Ravens Chix Chat

The "Boy Who Cried Wolf" works for the Bleacher Report

2012-01-31T01:06:00.000-08:00

Some people will sell their souls to bump their web traffic. Some will even conjure up battles with their overinflated inferiority complex and boo-hoo, poor, poor pitiful me woes just to fan the flames of controversy and draw attention to a meritless blog or some cyber gadgetry.

You know who they are and they know who they are.

Yesterday I saw this headline from the online sports community’s Star Magazine – the Bleacher Report. It read, “Willis McGahee Disses Ravens Big Time!”

Without a doubt the headline captured attention here in Baltimore.

Oh boy, here we go. The scorned former Raven is now going to throw his former employer under the bus, right?

Wrong!

In the video below you will see the mild-mannered, happy-go-lucky Bronco with that boyish grin signing autographs and rebutting a fan’s verbal shot at McGahee’s teammate Tim Tebow in a calm, professional way.

That’s dissing the Ravens?

Really?

Some websites have nothing better to do than to waste your time with their disingenuous babble.

Hey Bleacher Report, ever hear the story about the boy who cried wolf?

The Ride Ended Too Soon

2012-01-26T07:52:00.000-08:00

Our hopes and dreams for this season were gone in the blink of an eye.

While I was standing in Gillette Stadium surrounded by screaming Patriots fans I felt sick to my stomach. How did this happen? We were so close; we played well enough to beat the Almighty Tom Brady. Looking down at the field I felt bad for our vets, the ones that have been through all the ups and downs with us as well as all the guys that came to our team for this opportunity, a chance to make it to the show. Now unfortunately we all know that we will never have this same 53 man roster ever again.

After the loss I banned all outsider sports media. I couldn’t listen to what analysts had to say about us or what the Facebook world of Ravens haters had on their minds. We get it, the Ravens lost, Lee Evans had the game winning touchdown knocked out of his hands, Billy shanked a kick he’s made a thousand times and the Patriots are going to the Super Bowl and we aren’t.

This one will sting for quite some time. I’m so invested in this team as so many of us are. When they win it makes our days brighter and when they lose we grieve with them. It’s sad to see it end this way after so many amazing moments the Ravens gave us over the course of the season. We are allowed to take a few days to mourn. We don’t need to play the blame game; you don’t think those guys already feel horrible about what happened? I know how I get when I make an error in softball, I feel like I let the whole team down and that’s just recreational softball not the National Football League.

As I try to look at the bright side, I had so many reasons to cheer throughout the course of that championship game (except every time they played an Aerosmith song and showed Steven Tyler on the jumbotron trying to sing along).

Our rookies made some spectacular plays which gives us hope of what is yet to come. Torrey Smith’s leaping touchdown, LaQuan Williams forced fumble and the amazing interception by Jimmy Smith. Joe Flacco led our team down the field like I knew he could and Anquan Boldin, Dennis Pitta, Lardarius Webb and Bernard Pollard all made some highlight worthy plays.

We have a team infused with youth and we can put our trust in Ozzie and company to add to the talent we have in Baltimore and only make us stronger for years to come.

Thanks to the Baltimore Ravens organization and fans for a great season!

It Ain’t Easy Being Purple

2012-01-25T09:47:00.000-08:00

It is not easy being a Ravens fan. I am a diehard fan, I watch every game, I listen to Baltimore sports radio and I read about them online. My friends and family know about my purple passion, I wear my heart on my sleeve, I support them through thick and thin and I will always be a fan.

Sunday’s loss to the New England Patriots was hard to swallow. It was hard to be so close to something, yet feel like you are so far away. The loss felt like a breakup that came out of nowhere. While I knew that a breakup was possible, I held out hope that our relationship would last a bit longer. Sadly it ended abruptly and I felt like someone ripped my heart out.

I was speechless and curled up on my couch and wanted to be left alone. I couldn’t deal with people, I had nothing to say and didn’t want to hear what they to say.

My beloved Ravens played their hearts out on Sunday. They weren’t perfect, they never are, but they looked pretty good and hung in there till the bitter end. The end was painful to watch, but it didn’t kill me, I’m still here to talk about it.

I won’t cry over spilled milk. I will make myself crazy if I question everything that went wrong at the end of the game. There is no sense in rehashing it, yes, I wish things ended differently, but what happened, happened, I can’t change the outcome, I have no choice but to accept it and move on.

There are haters who like to poke fun of the Ravens for making the playoffs for four consecutive years and not reaching the Super Bowl. I let the bygones be bygones and ignore what they say. While it would be awesome to play in the big game again, I am just happy that the Ravens stay competitive to reach the playoffs year after year.

Before head coach John Harbaugh and QB Joe Flacco came on board, the Ravens were on a downward spiral and needed to be dug out from their impending doom. Harbaugh and Flacco are the pieces who turned the team around. Flacco has steadily improved each season and while he isn’t an elite QB, he is consistent and that’s what we need him to be.

This season we witnessed WR Torrey Smith emerge from a shaky rookie to a strong and reliable receiver. Next season he will no longer be a rookie and he will continue to grow, he has the potential to become an elite WR.

RB Ray Rice continued to explode on the field, he is the workhorse behind the Ravens offense and should have a new contract, one that will award him for his efforts and allow him to stick around for a long time.

The Ravens were undefeated in the division, a hard one to win when you have to play against two defensive powerhouses; the Cincinnati Bengals and the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Ravens proved that they are a force to be reckoned with. Sweeping the Steelers was a big deal, it is something that the Ravens haven't done since 2006 and it gave us hope that they will do it again.

Every game has a winner and a loser and unfortunately we were the losers in that game. LB Ray Lewis referenced a higher authority in the loss, that it was in God’s plan and he said that Flacco played his ass off. (Video here)

Flacco did play his ass off, he had a better game than Patriots’ QB Tom Brady and even though the Ravens lost the game, it was exciting watching Flacco go head to head with one of the league’s elite QBs. I have been a long time Flacco supporter and will continue to support him next season, I don’t expect him to be elite; he doesn’t need to be. He just needs to do his job effectively and consistently.

So my dear Ravens, get some rest, you worked your butts off this season and deserve the down time. You can be assured that your loyal fans will continue to support you and we look forward to seeing you next season.

Keep playing like Ravens. They say good things come to those who wait; we will continue to hold out hope that we will be top dog again.

Chicas! It’s Time to Pull up My Big Girl Purple Panties!

2012-01-25T09:29:00.000-08:00

It’s Wednesday! And for those fans that have put the Sunday game behind them! Yeah! Hooray for you! Wish I could same the same.

The loss of the AFC championship hit me hard. Shocked and disappointed by the team’s last minute play calamities which led to a loss by 3 lousy points, I’m still stunned. It is just unbelievable that we came this far and missed the chance for another Super Bowl. Even more annoying are the constant smug and condescending comments by Patriot (Steelers too) fans and national media.

Yes no doubt Sunday’s loss was hard but it should not have surprised us diehard fans, our season has been a rollercoaster ride of emotions from beginning to end.

So Sunday night into Monday, I was numb, depressed and hurt. I couldn’t focus or even speak. I didn’t sleep well, even had bad dreams and woke in a fog that was heavier than fog outside my house. On Monday evening my husband, who woke on Monday whistling and smiling, took one look at me and said “Really Hon? It was a football game. It’s over. Move on!”

Easy for him and others, but my heart was still too heavy. I always get very emotional around game time. Whether win or lose those emotions carry me well into the week. It’s Wednesday and I’m forcing myself to face the reality...

Ravens fans invest much more than four hours on Sunday afternoons for five months of the year. We invest time reading up on player’s performance, learning our team’s game plan and reviewing team match ups. We take our pre-gaming very seriously, planning serious tailgate parties, attending to the details of fan attire and every Sunday we bring the 12th man/woman energy that our Ravens ask for!

Baltimore fans believe they make a difference in the game’s outcome. After all Coach Harbaugh has told us that Ravens fans are the ultimate 12th man/woman! We know What’s Our Name, how to Play Like A Raven and we have all studied at Ball So Hard University!

And yes we are RELENTLESS!

We may never touch the playing field but we have invested every ounce of our being (and a ton of cash) into making sure that the Baltimore Ravens succeed! Of course we are going to take this loss personally and feel depressed over the season’s ending!

When my sons played sports in school, every moment they were on the field, my heart pounded, my emotions were full tilt and I was raving maniac! When they had a good game I was on a high. When they played poorly, my heart just ached. My little guys were just like Mom, they wore their emotions on their sleeves.

Watching them walk off the field with their chins down and shoulders hunched was devastating. No matter how much understanding and compassion we chanted, their heartbreaking faces and sad moods lingered for hours and sometimes days. We tried hard to help them deal with their emotions. We encouraged them to use their disappointment to work harder and to appreciate each success as a building block to future success.

Hmmm here it is Wednesday after Sundays AFC Championship loss… think I should take my own advice!!

Okay here I go – I am pulling up my big girl purple panties and moving on!

There I’ve done it I’ve ranted and I’ve rambled! I’m ready to look on the bright side! I’m so thankful for an awesome team and an amazing season! I love being a Ravens fan!

Ravens football is never over…. Ravens fans are 24x7 365!!!! Think FREE AGENCY! Think DRAFT!!

Rave On!

Kosmo Krys

Hey Ravens fans, it's MOVIE NIGHT!

2012-01-24T20:40:00.000-08:00

When Billy Cundiff missed the field goal that would have tied the AFC Championship Game and send it into overtime, I lost it. I can tell you without hesitation I had little confidence leading up to the kick. Maybe I’ve been programmed to think that whatever can go wrong will go wrong when it comes to the Ravens and important playoff games. And the apparent confusion and semi-chaotic state of the kicking team getting on to the field only served to heighten my expectation of disappointment.

We all know how that kick ended – a wretched duck hook left that made me think of my golf lessons and how my instructor encouraged me to get some right wrist action at the point of impact. Usually I did and usually I was playing out of the left rough or looking for my hot pink ball along the port side tree line – or worse.

Now “Cundiff” is a verb.

I feel bad for Billy. He had a stellar year in 2010 and 2011 has been anything but. We’ve been told he’s had a calf injury and judging from his accuracy and depth of kickoffs this season, I have no reason to doubt the diagnosis. It’s part of the game.

But honestly, I wasn’t as ticked off at Billy as I was Lee Evans. When Cundiff missed the kick, my immediate thought was F U Lee Evans. Had he attacked that ball and made the catch and gripped it like it was the opportunity of a lifetime (which it was), Baltimore would have some serious swagger right now, heading to Super Bowl XLVI.

Instead, we’re licking our wounds.

When Jim Nance stated the obvious, that Cundiff missed the kick (what an understatement), I got up, took a walk and went outside, dressed only in my Ravens’ Purple Haze tee-shirt. It was cold but for the first 15 minutes I didn’t notice. Eventually reality set in – I was freezing my ass off and the Ravens lost.

It sucked!

Sleep didn’t come easy on Sunday night and when I awoke the next day it took me a moment to realize Sunday wasn’t a dream – check that, wasn’t a nightmare. It happened.

Thankfully the founding father of this destination on the worldwide web opined about the loss and accompanied his editorial with the following video. Thanks TL!

After watching this video it’s hard not to think about who might not be back next season. Let’s face it, we attach ourselves to these players. They represent who we are and the ties that bind them to us are strong. And when they fail to reach the promised land, it stings a bit because you know this same group of 53 men will never ever be a team again. This is it!

And it’s hard not to like our guys. Not only are they tremendous athletes, they are also to a man, class acts who place team goals first, behave as role models for our children and are genuinely good guys.

How lucky are we?

And then there’s this – this video of Ray Lewis and his locker room speech to his teammates following the devastating loss to the Patriots. Do yourself a favor and click on this link.

How amazing is that? If you are a Ravens’ fan how can you not be a little misty after listening to Ray?

“Let’s make somebody smile when we walk out of here!”

How amazing is Ray Lewis? How blessed are we to have watched him here in Baltimore and called him our own for his entire career?

WOW!

Reality bites and the 2011 season is over and done. Yet along with that cold hard truth, there’s reason to be optimistic about the future. But as the future nears, there will be change. That’s just the way it is in the NFL. I’ll leave the plusses and minuses of such change to our analytical boys on 24x7 but leave it to “Goob” to always help paint the picture with humor. If you don’t follow Goobvision (@RavenManiac on Twitter) you probably should. The guy is a hoot.

I’ll let you be the judge…

Finally, this video was brought to my attention today. It was done last year yet its humor is timeless. As a Ravens fan I can’t help but laugh at the numb-nut Steelers’ fans who don’t even realize they are being played for the tools that they are. Even funnier is their knee-jerk response to anything that challenges their team’s superiority or lack thereof.

Put a Steelers’ fan in his or her place and the automatic response is, “Six!”

Any criticism of the Steelers in the mind of a Yinzer is justified and offset by the word, “Six” as in their Super Bowl titles.

Ask an elementary student in Pittsburgh what 2 + 8 equals and they’ll say, “Six!” Teachers in the rust belt give extra credit for such responses.

Talk about some back-assward rednecks…

Anyway, on that note and to help lighten the load you may be carrying following that loss on Sunday, here’s a laugh at the Yinzers’ expense.

Hey Baltimore Play like an Underdog!

2012-01-22T05:00:00.000-08:00

Jarret Johnson was spot on this week when he noted that he and the team don’t mind being seen as the underdogs. It’s okay for whatever reason we seem play better that way! That’s right Jarret! They can call us underdogs but we always seem to worry 'em!

Ravens are much like the residents of the city that they represent. Baltimore has a reputation for being a melting pot of blue collar workers who come from a variety of economic and ethnic backgrounds. Sitting in the middle of the east coast, between NYC, Philly and DC, Baltimore is often not even thought of as a Metropolitan area.

It isn’t a town that is recognized for cultural arts, high end commerce or economic wealth. It’s more often viewed as a poor city with a challenging poverty level, extremely high crime rate and questionable politics.

So the typical Baltimorean is familiar with being an underdog and is okay with having its team represented in the same way. As a matter of fact, it suits Baltimore fans just fine. Being the underdog is what gives Baltimore and The Ravens the drive to improve, to compete and to conquer.

The national media enjoys stirring the Ravens pot by focusing on the teams short comings, taking player remarks out of context, concentrating on eccentric off and on field behaviors and nagging about inconsistent play. No worries, this just makes us harder to predict and worries our opponents.

Baltimore is not known to follow the trends or go with the flow. Sitting just below the old Mason Dixon line and stretching from the Appalachian Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean, Baltimore is a nation in itself… this is “Ravens Nation”.

Our Ravens don’t follow trends either. They play like Ravens; unconventional sometimes, unpredictable often but always with absolute heart and soul.

We are a town of fans that are the loudest-proudest cheerleaders for our team and there is no tougher group of hard nose critics in the league than Baltimore fans. That is who we are and that’s who our team embodies those qualities. We work hard and play even harder.

So Baltimore fans like our team let’s embrace being the underdogs. With Purple Pride we will Root, Rant and Rave for Baltimore to –PLAY LIKE A RAVEN!

Rave On!

Kosmo Krys

Let Them Play Football

2012-01-21T07:49:00.000-08:00

A friend gave me a life lesson the other day by challenging me...

If you wake up one morning, and you only had the things that you were thankful for yesterday, what would you have?

If I wake up Monday, January 23rd, I’ll have an amazing family, awesome friends, and I’ll have a football team heading to Indianapolis to win their 2nd Super Bowl. But that last one will only be because the NFL officiators will do their job, and let these boys play…some…football!

We all know Tom Brady is a _______ (fill in your favorite derogatory slang here). He cries a lot, he begs for penalty flags (argh! pet peeve!!!), and let’s be honest, it’s worked for him over the years.

After watching the rehashing of the 2002 playoff game between the Patriots and the Raiders, the “Tuck Rule” has become my new favorite thing to hate in the NFL. If you gals don’t know about this game, check it out in the video below. They keep talking about it since the Patriots are only one of the 4 teams left. It’s unreal and if I were a Raiders fan, I’d still be harboring some pretty strong hatred against the “almighty” Brady.

Then, we have the “Brady Rule”, which is the un-official name of the revised language in the “Roughing the Passer” rule where you can’t hit a QB below the knees (there is some other language in there too, but I’m just simplifying). This rule (which has actual section and article numbers attached in the official NFL rule book) got re-worded and clarified after Little Bah-wady hurt his poor wittle knee. (OK, he got knocked out of the season with a busted ACL and MCL, wahh wahh wahh).

Just to make the Brady Rule more ridiculous, the Patriots owner, Robert Kraft, (circa 2009) said, “It's like if Peyton Manning were gone for a season, I think the whole NFL suffers, the same way the NFL suffered with Tommy out. So whatever we can do to protect quarterbacks and to minimize the opportunity of them being taken out with a year-ending injury I would support.”

Hmmmm, Peyton was out this entire season and the NFL did just fine. I think his brother would agree!

Anyway, guess who caused this Tom Brady season-ending knee injury in 2008? Bernard Pollard! Bernard Pollard was the Safety for the KC Chiefs at the time. But on Sunday, he’ll be dressed in purple since he’s now a Safety for the Baltimore Ravens. Just sayin’!

We also have “Spygate”, after which the Patriots got a slap on the wrist, a few minor fines (relatively speaking), and some inconsequential penalties. Like, for example, they had to give up their first round draft pick (which would have been #31 out of 32 overall) but they ended up getting a pretty good pick (10th I think?) because of a trade with another team…reallllly?).

Our Ravens have seen fines over the years for talking smack against the referees (coaches and players alike). But I have to agree with Ray Lewis, when he commented in 2009…“Without going off the wall here, it’s embarrassing to the game,” Lewis said. “Brady is good enough to make his own plays, let him make the play. When you have two great teams that are going at it, let them go at it…A personal foul and he isn’t even touched. He’s a man. They can be hit, just like us. It's embarrassing to even keep the momentum going like that when we go three and out, and then we stop them, and then you look back and see a flag or a personal foul, and Tom Brady is laughing. It wasn't no personal foul if he's still smiling."

Just sayin’, Chix!

Mind your x’s and o’s

The Purple Maven

Ravens Flying High

2012-01-20T09:05:00.000-08:00

We all know the Patriots have a pretty good offense, but the Ravens have a pretty good TEAM.

Yes, we are well aware that the Patriots have a high powered offense behind the likes of Tom Brady, Wes Welker and Rob Gronkowski. And I understand that the media has an infatuation with the Patriots and they will continue to sing their high praises; so I think Ravens fans occasionally need to be reminded of all the good things we have going on in Baltimore since the media won’t.

The Ravens are one of the more balanced teams still remaining in the playoffs. We have seven Pro Bowlers, four on defense and three on the offensive side. Our Ravens have had a pretty darn good season up to this point, and here are some of the highlights…the rest is still unwritten.

* Offensive star, Ray Rice led the league in yards from scrimmage with over 2,000 including a 200+ yard outing against the Browns.

* Joe Flacco can register his 50th career win on Sunday, and he already holds the record for the most wins of any QB in his first four years in the league. And we can’t forget he also delivered the 92 yard drive against the Steelers that made each and every one of us jump off our couches in pure excitement and disbelief.

* Torrey Smith’s first three career receptions went for touchdowns, and he tied A.J. Green with the most TD’s for a rookie with seven.

* Against the Cardinals Anquan Boldin put this team on his back and helped deliver the largest comeback victory in franchise history.

* Terrell Suggs led the league in forced fumbles with seven and set a franchise record with his 82.5 sacks (14 this season). And not to mention he’s a top candidate for Defensive Player of the Year.

* Ray Lewis still led the team in tackles in his 16th season and became the first linebacker to register at least 40 sacks and 30 interceptions in his career.

* Ed Reed set an NFL record last weekend with his 8th career interception in the playoffs.

* Lardarius Webb has had an outstanding year; he led the team in passes defended and also recorded interception numbers six and seven last weekend.

* In dramatic opening day fashion the Ravens forced seven turnovers and scored 35 points which was the most ever against the Steelers.

* The Ravens 3rd ranked defense also scored three TD’s against the Jets and tied a franchise record with nine sacks against the 49ers.

* The Ravens went undefeated at home, swept the division, and didn’t have a single penalty last weekend, all which were firsts in franchise history.

So see? No matter how much we are disrespected by the media, Ravens fans have been able to savor a lot of moments so far this season. Our journey however, is far from over.

The Ravens have the defense that can fluster Tom Brady and knock down the Patriots offense. Not to mention an offense that will be able to pound the ball with Rice and Williams, and Flacco who will be able to pick apart their secondary. Boldin will expose you if you leave him matched up one on one and Evans and Smith are much faster than anyone the Pats can put on them downfield (receivers just need to focus on catching the ball).

So whether you will be joining me on the road to paint New England purple or watching from home or a bar across the country, lift up your glasses and toast to our boys bringing home that AFC Championship trophy!

Let’s go and show the world why we deserve to be Champions!

Stop Hating on my QB

2012-01-18T08:01:00.000-08:00

Well, I did it again. I mistakenly thought another playoff win would earn Joe Cool a little more cred. Alas, no such luck. I still wake up Monday morning to a whole new world of comments about “WHY JOE IS REPLACABLE.”

Well yeah, that’s easy. Watch anyone for long enough and you’ll start to be annoyed by something or another, but here’s the kind of fan I am: I give Unconditional Quarterback Love. Why? Because someone has to. Quarterbacks are either the hero or the pariah, and to say that Joe has been underrated is an understatement.

I could not agree more that the offense needs to step up to take on Brady and New England Sunday. With only 227 yards of total offense and 8 three-and-outs against the Texans, we relied heavily on the defense and the Texans’ turnovers that led to scores. But that can’t be a surprise to anyone—we’re the Ravens.

Joe Flacco finished 14-of-27 for 176 yards and two touchdowns. And while critics say he isn’t on the same level with the defense, can we honestly say that the quarterback rating really says it all?

How about the fact that we’ve moved on to the AFC championship for the first time since 2008. Or that we’re a run-dominated offense, that’s never relied on a Manning-type arm to win games. Besides, when Flacco throws often, we end up with turnovers.

Bottom line for me, Joe is a great game manager. And more than that, he has a fantastic arm. That Evans catch against the Texans? Pure insanity. He can make the big plays. We’ve seen it. It’s helped us get the record that we have. There’s absolutely no way we’d be going to the AFC Championships next week without Flacco.

Don’t get me wrong, there’s room for improvement, but there isn’t any empirical evidence that says to me: Replace Joe Flacco if you really want to win.

We’re always going to be the underdogs anyway… At least according to analysts (we know what’s up, though). I think Senor Sizzle said it best, “It wasn't really pretty, but hey, we're not really a pretty team. We got the 'W,' and on to the AFC championship."

B-more fans need to stop expecting Flacco to show up as a different QB. He isn’t Rodgers, Tebow or Manning; he’s Baltimore’s Quarterback.

And he may not be pretty, but I love him unconditionally anyway.

Win or Go Home

2012-01-18T05:35:00.001-08:00

The Ravens successfully jumped all the hurdles to reach the AFC championship game by beating the Houston Texans in the divisional playoff game on Sunday. Their win wasn’t pretty, but it was still a win and it was their first home playoff victory since 2000.

The game featured two defensive powerhouses and the Texans started their 3rd string QB T.J. Yates in lieu of injured starting QB Matt Schaub and backup Matt Leinart. The Ravens defense outshined that of the Texans and forced four turnovers to win the game 20-13.

Offensively the Ravens were weak and didn’t put up many points. QB Joe Flacco wasn’t great, but he got the job done and went 14 for 27 with two touch downs. RB Ray Rice was virtually non-existent; he had 21 carries for 60 yards and no touch downs.

This weekend, the Ravens will head north to New England to face the AFC’s #1 Seed, the Patriots for the right to play in the big game on February 5. These teams are complete opposites. The Patriots are an offensive powerhouse with elite QB Tom Brady and his many targets including WR Wes Welker. On the flip side, the Ravens have a mediocre offense, but they are a defensive powerhouse with star players including OLB Terrell Suggs, ILB Ray Lewis and S Ed Reed.

The game will answer the age old question about defense winning championships. In 2009, the Ravens faced the Patriots in a playoff game and won 33-14. It was the only time the Ravens beat the Patriots. Last weekend, great defenses proved that elite QBs can be stopped as evidenced by the New Orleans Saints loss to the San Francisco 49ers and the Green Bay Packers loss to the New York Giants.

It won’t be easy and it may not be pretty, but hopefully the Ravens will follow suit and find a way to beat Brady. They must continue to run the ball and grind it out with RBs Rice and Ricky Williams. Defensively they must find a way to force turnovers and prevent Brady from marching his team down the field.

The road to the AFC championship game has been long and bumpy, but the finish line is in sight and the Ravens have come too far to head home on Sunday. And with Reed and Lewis retirement rumors circulating again, they need to come out on top and give Lewis another shot at the big prize.

Come on Ravens, stay focused and give it your 110%. You’ve had some hard fought wins this season, there’s one more hurdle to jump before you can reach the promised land of Indy, an ironic place for Baltimore fans to want to be in, but be there they must.

Keep playing like Ravens!

Defense Wins Championships

2012-01-16T08:34:00.000-08:00

No it wasn’t pretty but there aren’t style points in the NFL

On my way to M&T Bank Stadium bright and early Sunday morning I was going over what the Ravens needed to do to win this game and what I feared the Texans would do to us to make my nightmares come to fruition. The Texans definitely brought their ‘A’ game and they didn’t need to come up with an elaborate game plan to do it. They ran the ball and played defense, exactly what you need to do to control the game to come up with a win; the only thing was they were also playing against a ferocious top ranked defense feeding off the home crowd.

“Ohhhhh… Oh..Oh..Oh..Ohhhhh…Oh”, the Seven Nation Army chant was echoing throughout the stadium, there was no way we were going to let the Texans ruin our dreams of getting one step closer to the Lombardi trophy. Ray Lewis was flying around the field making plays left and right, who said he lost a step? And you can’t say enough about Lardarius Webb he was by far one of the biggest Pro Bowl snubs, good thing the Ravens will be busy that week anyway. And how about good old Ed Reed, he dropped two interceptions earlier but the third time was the charm and he made the play when the Ravens needed it most.

We weren’t able to sack T.J. Yates let alone put much pressure on him all game, but it looked like that was part of the scheme Chuck Pagano drew up. Stop the run, which they had trouble doing but also make Yates beat you through the air which turned into three interceptions and a win for the Ravens.

Call me old school but I love defense and seeing players get hit in the mouth. I used to watch NFL Primetime just for their “Jacked Up” segment. However, the NFL is turning tides and becoming pass happy while the ref’s are throwing yellow flags all over the field for unnecessary roughness (or so the NFL calls it now). I have feared with this new league that the defense that all of us Ravens fans have loved for so many years would eventually be buried right next to that “Jacked Up” segment.

It drives me crazy week in and week out when all I hear is Drew Brees threw for 300 yards again, the Packers and Patriots have unstoppable offenses and there is no way that they aren’t going to the Super Bowl. Then when those teams get beat it’s “what happened?” I will let you in on a little secret it’s called defense, when you consistently play against defenses ranked in the bottom half of the NFL of course you are going to put up high numbers. Try playing over ten games against top 10 ranked defenses in one season like the Ravens then come talk to me.

But then the miraculous happened, defense showed up all over the place this weekend and I loved every minute of it! The weekend ended with two of the most talked about offenses getting knocked out by stellar defense. The 49ers forced five turnovers, and the Giants and Ravens each forced four of their own.

A smothering defense is what it is going to take next weekend in New England. Create turnovers, pressure Tom Brady and give your offense a chance to succeed with great field position.

It’s time to take our act on the road and show Tom Brady and his 31st ranked defense who’s boss and why DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS!

I Love Bleeding Playoff Purple

2012-01-16T08:13:00.000-08:00

Let’s d0 it all year Hon!

We live in a great football town! Everyone has been painting Baltimore with purple excitement. This is one time when I don’t mind our local news stations going overboard on their coverage! I could listen to hours of Ravens Fever!

The city government even steps up and lights up the city in a purple haze. All of the radio stations are hosting fan contests, interviewing players, fans and just chatting everything Ravens! Photos of fans young and old wearing jerseys, purple hair, face paint and the new chu fantashes are being posted all over the internet and television. Bars, restaurants, businesses and even grocery stores are hosting Ravens pep rallies and parties.

The Ravens super fans are roaming from one side of town to the other spreading goodwill. The Playoff Purple Friday caravan of cheerleaders was out and about yesterday greeting fans and rallying support. Ravens Chix were at Looney’s Pub North to host their Let’s Bleed Purple Party. On hand were a roomful of beautiful purple adorned ladies who came to rave, root, shop and enjoy each other’s company.

Yes Baltimore has Ravenmania and I love it!

I vote to have this level of fan enthusiasm all season long. I truly love the exhilaration and the sense of being connected to something so positive and huge. The energy and excitement has even touched the ever so critical local sports media and their fans. It is so refreshing to have all the talking heads and the Monday morning QBs say positive things about our team! Thank goodness!

Baltimore is fortunate to have a great football team on and off the field. The Baltimore Ravens organization is one of the best in the league. They work hard for the fans and the community. They really do give their fans a quality product. We need nothing but good mojo from here on out!

Being a fan in Balwmer is so much fun it can bring out the HON in yuse! Anything goes and does. Take the Flacco Fu Manchu… it is now a piece of purple felt! And on Sunday it will be pasted on every fans upper lip. Only in Balwmer hon.

Need pants? Oh the purple camo are just da ones to get! Don’t furget to wear a purple Natty Boh or Balls So Hard tee wit em! Oh yeah hon paint your face half black and purple and top it off with a purple construction helmet that’s got a hole fur yur beer! Yep you’re a Baltimore Ravens Fan now!

On to the AFC Championship baby and we are only getting started!

Rave On

Kosmo Krys

Two legends may be playing their last game in Baltimore

2012-01-14T21:22:00.000-08:00

Should the Ravens win today they will travel to Foxboro next Sunday (3:00 kickoff) and it is not outside the realm of reason that the game against the Texans could be the last time we see Ray Lewis and Ed Reed emerge from the tunnel at M&T Bank Stadium.

If the Ravens are successful and they run off a three game winning streak on their way to a second Super Bowl title, it wouldn’t be out of the realm of reason – many might even say it’s probable, that both of these locks for the Hall of Fame will retire.

And you know what, that is exactly how I would like to see it unfold.

These two greats, two players from “The U” who helped change our lives with their athletic prowess, leadership and attachment to the community could not only go out as world champions but also be enshrined in Canton together on the very same stage. The thought of that makes me a little misty – really!

There is no doubt that Ray is showing signs of aging and diminishing skills. Ed has been struggling with that nerve impingement for no less than 3 seasons, hanging on because he loves the game and yearns for that ring. Add another year to the mix and consider that teams in the modern era rarely go to the playoffs five consecutive seasons.

Do we want to remember their final days struggling, hurting and aging before our eyes?

Of course we would miss them. “The Dance” would be forever gone and the electric chants of Reeeeeed while echoing in eternity in our minds would no longer fill M&T Bank Stadium. Wouldn’t it be better to see them exit in a blaze of glory?

So while you are in your seat tomorrow or you are somewhere watching the game on TV, take pause and watch both of these men a little longer, soak it in and try to remember and appreciate how blessed we’ve all been to call these men “ours.”

Because if this season ends the way we all hope, tomorrow could be their Baltimore swansong.

A Texans invasion at The Bank?

2012-01-14T07:52:00.000-08:00

Have you heard all these reports of Houston Texans fans coming to M&T Bank Stadium? Grrrrrr!

My first reaction was to get really ticked off and to start hurling expletives towards those wine and cheese fans who sit in the club level and lower level sipping their chardonnay and are more concerned about their cell phones or who else is there or if they painted their nails the right shade of purple.

You know who they are. They sit nearby you I’m sure. And don’t get me wrong, it’s not everyone in those sections who display such obvious traits of narcissism. But these empty Capri-pant-wearing trophy wannabes and their whipped male sidekicks don’t supply energy anyway.

Thankfully the cold weather weeds out some of these poser fans but in the process, it opens the door to visiting fans.

I get that opportunity and capitalism drive our country; supply and demand can pave the way to fame and fortune. But why would a Ravens fan who vents his or her spleen throughout the season supporting the team sell out to the highest bidder when opportunity is knocking at your door? Where are your principles? What happened to your code of fan ethics?

Those few hundred dollars of profit, are they really worth your newly-earned reputation as a sellout? Years from now, should the game be an epic and the experience of a red-letter day in your life lost, where will those couple of Benjamins be then? Loooooooong gone baby! Mwah, kiss those bucks goodbye.

Boy that chaps my Ravens’ tattooed a$$!

And then there is the issue of ticket brokers who buy up all of these PSL’s and when the playoffs roll around, there they are to test your loyalties and drain your wallets.

Or sell the tickets to visiting fans willing to overspend…

When I think back to the last Texans game in October, I may have seen a couple of Arian Foster jerseys, perhaps an Andre Johnson but overall I could count the fans on 2 hands. So I can’t believe that suddenly we’ll have a Yinzer-like invasion like those of the late 90’s.

So here’s what it boils down to – just go nuts at the game. Every one of you! Give it all you’ve got as a fan. Make it so painfully uncomfortable for Houston’s QB TJ Yates that even if there are thousands of fans dressed up like Heinz Ketchup bottles in their “Battle Red”, if Yates is struggling and the Ravens are rolling, they’ll be as quiet a Steelers’ fan taking a verbal IQ test.

10 Rules to Being the Best 12th Woman (in January)

2012-01-13T18:13:00.000-08:00

For those Chix attending M&T Bank Stadium on Sunday, here are a few ground rules about attending a Ravens home game in January!

1. Purples on your Nurples – Playoffs, Chix! This isn’t Week 6, hosting the Texans, looking to stretch out our third string Kickers’ hamstrings. Put on every Ravens and Purple piece of clothing you own (because it WILL be cold on Sunday). If you can afford a ticket to be here, you can certainly afford the performance gear to keep you warm for a few hundred minutes or so.

2. Dress Smart, Not Tart - Chix, don’t dress to impress your fellow skanks. Sunday is NOT the day to tout your new 4-inch heeled streetwalkin’ boots you got for your birthday. Dress to stay warm, so your lungs can work properly for maximum noise making purposes.

3. Positive thoughts, positive words - It’s a known fact that successful athletes create a mental image of their desired outcome. Billy Cundiff visualizes the pigskin passing through the uprights for the game-winning field goal…in the 2012 AFC Championship Game…against the Denver Broncos…at home…BUT I DIGRESS. Ravens Chix, if we send 70,000+ passionate purple people into the crib on Sunday with positivity exuding from their minds, bodies, and spirits? I guarantee there is no way we can lose. (Yup, I said guar-an-tee).

4. Tailgate and get on Ravens24x7 – Even if you don’t know anyone with a tailgate, you’ll find people to lend you a beer and a dawg (as long as you’re bleeding purple). So head down early. And if you’re hot? Well then, Tony will put your picture right here on this very web site.

5. Read the Rules – When you come to the stadium, there are MALE lines and there are WE-ARE-FEMALE-HEAR-US-ROAR lines. So don’t piss us Chix off by bringing your backpack full of umbrellas and weapons. (Here is the full list of prohibited items…)

6. Don’t Be a Jerk – We want a safe, fun place where opposing fans can enjoy themselves up until the point where we send their team home in body bags. Sending fans home that way is frowned upon. (At least that’s what my lawyer says.)

7. But Be Safe – Put this number into your cell phone (NOW, that’s an order, Chix!!!…78247). This is Ravens “Fan Assistance” to anonymously TEXT your Section and Row Number to report issues. Don’t overuse it (you WILL encounter drunk people, just so you know) but if you feel un-safe don’t hesitate. We never want Ravens stadium to end up on the news like some other sorry places.

8. LOUD, LOUD, LOUD – When the DEFENSE takes the field, we stand and SCREAM our dang fool heads off.!!! It doesn’t matter if it’s first quarter, or if we are 3 TDs ahead. If our DEFENSE is on the field, we are LOUD! Otherwise, shut your mouth. I better not hear one fan who attended M&T Bank Stadium on Sunday calling into the radio stations on Monday, because as far as I’m concerned, you should NOT have a voice after Sunday’s game.

9. Watch This – If I haven’t inspired you (or even if I have), you must go watch this video. It’s called “Death on Wings” uploaded to YouTube on Sep 11, 2007 by painkiller12345678. If this doesn’t turn you into a 12th (Wo)man for the Ravens, then turn in your jersey at the next toll booth. (As a disclaimer: I have no affiliation with this video or its creator but I have it bookmarked and I watch it whenever I have doubts.) If you’re going to the game Sunday, please spend 6 ½ minutes watching “Death on Wings” on You Tube. And bookmark it. Believe me, you’ll want to revisit it even after Ray retires.

10. And Then Come Home – If you haven’t seen the new video “Coming Home” on the Ravens home web page, go check it. Our boys are COMING HOME! And we are the 12th (Wo)man, so let’s make sure we do our part to bring home the “W”!

Mind your x’s and o’s

Ravens Fans Need to Bring Their A Game

2012-01-10T10:35:00.000-08:00

And then there were 8 – the Elite 8 as they like to say during March Madness.

Four games were played this past weekend and guess what? The home team won each of them! You know what that means B’more? Look if you are asking the Ravens to focus, not overlook the Texans and leave it all on the field, then each and every one of you 70,000 crazies better be prepared to do the same.

And all you people who spent $800 per ticket for lower bowl seats between the 20’s, don’t even think about asking the folks in front of you to sit down. Put down the wine and cheese and get up! If you want great seats and you want to sit in them, go buy a Lazy Boy and a new TV, stay home and you’ll probably still have money left over to buy a bottle of chardonnay, some brie and gourmet crackers.

How lame!

I read TL’s blog about the steps to the Ravens hosting an AFC Championship. I get the logic but fandom isn’t always logical and to suggest that Ravens fans need to root for the Steelers? C’mon TL! I think I’d rather donate an organ without the anesthesia than root for the Steelers.

But I’ll cut you some slack. Friends of mine tried to do the same thing and couldn’t bring themselves to do it. Now that I think about it, your suggestion could be a great Fear Factor challenge for someone from Baltimore.

Back to the Steelers for a sec, didn’t Ben Roethlisberger just get married? And his wife let him out of the house looking like Dick “Douchebag” Tracy. Don’t they have mirrors in the Steelers’ locker room? Oh that’s right, they opted for 16 year old girls instead.

And what’s with the different colored spikes Ben? You are such a drama queen and for all you Steelers fans who troll these blogs, don’t throw up the protective shoe theory. You don’t think that Nike could have provided a matching shoe? Go on Nike’s website and you can get shoes in pretty much any color including the lame combination of black and yellow.

Lastly, I’ve heard rumblings that the Flacco Manchu might get sentenced to death by Gillette and word is fans are concerned because it just might bust up Flacco’s playoff mojo. Really? Seriously? All these superstitions crack me up – no offense Kosmo Krys.

Some fans think that if they don’t wear their lucky jersey that somehow it can actually affect the outcome of a game. But hey, I still love you as long as you are wearing and bleeding purple.

And don’t forget, bring it strong you 70,000 Ravenmaniacs!

I better get going now. I need to get my Ravens parka to and from the dry cleaners before Saturday so I’ll have it for Sunday. Otherwise one and done is a near certainty for Harbaugh & Co. ;-)

Thoughts on Playoffs from a Proud Bandwagoner

2012-01-10T07:30:00.000-08:00

I was born to be a cheerleader. Not your average, run-of-the-mill Rah-Rah that jumps and yells on the sidelines, but the kind of cheerleader that catches you up in the moment; that makes you forget you aren’t actually the 12th man on the field.

So tell me then, why was I born in Milford, Delaware? With no home NFL team to speak of, let alone a tradition of fandom, of obsessive dedication to a city and its team.

The answer: Baltimore and the Ravens were waiting for me.

As soon as I stepped foot in this purple city, I was swept away by the spirit of football season. Before I knew it, I’d been to my first NFL game ever (Ravens vs. Cards, 09/23/07). Being there, chanting for them to move the chains, screaming HEAP for the first time and feeling the purple passion in the air as we won in the last seconds of the game. It was the closest I’ve even been to feeling a part of a professional team, like the Ravens really needed me to win.

And then the obsession set in.

If I don’t wear my Ravens underwear and socks, it’s almost certain that we’ll lose. If I don’t watch the game, or listen in the car, it’s my fault when we lose. My current hair color is brown and purple. My Christmas Tree is lit up purple and gold (and it becomes the Ravens Festivus Tree after Christmas, staying up for the remainder of the season).

I have been quoted (on more than one occasion) saying that I could never date a Steelers Fan. I had a roommate once that tried to tell me One Tree Hill would be watched over the Ravens game one Monday. She moved out at the end of the lease.

I spent four hours last Friday night cutting tons of felt Fu Manchu for a friend’s first-grade class. Not a Ravens fan? I don’t care, you’re still getting a “Ball So Hard University” Hoodie for Christmas.

Now I’m the girl that scouts non-football fans – to make them Ravens fans. There’s approachability to our team that not many other cities can claim. Ever been the new guy? So have the Ravens. Ever had a bad day? The Ravens have had bad seasons and managed to stay positive. Been called names? Yeah, the Ravens have, too.

With the playoffs upon us, I have the following thoughts as a five-year Raven fan…

First, I may not have been a fan during the 2000 run, but this is the most prepared I've seen us look since I signed up for Raven-Nation.

Secondly, as someone who was originally a bandwagoner myself, let's have open arms to new football fans and Ravens fans this week, you never know who the next Capt. Dee-Fense will be.

And finally, let's enjoy this week and Sunday in purple. We've all seen how well our boys play when they're having fun, and playing for Baltimore. We may not be on the field but we can affect the game.

And we’ll wear our purple with pride, because some girls were just born to be Ravens fans.

Hey Ravens, Show us What You’ve Got!

2012-01-10T06:28:00.000-08:00

It is an exciting time to be a Ravens fan. Still celebrating their AFC North championship, Baltimore will host the divisional playoff game against the Houston Texans on Sunday. It is their fourth consecutive trip to the playoffs and their first home playoff game under head coach John Harbaugh.

The Ravens beat the Texans on October 16 by an impressive score of 29-14. This time the Texans will look a bit different, as they will be with star WR Andre Johnson. However, they will be without injured starting QB Matt Schaub and will start 3rd string QB T.J. Yates.

The Ravens have been successful in beating teams twice this season; they did it with every team in their division. The Texans have a tough defense and a strong RB in Arian Foster, but their passing game has been weak.

This is the playoffs, where regular season records no longer matter; the present is all that matters now. Lose a game in the regular season and you have next week to come back and win. You only get one shot in the playoffs, there are no second chances, this is the time to step up and show the world what you’re made of.

The Ravens have the all the pieces they need in their playoff run. More than half of the Ravens roster has played in the playoffs. Their first round bye week gave the injured players a chance to heal and now the offense will have the help of veteran WR Anquan Boldin, back in the line-up after having knee surgery to repair torn cartilage.

The fans are bursting with excitement. The city is painted purple and they are primed to watch and support their team on Sunday. The Ravens gave their fans a home playoff game, now they just need to give them a home playoff win.

Good luck Sunday. Give it all you’ve got and Play like a Raven.

Don’t Underestimate the Texans

2012-01-10T05:23:00.000-08:00

Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me, fool me three, four and five times, well that is just ridiculous.

I literally jumped out of my seat screaming like a crazed Bronco fanatic on that final play when Tebow burned them for the fifth time over 30 yards. The Steelers completely underestimated the Tebow effect and overvalued their man-to-man deep coverage. But who wouldn’t when you have a QB coming into a game with an 18% completion rate on throws over 15 yards going against a defense that had only allowed six receptions over 30 yards in 16 games.

If we learned anything from our battered AFC North bitter rival Pittsburgh on Sunday it was that you cannot underestimate any team and the Texans are no exception.

The Texans rode a three game losing streak on the back of a third string QB into the playoffs but that didn’t stop them from running the ball down Cincy’s throat. The Ravens will have their hands full when this second ranked rushing team comes to town. Even though we are ranked second against that feared attack, a lingering question remains: “Can we stop the run when Foster or Tate bounce to the outside?”

The Ravens have been vulnerable falling close to the bottom of the pack in the NFL giving up an average of 5 yards per rush on the outside.

But after witnessing the foolish Steelers do nothing on Sunday night to adjust to a repeated aerial barrage led by D. Thomas, Chuck Pagano needs to remember not to put all his eggs in one basket either. While the Ravens need to make stopping the run their top priority we can’t afford multiple big plays over the top in the process. Yates can throw when he has to. He didn’t have a jaw dropping 466 or an angelic 3:16 yard day, but the mere 159 yards did include 90 yards and a TD to A. Johnson who didn’t play in Baltimore the first time around.

On Saturday the Texans were balanced on first downs rushing and passing for nine times each, so the Ravens can’t find themselves guessing and getting burned, like on a certain overtime play. We’ve been good at putting pressure on the young QB’s, intercepting them seven times along with 24 sacks this season; now let’s see if the Ravens front can outmuscle the Texans again who kept their young QB upright against the Bengals and didn’t allow a sack.

As for Joe and company, not only did they already beat the Texans, we saw them struggle down the stretch against non-playoff teams. Back in Week 6 it was Boldin who lit up the Texans for 132 yards, and going into this weekend they are going to try to preempt that and get after Flacco just like they did with the four sacks and three interceptions against Dalton. But as long as Oher and McKinnie stop themselves from getting dumb penalties the Ravens could continue the success they had in the final two weeks where they only allowed two sacks.

The Texans are going to make sure that Boldin doesn’t have another big day which I can see opening things up for Flacco’s Fu Manchu soul mate Pitta. However, more than anything we all know when the Ravens give the rock to our playmaker Rice at least 20 times a game we succeed. Score points and not turn the ball over and we win plain and simple.

If Cam learned anything from attending the Texans/Bengals game it had to be stop with the conservative play calling and let your boys fly. These are the playoffs both teams are coming to play and won’t go down easily. It will come down to which team can make the necessary in game adjustments to control the line of scrimmage.

I’m sticking with guys in purple and black.

I know M&T will be rocking so here’s to a playoff win and getting one step closer to Indy!

Who Needs Guarantees?

2012-01-05T10:47:00.001-08:00

I guarantee we will win the Super Bowl!

Sounds like a pretty bold statement, yet three years in a row the boisterous Rex Ryan has made that claim for his NY Jets. Yes he went to the AFC Championship two years in a row but this season things went in a downwards spiral faster than Charlie Sheen’s career. After the Jets lost on Sunday (which I have to admit I enjoyed watching a little too much) it just showed everyone there are no guarantees, especially in the NFL.

The third time wasn’t a charm and instead of bringing a team together Ryan’s comments seemed to drive the Jets apart; when you have your captain getting benched on a possible game winning drive, and another captain giving reporters the bird it shows that you have a team full of a bunch of “me’s” instead of “we’s.”

Just think about where we would be if the Ravens had hired the aforementioned Ryan, and then realized that the fiasco that has erupted in NY is exactly the reason why we didn’t. I for one at this point in time couldn’t be happier that we hired Harbs who brought our team together instead of Ryan who drove his team out of the playoffs.

Yesterday, my day was brightened when I heard that Balls So Hard University Founder, Sizzle was going to be on First Take. Now for those of you who have never watched the show, don’t start. Skip Bayless has to be one of the most senile sports commentators on television, he wouldn’t know a football if it hit him in the face, actually hey Flacco why don’t you try that one out.

Anyway, the always entertaining Suggs went at it head to head with Bayless defending our Ravens for the umpteenth time. Bayless likes to poke and prod Sizzle, trying to get him to admit he doesn’t believe in Joe Cool, as well as trying to get him to make guarantees. Yesterday was no exception when Skip repeatedly asked Sizzle to guarantee a win against the Steelers and Pats and ultimately guarantee a Super Bowl win.

Our beloved T-Sizzle was having no part in that, as always he exuded confidence in his team (Pitta for MVP). He couldn’t be baited by Skip, because Harbaugh has united this team where we don’t have to make guarantees to try to make others believe in us. We know if we play Ravens football we can beat anyone.

I have respect for the team that we have built over the last four years; everyone has each other’s back, whether they are a rookie or a veteran – thanks Harbaugh. We may never get the recognition by the national media that we deserve, like the golden boy Brady but I’m trying to learn how to accept it instead of cursing at the TV during every sports show in which we aren’t even mentioned.

This season we are 12-4, the #2 Seed, AFC North Champs, swept the division, 6-0 against playoff teams, 8-0 at home, have seven Pro Bowlers, have a top three defense and have arguably the best defensive player and running back in the league in Suggs and Rice. We have one heck of a football team that fans of the other 20 teams sitting at home this week would love to have!

Guarantees are for attention seekers.

I will just leave our playoff run and the ultimate raising of our second Lombardi trophy in God and Tim Tebow’s hands.

WATCH OUT 2012!

2012-01-05T09:56:00.000-08:00

The Chix are Ready!

Ola Chicas,

As I awoke each morning this week I’ve had to pinch myself! Like many fans I had prepared myself for the worst last Sunday! But our Ravens dug deep, held onto their lead and brought us home a BIG Win! How could any fan complain about 12-4 season that includes winning every home game and sweeping all 3 divisional opponents!

Congratulations Ravens and fans we are the AFC North Champions!

Last week also included another exciting event for me and many other female Ravens fans. Ravens Chix hosted a holiday celebration that brought out beautiful Ravens ladies and their wonderful friends. The evening event included a bit of all of the things that females enjoy most. There were delicious specially priced appetizers and drinks, shopping for attire and chic accessories, raffles with great door prizes, girl- friend time, and dancing. The event also included a local non-profit organization. Ravens Chix donated gently worn Ravens gear that will be consigned for Blankets for Warriors of Mercy Medical Center. The successful evening confirmed that Ravens Chix events are a great “girl’s night out!”

Ravens Chix began two years ago as a Facebook page and this blog site. Our motto says it all: “Where ladies like to root, rant, rave and shop!”

Today it has over 3000 fans and several bloggers. We are have increased our presence in the community by hosting events in a variety of area venues. Ravens Chix would like to become an organization that meets the desires of all of its female fans. We need you, our Ravens Chix, to help us grow.

We are looking for female writers that like to root and rant. Our blog is a space where we can share our female perspective of football. You don’t have to stay on the playing field! Blogs can be about anything; tailgating parties, the fans, attire, a player, whatever you think about when you think Ravens! Yes you can even write about shopping!

Ravens Chix is also an important networking resource. Chix that have services and goods to offer can come together to rave about their businesses. With well over 3,000 female Raven fans Ravens Chix events and internet sites are excellent venues to share female related services and goods.

Ravens Chix recognizes the importance of community service and support for those in need. We are interested in promoting programs and projects that improve the lives of Ravens Chix and their families. Some of the non-profits that Ravens Chix have rooted and raved for include Susan G Komen Foundation, Packard Center for ALS, and Mercy Medical Center.

So Chicas, if you haven’t done so, friend us on Facebook at Ravens Chix. Send us your thoughts and comments at the bottom of this blog, in a facebook message or in an email to KosmoKrys@profootball24x7.com. Stay tuned to join in on the next Ravens Chix event (we’ll have an announcement soon on Facebook) where we’ll rant, rave, root and shop!

RAVE ON!

Kosmo Krys

Very Superstitious – Will the Flacco Manchu bring the luck the Ravens need?

2011-12-29T03:07:00.000-08:00

It’s that time during the football season when fans and players alike heighten their belief in superstitious actions and belief. My son, on college break, brought his Ray Rice jersey home. After he wore it to Saturday’s game, I wanted to toss in the wash. In an attempt to grab it he leaped over a pile of dirty clothes and he exclaimed “You can’t wash my jersey! That would bring us bad luck! I haven’t washed it all season!”

Eeeew, he has worn this jersey for 15 games plus every Purple Friday and every Monday win or loss! Ugh, that means it hasn’t seen soap in 15 weeks! I was about to disregard his plea and toss it in for its first well deserved washing when I started to wonder, “If I wash it, will I be the one to put a jinx on this Sunday’s game?”

We haven’t we won in Cincinnati in three years and only once in the last 6 years.

Let’s face it, we need all the luck we can get.

Yep the very superstitious bug had me too! I tossed the stinky jersey back to my son – there was no way I was going to take a chance.

Everywhere I turn there are signs of superstition. We have invited friends to come watch the game on Sunday. Our guest’s responses have included “I‘ll be there as long as I can sit in the same spot on the sofa as I did the last time.”; “We’d love to, but we have to watch the game at my brother’s house – that’s where we were the last time we won!”

For the past 3 years my husband wears the same tattered gold Ravens hat and the same long sleeve shirt for every game. He is sure that if he wears something else it will bring bad mojo to the team. How soon he forgets that we have both won and lost games since he started wearing the gear. There is no reasoning with a fan and the realities of his or her superstitions!

Even players don’t want to rock the boat. Players have routines and traditions that they follow before each game. Common rituals that athlete’s follow include eating certain foods, warm up routines and wearing specific gear. This year it’s the “hair thing” that many players have gotten hooked on. Long dreads and even longer locks of hair are hanging out of the bottom of the helmets of many NFL players. Even our beloved yet always controversial, Joe has grown a Flacco Manchu!

Back in November Joe started growing the stash that surrounds his mouth and drops to his chin. Fan reactions to the Flacco Manchu are mixed. Most females favor him getting a close shave ASAP! Though you can bet he isn’t shaving it off this weekend!

Nope! No way, no how!

It doesn’t matter that even since wearing the stash he has lacked consistency. We may think that the key to playing well is athletic talent and teamwork. Joe is not about to leave his team’s future in just plain talent, hard work, determination or coaching. He appears to have added in the notion in that superstition also plays a part in winning.

Maybe Joe’s superstitious idea is that growing a bit of facial hair will bring the Ravens the success they need to achieve home field advantage throughout the playoffs. Well we are in the Playoffs! You go Joe! With the crazy season of play that we have had anything is possible and every kind of help is needed.

Call it illogical, gullible and delusional. I’m not about to mix with our QB’s mojo. If the Flacco Manchu gives Joe the extra confidence he needs to take us into the Super Bowl… I’m Whacko for Flacco! Coach H and the entire team should sport the Flacco Manchu!

Do you have thoughts on Joe’s Fu Man Chu? Share your comments here or meet Ravens Chix at Liberatore’s Perry Hall this Thursday Dec 29 8-11pm. We will be interviewing fans about their thoughts on Joe and the Ravens!

Rave On

Kosmo Krys

He's just an average Joe

2011-12-27T15:09:00.000-08:00

I’ve tried for a long time to keep the faith in Joe Flacco. Like the Ravens organization, I wanted to believe that he was going to be our franchise quarterback. But I just don’t see it.

It’s not that he’s bad. He does some things that make you go hmmm. But his inconsistencies drive me nuts. One day he’s leading the team 92 yards with about 2 minutes to go in a game needing a touchdown and delivers; the next he can’t even manage to direct the team to a first down until the midway point of the THIRD QUARTER!

With the Ravens history of outstanding defenses, we don’t need Tom Brady or Drew Brees or Aaron Rodgers (but wouldn’t that be sweet?). We just need consistently above average quarterback play.

A couple of years ago Ozzie Newsome sat at a press conference and told us all that on the days his defense can’t measure up, he wants to be able to win that shoot out. Well I don’t see it happening with Flacco I’m afraid.

During the broadcast of the Ravens @ Chargers on Sunday Night Football (there’s three miserable hours I won’t get back) NBC threw up a stat that the Ravens had lost 18 straight on the road when they trailed at halftime. Well that streak now sits at 19.

Now I didn’t bother to look but I’m guessing that some of those losses are on Kyle Boller and maybe even Steve McNair. And I’ll venture to guess that most of those deficits at the break during those losses had more to do with the team’s struggles on offense and not defense.

Do you think the Patriots or Saints or Packers will ever have such a sad streak?

I watch their quarterbacks and marvel with the same sort of “I wish I had one of those” gazes when I see that save-the-world-wench Angelina Jolie with Brad Pitt. Sometimes I even think that there’s a better chance Brad will serenade me outside my bedroom window before the Ravens get a stud QB.

Is it too much to ask for consistency at QB?

Is it greedy on my part to want my team’s quarterback to kick ass during a playoff game against a tough opponent?

Is there more than a snowball’s chance that maybe, just maybe the offense could carry the defense in a postseason game? Hell I’ll even take an important season finale game.

I guess it could be worse. We could have New England’s defense and go one and done again in the playoffs.

Well, if you’ll excuse me I DVR’d this scene from Salt where Jolie gets beaten like a red-headed step-child. I’m sure I’ll even throw a challenge flag at the TV just so I can watch it again. Is that bad?

Go Ravens!

Go Joe the Quarterback!

The Quest for a Home Playoff Game Starts on the Road

2011-12-27T11:24:00.000-08:00

Santa gave Ravens fans a win against the Cleveland Browns on Saturday. Though the win wasn’t pretty, it was still a win and kept the Ravens on track for a first round bye and a home playoff game.

The Ravens started off on a good note. In the 1st quarter, CB Lardarius Webb intercepted the ball and TE Ed Dickson caught the first touchdown pass of the game. In the 2nd quarter, RB Ray Rice scored another touchdown and K Shayne Graham, who filled in for the injured Billy Cundiff, kicked a field goal to make it 17-0 at half time.

It was a different story after half time. The defense looked tired and the offense couldn’t get it going. Special teams floundered when Cleveland’s Josh Cribbs scored a touchdown on an 84 yard punt return. Cleveland RB Peyton Hillis ran all over the Ravens defense, but thankfully they were able to stop him from running into the end zone.

Cleveland scored another touchdown in the 4th quarter, but ultimately they suffered from bad play calling and poor clock management and the Ravens had a 20-14 victory over the Browns.

The win gave the Ravens a perfect home record and head coach John Harbaugh gave the game ball to the fans.

The NFL is salivating over week 17’s match-up between the Ravens and the Cincinnati Bengals. It is essentially a playoff game for both teams. If the Ravens win, they will claim the AFC North. If they Bengals win, they will clinch a wild card playoff spot.

The Ravens NEED to win on Sunday to give them a first round bye and a home playoff game. Reaching the playoffs is one thing. Getting to the next level is another. The Ravens have a spotty road record and they owe it to themselves and their fans to bring a playoff game to M&T Bank Stadium.

It’s been a long season full of ups and downs and some key Ravens players have the injuries to prove it. They can still control their destiny, they just need one more road win to do it.

Keep playing like Ravens!

In purple we trust.

12th Man Pride on the Road

2011-12-27T08:11:00.000-08:00

Ola Chicas!

Happy Holidays Ravens Chix! Like most everyone the past several weeks have been a bit hectic for me. Besides the usual running around to make the holiday season jolly and bright for my family, I jumped on a plane to San Diego for the Ravens game! Ugh! Whew! Between the holiday rush, the travel and the Ravens pitiful west coast loss, my stress level has hit an all-time high!

As usual traveling by air was quite an adventure! Six hours on plane with no movies, no internet and no food! Exactly when did providing a bag of peanuts become a gesture above and beyond costumer service?

Whenever I travel out of state I dress in my Ravens gear. I want to be sure that everyone across the nation recognizes that I am a fan of the best team in the NFL! Since this was a vacation built around a Ravens game I proudly wore my Ravens tee, purple jeans and several “adorable purple” accessories, which got me nods not only from fellow Ravens Chix but other travelers as well! Even my husband, who usually reserves his fan gear for Sunday home games, proudly wore his purple pride!

So you can imagine our delight when we passed through airport security and arrived at our departure gate to a crowd of purple clad travelers! Yes we were on the nonstop Love the Ravens plane to San Diego! Oh this was a great way to start off the very long trek across the country.

Yep. Road trips with Ravens fans are without a doubt a fun way to travel. Win or lose (I won’t discuss the particulars of that loss) meeting fellow fans in other cities is a blast. It makes you feel connected and heightens your hometown pride. The unspoken bond between Baltimore fans is entertaining to say the least.

All weekend long fans wore their Ravens gear. Hats, shirts, jerseys, purple hair, pomp-pomp, face paint, you know how we roll. You name it someone had it on! Whether we were walking down San Diego’s Gaslamp District, having brunch in Coronado or working out in the hotel gym, we came across hometown fans. And when Baltimore fans meet up in other cities they do much more than smile or nod at each other. They give out hugs, high fives, scream out of car windows, lift their drink glasses and in true Bawlmer fashion they hoot and howler! Oh yea Hon! The energy and excitement that came with these greetings was exhilarating.

On game day the enthusiasm spilled over to the parking lots! It was amazing how many fans were in California to represent our Ravens. When it comes to hosting a tailgate party the West Coast Baltimore Ravens fans (The West Wing LA) do our hometown proud.

California fans are every bit as dedicated and as hospitable as we are here in Bmore. They had a line of busses and a party set up that took over an entire section of the parking lot! They filled it with music, food, drink, dancing and tons of Purple Pride!

Once inside the NFL’s ugliest stadium, a sea of Purple and Black fans filled the sections behind the Baltimore Ravens bench. Yep 3,000 miles from home the Ravens 12th man was loud and proud! Unfortunately for us the Ravens never got the memo and didn’t post for the west coast. Standing silently for 4 quarters the sea of purple and black left the game baffled and numb.

Even after the embarrassing loss, Ravens fans slowly composed their disappointment and continued to sport their colors proudly. On the streets and in the airport they rallied around each other to give support and lift spirits. Yep the best part about the road trip to San Diego was the fantastic fans that we shared it with. Ravens fans are definitely the best fans in the NFL!

To the 12th man heading southwest this weekend to the Queen City, wear your Purple proudly. Let’s hope that those fans traveling to Cincinnati will have more than fan camaraderie to celebrate.

Rave On

Kosmo Krys

"Who Dey" gonna be on Sunday?

2011-12-26T10:10:00.000-08:00

Home Ravens or Road Ravens?

I’m sure you’ve heard this before or maybe you’ve even said it or felt it:

“The NFL has it in for the Ravens!”

Of course if you ask any other fan from any other NFL city they will say the same thing. Bad plays, bad breaks, bad calls must be someone’s fault, right? I mean it can’t be that your favorite team messed up, can it? And when it happens more than once it morphs into a conspiracy?

Puh-lease!

Now if you told me that certain quarterbacks get preferential treatment I would agree and unfortunately Joe Flacco isn’t one of them. Knock Flacco if you wish but one thing no one can criticize him for is his toughness. He’s taken shots and gets up every time and that cannot be undervalued.

Something else that shouldn’t be undervalued is the Ravens good fortune the Ravens have enjoyed this season via the misfortune of their opponents. Uh, in other words they’ve been lucky and here’s why:

* Dial it back to Game 4 against the Jets. No Nick Mangold and the Ravens exploited that weakness from the outset of the game and won that game easily even though Flacco couldn’t hit water if he fell out of a boat.

* A tough Texans squad comes to town without their two best players – Andre Johnson and Mario Williams. Think of the Ravens going into Houston without Ray Rice and Terrell Suggs.

* The pesky Bengals come to town without ace rookie AJ Green and despite a favorable non-TD call the Ravens just squeak by Cincinnati and rookie QB Andy Dalton.

* A few days later the 49ers are forced to fly from the west coast to the east coast late in the season (Thanksgiving) during a short week, something that hasn’t been done in decades. And if not for a bad call during a long Alex Smith to Ted Ginn scoring strike that took the TD off the board, the outcome may have been different.

* The Colts come to town without Ravens nemesis Peyton Manning who held an 8 game winning streak against Baltimore.

* The Browns and Pat Shurmur come to town and bumble and stumble all over themselves, soil the bed of clock management and still almost upset the Ravens.

We are not looking very good at the moment and this game in Cincinnati scares the Who Dey out of me!

I thought the lame crowds out there in the Queen City might be a help to the Ravens but now I hear they are doing a 2 for 1 special on unsold tickets.

If only the Ravens could do a 2 for 1 on touchdowns.

Yep, color me nervous.

Bolts Zap Birds

2011-12-21T17:38:00.000-08:00

The Ravens clinched a playoff spot for the 4th consecutive season before Sunday’s game against the San Diego Chargers. Clinching was the only bright spot of the day as the Ravens put on a lackluster performance in another nationally televised game.

The game was ugly and painful to watch. The Chargers aren’t a great team and struggled this season, but their toughness outweighed that of the Ravens and the bolts “charged” through them to win the game 34-14.

The heart and soul of the Ravens defense, LB Ray Lewis, was back after missing the last four weeks with a turf toe injury. Sadly Lewis’ return failed to generate enough drive to keep the Ravens alive. He looked tired and off stride and the rest of the Ravens defense followed his lead and looked lifeless.

The offense didn’t fare any better. QB Joe Flacco regressed again and fell short in throwing to his receivers and was picked off twice. Kicker Billy Cundiff is still nursing a calf injury and missed another field goal. His injury is a major concern to the Ravens, especially when they fail to convert in the red zone and need a healthy kicker to add field goals to the score board.

We can only speculate about the reasons for the Ravens inconsistencies all season. Coaching? Play calling? Shortened preseason? Injuries? While we will never know the cause, we can only hope the Ravens learn from their mistakes and move on.

And with that the loss, the Ravens were knocked out of first place and pushed down to fifth place. However, luck was on their side Monday Night when the San Francisco 49ers beat the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Ravens can thank their head coach’s younger brother for the win which moved the Ravens back to the No. 2 SEED and kept the dream alive of hosting a home playoff game. The dream only stays alive if they win their last two games. They have a winning record at home and home is where they need to be.

The last two weeks of the regular season bring divisional match-ups against the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns. Both promise to be tough games, especially the week 17 road game against the Bengals who are currently in the hunt for a playoff spot.

Once again the Ravens can control their destiny and this week’s match-up is a home game against a team without a winning record, a combination that may help them walk away with another win.

We Beat That Professional Team from Indianapolis*

2011-12-14T20:24:00.000-08:00

That’s what my brother calls them. The PTFI. It’s appropriate. I can’t blame him. He was a huge fan when the old team left in ’83. I was still a kid (and a chick) so I don’t have the deep scars like my brother and Dad.

That PTFI has had our number since their first meet with the Ravens in October of ‘96and so my battle scars around that damn blue horseshoe are much more recent and raw. Since the Ravens were born, they’ve beaten us NINE times (I’m hearing Ed Rooney’s voice from Ferris Bueller in my head right now). Twelve matchups, nine losses gives us only 25% win percentage against them. And if it feels like our other nemesis beats us a lot? We’ve actually won 40% of our games with those black and gold punks. Not impressive but it’s still better than 25%.

I was in Indianapolis when the Ravens played there in October of 2002. We were down most of the game until the 4th quarter when we pulled ahead 20-19 only to lose to a field goal in the final seconds.

We went on to have two more losses to the PTFI in 2004 and 2005.

Then, it was the end of the 2006-07 season. We had posted our best record ever (13-3). We had clinched the AFC North Division. We had a first round bye. We were feeling the power of our Ravens and knew this was our year to get back to the big game. And to sweeten the deal, that PTFI was coming to OUR house.

I was sitting in Section 543 of Ravens Stadium in January of 2007 when we played the PTFI in that divisional round of the playoffs. Once the battle of the kickers was over and we lost 15-6, I slurped out of the stadium with 70,000+ other fans and listened to the crickets chirp because not one fan…said one word…the entire way down the ramp. (Of course, this is the season the PTFI went on to win their only Super Bowl).

Then we had 4 more years of losses between 2007 and 2010, which I’ve pretty much blurred out.

Which leads us to this past Sunday.

I was at Ravens Stadium this past Sunday. I watched. I waited. We played against an 0and 12 team that doesn’t even deserve to be in this elite league called the NFL this year. A Ravens “W” is always a great day, but this “W”? Against that Professional Team from Indianapolis? It felt kind of hollow to me. Maybe it was because their Captain was watching from the sidelines. Maybe it was because I feel those boys are throwing their season on purpose just to get a little “Luck” next year.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m ecstatic that we racked up another win in this amazing season. But in my mind and memory, this year’s “W” against that PTFI gets a little asterisk next to it.

Mind your x’s and o’s

The Purple Maven

Ravens Fanatic swaps Holiday Shopping for West Coast Ravens Trip

2011-12-13T16:53:00.000-08:00

Ola Chicas,

Yep! It’s the holiday season and I’m packing my suitcase with tons of purple tees and shorts! Ravens are on the road to Indy by way of San Diego and Ravens24x7 is tagging along! On this cold and frosty morning, the West Coast sounds like the place to be.

As I’m throwing in all of my lightweight Ravens purple apparel in my bag I’m wondering “have I lost my marbles?” It’s December for gosh sakes! Just two weeks before Christmas! I ‘m a mom and wife with Holiday shopping to do, cookies to bake, presents to wrap, eggnog to make and tons of decorating left! Santa will be here before you know it! I have children and a family expecting me to make the Holidays bright jolly. Here I am flying across the country to watch a football game?

Well, it sounded great when we booked our flight back in September.

So now I have to try to rationalize this trip. I’m not crazy. I am a die-hard Ravens fan!

But when did I become such a fanatic?

It might have started with my childhood. Everyday my parents would rearrange the living room furniture so all 9 of us (YES 9) could watch the Colts game on our tiny rabbit eared TV... Our traditional Italian pasta family dinners were served during half time and clean up postponed to the end of the game.

Maybe I became a fanatic when I attended by first professional game. I fell in love with the excitement that I got from the roar of the crowd, the horns in marching band and the grunts and groans on the field as the players banged up and down the field.

My best friend took me to my very first game on my 21st Birthday. The Baltimore Colts beat the Jets at Memorial Stadium. It was the first of only 5 wins that year. Bert Jones (aka Hurt Bones) was out again and starting in his place at QB was an aging Greg Landry. By the end of the year Coach Ted Marchibroda was out, much to my dad’s dismay.

Loving Baltimore football back then was akin to loving Orioles baseball today!

Years of football despair came next when we lost our beloved Colts. Trying to find a replacement was impossible. I waited patiently until that wonderful Sunday in 1996 when I returned to Memorial Stadium to welcome our new Baltimore Ravens.

It felt great to be back amongst the fans. Early on fans had to work to embrace the Ravens as our own team. When the thrill of a Super Bowl victory came in January, 2001even the most obstinate Baltimore fan became a believer in the purple and black.

That super year has been followed by years of hanging onto the edge of triumph. Fans like me expect and thrive on the ups and downs the highs the lows. The team rivalries and the player antics on and off the field all make the sport appealing.

We can rant, rave, and root for this unpredictable but always engaging and entertaining team. How could I not be a fanatic Ravens fans?

It’s not that crazy that I am jumping on a plane to see our Ravens! YES! I am a die-hard fan! I may not study play formations, know all of the rules (does anyone anymore) or track the stats of each player (I know enough that Sizzle has 13 sacks). However I do have the most important element to being a football fan, I have the 12th (wo)man enthusiasm and adoration for the game! I know enough to know that this trip to the west coast is ever so important to our rankings in the playoffs.

So here I go ready or not! This is my first trip to an away game but I know it won’t be my last! Bah Hum Bug I may not have all my Holiday list complete! Cheers to basking in the warm west coast sunshine with my awesome travel companions! We have great seats right behind our Ravens bench where, wearing my Ravens Holiday hat, I will rave rant and root us onto victory!

This year presents, cookies and decorations are taking a back seat! This little side bar trip is my present to that very special Ravens fanatic I know and love…ME!!!

San Diego or Bust!

Rave On!

Kosmo Krys

How a Steelers chick inspired me to get out of line and get online!

2011-12-12T17:04:00.000-08:00

So I’m at the mall looking for some new Ravens’ gear for MYSELF! You see I also am taking MYSELF to San Diego this week to watch the Ravens move another step closer to the No. 1 seed in the AFC. How bad ass would that be? The road to Indianapolis is through B’more.

I LOVE THAT!

Ok back to the mall…

I zeroed in on this hoodie and knit cap. Naturally after a Ravens win coupled with the “season to be jolly” spending, the lines were sick. So I’m waiting and waiting like I was in the bathroom line at M&T. Finally, I’m on deck.

Unfortunately it was my dumb “luck” that I was behind a Steelers fan who was returning a James Harrison jersey and the dude at the counter just so happened to be a Steelers fan too. My lucky day!

Before you know it, they are engaged in this discussion about how the NFL hates the Steelers and Harrison because of all the fines and how the league doesn’t protect Ben like they do Tom Brady. I thought I was about to hurl.

It took everything in me and the lessons learned from the road rage segment from The Doctors TV Show that morning to keep from tying the arms of that hoodie around the neck of this not so svelte chick in front of me who when considering her brown pants and matching sweater (who wears brown pants?) reminded me of a UPS truck.

Finally this pity party ends and that coupled with the lengthy line made this buying experience seem about as pleasant as a trip to the GYN. Now I’m thinking that this hoodie has bad mojo and if I could be certain that the same line and the same Yinzer behind the counter would NOT be there, I might return this thing like now!

Maybe I’ll wait until after the Holidays but I know at least two things: 1) I’m buying my gear online from this point forward; and 2) This thing ain’t going to SoCal in MY suitcase! I can’t be bringing that bad karma out there to Qualcomm Stadium. The Ravens need to go on a roll!

And hey, if the Ravens can manage to run the regular season table, I love our chances of going to Indy for SB XLVI! How ironic would it be that the BALTIMORE Ravens visit the city that stole our BALTIMORE Colts to claim a World Championship for BALTIMORE during the same season that their lame team makes history by going 0-16?

Talk about giving new meaning to the old cliché, “What goes around comes around.”

But really, why is the Super Bowl in Indianapolis? The NFL is all about making the Super Bowl the centerpiece of a vacation week in some fun, warm place like Miami or New Orleans. Indianapolis? In February? This might be the first time that the teams fly in the day of the game.

Well it could be worse I guess.

At least it’s not in Pittsburgh.

Indianapolis Bound

2011-12-08T15:51:00.000-08:00

First and foremost, this is the year Baltimore goes all the way. The Ravens started out their season with a bang, defeating our rivals the Steelers 35-7. Sitting in the nosebleeds that game, it gave me chills to see Roethlisberger throw 3 interceptions leading to a rumbling stadium of fans cheering for the Ravens. Last season, the AFC divisional playoff game ended with a heart breaking loss to Pittsburgh. It left a bad taste in every Baltimore fan’s mouth and now we are out to bring it home.

The Ravens were able to bring out the broom for the first time since 2006 and sweep Pittsburgh in the season series. Coming off that incredible win and going into the Seahawks game, I had no clue it would end in a 22-17 loss. Luckily we were able to redeem ourselves in a nail-biting win against the Bengals. Torrey Smith gained 165 yards that game which is the third highest in Ravens history.

Moving on, it was time to get ready for the Harbaugh Bowl on Thanksgiving. With the heart and soul of the Ravens on the bench, Ray Lewis, Baltimore had to keep mistakes to a minimum and play with high intensity leaving it all on the field.

The Thanksgiving game was built up on emotion and the players were proud to bring home the W for their coach against his younger brother. Terrell Suggs had a big game the second half and the Ravens tied their franchise record with 9 sacks in one game.

Going into the game against Cleveland, some fans may have been nervous because of the saying “the Ravens are only as good as the team they are playing.” Baltimore sure proved that statement wrong. Ray Rice set a new record for himself rushing 209 yards with 29 carries and a score. Granted the Browns defense is not top-notch, Baltimore took advantage of this and played to their potential.

The Ravens next opponent is the 0-12 Colts at M&T Bank stadium. Baltimore has not lost at home all season. A loss at home is not a possibility because the way the Ravens feed off their fans energy. After the Colts, we play the Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, The Browns at home and the Bengals in Cincinnati. It is never good to look past any team, but it is fair to say the remainder of our schedule could be cake if we can get our heads in the game against Cincinnati. If the logistics work out to Charm City’s liking, there will be 2 playoff games in Baltimore and the Ravens will be Indianapolis bound.

Ravens Beat Broken Browns

2011-12-06T12:19:00.000-08:00

After back to back home wins against the Bengals and Niners, the Ravens played the Browns in Cleveland on Sunday. It felt weird to be nervous about the game, but it was only natural to feel that way following the Ravens pattern of beating the competitive teams and playing down to ones with losing records.

The game had the potential of being long and ugly. Mother Nature was cruel and sprinkled the field with rain during the entire game. Playing on a cold, muddy field with a wet football is not favorable for any football team. Add a dash of a divisional match-up in the city where the Ravens originated from with Cleveland fans who still despise them made the Ravens faithful cross their fingers and pray that another ugly loss would not take place.

The Ravens stuck to their tried and true method of running the ball. They were good at running the ball, RB Ray Rice was the workhorse of the team, he had 29 carries for 204 yards and one touchdown and RB Ricky Williams had 16 carries and one touchdown.

While weather conditions weren’t ideal for throwing the ball, QB Joe Flacco went 10 for 23. TE Ed Dickson and WR Anquan Boldin led in receiving, but unfortunately weren’t able to score.

This was the third consecutive game without defensive leader LB Ray Lewis. Lewis stood on the sideline as he cheered and motivated his team. It was still hard not seeing #52 on the field. In his 16th season, his number is the centerpiece of the Ravens defense. During Lewis’ absence, other defensive players stepped up and took charge. DL Pernell McPhee sacked Cleveland QB Colt McCoy two times and DE Arthur Jones took McCoy out of commission for a bit when he hit him and hurt his knee.

Perhaps the most frustrating part of the game was K Billy Cundiff’s two missed field goals. Thankfully the score wasn’t close and the missed field goals did not affect the outcome of the game, but one cannot help to worry about what would have happened if that game (or any other game) was close and a loss was attributed to those six points being left on the field.

The Ravens 24-10 win over the Browns ended the fans’ frustration of the Ravens playing down to less competitive teams. Were they perfect? No. Did they need to be? No. They did what they needed to do; they ran the ball and shut down the Browns offense. They found a way to win and that’s all we needed them to do.

The Ravens still control their own destiny. With a quarter of the season left and two division games on tap, they need to stay focused and keep their eyes on the prize. Take it one game at a time and keep playing like Ravens.

Share Some Cheer?

2011-12-06T00:43:00.000-08:00

Ola Chicas,

Whew! We won! I know I was a bit worried about Sunday’s game. I couldn’t help but worry that we would play down to the level of competition on the road as we have in previous losses away from home. Fortunately we broke that ugly cycle! Let’s keep the momentum going! The Ravens will blow Indy out of the water!

For Ravens fans it is the playoff hunt time of year. It is also time to do some holiday shopping for those we love. While you are making your gift list and checking it twice, please keep in mind ways that you can find gifts for your loved ones while helping others in need.

TONIGHT from 5-9pm, Ravens Chix is hosting a holiday event at the Greene Turtle in Hunt Valley to benefit the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program. The program provides holiday gifts to deserving children in the area. Greene Turtle will donate 20% of your tab! (click on the picture above for more details)

We will have vendors (some who are Ravens-centric) with holiday gift ideas and door prizes. So shop the Hunt Valley Towne Centre then stop by the Greene Turtle for a bite and check out our vendors!

Holidays are a special time of year for everyone. Help us make it special for the children in need and enjoy some Holiday Chix Cheer!

Rave On!

Kosmo Krys

The Blame Game!

2011-12-01T02:27:00.000-08:00

I just broke a freakin’ nail!

My dog just whizzed on my new throw rug!

I’m hustling to my next appointment, get my heel caught in some sidewalk vent and now my left leg is two inches too short!

And of course the worst – THE WORST! I wait in some un-godly long line at a world famous coffee shop, finally get my Caramel Machiato only to find that I was mistakenly handed someone’s rock gut caffeine explosion that could probably burn rust off any corroded pipe.

It’s all Cam Cameron’s fault!

There, I said it!

Freakin’ Cam Cameron!

Surely I jest but I’m sure there’s a clueless Ravens fan out there somewhere ready to blame Cam for most if not all of his life’s miseries.

Go to any game or visit any sports pub dialed into the Ravens that day and as certain as Entertainment Tonight will headline a Kardashian forehead pimple some fan will blame Cam Cameron when Joe Flacco does his version of the Hokie-Pokie in the pocket.

C’mon people!

Now I’m not suggesting that Cam doesn’t have flaws. The dude has more flaws than Joan Rivers has face lifts and that chick has had so many she should be able to dunk on LeBron James by now.

I get that he’s the coach and ultimately someone needs to be held accountable. You can’t fire all of the players but there needs to be accountability with them too.

Joe Flacco can lock in on a receiver like Maverick does an enemy MiG in Top Gun; Ray Rice can at times look like a blind-folded hyperactive child who skipped his Ritalin meds and opted for a case of Red Bull instead; Torrey Smith and Anquan Boldin sometimes look like they are playing hot potato out there; and of course the offensive line has resembled a team of accommodating matadors allowing the “bulls” to stampede their quarterback.

So the next time Flacco throws to the wrong color or Rice is dropped for a 2 yard loss on first down or our star receiver Boldin drops a touchdown pass, just remember – it’s not always Cam’s fault even though he is B’more’s scapegoat of choice for all things wrong in Ravens Nation.

Now if you’ll excuse me, it’s time for me to choke the cute little Starbuck’s girl behind the counter.

And please note, it's not the manager's fault…

Should Suggs Lighten up on the Sizzle?

2011-11-30T08:42:00.000-08:00

Ola Chicas,

Thursday night’s Harbaugh Bowl was a true holiday feast for Ravens fans! The nation’s eyes were on Baltimore and our Ravens shined in the spotlight! Turkey dinners at home did not slow the Ravens fans down. They came wearing their purple pride and tailgated with turkey and all of the sides. All night M&T was loud and proud!

Amid the national hype over the competition between the Harbaugh brothers, our Ravens’ own No. 55 Terrell Suggs sizzled in the limelight on and off the field. Congratulations to “T Sizzle” on the distinction of being named AFC Defensive Player of the Week! He was definitely fired up and played an amazing game.

No doubt Sizzle was born to play defensive football. Nor any doubt that he loves the attention he gets from playing in NFL. With Ray Lewis on the sidelines this past week, Sizzle rose to be the team leader and energized not only the Ravens but the fans as well. When Sizzle looks up to stands and raises his arms up and down or when slaps himself up side his own helmet he gets the fans involved and pumped.

Suggs along with many other players use their field performances as a platform to draw attention to themselves. Most fans seem to enjoy it but the NFL , the media and other fans are finding it a bit over the top. Sizzle’s antics have not gotten him into hot water but others in the league have. Players can’t seem to help showboating and over celebrating after a touchdown or much needed play. And referees don’t mind flagging them on their displays.

The question becomes does the “showboating” by the NFL players belong in the game? Sports commentator Bob Costa made a big deal out of this topic on the Sunday Night Football’s half time show. He referred to the NFL players who showboat as “knuckleheads” and suggested that they “confine their buffoonery”.

The antics of the players are a reflection of how NFL has grown to become a multi-billion dollar entertainment business. The field “antics” are a reflection of what is now acceptable as entertainment.

Are the player displays in line with the type of entertainment that fans want? It seems that way. The cameras are always on these displays and it draws reactions from fans and critics! Showboating has evolved into part of the game and is here to stay.

As long as it’s our T Sizzle sizzling across the field he can dance, smack his head and pump his chest all he wants!

Just bring home the “W”!

Rave On,

Kosmo Krys

Boys Will be Boys!

2011-11-24T09:05:00.000-08:00

Ola Chicas!

Don’t know what I’m more excited about; hosting Thanksgiving Dinner with my family, or watching the Ravens football game and the Harbaugh brothers go at it on National TV Thanksgiving night! Ravens need to pull this game off. It is a very important win, which will prove our dominance across the conferences.

Having family in the NFL isn’t all that uncommon. Some the most famous brothers are the Manning’s, Peyton and Eli, and the Barbers, Dominique who plays safety for the Texans and Marion Barber who plays running back for the Bears. Cousins are also common. Chad "Ocho Cinco" Johnson of the Bengals is related to former NFL Wide Receiver Keyshawn Johnson and Samari Rolle.

This Thursday matchup is a first in the NFL. There have been head coaches who are sons of former head coaches in the NFL, but never two brothers coaching in the same season for two different teams. How exciting is this game for the fans, the teams, and the nation? How stressful will this night be for their Mom?

My heart goes out to Mrs. Jackie Harbaugh. As a mother of sons I know the competitive nature that brothers engage in. I recall when my boys where young, the rage, fury and terror that resulted from a little loss in a video game, a name calling match or a backyard one on one lacrosse game.

There were wrestling matches on the living room floor, name calling and shouting from room to room, and ultimately my consoling the one who lost. Yeah boys are tough and they hate to lose, especially to their brothers. Mrs. Harbaugh’s sons are going to take sibling rivalry to a whole new level. They will display their aggression and resentment on national TV.

For my boys, I’d have to bring the ole’ wooden spoon to break them apart.

If the coaches were my sons, I don’t know that I could watch the game. I certainly know that I couldn’t watch my son’s face spread across the jumbo screen after a loss to his brother! That would just rip a mother’s heart out! After the game, I would be torn, who do I hug first? The son who wins or the one who lost? What a dilemma.

Mom Harbaugh is gonna be stuck between a rock and an 800 pound offensive line.

But at the end of the night, I know the sense of pride that she will feel when her sons go to shake each other’s hands. If all goes our way, tradition will prevail and the older of the two will prove victorious. As for Mrs. Harbaugh, I’m sure she will be warmed to have her family under one roof for Thanksgiving night.

Counting my blessings,

Rave On!

Kosmo Krys

P.S. Happy 50th wedding anniversary to Jackie and Jack Harbaugh! What an amazing holiday weekend!

National Spotlight Shines Again in Baltimore

2011-11-24T08:45:00.000-08:00

This is an interesting week for the Baltimore Ravens. Sunday they had a home win against the Bengals and on Thanksgiving Day, they have another home game against the Niners. It is the first Thanksgiving Day game in the history of the team and will once again feature the Ravens in the national spotlight.

At 7-3, the Ravens are currently leading the AFC North, though it’s been a bumpy ride with inconsistent games all season. They played tough against the better teams and fell short in losses to teams with little to no wins. They played well against the Bengals despite the absence of middle linebacker, Ray Lewis. Although Lewis was missing from action, his presence was still felt from the sideline and he helped to rally the team.

The offense looked good, Cam Cameron adjusted his play calling and Ray Rice ran the hell out of the ball with 20 carries for 104 yards and two touchdowns. Joe Flacco looked jittery at first, he eventually calmed down and went 17 for 27 with two touchdowns. Rookie wide receiver Torrey Smith was outstanding with six catches and one touchdown.

Thursday’s game, dubbed the “Harbaugh Bowl”, is unique as it is the first time two brothers will face each other as head coaches of opposing teams. Ravens head coach, John Harbaugh, is in his fourth season and has taken the team to the playoffs every year since he started in 2008.

John’s younger brother, Jim Harbaugh, is in his first season as the head coach of the Niners. It is interesting to note that Jim is a former NFL quarterback and played with the Ravens in 1998. This season, Jim has done an outstanding job coaching his 9-1 Niners. Quarterback Alex Smith, like Flacco, is not elite, but manages to get the job done. The teams’ crown jewel is their defense, who some say are reminiscent of the Ravens defense in 2000, the one with Super Bowl rings.

The Harbaugh brothers have been competitive their entire lives, but this will be the greatest competition they’ve faced to date and it will be interesting to see how the game unfolds and who wins the battle of the Harbaughs.

Ravens fans are tired of the Jekyll and Hyde act this season, they’ve seen enough and are ready for the consistency that should be evident by this time in the season. If the assumption that the Ravens only play tough against the “good” teams holds true, then they should play tough and walk away with a win (fingers crossed).

On this Thanksgiving holiday, we have lots to be thankful for, but another win would make us even more thankful.

What do you think? Who will win the battle of the Harbaughs?

Recap, Regroup and Move On

2011-11-19T14:48:00.000-08:00

The second half of the Ravens season started last week in a disappointing and frustrating loss to the Seahawks.

To say it’s been a challenging season so far is an understatement. Before we can look ahead to the next seven games, let’s look back at the first nine.

The Ravens started the 2011 season with a bang when they demolished the Steelers in a spectacular win. We rejoiced and had high hopes for the rest of the season.

Week two burst our bubble when the Ravens imploded in an ugly loss to the Titans. The Ravens from week one were nothing more than a faded memory and we hoped that they’d return to their former glory.

Week three brought back the Ravens we all know and love when they put a hurting on the Rams and Torrey Smith had his breakout game with 3 TDs. Ray Lewis won the AFC Defensive Player of the Week and the fans rejoiced.

Then Rex and the Jets came to town. Rex did his usual smack talking, but the Ravens shut him up and sent him home with his tail between his legs. The game wasn’t pretty, but a win is still a win and we were happy to beat one of the top teams in the AFC (at that time).

After the bye week the Ravens played the Texans, a team that played without two of their best players (Andre Johnson & Mario Williams), but the Texans played a tough game and the Ravens had a nice win.

Then there was fright night in Jacksonville when the Ravens embarrassed themselves and their fans by imploding against the Jags. The ugly loss couldn’t be explained and it was painful to watch, but thankfully the defense held the Jags to field goals and no touchdowns.

Just when we thought we saw the ugliest game ever, the Cardinals came to Baltimore in week eight. The first half of the game was a nightmare for Ravens fans – it was almost too painful to watch. However, in the second half of the game, they turned things around with an amazing come back from being down 21 points to winning the game. And we rejoiced and had hope again…

Week nine brought the Ravens to Pittsburgh to play the Steelers. This time it wasn’t a smack down, the Steelers put up a good fight and it was a typical match-up between these two defensive powerhouses. The Steelers pulled ahead of the Ravens late in the fourth, then Flacco did what seemed impossible…he lead the Ravens down the field, all 92 yards of it and won the game with a touchdown pass to Torrey Smith!

In week ten, the inconsistent Ravens headed to Seattle to play the Seahawks and again it was ugly, the offense was awful, Cam Cameron forgot that he has a star running back named Ray Rice and the defense couldn’t force any turnovers. The Seahawks, a team of young players and an injured quarterback, smacked the Ravens around and beat them in another embarrassing loss.

Sadly we’re getting used to the Ravens inconsistency. They take one step forward and two steps back. They keep beating the top teams and losing to the bad ones. The Ravens have some tough match-ups left on their schedule starting with a division game against the Bengals on Sunday and a Thanksgiving night game against the Niners, a team with one loss so far this season. If this trend continues, we *should* win both games, but since this team is all over the place, no one knows what will happen, we just have to pray that the “good” Ravens show up.

The second half of the season is here, step it up and play like a Raven.

We know you can do it, we’ve seen it before.

So do it again…please?

It’s Sunday…It’s My Birthday…It’s Sunday!

2011-11-17T18:00:00.000-08:00

My daughter is a Ravenmaniac. She’ll wake up this Sunday in her purple pajamas because she will have insisted on wearing them to bed Saturday night. She “needs to wake up on Ravens Sunday wearing purple” (her words, not mine).

After breakfast, she’ll race to her room, put on her Joe Flacco jersey, jeans, purple socks, and purple Ugg boots (knock-offs of course, because who buys the real ones for a 3-year-old??? But I digress…).

So this Sunday won’t be different than any other Sunday except that she’ll be a big, bad FOUR year old. That’s right, it’s her birthday. As season ticket holders, we had a big dilemma on our hands. Do we stick her with a sitter all day on her actual birthday? Or do we sell our tickets to a very important divisional game and plan a birthday party instead?

We met in the middle. We did sell our tickets for this Sunday (to good friends who are fellow purple people), but we’re not doing a birthday party. The Birthday celebration will be on Saturday with grandparents who are local (pizza, cake, done).

And on Birthday Sunday, we’re going to lay low at home, maybe have a few neighbors over, and watch the Ravens do some damage in our division.

She’s actually quite excited about it, telling everyone she’s having a “Ravens Birthday Party”. Sure, kid! It’s just that nobody is actually coming. We think it will be cool when one day she can say…

I spent my 4th birthday with Mom and Day, watching the Ravens win their 3rd division game of the season, the year they swept their division, became the AFC North Champions, and went on to win their 2nd Superbowl.

Happy 4th birthday, little Sprout. And GO RAVENS!!!

So, what say you, Ravens Chix? Would you have gone to the game or sold your tickets? Be careful what you say, because I have a few words about Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve games in another post in a few weeks…

Mind your x’s and o’s

The Purple Maven

Oh Sheila! You go girl about our Ravens!

2011-11-16T14:54:00.000-08:00

Sheila…Chica, Sweetie ….Did you have bit too much coffee this am? Whew Girl… you were on fire in that blog today!

You sound a bit crazed but you are So Right On!

Who can predict our season? This isn’t the first season that we have been so unpredictable. So why all the ranting and raving? Sheila, I agree fans need to take a chill! We’ll make it through.

We are in a league where any given Sunday your team can be on the top or on the bottom. We have seen the Ravens play their best game against our toughest opponents only to let the worst of teams beat us down. Still we have a NFL power ranking of 6 after all the ups and downs!

Coach H is right (not just because he is cute), the end of the season hasn’t been written yet . BUT Coach we are half way there! And we don’t seem to be learning from our errors!

We need to pull together the loose ends. And you said it Sheila T, the key to completing this season with a Big W is determination and consistency! Our coaching staff needs to adjust the game plan to our opponent but also to reflect the best use of each player’s strengths and talents. We have amazing athletes on the field. Each player has an individual skill set to offer. We need to gather those abilities and turn them into Ws. Let Rice run, put Joe in shot gun if that’s where he plays best ! We need to play the rest of the season with a consistent use of these vast gifts that are The Baltimore Ravens!

It’s not over Ravens fans! We need to stop crying for heads to roll! We need to let our team know we believe in them. We need to keep our energies and momentum focused on the PRIZE! The fat lady hasn’t sung yet, but when she does, she’ll be wearing Purple and Black!

Raising my shot glass to Sheila T! Let’s bring it back this week!

Rave On!

Kosmo Krys

I Love My Ravens Flaws & All!

2011-11-16T08:13:00.000-08:00

I am so fed up with all the talk about Harbaugh, Cameron and Flacco. I am tired, tired, tired of the wide emotional swings with our fan base from week to week. Last week we could have punched our ticket to the Super Bowl and now this week fans are predicting upcoming losses to the Browns and the Colts.

People will you please get your sh*t together and stop for one moment and look at the big picture.

Do the Ravens have warts?

Of course they do!

Are there flaws?

Several!

Can the Ravens still win their division and finish with the conference's best record?

You bet your ass!

Think back to this time last year. Raise your hand if any of you thought Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers were going to be World Champions. You know you didn't!

Now I'm not saying Joe Flacco can become Aaron Rodgers but I am saying that the Baltimore Ravens can become last year's Green Bay Packers. But they have to start developing momentum AND consistency.

Let's take a look around the conference…

The Houston Texans are currently the top seed and now their quarterback is done for the season. Do you think Matt Leinart is going to keep them at the top? Not a chance plus the Ravens hold a tiebreaker over them.

The New England Patriots – can a one dimensional team last long in the NFL? I don't think so…

The New York Jets, please…we've already de-feeted them!

The Pittsburgh Steelers…hmmm, Roethlisberger has a broken thumb now and the Ravens have beaten them twice. Why can't the Ravens finish ahead of them? A win against the Bengals puts the Ravens back in first and back at the top in the AFC.

Yes the Ravens have sucked against bad teams this year. Maybe it's part of the growth process. I didn't care for what John Harbaugh had to say during his press conference for the most part (yes girls I get it…he's hot) but he was spot on when he said, "The story of the season is going to be written at the end. I am not writing that story now. The story for us as a football team is this week. You look at last week, and you correct it."

Now go and do it coach and get this Sybil-like team back on track – and while you're at it, ditch Sybil, she's a bee-atch!

Maybe a speech like this might help Harbs or if you can't deliver it, just bring your DVD player and show it. I know it makes me want to scratch and claw for that extra inch of advantage.

I'm out…

Ravens Jersey-Gate

2011-11-13T07:26:00.000-08:00

Happy Sunday, Ravens chix! As I get all purpled up this morning, I reach for my jersey with a pang of nostalgia…

The Ravens’ 2003 season had turned out to be a season of firsts for the franchise and for me (work with me here).

· Steve Bisciotti took over full ownership of the team for the first time just after the season ended (we still love you Art!).
· Jamal Lewis ran for over 2,000 yards for the season, with almost 300 yards in just one division game (v. Browns, snicker snicker).
· Kyle Boller. ‘nuff said? (Hey, I know, he was really, really pretty, but he sucks in the NFL.)

But the best “first” of all, was when the Baltimore Ravens became the AFC North Division Champs for the first time in franchise history. And despite our run-centric offense, our “new” tight end named Todd Heap could catch the football and he was exciting to watch.

So in the Spring of 2004, after the season had ended, it was time for my “first” Ravens jersey. I had been wearing my husband’s spare Ray Lewis jersey over my sweaters for the past few years. And no disrespect to Ray Lewis (because I love me some Ray-Ray), but I wanted a different name on my jersey.

I left the store that day with a Heap jersey in my bag. I washed it gently and wore it to the next home game which happened to be against the Steelers (September 19, 2004). We won that game 30-13 so I knew my jersey had the good mojo. I’ve loaded it with pins over the years, collected from the cities of the various road games we’ve traveled to. It’s never washed during the season, but gets a Spring cleaning every year before it’s put away in my Ravens bin for summer hibernation.

I felt good about my purchase. Todd Heap would become a Ravens franchise player, or so I thought.

When we released Heap this past summer, I was shocked…hurt…bummed. And I fretted about my jersey situation. As if my dilemma wasn’t bad enough, the kid signs with the Arizona Cardinals who are scheduled to come to Baltimore this year for a game. Can I still wear a Todd Heap Ravens jersey when he’s on my field in red?

I turned to the only guy I knew would have the right answer, my brother Don. He’s the biggest sports aficionado I know. I asked him if I could wear it, since Heap was playing at M&T this weekend. He said I could for 2 reasons:

1. I’m a chick. (still not really sure what this one is all about but I got the answer I was looking for so I didn’t pry)
2. Todd Heap is a classy guy.

And then I saw the ad Heap placed in the Baltimore Sun that Friday before the Arizona game. I got a little teary-eyed when I read it, not because my jersey was outdated, but because I really like the kid. And I miss him. I understand why we released him but I’m hoping we can buy him back for a day at the end of his career, and place him in the Ring of Honor where he belongs.

Todd, you’ll always have a purple jersey on in my mind. And I’ll continue to wear my Heap jersey every Sunday, even if you can’t.

Heeeeeaaaaaaapppppppp!

Mind your x’s and o’s

The Purple Maven

The Wife of a Football Team Owner...

2011-11-11T16:06:00.000-08:00

I have a confession. I’m the wife of a football team owner. If I’m not spending my days on the tennis courts, I’m being pampered at the salon. My limo driver thinks I’m crazy, and my personal chef wants me to get fat.

OK, I’m totally lying, but my husband does “own” a team. It’s just a fantasy team. My REAL confession is that I despise fantasy football. There, I said it. And I’ll say it again. I. Hate. Fantasy. Football.

I’ve heard all the arguments – it makes Sunday more exciting… it’s fun to have the rivalry with your buddies…it gets you interested in games other than your own team’s…you learn a lot about the players from other teams…blah, blah, fricking, blah. It’s BS and I’ll tell you why.

1. There is no “fun rivalry” when 10 grown men fight like little school girls on draft day. If a guy takes too long to pick, or eats the last chicken wing, or takes a top-ranked player that he doesn’t even need just to screw the rest of the league – watch out, ladies. You’ll want to become a preschool teacher just to be around more maturity.

2. If the Ravens play at the coveted (to me) 1 o’clock spot, there are tons of other games at the same time, so the boys have their eyes on their fantasy scores more than the TV screen. A few Sundays ago, I was in the kitchen grabbing the next course of appetizers when I heard my husband cussing in the living room. Thinking I had missed yet another false start by Michael Oher, I ran into the living room to find that the source of his ire was because Stat Tracker wasn’t working. Give me a heart attack, would ya?

3. I do have to give my husband some props because he’ll bench one of his stronger players if they are playing against the Ravens that week. While his focus might not be 100% on the Ravens game, his loyalty is thankfully purple through and through. Or so I thought! My husband’s FIRST pick this year for his fantasy team was a running back from that team-who-must-not-be-named. Ah hellfire, we can say it out loud now that we SWEPT them this season. He picked Rashard Mendenhall from the Steelers.

Really? So some part of you every weekend has to ROOT for our mortal enemy. Really? It was the first round of the draft, there were surely other good players still available!

I could go on, but I doubt any of you want to listen to me whine any longer so I’ll wrap it up. I suppose if my husband ends up in the money, the fantasy football thing might be OK for me. But even if he wins his league this year, we won’t break even.

So for this Ravens Chick, I’ll just stick to watching my Ravens. This season’s roller coaster ride is about all I can handle any given Sunday. I know a lot of you ladies out there have your own fantasy teams, so I’d love to hear your comments.

Mind your x’s and o’s...

The Purple Maven

Show your Purple Pride!

2011-11-09T08:24:00.000-08:00

Do some Ravens fans go too far?

Ola Chicas!

I am in a PURPLE loving mood this week! If the season were to end tomorrow I‘d say the Ravens had one of their best! How can it be that winning against the Steelers (twice) can bring such joy to an entire city?

In the midst of my Purple Haze, I have begun to take a closer at some of the Ravens gear that I and others wear. Some of it seems pretty silly and outrageous. Guys dressing in fan wear are the worst. There is nothing more ridiculous than seeing a group of grown men displaying purple painted faces and flabby chests while standing in a freezing cold stadium! UGH! And then there are those fans dressed in tons of beads, feathered capes, and goofy beer can hats! Fan wear definitely puts the “man card” in jeopardy. Oh my, some men need their mothers or wives to help save them from themselves!

On the other hand female fans look to wear purple attire that is fun but also fashionable. On game day women love our cute little tees, NFL logo jewelry, and purple feather hair accessories. But what do you wear to that Purple Friday business meeting? Thank goodness fashion designers have made shades of purple a trend on the fashion runways! It is so great that ladies have tons and tons of options! On any Friday, in any office throughout Maryland, you will see gorgeous purple pumps, sweet jeweled sweaters, and cute dresses! Yes Chicas, your Purple Friday top doesn’t have to have a number or a logo on it!

But I wonder do you think you can have too much Purple Pride? What is over the top? Could it be my purple suede knee high boots? No way! They are too hot! What about my purple and white tie dyed tattered jeans? Uh No! They rock! Then maybe too much is my hand painted Ravens bracelet, my big purple hoop earrings, the black and purple Burton hoodie, or the purple rhinestone cowboy hat. There are so many suitable Ravens items in my closest that my classic basic blacks have taken a back seat.

You know, now that I’ve analyzed the issue, I’ve decided you can never have enough Purple Pride! Every purple piece I own has been selected with the joy and excitement that comes from being a die-hard Ravens football fan and a fabulicious fashionista!

I’m keeping it all!

If our Baltimore Ravens can rock the socks off the Pittsburgh Steelers then my closest can continue to grow into a beautiful array of Purple Haze!

You’ll have to excuse me, I’ve got to run out to get a pair of those adorable purple boot warmers!

Rave On

“Purple” Kosmo Krys

Ravens vs Steelers Rivalry –Time for Pittsburgh to Bleed Purple

2011-11-05T07:16:00.000-07:00

All week the rivalry between Baltimore and Pittsburgh has been brewing. It’s been suggested that it is the biggest in all of football – some even say in all of sport.

It’s a rivalry exaggerated by the national sports media, a hype to get the nation to watch. Ravens fans don’t care about what the nation or the NFL thinks about this game. Fans know it is a rivalry of personal and hometown pride.

Why do we take this rivalry so personally?

Steelers Country is just across the Mason Dixon line and that’s too close for comfort. Drive around the beltway any time of day and you can find their silly looking logos on far too many cars. Steelers’ fans invade our town and bang through the gates of our HOUSE! They are loud and obnoxious. They have the nerve to tailgate on our lots and come waving stupid towels! Steelers are a mean and nasty team and they love to play Ravens kinda football. Our match ups are always smash mouth and hard hitting. Steelers’ players are big-headed, smarmy and they trash talk on us.

The nation and the media just love to talk up Steelers and love to find ways to put the Ravens down. Without even mentioning the wins to losses factor, Ravens fans have plenty of reason to make this rivalry big and personal.

So is this the biggest sports rivalry? – We are the Baltimore Ravens and you bet you’re a** it is!

So listen up Baltimore Ravens... Tomorrow is all about hometown pride! It’s our time to shut down Steelers Country! Joe and the boys must bring home a win for the town of Baltimore!

RAVE ON

Kosmo Krys

Ravens should have never gotten off the plane in Jacksonville

2011-10-25T15:37:00.000-07:00

Ola Chicas!

Can you believe it? Wow! On Monday Night Football in front a national viewing audience and all of the NFL watching we played our most disastrous game yet.

I usually leave the Monday morning quarterbacking to other bloggers. There are plenty of men and women who break down the game play by play far better than I can. However last night’s game left me fuming and so ridiculously baffled that I have to voice my frustration.

Where to start? The oblivious is the horrible way in which the Raven O line covered Joe. It appeared that our offensive team didn’t understand the basics of how the game works. What part of protect your quarterback, get your receivers open and cover your running backs did they misunderstand? How about all of it!

How can an entire line of professional athletes forget that their job for 60 minutes a week is to protect their quarterback? And our receivers could not get out of the way of the Jaguars secondary! Who even knew that Jacksonville had a secondary we had to worry about! And to have Rice run so ineffectively and fumble was just inexcusable. And Oher with so many penalties again! It’s so hard to watch such a talented group of men play in such a horrendous way.

Then we have to take a look at Joe. Though he is an awesome athlete I don’t think he will ever be the quarterback that Baltimore needs. He doesn’t have the composure or leadership skills. Yes his line often leaves him out to dry, but by now he should have been able to compensate for them. And Cam doesn’t allow him to man up and take charge. You have to wonder why?

Is it that Cam is a control freak or that Joe just doesn’t have the skills?

Joe doesn’t appear to think on his feet. He doesn’t know how to adapt to the game as it plays out. I’m not sure that the players have confidence in Joe and see him as their leader. I do know that the fans don’t see nor do they believe it. Baltimore is a diehard football town with a hard core blue collar mentality. Like it or not, the Ravens have been known to sign on bad ass players and are perceived as a hard-hitting and dangerous team. Joe doesn’t fit that mold. The fans don’t want a “calm and cool” Joe and the Ravens need a forceful, tough guy and smash mouth Joe! Joe needs to have the leadership skills of Bart Starr and the understanding of game like that of Joe Montana.

The same goes for our coach; he is a nice, calm guy who likes to stay under the radar. He makes questionable play decisions and fails to satisfy his fans concerns. Baltimore needs a coach that will light a fire under the team! When the play goes bad the coach needs to step up, hold the players accountable and give them a plan that is comprehensive and uses their individual talents. The Ravens need play calls that show confidence, determination and character. And when a dubious play call doesn’t go as planned the coach needs to be accountable for his decision. Maybe we need to swap a John for a Jim?

Once again the defense played hard and long. Regrettably they had a tough time stopping Maurice Jones-Drew. It was also unfortunate that they weren’t able to make a game breaking defensive turnover that we needed so bad. The special teams had a tough night with a missed field goal and a short onside kick that was a misunderstood plan from the start. Though we lost because we didn’t show up for the game the NFL referees didn’t make our night any easier.

Let’s hope that the team and the coaching staff go back to the drawing board and develop a new more aggressive game plan for Sunday. All too soon we hit the road to meet up with our divisional opponents. If we continue to look like we did last night….it’s going to be a very long exasperating winter…

Rave On

Kosmo Krys

What an unlikely pair!

2011-10-22T08:43:00.000-07:00

NFL Football and Breast Cancer Awareness!

Lots of thoughts come into mind when I think of October. I immediately think “back to school”, cool weather football, fall leaves, sweaters, boots, my birthday and Halloween. In recent years my thoughts include the color pink and breast cancer awareness month. I’m not the only one.

I’m amazed at the extraordinary promotional campaign that the Susan G. Komen Foundation has developed (I refrain from using the term “marketing strategy” as I like to think altruistically about non-profits and don’t care for the concept of businesses increasing sales by “selling” cancer prevention ).

To stimulate awareness and support, the Komen foundation has developed the largest national run/walk fundraising event, encourages individuals to host their own passionately pink websites, and they have succeeded in collaborating with a huge number of businesses and corporations. Go to the website www.5komen.org and take a look at their two hundred + major corporate sponsors.

The entire NFL shows support for this foundation for an entire month! What other cause do they show support for all month long? Throughout October everywhere I go there are pink ribbons and a way to make a donation. I walk into a grocery store and pink ribbons are on everything from yogurt to lunch meat to box cake mixes. Clothing lines have a “cure” line, automobile and airlines are onboard, even my much-loved Zumba fitness sponsors this worthy organization.

Even Baltimore businesses step up to do their part in spreading awareness and raise funds for “the cure”. Throughout the month local restaurants, merchants and community organizations host events and specials to support this important foundation. Ravens24x7.com has designed an original long sleeve Ravens Chix tee shirt that supports the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

It makes me proud to see such a vast array of businesses and corporations rallying together to help stop this devastating disease. The foundation has made a major impact in preventing breast cancer by encouraging early detection, screenings and self-examination. Early diagnosis and treatment is improving and lives are being saved. Unfortunately, cancer diagnosis seems to be on the rise. More and more “warriors” are facing the fight against breast and other cancers.

When we think of October we think of breast cancer awareness month. I suggest that in the future, when we think of October we think about all of the types of cancers we may face. I hope that each of us makes a point to identify other cancer fighting foundations and show support for them. There are so many other foundations large and small that are making a difference in the lives of individuals with cancer. They also need donations and volunteers to help spread awareness.

To the NFL, BRAVO to you for proudly wearing pink! I suggest that each month the NFL identifies other important foundations and promotes them by displaying it throughout the month!

So Chicas put on your pink and purple! But let’s not forget about the peach, teal, and yellow ribbons that represent the fight against other devastating cancers. We are all in the fight to cure all cancers!

Hope to see you Monday Night at Liberatores in Perry Hall for Ravens Football!

We’ll be doing our part with these shirt sales to help but we need you too!

Rave On!

Kosmo Krys

Getting the best M&T Bank experience

2011-10-17T16:57:00.000-07:00

Ola Chicas,

Yah Ravens congrats on Sunday’s win!

Hey Jen, thanks for your comments on resolving fan issues at the stadium.

I’m with you on thinking that fans should be respectful of each other and first try to handle simple issues amongst ourselves. Before complaining to security the “fry ladies” should have politely spoken to your son. However, the truth is that some fans are just plain jerks, drunk or not. We all know people who “need” to find a problem. They get satisfaction out of “making a mountain out of a mole hill”.

Not allowing your son to enjoy the game and show his excitement by occasionally popping up when he felt the need, was just ridiculous. Someone has to get the crowd on their feet, why not a young enthusiastic fan! I suggest a bit of “sugar coating” at the next game. Perhaps you can “butter” the “fry ladies” up by offering them the concession stand’s “heart healthy” dogs. They go great with a large cola and a “mound of greasy” fries! The ladies might be so grateful for the extra snacks they won’t have time to look up from their laps! Just sayin…be nice… it’s a Ravens game!

As for the drunken fans, I don’t engage in a conversation with them. I have found that addressing an issue with an intoxicated fan usually increases the disruption. Once they learn that you have a problem with them it’s like putting gas on an already out of control fire. I stay clear of them and let security know as soon as possible if there is a problem.

Speaking of people standing during the game I have a similar issue with the S.A.F.E. security guards. The stadium’s security is awesome; they really do a great job of keeping the fans safe. Their policy on how they have staff monitor the crowd during the game is tricky for me. We have great stadium seats, right next to a stairway, overlooking the corner of the end zone. We are so close to the field that when the play is at our end we can actually “high five” the players. The stadium security ensures that other fans don’t rush down the stairwell or lean the railings.

Yet what security has over looked is how annoying it is to have the S.A.F.E. staff obstruct our “prime PSL real estate”. During various times throughout the game the guards are required to stand at the rail and watch over the crowd. This problem is an issue in just a few sections of the stadium. While we appreciate security’s important role to ensure crowd control it is annoying to say the least. The guards block our view of many critical plays that happen right in front of us!

Even though when they come to the rail we are often already on our feet, we are still unable to get a clear view of the field. The guards are always very nice, aware that they are in our way and try hard to not block our view. They often squat or bend down and mention they would love to have a seat! We realize they have a job to do and we appreciate them trying to accommodate our needs.

It would be helpful if the stadium security would provide those guards who may interfere with fan viewing an alternative. Perhaps they could sit on a stool or cushion during key game moments. I accept that having security stand in front of me is a price that I may have to pay to have a safe game environment. On the other hand, I am a paying fan and the cost of a PSL and individual game tickets are expensive. I hope that the stadium will want to ensure that every fan has the finest home game experience possible. I suggest they give the guards an attractive purple and black “Ravens Roost” bench and make us all happy!

Thanks to all the S.A.F.E. security guards you do a great job!

Rave On

Kosmo Krys

HOW TO BE A 12TH MAN AT A RAVENS GAME

2011-10-17T03:25:00.000-07:00

I love my seats for the Ravens' games. I've mentioned in the past that we are on the visitor's side near the marching band. The fans from the opposing teams are usually benign, and the Ravens fans in my section don't taunt them...not even when the Steelers fans slunk out of their seats during the third quarter with their heads bowed in shame during the first game of the real season.

Because I have such a good relationship with the PSL owners or people, such as myself who have bought season tickets from a PSL owner, I bought two additional seats this year for my sons. My boys are 14 and 16, and there is probably not too much that they would see at a game that they haven't seen on 'you tube' or online somewhere else.

For the 8:20 game against the Jets, my boys opted out of going to the game since they had school the next day. My husband and I invited two close friends, one of whom had never been to a Ravens game before. The guy who owns the 3 seats beside us sold his tickets to "a friend of a friend." Those people were so rip roaring drunk, one of them fell over straight to the ground for no reason.

I went up to my favorite purple shirt dude and complained. This group was not tipsy; they were 3 sheets to the wind. Rob, my security S.A.F.E buddy pulled the 3 people out of their seats and issued a warning. I wasn't thrilled about that. A warning for falling head first on my friend's feet? But Rob assured me that he would keep his eye on the situation.

Rob came back about two minutes later. The guys behind the drunken trio texted Rob with a complaint that the inebriated woman of the group punched him for thinking he stole her bottled water, which she was holding in her non-punching hand.

As it turned out, this trio was given one more chance to come back to their seats before they were kicked out of the game and a letter written to our PSL owning friend.

We were up in arms.

Since when is public intoxication legal? About five minutes into the first quarter, Rob came down to inform me that the trio managed to get themselves arrested before coming back to the seats.

So this Sunday, we were glad to see our regular neighbors were back in place and the new season ticket holders of the two seats behind us were also in attendance.

The game started, we were all on our feet cheering, clapping and trying to distract the Texans' offense. My younger son continued to stand as the ball went down the field, and my husband was tapped on the shoulder by a S.A.F.E. guy. It wasn't Rob. This guy didn't bother introducing himself to us; he was all business. "Sir," he said to my husband, "is this your son?" My husband said yes and the S.A.F.E. guy said that my son had to sit in his seat. My husband suggested that S.A.F.E. guy talk to my son directly; which he did.

He told my son that the proper etiquette for standing at games is that you only do so when the person in front of you stands. Fine. Lesson learned. The thing that got me? The woman sitting behind my son never tapped him on the shoulder to ask if he would sit. She went right to her cell phone and brought out the big guns.

My son sat. I was totally into the game and was standing, so I don't know what the problem was. S.A.F.E. guy came back and said that my son had to sit completely in his seat and not be half in and half out. My son was furious. "Mom! This is a Ravens game! What do you mean I can't stand?!"

I told my son to switch seats with me, and that's when I saw that the two women behind my son and husband had their laps covered with a super sized order of fries with a river of ketchup. They couldn't see over my son, and they couldn't stand because of the feed trough of fries. Okay. Common sense would dictate that a more portable sized portion of food is best. Or, you watch the game on one of the televisions set up, just for that purpose, until you have finished eating.

I had no idea if the person who owns our PSLs would get a letter of warning if S.A.F.E. guy had to come back again, so I nervously watched my son and motioned for him to sit when the person in front of him wasn't standing. This was insane. I then decided to ask the PSL owners of the three seats next to us if my son could sit/stand in one of their seats which happened to be right in front of the really tall guy that took the punch from the drunk lady at the Jets game. My son stood when he wanted and sat when he should. We all relaxed and watched the Ravens clobber the Texans.

Was my son wrong to stand when others were sitting? Probably.

Was it right for the women behind him to text the S.A.F.E. guy right off the bat without trying to explain to my son that their view was obstructed? I say no.

Some things can be handled civilly by talking it out. So, I anticipate a season of musical chairs, but I hope that the women who texted the S.A.F.E. guy realize they caused more of a disruption to the game than my son did.

Celebrate Life & Awareness With Us!

2011-10-05T08:10:00.000-07:00

For many years TV cameras have zoomed in on football players along the sidelines after they scored a big touchdown. Some engage in trash talking, others pound their chests and some hold up that famous digit.

There was also a day when these proud athletes would look into the camera and simply say, "Hi Mom!"

It's a very simple response to the presence and pressures of the camera really. It's also very honest and genuine because when you stop and think about it and you remove all of the other distractions, fan hoopla and window dressing, the most vital, natural, safest and essential connectivity to another human being is that to our mothers.

I lost my Mom on September 27, 1989. She was 51 years young. There has never been a day since when she's escaped my thoughts.

When you lose someone that you love dearly, particularly your Mom, there is a journey that nearly everyone travels in order to complete the mourning process. In many ways it's like a one year cycle during which you experience their birthday, your birthday and all of the holidays in a calendar year without them. You reflect upon the memories and it's those memories that keep them alive in your mind, heart and soul.

Perhaps you have lost a wonderful woman in your life. Maybe there’s a special lady suffering today and their survival rests on hope, prayer or a miraculous remission.

Cancer took my Mom and in this the month of awareness we are reminded daily that there is still a long way to go to find a cure. But together, the world is getting closer.

I would give anything to hug my Mom one more time. I’d trade my life to allow those I love to share in her because death robbed them of that chance. Death is exactly that – a robber.

But caring people who practice random acts of kindness are helping. Small contributions from everywhere are slowly but surely developing a home security system to keep the robber from all homes. Every little bit counts.

We hope you can help by either sharing this column or better still by joining Ravens Chix on October 13 at 6PM at Liberatore’s in Perry Hall where t-shirts, bracelets, a great gift basket and other items will be raffled and sold while celebrating life and contributing to Susan G. Komen.

Together we can help others prolong or even save their lives.

And just maybe we can help one more athlete look into a camera after a big play and say those heartwarming words just one more time – “Hi Mom!”

Details of the October 13 event at Liberatore’s can be found HERE on Facebook.

Life Lessons

2011-10-05T05:00:00.000-07:00

Just had to repost this for all you ladies!

Share with your family and friends!

Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio

"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 44 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written.. My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:"

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone..
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words ''In five years, will this matter?".
26. Always choose life.
27. Forgive everyone everything.
28. What other people think of you is none of your business.
29. Time heals almost everything. Give time, time.
30. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
31. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
32. Believe in miracles.
33. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
34. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
35. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
36. Your children get only one childhood.
37. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
38. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
39. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
40. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
41. The best is yet to come.
42. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
43. Yield.
44. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

Thankfully Rex Ryan is not the Ravens Head Coach!

2011-10-01T09:34:00.000-07:00

John Harbaugh is hot and Rex Ryan is not!

Yeah, yeah I get it. This is a statement of the obvious but many of you Chix would vote to have Harbs on the Ravens sideline over the Toe Monster for this very reason alone. But even if they were equally appealing (or unappealing in the case of Ryan), I’d rather have Harbs leading our team than “Sexy” Rexy every day of the week and twice on girls night out!

Look, there’s a reason Ryan isn’t the Ravens head coach. Unless you are in Rex’s fetish social circles (and you know what I mean) the Ravens’ front office knows more about the Snack Man than any of us. Yet despite the knowledge, despite their respect for him as a defensive football mind and despite the Ravens players campaigning for Rex to get the job, owner Steve Bisciotti said, “No thank you!”

And for me it boils down to one thing – MATURITY…or lack thereof.

When Rex interviewed for the Ravens HC job, he pulled up into Brian Billick’s old parking spot labeled, “Head Coach.” And despite his resume he failed to land jobs in San Diego and Miami while others with openings weren’t even interested in interviewing him despite the Ravens willingness to allow it.

His language and disrespectfulness on HBO’s Hard Knocks; flipping off fans at an MMA event; wearing wigs at press conferences; busted on the internet for his footloose fantasies; and popping off about someone or something around the league whenever a mic neared his flappy jaws – all of it evidence of the immaturity that Bisciotti didn’t want as the face of the Ravens.

Some will love Rex, particularly the New York media who he feeds along with the fans that find him to be entertaining. But what happens if he starts to lose? In a New York second the screw will turn.

You can count on it!

So for all his gloating, his boasting, pompousness and thievery of former Ravens, I hate the New York Jets so much that there’s only one team I’d like to see them beat. You guessed it, the Terrible Taliban.

Welcome back to Baltimore Rex and don’t let the door hit you in your ample hind parts.

You know, the ones we’ll kick you in all night on Sunday!

Ravens Plow Ahead Like a Seven Nation Army

2011-09-15T19:46:00.000-07:00

Oh oh-oh oh-oh oooooooh oooooooooh to the black and yellow terrible towels!

Ola Chicas

Oh oh-oh oh-oh oooooooh oooooooooh… What a magnificent Purple week this is! Mother Nature has calmed down and stopped wreaking havoc on us! Water levels are receding and electricity is back on.

I started September 11 with the Run to Remember 5k race that honored Baltimore first responders. As I ran through the streets of Baltimore I thanked every police, fire, emergency medical and military person I passed. It fascinated me that I was there to show my support for their sacrifice and yet the responders running with me and along the sidelines where applauding and cheering me on! They came out to support me, the way they do every other day of their lives! The experience of event was filled with a fervent energy of pride and reverence that was inspiring.

Then it was off to our opening game!

In a pregame ceremony the NFL honored those that lost their lives in our Nation’s greatest tragedy. First responders and family members of those lost in the tragedy spread a huge American flag across the field. As the band played TAPS the silence in the stadium was captivating. Afterwards the fans exploded into a mantra of USA!

Then it was game time!

Our incredible Ravens did what every purple bleeding fan had been dreaming, hoping, wishing and praying for. WE BEAT THE STEELERS DOWN! We gave them an outright whooping that the entire nation heard and respected!

I know that back at the “Castle” the momentum has turned to this week’s game with the Titans. But as a fan, I can’t (won’t) let this win go, not yet, maybe not all season. We were superior in all facets of the game from beginning to end, sending our ugly black and yellow clad rivals home with long faces and sore bodies while the hometown crowd bathed in the glory of it all.

It’s hard to pick a player or play of the game after a team performance like that one. Do you choose Flacco’s 3 touchdowns or the offensive line for giving Joe enough time to file his nails? Then there’s the defense which shut down Big Bad Ben.

Oh what about that righteous whack down of Ward by our own Jarret Johnson. And did you see Suggs take down Ben’s a$$? Let’s not forget Webb’s 11 tackles, Reed’s 2 interceptions, or Rice’s 37 yard run off our new tackle McKinney to get things rolling. The list of kudos is nearly as deep as the 53 man roster!

Kudos to the Ravens fans as well! What awesome tailgate parties and display of 12th man pride. Our enthusiasm and presence was so impressive that national sports commentators made note that Baltimore has one of the best fan bases in the NFL!

Oh and I would be remiss if I didn’t mention another pleasant observation – The Terrible Towel-a-ban is a rapidly diminishing force, at least in Baltimore. Ravens PSL owners did their part by adhering to the unwritten commandment, “Thou shall not sell tickets to Steelers fans.”

It was an unforgettable day but I guess now it’s time to move on to the Titans who etter buckle up for some smash mouth football – Ravens style!

Oh did I mention we beat the Steelers 35 -7?

Yeah we won’t let this one go…

Oh oh-oh oh-oh oooooooh oooooooooh!!!

Rave On!

Hey Ravenstown! It’s time to show your Purple Pride!

2011-09-08T05:11:00.000-07:00

Ola Chicas,

Whew! We have survived the heat of summer, earthquakes, hurricanes and now flooding. We have even survived another ugly season of baseball! Meanwhile the NFL and its players have survived the lockout and months of negotiations. So let the games begin!

This Sunday we will host one of the most jazzed up openers in NFL history! Bring on da Steelers! We are ready! Our O line has been beefed up. Ray and the Defense are ready to roll. Joe seems to be feeling more comfortable in his role as leader. The talking heads are trash talking and buzzing about the outcome. And the forecast is promising great game weather. So that leaves us, the fans, to get our purple passion on.

Next stop: TAILGATING AT M&T!

We all must check our list and be sure we have our best pre game on. Let’s not forget to include folding tables, lawn chairs, grills, coolers of chilled libations and a menu full of yummy carbs and protein. Final entertainment touches include tailgate lot games, music, TV for pre-game shows and lots and lots of purple banners!

This, my purple prided amigos, is NFL season 2011 and it is our season! It is time for the Ravens to shine in the spotlight all the way to Feb 2012! Let’s pull out the stoppers for this first all important game and give our boys the 12th man momentum to go all the way!

Hell yeah beat Ben and da Steelers! And after them let’s go on to beat all the others along the way!

See you on the lots!

Rave On!

Kosmo Krys

Meeting the REAL Ed Reed

2011-07-22T14:31:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while an opportunity presents itself in such a way, that you realize timing does mean everything. One evening earlier this week, I received an instant message from Tony Lombardi asking me if I wanted to represent Ravens24x7.com at Ed Reed's cocktail party being held on July 21 at the Havana Club.

My immediate thought was "OMG, if Tony is making this up, I will be crushed."

Turns out, the invitation was sincere.

Anybody who has read any of my books or my occasional blog here on this site knows that I am a dedicated fan of all things Raven. Some prefer to call my behavior "stalking." I like to refer to myself as being "charmingly persuasive." At the end of the day, the real truth is, and there is no delicate way to put this, I'm a Ravens' whore.

I have been known to stand out in the rain, snow, sleet after a game waiting patiently for autographs. I waited for years before purchasing season tickets because I wanted to have seats close enough to the field that I could whisper in Ray Lewis' ear. I will get in the faces of fans who are saying mean things about our players.

I bleed purple!

After my husband Ken and I figured out what casual business attire for men and cocktail dress for women meant, we drove down to the Havana Club and got to the event about 30 minutes before the doors opened. So, after Ken and I checked in and then checked out what other people's interpretation of the dress code was, we sat ourselves at the bar in Ruth's Chris and ordered sodas. I don't drink, but if I did, I wouldn't have anyway because I was representing Tony's company, his baby, and didn't want to do or say something stupid.

(editor’s note: It would be ok…Tony always says stupid things anyway)

I have to say that since the Havana Club instituted its "no smoking" policy back in February of this year, going up to that iconic place was both a relief (no more cigar smoke) and a disappointment (no more cigars.) However, the rest of the club is the same with its comfy leather chairs, dance floor and very sexy ambience.

The appetizers were divine. Crab cakes, Cuban influenced tortilla wraps, chicken Cordon Bleu that was much easier to eat on a skewer than you'd think and other such noshes.

Around the front of the room, near the bar were great silent auction items: Autographed Ravens' jerseys, mini helmets, pictures, footballs and other memorabilia. Ken and I fell in love with a huge, signed photograph of the man of the hour: REEEEEEEED!

We went around the room with our sparkling waters with lime and met some of the other guests. Just about all the attendants were playing in the Ed Reed Foundation charity golf tournament today. One woman, who is cut from the same purple cloth as me, signed herself up for the tournament and doesn't play golf. Now that is a great fan! Her husband took her spot in the foursome, and she got to drive the cart.

Another guest and I hit it off right away. He's a financial advisor, and I happen to think my advisor is an idiot. As we talked, Ken was invited to be the fourth in my new advisor's group.

So we wandered and we schmoozed; we ate and we celebrity watched. A photographer was on site taking pictures of the guests and athletes. We asked if we could get our photo taken, and that was when I saw the man – the inimitable Mr. Ed Reed.

My normal self would have run over and set on his lap and given him a kiss on the cheek. I couldn't be normal. I promised Tony I would behave. So, I sent Ken over. Ed saw Ken coming, stood up, shook his hand and thanked him for coming. I demurely walked over and shook Ed's hand as well. He was in no rush and was hanging out with his family on the comfortable couches.

I have to say this, I've always thought Ed was a great guy. Nice; no pretentions; just Ed. Ed Reed will sign autographs if the Ravens have won or lost a game. He thanks children for coming out to the game and will remind the parents to keep their kids safe. So while Mr. Reed is one of the best football players in the history of the game, he's also just a guy who never forgets his upbringing and cares about his community.

Ed told me a little about his foundation. He is a proud papa when he talks about his proverbial baby. While the foundation has been in existence for nine years, last year was the first year he introduced the golf tournament. When speaking with him about his desire to make sure that there really are no more at risk kids in the country, Ed seems almost shocked that his events are sellouts.

Ed Reed is incredibly humbled by the fact that so many other people care about his passion. Ed was mentored as a youth and knows he could have walked down a very different path without adult guidance. He wants all children to have an adult to look up to.

Ken and I must have chatted with Ed for about 10 minutes. We didn't want to monopolize his time, but he his so fascinating to talk to. So, I asked if I could have my picture taken with him. Ed told my husband to get in the photo too and handed my cell phone to his brother. The picture was snapped, and then I asked Ed if I could have a picture of just the two of us. Like a gentleman, he checked to see if my husband was okay with this. I said to Ken, "Don't worry honey. I love Ed, but I'm going home with you."

Ed cracked up, and our picture turned out great.

Ken and I walked away from our conversation with Ed feeling like we just caught up with an old friend. When we wandered around in search of more appetizers, we noticed the bidding on the silent auction items was heating up. I kept a competitive eye on my item to make sure I was still the highest bidder and met my husband at the bar. I looked around and saw this really attractive man in a red t-shirt, jeans and matching red Converse shoes. The last I checked, jeans were prohibited from the Havana Club.

That could only mean one thing. This great looking guy with the long dreads was a Raven.

I said to my husband, "OMG! I just saw Lardarius Webb! After we get our drinks, will you take my picture with him?"

The bartenders and staff were working so hard, and it was hot in the club with all of those people milling around. I didn't want to jump over the bar and pour our reserved bottle of sparkling water myself, but I didn't want to miss a photo with Lardarius. What seemed like a lifetime later, we got our drinks, and I saw Lardarius sitting on the couch with Ed and his family.

I walked up to him, and squatted down and said, "I don't mean to be rude, but would it be alright if my husband took a picture of the two of us?" Lardarius thanked me for asking for his picture. We chatted for a minute, and I thanked him again for being so gracious. "I really miss football," I blurted. "So do I", said Mr. Webb.

Lots of other Ravens came to the Havana Club lending their support to the Ed Reed Foundation. I saw them and smiled, but I had work to do. The silent auction was winding down, and I am not a good loser; particularly when it comes to football memorabilia.

Ken won his signed photo of Ed Reed. Someone offered him $500 on the spot for it; a request Ken could only politely decline. I won an autographed football. I have several autographs of football players, but I knew this ball would be a really special housewarming gift for some friends of mine in Virginia.

So Ken and I left the Havana Club with our auction items and an even better picture of what Ravens do when they are not on the field. Ed Reed and I did not discuss the lockout. What is there to say at this point?

He did say that having down time was great for allowing him to have a hands-on approach with his golf tournament and his one day football camp he had the day before. He was excited that 150 kids had shown up for it, despite the heat.

That is the real Ed Reed. He plays football. He cares about the game. Ed Reed really cares about the future and the legacy he leaves behind.

And having him in our community makes me feel hopeful for the city's children.

Screw American Idol!

2011-04-08T03:30:00.000-07:00

Totally off topic here but I feel the need to vent.

I am a fan of American Idol and I get that the driving force behind the winners and losers is the massive amount of teenage girls who text in their votes. That explains in part why guys are winning more regularly and why of the eight remaining contestants, six stand up at the urinal.

But voting off Pia Toscano last night for me was the final nail in the coffin. American Idol is now dead to me! Toscano is so much more talented than any of the nine whose fate last night would be determined by Mrs. Justin Bieber hopefuls.

I suppose in retrospect the beautiful 22 year old make up artist never really had a chance to win given the questionable “jury” but her exodus at this stage of the competition is criminal.

Maybe Jacob Lusk should have done Smooth Criminal instead of Man in the Mirror. He in my opinion deserved last night’s whack.

Mad Magazine’s cover boy Scott McCreery clearly has some southern swagger going on beyond his years but that said, he’s not as worthy as Toscano. Then there’s the dude who inhales helium balloons before he goes on stage – Paul McDonald. I guess the girls think McDonald Duck sounds cute.

And let’s not forget the little dude who should be in the Mickey Mouse club – Stefano Langone. Puh-leeeese!

The two remaining girls, while talented and bubbly, they clearly can’t hold a candle to the talents of Toscano. They are still standing because they are closer to the profile of all those actually voting.

Maybe the producers of Idol should hire a panel of musicians to cast votes; maybe they need some judges with bite instead of cheerleaders. The bottom line is Idol needs to mend its ways and wrestle control away from the Hannah Montanas.

If not they are done.

Watching it now is like watching a fixed Super Bowl when both starting quarterbacks are injured.

What’s the point?

O-R-I-O-L-E-S!!!

2011-04-05T00:30:00.001-07:00

I am trying to curb my enthusiasm over the Orioles a bit because I don’t want to set myself up for a fall. But 4-0 is tough not to get excited about.

The slew of drunken 20 year olds notwithstanding, yesterday’s home opener was a red letter day for me. And talk about great timing! While the NFL is caught in the cross hairs of a big weenie contest to see who gets more bzillions, the Orioles have given us a pleasant distraction that I for one hope lasts the entire summer.

Speaking of which, I loved, loved, loved feeling the warmth of that April sun on the back of my neck out there at The Yard. I mean, enough already with the cold weather. Back in November it dropped into the 30’s and except for a few momentary lapses of reasoning by Mother Nature, it has stayed cold since. Did I move to New England and someone forgot to tell me?

Oh yes it was a beautiful day in the neighborhood and yes something magic feels like it’s happening. I can’t believe I’m saying this but happy that I am, I can’t wait to watch the game on Wednesday night.

Oh and in case you are wondering why I'm posting at this un-Godly hour, I tried to take in the NCAA men’s basketball championship game last night but fell asleep only to wake up about an hour ago. I hear I didn’t miss much because Butler couldn’t hit water if they fell out of a boat.

Who cares?

Hey, here’s to 5-0!

How ‘bout dem O’s hon?

Team Ravens Chix: Fight ALS

2011-03-29T06:24:00.000-07:00

THE FIESTA 5K

WHEN: Saturday, May 7 • 6:30am - 12:00pm

WHERE: Power Plant Live

WHO: Team Ravens Chix Join our team to run/walk to raise money for the Robert Packard Center for ALS research (Lou Gehrig's disease)

HONORARY CHAIR 2011- O.J. BRIGANCE OF BALTIMORE RAVENS!!

As a Baltimore Ravens Super Bowl Champion, O.J. Brigance used his personal strength and stamina to crush the most formidable opponents. Then in 2007, his perspective changed. As an ALS patient, O.J. Brigance is living his toughest challenge.... O.J. Brigance has refused to succumb to ALS.

Instead, he has decided to fight and is expecting to win the battle. Brigance has often been thought of as the toughest man on the Ravens team. Despite the fact that he is in a motorized wheelchair and can no longer move or speak, he still inspires people all around him. He embodies the meaning of true strength, faith, and courage.

The Super Bowl XXXV Champion has decided to partner with the Packard Center for ALS Research by serving as an ALS Ambassador and also as the honorary chair for the Fiesta 5K. He has also created his own foundation, the Brigance Brigade, which helps ensure future patients and their families face a less daunting battle.

To learn more about the Brigance Brigade, please visit http://www.brigancebrigade.org/.

$30 TO PRE-REGISTER- KIDS 8 AND UNDER FREE!! $35.00 Day of Race!!

SPECIAL RAVENS CHIX RACE TEE SHIRT FOR OUR "TEAM" (info soon)

Interested in being part of “Team Ravens Chix”? Are you a member of Facebook? Then go to this link to keep abreast of all the latest developments.

We do expect to get together on or around April 23rd to hand out the team shirts and get your pre-registration (saves you $5.00).

One final note…YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE A RUNNER!!!

If you prefer a brisk walk instead we would still love to have you join our team! Here's a video from a couple years back that is sure to inspire!

BLANKETS FOR WARRIORS: Paying it forward for a friend

2011-03-29T05:44:00.000-07:00

Ola Chicas!

Baltimore has a tremendous tradition of giving and supporting those in need. Our Ravens organization follows that same tradition. I want to invite Ravens Chix to a wonderful charity event on Sunday April 10, 2011 from 1 – 4pm.

Blankets for Warriors, will host its first blanket making event at Mercy Medical Center in the new McAuley Room. You are welcome to participate in this volunteer project that will provide handmade fleece blankets to Mercy Medical Center’s cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy treatment.

The blanket program is organized by the family and friends of, Janine Tolley, who died in June 2010 at the age of 51 from cancer. Janine was an energetic, powerful and selfless fitness instructor who preferred to give rather than receive. During chemotherapy, she was given a handmade fleece blanket that became her constant companion during the balance of her treatments. The gift inspired Janine and she wanted to do the same for others.

Tragically, she passed away before she could organize the project. However, Janine’s friends and family have joined together to carry out her vision and ensure that her wish comes true.

“Janine touched so many lives in so many ways,” explains her dear friend Ruthie Lombardi. “She was an inspiration to her fitness clients; she was a caring friend and a loving wife, mother and daughter. It was no wonder that one of her final wishes was to make blankets to give other patients comfort. During her battle with cancer we often referred to her as our warrior. We organized Blankets for Warriors to show our love for Janine and pay it forward the way in which she led her life.”

On March 20, Fitness for Warriors, an all-day fitness fundraising event held at Bally’s Total Fitness in White Marsh raised over $7000 for Blankets for Warriors. The funds will be used to purchase storage bins, sewing supplies and blanket materials. The event was well received by our generous sponsors; Ciena, New Balance, White Marsh Health Care, Take Shape for Life, Mars Supermarkets, Ravens24x7.com, Queensgate Dental, Tim’s Automotive, Mary Kay consultant Susan Johnson, Bagel Works, & Kim’s Nails and Spa. Blankets for Warriors is still seeking volunteers to help on Sunday, April 10th 1- 4pm @ Mercy Medical Center’s McAuley Room.

If you would like to participate please contact krys879092@aol.com or visit Blankets for Warriors on Facebook. The Blanket for Warriors event is the first step to ensure that Janine’s positive energy, her love for fitness and desire to help others lives on.

The group has plans to start a non-profit in Janine’s name and add additional projects to provide other comfort items to patients and to develop other projects to enhance the health and wellness of others.

Hope to see you there Chicas!

BLANKETS FOR WARRIORS: Fitness for a great cause!

2011-03-16T06:23:00.000-07:00

Janine Tolley was a dear and devoted wife, mother, daughter and friend to many. Her love and energy were absolutely contagious and during the three years that I was blessed to have shared with Janine (she made it feel like a lifetime in all good ways) I know my life improved exponentially.

She was a gift to all who had the privilege to know her.

Janine was giving, selfless and kind and her dearest friends want to preserve her memory and “pay it forward” in ways that she would endorse. One of those ways is Blankets for Warriors.

While battling the monster of cancer Janine’s courageousness was remarkable. In her own unique way, she stared down that monster, maintained her dignity and never lost sight of living a healthy life. And through it all she continued to extend a helping hand to others – to provide security when she was really the one in need.

No wonder her friends have chosen a security blanket as a symbol of her legacy.

Please join us for a celebration of her fitness, courage, love, energy and friendship this Sunday at Bally’s in White Marsh from noon until 4PM where the following classes will be offered to members and non-members:

One-hour Classes

*12pm: Kwando (Kickboxing) with Gayle
*1pm: Yoga with Mary (bring mat)
*2pm: Zumba with Tracy
*3pm: Step&Pump with Susan & Char

Half Hour Pilates Classes

*2pm: Allegro Reformer with Jen
*2:30pm: Allegro Reformer with Jen

Your $20 tax deductible donation for the first class should be made by check payable to Mercy Medical Foundation- Blankets for Warriors. There are no additional charges by Bally's! The proceeds will fund the making of handmade fleece blankets for Mercy's cancer patients – THE WARRIORS. Health & Wellness vendors will be on hand. Refreshments, raffles & goody bags will also be given out.

*Those wishing to take more than one class are asked to make an additional contribution per class.

*Registration is limited and donation must be received to hold your place in class!

For complete information contact Krys Renzi at: krys879092@aol.com or visit Bally's in White Marsh.

Hurry space is limited!

Hey Ladies (and Gents), how about a NFL Draft 101?

2011-03-03T06:11:00.000-08:00

Mark your calendars for Thursday, April 21st Ravens24x7.com and Ravens Chix will co-host an intimate Q&A with the Ravens Director of Player Personnel Eric DeCosta, the last such event before the Ravens are on the clock just one week later on April 28th. The event will be held at Liberatore’s in Timonium and is intended for novice fans looking for an education on the draft as well as fans like who want to dive deep into draft discussions. This promises to be a pleasant and informative evening for men and women alike. $10.00 gets you a seat and access to a Liberatore's buffet. Doors will open at 6 for this event and Eric is scheduled to begin the Q&A at 7. Seating is limited to roughly 200. A portion of the proceeds will benefit a The Boys & Girls Group near Eric's hometown of Taunton, MA. We will be accepting questions in advance. I'll present them to Eric and our goal is to cover as many areas as possible vis-a-vis your submitted questions. Feel free to submit them below and finish them with (as example) Lisa from Hunt Valley. Mix 106's Jon Boesche will keep the evening going after the Q&A with dance music to get your weekend going in the right direction! Advance tickets are being sold at both the Liberatore’s in Timonium and in Perry Hall.

It’s the Playoffs Baby

2011-01-15T09:46:00.000-08:00

Ola Chicas!

We are in the hunt! It has been a long season of listening to fans and sports media ripping on our players, coaches and play calls. Since September they have questioned our ability to make it through the regular season and into post season play. Well well here we are! After last month’s heartbreaking loss to ugly Ben and his band of chumps this today’s game is like a Super Bowl matchup!

No doubt our Ravens feel the heat, but they live for this type of challenge. Last week’s game was their warm up! It’s time for the fans to BELIEVE!

It’s no longer time to doubt whether the offense has got themselves together to have both a decent passing and running game. Let’s stop pointing fingers at Cam or complain about Joe. We need to stop speculating on our defensive line’s shortcomings. It’s time to look at the whole a package!

We are a team with lots of options and potential. As the 12th man we need to pump up the volume and give them energy and props! The Ravens have always been the underdogs. They have pulled themselves through many of hard places and times, both on and off the field.

We are going into the Pitt facing the same old same old; we have been there many times. Ray said it right the other day; the difference is “It’s our time!” The momentum to win is on our side. We have an urgent need to prove to ourselves and to the nation, that we, The Baltimore Ravens are better than any Steeler, Patriot or Jet!

I’ve got a feeling… that Saturday night is going to be a good good night!

I send blessings and prayers to Reed and his family. My thoughts will be with them as I watch us move past the Steelers and onto the AFC Championship!

I’ll see you at M&T on the 23rd!

Rave On

Kosmo Krys

Ravens Towels? We don't need no stinking towels!

2010-12-01T01:09:00.000-08:00

Ola Chicas!

I can't wrap my head around this towel thing.... Why would we the loyal fans of the original Baltimore Colts and now the awesome Baltimore Ravens want to carry little cotton towels into our M&T Bank Stadium on the Sunday night game against our biggest rivals?

Someone please tell me it’s not true!!

Please explain to me why we would want to represent ourselves as mere copy cats of the bunch of yellow towel toting Pitt followers. This purple pride decision was surely made by some male genius in the Ravens’ marketing department. Do they not employ any women with common sense? No woman in her right mind and with any fashion sense would agree to copying another teams mascot, cheers, uniforms or fan props. Think of the towel as a "fashion" statement or rather, a fan statement.

Oh and by the way an ugly beer soaked yellow terrible towel is quite a fan statement. I especially love it when it's whipping by my head spewing smelly liquid and dirt all over me! Yeah I love to hate those towels and the fans that propel 'em.

Ask any woman about fashion and she would tell that there is little worse than wearing the same Ravens tee that another woman has on. Guys, Gals ... the towel is not Ravens fan attire!

We don't need these copy cat phony props this Sunday or any other game day.

Let Pitt keep Pig Ben, Troy's hair and their sucky yellow towels.

We are Ravens fans and we Bleed PURPLE!

Rave On!

Kosmo Krys

Ravens should bag the purple rally towel idea!

2010-11-29T13:08:00.000-08:00

So the Ravens want to “Purple Out” M&T Bank Stadium on Sunday Night. On the surface, not a bad idea but how is that any different than any other Sunday?

Did you watch the game against the Bucs? I’m sure you did. Wasn’t purple the overwhelmingly predominant color in the stands? Isn’t it always?

But the Ravens PR group wants to put a slight twist on this “Purple Out.” You see, they want to hand out purple towels in what I assume is an attempt to drown out the few thousand yellow towels that Pittsburgh fans will undoubtedly swirl in a manner reminiscent of the way the world famous fairy Tinkerbell waves her magic wand.

Screw that!

Just because Braves fans hum that nauseating tune accompanied by that ridiculous chop, do I want to do that at Orioles games? Just because the Detroit Red Wings’ fans throw octopuses on the ice, should Caps’ fans do the same?

No and no!

So why should I want to emulate the stupid tradition of our bitter rivals?

Hey in boxing when they throw in the towel, doesn’t that mean they quit?

What’s this attraction to towels? Do you think they do anything to distract the opponent? Last time I checked in order to clap or to cup your hands to help project your voice, you need two hands. If one of them is waving a towel…

Hello McFly?

How about we do this the old fashioned way and scream our lungs out and forget the damn towels. Why not have a “Towel Out.” If the Ravens want to drown out those eyesore yellow snot rags, then ban them! It’s our stadium.

Let’s have a Terrible Towel barbeque just outside the stadium.

Look I’ve seen those Myron Cope concoctions start fights after one Towel-a-Ban fan “accidentally” hits a Ravens fan in the head.

How about a sign like this at the stadium entrances:

NO TOWELS ALLOWED!

Maybe this idea is being driven by a deep-pocketed corporate sponsor of the Ravens looking to make their mark at the game and I’m cool with that – conceptually. But how about some rally sticks instead to help generate even more noise?

Come on Ravens – come to your senses.

Either ban towels all together or if you or a sponsor is feeling so philanthropic, issue the sticks.

And the rest of you, just keep doing what you’ve been doing.

The Ravens home record suggests that it’s working.

Here’s to the Men in Stripes

2010-11-29T04:48:00.000-08:00

Despite what this featured photo might suggest, those guys on the field wearing the stripes are really nice! This week Ravens Chix met with a few of the men who officiate for the NFL.

I never really gave much thought to neither these guys nor their jobs. I like any good fan would notice them only when they made a call that I didn’t like or that I loved! It was great to learn more officiating for the NFL.

I didn’t know that the officials were part time employees for the NFL. To be an NFL official they must have 10 years of experience and have been a referee at the collegiate level. They also have to be in good physical shape.

Now I’m not sure what the NFL’s criteria is for good physical shape, but some of the guys on the field look like they could work a little harder at this requirement.

They work in areas of the country and work as a crew. There are seven officials for a game and only one is called “referee”. The others work specific areas of the field and are called the line judge, side judge and so on. The NFL scores each referee on their field abilities and thus they are ranked throughout the year.

If they blow a call on Sunday they hear about it on Monday.

After having spent some time learning more about their positions, I have to give 'em props. It’s a tough job and there is not much glory in it. They get more harassment from the fans than any NFL team does. No matter what stadium they go to, one bad call and they are on every fans D list.

Both officials that Ravens Chix met live right here in Ravenstown!

When they are on the field they have to put their purple pride aside.

Right, sure.

It was great to meet the officials and it was nice that there were no flags, whistles or bad calls. Here's a link to an ABC 2 News feature on you Chix!

Cheers to the Men in Stripes!

Rave On!

Kosmo Krys

12th Man –Don’t be Jerk!

2010-11-21T09:25:00.000-08:00

When you are Jerk you are a JERK! I couldn’t believe reports from Cleveland that a grown man tackled an 8 year fan of an opposing team!

SERIOUSLY?

Did he really jump on a little child!

I can only imagine how frightening that must have been for that little boy. If I were that child’s parent I wouldn’t have had any restraint in retaliating! I don’t care how big or tough that guy thought he was, my foot would have landed dead center below his belt! What in the world is happening? Or is just that it was in Cleveland? Ok right it was a Browns fan… no surprise there eh?

I don’t get men and their insanely outrageous displays of fan pride and passion! You can recognize the jerks the minute you see them. I’ve had to seat near these PITA guys at games. Add a few beers and the jerk of fan starts making smart ass comments to others seated near him, even to his own teams fans! Then he turns to the field and yells obscenities to the players, coaches and referees (like any of them can hear him).

A few more beers and the obnoxious, rude, and nasty fan starts sharing with all those around him his well thought out opinion of what’s wrong with the team and their game plan. Everyone has an opinion, I get it. In the heat of game some need to share their opinions loudly, I get that too. But these fans take their reactions to the limit and interfere with others ability to enjoy they game! And then to have guy turn to physical violence to show his team passion!

REALLY?

I hate it and I hate them.

Stadium security needs to act quickly and get these jerks out as soon as they start. I’m sure that the jerk in Cleveland was a jerk well before he tackled that innocent little kid. I hope that his smart ass was taken out of the stadium and is not ever invited back. And I hope that the justice system doesn’t give this one a break.

Jerks like that need to stay at home!

They can rant, shout and throw things at the TV and no one has to put up with them.

Don’t be a JERK!

Raven On!

Kosmo Krys

Exactly what time is “Game Time?”

2010-11-18T07:35:00.000-08:00

Ola Chicas,

The last few weeks have put me in a spin. Two Sundays without a Ravens game, a Thursday night game, and now a time change for our upcoming home game! NFL your messing with our karma! It is driving me crazy!

I love football and I will go to a game morning, noon or night. I am a fan in the stands in the heat, cold, rain and snow. However, I’m old school and game time is Sunday afternoon and no one should mess with it!

I schedule my fall and winter around the Ravens game schedule. I organize my family dinners, my weekend chores, and even plan my work events around home or away games.

All these changes and additions to the Sunday afternoon games are great for the NFL and the team owners but seriously as a fan I don’t need it. I carve out my Sunday as my Purple Pride day. All week long I’m a fan who is reading, watching and listening to the sports commentary. I have a wonderfully full and happy life outside of football and I fill the other 6 days a week. I don’t need to have game time 24x7, nor can I handle it. Sunday game time is stressful enough!

Come on man…we have games on all day Sunday, two nights a week, and now the potential for a longer official season?

Where will it end?

Hey NFL get rid of Thursday night game and stop messin’ with my tailgate time!
Players need their rest and fans need time for other obligations and the NFL is making plenty of cash.

I’m just sayin!

LET’S GO RAVENS!

Rave On!

Kosmo Krys

It sucks to be a Clevelander

2010-11-18T05:05:00.000-08:00

Cleveland sucks! Talk about a statement of the obvious.

Look up Cleveland in the dictionary and it is listed as a synonym for “hell” only there, hell does freeze over.

If given a choice between Cleveland and hell, relatively speaking hell is Club Med.

So why this random rant about the Mistake on the Lake?

Hold that thought!

Everybody knows about Cleveland, the city with a river so polluted it once caught on fire. Legend has it that some guy, probably a drunk, was walking along the shores of Lake Erie, flicked his cigarette into the water, and holy smokes the thing blew up like the Godfather!

Anyone remember the movie Major League based on an imaginary Cleveland Indians team that wanted to high tail it out of town? Not a lot of imagination there is it? Everyone wants to leave Cleveland.

Cleveland sucks so bad that they had to film Major League II in Baltimore and pretend it was Cleveland. I'm sure that’s how most Clevelanders cope – they pretend they are somewhere else.

Remember the last time the Cleveland Indians made it to the post season? I do. You know why? The players were swarmed under by a plethora of flying six-legged creatures. In Cleveland they call that home field advantage. Jacobs Field is the only stadium in the league where they hand out OFF after they take your ticket.

Remember a couple of years back the Browns locker room was a cesspool of staph infection?

Or what about the time the refs made a couple of bad calls and the pleasant Cleveland fans littered the field with beer bottles?

And they all bitch about Art Modell leaving that place? Maybe they are all just too pissed off that they haven’t left yet! Oh and while I’m no LeBron James fan who can fault him for getting out of Cleveland. Let’s see, South Beach…Cleveland…brain…brain on drugs.

You get the picture…

The media seems to enjoy chastising Philadelphia fans. How do these bozos in Cleveland get a hall pass? They are the worst and it’s not even close!

Just the other day I read a story about how a family of Jets fans went to Cleveland to watch their team take on the host Browns. After the Jets’ overtime win, the family made their way to the parking lot and along the walk they were verbally abused. You see the 8-year-old little boy in the family was sporting a Jets’ jersey.

And if that weren’t enough, some drunk a$$ Browns fan – an adult mind you, decides to tackle the little boy. He goes down, scrapes and bruises his ankle and the family, fearing the mob, gets in their car and drives away.

Props to the father of that family. I’m sure most men would retaliate and defend their son. But he was sensible. I mean if these clowns would tackle an 8-year-old, what might they do in numbers to the boy’s Mom and Dad.

Burn Cleveland Burn.

You suck!

RAVENS TAILGATING 101: It’s not for the faint of heart

2010-11-09T03:16:00.000-08:00

Ola Chicas!

This is the first season that I have a parking lot pass. I was so excited bout the chance to host a tailgate party on the stadium lots filled with purple pride. We had high aspirations of hosting awesome tailgates for our friends and planned on serving yummy homemade dishes, tasty drink concoctions and setting up an elaborate decorated spread. Our dreams were crushed the first game when the rain and wind dowsed our delicious menu, watered down our bloody Mary mix and blew our decoration down the lot.

The following two home games the weather was perfect. We set up our party early and enjoyed the lot festivities. Unfortunately we failed to take heed when the other tailgaters started breaking down their parties. We were the last to pack up on the lots and thus arrived late in the first quarter of the game.

Though we enjoyed hosting our little spread, we realized that tailgate parties are not easy events to pull off. Tailgating requires an intense amount of pre-planning and organizing. There maybe a little too much planning and organizing for us.

In order to host a party out of the back of your vehicle, you need to have your party compact, well thought out and easy to assemble and disassemble. For us the set up and break down for a 2-3 hour party is far too much work. It just takes away from time better spent enjoying the rest of lot festivities.

Then of course you must be able to adapt your tailgate party plans to deal with the elements. Rain, cold and wind are a huge issue but even the sun and heat can be a problem. Every week you have to take the weather into your pre-game day party plans.

This past week’s cooler weather sealed the deal on hosting tailgates for us. It’s not how we roll. Look, we love having our lot parking pass; we love the parties on the lots; and we really love meeting Ravens fans.

BUT…

We DON’T really like to prepare and set up the elaborate tailgate spread.

I now have much greater appreciation for those fans who host those all out full blown tailgate parties. It’s amazing to see fans that bring grills, tables, chairs, coolers, tents, TV’s, flag poles as well as tons of food and drink! You are my tailgate heroes!

From now on we are doing tailgating “chillin style”… a cooler of beers, flask of brandy (for the colder days) and couple of cold cut subs. I’ll spend my pre game planning time deciding on my game day fan attire. Once on the lots, we’ll spend our time visiting the tailgates of our Type A friends, who host those well organized and efficiently awesome Ravens Tailgates Extraordinaire Parties!

To Ravens Chicas tailgating on the lots….Hope you’ll invite me over! I’ll share my baggy full of beers!

Rave On!

Kosmo Krys

Elections, Projections...how about some Fan Protection Mr. Goodell!

2010-11-03T08:09:00.000-07:00

Some of us today have our heads hanging low while others are rejoicing as we wallow in the mire or bask in the glow of the Election Day results. The divisiveness of politics really sucks and I can’t help but think, “Can’t we all just get along?”

But this blog is supposed to be fun and/or about football related topics and I don’t want to bore you with my own political persuasions. There’s enough of that hot air going around.

But the divisiveness did remind me of something near and dear to our hearts – the NFL.

Recently I read Tony Lombardi’s interview with team owner Steve Bisciotti and I was happy to hear that the Ravens’ owner is 100% certain that there will be football in the 2011 season. There’s just too much to lose for all sides; the players and the owners but perhaps even more importantly – the fans.

However I am a bit dismayed by all this talk about an 18 game regular season. Why do they want to mess up a great thing? Each week I get my panties in a twist over the Ravens injury report.

Todd Heap is hurt again?

What do you mean Ray Rice has a sprained ankle?

Paul Kruger finally plays and he gets hurt?

I mean I sweat it out wondering if my favorite guys are going to hit the field healthy during a 16 game season. Ok well let’s add 2 more games and all this will get better right?

And you know what really ticks me off about this idea? Roger Goodell.

You see The Commish wants to sell the ignorant and uninformed fans on the concept of an 18 game season by telling us that he’s listened to our pleas and understands that we are upset about having to pay full tariff for those boring preseason games when the veterans for the most part simply punch the time clock.

Hooray for you Roger!

But you see the NFL doesn’t really want to let go of your money, they just want to add two games to the regular season. Then they can sell those extra games to the networks and fill their ample coffers even more. So in effect the NFL could be taking those garbage games in August and making them garbage games in January.

Why?

Well look at it this way. What if the Ravens have a 3 game lead after 16 games and they have no reason to play the veterans. Suddenly it looks like a preseason game in winter.

Do me a favor Goodell. Sell your BS somewhere else!

Here’s an idea for you suits in the NFL ivory tower…how about you just give us fans all a break for a year or two in this tough economic climate and charge us half price for your half ass games?

That might help us all get along…

Sis Boom Guys

2010-10-29T08:01:00.000-07:00

Ola Chicas,

Ravens are giving us an exciting season! Though we hit some rough spots this past week, our team is coming together and what can we say about our Offense? How about “We have one”!! Let’s keep rooting and ranting our boys on to victory.

While at the game on Sunday I noticed that all of the excitement isn’t just on the playing field. On the sidelines the main attraction are the Baltimore Ravens Cheerleaders. Four squads of lovely ladies, shake, pump and dance around the sidelines building the crowds enthusiasm and energy.

Our Ravens cheerleaders are unique in the NFL because we have two coed cheerleading squads. Yes the renowned bad boy NFL team is the only team in the entire league to have boys cheering, jumping and pumping on the sidelines. This doesn’t sit well with most male fans. My guy friends all agree “Guys don’t belong on the cheerleading squads.”

I disagree, and not just because they look great in their black polyester cheerleading outfits.

The male team mates enhance the sideline entertainment and program possibilities. Having males on the squad allows for a greater range of dances and acrobatics. The males are the stable anchors for those little tiny Ravens “fly cheerleaders”. They toss, catch and hoist the girls one atop the other. They also shout cheers to the fans through large megaphones and run banners and flags up and down the field.

And yes the sex appeal factor is another reason to have the muscle beefed boys. They do attract attention from the female fans. In between plays and during halftime, a little more flexing isn’t a bad thing. You can never have too many “guns out” at a football game.

Rave On Chicas!

Kosmo Krys

Stop your whining Ravens fans, we're 5-2!

2010-10-27T05:01:00.000-07:00

If someone had told you at the beginning of the season that the Ravens would have to play 3 of their first four games on the road and that 3 of their first four road games before the bye week would be against 2009 playoff participants and the fourth against the Steelers, wouldn’t you have been ecstatic that after all the Ravens would sport a 5-2 record? (Wow that was a mouthful.)

Of course you would!

It’s a pretty darn good record despite all the odds.

Yet here in Baltimore, all I hear is whining and griping about how the Ravens had to go to overtime to beat the winless Buffalo Bills.

For me there’s a danger in playing a team like the Bills who have nothing to lose. I mean c’mon, they can throw all their gadgets and trickery and reckless abandon at you without consequence.

I know it’s a bit cliché-ish but a win is a win and I’ll take it. Last year at the bye the Ravens were 3-3 and they still made it to the playoffs! Hello!

After the bye the Ravens should be healthier. They’ll get Donte Stallworth back. Ed Reed is already back and thankfully he was on the field against the Bills. Tom Zbikowski returns so that gives the team more healthy depth.

Speaking of returns, can the Ravens post a Help Wanted sign for a decent punt or kick returner?

Ok, enough of that. It’s all good. 5-2, 5-2, 5-2…

So enjoy your off week fans. I know my spleen will enjoy the week off since I’ve been torturing it over the past couple of weeks. Sheesh! No wonder my neighbors aren’t speaking to me after my potty mouth exhibitions.

This week, I’ll be cheering on the N’Awlins Saints.

That’s right!

Have you seen who they’re playing?

Oh and I’ll also be rooting for the Packers to beat the Jets and then give Rex Ryan a case of Twinkies as a consolation prize. Hey he might prefer that instead of a win.

And then I’ll watch a soap opera…that’s right, the Patriots v. Vikings. Let’s see which drama queen quarterback will cry first. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but, “Go Brett Favre!” (If he plays)

Hey, it’s for the Ravens benefit you know!

For football fans Super Bowls Bring it on home!

2010-10-26T05:03:00.000-07:00

Ola Chicas,

The best part of Sunday’s game was the honoring of our 2001 Super Bowl Ravens. It was awesome to have so many players and coaches come out for the event. The pregame introduction with the line of Super Bowl winners cheering on our current team was such fun! The high point of the event came when they introduced OJ Brigance. The stadium gave him a wonderful welcome.

What an amazing man and a courageous warrior.

He is an inspiration to us all.

Do you remember where you were when the 2001 Baltimore Ravens won the Superbowl?
I can clearly remember where I watched the game. That memory ranks right up there with remembering where I was when Kennedy was shot and later John Lennon; when the space shuttle exploded and when 911 occurred. I remembered those because they were horrible acts of destruction, but the Super Bowl was a memory of pure joy.

Like most good memories the very best part of our Super Bowl win was that I shared it with other fans, friends and family. Fans of Super Bowl teams have a deeper bond to the team and to each other.

The bonds and camaraderie that sports fans share is remarkable.

Just walk down the street in your football fan gear and people start to nod or shout a cheer. You are instantly a friend of the guy in line for a lotto ticket, or the cashier at the grocery store. Fans unite under an umbrella, sharing a link as if they themselves are players in the game.

If you are a Baltimore football fan, you belong to a family that spans generations. There is no better fan base anywhere. Families who were once Baltimore Colt fans are now die-hard Ravens fans.

Purple pride runs deep in Bawlmer!

I celebrated that Super Sunday in 2001 with my friends and family. At the time, some of them were not really football fans, but rather came just for the party.

The energy that was shared that night was so exhilarating that by half time everyone was a true fan! Even the least interested guest was ranting and cheering for the team! Everyone becomes a football fans after watching your hometown team win a Super Bowl!

That’s why I love football! The games bring together teams of professional athletes and 70,000+ fans in an arena of blissful kinfolk, friendly competition and exciting entertainment.

Not a bad place to be…

Think like a man?

2010-10-19T07:12:00.000-07:00

I logged on to AOL today and couldn’t help but notice this new book that Shanae Hall is promoting entitled, Why Do I Have to Think Like a Man?

In the book Hall touches down upon this sense of entitlement that she believes professional athletes harbor (like yeah, hello) and then tells women that they can accept the behavior or do something about it. Hall is an ex-NFL wife of the Falcon’s Corey Hall.

Naturally during her book campaign tour the topic of Brett Favre surfaced. Hall weighs in…

“If he had been single, no one would have cared. But he's a married grandfather. He had a whole ‘wrangler, good boy’ image and it's gone now. That voice mail message he left her, the one they released, he sounded so at ease, so comfortable.

“If he sounded that comfortable doing something that sneaky, it wasn't the first time he'd left a message like that. Of all the NFL players I know, and I know a lot, the one thing they have in common is that there are no consequences for their behavior. They can do whatever they want and people just bend over backwards to let them.”

They’ll tolerate many things for a “W” in the NFL.

This reminded me of that player from the Kansas City Chiefs – Dwayne Bowe (I Googled it). Anyway, Bowe broke man code by telling the world what that many of his teammates line up booty calls when they are out of town. I’m sure Bowe is a popular guy every time the Chiefs hit the road, right?

All of this just really makes me appreciate a player who Plays Like a Raven yet never forgets that his top priority is his family. Those guys (and their women according to Hall) know who they are.

But one player I can’t appreciate is Favre. If MTV wants a real reality show, just follow this drama queen’s career. I’ll try to chronicle that drama here from memory without exact dates which aren’t all that important.

* Boozehound while a member of the Falcons and traded after his rookie season to Green Bay
* Hooked on Vicodin, press conference to announce it with corrective measures
* Cameo in Something About Mary (pretty cool really) as Brett Favre-rah
* Wants out of Green Bay after retiring, un-retiring, retiring, not sure about un-retiring again
* Lands in New York for a season and pines for Jenn Sterger (see video below)
* Helps Jets to a fast start in 2008 but fades, later blames Eric Mangini for playing him with a sore arm
* Retires again
* Makes another comeback
* Changes his mind
* Makes another comeback after being traded to the Vikings
* Has a career season in 2009
* Retires again
* Is the NFL’s first active player to become a grandpa
* Un-retires
* Changes his mind
* Un-retires again
* Recordings of his advances towards Sterger surface (along with alleged pics of his junk)
* Wrangler dumps him as a spokesperson…maybe they weren’t comfortable enough for his junk after all
* Now a suspension looms

Think he’ll ditch his teammates and retire mid-season?

What a douche bag Favre is.

Sorry Shanae-nay, with all due respect, if this is thinking like a man, I’ll pass!

Talking heads don’t need to talk Ravens

2010-10-19T06:31:00.000-07:00

Ola Chicas!

So last week the sport talking heads madethe Ravens their “sweetheart team”. They favored us to win against the Patriots and Vegas betting picked us 7-1 as 2011 Super bowl champs. Theidea of us becoming a team that the media would actual take notice of made most of Baltimore fans uncomfortable.

No one has ever given the Ravens the props that they are due. Even 10 years ago, after winning the Super Bowl, the media didn’t acknowledge the Ravens as a team whose efforts deserved the title.

Baltimore has always been the underdogs and the team’s tenacity, strength and determination have gone unrecognized by the sports media. While they barely notice our players good deeds on the field, they have always acknowledged the off the field antics. Though fans are not proud of our players away from the game activities, we have fed off the lack of positive comments and the continual disrespect that our boys in purple have gotten. It fuels our resolve to have to come out swinging every Sunday.

This past week was a real mind bender for Baltimore fans. We didn’t know what to do with all the positive attention. We are used to defending our team, even amongst each other, that we had no response to the optimistic pregame claims.

So what did we do with all this confident hype?

We got our hopes up, started pumping our chests, and started believing that our Ravens were invincible. So look what happened. The Ravens played like Ravens.

Normally I’m not a superstitious person, but I hope that this week the heads find another team to give their props to. Let’s leave well enough alone. The media should go back to looking at The Ravens as the disorganized bad boy team of the NFL that doesn’t deserve the media’s time or attention!

The way we play, Ravens fan have a hard enough time watching our boys every Sunday. We don’t need over groomed retired football players in shiny suits feeding fuel to our fire! Let the heads stick to sucking up to Baby Brady, Pretty Peyton and Ruthless Roethlisberger!

Chicas Save the Date!

Hope to see all the Chix at our first Ravens Chix Flocking Wednesday October 27, 7 pm Liberatore’s in Perry Hall.

A Royal Pain!

2010-10-18T06:16:00.000-07:00

While driving around yesterday picking up a few things for a little family Ravens’ game gathering, I was listening to 105.7 the Fan. Yes, believe it or not I do that even when I’m not riding shotgun with my husband.

So, I’m listening to their pregame show and dominating the conversation is this girl named Jenn Royal (not sure of the spelling here). This girl obviously has compromising pictures of her boss because she brings nothing to the show. I was never an Anita Marks fan but this chick makes Marks seem like Bill Belichick.

Did anyone see the temper tantrum thrown by Tom Brady in the fourth quarter yesterday? What a friggin’ baby. He reminded me of my 3 year old nephew after his Mom told him he couldn’t have a lollipop until he finished his dinner. It’s football pretty boy. Get over yourself.

One pretty boy who is tough is Todd Heap. I’ve heard guys get on Heap for being soft but after that cheap shot from that cheap shot artist Brandon Meriweather, I thought for sure we had seen the last of Heap for the day. But he shook off that vicious head shot and re-entered the game. After the game, Heap withheld judgment on Meriweather until he had a chance to review the game film.

Contrast his toughness and his level-headedness with that of the Patriots’ golden boy.

GO RAVENS!

Maybe Maybelline should sponsor the NFL

2010-10-17T20:39:00.000-07:00

So what’s up with this eye black stuff? You see these players wear it all the time but what purpose does it really serve?

Nobody asked me but I think it’s a fashion statement more than anything else. I mean, truth be told the lady players in the Lingerie Football League (coming to a Ravens Chix Flocking on Oct. 27) wear it for fashion. The NFL players would never admit it but you can’t tell me that stuff actually cuts down on the sun’s glare. Why don’t you see lifeguards wearing that stuff if this were really true?

Look they wear that stuff when it’s cloudy and they wear it indoors too! Maybe someone could sell me that the sun is in fact more attracted to the eye black than say one’s skin. But what about those bzillion light bulbs at night in a stadium or in the domes? Are they attracted to the eye black?

Sorry, not buying!

Maybe the players just want to look more menacing and they put it on. You hear players refer to each other as warriors and they say silly things like, “It’s time to go to war.” So maybe that black gunk is their war paint. You have to admit it makes some of those dudes look pretty bad ass, you know?

If I was a quarterback and I saw Ray Lewis staring at me from the other side of the line, I’d be a little worried. No. 52 is a pretty intense guy and I could see where that stuff might work to his advantage.

But how do you explain Tom Brady wearing the eye black? On him it’s about as intimidating as a bad eyeliner job on Mrs. Brady. I don’t see Joe Flacco wearing it. Peyton Manning? Nope.

What’s next Tom, lip gloss to make you more wind resistant?

What do you get when Victoria's Secret and the NFL collide?

2010-10-15T13:43:00.000-07:00

She’s been a Miami Dolphins fan (despite the annoying team fight song) since she was a little girl. She later became a Dolphins cheerleader and now she’s the poster child for Victoria Secret’s new line of NFL women’s gear.

Her name is Jamie Edmondson and here’s a sampling of the Q&A exchange in a recent SmokingJacket.com interview:

TSJ: Issues aside, are you glad that there are finally proper fashions for the female football fan?

Jaime: I’m loving this trend for the ladies. Just because we have vaginas doesn’t mean we can’t be into sports. And just because we’re into sports doesn’t mean we don’t like to look cute. Sexy team apparel like this covers all the bases.

TSJ: Actually, it appears to cover very little. This sure beats seeing you in some ill-fitting jersey designed for a dude.

Jaime: A girl can still look hot in one of those, and there’s a time and place for everything. Like at home after the game with nothing on underneath.

Chicas, what do you think?

Here's a video that might help you make up your mind...

A Ravens Chix "Flocking" ~ It's a party y'all

2010-10-14T09:42:00.000-07:00

Ola Chicas!

Last year we created Ravens Chix because “Girls just wanna have fun!” And that is what Ravens24x7.com has always been about anyway.

This “flavor” of 24x7 extends the fun with a different twist geared towards the ladies. Look we’re Ravenmaniacs too and if you are like me and my girl friends, you “Bleed Purple”, you are passionate about being female, you cherish family & friends, and you have a desire to live life to the fullest.

Sound familiar?

Then Ravens Chix is for you!

But now we plan to be more than just a blog and we are extending the concept. Our Ravens Facebook Group now has over 1,500 members and our newly created profile (Ravens Chix) is nearly 600 friends strong. AND on October 27, 2010 at Liberatore’s in Perry Hall we will kick off our inaugural monthly Ravens Chix Flocking.

What is the “Flocking”?

Well first and foremost it’s about fun. You won’t hear us pounding our Ta-Ta’s and brand ourselves as some champion of the economy and how we can stimulate local businesses through advocacy and professional collaborations and other politically correct rhetoric and mumbo jumbo. Don’t we hear enough of that BS with all of the political ads they beat us over the head with all day and night on TV?

The last thing we want is to build some bureaucracy or professional networking club that seems about as real as Pamela Anderson. Look, rules and regs, and codes and bylaws and economic stimuli all have their respective purposes but when I leave the office, I LEAVE THE OFFICE – AND I leave those humdrum things behind.

Now there’s nothing wrong with networking.

There’s nothing wrong with promoting business.

And by all means there is absolutely NOTHING wrong with supporting a worthwhile charity.

We will do all those things and more while riding the wings of FUN!

So beginning October 27 at 6PM at Liberatore’s in Perry Hall we will:

· Offer great music and Ravens themed martinis
· Food Demonstration & Tasting by a Liberatore’s Chef
· Games, Prizes
· Event themed tee-shirts for sale to benefit the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center (JHCC)
· A visit from 7 year old Rachel Riskin, a JHCC success story
· Q&A session with players from the LFL’s Baltimore Charm – when lingerie and football collide
· Happy Hour prices & Admission is Free
· And of course we’ll celebrate our Baltimore Ravens

Stay tuned for additions to this great line up as we get closer to the flocking via Facebook. Friend us at Ravens Chix!

So come on, the season is a promising one and our boys have the best record in the NFL.

Join us…Root, Rant and Rave!

Can’t wait to meet you girls!

MISS JEN'S PRIMER ON EXCELLENT FAN BEHAVIOR

2010-09-28T09:32:00.000-07:00

I love being a Ravens' fan; the purple color, the statistics, the anticipation of getting to the stadium and TiVo. I like spouting out a few stats here and there~ not to look like a know it all, but some of those football facts are really interesting. There is still a ton about football I do not know, and I cannot hold a conversation and watch the game. I'm too busy concentrating on the various calls and conversions and such. TiVo has always been my safety net because I can go home and watch the game and hear what the analysts have to say. I am a gloriously optimistic fan who can find the good in any play.

To that end, I may be naive in my comments; "Oh great job Landry! You stopped the opponent before he made a touch down." So he should have been there sooner to keep the ball out of the red zone, but, I'm going to guess here that my guy # 26 knows what his job is and doesn't need me telling him. I love being a Ravens' fan. There are mistakes that are made and risks that are not tried (or they are and it's a FAIL), but these guys are human.

While I am not saying people should mimic my Suzy Sunshine attitude that things could always be worse, I am going to put it out there that some of the fans that come to M&T Stadium need a refresher course in common courtesy.

ETIQUETTE FOR RAVENS' FANS:

1) BE ENGAGING:

Ravens games are a common bond for us. Say hello to your neighbors around you. You will be sharing 3 hours of emotion with them. These are the people you will be turning around and high-fiving or making conspiratorial head shakes to when a play is blown or a ref goes blind. Also, while you are saying your hellos, look at where the kids are. My kids love going to Ravens' games with my husband. They understand every little nuance of the game and will say things like "why are they going for the blitz? The other team is predicting it?" In no way will that question ever come out as an insult to the players. I don't want my kids hearing that a player 'is an overpaid, F-ing piece of sh!t' because he missed catching the ball or missed catching the opposing player. It's not so much the bad language as much as it is the carry over. My kids have heard that guy say stuff like that to the refs on their own sports teams. Bringing your road rage self to the game is not engaging. If you are not going to be civil in your opinions, go home and scream at the TV.

2) ONLY BOO THE OTHER TEAM:

Really? Do I really have to state this as etiquette? Apparently so, because there are Ravens' fans who boo THE RAVENS! Are you kidding me? Grow up. Really! Take your immature, middle school self out of the stadium and go home. We all stared at the TV in horror and dismay when the Mayflower moving van drove out of the Colts' training facility on the middle of that snowy night in March of 1984. We heard Irsay say he would not take the Colts out of Baltimore. He lied. He stole our team. We booed Robert Irsay, and that, my fair weather, clinging to the band wagon, pompous windbag of a seat neighbor, is the only time it will ever be okay to boo our own.

3) DO NOT BE A BAD HOST:

There are a fair amount of fans from the opposing team that come to M&T Bank Stadium. I actually think that was part of the point of making the stadium in such close proximity to I-95. My optimistic view saw the stadium location as a great big welcome sign. The Ravens play some incredibly good teams. We may not like those teams; we may feel certain players get special treatment that is in no NFL playbook I've ever heard of. The point is, those good teams make for some great football. If you look at these football games objectively, there is awesome playing on both sides. I went into the game against the Browns this weekend knowing it wasn't going to be a shut out, but I honestly did not expect to see the Browns' offense be as strong as it was. When Peyton Hillis was not even slowed down by Landry as Landry held on to him and did not let go, that was amazing. Really. Hillis was a steam roller. That comment is spoken out of respect for the game. That is actually a great time to turn to your Brown loving section mate and say, "wow, he's a force to be reckoned with." No one will think you've defected; you are being gracious.

4) FORGIVE AND FORGET:

Everyone has a bad day. You've had plenty, and so have I. Bad days are an equal opportunity mood squasher. It doesn't matter what your profession or your income level is. Some days life just gets in the way. You may have heard by now that the game the Ravens played against the Bengals was not Flacco's best day ever. He had a bad day. It happens. When Flacco came out onto the field on Sunday, some people actually yelled out for Flacco to go back to the side line and watch Bulger show him what a real QB does. Are you kidding me? Really? Weren't you the one that blew that deal that would have earned the company millions? You felt a little shaky after that didn't you? You knew that if you had the opportunity to show the people what you were really made of, you'd do it differently the next time. Or did you forget? Football players aren't allowed to make mistakes? Seven and eight or more figure incomes makes them goof proof? Grow up.

5) GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP IS IN THE SEATS:

The Ravens must "play like a Raven." I was cringing in my seat when Ellerbe acted like a bad sport with his touchdown delivery. I put my head in my hands when Mason missed the ball and then threw it in the air causing a delay of game for his temper tantrum. I even yelled out "be a professional." The fans, the so called 12th man (which I love, by the way) are told to "don't be a jerk!" It's accountability for yourself and how your actions carry over to the people around you. We must "cheer like a Raven." You do not have the right to bring your hateful self into the stadium with a huge chip on your shoulder because you have paid a fortune and want to see your money's worth. Guess what? You do get your money's worth. You see, we have a team in Baltimore. We have a whole community that benefits from the Ravens being Baltimore's football team. There is a ton of good that comes from having a National Football League Franchise in Baltimore again. You've been getting your money's worth for years.

(next up in Part II...being a good guest!)

Miss Jen's Etiquette Primer for Guests

2010-09-28T09:30:00.000-07:00

Going to someone else's stadium to watch your team is a daunting task. Are the home team fans going to be nice to you? Are they understanding of the fact that you as a person are not bad, you just have questionable taste in teams and so the insults they hurl should not be to you directly?

I have read in the Baltimore Sun's editorial section, letters from fans of other teams who are appalled at the awful treatment and threats they feel they receive from Ravens' fans. They say they will never come back to Baltimore again because they do not feel safe.

Let’s face it…there are idiot Ravens fans. Maybe they have come across as threatening. But as a guest, you are entitled to the same 12th man rule which is to tell the Purple Shirt Guy if you are being harassed. Truly. If you are so fearful being at the Ravens stadium that you have to write a letter to the local paper and say that you are never, ever coming back, telling the Purple Shirt Guy is not being a tattle tale. But let's approach this honestly. Are you being a good guest?

ETIQUETTE FOR RAVENS GUESTS:

1) SHOW YOUR SPIRIT WHILE REMEMBERING WHERE YOU ARE:

The city where the stadium is located is your host. You are its guest. Keep that in perspective. Please dress like the fan you are! I have "Bead Guy" in my section. Ravens fans know exactly who I mean. He is the really nice guy who wears, what must be 15 lbs of beads around his neck. He also wears a camo fishing hat with tons of buttons pinned on it. He's always on TV, and you know why? He's a super nice guy. Bead Guy met his female match in "Orange Mohawk Lady" for the Browns. She looked awesome! She had on Brown's leggings and other real unusual fan gear that begged for people to look at her. We did. Bead Guy and Orange Mohawk Lady saw each other and shook hands. They had each met their opposite, and they worked it. They didn't interact during the game; the game was truly a nail biter and no one wanted to look away. They spoke as they were leaving, though. I don't know what they said, but I did hear them laugh.

2) DON'T LOOK FOR TROUBLE:

Two rows down and to the diagonal from me was a Browns fan who was dressed very similarly to how I would have dressed if at an away game. She wore a brown athletic skort and a brown top with a Browns orange and brown chunky bracelet with matching dangle earrings. She looked adorable. She knew what she was up against, and she was very engaging with the Ravens fans around her and the Browns fans in our section. She smiled and laughed and admitted that she was probably going home a loser and for the people within earshot to go easy on her. It would have been adorable if she had left it at that. The Browns led in the first quarter with a field goal. It was a bit of a shocker, I'll admit, but when the visiting team scores before the Ravens, I like to call it "being a gracious host by letting the visiting team get some numbers on the board."

So adorable girl stands up and turns around and mentions to the Browns fans a few rows behind her that those 3 points might be the only scoring they did. Then adorable girl starts taunting the Ravens around her and is suddenly no longer very adorable. She turns around with her back to the field and starts laying into the Ravens. Predictably, a Ravens fan tells her to sit down and watch the game or go home. She sits in her seat. The Browns get the ball. She lifts up her arm with the Browns chunky bracelet. I actually thought that was cute. What she did next leads me to etiquette point number 3.

3) KEEP YOUR FINGERS TO YOURSELF:

As a guest, you have no right to flip off your hosts. Unprovoked. You instantly go from being "adorable fan" to "embarrassment to Browns fans and women fans in general nightmare." I'll admit, it does not roll off the tongue, but it is what it is. Why this woman felt the need to turn around with her back to the field again and flip the section off with both hands is unknown. The Browns fans that were sitting behind her told her to "sit down and quit acting like a f-ing moron."

Thank you. On behalf of all the Ravens and Browns fan, man or woman, thank you for telling her that.

4) KEEP YOUR OPINIONS TO YOURSELF:

Ray Lewis is a murderer? Terrell Suggs is a thug? All Ravens are thugs? Really? Is that all you have? Keep it to yourself. If you are going to bring up the past, be careful because you are guaranteed to look like an idiot. You can have opinions on real situations; that bantering can be a little fun. I'll bet Bead Guy and Orange Mohawk Lady could have done that. I'll bet they could have talked injury reports and why the secondaries are so good and things like that.

If you are a good guest and are being treated maliciously or in a threatening way, by all means do something about it. Talk to Purple Shirt Guy. Write a letter to the editor of the Sun. But think back carefully before you jump into "anyone associated with the Ravens is a thug" rant. Come to Baltimore because you are the best fan ever for your team; do not come to start trouble. Your team wants you and needs you to root for them; you give them the energy they need.

Being a good fan is the best way to be the 12th man for your team.

Ravens @ Bengals Recap

2010-09-24T10:32:00.000-07:00

Ariana is a YouTube video maker, better known as THEaTEAM52, whose videos are largely dedicated to the Baltimore Ravens. She has been a fan of the Ravens for nearly six years now and her passion for the team started after seeing post-game highlights of Ray Lewis.

Ariana is an out-of-state fan, living in Georgia, who enjoys connecting worldwide with Ravens fans through her YouTube channel. She will be providing her video blogs here on RCC and she will soon be chipping in with her literary flair as well.

Please give a warm welcome to Ariana…

Thanks,
Kosmo Krys

Hey Hon it’s the Home Opener: Are you gonna Rant or Rave?

2010-09-24T10:02:00.000-07:00

Ola Ravens Chicas!

It’s been a long two weeks of football! This week’s post game ranting on Joe and the O line has been the worst! With all of the pre-season hype and opening day excitement it is so disheartening to have the fans rumble with disappointment after just two games. But the home opener at M&T Stadium is finally here! After last week’s field performance we really need the game to go our way.

Thank goodness we open against da Browns!

I am wondering what the pre-game mood will be on the tailgate lots? Will there be a continuation of dogging on Joe, complaining about the O line’s porous protection and more crying foul about the lousy officiating?

I hope not.

That noise should have stopped at the water coolers during the usual Monday morning quarterback sessions. Let those fans who like to hang on to bad karma sit at home, where they can keep their whining and negativity to themselves.

Instead I expect Ravens fans to come out in full support of our Mighty Men.

Baltimore will give them the fan support that they deserve. Sunday is predicted to be a beautiful fall day and the tailgate lots will be a spectacular shade of Purple and Black. So to all of the fans going to the game, bring your pride and your positive energy to Russell Street!

Let’s send da Browns dawging it back to Cleveland and send our Ravens the fan momentum that they need to have a winning season!

See you on the lots!

Rave On!

Shake the Purple Sunday Blues

2010-09-20T20:18:00.000-07:00

Ola Chicas,

Okay so yesterday’s game didn’t go the way we expected. It’s only the beginning of the season! We haven’t even had our first home game! There is lots of speculation on the future. Will this season be more of the same old same old? Will Joe pull it together and playing strong next Sunday? Is it time to put in our back up QB? Are the fans ready to throw in the towel on the team? Can we ever play game where the referees don’t blow a call?

It looks like this season will be much like the past seasons. Our boys will “Play like Ravens” and give us the nail biting heart wrenching game day that we love to hate!

If you are ready to shake this week’s Purple Sunday blues join me and the Ravens Chix at Liberatore’s Lounge in Bel Air on Tuesday, September21 at 7pm for The Housewives of Bel Air’s Ladies Night Out. The Housewives of Bel Air bring professional women and men together at local venues for business and social networking!

Meet event sponsors, enter to win contests, enjoy delectable food and drink in a fun and upscale atmosphere! Come early for Happy Hour Specials 4PM-9PM and 1/2 price appetizers & lounge menu items! Guests & Significant Others are welcome!

If you are a Facebooker hit up this link here.

Hope to see you at Libs!

Rave On!

Kosmo Krys

From smash mouth talk to cat-calls on the football field?

2010-09-15T13:00:00.000-07:00

Ola Chicas,

From the look of the opening week’s games, this is going to be a great football season! Our Mighty Men gave us yet another nail biting win! Even though there is much to talk about on the field the media has already turned its attention from the frenzy of the start of the season to off the field antics. The latest antics include accusations of sexual harassment towards a female reporter and the alleged perpetrators are several New York Jets and knee jerk reactions from the Redskins Clinton Portis.

Now the entire league is in hot water.

Much of the media hype surrounding the incident is targeted towards the attractive young reporter, Ines Sainz, and her judgment in her work attire. The media seems to support the phrase “boys will be boys” when perhaps they should be rallying around “two wrongs don’t make a right.”

While I agree that she could have chosen a more professional appearance, it does not give the players the right to act unprofessionally. Obviously, her employer felt her attire was within dress code, thus she has the right to wear what she wants. In addition, with her beautiful looks, the former Miss Universe could wear a burlap bag and heads would turn! (Video of her explanation of the incident)

NFL players are expected to act in a professional manner and sexual harassment is not acceptable. Having said that, cat-calling is as unprofessional as: carrying handguns in your pants; dog fighting; drunk driving; or sexual assaults.

Come on NFL let’s keep your heads, thoughts and comments in check and stick to what you do best; Play Football!

By the way, anyone know where she gets her jeans?

Rave On!

WHAT TO WEAR TO A RAVENS GAME

2010-08-27T02:31:00.000-07:00

After years and years of patiently waiting, I was offered the opportunity to buy 2 season tickets to the Ravens games this year. I am a seat snob. After sliding down the muddy hill of the lawn at Merriweather Post Pavilion during many rainy concerts during my high school and impoverished college years, I wait it out. I do not compromise my desire to have a wonderful seat for anything.

This year my patience paid off in spades, and I can practically whisper in Ray Lewis’ ear. My seats are on the aisle and one to the right.

The aisle is extremely important for 2 reasons; number 1) I like to make a sign out of poster board and then go to the Ravens’ exit gate after the game to get signatures. My sign has to be pretty noticeable or else the players will pass me by so it is good to have the aisle for standing and showing off your artwork.

The number 2) reason is even more important, having the aisle guarantees that my view will not be obstructed by the fan who will wear anything to get on TV. I, like many others, have paid above face value for my seats, and the seats were not cheap to begin with. So if someone were to sit in front of me with a full sized Poe costume on, I would be seriously pissed.

This brings me to my point.

What do you wear to a Ravens game?

The guys seem to have it figured out by wearing camo and face paint. They add a few strands of beads, and they are good to go. There are very few women who can get away with camo pants. It seems that the biggest splotches of purple are on the hienie and hips.

Is that just a really sick joke on the designers’ part?

I saw one woman totally rock the camo with her cute little figure and long blonde hair and black midriff baring shirt showing a beautifully sculpted 6 pack… Sorry…girl crush moment. So really, except for that one woman who would look like a million bucks in a Hefty bag, what do the rest of us wear?

I have amassed quite a collection of purple clothing over the years as I waited for my perfect seats. Some of it is Ravens gear, and some of it is just fabulous for any occasion. So here are my ideas for being fashionable, comfortable, and awe inspiring to those in the seats around you during the 2010-2011 Ravens football season:

1:00 GAMES IN THE WARM DAYS OF FALL

The best thing to wear is moisture wicking fabric. It doesn’t have to be Under Armour, and it doesn’t have to be official NFL licensed merchandise either. I put together a little purple tennis skirt and black v neck tee shirt from the work out section of Target. That is the perfect canvas for accessorizing. Add a purple boa (which will be stiflingly hot, but this is in the name of fashion), some big, chunky beads from the street vendors, a light up Ravens pin, and you are set. No fuss and no big budget bite.

If there is a chance of rain, bring a clear poncho. You look adorable, right? Don’t let the rain make you cover up and become unnoticed.

Hand bags are a hassle. You don’t want to keep your bag on your shoulder while you are jumping up and down screaming your lungs out. It’s uncomfortable, and, to be real, you’ll look like an amateur. Do not put your bag on the ground under your seat or it will be caked with nacho cheese, beer, pop corn and only God knows what else. Wear a Ravens back sack. They are small and light and hold all you need which is really a Sharpie or 2 for autographs, your cell phone, ID, ATM card, keys, and lip gloss. This last item is crucial because if you are on the visitors’ side, the sun will chap your unprotected lips, and, it’s a good idea to be always ready for your close up.

The game is aired in HD, after all.

1:00 GAMES IN COOLER/COLD WEATHER

The cooler weather is the time to bring out your black jeans or leggings (but, please, unless you are 12, no “jeggings”). On the top, you can give your beads a rest and let your new Boldin jersey take center stage. A black turtleneck is very cute and practical to wear under the jersey on those nippy, windy days. Here’s a tip: NFL licensed jerseys are expensive. Men’s and women’s sizes are about $85.00. That is a huge chunk of change. So, do what I do and buy the youth XL or XXL (yep, that is the only good part about being a nation of obesity that seems to pop out alarmingly large kids.)

These jerseys are the real deal and can cost as much as $40 less than the adult size. The only real difference I have found is the length, so watch your panty line if you wear leggings under it. You can accessorize your look with a Ravens’ baseball cap, headband that covers the ears, scarf, etc. The knit hats are a steal in the kids’ department, too.

They stretch out to accommodate your brilliantly huge mind.

4:00 GAMES

By the time 4:00 PM comes around, it is chilly on the home side and going to be chilly within the first hour on the visitors’ side. Wear the cute things listed above, but don’t forget gloves and toe warmers. It’s time for your boots in any style or height. How adorable are you with your team jersey, black leggings (tights underneath is not a bad idea, but make sure you don’t wait until the last second to go to the bathroom or your teeth will be floating) and cowboy boots?

The people around you will be more drunk than they are at the 1:00 game, so wearing gloves guarantees enough feeling in your fingers to 1) drink your beverage like a lady and 2) text security when the drunk guy behind you won’t stop putting his tray of nachos on the top of your head.

8:00 GAMES

These games are a whole different beast altogether. They attract a HUGE television audience. You will be on TV, no matter what because of the scans they take to show the sellout crowd. You may not see you when you watch the Tivo’d game the next day, but trust me on this, you will be on TV. It is time to work it.

This involves all of the looks listed above worn together and a winter coat with a hood. While I would never tell you to buy an official Ravens winter coat for hundreds of dollars out of the NFL catalog (but if you do, can I borrow it?) a purple one is definitely attention getting.

Depending on the look, a Ravens’ girlfriend or wife may seek you out at the autograph gate and bring her little game playing bundle of testosterone to show it to him. Ladies, keep it real here, do not give them your coat. Trust me, they don’t want it, and if they do want it, they’ll buy themselves 1 or 50. Just be gracious, polite, and coy, and thank the wife/GF for noticing and compliment the player on a job well done. If the player actually plays an awful game, just tell him you’ll see him next week.

There are a lot of Purple Fridays coming up now, so you’ll have plenty of time to work your game day look.

Have fun and cheer at the top of your lungs.

You look amazing, so you may as well draw attention to yourself!

LeBron and Lowe, an unusual pair

2010-07-13T01:14:00.000-07:00

LeBron James and Rob Lowe – an unusual combination of names.

One, of course, is a world-class athlete who took to the television waves last week to play a “will he or won’t he” game with anyone who fell prey to the hysteria of wondering where he will play next year. The other is an actor from Hollywood who had a questionable period in his life as the proverbial “bad boy.”

Granted, back in the 80’s, the definition of a “bad boy” would seem like a joke to kids of today…but I digress!

Anyway, Lowe put out on his Twitter recently a note that said, “Please don't watch the LeBron thing. Let's not teach athletes that this behavior is acceptable. As a life long NBA fan and friend of Magic MJ Kobe Shaq and others with rings, I cannot IMAGINE this kind of hubris from someone without one.”

Sure, he has a point.

It’s amazingly cocky of LeBron to take over the airwaves, jack up commercial prices, and basically take an hour to say a four word sentence (makes me think of that scene in Lord of the Rings when Treebeard says, “You must understand, young Hobbit, it takes a long time to say anything in Old English. And we never say anything unless it is worth taking a long time to say.”)

But, it’s funny to me that Lowe wants to correct someone else’s behavior, or “teach” someone a lesson. Who had a sex tape released? Who was involved in Nanny-Gate? Who has consistently proven that people don’t want to watch his television shows?

I’m sure that many people watched the LeBron spectacle (I Googled to try to find an estimated audience number) but I didn’t. Not because I was trying to make a statement (is ONE more television really that noticeable?) but because I was at a benefit for Living Classrooms, listening to a young man who has gone through their program recount the successes in his life that he directly attributes to the opportunities he has received. Even at that event, a celebration of community service, education, philanthropy, and music, the LeBron show was referenced in a joking manner more than once.

More power to LeBron for surviving so many years in a game whose season seems to be unending. Now that he’s done talking (remember, one hour to say four words), let’s move onto the sports that matter.

Bring on Training Camp!

My Jake, "bullish" in more ways than one...

2010-04-21T19:26:00.000-07:00

Ola Chicas!

I’d like to share my son Jake’s story and help spread the word about Juvenile Diabetes.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and visit the JDRF site.

Jake was 15 when he was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes. It came as a complete shock to all of us. Since then Jake has had to learn how to monitor his diet, take his blood sugar levels and give himself injections several times a day.

True to Jake's nature, he hasn't let this devastating and incurable illness stop him from being himself and refuses to be denied a successful academic, athletic, and social life.

Jake is an honor roll student; defensive captain for the 2009 Regional Champions Hereford Bulls Varsity Football team; named 2009 All Division First Team Linebacker; plays defensive Middie for the 2010 Hereford Bulls Varsity Lacrosse team; works part time at Red Zone Adventures and like most high school seniors, has an incredibly busy social life.

Jake understands the potential health risks and limitations that his diabetes has and can have on his health. He takes his illness in stride and never focuses on the negatives. Most days we barely notice that he has diabetes.

Instead Jake has uses his diagnosis and lifelong treatments as motivators. The frequent blood tests, doctor visits, diet limitations, daily monitoring of blood sugars and multiple daily insulin injections do not detract from Jake’s motivation – they fuel it!

Jake has accepted his illness and he has learned that if you stay focused and determined there is no obstacle too difficult to overcome.

Diabetes by nature demands a strict daily routine and while some might scoff at such redundancy Jake has embraced it as a lesson in discipline. That knack for seeking the silver lining when facing adversity has manifested itself on the field of play where Jake willingly accepts a leadership role. His peers have taken note.

This year Jake will graduate from high school and looks ahead eagerly towards college and the pursuit of a career in physical fitness, learning to play Rugby and working with others diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes.

Every day I watch Jake test his blood and give himself injections and I’ve yet to see him flinch, whine or grimace.

He takes it all in stride.

I am proud and blessed to have such an extraordinary son!

Go Jake!

Go BULLS!

If you would like to walk for Jake register with Team Jake's Bulls

If you would like to support us check out my page or Jake’s page.

BMORE...the city that gives!

2010-04-20T06:43:00.000-07:00

I have finally come out of hiding! Winter is finally over and summer is right around the corner. A consistent part of spring in B’more is the ton of worthy fundraising events that area nonprofits host. These events come in all sizes and forms including 5k runs , bowling parties, golf outings, bull roasts and chocolate galas.

Since I know a wee bit about non profits, fundraising, and event planning, my heart goes out to those who are responsible for the planning and making their bottom line goal! I feel your pain! These are tough times for nonprofits, we need to stick together.

In an effort to give props to all of the local charities and workers, I would like to offer this blog to promote those charity events that Ravens Chix are supporting. If you are planning an event or are attending one please send me your info.

For those Chix who are not involved in a charity, I hope you take a peek at what’s happening around town and join in. Participating in an event is not only personally gratifying, but it can be tons of fun.

Baltimore and Ravens fans are generous and kind.

Let’s join together to make a difference!

So get clicking and send me the details of your cause. The best of luck to you and your organization!

Uncertainty at wide receiver after Boldin, Mason

2010-03-22T05:25:00.001-07:00

By now we've all talked about the Boldin signing over and over.

And, yes, Derrick Mason is coming back for another two years.

So, what's next?

Before Boldin, the biggest news of the off-season had been the Ravens' signing of WR Donte Stallworth. I thought this was a very good value signing, and still do after the other moves made at the position. However, it's worth being realistic about just what you're getting with Stallworth.

Outside of his rookie season and 2005, he has been an inconsistent player at best. In those other 4 seasons, he's averaged 36 catches, 711 yards, and 4 touchdowns. Now, those are pretty good numbers for a 3rd WR, especially when you consider the blazing speed Stallworth brings to the table. If he's on the field, he's going to have plenty of chances to run by the opposing defense and make some big plays, but that's a very big if. Stallworth's injury report reads like a who's-who of things you don't want to see for a receiver, from hamstrings to quadriceps.

After Stallworth, we're left with the all too familiar Mark Clayton. Clayton's report reads a lot like Stallworth's; a first-round pick who pretty much flopped, a guy with speed who's always battling a nagging hamstring injury, and someone you can't necessarily count on to make a play when you need him to.

Will the addition of Boldin and Stallworth help Clayton on the field, or is what we've seen for the past five seasons all we're ever going to get from the former Sooner?

And then there's Demetrius Williams. We've all heard how high on him Ozzie was last year, and we've also heard about how much time he's spent in John Harbaugh's doghouse. He's also someone who battles the nagging injuries, and reportedly has “practice issues.”

Still, he's a fairly tall, fairly speedy guy who showed some flashes of having big play ability last year. Is it time to give up on Williams, or to see what he can do with two pass catching beasts around him?

Considering players who were on the team last year but are currently UFA's, I thought Kelley Washington was under-utilized last season. He's not going to carry anyone's passing game on his shoulders, but he's a big, strong, wideout who can make some plays over the middle, and emerged as a credible 3rd down weapon for a while last season. He's also a very good special teams player, which makes him more useful than a 4th or 5th receiver who can't cover kicks.

If the Ravens aren't content with the guys they currently have on the roster, other options are dwindling. The free agent market is thinning, with the biggest target left being T.O. But do the Ravens really need a big, relatively slow, possession receiver with a tendency to drop balls? There's always the draft, but do you really want to spend a 1st round pick on a receiver at this point, given that you just traded a 3rd and a 4th round pick for one, and considering the track record of 1st round receivers?

And who would realistically be available when the Ravens pick? Dez Bryant's stock is falling as more and more people question his work ethic and commitment, but is a talent like that really going to fall that far? I suppose it's very possible Arrelious Benn will be available, but is he likely to be a better pick than a TE, CB, or pass rusher?

Obviously a lot of this depends on the larger plan Ozzie has for the roster, and what the scouts are saying about the various potential draft picks.

But if it were up to you, what would you do?

What would you most like to address with the first draft pick?

Would you try to add more help at WR, either in the draft or free agency, or do you feel good about the players currently on the roster?

And who do you see adding the most production after Boldin and Mason?