Every year at about this time, countless football fans put on their "managerial hats" to test their abilities of drafting and managing a successful National Football League roster. Those who participate in and embrace this phenomenon, refer to their hobby as, "Fantasy Football". (The spouses of fantasy football enthusiasts probably call it something entirely different.)
The concept of fantasy football is actually quite simple; participants, (also known as "owners"), get together to "draft" real NFL players to their roster. Depending on how these NFL players perform during a game, points are allocated for various achievements, (touchdowns scored, yards gained, etc...). Each week during the NFL season, owners are paired up, and the roster with the highest point total, is the winner for that week. The regular season leads to a series of playoff games, and ultimately a league champion is crowned.
My wife actually gets a kick out of witnessing my involvement in fantasy football. As a stock analyst, Jennifer sees similarities between my strategies, and her professional, day to day activities. For example:
Jennifer invests real dollars in well-performing stocks.
I invest draft picks in players who are likely to score points for my team.
Jennifer researches new companies with a "good story" and high-potential upside.
I research "sleeper players" that I can pick up as the season plays out.
Jennifer's under-performing stocks get dumped.
My under-performing players get dropped from my roster.
The biggest difference between what Jennifer is doing and what I am doing is that her efforts bring home a paycheck. The best I can hope for is bragging rights among my fantasy football brethren. (As a side note, all trash talking within my fantasy football league must be delivered in limerick form. It is unorthodox, to be sure).
Why do so many guys get excited about fantasy football? The answer will come as no surprise. Fantasy football gives us a chance to actively show off our "expertise" in a sport that we are woefully under qualified to participate in. We know that we will never have the opportunity to be on the field with the likes of Peyton Manning or Tom Brady. But by "drafting" these NFL legends and deciding when they will "start" or when they will be "benched", gives us the false sense of power that we so desperately crave. The word, "fantasy" in "fantasy football" is grossly understated.
Today, fantasy football leagues are not exclusive to men, as many women are getting into the pastime as well. And the technology involved with fantasy football has evolved drastically. When my league first started twelve years ago, we relied on the Monday morning sports page to search for player stats so that we could manually tally our scores. Now, internet sites are available so drafts can be conducted online, and scores can be automatically tallied in real time.
While I can't get into all of the details of what happens at draft night in my fantasy football league, I will say that it's a once-a-year event that is the epitome of "male bonding". The stakes are low, but the excitement level is high. And with the recently unretired Brett Favre on my roster, I can't wait for the 2008 NFL season to begin!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Trust the Midas Touch?
Rust holes in my resonator pipe. Doesn't sound good, does it?
But that was the diagnosis I received from the technicians at Midas this morning after I took my 1998 Honda Civic in for an 11:00 appointment. With the unpleasant rumbling sound emanating from under my vehicle, I was hoping the problem was with the muffler. I had purchased the muffler from this same Midas location three years prior. And since I still owned the vehicle, Midas would have replaced the muffler for free, (not including labor). So I thought this would be a cheap repair. Not so.
Turns out, the 3-year old muffler is in fine shape. But the resonator pipe, (which basically runs from the resonator back to the muffler) was thoroughly rusted out. The resonator sits just behind the catalytic converter. I think the resonator pipe is also known as the exhaust pipe, but since I have very limited knowledge of the underbelly of my car, I really can't be sure. But one thing I do know is that I am $418.72 poorer. But with a shiny new Resonator, (and pipes), my car does run much quieter.
Even though I can "hear" an improved difference since the repairs were made, it is difficult to convince myself that I got a fair deal. Mainly because after I got home, I took a closer look at my paperwork from the "muffler replacement" in 2005. It seems that in 2005 when the muffler was replaced, Midas also would have replaced the exhaust pipes. But today when the technician showed me the problem under the car, he pointed out rusty, you guessed it, exhaust pipes. (which today he called resonator pipes). The big expense on today's invoice was for the actual "resonator", which the technician didn't even point out to me as a problem. (Then again, maybe he did, and I just didn't realize it at the time).
I know this all sounds confusing. But whenever I leave an auto repair shop, two things are guaranteed: 1) that I'll have some buyer's remorse because of my lack of auto-repair knowledge, and 2) I'll have a lighter wallet.
But what can you do?
But that was the diagnosis I received from the technicians at Midas this morning after I took my 1998 Honda Civic in for an 11:00 appointment. With the unpleasant rumbling sound emanating from under my vehicle, I was hoping the problem was with the muffler. I had purchased the muffler from this same Midas location three years prior. And since I still owned the vehicle, Midas would have replaced the muffler for free, (not including labor). So I thought this would be a cheap repair. Not so.
Turns out, the 3-year old muffler is in fine shape. But the resonator pipe, (which basically runs from the resonator back to the muffler) was thoroughly rusted out. The resonator sits just behind the catalytic converter. I think the resonator pipe is also known as the exhaust pipe, but since I have very limited knowledge of the underbelly of my car, I really can't be sure. But one thing I do know is that I am $418.72 poorer. But with a shiny new Resonator, (and pipes), my car does run much quieter.
Even though I can "hear" an improved difference since the repairs were made, it is difficult to convince myself that I got a fair deal. Mainly because after I got home, I took a closer look at my paperwork from the "muffler replacement" in 2005. It seems that in 2005 when the muffler was replaced, Midas also would have replaced the exhaust pipes. But today when the technician showed me the problem under the car, he pointed out rusty, you guessed it, exhaust pipes. (which today he called resonator pipes). The big expense on today's invoice was for the actual "resonator", which the technician didn't even point out to me as a problem. (Then again, maybe he did, and I just didn't realize it at the time).
I know this all sounds confusing. But whenever I leave an auto repair shop, two things are guaranteed: 1) that I'll have some buyer's remorse because of my lack of auto-repair knowledge, and 2) I'll have a lighter wallet.
But what can you do?
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
i'm lovin' it
Jack and I traveled to Middleton today to spend some time with my 11-year old nephew, Louis. The three of us didn't have any specific plans for the day, but we did end up going to McDonald's for lunch. We had a simple order; two Happy Meals, an Extra Value Meal #3 and a couple of beverages. Although I was carrying Jack on my right arm when I ordered, I really don't believe I gave the impression that my hands were too full to handle a tray full of food. Despite my self-confidence, a McDonald's employee behind the counter insisted that I seat myself and the two kids while he brought our food out to us.
Excuse me?!? Did I hear you correctly? Let me get this straight. You're offering to fill our order, pour me a Diet Pepsi, carry my tray, and then seek us out in the dining area? I was flabbergasted! I really did not expect to receive praiseworthy service in a McDonald's restaurant. No offense to McDonald's employees, but I've been to enough fast food establishments to know that this gentleman was acting above and beyond the normal call of duty.
By the time I got Louis, Jack and myself seated at a booth, our food and beverages arrived within a few seconds. Our order made it to the table without me having to risk a nasty spill and major embarrassment.
Perhaps this helpful employee is a higher-up manager with extensive customer service training. Or, perhaps he is just a guy who recognizes when a parent can use an extra hand. Either way, when it comes to receiving service like this, "I'm lovin' it".
Excuse me?!? Did I hear you correctly? Let me get this straight. You're offering to fill our order, pour me a Diet Pepsi, carry my tray, and then seek us out in the dining area? I was flabbergasted! I really did not expect to receive praiseworthy service in a McDonald's restaurant. No offense to McDonald's employees, but I've been to enough fast food establishments to know that this gentleman was acting above and beyond the normal call of duty.
By the time I got Louis, Jack and myself seated at a booth, our food and beverages arrived within a few seconds. Our order made it to the table without me having to risk a nasty spill and major embarrassment.
Perhaps this helpful employee is a higher-up manager with extensive customer service training. Or, perhaps he is just a guy who recognizes when a parent can use an extra hand. Either way, when it comes to receiving service like this, "I'm lovin' it".
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
New Shoes Blues
I'll admit it. I'm a bit of a pack rat. I tend to have a hard time growing out of things, and throwing them out.
I'm not a "crazy, out-of-control, save my own fingernail clippings" -type of pack rat. I just tend to hold on to things longer than I should - for fear of needing said items at some point in the future. I guess I inherited this trait from my grandfather. And now I think this behavior is being passed on to my young son, evidenced by his reluctance to move on to a new pair of shoes.
This past weekend, Jennifer took Jack to Famous Footwear to find replacements for his old Nike shoes. Jennifer specifically sought out shoes that looked similar to his existing pair; primarily white, with a blue swoosh. The only major difference was that the new pair had Velcro straps instead of laces. With practically identical sneakers, we were hoping for a smooth transition. We were wrong.
So far, I've only been able to get one of the new shoes on Jack before he notices my evil trickery. As soon as he realizes what is going on, Jack insists on putting on his old, beat up shoes. While I fully recognize that I am guilty of the same crime, (I usually wear clothes until they have been shredded to rags), a toddler should not be nearly as particular. In fact, a kid Jack's age should be embracing new shoes just as he would be captivated by a shiny new toy, or even the cardboard box that the new toy was packaged in. But this isn't the case.
So I'll keep working to somehow get Jack interested in his new shoes. (I honestly don't have a plan of attack yet, so this could be a tough challenge). But I guess like all phases in a kid's life, he'll grow out of this one involving his old shoes. I just hope his feet don't grow out of his old shoes first.
I'm not a "crazy, out-of-control, save my own fingernail clippings" -type of pack rat. I just tend to hold on to things longer than I should - for fear of needing said items at some point in the future. I guess I inherited this trait from my grandfather. And now I think this behavior is being passed on to my young son, evidenced by his reluctance to move on to a new pair of shoes.
This past weekend, Jennifer took Jack to Famous Footwear to find replacements for his old Nike shoes. Jennifer specifically sought out shoes that looked similar to his existing pair; primarily white, with a blue swoosh. The only major difference was that the new pair had Velcro straps instead of laces. With practically identical sneakers, we were hoping for a smooth transition. We were wrong.
So far, I've only been able to get one of the new shoes on Jack before he notices my evil trickery. As soon as he realizes what is going on, Jack insists on putting on his old, beat up shoes. While I fully recognize that I am guilty of the same crime, (I usually wear clothes until they have been shredded to rags), a toddler should not be nearly as particular. In fact, a kid Jack's age should be embracing new shoes just as he would be captivated by a shiny new toy, or even the cardboard box that the new toy was packaged in. But this isn't the case.
So I'll keep working to somehow get Jack interested in his new shoes. (I honestly don't have a plan of attack yet, so this could be a tough challenge). But I guess like all phases in a kid's life, he'll grow out of this one involving his old shoes. I just hope his feet don't grow out of his old shoes first.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Social Graces
Attending a social gathering with a toddler in tow is somewhat like playing a hand of Blackjack. You never know what you are going to be dealt, and you know the odds are against you.
On Saturday,
Jennifer, Jack and I attended a wedding reception that was being held at the residence of the bride's parents. Weather conditions were ideal for the outdoor event, with temperatures in the high 70s, and a slight breeze to defend against bugs. The hosts recognized that young children would be in attendance, so they had set up one of those big, inflatable, "bounce castle" things. While this bloated equipment offered adequate entertainment for most of the kids, Jack had other interests on his mind.
First on Jack's agenda was to get as far away from the rest of the group as possible. And since I am paranoid about letting Jack get out of my sight, this meant that I was separated from the main group as well. (The reception was held at a farm, so there was lots of room for Jack to roam). After Jack and I were off by ourselves, Jack preceded to amuse himself by pouring handfuls of gravel driveway through his hair. After I pulled him away from that mess, Jack found amusement in pacing up and down the sidewalk by the house. And after that, Jack thoroughly studied the landscaping of the entire grounds. Basically, Jack did everything he could to avoid contact with the rest of the crowd.
Was Jack misbehaving at this event? No. Was Jack disruptive or out of control? Absolutely not. But because he was more interested in wandering off to do his own thing, Jack missed an opportunity to interact with the other kids. Not to mention the fact that I missed the opportunity to converse with other adults. Our afternoon of potential social interaction turned into a much more private affair.
Working through this grace period of Jack's "social isolation" is just one of the (many) basic skills deserving attention. One positive step in this process is that we recently joined a playgroup. So far, our playgroup has agreed to meet regularly on Monday mornings, and I think that Jack will really benefit from this experience. As Jack becomes more familiar with the other toddlers in our playgroup, he will learn the value of friendship, and the importance of good social interaction.
And as a stay-at-home dad who feels socially isolated at times, this playgroup is a great opportunity for me as well.
On Saturday,
Jennifer, Jack and I attended a wedding reception that was being held at the residence of the bride's parents. Weather conditions were ideal for the outdoor event, with temperatures in the high 70s, and a slight breeze to defend against bugs. The hosts recognized that young children would be in attendance, so they had set up one of those big, inflatable, "bounce castle" things. While this bloated equipment offered adequate entertainment for most of the kids, Jack had other interests on his mind.First on Jack's agenda was to get as far away from the rest of the group as possible. And since I am paranoid about letting Jack get out of my sight, this meant that I was separated from the main group as well. (The reception was held at a farm, so there was lots of room for Jack to roam). After Jack and I were off by ourselves, Jack preceded to amuse himself by pouring handfuls of gravel driveway through his hair. After I pulled him away from that mess, Jack found amusement in pacing up and down the sidewalk by the house. And after that, Jack thoroughly studied the landscaping of the entire grounds. Basically, Jack did everything he could to avoid contact with the rest of the crowd.
Was Jack misbehaving at this event? No. Was Jack disruptive or out of control? Absolutely not. But because he was more interested in wandering off to do his own thing, Jack missed an opportunity to interact with the other kids. Not to mention the fact that I missed the opportunity to converse with other adults. Our afternoon of potential social interaction turned into a much more private affair.
Working through this grace period of Jack's "social isolation" is just one of the (many) basic skills deserving attention. One positive step in this process is that we recently joined a playgroup. So far, our playgroup has agreed to meet regularly on Monday mornings, and I think that Jack will really benefit from this experience. As Jack becomes more familiar with the other toddlers in our playgroup, he will learn the value of friendship, and the importance of good social interaction.
And as a stay-at-home dad who feels socially isolated at times, this playgroup is a great opportunity for me as well.
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