Blizzard of October '05

Today, thousands of people wake up in West Virginia without power and without the ability to leave their homes because of the blizzard that has befallen the Mountain State. Schools are closed and people are sitting at home without TV or Internet Access. Yes, it snowed here but we need to look at the deeper problem with the snow...who caused this and why weren't people prepared?

It starts at the top. Where was President Bush during the preparations for this blizzard? Why wasn't he here to help the great people of West Virginia? And where was FEMA? I have yet to see an adequate response to this great natural disaster. To date, and I have no confirmation of this but I'll say it anyway, I believe there are over 10,000 dead and that number could climb as high as 25,000. The National Guard has ordered at least 15,000 body bags.

People without power have been evacuated to the Woody Williams Armory, which I hear could be without power. There is murdering and raping occuring there. The smell of all the people there would be enough to overcome most people. Food and water is in short supply and the mayor is no where to be found. There are busses snowed in at the Bus Depot in Marion County. Why weren't the busses dispatched before this disaster?

Here in Clarksburg, there is looting in the streets. They have broken in to Wal-Mart and stolen the guns. Crime is running rampant. The National Guard is afraid to go into the city because they don't know what they will find in this war zone. Only the poor folks are suffering though because the rich either evacuated before the storm or have nice fire places to keep them warm.

The people of West Virginia are clearly victims of George Bush's class war. Had West Virginia been a rich state, Bush would have saved us but because we're poor, he has left us to suffer through this unbelievable storm. Where is George Bush today? How dare he not be in this state trying to stop this storm. Where is the federal response? How many innocent West Virginians must suffer before this government steps up and changes the weather patterns? Clearly this is the effect of global warming...err, cooling. Global something, that's for sure.

I, for one, am not taking it any more. Something must be done and someone needs to do it. It won't be me but someone better do something or I'm going to be mad and whine about it and complain. But, that's all I'll do because I don't have the ambition to actually make a difference. And that's all I have to say.

First Snow

Okay...who had October 24th for the first snow of the year? Don't lie...I know you didn't. So, I guess winter is getting a good jump this year...October 24th and we have confirmed snowfalls. I have a report from Buckhannon of some stickage on the rooftops and grass. I have visually confirmed some flakes here in Fairmont.

It looks like it will probably be warming back up here at the end of the week but we have snow...so it appears winter is now here. So, get out the puffy sweaters and start bundling up the wee-ones because, baby, it's cold outside.

Oh, Flu, Why Hath Thou Forsaken Me?

Now, I'm not 100% certain that I have the flu...might be a cold...might be a sinus issue or something. I can't say for certain. What I can say is that I woke up this morning feeling pretty miserable. I thought it might just be the weather or something...give me time to wake up and it would go away. Nope. We're talking headache with congestion...that head is going to just explode into a million pieces because of the pressure congestion. So, I broke down and took some Tylenol flu medication to see what that does. I'm not a big fan of taking medication so it's obvious that I feel pretty crappy. (Can I say crap on here? Well, I'm going to. I feel like crap.)

Anyway, feeling as bad as I do, I still don't feel as bad as the Bengals do, or at least should, feel today. They got abused by the Steelers yesterday. Chad Johnson...haha. Chris Henry...hahaha. I mean, we're talking used here folks. The Bus was rolling...Big Ben was on track. And lil' Willie Parker was just zipping by the Bungle defenders like they didn't exist. Steelers are still the class of the AFC North. Chad Johnson said after the game that he still thought Cincy was better than the Steelers...I guess he lives in an alternate universe where his Bengals stood up to the Steel attack...but, in the real world, the Bengals still have some work to do.

And now, some short observations:

• Looks like the White Sox might win the series being up 2-0. I'm happy with that...mainly because it punishes the "bleacher bum" Cub fans.
• Who woke up the Washington Redskins? They put 52 up against the hapless 49ers.
• Manning led a perfect game winning drive. And it was Eli Manning...miracles do occur.
• If I were the PA operator for NFL teams that played against the Vikings, I would play the Love Boat theme during every break. Haha...Love Boat. You know, the Vikings really are in trouble despite their win over GB. And how in the world has Mike Tice not been fired yet?
• Baseball is unhappy with the Moo Juice commercial that milk manufacturers made. "There is nothing humorous about steroid abuse," said Tim Brosnan, executive vice president for business for baseball. Really? They're probably right but they sure managed to not pay attention to it for long enough. It's a joke...get over it. Just like baseball was a joke for the juicing years.
• The New Orleans Saints are allegedly moving to another city next year. I would just chalk it up to another move to help New Orleans become a better city after the hurricane.
• And lastly, ND and USC won again. There is not justice in NCAA football.

Just so close...

East Fairmont was thisclose to securing its first playoff spot in 29 years at Buckhannon-Upshur on Friday night. And I was thisclose to going to the game...I was coming back from Charleston and was passing the stadium but it was raining and I heard the score was 17-0 B-U and decided I just wanted to go home instead of get sick...but I digress.

East Fairmont football has overgone 29 years of futility missing the state playoffs. Let's look at the numbers real quick: There are 36 AAA schools in the state of West Virginia. There are 16 playoff spots. That means that 44% of all WVa AAA schools go to the playoffs every year. And East Fairmont hasn't been there in 29 years. You would think that we would luck into a playoff spot eventually. Now, I know what you're saying...or might be saying...there used to be more than 36 schools. That's true...but still, 29 years is a long time. Once of the most unique things in those 29 years is the fact East Fairmont won the NCAC in 1990 and still didn't go to the playoffs...that's kinda weird. And, in case you're wondering, the 1976 team played Dupont in the first round of the playoffs and were promptly eliminated.

Why can't East Fairmont football be successful? Is it a culture of losing? Poor coaching (like L.D.)? We have some talent...I mean, two breaks and we could be 7-2 and a lock for the playoffs. Instead, we lose to University by 1 when we led by as much as 3 touchdowns at one point...and we lose to B-U in a heartbreaker. And, we lost to North Marion which we are clearly better than this year. I've seen other sports at East be successful...make playoffs and compete for championships...why not football?

I keep hearing wait until next year...the freshman team is good. The 8th grade team is good. Blah, blah, blah. I've heard that for a long time now...next year. I haven't given up on this year yet...if we beat West Side and get a few breaks, a 6-4 record might get us in...but it's going to be close. But, if we don't get in, it's not due to lack of opportunities. But, I guess I can wait til next year. Or the year after that. Or maybe the one after that.

It's Not Wal-Mart's Fault

I'm in Charleston tomorrow so I have to post this a little earlier than usual --

First, in case you didn't know -- and I might be wrong -- but here's the way I understand it. Sam's Club in Fairmont is closing and the Wal-Mart in Fairmont is moving to where Sam's is and is becoming a Super Wal-Mart. They are going to open Sam's Clubs in Morgantown and in Clarksburg following the closing in Fairmont. They are also building a new Wal-Mart in Morgantown. Like I said, this information may or may not be accurate...just what I heard.

Anyway, with all these changes coming, be prepared to hear a lot of Wal-Mart bashing. There's going to be a lot of talk about "that's the only place to shop" and "it runs people out of business" and the such. And those same people who complain are going to be the same people standing in line at Wal-Mart when it opens. I will not be one of those people complaining...

When people say it's the only place to shop, they're wrong. There's lots of places to shop...if you need paper, go to Adam's Office Supply or Office Max. If you need clothes, go to the mall. If you need tools, go to Sears. If you need toilet paper or a cantalope, go to the grocery store. Last time I checked, all those places are still in business. But, why do you go to Wal-Mart? Because it's convenient. Well, that's not Wal-Mart's fault. That's your fault.

I don't go to Wal-Mart often...I'd rather not fight the crowd. I go to Circuit City and Office Max...to the mall, even to Target to avoid Wal-Mart. Not because I don't like Wal-Mart but because I don't like the crowd. So don't act like there's no choice. Additionally, Wal-Mart provides a service...they provide goods at a cheap price, they provide jobs (more jobs than any other employer in West Virginia) and they provide a place to shop for a lot of areas that wouldn't have anything otherwise (Logan, anyone?).

If you don't like Wal-Mart, don't go there...it's that simple. Wal-Mart is a business...they are going to try to get your business. If you don't like them, take your business elsewhere. Otherwise, shut up.

Football Predictions

Well, it's that time again...time for some football predictions for this weekend. So far, my predictions have been pretty good I think...I'm not sure what my record is but I feel confident it is above .500. So, here goes:

West Virginia @ South Florida
This is an easy one...Mountaineers coming off a thrilling 3OT victory. South Florida trying to gain some respect in the Big East. But the real winner is going to be Fred Flinstone because Wilma is coming in to whip up on both of em.

East Fairmont @ Buckhannon-Upshur
If East can beat BuckUp and former alumnus/coach Eddie Vincent, they will all but ensure their first appearance in the state playoffs since 1976. That's a pretty long stretch of time. And, for most of the game, it appears that the Bees are going battle their way to a victory. But, then the ghost of L.D., recently released from the alien spaceship, appears in Buckhannon. Memories of past games suddenly return upon the sight of our friend L.D. and the team suddenly can no longer maintain their level of excellence...they now play to the level of L.D. and let BuckUp come back to win the game. Buckhannon-Upshur 28 - East 24

West Fairmont v. Nicholas County
East Fairmont isn't the only team that suffers from the ghost of L.D. Simply put, Nicholas County scares everyone anyway since they are the Grizzlies...and when L.D. is spotted, that's more than the Polar Bears can take. After several wet their pants, they retreat from the field leaving only the cheerleaders to compete. Despite a valiant effort, the Grizzlies put the Polar Bear cheerleaders away in the 4th quarter. West Fairmont 14 - Nicholas County 18

Other Games:
Wheeling Park 35 - North Marion 17
University 23 - Preston County 6
Bridgeport 17 - Phillip Barbour 25
Marshall 13 - UTEP 117

Is Karl Rove In Trouble?

I know a majority of my readers are friggin' geniuses and already know this...but, in case you didn't, I will lay out what this whole mess is so you understand what is happening and can make an informed decision. So, the question is: Is Karl Rove and "Scooter" Libby in trouble? The short answer is: Yes. Here's what happened:

Valerie Plame (later Valerie Wilson) was a CIA operative, a so-called NOC (non-official cover operative). A NOC is basically a spy who works under the deny everything policy...the US doesn't know you and you don't know the US. If you get in trouble, you're on your own type of spy. Which means protecting her identity is of supreme importance. There is an understanding that the government will never reveal an NOC's identity and an NOC shouldn't reveal their identity. Even if the NOC reveals that they work for the government, the government should still never confirm nor deny it...no comment is the best way to handle it.

Valerie Plame married Joseph Wilson, a former diplomat who was very critical of the Bush administration over the Iraq War. That is important to remember here shortly. Now, according to Rove and Libby, Judith Miller from the New York Times called them and said the Times was going to run an article in which they named Plame as a CIA agent. She asked Rove and/or Libby is this was accurate and they confirmed, anonymously, that Plame did indeed work for the CIA at some point. And, that's where it lies. Allegedly, they confirmed the information was true. Now, we don't know who initially gave the name of Plame to Miller but it was allegedly confirmed by Rove and/or Libby.

That's not good news for those guys. Was it done as payback to Joe Wilson for his criticism of the administration? Was it a mistake or accident? Did Rove think the privilege had been waived because the reporter already had the name? That's what prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald is trying to find out. But it doesn't look good for Rove, that's for sure. If he deliberately leaked the name of a CIA operative, there's no excuse for that. If he confirmed it, that's still wrong but probably not as deliberate.

NOC's are the backbone of the espionage system in the United States and they must be protected. At best, Rove made a mistake that shouldn't have occurred. At worst, Rove deliberately undermined the entire espionage system. I'm sure it will all come out in the wash...hopefully it was just a mistake.

More Media Ranting

How about this:

Cindy Sheehan, the so-called "peace mom" on a crusade to end U.S. involvement in the Iraq war, is publicly blasting Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., for her continued support of the ongoing conflict. "I think she is a political animal who believes she has to be a war hawk to keep up with the big boys," Sheehan writes in an open letter. "I would love to support Hillary for president if she would come out against the travesty in Iraq. But I don't think she can speak out against the occupation, because she supports it."

So, where is the media on this? Where is the news vans and pundits on PMSNBC talking about what a brave woman Sheehan is? Where are all the people who love Cindy when she's ripping Bush and Cheney? No where to be found. Why? Because she's ripping their darling Hillary now.

When Cindy picketed Bush, it was headline news...it was everything. Poor Cindy...using her son's death as a platform for her agenda. The media couldn't get enough of her. But, when she blasts Hillary, what do we hear from the news? Silence. Tell me there isn't a double standard.

Hurricane Katrina and the Media

Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans and caused widespread devastation. Undisputed by me or anyone else for that matter. It was a disaster. And, unfortunately, those things happen. Nature tends to do those things from time to time...earthquakes, floods, tsunamis, tornadoes, hurricanes, avalanches, volcanoes, etc. All disasterous in their own way...all causing human suffering beyond our imagination.

But, the one thing that really striked me after Hurricane Katrina was the doomsday that the media predicted. 25,000 dead. A minimum of 6-months just to get the water out of the city. An uninhabitable wasteland after the water was removed. Those evacuated to the Superdome were in a war zone with hundreds, if not thousands, of evacuees dead in the subsection of the stadium with pillaging and plundering everywhere. To read it or see it on TV, New Orleans was the equivilant of Ethiopia or worse.

Well, an amazing thing happened within a couple weeks of the hurricane...all this was proven to be WRONG. There were about 1,000 dead...a tragedy but hardly 25,000. The water was removed most more quickly than predicted and New Orleans is already rebuilding. There weren't nearly the problems in the Superdome that the media portrayed...it was not a nice place to be but there were 4 dead inside...not hundreds. But, have you seen the media say they were wrong? No. Has the media apologized for their reporting? No.

The "press" in this country is given a free pass to LIE. They LIE. They make up the news with no basis whatsoever and put it out for the world to see. And when it's wrong, they don't do anything to rectify it. Irresponsible journalism is the real story of Hurricane Katrina. The fact that it takes a full month to get a real story out of New Orleans is unaccepatable. To take rumor and innuendo and report it as "the news" is intolerable. The LIES about the dead, the LIES about the Superdome, the LIES about the response is unacceptable. The response to Katrina was much better than the media reported...as evidenced by the lower number of dead and by the lower number of homeless. Up until today, it was reported that 600,000 people were still in hotels. The truth, the number is 200,000 or lower. Once again, irresponsible journalism used to incite the American public.

But, when the media is wrong, such as in Rathergate where Dan Rather used forged documents to make up a story, the media turns a blind eye and pretends they might have been right. "It's the substance of the story" is what Rather said. Nevermind the fact the story is completely fabricated. Where are the journalists apologies for lying to the American public?

Which brings me to this...Iraq voted to approve a constitution over the weekend. Women were allowed to vote for the first time ever in that country. Over 60% of the eligible voters voted...a huge feat for that country. Where was the media for that? No where...why? Because they would have to admit that Iraq is moving forward and maybe, just maybe, the mission there is turning out to be successful. But that would mean the media has been lying again over the course of this action. And lord forbid the media ever admit they are WRONG.

Let the Whining in South Bend Begin

OH NO!!! NOTRE DAME IS 16th IN THE BCS POLLS! SIXTEENTH!!! It's unheard of...16th! I mean, isn't this the Notre Dame that pushed USC to the brink. I mean, they should be 2nd in the polls so we can have that great showdown. They deserve another shot at the National Champs. It's NOTRE DAME. What? What's that you say? Notre Dame has lost TWICE? No...can't be. Oh, yeah, Michigan State.

What is all this whining about Notre Dame being 16th in the BCS? Big deal. If they would win out, they'll end up in the BCS. If they lose again, they'll be in the Gator Bowl. That's the way it works folks...if this were the last week for the BCS instead of the first, I would understand the concern...but there is a lot of football left. If ND is so concerned about the BCS, they should have joined the Big East in football and been in a position to get an automatic bid. But THEY chose not too...they turned their back on the Big East when teams were talking about leaving and, therefore we lost Va. Tech, BC and Miami and nearly our automatic BCS bowl. Pardon me if I don't feel pain for the Irish. They're not undefeated...they're 4-2. And they gave up 44 points and lost AT HOME to Michigan State and AT HOME to USC. Granted, they've had a great turnaround but they are not a top 5 teams. Just because the media orgasms every time they hear the name Charlie Weiss and just love the tradition of ND doesn't make them a top 5 team. Only winning makes them top 5 and I see 2 (TWO) losses on their record.

What is a travesty is West Virginia is ranked 20th in the AP & Coaches poll. The computers have us ranked 12th...which is a little high. 15th sounds about right to me...but, once again, while the media loves USC and ND and the ACC and SEC, they hate the Big East with a passion because we're not the "elite" schools. If Louisville or Pitt were undefeated right now, they would be everywhere because that means the sportswriters predictions were right...but, since they're not, the Big East is nowhere to be seen and it's a shame.

But, in defense of that media snubbing, WVU is projected to go to the Sugar Bowl and, if they win out, they probably will. A 10-1 record sounds nice and we'd probably move into the Top-10 in the polls. But don't expect a lot of gushing about what a great season it was for the Mountaineers on ESPN and whatnot. Until we can win a few bowl games, don't expect a lot of accolades to befall this team...if we play Georgia or LSU, expect them to predict a blowout and until we can stop it from happening, don't expect much respect for the Big East.

More Sports from the Weekend

DON'T MISS THE WVU WRAPUP BELOW!
I said there were a lot of things to cover...the last post just started it...here's more:

East Fairmont won on Friday to improve to 5-3. This is a team that let University beat them in the 4th quarter 34-33 and lost of North Marion, at team they are clearly better than. Had either of those games gone the other way, EFHS would be looking at securing a playoff spot for the first time since 1976. Instead, they need to beat Buckhannon-Upshur and West Side to get into the playoffs...but, I will tell you now, I have faith. I think it might actually happen...and I'm predicting now that EFHS will upset BU this weekend.

• Aren't you glad you're not a Vikings fan? Mike Tice will be gone soon...and some of the players may find themselves in the slammer for soliciting...what a franchise! It's a good thing they got rid of that trouble-maker Randy Moss.
• The Cardinals are imploding in the NL Championship Series. LaRussa got tossed and might be cracking under the pressure. The Astros look pretty collected.
• I found myself cheering for the Wahoos...Virginia beat Florida State. I enjoyed it. Looks like Bowden has an ego problem with one of this receivers. A wide receiver with an attitude problem...unheard of.
• USC will lose to Cal or UCLA. They have to...I can't put up with much more of the Trojans.
• Notre Dame lost but didn't move in the polls. They have lost 2 games now and remain in the top 10. What a joke.
• The Texans are horrendous.
• Can someone please put Temple out of this misery? I don't know how that team can even take the field. I know, they don't want to disappoint their 7 fans but give me a break.
• I'm guessing they are going to give out 17 Heisman's this year...all going to USC. The 17th will go to the 3rd string waterboy.

Ok...that's all for now...I'm sure there's more but I really have to do some work.

WHAT A WEEKEND FOR SPORTS!!!

Wow! What a weekend for sports! There's so many great games this weekend that it may take me a couple days to disect them all and get to what it means for everyone. But, let's start with the best...WVU v. Louisville:

First of all, I'm not mad at all the people who left Mountaineer Field early. I feel pity for them...it's a shame. They missed one of the greatest comebacks in Mountaineer history...and maybe one of the greatest games. Not the greatest of all time or anything...but it's up there. WVU comes back from 17 down in the 4th quarter...that doesn't happen often. And they continue to find a way to win without a passing game. If either quarterback could throw the ball, can you imagine how dangerous we might be.

Anyway, despite the fact the defense gave up nearly 300 yards in the first half, they managed to hold Louisville to only 17 points. That's pretty amazing. The defense did a lot of bending but never broke and they deserve a lot of credit for that. The offense was nowhere to be found though. And, the touchdown at the end of the first half was a shot through the heart...or so I thought.

I don't know what happened in the second half...it was a blur. We continued playing "small ball" by running and not doing a whole lot. The touchdown out of the locker room was big but UL came right back down to go up by 17. That's when a lot -- and I mean A LOT -- of people left. What a shame. But then something amazing happened and we mounted a comeback of monumental proportions. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Who woke up this team all the sudden? The onsides kickoff call was amazing...great coaching. The defense stood tall when they had to do so. Louisville basically folded.

The overtimes were great...the crowd was in a frenzy. The place was electric. It was awesome. So, now we control the Big East. If we win out, a 10-1 record is great and a Sugar Bowl or Fiesta Bowl berth is at hand. And, who knows, that could turn out alright. WVU gained some respect and maybe the Big East did too.

The downside: There were a lot of great games this weekend so the 3OT thriller didn't get the press it probably should have. The media still gives us no credit. I read more articles about Louisville not being able to play on the road then I did about WVU's great home win. One line that really fired me up talked about how WVU managed to avoid falling into a first place tie with Rutgers and Pittsburgh atop the Big East rather than talk about how we took control of the Big East. Why does the media put a negative spin on everything the Mountaineers do?

I read an article about the thousands of Mountaineer fans that rushed the field after the game. Where were they? I missed us rushing the field somehow. Why is it necessary to continue to perpetuate the stereotype that Mountaineer fans are out of control at any win that means anything. Fans didn't rush the field and the writer of that story should be smacked for saying so.

I thought the Louisville fans were nice and respectful. They were quiet during the Alma Mater and they applauded Don Nehlen. You won't get that out of Pitt fans. Unfortunately Mountaineer fans weren't that respectful...I saw more than one beer can fly into the see of red as they walked towards the stadium. That's not the type of rep we need...at least, not against the Cardinals. When it is towards Pitt or VTech fans, I can overlook those things...even though they still aren't right.

Overall, it was a great game and a great night. I feel sorry for the fans that left...they missed out on one of the greatest at Mountaineer Field. Now we can't have a letdown against USF or they will beat us...ask Louisville.

Other news:

• USC defeated Notre Dame in case you hadn't heard. Oh, how could you not have? I saw more coverage on that game than I have the entire Iraq operation. Give me a break! I hate USC and ND.
• Penn State lost in a great game. I'm disappointed by that. But can you imagine getting to play Penn State in the BCS bowl? Wouldn't that be awesome?
• Marshall won. Wow...over UAB. Wow.
• The White Sox are advancing to the World Series for the first time since 1959. I just hope the Astros can get there too.
• Tommy Maddox is horrible.

Steelers Win!

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I Went 5-1 This Week!!!

Yes folks, 5-1 on the week...an outstanding record if I say so. Maybe Air Bud didn't get put in the game and maybe North Marion didn't forfeit (but they probably should have), but my win/loss was 5-1 and I was brilliantly close on some of my predictions. If only Robert C. Byrd would have shown up at Bridgeport this week, I would have been perfect. Oh well, I guess you can't win them all...but you can lose them all...just ask Elkins. Haha...

Anyway, tonight is Monday Night Football with the Steelers playing the San Diego Chargers. If this were a Sunday game, I'd pick the Chargers, but on Monday night, I have to go with the Steelers. Cowher is nearly invincible on Monday Night Football...so, Steelers 24 - Chargers 20.

In other news, the Yankees are still alive in MLB playoffs and so are the Sox. The WHITE SOX...haha. I'll try to be nice and not rub it in too much...but it is funny. Regardless of whether the Yankees advance or not, it doesn't matter much at this point.

And did you see that Astros game? 18 innings...Roger Clemens coming out of the bullpen and pinch hitting. Two Grand Slams. And the Braves, as usual, choked. That's always good stuff too. Bobby Cox, for the 84th consecutive year explaining why the Braves can't win a World Series...I always look forward to that.

Oh, and did anyone else see Chris Henry catch 2 passes for like 70 yards and a touchdown on one drive last night? The one catch was pretty good, I'll admit. But I still don't like the guy at all. But, my disdain for Chad Johnson is right up there too so I figure before the year is out the two of them might get into a good fight and that will be funny.

Anyway, that's about all I can think of right now...going to do some work. Later...

Football Predictions

Because EFHS plays on a Thursday this week, I have to do my predictions a day early and I'm not happy about that...but here goes:

East Fairmont v. Lewis County
Coming off their disappointing loss at North Marion, the Bees will be looking to rebound against dismal Lewis County. It should be a blowout...but not so fast my friends. Lewis County will hang with the Bees all night and it will be 26-20 East going into the 4th quarter. Lewis County scores with 4:00 remaining to tie the game up (of course they can't get an extra point). So, with 2:00 minutes left, Haddox pulls out his secret weapon...Air Bud. Yes folks, all this time Coach Haddox has had Air Bud hidden away. Why he didn't use him last week is beyond me but he's here tonight against Lewis County.

Immediately Leonard throws to the open Air Bud who drives us down the field without problem. Air Bud is one fast dog. But with :23 left and no time outs, the Bees have only made it to the Lewis County 40-yard line. So, the Bees line up for a field goal attempt. The snap is back and Air Bud kicks a 57-yard field goal for the win. Wow...what a game. Air Bud will definitely be getting a treat after this one. Unfortunately the treat was a free trip to France where the French government used him for shark bait. Ah well, we still win the game. East 29 - Lewis Co. 26.

West Fairmont v. Buckhannon
Another tight game at East/West Stadium as the Bears host the Buccaneers. West Fairmont leads by three and has the ball with only 1:34 remaining and things seem to be cruising along well until a spaceship appears over the stadium and pulls L.D. up into the ship. Apparently just your typical probing stuff...not sure. Anyway, the West Side players are so rattled by this turn of events that they leave the field. Buckhannon, not really caring about L.D., stays on the field and wins by forfeit. What a shame. Buckhannon wins.

North Marion v. Morgantown
Learning from last weeks debacle when Preston took the field against Morgantown, North Marion decides to forfeit and, instead, make the Morgantown players buckwheat cakes like the Preston Knights promised to. The Morgantown players are so touched by this display that they only injure 3 North Marion players despite the fact no one took the field. Morgantown wins.

Bridgeport v. Lincoln
Bridgeport defeated RCB last week. Now is time for the revenge of Byrd. Robert C. Byrd missed last weeks game because he got confused as to what year it was...but he'll make his way to Lincoln and inspire them to beat the Indians. He rallies the clan to pull the upset. Lincoln 34 - Bridgeport 29

Virginia Tech v. Marshall
Well, Coach Snyder isn't going to be feeling like a princess this week, that's for sure. The Hokies, despite the absence of Marcus Vick (I'm not even getting into it), easily handle the Herd. Frank Beamer's goiter is overheard saying "You know what, that Coach Snyder would be an excellent princess." Virginia Tech 48 - Marshall 10

West Virginia @ Rutgers
The Scarlet Knights are no pushover like they used to be. And after the antics of Chris Henry last year, they'll be looking for revenge. Now, my question is: How in the world do we play 2 years in a row at Rutgers? But, that's for another story...Rutgers comes out pumped up and takes a 14-0 lead. Things look bleak for the Mountaineers until there is a disturbance in the crowd. Chris Henry has shown up at the game...and he's ready to play.

After individually going through the crowd and assaulting everyone, Henry takes the field as quarterback and passes the ball to himself and scores touchdown after touchdown. He's that good folks. Following the game, Henry thanks himself and punches a little girl in the face because she has an R on her cheek. After that, Henry tears down the goal posts and carries it back to his house. He's that strong folks. Anyway, West Virginia 35 - Rutgers 21.

That's all folks...just wait, it's going to happen.

That other school..

Thanks for the reminder Jennifer...I forgot to put up a prediction for our other in-state Div. I-A school...that being -- ummm, give me a second. It'll come to me. Anyway, that school won this weekend and the Mountaineers lost. You know who I'm talking about...Byron Leftwich got carried down the field there...and what's his name, the receiver guy, played there.

MARSHALL...that's it. Whew, almost forgot. Anyway, they had an epic battle this weekend against the football powerhouse of Southern Methodist University or, for those in the know, SMU. For those who don't know SMU, they are one of the very few schools that have ever been issued the "death penalty" by the NCAA. Those sanctions were placed in 1987 and remained until 1991. Since then, SMU has racked up an astouding 47-119-3 record. And they were 1-3 coming into the game against Marshall, including a 66-8 loss to Texas A&M.

Well, with that said, you knew it was going to be a struggle...I mean, a football great like SMU with players like Jerad Romo and DeMyron Martin coming into Marshall. In a classic battle that saw Marshall trail most of the game, the Blundering...err, Thundering Herd battled back to tie the game at 10 and force overtime. SMU scored a field goal in overtime but Bernie Morris scampered into the end zone to give the Herd a 16-13 win over the highly touted Mustang team.

"My legs came through for me tonight," said Morris, who led the team with 63 yards rushing on 15 carries. They sure did...and the Marshall fans knew it. They rushed the field and carried coach Mark Snyder off on their shoulders. It is believed he said "I feel like a princess" as he left the stadium.

Congratulations to Marshall who improved to 2-2 on the season. There are 7 games remaining on the Herd schedule but surely no one can be disappointed from this point on with a win over a team like SMU!

I was wrong...kinda

Well, apparently my predictions were a little off. East Fairmont lost and I didn't see any midgets at Husky Field. West Virginia lost and Frank's goiter never took the field. He did flip the bird to Mountaineer fans though. Jeff Hostetler didn't play either...but I think Don Nehlen was in on three plays. Robert C. Byrd didn't show up at the Bridgeport game and it cost his namesake the game. And Preston didn't forfeit...but they probably should have. I don't know if I should say I was 0-5 or 2-3. I think 2-3 sounds better...so that's what I'm going with.

As for other news, the Yankees completed the comeback of the season and beat the Red Sox for the AL East crown. Ah, that feels good. Yes, the Yankees are AL East Champions. Let me say it one more time: The YANKEES, not the Red Sox, the YANKEES, are AL East Champions.

Other than that, not much to speak of. I'll get some predictions up for football later this week. As for baseball, I'll get into it later. But, real quick, Yankees in 4, Sox in 5 (guess which one), Astros in 5 and Cardinals in 4.

Predictions

Just some quick football predictions for this weekend:

East Fairmont @ North Marion

East looks to end another streak...they've never won at North Marion. East Fairmont takes a quick lead into halftime, 28-0. Should be easy from this point. But the North Marion band so rouses the crowd with their rendition of "God Bless the U.S.A." that North Marion comes storming back. With :46 to go, North Marion scores a touchdown to make it 28-27. As they go for the extra point, a midget runs onto the field and distracts the center. He snaps the ball but is so enthralled with the midget that he doesn't block and EF blocks the PAT. East wins...28-27.

University @ West Fairmont

West pulls out to an early 14-0 lead after Justin Hostetler throws two early interceptions. Jeff Hostetler is so mad at this that he pulls him from the game and puts himself in the game. Jeff, after throwing 3 more interceptions, finally gets on the right track and completes some passes. University pulls ahead in the 4th quarter and wins 35-25. The game is currently under appeal...

Morgantown @ Preston

The Knights refuse to take the field and, instead, make buckwheat cakes for the Morgantown players. The Mohigans win by forfeit.

Bridgeport @ RCB

Bridgeport takes a narrow 7-6 lead into the 4th quarter. RCB throws an interception with 3:00 left and it looks to be over. Then, from the shadows, Robert C. Byrd himself, gowned completely in white, steps forward and rallies the troops by reading about the great Caesar. So inspired, the RCB players force a turnover and score the winning touchdown with :02 remaining. RCB 13 - Bridgeport 7.

Virginia Tech @ WVU

#3 Virginia Tech comes blowing into town hoping to avenge the loss 2 years ago. The game starts out bad for the Hokies as Marcus Vick arrives late to the game after spending some time with some teen girls that Mark May from ESPN had sent him. The Mountaineers chase the hungover Vick all over the field and he proves to be ineffective as the Mountaineers take a 14-0 lead. Things brighten for the Hokies when a kickoff is returned for a touchdown...but, wait just a minute my friend...replay clearly shows that the player's knee was down at the 50 and the touchdown is called back. WVU leads 14-0 at halftime.

Second half sees more of the same. WVU continues its domination up front and puts two more touchdowns on the board. Frank Beams is so distraught that he pulls Vick from the game and places his goiter in at quarterback. The goiter immediately finds an open man in the end zone to make the score 28-7 but it's too late for any comeback. WVU 28 - Va. Tech 7.Michael Vick is so upset that he checks himself into a nearby hospital under the alias Ron Mexico. Marcus Vick heads back to the hotel where a bus of middle school girls are waiting by. Frank Beamer and his goiter argue over the decision to wait so long to pull Vick. Their relationship is over and the goiter leaves to assist Charlie Weiss at Notre Dame. Beamer remains two more seasons at Va. Tech but, without the goiter, he is unable to lead his team down a winning path. Rich Rodriguez finally makes a BCS bowl and stays at West Virginia until the New England Patriots job opens up. Who wouldn't leave WVU for the Patriots? I continue writing because I can't think of a way to wrap this up. Oh yeah, Sunnyside is currently rebuilding. "

Frank Beamer, a goiter and ESPN

First, Thursday night ESPN had Frank Beamer and his goiter on as guests during the Pontiac Halftime Report. Frank went over how they lost to WVU a couple years ago and how tough it was to play at WVU. He talked about what a shame it was to lose such a good rivalry...how he and Ed Pastilong were buddies. Whatever. Virginia Tech decided to end the rivalry. He said he didn't have anything to do with scheduling. What bull! If he wanted to schedule WVU, he could. Then his goiter said that maybe we can get it scheduled some time in the future...but Frank said he wasn't sure. He and his goiter fought for a minute and decided they didn't make the schedules. It was a very odd moment indeed. The fact is that VTech dropped us because they don't want to risk the loss every year. End of story.

So, they get done with Frankie and Rece Davis talks about how tough it is to play at Mountaineer Field. They do a quick story about the fire department in Morgantown making everyone remove their couches from their porches in case WVU would pull the upset. Talk about the fires a couple years back. Then Mark May decides to talk about when he played football...at PITT nonetheles, and says the coach always told him to keep his helmet on because Mountaineer fans like to throw things on the field like frozen food, fruit, batteries and pennies. They throw pennies because they can't afford nickles.

Honestly, that is what he said. The other guy tried to save him but he didn't take it back. They throw pennies because they can't afford nickles. And people wonder why I'm sick of ESPN. They invite Frank and the goiter on and kiss their butts...talk about how great the ACC is and how great USC is. I'm sick of it...it's the same thing over and over again. Notre Dame lost but they're still kissing Weiss' butt as much as possible because they just love the Patriots and that's where he came from. Oh well, hopefully the Mountaineers can win Saturday and make them eat some crow. Let's beat saw castrated turkeys...errr, Hokies.

Bette Midler

Hear Bette Midler Tuesday night? What a class act she is. In case you missed it, here's some excerpts from her rousing fundraiser at Madison Square Garden:

MIDLER: A terrible thing happened to me. Today I got a letter from the Republican Party thanking me (boos) thanking me, thanking me for supporting this administration's policies. I did what any self-respecting American of integrity and class would do, I wrote "Go [bleep] yourself!" (wild cheering) I sent it back! Postage due! I would never actually pick on George Bush, because, you know, he's a big fan of mine. He came to see me in the seventies, came to a show of mine in the seventies. A coke dealer of his, uh, got him some tickets, and... (cheers) Tonight we are here to be together, to help rebuild the Gulf coast, to help -- help rebuild the soul of America, the soul of America, New Orleans, New Orleans. We have to find a way to start listening to each other, to nature, and to the rest of the world, because who wants to live with so much danger.

Amazing. It's amazing that only the left talk this way. Whoopie, Midler, Kanye...those are the typical left. Hatred. Mean-spirited. That is the left. And these are the people directing the democratic party. You would never hear a conservative talk this way. Sure, we take our digs at the left but it never goes this far. The right is the party of hope and optimism. It's the left that wants to see failure and revels in it.

The left is disappointed by the lack of deaths in New Orleans. The left is disappointed by how quickly New Orleans is being repaired. The left is disappointed by elections in Iraq. The left is disappointed by elections in Afghanistan. The left is disappointed that we haven't been attacked by terrorists again. The left is disappointed that gas prices aren't $5.00. The left is disappointed that Americans are doing as well as they are despite their best attempts to make us all as miserable as they are.

It's the right that is optimistic...that looks ahead and sees light. It's always the right that sees the brighter side of the future...always. Where the left always see doom and gloom, the right can see ways to fix it. Find me a liberal who has an idea for prosperity...you won't. They only want to destroy others...not make life better.

People, wake up. The Republican party is the only party that has a vision for America. The right is the only side that sees brighter days ahead. I see good days ahead...and that's why I'm not a liberal.

Just tired

Not sure why...just completely wiped out. Don't feel like doing much of anything. Went home last night and watched some of the New York/New Orleans game. It was entertaining. I think Eli Manning might actually be improving...

Didn't watch any of the Redskins/Cowboys game. Talk about two teams I couldn't care less about. Instead, watched back-to-back-to-back episodes of Family Guy on TBS and Cartoon Network. Now that's a funny show.

I guess yesterday was "International Talk Like A Pirate" Day. I don't know how I missed out on that. And, I guess today is "Please, God, Stop Talking Like Pirates!" Day. I'm not making this stuff up. I actually saw that somewhere...

Anyway, I'm going to Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida on Sunday and won't be back until Thursday...barring another hurricane. Ponte Vedra Beach is near Jacksonville so I think I'll be pretty safe.

That's about it...get more to you later.

Sports Weekend Wrapup

Steelers look pretty darn good. Defense has now given up 14 points in two games. That's not bad at all. And the "world champion" Patriots are up next. I don't like the Patriots. I've heard that this is just another game and it shouldn't be overhyped. Maybe that's right but wouldn't it be nice to win against New England and put them off to a 1-2 start. Maybe make them start to doubt about their invincility a little. And, who knows, it may determine home-field advantage later in the year (not that the Steelers have been able to do anything with home field).

Other tidbits:

• Why has McNabb and Owens made up? I was ready to start liking Donovan but that's it. A friend of Terrell is an enemy of mine. I hope the Eagles implode.
• The Yankees and Red Sox are going to have quite the battle in the last 3 games of the season. The loser of the AL East is very likely to miss the playoffs completely. Man, it would just make me so happy to see the Red Sox sitting in Boston in October. Couldn't happen to a nicer team...
• West Virginia secondary really, really scares me. Louisville will tear them apart if they don't improve. I refuse to talk about the Virginia Tech QB anymore...what's his name? You know...
• Jason Gore won a PGA tour event...that's pretty cool. He won the Pete Dye Classic here in good ol' Clarksburg not long ago. But he'll always be remembered for his US Open meltdown.
• Do you think the Vikins miss Randy Moss? I'm guessing they would gladly trade Mike Tice to the Raiders to get him back.
• I missed this last week but aren't you glad that you're not that Marshall QB who threw the interception against K-State?
• Notre Dame lost. I can only hope it continues.
• USC beat Arkansas 70-17. I'm impressed. How about you? Well, how about they beat Hawaii 63-17. Are you impressed now? Well, you should be...I mean, that shows a lot of class. I have nothing but respect for Pete Carroll.
• Barry Bonds hit his 705th home run. And he's getting a free pass on the fact that he admitted taking steroids. Why? Because anytime someone says something derrogatory about him, he says "I'm a black man". Big deal...he's a cheater and should be subject to the same ridicule that Giambi had to go through.

That's all for today...

WVU Now 3-0

Well, I wouldn't have guessed it but the Mountaineers are 3-0 and have 2 of their toughest games behind them. Unless Pitt rises from the ashes, the only major roadblocks left are Virginia Tech and Louisville. Still too early to talk BCS or Big East Champion or anything, but at least some people are taking notice that we're not Rutgers this year.

My fear is that Syracuse isn't that good (although they nearly beat a good Virginia team) and Maryland is average this year (picked 5th in the ACC). But both games were good road wins regardless...in two very tough venues to play. And, we get Virginia Tech and Louisville at Mountaineer Field. That's always a plus.

Our passing game versus Maryland was non-existent. 8 for 11 is good but only 86 yards in the air. 301 on the ground is awesome but I don't think we can continue that without some more air support. Owen Schmitt is awesome. He led the Mountaineers in rushing against Maryland which means that in the first 3 games, a running back still hasn't had the most running yards in a game. (Schmitt is the fullback.) Gwaltney is improving week-by-week and is going to be a beast.

The defense only gave up 50 rushing yards. And 291 passing yards...which isn't good. But 73 of those yards came on one play. Tackling as a little sloppy when they let the Terps back into the game. But after that, they were back to the normal hard hitting. And they were making some receivers pay for getting too close to the ball at the end. I liked that.

Overall, it was a good game. Anytime you can go to Maryland and come back with a win, it's huge. With the win, we're now in the position of a contender in the Big East. Next week we get a depleted East Carolina team which should be a chance to work on the passing game and secondary a bit in preparation for Virginia Tech. I just want to see someone take Vick's head off and serve it to me. I'll be in Section 217...just bring it up.

Almost a Week...

Since I last updated...I don't really have a whole lot to talk about. Went to Wheeling on Sunday for work and came back on Monday. That's really exciting. I've watched a lot of the John Roberts confirmation hearing. He seems like a very articulate man who is going to follow the rule of law. It amazes me the Senators who are trying to trip him up...he's playing them like a fiddle. I'm guessing his IQ surpasses all the Senators, Democrat and Republican, on the Judicial Committee combined.

Secondly, I finally saw Kanye West saying George Bush doesn't like black people today. I just happened to run across the video on Ebaums World. I heard that he said it but I didn't actually see the video. It's hilarious. Here's a guy who can barely read a paragraph off the tele-prompter telling the world that George Bush doesn't care about black people. Mike Myers looked like he was going to be ill.

It disgusts me the number of people who want to blame this hurricane on Bush. What was he supposed to do? Stand at the edge of the Gulf of Mexico and be like "I am the President of the United States and I command this storm go to Mexico." I don't think that would work. It's slowly coming out that the governor of LA and the mayor of N.O. are the ones who failed. And, FEMA did a better job than people think. You can't just send down thousands of helpers to New Orleans...think of the logistics. Now, instead of just trying to feed the people trapped in N.O., you have to feed all these helpers. Are you going to put them in danger? What good does that do? I think the situation was handled well...and, as it is becoming obvious, there's not going to be 10,000 dead people. There might be 1,000.

It's tragic, of course, but it's not even going to hit the top-10 in natural disasters in the history of the country. Monetarily, however, it will be the most expensive. But, it's a hurricane...they destory things. It's unfortunate but a reality.

Anyway, just needed to get that off my chest. I'll try to get back to regular updates again tomorrow...

My Neighbor's Dog

I'm about to take serious action against my neighbor and her stupid idiot dog. I don't wake up in the morning until around 7:00 a.m. I know that's probably sleeping in for a lot of you but that's my schedule. I stay up later and sleep in later...get over it. Anyway, I wake up around 7:00 a.m. everyday. Well, my neighbor got a dog sometime this week...I'm guessing Tuesday. So, she leaves for work around 6:00 a.m. A good hour before I awake. And, what does she do? She puts the moronic dog outside. And it doesn't like to be outside apparently. So it barks. And whines. NON-STOP!

It woke me up of course...and I wasn't happy. But I let it slide. It was a new dog...it needs to adjust. But, it happened again this morning. 6:00 a.m...I'm up. Not happy. Did watch Mama's Family on TBS...but that doesn't make up for me being awoke an hour earlier than I wanted to be. I contemplated releasing the dog...but, I hate for it to get run over or something. It's not the dog's fault...it's doing what dog's do. It's the owners fault...and, tonight, we shall duel.

Anyway, that's about it...I think I might go to the Wes-Side/Morgantown football contest Friday night if anyone wants to go. Beyond that, it's all up in the air.