Cruel Politics

Senator John Edwards: “If you're looking for what's wrong in Washington, why the system is broken, why the system doesn't work, one perfect example is what's been happening just over the course of the last four days. We've had two good people — Democratic candidates for president — who spent their time attacking each other instead of attacking the problems that this country is facing.”

Shut up John. You criticize Senators Clinton and Obama. Yet, when they criticize, they are wrong? This is politics. God forbid candidates define themselves. Americans respect principal. They crave conviction. You are Lyndon Baines Lightweight. There is your psychoanalysis, Senator Sunshine. Are you a candidate?

Feigning Outrage

A Fox News boycott? The Campaign for America’s Future, Daily Kos, and MoveOn.org have requested supporters monitor Fox News advertising content. Once a database has been compiled, a phone calling campaign will commence. Liberals are ridiculous. MSNBC airs Democratic views. MSNBC covers Lindsay Lohan. Fox News does also. The liberal intelligence should shut up.

Cohort, Nike, Reebok Sell Out Vick

On Friday, Michael Vick jersey and shoe sales were suspended. Simultaneously, Tony Taylor flipped. On Monday, he will become a cooperative witness.

Nike and Reebok’s actions were appropriate. They condemned Vick. Officially, he is a pariah. Taylor’s capitulation confirms the obvious. Purnell Peace, Quanis Phillips, and Taylor are defendants. Vick is the target. As previously stated, his career is finished.

NEW RULE

Dog fighting is not a sport.

Yesterday, both CNN and FOX News labeled dog fighting a sport. Seriously? Assault, murder, child victimization… are these sports? Sports are public. They involve humans. Dog fighting is secretive and sadistic. Sports inspire hope. They unite communities. Dog fighting inspires degenerates and injures animals. America, dog fighting is not a sport. Anyone stating otherwise merits castration.

Worth A Read

The Falcoholic

Despite Michael Vick, they continue talking Falcons. Currently, they are polling Joey Harrington.

Congressional Crosshairs Target WWE

On Friday, the House Government Reform and Oversight committee commenced an investigation. Via a letter, Congressmen Henry Waxman (D-CA) and Tom Davis (R-VA) inquired concerning a banned substances list, exemption procedures, positive test protocols, a testing entity’s name, and total tests conducted. I applaud the Congressmen. Vince McMahon is a villain. He is antagonistic, bellicose, and combative. Concerning drugs, he does not test. He will not test. His concerns are audience, pay per view purchases, and profits. Hopefully, Waxman and Davis will reverse this.

Legitimizing Doubt

Allegedly, South Carolinians doubt Senator Barack Obama. Why? Senator Hillary Clinton, his victory potential, and America’s vacillation concerning him. Obama is inexperienced. The aforesaid is a legitimate concern. Race is not.

Ian & Chrissy: America’s Couple

During the Fiesta Bowl, Boise State running back Ian Johnson scored the pivotal touchdown. Subsequently, he proposed marriage. Girlfriend Chrissy Popadics accepted. On Saturday, they will marry. Unfortunately, the interracial couple has received threats. Johnson and Popadics are a perfect pair. They deserve happiness. Those threatening them are excrement. They merit castration.

Evernham: Dirty Old Man

Ray Evernham: “I don't think it's any secret that because of the personal relationship between Erin and I it hurt her career. The proper thing to do and something her and I would like to do is move her to another race team. I think the girl has a lot of talent. But if I sit here and say to somebody, 'Look, she's got a lot of talent, you should sponsor her,' my credibility is not good because of the personal relationship. We did our part to not let it affect our performance. What happened was a lot of the stuff that was written and said and reported probably had people form opinions that were necessarily not true. I don't know how you do things differently. I felt we were very professional about everything we did and continue to be. But people are going to draw their opinions based on what the media reports. And that affects sponsorships and the perception of the quality of people you get to work on the car along with the quality of the sponsorship. She's racing really well. Will she ever be Jeff Gordon or Tony Stewart or Kasey Kahne? I don't know. But I think she can be the best lady to come to NASCAR I believe in her. We're trying to support her through her ARCA program. She has a lot of things going on. Hopefully, something will fall for her. She's talked to some Busch teams, some Truck teams. She's an excellent ... role model for a female driver. She can get the job done. The bottom line is the best thing for us to do both professionally and personally would be to help her to go to another race team.”

Ray, you are ridiculous. Erin Crocker’s career was injured? Prior to a relationship, you should have considered this. She should exit? Her career is ruined. Your team is dreadful. Your solution is overdue. You cannot advocate sponsorship? You are unbelievable. How should you have acted differently? Avoid the relationship. Media reports inspire opinions? Ray, you are fifty. Erin is twenty-six. One opinion is possible. Erin is a role model? What are you? She should exit? You should have been an owner.

Richie: Hollywood’s Latest

On Friday, Nicole Richie plead guilty. She received ninety hours incarceration and thirty-six months probation. Richie, Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, Britney Spears… Young Hollywood, you are destroying yourselves.

Dow Loses Another 208

Monologue Joke of the Evening

“A Florida inmate was convicted of masturbating in his cell. One of the possible punishments? Solitary confinement.”

The Tonight Show

Lofton Sent Home

On Friday, the Texas Rangers traded outfielder Kenny Lofton to the Cleveland Indians. As reciprocation, the Rangers received minor league catcher Max Ramirez. Once, Lofton ruled Cleveland. He climbed walls and stole bases. He was a cornerstone. I hope this reunion thrives.

The Daily Smak

Hey, didn’t you also used to work for John McCain?

Allegedly, Keith Richards is writing his memoir. A bidding war has commenced. Why? Look at Richards. He better write fast.

According to Fox News, a New York man was sent 2,000 credit cards. Curtis Martin wants NFL ownership.

Monologue Joke of the Evening

“You here about this story? This cat curls up next to a patient, four hours later, the patient dies. Today, the cat curled up next to the John McCain campaign.”

The Tonight Show

Martin: Portrait of A Professional

Football is not glamorous. Football is debilitating toil. Occasionally, certain players become superstars. They transcend the profession. However, the majority are employees. They are staff. They commute, report, work, and exit. For this, they do not receive headlines. They simply receive another week.

On Thursday, New York Jets running back Curtis Martin retired. According to Martin, NFL ownership is next. “Ever since you have seen me as a player, I've been looking at myself as an owner," Martin said. “Most people see me as a low-profile player, and I've always seen myself as a high-profile owner. I believe I've gotten a chance to understand the game from the ground up. It's something that very few owners are able to do, simply because they're not privy to the intimacy of the locker rooms or the brotherhood of the players. I believe that I can bring something new, and something that I think could be better for the NFL overall."

During his career, Martin registered 3,518 carries, 14,101 yards, and 90 touchdowns. In New England, he tallied 985 carries for 3,799 yards and 32 touchdowns. In New York, Martin chalked 2,533 carries for 10,302 yards and 58 touchdowns. Amongst running backs, Martin concludes fourth.

Martin was not a Most Valuable Player. He was not a Super Bowl champion. Martin was a workman. He blocked, carried, dove, and scored. For this, he did not receive headlines. He simply accrued 168 weeks.

Vick: Nowhere to Run

On Thursday, Michael Vick plead not guilty. Subsequently, a superceded indictment was announced. Translation? Additional charges or cooperative defendants. Vick has no recourse. He is the target. He cannot plea bargain. Considering the aforesaid, Vick’s career is finished.

Shared Outrage, Rushed Judgment

Greg Biffle: “I just wish they'd put him [Michael Vick] in jail and be done with it. Just put him in prison and tell the general public, just give them all the details of what they do with those dogs. How they steal people's dogs out of their front yards and use them for bait dogs and let other dogs kill them. There's all the horrifying stories. You look at all the pictures on the Internet of the dogs, just maimed, mangled. It's horrible. It goes on everywhere. He's not the only guy. It goes on in this state too. Maybe they'll use him as an example and maybe get some other people to think about whether they want to be in federal prison with him or not.”

Biffle’s excoriation is refreshing. Despite indefensible actions, Vick has received support. Unfortunately, Biffle’s condemnation is premature. Courts probe and punish. Vick deserves due process. I applaud Biffle’s sentiment. However, Biffle is neither judge nor jury.

“The Kind of Guy You Always Looked Forward to Seeing”

Skip Prosser
(1950-2007)

Nifong: You Cannot Apologize

Mike Nifong: “We all need to heal. It is my hope we can start this process today. I agree with state Attorney General there is no credible evidence that [the players] ... committed any of the crimes of which they were indicted.”

Nifong’s apology is despicable. Nifong fractured both a city and university. He ruined three lives. He does not warrant healing. He merits castration. No credible evidence existed? Why were the charges pursued? Why were incendiary statements made? Nifong is pathetic. For him, I possess no sympathy. He should shut up.

Game of Statements

On Tuesday, Bob Costas interviewed Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig, Boston Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling, and former BALCO chemist Patrick Arnold. Barry Bonds was the principal topic.

Selig was contemptuous and evasive. Clearly, he abhors Bonds. Unfortunately, he is ensnared. His choices? Sanction the steroid era or convict Bonds. Schilling was direct. He assailed Bonds. However, his reasoning was brilliant. If Bonds were innocent, why not sure? Arnold was believable. Obviously, he is a criminal. With that stated, he perfected cheating. He would know a cheater.

The Agony & Ecstasy of Wall Street

NEW RULE

Studies must cease.

According to research, soda escalates cholesterol risk, cholesterol removal may be bad, obesity is contagious, and pregnancy diet causes childhood obesity. Enough. Everyday, new studies are published. Eventually, contradicting studies are published. The motivation? Grants. Research equals money. Concise medical facts are needed. Irrelevant arguments are not. Every scenario should not be researched. Lab rats, acquire a life. Stop whoring with data.

Thurman Statement

Despite serving a one-year suspension, Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Odell Thurman was not reinstated. Obviously, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is serious. I applaud him. Goodell’s desire is rehabilitation. His objective is a cleansed image. Players should accept this. They should simply behave.

The Daily Smak

Hey, weren’t you leading the Tour de France?

Officially, Reverend Al Sharpton opposes dog fighting. Sharpton’s opinion is welcome. Mutts must protect their own.

Despite a veto threat, Democrats increased a Farm Bill’s taxes. Already facing failure, they increased failure’s chances? Democrats, who’s incompetent?

Monologue Joke of the Evening

“Lindsay Lohan was charged with dui and cocaine possession. Your move Paris.”

Late Show with David Letterman

Lohan’s (Subliminal) Lashing

Lindsay Lohan: “Yes I am innocent… did not do drugs, they’re not mine. I was almost hit by my assistant Tarin’s mom. I appreciate everyone giving me my privacy.”

Lindsay, you are innocent? You are unbelievable. The drugs were not yours? They were inside your pants. Were those your pants? You were almost hit? Your car was chasing. You desire privacy? You are an actress. You are a partier. Lindsay, you are gorgeous. Unfortunately, you are also tragically misguided.

DEI, Ginn Unite

On Wednesday, Dale Earnhardt Incorporated and Ginn Racing merged. Combined, their roster includes Dale Earnhardt Jr., Mark Martin, Paul Menard, Regan Smith, and Martin Truex Jr. “This is a great thing for the 400 people that had dedicated their lives to the sport and to making DEI a great company,” said DEI President Max Siegel. “Perhaps these are things people will see that demonstrates Teresa's commitment.”

This fusion is intriguing. Separately, Teresa Earnhardt and Bobby Ginn were dreadful owners. Combined, they could excel. Smith and Truex are emerging talents. Menard possesses potential. Assuming a glitzy signing, example Kyle Busch, DEI-Ginn could flourish. They could become a marquee attraction.

Worth A Read

South Dakota War College

Smart aleck Republican dissects advertising, elections, personalities, and politics. Features a Blogosphere update.

Chicago’s Short Leash

On Wednesday, linebacker Lance Briggs signed a 1-year, $7.2 million contract. As reciprocation, the Chicago Bears relented. Assuming seventy-five percent participation, Briggs will not be franchised. He will become an unrestricted free agent. Chicago, why sign Briggs? You cannot retain him. You are not Super Bowl favorites. Your compromise was ludicrous.

NEW RULE

Assholes will not disappear.

On Tuesday, the University of Colorado fired Professor Ward Churchill. In 2005, Churchill compared September 11 victims and Nazi Adolph Eichmann. Churchill warranted termination. I applaud Colorado. However, stupidity lives. Freedom of speech is not absolute. Unfortunately, people believe this. Via scorching rhetoric, they denigrate and disparage. Assholes should learn. Unfortunately, as Pete Townshend said, “an asshole will be an asshole no matter what.”

America Loves A Remake

The Daily Smak

Hey Macy’s, wasn’t brown the new white?

Amidst MLB, NBA, and NFL turmoil, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman released a statement. “My league has no problems.” Gary, your league is your problem.

A Facebook lawsuit has been filed. Allegedly, Facebook’s slacked and stole a design. I applaud him. He is not guilty. Why work? Simply steal the great idea?

Lohan Explodes

I stared shocked. My forte is opinion. I consume news. I process image and sound. I opine. Rarely am I silenced or stunned. Unfortunately, an episode occurred. This morning, a calamity perforated the news. Despite the situation’s magnitude, I could not react.

This morning, Lindsay Lohan was arrested. According to TMZ, Lohan’s personal assistant quit. Angry, Lohan pursued said assistant. Following a 911 call, police stopped Lohan. They administered a field sobriety test. Lohan failed and was arrested.

Subsequently, Lohan was booked and searched. Cocaine was discovered. A breathalyzer was conducted. Lohan’s blood alcohol content registered .13. Officially, Lohan was charged with drunken driving and cocaine possession. She was bonded. Immediately, she sought rehabilitation. “Addiction is a terrible and vicious disease,” said Attorney Blair Berk. “Since Lindsay transitioned to outpatient care, she has been monitored on a SCRAM bracelet and tested daily in order to support her sobriety. Throughout this period, I have received timely and accurate reports from the testing companies. Unfortunately, late yesterday I was informed that Lindsay had relapsed. The bracelet has now been removed. She is safe, out of custody and presently receiving medical care.”

On May 26, Lohan crashed her Mercedes. Allegedly, she was drunk and speeding. During her career, Lohan has visited rehab thrice. Simultaneously, she has owned Confessions of A Teenage Drama Queen, Herbie: Fully Loaded, Mean Girls, and The Parent Trap. Lohan is a consumable talent. Unfortunately, she is also a cautionary train wreck.

Celebrity foibles are entertaining. America enjoys them. Occasionally, foibles can be tragic. Lohan’s case is a debacle. As previously stated, Lohan is gorgeous. She is also exponentially talented. With that stated, Lohan is destroying herself. Her background is unsettled. Her parents are despicable. Her influences have been unfortunate. With that stated, Lohan is solely responsible. She must cleanse her life. Currently, she faces prison. If she cannot heal, death is a possibility.

Goodell Bans Vick

Concerning training camp, Michael Vick has been uninvited. On Monday, Commissioner Roger Goodell banned the quarterback. “While it is for the criminal justice system to determine your guilt or innocence, it is my responsibility as commissioner of the National Football League to determine whether your conduct, even if not criminal, nonetheless violated league policies, including the Personal Conduct Policy," Goodell said.

Goodell’s decision is correct. Since Tuesday, Senators Robert Byrd (D-WV) and John Kerry (D-MA), People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, and the Humane Society have condemned Vick. Vick’s actions were reprehensible. They embarrassed the NFL. They embarrassed his franchise. This season, Vick would have been an asterisk. Thankfully, he is now irrelevant.

Falcons Trio: Impulse Dulled

On Tuesday, Atlanta Falcons Owner Arthur Blank, General Manager Rich McKay, and Coach Bobby Petrino reacted. Each was calculated and taciturn. Anger and outrage were nonexistent. Blank co-founded Home Depot. Chief Executive Officer requires tact and diplomacy. With that stated, I expected more. I am profoundly disappointed. Privately, Blank, McKay, and Petrino may be infuriated. Publicly, they should have excoriated Vick.

Terence Moore: Vick, Falcons Finished

He’s gone. Whether that means for the season or forever in the NFL is debatable, but this isn’t: No way Michael Vick ever plays again for the Falcons.

No way Michael Vick ever can play again for the Falcons.

More specifically, given the ugliness and the intensity surrounding his dogfighting indictment, no way Michael Vick ever should play again for the Falcons. The fact that the NFL ordered the beleaguered quarterback on Monday night to stay away from training camp was the beginning of the end for Vick in Atlanta.

If nothing else, Vick is guilty of stupidity in the first degree. He says he wasn’t aware of illegal dogfighting in this case, but it happened on his property in Virginia for five years. Plus, most of those involved were from his boyhood “crew” that he regularly swore allegiance to despite the criminal past of its members and warnings from former coach Dan Reeves.

He’s gone, all right. Even if Vick loses his mind during the next few days by not taking the deal proposed by the league, players union and Falcons officials that would give Vick a lengthy paid leave of absence, he is gone anyway. If he ignores the deal, he will be suspended by the league. All you had to do was listen to NFL spokesman Greg Aiello reemphasize over the phone from New York that commissioner Roger Goodell is obsessed with doing whatever it takes to “protect the shield.”

Translated: Image is everything to Goodell and league owners.

“I mean, it’s well understood that the commissioner has a key role in maintaining the integrity of the league,” said Aiello, referring to NFL commissioners in general but to this one in particular. Despite less than a year on the job, Goodell’s nickname already could be “ruthless,” especially when it comes to discipline.

Added Aiello, while sifting through the league bylaws on his desk, “Detrimental conduct, the commissioner is authorized to take appropriate steps as he deems necessary and is proper in the best interest of the league or either professional football.” Aiello kept sifting, before saying, “When anyone connected with the league or any member thereof is guilty of any conduct detrimental either to the league, its clubs or to professional football …”

Aiello didn’t finish.

He’s gone.

If Vick doesn’t go by himself, or if Goodell miraculously turns soft, the Falcons should just cut him. The $22 million salary cap hit they’d take over the next two years would be less than the financial hit they’d take from lost advertising and ticket sales with a PR-damaged Vick on their roster.

It doesn’t matter whether or not Vick spent a millisecond watching pitbulls gnaw at each other for sport. It doesn’t matter whether or not he participated in the electrocution, drowning, shooting, hanging or crushing of losing dogs. It doesn’t matter whether or not he threw money toward the activity. It doesn’t matter whether or not he had knowledge any of this was happening. You won’t succeed as an NFL franchise with a heavy dose of turmoil in your world. It’s bad enough if the focus of that turmoil is a wide receiver such as Terrell Owens or a cornerback such as Pacman Jones, but if it’s a quarterback, forget it.

Worse, for the Falcons, Vick already was the most polarizing force in the history of Atlanta sports. You can blame it on his uneven play as a dramatic runner with an erratic arm combined with his hip-hop ways. Now you have this dogfighting mess with animal rights protestors fuming, active and growing from Washington D.C. to Flowery Branch.

You had one U.S. senator shaking and screaming his disgust with Vick and dogfighting on the floor of the Capitol. You had another U.S. senator proposing legislation to end dogfighting and urging the NFL to get rid of Vick.

Even if Vick finds a way to make puppies fly by joining the five percent of those who ever have beaten the feds, he’d become the Falcons’ O.J. Simpson in the eyes of thousands or millions — an African-American with lots of money who had the audacity to get away with something.

Imagine the barking from coast to coast, and then imagine all of those empty seats at the Georgia Dome.

Oh, he’s gone.

Harrington Survives, Scores British Open

Golf is unscripted drama. The actors are athletes. The sets are picturesque and treacherous. The plot twists are inspiring, infuriating, and occasionally inhumane. When the scenes conclude, characters cannot exit. Their anguish and exultation remain public.

On Sunday, Padraig Harrington survived the British Open. Despite torturous setbacks, Harrington defeated Sergio Garcia in a four hole, aggregate score playoff. Andres Romero (-6) finished third. Ernie Els and Richard Green (-5) knotted for fourth.

Holding a one-stroke edge, Harrington drove the hazardous eighteenth. His drive bounced thrice and found the water. Harrington’s second shot also drowned. Eventually, Harrington carded a double bogey. This elevated Garcia. Three shots subsequent, Garcia faced opportunity. Unfortunately, he missed. Garcia’s winning par putt failed.

Despite despair, Harrington regrouped. He drove and birdied the opening hole. Conversely, Garcia stumbled and bogeyed. Subsequently, Harrington recorded consecutive pars. Garcia overdrove the sixteenth hole and missed successive birdies. Afforded another opportunity, Harrington garnered victory via bogey.

On Sunday, Grey’s Anatomy, Heroes, and the Sopranos were trumped. Two men confronted opportunity. Each failed spectacularly. Amidst adversity, one responded. One corralled victory. One failed once again.

Democrats Dodge, Debate Drowns

On Monday, the Democrats debated. According to CNN and You Tube, the format was radical. Actually, the format was ridiculous. Several videos were bizarre. Several questions were irrelevant. Anderson Cooper was an apocryphal host. Additionally, campaign commercials were featured. Seriously, a debate with campaign commercials?

Amidst this calamity, candidates shimmered and soured. Senators Joe Biden and Barack Obama were exemplary. Senators Hillary Clinton and John Edwards were inadequate. Senator Mike Gravel and Congressman Dennis Kucinich were repugnant.

Sullen Stern Addresses Scandal

On Tuesday, NBA Commissioner David Stern acquiesced. Despite reservations and restraints, Stern met the media. He cited obligation. Solemnly and succinctly, Stern recounted security and the timeline. He also labeled referee Tim Donaghy a “rogue, isolated criminal.”

Stern’s facade was ashen. His posture was ascetic. His tone was funeral. Stern was someone glancing into their casket. Stern’s signature is brilliance. Always, he possesses the answers. This morning, Stern was lost. Eventually, Stern’s association will recover. The question is will he?

Selig Squirms

Bud Selig: “Out of respect for the tradition of this game, the magnitude of the record, and the fact that all citizens in this country are innocent until proven guilty, I will attend Barry Bonds' next games to observe his potential tying and breaking of the home run record, subject to my commitments to the Hall of Fame this weekend. I will make an additional statement when the record is tied.”

Selig’s decision is lamentable. His statement is interpretable. Americans are innocent until proven guilty. Selig believes Bonds is culpable. He merely lacks evidence. Selig will attempt attendance. His hope? Bonds homers this weekend. Once, Ford Frick ignored Roger Maris. Bowie Kuhn ignored Hank Aaron. Unfortunately, Selig is ensnared. If he attends, Selig sanctions the steroid era. If he snubs, Selig convicts Bonds.

July 24, 2007: Sports Commissioner Day

Carey Hired, Price Finished

On Monday, the travesty occurred. Drew Carey was named Price is Right host. As previously stated, Carey is a horrendous choice. His comedy is pedestrian. His timing is awkward. Bob Barker was a legend. Carey will be a disgrace.

Laguna Relocation

Officially, Laguna Beach has been rebranded. Henceforth, Newport Harbor is the Real Orange County. According to Executive Producer Tony DiSanto, difference was required. “We'd seen all the locations in Laguna, all the hangouts,” DiSanto said. “Newport offers something new and different. The boating, the coastline, the homes. You have a different flavor when you watch the show.”

Following Laguna Beach’s second season, Kristin Cavallari, Stephen Colletti, and Lauren Conrad departed. Predictably, ratings declined. Given the aforesaid, MTV’s strategy is bizarre. Viewers abhor cast modification. MTV, why repeat fiasco?

Pittsburgh Pays Polamalu

On Monday, the Pittsburgh Steelers retained safety Troy Polamalu. Polamalu signed a 4-year, $30 million contract. Allegedly, Polamalu harbored no exit intentions. With that stated, the Steelers have a history. Repetitively, their stars have bolted. Given Pittsburgh’s renovation, this decision was welcome.

NEW RULE

Failure should not be rewarded.

On Monday, the New Jersey Nets retained Coach Lawrence Frank. Despite Vince Carter, Richard Jefferson, and Jason Kidd, Frank has never scored a conference final. Underachieving rates a reward? Seriously? Progress are good. Reprieves are good. Not advancing, excelling, or winning are bad. Frank coaches three superstars. He has not won. Frank should not have been extended. Why? America should not love losers.

Bill Maher: The Decider

Yahoo’s NFL Power Rankings

1. New England Patriots
2. San Diego Chargers
3. Indianapolis Colts
4. New Orleans Saints
5. Chicago Bears
6. Baltimore Ravens
7. Cincinnati Bengals
8. Denver Broncos
9. Philadelphia Eagles
10. New York Jets
11. Dallas Cowboys
12. Jacksonville Jaguars
13. Seattle Seahawks
14. San Francisco 49ers
15. New York Giants
16. Pittsburgh Steelers
17. Miami Dolphins
18. Carolina Panthers
19. Kansas City Chiefs
20. St. Louis Rams
21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
22. Detroit Lions
23. Green Bay Packers
24. Arizona Cardinals
25. Tennessee Titans
26. Houston Texans
27. Buffalo Bills
28. Minnesota Vikings
29. Washington Redskins
30. Atlanta Falcons
31. Cleveland Browns
32. Oakland Raiders

The Daily Smak

Hey, weren’t you reporting to training camp?

Laguna Beach has been re-branded. On August 15, “Newport Harbor: The Real Orange County” will debut. Newport Harbor? “The OC” featured Newport Harbor. Either a city is fictional or real. It cannot be both.

Today’s top five or superior Price is Right hosts (1) anyone, (2) anyone, (3) anyone, (4) anyone, (5) anyone.

Conservatives Should Shut Up!

From the Loft:

In a new story by the Associated Press, Arizona Sen. John McCain says he is "happy" about the state of his presidential campaign. If his current state of affairs makes him happy, I'd hate to see what it takes to make him sad. In reality, his woes and the inability of other Republican candidates to separate themselves from the pack shows what happens when a conservative base feels ignored and betrayed.

Once the heir apparent to the Republican presidential nomination, McCain has suffered a series of personnel setbacks leaving him having to shuffle staffers into new locations. McCain also is lagging in fundraising compared with some of the other candidates.

However, McCain's problems have not translated into significant gains for other candidates. Outside of Fred Thompson, who has yet to officially announce for the presidency, none of the candidates has been able to excite the conservative base. Pollster Scott Rasmussen shows four candidates polling above 10%, but over the past month and a half, no one has made a significant move.

Why is the base not rallying behind a candidate? Some say it's early, and it is. But with the front-loading of the primaries, it's only a few more months until this race could be decided. Some say it's because every candidate has some sort of negative... something that falls short of conservative expectations. This is also true, but when have we ever had a "perfect" candidate? I believe the answer is never.

The main problem right now can be summed up in one word: betrayal. The conservative base feels betrayed by its leaders and office holders. The rise of the Republican Party occurred through the belief and promotion of conservative values and policies. Republicans won races, and it was their mandate to put these policies into action.

Some will blame the lure of Washington for leading Republicans astray. Sure, there were cases of Republicans becoming involved in situations they shouldn't, but the real problem lies with those who rode the wave of conservative activism all the way into office but who were not (and are not) true believers. They said one thing, and did another.

Now, we see the fallout of such actions. Conservatives are battered. We feel like we've been used, and so we don't know who to trust. To me, that is one reason why the Republican candidates are failing to excite the base. People are finding anything they can to point at and say, "He'll let us down too. Just look at his position on X or Y."

For conservatives, in order to win in 2008, we need to refocus and realize that the Democrats will be running strong for the White House. The idea of holding the House, Senate, and White House has them salivating. That idea alone should motivate us into action. For legislators and party officials, they need to remember that conservative policies are what fueled the Republican revolution. We are the party of reform, not of government spending, forced nation building, and open borders.

Yes, conservatives feel betrayed, but the ball is in our court. If we sit back and do nothing, the Left will win. If that happens, the country loses. We must get ready for action, but this time, the play book is different. It is our responsibility to see to it that the legislators we put into office reflect our Republican philosophy. If we keep working hard for sub-par candidates, we will get sub-par legislators. It's time for all of us to step to the plate.

Betrayal is a powerful force to overcome. But this is where we find ourselves... facing the ultimate test. Do we fight, or do we hand the country to the left-wing radicals? That's the question... and the answer is easy.

NEW RULE

The obvious is obvious.

Despite David Beckham’s debut, the Los Angeles Galaxy lost 1-0. Obviously, Beckham is renowned. America knows his team. America also knows soccer’s lone statistic… goals. Unfortunately, ESPN is stupid. Following the contest, their crawl read “Beckham: entered game in 78th minute (did not score). Seriously? Both Beckham and the Galaxy did not score? Remarkable. Statistics are evident. Soccer is irrelevant. ESPN, stop televising soccer. Stop stating the obvious.

The Big Five

For reasons good and bad… they were the news.

The Hot Five

A quintet of sizzling conversation starters.

Worth A Read

Girls Talking Smack

Kim, Tiffany, Carly, Petra, and Audrey vent entertainment opinions. Excellent photo utilization.

Monologue Joke of the Evening

“Give you an idea of how fast summer is going by… Earlier today, Rosie O’Donnell reported to the Minnesota Vikings training camp.”

Late Show with David Letterman

Frank Question

On Monday, the New Jersey Nets retained Coach Lawrence Frank. Frank signed a multi-year contract. During his career, Frank has accrued a 175-149 record. Despite Vince Carter, Richard Jefferson, and Jason Kidd, Frank has never scored a conference final. Why are the Nets rewarding failure?

Wrestling With Catastrophe

Since Chris Benoit‘s death, WWE Raw ratings have decreased ten percent. Key demographics have declined 21% (men 18-34) and 17 % (men 18-49). This was predictable. Benoit’s actions were ghastly and horrific. They sickened America. Eventually, wrestling may recover. However, I sincerely doubt this.

The Daily Smak

On Saturday, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows debuted. Eight million copies sold. This upset Britney Spears. In two days, a children’s book outsold her last three albums.

Yesterday, the Pope requested an end to all wars. Previously, another Pope made this request. In between, Iraq has been bombed four times.

According to TMZ, David Beckham’s personality is boring. His personality is boring? TMZ ever watch his occupation? That’s boring.

Monologue Joke of the Evening

“People are mad about this Michael Vick thing. Today, Bob Barker called for Vick to be spayed and neutered.”

The Tonight Show

They Can Mash

New York Yankees Saturday & Sunday
45 runs, 53 hits

Line of the Morning

Senator Harry Reid (D-NV)

“They're [the Republican Congress] more interested in protecting the president than they are protecting the troops.”

The Preacher’s Wife

Tammy Faye Messner
(1942-2007)