Bolt Notes: Wrap-Up, Preview, and Week 10 NFL Picks!

Okay, this is getting ridiculous! When you think there is parody in the NFL, teams like the Lions go 0-16. Next, you start thinking that there is the "haves" and the "have nots", a team like Oakland beats Philly! Week 9 was just another example of a rather bazaar year in the NFL. Be honest, did you pick the Bucs to beat the Packers? I didn't. Did you think that the visiting Cowboys, Titans, and Cardinals would go into Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Chicago respectively and come out with wins? I didn't. Did you think the one loss Denver Broncos would lose to the Steelers in Denver? That one I got right! Thanks to the champs for that one.

Anyway, last week didn't do much to help my overall record this season. I was fortunate to come out with an 8-5 record for the week. That brings my season total to 81-48. Again, not bad, but not great either. I vow to do better this week!

Wrap-Up: Chargers @ Giants

Well, I'm going to keep it short and sweet this week. I've got things to do and the weekend is coming up fast. As for the game between the Chargers and Giants last Sunday, I must say that I saw some things that have to raise the hopes of all Chargers fans, as well as some things that could still be a problem.

On the bright side, the Chargers defense is starting to show up to games! They have recorded 15 sacks in the last three games (5 per game). Shawne Merriman has recorded four sacks in the last two games and Shaun Phillips have five in his last three. Those are the guys that the Chargers have been counting on to pressure the quarterback and they are finally getting it done. Along with the pressure comes better coverage (who knew?). Even the latest personnel changes made by Norv and Ron Rivera seem to be working. Weddle is hitting hard enough to get fined by the league and Steve Gregory is doing well as a nickle back and coming in on blitzes.

The other major plus for the day came on the offensive side of the ball. Yes, Philip Rivers threw three more touchdown passes and took the Bolts down field in less than two minutes for the game winning score with 21 seconds left on the clock. That's great, but what excited me was the offensive line was able to protect Rivers in the pocket. The much heralded pass rush of the Giants was mostly held at bay which is more that expected by most Chargers fans.

Then again, the offensive line also brings up my greatest concern.....run blocking. The Chargers are the worst running team in the NFL! With Tomlinson and Sproles, that is unacceptable. Yes, Sproles is small, and L.T. may have lost a step, but the fact is that the offensive line is not opening any holes for anyone to get through. For now, Rivers and his very talented targets (Jackson, Gates, Floyd, and Sproles) are controlling the ball through the air well enough to beat most teams. However, there will come a time when teams decide to focus on pass defense and force the Chargers to run the football. Hopefully the upcoming return of center Nick Hardwick will be just what the doctor ordered for the Chargers ground game.

Preview: Eagles @ Chargers

This Sunday is much like last Sunday for the Chargers. The main difference is that the Bolts are not the team that has to travel across country to play, the Eagles are. Yes, the Bolts host the Philadelphia Eagles in what should look much like last week's matchup against the Giants. Both the Eagles and the Chargers have very talented quarterback (Rivers and McNabb), fast, game breaking receivers named Jackson, talented tight ends (Gates and Celek), and running games that have been struggling at best. The Chargers running problems were described above while Philly has been dealing with a concussion issue with stud back Brian Westbrook. It sure looks like they will be airing it out on Sunday!

Currently, the Chargers are a one point favorite at home against the Eagles. That seems a little surprising to me, but the home field advantage is usually good for three points in the eyes of the sports books. Personally, I would not lay money down on this game, but I will continue my homer ways and predict a Bolt victory. If only the Redskins stood a chance to beat the Broncos. Either way, if the Chargers win, next up is a huge matchup with the division rivals.

WEEK 10 NFL PICKS

BEARS @ niners (I could have lied. How bad is Chokeler?)

bills @ TITANS (Look out, here come the Titans!)

SAINTS @ rams (No contest)

bucs @ DOLPHINS (I can't see the Bucs having a winning streak)

lions @ VIKINGS (Again...no contest even with a banged up Brett)

jaguars @ JETS (Tempting to go with Jax, but I can't on the road)

bengals @ STEELERS (Ochocinco offered me a dollar to pick the Bengals, but I declined.)

BRONCOS @ redskins (I wish I could justify picking the Skins, but I can't)

FALCONS @ panthers (Delhomme not good enough against Falcons defense)

CHIEFS @ raiders (Who cares?)

COWBOYS @ packers (Packers lost to the Bucs. Enough said)

seahawks @ CARDS (Could be a wild one)

PATRIOTS @ colts (The coin landed on tails)

RAVENS @ browns (Terrible Monday night game)

eagles 20 @ CHARGERS 24

Enjoy the games and I'll see you next week! I'd love to read your comments and get back to you.

Bolt Notes: Wrap Up, Preview, and Week 9 Picks!

Wasn't last week in the NFL an interesting week? I had a decent week with my picks (9-4), but I won some games I was worried about, and lost some "sure things". For instance, I thought the ground game of the Jaguars would put them past the win-less Titans and their quarterback problems.....wrong. I was sure that the explosive Cardinals would be able to fly past the inconsistent Panthers at home.....wrong. I also thought the Brett Favre returning to Green Bay would put too much pressure on Favre and he would have a bad day.....wrong. That being said, I was right that the Saints had too much for Atlanta, the Dolphins would find a way to win against the Jets, the Ravens would bring the Broncos back to Earth, and the Chargers would beat the leaderless Raiders. So, my overall record is a decent, but not great 73-43 and I'm looking for at least 10 wins this week.

Wrap Up: Raiders @ Chargers

As expected, the Chargers took out the Raiders last Sunday. What wasn't expected by most is the apparent trouble the Raiders caused the Chargers. The game was close and the Raiders did beat the 16 1/2 point spread by half! However, if you look closer, you will see some signs that the Chargers held back a little on offense so they would not give the Giants too much to study before this week's game.

The first pass of the game was a beautiful strike from JaMarcus Russell, right between the three and the one of Chargers Antonio Cromartie. That was Cromartie's first pick of the year and gave the Chargers the ball quickly. The Chargers offense started out with a 50 yards bomb to Malcolm Floyd, down to the Raiders 6 yard line. The very next play, the Chargers went into the "wild cat" offense for the first time ever! The ball was snapped to L.T. who ran a simple "power" play and scored with ease. As easy as that was, it was not a sign of things to come from San Diego.

As the game went on, the Chargers never showed the wild cat offense again. They kept the ball on the ground when they could and threw short to mid range passes most of the game. Tomlinson showed some signs of his old self and Vincent Jackson topped 100 yards receiving again.

The game was kept close by the power running of Raiders Justin Fargas and a fumbled punt return by Darren Sproles. As close as the game was, you never felt a sense that Oakland had what it took to make it all the way back and win the game. The Chargers kept their cards close to their vests and held on to their eight point lead until the end.

Preview: Chargers @ NY Giants

This is a fascinating match-up. It appears that with few exceptions, these two teams are interchangeable. Both teams score a lot of points. Both teams have trouble scoring in the red zone. Both teams have been giving up big yards on defense. Both teams only have one win on their record this year that shows anything at all (Chargers beat Miami and the Giants beat the Cowboys). Both teams are dealing with key injuries, but starting to get some guys back. The quarterbacks of the two teams were traded for each other on draft day. Etc...

That being said, there are some differences that are worth mentioning. The Chargers coach is a mild mannered, players coach who hasn't had much success in the NFL. He takes much criticism for being soft and unable to lead men. The Giants Head Coach is known as a tyrant, but has a Super Bowl ring on his finger.

The Giants, when playing well, are a run first team that wears down the opposing defense. The Chargers air it out and use the pass to set up the run.

To me, the main problem for the Chargers isn't the New York football Giants. It is the location of the game. Norv Turner has brought the Chargers to the East coast nine times in the last few years. Their record is an appalling 1-8! Yes, the Bolts do not travel well and there is no reason to think they will this time. In fact, if I were not a self-proclaimed homer, I would have to pick the G-Men in this one.

BUT!!! I am a homer, so I have to figure out how the Chargers will pull this one out. Here is what I think needs to happen:

• Philip Rivers has to torch the young defensive backs and safeties of the Giants. They have given up a ton of yards and points in recent weeks and if the Chargers can hold off the Giants pass rush, they will be able to have big plays down the field.


• Shawne Merriman (2 sacks against Oakland) and Shaun Phillips (4 sacks in last two weeks) have to continue pressuring the quarterback. Like most QB's, Eli doesn't like getting hit. Hit him early, and he may get happy feet and throw some picks.


• Open up the offense! Use the wild cat (or "wild frog" as some are calling it), use the spread, have Tomlinson throw the ball, throw screens to Tomlinson and Sproles to neutralize the Giants pass rush. Hold nothing back!


• If the Chargers can do those things and not turn the ball over, they can pull this one out. If they fail at any of the three main aspects of the game, they will go down in flames.
  

NFL PICKS FOR WEEK 9 (winners in all caps)

redskins @ FALCONS (No contest)
cards @ BEARS (I want the Cards, but can't trust them)
RAVENS @ bengals (Ravens defense is hitting stride)
texans @ COLTS (Could be close, but can't bet against Manning)
dolphins @ PATRIOTS (Two weeks for Billy Boy to play, Miami would get lucky aGinn)
PACKERS @ bucs (See home team)
chiefs @ JAGUARS (M.J.D will run over troubled Chiefs)
lions @ SEAHAWKS (Never know with the Seahawks. Could be a surprise)
panthers @ SAINTS (Panthers play well in N.O., but I have to go with Brees)
titans @ NINERS (Stop the run and the Titans lose...Can the Niners do it?)
cowboys @ EAGLES (No sure thing, but Cowboys like home cooking)
STEELERS @ broncos (I'm trying to start a streak here. Broncos could well win, but they looked horrible against the Ravens. You have to knock out the champ!)

CHARGERS 32 @ giants 28

Good luck to your teams and enjoy the games!!!

Name that Film: Halloween Edition!

Exorciiiiiiize the demons! Ken you afford the space of just 3 days grace? Now any disembodied spirit understands Halloween has most certainly passed and been filed under the neat heading of another “All Saints Day” past…so gone is the luck of the black, mangy cat and endless gossip stories of Ozzy and his plastic bat BUT…the Film Edition's simultaneous combustion and computer issues smells of insubordination from deep outside the system. This is both scary and shocking. Let us speak of the supernatural and the state of the soul in the very mouth of madness. This does not have to take place at an ominous chateau that may reside at the Overlook Hotel in or beside any subsequent maze.
A cleaning crew working an abandoned mental hospital is an obvious recipe for scares and getting the craze, but then again so isn’t William Hurt playing a scientist who woofs down hallucinogenic drugs and floats in an isolation chamber for days just for the sake of science.

Silence! Whose out there pray tell? There’s something in the mist! Shut the doors! This is like a dark rainy night at the Bates hotel. Hey hey whattaya say? There’s visual profanity here on display. Nestles. Snickers, M& M’s….o my! The Mothman prophecies did aim to please and didn’t have to try. I came as soon as I heard there were disturbing hallucinations and a strong propensity for speaking in tongues. Am I over-qualified? What’s next….castigating evolution and praying for George W. Bush? Religious zealotry and brainwashing has never been more frightening. Ba-dum ba-dum…ba-dum ba-dum…redrum...trick or treat! Anyone disappointed the world has failed to stem efforts for an invasion from Mars? This may involve a tale of two sisters in 2 separate cities or something akin to Lecter versus Starling or Leatherface displaying the grace of an off Broadway ballet dancer with his signature shriek.

Take spinning heads, add some vile expletives and buckets of green vomit then mix one skinless escapee from Hell, a sexy heroine and an evil Rubik’s cube and whattaya get? Certainly not a group of demons clad in bondage gear who literally tear their victim’s limb from limb like defiant adolescents smashing pumpkins! Think of the societal implications of a country torn wide open by biological warfare. Have we just had a conversation without opening our mouths? The devil didn’t go down to Georgia, his form skyrocketed at the box office, filling a menacing void, as the world continues to be overrun with the undead...again and again.

Beware! Arachnophobia is not 4 pair of 8 hairy legs creepy crawling, coming your way on a Mediterranean beach today. You’d think the people would’ve had enough of ghoulish word games. I look around me and I see it isn’t so…o no! If you could spare any extra imagery to create a deeply unsettling tone…wait until black goo comes out of the toilet you’ve just scrubbed with magic bubbles and the buzzing flies appear out of nowhere. Then a creepy voice will tell an ordained priest to “get out” and a specter with glowing red eyes will peer through the newly installed Anderson windows, which are still in the process of being financed, much to your chagrin.

Turns out vampires are a lot like cockroaches and Oompa Loompas may be construed as freaky but attaining a place of honor at a druidic ceremony inside the wicker man can not benefit anyone but the aforementioned. Scream now, while there’s still room to breathe. I think I must have one of those faces you can’t help but believe. If only I could think…all these people dying in the desert…of thirst? Gawd, I’d give my soul for a drink!

There’s always the darker side of human nature to contend with like mutant teletubbies covered in mucus, visceral, gritty and more than a bit graphic. A turn of the screw leads the Film Edition back to you. Imagine Johnny Deppgetting swallowed by his own bed and spit out again in a giant spray of blood. This could lead a lonely widower to make some bad choices when it comes to affairs of the heart. I could start with Jamie Lee Curtis in the closet in conjunction with another hapless hero defending themselves from hordes of oncoming demons and no-one would immediately think of change.

Why is this family so strange? Why do they keep insisting I sleep? What are these strange plants suddenly sprouting up? These may all be good questions to ask when standing at the Gates of Hell with human morality as your one and only subject.

Dead ant! Dead ant! Think twice before stepping on that helpless insect…next thing ya know they’ll be feeding on the locals.

Now, do you want to be buried…in a pet cemetery? Where on Earth could one find a bloody creature birthed from a human surrogate? All work and no play makes Jack more than a dull boy, just ask Bleed. Cue the Michael Myers music and the necessary quota of heavy breathing, black blood and phantasmagoric preschoolers. There is also a crew stationed at an Antarctic base being stalked by a shape shifting alien with more than your standard fare of stomach churning spiritual transformations.

The Phaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaantom of the opera is there….inside my mind! So isn’t Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. The birds are coming. Ghost writer to Ground Control, do you copy? Imagine the horror of sending the wrong copy! A conspiracy theory brews and gains speed and is said to be at the races, but prey on corpses? Who has the time? I have a good mind to make or honor this as Holy; of the people, by the people, for the people wandering, wanting, haunting a particular U.S. poet who wrote a song about a large black bird with a harsh call that happens to be related to the crow. Never-mind! Who has neither the time nor the mind of inclination for a chill that runs the length of a finely structured spine or to pursue prey as if they held the
title to Camp Crystal Lake? It would take a lot more hours in the day. Any evil demon knows that! How fitting that a guy named "Blood" would write the intro to the Halloween Edition of Name that Film!!! Another excellent job by my Bostonian Pahtna, I must say.
Now, since we are already a few days late for Halloween, let's get back into the spirit by trying to figure out what Halloween time movie the following quotes came from. Just leave your answers in the comment section and let's see if we can get all 10 this week!

Blood-N-Bolts Productions would like to wish you luck and thank you for playing Name that Film!!
1. "I realized that what was living behind that boy's eyes was purely and simply evil."

2. "Maybe we're gonna have a big earthquake. They say things get really weird just before."

3. "You killed your mother! You left her alone to die!"

4. "OOOHHH! You didn't tell me you were gonna kill it!"

5. "Little pigs, little pigs, let me come in."

6. "Oh brother! You're something! You put me in a spin."

7. "Your mother's murder was last year's hottest court case. Somebody had to write a book about it."

8. "The old way...with a sledge. See that was better, they died better that way."

9. "Will you murder and mother and her child, to save yourself?"

10. "Listen to them. Children of the night. What music they make."

Alright everyone, let's see those answers! By the way, if you know storkjrc, or TheUclan, please remind them about our game. They were always fine competitors and they have been missed.
Thanks again to bloodredsox for this weeks amazing intro and to all the players who help us stay motivated to keep knocking this thing out. Remember to check out The Blood Blog for more of blood's unique style.

Happy Belated Halloween!

(My youngest son on his first Halloween)

Bolt Notes; Wrap Up, Preview, and Week 8 NFL Picks!

Much like my Chargers, in week 7, I was coming off my most disappointing week of the season, but I was able to suck it up and have one of my better weeks of picks. Going 10-3, my record for the year will climb to 64-39. Not a record to write home about, but nothing to be ashamed of either. As you will see in this week's picks, there is potential for this to be a rough one for me, just like week 6. Now, on with Bolt Notes from week 7...Chargers vs Chiefs

Wrap Up of Chargers vs Chiefs

We Chargers fans are a tough bunch to figure out. There has been so much disappointment that even success is approached with extreme caution. You see, the Chargers are once again starting the year as if it were the preseason and their record doesn't count. Also, once again, they are falling way behind a fast starting Denver team that has yet to see the loss column. So, even though it was only the sixth game of the season, most Chargers fans considered this game a "must win" game, and I must say that I agreed.

On paper, this game did not appear to be a tough matchup. Kansas City was a one win team and even lost to the lowly Raiders (sorry Raider fans, but that is what other people think, even though they beat the Eagles). What made Chargers fans worry was that the Chiefs had been competing in pretty much every game this year and had the potential of a serious rushing attack with Larry Johnson toting the rock. The Chargers were on a short week and were down about their loss to Denver. Also, the Bolts tend to struggle in KC and only beat the Chiefs by a total of two points in both of their matchups last year.

Fortunately, for the Chargers sake, they did not hang their head and they came out firing. Of course, they didn't score on their first possession (they haven't scored on their first possession in over 20 games), but they did on their second, lead by a 36 yard dash by one LaDainian Tomlinson. It sure looked good to see L.T. break free, straight arm someone and head down field.

Many aspects of the game improved last week. The defense defended the run well. The defense also picked Matt Cassell three times. The special teams didn't give up any big plays, but did block a punt and recovered it for a touchdown! The offense actually opened some holes for backs to run through. Finally, Philip Rivers threw for three touchdowns and Vincent Jackson had 143 yards receiving by half time. That was a Chargers team record by the way.

All that being said, Chargers fans are still skeptical. Many comments were made on San Diego talk radio over the next few days. Comments like, "We only beat the Chiefs." "I'll believe they improved if they beat the Giants or the Eagles in the coming weeks." I even heard, "Too bad we won. Maybe a loss would have gotten Norv fired!"

The way I am trying to look at it is that the Chargers went into a hostile environment, in the rain, against a divisional rival, and beat them by 30 points! 37-7 should satisfy anyone. It's not the Chargers fault that they had the Chiefs last week, just as it is not their fault that they have the Raiders this week. You can only play who shows up to play you and you have to take them seriously and give them a serious beat down if you can. Mission complete for one week.

Preview: Chargers vs Raiders

The Chargers opened the year against the Oakland Raiders, on Monday Night Football. The Bolts played horribly and the Raiders looked pretty decent. Somehow, the Bolts still managed to prevail in the end. Since that time, the Chargers have lost to three very good teams (Ravens, Steelers, and Broncos), and beaten a cupcake (KC) and a pretty good Dolphins squad. The Raiders did step up and beat the Eagles, but that is the only real sign of life they have this year. They possess the worst quarterback in the NFL (JaMarcus Russell) and a defense that has talented individuals, but has not played well as a unit.

Injuries are a bigger story line in this game than who will actually win. After week one's matchup, the Chargers had seven injured players, including Pro Bowl center Nick Hardwick, who is just now starting to practice again. If the Chargers can get out with a win, and with healthy players, the score won't matter a bit.

Another key injury this week is Raiders Darren McFadden. McFadden looked like the real deal in week one and would have challenged the Chargers on Sunday. Now, the Raiders are blessed with a couple more running backs that can handle the load (Bush and Fargas), but they will be ineffective if Russell can't make the Chargers respect the pass.

At this point, I feel really good about the Bolts chances to win, which is more that I can say for some of my other picks this week. Now, on to the picks!!!


NFL PICKS FOR WEEK 8!

TEXANS @ bills (Neither team very good. Bills are worse)
browns @ BEARS (Browns are even worse)
seahawks @ COWBOYS (Seahawks are banged up)
RAMS @ lions (Could be a 0-0 tie)
niners @ COLTS (Peyton Manning)
DOLPHINS @ jets (Don't bet on this one)
GIANTS @ eagles (Eagles at home, Giants are desperate)
broncos @ RAVENS (Just because I need the Broncos to lose)
JAGUARS @ titans (Vince Young)
panthers @ CARDINALS (Too much offense for Panthers D.)
vikings @ PACKERS (Maybe wrong here)
falcons @ SAINTS (Saints at home with serious fire power)

raiders 13 @ CHARGERS 34

Name That Film: Movies You Know By Heart Edition

Say hello to my little friend! Common cultural currency. This week's Film Edition, after a brief delay, introduces, much like Jimmy Buffett's, Songs You Know By Heart, movie lines with which you may do the same. Where could we start? We could love each other RIGHT HERE outside of time...detached! I'm in the middle of a mystery and it's all a secret. I thought my ideas were so clear...

In 5 minutes you are not going to believe what I've just told you. This used to be one helluva country, I wonder what happened. Just you remember this: a kiss is still a kiss and a sigh may a lost try, though the fundamental things still apply as time goes by. Long after two lovers woo, continue to say, "I do!"

Who hasn't observed Cary Grant ducking for cover North by Northwest? Maybe a dingo ate your baby and I don't really mean maybe. This what you call bringing up baby? We must get beyond the iron chain of passions to be more like a great, self serving piece of art hovering in harmony void of restriction. I've seen horrors but you've no right to call me a murderer. You have a right to kill me, you have a right to do that...but you've no right to judge me. A fellow will remember a lot of things you wouldn't think he'd remember...am I talking to much? What's wrong with a perfect blend of comedy and pathos? Wouldn't the truth be adequately handled and discerned solely dependent upon the abilities of the individual? This is a tale of good and evil. It was with this hand that Cane iced his brother Love. Carry on wayward son. There may be peace when we are done. Lay your weary head to rest. Don'tcha cry no more!

You talkin' ta me? Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn, a dollar, or a do-re-mi! Two roads diverge in the mud of blood and most take the other one for it is inherently easier. What, like I amuse you? Soylent green is people! Let's bring back life form as priority number one. All other priorities rescinded. Here's looking at you kid! I'm as mad as hell and I'm not gonna take this anymore...or less. You stay alive baby. Do it for Van Gogh! But if you wanna stay alive? Then ante up! If you want to play it cheap, be on welfare the whole winter. Just don't be like me! Salvation does not lie within these 4 walls. Keep in mind even the most miserable life is better than a sheltered existence in an organized society where everything is calculated and perfect. I had a dream. In fact, it was on the night I first met you. In the dream there was our world and the world was dark because there weren't any robins and the robins represented love...and for the longest time there was this darkness and all of the sudden, thousands upon thousands of robins were set free and they flew down and brought this blinding light of love. It seemed that love would make any difference and it did!

Always in motion is the future. I don't think there is one word that can describe a man's life. Strange isn't it? Each person's life touches so many other lives and right now I feel like I can take on the whole empire myself. Do you have a special grudge against me? Do you feel a particularly strong resentment? is there something I've said that has caused this contempt, or is it just the things I stand for that you despise? Fasten your seatbelts, it's going to be a bumpy night and unless you hold the chicken, bring the toast, and give me the check, you haven't broken any rules. What about the place where white picket fences and homecoming queens collide along the underside of American culture? A bit heavier I agree than volcanoes and pirates but certainly not like a waste of time arguing with a man whose lining up to be hot lunch. I just hope we don't wake up on Mars or something surrounded by millions of these little squishy guys.

Just when I was out, they pull me back in. Ken you think of a way an entire nation and it's exclusive baggage from the annals of history ken be aptly portrayed by 12 angry men? We'll always have Paris, or something based on similar events. You can't even buy a bag of peanuts in this town without someone writing a song about you. It seems the smell of napalm in the morning smells like...like...victory! You don't care about anything 'zept you. You want to persuade people that you love 'em so much they ought to love you back...only you want love on your own terms, something to be played your way, according to your rules. Do you presently possess the power of life and death? We are the music makers. We are the dreamer of dreams. If you can keep your head about you when all are losing theirs and blaming it on you, if you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, you have been successful enough to employ the phrase in good faith, "I've got a good mind to join a club and beat you over the head with it!"
Now remember, as long as you live, never laugh at me, laugh at anything or anyone else but never directly at me. The universe grows smaller ever day and the threat of aggression, by any group, anywhere, can no longer be tolerated. You broke my heart. You broke my heart. There must be security for all, or no one is secure. By now intelligence has been traced to a top secret Russian project through the perpetually fog shrouded wasteland below the arctic peaks of the Zhokhov Islands. Try a little tenderness with this flailing mess despite the flowery fallibility of Man and their machines. Nothing is as bad as it seems. Life is beautiful. Give me a place to sit and I may destroy it! The nothingness of existence extends over time and space stretching back to the dawn of Man unto the mind finally grasping idea. Function. Brain assimilation prepares us for the transition. Evolutionary progress proceeds through technological development rising as the new order of life.

Yes, my friends, there are movie quotes that you have heard over the years that you can recite as easily as a police officer can recite the Miranda rights. Sometimes, you know a quote, but had no idea where it came from! Then, low and behold, you hear it in an old movie and a bell goes off inside your head. "That's where it came from!!"

Well, this week is designed to make all of you feel like movie savants. There are 15 movies quoted below and many of you will know all of them. Of course, I suppose this could be the most frustrating week ever as you may know the quote but just can't name the film.

Special Directions!: This week, we want you to tell us how many movies you know from the list, but only name 2! We don't want someone to come in and knock out all 15 without everyone having a chance to play. Basically, we want you to do what bosox61 does every week.

Good luck and thanks for playing Name that Film!!!

1. "Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn."

2. "I love the smell of napalm in the morning."

3. "I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse."

4. "My Momma always said that life is like a box of chocolates....You never know what you're gonna get."

5. "I could have been a contender."

6. "I have nipples, Greg. Could you milk me?"

7. "There's no place like home."

8. "You're gonna need a bigger boat."

9. "Are you talking to me?"

10. "If you build it, he will come."

11. "You can't handle the truth!"

12. "Go ahead, make my day."

13. "I'll be back."

14. "Are you a hooker? Jesus, I forgot. I just thought I was doing great with you."

15. "I ate his liver with some fava beans and a fine chianti."

There you have it movie fans! Remember, don't answer them all! Tell us how many movies you know, then see which ones have been answered, and answer no more than two quotes. Feel free to check back in tomorrow and see if we need more help.

Special thanks to blood for his wonderful intro, as usual. Blood-N-Bolts Productions would not be the same without his special input. Remember to check out The Blood Blog for more entertaining reading.

See you next week!!!

Bolt Notes: Wrap Up, Preview, and Week 7 Picks!

Have you ever had one of those weeks where nothing goes right? I picked dogs who lost and favorites who lost as well! As Linda Ronstadt said (and later Jerry Jeff Walker), I felt like I could "never do nothing right" on my picks last week. I was feeling good with my overall record and was racking up the wins and then hit a serious wall. Last week I went an embarrassing 4-9 and my year long total went to 54-35. What did I do to deserve such a fate?

I'll tell you what! I started playing hunches, personal favorites, and ignored statistics and tendencies. Stupid, Stupid, Stupid!!! NOT THIS WEEK! Well, maybe a couple of favorites, but not like last week.

Chargers vs Broncos Wrap Up:

If you have called me at half time, I would have sounded pretty confident in my Bolts. They had a small three point lead. They had already scored 20 points on what did not look like a number one defense (20 points did include one TD return on special teams). They have been a second half team all year and looked as though they would be able to handle the Broncos as long as they sured up their kick off coverage that gave up two first half touchdowns.

A funny thing happened on the way to the victory. The Chargers were unable to make the necessary adjustments in the second half and the Broncos looked like a different football team, especially on defense.

The Chargers defense did make some improvements last week. They gave up about 40 fewer yards rushing than normal even though Denver has a very good running game. That being said, it is sad to hear fans say that the Chargers stopped the run when they still gave up 100 yards on the ground. There was a time when the Bolts almost never gave up triple digits in rushing and you could hear the taunts of Section 15 chanting, "You can't run! You can't run!", throughout "the Q". Now, keeping an opponent under 140 is a good day.

The secondary played better than previous weeks. I liked the tackling skills of rookie Kevin Ellison and I believe that Antonio Cromartie had his best week by far. Of course, now Cro hurt his knee in practice and is questionable for tomorrows game. That is par for the course.

I would love to move on to next game without saying anything positive about the Denver Broncos. I would love to say that it was all the Chargers fault and it's time to fire Norv (which it is), and that Denver should feel lucky for the win! Unfortunately, I can't. The Broncos played a great second half of football. Their offense was steady and their defense was awesome on third down. They only allowed one score, a field goal, and I believe one first down on a third down play (pass interference) in the second half. Every big play, Denver's defense was in Rivers' face and gave him no time to throw. However, I would say that the play selection of the Chargers was very illogical since they were running down field routes on third and short and blitzing backers all over the quarterback.

Oh, that's right, I should probably mention that the Broncos did play pretty well on kick return, scoring twice in the first half. I guess that's pretty good.

The final thought I have about that game was the Norv Turner may have finally lost the confidence of his players. He lost the fans long ago, but the players had his back. On Monday night, the Chargers had a third and goal from the two yard line, with Tomlinson finally looking healthy and running well. Turner took Tomlinson out and inserted 5' 6" Darren Sproles. According to Norv, he called a pass play that Philip Rivers changed at the line. Rivers handed the ball off to Sproles who was stuffed. Now, you could blame Rivers for this play not working. It is true that he should have realized that the tiny Sproles may have trouble getting past the tough Denver line. However, how does the coach take out a touchdown machine like Tomlinson when at the two yard line?! Even if they wanted to run a pass play, Tomlinson would have made a play action play more effective and can also catch a pass as well as any of the receivers on the team. Just a brutal decision by Turner and the frustration was clear on L.T.'s face on the sideline. To Tomlinson's credit, after the game, he said that he would have loved to have been out there for that play, but Norv had a different play in mind and wanted to use Sproles. Coaches coach and players play.

Whatever.

Chargers vs Chiefs Preview:

Before the season started, I used a pen to mark this game down as a win. Now, I wish that I used erasable pen, or pencil. Not that I don't expect a Chargers win, but I am not nearly as confident as I once was. The Chargers defense is getting absolutely no pressure on the quarterback for the majority of the game. Against Denver, they had some early pressure and a sack or two. After that, Denver's line became a solid wall that the Chargers could not scale or bypass. Orton had all night to throw and did just that. Now, the Chiefs line has been as solid as Sponge Bob Square Pants. I would like to think that the Bolts could find some success pressuring Cassell. When Cassell quarterbacked for the Patriots, he had a terrible day against the Bolts and looked like a deer in the headlights for most of the game.

Looking at the Chargers roster, I see that there are still some very significant injuries and some interesting personnel changes. Williams, Jamal (DT) and Hardwick, Nick (C) are by far the most important cogs on both sides of the ball. Williams is out for the year, and Hardwick has a few more weeks on the injured list. Cason, Antoine (DB) has been replaced at nickle back by safety Gregory, Steve. Rookie Ellison, Kevin will take Gregory's spot at safety as well.

Other issues are that Merriman, Shawne is an apparent shell of his former self. He has been spelled by rookie English, Larry , but the "Lights Out" dance has yet to be seen this season. In fact, English leads the defense with a mere two sacks for the year.

As for my prediction for this week's game, I am sticking with my Chargers. However, I know that going to Kansas City is never easy and the Chiefs have competed better than their record would show.

WEEK 7 PICKS!

COLTS vs rams (Colts will not pull a Philly)
vikings vs STEELERS (May be wrong here, but home cooking is nice)
PATS vs bucs (Brady will light up the scoreboard in London. Pats 40-Love in Wimbley)
niners vs TEXANS (Don't feel too good about this one either. Niners need to get used to their new wide receiver and it could throw off the offense a little)
PACKERS vs browns (Sorry Browns, I may never pick you again)
JETS vs raiders (Raiders may very well hand Jets their fourth straight loss, but I still can't pick them)
bills vs PANTHERS (Bad game. Bills' QB out)
FALCONS vs cowboys (Another game I don't like to pick. Cowboys good at home, but defense shows up everywhere)
bears vs BENGALS (If Bengals lose, they are who we thought they were. Could happen though)
SAINTS vs dolphins (Wild Cat offense will have to dominate the time clock for Fins to win. My money is on Drew Brees)
cards vs GIANTS (Great game, but Giants embarrassed last week and they are at home.)
EAGLES vs redskins (Eagles must bounce back after embarrassing loss)

CHARGERS 38 Chiefs 20

Enjoy the games!

Name that Film: Infected!

Okay everyone, this is a new one for me. Not only does my Bostonian pahtnah, Bloodredsox, have computer issues that have delayed his delivery of the intro to this week's edition, my computer, on the other side of the country has become infected with some really nasty viruses. I had some problems with my normal PC and switched it out temporarily with a brand new computer that I had upstairs. Well, after a day or two of watching sports, playing fantasy football, blogging about the pathetic Chargers, having the worst NFL picks of my life, and playing Bejeweled Blitz on Facebook, my new computer is now possessed. It seems the computer did not come with a virus protection program, and I forgot to install one in time. Now, I am waiting for my brother-in-law to come over and fix my old computer, as well as diagnose and fix my new one. He is the Dr. House of computer repair!

Anyway, I borrowed my lovely wife's laptop to give you this update but I don't want to dominate her computer by playing Name that Film this week. Therefore, please check back in next week for our special Halloween Edition of Name that Film!!!!!