Bolt Notes: Wrap Up; Preview; and Week 14 NFL Picks!

Alright, I had a little slip last week with a 8-8 total for my picks. That brings my overall total to 122-70. I would be more upset about the eight losses, but a few of them were upsets almost nobody picked, even the players on the winning teams! Who would have picked the Raiders over the Steelers? Most would not have picked the Dolphins to beat the Patriots, or the Cardinals to destroy the Vikings! Oh well, that was last week....time to move on to week 14!

Wrap Up: Chargers 30 @ Browns 23

The Chargers went into Cleveland as heavy favorites in week 13. They were so confident that they could walk all over the Browns that they sat some of their defensive stars (Merriman & Castillo) so they could heal up for the game against the Cowboys this week. In the long run, everything worked out just fine, but there were some tense moments that leave Chargers fans wondering if they have what it takes to beat a top notch team like the Cowboys.

The first drive of the game you could see that the Chargers were not mentally in the game. Brady Quinn marched his offense down the field and quickly put seven points on the board. Fortunately for the Chargers, Philip Rivers and Antonio Gates did take the plane ride to Cleveland. The two teamed up for several big plays and a total of 167 yards through the air. Cleveland had no match for Gates down field.

The Chargers running game was nothing to be excited about, although, future Hall of Famer, LaDainian Tomlinson did move up the ladder of all time leading rushers by passing the legendary Jim Brown. This moment was extra special being that it took place against Browns old team with him present in the stadium. Tomlinson pointed and saluted to Brown after the run that put him into 8th place all time.

In the long run, I can sum the game up fairly easily. The Chargers offense seemed to cruise all day and racked up 30 points as they usually do. The Chargers defense was caught by surprise by an improving Brady Quinn and gave up a large number to the Browns offense, 23. The Bolts leave with the win and fairly healthy for their next game against the Cowboys. However, they did learn that some of their second string guys may not be enough to beat a better team.

Preview: Chargers @ Cowboys

Now we're talking! The San Diego Chargers have been criticized all year for playing in a week division. Now, we could go into the fact that the Broncos, Chiefs, and Raiders have all beaten "great" teams this year, but that is another story. Most experts are looking to the next three games to decide if the Chargers are for real, or just talented bottom feeders.

This week, they fly into Dallas for a shootout with the Cowboys. Tony Romo and company ran up quite a number of yards last week against the reeling Giants, but still managed to lose the game. This has been quite concerning for the Cowboy faithful who know that the Cowboys have a terrible record in December and fear that this year's team has started it's annual fall from grace.

The Chargers, on the other hand, love December. Since Philip Rivers became the starting quarterback, the B0lts have never lost in December. That is a perfect 15-0! This year, that perfect record will be tested. The Bolts play the Cowboys in Dallas, the Bengals at home, and they end up on Christmas night against the Titans in Tennessee! All of this with a slim, one game lead on division rival Denver.

This game has some great story lines:

• Dallas Head Coach, Wade Phillips was formerly the defensive coordinator in San Diego



• Current Chargers Head Coach, Norv Turner was formerly the offensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys and is credited for a huge part of why they won three Super Bowls during his tenure.



• Philip Rivers has been perfect in December as a starter 15-0



• Tony Romo has built a reputation of being a December choker



• Igor Olshansky, defensive lineman for the Cowboys was drafted by the Chargers and played with the Bolts up until this year.
  


• The Chargers are hanging on to a slim lead in the AFC West



• The Cowboys are currently tied with Philadelphia and have a one game lead over the Giants
  


• Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has been complaining about how Phillips has been using Marion Barber



• Wade Phillips has been complaining that he has not been offered a contract extension



• LaDainian Tomlinson is playing a personal home game. He grew up in Waco and played at TCU

It all that doesn't inspire you to watch this game, just go back to sleep until February and wake up in time to watch the Super Bowl commercials.

Week 14 NFL Picks! Winners in bold caps

STEELERS @ browns (I really hate Thursdays)

SAINTS @ falcons (Atlanta has too many injuries to compete)

PACKERS @ bears (I just don't trust Cutler)

broncos @ COLTS (We'll see which Broncos team shows up)

BILLS @ chiefs (I hate this game. Should end in a tie)

bengals @ VIKINGS (Could be an upset in the making)

PANTHERS @ patriots (Pats should win at home, but they are realing and Brady is banged up)

JETS @ bucs (Jets second string QB could be improvement.)

dolphins @ JAGUARS (Could go either way)

lions @ RAVENS (Ravens too tough for Lions)

SEAHAWKS @ texans (I can't figure either of these teams out)

rams @ TITANS (Could be Rams game if Young is out, or limited)

redskins @ RAIDERS (Tough call, both teams inconsistent)
EAGLES @ giants (Eagles too good for Giants)

CARDINALS @ niners (Cards starting to click on offense)

CHARGERS 38 @ cowboys 24

Enjoy the games!

Name That Film: Pet Peeves Edition!

“A day! Help. Help! Another day! Your prayers, oh passer by!”
-Emily Dickinson

Press one for English and please remain on the line.

A pet peeve is a minor annoyance but is not to be considered part and parcel of the family, nor ken it be claimed as a write-off on the taxes. Let’s not reinvent the wheel here people, but may we get down to brass tact’s?

Have you ever been in a confined arena with the constant reverberations of loud gum snapping? Know what I'm saying? Chew wanna permit for that?

There's no need to go Brooklyn, let’s just stick to the facts sir...

Ever been privy to an intimate cell phone conversation during the latest 10 dollar matinee? Perhaps it was during Saw 317? Do you know without a chance or an individual's choice, there’s no “I” in team?

Just make sure you know where and when you are before settling about to kneel down and pray or things could get a little hectic because....it's getting....it's getting...it's getting kinda hectic in this day and age! The stage has been set...know what I'm saying? Get the book out, ingest all the information and take time to digest, just don't throw it at me!

Ever had a disturbing dream about an invasion of the lane snatchers where the annoying cherry red sports car, weaving in and out of traffic, always speeds up, so as not to allow you to change lanes directly at your exit and strictly on purpose?

The term, “pet peeve”, first used in 1919, originated from the word ‘peeve’ because who doesn't hate being interrupted!

Do you believe…in telemarketers? Unsolicited advice? Using that pointer finger as a gun? Obnoxious doorbell ringers who bring a bad Beethoven? Double dippers while out on the neon town of light on a...egads...first date? Just imagine your best behavior with it's hands tied. Nowadays it's almost impossible to open a new compact disc without the hope of not splicing a digit, so you'd better think again. Could this material be thought of as suggestive? Double negatives might be seen as confusing which is why I almost always never use them.

Your call is very important to us. Please remain on the line for the next available representative.
A reckless farmer may be one who, amid the seasonal harvest, spreads a seed that ken be construed as ill-tempered or ornery. Maybe he is one who sits high atop his tractor in judgment, overlooking the estate's vast property stretching for miles, jabbering on the cell phone not paying attention all the while, thus recreating the national phenomenon known currently as road rage for the angry mob collecting and spilling onto both sides of the fence.

Outside the mind of the afflicted a pet peeve will often seem illogical but as a rule you may rest assured, we aren't going anywhere and your call will be answered in the order it was received.

How ‘bout if you’re going to put me on a speaker phone, inquire first politely? This rule may in fact be considered golden. If you have purchased a 2nd hand book void of a cover, keep in mind, it may be considered stolen.

Who is this almighty form anyway without a face or a name currently ruling all the tiny creatures within the Cosmos? Has IT ever lumbered past a moving vehicle only to read in the window,” please remove before driving”? Were there reported casualties?

Extra....extra...read all about it, "Human thought once again falsified by tradition and custom amid an indescribable breed of rarities."

How ‘bout distracting drowning-the-very-essence-hold-music or the obligatory tip jar placed just so? For a medium coffee and a buttered bagel? Does this come with something in the backroom?

Please continue to hold.

I’m sorry, I may have been practicing active listening during a conversation we had many years ago and was temporarily distracted, did you just say something?

Your call is very important to us. Please remain on the line for the next available representative.
What about machismos who leave the seat up in their best John Wayne hombre impersonation or prim and proper southern belles who commit the same in reverse? Just where is ground zero in this ongoing debate more ancient than anyone else reading today and could this be considered a curse? Let's get this straight....anyone riding the almighty rails of a train who sits with their legs spread wide only increases the hate as do people strapped with a shiny salamander's skin who ride their bikes in brightly colored outfits weaving in and out of the cluttered streets of traffic when the sidewalk is freely available.

If something is truly evil, ken it be necessary?

You were saying something? I'm stuck on hold. Could it have been the true script behind SOS: dash-dash-dash-dot-dot-dot-dash-dash-dash or is it in the complete reverse? Should this be filed under the logic of Murphy's Law or will it just continue to come back to bite us in the end? What about when the phone cord viciously tangles beyond all repair or if they all happen to be wire hangers, conglomeretly cluttered together like a small colony of fish trapped in a weather-proof net, or when cold callers will only speak to the man of the house, as if he makes any of the important decisions!

These are the visions that somehow come to be and may be considered real as rain.

Maybe you’ve come to witness a retail clerk who ignores the live customer standing right in front of them, only to assist another customer on an incoming call and are still unable to explain? How about when anyone stands in the line of sight for the t.v. if the ball isn’t going through Buckner’s legs, or when the moo-cows are in a deep conversation huddled in the way of a band of gypsys patiently wishing to use the escalator, just not like Will Ferrel in Elf?

Excuse me...I'd like ta get by now! Do I do...what chew do?

According to Webster, grocery carts with one bad wheel are highly distressing to certain tortured souls, so ask a doctor today if drug X is right for you! People, who take 20 napkins, use only one and throw the rest away are spies...spies, I tell you! Have you ever gone into the drive-thru to save precious time only to go all the way back when they forget the drinks or the apple pies? What about people who carry on a one-sided conversation, which is akin to a monologue with an underperforming audience & not worthy of the production costs on a daily basis. This logic is akin to when one fails to take a burly backpack into account when turning or backing, thus knocking the helpless, afflicted or unawares, immediately to the ground where the victim's only natural response is to cry out in their best Nancy Kerrigan,

"Whyyyyyyyyyyy?"

Cultivating a small country of remote controls to work the cable, Tivo, T.V. and any other audio visual ground control station, ken be viewed as a minor annoyance, strictly following the more is less theory much like jerks who take up two parking spots, because they somehow believe their automobile is worth more to you and them than yours. Then there’s the drivers who won’t use a turn signal or kids who tease a helpless dog through a fence.

Prepare the defense, we'll soon see you in joovie, Son!

Take a look. It doesn't happen that often but what about when the movie is actually better than the book...would that be a Catch22 or to kill a mockingbird? Suburban kids who dress like their straight out of Compton with their pants sagging when they are as white and enriched as a full
bellied moon...Or athletes who point to the sky after scoring, a la Papi, which may be viewed as annoying because it's been soooooo long and the Empire, right now, is more than strong. "Sweetness", the great RB, #34 from Da Bears of Chicago, was always graciously quoted as saying, "act like you've been there before..."

Isn't it always in the last place you look? Like the day the old man yelled and screamed at all the bewildered children lying sprawled at his feet, only to find his glasses firmly rooted upon his fuzzy head, right where he had left them.

Maybe you're taking a class for future advancement up the celestial corporate ladder and there's that one special student who likes to prolong the inevitable by asking the most inane ofquestions.
"So, to recap, the assignment just given is due...when?"

Conspiracy theories are paranoia personified and people who won’t turn right on red make some of the general population see more of the same and feel like spouting, "redrum" because YOU are to blame! The game of pointless babble is insufferable as are stupid human tricks that ken make an otherwise healthy person sick on the best of days. There are those insufferables with perfect hair and makeup that roll straight out of bed bright and chipper ready for another blissful day of contentment. No worries Will...I'll alert the media! Too much perfume/cologne reeks as does going to UPS to pick up a package...but to give information on a phone call to be better assisted only to repeat everything once a live person finally becomes available may be construed as excess mental baggage not worthy of a baggage claim.

There's always the service reps that don’t show up on the day appointed, even with an 8 hour window, which makes perfect sense...if you're a confused bear roaming in the woods during the season of hibernation!

If I could just sing a simple song...and teach the world to sing....know what I'm saying?

Please be courteous and turn off your cell phones and remember, you’ve no need to worry, if you’ve done nothing wrong.

I'm sorry, all our lines are currently busy, please hold for the next available agent. Incidentally, your call is very important to us.

Let's hear it for another fine introduction by our own bloodredsox! Blood graces this game each week with his unique style and flare. You can read more of the same on "The Blood Blog", here on Blogger! Before you run off to his page though, please take your shot at our little game first!

Directions: Read the movie quotes below and try to figure out what movie they came from. When you have an answer, or at least a guess, leave it in the comments section and I will get back to you and let you know how you did! That's it!!! Piece of cake!!! Good luck!

Before you begin, let me tell you that I had some trouble finding movies to fit this week's theme of "pet peeves". However, I did finally come up with 10 films that had actors in them who had strange quirks, or personality traits that drive others crazy. I hope that is enough of a lead for you.

1. "I'm sailing! I'm sailing! I'm sailing!!!...."

2. "How many toothpicks came out of that box, Raymond?"

3. "I used to drive Francis crazy. For a while she couldn't wear anything but my aftershave. I was impossible."

4. "What's you record for consecutive questions asked?"

5. "You can milk anything with nipples."

6. "When you say, "people", you mean "living people"?"

7. "I'm gonna make it do what it do, baby!"

8. "He's flying! He's flying!"

9. "What can I do for the Department of Defense?"

10. "Mr. Grady, you were the caretaker here."

Alright friends, let's see those answers! I think some are easy and some are more challenging. You can decide which ones.

Thanks for playing and see you next week for our next edition of Name That Film!!!

Bolt Notes: Wrap Up; Preview, and Week 13 NFL Picks!

Welcome back to another edition of Bolt Notes. As always, I greatly appreciate that you take a few minutes out of your day to read what I have to share and I would greatly appreciate any and all comments that you leave. I will respond to all comments left, even if you disagree.

Week 12 was another great week for my Bolts and another solid week for my picks as well. With a 12-4 record in week 12, my overall record moved up to 114-62. Definitely getting back to a respectable level, but still not blowing away the "experts" by any means. That's okay, no money is being lost, or made on my picks, just a lot of fun is being had making them.

Wrap Up: Chiefs @ Chargers

As I said, week 12 was a great week for the San Diego Chargers. The Chiefs flew into San Diego feeling really good about themselves after taking down last year's Super Bowl champions, the Pittsburgh Steelers. Most people still believed that the Chargers would win this game, but many worried that it would be a trap game and the Chargers would look past the Chiefs and get beat.

I didn't see it that way. I saw that the Broncos had already won on Thursday and that the Chiefs win over Pittsburgh would be enough to remind the Chargers that they had to show up for this one. Show up they did!

Throughout the game, the Chargers had their way with K.C.. Although they didn't rush for a bunch of yards, they did run effectively when they tried. Rivers controlled the game with his arm, moving the offense up and down the field. Both Antonio Gates and LaDainian Tomlinson had two touchdowns a piece as the Chargers offense racked up 34 points, with the defense adding 9 points of their own!

Yes, the Chargers defense showed up as well. They did have some typical problems stopping the run, but not so much that the Chiefs could strictly rely on it. The Chiefs did have to throw the ball and when they did, quarterback Matt Cassell was running for his life most of the game. Cassell was only sacked once, but he was hit and forced to scramble consistently throughout the game forcing a Cassell fumble (returned for a TD) and throw a pick to Quinten Jammer. The Chiefs threw in a couple more fumbles as well to help the Bolts cause. Final score: Chiefs 14 - Chargers 43

Preview: Chargers @ Browns

This is one of those games where I wish I had some money to bet. Although the Chargers go into it with three defensive starters sitting out due to injury (Merriman, Weddle, and Castillo), I still can't think of a way that the Browns win this game. Even in Cleveland the Browns simply do not match up with the Bolts. Some Browns fans on Internet chat boards have admitted that the Chargers will win, but that San Diego will be held down my the Browns defense. Sorry, I don't see that either. Right now, the Chargers are 13.5 point favorites with the over/under at 42..5. Do yourself a favor, if you have some discretionary funds, and throw down some cash on the Chargers and the over. The Chargers alone have a decent chance of getting 43 points, much less the two teams combined.

Here are some of the stats that bring me to believe this will be a complete blow out:

• The Browns have only 10 offensive touchdowns this entire season.
  
• LaDainian Tomlinson alone has 8 touchdowns and he has been considered washed up by many.
  
• The Browns have only scored 20 or more points twice this season and they lost both games.


• The Chargers have not scored less than 21 points in any game this season. They are also averaging 31 points per game during their six game winning streak.


• Brady Quinn
  
• Philip Rivers


• Philip Rivers 14-0 in December for his career as a starter

Now, what will the score of this fiasco be? That is a tough question. I want so badly to predict my first 50 point game of the year. I just can't do it. You see, the problem is that the Browns give up almost 160 yards per game rushing. That tells me that the Chargers will use Tomlinson, Sproles, Tolbert and Hester all day and chew up the yardage, and the clock. With all that running, the game will be very fast since the clock will not stop often when the Chargers are on offense. With that in mind, I have two scores to use this week for my prediction. 1. Chargers 38 - Browns 6 and 2. Chargers 45 - Browns 6. The difference being if the defense scores a touchdown or not. It the defense (or special teams) scored a touchdown, the Chargers will go over the 40 mark. If not, they should end up in the 30's like they usually do. Enjoy the game!

Week 13 NFL Picks: Winners in all caps

jets @ BILLS (I hate Thursday night games)

EAGLES @ falcons (Many injured players on both sides...flip a coin)

rams @ BEARS (Bears win despite Chokeler)

lions @ BENGALS (Cincy too much for Detroit but could be close)

titans @ COLTS (Ride the Colts until they lose or play San Diego in the playoffs)

BRONCOS @ chiefs (I sure hope I'm wrong)

PATRIOTS @ dolphins (Pats have to take out frustration of someone)

raiders @ STEELERS (Big Ben back and has something to prove)

SAINTS @ redskins (SAINTS COULD GO 16-0)

bucs @ PANTHERS (Don't like either team, but Bucs are worse)

TEXANS @ jaguars (Another coin flip)

COWBOYS @ giants (Giants look bad and Sheli is hurt)

NINERS @ seahawks (Could be a good game but who knows about Seattle?)

VIKINGS @ cards (Vikings seem to be in a hurry to get to Arizona)

RAVENS @ packers (Low scoring, close game)

CHARGERS 38 @ browns 6

Enjoy the games!!!

Name That Film: Music In Film Edition!

"Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and cannot remain silent”

It's all about the music, man and one good thing about music....when it hits...you feel no pain.

Yaar...were 'ra...on a mission from Gaawd, Ma'am...set out to relocate, a place where the spirits are more than high...maybe the Cotton Club or Chess records, which, incidental, produced Muddy Waters and Little Walter and the eventual birth of rock and roll, Mr. Chuck Berry, circa 1955! So I'm gonna write a little letter and send it off today!

Yeah, and great art is about conflict and pain and guilt and longing and love disguised as sex, and sex disguised as love... and let's face it, you've had a huge head start. I wouldn't be able to compete, so let us dance and be merry and occasionally...a little soft. The term soundtrack is often confused with film score, as a soundtrack may also include songs featured in the film as well as previously released music by other artists, while the score does not. A score is written specifically to accompany a film, by the original film's composer(s).

You will have to trust us...the Film Edition would like to bring new kinda blue sound of soul to an entire nation before another train leaves the station if only for poetic justice. How narrow is perspective? You decide how wide. None are doomed to lead a marginal life as a factory rat. Not no....not how! There is no natural need to plunge into a world of self delusion, drugs, and tragedy. Get back on the beat. Its, one for the money. Two for the road. Gee, this a-getting heavy...feel we could implode. Or explode like the ever-expanding music scene. Enter the dream. A world of roses...a song from the muses as a creation meant for performance and significance. Vary culture according to social context. Music ranges from strictly organized compositions (and their recreation in performance), through improvisational music to some fancy word which escapes me at the moment forms. Genre and subgenre and so on and on dividing lines in the sand because music you understand does not dilly dally....it is left open to individual interpretation, and occasionally controversial. Some like it hot!

This could be the opportunity of a lifetime to land an assignment. Bye bye birdie. Each encounter affords adventure and romance. Condensation. Drops of dew called into action for the unusual journey through the doors of perception. Haad-core logo...head whacking martial arts. Though roll and roll may not be dangerous...it's better to burn out...then fade away. Hey, would you say I'm seduced by sound and down for a carnival at night, juiced up and anything but chaste, blasting illicit rock and roll, and bearing great songs of service? Pirate radio ken be like street graffiti art with an electro beat. Film spectators may be quiet vampires and tonight or never.....while on holiday in Venice...become intrigued by Fletcher...he's only out for...Blood?

You open to the idea of jazz influences and dissonant blues and a streetcar named desire? Berstein sure works on the waterfront in 54 too and Stravinsky as well...the result reminiscent of royalty with its "jazz-based harmonies and exciting additive rhythms." Inspiration and experimentation with atonality scored East of Eden in 55! Rebel without a cause! In a collaboration there are experimentation with musical textures amid dizzying swirls and perhaps, electronic sounds. Modern innovation lends to immediate gratification, but we're not familiar with your earlier works. Music is an art form and this medium is sound. Choose your weapon.There are no common elements only melody and harmony governed under pitch and lotsa rhythm, which tends to associate tempo with meter and articulation. Many are the concepts and dynamics...we gut a ton and prefer sonic qualities! Timbre and texture.

Hey, Saturday night disco king, I believe in a long prolonged derangement of the senses to attain the unknown island...and although some may dwell in the subconscious, our pale reason hides the infinite from us. Too much meat and not enough potatoes! The art of heaven on earth and a hearty philosophy of startle to wonder. Feel thought...however measured or far away. From the streets to superstardom. Rising up. If this proves so, could Casey Kasem take up slinging record spinners if only to heal the world?

Find out if top forty comes back. Bear witness to a musical montage with seaside clashes or the rise and fall of Metropolitan operas. La La La La Bamba! Left to right. Stick and move, an explosive combination fueled by a hard day's night. That's not your Grandfather. No principals have gone insane! I can't explain. Think it's love. Deep in my heart I'm concealing things I'm longing to say. Scared to confess what I'm feeling-frightened you'll slip away. You aren't a conniving agent with an axe to grind? We could be dancing...yeah.

I'll tell you what everyone, you will not find intros like that anywhere else by here and on The Blood Blog! Thanks bloodredsox for once again taking our little game to the next level. You never cease to amaze me. Now, on to the game!

Directions: Read the quotes below and see if you can name the movie it came from. This week, all movie quotes came from movies that had something to do with music. Have fun!!!

1. "You guys look great in red. Have I told you that yet?"

2. "First of all, let's get one thing straight. I never heard of The Red Shoes. I never saw The Red Shoes. I don't give a shit about The Red Shoes!"

3. "First, medicinal wine from a teaspoon, then beer from a bottle!"

4. "It's tragic really. He exploded on stage."

5. "Slowly, slowly. I need a minute to practice."

6: "Yeah, I couldn't bare the thought of you and my poker money leaving town at the same time."

7. "We're all going to Hell for the songs we sing."

8. "I will use anything if I think it will teach a student to love music."

9. "We ain't great. We're just some guys from Jersey."

10. "Nathaniel has one thing going for him.....a friend."

There you go everyone! Have at it! Leave your answers in the comment section and I'll let you know ASAP if you were correct and attach a link to the clip that proves it!

As always, Blood-N-Bolts Productions would like to thank all of you for your participation!

See you next week!

Bolt Notes: Wrap Up; Preview, and Week 12 NFL Picks!

Now, week 11 in the NFL seemed to make a lot more sense to me than recent weeks. There was an upset or two, but not the kind of play that would make you start to question everything you thought you knew about the sport. Even Kansas City beating Pittsburgh made some sense since Troy Polomalu was out and Big Ben got his bell rung. Even with that, it took K.C. overtime to pull of that upset. Yes, week 11 was much easier to call than recent weeks, in my opinion.

That being the case, I had a much better week than the past few, with a 13-3 record. That brings my season record up to 102-58. Another week like last week and I should regain some of my lost confidence. At this point in week 12, I am 2-1 after missing the Denver game. Great effort by the Broncos, I must admit. That win by Denver may have saved their playoff hopes. Dang-it!

Wrap Up: Chargers @ Broncos

I had predicted that this matchup was not looking good for the Denver Broncos, even at home. Denver was riding a losing streak. The Chargers were riding a winning streak. All the momentum was on the Chargers side and all signs pointed to a Chargers win! This game was one occasion where the signs were pointed correctly and the expected outcome did, in fact, take place.

Yes, the Chargers stormed into Denver and took the Broncos out with very little effort required. Not that Denver never showed signs of life, but rather Denver never showing signs that they could stop the Bolts.

Coaching seemed to be a big part of the Chargers win. As hard as it is to say, Norv Turner has been making great decisions lately and certainly out-coached his 32 year old counterpart, Josh McDaniels. For instance, Norv has done a great job calling plays on offense. He has been capitalizing on the opposing teams defense and has been able to find ways to fix their early season run problems. In this game, the Chargers found success on the ground, so they ran the ball. Norv could have told Rivers to throw 40 times and tried to run up the score. Instead, he saw that the run game was working, his team was dominating the time of possession, and ran the ball for over 200 yards! Norv only asked Rivers to throw the ball 22 times, in which he completed 17, to keep the chains moving and keep the defense honest. Not an easy task for a team that entered the game last in the NFL in rushing.

McDaniels showed his youth early. After just four passes, McDaniels decided to bench Chris Simms and throw in injured Kyle Orton. Orton had torn ligaments in his ankle the previous week and seemed to need some more time to heal. I will admit that Orton was more effective than expected, but why risk the season on just one game. It was especially surprising to see Orton out there when the game was out of reach in the fourth quarter.

Another rookie mistake by McDaniels was trying an onside kick when only down by 10 points in the third quarter. This kick came after a Broncos score and a couple of series where the Broncos defense had stopped the Chargers offense. Sure, if the Broncos had recovered the onside kick, he would have been thought of as a genius. However, they didn't get the ball. Instead, Philip Rivers and company had the ball at the Denver 46 yard line and marched in for a huge score. The game was essentially over at that point.

To wrap it up, I would say that the Chargers should be thrilled with the improvement on defense and in the running game. The defense still gave up too many yards on the ground but has really been tough in the red zone. There has been a dramatic increase in the last four or five games in pressuring the quarterback on defense and protecting him on offense.

One worrisome note (that may turn into a blessing) is that the Chargers lost starting right tackle Jeremy Clary for the year. John Runyan, former all pro with Philadelphia has been signed to fill his slot. It is hard to say when he will be expected to be ready to start.

Preview: Chiefs @ Chargers

It hasn't been that long since the Chargers went into Kansas City and began this current winning streak. True as that may be, a lot has changed since that time. The Chargers have continued to improve. The Chiefs got rid of Larry Johnson. The Chiefs have been winning games! In fact, the Chiefs have even beaten the Chargers nemesis, the Pittsburgh Steelers! Crazy!

With that in mind, it is obvious that they Chargers cannot afford to look past the Chiefs this week. If they do, they will be upset and once again tied with the Broncos for first place in the West.

On the bright side, the Chargers has some key things happen over the last week that will help them stay focused on K.C. and give them the whoopin' that they should be able to give them.

• Kansas City beat Pittsburgh


• Chargers took over the lead in the AFC West


• Denver upset New York to keep the pressure on the Bolts
  

This are all motivators that should help the Chargers keep from doing what they have a tendency to do......get over confident.

Distractions have also taken place that could hurt the Chargers chances to win.

• Tila Tequila has filed a law suit against Shawne Merriman for many alleged crimes

• Antonio Cromartie was involved in an incident after last Sunday's game where a person was struck by a Champagne bottle. The victim claims that Cromartie threw the bottle at him. Cromartie says, "It slipped". He showed good hands on Sunday afternoon, but not Sunday night.

Oh well, I guess they are professionals and should be able to put these things behind them and do what they are getting millions dollars to do. We shall see.

Week 12 NFL Picks!

PACKERS @ lions (Lions are horrible)

raiders @ COWBOYS (Raiders are horrible)

GIANTS @ broncos (Broncos stepped up and Giants looked very bad)

bucs @ FALCONS (Bucs are horrible)

DOLPHINS @ bills (Oh yeah, Ricky is still pretty good!)

browns @ BENGALS (Browns are horrible)

SEAHAWKS @ rams (Could be an upset here)

panthers @ JETS (I feel wrong about this one)

redskins @ EAGLES (Redskins are horrible)

COLTS @ texans (Could be a game, but Colts are too good)

JAGUARS @ niners (Could go with Niners, but Jags are tough)

cards @ TITANS (If Warner is still cloudy, Cards will lose)

bears @ VIKINGS (Chokeler is horrible)

steelers @ RAVENS (Good news for Pittsburgh...I picked them to lose)

PATRIOTS @ saints (If Saints win, they should run the table in the regular season)

chiefs 10 @ CHARGERS 35

Enjoy the games!

Name That Film: Thanksgiving Edition!

In the year 1621, the Pilgrims held their first Thanksgiving feast. They
invited the great Indian chief Massasoit, who brought ninety of his brave
Indians and a great abundance of food. Governor William Bradford and
Captain Miles Standish were honored guests. Elder William Brewster, who was
a minister and retired as such, said a prayer that went something like
this, though the Film Edition, admittedly, was not present, '”we thank
________ for our homes and our food and our safety in a new land. We thank
____ for the opportunity to create a new world for freedom and justice."

Please fill in the blank for whatever deity or non-deity of your choosing
as now we've got ANOTHER holiday to worry about. It seems Thanksgiving Day
is upon us. How did this happen? What are all these myths and
misconceptions surrounding the American tradition? The Film Edition would
like to take a moment to state for the record, there is no such thing as a
Turkey tree despite what that Sally may say and pilgrims didn't wear
buckles on their shoes or hats on most every day. It turns out they weren't
teetotalers, either, whatever that fancy term means. They smoked tobacco
and drank beer, but just didn’t advertise it out in the open, like the
people on "Cops" in front of the religious fanatics, which may in fact be
redundant. Most importantly, their first harvest festival and subsequent
"thanksgivings" weren't held to thank the local natives for saving their
lives, they were too busy slaughtering them, once all the vital information
of planting and harvesting the land had been obtained.

The Pilgrims came to America for one reason – to form a separate community
in which they could worship ____ as they saw fit. Yeah, we said it! Worship
_______ as they saw fit! When the Pilgrims landed in the New World, they
found a cold, rocky, barren, desolate wilderness, which is in stark
contrast to the wild neon groves planted on every street corner in every
available space in today’s world. There were no friends to greet them. No
houses to shelter, which as rumor has it, was the basis for the inspiration
behind the Rolling Stones' smash hit, “Gimme Shelter”. They also had no
inns where they could refresh and revitalize themselves not to mention
those fancy day spas found on the outskirts of town.

During the first winter, half the Pilgrims died of illness or exposure –
including Bradford's wife. Though lives improved for the Pilgrims when
spring came, they did not really live long and prosper as the popular
saying goes, at least not initially.

The pilgrims had fled England because King James the first was persecuting
those who did not recognize the Church of England's absolute civil and
spiritual authority. Ken you imagine a politician or a person of power
persecuting the common laborer? The Film Edition does a collective
shudder…pulling the cozy blankets up over our ears and pretends to think of
ice cream castles in the sky as a time honored true and tested defense
mechanism. To Grandmother's house we go. The horse knows the way to carry
the sleigh through the white and drifted snow. Over the river and through
the woods, oh, how the wind does blow! It stings the toes and bites the
nose as over the ground we go!

In case you hadn’t heard, the Mayflower Compact was established for one
purpose: the placement of just and equal laws for all members of their new
community – believers and nonbelievers alike. The suspense builds amid the
power of expectations as they begin to grow more apparent. Yet we will make
no man, woman or child feel discomfort with open discussions of
Christianity!

This day is more than just a spiritual celebration where one is allowed to
gorge and watch sub par football all day into the evening, it is a chance to
embrace your inner Martha Stewart. Match the linens with the tablecloth.
Get out those fancy holders no-one can set up without assistance, not to
mention Grandma's sterling silverware. But Thanksgiving is more than
eating, Chuck. You heard what Linus was saying out there. Those early
Pilgrims were thankful for what had happened to them, and we should be
thankful, too. We should just be thankful for being together. I think
that's what they mean by 'Thanksgiving,' Charlie Brown. Thanksgiving is
thus widely perceived as a time for family and friends and football. An
opportunity to reunite with loved ones, friends, and relations we haven’t
seen for years. It’s some time off work, a break from school, the chance
for an extended romantic weekend, and more importantly, an opportunity to
eat copious amounts of food without feeling too guilty and finally getting
that long sought after nap! In some ways this is more representative of the
original celebrations held by the Pilgrims, which were actually harvest
festivals, fashioned on the English and Native traditions.The original
contract the Pilgrims had with their merchant-sponsors in London called for
everything they produced to go into a common store. Socialism at it’s
finest! Each member of the community was entitled to one common share as
part of the test. All of the land they cleared and the houses they built
belonged to the community. The experience of common course and clinical
condition brings any community into common wealth, and is supposed to, on
paper, make all the people happy and apt to flourish. This community
however was found to breed much confusion and discontent, and retard
employment that would have been to their benefit and comfort. For young men
that were most able and fit for labor and service did balk at the idea that
they should spend their time and strength to work for other men's wives and
children without any recompense ... that was thought to be injustice. What
a surprise! Even back then people did not want to work without incentive.
Money, it’s a gas!

Thanksgiving, as the historical landmark we celebrate, is a result of
political history and has very little to do with any date or events
pertaining to pilgrims or America specifically. Although, few would defend
the historical accuracy or the celebration of the massacre of native
peoples, the failure to publicly denounce the traditional meaning of
Thanksgiving is another small piece of the silent complicity that allows
racism and a racially constructed history to continue to shape our
understanding of world events, and our perceptions of different groups.
Thanksgiving, a tradition dating back to the ancient Hebrews and their
feasts of Succoth and Passover, may be a powerful testimony to the strength
of beliefs and high expectations of culinary delights. Just visualize that
jam-packed dinner table stretching into the other room aside the peninsula
also known as the infamous kid’s table. Have you been demoted? Is there any
hope? Will you be holding a ritualistic vigil to a faux Plymouth Rock?
Well, keep in mind, the inaugural pilgrim landing was at Provincetown, Cape
Cod, which has more of a Halloween feeling to the place with lotsa flair.

So, this Thanksgiving, as you welcome your friends, family, guests and new
acquaintances into your home, take a moment to redirect our collective
future. As you sit down to eat, take time to mention the true history of
America. Acknowledge your joy at coming together, but acknowledge also, how
contrived, inaccurate history has torn others apart. Let your children know
what really happened to the Native Americans. Tell them something about the
impact these historical events has had on Native Americans today. Let’s use
this moment as a lesson for us all, as we try to understand, appreciate,
and get along with people whose customs, languages and religions may be
unfamiliar. Let’s use this moment to ensure the spirit of giving and being
genuinely thankful is instilled in all of us. Thus ensuring our future
history can find acts of true brotherly and sisterly love to honor and
celebrate.

Isn't it peculiar, Charlie Brown, how some traditions just slowly fade
away?

Yes! We are back and in full swing with a brand new Name That Film! I give thanks to Bloodredsox for knocking out another wonderful introduction. Honestly, I may have wrapped up this game if he did not come on as a partner so many months ago. I also give thanks to my wife for tolerating all the time I give to the computer to put this together and answer comments when I'm done. While I'm at it, I have to give thanks to the readers/players who make this fun each week and make the time worth while.

As for this week, all of the quotes used come from movies that either take place on, or around, Thanksgiving, or are about Thanksgiving itself. Read the quotes below and see if you can figure out what movie they came from. Put your answers in the comment section and check back to see if you're right! Response time may be low due to me having to share my computer more than normal lately.

Good luck and enjoy the game!!

1. "What kind of a Thanksgiving dinner is this? Where's the turkey, Chuck? Don't you know anything about Thanksgiving dinners? Where's the mashed potatoes? Where's the cranberry sauce? Where's the pumpkin pie?"

2. "I don't know if you remember me, but we had the worst night of my life together."

3. "She has her mother's spirit. She goes wherever the wind takes her."

4. "Mom, I'm going to have sex with Tim."

5. "The next time Homer says, "What kind of animal are you?" You tell him, "You're a monkey."

6. "How would you like a mouthful of teeth?"

7. "It's okay, I'm a doctor!"

8. "Don't shrug you imbecile, I'm blind."

9. "I don't care if you pay off in eggs! Just give me a chance."

10. "What I tell you, man. Alice is a groovy cook."

Well, let's see how you did! Put those movie titles in a comment and check back to see how you did!

Remember to check ouut The Blood Blog if you liked this week's intro. There's a lot more where that came from.

By the way, this week's pictures are of things that I am thankful for. There are more, but it's a nice representation.

Have a happy Thanksgiving!

Bolt Notes: Week 11 Wrap Up, Preview, and NFL Picks!

Here is a free lesson in why you should not bet money on sports (unless you are wealthy and want to donate money to your friends or your local Indian Casino). Are you ready? Here it is....Because there are too many things beyond your control in sports! You can't control injuries to key players (Kyle Orton). You can't control unexpected motivation that may help a player play like the player he used to be (L.T. after finding out his wife was pregnant). You can't control coaches doing bazaar things in crucial situation (See Bill Belichick). I could go on and on, but you get the picture. That being said, I still like to try and pick the winners, I just don't bet on them.

As for my picks last week....not so good. A very poor 8-7 week brings my season total to 89-55. This embarrassing total makes me more determined than ever to get this weeks picks right! Well, except for the Thursday night game that I already lost. Remember to read to the end and see if you agree with my picks this week.

Wrap Up: Eagles @ Chargers

I must admit that I was pleasantly surprised that the Chargers continued their winning streak against the Eagles last week (4 games). Whenever a strong passing team comes into San Diego, I worry because the Bolts don't always pressure the quarterback well, which causes the receivers to have plenty of time to find an open spot. It turned out that the pressure was there at time and most of the big plays that Philly is known for were taken away. That doesn't mean that the Eagles couldn't pass the ball. They passed for 450 yards on the day! What it meant was that the Eagles were forced to sustain long drives if they wanted to score touchdowns. In fact, early in the game, the Eagles drove the ball down the field, deep into the redzone, and only came out with field goals. The Chargers claim that was their plan. The old bend, but don't break defense. The Bamboo Defense, if you will.

While Philly was kicking field goals, the Chargers were busy scoring touchdowns! An old friend, LaDainian Tomlinson, showed up in a big way for this game. He ran for a season high 96 yards and two touchdowns, including one from 21 yards out. The line was actually making holes, and L.T. was busting through! It was fun to watch.

Philip Rivers completed 80% of his passes as he continues to have an MVP type season. He was only able to hit his top receiver, Vincent Jackson, once for 10 yards, but that didn't matter. Antonio Gates is in top form and was open all day. Malcolm Floyd was stretching the field, and Legadu Nanee showed that he is much more than a third string receiver.

This win was the finishing touch on erasing a 3 1/2 game deficit and they are now tied for the AFC West lead with the Denver Broncos who lost to lowly Washington.

Preview: Chargers @ Broncos

Oh yes, did I mention that the Chargers and Broncos are tied for first place? Of course I did. That is all people in both cities are talking about! In fact, the last game the Chargers lost was to the Broncos on Monday night, five weeks ago. The last game the Broncos won was that same game. These appear to be two teams heading in opposite directions.

Now, Broncos fan will tell you that their first two losses are no big deal. They lost to Baltimore and Pittsburgh. Both teams are formidable, and losing to them is no reason to panic (that was also what the Chargers said when they lost to both of those teams). Then the unthinkable happened. The Broncos went to Washington and lost to the Redskins! The Redskins who are going through major problems. The Redskins who have all but said that their head coach will not return next year. The Redskins who hadn't scored more than 17 points all season! Those Redskins.

Again, Broncos fan will tell you that the loss to Washington doesn't mean anything because they had their starting quarterback injured during the game and had to play the second half with Chris Simms at QB. Simms hadn't played much at all in the last three years and was rusty. Okay, I buy that. I do believe that if Orton was healthy, he and the Broncos would have won the game. However, that doesn't explain why the Denver defense is getting run over by second rate running backs like Lydell Betts! In the Broncos last three losses, their defense is giving up over 160 yards per game on the ground! That sounds like problems to me.

Let's not forget the whole injured quarterback issue. With Orton in the lineup, and healthy, the Broncos beat the Chargers five weeks ago and their offense was able to control the clock and allow their defense to stay rested and aggressive. This week, look for Orton to be on the sideline, or playing injured. That should make it easier for the Chargers to stack the box and try to take away the Broncos run game and force the Broncos to beat them through the air.

Another possible issue for the Broncos is that they have a very young coach who has never had to face this kind of adversity before. He came into the league with some new, fresh ideas and shocked several good teams. However, lately it seems that the league is figuring him out and has made the necessary adjustments. Now, McDaniels has to show that he can make adjustments of his own to counteract what his opponents are doing. He hasn't shown that ability yet. Fortunately for him, most people would tell you that if he was ever going to be able to out-coach an experienced NFL head coach, this would be the week.

As for the Chargers, things are looking up. They are riding a four game winning streak and have shown signs of life on defense. The pressure on the quarterback problem that they had in the first half of the year has been answered with 17 sacks over the last four games. Hard hits, quarterback pressure, and a much stronger defense against the run make the Chargers a different defense than they were the last time these teams matched up.

On the offensive side of the ball, the Chargers have improved as well. Rivers is still lighting up the sky with great passes, but now, the offensive line is giving him more time and they are actually giving some holes for running backs to run through! It's been a long time since I could report that. In my opinion, the main reasons that so many people think that LT is washed up is that he has been hurt and his line has been horrible. If he is truly healthy and the line is working better together, then look out for the rest of the season!

I think the only fear that I have, as a Chargers fan, going into this game against Denver, is overconfidence. The Bolts have shown that they can swagger a little too much and think that they can just throw their helmets on the field and win. That would not be beneficial in this case as the Broncos are still dangerous even with their major issues.

WEEK 11 NFL PICKS!


DOLHINS @ panthers (Didn't remember Ricky)

redskins @ COWBOYS (Cowboys at home)

browns @ DETROIT (Lions aren't as bad as Browns)

niners @ PACKERS (Tough call)

STEELERS @ chiefs (No contest)

seahawks @ VIKINGS (Favre and Peterson)

falcons @ GIANTS (Giants desperate, Turner hurt)

SAINTS @ bucs (Bush out, but shouldn't matter)

bills @ JAGUARS (Bills are a mess)

COLTS @ ravens (Colts own Ravens)

CARDINALS @ rams (Cards are better)

BENGALS @ raiders (Bengals on a roll)

jets @ PATRIOTS (Pats looking for revenge and respect)

EAGLES @ bears (McNabb over Cutler although both stink in redzone)

TITANS @ texans (Titans could come down to earth, but they have improved)

CHARGERS 38 @ broncos 13