I have now been checking/cashiering at Safeway for over two months. Many people have asked me what I think of it and if it is better than being a courtesy clerk.
First off, overall, yes it is better than being a courtesy clerk. For one thing, you get more respect from people that know you. For example, instead of someone you know seeing you as a bagger and thinking you are stuck in a minimum wage job, they see you as a checker and see you have more responsibility and assume you make more than the minimum wage. Fact is, however, I don’t. At least not yet. I haven’t worked at Safeway long enough.
Secondly, it seems like time goes faster as a checker, especially when it is busy. As a courtesy clerk, my carts hours (obviously an hour of my work day I would do nothing but retrieve carts) went by really slowly, especially if the weather was bad. Which is another reason why being a checker is better: you never have to cope with the elements. You get to stay inside all the time. You never have to dress according to the weather.
Of course, there are a few downsides to checking. You have to stay in the same spot 90% of the time, which doesn’t allow you to burn as many calories as being a courtesy clerk. Secondly, you are doing the same thing over and over. Scan item, scan item, enter PLU code, scan item, etc. It is very repetitive. But I’d prefer scanning items repeatedly over getting carts repeatedly.
One last downside is that you have to deal with problem customers. There are just certain people who are either having bad days or are mean people naturally that will go through your line and give you problems. Now, I haven’t actually gotten yelled at, but I’ve had people get very upset. It really kind of deflates you. As a courtesy clerk, you can choose to walk away from those situations, but as a checker, you gotta stand there and take it. Myself, if I encounter one of these people, I just try to shrug it off and move on to the next customer.
However, I still think being a checker/cashier is better than being a courtesy clerk. I don’t have to deal with cleanups anymore, no more carts, no more taking care of the garbage, and no more getting up at 6 am. *Shudders* However, checking alone can get kind of dull. That’s why I wish sometimes I was just a backup checker, who works in a different department. That way, instead of checking being the only thing you do, it can be a break from what you normally do. Perhaps someday I will make the switch to a department that needs me.
Finally, I just wanted to say cashiering is not as bad as it seems. If you generally have nice customers, work can actually make your day better. Plus, the pay goes up quite fast the longer you work there. And the coworkers are all really nice and fun to talk to. They make work a lot more fun and more enjoyable. This is my job for the foreseeable future, and overall, I do enjoy it.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
My Thoughts on Checking/Cashiering at Safeway
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
American Idol Top 10 Recap - Soul/R&B
American Idol Recap
Top 10 – Soul and R&B Night
March 30, 2010
By Brian Holland
Introduction: Ryan starts out backstage with the contestants and the judges. We have the logo/intro/theme song/whatever and then the judges and Ryan are introduced. The contestants then are introduced.
Usher gets an intro. He talks to the contestants and jokes about being really critical. And of course, Usher is at the Kodak Theater.
Siobhan is up first. She is singing “Through the Fire”. She says she has been a fan of Usher’s since she was 6. She has the backup singers on stage with her. She is doing a decent job but this vocal really isn’t much compared to her others. Very ok. She could do better.
Randy: Not your best performance, kinda rough
Ellen: I loved it, not your best performance though
Kara: You got nervous and your lower register wasn’t strong enough. Every performer is entitled to an off night. You’re still a great singer.
Simon: All over the place and it was like you were running a marathon while you were singing. By far your weakest performance and I’m getting bored of the screaming at the end.
Me: It was really not a great performance for your standards. This wasn’t your week.
As Ryan questions the judges and they continue to give criticism, Siobhan looks sad and about to cry. I’m sure not many people noticed but I know she was waiting for the show to go to commercial to let out her emotions.
Up next. Casey James. Mr. Boring.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
The show opens back up showing Siobhan backstage, not crying, but looking sad. Big Mike gives her a hug. Wow.
Casey is up and is singing “Hold On, I’m Coming”. Seems like it suits his voice. And I do know this song. He is wearing black and has a red guitar. He’s doing all right. His vocals aren’t spectacular, as usual. Good choice of song, ok performance. However, he gets a very long ovation. Randy has to wait a bit to speak, haha.
Randy: Another hot night for you. Perfect song choice, nice job baby.
Ellen: You’re always good. It felt a little generic, though. It’s a safe song choice.
Kara: You have more vocal range and I want to see you expand your range.
Simon: Your strongest performance so far. It showed a completely different side of you. Really impressed with you, Casey.
Me: It suited your voice perfectly, but like Ellen and Kara said, you need to pick risky songs and try expanding your range.
Mike Lynche up next.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
We return and see Casey telling someone off-screen that he felt awesome about his performance.
Mike is up next singing “Ready for Love”. Never heard of it. Usher stresses on reaching out to the entire audience with his performance. He is on the platform behind the judge’s table playing guitar. It starts out VERY slowly. This is a very interesting performance. He hasn’t moved from behind the judges and none of the judges have turned to look at him. Some of the audience is waving their hands, like what many crowds do at concerts to slow songs. He gets a nice ovation.
Randy: You are in the zone and I am loving every performance. It wasn’t that exciting, but you’ve got that whole sensitive side.
Ellen: That was beautiful. Loved it.
Kara: I hate to admit it but I’ve never heard that song until you chose it, but you mastered it and it was lovely and one of my favorites from you.
Simon: This is the first time I can actually take you seriously as an artist. Terrific job and I actually believed that performance.
Me: You might lose a few points on the song not being well-known and being slow, but how could you ask for a better performance of that song? Great job.
Up next: Dididididididididididididididi. Benamimmimimimimimimimimimi.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
We come back and see Michael saying he felt like he really connected and he really enjoyed performing.
Didi’s up next. She is singing “What Becomes of the Broken Hearted”. I love this song. After Didi sings to Usher she starts crying because the song is so emotional. Let’s see what she does. She is wearing a very stunning dress. Strapless. She is really showing her vocals. She does a very nice job, IMO. Her best so far.
Randy: Whole performance was kind of flat. Wasn’t great. Didn’t get it.
Ellen: It was dramatic, but it was too dramatic. Not your best performance.
Kara: It was overdone. I thought I knew who you were. This was very confusing.
Simon: It was like swimming in jelly. So over the top, old-fashioned, off melody. You’ve completely lost your way and it was way old-fashioned.
Me: I’ll be the black sheep. I liked it. I enjoyed it. I know that song means a lot to you and I thought you put your heart and soul into it.
Well, I guess I was wrong. Not her best. Oh well. Didn’t see who is up next. Oh well.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
Didi was being greeted after her emotional performance. Wow. The girls have done badly tonight and the guys have done well. And it turns out Tim was next. He is on the stool with Ryan and they talk for a sec. Tim is performing “Sweet Love”. Never heard of it. Usher asked Tim to picture himself (Usher) as someone he loves. Tim admits he has been in love before.
He starts out on the steps wearing a suit. I know why he picked this song. Any young girl will melt during this performance. Not a great performance, but by Tim’s standards, it’s not bad. Definitely his best performance, though. Let’s see what the judges say.
Randy: It was so pedestrian. However, you sang in tune. No vibe or swag on it, yo. Flat for me again.
Ellen: You are adorable and mostly were in-key. You kept walking like you were sneaking into a bedroom.
Kara: You took the soul out of the song.
Simon: It doesn’t make any difference what we say. He says he’ll probably be here next week because he smiles so much.
Me: Let’s get real. You don’t have the best voice. In fact, your voice might be the worst out of anyone left in the show. But people like you and that’s all that really matters here.
Up next is… Andrew Garcia. Trying to redeem himself.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
Tim says the judges were nicer than they usually are. He was happy.
Andrew is singing “Forever”. Usher advises him to be more acoustic. After that Usher likes it. He is playing his guitar again. He needs to lose it and just rely on his voice. I just realized I recognize this song. He does a pretty good job I think. Kara was moving and grooving with the song. Andrew gets a long ovation.
Randy: Andrew is back! I like the outfit. Your best performance for me in a LONG time.
Ellen: That was a really amazing strong performance.
Kara: That was one giant leap in the right direction.
Simon: Miles better than the last few weeks. As a person, you come over as very boring, though. You need to show your personality more.
Me: I loved it Andrew. Do what Simon says and you’re golden.
Andrew’s mom interacts with Simon and Ryan… I didn’t catch it too well because I was on the phone.
Up next: Cute Katie. Yes, she’s cute.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
Andrew says how is mom is amazing and how she’s always supported him.
Katie is up next, singing “Chain of Fools” by Aretha Franklin. The most well-known song choice so far. Usher wants her to have more pizzazz and direct her performance to one person in the audience. I don’t think this was the best song choice. I don’t think it suits a 17 year old too well. She is singing it all right. Nothing spectacular. The girls have really not done well tonight.
Randy: A little disconnected vocally, but one of the best vocal performances tonight.
Ellen: Vocals were great again. I wish the song had been more current.
Kara: One of your best vocal performances, and you found your zone: R and B/Pop. But gotta make it more commercial.
Simon: It was pretty good, but robotic and cold. I don’t think you are what Kara says.
Me: It was a decent vocal, but I don’t see how the lyrics suit your life.
Lee is up next.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
Backstage Mike, Tim, and Andrew give Katie hugs and praise her. Apparently the girls get hugs and the guys get interviewed. All right.
Lee and Ryan are on the stools and they discuss Lee “having a moment”. Lee is singing “Treat Her Like a Lady”. Never heard of it. He is on guitar again, like many of the contestants (Crystal, Andrew, Casey, Michael, just to name a few.) In this song Lee is really letting himself go. He is doing well. Seems like this song suits his voice very well. I think it’s one of his best performances yet. Will the judges agree?
Randy: UNBELIEVABLE. Best I’ve heard you in weeks! The bomb!
Ellen: Best performance of the night and probably that you’ve done so far.
Kara: It was amazing.
Simon: I want you to understand and realize this is the night your life may have changed forever.
Me: BEST OF THE NIGHT! I told you to let it rip and you did. Keep it up.
Crystal is up next. Apparently her surprise is that she is wearing heels. O_o Oh and she is one of the last two singers for the 2nd week in 3 weeks. She is getting pimped and I know it.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
Lee says he does hope it’s the night that’s going to change his life forever.
Crystal is up next. She is singing “Midnight Train to Georgia”. I recognize this. And her actual surprise is that…. She is playing….. the PIANO. Usher says he think Crystal will be great. It starts out very slowly. But her vocals are flawless. She steps out from the piano and for the first time we see her without an instrument. And she hits a falsetto. Let’s see what the judges say.
Randy: I love the outfit. Another great performance by you.
Ellen: You’re never not good. You really are competing and you are in it to win it.
Kara: I’m so glad you took that risk. I can’t wait to see what you do next.
Simon: The choice of song was good and the vocals were incredible. But it was old-fashioned. Don’t let this process suck the identity out of you.
Me: I like how you took a risk and were totally different tonight. But Simon is right—stick to what you know.
Ok, I gotta admit. I am liking Crystal a little more.
Aaron finishes the show in the pimp spot with some Bill Withers. It better be “Lean on Me” or I’m going to cry.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
Ok so my theory was wrong. Crystal was being interviewed, not hugged. Aaron is singing “Ain’t No Sunshine”. I don’t know the song too well, but I do know Kris Allen covered this last year. I am afraid Aaron will be compared to him. Usher wanted him to focus on the “I know I know I know I know” part. Now that I think about it, Aaron kind of looks like a younger Kris Allen. Except for the eyes.
His vocals start out pretty slowly and in the lower register. His vocals are really not that impressive. I didn’t like it too much.
Randy: Started rough, but it kinda was all right.
Ellen: Good song choice and really good job.
Kara: I liked it but didn’t love it. Could have gone higher up in your register.
Simon: Wasn’t that good but there’s no chance you’re leaving the competition.
Me: Very weird song choice. I don’t know why you’d want to pick something that Kris Allen, the winner last year, picked and did really well with.
So that’s it. Best of the night: Lee, Crystal, Andrew. Worst: Didi, Tim. My predicted bottom three are Didi, Tim, and Katie, since she was there last week.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
American Idol Top 11 Recap - Billboard #1 Hits
American Idol Top 11 – Billboard #1's
Recap by Brian Holland
March 23, 2010
Introduction: Ryan announces that they “rocked the Rolling Stones” last week. I wouldn’t say that. Anyway, the show’s logo is followed by the judges and Ryan coming through the separating doors on stage. Ryan talks to the judges. Ellen rambles on how you can’t complain about who leaves if you don’t vote. Simon tells Ryan to stay like a puppy dog. And Ryan and Ellen kiss each other on the cheek. And the Top 11 come out the separating doors.
So the week’s theme is any song that’s been #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. OHHHHHHHHHHHH ok. And the mentor is…. MILEY CYRUS. I KID…. YOU…. NOT. She is mentoring them. I know a few of them with more entertaining voices than her. Anyway, Ryan describes her as a “worldwide sensation”. Oh and most of the Idols are older than her. And she is present at the Kodak Theater tonight and Ryan talks to her for a bit.
Up first: Lee. He is singing “The Letter” by the Box Tops. I love this song. Miley says he is great but is lacking stage presence. Anyway, he does a pretty solid job. He still looks a little shy up there. He doesn’t move much around the stage. He gets a LONG ovation. Let’s see what the judges say.
Randy: You knocked it out of the box, baby.
Ellen: She uses a pen metaphor with him but says he is back.
Kara: He raised the bar for himself. Best he has ever sounded. His progress is tremendous.
Simon: It was corny, sounded good, but it didn’t define you as a contemporary artist.
Me: Your best performance so far. Try using the stage more and having more fun.
Paige Miles up next singing some Phil Collins.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
Paige is with Ryan on the stools. She shows off a ring a fan gave her before the show. She is singing “Against All Odds” by Phil Collins. This song, while I like it, has been covered too many times on Idol here. Miley actually said Paige was a bit pitchy. But they worked on it. Paige starts out sitting on the steps. Her voice is a little shaky. She finally starts belting the song, but she is still pitchy and off-key. She is not doing well. I mean this is really a performance that is NOT good… I usually don’t notice these performances but this I did. Let’s see what the judges say. She gets a very short ovation.
Randy: Honestly, that was terrible. Terrible. There was nothing great about it.
Ellen: She didn’t fall down with those heels! You look stunning.
Kara: It was the worst vocal that she’s heard from Paige and possibly the worst she’s heard all season.
Simon: It was like there were 5 of her singing the song and it got progressively worse. And I think you’ll be in serious trouble. It’s like you’ve stopped competing.
Me: Really bad song choice. You needed to pick a song you could own but that you really struggled with.
Looks like Paige is going home. She would almost need a miracle. She doesn’t have the largest fanbase. Maybe if Tim does worse.
Speaking of Tim, it’s Tim “Helmet Hair” Urban after the break. He is taking on Queen (Oh boy he might be worse than Paige). And he gives a VERY cheesy grin as the show cuts to a break.
COMMERICAL BREAK
Tim is doing “Crazy Little Thing Called Love”. Miley says he is boring. No REALLY? But then she apologizes and hugs him. Anyway, David Radford did this a few years ago and really struggled with it. It has been known as one of the worst Idol performances ever. Anyway, I can’t see how this is a ton better. He is having a lot of fun with it and reaching out to the audience. His vocals are really sub-par. Average at best. Let’s see what the judges say.
Randy: Vocals were so boring. It was like bad karaoke.
Ellen: Felt like an audition for High School Musical. It was corny and pushed too hard. Didn’t get it.
Kara: Didn’t do much with the song. You acted like you have already sold millions of records.
Simon: Completely and utterly pointless and silly. You’ve got zero chance of winning right now. Two weeks: Silly, silly song choices.
Me: That was bad all-around. You are in trouble tonight.
After the break, Aerosmith and Janis Joplin coming from Aaron Kelly and Crystal Bowersox. Good artists. They suit them well.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
Aaron is on the stools with Ryan. Aaron has been having trouble with his voice. Aaron mentions he is contagious and Ryan scoots away from him. Aaron mentions how he has a small crush on Miley. She mentions she liked his audition where he sang her song. And she was impressed with how great his voice is. He is singing “I Don’t Wanna Miss A Thing”. David Cook and Allison Iraheta have already covered this. Let’s see how he does.
He does a fairly good job. Or at least in comparison to Paige and Tim. He is singing hit perhaps too softly, probably because of his laryngitis. Allison’s and David’s performances were better. But his wasn’t bad. Let’s see what the judges say. He gets a fairly long ovation.
Randy: Wasn’t perfect, a little pitchy, but he liked it and he is really talented. “I’m a fan!”
Ellen: Perfect song choice. You’re so amazing.
Kara: Best song choice of the night. We want more stage presence, but great attempt.
Simon: It was good despite the voice problems, if I had criticism it was a little old-fashioned. There is zero chance you are going home.
Me: Great performance and you have made the tour.
Ryan refers to Aaron Kelly as David Archuleta, LOL! Anyway, onto Crystal.
I didn’t get the song… crap. I’ll get it after the show. It is…. Me and Bobby McGee. Crystal says she is collecting signatures on her guitar. Miley signs it.
She is singing a slow song with a spaghetti strap dress. Of course she has her guitar. She really gets into it halfway through. The song picks up quickly and she has great vocals. The judges will love this. We’ll see if I’m right. She gets a long ovation.
Randy: That was being a star and that’s the way you do it!
Ellen: Nothing wrong with that performance… the only thing is that we’re missing a bit of personality and we could see more connection and not be so stoic.
Kara: I felt more from you tonight. I want to see you let go completely.
Simon: I wouldn’t change anything. That was as good as Pink’s version (which is a very good version).
Me: You are really showing us the kind of performer you want to be. I have no critiques except to move around the stage a little bit. Connect with the audience a little bit more.
Big Mike gets in touch with his romantic side after the break, or so Ryan says. All right…
COMMERCIAL BREAK
Mike gives Miley a big hug and lifts her up. LOL. Mike is singing “When a Man Loves a Woman” by Percy Sledge. Gideon McKinney covered this song and did a pretty good job. I think the same season as David Radford, too. (See Tim Urban’s performance).
He sings tenderly as usual. A string quartet and a pianist are on stage with him. He really is pretty flawless with this performance. Not a perfect performance but I can’t find any flaws, either. Let’s see what Seniors Randy and Simon and Senoras Kara and Ellen say.
Randy: Not your best vocal, but you know who you are. I loved it.
Ellen: Sort of a safe choice. But I did love it.
Kara: I felt it was a bit boring and loungy at time. Too many riffs and over-indulgent.
Simon: I agree with Kara. This performance could have taken place 30 years ago and it was old-fashioned and loungy like Kara said. You however have a good voice and people like you.
Andrew is doing Motown after the break. That means I’ll probably know the song.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
Andrew is singing “Heard it Through the Grape Vine” by Marvin Gaye. Andrew stumbles on the lyrics when he is performing in front of Miley. Miley advised him to put the guitar down. So guitar-less tonight, Andrew Garcia.
His vocals are unimpressive. He moves around the stage a bit (does a bit of a moon-walk, I kid you not). Anyway, his vocals like I said…. I’ve heard way better. I like Andrew so I hope the judges aren’t too harsh with him. But I’m losing faith in him.
Randy: It wasn’t good. Wrong song choice, because that’s not the kind of vocalist you are.
Ellen: I love you, and I hope your fans vote for you. Not fantastic and not a good song choice.
Kara: I think you’re confused and you don’t know what to do. You are way better than that.
Simon: Maybe we overrated you. The arrangement was horrific. You sucked the soul out of that song. You ruined one of the great pop songs of all time and made yourself really really corny.
Me: You picked a bad song and I agree with Kara… you look lost. Pick a song next week and don’t overthink it. Just do it.
Katie is up next, and she plays with suspenders she is wearing (yes, she is wearing suspenders).
COMMERCIAL BREAK
Katie is singing “Big Girls Don’t Cry” by Fergie. Katie says Miley boosted her confidence. It starts out slowly. But it picks up and she sings it pretty well! One of Katie’s best performances IMO. Let’s see.
Randy: Little pitchy but you listened to us and picked a younger song. I liked how you are listening.
Ellen: I thought it WAS your best performance so far and you look great.
Kara: This is where you belong. But you have mad pitch issues, but you did well.
Simon: Meeting Miley was one of the best things that could have happened to you, but you still are struggling to find your niche.
Me: One of your best performances in this competition. Great job!
Casey takes on an 80’s Anthem next. We will Rock You? We’ll see….
COMMERCIAL BREAK
Casey and Ryan are on the stools and they talk about Casey pushing himself. He is singing “The Power of Love”. Never heard it. He mention how is a big fan of Miley…..’s dad. LOL, awkward. Miley suggests he look at the front row of the audience.
Anyway, Casey is playing electric guitar again. But actually most of the time he is standing up there with the guitar just wrapped around him not being played. He finishes with a riff on the electric guitar.
Randy: Not a fan of the song choice, but you did well.
Ellen: Not a great song choice but best vocal of the night.
Kara: You’re just on another level. You’re ready to make an album and you’re in the zone.
Simon: Old-fashioned, no effort, no originality, nothing different. Maybe it’s just me. Maybe it’s become I’m English (Yes, that’s what he said).
Me: I’m kind of with Simon. There was nothing too impressive about that. You didn’t stand out to me.
Didi “Pickles” Benami is up next.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
Didi is singing “You’re No Good”. Good song choice for her. Didi talks about her nerves and feels better when Miley admits she gets them too. Ryan calls her Didi Benimi as he introduces her. Woops.
She starts out coming down the steps and really has a strut about her. Swagger I think is what it’s called. There is Ricky Minor playing an 8 foot tall cello on stage. Wow. LOL. And there is that black guy who looks like the dad from Family Matters playing the guitar. Overall she does pretty well.
Randy: I love the idea, but it was very pitchy all over the place.
Ellen: Not the right song choice and didn’t get it.
Kara: I felt like you were playing a character. You were trying to be something you aren’t.
Simon: It was like a musical. It didn’t sound like you. It seems like you took Lacey’s role of acting a performance.
Me: Wrong song choice and it was like you were talking to yourself the whole song. (You’re no good, you’re no good, etc.)
Siobhan gets the pimp spot (NO SURPRISE) with some Stevie Wonder. Hmm…. Wonder what she’s singing. Anyway, it really looks like the show is trying to pimp Crystal and Siobhan, by putting them in the last spots the first two weeks. And she has a really big poofy hairdo. It’s like a giant Mohawk.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
Siobhan is singing “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder. Love this song. This has been covered by Bucky Covington. Miley says Siobhan’s voice has swagger.
Her voice is really powerful. Wow. Easily the most powerful voice in the competition. And she is having fun with this one. She ends on a VERY powerful note. She knocked it out of the park IMO.
Randy: It was great, I loved it. So much conviction.
Ellen: More please! You’re just so good. I love you.
Kara: Not your best performance, and with that end note, how do you not say that is amazing?
Simon: There will be a split with you on this one. Some will love it and some will hate it. You didn’t do as well as you have.
Me: You knocked it out of the park. You have the most powerful voice easily in the competition.
Well that’s it for tonight. The best were probably Crystal and Siobhan again (maybe with Aaron in there as well). The worst were Paige and Tim, with Andrew not far behind. I predict the bottom 3 to be Tim, Paige, and Didi, with Paige going home.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Current State of Seattle Sports - March 2010
The Current State of Seattle Sports
March 19, 2010
As we all know, Seattle sports teams have failed to bring us many championships. The Seahawks and Mariners have each brought us none, the Huskies only have a few here and there (mainly in women’s and non major sports) and the Storm have one.
The Huskies
For the sake of this post, I will only talk about sports that involve a ball (baseball, football, basketball, softball). Currently, the Huskies basketball team is still in the NCAA tournament, earning their first tournament win over Marquette. However, they face New Mexico next, a daunting task since New Mexico has the #8 RPI in the country. I don’t see the Huskies getting too far, so this will be another good, but not great year.
As for Huskies baseball and softball, it’s kind of a tale of two stories. The Huskies baseball team has only been average at best since Tim Lincecum entered the MLB draft. I don’t expect any championships from them either anytime soon. The Huskies softball team, however, gave us a national title this year, and with the return of ace Danielle Lawrie, the team could repeat as national champs. However, it always seems like only women in this state can win national championships, which hey, we’ll take, but we’d like it if the most watched of sports (baseball and football) we could get a championship in.
The Huskies Football team is going to be heading into one of their most promising seasons in quite some time. Second year head coach Steve Sarkisian seems to be a great coach and is molding Senior quarterback Jake Locker into a great quarterback. Speaking of Locker, he is not only expected to be the Pac-10 player of the year, but also a contendor for the Heismann Trophy, something a Husky has never had. The Huskies will be an improved team and hopefully will get a decent bowl appearance and win. I don’t expect them to contend for the national title, but I do expect them to crack the top 25 in the BCS ratings more than once.
The Storm
The Storm have been good, but not great these past couple years. They’ve made the playoffs, but have usually been a first-round exit. Plus, with stars Lauren Jackson and Sue Bird aging and a vew years away from retirement each, our window of opportunity for a championship is closing.
The Seahawks
Probably the team in the worst shape in Seattle is the Seahawks. Coming off one of the most disappointing seasons in team history, the team fired Jim Mora and Tim Ruskell and hired Pete Carroll and John Schneider. No one expects them to contend next season, but there still is the draft and free agency is still occurring. The team recently acquired Charlie Whitehurst, much to the dismay of Seahawks fans because of what we had to give up. However, the Seahawks front office and coaching staff predict him to the be the quarterback of the future, so time will tell.
Other questionable moves have been trading Darryl Tapp to the Eagles for Chris Clemons, trading Seneca Wallace to the Browns for only a future 7th round pick, and letting Nate Burleson go in free agency. This team will look very different come September, but that is to be expected as their last season was a huge disappointment.
I expect the Seahawks to struggle, trying to determine which players are building blocks to the future and which players need to be let go. I don’t expect any better than a 7-9 record. The Seahawks passing attack will be limited with the aging Hasselbeck and loss of Burleson. The Seahawks rushing will not be any better unless they manage to acquire an offensive lineman and a running back in the draft, trade, or via free agency. The defense again will be so-so, but the offense will be one of the worst in the league.
Mariners
The Seattle Mariners have high hopes for their 2010 season. Newly acquired Cliff Lee, Chone Figgins, Casey Kotchman, and Milton Bradley hope to improve this team upon its surprising 2009 season. The Mariners will have one of the best 1-2 punches in the majors with Felix and Lee atop it. Their bullpen also expects to be strong, led by closer David Aardsma.
However, a main concern for this team is their offense. This team will have one of the better team averages in the league, but the main concern is the lack of power. No one on this team is expected to hit 30 home runs or more. In fact, only a few bats (Lopez, Bradley) are expected to even reach 20. And some experts are predicting we will drop off this season from last year, because last year, despite the winning record, the Mariners allowed more runs than they scored, and trends show that teams the following year tend to not have the same amount of luck. It’s like flipping a coin ten times and getting 7 heads. You’re bound to get a few more tails in the next ten, more than likely.
My expectations are that I at least expect this team to compete. I expect the Mariners to be in the playoff hunt at least until late August and more than likely into September. Without a power bat, I do expect this team to struggle at times, and they will be lucky to make the playoffs. I predict we will have a season similar to 2002 and 2003, where we will just miss the playoffs. That does give the front office and general manager Jack Zduriencik something to look for in the offseason, however: a power bat. If the Mariners can do that next offseason, I expect real contention in 2011.
So there you have it. Out of 7 teams, only 2 are expected to not make the playoffs their upcoming season, but only one (Huskies softball) has a legitimate shot at a national championship. Let’s all hope for the best, here in 2010.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
American Idol Top 12 Recap
American Idol Top 12
March 16, 2010
By Brian Holland
Intro:
Ryan walks on stage with the Idols to his left and right. We have the American Idol intro. The judges are introduced by an announcer, as well as Ryan Seacrest. Ryan introduces the Top 12 as they come out the separating doors on stage. Ryan announces the theme as the Rolling Stones and we see a video montage of the Stones.
First Contestant is Michael Lynche. He talks about his life growing up and his family. He is singing “Miss You”. He opens with a falsetto just like last week. He is doing all right and hits a few more falsettos. However, this isn’t as good as his last performance, but I still like it. We’ll see what the judges have to say.
Randy says: Mike’s a great performer and that he slayed it.
Ellen says: She hasn’t been disappointed by him and that it was amazing
Kara says: Mike had swagger and attitude and was hot on stage
Simon says: Thought his dancing was corny and was verging on a tiny bit desperate, but that it was good.
I say: Not as good as last week, but you started the night off on a good note.
Ryan asks Simon to give constructive criticism and Simon asks who he is supposed to be talking to, and Ryan goes to Simon and leans over the desk, causing Simon to move back in his chair. Ok Ryan…. That was weird.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
Ryan is sitting with Didi Benami on a stool with her. We learn that Didi was raised in Knoxville, Tennessee but moved to LA. She is singing “Play with Fire”. It’s a slow song, but she has some nice vocals. Her voice is very smooth and she hits every note pretty well. Nothing extraordinary, but good nonetheless.
Randy says: Didi was on fire and it was one of her best performances
Ellen says: She has an amazing voice and sounded great
Kara says: Said she attacked the song with an intensity, and had two steps in the right direction.
Simon says: She’s beginning to show the kind of artist she’s gonna be. It was a solid, not brilliant performance.
I say: Not a huge risk with picking that song, but you did a good job with it.
Casey James is next. His mother discusses Casey’s problems with his brain as a child. We also learn his whole family plays instruments and sings. He is singing “It’s All Over Now”. It’s got kind of a bluegrass feel to it. Casey is playing the guitar. He finishes with a short instrumental, strumming his guitar.
Randy says: He loved it and that Casey is back.
Ellen says: It was fantastic and that girls will like it.
Kara says: Said he was a rockstar and liked how it had blues and soul. Best performance since they met.
Simon says: It was like an audition performance. He’s gotta start being incredible and push himself more.
I say: It was ok, but you really have to showcase your vocals more if you want to win this thing.
Lacey Brown up next.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
Lacey was born and raised in Texas. We learn she doesn’t sing outside the church and that she is shy. She is singing “Ruby Tuesday”. There is a string quartet on stage with her. She opens slowly as usual. She hits the chorus slowly and doesn’t stretch her vocals that much. The 2nd time she hits the chorus she does much better, however.
Randy says: Said it was interesting, and that he was pleasantly surprised. Called it interesting again.
Ellen says: Said it was weird how she sat down when the song picked up and that it was a tiny bit sleepy
Kara says: Is 50-50 on it. Said she missed some notes and could have done better.
Simon says: She performs like an actress. Song was ok and she should stop overthinking.
I say: It’s not something many people will remember and that could hurt you. Also, try picking faster songs.
Andrew G. is up next!
COMMERCIAL BREAK
We return with Ryan sitting in Randy’s chair. All right. We learn more about Andrew’s past, and that how his father is a musician. His father says how he thought Andrew would be a janitor. He is singing “Give Me Shelter”. He finishes on a long, great note.
Randy: It was pitchy all over and he didn’t like it.
Ellen: Says she loved it and that it was his best performance.
Kara: Thought he needed to be more intense and passionate.
Simon: Liked it and hope he’s back next week.
Me: I liked the song choice and it was one of your best vocals. I loved the end note.
COMMERCAL BREAK
Ryan interviews Katie and we see friends and family holding picures of Katie’s face up on sticks. LOL. Katie says she was too shy to sing when she was younger. She is singing “Wild Horses”. She is wering a dress that I’d expect to see on a ballerina. She gives a pretty good vocal, but it’s not the most entertaining song pick.
Randy: She sang it really well and was a strong performance.
Ellen: Started pitchy but got into it and sounded amazing and good song choice.
Kara: She made nice variations on the melody and was better than last week.
Simon: Only week she has chosen a strong song. Didn’t like the 2nd half of arrangement, but she connected and did well.
Me: You had great vocals and made it your own. You are improving and I’m glad you made the top 12.
Tim “Helmet Hair” Urban up next.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
Tim says he is one of 10 kids. His mom says they used to let his hair grow out as an infant and toddler and that people would think he was a girl. HAHA. Tim says he’s be playing football still if he were a little taller. Sounds like me, haha. He is singing “Under My Thumb”. He is playing the guitar, but not singing very well. It’s very odd with the red, orange, and green lights on him.
Randy: Didn’t get it and it was bizarre. Weird for him. Didn’t like it.
Ellen: Felt like she was at a resort drinking a pina colada. It didn’t wow her at all.
Kara: Applauds him for doing something different with it. He made it his own.
Simon: It didn’t work and Rolling Stones fans would be turning their tv’s off.
Me: Your vocals didn’t shine through too much, but I admire your courage.
Sibhan “My pick to win” Magnus up next.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
Sibohan is from Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Her family is also very musical. Of course they are. She is singing “Paint it Black”. She is also wearing a ballerina dress like Katie. This performance is very dark. She starts out slow and low-pitched, but she picks it up. She finishes on another long, high note like she did with her “Think” performance.
Randy: It was HOT!
Ellen: Loved her look, sound. She stood out and she liked it.
Kara: She is having “Adam Lambert” flashbacks and did it well.
Simon: Standout performance of the night. Said most people will love it.
Me: What a voal performance. You just keep getting better and better. Keep it up.
Lee “I’ll make the finals with Siobhan” Dewyze is up next.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
Lee is on the stool with Ryan. Lee says it’s kind of sunk in and Ryan quizzes him on his paint company. Lee gets 1/2 right. Oh well. Lee, like a few others, says he was nervous singing in front of people. He is singing “Beast of Burden”. He is playing his guitar. It’s a slower song but it picks up slightly in parts.
Randy: He thought it was “dope” and one of his better performances
Ellen: Sounded great but didn’t completely come together like a hospital gown, HAHA.
Kara: It wasn’t pitchy and he showed tremendous growth.
Simon: His personality is holding him back, and he chose a safe and forgettable song. He has an incredibly good voice, though.
Me: I totally agree with Simon. You need to just let one rip and give it your all.
Paige and Aaron Kelly are up next.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
Paige Miles is first. She is from Naples, Florida. Her dad passed away when she was 4. She grew up singing in church. She is singing “Honky Tonk Woman”. I like this song that she chose. Her interpretation is unique and I like it. Her vocals are shaky, however and she has a few pitch problems. Let’s see what the judges say.
Randy: She did all right with it and liked it.
Ellen: Good presence on stage and let’s people know she’s been struggling with her voice.
Kara: She did a lot with it and worked the stage and the young Paige is back.
Simon: Taking her laringytis into accont, she did great. She still hasn’t quite connected yet though.
Me: It was a fun, entertaining performance and you did well despite your voice.
No wonder her voice seemed shaky to me.
Aaron Kelly up next. He’s from Pennsylvania. They remind us he was adopted by his aunt. He was terrified as a youth to sing. Who wasn’t? He is singing “Angie”. (I think that’s what I heard). He starts out on the steps. He does ok.
Randy: He was born to sing. Likes the tender moments in his voice. He liked it.
Ellen: Great song choice and was the 2nd best performance of the night.
Kara: Did great and proved her wrong.
Simon: Chose 100% the right song and sang the song within the limits within your vocal.
Me: Good overall performance. You should be here next week.
Crystal “Gets the pimp spot” Bowersox next. What that means is she gets the last performance of the night and the one people remember seeing last. It’s often called the “Pimp Spot” by many American Idol fan sites. You can tell if someone is favored if they get this spot too much. You can tell the producers want Crystal to get off to a good start.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
Crystal is from Ohio. She started singing and playing guitar at a young age. Her dad gives a teary eyed confessional. She is singing “You Can’t Always Get What You Want”. Finally, she is singing a song I recognize. She is playing guitar again. It has some signatures on it. And her teeth look a bit better. As for her vocals, they are pretty good, but she still hasn’t amazed me yet. She gets a long applause after it.
Randy: Wasn’t her best but he loved it.
Ellen: Sings effortlessly and finally added some personality (I agree)
Kara: Loosened up, wasn’t her greatest vocal, but was easy to watch.
Simon: Thought Siobhan beat her (HA!). She’s gotta dig deep week after week.
Me: Not your best, but you still did well. Show your personality more on stage.
So that’s it. Pretty good start to the Top 12. By my predictions, Tim is going home, but I think Lacey and Andrew are also in danger. Best of the night: Siobhan. See you all next week!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
My Thoughts on American Idol's Top 12 and My Predictions
Here we go, my thoughts on each American Idol contestant and how far they will go in the competition. They are ordered by last name, alphabetically first going first. As for predicted finish, the first number I give is the worst I think they could do. The last number is the best I think they could do. So if I give someone a 7-3 that means I think they’ll be anywhere from finishing 7th to finishing 3rd. So here they are:
- Didi Benami
Kind of a wild card we have here. She could either do really well or really poorly. I like her voice. She’s got a bit of a Megan Joy type voice and vibe. I don’t see her winning, but she could get far. She has a good attitude, unlike the next contestant.
Predicted finish: 10-5
- Crystal Bowersox
Clear frontrunner. She’s got the judges on her side, confidence, and a great voice. Her fan base could use more support. She will make it far. However, her major downside is her attitude. Not too many of the other contestants seem to like her. When she was announced to go into the Top 12, no one gave her a hug. She also never smiles. That could really hurt her. I can’t imagine her winning, but I can imagine her going far.
Predicted finish: 6-2
- Lacey Brown
One of the surprises in the Top 12. I had her out at the Top 24 elimination week. She doesn’t have a good enough voice to win. She’s got a huge fan base though apparently so that will help her. But a fan base really can only help you so far. Unless you’re Taylor Hicks.
Predicted finish: 11-8
- Lee Dewyze
Simon says he has the best male voice but I wouldn’t say that. He’s definitely got the most unique male voice though, at least now that Alex is gone. He’s a rocker and will draw comparisons to Chris Daughtry and David Cook, which might hurt him. But he will definitely be one of the last guys left in the show, if not win it all. He definitely can, but it’s going to take some work and luck. A big plus for him is that he has an ever growing fan base.
Predicted finish: 5-1
- Andrew Garcia
He has struggled a bit, but America will not regret letting him through. He knows how to make songs his own and that will greatly help him. He just needs to really show off his vocal range more. If he does that, he’ll go VERY far. He is a lot like Danny Gokey, and not just in appearance. Like Gokey, he’s good enough to get far, but not great enough to win. But he won’t be voted out early.
Predicted finish: 7-3
- Casey James
He actually has one of the weaker male voices. He doesn’t stand out, and I don’t ever see him wowing us with a performance. So that will really hinder him. He’s a good entertainer, but I don’t see him winning or even coming close to winning. But his looks and charm will prevent him from leaving early.
Predicted finish: 9-5
- Aaron Kelly
This year’s token youngster. We’ve had Covais, Sanjaya, Archuleta, and now Aaron Kelly. None of those previous contestants won, and Aaron won’t either. I say he’s most like Kevin Covais, but perhaps a little better. But he’s not as good as Archuleta. His cuteness can only get him so far, just like with Kevin Covais.
Predicted finish: 11-6
- Michael Lynche
He finished on a VERY strong note, but he’s not anyone’s vision of an American Idol, although Reuben Studdard did win. But Reuben has a better voice than Mike. Mike’s fan base is average. As we know, a lot of the voters are pre-teen and teenage girls, so I can’t seem them throwing many votes Mike’s way, unfortunately. But his big voice and big personality will get him to at least the middle of the Top 12.
Predicted finish: 8-4
- Siobhan Magnus
My early favorite. She has the voice, the personality, and the confidence. She isn’t a dark horse anymore. She is a favorite. Unless she stumbles and blows it in consecutive weeks, expect to see her for a LONG time. I think she’ll be much like Katharine McPhee this year. She’ll just sail on through to the end.
Predicted finish: 4-1
- Paige Miles
Vote for the worst picked her, and will probably dump her in favor of Tim Urban. She doesn’t pick great songs, but since she is the only African-American girl in the Top 12, that might get her some votes. But I can’t see her lasting long at all.
Predicted finish: 12-9
- Katie Stevens
I do like this girl. She’s got a great voice. She just doesn’t know what to do with it yet. If she manages to pick the right songs and use her big voice, she could go far. But she has been on the decline and that has to be taken into account. I think she is the most variable contestant left. What I mean by that is she could either go the first night (not too likely, but possible) or make it to the finals. It all depends on if she can fix her problems.
Predicted finish: 11-4
- Tim Urban
At first, I thought this guy was dead meat. But surprisingly he has picked it up and has managed to make it to the Top 12. Perhaps with a little help from VFTW. He doesn’t have a good enough voice to win and VFTW will try to carry him as far as they can. Perhaps they can “Pull a Sanjaya”. We’ll see. But there’s no way he makes it far.
Predicted finish: 12-7
So now that that’s done, I’ll be taking my predicted finishes for each contestant and averaging them. The contestant with the lowest average I will predict does better than a contestant with a higher average. So here they are, with their averages in parenthesis (and if they tied I broke the tie by predicting who probably makes it further):
12. Paige Miles (10.5)
11. Lacey Brown (9.5)
10. Tim Urban (9.5)
9. Aaron Kelly (8.5)
8. Didi Benami (7.5)
7. Katie Stevens (7.5)
6. Casey James (7)
5. Michael Lynche (6)
4. Andrew Garcia (5)
3. Crystal Bowersox (4)
2. Lee Dewyze (3)
1. Siobhan Magnus (2.5)
So there you have it. My prediction is Siobhan over Lee for the title of American Idol 2010.
Top 10 Things That Frighten Me the Most
10. Public Speaking
Now this is only at number ten because it doesn’t frighten me that much, but it does frighten me enough to get on this list. It also depends on how confident I am in what I’m talking about. If I don’t know what I’m going to say then I am very nervous up there. But if I have practiced my speech enough it really isn’t that bad. The moments leading up to it are though.
9. The dark
I know, I look like a child for admitting that, but at least I did. And I’m not THAT afraid of the dark. However, what gets me is when it’s dark, you just don’t know what is in front of you (or behind you for that matter). Something could be right in front of you, and you don’t know it! Just the mystery of what you can’t see is what really frightens me, and that’s why it is #9.
8. Loud Noises
This item is pretty general. It includes a lot of things: balloons popping, gunshots, loud firecrackers, bombs, those party favors that make loud popping noises, a loud power saw, and more. The main reason why they scare me is that I usually don’t expect them to happen, especially with balloons. If one of those items is about to make its loud noise, I frantically cover both of my ears and wait. Loud noises and I do not mix.
7. Large insects
My girlfriend Amanda can attest to this. This also is pretty general and includes: Beetles, moths (yes, moths), caterpillars, centipedes, millipedes. I can’t stand it when one of them is near me (or heaven forbid, TOUCHING me). Smaller insects like ants, flies, mosquitoes, and ladybugs don’t scare me at all. Unless there’s like a hundred of them.
6. Dinosaurs/Godzilla
I know what you’re thinking. They don’t exist. Well they do in movies, so that counts. I watched Jurassic Park and its sequel, The Lost World, at a young age. I watched Godzilla when I was not much older. And the reason they even make this list is because I have had nightmares about them. Usually I am running from them. And of course, my biggest fear would be being eaten alive by a dinosaur such as a Tyrannosaurus Rex. Godzilla scares me because of its size. When it walks and you can hear those thudding noises, that’s what scares me.
5. Heights
No surprise here as almost everyone is afraid of heights to some degree. Mine happens to be just a little bit more than normal. If I walk across a high bridge I get a little scared. I am afraid of jumping off high places (I used to be afraid of jumping off my monkey bars). I really don’t have to explain too much here. The fear of falling that distance and the resulting impact combines to make one of the world’s biggest shared fears among people.
4. Marine Life
This topic is the third to be pretty general, and it includes sharks, certain kinds of fish, whales (because of their size), jellyfish, crabs, and other things. It’s why if you are ever with me and we are on the shore of an ocean, I might be a little skittish. Even seaweed a little bit. It’s so slimy! And crabs…. Just with the way they crawl. *Shudders*
3. Large spiders
There is a huge difference between small spiders and large spiders for me. Small spiders I might even let crawl on me (ok maybe not, but you get the idea). Large spiders? Heck no! The scariest of them for me of course would be tarantulas. They are so huge for spiders and so…. Freakishly furry…. And they don’t even technically have a face. I’ve never touched a tarantula in my life as far as I can remember, and I don’t plan on it ever.
2. Snakes
This gets the #2 spot, not because of an experience I’ve had with a snake (the only experiences I’ve had are with the ones in zoos and garden snakes), but because of the snake movies I’ve seen. The movies I’m referring to are Anaconda and Snakes on a Plane. In Anaconda, you have this freakishly large snake which consumes humans with ease. In Snakes on a Plane, you have a bunch of poisonous snakes that come out of NOWHERE and bite people. And of course, there was one large python which ate a man. Without those two movies, I really wouldn't be afraid at all, but I am. Keep me away from snakes! And the next thing on this list.
1. Bees
I’ve had this fear for quite some time. Not my whole life, though. When I was about three, my parents witnessed me PETTING a bumblebee while it was on a dandelion. So obviously I didn’t have the fear then. But slowly as I grew up I acquired a fear for them. There weren’t really any incidents—I’ve never been stung before. But I’ve had a few times where a bee has landed on me, and where a bee has buzzed RIGHT BY my ear. Their buzzing noise is what really gets me. And the fact that they can sting.
Of course, it depends on the bee too. If a bumblebee is flying near me, I’m very aware of it, but I’m not too afraid of it. If a wasp or yellow jacket is flying ANYWHERE near me, I freak out and run. I really can’t explain. They are the thing that frightens me the most.
Monday, March 8, 2010
NFL Teams from My Favorite to Least Favorite
Updated to include recent events. Updates in RED.
ULTIMATE FAVORITE TEAM EVER
1. Seattle Seahawks
Without a doubt, my all time favorite team is the Seattle Seahawks. Since I’ve grown up and lived in Seattle my whole life, it’s hard not to root for anyone else. Sure, right now, they’re not doing so well, but no matter what they will always be my favorite team. Always. Go Seahawks!
SECONDARY FAVORITES
2. Denver Broncos
For some reason or another, I started liking the Broncos around 1998, 1999. Maybe it was because they beat Brett Favre. Maybe it was because of John Elway. I don’t know. They have just since then been my second favorite team. They might not be 2nd best forever for me, but they’ll always be near the top.
3. Minnesota Vikings
I like high scoring teams. The Vikings have over the past decade or so been one of the higher scoring teams in the league year in and year out. Maybe it’s the Metrodome. But they’ve also had great players like Randy Moss, Adrian Peterson, Daunte Culpepper, among others. They’re my 2nd favorite NFC team and I know what Viking fans have gone through. They deserve a title.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars
I don’t really know what it is about Jacksonville. I started liking them because of Mark Brunell. But now that he’s gone, all I like really is their jerseys. It’s hard to really say anything else. But, if they win it all, I’ll be very happy for them.
TEAMS I WILL MOST OFTEN ROOT FOR
5. New England Patriots
You either hate the Patriots or you love them. I happen to be more towards the latter. They just know how to play football. Sure, there was Spygate, but so what? That just shows how badly they wanted a Super Bowl ring. I wish the Seahawks would do something like that. So long as it brought us a championship.
6. Baltimore Ravens
I know I said I like high-scoring teams, but I also like teams with mean defenses. Except the Steelers. More on them later. Or maybe it’s that I like the color purple, at least in NFL uniforms. All I know is I like how the Ravens play.
7. Houston Texans
I was excited to see an expansion NFL franchise in 2002, and for some reason I have rooted for them since then. I think it’s because they’re always viewed as an underdog. And they have very cool looking uniforms.
I KINDA LIKE THEM
8. Kansas City Chiefs
My peak for them was in 2003 when they started out 9-0 and had one of the best offenses led by Trent Green, Priest Holmes, Tony Gonzalez, and Dante Hall in the return game. But ever since then they’ve kinda sucked. But they have loyal and noisy fans. And Arrowhead is one of the best places to catch a football game.
9. Dallas Cowboys
I definitely don’t hate the Cowboys. I like Tony Romo. I like their great pass rushers like DeMarcus Ware. For some reason, they are my favorite team from the NFC East.
10. Indianapolis Colts
The reason I have them here is two words: Peyton Manning. One of the classiest and most studious players in the game’s history. However if it wasn’t for Manning the Colts would be just another team.
11. New Orleans Saints
Before Hurricane Katrina, they’d be around 25, 26. But since then, I’ve liked them more and more. I like Drew Brees and Reggie Bush. They are almost becoming America’s second team.
THEY’RE OK
12. Arizona Cardinals
I know, I should hate these guys, being a Seahawks fan, but I don’t. I like Larry Fitzgerald, Matt Leinart, and their recent uniform change. And I love their stadium. Sure they’ve beaten my Seahawks up in the last few years, but that’s only because the Seahawks have sucked. All they did was take advantage of a weak division.
13. Green Bay Packers
I have actually never really cared too much for this team. If they lose, I’m ok with it, and if they win, it’s also ok. I do like Aaron Rodgers. They’re uniforms will never look old. And Lambeau Field is still the best NFL stadium ever.
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
My peak for them was in 2002 when they won the Super Bowl. I was rooting for them all season long. I loved their defense with Ronde Barber, John Lynch, Warren Sapp, Derrick Brooks, etc. But those guys are all gone (except for Barber) and they’re one of the worst teams in the league. Someday though they will again be great.
15. Buffalo Bills
There’s not much to say about this team. They are all right. I like how they play in Buffalo, which hosts only one other sports franchise. I like their uniforms.
16. Philadelphia Eagles
Whenever I see an Eagles game, I get kind of bored. Because to me, the Eagles are kind of boring. I see no real exciting players, no great stadium, no great fans. But they’ve yet to really do anything to make me dislike them. In fact, they let the Seahawks tromp over them 42-0 in their Super Bowl year.
17. Cleveland Browns
The only reason I like this team is because of their diehard, loyal fans, and their uniforms. Yes, their uniforms. They may be the color of poo, but they match the team name and I think look pretty good. But they have never really been a good team since they came back into the league in 1999.
NOT TOO MUCH INTEREST…
18. Detroit Lions
Almost same reason as above. I love the color scheme of their uniforms: silver with blue. But they’ve sucked much like the Browns.
19. New York Giants
Eli Manning is annoying to me. I don’t know why. And their uniform change recently made them look worse. They look like Giant Smurfs out there. And they just aren’t too fun to watch for me.
20. Atlanta Falcons
They were higher when they had Michael Vick, but now it’s like…. Ok. I do like Matt Ryan and Michael Turner. They’ve got a good team, but I can’t find it in me to root for them.
21. Miami Dolphins
I’ve never really liked the Dolphins or cared for them too much. They’ve won it all, and in fact have the only perfect season. So…. It’s hard for me to root for them.
22. Carolina Panthers
I definitely like their color scheme with teal against black. But the Panthers have always been a very annoying team to me. They’re always good when I want them to lose, and they’re always bad when I want them to win.
23. Chicago Bears
Ugly colored uniforms for me. I don’t know why they’ve never been changed. And not really any players in their history that I liked except maybe Payton and Sayers.
I DON’T HATE THEM, BUT LIKE TO SEE THEM LOSE
24. San Diego Chargers
I don’t know what it is. Perhaps it’s because they’re a division rival of my 2nd favorite team. Perhaps it’s the fact they released LT without a 2nd thought. They just don’t seem too classy or too likeable to me. It’s funny to watch them lose for some reason.
25. Washington Redskins
They overpay (Brandon Lloyd, Antwaan Randle-El, Albert Haynesworth) much like the Yankees, but never win anything. Plus their maroon and yellow jerseys are hideous. And they’re boring.
26. New York Jets
Their fans at the NFL draft are annoying. Their color scheme is very boring. They’ve never had an exciting team. And for some reason, I like to see them lose.
27. Cincinnati Bengals
A combination of players who’ve gotten in trouble, poor defenses, and poor fans have led to this low rating. Their uniforms are nice, but that’s not enough. I do like Carson Palmer though.
28. Tennessee Titans
For some reason or another, they always have been the team I have no reason to hate but do. Sure, they have Chris Johnson, but what else? I don’t know what it is. I guess it’s just that I like the teams in their division so much more.
I WISH THESE TEAMS WOULD GO 0-16 EACH YEAR
29. St. Louis Rams
When the Seahawks first came to the NFC West, these guys beat up on us almost every single time. They showed no mercy. And now they’re the losers, fortunately. Sam Bradford is overrated. And their dome sucks.
30. Oakland Raiders
Least classiest team in the league. That includes, fans, players, and owner. Also, if by some odd happening, they happen to be on TV, I can’t stand to watch them. Unless they’re losing so horribly it’s humorous.
31. San Francisco 49ers
Yes, my girlfriend is a big fan of theirs, but with the Seahawks-49ers rivalry stronger than ever, and with their QB being Colin Crapernick (a horrible role model for kids), I just hate them. My girlfriend being a fan of them saves them from being my most hated team, however.
32. Pittsburgh Steelers
This really doesn’t need any explanations. I’m not just mad at them because they cost my favorite team their first ever title. I’m mad also because of the way they did it. They had the refs on their side and did not win fairly. Plus, they practically had everyone in the nation on their side and they had home-field advantage. And Ben Roethlisberger is a JERK!