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Paul Newman
(1925-2008)

Greatest Strategist Ever

Monologue Joke of the Evening

“As you know, John McCain wanted to suspend his debate with Barack Obama until the economic crisis is over. And Sarah Palin wants to suspend her debate with Joe Biden until she can find Europe on a map.”

The Tonight Show

McCain, Obama Duel, Draw

On Friday, Senators John McCain and Barack Obama debated. Their encounter was equal. Concerning the economy, Obama was compassionate. McCain overstated spending. Concerning foreign policy, McCain was assertive and erudite. Obama was apprehensive and ineffective.

Obama is both articulate and eloquent. His liabilities are limited. If his podium ignites, he loses. Otherwise, he is even. Tonight, McCain achieved the expected. He achieved the requested. He may not have won. He did not lose.

John McCain vs. Barack Obama Complete Text

Betting the Pass Line (Last Week: 3-2 Season: 9-6)

Packers (+1 ½) at Buccaneers
Last week, the Cowboys defeated the Packers 27-16. On Sunday, Aaron Rodgers will recover.

Falcons at Panthers (-7 ½)
The Falcons are satisfactory. The Panthers are superior.

Redskins at Cowboys (-11)
Tony Romo racks three touchdowns. The Cowboys romp.

Eagles (-3) at Bears
Donovan McNabb versus Kyle Orton. Favor the Eagles.

Ravens at Steelers (-5 ½)
Simply stated, the Ravens are overvalued.

Betting the Pass Line (Last Week: 4-1 Season: 12-8)

Minnesota at Ohio State (-18)
This season, Minnesota has defeated Bowling Green, Florida Atlantic, Northern Illinois, and Montana State. Favor the Buckeyes.

Maryland (+11) at Clemson
For three quarters, Maryland will compete. In the fourth quarter, Clemson will garner victory.

TCU at Oklahoma (-18)
TCU is undefeated. With that stated, Oklahoma will obliterate them.

Alabama at Georgia (-7)
Once again, Georgia’s strategy is simple. Knowshon Moreno. Defense. Victory.

Illinois at Penn State (-14)
In 2005, Penn State commenced 5-0. On Saturday, they will repeat this.

Fox News: Twitter Pundits

Now that Barack Obama and John McCain are definitely and unequivocally going to debate on Friday night, a popular micro-blogging site is making it easy for just about anyone to be an instant political pundit. Let the twittering begin.

Twitter, the online communication network that lets users post short messages of up to 140 characters called “tweets,” has launched a political section to streamline its coverage. Called election.twitter.com, the company has launched a specialized section that aggregates election-related topics in a continually updating feed.

Twitter’s search engine also lets users see what people are saying about the major players and the issues — almost as they happen. (Just see what people were saying about the debate the moment John McCain said Friday morning that he would attend.)

The upcoming debates between Obama and McCain, and Joe Biden and Sarah Palin, are on track to generate record numbers of tweets per second as users react and respond in real-time, company co-founder Biz Stone said. “When millions of people share their thoughts publicly in response to each detail of this election, we also have the ability to gauge the reactions in aggregate, look at the emerging trends and find out what’s really on our minds,” Stone said.

Twitter, which started as a way for people to communicate with friends and acquaintances, has become a go-to place to find out what people are saying on both sides of the political aisle — as opposed to blogs that lean politically left or right, which often dictate the views of their readers.

Twitter has taken political coverage by storm. Whereas the 2004 elections were dominated by bloggers who weighed in online with news and commentary, this election has been all about networking sites. But unlike Facebook and YouTube, Twitter seems particularly suited for political discourse.

James Kotecki, a political video blogger and host of The Politico’s Playbook TV, said people are drawn to Twitter for its immediacy and short, digestible messages. “People aren’t necessarily going to read a huge blog post in the middle of a live event like a debate, for example,” Kotecki said.

Twitter is the ideal way to cover the debate, he said, because “with a mobile phone or a smartphone it would be easier to follow that analysis on Twitter as opposed to a blog … simple to read because it’s very few characters.”

Millions of Twitterers — individuals, Web sites and companies — twitter politically related thoughts, actions and links every day, and users can follow fellow Twitterers and receive instant updates online or on mobile phones. Bloggers across the spectrum twitter news headlines, links to blog posts and analyses, and personal, immediate reactions to speeches and events.

Nearly all the major news outlets have jumped on the bandwagon, including FOX News. The campaigns of both Barack Obama and John McCain have created Twitter accounts for up-to-the-minute news and updates. Recently, Twitter partnered with Current TV, the audience-produced television network and Web site co-founded by Al Gore, to promote political Twittering.

The project, called Hack the Debate, allows Twitterers to send their tweets to Current (by attaching “#current” to the tweet), which will be filtered and shown on-air during the debate. So what, exactly, are people talking about? Chris Albrecht, a staff writer at NewTeeVee.com, explains that debate tweets will be short, quick reactions, “like quips you would make in your living room.”

Kotecki said he plans to Twitter during the debate and will likely submit “analysis or insight or a joke” as he thinks of it. There will also be plenty of healthy political debating going on.

Will anyone care what Twitterers have to say? “I don’t know if they will,” said Albrecht.

Current’s young, tech-savvy audience — likely filled with Twitter users — might be interested in the tweets. But “hardcore political people” — the types who will be watching C-Span — might not, Albrecht said.

“The jury’s still out on whether Twitter’s actually good for anything,” says Kotecki.

But he notes: “As we become ever more saturated with information, it’s going to be more important that we consolidate our ideas into very small spaces like this space that you have on Twitter.”

Everyone can agree on this much: Twitter has opened the public discourse, and if that motivates people to vote, then that’s a good thing.

Yahoo: Online Revenue Service

Voters whose bottom line is taxes can use a new online tool to calculate what their own bottom line would be with the IRS under a Barack Obama or John McCain administration. The model developed by a business software company and an accounting professor in Maine estimates how individual income taxes would be affected under plans put forth by the two presidential candidates.

The Portland-based company Quantrix says taxpayers who log onto http://www.electiontaxes.com and enter their income can obtain a free estimate of what they would pay in taxes for 2009 through 2012 under each of the two presidential candidates.

"The economy is a key factor in this presidential election, and our interactive tool enables individuals to make an informed choice when casting their vote," said professor Jeffrey Gramlich of the University of Southern Maine. "With just a few keystrokes, this model enables voters to see how these tax plans will impact their personal bottom line."

For example, the model indicates that a couple with two children earning $100,000 with $20,000 in itemized deductions would have a net tax bill for 2009 of $9,555 under McCain and $9,002 under Obama. That compares with a $9,505 tax bill for this couple under current law, the electiontaxes.com site says. In another example, a single taxpayer making $50,000 and using the standard deduction would pay $6,867 under McCain and $6,325 under Obama, compared with $6,827 under current law.

Neither campaign responded to requests for comment on the site or its results. McCain and Obama both have vowed to reduce the overall tax load, although Obama wants to raise taxes on families making more than $250,000 a year. McCain's proposals include extending President Bush's tax cuts for all incomes, a move Obama opposes for those upper incomes.

"It's easy to become confused by political rhetoric during an election season, and the average citizen would need an accountant to determine the real impact of each plan," Quantrix CEO Chris Houle said. "Professor Gramlich and Quantrix have analyzed both campaign's tax plans and developed a working model that people can use to better understand the impact of each plan on their personal finances."

Individuals who log onto the site may enter only their income or provide more detailed information such as deductions, retirement plan contributions, child care expenses and income subject to capital gains treatment. Users are not required to provide names or other personal information.

Scorching of the Lambs

Steven Jackson: “You just rewarded this man with a new contract last year, millions of dollars, and you bench him. Then if things do not work out with Trent, you go back. I don't like it at all. I think there's a lot more people that could take the blame for this. I don't think it's fair that one person takes the blame.”

“The locker room is kind of on eggshells. It's unfortunate. We should be loose, we should be going out there playing football. But I think a lot of people right now are playing for their jobs. As far as fans listening, it's really hard to play for your jobs. We're not winning. Yes, it boils down to winning and losing in this business that we play in. But when you are playing not to lose your job, that is when you are not going to make plays.”

Monologue Joke of the Evening

“To give you an idea how bad the economy is, Wall Street investors are now clinging to guns and religion.”

The Tonight Show

Jet Pack Man Conquers English Channel

NEW RULE

Troy Brown warrants respect.

On Thursday, Troy Brown retired. During his career, Brown amassed 557 receptions, 6,366 yards, and 31 touchdowns. In New England, Tom Brady and Randy Moss own the conversation. In the NFL, Chad Johnson, Terrell Owens, and Steve Smith score superlatives. With that stated, Brown was special. He was a cornerstone. His ilk facilitate franchises. Sans them, superstars are worthless.

Worth A Read

Small Wars Journal

McDonald’s pays. However, this advances their profession.

The Daily Smak

Hey, didn’t you used to be USC?

According to Co-Creator Vint Cerf, the internet may expire. Apparently, IP addresses are dwindling. Any with xxx remaining?

Today’s top five or memorable debates (1) John Kennedy vs. Richard Nixon, (2) George H.W. Bush vs. Bill Clinton, (3) Lloyd Bentson vs. Dan Quayle, (4) George W. Bush vs. Al Gore, (5) Al Gore vs. Dan Quayle

Economic Explosion

On Thursday afternoon, Democrats and Republicans compromised. The Dow Joes Industrial Average soared 196.89 points. On Thursday evening, negotiations collapsed. Washington Mutual was liquidated.

As previously stated, partisan objectives are inconsequential. Political victory is irrelevant. America’s economy needs saving.

Yahoo: The Poster Chiefs

With a Wall Street bailout looming that will almost certainly limit CEO pay, some of the poster boys of the financial crisis have already fled the scene, taking millions of dollars in severance packages with them. Stanley O'Neal walked away from Merrill Lynch with a package now worth about $66 million. Less than a year later, the storied investment house was forced into a takeover by Bank of America.

Ken Thompson was ousted from Wachovia in June with a "golden parachute" now worth more than $5 million, and Chuck Prince was forced out at Citigroup with a parting gift now valued at $16 million. They are among the best-known former CEOs in the American banking industry — an industry that, after they left, was brought to its knees in a crisis that had lawmakers warning about the possibility of outright panic or even another Great Depression. "These guys took all this risk, and ultimately they won't have to suffer the consequences of their decisions," said Barry Ritholtz, who writes the popular financial blog The Big Picture and is CEO of research firm FusionIQ.

Congress and the Bush administration were working Thursday on a bailout package, perhaps with an ultimate cost of $700 billion, that would have the government buy bad debt off the books of banks. Those banks are staggering after the collapse of the housing market triggered a wave of foreclosures, thinned out the bloodlines of credit and left banks holding no-good mortgage-backed securities.

Under the government plan, the long-gone CEOs would not have to give anything back, said Steven W. Adamske, a spokesman for the House Committee on Financial Services. He said there was no constitutional way to recoup pay retroactively. Recognizing a public outcry, lawmakers from both parties have been pushing to add curbs on executive pay to the bailout plan — meaning limits on what companies that take part in the bailout could pay their top officers from now on.

Those limits could include restrictions or even an outright ban on severance packages for current executives leading companies that go to the government for help. "At many of these companies, there are new CEOs and they didn't cause the problems," said Lynn Turner, former chief accountant at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and now an independent business consultant.

Meanwhile, the former CEOs who accepted fat severance packages from the banks at the heart of the crisis are long gone. For Citigroup's Prince that means $10.4 million in cash, $1.5 million in perks and stock holdings valued at $22 million that he received on his departure in November 2007. That was after the nation's largest bank announced far bigger-than-expected losses on mortgage-related assets and other risky debt.

Under Prince's watch, Citigroup built up its exposure to mortgage and consumer credit markets, and he was paid handsomely for the effort. In his last fiscal year at the helm, his total pay package was nearly $25 million, according to an Associated Press CEO pay formula.

Responding to a request for comment by the AP, Citigroup spokesman Michael J. Hanretta said the "provisions of Mr. Prince's severance agreement reflected his contributions to the company over 30 years as well as retirement benefits and prior equity awards to which he was legally entitled."

The CEOs and the former employers of the other executives either declined to comment or did not return telephone messages. At Merrill Lynch, O'Neal's pay package for his final year as a CEO was $46.4 million, according to AP figures. He was forced out in October 2007 following the investment bank's disclosure of $7.9 billion in unexpected losses related to the credit market turmoil.

His severance package of stock, options and retirement benefits built up over a 21-year career was valued at the time at $161 million. The market's downturn since then has driven the value down to about $66.5 million. Merrill Lynch investors have had to face $30.5 billion in write-downs and reported losses of nearly $17 billion in the three full fiscal quarters since O'Neal left.

Earlier this month, Merrill's weakening financial condition forced it into a takeover by Bank of America, with an acquisition price of $29 a share — less than half what it was a year ago. At Wachovia, Thompson was ousted by the bank's board in June after a series of missteps, the most pronounced being his purchase of a California mortgage lender for roughly $25 billion at the height of the nation's housing boom. The move has led to massive losses at the bank.

Thompson's total pay package for last year was nearly $16 million. When he left the bank, he got nearly $1.5 million in cash, plus stock options worth about $4 million today. He would have received other stock options, but they're worthless for now because the stock price has fallen so far. The replacements for Prince, O'Neal and Thompson are unlikely to be lavished with such excess. The spotlight now shining on executive pay could lead some companies and their boards to start rethinking their pay strategies. Thompson's replacement at Wachovia, Robert Steel, signed a contract in July that says he'll get no cash severance. Neither will John Thain, who replaced O'Neal at Merrill last December. Patrick McGurn, executive vice president and special counsel at RiskMetrics Group's ISS proxy advisory division, thinks the landscape on pay could change — first with the market turmoil and bailout bill, then a new administration. "The accelerant has been thrown on the fire with this credit crisis, and it will force change," McGurn said.

Thursday’s Champion

On Thursday, ER and Grey’s Anatomy premiered. Grey’s Anatomy was excellent. ER was exemplary. While Seattle Grace mocked their ratings, Greg Pratt passed away. ER’s penultimate season should sparkle.

Survivor Greatness

Amidst spectacular scenery, “Survivor Gabon” premiered. Survivor’s signature is splendor. However, this is their boldest venture. Elephants. Hippopotamuses. Greenery Waterfalls. “Earth’s Last Eden” is an appropriate mantra.

The production is also stellar. Exile Island. Individual immunity. Tribal immunity. Multiple challenges. Multiple eliminations. Once again, Survivor stated they obvious. They are television’s finest.

Life is Fair

On Thursday, the Los Angeles Dodgers won the National League West. Joe Torre scores postseason. The New York Yankees do not. Poetic justice.

Cito Scores Sequels

On Thursday, the Toronto Blue Jays retained Manager Cito Gaston. Gaston signed a two-year contract. Upon John Gibbons’ firing, the Blue Jays stood 35-39. Since, they are 49-34. Toronto’s decision is correct.

Monologue Joke of the Evening

“John McCain is putting his campaign on hold to focus on the economy. He wants to postpone his debate with Barack Obama on Friday. Seems like the old “my grandmother died” before the exam excuse.”

Jimmy Kimmel Live

David Letterman Explodes

NEW RULE

Al Gore must relax.

Al Gore: “If you're a young person looking at the future of this planet and looking at what is being done right now, and not done, I believe we have reached the stage where it is time for civil disobedience to prevent the construction of new coal plants that do not have carbon capture and sequestration.”

Civil disobedience? Coal plant construction? Seriously? Climate change is important. However, Gore is ridiculous. How should activists protest? Blockade bulldozers? Take over the construction zone? Climate change merits action. Unfortunately, suicide is not an action.

The Daily Smak

Hey, didn’t you used to be Matt Millen?

According to Yahoo, New England’s fall foliage is drearier. Scientists blame climate change. New England blames Matt Cassel.

Today’s top five or greatest gay celebrities (1) Elton John, (2) Ellen Degeneres, (3) Neil Patrick Harris, (4) Clay Aiken, (5) Rosie O’Donnell

President Discusses Freefall, Future

Economic Address Complete Text

Detroit Awakens, Axes Millen

On Wednesday, the Detroit Lions fired President Matt Millen. Executive Vice President Tom Lewand and Assistant General Manager Martin Mayhew supplanted him. “These decisions are for the duration of the 2008 season,” said Owner William Clay Ford. “Once the season is over, we will undergo a thorough and comprehensive evaluation of our entire football operation and put together a plan that we believe will transform this team into a winner.”

During Millen’s tenure, Detroit amassed a 31-84 record. His exodus was overdue. Simply stated, Millen is a television stereotype. He is intelligent. Unfortunately, his assumed intelligence exceeds actual intelligence.

Hell Restated

In Georgia, Ryan Morgan’s puppy was stolen. Morgan is ten years old. He has cancer. Given the aforesaid, this classic new rule.

For some, hell is inadequate.

During Marquis Hill’s funeral, his mother’s home was robbed. These offenders are not human. They violated the violated. O.J. Simpson considers them repulsive. Upon their death, Satan should reject them. Select individuals do not deserve an afterlife.

GAME BALLS (NFL Edition)

Marion Barber (RB – Cowboys): 28 carries, 142 yards, 1 td
(Win: 27-16 at Packers)

Ronnie Brown (RB – Dolphins): 17 carries, 113 yards, 4 td; 1/1, 19 yards, 1 td
(Win: 38-13 at Patriots)

Antonio Bryant (WR – Buccaneers): 10 receptions, 138 yards
(Win: 27-24 at Bears)

Brandon Lloyd (WR – Bears): 6 receptions, 124 yards, 1 td
(Loss: 27-24 vs. Buccaneers)

Brandon Marshall (WR – Broncos): 6 receptions, 155 yards, 1 td
(Win: 34-32 vs. Saints)

Fred Taylor (RB – Jaguars): 26 carries, 121 yards
(Win: 23-21 at Colts)

GAME BALLS (College Football Edition)

Victor Anderson (RB – Louisville): 18 carries, 176 yards, 3 td
(Win: 38-29 vs. Kansas State)

Glen Coffee (RB – Alabama): 10 carries, 162 yards, 2 td
(Win: 49-14 at Arkansas)

David Johnson (QB – Tulsa): 24/39, 469 yards, 6 td
(Win: 56-14 vs. New Mexico)

Miquale Lewis (RB – Ball State): 29 carries, 166 yards, 4 td
(Win: 42-20 at Indiana)

Darrell Mack (RB – Utah): 18 carries, 101 yards, 3 td
(Win: 30-23 at Air Force)

Kellen Moore (QB – Boise State): 24/36, 386 yards, 3 td
(Win: 37-32 at Oregon)

Knowshon Moreno (RB – Georgia): 23 carries, 149 yards, 2 td
(Win: 27-10 at Arizona State)

Javon Ringer (RB – Michigan State): 39 carries, 201 yards, 2 td
(Win: 23-7 vs. Notre Dame)

Charles Scott (RB – LSU): 21 carries, 132 yards
(Win: 26-21 at Auburn)

Rodney Stewart (RB – Colorado): 28 carries, 166 yards
(Win: 17-14 vs. West Virginia)

Lauren Conrad: The Woman Without Friends?

Trust is tenuous. Trust is unstable. In months, trust is amassed. In moments, trust is annihilated. Once trust vanishes, reacquisition is improbable.

On Monday, Lauren visited Italy. Upon her departure, Stephanie approached Audrina. Her question? Would Doug and her be acceptable? Audrina advocated caution. Unfortunately, Stephanie ignored her. Doug and her enjoyed dinner. No one should be surprised. Hopefully, Lauren comprehends this betrayal. Stephanie is discarded.

Amidst Stephanie’s betrayal, Audrina and Lo connected. However, Audrina and Heidi reconnected. They chatted. Audrina, Heidi, Justin, and Spencer attended Bolthouse’s X-Games event. Poor Lauren. Can she trust anyone?

Campaign First

Senator John McCain: “America this week faces an historic crisis in our financial system. We must pass legislation to address this crisis. If we do not, credit will dry up, with devastating consequences for our economy. People will no longer be able to buy homes and their life savings will be at stake. Businesses will not have enough money to pay their employees. If we do not act, ever corner of our country will be impacted. We cannot allow this to happen.”

Senator Barack Obama: “I made the suggestion [a joint statement] to him, he agreed to that suggestion and made the suggestion in addition that we need to have a meeting in Washington with congressional leaders and the president. When I got back to the hotel, he had gone on television to announce what he was going to do [suspend his campaign].”

Monologue Joke of the Evening

“All these world leaders, while they are in New York City attending the General Assembly, are doing some shopping. The Japanese premier, for example, got a great deal on Morgan Stanley.”

Late Show with David Letterman

Why Lance?

On Wednesday, Lance Armstrong returned. Armstrong cannot enhance his legacy. He cannot enrich his legacy. Simply stated, he should remain retired.

NEW RULE

Stop whining.

On Tuesday, Governor Sarah Palin attended the United Nations. This should have been simple. Unfortunately, morons consumed the conversation. CNN was excluded. CNN was included. Instead of foreign policy, feckless peons owned the headlines. Enough. Presidents and Vice Presidents campaign. Media covers campaigns. Cameras and microphones are not frightening. Republicans’ anguish is embarrassing. Their angst is unnecessary.

Worth A Read

I’m Not Obsessed

Once, a housewife’s diversion. Today, her occupation.

The Daily Smak

Hey, didn’t you used to be the New York Yankees?

On Tuesday, oil plunged $6.00. The closing cost? The United States economy.

Today’s top five or NFL’s disappointments (1) Cleveland Browns, (2) New Orleans Saints, (3) Indianapolis Colts, (4) San Diego Chargers, (5) New York Jets

Negotiable Angst

On Tuesday, Berkshire Hathaway assisted Goldman Sachs. Unfortunately, Secretary of Treasury Henry Paulson and Congress’ negotiations continued. The Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged 161 points. Anyone comprehend urgency?

NEW RULE

Stop fucking politics.

McCain Campaign Manager Steve Schmidt: “Let’s be clear and be honest with each other about something fundamental to this race, which is this: Whatever the New York Times once was, it is today not — by any standard — a journalistic organization. It is a pro-Obama advocacy organization that every day attacks the McCain campaign, attacks Senator McCain, attacks Governor [Sarah] Palin and excuses Senator Obama. This is an organization that is completely, totally, 150 percent in the tank for the Democratic candidate. It is an organization that has made a decision to cast aside its journalistic integrity and tradition to advocate for the defeat of one candidate — in this case John McCain — and to advocate for the election of the other candidate — Barack Obama.”

Schmidt is an ass. Unfortunately, his antics are everyday. Discredit, disgrace, insult, lie, slur, smear, or tarnish… Schmidt exerts justification. He is not justified. He is not an advocate. He is not an operative. He is a conceited, preening moron.

Obviously, misdirection strategy is not unique. Schmidt is ridiculous. Others were ridiculous. Why complain? Schmidt is not merely partisan. He is poisonous. His statements are not merely tantrums. They are toxic. Americans hate politics. Schmidt is the reason. Economic crisis… Mortgage crisis…Schmidt’s indifference is obvious.

Whatever your particular problem, Schmidt does not care. He has two interests. Two interests only. Arousing fear. Assigning blame. America, this is how elections are won. Operatives collect ordinary citizens. They corral a scapegoat. They scream character, patriotism, and values. They whisper epithets.

Steve, you have embarrassed your campaign. You have embarrassed your nation. You have embarrassed politics. Resign.

Eighth & Farewell

United Nations Address Complete Text

Monologue Joke of the Evening

“We’re learning more about John McCain — he has 13 cars. And he can’t remember where he parked any of them.”

Late Show with David Letterman

St. Louis Reality

On Tuesday, the St. Louis Rams chose a quarterback. Trent Green is their starter. Marc Bulger or Green? Either choice was incorrect.

The Daily Smak

Hey, didn’t you used to be the Emmy Awards?

In Connecticut, crooks merit compensation. According to Judge Charles Rendlen III, Mark Poveromo, the victim, must repay attorney costs, court costs, and settlement proceeds. What is this? Kevin Federline justice?

Today’s top five or NFL’s surprises (1) Baltimore Ravens, (2) Buffalo Bills, (3) Denver Broncos, (4) Tennessee Titans, (5) New York Giants

Economic Tachycardia

According to the Associated Press, President Bush and Congress have compromised. Their proposal is complete. Unfortunately, oil soared $16.37. The Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged 372.75.

President Bush and Congress must accelerate. Partisan objectives are inconsequential. Political victory is irrelevant. America’s economy needs saving.

Excellence Extinguished

On Saturday, Ball State wide receiver Dante Love fractured his spinal cord. In 39 contests, Love amassed 199 receptions, 2,778 yards, and 20 touchdowns. He was the preeminent unknown receiver. Unfortunately, his career has concluded.

NEW RULE

Sports are communal.

Singular activities exist. They include blogging, reading, solitaire, and video games. Sports is not one. Sports are argument. They are collective. They are cheering, hand slaps, and hugs. Democrat, Republican, single, or married… One’s status is irrelevant. No one should view sports alone.

Worth A Read

And the Valley Shook

Blogging the LSU Tigers.

The Daily Smak

Hey, didn’t you used to be Europe?

In New York, Aaron Olivieri was arrested. His crime? He photographed under a woman’s skirt. Today, TMZ offered him employment.

On July 17, Oscar Diaz underwent brain surgery. This weekend, he awoke. Thank God.

Emmy Rehash

Drama Series
Prediction: "Mad Men"
Winner: "Mad Men"
(Completely deserved. Exemplary cast. Exquisite writing.)

Comedy Series
Prediction: "Entourage"
Winner: "30 Rock"
(As previously stated, NBC is a fourth place network. Rewarding their stupidity, will not improve them. Entourage is television’s most underrated. They should have won.)

Reality-Competition Program
Prediction: "The Amazing Race"
Winner: "The Amazing Race"
(Their sixth consecutive award. Very impressive.)

Lead Actor in a Drama Series
Prediction: James Spader "Boston Legal"
Winner: Bryan Cranston "Breaking Bad"
(Completely stunning. Does Breaking Bad have viewers?)

Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Prediction: John Slattery "Mad Men"
Winner: Zeljko Ivanek "Damages"
(Obviously, emerging networks can win.)

Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
Prediction: Steve Carell "The Office"
Winner: Alec Baldwin "30 Rock"
(Does character count? Baldwin is offensive, repugnant, and vile. He should never win. He should never enjoy employment.)

Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Prediction: Jeremy Piven "Entourage"
Winner: Jeremy Piven "Entourage"
(As previously stated, television’s greatest character.)

Lead Actress in a Drama Series
Prediction: Holly Hunter "Saving Grace"
Winner: Glenn Close "Damages"
(The evening’s second deepest category. Close is a phenomenal actress.)

Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Prediction: Rachel Griffiths "Brothers & Sisters"
Winner: Dianne Wiest "In Treatment"
(Another shocker. With that stated, Wiest is completely deserving. On Law & Order, she sparkled. On HBO’s newest gem, she is a cornerstone.)

Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
Prediction: Christina Applegate "Samantha Who"
Winner: Tina Fey "30 Rock"
(Fey merits every recognition. Despite her apocryphal castmates, she is genius.)

Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
Prediction: Vanessa Williams "Ugly Betty"
Winner: Jean Smart "Samantha Who"
(Slightly surprising. However, this program is stellar.)

Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie
Prediction: Kevin Spacey "Recount"
Winner: Paul Giamatti "John Adams"
(This evening’s deepest category. Both Giamatti and Spacey were outstanding. Giamatti’s exposure was greater.)

Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie
Prediction: Laura Linney "John Adams"
Winner: Laura Linney "John Adams"
(Linney is Hollywood’s most versatile.)

Two Stupid Thugs

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez: “Not only Venezuela, but Latin America as a whole, needs friends like Russia now as we are shedding this (U.S.) domination. We need Russia for economic and social development, for all-around support, for the life of the peoples of our continent, for peace.”

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad: “If anyone allows himself to commit even a tiny offense against Iran's legitimate interests, borders and sacred land, our armed forces will break his hand before he pulls the trigger. Those who once imposed sanctions, today should open their eyes and see our nation's technical achievements. Today, Iran is not in a position to show softness toward its enemies.”

Ryder Conquest

On Sunday, the United States defeated Europe 16 ½-11 ½. They garnered the Ryder Cup. No one should devalue this. No one should diminish this. This triumph was both gargantuan and monumental. Tiger Woods was absent. The United States squad was collaged and unproven. Europe should have obliterated them. Unfortunately, Europe assumed victory. The United States craved victory.

The Big Five

For reasons good and bad… they were the news.

The Hot Five

A quintet of sizzling conversation starters.

Emmy Predictions

Drama Series

"Boston Legal"
"Damages"
"Dexter"
"House"
"Lost"
"Mad Men"

PREDICTION: "Mad Men"

Comedy Series

"30 Rock"
"Curb Your Enthusiasm"
"Entourage"
"The Office"
"Two and a Half Men"

PREDICTION: "Entourage"

Reality-Competition Program

"The Amazing Race"
"American Idol"
"Dancing With the Stars"
"Project Runway"
"Top Chef"

PREDICTION: "The Amazing Race"

Lead Actor in a Drama Series

James Spader "Boston Legal"
Bryan Cranston "Breaking Bad"
Michael Hall "Dexter"
Hugh Laurie "House"
Gabriel Byrne "In Treatmen"
Jon Hamm "Mad Men"

PREDICTION: James Spader "Boston Legal"

Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

William Shatner "Boston Legal"
Ted Danson "Damages"
Zeljko Ivanek "Damages"
Michael Emerson "Lost"
John Slattery "Mad Men"

PREDICTION: John Slattery "Mad Men"

Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

Lee Pace "Pushing Daises"
Tony Shalhoub "Monk"
Steve Carell "The Office"
Alec Baldwin "30 Rock"
Charlie Sheen "Two and a Half Men"

PREDICTION: Steve Carell "The Office"

Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

Kevin Dillon "Entourage"
Jeremy Piven "Entourage"
Neil Patrick Harris "How I Met Your Mother"
Rainn Wilson "The Office"
Jon Cryer "Two and a Half Men"

PREDICTION: Jeremy Piven "Entourage"

Lead Actress in a Drama Series

Sally Field "Brothers & Sisters"
Kyra Sedgwick "The Closer"
Mariska Hargitay "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit"
Holly Hunter "Saving Grace"
Glenn Close "Damages"

PREDICTION: Holly Hunter "Saving Grace"

Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

Rachel Griffiths "Brothers & Sisters"
Candice Bergen "Boston Legal"
Chandra Wilson "Grey's Anatomy"
Sandra Oh "Grey's Anatomy"
Dianne Wiest "In Treatment"

PREDICTION: Rachel Griffiths "Brothers & Sisters"

Lead Actress in a Comedy Series

Christina Applegate "Samantha Who"
Julia Louis-Dreyfus "The New Adventures of Old Christine"
Tina Fey "30 Rock"
America Ferrera "Ugly Betty"
Mary-Louise Parker "Weeds"

PREDICTION: Christina Applegate "Samantha Who"

Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

Jean Smart "Samantha Who"
Amy Poehler "Saturday Night Live"
Holland Taylor "Two and a Half Men"
Vanessa Williams "Ugly Betty"
Kristin Chenoweth "Pushing Daises"

PREDICTION: Vanessa Williams "Ugly Betty"

Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie

Ralph Fiennes "Bernard and Doris"
Ricky Gervais "Extras: The Extra Special Series Finale"
Paul Giamatti "John Adams"
Kevin Spacey "Recount"
Tom Wilkinson "Recount"

PREDICTION: Kevin Spacey "Recount"

Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie

Susan Sarandon "Bernard and Doris"
Phylicia Rashad "A Raisin in the Sun"
Laura Linney "John Adams"
Dame Judi Dench "Cranford"
Catherine Keener "An American Crime"

PREDICTION: Laura Linney "John Adams"

Line of the Morning

Secretary of Treasury Henry Paulson

“I won't bet against the American people. We're an entrepreneurial people, a hard-working people, and we will work through this, we always do. I wouldn't bet against the American people, and I wouldn't bet against the long-term fundamentalists of this country.”