MICHAEL RANGERJAE

DISTRACTIONS TO DEPRESSION

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Rangerjae) — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 15:18:00 +0000

As you can see, this is my first post of the week and its Saturday. In fact, my posts are quite sporadic.

This is because life doesn't stop giving. Work, appointments, deadlines, bills and the most important two things in life friends and family. I am fortunate enough to live with my best friend.

However, my mind is one of my best things too. And to put what I am thinking on paper and using it as a tool to encourage people to think about the good and bad is spectacular.

I have been writing uplifting posts lately. I am doing this because I know many people are depressed because the state of our lives. We live in a country ran by bureaucratic bullies who want to eliminate the middle class for their own personal gain. The expenses of life which are things we need just continue to increase, and we get the shit taxed out of us on a daily basis. No matter how high or fast we climb, we find ourselves being pushed off the ladder thanks to these daily situations.

Basically these situations are mere distractions that lead us to depression. I am guilty as charged.

And my writing is my distraction from the distraction. I love to write and speak. I am still working on getting that podcast going. All I need is a new PC to get there.

My friends, these problems we face are nothing more than reality. How we choose to deal with them is not what technically defines us from the inside. Sure you can make a lot of money, go to clubs, have sex with lots of people, but at the end of the day, how do you feel? Do you feel loved or alone? You could be poor, struggling working minimum wage, but your family is there to see you every night as you sit at the dinner table and enjoy each others company.

My point is, what life gives you physically is not important.

You could be a superstar despite the fact you are homeless. The goal is to never quit. Don't stop believing in yourself and work towards your goal and do not worry about how long it takes you to get there. Eventually you will make it because you are you.

My writing and speaking helps me remember who I am. A person who loves his family with all of his heart, cares about people, and wants to see good triumph over evil every day.

What brings you back to who you are? Don't lose yourself in the distractions. It's easy, but find your weapon to deal and keep on fighting the good fight. The fight for happiness is a battle worth fighting for.

Keeping it real,
MRJ

GOALS, VICTORIES, AND THE END GAME

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Rangerjae) — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 22:35:00 +0000

As you know, most of us in the city of Chicago were saved last night. Despite the fact a bunch of Bull fans cheered a possible injury for the best player in the NBA and make them selves look like total fucksticks, the Blackhawks came through and put some ice on the swelling of that black eye of Chicago. They set the record for best start in the NHL as they are 14-0-3, meaning they have not lost a game in regulation since the beginning.

Its cool to have a record. It's quite an accomplishment. However, this is not the end of the season. This is not the end of the road. This record is a footnote if the Blackhawks do not put the exclamation point and bring Lord Stanley's Cup home. Ask Tom Brady about that undefeated regular season record if you don't believe it. Coach keeps it in perspective.

"I just think that we shouldn't be happy with where we're at. We just want to keep trying to get better. I like the demeanor and the approach and just looking forward to the next game, trying to make a contribution to your line mates or your defense partner or your fellow goalie. It's been a nice environment for the guys and they keep pushing one another."-Joel Queeneville

And in life that's what it's about. The drive to keep getting better.

We as Blackhawk fans have been given the greatest gift in sports. We went from being the worst franchise in sports in 2006, to fricking champs 4 years later. I remember at one point there were no beat writers. Bill Wirtz lost me with the trades, the ban on TV games, etc. As soon as he died, this franchise was reborn, as well as my Hawk spirit. Not saying its cool when someone dies, but everything happens for a reason. The party in 2010 was fun, but we need it again.

After all, if two of my favorite teams can win championships in the same year, that would be sweet.

However, the point of this story is not just to celebrate the Hawks recent success, but to tell you, NEVER STOP! You may accomplish one goal. After that, its time to set others. The wheel of life stops spinning when you stop dreaming. I have dreams. Some are attainable, some need more work. However I will not rest until I get there. In media, transportation, family, health, life, I will do it! And won't stop until I do.

I am telling you all the same thing. You may feel tired, sad, broken, but the human spirit will live on and so will you. Go get that shit, break those records and get that cup and drink from it. Never settle.

And you tell them Coach Q, never settle for first place. Strive to be champions!!!!

Keeping it real,
MRJ

CAN'T WORRY ABOUT THEM

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Rangerjae) — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 04:46:00 +0000

I had an opportunity tonight to find out if people were talking badly about me. A bonafide opportunity, and I took a pass.

This is how I know I am growing more comfortable in my skin and becoming less insecure. This is how I know I'm growing and I guess what some may call in the biz, a breakthrough. I guarantee you a year or so ago, I would swallow that red pill and see how much shit was down there.

But not today.

It's hard for us to function when we think people, especially friends, family, co-workers, etc are "talking shit" about us. Sometimes one may find themselves ruminating wondering what they say, and what they did to deserve it. I think there are five guidelines we must keep in mind when dealing with this situation.

1-If someone can't step to you and tell you what they think about you, that is not your problem. That is theirs. Obviously they have no spine, class, or could give a shit about you so they choose to handle their issues with you without involving you. Sure things may sting when you hear about them being said, but know thyself. Know what you are, and let others think what they will. This also brings me to number two.

2-Always remember to consider the source. Not only the source of who is talking nasty, but the one who is telling you. First off, why is this person telling you? Are they trying to be a friend, start drama, bored? Ask yourself that question. Then remember rule number one. If they can't say it to your face, they don't deserve a place. The place I referring to is your brain. Put it out of your mind.

3-People talk shit all the time. Always remember unless its inflammatory or serious, everyone nitpicks about people. We all annoy each other every once in a while. Don't take it personal.

4-If someone does talk about you behind your back, think about what was the nicest thing that person has done for you. If it strikes a chord, then you might want to deal with it.

5-The only person you can make happy is you. As I always say right about this time, everyone else, fuck 'em if they can't take a joke.

No one likes drama. When you speak about people, the best way to do so is always say anything you are not afraid of coming back to you. If you stand behind your beliefs, no one can push you around. I read a crazy Venezuelan guy said that once who managed a World Series winning baseball team. He knows some things about life.

Life is too short to worry about what others think of you. Do well, live well, speak well; be kind to others and only kick people in the ass when they really need it. That's my rule. Whatever works for you is yours.

Keeping it real,
MRJ

HATING

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Rangerjae) — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 04:53:00 +0000

Well nice win by the Hawks there. I hate the team they play, but that's sports. There's always room for hating in sports. My teams are either hated for being good, hated for being on the south side or hated for being doofus central, but I stick with them anyway.

However, when it comes to life, one must ask themselves, is it necessary?

One thing I learned in July was how to let go of things. Try not to take things too personally. I still to this day struggle with it but I find myself improving as well. My anger is still an Achilles heel towards my growth, but I have learned how to control it better. However, my anger is a part of me. It was instilled in me when I was little due to many factors. I grew up around anger in my household, I was angry at the world, I was angry for getting picked on, I was angry for my mother's passing. In short, I was one angry mother fucker.

These days I ask myself, what the hell should I be angry about in the long scheme of things?

When I try to answer, I really can't think of anything.

Sure I have days when business and work bother me. Who doesn't? There are struggles in the house, but love conquers them all. I have lingering issues going on and noise coming in. Sometimes you just need to get the remote and turn the volume. I have lived a life where I feel like I need to constantly be on. For the first time ever, I don't feel that way. Do I have stress and deadlines? Of course. Do I feel overwhelmed? Absolutely. However, I will not let this creep into my every minute of the day. I try to ground myself to stay in the moment, rather than look forward to the future. I do not have a crystal ball or Miss Cleo's psychic powers, therefore why stress?

We all fear the future. In the days of good old MJP I always said don't fear the future, fear right now. I said that because when things are happening right now, they make sense. Well at the time I didn't but looking back, it makes sense. I said it as a catchy slogan for my TV show. It was cool wasn't it?

When you work to eliminate hate from your life, you bring other great feelings in. We all have a multitude of feelings we deal with on a daily basis. Things that happen to us are neutral. We assign them meaning through our emotions. If it rains, it just rains. We decide whether we want to be pissed about it or not. We decide if we are going to become blue due to the drops hitting the window. When someone speaks to you, their words are just words. Unless that person assigns the meaning, then one must respond and not react.

This is one of those practice what you preach moments for me, but I am working on it. I ask we all work on it together. If we master the skill, we can't lose. No need to hate, when there is so much to love. God gives you life every day. Make it count and mean something through your actions and response, not through your reactions and feelings. And always remember what Sofia said to David in Vanilla Sky...

Yeah you and me. I think we'll be just fine.

Keeping it real,
MRJ

BULLET IN THE CHAMBER AIMED AT THE FAN

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Rangerjae) — Sun, 17 Feb 2013 22:06:00 +0000

Tonight is the Elimination Chamber, which in my opinion is one of the best matches the WWE has to offer. However the match featured in the chamber is to decided the number one contender for the World Heavyweight title at Wrestlemania 29 at Met Life stadium in April. Good thing there is some suspense for that title, since the "John Cena Problem" has puked all over the other story line.

Along with the chamber match, you will see four titles on the line and a pre match which includes a new tag team that is sure to keep the P in G. And ofcourse, the greatest thing in WWE right now THE SHIELD fighting three bitches. Let's take a look at these matches and get my thoughts as well...

PRESHOW MATCH
BRODUS CLAY/TENSAI VS. DAMIEN SANDOW/CODY RHODES
What a waste of Sandow's talent here,and I don't know about you but this little move to tag Clay and Albert together does not make me want to watch either one of them any more. I am pissed off that Sandow is teamed up with Rhodes again to kick off this PPV. Sandow should be in the damn chamber! My prediction for this match is Sandow/Rhodes because any normal person would book them to win this match, unless they want Rhodes to turn face.

UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP
ANTONIO CESARO VS. THE MIZ
If you haven't seen this on Raw, let me give it to you...

Now I don't know about you, but I haven't seen anything that cool on WWE television in quite some time. Since Miz agreed to this, he will most likely win tonight.

DIVAS CHAMPIONSHIP

KAITLYN VS. TAMINA SNUKA

Kaitlyn may have an impressive run as the Diva's champion but is she strong enough to hold the division up? Does the WWE trust the daughter of Jimmy "Suplerfly" Snuka? Either way, I believe this will be as good as the match we saw Snuka in last year with Beth Phoenix with same result. Kaitlyn winning, Snuka losing. I think Kaitlyn has skills and a unique look. I see her holding this title up until Sumerslam.

WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE MATCH

ALBERTO DEL RIO VS THE BIG SHOW

Alberto Del Rio has won me over as a babyface champ. I actually like him now. Not so annoying, and the Big Show may be one of the most animated giants in wrestling history. He has done a hell of a job in helping Del Rio get over as a babyface, and I don't believe that stops now. Del Rio for the win and Show will have a new program, BUT I see Ziggler cashing in tonight, and losing.

THE ELIMINATION CHAMBER

RANDY ORTON V JACK SWAGGER V DANIEL BRYAN V KANE V CHRIS JERICHO V MARK HENRY

Wow what a mess of stuff here. First the obvious elephant in the room would be the disintegration of Team Hell No. I think we are going to see Kane and Bryan go after each other here to spark the meltdown of all that great anger management training and their Tag Team Title reign. Swagger will most likely develop some kind of feud here with one of the participants. The one thing I think is for sure no Orton or Jericho winning as well. My money is on Mark Henry winning this and going to Wrestlemania. I can see a huge program with Del Rio on the horizon. If Ziggler cashes in, Orton without question wins.

THE SHIELD VS JOHN CENA, RYBACK, SHEAMUS

I would love nothing more but for the Shield to go in and kick the living shit out of these three thugs. They have hijacked wrestling and turned it into a disneyland camp where they sodomize Mickey. The kids love them, but lets be real, is wrestling really for kids? How many matches have been screwed up thanks to Cena. However, they need to make Cena look strong going into Wrestlemania and what better way to do it then kill the heat of one of the most successful things the WWE has done in a while. The three jackasses will win, no matter how much I BELIEVE IN THE SHIELD.

WWE CHAMPIONSHIP-NO HOLDS BARRED

THE ROCK VS CM PUNK

And yes, this gay rematch. We know how this goes, Rock wins, goes to Mania loses to Cena, kids everywhere are happy and want to Be a Star. However, wouldn't it be cool if Rock loses. And why should he win? He has some movie out called Snitch. The movie should be called bitch because he is one. How dare he just waltz in the WWE and win the title and not have to work? Yes I know its good for business, but we don't want the John Cena Problem to continue.

There it is, my picks for Elimination Chamber tonight. Love to hear your thoughts.

Keeping it real,

MRJ

CURING THE SICKNESS

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Rangerjae) — Sun, 17 Feb 2013 21:32:00 +0000

The last two weeks have been a nightmare for me as my girls have all been sick. Vic has been fighting a sinus infection it seems, Avery has had a nightmare couch and high temperature, and Jersey had an ear infection.

By the way, did I mention I had kidney stones too?

However, we are dealing with it. We are drinking our juice, getting rest, taking it easy and trying to get back into our routine.

Families throughout America are plagued with sickness on a daily basis. Sickness like debt, unemployment, governmental interference, drama, bullshit...you know the drill.

So what do you do? How do you hang?

You start by asking yourself what can I do to improve the situation. If you don't have a job, you try to find one or create another way of making income. If you have local government bothering you, you move somewhere more peaceful Where the rule is you don't take a dump on your neighbor's yard. You find your medicine , and become a mad scientist and create it.

Whatever the case may be, do not give up. Never ever give up. You are the strongest person you know and you have no idea what lengths you can go through and how truly strong you are.

You can cure the sickness in your life. You just need to work on your medicine.

My medicine contains the following...

-Positive self talk
-Getting into the gym and working hard
-Making the most of my time at my job
-Showering my family with love and support
-Following the way of Jesus throughout my life
-Turning the volume down on the outside noise

I am looking into other ways to make things work for my family and I. I may not have a degree or doctorate, but I can write myself a prescription for happiness that God the pharmacist can fill.

Keeping it real,
MRJ

HAPPY BIRTHDAY YOUR ERRORNESS

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Rangerjae) — Sun, 17 Feb 2013 21:18:00 +0000

Today in case you haven't heard is Michael Jordan's, who is without a shadow of a doubt, the greatest NBA player of all time, 50th birthday. 50 years old man. Wow that's something. You made it bro. It must have been the shoes.

You cannot convince any person walking the Earth that anyone is better than Michael Jordan, the player.

Now Michael Jordan the person, well...I don't mean to judge but let's be honest here people, he's not as perfect as many of you would like him to be.

I am not going to get into the sins he may commit. He indiscretions with marriage, his hard core gambling, his calling out of people during his hall of fame speech, his ass kickings in the dressing rooms of the United Center (or the old Chicago Stadium) whichever you prefer. However, I will get into the basis of his comments earlier in the week.

Five beats one every time I look at it. And not that (James) won't get five. He may get more than that, but five is bigger than one.

Mm hm. Five is bigger than one. Give the man a prize. So by your logic Jordan, are you saying Bill Russell is a better ball player than you? Are you saying Robert Howry is better than you? I mean if five is bigger than one, then 11 and 7 is bigger than six right MJ?

And your team mates Scottie Pippen, John Paxson, and Steve Kerr better than Charles Barkley, Karl Malone? Since 3 is better than 0 right?

This isn't sour grapes because MJ picked Kobe over Lebron because everyone knows I a big fan of Lebron. No, this is called stupidity. And honestly it is the same stupidity that I hear from Jordan fans on a daily basis. When I say that, I am not saying Jordan fans are stupid, but I will say they are a little insecure.

LeBron James is the best player actively right now. You can't tell me there is one player actively playing that is better. Kobe overall may have better numbers, but Lebron has been shattering those every time he takes the court these days. Lebron just took the title of youngest person to reach 25000 pts from Kobe.

Who's to say he can't eclipse Jordan?

Perhaps Jordan says he wants Kobe because his competitive spirit won't allow him to give Lebron props. That's a theory my buddy Jim says, one that I can get on board with. It's pretty obvious that Bryant will never catch up with Jordan in any of his career achievements.

Lebron at only 28 years old is a much different story.

Lebron can play any position at any time. He just finished creating a new club that he's an exclusive member of. It's the 60% 30 point club. Jordan isn't even a member.

One of the biggest criticisms of Lebron was that he needed to join Wade's team. He took over Wade's team. The NBA of today is in the business of creating super teams. Sorry that's the culture we're in. If you mean to tell me that recruiting Rodman the first year Jordan lost wasn't part of that philosophy, I laugh at you.

However, when it's all said and done, I don't feel the need to argue about MJ vs Lebron. In fact, in my opinion there is no argument. Michael without a doubt is the man. Can Lebron catch him? He might. If he continues to play at the level he has played over the course of the last two years, he most likely will. Heat and Lebron fans are content with that, Bull fans are not. They want their dude to remain at the throne. I will remind you that nothing lasts forever my friends.

What Lebron needs to do to be part of the conversation with Michael is continue to play at a high level. It won't matter how many rings he gets. Honestly, he will get one this year, so that makes two and according to the math professor, 5 is bigger than 2. Let's face it, Jordan made a grave error when he made that comment. It's reminiscent of his highlight reel with the Wizards and Bobcats as an executive.

In Jordan's world, Russell has 11 and he has 6. 11 is bigger than 6, which is a number, but Jordan is bigger than Russell.

Why can't the same be said for Mr. James?

Anyhoot, happy birthday Mr. Jordan. Good luck making those Bobcats contenders.

Keeping it real,
MRJ

THE LIST

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Rangerjae) — Sat, 16 Feb 2013 19:46:00 +0000

So lately I have been dealing with quite a bit of sickness in the house. My three girls have all caught a small rash of the flu, and Jersey had an ear infection. In the meantime yours truly has been dealing with such things as headaches, kidney stones and depression. Especially today. I haven't written anything this week, so I thought today would be a good day.

I have been feeling kind of worthless and defeated today and this is most likely to the fact the family has been sick and there's not a whole hell of a lot I can do except wait out the storm. I have been feeling like life has been kind of cyclical lately and you all know how I feel about continuous and repetitive cycles.

So what can I do to change my frame of reference and outlook and go back to being positive and strong?

I could go drink some beer. Then I would be hungover.

I could go start a fight. However, I could lose.

I could call up some people who are dip shits and tell them so. Then my voice would hurt.

I could go on Facebook and write anonymous messages to my haters and tell them they fucked up but then people might think I'm a little crazy.

I could do many things. The ones above are just negative that will make me feel positive temporarily, but my sad feelings may return shortly thereafter.

I think I will list the positives instead.

Tonight is the daddy daughter dance that I will be taking BOTH of my girls to. This will be fun.

I don't have anything serious to do tomorrow so I can relax.

Monday will be a slow day for me so I can take my daughter to Monkey Joes and then get some work done afterwards.

My daughters are feeling better so we can go to said dance earlier.

The lesson that I learn, and I sincerely hope you join me, is that life is about balance. You will not be happy all the time, but you surely won't be sad all the time as well. Listing things to myself made me laugh and feel better about things. Perhaps you can try it and let me know how it works. I liked doing this. Thanks for listening.

Keeping it real,
MRJ

SNOWFALL

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Rangerjae) — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 15:27:00 +0000

This week, we were reminded that yes winter does exist as snow came down in my wonderful little town and cars were halted, I shoveled, kids made snowmen etc, etc. The snow falling on my driveway made me think about something important, and I want to share that with you.

Problems are a part of life. Whether it be financial, drama, health, and whatever, they always will be there. You will never live a life when you don't have problems. You may not have 99 like Jay-Z, but you will have you share of stress and discord once and again.

Your bills may pile up, your friends might be fighting each other putting you in the middle, the family might have some weirdness, your kids feel sick. Whatever it is, I am going to tell you something very important I have learned in my life, and I thought about it last night when I shoveled the driveway instead of watching the Blackhawks kick the crap out of Phoenix.

When it snows, people get discouraged. They get agitated due to two reasons. One, most likely they need to stay home for the day because going out on the roads during the snow is an adventure. Not an adventure like going to Medieval Times and eating with your hands since there was no silverware (teenagers trying to buy beer, tell the server that IDs didn't exist in medieval times either, joking don't do that, but that's funny got to admit) but an adventure that is full of slush, slipping, people driving like crap; an adventure. The second, have to go out and shovel or plow. If you don't stay home and shovel, the effect can be two things. One, you may get into an accident, screw up your vehicle or hurt someone, and two if you don't shovel right away, when more snow comes it makes it that much harder to clean up the driveway.

When I was shoveling yesterday, it was still coming down a little tiny bit. Do they refer to this as a tiny flurry? Not sure, but anyhow. I thought to myself, why the hell am I shoveling out here? The Blackhawks are on. I could be inside watching Max and Ruby with Vicki and the kids. Then I told myself, if I don't do it now, the snow will be higher and harder to shovel.

When you experience problems in your life, you are given two choices. You can avoid it or deal with it. Avoiding it helps you escape for a day, a week, a month. I avoided a shitload of bills for the longest time, and it destroyed my credit. Just the last year, I have been in a situation where I could repair it, and I have been doing that. I would like to buy a house and I decided to deal with it. As a matter of fact, when bills come now, I deal with them. I pay them off. I feel lighter because of that. If there is drama, I address it right away and move on. If I don't, the pit will become deeper and I will have to work that much harder to sustain a relationship. Raising two kids and keeping my family in one piece is hard enough. Pushing this stuff to the side and taking care of it later will only bite me on the ass later and make things that much harder to deal with.

I am passing this along to you because I want you to think about it. Does it really make sense to push my problems aside and deal with them later, or should I get it over with so I can look to the future? Ask yourself that and think about the snow in the driveway theory when you do. It may make you feel better.

Keeping it real,

MRJ

BE LIKE YOU

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Rangerjae) — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 11:33:00 +0000

Advertisements infiltrate the human soul. Everywhere you look, you are being targeted. Many corporations out there want you to buy products. Some you may need, others you may want, but in the end the question has to be asked like in Fight Club "is this essential to our survival in the hunter-gatherer sense of the word?"

Ads play off of emotion, and we are walking balls of emotion. Whether we want to admit it or not. Some people are like me who wear it on their sleeve, others keep their feelings locked in deep, but they feel. Everyone does. It cannot be denied. They want you to buy the product, no matter the cost, quality, or whatever. An ad wants to make you feel like you need a product to become a better person, but in the end, you're just a sale.

Before I continue, can you imagine what the world would be like if you had ads like this that would tell the truth...

Yes I laugh my ass off every time I see that too.

Point is, the majority of us lack confidence, lack discipline, lack a certain comfort about ourselves. People need IPhones to feel special. If you are not wearing Victoria's Secret, then you are not as sexy as a woman because being sexy for a woman should be a secret right? Men over 40, you need to be having sex so take a pill. Many 40 year old men just want to come home and watch TV and hit the bar with the boys. Kids, TOYS TOYS TOYS. Now that one is not fair because when kids see something cool ad or not, they want it! Believe me they do. The walls in my house tell me so due to all the toys crawling up it.

I personally think that each of us is special. We all have different talents and features we bring to the table that makes us who we are, and we need to learn how to be proud of those things without the help of buying that car that might get us a hand job from a stranger. We need to learn how to be interesting without wearing that fragrance that the dude that women were gushing over during the Superbowl was wearing. It's hard in this day an age because the deck is stacked against us common folk, but it comes from sheer will and heart to rise above the madness and ascend into greatness.

You need to know that you are great. You have lots of love to give, you have lots of experiences to share, and you were made special. What you should do when you wake up every day is write down three things that you ~~like~~ love about yourself and three goals you would like to accomplish. Perhaps you can say them aloud on your way to where your day takes you. Repeat them throughout the day. Your confidence will spread and others will begin to see you the way you see yourself. It's very hard believe me I know. I have the worst self esteem and it stems from having a childhood where people made fun of me, and having decades of people in my family tell me that things were unattainable.

It's up to you to turn off the sales pitch. It's up to you to stop being a credit card number and be a person. You can do it. Look in the mirror and tell yourself why you like being you. You don't have to be like Mike, you have to learn to be you and ask yourself how am I going to make the most of it.

Keeping it real,
MRJ

THE HOLE

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Rangerjae) — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 16:48:00 +0000

We find ourselves at many times tired, frustrated, hopeless, and wonder if like Old Milwaukee "does it get any better than this?" I find myself doing this all the time. Sometimes if my kids do something I don't approve of, I question myself as a father. When I have an issue at work, I wonder to myself, did I take the correct course of action? I as many of you know tend to have a big mouth and get myself in trouble and then I wonder if I'm normal.

In essence, I dig myself into a hole. I didn't discuss the size of the hole yet. Just a hole.

As we go on through life, we dig holes and patch some up. Life is quite honestly a series of challenges, and our commitment to them is what defines us as people. God can get through you these holes as an inspirational force, but you must grab the shovel and dig. He can inspire you, but he cannot dig for you.

Digging can be used to describe anything. Closing that deal, winning a game, acing that test, finding ways to pay bills, looking for a place to live, etc. You need to ask yourself what kind of a person are you, and do you want to change?

Are you the type of person who is happy with the way things are? That says OK I know I need to do this, but it's too much work. For instance, if you're homeless, are you going to fight for a place to live?

Or are you a fighter? Will you challenge yourself to find a way out of the predicament so you and/or your family can be prepared to take on the next one?

Fighters survive in life. Fighters don't give up. Everyday in this life is a struggle; a fight. You may think celebs and athletes have it easy. However, they have to work as hard as everyone else. They have different holes to fill. The one thing to remember is we all came in the world the same, and we all leave the world the same. The circumstances and what we do with them is what truly defines us. Our ability to dig ourselves out of holes. We cannot look at other people and compare themselves to us. We have our own field, dessert; whatever you choose to call it. In order to fix that hole, you need to concentrate on your own hole, no one else's.

Sometimes a hole is so big, you need to dig for months, years to make it work. The point is when you stop digging you stop living. Holes aren't bottomless. There always is a bottom, and sometimes you may hit it. Then the work begins.

I have hit rock bottom a few times in my life. I have dug myself out, and today I still dig. I dig dealing with pain, suffering, memories, the past, etc. I chose to say to myself that I have past that part in my digging process, and I am moving on to getting out of the hole.

So today go ahead. Ask yourself the question I asked earlier? Are you ready to fight, or are you ready to flee? The ones who flee end up in morgues early. The ones who fight live on.

So grab your shovel and kick some ass.

Keeping it real,
MRJ

VICTORIES AND EXONERATIONS

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Rangerjae) — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 14:24:00 +0000

Last night we were treated to one of the best Superbowls in recent memory. You had so much drama in this game. You saw the Baltimore Ravens manhandle the San Francisco 49ers in the first half, only to see Jacoby Jones run the ball back 105 yards for another touchdown. It looked like the game was over and the Ravens had this.

Not so fast Lightning McQueen...

A crazy power outage caused all the lights in the Louisana Silverdome to go out. Once game play resumed some 34 minutes later, we saw Colin Kaepernick become the lethal weapon he was advertised as. The Niners scored 17 unanswered points from the outage leading people to believe the Ravens were out of juice as well.

However, a gritty defensive stand by the Ravens and a real field goal attempt assured the Ravens the victory. It was huge, and me liking the Ravens and hating the Niners, it worked for me.

Yet, some people want to turn this into a political statement. Some people became judges. So much venom towards Ray Lewis, who concluded his season last night. Not because of his squirrel dance. Not because of his crazy speeches and over the top religious beliefs (which honestly are quite fine in my book), but because people still want to hold him accountable for the deaths of two people after Superbowl XXXIV, one year before the Ravens would hoist their first Lombardi trophy.

If you want to learn about the case and the trial, this gives a pretty good blow by blow account.

In this account we are dealing with a man who lied to the police. A man who was wearing a disappearing white suit. A man who paid a undisclosed sum to the victims family. A man who could be classified as bad, evil, calculating.

The question, is Ray Lewis the same guy he was 13 years ago?

You look at the charity work he has done in the city of Baltimore. You look at the inspiration he has become for many people. He takes the time out to speak to the fans in Baltimore, those who look up to him. There is not a man I know in sports whose words resonate more than Ray Lewis. When the man speaks, you listen. There is no denial in any of that. Can it be said Ray Lewis worked hard to prove himself to be a good man, or is it all a con? Lewis sat down with Shannon Sharpe and his answer regarding the murder was...

It’s simple. God has never made a mistake. That’s just who He is, you see. And if our system – it’s the sad thing about our system – if our system took the time to really investigate what happened 13 years ago, maybe they would have got to the bottom line truth. But the saddest thing ever was that a man looked me in my face and told me, ‘We know you didn’t do this, but you’re going down for it anyway.’ To the family, if you knew, if you really knew the way God works, he don’t use people who commits anything like that for His glory. No way. It’s the total opposite."

Yes this answer should surely clear up any doubt for the people who wrote things like...

Look he has two rings, one for each murder.

I can't believe he is winning the Superbowl after killing those people.

Don't pass the trophy to him.

Karma doesn't exist. This guy kills people and he is rewarded for it.

I want to make a few comments and I will start by saying first, I am not defending his actions and alleged involvement in the 2000 fiasco. What I will say is Ray Lewis is the ultimate general of that team, and part of the heart and soul of Baltimore. He is without a doubt, one of if not the very best to play his position. The man is a legend on the gridiron and has a one way ticket to Canton, OH. No one can deny his abilities, talents or accomplishments.

On the other hand, if you think karma for killing people is losing a football game, you have a lot to learn. Karma comes back to you in the forms of what wrong you committed. So if you want a murderer to get his by losing the Superbowl, more power to you. That was fine and good with the Patriots at Superbowl XLII, they were caught cheating and they lost at the worst possible time. That was karma taking advantage of the moment. Also, why does anyone care what happens to Ray Lewis? If Ray Lewis did in fact commit murder or was an accomplice, he will answer to God. He will answer to the highest power, not to you, me, or America. Bank on it. It always comes back, and to me it seems like he has worked hard to become a better person. Everyone has a skeleton or two in his/her closet. Ray Lewis has worked hard to exorcise those demons.

And here's the thing I find annoying. Ray Lewis is not the only member of the franchise. There are many other people on this team, and many other story lines.

Joe Flacco silences the critics and catapults himself into elite status by winning the MVP award and no interceptions throughout the playoffs. In fact, throughout the playoffs beginning in Indy, Flacco threw for 11 TD, no interceptions, and went 73/126 for 1140 yards. Not too shabby. His line yesterday was 22/33, 287 yards and 3 TD.
Anquan Boldin, who tried to convince the world he was the stronger of the dynamic duo in Arizona came up with huge plays yesterday. He caught 6 passes and it equaled 104 yards.
Ed Reed one of the best safeties in football wins a title finally in what could possibly be his last game in a Ravens uniform.
Torrey Smith lost his brother this year and his play during week three was awe inspiring. Nice to see him win a title.
Jacoby Jones has the record for the longest kickoff return at 105 yards and also had a touchdown yesterday.

The point is, there is more to this victory than Ray Lewis and his past. This is a victory for the Baltimore Ravens and that's what is should be about.

Congrats to the Ravens and their fans. Enjoy your victory.

Keeping it real,

MRJ

HARBOWL SUPERBOWL

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Rangerjae) — Sun, 03 Feb 2013 16:30:00 +0000

This is it. It feels like such a long wait but it's finally here. Superbowl XLVII, the brotherly rumble. Ray Lewis retirement. Gays in locker room, etc etc. The hype is over and its game time. Here are Alison and I with your picks for the big game!!!!

Alison Remember the scene in 'A League of Their Own,when Dottie Hinson (Geena Davis) looked on proudly as little sister Kit (Lori Petty) cracked a game winning home run in the World Series? My prediction is,that older brother John Harbaugh, who's had the more challenging career as head coach, will be shaking hands/hugging his younger brother Jim's 49ers hands. Why? A diamond in the rough qb in Colin Kaepernick, whose ninth start in the NFL turns out to be the Super Bowl. His winning percentage in the posteseason is phenominal...and then,there's the 49ers defense is deep and will carry the day. For most of his career, as a player and head coach, the older, calmer and wiser John has taken a backseat to little brother Jim. Ray Lewis, Ray Rice, and Ravens qb Joe Flacco will have career day. But in the end, the more fiery and deeper 49ers will carry the day. Final score: 49ers 24, Ravens, 20.

Me I have been a fan of the Ravens thus far and I am not going to stop. Is Kaepernick ready for the big stage against toughest defense he has met yet? Is Frank Gore going to beat Ray Rice in the battle of the backs? Can the Ravens offense find a way to win against this monster defense in San Francisco? The answer is yes. I believe the Ravens will put the ball in Flacco's hands once again and he will lead them to victory. Oh it won't be pretty. Be prepared for a nasty, nasty game. I also believe experience trumps as well as Johnny has been here longer than Jimmy. I say Ravens 24 Niners 20.

Well we will have to see how it all goes down. The time for talk is almost over. The anthem, the kickoff, the commercials, the halftime show, the fourth quarter, the victory, the trophy. It all takes place tonight.

THE RIGGED RUMBLE

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Rangerjae) — Sun, 27 Jan 2013 17:47:00 +0000

Tonight is the night gang. The WWE gets ready to kick off the 26th annual edition of the Royal Rumble tonight live from the US Airways Center in PHOENNIX. (That was the character in Killer Instinct. Sorry my inner child got the best of me). Anyways here is a little preview for you and to help me is my man Jim from The Real Pro Wrestling Page on Facebook to go over some of the big matches tonight.

Let's start with the match that takes place before the show...Antonio Cesaro defending the US Title against the Miz...

Jim... First off, what is the WWE doing with the Miz? His character has gone to shit! He is a heel! I hate when companies force feed characters to us fans as something that they are clearly NOT! The Miz is NOT a Face! Also, why in the world is a title match on the pre-show? Blatant dis-respect to the title and to Antonio Cesaro. I believe that Cesaro has a lot to offer. I like his character, and he has a look to him. I hope that the WWE does not screw this one up. The guy has mic skills, mat skills, and a presence. He could be a big part of the future for WWE. So my prediction for tonight is.....
Winner And still U.S. Champ, Antonio Cesaro

Me...Seriously WTF happened to the Miz? This guy was a hot commodity as he defeated the golden boy Cena at Wrestlemania XVII. He was igniting crowds all over with his arrogant persona, but then survivor series 2011 happened, and he lost whatever heat he had because the Rock buried him. Now, the brain trust at WWE is trying to put him over as a face with his silly MizTV show, and his other bad jokes. This guy can't even put a figure four on correctly. On the other hand, Cesaro looks like an up and coming star. His talent in the ring is unquestioned. You have to love the jabs at America and he is even waving a flag too. I love Cesaro, and he doesn't need a belt to get him over, Miz does, Miz wins.

Moving along to the tag team titles. Team Hell No (Kane, Daniel Bryan) versus The Rhodes Scholars (Cody Rhodes, Damien Sandow)

Jim... This match is just odd to me. Kane and Daniel Bryan as a tag team, in my opinion, has had a little comedy, but I would have like to see them take advantage of there real attributes. One is a monster, the other is a serious grappler. Instead, we are fed this comedy act, which sometimes is funny, and I love funny, but in wrestling, I love badd ass first, and that is what this team SHOULD be. But it's not. As for Rhodes Scholars, i'm not their biggest fans, however, they do remind me a little of an old school throw back team. They work really well together and they just mesh. These days the tag team division in all of wrestling is very weak and not even close to what it once was, VINCE'S fault! But this team could bring back some glory to the titles. And in turn could lead to other tag teams being formed and even stepping up. With all that being said, my prediction for tonight is..
Winners: And New Tag Team Champs, Team Rhodes Scholars

Me...I love everyone involved in this except Cody Rhodes. Yes, this project with Kane and Bryan actually made me look forward to seeing Kane every week. The Team Hell No ride has been fun but I believe like all good things, it will come to an end. However, that end does not happen tonight. Sandow and Rhodes will give a good match, but our two favorite anger management superstars will defend the title tonight. The thing is Rhodes and Sandow look like the only legitmate threat to their titles, but I wouldn't be surprised if they put the belts on the Shield during a Raw sometime soon to start a stable of terror with Heyman. More on that later. For now, it's all about THEY WILL REMAIN TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS. The foundation starts to break tonight at the Rumble though.

For the World Heavyweight championship and the last man standing, its The Big Show going for the rematch against current champ Alberto Del Rio

Jim... Let's be real here, on any planet, the Big Show would crush this Chico Santana wannabe. However, this is the WWE, and to be honest, I actually like the face turn for Del Rio. At least for right now. I believe that the Big Show is the immovable object, and in most cases I would want to see him win this match, but........ With it being the start to Wrestlemania season its time to see new rivalries start up. So with that being said, here is what I think. I think Del Rio will retain the title. What I would like to see happen is Del Rio win, but then Dolph Ziggler cash in the MITB brief case and become the world champ. He is a hott heel right now, and either tonight or Wrestlemania, will be his time. Also, in my opinion, why is the WORLD TITLE NOT the main title in the company? The only reason I can come up with is because its not a WWF/WWE title that it was the NWA/WCW world title. But to me, its not the WWE title, but the WORLD Title, the most prestigious belt in all of wrestling history. And to me, it should be presented and respected that way. Just sayin. Anyways, my prediction again for this match..

Winner : And still World Champ, Albert Del Rio
* Hopefully with a twist of Dolph Ziggler cashing in and becoming the champ after this match. ( I know, wishful thinking )

Me...The Big Show truly is one of the most under rated performers in the WWE and he does not need a title to get over, but the last few months after his victory against Sheamus at Hell in a Cell, it surely helped. Alberto Del Rio has won me over as his current run of a baby face and he will be the last man standing tonight. HOWEVER, tonight in my opinion will be the night Dolph Ziggler finally cashes in the Money in the Bank suitcase after an exhausting match and he will be the champ at the end setting up what I believe is going to be a legendary feud between the Mexican aristocrat and the super show off.

For the WWE Championship, the Great one the Rock versus the Best in the World, and your champion CM Punk

Jim... In a match that has been pumped up for a few months now. The Rock looks great, has momentum of the People, but the Champ, the longest reigning champ in the WWF/WWE in the last 20 years, is great! I am so happy that WWE made him flip back to heel. He is a GREAT heel. Very Flair and Triple H esq. His mic skills are second to none, his wrestling ability is top notch, and he single handily made is "OWN SPOT" in the WWE. Because trust me, nobody but Paul Heymen and himself believed that he could be where he is today. Vince put a stipulation in this match that if The Shield were to interfere, that he would strip Punk of the title. Okay, so that leaves Brad Maddox open to come out and help, OR, an old face, and another Paul Heyman guy, the Beast, Brock Lesnar to come out and assist Punk tonight. Bringing out Brock tonight opens up so many more doors. I for one, think that Brock and Triple H will have another match, but this could also open up a potential Brock-Rock match. My prediction is the following.

Winner : And still WWE champ, CM Punk

Me...We all think we have this match picked. Cm Punk will job to Rock so he can wrestle Cena at Wrestlemania 29 in New York and Cena gets his revenge and is every one's poor excuse for Vinnie Mac's golden child. Right? WRONG! I agree with Jim on this one. Yes the Shield will be banned from ringside. Yes the deck is certainly stacked against the Second City Saint. However, he is a Paul Heyman guy and I would like to use two words to describe the ending of this. Past and future, It will either be a save from the Heyman guy of the past, Brock Lesnar, or Heyman guy of the future Brad Maddox that help secure the win for Punk for another 30 days of his historic glorious title reign. And we can only hope that the Shield is revealed to be working with Punk tonight setting up a chamber match between Punk, Rock, and the Shield. Not sure if that is how it goes down, but that would be something.

And of course the fun one, the Royal Rumble. 30 men. Two start, a new participant every 2 minutes over the top battle royale.

Jim... This is probably my favorite match every year. Just to see all the different faces in one match. Love the nostalgia of the old school wrestler returns, but I have a feeling that this year, there wont be many old returns. Rumors are Shelton Benjamin, Carlito, Hurricane Shane Helms, and Chris Masters... I loved it a few years ago when Diesel aka Kevin Nash and Booker T made a return to the rumble. Nash got a near famous Road Warrior pop that night. Loved it! Anyways, I am still up in the air as to who will actually win this thing. The logical choice for me is John Cena, so then it would set up him V.S. The Rock @ Wrestlemania for the re-match. But then I think well, there has to be a different twist here, because that one is just way too obvious. The WWE really has me stumped on this one. I REALLY want to see a different outcome and a twist tonight... But since I really do not know, I will go with the following.

Winner : John Cena

Me....Oh gee I wonder who. The poster boy for STAR, Make a Wish, Fruity Pebbles, and spinning titles, John Effin Cena. Parents please do not allow your kids to be like this man. He is a bully. He is a douche. He is everything that is wrong with the WWE and the blazing promo he used to hype up the Rumble on Monday's Raw is a perfect example of why. Cena panders to kids when we all know that wrestling is a dangerous business for kids. Cena had a chance with the Rock and didn't even sell the beat down the Rock gave him at Wrestlemaina XVIII. Cena knows how to do 5-6 moves and he has admitted as much. He reminds us that he's there every day which is fine, but if the conspiracy theory is true. That the Rock gets the title just to hand it over to Cena, it is bitchness at its best. A guy who comes and works for 2 months gives the belt and crowns John Cena the king, when we all know Punk works harder than anyone else in wrestling. Don't believe it? Watch The Best in the World DVD sometime. For some reason, Cena has been handed all this shit for the last ten years of his hustling, loyalty and respecting no one but himself. Maybe because he looks like that dude from Street Fighter. Maybe because the women love him for whatever reason. Maybe because he tells fart jokes that make kids laugh. I pray to go that we see a swerve here. Someone else wins this thing. However, yeah it's probably John Effin Cena.

Some other thoughts from jim... Will the Taker show up? If so, what role will he play? Will Triple H be around? I really wish I could be part of the creative team for WWE. I would really like for them to build the tag division to something close to what it once was.They need some managers. I'm not a fan of WWE PG, we need PG-13 back, and we need it back now!

My thought fuck cena that is all.

The fun takes place tonight and you can go to the Real Pro Wrestling Page on Facebook to get results posted by Jimmy and myself. Special thanks to him for taking some time out to rap with us here. Reactions may or may not follow depending how good the show is.

Keeping it real,
MRJ

MEDICINE

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Rangerjae) — Sat, 26 Jan 2013 16:21:00 +0000

Yesterday I wrote that the world is a sick place. Today I write what can you do about it.

Here's what I am going to do...

I am going to do what I have always done. Speak out against the tyranny and the corrupt. Call people on their bullshit. I have even toyed with the idea of running for some type of office so I can make real change. However my priorities have change since years ago. I have a family. I need to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table and clothes on their back. I work very hard to make this happen. I cannot fight the fight of every person. I can contribute, but I can't stand in line unless I am forced. The problem is, we the middle class are being forced more so every day.

People out there are taking advantage of special programs and making a living off of it. Illegal immigrants being allowed accommodations that citizens are not. The middle class is being forced to become the poor and the rich keep getting richer. Can you imagine what would happen if politicians donated 1/4 of their salaries to welfare? That would be a way to make it work. But could you see it? I didn't think so.

There will be those out there trying to educate and those trying to pollute. Our country has become a nation divided where everyone questions everything. The government has us running in circles with this second amendment crap. Of course people should be allowed to own guns. There should be tough regulations to get one like being able to pass a psych exam, not being in any trouble. It's getting to the point where the government is putting everyone on one side of the fence. Either you need a gun because the world is too wacko not to have one, or you don't need one because the crazies can get them. I am so done with this argument.

Are we merging into a police state? By God, it sure seems that way. I see posts from people asking for armed guards at schools. I feel we as a society are going backwards, Is this making us grow on the inside? Bible says "therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. (2 Corinthians 4:16). Is this happening? If the outward man is perishing, how is the inner staying strong? After all its the inner that controls the outer in my view.

When you are like me and you have a family to support, you need to always think of them first. You take on a job for them. You pay bills for them. You help your children grow and teach them how to be strong. That is the focus. What is going on outside in the world cannot change the way I do things? I have my beliefs and core values. Yes I do think there are terrible injustices in the world today. However, the only fight I can fight is the one to keep my family happy and well. God will take care of the rest.

That is the medicine for a sick world. You need to make yourself happy, try to share your joy with others. Live how Jesus would want you to live. Learn to help those who need help, comfort those who need comfort, and fight when you need to fight. Learn how to love and forgive. Learn how to be great. If the world would learn these basic principles, the goodness would outshine the evil and no matter what kind of stunts our government would pull, we would be united in joy and happiness and it would not matter.

Karma is alive and well and karma gets those with evil thoughts in their heart. They all fall down. Eventually. If you are a person who feeds off the destruction of others, one day you yourself will be the main course for someone else who is as twisted as you are. Sharks swim together and eventually eat each other. We as humanity need to rise above that and treat people the way we would want to be treated. The red cards and black cards are sorted out in the end.

Bottom line, just live for today. You never know what will happen. Take care of your family. Hold them close and love them. Be there for them and help as many people as you can. We only have today and like in the Grinch, the who ville people sang even though there was no presents. The government can take whatever they want from us, but as long as we have our heart, our compassion, our happiness, and every ounce of being with the hard work we put into life, they'll be the ones to lose with a black heart and lots of money, and lady karma sitting in their bedroom waiting to strike.

Keeping it real,
MRJ

SICK WORLD

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Rangerjae) — Sat, 26 Jan 2013 03:41:00 +0000

I'm a father of two girls and I worry about the future.

I don't worry about them listening to loud music, going to parties, bringing home boys. Yes I am a tad bit nervous about all that because they are very cute and I am sure they are going to blossom into popular, cute teenagers that the boys are going to go crazy over and yes I should get a FOID card.

That's normal stuff.

What's not normal is when you read about a 15 year old gunning down his family and wanting to go to Walmart to go on a killing spree with his girlfriend.

What's not normal is a kid opening fire on 28 people, 20 which were kids right around Jersey's age. Then there is a conspiracy theory on the entire thing that it may be a training exercise. Now, all of you on my facebook, in politics, want to discuss gun control.

Why are we talking about guns when we should really be talking about the direction the world is heading?

You are now hearing about school shootings happening on a regular basis. You hear about people snapping at a second. Our economy is in turn moil. It's hard to find work. Quality television has been replaced with cheap reality programs that cost networks much less to run than a show that tells a story.

And in the blink of an eye, some psycho can take you and your loved ones out in a movie theatre. How in the hell did we get here?

The world is not a safe place anymore. It would take the hand of God to make things right. Perhaps the vision Trent Reznor had in the Nine Inch Nails album Year Zero may be coming true. Our world has become a shell. People hypnotized by smartphones and IPhones (I will out myself here and say yes me). The way our news is reported now is a joke. You have some good lucking dude or blonde having a panel of "experts" no one has ever heard of. No one gets to the heart of the story. No one ever finds out what really is going on.

All I know is I look around and I see body counts rising, violence increasing, media manipulation. And I think to myself the same statement I made when I started this piece.

I'm the father of two girls and I worry about their future.

What is the solution? Many possibilities. Talk to you all tomorrow.

Keeping it real,
MRJ

CHAMPIONSHIP SUNDAY SUNDAY SUNDAY-NFL

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Rangerjae) — Sun, 20 Jan 2013 14:16:00 +0000

So as you know last Saturday I assembled a team of "experts." Along with myself, I recruited Alison Moran, sports reporter from 98.3 WRLR and Matt Infante known as Matty I who was the founder of the SB Nation site The Phinsider. We all made picks on the games last week and here's where we sit.

Matty 2-2
Alison 1-3
MRJ 1-3

Yeah a few upsets in my opinion, but Matty has the foresight to see that Atlanta game.

So here we are championship Sunday. We have some great games, or possibly not leading us to the Superbowl. So here are our picks for this weekend.

NFC Championship Game

Georgia Dome Atlanta, GA

San Francisco 49ers vs. Atlanta Falcons

Sunday 2pmCST FOX

Matty:

I know I picked GB last week to knock of the Niners. But their win was so damn impressive while the Falcons nearly blew it. I still have no trust in Matt Ryan - and that bad interception last week highlights why I feel that way. I LOVE Colin Kaepernick. Some of you might recall how I was pounding my fist on the table for the Dolphins to draft Kaepernick back in 2011. I just didn't think he'd be ready for this big stage known as the NFL playoffs. I was wrong. I think Kaepernick and the 49ers - aided a lot by Frank Gore and a talented, physical defense - will leave Atlanta as NFC champions.

Alison:

With their first crrack at a Super Bowl since 1998, the Atlanta Falcons don't want to squander home field advantage at the Georgia Dome. After all, QB phenom Matt Ryan, who revitalized the franchise in the post Michael Vick era, said they "hadn't come all this way for a one-win playoff." That said, the Falcons squandered a 20-point lead TWICE last week against the Seattle Seahawks. Past a virtuouso performance by future Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez and a top-ranked passing core that also includes Julio Jones,, the Falcons are in the NFC Title game only because by of a major mistake by Seahawks coach Pete Carroll--with the game tied and seconds left, Carroll called a timeout while Attanta kicker Matt Bryant muffed one at 50+ yards before getting a mulligan that won the game at 49 yards. The Falcons face a formidable second year QB in Colin Kaepernick, whose virtuoso performance against the Green Bay Packers earned him a 98.7 passer rating. The 49ers top-rankeHar defense will quell any momentum for the Falcons. And it will be the 49ers year. I'm predicting a 30-20 49ers victory, giving Coach Jim Harbaugh a unique distinction: As a quarterback, Harbaugh made it to the NFC and AFC Championship games quarterbacking the Bears and then the Indianapolis Colts. What he could not do as a player, he will do as a coach:lead a team to the Super Bowl.

Michael:

I have zero faith in Matt Ryan. I have zero faith in the Falcons defense ability to stop Colin Kaepernick. I have zero faith in Mike Smith's coaching in this kind of a situation. All for these reasons I am picking Atlanta. to upset. The Niners gave lots of film for the Falcons to work with. I like Atlanta's chances in the dome. And I am sure I am the only person that is picking Atlanta in America, but something tells me that the defense is going to be able to read Kaepernick, and Asante Samuel is not to be fooled with. Matt Ryan needs to silence critics and this would be the game for him to do it.

AFC Championship Game

Gillette Stadium, Foxboro, MA
Baltimore Ravens vs. New England Patriots
Sunday 5:30pm CST CBS

Matty:
I still can't believe the Broncos lost that game (WTF was Rahim Moore thinking?). I still do not believe in the Ravens all that much. And I'm just playing the law of averages, really. I can't see this Ravens team beating the Patriots twice in a season. I certainly don't think this game is a blow out by any means. But I see the kind of game that is decided by 4th quarter execution - typically an area that Tom Brady led teams excel. Though I hope I'm wrong, I see the Pats returning to the Super Bowl once more.

Alison:
Spoiling any chance of a brother-against-brother matchup of Jim Harbaugh versus John Harbaugh in a 49ers-Ravens Super Bowl will be the formidable depth of the New England Patriots, who dominated 40-28 over the Houston Texans last week. No surprise that they won, but a key difference in this week's game is coping with the loss of ESPN The Body issue tight end Rob Gronkowski, who was rendered out for the season. Conversely, the Ravens struggled to a double-overtime victory against the Denver Broncos, toppling one future Hall of Famer (Peyton Manning) to live to face another. And for what seems to be the umpteenth time, it's the Baltimore Ravens mighty defense and Ray Lewis' swan song (and a wannabe elite qb named Joe Flacco) versus mighty man Tom Brady. If there ever were a time for Ravens QB Flacco to prove himself, it's against the Patriots. I will guarantee that if my prediction is wrong, and the Ravens offense is somehow responsible for a win over the Patriots, a substantial reward must be accorded to Flacco. As for a repeat of last year's excruciating 23-20 Patriots victory...I'm expecting the margin to be much larger. Let's make it the Patriots 40, Ravens 27.

Michael:
There are no weapons! No weapons! Once again color me the contrairian, but I believe the Ravens have a shot in this one. They have the type of defense that can shut down Tom Brady. Rob Gronkowski's injury doesn't help matters much. The Ravens defense is better that the Patsies two fold. This could be the last shot for Ed Reed and definitely Ray Lewis! He is fired up and this team is playing off that emotion. Ray Rice can go the distance and Joe Flacco showed me something last week against Denver. He has balls. Going for that play in the 4th with :30 left and executing, he is not afraid of the moment. I wanted to see a Green Bay/Baltimore Superbowl and here's to seeing that happen, at least half of it. Ravens will win this one by a last second field goal in overtime.

Once again I would like to thank Alison and Matty for joining in on the fun. If you have picks or comments, email them to me at hiimmichael@gmail.com and I will post them here. Use subject: MRJ NFL picks. Or you can tweet.

Thanks for reading and as always keeping it real,
MRJ

HERE COME THE HAWKS, FINALLY

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Rangerjae) — Sat, 19 Jan 2013 15:25:00 +0000

Just wanted to make a quick note about the Chicago Blackhawks returning today.

I really hope that hockey has learned some valuable lessons.

1. Your sport is the least popular, therefore a strike puts croquet in front of you. Glad you worked it out.

2. Unlike the NBA, players will go to their countries and play and be happy to do so.

3. Gary Bettman is a jack ass. However, I think you knew that already.

4. People in Florida are really looking forward to hockey coming back. That is a positive sign. They are so excited they are raising a divisional banner on opening night.

5. You are just prolonging the Chicago Blackhawks bringing home the cup for the second time in 3 years.

Now that hockey is back, I can reunite with my hometown fans. Yes we disagree on the Bears and Bulls. Half the city disagrees with me on baseball because they are still in their ivy driven old style induced state. However we all love the Hawks, don't we Chicago? I mean there are a few of you who love the give head wings. One or two of you like a Candian team or two. I have one friend who's a huge Avalanche fan. However as far as the majority goes, we all have hockey again. We can all celebrate again.

That is until the Heat rains on the Bulls parade and wins another championship when I will do my best to be an unsufferable asshat. A talent that takes lots of work.

Let's go Hawks. We want to hear some dagger as often as possible. Game on!!!!!

NOT THE MAN BUT THE MESSAGE

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Rangerjae) — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 17:43:00 +0000

Last night there was a huge revelation in the United States. It was shocking and unprecedented.

An overwhelming amount of males didn't know they had the Oprah Winfrey Network.

Due to this crazy discovery, many were able to see part 1 of 2 of the interview that heard about all week when the Queen of TV Oprah Winfrey sat down to interview former seven time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong. I say former not because he won it seven times, but due to an investigation conducted by the United States Anti Doping Agency, it was found out Armstrong was using performance enhancing drugs. This man denied that charge up and down, much like others who have been accused despite the amounts of overwhelming evidence to the contrary. He in fact sued people for defamation that have said he was doing the juice. However, he we sit in January 2013. Armstrong came clean and said he did it and "didn't know he was doing anything wrong." I guess the fact using these substances is considered illegal in most sports wouldn't have given him the clue.

Many people are really pissed off at this man. He ran a charity, he was an inspiration to many, the world love him. How could he do this? What a sick man. Yada, yada, yada. Most times we like to vilify the people who do good that fall from grace. Many love the storyline, the punchline what have you. When Tiger Woods had his issues years ago, the world piled on him. Including me. It was so easy due to the fact he was the ultimate douche bag already.

However with Lance Armstrong, it's different. I'm not going to pile on him. I'm not going to unleash holy hell on him. The rest of the world will do it for me. However, I am not going to the bonfire. Truth be told, never have been a fan of his. However, having friends affected by cancer and other illness, knowing what Lance Armstrong meant to them is why I won't. Sure he's a fraud, and everything he did perhaps gets erased by his actions and lies. However, there is a bigger truth to keep in mind here.

We all know the story, Armstrong developed testicular cancer in 1996. He went through treatments and he came back to bicycling. He won. I don't care if he was using or not. That's a powerful message sent to people who are sick. The message is if you are at death's door, you have two choices. You can fight so it doesn't suck you in, or you can throw yourself to it's mercy and die. Grant it, a life with God is a wonderful thing, but some people need you here on Earth. So that's the message. Armstrong chose the latter. This inspired people. This made people believe. This made people want to fight the urge to give up.

Lance Armstrong is a disgraced human being. You can read all about here if you want the nasty stuff. The lies, betrayal, the fodder. However, what I will take away from this is what was in the Livestrong foundation's press release. The last line is what is key:

"Our success has never been based on one person -- it's based on the patients and survivors we serve every day, who approach a cancer diagnosis with hope, courage and perseverance."

See what I'm saying is inspiration doesn't always have to come from people. It can be the words they speak and like they say, words stick. Many people will take the situation, the comeback, and the hope and separate it from the man. That's what I choose to do. If Lance Armstrong really wants to make good, he will take the necessary steps to do what's necessary so the court of public opinion releases him from jail. That is the decision of a man. However, his story gives hope and courage to all those facing cancer. If one writes a story that is inspiring and heroic, it doesn't necessarily mean that the messenger is all of those things. That is why I choose not to flame Armstrong for his actions.

I also believe in forgiveness. I will tell you this, if Armstrong was strong enough to cheat death, this public relations nightmare, these lies, these misjudgments and indiscretions; it will be a speed bump compared to what he has done in life.

The question is how high will society make the obstacle.

Keeping it real,
MRJ

JUST MY IMAGI-DAME-TION

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Rangerjae) — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 11:21:00 +0000

Remember when we were young and there always was that guy you knew. The one who had the imaginary girlfriend because he wanted to look cool. He wanted to be the big guy among everyone. Yeah, I believe that was in grade school or possibly junior high. Maybe Freshman year.

However college football superstar and Heisman runner up Manti T'eo thinks it's cool to do this in college. In fact, not only was he allegedly responsible for the charade, many media outlets helped him fuel the fire of his imaginary passion by reporting the news on his sick girlfriend who was victim of car crash, Lennay Kekua. Oh yeah, she suffered from leukemia too.

The funny part about this, T'eo and the university of Notre Dame would like you to believe that he was the victim of a hoax. That a certain sick someone played a good one on the Hawaiian born linebacker. Even though his father has stated that T'eo met her. I can't get into the gory details so here is the Deadspin article on the topic. I can't emphasize enough that if you are not reading Deadspin as a sports fan, you're being duped by the worldwide leader of sports on a daily basis about this and other bullshit. Deadspin keeps them honest. From silly stories as Brent Musberger gawking at "pretty ladies" at BCS championship games, to ESPN hiring crazy reporters who are con artists. You can get your facts there.

My goal here is to enlighten you zombie masses in Chicago that Notre Dame is in South Bend, IN and you shouldn't cheer for them unless you went to school there. It happens to be one of the big mysteries of my life. Why do people who live in Chicago root for ND? Oh, because you are Irish? OK. So I guess everyone who goes to the golden dome is Irish? Like T'eo.

ND, like most schools has a history of dirty laundry and loves to pass itself off as a reputable learning institution. From the cover up of a girl who got raped and eventually killed herself as a result because she "shouldn't mess with Notre Dame football." And then of course the incident that killed Declan Sullinvan 20 year old junior who filmed video for Coach Brian Kelly on a windy practice field. He was sitting on a scaffold in 45 mph winds and eventually fell to his untimely death.

Now in my opinion these are two serious blunders for a university. T'eo is strike three and I feel ND fans need to be umpires here and call them out. It shows that this school may be all about Irish, but they certainly don't have the luck of it.

Perhaps instead of trying to cover up things, the university should take ownership for things that go wrong, own them and move on. I know its hard for card carrying members of the NCAA because of the sponsorship deals and dollars and what not. However it's high time that these things that happen be taken more seriously. Everyone is more worried about covering their ass rather than doing the right thing. Just ask the kids who were assaulted by Jerry Sandusky, Penn State football coach.

College sports has become a monolith in big bucks and no wammies. No matter how many times they hit the funny little guy. When are we going to examine the moral fiber or college athletics? When are we going to ask if we give too much credence to college sports versus education itself?

My answer, maybe when the checks slow down. However, once you go there, you have passed the point of no return. Is it too late for the Fighting Irish? Most likely not. If they can spin their way out of these problems, they can do anything.

WWE PAST NOT IMPORTANT AT THIS TIME

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Rangerjae) — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 17:02:00 +0000

Raw, television's longest episodic show in the history of well television had its 20th anniversary last night along with a bad ass beginning. It made you think we were going to go back in time and witness some of the clips that made Raw great. Instead, little attention and detail was paid to the past, and we witnessed the train move forward as story lines would progress.

I, like many were disappointed at the amount of nostalgia and tribute paid to this show. No Stone Cold Steve Austin at all, but Nature Boy Ric Flair. Let's be honest here. Flair is a legend yes, but his appearance on the show last night made me cringe, and much of it was due to the Miz. The Miz TV segment with Flair was absolutely ridiculous and although it gave some gems from the past with the video package it put together, Miz putting up and coming superstar and United States Champion Antonio Cesaro was for lack of a better word, dumb! Flair making an appearance on a show that Austin brought back from the dead when Flair was on it (the first time) without Austin was flabbergasting. You have the Rock on with another pre Wrestlemania rock conert, but no Austin. I would have also liked to see more highlights from the past as well.

However, put that all aside. Are we going to say that last night's show sucked? No. In fact, it was a great show. You had two matches that lit up the place. Dare I say the Divas title match with Eve and Kaitlin was very well done. Shame that Eve had to go as I feel she is a talented performer, and her departure thins out a female roster that is running on empty with departures of Kelly Kelly, the Bellas, and Beth Phoenix. I also thought the cage match was very cool as well, but I wanted to see AJ jump off the top of the cage at Cena with him catching her, providing the distraction for Dolph to hit the second zig zag and stop the almighty Cena. Other cool parts were Big Show and ADR's segment. Money quote of the night (as I agree with Geno Mrosko) was Show saying "I don't see what the letter C has to do with this" when the crowd was chanting si si si. I also enjoyed the match between Sheamus and 3MB and I love how JBL dogs on 3MB all night. The best was on Smackdown the other night when asked if a member of 3MB could win the rumble, JBL responded by a simple "no!." I love him on commentary by the way.

I don't mean to give you a blow by blow recap, but what I will say to get to my original point, people are talking about how this show sucks so much because oldies were not brought back. I have two counterpoints to this. One, you are on the road to one of your biggest pay per views of the year. The Royal Rumble is the gate that opens the road to Wrestlemania. With two weeks to go, you need to move the stories along. You need to develop potential rivalries and close old ones. Perhaps the cage match did just that. WWE needs to learn how to bring a feud to a close sooner. Which brings me to point number 2. A few months ago, we were treated to nostalgia. We were treated to the good old days. When the Raw 1000th episode took place, much of that happened. I was actually surprised they were going in that direction until I heard they were telling all the old superstars they shouldn't plan on being there. The one sticking point is Austin didn't return to either episode. I don't know if he didn 't want to or WWE didn't ask.

What I do know is if there was no "Raw 20th Anniversary Celebration" tagline, last night would have been a normal show. Wrestlemania 29 is poising itself to make the last 28 look small. That is the company's mission right now. Not live in the glory days of the 90's and 2000's when Raw started. They did that during a slow booking season at #RAW1000. They don't feel they need to do it again. I would rather they advance things and get ready for big payoffs at the Rumble, Mania, and everything in between. That's what important to WWE now, and quite frankly that should be important to the WWE Universe right now. I don't know about you, but I would gladly sacrifice a tribute show for a better Mania.

It was a good show, and I was compelled to watch it. At the end of the day, that's all that matters right?

Keeping it real,
MRJ

ANOTHER CRAZY PLAYOFF DAY

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Rangerjae) — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 14:06:00 +0000

I didn't think the Falcons could do it. They almost didn't, but alas the Atlanta Falcons are going to their first championship game in God knows how long.

Matt Ryan has been a question mark in his ability to win the big one. However, like Joe Flacco from the Ravens, he found enough intestinal fortitude to bring the ball down the field to allow kicker Matt Bryant to kick the ball through the uprights. Pete Carroll thought it be good to ice the kicker with the infamous time out, however, after the play Carroll tried to play it off like he never called the time out. And it looked like he didn't. But nevertheless, Atlanta gets the victory after giving up three touchdowns in the fourth quarter in a game that looked like they choked on it.

Atlanta who was cruising along allowed Seattle back into the game in the fourth as Seattle took it to the endzone twice alone, and once with a Matt Ryan interception. However the Falcons erased all of that with Bryant's field goal with seconds left. Russell Wilson gave it a good effort. His hail mary was intercepted and thats the game.

I wouldn't even waste my time giving you a recap of the Pats-Texans. Brady killed, Texas lost, Belichik gave credit, onto the next one. However, Rob Gronkowski's absence makes the championship game versus Baltimore this Sunday more compelling.

So there you have it. Falcons versus Niners, the rematch between the Patriots and Ravens. I will have a preview later in the week. In case you were wondering...

Me 1-3
Alison 1-3
Matty 2-2

God I suck.

Keeping it real,
MRJ

CRAZY PLAYOFF DAY-A RECAP OF THOSE DIVISIONAL GAMES

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Rangerjae) — Sun, 13 Jan 2013 16:46:00 +0000

So Alison, Matty and myself went 0-2 yesterday. Part of me wanted to pick Baltimore, but it was the almighty Peyton Manning that stopped me in my tracks. I have been cheering for a Baltimore/Green Bay Superbowl Guess that's not going to happen anymore.

In game one between the Broncos and Ravens, I would have to say epic game. Nobody has given Joe Flacco any respect over the years and yesterday he put his middle finger to those people and completed a 70 yard game tying TD strike to Jacoby Jones in the last 30 seconds of regulation. For Peyton Manning to take a knee when he got the ball back, it was John Fox showing everyone that his balls were in his pocket, and I would never doubt Manning in that situation. At least let the man try. In any event, a turnover and a field goal within the first minute of the second overtime led the Ravens to victory and one game away from getting to the Superbowl. The odds on favorite would be New England, who's offense looked unstoppable, but that Ravens defense don't mess around. Let's see what happens today between them and Houston, because Houston has shown flashes of being a great team, and like the 49ers, a team who looked like they were slumping in the end, came back big last night.

Once again, the Niners in the second half found a way to stop Rogers from making huge plays. Then of course newly named starting quarterback Colin Kaepernick (who Matty wanted for the Phins this year) showed the world what he could do. This man is sick. Not only did he go 17 for 31 with a total of 263 yards, but he ran for 181. This would set a record for yards amassed by a quarterback. Regular or post season. The Green Bay Packers should have expected the tattooed youngster to run on them, but I think since he has been so effective with the run, he kept going to it all day. The Packers defense looked gassed and confused and could do little to stop the young lad. So for the first time since the glory days of Montana/Young, the Niners have back to back championship games. The Niners look like a complete team, and have a team that fans like myself want our team to be.

So today we have Seattle vs. Atlanta and New England vs. Houston. Yeah those Wildcard game were kind of lame. However, if last nights games were any indication, I think you better buckle up. We're in for a wild ride.

Keeping it real,
MRJ

THE NFL TODAY...RANGERJAE STYLE!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Rangerjae) — Sat, 12 Jan 2013 16:16:00 +0000

So the NFL playoffs start today, well actually not. They started last weekend with the Wildcard games. However we all knew who was going to win those. No surprises. OK, the truth. I just thought of this idea now. As you know, I just brought the site back from the dead and I am writing again. Now I could do this by myself, but I enlisted some help. Alison Moran Sports Commentator from 98.3 WRLR, someone I have worked with and respected for years, and one of the best ex-bloggers I know on the planet, Matt Infante, who we all have come to know as Matty I who founded the SB Nation Miami Dolphins blog the Phinsider are joining us to give their picks and perspective for the NFL playoffs. Little hand on the clock says it's time to rock and roll.

Saturday's All Right for Fighting

Baltimore Ravens vs. Denver Broncos
3:30pm CST CBS

Alison: Ray Lewis, it's been nice knowing you. Really. Those Hall of Fame numbers. Those sacks. Those forced fumbles. And the end zone dance....you deserve the Hall of Fame for that alone. By your choice, you said you were ending your 17-year career with the Baltimore Ravens this season. Mark the date, please: 1/12/13. Eligible for HOF: 2018. Why? Because you're going up against the rejuvenated, revitalized Denver Broncos in the Mile-High Stadium. Certain NFL Comeback Player of the Year and newest Denver Bronco Payton Manning, who's looked 25 again after neck surgery kept him out of the game a year, versus a flaccid Joe Flacco, who was sacked three times in the Wild Card game against the Colts, is going to look like a rag doll after this one. Full disclosure of personal bias: even when he took on the Bears in Super Bowl Week 15 saw these teams together in a no-contest, 34-17 Broncos victory. And that's my final score for Saturday's game as well.

Matty: I could be a douche and just say "Peyton Manning over Joe Flacco says it all," but I won't. In a nut shell, though, Baltimore's offense has just become too inconsistent. I can see this game staying close until Denver pulls away in the 4th quarter. Pick: Broncos.

Michael: Ray Lewis is going to play his heart out and try to will the defense to sack Peyton Manning as many times as votes he will get for the Hall. However, it will all be for naught because as well as the defense is for the Ravens, offensively they are so out matched. Way to go Cam Cameron! As Vinnie Mac would say "you're fired!" I digress. Flacco vs Manning is like Hogan vs. The Brooklyn Brawler and I agree with Matty about it being close, but I say starting halftime, Peyton throws the dagger and gets Denver into the championship game. Pick: Broncos

Green Bay Packers vs San Francisco 49ers
7:00 CST FOX

Alison: 'Revenge' is a dish best served cold. And a cold-blooded hit TV show. In 2012, no one in the NFL served it colder than the Packers deadly weapons. After pulverizing the Minnesota Vikings in the Wild Card, Aaron Rodgers, Clay Matthews and Company will march into Candlestick Park to reclaim their manhood after the 49ers ' Week One, 30-22 win at Lambeau. And revenge will be sweet. Watch 49ers coach and former Bears QB Jim Harbaugh's face swell to an alarming shade of red as 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick is sacked repeatedly. Revenge score: Packers 36, 49ers 24

Matty: I think the Packers come into this game with something to prove. They looked very much like the explosive team we expected all year last weekend. And they even showed signs of a running game - something that has eluded them in 2012. I think they have a chip on their shoulder after their early exit from the playoffs last year. And I think they find a way to win a very, very physical battle. Pick: Packers

Michael: First off, to hell with San Fran. Seriously. How they let the Patriots put up God knows how many points on them one Sunday and just narrowly escaping, and then the following Sunday get their asses handed to them by Seattle. What this tells me is the moment is too big for the Niners. Now you have a Green Bay team who is royally pissed about week one, and they are going to candlestick park to play some ball. Sure new QB. Fresh meat for Clay Matthews and the GB defense. In the meantime, a pissed off Aaron Rogers is always fun and he will be discount double checking his ass all over Candlestick. Pick: Packers

Seattle Seahawks vs. Atlanta Falcons

High noon CST FOX

Alison: Pete Carroll's theme song has to be "How Lucky Can You Get?" Without doubt, he is the luckiest Head Coach in the NFL today. Or at least in the NFC. Running for his life from the fallout of the USC Trojans scandal involving Reggie Bush' since-returned Heisman trophy, Carroll landed the moribund Seahawks franchise, hurting after former Packers Coach Mike Holmgren abandoned the franchise and demoralized the players. Carroll led the team to an amazing comeback and made the playoffs last season, then snared a Rookie of the Year candidate in QB Russell Wilson and the best defense in the NFC. However, Falcons franchise QB Matt Ryan is a hungry 0-3 in the playoffs. After going undefeated for much of the season, they fell off in the final four weeks of the regular season. It's going to be close, but I'm going
with the Seahawks, defeating the Falcons 24-17 in the closest of all this weekend's matchups.

Matty: Sorry - I'm not a Seahawks believer. Are they good? Yeah. Are they great? Listen - any team that loses a 4th quarter lead to the Dolphins isn't that good. I think Matt Ryan finally gets that elusive first playoff win - thanks in large part to his explosive WR duo. Pick: Falcons

Michael: Hmm, I get the final vote huh guys? OK. I do not believe in the Falcons. They do really great in the regular season and then let me down in the post season. I think defensively the Seahawks will be hurting with Chris Clemons out but that Marshawn Lynch and Russell Wilson, what are you going to do with those two? I am the biggest believer in karma you will meet. Alison hit the nail on the head about luck and we think back to Monday Night Football weeks ago when the Hawks won against Green Bay in controversial fashion. I see the Haws beating the Falcons in the battle of the birds, and then next week when its time to determine the NFC championship, Seattle will be embarrassed by Green Bay. Pick: Seahawks

Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots
3:30pm CST CBS

Allison: Here's the story: Of a Wolverine named Brady...who found a coach by the name of Belichick...they were two men, with one vision...but they were all alone. Til the one day when the Brady met this fellow...and
they knew that it was much more than a hunch. That this group must somehow Bowl a family...especially when they found an end named "Gronk." The Brady Bunch...the Brady Bunch...the Brady Bunch...that's
the way they became the Brady Bunch!" Four Super Bowl rings in 10 years. Houston Texans miracle season ends. New England Patriots 40 Houston Texans 27 Postscripts: Manning vs. Brady in the AFC Championship round.

Matty: God I would love to pick the Texans. But they are kind of a fraud this year - meaning they're good but not among the truly elite. I think they're more like the team that lost to Green Bay and New England than they are the team who beat Denver and Baltimore. Too much Brady for Houston to keep up. If Texans are to have any chance, they'll have to establish the run and avoid getting into a shootout. Even then, I don't see the Texans pulling this thing out. Pick: Patriots

Michael: I used that picture because it is what it is. Brady is going to be the matador. While JJ Watt is trying to swat balls, Brady as usual will figure out some way to deceive him. And I am firm agreement with Matty since we are both Dolphin fans and hate the as I like to call them Gaytriots. Nevertheless, what started as a hopeful season for the Texans will end in a nightmare in Foxboro as the Patriots are going to destroy this team setting up Brady vs. Manning episode five...thousand.

I would like to thank Alison and Matty for taking time out in their busy schedules to help me out here. I hope you all enjoy the games this weekend. Next weekend I will have a championship preview with these guys hopefully or who knows who else will drop by.

Keeping it real,
MRJ

A RESOLUTION YOU NEED TO MAKE

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Rangerjae) — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 21:54:00 +0000

We find in life many of us our distracted by things while we drive. Whether we eat, do make up, talk, text, etc; we never think about what could happen. If you take a look at the video below, you will see exactly what could happen:

Watching this video changed my view of driving. I am the worlds busiest driver, but I need to be careful. Why?

Get the point!!!!
My resolution is to be safer when I drive.

Keeping it short and sweet. Come back tomorrow and I will have a football preview for you with get this, GUEST WRITERS!!!!!

Keeping it real,
MRJ