Friday, October 26, 2007

Wilson Freed: Justice For America

On Friday, the Georgia Supreme Court freed Genarlow Wilson. According to the 4-3 majority, Wilson’s sentence was cruel and unusual punishment. “Each day that this young man spent in prison was a day too long,” said Congressman John Lewis (D-GA).

In 2003, Wilson was convicted and received ten years. His felony? The seventeen-year-old and his fifteen year old girlfriend enjoyed consensual oral sex. "I never gave up hope in our judicial system, and I never gave up hope in all the prayers people sent out for us," said Wilson’s mother Juannessa Bennett.

This decision was appropriate. Wilson deserved freedom. He committed no crime. He should have never been tried. He should have never been convicted. Personally, I hope this case induces thought. I hope this case adjusts attitudes. I pray our justice system improves.

Betting the Pass Line (Last Week: 4-1 Season: 21-14)

West Virginia at Rutgers (+6)
Last season, West Virginia defeated Rutgers 41-39. On Saturday, the Scarlet Knights will garner revenge.

USC (+2 ½) at Oregon
Versus Oregon, USC has scored consecutive victories. The Ducks are overvalued. The Trojans have been underestimated.

Florida (-7 ½) at Georgia
This season, Tim Tebow has sparkled. Conversely, the Bulldogs have struggled.

Kansas at Texas A&M (+3)
Simply stated, Dennis Franchione is embattled. This is his moment.

Ohio State (-3) at Penn State
Everyone is lamenting the Buckeyes. Why not the Lions?

E60: Another “World Leader” Assumption

For twelve years, HBO’s Real Sports has dominated. They have chronicled athletics as society. They have presented athletes as individuals. Real Sports has highlighted the exemplary, cautionary, and abhorrent. They have incited necessary discussions. They have impaled reprehensible situations.

Recently, I viewed ESPN’s “E60.” Uniquely, the endeavor recounts reporter’s pitches. Viewers witness a story’s conception and execution. Unfortunately, the program skews entertainment. Music splices every segment. “Next” intrusions interrupt commendable reporting.

Obviously, ESPN covets Real Sports province. Alas, E60 is a failure. Tom Friend, Rachel Nichols, Lisa Salters, Jeremy Schaap, and Michael Smith are excellent. However, they are not James Brown, Frank Deford, Bernard Goldberg, and Bryant Gumbel. They cannot overcome network arrogance. ESPN may desire territory. They cannot assume excellence.

NEW RULE

Conversations saves.

On Wednesday, a Michigan teenager shot four. This month, Wallace DeBlanc desecrated a veteran’s grave. Clearly, both have issues. Unfortunately, their concerns are irrelevant. Why? Their actions. Vandalism and violence solve nothing. Conversation solves problems. Disputes are settled, people are understood, and wars are avoided via dialogue. These two should have talked. Continually, everyone should talk. Seriously, discussion trumps incarceration.

Worth A Read

College Football Resource

Campus pigskin’s internet residence. Featuring weekly team and Heisman rankings.

SCHIP Opportunist

On Thursday, the House passed an insurance expansion. Amidst a national tragedy, Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) rushed this legislation. Her actions were distasteful. She should be ashamed.

The Daily Smak

Hey, didn’t you used to be the Colorado Rockies?

On November 2, an Al Sharpton sponsored boycott will occur. Akin to Sharpton, the impact will be delusional.

According to a poll, thirty-three percent accept ghosts and unidentified flying objects. The poll’s sponsor? Paris Hilton.

Thursday, October 25, 2007

2007 College Football Award Semi-Finalists

Bo Schembechler Award
(Nation’s Most Outstanding Head Coach)

Mike Bellotti (Oregon)
Randy Edsall (Connecticut)
Dennis Erickson (Arizona State)
Dennis Franchione (Texas A&M)
Al Groh (Virginia)
Jim Leavitt (South Florida)
Mark Mangino (Kansas)
Les Miles (LSU)
Gary Pinkel (Missouri)
Bob Stoops (Oklahoma)
Jim Tressel (Ohio State)
Jeff Jagodzinski (Boston College)

Marino-Elway Award
(Nation’s Most Outstanding Quarterback)

Sam Bradford (Oklahoma)
Colt Brennan (Hawaii)
Brian Brohm (Louisville)
Chase Daniel (Missouri)
Dennis Dixon (Oregon)
Graham Harrell (Texas Tech)
Kellen Lewis (Indiana)
Curtis Painter (Purdue)
Matt Ryan (Boston College)
Paul Smith (Tulsa)
Tim Tebow (Florida)
Andre Woodson (Kentucky)

Emmitt Smith Award
(Nation’s Most Outstanding Running back)

Justin Forsett (California)
Matt Forte (Tulane)
Mike Hart (Michigan)
P.J. Hill (Wisconsin)
Darren McFadden (Arkansas)
Rashard Mendenhall (Illinois)
Jalen Parmele (Toledo)
Ray Rice (Rutgers)
Javon Ringer (Michigan State)
Steve Slaton (West Virginia)
Jonathan Stewart (Oregon)
Chris Wells (Ohio State)

Jerry Rice Award
(Nation’s Most Outstanding Wide Receiver)

Jabari Arthur (Akron)
Adarius Bowman (Oklahoma State)
Dorien Bryant (Purdue)
Michael Crabtree (Texas Tech)
Harry Douglas (Louisville)
Casey Fitzgerald (North Texas)
DJ Hall (Alabama)
James Hardy (Indiana)
DeSean Jackson (California)
Mario Manningham (Michigan)
Jordy Nelson (Kansas State)
Brian Robiskie (Ohio State)

Orlando Pace Award
(Nation’s Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman)

Will Arnold (LSU)
Sam Baker (USC)
Kirk Barton (Ohio State)
Gosder Cherilus (Boston College)
Kirk Elder (Texas A&M)
Jake Long (Michigan)
Drew Miller (Florida)
Mike Pollak (Arizona State)
Eric Scott (Kentucky)
Adam Spieker (Missouri)
Shannon Tevaga (UCLA)
Brandon Walker (Oklahoma)

Bruce Smith Award
(Nation’s Most Outstanding Defensive Lineman)

Tommy Blake (TCU)
Glenn Dorsey (LSU)
Chris Ellis (Virginia Tech)
Andre Fluellen (Florida State)
Quentin Groves (Auburn)
Brighan Harwell (UCLA)
Lawrence Jackson (USC)
Chris Long (Virginia)
James McClinton (Kansas)
Frank Okam (Texas)
DeMario Pressley (North Carolina State)
Antonio Reynolds (Tennessee)

Lawrence Taylor Award
(Nation’s Most Outstanding Linebacker)

Sir Darean Adams (Michigan State)
Xaiver Adibi (Virginia Tech)
Dan Conner (Penn State)
Shawn Crable (Michigan)
Ali Highsmith (LSU)
James Laurinaitis (Ohio State)
J Leman (Illinois)
Brandon Miller (Georgia)
Ben Moffitt (South Florida)
Keith Rivers (USC)
Christian Taylor (UCLA)
Wesley Woodyard (Kentucky)

Darrell Green Award
(Nation’s Most Outstanding Defensive Back)

Antoine Cason (Arizona)
Simeon Castille (Alabama)
Thomas DeCoud (California)
Marcus Griffin (Texas)
Jonathan Heffney (Tennessee)
Mike Jenkins (South Florida)
Glenn Sharpe (Miami-Florida)
Craig Steltz (LSU)
Terrell Thomas (USC)
DeJuan Tribble (Boston College)
D.J. Wolfe (Oklahoma)
Tom Zbikowski (Notre Dame)

Deion Sanders Award
(Nation’s Most Outstanding Athlete)

Sam Bradford (Oklahoma)
Glenn Dorsey (LSU)
Matt Forte (Tulane)
Graham Harrell (Texas Tech)
Mike Hart (Michigan)
DeSean Jackson (California)
James Laurinaitis (Ohio State)
Darren McFadden (Arkansas)
Ray Rice (Rutgers)
Tim Tebow (Florida)
Chris Wells (Ohio State)
Andre Woodson (Kentucky)

Jason Hanson Award
(Nation’s Most Outstanding Place Kicker)

Travis Bell (Georgia Tech)
Gary Cismesia (Florida State)
Kai Forbath (UCLA)
Chris Gould (Virginia)
Jeremy Ito (Rutgers)
Taylor Mehlhaff (Wisconsin)
Ryan Pretorius (Ohio State)
Brooks Rossman (Kansas State)
John Sullivan (New Mexico)
Austin Starr (Indiana)
Scott Webb (Kansas)
Thomas Weber (Arizona State)

Chris Gardocki Award
(Nation’s Most Outstanding Punter)

Jared Armstrong (Purdue)
Durant Brooks (Georgia Tech)
Britton Colquitt (Tennessee)
Ken Debauche (Wisconsin)
Patrick Fisher (LSU)
Matt Fodge (Oklahoma State)
Jimmie Kaylor (Colorado State)
Andrew Larson (California)
Chris Miller (Ball State)
Geoffrey Price (Notre Dame)
Louie Sakoda (Utah)
A.J. Trapasso (Ohio State)

Joe Torre: Yankees Loss

On Tuesday, HBO’s Real Sports interviewed Joe Torre. Candidly, Torre discussed his exodus. He was eloquent and respectful. He showcased character. He underscored the Yankees’ stupidity.

Cardinals Preserve Baseball Lifer

On Monday, the St. Louis Cardinals retained Manager Tony La Russa. La Russa signed a two-year contract. According to pitcher Russ Springer, the decision was obvious. “I've played for a lot of managers and as far as running a bullpen, I'd put him up there with Bobby Cox as the best in the majors,” Springer said. “He's a winning manager, the fans love him and he gets respect from managers across the league.”

During his career, La Russa has logged 2,375-2,070 ledger. He has garnered two World Series championships, five league championships, and ten division championships. In St. Louis, he has accrued a 1,055-887 record. In Oakland, he tallied a 798-673 mark. In Chicago, he was 522-510.

La Russa is baseball. He is calculating and shrewd. His thought processes are methodical. His criticism and speech are measured. La Russa is not perfect. His genius is exaggerated. With that stated, his core is ash. His fiber is horsehide. His memoir is a lineup card. His existence comprises nine innings.

Survivor: Amidst Plans & Promises, Sherea Scrubbed

Plans are imperfect. Plans are merely dreams, hopes, and wishes. Execution is irrelevant. Implementation is immaterial. Circumstances rule. If circumstances oppose one, one’s plan cannot succeed.

On Thursday, Todd acquired the hidden immunity idol. Subsequently, James and Todd concocted a plan. James acquires the idol. He tanks the immunity challenge. He eliminates Jamie. For immunity, the tribes swallowed Chinese delicacies. James attempted failure. Regrettably, he succeeded. Zhan Hu garnered immunity.

Fei Long considered both Jean-Robert and Sherea. Jean-Robert was reviled. However, Sherea was strategic. Via a 5-2 vote, Sherea was eliminated.

Career, Comfort Complicate Relationships

Relationships are complicated. Relationships require affection, compromise, consideration, devotion, empathy, kindness, and patience. They demand flexibility. They mandate tolerance. Within a relationship, partners must support. They must encourage. They must accept occasional irrelevance.

On Monday, Lauren attended a photo shoot. Her and a model flirted. Subsequently, they enjoyed a barbecue and sushi. Unfortunately, Lauren rejected him. Lauren’s taste is confusing. This model was dateable. Yet, she embraces Brody and a movie? As previously stated, Brady and Lauren should not date. Yet, happiness is essential. Obviously, Brody induces happiness.

Spencer conceived dinner plans. He devised lunch plans. Unfortunately, Heidi snubbed both. Her rational? Bolthouse Productions. Personally, I sympathize with Spencer. Work can cripple relationships. With that stated, Spencer is a letch. He does not work. He lounges, reads, and surfs the internet. He needs motivation. With this, he would understand Heidi’s plight.

NEW RULE

Sanity is not recoverable.

Hank Steinbrenner: “I think the most important thing is whoever we hire, give 'em a chance because he's not getting the '96 Yankees. He's getting an even younger team or for the most part a team in transition. Give him a little while.”

Last week, the New York Yankees fired Joe Torre. Why? In seven years, he had not won the World Series. George Steinbrenner’s objective is simple. Win every championship. Naturally, his son requests patience. The Steinbrenners are ridiculous. This perception is unalterable. They will not relent. They believe they are baseball’s best. Until this perception is shared, managers will be fired. Hank, you abhorrently insulted Torre. Do not insult us.

Miami Malaise?

On Wednesday, the Miami Heat traded Antoine Walker, Michael Doleac, and Wayne Simien to the Minnesota Timberwolves. As reciprocation, the Heat received Ricky Davis and Mark Blount. This transaction was bizarre. Given Shaquille O’Neal and Dwayne Wade, perimeter presence is required. Davis is a slasher. He is not a shooter. Davis will not improve the Heat. Instead, he will impair them.

The Daily Smak

Hey, weren’t you NBC’s Maria Shriver?

In Kenya, several monkeys made lewd hand gestures. Women were outraged. They should relax. In the airport men’s room, the monkeys did worse.

On Wednesday, Rudy Giuliani promised illegal immigration’s extinction. He also advocated blind handgun ownership. During these announcements, Rudy received a phone call… from reality.

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Kerry Equals Victory

On Wednesday, Bob Kerrey announced his senatorial intentions. He will not run. The aforesaid is outstanding. Undeniably, Republicans will retain the seat.

GAME BALLS (NFL Edition)

Tom Brady (QB – Patriots): 21/25, 354 yards, 6 td
(Win: 49-28 at Dolphins)

Brian Griese (QB – Bears): 27/41, 322 yards, 1 td
(Win: 19-16 at Eagles)

Larry Johnson (RB – Chiefs): 24 carries, 112 yards, 1 td
(Win: 12-10 at Raiders)

Randy Moss (WR – Patriots): 4 receptions, 122 yards, 2 td
(Win: 49-28 at Dolphins)

Kenny Watson (RB – Bengals): 31 carries, 130 yards, 3 td
(Win: 38-31 vs. Jets)

Reggie Wayne (WR – Colts): 9 receptions, 131 yards
(Win: 29-7 at Jaguars)

Wes Welker (WR – Patriots): 9 receptions, 138 yards, 2 td
(Win: 49-28 at Dolphins)

Roydell Williams (WR – Titans): 5 receptions, 124 yards
(Win: 38-36 at Texans)

GAME BALLS (College Football Edition)

Kahlil Bell (RB – UCLA): 22 carries, 142 yards
(Win: 30-21 vs. California)

Matt Flynn (QB – LSU): 22/34, 319 yards, 3 td
(Win: 30-24 vs. Auburn)

Matt Forte (RB – Tulane): 38 carries, 342 yards, 4 td
(Win: 41-34 at SMU)

D.J. Hall (WR – Alabama): 13 receptions, 185 yards, 2 td
(Win: 41-17 vs. Tennessee)

Jorvorskie Lane (RB – Texas A&M): 15 carries, 130 yards, 4 td
(Win: 36-14 at Nebraska)

Luke Lippincott (RB – Nevada): 36 carries, 241 yards, 2 td
(Win: 31-28 at Utah State)

Kenneth Moore (WR – Wake Forest): 15 receptions, 181 yards, 2 td
(Win: 44-24 at Navy)

Jalen Parmele (RB – Toledo): 38 carries, 241 yards, 2 td
(Win: 43-40 vs. Ohio)

Ray Rice (RB – Rutgers): 39 carries, 181 yards
(Win: 30-27 vs. South Florida)

Tyler Roehl (RB – North Dakota State): 22 carries, 263 yards, 1 td
(Win: 27-21 at Minnesota)

Dantrell Savage (RB – Oklahoma State): 28 carries, 124 yards, 1 td
(Win: 41-39 vs. Kansas State)

Mikell Simpson (RB - Virginia): 16 carries, 119 yards, 2 td; 13 receptions, 152 yards
(Win: 18-17 at Maryland)

Jonathan Stewart (RB – Oregon): 32 carries, 251 yards, 2 td
(Win: 55-34 at Washington)

Tim Tebow (QB – Florida): 18/26, 256 yards, 4 td; 20 carries, 78 yards, 1 td
(Win: 45-37 at Kentucky)

Chris Wells (RB – Ohio State): 31 carries, 221 yards, 1 td
(Win: 24-17 vs. Michigan State)

John Parker Wilson (QB – Alabama): 32/46, 363 yards, 3 td
(Win: 41-17 vs. Tennessee)

The Big Five

For reasons good and bad… they were the news.

The Hot Five

A quintet of sizzling conversation starters.

NEW RULE

Stop recycling drivers.

On Monday, Jeremy Mayfield supplanted Jeff Green. Career, Mayfield has five wins. Ward Burton has five. Joe Nemechek has four. Michael Waltrip has four. Robby Gordon has three. Dave Blaney has none. Yet, each is employed. J.J. Yeley has been fired. David Stremme will be fired. Why? Obviously, Blaney, Burton, Gordon, Mayfield, Nemechek, and Waltrip cannot win. Why salvage them? Major League Baseball, the NFL, the NBA, and NASCAR must awaken. Losers are losers. If they have not won, they will not win. Eventually, you will fire them. Do not hire them.

Worth A Read

Flash Report

A Jon Fleischman creation. Covering California’s significant political news.

Draft Deductions

On Tuesday, the NFL Draft was reinvented. Henceforth, first round selections will encompass ten minutes. Second round selections will encompass seven. Remaining rounds will encompass five. The NFL’s action was appropriate. Progressively, the draft has become excessive and stale. Hopefully, this will enliven the production. This will improve the accessibility.

The Daily Smak

Hey, didn’t you used to be Colorado Rockies tickets?

According to Hillary Clinton, dental surgery is romantic. Yesterday, I underwent route canal surgery as foreplay. Greatest sex of my life.

During one evening, an Indiana baby was abandoned twice. This tot and Britney Spears kids have co-founded a support group.

Ruining Sixty-Six?

On Monday, Jeremy Mayfield supplanted Jeff Green. This action was surprising. This season, Mayfield has accrued only thirteen starters. His best finish? Twenty-second. Green’s best finish? Sixth on three occasions. As previously stated, Mayfield possesses talent. Unfortunately, his statistics have never equaled expectations. Potentially, this maneuver is an immense mistake.

Ryan’s Exit

On Monday, the United States Women’s Soccer fired Coach Greg Ryan. Their decision was correct. Ryan was a disaster. His goalie decision was absurd. For the World Cup Semi-Final defeat, Ryan is solely responsible. I applaud his termination.

Survivor: Throwing As Their Tactics

Strategy is life. Obviously, athletics, politics, and war involve strategy. However, life involves maneuvers, schemes, and tactics. Life is analytical. Life is calculated. Life is not simple. Therefore, a life sans strategy is unfathomable.

On Thursday, the initial twist occurred. Fei Long traded Aaron and James to Zhan Hu. As reciprocation, Fei Long received Frosti and Sherea. During the immunity challenge, Jamie and Peih-Gee intentionally tanked. Their rational? Aaraon and James exodus. Via a 3-1-1 vote, Aaron was eliminated.

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

NEW RULE

Stop comparing tragedies.

September 11 was a tragedy. However, Banda Aceh trumps September 11. Rwanda trumps Banda Aceh. The Holocaust trumps all. Enough! People died. Is the number relevant? Seriously? Why discuss this? Each tragedy was horrific. Each tragedy induced suffering. Stop contrasting them. The debate is inhumane.

ESPN: Se La Oakland

If Lew Wolff is to be believed (and he's a major pro sports owner, so no bets will be accepted), then the A's really are finished at the Coliseum in Oakland. Come Fremont, come Sacramento, come Las Vegas or Portland or Central Gilroy, the one place where the franchise will not be located a few years hence is Ye Olde Baseball & Raider Refuse Area, just off Interstate 880. Plenty of good seats and parking still available, by the way.

And thus will conclude one of the great ambivalent relationships in West Coast sports history. The A's and the Coliseum have gone together for 40 years, and yet the breakup, when it finally happens, is going to feel like something that has been coming almost from the start.

It's interesting how stadiums (ballparks, arenas et al) and teams either make a great match or don't. History isn't always the determining factor. You don't need a Wrigley Field lifespan to get a connection to a place, as the San Francisco Giants have demonstrated with AT&T Park. You usually need money, some enduring memories and a little mutual chemistry.

The A's and the Coliseum, for all their twists and turns together, never developed that last part. The team has gone to the playoffs 15 times in Oakland; the stadium, depending upon the day of the week and the era in question, has often been a really wonderful place to sit. But the two never fully clicked: not through the Charlie Finley, World-Series-on-the-cheap days; not through the Bash Brothers (though it may have come closest then); not through the Hudson-Mulder-Zito run of fortune.

Maybe it was the vast expanse of foul territory, a design flaw of what was always meant as a multiuse facility, that set the fans so far back from the action and could make the games feel so remote. Maybe it was seeing the outfield occasionally (or often) reduced to sludge by an NFL game the weekend before. Shoot, maybe it was the Finley era of ownership in general, a wild, controversial reign that served as an innovative but off-putting introduction of the A's to the Bay Area.

Whatever it was, it's past the point of missing it much now. As ludicrous as it sounds to say to an area that has never known the A's to be anywhere but the Coliseum, a transition to a place elsewhere -- in the East Bay or South Bay, that is -- just doesn't stack up as an end-of-nature chain of events. It may be received as bad news for Oakland itself; beyond that, perhaps not so much.

It's easy now to pulverize the people who brought back the Raiders in 1995, forever corrupting the Coliseum as a baseball venue in the process. Before then, one of the stadium's truly enjoyable features was its open back, the area beyond the outfield bleachers that afforded a great look at the East Bay hills. Like the erstwhile vista of Big A in Anaheim, that view eventually got choked out by football considerations -- in this case, in the service of a real monstrosity, the added upper deck of NFL seats now openly mocked as Mount Davis.

But in this era, the truth is that the A's and the Coliseum probably weren't long for each other no matter what the configuration. Owners, almost by definition, look to maximize revenue, and they weren't going to do it in a multi-purpose facility -- especially not if, in a place like Fremont, they could consider building a smaller, baseball-only park that might connect to an expanded "village" of their own development, with offices, shopping, housing and the like. That's the kind of money stream that the old Coliseum can't deliver no matter what the team's record.

And that's life. Wolff gets to play the bad guy in this deal, a role that suits him alarmingly well. When the Los Angeles-based developer appeared before the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco on Monday night, he sounded very much like a man already bone-weary of the ballpark battles, when in fact he is only just beginning the fight. The one thing he was most insistent upon was that, even if the current Fremont ballpark/village plan falls through, Oakland is not an option on any level.

"We don't want to start pitting cities against each other," he said after his speech, "but it's out of the question we'll stay in Oakland."

It is a long road from such a statement to an actual dwelling in Fremont, barely 25 miles south of where the A's play now. I was going to use the phrase "the place the A's call home," but it hasn't felt that way for a while. And that, really, may be the situation in a nutshell.

The Daily Smak

Hey, didn’t you used to be Marie Osmond?

On Monday, Chuck Norris endorsed Governor Mike Huckabee. Tomorrow’s celebrity endorsement? Hulk Hogan.

Today’s top five or Hollywood’s jobless losers (1) Spencer Pratt, (2) Jason Priestly, (3) Mark Paul Gosselaar (4) Rick Schroeder, (5) Lindsay Lohan

Yahoo: Top Ten NBA Trade Commandments

1. Never talk about being underpaid so you can be traded.
No one cares about a millionaire needing more money. The cheddar breeds jealousy.

2. Never let anyone know how much you want to go.
You have to move in silence. When you make a splash about being traded, you get no sympathy from fans or teammates.

3. Never trust the press.
If you think you're talking off the record, think again. The media will only complicate your demands and also put out false rumors.

4. Never diss your teammates.
Just because you want out doesn't mean you take the team out on the way out. The worst thing to say is you want to leave because the team needs help. Your present teammates will say, "Well, if you're that good, then why don't you carry us while your future teammates look at you like a backstabber."

5. Another person off limits in your trade tirade is the coach.
Most coaches get in the trenches with you. You have to respect authority even if he can't draw up a winning play.

6. Never publicly say which cities you want to go.
Why alienate all the fans in your present city when most cried every tear with you?

7. Keep your family and business completely separated.
This rule is so underrated. Never have family or friends give quotes to the press. Handle your own business. You can't appear as a momma's boy.

8. Tell your agent to be an agent and not a quote machine.
Let him negotiate the deal behind closed doors. No matter how you slice it, if you have your agent speak for you in the paper he makes you appear weak and greedy.

9. Never miss games, practices or team functions trying to get traded.
Respect the game. (This rule could be No. 1, actually.)

10. Remember that someone has to want you to be traded.
Kobe's problem is never on the court. The problem is he breaks the unwritten rules, the etiquette rules.

Monday, October 22, 2007

NEW RULE

Interviews involve dialogue.

On Sunday, Keyshawn Johnson interviewed Chad Johnson. Actually, he attacked him. He insulted and interrupted him. Keyshawn is not a journalist. Yet, he could pretend. Michael Irvin pretended. Keyshawn, interviews involve questions. They also involve answers.

Bill Maher Commercializes Jesus

Worth A Read

Adventures in the Stiletto Jungle

Bridging the gap between struggling students and the life of luxury. Featuring fashion, beauty, tips, trends, and online deals.

When Audiences Attack

The Daily Smak

Hey, didn’t you used to be American League Champions?

On Saturday and Sunday, the Boston Red Sox outscored the Cleveland Indians 30-5. John Kerry responded “Finally, the biggest loser is someone else.”

Today’s top five or New England’s heroes (1) Tom Brady, (2) Josh Beckett, (3) Manny Ramirez, (4) Matt Ryan, (5) Wes Welker

Evangelicals… How Dumb Are You?

Mitt Romney: 27.6%
Mike Huckabee: 27.10 %
Ron Paul: 14.98%
Fred Thompson: 9.77 %
Sam Brownback: 5.14 %
Duncan Hunter: 2.42 %
Tom Tancredo: 2.30 %
Rudy Giuliani: 1.85 %
John McCain: 1.40 %


I both admire and respect Governor Huckabee. With that stated, this exemplifies social conservative’s stupidity. Governor Huckabee cannot win. Governor Romney is a fraud. He drips slime. He has transitional beliefs. Obviously, principals are non-negotiable. However, common sense must prevail. With a moderate, conservatives have life. With a liberal, they are dead.

Jindal’s Mandate: Cancel Corruption

On Saturday, Louisianans elected Bobby Jindal. I applaud them. Jindal represents revolution. He embodies hope. For government reformation, Jindal is Louisiana’s opportunity. I wish him success.

BCS Alphabet: OSU, BC, LSU

1. Ohio State (8-0)
2. Boston College (7-0)
3. LSU (7-1)
4. Arizona State (7-0)
5. Oregon (6-1)
6. Oklahoma (7-1)
7. West Virginia (6-1)
8. Virginia Tech (6-1)
9. Kansas (7-0)
10. South Florida (6-1)

The Super Bowl’s First

Max McGee
(1932-2007)

Brainless Yankees Ax Torre

On Thursday, Joe Torre rejected the New York Yankees. Correctly, he snubbed a one-year contract. During his career, Torre amassed four World Series championships, six American League championships, and ten division championships. He also accrued twelve consecutive playoff appearances. He deserved better.

The Yankees actions, demeanor, and tactics were insulting. They anger me. Torre was America’s manager. He was admirable. George Steinbrenner, Brian Cashman, Randy Levine are asinine.

Torre Speaks Truth

Joe Torre: “The fact that somebody is reducing your salary is just telling me they're not satisfied with what you're doing. Two years certainly, I think, would have opened the door to have further discussion but it never happened. There really was no negotiation involved. I was hoping there would be. But there wasn't.”

“If somebody wants you to do a job, if it takes them two weeks to figure out, yeah, I guess we should do or we want do this, then you're a little suspicious. If somebody wanted me to manage here, I'd be managing here.”

“There was no response other than, you know, they had a business to run and this is the way they felt it was best to do it. I'm not sure if I'm in a position to recommend anybody. I just lost my job. They've both been exposed to what goes on there. And if either one of those are offered the job and they say yes, they're certainly going in with their eyes wide open.”

“I'd like to believe that with a new manager, a new legacy starts. To expect a new manager to come in and right away get lucky like I did in '96 is a little unfair.”

Baker’s Mission: Saving Red

On Monday, the Cincinnati Reds hired Dusty Baker. Baker signed a three-year contract. “We wanted to come up with the person we felt was the best person to take the Reds forward and bring winning back to the Reds, but also provide the stability, continuity, credibility I spoke about,” said General Manager Wayne Krivsky.

During his career, Baker has accrued an 1,162-1,041 record. He has garnered one National League Championship and three division titles. In San Francisco, he tallied an 840-715 mark. In Chicago, he logged a 322-326 ledger.

Baker resurrects franchises. He improved both the Giants and Cubs. As previously stated, Cincinnati is a proud baseball metropolis. Their professional history is vast. The Reds have garnered five World Series. Cincinnati deserves a winner. Baker will achieve this.

Trey Hopeless

On Friday, the Kansas City Royals hired Trey Hillman. Since 1994, the Royals have recorded thirteen losing seasons. Overall, they have amassed an 880-1,204 ledger. They are a crumbled franchise. Therefore, I cannot compliment Hillman’s hiring. Hillman’s task is impossible.

Line of the Morning


Senator John McCain (R-AZ)

“I think what the United States of America should be doing is encouraging the reconciliation between [Benazir] Bhutto and [Pervez] Musharraf. I would hope that we would be able to defuse some of the situation.”

Betting the Pass Line (Last Week: 3-2 Season: 12-13)

Vikings (+9 ½) at Cowboys
Last week, the Patriots annihilated the Cowboys. This week, Adrian Peterson will shred Dallas. However, the Cowboys will win.

Titans (-1) at Texans
Once, the Titans were 2-0. Unfortunately, Matt Schaub was a mirage.

Chiefs (+2 ½) at Raiders
Officially, the Chiefs have recovered. They will scorch the Raiders.

Bears at Eagles (-6)
Versus Chicago, Donovan McNabb is 4-0. Favor the Eagles.

Steelers (+3 ½) at Broncos
Twenty-one months ago, the Steelers garnered the AFC championship. Since, the Broncos have deteriorated.

The Ignoramus Exits

On Friday, Senator Sam Brownback renounced his presidential candidacy. Upon his entry, I labeled Brownback “an ignoramus in Kansas.” I retain this opinion. I am elated he failed.

Black Anniversary: Dow Down 366