Global Swarming

Okay, I am really having a hard time with this "global warming" "debate." Joe over at Dartblog seems to get the tone right. The sheer politics of the subject matter completely overwhelms all reason.

I do not think anyone disagrees with the main premise: that the earth average global temperature has been rising in recent history. But where that leads us and what we should do about it is very much in doubt. The Kyoto Protocol is worse then useless for at least two reasons. First, it exempts China and India. If you really want to save the world, you need everyone's cooperation and exempting the two fastest growing economies is absurd. Second, the Protocol is, from a practical perspective, impossible to achieve and has no teeth for punishment. So, why bother.

And by talking about "average" global temperature, you ignore the reality. In fact, the earth is warming in a very un-uniform manner. The Northern Hemisphere seems to be warming, but the Southern Hemisphere, in particular Antarctica, is cooling. What does this mean?

Also, how confident are we that this is a trend that needs addressing? In the 1970's, there were claims we were on the verge of a new Ice Age. Given how accurate that was, should we be rushing to impose new regulations at enormous cost? The claim is that humans are to blame and that changing human activity will solve the problem, but is that true? I believe the scientists are not sure.

Finally, there is the "so what?" response. Okay, the sea levels will rise if the Arctic ice melts, but the Antarctic ice is increasing so shouldn't that mitigate this? Even if it doesn't, so what? Not to be Johnny Raincloud, but I just do not see how any of this will be catastrophic? At least in the sense of a sudden, horrific change. Humans and the ecosystem will adapt and no one is claiming otherwise, as far as I am aware.

Let's be clear: reducing greenhouse gas is a good thing. The less polluting the better. But the answer is not to ban Al Gore's private jet or to outlaw Hummers or to convert to ethanol. The answer lies in finding a clean, renewable source of power to provide electricity. We do not have an energy problem; we have an electricity problem. Solve the electricity problem and you will save the world.

UPDATE: The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has now said they are 90% sure there is a link between humans and CO2 emissions. Glenn Reynolds has the right level of angst. But see Iain Murray's comments to the effect of "what are humans doing in specific to cause this?" A necessary question to figure out what behavior to change.

Vive La Colts!

Ya gotta feel bad or Peyton Manning, cuz his honeymoon's over. Beating the Pats was a huge thing in his life, although I'd say he needs to do it one more time in a really meaningful game before we can call the monkey off his back. But, and this will spark some debate, defense wins championships. And right now, the Bears' defense is frightening. Not to mention their SOLID running game (better than the Pats I'd say) and ground chewing offensive tanks. People forget that Jim McMahon was only an above average quarterback lo these many moons ago (heck, Big Ben last year was the same type of situation for the Steelers); he didn't have a strong arm and wasn't all THAT accurate, but those Bears had a nasty defense, a great running attack, and a team that just didn't screw up. So you heard it here first folks; Bears 24 - Colts 17.

As for those calls, I missed those plays because of my honey-do list at the time, but the No Fun League is crippling the players. Incidental contact to the head should run the same line as inadvertent facemask; 5 yard penalty. As for "obstructing the view of the receiver" I've got to ask the same question; isn't that what they are SUPPOSED to do? Confusing...

In "I would have soiled my pants and died screaming in fear", check out the following:

SYDNEY, Australia - A diver escaped a 10-foot shark’s attack by poking the animal in its eye after it had already chomped on his head once and was preparing for another bite, witnesses and officials said Tuesday.
Eric Nerhus, 41, was flown to a hospital with serious injuries to his head, body and left arm after the attack Tuesday off Cape Howe, about 250 miles south of Sydney.
The shark grabbed Nerhus by the head, crushing his face mask and breaking his nose, said Dennis Luobikis, a fellow diver who witnessed the attack.
Eric, you are my hero! After having your HEAD BITTEN BY A SHARK, you still had the courage and presence of mind to poke it in the eye?! Holy shit dude...

So the Big Tuna left Big D...am I the only one who expects Terrell Owens to come out with something BIG and STUPID to put the limelight back on himself? :)

Barry Bonds says that both Pete Rose and Mark McGwire belong in the Hall of Fame...I wonder if he is setting up the public relations talk for when HE is up for election? Time will tell...

Zebras Doing Their Job

I wanted to clarify one thing below. I don't think the referees made the wrong call on the PI and roughing the passer plays. I think they were accurate.

What I object to is the pussification of the NFL...

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

We saw two different types of games on Sunday. In the first, one wonders what one ever saw in the Saints. 4 fumbles (3 lost) and 1 pick. You can't win playing like that. Credit the Bears defense who really showed up and Rex Grossman, who played much smarter when it counted. All that said, it was close until the 4th quarter.

The Colts-Pats game was a great game to watch. You were not sure of the outcome until a minute left to play. The quarterbacks played very well and with the final drive in the 2nd quarter, you knew it was not over. I thought the Pats defense really looked beat in the second half, BUT it were two call emblematic of the problems creeping into the NFL.

The first was a pass interference call on New England's Ellis Hobbs. Of course Hobbs did not touch the Colts receiver, he was called for "blocking his view." Blocking his view? Isn't that what the f*** he gets paid to do? Next year they are changing the rule, so it is interference if you don't say "mother may I" before going for the ball. Ridiculous!

The second was the roughing the passer call on the last Indy drive. While going for Peyton's arm, Tully Banta's hand glanced off of Manning's helmet. (Manning did not even stumble from the blow.) Bam! Half the distance to the goal line setting up the final score.

Those calls should not be in the NFL.

That said, it should not have come down to that. The Pats' defense was sick and tired and spent by the third period, but Manning still had to make the plays...Clark still had to catch the passes (something Reche Caldwell had a difficult time doing), so hats off to them.

So...my predictions: going 0 for 2 this past weekend has not inhibited me a bit. Given my track record though, Bears fans will delight in my pick:

Colts 27, Bears 13.

Grossman will throw 2 picks minimum. Manning will play relaxed and confident after the comeback.

Running and Lifting

Lifting is fun and is something a do as part of my workout schedule (the other thing is swimming). But I am not worried about getting big, I am trying to stay "cut." ("Cut" is in quotes because it is generally a losing cause.) Being cut requires you to burn the fat IN ADDITION to building the muscle mass, so I run a couple of times a week and swim on Sunday mornings to try and do that. (Then promptly have that #2 Combo Meal at Wendy's...with a Diet Coke.)

I took a three month hiatus from lifting and just got back into it (can you say "sore for three days?). I like lifting because of the feeling in your muscles post workout, where it feels like you are going to bust out of your skin.

Biking is also great exercise and is something I do during the summer, but it does take a bit of time, which is a precious commodity. I have a great bike (an older model of this) and a great route over a mountain and around a reservoir.

I have a different perspective on running...

I hate running. I do it sometimes, and when I do I interval train - walk a length, then run, then walk, then jog, then walk, then run fast, etc. But it almost takes me an act of God to get me out on the pavement doing roadwork. Now, I CAN hop on my bike, drop in a dvd, and ride for hours on end, or do it while watching the TV. You get lost in the moment and time passes nicely.

However, I am a weight person. Nothing feels better than to grab some iron and move it around. I have not been able to be consistent lately for a great many reasons, but I love that. I can lift some respectable weights for an old slim guy, but this is where I enjoy my physical exertion.

Oh, and there are few outdoors things better than having a golf bag on your shoulder, the sun high in a cloudless sky, and a long drive in the middle of the short stuff.

*****

Michael Vick has finally proven he's an NFL player by being caught with a water bottle which had a secret compartment and a trace amount of a substance believed to be cannabis within this secret compartment. Hmm, now I'm wondering if Marcus DID follow in the footsteps of his older brother. Michael is proving that he's nothing special by his actions OFF the field now; he's already proven he's mediocre ON the field...

Winter Running

I had two different experiences with winter running this week. Wednesday morning I hit the road for a normal 4.5 mile run and it was crisp, dry and...cold. I meant really cold. 8 degrees on the thermometer and, according to AccuWeather, about -10 in "RealFeel."

Just past the halfway mark, my vision blurs and I think, "crap, I lost a contact." I am closing one eye then the other to see which one, and it occurs to me, "no, my contact are freezing." They did not freeze solid, but I could feel them becoming slushy. So, I am jogging on narrow back road, in the dark, with blurred vision, and only THEN it dawned on me, "maybe this was a bad idea."

This morning the temp was 32 degrees and snow was falling. There was an inch or so on the ground of good packing snow. It was wonderful. When I run in this weather it never ceases to amaze me how quiet it is. The snow on the ground and in the trees just deadens the noise and cause a light gray illumination when your eyes adjust.

There is nothing more peaceful on God's green (make that white) earth.

A Little Star Wars Trivia

Jonah Goldberg uses Star Wars in a piece on moral certainty and gets hammered by the author of the novelization of Episode III, who claims that Luke's "sole purpose in life is to slay his father."

While many Star Wars afficiandos comment, Jonah is kind enough to print my response.

Expanding on the last sentence, while I really, really like all things Star Wars, I simply had the hardest time reading the crap that Stover wrote. It was absolutely horrible prose and had a style that would have failed him in a second year Lit class. A buddy loaned me the book and it was all I could do to finish it.

After stamping that piece of shit with the Star Wars logo, he thinks he is an expert. To prove he is an expert he makes a point that is demonstrably wrong. If he had stuck with his broad point - that Star Wars did not divide the universe in light and dark sides - he might of had some basis, but George Lucas started out making three films (Episodes IV - VI) about good vs. evil and redemption. The Jedi were "guardians of peace and justice" and it was clear that they were always tempted by the Dark Side. (In fairness to Stover, there is no "Light Side" of the Force in the movies. That is unofficial short-hand that evolved in the Expanded Universe.) There is never a claim that Jedi are "good," but it is clear that the Sith are "evil" and that the Jedi fight evil. You draw your own conclusions.

I think Goldberg's use of the metaphor is apt: moral certainty does play a huge part in Star Wars. But "certainty" does not mean "correct," and Luke's journey through Episode's IV - VI is about come to grips with enormous changes in his "certainty."

As Obi-wan says, "many of the truths we cling to depend greatly on our point of view."

Er, Rational Exuberance?

The Chargers are upset at what they viewed as overly exuberant celebrations by the Patriots.

Puhleeeeeze! Boo-freakin'-hoo.

It should be noted that the Charger's were guilty of over exuberance also - theirs just happen during the game and were followed by two 15-yard personal fouls...

Well, well, Thew is Human

Three games decided by 3 points. You would think that it made for great theater, but only the Saints-Eagles displayed the type of football you would expect in the playoffs. But other then saying that Tom Brady played one of the worst games I have seen him play and the Ravens did play like shit, especially McNair, there is not alot to comment on. Playoffs (or Playoops) are just games...there is no trend to be seen (as if this year had any clear cut trends), it is win and advance.

So, what is in store? First, let me get the "obvious" over with: 'da wheels are BARELY hanging on 'da Bears. Saints will nudge them off. I agree with Thew that a >10 point victory is highly likely.

As for the Colts-Pats...I have to go with the Pats. Yes, Colts beat them in Foxboro 27-20. Yes, Brady had 4 (YIKES!) INTs in that game. Yes, the Colts should win. But...

The Patriots simply have had the Colts number all these years. Once again, the pressure is in Manning, not Brady, and I don't think Peyton responds well to that particular pressure. Belichek is still the best coach in the Playoffs and will not make mistakes. The Colts defense, despite playing well in the last few games, is still suspect. In particular, the Colts are not particularly good at pressuring the QB.

All that said, the Pats have some serious weaknesses, but I am going to say the Curse of the Patriots will plague the Colts once more, 24-17.

* * *

Beckham is a unique soccer player. He and his wife are a brand manager's dream. Ronaldinho is the best soccer player in the world; it really is apples to oranges. Thierry Henry and Cristiano Ronaldo are the two players that come to mind that might have the star power to attract a following playing in the US. Henry is almost 30 and might consider it, but Ronaldo is not quite 22 and has plenty of playing left in him in the EPL or Spanish Primera.


* * *

I am starting to pity Michelle Wie. She is clearly a sideshow and it does not seem to me that she is getting closer to making a cut. Now she is getting beat by YOUNGER boy amateurs. (Yes, kudos to Tadd, who would have pulled down $54K for his weekend's work.) She has had plenty of opportunities to be the next big thing, but it did not work out...last year. Now, it is getting embarrassing.

She is very talented; it is time she developed that TALENT and forgot about the PR.

Goes well with Coffee...

Wow, close call on the oh-fer! Time to eat a few pieces of humble pie...

The Ravens looked like crap in losing to the Colts. McNair did NOT look like the Ravens' "final piece of the puzzle" QB he has been for a last many weeks. Ironically enough, it was the Colts' defense that looked sharp, not the vaunted Ravens. And of course, FOOD FOR CONFLICT is the fact that the Colts' next opponent is...

The Patriots are a winner. I loved David Rivers, but truly I have to give kudos to Tilam for his prediction about rookie quarterbacks. Giving up the touchdown right before halftime was the first domino to fall in a long chain of second half dominance by Brady and the Pats. Tom Brady and Bill Belichik are 12-1, that's TWELVE and ONE, in the playoffs. They are winners, plain and simple.

Not sure where the game went wrong, but the Seahawks looked pretty much average against da Bears. And when the 'Hawks' defense needed to come up with a stop in the 4th quarter, they didn't. So momentum at home shifted to the Bears side of the field (see above, Pats v Bolts). How do you let a middling quality QB like Grossman complete a 30 yard pass over the middle in OT?! As soon as the Bears tied it to send it into overtime and stopped the Seahawks on their opening drive, it was just a matter of time...

THANK YOU Drew Brees. The Saints are the real deal. Years of underachieving at the QB position and they finally got a solid performer in Drew Brees directing them around, and they are showing their talent...

Now, onto next round:

I cannot believe I'm going to say this, but the Colts over the Pats. The Colts defense is feeling pretty good after holding the Ravens to 2 FG, and I think they are really hungry to prove themselves against the Pats. I think the Pats are beatable this year; coming back against a rookie quarterback who's never played a playoff game before is one thing, beating the Colts, who are only gaining confidence and momentum, is a different thing. Colts 24-17

The Bears are barely holding on, frankly. Rex Grossman is a good enough quarterback, but so is a G.E.D. That's called a "Good Enough Diploma". Basically, you can make up 4 years of high school in 6 hours. Not as good as the real thing. The Saints are just too much team for the Bears. I can see the Bears defense holding the Saints to a reasonable scoring total, but they will begin to feel the pressure, make mistakes, and get beaten since they KNOW that Rex Grossman has to play a game that he rarely plays, mistake free and attacking, for Chicago to win. Saints 31-13.

In other sports...

I cannot help but wonder, after some further reflection, that if David Beckham is worth $10M a year and $50M in endorsements as a step-slower "star", how much do you think some of the other high profile quality players might be worth should they decide to jump to the MLs? In a soccer fan's wet dream, how much do you think Ronaldinho would be worth if Becks commands THAT kind of money...I am concerned that this will set a lousy precedent...

Something that passed the world by unless you're a hockey fan, the league's (and history's) FIRST Japanese player made his debut in the NHL this past weekend; Los Angeles Kings goalie Yutaka Fukufuji became the first Japanese-born player in the NHL when he started the third period against the St. Louis Blues on Saturday. Frankly, with Mathieu Caron injured, it was a sound decision regardless of his nationality: Fukufuji was 2-0-0 with a 1.30 goals-against average in three games at Manchester of the American Hockey League and 3-3-0 with Reading of the East Coast Hockey League.

Is it ME, or is men's college basketball currently a war of attrition? As in "what top ranked team is going to lose today?".

Talk about hyping something new, check out this little PGA blurb...Vijay Singh, coming off a victory last week at Kapalua, birdied his last three holes for a 69. He tied for 34th at 277. The good news for the big Fijian is that he stayed atop the FedExCup points list, with only 32 weeks remaining until the playoffs. THIRTY TWO WEEKS?! Who gives a shit...talk to me when there's 23 weeks left, it's way to early to talk about the FedEx Cup. Talk about building up some free public chatter...

Deep thoughts...

Well, the exact phrasing wasn't quite right, but I basically covered Michelle Wie's press conference almost spot on:

"I tried my best. It's all I can do," said Wie, who has not made the cut in seven PGA Tour starts. "I have a lot of game, it's just not showing right now. When I get it to come out, I'm going to be fine."

But a HUGE GRATS to Tadd Fujikawa: four days after he celebrated his 16th birthday, Fujikawa shot a 4-under 66 to become the youngest player in 50 years to make the cut on the PGA Tour. I don't care if this kid finishes dead last, the state of HI is finally delirious, since a local teen is playing on the weekend of the Sony Open. Oh, and it's not Michelle Wie...

On the other hand, Abe Mariano and Tom Johnson both finished behind Michelle Wie in missing the cut. Sorry boys, but finishing behind Michelle Wie in missing the cut must feel like finishing second to Marion Barry in the mayoral race - who was so bad they finished second to a crack head?!

Oh, and is Michelle Wie destined to be the next Anna Kournikova? Considered beautiful (don't ask...) but unable to win ANYTHING? Time will tell...

Is is ME, or does Posh need to put some meat on her bones? That chick is so skinny she makes MK Olsen look normal. Sorry, but you need to have something to hold on to...

Two More Quick Updates...

Wie held steady on the back nine and finished 8 over par. Unfortunately, she finished all alone in 143rd place or second to last.

According to the TV at the gym this morning, it turns out that $200 million of the $250 million in Beckham's deal is endorsements. As Jerry Seinfeld says, "not that there is anything WRONG with that..." According to the WSJ, his salary is $10 million per year (down from $16 million at Real Madrid); plus he gets 40% to 50% of team jersey sales and a cut of the gate.

Within a few hours of the announcement, LA sold 1,000 new seasons tickets and 100 new premium boxes. Of course, not all those new fans are just interested in David...

Breaking news...

Just wait until you hear the inevitable "well, I felt like I hit the ball good today, just a bit unlucky at times". Or "I'm very close to where I want to be". Michelle, TIGER can get away with those statements after a bad round, you cannot. Because you have not earned the right to say them and have people nod their heads in agreement. But when you are 17 and rich beyond your father's wildest dreams (yeah, we know who's pulling the endorsement and schedule strings) does it really matter if you win?

UCONN is young, athletic, and raw. Look for them to have a major down rebuilding season this year. Sorry Husky fans (and I am a graduate of that school), it's the truth. So much success has spoiled you, I just hope that you don't treat the kids like crap as they mature and learn their team game.

Wow, I needed smelling salts after the Beckham deal. Of course, what OTHER team in the MLS would have been the right home for Becks and Posh? Hollywood, here we come. The perfect home for the king and queen of soccer (wow, with her in the bedroom, I'd have to make sure I straightened it like Beckham, not bent it). Tilam, in his quick wisdom, beat me to the NASL analogy, which was "throw money at a ton of aging stars with no real return over time" and the league folded. But I also believe that the US soccer fans will embrace this more than those fans of 30 years or so past. I also agree with Tilam in that I think they need to temper their spending, since the fan base of MLS isn't enough to support that kind of contract - come to think of it, where the hell ARE they going to get that money? This will be VERY interesting to watch as it plays out...

Meanwhile, At the Sony..

Michelle Wie is 8-over after nine holes.

This has gone well beyond sad and past pathetic some time ago. I have to agree that Michelle needs some time to mature and hone her game on the LPGA and that, at some point, getting destroyed in every men's tournament will permanently psyche her out.

$250 Million Reasons to Be Like Beckham

David Beckham is reported to be going to the LA Galaxy. For $250 million in salary and endorsements. Holy Shite!

Now I have been a consistent supporter of the old man. (Time to remind everyone of his and Posh's interview with Ali G! 'Ear me, now.) At 31, as I said before, he has lost a step, but can still play AND still is the best in the world at free kicks. That said...$50 million per year?

There is plenty of speculation that Ronaldo is coming to the Red Bulls. Most important, Beckham has broken an important barrier and the amount of money is SURE to get attention from other players with international appeal.

The MLS has to tread lightly here though. There are maybe a hand full of players with the skills and the marketing potential to be superstars here. (Andy Rooney or Mickey Rooney or whatever your name is - don't bother.) Paying nine figures for a bunch of has beens gets you into bankruptcy real quick.

UPDATE: I am basically in agreement with Jen Chang. My quibble is that at $250 million, ANYONE in the EPL would not hesitate to play here.

As If on Queue

UConn and Duke both got beat last night. UConn by Marquette, a decent conference opponent (73-69) and Duke by Georgia Tech, a decent conference opponent (74-63). If you read ESPN today, you will find out that Duke is a young team looking for leadership.

Of course, you could have read Tilam v. Thew yesterday...

HoF and HoS

Welp, you saw it here sports fans, Tilam and Thew correctly predicted Gwynn and Ripken into the MLB Hall of Fame. Pretty spot on with the rest of our discussion, with a few salient observations to make:

How the hell did Jose Canseco get 6 votes?
Come to think of it, how the FREAKING hell did Albert Belle get 19?!
Donnie Baseball got less than 10%, which is a surprise to me. I thought he'd get more, although if you miss by 10 votes or 100 votes, you still miss.
Goose Gossage didn't make it in, but he's only 20 votes shy...over time they will relent and he'll make it, and I believe deservedly so. But if Gossage gets in, why not Lee Smith?
Big Mac got less than 25% of the votes required - sad, in my opinion. Tim Kurkjian went on a rant on ESPN, stating many of the things we've said here about Mark McGwire. He started his rookie year off with 49 home runs, he's won a (2?) Gold Gloves at first base as a fielder, the man was a star from the beginning, he just got bigger. Does it turn 49 HR's into 70, being on 'roids? Maybe...IF he actually did them. I hope Big Mac gets in, but I'm a little disappointed at this juncture.

On the "haven't I beaten a dead horse enough?" front, an interesting article on the current state of Michelle Wie. I'm sure that if you read the article many of the statements they make will sound familiar...since I've penned many of them right here in this blog. No more outrage, no more rants against Wie, just the simple fact that at this point we are destroying the talent of a young athlete - in her mind and in the public's eye. I'd say that at this point, she's just a revenue/gate generator, people are just looking at her to fly high then crash and burn like Icarus. And that's sad, because she could, if focused on the proper sport, challenge the best, I'm fairly convinced of that.

And finally, in the blurred line between fantasy and reality, a scorpion stung a passenger on a United Airlines flight on the back of his right leg, just below the knee, then continued up that leg and down the other before getting him again in the shin. It wasn't what he was expecting on a flight from Chicago to Vermont...must have been one of those Blackhawks fans, they are particularly mean people...

Baseball HoF

Cal Ripken Jr. and Tony Gwynn are in the Hall of Fame. McGuire garnered over the 5% needed to stay on the ballot, but, as expected, did not come close. Harold Baines was the only other rookie to receive 5% or more and remain on the ballot.

According to HoF watchers, next year is a "thin" year; offering guys on the cusp their best shot at admission.

U-Con

I have been silent about the UConn Huskies, but I can't simply whistle past the graveyard. While I would like to write, "They Suck" or some such, that would be wrong. They do not suck, in fact, they are very good.

But they are leaderless and soulless right now. There is no Rip Hamilton or Ben Gordon or even a Rashad Anderson or Denham Brown to look for leadership. While this is not unique in today's college game (Duke is suffering the same problem), it is particularly acute in UConn's case.

Coupled with Calhoun's soft scheduling in November and December, this is a team that will have to mature late, if at all. They have Marquette (who humiliated them last year), St. John's at MSG and then Pittsburgh at Pitt. This stretch will go along way to determine NCAA or NIT.

Finally, I just look at UNC and wonder how anyone will knock them off with Tyler Hansbrough? It is certainly possible as Gonzaga showed, but they are the team to beat this year.

Greators!

I can't say that I am surprised, though I did not have the balls to predict it. Like the basketball team last spring, Florida "snuck" up on the world and took home a Championship. Now, there is no shortage of adulation.

I will say that until the Michigan/USC game, I felt that OSU was the favorite. The Michigan game exposed the top part of the Big Ten as mostly hype. Yes, they beat Texas early, but Texas was #2 based on the past not the present and ended up 10-3. Beating Michigan by 3 at home was not the win it seemed like at the time.

Florida's only loss was to a strong Auburn team. (Auburn had also beat LSU early in the season.) And given LSU's performance, maybe the SEC was disrespected a bit. Of course, looking at Jeff Saragin's conference rankings, the SEC was the top ranked conference while the Big Ten ranked 5th.

All this just SCREAMS for a play-off. Sure, you will still get complaints from the last team left off the 8 or 10 team playoff list, but the BSC ranking system is just a piece of junk. Further, each team had nearly a month lay-off prior. How does that promote the best game? Was Troy Smith a bit rusty? Would he have played better if he had to face Louisville or California in the prior weeks?

Just asking...

I can go OH-FER and still hit .500!

It's gonna be an interesting next playoff round, that's for sure. Especially since I don't agree with Tilam on a few of his choices...

Ravens over Colts by 10 points. The Ravens are just too good, the Colts blew their load against the Chiefs.

I like the 'Hawks over da Bears. Rex Grossman just isn't the QB to take the bears to the promised land, they don't score enough points, and although their defense is pretty damm good, losing 13-6 will be their ultimate fate.

Drew Brees is the real deal, Jeff Garcia's midnight cinderella clock just chimed. Saints 27-17.

And I'm not a member of the "rookies can't win playoff games" club. Rivers will lead the Bolts over the Pats 24-17.

That's it for now, more when I get a chance to take a deep breath...

Islamic History

Since Thew professed interest in my post on the founding struggles of Islam, I would point to Peter Wehner's review of the historical emergence of radical Islam over at Real Clear Politics.

The only point I would niggle about is that I was taught that the seeds of the Shiite/Sunni struggle occurred with the Umayyad takeover of the Caliphate. While the death of Ali was the result of a planned multiple assassination (including Muawiyah and Amr) by Islamic radicals, the other men survived and both happened to be bitter enemies of Ali. Muawiyah was very quick to take over the Caliphate as the first of the Umayyad Caliphs and then high-tailed it to Damascus to establish the throne.

Sound fishy to you? Under the Tilam view of Islam, the Battle of Karbala was open confrontation of arms, but the divergence of Shiites and Sunnies occurred nearly 20 years prior.

Playoff Prediction Recap (or Don't Quit Your Day Job)

I basically batted .500 this past weekend. The Pats/Jets game was higher scoring then I expected, but what the hell happened to the Chiefs? They really looked like they didn't belong. Of course, the Colts looked like crap too, but in comparison to the Chiefs, they were a rock.

Tony Romo played like Perry for one play and lost the game for the Cowboys. And the Iggles did win, though the game was much better (and closer) then I expected.

Hat's off to Thew, who went 4 for 4 for his weekend picks.

Give me a couple of days to ruminate, but my first cut at next weekend games are:

Pats over Bolts
Ravens over Colts
Bears over 'Hawks
Eagles over Saints

I am going with the "rookie QBs lose playoff games no matter how good they are during the season." But the only win I am confident in is the Ravens. LT may give NE fits, though the Pats have the 5th best run defense in the NFL. The 'Hawks and Bears will be a"who is going to lose it" game. I think the Iggles have an experience edge over the Saints; Garcia seems to be able to pull off the victory whether its pretty or ugly.

Here's to swimmin with bowl legged wimmen...

Nice, a rocket scientist as an NFL cheerleader! Though truthfully, I'd prefer that she were an English major, cuz then she'd be able to better help me with my Longfellow! However, a HUGE distinction must be made here - even though her degree is in aerospace engineering, her JOB is "assistant project manager", which you KNOW means "gopher". Although frankly, if she were to gopher MY gusto, I'd be more than happy to interface with her system and provide the proper trajectory!

But ultimately, I have some other ladies that can compete with her for MENSA membership:

Janette has a degree in nursing, not a cakewalk discipline...

Stephanie Graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of St. Thomas with a B.A. degree in Psychology and a B.S. degree in Business Economics

Shanna is a United States Air Force – Integrated Avionics Technician

To name a few...

Comeback to Thew's Musings

Good to read some Thew-zings. My thoughts on his topics.

NFL: Iggles over the G-men. Big 30-7. The Giants' front line will not be able to consistently stop the Eagles pressure and Manning is AW-Fucking-FUL under pressure.

Romo stops playing like Como (Perry, that is) and the 'Boys win. It helps the Seahawks were one of the most inconsistent teams this year. 24-10.

Chiefs win (24-20) and Pats win (17-6). In other NY news, Eric Magenious becomes a NYC demi-god, while Conklin gets canned.

In other NFL news, she is a rocket scientist and Houston Texan cheerleader. (Insert lame joke about sending your rocket into orbit.)

NHL: I would LOVE to see Buffalo win it all. There, my expertise is done.

MLB: The fact that Randy Johnson is up for trade shows there is hope for the Bombers in 2007. I agree with Thew: Johnson was just not right for NYC. Neither was Zito, BTW. Get some farm talent and bring them up. (But I hear Jeff Weaver is still available!)

NCAAF: Nick Saban is going to Alabama after swearing to high heaven it was not going to happen. Pat Forde goes NUTS! Pat...relax. Saban could have been telling the truth...right up until he heard $32 million over 8 years guaranteed minimum. He is also rumored to have told Dolphins owner Wayne Huizenga that if Huizenga wanted him to stay, Saban would.

And read Shula's comments...Don does not look much better. Let's face it: Saban is no Belichek or Mangini or Dungy or Jim Mora for God's sake. The Fish will be better off long term without him.

Charlie Weis has done a great job at ND, but he is not done yet. They were a Top 20 team, but not a Top 10 team. But what about JaMarcus Russell? Holy Crap can that kid throw the ball. I watched the game with my Dad and we both were pulling for ND, but Russell was really impressive and has a big time pro career ahead of him. If Russell jumps early to the NFL, Detroit would be wise to pick him up with the second pick.

NCAAB: I had a lunch meeting today in Newton, MA at the Marriott. While there, I ran into the FSU Lady Seminoles Basketball team in the lobby. (They play BC tonight.) Let me tell you that 6' 3" just seems bigger on a woman then it does on a man. No disrespect intended. Good luck, girls.

Iraq: No tears for Hussein here and if the execution was imperfect...fine. Iraq is imperfect right now. Longer post on Iraq will be forthcoming.

Democrats: For six years they have been the sand in the wheels of government, now they have to govern. Initial indications are not promising - hiking minimum wage puts people out of work; mandating drug prices keeps new drugs off the market; there are no good options to leave Iraq right now. And after campaigning on bi-partisanship, they immediately shut out Republicans from the debate. Pelosi = DeLay in a skirt is not an auspicious start.

Taking a deep breath for 2007

Happy New Year to you as well Tilam. Another year of backbiting, insulting, and demeaning on the horizon, and that's just in our households! I expect the kid gloves to be shed during 2007!

I didn't watch any of the college bowls, although I heard that Boise State pulled a tricky dicky move against Oklahoma that was pure highlight action. That is why I love the college game more than the pro game, especially with regards to basketball...they play for glory and the win, not just for the money. Nothing makes an athlete hungry like a trophy - once they get the fat contracts, they tank it for show. But this is much more prevelant in the NBA rather than the NFL, but I still find the purity of the college game more exciting...that being said, WTF happened to Notre Dame? They got "palindromed", which is another word for scoring the reverse numbers of their opponents in points - 41-14. Charlie Weis, remember that in a way the college game is still like the pros - having a nice regular season is a plus, but if you have a good record but get blown out in a bowl game, it's a total loss.

NFL
WOW, look who's at the top of the supposed power rankings, the Chargers. Philip Rivers is the real deal in San Diego, and LT is making it look easy. Other than that, I have gotten thoroughly confused by the NFL. Other than the surety that my Vikings suck bullnuts, all the others teams are, as Tilam suggest, an enigma. The Colts once again are experiencing late season armor chinks, what happened to da Bears, and other pertinent questions abound...

G-men vs Philly: The Giants are on a 2-6 slide and the Eagles are playing quality football right now with Jeff Garcia (yes, THAT Jeff Garcia) at the QB position. Eagles 27-14
'Boys vs Seattle: Similar situation with the Cowboys on a losing streak and the 'Hawks playing well lately. You've got to go with the girl who's strutting her stuff right now - Seahawks 24-14

Colts - Chiefs: LT is the league MVP hands down, P-Man and the Colts are 2-3 in their last five games. Not to mention that the Colts defense kinda sux right now - they are 21st in the league and LAST in run defense. Not a good match up for Tony Dungy. BUT, I think he's going to pull this one out, the Colts' D is going to show and slow LT. This is my "against the grain" pick. Colts 28-24
Jets - Pats: Chad Pennington is the Comeback PotY in the NFL, but the Jets had NO expectations of making the playoffs at the beginning of the year, I think they are just happy to be there. Pats 24-10

NHL
In the "no way do I want to be a supervisor anymore" department, Chris Chelios was visibly shaken and upset that 2 of the employees of his Cheli's Chili bar in Detroit were stabbed to death by a former employee who was let go very recently. He faces life without parole - I wonder if being unemployed and looking for a job is a worse fate than being bent over a steel spring mattress with a largely endowed inmate teaching you the term "anal retentive". Oh well, he'll find out soon enough...

Anaheim and Buffalo, the 2 best teams in the conferences, have been showing a let down as of late, but don't be fooled folks, they are destined to meet for the Cup. And I give the edge to the Sabres at this point.

Penguins to Kansas City? KC is rolling out a major welcome mat for 'em, I bet this gets done.

MLB
The Yankees are still exploring a trade for Randy Johnson - it appears that the D-backs are interested in bringing him back to Arizona. I'm going to be sorry to see him go, I think he still did very well in NY despite the pressure - well, but not lights out like people expect, but don't over look the fact that he won 17 games BOTH seasons he was with the Yankees. The bad part is that on some of the "higher profile" games (read: against Red Sox) he was lit up like a Christmas tree, and his post-season performance was sub-par. That will ultimately spell his exit from NY. Too bad.
On a more interesting note, a company that uses computer imaging claims baseballs had a larger rubberized core and a synthetic rubber ring in 1998, including the ball Mark McGwire hit for his 70th homer. The company tested 35 or so baseballs made by Rawlings, and "the evidence shows his ball (the 70th HR ball hit by Big Mac) -- under the governing body of the league -- was juiced." So the BIG question is "does this evidence, disputed by MLB's COO, reduce the significant question of Mark McGwire and steroids"? If the balls were juiced, who cares if Big Mac was, they will still fly farther...stay tuned for more of this drivel. One other note: the dispute from the COO says "Beginning in 2000, we have had annual independent testing done by UMass at Lowell, baseball research center, under the direction of Dr. James Sherwood, and those tests have showed full compliance with standards". But it doesn't say anything about the balls used in 1998...

NBA...nevermind.

World News

I have to admit, I'm in the "who gives a shit" about the outcry over the Saddam Hussein video. I am somewhat disgusted by the fact that some asshole filmed it with his camera phone, believing he might get money or fame because of it. But that is the opportunistic nature of humans today with the advent of youtube and google video.
HOWEVER, the fact that Hussein got taunted and didn't die in a completely dignified manner really doesn't affect me that much. I highly doubt that HIS victims got much better treatment - those many he had hanged for "crimes" and I bet he didn't lose any sleep over those Kurds he gassed. Karma. Quid pro quo. Do unto others... Sorry, no sympathy there for him...

Interesting that the Democrats are taking control of both sides of Congress today. They sure talk a tough game; imposing a ban on gifts from lobbyists and a clampdown on travel funded by private interests (in response to Republican scandals recently), voting next week to raise the federal minimum wage, increase federal support for stem cell research and allowing the government to negotiate with drug companies for lower prices on prescription drugs for Medicare recipients. Not to mention challenging the president to end the war in Iraq. I don't know much about Harry Reid (taking the reins of the Senate) and Nancy Pelosi, tabbed as the most likely to ascend to speaker (and the first woman), I will let Tilam speak to them. Although Reid makes a funny statement, saying that "politics has prevented progress on many of those front running issues for too many years." HeHe. And I'm sure he wasn't one of those politicians?
Bush also claims that he has a 5 year plan for balancing the budget. What a shrewd move on the part of the Republicans - should the Dems win the Oval Office in 2008, the GOP can fully blame them if the budget doesn't balance, stating that Bush's plan would have done it had they just followed the steps. Political poison pill, if you ask me.
And a final quote from John McCain..."We forgot why we came to Washington. We lost our way, we got engaged in earmarking and pork barrel projects, and we valued power over principle and we paid a heavy price for it." Isn't this descriptive of all of our elected officials in Washington? :P

Bowl Games

First off: Happy New Year, Thew!

Second, I really like several of the Bowls games this past weekend. My favorite was the USC-Michigan game. I admit to have been rooting for Michigan, but I was won over by the USC team. Both QBs played very well and both have great pro careers ahead of them. Freakin' Henne throws ropes and nothin' but ropes. Booty was even more impressive and made the Wolverine secondary look bad.

The difference IMHO was the USC rush, which put alot more pressure on Henne. Frankly, I was surprised because Ohio State in their victory over UM, did not put as much pressure on Henne as USC did. Henne still had a 92.4 QB rating. But Booty had a 162 QB rating against (what I thought was) a very good Michigan defense. Hats off to the USC defense.

The Outback (PSU v. Tennessee) and the Capital One (Wisconsin v. Arkansas) were also entertaining. I did not see the Fiesta Bowl and am damn sorry I didn't.

In summary, after an exasperating year in the NFL where it seems team fell over themselves to lose when they needed to win, the NCAA comes through with some real entertainment.