Things have not been going well lately for your hero. Not only did I have a horrible week last week, most of my teams got blown out and weren't even close to covering the spreads. If not for Green Bay I would have suffered my first minus-1 in a very long time. Making my picks early this week to change my luck.
oakland -1 MINNESOTA
Possible Carson Palmer is back as a real quarterback? The Vikings don't need to be as bad as they were on Monday. All I need them to do is lose.
buffalo +2 MIAMI
What happened to the Bills? Could the Dolphins really win 3 in a row?
CHICAGO -3 1/2 san diego
The Chargers start their annual late season run next week. The Bears are looking good too. Almost like a real team.
kansas city +14 1/2 NEW ENGLAND
I'm just rolling the dice this one. I know Tyler Palko is starting, but I'm not all that worried about New England's defense. I think he can put enough points on the board (maybe 17 will be enough). The Chiefs defense isn't bad. As long as KC doesn't turn it over a bunch this game should be closer than 14.
BEST BET
new york jets -6 1/2 DENVER
The spread on this one has skyrocketed two points since I first decided to pick it. But I like the Jets coming off a rough loss and the Broncos off a big win. The Tebow thing has to end at some point, it's just not sustainable. And I think the Jets are just the defense to force him into doing things he doesn't want to do -- like throwing the ball.
Last week: 1-4 (0 points)
Season: 24-26 (24 points)
Best Bets: 0-1 (5-5)
Home Favorites: 1-2 (11-13)
Home Underdogs: 0-1 (0-1)
Road Favorites: 0-0 (6-6)
Road Underdogs: 0-1 (7-6)
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Paterno's House
Joe Paterno transferred full ownership of his house to his wife sue for $1 back in July, four months before the Sandusky scandal broke.
I bring this up not because I think Paterno was trying to avoid the consequences of a civil suit against him -- that's too much of a stretch.
I'm sure this was just part of his estate planning for his impending death.
I'm more interested in the real aspect of it.
The Paternos bought the house for $58,000 in 1969. A pretty hefty sum in those days. The fair-market value of the house currently is $595,000. Which ihttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifs a very nice house, especially in State College. The average home value there is $202,000 according to the latest Coldwell Banker survey of home prices in college football towns.
It's actually kind of quaint that the Paternos never upgraded to a nicer house, even though they could have.
But here's what some experts the New York Times interviewed about the transaction said:
Lawrence A. Frolik, a law professor at the University of Pittsburgh who specializes in elder law, said that he had “never heard” of a husband selling his share of a house for $1 to his spouse for tax or government assistance purposes.
“I can’t see any tax advantages,” Frolik said. “If someone told me that, my reaction would be, ‘Are they hoping to shield assets in case if there’s personal liability?’ ” He added, “It sounds like an attempt to avoid personal liability in having assets in his wife’s name.”
Two lawyers examined the available documents in recent days. Neither wanted to be identified because they were not directly involved in the case or the property transaction. One of the experts said it appeared to be an explicit effort to financially shield Joe Paterno. The other regarded the July transaction, at least on its face, as benign.
So it remains to be seen how this house, the site of the disgusting riots by Penn State students, continues to play a role in this unseemly scandal.
I bring this up not because I think Paterno was trying to avoid the consequences of a civil suit against him -- that's too much of a stretch.
I'm sure this was just part of his estate planning for his impending death.
I'm more interested in the real aspect of it.
The Paternos bought the house for $58,000 in 1969. A pretty hefty sum in those days. The fair-market value of the house currently is $595,000. Which ihttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifs a very nice house, especially in State College. The average home value there is $202,000 according to the latest Coldwell Banker survey of home prices in college football towns.
It's actually kind of quaint that the Paternos never upgraded to a nicer house, even though they could have.
But here's what some experts the New York Times interviewed about the transaction said:
Lawrence A. Frolik, a law professor at the University of Pittsburgh who specializes in elder law, said that he had “never heard” of a husband selling his share of a house for $1 to his spouse for tax or government assistance purposes.
“I can’t see any tax advantages,” Frolik said. “If someone told me that, my reaction would be, ‘Are they hoping to shield assets in case if there’s personal liability?’ ” He added, “It sounds like an attempt to avoid personal liability in having assets in his wife’s name.”
Two lawyers examined the available documents in recent days. Neither wanted to be identified because they were not directly involved in the case or the property transaction. One of the experts said it appeared to be an explicit effort to financially shield Joe Paterno. The other regarded the July transaction, at least on its face, as benign.
So it remains to be seen how this house, the site of the disgusting riots by Penn State students, continues to play a role in this unseemly scandal.
Another Cool Tradition
We know everyone loves the serial photographs tentatively titled "Looking out the Door in Maine" , but there is also another series of pictures we've been taking. Each year at Halloween at Demarest Farms in front of the "How Tall This Fall?" sign.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Song of the Week
"All for You" - Sister Hazel
This one was huge sophomore year of college. I am old.
This one was huge sophomore year of college. I am old.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
The NFL is Poop - Week 10
Winning Isn't Everything, It's the Only Thing
How do you win a game when you have only two complete passes? Just ask the Denver Broncos. Tim Tebow went 2 for 8 for 69 yards and a touchdown. Amazingly that is a 102 passer rating. The Broncos ran a version of a college option and it worked. 55 runs, 8 pass attempts. And a win. In fact, the Broncos are 3-1 with Tebow as the starting quarterback. But I still insist this can't last forever. Teams will either figure out how to stop it or Tebow will get hurt. Or Tebow will get hurt because teams figure out how to stop it.
He Who Passes Most, Loses
Despite calls that the NFL is now a passing league, Tebow points out an interesting trend. In every single game this weekend, except one (Eagles-Cardinals), the team that had fewer pass attempts won the game.
Note: Patriots and Jets both attempted 39 passes.
There were a few big blowouts where passing teams like the Texans and Packers didn't need to attempt a lot of passes. But for the most part I think this is a trend every week. You have to pass to get ahead, but you have to run to stay ahead.
Onions!
For years I have been calling for coaches to be more aggressive on 4th and short situations but Atlanta's Mike Smith took it too far. For any gamble you need to evaluate the risk and the reward and the likelihood of each. With 4th and 1 at his own 29-yard line, Smith decided to go for it. He missed and the Saints won. The reason this was so bad is because the risk was so great (turn it over there and it's almost a guaranteed loss) and the reward so minimal (still a long way to go to win the game). Aggressive, but foolish gamble by Smith.
Is It Too Early?
The Green Bay Packers are almost halfway there, so it seems like a good time to review their chances for a perfect season. I definitely see the Packers rolling over the ExpensiveCornPrices this week, setting up a matchup against the Lions on Thanksgiving Day. If they get through that they have the Giants Raiders and Chiefs. If they get to 14-0, they will likely have clinched home field (unless Niners are 13-1). And that's where the problem starts. The last two games are home games, but they're against Chicago and Detroit. Two good teams, who will likely have a hell of a lot more to play for than Green Bay will. So enjoy the Thanksgiving Day game, but don't count on a perfect season.
Brief Rant About the Redskins
John Beck couldn't move the offense. Rex Grossman moves the offense, then turns it over. They are just atrocious right now, they cannot score touchdowns. Five field goal attempts. In the last 3 games, the Redskins have 1 touchdown, and it was in garbage time against San Fran. And rookie wide receiver Leonard Hankerson, the lone bright spot, had 106 yards, then got hurt and is out for the season. 3-13 is a definite possibility.
Picture of the Week
Another one of my favorite underrated players is Bengals defensive lineman Domata Peko. Here he is sacking Ben Roethlisberger. If not for Troy Polamalu, Peko would have the Head and Shoulders endorsement. Also, look at Ben Roethlisberger's left shoe. That detail takes a good picture and makes it awesome.
If the Super Bowl Were Played Today
Green Bay Packers 45 Pittsburgh Steelers 7
I really can't figure out the AFC. There are no really good teams. I honestly feel like the Chargers have another late season run in them and by late Decemeber they could be in this space.
How do you win a game when you have only two complete passes? Just ask the Denver Broncos. Tim Tebow went 2 for 8 for 69 yards and a touchdown. Amazingly that is a 102 passer rating. The Broncos ran a version of a college option and it worked. 55 runs, 8 pass attempts. And a win. In fact, the Broncos are 3-1 with Tebow as the starting quarterback. But I still insist this can't last forever. Teams will either figure out how to stop it or Tebow will get hurt. Or Tebow will get hurt because teams figure out how to stop it.
He Who Passes Most, Loses
Despite calls that the NFL is now a passing league, Tebow points out an interesting trend. In every single game this weekend, except one (Eagles-Cardinals), the team that had fewer pass attempts won the game.
Note: Patriots and Jets both attempted 39 passes.
There were a few big blowouts where passing teams like the Texans and Packers didn't need to attempt a lot of passes. But for the most part I think this is a trend every week. You have to pass to get ahead, but you have to run to stay ahead.
Onions!
For years I have been calling for coaches to be more aggressive on 4th and short situations but Atlanta's Mike Smith took it too far. For any gamble you need to evaluate the risk and the reward and the likelihood of each. With 4th and 1 at his own 29-yard line, Smith decided to go for it. He missed and the Saints won. The reason this was so bad is because the risk was so great (turn it over there and it's almost a guaranteed loss) and the reward so minimal (still a long way to go to win the game). Aggressive, but foolish gamble by Smith.
Is It Too Early?
The Green Bay Packers are almost halfway there, so it seems like a good time to review their chances for a perfect season. I definitely see the Packers rolling over the ExpensiveCornPrices this week, setting up a matchup against the Lions on Thanksgiving Day. If they get through that they have the Giants Raiders and Chiefs. If they get to 14-0, they will likely have clinched home field (unless Niners are 13-1). And that's where the problem starts. The last two games are home games, but they're against Chicago and Detroit. Two good teams, who will likely have a hell of a lot more to play for than Green Bay will. So enjoy the Thanksgiving Day game, but don't count on a perfect season.
Brief Rant About the Redskins
John Beck couldn't move the offense. Rex Grossman moves the offense, then turns it over. They are just atrocious right now, they cannot score touchdowns. Five field goal attempts. In the last 3 games, the Redskins have 1 touchdown, and it was in garbage time against San Fran. And rookie wide receiver Leonard Hankerson, the lone bright spot, had 106 yards, then got hurt and is out for the season. 3-13 is a definite possibility.
Picture of the Week
Another one of my favorite underrated players is Bengals defensive lineman Domata Peko. Here he is sacking Ben Roethlisberger. If not for Troy Polamalu, Peko would have the Head and Shoulders endorsement. Also, look at Ben Roethlisberger's left shoe. That detail takes a good picture and makes it awesome.
If the Super Bowl Were Played Today
Green Bay Packers 45 Pittsburgh Steelers 7
I really can't figure out the AFC. There are no really good teams. I honestly feel like the Chargers have another late season run in them and by late Decemeber they could be in this space.
Monday, November 14, 2011
I'm a Douche
I am addicted to my Blackberry and I can't possibly imagine going a day without it. That's why I climbed to the top level of the parking garage to retrieve it when I left it in the car.
When I get in the elevator to leave each day I check to make sure I have it. The other day I checked 3 pockets (left pants, left jacket, inside jacket) and couldn't find it. So I stepped out of the elevator, right before the doors closed. Then I put my hand in my right jacket pocket and found my blackberry. So I stepped back on the elevator, right before the doors closed.
Maybe this isn't soooooo douchey but I haven't posted one of these in 3 years (it can't be for lack of doing douchey things, can it?) so I thought I was due.
Plus I'm pretty sure the guy who was in the elevator waiting to go downstairs thought it was pretty douchey.
When I get in the elevator to leave each day I check to make sure I have it. The other day I checked 3 pockets (left pants, left jacket, inside jacket) and couldn't find it. So I stepped out of the elevator, right before the doors closed. Then I put my hand in my right jacket pocket and found my blackberry. So I stepped back on the elevator, right before the doors closed.
Maybe this isn't soooooo douchey but I haven't posted one of these in 3 years (it can't be for lack of doing douchey things, can it?) so I thought I was due.
Plus I'm pretty sure the guy who was in the elevator waiting to go downstairs thought it was pretty douchey.
The Best Penn State/Sandusky Jokes
At Penn State you can now major in minors.
An older woman who goes after young men is a cougar. An older man who goes after young boys is a Nittany Lion.
The Penn State Creamery discontinued the Jerry Sandusky ice cream flavor. It was banana with whipped cream and a smear of chocolate.
On a scale of 1 to 10, how old is Sandusky's boyfriend?
Say what you want about Jerry Sandusky, but he always drives slowly through a school zone.
One time Jerry Sandusky was on a plane full of kids from his Second Mile charity. The pilot said the plane was going to crash. Sandusky said "we have to save the children." Someone else said "fuck the children." Sandusky replied "do you think we have the time?"
Jerry Sandusky was always the first one ready to leave the team hotel the morning after road games. He had his shit packed the night before.
Thanks to Golzilla, Albino and JLeary for their contributions.
An older woman who goes after young men is a cougar. An older man who goes after young boys is a Nittany Lion.
The Penn State Creamery discontinued the Jerry Sandusky ice cream flavor. It was banana with whipped cream and a smear of chocolate.
On a scale of 1 to 10, how old is Sandusky's boyfriend?
Say what you want about Jerry Sandusky, but he always drives slowly through a school zone.
One time Jerry Sandusky was on a plane full of kids from his Second Mile charity. The pilot said the plane was going to crash. Sandusky said "we have to save the children." Someone else said "fuck the children." Sandusky replied "do you think we have the time?"
Jerry Sandusky was always the first one ready to leave the team hotel the morning after road games. He had his shit packed the night before.
Thanks to Golzilla, Albino and JLeary for their contributions.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Another Penn State Institution Tainted
The Berkey Creamery, the ice cream store located on the Penn State campus, had an ice cream called “Sandusky Blitz.”
The flavor — described on their web site as “banana flavored ice cream with chocolate covered peanuts and caramel swirl,” was pulled from the store's menu and website.
But Peachy Paterno is still for sale.
The flavor — described on their web site as “banana flavored ice cream with chocolate covered peanuts and caramel swirl,” was pulled from the store's menu and website.
But Peachy Paterno is still for sale.
Weekly Picks
Last week was my worst week of the season. I got only one point and I was fortunate to get even that much. Saints almost pushed, and Cardinals won in overtime. I'm still shocked by the Miami result and I would probably pick against them this week if they weren't playing the only team in the NFL with a worse offense, the Redskins.
PHILADELPHIA -13 1/2 arizona
No way they lose two home games in a row. Now the question is can they win by two touchdowns. It's about time for the Eagles to explode on offense and the defense should be able to shut down John Skelton.
GREEN BAY -12 1/2 minnesota
The last time they played Minnesota kept it close. I don't see that happening this time. Aaron Rodgers is on another level.
buffalo +5 DALLAS
I still want to believe the Bills were not an early season mirage. If they lose this game big, I guess it means they were.
CINCINNATI +4 1/2 pittsburgh
It's Week 10 and I still haven't picked a home dog. It's never too late. The Bengals might actually be a good team. Andy Dalton and the defense should be able to keep things close.
BEST BET
CAROLINA -3 1/2 tennessee
There has to come a point where Cam Newton's great performances start paying off in wins and losses. I think that comes this week against a Tennessee team that is very cold after a strong start.
Last week: 2-3 (1 points)
Season: 23-22 (24 points)
Best Bets: 0-1 (5-4)
Home Favorites: 2-3 (10-11
Home Underdogs: 0-0 (0-0)
Road Favorites: 0-0 (6-6)
Road Underdogs: 0-0 (7-5)
PHILADELPHIA -13 1/2 arizona
No way they lose two home games in a row. Now the question is can they win by two touchdowns. It's about time for the Eagles to explode on offense and the defense should be able to shut down John Skelton.
GREEN BAY -12 1/2 minnesota
The last time they played Minnesota kept it close. I don't see that happening this time. Aaron Rodgers is on another level.
buffalo +5 DALLAS
I still want to believe the Bills were not an early season mirage. If they lose this game big, I guess it means they were.
CINCINNATI +4 1/2 pittsburgh
It's Week 10 and I still haven't picked a home dog. It's never too late. The Bengals might actually be a good team. Andy Dalton and the defense should be able to keep things close.
BEST BET
CAROLINA -3 1/2 tennessee
There has to come a point where Cam Newton's great performances start paying off in wins and losses. I think that comes this week against a Tennessee team that is very cold after a strong start.
Last week: 2-3 (1 points)
Season: 23-22 (24 points)
Best Bets: 0-1 (5-4)
Home Favorites: 2-3 (10-11
Home Underdogs: 0-0 (0-0)
Road Favorites: 0-0 (6-6)
Road Underdogs: 0-0 (7-5)
Saturday, November 12, 2011
He Really Knows How To Drill His Players
In addition to the embarrassing title of his biography "Touched" by Jerry Sandusky, this picture emerges from Sandusky's instructional video
Friday, November 11, 2011
The TallSkott School of Crisis Management
Many years ago TallSkott chatted with some girls on the internet and made a plan to meet them at the Staten Island Mall. When he got to the meeting place he saw the girls were unattractive and he called his father for advice.
"Dad what should I do?"
"Be a man, Scotty. Go meet with them."
TallSkott ignored this advice and stood up the ugly girls.
But even TallSkott would not have done what Penn State Assistant Coach Mike McQueary did.
McQueary, by his own account, witnessed Jerry Sandusky anally raping a young boy in the shower. And the first thing he did was call his father to ask for advice.
And his father told him he should leave the premises immediately and come to his house. Don't confront Sandusky, don't make a noise or something to let Sandusky know you're there and certainly don't call the cops. Call your father, and then leave the scene.
You witnessed a crime. Your first instinct should be to protect the child. Then you call police. The fact that he decided to call his dad first, and to think about his own career before the welfare of the child, is leading to the rise of a lot of conspiracy theories.
Did McQueary know he had some reason not to report Sandusky to police? Was he rewarded for his silence with an assistant coaching job?
And that's what makes this whole situation so difficult. With as much as we do know, there is still a lot we don't.
McQueary, who was initially hailed as the only person willing to report this behavior, is now being cast as a villain for his inaction. He even received death threats. And that is why he will not be on the sidelines for the game against Nebraska. If Paterno got fired for his dithering, I think McQueary deserves the same fate.
"Dad what should I do?"
"Be a man, Scotty. Go meet with them."
TallSkott ignored this advice and stood up the ugly girls.
But even TallSkott would not have done what Penn State Assistant Coach Mike McQueary did.
McQueary, by his own account, witnessed Jerry Sandusky anally raping a young boy in the shower. And the first thing he did was call his father to ask for advice.
And his father told him he should leave the premises immediately and come to his house. Don't confront Sandusky, don't make a noise or something to let Sandusky know you're there and certainly don't call the cops. Call your father, and then leave the scene.
You witnessed a crime. Your first instinct should be to protect the child. Then you call police. The fact that he decided to call his dad first, and to think about his own career before the welfare of the child, is leading to the rise of a lot of conspiracy theories.
Did McQueary know he had some reason not to report Sandusky to police? Was he rewarded for his silence with an assistant coaching job?
And that's what makes this whole situation so difficult. With as much as we do know, there is still a lot we don't.
McQueary, who was initially hailed as the only person willing to report this behavior, is now being cast as a villain for his inaction. He even received death threats. And that is why he will not be on the sidelines for the game against Nebraska. If Paterno got fired for his dithering, I think McQueary deserves the same fate.
I Can't Wait to Take This Luckbox to Atlantic City
Fresh off his big win playing Deal or No Deal in Maine Chase had an even bigger score at Point Pleasant, this time playing Wheel of Fortune.
The game starts with you spinning the wheel to see how many tickets you are playing for. Chase spun and landed on the tiny sliver with the silver 500 (the highest point total).
Then you see a puzzle with a few of the letters filled in, then you get to choose 3 letters from among all the other ones that are actually in the answer. We picked N, E & T, and got 500 tickets for each letter. Then we solved the puzzle "INDEPENDENT FILMS" and saw our winnings, 3500 tickets.
The tickets printed for what seemed like days. They just kept coming and coming until there was a huge mess on the floor.
Then we realized the machine had run out of tickets are we were still owed 1100. When they refilled the machines, the tickets came pouring out again. Chase was in awe, people were in shock, everyone was making a huge deal out of the little boy who won more tickets than they'd ever seen.
And after the game machine spit them out we had to feed them into another machine to count them. And turns out each ticket was actually worth 10, so in total we got more than 38,000 tickets.
We traded them in for 140 tickets to the rides (normal value: $50) and Chase also got a Mack from Cars. And we still left with a voucher for another 2000 tickets.
In all we spent about $12 on games ($3 on the winning Wheel of Fortune) plus an extra $6 in parking because we had to stay an extra hour to do all this.
My only regret is that it took me so long to post this.
The game starts with you spinning the wheel to see how many tickets you are playing for. Chase spun and landed on the tiny sliver with the silver 500 (the highest point total).
Then you see a puzzle with a few of the letters filled in, then you get to choose 3 letters from among all the other ones that are actually in the answer. We picked N, E & T, and got 500 tickets for each letter. Then we solved the puzzle "INDEPENDENT FILMS" and saw our winnings, 3500 tickets.
The tickets printed for what seemed like days. They just kept coming and coming until there was a huge mess on the floor.
Then we realized the machine had run out of tickets are we were still owed 1100. When they refilled the machines, the tickets came pouring out again. Chase was in awe, people were in shock, everyone was making a huge deal out of the little boy who won more tickets than they'd ever seen.
And after the game machine spit them out we had to feed them into another machine to count them. And turns out each ticket was actually worth 10, so in total we got more than 38,000 tickets.
We traded them in for 140 tickets to the rides (normal value: $50) and Chase also got a Mack from Cars. And we still left with a voucher for another 2000 tickets.
In all we spent about $12 on games ($3 on the winning Wheel of Fortune) plus an extra $6 in parking because we had to stay an extra hour to do all this.
My only regret is that it took me so long to post this.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
This Could Get Worse
A new rumor surfacing this morning threatens to the take Penn State Scandal down an even more disturbing road, if that's even possible.
Mark Madden, a reporter for the Beaver County Times, said on WEEI in Boston that some reporters are looking into allegations that Sandusky pimped out young boys to rich donors. Essentially running a child prostitution ring.
You can argue that it is irresponsible for him to report a rumor, with no basis in fact, especially one so explosive in nature.
But personally I like having access to all information and I will sift through it myself and decide what is true and what isn't.
Also keep in mind Madden has been way out in front of this Sandusky story.
Here's what he wrote:
"If Paterno and Penn State knew, but didn't act, instead facilitating Sandusky's untroubled retirement - are Paterno and Penn State responsible for untoward acts since committed by Sandusky?"
In April. He wrote that in April, 7 months before this story broke. So maybe he is once again out in front of this story. That is a sad thing to think about.
Mark Madden, a reporter for the Beaver County Times, said on WEEI in Boston that some reporters are looking into allegations that Sandusky pimped out young boys to rich donors. Essentially running a child prostitution ring.
You can argue that it is irresponsible for him to report a rumor, with no basis in fact, especially one so explosive in nature.
But personally I like having access to all information and I will sift through it myself and decide what is true and what isn't.
Also keep in mind Madden has been way out in front of this Sandusky story.
Here's what he wrote:
"If Paterno and Penn State knew, but didn't act, instead facilitating Sandusky's untroubled retirement - are Paterno and Penn State responsible for untoward acts since committed by Sandusky?"
In April. He wrote that in April, 7 months before this story broke. So maybe he is once again out in front of this story. That is a sad thing to think about.
Wednesday, November 09, 2011
JoePa Must Go...NOW!
Joe Paterno announced he will retire as Penn State football coach at the end of this season. He should leave now.
Paterno was mostly exonerated in the indictment of Jerry Sandusky because he said he never learned of allegations of this nature against Sandusky until 2002.
In 2002 when he was told by Mike McQueary that Mcqueary saw Sandusky raping a little boy in the shower Paterno passed the report on to his supervisors.
And that is where Paterno fulfilled his legal obligation, and why he has not been charged with a crime.
But I say Paterno failed miserably in his moral obligation. Maybe some crimes you could look the other way. If your friend robs a bank, you can look the other way. But not for child abuse.
Let's take Paterno at his word. He never heard any allegations about Sandusky until 2002. And when he did hear about it, he was only told of "inappropriate sexual conduct" between Sandusky and a boy, not anal sex.
Even if that were true, he still should have done more. He never followed up with his supervisors. They never reported it to police. And so for 9 more years this pedophile was free to work at his charity for troubled boys.
And this is why it makes me sick to see admiring throngs outside Paterno's house demanding that he keep his job. He admits to willfully ignoring sexual molestation charges against his former right-hand man and deserves to suffer no consequences?
And speaking of consequences, I think JoePa should also face criminal charges for lying to investigators. First of all, he said he McQueary never told him he witnessed Sandusky having anal sex with the kid. McQueary says he did tell him that. And Curley and Schultz were charged with lying about the exact same thing.
Second of all, Paterno said he'd never been made aware of any allegations about Sandusky prior to 2002. But there was a police report about a 1998 incident. And even though charges were never filed in that case, it's almost implausible to believe Paterno didn't know about it.
This is likely what happened: Paterno knew for years about Sandusky's ways. After the 1998 incident, he forced Sandusky into retirement in 1999 and hoped it would go away. In 2002, he finally reported Sandusky to his superiors but he encouraged them never to report it to police. He barred Sandusky from ever bringing young boys to the facility again.
But he never tried to get counseling for his friend. He never tried to find the boy, the alleged shower victim. He never kicked Sandusky out of the program, he was around the team as recently as last week. He never followed up with Curley and Schultz about the 2002 accusation. And he never reported anything to the police.
For all those reasons...Joe Must Go...NOW!
Paterno was mostly exonerated in the indictment of Jerry Sandusky because he said he never learned of allegations of this nature against Sandusky until 2002.
In 2002 when he was told by Mike McQueary that Mcqueary saw Sandusky raping a little boy in the shower Paterno passed the report on to his supervisors.
And that is where Paterno fulfilled his legal obligation, and why he has not been charged with a crime.
But I say Paterno failed miserably in his moral obligation. Maybe some crimes you could look the other way. If your friend robs a bank, you can look the other way. But not for child abuse.
Let's take Paterno at his word. He never heard any allegations about Sandusky until 2002. And when he did hear about it, he was only told of "inappropriate sexual conduct" between Sandusky and a boy, not anal sex.
Even if that were true, he still should have done more. He never followed up with his supervisors. They never reported it to police. And so for 9 more years this pedophile was free to work at his charity for troubled boys.
And this is why it makes me sick to see admiring throngs outside Paterno's house demanding that he keep his job. He admits to willfully ignoring sexual molestation charges against his former right-hand man and deserves to suffer no consequences?
And speaking of consequences, I think JoePa should also face criminal charges for lying to investigators. First of all, he said he McQueary never told him he witnessed Sandusky having anal sex with the kid. McQueary says he did tell him that. And Curley and Schultz were charged with lying about the exact same thing.
Second of all, Paterno said he'd never been made aware of any allegations about Sandusky prior to 2002. But there was a police report about a 1998 incident. And even though charges were never filed in that case, it's almost implausible to believe Paterno didn't know about it.
This is likely what happened: Paterno knew for years about Sandusky's ways. After the 1998 incident, he forced Sandusky into retirement in 1999 and hoped it would go away. In 2002, he finally reported Sandusky to his superiors but he encouraged them never to report it to police. He barred Sandusky from ever bringing young boys to the facility again.
But he never tried to get counseling for his friend. He never tried to find the boy, the alleged shower victim. He never kicked Sandusky out of the program, he was around the team as recently as last week. He never followed up with Curley and Schultz about the 2002 accusation. And he never reported anything to the police.
For all those reasons...Joe Must Go...NOW!
Now That We Lost Heavy D, What Are We Gonna Do?
In 1995 I went to a summer program at Syracuse University before my senior year in high school. My roommate was a real asshole but he had a good collection of rap CDs. So before we left I asked him to make me a mixtape of the best songs from those CDs. That song included "Nuttin But Love" by Heavy D. I know it is not Heavy's best known work but I think it typifies what people liked about him. Rhythmic beats, curse-free lyrics and a fun, upbeat, non-combative style.
"Nuttin But Love"
Heavy D, nee Dwight Myers, died yesterday at the age of 44. He collapsed on the sidewalk in front of his home and was pronounced dead at the hospital. Official cause of death is not yet known. At one point he weighed over 300 pounds but had slimmed down in recent years.
"Now That We Found Love"
Many people, including myself, were surprised to learn Heavy D was so young. He first came onto the scene in 1987 when he was only 20,
"Candy Rain - Remix"
It wasn't just rapping, in later years Heavy D acted in a lot of movies and TV shows. He was one of the auto repairmen (along with John Witherspoon and Katt Williams) in the garage owned by Tracy Morgan in "The Tracy Morgan Show." Which was actually a great show before Tracy Morgan became a caricature of the cariacture he was playing.
"Nuttin But Love"
Heavy D, nee Dwight Myers, died yesterday at the age of 44. He collapsed on the sidewalk in front of his home and was pronounced dead at the hospital. Official cause of death is not yet known. At one point he weighed over 300 pounds but had slimmed down in recent years.
"Now That We Found Love"
Many people, including myself, were surprised to learn Heavy D was so young. He first came onto the scene in 1987 when he was only 20,
"Candy Rain - Remix"
It wasn't just rapping, in later years Heavy D acted in a lot of movies and TV shows. He was one of the auto repairmen (along with John Witherspoon and Katt Williams) in the garage owned by Tracy Morgan in "The Tracy Morgan Show." Which was actually a great show before Tracy Morgan became a caricature of the cariacture he was playing.
Tuesday, November 08, 2011
The NFL is Poop - Week 9
You Can't Spell Elite Without Eli
When Eli Manning was asked during a radio interview this summer if he thought he was an elite quarterback in the class of Tom Brady, he gave the only answer he could reasonably expected to give "yes." We all know he is not in Brady's class, based on track record, but for one game (the second time?), he was better. Manning is not always perfect, throws a lot of interceptions, but he does have a knack for leading 4th quarter drives. The one in the Super Bowl cemented his place in Giants history forever. This one, cemeneted his status as an elite or near-elite quarterback.
Here's the Difference Between Good and Elite QBs
Right now I would rank Drew Brees, Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers as elite quarterbacks. Philip Rivers, Jay Cutler and Eli Manning would be in that next group. Leaving out Ben Roethlisberger and Peyton Manning to simplify. All 6 of those guys have great arms, are really good passers and have some good results in the past. The difference is the elite guys don't make as many mistakes (interceptions). Sunday's Chargers-Packers game was a perfect example. Both quarterbacks had great days, combined for nearly 700 yards passing and 8 touchdowns. And San Diego actually had a chance to knock off an unbeaten team but Rivers threw 3 interceptions (0 for Rodgers), 2 of which were returned for touchdowns.
Pats Are Gonna Be Pissed
Either the Patriots are going to be really angry or they'll be in big trouble after this weekend's game against the Jets. Right now, the Pats have lost 2 in a row and they haven't scored more than 20 points in three straight games. That's after scoring 30 or more in their first 5 games. Even though they are number 1 in passing yards, they're last in passing defense. And they seem to have problems on both sides of the ball. This is a huge game because the Patriots already lost to the Bills, meaning they'd have to climb over two teams in the division. And with the AFC North so deep, it might be hard to get a wild card at 9-7.
Where Did That Come From?
Just a few days ago the Chiefs were streaking to the top of the AFC West and the Dolphins were winless and hoping for Andrew Luck. Then all of the sudden Matt Moore became a competent quarterback, the Dolphins D clamped down on the running game, and the Fish had a 31-3 victory.
Leader in the Clubhouse
The Dolphins' win, the one last week by the Rams, and the Colts latest loss to the Falcons, mean Indianapolis has the inside track on the first pick in the NFL Draft, which will almost surely be Andrew Luck.
This could present an interesting conundrum. As you know, the Colts already have a quarterback, but he is hurt, and even though they just signed him to a new contract (I guess that was pretty foolish) they may have to consider drafting Luck. Apparently this is not sitting well with Peyton Manning who wants to come back to his job next season. I think if the Colts do get the top pick, they should trade it for a couple draft picks to help smooth the transition when Manning really does retire. What do you think?
Brief Rant about the Redskins
John Beck stinks. He can't throw. Until a completely useless touchdown at the end of the game the Redskins had 3 points in 118 minutes with Beck at the helm. They have got to go back to Rex Grossman. But the Shanahans will be stubborn and stick with the guy they like. Beck is so bad that Roy Helu set a franchise record for catches in game. He caught 14 balls, because Beck can't throw downfield. Another ignominious team record: Graham Gano kicked a 59-yard field goal. I was rooting for him to miss because I didn't want his name in the team's history.
Picture of the Week
A cool shot right down the line of scrimmage during the Dolphins-Chiefs game.
Shifting of Power
Every week I try to pick a team from each conference to play in my hypothetical right now Super Bowl. It is getting harder and harder to find a good AFC team. The power has clearly shifted to the NFC. Green Bay, Detroit, San Francisco and the Giants all look better right now than anyone in the AFC. The Patriots lost 2 in a row, including one to the Steelers, who just lost to Baltimore, who almost lost to the Cardinals and they did lose to the Jaguars.
If the Super Bowl Were Played Today
Green Bay Packer 45 Cincinnati Bengals 13
Cincinnati gets the nod almost by default, but they have won 5 in a row. They have a really good defense and Andy Dalton is turning out to be a pretty good quarterback for a rookie. The Packers are just awesome and they are two wins away (Vikings, ExpensiveCornPrices) from being undefeated going into the early Thanksgiving Day game against the Lions.
When Eli Manning was asked during a radio interview this summer if he thought he was an elite quarterback in the class of Tom Brady, he gave the only answer he could reasonably expected to give "yes." We all know he is not in Brady's class, based on track record, but for one game (the second time?), he was better. Manning is not always perfect, throws a lot of interceptions, but he does have a knack for leading 4th quarter drives. The one in the Super Bowl cemented his place in Giants history forever. This one, cemeneted his status as an elite or near-elite quarterback.
Here's the Difference Between Good and Elite QBs
Right now I would rank Drew Brees, Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers as elite quarterbacks. Philip Rivers, Jay Cutler and Eli Manning would be in that next group. Leaving out Ben Roethlisberger and Peyton Manning to simplify. All 6 of those guys have great arms, are really good passers and have some good results in the past. The difference is the elite guys don't make as many mistakes (interceptions). Sunday's Chargers-Packers game was a perfect example. Both quarterbacks had great days, combined for nearly 700 yards passing and 8 touchdowns. And San Diego actually had a chance to knock off an unbeaten team but Rivers threw 3 interceptions (0 for Rodgers), 2 of which were returned for touchdowns.
Pats Are Gonna Be Pissed
Either the Patriots are going to be really angry or they'll be in big trouble after this weekend's game against the Jets. Right now, the Pats have lost 2 in a row and they haven't scored more than 20 points in three straight games. That's after scoring 30 or more in their first 5 games. Even though they are number 1 in passing yards, they're last in passing defense. And they seem to have problems on both sides of the ball. This is a huge game because the Patriots already lost to the Bills, meaning they'd have to climb over two teams in the division. And with the AFC North so deep, it might be hard to get a wild card at 9-7.
Where Did That Come From?
Just a few days ago the Chiefs were streaking to the top of the AFC West and the Dolphins were winless and hoping for Andrew Luck. Then all of the sudden Matt Moore became a competent quarterback, the Dolphins D clamped down on the running game, and the Fish had a 31-3 victory.
Leader in the Clubhouse
The Dolphins' win, the one last week by the Rams, and the Colts latest loss to the Falcons, mean Indianapolis has the inside track on the first pick in the NFL Draft, which will almost surely be Andrew Luck.
This could present an interesting conundrum. As you know, the Colts already have a quarterback, but he is hurt, and even though they just signed him to a new contract (I guess that was pretty foolish) they may have to consider drafting Luck. Apparently this is not sitting well with Peyton Manning who wants to come back to his job next season. I think if the Colts do get the top pick, they should trade it for a couple draft picks to help smooth the transition when Manning really does retire. What do you think?
Brief Rant about the Redskins
John Beck stinks. He can't throw. Until a completely useless touchdown at the end of the game the Redskins had 3 points in 118 minutes with Beck at the helm. They have got to go back to Rex Grossman. But the Shanahans will be stubborn and stick with the guy they like. Beck is so bad that Roy Helu set a franchise record for catches in game. He caught 14 balls, because Beck can't throw downfield. Another ignominious team record: Graham Gano kicked a 59-yard field goal. I was rooting for him to miss because I didn't want his name in the team's history.
Picture of the Week
A cool shot right down the line of scrimmage during the Dolphins-Chiefs game.
Shifting of Power
Every week I try to pick a team from each conference to play in my hypothetical right now Super Bowl. It is getting harder and harder to find a good AFC team. The power has clearly shifted to the NFC. Green Bay, Detroit, San Francisco and the Giants all look better right now than anyone in the AFC. The Patriots lost 2 in a row, including one to the Steelers, who just lost to Baltimore, who almost lost to the Cardinals and they did lose to the Jaguars.
If the Super Bowl Were Played Today
Green Bay Packer 45 Cincinnati Bengals 13
Cincinnati gets the nod almost by default, but they have won 5 in a row. They have a really good defense and Andy Dalton is turning out to be a pretty good quarterback for a rookie. The Packers are just awesome and they are two wins away (Vikings, ExpensiveCornPrices) from being undefeated going into the early Thanksgiving Day game against the Lions.
Monday, November 07, 2011
This Is Too Serious to Even Make Fun of the Penn State Alumni
Penn State and its alumni are a frequent target of my humorous barbs on this site. Not today. This time I am calling for Joe Paterno's resignation not because he's a senile, old fool but because of his lack of action after very serious allegations were made against former defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky.
Sandusky, 67, was a longtime Paterno assistant until he retired in 1999. Even after his retirement he was given unfettered access to university facilities. Sandusky used his position as a Penn State coach to lure young boys whom he originally met through his charity, called Second Mile.
Sandusky started the charity to help troubled boys. According to the grand jury's indictment, he molested them. 8 victims are named over a period of several years.
Sandusky invited victims to his home, they slept over, he gave them tickets to Penn State games and drove them to Eagles games. And he often gave boys a tour of the Penn State facilities, culminating in showing them the shower.
Victim #1 started sleeping over at Sandusky's house in 2005 and 2006 when he was in 6th or 7th grade, so roughly 11 or 12 years old. Sandusky would come down to the basement where the boy was sleeping and "crack" the boy's back. It became a bedtime ritual. Then Sandusky moved on to rubbing the boy's butt, then blowing on his bare stomach, then sucking his dick. The boy claims Sandusky performed oral sex on him 20 times. And he did it to Sandusky once.
Victim #4 says Sandusky rubbed his genitals on his face and even put his dick in the boy's mouth. And ejaculating! He said Sandusky also tried to put his finger and his penis in the boy's ass.
The other victims claims fall short of those, mostly that he showered with them, touched them, and made them uncomfortable. Perhaps if they didn't resist he would have done more to them.
This is right out of the child molester's handbook written by Michael Jackson. Pick on underprivileged boys from bad family situations. Start slowly, so those that object right away don't have real charges. And most importantly, you need to have people who will cover up for you.
And that's where victim #2 comes in. Graduate assistant and former QB Mike McQueary went to put sneakers in his locker at 9:30 one night. He saw the lights and the showers on, and heard what sounded like people have sex. He saw a naked boy, who looked to be about 10, with his hands on the wall, being anally violated by Sandusky.
Doing the right thing, McQueary told Coach Paterno the next day. The matter was never reported to police. Paterno, AD Tim Curley and another university VP Gary Schultz all claim McQueary only told them of inappropriate behavior, not sexual activity explicitly.
Even so, they decided taking away Sandusky's keys to the locker room was sufficient punishment.
Curley and Schultz have resigned, they are charged with crimes. Paterno, who was not charged, should resign too.
This is not just an embarrassment. This is a trusted member of the coaching staff using his positions, and the university's facilities to systematically engage in sexual molestation of young boys. And it's clear university officials including Joe Paterno allowed this to happen.
Sandusky, 67, was a longtime Paterno assistant until he retired in 1999. Even after his retirement he was given unfettered access to university facilities. Sandusky used his position as a Penn State coach to lure young boys whom he originally met through his charity, called Second Mile.
Sandusky started the charity to help troubled boys. According to the grand jury's indictment, he molested them. 8 victims are named over a period of several years.
Sandusky invited victims to his home, they slept over, he gave them tickets to Penn State games and drove them to Eagles games. And he often gave boys a tour of the Penn State facilities, culminating in showing them the shower.
Victim #1 started sleeping over at Sandusky's house in 2005 and 2006 when he was in 6th or 7th grade, so roughly 11 or 12 years old. Sandusky would come down to the basement where the boy was sleeping and "crack" the boy's back. It became a bedtime ritual. Then Sandusky moved on to rubbing the boy's butt, then blowing on his bare stomach, then sucking his dick. The boy claims Sandusky performed oral sex on him 20 times. And he did it to Sandusky once.
Victim #4 says Sandusky rubbed his genitals on his face and even put his dick in the boy's mouth. And ejaculating! He said Sandusky also tried to put his finger and his penis in the boy's ass.
The other victims claims fall short of those, mostly that he showered with them, touched them, and made them uncomfortable. Perhaps if they didn't resist he would have done more to them.
This is right out of the child molester's handbook written by Michael Jackson. Pick on underprivileged boys from bad family situations. Start slowly, so those that object right away don't have real charges. And most importantly, you need to have people who will cover up for you.
And that's where victim #2 comes in. Graduate assistant and former QB Mike McQueary went to put sneakers in his locker at 9:30 one night. He saw the lights and the showers on, and heard what sounded like people have sex. He saw a naked boy, who looked to be about 10, with his hands on the wall, being anally violated by Sandusky.
Doing the right thing, McQueary told Coach Paterno the next day. The matter was never reported to police. Paterno, AD Tim Curley and another university VP Gary Schultz all claim McQueary only told them of inappropriate behavior, not sexual activity explicitly.
Even so, they decided taking away Sandusky's keys to the locker room was sufficient punishment.
Curley and Schultz have resigned, they are charged with crimes. Paterno, who was not charged, should resign too.
This is not just an embarrassment. This is a trusted member of the coaching staff using his positions, and the university's facilities to systematically engage in sexual molestation of young boys. And it's clear university officials including Joe Paterno allowed this to happen.
What Do You Give Me For? Kris Humphries and Taylor Lautner
What do you give me for the Kim Kardashian's soon-to-be ex-husband Kris Humphries and Twilight star Taylor Lautner?
Story Suggested by Damino
Story Suggested by Damino
Sunday, November 06, 2011
Weekly Picks
Lack of power didn't hurt me too bad last week. Though I got off to a bad start I closed the show with two of my easiest victories of the year. Still looking for teams to totally reverse course from their performance last week.
ARIZONA -2 1/2 st. louis
St. Louis was 0-6 and just pulled a huge upset of the Saints. I think they still stink. Unfortunately the Cardinals stink too. But I like them at home in this one, even though Kevin Kolb is out and John Skelton, the pride of Fordham, is starting.
OAKLAND -7 denver
I'm going to keep picking against Tebow. Even his own coaches don't believe in him. They are just doing this to get the fans off their back.
NEW ORLEANS -8 tampa bay
The last time the Saints played the ExpensiveCornPrices they lost, and rebounded by delivering one of the biggest ass-kickings in history. Then they went out and lost to the Rams. They bounce back again.
BUFFALO -2 1/2 new york jets
This spread makes it look like people think the Jets are the better team. It's ok to believe in the Bills now. And if you do, you have to pick them giving so few points at home.
BEST BET
KANSAS CITY -4 miami
Another spread that seems way too small. The Chiefs have won 4 in a row and seem to have their problems figured out. The Dolphins have a lot more problems and they haven't got answers to any of them.
Last week: 2-3 (3 points)
Season: 21-19 (23 points)
Best Bets: 1-0 (5-3)
Home Favorites: 0-2 (8-8)
Home Underdogs: 0-0 (0-0)
Road Favorites: 2-0 (6-6)
Road Underdogs: 0-1 (7-5)
ARIZONA -2 1/2 st. louis
St. Louis was 0-6 and just pulled a huge upset of the Saints. I think they still stink. Unfortunately the Cardinals stink too. But I like them at home in this one, even though Kevin Kolb is out and John Skelton, the pride of Fordham, is starting.
OAKLAND -7 denver
I'm going to keep picking against Tebow. Even his own coaches don't believe in him. They are just doing this to get the fans off their back.
NEW ORLEANS -8 tampa bay
The last time the Saints played the ExpensiveCornPrices they lost, and rebounded by delivering one of the biggest ass-kickings in history. Then they went out and lost to the Rams. They bounce back again.
BUFFALO -2 1/2 new york jets
This spread makes it look like people think the Jets are the better team. It's ok to believe in the Bills now. And if you do, you have to pick them giving so few points at home.
BEST BET
KANSAS CITY -4 miami
Another spread that seems way too small. The Chiefs have won 4 in a row and seem to have their problems figured out. The Dolphins have a lot more problems and they haven't got answers to any of them.
Last week: 2-3 (3 points)
Season: 21-19 (23 points)
Best Bets: 1-0 (5-3)
Home Favorites: 0-2 (8-8)
Home Underdogs: 0-0 (0-0)
Road Favorites: 2-0 (6-6)
Road Underdogs: 0-1 (7-5)
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