Smith Follows Stoic, Shimmering, Spectacular

On Wednesday, the Atlanta Falcons hired Jacksonville Jaguars Defensive Coordinator Mike Smith. Given Atlanta’s history, Smith pledged communication. “I know it was a very difficult year with the off-the-field issues,” Smith said. “Those are things that have happened in the past. I'm concerned about what's happening from today on, but in terms of mending the situations that occurred, I'm very open and I'm very personable. I like to have relationships with the players whether it's an open-door policy where we can get in and talk.”

According to General Manager Thomas Dimitroff, character sold Smith. “He is very communicative,” Dimitroff said. “He has a very well-defined plan to put in place, and he will adhere to that plan. For us, we believe Mike will be a very stabilizing and consistent element in this organization, and he'll set the tone across the board. We are very excited about that. It's something we feel the Falcons are in need of at this point.”

Since 1997, the Falcons have hired veteran (Dan Reeves). They have hired potential (Jim Mora Jr.). They have hired glitzy (Bobby Petrino). Each faltered. Smith is unspectacular. He is an ordinary assistant. Yet, he may succeed. He may trump his predecessors. Combined, they were 81-95.

NEW RULE

Newspapers are not evil.

On Thursday, the New York Times endorsed Senators Hillary Clinton and John McCain. According to MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough, McCain’s endorsement is disastrous. Clinton’s endorsement was celebrated. McCain’s endorsement is harmful? Only conservatives. Journalists are educated. Journalists are intelligent. Naturally, conservatives hate them. God forbid; conservatives embrace someone smarter than them.

Kucinich Out

On Friday, Congressman Dennis Kucinich renounced his presidential candidacy. Kucinich is ridiculous. His views are dangerous and fanatical. He advocates socialism. He desires America weaker. His exodus is welcome.

Worth A Read

Control Congress

A multi-partisan, issue-oriented forum conjoining conservatives, liberals, and moderates.

The Daily Smak

Hey, weren’t you Presidential Candidate Dennis Kucinich?

Apparently, Tony Romo and Jessica Simpson have not separated. Those loud screams? They were Terrell Owens.

Today’s top five or this weekend’s attractions (1) SAG Awards, (2) United Skates Figure Skating Championship, (3) South Carolina Primary, (4) Australian Open Men’s Final, (5) NHL All-Star Game

Stimulus Only Sound & Fury

On Thursday, President Bush and Congress compromised. They concocted an economic stimulus package. Excluding the ineligible, singles will receive $600. Couples will receive $1,200. Each child warrants $300. Simply stated, this package is wholly insufficient. Unfortunately, Ben Bernanke’s incompetence necessitated the rescue.

NEW RULE

Freedom implies free.

On Tuesday, twenty-three year old Sayad Parwez Kambaksh received a death sentence. Kambaksh’s crime? He distributed internet material. Allegedly, the material violates Islam. Allegedly, Afghanistan is a democracy.

Democracy demands independence. Government criticism is acceptable. Religious criticism is acceptable. Death for disapproval? This is unacceptable. Afghanistan’s democracy may be young. However, they warrant excoriation. For paper distribution, America would never execute.

The Daily Smak

Hey, didn’t you used to be EBay’s CEO?

According to OK Magazine, Tony Romo and Jessica Simpson have separated. Those loud sobs? They were Terrell Owens.

Today’s top five or next potential dropout (1) Rudy Giuliani, (2) Mike Huckabee, (3) John Edwards, (4) Ron Paul, (5) Dennis Kucinich

EBye: CEO Whitman Walks

On Wednesday, EBay CEO Meg Whitman announced her resignation. Officially, she will depart March 31. During her tenure, Whitman transformed EBay. She enhanced their clientele. She exploded their revenue. Both American business and EBay will miss Whitman.

Oscar Nominations

These are my rapid impressions. Best Actor and Best Picture categories are loaded. Best Actress category is weak. Juno should excel. However, no dominant movie exists. Hal Holbrook and Tommy Lee Jones are the sentimental favorites. Everyone vote for Philip Seymour Hoffman. Everyone vote against Michael Moore.

Best Motion Picture

“Atonement”
“Juno”
“Michael Clayton”
“No Country For Old Men”
“There Will Be Blood”

Performance by Actor in A Leading Role

George Clooney “Michael Clayton”
Daniel Day-Lewis “There Will Be Blood”
Johnny Depp “Sweeney Todd”
Tommy Lee Jones “In the Valley of Elah”
Viggo Mortensen “Eastern Promises”

Performance by Actor in A Supporting Role

Casey Affleck “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford”
Javier Bardem “No Country For Old Men”
Hal Holbrook “Into the Wild”
Philip Seymour Hoffman “Charlie Wilson’s War”
Tom Wilkinson “Michael Clayton”

Performance by Actress in A Leading Role

Cate Blanchett “Elizabeth: The Golden Age”
Julie Christie “Away From Her”
Marion Cotillard “La Vie en Rose”
Laura Linney “The Savages”
Ellen Page “Juno”

Performance by Actress in A Supporting Role

Cate Blanchett “I’m Not There”
Ruby Dee “American Gangster”
Saoirse Ronan “Atonement”
Amy Ryan “Gone Baby Gone”
Tilda Swinton “Michael Clayton”

Achievement in Directing

Julian Schnabel “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly”
Jason Reitman “Juno”
Tony Gilroy “Michael Clayton”
Joel & Ethan Coen “No Country For Old Men”
Paul Thomas Anderson “The Will Be Blood”

Best Documentary Feature

“No End in Sight”
“Operation Homecoming: Writing the Wartime Experience”
“Sicko”
“Taxi to the Dark Side”
“War/Dance”

NEW RULE

Parents are not friends.

On Tuesday, Beth Modica was charged with statutory rape, sexual abuse, and endangering the welfare of a child. Allegedly, Modica drank, slept, and smoked marijuana with several teenagers. Modica is a former Assistant District Attorney. She was the Police Chief’s wife.

Obviously, parent-child relationships are convoluted. Children covet autonomy and indulgence. Parents crave admiration and inclusion. The aforesaid has restrictions. Parents cannot act illegally. They cannot supply drugs or alcohol. They cannot have sex. A line must exist. The truth must be accepted. Parents are not young. They are not chums. They are not companions. They are responsible for lives.

Worth A Read

Damn I’m Cute

Celebrity gossip, pictures, and style... minus the ugly

The Daily Smak

Hey, didn’t you used to be Toronto Maple Leafs General Manager?

In Alaska, police are charging frequent callers. If police receive eight calls, residents receive a bill. Instinctively, Britney Spears sent a check.

According to archaeologists, ancient Mayans sacrificed boys. They did not sacrifice virgin girls. In either scenario, Ryan Seacrest is safe.

“A Defining Talent”

Heath Ledger
(1979-2008)

Fred 08: Fuss, Fizzle, & Failure

On Tuesday, former Senator Fred Thompson renounced his presidential candidacy. During his campaign, Thompson accrued only eight delegates. “Today I have withdrawn my candidacy for President of the United States,” Thompson said. “I hope that my country and my party have benefited from our having made this effort. Jeri and I will always be grateful for the encouragement and friendship of so many wonderful people.”

Thompson’s failure was predictable. From the outset, he was uninspiring, uninteresting, and unprepared. In Iowa and South Carolina, he finished third. In Michigan and Nevada, he finished fifth. In New Hampshire, he finished sixth. Ultimately, Days of Thunder defined Thompson. His candidacy was akin to Japanese inspection. Thompson was hyped. He was provoked. Unfortunately, his candidacy went rotten. A victory proved impossible.

What About Ben?

On Tuesday, the Federal Reserve sliced the benchmark interest rate. They cut three-quarters of a point. Their decision was insufficient. Simply stated, Chairman Ben Bernanke has been disastrous. He merits criticism. For the possible recession, he warrants blame.

Dotel Delusion

On Tuesday, the Chicago White Sox signed pitcher Octavio Dotel. Dotel inked a 2-year, $11 million contract. Since 2005, Dotel has accrued only 95 appearances. He will not improve the White Sox. Instead, he has advanced their deterioration.

Maple Leafs Mending?

On Tuesday, the Toronto Maple Leafs fired General Manager John Ferguson. For the NHL, the Maple Leafs are a signature franchise. Unfortunately, they have missed consecutive playoffs. Hopefully, Cliff Fletcher can resurrect them.

McCain, Clinton, Romney Rule Scattered Saturday

Brokered conventions are a memory. Convincing the undecided, counting delegates, crafting alliances are relics. Today’s process is impulsive. Today’s process is spontaneous. Iowa. New Hampshire. South Carolina. Super Tuesday. Nominee. Obviously, 2008 is unique.

On Saturday evening, Senator John McCain won the South Carolina Republican Primary. McCain (33%) slipped Governor Mike Huckabee (30%), former Senator Fred Thompson (16%), and Governor Mitt Romney (15%). On Saturday afternoon, Senator Hillary Clinton won the Nevada Democratic Caucus. Simultaneously, Romney won the Nevada Republican Caucus. Clinton (51%) overshadowed Senator Barack Obama (45%). Romney (51%) scorched Congressman Ron Paul (14%).

In 2000, McCain acrimoniously lost South Carolina. During his victory speech, McCain savored revenge. “It took us a while, but what's eight years among friends,” he said. “It just gave us the opportunity to spend more time in this beautiful state; to talk with you and listen to you; and to come to admire all the more the deep patriotism of South Carolinians, who have sacrificed so much to defend our country from its enemies.”

Clinton complimented Nevada. “I had a great campaign here,” she said. “I had a lot of wonderful help from friends around the country, like Mayor Villaraigosa from Los Angeles, who has been with me, and I am particularly gratified that the people of Nevada have given us such a positive sendoff.”

Romney congratulated himself. “The need for change is even more apparent today as our economy faces challenges both here at home and abroad,” he said. “For decades, we have talked about the long-term economic challenges confronting our country but still the tax burden is too high, business is stifled by regulations and more money goes to defending against junk lawsuits than promoting research and innovation. Now, Washington must act and take the steps necessary to strengthen our economy. With a career spent turning around businesses, creating jobs and imposing fiscal discipline, I am ready to get my hands on Washington and turn it inside out.”

Currently, Obama and Romney enjoy delegate advantages. Obama (38) edges Clinton (36) and Edwards (18). Romney (66) leads McCain (38) and Huckabee (26).

Concerning a brokered convention, The Last Goodnight’s lyrics are appropriate. This earthquake weather has me shaking.

NEW RULE

Stop criticizing Tiger Woods.

On Monday, Tiger Woods did not criticize Kelly Tilghman. Subsequently, several have criticized him. Apparently, Woods’ reaction was racially inappropriate. These critics are asinine. Woods does not represent his race. He can condemn. He cannot condemn. Woods is not Mr. Black America. He is not Jesus Christ, Jesse Jackson, or Martin Luther King. He is merely a professional athlete.

The Daily Smak

Hey, weren’t you Presidential Candidate Fred Thompson?

On Monday, Tom Brady wore a medical boot. Huge story. John Kerry inserts foot into mouth. New England does not care. Brady wears a boot. New England cares.

Today’s top five or South Carolina predictions (1) Racism, (2) Mailers, (3) Rumors, (4) Epithets, (5) Whispering campaigns.

Woods: Why the Uproar?

Tiger Woods: “It was unfortunate. Kelly and I did speak. There was no ill intent. She regrets saying it. In my eyes, it's all said and done. It was more media-driven than anything else. I tell them she's a friend of mine, which she is. I've known her for 10 or 11 years now. We all say things we do regret, and that's certainly a moment she does regret.”

Different Season, Similar Results

Maryland 82 (1) North Carolina 80
This season, the Tar Heels commenced 18-0. However, they never dominated. On Saturday, Maryland’s James Gist (22 points and 13 rebounds) and Greivis Vasquez (12 points and 11 assists) racked double-doubles. Tyler Hansbrough recorded only 17. Unsurprisingly, North Carolina lost.

USC 72 (4) UCLA 63
This rivalry is illustrious. With that stated, this rivalry is duplicitous. USC owns football. UCLA possesses basketball. Obviously, Davon Jefferson and O.J. Mayo disagree. Versus the Bruins, Jefferson chalked 25 points. Mayo marked 16. The Trojans scored an upset.

Kansas State 75 (9) Texas A&M 54
Upon Coach Bob Huggins’ exodus, Michael Beasley attempted escape. Unfortunately, Kansas State balked. Beasley honored his commitment. On Saturday, he scorched the Aggies. He bagged 21 points. He recorded his twelfth twenty-plus point contest.

NEW RULE

News is not media generated.

On Monday, Indianapolis Colts Coach Tony Dungy announced his return. His contract was not expired. His retirement contemplation was annual. Yet, Dungy’s decision was “ESPN Breaking News.” Enough. The media covers news. We do not create news. We do not generate hype or momentum. Journalists are advocates, narrators, and witnesses. We are not God. We should remember this.

Worth A Read

Giant Football Blog

Blogging the NFC Champions.

The Daily Smak

Hey, didn’t you used to be Duncan Hunter?

On Saturday, Mitt Romney won the Nevada Republican Caucus. He credited his staff. He also credited everyone ignoring the state.

Today’s top five or February’s attractions (1) Super Tuesday, (2) Daytona 500, (3) Valentine’s Day, (4) NBA All-Star Game, (5) Super Bowl XLII

GAME BALLS (NFL Championship Sunday Edition)

Plaxico Burris (WR – Giants): 11 receptions, 154 yards
(Win: 23-20 at Packers)

Kevin Faulk (RB – Patriots): 8 receptions, 82 yards
(Win: 21-12 vs. Chargers)

Eli Manning (QB – Giants): 21/40, 254 yards
(Win: 23-20 at Packers)

Laurence Maroney (RB – Patriots): 25 carries, 122 yards, 1 td
(Win: 21-12 vs. Chargers)

The Big Five

For reasons good and bad… they were the news.

The Hot Five

A quintet of sizzling conversation starters.

Betting the Pass Line (Season: 42-38 Playoffs: 3-5)

AFC Championship
Chargers at Patriots (-14 ½)
In week two, I chose the Chargers. The Patriots defeated them 38-14. I have learned.

NFC Championship
Giants at Packers (-7)
Artic cold. Deteriorating conditions. Brett Favre’s twenty-second playoff contest. Eli Manning’s fifth. Favor the Packers.

Line of the Morning

Senator John Edwards (D-NC)

“I got my butt kicked in Nevada.”

The Big Five (1/13)

For reasons good and bad… they were the news.

The Hot Five (1/13)

A quintet of sizzling conversation starters.

Newhart’s Wife

Suzanne Pleshette
(1937-2008)

Sam the Butcher

Allan Melvin
(1923-2008)

The Big Five (1/6)

For reasons good and bad… they were the news.

The Hot Five (1/6)

A quintet of sizzling conversation starters.