Betting the Pass Line (Last Week: 3-2 Season: 7-8)

Ravens at Patriots (+2)
In three contests, Joe Flacco has tossed six touchdowns. The Ravens have outscored opponents 103-53. Reality must intercede.

Jets (+7) at Saints
Drew Brees tosses three touchdowns. Mark Sanchez tosses three touchdowns. Reggie Bush, Thomas Jones, and Pierre Thomas each record scores. The Saints start 4-0.

Cowboys at Broncos (+3)
In 2003, the Denver Broncos commenced 4-0. The Cincinnati Bengals were their initial opponent.

Chargers (-6) at Steelers
Last season, the Steelers swept the Chargers. This season, the Steelers’ regression is obvious.

Packers at Vikings (-3 ½)
Versus the Vikings, Brett Favre has won four consecutive contests. Can he reverse this fortune?

Betting the Pass Line (Last Week: 3-2 Season: 12-8)

Michigan at Michigan State (-3 ½)
Preseason, Michigan State’s expectations were enormous. Michigan’s expectations were nonexistent. Their realities are reversed.

Alabama (-16) at Kentucky
Versus the Wildcats, Nick Saban is 5-0. Bet the Crimson Tide. Bet the trust fund.

LSU (+3 ½) at Georgia
In three consecutive victories, Georgia has outscored LSU 131-68. The Tigers must win this contest.

Miami-Florida at Oklahoma (-7 ½)
In two contests, Landry Jones has tossed nine touchdowns. The Sooners have outscored opponents 109-0. Oklahoma will walk.

USC at California (+4 ½)
Since 2004, USC has outscored California 122-56. The Golden Bears will not win. They will compete.

Host’s Name is Rio

In 2016, Rio de Janeiro will host the Olympics. Madrid was the third eliminated. Tokyo was the second eliminated. Chicago was the initial eliminated. Americans applauding our nation’s rejection should be ashamed.

On Friday afternoon, President Obama released this statement:

President Obama Complete Text

President Pledged Hope, Stimulus Still Hype

In September, 263,000 jobs were lost. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act has improved nothing.

The Commander & His Commander

Yahoo: Recession Dating

"A light purse makes a heavy heart," or so says the old proverb. If the recession has put a damper on your disposable income don't despair—it needn't take the fun out of your love life. In fact, there are many things you can do on a date that don't cost a fortune. But there's one caveat: The key to succeeding at a cheap date is all in how you pitch it. Above all, this means you should avoid haggling, asking for a discount, showing your coupons, telling your date that you're worried about money, or complaining about the cost!

Read on for 10 ways to impress your date on a dime, despite the economic slowdown. Feel free to add a few of your own ideas to the list ...

1. Stay In
Sure going to the movies is fun—who doesn't like paying $4 for a Snickers bar and $7.50 for a soda? Instead, save the money, buy some movie-sized treats at the grocery store and spend the evening in. You can pick up a movie through a RedBox location for only $1, at most Blockbuster stores for $2 daily, or watch a show you've already taped to DVR or TiVO.

2. Cook Up Some Romance
If you're going out to a concert or a sporting event, cook dinner together at home. This will save the money you would have spent in a restaurant and, rather than waiting for a table, you can spend the time impressing your date with your cooking skills (or laughing about your lack thereof).

3. Pack a Picnic
Cut the cost of any date by bringing your meal. Many outdoor amphitheaters will even let you bring a picnic basket or cooler, so take advantage and avoid spending on overpriced mediocre meals.

4. Break the Rules
If you'd like to take your date out to eat think early. Lunch is always cheaper than dinner—and breakfast trumps them all.

5. Love and Learn
Check out the schedule for classes offered through your local recreation center, gym or arts studio and find one you'd enjoy taking together. When you break the cost down per date, it's often very affordable, and a fun way to build a relationship while you're building some skills (or laughing at each other while you're trying)!

6. Volunteer Your Valentine
If the point of a date is being together, why not do some good while you're at it? Look for volunteer opportunities to serve meals at a local soup kitchen or homeless shelter, walk dogs at the local shelter, stock shelves at a food pantry, or whatever cause tugs on your heart.

7. Enjoy an Afternoon Delight
If you just can't wait for the movie to come out on DVD, save a few dollars on tickets by seeing the early show.

8. Shop Smart
Warehouse club stores like Sam's Club, BJ's and Costco often sell reduced-rate gift certificates and coupons for local restaurants, golf courses, spas and more. Find discounts at SmartCircle.com and half-price gift certificates at local eateries on Restaurant.com. (To learn more, read Coupon Shopping: Clip Your Way To Savings.)

9. Get Progressive
Instead of footing the bill for an entire evening out, invite friends to do a "progressive" party, where guests go from house to house enjoying an appetizer, entrée or desert. You'll have fun and save money by splitting the costs.

10. Scout It Out
Spending a day cruising garage sales, swap meets and flea markets can be a cheap way to stumble across some great vintage finds - you'll probably share a few good laughs as well. (For tips on holding your own garage sale, see In A Cash Crunch? Hold A Yard Sale.)

President Obama: Choose Chicago

President Obama: “President Rogge, ladies and gentlemen of the International Olympic Committee: I come here today as a passionate supporter of the Olympic and Paralympic Games; as a strong believer in the movement they represent; and as a proud Chicagoan. But above all, I come as a faithful representative of the American people, and we look forward to welcoming the world to the shores of Lake Michigan and the heartland of our nation in 2016.”

“To host athletes and visitors from every corner of the globe is a high honor and a great responsibility. And America is ready and eager to assume that sacred trust. We're a nation that has always opened its arms to the citizens of the world -- including my own father from the African continent -- people who have sought something better; who have dreamed of something bigger.”

“I know you face a difficult choice among several great cities and nations with impressive bids of their own. So I've come here today to urge you to choose Chicago for the same reason I chose Chicago nearly 25 years ago -- the reason I fell in love with the city I still call home. And it's not just because it's where I met the woman you just heard from -- although after getting to know her this week, I know you'll all agree that she's a pretty big selling point for the city.”

“You see, growing up, my family moved around a lot. I was born in Hawaii. I lived in Indonesia for a time. I never really had roots in any one place or culture or ethnic group. And then I came to Chicago. And on those Chicago streets, I worked alongside men and women who were black and white; Latino and Asian; people of every class and nationality and religion. I came to discover that Chicago is that most American of American cities, but one where citizens from more than 130 nations inhabit a rich tapestry of distinctive neighborhoods.”

“Each one of those neighborhoods -- from Greektown to the Ukrainian Village; from Devon to Pilsen to Washington Park -- has its own unique character, its own unique history, its songs, its language. But each is also part of our city -- one city -- a city where I finally found a home. Chicago is a place where we strive to celebrate what makes us different just as we celebrate what we have in common. It's a place where our unity is on colorful display at so many festivals and parades, and especially sporting events, where perfect strangers become fast friends just because they're wearing the same jersey. It's a city that works -- from its first World's Fair more than a century ago to the World Cup we hosted in the nineties, we know how to put on big events. And scores of visitors and spectators will tell you that we do it well.”

“Chicago is a city where the practical and the inspirational exist in harmony; where visionaries who made no small plans rebuilt after a great fire and taught the world to reach new heights. It's a bustling metropolis with the warmth of a small town; where the world already comes together every day to live and work and reach for a dream -- a dream that no matter who we are, where we come from; no matter what we look like or what hand life has dealt us; with hard work, and discipline, and dedication, we can make it if we try.”

“That's not just the American Dream. That is the Olympic spirit. It's the essence of the Olympic spirit. That's why we see so much of ourselves in these Games. That's why we want them in Chicago. That's why we want them in America. We stand at a moment in history when the fate of each nation is inextricably linked to the fate of all nations -- a time of common challenges that require common effort. And I ran for President because I believed deeply that at this defining moment, the United States of America has a responsibility to help in that effort, to forge new partnerships with the nations and the peoples of the world.”

“No one expects the Games to solve all our collective challenges. But what we do believe -- what each and every one of you believe and what all of the Chicago delegation believes -- is that in a world where we've all too often witnessed the darker aspects of our humanity, peaceful competition between nations represents what's best about our humanity. It brings us together, if only for a few weeks, face to face. It helps us understand one another just a little bit better. It reminds us that no matter how or where we differ, we all seek our own measure of happiness, and fulfillment, and pride in what we do. That's a very powerful starting point for progress.”

“Nearly one year ago, on a clear November night, people from every corner of the world gathered in the city of Chicago or in front of their televisions to watch the results of the U.S. Presidential election. Their interest wasn't about me as an individual. Rather, it was rooted in the belief that America's experiment in democracy still speaks to a set of universal aspirations and ideals. Their interest sprung from the hope that in this ever-shrinking world, our diversity could be a source of strength, a cause for celebration; and that with sustained work and determination, we could learn to live and prosper together during the fleeting moment we share on this Earth.”

“Now, that work is far from over, but it has begun in earnest. And while we do not know what the next few years will bring, there is nothing I would like more than to step just a few blocks from my family's home, with Michelle and our two girls, and welcome the world back into our neighborhood. At the beginning of this new century, the nation that has been shaped by people from around the world wants a chance to inspire it once more; to ignite the spirit of possibility at the heart of the Olympic and Paralympic movement in a new generation; to offer a stage worthy of the extraordinary talent and dynamism offered by nations joined together -- to host games that unite us in noble competition and shared celebration of our limitless potential as a people.”

“And so I urge you to choose Chicago. I urge you to choose America. And if you do, if we walk this path together, then I promise you this: The city of Chicago and the United States of America will make the world proud. Thank you so much.”

Letterman’s Confession Was No Joke

David Letterman’s actions were unfortunate. His comedic confession embarrassed himself. He embarrassed his network. He embarrassed his profession. Letterman should resign. If CBS possessed a viable alternative, he would be fired.

Directive Diplomacy

President Obama: “The Iranian government heard a clear and unified message from the international community in Geneva. Iran must demonstrate through concrete steps that it will live up to its responsibilities with respect to its nuclear program. Talk is no substitute for action. Our patience is not unlimited.”

Iverson Decries Detroit’s Lies

Allen Iverson: “They told me, straight up, 'Allen, we would never disrespect you or your career like that,' by making me come off the bench. That's what they told me to my face. And after that, I never thought about it again. I just went back to playing. Then, they came to me saying that they felt it would be in the 'best interest of the team' if I came off of the bench behind Rip [Richard Hamilton].”

“After that, they told me that if I didn't come off the bench, the team was going to lie down on me. ... When he told me that, that's when I felt that this was the worst career move I'd ever made and it was the worst year of my career. If you are a head coach and you feel strongly about this, what would make you think that I want to be around these guys? Especially if you are telling me that they don't want to be around me like that?”

“I'd never been on a team where a coach told me the guys gave up on me. You know what I mean? And I kept this under wraps the whole time ... because I didn't want to bad-mouth any of those guys. I don't have bad to say about the organization, especially Joe [Dumars]. I never had a problem with Joe. He's a stand-up person that I have love for and respect. He was not part of any of the problems I had in Detroit. But for [the coach] to tell me these things and for him to go back on his word like that, it was the hardest and the roughest season I've ever had.”

National Hockey League Predictions

Eastern Conference

Atlantic Division
1. Pittsburgh Penguins (46-30-6, 98 points)
2. Philadelphia Flyers (45-31-6, 96 points)
3. New Jersey Devils (41-31-10, 92 points)
4. New York Islanders (30-48-4, 64 points)
5. New York Rangers (26-51-5, 57 points)

Northeast Division
1. Boston Bruins (49-29-4, 102 points)
2. Montreal Canadians (45-33-4, 94 points)
3. Buffalo Sabres (39-33-10, 88 points)
4. Ottawa Senators (36-36-10, 82 points)
5. Toronto Maple Leafs (30-43-9, 69 points)

Southeast Division
1. Washington Capitals (48-30-4, 100 points)
2. Carolina Hurricanes (44-32-6, 94 points)
3. Tampa Bay Lightning (39-33-10, 88 points)
4. Florida Panthers (30-46-6, 66 points)
5. Atlanta Thrashers (28-46-8, 64 points)

Western Conference

Central Division
1. Detroit Red Wings (54-22-6, 114 points)
2. Chicago Blackhawks (51-25-6, 108 points)
3. Columbus Blue Jackets (45-32-5, 95 points)
4. St. Louis Blues (40-36-6, 86 points)
5. Nashville Predators (29-43-9, 67 points)

Northwest Division
1. Calgary Flames (40-32-10, 90 points)
2. Vancouver Canucks (39-35-8, 86 points)
3. Colorado Avalanche (32-44-6, 70 points)
4. Edmonton Oilers (31-45-6, 68 points)
5. Minnesota Wild (28-43-11, 67 points)

Pacific Division
1. San Jose Sharks (56-21-5, 117 points)
2. Anaheim Ducks (42-33-7, 91 points)
3. Los Angeles Kings (41-34-7, 89 points)
4. Dallas Stars (36-40-6, 78 points)
5. Phoenix Coyotes (26-48-8, 60 points)

Eastern Conference

First Round
(1) Boston Bruins defeat (8) Tampa Bay Lightning 4-1
(2) Washington Capitals defeat (7) New Jersey Devils 4-2
(3) Pittsburgh Penguins defeat (6) Carolina Hurricanes 4-1
(4) Philadelphia Flyers defeat (5) Montreal Canadians 4-3

Conference Semi-Final
(1) Boston Bruins defeat (4) Philadelphia Flyers 4-3
(3) Pittsburgh Penguins defeat (2) Washington Capitals 4-3

Conference Finals
(2) Pittsburgh Penguins defeat (1) Boston Bruins 4-3

Western Conference

First Round
(1) San Jose Sharks defeat (8) St. Louis Blues 4-0
(2) Detroit Red Wings defeat (7) Los Angeles Kings 4-0
(3) Calgary Flames defeat (6) Anaheim Ducks 4-3
(4) Chicago Blackhawks defeat (5) Columbus Blue Jackets 4-3

Conference Semi-Final
(1) San Jose Sharks defeat (4) Chicago Blackhawks 4-3
(2) Detroit Red Wings defeat (3) Calgary Flames 4-1

Conference Finals
(2) Detroit Red Wings defeat (1) San Jose Sharks 4-2

Stanley Cup Finals
(1) Detroit Red Wings defeat (2) Pittsburgh Penguins 4-2

International Catastrophes

This week, Indonesia and Samoa endured earthquakes. Currently, 1,260 are dead. The victim’s families have our thoughts and prayers.

Florida Fool’s Healthcare Harangue

According to Representative Alan Grayson (D-FL), Republican healthcare is “don’t get sick” and “die quickly.” He also compared uninsured decedents and the Holocaust/

Grayson’s remarks were asinine, ridiculous, and unacceptable. The Holocaust murdered six million. The Holocaust was an international tragedy. Health insurance providers have never murdered anyone. Grayson should apologize.

Stafon Johnson Enduring Difficult Days

Pete Carroll: “He's feeling good, he's functioning well and all that. He can't move very much because they want to keep his head and his neck very still. ... These are long, hard days for him, but he's like the commander of the Starship Enterprise with all the technology around him.”

Cleveland’s Brutal Truth

On Wednesday, the Cleveland Browns chose a quarterback. Derek Anderson is their starter. Until Eric Mangini is fired, the Browns will not improve.

Jon & Kate: Addition Via Subtraction

On November 2, Kate Plus Eight will premiere. “It's not a huge shift, but it's reflective of where the show was already going,” said TLC President and General Manager Eileen O'Neill. “Jon's going to be involved in the show.”

Jon Gosselin vs. Kate Gosselin. In this convoluted catharsis, there are no winners. There are no losers. They are both jerks. Jon is adulterous, egotistical, and narcissistic. Kate is cold, petulant, and unsympathetic. Americans should abhor both.

Stafon Johnson Communicates

On Tuesday, Stafon Johnson awoke. He also communicated via gestures and writing. Thank goodness.

Troublemaker Obfuscates, Blames Media

Terrell Owens: “It really just shows you the angle that the media has taken all these years. Over the years I've always kind of spoken openly about whatever is being asked with my answers, so the last four or five years I've kind of noticed that and tried taking some steps to prevent some of those things from happening.”

“But Sunday as you saw, it was obviously ... the media took some more than initiative to try to get me to kind of go down the wrong path. I know the last two teams that I've been on, I felt like I left those teams prematurely due to media interviews that I've done and things kind of taken out of context and they created sort of a media whirlwind in the locker room and things kind of went downhill from there. I'm just trying to do the best job I can do as far as answering the questions and trying to be a better teammate and not try to throw people under the bus.”

“So I was trying to take myself out of the situation and not do interviews at all until I had a talk with [NFL Senior Vice President of Public Relations] Greg Aiello and kind of got into a heated discussion with him as far as my stance on not doing postgame interviews because I'm not trying to go down the same road that I've been down before. So I took the initiative and they told me I had to talk in the postgame. I just went in there and did the best job that I can do without creating any media headlines. Obviously, what I did created headlines.”

GAME BALLS (NFL Edition)

Brett Favre (QB – Vikings): 24/46, 301 yards, 2 td
(Win: 27-24 vs. 49ers)

Joe Flacco (QB – Ravens): 25/35, 342 yards, 1 td
(Win: 34-3 vs. Browns)

Maurice Jones-Drew (RB – Jaguars): 23 carries, 119 yards, 3 td
(Win: 31-24 at Texans)

Kevin Kolb (QB – Eagles): 24/34, 327 yards, 2 td
(Win: 34-14 vs. Chiefs)

Peyton Manning (QB – Colts): 24/35, 379 yards, 4 td
(Win: 31-10 at Cardinals)

Kevin Smith (RB – Lions): 16 carries, 101 yards
(Win: 19-14 vs. Redskins)

Fred Taylor (RB – Patriots): 21 carries, 105 yards, 1 td
(Win: 26-10 vs. Falcons)

Pierre Thomas (RB – Saints): 14 carries, 126 yards, 2 td
(Win: 27-7 at Bills)

GAME BALLS (College Football Edition)

Andre Anderson (RB – Tulane): 28 carries, 199 yards, 4 td
(Win: 42-32 vs. McNeese State)

Levi Brown (QB – Troy): 33/46, 355 yards, 2 td
(Win: 30-27 at Arkansas State)

Ed Dickson (WR – Oregon): 11 receptions, 148 yards, 3 td
(Win: 42-3 vs. California)

Jonathan Dwyer (RB – Georgia Tech): 19 carries, 158 yards
(Win: 24-7 vs. North Carolina)

Blaine Gabbert (QB – Missouri): 25/40, 414 yards, 3 td
(Win: 31-21 at Nevada)

Toby Gerhart (RB – Stanford): 27 carries, 200 yards, 1 td
(Win: 34-14 vs. Washington)

Marshawn Gilyard (WR – Cincinnati): 9 receptions, 177 yards, 2 td
(Win: 28-20 vs. Fresno State)

Darius Marshall (RB – Marshall): 25 carries, 203 yards, 3 td
(Win: 27-16 at Memphis)

Todd Reesing (QB – Kansas): 30/41, 331 yards, 3 td
(Win: 35-28 vs. Southern Mississippi)

Jeremy Williams (WR – Tulane): 10 receptions, 222 yards, 2 td
(Win: 42-32 vs. McNeese State)

Ryan Williams (RB – Virginia Tech): 34 carries, 150 yards, 2 td
(Win: 31-7 vs. Miami-Florida)

Russell Wilson (QB – North Carolina State): 21/35, 322 yards, 4 td
(Win: 38-31 vs. Pittsburgh)

Angels Title Inspires Tribute

USC Superstar Almost Suffocated

On Monday, Stafon Johnson endured an inconceivable accident. His weight bar slipped. He suffered severe larynx and neck injuries. The Johnson family has our thoughts and prayers.

Terrible Tampa Shifts Signal Callers

On Monday, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers chose a quarterback. Josh Johnson is their starter. The Buccaneers are laughable and pathetic. No one will improve them.

Paper Postseason

On Sunday, Tiger Woods garnered the Fed Ex Cup. The PGA’s playoff remains a ridiculous exercise.

Conference Catastrophes

South Carolina 16 (4) Mississippi 10
Sports possess predictable moments. Certain calamities are inevitable. Certain catastrophes are unavoidable. In South Carolina, Steve Spurrier was merely 28-22. Versus elite ranked opponents, he was an apocryphal 2-10. This signature victory was overdue.

Iowa 21 (5) Penn State 10
During Kirk Ferentz’s tenure, Iowa has purchased Penn State. The Hawkeyes have won six contests. The Nittany Lions have won two. On Saturday, the Nittany Lions scored a 10-0 advantage. Unfortunately, Daryll Clark tossed three interceptions. Iowa recorded a punt block. In the fourth quarter, the Hawkeyes outscored the Nittany Lions 16-0.

Oregon 42 (6) California 3
On Saturday, California will oppose USC. This showdown was set. Both would be top ten. Oregon was an afterthought. California should have survived them. Instead, the Bears were obliterated.

(11) Virginia Tech 31 (9) Miami-Florida 7
Since 1987, the Miami Hurricanes and Virginia Tech Hokies have staged eighteen contests. In Miami, the Hurricanes are 5-3. In Virginia Tech, the Hokies are 5-3. Miami had defeated Florida State and Georgia Tech. Their swagger was evident. Unfortunately, Ryan Williams recorded his third consecutive hundred yard contest. The Hokies won their ninth consecutive home contest.

The Big Five

For reasons good and bad… they were the news.

The Hot Five

A quintet of sizzling conversation starters.

Line of the Morning

Senator Jim Webb (D-VA)

“The question is how you fight terrorism -- international terrorism. And in this case, we're widening the envelope to say ‘Taliban.’ Taliban means government. Are you really going to say that we're going to be responsible for putting in a viable national government in a country that really hasn't ever had one?”