For many years I tried drafting the perfect fantasy football team. For many years I found my team mediocre and finishing in the middle of the pack, if not the bottom. Fantasy football was starting to become more frustrating then fun. Yes, I understand that fantasy football should be fun, but there is nothing wrong with being a little competitive . Winning is always a bit more enjoyable.
Three years ago I took a close look at the final rosters of the top teams in the league I was in. I noticed the top teams consistently had good wide receivers and a good starting quarter back. Most had decent running backs, they were not the difference for success. I sat back and started to think. I often heard that the NFL has turned into arena football where offenses air out the ball and score at will. Maybe I was going about my drafts all wrong?
Normally I would draft a running back first and possibly in the second round. Everyone in my league drooled over the top running backs such as Adrian Peterson and LaDanian Tomlinson. I was just as guilty, but a new thought swirled in my head. I took a lot of criticism, but here is my formula. It works, I have now won my league the last two out of three years and am currently on pace to place again this year (tied for first place with two weeks to go).
A. I changed my draft order to the following.
1. QB
2. WR
3. WR
4. RB
5. RB
6. TE
7. WR
8. RB
9. DEF
10. QB
Now fill in the rest of your team. You should have the top QB, WR core, and TE, and DEF. Yes, your running backs will not be as strong, but they are simply used for maintaining points. Your quarterback and wide receivers are geared to dictate weather you win or loss. Here is a thought. The NFL has really gone to become pass happy. No running back has come close to scoring the same amount of points as any quarter back, at least that's the case in my leagues.
Also, many NFL teams use a two running back system. Defenses are much stronger, running backs cannot take the punishing blows as in the past. It is uncommon for running backs to weekly get 25-30 carries a game. 15-20 is more the average (if not less) which is commonly the difference of 50yds and a touch down.
Since your team will likely lack the better running backs, keep a close eye on free agents. Get rid of dead weight. Keep a close eye on your team's official web site (Packers.com). They are usually a bit more accurate then yahoo or CBS.
So there it is, go for the best QB and WR early and you'll be fine. I was nervous the first time I drafted this way, but now I wouldn't draft any other way. Good Luck and Go Packers!
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Cannot Decide?
I have a dilemma. I have a paper topic due tomorrow for a persuasion paper, but cannot decide what to write about. Here are the two topics I cannot decide on.
1. Should attendance be factored into grades for college students?
2. Are the new Wisconsin report cards legit? Do they serve the practical purpose intended?
Attendance for College
When I enrolled at UW Sheboygan five years ago I had the assumption that attendance was not a factor when it came to final grades. I thought college was the total opposite of high school, where students come and go as they please, I was wrong. Don't be mistaken, I do think tracking attendance is a good thing, I am not sure if it should be mandatory? College is for adults, should adults be allowed to come and go as they please. I have had some professors that have the rule if you miss class, it is the student's responsibility to get notes and other class materials from another student. I like this rule, it allows flexibility and accountability for the student. Many students are involved in athletics and clubs that require a huge time commitment. Students also have jobs with hours that vary. Some students take on responsibilities that better themselves, but could also interfere with class time. On the flip side, attendance is a life issue. EMPLOYERS REQUIRE ACCOUNTABILITY, PERIOD!!!! It will be a shell shock for many students when they do move on from college and enter the world of full time employment. I sound like a lecturing parent, but it is true. Employers require employees to be punctual and ready to to go. Most college professors gear students for this same practice. Be on time for class and ready to participate. It seems to me the days of just listening to lectures and taking notes are gone. Many professors want interaction and face to face feedback. I know some people who "just show up" for their jobs, and they are difficult to work with, really useless.
After writing this blog, I would suggest taking attendance and factoring into grades has more benefits. But, many would probably argue.
New Wisconsin report Cards
The state of Wisconsin has a new report card system. The new report card now factors in poverty rates and students growth. Although many these changes are to better the states education and get a better understanding on how to improve, many are not sold. Many schools that are located in high poverty areas do not hit the achievement requirement score. But, their students do show a considerable amount of improvement. Bravo to these teachers, but on paper they are portrayed as not getting the job done. Many school reputations may suffer with this new plan. Unfortunately some schools might lose enrollment, which affects budgets and employment. I would like to read or hear from more sources before I take a side.
Well, if anyone out there is reading this, I am open to suggestions? Both offer legit arguments for either sides.
1. Should attendance be factored into grades for college students?
2. Are the new Wisconsin report cards legit? Do they serve the practical purpose intended?
Attendance for College
When I enrolled at UW Sheboygan five years ago I had the assumption that attendance was not a factor when it came to final grades. I thought college was the total opposite of high school, where students come and go as they please, I was wrong. Don't be mistaken, I do think tracking attendance is a good thing, I am not sure if it should be mandatory? College is for adults, should adults be allowed to come and go as they please. I have had some professors that have the rule if you miss class, it is the student's responsibility to get notes and other class materials from another student. I like this rule, it allows flexibility and accountability for the student. Many students are involved in athletics and clubs that require a huge time commitment. Students also have jobs with hours that vary. Some students take on responsibilities that better themselves, but could also interfere with class time. On the flip side, attendance is a life issue. EMPLOYERS REQUIRE ACCOUNTABILITY, PERIOD!!!! It will be a shell shock for many students when they do move on from college and enter the world of full time employment. I sound like a lecturing parent, but it is true. Employers require employees to be punctual and ready to to go. Most college professors gear students for this same practice. Be on time for class and ready to participate. It seems to me the days of just listening to lectures and taking notes are gone. Many professors want interaction and face to face feedback. I know some people who "just show up" for their jobs, and they are difficult to work with, really useless.
After writing this blog, I would suggest taking attendance and factoring into grades has more benefits. But, many would probably argue.
New Wisconsin report Cards
The state of Wisconsin has a new report card system. The new report card now factors in poverty rates and students growth. Although many these changes are to better the states education and get a better understanding on how to improve, many are not sold. Many schools that are located in high poverty areas do not hit the achievement requirement score. But, their students do show a considerable amount of improvement. Bravo to these teachers, but on paper they are portrayed as not getting the job done. Many school reputations may suffer with this new plan. Unfortunately some schools might lose enrollment, which affects budgets and employment. I would like to read or hear from more sources before I take a side.
Well, if anyone out there is reading this, I am open to suggestions? Both offer legit arguments for either sides.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Cheers to Cheers!
My favorite T. V show of all time is Cheers. Cheers has been off the air for many years, in fact 1993 was when the last show televised. Why do I know that? I have the VHS tape at home. That is right VHS, LOL. Cheers ran for eleven seasons 1982-1993. Every episode offered a different conflict for one of it's hilarious figures. For those of you that are not familiar with the hit series Cheers, here is a little intro.
Cheers is a sitcom about a bar in Boston that is ran by an ex Boston Red Sox pitcher named Sam Malone. Sam is a former alcoholic and ladies man. He has sex with hundreds of women, and uses whitty come on lines to get whatever he wants. He ends up falling in love with a waitress that works at his bar and his eventual boss when he sells the bar. Norm, an unemployed accountant, is the bar's most loyal patron that runs a bar tab that never gets paid. Whenever he walks in the bar everyone yells "NORM" and then Norm answers with some creative phrase to order his first of many beers. Cliff, a postman that lives with his mother, is another favorite character. Cliff knows everything, and I mean everything. he is a walking wikipedia that never shuts up. If you want useless information that no one could possibly think of or remember, Cliff is your man. He becomes Norm's best friend and figure on the show that just adds flavor. You never know what is going to come out of Cliff's mouth, and it will usually make you grin. The show also includes a bitchy, superstitious waitress named Carla that has many kids (not sure if the show ever reveals how many, but it is a lot). Two bartenders named Coach and Woody that easily made fun of and gullible. Two psychiatrists named Frazier and Lilith that become patrons and wedded, and so much more.
Some of my favorite episodes consist of the prank wars with a rival bar called Gary's Old Town Tavern and the minor scuffles with the restaurant located above the bar called Melville's. To me, every actor is a genius when portraying their character. I can watch rerun after rerun, the show was brilliant. Every show had a theme with a conflict, and the writers were so creative about creating a new conflict each week.
I have been to Boston twice and visited the original Cheers that is shown from the outside during episodes. What a fun place to visit! The show originally was rated something like 77 out of 80 shows when it first aired, but slowly climbed to the top within a short time.
Cheers is a sitcom about a bar in Boston that is ran by an ex Boston Red Sox pitcher named Sam Malone. Sam is a former alcoholic and ladies man. He has sex with hundreds of women, and uses whitty come on lines to get whatever he wants. He ends up falling in love with a waitress that works at his bar and his eventual boss when he sells the bar. Norm, an unemployed accountant, is the bar's most loyal patron that runs a bar tab that never gets paid. Whenever he walks in the bar everyone yells "NORM" and then Norm answers with some creative phrase to order his first of many beers. Cliff, a postman that lives with his mother, is another favorite character. Cliff knows everything, and I mean everything. he is a walking wikipedia that never shuts up. If you want useless information that no one could possibly think of or remember, Cliff is your man. He becomes Norm's best friend and figure on the show that just adds flavor. You never know what is going to come out of Cliff's mouth, and it will usually make you grin. The show also includes a bitchy, superstitious waitress named Carla that has many kids (not sure if the show ever reveals how many, but it is a lot). Two bartenders named Coach and Woody that easily made fun of and gullible. Two psychiatrists named Frazier and Lilith that become patrons and wedded, and so much more.
Some of my favorite episodes consist of the prank wars with a rival bar called Gary's Old Town Tavern and the minor scuffles with the restaurant located above the bar called Melville's. To me, every actor is a genius when portraying their character. I can watch rerun after rerun, the show was brilliant. Every show had a theme with a conflict, and the writers were so creative about creating a new conflict each week.
I have been to Boston twice and visited the original Cheers that is shown from the outside during episodes. What a fun place to visit! The show originally was rated something like 77 out of 80 shows when it first aired, but slowly climbed to the top within a short time.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Interesting article-hard to swallow
I was reading the Sheboygan Press today during my lunch hour and noticed an article on the front page on the Sandusky trial. The article reads that Sandusky will be sentenced thirty years in prison, which in reality will be for life. The article talks about how some of the victims confronted Sandusky in court and revealed their pain and suffering. Sandusky was convicted back in June of 45 counts of raping or fondling boys he met through his charity program. Even with all the evidence, Sandusky still claims he did not perform these acts and is innocent. I think every one convicted of a crime, especially one of this magnitude, should be given a fair case. I also think both sides have had more than enough time to state their case and get their crap together.
I am truly amazed that Sandusky claims he is still Innocent and has done nothing wrong! Could he be telling the truth, maybe? But, why would the victims make these stories up? Why would the victims want him to suffer? It just seems odd to me that with all the evidence against Sandusky, he still claims to not have committed these acts. Does anyone believe he is innocent?
http://www.sheboyganpress.com/viewart/20121010/SHE0101/121009074/Sandusky-gets-least-30-years-denies-wrongdoing?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|FRONTPAGE|s
I am truly amazed that Sandusky claims he is still Innocent and has done nothing wrong! Could he be telling the truth, maybe? But, why would the victims make these stories up? Why would the victims want him to suffer? It just seems odd to me that with all the evidence against Sandusky, he still claims to not have committed these acts. Does anyone believe he is innocent?
http://www.sheboyganpress.com/viewart/20121010/SHE0101/121009074/Sandusky-gets-least-30-years-denies-wrongdoing?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|FRONTPAGE|s
21 Jump Street
My wife April and I can usually compromise when it comes to renting movies. She gave me the green light one Sunday and I came back with 21 Jump Street, huge mistake. We like watching funny movies, but this film was horrible. The acting by Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum is bad. I did like the both of these guys in previous films, but this one makes me shake my head. For those of you that have not seen this movie, here is a quick introduction. Two former high school students become police partners for the same force. They are fouled mouth and unrealistic when making arrest. One scene they run down a purse thief and swear at him and make sexual gestures towards him when in handcuffs. It could be funny, but it is really not. Eventually the two end up going undercover in their old high school and try and find the source of some new drug that is filtering through the hallways.
The two characters end up experiencing the opposite experiences as when they were in high school, like falling in love and actually learning. They drink and do drugs with the students at parties while tring to find the source. I guess this could be realistic, but it is just done so poorly. I give this film a D, I would not waste my time watching it, unless you prefer bad acting. The end is predictable and after writing this blog I cannot believe we watched the whole film. Sorry 21 Jump Street,
The two characters end up experiencing the opposite experiences as when they were in high school, like falling in love and actually learning. They drink and do drugs with the students at parties while tring to find the source. I guess this could be realistic, but it is just done so poorly. I give this film a D, I would not waste my time watching it, unless you prefer bad acting. The end is predictable and after writing this blog I cannot believe we watched the whole film. Sorry 21 Jump Street,
Writing process
Last month I wrote about my writing progress by mistake. Here is some information on my writing PROCESS.
I try to keep the process of writing my papers simple, so content is legit and easy to read. I do not necessarily make a complete outline, but I do write main points with supporting details on a separate piece of paper. From there I focus on what the criteria is asking and the rules for the assignment of paper. If I am in my office or at home I will sometimes read my work by reading it out loud and standing up. I have no idea why reading while standing up helps generate ideas, but it works for me??? I try to make sure my papers are done two days before the due date. This can be difficult, but I truly hate procrastinating. I often think about parts of my paper that I am not happy with and try to allow time to go back and revise. New thoughts usually pop up when I am laying in bed, so I keep a pencil and note pad by my night stand just in case. If possible, I try to get my papers peer reviewed, but my schedule does not always allow. One strategy that has also helped is by stating what the paper will be arguing within the paper, not letting the reader guess. By stating specifically what I am tryng to accomplish helps generate supporting details.
Recently I have started writing for fun, and I have no rules. I like the challenge of creating feelings, sights and sounds. I just type or write and try to make my wording accurate and realistic.
I try to keep the process of writing my papers simple, so content is legit and easy to read. I do not necessarily make a complete outline, but I do write main points with supporting details on a separate piece of paper. From there I focus on what the criteria is asking and the rules for the assignment of paper. If I am in my office or at home I will sometimes read my work by reading it out loud and standing up. I have no idea why reading while standing up helps generate ideas, but it works for me??? I try to make sure my papers are done two days before the due date. This can be difficult, but I truly hate procrastinating. I often think about parts of my paper that I am not happy with and try to allow time to go back and revise. New thoughts usually pop up when I am laying in bed, so I keep a pencil and note pad by my night stand just in case. If possible, I try to get my papers peer reviewed, but my schedule does not always allow. One strategy that has also helped is by stating what the paper will be arguing within the paper, not letting the reader guess. By stating specifically what I am tryng to accomplish helps generate supporting details.
Recently I have started writing for fun, and I have no rules. I like the challenge of creating feelings, sights and sounds. I just type or write and try to make my wording accurate and realistic.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Childhood memory
White Milk
One childhood memory that I have to laugh about was drinking milk during dinner. I hated white milk as a kid and still hate it today. I have no idea why because I love drinking chocolate milk and strawberry milk. I enjoy white milk on cereal and use it for cooking. Weird but true, that is the way I was created, maynooise and white milk make me want to vomit. My parents made every child drink a large glass of white milk every night for dinner. My two brothers and sister loved white milk, so I was the outcast. I hated white milk so much I would always wait until the end of the dinner and hope my parents would get a phone call or distracted so I could dump out my glass. This was usually a unsuccessful strategy, so to make matters worse the milk would get warm which doubled my hatred for that white glass of horror. Eventually I would try a different strategy and hold my nose while slamming the glass of milk. This would help neutralize the taste, but I would still have to eat something right away to change that awful taste that would linger in my mouth. I often wondered why my parents did not let me add chocolate or strawberry syrup to my glass. It would have still been healthy for my teeth and bones. If some day my wife and I have children I hope they enjoy white milk, but if not there are different avenues to take.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Next book to read
Although I have not read the book Catcher in the Rye, I do have intentions of reading it. I have heard the title come up many times and have become even more interested after looking up on the net.
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