Random Dispatches of Football & Achilles

"I see a red door and I want it painted black. No colors anymore I want them to turn black." Like the Rolling Stones song, I want the Panthers' jerseys painted black. I know it's a home game which means white jerseys, but it's Monday Night Football. It's time to step up. It's time to set a standard. Break out the black shirts. Sports Illustrated had a reason for picking the Panthers to win it all. There's no cover jinx - there's just a target for the world to see and the football gods most certainly take aim. The question is, how do you respond?

It's been a while so here's a collection of dispatches both random and otherwise.

Football: Fall & football, what a blessed time of year...

Florida State: Circle the wagons, ACC. The warchant is sounding and the drums are pounding and glistening off the spears on the golden helmets. A down year the critics proclaimed? No. Simply a new era. Finally the Chris Rix era is over and buried. Finally we have a new leader behind the center. Finally we have a real chance to return to glory. With Weatherford running some old Charlie Ward plays the offense finally sparked to life against Boston College. Or as Fred Rouse might say, they felt "the funk."
And how about the defense? AJ Nicholson looks like a top ten pick. The Seminole defense is awe inspiring. We may lose a game or two, but we will beat up some quarterbacks.

The Iliad: Yes. A look back at a classic piece of ancient literature. Many lessons to learn from the epic of the rage of Achilles and its consequences. How different the Greeks' perspective on life. The parable of Zeus' two urns and his sprinkling of good and evil upon each person. The gods and goddesses interfering in mortals' lives. The gods and fate to blame for what happens in a day and a life instead of believing in the power of one's own actions. Or maybe it's not so different after all. How many people blame everyone else for their problems instead of looking in the mirror? Well it's time for them to sack up, cowboy up, Atlas up, pony up, or whatever else you want to say. You can't blame the referees or anyone else. Think Rage Against the Machine, "Wake Up!"
Achilles knew he was the best warrior in the land but wanted and needed to constantly prove it. He craved the attention. It was a matter of Honor. It wasn't what a warrior thought of himself, but what others thought of him. The cover of Sports Illustrated? A warrior like Achilles would have expected no less. So, Panthers, it's time to Atlas up and put down the Packers. Remember what Vince Lombardi said, "Mental toughness is essential to success."

Indianapolis Colts: With the addition of Corey Simon (a former Seminole) this defense is scary. Now if only the offense will play more like, well, Peyton Manning et al.

Baltimore Ravens: Where is the running game? Until Jamal Lewis plays more like the Lewis of old, their dominating defense is being wasted.

Seattle Seahawks: Unless they can win more consistently away from the friendly confines of the Pacific Northwest, Mike Holmgren won't be their coach much longer.

Washington Redskins: Can anyone explain how this team is undefeated? This weekend is the perfect chance to see who will Atlas up between the Redskins and the Seahawks, and who will be dragged through the press like Hektor behind Achilles' chariot.

Rescue Me: Did anyone catch the second season of Rescue Me? Incredible writing and acting. One moment you're cracking up and two scenes later your heart is ripped in two. By the end of each episode you've hit the DVR rewind button twice as you mumbled "Holy @#%&!" Try to catch the re-runs. You will thank me later.

NCAA Football 06: Incredible game play on the Xbox. From playing my beloved Noles, to an imaginary powerhouse I built myself - Big Bear, CA would love me - this game is extremely in-depth, realistic, and flat-out fun. I'm eyeing taking over the Michigan State and/or Montana football programs.
Skipped an NFL title this year as the only choice is Madden 06. I'm sorry, but its graphics are still no comparison to last year's ESPN NFL 2K5. No wonder the folks at EA Sports (makers of Madden) bought the exclusive video game rights to the NFL, they couldn't handle the competition.

Coffee: Found another brand of Columbian coffee that's quite good. Berkley & Jensen's, a.k.a. BJ's, is extremely comparable to 8 O'Clock's whole bean Columbian. It's great because the latter is sometimes hard to find at stores.
May have to purchase a new Capresso coffee maker. It appears my wife and I have burned through the LCD display over the course of three years. Once you get used to a coffee grinder/maker, you'll never want to go back.

Travel: Eyeing a fly-fishing trip to Montana since previous plans to New Orleans were obviously shelved. Between the History Channel and the Travel Channel, the number of trips I want to take has grown exponentially. How tempting it is to pack up the family in the car and just go - we'll figure out the destination on the way.