Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Humpday rockin' out: Say, baby...do you wanna get down with me?

A little rockin' out for humpday.

Enjoy.

A little Bob with NOFX



This is a weird cut, because it jumps cameras and sound a little, but it's THE Metallica video, show and song I remember as a kid



Probably my favorite punk band of all time, 7 Seconds:



A little Jawbox who I saw rock the Elbow Room (twice I think?)



The Promised title track...

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Week 7 picks: Hanging in for the long haul



Heading into week seven, we are nearing the middle of the NFL season and soon it will time to take stock of a few things before pushing on to the second half. In fact, we're working on having a guest blogger come in and give you all a pep talk on how to close the season out. But that will be in the next two weeks or so.


Right now, if things have not been going well for your, now is not the time to panic. Hang in there. You can't get flustered. For instance, I could have fallen into a chair-throwing rage over the fact that "Pitino...party of two" did not start Matt Schuab last week as I watched the early games. But I kept my cool and watched Mr. Giselle Bündchen rack up 51 points in the snow against a very bad Titans team. Then I could have pulled my hair out watching LT play against the Broncos as he scored exactly the 10 points needed for our opponent to beat "Pitino...party of two" by one point, sending us to a 2-4 record and an 8th place ranking in our 10-team league.


Am I worried? No. Why? The NFL season is a marathon, not a sprint. Keep grinding away and keep your head. If need be, use the button I have provided here:

Now...on to this week's picks.

CHIEFS (+4.5) v. Chargers


Charger fans, in case you were wondering...this is the beginning of the end of your Norv Turner era. Turner has taken the Chargers from 11-6, to 8-8, to a current 2-3 record. Looking at the eleven games the rest of the way, I see 3 games I believe are lock-losses (at NYG, at DEN and at DAL) and another probable loss (PHI at home). Busting out my math skills, I don't see SD doing better than 9-7. And that is in a division that has KC and Oakland. Them...they ain't that good.


On top of all that, LDT scares no one and Merriman only scares Tila Tequila. And I have no idea what has happened to Chris Chambers. Jackson is getting double-teamed, Gates is rounding back into Pro-Bowl form and Sproles has got eyes all over him when his lightning bug ass comes out of the backfield. There is only one logical reason why Chambers is not putting up good numbers: he's done. That's a damn shame.


My buddy Clay told me right before the season that he had watched some interview with LDT and that LDT had been wearing a top that Clay swore was womens clothing. It was had spaghetti straps on it. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but...uh...not exactly the type of wardrobe you want your tough, between-the-tackles runner wearing. Add that to his new hairstyle and I'm starting to think LDT has turned into a bit of a dandy.


Having said all that, SD has won 4 of the last 5 in this series. But KC has been coming on. They should have beat Dallas two weeks ago and they got their first win last week over the Washington "Oakland East" Redskins.


BTPC pick = Chiefs taking the points.

TEXANS (-3) v. Niners


The Texans are the most confusing team in the league. They are so inconsistent, that they are consistent in their inconsistency. Think about it...we say the same things about the Texans every year. They had great talent last year and tripped all over themselves to their second consecutive 8-8 record. They are right on pace for another, sitting at 3-3.


The Niners have really showed up for every game, except that ass whupping they got from Atlanta. You have to think they will come out of that bye week, ready to reestablish that they are not the team from that game, but the team that should have whupped undefeated Minnesota if not for a horseshoe-out-of-the-ass pass by HIM. Who knows, maybe they get a boost from the first appearance of their 2009 first-round pick, Michael Crabtree. Isn't that whole escapade a little weird? Dude holds out well into the season, signs and three weeks later, Singletary names him as starter. You would think that a coach who does that, benching leading WR Josh Morgan, could run the risk of losing his team. Uh...Mike Singletary does not lose teams. He wins them over. Ask every niner who got a good look at his ass last year, when he dropped trou in an inspirational moment. Oh yeah...Frank Gore is back, too.

BTPC pick = Niners taking the points.

Patriots (-14.5) v. Bucs



Bill Belichick really loves tempting the football gods, does he not? I mean, I love that he left Brady in there, in a blizzard with his surgically repaired knee, against an old-school guy like Jeff Fisher, daring the Titans and the gods to give him a new challenge by careening a LB into Brady's knee. Perhaps he realized Fisher, what with his man-crushes on other team's QBs, would never allow it to happen. Maybe it explains how Billy B dresses like a jedi knight: this is not the knee you were looking for. I don't know. All I do know is that if I learned anything from the ass-whupping my Dolphins got over there across the pond, it is this: bad teams travel bad, especially when it's some kind of special trip. And the Bucs, my friends...they are bad.

BTPC pick = Pats laying the points.

Colts (-13) v. RAMS



Speaking of Jeff Fisher's man-crush on QBs, make sure to tune in and see how many Peyton hangs up on a bad St. Louis team.

BTPC pick = Colts laying the points.

Vikings (+4) v. STEELERS



The unstoppable force meets the immovable object: ADP versus Pitt's rushing D. This game is really about the unbelievable story of an old-timer everyone thought would retire due to questions about an injury and surgery he underwent this offseason, only to see him come back and discover a fountain of youth. That's right...I'm talking about Hines Ward.


Listen, the Ravens carved up the Vikings last week. This included 196 yards in the 4th quarter and the Vikes best CB, Winfield, is banged up. This is the first outdoor game Father Time, HIM, will be playing in somewhat cold weather. The Vikes will have to throw to win and I like Big "head" Ben more tossing the rock around.

I'm not kidding, that boy's head is like Sputnik; spherical but quite pointy at parts! Now that was offside, wasn't it? He'll be crying himself to sleep tonight, on his huge pillow.

BTPC pick = Stuart MacKenzie is wrong, Big Ben will not be crying tonight, Steelers laying the points.

Packers (-7) v. BROWNS


Let's just make this pick and move along, shall we.

BTPC pick = Packers laying the points.

PANTHERS (-7) v. Bills


Has it really come down to us having to decide who we rather count on: Jake Delhomme or Ryan Fitzpatrick? Really? I mean, you've got Steve Smith providing strength to the argument that he should in fact be referred to as "the other" by saying in the Charlotte paper that he's "no longer an asset to this team." There has been some noise about Peppers finally showing up, but please...he "showed up" against Tenn and TB. Before those two games, he had 9 tkls and 1 sack. In those two games, he "showed up" for 12 tkls and 4 sacks. The good news for Panthers fans is that the Bills OL sucks. But do you really feel good about Jake the Contract Mistake taking on a team that had 6 ints last week?

BTPC pick = Bills taking the points.

Jets (-6) v. RAIDERS


Man...oh, man. Would I love to see the Raiders take out another rather large coach this week, just to see Rex Ryan's presser afterwards. Would that not be great?

"I know we lost to the consensus worst-run organization in the league over the last decade, but I truly believe we are a great team."

Seriously, Ryan's post-game pressers have become my favorite ongoing story of the season. As long-time Dolfan listserv pal Randy noted this week, Ryan is like a "blowhard version of Wade Phillips." His vaunted D has been unable to generate much pass rush at all and now he has lost the key to that D, NT Kris Jenkins, for the year. Three things about his franchise QB's dismal performance last week should have Fireman Ed concerned. 1) Ryan admitted to the press he thought about pulling the Sanchize. 2) the Sanchize admitted he doesn't have much experience playing in inclement weather (uh...a bit of a problem for a QB calling the Meadowlands home) and 3) the latest fixation for that NY press is the Sanchize's body language. Specifically his body language the last few games where he has sucked.



Will a return to his beloved sunny West Coast help the Sanchize? Will the Raiders upset of Philly help Ryan convince his "great" team they better show up or they will make him look even more foolish? Can JaMarcus Russell deal with Ryan's blitz package? Will Oakland rally around Tom "the DA ain't gonna prosecute me" Cable?



Man...I really would like to see Oakland win this one outright. I tell you this to warn you that my pick here may be a bit skewed by my hatred for gang green. As such...

BTPC pick = Oakland taking the points.

Bears (+1.5) v. BENGALS

In case you missed it, Chad Ochocinco has already ran Jake Cutler off of Twitter with his trashtalk. The Bengals suffered a big blow last week when they lost Antwan Odom for the year. I have rode the Bengals bandwagon a bit this week, but I think this is the week where we find out how for real they are. If they can beat this Bears team having suffered a bad loss to Houston last week and do it missing their best pass rusher...maybe Marvin Lewis is on to something. Having said that, it's gonna be a cold game where I think Benson runs it up the gut on the Bears with Tommie Harris being out and the Bengals up and coming CBs trick Cutler into mistakes.

BTPC pick = Bengals laying the points.

Falcons (+4) v. COWBOYS

UPSET SPECIAL! Even without TO and Jessica Simpson, the Cowboys continue to be a soap opera. Atlanta has no drama whatsoever. It's about to get to the point where we have to call Roy Williams a bust. It's not a good sign when the other Roy Williams, the one that got run out of town, has a better place in Cowboy fans hearts and memories than the WR does.


BTPC pick = Falcons taking the points.

DOLPHINS (+6.5) v. Saints

HOMER warning! I know NO just dismantled the team everyone thought was the most complete team in the league. But I really like Miami in this game. They can and will run the ball on NO. If they can play this game like the Indy game (which they should have won), I think they win this time around. What they missed there, was the ability to march down the field quickly when needed. I think Henne gives them that.

Did I mention Michael Irvin says the Dolphins stand no chance in this game? That they don't belong on the field, cause they don't have the talent? Or that Warren Sapp thinks the Dolphins brand of football is "simple" as if that's a bad thing? How about a big eff you to Sapp and Irvin, fellas?

BTPC pick = Miami taking the points.

Cardinals (+7) v. GIANTS

Wow...a game between two QBs who have taken heat for not being able to throw the ball in the cold, windy weather of the Meadowlands. Lucky for Warner, the weather's gonna be pretty good. Unlucky for him, Eli has had more success than him in the land of the Giants and Usi and company are coming off an embarrassing loss to Drew Brees' Saints.

BTPC pick = Giants laying the points.

Eagles (-7) v. REDSKINS

Hmmm...who do I like here? Let's see...the Eagles are coming off an embarassing loss to the Raiders and they're playing an arch divisional rival.


Oh...did I mention the 'Skins plays will be called by a guy who just a few weeks ago was calling BINGO?

A35...uh...I mean X-Ray, green push stalker...

Seriously, there was a local story in the DC papers about how Skins QB Jason Campbell was going to head out for each series with a few plays memorized, just in case Sherm Lewis couldn't get the play call in to him on time. I. Shit. You. Not. Ladies and gentlemen, this is a billion-dollar entity in the most prestigious sports league in the United States and they are worried about being able to simply get a play call in. I give you the Washington Redskins. Hang in the Zorn. Make Snyder eat every damn cent of your contract.

BTPC pick = Eagles laying the points.


Last Week: 8-6, "Upset Special" = 1-0...but I called the Broncos beating the Chargers an "upset" when the Broncos were actually favored. So that was a screw up, but so am I. It goes in the season total...
Season to Date: 52-34-2 Upset Specials = 3-4.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

A true conservative...


Meet Representative Richard Martin (R-Ohio), a true conservative. Martin is not afrad to say what he thinks, not matter what the consequences. I urge you to check out his, askarepublican.com. You will be truly inspired. Check out his campaign ad below or this background piece.



Sunday, October 18, 2009

Week 6 picks: Cliff notes edition

With my Dolphins on a bye and having used up our football enthusiasm last night watching the Gamecocks go down, please excuse us if we just make a quick post with the picks.

Panthers (+4) v. BUCS = Panthers cover.

Chiefs v. SKINS (+4.5) = Chiefs lose but gamblers win.

Lions v. PACK (+11.5) = Lions lose but gamblers win.

Texans v. BENGALS (+4.5) = Bengals cover.

Gianst v. SAINTS (+4.5) = Giants lose but gamblers win.

Browns v. STEELERS (+14) = Browns lose but gamblers win.

Rams v. JAGS (+12.5) = Rams lose but gamblers win.

Ravens v. VIKINGS (+3) = Vikings cover.

Cardinals v. HAWKS (+2.5) = Hawks cover.

Eagles (+13.5) v. RAIDERS = Raiders lose but gamblers win.

Titans v. PATS (+9.5) = Pats cover.

Bills v. JETS (+9.5) = Bills lose but gamblers win.

Bears v. FALCONS (+3) = Bears lose but gamblers win.

Broncs v. CHARGERS (+4) = UPSET SPECIAL! Broncos.

Last week = 8-6 ; Upset special 1-0
Season to date = 44-28-2, Upset specials: 2-4

Friday, October 16, 2009

The meaning of client advocacy

Is not what one Texas attorney would appear to believe: self-righteous stubborness in your own personal opinion and to the point of ignoring the general consensus of the entire scientific community.

We had a post on the tragic case of Cameron Todd Willingham last month. Willingham was the father of three convicted of murdering his three children by arson back in 1991. Willingham was tried and convicted in August of 1992, the State's case was largely based on the "scientific evidence" gathered by two arson investigators: Manuel Vasquez and Douglas Fogg. We now know that the science used to arrive at this evidence was flat-out wrong.

So why are we revisiting this case? Well...the story has continued to be in the news thanks to Texas Governor Rick Perry's attempts to cover his ass by replacing four of nine members of the Texas Forensics Sciences Commission in recent weeks, just before the commission was to receive a report from the latest of the three investigations which find that arson WAS NOT the likely cause of the fire. One of those reports arrived on Perry's desk 88 minutes before Willingham was executed.

It is somewhat disturbing then, to watch Willingham's attorney get on national tv like he did last night and completely sell his client down the river. It is obvious from watching the video, that Martin is taking this case personal and has become offended that any outsider would question handling of the case. How an attorney can obtain such certitude in a field like the law is beyond me. The one thing I am sure of is we are all fallible. There is a reason it is called the "practice" of law. It can never be perfected. As such, I personally find Martin's comments ridiculous.


Hey, let me tell you what we did. Rob Dunn and I, who tried this case with me,
we went and bought carpet. We bought lighter fluid. We poured the lighter fluid
on the carpet. We set it on fire. And when it finished burning, it looked just
exactly like the carpet did in Todd Willingham's house.


If Mr. Martin was not so personally upset about this, he may realize how foolish those comments are. They fly in direct contention with the fundamental purpose of science. The scientific method, which is the root of all science, does not look for similarities. It's purpose is to focus on dissimilarities. Only through that way, can you be absolutely certain of something. It is apparent from his gung-ho belief in his own client's guilt, that Mr. Martin is blinded from seeing how that distinction is important, not only in science, but also in the courtroom.


Racism alive and well in Tangipahoa Parish, LA


We've come a long way in this country. But I think we can all admit that we will most likely never kill off racism. Given our country's history, racism will always be the permanent stain on our collective conscience.

We have come far enough though, that everyone pretty much acknowledges racism as a bad characteristic. Remember the old Chappelle routine where he talks about the racism down South? Well...Dave might as well have been talking about Tangipahoa Parish, LA.

See...Tangipahoa Parish is home to Justice of the Peace Keith Bardwell. Bardwell got in the news this week for refusing to issue a marriage license to an interracial couple "out of concern for any children the couple might have."

(Bardwell) says it is his experience that most interracial marriages do not last
long.


"I'm not a racist. I just don't believe in mixing the races that way,"
Bardwell told the Associated Press on Thursday. "I have piles and piles of black
friends. They come to my home, I marry them, they use my bathroom. I treat them
just like everyone else."


Bardwell said he asks everyone who calls about
marriage if they are a mixed race couple. If they are, he does not marry them,
he said.


Bardwell said he has discussed the topic with blacks and whites,
along with witnessing some interracial marriages. He came to the conclusion that
most of black society does not readily accept offspring of such relationships,
and neither does white society, he said.


"There is a problem with both groups accepting a child from such a marriage," Bardwell said. "I think those children suffer and I won't help put them through it."
If he did an interracial marriage for one couple, he must do the same for all, he said.
"I try to treat everyone equally," he said.



If I may point out a few things. First, if "success" was really a criteria, you shouldn't be marrying anyone, dipshit. Last study I saw showed something like 50% of marriages fail. Second, how beautifully racist is it for Bardwell to also blame his decision on Blacks? See...they can't accept those mixed kids--It's their fault. Lastly...it takes a real mouth-breathing, ignoramus to preach these views and then have the gall to say "I try to treat everyone equally."

Let me say this to Mr. Bardwell. This is America. You are certainly free to have these views and to let us all know about them. Unfortunately, you hold a public position: Justice of the Peace. As such, you let these views affect your carrying out of that office, you can't have it anymore. You don't get to tell people to go to another one. You cannot have your cake and eat it too. Resign, asshole.

Maybe you could open a "colored" restroom or something.

Hattip to Polkey for the article.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Some late Thursday rocking out

The BTPC sends you to bed with a little late night rockin'. Who better to kick things off than New Brunswick, New Jersey's own Bouncing Souls covering another Jersey legend: the Boss.

Enjoy.




And the Souls keep it going. This is one of the 65 songs they wrote about Joe. They're all about pain...



Some acoustic Pumpkins (right in time for Halloween!) before Billy started looking like Michael Stipe and Uncle Fester's lovechild.



And finally a little Cranberries, complete with Delores rockin an entire ear of earrings.



Thom and Jonny take us home in Our Iron Lung...

NASA cribs Mr. Show


Remember last week when NASA bombed the moon to search for water?
Turns out...NASA stole that idea from Bob and Dave.


For those of you who wonder why, here's why:
"We have the technology. The time is now. Science can wait no longer. Children are our future. America can, should, must and will blow up the moon."


State of the City

Today the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce hosted its State of the City and County Luncheon at the Florence Civic Center. Mayor Wukela delivered his State of the City speech, which you can see here. SCNow has their article up, which you may find here.

Picture: John D. Russell/Morning News.


Late add: WMBF's coverage.

Hating on Henne

A friend knowing my love of the Dolphins and knowing I'd be ecstatic over Chad Henne's performance Monday night sent me a link to a video for the Dead Schembechlers' Chad Henne is a Joke song. I must say, it's funny. And it will now be a part of my pre-game ritual for Dolphins' games as long as Henne is lacing them up.


Wednesday, October 14, 2009

RIP, Captian Lou

It's been a crazy two weeks at work for the BTPC, but we'd be remiss if we did not take some time out to acknowledge the passing of an '80s Icon. Wrestling legend, fictional music video father of Cyndi Lauper and pioneer of rubber bands as facial accessories, Captian Lou Albano has passed away.

Albano was key to wrestling's mainstream growth in the 1980s, when he teamed with Lauper to help the WWF reach out to the MTV generation. This almost makes up for the fact that he went to the University of Tennessee on a football scholarship. Almost.

RIP, Captain Lou. I'm sure you're collaborating with St. Peter on one hell of a card for the weekend.


Hattip, Jaime.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Week 5 picks: Finish strong


As a Gamecock fan, I know all about second half collapses. The Gamecocks have often waltzed into the latter half of their schedule with high hopes, only to have those hopes beaten to smithereens by the likes of Tennessee, Florida and Clemson. After yesterday's win over Kentucky, the 'Cocks are 5-1 and headed to a big game in Tuscaloosa next week against an Alabama team that is likely to tee it up and run it right down our throats all game. How Carolina responds will let us know whether this season is going to play out like all other seasons or whether or not hopelessly delusional fans like me have some reason to get excited.


I'm hoping my Gamecocks show what I showed last week: the ability to finish strong. To say that the BTPC picks came out of the gates sluggish last week would be a bit of an understatement. We were 0-5 in the first 5 games. But then we turned it around, in no small part thanks to finally hitting on an upset special with the Bucs covering the 'Skins. After that pick, we almost ran the table, finishing a respectful 8-6 for the week. As we get close to the second half of the season, our motto here is going to be finish strong. On to the picks...


Vikings (-10) v. RAMS
Brett Favre JUST LOVES THE GAME! God...I'm sick of Favre. But the truth is, Tarvaris Jackson could QB against the Rams and win by 10.

BTPC pick = Vikes cover.

CHIEFS (+8) v. Cowboys
It's never a good sign when your team has to issue a statement during the week explaining that your franchise QB "knew" what down it was last week, it's just that while walking off after missing that 4th down, he saw a down marker that said "3rd" and he got confused. Add in that your best defensive player, your pass rushing OLB, has yet to get a sack and your "playmaker" WR is out and the popular opinion is to take the Chiefs to cover. But I think that Roy W being out is a good thing for Romo. And I've got to think if Romo is any good, he has to come back fired up about the whole 3rd down-4th down thing. I mean if he doesn't...then I guess he really isn't that good. Right?

BTPC pick = Cowboys cover.

Redskins (+3.5) v. PANTHERS
The only person more "embattled" than Jake Delhomme might be Jim Zorn. I mean, he can't be happy that Danny Snyder grabbed a bingo caller to help "oversee" the offense. Let's face it...Snyder hired Sherm Lewis so that when he shitcans Zorn this season, he can "interview" Sherm Lewis to satisfy the Rooney Rule before he hires Shannahan. Seriously...why have I not seen anyone else point that out. It just makes too much sense.

BTPC pick = Panthers cover.

Bucs (+15) v. EAGLES
Eagles at home. McNabb back with something to prove to keep Vick on the bench. 15 points is a lot, but I think we see several TDs from both Vick and McNabb, making for much fun.

BTPC pick = Eagles cover.

Bengals (+8.5) v. RAVENS
UPSET SPECIAL! The Ravens whined like a lot of girls after last week. Ray Lewis is old. I watched him "celebrate" a 1-yard stop that actually got the Pats a first down. I am hoping Chad Ochocinco has him kiss the baby. I don't want the points. I don't need the points. I'll take the points.

BTPC pick = Bengals.

GIANTS (-15) v. Raiders
Do the Raiders have a succession plan in place for when Sepowitz and Co. show up in the locker room and slap the cuffs on Cable?

BTPC pick = Giants cover.

Steelers (-10.5) v. LIONS
Does Dante Culpepper make this a closer game? I think so. Culpepper should be smart(er) with the ball than usual, as he wants to show other teams he can still play.

BTPC pick = Lions lose, but gamblers win.

Browns (+6) v. BILLS
Have the Bills just dropped this much or were the Pats that bad opening weekend? And is there addition by subtraction in Cleveland? The Browns do get Jamaal Lewis back this week and they've had another week of Derek Anderson getting some work with his WRs.

BTPC pick = Browns keep it close and cover.

NINERS (-2.5) v. Falcons
The Niners are a better team than Atlanta. Atlanta ain't running on Patrick Willis and Co. And Mike Singletary knows a little something about covering TEs, so Ryan will get no help from Gonzo. All this is good news for Roddy White owners in fantasy (come on White, dammit...you need to pull Pitino...party of two through this week), not such good news for the Falcons.

BTPC pick = Niners cover.

SEAHAWKS (pk) v. Jags
The only reason anyone cares about this game is if they have MGD or Carlson in fantasy. I have Carlson and even I don't care.

BTPC pick = *late change: I didn't realize this was the triumphant return of Matt Hasselbeck. Since it is, I'll change my pick to the Hawks.

BRONCOS (+3.5) v. Patriots
Josh McDaniels cannot yet take the pebble from Bill's hand. The Pats will expose Orton. The question is whether or not the Pats can keep Brady standing up right.

BTPC pick = Pats cover.

Texans (+5.5) v. CARDS
The Cardinals are not very good. I don't think the Texans are either, but I know the Cards aren't.

BTPC pick = Texans keep it close.

Colts (-3.5) v. TITANS
The only question left about the Titans is whether or not Adams is dumb enough to can Fisher? If so, where does he wind up? Dallas, Carolina or Washington?

BTPC pick = Colts cover.

DOLPHINS (+1.5) v. Jets
HOMER WARNING. I believe in the Henne era. I also believe a coach should never engage opposing players in trash talking. What is Ryan thinking? I don't want the points. I don't need the points. I'll take the points.

BTPC pick = Dolphins.

Last week = 8-6 ; Upset special 1-0
Season to date = 35-23-2

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Bristol's Baby Daddy goes "rogue"

And by rogue, we mean naked. The AP is out today with a story that Bristol Palin's baby's daddy, Levi Johnston, will be posing nude in Playgirl. Ahh...family values.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Another reason to hate the Rams


As if them absolutely sucking was not enough, now comes word that professional blowhard Rush Limbaugh is part of a group along with Dave Checketts who have submitted a proposal to buy the St. Louis Rams.

Limbaugh as an owner would create an interesting dynamic. Could he keep his piehole shut about league and team issues? Would ego-driven owners like Snyder and Jones want someone with such a bully pulpit coming into their playground? Would he reel back his anti-Obama rhetoric or keep going full steam ahead towards the crazy cliffs, potentially alienating a large percentage of the leagues players who will see such rhetoric as racially driven? Do his remarks about McNabb hurt the bid? What would a Limbaugh group's participation mean for the upcoming labor talks?

Listen...if it means just once he plays one of those black-face-type Obama parody songs on his show, only to walk into a locker room and get laid out by a pissed off Defensive tackle...I'd be all for it.

Monday, October 5, 2009

Ray Lewis should shut up


In case you've been doing hard time or in a deep freeze since last night, you've probably heard Sugar Ray Lewis' comments concerning two roughing the passer calls the Ravens got called for in yesterday's Baltimore-New England game.
In case you missed them, here are the comments:
"Without totally going off the wall here, it's embarrassing to the game,"
Lewis told reporters after the game. "You can't do that. [Tom] Brady's good
enough to make a play. Let him make his own play. You can't end the play like
that, and then throw the flag. No, man. The embarrassing part is when he
understands that, and he walks up to one of us and says, 'Oh, that was a cheap
one.'"

"That's not football," Lewis added. "And that's the embarrassing part about
it. Two great teams going at it, let them go at it. But you can't stop drives
like that, you can't throw flags and say, 'Oh, you touched the quarterback.' Put
flags on them. Put a red buzzer on them, so if we touch them, they're
down."
Okay...the first of the calls was where DT Haloti Ngata ran at a passing Brady and threw his arms up as Brady threw. Ngata's left hand barely brushed Brady's helmet. But according to the NFL rule, if a defender's hand comes into contact with a quarterback's head at any point during a play, the flag is automatically thrown for a 15-yard penalty.


The second call was when Terrell Suggs came diving towards Brady as he threw. At best, he brushed Brady's legs, as Brady was able to dodge to the side a little and avoid Suggs. But with the new "Brady rule," which prohibits coming at a QB below the waist, the flag was thrown.


Now, do I think these rules are silly? The first one definitely. I understand the need to draw a line somewhere, but a hand to the helmet should not be an automatic flag. The second one, I understand. It's like the rule about drilling an unprotected WR as he goes up for a catch. A Qb has to step into throws and is awfully vulnerable, just like a WR in the air trying to make a catch. I heard the guys on NFL Network complain, "but he didn't hit him!" That should not matter. If you want to stop the knee injuries, you have to throw the flag at "attempts" as well as "successes."


However, both of these rules are KNOWN. You can't do it. As Brady said...the Pats were warned about this crew and their propensity of calling shit tight. You got to know the rules and the refs.


But I got more problems with Ray than that. First...no call in a game is as embarrassing as a supposed superstar being a witness to a murder and not cooperating with the authorities. That is an embarrassment, Ray. Be a man and man up.


Second...you want to know what is really embarrassing? A fading superstar, jumping up and celebrating like he just scored the game-winning TD after his big "hit," not realizing that the journeyman RB actually picked up the yard needed for the first down and your opponent now has a 1st and goal from the 2 yard line. Seriously...watch that entire TD drive right at the end of the first/beginning of second by the Pats. First, Lewis got lost in the trash on a 2 & 10 from the 12. Then on the following 4 & 1 from the 3yd line, Ray Lewis got a clean, full shot on Sammy Morris and Morris won. But Lewis jumped up off the ground and went running around like he thought he won the battle when it was painfully obvious it was a first. Then, following a penalty and subsequent gain, Lewis had a chance at stopping Tom Brady and Brady powered through on a sneak on 2 & goal from the 1 for a TD.


Hey...we all fade, you know. But when you had a chance to stop the other team three times in 6 plays, how about shut up with excuses. Lewis is not even the third best defensive player on that team now. First is Ngata. Second, Ed Reed. Third, Terrell Suggs. Lewis is at best fourth. And he sounded like a punk after yesterday's game.


Come on, Ray. You were great once. Feared. You stole Eddie George's soul to the point that he heard your footsteps and let the game clinching int bounce off of his shoulder pads during the 2000 playoffs. Stop acting a fool and assume the role of elder statesman.

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Why does this woman hate America?

Meet Laura Ingraham, conservative radio talkshow host and, apparently, vehement anti-American. How else to you explain Laura's glee at the United States of America's failure to land the 2016 Olympic games?

"R-I-O!" said conservative talk radio host Laura Ingraham, speaking the a ballroom of almost 2000 conservative activists. "May this be the first of many defeats for Chicago-style politics!"
Ingraham fantasized about being on the plane home from Copenhagen, where the International Olympic Committee handed down the decision, and watching Oprah Winfrey cry and Michelle Obama throw things with her "big arms." The crowd cheered...


Just so I know the rules...questioning the validity of a preemptive war when no evidence of the reason for necessary "preemptiveness" is discovered AND/OR questioning the use torture and what it means to surrender the rights and ideals this country was founded on is being unpatriotic and unamerican. Yet reveling in the defeats of our President abroad is okay? Really?

And for all those who have opined what a mistake it was for President Obama to try to help secure the Olympics or how its a process story of this administrations failure to know how to manage expectations, whatever. That's a load of horseshit. Give the man some credit for doing what he could to help and being willing to take one for the team.

And Ms. Ingraham...the arms? Really? You, my sister are a sell-out bitch. You should be ashamed of pandering to the cheap laughs of ignorant people by attacking a strong-woman's appearance. Why don't you go take some more come-hither-photos-like the one above and stop attacking a woman more accomplished and powerful than you. It makes you look catty.

Week 4 picks: Straight outta Quarantine

Apparently, this little fella slipped into the oyster roast we had this week and slapped a big sloppy kiss on us when we weren't looking. That kiss, no matter how exhilarating, has laid us up the entire latter part of the week. Never fear. Just like Philo Beddoe, we're not gonna let monkey get the best of us. Yeah, yeah, we know...Clyde was an orangutan. But it allows us to tell you that the BTPC is gonna get the week 4 picks done, "Anywhich way we can."

In fact, after last weeks miraculous 12-3 run, the U.S. Government has offered to lend a hand, sending these guys behind the pine curtain to help us out.

I have no idea how Rod Tidwell, Kaiser Soze and Tootsie are supposed to help us, but how can I say no to help from three guys dressed like that Calvin Klein kid who mysteriously showed up in Hill Valley, CA back in 1955? I don't think I can.

Okay...on with the picks.

Lions (+10) v. BEARS = This Detroit team looks scrappy. But they're playing at Chicago and Kevin Smith is dinged up. I think this is a good test for the Bears. If they can beat the Lions by 10 at home without Urlacher, maybe they're a playoff contender. I do not yet believe.

BTPC pick = Lions lose, but gamblers win.

Bengals (-6) v. BROWNS = Hi...I'm Eric Mangini. Have you seen my team?

BTPC pick = Bengals cover.

Raiders (+9) v. TEXANS = This Texans team encapsulates the Texans problems from the last few years: no one knows what kind of team Houston is, nor which team will show up. How the hell do they lose a shootout at home to the Jags? How do you have that many quality defensive players and yet can't stop anyone? And my god...what is the deal with those god-awful red-unitard-looking uniforms? You all look like you lost a challenge on Big Brother. Add on top of this the news that a Texan was diagnosed with the swine flu and it makes this pick easy.


BTPC pick = Oakland loses but gamblers win.

Seahawks (+10.5) v. COLTS = This Seahawk team was also scrappy last week. I think Seneca and the boys keep it close.

BTPC pick = 'Hawks lose but gamblers win.

Titans (-3) v. JAGUARS = Always go with the 'stache over the coif.

BTPC pick = Titans cover.

Giants (-9) v. CHIEFS = Hey, Chiefs fans...on the plus side, I understand you have really good barbecue.

BTPC pick = Giants cover.

Ravens (+1.5) v. PATRIOTS = Tom Brady missed so many throws last week, that Gisele even covered her eyes.


Despite this, the Pats still beat a NFC contender (alleged) in Atlanta. The Ravens are the consensus favorites in the AFC. Bill Belicheck does not like that. That win last week for the Pats was a sign that the Pats still have it. Really good teams win games against good teams when they play like shit.

BTPC pick = Pats cover.

REDSKINS (-7.5) v. Bucs = UPSET SPECIAL! Considering I'm 0-4 on upset specials (my brilliant plan to pick two last week did not help matters at all), these only thing special about these upsets is how bad they are. So I figure, what the hell. I'm sorry...I just don't think the Jim Zorn-led Redskins are 7.5 points better than anyone. If you read Peter King's MMQB, you know that King was doing his regular name-dropping this week by talking about a super-secret, private, only-told-to-him-because-he-kisses-his-very-rotund-keister-so-well Mike Holmgren story. Why is that important? Because the football gods love punishing boy-king Danny Snyder and what better way than to have a terrible Bucs team walk into DC and whip your heavily favored club, leading to endless talk-radio ponderings on whether or not the Walrus is coming. I don't want the points. I don't need the points. But I'll take the points.

BTPC pick = Bucs

DOLPHINS (+1.5) v. Bills = I am nothing if not a homer. The Chad Henne era begins today in Miami. Here's to hoping it is better than the Jay Fiedler, Ray Lucas, Brian Griese and Gus Ferrote eras. The injury to Pennington is probably a good thing for Miami in both the short-term and long-term. Short term, it's gonna force Miami to focus more on Ronnie Brown, which they need to do. Brown is the type of guy who gets better with carriers. You have to keep putting the ball in his hands. Long term, Miami gets to a) see what they have in Henne; and, b) finally actually utilize Pat White in the Wildcat. Expect to see some throwing from the Wildcat this week.

BTPC pick = Miami and their new QB gets off the snide and covers.

SAINTS (-7) v. Jets = Mark Sanchez is turning out ok. But asking him to keep pace with Drew Brees...that ain't gonna happen. The Saints bring Big Green back to Earth.

BTPC pick = Saints cover.

BRONCOS (+3) v. Cowboys = Hi...I'm Tony Romo and I'm a...*gulp*...game manager. Boy...Dallas fans certainly did not think they would be talking up Romo's "game management" skills, did they? QB1 of the Cowboys ain't supposed to be a game manager. He's supposed to be a superhuman gunslinger. If we're going with game managers...I'm gonna go with the guy who has more experience in that area: Kyle Orton.

BTPC pick = Broncos cover.

NINERS (-9.5) v. Rams = I am so very sorry that Mike Singletary's young upstarts had to become the victims of this season's Brett-Favre-didn't-come-back-for-the-money-he-came-back-for-the-love-of-the-game-bullshit-pulling-it-out-of-his-ass-play. Don't worry Niners. You keep pluggin away and you can run back into those guys in November, when Old Father time has started breaking down and throwing pick-sixes. Until then...you guys go easy on the Rams, ok?

BTPC pick = Niners cover.

Chargers (+6.5) v. STEELERS = Rivers is out to show he's better than Big Ben. Big Ben can't hear him, because he's got a championship ring stuffed in one ear and sexual assault suit papers stuffed in the other. Fortunately for Rivers, he's got the most exciting player on the field on his side: Sproles.

BTPC pick = Chargers cover.

Packers (+3.5) v. VIKINGS = I can't qualify how much I would love to see Aaron Rodgers walk into the Hubert Humphrey Metrodome and whip the old man's ass. Unfortunately, I don't see it happening. It's still early in the season and Favre has not started his annual late-season swoon. I think the Vikes, riding the emotional high from last week, win this one and win it big enough to cover.

BTPC pick = Vikes cover.

Last week: 12-3, upsets 0-2
Season to date: 27-17-2, upsets 0-4