Saturday, October 16, 2010

Tailgate 2010

The leaves are turning, the air has a bite, it must be that time of year. Time for the family tailgate at a Steelers game! It is going down tomorrow and I am pretty excited. I made a new tailgating CD and I am pretty proud of it. It includes all the old standards (Here We Go Steelers, some Pittsburgh Steelers polkas, NFL FIlsm excerpts) and some new ones I found such as "Stairway to Seven", "Put a Ring on It" (All the Steelers ladies, All the Steelers ladies), and some other unique 'Burgh hits.

We have two Gold Lot passes and are expecting about 25 people, it is going to be a great time. I have high expectations for a Steelers win and it is with tempered excitement that I am looking forward to Ben's return to the team. I think he is a great quarterback and will help the team, but I am still appalled at his off the field behavior and demonstrated horrible decision making. From the motorcycle w/ no helmet to even being in a college bar, he just comes across as immature and lacking common sense. I hope that he has grown up during this forced absence and that the fans will welcome him back... becuase he earns it and proves his worth. This city is his oyster if he can overcome his ego and selfishness. Here is to hoping he has.

Regardless of the type of person Ben truly is, it is going to be one hell of a party tomorrow and I can't wait. Go Steelers!

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

NFL Pick 'Em

I am in a pick 'em pool with a bunch of co-workers and friends at my old job. I am a game out of first with 41 correct picks so far this season. Last week was a bloodbath on the leaderboard with 4 people going 5-9. I went 8-6 and took second for the week *cringe* behind my wife who got 9 correct.

Noticing that the home team went 7-7 last week (outperforming most of the picks in our pool) I wondered how the home team strategy would have done so far this season. Answer? It would be a game ahead of first place. 43-33

Before I change my strategy, I should take note that this is largely because the home team went an impressive 12-4 in week 1. After that, it is been surprisingly close to splitting.

Week 1 - 12-4
Week 2 - 8-8
Week 3 - 8-8
Week 4 - 8-6
Week 5 - 7-7

None of this analysis can overcome the fact that my wife has picked higher than me 3 out of the 5 weeks. Luckily for me, when she misses, she misses big and we are tied in the standings. I guess that is what I get for marrying a football loving lady :-)