This new scenario of four games on four channels is a real challenge. It's easier to blame CBS for fucking it up than it is to manage it all on your own.
I just can't take Bob Huggins seriously after last year's DaSean Butler incident.
And I can't take Rick Pitino seriously either. Morehead was giving him trouble. Not the first time he got more head and later wished he hadn't. Seems like Morehead caught him with his pants down. Again, not the firt time.
I'm really enjoying watching Kenneth Faried of Morehead. The guy is a rebounding monster.
First great finish of the tournament. Butler's Matt Howard gets a tip-in basket, and the backboard turns red less than a tenth of a second after it leaves his fingertips. Jim Nantz must have been kicking himself because he wasn't around for a perfect "Butler did it moment" but don't worry, Tim Brando had you covered.
I wanted to use the Morehead blew it joke, but it was actually Louisville that blew it. Up 4 with 50 seconds to go, you gotta make your free throws, Faried did, even though he's a 59% shooter. Then they fouled and Justice missed the front end of a one and one. Morehead played for a final shot, and for no reason at all DeMonte Harper shot a 3 -- and made it! First "onions!" from Raf so far.
And that block by Faried on Louisville's desperate have was not a foul.
First major upset of the tournament. Makes me a little worried about my Belmont pick tonight. I can't remember if there ever were 2 4s losing in the first round. I know it happened once with 3s.
Another amazing finish -- third great one of the afternoon. Deep onions by Taylor Battle, then an incredible twisting shot by Juan Fernandez.
There is no Juan Fernandez, it's just a stolen identity to give Pepe Sanchez four more years of eligibilty.
And now Princeton has a guy named Hummer?
Kentucky over Princeton makes the fourth last-second finish of the day. And what's great about these games, the teams are making shots and going back and forth, for the most part its not ineptitude making these games close.
Not much to say about Pittsburgh vs. UNC-Ashville. Your typical 1 vs 16 matchup. It actually started close but Pitt is too big and too good.
This is what I kind of like about the play-in game. At least those kids got a chance to win an NCAA Tournament game. I also like the UNC-Ash coach calling timeout with 33 seconds left, down by 23, to get his 5 backups into an NCAA Tournament game.
Richmond and Vanderbilt a great way to end the early session. This was a pretty exciting game with both teams making shots. Not a lot of turnovers in this one, just some crazy shot-making. The ending was really slowed down by all those timeouts though. They need to do something about it. I think there were about 5 in the last two minutes. Takes all the drama out of it.
Every year I pick a 12 over a 5, and this year I finally got it. Hopefully the other 5s (Arizona and Kansas State) hold serve. I have both winning two games.
Check back here later for another similar post on the late games.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Regulators, Mount Up
I felt the passing of Nate Dogg deserved a little more space on this blog than just a Song of the Week.
First of all, did anyone know his name was Nathaniel Hale? Was his only regret that he had but one life to give for Warren G?
Nate Dogg had suffered from ill health for several years after a couple of strokes. But the cause of death was not immediately known.
His biggest hit was of course "Regulate" which was immortalized in this hilarious literal interpretation of the song's meaning.
"Soon, both friends are driving with automobiles full of women to the East Side Motel, presumably to consummate their flirtation in an orgy."
Other Nate Dogg hits:
The Next Episode - Dr. Dre
21 Questions - 50 Cent
Area Codes - Ludacris
And my favorite
Oh No - Mos Def
First of all, did anyone know his name was Nathaniel Hale? Was his only regret that he had but one life to give for Warren G?
Nate Dogg had suffered from ill health for several years after a couple of strokes. But the cause of death was not immediately known.
His biggest hit was of course "Regulate" which was immortalized in this hilarious literal interpretation of the song's meaning.
"Soon, both friends are driving with automobiles full of women to the East Side Motel, presumably to consummate their flirtation in an orgy."
Other Nate Dogg hits:
The Next Episode - Dr. Dre
21 Questions - 50 Cent
Area Codes - Ludacris
And my favorite
Oh No - Mos Def
Song of the Week
"Regulate" - Warren G and Nate Dogg
I guess heaven needed a backup singer.
Nate Dogg died this morning at the age of 41.
I guess heaven needed a backup singer.
Nate Dogg died this morning at the age of 41.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Electronic Road Signs Should Not Be Taken Too Seriously
Normally on this blog I encourage you all to obey any road sign you see, merge left, stop and slippery when wet are especially important to obey.
But here is one road sign you might want to ignore, at least until you get home.
Apparently these electronic road signs are notoriously easy to hack. Actually, I wouldn't even call it hacking if all you have to do is open the panel and type what you want the sign to say, in this case the "hacker" cleverly chose "poop."
Story Suggested by Golzilla
But here is one road sign you might want to ignore, at least until you get home.
Apparently these electronic road signs are notoriously easy to hack. Actually, I wouldn't even call it hacking if all you have to do is open the panel and type what you want the sign to say, in this case the "hacker" cleverly chose "poop."
Story Suggested by Golzilla
Monday, March 14, 2011
Initial Bracket Breakdown
Let’s start with Syracuse. I think the 3 seed was about what we deserved but I thought we might lose it to one of the Kentucky teams which had good late season runs, but both Kentucky and Louisville got 4 seeds. I do however think we got a tough facing the best #1 and perhaps the second best #2. It’s completely debatable of course because all those teams are so close, but we know Ohio State was the overall #1. Then if the committee went with a serpentine formula they had UNC as the 4th #2 (8 overall) and Syracuse as the 9th best team. But I don’t think they actually adhere all that closely to that.
As for the matchups, I don’t think SU should have a big problem Indiana State. They are a guard-oriented team which could press us into some turnovers, but it’s not like they dominated a smaller conference, they were third place in the MVC, which is a good not great conference.
Then SU has to play the winner of Xavier-Marquette. I think it’ll be Xavier which could give SU problems. But either way I don’t see SU beating North Carolina unless the Heels’ inexperience catches up with them and they make a bunch of mistakes. North Carolina to me is the typical team with a lot of talented freshman, took a while to get their footing but now they’ve really hit their stride. They have won 13 games in a row against teams not named Duke.
Speaking of Duke, on closer inspection, they were deserving of the 4th number one seed over Notre Dame. But I think they got off a little easy in their draw. San Diego State is a vulnerable #2 seed and I’m sure the committee thinks UConn is the toughest 3 seed because of their late run but I believe they drastically overrate conference tournaments.
I think Pitt losing in the first round of the Big East will clear the way for them to finally break through and make the final 4. Pitt has made the tournament 9 straight years, including 5 years getting a top 3 seed (a 1, a 2 and 3 3s) but they never made the final 4, and only once to the Elite 8 (in 2009, when they suffered a heart-breaking loss to Villanova.
Belmont will beat Wisconsin. Upsets happen, that's the way it goes. If you picked every game in a vacuum you would pick all favorites. But you know upsets happen so you have to look where they are most likely to be. I was going to pick Belmont regardless of their opponent because this is the type of small conference team that normally pulls off a shocker. They are 30-4 with 25 of their wins by double digits. 3 of their 4 losses were to tournament teams, Tennessee twice and Vanderbilt. Plus Belmont is an active, pressing team that uses a lot of players and could give a plodding Wisconsin team fits.
Why does the selection committee ever schedule first round games between two teams from smaller conferences? This year it is Butler vs. Old Dominion. Why not switch one of those teams with Michigan or Tennessee and give the smaller guys a better chance to advance?
The committee also stacked the deck against the Big East. Facing the possibility of 11 teams in the Sweet 16, more likely 7 or 8, the committee set up two possible conference showdowns in Round 2, yes I still call it round 2. Marquette could face Syracuse and Cincinnati could face UConn.
No one is going to call the rounds by their new names. The four extra games are now officially round 1, and the old rounds 1 and 2 are now 2 and 3. On this blog and forevermore until the tournament expands to 96 or 128, I will call opening games, the play-in round. I urge you to do the same, except when ordering tickets.
And remember to join my espn.com tournament challenge group. I had to change it, the name is The Poop. The other name wasn't showing up in searches, so look for The Poop.
As for the matchups, I don’t think SU should have a big problem Indiana State. They are a guard-oriented team which could press us into some turnovers, but it’s not like they dominated a smaller conference, they were third place in the MVC, which is a good not great conference.
Then SU has to play the winner of Xavier-Marquette. I think it’ll be Xavier which could give SU problems. But either way I don’t see SU beating North Carolina unless the Heels’ inexperience catches up with them and they make a bunch of mistakes. North Carolina to me is the typical team with a lot of talented freshman, took a while to get their footing but now they’ve really hit their stride. They have won 13 games in a row against teams not named Duke.
Speaking of Duke, on closer inspection, they were deserving of the 4th number one seed over Notre Dame. But I think they got off a little easy in their draw. San Diego State is a vulnerable #2 seed and I’m sure the committee thinks UConn is the toughest 3 seed because of their late run but I believe they drastically overrate conference tournaments.
I think Pitt losing in the first round of the Big East will clear the way for them to finally break through and make the final 4. Pitt has made the tournament 9 straight years, including 5 years getting a top 3 seed (a 1, a 2 and 3 3s) but they never made the final 4, and only once to the Elite 8 (in 2009, when they suffered a heart-breaking loss to Villanova.
Belmont will beat Wisconsin. Upsets happen, that's the way it goes. If you picked every game in a vacuum you would pick all favorites. But you know upsets happen so you have to look where they are most likely to be. I was going to pick Belmont regardless of their opponent because this is the type of small conference team that normally pulls off a shocker. They are 30-4 with 25 of their wins by double digits. 3 of their 4 losses were to tournament teams, Tennessee twice and Vanderbilt. Plus Belmont is an active, pressing team that uses a lot of players and could give a plodding Wisconsin team fits.
Why does the selection committee ever schedule first round games between two teams from smaller conferences? This year it is Butler vs. Old Dominion. Why not switch one of those teams with Michigan or Tennessee and give the smaller guys a better chance to advance?
The committee also stacked the deck against the Big East. Facing the possibility of 11 teams in the Sweet 16, more likely 7 or 8, the committee set up two possible conference showdowns in Round 2, yes I still call it round 2. Marquette could face Syracuse and Cincinnati could face UConn.
No one is going to call the rounds by their new names. The four extra games are now officially round 1, and the old rounds 1 and 2 are now 2 and 3. On this blog and forevermore until the tournament expands to 96 or 128, I will call opening games, the play-in round. I urge you to do the same, except when ordering tickets.
And remember to join my espn.com tournament challenge group. I had to change it, the name is The Poop. The other name wasn't showing up in searches, so look for The Poop.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Important Programming Notes
While I expect you all to watch the Selection Show on Sunday (I project Syracuse as a 3 seed, outside chance at a 2 if they win the Big East), I also expect your DVRs to be running at the same time.
MSG will be replaying its "Summer of '86" series at 5pm Sunday night. All four parts, in a row.
Also Sunday night, a new 30 for 30-style documentary on the Fab Five, called "The Fab Five" and I believe based on the book by Mitch Albom.
That airs Sunday night at 9pm.
MSG will be replaying its "Summer of '86" series at 5pm Sunday night. All four parts, in a row.
Also Sunday night, a new 30 for 30-style documentary on the Fab Five, called "The Fab Five" and I believe based on the book by Mitch Albom.
That airs Sunday night at 9pm.
Wednesday, March 09, 2011
Song of the Week
"Where You At" - Jennifer Hudson
I hate to be reading too much into it but it seems to me like in this song Hudson blames God for the brutal murders of her mother, brother and nephew.
"You said when the storm came
That you would be there with your umbrella to block the rain
And you said you'd protect me
From heartache, pain, lies, loneliness, and misery
You said you'd tear down the walls that were in my way
You promised things would be okay
And I stood there in the freezing cold
And I waited for you, but you never showed"
Now I always have this problem with gospel music, it's often difficult to determine if they lyrics are referring to Jesus or a cute guy down the street. But the part about protecting her from heartache and pain, sounds like a bigger job than your average guy could do.
Either way, it's a good song, but if you view it my way it's very powerful.
Also, either way, the song title should have a question mark.
I hate to be reading too much into it but it seems to me like in this song Hudson blames God for the brutal murders of her mother, brother and nephew.
"You said when the storm came
That you would be there with your umbrella to block the rain
And you said you'd protect me
From heartache, pain, lies, loneliness, and misery
You said you'd tear down the walls that were in my way
You promised things would be okay
And I stood there in the freezing cold
And I waited for you, but you never showed"
Now I always have this problem with gospel music, it's often difficult to determine if they lyrics are referring to Jesus or a cute guy down the street. But the part about protecting her from heartache and pain, sounds like a bigger job than your average guy could do.
Either way, it's a good song, but if you view it my way it's very powerful.
Also, either way, the song title should have a question mark.
Monday, March 07, 2011
For Some of These Dweebs They May Never Get Another Chance to See This
I took Human Sexuality when I was at Syracuse, just about everyone did. It was a big lecture on a weeknight, then a smaller discussion group once a week. It was fun, we talked about sex, a moderately attractive girl in our group told us that she liked to be tied up. It was fun, I got a good grade, probably a B or better, and I learned a thing or two about a thing or two.
But we never saw anything quite like what they saw in the Human Sexuality class at Northwestern.
A woman was publicly penetrated by a sex toy on stage. A naked non-student woman was repeatedly sexually stimulated to the point of orgasm by the sex toy, referred to as a "fucksaw."
The class has about 600 students, 120 of whom stayed for the after-class demonstration. It was optional, and the material wasn't going to be included on the exam.
Students were warned repeatedly about the graphic nature of the demonstration though I doubt they would have left when they said "after class we're going to pleasure a volunteer with the fucksaw."
As for the controversy, maybe it was a bit much, but no one was forced or coerced to watch so if everyone who was there wanted to be there and chose to be there, then why should we make a big deal about it?
"Sticks and stones may break your bones, but watching naked people on stage doing pleasurable things will never hurt you," Professor Bailey said.
And isn't that the point? Sex is so demonized in this country (granted it does have it dangers) but for the most part, sex is good and fun and people are so uptight about it. But those people shouldn't be able to telling consenting adults what they should do.
And if you've read this far down you were just hoping to see a picture of Faith Kroll, the woman who was pentrated.
But we never saw anything quite like what they saw in the Human Sexuality class at Northwestern.
A woman was publicly penetrated by a sex toy on stage. A naked non-student woman was repeatedly sexually stimulated to the point of orgasm by the sex toy, referred to as a "fucksaw."
The class has about 600 students, 120 of whom stayed for the after-class demonstration. It was optional, and the material wasn't going to be included on the exam.
Students were warned repeatedly about the graphic nature of the demonstration though I doubt they would have left when they said "after class we're going to pleasure a volunteer with the fucksaw."
As for the controversy, maybe it was a bit much, but no one was forced or coerced to watch so if everyone who was there wanted to be there and chose to be there, then why should we make a big deal about it?
"Sticks and stones may break your bones, but watching naked people on stage doing pleasurable things will never hurt you," Professor Bailey said.
And isn't that the point? Sex is so demonized in this country (granted it does have it dangers) but for the most part, sex is good and fun and people are so uptight about it. But those people shouldn't be able to telling consenting adults what they should do.
And if you've read this far down you were just hoping to see a picture of Faith Kroll, the woman who was pentrated.
Friday, March 04, 2011
Place Fist Here
The best part of UFC 127 was the chest hair configuration of Brian Ebersole.
Not sure why he decided to shave his chest hair into an arrow but it was pretty funny.
Not sure why he decided to shave his chest hair into an arrow but it was pretty funny.
Thursday, March 03, 2011
What's The Point of Playing College Basketball at BYU?
BYU forward Brandon Davies was kicked off the team for a violation of the school's honor code.
Davies's transgression: he had sex with his girlfriend.
In addition to turning the entire campus into a champagne room, students are also told to be honest, so he had an attack of conscience and admitted to his intercourse.
Not only did the selfish prick fuck his girlfriend, he fucked Jimmer Fredette too. Without Davies, the team's leading rebounder, the Cougars lost to New Mexico, one game after beating San Diego State for the second time this year.
Next year Davies will likely transfer to another school (Arizona State?) where he can get all the pussy he wants and not feel badly about it in the morning.
But you mean to tell me Jimmer Fredette is scoring 40 points and not scoring after the games?
I don't believe that for a second, I just think he does it without the pangs of guilt.
Davies's transgression: he had sex with his girlfriend.
In addition to turning the entire campus into a champagne room, students are also told to be honest, so he had an attack of conscience and admitted to his intercourse.
Not only did the selfish prick fuck his girlfriend, he fucked Jimmer Fredette too. Without Davies, the team's leading rebounder, the Cougars lost to New Mexico, one game after beating San Diego State for the second time this year.
Next year Davies will likely transfer to another school (Arizona State?) where he can get all the pussy he wants and not feel badly about it in the morning.
But you mean to tell me Jimmer Fredette is scoring 40 points and not scoring after the games?
I don't believe that for a second, I just think he does it without the pangs of guilt.
Wednesday, March 02, 2011
Annnnnnnnnnnnd Good Afternoon Everybody
I'm standing the garage waiting for them to bring my car around and I see a driver coming in who looks like Chris Mad Dog Russo. I can't get a good look at him but I notice he is driving a Lexus LS450, with Connecticut plates - could be him.
He gets out of the car and is just a few feet from me and it his so I say "Hey Mad Dog!" And he replies very cordially then goes over to the attendant to get his ticket. As the guy is inspecting his car he says to Mad Dog "are they going to sign you up again?"
It was clear Mad Dog didn't understand what he meant or what he said because of his accent, so he just said "I've got two years left on my contract."
This is when I chimed in:
"Mad Dog, you have to come back, I just cannot listen to Francesa by himself."
"I've got two years left, so they're gonna have to do it with someone else, not me."
"But he is terrible."
"I know, it's tough." [He actually agreed with my rip of Mike.]
Then he starts to walk away and he says "You need to get Sirius."
I said "I'm a shareholder."
He replied "A dollar-81" and just like that he was gone.
I forgot to get his e-mail address so I can copy him on my e-mail to TON when Sirius hits $2.
He gets out of the car and is just a few feet from me and it his so I say "Hey Mad Dog!" And he replies very cordially then goes over to the attendant to get his ticket. As the guy is inspecting his car he says to Mad Dog "are they going to sign you up again?"
It was clear Mad Dog didn't understand what he meant or what he said because of his accent, so he just said "I've got two years left on my contract."
This is when I chimed in:
"Mad Dog, you have to come back, I just cannot listen to Francesa by himself."
"I've got two years left, so they're gonna have to do it with someone else, not me."
"But he is terrible."
"I know, it's tough." [He actually agreed with my rip of Mike.]
Then he starts to walk away and he says "You need to get Sirius."
I said "I'm a shareholder."
He replied "A dollar-81" and just like that he was gone.
I forgot to get his e-mail address so I can copy him on my e-mail to TON when Sirius hits $2.
Song of the Week
"Voyage to Atlantis" - Isley Brothers
This is one of those things that makes me feel like I was born at the wrong time. An amazing Isley Brothers song I never heard before. If I had been of age in 1977 I would have had this jam on 8-track.
This is one of those things that makes me feel like I was born at the wrong time. An amazing Isley Brothers song I never heard before. If I had been of age in 1977 I would have had this jam on 8-track.
Tuesday, March 01, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
Must Have Been Texting While Driving
I witnessed this accident at an Exxon station on Route 4 in Fort Lee. The driver came right off the highway, right between the pumps, over a huge pile of bags of rock salt and right into a car pumping gas.
How pissed would you be if you are pumping gas and some dickbag comes right off the highway and slams into you. So hard that your rear window breaks.
How pissed would you be if you are pumping gas and some dickbag comes right off the highway and slams into you. So hard that your rear window breaks.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Bitch, Your Pancakes Look Fine To Me
A brawl at a Denny's in infamous Chicopee, Massachusetts. It started when one woman asked the other for some maple syrup. To which the other woman replied "bitch, your pancakes look fine to me."
In truth, two men (likely their boyfriends/husbands) were fighting first, allegedly over a car accident that occurred in the parking lot.
In truth, two men (likely their boyfriends/husbands) were fighting first, allegedly over a car accident that occurred in the parking lot.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Song of the Week
"I Wanna Be Your Man" - Charlie Wilson featuring Fantasia
Good ol' Uncle Charlie wanted to do a tribute to his dead old friend, Roger Troutman, so he enlisted Fantasia and did a cover version of one of his most famous songs. It's a pretty good version, not great, not as good as the original which was one of the very first Songs of the Week.
Good ol' Uncle Charlie wanted to do a tribute to his dead old friend, Roger Troutman, so he enlisted Fantasia and did a cover version of one of his most famous songs. It's a pretty good version, not great, not as good as the original which was one of the very first Songs of the Week.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Which Would You Rather Have?
It's pretty well-documented that Derek Jeter has the best life of anyone, anywhere, ever. Jeter just moved into a new mansion in Davis Islands near Tampa, Florida. It is in this home where he has sex with Minka Kelly.
But I would say if you had only half of what he had, you'd still be doing much better than most. But which half would you take?
30,875 square foot mansion
34-23-33 girlfriend
But I would say if you had only half of what he had, you'd still be doing much better than most. But which half would you take?
30,875 square foot mansion
34-23-33 girlfriend
Monday, February 21, 2011
Melo Drama
It seems like the Knicks are close to trading Danilo Gallinari, Wilson Chandler, Raymond Felton, Eddy Curry and Anthony Randolph in return for Carmelo Anthony, Chauncey Billups and a couple of spare parts.
As much as I love Melo I think the Knicks should stand pat. Yes, there is a chance Melo will panic and accept a trade (and a 3-year, $65 million deal) to the Nets, but the long-term interests of the team would be best served by hoping Melo hits the free agent market.
The fact is, he wouldn’t make the team good enough to win a title this year. So why trade serviceable parts (Gallo, Chandler and even Felton – though he may not be with the team next year) and another #1 draft choice (in 2014) to get him now? The only answer is because after this summer’s debacle Donnie Walsh doesn’t want to come up short once again.
Yes, it would be a gamble to give the Nets three days to reach a deal with Melo, and yes it would be an embarrassment to be wrong, but the prospect of getting Melo for free (essentially) makes that a wager worth making.
As much as I love Melo I think the Knicks should stand pat. Yes, there is a chance Melo will panic and accept a trade (and a 3-year, $65 million deal) to the Nets, but the long-term interests of the team would be best served by hoping Melo hits the free agent market.
The fact is, he wouldn’t make the team good enough to win a title this year. So why trade serviceable parts (Gallo, Chandler and even Felton – though he may not be with the team next year) and another #1 draft choice (in 2014) to get him now? The only answer is because after this summer’s debacle Donnie Walsh doesn’t want to come up short once again.
Yes, it would be a gamble to give the Nets three days to reach a deal with Melo, and yes it would be an embarrassment to be wrong, but the prospect of getting Melo for free (essentially) makes that a wager worth making.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
We Say Goodbye, He Says Hello
Actor Len Lesser died at the age of 88. After a long and successful acting career Lesser will only be remembered for playing Jerry's Uncle Leo in Seinfeld.
I picked this scene before reading Jerry's memory of Uncle Leo in the Daily News:
"Len was one of our favorites. We always loved having him on the show. I'll never forget when Uncle Leo was in prison and tattooed 'Jerry Hello' on his knuckles. He was a very sweet guy."
I picked this scene before reading Jerry's memory of Uncle Leo in the Daily News:
"Len was one of our favorites. We always loved having him on the show. I'll never forget when Uncle Leo was in prison and tattooed 'Jerry Hello' on his knuckles. He was a very sweet guy."
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Song of the Week
"10 Seconds" - Jazmine Sullivan
This doesn't even seem like a song. The lyrics don't rhyme, they have no consistent cadence, she's just really pissed off.
This doesn't even seem like a song. The lyrics don't rhyme, they have no consistent cadence, she's just really pissed off.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Reporter Has a Stroke Live on TV
Serene Branson of KCBS in LA is doing a live report from outside the Grammys when she starts speaking jibberish.
"A very very heavy burtation. We had a very darrison..."
I expected her to fall over and the open for House was going to roll.
Not sure if she actually had a stroke, the station is not giving an update on her medical condition.
"A very very heavy burtation. We had a very darrison..."
I expected her to fall over and the open for House was going to roll.
Not sure if she actually had a stroke, the station is not giving an update on her medical condition.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Best Year Ever
In 2010 hedge-fund manager John Paulson had the best year in the history of investing. Paulson's net income from his various ventures, but mostly his own personal investments in his own funds, was more than $5 billion. $5,000,000,000!
This tops Paulson's previous record of $4 billion which he made betting against the housing market in 2007. This time most of his riches came from investing in gold, which rose about 45% during the year.
There's two ways of looking at this: crediting Paulson for his daring and his intelligence and saying it's proof that our system is for the most part a meritocracy where the achievements of the individual are unlimited. Others say the system that allows one individual to profit that much, while others suffer is broken and in need of repair. Especially considering that most of Paulson's earnings are considered capital gains and not ordinary income and will therefore be taxed at a rate of only 15%.
This tops Paulson's previous record of $4 billion which he made betting against the housing market in 2007. This time most of his riches came from investing in gold, which rose about 45% during the year.
There's two ways of looking at this: crediting Paulson for his daring and his intelligence and saying it's proof that our system is for the most part a meritocracy where the achievements of the individual are unlimited. Others say the system that allows one individual to profit that much, while others suffer is broken and in need of repair. Especially considering that most of Paulson's earnings are considered capital gains and not ordinary income and will therefore be taxed at a rate of only 15%.
Wednesday, February 09, 2011
Song of the Week
"You Are" - Charlie Wilson
Most songs I pick just for the song but this one has a really good video. Plus Billy loves Charlie Last Name Wilson.
Most songs I pick just for the song but this one has a really good video. Plus Billy loves Charlie Last Name Wilson.
Monday, February 07, 2011
Super Bowl Ads
An underwhelming crop of Super Bowl ads this year. Nothing really stands out to me. The two I liked best were both subtle sexual innuendos, big shocker.
Faith Hill Teleflora. No one had heard of this company before so they needed to do something to get noticed. This probably worked,
Pepsi Max First Date. Another ad taking advantage of the one track minds of men.
Pepsi Max Love Hurts. All the ads for Pepsi Max and Doritos were user generated. This one was clearly sent in by the Concierge.
Snickers Logging. A lot of people liked this one and I did too but it was too similar to last year’s Betty White ad to really be a standout.
Volkswagen The Force. This one was really great the only problem is so many people (14m hits) saw it before the Super Bowl. But if you hadn’t, this could definitely be your favorite. I love the remote starter.
Doritos Pug Attack. Anything with a dog being cute is bound to be liked by 90% of the people.
Bud Light Dog Sitter. This is one the exception. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I love dogs, I love poker but I hate dogs playing poker. We don’t need to see dogs walking around on two legs serving beer. Of course evil Mrs. Poop says this is her favorite.
CareerBuilder Parking Lot. I know it’s a running gimmick with CareerBuilder but I feel like the monkey thing is already played out. And once again, animals dressed as or behaving like people is an immediate turnoff to millions of Americans.
Doritos Best Part. This ad got the worst reviews of any Super Bowl ad I saw. I thought it was kind of funny because the creepiness was obviously very intentional.
Kim Kardashian Skechers. I love Kim Kardashian and I thought she looked great here but I thought the dumping my trainer bit was a little stupid.
NFL Best Fans Ever. I loved this one. A little obsession of mine is remembering where various television shows are set. I loved the superimposed jerseys/shirts/hats and foam fingers. I’m not complaining about Sofia Vergara being a Redskins fans but Modern Family is set in California. I actually wish they included “Family Ties” because they were well known Bengals fans. And how could the Eagles biggest fan, Cory Matthews not make this montage?
Sealy Afterglow. A very racy commericial for such a staid and boring company. I noticed they had a lot of interracial couples which I appreciate.
Carmax Kid in a Candy Store. Kind of clever, wrestler in a folding chair factory. I think I will start using that one.
Faith Hill Teleflora. No one had heard of this company before so they needed to do something to get noticed. This probably worked,
Pepsi Max First Date. Another ad taking advantage of the one track minds of men.
Pepsi Max Love Hurts. All the ads for Pepsi Max and Doritos were user generated. This one was clearly sent in by the Concierge.
Snickers Logging. A lot of people liked this one and I did too but it was too similar to last year’s Betty White ad to really be a standout.
Volkswagen The Force. This one was really great the only problem is so many people (14m hits) saw it before the Super Bowl. But if you hadn’t, this could definitely be your favorite. I love the remote starter.
Doritos Pug Attack. Anything with a dog being cute is bound to be liked by 90% of the people.
Bud Light Dog Sitter. This is one the exception. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I love dogs, I love poker but I hate dogs playing poker. We don’t need to see dogs walking around on two legs serving beer. Of course evil Mrs. Poop says this is her favorite.
CareerBuilder Parking Lot. I know it’s a running gimmick with CareerBuilder but I feel like the monkey thing is already played out. And once again, animals dressed as or behaving like people is an immediate turnoff to millions of Americans.
Doritos Best Part. This ad got the worst reviews of any Super Bowl ad I saw. I thought it was kind of funny because the creepiness was obviously very intentional.
Kim Kardashian Skechers. I love Kim Kardashian and I thought she looked great here but I thought the dumping my trainer bit was a little stupid.
NFL Best Fans Ever. I loved this one. A little obsession of mine is remembering where various television shows are set. I loved the superimposed jerseys/shirts/hats and foam fingers. I’m not complaining about Sofia Vergara being a Redskins fans but Modern Family is set in California. I actually wish they included “Family Ties” because they were well known Bengals fans. And how could the Eagles biggest fan, Cory Matthews not make this montage?
Sealy Afterglow. A very racy commericial for such a staid and boring company. I noticed they had a lot of interracial couples which I appreciate.
Carmax Kid in a Candy Store. Kind of clever, wrestler in a folding chair factory. I think I will start using that one.
Sunday, February 06, 2011
Super Bowl XLV Prop Bets
I wrote a whole entire post on all the prop bets I was going to do for the Super Bowl and blogger fucked up and cost me the entire thing. There is no way I can recreate it with the neatness I had so I will just go through it quickly.
I'll take the Steelers +2 1/2.
I think the final score will be 34-27.
I am taking combined score of 51-55 and 56-60, both at 12-1 odds.
I also like each team to score exactly 28 points at 12-1 odds.
I like Rashard Mendenhall to score a touchdown.
I like the total interceptions to be over 1 1/2 and I'll take Polamalu to get one at 5/2 odds.
I think Tim Masthay will have punt with gross yardage over 54 1/2.
I think the Steelers total points will cover a 7 1/2 point spread over Blake Griffin's rebounds.
I think Christina Aguilera will sing the National Anthem in less than 1:54.
I think Fergie's first halftime show outfit will be shorts.
I think FOX will show Jerry Jones under 2 1/2 times, but mention Brett Favre more than 2 1/2 times.
I think a player will do the Aaron Rodgers belt celebration, but it will be a Steeler (though that doesn't matter for the wager).
Green Bay will have a higher TV rating for the game than Pittsburgh.
There were a lot more the first time but blogger fucked me.
I also liked under 5 sacks combined by both teams, and over 13 1/2 rushing yards for Roethlisberger.
I'll take the Steelers +2 1/2.
I think the final score will be 34-27.
I am taking combined score of 51-55 and 56-60, both at 12-1 odds.
I also like each team to score exactly 28 points at 12-1 odds.
I like Rashard Mendenhall to score a touchdown.
I like the total interceptions to be over 1 1/2 and I'll take Polamalu to get one at 5/2 odds.
I think Tim Masthay will have punt with gross yardage over 54 1/2.
I think the Steelers total points will cover a 7 1/2 point spread over Blake Griffin's rebounds.
I think Christina Aguilera will sing the National Anthem in less than 1:54.
I think Fergie's first halftime show outfit will be shorts.
I think FOX will show Jerry Jones under 2 1/2 times, but mention Brett Favre more than 2 1/2 times.
I think a player will do the Aaron Rodgers belt celebration, but it will be a Steeler (though that doesn't matter for the wager).
Green Bay will have a higher TV rating for the game than Pittsburgh.
There were a lot more the first time but blogger fucked me.
I also liked under 5 sacks combined by both teams, and over 13 1/2 rushing yards for Roethlisberger.
Friday, February 04, 2011
Minka Kelly's Pretty Pink Panties
Minka Kelly, the hottest woman alive, absolutely killing it in another photo shoot, this one from GQ.
This is all to promote her newest movie, "The Roommate" co-starring Leighton Meister. It's an updated, college version of "Single White Female" only with hotter chicks.
The strange thing is, Meester who plays second fiddle to Blake Lively on "Gossip Girl" now plays the less pretty friend of Minka. But in a strange way she kind of looks like her. If this works out she could play her psycho sister in the next movie.
This is all to promote her newest movie, "The Roommate" co-starring Leighton Meister. It's an updated, college version of "Single White Female" only with hotter chicks.
The strange thing is, Meester who plays second fiddle to Blake Lively on "Gossip Girl" now plays the less pretty friend of Minka. But in a strange way she kind of looks like her. If this works out she could play her psycho sister in the next movie.
This is Why 3 Million People Watch Sean Hannity Every Night
Sean Hannity arguing with Anjem Choudary. You must stick with this until the end. The good-bye is priceless.
"You're one sick miserable evil SOB but thank you for coming on anyway."
"You're one sick miserable evil SOB but thank you for coming on anyway."
What's the Most Embarrassing Part?
During a recent girls' high school basketball game in Utah Christian Heritage High beat West Ridge Academy 108-3.
This called up the usual questions of sportsmanship, self-esteem, competitiveness and the wussification of America.
But the one thing no one is talking about is which is the worst part, allowing 108 points in a 24 minute (I think) game, or scoring only 3.
I think the answer has to be scoring only 3. I'm sure there was a great physical difference between the two teams, which made it impossible to stop them on defense. But unless the ball got stolen everytime and every shot was blocked, they should have been able to make at least two baskets. Let's say they only get 10 shots off the entire game. They only needed to make 2 of them to get 4 points. Scoring only 3 points, blame yourself.
This called up the usual questions of sportsmanship, self-esteem, competitiveness and the wussification of America.
But the one thing no one is talking about is which is the worst part, allowing 108 points in a 24 minute (I think) game, or scoring only 3.
I think the answer has to be scoring only 3. I'm sure there was a great physical difference between the two teams, which made it impossible to stop them on defense. But unless the ball got stolen everytime and every shot was blocked, they should have been able to make at least two baskets. Let's say they only get 10 shots off the entire game. They only needed to make 2 of them to get 4 points. Scoring only 3 points, blame yourself.
Wednesday, February 02, 2011
Song of the Week
"Walk Like an Egyptian" - The Bangles
Tell me you haven't been singing this song to yourself this week.
Tell me you haven't been singing this song to yourself this week.
50 Years on TV and No One Knows Who He Is
Three idiots on Wheel of Fortune
Regis Philbrin and Kelly Ripa
Regis Philbin and Kelly Reepa
Regis Philmin and Kelly Ripa
Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripe-a
That was ridiculous. But I think what happened was it wasn't quite clear what the previous mistakes were so they kept trying to change their answers.
Regis Philbrin and Kelly Ripa
Regis Philbin and Kelly Reepa
Regis Philmin and Kelly Ripa
Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripe-a
That was ridiculous. But I think what happened was it wasn't quite clear what the previous mistakes were so they kept trying to change their answers.
Monday, January 31, 2011
You May Be Surprised at My Answer
Ohio Congressman and former Presidential Candidate Dennis Kucinich is suing a Congressional cafeteria for $150,000. Three years ago Kucinich ate a sandwich and bit down on an olive which still contained a pit. Kucinich says he suffered serious dental problems as a result, and according to his lawsuit "a loss of enjoyment."
Throw out the amount he's seeking, because you always ask for way more than reasonably should be awarded, fully expecting the judgment to be reduced. Consider only the merits of his claim. And forget the loss of enjoyment too, though I guess it makes sense, you would enjoy food and life a lot less if you had a broken tooth requiring serious oral surgery to repair.
Focus only on his claim: he expected everything in his sandwich to be easily edible. I agree with him. No one should put a olive with a pit in a sandwich, that's negligence on the part of the cafeteria's food preparers. And he suffered actual damages as a result of that improperly prepared sandwich. I say this is a legitimate lawsuit.
Throw out the amount he's seeking, because you always ask for way more than reasonably should be awarded, fully expecting the judgment to be reduced. Consider only the merits of his claim. And forget the loss of enjoyment too, though I guess it makes sense, you would enjoy food and life a lot less if you had a broken tooth requiring serious oral surgery to repair.
Focus only on his claim: he expected everything in his sandwich to be easily edible. I agree with him. No one should put a olive with a pit in a sandwich, that's negligence on the part of the cafeteria's food preparers. And he suffered actual damages as a result of that improperly prepared sandwich. I say this is a legitimate lawsuit.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Saying Good-Bye to An Old Friend
Today I said good-bye to an old friend. A friend I have spent lots of time with.
A friend who was with me when I got in a bad accident on Christmas Day. A friend who drove me and my new bride home from our wedding. A friend who was with me when I drove around the block trying to get Chase to stop crying. A friend who has seen both my kids and my dog when they were tiny little babies. A friend who has been with me for nearly 10 years and more than 70,000 miles.
Today we traded in Mello Yello.
A friend who was with me when I got in a bad accident on Christmas Day. A friend who drove me and my new bride home from our wedding. A friend who was with me when I drove around the block trying to get Chase to stop crying. A friend who has seen both my kids and my dog when they were tiny little babies. A friend who has been with me for nearly 10 years and more than 70,000 miles.
Today we traded in Mello Yello.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Tracy Morgan Votes Yes
A long time ago we asked Would You Bang Sarah Palin?, last night Tracy Morgan answered. Walking by the set of the TNT pregame show before the Knicks-Heat game, Kenny and Charles stopped him to ask him an important question.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
We've All Had These Moments, Not on TV Though
We've all had moments of uncontrollable laughter, where you just can't stop laughing no matter what. Most of us aren't on TV when it happens to us though. A recent incident at work (which I can't post video of due to google alerts) reminded me of the king of the on-air meltdown, Charley Steiner.
Notice how he touched his right ear every time? What was he doing? Signaling to his wife and kids? Telling the director to go to break?
Btw, I'm pretty sure the reason he was laughing at Mitch Green is because they played the soundbite of him saying of Mike Tyson "like a sissy, a homo, he ran."
Notice how he touched his right ear every time? What was he doing? Signaling to his wife and kids? Telling the director to go to break?
Btw, I'm pretty sure the reason he was laughing at Mitch Green is because they played the soundbite of him saying of Mike Tyson "like a sissy, a homo, he ran."
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Song of the Week
"Me and Mrs. Jones" - Billy Paul
One of the most soulful songs of all time. You can really feel his pain. And you can't go wrong with the combination of Billy and Paul.
One of the most soulful songs of all time. You can really feel his pain. And you can't go wrong with the combination of Billy and Paul.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
The NFL is Poop - Conference Championships
Tradition!
The NFL couldn’t have planned a better matchup of two storied franchises to play in the Super Bowl. Both the Packers and Steelers have rich traditions, loyal fan bases and small markets. And their combined 9 Super Bowl titles is the most of any two teams to ever meet in a Super Bowl. None of that will matter once the game starts, but the similarities will continue. Both teams have good quarterbacks, fast wide receivers and aggressive defenses led by long-haired maniacs. The early spread of Packers by 2 ½ indicates oddsmakers think as I do. This is going to be a close, exciting game along the lines of some great Super Bowls we’ve seen in the past 10 years.
Where Did the Jets Go Wrong?
A lot of hand-wringing this week about strategic calls by Rex Ryan and Brian Schottenheimer on the 4th quarter drive which led to a goal line stop. Without the benefit of hindsight I said the Jets should have kicked the field goal instead of going for it on 4th and 1 from the 20. But once they got to the 1, they needed to keep going even on 4th down, but I too disagree with the play calling. But one of the benefits of going for it so close to the goal line is, even if you miss, you put the other team in a very disadvantageous position. And that’s exactly what happened. Sure, they missed, but they forced a safety and after the free kick drove for a touchdown. So I don’t think the mistakes on that previous drive really cost them. They lost the game in the first half. And it had slammed shut on them when the Steelers were aggressive late in the game and completed two big passes when many teams would have just run into the line.
Jim Nantz is Gay…and Wrong
Jim Nantz gently suggested the Jets should have gone for 2 on their final touchdown, to make the game 24-20 instead of 24-19. He is blatantly wrong. First of all there was very little time left so his scenario of Jets stopping the Steelers, scoring a touchdown and then giving up a field goal seems unlikely. More plausible, Jets miss the 2, trail 24-18, give up a field goal and have no chance. Extend the game, don’t chase points, and use it only as a last resort. Those are the rules of 2-point conversions.
Caleb Who?
A valiant effort by the Chicago Bears behind 3rd string quarterback Caleb Haine to score 2 touchdowns (with a little help from passive Packers defense) and be in position to tie the game late. The big story in this game of course was Jay Cutler not playing in the second half. No one really knows how injured he was. If he thought he was too injured and someone else could do a better job, then maybe he made the right decision to give way to Haine. But because it’s only a ligament sprain, because things weren’t going his way and because he has a reputation for being a petulant prima donna, no one is giving him the benefit of the doubt.
Now the Whole Franchise is in Disarray
The Bears should be celebrating a season in which they won their division and hosted the NFC Championship game. They made major strides on offense late in the season, to go with an already strong defense. And had they lost this game under normal circumstances, hopes could be high for next season. Instead, Bears fans, coaches and players may never be able to trust their quarterback again. I think the Bears are going to trade Cutler in the offseason. To the Redskins for the 10th pick in the draft, which could very well be Cam Newton.
The NFL couldn’t have planned a better matchup of two storied franchises to play in the Super Bowl. Both the Packers and Steelers have rich traditions, loyal fan bases and small markets. And their combined 9 Super Bowl titles is the most of any two teams to ever meet in a Super Bowl. None of that will matter once the game starts, but the similarities will continue. Both teams have good quarterbacks, fast wide receivers and aggressive defenses led by long-haired maniacs. The early spread of Packers by 2 ½ indicates oddsmakers think as I do. This is going to be a close, exciting game along the lines of some great Super Bowls we’ve seen in the past 10 years.
Where Did the Jets Go Wrong?
A lot of hand-wringing this week about strategic calls by Rex Ryan and Brian Schottenheimer on the 4th quarter drive which led to a goal line stop. Without the benefit of hindsight I said the Jets should have kicked the field goal instead of going for it on 4th and 1 from the 20. But once they got to the 1, they needed to keep going even on 4th down, but I too disagree with the play calling. But one of the benefits of going for it so close to the goal line is, even if you miss, you put the other team in a very disadvantageous position. And that’s exactly what happened. Sure, they missed, but they forced a safety and after the free kick drove for a touchdown. So I don’t think the mistakes on that previous drive really cost them. They lost the game in the first half. And it had slammed shut on them when the Steelers were aggressive late in the game and completed two big passes when many teams would have just run into the line.
Jim Nantz is Gay…and Wrong
Jim Nantz gently suggested the Jets should have gone for 2 on their final touchdown, to make the game 24-20 instead of 24-19. He is blatantly wrong. First of all there was very little time left so his scenario of Jets stopping the Steelers, scoring a touchdown and then giving up a field goal seems unlikely. More plausible, Jets miss the 2, trail 24-18, give up a field goal and have no chance. Extend the game, don’t chase points, and use it only as a last resort. Those are the rules of 2-point conversions.
Caleb Who?
A valiant effort by the Chicago Bears behind 3rd string quarterback Caleb Haine to score 2 touchdowns (with a little help from passive Packers defense) and be in position to tie the game late. The big story in this game of course was Jay Cutler not playing in the second half. No one really knows how injured he was. If he thought he was too injured and someone else could do a better job, then maybe he made the right decision to give way to Haine. But because it’s only a ligament sprain, because things weren’t going his way and because he has a reputation for being a petulant prima donna, no one is giving him the benefit of the doubt.
Now the Whole Franchise is in Disarray
The Bears should be celebrating a season in which they won their division and hosted the NFC Championship game. They made major strides on offense late in the season, to go with an already strong defense. And had they lost this game under normal circumstances, hopes could be high for next season. Instead, Bears fans, coaches and players may never be able to trust their quarterback again. I think the Bears are going to trade Cutler in the offseason. To the Redskins for the 10th pick in the draft, which could very well be Cam Newton.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Weekly Picks
Well I am limping to the finish, three straight missed best bets and the games are even harder this week.
PITTSBURGH -3 1/2 new york jets
I flip-flopped on this game during the middle of the week for a few reasons. First of all, too many people are loving the Jets. Second, it seems the Jets made last week's game against the Patriots their Super Bowl. They will need the emotion Bart Scott had in the postgame interview, for 60 minutes against the Steelers. But the biggest reason I changed my mind is because I don't trust Mark Sanchez against a defense as strong and aggressive as the Steelers. But if the Jets win it'll be because of injuries on the Steelers offensive line.
BEST BET
CHICAGO +3 1/2 green bay
This is once again a pick against common convention. I can't see why everyone is picking the Packers in this one. Yes, Aaron Rodgers is playing great right now, but I think Jay Cutler is doing pretty well. The Bears will have to protect him though, and they will need to establish some kind of running game. But I really love the 3 and a half points here and I haven't lost with a home underdog all season. Btw, the Redskins beat both of these teams in the regular season.
Last week: 2-2 (1 point)
Season: 49-44 (50 points)
Best Bets: 0-1 (10-9)
Home Favorites: 2-2 (19-17)
Home Underdogs: 0-0 (2-0)
Road Favorites: 0-0 (17-18)
Road Underdogs: 0-0 (11-9)
PITTSBURGH -3 1/2 new york jets
I flip-flopped on this game during the middle of the week for a few reasons. First of all, too many people are loving the Jets. Second, it seems the Jets made last week's game against the Patriots their Super Bowl. They will need the emotion Bart Scott had in the postgame interview, for 60 minutes against the Steelers. But the biggest reason I changed my mind is because I don't trust Mark Sanchez against a defense as strong and aggressive as the Steelers. But if the Jets win it'll be because of injuries on the Steelers offensive line.
BEST BET
CHICAGO +3 1/2 green bay
This is once again a pick against common convention. I can't see why everyone is picking the Packers in this one. Yes, Aaron Rodgers is playing great right now, but I think Jay Cutler is doing pretty well. The Bears will have to protect him though, and they will need to establish some kind of running game. But I really love the 3 and a half points here and I haven't lost with a home underdog all season. Btw, the Redskins beat both of these teams in the regular season.
Last week: 2-2 (1 point)
Season: 49-44 (50 points)
Best Bets: 0-1 (10-9)
Home Favorites: 2-2 (19-17)
Home Underdogs: 0-0 (2-0)
Road Favorites: 0-0 (17-18)
Road Underdogs: 0-0 (11-9)
Laughing At Other People's Misfortune
If I lived on this street in Pittsburgh I would park my car in the driveway, make some hot cocoa and sit on the porch watching the action.
If you liked that, check out this one, from Portland, Oregon in 2007. The first accident is unbelievable.
If you liked that, check out this one, from Portland, Oregon in 2007. The first accident is unbelievable.
Friday, January 21, 2011
And You Thought Texting While Driving Was Bad
This woman actually gives me a good idea. I am going to pretend to be texting while walking through the mall, and fall in the fountain. Except when I do it, I'm going to grab a handful of change.
The woman is angry at mall security for posting the video online. Understandable.
She is also angry they laughed at her instead of helping her. Understandable, on the part of mall security.
And now she is considering a lawsuit because she became an international laughing stock as a result of the video being leaked. That is going too far. And it earns Cathy Cruz Marrero the oversensitive babies and frivolous lawsuit tags.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Song of the Week
"I Don't Want to Go" - Freddie Jackson
So nice to see this guy back. It's been 20 years since he rocked it with hits like "Rock Me Tonight" and "You Are my Lady." He looks a lot different (skinnier) and sounds different (like Ronald Isley or something) but he's still awesome.
So nice to see this guy back. It's been 20 years since he rocked it with hits like "Rock Me Tonight" and "You Are my Lady." He looks a lot different (skinnier) and sounds different (like Ronald Isley or something) but he's still awesome.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
And This Year's Golden Globes Joke Award Winner Is...
January Jones from "Mad Men" shows off her Golden Globes.
Runner-up was Sofia Vergara from "Modern Family" but she seems a little too obvious.
And she didn't need me, she made the joke herself
Runner-up was Sofia Vergara from "Modern Family" but she seems a little too obvious.
And she didn't need me, she made the joke herself
Monday, January 17, 2011
The NFL is Poop - Divisional Playoffs
Look Who’s Talking Now
The Jets backed up all their trash talk by beating New England 28-21 in New England. The key was the pressure the Jets were able to get on Tom Brady. It wasn’t only the 5 sacks, it just seemed like they really rattled him. Even in situations where the Jets didn’t get pressure on him, he still wasn’t able to hit the big play. Revis of course was Revis, but Cromartie didn’t get burned as they thought he would. The Jets meanwhile were able to ride a very balanced offense to the victory. While Mark Sanchez will get (and deserve) a lot of credit he owes his receivers a debt of gratitude. Great plays from Santonio Holmes (sick catch in the corner) and Jerricho Cotchery (hurdle along the sidelines) helped Sanchez look a lot better.
This Isn't Nazi Germany
Bill Belichick is a hardass. He has his way, and he rigorously sticks to it. And of course he thinks his way is best. And he was willing to hurt his team in a playoff game to prove his tight-lipped policy is superior to Rex Ryan’s open mouth. He benched Wes Welker for the start of the game because of his pre-game press conference.
I thought that was quite funny, “foot soldiers,” “quick feet,” and “toe in the water.” Cheesy puns but under the circumstances quite funny.
My Favorite Moment of the Weekend
Bears cornerback Charles "Peanut" Tillman's self-inflicted punishment after dropping a sure interception. Tillman gets down and gives me 20 push-ups, like Willie Mays Hayes.
The Bears Don't Suck
All season long I have derided the Bears as being a bad team that got lucky. This assumption was based on the controversial win over the Lions in Week 1, another win over the Cowboys in week 2 in which the offensive line got destroyed, the offfensive line getting historically demolished against the Giants, and a turnover laden mess against the Redskins. Somehow, some way the offensive line improved, Jay Cutler stopped taking bad chances and the defense reasserted itself as a championship caliber unit. Now the Bears are hosting the NFC championship game.
I Don't Believe in Momentum, But...
The interception return for a touchdown by Tramon Williams at the end of the first half was the closest thing I've seen to a game-changing play. The Falcons seemed likely to cut the Packers lead to 21-17 at the half, trailing, but definitely still in the game. That play made the lead 14, silenced the crowd and turned the Falcons desparate. 48-21 seems like a game the Falcons had no chance to win, but they did, until that interception.
Play to Win the Game
We saw a few plays this weekend (the above pass by Matt Ryan, the fake punt by the Patriots) that showed teams thought taking big chances was necessary to win these games. While some of them didn't work out, either for imprudent decision-making or poor execution, the Pittsburgh Steelers put their victory away with a huge gamble. About two minutes left, 3rd and 19 on their own 38. Instead of trying to kill time and punt the Steelers went for the jugular with Ben Roethlisberger nailing a 58-yard pass to Antonio Brown setting up the game winning touchdown.
Play to the Whistle
One of the most bizarre plays I've ever seen occurred when Terrell Suggs knocked the ball out of Ben Roethlisberger's hand from behind, sending the ball flying forward, and appearing to anyone who didn't see where it came from, to have been a forward pass. That's why a couple players on each team looked down at the ball and didn't fall on it. Cory Redding was aware and scored a touchdown that did turn the game -- for a while -- until the Ravens own turnovers turned the game back.
Play The Game the Right Way
The Ravens-Steelers game was marred by two things, turnovers and penalties. Nearly every play of the game was followed by pushing and shoving by the two teams. No one was more guilty of chippiness than Hines Ward. He is a dirty player and is always involved in something.
The Jets backed up all their trash talk by beating New England 28-21 in New England. The key was the pressure the Jets were able to get on Tom Brady. It wasn’t only the 5 sacks, it just seemed like they really rattled him. Even in situations where the Jets didn’t get pressure on him, he still wasn’t able to hit the big play. Revis of course was Revis, but Cromartie didn’t get burned as they thought he would. The Jets meanwhile were able to ride a very balanced offense to the victory. While Mark Sanchez will get (and deserve) a lot of credit he owes his receivers a debt of gratitude. Great plays from Santonio Holmes (sick catch in the corner) and Jerricho Cotchery (hurdle along the sidelines) helped Sanchez look a lot better.
This Isn't Nazi Germany
Bill Belichick is a hardass. He has his way, and he rigorously sticks to it. And of course he thinks his way is best. And he was willing to hurt his team in a playoff game to prove his tight-lipped policy is superior to Rex Ryan’s open mouth. He benched Wes Welker for the start of the game because of his pre-game press conference.
I thought that was quite funny, “foot soldiers,” “quick feet,” and “toe in the water.” Cheesy puns but under the circumstances quite funny.
My Favorite Moment of the Weekend
Bears cornerback Charles "Peanut" Tillman's self-inflicted punishment after dropping a sure interception. Tillman gets down and gives me 20 push-ups, like Willie Mays Hayes.
The Bears Don't Suck
All season long I have derided the Bears as being a bad team that got lucky. This assumption was based on the controversial win over the Lions in Week 1, another win over the Cowboys in week 2 in which the offensive line got destroyed, the offfensive line getting historically demolished against the Giants, and a turnover laden mess against the Redskins. Somehow, some way the offensive line improved, Jay Cutler stopped taking bad chances and the defense reasserted itself as a championship caliber unit. Now the Bears are hosting the NFC championship game.
I Don't Believe in Momentum, But...
The interception return for a touchdown by Tramon Williams at the end of the first half was the closest thing I've seen to a game-changing play. The Falcons seemed likely to cut the Packers lead to 21-17 at the half, trailing, but definitely still in the game. That play made the lead 14, silenced the crowd and turned the Falcons desparate. 48-21 seems like a game the Falcons had no chance to win, but they did, until that interception.
Play to Win the Game
We saw a few plays this weekend (the above pass by Matt Ryan, the fake punt by the Patriots) that showed teams thought taking big chances was necessary to win these games. While some of them didn't work out, either for imprudent decision-making or poor execution, the Pittsburgh Steelers put their victory away with a huge gamble. About two minutes left, 3rd and 19 on their own 38. Instead of trying to kill time and punt the Steelers went for the jugular with Ben Roethlisberger nailing a 58-yard pass to Antonio Brown setting up the game winning touchdown.
Play to the Whistle
One of the most bizarre plays I've ever seen occurred when Terrell Suggs knocked the ball out of Ben Roethlisberger's hand from behind, sending the ball flying forward, and appearing to anyone who didn't see where it came from, to have been a forward pass. That's why a couple players on each team looked down at the ball and didn't fall on it. Cory Redding was aware and scored a touchdown that did turn the game -- for a while -- until the Ravens own turnovers turned the game back.
Play The Game the Right Way
The Ravens-Steelers game was marred by two things, turnovers and penalties. Nearly every play of the game was followed by pushing and shoving by the two teams. No one was more guilty of chippiness than Hines Ward. He is a dirty player and is always involved in something.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Weekly Picks
I'm choosing the wrong time to start missing best bets. We saw 3 favorites and 3 road teams win last week. This week we see all 4 favorites hold serve.
ATLANTA -1 1/2 green bay
Basically a pick'em game and since the Falcons are home and they have a win over the Packers already I'm going to expect them to ride a conservative offense to another close victory.
PITTSBURGH -3 1/2 baltimore
Complete toss-up. I really like the Ravens but something about the Steelers says they aren't going to lose this one. I could see it being a field goal game but I'm going with the Steelers because of the perceived strength of their home field advantage.
CHICAGO -10 seattle
Too much attention on Seattle this week. One game cannot erase a whole season of mediocrity -- or worse. Their offense played well last week but the Bears defense is a whole level about New Orleans. I also think Cutler will play a good game because he won't fall behind and have to take a lot of chances.
BEST BET
NEW ENGLAND -8 1/2 new york jets
The trash talking has nothing to do with it. The Patriots are just a better team. I think they will be able to stop the run and Brady will pick on Cromartie and the Patriots will get another big victory.
Last week: 2-2 (1 point)
Season: 47-42 (49 points)
Best Bets: 0-1 (10-8)
Home Favorites: 0-1 (17-15)
Home Underdogs: 0-0 (2-0)
Road Favorites: 1-1 (17-18)
Road Underdogs: 1-0 (11-9)
ATLANTA -1 1/2 green bay
Basically a pick'em game and since the Falcons are home and they have a win over the Packers already I'm going to expect them to ride a conservative offense to another close victory.
PITTSBURGH -3 1/2 baltimore
Complete toss-up. I really like the Ravens but something about the Steelers says they aren't going to lose this one. I could see it being a field goal game but I'm going with the Steelers because of the perceived strength of their home field advantage.
CHICAGO -10 seattle
Too much attention on Seattle this week. One game cannot erase a whole season of mediocrity -- or worse. Their offense played well last week but the Bears defense is a whole level about New Orleans. I also think Cutler will play a good game because he won't fall behind and have to take a lot of chances.
BEST BET
NEW ENGLAND -8 1/2 new york jets
The trash talking has nothing to do with it. The Patriots are just a better team. I think they will be able to stop the run and Brady will pick on Cromartie and the Patriots will get another big victory.
Last week: 2-2 (1 point)
Season: 47-42 (49 points)
Best Bets: 0-1 (10-8)
Home Favorites: 0-1 (17-15)
Home Underdogs: 0-0 (2-0)
Road Favorites: 1-1 (17-18)
Road Underdogs: 1-0 (11-9)
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Does Anyone Remember Mr. Bailey's First Name?
Throughout my education I was convinced I was smarter than most of my teachers, few of whom cared about their jobs, they were just in it for the pension.
Obviously many people including my parents disagreed (hard to fathom a 9-year old being smarter than Mrs. Manifold, but I was) with one notable exception. By far the dumbest teacher to ever disgrace the profession was our 7th grade math teacher Mr. Bailey.
There is a website that allows you to look up salaries and pensions of New York City and State public employees.
Master Bates and I have been feverishly looking up old teachers and other personnel ($57k per year for David Dinkins? really?) but the one person I couldn't find (maybe that's good because I would be outraged that even a dime of taxpayer money is going to that asshole, is Mr. Bailey, because I don't remember his first name. I tried George but that didn't work, even though it sounded right. I guess the reason it sounded right is because of James Stewart's character in "It's a Wonderful Life."
So I still don't know how much the city is paying that incompetent hack for his years of service playing hardball.
Obviously many people including my parents disagreed (hard to fathom a 9-year old being smarter than Mrs. Manifold, but I was) with one notable exception. By far the dumbest teacher to ever disgrace the profession was our 7th grade math teacher Mr. Bailey.
There is a website that allows you to look up salaries and pensions of New York City and State public employees.
Master Bates and I have been feverishly looking up old teachers and other personnel ($57k per year for David Dinkins? really?) but the one person I couldn't find (maybe that's good because I would be outraged that even a dime of taxpayer money is going to that asshole, is Mr. Bailey, because I don't remember his first name. I tried George but that didn't work, even though it sounded right. I guess the reason it sounded right is because of James Stewart's character in "It's a Wonderful Life."
So I still don't know how much the city is paying that incompetent hack for his years of service playing hardball.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Is Julian a Poor Bastard?
I sent this picture of Julian in his Redskins outfit to Master Bates and he wrote back "Poor bastard, a lifetime of suffering."
Song of the Week
"King of Anything" - Sara Bareilles
This sounds like a happy, cheerful song but I hear some anguish in it. Behind this pop hit is a guy wishing he never dumped Sara Bareilles. These complaints seem too specific to not have been personal experiences.
This sounds like a happy, cheerful song but I hear some anguish in it. Behind this pop hit is a guy wishing he never dumped Sara Bareilles. These complaints seem too specific to not have been personal experiences.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
This is What Happens When the Knicks are Good
The Knicks are finally good which drew a particularly star-studded crowd to the Staples Center for their annual visit.
Of course Spike Lee was there.
And Jack Nicholson. You can see Clyde's jacket in the background.
And Jack is sitting next to Adam Sandler.
Lindsay Lohan was the star of the show. Seated next to a presumably gay jewelry designer.
The really smokin hot Ciara
Denzel Washington tries to get some.
Which one is Will.I.am's date, the older Asian lady or the fat guy.
Dr. Dre can't believe Will.I.am has better seats.
Khloe Kardashian roots on her husband
Matthew Morrison from Glee enjoys his 15 minutes because next year when he calls for tickets they're going to say "I'm sorry, who are you?"
Is George Lopez even considered a celebrity anymore?
Oof! Didn't Michelle Trachtenberg used to be hot, or at least cute?
Get a rebound, pleeeeeeeeese
Of course Spike Lee was there.
And Jack Nicholson. You can see Clyde's jacket in the background.
And Jack is sitting next to Adam Sandler.
Lindsay Lohan was the star of the show. Seated next to a presumably gay jewelry designer.
The really smokin hot Ciara
Denzel Washington tries to get some.
Which one is Will.I.am's date, the older Asian lady or the fat guy.
Dr. Dre can't believe Will.I.am has better seats.
Khloe Kardashian roots on her husband
Matthew Morrison from Glee enjoys his 15 minutes because next year when he calls for tickets they're going to say "I'm sorry, who are you?"
Is George Lopez even considered a celebrity anymore?
Oof! Didn't Michelle Trachtenberg used to be hot, or at least cute?
Get a rebound, pleeeeeeeeese
Monday, January 10, 2011
Why?
9-year-old Christina Taylor Green was among the 6 people killed in Tucson, Arizona over the weekend. Several others were injured including Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who was the target of the attack.
Christina was attending the event with her neighbor. Christina wanted to meet a Congresswoman because she had just been elected to the student council at her school.
Christina was a second baseman on her Little League team, the only girl on her squad. She loved baseball, like her grandfather, former Mets manager Dallas Green.
Green said "I can't believe my princess is gone."
Christina was born on September 11th, 2001. She used to think her date of birth was a "holiday" until her parents corrected her. But she was a ray of hope emerging from the worst manmade disaster in U.S. history. Sadly, her death marks another one.
Christina was attending the event with her neighbor. Christina wanted to meet a Congresswoman because she had just been elected to the student council at her school.
Christina was a second baseman on her Little League team, the only girl on her squad. She loved baseball, like her grandfather, former Mets manager Dallas Green.
Green said "I can't believe my princess is gone."
Christina was born on September 11th, 2001. She used to think her date of birth was a "holiday" until her parents corrected her. But she was a ray of hope emerging from the worst manmade disaster in U.S. history. Sadly, her death marks another one.
Saturday, January 08, 2011
Weekly Picks
What an idiot I am for picking the Jaguars as my best bet. That might have ruined my season. If I had just picked New England instead I'd have 50 which is 1 point off the desired 3-per-week pace. But now the playoffs are here and there is plenty of time to make up for it.
new orleans -10 SEATTLE
I wanted to make this one my best bet but it seems a little too obvious, and fraught with risks. The Seahawks have lost 9 times this season, all by margins greater than 10. In fact the closest they were in defeat all season was losing to New Orleans 34-19. But here's my fear. The Saints are up 27-10 late. They have the ball and can't run it for a first down because all they have is Reggie Bush and Julius Jones. Seattle gets it back and scores a garbage touchdown to break the spread. I normally don't worry about things like that, but it seems too plausible in this situation.
new york jets +3 INDIANAPOLIS
I think with all the injuries for the Colts this matchup actually plays into the Jets hands. If Revis and Cromartie can cover the outside receivers Manning is going to have to rely on Jacob Tamme. The key will be Mark Sanchez but this doesn't seem like a defense that will really give him major problems.
baltimore -3 KANSAS CITY
I actually think Kansas City has been very underrated all season, not just in terms of their record, but in terms of their talent. They are not a group of overachieving underdogs. They have a lot of good players on both sides of the ball. But I like the Ray-vens Rays (Rice and Lewis) to take control of this game and eke out a victory.
BEST BET
PHILADELPHIA -2 1/2 green bay
The only game this weekend that can't end in a push. That scares me, honestly. I also like that a lot of people are taking Green Bay. They think that Green Bay's pressure will get to Vick but yes, Vick will take sacks but when he is pressured he runs, and when he runs he is most effective. He is not a pocket passer, even though he can throw that deep ball, the Eagles offense is better when he is out of the pocket running.
Last week: 3-2 (2 points)
Season: 45-40 (48 points)
Best Bets: 0-1 (10-7)
Home Favorites: 2-0 (17-14)
Home Underdogs: 1-0 (2-0)
Road Favorites: 0-2 (16-17)
Road Underdogs: 0-0 (10-9)
new orleans -10 SEATTLE
I wanted to make this one my best bet but it seems a little too obvious, and fraught with risks. The Seahawks have lost 9 times this season, all by margins greater than 10. In fact the closest they were in defeat all season was losing to New Orleans 34-19. But here's my fear. The Saints are up 27-10 late. They have the ball and can't run it for a first down because all they have is Reggie Bush and Julius Jones. Seattle gets it back and scores a garbage touchdown to break the spread. I normally don't worry about things like that, but it seems too plausible in this situation.
new york jets +3 INDIANAPOLIS
I think with all the injuries for the Colts this matchup actually plays into the Jets hands. If Revis and Cromartie can cover the outside receivers Manning is going to have to rely on Jacob Tamme. The key will be Mark Sanchez but this doesn't seem like a defense that will really give him major problems.
baltimore -3 KANSAS CITY
I actually think Kansas City has been very underrated all season, not just in terms of their record, but in terms of their talent. They are not a group of overachieving underdogs. They have a lot of good players on both sides of the ball. But I like the Ray-vens Rays (Rice and Lewis) to take control of this game and eke out a victory.
BEST BET
PHILADELPHIA -2 1/2 green bay
The only game this weekend that can't end in a push. That scares me, honestly. I also like that a lot of people are taking Green Bay. They think that Green Bay's pressure will get to Vick but yes, Vick will take sacks but when he is pressured he runs, and when he runs he is most effective. He is not a pocket passer, even though he can throw that deep ball, the Eagles offense is better when he is out of the pocket running.
Last week: 3-2 (2 points)
Season: 45-40 (48 points)
Best Bets: 0-1 (10-7)
Home Favorites: 2-0 (17-14)
Home Underdogs: 1-0 (2-0)
Road Favorites: 0-2 (16-17)
Road Underdogs: 0-0 (10-9)
Thursday, January 06, 2011
NFL Playoff Predictions
Wild Card Round
New Orleans over Seattle
New York over Indianapolis
Baltimore over Kansas City
Philadelphia over Green Bay
Divisional Round
New England over New York
Pittsburgh over Baltimore
Philadelphia over Chicago
Atlanta over New Orleans
Conference Championships
New England over Pittsburgh
Philadelphia over Atlanta
Super Bowl
New England 35 Philadelphia 24
Please place your picks in the comments section
New Orleans over Seattle
New York over Indianapolis
Baltimore over Kansas City
Philadelphia over Green Bay
Divisional Round
New England over New York
Pittsburgh over Baltimore
Philadelphia over Chicago
Atlanta over New Orleans
Conference Championships
New England over Pittsburgh
Philadelphia over Atlanta
Super Bowl
New England 35 Philadelphia 24
Please place your picks in the comments section
Wednesday, January 05, 2011
I Would Give Him a Dollar to Record My Outgoing Voicemail Message
I often talk about something (though surprisingly I have never written about it here) called the Life Points Theory or PALPT. Basically it postulates that we are all of equal talents and blessings. Those among us who have one amazing gift are often robbed of abilities in other areas (really good looking dumb people, socially awkward geniuses, in the rare case, Stephen Hawking). That brings us to the story of Ted Williams, a homeless man in Columbus, Ohio who gained reknown among locals for his amazing voice.
Watch what happens when a crew from the Columbus Dispatch rolls up on Williams:
That clip has gone viral and the offers are pouring in for Williams. He's reportedly got offers from the Cleveland Cavaliers to do in-arena announcing. Even NFL Films might be interested. Imagine how many bbms Juice and I would exchange about an episode narrated by that guy.
Seems like Mr. Williams is simply a man who fell on hard times, some of it self-inflicted, and is now willing to admit his mistakes, accept responsibility and move on with his great gifts. I wish him the best and hope to hear him voicing over NFL highlights in the near future.
Watch what happens when a crew from the Columbus Dispatch rolls up on Williams:
That clip has gone viral and the offers are pouring in for Williams. He's reportedly got offers from the Cleveland Cavaliers to do in-arena announcing. Even NFL Films might be interested. Imagine how many bbms Juice and I would exchange about an episode narrated by that guy.
Seems like Mr. Williams is simply a man who fell on hard times, some of it self-inflicted, and is now willing to admit his mistakes, accept responsibility and move on with his great gifts. I wish him the best and hope to hear him voicing over NFL highlights in the near future.
The NFL is Poop - Week 17
Life is Not Fair
There are lot of people complaining that the Seattle Seahawks don't belong in the playoffs at 7-9, especially not when the 10-6 Giants and ExpensiveCornPrices are sitting home. Those two teams both beat the Seahawks during the season, 41-7 and 38-15 respectively. I totally understand the fairness issue but I warn about making sweeping rule changes to fix a problem that comes along very seldom.
Let's look at what's wrong with the possible solutions:
1) Never allow a losing team into the playoffs. This one makes the most sense from the surface but I don't like something with this much inconsistency. Wouldn't it have been weird if last night's game could have put the Rams in if they won, but if the Seahawks won, the Giants would have gotten in? Makes no sense.
2) Throw out divisions, the 6 best records get in. I don't like this because you want to keep as many teams in contention for as long as possible and you want to keep division rivalries. It would be very unbalanced scheduling if you kept the division alignments but didn't reward division winners.
3) Award home-field playoff games to the team with the better record. This I could get behind. I see no reason why division winners need to be rewarded with a home playoff game.
Rex Grossman: Quarterback of the Future
Only a few months ago Donovan McNabb was coming to the Redskins with something to prove and Michael Vick was mired on the bench behind Kevin Kolb. Now Michael Vick is runner-up for MVP and Donovan McNabb has an uncertain future. There is no way in the world McNabb comes back to the Redskins next season, whenever that is. I think the Vikings are a good landing place for him. I think the Redskins will draft a quarterback but since it won't be Andrew Luck, it will be someone else who needs time to develop (Jake Locker?) I think they need to give Grossman the time to prove he's learned and grown through his NFL career.
The Giants Have No One to Blame But Themselves
A lot of Giants fans are crying right now (because Giants fans are big babies) about finishing 10-6 and missing out on the playoffs to a team with a worse record by 3 games, that they beat by 34 earlier this season. But after two straight debacles against the Eagles and Packers the Giants have to look no further than the man in the mirror. Eli Manning through [oops] 25 INTs, and the Giants lost 17 fumbles, you just can't make up for that even when you lead the league in takeaways. But there is good news for Giants fans. They have great young players at many offensive positions, they are great up front on defense, and by erasing a few mistakes they could easily have been 12-4 or 13-3.
If the Super Bowl Were Played Today
New England 31 Atlanta 14
I will go into breaking down this week's matchups and the entire postseason in separate posts this week but right now the Pats are playing above the rim. Some team would have to come out like a house of fire, injure Tom Brady, take the ball away 5 times to beat the Patriots in New England in the AFC playoffs. I could see the Falcons, Eagles and maybe Packers giving them a hard time in the Super Bowl, but I doubt it.
There are lot of people complaining that the Seattle Seahawks don't belong in the playoffs at 7-9, especially not when the 10-6 Giants and ExpensiveCornPrices are sitting home. Those two teams both beat the Seahawks during the season, 41-7 and 38-15 respectively. I totally understand the fairness issue but I warn about making sweeping rule changes to fix a problem that comes along very seldom.
Let's look at what's wrong with the possible solutions:
1) Never allow a losing team into the playoffs. This one makes the most sense from the surface but I don't like something with this much inconsistency. Wouldn't it have been weird if last night's game could have put the Rams in if they won, but if the Seahawks won, the Giants would have gotten in? Makes no sense.
2) Throw out divisions, the 6 best records get in. I don't like this because you want to keep as many teams in contention for as long as possible and you want to keep division rivalries. It would be very unbalanced scheduling if you kept the division alignments but didn't reward division winners.
3) Award home-field playoff games to the team with the better record. This I could get behind. I see no reason why division winners need to be rewarded with a home playoff game.
Rex Grossman: Quarterback of the Future
Only a few months ago Donovan McNabb was coming to the Redskins with something to prove and Michael Vick was mired on the bench behind Kevin Kolb. Now Michael Vick is runner-up for MVP and Donovan McNabb has an uncertain future. There is no way in the world McNabb comes back to the Redskins next season, whenever that is. I think the Vikings are a good landing place for him. I think the Redskins will draft a quarterback but since it won't be Andrew Luck, it will be someone else who needs time to develop (Jake Locker?) I think they need to give Grossman the time to prove he's learned and grown through his NFL career.
The Giants Have No One to Blame But Themselves
A lot of Giants fans are crying right now (because Giants fans are big babies) about finishing 10-6 and missing out on the playoffs to a team with a worse record by 3 games, that they beat by 34 earlier this season. But after two straight debacles against the Eagles and Packers the Giants have to look no further than the man in the mirror. Eli Manning through [oops] 25 INTs, and the Giants lost 17 fumbles, you just can't make up for that even when you lead the league in takeaways. But there is good news for Giants fans. They have great young players at many offensive positions, they are great up front on defense, and by erasing a few mistakes they could easily have been 12-4 or 13-3.
If the Super Bowl Were Played Today
New England 31 Atlanta 14
I will go into breaking down this week's matchups and the entire postseason in separate posts this week but right now the Pats are playing above the rim. Some team would have to come out like a house of fire, injure Tom Brady, take the ball away 5 times to beat the Patriots in New England in the AFC playoffs. I could see the Falcons, Eagles and maybe Packers giving them a hard time in the Super Bowl, but I doubt it.
I Think His Nose is Broken
Watch the UFC long enough and you will see some pretty gruesome things. Usually it's just a lot of blood (like Diego Sanchez after a beating from BJ Penn). You even see cuts so bad they get their own nickname like Marvin Eastman's Goat's Vagina. Sometimes you see a guy get his eye punched swollen shut like Josh Koscheck after GSP got through with him. And there is the occassional broken bone, like the freak broken leg Corey Hill suffered when his kick was checked.
But Saturday night during UFC 125 Brandon Vera's broken nose was so bad it even disgusted Vera himself. He saw his hideous visage on the Jumbotron and shielded his eyes.
But Saturday night during UFC 125 Brandon Vera's broken nose was so bad it even disgusted Vera himself. He saw his hideous visage on the Jumbotron and shielded his eyes.
Tuesday, January 04, 2011
Whom Would You Vote For?
I always get worked up over Hall of Fame voting, especially baseball, even though I say I won't. This year there are a lot of interesting candidates. I don't want to analyze stats on them, just give a quick reaction to them:
Roberto Alomar - YES, best at his position during his era.
Jeff Bagwell - YES, phenenomenal offensive stats. His numbers hold up compared to players over other generations even when adjusted for era. I am pretty sure he was juiced but since his name has never even come up, even I find that hard to hold against him.
Bert Blyleven - NO, good pitcher for a long time, never great, too many negative stats.
Juan Gonzalez - NO, really good for too short a time, and an obvious steroid user.
Barry Larkin - YES, he wasn't quite Cal Ripken but he was second best shortstop during his playing career and that includes an MVP award -- rare for a shortstop.
Edgar Martinez - YES, his offensive stats are beyond compare. If you aren't going to allow designated hitters into the the Hall now matter how good they are, then you shouldn't have the designated hitter. Closers get in, and they only pitch one inning.
Mark McGwire - NO, a marginal Hall of Famer otherwise, but now that we know he cheated, I say no way
Rafael Palmeiro - NO, the only one of these guys actually caught by the testing. It would be impossible to keep someone with his numbers out of the Hall if not for the steroids.
Larry Walker - YES, but for purely selfish reasons
Here's the big problem with how I voted and the way many real Hall of Fame voters are voting: if you keep out known steroid users, what happens if someone you voted in, whom you had no prior reason to suspect of steroid use, later admits usage, do you revoke their induction?
Roberto Alomar - YES, best at his position during his era.
Jeff Bagwell - YES, phenenomenal offensive stats. His numbers hold up compared to players over other generations even when adjusted for era. I am pretty sure he was juiced but since his name has never even come up, even I find that hard to hold against him.
Bert Blyleven - NO, good pitcher for a long time, never great, too many negative stats.
Juan Gonzalez - NO, really good for too short a time, and an obvious steroid user.
Barry Larkin - YES, he wasn't quite Cal Ripken but he was second best shortstop during his playing career and that includes an MVP award -- rare for a shortstop.
Edgar Martinez - YES, his offensive stats are beyond compare. If you aren't going to allow designated hitters into the the Hall now matter how good they are, then you shouldn't have the designated hitter. Closers get in, and they only pitch one inning.
Mark McGwire - NO, a marginal Hall of Famer otherwise, but now that we know he cheated, I say no way
Rafael Palmeiro - NO, the only one of these guys actually caught by the testing. It would be impossible to keep someone with his numbers out of the Hall if not for the steroids.
Larry Walker - YES, but for purely selfish reasons
Here's the big problem with how I voted and the way many real Hall of Fame voters are voting: if you keep out known steroid users, what happens if someone you voted in, whom you had no prior reason to suspect of steroid use, later admits usage, do you revoke their induction?
Predictions for 2011
1. Mrs. Poop and I will not have a single fight all year. So far, so good
2. Julian will learn to walk and talk
3. His first word will be "Chase"
4. He'll probably say something like "Chay" but Mrs. Bates will tell us it still counts
5. This is the year Chase finally starts to take interest in the Mets
6. The Mets will trade Jose Reyes
7. The Patriots, Phillies and Heat will win the Super Bowl, World Series and NBA Finals
8. The Super Bowl will be the last NFL game played in 2011
9. Unemployment will fall to 8.4% in December
10. The Dow will hit 13,000
11. When Sirius-XM shares hit $2 I will e-mail TON "when your stock is up, your cock is up"
12. Razor will experience great personal growth when she ceases working from home and moves to a real office, surrounded by real people instead of cats
13. Razor will no longer have time to scour her computer to send me pictures of GauntSkott from back when he was FatScat and tipping the scales at nearly 3 bills
14. Nails will scream "DIE!" at the TV while watching a sporting event
15. The Concierge will reply to a bbm within two days of it being sent
16. Billie and Alison will have a very hard time deciding which of them their new baby resembles most
17. I'll blame Coach Boeheim for Syracuse's eventual loss in the NCAA Tournament
18. JLeary will remain my favorite Poophead as TON and Billie get too busy with parenthood to read this blog
19. Cain Velazquez will beat Junior Dos Santos but lose the UFC Heavyweight belt to Shane Carwin
20. Jonny Bones Jones will be UFC Light Heavyweight Champion
21. Reissberg will spill food on his shirt
22. Juice will propose but he won't get down on one knee because he can't stay still that long
2. Julian will learn to walk and talk
3. His first word will be "Chase"
4. He'll probably say something like "Chay" but Mrs. Bates will tell us it still counts
5. This is the year Chase finally starts to take interest in the Mets
6. The Mets will trade Jose Reyes
7. The Patriots, Phillies and Heat will win the Super Bowl, World Series and NBA Finals
8. The Super Bowl will be the last NFL game played in 2011
9. Unemployment will fall to 8.4% in December
10. The Dow will hit 13,000
11. When Sirius-XM shares hit $2 I will e-mail TON "when your stock is up, your cock is up"
12. Razor will experience great personal growth when she ceases working from home and moves to a real office, surrounded by real people instead of cats
13. Razor will no longer have time to scour her computer to send me pictures of GauntSkott from back when he was FatScat and tipping the scales at nearly 3 bills
14. Nails will scream "DIE!" at the TV while watching a sporting event
15. The Concierge will reply to a bbm within two days of it being sent
16. Billie and Alison will have a very hard time deciding which of them their new baby resembles most
17. I'll blame Coach Boeheim for Syracuse's eventual loss in the NCAA Tournament
18. JLeary will remain my favorite Poophead as TON and Billie get too busy with parenthood to read this blog
19. Cain Velazquez will beat Junior Dos Santos but lose the UFC Heavyweight belt to Shane Carwin
20. Jonny Bones Jones will be UFC Light Heavyweight Champion
21. Reissberg will spill food on his shirt
22. Juice will propose but he won't get down on one knee because he can't stay still that long
Monday, January 03, 2011
Fun in the Snow
While some of you were bitching about the snow and the fact that lazy union workers didn't plow your streets for five days as an illegal protest against layoffs and budget cuts, Chase and I were making the best of it.
We went to Cora's house and went down the slide into a huge pile of snow.
Then I helped smooth out a nice track of hard packed down snow to sled on.
And then I pushed Chase down the hill so he got going really fast. By the end it became like a bobsled or luge course where if the kids leaned too far to one side they would have wiped out. And the straighter they stayed the faster they went.
Then when we got home we built a huge pile of snow, and the next day we dug out a hole to create Fort Chase. Chase wanted to take his nap in there and looking into bringing a TV into his Fortress of Solitude.
We went to Cora's house and went down the slide into a huge pile of snow.
Then I helped smooth out a nice track of hard packed down snow to sled on.
And then I pushed Chase down the hill so he got going really fast. By the end it became like a bobsled or luge course where if the kids leaned too far to one side they would have wiped out. And the straighter they stayed the faster they went.
Then when we got home we built a huge pile of snow, and the next day we dug out a hole to create Fort Chase. Chase wanted to take his nap in there and looking into bringing a TV into his Fortress of Solitude.
Sunday, January 02, 2011
Weekly Picks
Final week of the regular season, I'm not where I want to be but you can still pick up ground in the playoffs. Week 17 is always tricky especially as precious few teams have something to play for. There will be at least one or two teams who are playing for something losing to teams who are eliminated. That's what makes this week so tricky, otherwise we could just pick all the alive teams versus all the Zombies.
SEATTLE +3 st. louis
We just seemed destined to have a 7-9 team in the playoffs.
DETROIT -3 minnesota
My rule about backup quarterbacks only extends one week. It remains to be seen how good this Joe Webb really is. And I think the Lions are the team that comes on strong at the end of a season, has good young players and gets talked about all offseason as a possible playoff team.
ny giants -3 1/2 WASHINGTON
I just don't see any way the Redskins can ruin the Giants season.
NEW ENGLAND -5 1/2 miami
I have a feeling Belichick doesn't want to give his team off two weeks in a row, not when they are playing as good as they are now.
BEST BET
jacksonville -3 HOUSTON
I believe Houston was favored the last time these two teams played and Jacksonville killed them. Everyone passes on Houston and I just don't see the Texans being motivated to be a spoiler as the Jags finally have a chance to end the Colts run atop the division.
Last week: 2-3 (3 points)
Season: 42-38 (46 points)
Best Bets: 1-0 (10-6)
Home Favorites: 0-2 (15-14)
Home Underdogs: 0-0 (1-0)
Road Favorites: 2-1 (16-15)
Road Underdogs: 0-0 (10-9)
SEATTLE +3 st. louis
We just seemed destined to have a 7-9 team in the playoffs.
DETROIT -3 minnesota
My rule about backup quarterbacks only extends one week. It remains to be seen how good this Joe Webb really is. And I think the Lions are the team that comes on strong at the end of a season, has good young players and gets talked about all offseason as a possible playoff team.
ny giants -3 1/2 WASHINGTON
I just don't see any way the Redskins can ruin the Giants season.
NEW ENGLAND -5 1/2 miami
I have a feeling Belichick doesn't want to give his team off two weeks in a row, not when they are playing as good as they are now.
BEST BET
jacksonville -3 HOUSTON
I believe Houston was favored the last time these two teams played and Jacksonville killed them. Everyone passes on Houston and I just don't see the Texans being motivated to be a spoiler as the Jags finally have a chance to end the Colts run atop the division.
Last week: 2-3 (3 points)
Season: 42-38 (46 points)
Best Bets: 1-0 (10-6)
Home Favorites: 0-2 (15-14)
Home Underdogs: 0-0 (1-0)
Road Favorites: 2-1 (16-15)
Road Underdogs: 0-0 (10-9)
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