Bates soccer, hottest team in the NESCAC. After wins over MIT, Middlebury (reigning National champs by the way), Wesleyan and Colby, we're moving on to the playoffs. Apparently, in the pressure packed Bates/Colby game, Bates was down 1-0, and came back to win 2-1. Now, I'm getting my information second hand, but some player from Bates put some kid from Colby in a headlock and started throwing punches...and only got a yellow card. How insane is that? I guess the refs were calling it loose.
Looks like we drew Williams in the first round. Tough draw.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Salvation Army
I travelled to Salvation Army yesterday for a little Halloween costume shopping. I stopped at the store on 23rd and 2nd and rifled through their selection of used sports coats. Granted, this was only one day before Halloween, but selection was limited. Perhaps NYU students had already purchased every pastel sport coat.
If you've ever been lucky enough to enter a Salvation Army in Lewiston, ME, then you can attest to their quality. Unreal stock of hideously ugly pants and jackets. The Salvation Army in New York looked like a Men's Warehouse store. The key for Salvation Army is not to sell discounted sports coats from today, but to sell really, really ugly clothes from the 70's and 80's. Lewiston should change their slogan to "Best Salvation Armies on the East Coast."
Georgia Closes Schools Becuase of UF/UGA Game
If there was ever a doubt whether athletics or education come first in Georgia, this pretty much settles it.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
State by State Predictions
With the election drawing to a close, I'll bring you election analysis you can't get anywhere else. Here are my state by state predictions.
Obama:
Total - 260
As you can see, I'm forecasting an Obama win, but he has to sweat it out until the very end. I'm not as convinced as some that Obama takes swing states like Virgina and Florida.
Obama:
WA-11
OR-7
CA-55
NV-5
CO-9
NM-5
MN-10
WI-10
MI-17
IL-21
IA-7
ME-4
NH-4
VT-3
MA-12
RI-4
CT-5
NY-31
PA-21
NJ-15
DE-3
MD-10
DC-3
HI-4
-----
Total -- 278
AZ-10
UT-5
WY-3
ID-4
MT-3
ND-3
SD-3
NE-5
KS-6
OK-7
TX-34
LA-9
AR-6
AK-3
MS-6
AL-9
MO-11
IN-11
OH-20
KY-8
TN-11
GA-15
FL-27
SC-8
NC-15
VA-13
WV-5
Total - 260
As you can see, I'm forecasting an Obama win, but he has to sweat it out until the very end. I'm not as convinced as some that Obama takes swing states like Virgina and Florida.
DC is suffering
Congratulations to Philly fans. The Phillies won the World Series last night ending a 25 year drought without any any championships from their four major teams.
Now, what city is suffering the most?
Cities with four major sports and their last championship:
Philly--2008 Phillies
Boston--2008 Celtics
Detroit--2007-08 Red Wings
New York--2007 Giants
Miami--2006 Heat
Chicago--2005 White Sox
Denver--2000-01 Avalanche
Dallas--1999-99 Stars
Atlanta--1995 Braves
San Fran (if you include San Jose)--1994 49ers
Minny/St. Paul--1991 Twins
Washington--1991 Redskins
Washington and Minneapolis are now tied for the longest drought. Yes, DC only got a baseball team a few years ago. Yes, Maryland won a college bball championship in 2001. Yes, DC United has won 4 MLS titles. But the fact remains...DC is now the longest suffering city without a championship.
Now, what city is suffering the most?
Cities with four major sports and their last championship:
Philly--2008 Phillies
Boston--2008 Celtics
Detroit--2007-08 Red Wings
New York--2007 Giants
Miami--2006 Heat
Chicago--2005 White Sox
Denver--2000-01 Avalanche
Dallas--1999-99 Stars
Atlanta--1995 Braves
San Fran (if you include San Jose)--1994 49ers
Minny/St. Paul--1991 Twins
Washington--1991 Redskins
Washington and Minneapolis are now tied for the longest drought. Yes, DC only got a baseball team a few years ago. Yes, Maryland won a college bball championship in 2001. Yes, DC United has won 4 MLS titles. But the fact remains...DC is now the longest suffering city without a championship.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Week 9 Picks
Week 9 Picks
Jaguars (-6.5) over BENGALS
Since it looks like Carson "ohhh, my knee! I think it's broken" Palmer is most likely out for the year, it means the Hahvahd guy is slinging to rock to Houshmanzadeh and Ocho Stinko for the remainder of the season. Yeah, it sucks if you drafted those guys.
CHIEFS (+7.5) over Bucs
Tyler Thigpen's new name will be Not That Bad Thigpen since he almost led the Chiefs to an improbable upset over the Jets. Tyler Thigpen--not that bad. The only players worth starting in this game are Bowe, Gonzo and Garcia (but only if you drafted Brady, Palmer, Romo and Hasselbeck with your first four picks).
Ravens (+1.5) over BROWNS
The Browns team looked pleasantly frisky in the last two games, which automatically means they will lose this game. LeBron McLean, Ray Ray Rice and the RB from the U are all worth owning if you play in a 30 team league. Otherwise, don't start these guys.
Jets (+5.5) over BILLS
Leon Washington looked great last week against the Chiefs, and perhaps is worth a pickup if your a Thomas Jones owner. But lets be realistic, it's Leon Washington and unless he breaks off another 60 yard run, he isn't scoring in this game.
RAMS (+3.5) over Cardinals
Go pick up Donnie Avery in your league if he is unowned. I'll wait. You're back? Great. Now start Avery for the rest of the season since there was a reason he was the first rookie WR drafted during the April draft.
BEARS (-12.5) over Lions
Buy, buy, buy. Sell, sell, sell. Buy Orton, sell Forte. I think Orton keeps up this staggering clip and finishes as a top-10 QB this season. Forte? He's been great, but rookie RB's inevitablly hit a wall in November when they realize they have to play more than 12 games and don't get a month off during December before bowl games.
Packers (+5.5) over TITANS
You know what I just said about rookie RB's? That doesn't apply to Chris Johnson, who is an absolute stud. As for the Packers, I think they get on a mini roll here and bang out a couple of wins, including upsetting the previously unbeaten Tennessee Titans.
Dolphins (+2.5) over BRONCOS
You know why I'm taking the Dolphins here? Besides the fact I'm doing the opposite of what my brain tells me, take a look at the picture below. What is Cutler doing playing beirut during a bye week. The guy is a friggin NFL quarterback. I except him to drink nothing but water, gatorade and the occasional muscle milk beverage.
RAIDERS (+3.5) over Falcons
Can Tommy Cable please start playing McFadden. I mean the guy was a top-4 pick in the draft for a reason. I don't care if he has turf toe, just let him run in the open field and see what happens.
Cowboys (+7.5) over GIANTS
This game has Eli Manning stink fest written all over it. If the Dallas defense can play with the same grit and toughness they displayed in their last game, they have a shot even if Brooks Bollinger is throwing slant passes to Patrick Crayton.
SEAHAWKS (+7.5) over Eagles
I think this is a high scoring affair with Westbrook, McNabb, Jackson, Engram, J. Jones and a warm body at WR for Seattle all having big days. Additionally Holmgren and Reid can battle it out for the last XXXXXL jacket to wear on the sideline.
COLTS (-4.5) over Patriots
This game doesn't quite have the same meaning as last years slugfest, but somehow should still be a high scoring game. Wayne, Clark (damn you Clark for costing me a W one league), Pey-Pey, Moss, BenJarvus and Faulk all have big games in this one.
Steelers (+2.5) over REDSKINS
Ahh, my beloved Redskins. I don't ask for much, but if you could win this game and shut the Steelers fans traps for one week, I would really appreciate it. Our defensive doesn't have Jason Taylor and Shawn Springs, but then again the Steelers are really banged up as well. I see a really low scoring game, with maybe one combined touchdown. I really like Shaun Suisham and Jeff Reed in this game.
Last week: 5-9
After last weeks 5-9 debacle, I've decided to try a new approach. I pick a team to cover the spread, and then go with the other team. In the words of George Costanza, "if every instinct I have is wrong, then the opposite would have to be right."
Additionally, I'll be doling out free fantasy football advice since in one of my leagues I'm 2-6 and obviously know what I'm talking about. On to the week 9 picks!
Home team in caps.
VIKINGS (-4.5) over Texans
Miami. Detroit. Cinci. These three team are Houston's past three opponents. If you're a Schaub, Johnson or Slaton owner, now is the time to deal these guys since their value will never be higher. Not that you're trading Andre Johnson, I'm just saying he can't keep up this crazy pace.Jaguars (-6.5) over BENGALS
Since it looks like Carson "ohhh, my knee! I think it's broken" Palmer is most likely out for the year, it means the Hahvahd guy is slinging to rock to Houshmanzadeh and Ocho Stinko for the remainder of the season. Yeah, it sucks if you drafted those guys.
Tyler Thigpen's new name will be Not That Bad Thigpen since he almost led the Chiefs to an improbable upset over the Jets. Tyler Thigpen--not that bad. The only players worth starting in this game are Bowe, Gonzo and Garcia (but only if you drafted Brady, Palmer, Romo and Hasselbeck with your first four picks).
Ravens (+1.5) over BROWNS
The Browns team looked pleasantly frisky in the last two games, which automatically means they will lose this game. LeBron McLean, Ray Ray Rice and the RB from the U are all worth owning if you play in a 30 team league. Otherwise, don't start these guys.
Jets (+5.5) over BILLS
Leon Washington looked great last week against the Chiefs, and perhaps is worth a pickup if your a Thomas Jones owner. But lets be realistic, it's Leon Washington and unless he breaks off another 60 yard run, he isn't scoring in this game.
RAMS (+3.5) over Cardinals
Go pick up Donnie Avery in your league if he is unowned. I'll wait. You're back? Great. Now start Avery for the rest of the season since there was a reason he was the first rookie WR drafted during the April draft.
BEARS (-12.5) over Lions
Buy, buy, buy. Sell, sell, sell. Buy Orton, sell Forte. I think Orton keeps up this staggering clip and finishes as a top-10 QB this season. Forte? He's been great, but rookie RB's inevitablly hit a wall in November when they realize they have to play more than 12 games and don't get a month off during December before bowl games.
Packers (+5.5) over TITANS
You know what I just said about rookie RB's? That doesn't apply to Chris Johnson, who is an absolute stud. As for the Packers, I think they get on a mini roll here and bang out a couple of wins, including upsetting the previously unbeaten Tennessee Titans.
Dolphins (+2.5) over BRONCOS
You know why I'm taking the Dolphins here? Besides the fact I'm doing the opposite of what my brain tells me, take a look at the picture below. What is Cutler doing playing beirut during a bye week. The guy is a friggin NFL quarterback. I except him to drink nothing but water, gatorade and the occasional muscle milk beverage.
RAIDERS (+3.5) over Falcons
Can Tommy Cable please start playing McFadden. I mean the guy was a top-4 pick in the draft for a reason. I don't care if he has turf toe, just let him run in the open field and see what happens.
Cowboys (+7.5) over GIANTS
This game has Eli Manning stink fest written all over it. If the Dallas defense can play with the same grit and toughness they displayed in their last game, they have a shot even if Brooks Bollinger is throwing slant passes to Patrick Crayton.
SEAHAWKS (+7.5) over Eagles
I think this is a high scoring affair with Westbrook, McNabb, Jackson, Engram, J. Jones and a warm body at WR for Seattle all having big days. Additionally Holmgren and Reid can battle it out for the last XXXXXL jacket to wear on the sideline.
COLTS (-4.5) over Patriots
This game doesn't quite have the same meaning as last years slugfest, but somehow should still be a high scoring game. Wayne, Clark (damn you Clark for costing me a W one league), Pey-Pey, Moss, BenJarvus and Faulk all have big games in this one.
Steelers (+2.5) over REDSKINS
Ahh, my beloved Redskins. I don't ask for much, but if you could win this game and shut the Steelers fans traps for one week, I would really appreciate it. Our defensive doesn't have Jason Taylor and Shawn Springs, but then again the Steelers are really banged up as well. I see a really low scoring game, with maybe one combined touchdown. I really like Shaun Suisham and Jeff Reed in this game.
Last week: 5-9
Your Weekly John Daly Link
Apparently John Daly passed out at a Hooters. Sounds about right. Compliments to CWM (Coworker Mike) for passing along this link.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
New Guns N' Roses Single Out
I'm excited the new Guns N' Roses song is out, but we waited almost two decades for this? Quite disappointed in Chinese Democracy, but I suppose people have been waiting so long, there was no way the first single was going to live up to expectations.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Week 8 Picks
Just like in week 6, I didn't watch any Sunday football games in week 7. I did see the Skins/Browns game in person, but it wasn't the most ideal environment to analyze football. Therefore, gamblers beware. On to the week 8 picks!
Home team in caps.
RAVENS -7½ over Raiders
I've got a new idea for local Oakland TV commercials. You know that Direct TV ad where Craig T. Nelson looks on in horror as he realizes he is still watching basic cable instead of switching to direct TV? Instead of some low rent movie, they should just be showing Raiders games, featuring coach Tom...Cable. Zing!
SAINTS (in London)(+3½) over Chargers
West coast teams are something like 0-47 playing on the east coast this season, so playing in London at eight time zones away must be even worse for west coast teams. Even without Bush, I like the Saints in this one.
JETS (-11½) over Chiefs
The Jets are a classic 7-9 or 8-8 team. Win at home, lose on the road and occasionally drop games to crappy teams. Well, you don't get much worse than Kansas City this season. In the last few days, I've heard name like Joey Harrington, Daunte Culpepper, Mark Rypien and Doug Flutie tossed around as possible backups for the Chiefs. Give me the the Jets in possibly the most unwatchable game of the day.
Bills (- 2½) over DOLPHINS
Just when we thought the Bills were overrated, they go and do something like this (beat the Chargers)...and totally redeem themselves. I think teams have figured out the Wildcat.
BUCS (+5½) over Cowboys
If the Cowboys lose this game, Wade Phillips is going to be replaced by Jason Garrett. For all the Cowboys fans that hopped on and off the bandwagon the last few months, there are still a couple of spots left on the Skins bandwagon. Last stop: Tampa Bay.
EAGLES (-7½) over Falcons
Both of these teams are coming off much needed byes, so they should be healthy. If Westbrook plays, I like the Eagles to dominate. Also, this is a bit of a homecoming for Matt Ryan who grew up an Eagles fan, but Matty Ice will be a little nervous playing in front of the locals.
PATRIOTS (-7½) over Rams
Maybe it just took a couple of games for Matt Cassel to figure out the system. I mean, the guy had not started a game since high school, give him a break. Or the Denver defense is just really, really bad. Perhaps a combination of the two. Either way, I say the Rams come back to earth.
PANTHERS (-4½) over Cardinals
I have a simple formula for Cardinals games for the remainder of the season. Win at home. Win on the road against lousy teams. Lose on the road to solid teams. Carolina certainly qualifies as solid so even if Q Boldin plays, I've got to take the Panthers at home.
LIONS (+7½) over Redskins
The Redskins never blow anyone out and always win close games. Even though Detroit is the local Midwestern representative for league doormat (although Kansas City might have an argument as well), I see them playing a passionate game with nothing to lose. In the end, Portis' running and the Skins defense is too much for the Lions.
Browns (+7½) over JAGUARS
Dear Braylon Edwards fan I heckled at the Redskins game,
I would think twice about wearing that jersey to a DC sporting event any time soon. Go back to Shaker Heights.
Yours truly,
Belligerent fan wearing youth medium 1991 Skins windbreaker.
STEELERS (-2½) over Giants
This game should be a real barnburner. No Willy Parker--no problem. Enter Mewelde Moore from stage right. I'm worried about the Giants D line harassing Big Ben and pounding him into the ketchup soaked field at Pitt, but I think the Steelers do just enough to win by a field goal.
49ERS (-2½) over Seahawks
R.I.P. Mike Nolan's suit. How could the 49ers fire a man so immaculately dressed? So many questions. So few answers. I think Charles Haley comes out of retirement to harass Seneca Wallace/Charlie Frye/Elizabeth Hasselbeck just enough to win.
Bengals (+9½ ) over TEXANS
Do you know how to go from 0-4 to 3-4? Play the Dolphins, Lions and Ben Gals in three consecutive weeks. The Hahvahd guy is starting at QB again for Cinci, so give me the Texans.
Colts (+3½) over TITANS
I can't figure out this Colts team. Whenever I think they will lose, they win. Whenever they should lose, they win. The Colts are like some cheesy, horror movie villain. Just when you think they're dead, they pop out at the last second and kill one more good guy. I still think the Titans win this division, but the Colts should take the Monday nighter in my upset du jour.
Last week: 7-6
Home team in caps.
RAVENS -7½ over Raiders
I've got a new idea for local Oakland TV commercials. You know that Direct TV ad where Craig T. Nelson looks on in horror as he realizes he is still watching basic cable instead of switching to direct TV? Instead of some low rent movie, they should just be showing Raiders games, featuring coach Tom...Cable. Zing!
SAINTS (in London)
West coast teams are something like 0-47 playing on the east coast this season, so playing in London at eight time zones away must be even worse for west coast teams. Even without Bush, I like the Saints in this one.
JETS (-11½) over Chiefs
The Jets are a classic 7-9 or 8-8 team. Win at home, lose on the road and occasionally drop games to crappy teams. Well, you don't get much worse than Kansas City this season. In the last few days, I've heard name like Joey Harrington, Daunte Culpepper, Mark Rypien and Doug Flutie tossed around as possible backups for the Chiefs. Give me the the Jets in possibly the most unwatchable game of the day.
Bills (- 2½) over DOLPHINS
Just when we thought the Bills were overrated, they go and do something like this (beat the Chargers)...and totally redeem themselves. I think teams have figured out the Wildcat.
BUCS (+5½) over Cowboys
If the Cowboys lose this game, Wade Phillips is going to be replaced by Jason Garrett. For all the Cowboys fans that hopped on and off the bandwagon the last few months, there are still a couple of spots left on the Skins bandwagon. Last stop: Tampa Bay.
EAGLES (-7½) over Falcons
Both of these teams are coming off much needed byes, so they should be healthy. If Westbrook plays, I like the Eagles to dominate. Also, this is a bit of a homecoming for Matt Ryan who grew up an Eagles fan, but Matty Ice will be a little nervous playing in front of the locals.
PATRIOTS (-7½) over Rams
Maybe it just took a couple of games for Matt Cassel to figure out the system. I mean, the guy had not started a game since high school, give him a break. Or the Denver defense is just really, really bad. Perhaps a combination of the two. Either way, I say the Rams come back to earth.
PANTHERS (-4½) over Cardinals
I have a simple formula for Cardinals games for the remainder of the season. Win at home. Win on the road against lousy teams. Lose on the road to solid teams. Carolina certainly qualifies as solid so even if Q Boldin plays, I've got to take the Panthers at home.
LIONS (+7½) over Redskins
The Redskins never blow anyone out and always win close games. Even though Detroit is the local Midwestern representative for league doormat (although Kansas City might have an argument as well), I see them playing a passionate game with nothing to lose. In the end, Portis' running and the Skins defense is too much for the Lions.
Browns (+7½) over JAGUARS
Dear Braylon Edwards fan I heckled at the Redskins game,
I would think twice about wearing that jersey to a DC sporting event any time soon. Go back to Shaker Heights.
Yours truly,
Belligerent fan wearing youth medium 1991 Skins windbreaker.
STEELERS (-2½) over Giants
This game should be a real barnburner. No Willy Parker--no problem. Enter Mewelde Moore from stage right. I'm worried about the Giants D line harassing Big Ben and pounding him into the ketchup soaked field at Pitt, but I think the Steelers do just enough to win by a field goal.
49ERS (-2½) over Seahawks
R.I.P. Mike Nolan's suit. How could the 49ers fire a man so immaculately dressed? So many questions. So few answers. I think Charles Haley comes out of retirement to harass Seneca Wallace/Charlie Frye/Elizabeth Hasselbeck just enough to win.
Bengals (+9½ ) over TEXANS
Do you know how to go from 0-4 to 3-4? Play the Dolphins, Lions and Ben Gals in three consecutive weeks. The Hahvahd guy is starting at QB again for Cinci, so give me the Texans.
Colts (+3½) over TITANS
I can't figure out this Colts team. Whenever I think they will lose, they win. Whenever they should lose, they win. The Colts are like some cheesy, horror movie villain. Just when you think they're dead, they pop out at the last second and kill one more good guy. I still think the Titans win this division, but the Colts should take the Monday nighter in my upset du jour.
Last week: 7-6
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Monday, October 20, 2008
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Flying Shoe Sparks Controversy
A Florida man sues strip club alleging a stripper's shoe caused him grave injuries. Louisville Smuggler, is that you?
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Big Tree Fall Hard
...because watching people fall down is funny. Skip to the 2:52 if you must, but the buildup is great.
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