The Finally Departed

During his Auburn tenure, Coach Tommy Tuberville was celebrated, excoriated, retained, and virtually fired. His resignation seemed inevitable.

On Wednesday, Tuberville resigned. “The last 10 years have been a great time in my life, both professionally and personally,” he said. “It's been a great place to coach and live, and we've had a lot of success along the way. I'm going to remain in Auburn and help the Auburn family however I can. I'm very appreciative of the coaches, players, staff and Auburn fans over the last decade.”

In ten campaigns, Tuberville amassed an 85-40 record. He garnered one Southeastern Conference championship. He scored five SEC Western Division titles. Within the SEC, Tuberville was 52-30. Versus Alabama, he was 7-3.

Despite substance’s value, America’s obsession is style. Points and quotes own the conversation. Consistency is irrelevant. Tuberville won. His wins were simply silent.

Betting the Pass Line (Last Week: 3-2 Season: 34-30)

Falcons at Saints (-3)
Simply stated, the Saints must win.

Eagles (+7) at Giants
In week ten, the Giants defeated the Eagles 36-31. On Sunday, the Eagles will garner revenge.

Cowboys (+3) at Steelers
Tony Romo versus Ben Roethlisberger. Both toss two touchdowns. However, the Cowboys win the contest.

Redskins at Ravens (-5 ½)
For three quarters, they will skirmish. In the fourth quarter, Joe Flacco wins the contest.

Buccaneers at Panthers (-3)
On October 12, the Buccaneers embarrassed the Panthers 27-3. History will not reoccur.

Betting the Pass Line (Last Week: 1-4 Season: 38-32)

Boston College vs. Virginia Tech (Even)
In the 2007 ACC Championship, Virginia Tech defeated Boston College 30-16. In the 2008 ACC Championship, history will reoccur.

Alabama vs. Florida (-10)
In five contests, Florida has scored three SEC championships. Alabama has scored two SEC championships. On Saturday, the Gators garner another.

USC at UCLA (+32)
Versus UCLA, USC has won eight of nine contests. UCLA should simply surrender.

Missouri vs. Oklahoma (-16 ½)
Sam Bradford amasses four hundred yards. He tosses six touchdowns. The Sooners romp.

Arizona State at Arizona (-10 ½)
This season, Arizona State has defeated Northern Arizona, Stanford, UCLA, Washington, and Washington State. Favor Arizona.

Worse Is Unimaginable

In November, 533,000 jobs were lost. Automotive crisis. Credit crisis. Employment crisis. Financial crisis. Mortgage crisis… Is economic recovery possible?

Ignorant & Incarcerated

On Friday, O.J. Simpson received 33 years incarceration. He should serve every one.

NEW RULE

Descendant suspicion is understandable.

In Minnesota, six teenagers were charged with abuse, caregiver abuse, caregiver sexual abuse, disorderly conduct, and maltreatment non-reporting. Allegedly, they groped, poked, and spat upon infirmed patients.

Most caregivers are professional and selfless. They protect their patients. However, institutional paranoia is not inappropriate. Incidents occur. Residents are vulnerable. This is not an obscure issue. America’s population is aging. For exacerbating this dilemma, these teenagers merit maximum punishment.

Monologue Joke of the Evening

“President Bush and his lovely wife Laura have purchased a new home in Dallas, Texas, worth $2 million. How does that work, when the president applies for a home loan? When they do a credit check, do they include the trillion-dollar deficit?”

The Tonight Show

A Terrible Tragedy

Martha von Bulow
(1932-2008)

Monologue Joke of the Evening

“President Bush and his lovely wife Laura have purchased a new home in Dallas, Texas, worth $2 million. People have underestimated this guy. Five months ago he would had to pay $10 million for that house. But thanks to his economic plan he got it at a bargain.”

The Tonight Show

Survivor: Corinne Canned

On Thursday, Bob garnered immunity. Subsequently, Corinne schemed. Her objective? Eliminate Matty. She did not succeed. Via a 4-3 vote, Corinne was eliminated.

Worth A Read

MN Publius

Since 2007, Minnesota politics’ tracker.

The Daily Smak

Hey, didn’t you used to be employed?

On Thursday, Jennifer Anniston labeled Angelina Jolie “uncool.” Jolie’s response? “Brad says hello.”

Today’s top five or this weekend’s attractions (1) Alabama vs. Florida, (2) Missouri vs. Oklahoma, (3) Oscar De La Hoya vs. Manny Pacquiao, (4) Cowboys at Steelers, (5) USC at UCLA

Congressional Puppet Show

On Thursday, AT&T announced a payroll reduction. The Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged 215.45 points. Amidst this, Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors prattled. Why?

Monologue Joke of the Evening

“The big rumor is that Bill Clinton could be a possible replacement for Hillary Clinton's Senate seat when she becomes secretary of state. I believe this would be the first time Bill has ever shown any interest in Hillary's seat.”

The Tonight Show

Spencer, Drugs, & Parental Control?

Darlene Egelhoff: “He's manipulative and seems to have power over Heidi. I would like to see a blood test from Mexico. It wouldn’t surprise me if he had her drugged. Spencer has tried to cut everyone out of her life. I've been honest with Heidi, and it's caused our relationship to decline. I'm more devastated about that than the marriage, because I'm confident the marriage won't work out. I want the best for my daughter -- and he's definitely not it. I think Spencer wants to possess Heidi more than marry her.”

Spencer Pratt: “After that statement, the Pratts, as in Heidi Pratt and Spencer Pratt, will probably have their own Christmas tree out here. I'm sure she's just hurt and reacting crazy because she wasn't there. I think she thinks she's being funny and playing into her character that she hates me or something.”

NEW RULE

Adopt and adore.

On Wednesday, Kelly Layne Lau, Caren Ramirez, and Michael Schumacher were charged with child abuse, false imprisonment, kidnapping, and torture. Allegedly, they shackled and starved a seventeen-year-old.

If abuse is your intent, why adopt a child? Why not adopt a doll? One can abuse a doll. However, a doll cannot cry. A doll cannot scream. A doll cannot suffer. Simply stated, one’s insecurity and selfishness are irrelevant.

For myself, abuse is incomprehensible. In their formative period, animals and children love unconditionally. How could someone exploit and ruin this?

The Daily Smak

Hey, didn’t you used to be Auburn’s Coach?

In Sweden, a woman’s breast size reduced her insurance. Does her agent comprehend cost-benefit analysis?

Today’s top five or next potential firing (1) Craig Hartsburg, (2) Dave Tippett, (3) Maurice Cheeks, (4) Mike Dunleavy, (5) Romeo Crenel

Secretary of Character

On Wednesday, President-Elect Obama announced Bill Richardson (Secretary of Commerce). “With his breadth and depth of experience in public life, Governor Richardson is uniquely suited for this role as a leading economic diplomat for America,” said Obama. “He has seen from just about every angle what makes our economy work and what keeps it from working better. He will be an unyielding advocate for American business and American jobs, at home and around the world. I look forward to working with him in the years ahead.”

From 1983-1997, Richardson was a United States Representative. From 1997-1998, he served as United Nations Ambassador. From 1998-2001, he served as Secretary of Energy. From 2003-2008, he was a Governor. “There is a vital role for the Department of Commerce in our economic recovery,” said Richardson. “The unique strengths of the department and its talented public servants make it the natural agency to serve as the programmatic nerve center in America’s struggle to rejuvenate our economy. America will once again be at the forefront of innovation, especially in the new frontier of energy independence and clean energy jobs, and we will restore our position of respect in the world.”

Richardson’s nomination is both practical and visual. He is articulate. However, his charisma is more valuable. In a crisis, performance and personality are equally vital.

51st Grammy Nominations

These are my rapid impressions. Coldplay’s nominations are completely deserved. Sara Bareilles and Leona Lewis are overrated. Jason Mraz and Ne-Yo are underrated. Everyone vote for American Boy and Superstar.

Record Of The Year

Chasing Pavements: Adele
Viva La Vida: Coldplay
Bleeding Love: Leona Lewis
Paper Planes: M.I.A
Please Read The Letter: Robert Plant & Alison Krauss

Album Of The Year

Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends: Coldplay
Tha Carter III: Lil Wayne
Year Of The Gentleman: Ne-Yo
Raising Sand: Robert Plant & Alison Krauss
In Rainbows: Radiohead

Song Of The Year

American Boy: Estelle featuring Kanye West
Chasing Pavements: Adele
I'm Yours: Jason Mraz
Love Song: Sara Bareilles
Viva La Vida: Coldplay

Best New Artist

Adele
Duffy
Jonas Brothers
Lady Antebellum
Jazmine Sullivan

Best Female Pop Vocal Performance

Chasing Pavements: Adele
Love Song: Sara Bareilles
Mercy: Duffy
Bleeding Love: Leona Lewis
I Kissed A Girl: Katy Perry
So What: Pink

Best Male Pop Vocal Performance

All Summer Long: Kid Rock
Say: John Mayer
That Was Me: Paul McCartney
I'm Yours: Jason Mraz
Closer: Ne-Yo
Wichita Lineman: James Taylor

Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals

Viva La Vida: Coldplay
Waiting In The Weeds: Eagles
Going On: Gnarls Barkley
Won't Go Home Without You: Maroon 5
Apologize: OneRepublic

Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals

Lesson Learned: Alicia Keys & John Mayer
4 Minutes: Madonna, Justin Timberlake, & Timbaland
Rich Woman: Robert Plant & Alison Krauss
If I Never See Your Face Again: Rihanna & Maroon 5
No Air: Jordin Sparks & Chris Brown

Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals

Rock N Roll Train: AC/DC
Violet Hill: Coldplay
Long Road Out Of Eden: Eagles
Sex On Fire: Kings Of Leon
House Of Cards: Radiohead

Best Rock Album

Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends: Coldplay
Rock N Roll Jesus: Kid Rock
Only By The Night: Kings Of Leon
Death Magnetic: Metallica
Consolers Of The Lonely: The Raconteurs

Best Female R&B Vocal Performance

Me, Myself And I: Beyoncé
Heaven Sent: Keyshia Cole
Spotlight: Jennifer Hudson
Superwoman: Alicia Keys
Need U Bad: Jazmine Sullivan

Best Male R&B Vocal Performance

You're The Only One: Eric Benét
Take You Down: Chris Brown
Miss Independent: Ne-Yo
Can't Help But Wait: Trey Songz
Here I Stand: Usher

Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals

Ribbon In The Sky: Boyz II Men
Words: Anthony David featuring India.Arie
Stay With Me (By The Sea): Al Green featuring John Legend
I'm His Only Woman: Jennifer Hudson featuring Fantasia
Never Give You Up: Raphael Saadiq featuring Stevie Wonder & CJ Hilton

Best R&B Song

Bust Your Windows: Jazmine Sullivan
Customer: Raheem DeVaughn
Heaven Sent: Keyshia Cole
Miss Independent: Ne-Yo
Spotlight: Jennifer Hudson

Best R&B Album

Love & Life: Eric Benét
Motown: A Journey Through Hitsville USA: Boyz II Men
Lay It Down: Al Green
Jennifer Hudson: Jennifer Hudson
The Way I See It: Raphael Saadiq

Best Rap Solo Performance

Roc Boys (And The Winner Is): Jay-Z
A Milli: Lil Wayne
Paris, Tokyo: Lupe Fiasco
N.i.*.*.e.r. (The Slave And The Master): Nas
Sexual Eruption: Snoop Dogg

Best Rap Performance By A Duo Or Group

Royal Flush: Big Boi featuring Raekwon And Andre 3000
Swagga Like Us: Jay-Z & T.I. featuring Kanye West & Lil Wayne
Mr. Carter: Lil Wayne featuring Jay-Z
Wish You Would: Ludacris featuring T.I.
Put On: Young Jeezy featuring Kanye West

Best Rap/Sung Collaboration

American Boy: Estelle featuring Kanye West
Low: Flo Rida featuring T-Pain
Green Light: John Legend & Andre 3000
Got Money: Lil Wayne featuring T-Pain
Superstar: Lupe Fiasco featuring Matthew Santos

Best Rap Song

Lollipop: Lil Wayne featuring Static Major
Low: Flo Rida featuring T-Pain
Sexual Eruption: Snoop Dogg
Superstar: Lupe Fiasco Featuring Matthew Santos
Swagga Like Us: Jay-Z & T.I. featuring Kanye West & Lil Wayne

Best Rap Album

American Gangster: Jay-Z
Tha Carter III: Lil Wayne
The Cool: Lupe Fiasco
Nas:Nas
Paper Trail: T.I.

Best Female Country Vocal Performance

For These Times: Martina McBride
What I Cannot Change: LeAnn Rimes
Last Name: Carrie Underwood
Last Call: Lee Ann Womack
This Is Me You're Talking To: Trisha Yearwood

Best Male Country Vocal Performance

You're Gonna Miss This: Trace Adkins
In Color: Jamey Johnson
Just Got Started Lovin' You: James Otto
Letter To Me: Brad Paisley
Troubadour: George Strait

Best Country Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals

God Must Be Busy: Brooks & Dunn
Love Don't Live Here: Lady Antebellum
Every Day: Rascal Flatts
Blue Side Of The Mountain: The SteelDrivers
Stay: Sugarland

Best Country Song

Dig Two Graves: Randy Travis
I Saw God Today: George Strait
In Color: Jamey Johnson
Stay: Sugarland
You're Gonna Miss This: Trace Adkins

Best Country Album

That Lonesome Song: Jamey Johnson
Sleepless Nights:Patty Loveless
Troubadour: George Strait
Around The Bend: Randy Travis
Heaven, Heartache And The Power Of Love: Trisha Yearwood

Boston’s Embodiment Earns Payday, Praise

On Wednesday, the Boston Red Sox retained Dustin Pedroia. Pedroia signed a 6-year, $40.5 million contract. “I wanted to be here a long time,” he said. “Hopefully in the next six years we can win some championships.”

During his career, Pedroia has batted .313 with 27 home runs and 140 runs batted in. In 2008, Pedroia won the American League Most Valuable Player Award. He raked .326 with 17 home runs and 83 runs batted in. He also registered 213 hits, 118 runs scored, 54 doubles, and 20 stolen bases. “He embodies just about everything we look for in a Red Sox player, and that makes this a great day for the organization,” said General Manager Theo Epstein. “Dustin plays hard, first and foremost, all the time. He plays to win. He plays for his teammates, not himself. What's not to like? If we had 25 guys like him, we'd be in good shape. I don't think we'd be the Red Sox right now without Dustin Pedroia.”

Athletic respect is clichéd and worthless. Every opponent is excellent. Every performer is exemplary. When Pedroia is praised, the aforesaid recoups value. One remembers respect is earned.

Raptors Stagnate, Mitchell Suffers

On Wednesday, the Toronto Raptors fired Coach Sam Mitchell. During his tenure, Mitchell logged a 150-182 ledger. Upon his firing, the Raptors stood 8-9. “I have a lot to be thankful for, they really gave me the opportunity to have a career in coaching, something I always wanted to do after I played,” said Mitchell. “So yeah, it's a disappointment that I really wasn't given the chance to finish what I started, but you know what, I feel like I accomplished a lot of good things. I think the players that played for me all got better.”

Since 2006-2007, the Raptors have scored consecutive playoff appearances. They have won zero playoff series. Theoretically, the Raptors possess immense potential. Unfortunately, they are a mirage.

Predictable Storm

On Wednesday, the Carolina Hurricanes fired Coach Peter Laviolette. Paul Maurice supplanted him. In 2005, the Hurricanes garnered the Stanley Cup. In 2006 and 2007, they missed the postseason. Carolina’s decision is correct.

Monologue Joke of the Evening

“‘Britney Spears’ were the most-searched words of the year on Yahoo!, followed by ‘World Wrestling Federation,’ and in third place, ‘Barack Obama.’ I think the lesson here is that Americans are not responsible enough to be using computers.”

Jimmy Kimmel Live

Flaming Tennis

NEW RULE

Funded research must stop.

According to a study, autism induces financial strain. Seriously? Diseased children require care? Care requires money? America has a healthcare crisis? Everyday, another academic exercise is published. They confirm what we know. We wonder why international citizens score our employment? Autism is an emotional affliction. A conformational study is unwarranted. Most studies are unwarranted.

Worth A Read

Shopping Blog

Commentary concerning beauty, fashion, popular culture, and shopping.

The Daily Smak

In Washington D.C., the Capitol Visitor Center opened. The construction was prolonged. The cost was preposterous. Apparently, Congress managed the project.

According to Fox News, Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors have abandoned corporate jets. They still want $25 billion.

Versus UCLA, USC will wear home jerseys. Their rationale? In the Rose Bowl, their winning percentage is superior.

Obama’s Grand Collection

Grand compromises involve great conversation. Great conversation involves awareness, curiosity, humility, indulgence, interest, knowledge, respect, and restraint. One cannot assume correctness. They must accept correction, education, and instruction.

On Monday, President-Elect Obama announced his national security specialists. They include Hillary Clinton (Secretary of State), Robert Gates (Secretary of Defense), Janet Naploitano (Secretary of Homeland Security), Eric Holder (Attorney General), James Jones (National Security Advisor), and Susan Rice (United Nations Ambassador).

According to President-Elect Obama, his vision is shared. “In their past service and plans for the future, these men and women represent all of those elements of American power, and the very best of the American example,” he said. “They have served in uniform and as diplomats; they have worked as legislators, law enforcement officials, and executives. They share my pragmatism about the use of power, and my sense of purpose about America's role as a leader in the world.”

Clinton and Gates’ nominations are intriguing. Gates is a Republican. Clinton was a campaign rival. “I have known Hillary Clinton as a friend, a colleague, a source of counsel, and as a campaign opponent,” said Obama. “She possesses an extraordinary intelligence and toughness, and a remarkable work ethic. I am proud that she will be our next Secretary of State. She is an American of tremendous stature who will have my complete confidence; who knows many of the world's leaders; who will command respect in every capitol; and who will clearly have the ability to advance our interests around the world.”

“At a time when we face an unprecedented transition amidst two wars, I have asked Robert Gates to continue as Secretary of Defense, and I'm pleased that he's accepted,” Obama continued. “Two years ago, he took over the Pentagon at a difficult time. He restored accountability. He won the confidence of military commanders, and the trust of our brave men and women in uniform, and their families. He earned the respect of members of Congress on both sides of the aisle for his pragmatism and competence. He knows that we need a sustainable national security strategy -- and that includes a bipartisan consensus at home.”

President-Elect Obama’s choices are impressive. They epitomize bipartisanship and compromise. They project pragmatism and trust. They traverse gender and race. Obviously, selections cannot prophesize success. They can reveal wisdom.

President-Elect Obama Complete Text

Obama Offers Peace & Prosperity

President-Elect Obama: “To our Republican colleagues, let me just say a special word. I offer you the same hand of friendship and cooperation that I offer our Democratic governors. We have a strong and vibrant democracy. We compete vigorously during an election. But with the end of that season comes the time to govern together -- and that time is now.”

“As president, I will not simply ask our nation's governors to help implement our economic recovery plan. I will ask you to help design that plan. Because if we're listening to our governors, we'll not only be doing what's right for our states, we'll be doing what's right for our country. That's how we'll grow our economy -- from the bottom-up. And that's how we'll put America on the path to long-term prosperity.”

Peril, Plans, and Prayers

Amidst imminent implosion, Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors submitted proposals. Surprisingly, the Dow Jones Industrial Average soared 270 points.

As previously stated, Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors cannot collapse. America cannot afford this. Everyone must compromise. President-Elect Obama must expect a resuscitation request explosion.

Burress Shoots Himself; Suffers Charges, Suspension

Drama. Professional athletes incite this spectacle. Despite attention, money, opulence, and possessions, they solicit venom.

On Monday, Plaxico Burress was charged with criminal weapons possession. Allegedly, Burress entered a nightclub. His concealed weapon was unregistered. Burress’ gun slipped. A bullet pierced his thigh. “He is standing tall,” said Burress’ Attorney Benjamin Brafman. “He is a mature adult. I think any professional athlete in this situation would be concerned. My hope is that it plays out well and he can continue his career, because he's a good person I think, with a brilliant athletic career. And it would be a terrible sadness if an isolated incident could ruin a life.”

On Tuesday, Burress was suspended for four contests. “As we have said since Saturday morning, our concern is for Plaxico's health and well-being,” said New York Giants President John Mara said. “This is an important time for him to take care of his body and heal up and also deal with the very serious legal consequences and other issues in his life. When I spoke with Plaxico he expressed great remorse for letting down his teammates.”

During his career, Burress has amassed 505 receptions, 7,845 yards, and 55 touchdowns. On September 4, he signed a 5-year, $35 million contract. The aforesaid appear irrelevant. Burress’ potential penalty? Fifteen years incarceration.

I could register my opinion. However, Shepard Smith’s response was perfect. “Plaxico,” he said. “You don’t run your routes. And now your shooting yourself. Good grief.”

Volunteer Vapidity

Once, icons and institutions were inseparable. Bear Bryant and Alabama. Woody Hayes and Ohio State. Tom Osborne and Nebraska. Bo Schembechler and Michigan. Phillip Fulmer endured eighteen seasons.

On Saturday, Fulmer resigned. On Monday, former Oakland Raiders Coach Lane Kiffin supplanted him. “I'm not promising how many wins we're going to have, how many championships,” said Kiffin. “I can't do that, there's too many variables in all that. But I can tell you this right now, no one's going to outwork us, no one's going to outwork me as a head coach, and no one's going to outwork our staff that we put together.”

During his tenure, Fulmer amassed a 152-52 record. He won the 1998 NCAA Championship. He garnered two Southeastern Conference championships. He scored seven SEC Eastern Division titles. Within the SEC, Fulmer was 98-34.

With the Raiders, Kiffin logged a 5-15 ledger. “The experience has been unbelievable and then to combine that with still being young enough to be able to relate to recruits and be able to manage them and handle them, I think is very valuable,” said Kiffin. “I'm extremely honored to follow him [Phillip Fulmer]. I'm not trying to be him. All I'm trying to do is carry on some of the things he's done.”

Kiffin is not perfect. Fulmer’s resume includes fifteen postseason appearances. Kiffin’s includes twenty contests. However, Kiffin is resolute. Given Tennessee’s insolence, his skill set is apt.

The “Diuretic” Half-Dozen

On Tuesday, Charles Grant, Deuce McAllister, Bryan Pittman, Will Smith, Kevin Williams, and Pat Williams were suspended for four contests. Commissioner Roger Goodell’s decision is correct. Athlete’s ingestion is their responsibility.

Yahoo: Armed Forces Exploit Economic Freefall

Sgt. Ryan Nyhus spent 14 months patrolling the deadly streets of Baghdad, where five members of his platoon were shot and one died. As bad as that was, he would rather go back there than take his chances in this brutal job market.

Nyhus re-enlisted last Wednesday, and in so doing joined the growing ranks of those choosing to stay in the U.S. military because of the bleak economy. "In the Army, you're always guaranteed a steady paycheck and a job," said the 21-year-old Nyhus. "Deploying's something that's going to happen. That's a fact of life in the Army — a fact of life in the infantry."

In 2008, as the stock market cratered and the housing market collapsed, more young members of the Army, Air Force and Navy decided to re-up. While several factors might explain the rise in re-enlistments, including a decline in violence in Iraq, Pentagon officials acknowledge that bad news for the economy is usually good news for the military.

In fact, the Pentagon just completed its strongest recruiting year in four years. "We do benefit when things look less positive in civil society," said David Chu, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness. "What difficult economic times give us, I think, is an opening to make our case to people who we might not otherwise have."

The retention rate of early-career soldiers in the Army has risen steadily over the past four years and now stands 20 percentage points higher than it was in fiscal 2004. As for the Navy and the Air Force, early- and mid-career sailors and airmen re-enlisted at a higher rate in October than during the same period in 2007. The Marine Corps was not immediately able to provide comparative figures on re-enlistments.

Alex Stewart joined the Army two years ago, when the factory where he worked as a welder started laying off. He was sent to Afghanistan with the 82nd Airborne Division, which suffered 87 deaths last year, the highest total suffered by the 20,000-member unit since the fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan began. When his hitch was up in earlier this year, the 32-year-old from Grand Rapids, Mich., didn't hesitate to re-up for five more years. "I want a stable life for my wife in a very shaky economy," Stewart said. "There were no other options."

Stewart's new assignment will take him to Germany, where he will serve as a truck driver, though it is always possible he could be sent back into combat. "I figure if I do another five or 10 years in the Army," he said, "the economy will turn around and I can get a truck-driving job."

Army Spc. Alicia Fauls, 20, of the Woodlands, Texas, had two years to go when she re-enlisted last week at Fort Riley, home of the Army's 1st Infantry Division, which has one brigade in Iraq, one headed home and another preparing to ship out. She has not been sent into the war zone yet but knows an assignment in Iraq or Afghanistan is probably in her future. "I did have only two years left, but I'm not sure what I would do," Fauls said. "It's harder to find jobs. If I do wait to get out, the economy should be in better shape."

When Nyhus' tour in Iraq ended last April, he talked to his wife about getting out of the Army and working toward a college degree. But the father of a 2-year-old daughter opted for the job security, even though he is likely to be sent back to Iraq as a member of the 4th Infantry Division, which has shouldered a heavy burden of the fighting.

Marine Staff Sgt. Angela Mink, who was injured in a helicopter accident in Iraq in 2004 and now works in public affairs at the Corps' New River air station in North Carolina, said the thought of taking a civilian job "without my fellow Marines just didn't appeal to me." Moreover, she had little hope of finding a private-sector job that pays as well as the Marines. "Equivalent pay is nonexistent, once you factor in insurance premiums, housing costs," said Mink, 37. "And we would definitely have had to relocate. I have a child with a disability and what civilian employer is going to take that into consideration when they think of moving you somewhere?"

And so the married mother of five signed up recently for four more years. Roughly 208,000 men and women left the military in 2007. Some were rank-and-file warriors, while others worked in specialized fields such as satellite communications or computer networking. Only about 30 percent of enlisted soldiers hold a bachelor's degree.

The job market is still fairly good for veterans with technical skills, especially those coveted by defense contractors, said Carl Savino, a retired Army major who runs a company outside Washington that offers employment services to new veterans. Sgt. Michael Rodriguez, 29, of San Antonio, decided to get out after he landed a job with a defense contractor working on communications systems. "I feel pretty secure with them," said Rodriguez, who will leave the military soon.

But even defense-contractor jobs could dry up as the economic crisis deepens, Savino said. "Jobs are getting harder to come by for veterans," Savino said. "The farther they deviate from the defense contractors, who are still in reasonably strong shape, the more challenging it is."

Toronto Blue Jays Owner

Edward Rogers Jr.
(1933-2008)

NEW RULE

Shepard Smith cannot scream.

Obviously, CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC covet opinion and volume. However, news and primetime must remain separate. In the afternoon, I want information. In the evening, I will ignore opinions. If cable news cannot respect this, I will utilize network websites.

The Daily Smak

Hey, didn’t you used to be Clemson?

On Monday, the New York Knicks exiled Stephon Marbury. In New York, Hillary Clinton is the cooperative employee. Anyone predict that?

According to a study, personality disorders are rampant. Overall, twenty percent have one. In New York and Los Angeles, sixty percent have one.

What Could Have Been Done?

In December 2007, America’s recession commenced. Upon hearing this, the Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged 679.95 points.

For eleven months, employers reduced payrolls. Homeowners suffocated. President Bush, Secretary of Treasury Henry Paulson, and Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke discussed definitions. They should have acted. Empathy should have trumped ideology.

2008 College Football Award Finalists

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

Brady Hoke (Ball State)
Paul Johnson (Georgia Tech)
Brian Kelly (Cincinnati)
Mike Leach (Texas Tech)
Chris Peterson (Boise State)
Nick Saban (Alabama)

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

Sam Bradford (Oklahoma)
Chase Clement (Rice)
Graham Harrell (Texas Tech)
David Johnson (Tulsa)
Colt McCoy (Texas)
Tim Tebow (Florida)

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

Glen Coffee (Alabama)
Lesean McCoy (Pittsburgh)
Knowshon Moreno (Georgia)
Javon Ringer (Michigan State)
Evan Royster (Penn State)
Chris Wells (Ohio State)

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

Kenny Britt (Rutgers)
Dez Bryant (Oklahoma State)
Michael Crabtree (Texas Tech)
Juaquin Iglesias (Oklahoma)
Jeremy Maclin (Missouri)
Jordan Shipley (Texas)

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

Alex Boone (Ohio State)
Antoine Caldwell (Alabama)
Cedric Dockery (Texas)
Herman Johnson (LSU)
Alex Mack (California)
Duke Robinson (Oklahoma)

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

Evander Hood (Missouri)
Tyson Jackson (LSU)
Jeremy Lomax (Georgia)
Brian Orakpo (Texas)
Darryl Richard (Georgia Tech)
George Selvie (South Florida)

Lawrence Taylor Award
(Nation’s Most Outstanding Linebacker)

Rashad Bobino (Texas)
Brian Cushing (USC)
Marcus Freeman (Ohio State)
James Laurinaitis (Ohio State)
Clay Matthews (USC)
Rey Maualuga (USC)

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

Michael Hamlin (Clemson)
Nic Harris (Oklahoma)
Malcolm Jenkins (Ohio State)
Taylor Mays (USC)
Mike Mickens (Cincinnati)
Anthony Scirrotto (Penn State)

Deion Sanders Award
(Nation’s Most Outstanding Athlete)

Chase Clement (Rice)
Graham Harrell (Texas Tech)
Rey Maualuga (USC)
Knowshon Moreno (Georgia)
Evan Royster (Penn State)
Tim Tebow (Florida)

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

Graham Gano (Florida State)
Kevin Kelly (Penn State)
Hunter Lawrence (Texas)
Conor Lee (Pittsburgh)
Ryan Pretorius (Ohio State)
Louie Sakoda (Utah)

Chris Gardocki Award
(Nation’s Most Outstanding Punter)

Britton Colquitt (Tennessee)
Chas Henry (Florida)
Kevin Huber (Cincinnati)
Pat McAfee (West Virginia)
Sam Swank (Wake Forest)
A.J. Trapasso (Ohio State)

Lauren, Stephanie Resolve Family, Friendship

Reconciliation is profound. Reconciliation is sincere. The concept can cleanse one’s perspective. The execution can unshackle one’s spirit. Unfortunately, reconciliation requires acceptance, contrition, empathy, faith, and sacrifice.

On Monday, rumor residue remained. Audrina consulted Casey and Chiara. Lauren consulted Brody and Whitney. Eventually, Audrina and Lauren met. They discussed their relationship. Audrina cried. Lauren consoled. They hugged. They reunited. Why?

Meanwhile, Heidi, Spencer, and Stephanie visited their grandmother. Spencer ridiculed his sister. The grandmother responded. She stated the obvious. Spencer must mature. She then pondered their relationship. “Life,” she said. “Is like a big box of worms. Sometimes you don’t want to know what’s inside.”

GAME BALLS (NFL Edition)

Jay Cutler (QB – Broncos): 27/43, 357 yards, 2 td
(Win: 34-17 at Jets)

Tony Gonzalez (TE – Chiefs): 8 receptions, 110 yards
(Win: 20-13 at Raiders)

Peyton Hillis (RB – Broncos): 22 carries, 129 yards, 1 td
(Win: 34-17 at Jets)

Adrian Peterson (RB – Vikings): 28 carries, 131 yards, 1 td
(Win: 34-14 vs. Bears)

Steve Slaton (RB – Texans): 21 carries, 130 yards, 2 td
(Win: 30-17 vs. Jaguars)

Steve Smith (WR – Panthers): 4 receptions, 105 yards
(Win: 35-31 at Packers)

Michael Turner (RB – Falcons): 31 carries, 120 yards
(Win: 22-16 at Chargers)

Brian Westbrook (RB – Eagles): 22 carries, 110 yards, 2 td; 3 receptions, 20 yards, 2 td
(Win: 48-20 vs. Cardinals)

GAME BALLS (College Football Edition)

Sam Bradford (QB – Oklahoma): 30/44, 370 yards, 4 td
(Win: 61-41 at Oklahoma State)

Chase Clement (QB – Rice): 28/41, 381 yards, 5 td
(Win: 56-42 vs. Houston)

Dennis Johnson (RB – Arkansas): 18 carries, 127 yards, 1 td
(Win: 31-30 vs. LSU)

Ian Johnson (RB – Boise State): 14 carries, 128 yards, 2 td
(Win: 61-10 vs. Fresno State)

Jeremiah Johnson (RB – Oregon): 17 carries, 219 yards, 1 td
(Win: 65-38 at Oregon State)

Roddy Jones (RB – Georgia Tech): 13 carries, 214 yards, 2 td
(Win: 45-42 at Georgia)

Colin Kaepernick (QB – Nevada): 24/42, 397 yards, 4 td
(Win: 35-31 at Louisiana Tech)

LeSean McCoy (RB – Pittsburgh): 33 carries, 183 yards, 2 td
(Win: 19-15 vs. West Virginia)

Todd Reesing (QB – Kansas): 37/51, 375 yards, 4 td
(Win: 40-37 at Missouri)

Andy Schmitt (QB – Eastern Michigan): 58/80, 516 yards, 5 td
(Win: 56-52 vs. Central Michigan)

Clemson Catastrophe

On Monday, Clemson retained Coach Dabo Swinney. Swinney signed a five-year contract. Upon Tommy Bowden’s firing, Clemson stood 3-3. They concluded 4-2.

Swinney’s record was adequate. His retention was unacceptable. Clemson needed character and status. They needed an impact hire. Unfortunately, their maneuver was asinine.

Fox News: The Unconsidered Victims

If the Big Three Detroit automakers go down, it could mean a very bumpy road ahead for America's No. 1 spectator sport. If GM, Ford and Chrysler are forced to reorganize — or even to go out of business — some fear the wheels could come off for NASCAR.

NASCAR's stars — Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson, among others — have been showing their support for the auto industry, urging their fans to contact their members of Congress to push through the $25 billion Detroit bailout plan. "We're optimistic that Congress will help support the automakers and help them get through this very difficult time," said Andrew Giangola, Director of Business Communications for NASCAR. "It would affect NASCAR if the manufacturers were not with us. It would very strange to watch NASCAR and not see Chevy and Ford and Dodge racing around the track."

Along with the rest of the country, NASCAR is feeling the financial crunch right now. Hundreds of millions of dollars in sponsorship funds fuel stock car racing, and the money just isn't flowing in as it used to. On top of that, attendance is down by just under 10 percent, and some sponsorship deals have not been renewed. General Motors is cutting back on sponsorships; Sears dropped its 13-year running title sponsorship deal for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck series; and AAA and the Army have left altogether.

In an attempt to cut costs across the board the sport recently banned off-season testing, in which teams use official NASCAR racetracks to test or tweak vehicles or for practice. It's expected to save each team $1 million, but it has also cost about 1,000 garage workers their jobs.

Venues, teams and the sport itself are competing against each other for the same sponsorships. Lower profile racing teams worry they won't have the funds to enter next season; higher profile teams are merging to share resources. "NASCAR in general is at risk with a broad bankruptcy in the industry, and I think [not bailing out the Big Three] would just frankly take out NASCAR," said Dr. David E. Cole, chairman of the Center for Automotive Research, a nonprofit group that studies the industry. "But assuming there's some sort type of bridge loan to the Big Three and we'll get stability in the credit markets, I think NASCAR will live and at least two of the Big Three will continue to participate."

"NASCAR has a very significant stake in these talks to develop some form of a bridge loan," Cole said.

Somehow, experts say, NASCAR will survive. If the bailout comes through, industry experts say the sponsorship money will still flow into the sport, just more slowly. But if it doesn't come through, they say, the sport could be set back by 30 years. Teams will have to learn how to survive with less money, there will be more shared sponsorships, fewer teams, less cash. It's possible that Honda — or another foreign manufacturer — could step in and fill the void left by Chevy and Ford and Dodge.

Dr. Larry DeGaris, president of Sponsorship Research & Strategy, who has conducted national sports scholarship surveys, said Chevy and Ford have had great success marketing to the NASCAR demographic and will likely maintain some level of reduced sponsorship. (Chrysler's NASCAR campaigns have shown less traction.)

The sport's fan base comprises somewhere between 40 million and 70 million people, depending on one's definition of a fan, and is strongest in smaller markets in middle-of-the-country states, near the American automobile manufacturers and the plants of their foreign competitors Toyota and Honda. "That's all the more reason to maintain a visible presence at NASCAR," DeGaris said of the Big Three bailout seekers. "I don't think it would be a good idea for them to throw in the towel."

Racing teams are kept afloat by corporate sponsorship, from which they get 90 percent of their revenue. Sponsors include Loews and Home Depot home improvement outlets, NAPA Autoparts, Coors and Budweiser beers and Sprint/Nextel telephones. And big name drivers like Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jeff Gordon have fronted multimillion-dollar marketing campaigns.

Sponsors have historically tapped into the sport's "real American" reputation, and experts agree that is expected to continue. For example, despite SEARS dropping its $4 million annual sponsorship of the Craftsman Truck Series, Camping World filled the void a deal reported to be worth between $5 million and $7 million annually.

But NASCAR and its sponsors will have to tread lightly. Experts say corporations will have to be careful not to roll out expensive marketing campaigns to an audience that's increasingly unemployed. Similarly, if the Big Three automakers get their bailout, they'll need to be careful not to appear to be wasting taxpayer money with marketing campaigns.

"What the bailout represents is a downturn economy, and in a downturn economy your marketing budgets are among the first to be slashed," said Mark Dodds, sports marketing professor at State University of New York-Cortlandt. "I think it would be difficult to rationalize marketing spending when you're also making decisions to put people out of work."

But experts agree, the purchasing power is too strong. "NASCAR fans know who the sponsors are and they appreciate them and they act on it," DeGaris said. "Their purchase behavior is influenced by NASCAR sponsorship. No other relationship or sport comes close to that success. NASCAR and Chevy is the best there is."

NASCAR is a private company, and revenue figures are not easy to come by. But since television contracts were still in place this past season and sponsorship contracts remained in place, experts suggest next year could show a loss. (Ticket sales do not affect the company; racetracks operate independently, as do racing teams.)

"Right now it's a reduced version of what it was, but the fundamentals are still solid," DeGaris said. "The big question mark is next year."

"Do we have our eye on things? Absolutely. As industry we're doing what we can," said NASCAR's Giangola.

"NASCAR has been around for 60 years. We've been racing when the stock market's been booming and racing when the stock market's been through difficult times. America's love affair with automobile is certainly not going to diminish anytime soon."

Others aren't so sure how it'll all pan out. "I would say difficult times ahead," Dodds said. "It would be difficult to imagine seeing NASCAR gone. But will it change? Most certainly."

NEW RULE

Postseason sanctions are requisite.

Last week, Indiana received three years probation. Former Coach Kelvin Sampson received a severe reprimand. Indiana remains postseason eligible. Sampson is a professional assistant. Why should he care?

If petulance is their objective, the NCAA has succeeded. If punishment is their objective, they must revoke postseason. Fans ignore recruiting restrictions and scholarship reductions. They cannot ignore postseason exclusion. The NCAA must acknowledge this.

Worth A Read

SEC Junkie

Blogging the SEC. Featuring humor, news, and opinion.

The Daily Smak

Hey, didn’t you used to be Plaxico Burress?

In Switzerland, voters approved government heroin. When can I move?

According to ICE, 350,000 illegal immigrants have been deported. Coincidentally, Walmart is hiring.

BCS: Red River Irrelevance

1. Alabama (12-0)
2. Oklahoma (11-1)
3. Texas (11-1)
4. Florida (11-1)
5. USC (10-1)
6. Utah (12-0)
7. Texas Tech (11-1)
8. Penn State (11-1)
9. Boise State (12-0)
10. Ohio State (10-2)

Slate Sanchez Becomes the News

Big Five & Hot Five (During Thanksgiving)

Big Five (Alphabetical)

Bill Snyder

Economy

Michael Vick

Mumbai Massacre

Prelude to the Presidency

Hot Five (Alphabetical)

College Football

Economy

Plaxico Burress

Prelude to the Presidency

The Hills

Line of the Morning

Senator Claire McCaskill (D-MO)

“He [President-Elect Obama] wants to be challenged and that's how he finds his way to the strongest policy for the Americans. And I think his listening ability is shown by the way he is picking his Cabinet and I think America should be very proud of that.”