The Padres Need to Step Up to the Plate!

Okay, please let me begin by stating that I could not be more pleased with the effort that San Diego Padres have put fourth thus far. Here we are, almost to the All Star break, and my Padres are in first place by 3.5 games, in the NL West. If that isn't amazing enough for you, how about this? The Padres have the best record in the National League! Still need more? The Padres have, by far, the lowest ERA for any pitching staff in baseball, even though they do not have a single pitcher on the All Star team. How about this? The Padres lead baseball with 13 shutouts!Still not convinced? This should help...The San Diego Padres have the best record in the National League since last July! If you think they are doing it with mirrors, you are wrong.

So, how are they doing it? Pitching, defense, hustle and heart. Just take the recent series with Houston for example. Game one, the Padres fell behind early and fought back to tie it up at three runs a piece. Uncharacteristically, Luke Gregerson, could not find the plate, walked three guys, and gave up a bases clearing double to blow the game open and they lost 6-3.

Game two: Scoreless tie into the 8th inning. The Padres scratch and claw for three runs, and win 3-0.

Game three: Scoreless tie into the 8th inning and the Padres manage to score one run and win 1-0. Are you seeing a trend here? Every game was tied in the eighth inning and the Padres had the heart, and pitching to win three out of four.

Game four: The Padres were clinging to a 2-1 lead in the eighth and looked to be blowing the game. A lead off double, followed by a rare triple from Berkman, made it a 2-2 tie with a runner on third and no one out. With the Padres bats lacking pop, this could have spelled disaster. Sure enough, a strikeout, a ground out, and a fly out, ended the inning with the 2-2 tie in place. Move to the bottom of the ninth, the Padres scratch and claw their way for one run and with the game 3-2 and the series 3-1. That about sums up how the year has gone for the San Diego Padres. Close games, great pitching, great hustle on the bases and solid defense. The question is, will that be enough to hang on to first place?
Well, my short answer is, yes! I do think the Padres have what it takes to win the NL West. By the way, don't give me this, "The West is a weak division" garbage. Four of the five teams in the West are over .500, so they must be okay. My problem is, if and when the Padres make the playoffs, they are going to need to score a couple more runs a game if they want to challenge the big bopping teams like St. Louis, or Philly in the NL and New York and Boston in the AL.

So, what to do? I say the Padres need to become buyers, not sellers and go after a bat! Local radio personalities ask San Diego listeners, "When will San Diegans believe in their Padres?" The answer is, when the Padres management believes in them! When Jed Hoyer, the Padres GM says, "If we are contending at the trade deadline, we will look to become buyers." What kind of GM says that? If the GM doesn't believe yet, why should the fans? As far as we know, they still may be looking to get rid of Adrian Gonzalez and Heath Bell! If they do that, you may as well play your vacation trips for October because the Padres will not be playing.

I understand that the Padres do not have a lot of money to spend. They are going through an ownership change and the new owner did not plan to spend too much, too early. His problem is that the Padres are forcing his hand early by showing that they truly are a contender, not a pretender. The Padres must buy, and the sooner the better.
Here is my suggestion, and I can't believe I'm saying this. Bring in Milton Bradley to play left field and bat behind Gonzalez. Bradley has all the tools to play well at the spacious Petco Park and has a strong enough bat to give some protection to Gonzo. Even Bradley says that he was happiest when he was a Padre and the limited pressure from the San Diego media is a nice environment for him. He would just have to get over the fact that his last game as a Padre was ended when his manager, Bud Black, beat him up at first base and blew out his knee.

From the Padres end, Bradley will come cheap. Any other big named bopper will cost them someone out of their very talented bullpen. With runs being at a premium, they cannot afford to lose Gregerson, Adams, or Bell, their top three relievers. Also, there were no negative comments from the Padres regarding Bradley's earlier tenure with the club. "Model Citizen" is the most frequent comment made about Bradley in those days.

Will the Padres pull the trigger and show that they want to win? Will the new management act like the old management and say, "Hey, we're in first, we don't need to make changes." ? I say, buy now!!!!

Bolt Notes: Super Bowl Edition

Well, here we are on the eve of the Super Bowl and once again my Chargers are sitting at home (or in a strip club, knowing many of them) preparing to watch the big game. I would love to go on a rant about how the Chargers showed again that they are immature and don't get the responsibility that comes with the paycheck. I could go on and on about LaDainian Tomlinson asking for his release and how it seems star players never leave San Diego in a pleasant fashion, but rather they leave frustrated, angry, and disappointed (See AJ Smith and Norv Turner).

I could talk about those things, but I would rather just move on and focus my attention on the teams that had the talent, maturity, fortitude, coaching, and luck to make it all the way to Super Bowl Sunday!

Yes, the Saints and Colts will meet tomorrow to provide much of the world with something to watch between commercials. We have arguably the best quarterback of all time in Peyton Manning, versus one of the greatest emotional stories in the New Orleans Saints. This should be a barn burner to the end.

I must admit that I am having a hard time picking this game's winner. I have been successful so far in the post season with just three losses, but I think I have changed my mind on this game on a daily basis. Most days, I say, "I want the Saints and Drew Brees, but I expect the Colts and Peyton to win." Then other days it's, "The emotion of the Saints will take them to another level that the Colts won't be able to match. Not to mention, with Freeney being hurt, the Colts defense will be much more vulnerable to the pass and run. Hopefully, I will come to a decision by the end of this post.

Looking at the Colts, I see an excellent passing game, led by Peyton Manning. However, with the late week injury to Reggie Wayne, I could see that attack slowing down if the injury has much effect of Wayne's running or cutting ability.

The Colts have the worst running stats in the league. That is true, but I would not say they have the worst running game in football. That privilege goes to my Bolts thank you. The Colts don't run poorly, they just don't run often. Their reliance, and the success of their passing game, makes it hard to rack up too many yards for Indy running backs.

Defensively, the Colts are small and fast. With Freeney, they have a very good pass rush and with Bob Sanders, they have the ability to cover well and turn the ball back over to their offense. Without Freeney and Sanders, they are average at best.

Coach Caldwell, of Indy, has a ton of pressure on him this week. Not only is he a rookie coach, he is the coach who threw out a possible perfect season in order to rest up for the post season. If he wins, he is mostly vindicated. If he loses, his fans will regret missing out on the perfect regular season. Fortunately for Caldwell, he has a pretty good coach on the field in Manning.

As for the Saints, they have many things on their side. For instance, Drew Brees is no slouch in the passing game. He moves the ball down field with a strong vertical attack and has Reggie Bush to dump the ball off to if the defense shuts down the deep balls.

The Saints also can rely on a solid running game with Pierre Thomas and company. The Saints should try to move the ball on the ground in order to open up the passing game, slow down the rush of the Colts, and keep Manning off the field.

The Saints defense is interesting. They just gave up a little less than 500 yards to Brett Favre and the Vikings. That leads me to believe that the Colts should be able to carve them up for ridiculous yards and with Manning's ability in the "red zone", the Colts should be able to put points on the board. However, the Saints "D" also forced five turnovers against the Vikings. Every defender is trained to strip the ball from runners and the corners and safeties are not afraid to cut a route and try to intercept the ball. Manning has had days in the past where he gets a case of the picks, but not too often.

What it comes down to is, can the Saints D keep the Colts offense out of the endzone? Also, can the Colts D do the same to the Saints? I must admit that my mind says that the Colts will win this game with relative ease. My heart however, and that little voice in the back of my head, says that Brees and Co. will outscore Manning and the Colts and win the game by less that a touchdown. In fact, I see a last minute drive by the Colts actually falling short due to a Manning interception to secure the victory for the Saints. It will be the biggest play the Saints D makes all day.

Final Score: Colts 34 Saints 38

MVP: Drew Brees

Bolt Notes: Pro Bowl Edition

Here is my official take on the NFL Pro Bowl.....WHO CARES?

That's about it! Okay, as a Chargers fan, I would like to see the Chargers who made the team do well and have the AFC win the game. That being said, if they don't, I won't lose any sleep at all.

Now, when this game was played in Hawaii and it was after the Super Bowl, I still didnt care that much, but I was far more interested than I am now. This new way of running the Pro Bowl has to be one of the worst ideas in sports history. The NFL changed the location from Hawaii to the Super Bowl site. Result: Many players were not inspired to go (no offence South Florida). Next, the NFL decides that they should play the game before the Super Bowl (am I allowed to write "Super Bowl"?), instead of the week following. Result: None of the Super Bowl participants will be allowed to play. They get to show up to Florida a day before their team and wave at the crowd during pregame festivities. Sounds like fun to me! Further results: So many players have opted out of the Pro Bowl that it isn't even an all start game anymore.

The NFL says that this new Pro Bowl setup is already a success because the media is talking about the game more than ever! The problem is that the media, and Joe Blow on the corner, are only talking about it to say how stupid it is.

Prediction: AFC 38 NFC 31

MVP Chris Johnson (assuming he is going to play)

Enjoy the game.....if you bother watching.

Bolt Notes: Pissed Off Edition

Well, I was waiting to write this post until I got over the Chargers loss from last Sunday. Apparently, that is not going to happen in time for this week's games. The one thing I will say is that I give the Jets credit for waiting patiently for the Chargers to self destruct. The Jets are a decent team, but do not belong on the same field with the Chargers when comparing talent. However, the Chargers are a bunch of mental midgets who act like they are sill in high school with their coach changing their grades so they can play. MORONS!

Okay, now that that is out of my system, here are my picks for the Championship round:

jets vs COLTS

The Colts are similar to the Chargers on offense with a more mature group of guys. Even the rookies play like veterans. The Colts also have a better defense than the Chargers so they should be able to stop the Jets running game and force the Jets to throw the ball. The Colts "varsity" team will handle the Jets with relative ease.

jest 10 COLTS 24

vikings vs SAINTS

This one could be a toss up, but I am going with Drew Brees at home and the Saints first ever trip to the Super Bowl! The Vikings have the better defense, but the Saints are on fire offensively. I also don't see Favre having the kind of day that he had last week again.

vikings 20 SAINTS 31

Bolt Notes: Divisonal Round Analysis and Picks

Okay, it is late on Friday night and I just got home from a high school girl's water polo tournament. I am hearing my bed calling me, but I have to at least make my picks for this weekends game. After all, it could be the most exciting week of football on the whole season. Anyway, sorry so brief, but I hope you will check it out and give me your picks as well. By the way, I was 3-1 last week.

CARDINALS @ saints

As with many of these games, my pick has changed on a daily basis this week. It should be a shootout, but who knows where the Saints are right now. I began the week liking the Saints to win at home in a high scoring game. As the week went on, I started dwelling on the fact that the Saints haven't played to win in a month! Are they so good that they can turn off the switch in week 15 and then turn it back on and beat Kurt Warner and the high flying Cardinals? I don't think so. Cards 38 Saints 24

ravens @ COLTS

I hear people talking about the great Ravens defense and the powerful Ravens running game. Okay, I'll buy that (for the most part). I hear others say that the Colts, and Peyton Manning, don't do well in the playoffs after a bye. Okay, I'll buy that (history doesn't lie). Then I look at the fact that Joe Flacco is hurt, the Colts are at home, and the Colts are pissed off that they didn't get a chance to be perfect. Also, the last time these two teams met, Flacco was healthy and his powerful offense only scored on 5 field goals. If the Ravens can't score touchdowns, they can't beat the Colts. Ravens 12 Colts 24

cowboys @ VIKINGS

Here is another game that I have flip-flopped on all week. Yes, the Cowboys are on fire right now. Yes, Tony Romo has knocked the playoff monkey off of his back. Yes, Brett Favre is almost as old as I am. Yes, Adrian Peterson hasn't broken the century mark in a game in the last seven weeks. All that being said, I think the Cowboys don't have the pressure they had on them last week and may relax just a little bit. Also, Favre is sure to have one great game in the playoffs. In fact, I see him playing great this week and having a tough game next week and missing the Super Bowl (at least that is what I feel today). Look for the Cowboys to come back down to earth. Cowboys 20 Vikings 28

jets @ CHARGERS

Well, obviously I am going with the Bolts this week. I always go with the Bolts. I'm a homer and have no problem admitting it! That being said, I must say that the closer we get to game time, the wider I think the margin of victory will be. The way I see it is that the Jets have one studly defensive back in Revis. The problem is that they don't have anymore. They need someone to cover all the other weapons that they Chargers possess. Go ahead and lock down Jackson. Just look out for Floyd, Gates, Nanee, Sproles, Tomlinson and even Tolbert. The Chargers just have too much fire power for the Jets.

The Jets will be able to run the ball, but other teams have run the ball as well and still lost to the Bolts. The Chargers give up a lot of yards, but not that many points. In the last half of the season, the Chargers defense has played very well in the redzone. You can ask the Dallas Cowboys if that statement is true.

The fact is that if the Chargers can score like I think they can, the Jets will be forced to pass the football more than they want to. Not that Sanchez is terrible, but he is a rookie and I don't think he beats Philip Rivers in a battle of the quarterbacks. If it becomes a shootout, the Jets don't stand a chance.

Don't get me wrong, I do think the Jest have a chance to win this game. I am not looking past them. I just think that the Chargers are a better team and if they play their game, the Jets so not have the answers for them. That really became clear to me when I started hearing quotes from Jets coach Rex Ryan. The way I see it is if the coach is talking smack, it is probably to try to get in the Chargers heads and to convince his own team that they have a chance.

Jets 16 Chargers 31

Enjoy the games!

Bolt Notes: Wild Card Weekend Analysis And Picks!

In the immortal words or George Thorogood...."And away we go!" That's right, the 2009/2010 NFL playoffs will begin on Saturday with some great wild card matchups! We have the Jets invading Cincinnati, and the Eagles flying to Dallas! Both games are repeats of week 17 matchups that had the Jets and Cowboys claiming victories and momentum going into the post season. Do last week's victories really mean that much? Or, do we throw them out and start from scratch?

If that wasn't enough excitement for one weekend, we have the Sunday games! We begin with the Ravens trying to rough up the ailing Patriots and the Packers trying to win back to back weeks against the Cardinals.

I don't know about you, but I can't wait. Now, let's see who I pick and why. I would love to see some comments from you sharing how you feel things will work out.

New York Jets vs Cincinnati Bengals

Last Sunday, the Jets hosted Cincinnati and simply put a beat down on them. The Bengals started their first string and accomplished nothing. Literally nothing! Carson Palmer only completed one pass for exactly zero yards! His backup didn't fare much better as the Bengals folded for the Jets, allowing New York to waltz right into the playoffs where they will meet the Bengals again.

The question is, how bad did Cincy want to win that game? It appeared that they tried to keep things simple and not give away too much. That may have been their theory but they had to leave the game wondering why they could not move the ball at all against the Jets top rated defense. Not to mention, Bengals star receive, Chad Ochocinco slipped in pre-game and injured his knee. He will play Sunday, but he may be somewhat limited. Perhaps Ochocinco will be happy in the long run to have an excuse why he got shut down two weeks in a row.

Jets Head Coach Rex Ryan has explained in the media that despite their 9-7 record coming into the playoffs, their top rated defense and their top rated running game should make them favorites to win the Super Bowl. Well, I hear where he is coming from, but I'm not buying what he is selling.

It has been said that the team that can run the ball and play the best defense will win in post season. I would even say that I agree with that statement. However, let's look at why it is true most years. First of all, defense tends to show up every week when offenses can have bad days. Second, there are fewer bad things that can happen when you run the football and you control the clock when you keep it on the ground. Okay fine. I'm with you so far Rex. Here is where I split apart. In my humble opinion, the reason that teams with tough defenses, and offenses that feature the run are so hard to beat in post season is the weather. Normally, there are teams in the post season, hosting games, in the bitter cold, snow, ice, and rain soaked fields. In those conditions, it is very difficult to pass the ball. If you don't have a run game, you are really hurting. Looking at this year's venues, we won't be having inclimate weather games to deal with. After the wild card week, all the games are likely to be played in a dome, or a warm weather site like San Diego. Passing offenses could flourish this year.

As for this game? Well, this is the one exception to the good weather games for this post season. It is supposed to be cold and snowing in Cincinnati on Saturday. That is bad news for Carson Palmer and the Bengals offense. The Jets have shown that they can win without the help of rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez. He can throw 15 times a game to keep the other team honest and then let his potent ground game take over. Much like the Steelers a few years ago. With that in mind, I have to pick the Jets to win this one in a low scoring, fast moving game.

Jets 20 Bengals 13

Philadelphia Eagles vs Dallas Cowboys

I have flip flopped on this game at least five times this week. Romo and the Cowboys have never won a playoff game together. The Eagles tend to move through the playoffs every year until they lose focus and falter. The thing about this game that makes it a tough call is that the Eagles were shutout by the Cowboys just a week ago! Shutout!!! In fact, the Cowboys defense has thrown back to back shut outs to end the regular season. That is hard to do against anyone, much less the very talented Eagles offense, lead by Donavin McNabb.

Some people say that the Eagles laid down because they had the playoffs locked up. I don't see it that way. They could have earned a bye in week one and a home game next week if they had won the game. They had to be trying. Yet, they failed to even kick a field goal.

Well, just as the Cowboys silenced the critics by showing they can win a game or two in December, I think they are in line to win one in the playoffs this year. Since they are at home, I will be going with Tony Romo and the Cowboys.

Eagles 20 Cowboys 27

Baltimore Ravens vs New England Patriots

As a Chargers fan, this matchup is particularly interesting to me. If the Patriots win, the Chargers will face them in the divisional round. If the Ravens win, the Bolts will face the winner of the Jets/Bengals game. With the injuries that New England has suffered and the veterans they have lost on defense, I think most Bolt fans would tell you that they want the Patriots to win and then come to San Diego to get humiliated! But then again, you can't forget the last couple of times they have met in the playoffs and the game has not turned out so hot for the Chargers. Be careful what you wish for keeps coming to mind.

Let's not get ahead of ourselves though. The Chargers have the luxury of sitting and watching this weeks game. In fact, if the Chargers are hoping for anything it may be that the Patriots and Ravens play a brutally physical game and both teams crawl off the field needing medical attention and perhaps last rights! In that case, it wouldn't matter who won.

The Patriots go into this game with some real challenges. Top clutch receiver Wes Welker blew out his knee last week and will not be available. That is a huge loss, even though they do have a Welker clone in Julian Edleman who came in for Welker last week and grabbed 10 receptions for 103 yards. The question is, can this rookie receiver perform on the big stage? Also banged up in New England is quarterback Tom Brady. Cracked ribs and a broken finger on his throwing hand have been reported. Some of his passes last week leads me to believe the stories are true. Pats coach Bill Belichick claims that Brady is fine, but we all know that Belichick has a different take on what the truth is than most fans outside of New England.

The Ravens had their issues this year but they do have a strong running attack and a very good second year starting quarterback in Joe Flacco. Also, Ray Lewis is still making plays and delivering big hits for the Ravens defense. The Ravens defense is not the feared D that it once was, but they can still come up with plays and hits that make you remember the team that once was at the top of the NFL on that side of the ball.

Look for this to be a hard hitting, turnover filled game. The weather should not be a huge factor. It should be very cold, but clear. As long as it stays dry, both teams should be able to pass the ball. However, a cold ball is a slippery ball so look for fumbles and picks to make the difference. I have to give the Pats credit for knowing how to win the big games against teams they should beat.

Baltimore Ravens 23 New England Patriots 24

Green Bay Packers vs Arizona Cardinals

The last game of the weekend is another rematch form week 17. The Cardinals took a beating last week as Aaron Rodgers and the Packers ran right over them. However, that doesn't mean much this week as you must remember that Arizona had nothing to play for and they had Matt Lienhart at quarterback most of the game. That being said, you have remember that Arizona did decide to play much of their first string which lead to the high ankle sprain of wide receiver Anquan Boldin. That is bad news for Arizona. Although Boldin is as tough as they come, he may not be very effective this week.

The Packers come into this week as the hottest team in football not named the Chargers. Aaron Rodgers is playing at an extremely high level and looking for a possible third matchup with his old teammate, Brett Favre. The Packers have the entire package. They run fairly well, they play solid defense, and they can throw the heck out of the ball. This should be one exciting game to watch!

When it comes down to it, you have to consider the pride of the Arizona Cardinals. They come into this game as the reigning NFC champions! They do not want to lose that honor to a wild card team at their own field. Look for Kurt Warner to make miracles happen on Sunday.

Green Bay Packers 27 Arizona Cardinals 32

Enjoy the games!

Name That Film: Fade To Black Edition

"It is required of every man that the spirit within him should walk abroad among his fellow-men, and travel far and wide; and if the spirit goes forth in life, it is condemned to do so after death and it is doomed to wander through the world-oh, woe is me!-to witness what it cannot share, but might have shared on earth, and turned to happiness!"

New Year's Day as a feast day is one of the oldest, if not the oldest, on record. It is mentioned by Tacitus in the First Century, but first referred to as a Christian festival about the year, 567 (all good children go to heaven!), and yet, nothing changes, per Bono, on New Years Day. This date has long since determined by the lunar Germanic calendar referring to the moment when the wheel of the year is at its low point: December 31st. A few hazy Suessically inspired intros and more back and forth banter have punctuated our history here at the Film Edition but we, as a community, are not to be sentenced to a life of sedentary obesity and aching thumbs. Bullying is in the eye of the beholder and there is no reason to be down trodden-one man’s victim of bullying is another’s opportunity to educate. I have a dream and it seems I may still be asleep!

Must we agree on dissolution and record this decision with a strict resolution in the minutes of an official meeting or with a written consent form, which may be construed as a manifesto. Consent to approve dissolution officially begins with you. We, the Film Edition, will operate as sole proprietors with limited liabilities to officially dissolve this entity, at least for the time being, unto a division of the secretary of state, which should have the necessary forms handy, if not in a pile somewhere.

Fret not! This is just a game. We will not require the standard two-third's or even a unanimous vote to take a little break. The partnership at present can no longer incur debts such as a backed up computer space, time spent hogging up the mainframe while averting hurling spam-mail. Abort mission! Abort! No one has the right to be perpetually contactable despite any power surge. It is the technological age and obscurity is not just a passing fad or a stage, it is a lifestyle! Taking notes in the shadows is decidedly more pleasant with most common closing costs in any worthwhile endeavor still endeavoring to cost less than remorse and regret.

What will we do with ourselves now? Who has time to find something new? Worthwhile. I know I don’t, how ‘bout you? Maybe I could write that first novel? Take a look on up high...and not just back to ancient times, there were sun-worshipers who believed the sun was born each morning, rode across the upper world, and sank into the grave at night. Day after day, as the sun's power diminished, these primitive people (who are we to judge?) feared we would eventually be overcome by darkness and forced to remain in the under world. Sound Marvel Comic-esque? Radio? Television? Newspapers? People at present could certainly argue any point they see fit but, when, therefore, after many months, the sun apparently wheeled about and grew stronger and stronger, they felt that Rah had been born again and it turns out, he was.

Never says a word, he does, but silence just has to be one of the most passionate demonstrations for the rights of the bold and intelligent, inspiring extraordinary performances all over the world.

This coming mind-honored occurrence, New Years, is a longstanding tradition that links you with the million plus that visit any city that sleeps but little during this time of year. Sometimes even fireworks are permitted so it may be clear we shall not fear the Reaper for very long. Start fresh. Begin anew. Popular resolutions in the western world include to quit smoking or rid excessive nights of pounding jack and cokes, and to lose weight and get back to working out. Rid flab on every level can also be a solid approach.

Black hole sun. I've seen fire and I've seen rain, but to explain, Yule, besides being the king of Siam, was also an indigenous midwinter festival celebrated by the Germanic peoples, who were progressively absorbed into the Christian observations surrounding the Christmas season; don, we did, our gay apparel! Certainly Yule-tide was and still should be a very merry season among people who feast, drink, and dance in honor of the return of the sun, the god of light and a new year/decade on the horizon. Imagine all the possibilities, which may be seen as boundless, walking in a winter wonderland.

Messengers return from the West and have no idea of an absence of sun theory and yet bear similar tidings just the same. This sheds light on the nature of established customs in the category of old time festivals in the very spirit of the game, which gives a character a finer significance in the story-line and there are miles to go before this cat sleeps...

Play to pay your respects to parents and worthy elders and seek their disjointed blessings. Exchange tokens of Good Wishes for health and a prosperous year ahead. In Rome we too shall play the part because one special day was dedicated by Numa to the honor of god Janus, for whom Julius Caesar named the month of January. Follow if you will the lineage. Numa ordained that New Years Day should be observed as a day of good-humor and good-fellowship so let's work together! On paper, all grudges and hard feelings are to be forgotten. Sacrifices of cake, wine, and incense are to be made to those deserving, substitute as you will.

Interesting fact that in ancient times, the offerings were made to a two-faced god who looked forward and backward. The levels on this one hold immense potential to any feeling, thinking individual. Men of letters, mechanics, and other artisans were expected to give to the god the best they had to offer of their respective arts. It was the great occasion of the entire year, as it is now in many countries. Hey. Ho. Let's go! There is a certain significance to the two faces I'd be willing to bet, if someone wasn't thinking a giving betting up. Chew wanna bet? Don't talk to me about technicalities...

Don't forget the Rose Bowl OR the tournament of the Roses parade, or since 2008, that the National Hockey League has held its annual Winter Classic, an outdoor regular season hockey game, on New Year's Day, which I may add will be on the hallowed grounds of Fenway Park this year (not that I'm biased!).

The date of New Year's Day has varied among varying nations that tend to vary. Among the Egyptians, Chinese, Jews, and Romans the gala has been observed on dates varying from March first back to December twenty-fifth, so there really is no real Christmas rush at all, it was all made up by retailers just to make a buck! Hogwash!

It was as late as the Sixteenth Century before the date of January first was universally accepted as the New Year by the Romans but look where complacency got them! Nations retaining the Gregorian calendar, such as Russia and Greece, observe New Years thirteen days later than those who reckon time by the Julian calendar but does anyone really know what time it is? Among northern nations the love of fire and light originated the custom of kindling bonfires to burn out the old year and destroy all evil connected with its past. Adieu! Out With the old....in with the new. Light has long been an expression of joy and gladness among all branches of the Aryan race just not as fondly displayed as evidence to the annals of our History.

Sun enters Mesha. They're are people all across the world gathering on beaches in the name of good will. Polar bear plunges are done In Ireland, Canada, UK, US and Australia for goodwill and charity!

The innate love of light and warmth-the inheritance from the sun-worshipers of ages past-is always dominant in humanity at Yule-tide festivals, which this may turn out to be....a basket of 12 different round fruits to symbolize prosperity. Loud firecrackers. A booming sound system. Heck maybe even a bamboo canon and some coins to jumble in a tin can,may play their part. And surely you will pay for your pint, And surely I will pay for mine! And we will take a cup of kindness yet, for old long ago!

Ring out the old, ring in the new, bring happy trails from me to you. Ring, happy bells, across the freshly fallen snow. The year is going, so let it go; in one year and out the other. Ring out the false, and ring in the true. Propose a toast like sah-oo-day! Vee-va! Nyen nyen zhu ee, ees igee-an, ah lah sa-loo-tay, ah-vhee ihn fwee, wah-shuh wich, chin chin, kahm-pah-ee, or sa luud.

I should have liked, I do confess, to have at my disposal, the slightest licence of a child, and yet be man enough to know it's value!

DID YOU KNOW- In ancient Egypt, New Year was celebrated towards the end of September coinciding with the flooding of River Nile. Considered the all-important event, the flooding of Nile because without it growing the crops was more than a difficult task. New Year celebrations in Egypt were accompanied with activities like singing, dancing and feasting cutting our ancient shortcomings just that much shorter. In Spain the popular New Year Tradition is of eating twelve grapes as the clock strikes 12 at midnight. We here in America like to add a step to that tradition and take the grapes in liquid form. This tradition signifies twelve happy months in the coming New Year. It's believe that the first person over the threshold on the New Year's Day, i.e., on January 1st will dictate the luck brought to the particular house in the New Year. Japanese have the tradition of organizing various Bonenkai or “forget the year parties” that are held to bid farewell to the old year along with all its problems. Another tradition followed in Japan is that of giving Otoshidamas (small gifts or money) to children. China has its own way of celebrating the New Year with a series of New Year Traditions. Holding family reunions, cleansing the house, offering sacrifices to the ancestors, wearing red clothes and firework are all part of New Year Traditions in China. Fireworks displays started as a custom to frighten the evil spirits. Sydney is the place, known for the best fireworks display on New Year's Eve. Watching the sky dazzled with a variety of fireworks is no wonder a breathtaking site. Come lighten the midnight sky (just don't burn the midnight oil!) with bright fireworks as the clock strikes 12.

Auld Lang Syne, for our information, is a Scottish poem written by Robert Burns in 1788 and set to the tune of a traditional folk song meaning long long ago"[2] or "days gone by- in a pentatonic Scots folk melody, probably originally a sprightly dance in a much quicker tempo. It is common practice that everyone joins hands with the person next to them to form a great circle around the dance floor wherever you happen to reside. At the beginning of the last verse, everyone crosses their arms across their breast, so that the right hand reaches out to the neighbour on the left and vice versa. When the tune ends, everyone rushes to the middle, while still holding hands. When the circle is re-established, everyone turns under the arms to end up facing outwards with hands still joined. Outside of Scotland the hands are often crossed from the beginning of the song at variance with Scottish custom. Ei ei o!

For some New Year means drinking champagne, for some it's the time to visit temples and for some it's a time to celebrate by burning fireworks. Time to rejoice and dump the old making space to bring in the new, New Year is the much-awaited time of the year. New Year's Eve has always been a time for looking back to the past, and more importantly, forward to the coming year. It's a time to reflect on the changes we want (or need) to make and resolve to follow through on those changes.

So with the aid of 32,000 watts of pedal power, say adieu to bad hairstyles, loathed music, fashion disasters and regrettable romances, tossing them all into an unrecognizable pulp of bad karma and negative vibes burning the year away as the Times Square New Year's Eve Ball descends from a flagpole at the top of One Times Square. It can best be seen along Broadway, from 43rd Street to 50th Street, and along Seventh Avenue, as far north as 59th Street. Each year, millions of eyes from all over the world are focused on the sparkling Waterford Crystal Times Square New Year's Eve Ball. At 11:59p.m., the Ball begins its descent as millions of voices unite to count down the final seconds of the year, and celebrate the beginning of a new year full of hopes, challenges, changes and dreams. The new Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball is a 12 foot geodesic sphere, double the size of previous Balls, and weighs 11,875 pounds. Covered in 2,668 Waterford Crystals and powered by 32,256 Philips Luxeon Rebel LEDS, the new Ball is capable of creating a palette of more than 16 million vibrant colors and billions of patterns producing a spectacular kaleidoscope effect atop One Times Square, which ken make a Deadhead flashback. The organizers also announced that the new Ball will become a year-round attraction above Times Square in full public view January through December. So revellers, let the new year take flight and as it has been said in so many ways, let there be light!

Wow!!! Now Blood is a man who doesn't want to leave anything unsaid! Incredible B! Thanks for all of your hard work!

Now, on to the game!

First of all, I want to thank anyone who shows up to participate in this, our final, edition. I would love for us to complete this game so we can go out knowing that the game was still fun and entertaining. That being said, we cranked up the number of quotes from 10 to 20! That's right, we're going out with a bang!

Directions: In case you joined the party at closing time, this is what you do. First read the movie quotes below. Next, in the comment section, put a movie title to every quote you know from the list. Finally, check back later to see if you were right and to actually view the clip from the movie! It's that simple. There is no theme to this weeks movies other than I really like all of the movies listed below. I have used them all before, but with different quotes. Some are classics and some are guilty pleasures. I hope you enjoy playing Name That Film!

1. "Give us a kiss."

2.. "Anyway....we delivered the bomb."

3. "Someday this war's gonna end."

4. "Never start with the head. The victim gets all fuzzy."

5. "The thing is Bob, it's not that I'm lazy, it's that I don't care."

6. "It's just an eye. God saw fit to grace me with a spare."

7. "Captain, if your mother saw you do that she would be very upset."

8. "How come in former lifetimes, everybody is somebody famous?"

9. "That's no ball! We want a real ball!"

10. "Um...Que pasa there Pedro?"

11. "One name? Who are you....Seal?"

12. "You think too much of me kid. I'm not that clever. All I want is a truce."

13. The United States government just asked us to save the world. Anybody want to say no?

14. "We make no pretence at rehabilitation here. We're not priests, we're processors."

15. "I don't have it. Screws fall out all the time. The world's an imperfect place."

16. "Oh my God! You're from the '60's!"

17. "I want my cigarettes!"

18. "You know something people? You're going to be remembered the rest of your lives for the day you got held up, and kidnapped."

19. "Look Angelo, do you think I joined the FBI to learn to surf?"

20. "I gave my word to God! And that's why I threw those bastards out, and that's all I'm gonna say!"

Good luck everyone!

Final Note: Blood-N-Bolts Productions would like to thank all of you who showed up each week for the last couple of years to play our silly game. A special thanks goes out to those who almost always showed up and let us know they were reading, even if they didn't get any quotes right. So, a special thanks goes out to the following: Bleed, SpeedyB, Athens, Jon464, TheUCLAN, aero, 3rdStone, Jokerswild, Blue, Kvalus, SoortsChump, RA6AN, Mom, photogr, CR_Racing, DangerousFatMan, DeGraff, Forensic2, Gene, Storkjrc, VolFan69, fuzzboss, goutdaddy, and anyone else who I may have forgotten! We couldn't have done it without you.
A special thanks goes out to our M.V.P., bosox61! This game would hav died out long ago if not for bosox. Almost every week we could count on boxos dropping by and answering 80% of our quotes. bosox has an amazing ability to remember these quotes nad actually put the quotes to the correct movie! What I really want to thank him for is the class in which he played. Even though there were weeks he knew all of the answers, he would only give one or two answers in the beginning so that others would have a chance. That was awesome! You're a class act Paul and please know that your efforts will always be appreciated by blood and myself.
Finally, I have to give a personal thanks to bloodredsox. My Bostonian Pahtna is the number one reason this game has been able to stay fresh over the last year plus. If you recall, there was a week where I asked for help. I was running out of ideas and the task was getting too great for me to continue on my own, with the rest of life interfering at times. Blood answered that call and did so with great enthusiasm. His unique style of writing and his willingness to help out and make things work made it possible to not only continue playing, but enjoy doing it as well. Hopefully, I have made a lifelong friend in Blood. Thanks again Pahtna.
Finally (again), I would be wrong to not thank my family for putting up with this crazyness and the time that it took for me to put it together and moderate the comments coming in. They also had to help come up with ideas, movies, and try to answer quotes so that I could measure the difficulty. Thanks to Blaine and the kids for all that you did!

Alright, that is really it this time! Let's see those answers! Remember to check back in and see if you were right. There is a delay, but I will be checking tonight and over the next couple of days to see how we do.

Thanks again from Blood-N-Bolts Productions for playing Name That Film!

Keep in touch.

(Look for Me, Bolt Backer 21, in the crowd at the Chargers playoff game on the 17th!)

Bolt Notes: WEEK 17 Analysis and NFL Picks!

Here we are, the last week of the regular season! Personally, I think this is the toughest week of the year to pick winners. Who is going to rest starters? Who is going to play it safe? Who has already packed it in and started their vacations? Who has something to prove? Who is playing a do or die game? All of these angles make it hard to decide the winners in week 17. That's okay, I'll give it a shot anyway.

Last week I went 10-6 (again), to move my overall record up to 152-88. Read my picks and let me know what you think!

NFL PICKS WEEK 17

colts @ BILLS

It feels strange to pick the Bills over the Colts. However, the Colts have shown that they are going to rest their studs and play their backups. Also, it was obvious last week that the team was let down by their coaches decision to pull starters and lose their perfect season. That could linger as the year comes to a close. The only question is if Buffalo will show up for this game.

jaguars @ BROWNS

This could be four in a row for the Browns!!! Are you kidding me? Leave it to the Browns to win enough to lower their draft pick, yet not make the playoffs. Oh well, it's a sign of improvement. As for the Jags, they could very well win this game. Is going .500 enough of an incentive to go on the road an beat a hot team? I doubt it.

BEARS @ lions

I don't like either team in this one. The Lions don't know how to win. Also, Jay Cutler is a bottom feeder. He loves to pad his stats against the bad teams. He has to want to go out on a good note so the off season isn't filled with people calling for his head on a platter. That should be enough for the Bears to win this in a close one.

NINERS @ rams

If the Niners have folded their tents, they will lose. I'm betting that Coach Singletary will not allow that is his players. If they show up, the Niners should have too much fire power for the lack-luster Rams.

STEELERS @ dolphins

Another tough call. I just think that the champions will show up and force the rest of the league to keep them out of the playoffs. The Dolphins at their best could beat a banged up Pittsburgh, but I don't see Miami at their best right now. That being said, I don't see Pittsburgh in the playoffs either (thank God).

giants @ VIKINGS

Vikings jockeying for position in the playoffs and the Giants looking like a shell of their former selves. There is no way that Favre wants to play anywhere but in a dome in the playoffs and he also really needs a bye week. The Vikings will pull out all the stops to win this game. Fortunately, it shouldn't take that great of an effort to beat the G-Men.

FALCONS @ bucs

Congratulations to the Bucs for their big win last week. Enjoy it while it lasts Tampa Bay. The Falcons will not relax for the Bucs this week. Falcons win easily.

saints @ PANTHERS

The Saints have been struggling and have shown that they will rest Brees and other starters to ready them for the playoffs. If the Panthers are still playing with pride, they should be able to squeak this one out.

patriots @ TEXANS

Billy Boy says he will start Brady, and I believe he will. However, how long will he play and how many other starters will see limited, if any time at all? I see the Pats resting this week and more or less handing the Texans this one. Also, the Texans are playing for their playoff lives at home. Advantage Houston.

EAGLES @ cowboys

Maybe the best game of the week. Both teams need it and both teams are playing well. I almost went with Dallas at home, but I think the Eagles are too explosive for Americas Team. (note to Fox TV. Just because I live an hour North of San Diego does not mean that I am not a Chargers fan. I am very displeased that I will have to watch the Cowboys game when my Bolts are playing a sold out home game. Remember, not everyone is a Cowboys fan!

chiefs @ BRONCOS

It looks like Denver is going to pull off a miracle! They are about to become the third team in NFL history start 6-0 and not make the playoffs. However, for this to happen, it will take a little bit of help since I can't see them losing this game. Coach McDaniels must be confident as well as he picks now to bench his best receiver, Brandon Marshall. Even if the Broncos win, which I think they will, they need the Jets, Ravens, and Steelers to lose as well. Looks like another long postseason for the Broncos. Two first round draft choices next year should help.

RAVENS @ raiders

This game will not be close. As good as the DB's of the Raiders are, I don't believe they will be able to control a motivated Ravens offense. Also, the quarterbacks of the Raiders leave something to be desired. Sorry, Charlie Frye and JaMarcus Russell, I don't think you are saviors.

packers @ CARDS

Another potentially good game. Should be lots of passing and some big plays in this one. I think the Cards are starting to peak and will blow past the Packers at home.

TITANS @ seahawks

They should just flip a coin for this game. The Titans played poorly last week against the Chargers and they are banged up. The Seahawks (let me see if I can put this kindly)...hmmm...are ...............horrible! If the Titans board the plane, they win this game.

bengals @ JETS

New York is fighting for a birth in the playoffs and Cincinnati is pretty well locked in. Playing at home, with a solid defense, and something to play for, should be enough to put the Jets over the Bengals.

redskins @ CHARGERS

This is a much harder game to call then it looks. Coach Norv Turner has said that he wants to get as many starters on the team some quality playing time as possible. However, he has also said that subs like quarterback Billy Volek will get a large amount of snaps. My guess is that the starters will get a quarter and then the most valuable, and banged up starters will be done for the day.

Then you have the Redskins. They should be playing their starters throughout the entire game, unless there are subs they want to look at for next year. Normally, that would give them the advantage. However, judging by the previous two weeks for the Skins, I don't think the starters are trying anymore. They were destroyed in a big rivalry game on Monday night two weeks ago and then turned around and got shut out last week. I can't see the Redskins beating the Chargers in any scenario this week.

My only fear for this game is that a key starter, or two, will be injured and knocked out of the playoffs. A few years back, I watched my Bolts play a meaningless game against the Cardinals in week 17. During that game, Philip Rivers injured his foot and was very limited in the playoffs.

Over the past three years, key players like LaDainian Tomlinson, Philip Rivers, Shawne Merriman, Antonio Cromartie, Jamal Williams, Antonio Gates, and others have staggered into the post season and the team has not been able to put two playoffs wins together. This year could be different. I believe if the Chargers stay healthy, this is the best opportunity they have had to win it all. I'm not ordering Super Bowl tickets, nor am I getting my ring finger sized for a championship ring (copy of course). What I am saying, is that their won't be any excuses this year and the Chargers have proven they can play with the big boys. Only time will tell!

Enjoy the games!

Name That Film: Farewell Edition

Yep, that's right folks! Blood-N-Bolts Productions is calling it a wrap. However, we're not done yet! Next Tuesday will be our last edition. It would have been this week, but I'm going on a small get away with my wife and would not be able to moderate the game. Please let everyone you know who has ever enjoyed playing along that they should check back in next Tuesday to play one last time.

Blood and I reserve the right to pull a "Favre" at any time and come out of retirement, but for now, we are through.

I'll give my thanks and appreciation to all next week. Let's go out with a bang!

See you next Tuesday!

Bolt

By the way, I was able to look back in the archives and find the second edition ever of Name That Film. It was a bit primative back then, not had I made the aquaintance of my pahtna Bloodredsox. Below is the post.

Name That Film - 2
Wednesday, October 8, 2008, 09:17 PM EST [General]

Last week I wrote a post called Name That Film. I had a fun time coming up with movie quotes and challenging you all to figure out what movie they came from. I just love pulling quotes, normally obscure ones, and using them in ordinary conversation. Anyway, I decided to do it again and see if I can get any past bosox61. He got 8 of 10 last time with the other two being filled in by others. Here we go again with this weeks installment. See how many you know. Some are sports films, some are not. I tried hard not to use the most obvious quotes from these movies to make it more challenging. Have fun and good luck!

1. "Hit me Chief, I've got the moves!"
2. "Are you saying Jesus Christ couldn't hit a curve ball?"
3. "Rubbin' is racing."
4. "Rules? Rules in a knife fight?"
5. "This house is clean."
6. "Take her to the zoo."
7. "It's your turn coach."
8. "You're just gonna love Oklahoma."
9. "What is your major malfunction?"
10. "Ty Cobb wanted to play. But we hated the son of a bitch while he was alive, so we told him to stick it!"

Well there you go. Have at it! If you don't know them all, that's okay, answer the ones you do know. I'll chime in tomorrow or the next day with the answers and/or the winner.

Unfortunately, Foxsports.com lost all of the comments.

Bolt Notes:Week 16 Analysis and NFL Picks

Well, changing my picking style did nothing for changing my luck. Another 10-6 week brought my total through 15 weeks to 142-82. This week I feel pretty strong that I will improve. I'm looking for a 13 win week! The only way I seek another average week is for teams to rest starters, or just not mentally show up for work since they did, or didn't, make the playoffs. For the most part, there are many teams who still have a shot at the playoffs, or a possible bye week, so I expect full effort around the league. Even the Colts who have locked up the number one seed in the AFC have a reason to try...the undefeated season!

Here is my take on the week 16 matchups across the NFL!

buffalo @ ATLANTA

I do not think much of the Bills and they have nothing to play for but the chance to be spoilers. Atlanta has shown that they can play despite being banged up. Atlanta at home make sense to me.

kansas city @ CINCINNATTI

A heart breaking loss last Sunday to my Bolts, followed by a tear jerking funeral of their teammate Chris Henry, is a tough way to go into a game. However, the Chiefs might lose to an average division 1 college football team right now. The Bengals will have little to no problem with KC.

oakland @ CLEVELAND

Another quarterback change for Cleveland, and a quarterback mess for Oakland, makes this game a tough call. I have to go with Cleveland and their new found running game, along with their special teams play. I wouldn't be shocked to see Oakland pull this one out, but I have to go with the Brownies this time.

seattle @ GREEN BAY

Seattle may have earned the title, "worst team in the NFL", after last week's performance. I don't care who they are playing, I can't pick them. It doesn't hurt that they are playing a good team coming off of a heart breaker. Green Bay in a blow out!

BALTIMORE @ pittsburgh

I'm not incredibly confident in this pick. If Pittsburgh was healthy on defense, I would go with the home team. However, I can't see Big Ben having another 500+ yards passing performance this week and he needed every one of those yards to squeek out a win last week. Ravens in a tough battle.

houston @ MIAMI

I rarely get the Houston game right. I struggle with Miami as well! I guess it is because they are rather inconsistant teams. They are the NFL's "box of chocolates". I'm guessing that Matt Shaub will have another good day, in another losing effort. Miami is always close at the end so I will take them at home.

jacksonville @ NEW ENGLAND

I may rethink this game if the Chargers win on Christmas. Right now, the Patriots are fighting to get the number two seed in the AFC. If the Chargers beat the Titans, the Bolts lock up number two. In that case, the Pats may pull back a little and keep some guys healthy. Since they are not the Pats of old, that would be enough to put Jacksonville over the top. Oh well, I have to commit, so I will take New England in a close game.

tampa bay @ NEW ORLEANS

The Saints want the number two seed in the NFC and will not let the lowly Bucs get in their way. They can play without that perfect monkey on their backs as well. Even Mercury Morris is not longer casting spells on them from Miami (you know they might worry about that in New Orleans). Beating the Bucs will be a Brees for New Orleans.

carolina @ NY GIANTS

Giants need every game to hope for a playoff birth. Carolina doesn't have enough to get in their way in New York. Giants by a wide margin.

detroit @ SAN FRANCISCO

Detroit has shown the ability to compete, but not the ability to win. The Niners are at least average and should be able to beat the Lions at home. I wouldn't want to be in the post game meeting with Singletary if the Niners lose this one.

st. louis @ ARIZONA

Cards are playing decent, yet inconsistant, football. They should still have enough to beat the Rams. I see Warner having no problem hitting his talented targets all day long. Cards win this home game with ease.

ny jets @ INDIANAPOLIS

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. I won't pick against the Colts until they lose, or play the Chargers. Personally, as a Chargers fan, I'm hoping the Colts continue their perfect record into the playoffs. That will add some pressure on them. Who knows, they may even go one and done and never see my Bolts. Well, let's not get ahead of ourselves. Thinking ahead has killed the Chargers before. For this week, I'll take the Colts to stay perfect.

denver @ PHILADELPHIA

Philly is hot and trying to catch the Vikings for the number two seed in the NFC. The Broncos are inconsistant and coming off an embarrassing loss to the Raiders. They are still looking good for the playoffs, but it they lose this one, they may fall completely out in week 17. No way that the Broncos offense scores with the Eagles high powered offense right now.

DALLAS @ washington

Until last Monday, I may have picked the Skins in this one. However, the Cowboys looked great last week and the Redskins looked like they were already on vacation and just had their practice squad stand in for the starters. There is not doubt that the caos that is going on in Washington has taken its' toll on the players and coaching staff. The end can't come soon enough for these guys. Cowboys in a blow out.

MINNESOTA @ chicago

Good timing for Mimmesota. They are having power struggles between the coach (Chilly) and the quarterback (The Brett Favre). For some teams that would cause them to lose focus and blow games they should win. However, they are playing against Jay Cutler, the interception machine! No one turns the ball over as consistantly as Chokeler, especially in the redzone. I can't see Adrian, oopps, I mean Brett, and the boys losing this one.

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS @ tennessee titans

This is a tough one for me. I truly believe that if the Chargers come out, focused, and wanting to win, they will outscore the Titans in a fairly high scoring affair. The Chargers have such a well tuned passing game that the "generous" Titans pass defense could not keep the Bolts out of the endzone. Also, the Titans just lost two starting linebackers, including Bullick, their leader, so the running game may perk up as well. Of course, that does not mean that the Titans won't have their strong drives when they have the ball. The Chargers don't defend the run that well and Chris Johnson is just going nuts! Over 1700 yards on the ground thus far for Johnson! The Titans average over 160 yard per game on the ground. Also, since Vince Young took over the helm, the Titans are 7-1 and he is performing at a level not seen since his days in Texas.

Then there is plan B. Plan B would be to sit the Chargers best players this week to perserve their health. Two years ago, the Titans and Chargers played each other in a blood bath. The Chargers lost several key players including injury prone Shawne Merriman who was chop blocked after leveling Vince Young away from the play. I wouldn't mind seeing the Chargers taking out guys like Rivers, Tomlinson, Gates, Merriman, Castillo, Jackson, Jammer, and Philips. Let them rest and take your chances with their backups. Even center Nick Hardwick would only play half of the game in plan B. He is getting his first playing time since week one. Give him a half and get him out of there! I know that this would look like the Chargers were scared and that would hurt their manhood, but that would be better than losing key player right before the playoffs again.

Another nice part of plan B is that all the Charger would have to do is beat Washington, in San Diego, in week 17 to lock up the number two seed in the AFC. Rest your studs this week, play them next week until the game is locked up. They get another rest for week one of the playoffs and then they should be fresh for their first playoff game. I like it!

As for my prediction....I don't think they will go with plan B. Therefore, I will do the sign of the cross and pray that their are no major injuries.

CHARGERS 31 - titans 23

Enjoy the games and let me know what you think!

Name That Film: Christmas Edition!

“Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.”

So this is Christmas? Holly, mistletoe and ivy. Marvel at all the lighted exhibits! Christmas is a federal holiday occurring during the Winter Solstice and tis the season of primordial fruitcake. Give of the gift card! Feel the warmth of celebration as indulgence reaches its peak. Seeing is believing but this ken also be deceiving.

Christmas fare is a delicious combination of harvest feast foods, like turkey, squashes and potatoes; winter festival foods like roasted meats and an array of baked goods that outdoes most any other time of year. Have no fear, many novelty treats mimic other Christmas traditions: the Bûche de Nöel imitates the Yule log, gingerbread houses copy well-trimmed colorful chalets and cookie cutters turn out legions of trees, stars and Santas.

This may well be a time when, to quote Dickens, “want is keenly felt.” Dickens uses this as a basis for the argument for practicing charity and “keeping Christmas in our hearts” on every day of the year with bows from ribbons of various bright colors adding to the cheer. You want the moon? Just say the word and I'll throw a lasso around it and pull it down.

Though most see Jolly Old England as the source for many modern Christmas traditions, England actually banned celebration of Christmas from 1647-1660 in an effort to free the holiday of what was viewed as its pagan trappings and the excess and corruption of the Roman Catholic Church. Actually many Christmas traditions are based in Germanic pagan rituals predating Christianity. Many, including the little girl from Adventures in Babysitting, consider Thor to be a frontrunner as an early Santa Claus figure. The Christmas tree was once a sacrificial tree to the gods, hung brightly with dead animals. And Heaven and Nature sing!

The Greek and Latin Churches still term Christmas the "Feast of Lights," and make it a period of brilliancy in Church and home, just you watch her sing. Now if we could just involve every state, it would be the holy trifecta. The point being? There's always hope. Ah, youth is wasted on the wrong people...so how to cope? Get into the spirit...

The Protestant cover the Christmas tree with lighted candles and builds a glowing fire on the hearth as the symbolic flame of faith and a tribute to the innate love of light and warmth.

Santa Claus, also known as St. Nick, Kris Kringle and Father Christmas, is known across the globe as a jolly, fat, bearded man sporting a red suit trimmed with white fur. On Christmas Eve Santa Claus enters the home of good children, usually via the chimney, bearing gifts of toys that his elves have been busy making all year long. Parents know Santa Claus as a symbol of the magic and joy of innocence lost and childhood; if not as a distinct bruise to their pocketbooks, though many department stores are refusing to recognize Christmas, and yet have no trouble in accepting our Christmas dollars, and even going so far as to utilizing Holiday or Dream trees instead of "Christmas trees" in their promotions. The western idea of Santa Claus is a combination of the European traditions of Kris Kringle, Father Christmas and the Christian Saint Nicholas. St. Nicholas rid himself of all his material possessions and set out to help the poor, the infirm, or anyone else who was suffering. Word of his generosity and kindness spread and he quickly earned the reputation of a gift giver and saint. The historical St. Nicholas died in December of 335 C.E. As often happens, stories of his good deeds became grander and grander and it is difficult to determine fact from fiction. The history of Christmas, however, is hardly a continuum of shepherds in the snow & pagan winter rituals and may be stranger than fiction and yet, the question still remains...why does a Christmas tree offend our atheist citizens? The Film Edition has yet to hear of an atheist being forcibly converted to Christianity by gazing at a Christmas tree. Do you see what I see?

The Three Kings once traveled to Bethlehem to offer gifts to baby Jesus. Gifts were ostensibly meant to remind people of the magi's offerings to Jesus and of God's gift of Christ to humankind. But despite the rationalized Christian roots of gift-giving, the practice ultimately steered Christmas closer to the secularized holiday it is today, and that is the kind way of putting it. 'Tis the season and suspension of disbelief is required.

Most retailers rely on the holidays to make up for the summer doldrums and prepare for the slow sales of the New Year. This dependence has made Christmas, a single day in late December, swell into a three month holiday season. "The holidays" -- with their sales, decorations and mall Santas -- now reign through nearly a quarter of the year for a day of utmost fun and frolic, strengthening the bond with loved ones, who exchange gifts and decorate the house with the varied Christmas décor items. Think red and green and parties for hosting and marshmallows for toasting. Sound the trumpets, it is Santa's big day with all the bustle. Hustle to what you require and get on your way to circle dances with singing but you ken call them carols. The earliest chants were all litanies and hymns from Latin works intended for use during the church liturgy, rather than popular songs. The 13th century saw the rise of the carol written in the vernacular under the influence of Assisi (Frances).

The best way to spread Christmas cheer still remains singing loud for all to hear & I just like smiling...smiling's my favorite! Later, the word carol came to mean a song in which a religious topic is treated in a style that is familiar or festive. It fills the winter air. You ken hear it everywhere! Whistle blowing and said people going. Oliver Cromwell went so far as to cancel Christmas when he seized control of England in 1645 and you see what power ken do to a man! It's the most wonderful time of the year but during the British government under Cromwell, the British Parliament prohibited the practice of singing Christmas carols as pagan and sinful. Like other customs associated with popular catholic Christianity, it earned the disapproval of Protestant Puritans. Famously, Cromwell's interregnum prohibited all celebrations of the Christmas holiday. This attempt to ban the public celebration of Christmas can also be seen in the early history of Father Christmas. Remember, faith is believing when common sense tells you not to. The tradition of singing Christmas carols in return for alms or charity began in England in the seventeenth century after the Restoration and donations will gladly be accepted. Tree tops glisten and the children listen to the voices in their heads. There is only one major sin and that is to let the holiday cheer eat us alive while spreading ourselves too thin. Look to the Holly and the Ivy and keep reaching for more.

Wise men seek ‘em! Know Jesus & know peace! It is found within the orphanages and on the streets. Who doesn’t get homesick around the holidays, even if you happen to be home? Chestnuts roasting by an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at your nose; Christmas has and always will be found in the open heart versus lying, ferociously financed, tightly wrapped under a tree. Because, as you see, it comes and it goes. Just ask Mike Tyson...

Christmas, children, is a state of mind, a spirit that is kind and forgiving, giving time for charity and goodwill until levels of exhaustion finally begin to set in. Unfathomable? Just ask Speedy B! This ken affect complete strangers or next family of kin as fellow passengers where time tapping is a wee bit more gentle and surprisingly lovely in it’s procession, dropping as freshly fallen snow and as more than a festival at the culmination of this revolving year; a bright and cheery voice of strong authority looking for those who do right, a vision found in the presence of a happy and tight family unit all wrapped up in the gifts of the season; Merry Christmas and to all a good night!

So, gimme one reason we shouldn’t be content with grand delusions of our former days and pleasures of a racy youth? These seem to transport any sailor from deep overseas and the traveler thousands of miles away back to the glow of their own fire-sides. Keep in mind, you don’t…have…to live like a refugee! When what's left of you gets around to what's left to be gotten, what's left to be gotten won't be worth getting, whatever it is you've got left. The anniversary of such merriments makes our hearts grow tender like succulent meat falling off the bone with sweet memories often touched up like a magazine model shoot; out of focus only to shine that much brighter; a deep resounding love of all kindred spirits without requiring a visitation from any of those creepy ghosts; past, future or present.

May peace be your gift and a blessing all year through, but never exaggerate about the size of your own Christmas tree. Besides making for wretched mojo, this will also make little difference in the amount of festivity that flows out from your burning hearth to society in the long run. Kindle the flaming fire of hospitality in the hall or wherever you may call the den. Start by wiping away any remaining shreds of loneliness amid the pillars of mounting stress. Obey that natural impulse to flood and truly express your sentiments without feeling self-conscious and, perhaps, a wee bit foolish. I believe you ken fly. Being yourself during the holidays may be your only shot to do so with a live audience.

Christmas means fellowship, feasting, giving and receiving, a time of good cheer, and an abundantly warm home. Yuletide excitement ken be like a potent caffeine, no matter your age. This depends solely on the size of your spirit. Has anyone seen 3 wise men and a virgin? Christmas is when children whisper to the necessary adults with dreams of X-box what they want and adults simply pay for it no matter the price or inconvenience(s), making a clear distinction from when adults tell the government what they want and expect them to pay for it. Blessed is the season. Because if you stop opening presents for but a moment and listen on Christmas morning you will know the secret to all things considered holy. Loving, sharing, giving, are not bells, lights and tinsel, in some box upon a shelf. The good you do for others is the good you do yourself. There's no greater gift than friendship.

In the old days, this time was not called the Holiday Season; the Christians called it 'Christmas' and went to church; the Jews called it 'Hanukkah' and went to synagogue; the atheists went to the baah, cursed the silliness of the world and drank heavily, so please remember, love weighs more than gold!

Oh, the silent majesty of a winter's morn... the clean, cool chill of the holiday air...I sometimes think we expect too much from Christmas Day. This is technically only a 24 hour period to open our hearts before the interest hits. Wreathed in smiles, how touching to have the meaning of Christmas brought to us by Pepsi, Sonic, and Budweiser beer...who’da thunk, product consumption, popular entertainment, and spirituality would mix so harmoniously? I'd never marry just for wealth alone! Give another tradition a try: sit with the significant other in a room lit only by tree lights and remember that your blessings outnumber the lights. Repeat as often as necessary!

Remember just a few days earlier when you would follow that shopper from the mall and get into position for the prime parking. This is akin to the steady guidance provided by the North Star. It's like a gift from Jesus himself. Let's all be jolly! Haul out the holly. There is but few saving graces that finally make up for all the bother and the distress but defrost the chill of hide-bound hearts anyway. Do you take yourself too seriously? Remember during this time, grown men wear neckties made of holly leaves and drink alcoholic beverages with raw egg yolks and cottage cheese. Let's face it, most of us are scoffers. But moments before zero hour, it did not pay to take chances. Can I refill your eggnog for you? You guys give up yet? Or are you thirsty for more? Approach Peace and Goodwill with classic Irving Berlin tunes. Finish with your finest and next year’s money, as a public Santa for the merchants; sentiment without censure. The visible material world is bound to the invisible spiritual world but not to be a child on Christmas morning? Egads...seeing is believing, but sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can't see.
And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more? Like a DELICATE fragrance THAT may weave a weary spell of nostalgia on the hardest of hearts. Taking away all narrowness, all thought of formal creeds and judgments. Let it be remembered as a story that has happened again and again, to men of as many different races, that has been expressed through many religions, that has been called by as many different names; as just games to keep us apart. Time and space and language lay no limitations upon the union of human brotherhood and just you remember, the true spirit of Christmas lies in your heart. Ho ho ho ho ho.
Ho, Ho, Ho, is right blood! Thanks for the wonderful work, as usual, that you did on this week's edition of Name That Film!

I'm sure that you remember that this week's edition is 10 more Christmas movie quotes. Please read the quotes and name the movies in the comment section. I believe there are some for all skill levels this week. Good luck and thanks for playing Name That Film!!!

1. "I got invited to the Christmas party by mistake.....Who knew?"

2. "All that from water? It got wet?"

3. "BESURETODRINK......YOUROLVALTINE"

4. "Forgot my hat!"

5. "Let me ask you something. Why don't we just pay the fella the two hundred dollars?"

6. "If I could my will Nephew, every idiot who goes about this merry Christmas on his lips, should be boiled in his own pudding and buried with a stake of holly through his heart!"

7. "How can you talk about Santa Clause, when there's so much unhappiness in the world?"

8. "Hey, What do you say we both be independent together?"

9. "Happy Birthday!"

10. "You're a bad banana, with a greasy black peel."

Alright! There it is! Let's see some answers people! I know that it is a busy time, but take a moment or two to try your luck.

Thanks to everyone who has been playing and a special thanks to bloodredsox for his extrodinary introducitons and thoughful collaboration over the last year or so. Remember, if you like his intros, you'll love his blog! Check out "The Blood Blog". A link to it is on my sidebar.

Check back next week for a very special editon of Name That Film!!!

Merry Christmas!!!