SEPT 2010

Thanks to all bloggers for the month of September 2010!

We had our busiest blog month since April.  Now we had into October, Halloween, Fall, and THANK GOD the major league baseball playoffs!  

Does anyone in baseball realize that now that the Minnesota Twins have an outdoor stadium we could see a world series in about 10 degree weather with snow come November!  Why in the world do we have to have baseball in November?  I'm a baseball fan, but here's my suggestions to "fix" the game:

1. SHORTEN the regular season. Right now it's 162 games. Teams play almost every day from April to Oct. That's just ridiculous! 162 was instilled around 1961.  Of course, when they had 154 game seasons 8 teams did not make the playoffs from each league. 
I say reduce the regular season to 144 games and start the playoffs in September.

2. Do not add another wildcard. Yes, there;s talk of adding another playoff spot for each league! Doesn't anybody learn from the the NHL or NBA?  Nobody cares about their regular seasons because everybody makes the playoffs......

3. All playoff series before the world series should shortened to best of 3.

4. NO trading deeadline August 31. Each team should have to play the whole season with the team they take from spring training or minor league call ups.  I hate that a team can play till august the trade for a Cliff Lee, etc... as a mercenary to finish the season. 

5. In the playoffs and world series there should be a mandatory rest period between starts for pitchers. Then say the Yanks can't pitch C.C. the 1st game and bring him back for the 3rd or 4th.   Then we would see the best "TEAM" win instead of the team with the best 1 or 2 pitchers.

6. No DH in American League park and no DH in National league parks during world series.  I'm sorry the National League hasn't caught up with the times, but why should the American League teams have to play a game without one of their usual best hitters?  Furthermore, why should I be subject to another game where a pro athlete pitcher attempts to bunt with the whole stadium knowing he's going to or stand there looking like he's never had a baseball bat in his hands!
It's an addition to the National League and a subtraction to the American League.

7. Time clock used between pitches. Stop the wasted time by batters having readjust their gloves, helmets, jocks between every pitch.  Penalty is an automatic strike.

Nationwide Is Really On My Side!!!

Good morning fellow Bloggers,

I was off work yesterday and which prompted me to run some errands. Fortunately my schedule allows me to have some weekdays off which is great because a majority of people work during the week and it makes errand running a lot easier.

My first endeavour was going to the DMV to have my registration renewed. Wednesdays they open at noon so I arrived at about quarter past. I checked in with the receptionist and obtained my ticket. I was #C426. I sat down with my daughter and saw that C412 was being served. Not bad I thought. Waited about 10 minutes, met with the teller and got my reg renewed in about 5 minutes. I spent a total of 15 minutes at DMV which is f-ing amazing considering they have about 30+ teller stalls but usually only have about 15 of them open. Great use of our tax paying dollars.

Next I was off to BJs to pick up some bulk supplies. Upon arrival I got my cart, put my daughter in the cart and journeyed towards the front doors. As we were entering the front door I passed by a elderly couple and one of them farted and kept farting as I passed through the front doors. It was one of those wet sounding farts which may or may not be accompanied by shit. I think he/she shit their pants. Once inside I grabbed things on my list and went to the self checkout line. This fucking thing is a pain in the ass. Every other thing I put on the belt came back to me and half the shit I tried to scan wouldn't scan. I finally got everything through (with the help of a BJs employee) and proceeded to the doors where I met with the BJs receipt checker. Time at BJS... about 20 minutes.

After BJs we went to the Seaford Federal Credit Union where we have our daughter's savings account. She had her 1st birthday on September 21st and we deposited her birthday earnings. Spent about 5 minutes at the bank.

Leaving the bank I looked over at the Carey Insurance Agency and had an idea. I've noticed over the months that a lot of the Blog's contributors (who work for the Carey Insurance Agency) post some (a lot) of their pieces during work hours. That's it I thought! I think I will pop on in, unannounced and see for my self what my fellow Bloggers are working on.

I first came across Josh and Pickle in the conference room or at least it looked like a conference room. Maybe it was their office, I don't know. Josh was working on his lap top with the computer screen facing away from me so I couldn't see what was on the screen. He didn't look nervous or fidgety so I can only assume he was working. Pickle was working on a desk top which was facing me and I could clearly see the screen. It had a bunch of charts and stuff on it so I'm pretty sure he was working. Of course their were a lot of minimized tabs at the bottom of the screen so I was a little leery. I will give them both the benefit of the doubt.

I left them and made my way down the hall to Fritz's office. Saw Robert sitting at his desk first. He was on the phone talking numbers with someone. I assumed it was mortgage stuff but he could of been betting on the horses. Billy passed by doing what he does best, Smiling. I said hello and he returned the gesture. Fritz was in his office, papers scattered around his desk. No Blog stuff on his screen. We chatted for a while. Pickle came in and they talked a few about a client. Work was being done.

As I left Fritz walked me to the back door because I was parked at the bank. I said goodbye to Robert who was now off the phone. Billy was on the phone now (probably sweet talking some MILF), I meant client, and I said goodbye to him. Just before the backdoor I saw Travis and Pickle talking in a office (I assume it's Travis's office cuz Pickle's office has a bigger table and more chairs). I stood at the door and looked in for a few seconds but neither looked booked. I guess they were pretty involved in their business dialogue. Working those numbers and credit scores? I would say Yes Sir.

I said goodbye to Fritz and made my way to my car. As I drove off I thought to myself "what a lucky guy I am. My guys are working hard for me." I know that my all my insurance and mortgage needs are being cared for and looked after. Nationwide (and All American Mortgage) Is - ALWAYS - On My Side!!!

Thanks Guys!

PS... Don't let this discourage you from blogging while at work, but I do expect you to stop if I get in an accident or my house catches on fire.

something different

How bout dem Cowboys!

I love seeing a cry baby getting screwed over and when its a cowboy it makes it ten times funnier. If you havent seen yet Dez Bryant is an idiot. We all remember how he wouldnt carry Roy Williams pads off the filed and cried like a little baby about it. Whether you agree with him or not i bet he wished he just carried those pads. He was stuck with a just shy of 55 thousand dollar dinner bill. To make up for not carrying the pads he had to pay for a dinner so he took the offensive players out and Roy being such a nice guy invited the Defense players to come too. Its okay though Dez will make that money back with that Super Bowl Bonus he gets......not. I bet without anyone knowing JJ pays for the dinner so his favorite player doesnt get upset.

Springtime soon?

Ah, the Orioles!  The Nationals!    Spring training is just around the corner...I WISH!

What started out to be a promising football season has gone downhill fast for The Commish.

My beloved Fighting Irish are 1-3 and clearly are in need of a few years of Coach Brian Kelly's new recruits!  Inherited QB Dane Crist is not the messiah and the "D" still needs to be overhauled.  The class of 2011, if all the verbals turn into signings, looks to be a Top 5 so will see.  This week we go to Boston College, which is not easy. BC hates ND. You know the Catholic thing against another Catholic thing.
At this point I'll take 6-5.

My Dolphins lost last night to the Jets. It was a great game. Chad Henne played well at times. Ronnie Brown is a good back (i say good, because I think the term "great" is often overused in sports). The Dolphins "D" is up and coming.  Yes, all is not lost. They are 2-1 and tied with the Jets and Pats for first in the East. I just hate losing to either the Jets or Pats.

I am happy for SOME of my fellow bloggers.  It's great to see the Chiefs at 3-0. I'm very happy for Matt Cassel. One of the original AFL teams playing well. Hopefully, TV will start shoiwng some games......
The Eagles are at 2-1 with the 'Skins next week.  Mike Vick is saying all the right things and claims to be trying to be a better person. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt until he does something to prove otherwise.  I still Kolb can be a good QB. Give hime time.......  Colts beat the Broncos. Hopefully Frank and Mass are still talking to one another..............Ravens got back on a roll with a win at home. Flacco looked mush better than the week before.

Tonight, Packers and Bears.  Man, I can't pick who I want to win. I think the NFL is better when both of these franchises are playing well. Meaningful games in December in Lambeau and Soldier Field are fun to watch! 

Spring brings hope eternal....

"two go in, one come out"    "spin the wheel, get a deal"

give me another break

Just turned on the TV, tuned into ESPN and guess what?   College Gameday is live from Frank's darling Boise St.   The fans are packed and the gameday crew is talking their usual mush.    Of course, Herbstreit, Fowler, and Howard are "homers" and all a gush with Boise St. Every time they open their mouths the Boise fans are going wild like the teenage girls did for the Beatles.  (sorry Frank and Mass,  you'll have to look in your history books for that reference)

I'm SICK OF IT!   Yes, my Irish have a tough game AGAIN vs the Stanford Cardinal today and quite frankly I don't like their chances. So there, no comments.  But give me a break!  I don't look for Boise to lose tonight.  They haven't really had a game since opening night against what has turned out to be a very poor Va Tech team.  They haven't had a rough game for any player to get bruised or injured. They're rested and hav had 3 weeks to prepare.  (yes I know they've played over the last 3 weeks, but really how much preparation was needed for Wyoming which is 1-2 and the win was a 28-20 win over Southern Utah.  By the way,  Wyoming was one of those "tough" out of conference games Boise St scheduled.  God, isn't it bad enough to play in an extremely weak conference AND schedule extremely weak out of conference foes?  Don't tell me no one will play them.  Even if Oklahoma, Bama, etc... won't schedule as Frank says, I'm sure there's at least some tougher out of conference team besides Wyoming willing to play!)

Ok, so here we are with the supposed only other tough games for Boise this year, Oregon St. (I wish ND was playing Oregon St instead of Stanford today!  Matter of fact, I wish the Irish could have played Va Tech and Wyoming and OSU for the first 3 games rather than Purdue, Michigan, Michigan St and now Stanford)
I'm sure Boise will win tonight. Will continue the hype for a BCS champ game.  I've never been a 'Bama or Ohio St fan, but quite frankly I hope they both go undefeated and play for the Championship while Boise gets to look from the outside in.

(oh by the way, Boise gets to play New Mexico St next week.....shutter with the fear!)

NFL Week 2

Well, after 2 weeks into the 2010 NFL season we need to catch up with the favorite teams of our fellow bloggers.

Are you happy with your team's start?  Already panicking?  Looking forward to next year already?

Washington Redskins (1-1):  Lost Sunday to the Texans. A little disappointing in that they were up by 17 and lost. Also didn't help that the 'Skins kicker made the winning kick, but didn't count because of the low class move of being able to call a timeout at the last second before the snap......Good news: McNabb has looked good so far...defense has and will continue to play well....I think they could go 8-8 and with some breaks maybe 10-6 and a possible playoff.

Indianapolis Colts (1-1): Beat the crap out of the Giants....Manning is Manning...Thank God the Colts have Peyton, not Eli........Are they this team or the one which got run over by the Texans in week 1?  I'm sure they still make the playoffs and a possible Super Bowl run......Over time I have come to respect and like Peyton more as I think he's a quality person.

San Francisco 49'ers (0-2): wow!  There was a lot of hype before the season regarding the 'Niners. After last night's game my review concludes that they have a very nice defense. I really like there linebackers.  Not real fond of the D backs.  They need to improve the fundamentals and special teams. That's where they lost the game to the Saints.  Muffed punt return led directly to a Saints score, which made the difference. I like Singletary as a coach and I'm surprised as the lapse in fundamentals. Right now this team could go either way....straighten up and go on a roll or it may be a long disappointing season.

Dallas Cowboys (0-2) : Supposed to be Super Bowl contenders this year...supposed to be one of the most talented teams in the league....I don't know...I see a lot of weaknesses, especially the offensive line. They don't seem too committed to the run and that leaves you depending on Tony Romo to win you games....ouch!   I predict that poor Wade Phillips won't finish the season as head coach.

Kansas City Chiefs (2-0) : It's nice that one of the original AFL teams is seemingly back!  I like the moves they've made. They haven't panicked over the past few years and have made some good draft picks. Cassel may not be a superstar at QB, but I don't think he loses you games either. Not sure if I make them a playoff team...yet.  Need to see a few more wins to believe, but they do play in a very weak West division and already have a win over the Chargers.

Miami Dolphins (2-0) : My team, so I'm going to go lightly.  We've been down for some time. Won the division year before last,but lost 1 game into playoffs.  The defense really seems to be an up and comer, although I can barely name you more than 4 starters....Chad Henne is still a work in progress at QB and that could be their downfall....Also, can't have either Ronnie Brown or Ricky Williams get hurt. This week we play the Jets on Sunday night.....obviously I want a win, but if not I want to see them play a full 60 minutes

Philadelphia Eagles (1-1) : 1st, let me say please bring back the uniforms they wore on opening day! You know, the ones which were actually GREEN!  Look at pictures of when Buddy Ryan coached. I watch Eagles games even though they're not "my" team. I probably root for them to win almost every week, but please get rid of the blueish-green color!  With that said....I'm not sure if they are a playoff team this year.  Like the 'Skins they could go 8-8 or better with breaks. ...QB has to be figured out.  I like Kolb, always have. I think he's got a great arm, but obviously lacks experience.   Vick played well against the Lions and don't sneeze this year at the Lions "D".  The one drawback the Eagles have has never left town.....that's the play calling of Andy Reid!

Baltimore Ravens (1-1) : I figured the defense would still be good, but they have been stout the 1st two games! They've given up 10 and 15 points respectively in the first 2 games. They should be 2-0 with only given up that few points.  I tell you, if the offense doesn't start playing better and scoring points I think Ray Lewis may take Joe Flacco to a back alley...... They are as skilled on offense as any team, but I'm not sure if Harbaugh knows how to utilize them.  Playoff team, but not a title contender until they can start to score some points.

Good luck everyone in week 3. I hope all our teams win!

Can Society Be Anymore Touchy?

Recently, Clinton Portis has been brought to task because of some comments he made regarding female sports reporters in a male NFL lockerroom. 

If you don't know, there was a mexican female reporter at a Jets practice recently. During practice there were cat-calls and comments made towards the reporter from Jet players.  To her credit, the reporter has not claimed any harrassment, but now the media and NFL is all in a hush. Poor Portis made a comment which any of us would.  He simply said that given any gender in a lockerroom of the opposite sex there will be comments and someone bound to get attracted or turned on. I mean, there are 53 pro athletes walking around in towels and changing. How could there not be at least 1 player the female reporter is attracted to?.....Now Portis has been reprimanded for that and the Redskins have said they will meet with Portis.  Wow!  What did he say that was wrong?

Now, let's add some info.....Ines Sainz is the reporter and she outwordly labels herself as the "Sexiest Sports Reporter in the World".  Check out these pics:

By the way, her main motive was to interview Mark Sanchez.....Portis also thought she was out to attract him and his multi-million $ contract.    Good point!

IRISH UPDATE

I know not all are ND fans, but I do appreciate the support for my adopted college!

Take heart! For all is not lost after this past weekend's heart breaking defeat at the hands of the blue and maze of Michigan.

Coach Kelly is working with the QB he inherited in Dayne Crist. Crist is a junior and was highly touted out of California the same time Jimmy Clausen came. Crist, however, has not had much of a chance to gain experience over his 1st 2 years. I believe he will get better. Clearly the Irish offense plays much better with him over true Freshman Tommy Rees (a Kelly recruit who he is high on) and Nate Montana (who showed why he had to play 2 years of junior college ball before ND would sign him). Kelly has another verbal committment for a QB for the class of 2011.

Although the defense could not stop Michigan on that final drive, they are playing better than at any time under Weis and held the Wolverines to 0 points in the 2nd half up till that point.

Kyle Rudolph doesn't look pretty when he runs, but he is one of the top tight ends in the country. Question is whether Kelly can get him to stay for his senior year.

Most importantly, the team shows some toughness and no quit. They played hard for the whole game. I saw some games last year under Weiss where I couldn't say the same.

AND, the day after on Sunday the Irish got verbal commitments from twins George Atkinson III and Josh Atkinson from California. Their dad is former Oakland Raider George Atkinson II who played on Madden's Super Bowl team.

George III is 6'2" 195lb wide receiver heavily recruited by Alabama, Miami, Nebraska and all of the PAC-10. He's listed as one of the premier receivers on the west coast.  Josh is a D-back and was wanted by Oregon, Washington and Arizona St., but not as polished as his brother.

So far Kelly has 18 commitments for next year's incoming class. Signing day is Feb 2 so we can see how many stick with their word. Kelly has done a great job in recruiting so far.

Michigan St. this week. No rest for the weary.

"how do you know you're not already where you're supposed to be?"

Monster Saturday turned into a Scarey Weekend

For the most part, this past weekend turned out to be dissapointment for most of the blog.  Without naming names, most of the favorite college and pro teams of blog contributors went down to deafeat.  What started out as a great sports watching weekend ended up making you wish you had just done yardwork.

COLLEGE:
Penn St. gets blown out and shows they're not on the same level with 'Bama
Florida St. travels to OU only to leave with a loss
Miami U. didn't have a great experience at the Horseshoe in Columbus
My Notre Dame team played an entertaining game against Michigan, but it's obvious they have no back-up QBs and lose by 4.
And, for those pulling for Boise St. to make a BCS championship game run your case was not helped by the supposed tough Virginia Tech loses AT HOME to Colonial Conference James Madison.

PROS:
My Dolphins won, but only 15-10 to a Bills team who could barely get a handful of 1st downs
49'ers get blown out
Colts get run over by the Texans and give up over 200 yds rushing to Arian Foster
Eagles lose and Kolb doesn't look very good in doing so. Does the Vick era begin in Philly?
Cowboys can't score against the 'Skins and lose with a penalty runoff on the last play.
The Redskins do win. Probably the biggest win for a blog contributor this weekend.
Chiefs didn't lose, but then again they don't play until tonight...........we'll see. (I'm pulling for them. Can't stand Rivers and Norv Turner of Chargers)

Tiger finally breaks 70 on Sunday, but too little, too late. We'll see him next in the Ryder Cup.
Phil does end up -4 and will tee it up next week in the Tour Championship.

Roger Federer wets the bed and doesn't play in today's US Open finals (for those who really care)

They say it's a long season.........

Cheer Up Football Fans

I know yesterday was a sad day for my fellow bloggers. Florida State going down, The U going down, and Notre Dame losing a heartbreaker at home. But its ok fellas, its just one week and lets be honest none of these teams were going to be national title contenders, they will get better. You just have to look at like this, at least your not a Hokie fan as once again the jinx of the Commish has struck again, he roots for them in week one and look what happens.

As a fan of the Irish, although the Commish has been makin it hard recently, I thought yesterday's game was the weirdest game. I have never seen a QB go out with blurry vision (get the man a pair of specs), never seen both halves end with a QB throwing the ball in the stands instead of endzone, and I have never seen a second string QB be on such as short leash when Nate Montana was not much better than him. Oh well, I guess its good that Michigan won becasue if Notre Dame had won all we would be hearing today is how that freshman dropped the ball before the goaline, which he did.

And that brings me to this, how dumb do you have to be to drop the ball before the endzone. I saw it happened to a Marshall player Friday night. If I was a coach, I would make it a rule that wehn you score you run all the way to the back of the endzone and place the ball down on the endline, because clearly these kids aren't smart enough to know how to know when they cross the goaline.

Oh well, at least there is a full slate of action today

Ryder Cup

Since all anyone is talking about on sports shows is the boring game from last night at the stupid finger point the players did, i got bored and looked up some ryder cup numbers.

USA Avg. Finish Last 5 tournamnets European Avg Finish Last 5 tournamnets


Stewart Cink 23.6 Lee Westwood 25.4
Rickie Fowler 36.4 Ian Poulter 55
Jim Furyk 33.2 Ross Fisher 45.8
Dustin Johnson 20 Martin Kaymer 20.8
Zach Johnson 32.6 Rory McIlroy 20.8
Matt Kuchar 10,4 Graeme Mcdowell 37
Hunter Mahan 24.2 Fransesco Molinari 39.8
Phil Mickelson 44.2 Peter Hanson 24
Jeff Overton 45 M.A. Jimenez 26.4
Steve Stricker 25.8 Padraiq Harrington 65.2
Bubba Watson 36.4 Eduardo Molinari 8.8
Tiger Woods 30.4 Luke Donald 31.2

Team 28 31

I had read how someone thought the USA would get beat becasue none of them are playing good right now. Well above is a list of avg finishes their last five tournaments. The U.S. has finished about three spots better then the European team over these events. Also the Euro team has a majority that only play majors on the PGA tour and just dominate the Euro tour with different fields. Westwood hasnt played in a month and wont play until the ryder cup so i wouldnt say he is playing well either. I like the U.S. team for the most part. I would have taken A.K. thought i just liked him playing in this kind of format. *If any math is wrong full blame can be given to Joey Pepper.

Classless and insensitive

I'm not taking sides,but I was disgusted by something I observed at the start of the game last night between the Saints and Vikings. I could really care less about the ongoing labor dispute between the owners and players and the "threat" of a lock-out next season. Why could I care less? Because at the end of the day I don't feel sorry for either side. I know the NFL owners and players won't go hungry or for that matter have to eat hamburger instead of filet mignon.  Millionaires fighting over more money. That's what it all boils down to.             If you think I'm wrong that's fine.  I assume you will be taking your wife or friend or children this sunday to an NFL stadium near you to watch a game.  AND NOT because someone gave you tickets and a parking pass!  Please go ahead and pay at a minimum $100 PER TICKET, gas for the drive, $35 for parking, $6.50 a hot dog for your son or daughter, $8.00 a beer, and when your child looks at you with big glassy eyes and says "daddy, can I have a hat of my favorite team to wear during the game" try saying NO to and explain that daddy has a jersey, but you can't have that hat with a $30 price tag.  At a minimum, to take your kid to an NFL game is at least a $400 day.

With that said, I tuned in last night to watch some football. Got comfy, listened to the pre-game, enjoyed the latest version of the Star Spangled Banner, then "BOOM"!   Right after the last note of our national anthem the players from both teams walked on the field and held up their right arms with their index finger pointing to the sky with the international signal of #1. At first I thought, this is great! Immediately after the anthem, I mean almost in tune with the anthem all players are signaling that we are a patriotic country and the USA is number 1.    UHHHHHH, NO, that wasn't it.  It was a planned scenerio to signal that the players were standing as "1" in their labor talks and wanted the public to know............Whew, thanks Drew Brees, I was worried that your $15 million this year wasn't going to be able to feed your daughter and your now pregnant wife who didn't have to seat in the $125 cheap seats, but was comfy in a private suite with all the fixings.     I'm so glad that on the day Tom Brady was "forced" to sign a new $75 million contract we can now all sleep soundly knowing that the players are united.   The players last night were probably thinking that Brady was a dumbass for signing a contract extension for a measly 75 mil!  If he could have just been patient and waited until next year maybe he could have squeezed another mil or two out of the Kraft family!  He'll be sorry when he runs short of cash 2 years from now that he didn't hold out for another $100,000 to help pay the nanny.     .............yesterday I meant with a 77 year old black lady who gets $600 a month from social security. Her choice is to do a reverse mortgage or sell her house. I hope she was watching, because I know she was concerned that neither the players or owners have to miss a meal.

Players, you want to do this after the game or at another appropiate time, go ahead, but not immediately right after the Star Spangled Banner. It shows me they were more concerned with that sign then really listening to the "song". I take my country and patriotism very seriously. Laugh if you want, but if the "shit" ever comes down and the "Towel Heads" attack G-town I'll be locked and loaded unleashing hell from 106 West North Street.

I'm not anti player. I can't stand the owners crying over millions either. So don't respond with my as an anti-labor guy not considering the health risks the players take. Thats' not the case. There simply is a time and a place for everything at that was simply not the time nor the place.

If the NFL does lock-out next year I'll just pay my $30 a ticket and go to U of D or Naval Academy games instead and enjoy a relaxing spirited day on a college campus enjoying the sport from people who play for the love of the game.



NOW, to lighten things up what a weekend! The weather is going to be beautiful. Golf is on today, Saturday and Sunday, college football schedule the weekend is wacked.....ND vs Michigan,  Penn St vs Bama just to name a few,.......Skins and Cowboys Sunday night!   Ravens and Jets Monday night!   Wow.....that's a 10 bags of chips weekend!


Love you all and hope someday you too get to argue over millions $$$$$$$$$$

Its finally here

Tonight kicks off the NFL season. Enjoy your football this year because there is still a chance that next year this time there could be a lockout. Since kickoff is tonight, Frank is going to layout hius 10 bold predictions for this year. Here they are:

1. The New York Football Jets will not make the playoffs. With all the hype and Hard Knocks, this team still lacks a QB and I think the Miami SnowFlakes step up and take the division this year.

2. The Lions will not finish last in their division this year. That honor will go to the Bears and Jay Cutler will either spend half the year hurt or set a record for most INT's thrown in a season.

3. The Redskins will make the playoffs. You heard me, I think the defense will be a top 5 defense and carry the team to the playoffs

4. The Vikings will miss the playoffs and finish 8-8. Incase you havent noticed they play a brutal schedule, even more brutal the Notre Dame (sorry Commish, couldn't resist) and with a QB that will be applying for Social Security next year, I think they struggle especially with his top weapon in the passing game out for at least 6 weeks

5. The Ravens will win their division but lose in the first round of playoffs. With everyone saying how good the Ravens are they do not make the deep run in January that everyone is predicting.

6. The Saints will not repeat. They make payoffs but do not have a recond good enough to get home field and lose on the road in the playoffs.

7. The Cowboys fail to make playoffs. After predicting that the mighty Redskins finish second in division, I predict the Cowboys finish third and Jerry is so mad he fires Wade and names himself as his replacement.

8. The 49ers make it to NFC championship, they play in a weak division and manage to get a first round bye in the playoffs

9. Someone pulls a lock of Troy Palamalu's hair out and he is so devastated that he falls into a deep depression and misses the rest of the season.

10. Finally my super bowl prediction, the Colts over the Packers in an epic shootout, one for the ages

RYDER CUPPY

The Ryder Cup is coming! The international golf challenge started by Samuel Ryder to test the best European golfers against American will once again be on display. 

Before I get into the meat of my article I wish to address the make up of the 2 teams. Originally it was just America vs England/Wales..ie the British realm. However, the U.S. won the thing for like 50 times in a row so they changed it to include all of Europe. Wow, we get to pick golfers from 1 country while they pick from 20.  I'd like to see a tourney where our team plays each European country individually and see how that shakes out.

However, I'm not sure if you are all aware of the issues Corey Pavin is having with the U.S. team. It really is concerning and I hope he finds a way to straighten it out!

FIRST, Pavin is having a problem getting the players to show up at meetings, practice, wardrobe fittings, etc... It seems like no ne believes him when he says there's a meeting or the time given. I don't understand why? I mean he told Jim Gray he was going to pick Tiger and then tried to lie and claim that's not what he said. Then acted like a little bitch when approached on the issue. Who know when he's telling the truth.

SECOND, the USGA is balking over the extra expense of a 3rd plane for transportation. There's 1 for the team and coaches, 1 for the wives and families, but a 3rd is now needed for Tiger's women. He has a point. Everyone else gets to bring wives and girlfriends, why not him? Should he be alienated because he has more than 1 girlfriend? I think not!

THIRD, unlike women, men usually are pretty easy to dress. Everyone get the same color pants, shirts, hats, shoes, etc... just give your size. But we've got some serious issues here. Here's just a few:

Tiger wants the team to wear red for the Sunday matches. Pavin has yet to agree.

Puma does a good job providing big hat sizes for Rickie Fowler, but the manufacturer for Ryder Cup wear doesn't make hats that big or dumb looking. Fowler insists the oversize, flat-brim look is the style with the brothas. Wouldn't you like to see him just once wear a hat that actually fits?

Costs are getting above the budget on the wardrobe because of multiple sizes. You know, if everyone is getting an XL or L shirt, 1 guy needs a small or medium you gotta pay extra. Buying in bulk is always better. The problem is Phil Mickelson can't understand what the problem is with him ordering medium sized shirts. Doesn't every 6 foot 230lb guy wear a medium? Phil does.  If anyone has any children golf shirts you'd like to donate, the team has said they will dye them the proper colors and provide for Phil. They may be bigger than what's he's accustomed to, but Pavin has said he will just have to make do!
Also Phil is crying because he wants all the pants to be made of the same space age shiney material he gets for his silver and gold ones he stupidly wears on tour.

No sunglasses allowed. Does that mean Hunter "I look gay in my white thick sided sunglasses" Mahan will get upset?

FOURTH, Pavin is upset that Jeff Overton hasn't shown up at any functions. Well, maybe he has. Who would know. I mean does anybody really know who Overton is or what he even looks like?  Pavin has decided to make him wear a badge with his name on it.

FIFTH, Dustin Johnson keeps wanting to ground his clubs in the team van. It's really getting annoying. But, he claims he doesn't know any better.

As for Zach Johnson, Steve Stricker, Jim Furyk, Matt Kuchar, and Bubba Watson, they just want to play.

If there are any reports out there I've missed I would sure like to know. So if you hear of any please post.

And the winner is NO ONE

Sources say that Bush will be stripped of his Heisman and that year will be left blank. I have no problem with this and am actually glad to see a group with the balls to do something about a cheater.

The question i have that i had asked before is they are saying Bush should have not been playing so he doesnt deserve the awared. So does Matt Leinart deserve his award, like i said Bush had over 500 recieving yds and 7 rec. tds. So he accounted for 7 of leinarts tds and 500 yards and lets face it if he wasnt their it would have been a completley different defense Leinart would have seen all year. So basically im asking is it okay to take an award from one guy because he shouldnt have been playing but let another guy who used that said player to help keep his trophy

Don't Buck the Blue Bronco Just Yet...

Last nights Boise State - Virginia Tech game is in the books. The game started out looking like BS was going to stomp all over the Hokies but VT rebounded and it was a thriller to the end. Kellen Moore lived up to his Heisman hype by leading a superb 2 minute drill offense down the field for a score and the eventual win.

After watching the game I am still convinced that BS is a top 5 team but what shocked me more was how unimpressive VT looked. Sure VT led most of the second half but I it was the usual VT "old faithfuls" that seemed to let them down.

1) VT is known for "Beamer Ball" and their outstanding special teams play. Last night BS special teams shit on VT special teams.

2) VT vaunted agressive defense was present at times but did not perform to a consistent level. 3) VT was supposed to have one of the best 1-2 punch running back combos in college football but only managed to muster up a measly 128 yds rushing against BS.

4) VT is very one dimensional and if they didn't have a running QB they would not be as good. When they play faster teams they will struggle.

Boise State looked more like a national contender than I was willing to admit a few days ago. After last nights game I feel they could be a legitimate contender.

1) Their offense is explosive and I feel they can put up a lot of points against any team in the country.

2) There defense is much better than I thought and if they play consistently well like they did last night... they can compete with anyone.

3) Boise has to run the table or there is no shot in hell for a national championship.

I've changed my tune a bit since our original BS blog posts.

Sure their schedule is weak but they are prisoners to their own conference. Their 2 big out of conference games are VT and Oregon State who are both ranked teams and none of the big boys will play them, especially on the blue turf.

Frank made a good point earlier. These teams have a month to prepare and rest for the big game. So what if Florida plays in the SEC... they have a month to get ready and rest so they will be just as fresh as BS when they meet in the BSC final. (Florida is just an example)

It's a long season and to early to tell anything yet but BS has made through their toughest hurdle so far.

On a side note.... Yesterday was FIGJAM's tenth try at over taking Woods for the #1 ranking. Guess who is still #1

FINALLY!!!

Finally the time has come - the end of summer, tourists have gone home, and football has started. The long weekend certainly brought some exciting sporting events including the much anticipated start of college football. The O's beat the Yanks and round 2 of the FedEx Cup provided us some high scoring, fantastic golf. In a way the Labor Day weekend provided so many options one certainly could of been a victim of sensory overload.

Thursday night kicked off the 2010-2011 college football season. Sure most of the games were warm-up games pitting high ranked power houses stomping the shit out of the weaker yet well paid scrub teams. However, there were some games that went down to the wire and some games where the power house teams didn't look to good.

My Canes won convincingly which gives me some kind of hope they will win when they face Thee Ohio State U. next this weekend. OSU also stomped up on there opening opponent and they took look as good as touted.

DA Booth's Seminoles lived up to their billing and showed great promise under the new Jimbo regime. They too have a tough one this weekend when they square off against Oklahoma who didn't look as good in their opening game.

Fritz's Irish looked like the Irish of old under the new whistle of coach Kelly. I actually watched the whole game and was quite impressed. Perdue is a solid team with some solid NFL caliber players. I was really impressed the the ND defense. This years D looked faster and more physical than recent ND defenses. It makes you wonder if Charlie ever cared about defense - I don't think so. This Saturday will answer a lot of questions when ND takes on Michigan. Michigan looks to be on the rebound with the help of their extremely explosive and talented, true freshman QB.

It's now 8:00 pm and the Boise State - Virginia Tech game is about to kick off. Media outlets are billing this as "the game of week" and I hope it lives up to it's billing. I know this game sparked a lot of blogging controversy lately and we will soon find out who was right.

The O's beat the Yankees today snapping a 7 game losing streak at Yankee stadium this year. Great job Orioles... I know there are a lot of guys on this site that love ya and are sticking by you to the bitter end.

Charley Hoffman - the young Californian who looks like Hurricane Earl blew him in to the Boston coast on his surfboard - won the 2nd round of the FedEx cup firing a 9 under 62 in the final round.

On a side note I would like to congratulate FIGJAM on his fabulous final round 76 which included a double bogey and a triple bogey. Is it just me or is this becoming more and more common with Phil. Maybe the pressure of surpassing Woods as #1 is getting to him. Maybe it's his lack of focus or his newly, yet conveniently, diagnosed arthritic condition. Maybe it's his gay ass, spandex fitting, white pants playing in the muddy conditions, apparel choices. I don't have a fucking clue but I know one thing - lately I am finding myself rooting more for Phil to shit the bed then hoping Tiger gets his shit together. Phil buddy... you had your chance. Tiger showed today that he is getting it together and before long he will extend that #1 ranking gap and it will be so far out of reach you won't be able to catch it with the private jet you own.

Aww Shucks!!!

Wake Up The Echoes

Exit the tunnell and you hear the sounds.....footsteps of days gone by......cheers of a Montana pass......Crunching pads of a Bettis TD......the roar from the lockerroom after a Rockne speech.....win one baby....win on for the Gipper!    Win one for the Commish!!!

It's not the BCS Championship, it's not an overpowering win, it wasn't mistake free, but my Irish opened up the 2010 season and the Brian Kelly era with a win. 23-12 over a decent Purdue team. (when I say decent I mean they will probably win more than they lose this season)

What made it exciting for me were two things I haven't seen in a long time.....Being able to run the football (Armando Allen had over 100 yds and Woods had around 57) and the defense able to stop someone. I actually got to see the defense have a couple of 3 and outs in a row!

Next week we get Michigan, who seems like they'll beat UConn today handily. It will be a tough game as the Michigan coaches are on the hotseat to win this year.  After that Michigan St.

You know what they say....One game at a time....At least I get to rejoice this long weekend with an IRISH win...................

By the way, congrats to my fellow bloggers on opening wins as well:
Miami
Florida St.

Sorry Frank, BS State doesn't play until Monday...


"when you're hot you're hot, when you're not you're not"

It's early, but give me a break already

It was "cute" a couple of years ago. I rooted for them when they beat Oklahoma and Bob Stoopes....The blue field was a novelty and different.....

Here we are with a college football game of the 2010 season yet to be played and ESPN has me sick and tired of Boise St. football already.  The Broncos are ranked pre season #3 and the talk has started already regarding them playing or what they need to do to play in the BCS Championship game. Again, I think it's cute and at times exciting to see an underdog win. But, let's be serious here.

Boise plays in the weak WAC and here's their schedule:
Sept 6     at Virginia Tech
Sept 18   at Wyoming
Sept 25   Oregon St.
Oct 2      at New Mexico St.
Oct 9      Toledo
Oct 16    at San Jose St.
Oct 26    Louisiana St.
Nov 6     Hawaii
Nov 12   at Idaho
Nov 19   Fresno St.
Nov 26   at Nevada
Dec 4     Utah St.

They basically have a 1 game season, vs Va Tech. Other than that they get to play the bully in the WAC and beat up on 2nd and 3rd tier division 1 teams. So you want to tell me if they somehow get up and beat the Hokies in Blacksburg, skate through their weak ass conference schedule, that they are somehow the 1st or 2nd best team in the country?   I don't think so!!!

Even if they do go undefeated, any team from the SEC with 3 or less loses should be ranked ahead of the Broncos.

Now, you may argue how well they have played the big boys in bowl games over the past few years. Well, here's my answer:   they basically have 1 game to get up for a year and pretty much go into bowl games fresher and with less injuries than any team from the SEC, Big 12, PAC 10, or Big Ten. Can you imagine the difference in freshness with the offensive line compared with an SEC team's line?  1 has 1 tough game. The other is getting beat up every week for 12 weeks!

My early season wish:    Go Va Tech!

FedEx or FuckedUp ???

Big article on The Golf Channel website about the FedEx points system. The main gist is players finishing 2nd get a huge boost. Martin Laird finish 2nd to Matt Kuchar received enough points to propel him from 95th place to 3rd place in the standings. This was only his (Laird's) 3rd top ten finish this year. Needless to say, Laird probably jumped a lot of players who have a better record throughout this season.

I remember bitching about this FedEx Cup scoring system last season. I believe who ever came up with the points system made it so top players (Woods, Mickelson) had a legitimate shot to win the cup as long as they were ranked in the top 150 of the FedEx rankings (when the FedEx playoffs started). Basically the regular season has no emphasis on the FedEx Cup. As long as you are in the top 150 at the end of the regular season then you get a shot at the Cup.

This system is worse then the NHL playoffs where every team gets in the playoffs. Do they really need 150 players in this thing. If I were a top ranked player (for the year) I would take it as a slap in the face. I play exceptionally well all year and have the same chance of winning as someone who played shitty all year.

They should only take the top 50 or so golfers and go from there. Yea, sure, my boy Tiger would have been left out but that's his fault for mind fucking himself and his game. But as I mentioned before the system is designed to keep the tour's golden boys involved. Tiger started last week at 112th and finished, going into this week, at 65th place. Wouldn't it be some funny ass shit if he won the thing having only played like 8 tournaments this year, a couple of top 10 finishes, and no wins. He is my boy but even that is fucked up. FIGJAM and Mass would need psychiatric counseling if that happened.

Anyway.... I shall watch this week with the realization that this system is not a true playoff system. It accounts for almost nothing accomplished during the regular season. If some mediocre golfer gets on fire for a few weeks then they could bring home the Cup.

PS... My four "Captain's picks" for the Ryder Cup would be Freddy Couples, Tom Watson, Tom Kite and Tom Lehman. Bring out the Senior Tour dudes and kick some young European ass. And change Freddy's name to Tom Couples, that would be so cool.

Express Yourself.... But Don't Ask Me for Help!

I just finished reading a article about a man from Arizona who is drawing a lot of attention for a flag he is flying in front of his home. The flag is the "Gadsden" flag, a yellow flag with a coiled rattlesnake, that reads "Don't Tread On Me." I'm sure some of you history buffs/majors know what I am talking about and know more about the significant of the flag than I do. The flag has great historical meaning and is related to the likes of Ben Franklin and the US Marine Corps.

Apparently it is now the flag/symbol being adopted by the current Tea Party. The man who is flying the flag has been told by his HOA that he cannot fly the flag in the neighborhood. Arizona has a state statue proclaiming what flags can and cannot be flown. Obviously the "Gadsden" flag is not one that can be flown and the HOA is claiming they are just following the state statute. The man (who I will refer to as Bob, so I don't have to keep saying Man) claims he is flying the flag for it's historical significant, not because of any Tea Party affiliation. Bob now has the backing of the ACLU who claims the HOA is violating Bob's freedom of speech.

Personally I am in favor of any ones' right to freedom of speech as long as it is respectful, accurate, and not overly offensive. Hey... if my neighbor wants to fly the Nazi Flag in their front yard, I don't give a fuck. If he wants to march around his yard with picket signs protesting the death penalty, I don't give a fuck. Until my dip shit neighbor directly affects me or others, then I don't give a fuck. Express yourself all you want dip shit, just leave me out of it. This leads me to why I wrote this post.

In the article I read Bob is being fined $100 a week by the HOA for not taking the flag down. I assume when he signed up to live in the development he was given a list of what he can and cannot do. I would imagine the HOA covenant had the rules and regs. Bob chose to fly his flag probably knowing there would be some recourse. Shit... I have neighbors who get bent out of shape if someone parks a boat in their own driveway for a couple of days.

Anyway, Bob is getting ready to have a legal rumble with his HOA and the State of Arizona. Here is the best part!!! Bob has started his own Blog directly related to his ordeal. He is asking for donations to help fight his legal battle and I'm sure there are political freaks out there who will gladly give him money.

I'm not one of them. Bob... if your going to try and Buck the system (freedom of speech or not) then have the assets to back it up when you meet some opposition. Don't ask me and others for their help because you can't afford it. Either take the damn flag down or go to the bank and get a loan to cover your legal costs. Other people should not foot the bill so you can keep a $10 flag flying in your front yard.

Got run now. Meeting Opie Lawson to see about a Black Panthers flag.

TRUE HERO!!!!

I was actually in the middle of a rant about Manny Being Manny and realized what the hell am i doing, lets talk about a TRUE HERO .

One year ago today Officer Chad Spicer was killed while protecting his home town. He was a great man, freind, son, brother, and most importantly father. Take this time to remember him and keep your thoughts and prayers with his family especially his little girl Aubrey.

Remember when you are out playing golf, watching your kids at little league, working, sleeping, whatever you are doing, that these men and women are out their on the streets both in this country and other countries keeping us safe protecting our freedom, and willing to lose their life to do so. Miss you Chad and THANK YOU!!!!!!

Got any good Chad Stories id love to hear them.