Is it Tebow Time?

Hello football fans! Hope this find you well and excited for another great football season! I know I'm excited. I'll be playing in five (yes five) fantasy football leagues, going to the Jets/Broncos game, and enjoying other games with friends and family... Looking very forward to it all!

Speaking of the Broncos, I figured I would be writing about them and football throughout the season (one of my new year resolutions was to blog more, see my New Year Blog). I probably won't write every week, or even some months, but whenever I get the urge, I'll write... And this is one of those urges.

I'm going to comment on the same thing everyone has commented on lately... Mr. Tim Tebow. Before I do, I'd like to share a couple careers of a couple other quarterbacks...

13 year veteran, his first two years he was behind Brett Farve in Green Bay, and had a total of 29 throwing attempts his first two seaons... This player is Matt Hasselbeck.

My second example was drafted #24 in the 2005 draft, but didn't start in the NFL until 2008, and, coincidentelly, also played behind Brett Farve. That's right, Aaron Rodgers.

So what do these two QBs have to do with Tim Tebow? Well, Tebow has been in the NFL for one full season and one preseason game (with an extremely short training camp due to the NFL lockout). So I guess I don't understand why everyone is so critical of him. Rodgers was actually drafted later in the 2010 draft than Tebow was, and it seemed no one was as critical about him. So my first point, can we really even start judging Tebow until he's done some additional observation and more practice? I don't think so... and people need to calm down...

After watching the first preseason game, you can tell that Tebow has work to do... who'd of thought? But, there was some promise. His pass to Willis to mid field for 40+ yards, in triple coverage, was fantastic. And his scrambles, though not the best, show potential to give it all and do what he can to make something happen. His touchdown run (that was called back) was spot on and perfect for the John Fox offense... But, like any quarterback, especially a rookie or sophomore, he had some issues. His accuracy wasn't the greatest, and he couldn't remembered the rules during his most entertaining scrabble (the one with three Bronco penalties), but all in all, I think he played fine and is doing well in the back up role (for now).

I've heard/read some people say "Quinn looked better than Tebow"... That's true... Then again, in the preseason game, Quinn, also a former first round draft pick, was playing with and against thrid and forth string players, many of which will not be playing in the NFL (this year), so yeah, he looked good. I was hoping that Tebow an Quinn would both play with second and third strings, but I guess you can't win them all... (By the way, check out Brady Quinn's Blog.)

So, in summary, Kyle Orton is the quarterback this year, no question. I still feel Tebow will be great, but not yet. He needs more time to develop and become a great QB in the NFL, which requires different skills than the NCAA, but Tim has lots of potential. Hold your critism, hold your applause, because neither is necessary yet. Be patient and enjoy the ride :)

As a side note, the intial reason I signed up for Twitter was the sports updates... that has not changed. I follow @ClaytonESPN (John Clayton), @mortreport (Chris Mortensen), & @AdamSchefter (Adam Schefter), along with @ESPN and @NFL for general pro football news, and @PostBroncos, @Denver_Broncos, @johnelway, and @MileHighReport for Denver Broncos specific news. Enjoy!

Football season is upon us... Finally! Hope you all get to enjoy it in your own way. Leave me a comment and we can talk football... now or whenever.

Game on!

Clint

Chowder the Wonder Dog

If there is any question about the title "Wonder Dog," well, then you never met Chowder.

Chowder Head Crockett went by many names, including CFD (Crockett Family Dog), Chow Chow, wormdog, and Chuck's better half. We celebrated his birthday on September, 21st, 1997, which would make him 13, going on 14 now. Unfortunately, Chowder passed away on June 30th, 2011 due to old age. In his memory, I would like to share some thoughts and stories about this amazing pup and would encourage you to do the same in the comment section below.

Chowder was very timid, especially when he was first adopted (I remember driving my brown Honda Accord, picking him up from the shelter, and bringing him home). When we first got him, the first day in fact, he spent the night in my parents’ room (because he wouldn't go outside). I came home around midnight that night, opened the door, and heard an "oof" from my parents’ bedroom... Then laughter. Chowder heard the door open and was scared, so he jumped up on the bed and landed right on my mom. From that day on, we knew he was an inside dog...

... Or was he? Also when we first adopted Chowder, we would leave him in the backyard when we all left for the day (work, school, etc). Yet, when we came home, he would be sitting on the front lawn... What the hey? We would end up finding his spots where he literally clawed up the fence (finding claw marks and hair), and we ended up putting up barb wire, but Chowder found a way through that (told ya he was a wonder). Even though this young pup kept escaping, he never really escaped, but rather wanted to sit on the front lawn and watch the world around him... We basically learned that he knew where home is and never really wanted to leave... that makes me smile.

Chowder was uber smart. My mom worked with him a lot on tricks, and boy did Chowder learn some tricks. He gave high fives, shook hands, brought in the paper, walked without a leash (and didn't cross the street until instructed), among other tricks, but one of my favorites was rolling over... He would always get half way, and then roll back the way he started. I always wondered if going the full way hurt his back or that's what he thought he needed to do, but either way, it was adorable. I know my ma use to get him to roll over when going downhill (on the front lawn), but never sure what was going on in his giant doggy brain...

Chowder loved to play when he was younger... with humans I should say. He loved to chase, and loved to "rescue" people, where he would (gently) move your hands from your head by grabbing them with him mouth. Zach developed a game when he taught Chowder to snarl and bite (gently) when Zach put fingers near his mouth... In the game, that would "kill" Zach, and then he would need the "kiss of life" to play again, which Chowder was always happy to provide. Speaking of kisses, Zach also "taught" Chowder to answer yes and no questions with kissing (one lick for no, two for yes I believe)... Of course, these kisses were more Zach holding his face until he got the number of kisses he wanted, but that was still fun.

Chowder was always very gentle. I remember when we got Sable the ferret. She was just a baby, and the instant she saw Chowder, she jumped on him and started attaching him. You would think Chowder would react aggressively (by instinct), but he just sat there and watched. Even when Sable jumped on his face, he didn't really react (rather just tried to softly shake off the little weasel). Chowder's always been gentle and patient, even with other dogs. In fact, I think he's only snapped at another dog once, but this dog (very cute) had been trying to get Chowder to play for months... once Chowder took action, all was well with the world and the doggies were friends and had an understanding. By the way, Chowder and my parents’ current ferret Scratch did play sometimes. Chowder would chase Scratch, but it would mostly be Scratch jumping and attaching Chowder.

Chowder LOVED to walk. Even after his ACL surgery (which is an injury he suffered during a walk), he still loved walking and never wanted to go home. When given the option, he would always turn the other way to continue sniffing and exploring the outside world. I loved hearing about his walks around my place and how he never wanted to go home, rather he wanted to explore new parts around my place.

Chowder was raised to think he was a person. He was always at my parents’ side, especially my Dad's. I think my Dad was disappointed when people wouldn't let Chowder into places he wanted to go (like the grocery store or Barbershop)... But that's okay. They went to a lot of dog friendly places where Chowder could get the attention he deserved (Bass Pro Shop come to mind). One of my favorite conversations ever goes something like this:

Mom: "Do you think Chowder would like dog sledding?"
Dad: "Sure."
Mom: "Where would he be in the pack?"
Dad: "What? No. Chowder would be in the sled."

Just goes to show you how special he was.

Chowder hated kites... With a passion. No idea why, but he did. If he saw one in the air, he went NUTS... Still never figured that out, but I will never look at kites the same again... He also disliked one of my Grandpa's carvings of a Native American’s head on top of my parents’ hot tub... The hot tub was fine, the head anywhere else was just dandy, but you put the two together... watch out now.

My Dad dubbed Chowder "Security" one day, since he was always on the lookout (I guess). He did a pretty good job. Given, he would watch someone break into the house and not do anything, but he would see it all. I did love coming home any time of day, opening the door, and hearing the single "woof" as he came around the corner to see what's going on. As soon as he saw anyone, his tail would wag and he would want petted and attention... which we were all happy to give him... always.

The wormdog nickname came out when Chowder was younger. I'm not sure what caused him to do this, but when he would lay down, he would tuck his front paws under this head, making it look like he had no appendages, and hence look like worm... that was a dog... wormdog, get it?

One of my favorite things Chowder would do was lay on my couch at home. We would hang out at my condo, leave to get dinner, see a show, whatever, but then we would come home, and Chowder would be on the couch! I hope he knew I never wanted him to get off and he was always welcome there (I would even kick other people off for him :)

As Chowder got older, he became more social with other dogs. In fact, my parents left the door to the fence open so Chowder could be social with his buddies that walk by (and vice versa). In fact, one of the more recent times I was home, one of the pups and their master walked by our place without stopping by, and when my Mom called Chowder over to see, he started barking to get their attention (Chowder doesn't bark much). That brought the other pup and her owner over right way. Very cute. And it wasn't just people and dogs that loved Chowder, one of my Mom's box turtles, Shelby, had a crush on Chowder, and would follow him wherever he may go.

These are just some of the thoughts and stories that come to mind with Chowder. As I think about it, it amazes me how many lives he's touched and how many smiles he's created. Just like Ham Bone, our previous family dog (who did a lot of trail blazing for Chowder), and other ferrets, hamsters, turtles, mice, cockroaches, and even a lizard, he and everything about him will always be loved and never forgotten. Rest in Peace Chowder, you will be missed. Hope the smells in heaven are even more interesting than they were here.

30 is the New 22...

Hello amigos! Hope this finds you well. I figured I would share some thoughts now that I’m a whole 30 years old and no longer a "spring chicken"...

.... First of all, I don’t mind turning 30. Really, I didn’t love being a kid, so the first 16 years were "ho-hum" (not that there was anything really wrong with my childhood, growing up is just tough for most everyone). The last couple years of high school were pretty good, but part of that was because I was coming into my own. College was better than high school, sure, but I spent a lot of (and probably too much) time studying (hence I'm still burned out on reading and not going back to school for my master's degree anytime soon). But since then, life has only gotten better. More freedom, more self discovery, more friends, more fun and opportunities, what’s not to like? I have really enjoyed being old enough to make some serious decision, control my own destiny, make some money, see parts of the country (and world, eventually), and just have some fun (concerts, poker, etc.). I'm really keen on growing with some great people, seeing them get married and/or raise a family, and I’m really excited to start that part of my life at somepoint.

Second, I don't really feel that old. I know people our age really fret this age because we're "officially old"... but I don't feel that way. Sure, I'm not 21 anymore, and it takes some (more) time to recover on some things, but at the same time, I can still do things pretty easily. In fact, I can run more/faster, lift more, bend further, and like to think I'm smarter (but I can't shoot a basketball any better than I use to). For those of you who have met my almost 70 year old father (yeah, I'm surprised sometimes too), he's still surprising agile, and I think that I inherited the "good genes" (still don't wear glassed like the rest of the fam, for example), so age doesn't really scare me.

Now, when I say all this, I realize how lucky and blessed I've been. I've been in good health, had an AMAZING support system, embraced my "good fortune", and have a strong work ethic. I know not everyone has this same chances I have had, and I hope to embrace this even more as I get older and time goes on.

Finally, I'm not looking at this as the best years of my life have come and gone, or that a third of my life has passed (if I'm lucky ;), but rather, the "best is yet to come." I am looking forward to getting married and starting a family someday, exploring more of the world, trying new things, and, someday, retirement (it helps me feel young since this is SO FAR AWAY)! The way I see it, I made it through the past 30 years, and things are only going to get better... Shouldn't you look at it this way too?

I’ve enjoyed "growing up," but I’ve enjoyed being a "grown up," even more. And I think I'm going to enjoy "growing old" immensely... To some of you, "growing old" starts today (at age 30)... But to me, I’m still figuring out who I am, what I what to do, and where I want to go (remember that "Wear Sunscreen" song? "Some of the most interesting 40 year olds I know don't know what they want to do with their lives..." That's stuck with me)... and I wouldn't want it any other way...

... And there’s never been a better time to hang out or holla at your boy :)

Cheers!

Clint

Mmmm... Beer...

... And it's actually fun to make.

In case you haven't seen the Facebook pics, or heard me talk about it, we've been making beer ("We" being me and my older brothers Michael and Robert). We just finished the process of our first batch of beer, which are calling "BeerBust" (as in, you know, "Beer bust, Moon tower" from Dazed and Confused... or we were going to make beer or bust, whatever). Wanna hear some thoughts and stories from our experience?

Finding the time with three working (and handsome) young men is tough. Especially when one is also raising two boys and one a) lives in Colorado Springs, and b) has different ways off. Somehow, some way, we figured it out. Basically, we made compromises. Bob and I drove down to Springs, once during the week (when Mike had the day off), again when we both had time off, but Mike had to go to work. I actually think, from this perspective, we might have found a good balance for everyone. Makes me happy.

You know what the most important part of brewing is? It's not the equipment, or the ingredients. It's not even following the directions exactly. It's the sanitation. Think about it. If your equipment isn't clean, the ingredients will not matter, and who cares about instructions. "Dirty" equipment will ruin your beer. I know some of you have heard this before, but it's true. It's also the part that takes the longest and involves the most work. The good news is there are plenty of ways to speed up the process, especially after you know what you're doing. The first time was rough, but now that we have an idea what to do and how to do it, should be a breeze (though it will take some time).

The process of actually making beer is very interesting to me. It’s intriguing to read about and see how all the ingredients go together (and when) to make this delicious beverage. Who was smart enough to figure out that boiling water, malt (extract of the barley grain itself), hops, and other ingredients, then adding to water and yeast, then letting it sit for a while, then add sugar, bottle, and sit for a while longer would have this outcome... and this was figured out multiple times completely independently! Mind blowing... but God bless those people ;) Regardless, when you’re in the early process of making beer, you have to wonder how this wort (the concoction of water, "malted barley", hops, and other flavoring ingredients) is actually going to taste and smell like a beer... but it does. Thank goodness!

I really have come to enjoy the instructions and guidance from "The Complete Joy of Home Brewing", by Charlie Papazian. The book does an excellent job focusing on having fun and enjoying this hobby. "Relax! Don't Worry. Have a Home Brew." is found in basically every major instruction for beginners, and with good cause. If you follow the instructions provided in the book/with the set, you will make beer. Sure, it could be "skunky" (bad sanitation), or it could taste horrible (ingredients), but if you follow the instructions, you will have beer. That’s half the battle right? And you know, those mistakes could be beneficial. We missed a step at the very beginning due to being newbies, but "BeerBust” still turned out better than expected. "BeerBust" is a wheat beer; just missing some of the grains used in the wort...live and learn huh? By the way, think we’re going with a stout next...

It’s funny to me that, we planned to brew five gallons of beer. After some issues, we didn’t end up with a full five gallons, but yet we more than filled the 24 20 ounce bottles we had for the “broject” (a typo I decided to leave because, as Homer Simpson would say, it’s awesome to turn words into dudes). I guess that the loss of some of the beer in various stages is inevitable and to accept it... I’ll just be sad when I’m drinking beer and I run out.

So those are my initial thoughts about homebrewing after creating "BeerBust". I’m uber excited to do more of this with my brothers and excited to share what we make. We are even lucky enough to have some friends who want to help. The "label" on the left was created by my firend Carly and we love it! Another friend has offered to help with printing labels in the future, so watch out, Scott Nasman. More details and thoughts as time goes on... But in the meantime, "Relax, have a homebrew"... Bottoms up!

Cheers!

My Time Away From Chocolate...

Hello again true believers! It's that time of year again. The time of painted eggs, bunnies that sound like chickens, and, for those who practice various religions, a time of celebration. And it's in that spirit that I join my mom in giving up something for Lent. Last year, it was Facebook, and I still feel that was a success as today, even though Carolyn will tell you differently, I'm not checking my phone/computer as much and have not gone back to my near obsessive levels. I've done alcohol for six months before (that included Lent). If the picture hasn't given it away, this year was chocolate.

Giving up chocolate was harder than I thought it would be. I guess you don't realize how many tasty treats contain some type of chocolate. Obviously, Hershey bars and chocolate chip cookies will contain the sweet confection, but in attempts to find alternatives, I would run into issues. I was enjoying a tootsie pop once and totally spaced that, inside the "fruit" flavored outside, there was a chewy chocolate center... I threw that out right away. I actually have had multiple dreams where I was eating something either that I wanted or out of habit, and would then realize there was chocolate inside. Then there was my "stock pile". In addition to the tasty chocolate treats Carolyn had gotten for Valentine's Day, and the left over bag of Snickers from Poker, there was my usual stock pile of chocolate I have from various place and have received from others (including my mom from her trip to the Debrand Chocolate Factor while in Indiana). I never realized how much chocolate there was around until I gave it up.

So what's the outcome of all of this? Well, I like to think I've actually slowed down on my sugar/sweet intake. Something I hope I can carry with me after Easter. And I feel that the alternative I have found to satisfy my sweet tooth will be around for a while as well. I really took a liking to my old friend Reese's Pieces during my chocolate sabbatical. I keep telling myself there are benefits to eating PB (doesn't it make you feel more full than you actually are?), but I think I'm just leading myself on (kinda like the whole "dark chocolate has antioxidants so it's good for you" mentality). I've always enjoyed Teddy Grahams, but the honey flavored has found a new place in my heart (they're packed with calcium and zinc, so they're good too, right? ;) It's funny though, I haven't really done a whole lot of ice cream/frozen yogurt, cupcakes, or anything of the sort to try those out... I think I'm okay with that.

I have to admit to everyone... My mom and I did cheat, and it was pre planned. You see, before lent, I made reservations at the Melting Pot for Denver Restaurant Week/5280. I dunno about you, but I think it's a bigger sin to to go the Melting Pot and not eat the Chocolate Fondue that it is to avoid chocolate all together... The good news is, because I knew this was coming, I planned ahead and gave up something else for Lent... I feel like I watch a lot of TV, but 75% of that watching comes after 10:00, when I like to unwind and let my mind "chillax". Most the time, I would fall asleep if watching past 10:00, which isn't great since I would wake up at 3:00 in the morning, brush my teeth, then finally go to bed. So, in an attempt to remedy that, I gave up watching TV past 10:00. The results have been "semi sweet" (sorry about the chocolate pun). I have been more productive after 10:00, but I still fall asleep on the couch and go to bed at 2:00 in the morning. I have also missed some great live television, including Elton John the Foo Fighters on SNL... I guess that's why it's a sacrifice huh?

So all in all, this has been an interesting Lent season that I think can be classified as a success. I hope I take some of the adjusted behaviors with me... But, you can count on me sitting in front of the TV watching something like South Park at 10:00 on April 25th, 2011 with a chocolate chip cookie and a glass of chocolate almond milk... that just won't happen as often ;).

Some Scripted Story about Improv...

That's right boys and girls. Unless you missed all my facebook posts and general ramblings, then you already knew I was in my first improv show the first Sunday in April of 2011. Now with the show in the history books, I thought I would share my story of how this came to be, my thoughts, and what the future holds.

I know some of you know this, but I actually had a big push getting into improv. I had gone to a couple shows at the Madcap Theater in Westminster, Colorado (http://madcapimprov.com/), but never really thought about doing it. That's where Carolyn Brug comes in. For Christmas 2010, she bought me the first set of lessons as a gift.,.. and what a gift! Started my first set of four classes in January 2011. The first set of classes went well. It wasn't focused so much on the games or even the comedy, but more establishing "a story" between characters, including relationship/status and conflict. It was a twelve person class, yet all the exercises were two people or less... And totally done the right way. Lots of focus on actual acting in addition to the focus on the miming of objects to make them look real/have the audience understand what you are doing (with that object). Also focused on non verbal cue's of emotion, in posture, pace, and so on. With all that in mind, THEN you could exaggerate everything you learned and find a very real and natural comedy... think about it...

Since I enjoyed the first set of classes so much (thank you again Care!), I decided it was time to do class #2. This is the class that introduced the games, 3rd person entrances, and the fun little tricks to make the shows the best possible... but all of that only works if you apply the lessons from the first set of classes. I learned a lot here... But there was so much information, I feel like I have to go at it again. Either way, this class was even more fun then the first, with longer scenes and a chance to really let them develop. This class started in early March and went through early April 2011 (4 classes again).

Sunday, April 4th, 2011, 6:00 was the first show for most of the six actors on stage (Chrissy had performed on the MadCap stage previously). It was a free show that the six of us could invite anyone to attend... and did we. Bottom section full, seats used in the raise level, and all the support for all the actors was greatly appreciated. We did a number of scenes, some a lot of fun to perform and fun for the audience ("Dialogue Papers" and "Forward/Reverse" specifically), and some I hope we change for the next time around ("Story" comes to mind). Either way, the show was great. I was the 3rd entrance on both scenes I was a part of, something I didn't protest for the sake of time, but something I hope doesn't happen next time (I can never get a enough face time, but limiting it hurt :). That's not say that I can't improve, there are a lot of things I want to do differently (asking for suggestions, making stories/scene's bigger, spelling ;)

In case you haven't gathered, there will be a next time. Due to how busy this summer is looking with birthdays, weddings, bachelor parties, and other events, I think it'll have to happen in the fall. I hope the actors from this show are serious when they say they want to do it again because I really enjoyed working with them. I hope I can remember a lot and go in to the second set of classes for the second time with lots of knowledge... and don't worry, I'll let you know when the show will happen again... I/we will need and appreciate all the support we can get. So until then, enjoy the show via , YouTube on the "mercury26" channel and I'll keep you all in the loop. Clint Crockett, signing off.

My Thoughts on the "Bellagio Bandit..."

... In case you haven't heard about this...

Judge's son arrested in Bellagio robbery - News - ReviewJournal.com

... Interesting story right? Can you believe some guy had the guts to rob a giant casino and that he was caught by selling some of the chips to an undercover police officer?.. But that has nothing to do with why I think this story in interesting... It's the delinquent, Anthony "Tony" Carleo (AKA Anthony Assad), that peaks my interest.

Mr. Carleo and I attended Roncalli Middle School and Pueblo South High School together. We didn't interact a whole lot, but here are a few memorable instances of our paths crossing:

• 8th Grade U.S. History (The only class we had together): in order to impress some of the more "popular" kids, Tony poured itching powder down my back...


• Sophomore Year of High School - While sledding with some friends in the park, Tony drove through the middle of the park in his car, not watching who else was around (thank goodness we moved).


• Junior Year of High School - Tony drove around a dude who was looking to fight me even though Tony had nothing to do with anything...

So, as you can see, never had a great relationship with the guy.

Tony was always trying to fit in with the "popular" crowd, even though I think only some of that crowd actually appreciated his antics (the most popular antic being "the flying squirrel", which was him whipping out his scrotum and stretching the skin in certain ways). Either way, Tony went on to be voted our "Class Clown" (which has a history of going to a "jackass" vs. an actual funnyman) and would graduate from high school. That's about the extent of what has happened between him and I and really the only interaction.

Now that you know my initial impression of Mr. Carleo, I can now continue to tell you about my thoughts on the whole burglary. The reason I want to even discuss this is based on the reactions I saw on facebook. Some were making fun of Tony, others were sympathetic. Lots of people were just surprised by the whole thing and had no other reaction. I think you can imagine mine, but I wanted to blog about them a bit in more detail. So let's look at the case a little more.

• First of all, this has to be one of the gutsiest burglaries ever. There have been multiple movies on how hard it is to steal from a casino, including the "Ocean" series and even "The Hangover" (Alan card counting took three other people). But then there was this guy who walked in a casino with a gun and a bike helmet and stole the equivalent of 1.5 million dollars... Regardless of what you think, I'm sure this will cause a re-evaluation of casino security.


• Second, he obviously didn't do his research. In fact, I don't even think he thought it through. Personally, I think he went in looking for cash and didn't have the opportunity so he took what he could get (three minutes in and out, not a lot to time to think). I think Tony took what was available, and I think the dealers he stole from knew to give the higher value, more easily traceable chips.


• The chips he stole aren't really worth anything, but he could sell them (how he got caught). To put the value in perspective, if Tony sold the chips 10 cents to the dollar, they would be worth $150,000, and that's assuming they were all $25,000 chips.


• Regardless, I can't see this burglary being a case of real desperation. You don't go into one of the biggest casinos in Vegas (and maybe the world) if your desperate for what you can get. You don't steal 1.5 million dollars worth of chips if you’re looking for tuition money. I don't even think you steal that kind of money for a drug addiction. Maybe he was in debt to some real bad people, but I have trouble believing that considering he was living in a gated home with his judge father (makes me wonder if he thought his dad could help if he did get caught).


• I don't think Tony committed the first burglary at the Suncoast casino. First of all, the perpetrators in those incidents look different. Just look at the helmets. They appear different, and not just in color. The first incident happened at a casino I've never heard of, was planned for cash, and not even that much. Tony's incident was at a world famous casino he apparently loved (See Money, gambling and the Bellagio: Anthony Carleo, this was your life. - News - ReviewJournal.com), wasn't very well planned, and had multiple chips worth more than the total money stolen in the first crime. I think Tony is a copycat criminal, thinking he would get off scott free when they caught the other/original burglar. Instead, it looks like he might have to pay for a crime he didn't commit (in my opinion).


• Speaking of committing crimes, I don't know if there is actually any proof the robber was him. Yes, I think the video of the criminal running away from the crime scene looks like him, but I can't prove that (and I dunno if anyone can). He was caught selling the stolen chips, so he's at least involved with actual criminal (if it's not him) to some degree (especially with $900,000 in his possession and $1.2 million accounted for), but there's no proof he's the actual burglar until they find the helmet, gun, or get a confession.

Tony is a showman. He wants to live large and in charge... he just never had the success and means to accomplish the goal. That led him into some trouble (check out Former Pueblo resident charged in $1.5M Bellagio heist in Las Vegas - The Denver Post). He treated a lot of people poorly along the way, hence the laughter of this incident. He also made some friends along the way (I've noticed more of them are women, just saying), hence the sympathy. Either way, he needed a reality check a long time ago, and I feel for him that he didn't get it. With that said, he's an adult. He made a stupid decision... a really stupid decision. If you make the decision to get drunk, you deal with the consequences whether it be people making fun of you or you getting in to trouble. This situation is the same. He made a decision to do something ridiculous and foolish instead of reaching out for help or calming down. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and everyone else he's been close to, and I hope he gets the help he needs because this has to be the biggest mistake he ever makes if he wants to ever have any chance to live the "good life".