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Thursday, September 29, 2016

MLB Picks- September 29th


We have one game worth a look as we enter the final weekend of the season.

$20 on San Francisco (-1.5 @ +115) over Colorado
Cueto (3-0, 1.69 ERA, last 3 starts) throws the horsehide for the Giants. He tossed 5+ innings of shutout ball against the Dodgers in his last appearance. Gray (1-3, 5.63, last 4) toes the slab for the Rockies. His last start was also against Los Angeles, but he didn't fare as well as Cueto, giving up 4 runs in 4 innings of work. Colorado has dropped 8 of their last 9 on foreign soil. The G-Men have lost 10 of 16.

Starting Bankroll                                       $1,500.00 
Profit/Loss                                                   $366.50
Current Bankroll                                        $1,866.50

Action is considered dead unless both listed pitchers start.

All picks are for entertainment purposes only with no guarantees implied. Any money wagered is at you own risk.

Good luck!

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

NFL Picks Contest- Week 3 Results


Here are the Week 3 results and standings in the NFL Picks Contest.

Music City Momma takes the lead again.

lightning36- New Orleans (L 32-45)
TwoMinuteWarning- Miami (W 30-24)
Grange95- Tampa Bay (L 32-37)
Music City Momma- Dallas (W 31-17)
Coach- Arizona (L 18-33)
Ace- Carolina (L 10-22)
MOJO-  Miami (W 30-24)
Vegas Vic- Kansas City (W 24-3)
Captain Crunch- Miami (W 30-24)
Rob- Dallas (W 31-17)
4thAndLong- Miami (W 30-24)
OneAndDone- Kansas City (W 24-3)
angerisagift- No Pick
mrben09- Carolina (L 10-22)
cokeboy99- Dallas (W 31-17)

Here are the current standings;

Music City Momma 29+29+24= 82 pts.
Captain Crunch- 19+43+16= 78 pts.
Rob- 16+29+24= 69 pts.
OneAndDone- 19+17+31= 67 pts.
Vegas Vic- (-2)+29+31= 58 pts.
MOJO- 12+29+16= 57 pts.
TwoMinuteWarning- 12+17+16= 45 pts.
4thAndLong- (-2 )+29+16= 43 pts.
mrben09- 12+29-(12)= 29 pts.
cokeboy99- 0+0+24= 24 pts.
angerisagift- (-1 )+0+0= (-1) pts.
Coach- (-2)+15-(15)= (-2) pts.
lightning36- 12-(6)-(13)= (-7) pts.
Grange95- (-2)-(6)=(5)=(-13) pts.
Ace (-2)-(6)-(12)= (-20) pts.


Thanks for playing.

Week 4 picks are due by Saturday at 6pm (CDT). Only Sunday and Monday games are eligible.

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

MLB Picks, September 27th


We finally have a game worth betting.

$20 on LA Angels (-1.5 @ +150) over Oakland
Nolasco (2-1, 1.89 ERA, last 3 starts) takes the ball for the Halos. He tossed 7 innings of shutout ball against the Astros in his last appearance. The A's send Mengden (1-4, 6.00, last 6) to the bump. His last start was also against Houston, where he surrendered 4 runs in 5+ innings. Los Angeles has won 5 of 6. Oakland has dropped 6 of 7.

Starting Bankroll                                       $1,500.00 
Profit/Loss                                                   $336.50
Current Bankroll                                        $1,836.50

Action is considered dead unless both listed pitchers start.

All picks are for entertainment purposes only with no guarantees implied. Any money wagered is at you own risk.

Good luck!

Sunday, September 25, 2016

NFL Picks Contest- Week 3 Picks

                       

Here are the picks for week 3 of NFL action.

Good luck everyone!

lightning36- New Orleans
TwoMinuteWarning- Miami
Grange95- Tampa Bay
Music City Momma- Dallas
Coach- Arizona
MOJO- Miami
Vegas Vic- Kansas City
Captain Crunch- Miami
Ace- Carolina
4th And Long- Miami
Rob- Dallas
OneAndDone- Kansas City
mrben09- Carolina
angerisagift- no pick
cokeboy99- Dallas

Friday, September 23, 2016

NFL Picks Contest- Picks Due Tomorrow


Just a friendly reminder that your pick for the NFL Picks Contest is due by 6 pm CDT Saturday. I have most of them, but if you haven't sent yours yet, it's time to get with it!

Please e-mail me at nfl.picks@ymail com or leave a comment here with your pick.

Only Sunday and Monday games are eligible.

Good luck!

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

NFL Picks Contest- Week 2 Results


Here are the Week 2 results and standings in the NFL Picks Contest.

A familiar name takes the lead.

lightning36- Seattle (L 3-9)
TwoMinuteWarning- Houston (W 19-12)
Grange95- Seattle (L 3-9)
Music City Momma- Carolina (W 46-27)
Coach- Baltimore (W 25-20)
Ace- Seattle (L 3-9)
MOJO-  Carolina (W 46-27)
Vegas Vic- Carolina (W 46-27)
Captain Crunch- Arizona (W 40-7)
Rob- Carolina (W 46-27)
4thAndLong- Carolina (W 46-27)
OneAndDone- Houston (W 19-12)
angerisagift- No Pick
mrben09- Carolina (W 46-27)


Here are the current standings;

Captain Crunch- 19+43= 62 pts.
Music City Momma 29+29= 58 pts.
Rob- 16+29= 45 pts.
mrben09- 12+29= 41 pts.
MOJO- 12+29= 41 pts.
OneAndDone- 19+17= 36 pts.
TwoMinuteWarning- 12+17= 29 pts.
4thAndLong- (-2 )+29= 27 pts.
Vegas Vic- (-2)+29= 27 pts.
Coach- (-2)+15= 13 pts.
lightning36- 12-(6)= 6 pts.
angerisagift- (-1 )+0= (-1)pts.
Grange95- (-2)-(6)=(-8) pts.
Ace (-2)-(6)= (-8) pts.

Thanks for playing.

Week 3 picks are due by Saturday at 6pm (CDT). Only Sunday and Monday games are eligible.

Monday, September 19, 2016

Cancer Returns- Update


As you recall, Mom was moved into a hospice facility last Tuesday.

The staff took great care of her (and us), keeping her sedated and comfortable Tuesday night and into Wednesday morning. The room in which she was placed was actually a mini-suite with a separate room that housed a couch and recliner. A large flat screen TV mounted of the wall was a plus. There was also a kitchen area down the hall where we could eat meals and choose from a variety of free snacks.

Tuesday evening was a continuous stream of friends and family coming to say their goodbyes as word got out how sick Mom had become. My two sisters, my daughter and I decided to stay with her through the night. Since we had done the same the previous two nights, our plan was to take naps on the couch and chair while the other two kept watch. By doing this I was able to get my first shuteye in almost 72 hours. Although it was only 2 1/2 hours, it was enough to keep me going.

I also had to put in some time at work. Having a small, family-owned business is great, but it's difficult to juggle responsibilities when there is a family crisis. Even though my two brother-in-laws don't know much about our business, they agreed to hold down the fort while I stayed with Mom. I have an awesome family.

My mother's vital signs remained stable through the day on Wednesday, but started to falter in the evening. My sisters each took a hand and sang some of her favorite hymns as we watched her start to fade away. I called our minister just before 11pm and told him the end was near.

Around a dozen family members gathered around her bed around 11:15, standing in silence as the minister prayed. He finished his prayer and the nurse came in at 11:20 and pronounced her dead.

However, she didn't realize what a fighter my mother is. Upon checking a second time, she picked up an ever slight heartbeat and explained that respiration and heartbeat doesn't always stop at the same time. It was another 25 minutes before her heart quivered for the last time.

We had prayed for a peaceful transition from this world to the next for her and our prayers were answered. There was no sign of struggling or pain during her stay under hospice care.

The visitation was Saturday evening at a local funeral home, with her service on Sunday afternoon at her church of 12 years. She had a large turnout for both which I found comforting. We said our final goodbyes at a brief graveside service.

I'm mostly numb at the moment. Lack of sleep and the enormity of losing someone so important in your life is overwhelming. Plus the change in your daily activities is disconcerting. No more Wednesday dinner and Sunday lunch with her. No more taking her to hair appointments and activities at church.

I know over time the sorrow will ease. I'm happy she is no long struggling, but there is a big hole in my heart as I write this.

I shall miss her the rest of my days.

Sunday, September 18, 2016

NFL Picks Contest- Week 2 Picks

                                       

Here are the picks for week 2 of NFL action. Looks like the Panthers and Seahawks are at the top of the list.

Good luck everyone!

lightning36- Seattle
TwoMinuteWarning- Houston
Grange95- Seattle
Music City Momma- Houston
Coach- Baltimore
MOJO- Carolina
Vegas Vic- Carolina
Captain Crunch- Arizona
Ace- Seattle
4th And Long- Carolina
Rob- Kansas City
OneAndDone- Houston
mrben09- Carolina
angerisagift- no pick

Friday, September 16, 2016

NFL Picks Contest- Picks Due


Just a friendly reminder that your pick for the NFL Picks Contest is due by 6 pm CDT Saturday. I have most of them, but if you haven't sent yours yet, it's time to get with it!

Please e-mail me at nfl.picks@ymail com or leave a comment here with your pick.

Good luck!

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

NFL Picks Contest- Week 1 Results


Here are the Week 1 results and standings in the NFL Picks Contest.

Music City Momma is showing the boyz how it's done.

lightning36- Seattle (W 12-10)
TwoMinuteWarning- Seattle (W 12-10)
Grange95- Arizona (L 21-23)
Music City Momma- Philadelphia (W 29-10)
Coach- Arizona (L 21-23)
Ace- Arizona (L 21-23)
MOJO-  Seattle (W 12-10)
Vegas Vic- Arizona (L 21-23)
Captain Crunch- Houston (W 23-14)
Rob- Kansas City (W 33-27)
4thAndLong- Arizona (L 21-23)
OneAndDone- Houston (W 23-14)
angerisagift- NY Jets (L 22-23)
mrben09- Seattle (W 12-10)


Here are the current standings;

Music City Momma 29 pts.
Captain Crunch- 19 pts.
OneAndDone- 19 pts.
Rob- 16 pts.
lightning36- 12 pts.
mrben09- 12 pts.
MOJO- 12 pts.
TwoMinuteWarning- 12 pts.
angerisagift- (-1 pts.)
4thAndLong- (-2 pts.)
Grange95- (-2 pts.)
Coach- (-2 pts.)
Ace (-2 pts.)
Vegas Vic- (-2 pts.)

Thanks for playing.

Week 2 picks are due by Saturday at 6pm (CDT). Only Sunday and Monday games are eligible.

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Cancer Returns- Update

Mom, my two sisters, Ms. Duck, my uncle and myself.
Today, as a family, we chose to stop fighting a losing battle and start focusing on Mom's comfort level as her life on earth comes to an end.

Her blood gas levels got out of whack (not sure that's an official medical term) and the docs tried a couple things to bring her ph and co2 to normal levels. Neither was successful and the realization that she would not be able to survive this disease began to sink in.

So we had "the talk." The doctor led the discussion, explaining to my mother that they had done everything they could and he didn't think she would be able to beat back her illness this time.

She nodded her head and softly said, "I know."

"Our next option is to put you on a ventilator," the doctor said. "If we do that, I believe you will be on it the rest of your life. Do you want us to use a ventilator on you?"

"No" she said, shaking her head.

"Should your heart stop, do you want us to perform CPR, knowing that it will probably break all your ribs and your sternum?"

"No."

And that was it.

"I love all of you," she said to my two sisters and I.

"And we love you Mom."

Two registered nurses entered the room, one removing her pic line and the other administering drugs to ease her anxiety. In just a few minutes the pained expression on her face relaxed as she took a long nap.

Later this afternoon the hospice service had her transferred to their impressive facility.

The move roused her long enough for my sisters and I to say our goodbyes.

"I love you Mom," I said. "I am so fortunate to have had you as my mother all these years." She looked at my, nodded her head, and smiled.

I've had almost 59 years to think of something profound to say in this situation. Although my sentiments were simple and basic, I can't think of any words that describe my feelings for this wonderful woman who taught me so many things thru the years.

And this evening we wait for death. She is sleeping, in no pain, and has a peaceful, relaxed look on her face. Very different from what we've seen the last 11 days.

Please keep us all in your thoughts and prayers as we enter the valley this evening.


Sunday, September 11, 2016

NFL Picks Contest- Week 1 Picks

                                             

Here are the picks for the opening week of NFL action. I apologize for getting these posted late (I usually post them Saturday night), but family medical issues made it difficult to post any sooner. Hopefully, next week will be better.

Good luck everyone!

lightning36- Seattle
TwoMinuteWarning- Seattle
Grange95- Arizona
Music City Momma- Philadelphia
Coach- Arizona
MOJO- Seattle
Vegas Vic- Arizona
Captain Crunch- Houston
Ace- Arizona
4th And Long- Arizona
Rob- Kansas City
OneAndDone- Houston
mrben09- Seattle


Friday, September 9, 2016

NFL Picks Contest- Picks Due Tomorrow


Just a friendly reminder that your pick for the NFL Picks Contest is due by 6 pm CDT Saturday. I have most of them, but if you haven't sent yours yet, it's time to get with it!

Please e-mail me at nfl.picks@ymail com or leave a comment here with your pick.

If you haven't signed up, it's not too late. Just let me know by sending in your pick and I'll add you.

Good luck!

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

NFL Picks Contest- Sign Up Today!


*Bumped*

We have quite a few signed up, but still have time if you want to join the fun!

It's BAAAAACKKKK!!!

Our fifth season begins in just a few days and NOW is the time to sign up for our contest. There's no cost and you could win a shirt with your favorite team's logo emblazoned across the front. What's the worst that could happen?

Here's your chance to take down the defending champ, Captain Crunch.Will he be able to repeat? Are you the one to assume the throne?

                                                          

Here's your chance.

You don't have to be a blogger, all readers of this missive are welcome to join in the fun!

Once again, the winner will receive either a tee shirt or sweatshirt with the logo of your favorite NFL team emblazoned on it. Cool!

Here are the rules;

1) You pick the winner of one NFL game each week. Must be a Sunday or Monday game (no Thursday or Saturday games).

2) If your pick wins, you receive 10 points.

3) You will receive additional points based on margin of victory. One point for each point your team wins by. For example, if you pick the Steelers to win this week and they are victors by a score of 29-17, you would receive 22 points for the week, 10 for the win and 12 for the margin of victory (29 minus 17 = 12).

4) If your pick loses, you receive 0 points for picking the winner and points will be deducted based on margin of loss. For example, if you picked the Raiders and they lost by a score of 30-14, you would have 16 points deducted from your point total (30 minus 14 = 16).

5) The person with the most points at the conclusion of the Super Bowl will be declared the winner and will receive a free shirt. If there is a tie, whomever picked the most "winners" on the season will win the tie breaker. If there is still a tie, then all players who are tied for first will receive a shirt.

Sign up today by either commenting below or e-mailing me at nfl.picks@ymail.com. Deadline to sign up is September 10th and your pick will also need to be in by 6pm (CDT) that same day.


Thursday and Saturday games are not eligible for this contest (too hard for me to keep up with), but that still leaves the majority of each week's schedule (Sunday and Monday) from which to choose.

Sign up today and let's have some fun!

Cancer Returns- Update


Things have not gone well with my mother during her hospital stay.

As you recall, she was admitted on Saturday for fluid build up around her right lung. The doctors administered the same "clot-busting" drug used for stroke patients directly into the catheter that we had been using to drain fluid over the past four months.

One of the side effects of the drug is that it can cause some internal bleeding. Unfortunately, that is exactly what happened.

Yesterday the doctor inserted a pic line to enable them to administer the antibiotics more efficiently. He also removed the catheter, which he thought was the source of infection and replaced with a large chest tube. The tube is connected to a small pump which keeps a continuous suction and helps remove fluid from the chest cavity. The doctor told us that they removed "a lot" of blood and fluid from the chest cavity.

There is a staph infection in the chest cavity that has spread into the blood stream. The current hope is that the medicine will kill the staph and then we will see what the next step is. If the meds don't work, surgery is the next (and last) step. I don't think any of us feel she would survive a major surgery.

When asked if infection from the catheter is a common problem, the doctor replied that it does happen, but only with patients that had it inserted for a long period of time. When told hers had been in for four months, he stated that most patients that have the catheter don't live that long.

That was an eye opener for us.

He also said her "best case" scenario for survival is two months, and he doesn't know what her quality of life will be.

That's where we are at present.

Cancer sucks.


Monday, September 5, 2016

Cancer Returns- Update


It's been a while since I have updated my mother's condition.

As you may remember, she received what is known as a "Denver Catheter" several months ago. This was to enable us to drain fluid from the lining of her lung. This worked well and kept her from having to go to the doctor and have it removed every few days. Over this time period however, the fluid would thicken, making it difficult to remove thru the small plastic tube inserted in the area between her lung and the lining that surrounds it.

She began running a fever early last week and the fear is that the catheter has caused an infection. We checked her into a local hospital Saturday. The lung doc decided to introduce a "clot buster" drug that is used for stroke patients. The drug was administered thru her catheter tube with the goal of thinning the fluid enough to remove it and test for infection.

The extra fluid made it very difficult for Mom to breath, but the protocol was for it to remain for at least four hours in order for it to do its work. She moaned and groaned for hours as her heart rate skyrocketed to 160-170. It was a difficult afternoon for all of us.

After 4 1/2 hours the doctor returned and was able to get 350ml of fluid, which was a good sign. The fluid has a lot of blood in it, but he said it was because of the drug. Once the fluid was remover, her breathing improved and she was much more comfortable.

He did the same procedure yesterday, but her discomfort level was much less the second time. Once again there was 350ml drained.

Her heart rate is currently in the normal range, but her heart is still working hard, beating around 95 times per minute and they are having a difficult time getting her heart in sinus rhythm.

Her condition is uncertain on this Labor Day. She hasn't eaten hardly anything the last couple days, but is still taking liquids. She's very weak and hasn't been able to walk since we took her to the hospital.

Any prayers, good thoughts, or positive karma pointed towards central Texas will be appreciated.

Cancer sucks.

MLB Picks, September 5th


Happy Labor Day!

We have one early game today that is worth wagering a few dollars.

$20 on ChiCubs (-1.5 @ -110) over Milwaukee
Hendricks (4-0, 1.29 ERA, last 6 starts) gets the nod for the Cubs. In his last start he shut out the Pirates for 7 innings. Davies (1-2, 6.04, last 5) goes to the bump for the Brew Crew. Chicago has won 5 of 6 and Milwaukee has won 4 straight.

Starting Bankroll                                       $1,500.00 
Profit/Loss                                                   $313.25
Current Bankroll                                        $1,813.25

Action is considered dead unless both listed pitchers start.

All picks are for entertainment purposes only with no guarantees implied. Any money wagered is at you own risk.

Good luck!

Friday, September 2, 2016

MLB Picks, September 2nd


We have one game in the Windy City that is worth a gander.

$20 on ChiCubs (-1.5 @ -110) over San Francisco
Lester (4-0, 1.43 ERA, last 6 starts) throws the pill for the Cubbies. The Dodgers were unable to score on him in 6 innings of work his last start. Suarez (0-1, 8.68, last 3) toes the slab for the Giants. He surrendered 3 runs in 4+ innings against the Braves in his last outing. Chicago has won 20 of their last 23 home games. The Golden Gate boys have lost 7 of 11.

Starting Bankroll                                       $1,500.00 
Profit/Loss                                                   $333.25
Current Bankroll                                        $1,833.25

Action is considered dead unless both listed pitchers start.

All picks are for entertainment purposes only with no guarantees implied. Any money wagered is at you own risk.

Good luck!