by Jason Meinen | Nov 23, 2015 | Beer, Other, Rant, Rave, Sports
Who knew all it would take to break a 3-game losing streak was a simple hoodie. While James Jones’ hoodie look may have reminded me of a JV football player standing on the sidelines watching the Varsity play on a Friday night (a look I have seen all to often over the years)…his six catches for 109 yards and a touchdown was just the type of performance the Packers needed to get back on track and takeover the NFC North lead. Heck, the hoodie is so popular now it even has its own Twitter account.
Speaking of hoodies, Clara and I (coincidentally) both wore hoodies to watch the Packers game yesterday at our home away from home…The Good Time Tavern.
Official Packers bar in downtown Livermore, CA
Knowing that we wouldn’t be able to watch all the Packer games from home (stupid 49ers and Raiders), I went to Packers Everywhere to find a nearby bar that would show all the Packers games each week. We found The Good Time Tavern in downtown Livermore and pre-scouted it on the Friday night before the Packers vs Chargers game…and the second we walked in, we knew that this was our place to watch Packers games. The Good Time Tavern is a classic Wisconsin dive bar…and with that description, it needs no further explanation.
Robert is a great host each week and a life-long Packers fan. He also loves to talk Fantasy Football.
The GTT even has $3 Miller Lites…and in the new Steinie bottle…you simply can’t go wrong (especially in CA)!
SNOW…Thanks to all my friends and family that sent pictures of Friday night’s/Saturday morning’s snowfall. California wins! I don’t miss that crap one bit…especially when it is snowing days before Thanksgiving…that is just wrong! While I must admit, it really doesn’t feel like late November around here (as people are already putting up Christmas lights), I think I’ll be able to adjust to the Christmas season without snow rather nicely (although it is strange seeing commercials with snow). As for El Nino…let’s just hope that doesn’t happen (for the sake of my job…if I’m not on strike).
I must admit…I did chuckle when I saw this pic Saturday morning.
BAN REPLAY…After Saturday’s debacle in Madison, I’ve officially had it with instant replay! It is time to finally get rid of it altogether. Replay is doing nothing but extending games and destroying pace of play…and (too often), replay STILL doesn’t get the call correct after the review! Look, if we can live with pass interference calls being decided on the field…we can live with ALL calls being decided on the field. If football (and all sports for that matter) don’t want to ban replay, then rules and interpretations need to be simplified…because week after week, the officials are merely choking when it comes to making decisions and replay is not doing its job to avoid Monday apologies…or in the Big Ten’s case, standing up for unacceptable officiating because they don’t want to look bad.
I have no idea what a catch is anymore in football…and this, was ruled a catch on the field!
So to sum up…I guess not all hoods were created equal.
by Jason Meinen | Nov 18, 2015 | Rave, Sports
As a kid, Wednesday was one of the best days of the week. Wednesday meant that the new Sports Illustrated would be arriving in the mail later that afternoon. Back then, Sports Illustrated had the coolest sports photos (that we usually ripped out of the school library’s magazine because we didn’t want to ruin our own) and provided instant reading material for the entire week (I’d bring my SI with me everywhere all school day long…hoping to sneak a read in during study hall or when the teacher wasn’t looking…this was before the days of SSR).
During the late 1980’s is when I started to fall in love with sports and I remember reading my uncle’s Sports Illustrated magazines whenever I visited my grandparents’ house…sometimes I was even given older issues to take home and read…and I instantly became a fan of SI. As a result, I still remember getting my first Sports Illustrated subscription as a kid…my first ever issue was in January of 1989 and Tony Rice of Notre Dame was on the cover.
During this pre-Internet/social media era, Sports Illustrated was THE source for sports news and knowledge. In fact, I used to treat my SI’s as if they were gold…I wouldn’t throw any of them away…often looking back at old issues for articles and pictures from time to time. One year, during my college winter break, I spent almost an entire day sorting through over 10 years of Sports Illustrated magazines…I was like a hoarder when it came to them…as they were such a part of my childhood. I still remember certain childhood events by the SI cover of that week…call me (sports) crazy!
Obviously, times have changed. Eventually I let my subscription run out…as Sports Illustrated soon became a shell of itself due to the world wide web. But, just recently, I decided to subscribe to SI again (getting a free subscription helped). It is, however, way different now…my issues no longer come on Wednesday (thanks California¡) and I now read them on my iPad. And while I no longer read them cover to cover, like in the past…my favorite section now is the Digital Bonus section…A Look Back – This Week in SI’s Cover History. This section takes a look back at issues from that same week…5, 10, 20, and 40 years ago. Of course, I enjoy the 20-year look backs the best…as it brings me back to my childhood and when following sports (and everything else for that matter) was much simpler.
Who remembers this one from 20 years ago this week…
Russell Maryland and Elvis Grbac…I’m sure the Cowboys and 49ers would like to turn back the clock as well.
Shout-out: SPORT magazine was a pretty epic magazine as well…a once a month magazine that had (at times) even better photos than Sports Illustrated…and a year subscription was only like 10 bucks. And don’t forget about Sports Illustrated for Kids…while the articles were geared for kids…the posters and trading cards were must gets from the school library. And who can forget the Sports Illustrated posters…they are still hanging up in my old room at my parents’ house.
Last add…I don’t watch a lot of sitcoms anymore (none really), but I really enjoy Wednesday nights on ABC…if I can’t find any good sports to watch. The following three shows…The Middle, The Goldbergs, and Modern Family really crack me up. It must be all the nostalgia…I guess.
by Jason Meinen | Nov 12, 2015 | Rant, Sports
Thursday Night Football…why do I keep watching this crap?!?! (By the way…what happened to that intro?). Seriously…I need a life! Or maybe…I need to find a Thursday night bowling league to distract me from these games (it definitely worked in the past)…words I never thought I’d say last year at this time…I actually miss bowling (at least the camaraderie).
It seems like each Thursday night, the product on the field gets even worse than the previous week…coincidence? The NFL preaches player safety, but yet it continues to allow teams to play on three days rest…I just don’t get it.
Here’s a closer look at this year’s Thursday night clunkers (er, games) so far…
Week 2 – Broncos 31 at Chiefs 24…good finish (FUMBLE!)
Week 3 – at Giants 32 Redskins 21…two crap teams in this year’s crap division
Week 4 – Ravens 23 at Steelers 20 (OT)…probably, the best of this bunch
Week 5 – Colts 27 at Texans 20…see Week 3
Week 6 – at Saints 31 Falcons 21…same old Falcons in primetime
Week 7 – Seahawks 20 at 49ers 3…GROSS!
Week 8 – at Patriots 36 Dolphins 7…Aqua Stave
Week 9 – at Bengals 31 Browns 10…classic Johnny Rebab…I mean Football
*Note…I did not include Week 1 – Steelers 21 at Patriots 28…due to each team coming off the preseason schedule and being fully rested.
Not exactly instant classics…basically yawners, blowouts, with lots of ugliness mixed in…and the crazy part is that these games are all DIVISIONAL MATCHUPS! These are the opponents that should know each other better than any others…yet, you wouldn’t know it, watching most of these games.
And the NFL is officially trying too hard when they revealed their “Color Rush” uniforms to us tonight (Ditka plug). Guess what NFL…you are not college football! If you want to be like college football…give them their Thursday night football back…all to themselves!
I think this tweet sums up tonight’s uniforms the best…
Hey, Christmas is only 42 days away…I’ll take some Packers attire (dammit…I’m feeding the beast).
by Jason Meinen | Nov 11, 2015 | Music, Other, Rave
I’m often asked, where do you come up with the material for your blog? Most days, it comes to me rather easy…and today, it came to me even easier than most. Today’s post is simply…THANK YOU! No rant about the Green Bay Packers struggles, the silliness of the College Football Playoff rankings, or the legalities of FanDuel and DraftKings is that important today. Today is about thanking ALL who have and will continue to fight for, protect, and sacrifice for our freedom. While I won’t be able to attend the usual Veterans Day program like in past school years (there is no school in California today), I will make the most of this beautiful California day…hitting some golf balls and logging some miles on my bicycle. Thank you Veterans…for making this possible!
More…the SC Featured: Going Home says it the best…kudos ESPN!
by Jason Meinen | Nov 4, 2015 | Other, Rant, Rave, Sports
In case you haven’t noticed, the Milwaukee Brewers have already started releasing their 2016 All-Fan Giveaway schedule…and they’re using this whole week to do it¡ Isn’t the suspense just killing you…I can hardly wait to see what new and innovative ideas they have in store for this year¡
As you may have guessed, the all-fan giveaway line-up is littered with bobbleheads. Now, to preface, I have a rather large collection of bobbleheads myself (and I never pass up the opportunity to grab a free one from my sister or friends)…but another Hank the Dog bobblehead (this one barks¡)…REALLY?!?! I love animals, and the Hank story was really great (AT THE TIME!), but I don’t understand why the Brewers are continuing to honor this stray dog…AGAIN! This is year THREE of this mutt (sorry, I’m calling him a mutt, because he has brought ZERO on-field success to the Milwaukee Brewers organization). It is time to cut the cord (er, leash) on this experiment.
A quick check of eBay reveals that there have already been THREE Hank the Dog bobbleheads done by the Brewers alone (and don’t forget the Hank towel) plus another Hank bobblehead done by the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers (the Brewers Single A ballclub). Hank bobbleheads have become like The Voice episode on Seinfeld. To quote Elaine and Kramer (skip to 2:30 mark)…”still?!” and “played…SO played!” Hank, you are the voice hello…it is time to go, LA, LA, LA!!!
Tidbits…If you are not listening to the Tauscher and Kuhn show (and Greg) on 620 WTMJ, you are missing out. Check it out, Tuesdays at 6pm…it is really good. Last night’s 30 for 30, The Gospel According to Mac, was once again…FANTASTIC! Every one of these films are SO well done. My wife tells me I don’t watch enough movies…well, if they were as good as EVERY 30 for 30…I’d definitely watch more. Lastly, Steph Curry is amazing! Golden State basketball is so fun to watch. The Warriors may win 70 games this year and could threaten Chicago’s 72 wins in a season…they are that good!
by Jason Meinen | Nov 1, 2015 | Rant, Sports
Rutgers SUCKS!!! I think we all knew that, but after the Scarlet Knights pitiful performance against the Badgers yesterday, my friends and I are boycotting ALL future Wisconsin vs Rutgers football matchups. If the Scarlet Knights are on the Badgers home slate…we will not be attending Camp Randall that day (I know, easy for me to say…as I currently live in California, but I am still a season ticket holder). It just really annoys me that Rutgers (and Maryland) are even in the Big Ten to begin with. They just don’t belong…especially their football teams! I guarantee Rutgers (and Maryland) WILL NOT win one Big Ten title in my lifetime. In my best George Zimmer voice…I guarantee it!
As I watched yesterday’s game, I wondered aloud…how does Rutgers even have three wins? Then I checked the Scarlet Knights schedule…they beat Norfolk State (a FCS school with only two wins) in their season opener and a game that Rutgers only led 21-13 at half. They beat a winless Kansas team at home (yawn), and their third victory came against Indiana…a 55-52 win (maybe Rutgers belongs in the Big 12). So, not exactly the most impressive resume. I know Rutgers was without their best receiving target in Leonte Carroo yesterday, but outside of a pick six (Stave¡) in the third quarter, the Scarlet Knights did absolutely nothing (offensively and defensively)…and this year’s Wisconsin team is, by no means, a world beater…although it was nice to finally have Corey Clement back (so this is what a real running back looks like).
Last add on the Wisconsin/Rutgers game…I saw the Badgers tweet out that the attendance was 74,575 for the game…it sure didn’t look like that on television. Then again, I had to watch the game in standard definition because XFINITY doesn’t carry the Big Ten Network in HD. It’s almost 2016…why isn’t everything available in HD?!
More…the Minnesota Golden Gophers will now be referred to as the Jerrysota Golden Gophers moving forward. I feel for Jerry Kill and I’m sure he is a great man, but when you have flags saying Jerrysota…you aren’t really honoring a guy…you are simply providing EASY material for your opponent and rivals (That’s Gold, Jerry! Gold!)…because your product on the field is basically Rutgers-ish. And of course, Jerrysota lost to Michigan last night by mismanaging the clock in the final minute and getting stuffed at the one yard line as the game clock expired. Classic Jerrysota!
The Jerrysota Golden Gophers!
Jerry¡ Jerry¡ Jerry¡
by Jason Meinen | Oct 28, 2015 | Music, Rave, Sports
The Bucks! The Bucks! I am SO excited for the 2015-16 Milwaukee Bucks basketball season. Although I am always excited about Bucks basketball, this is probably the most excitement I have had since that 2000-01 season (and we all know that the Eastern Conference Finals were fixed that year). I really wish I could attend tonight’s season opener in person (Pat, I want a towel). It feels like yesterday that I attended last season’s home opener on Halloween night…the energy that night in the BC was amazing! The bars afterward in MKE…let’s just say never go as Jordy Nelson for Halloween.
Here are a few things that I am looking forward to this Bucks season…
- New uniforms (it was about time…the Christmas colors had grown stale)…plus alternate black uniforms (I would liked to have seen throwback uniforms of some kind, but maybe in time…the new owners seem to know what they’re doing).
- New court design (while I liked the last design, the new design is even better and fresher)…plus the NBA’s first alternate court to be used during the four alternate jersey dates. Very cool idea!
- New players…Greg Monroe, Greivis Vasquez, Chris Copeland, and the Rook…Rashad Vaughn (I can’t wait to see these four in action).
- New announcers…GUS (need I say more) and Marques Johnson. While I wish Paschke and McGlocklin were completely out of the picture…this is a good start (at least Moncrief is gone).
- New arena…while a shovel hasn’t hit the ground yet and it likely won’t be ready until the 2018-19 season…this is definitely something to look forward to. Hopefully the Bucks will be at their peak when the new arena opens.
I am really going to miss attending Bucks games this year (remember, I saw 26 games (it really was amazing) during the worst season in franchise history in 2013-14…and I saw 9 of the 15 overall wins). I will now have to wait until December 18th to check out the Bucks in person. On that date, the Bucks travel to Oakland to take on the World Champion, Golden State Warriors (a team I won’t mind being forced to watch in the Bay Area…they are so fun to watch). Also, if things work out, I would like to head to Sacramento in February to see the Bucks take on the Kings. And hopefully, the Bucks will live up to expectations, and I will be able to take in a couple of key games in March when I am back in Wisconsin for…Spring Break. Either way, I’ll be watching the Bucks all season long thanks to the Fox Sports GO app…it will be my lifesaver (special shoutout to my parents for letting me steal their TWC password).
Obviously with this new season, there are new expectations. The Bucks will not sneak up on anyone this season…they will be the hunted at times. With that being said, I am predicting a 4-6 seed in the Eastern Conference (44-48 wins) and the Bucks WILL win a playoff series for the first time since 2001. I still believe the Bucks are a season or two (maybe three) away from really contending in the East. Remember, the Bucks are still Green and Growing!
So…#FearTheDeer and #OwnTheFuture
As for my NBA Finals prediction (I know you all care)…I am going to go out on a limb and predict Cleveland over Golden State. Come on LeBron, do it for Cleveland…end the championship drought for the city of Cleveland (50+ years has been long enough).
by Jason Meinen | Oct 25, 2015 | Rave, Sports
Houston…HELLO! Well, do we have a quarterback controversy in Madtown brewing? Bart Houston, who filled in for a concussed Joel Stave, led the Badgers to a 24-13 victory over Illinois yesterday by completing 22 of 33 passes for 232 yards and 2 touchdowns…but did throw 2 Staves (I mean, interceptions) in the redzone.
Houston, a Dublin, CA native (hey, that’s my neck of the woods)…came into yesterday’s game having only completed 2 of 4 passes for 14 yards and a touchdown for his career! But thanks to Gary Andersen (by the way, how are things working out at Oregon State), Houston did punt in four games for the Badgers last season…his punts ranged from 19 (yes, 19) to 52 yards. Thankfully the Houston punting experiment came to an end as soon as Andersen bolted to Corvallis…good riddance!
I’m sure Stave will need to go through the concussion protocol this week…but maybe, just maybe, we’ll get to see Houston for one more week (who knows, Houston could be the starter next season…especially with D.J. Gillins now on offense and special teams). I’m not saying Houston is the answer, but what if he lights things up against Rutgers (I know, Rutgers) next week…things could be pretty, pretty, pretty interesting in Madison.
In the end, I’m sure it really doesn’t matter…losing to Iowa really hurt Wisconsin’s chances of making the Big Ten Championship game. The Badgers did become bowl eligible (for the 14th straight season) yesterday…it will be interesting to see which bowl they end up in because the Badgers have ZERO good wins and their schedule is incredibly SOFT! But hey, a bowl is a bowl…I’m sure the Arkansas and Oregon State fanbases would love to have such a streak.
#StartBart
by Jason Meinen | Oct 21, 2015 | Rave, Sports
Say it with me, in your best Mike Mahnke voice…J.J. WATT!!! It rolls off the tongue SO nicely…very similar to RON DAYNE!!! (skip to the 1:40 mark). In case you missed it last night, ESPN ran the E:60 piece Never Given about J.J. Watt. E:60 has turned into one of my all-time favorite sports shows. For me, it has moved ahead of Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel in terms of investigative sports journalism…mainly because E:60 doesn’t constantly recycle old stories. E:60 is the only show on the World Wide Leader that is worth watching…I repeat, the only show that is worth watching (Pardon the Interruption jumped the shark years ago…mainly because Tony Kornheiser started phoning it in). If you are not watching live sports on the four-letter network than you may as well turn it off…because everything else is strictly…FLUFF!
Back to…(Mahnke voice) J.J. WATT…last night’s E:60 piece was very well done. J.J. Watt is the epitome of Wisconsin, and while most Wisconsinites (some better than others) know Watt’s story, the rest of the nation is still learning…hopefully last night’s piece (along with last summer’s Hard Knocks series) gets them up to speed. One can only hope that Watt is able to cap his career by reaching the game’s biggest stage…the Super Bowl. While that doesn’t appear likely in Houston (not with Brian or Ryan Stave at quarterback)…maybe (just maybe) Watt could finish out his career wearing the the Green and Gold…and follow in the footsteps of his childhood idol…Reggie White (and win the Super Bowl). Now that would be quite the story…and I’m sure E:60 and Real Sports would be all over that…and maybe even Hollywood.
As Watt tweeted out last night…”It will never stop being crazy to me. From where we came to where we are.” I’m sure playing in Green Bay would be mind blowing!
by Jason Meinen | Oct 18, 2015 | Beer, Food, Rave, Sports
If you saw the commercials put together by the PGA Tour a couple of years back, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about. Yesterday, Clara and I went to the Fry’s.com Open at Silverado CC (North Course) in Napa to be reminded (again) just how good these guys are. Let’s just say…they didn’t disappoint.
I can’t tell you how much I enjoy watching live golf…especially when it is at a smaller venue with way less people. I’ve often said, I’d rather watch golf at (the former) U.S. Bank Championship at Brown Deer Park versus the PGA Championship at Whistling Straits. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy watching a Major Championship in person, but there is something to be said about the intimacy at the smaller tournaments that you don’t often get at a Major venue (unless you’re the shotgun microphone guy…more on that later). Also, having played the North Course a few times (it pays to have connections), I know my way around just enough to avoid the crowds and see some of the best shot making on the course.
Today, is the final round of the Jackass Open at Whistling Straits (Irish Course) with my friends back home. Obviously, I won’t be able to make it (as tee times are in less than an hour), but it was nice to golf with (okay, watch) one of the best players on the planet yesterday…Rory McIlroy. It kind of made up for missing the JAO…just a bit. While McIlroy wasn’t on top of his game yesterday, it was very cool to see the world’s former #1 (depends on the week these days) play…up close and personal. We almost saw a hole-in-one too…by his playing partner, Adam Hadwin…he almost had one¡ Somehow, that shot didn’t make the third round highlights package or this one…nice work PGA (I guess you’ll just have to take my word for it).
The best part of the day, was the hook-up we got from our friend Erin…18th hole skybox passes! With these passes, we had all the food and drink you could imagine…for free! Oh, and great views of the 18th green, of course.
Rory and his caddie on 18 from the skybox.
Rory striking his pose of the day on 18.
Rory eyeing up another missed putt.
Rory on 11 waiting to tee off.
It truly was a great day of golf! I can’t wait to go check out Pebble Beach in February for the AT&T Pro-Am (talk about a checklist item). Now, can someone please tell me how I can get this job…
Sorry, not the greatest picture.
It seriously looks like the best job on the course. If you know, please drop me a line. Thanks!
FORE!!!
by Jason Meinen | Oct 15, 2015 | Music, Rant, Rave, Sports
After 13+ plus years of teaching, I came across two situations today that I never learned about back at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. One would think, having spent SIX YEARS of my life at UW-0, I would have learned everything there is to know about teaching. Well, think again…
Situation #1
Politically…things are not going so well in the district that I am currently teaching in. The teachers union (yes, California still has teachers unions) has just declared an impasse. From what I’ve read…bargaining began in earnest last March. Since May, the district has made NO improvements on issues such as salaries, benefits, or class sizes. So today, before school, we had an informational picket just off the school grounds. Next Tuesday, there will be a community rally to show support for the teachers when the school board meets (some kind of fireworks are expected). Hopefully, some progress will be made in the near future because the word STRIKE (yikes!) has been thrown around rather loosely. This type of situation was never discussed while I sat in classes in Clow, Halsey, or Nursing/Education.
My picket sign I held in support of my fellow teachers. Festive…or a little CG?
Situation #2
Today was the Great California ShakeOut. Yes, we had earthquake drill practice. Drop! Cover! Hold On! More than 10 million Californians (is that a word?) participated…event organizers said it was the largest earthquake drill ever this morning (can I put this on my resume?). The Great California ShakeOut was held at 10:15 AM, as people throughout the state participated in simultaneous earthquake drills…practicing safety and learning ways to prepare in the event of a major earthquake. Thankfully, my class already meets outside (as Mike McCarthy would say…pawsitive) so we didn’t have much to do. While I have yet to feel an actual earthquake here in California…I don’t need my first to be like this. Again, Oshkosh, did you expect all of us to teach in just Wisconsin?
It’s a good thing I have off tomorrow, because after today’s unique events, I’m gonna need the extra day to recover. And Oshkosh, I want some of my money back…NO ONE mentioned strikes or earthquakes during those six glorious years…but if you’re looking for a guest speaker, I think I could help you out (for the right price, of course).
U-W-O! U-W-O! U-W-O! (hey, it’s Homecoming week).
by Jason Meinen | Oct 12, 2015 | Rant, Sports
It’s no secret…I do not like Bert…I mean, Bret Bielema! My level of hate for this man is probably higher than I’ve ever had for one human being. So…just when you think you’ve seen it all from #unbielemable, he outdoes himself AGAIN! I’m not sure how ANYONE could have respect for a coach that would even consider pulling a stunt like that on the sideline…much less doing it! One would think that #unbielemable would be a little smarter…considering his days at Arkansas are probably coming to an end very soon…and he just might need an assistant job in the very near future (because NO ONE is gonna hire him as a head coach again…then again someone hired Steve Sarkisian…too soon?).
Let’s take a look at (2-4) Arkansas’ remaining schedule:
Auburn (3-2), Tennesse-Martin (3-2), at (13) Mississippi (5-1), at (6) LSU (5-0), Mississippi State (4-2), and Missouri (4-2).
Not exactly easy sledding (I’ll give them the Tennesse-Martin game and maybe one more home game, but that’s it). With that schedule, #unbielemable is unlikely to become bowl eligible…and considering how many bowl games there are these days…that is flat out embarrassing!
While Bert’s wife may have sent the tweet…the rest of us know that tweet will soon come to fruition. With an overall record of 12-19 and a 3-16 record in the SEC plus a $4 million dollar a year contract…Saturday’s sideline antic wasn’t just stupid, it was sadly and likely, an act of desperation. And as Jen would say, that is…
by Jason Meinen | Oct 7, 2015 | Rant, Sports
It’s just too easy to pick (ha…like that) on Joel Stave. It is literally amazing that he is a Division I quarterback (would he really start at UW-Whitewater?)…and how bad are the other quarterbacks on Wisconsin’s roster, if Stave is still the starter (that fact scares me more for the future of the program). After Stave’s dismal performance against Iowa (C.J. Beathard was no better) last Saturday, it is clear the yips are back…although one would argue Stave was never really good enough to even have the yips.
So, last weekend, while my wife was out of town, I hunkered down and watched HOURS of football…it was totally amazing and very disheartening…all at the same time. After watching the college game on Saturday and the pro game on Sunday, it suddenly dawned on me…what happened to all the good quarterbacks? It didn’t matter if I was watching the college game or the pro game, the quarterback play made some of those games nearly unwatchable and frankly, laughable. It became so bad, that my friends and I started calling all of the bad quarterback play…Stave.
We had C.J. Stave (Iowa), Tyrone and Jerrod Stave (Texas), Greyson and Brice Stave (Georgia), DeShone Stave (Notre Dame), Deshaun Stave (Clemson), Aqua Stave (Tannehill), Smoking Jay Stave (Cuntler), Jameis Stave (Winston), Sam Stave (Bradford), Colin Stave (Kaeperdick), Matt Stave (Stafford)…the list could literally go on all day. While I thank the Lord EVERY SINGLE DAY that the Packers have had a Hall of Fame quarterback for the last 21 years…I am very concerned that once Rodgers’ career is over, that the Packers will be stuck with a Stave…just like the Badgers have (for the last 3 years)!
So, how does football go about fixing this problem? Because let’s face it…people will stop watching this game (I know I will) if the best that teams and organizations can turn out is a Stave. Does the problem start at the lowest of levels (Pop Warner), is it a high school problem, is it a college problem, it is an NFL problem? Are athletes just not smart enough to play quarterback? Are defensive schemes so good that quarterbacking has simply become too hard? Or, am I just being too critical of the quarterback position? I’m not sure on the last question, but I don’t think the NFL is doing it’s part…by throwing gobs of money at unproven quarterbacks.
Case in point…Aqua Stave (otherwise known as Ryan Tannehill). This offseason, Tannehill signed a 6-year, 96-million dollar contract…the guy has a career record of 24-28! And then this week…a report came out that Tannehill gets upset at practice, when the practice squad players intercept his passes! It became such a problem, that at times, former head coach Joe Philbin (fired this week, in part, because Tannehill has been a bust) told the practice players to take it easy on Tannehill…you literally CANNOT make this stuff up! Meanwhile, in New England, Tom Brady PAYS the practice squad players when they intercept his passes! Hmm…
So maybe that’s the answer…players are just too fragile to play the quarterback position nowadays. The good news for the Aqua Stave’s of the world is that at least being a quarterback has brought them one thing…
A trophy wife…
not a bad pick¡
by Jason Meinen | Oct 4, 2015 | Music, Other, Rant, Sports
If you remember this post, you will remember my love for grass. In California, there is absolutely no such grass like that…unless you are at a very high end golf course or a professional sports organization’s stadium…and even they – Levi’s Stadium in particular (host of Super Bowl L) – has had there own grass issues.
So imagine teaching PE in this “great state of California” without the use of a gymnasium (it’s like asking a classroom teacher to teach without desks or chairs for their students…good luck!”), AND without adequate green space (weed grass doesn’t count). Let’s just say, this PE teaching experience is turning into quite the sh_t show! No, I’m serious…and I have the pictures to prove it.
Sh_t happens…the geese have taken over the weed grass field!
Just the type of “play area” you want younger children playing on…if I had a dollar every time I heard the word “poop.”
Geese don’t discriminate…they even managed to bomb most of the blacktop area.
While I tried to put on my best face for this colossal sh_t show, I just couldn’t help but feel that these are NOT appropriate teaching conditions (I said something to my princiPAL…he was going to mention something to grounds, but I’m not expecting a quick fix anytime soon). Whenever grounds has come by to take “care” of the weed grass, it usually takes the guy almost 2 hours to mow (and dust bomb the rest of us)…a job that could easily be done in 30 minutes.
Oh, and did I mention the amount of garbage that is usually left on the “prickly, sh_tty, weed grass” field…
An outdoor garbage can would be nice to have (somewhere) on the school grounds.
And yes, Heineken is served after hours here…
Top shelf in the San Lorenzo area.
So, you can imagine how excited I am to be putting in my first FULL week…yes, five days straight of teaching (maybe I need to schedule another trip back to Wisconsin). I’m sure it is going to be a fantastic week…especially after my K-2 SPARK training on Friday¡ Thankfully, there is no rain in the forecast this week (that blog post will be coming soon…especially with the talk of El Niño this winter…and no gym space).
On the bright side, I will be able to proudly wear the Green & Gold all week long…suck it Niners fans!
by Jason Meinen | Sep 30, 2015 | Beer, Food, Music, Rave, Sports
Was a major SUCCESS (dare I say it was the best ever, but then again…I’m biased)! Thank you to all my friends and family for helping me pull off the greatest Wisconsin football weekend (plus golf!). This was the first time in my life that I was able to attend a Badgers and Packers game on the same weekend (the Monday night game really helped with this…Sunday would have been tough AND rough). It just won’t be the same watching the Badgers and Packers from afar for the rest of the football season…so I’ll just keep that February 7th date open here in California for all you Packer fans (book now!).
Here’s a quick recap of the Badgers and Packers games and festivities.
Saturday…We golfed at Ironwood thanks to Greg’s connections…I shot your everyday 50 on the front nine and 39 (best ever) on the back nine (by the way Greg, I’m not sure we did all SIX shots for your birdies that day). Drove to Madison for lunch/dinner (linner?) at Blue Moon. Pregame CaptainS at Bucks(inghams)…no lip gloss (I’m disappointed)! Regent Street Liquor (hopefully someday Camp Randall will sell beer and this stop won’t be necessary). Jump Around! Badgers win 28-0 (thanks again for the seats Mike)! Postgame celebrations at Mondays (really?) and Whiskey Jacks. And who could forget, Greg’s $98 Uber to McDonalds (why did La Bambas have to be closed).
Monday…Tailgated on Potts Avenue (otherwise known as Puddy Pass…I mean McCarthy Way) in the rain (Brian Gotter really blew that forecast…and twice he tried to crash our weekend). Outdoor club seats on the 50-yard line (thanks again Greg). Halftime on the rooftop. Unfortunately, we couldn’t celebrate the Packers win (38-28) due to work and flights the next day…but Ryan did crack the code (no more waiting in traffic after Packer games…we’ve found the secret route).
Go Pack Go!
Best seat in the house
Again, just a tremendous weekend…I got to see family and friends and I was able enjoy all the things I miss most about Wisconsin. Thank you all for making this happen and we’ll see everyone again in 2016…unless any of you are planning any trips out West (come on, you know you want to).
Okay California, the ball is now in your court. What do you got?
by Jason Meinen | Sep 24, 2015 | Beer, Food, Music, Rave, Sports
NIGHT! Camp Randall. Guys Weekend 12. The first night game since Utah State in 2012 (#unbielemable). I wish there was more on the line (really, Hawaii?)…like this memorable game versus #1 Ohio State in 2010…possibly the earliest we have ever been into a Badger game (we just knew Ohio State was going down that night). Either way, I can’t wait to see the Badgers under the lights, a little Jump Around, and then a whole lot of State Street. Throw in the Packers game (thanks Greg) on Monday night and it is a gonna be the most epic Wisconsin sports weekend. I can’t wait to take it all in! I’ve got goosebumps.
On Wisconsin!
Go Pack Go!
by Jason Meinen | Sep 22, 2015 | Other, Rant, Rave, Sports
Over the last couple of days, I have taken a great liking to the following burns…let’s just say, some of the people involved…truly had it coming (you’ve been pwned)!
1. Texas Tech’s Kliff Kingsbury telling Bret Bielema what he really thought about the Arkansas Razorbacks football program. The truth hurts…but of course, “Big Game Bret,” wouldn’t let it go the next day…when Kingsbury had CLEARLY moved on from his previous days’ comments. I (along with every Wisconsin football fan) CAN’T WAIT for the day that Bielema is canned at Arkansas…and it is likely to be (very) soon. #unbielemable (I wish I still had those stickers).
Uncanny resemblance
2. Aaron Rodgers crediting God for Sunday night’s victory over the Seattle Seahawks. What’s that Russell Wilson…do you still believe that God cares about who wins football games?! To refresh everyone’s memory, here is my real take on Russell Wilson. #phony
3. Thank you Deadspin, for truly summing up Scott Walker…I don’t like to EVER talk politics (especially in this blog), but this was too good to pass up. I’ll let you read the excerpt because I couldn’t have said it any better myself. #dropout
Now fix that bald spot!
4. I am not an Oakland Raiders fan by any means (as a matter of fact, I like them even less – if that’s possible – since our move to California), but this response to Super Bowl L (ahem, 50)…is just too perfect. #thisleague
Does anyone else hear the Bloodhound Gang playing in the background…or as George Costanza would say, flame on! (skip to 3:11 mark) #priceless
by Jason Meinen | Sep 17, 2015 | Rant, Rave, Sports
It should be a four-letter word in the state of California (or maybe it is). On some days, I feel like Michael Douglas in the movie Falling Down. I just don’t get it…there are FOUR to FIVE lanes on most freeways (in each direction), and yet people still can’t seem to drive. I’ve also noticed there are very few posted speed limit signs (probably because in most instances…no one can actually drive the speed limit). And don’t even get me started on motorcycles…why are they allowed to drive in between the lanes of traffic?! Yeah, that seems totally safe¡ At least they are required to wear helmets¡
My commute to school (work) is 27 miles one way (it SHOULD take less than 40 minutes to get there). However, on a good day, it takes me 45-50 minutes to get to school. On a bad day (most days), it takes one hour to one hour and twenty minutes plus. And in most instances, I have never even encountered an actual accident. It is absolutely crazy…the starting, the stopping, the slowing down, the starting, the stopping…I just don’t get it. Why can’t people drive in the state of California?!
Thankfully I can listen to almost the entire Green & Gold Today on 540 ESPN (to get my Packer fix) on the way to school and on the way home, I can listen to the Brewers (when they are on the East coast) or Homer & Gabe or my favorite, Sports Central (always good hearing your voice Greg). It is nice to stream Wisconsin sports radio (thank you technology!)…but it doesn’t make the commute that much easier or relaxing. I’ve dealt with commutes in the past…having lived in Wauwatosa and having to drive to Kewaskum. I actually didn’t mind that commute…because I could actually DRIVE without the unnecessary starting and stopping (unless it was winter…even then it wasn’t California bad). A commute can actually be a very good time to decompress…that is why I envy my wife, who gets to take a shuttle to work, and people that can take BART to their place of employment.
They say patience is a virtue…and they also say that time is of the essence (well, you can’t have it both ways!). So which way is it California? Please make up your mind.
More…I just got my Packers season ticket waiting list priority number today. I moved up to 75,432 from 76,171…I should have those Packers season tickets very soon¡ Go Pack Go!
by Jason Meinen | Sep 14, 2015 | Other, Rave
You’ve said it all! I couldn’t agree with that statement more. Having now lived in California for the last couple of months, you realize what a truly special place Wisconsin really is (especially on a perfect Fall weekend). Clara and I just got back to California today from an extended weekend trip to Wisconsin…and all I can say – is that it was perfect. It was SO nice to see family and friends after having been away for what seems like WAY more than two months. Luckily for me, I’ll be back in Wisconsin in less than two weeks for Guy’s Weekend 12…and as Bart Scott would say…CAN’T WAIT! Again, it was nice seeing everyone (even if it was only brief)…and a special congratulations to Aaron and Danielle on a fabulous wedding celebration! I hope you two newlyweds enjoy your honeymoon in Napa and San Francisco and we’ll see you again on Saturday (glad we could escort you on the flight out West). So, here’s hoping this week goes by as fast as this past weekend did, but something tells me it probably won’t. Back to glorified recess tomorrow¡
Oh…and the Bears still SUCK!
by Jason Meinen | Sep 9, 2015 | Beer, Other, Rant, Rave
Johnny Drama’s policy on going to The Valley (much less living there) is spot on! We live in the Tri Valley area and here is what we are currently experiencing temperature-wise (it’s September 9th, right?).
This is day two of this triple-digit heat (oh, but it’s a dry heat¡). Imagine having to teach PE outdoors (there are no gyms) in this stuff…thankfully it’s only in the low to mid 90’s in San Lorenzo (I really couldn’t tell the difference as I was being cooked on the already fried grass/dirt/quack grass at school)¡ Some districts are actually sending students home early because most schools in California have no air conditioning (really?!). Not having AC in California makes as much sense as not having a furnace in Wisconsin.
Thankfully, we are heading back to the great state of Wisconsin this weekend for my friend Aaron’s wedding. I am definitely looking forward to the Fall-like temperatures. See you soon Wisconsin (I can’t wait to start hydrating)!
