Vertically Striped Radio - Episode 194 - 12-22-12 - A Christmas Story

We all have them: Christmas songs we HATE. On this episode, Craig breaks down the Top Seven Worst Christmas songs and the He-Man Movie Watchers Club discusses A Christmas Story.

Vertically Striped Radio - Episode 193 - 12-15-12 - Honoring Connecticut

So soon after the tragedy in Connecticut, I couldn't do a normal show. So this episode is a short tribute to those who lost so much in Newtown on Friday morning and a moment to reflect.

Love > Evil - My response to the Connecticut shooting

We are all asking “Why?” 

Forget that, we are all looking to the heavens and pleading “Why? GOD WHY!?!?” through our tears. 

The answer sucks. The answer is that there is no reason. In a time when we have been trained through our entertainment that everything must have a reason and must be wrapped up neatly, we are faced with the concept of slaughtered Kindergartners and even the most stoic among us are rattled. 

Evil doesn't bother with the reason. Evil lashes out with violence, rage, and fear. Evil doesn't care why. Evil is Evil. It’s power comes from its incomprehensibility. Today, I am profoundly sad. I have stopped looking for answers to each senseless tragedy, because you can’t make sense of the senseless, all you can do is be sad with others, hug those you love, and know that Evil will always be Evil, but that’s not the end of the story.

Today is a day to cry. Today is a day to not try and figure out. Today is a day to feel without limits, to not suppress, to bawl your eyes out in your cubicle if you need to. I needed to. I did. 

We have options after today. We can succumb to the evil. We can give up hope and resign ourselves to the fact that the world is irredeemable and these awful things are going to keep happening and there isn’t a thing we can do about it. Or, we can realize that the ways we fight evil isn’t by using tragedy to advance our particular political position, we can’t legislate away evil any more than we can know the next place it will strike. 

We fight evil with love. 

We must. It’s our greatest weapon. Really, it’s our only weapon. We seek out those who have been hurt and love them so that the hurt they feel doesn't get submerged inside of them and morph into more evil. We remember that we are a small part of this world, but our small part can still love other small parts. The effect is small until it’s everyone. Love grows, love heals, love destroys the evil inside others before it grows into a monster that kills. 

There is nothing that can change what happened today, but today isn't the end of the story. We must use our weapons to treat each other better, to look deeper and care more for others, even when it’s inconvenient, because even small doses of love can help. 

We must hurt, because God help us if we ever get to the point that we can take what happened today in stride. You shouldn't be able to, and the fact that you’re shaken up is a good thing. You should be shaken up. Tonight, we mourn the senseless. Tonight we band together to help those that hurt. Tonight we love, because it is the only way we can fight, and we have to fight. 

These are dark times we live in. However, I refuse to believe that all is darkness. 

Love is greater than evil, and it always will be.

Vertically Striped Radio - Episode 192 - 12-08-12 - North Korea discovers Unicorns.

Ed dropped by to say hello and to break word that he is planning on creating his own website. Allegedly, he will be debuting TheEdFromVegas.com soon, although he hasn't registered the site as of showtime. It sounds like a glorious feat of technology featuring real time downloads of LCS Network shows, actual photos, and the ability to order McDonalds for delivery.

After Ed left suddenly, Face and DOTfan dropped in to help with a new "Something to Think About" which allowed us to reminisce about lining up by height, wonder exactly how tight Peyton Manning keeps his helmet, and a pitch for the greatest Mountain Dew Code Red commercial of all time. (Which didn't recieve the love it was due.)

The show wrapped with a music recommendation of "Helplessness Blues" by Fleet Foxes.

Vertically Striped Radio - Episode 191 - 12-03-23

The Walking Dead just had their Mid-Season Finale, the Broncos just clinched the AFC West, and the Eagles are watching what appears to be the final days of the Reid Empire. Craig gets together with John Kline to talk about it. Then the show wraps up with a music recommendation that is actually an Australian Public Service Announcement..."Dumb Ways to Die" by Tangerine Kitty.

Someone is clever...

Stupid Sexy Flanders.

Vertically Striped Radio - Episode 190 - 12-01-12 - Feeling Superior and Toilet Paper Guilt

Despite a sad and taxing week, Vertically Striped Radio came out strong this week with people feeling guilty about stolen toilet paper, a man suing a Chinese woman because she used to be ugly, and a sudden outbreak of Lotto fever across America has Craig feeling uppity.

Face and Craig discuss the horrific Javon Belcher Murder-Suicide in Kansas City that morning, John Kline joins the show for obligatory Walking Dead discussion, and The Whale joins in as we discuss the Magnificent Seven things people do that make us feel superior. (Even though we're not.)

This week's fun show then wraps up with a recommendation from Dear and the Headlights of "I'm not Crying, You're Not Crying, Are You?"

Vertically Striped Radio - Episode 189 - 11-24-12 - Malicious Monkey Murder

With the football season nearing the home stretch, Face and Craig discussed the worst division in the NFL and we also allowed Face to purge his negative sports feelings about the Cowboys.

We then welcomed The Whale in and the three VSR regulars debated whether or not turkey is a Thanksgiving requirement and then did our Magnificent Seven - Top 7 things we are thankful for.

Face gave us a little insight about what a Ventura family gathering is like complete with Mariachi music, and then the show wrapped with a recommendation of Ends of the Earth by Lord Huron.

Vertically Striped Radio - Episode 188 - 11-17-12 - Useless Things

After a week away from Twitter and Facebook, Craig was ready to share after so much time being unable to do so. This week we caught up with the Ed who called in after a long absence from the VSR airwaves, we also allowed a brief visit from DOTfan once some ground rules were established to try and keep him under control, and Face and The Whale helped discuss our Magnificent Seven of Top 7 Useless Things. (DOTfan narrowly escaped the list.) The Music Recommendation was a cover of CCR's Fortunate Son by Todd Snider.

Vertically Striped Radio - Episode 187 - 11-10-12 - What is the Population of Egypt?

From a gray and drizzly day in Colorado, Craig and Face looked back at how the internet has changed the world and how it's not ALL a good thing. The boys also discuss a terrible driver, pregnancy tests being used to diagnose cancer, Face's super power of ignorance, and why Craig has renamed the Saints the New Orleans Bananas.

The Whale drops by at the end of the show to make a few comments about the internet and also share Craig's passion for giving up fantasy sports. Craig also annouced his plan this week to give up social media for a week as a social experiment. The show wraps up with a music recommendation from Miniature Tigers of "Tell it to the Volcano"

Vertically Striped Radio - Episode 186 - 11-03-12 - Nude Carjacking and a Bucket of Pee

It's Daylight Savings Saturday, and Craig had been reading up on this phenomenon that was more complicated than one would think it is. 

Indie Sarah, Face Ventura and Elevation all called in and we discussed Walking Dead, Dallas Cowboys football (Face's nerves are shot), Cleveland Browns fans dipping their heads in urine buckets, and the craziest news story in the history of VSR that involved nude carjacking, incompetent psychiatric evaluations, police car pooping, and a man eating his own finger.

The final half of the show had Sarah and Craig giving their respective Top Seven "Movies we'd love to be able to see again for the first time ever" on The Magnificent Seven. The show then wrapped up with a music recommendation of the song "Don't Run" by Bad Veins.

Vertically Striped Radio - Episode 185 - 10-31-12 - Halloween Spooktacular 2

The world has Jerry Fairish to either thank or blame for this episode of VSR. It's our second annual Halloween Spooktacular with spookiness and creepiness to beat the band. We also sit down with Mr. Fairish and have a talk that centers on Halloween, but also veers randomly into Las Vegas tourism talk. Download and enjoy this new holiday tradition, won't you?

 

Zombie Drive Through

Vertically Striped Radio - Episode 184 - 10-27-12 - A Scholar but not a Gentleman

Craig did his best to pay attention to the show while still watching his K-State Wildcats try to pull out a win at home versus Texas Tech. Showing the range of his professionalism, he manages to deliver a show while watching the game. (It helped that K-State won 55-24) 

We ended up talking about sportsmanship in blowouts with Face, talked about Hurricane Sandy with The Whale (a hurricane of which Face was unsurprisingly completely unaware) and we talked a little Walking Dead with Elevation. We also spent several minutes breaking down an epic moment in our nation's political history. (If you are unsure of which we speak, Google "Mitt Romney and Meatloaf" and enjoy the unintentional comedic goodness) 

Face and Craig finished up with a Magnificent Seven list of our Top 7 Television Shows and then the show wrapped with a musical recommendation of "Cruel and Beautiful World" by Grouplove.

Vertically Striped Radio - Episode 183 - 10-20-12 - Cooking Squirrel with a Propane Torch

The show started so early that we literally woke up Face Ventura with a call from the show three minutes before the the program started. Craig woke Face up by getting his blood flowing in anger about his Dallas Cowboys. After a rousing edition of the news that featured roach eating, death, squirrel roasting, and a blind man getting tased, we welcomed in The Whale and Pinedagger and together we worked our way through a new edition of Something to Think About.

Right before the show was about to go off the air, we briefly welcomed in Elevation and talked a bit about The Walking Dead before rounding out a morning edition of VSR with a cover of Simon and Garfunkel's "The Boxer" from Mumford and Sons as our music recommendation of the week.

Vertically Striped Radio - Episode 182 - 10-13-12 - If you wasted more money, You'd have more money.

Vertically Striped Radio starts oddly and never quite rights itself this week as right out of the gate an elephant is inducted into the VSR Hall of Fame, Craig is bummed about the dismal end to a scintillating baseball round, and Face loses his ever loving mind over Miami Hurricanes football.

We then move into comforting a despondent Whale after his Nationals spit the bit against the Cardinals after taking a 6-0 lead in the decisive Game 5. Craig briefly recaps going to Kansas and then Elevation calls in and helps discuss the start of The Walking Dead Season 3 this weekend before the show devolves into a free-flowing discussion that touches on a ridiculous range of topics including politics, serial gropers, and Ed's fiscal strategies.

With visits from Face, The Whale, Elevation, The Ed, Nalax, and DOTfan, what we lack in quality this week we make up for with quantity. The show wraps with a musical recommendation of the song "Conversation 16" by The National.

Random Broncos Thoughts - Game 5 - at Patriots

Patriots 31 Broncos 21

-If the Patriots and Broncos were to play 100 times, I feel the Pats would probably win about 93 of those games. This is the most hopeless match-up I can imagine for the current Broncos team. The fact that they only lost by 10 feels almost positive. Tom Brady owns the Bronco defense. The fact that the Patriots are now also running the ball with massive effectiveness feels almost unfair.

-It's getting to the point that I feel like teammates of Demaryius Thomas should be stuffing Butterfinger bars into his locker. Hang on to that ball, DT! John Fox needs to institute the old high school method of having Demaryius hang on to a football everywhere he goes this week, and if a teammate knocks it out of his hands, he has to do 20 pushups.

-Peyton Manning couldn't look a whole lot better than he did on Sunday. This one has to rest squarely on terrible turnovers and a defense that can't get off the field. 31 of 44 for 345 yards, 3 TDs and no interceptions is getting it done. 3 lost fumbles, and only 70 yards of rushing is NOT getting it done. Manning was largely responsible for the first two losses, but this one he was magnificent in defeat.

-Could the Broncos catch a break from the scheduling gods? One could make the case rather easily that their three losses have come to the three best teams in the NFL.

-The run defense for Denver is troubling, as is their continuing propensity to not get off the field on third down. The Patriots were 11 for 17 on third down...it continues to be a big problem for this 2-3 team.

-Playing the Patriots offense is like a death by paper cuts. They don't ever come out with a huge death knell, they just 7 yard gain you to death. It's almost more disheartening, because they're so methodical.

-The Broncos are now the masters of falling impossibly far behind and then rallying to ALMOST make it interesting. The rallies give you false hope, but the fact is they're falling behind by more than 20 points far too often to be taken seriously in the NFL.

-I was in Kansas City over the weekend, and therefore I will count my blessings with my Broncos. The fan attitude in KC is toxic. The media has made a big deal about the fans cheering when Matt Cassell was injured. As I was at Arrowhead for the game, I can confirm that there was a definite excitement that he was down, although I think it had more to do with the fact that it meant he wouldn't be playing anymore than the fans being excited that he was hurt. The reports of the whole stadium cheering are a bit overblown. There were a few people cheering that he got hurt, but mostly the Chiefs fans around us began to feel hopeful because it meant that Brady Quinn would be coming in. I think it's safe to say that if you're excited for Brady Quinn, you've reach a pretty low point as a fan base. 

-Also...enough with the pink in October already. I hate cancer as much as the next guy, but that doesn't mean I want to wear a pink ribbon. I had to decline a pink ribbon from about 7 different sorority girls heading into Arrowhead on Sunday. I don't want to wear pink, and I'd be ecstatic if the players in the NFL weren't wearing it either. This new pink tradition is quickly making October the worst month in the NFL.

-The Chiefs apparently call their fan base "Chiefs Kingdom" which is unspeakably lame. Although, it did make me wonder who was their King for the rest of the day.

-I was surprised to find out just how solid Arrowhead was as a stadium. That place is truly a spectacular venue. Apart from the weird oval Jumbotrons and the fact that they didn't have cupholders in the seats, it's a glorious football facility. I was quite impressed.

-One more note on the Chiefs game: No touchdowns being scored was pretty lame, but I have to say that it sure looked like the Chiefs got jobbed out of a win on Sunday. There was a fumble that the Chiefs recovered in the end zone for what looked like a certain safety, but the refs ruled that the play had ended and mysteriously gave the ball back to the Ravens. Had I been a Chiefs fan, I'd have been livid. That said, Matt Cassell and the Chiefs are horrifically bad, and the Ravens didn't look a whole heck of a lot better. Beautiful day, wonderful stadium, turd of a football game.

Vertically Striped Radio - 10-06-12 - Episode 181 - Start Wearing Purple

It's a "Start Wearing Purple" weekend, as Craig is off to the flatlands of Kansas to cheer on the Wildcats and Ravens. Since a live show was out of the question, it's a prerecorded show. With free steak, Magnificent Seven Dinosaurs, You Don't Know Jack advertisements, and Craig upset that the presidential candidates are screwing up Denver traffic, it's a wide ranging hour with the VSR host with a few surprises thrown in and a music recommendation of "Life, in a Nutshell" by the Barenaked Ladies.

 

Random Broncos Thoughts - Game 4 - vs Raiders

Broncos 37 Raiders 6

Crushing the Raiders by 31 points was fantastic. Getting to see it from Club Level seats that I won in a contest...even better! Not a whole lot to complain about with this one. Peyton Manning still not showing a whole heck of a lot of arm strength, but even with his wet noodle arm, he still carved up the Raiders and looked spectacular. The defense was outstanding, and the 3rd quarter was one of the best I can remember. Three touchdowns, the defense held Oakland to four three and outs, plus we got a blocked punt. Total domination in a game that was full of domination to the point that the Broncos never punted.

Things that worry me...

Demaryius Thomas fumbling the ball when trying to switch hands to make it harder to strip the ball from him. It was so bad that for the rest of the game, any time Thomas made a catch my cousin Tawni and I would turn to each other after he was tackled and yell, "He didn't fumble!" a bit too enthusiastically.

I never need to see Matt Prater throw the ball ever again. Wow, that was painful.

Why is Jim Leonhard returning punts? A super slow safety back to recieve doesn't inspire any kind of confidence that something wonderful might happen. You know that slightly dangerous feeling you have whenever your team punts to Devin Hester? This is the complete opposite of that. If all goes perfectly, the Broncos will get a 12 yard return.

The Broncos may have turned into juggernauts on Sunday, or more likely the Raiders are hot garbage. I'm hopeful that Peyton Manning will continue on this hot streak. (Dude went 30-38 for 338 yards, 3 touchdowns and no interceptions.) The bad news is that the Broncos don't get to play Oakland every Sunday, and the big bad Patriots are up next. Here's hoping Sunday was the start of something big.

The view from the not cheap seats!

Good times with my cousin!

Vertically Striped Radio - Episode 180 - Warm Greetings from the Napkin Making Machine

Everything was turning up Craig's way this week as he won club level Broncos seats, was preparing for a trip to see the Wildcats next week, and was weighing in at his lowest weight in years...naturally he was excited. 

The Whale filled in as the most regular caller of the week with Face unavoidably detained, and indiesarah helped out by providing the hurt Packer fan's perspective on the Monday night Green Bay robbery in Seattle as we did the Magnificent Seven - Top 13 Most Ridiculous Replacement Referee moments. (Doing 13 items in a 7 item list feels like a fitting tribute to the men who determined that Monday Night's game was a Seahawks win.)

We then welcomed in Face halfway through the show and handed out tickets to deserving wankers as well as providing a Man of the Match award to Kim Constantinesco of PredominantlyOrange.com for allowing Craig to win Broncos-Raiders tickets. 

 The show wound down with a very important and seminal flatulence discussion and then a wonderful story about an old man's garden. We then wrapped up with a musical recommendation of two songs from Mumford & Sons new album "Babel". The two songs were "Broken Crown" and "Below My Feet".

Random Broncos Thoughts - Game 3 - vs Texans

Texans 31 Broncos 25

I'm not ready to give up and throw in the towel, but let's just say the early returns on the Peyton Manning era are less than favorable. Make no mistake, for the first three quarters plus today, Manning was cover-your-eyes awful. His arm strength just isn't there, so the defense doesn't respect the deep ball causing the entire offense to jam up. The running game is doing him no favors by averaging 2.8 yards a carry today, and the downside to going to a no huddle is that if you end up going three and out...your defense gets thirty eight seconds to rest before going back out on the field without enough time to rest or strategize.

Manning's mind still seems very sharp, and his decision making seems as exceptional as ever, however his body just is betraying him. Despite my hopes that he'd be all the way back, it seems fairly clear that he's not. The Broncos have made it quite clear that there is no Plan B, so a suddenly nervous Bronco fanbase is now left hoping that the rust will shake off, that the problem is correctable with more playing time and not a thirty-six year old quarterback at the end of his run. I wish I had the answer to the question of how much is left in the tank, but only time can answer that question. As a Broncos fan, I can just sit back and hope. And I'm not ready to stop hoping, as there was so much promise in the opening win against Pittsburgh.

While things feel bleak three weeks in sitting at 1-2, let me make it clear that I do not believe that all is lost. Consider that these two losses came to two of the remaining three undefeated NFL teams. (Unbelievably, the third is Arizona.) The schedule doesn't get easy, but it gets easier. And although it is true that the Broncos have started the past two 4th quarters down by 20 points, they have rallied in both games. Granted, they haven't rallied enough, but they aren't lying down when they're getting beaten, making valiant efforts from behind each time.

It's okay to worry, Lord knows I'm worried, but don't give up hope. I have to believe that the longer Peyton plays the better he will look, barring someone re-injuring him. I'm still clinging to the hope that it's rust, and that very solid defenses the past two weeks are more to blame for his struggles than his declining physical skills. While it doesn't look great, that doesn't mean it can't get better, and three games is too small of a sample size to draw too many strong conclusions from. I'm discouraged, but remaining hopeful because for better or for worse...there is no Plan B.

And now, your regularly scheduled thoughts from today's game:

-Third down defense was slightly better this week than it has been, but the Texans still converted half of their attempts, which it too many. They also converted all the important ones, which is why this one is in their W column tonight.

-Jack Del Rio's defense sure feels quite blitz happy. I don't have the numbers to prove this, but sitting out at Invesco today, it seems like rushing just four linemen isn't getting it done, and Del Rio has decided to bring the house more than may be prudent. Of course, just sitting back and letting Matt Schaub just pick you apart isn't all that tasty an option either. Bottom line, the defensive line needs to get more success getting into the backfield, or the defense is going to continue to struggle.

-I love it when a game opens with a safety. A 2-0 score is one of my favorite dopey things that can happen in a football game. Then adding a field goal makes it even goofier, as a 5 spot on the board is just weird.

-DeMaryius Thomas has had better days. Between dropping key throws and failing to get both feet down in the end zone, he was struggling tonight.

-Offensive Coordinator Mike McCoy has me scratching my head tonight. Too many running plays late in the game when the clock was as big an enemy as the Texans were. McCoy was praised for his efforts in keeping the game plan conservative for Tim Tebow last year, however, that may be the only way he knows how to play. You need to unleash Peyton Manning a bit, especially when trying to come back from down 20 in the fourth quarter.

-You probably had to be at the game today to appreciate this, but there appears to be a pigeon infestation at Invesco. At multiple points in the game there were people trying to shoo the birds from the field, a few of those moments saw field crew people on the field as plays were getting underway. It was awkward, yet hilarious.

-I really love Arian Foster's little bow celebration after he scores. It's simple, quick, and feels like it should be relatively respectful, and yet when he does it all you can think is that he's flipping you the bird. It's an understated arrogance that I really dig.

-Manning had best be thankful that the Texans secondary can't catch. It felt like about 5 interceptions were bobbled to the ground.

-I know often that quarterbacks underthrow their receivers intentionally as a technique to allow the receiver to get themselves open.  I legitimately wondered on a few throws if that was what Peyton was doing, or if he just lacked the arm strength to get it further down the field as necessary. Let's just politely say that his accuracy left a bit to be desired...which is a lot more polite than saying his throws sucked. Either statement is pretty much true.

-Kudos to Wesley Woodyard for a tremendous interception near the end of the second quarter. Heck of a play by a guy who has made the team the past several years based largely on heart. I commend the effort while also saying that was quite an athletic display.

-So this Andre Johnson character is pretty good, eh?

-Have you ever taken a spoon out of the dishwasher right after it has finished it's cycle and then eaten ice cream with it? If so, you have a general idea of what Arian Foster was doing to the Broncos run defense. By the third quarter I was referring to the Texans first down plays as "the traditional five yard first down run." That is not a good thing if you're a Bronco fan.

-I will not be surprised if the Texans represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. That is a good team that plowed through the Broncos this afternoon.

-Lance Ball is not a legit NFL running back. If Willis McGahee is seriously hurt, that is a huge blow to the Broncos.

-The Broncos secondary is bad. We're seeing wideouts get behind them far too much lately. With the D-line not providing much pressure, they're even worse.

-Invesco can still get loud. On the third down play where Andre Johnson beat Champ Bailey to pretty much ice the contest, that stadium was rocking.

-I'm completely confused as to why Jim Leonhard is returning punts. Traditionally, teams like to have fast guys do that job, right? If everything breaks the Broncos way, it feels like Jim might be able to break one...for seven yards. You know how punting to Devin Hester puts the fear of God into your heart? This is the complete opposite. I'm not sure Jim could run back the kick to the house against a Pee-Wee football team.

-For Broncos fans looking for a silver lining to today's action...I give you the San Diego Chargers, who were eviscerated at home against the Falcons worse than the Broncos lost in Atlanta. Clearly, no one is running away with the AFC West...which is a bonus for Denver.

-Huge thanks to my brother Bruce for hooking me up with a ticket to today's game. Even though it was a loss, it's still good to hang with my brother...something I don't get to do nearly enough since he moved to Arizona.

-I leave you with a look ahead to next week. I'd like to remind any Broncos fans taking the Raiders lightly that the silver and black have a four game win streak in Denver going right now, including a 59-14 shellacking of the Donkeys in 2010. Since we haven't beaten them here since 2007, let's bring our A game to Invesco next week, shall we? I hate losing to this team above all other teams, let's put an end to that unsightly streak. Go Broncos!

Vertically Striped Radio - Episode 179 - 09-22-12 - There goes Borat

After spotting Borat at the Denver Zoo, Craig had to start the show an hour late. When Face made his appearance he was so wrapped up in the Miami Hurricanes game that we ended up watching the game. The guys cheered the Canes to overtime victory live on the air while talking a bit of football over the top of it.

After the football ended, the guys finally got to the news which was highlighted by a woman hijacking a ferry and announcing she was Jack Sparrow and an update on our favorite Spanish Fresco Artist. We then talked a tiny bit to Elevation who called in to try and convince Craig to watch this season's Survivor.

The abbreviated show wrapped up with Craig and Face dueling head to head over a Magnificent Seven list as the guys did Top Seven NFL Logos. Then the proceedings were finished up with a music recommendation of "Do It Anyway" by Ben Folds Five.

I'm telling you...Borat was at the Denver Zoo today!

Random Broncos Thoughts - Game 2 - at Falcons

Falcons 27 Broncos 21

-I'm not about to say the refs are the reason the Broncos lost on Monday Night, but enough with these replacements. That performance was a joke, but the kind of joke that your Dad tells that isn't funny and makes everyone groan and makes you wish there was a way to get out of the situation without laughing yet still avoiding making him feel bad because you are not laughing. It's just getting awkward.

-Call me a traditionalist, but I think the team that recovers a fumble should get to have the ball. Apparently, the replacements disagree, as even though Orlando Franklin recovered Knowshon Moreno's fumble in the final moments of the 1st quarter, for some reason, the Falcons got the ball.

-There are two ways to look at Peyton's disastrous first quarter. The pessimist approach which says he's washed up at worst and super rusty at best or you can take the optimist approach which says although he threw 3 picks, he still led a comeback which would have given the Broncos a chance to win if they could have gotten off the field at the end of the game. Personally, I'm in the middle of those two, but it's not ALL bad.

-That was maybe the ugliest first quarter in the history of Broncos football. Somehow the Broncos were only down 13 at the half, when it should have been about 30.

-I have to say it. Peyton Manning was atrocious in the first half. Just terrible terrible terrible. Hopefully he has gotten it out of his system.

-The refs are terrible at making calls, but more disturbing is their lack of control over the players. That fumble pile at the end of the first quarter was thisclose to turning into a brawl. The lack of certainty in the referees calls is causing the players to have zero respect for the people making those calls and things are getting chippier and chippier each week. Someone is going to get hurt if the real refs don't come back soon, as the players are taking far too many liberties and getting away with it. Please NFL, just get the real refs back. Make it happen.

-I just want to forget Monday night happened. Fortunately, the Broncos only have six days before they get a chance to wash the taste of that loss from their mouths. Unfortunately, that chance comes against the Texans, who are clearly in the upper echelon of teams. This is a huge game for the Broncos to establish that they are legit contenders. The first half of Denver's schedule is brutal, and they need to get this one. Go Broncos!

Vertically Striped Radio - Episode 178 - 09-15-12 - Extolling the virtues of 500 and the Spork!

The Vertically Striped Radio boys solve all sorts of issues on this episode including reclaiming the name Bruce, making an official declaration of the worst holiday, and declaring necessary evolutions in the progress of flatware. It was a busy show!

Face and Craig debunked Dameshek's theory of Labor Day being the worst holiday, discussed weird ways September 11th changed the world, and talked over the first week of NFL football. The guys were joined by The Whale just in time for a momentous edition of "Something to Think About".

Craig wrapped up the show by dedicating the music recommendation to @BestGirlBetty who lost her two year battle with breast cancer in the early hours of September 11th. The recommendation was Civil Twilight's "Quiet in my Town" and was preceeded by an amazing clip from American Beauty. Safe Home, Julie.

Random Broncos Thoughts - Game 1 - vs Steelers

Broncos 31 Steelers 19

-That game is going to be hard to beat. Epic start to the season. It's good to be 1-0.

-After a full offseason of people wondering if he still has what it takes, it had to be gratifying to Peyton Manning to prove that while he may be older there is still some hitch in his giddy-up.

-Orange balloons are more fun than they should be.

-It's hard to express just how much I dislike Ben Roethlisberger. I was reading Twitter, and one tweeter described him as a giant jellyfish. Something humongous yet impossible get a firm grasp on. I'll grant you that he's good if you grant me that he's impossibly unlikable.

-Did Steelers fans have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder flashbacks seeing Demaryius Thomas dashing towards the end zone on a long TD?

-Broncos defense failed on eleven of nineteen 3rd downs. Got to get off the field on third down, and the Broncos were struggling WAY too much with that last night. 3rd and 18 shouldn't feel as difficult as the Broncos were making it in the third quarter. The pass defense was covered up by Peyton's mastery and a critical pick six by Tracy Porter, but if they can't get more pressure at critical times, it will cost the Broncos this year.

-Did I mention that Peyton Manning looked okay?

-Huge thanks to my cousin Tawni who surprised me Sunday morning with a call asking if I'd like to go to the game. I had to think about it for about six milliseconds.

-Tailgating with Greek people is an experience. Ouzo shots are dangerous but they do get one loosened up quickly. Oddly I dislike black licorice, yet still enjoy Ouzo. Opa!

-Manning was a surgeon at the line. There are few things more fun than being at the game when Peyton Manning steps to the line, reads the defense, and audibles to the perfect play FOR YOUR TEAM! I can totally get used to this.

-Yes, it is possible to sit BEHIND the jumbotron. I had no idea.

-No, just because you're sitting in literally the last row, it doesn't mean you can't have fun. There are no bad seats, only bad fans.

-That stadium was ORANGE on Sunday night. I've attended Steelers-Broncos games in Denver where it felt like thirty percent of the stands were yellow. The Steelers percentage was miniscule. I was so proud.

-When they announced the attendance, there were only 181 no shows. I can't remember the number ever being that low, and I've been going to games since 1984.

-I can talk a big game about how I was super confident the Broncos would win, but with three minutes to go, I was terrified that the big jellyfish was going to lead Pittsburgh to a 1 point win. Thank God that Tracy Porter ended the drama with minimal distress.

First day of football season!!

Why the first Sunday of football isn't a national holiday is one of the great mysteries of our time. This is maybe my favorite day of the year. So much hope, so much enthusiasm, so much bean dip! At our house, a tradition that I really love is that my daughter and I take a picture every year on the opening day of Broncos football. It provides a cool time capsule effect that gets cooler every year.

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

 2012