SWITZERLAND FORUM

[cklaurence]

I don't know how I managed to do it, but I lost an entire post!!! Of course it was all about my least favorite thing: Owner Ross and his stooge, Ireland--the deadliest combo in the NFL in the NFL that is presently wreaking havoc with MY Miami Dolphins and destroying any potential to get any decent players. tt

[cklaurence]

Is this happening to anyone else? (Emeritus--who am I kidding...) I just did it again!~!! (Lost another post.) I don't have a clue as to what I am or am not hitting that is removing entire posts, but I have done it three times now, They were more letting steam off about Ross and Ireland screwing up everything they touch and every move they make and eternally damning MY DOLPHINS to HELL..pp

[cklaurence]

Okay, I think my lost post problem is figured out--not that it's causing anyone but me a problem, lol. When Peter uses my computer, he uses the laptop's built-in mouse. I use my handy-dandy, blue-whatever, wireless mouse. I keep forgetting to switch the other mouse off, so when I accidentally brush against it while I'm typing it does weird things, not the least of which is killing my pages and/or pulling me off a page and some such thing(s). Anyway, mystery solved.
I haven't seen anything further about Peyton signing anywhere, but all of the "I-KNOW-EVERYTHING-THAT'S-GOING-TO-HAPPEN" folks on the instant-news sites on my phone for the Fins seem to think he'll make a decision by today. It seems the one thing everyone is sure of is that the one team that Peyton is NOT considering seriously is Miami. I am one of those people, which I have said from the beginning so I won't iterate it again.

[Emeritus]

I hate the mouse pads on laptop computers and I feel handicapped when I have to use them. I'm just too comfortable with a mouse, as I am with my ergonomic keyboard. As for Peyton, the latest rumor is that he will sign with the Titans, but again that is only a rumor. I know that baglady is ready to have the thing settled.

[cklaurence]

Yes, Em--Ms Bags is suffering more than anyone. I don't know what I would have done if I would've had to see Danny sign with another team. As it was I cried for years, seeing him lose his receivers one by one, and his protection--you may remember, mobility was NOT one of his strong points. No running back to turn to--but then, he never had a running back--it was ALL Danny ALL THE TIME throughout his career. Then there was that last play-off game, I can still see his face as he left the field. 62-7. No defense. No offense. To this day I can't even hear the names "Johnson" or "Wannstadt" without getting physically ill. Ah, but you've heard that rant before...
I LOVED my ergonomic keyboard, Em. Then I got into using the laptops. I particularly hate this laptop because it squeezes the damned keyboard tight so the numbers can be on the right side AND on the top. Who needs that crap? Why do you need them in two places? I have large hands, too. That's why they chose me to play the oboe. The horror of my high school years! I can still hear Greco, my band director yelling, "Kirschner, you're FLAT!!!" Of course, I was tone deaf, and didn't have a clue, but I'd just hold my breath because I knew the laughter would follow. I had huge, I mean super-HUGE boobs, so calling me flat was the funniest joke of every day. Greco didn't see the humor in it because he was all about the music, but you would've thought at some point he'd have a heart and eventually stop...after all, the tears would be running down my face and the guys would be snickering for the rest of the afternoon. I hated high school...

[Emeritus]

Being a double reed, the oboe is dammed hard to play - one of the hardest of all instruments to play. Of course, I don't know if I would have been in the band if I had been tone deaf. It never came up, since I played football.

[cklaurence]

No one asked if I WANTED to be in band, Em. I was TOLD I was going to be in band. I was also TOLD I was going to play the oboe. I didn't even get a choice when I got to high school and was in concert band, which meant I had to be in marching band as well. The class was split into 2 semesters and we marched first semester during football season (DUH) and did concerts in the second semester. Usually people that played double reed instruments, like the bassoon and the oboe got to choose between cymbals, base drum, and glockenspiel, but none of those were available and they needed a saxophone player, so I was drafted to play the saxophone. No questions asked. Just do it. I was the original Nike girl, lol.

Manning is killing me. I love that he's playing head games with all those teams, and I got a real kick out of him having fun at Ross and the idiot Ireland's expense (they deserve whatever they get); but I live in fear that he'll go to Denver, which would be the absolute worst thing he could do to me. (Note: ME) Ross and Ireland would jump for joy, immediately hire Tebow, and I would find the tallest building in Miami and dive off! Remember last season when his team was playing AGAINST the Fins and Ross honored Tebow at half-time? Who does that????? I don't care how many tickets you think you're going to sell--that was just plain sick. Point is, he can play games with all their heads so long as he doesn't settle with Denver. I'm being fair, right?

[Emeritus]

I decided early on that my musical talent was for listening and appreciating, not playing. The truth is that I was never up to the repetitious practice necessary to learn an instrument. I love chamber music, especially Baroque chamber music! I much admire those with the talent and discipline to master an instrument. I long ago resigned myself to the idea that I would be a listener, not a performer.
I am tired of the Peyton Manning drama. While I'm a long-time admirer, I have had enough of the road show. I will be glad when he is signed and the media finds other things to cover.

[cklaurence]

As I said, I wasn't given a choice as to whether I would be a "listener" or a "player." It was thrust upon me. I hated practicing the long hours--save for the marching band. For some reason I adored the long summer hours in the miserable Florida sun. It was the hardest challenge of my life to memorize the music, learn to march and play at the same time, then learn the routine to boot. We were patterned after FAMU, the University Florida Rattler Band, which was an all-Black band that marched 420 steps a minute. We were an all-white high school band that marched 380 steps per minute, which was quite the feat back in the day. No high school compared with us, and I was so proud to be a part of it. I had something like 2 weeks to learn how to play the sax and then memorize the music and everything else. I amazed myself!

As for Peyton, it appears to me that he was hurt by the decision made at Indy far more than he let on and he's acting out right now. He's gone on to visit San Francisco today. He has everyone speculating and trying to second guess what he's thinking and he's not saying a word, save to tell the Dolphins to move on and forget about him. All the other teams are still hanging in there, waiting for him to decide. He has everyone tied in knots and I don't blame him. He's definitely playing with them. It must have been really tough to get cut by a team he'd given his career to as he had to Indy and then in one fast decision get cut from the organization like he never existed. I hope he finds the deal he's looking for, but gets out of the game before he has another injury--one he can't come back from whole...

[SteveTheCat]

HAPPY SAINT PATRICK'S DAY~!!!!

[cklaurence]

Hey kitty kitty! Happy St. Patty's Day to you as well, and big thanks for stopping by to wish us a Happy St. Patty's Day as well!!! I keep waiting to hear from you, you know. You were supposed to get back to me after our last telephone visit a couple of months ago...

[Baglady]

Hope everyone enjoyed a great St Pat's day!

Em, yes, I (and everyone else) am tired of the Peyton 'drama' and anxious to have it settled. But, he's a cerebal type guy making a decision on where he wants to end his career and I have to respect his decision making process.

CK, Peyton was no doubt disappointed he's no longer a Colt. I may be in the minority in thinking it was a mutual decision, a perfect storm that he was released. If the Colts don't have the #1 pick w/ Luck, no doubt in my mind Peyton would still be in Indy....
Have to wonder if the 49ers signing Manningham will influence his decision. He has a former NFL player in his agent, Tom Condon so he may want go to Denver with GM Elway???? I don't agree w/ some that think he'll go to TN just to beat up on the Colts twice a yr - just my opinion.
He says he'll announce his decision Mon / Tues (yes, this week!).

[cklaurence]

Hello there Ms Bags! Good to see you here (as always!). I have my own feelings on Peyton's extended QB tour, and please note, after seeing him work out, every team is willing to wait for his decision as to where he wants to go. That tells me he's looking damn fine in practices (and Indy--eat your heart out). I know from when Brett Favre was cut from Green Bay, it's all about the team, not the player, but I also remember how bitter I was when Danny was used up and hung out to dry. He never had the luxury of choosing another team (which in many ways saved me some heartache--but in others left me with some serious chips out of my heart regarding the Fins), because he was so badly beaten up physically in the end. I worried that Favre would end up that way (and think perhaps he did play one too many downs, as we haven't even heard his name in a year). Now Peyton is being given the red carpet treatment all over the League and more power to him. I agree with you--he has no hostility, and could not care less about beating up on Indianapolis twice a year. He is going to pick a team that he fits comfortably with, and that is his main concern.
Clearly, NO one wants to come to the Dolphins. I've made many statements regarding my feelings on that, so I won't go further into i today. I do fear that Peyton will choose Denver, though--as I've often said--which will put my Dolphins further behind the 8-ball. No QB wants the Dolphins and no other team wants Tebow. Well, everyone knows my feelings about Tebow and has for a long, long time. I won't say further on that scary subject!!!
Hope all is well with everyone otherwise--love to my friends and family here in Switzerland!

[Emeritus]

Peyton seems to have narrowed it down to either the Titans or the Niners, who have made a big late move. Matt Flynn has grown tired of waiting and has signed with the Seahawks. Now the Dolphins are looking at Alex Smith? I feel that the Dolphins management has really blown it.

[cklaurence]

I've been saying this for a long, long time, Em. I've grown blue in the face from saying it. Ross is an imbecile who seems to rely on Ireland who no one likes, trusts or wants to deal with, and if they do--leave with a bad taste and no deal. I'm seriously sick over the whole thing and can't even laugh it off anymore. Now everyone (the talking heads, players--ours and those from other teams, and coaches) is saying what I've been saying (for how many years?) and really, I had been hoping to be proven wrong.
I read some article this morning on one of the Dolphin sites that claimed we were given a 13-year curse for the shabby treatment of Dan Marino at the end of his career--forcing him out at the end as they did (another thing that I have railed about over the years), and if that is so, then I believe we deserve it and will live out this year quietly, hoping that Ross sells the Fins by the end and life will begin again. My vision, as everyone knows, has been for Dan to put together a group and purchase the team and restore it to greatness. Will he or anyone take back the team and restore it to greatness after this year? I don't know, but clearly, we are in for another dismal year. Another year where I will be attending games with last-minute guests because all my regulars no longer care to go to games any longer. Ross has pretty much ruined the atmosphere, although he had restored it to football and gotten rid of the movie stars and most of that ridiculousness last season. This is just too too depressing...

[Emeritus]

With all of the free agents out there, the Dolphins have selected David Garrard to be their messiah. The management team of Ross and Ireland has struck again. I'll bet that move will fill all of the seats!

[cklaurence]

Oh Em, Smack me upside the head why dontcha? I'm not suffering enough? Don't worry, Tebow will be right along behind him...

[Emeritus]

I sure hope that you are right, ck. I hate to see the great franchises fall on hard times. What is sad is that all of the Dolphin wounds seem to be self-inflicted. When a team struggles because of injuries, that's just part of football and every team is susceptible to it. When it is because of bad management decisions, you have to wonder if the management is just inept or if it has another agenda. I would welcome news of a new management in Miami.

[cklaurence]

I don't look at Tebow as a good decision, Em. I look at it as another big, no HUGE blunder; unless of course, they don't plan to use him as a QB. I could see using him as a running back, a punt returner or a receiver (maybe even a tight end)--he has good hands and can move quickly, focus and get the ball over the goal line. He's just NOT a QB (that I would want on my team).
Everyone has gone quiet and stupid about him since Manning started negotiations and we signed Garrard, so I'm waiting for that shoe to drop. Unfortunately, Ross sees him as a QB, and I'm sure, if and when we take him, that's what we will play him, and my worst nightmare will be realized. I don't see Denver keeping Tebow AND Manning because Manning is certainly demanding a very large salary.
As far as new management--the ONLY possible solution to what has happened to the Dolphins since Joe Robbie left the building, is to get someone who knows and loves football (like Dan Marino) to come in and be prepared to spend the money needed to pay for the caliber players required to bring the Dolphins up to the level required to play in our Division and start winning again. If a lay person such as myself can see ahead every single year and know exactly what they are doing wrong, then surely, it IS the fault of our owner and time for him to leave, take his GM with him--go buy a movie studio, which is what he should have done in the first place, and leave football to those who know and love football!!!

[cklaurence]

I WOULD APPRECIATE IF ANYONE *HOOVERING AND/OR POSTING HERE WOULD TAKE A MINUTE AND GO BACK TO MY ACTUAL WEBSITE (go to "Board Index" where you will see a prompt for "C.K.'s Web Page"), AND ON THE LOWER LEFT BOTTOM OF THE HOME PAGE CLICK ON "LIKE' FOR FACEBOOK. I'M NOT QUITE SURE WHAT THAT MEANS, BUT IT SEEMS ALL THE AUTHORS ARE DOING IT AND I'VE GOTTEN A VERY LATE START, LOL. BECAUSE MY NEW NOVEL, THE MYSTERY OF JESSICA BENSON, IS FINALLY OUT ON ALL THE E-BOOK VENUES AND WILL DEFINITELY BE OUT NEXT MONTH IN PRINT, MY PUBLISHER HAS ASKED THAT I RAMP UP THE "P.R." FROM MY END, AND THIS IS SURELY EASY ENOUGH ON MY PART.MY WEBSITE WILL DETAIL MY SIGNINGS AS THEY ARE SCHEDULED FOR ANYONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN VISITING ME AND GETTING THEIR BOOK PERSONALLY SIGNED. OF COURSE, MY SWISS FAMILY, PAST PRESENT AND FUTURE, CAN ALWAYS SEND THEIR BOOKS TO ME FOR SIGNING IF THEY CAN'T GET TO A PLACE WHERE I WILL BE. SO FAR I AM SCHEDULED TO BE AT FT. LAUDERDALE, FL. ON SEPTEMBER 11TH, AND AT CITY HALL-THE RESTAURANT ON SEPTEMBER 12TH (BIG BASH). PLEASE PUT THEM ON YOUR CALENDAR--DETAILS TO FOLLOW AS DATES GROW CLOSER! THANKS TO ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

[SteveTheCat]

Well alrightie then I clickificated on FBook for you CK~

Wicked sorry about all of the stupidity that is happening in Mia~ Its a shame! I'd like to string Ross up to the nearest branch, what a jerk... Have faith though... who knows what will happen in a few years...

[dredwak]

[cklaurence]

Well thank you so much Dred and Steve! It is so nice to see you here AND liking my website! Have you ordered my newest on e-book or are you waiting for it to come out in paperback? I don't know what it's going to cost in paper, but I think $9.99 is a kick-ass price for e-book. You do, however, get the back page in the paper version, and with that, you get to see my picture--well worth the extra money wouldn't you say???Just kidding, of course.
It would be great to see you on a more regular basis, what with all the news going on in the football world these days, and the draft only 36 days away. I'm trying to rebuild good ol' Switzerland, what with the semi-new novel out and all, so I'm offering free signed copies to the first ten returnees (on a regular basis) as of today. You two have a head start. So if you're interested, please feel free to post. Of course, you don't have to post morning, noon and night of every day, just normal stopping by at least two or three times a week until conversations begin to get regular again here--as it once was. The offer is strictly for those who once were regulars--newbies are not eligible. Details will be posted on my facebook page later this a.m. The clock here will determine the first ten.
Anyway, thanks again for your visit, whether or not you choose to become regulars--Dred, you always pop up with your little goodies, so you bypass the ten and get your novel, by ebook or paper, whichever you prefer, just let me know! You, my wicked little kitty cat, still owe me a telephone call!!!
Take care, everyone. Oh, Em--you get your novel because loyalty is rewarded as well...

[Emeritus]

The NFL disciplined multiple members of the Saints organization for their participation or connection with the bounty system that was run by former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams from 2009-11. Williams was suspended indefinitely. Saints head coach Sean Payton was suspended for the entire 2012 season. General manager Mickey Loomis is suspended for the first eight games and linebackers/assistant head coach Joe Vitt for the first six. In addition, the Saints were fined $500,000 and stripped of second-round draft choices in the 2012 and 2013 drafts.

This is the closest to a death penalty that I have seen in the NFL. There should be penalties for breaking the rules, but what about the Saints fans? It seems to me that they are the ones who will be punished the most.

[cklaurence]

Well, Em--they did some pretty bad stuff. What else would you have the NFL do to make a statement to New Orleans? There's simply no excuse for setting a bounty on other players' lives and careers! The thing that continues to bother me is the referee situation. These brutal hits weren't subtle. They were brutal, ugly and actually took players out of the game, while referees looked the other way, as they have over and over again for the past few years. They continue to make calls that are downright bad as well, and we all see it, we all complain about it, yet the NFL just lets it skid by. I believe it's time for a close examination of the referees now that they are at it. Bottom line--if they'd been doing their jobs, this might have been caught in the beginning! If we're going to clean up, then let's clean up right...

[Emeritus]

I'm all for the punishment if it was visited on every team that encouraged the practice. As I see it, Goodell is making an example of the Saints. While making an example might be educational, it is not justice. I agree that deliberately trying to hurt an opponent is a deplorable practice that has no place in sports, but it is a practice that has been winked at for decades. Now Goodell has dropped the bomb on the Saints.

[chronikkondition]

Greetings and salutations to my old Swiss friends!!

[OnlyInUtah]

Hello Swiss! Remember me?...lol

[cklaurence]

Welcome home, Chronik! How nice--first one home is a Dolphin fan. Someone for me to commiserate with... It will be great to hear another Dolfan's take on what Ross and Ireland's agenda (if in fact you think they have one). I think it is the blind leading the blind and they wouldn't know an agenda if it hit them in the gut! My frustration level has boiled over and I wish I hadn't already paid my seasons tickets (AGAIN!).

[cklaurence]

Hey Utah! Could I ever forget you? Welcome home--so good to see you, and just when football is getting exciting again. Looks like you and Chronik are the first two up for free copies of THE MYSTERY OF JESSICA BENNET. I'm so flattered that it meant enough to you to come back for it...