Heroes

The other day while listening to my professor speak of one of his heroes, Kurt Vonnegut, it got me thinking about my heroes and what the word hero actually means. We all know about Superman and Spider-Man, but those are super heroes. Not the everyday heroes that can go overlooked. For many of us heroes come in the form of parents, grandparents, teachers, and it goes on. Normally, they are people who have been close to your life in some way, shape, or form. I believe that heroes must alter or affect our life in some way to be rightfully deemed a hero.

I think now, after 9/11, most people would undoubtedly say that firemen and service men like them, are heroes. A fair statement. I also believe that a hero is one who does not acknowledge or accept the fact that they are a hero. You would be hard pressed to find a fire fighter after 9/11 who agreed with the fact that they were a hero. They would most likely tell you that they were "just doing their job." There is also that sense that these individuals are not trying to be a hero. Listening to interviews, I have decided that people just want to help other people. They don't say, "I went into that burning building just so I could be called a hero and get a medal." I hope that I would be a person who would go in that burning building to help someone else just because they needed help.

So I ask you all to think about who your heroes are, why they are your heroes, and if you feel like you are living your life in a way that is heroic. I think if we all strive to be everyday heroes, people would be better off. The main thing is don't try too hard, listen to your instincts, understand what your conscience is telling you, and try to stay off the wrong side of the road. Finally, if you are ever in that unique situation in which you are the hero, take it like a hero, humbly, graciously, and respectfully.

This is the year!

It's September and that means only one thing, FOOTBALL!!! Tonight the Saints and Vikings open the NFL regular season. Old Man Brett is on his goodbye tour this year and Cajun Man Drew is on his repeat tour. Next year, a lockout is appearing more and more possible so we should all really try and enjoy this season lots and lots. As is the same with every fan of any sport and any team, the common mantra when starting a new season, this season is always the year when it's your team's turn to win it all. So while I'm saying there's always next year for the Cubs at this time, this is definitely the year for da Bears! But not really. For maybe the first time I am trying to realistic about this team's chances. While I think they'll do better than the 7-9 projection of Sports Illustrated, I think a playoff berth would be just fine, nothing more. I say this now, but we all know if they do indeed make the playoffs it's Super Bowl or Bust!

The defense added Dr. Peppers in the off-season and as long as the linebacking core can stay healthy, I like the defense to be improved from last season. The offense is the biggest question mark in possibly the entire NFL. Cutler has talent, lots of talent, but he just has no sense when it comes to making some throws. Pass it to the man in blue, man! The addition of Mike Martz will for sure make the team more pass happy, but if the QB can't get the ball to the receivers then that won't matter. SOOO we shall see. They open with the Lions and I am hoping that they win, a loss to Lions at the beginning of the year will just ruin all hope for a successful season.

I have this theory that making predictions will A: make me look dumb when the season ends, and B: only cause bad things to the teams I would have picked to be successful. So I will just throw a few things in without saying anything concrete. As always the Colts are going to be one of the premiere teams, they will be until Manning retires, I think the Jets are going to return a strong team as well. I like the Ravens to be a force on both sides of the ball with the addition of some big names at Wide Receiver and Joe Flacco's cannon. As for the NFC North, it is tough this year. The Vikes, Pack, and the Bears can all be quality teams and the Lions are even improved. Some have the Packers in the Super Bowl and crowning Rodgers as MVP, but let's not get ahead of ourselves. Until Rodgers can do something in the playoffs, people in Green Bay will always know who the real MVP is. (Good call on that one by the way.)

I would just like to add a little bit on the College football season beginning as well. I love me some college football. After many years of undefeated season after undefeated season, Boise State is finally appearing to have gotten some respect in the polls. Pre-season they were ranked 3rd and after beating 10th ranked VA Tech, they are close to overtaking OSU at the number 2 spot. Go Broncos! If they do not get a title bid with an undefeated season this year I will lose all faith in college football. Also, TCU beat a ranked opponent and are now ranked 4th. How about a rematch of the Fiesta Bowl last year except this time it's for the National Championship? I can dream. I urge you all to find a big comfy couch, some snacks, a t.v. with little glare, some friends, and enjoy the season!