Lightening Up the Night
It’s all so temporary, our visit here
Raging storms of misery are so unnecessary
Grudges hold no value and Love is golden forever
A simple smile to all that pass your way
A good deed, a word of kindness
There are far too few of these arrows in flight
Stay the night, stay for the night
Stay with me all night, because I never let you go.
Joe Wooldridge
Tuesday, May 12th, 2015 at 12:06am.
Laurie-esse’ de Bercail (Amant de Rêve)
yes, visitor. my soul is connected, 
quantum mind notified
of a love growing old
i’ve an old love that never dies
you’re seven times harder to quit
binding my heart and vibrant
you trapped within your cocoon
and i wrapped inside my void
down deserted aisles
dream visitor aware
it’s so hard to talk, my love
haunting me with home
Joe Wooldridge
Wednesday, December 10th, 2014 @ 12:00am
You know them. You have them in your immediate circle. You know who I’m talking about.
Them.
Those with the crab mentality.
If you Google the term “crab mentality” you will find roughly 193,000 search results. So we can’t pretend that it is not a prevalent problem with our fellow human beings.
So what do we mean by the crab mentality? And what could you hope to gain by identifying its presence in the behavior of others around you?
A person with the “Crab Mentality” is someone who employs a selfish, short-sighted thinking/acting strategy that boils down to the attitude of “if I can’t have it, neither can you.” We’re talking about people who will work hard – even go out of their way – to hold others back, denigrate and pull even their own family, friends and associates down rather than have that person(s) get ahead or realize their dreams.
Know anyone like this?
I do, and chances are that you do as well.
Picture a pot of water that a cook puts on to boil in order to prepare the crabs for dinner. An interesting phenomenon occurs as the water is heating up. These live crabs (at least the smarter ones) will endeavor to get out of the pot. But when one of them starts to escape – the other crabs will pull it back down to prevent it from getting free and escaping. Even worse, it takes on a more malicious tone as they will wait until the freedom-minded crab has almost escaped the pot before they pounce and yank it back into the boiling water. Those crabs know that they’re screwed if they can’t escape – but they just can’t bear the idea of someone else daring to dream of escape – of ‘going for it’.
Not cool.
Not only is it a selfish, jealous and harmful mindset/behavior – but if the crabs in the boiling pot all worked toward the goal of escaping, then they could manage to help each other get free.
Does this mean you can’t get free?
Hopefully not. But if you’re planning on making good on your escape to a better life (I.e. getting ahead, striving to achieve goals, building a dream, etc.) then you will be wise to take an objective look around you and identify those around you that would do their best to keep you down and prevent you from attaining a better life.
You’ll be surprised by the people who will make efforts to keep you from your goals. It could be a co-worker(s), friend(s), and oftentimes a family member(s).
Shocking, you say?
They may not always be aware of the motivations behind their actions. As the crabs exhibit, it evidently comes from a primal place.
The best you can do is be aware of those that are the crabs in your midst. The ‘sneaky ones’ are those who will put on the ‘encouraging face’ for you and then work in a clandestine fashion to keep your from reaching your goals.
Know the people around you.
Not sure who fits in the category? Just ask them. Ask what they think of your goals and your chances of success. If at all possible, limit your contact with the crabbies (not always possible). Definitely make a point to limit the impact that they can have on you as you strive to reach your goals. They will work to distract you, argue with you, create unnecessary drama in your life, put additional stress on you and throw obstacles in your path.
If you really want to reach your goals and escape the ordinary, you must shake off the crabs in your midst. You may have to actually FIGHT them off. Oh well, no one said it would be easy.
Go for it.
If you weren’t aware of this mentality being present among people you know, then now you can be aware and start to identify, and mitigate the ‘haters’. Here’s to reaching your goals!
Onward and upward.
—
Picking the winners and losers of week 15 in the NFL.
Last Week: 13-3. Season: 78-52-1 (60.00%).
Do we want more snow games? Is Tom Brady on a mission – Gronk or no Gronk? Is the NFL the most addictive drama on television?
The answer is yes, yes and yes. December football in the NFL never disappoints!
Grab your foam fingers, here we go:
Thursday Night Game:
San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos (-6.5)
Unless Manning’s throwing arm falls off due to overuse, then I cannot pick against Denver. Especially at home.
Broncos 41, Chargers 38
Sunday Games:
Washington Redskins at Atlanta Falcons (-3)
This reminds me of the 1987 KU-KSU game (aka the ‘Toilet Bowl’). Seriously, both of these teams have really stunk it up this year compared to lofty expectations. If RGIII were starting, I would pick the Falcons – but I think giving Kirk Cousins the reins for the rest of the year is an excellent move. Gimme the ‘skins on the road.
Redskins 31, Falcons 24
Chicago Bears (-1.5) at Cleveland Browns
I know it was Ditka night at Soldier Field on MNF last week, but DAY-UMM those Bears lit up the scoreboard in the freezing cold. Josh McCown is having a heyday running Trestman’s offense to perfection. Alshon Jeffries is a B-E-A-S-T. Look out Cleveland; the Monsters of the Midway are coming for you.
Bears 42, Browns 28
Arizona Cardinals at Tennessee Titans (-1)
I’m supposed to pick the Titans at home here but I can’t. The stuff they’re cookin’ up in the desert is pretty spicy and I think it travels well this week.
Cardinals 32, Titans 28
Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts (PK)
The Tailspin Texans stand to gain more by losing here (in draft position) than they do by winning. Factor in Kubiak’s firing and the QB woes and I wouldn’t bet a dime on them going into Indy and posting a ‘W’. Reluctantly, I will take the Colts at home.
Colts 30, Texans 20
New Orleans Saints (-1.5) at St. Louis Rams
‘Dem Saints on the road aren’t as good as ‘Dem Saints in N’awlens. I believe the Saints will get caught napping by a spoiler-minded Rams team. I expect some ‘Punch-in-the-mouth’ football. POW!
Rams 35, Saints 24
New England Patriots (-2) at Miami Dolphins
No Gronk? No Problem. The Patriots won all season without him anyway! Time to dust off Kembrell Thompkins. I sense a Brady Super-Bowl push this year – in a big way. Tom Brady wants to add to his legacy and make an argument for G.O.A.T. status. Look out ‘fins.
Patriots 38, Dolphins 21
Philadelphia Eagles at Minnesota Vikings (-3.5)
The Eagles will be tough to beat this week as the face a beat-up and very suspect Vikings defense. Factor in no Adrian Peterson and it could get UGLY.
Eagles 37, Vikings 20
Seattle Seahawks (-1) at New York Giants
The Seahawks are supposed to crush this one out of the park. But I start adding things up . . . West Coast team traveling all the way to NY . . Cold weather/Nasty Weather game . . . Road game . . . A proud Giants team looking to smack down the high-flying Seahawks . . . and (my favorite) Eli Manning in December. Sorry Seattle, I’m going with the G-Men on this one.
Giants 49, Seahawks 20
Buffalo Bills (-1) at Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jags have momentum going now and will be looking to add to it this week in what I believe may be one of the more hotly-contested games played this weekend. The things have me picking the Bills this week: (1) that wicked front 7 of the Buffalo defense, and (2) no one is overlooking the Jaguars now.
Bills 35, Jaguars 23
San Francisco 49ers (-3) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
A focused San Fran team is rolling into Tampa Bay with the playoffs in mind. The defense that the 49ers field will be giving Mike Glennon nightmares for years to come. Duck and cover kid, duck and cover.
49ers 24, Buccaneers 7
New York Jets at Carolina Panthers (-3)
The Jets have fooled me for the last time this year. Cam and the Panthers at home will be too tough for the bi-polar Jets to beat. Getcha Nyquil.
Panthers 27, Jets 7
Kansas City Chiefs at Oakland Raiders (PK)
The Chiefs shook off some doubts with last week’s drubbing on the tail-spun Redskins, and this rivalry is always a heated one. I’m expecting a classic battle with the Chiefs edging the Raiders in OT.
Chiefs 30, Raiders 27
Green Bay Packers (-1) at Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys will be looking to right the ship after the trip to the Soldier Field woodshed on Monday Night Football last week. Needless to say, the Pack won’t be back until Aaron Rodgers is back.
Cowboys 38, Packers16
Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers (-2.5)
The Bengals will face a nasty battle in Pittsburgh. After last week’s nail-biter, Pittsburgh will be looking to put things back on track. Look for the Steelers to hold serve much like the Bears did on Monday Night Football. Bonus points if Pittsburgh can honor a legendary coach at halftime.
Steelers 34, Bengals 24
Monday Night Game:
Baltimore Ravens at Detroit Lions (PK)
I can’t figure out the Detroit Lions. They’re like a more talented version of the Jets. If there is any team in the league that you look at and think “Why aren’t they winning damn near every week?!” then the obvious choice is Detroit. A proud Baltimore team will look to come in and trip up a bumbling Lions franchise. To me it was a coin flip, but after Elam said the Megatron is old? Wow, I have to go with the Lions now.
Lions 41, Ravens 30
Picking the winners and losers of week 14 in the NFL.
Last Week: 8-8. Season: 65-49-1 (57.01%).
Welcome to REAL football. December football in the NFL – where teams pull out all the stops as the race for playoff spots heats up. What to look forward to? Intense competition and (my favorite) SNOW GAMES!
It is one-liner week. Buckle up, here we go:
Thursday Game:
Houston Texans (-4.5) at Jacksonville Jaguars
Jaguars are hot, Texans are not.
Jaguars 28, Texans 24
Sunday Games:
Indianapolis Colts at Cincinnati Bengals (-4.5)
Bengals defense > Colts offense + Game is in Cincy =
Bengals 27, Colts 21
Buffalo Bills at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-3)
The Bills will come into Tampa and take home a win.
Bills 21, Buccaneers 20
Kansas City Chiefs at Washington Redskins (-4.5)
Redskins are lost. Chiefs are looking to make a statement.
Chiefs 36, Redskins 20
Minnesota Vikings at Baltimore Ravens (-3.5)
Ravens always play well at home. Minnesota is inconsistent.
Ravens 28, Vikings 20
Cleveland Browns at New England Patriots (-8.5)
Patriots are looking like a Super Bowl team, Cleveland is looking like Cleveland.
Patriots 34, Browns 28
Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints (-3.5)
The Saints at home? That is all I need to know about this one.
Saints 41, Panthers 31
Oakland Raiders at New York Jets (-6)
Raiders: a team on the rise. Jets: a team stuck in the mud.
Raiders 27, Jets 13
Detroit Lions at Philadelphia Eagles (-1)
Eagles are on the right path. The Lions lack focus.
Eagles 30, Lions 28
Miami Dolphins at Pittsburgh Steelers (-3.5)
Steelers are back in form AND at home.
Steelers 27, Dolphins 24
Tennessee Titans at Denver Broncos (-10)
Broncos are a Championship-caliber team. The Titans are mediocre.
Broncos 42, Titans 17
New York Giants at San Diego Chargers (PK)
The Chargers are just a few plays away from being a dominant team. They keep scratching the surface – look for a breakthrough on the road this week.
Chargers 34, Giants 27
Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers (-2.5)
I figured these teams to split the series, which means:
49ers 24, Seahawks 21
St. Louis Rams at Arizona Cardinals (PK)
Cardinals are the better team and are tough in the desert.
Cardinals 20, Rams 17
Atlanta Falcons at Green Bay Packers (-3)
With or without Rodgers, the Pack beats the Falcons in GreenBay in December.
Packers 23, Falcons 16
Monday Night Game:
Dallas Cowboys at Chicago Bears (-3)
The Cowboys don’t have the mettle to go into Chicago in December and get a win.
Bears 33, Cowboys 21
Happy Thanksgiving! 2013 was a year of growth. This year I am thankful for the following (in no certain order):
1. Health, wisdom, and good sleep when I need it,
2. The love of family and friends,
3. The best friends in the world that are like family (you really are),
4. People with dreams, vision, passion, and that like to build things,
5. A Guardian Angel that works overtime,
6. Anyone that believes in me – that means the world, and a great community that decided that my dream was worthy of becoming real,
7. Thinkers – for they help us consider our consciousness and reality in new ways,
8. Inventors, Innovators and Tinkerers – for they help us experience existence in new (and hopefully better) ways,
9. Artists, Entertainers and Storytellers – for they help us all to see, hear, smell, touch and taste the World from new and amazing points of view,
10. The Kansas City Chiefs, #amazingyear
11. The greatest Mom in the world,
12. The Love of a Benevolent God,
13. Thunderstorms,
14. People that stand up for what is right,
15. Forgiveness,
16. Passion and Inspiration,
17. Second chances (even ones that haven’t come yet),
18. The Internet and other cool technology (as long as we use it right),
19. Free Thinkers that ask questions,
20. The ability to learn from mistakes,
21. My dog (such unconditional love, loyalty and companionship),
22. Those strong enough to win their own battles and help others that struggle,
23. Being part of the World at important time where we are beginning to grow up.
So there is the short list. What are YOU thankful for this year? Please weigh in, I’d love to hear your thoughts!
And Happy Thanksgiving to you!
– Joe
Picking the winners and losers of week 13 in the NFL.
Last Week: 6-7-1. Season: 57-41-1 (57.57%).
Grab your Turducken, it is Thanksgiving week in the National Football League! Time to enjoy great food, family and fun – and then escape to watch football when you’ve had your fill of the rest.
There are many things to be thankful for as an NFL fan this year. Especially as a Kansas City Chiefs fan. In addition to being grateful for parity in the league where your team CAN go from worst to first – and that the ‘Any Given Sunday’ rule holds true (see graphic, courtesy, Deadspin.com). Side note: Sunday Night we saw all we need to see in the Brady versus Manning debate. Brady is better. That game illustrates the difference between a Champion and a guy who puts up great numbers. There’s no comparison.
I’m grateful for Calvin Johnson’s superhuman performances, Tom Brady’s competitive fire, the passion of NFL fans, and for fantasy football that brings together old friends for fun each year from locations around the globe.
Happy Thanksgiving to you! Let’s look at this week’s buffet of games.
Thursday Games:
Green Bay Packers (-1.5) at Detroit Lions
A divisional road game without Aaron Rodgers? NO way Green Bay. I’ll be watching this one to see Calvin ‘The Human Highlight Reel’ Johnson pull down rainbows from Matt Stafford. I bet Megatron is on Stafford’s ‘Things to be grateful for’ list. Ya think?
Lions 38, Packers 17
Oakland Raiders at Dallas Cowboys (-7) 
Toughness won’t be enough for this tough Raiders team on the Holiday Road. Dallas has too much talent and Romo has a paycheck to earn.
Cowboys 31, Raiders 13
Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens (-2.5)
A great AFC North matchup. Although Pittsburgh has turned the corner, look for Baltimore to defend their home turf in a close battle. Anybody seen the weather for Thurs in Baltimore?
Ravens 24, Steelers 21 (OT)
Sunday Games:
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers (-8)
How scary are the Buccaneers now?? Very. A young team playing with grit and growing confidence will give Carolina fits. Will the real Panthers team please stand up? I’ll take the home team.
Panthers 27, Buccaneers 24
Jacksonville Jaguars at Cleveland Browns (-7)
The Jaguars have made some progress, but not enough to come into Cleveland against a stout defense in front of the Dawg Pound in a December game. Start prepping for the draft – and sign Tebow to fill seats and sell merch.
Browns 28, Jaguars 14
Tennessee Titans at Indianapolis Colts (-4)
Underachiever team plays on the road against erratic team with a better quarterback. Not only that, but the Colts have to win this game to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.
Colts 23, Titans 13
Denver Broncos (-5.5) at Kansas City Chiefs
It isn’t like the Chiefs pass rush will suffer without either Hali, Houston or both. They didn’t get to Manning two weeks ago. In fact, I suspect an increase mix of zone defense will 
play big dividends for Sutton’s recently stagnant unit. Then you look at a Kansas City offense that finally learned how to put points on the board prepping to play against a suddenly depleted Broncos secondary. Add in a hairline fracture of Peyton’s heel, no Julius Thomas and 137 decibels every time Manning tries to audible? I’ll take the underdog Chiefs at home. Good gravy I’m a homer.
Chiefs 41, Broncos 31
Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings (Pick ‘Em)
Bounce-back week for the Bears. The Vikings played a depleted Packers team to a tie last week, which is pathetic. Look for the Bears to come out and steal a win on the road. Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jefferies and Martellus Bennett should have a feast this Sunday as well.
Bears 20, Vikings 17
Miami Dolphins at New York Jets (-2)
Picking a winner here is like considering political candidates. You don’t like or trust either candidate. Miami is a conundrum. The Jets are an eyesore. I’ll take the tough defense of the Jets at home in a one-score game. Ugh.
Jets 16, Dolphins 14
Arizona Cardinals at Philadelphia Eagles (-3)
An overlooked Cardinals team seems to be gelling at the right time. Even though the Eagles have impressed lately, I don’t trust them. It always seems like QB play is an issue with the danger that Chip Kelly’s offense places them in. Look for a statement game from a Cardinals team eyeballing a playoff berth. What was it Roseanne Rosanna-Danna used to say? “Ya know, it just goes to show you that no matter what – it’s always something!”.
Cardinals 34, Eagles 27
Atlanta Falcons at Buffalo Bills (-3.5) [Toronto, Ontario]
Technically a home game for the Bills, but they would fare better in Ralph Wilson Stadium. That said, Matt Ryan and the old birds will continue to slide. Perhaps Jadevon Clowney is in their future?
Bills 30, Falcons 21
St. Louis Rams at San Francisco 49ers (-8)
Hear that clicking sound? That is the 49ers offense gearing up for the playoffs. Combine that with a beast of a defense at home and the odds of the Rams stealing one in San Fran are very slim. Expect a biceps-kissing make-out session between Colin Kaepernick and his right arm.
49ers 38, Rams 28
New England Patriots (-9) at Houston Texans 
Did you see Tom Brady’s mastery in the historic comeback against the Broncos on Sunday Night? How about Brady Screaming Celebration with Gronk? Have you noticed the myriad of issues facing this Texans team? The Pats are now looking fierce and I don’t see a chance of Houston winning at home.
Patriots 34, Texans 20
Cincinnati Bengals at San Diego Chargers (-1)
One of the best games of the week. A solid Cincinnati squad visits a confident Chargers squad led by a fiery and resurrected Philip Rivers. Look for the Chargers to hold serve. Perhaps they’ll show the Jim Rome versus Jim Everett clip at halftime?
Chargers 23, Bengals 20
New York Giants (-1.5) at Washington Redskins
Tom Coughlin’s team now believes. After dropping a close one to the Cowboys, expect the Giants to steal one in D.C. against a tired and bewildered Redskins team facing a short week.
Giants 41, Redskins 38
Monday Night Game:
New Orleans Saints at Seattle Seahawks (-5)
Monday Night Football gets its best match-up of the year. If not for Rob Ryan’s much-improved defense I would have to go with the Seabirds at home. But Sean Payton and Drew ‘Pinball Wizard’ Brees should shine under the bright lights.
Saints 35. Seahawks 24
Picking the winners and losers of week 9 in the NFL.
Last Week: 10-3. Season: 29-14 (67%).
Week 9 in the NFL! The start of the stretch run toward the postseason. A lot of close battles will take place this week in some great match-ups.
Will the Kansas City Chiefs remain undefeated for another week? Can the Texans turn it around? Let’s take a look.
Thursday Game:
Cincinnati Bengals at Miami Dolphins (-1)
Cincinnati is red hot. Their defense has been strong all season, and now with the added deep threat that Jones brings, it is ‘pick your poison’ for opposing defensive coordinators. Miami is struggling and will continue to. Give me the Bengals in a close one.
Bengals 28, Dolphins 21
Sunday Games:
Kansas City Chiefs at Buffalo Bills (-1.5)
Halloween? Call the Ghostbusters! Kansas City has been dispelling a lot of ghosts this season, and their 26 year losing streak in Buffalo is next up. Buffalo is tough and scrappy and this will be a very physical game. Buffalo’s DL is going to cause problems for KC. Good thing Andy Reid can scheme for that.
Chiefs 24, Bills 17
San Diego Chargers at Washington Redskins (-3.5)
AFC West vs NFC East? Hmmm. Yes, I think I know how this one goes. The Chargers are playing excellent football, and the Redskins (as usual), have problems. I think the Redskins will start winning again when they finally change their name to the Washington Bravehearts.
Chargers 34, Redskins 21
Atlanta Falcons (-1) at Carolina Panthers
The Falcons are in free fall. Injuries have stacked up and morale is down. Carolina is playing well and will be tough to beat at home. Give me the Panthers at home.
Panthers 23, Falcons 20
Minnesota Vikings at Dallas Cowboys (-1.5)
The Vikings QB situation is reminiscent of last year’s Chiefs. It is a debilitating distraction with no good options. Dallas is looking to make a statement. This is where they speak up.
Cowboys 30, Vikings 10
Tennessee Titans at St. Louis Rams (-4.5)
The Rams are strong up front and they need their skill positions to hold up their end of the bargain. Expect a close one with the home team managing to eke out a ‘W’.
Rams 20, Titans 16
New Orleans Saints (-1.5) at New York Jets
The Saints have no business even making this game a close one. The J-E-T-S are a disaster.
Saints 42, Jets 14
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Seattle Seahawks (-7)
Seattle is a monster. They are an even bigger monster at home. The Bucs have leadership issues with the lame-duck Schiano. Also, morale can’t be very high for this team.
Seahawks 28, Buccaneers 21
Philadelphia Eagles (-1.5) at Oakland Raiders
Another AFC West team, another NFC East team. Chip Kelly’s Eagles are going to get swallowed in the Black Hole.
Raiders 34, Eagles 17
Pittsburgh Steelers at New England Patriots (-4)
Belichik has been talking up the Steelers, which is an old Lou Holtz trick. He’s pulling out all the stops because his start QB has a fat hand, the receiving core is maligned and the defense has experienced significant losses. The Pats win if the can keep Le’Veon Bell from putting cleat marks all over them. Hopefully the new DT they picked up can plug the hole left by Wilfork’s absence. I’ll take the home team. There’s still some magic left in Foxborough.
Patriots 30, Steelers 28
Baltimore Ravens (-3.5) at Cleveland Browns
Which Ravens team is going to show up on the road? My gut tells me the defending Super Bowl Champs will come in and pound Cleveland. Just because they are supposed to.
Ravens 24, Browns 17
Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans (-4.5)
Hello trap game, it’s been a long time. Houston is sick (x3) of losing, and Case Keenum gets his first home start. I sense a lot of emotion will be coming from the Texans. Keenum either wins this one or Houston fans can start looking forward to the Johnny Manziel era (which may actually be coming to Dallas if Romo can’t earn his paycheck in the playoffs this year).
Texans 31, Colts 17
Monday Night Game:
Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers (-4)
Finally, a MNF game worth watching! Da Bears. Da Packers. Green Bay is shallow in the receiving department and will miss Clay Matthews on Monday night. I’ll take the flying Ditkas on the road.
Bears 31, Packers 28
I’ve always wanted to officially do this. So here goes:
Thursday Game:
New York Giants at Chicago Bears
Giants continue tailspin, Bears need a win to keep pace in Division.
Bears 28, Giants 14
Sunday Games:
Cincinatti Bengals at Buffalo Bills
Bengals continue to flex and Bills rookie QB gets tough lesson.
Bengals 31, Bills 17
Green Bay Packers at Baltimore Ravens
Green Bay will come in more motivated. Not sure which Ravens team will show up. Anyone got a coin to flip?
Packers 35, Ravens 28
Detroit Lions at Cleveland Browns
An ugly game for Detroit with Megatron highly questionable to suit up. Cleveland seems to be getting the job done lately even though they traded T-Rich and their QB shuffle rolls on. I’ll take the home team.
Browns 28, Lions 24
Carolina Panthers at Minnesota Vikings
I expect an emotion Vikings team delivering an excellent effort. Especially from ‘All Day’.
Vikings 38, Panthers 21
St. Louis Rams at Houston Texans
Schaub gets well this week by thumping a snake-bit Rams team. Bradford continues to look confused.
Texans 42, Rams 20
Oakland Raiders at Kansas City Chiefs
Chiefs finally get offense rolling and unwrap Dwayne Bowe this week. A dominating performance and a statement game by the Chiefs. All this in the middle of the World’s biggest BBQ party and LOUDEST NFL stadium (Sorry Seattle).
Chiefs 44, Raiders 10
Pittsburg Steelers at New York Jets
The Ugly Bowl. I see Steelers rookie LaVeon Bell having a geat day against the J-E-T-S very tough defense.
Steelers 24, Jets 20
Philadelphia Eagles at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Lots of question marks here. I believe the ego of Chip Kelly wills this victory.
Eagles 31, Buccaneers 20
Jacksonville Jaguars at Denver Broncos
A 28-point spread? I’ll take the Jags and the points. I predict an actual game. Henne has a career day, ‘Sooner Magic’ makes an appearance in Denver and the Broncos look remarkably human. Denver still wins.
Broncos 38, Jaguars 28
Tennessee Titans at Seattle Seahawks
Titans win by out-muscling the Seahawks. Seattle loses some mojo and a home game.
Titans 23, Seahawks 20
New Orleans Saints at New England Patriots
New Orleans is going to do to the Pats what the Pats used to do to everyone else. Wilfork is missed.
Saints 35, Patriots 14
Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers
Kaep has an injured foot. Cardinals smell blood.
Cardinals 27, 49ers 20
Washington Redskins at Dallas Cowboys
Romo earns his money this week as the ‘Boys roll in Jerryville.
Cowboys 41, Redskins 20
Monday Night Game:
Indianapolis Colts at San Diego Chargers
Andrew Luck is even better this year. T-Rich gets back on track. Bad news for the Chargers.
Colts 34, Chargers 27
Founding a business of any kind requires many things of the person ‘crazy’ enough to ‘go for it’. It takes a lot of guts to jump out there and say “Okay World, I’m starting a business named _(x)_, and we will be providing _(y)_ to the _(z)_ market”.
I’ve decided to start a series of blog posts devoted to exploring the many things that go into starting your own business. There’s a lot to it.
First, I admire anyone that has the guts to take the ‘Leap of Faith’ and start their own business – it is an exciting and scary proposition. In addition to starting my own business, I have had the pleasure of consulting scores of new entrepreneurs/business owners (and potential ones) in nearly every industry for over nine years.
There are many things that entrepreneurs have in common across all industries, the foremost being that for every business that you see – there is a person(s) with a dream behind it. Once you fully realize and appreciate what it takes to manifest a dream, you can’t help but appreciate the journey that someone has undertaken. I believe everyone should start their own business at some point in life – even a smaller business – just for the experience.
There is magic there when someone endeavors to make their dreams a reality.
I will explore some of the elements and milestones that come with starting and building a business. From Goethe quotes and interviews with local business owners – to ‘crazy energy’ and ‘war rooms’.
When I jumped in and started my company, I did not have all of the answers, I was not able to build a business plan for investors, it was impossible – as there were no other businesses with a business model to use for comparison.
What I did have was passion, drive and vision. I KNEW that the business was going to work. I was ABSOLUTELY sure. Once I took stock of my experiences, expertise and resources (I.e. the rest of my life), I knew I could make it happen – the idea was so compelling that there was no way that I could keep myself from ‘going for it’.
Everyone comes up with ideas at different times in their life for new products, services, types of business, etc., but it is the ideas that are tremendously compelling that ‘snare’ you.
One thought I wrote in my journal:
“You can’t start out with all of the answers. You have to go out and earn them.”
