California Cardrooms Can No Longer Offer Blackjack: What the New 2026 Regulations Mean

If you operate, regulate, or do business with a California cardroom, an important change in California gambling law is now in effect: California cardrooms can no longer offer blackjack as a permitted game.

As of April 1, 2026, new California Department of Justice regulations prohibit approval of blackjack for play in cardrooms and impose new compliance requirements for existing blackjack-style games. This is a significant development for the California gaming industry, particularly for cardrooms that historically relied on modified or “blackjack-style” games as part of their table game offerings.

California Bans Blackjack in Cardrooms

California has long prohibited certain forms of casino-style gaming outside tribal casinos, but cardrooms historically operated games designed to resemble blackjack while attempting to remain technically distinct. The new regulations sharply limit that practice.

Under the newly effective rules, “[a]ny game of blackjack shall not be approved for play” in California cardrooms. That means cardrooms may no longer lawfully offer games that the state considers actual blackjack, even if the games were previously approved or presented as modified variants.

For California cardrooms, this is more than a naming issue. The regulations target not just games called “blackjack,” but also games that preserve the essential structure of blackjack while making only superficial rule changes.

What Changed Under the New California Cardroom Regulations?

The new California regulations establish a clearer legal standard for determining whether a cardroom game is actually blackjack or an impermissible blackjack-style variation.

The regulations identify core blackjack characteristics, including:

• a target point count of 21;
• busting when a hand exceeds 21;
• an automatic win on an opening hand consisting of an ace and a 10-point card;
• traditional player options such as hit, stand, double down, and split; and
• a game structure that otherwise mirrors standard blackjack play.

Just as importantly, the regulations explain that minor tweaks do not make a game lawful if the game still functions like blackjack in substance.

In practical terms, California regulators are no longer allowing cardrooms to offer near-blackjack games with cosmetic revisions intended to avoid the label.

Are Blackjack-Style Games Still Allowed in California Cardrooms?

Possibly, but only if they are materially different from blackjack.

The new rules permit review of alternative games, but those games must meaningfully depart from blackjack’s defining features. For example, a compliant alternative cannot simply keep the same race to 21 and the same bust rules while changing a few payout or procedural details.

The regulations require substantial differences, including restrictions on:

• using 21 as the target point total;
• using a traditional bust concept;
• awarding an automatic win for an ace-plus-10 opening hand;
• treating ties as pushes; and
• using “21” or “blackjack” in the game name.

As a result, many games that previously operated as blackjack substitutes may need to be redesigned or removed altogether.

When Did the New California Blackjack Rules Take Effect?

The timing matters.

The California Office of Administrative Law approved the regulations on February 6, 2026, and they became effective on April 1, 2026. Cardrooms then faced additional compliance deadlines tied to whether they submitted modified games for review.

According to the California Department of Justice:

• cardrooms had until June 1, 2026 to submit previously approved noncompliant blackjack-style games for review or modification;
• games not timely submitted could face withdrawal of approval effective July 1, 2026;
• the Bureau expects to issue decisions on timely submissions through August 31, 2026; and
• games that are denied approval must stop operating by September 30, 2026.

Cardrooms using “blackjack” in a game title also have until April 1, 2027 to change the game name.

Why This Matters for California Cardrooms

This regulatory shift could have substantial legal and economic consequences for California cardrooms.

Blackjack-style games have historically been an important revenue source for many cardrooms and, indirectly, for local governments that receive cardroom-related tax revenue. The new rules create operational risk for cardrooms that relied on those games, while also increasing compliance and regulatory review burdens.

The regulations also matter for:

• cardroom owners and operators, who must ensure ongoing compliance;
• gaming attorneys and compliance professionals, who may need to evaluate existing game offerings;
• municipalities, which may be affected by reduced cardroom revenue; and
• industry stakeholders, including vendors and business partners involved in game design and approval.

What California Cardrooms Should Do Now

Cardrooms should review all existing blackjack-style games with counsel and compliance personnel to determine whether those games remain lawful under the new regulations.

Key questions include:

• Does the game still function like traditional blackjack?
• Does it rely on 21 as the operative target score?
• Does it retain the standard bust structure?
• Does it use “blackjack” or “21” in its branding?
• Was the game timely submitted for regulatory review if required?

Because California gambling law is highly regulated and fact-specific, cardrooms should not assume that a previously approved game remains safe under the new rules.

Conclusion: California’s Blackjack Crackdown Is Now in Effect

The bottom line is clear: California cardrooms are no longer permitted to offer blackjack, and the state is now enforcing a more rigorous standard against blackjack-style substitutes that too closely resemble the traditional game.

For cardrooms, this is a major compliance issue. For the broader California gaming industry, it marks an important regulatory shift that could reshape table game offerings going forward.

Businesses affected by these changes should review their current gaming operations, approvals, and branding to assess compliance under the new California cardroom regulations.

Navigating Land Use Challenges for Wineries and Vineyards in Northern California: Insights for 2025

As we progress through 2025, wineries and vineyards in Northern California's renowned wine regions—Marin, Sonoma, Mendocino, Napa, Lake, and Solano counties—are encountering evolving land use challenges. These challenges stem from recent regulatory changes, environmental concerns, and economic shifts. This article delves into the current landscape, highlighting key issues and developments affecting vineyard operations and land use in these counties.

1. Regulatory Changes Impacting Vineyard Operations

a. Water Use and Well Permitting

Water scarcity remains a pressing concern for vineyard owners. In December 2024, Sonoma County Superior Court mandated the suspension of all non-emergency water well permits, citing non-compliance with the Public Trust Doctrine. This suspension affects vineyard operations relying on groundwater sources, necessitating the adoption of alternative water management strategies.

Permit Sonoma

b. Waste Discharge Requirements

The State Water Resources Control Board has implemented General Waste Discharge Requirements (WDRs) for winery process water, applicable statewide. These regulations, effective from January 2024, require wineries to obtain permits for discharging process water to land. Compliance involves adhering to specific treatment and monitoring protocols, potentially necessitating infrastructure upgrades.

California Water Boards

c. Vineyard-Specific Water Quality Regulations

In December 2024, the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board adopted Order No. R1-2024-0056, establishing General Waste Discharge Requirements specifically for commercial vineyards. This order aims to mitigate the impact of vineyard operations on water quality, introducing guidelines for road construction, mandated cover cropping, pesticide monitoring, and vegetation restoration along waterways.

California Water Boards

2. Economic Pressures and Market Dynamics

The Northern California wine industry is experiencing economic challenges, including declining consumer spending on wine, oversupply of grapes, and increased operational costs. These factors have led to the closure of several tasting rooms and wineries. For instance, in February 2025, Brian Arden Wines in Calistoga sold its facilities due to financial strains exacerbated by high interest rates and decreased visitation.

San Francisco Chronicle

Additionally, vineyard land values, particularly in the North Coast, remained stable in 2023; however, market activity has trended from moderate to limited, reflecting cautious investment amid economic uncertainties.

Wine Business

3. Environmental Sustainability Initiatives

Amid these challenges, industry leaders are proactively adopting sustainability measures. Jackson Family Wines, for example, has launched the "Rooted for Good" initiative, focusing on water conservation, regenerative farming, and achieving climate positivity by 2050. Such efforts not only address environmental concerns but also align with evolving regulatory landscapes and consumer preferences for sustainable practices.

Food & Wine

Conclusion

Navigating the complex interplay of regulatory requirements, economic pressures, and environmental sustainability is crucial for wineries and vineyards in Northern California. Staying informed about policy changes, investing in sustainable practices, and adapting to market dynamics will be essential strategies for vineyard owners and operators aiming to thrive in 2025 and beyond.

Best Practice Protocols for Health Care Facilities Regarding ICE Investigations and Raids

 1. Introduction Recent policy changes have lifted previous restrictions on immigration enforcement in sensitive locations, including hospitals. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has rescinded prior guidelines that limited ICE enforcement actions, now permitting agents to conduct enforcement activities within healthcare settings. These developments create significant challenges for healthcare providers striving to balance patient privacy, legal compliance, and uninterrupted medical care.

States are diverging in their responses to these policy shifts. While states like Texas have implemented mandates requiring hospitals to inquire about patients' immigration status, others, like California, advise providers to avoid such documentation to protect patient privacy and encourage individuals to seek necessary care without fear of enforcement actions. Given this evolving legal landscape, healthcare facilities must establish clear protocols to ensure compliance with HIPAA, CMIA, and other applicable state and federal laws while safeguarding patient rights and access to care.

2. Purpose and Scope These protocols establish best practices for healthcare facilities to protect patient privacy, ensure compliance with legal requirements, and manage interactions with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during investigations or raids.

3. Staff Training and Preparedness

• Provide regular training for all staff on patient privacy laws and legal obligations regarding law enforcement access to patient information.

• Designate a legal compliance officer or response team to handle ICE interactions.

• Develop clear internal reporting procedures for ICE encounters.

• Display posters and provide materials advising patients of their rights, including the right to refuse to answer questions from immigration agents and to have a lawyer present during any questioning.

4. Access to the Facility and Patients

• Require ICE agents to present a judicial warrant signed by a judge before allowing entry into non-public areas of the facility.

• Train staff to direct ICE agents to the designated legal compliance officer without providing unauthorized access.

• Ensure that patient treatment is not disrupted by ICE enforcement actions.

5. Protection of Patient Data

• Do not disclose patient records or personal information without a valid judicial warrant or patient consent, in accordance with HIPAA and CMIA.

• If ICE presents an administrative subpoena, staff should inform them that such subpoenas do not authorize immediate access to patient records and must be reviewed by legal counsel.

• Ensure that electronic health record (EHR) systems have appropriate security measures to prevent unauthorized access.

6. Response to ICE Warrants and Subpoenas

• Require immediate legal review of any warrant, subpoena, or request for patient information.

• If a valid judicial warrant is presented, provide only the minimum necessary information as required by law.

• Document all ICE interactions, including the names and badge numbers of agents, copies of any documents provided, and a summary of the encounter.

7. Patient and Family Support

• Inform patients of their rights regarding privacy and access to care, regardless of immigration status.

• Do not inquire about or document immigration status unless required for treatment purposes.

• Provide patients and families with information about local legal aid and advocacy organizations if needed.

8. I-9 Compliance and Audits

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date Form I-9 records for all employees, ensuring compliance with federal employment eligibility verification requirements.

• Conduct regular internal audits of I-9 forms to identify and correct errors before an external audit occurs.

• Train HR and administrative personnel on proper I-9 completion, storage, and retention practices.

• Develop a response plan for ICE I-9 audits, including legal review of any Notices of Inspection (NOI) and coordination with legal counsel.

• Ensure that I-9 documentation is kept separate from employee personnel files to facilitate compliance and audits.

9. Media and Public Relations

• Designate a spokesperson for media inquiries regarding ICE actions.

• Do not disclose patient-specific information in public statements.

• Ensure that all public communications align with legal obligations and institutional policies.

10. Review and Updates

• Conduct annual reviews of protocols to ensure compliance with evolving laws and regulations.

• Update staff training and policies as needed based on legal and policy changes.

11. Legal and Community Resources

• Establish relationships with legal professionals and immigrant rights organizations to provide guidance and support.

• Maintain a list of local resources for patients and staff who may need assistance.

By following these best practice protocols, healthcare facilities can ensure compliance with legal obligations while safeguarding patient privacy and access to care.

California's New Warehouse Limits: What the Law Means for Businesses, Communities, and the Environment

In a significant policy shift aimed at reducing pollution and addressing the environmental impacts of logistics hubs, California recently enacted a law limiting the construction of new warehouses. The legislation represents a growing response to concerns from environmental groups, local communities, and policymakers about the detrimental effects of excessive warehouse developments. Here’s a breakdown of what the law entails, its motivations, and its potential impact on various stakeholders.

Understanding the Legislation

California’s new law places restrictions on the construction of large warehouses in areas where they have, until now, been proliferating at rapid rates. The law primarily targets the Inland Empire, a region that has seen a surge in warehouse construction over the past decade, making it one of the most warehouse-dense areas in the country. The legislation:

• Sets size and density limits on new warehouse projects.
• Requires comprehensive environmental impact assessments** for proposed projects, with special attention to pollution levels, greenhouse gas emissions, and effects on local communities.
• Restricts construction near residential neighborhoods and sensitive areas like schools and hospitals.

The goal is to curtail the expansion of massive warehouses that generate traffic, pollution, and strain on local infrastructure.

Why California is Limiting Warehouse Expansion

This law is part of California’s broader strategy to balance economic growth with environmental responsibility. The rapid increase in e-commerce has driven an unprecedented demand for distribution and logistics centers, especially in Southern California, where proximity to major ports allows for efficient product movement. However, the concentration of warehouses brings substantial pollution and health risks to nearby communities, predominantly lower-income neighborhoods. The law acknowledges:

1. Public Health Concerns: Diesel trucks and heavy machinery that service these warehouses produce air pollutants, including particulate matter that contributes to respiratory illnesses. Residents in warehouse-dense areas have reported higher incidences of asthma and other health problems.
2. Environmental Impact: Beyond localized pollution, these warehouses contribute to climate change through carbon emissions from both the facilities and the trucks that service them.
3. Traffic Congestion: As more warehouses appear, the number of trucks on the roads increases, leading to traffic congestion and infrastructure degradation, which affects local residents and commuters.

What This Means for Businesses

For companies heavily reliant on large-scale distribution facilities, this new law requires a shift in strategy. Businesses now face more stringent regulations when seeking to build or expand warehouse facilities, which may mean:

• Increased Costs: The added layers of compliance, including environmental impact assessments and potential litigation, could drive up project costs.
• Longer Timelines: Approval processes for new projects are likely to be longer, as developers will need to address community concerns and meet regulatory requirements.
• Operational Adjustments: Some companies might need to rethink their distribution networks, possibly dispersing smaller warehouses in multiple locations rather than concentrating operations in a single, large facility.

Community Benefits and Challenges

For local communities, especially those historically impacted by the logistics industry, the law offers several potential benefits:

• Improved Air Quality and Health Outcomes: Limiting warehouse expansion and requiring cleaner practices may lead to reductions in pollution, benefiting public health.
• Less Traffic Congestion: Reducing the number of heavy trucks on local roads can make commuting safer and quicker for residents.
• Higher Property Values: With fewer large industrial structures, residential areas may see improvements in quality of life and property values.

However, the law may also present some challenges for local economies that depend on warehouse jobs. The logistics industry is a significant employer in many regions, and the slowdown in warehouse construction could impact job growth. Supporters argue that the trade-offs are worth it, as the health and environmental benefits outweigh the risks of slower industry growth. Critics worry, though, that this could discourage new business investment in California and drive companies to other states with more relaxed regulations.

A Shift Towards Sustainable Development

This law fits into California’s broader push toward sustainable development and environmental protection, aligning with goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote healthier communities. As the state continues to implement ambitious environmental policies, the warehouse restrictions may serve as a model for other regions facing similar challenges. There’s already speculation that other states with high-density warehouse regions may follow suit, further reshaping the logistics industry.

Looking Ahead

While this law may be a turning point for California’s environmental and economic policies, it also signifies a national shift in how states approach the balance between industrial growth and community well-being. For companies operating in the logistics and warehousing sectors, it’s a wake-up call to innovate and develop more sustainable business practices.

In conclusion, California’s decision to limit new warehouse construction is a bold move, reflecting the state’s commitment to environmental stewardship and community health. As the policy unfolds, its impact will be closely watched across the country by businesses, policymakers, and environmental advocates alike. Whether this law ultimately succeeds in achieving its aims will depend on how effectively it’s implemented and whether it inspires new approaches to sustainable industry expansion.

Navigating the Challenges of AI in the Workplace: Real-Life Examples and Solutions

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to revolutionize industries, employers face a unique set of challenges. The promise of AI to enhance productivity, streamline operations, and foster innovation is immense. However, the integration of AI into the workplace is not without its hurdles. Let's explore some real-life examples of these challenges and potential strategies to overcome them.

1. Workforce Displacement and Job Redefinition

Example: Automation in Manufacturing A classic example is the manufacturing sector, where AI-driven automation has replaced many manual jobs. For instance, companies like Tesla have heavily automated their production lines. While this increases efficiency and reduces costs, it also displaces workers who once performed these tasks.

Challenge: Balancing the efficiency gains with the social impact of job losses. Employers must address the anxiety and resistance from employees who fear losing their jobs to machines.

Solution: Investing in retraining and upskilling programs. Tesla, for example, has initiatives to help displaced workers transition into new roles within the company, focusing on areas like maintenance of automated systems and quality control.

2. Bias and Fairness in AI Algorithms

Example: Recruitment Processes AI tools like those used by Amazon for recruitment have faced criticism for inherent biases. Amazon's AI recruiting tool was found to be biased against women, as it was trained on resumes submitted over a 10-year period, which were predominantly from men.

Challenge: Ensuring that AI systems do not perpetuate or exacerbate existing biases, which can lead to unfair hiring practices and workplace discrimination.

Solution: Developing and implementing comprehensive guidelines for AI training data and continuous monitoring for bias. Many companies are now adopting transparent AI practices, regularly auditing their algorithms, and involving diverse teams in the development process to minimize biases.

3. Privacy and Data Security Concerns

Example: Employee Monitoring Companies like Amazon and UPS have used AI to monitor employee performance and productivity. While this can lead to improved efficiency, it also raises significant privacy concerns among employees.

Challenge: Balancing the benefits of increased productivity with the need to respect employees' privacy. Excessive monitoring can lead to a lack of trust and a negative workplace atmosphere.

Solution: Implementing clear policies that define the scope and purpose of monitoring, ensuring transparency, and focusing on using data to support employees rather than solely for surveillance. Engaging employees in discussions about data usage can also help in building trust.

4. Integration and Adoption of AI Technologies

Example: Healthcare Sector The adoption of AI in healthcare, such as IBM’s Watson for Oncology, has faced challenges. While AI can analyze vast amounts of medical data to assist in diagnosis, integrating these systems into existing workflows has been difficult. Many healthcare professionals have been skeptical about relying on AI for critical decision-making.

Challenge: Integrating AI seamlessly into existing workflows and gaining the trust of employees to use these new technologies effectively.

Solution: Involving end-users in the development and implementation process. Training programs and pilot projects can help professionals become familiar with the technology and understand its benefits. Continuous feedback loops can ensure the AI tools are user-friendly and truly augment the existing processes.

5. Ethical and Regulatory Compliance

Example: Financial Services Banks and financial institutions using AI for credit scoring and fraud detection face stringent regulatory requirements. AI algorithms must comply with regulations like the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) in the U.S., ensuring fairness and transparency.

Challenge: Navigating the complex regulatory landscape while leveraging AI for competitive advantage.

Solution: Working closely with regulatory bodies to ensure compliance and adopting best practices for ethical AI use. Financial institutions are increasingly setting up dedicated teams to oversee AI ethics and compliance, ensuring that their AI applications adhere to legal and ethical standards.

Conclusion

The emergence of AI presents both significant opportunities and challenges for employers. Real-life examples from various sectors illustrate the complexities involved in AI integration. By focusing on retraining employees, ensuring fairness and transparency, respecting privacy, facilitating seamless integration, and adhering to ethical standards, employers can navigate these challenges effectively. Ultimately, the key lies in balancing technological advancement with a commitment to the well-being and trust of the workforce.

Prayer for the New Year

God, as we stand at the beginning of this new year we confess our need of Your presence and Your guidance as we face the future.

We each have our hopes and expectations for the year that is ahead of us—but You alone know what it holds for us, and only You can give us the strength and the wisdom we will need to meet its challenges. So help us to humbly put our hands into Your hand, and to trust You and to seek Your will for our lives during this coming year.

In the midst of life’s uncertainties in the days ahead, assure us of the certainty of Your unchanging love.

In the midst of life’s inevitable disappointments and heartaches, help us to turn to You for the stability and comfort we will need.

In the midst of life’s temptations and the pull of our stubborn self-will, help us not to lose our way but to have the courage to do what is right in Your sight, regardless of the cost.

And in the midst of our daily preoccupations and pursuits, open our eyes to the sorrows and injustices of our hurting world, and help us to respond with compassion and sacrifice to those who are friendless and in need. May our constant prayer be that of the ancient Psalmist: “Teach me, O Lord, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end” (Psalm 119:33).

As we look back over this past year we thank You for Your goodness to us—far beyond what we have deserved. May we never presume on Your past goodness or forget all Your mercies to us, but may they instead lead us to repentance, and to a new commitment to make You the foundation and center of our lives this year.

And so, our Father, we thank You for the promise and hope of this new year, and we look forward to it with expectancy and faith. This I ask in the name of our Lord and Savior, who by His death and resurrection has given us hope both for this world and the world to come.

Amen

Rev. Billy Graham

2013 Resolutions - So How Did I Do?

So, 2013 is now 20 days dead.  I assume I should review my resolutions at some point and set new ones for 2014.  Well, here is a review of last years' effort (hint - it was pathetic).

1. Ride Bike More - Success!  Yes, I actually did this one.  Actually, after the elliptical went to gym equipment heaven (a/k/a, my garage), I actually rode my bike, pretty much, every morning from April through October.  In October, it was just to darn cold and dark out to continue.  Plus, I started getting into a regular routine of getting Dahlia's day started by cleaning her play room, getting her bottle ready, and doing any leftover dishes.  So, in a couple of months it remains to be seen if I will get back to it.

2.  No Ice Cream - Fail!  I definitely reduced my ice cream intake.  But, did not bypass for the year.  I think I was back to digging into some Vanilla by my birthday.  As for 2014, I just had a waffle and ice cream for breakfast on Sunday.

3.  Grow a Moustache - Success!  Yes, I actually did this one, too.  No Shave November or Movember.  Next year, I might try to keep it through the winter.  We shall see.

4.  Eat More Quinoa -  Fail!  I may have had quinoa like 3 times in 2013.  Certainly not the frequency I was hoping for.

5.  Go to a Raiders Game - Fail!  I wanted to.  In fact, I was planning to go to the Week 2 tilt against the Jaguars.  But, I got tickets to the Packers-49ers opener, and 2 games in 2 weeks seemed like too much.  This next year, it is going to happen.  They even run a train from Sacramento to O.co Coliseum.  So, I am gonna do it!

6. FaceTime for Grandparents - Success!  Yes, I actually did this one, too.  Huh, maybe 2013 wasn't as much of a failure as I thought.  Yes, this worked out great.  Although, we switched the time to 6 PM to pair with her meal time.

7.  Date Night -  Fail!  I don't think we went on more than 2 dates the entire year.  Big fail.

8.  Find a Recreational Activity -  Fail!  I like the idea.  But that was the extent of my effort.

9.  Help Around the House More -  Success!  Yes, I did, PAIGE!  I do the laundry almost exclusively.  I also clean up after Dahlia almost 2-3 times per day on my own without any prompting.  I do the vast majority of the dishes for the household.  I take out the trash, sort the recycling, water the plants, and complain about the state of the backyard.  I also even had our gutters cleaned and windows washed.  I do more than anyone could have possibly imagined me doing 12 months ago.  And that is not because I was pathetic, but just because now I am awesome.  Seriously.  Given these steps, I think all of my other misses on my resolutions should be considered a wash. ...  Ok, that might be pushing it.

10.  Draft a Will -  Fail!  I did absolutely nothing to even closely accomplish this.  The most I did was buy will maker software... in 2012.

11.  De-Clutter -  Fail!  I have done my best in this area.  However, it has not happened.  And with another little one on the way, we kind of have to if we plan to continue to live in our current house.  We need to find more space for living, currently occupied by storage items we do not use.

12.  Try-out for a Play -  Fail!  I don't see this happening any time soon.  It was a passing fancy.

13.  Fly a Kite -  Fail!  I am so disappointed in myself for failing in this one.  Lame!

4 of 13.  That's a .307 batting average in baseball.

Annual NFL Rivalry Game

Peter King, from MMQB fame, posits that the NFL should have an annual rivalry game.  Instead of the current balanced/weighted schedule, remove at least one of those games for an annual rivalry game against an uncommon opponent.

This got me thinking - would they have 16 good rivalries to feature?  And the answer is unfortunately no.  For every Dallas Cowboys - natural rivalry with New Orleans Saints, Houston Texans, Arizona Cardinals, Kansas City Chiefs - there is a Buffalo Bills and Jacksonville Jaguars.

However, in trying to accommodate the big puma, I came up with the following by limiting it to cross-conference rivalries (NFC v. AFC):

Good Rivalries

Dallas Cowboys v. Houston Texans
New York Giants v. New England Patriots
Washington R*dskins v. New York Jets
Philadelphia Eagles v. Pittsburgh Steelers
Chicago Bears v. Indianapolis Colts
Detroit Lions v. Cleveland Browns
Tampa Bay Buccaneers v. Miami Dolphins
Atlanta Falcons v. Jacksonville Jaguars
St. Louis Rams v. Kansas City Chiefs
San Francisco 49ers v. San Diego Chargers
Seattle Seahawks v. Oakland Raiders

I think all of these games work.  I know, I know I could have done Giants v. Jets, but I think the Giants v. Patriots draws more of the NYC v. Boston vibe.  I also think that the Eagles v. Jets would be compelling, but I really wanted to preserve the battle of Pennsylvania.  By doing the NYC v. DC rivalry, you also mess up the R*dskins v. Ravens game - but then where do the Jets go?

You also have the battle for Missouri (Rams-Chiefs) and Misery (Lions-Browns).  And the world's biggest cocktail party, writ NFL.

I also avoided the more obvious 49ers-Raiders match-up by incorporating the Seahawks and Chargers.  Granted, the Seahawks and Chargers were rivals in the AFC, however, I have more compelling memories of Seahawks-Raiders (i.e. Bo Jackson meeting Brian Bosworth).  And the 49ers-Raiders is kind of lame.  49ers-Chargers is a Super Bowl, too.

The rest are just geographic no-brainers.

Mediocre Rivalries

Carolina Panthers v. Baltimore Ravens
New Orleans Saints v. Tennessee Titans
Denver Broncos v. Arizona Cardinals

I am not upset by these.  They are just pretty tame.  But, all of these team's more obvious rivals had been taken.

Bad Rivalries

Green Bay Packers v. Buffalo Bills
Minnesota Vikings v. Cincinnati Bengals

Umm.  Hmm.  I mean.  Umm.  There is just nothing really compelling between the teams.  Basically, they are what is left.  The Bills more natural uncommon rivals would be the Giants, Eagles, or Lions.  The Bengals more natural uncommon rivals would be the Eagles, Lions, or Colts.  The Packers more natural uncommon rivals would be... the Colts?  Maybe, the Chiefs?  The Vikings more natural uncommon rivals would be... the Chiefs?  Maybe, the Broncos? Or even the Seahawks (the whole Percy Harvin and Steve Hutchinson deals, writ large).  Oh, scratch that, they are in the NFC.

Well, what do you think?

Packers Win NFC North

Wow!

Improve the In-Stadium Experience by Commissioning Situational Music

The NFL is talking about ways it could improve the in stadium experience.  This is because they need to create an atmosphere that is more appealing to a fan than just watching it for free at home.  As technology gets better in TV and audio, it makes putting down several hundred dollars to actually go to a game.and eat/drink during said game less appealing.

So, to combat that, it has to come up with ways to improve the actual experience.  And one suggestion I have is improving the in-stadium music.  Presently, during breaks in the action the home team usually pipes in pop-40 hits.  However, for whatever reason these songs are rarely less than 3-5 years old when played.  I mean just yesterday I was listening to Third Eye Blind's "Jumper" in the middle of the 3rd Quarter of the 49ers-Packers game.

However, even if the music choice was with more taste and timely, it would still be a song that in no way connects me to the game, fans, stadium, or team.  Rather, it acts as a diversion, taking my concentration away from the game, fellow fans, stadium, and team.  I mean, in this instance it made me think of Stephan Jenkins -lead singer of Third Eye Blind- and how much I didn't like him. Then I was wondering what he was doing, knowing that he lived in San Francisco. Then I asked Paige if she thought he would come to a game, and she had no idea who I was talking about. Then after explaining who I was talking about, I realized that I missed the next play.

So, is that what they were trying to do? Get me to lose my concentration and miss the next play? If yes, why? Does that make more likely to buy concessions? Does that make me more likely to buy fan gear? I just don't think so. Rather, it just acted a s a diversion.

Now, what if the Niners had commissioned someone to put together a series of songs to play through out the course of a game. This could be a combination of local musicians and music genres. And the music crafted could be completely original and situation specific.  Think about it - first and ten music on offense, third and long music, third and short music, music for turnovers, music for TDs, music for breaks in the action - TOs, 1st Q, etc.

I know - what a crazy idea. It would never work. Well, you know where it does work? It is a place that also has football and is not worried about TV taking away from the in-stadium experience. Still don't know? How about NCAA football?

Go to a handful of UW-Madison games.  After maybe 2 you will begin to realize that the team has a whole bunch of musical traditions tied to particular moments throughout the game.  Granted, they have a,band that provides that music, but it is music nonetheless. And it is situational-specific. With certain songs for TDs, PATs, etc.

So, that is my idea. What say you, NFL?