in 2009. Johnson has proven himself to be among the league’s elite over his career and I expect him to astound again this season. My prediction: 110 catches, 1600 yards, 11 TDs
2. Randy Moss, NE – After a career rebirth of sorts in 2007, his first season as a Patriot, he and Tom Brady combined forces and to rack up nearly 1500 yards and a whopping 23 touchdowns. Following Brady’s injury, last year was a huge disappointment for Moss, so it remains to be seen whether or not he can return to the elite level of two years ago. At age 32 and with a top-notch offense around him, I expect Moss to come back strong this season. My prediction: 90 catches, 1400 yards, 15 TDs.
1. Larry Fitzgerald, AZ – At this moment, Fitzgerald is without a doubt the best receiver in the league. He has flourished in the pass-happy Cardinal offense, catching 196 balls for 2,840 yards over the past two seasons, and he is only 26. Sure, he is counting on a 38 year old quarterback to deliver him the ball, but I think Fitzgerald is talented enough to catch 90+ balls regardless of who throws them, even if it is the underachieving Matt Leinart. My prediction: 100 catches, 1500 yards, 14 TDs.
Thoughts?
From the Outside August 24, 2009
Posted by Matt in Christian Beliefs.Tags: church of christ, god, morality, outlier, outsider
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I’m nobody! Who are you?
Are you nobody, too?
Then there’s a pair of us – don’t tell!
They’d banish us, you know.
How dreary to be somebody!
How public, like a frog
To tell your name the livelong day
To an admiring bog!
“I’m nobody! Who are you?”
By Emily Dickinson
“I’m an outsider, outside of you.”
-“Outsider” by The Ramones
I first discovered I was different from others when I stopped trying to fit in with everybody else. Throughout my life to that point I had garnered quite a lot of friends and acquaintances, but few that I would truly consider close. I was fairly popular, but certainly not at the top rung of the adolescent social hierarchy. I was just Matt, a little goofy, a little strange, but still possessing the characteristics that mark one as a desirable associate. It was not until some time in my mid-20’s that I first truly emerged from the cocoon of public opinion – a process that was no doubt slowed considerably by suffering a traumatic brain injury – and then entered a new life of sorts, one that is perhaps more enlightened, in which the judgments and condemnations of the upper tier cliques mattered far less.
Part of this change was no doubt due to the fact that I was married, thus sparing me from the plentiful fakeries of the human mating ritual. Much of it stemmed from the fact that I was becoming a far more accomplished reader of which my ever-expanding personal library was evidence. Some of it came from the re-emergence of my cognitive abilities which had been notably askew in the years following my head injury and of a newly realized list of unanswered questions that I was no longer afraid to ask.
So, I delved into the multiple queries, looking for some sort of answer and though I learned much, I was often left with a whole new set of questions. Why do I think the way I do? How did I get there? Where do I go from here? Is there something wrong with me?
Thus, the last five years or so of my life have been devoted to a number of questions that seem to multiply exponentially on a regular basis and, though I have come to a number of conclusions (many of which are that there are no conclusions), there remains a long distance to travel.
I have come to realize that I am an anomaly, an outlier of sorts, among my religious heritage. I have no regard for preposterous claims of absolute knowledge nor for ill-conceived emotional appeals to one’s assumed eternal destination. You can keep your quibbles over supposed divine mandates to yourself and your reward/punishment moral paradigm can be put to rest.
I find myself far more concerned with improving this world that I am with making it to the next, with recognizing the indescribable power of God instead of placing limits upon It, with asking more questions rather than arbitrarily creating answers. If that makes me an outsider, then so be it. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Free Music Friday – Can’t Get Enough PJ August 21, 2009
Posted by Matt in free music friday.Tags: live, Not For You, Pearl Jam
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Yesterday I was listening to the Vitalogy album for the first time in quite a while and was again struck at just how great it is and just how amazing Pearl Jam has been for almost 20 years. Below is a live performance of Not For You from the previously mentioned album. Enjoy.
