Culture Popped

Generation Chatter: Platinum Bunny Multimedia’s Reorganization

2009-11-25T18:00:00.000-07:00

Time is more valuable than money. One can acquire additional money. One cannot acquire additional time. Since Platinum Bunny Multimedia’s inception, I have enhanced my portfolio with exciting and intensive, yet unanticipated projects. Culture Popped, Googling Atlee Hammaker, and Gossip CBUS’ requirements conflict with these projects and therefore compromise must occur.

Generation Chatter , via a one hour weekday webcast and my twitter, will unite Culture Popped’s expansive opinion, Googling Atlee Hammaker’s expeditious comedy, and Gossip CBUS’ social and special event coverage. My twitter account, which averages over fifty tweets per day, has been operational since earlier this month. Generation Chatter’s initial webcast will occur on Monday.

In our modern online environment, one must remain nimble and properly allocate every moment. While Culture Popped, Googling Atlee Hammaker, and Gossip CBUS archives will remain available, their practical existence has concluded. Generation Chatter and my twitter will serve as my public method of communication. This announcement and decision will continue my current interests and permit supplementary projects.

GAME BALLS (NFL Edition)

2009-11-25T17:30:00.001-07:00

Chris Chambers (WR – Chiefs): 4 receptions, 119 yards
(Win: 27-24 vs. Steelers)

Chris Johnson (RB – Titans): 29 carries, 151 yards
(Win: 20-17 at Texans)

Eli Manning (QB – Giants): 25/39, 384 yards, 3 td
(Win: 34-31 vs. Falcons)

Terrell Owens (WR – Bills): 9 receptions, 197 yards, 1 td
(Loss: 18-15 at Jaguars)

Aaron Rodgers (QB – Packers): 32/42, 344 yards, 2 td
(Win: 30-24 vs. 49ers)

Ben Roethlisberger (QB – Steelers): 32/42, 398 yards, 3 td
(Loss: 27-24 at Chiefs)

Matthew Stafford (QB – Lions): 26/43, 422 yards, 5 td
(Win: 38-37 vs. Lions)

Wes Welker (WR – Patriots): 15 receptions, 192 yards
(Win: 31-14 vs. Jets)

GAME BALLS (College Football Edition)

2009-11-25T17:00:00.001-07:00

Levi Brown (QB – Troy): 27/36, 477 yards, 3 td
(Win: 47-21 vs. Florida Atlantic)

Max Hall (QB – BYU): 33/45, 377 yards, 5 td
(Win: 38-21 vs. Air Force)

Mike Kafka (QB – Northwestern): 26/40, 326 yards, 2 td
(Win: 33-31 vs. Wisconsin)

Case Keenum (QB – Houston): 29/39, 405 yards, 5 td
(Win: 55-14 vs. Memphis)

Dexter McCluster (RB – Mississippi): 24 carries, 148 yards; 1/1, 27 yards, 1 td
(Win: 25-23 vs. LSU)

Colt McCoy (QB – Texas): 32/41, 396 yards, 4 td
(Win: 51-20 vs. Kansas)

Taylor Potts (QB – Texas Tech): 35/53, 388 yards, 2 td
(Win: 41-13 vs. Oklahoma)

Shane Vereen (RB – California): 42 carries, 193 yards, 3 td
(Win: 34-28 at Stanford)

Betting the Pass Line (Last Week: 2-3 Season: 27-23)

2009-11-20T20:30:00.000-07:00

Colts (-1 ½) at Ravens
When Peyton Manning defeats the New England Patriots, he also wins the subsequent contest. Last week, the Colts defeated the Patriots 35-34.

Falcons (+6 ½) at Giants
Since their 5-0 commencement, the Giants have lost four consecutive contests. They have been outscored 133-81. The Giants must win this contest.

Chargers (-3) at Broncos
In 2008, the Broncos won the initial contest. The Chargers won the conclusive contest. On Sunday, history will reoccur.

Jets at Patriots (-10 ½)
Following Bill Belichick’s controversial choice and consequences, the Jets should simply concede.

Eagles (-3) at Bears
Versus the Bears, Donovan McNabb has lost consecutive contests. A reversal seems inevitable.

Betting the Pass Line (Last Week: 3-2 Season: 30-25)

2009-11-20T20:00:00.000-07:00

Ohio State (-12) at Michigan
Since their 4-0 commencement, Michigan has accrued a 1-6 record. Conference opponents have outscored them 212-121. On Saturday, the Wolverines incur their fifteenth losing campaign.

LSU (+4 ½) at Mississippi
Versus LSU, Houston Nutt has won consecutive contests. A trifecta is impossible.

Penn State (-3) at Michigan State
On seven occasions, Penn State has amassed thirty-plus points. On six occasions, Michigan State has amassed thirty plus points. In an offensive exhibition, the Spartans score their seventh victory.

California at Stanford (-7 ½)
In 2001, Stanford accrued a bowl appearance. They also defeated California. In 2009, history will reoccur.

Oregon at Arizona (+6)
Since 1999, Oregon has won three contests. Arizona has won two contests. Arizona has outscored Oregon 151-145. In the fourth quarter, Arizona wins this contest.

GAME BALLS (NFL Edition)

2009-11-20T15:30:00.001-07:00

Ladell Betts (RB – Redskins): 26 carries, 114 yards, 1 td
(Win: 27-17 vs. Broncos)

Tom Brady (QB – Patriots): 29/42, 375 yards, 3 td
(Loss: 35-34 at Colts)

Brett Favre (QB – Vikings): 20/29, 344 yards, 1 td
(Win: 27-10 vs. Lions)

Chris Johnson (RB – Titans): 26 carries, 132 yards, 2 td; 9 receptions, 100 yards
(Win: 41-17 vs. Bills)

Maurice Jones-Drew (RB – Jaguars): 24 carries, 123 yards, 1 td
(Win: 24-22 at Jets)

Peyton Manning (QB – Colts): 28/44, 327 yards, 4 td
(Win: 35-34 vs. Patriots)

Sidney Rice (WR – Vikings): 7 receptions, 201 yards
(Win: 27-10 vs. Lions)

Kurt Warner (QB – Cardinals): 29/38, 340 yards, 2 td
(Win: 31-20 vs. Seahawks)

GAME BALLS (College Football Edition)

2009-11-20T15:00:00.001-07:00

Danario Alexander (WR – Missouri): 10 receptions, 200 yards, 3 td
(Win: 38-12 at Kansas State)

Toby Gerhart (RB – Stanford): 29 carries, 178 yards, 3 td
(Win: 55-21 at USC)

Brynn Harvey (RB – Central Florida): 35 carries, 139 yards, 3 td
(Win: 37-32 vs. Houston)

Landry Jones (QB – Oklahoma): 24/39, 392 yards, 5 td
(Win: 65-10 vs. Texas A&M)

Ryan Mallett (QB – Arkansas): 23/30, 405 yards, 5 td
(Win: 56-20 vs. Troy)

Joe Martinek (RB – Rutgers): 25 carries, 128 yards, 1 td
(Win: 31-0 vs. South Florida)

Dexter McCluster (RB – Mississippi): 25 carries, 282 yards, 4 td
(Win: 42-17 vs. Tennessee)

Isaiah Pead (RB – Cincinnati): 18 carries, 175 yards, 1 td
(Win: 24-21 vs. West Virginia)

Greg Salas (WR – Hawaii): 16 carries, 196 yards, 1 td
(Win: 24-6 vs. New Mexico State)

Brandon Saine (RB – Ohio State): 11 carries, 103 yards, 2 td
(Win: 27-24 vs. Iowa)

Vai Taua (RB – Nevada): 17 carries, 179 yards, 2 td
(Win: 52-14 vs. Fresno State)

Robert Turbin (RB – Utah State): 24 carries, 190 yards, 2 td
(Win: 24-9 vs. San Jose State)

Shane Vereen (RB – California): 30 carries, 159 yards, 1 td
(Win: 24-16 vs. Arizona)

Ed Wesley (RB – TCU): 12 carries, 137 yards, 1 td
(Win: 55-28 vs. Utah)

Betting the Pass Line (Last Week: 2-3 Season: 25-20)

2009-11-13T18:30:00.000-07:00

Bengals (+7) at Steelers
In 1998, the Bengals swept the Steelers. Eleven years subsequent, history will reoccur.

Jaguars (+7) at Jets
Since week three, the Jaguars are 3-2. The Jets are 1-4. Favor Maurice Jones-Drew.

Cowboys (-3) at Packers
Versus the Packers, Tony Romo has won consecutive contests. A trifecta seems inevitable.

Eagles (+1) at Chargers
Since their 2-3 commencement, the Chargers have won three consecutive contests. On Sunday, Donovan McNabb reintroduces their reality.

Patriots at Colts (-3)
In their previous five contests, Peyton Manning has accrued nine touchdowns and four victories. Tom Brady has accrued seven touchdowns and one victory. The Colts will continue their underappreciated success.

Betting the Pass Line (Last Week: 3-2 Season: 27-23)

2009-11-13T18:00:00.000-07:00

West Virginia (+6 ½) at Cincinnati
The Bearcats have been acclaimed, exalted, lauded, praised, and worshiped. Eventually, their allure must subside.

Iowa at Ohio State (-16 ½)
Ricky Stanzi is injured. Bet the Buckeyes. Bet the beer fund.

Florida at South Carolina (+17 ½)
In their seventeen contests, Florida has outscored South Carolina 608-272. The Gamecocks must reestablish their presence.

TCU at Utah (+20)
Versus the Horned Frogs, Utah has won three consecutive contests. A reversal seems inevitable.

Notre Dame (+6 ½) at Pittsburgh
Since 1999, Notre Dame has won four contests. Pittsburgh has won three contests. Notre Dame has outscored Pittsburgh 198-162. Charlie Weis cannot allow an even series.

GAME BALLS (NFL Edition)

2009-11-13T15:30:00.000-07:00

Cedric Benson (RB – Bengals): 34 carries, 117 yards, 1 td
(Win: 17-7 vs. Ravens)

Dallas Clark (TE – Colts): 14 receptions, 119 yards
(Win: 20-17 vs. Texans)

Larry Fitzgerald (WR – Cardinals): 9 receptions, 123 yards, 2 td
(Win: 41-21 at Bears)

Chris Johnson (RB – Titans): 25 carries, 135 yards, 2 td
(Win: 34-27 at 49ers)

Rashard Mendenhall (RB – Steelers): 22 carries, 155 yards
(Win: 28-10 at Broncos)

Randy Moss (WR – Patriots): 6 receptions, 147 yards, 1 td
(Win: 27-17 vs. Dolphins)

Mike Sims-Walker (WR – Jaguars): 6 receptions, 147 yards, 1 td
(Win: 24-21 vs. Chiefs)

Michael Turner (RB – Falcons): 18 caries, 166 yards, 2 td
(Win: 31-17 vs. Redskins)

GAME BALLS (College Football Edition)

2009-11-13T15:00:00.001-07:00

Sean Canfield (QB – Oregon State): 29/39, 342 yards, 2 td
(Win: 31-14 at California)

Zach Collaros (QB – Cincinnati): 29/37, 480 yards, 1 td; 13 carries, 75 yards, 2 td
(Win: 47-45 vs. Connecticut)

Jonathan Dwyer (RB – Georgia Tech): 23 carries, 189 yards, 1 td
(Win: 30-27 vs. Wake Forest)

Nick Florence (QB – Baylor): 32/43, 427 yards, 3 td
(Win: 40-32 at Missouri)

Toby Gerhart (RB – Stanford): 38 carries, 223 yards, 3 td
(Win: 51-42 vs. Oregon)

Roy Helu Jr. (RB – Nebraska): 20 carries, 138 yards
(Win: 10-3 vs. Oklahoma)

Mark Ingram (RB – Alabama): 22 carries, 144 yards
(Win: 24-15 vs. LSU)

Case Keenum (QB – Houston): 40/60, 522 yards, 3 td
(Win: 46-45 at Tulsa)

Vince Murray (RB – Navy): 14 carries, 158 yards, 1 td
(Win: 23-21 at Notre Dame)

Jordan Shipley (WR – Texas): 11 receptions, 273 yards, 1 td
(Win: 35-3 vs. Central Florida)

Daniel Thomas (RB – Kansas State): 24 carries, 185 yards, 1 td
(Win: 17-10 vs. Kansas)

Keith Toston (RB – Oklahoma State): 25 carries, 206 yards, 3 td
(Win: 34-8 at Iowa State)

Betting the Pass Line (Last Week: 2-3 Season: 23-17)

2009-11-06T21:30:00.000-07:00

Ravens at Bengals (+3)
In week five, the Bengals defeated the Ravens 17-14. If the Bengals score a sweep, they are a playoff combatant.

Texans at Colts (-9)
Versus the Texans, Peyton Manning has amassed thirty-three touchdowns and ten victories. In his eleventh triumph, Manning tosses another triple.

Chargers (+4 ½) at Giants
On April 24, 2004, Eli Manning and Phillip Rivers were exchanged for each other. In their initial skirmish, the fourth selection trumps the first selection.

Cowboys at Eagles (-3)
On December 28, the Eagles obliterated the Cowboys 44-6. On Sunday, Donovan McNabb amasses four touchdowns. The Cowboys incur another annihilation.

Steelers at Broncos (+3)
Since 2005, the Broncos have won two contests. The Steelers have won one contest. The Steelers have outscored the Broncos 82-79. The Broncos will win. However, the Steelers will compete.

Betting the Pass Line (Last Week: 2-3 Season: 24-21)

2009-11-06T21:00:00.000-07:00

Navy (+11) at Notre Dame
On November 3, 2007, Navy defeated Notre Dame 46-44. On Saturday, Jimmy Clausen tosses four touchdowns. The Fighting Irish garner penultimate revenge.

Ohio State (+3 ½) at Penn State
Since 2002, Ohio State has won five contests. Penn State has won three contests. Ohio State has outscored Penn State 161-114. The Buckeyes will win this contest.

Oregon at Stanford (+6 ½)
Versus Stanford, Oregon has won seven consecutive contests. The Ducks have outscored the Cardinal 254-116. A reversal seems inevitable.

LSU (+7 ½) at Alabama
In 2007, Les Miles won 41-34. In 2008, Nick Saban won 27-20. In 2009, Miles will assume the advantage.

Oklahoma(-5 ½) at Nebraska
Versus the Cornhuskers, Oklahoma has won four consecutive contests. This rivalry has been retired.

GAME BALLS (NFL Edition)

2009-11-06T18:30:00.001-07:00

Drew Brees (QB – Saints): 25/33, 308 yards, 2 td
(Win: 35-27 vs. Falcons)

Steven Jackson (RB – Rams): 22 carries, 149 yards, 1 td
(Win: 17-10 at Lions)

Vincent Jackson (WR – Chargers): 8 receptions, 103 yards, 1 td
(Win: 24-16 vs. Raiders)

Chris Johnson (RB – Titans): 24 carries, 228 yards, 2 td
(Win: 30-13 vs. Jaguars)

Peyton Manning (QB – Colts): 31/48, 347 yards
(Win: 18-14 vs. 49ers)

Ryan Moats (RB – Texans): 23 carries, 126 yards, 3 td
(Win: 31-10 at Bills)

Reggie Wayne (WR – Colts): 12 receptions, 147 yards, 1 td
(Win: 18-14 vs. 49ers)

DeAngelo Williams (RB – Panthers): 23 carries, 158 yards
(Win: 34-21 at Cardinals)

GAME BALLS (College Football Edition)

2009-11-06T18:00:00.002-07:00

Levi Brown (QB – Troy): 28/41, 378 yards, 4 td
(Win: 42-21 vs. Louisiana-Monroe)

Tim Brown (WR – Rutgers): 5 receptions, 162 yards, 2 td
(Win: 28-24 at Connecticut)

James Cleveland (WR – Houston): 13 receptions, 190 yards, 2 td
(Win: 50-43 vs. Southern Mississippi)

Anthony Dixon (RB – Mississippi State): 33 carries, 252 yards, 2 td
(Win: 31-24 at Kentucky)

Lance Dunbar (RB – North Texas): 23 carries, 227 yards, 1 td
(Win: 68-49 vs. Western Kentucky)

Tyshon Goode (WR – Kent State): 11 receptions, 198 yards, 2 td
(Win: 26-14 vs. Western Michigan)

Montario Hardesty (RB – Tennessee): 23 carries, 121 yards, 2 td
(Win: 31-13 vs. South Carolina)

LaMichael James (RB – Oregon): 24 carries, 183 yards, 1 td
(Win: 47-20 vs. USC)

Jerrel Jernigan (WR – Troy): 13 receptions, 203 yards, 1 td
(Win: 42-21 vs. Louisiana-Monroe)

Case Keenum (QB – Houston): 44/54, 559 yards, 5 td
(Win: 50-43 vs. Southern Mississippi)

Carlton Mitchell (WR – South Florida): 5 receptions, 132 yards, 1 td
(Win: 30-19 vs. West Virginia)

Bernard Pierce (RB – Temple): 29 carries, 267 yards, 2 td
(Win: 27-24 at Navy)

Ben Tate (RB – Auburn): 25 carries, 144 yards, 1 td
(Win: 33-20 vs. Mississippi)

Adam Weber (QB – Minnesota): 19/31, 416 yards, 5 td
(Win: 42-34 vs. Michigan State)

Health Hiatus

2009-11-02T12:00:00.000-07:00

Betting the Pass Line (Last Week: 3-2 Season: 21-14)

2009-10-30T21:30:00.000-07:00

Giants at Eagles (-1)
Preseason, the Eagles and Giants expectations were enormous. Only this contest’s victor remains elite.

Broncos (+3) at Ravens
During his career, John Elway won seven consecutive contests thrice. On Sunday, Kyle Orton is equally magnificent.

49ers at Colts (-12 ½)
Alex Smith commits four turnovers. Peyton Manning tosses four touchdowns. The Colts romp.

Vikings (+3) at Packers
In Lambeu Field, Brett Favre has won eighty-nine contests. His ninetieth victory will be poignant and peculiar.

Falcons at Saints (-11)
Since 2006, the Saints have won five contests. The Falcons have won one contest. The Saints have outscored the Falcons 159-105. The Saints start 7-0.

Betting the Pass Line (Last Week: 2-3 Season: 22-18)

2009-10-30T21:00:00.000-07:00

Georgia at Florida (-14 ½)
In their thirteen previous conference contests, Florida has scored twelve double digit victories. On Saturday, the Gators reiterate their supremacy.

Penn State (-17) at Northwestern
Versus Northwestern, Joe Paterno is 9-3. His tenth victory will include five touchdowns.

South Carolina (+6) at Tennessee
Once, Steve Spurrier and Lane Kiffin were offensive empresarios. Tomorrow evening, the Gamecocks win with one touchdown.

Texas at Oklahoma State (+9 ½)
Versus the Cowboys, Texas has won ten consecutive contests. Oklahoma State will not win. However, they will compete.

USC (+3) at Oregon
Since 2001, USC has won four contests. Oregon has won two contests. USC has outscored Oregon 207-114. The Trojans win this contest with offense.

2009 College Football Award Semi-Finalists

2009-10-30T18:00:00.000-07:00

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

Art Briles (Houston)
Mack Brown (Texas)
Kirk Ferentz (Iowa)
Paul Johnson (Georgia Tech)
Butch Jones (Central Michigan)
Brian Kelly (Cincinnati)
Chip Kelly (Oregon)
Urban Meyer (Florida)
Gary Patterson (TCU)
Chris Peterson (Boise State)
Nick Saban (Alabama)
Dave Wannstedt (Pittsburgh)

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

Jimmy Clausen (Notre Dame)
Max Hall (BYU)
Jerrod Johnson (Texas A&M)
Case Keenum (Houston)
Dan LeVefour (Central Michigan)
Colt McCoy (Texas)
Kellen Moore (Boise State)
Tony Pike (Cincinnati)
Christian Ponder (Florida State)
Tyler Sheehan (Bowling Green)
Bill Stull (Pittsburgh)
Tim Tebow (Florida)

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

Jahvid Best (California)
Noel Devine (West Virginia)
Toby Gerhart (Stanford)
Montel Harris (Boston College)
Mark Ingram (Alabama)
Dion Lewis (Pittsburgh)
Darius Marshall (Marshall)
Ryan Matthews (Fresno State)
Jacquizz Rodgers (Oregon State)
Ben Tate (Auburn)
Daniel Thomas (Kansas State)
Ryan Williams (Virginia Tech)

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

Freddie Barnes (Bowling Green)
Vincent Brown (San Diego State)
Marshawn Gilyard (Cincinnati)
AJ Green (Georgia)
Kerry Meier (Kansas)
Eric Page (Toledo)
Naaman Roosevelt (Buffalo)
Jordan Shipley (Texas)
Keith Smith (Purdue)
Golden Tate (Notre Dame)
Demaryius Thomas (Georgia Tech)
Mike Williams (Syracuse)

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

Zane Beadles (Utah)
Ciron Black (LSU)
Bryan Bulaga (Iowa)
Jeff Byers (USC)
Jason Fox (Miami-Florida)
Chris Hall (Texas)
Mike Johnson (Alabama)
Russell Okung (Oklahoma State)
Jason Pinkston (Pittsburgh)
Maurkice Pouncey (Florida)
Sergio Render (Virginia Tech)
Trent Williams (Oklahoma)

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

Rahim Alem (LSU)
Terrence Cody (Alabama)
Jermaine Cunningham (Florida)
Greg Hardy (Mississippi)
Jerry Hughes (TCU)
Derrick Morgan (Georgia Tech)
Jared Odrick (Penn State)
Nick Perry (USC)
Ricky Sapp (Clemson)
George Selvie (South Florida)
Ndamukong Suh (Nebraska)
Lindsey Witten (Connecticut)

Lawrence Taylor Award
(Nation’s Most Outstanding Linebacker)

Pat Angerer (Iowa)
Lee Campbell (Minnesota)
Greg Jones (Michigan State)
Sergio Kindle (Texas)
Sean Lee (Penn State)
Carmen Messina (New Mexico)
Von Miller (Texas A&M)
Mike McLaughlin (Boston College)
Roddrick Muckelroy (Texas)
Perry Riley (LSU)
Brandon Spikes (Florida)
Sean Weatherspoon (Missouri)

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

Nate Allen (South Florida)
Eric Berry (Tennessee)
Kam Chancellor (Virginia Tech)
Chad Jones (LSU)
Taylor Mays (USC)
DeAndre McDaniel (Clemson)
Rahim Moore (UCLA)
Patrick Robinson (Florida State)
Myron Rolle (Florida State)
Tyler Sash (Iowa)
Earl Thomas (Texas)
Justin Woodall (Florida)

Barry Sanders Award
(Nation’s Most Outstanding Athlete)

Jimmy Clausen (Notre Dame)
Toby Gerhart (Stanford)
Mark Ingram (Alabama)
Case Keenum (Houston)
Dion Lewis (Pittsburgh)
Colt McCoy (Texas)
Kellen Moore (Boise State)
Jacquizz Rodgers (Oregon State)
Jordan Shipley (Texas)
Brandon Spikes (Florida)
Tim Tebow (Florida)
Demaryius Thomas (Georgia Tech)

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

Trey Farquhar (Idaho)
Kai Forbath (UCLA)
Richard Jackson (Clemson)
Hunter Lawrence (Texas)
Daniel Murray (Auburn)
Aaron Pettrey (Ohio State)
Jake Rodgers (Cincinnati)
Mike Salerno (Northern Illinois)
Josh Shene (Mississippi)
Erik Soderberg (Air Force)
Brett Swenson (Michigan State)
Leigh Tiffin (Alabama)

Chris Gardocki Award
(Nation’s Most Outstanding Punter)

Jeremy Boone (Penn State)
Brent Bowden (Virginia Tech)
Kyle Brotzman (Boise State)
Drew Butler (Georgia)
Derek Epperson (Baylor)
Scott Kozlowski (West Virginia)
Jeff Locke (UCLA)
Robert Malone (Fresno State)
Zoltan Mesko (Michigan)
Quinn Sharp (Oklahoma State)
Caleb Sturgis (Florida)
Brett Upson (Vanderbilt)

GAME BALLS (NFL Edition)

2009-10-30T17:30:00.001-07:00

Miles Austin (WR – Cowboys): 6 receptions, 171 yards, 2 td
(Win: 37-21 vs. Falcons)

Cedric Benson (RB – Bengals): 37 carries, 189 yards, 1 td
(Win: 45-10 vs. Bears)

Owen Daniels (WR – Texans): 7 receptions, 123 yards, 1 td
(Win: 24-21 vs. 49ers)

Shonn Greene (RB – Jets): 19 carries, 142 yards, 1 td
(Win: 38-0 at Raiders)

Chad Johnson (WR – Bengals): 10 receptions, 118 yards, 2 td
(Win: 45-10 vs. Bears)

Thomas Jones (RB – Jets): 26 carries, 121 yards, 1 td
(Win: 38-0 at Raiders)

Tony Romo (QB – Cowboys): 21/29, 311 yards, 3 td
(Win: 37-21 vs. Falcons)

Jeremy Shockey (TE – Saints): 4 receptions, 105 yards
(Win: 46-34 at Dolphins

GAME BALLS (College Football Edition)

2009-10-30T17:00:00.002-07:00

Allen Bradford (RB – USC): 15 carries, 147 yards, 2 td
(Win: 42-36 vs. Oregon State)

Noel Devine (RB – West Virginia): 23 carries, 178 yards, 1 td
(Win: 28-24 vs. Connecticut)

Colin Kaepernick (QB – Nevada): 13/21, 178 yards, 2 td; 15 carries, 230 yards, 4 td
(Win: 70-45 vs. Nevada)

MiQuale Lewis (RB – Ball State): 26 carries, 301 yards, 1 td
(Win: 29-27 at Eastern Michigan)

Ryan Lindley (QB – San Diego State): 29/43, 459 yards, 6 td
(Win: 42-28 at Colorado State)

Kyle Parker (QB – Clemson): 25/37, 326 yards, 3 td
(Win: 40-37 at Miami-Florida)

Bernard Pierce (RB – Temple): 40 carries, 212 yards, 3 td
(Win: 40-24 at Toledo)

Christian Ponder (QB – Florida State): 33/40, 395 yards, 3 td
(Win: 30-207 at North Carolina)

DeMarco Sampson (WR – San Diego State): 15 receptions, 257 yards, 3 td
(Win: 42-28 at Colorado State)

Cory Sykes (RB – Ball State): 23 carries, 203 yards, 3 td
(Win: 29-27 at Eastern Michigan)

National Basketball Association Predictions

2009-10-30T15:00:00.002-07:00

Eastern Conference

Atlantic Division
1. Boston Celtics (57-25)
2. Toronto Raptors (38-44)
3. Philadelphia 76ers (37-45)
4. New York Knicks (31-51)
5. New Jersey Nets (26-56)

Central Division
1. Cleveland Cavaliers (51-31)
2. Detroit Pistons (47-35)
3. Chicago Bulls (44-38)
4. Indiana Pacers (30-52)
5. Milwaukee Bucks (28-54)

Southeast Division
1. Orlando Magic (55-27)
2. Miami Heat (49-33)
3. Washington Wizards (44-38)
4. Atlanta Hawks (42-40)
5. Charlotte Bobcats (33-49)

Western Conference

Northwest Division
1. Denver Nuggets (52-30)
2. Portland Trailblazers (49-33)
3. Utah Jazz (45-37)
4. Oklahoma City Thunder (32-50)
5. Minnesota Timberwolves (22-60)

Pacific Division
1. Los Angeles Lakers (64-18)
2. Phoenix Suns (41-41)
3. Los Angeles Clippers (36-46)
4. Golden State Warriors (34-48)
5. Sacramento Kings (24-58)

Southwest Division
1. San Antonio Spurs (54-28)
2. New Orleans Hornets (53-29)
3. Dallas Mavericks (46-36)
4. Houston Rockets (39-43)
5. Memphis Grizzlies (25-47)

Eastern Conference

First Round
(1) Boston Celtics defeats (8) Atlanta Hawks 4-1
(2) Orlando Magic defeats (7) Washington Wizards 4-2
(3) Cleveland Cavaliers defeats (6) Chicago Bulls 4-3
(4) Miami Heat defeats (5) Detroit Pistons 4-1

Conference Semi-Finals
(1) Boston Celtics defeats (4) Miami Heat 4-2
(2) Orlando Magic defeats (3) Cleveland Cavaliers 4-2

Conference Finals
(1) Boston Celtics defeats (2) Orlando Magic 4-2

Western Conference

First Round
(1) Los Angeles Lakers defeats (8) Phoenix Suns 4-0
(2) San Antonio Spurs defeats (7) Utah Jazz 4-0
(3) Denver Nuggets defeats (6) Dallas Mavericks 4-1
(4) New Orleans Hornets defeats (5) Portland Trailblazers 4-2

Conference Semi-Finals
(1) Los Angeles Lakers defeats (4) New Orleans Hornets 4-1
(3) Denver Nuggets defeats (2) San Antonio Spurs 4-3

Conference Finals
(1) Los Angeles Lakers defeats (2) Denver Nuggets 4-2

NBA Finals
(1) Los Angeles Lakers defeats (1) Boston Celtics 4-3

Health Hiatus

2009-10-24T10:00:00.000-07:00

Big Five & Hot Five

2009-10-24T09:30:00.000-07:00

Betting the Pass Line (Last Week: 4-1 Season: 18-12)

2009-10-23T23:20:00.000-07:00

Vikings (+6) at Steelers
This season, the Steelers are 4-2. Their previous opponents were 11-23. The Vikings will win this contest.

Bears at Bengals (Even)
Last week, the Houston Texans defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 28-17. The Bengals must reestablish themselves.

Saints (-6) at Dolphins
Versus the Miami Dolphins, Drew Brees is 0-3. On Sunday, Brees tosses three touchdowns. He scores an initial victory.

Falcons (+4) at Cowboys
Versus NFC East, North, and South opponents, Matt Ryan is 7-2. Favor the Falcons.

Cardinals (+7) at Giants
Versus the New York Giants, Kurt Warner has lost four consecutive contests. Warner will accrue three touchdowns. He will not toss an interception. However, the Giants will win.

Betting the Pass Line (Last Week: 4-1 Season: 20-15)

2009-10-23T22:43:00.000-07:00

South Florida (+6 ½) at Pittsburgh
Last season, Pittsburgh defeated South Florida 26-21. On Saturday, the Bulls will exact their revenge.

Penn State (-4 ½) at Michigan
This season, Michigan has defeated Delaware State, Eastern Michigan, Indiana, Notre Dame, and Western Michigan. Iowa and Michigan State have defeated the Wolverines. Favor the Nittany Lions.

Auburn (+7 ½) at LSU
Since 2004, LSU has won three contests. Auburn has won two contests. LSU has outscored Auburn 88-79. LSU will win. However, Auburn will compete.

TCU at BYU (+2 ½)
In four contests, BYU has recorded two victories. TCU has recorded two victories. BYU has outscored TCU 122-115. In the fourth quarter, the Cougars win this contest.

Oregon State (+21) at USC
In nine seasons, Pete Carroll has accrued eleven conference losses. He has never lost consecutive conference contests versus one opponent.

Harmonized Medicine

2009-10-23T20:53:00.000-07:00

Jim Zorn Fired? Redskins Faux Protest

2009-10-23T20:50:00.001-07:00

Washington Redskins President Vinny Cerrato: “Jim Zorn is the head coach of the Washington Redskins and will be for the rest of this season, and hopefully into the future. The frustration is very high, everywhere around here. But the relationships internally within this organization, quite frankly, remain the same. Hopefully we can just concentrate and focus on winning football games.”

FBI Reignites Drug War

2009-10-22T23:57:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday and Thursday, the FBI arrested 300. As previously stated, drugs are omnipresent. They infect our children and communities. They may not merit headlines. They warrant reaction.

Expanding “Hate”

2009-10-22T23:34:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, the Senate passed the Matthew Shepard Act (68-29). The hate crimes measure includes ethnicity, race, religion, gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgenders. As previously stated, Democrats are ridiculous. Bisexual and Transgender “lifestyles” are repugnant. Mainstream America abhors them.

Mississippi Fans Embrace Stupidity, Bigotry

2009-10-22T23:19:00.000-07:00

Despite "From Dixie with Love" alterations, Mississippi fans still chant “the south will rise again.” When will assholes realize the obvious? Southern states possess exemplary art, athletics, entertainment, and music. Confederate expressionism desecrates these.

A Simplistic Artiste

2009-10-22T22:58:00.000-07:00

Soupy Sales
(1926-2009)

Yahoo: Companies Showcase Recession Resistance

2009-10-22T18:31:00.000-07:00

Behold the damage the recession has wrought on the consumer economy: Retailers and automakers have gone bankrupt, restaurants have closed, and malls have become ghost towns. Most businesses dependent on consumer spending, from clothing to computers to appliances, have felt the pinch.

But some consumer-product companies have benefited from the recession, usually because they sell the kind of stuff that helps people save money. Other companies have capitalized on timely technology or latched on to powerful trends that defy the recession. To identify some of these recession winners, I analyzed data provided by financial research firm Capital IQ, a unit of Standard & Poor's, to see which consumer-products firms have gained revenue and market share since the recession began near the end of 2007. Then I researched earnings reports and other sources to see which products have fueled each company's growth.

For many of these companies, any increase in revenue over the past two years is a nifty accomplishment, since overall sales of household goods have fallen by more than 30 percent, according to Capital IQ. And sales of supposedly recessionproof "staple" items like food, beverages, and personal products have barely risen. So firms that have significantly outpaced the rest of their industry deserve special attention.

The products and companies that made our list provide an interesting glimpse into how Americans have adjusted their spending and lifestyle habits in the midst of recession. We're finding plenty of ways to cut corners but still enjoy familiar pastimes and small treats. Here are some of the things we've spent more on during lean times:

Arm & Hammer laundry detergent. When money's scarce, who wants to splurge on household cleaners? Hardly anybody, it appears, which is why Church & Dwight's "power brands," known for value and dependability, have been thriving. Four years ago, when the economy was booming, the company's Arm & Hammer brands, including laundry detergent, toothpaste, and kitty litter, were growing at a sleepy 1 percent per year. In the midst of the recession, the company ramped up advertising for Arm & Hammer products, which has helped deliver double-digit sales gains for the past 12 months. Overall, Church & Dwight's revenue is up 12 percent over the past two years.

Coleman camping gear. Lavish vacations are back on the wish list, with more people staying close to home. That's good news for the Jarden Corp., which owns Coleman and more than 40 other everyday brands. Applications for fishing and camping permits are up about 10 percent over the past year, with some people even fishing more to help lower their grocery bills. That's helped boost sales of Coleman tents, coolers, stoves, and sleeping bags, along with fishing gear made by Stren and Trilene, two other Jarden brands. Other growing business lines, such as Ball canning jars and Rawlings sporting goods, have helped push company revenue up 12 percent since 2007.

Hyundai automobiles. There's a depression in the auto industry, with automakers going bankrupt, dealers shutting their doors, and sales down 27 percent from last year, according to J. D. Power & Associates. But Hyundai has the right cars for lean times, and sales are up nearly 3 percent, thanks to an affordable lineup of feature-packed vehicles and spiffy new models like the Genesis sedan and coupe. Hyundai and its sister company Kia were once lampooned as discount bottom-dwellers with offerings scarcely better than used cars. But a concentrated effort to improve quality has paid off, along with a strategy of offering more features for less than competitors like Toyota, Honda, and General Motors.

Keurig single-cup coffee. Java giant Starbucks has been struggling, but that doesn't mean coffee has fallen out of favor. Vermont-based Green Mountain Coffee Roasters has been boiling hot thanks to its Keurig single-cup brewing systems, popular in many offices and increasingly in private homes. Sales from the Keurig division have nearly doubled since last year, and Green Mountain's overall revenue has increased 86 percent during the recession, according to Capital IQ. Green Mountain's stock has been wired, too, rising nearly 190 percent since the start of 2008.

Monster Energy drinks. America must need a boost. The market for traditional sodas and juices is flat, but California-based Hansen Natural Corp. has been logging record sales and earnings this year thanks largely to its lineup of Monster Energy drinks. Starbucks has gotten into this trendy business, which has slightly cut into Hansen's sales. But Hansen has kept the Monster brand fresh with innovations like resealable cans and clever spinoffs like its Anti-Gravity and Killer-B varieties. Overall company revenue is up nearly 20 percent since 2007.

Presto cookers. It slices, dices, and makes money during a recession! The company that invented the Salad Shooter in 1988 is still turning out kitchen gizmos that appeal to nesting consumers doing more of their own cooking. National Presto Industries won't say which of its products are the biggest hits, lest the competition catch on, but Capital IQ's numbers show the company's revenue up nearly 12 percent since the recession began. Online bestsellers include a pizza oven, hot-air popcorn popper, and several types of pressure cookers.

Private-label salad dressing. The jar might say Kroger, Safeway, Wal-Mart, or Trader Joe's, but it's probably made by a private-label food company like Illinois-based TreeHouse Foods. Sales of cheaper store brands have surged during the recession, but consumers have also gotten used to higher quality. TreeHouse has capitalized on that trend, since it specializes in upscale dressings, sauces, soup, salsa, pickles, and organic products that top retailers can sell as their own. But you'll never know you're eating a TreeHouse product: The company won't say which foods it supplies to which stores. The secrecy seems to be good for business. Revenue is up 30 percent since the recession began, and the stock has soared 68 percent.

Transformers. Good and evil are still doing battle, which makes toy maker Hasbro a winner. The company's Transformers action figures have morphed into a franchise that includes two movies, a TV series, video games, comic books, and a wide range of spinoff toys that seem to be recessionproof. A sharp boost in entertainment licensing revenue from Transformers and a related stalwart, G.I. Joe, have helped offset reductions in other parts of Hasbro's earnings statement. Expect the bots to keep battling.

Tupperware. Pinched consumers are saving more of everything, including leftovers, which means these are boom times for food-storage products like Tupperware. The company has fancy new products tailored to the oxygen levels required by various fruits and vegetables you want to preserve in the fridge, along with old standbys for storing soup or bringing your lunch to work. With strong future prospects, the stock has been trading near 12-year highs.

Universal remotes. One thing we're not skimping on is TV time, and California-based Universal Electronics has benefited from several trends: the proliferation of TVs and video recorders, the growth of high-definition TV, and the transition from analog to digital signals. Universal makes remote control devices for big cable companies like Comcast, Time Warner, and Direct TV, specializing in the technology that allows one gizmo to communicate with multiple types of electronics. When cable subscribers upgrade their service, there's a good chance they get a new remote furnished by Universal. The company also sells its technology in retail stores under the Audiovox name. Revenue is up 12 percent since 2007, according to Capital IQ, and with HD penetration in homes still relatively low, Universal is one company whose future looks vibrant.

Yahoo: The Second Impression Aspects

2009-10-22T18:23:00.000-07:00

1. The Aroma
Pheromones, nature's sniffable love potion #9, provide us with important information about compatibility. Though aftershave or cologne can mask a man's pheromones, a recent study showed that people tend to pick perfumes similar to their body's natural odor. "Perfumes enhance one's own scent and, thus, entice members of the opposite sex," says biological psychologist Dr. Nick Neave of England's Northumbria University. So if you like a man's cologne, it could be a sign that you're compatible -- at least biologically.

2. The Fashion
According to Michael Marinoff, a bartender at New York's Maritime Hotel, the modern Casanova wears many disguises. "Players have become much more subtle," he says. "It's all about fusion." If a guy looks like he's trying to merge many styles (e.g. a Brooks Brothers shirt with the sleeves ripped off), he could be attempting to multiply his options.

3. The Body Language
We can absorb as many as 10,000 nonverbal cues in less than a minute, says body language expert Patti Wood, and can form impressions in as little as one-fortieth of a second with an accuracy rate of up to 80 percent. So, check him out. An overly broad stance could mean he's domineering. Are his feet pointing toward you? As Wood says, "Where the feet go, the heart follows." The timing of a smile is revealing, too. If he smiles before he speaks, he feels good about you; if his grin follows his speech, he could be faking it.

4. The Signals
For the women of the 78th Police Precinct of New York City, spotting a shady character comes down to "Gut feeling, with both men and perps." Signals of sketchiness include lack of eye contact and fidgeting. If his eyes roam over your body instead of resting on your face, you can probably guess his motives. And if he changes his gait or begins to perspire profusely upon spotting a cop, watch out -- "Oh, do they sweat."

5. The Face
Deborah Gunther, who practices the ancient Chinese art of facial reading, says there are countless ways to gauge a person's character through his face. A mouth full of curves is a sign of a sense of humor. Watch out for large, round nostrils, which could mean he can't hold onto money, or a jaw that is wider than his forehead, which signals a dictatorial personality. Thin lips can point to emotional repression, while fuller lips signal sensuality; and if you can see the inside of his lip when his mouth is closed, he may be promiscuous.

6. The Voice
Our reaction to a man's voice is often instinctive and immediate. According to Sam Chwat, director of New York Speech Improvement Services, the response is primal: "Humans react differently to an animal that whimpers than to an animal that roars." Nevertheless, Chwat notes, though one might interpret a soft voice as a sign of timidity, it could signal a willingness to listen. Similarly, an overly strident, forceful delivery might be his way of compensating for insecurity -- there could be a tiny mouse hidden inside that great big lion!

7. The Bling
The doorman at New York's Four Seasons Hotel is a longtime observer of the wealthy -- and those who wish they were. His wisdom: "If a man is too interested in flash, his money is probably poorly managed." According to his colleague up the street, at the Pierre, "The watch tells you everything." Don't forget to check out his feet: The doormen concur that brown shoes paired with a blue suit equal a bad tip.

8. The Aura
"Everyone is born psychic," says Tina Vlado at The Village Psychic in New York. "Some just more than others." Those of us less preternaturally inclined simply have to focus. "When you first meet someone," Vlado suggests, "stop for a second, breathe, and get a sense of the energy." Strong, silent types are usually easier to read. "When they're talking too much, it's almost like they're hiding something," she says.

9. The Topics
Adele Testani, the cofounder of HurryDate, is candid about first impressions. "You're not going to be able to tell if you want to marry him," she says. "But you can tell a lot about humor, attraction, and chemistry." In a speed-dating scenario, nerves run high. So pay less attention to what he's saying -- "My name is Harry, I enjoy sushi and Trivial Pursuit" -- than to which topics end up dominating his time. You'll learn more about his values while taking into account the limits of the situation.

Yahoo: Cracking the Bat Economy

2009-10-22T18:11:00.001-07:00

Mark Teixeira took a healthy swing and … crack! A screaming line drive that cleared the left-field fence at Yankee Stadium for a game-winning home run in the playoffs against Minnesota. Somewhere down in the bayou, Jack Marucci smiled.

Of course, when all this started, Marucci wasn't looking to become bat maker to the stars. He simply wanted to carve a comfortable piece of lumber that his boy could use in T-ball. But it didn't take long for Marucci, the head trainer at LSU, to go from middle-aged dad to major league merchant. Now, he makes hand-crafted bats for about 60 players, including some of baseball's biggest sluggers: Teixeira, Albert Pujols, Ryan Howard and Chase Utley, just to name a few.

"It's the hardest bat in the business," said Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Raul Ibanez, who hit 34 home runs this season. "A lot of guys use them. They've gone from not being a name bat to being the name. … Jack does a great job."

Marucci bats, recognizable by the right-leaning cursive 'M' on the barrel, still aren't very well known by the public because the man who founded the company doesn't even consider bat making his real job. He said he hasn't spent a dollar on marketing since former Cincinnati Reds shortstop Barry Larkin got the first major league hit with one of his bats in 2003. "Our marketing has been players," Marucci said. "My salesmen are Albert Pujols, Chase Utley - that's who sells the bats for us. We don't go and solicit."

The Phillies are serving as good advertisers during these playoffs - more than half of their starting lineup uses his bats. Robinson Cano, Melky Cabrera and Jerry Hairston Jr. of the Yankees and Casey Blake of the Dodgers are regular customers, too. Bats cost about $75 to $100 each - with the team picking up the tab - and the price is the same whether it's for a star or scrub.

Marucci recalled being good at using a lathe to make lamps in a ninth-grade wood shop class, but he never set out to become a bat maker. The Pittsburgh-area native has made his living in sports medicine, working with major college programs such as Florida State and now LSU.

His office is in LSU's football operations building, though it's starting to look a little like a baseball equipment manager's workspace. Wooden bats, many used by major leaguers and eventually sent back to Marucci as souvenirs, lean barrel head-down against the wall. One of them was used by shortstop Orlando Cabrera during the Boston Red Sox 2004 World Series run. The letters "CB" are inscribed on it, which Marucci said stands for "Curse Buster," a reference to the since-broken "Curse of the Bambino."

Marucci's experiment with bat making began early this decade, when he would spend summer evenings watching baseball with his son, Gino, then about seven years old. When Gino began playing T-ball, he wanted a wooden bat like the pros use rather than the metal ones wielded by other kids. Marucci quickly learned that finding a wooden bat appropriate for a Little Leaguer - one about 27 inches long - was virtually impossible. The bat companies he called said such a bat would have to be specially made.

At that point, Marucci figured he might be able to do it himself. He consulted then-LSU quarterback Matt Mauck, who played a few years of pro baseball before enrolling in school. Mauck had toured bat plants and vaguely remembered how they were made. Marucci said he found someone in Pennsylvania to supply cuts of ash and he hung an adult-size wooden bat in his shed to use as a model. "I finally got the geometry down," Marucci said. "That was the hardest thing when you're cutting bats by hand."

Marucci found the work therapeutic, a "nice outlet" from the stress of answering to big-time college football coaches who want to know when their hobbled stars will be ready to return to the gridiron. Bat making remained merely a hobby until Marucci scheduled a trip to St. Louis for a trainers' conference in 2003. Eduardo Perez, who played at Florida State when Marucci was there, was with the Cardinals then. Marucci called him seeking tickets and mentioned the bats he'd started making for his son.

Intrigued, Perez asked for one. So Marucci asked what model Perez used, then made a few to those specifications, brought them on the trip and met him outside the lobby of a St. Louis hotel.
Perez gripped one, saying, "You know what? This thing feels so good. I'm going to use it," Marucci recalled. "And I said, 'Now, I've seen seven-and eight-year-olds use it. This thing's going to blow up,"' Marucci said. "I don't know how this thing's going to hold up for a major league baseball player."

The Reds were in town to play the Cardinals. Perez used it in batting practice, then let Larkin try it. Perez was first to use it in a game and grounded out, but Larkin tried it in another game and singled. Before long, Pujols was using one, and word got around big league clubhouses quickly enough that when LSU's 2004 football season rolled around, Marucci was in his shed after hours - all night sometimes - making bats for Manny Ramirez, Cabrera and other major leaguers who wanted them for the playoffs.

Marucci hadn't even been licensed by Major League Baseball yet. That happened in 2005, and Marucci smirks while recalling the day an MLB representative informed him by phone that he'd been approved, and the confusion that followed when Marucci gave the same address for his home and his bat plant. "I told him, 'It's a six-by-nine shed where I make these bats,' and you could hear a silence over the phone," Marucci said.

Soon after, the operation expanded into a larger shed in the backyard of a new business partner, former LSU player and major leaguer Kurt Ainsworth. They then leased part of a shutter factory, then moved to an industrial site shared by a railroad tanker car shop, then eventually took over that entire space in 2007. Another former LSU player, Brett Laxton, makes bats for him full time.

Though the workspace is bigger, Marucci says the bats are still made in an "old-school" way. The maple and ash are supplied by Amish wood cutters in Pennsylvania who, according to Marucci, know nothing about baseball. "They know how to cut wood," Marucci said. "All (the supplier) cares about is keeping the grain straight."

The bats are not dipped, but stained by hand as well. Marucci has enough of a customer base now that he could focus on making bats full time and leave LSU, but he didn't get into the bat business to make a living. "I always believed, if somebody has a job, they should always have another interest because it keeps you more creative in your job, it keeps you healthier in your job, so you're not just focused on one thing," Marucci said. "I tell football coaches this all the time. So this isn't a secret. I think it just makes you better in what you do."

Marucci said the single-minded process of sculpting lumber, sanding it to perfection and handing it off to the best hitters in the world is where the real reward of bat making comes for him. "The best feeling is after you make it, you take it to a player and watch batting practice," Marucci said. "You hear that sound coming off … a loud, sharp, explosive noise."

It's the sound of a lined shot just inside the left-field foul pole, the sound that stirs a Yankee Stadium crowd into a frenzy on an October evening.

Coaches, Targets Debate Terrelle Pryor

2009-10-21T19:56:00.000-07:00

Ohio State Coach Jim Tressel: “From the film grade standpoint, he probably had less minus plays than he did in the past couple weeks. Now, that's the good news. Here's the bad news: The minuses that we had were those triple minuses. No one has a disdain for turnovers any more than Terrelle. He hasn't been perfect in practice, but he's come along in practice. He hasn't been perfect in games, but he's come along in games. Now, did we have three or four moments that were impactful? There's no question about it.”

Jeannette High School Coach Ray Reitz: “They need Terrelle to run more. They've put the reins on him and they need to let him go free. When I watch Terrelle play right now, I see a robot. All I know is they promised him that they would teach him a pro-style system with both a shotgun and under center. Jim Tressel is a great coach and he's been running his offense successfully for 30 years. But I'd like to see some zone-read plays where with one mistake [by the defense], he can be gone. With some zone-read plays, they wouldn't be able to take away all the outside runs because he'd be a threat to go between the tackles. He would be a great wide receiver or even a great linebacker. But that doesn't mean you should move him from quarterback. In fact, I don't think he'd agree to a move to wide receiver. Give him time to grow. Put the ball in his hands and if there is a breakdown let him run. It doesn't look to me like he's relaxed. It doesn't look like he has rhythm. It doesn't look like he's comfortable. There is no question that Rich Rodriguez's offense, for example, would be more apt to suit Terrelle's skills. But Ohio State sold him on the idea that they would prepare him for the NFL and that they don't run 'zone-read' in the NFL. Jim Tressel is a great coach. But I can tell you there is more to Terrelle Pryor than what we've been seeing.”

Ohio State wide receiver DeVier Posey: “From his first pass, [people said] he's really not that good. But I really feel that's kind of hard for a guy like that, you know what I mean? There's only one Tim Tebow in this world and I don't really know what people want from [Pryor]. He's going to get better. He really can't do much worse. I feel like he's going to get better, he's going to be a great player. It's going to happen in time. And I just feel like if people are patient, and he's patient [he'll be great]. ... He's not going to be great tomorrow. But if he works on it, eventually in a year or two, or even maybe by the end of this year, he'll be a great player.”

Ohio State wide receiver Dane Sanzenbacher: “I don't think there was ever really a point in the game where anybody on the offense was thinking we needed a change.”

Jim Zorn: Hear The Rumors, Hold My Ego

2009-10-21T19:38:00.000-07:00

Jim Zorn: “I need to have composure. I need to understand what the reality of the situation is, and I think our players expect me to rise up. We expect them to play under adverse conditions. We expect them to risk it all. ... I'm conscious of what's going on. I'm not naive about what's going on, and yet I have to just hold back on any feelings and make the decisions.”

GAME BALLS (NFL Edition)

2009-10-19T23:24:00.000-07:00

Dwayne Bowe (WR – Chiefs): 6 receptions, 109 yards
(Win: 14-6 at Redskins)

Tom Brady (QB – Patriots): 29/34, 380 yards, 6 td
(Win: 59-0 vs. Titans)

Drew Brees (QB – Saints): 23/30, 369 yards, 4 td
(Win: 48-27 vs. Giants)

Zach Miller (TE – Raiders): 6 receptions, 139 yards, 1 td
(Win: 13-9 vs. Eagles)

Sidney Rice (WR – Vikings): 6 receptions, 176 yards
(Win: 33-31 vs. Ravens)

Matt Schaub (QB – Texans): 28/40, 392 yards, 4 td
(Win: 28-17 at Bengals)

GAME BALLS (College Football Edition)

2009-10-19T23:16:00.000-07:00

Matt Barkley (QB – USC): 19/29, 380 yards, 2 td
(Win: 34-27 at Notre Dame)

Zach Collaros (RB – Cincinnati): 10 carries, 132 yards, 2 td
(Win: 34-17 at South Florida)

Nick Foles (QB – Arizona): 40/51, 415 yards, 3 td
(Win: 43-38 vs. Stanford)

Montel Harris (RB – Boston College): 27 carries, 264 yards, 5 td
(Win: 52-20 vs. North Carolina State)

Mark Ingram (RB – Alabama): 24 carries, 246 yards, 1 td
(Win: 20-6 vs. South Carolina)

Detron Lewis (WR – Texas Tech): 5 receptions, 100 yards
(Win: 31-10 at Nebraska)

Dion Lewis (RB – Pittsburgh): 31 carries, 180 yards, 2 td
(Win: 24-17 at Rutgers)

Ryan Matthews (RB – Fresno State): 20 carries, 233 yards, 1 td
(Win: 41-21 vs. San Jose State)

Josh Nesbitt (RB – Georgia Tech): 23 carries, 122 yards, 3 td
(Win: 28-23 vs. Virginia Tech)

Keith Smith (WR – Purdue): 12 receptions, 125 yards
(Win: 26-18 vs. Ohio State)

Rodney Stewart (RB – Colorado): 24 carries, 108 yards, 2 td
(Win: 34-30 vs. Kansas)

Blair White (WR – Michigan State): 12 receptions, 186 yards, 2 td
(Win: 24-14 vs. Northwestern)

BCS: Florida, Alabama, Texas Supersede Spoilers

2009-10-18T20:08:00.000-07:00

1. Florida (6-0)
2. Alabama (7-0)
3. Texas (6-0)
4. Boise State (6-0)
5. Cincinnati (6-0)
6. Iowa (7-0)
7. USC (5-1)
8. TCU (6-0)
9. LSU (5-1)
10. Miami-Florida (5-1)

“He Loved U’Conn”

2009-10-18T16:16:00.001-07:00

Jasper Howard
(1989-2009)

Yahoo: Top Ten Interview Suggestions

2009-10-18T16:07:00.000-07:00

In the book "You Are the Message," media executive Roger Ailes wrote that it takes only seven seconds to make a first impression. With a job on the line, the pressure to immediately impress is even more intense. No wonder we get flustered.

The good news is that no matter what goes wrong -- your fly is down, you spill your water, you mispronounce the company name -- it's all about how well you recover. "I had one candidate who sat on a chair, it flipped out from under her, and she landed on her back," says Ellen Reeves, author of "Can I Wear My Nose Ring to the Interview?" "But, she picked herself up, picked up the chair, and made a joke. She knew how to recover -- and she got the job."

Below are 10 ways to potentially botch your interview, and the steps to take to right your sinking ship.

1. You're Sick the Day of the Interview
Don't try to be a martyr. Even if you just have a cold, you should call and reschedule. "I once interviewed someone who told me she threw up on her way over," says Reeves. "I was just thinking, 'Why didn't you cancel?'" You may be trying to prove your dedication, but employers would rather interview you when there isn't a risk you'll give them the flu.

2. You Have a Black Eye
If you're hurt in some way -- whether you have a black eye, broken leg, or visible stitches -- first assess whether you can give the interview the same effort as if you were well. You may want to call and explain your condition, especially if it's severe or requires handicap access. If you decide not to call, be prepared with an explanation. A general rule of thumb: sporting accidents are more acceptable than bar fights.

3. You Have a Nose Ring
Facial piercings and visible tattoos are tricky. The best bet is to cover them until you feel out the culture. If you're concerned your personal decor won't be tolerated, make an anonymous call and ask the receptionist if it's the correct environment for your nose ring. If the answer is no, remove/hide your piercing/tattoo. If you're unwilling, be prepared to get rejected for not fitting into the company culture.

4. You're Sweating
You're human. You perspire. But don't let interviewers see it. If you arrive at an interview spouting like a sprinkler, excuse yourself to the restroom to compose yourself -- and towel down. Sweaty palms don't make for a pleasant handshake. Run your hands under cold water to cool them off, then dry thoroughly.

5. You're Underdressed
Dressing to impress should be a no-brainer, but many people still struggle with what to wear. "Do your homework," says image consultant Lauren Solomon. "Be able to walk in and look like part of the team -- but one step above." Solomon suggests looking at peoples' clothes on the company website, asking the secretary, or posing the question on Twitter. If all those fail, wearing a suit is always a safe bet.

6. You're Late
There really is no excuse for being late to an interview. Scope out the route beforehand, and give yourself plenty of transit time. If you have to be late -- your car stalled, your train is running late, or there was a UFO landing outside the office -- call the interviewer, explain the situation, and ask if he still has time for you or would like to reschedule. Be respectful of recruiters' time and they'll remember it.

7. You're Early
While you should give yourself plenty of time to get to the interview, hanging out in the lobby for 30 minutes before the interview makes you look desperate. If you arrive early, sit and wait in a coffee shop, or just sit in your car. Don't go into the office until 10 minutes before the scheduled time.

8. You Misuse Your Lobby Time
Count your 10 minutes in the lobby as part of the interview. "The security guard, doorman, and receptionist will all be judging you," says Reeves. "If you're rude or dismissive, they will tattle, and there's a good chance you won't get the job." Talking on your cell about last night's exploits or reading a book are also bad ideas. Spend your time gathering information -- read available literature or look at company bulletin boards.

9. Your Handshake Is Lacking
A University of Iowa study found a solid handshake is more important than physical appearance when establishing an impression in an interview. Your grip should fall between the dead fish and the bone-crunching clasp. It sounds silly, but practicing with a friend is the best way to perfect your handshake. Also make sure to look your interviewer in the eye and say his name.

10. You're Bad at Small Talk
Think of some questions to ask your interviewer as you walk through the hall. If you notice something like a company picnic flyer, inquiring about that can be a great way to learn about company culture. Another safe topic is how the interviewer learned about the company. By showing interest in your interviewer's background, you'll put her at ease and establish a connection.

Big Five & Hot Five

2009-10-18T14:02:00.000-07:00

Line OF The Morning

2009-10-18T13:56:00.000-07:00

Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel

“One of the most effective ways of putting downward pressure on health care premium increases is a disincentive to ever-expansive and expensive plans. I find it ironic because some of the critics on the right were the people that called for, in fact, eliminating the tax exclusion. Now they've become the biggest defenders.”

Betting the Pass Line (Last Week: 4-1 Season: 14-11)

2009-10-16T21:29:00.000-07:00

Giants at Saints (-3)
An exquisite contest. Drew Brees and Eli Manning amass three touchdowns. Reggie Bush and Ahmad Bradshaw record scores. In the fourth quarter, the Saints survive.

Ravens at Vikings (-3)
In their initial three contests, the Ravens defeated the Chiefs, Chargers, and Browns. In their previous contests, the Patriots and Bengals defeated the Ravens. Favor the Vikings.

Cardinals (+3) at Seahawks
In 2008, the Cardinals won the NFC Championship. The Seahawks were 4-12. Why would they exchange statuses?

Bears at Falcons (-3)
Last season, the Falcons defeated the Chicago Bears 22-20. On Sunday, history will reoccur.

Broncos (-3) at Chargers
Preseason, the Chargers expectations were enormous. The Broncos expectations were non existent. The realities are reversed.

Betting the Pass Line (Last Week: 1-4 Season: 16-14)

2009-10-16T21:02:00.000-07:00

Oklahoma (+3 ½) at Texas
From 2000-2004, Oklahoma won five contests. Since 2005, Texas has won three of four contests. Eventually, Bob Stoops must win another elite contest.

Iowa (-2 ½) at Wisconsin
In 1985, the Iowa Hawkeyes commenced 7-0. In 2009, history will reoccur.

USC at Notre Dame (+10)
Since 2005, USC has outscored Notre Dame 154-58. On Saturday, the Fighting Irish reestablish their prestige.

Virginia Tech (-3) at Georgia Tech
In four seasons, Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech have exchanged victories. In this contest, Virginia Tech concludes the swapping.

South Carolina (+17) at Alabama
Versus Steve Spurrier, Nick Saban has lost consecutive contests. South Carolina will not win. However, they will compete.

Yahoo Finance: Seven Self-Inflicted Financial Setbacks

2009-10-16T20:31:00.000-07:00

A recent study found that showerheads are apparently a nightclub of sorts for bacteria -- a warm, dark haven to party and multiply. An analysis of 50 showerheads from nine U.S. cities found about 30 percent contained high levels of a strain of bacteria that can cause lung infections when inhaled or swallowed. The levels were 100 times higher in showerheads than in typical household water, the researchers found.

This means your everyday routine may involve luxuriating in a cascade of germs. Aside from pondering the prospects of companies that manufacture showerheads, the report made me wonder: What dark corruption might be lurking behind your daily money routines, imperiling your road to wealth? What every day activities may be threatening your financial health? Here are seven:

1. Tossing out the "junk mail" from your credit card company.
The Credit Card Holders Bill of Rights Act goes into full effect in February. Ahead of that deadline, companies are changing the terms of customer agreements. For example, the new law prohibits raising the interest rate on existing balances unless a customer pays more than 60 days late. To skirt that provision, firms are notifying customers that their cards are now "variable rate." (Translation: We can jack up your rate whenever we please.) So watch those benign notices, and be ready to call and demand a fixed-rate card or take your business elsewhere. Amid these tactics, a new bill calls for moving up the deadline on the credit card law to Dec. 1.

2. Using a debit card without writing down the transactions in your account register.
Debit cards are expected to account for 60 percent of transactions this year, but debit-card users tend to lose track of their money: Swiping plastic triggers 44 percent of overdraft fees, while paper checks account for just 27 percent. A new report finds 50 million Americans overdrew their accounts at least once in a 12-month period, and 27 million incurred five or more overdraft fees. At an average of $34 a pop, that's a lot of beans -- literally. By one account, Americans spend about the same amount on overdraft fees as they do on fresh vegetables. Why write down debit spending? Because swiping a card doesn't feel the same as laying out cash. The discipline of recording the transaction may reduce mindless spending and makes money easier to track. Simplify your money trail by using online bill pay for all your regular monthly bills, rather than having money withdrawn from your account by outside companies. Then take 30 seconds a day to log on to your account, add the pending transactions in bill pay to the outstanding checks and debits listed in your register that haven't cleared yet. Subtract from the current balance. If the result is nearing zero, add money to the account. Voila -- no overdrafts, no fees.

3. Ignoring new bank charges.
You may have noticed banks are a bit desperate these days to make a buck. One of the more recent innovations is dinging customers who make electronic transfers to an external account. Example: In the last year, Wachovia started charging customers $3 per transfer to an outside bank. Let's say you automatically stash $100 a week into a savings account at an online bank offering 1.8 percent interest (the current top rate). Smart move. Except Wachovia will now ding you for 3 percent of that weekly deposit. Annual cost? $156. Meanwhile, Wachovia doesn't offer any savings accounts that compete with a 1.8 percent rate (except Way to Save, which severely restricts the amount you can deposit). Solution: Find a local bank or credit union with no transfer fees, so you're free to access higher returns.

4. Investing time in the wrong things.
Maybe you're someone who will drive 20 minutes to a store on your lunch hour to get $5 off a $20 sweater. Or you'll spend 45 minutes on the phone protesting a $3 error on the cable bill. But when you start a new job, you procrastinate for two years before joining the 401(k) plan or leave your contribution languishing in a money-market account. Make a weekly to-do list of your financial decisions (savings and spending) and then prioritize them in terms of bang-for-the-buck over time. When you do the math, you'll see why paying off credit cards in full and contributing to a retirement plan that offers a match should be at the top of the list.

5. Spending with no goals to guide you.
One definition of insanity, attributed to Albert Einstein, is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Yet that's how some people approach their finances. They earn and spend and earn and spend, and wonder why they aren't making any progress. Break the mindless cycle by figuring out what you value most, whether it's world travel, returning to school to change careers, home ownership, a peaceful retirement or a debt-free college education for the kids. Then set specific goals, with real time frames, and track your advancement on a monthly basis. Make this a daily discipline by putting a list of those goals in your face -- the fridge, your desk at work, your wallet.

6. Failing to track spending.
You can't succeed at No. 5 if you don't know precisely where your money is going. When I first started working, I carried a pencil and paper around and wrote everything down. Today, there are numerous desktop software applications and Web sites that will aggregate your finances and track your spending and savings. You can pay upfront for software. Choose an online program that's free, but supported by sponsored ads and offers you'll see when you log in (and the service may sell your data). Or you can pay a monthly fee for a site with no outside ads or offers. Check out this recent list of budgeting tools at the blog Get Rich Slowly.

7. Failing to exercise.
How can this hurt your finances? Daily physical activity lowers the risk of a multitude of ailments, from heart disease to diabetes to certain kinds of cancer, which are obviously expensive to treat, even for people who have health insurance. A Harvard study found medical bills are behind 60 percent of U.S. bankruptcies, and more than 75 percent of bankrupt families had health insurance at the onset of the illness. Meanwhile, a regular work-out might get you a raise. Studies have found exercise can improve your performance at work by boosting cognitive skills and productivity, and reducing stress and absenteeism. In the meantime, while you're thinking about health, consider changing the showerhead.

Recession Reaffirmed

2009-10-15T18:25:00.000-07:00

In 2010, Social Security will not increase cost of living. America’s economic crisis has not concluded.

Republicans Reiterate, Democrats Dismiss Guantanamo Importance

2009-10-15T18:15:00.002-07:00

Representative Peter Hoekstra (R-MI): "The Obama Administration has avoided all transparency on the Gitmo issue with Congress, so Congress should avoid giving the administration any wiggle room to slip terrorist detainees into the United States."

Representative Jerry Lewis (R-CA): "Terrorists should not be treated like common criminals in federal court. These detainees are enemies of the state, and should be treated as such by being held and brought to justice right where they are -- in Guantanamo Bay."

Representative Baron Hill (D-IN): "I haven't had one person ask me about Guantanamo."

Representative Dan Maffai (D-NY): "It's a non-issue. Inside the beltway stuff. People care about jobs, the economy, health care."

Jones-Drew Discusses Ballroom Dancing, Offense, & Respect

2009-10-14T19:23:00.000-07:00

Maurice Jones-Drew: “I don't like to be embarrassed, so I do get upset about it. You lead by actions. You can only say so much. You can talk to somebody until you're blue in the face and they're not going to do anything. But if you go out there and show why you're upset and you try to do something to correct your mistakes, then they'll pay attention.”

“We have to figure out a way to be consistent. The running game is like chess. The running game is your pawns. They don't really mean that much in the beginning, but at the end, they surround the king and it's check mate. That's what the running game is. We're not going to break 30-yard runs every play. You're going to get 2, 3 yards a pop. You might get a negative run, but [defenses are] going to respect the run game and that's going to open up the pass game and open up the run game later on, where you're going to be breaking 10-, 15-yard chunks.”

“It just seems like now if we don't get 30 yards [rushing], we just go away from it. I've never been a part of a team like that. I don't know what it is. We're still trying to figure out what our identity is right now. As soon as we figure that out, I'll gladly be able to let you guys know. That's a big issue. How can you get continuity, how can you get chemistry going on when guys are rotating in and out? That doesn't happen.”

“It's like ballroom dancing. You have to be able to move one way or another at the same time, fluently, otherwise you're going to step on her toes and she's going to step on yours. When your left tackle and left guard have been working together all week, and they're starting to get this chemistry buildup ... then you throw a guy in or you move a guy from here to here, you're throwing off something.”

“Respect is all you can gain now. It's all about the respect. It's not even about anything else. Do they respect us as an offense? That's the question. And right now, no one respects us. We just got blown out. We didn't put up no points. ... Who respects that? What do you think St. Louis is going to come in here and do? We have to go back and gain the respect of everybody in this league this week.”

Forbes: Hottest Halloween Costumes

2009-10-14T19:14:00.000-07:00

Knock knock! Who's there? According to interviews with employees at retailers like Ricky's, Halloween Express, Halloween Adventure, Buy Costumes, and Disguise Costumes, as well as the National Retail Federation, these costumes are expected to be waiting on the other side of the door this year.

Bernie Madoff
Madoff masks are selling well at Spirit Halloween's New York Store. An added benefit to trick-or-treaters? Don a suit, and you've got a low-cost, ready-made costume.

Politicians
Obama's Nobel Peace Prize may be drawing criticism from some circles, but sales of his caricature masks are among the most robust at Spirit Halloween Costumes in New York City. Also popular: Michelle Obama and Sarah Palin.

Vampires
Dracula is out. Edward Cullen is in. The vampire from Stephenie Meyer's books and movies will definitely be roaming the neighborhood Halloween night. Also, the cult following for TV shows like True Blood and Vampire Diaries has brought out the fangs in many, according to the National Retail Federation's 2009

Star Trek/GI Joe/Transformers
"For young boys, summer movies are always popular," says Rachel Kuebbing, director of public relations at BuyCostumes.com. The sequel to the Transformers movie has sparked an interest in Optimus Prime and Bumblebee costumes. GI Joe and Star Trek, two franchises that have had enormous adult cult followings for years, are expected to draw younger fans who have recently been introduced to the remade movies.

Harry Potter
The franchise's popularity with both kids and adults has not waned, if Halloween sales of Harry's trademark glasses and Hermione's wig are any indication. The next movie — Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — is set to hit theaters next year.

Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga's two singles, "Just Dance" and "Poker Face," have become international hits, making her one of the world's best-selling artists. Her quirky style and avant-garde clothes are likely to show up on scores of trick-or-treaters this month. Platinum blond wigs, black lipstick and bedazzled sunglasses are among the best-selling accessories at Spirit Halloween in New York City.

Alice in Wonderland Characters
Tim Burton's anticipated film has costume seekers snatching up Queen of Hearts, Alice and Madhatter outfits.

A Comic For All Mediums

2009-10-14T19:09:00.001-07:00

Captain Lou Albano
(1933-2009)

GAME BALLS (NFL Edition)

2009-10-12T23:29:00.001-07:00

Miles Austin (WR – Cowboys): 10 receptions, 250 yards, 2 td
(Win: 26-20 at Chiefs)

Cedric Benson (RB – Bengals): 27 carries, 120 yards, 1 td
(Win: 17-14 at Ravens)

Jamal Lewis (RB – Browns): 31 carries, 117 yards
(Win: 6-3 at Bills)

Kyle Orton (WR – Broncos): 35/48, 330 yards, 2 td
(Win: 20-17 vs. Patriots)

Tony Romo (QB – Cowboys): 20/34, 351 yards, 2 td
(Win: 26-20 at Chiefs)

Matt Ryan (QB – Falcons): 22/32, 329 yards, 2 td
(Win: 45-10 at 49ers)

Kurt Warner (QB – Cardinals): 26/38, 302 yards, 2 td
(Win: 28-21 vs. Texans)

Roddy White (WR – Falcons): 8 receptions, 210 yards, 2 td
(Win: 45-10 at 49ers)

GAME BALLS (College Football Edition)

2009-10-12T23:15:00.001-07:00

Freddie Barnes (WR – Bowling Green): 22 receptions, 278 yards, 3 td
(Win: 36-35 at Kent State)

Mark Ingram (RB – Alabama): 28 carries, 172 yards, 1 td
(Win: 22-3 at Mississippi)

Case Keenum (QB – Houston): 39/52, 434 yards, 4 td
(Win: 31-24 at Mississippi State)

Thaddeus Lewis (QB – Duke): 40/50, 459 yards, 5 td
(Win: 49-28 at North Carolina State)

Niles Paul (WR – Nebraska): 6 receptions, 102 yards, 2 td
(Win: 27-12 at Missouri)

Todd Reesing (QB – Kansas): 37/49, 442 yards, 4 td
(Win: 41-36 vs. Iowa State)

Jacquizz Rodgers (RB – Oregon State): 33 carries, 189 yards, 4 td
(Win: 38-28 vs. Stanford)

Tyler Sheehan (QB – Bowling Green): 44/36, 505 yards, 4 td
(Win: 36-35 at Kent State)

Steven Sheffield (QB – Texas Tech): 33/41, 490 yards, 7 td
(Win: 66-14 vs. Kansas State)

Riley Skinner (QB – Wake Forest): 24/33, 360 yards, 4 td
(Win: 42-32 vs. Maryland)

Michael Smith (RB – Arkansas): 18 carries, 145 yards, 1 td
(Win: 44-23 vs. Auburn)

Curtis Steele (RB – Memphis): 39 carries, 240 yards, 2 td
(Win: 35-20 vs. UTEP)

Fox News: Gumption Over Perception

2009-10-12T20:07:00.000-07:00

When former President Jimmy Carter said racism was an underlying factor in attacks on President Obama, it's safe to say he had no intention of boosting Allen West's campaign for Congress in Florida's Broward County.

But according to West, a retired Army colonel who is running for the second time against Democratic Rep. Ron Klein in Florida's 22nd congressional district, that is exactly what has happened. "Since (Democrats) have thrown out the race card, it has made me more appealing," says West, one of a small but determined group of black Republicans running for seats in the U.S. Senate or House of Representatives in 2010.

Eager to overturn the "conventional wisdom" that the GOP is mainly a white bread party that offers few opportunities for minorities, these black Republicans believe they can attract increasingly agitated conservatives, as well as independents, to make 2010 their year.

They also conceded in interviews that the injection of race -- a familiar theme since Obama's election last year -- has given them a certain edge and authority when they speak out against the president's agenda. Because they're black, they say, they can lead the charge against Democratic policies without being called "racist." In fact, they say, their skin color may make them more attractive candidates.

"A lot of people who don't want to be part of Obama's policies are being called racist," West said. "Then they say, 'Hey, this guy, Colonel West -- he's black and I support him. It's made me more appealing because it shows the contrast of our principles -- how different we are even though we both have permanent tans."

Ryan Frazier, a 31-year-old councilman from Colorado, is running for U.S Senate against Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet. He, too, thinks his black skin will make it impossible to label him a racist because he opposes the president. "I don't think they will be able to use that argument against me or engage in those tactics against me -- I certainly don't hate myself," Frazier said.

Michael Williams, the four-term Texas railroad commissioner who plans to run for the U.S Senate seat being vacated by Republican Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchinson next year, says being black will help him, too. "One of the things it allows me to do, "it allows me to speak very, very frankly about what I believe, and what I feel, and nobody is going to call me a racist. " Williams said. "They may try and call me a sell-out ... but I've been doing this for 11 years and that certainly doesn't bother me anymore."

Williams wrote a strident response to Carter on his Web site last month, saying that "stigmatizing honest opposition as 'racist' appears to be a way of not answering legitimate questions about policy reform. I, for one, oppose the president's health care plan because it will explode the deficit, allow further government intrusion into the doctor-patient relationship, and continue to insulate healthcare consumers from the true cost of their care."

John Gizzi, political editor for the conservative Human Events magazine, said emerging "top tier" black Republicans like Williams and West "are the worst nightmare for Democrats," because "they will be the ones who can go toe-to-toe with Barack Obama and the media will pay attention. "The very fact that these candidates, who happen to be African-American, can address the issue (of health care) ... is very, very significant," Gizzi said. "People are going to listen because they will eliminate any racially incendiary issues that have entered into this debate."

Black Republicans have been trying for years to break onto the scene with notable, but minimal, success, Gizzi said. There have been four black U.S senators since Reconstruction. The first was Massachusetts Sen. Edward Brooke, a Republican, who served from 1967-1979. The other three were all Illinois Democrats -- Carol Mosely Braun (1993-1999), Obama (2005-2008) and Roland Burris, who replaced Obama last year.

In 1990, Gary Franks of Connecticut was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives -- the first black Republican elected to the House since1932. He served three terms before he was defeated in 1996. Since Franks, there has been only one black Republican in the House -- J.C. Watts of Oklahoma, who served from 1995 to 2003.

There have been some notable also-rans, most recently former NFL star Lynn Swann, who ran and lost against Democrat Ed Rendell for governor of Pennsylvania in 2006. At the same time, Republican Secretary of State Ken Blackwell ran and lost a bid for governor in Ohio. After losing his bid for U.S. Senate in 2006, former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele became the second black official to head a major political party when he was elected Republican National Committee chairman 10 months ago. The other black party chairman was Ron Brown, who headed the Democratic National Committee from 1989 to 1993.

The GOP still calls itself the "Party of Lincoln" because of its historical ties to the abolition of American slavery, and blacks remained loyal to the party after Reconstruction as Southern Democrats established segregationist Jim Crow laws. But the scene began to shift during the Depression, as blacks voted in large numbers for President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and his New Deal policies.

The Democrats cemented their lock on black voters in the 1960s when President Lyndon Johnson pushed his Great Society programs and, more importantly, the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964 through Congress. Four years later, in 1968, Richard Nixon wooed disenchanted Southern Democrats to win the presidency, setting the GOP on its current course, demographically, with voters of color. "[Blacks] are the most reliable, monolithic voting component in the Democratic Party," Gizzi said.

It means candidates like Williams and West are rare, but it also gives them an appeal: they are running against stereotypes, with conservative ideas they insist should appeal to people of all colors. They believe blind faith in government has hurt the black community, and want to make that case plainly. "Our time will come," Williams said. "And when it does, the floodgates will open."

Frazier said he believes the current political climate favors a push toward diversification in the GOP. "I think it's reasonable to say the landscape is unfolding in such a way in which Republicans in general have an opportunity to gain the confidence of the people, and a big part of that is going to require the Republican Party to put forth new voices and different people," Frazier told FOXNews.com. "In order for Republicans ... to grow its ranks, it must reflect America. Race has nothing to do with it."

But at least one black Republican says race has everything to do with it, and he complains that the current crop of candidates are running "color blind.” And essentially ignoring their roots and writing off the black vote. "They are a total embarrassment," political consultant Raynard Jackson, a black Republican.

Jackson said there have been incidents in which the rhetoric among some Republican activists has gone too far, and that black Republicans would have been better served to say so. "They seem more intent about being accepted into the party than calling a spade a spade," he told FOXNews.com. He said black candidates do not put other blacks in positions of authority in their campaigns, nor do they spend time cultivating special relationships within the black community that might earn them fundraising dollars and valuable support down the road.

More importantly, he said, they do not craft their campaign rhetoric or platforms to reach out to black voters, and in their zeal to be "color blind," they likely miss out on some real opportunities to change minds and win votes in a "lost" community. "They are missing out on a golden opportunity, he said. "Messaging. That's marketing 101. If you don't recognize the color ... you will not be able to formulate a message to reach out to the different demographics."

But the candidates themselves disagree that they should make a central theme of their campaigns. They think their success relies on broad conservative appeal, not color appeal. "Our folks are saying they want a reliable conservative -- that happens to be what's catching on with me," Williams told FOXNews.com. "It just happens to be an added plus, me being an African-American."

West, who captured 45 percent of the vote in his Florida swing district in 2008, says his positions on the economy and national security are resonating with his constituents. "It has nothing to do with race," he said. "People don't care about your color, they care about your character."

Retired Army Col. Louis Huddleston, who is running for Congress against incumbent Rep. Larry Kissell, D-N.C., is blunt when talking about race. "My bona fides and my credibility ... have nothing to do with my race," he said. "It may be good for copy or for media sensationalism. But my success will not be based on race. "I don't function from that paradigm," he said. "Race is a benign characteristic. It is who you are and what motivates you that matters."

Frazier said he's not living in a bubble -- "I go anywhere, the NAACP as well as the tea parties." He is also sure that Carter's comments "did nothing to further race relations in this country."

"Does racism exist in this country? Sure. But I think the overwhelming majority of Americans who care about this country do not care about skin color," Frazier said. "My candidacy is based on solutions and beliefs I hold near and dear. It's not going to be about race, and when I oppose Obama, it is going to be purely because I believe his administration is headed the wrong way."

Big Five & Hot Five

2009-10-11T14:16:00.001-07:00

Line of the Morning

2009-10-11T14:07:00.000-07:00

Senator Carl Levin (D-MI)

“I'm saying at this time, don't send more combat troops.”

Content Reduction

2009-10-07T23:00:00.000-07:00

Due to medical circumstances, Platinum Bunny Multimedia content is minimal. We will return next week.

Betting the Pass Line (Last Week: 3-2 Season: 10-10)

2009-10-07T22:49:00.000-07:00

Bengals (+8 ½) at Ravens
In ten contests, the Bengals have scored six victories. The Ravens have scored four victories. Carson Palmer trumps Joe Flacco.

Falcons (+2 ½) at 49ers
In 1997, 1998, 2001, and 2002, the 49ers commenced 4-1. In 2009, Mike Singletary will not resurrect history.

Patriots at Broncos (+3 ½)
Versus the Broncos, Tom Brady is 1-5. Favor the five win franchise.

Colts (-3 ½) at Titans
In 1984, the Houston Oilers commenced 0-5. On Sunday, the Tennessee Titans will also.

Jets (-1 ½) at Dolphins
Last week, Mark Sanchez tossed three interceptions. This week, he tosses three touchdowns. The Jets reintroduce themselves.

Betting the Pass Line (Last Week: 3-2 Season: 15-10)

2009-10-07T22:35:00.000-07:00

Boston College (+13 ½) at Virginia Tech
Since their ACC inception, Boston College and Virginia Tech have exchanged victories. In their seventh contest, Virginia Tech concludes the swapping.

Wisconsin (+16) at Ohio State
In six contests, Ohio State has scored three victories. Wisconsin has scored three victories. The Buckeyes have outscored the Badgers 117-109. This spread is ridiculous.

Alabama at Mississippi (+4 ½)
Versus the Crimson Tide, Archie and Eli Manning each recorded victories. On Saturday, Jevan Snead attains their echelon.

Michigan (+8) at Iowa
Versus Iowa, Michigan has won three consecutive contests. Iowa will garner revenge. However, Michigan will compete.

Florida at LSU (+8)
In Baton Rouge, Florida has lost consecutive contests. Tim Tebow is irrelevant. Tiger Stadium secures this victory.

MLB Playoff Predictions

2009-10-06T22:24:00.000-07:00

League Division Series

American League

Anaheim Angels defeat Boston Red Sox 3-2
New York Yankees defeat Tampa Bay Devil Rays 3-0

National League

Los Angeles Dodgers defeat St. Louis Cardinals 3-2
Philadelphia Phillies defeat Colorado Rockies 3-2

League Championship Series

American League

New York Yankees defeat Anaheim Angels 4-3

National League

Los Angeles Dodgers defeat Philadelphia Phillies 4-3

World Series

Los Angeles Dodgers defeat New York Yankees 4-0

GAME BALLS (NFL Edition)

2009-10-05T23:41:00.000-07:00

Ronnie Brown (RB – Dolphins): 20 carries, 115 yards, 2 td
(Win: 38-10 vs. Bills)

Matt Forte (RB – Bears): 12 carries, 121 yards, 1 td
(Win: 48-28 vs. Lions)

Peyton Manning (QB – Colts): 31/41, 353 yards, 2 td
(Win: 34-17 vs. Seahawks)

Mohamed Massaquoi (WR – Browns): 8 receptions, 148 yards
(Loss: 23-20 vs. Bengals)

Rashard Mendenhall (RB – Steelers): 29 carries, 165 yards, 2 td
(Win: 38-28 vs. Chargers)

Ben Roethlisberger (QB – Steelers): 26/33, 333 yards, 2 td
(Win: 38-28 vs. Chargers)

GAME BALLS (College Football Edition)

2009-10-05T23:21:00.001-07:00

Mike Ball (RB – Nevada): 15 carries, 184 yards, 5 td
(Win: 63-28 vs. UNLV)

Donald Buckram (RB – UTEP): 32 carries, 262 yards, 4 td
(Win: 58-41 vs. Houston)

Jimmy Clausen (QB – Notre Dame): 23/31, 422 yards, 2 td
(Win: 37-30 vs. Washington)

John Clay (RB – Wisconsin): 32 carries, 184 yards, 3 td
(Win: 31-28 at Minnesota)

Noel Devine (RB – West Virginia): 22 carries, 220 yards, 1 td
(Win: 35-24 vs. Colorado)

Montel Harris (RB – Boston College): 25 carries, 179 yards, 2 td
(Win: 28-21 vs. Florida State)

Brynn Harvey (RB – Central Florida): 42 carries, 219 yards, 1 td
(Win: 32-14 vs. Memphis)

Javarris James (RB – Miami-Florida): 15 carries, 150 yards
(Win: 21-20 vs. Oklahoma)

Joe McKnight (RB – USC): 20 carries, 119 yards, 2 td
(Win: 30-3 at California)

Aaron Opelt (QB – Toledo): 30/38, 422 yards, 5 td
(Win: 37-30 at Ball State)

Golden Tate (WR – Notre Dame): 9 receptions, 244 yards, 1 td
(Win: 37-30 vs. Washington)

Stephen Williams (WR – Toledo): 10 carries, 231 yards, 2 td
(Win: 37-30 at Ball State)

Trusting Iran Takes Ten Days

2009-10-04T19:21:00.000-07:00

IAEA President Mohamed ElBaradei: “I see that we are at a critical moment. I see that we are shifting gears from confrontation into transparency and cooperation. I hope and trust Iran will be helpful with our inspectors so it is possible for us to be able to assess our verification of the facility as early as possible. We need transparency on the part of Iran and we need cooperation on the part of the international community. As I have said many times and I continue to say today, the agency has no complete proof that there is an ongoing weapons program in Iraq. There are allegations that Iran has conducted weaponization studies. However these allegations we are still looking into and we are looking to Iran to help us clarify.”

Trustee Targets Bobby Bowden

2009-10-04T19:13:00.001-07:00

Florida State University Trustees Chairman Jim Smith: “My hope is frankly that we'll go ahead, and if we have to, let the world know that this year will be the end of the Bowden era. I do appreciate what he's done for us, what he's done for the program, what he's done really for the state of Florida. But I think the record will show that the Seminole Nation has been more than patient. We have been in a decline not for a year or two or three but I think we're coming up on seven or eight. I think enough is enough. The president intends to announce we've negotiated a contract with coach Fisher.”

Yahoo: An Army of Unemployed

2009-10-04T19:03:00.000-07:00

In a brutal job market, here's a task that might sound easy: Fill jobs in nursing, engineering and energy research that pay $55,000 to $60,000, plus benefits. Yet even with 15 million people hunting for work, even with the unemployment rate nearing 10 percent, some employers can't find enough qualified people for good-paying career jobs.

Ask Steve Jones, a hospital recruiter in Indianapolis who's struggling to find qualified nurses, pharmacists and MRI technicians. Or Ed Baker, who's looking to hire at a U.S. Energy Department research lab in Richland, Wash., for $60,000 each. Economists say the main problem is a mismatch between available work and people qualified to do it. Millions of jobs with attractive pay and benefits that once drew legions of workers to the auto industry, construction, Wall Street and other sectors are gone, probably for good. And those who lost those jobs generally lack the right experience for new positions popping up in health care, energy and engineering.

Many of these specialized jobs were hard to fill even before the recession. But during downturns, recruiters tend to become even choosier, less willing to take financial risks on untested workers. The mismatch between job opening and job seeker is likely to persist even as the economy strengthens and begins to add jobs. It also will make it harder for the unemployment rate, now at 9.8 percent, to drop down to a healthier level.

"Workers are going to have to find not just a new company, but a new industry," said Sophia Koropeckyj, managing director of Moody's Economy.com. "A fifty-year-old guy who has been screwing bolts into the side of a car panel is not going to be able to become a health care administrator overnight."

It's become especially hard to find accountants, health care workers, software sales representatives, actuaries, data analysts, physical therapists and electrical engineers, labor analysts say. And employers that demand highly specialized training — like biotech firms that need plant scientists or energy companies that need geotechnical engineers to build offshore platforms — struggle even more to fill jobs.

The trend has been intensified by the speed of the job market decline, Koropeckyj said. The nation has lost a net 7.6 million jobs since the recession began in December 2007. Yet it can take a year or more for a laid-off worker to gain the training and education to switch industries. That means health care jobs are going unfilled even as laid-off workers in the auto, construction or financial services industries seek work. "So we have this army of the unemployed" without the necessary skills, Koropeckyj said.

Sitting in his office overlooking the Clarian Health complex, Jones leafed through some of the applications he's received. One came from a hotel worker who listed his experience as, "Cleaning rooms; make beds, clean tubes, vacuum." Another was from a fitness instructor whose past duties included signing up gym members.

Many of the jobless seem to be applying for any opening they see, Jones said. "You just don't have the supply to fill those particular positions," he said of the more than 200 "critical" jobs he needs to fill at Clarian, including nurses, pharmacists, MRI technicians and ultrasound technologists.

Contributing to the problem is that in a tough economy, employers take longer to assess applicants and make a hiring decision. By contrast, "in a healthier economy, you don't wait around for the perfect person," said Lawrence Katz, a professor of labor economics at Harvard. To be sure, employers in most sectors of the economy are having no trouble filling jobs — especially those, like receptionists, hotel managers or retail clerks, that don't require specialized skills.

But as more jobs vanish for good, the gap between the unemployed and the requirements of today's job openings is widening. Throughout the economy, an average of six people now compete for each job opening — the highest ratio on government records dating to 2000. Sifting through applications for jobs at the U.S. Energy Department's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Washington state, Baker said he sees "people that have worked in other areas, and now they're trying to apply that skill set to the energy arena."

"Unfortunately, that's not the skill set we need."

The jobs opened up after the lab received federal stimulus money to research energy-efficient buildings. Baker needs employees with backgrounds in city management and a grasp of the building codes needed to design energy-efficient buildings. Yet even a salary of $140,000 for senior researchers isn't drawing enough qualified applicants.

Baker said he's getting resumes from well-educated people, including some from information technology workers who want to enter the green-energy field. But he said it could take a year to get an unqualified employee up to speed on all the building codes they need to know. "We're running out of people to train" new employees, he said. "We simply cannot attract enough (qualified) people."

The lab has hired a recruiter for the first time to fill dozens of positions. Rob Dromgoole, the recruiter, is going so far as to make cold calls to college professors. He's also visiting academic conferences to pitch jobs. The trend has left jobseekers like Joe Sladek anxious and frustrated. Sladek's 23 years in the auto industry haven't helped his efforts to land a job in alternative energy since he was laid off a year ago. As a quality control engineer for auto supplier Dura Automotive Systems Inc. in Mancelona, Mich., he made about $75,000. Sladek would review technical reports to make sure the factory's auto parts matched the specifications of clients like General Motors and Toyota.

He hoped to parlay that experience into a similar job at a factory making windmill blades or solar panels. Several factories were hiring, and Sladek landed a few interviews. But he never heard back. At PricewaterhouseCoopers in Chicago, there's a shortage of qualified applicants for management jobs in tax services, auditing and consulting. Rod Adams, the company's recruiting leader, said huge pay packages on Wall Street siphoned off lots of business school graduates earlier this decade. "That made our pipeline more scarce," he said.

Some of the openings at PricewaterhouseCoopers pay around $100,000 and don't even require graduate degrees — just specialized accounting certifications or other credentials. Formerly successful bankers or hedge fund managers don't necessarily qualify. "We've gotten a lot more resumes, but they haven't been the right people," Adams said.

Big Five & Hot Five

2009-10-04T14:19:00.000-07:00

Big Five

1. David Letterman
2. Rio de Janeiro
3. Indonesian & Samoan Tragedy
4. Kate Plus Eight
5. Economy

Hot Five

1. President Obama
2. David Letterman
3. Kate Plus Eight
4. Alan Grayson
5. Stafon Johnson

Line of the Morning

2009-10-04T13:54:00.001-07:00

Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC)

“I would like to see the Congress in a defined period of time the next couple of weeks pass a series of measures that would empower the president and our country to be tough and to put some actions behind words. So let's have "Iran Week" in the Senate and get something done.”

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

2009-10-02T21:55:00.000-07:00

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)

2009-10-02T21:17:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-02T18:11:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-02T17:08:00.000-07:00

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

The Commander & His Commander

2009-10-02T16:47:00.000-07:00

Yahoo: Recession Dating

2009-10-02T16:39:00.000-07:00

"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

2009-10-01T23:49:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-01T21:54:00.001-07:00

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

2009-10-01T19:02:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-01T18:51:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-01T18:42:00.001-07:00

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

2009-09-30T23:33:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-30T23:19:00.002-07:00

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

2009-09-30T17:41:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-30T17:27:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-29T21:16:00.001-07:00

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

2009-09-29T20:39:00.000-07:00

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

Troublemaker Obfuscates, Blames Media

2009-09-29T20:26:00.000-07:00

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)

2009-09-28T23:52:00.000-07:00

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)

2009-09-28T23:41:00.001-07:00

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

2009-09-28T23:21:00.005-07:00

USC Superstar Almost Suffocated

2009-09-28T19:49:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-28T19:31:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-27T19:08:00.001-07:00

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

Conference Catastrophes

2009-09-27T16:29:00.002-07:00

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

2009-09-27T15:14:00.000-07:00

For reasons good and bad… they were the news.

The Hot Five

2009-09-27T15:09:00.000-07:00

A quintet of sizzling conversation starters.

Line of the Morning

2009-09-27T13:16:00.001-07:00

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?”

Monologue Joke of the Evening

2009-09-25T23:59:00.000-07:00

“President Obama made a big speech. He welcomed the members of the U.N. General Assembly to New York, and he said, 'I'd like to encourage you to do some shopping while you're here.' I think it worked because China immediately bought eight banks, two car companies, and the state of Wyoming.”

The Tonight Show

Iran Misleads, Invites Retribution

2009-09-25T21:09:00.000-07:00

On Friday morning, Iran’s secret nuclear instillation was revealed. On Friday evening, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez pledged uranium collaboration.

Iran’s fraudulence underscores the obvious. Diplomatic nuance is inconsequential. International incentives are irrelevant. China, France, Germany, Great Britain, Russia, and the United State must impose crippling sanctions. They must also emphasize military options. Iran cannot be trusted. Iran abhors the prospect of trust.

“We Leave Here Today Confident & United”

2009-09-25T20:12:00.000-07:00

G-20 Communiqué

Betting the Pass Line (Last Week: 1-4 Season: 4-6)

2009-09-25T19:54:00.000-07:00

49ers at Vikings (-7)
Frank Gore versus Adrian Peterson. Both amass one hundred yards. Both score two touchdowns. However, Brett Favre wins the contest.

Falcons at Patriots (-4)
Following losses, the Patriots have won seven consecutive contests. Their eighth victory will be impressive.

Steelers at Bengals (+4 ½)
Versus the Steelers, the Bengals have lost five consecutive contests. History screams the Steelers. Shut up history.

Colts (+2 ½) at Cardinals
From 2005-2007, the Colts commenced their campaigns 3-0. In 2009, they will recapture their past.

Panthers (+9) at Cowboys
Simply stated, the Panthers must win.