Weekend Football Picks

Carolina +15.5 vs. ATLANTA
Cincinnati +10.5 vs. BALTIMORE
Pittsburgh -5.5 vs. CLEVELAND
KANSAS CITY -3 vs. Oakland
NEW ENGLAND -3 vs. Miami
Tampa Bay +9.5 vs. NEW ORLEANS
Jacksonville 0 vs. HOUSTON
INDIANAPOLIS -9.5 vs. Tennessee
WASHINGTON +4 vs. NY Giants
San Diego -3 vs. DENVER
SAN FRANCISCO -6.5 vs. Arizona
St. Louis -1 vs. SEATTLE
Minnesota +3 vs. DETROIT
NY JETS 0 vs. Buffalo
GREEN BAY -10 vs. Chicago
PHILADELPHIA -6.5 vs. Dallas

Note: some of these odds are impacted by injuries or players projected to rest before the playoffs.


Last Week: 12-4
Season:  115-75-3

Six Patriots named to AFC Pro Bowl Team

QB Tom Brady
LG Logan Mankins
NT Vince Wilfork
LB Jerod Mayo
S Brandon Meriweather 
CB Devin McCourty


Brady, Mayo, Big Vince and McCourty are deserving; Meriweather and Mankins are not. 

Brett Favre's streak of consecutive games started to end at one

ESPN and USA Today are reporting that Brett Favre (concussion, ankle, collarbone, shoulder, exposed penis, over-rated, just threw another interception) is unlikely to play on Tuesday Night Football, meaning his consecutive games started streak will end at one.

Onion SportsDome: Rodney Harrison

Onion SportsDome

BCS Bowl Picks

WISCONSIN +3 vs. TCU - Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA
OKLAHOMA -17 vs. UConn - Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, AZ
Virginia Tech +3.5 vs. STANFORD - Orange Bowl in Miami, FL
Arkansas +3.5 vs. OHIO STATE - Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, LA

Oregon +3 vs. AUBURN - BCS Championship Game in Glendale, AZ

Oregon wins 38-27.

College Bowl Picks

Non-BCS Bowls

Hawaii -10 vs. TULSA - Hawaii Bowl in Honolulu, HI
TOLEDO -1.5 vs. Florida International - Little Caesars Bowl in Detroit, MI
AIR FORCE -2.5 vs. Georgia Tech - Independence Bowl in Shreveport, LA
WEST VIRGINIA -3 vs. NC State - Champs Sports Bowl in Orlando, FL
Missouri -2.5 vs. IOWA - Insight Bowl in Tempe, AZ
MARYLAND -7 vs. East Carolina - Military Bowl in Washington, DC
Illinois +1 vs. BAYLOR - Texas Bowl in Houston, TX
OKLAHOMA STATE -4.5 vs. Arizona - Alamo Bowl in San Antonio, TX
SMU -7 vs. Army - Armed Forces Bowl in Dallas, TX
Kansas State +1 vs. SYRACUSE - Pinstripe Bowl in Bronx, NY
TENNESSEE +2 vs. North Carolina - Music City Bowl in Nashville, TN
NEBRASKA -14 vs. Washington - Holiday Bowl in San Diego, CA
CLEMSON -5.5 vs. USF - Meineke Bowl in Charlotte, NC
MIAMI -3 vs. Notre Dame - Sun Bowl in El Paso, TX
GEORGIA -6.5 vs. Central Florida - Liberty Bowl in Memphis, TN
SOUTH CAROLINA -3 vs. FSU - Chick-fil-A Bowl in Atlanta, GA
TEXAS TECH -9.5 vs. Northwestern - Ticket City Bowl in Dallas, TX
ALABAMA -9.5 vs. Michigan State - Capital One Bowl in Orlando, FL
Penn State +7.5 vs. FLORIDA - Outback Bowl in Tampa, FL
Michigan +4.5 vs.MISSISSIPPI STATE - Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, FL
MIAMI (OH) -1 vs. Middle Tennessee - GoDaddy.com Bowl in Mobile, AL
LSU -1 vs. Texas A&M - Cotton Bowl in Arlington, TX
PITTSBURGH -3 vs. Kentucky - BBVA Compass Bowl in Birmingham, AL
Boston College +7.5 vs. NEVADA - Fight Hunger Bowl in San Francisco, CA

Bowls to date: 0-4
Season: 38-42-1


Did not pick two bowls (would have gone 1-1, picking Boise State -17.5 and Louisville -3.5, but that doesn't count)

Weekend Football Picks

Dallas -7 vs. ARIZONA
New England -7.5 vs. BUFFALO
CHICAGO 0 vs. NY Jets
Baltimore -3.5 vs. CLEVELAND
Washington +7 vs. JACKSONVILLE
Tennessee +5 vs. KANSAS CITY
Detroit +3.5 vs. MIAMI
ST. LOUIS -2.5 vs. San Francisco
DENVER +3 vs. Houston
Indianapolis -2.5 vs. OAKLAND
San Diego -7.5 vs. CINCINNATI
TAMPA BAY -6 vs. Seattle
NY Giants +3 vs. GREEN BAY
Minnesota +14.5 vs. PHILADELPHIA
New Orleans +3 vs. ATLANTA

This Week: 1-0
Last Week: 8-8
Season: 104-71-3

Steve Martin's Holiday Wish

Thursday Night Football

PITTSBURGH -14 vs. Carolina

Poinsettia Bowl

Navy +3 vs. SAN DIEGO STATE (at San Diego)

The stadium was underwater, so I like Navy's chances. Also under 57.5.

Bowls to date: not sure, probably not good.

Additional NFL Picks

NFL


Kansas City +3 vs. ST. LOUIS
Green Bay +15.5 vs. NEW ENGLAND
MINNESOTA +9 vs Chicago (at University of Minnesota)

This Week: 0-1 

Football Picks

College

UTEP +11.5 vs. BYU

Fresno State +1 vs. Northern Illinois

Ohio +2.5 vs Troy

will pick other bowl games when I have more time.

Last Week: 0-1

Overall: 38-38-1

NFL

San Francisco +9 vs. SAN DIEGO

New Orleans +1 vs. BALTIMORE

CAROLINA -2.5 vs. Arizona

Cleveland +1.5 vs. CINCINNATI

DALLAS -6 vs. Washington

INDIANAPOLIS -5 vs. Jacksonville

Buffalo +5.5 vs. MIAMI

NY GIANTS -2.5 vs. Philadelphia

TAMPA BAY -5.5 vs. Detroit

TENNESSEE 0 vs. Houston

Atlanta -6 vs. SEATTLE

OAKLAND -6.5 vs Denver

PITTSBURGH -6 vs. NY Jets

will pick KC at STL, GB at NE, and CHI and MINN closer to game times.  

Last Week: 8-8
Overall: 95-63-3

Football Picks

College

Army +7.5 vs. Navy (in Philadelphia)

Last Week: 4-3
Overall: 38-37-1

NFL

Indianapolis -3 vs. TENNESSEE

Cleveland +1 vs. BUFFALO

Atlanta -7.5 vs CAROLINA

Green Bay -6.5 vs. DETROIT
Oakland +4.5 vs. JACKSONVILLE

Cincinnati +9.5 vs. PITTSBURGH

WASHINGTON +2 vs. Tampa Bay

NEW ORLEANS -9 vs. St. Louis

Seattle +5 vs. SAN FRANCISCO

New England -3 vs. CHICAGO

NY JETS -5 vs. Miami

Kansas City +9.5 vs. SAN DIEGO (edited the spread on Fri. Was +7.5)

DALLAS +3.5 vs. Philadelphia

Baltimore -2.5 vs. HOUSTON

NY Giants -2 vs. MINNESOTA

Denver -4.5 vs. ARIZONA

Last Week: 14-2

Overall: 87-55-3

In Soviet Russia, Football Kick You

Maybe the US will get another World Cup in 2026, but for now, here are a few random thoughts.

1.  Congratulations to the counties selected to host the World Cup; Russia in 2018 and Qatar in 2022.

2.  I'm not sure I wanted the event back in the US anyways.  Soccer will stay solvent in the US and gain popularity during each World Cup, but that's about it.

3.  The world will be a different place 8 and 12 years from now.

4.  Brazil, then Russia, then Qatar - sound like real security nightmares to me.

5.  Summers in Qatar are unbearably hot, aren't they?  Air conditioned open-air stadiums, or not.

6.  F*** FIFA.

7.  FIFA President, Sepp Blatter, needs to go away.

8.  England, many will argue, should be more upset about todays results than the US.  This could mean more disappointment for the US, if England gets awarded the Cup in 2026.

9.  FIFA is corrupt.

10.  Did I mention, F*** FIFA.

Something Old, Something New

The LA Clippers beat the San Antonio Spurs last night 90-85, answering the question, what would happen if a bunch of really good college kids played against an NBA team.

Well, actually not answering that question at all.

The Clippers are, in fact, still an NBA team.  What I found most interesting about the Clippers (sans Chris Kamen and with Baron Davis coming off the bench after missing 14 games due to injury) is the age of their starting line-up.

Here they are:

PF Blake Griffin - Rookie, 21
SF Al-Farouq Aminu - Rookie, 20
PG Eric Bledsoe - Rookie, 20
SG Eric Gordon - 3rd year, 21
C DeAndre Jordan - 3rd year, 22

This group of Clippers all played significant minutes and beat the best team in the NBA last night.  The five players above all left college early, are making a lot of money, and making significant contributions to their employer, when they could still be in college or having just finished.

Hopefully these players continue to pursue college degrees.  Education is important for everybody, even talented and rich athletes.  But when it comes to the NBA, it's so much for "stay in school".

Football Picks

College

ARIZONA -5 vs. Arizona State
Oregon -16.5 vs. OREGON STATE
Auburn -5 vs. SOUTH CAROLINA (in Atlanta)
Florida State +4 vs. VIRGINIA TECH (in Charlotte)
OKLAHOMA 6.5 vs. Nebraska (in Arlington, TX)
USC -6.5 at UCLA
SOUTH FLORIDA -1.5 vs. UConn

Last Week: 7-5
Overall: 34-34-1

NFL

PHILADELPHIA -8 vs. Houston
CINCINNATI +7 vs. New Orleans
Chicago -3 vs. DETROIT
GREEN BAY -9.5 vs. San Francisco
Denver +10 vs. KANSAS CITY
Cleveland +4.5 vs. MIAMI
MINNESOTA -5.5 vs. Buffalo
NY GIANTS -7 vs. Washington
Oakland +13.5 vs. SAN DIEGO
Atlanta -2 vs. TAMPA BAY
ARIZONA +3 vs. St. Louis
Dallas +5 vs. INDIANAPOLIS
SEATTLE -6 vs. Carolina
BALTIMORE -2.5 vs. Pittsburgh
NEW ENGLAND -3 vs. NY Jets
Jacksonville +2 vs. TENNESSEE

Last Week: 8-8
Overall: 73-53-3

No Respect

The Boston Globe (and boston.com) really doesn't care who the Celtics are playing.

Boise State loses; Auburn and Oregon move closer to BCS Championship Game

Boise State gave away a shot at the BCS National Championship, or at least the Rose Bowl, by losing to Nevada, 34-31 in overtime, yesterday.  Auburn and Oregon survived tough opponents in moving one step closer to the BCS National Championship game.

Right now, the sexy national championship game is Auburn and Oregon.  I think Oregon wins that match-up.

I would like to see BCS reform (see: Fixing the BCS).  I like results that make the BCS look bad.  Boise State and TCU winning do just that.  So, moving right along, it is very possible that a one-loss Big 10 team will be left out of the BCS in favor of far inferior conference winners.  The ACC and Big East representatives also make the BCS look bad.  That could make for one craptacular Orange Bowl.  I vote we change that to the Rotten Tomato Bowl.

If you think all this is ugly, just wait and see what happens if South Carolina wins the SEC title over Auburn.  All hell breaks loose - that's what.  Do we get TCU in the championship game?  Or does the BCS pick a single one-loss team from amongst the many to play for the championship?  Who gets left out of the BCS altogether?  A one-loss Auburn? Nope.  The LSU - Arkansas winner?  Yup.

I'm conflicted.  I want to see Arkansas beat LSU and go to the Sugar Bowl.  That would not be possible if South Carolina beats Auburn.  But if LSU beats Arkansas, then all bets are off.  I'll want South Carolina beat Auburn and create BCS chaos.

Meanwhile, Boise State's reward for almost going undefeated could be a trip to, wait for it...Boise.

Additional Football Picks

Tennessee +7 vs. HOUSTON

Miami +3.5 vs. OAKLAND

Football Picks

No use calling this "Weekend Football Picks" anymore, since games begin Wednesday or Thursday.  I don't really research this much.  The picks are basically based upon "institutional knowledge", meaning my best guess.  I try to pick all the top match-ups for college, even though I freely admit that if I were at a sports book, there are a lot of games I would simply stay away from.  The odds are whatever I pull off of FOX Sports.

College

TEXAS +3.5 vs. TEXAS A&M
PITTSBURGH -2 vs. West Virginia
Auburn +4.5 vs. ALABAMA
Arizona +19.5 vs. OREGON
Boise State -14 vs. NEVADA
Michigan +16.5 vs. OHIO STATE
Louisiana State (LSU) +3.5 vs. ARKANSAS (at Little Rock)
FLORIDA STATE - 2 vs. Florida
South Carolina -3 vs. CLEMSON
STANFORD -13.5 vs. Oregon State
Georgia Tech +13.5 vs GEORGIA
Oklahoma +3 vs. OKLAHOMA STATE


Last Week: 4-3-1
Overall: 27-29-1

NFL

New England -7 vs. DETROIT
DALLAS +4 vs. New Orleans
Cincinnati +8.5 vs. NY JETS
Pittsburgh -7 vs. BUFFALO
Minnesota 0 vs. WASHINGTON
ATLANTA 0 vs. Green Bay
CLEVELAND -11 vs. Carolina
NY GIANTS -8 vs. Jacksonville
Kansas City 0 vs. SEATTLE
St. Louis +4 vs. DENVER
Philadelphia -3 vs. CHICAGO
Tampa Bay +9 vs. BALTIMORE
INDIANAPOLIS -2.5 vs. San Diego
ARIZONA 0 vs. San Francisco


Miami vs. OAKLAND and Tennessee vs. HOUSTON - No line, so maybe I'll check back closer to game time.  


Last Week: 9-6-1
Overall: 65-45-3

Happy Thanksgiving

Football picks to follow.

Bill Russell to receive medal of freedom

People sometimes speak of the three people they would like to have dinner with, or play a round of golf with.  I haven't really given it much thought; Bill Russell would probably be one of the three living people I would choose.

I have watched and read a fair amount about him.  I read Second Wind, written by him.  He is more than just a great basketball player.  At this point, he is one of those people who has been the best in his chosen profession, seen the worst of America, made his fair share of mistakes, and become a wise and eloquent voice in society.  It was announced that Russell is being awarded the medal of freedom, the highest civilian honor awarded in the US.  Former President George H.W. Bush is amongst the other recipients.

Iconoclasts did an episode with Russell and Samuel L. Jackson, where Jackson visits Russell's home, and they (you guessed it) play a round of golf together.  That show can be pretty good.

Bill Russell is considered the greatest winner in professional basketball.  This is a different kind of award, also well deserved.

Weekend Football Picks

College

Wisconsin -4 vs. MICHIGAN
Pittsburgh -2.5 vs. USF
Ohio State -3 vs. IOWA
MIAMI +2.5 vs. Virginia Tech
Stanford -6.5 vs. CAL
NORTHWESTERN +8 vs. Illinois
Arkansas -3 vs. MISSISSIPPI STATE
Nebraska -2.5 vs. TEXAS A&M


Last Week: 4-4
Overall: 23-26

NFL

MIAMI -1 vs. Chicago
CINCINNATI -4.5 vs. Buffalo
DALLAS -7 vs. Detroit
TENNESSEE -6.5 vs. Washington
Arizona +7.5 vs KANSAS CITY
Green Bay -2.5 vs. MINNESOTA
NY JETS -5 vs. Houston
PITTSBURGH -9 vs. Oakland
Baltimore -10 vs CAROLINA
JACKSONVILLE +3 vs. Cleveland
Atlanta -3 vs. ST. LOUIS
New Orleans -12 vs. SEATTLE
Tampa Bay +4 vs. SAN FRANCISCO
NEW ENGLAND -3 vs. Indianapolis
NY Giants +3 vs. PHILADELPHIA
SAN DIEGO -9.5 vs. Denver


Last Week: 5-8
Overall: 56-39-2

What's wrong with the Miami Heat?

The Miami Heat, aka "the greatest team in the history of basketball", lost to the Boston Celtics for the second time this year to fall to 5-4 on the season.  It's a little to early to make the statement that this is what their season is going to be like.  Get back to me at playoff time when it matters.  But right now, this is the baseline, from which they can make changes and improve.

Reggie Miller identified many issues during last night's TNT broadcast.  For the Heat, I'm sure it's a little overwhelming, but they know it as well.  So give it time, and this team will be a lot better than it is today.

Here is how they will do it.

Weekend Watching: Sunday Night Football

Sunday Night Football on NBC, Sunday at 8pm ET.

From nbcsports.msnbc.com

This will be one of the most telling games in a strange NFL season.  The Steelers have survived injuries and the suspension of Ben Rapeburger, having only lost to Baltimore and New Orleans.  Meanwhile, the Patriots start as many as four rookies on defense, traded Randy Moss, and got thumped by the Cleveland Browns last week.  Losing kicker Stephen Gostkowski for the season hurts.  I'm a Patriots fan, so last weekend was not enjoyable.  I picked the Patriots (+5), because, when all else fails, take the points.

Google Chrome is awesome

I'm generally way behind the times on new technology.  So, not surprisingly, I am more than two years behind on Google Chrome.  I downloaded it on my office computer at the suggestion of our IT guy.  I have been playing with it for a couple of days, and it's awesome - at least better than my old browser, Internet Explorer 8.

Cnet has a recent review, so here is the techno-babble (link).  You can download the software from them, or from Google.

Source: www.oneweb20.it

Weekend Football Picks

College

Miami -3 vs. GEORGIA TECH
Kansas State +13 vs. MISSOURI
AUBURN -7 vs. Georgia
Penn State +18 vs. OHIO STATE
Mississippi State +13 vs. ALABAMA
South Carolina +6.5 vs. FLORIDA
Stanford -4.5 vs. ARIZONA STATE
TEXAS +5 vs. Oklahoma State

Last Week: 4-2
Overall: 19-22

NFL

ATLANTA -1 vs. Baltimore
Tennessee -2 vs. MIAMI
Detroit +2.5 vs. BUFFALO
NY Jets -3 vs. CLEVELAND
Houston +1 vs. JACKSONVILLE
Carolina +7.5 vs. TAMPA BAY
Minnesota 0 vs. CHICAGO
Cincinnati +8.5 vs. INDIANAPOLIS
DENVER +1 vs. Kansas City
Dallas +15.5 vs. NY GIANTS
ARIZONA -3 vs. Seattle
St. Louis +6 vs. SAN FRANCISCO
New England +5 vs. PITTSBURGH
Philadelphia -3 vs. WASHINGTON


Last Week: 5-8
Overall: 56-39-2

NBA look alikes

I was watching the Celtics and Bulls the other day and my mind wandered to NBA players who look like other celebrities.  Here are a few.


Celtics Assistant Coach Lawrence Frank



 Wayne Rooney



Weekend Watching: The Simpsons - Treehouse of Horror XXI

After all these years, I am still a big fan of The Simpsons, and try to watch it regularly.

The Simpsons: Treehouse Of Horror XXI  (Sunday 8pm/7pm CT on FOX).  I believe the other FOX cartoons are doing Halloween episodes as well.

There's a preview of the upcoming episode, here.

One of my old favorites is from Treehouse of Horror III, "The Clown Without Pity".  It's a Twilight Zone parody, where Homer buys a Krusty the Clown doll which comes to life.

I'd appreciate a video clip, FOX.

In hindsight

This is what I didn't say, didn't know, or happened subsequent to my most recent posts. 

This is a lazy way to blog.

1.  Posting an e-mail chain is also a lazy way to blog.

2.  MLB playoff picks were pretty spot-off (link).  I liked the SF Giants / Texas Rangers World Series.  I'm happy for both teams.  SF played well just to get in the playoffs and their pitching was phenomenal.  Texas beat the Yankees, who had high priced former Rangers, Mark Teixeira and F***Rod, so that's always a good thing.

3.  Brian Wilson is an absolute riot.  Search some of his antics and you will laugh.  He was on Leno last night.  See clip below.

4.  I am working on a poker post, playing big pocket pairs, AA, KK, QQ.  Not happy with it yet and haven't had time to edit.

5.  East Bound and Down, Season 2 ends Sunday.  I have a different Weekend Watching post. 

6.  I wish I spent this NFL season in Vegas.  I would have made some serious money on NFL picks.  That is what I have aways been best at picking.  Not bad at college basketball.  Do not use my college football or other picks for anything that involves money.  Or try the George Costanza "Opposite Theory".  Can't embed like I want, so here is link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKUvKE3bQlY .

George : Excuse me, I couldn't help but notice that you were looking in my direction.

Victoria : Oh, yes I was, you just ordered the same exact lunch as me.

( G takes a deep breath )

George : My name is George. I'm unemployed and I live with my parents.

Victoria : I'm Victoria. Hi.

7.  Blake Griffin is averaging 17 pts. 10 reb. per game, but the Clippers are still the Clippers.  They won their last game to move to 1-4.

8.  John Wall has also had a nice start to his career.  The Washington Buzzards are still the Washington Buzzards.

9.  I voted at around 1:00pm and there were three other voters in the gymnasium of my local church.  I was voter # 296 for the day.  I'm lucky to be in and out in minutes.  Went with my girlfriend and her family at 7:00pm.  It took about a half-hour, so there was a lot of interest in these mid-term elections.

10.  I have political viewpoints, but I don't want this blog to be about politics and religion, so I will try to keep those views to myself.  It's not that I don't want to offend - I couldn't care less about that.  It's just I'd rather not write about those topics.

11.  I am still waiting to try the In-N-Out Burger recipe at home.

12.  A team doesn't get better on the field by trading or waiving Randy Moss.  But sometimes talent is overshadowed by the player being a petulant turd.  If that is the case, then, by all means, get rid of the guy.

Weekend Football Picks

College

Georgia Tech +13 vs. Virginia Tech
MICHIGAN -3 vs. Illinois
GEORGIA -43.5 vs. Idaho State
Texas Christian (TCU) -4.5 vs. UTAH
Alabama -6.5 vs. LSU
Arkansas +4 vs. SOUTH CAROLINA

Last Week: 2-4
Overall: 15-20

NFL

BALTIMORE -5 vs. Miami
New Orleans -6.5 vs. CAROLINA
NY Jets -4 vs. DETROIT
Arizona +10 vs. MINNESOTA
ATLANTA -10 vs. Tampa Bay
Chicago -2.5 vs. BUFFALO
New England -4 vs. CLEVELAND
HOUSTON +2.5 vs. San Diego
SEATTLE +7.5 vs. NY Giants
Indianapolis +1 vs. PHILADELPHIA
Kansas City +1 vs. OAKLAND
Dallas +9 vs. GREEN BAY

Last Week: 7-6
Overall: 51-31-2

Randy Moss claimed by Tennessee

From: DMK

Subject: didn't see this one coming
Date: Mon, 1 Nov 2010 15:47:48 -0500

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5752939

"Chris" wrote:

Yeah, I JUST saw that one too.  Seems like a total blind-side to Moss.
I’m sure SOMEONE will pick him up, but who knows…

Weekend Watching: Eastbound & Down

This is the penultimate episode of Eastbound & Down, Season 2 (HBO, Sunday 10:30 pm EDT).  I have to admit, I was a little surprised that my girlfriend was mad when she found out I was watching it without her.  I figured it was one of those shows I'd have to find time to watch on my own. 

HBO just announced that the show has been renewed for a third season.

Preview #12

Bonus: "Will Ferrell is Ashley Schaeffer for Ashley Schaeffer Motors. Come on down and you could meet baseball legend Kenny Powers!"

Ashley Schaeffer Motors Commercial - watch more funny videos

Blake Griffin is already one of my favorite NBA players

Watch this first.

REMOVED

Now you know part of why Blake Griffin is one of my favorite NBA players after only one game in the league.  Ok, I watched him play a lot in college, so I knew what was coming.  Still, I made sure to stay up late to watch him finally make his debut in the NBA. 

Griffin was the #1 overall draft pick by the Clippers before last season and injured his knee, on a slam dunk, during a preseason game.  He missed all of last season, so this is his rookie year.  In addition to being one of the most athletic big guys you will ever see (he is listed at 6'10", 251 lbs.), Griffin plays good defense, boxes out, runs the floor, passes, and plays the game with energy.  And he makes highlight reel plays like the ones above.

Blake Griffin plays the way you would teach a young big man the game.  He acts like one of those marginal players that has to outwork everybody just to make the team, but he is actually the best player out there.  Opponents will get tired of having to deal with this guy on the court.  Hopefully that trait spreads to his teammates, and maybe the Clippers will become a decent team.

There aren't many basketball players like Blake Griffin.  He reminds me a little of what Len Bias might have been.

These highlights are only the beginning of a promising career.

Weekend Football Picks

College

KANSAS STATE +5.5 vs. Oklahoma State
Michigan State +6.5 vs. IOWA
Missouri +7.5 vs. NEBRASKA
GEORGIA -3 vs. Florida (at Jacksonville, FL.)
Auburn -7 vs. MISSISSIPPI
Oregon -7 vs. USC

Last week: 2-3
Overall: 13-16

NFL

Washington +2.5 vs. DETROIT
Green Bay +6 vs. NY JETS
ST. LOUIS -3 vs. Carolina
Jacksonville +7 vs. DALLAS
Kansas City -7.5 vs. BUFFALO
SAN FRANCISCO 0 vs. Denver (at London, England)
CINCINNATI 0 vs. Miami
Tennessee +4 vs. SAN DIEGO
Tampa Bay +3 vs. ARIZONA
Seattle +1 vs. OAKLAND
Minnesota +5.5 vs NEW ENGLAND
NEW ORLEANS 0 vs. Pittsburgh
INDIANAPOLIS -5.5 vs. Houston

Last week: 10-4
Overall: 44-25-2

Don't blame me, I voted for the other guy

I'm a pretty popular person these days.  That's the impression you would get if you looked in my mailbox everyday.  Political candidates for every office, from Governor and Senator, to City Director and Justice of the Peace, are mailing me, asking for my vote.  While I am registered without a party affiliation, the national committee of the party I chose to vote with during the primary sent me a mailer reminding me to vote, and listing early voting locations.  They would probably give me a ride to the polling location if I asked nicely. 

Now I'm not particularly political, at least no more than the next person.  I vote, but I am not a serial voter.  It appears these mid-term elections (November 2, 2010) will have a large voter turnout.  Early voting and absentee voting have been high in my area.  Maybe there will be more than one other voter inside when I go to my polling location next Tuesday.  Selfishly, I hope not.

I don't want to post something that espouses views on issues, parties, or candidates.  I will, however, state a political opinion, on voting.

The College Football Guide to Scheduling a Homecoming Opponent

It's the time of year when universities around the country are celebrating homecoming weekend.  This involves alumni returning to school, seeing old friends, drinking copious amounts of alcohol, 30-somethings thinking they have a chance with college coeds (they do!), and occasionally donating to the alumni fund. 

Homecoming is often centered around a home game for the college football team.  For the school and alumni alike, it is an important event.  There are a few actions that the athletic department and football team can take in order to make the experience more enjoyable; namely schedule an appropriate opponent and win the game at all cost.  

Why aren't we playing Northwestern State?
(from SI.com)

It can be difficult for teams and athletic departments to choose an opponent that is right for them.  This is an example of what not to do.

UK drops 44-31 to Georgia. 

So, in honor of Kentucky's Homecoming FAIL of last weekend, it is recommended that all schools consult these guidelines, while determining possible exceptions to the rules, in order to schedule a homecoming opponent that is right for them.  In doing so, they will achieve their objective, winning the game.

With this in mind, I figure it's time to publish a theory that a friend and I created a few years back, called "The College Football Guide to Scheduling a Homecoming Opponent."

Poker Tip #5: Moving from the computer to the casino

Playing poker on the internet affords many advantages to a beginning player.  The most obvious benefit is that a player can gain experience quickly by seeing a lot of hands in a short amount of time.  One can play multiple tables, with little or no risk involved.  At some point, people get curious or have the opportunity and want play in a game at a casino.  If you have played online, in a home game, and know the basic rules, you have to take the leap sometime. 

This post is intended to highlight some things to consider when moving from the computer to the casino.

Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl

A few sketches from Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl.


"International Philosophy"




"Bruces' Philosophers Song"

Check This Out

Wondering if the game is going to be shown on tv in your area?  Check this out.  the506.com is "Everything you need to know about sports on television".  It includes listings by sport and color coded maps for NFL coverage. 

Weekend Football Picks

College

Michigan State -5 vs. NORTHWESTERN
Notre Dame -7 vs. NAVY
Louisiana State (LSU) +6 vs. AUBURN
Wisconsin +6 vs. IOWA
Oklahoma -3 vs. MISSOURI

Last Week: 4-3
Overall: 11-13

NFL

San Francisco -2.5 vs. CAROLINA
KANSAS CITY -4.5 vs. Jacksonville
Cleveland +14 vs. NEW ORLEANS
TENNESSEE -3 vs. Philadelphia
Buffalo +14 vs. BALTIMORE
Washington +2.5 vs. CHICAGO
Pittsburgh -2.5 vs. MIAMI
St. Louis +3 vs. TAMPA BAY
ATLANTA -3 vs. Cincinnati
SEATTLE -5.5 vs. Arizona
DENVER -7 vs. Oakland
New England +3 vs. SAN DIEGO
GREEN BAY -1.5 vs. Minnesota
DALLAS -3 vs. New York Giants

Last Week: 10-3-1
Overall: 34-21-2

Hate Weird Facebook Guys (Eminem Parody)

No, I do not have a Facebook account.

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

Poker Tip #4: How much to bet

This post is intended to provide a basic structure for beginners who are trying to determine a proper amount to bet in common cash game situations. 

How much is the right amount to bet?  I have been asked this question a lot over the years, and unfortunately, there is not a standard answer that applies to all situations.  The right amount to bet depends on many factors.

First, let's ask, what do I want to happen as a result of my bet.

The correct amount to bet or raise will be the amount that will achieve the response I want from my opponent(s).  If I want opponent(s) to stay in the hand, by calling or raising, what is the correct (or the maximum) amount that will do that?  How much do I have to bet if I want my opponent(s) to fold, when I am protecting my hand from a draw or bluffing?

Notice I will often express the amount to bet in terms of percentage of the total pot.  Good poker players know at least roughly how much money is in the pot before they bet.  Try to incorporate knowing the pot value into Poker Tip #1: Follow the action.  Computer players have the amount calculated for them and often need to adjust to this aspect of a casino game - one reason why I prefer live action. 

Pre-flop

The minimum raise allowed pre-flop is the amount of the big blind, or the amount of the previous raise.  A standard raise before the flop in NL Texas Hold ‘Em is 3x – 6x the big blind, or the amount of previous raise, sometimes more.  A player can also go “all in”, meaning bet all their chips, at any time when it is their turn. 

Example #1:  If the big blind is $2, the minimum raise is another $2, making the total bet $4.  In a $1/$2 NL Texas Hold 'Em game, a typical raise is to $10 or $12.  In an unraised pot, it is my turn to act and I have AA.  I will probably raise to around $12, maybe more if a lot of people are calling bets.

Example #2:  In a $1/$2 NL game, a player raises to $10.  It is my turn to act and I have AA.  There are no other callers.  I will probably raise to around $30.

Example #3:  In a $1/$2 NL game, a player raises to $10.  Two people call.  It is my turn to act and I have AA.  I will probably raise to around $50-$60 and hope one person calls or re-raises.

If I or my opponent have a short stack (low on chips), I probably will move "all in" pre-flop in Example #2 and Example #3, perhaps also Example #1.

With all these examples, I gave us the best possible starting hand (AA), but I would certainly raise and re-raise with additional hands.  I only limp with big pocket pairs if I am confident there will be a raise behind me, allowing me to re-raise, or to trap an opponent.  Do not make a habit of limping with premium hands. 

After the flop

The minimum bet after the flop is the amount of the big blind ($2 in $1/$2 NL hold 'em).  I hardly ever make a minimum bet.  It is often a sign of weakness, and/or attempting to chase a hand (straight or flush draw) cheaply.  I will raise people who min-bet, to the total amount of the pot, sometimes more, if I have a strong hand (or not, if I think I can get them to fold their draw).  Make it statistically unfavorable for them to continue to chase cards. 

After the flop, a standard bet ranges from half to the full amount of the pot.  Betting half to 3/4 of the pot will encourage action, and may give multiple players statistical "pot odds" to call the bet.  Betting 3/4 or more than the pot is a strong bet, which may discourage all but the most serious callers.  An over-bet could also be interpreted as a bluff, made in attempt to have everybody fold, and steal the pot.

Raises after the flop depend upon the amount of the original bet, if there are any callers, and how much money is in the pot.  If I decide to raise someone who bets after the flop, my raise would probably be at least the total amount of the pot, sometimes more, or could be "all in". (see Example #5). 

Example #4:  I have Ah, 10c (ace of hearts, 10 of clubs) and the flop comes Ad, 9h, 10d (ace of diamonds, 9 of hearts, 10 of diamonds)  There is $25 in the pot.  I have top two pair and think my opponent could either have a pair of aces; maybe a straight or flush draw because there are possibilities for him to have four diamonds or four cards to a straight.  I want to protect my hand from these draws and think that if he has a pair of aces, he may call with an inferior hand to mine.  I bet $25, the amount of the pot.


Four examples:

What could your opponent hold in this situation?
Odds calculator available at http://www.cardplayer.com/


Example #5:  Same hand and flop.  I have Ah, 10c (ace of hearts, 10 of clubs) and the flop comes Ad, 9h, 10d (ace of diamonds, 9 of hearts, 10 of diamonds)  There is $25 in the pot.  An opponent bets $10 and everyone else folds.  I have top two pair and think my opponent either has a pair of aces, or more likely could have a straight or flush draw, since both possibilities exist.  I want to protect my hand from the draws and think that if he has a pair of aces, he may call with an inferior hand.  There is $35 in the pot.  So, I raise to $45, making the total amount in the pot to $80.  My opponent will have to call an additional $35 to stay in the hand.

If I have a short stack, I will be eager to go "all in" with top two pair on the flop.  I would force my opponent to go "all in" if he is short stacked.

As these hands plays out, perhaps my opponent folds a draw, or calls, showing an AK.  He has a strong pair of aces, but I have two pair, and win the pot. 

One note of caution:  I need to consider hands that could beat mine (99 would be bad for me), and decide to keep playing, or fold if I believe my opponent could hold the better hand.

So, betting and raising is situational, based upon many factors, including what you want to happen as a result of your bet.  Also the value of the pot, stack sizes, your opponents style of play, as well as other factors.

My next post will focus on things to consider (like counting the pot) when moving from internet to live poker.