Blwyddyn Newydd Dda
Feliz Año Nuevo
S Novym Godom
La Multi Ani
Felice Anno Nuovo
Ein glückliches neues Jahr!
Gelukkig Nieuwjaar
Furaha Ya Mwaka Mpya
Chúc Mùng nam mói!
Kung Ho Hsin Hsi
Chestita Nova Godina
Bonne Année
Blian nua faoi mhaise duit
Gott Nytt År
Happy New Year!
Saturday, December 31, 2005
Friday, December 30, 2005
Interesting Facts
In honor of the upcoming Sugar Bowl, here's some interesting information about Mountaineer sports. Use it as you see fit...
West Virginia football ranks 17th in all-time Division I-A wins...which is pretty impressive. They rank ahead of teams like Pittsburgh, Texas A&M, Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech and Florida. They currently have 641 wins, just 10 wins behind #15 Colorado. They still have a long time to go before reaching Michigan's current win total of 848 wins.
It's a shame those wins couldn't translate into bowl wins. The Mountaineers are 9-15 all-time in bowl games which is pretty dismal. Out of the 37 teams in Division I-A with 20+ bowl appearances, only 4 have worse post-season records than WVU - Arkansas (11-20), TCU (7-13), BYU (7-16) and Texas Tech (8-19). If WVU loses to Georgia, they will fall below Arkansas. Additionally, in its 24 bowl appearances, West Virginia has been outscored by 179 points...only BYU is worse being outscored by 189 in their 24 appearances. Georgia Tech has the best percentage with a 22-11 record (67%). Alabama has appeared in the most bowls (52) and, for those Notre Dame supremists, they are only .500 in bowls with a 13-13 record.
As far as Mountaineer basketball, how about 26th all-time in victories with 1428 through 2004. Naturally, those wins increased by 24 last year and that may move us up in the rankings a little...but we still have a long way to go to catch Kentucky with 1876. The bad news is that as recently as 1999, WVU ranked 18th all-time in basketball wins. So, a lot of teams have won some games in the past 5 years and by-passed the Mounties in all-time wins. But, it's still pretty impressive.
Not as impressive is WVU's #58 rank in attendance last year with just over 8,500 average attendance. That was a major improvement over the previous year though when West Virginia ranked 76th with just over 7,000 at a game. I'm guessing those numbers should shoot up again this year following the miraculous Elite Eight run last year. The last time WVU finished in the Top 25 in attendance was 1982. It is almost an impossibility for them to get back in the Top 25 in attendance now because of the size of the Coliseum versus some of the larger basketball venues that are in existence now, such as Syracuse which holds over 25,000.
West Virginia football ranks 17th in all-time Division I-A wins...which is pretty impressive. They rank ahead of teams like Pittsburgh, Texas A&M, Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech and Florida. They currently have 641 wins, just 10 wins behind #15 Colorado. They still have a long time to go before reaching Michigan's current win total of 848 wins.
It's a shame those wins couldn't translate into bowl wins. The Mountaineers are 9-15 all-time in bowl games which is pretty dismal. Out of the 37 teams in Division I-A with 20+ bowl appearances, only 4 have worse post-season records than WVU - Arkansas (11-20), TCU (7-13), BYU (7-16) and Texas Tech (8-19). If WVU loses to Georgia, they will fall below Arkansas. Additionally, in its 24 bowl appearances, West Virginia has been outscored by 179 points...only BYU is worse being outscored by 189 in their 24 appearances. Georgia Tech has the best percentage with a 22-11 record (67%). Alabama has appeared in the most bowls (52) and, for those Notre Dame supremists, they are only .500 in bowls with a 13-13 record.
As far as Mountaineer basketball, how about 26th all-time in victories with 1428 through 2004. Naturally, those wins increased by 24 last year and that may move us up in the rankings a little...but we still have a long way to go to catch Kentucky with 1876. The bad news is that as recently as 1999, WVU ranked 18th all-time in basketball wins. So, a lot of teams have won some games in the past 5 years and by-passed the Mounties in all-time wins. But, it's still pretty impressive.
Not as impressive is WVU's #58 rank in attendance last year with just over 8,500 average attendance. That was a major improvement over the previous year though when West Virginia ranked 76th with just over 7,000 at a game. I'm guessing those numbers should shoot up again this year following the miraculous Elite Eight run last year. The last time WVU finished in the Top 25 in attendance was 1982. It is almost an impossibility for them to get back in the Top 25 in attendance now because of the size of the Coliseum versus some of the larger basketball venues that are in existence now, such as Syracuse which holds over 25,000.
Auld Lang Syne
Because I know, as well as you, no one really knows the words until the chorus (must people just mumble), I will now provide you the words to the traditional Auld Lang Syne:
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
and days of auld lang syne?
For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we'll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
and never brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot
and days of auld lang syne?
And here's a hand, my trusty friend
And gie's a hand o' thine
We'll tak' a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne
And, for those still yet confused, Auld Lang Syne means Times Gone By. Anyway, I'll update more later...
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Ah, Stupidity
Today, I will provide a response to a question I receive far too often: Why don't you ever call me?
There is a reason...I do not like calling people. The thought of picking up the phone and just calling someone out of the blue feels me with anxiousness and dread. It's the same with those who tell me just to stop over by the house. I just can't do it...I don't know why. It literally takes me like 20 minutes to build up the nerve to dial a number on my phone and call someone if I don't have a specific purpose for the call. Now, don't get me wrong, I don't mind talking on the phone if someone calls me...I just have an issue with calling someone else. No idea why...but, that's just the truth of it. So, please don't feel slighted because I don't call you despite your calls to me...that's just the way I am...sorry. But, like I said, feel free to call me if you want...that doesn't bother me.
This has bothered me for a little while and I guess I'll finally write something about it: The very last story on the back page of my Monday Times-West Virginian always contains the "Yours Confidential" by Jewel Kats and David Silverberg. A couple Ann Landers wanna-bes I guess. I mean, I'm going to make fun of them and I'm not even going to mention their pictures. They dispense the stupidest advice I've ever heard in my life. Unhappy? Get happy! Boyfriend cheating on you? Dump him! Wow...what advice! I want to see the credentials of these therapists...I'm guessing they don't have any. I mean, if these two clowns can advise people on how to live their lives, I guess I can too. So, feel free to e-mail me your difficult problems...I will solve them, confidentially of course. But, unlike these two morons, I will make fun of you. It drives me crazy...
I think that's about it for this morning. Oh, the bowl games yesterday were very entertaining. I wonder what would have happened had Michigan scored on that last play? That was crazy. Anyway, that's about it for today...talk to ya later. Oh, and have your people call my people...
There is a reason...I do not like calling people. The thought of picking up the phone and just calling someone out of the blue feels me with anxiousness and dread. It's the same with those who tell me just to stop over by the house. I just can't do it...I don't know why. It literally takes me like 20 minutes to build up the nerve to dial a number on my phone and call someone if I don't have a specific purpose for the call. Now, don't get me wrong, I don't mind talking on the phone if someone calls me...I just have an issue with calling someone else. No idea why...but, that's just the truth of it. So, please don't feel slighted because I don't call you despite your calls to me...that's just the way I am...sorry. But, like I said, feel free to call me if you want...that doesn't bother me.
This has bothered me for a little while and I guess I'll finally write something about it: The very last story on the back page of my Monday Times-West Virginian always contains the "Yours Confidential" by Jewel Kats and David Silverberg. A couple Ann Landers wanna-bes I guess. I mean, I'm going to make fun of them and I'm not even going to mention their pictures. They dispense the stupidest advice I've ever heard in my life. Unhappy? Get happy! Boyfriend cheating on you? Dump him! Wow...what advice! I want to see the credentials of these therapists...I'm guessing they don't have any. I mean, if these two clowns can advise people on how to live their lives, I guess I can too. So, feel free to e-mail me your difficult problems...I will solve them, confidentially of course. But, unlike these two morons, I will make fun of you. It drives me crazy...
I think that's about it for this morning. Oh, the bowl games yesterday were very entertaining. I wonder what would have happened had Michigan scored on that last play? That was crazy. Anyway, that's about it for today...talk to ya later. Oh, and have your people call my people...
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Poor Rutgers...
My first thought is...where is Rutgers defense? I mean, the show that Arizona State put on was unbelievable. A lot of yards between the two teams...a lot of points. And, Rutgers fell 45-40. Not a good start for the Big East this bowl season. With that loss, South Florida's tough matchup against NC State, QB-less Louisville against the overrated Marcus Vick and WVU against Georgia...well, it is possible that the Big East could go 0-4 in bowls this year. I hope that's not the case but it's possible...and, if that occurs, let the beatings begin because the Big East will be called BCS pretenders all over again...it won't be pretty.
The television coverage for the game was not good. If I had to hear about how entertaining the Pac-10 was one more time, I think I was going to be ill. The bias against the Big East is obvious...and, if you don't believe it, watch this game. Nothing good was ever mentioned about the Big East or the other teams in the Big East...but, Musberger and his counterpart continually mentioned the Pac-10 and how good the teams from the Pac-10 were and how entertaining they are. Of course, why should the coverage be any different from the rest of ESPN?
Anyway, my bowl predictions aren't doing well and that's all that matters. I don't have a whole lot else to talk about right this minute...so, I'm going to go now.
The television coverage for the game was not good. If I had to hear about how entertaining the Pac-10 was one more time, I think I was going to be ill. The bias against the Big East is obvious...and, if you don't believe it, watch this game. Nothing good was ever mentioned about the Big East or the other teams in the Big East...but, Musberger and his counterpart continually mentioned the Pac-10 and how good the teams from the Pac-10 were and how entertaining they are. Of course, why should the coverage be any different from the rest of ESPN?
Anyway, my bowl predictions aren't doing well and that's all that matters. I don't have a whole lot else to talk about right this minute...so, I'm going to go now.
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Goodbye MNF
Ah, Monday Night Football came to a close on ABC last night following a good 35 year run. Of course, 75% of the games on Monday Night Football were absolute blowouts that people turned off by halftime and the games were so late that most people couldn't stay up to watch them anyway. But, it was still a good run. And, don't worry, MNF will continue next year at it's new home, ESPN.
A couple questions:
A couple questions:
- Is anybody watching the NBA?
- Is anybody watching the NHL?
- Who else thinks the Bears are going to the Super Bowl?
- Did anyone watch the GMAC Bowl?
- Did anyone go shopping the day after Christmas?
- And, did anyone watch the Tsunami show on the History Channel last night? If you didn't, you missed a very interesting show.
WVU re-entered the AP Top 25 this week...and Kevin Pittsnogle was highlighted in Andy Katz ESPN.com column for his effort against Oklahoma. Enjoy the easy games against Cansius and South Florida because, after that, the real schedule begins. Villanova, UCLA, Cincy, UConn, Pitt, G'Town, Louisville and more...a killer schedule. And, don't forget the biggest of all...Marshall. haha...j/k.
I was watching Cold Pizza yesterday and they were listing the Top 10 bowl games...the Sugar Bowl didn't even make the list. You have to be kidding me! ESPN doesn't think the Sugar Bowl is even worthy of a Top Ten spot on it's stupid loser show Cold Pizza. This is why I hate ESPN.
So, anyway, New Year's is approaching and the Sugar Bowl is approaching and I haven't even throught much about either one yet...but, I guess that time is approaching too. Catch ya later...
Monday, December 26, 2005
2005 Drawing to a Close
Ah, the year is drawing to a close...and, well, it was an interesting year. Started out bad enough...West Virginia losing in yet another bowl. USC repeating as National Champions and New England winning the Super Bowl again. Not too enthused by those possibilities occuring yet again this year...please, stop the madness.
Of course, in good sports news, WVU's run into the Elite Eight; UNC's basketball championship, WVU's comeback win against Louisville and subsequent Big East title. And T.O. finally showed the world exactly who he is...again. Those were good. And, I guess on the indifferent scale would be Chicago's World Series Title and the Pistons winning in the NBA. But, we'll explore more of 2005 when it actually ends...in the meantime:
It's the one year anniversary of the tsunami disaster that struck Asia. If you wonder why I'm anti-United Nations, read the arcticle about where all the money went. There's something seriously wrong with that bureaucracy.
Looks like the Steelers are going to make the playoffs. I'm not sure who poked the defense but someone awoke the beast. I mean, a 41-0 smackdown of the hapless Browns is just the beginning. This could be a dangerous team in the playoffs and, luckily, they won't have a home playoff game to lose this year.
Lastly, sorry I didn't get ahold of anyone over the holidays...don't take it as a slight. I'm just evil that way. But, hope everyone had a great Christmas time and I look forward to New Years.
Of course, in good sports news, WVU's run into the Elite Eight; UNC's basketball championship, WVU's comeback win against Louisville and subsequent Big East title. And T.O. finally showed the world exactly who he is...again. Those were good. And, I guess on the indifferent scale would be Chicago's World Series Title and the Pistons winning in the NBA. But, we'll explore more of 2005 when it actually ends...in the meantime:
It's the one year anniversary of the tsunami disaster that struck Asia. If you wonder why I'm anti-United Nations, read the arcticle about where all the money went. There's something seriously wrong with that bureaucracy.
Looks like the Steelers are going to make the playoffs. I'm not sure who poked the defense but someone awoke the beast. I mean, a 41-0 smackdown of the hapless Browns is just the beginning. This could be a dangerous team in the playoffs and, luckily, they won't have a home playoff game to lose this year.
Lastly, sorry I didn't get ahold of anyone over the holidays...don't take it as a slight. I'm just evil that way. But, hope everyone had a great Christmas time and I look forward to New Years.
Saturday, December 24, 2005
Christmas Eve...hmmm...
Well, I can't say Festivus was an overwhelming success at work. Oh, the food was good and I think most of the participants, maybe 10, had a good time. However, at least one person went away slightly offended. I'll explain in a minute...but, we did air some grievances...mostly comical though. Our feats of strength were constrained to Rock-Em, Sock-Em Robots and the occasional thumb-wrestling matchup (I failed at both). Then, it was back to work...and, unfortunately Friday was busier than it should have been.
As far as the offense...well, one of the participants didn't understand what Festivus was and hadn't seen Seinfeld. So, we found an explanation Flash video online that kind of explained it...jokingly of course. Unfortunately, it said that Festivus was devoid of any religious affiliation...so, she immediately jumped to the conclusion that it must be an Anti-Christmas; Anti-Christian holiday. And, well, that's what she took from it and, since I was the one who suggested the celebration, I must be anti-Christmas. Or at least I'm some PC guy who is trying to rid the nation of Christmas. Of course, nothing could be further from the truth but I'm pretty sure that's what she took from it. The only comment I heard was "I just don't get it." But, beyond that, it was a success...
Anyway, now I'm just preparing for the Christmas Eve festivities and the exchanging of gifts. I recently read an article that I can't find now about how it is easier to give than to receive. I would agree with that...I enjoy giving gifts. Receiving them is the more difficult part...I don't care what anyone says.
Other than that, not much going on. Merry Christmas to everyone if I don't update again before then...
As far as the offense...well, one of the participants didn't understand what Festivus was and hadn't seen Seinfeld. So, we found an explanation Flash video online that kind of explained it...jokingly of course. Unfortunately, it said that Festivus was devoid of any religious affiliation...so, she immediately jumped to the conclusion that it must be an Anti-Christmas; Anti-Christian holiday. And, well, that's what she took from it and, since I was the one who suggested the celebration, I must be anti-Christmas. Or at least I'm some PC guy who is trying to rid the nation of Christmas. Of course, nothing could be further from the truth but I'm pretty sure that's what she took from it. The only comment I heard was "I just don't get it." But, beyond that, it was a success...
Anyway, now I'm just preparing for the Christmas Eve festivities and the exchanging of gifts. I recently read an article that I can't find now about how it is easier to give than to receive. I would agree with that...I enjoy giving gifts. Receiving them is the more difficult part...I don't care what anyone says.
Other than that, not much going on. Merry Christmas to everyone if I don't update again before then...
Friday, December 23, 2005
How 'bout them 'Eers
The Mountaineers manhandled the #7 ranked Oklahoma Sooners in a neutral venue...if you consider neutral like 15 minutes from Oklahoma's regular court. By far the biggest win of the year for the Mountaineers and could propel them back into the Top 25. Early on, things didn't look good but when WVU switched the to 2-3 zone, it really hurt Oklahoma's inside game. And, the Mountaineers finally got back into doing some backdoor cuts which opened up the perimeter. The shooting was unbelievable, going 67+% from the field...by far their best shooting effort.
My bowl predictions aren't going as well as I had hoped...2-2 so far. And the hard picks aren't even up yet. I was impressed with Navy last night...what an awesome option team. Colorado State never had a chance.
Anyway, I've got to go...we're getting ready to start our Festivus celebrations here. The feats of strength have been replaced by Rock 'Em - Sock 'Em robots. The airing of grievance may, however, bring about real fighting.
My bowl predictions aren't going as well as I had hoped...2-2 so far. And the hard picks aren't even up yet. I was impressed with Navy last night...what an awesome option team. Colorado State never had a chance.
Anyway, I've got to go...we're getting ready to start our Festivus celebrations here. The feats of strength have been replaced by Rock 'Em - Sock 'Em robots. The airing of grievance may, however, bring about real fighting.
Thursday, December 22, 2005
The Yankees Strike Again!
The Yankees strike a dagger at the heart of Boston by stealing away Johnny Damon...which is very funny and entertaining...but I am definitely torn by this. I'm glad the Yankees are doing something but I don't think picking up Damon is the best move...mainly because I don't like the guy. I mean, he's a good player...I guess, but he's a self-admitted idiot. And, I would agree with that...he's an idiot. The only positive is that he'll have to get a haircut and he won't be allowed on Queer Eye anymore...I hope.
Beyond that, tomorrow is our first annual Festivus celebration here in the computer department. We have at least one person who is semi-offended by our Festivus celebration...thinking it is some non-denominational holiday and thinking we're trying to eliminate Christmas. That's not the case but, hey, if that's what they think, that makes it even funnier.
Ummmm...that's about it. Short update because I don't have time to write anymore right now. Maybe something later...
Beyond that, tomorrow is our first annual Festivus celebration here in the computer department. We have at least one person who is semi-offended by our Festivus celebration...thinking it is some non-denominational holiday and thinking we're trying to eliminate Christmas. That's not the case but, hey, if that's what they think, that makes it even funnier.
Ummmm...that's about it. Short update because I don't have time to write anymore right now. Maybe something later...
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
The Countdown Continues...
The countdown to what you might ask...well, several things. Christmas, 2006, the Nokia Sugar Bowl, etc., etc. So, whatever you want it to be a countdown towards, let it be that. But, Christmas is what I was talking about. As far as shopping goes, I am making one last attempt tomorrow...and that's it. So, if you're expecting and wanting a gift from me, you better let me know because this is it...and I mean it this time.
We had our Christmas luncheon at the office last Friday. So, this Friday we are having our Festivus luncheon complete with the metal pole. I'll try to get some pictures. I've been advertising it throughout the office and have gotten some mixed reactions. Some people love the idea...some think it is some anti-Christmas holiday. It's not...it's about fun. Some people are too serious too often...but, they're not invited to Festivus because Festivus is about joy and the airing of grievances and feats of strength. Additionally, Yes Festivus, No Bagels.
Poor Green Bay...I mean, I almost felt sorry for them. They are very bad. When you lose 48-3 to a team with no offense, you're very very bad. And, as much as I hate to say it, it's time for Brett Favre to leave. He's done a lot...he's a Hall of Famer...but, he's never going to see another winning season. And, it might not be his fault...the team is horrible and it's going to take a few years to rebuild and he's not going to make it that long. On the positive side, Green Bay's record is bad enough to put them in a position where they could still get Reggie Bush or Matt Leinart.
And, tonight begins the college football bowl season. The New Orleans Bowl, live from not New Orleans (Lafeyette, LA), will feature Southern Miss and Arkansas State...*yawn*. Like I said previously, I have Southern Miss winning easily. So, feel free to take a nap if you don't want to be bored to death.
That's all for now...and, I think Bobby Pruett retired. And, just at the right time because, last I checked, Marshall dropped their football program. Isn't that right? What? No? They're still playing? Really? Hmmmm, I thought that was the girl's volleyball team...my mistake.
We had our Christmas luncheon at the office last Friday. So, this Friday we are having our Festivus luncheon complete with the metal pole. I'll try to get some pictures. I've been advertising it throughout the office and have gotten some mixed reactions. Some people love the idea...some think it is some anti-Christmas holiday. It's not...it's about fun. Some people are too serious too often...but, they're not invited to Festivus because Festivus is about joy and the airing of grievances and feats of strength. Additionally, Yes Festivus, No Bagels.
Poor Green Bay...I mean, I almost felt sorry for them. They are very bad. When you lose 48-3 to a team with no offense, you're very very bad. And, as much as I hate to say it, it's time for Brett Favre to leave. He's done a lot...he's a Hall of Famer...but, he's never going to see another winning season. And, it might not be his fault...the team is horrible and it's going to take a few years to rebuild and he's not going to make it that long. On the positive side, Green Bay's record is bad enough to put them in a position where they could still get Reggie Bush or Matt Leinart.
And, tonight begins the college football bowl season. The New Orleans Bowl, live from not New Orleans (Lafeyette, LA), will feature Southern Miss and Arkansas State...*yawn*. Like I said previously, I have Southern Miss winning easily. So, feel free to take a nap if you don't want to be bored to death.
That's all for now...and, I think Bobby Pruett retired. And, just at the right time because, last I checked, Marshall dropped their football program. Isn't that right? What? No? They're still playing? Really? Hmmmm, I thought that was the girl's volleyball team...my mistake.
Monday, December 19, 2005
Best Coach in America?
Props from Yahoo! for Coach Rod:
BEST COACH
Rich Rodriguez, West Virginia. Who's the most influential coach in America? It isn't Joe Paterno or Bobby Bowden, no matter what your grandpa tells you. It's Rodriguez. He's credited with popularizing running out of spread sets. Oh, and he wins a lot, too. His Mountaineers have claimed at least a share of the past three Big East titles. Next up: a date with Georgia in the Sugar Bowl, West Virginia's first BCS spot. Spread the word and run with it.
BEST COACH
Rich Rodriguez, West Virginia. Who's the most influential coach in America? It isn't Joe Paterno or Bobby Bowden, no matter what your grandpa tells you. It's Rodriguez. He's credited with popularizing running out of spread sets. Oh, and he wins a lot, too. His Mountaineers have claimed at least a share of the past three Big East titles. Next up: a date with Georgia in the Sugar Bowl, West Virginia's first BCS spot. Spread the word and run with it.
Well, It's Monday Again...
There were a few good football games this weekend. The Steelers won and look like they might get into the playoffs if they don't blow it down the stretch here...I'm not ready to put them in but they looked like contenders against the Vikings. They looked pretty good finally...not Super Bowl good, but playoff good. The Colts are no longer undefeated. Big deal...they're still my favorite for the Super Bowl. I wish the Colts would go undefeated so we wouldn't have to deal with the '72 Dolphins anymore. They actually had a press conference after the game...the '72 Dolphins had a press conference. Don Shula spoke at a press conference after the Colts lost along with some players. Man, talk about egos. I don't care that they went undefeated. I don't care they drink a bottle of champagne when the last team loses every season. Why is this a news story? Give me a break.
I tell you a team that looked nasty...Sunday night when the Bears dismantled the Falcons. Now, granted, Michael Vick isn't a very good quarterback at all, but the Bears defense is sick. They were everywhere. And some of thos hits...man, I now have my second favorite team this year and they are in Chicago. I definitely wouldn't want to see them on my schedule. If Grossman learns to play offense, Chicago is going to be a force in the NFC.
I can't even watch college basketball anymore because of Dick Vitale. I mean, he is so annoying that I can't even stand watching ESPN basketball because I'm afraid he'll appear at some point. I used to like to watch Maryland or, god-forbid, Duke...but, I can't because Vitale has ruined college basketball. I would rather listen to Lee Corso, John Madden and Beano Cooke sharing a booth over listening to Vitale. He is horrible. This guy did a good job summarizing my feelings about Dick Vitale...
I gave up on Christmas shopping on Saturday. I went up to South Hills and bought NOTHING. Yes, nothing. I walked around for like 2 hours and saw not one thing that I wanted to buy anyone. So, that's it. Christmas is cancelled. I am now celebrating Festivus. In case you don't know, here are the essentials of a Festivus celebration:
I tell you a team that looked nasty...Sunday night when the Bears dismantled the Falcons. Now, granted, Michael Vick isn't a very good quarterback at all, but the Bears defense is sick. They were everywhere. And some of thos hits...man, I now have my second favorite team this year and they are in Chicago. I definitely wouldn't want to see them on my schedule. If Grossman learns to play offense, Chicago is going to be a force in the NFC.
I can't even watch college basketball anymore because of Dick Vitale. I mean, he is so annoying that I can't even stand watching ESPN basketball because I'm afraid he'll appear at some point. I used to like to watch Maryland or, god-forbid, Duke...but, I can't because Vitale has ruined college basketball. I would rather listen to Lee Corso, John Madden and Beano Cooke sharing a booth over listening to Vitale. He is horrible. This guy did a good job summarizing my feelings about Dick Vitale...
I gave up on Christmas shopping on Saturday. I went up to South Hills and bought NOTHING. Yes, nothing. I walked around for like 2 hours and saw not one thing that I wanted to buy anyone. So, that's it. Christmas is cancelled. I am now celebrating Festivus. In case you don't know, here are the essentials of a Festivus celebration:
- The Festivus Pole. Just a bare aluminum pole with a high strength-to-weight ratio. They're very low maintenance.
- The Festivus Dinner. The Festivus dinner menu is flexible, but it should be filling non-holiday comfort food. (No duck or turkey or holiday meals).
- The Airing of Grievances: At the Festivus dinner, each participant tells friends and family all of the instances where they disappointed him or her that year.
- The Feats of Strength: The head of the family tests his or her strength against one participant of the head's choosing. Festivus is not considered over until the head of the family has been pinned to the ground. A participant is allowed to decline to attempt to pin the head of the family only if they have something better to do instead.
So, Happy Festivus!
Friday, December 16, 2005
It's Friday...
Thank goodness it's Friday. I'm ready for the weekend...it's been just either crazy busy or utterly boring here all week. Today is the computer department's Christmas luncheon...yippee. The gift exchange...well, I bought my recipient a demotivational calendar from despair.com. It's a pretty funny site.
Anyway, in other news, Bojo pointed this out to me and it is pretty funny...Princeton lost the lowest scoring game since the 3-point line was put in place. Princeton was able to put up a staggering 21 points. "Obviously, we just couldn't score," Princeton coach Joe Scott said. Well, I think that might be the understatement of the year. I could put Granny's church-league basketball team on the court against the Spurs and they would put up 21. Twenty-one points...how sad.
Lastly this morning, I ran into this on Everyday Should Be Saturday. It's an article about college mascots...I think it's pretty good. Here's the best part...
At their best, they (mascots) can channel the spirit of the assembled crowd into a single, ridiculously costumed avatar to behold, worship, fear, or if you're in the visitor's section, toss a beverage at. A superb case study in just how iconic a single, costumed individual can be to a college football program is the West Virginia Mountaineer.
The Mountaineer could have looked like something out of a Disney Davy Crockett movie, but WVU kept it real when they came up with the outfit and the casting. First, the Mountaineer has to be big-as in big enough to play for the team, or at least look that way from the stands. Burly is the word, here, complete with a full beard. He wears a buckskin suit and a raccoon cap, sure, but no Hollywood looking chamois or faux fur will do; the Mountaineer wears dark, unevenly colored, and oily cloth that looks like the tanned hide of an undetermined bit of roadkill, and the hat looks as if it will crawl bleeding off his head at any moment. The piece-de-resistance comes with the addition of a musket he totes around (note: not a rifle, but an antediluvian musket that fires with powder) and the frequent absence of shoes in warmer games.
The Mountaineer, more than any other mascot we know, represents the ideal role of accurately projecting the collective image of the fanbase onto a single palette. The Mountaineer doesn't do anything fancy. He doesn't flip, or lead namby-pamby cheers, or dance little jigs. He screams like a banshee and brandishes a firearm for the better part of four quarters, basking in the whiskey-infused roar of the Morgantown crowd and screaming back at them like a redneck Incredible Hulk. When the Mountaineers score, he fires his rifle in the air, and West Virginia fans go insane. The best tribute we can give the Mountaineer is this: he's our odds-on favorite in our own dream version of "Mascot Death Match," with or without the musket.
Anyway, in other news, Bojo pointed this out to me and it is pretty funny...Princeton lost the lowest scoring game since the 3-point line was put in place. Princeton was able to put up a staggering 21 points. "Obviously, we just couldn't score," Princeton coach Joe Scott said. Well, I think that might be the understatement of the year. I could put Granny's church-league basketball team on the court against the Spurs and they would put up 21. Twenty-one points...how sad.
Lastly this morning, I ran into this on Everyday Should Be Saturday. It's an article about college mascots...I think it's pretty good. Here's the best part...
At their best, they (mascots) can channel the spirit of the assembled crowd into a single, ridiculously costumed avatar to behold, worship, fear, or if you're in the visitor's section, toss a beverage at. A superb case study in just how iconic a single, costumed individual can be to a college football program is the West Virginia Mountaineer.
The Mountaineer could have looked like something out of a Disney Davy Crockett movie, but WVU kept it real when they came up with the outfit and the casting. First, the Mountaineer has to be big-as in big enough to play for the team, or at least look that way from the stands. Burly is the word, here, complete with a full beard. He wears a buckskin suit and a raccoon cap, sure, but no Hollywood looking chamois or faux fur will do; the Mountaineer wears dark, unevenly colored, and oily cloth that looks like the tanned hide of an undetermined bit of roadkill, and the hat looks as if it will crawl bleeding off his head at any moment. The piece-de-resistance comes with the addition of a musket he totes around (note: not a rifle, but an antediluvian musket that fires with powder) and the frequent absence of shoes in warmer games.
The Mountaineer, more than any other mascot we know, represents the ideal role of accurately projecting the collective image of the fanbase onto a single palette. The Mountaineer doesn't do anything fancy. He doesn't flip, or lead namby-pamby cheers, or dance little jigs. He screams like a banshee and brandishes a firearm for the better part of four quarters, basking in the whiskey-infused roar of the Morgantown crowd and screaming back at them like a redneck Incredible Hulk. When the Mountaineers score, he fires his rifle in the air, and West Virginia fans go insane. The best tribute we can give the Mountaineer is this: he's our odds-on favorite in our own dream version of "Mascot Death Match," with or without the musket.
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Christmas Shopping Will Never End
Well, I headed up to the world-famous Meadowbrook Mall following another exciting day at the office to attempt to get a little Christmas shopping done. After circling the parking lot for 10-15 minutes trying to find that close space, I finally gave up and parked approximately one mile from the entrance of the facility. Not too shabby if you ask me...
So, I'm trying to think of what I need to purchase for my friends and relatives when a scarf catches my eye in the Gap. I go in to check it out but decide the $19.50 price tag was more than I cared to pay for a scarf that I would more than likely never wear. Anyway, I leave the Gap and a young lady begins talking to me. She's obviously foreign (later I would learn from Holland) and I couldn't understand her. So, I approached closer to try to understand.
I finally was able to comprehend a "Come here" so, I did as she requested. The next thing I knew, she was asking for my hand. Now, I'm not saying this is a rare occurrence or anything, but I was taken aback. She grabbed my hand and, before I had time to object, was using some type of device on my fingernail. At this point I objected but it was too late. Apparently, she was buffing and polishing or something. I was quite embarassed by this point and was trying to plead my way out of this situation. She said "just a minute, just a minute". It was no use...I knew every guy walking by me at this point had to be making fun of me.
"Voila" she says..."look at your nail". Well, I did...it was (and is) quite polished. To prove that it wasn't some chemical, she applied fingernail polish remover...and, the shine didn't disappear. Amazing. Then, she wanted to apply some hand lotion to which I declined. So, she had me smell four different types of lotion. I told her I thought they all stunk but I don't think she was paying attention to me by this time. She was too busy seeing dollar signs. She gave me some line about the price...would be $49.99 plus shipping if I ordered from QVC or something...just $34.99 from her. But she would knock $10.00 off for me. Just $24.99 and she was ringing me up on the register as she explained that.
I don't know why but next thing I knew I was pulling out my debit card and paying for this nail polishing kit and hand lotion. I have no idea who is getting it but someone is...I don't want it. I was so befuddled by the entire situation that I forgot why I was at the mall. I walked aimlessly for a few minute...trying to comprehend what happened and looking at the "All Sales Final" recent she had provided. I can't even return the crap. I don't think it's safe for me to go shopping...the only other thing I was able to purchase at the mall was a new cellphone from Sprint. And, believe it or not, it went much the same way as the lotion...I said "So, how much for me to get a new phone" and, before I could gather my thoughts, I was paying for a new phone.
I'm guessing that the store workers love to see me coming...I believe the correct term would be sucker. This is why I'm going to do all my shopping online from this point forward. My shopping trips have been, and probably will remain, absolute disasters. But, on the bright side, I have one really shiny fingernail and a new phone. So, if I don't have your number, send it to me so I can input. In the meantime, I'm going to go cry somewhere.
So, I'm trying to think of what I need to purchase for my friends and relatives when a scarf catches my eye in the Gap. I go in to check it out but decide the $19.50 price tag was more than I cared to pay for a scarf that I would more than likely never wear. Anyway, I leave the Gap and a young lady begins talking to me. She's obviously foreign (later I would learn from Holland) and I couldn't understand her. So, I approached closer to try to understand.
I finally was able to comprehend a "Come here" so, I did as she requested. The next thing I knew, she was asking for my hand. Now, I'm not saying this is a rare occurrence or anything, but I was taken aback. She grabbed my hand and, before I had time to object, was using some type of device on my fingernail. At this point I objected but it was too late. Apparently, she was buffing and polishing or something. I was quite embarassed by this point and was trying to plead my way out of this situation. She said "just a minute, just a minute". It was no use...I knew every guy walking by me at this point had to be making fun of me.
"Voila" she says..."look at your nail". Well, I did...it was (and is) quite polished. To prove that it wasn't some chemical, she applied fingernail polish remover...and, the shine didn't disappear. Amazing. Then, she wanted to apply some hand lotion to which I declined. So, she had me smell four different types of lotion. I told her I thought they all stunk but I don't think she was paying attention to me by this time. She was too busy seeing dollar signs. She gave me some line about the price...would be $49.99 plus shipping if I ordered from QVC or something...just $34.99 from her. But she would knock $10.00 off for me. Just $24.99 and she was ringing me up on the register as she explained that.
I don't know why but next thing I knew I was pulling out my debit card and paying for this nail polishing kit and hand lotion. I have no idea who is getting it but someone is...I don't want it. I was so befuddled by the entire situation that I forgot why I was at the mall. I walked aimlessly for a few minute...trying to comprehend what happened and looking at the "All Sales Final" recent she had provided. I can't even return the crap. I don't think it's safe for me to go shopping...the only other thing I was able to purchase at the mall was a new cellphone from Sprint. And, believe it or not, it went much the same way as the lotion...I said "So, how much for me to get a new phone" and, before I could gather my thoughts, I was paying for a new phone.
I'm guessing that the store workers love to see me coming...I believe the correct term would be sucker. This is why I'm going to do all my shopping online from this point forward. My shopping trips have been, and probably will remain, absolute disasters. But, on the bright side, I have one really shiny fingernail and a new phone. So, if I don't have your number, send it to me so I can input. In the meantime, I'm going to go cry somewhere.
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Bowl Predictions - Pt. 5
Of course, you have to save the best bowls for last and that mean, naturally, the BCS Bowls. This might just be the best BCS bowl lineup ever...all the games are good even if I don't like some of the teams in them. So, here goes...
Tostitos Fiesta Bowl - Notre Dame (9-2) vs. Ohio State (9-2) - Jan. 2nd @ 4:30 p.m.
Okay, I can't get beyond the fact I don't believe Notre Dame belongs in the BCS. They lost to Michigan State and USC and barely beat Stanford. Most of the teams they beat were not bowl eligible, so I don't think they deserved the hype they received. But, they're here and that's that. Anyway, this is a put-up or shut-up game for the Irish. Ohio State is, by far, the best defense they have played. Can Brady Quinn handle the pressure? Ohio State also has a good offense...too much for the Irish to handle. Ohio State 38 - Notre Dame 24
Nokia Sugar Bowl - West Virginia (10-1) vs. Georgia (10-2) - Jan. 2nd @ 8:30 p.m.
There's just so much to say but I don't have time to do it all now. Of course, as this approaches, there will be more. Is Slaton and White ready for the big time yet? Can the WVU defense pressure Shockley? This is a huge game, not just for this year but for the future of both programs. Of course, it's hard to predict because of the huge emotional attachment to the game. I really believe that WVU can win this game though...and, I'm saying they will. West Virginia 24 - Georgia 20
FedEx Orange Bowl - Penn State (10-1) vs. Florida State (8-4) - Jan. 3rd @ 8:00 p.m.
Oh geesh...how about the Orange Bowl presented by Metamucil. Estimated combined age of these two coaches? 342? I really think that's close. But, seriously, I like JoePa and I think Florida State doesn't belong in the BCS. They lost 4 games. I can't believe people aren't making a big deal out of that. A 4-loss team does not belong in the BCS...or, if they do, then quit making a big deal out of the Big East being there. Geesh. Anyway, Michael Robinson will have a good day and the Seminoles will show why they lost 4 games this year. Penn State 31 - Florida State 20
The Rose Bowl Game Presented by CitiBank - USC (12-0) vs. Texas (12-0) - Jan. 4th @ 8:00 p.m.
Ah, the Grandaddy of Them All...the national title game. The Golden USC Trojans against Mac Brown's Texas Longhorns. This game comes down to Reggie Bush v. Vince Young. For as much whining as Young did about not getting the Heisman, he should come out fired up and looking to prove something against the hapless Trojan defense. The Longhorns will be able to score. The real question is whether Brown can come up with a scheme to keep Bush and Leinart in check for a few drives. A high scoring affair and a game for the ages. Texas 45 - USC 40
Tostitos Fiesta Bowl - Notre Dame (9-2) vs. Ohio State (9-2) - Jan. 2nd @ 4:30 p.m.
Okay, I can't get beyond the fact I don't believe Notre Dame belongs in the BCS. They lost to Michigan State and USC and barely beat Stanford. Most of the teams they beat were not bowl eligible, so I don't think they deserved the hype they received. But, they're here and that's that. Anyway, this is a put-up or shut-up game for the Irish. Ohio State is, by far, the best defense they have played. Can Brady Quinn handle the pressure? Ohio State also has a good offense...too much for the Irish to handle. Ohio State 38 - Notre Dame 24
Nokia Sugar Bowl - West Virginia (10-1) vs. Georgia (10-2) - Jan. 2nd @ 8:30 p.m.
There's just so much to say but I don't have time to do it all now. Of course, as this approaches, there will be more. Is Slaton and White ready for the big time yet? Can the WVU defense pressure Shockley? This is a huge game, not just for this year but for the future of both programs. Of course, it's hard to predict because of the huge emotional attachment to the game. I really believe that WVU can win this game though...and, I'm saying they will. West Virginia 24 - Georgia 20
FedEx Orange Bowl - Penn State (10-1) vs. Florida State (8-4) - Jan. 3rd @ 8:00 p.m.
Oh geesh...how about the Orange Bowl presented by Metamucil. Estimated combined age of these two coaches? 342? I really think that's close. But, seriously, I like JoePa and I think Florida State doesn't belong in the BCS. They lost 4 games. I can't believe people aren't making a big deal out of that. A 4-loss team does not belong in the BCS...or, if they do, then quit making a big deal out of the Big East being there. Geesh. Anyway, Michael Robinson will have a good day and the Seminoles will show why they lost 4 games this year. Penn State 31 - Florida State 20
The Rose Bowl Game Presented by CitiBank - USC (12-0) vs. Texas (12-0) - Jan. 4th @ 8:00 p.m.
Ah, the Grandaddy of Them All...the national title game. The Golden USC Trojans against Mac Brown's Texas Longhorns. This game comes down to Reggie Bush v. Vince Young. For as much whining as Young did about not getting the Heisman, he should come out fired up and looking to prove something against the hapless Trojan defense. The Longhorns will be able to score. The real question is whether Brown can come up with a scheme to keep Bush and Leinart in check for a few drives. A high scoring affair and a game for the ages. Texas 45 - USC 40
Bowl Predictions - Pt. 4
We're finally closing in on the end of this bowl mess. This will take us through 24 bowls, leaving only the BCS bowls to predict this afternoon. Good luck...
AutoZone Liberty Bowl - Tulsa (8-4) vs. Fresno State (8-4) - Dec. 31st
Fresno State finished 2005 by losing 3 games in a row. Not they way a school that wants respect wants to finish an otherwise good season. Tulsa is quickly becoming the next mid-major darling in college football, especially with their upset win over UCF. I expect Tulsa to continue the upsetting and down Fresno. Tulsa 31 - Fresno St. 28
EV1.net Houston Bowl - TCU (10-1) vs. Iowa State (7-4) - Dec. 31st
Iowa State chocked AGAIN and didn't get to play for the Big 12 Title. They'll be looking for a little revenge...and respect. TCU is coming off a memorable year and probably deserve a higher profile bowl than the EV1.net Bowl. TCU is on a 9-game winning streak and is looking to make it 10. TCU 24 - Iowa State 17
AT&T Cotton Bowl - Texas Tech (9-2) vs. Alabama (9-2) - Jan. 2nd
Do offenses get any more exciting than Texas Tech? Do defenses get any more stubborn than Alabama? Where would Alabama be without their defense? Not in a bowl game. And, Tech with offense? Ditto. This is the ying vs. yang battle of the year. Tech wants respect and Alabama wants to prove that it belonged in the national debate before losing its last two games. I don't think Alabama's offense can get off the mat and compete in this one. Texas Tech 24 - Alabama 12
Outback Bowl - Iowa (7-4) vs. Florida (8-3) - Jan. 2nd
Hey, a rematch of the 2004 Outback Bowl in which Iowa pounded Florida 37-17. A guy by the name of Zook was coaching the Gators then. Now, a guy named Urban coaches them and, if he doesn't want to be Zooked, he'll figure out a way to win the bowl games. Chris Leak finally breaks out in a big game. Florida 27 - Iowa 20
Toyota Gator Bowl - Louisville (9-2) vs. Virginia Tech (10-2) - Jan. 2nd
Another huge Big East - ACC matchup. Higher stakes in this one though. If the Big East wants respect, this is the kind of game they must win. Louisville underachieved and Tech was exposed in their game against Florida State. Without QB Brian Brohm, things just got tougher for the Cardinals. But, I'll argue that the Hokies don't have a quarterback either. This game comes down to the playcalling by the goiter...and it's not good this time. Louisville 34 - Virginia Tech 23
Capital One Bowl - Wisconsin (9-3) vs. Auburn (9-2) - Jan. 2nd
Auburn is really good and will be a national title contender in 2006. Wisconsin is losing their coach and would like to send him off with a big win. Expect a lot of rushing yards in this one. Unfortunately for Barry Alvarez, his teams don't fair well against the SEC. War Eagle! Auburn 23 - Wisconsin 20
AutoZone Liberty Bowl - Tulsa (8-4) vs. Fresno State (8-4) - Dec. 31st
Fresno State finished 2005 by losing 3 games in a row. Not they way a school that wants respect wants to finish an otherwise good season. Tulsa is quickly becoming the next mid-major darling in college football, especially with their upset win over UCF. I expect Tulsa to continue the upsetting and down Fresno. Tulsa 31 - Fresno St. 28
EV1.net Houston Bowl - TCU (10-1) vs. Iowa State (7-4) - Dec. 31st
Iowa State chocked AGAIN and didn't get to play for the Big 12 Title. They'll be looking for a little revenge...and respect. TCU is coming off a memorable year and probably deserve a higher profile bowl than the EV1.net Bowl. TCU is on a 9-game winning streak and is looking to make it 10. TCU 24 - Iowa State 17
AT&T Cotton Bowl - Texas Tech (9-2) vs. Alabama (9-2) - Jan. 2nd
Do offenses get any more exciting than Texas Tech? Do defenses get any more stubborn than Alabama? Where would Alabama be without their defense? Not in a bowl game. And, Tech with offense? Ditto. This is the ying vs. yang battle of the year. Tech wants respect and Alabama wants to prove that it belonged in the national debate before losing its last two games. I don't think Alabama's offense can get off the mat and compete in this one. Texas Tech 24 - Alabama 12
Outback Bowl - Iowa (7-4) vs. Florida (8-3) - Jan. 2nd
Hey, a rematch of the 2004 Outback Bowl in which Iowa pounded Florida 37-17. A guy by the name of Zook was coaching the Gators then. Now, a guy named Urban coaches them and, if he doesn't want to be Zooked, he'll figure out a way to win the bowl games. Chris Leak finally breaks out in a big game. Florida 27 - Iowa 20
Toyota Gator Bowl - Louisville (9-2) vs. Virginia Tech (10-2) - Jan. 2nd
Another huge Big East - ACC matchup. Higher stakes in this one though. If the Big East wants respect, this is the kind of game they must win. Louisville underachieved and Tech was exposed in their game against Florida State. Without QB Brian Brohm, things just got tougher for the Cardinals. But, I'll argue that the Hokies don't have a quarterback either. This game comes down to the playcalling by the goiter...and it's not good this time. Louisville 34 - Virginia Tech 23
Capital One Bowl - Wisconsin (9-3) vs. Auburn (9-2) - Jan. 2nd
Auburn is really good and will be a national title contender in 2006. Wisconsin is losing their coach and would like to send him off with a big win. Expect a lot of rushing yards in this one. Unfortunately for Barry Alvarez, his teams don't fair well against the SEC. War Eagle! Auburn 23 - Wisconsin 20
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Bowl Predictions - Pt. 3
Hey Hey Hey...It's a Bonus Kinda Day. You get bowl predictions Part 2 & 3 on the same day. Lucky you...be sure to read part 2 below so that you know what's happening in all the bowls. I figure Part 4 & 5 will be posted tomorrow...which will give you MY predictions on all 28 bowl games. You are some lucky people out there...
Pacific Life Holiday Bowl - Oregon (10-1) vs. Oklahoma (7-4) - Dec. 30th
Poor Oregon...probably more deserving of a BCS bowl than overrated Notre Dame. Not only do they get snubbed from the BCS, they fall all the way to the Holiday Bowl where they'll face an underachieving Oklahoma team. The Ducks will be playing with a chip on their shoulder but if Adrian Peterson is healthy, he can run almost as well as Reggie Bush. Sorry Duck fans, but Oklahoma is going to expose you as the not-quite-ready for primetime team. Oklahoma 41 - Oregon 23
Gaylord Hotels City Bowl Music - Minnesota (7-4) vs. Virginia (6-5) - Dec. 30th
Virginia's linebackers are going to be tested as they try to snuff out the 2nd leading rushing attack in the nation. Minnesota has won their last three bowl games and the Wahoos still haven't lived up to the hype they received a few years back. A lot of rushing in this game should make it a quick one...and maybe an entertaining one. Minnesota 23 - Virginia 20
Vitalis Sun Bowl - Northwestern (7-4) vs. UCLA (9-2) - Dec. 30th
Can you say offense? UCLA has the 7th highest scoring offense in the country while Northwestern has the 8th highest offensive output in the nation. This is a great Pac 10 - Big Ten matchup. UCLA 45 - Northerwestern 42
Independence Bowl - South Carolina (7-4) vs. Missouri (6-5) - Dec. 30th
The Ol' Ball Coach is back and has the 'Cocks bowling against Brad Smith and Missouri. Don't expect either team to march up and down the field and put points on the board...just not the style of these teams. Missouri needs this win to help prop up the miserable Big 12. But, Spurrier has too many tricks up his sleeve. South Carolina 24 - Missouri 13
Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl - Miami (9-2) vs. LSU (10-2) - Dec. 30th
Oh, what might have been. Both of these teams could have easily found themselves in the BCS. But, both suffer from inconsistent offenses...so, go with the team with the best defense. And that's Miami. Miami is 3rd in the nation in total defense and 2nd in scoring defense. If DeMarcus Russell isn't 100% for the Tigers, Miami rolls. Miami 17 - LSU 7
Meineke Car Care Bowl - South Florida (6-5) vs. NC State (6-5) - Dec. 31st
Let's be honest, this game is more about the Big East vs. the ACC than about USF and NCSt. Chuck Amato needs this game to secure his spot at NC State...they've been underachieiving for a few years now. Jim Leavitt needs the win to prove the season wasn't a fluke and that the Bulls are going to be a force in the Big East for several years to come. Expect good defensive play but USF's speed will make one or two big plays that makes the difference in the game. USF 21 - NC State 13
Pacific Life Holiday Bowl - Oregon (10-1) vs. Oklahoma (7-4) - Dec. 30th
Poor Oregon...probably more deserving of a BCS bowl than overrated Notre Dame. Not only do they get snubbed from the BCS, they fall all the way to the Holiday Bowl where they'll face an underachieving Oklahoma team. The Ducks will be playing with a chip on their shoulder but if Adrian Peterson is healthy, he can run almost as well as Reggie Bush. Sorry Duck fans, but Oklahoma is going to expose you as the not-quite-ready for primetime team. Oklahoma 41 - Oregon 23
Gaylord Hotels City Bowl Music - Minnesota (7-4) vs. Virginia (6-5) - Dec. 30th
Virginia's linebackers are going to be tested as they try to snuff out the 2nd leading rushing attack in the nation. Minnesota has won their last three bowl games and the Wahoos still haven't lived up to the hype they received a few years back. A lot of rushing in this game should make it a quick one...and maybe an entertaining one. Minnesota 23 - Virginia 20
Vitalis Sun Bowl - Northwestern (7-4) vs. UCLA (9-2) - Dec. 30th
Can you say offense? UCLA has the 7th highest scoring offense in the country while Northwestern has the 8th highest offensive output in the nation. This is a great Pac 10 - Big Ten matchup. UCLA 45 - Northerwestern 42
Independence Bowl - South Carolina (7-4) vs. Missouri (6-5) - Dec. 30th
The Ol' Ball Coach is back and has the 'Cocks bowling against Brad Smith and Missouri. Don't expect either team to march up and down the field and put points on the board...just not the style of these teams. Missouri needs this win to help prop up the miserable Big 12. But, Spurrier has too many tricks up his sleeve. South Carolina 24 - Missouri 13
Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl - Miami (9-2) vs. LSU (10-2) - Dec. 30th
Oh, what might have been. Both of these teams could have easily found themselves in the BCS. But, both suffer from inconsistent offenses...so, go with the team with the best defense. And that's Miami. Miami is 3rd in the nation in total defense and 2nd in scoring defense. If DeMarcus Russell isn't 100% for the Tigers, Miami rolls. Miami 17 - LSU 7
Meineke Car Care Bowl - South Florida (6-5) vs. NC State (6-5) - Dec. 31st
Let's be honest, this game is more about the Big East vs. the ACC than about USF and NCSt. Chuck Amato needs this game to secure his spot at NC State...they've been underachieiving for a few years now. Jim Leavitt needs the win to prove the season wasn't a fluke and that the Bulls are going to be a force in the Big East for several years to come. Expect good defensive play but USF's speed will make one or two big plays that makes the difference in the game. USF 21 - NC State 13
Bowl Predictions - Pt. 2
First up: Yes, I know I was wrong about the Steelers on Sunday. I was hoping everyone would forget...thanks Evan. The Bus somehow got his 100 year old legs working again and led Pittsburgh to victory. Don't count on it continuing though. I hope the Steelers win out and make the playoffs, but I just don't see it happening...Sorry.
Ah, the bowl game predictions continue today...and there are some pretty good bowls here.
Motor City Bowl - Memphis (6-5) vs. Akron (7-5) - Dec. 26th
Despite 5 losses, Akron was still able to grab the MAC Championship. Let's be honest, the MAC has had a dismal season and a loss to the Conference USA here would really hurt their national credibility. This is the final game for Memphis RB DeAngelo Williams who, if he had been at a more prestigious school, would have had some Heisman hype this season. I think he makes the difference and Memphis wins. Memphis 27 - Akron 20
Champs Sports Bowl - Clemson (7-4) vs. Colorado (7-5) - Dec. 27th
Colorado has lost the last two games by a combined 100-6. They also managed to lose their coach last week...so, I expect Colorado to lose the Champs Sports Bowl as well. Clemson plays some exciting games...7 have been decided by a touchdown or less so don't expect a blowout. Clemson 17 - Colorado 14
Insight Bowl - Arizona State (6-5) vs. Rutgers (7-4) - Dec. 27th
Oh, Rutgers...my dear friends the Scarlet Knight of Rutgers. Where have you been for so long? Last bowl game - 1978 - Garden State Bowl - Opponent: Arizona State - Result: Loss 34-18. Can they turn it around? YES! Of course, they'll have to overcome the home advantage for the Sun Devils but I believe they can do it. Rutgers avenges their 1978 loss by a complete reversal of that score. Rutger 34 - Arizona State 18
MPC Computers Bowl - Boise State (9-3) vs. Boston College (8-3) - Dec. 28th
I like this bowl. Blue turf at Boise State...an underrated Boston College team. A 4:30 p.m. kickoff on a Wednesday afternoon. Yeah, I don't get that part either...but, whatever. I like this matchup. BC has won 5 straight bowl...Boise State doesn't lose at home. This is a big game for the WAC...respect on the line for BC. I think the blue turf makes the difference. Boise State 31 - Boston College 27
MasterCard Alamo Bowl - Michigan (7-4) vs. Nebraska (7-4) - Dec. 28th
Well, the names sound big...two of the more storied programs in college football. But neither had a season to brag about...Michigan got lucky in a win over Penn State but, otherwise, was unspectacular. Nebraska has been struggling but may have finally found their passing game. Bill Callahan needs this victory to show the Husker program is heading in the right direction or he may be looking for other employment. If Michigan plays the way they can, it should win easily. Michigan 32 - Nebraska 17
Emerald Bowl - Georgia Tech (7-4) vs. Utah (6-5) - Dec. 29th
The Utes are probably a year away from being really good again...Georgia Tech has been kinda hot and cold. The spread offense that Utah runs could give the Yellow Jackets a headache but it's not enough to overcome the lack of athleticm that has doomed Utah all season. Georgia Tech 24 - Utah 13
Ah, the bowl game predictions continue today...and there are some pretty good bowls here.
Motor City Bowl - Memphis (6-5) vs. Akron (7-5) - Dec. 26th
Despite 5 losses, Akron was still able to grab the MAC Championship. Let's be honest, the MAC has had a dismal season and a loss to the Conference USA here would really hurt their national credibility. This is the final game for Memphis RB DeAngelo Williams who, if he had been at a more prestigious school, would have had some Heisman hype this season. I think he makes the difference and Memphis wins. Memphis 27 - Akron 20
Champs Sports Bowl - Clemson (7-4) vs. Colorado (7-5) - Dec. 27th
Colorado has lost the last two games by a combined 100-6. They also managed to lose their coach last week...so, I expect Colorado to lose the Champs Sports Bowl as well. Clemson plays some exciting games...7 have been decided by a touchdown or less so don't expect a blowout. Clemson 17 - Colorado 14
Insight Bowl - Arizona State (6-5) vs. Rutgers (7-4) - Dec. 27th
Oh, Rutgers...my dear friends the Scarlet Knight of Rutgers. Where have you been for so long? Last bowl game - 1978 - Garden State Bowl - Opponent: Arizona State - Result: Loss 34-18. Can they turn it around? YES! Of course, they'll have to overcome the home advantage for the Sun Devils but I believe they can do it. Rutgers avenges their 1978 loss by a complete reversal of that score. Rutger 34 - Arizona State 18
MPC Computers Bowl - Boise State (9-3) vs. Boston College (8-3) - Dec. 28th
I like this bowl. Blue turf at Boise State...an underrated Boston College team. A 4:30 p.m. kickoff on a Wednesday afternoon. Yeah, I don't get that part either...but, whatever. I like this matchup. BC has won 5 straight bowl...Boise State doesn't lose at home. This is a big game for the WAC...respect on the line for BC. I think the blue turf makes the difference. Boise State 31 - Boston College 27
MasterCard Alamo Bowl - Michigan (7-4) vs. Nebraska (7-4) - Dec. 28th
Well, the names sound big...two of the more storied programs in college football. But neither had a season to brag about...Michigan got lucky in a win over Penn State but, otherwise, was unspectacular. Nebraska has been struggling but may have finally found their passing game. Bill Callahan needs this victory to show the Husker program is heading in the right direction or he may be looking for other employment. If Michigan plays the way they can, it should win easily. Michigan 32 - Nebraska 17
Emerald Bowl - Georgia Tech (7-4) vs. Utah (6-5) - Dec. 29th
The Utes are probably a year away from being really good again...Georgia Tech has been kinda hot and cold. The spread offense that Utah runs could give the Yellow Jackets a headache but it's not enough to overcome the lack of athleticm that has doomed Utah all season. Georgia Tech 24 - Utah 13
Monday, December 12, 2005
Bowl Predictions - Pt. 1
I've had a couple inquiries as to when I was going to post my bowl game predictions...so, I figured this is a good time to do so considering there are 28 bowl games this year and they begin on December 20th. Now, some of these bowls are going to be awesome...some are going to be not so awesome. I won't hold you up any longer because I know you're waiting to call your bookie with these guarantees. (note: these are definitely not guarantees...but, if you win, you owe me half...if you lose, betting is illegal and it serves you right).
New Orleans Bowl - Southern Miss (6-5) vs. Arkansas State (6-5) - Dec. 20th
Well, ummmm...yeah, what a bowl game this will be. The only thing this bowl has going for it is that it is the first bowl game of the season and we've been without college football for like 17 days. Southern Miss should easily dispose of the Indians. Southern Miss 35 - Ark St. 17
GMAC Bowl - UTEP (8-3) vs. Toledo (8-3) - Dec. 21st
Another meaningless bowl game really...two teams that were really disappointing in their mid-major conferences. UTEP's offense should be pretty fun to watch...and Toledo could put up some points of their own. Probably a flip to and away type of game...with UTEP pulling away in the second half. UTEP 45 - Toledo 31
Pioneer PureVision Las Vegas Bowl - BYU (6-5) vs. California (7-4) - Dec. 22nd
Poor BYU...all those mormons running around Las Vegas. Seriously though, these are two pretty good offenses...BYU is 8th in the country in total offense, Cal is 10th in rushing offense. I'm thinking that California is probably a better team but BYU pulls the Vegas inspired upset. BYU 40 - California 31
San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl - Colorado State (6-5) vs. Navy (7-4) - Dec. 22nd
What a great bowl name...Poinsettia Bowl...sponsored by the San Diego County Credit Union. Yeah, and the teams involved really make this a winner. Add the fact that it's a 10:30 p.m. kickoff and you have no one watching. The Rams like to pass while Navy has the number one rushing attack in the country. If you like the option, you need to watch Navy. Navy 26 - Colorado State 14
Fort Worth Bowl - Kansas (6-5) vs. Houston (6-5) Dec. 23rd
Ummmm...Kansas is 19th in the nation in total defense, Houston is 14th in total offense. Does that make this game interesting? Probably not. This is really a game for Conf-USA to try to win a game over a BCS conference...but, I don't think it's going to happen. Rock, Chalk, Jayhawk. Kansas 20 - Houston 10
Sheraton Hawaii Bowl - Nevada (8-3) vs. UCF (8-4) - Dec. 24th Talk about a great coaching job...George O'Leary took a winless team all the way to the Conference USA Championship game the next year. O'Leary is definitely the story of this game but it is also UCF's first bowl game ever. Nevada beat Fresno State to grab a share of the WAC at the end of the season...this should be a pretty good game. Plus, they're in Hawaii. Nevada 28 - UCF 17
New Orleans Bowl - Southern Miss (6-5) vs. Arkansas State (6-5) - Dec. 20th
Well, ummmm...yeah, what a bowl game this will be. The only thing this bowl has going for it is that it is the first bowl game of the season and we've been without college football for like 17 days. Southern Miss should easily dispose of the Indians. Southern Miss 35 - Ark St. 17
GMAC Bowl - UTEP (8-3) vs. Toledo (8-3) - Dec. 21st
Another meaningless bowl game really...two teams that were really disappointing in their mid-major conferences. UTEP's offense should be pretty fun to watch...and Toledo could put up some points of their own. Probably a flip to and away type of game...with UTEP pulling away in the second half. UTEP 45 - Toledo 31
Pioneer PureVision Las Vegas Bowl - BYU (6-5) vs. California (7-4) - Dec. 22nd
Poor BYU...all those mormons running around Las Vegas. Seriously though, these are two pretty good offenses...BYU is 8th in the country in total offense, Cal is 10th in rushing offense. I'm thinking that California is probably a better team but BYU pulls the Vegas inspired upset. BYU 40 - California 31
San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl - Colorado State (6-5) vs. Navy (7-4) - Dec. 22nd
What a great bowl name...Poinsettia Bowl...sponsored by the San Diego County Credit Union. Yeah, and the teams involved really make this a winner. Add the fact that it's a 10:30 p.m. kickoff and you have no one watching. The Rams like to pass while Navy has the number one rushing attack in the country. If you like the option, you need to watch Navy. Navy 26 - Colorado State 14
Fort Worth Bowl - Kansas (6-5) vs. Houston (6-5) Dec. 23rd
Ummmm...Kansas is 19th in the nation in total defense, Houston is 14th in total offense. Does that make this game interesting? Probably not. This is really a game for Conf-USA to try to win a game over a BCS conference...but, I don't think it's going to happen. Rock, Chalk, Jayhawk. Kansas 20 - Houston 10
Sheraton Hawaii Bowl - Nevada (8-3) vs. UCF (8-4) - Dec. 24th Talk about a great coaching job...George O'Leary took a winless team all the way to the Conference USA Championship game the next year. O'Leary is definitely the story of this game but it is also UCF's first bowl game ever. Nevada beat Fresno State to grab a share of the WAC at the end of the season...this should be a pretty good game. Plus, they're in Hawaii. Nevada 28 - UCF 17
Saturday, December 10, 2005
Dukes of Hazzard - UNRATED!!!
First up: I was eating lunch/dinner at Keglers on Saturday watching 3 different sporting events on their TVs. Probably every 15 minutes or so I was alerted to the fact the Dukes of Hazzard DVD commercial was airing by one of my friends. Of course, this is the commercial of Jessica Simpson in her "Daisy Duke" shorts doing a little dancing and the whole commercial revolves around the fact that this version is "UNRATED!!!". Not too much Bo...not too much Luke...no discussion of storylines or that this is a great movie...just girls dancing and the fact mentioned it is UNRATED!!! Since then, I notice this commercial comes on a lot, especially during sporting events or shows that males tend to watch. I'm not complaining...but I am complaining a little...here's why:
Obviously this commercial is geared towards guys. I mean, most commercials during sporting events are. The "beer run", the "gaming", the "buy this for your girlfriend" commercials, meant for guys. That's fine. And the DVD commercials are fine...but, since when do movies have to be softcore pornography for people to buy them. This didn't start with Dukes...American Pie, UNRATED!!!, Van Wilder, UNRATED!!!, Harold & Kumar, UNRATED!!! These DVDs have had extra material inserted (read nudity) to enhance the viewing experience. Enhance? I mean, there's nothing wrong with that I guess...but is it necessary? Maybe I'm wrong but it just kinda seems stupid to me. Movies used to be about the storyline and originality and, well, they were just good. Not anymore...they have to be UNRATED!!! to sell DVDs. How long can it be before we see Lord of the Rings - UNRATED!!! With the voiceover telling us that you never know what happens when Frodo visits the elves until you buy the unrated version...
Now, on to the sports predictions for Sunday (Week 14) -- just the games I want:
New England @ Buffalo - Man, it's gonna be cold there. But, unfortunately, the Bills are really bad and New England should be able to beat them...even though New England is getting bad. N.E. 28 - Buffalo 17
St. Louis @ Minnesota - The Love Boat will be waiting to take the Rams away after this game...I don't know how Tice did it but the Vikings are on a roll...give them another win here. St. Louis 14 - Minnesota 17
Cleveland @ Cincinatti - I hate to say it but Cincinatti is going to win the AFC North and Cleveland has no power to try to stop them. Look for an awesome Chad Johnson touchdown celebration around mid-second quarter. Cleveland 16 - Cincinntti 31
NY Giants @ Philidelphia - HAHAHAHA...the Eagles are horrible now. Giants 24 - Phili 3
Additionally, these teams win: Colts, Raiders, Bucs, Titans, Seahawks, Redskins, Charges, Broncos, Cowboys, Lions...
And, last up: Chicago @ Pittsburgh - Chicago has an awesome defense but no offense. Pittsburgh has an offense sometimes and a shaky defense. Pittsburgh hasn't been able to run the ball lately and Ben has been inconsistent (due to injury, of course). I think the Bears defense will stifle the running game and will probably sack Big Ben about 20 times by halftime. Low scoring game...with an interception by the Bears making the difference...Bears 12 - Pittsburgh 7. Sorry...no playoffs in Pittsburgh.
Obviously this commercial is geared towards guys. I mean, most commercials during sporting events are. The "beer run", the "gaming", the "buy this for your girlfriend" commercials, meant for guys. That's fine. And the DVD commercials are fine...but, since when do movies have to be softcore pornography for people to buy them. This didn't start with Dukes...American Pie, UNRATED!!!, Van Wilder, UNRATED!!!, Harold & Kumar, UNRATED!!! These DVDs have had extra material inserted (read nudity) to enhance the viewing experience. Enhance? I mean, there's nothing wrong with that I guess...but is it necessary? Maybe I'm wrong but it just kinda seems stupid to me. Movies used to be about the storyline and originality and, well, they were just good. Not anymore...they have to be UNRATED!!! to sell DVDs. How long can it be before we see Lord of the Rings - UNRATED!!! With the voiceover telling us that you never know what happens when Frodo visits the elves until you buy the unrated version...
Now, on to the sports predictions for Sunday (Week 14) -- just the games I want:
New England @ Buffalo - Man, it's gonna be cold there. But, unfortunately, the Bills are really bad and New England should be able to beat them...even though New England is getting bad. N.E. 28 - Buffalo 17
St. Louis @ Minnesota - The Love Boat will be waiting to take the Rams away after this game...I don't know how Tice did it but the Vikings are on a roll...give them another win here. St. Louis 14 - Minnesota 17
Cleveland @ Cincinatti - I hate to say it but Cincinatti is going to win the AFC North and Cleveland has no power to try to stop them. Look for an awesome Chad Johnson touchdown celebration around mid-second quarter. Cleveland 16 - Cincinntti 31
NY Giants @ Philidelphia - HAHAHAHA...the Eagles are horrible now. Giants 24 - Phili 3
Additionally, these teams win: Colts, Raiders, Bucs, Titans, Seahawks, Redskins, Charges, Broncos, Cowboys, Lions...
And, last up: Chicago @ Pittsburgh - Chicago has an awesome defense but no offense. Pittsburgh has an offense sometimes and a shaky defense. Pittsburgh hasn't been able to run the ball lately and Ben has been inconsistent (due to injury, of course). I think the Bears defense will stifle the running game and will probably sack Big Ben about 20 times by halftime. Low scoring game...with an interception by the Bears making the difference...Bears 12 - Pittsburgh 7. Sorry...no playoffs in Pittsburgh.
A Rare Saturday Update...
First up: Happy 21st Birthday to my buddy Andrew. Seems like he should have turned 21 awhile back...but, hey, I guess it's just now happening. Unfortunately for him, Kentucky doesn't have any offense and fell to Indiana this evening. I'm sure he'll figure out a way to get past that though...
Duke looks awfully good. They completely anhilated an overmatched Texas team. J.J. Redick, as much as I despise him, played like a man on a mission. Unstoppable. Duke will lose this season...but I just don't know to who. If they play all their games like they played Texas though, they could go undefeated...and it really pains me to say that. Dick Vitale is very excited somewhere. I'll close with a Go UNC!
WVU improved to 6-3 with a win over the Duquesne. No real need to comment on that. Scottie Pippen's number was retired by Chicago last night. I never liked Scottie and I still don't like Scottie. Tonight they will be giving the Heisman Trophy to Reggie Bush...Vince Young will whine about it. Matt Leinart will be calling Jessica Simpson...
Richard Pryor passed away today. I can't believe the guy was still alive...he was one of those celebrities that you were sured died about 10 years ago but then you would see him somewhere and be like, whoa, I thought he was dead. Well....I guess you won't be saying that anymore. Very cutting edge comedian who was huge in the late '70s, early '80s.
Last Up: Christmas shopping. I really made a concerted effort today to get started. What did I get? Rock salt to melt the ice outside my house. Two gift cards for birthdays. A book at Barnes & Noble because the author was there signing and no one talked to her and I felt bad for her so I started a conversation and bought her book out of guilt. And I returned a pair of pants I bought like a month ago. What a productive shopping day...
Duke looks awfully good. They completely anhilated an overmatched Texas team. J.J. Redick, as much as I despise him, played like a man on a mission. Unstoppable. Duke will lose this season...but I just don't know to who. If they play all their games like they played Texas though, they could go undefeated...and it really pains me to say that. Dick Vitale is very excited somewhere. I'll close with a Go UNC!
WVU improved to 6-3 with a win over the Duquesne. No real need to comment on that. Scottie Pippen's number was retired by Chicago last night. I never liked Scottie and I still don't like Scottie. Tonight they will be giving the Heisman Trophy to Reggie Bush...Vince Young will whine about it. Matt Leinart will be calling Jessica Simpson...
Richard Pryor passed away today. I can't believe the guy was still alive...he was one of those celebrities that you were sured died about 10 years ago but then you would see him somewhere and be like, whoa, I thought he was dead. Well....I guess you won't be saying that anymore. Very cutting edge comedian who was huge in the late '70s, early '80s.
Last Up: Christmas shopping. I really made a concerted effort today to get started. What did I get? Rock salt to melt the ice outside my house. Two gift cards for birthdays. A book at Barnes & Noble because the author was there signing and no one talked to her and I felt bad for her so I started a conversation and bought her book out of guilt. And I returned a pair of pants I bought like a month ago. What a productive shopping day...
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Shoot to Kill
The big news seems to be that this airline air marshall shot a passenger who stated he had a bomb and turned to run from the air marshall. The marshall, in a split second decision, shot and killed the passenger. And, of course, the passenger did not actually have a bomb. So, this morning there's a lot of second-guessing going on about whether the marshall should have shot this guy. There's no question in my mind...yes, shoot the guy. Why take a chance? What kind of idiot says they have a bomb on an airplane these days...and, what if he was telling the truth. That moment of deciding what to do could make the difference between him detonating the device and being stopped. If I were on the plane, I would be very grateful to that air marshall for doing his job.
Bush's poll numbers are beginning to rebound. Reason number one...good economy. The economy is definitely heading in a positive direction. And, secondly, the Dems keep shooting themselves in the foot with their plan, no-plan, indecisive stance on Iraq.
Dave Stern is cracking down on the one-inch short roll in the NBA. I guess players shorts are supposed to be one inch above the knee and he's fining the teams if players don't meet those standards. Not that anyone cares...I mean, Iverson wears his so low that I can't believe he doesn't trip over them. Of course the players' union is whining over the rule just like they did over the dress code...does anyone even care anymore though? The only reason I watch any NBA basketball is to watch the Lakers lose...that's the only thing I like.
Lastly, the trial next door has become somewhat self-sufficient so I haven't had to spend 17 hours a day at work. Hopefully it wraps up tomorrow and I don't have to work this weekend. And, even if it doesn't wrap up, I don't plan to work this weekend...so, if somethings happening, drop me a line.
Oh, and we may get like a foot of snow or something depending on who you talk to...if we get 7+ inches of snow, I'm staying home tomorrow and that's that.
Bush's poll numbers are beginning to rebound. Reason number one...good economy. The economy is definitely heading in a positive direction. And, secondly, the Dems keep shooting themselves in the foot with their plan, no-plan, indecisive stance on Iraq.
Dave Stern is cracking down on the one-inch short roll in the NBA. I guess players shorts are supposed to be one inch above the knee and he's fining the teams if players don't meet those standards. Not that anyone cares...I mean, Iverson wears his so low that I can't believe he doesn't trip over them. Of course the players' union is whining over the rule just like they did over the dress code...does anyone even care anymore though? The only reason I watch any NBA basketball is to watch the Lakers lose...that's the only thing I like.
Lastly, the trial next door has become somewhat self-sufficient so I haven't had to spend 17 hours a day at work. Hopefully it wraps up tomorrow and I don't have to work this weekend. And, even if it doesn't wrap up, I don't plan to work this weekend...so, if somethings happening, drop me a line.
Oh, and we may get like a foot of snow or something depending on who you talk to...if we get 7+ inches of snow, I'm staying home tomorrow and that's that.
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
You Know What?
You know what I love? I love receiving spam messages in my AOL Instant Messenger. I like leaving my away message on and coming back and having like 372 messages that I need to wade through...just to find out that none of them are from ligitimate people. Now, I could set it up to where only people on my buddy list could IM me...but, then I'm excluding potential future friends who happen to find me but I don't know them. That's not a solution...
What else do I love today? Cold weather. Snow. Long work hours. Houston Nutt who failed to vote for West Virginia in the final coaches poll. Pittsburgh not making the playoffs. Christmas shopping. Al-Zawahri telling terrorists to strike oil plants. Holiday Trees instead of Christmas Trees. Toxic spills in China and pollution in Tehran. And Dan Murtha...I love him.
Anyway, my site for you all to visit today: Deadspin - Sports without discretion. I particularly like their coverage of Dennis Rodman's every move. Oh, and of Michael Irvin. How can ESPN not fire this guy? He's already been caught with drugs once...I mean, does anyone believe the paraphenalia that was found wasn't his? It was...he's a Dallas Cowboy.
Anyway, that's it for this morning...more later...or not.
What else do I love today? Cold weather. Snow. Long work hours. Houston Nutt who failed to vote for West Virginia in the final coaches poll. Pittsburgh not making the playoffs. Christmas shopping. Al-Zawahri telling terrorists to strike oil plants. Holiday Trees instead of Christmas Trees. Toxic spills in China and pollution in Tehran. And Dan Murtha...I love him.
Anyway, my site for you all to visit today: Deadspin - Sports without discretion. I particularly like their coverage of Dennis Rodman's every move. Oh, and of Michael Irvin. How can ESPN not fire this guy? He's already been caught with drugs once...I mean, does anyone believe the paraphenalia that was found wasn't his? It was...he's a Dallas Cowboy.
Anyway, that's it for this morning...more later...or not.
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Nothing Like A Trial...
Nothing gets everyone's blood pumping around here like a knockdown, no surrender trial around here. I have been at my desk for an estimated 15 minutes the last two days...but, I will find some time now to update...since, well, I haven't for like a whole two days.
Ummm...Cincinnati defeated Pittsburgh. Now, it seems likely that Pittsburgh could miss the playoffs entirely. That kinda sucks, doesn't it? I thought they were supposed to be good...but, hey, it could be worse...they could be Philidelphia. Man, are they bad. I mean, maybe they're just unlucky. McNabb is hurt...they can't run the ball...T.O. Whatever it is, they look really bad. So, teams that I am supporting unless the Steelers can turn it around:
1. Colts. 16-0. That would be cool...I like the Colts. Peyton Manning could be the G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time).
2. Giants. Hey, why not? I'm happy they improved. Eli v. Peyton for the championship. It might happen. And, if not, at least they can't kick Eli around anymore. So what, he didn't want to be a Charger. I wouldn't want to be either.
3. Vikings. Okay...weird choice. But, look at what they've been through. Moss is gone. The Whizzinator scandal. And the ticket scalping by Tice. The Love Boat. I mean, it just goes on and on. And, what does the media like better than tearing someone down just to build them up. Tice for Coach of the Year.
4. Bears. I mean, with a coach named Lovie, how can you go wrong?
5. Anyone else but the Patriots.
In other news:
King Kong is coming out. I hear it's brilliant. I don't know...it doesn't do much for me. I know the story...Big Ape, small lady...big planes and giant building. Ape falls...woman cries. The end. Not on my list of must-sees.
Other than that, not much else...might try to update again tonight but not sure about that. Give me a call if you need more information...
Ummm...Cincinnati defeated Pittsburgh. Now, it seems likely that Pittsburgh could miss the playoffs entirely. That kinda sucks, doesn't it? I thought they were supposed to be good...but, hey, it could be worse...they could be Philidelphia. Man, are they bad. I mean, maybe they're just unlucky. McNabb is hurt...they can't run the ball...T.O. Whatever it is, they look really bad. So, teams that I am supporting unless the Steelers can turn it around:
1. Colts. 16-0. That would be cool...I like the Colts. Peyton Manning could be the G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time).
2. Giants. Hey, why not? I'm happy they improved. Eli v. Peyton for the championship. It might happen. And, if not, at least they can't kick Eli around anymore. So what, he didn't want to be a Charger. I wouldn't want to be either.
3. Vikings. Okay...weird choice. But, look at what they've been through. Moss is gone. The Whizzinator scandal. And the ticket scalping by Tice. The Love Boat. I mean, it just goes on and on. And, what does the media like better than tearing someone down just to build them up. Tice for Coach of the Year.
4. Bears. I mean, with a coach named Lovie, how can you go wrong?
5. Anyone else but the Patriots.
In other news:
King Kong is coming out. I hear it's brilliant. I don't know...it doesn't do much for me. I know the story...Big Ape, small lady...big planes and giant building. Ape falls...woman cries. The end. Not on my list of must-sees.
Other than that, not much else...might try to update again tonight but not sure about that. Give me a call if you need more information...
Sunday, December 04, 2005
Where to Begin...
Well, it's been busy at work...preparing for a trial that goes Monday so I haven't had a lot of time to update...but, it's been some busy sports time and I won't be able to get to it all...like Pittsburg losing to Cincinatti...I'll save that for tomorrow. I guess I'll start with WVU...
West Virginia sealed the deal against USF last weekend...getting their first 10 win season since 1993. It's a lot better going in with a win than it is a loss...that's for sure. Had WVU lost, we'd have heard how USF could have gone with a win over UConn for the next three weeks. I guarantee it. So, WVU is going to the Sugar Bowl to face Georgia and Shockley. I'm not sure yet...I think we have a shot against them. Georgia has a tough defense...there will be a lot more on that matchup as it approaches.
Texas will face USC in the Championship game. No surprise there. Did Texas really need to beat Colorado 70-3? Was that really necessary? I don't think it was. Ohio State vs. Notre Dame in the Fiesta. That should be one heck of a game...but, I really hate Notre Dame and I think it's unfortunate that Oregon kinda got screwed. Oregon was higher in the BCS standings but still got left out...not sure about that.
My favorite game though has to be Florida State vs. Penn State. Bobby Bowden, approximate age: 135; Joe Paterno, approximate age: 146. Nothing like those young, spry coaches. But, the real reason I like this is that Florida State is 8-4 coming into the game. 4 LOSSES! Can you imagine if the Big East sent a team to the BCS with FOUR LOSSES?!? But, instead of knocking the ACC for sending a team with 4 losses, the sports media is talking about how Bobby righted the ship. Please...they looked bad in the game against Virginia Tech. It's just that Virginia Tech looked worse. I think Vick had like 3 good games...unfortunately one of them was against WVU. He really is like Michael Vick...really bad.
Other sports...WVU barely beat the Bonnies...and then really beat up on some Div III school. Good job guys!!! Way to go!!! UNC almost pulled the upset on Illinois and then did beat Kentucky at Rupp Arena. Ah, life is sweeeettt. UNC is going to be awesome next year and the year after...I think they're still too young this year to make a serious run at an ACC title.
Last up today, the Fairmont Christmas parade. Oh, what a spectacle it was. I saw a couple decently decorated float-like things. They had lights...but, unfortunately, the parade was in the daylight. There were a lot of fire trucks and ambulances I guess. The sad thing about the parade was that I think there were more people who were in the parade than actually watched it. That's a weird thing. Also weird were the amount of vehicles that had no decoration or anything to do with Christmas...just cars or trucks throwing a candy. I mean, put some garlan on that mirror or something...seriously.
West Virginia sealed the deal against USF last weekend...getting their first 10 win season since 1993. It's a lot better going in with a win than it is a loss...that's for sure. Had WVU lost, we'd have heard how USF could have gone with a win over UConn for the next three weeks. I guarantee it. So, WVU is going to the Sugar Bowl to face Georgia and Shockley. I'm not sure yet...I think we have a shot against them. Georgia has a tough defense...there will be a lot more on that matchup as it approaches.
Texas will face USC in the Championship game. No surprise there. Did Texas really need to beat Colorado 70-3? Was that really necessary? I don't think it was. Ohio State vs. Notre Dame in the Fiesta. That should be one heck of a game...but, I really hate Notre Dame and I think it's unfortunate that Oregon kinda got screwed. Oregon was higher in the BCS standings but still got left out...not sure about that.
My favorite game though has to be Florida State vs. Penn State. Bobby Bowden, approximate age: 135; Joe Paterno, approximate age: 146. Nothing like those young, spry coaches. But, the real reason I like this is that Florida State is 8-4 coming into the game. 4 LOSSES! Can you imagine if the Big East sent a team to the BCS with FOUR LOSSES?!? But, instead of knocking the ACC for sending a team with 4 losses, the sports media is talking about how Bobby righted the ship. Please...they looked bad in the game against Virginia Tech. It's just that Virginia Tech looked worse. I think Vick had like 3 good games...unfortunately one of them was against WVU. He really is like Michael Vick...really bad.
Other sports...WVU barely beat the Bonnies...and then really beat up on some Div III school. Good job guys!!! Way to go!!! UNC almost pulled the upset on Illinois and then did beat Kentucky at Rupp Arena. Ah, life is sweeeettt. UNC is going to be awesome next year and the year after...I think they're still too young this year to make a serious run at an ACC title.
Last up today, the Fairmont Christmas parade. Oh, what a spectacle it was. I saw a couple decently decorated float-like things. They had lights...but, unfortunately, the parade was in the daylight. There were a lot of fire trucks and ambulances I guess. The sad thing about the parade was that I think there were more people who were in the parade than actually watched it. That's a weird thing. Also weird were the amount of vehicles that had no decoration or anything to do with Christmas...just cars or trucks throwing a candy. I mean, put some garlan on that mirror or something...seriously.
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Update
Still not feeling great...taking lots and lots of cold medication, headache stuff, ummm...just whatever might give some relief. Busy at work because we're trying to get ready for a trial next week...I've had over 40 hours of video to prepare for presentation...that's a lot of work.
So, I haven't been on much...and I haven't had time to think about a post. WVU finally broke the losing streak last night...3-3 now. Good. Duke sucks. UNC lost to Illinois but I liked what I saw from the young Tarheels.
It's snowing outside...but I don't think it will be the blizzard we had before...just a dusting. Maybe. Ummm...I think that's about it. Drop me a line or something...
So, I haven't been on much...and I haven't had time to think about a post. WVU finally broke the losing streak last night...3-3 now. Good. Duke sucks. UNC lost to Illinois but I liked what I saw from the young Tarheels.
It's snowing outside...but I don't think it will be the blizzard we had before...just a dusting. Maybe. Ummm...I think that's about it. Drop me a line or something...
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