2008 Chargers Season Inspires Possible Rule Changes

Do you remember the call by Ed Hochuli during the Chargers/Broncos game last season that caused alot of uproar? It turns out, the NFL might change the rules to make sure that never happens again. (H/T)

During Week 2 of the 2008 season, referee Ed Hochuli admittedly made a bad call that cost the Chargers a win, ruling that Denver Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler threw an incomplete pass on a play that should have been called a fumble.
Under current instant-replay rules, Hochuli's call was not reviewable because of a line of thinking that players stop playing when a play is whistled dead, which makes it difficult to tell which team would have recovered the ball.
The Broncos went on to win that game, nearly costing the Chargers their AFC West crown. The league's competition committee will consider the change ---- allowing instant replay to determine whether a quarterback fumbles or throws an incomplete pass ---- among other proposals and league matters at the NFL annual meetings beginning Sunday in Dana Point. The meetings conclude Wednesday.

As a Charger fan, that call was devastating. I remember feeling angry when Hochuli announced that the Broncos could keep the ball. Then nauseous when they scored the touchdown. Hochuli apologized profusely and even answered angry emails personally, but the situation was horrible.

Another proposed change involves the draft:

The Chargers, who won their division with an 8-8 record and advanced to the AFC divisional round by beating Indianapolis, will draft well ahead of the Colts based on their regular-season record. The Chargers own the No. 16 slot in the draft, while the Colts, who finished 12-4, will pick 27th.
That circumstance won't happen beginning in 2010 if the proposed draft bylaw is passed. The new proposal, which will not affect this year's draft, states that the top 20 slots of non-playoff teams will be determined by regular-season record. Playoff teams, however, will be reseeded in slots No. 21-32 based on postseason performance.

Seems fair. However, I am glad it will not affect the upcoming draft. Selfish? Yes. Biased? Absolutely. Go Chargers!

Another San Diego Sinkhole

There was another sinkhole San Diego yesterday:

Northbound Texas Street is closed from Madison Avenue north to Camino del Rio as city crews repair the sinkhole at Texas and Madison. The street is expected to remain closed until about 7 p.m., said Arian Collins, spokesman for the city water department.

The 4600-block of Texas is without water and will remain so until 4:30 to 5 p.m., Collins said. The problem was called by a leak in a service line, which connects a water main to a water meter, Collins said. "That started undermining some of the street," he said.

However, the sinkhole itself is actually pretty small, Collins said. "I think the hole we made to get down to it was bigger than the hole made by the water," he said.

It may be small in size, but it is also the second sinkhole in an urban neighborhood in just the last two months. The previous one in November swallowed a car:

Needless to say, I am totally for infrastructure spending. The sooner, the better.

Photo from signonsandiego.com

San Diego Events This Weekend

There is always something cool happening in San Diego...

Tall Ships Sail the San Diego Bay: This is a two-day event where you can view ships from the shore as well as go onboard some ships with a ticket. This is the 145th anniversary of the Star of India, a beautiful ship docked here in San Diego.

2nd Annual Harvest Festival: Located in Balboa Park, a $1 ticket gets you into an event that includes carnival games, pony rides, even a petting zoo. An inexpensive and fun way to get your family out of the house. Hosted by Campfire U.S.A.

Kimono as Art Festival: This Sunday event includes free admission into the Museum of Art at Balboa Park. Also, a festival outside celebrating Japanese art including origami instruction. Cool!

Cmdr. Mike Lumpkin For CA-52

Rep. Duncan Hunter has decided to end his 28 year run as the representative in my district. Woohoo! Unfortunately, his son Duncan D. Hunter is running in his place. There have been signs everywhere saying Hunter for Congress and Duncan Hunter for Congress. I have a feeling that people who are not paying full attention would just assume it is Hunter Sr. It is a clever strategy. Hopefully, it doesn't work.
Hunter Jr.'s competition is Democratic nominee Commander Mike Lumpkin. This guy is awesome! He has a Master's degree in national security affairs from UCSD. He is a former Navy SEAL who fought in Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa, and the Phillipines. Frankly, I am surprised I haven't seen any ads or neighborhood canvassing. He has a real shot at changing this district from a Republican stronghold. Think about the conversation in the Oval Office on November 5th if CA-52 changes. Personally, I want that conversation.

Here are some links to read interviews, questionnaires, and biographical information about Lumpkin:

Calitics: Lumpkin believes divisive politics are the reason America has gotten so far off track and he is committed to solving issues that transcend extreme politics. "Americans understand the urgency of working together; our deficit is spiraling out of control, we are outsourcing jobs, military families face extended deployments, the border is not secure, and Social Security is in trouble. Americans are smart, patriotic folks and we want our country back. We have too much at stake to let perennial wedge agendas hijack our national discussion," said Lumpkin.

Daily Kos: I believe that Blackwater violates the intent of the 2nd Amendment which declares "a well-regulated militia as being necessary to the security of a free State." Blackwater, and the almost 200 other organizations like them are almost completely UNregulated. The military code does not apply to them, which is highly problematic. Additionally, I do not believe it is in the best interests of the US tax payers to have to pay these contractors. Organizations like Blackwater are driving up our defense costs. US tax payers pay for the training of military experts, like SEALS. The cost of such training is in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. After completing this training, they receive military pay. Unfortunately, Blackwater type organizations can pay up to $1500 per day as compared to $1500 per week and we lose many as soon as they are able. This hurts the US tax payer even more because now the military has to pay exorbitant re-enlistment bonuses to try to keep them. Then who ends up paying them their new large contract salaries? The US tax payers again.

Oxdown Gazette: “Duncan Hunter Junior expects to inherit his father’s congressional seat and not work hard by showing voters what he’s made of in a broadcast debate,” says Commander Lumpkin. “But being a member of Congress is a job—not an entitlement. In a debate he can’t ask his father what to say; he has to be his own man and stand on his own two feet.”

Washington Post: Military service
Former Deputy Commander, Joint Special Operations Task Force-Arabian Peninsula for Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Deployed to Afghanistan, the Horn of Africa, and the Philippines.
Navy SEAL
United States Special Operations Command Office of Legislative Affairs liaison to the United States Congress on policy and appropriation issues supporting our nation’s Special Operations Forces.

San Diego This Weekend

I just love this time of year! There is never a dull moment in this beautiful town. Since I am going out of town next weekend, I'm glad I get to experience so much in the next few days.

Street Scene: This annual music festival is a two-day event this year. The organizers have taken it out of the Qualcomm parking lot and put it back where it belongs - on the streets of downtown San Diego. The list of performers is so amazing: Beck, The Hives, TV on the Radio, Del Tha Funky Homosapien, Devo, X...awesome! Click on the link for a full list of bands, maps, and ticket prices.

San Diego Festival of Beer: Another section of downtown San Diego will host this annual beer tasting event tonight. Over 100 beers to choose from with food, music, and more.

Soccer in the Sand: Tournament for kids and adults at West Mission Bay this Sunday. There will be a beer garden and it is free admission to watch.

San Diego Bayfair: Formerly known as the San Diego Thunderboat Regatta, this is a three-day event in Mission Bay featuring, well, really fast boats. I mean really, really fast. Click on the link for ticket information and videos. Pretty cool.

This Weekend In San Diego: Little Italy Invitational Stickball Tournament

This is a three-day event happening August 30th through September 1st. The San Diego team will compete against teams from Florida, New Jersey, New York and Puerto Rico. Free admission.
For more information, click the post title or here.

San Diego This Weekend

Oceanside Longboard Surf Club Contest: August 15th thru 17th

Encanto Street Fair: Sunday, August 17th

3 Charged With Using WMDs In CA Federal Courthouse Explosion

San Diego Surf Cup XXVIII Begins This Weekend

Also this weekend

54th Annual Balboa Park 8-Mile and 3-Mile Runs: Saturday, August 2nd

Studio Diner Regional Chili Cookoff: Sunday, August 3rd

Comic-Con In San Diego This Weekend

They're Here!

San Diego LGBT Pride 2008 This Weekend (Updated)

Have fun and support diversity at the same time! Join 150,000 other spectators at the parade on Saturday, July 19th. It's a one-mile long route in Hillcrest of floats, gay-friendly San Diego politicians, music, and of course,dancing! After the last float drifts by, head to the beautiful Balboa Park for the Pride festival. $15 for Saturday, $25 for Saturday and Sunday. Vendors, food, beer gardens, and entertainment all weekend long. Comedienne Kathy Griffin headlines Sunday, July 20th along with a performance by the excellent Melissa Ferrick. Don't miss out!

Update: Pics from Parade http://picasaweb.google.com/shaijinx/SanDiegoPrideParade2008

San Diego This Weekend

The 28th Annual U.S. Open Sandcastle Competition is July 12th and 13th in Imperial Beach. Kids competition is Saturday with the open competition following on Sunday. The street festival is always a great time. Food, vendors and musical entertainment..how can you argue with that? Check it out!

San Diego County Fair

The San Diego County Fair (formerly the Del Mar Fair) is an annual event in the seaside community of Del Mar. It lasts for three weeks every summer ending on the weekend closest to the Fourth of July. This year's theme is the Summer of Sports which will include showcases of memorabilia, history and more. The fair itself includes everything from carnival rides to concerts. The concert lineup this year is incredible! Admission price includes the chance to see the Reggae Festival, K.C. and the Sunshine Band, Sinbad, The Guess Who, Grand Funk Railroad and more. For an extra ticket price you can see the great B.B.King, Boston, Fergie, and Earth,Wind&Fire. Pretty awesome, huh? Fair ends on July 6, 2008.