Wow, what a weekend to be away from civilization. I come back to find judged ordering criminal investigations on top of the multiple government investigations regarding the CIA tapes, Turkish troops operating in northern Iraq, announcements that the level of violence in Iraq is down as low as it was right after we resumed hostilities several years ago and New Jersey throwing out the death penalty just in time to save Megan Kanka’s killer. We have had several twists on the election front and more abject insanity on the War on Christmas front.

While I did miss the Cowboy game this weekend, I apparently did not miss much as it seems our new golden boy, Tony Romo, is incapable of performing on the field when he is busy performing off the field. Tony, take a hint. The last game you bombed had Carrie Underwood watching you in the stands. This week saw the downgraded version of girlfriend cause even more damage to your ability to throw a ball in a straight line and stay on your feet. I am thinking celibacy for sixteen to twenty weeks a year may not be a bad idea for you. Play the game, son. Chasing skirts is what the off-season is for.

All that being said, I had a wonderful time this weekend. Our family rented a forty-eight acre ranch sixteen miles outside of Fredericksburg, Texas and spent the last five days there. The original house was built in 1908 and still had the original rock structure incorporated into the new additions. At night you could stand out side and not hear a sound, save for the original windmill churning softly in the cold night breeze. The occasional buck grunting in the distance and the tapestry of stars in the clear night sky reminded you how different things are far away from the big cities. You could see so many more stars in the night sky there than you can on the clearest nights here. Even though I live thirty miles from Fort Worth, the light still blocks out most of visible stars in the night sky.

Fredericksburg may need a bit of introduction for those of you who do not live in Texas. It is a small town of strong German heritage, nestled in the Texas Hill Country. It is just south of Llano and San Saba, areas that sport the highest concentration of whitetail deer in all of Texas. The entire town caters to tourism. Their Main Street is lined with craft shops, bakeries, wineries, breweries, hometown restraints, and fudge and candy shops. It is home to some of the best German pastries that you will find anywhere and there are biergartens on every other corner.

Unfortunately, we did find the town changed from our last visit. The influence of Austin is spreading to this quaint little town. Where once you only found hand crafted items in most of the stores you now find mass produced products from non-local sources. Where craft shops and custom leatherworks were, are now jewelry stores selling by the gram and fine art galleries. Where only local business line the streets, you now see chain store creeping their way in. Many of the stores frowned when we entered with three children in tow, even though ours are fairly well behaved. Sadly, the heart of the town is changing.

I spoke of this with several local vendors and they see it as well. They know that people come to their town for the simpler things. They come looking for crafts, custom items, hand brewed ales, homegrown wine, western art and the German heritage that made the town famous in this state. They do not come for things that are found in any major mall in any other town. Many of them said that as the changes have been happening over the past few years, tourism declined and the new business owners that come from Austin do not cater to the family atmosphere that people expect from Fredericksburg. Everything seemed to be trying to appear as fancier than it should have been. Fredericksburg used to be a rustic, historical town and it needs to stay that way.

I remember walking down Main Street drinking Gluehwein on a cold December day just three years ago and having to constantly keep moving or be pushed along by the crowd. I remember many interconnected shops where you could enter on one end of the block and never have to exit until the other end. You could walk from shop to shop that blended together in one large marketplace atmosphere. I remember busy shops with vendors struggling to keep up, but greeting everyone than entered with a prompt “Merry Christmas!” Sometimes even, “Fröhliche Weihnachten!” All that has pasted. It has gone.

While the trip was still enjoyable, it was not the same. We enjoyed our family time together, watching movies in front of an open fire, listening to the Cowboys get humiliated by an inferior Eagles team and dreaming about hunting off the balcony, but things had clearly changed much to our disappointment.

There was one saving grace. To the west of town on Highway 290 was a monthly held Trade Days. Several old cattle bars were filled with exactly what we expected to find on Main Street. We shopped for longer and bought more there than the entire day we spent walking in town.

I had the distinct pleasure of watching the Dallas Cowboys trounce the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday Night Football this evening. However, I was seriously annoyed throughout the broadcast as I was bombarded by hypocrisy and general environmental bullshit.

NBC has launched a new environmental initiative called Green is Universal. While I strongly support the ideas of recycling and conservation, these were not the points that NBC chose to promote. What set me off on a bad note was the hypocritical approach the network took with this broadcast. At the beginning of the game, just before we went live, the NBC studio hosts informed us that to kick off the Green is Universal drive, they would broadcast this game without the studio lights on. Huh? Next thing you know, the commentators are sitting there in the dark with the overhead illumination turned off. Wow guys, that is impressive. Let me see if I get this straight.

You are going to show how important this Green initiative is by turning off one or two sets of lights in while broadcasting a brightly lit football game that tens of thousands of people drove or flew to see, where massive amounts of energy are consumed at the stadium by fans, teams and networks. You are going to transmit this game via satellite and terrestrial broadcast station using millions of watts of power to people watching it on millions of high definition sets in full surround sound. These people, whether in the stands or at home, will be grilling or cooking, consuming a multitude of consumer goods and expelling vast amounts of carbon-dioxide and more than likely methane into the atmosphere at accelerated rates due to the excitement and screaming of the fans. And you jackasses are going to turn off one set of lights for symbolism as if that makes any difference what so ever? What the frak?

UPDATE: 10/05/07 Thanks to Jonatha over at Crush Liberalism for posting this link he found on Hot Air. It includes a wonderful YouTube video that allows you to see the hypocrisy first hand. This segment also covers someting I missed in my post last night about how NBC has sent its talking heads to all ends of the earth to broadcast from remote locations and discuss global warming. This cost how much fuel and energy to accomplish? Matt Lauer also comments that NBC will be interviewing the best minds in the field on climate change, such as Al Gore. You know, Al Gore, the one that invented the internet, threw a tantrum when he lost the election and basically globe trots in his private jet touting his fabricated expertise in this area while boasting one of the larges ‘carbon footprints’ out there. This asshat is telling you to conserve, while he sits in his 28 room mansion and uses more energy in a single month that you could in a whole year. Nice.

NOTE: In this video you can clearly see all the advertisments for sponsors still brightly lit around the studio.

Now let’s move on to the commercials. Were they of good ways to recycle your consumer goods? Nope. Where they commercials for companies offering tank-less water heaters or affordable solar products to integrate into your home? Nope. Were they of multiple unproven and potentially environmentally destructive alternative vehicles? You betcha! Commercial after commercial promoted hybrid vehicles which have been shown to cause massive amounts of environmental damage during their manufacturing.

We also saw some wonderful cars featuring Ethanol, one of the most inefficient fuel alternatives we have experimented with. They failed to mention that the production of Ethanol consumes more energy that the Ethanol can return and that mixing it into existing fuel sources lowers the average miles per gallon of most vehicles by 15-20%.

Next up was the hydrogen fuel cell cars, a wonderful innovation and an extremely attractive option if only hydrogen occurred naturally on this planet. Since it does not, the production of hydrogen as fuel requires the use of more energy by a long shot than the hydrogen is able to produce in return. While the fuel itself is clean burning, it is usually extracted from hydrocarbons, a nasty process itself, or from water, a process that consumes MASSIVE amounts of energy.

Let us not forget the electric cars. As one woman said on a commercial, “I want a car that I can plug in.” Really? And power with what? Not only are electric vehicles currently some of the MOST environmentally damaging to produce due to the exotic materials required to make them light and efficient and the MASSIVE amount of pollution created in the manufacturing of the batteries they use, but they have to get that energy from somewhere. Currently most electrical power in this nation is still provided by burning fossil fuels. Since we have not been allowed to construct a nuclear power plant in almost 40 years, we are still burning coal and oil to produce most of the power we consume.

About the only alternative energy vehicles that make sense, are viable options and do not cause additional environmental damage during their production are the bio-diesels. Since these run mostly on chemicals that would otherwise be disposed of in probably not the most environmentally friendly ways and can be converted to from a standard diesel engine with little or no effort, these show some promise. Guess what though… They were barely mentioned.

All the focus was on the most inefficient and environmentally destructive of the options that are out there: hybrid, electric and hydrogen.

I think environmental consciousness is a perfectly noble goal. After all I work for an environmental laboratory and we are constantly looking for ways to assist our consumers in meeting and exceeding environmental regulation meant to conserve and protect our planet. I do however think it paramount that some responsibility is taken in delivering this message. Why not focus on the things that actually can help improve our situation?

It is fine to suggest that we conserve water by taking shorter showers and watering at proper times. Let’s teach people how to recycle and encourage communities to make it easier and affordable to do so. Show people that by switching to fluorescent lighting they can reduce energy consumption and save money as well (my entire home runs on these). Educate people on the benefits of carpooling and proper maintenance of your vehicles including tune-ups, filters, clean injectors and proper tire pressue.

Please, do not fill our heads full of this pseudo-scientific bullshit about how hybrid cars are the answer or how hydrogen fuel cells will save the planet. We are fifty years away from using hydrogen as an affordable efficient fuel source at least, barring some miraculous technological breakthrough. Do not sit there broadcasting a sporting event that consumed hundreds of times more energy than my family will in an entire year and pretend you are making things better by shutting down the stage lighting. Jesus Christ, are there really people out there dumb enough to fall for parlor trick crap like that?

Well, I guess you cannot expect much from a network that allows Keith Olberman to choose the worst person in the NFL each week, or in anything for that matter.

A cool wind began blowing in North Texas late Monday afternoon. The first cold front of the season finally arrived to slightly lower temperature of the ninety-three degree autumn evening. What else it was harkening to lay a few hours ahead during the first appearance of the Dallas Cowboys on Monday Night Football this season.

A game that will be remembered for good or bad began with a scoreless Buffalo drive ending in an exceptionally placed punt. The Dallas Cowboys took the field at their own 2 yard line. Three plays later, Tony Romo looked for Jason Witten crossing the middle of the field. What he found instead was Bills safety George Wilson who intercepted Romo’s first pass of the game for a 25 yard run into the end zone. Shaking of the bad pass, Tony Romo walked himself to the sideline still smiling as ever before.

After the kick-off, the Cowboy returned to the field determined to avenge the easy seven that Buffalo had put on the board. As if the film had been rewound, three plays later finds Romo looking for Witten to cross into the middle of the field. This time #82 is there, but just one step behind the crossing route of Bills linebacker Angelo Crowell who snagged the ball on the Dallas 49 and returned it back 5 yards.

The second quarter finally brought about retribution for the two interceptions as Romo hit Witten on a 22 yard pass 4 yards deep in the end zone. The Cowboys appeared to have shown up to play some football.

One the next series, Buffalo chewed up eight minutes on the clock only to come away with a field goal and leaving Dallas with the opportunity to go into the half with a lead. Fate would not have it this way though as Romo’s first pass of the series was batted into the air by Chris Kelsay, who subsequently was able to catch the ball in for another Bufallo touchdown. This was the first time in the year that I have watched Tony Romo play for Dallas that he displayed his desperation by the use of foul language on the field. The single syllable word usually referred to by the letter with which it begins, was unmistakable when he shouted it after the play. A few minutes later, the camera cut to an image of the exasperated Romo sitting solemnly by himself on the sidelines. The look of despair was as unmistakable as the colorful language a moment before.

After an unsuccessful Buffalo drive, Dallas once again takes the field only to leave it shortly after Romo throws his fourth interception to Bills cornerback Jabari Greer. This set Buffalo up for a field goal just before the half that Dallas was able to answer with one of their own to close the first half.

A refreshed and rejuvenated Cowboys offense started the second half with a scoring drive closing the Buffalo lead to within four. Seconds later that lead evaporated as Rian Lindell returned Nick Folk’s kick off for 103 yards once again extending the Bills lead over the Cowboys.

With life still left in the Cowboys, the teams traded field position over the next few series with Dallas finally getting close enough to allow Folk to drive home one more field goal in the first few seconds of the fourth period.

Looking more composed, the Dallas defense held the Bills fast and forced a punt on the next series to bring the bettered Tony Romo back to the field. After two successful passes the offensive protection broke down on a shotgun play that left Romo scrambling for what yardage he could get. Closing on the first down marker, he was pulled down from behind when Aaron Schobel, a defensive end for the Bills, punched the football free from Romo’s grasp allowing Kyle Williams to recover for Buffalo.

All seemed lost at this point for Dallas but fate has a sense of humor of its own. On what appeared to be a scoring drive for Buffalo, the almost flawless performance of Trent Edwards was pierced by Terrance Newman as he intercepted a pass on the Dallas 5 yard line. A 70 yard return, ending in a gut wrenching fumble that Dallas was able to recover, put Dallas within striking distance on the Buffalo 17.

Once again, and for the fifth time that evening, hopes where shattered when the defense got the best of Tony Romo. The intended pass to Jason Witten was snagged out of the air by Bills linebacker John Digiorgio. The stunned Romo slowly exited the field while being consoled by Terrell Owens who had dropped enough passes during the game to feel Romo’s pain and earn the moniker ‘Frying Pan Hands’ on the next morning’s talk shows.

In a last valiant last ditch effort, the Dallas defense holds the Bills to a three and out performance on the next drive. With 3:45 still on the clock, the deflated, but not yet defeated, Tony Romo lead his offense back on to the field. Despite the obvious attempts by the officiating crew to ensure that the game was ended, the Cowboy offense fought back. Call after call went against Dallas. Romo hit Witten, Barber, Crayton and Owens to drive the ball steadily down the field. Owens could not win for loosing during the drive. During one catch at the Buffalo 30 yard line, Owens leapt into the air for a great pick, came straight down on his right foot and then was nailed by the Bills safety knocking him out of bounds. The pass was ruled incomplete despite complete control of the ball and Owens having been forced out of bounds during the catch. Finally, with 24 seconds left in the game, Romo threw a frozen rope to Patrick Crayton in the endzone, bringing Dallas to within two. Romo hit Owens in the back left corner of the end zone for the two point conversion, but Jabari Greer got his hands inside Owen’s arms and broke his grip in the ball. Even though Greer never looked back at the pass and was entangled with Owens before the ball arrived, no pass interference was called.

Only 20 seconds remained in the two point game when Folk kicked a beautiful on-side kick that was recovered by Tony Curtis, setting up one more chance for Dallas to come back. With 18 second remaining, Romo hit Owens at the Buffalo 25 yard line. Having no time outs, the Cowboys immediately go to the line and spike the ball with a mere second remaining in play. Even though another play had already occurred, the booth challenged the Owens catch and overturned the ruling on the field setting Dallas back at the Buffalo 47 with a mere 13 seconds left. Two short passes to the flats later, one to Barber and another to Crayton both who were able to get out of bounds, and a spike by Romo put Dallas on the Bufallo 35 yard line with 2 seconds remaining in play.

Could they actually pull this off? The second Nick Folk’s foot made contact with the football, we were on our feet. With the precision of a sniper, Folk split the uprights from 53 yards out, but wait… Something was wrong. The referees were not raising their arms even though the kick had clearly sailed dead through the center. To everyone’s surprise, especially that of Folk, a timeout had been called a fraction of a second before the snap had been made. In and egregiously petty, but perfectly legal attempt to ice the kicker, Bills’ head coach Dick Jauron had waited until precisely before the snap to call the timeout. It was a big gamble that mattered not, had Folk missed the first attempt, Jauron would have given him a free pass at a second try. However, he did not miss the first attempt, nor did he miss the second. The cool and collected Folk once again drove home the 53 yard field goal and this time he made the Bills like it.

In an embarrassing display of how not to win a football game, the Cowboys managed to rally at the last minute and do just that. I was particularly impressed with the parting comments of Tony Romo. Everything was about his team and how they had saved him from the doghouse and the worst he had ever played by never giving up and showing the true resilience that the Cowboys possess.

The Cowboys are now the NFC leaders and remain undefeated at 5-0-0. They face the ACF
leading New England Patriots next week who are also 5-0-0. I will say this. I hope last night was a wake up call for the ‘Boys. I can guarantee one thing; if you allow six turnovers against the Patriots, you will not be kicking a field goal to win the game. They will eat your lunch. Next Sunday night should be an impressive display from the currently two best teams in the NFL. Even if it means I have to sit through more drivel from Keith Olbermann. My Cowboys are worth it.

Finally. Football season has finally arrived and what a way to start the new season.

The season for the Dallas Cowboys ended last year with the final image of the despondent Tony Romo sitting on the field clutching his facemask with both hands after the botched field goal attempt that signaled the end of his baptism by fire. How quickly everyone forgot the stellar performances Romo had managed during his first few games as a Dallas Quarterback. They seemed to ignore the fact that he had won better than half of the games he had started in last year. Forgotten were the stellar yardages, the scrambles out of the pocket, the narrowly evaded sacks. No, all that was remembered was the run to the end zone and that fated hit that stopped him inches short in the last few seconds of the Cowboys season. All that was remembered was a young quarterback, who had started the season as a reserve for the seasoned veteran, sitting on the field hand gripping his helmet in disbelief and disappointment.

Take two, and welcome to the NFL Tony Romo, we’re glad to have you. As the Giants returned to Texas Stadium for the Cowboys’ season opener, we were forced to endure commentators running that last second play over and over again and giving their opinion of the young quarterback who cost Dallas a playoff run last year. We were forced to see the above image over and over again. Then we were treated to the new Tony Romo. While the Giants leapt out ahead with a quick first possession score with a botched extra point attempt, Dallas kept a steady pace and continued to put points on the board. After holding New York to a field goal, the Cowboys would answer with a touchdown drive and by half-time had spread the lead to sixteen points. Even without one of Dallas’ serious offensive weapons, Terry Glenn, Number Nine found himself no shortage of targets. He hit Witten over the center multiple times and picked Owens and Crayton up down the sides. Owens managed to drop into the blue stripe for two touchdowns and Hurd snagged a 51-yard touchdown himself. Romo only connected fifteen of his twenty-four attempts, but what connections they were, massing up 345 yards, three touchdown passes and one rushing touchdown to clearly vindicate himself against the Giants. There was a look of confidence on the young quarterback’s face, even after throwing his first interception of the season that lead to a Giant’s touchdown and helped to dwindle the Cowboys lead to only three points in the fourth quarter. After the Giant’s scoring drive, Romo returned to the field to find Sam Hurd open for his only reception of the game. The 51-yard touchdown pass sealed the game for the Cowboys and helped to silence the skeptics.

In the final analysis, it seems that Dallas may have found the energy they have been longing for since the young days of Troy Aikmen. Romo seemed aware, capable, confident and energized. Now if he can keep this up he may be able to lead the Cowboys back to the ring. We shall see.

On a side note, during one of the after play reviews where Eli Manning had once again found Plexico Burress in the Dallas end zone, John Madden was attempting to explain the play and use the ever famous Telestrator to do so. As we watched, we began to get concerned with what Madden was actually drawing… Here are the images:

This first one was disturbing enough, but when he completed his analysis of the play we were wondering exactly where his mind was.:

I will allow you to ‘draw’ your own conclusions, but we thought Madden’s illustrations summed up our feelings about the Giant’s scoring play very nicely.

(Images courtesty of NBC and MSNBC.)