FINALLY; The Chicago Bears Listen To Me!

“I cannot understand you,
To me you live in a world of chaos.

Life is a play you star on ,
To you it's all a game.”
--Sonata Arctica, from “Silver Tongued” from the LP Winterheart’s Guild, 2004.


Having followed the NFL Draft for years (Kiss My Hairy Tush, Mel Kiper)—I am always critical of whom the Bears draft.

Last year, I (and I will now add stupidly) thought the Bears went the cheap route, but considering Hester is a phenomenon and the jury is out on Manning and Anderson is incredible: I will concede that I was absolutely wrong.

Noting that, I wanted a tight end last year. This year (due to the luxury of security) The Chicago Bears drafted a tight-end in the first round. Last time that happened—Mike Ditka in 1961—two years before my illustrious birth. The tight-end was Greg Olsen from Florida who claims to love football. He is also ranked on almost every board as the #1 Tight-end.

I thought the Bears would draft an Offensive Lineman, but my mistake. This is better than I thought.

The Bears immediately followed through with Dan Bazuin a defensive lineman. Most folks might question this one, but I think it is a great move. Considering the injuries last year, the Bears were left with Boone and Scot starting in the Super Bowl. Uhg! They saw the need, as do I. Boone has moved on and Scot may stick around. Bazuin is from the awesome Central Michigan football tradition—that was a joke. Considering it is such a small school, the Bears scouting staff saw something that others were willing to pass on by. Since I went to ISU, I understand. Jury is out, but I am a believer that this kid would walk through Hell for the Bears.

The third round landed the Bears Garrett Wolfe from NIU (local player) as a running back. I will take it, as I am not convinced that the Bears did not trade their best offensive player in Thomas Jones. Time will tell.

For the Lance Briggs fan (of which I will convert if he PLAYS) Michel Okwo was drafted in the third round. Okwo is from Stanford, where he had a stellar career. There is a “screw you” tendency from the Bears faithful on this move—but here is a clue Lance—no one asked about you on draft day. Ouch—that has to hurt. Not only that, but you claim the Bears do not recognize your talent, yet your agent sees you as a money maker, so congrats—you are a whore to his pimp ass. Sorry, had to get it out.

Fourth round pick, Josh Beekman is a steal. A fine quality center/Offensive lineman—I predict he will replace an aging Fred Miller or Alex Brown at this point.

From the Sweetwood-land of prognosticating: I am convinced so far, so good for the best team in the NFC. I expect a repeat.

My Sweetwood prediction is The Chicago Bears in the Super Bowl in 2008 or 2009.

DC vs. Marvel--I Am Such a Geek!

“We can be heroes, just for one day…”
--David Bowie, Heroes, 1979.

Growing up in the wild and wooly 1960s and 1970s led me to read comics—particularly because the Batman show was popular when I was very young, the Superman movie when I was a slight bit older, and the Incredible Hulk TV show when I was older still. Along in the mix, cartoon shows like Batman, Spider-Man, The Fantastic Four, The Marvel Superheroes, Superman, a more modern version of Batman, a more Modern version of the Fantastic Four, Superfriends, and soon you get the idea.

I was always A DC guy—probably because of Batman. My brother Mark was always a Marvel guy—probably because of the Fantastic Four and Spider-Man cartoons of the 1960s. Mark is so devoted to Spider-Man (I think it was issue 90—the Death of Captain Stacey that he bought that snagged him or maybe it was Spectacular Spider-Man Magazine #2 from 1968 where Spider-Man fights the Green Goblin that held his interest—although I admit that issue is just about the best comic I ever read), so much so, he made a webpage for the new film: http://spidermanishere.blogspot.com.

So I have decided to settle the score as to which heroes are the best—since they copy each other. Both companies tried this in the mid 1990s, and nothing really was settled.

Whereas DC has Batman—the smartest guy in the word, Marvel has Spiderman—the most heroic. Whereas DC has Superman—the strongest guy in the world, Marvel has an incredible madman in Hulk. DC has Green Arrow, Marvel Hawkeye. Marvel has Sub-Mariner—DC has Aquaman. Marvel has Thor, DC has Captain Marvel. DC has Green Lantern, Marvel has Iron-Man. DC has the Legion—Marvel has the Fantasic Four. The list is endless.

If I look at the top hitters: DC wins—hands down any fight.

Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Flash, and Green Lantern vs. Hulk, Spider-Man, Captain America, Quicksilver, and Iron-Man is pretty interesting. I like the spunk of Marvel, but DC speedsters are better. Marvel has better “magic” characters as Dr. Strange clobbers Dr. Fate or anyone else in DC. Sub-Mariner vs. Aquaman is not a fight—Aquaman easily dies. X-Men vs. Legion—X-Men kill ‘em. No FF equivalent, so they take out any DC “mini-team.”

The current Avengers would cave before the JLA.

Superman is unstoppable and Thor is dead—well…as is Cap.

I like the characterization in Marvel, but DC has the stronger cast.

I like the current writing in Marvel, but DC is just going through a downward trend for the moment—still the 52 Series has been great. Among my favorite cast of characters is The Inhumans from Marvel, but they hardly garner any press.

Green Arrow vs. Hawkeye??? Come on, be real.

Superman, Wonder Woman, and Captain Marvel wipeout anyone in Marvel’s Universe.

I read them both, but you can decide for yourself.

Say what you will about DC, they at least did not have the Spider-Man Clone Saga, Captain America as a Werewolf, the convoluted X-Men books, House of M, Secret Wars, or Galactic Bore (uh…sorry..I meant War).

A Truly Dangerous Precedent

“I make my living off the evening news

Just give me something-something I can use

People love it when you lose,

They love dirty laundry…”
--Don Henley, Dirty Laundry, 1982.

Let me start by saying that I do NOT like Don Imus. Let me add, I am sure this may surprise some folks who read this blog--but hear me out.

Having noted all the comments I expect, I feel as though Don Imus was shafted this week.

Obviously any intelligent person would know that referring to women, particularly African American women, as “natty-haired ho’s” is just stupid; let alone racist and nasty with a side-dose of meanness.

Ok, I have dispensed with the common sense. Don Imus deserves whatever MSNBC and CBS Radio decide to do to him. Note, though, this is what MSNBC and CBS Radio decides—not what outsiders say.

What happened to Don Imus this week is a dangerous and slippery slope.

I believe in the first amendment. I believe that a free press is among our greatest assets.

I never listen to Imus, and I really have no concern for or about him. I do not care (or much less know) who advertises with him. Their brand name on his show does not impact me in the slightest: however, I will fight to the death for him to say his ignorant and biased comments. It is the cost of all of our freedoms.

So he says something freaking dumb and he is booted off of MSNBC and suspended by CBS Radio. OK, fine—case closed. Then various African American leaders start throwing their credentials and muck-raking entities about and Imus is fired.

Wait a moment, here. Does anyone fire Jesse Jackson when he refers to New York as “Hyme-Town?” Well, he really could not be fired, because he wasn’t elected, but you get the point.

How about the mayor of New Orleans when he refers to his city as a “chocolate town?" Where is the demand for him to step down?

The rappers that are represented on CBS Records; where is the outcry when they use the N-Word or say more degrading comments about women?

Believe me, I do not like Imus and I abhor rap music. That said, I believe rappers have the right to voice their opinions in their “art.” I really do not understand rap; but again, many good folks who read this do not understand my love of Punk and Metal. Freedom of speech and expression—let the rappers rap about whatever they wish.

And if you agree, then you must agree that Imus should be allowed to be judged by his employer.

I liken this to the place I teach: suppose I make a stupid comment to a kid. The parents call the school, the principal gives me a reprimand or punishment, and then the parents do not feel it is enough—should they have the power to fire me? I do not think so; nor do I think any outsiders should have such a command of the daily operations of an organization.

The Reverend Al Sharpton (who I actually like quite a bit) and the Reverend Jessie Jackson, as well as some African-American employees of CBS Radio, began their list of demands to CBS and after CBS made an initial ruling, the executives changed their mind and fired Imus.

Again, if CBS Radio decided to fire the man, fine; but to bend to social pressure of a group who is “fed up,” well; seriously that is not appropriate.

I do not wish Don Imus success or failure. However, the freedoms we all enjoy have taken a hit this week.

For that, I feel a bit frightened.

Whew, What A Relief

“Heart, why are you pounding like a hammer?
Heart, why are you beating like a drum?”

--Nick Lowe “Heart” from the Rockpile LP Seconds of Pleasure.



Great news from the doctor—as this was my six month progress visit.

Heart valve is performing perfectly.

Blood pressure is great (118 over 72).

Liver test was perfect.

Cholesterol was very good, but he wants to see it down—he recommends a change in diet as I have gained weight.

My pulse was very good considering I was nervous—76.

My prognosis was excellent and I do not have to see him again for A YEAR! Now, I have never been told that before—a year! So all is well with the heart: Thank You, Dr. McCrisken!

It is in this time of reflection that I must really give thanks to a special friend that I met—sometime around a year ago. This friend looks up to me, hugs me, gives me massages, and even kisses me. This friend is Guinness the Maine Coon Cat (you thought some tawdry affair—didn’t you?).

Ah…special friend cat Guinness has decided to sit on my arm as of late whenever I type on the small computer in the kitchen. I am sure his Maine Coon hair is clogging my machine.

He certainly has become “my cat” in that where ever I may roam, he is there.

Not that I mind too much.

No competition exists between the cats. TV watching, Chumley sits on my feet on the footrest associated with the High back Chair. Guinness will come up once an hour to his kneading, hugging bit and sits on my chest when doing so. Then he is content to jump back to the coach as pictured above. Foggy I purposefully see, as she hides out on the bed upstairs. She sleeps against my body, Chumley at my feet, Guinness just on the bed watching over us all.

When on the computer in the kitchen, that is Guinness time (the cat not the beer, although it could be both).

The aftermath of surgery has been made easier with Guinness. He is a great cat, albeit a more than a slight bit needy, but a great cat nonetheless.

So I say: “Here’s to another year and many more moments with Guinness (the cat, not the beer, although it could be both).”

Yet Another Anniversary

“I’m gonna start living again if it kills me,
If it’s the very last thing I do…”

By Dave Edmunds from Twangin', 1981.

Ok, not to jinx myself (like I did last time) BUT...this weekend is an anniversary of sorts for me.

One year ago yesterday I had OPEN HEART SURGERY and survived it.

My, oh my; how the time has flown by. Since then, I have gained some weight back, lost a cat to renal failure, found myself separated, gained two new cats, re-discovered Heavy Metal Music, finished my PUB/DINING Room, and decided to take a journey to find myself.

Talk about the Re-Discovery of one’s self.

Yet, I am happy.

So here’s to all of you. I toast you now with a pint of Hacker-Pschorr Weiss.

To My Mom and Dad who were very supportive on the surgery and when Pam and I separated. Here’s to you both—good health and longevity to you both. Dad and Mom care about their kids and about each other. They understand family.

To My Brother Mark and his new found career in Florida. When you publish the book, if you fail to mention me, I will cry like a werewolf of London. Also to his lovely wife Mary, thanks as she deserves a great deal of praise for being the most tolerant in the family.

To my Sister Karen, bless her for watching over me—especially when I was sick. She and I agree with each other more and more and she still cares enough to check up on me. Her husband Bud has been a saint to her and his family. Also I give thanks to my niece Angela and Fred and their newly born son Hunter—who rested so peacefully in my arms. Also to my nephew Matthew and his new found calling as a chef.

To Pam, we still care for one another, even if it is not in the same way we once did. Thanks for helping me to heal and showing me the courage to move forward.

To my Uncle Dan and my Aunt Dar—thanks for the beer, the laughs, the guidance and the fun.

To my college roommate and close friend, Keith thanks for the fun, the laughs, and the football.

To My good friend Milt and his wife Barb--thanks for the support.

To my mentor and Department Chair, Gene, thanks for the guidance and for the emotional support—I know I have had to be a “bear” the last few months. I try not to let you or the district down.

To Jeff, I want to say thanks for the Super Bowl memories and for being such a good friend.

To my student teachers Carrie, Shelia, Phil, Shane, Carrie, Amy, Alison, Erin, and Jessie—thank you for carrying on my “legacy” of sorts. You are the true testaments of my career and I am proud of each of you.

To my students—you give me a purpose and a calling—thank you all.

For my friends, bless you all. You are too numerous to mention, but I know Joe, Pete, Lou Ann, Tim, Jon, Dan, and a few others check in now and again.

For my Co-Workers, thanks for the support and thanks for the caution. I can be a prick, yet that is what is so endearing as well, no? Well, maybe not, so I will try to be nicer.

To the good doctors and nurses (especially Doctor Jim McCrisken and Doctor Ruel Wright and the nurses Heidi, Joannie, and Cheryl), I owe you my life—thanks for all you did and continue to do.

And lastly to Foggy the Three-Legged Wonder Cat, to Guinness the Maine Coon Love Cat, and to Chumley the Tuxedo Fat Cat—thanks for being a part of my life and for allowing me to accept you as part of the family.

Sniff, Sniff—I feel like an academy awards speaker. Needless to say, I hope I never leave anyone out. You all mean a great deal to me.

Now back to living and the beauty of life itself…

Show ME The Money

“Money, it’s a hit;
Don’t give me that do goody-good bullsh!t.”

--Roger Watters of Pink Floyd from “Money,” from the LP Dark Side Of The Moon, 1973.

This is for all of the Bear fans and Lance Briggs. I want you to know that I personally relate to Lance Briggs, because like Lance, I am in a contract settlement this year as well.

So I am being honest (as honest as Eric Sweetwood can be) when I note Lance hold out for all of the money—our situations are so similar.

Here I am, fighting like a madman for a 3% raise of my $69,850 salary. I teach 10 months a year (We are done first week of June and go back in MID-August), and like you, I have pressure.

There you are, fighting like a madman when the Chicago Bears only promised to give you $7,200,000.00 when the year before you made $720,000.00 and that was after they offered you over $5,000,000.00 per year for five years last season. You play seven months a year (Beginning in June and usually ending in December or January), and you have enormous pressure because Hunter Hillenmeyer is a bit small, and everyone keys in on Urlacher.

So I understand—we are practically the same.

Except, Lance Briggs, here is a slight difference. You see, I have been offered to teach at other schools; as I remember about ten or twelve years ago, my district accepted my wish to teach full time in Social Sciences—the Superintendent offered, my principal agreed, my assistant principal agreed, and I moved into the department I enjoy today—while at the same moment, I had an offer from a school district closer to home to start fresh and teach three classes: Psychology, Sociology, and AP Psychology—all college-bound kids. The money was comparable and eventually I might have made more if I moved—but I stayed: and I will tell you why: loyalty and teamwork.

I felt my district was rewarding me for years of service. They could have hired a coach or someone that offered to fill other roles, but they did not—they offered the position to me. This is how a TEAM works. Since then, I have never regretted the decision.

I, also, Lance never turned my back on my team and felt I was above the rest—I worked with the folks I teach with because I believe in what we are all trying to do. I respect the fellow teachers on my team in that the Vocational people are offering life skills, the Music and Art people are offering culture, the Math people are offering precision, the English folks are offering proper techniques, the PE folks are offering practices for good health, the Science folks are offering discovery, the Foreign Language folks are offering global skills, the Special Education teachers are offering hope and support, and we Social Science folks are offering civic duty and social awareness. The administration, (my coaches if you will) support us, correct us, instill a sense of teamwork to us, and take the heat when the heat comes to the place.

As a History teacher, Lance, let me remind you of some historical Bear figures, since I want to give you a “lesson” in social awareness. Three names from the Chicago Bear past are folks in a similar situation as you are: Warrick Holdman, Rosie Colvin, and Wilbur Marshall. All three were Pro-Bowl players with the Bears; all three followed a trail of money; and all three were really never heard from again.

You have examples on your team—Brian Urlacher offered to take a cut to keep you—and he is arguably the best defensive player in the league. You see, Mr. Briggs, he “gets” it—he is a team player.

When you turned down the money last year, Lance, your TEAMMATES benefited from it—Kruetz, the fore-mentioned Hillenmeyer, Manning, and others. One could safely argue that Olin Kruetz is also the best in the league as a center—and he thought of his team as well as accepting the reward.

Maybe Lance, you and I are not so much alike. In retrospect, maybe I am like Olin Kruetz—we are both fighters, obnoxious, do the best we can, offer a pursuit of excellence, fight for the team, and accept the rewards as they come. We also like where we are at.

So, Lance, go join Holdman, Colvin, and Marshall as they wander through obscurity and mediocrity and ignore the sense of teamwork and excellence exhibited by others that you work with on the Bears. Remember the choice is yours. Just do the rest of us a favor; go quietly because we do not want you to continue to rant, cut down, and knock our team.