Chad Ochocinco's cereal directs people to sex line

Haven't we all made this mistake?  I know I have.

More specifically, I was flying into Boston years ago and my uncle was picking me up at the airport.  I told my aunt she could track the flight by going online, or calling 1-800-AIR-TRAN.  She misunderstood what I said and called 1-800-AIR-TRAIN, which apparently, is or was a sex line.

I am not alone. 

Someone I know intended to call the International House of Pancakes (IHOP) in Atlanta.  Somehow he dialed the number listed in the phonebook for the International House of Ladies (IHOL), also in Atlanta. 

Not sure if they serve grits at IHOL, or where a Ronaldo (the fat one) cereal would have people calling.

In hindsight

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

1.  Saturday Night Live was pretty bad last weekend.  The highlights for me were Andy Samberg asking Justin Timberlake when he's going to make some new music and JT leaving the set during an "Actor's Studio" type interview.  And Katy Perry's breasts in a skit called "Bronx Beat". 

2.  Five Guys Burgers is pretty good.  Good burgers and fries; free peanuts.  A little pricey, but good.

3.  The Tampa Rays gave away 20,000 free tickets to yesterdays game, and lost 2-0, managing only three hits.  I prefer a 1-0 pitching duel over a 10-9 slug fest, but I may be in the minority.  Keep in mind, the game took 2 hrs. 21 mins.  Not bad. 

4.  Rachel Alexandra will be bred to follow horse of the year, Curlin, perhaps leading to generations of champion racehorses.

5.  Darren McFadden is having a good season for the Oakland Raiders, currently third in the NFL in rushing yards.  I am not surprised (Michael Bush is injured) and knew this when I posted.  It is secondary to the main point that Peyton Hillis is a pretty good football player.  I was shocked when he was only drafted in the 7th round, then buried in Denver.  He can run, block, pass catch, all this providing positional value and versatility.  He could have a long career, similar to Kevin Turner, Sam Gash, Heath Evans, Le'Ron McClain, Lorenzo Neal and Tony Richardson.  Barring injury, these guys stick around the league for a long time and make a difference.

6.  Best wishes to Kevin Turner and many ex-athletes like him.  Player safety and quality of life after retirement deserve a lot more funding and publicity.  Former football player and wrestler, Chris Nowinski, and the Sports Legacy Institute have done a great job "advanc(ing) the study, treatment and prevention of the effects of brain trauma in athletes and other at-risk groups".  This merits a post of its own, instead of being buried here. 

7.  "The Simpsons Already Did It"  references an episode of South Park, where Butters comes up with plans to cause trouble, except they were all previously done by The Simpsons.  "My retirement grease!" is what Groundskeeper Willy shouts when he realizes Homer and Bart are siphoning grease out of the school cafeteria in an episode called "Lard of the Dance".

8.  I have never been all that good at picking college football games.  That is evident from the results of last weeks picks.  I'm not bad when it comes to picking the NFL, that helped with beer money in college.  Also not bad with college and NBA basketball, where I have had the most success in Vegas.  I'll continue to pick all the NFL games against the spread.  Probably five college football games as well, more than anything just to see how I do. Nobody's paying attention to this anyways, right?

9.  The local 9am news had a musical guest today.  He was wearing a hat that says, F.T.W.  Perhaps he does not intend for it to mean what immediately comes to mind, but rather "for the win" or the biker slogan "forever two wheels". 

10.  Another suggestion falling under Vegas deals is to ask for comps if you are spending / winning money in a casino.  Casinos may rate players, reward points, or give straight comps (meals, rooms, shows, coupons) to players.  Ask the dealer or floor manager.  What's the worst that can happen, they say no?

"My Retirement Grease!"

Two men were caught attempting to steal used cooking grease from a Five Guys Burgers in New Jersey.

My expert commentary: The Simpsons already did that.

Vegas Deals

If you are planning a trip to Las Vegas, you can find great deals on Early Vegas.  They have discounts on travel, entertainment, and especially hotel promotion codes.   

It takes a little trial and error, because some of the promotions expire or have restrictions, but I have used the site to find deals for my last few trips to Vegas.  I've used the promotions to stay at the Mirage, Bellagio, MGM Grand, Bally's, Luxor (never again), and TI.  I usually fly Southwest direct, so I have not looked too closely at the air travel offers.

Take the promotion code or rebate offer and use it to book directly on the hotel / casino web site.

I like Bellagio because I play poker, it has a great sports book, food is great, and it is centrally located.  Bally's across the street is an acceptable cheap alternative.  The West Wing at MGM Grand is fine, and I think it's all non-smoking.  MGM also has a check in counter at McCarran Airport baggage claim.  Round trip passes from the airport to the strip on the airport shuttle save on cab fare.  They are right outside baggage claim. 

Places on or near the strip I avoid:  Circus Circus (dump), Luxor (dump), Harrah's (loud), Excalibur (dump, kids), Imperial Palace (dump), Tropicana (location, dump), Flamingo (dump), Orleans (location), Rio (location).  I'm sure there are more.

Rays to give away tickets to Wednesday's game

This is a nice gesture.  Not sure how the paying customers will take the news.

Rays to give away 20,000 free tickets Wednesday

Baseball during a pennant race and the playoffs is a different atmosphere than your ordinary regular season game.  Hopefully Tampa can generate that level of urgency and excitement.  At worst, it will create some childhood memories for kids who would otherwise not attend.

Rachel Alexandra retired

Rachel Alexandra is by far the best racehorse I have seen race live.  Not that I have been to the track a lot.  I had a feeling there was something wrong with her all last season.  I guess that was a correct assessment.

Evan Longoria, David Price call out Rays fans - only marginally about that

Evan Longoria and David Price voiced their displeasure at low home attendance, despite the Tampa Rays being on the verge of clinching another post season appearance.

While I do not question the intent of star players to motivate their fan base, the delivery may be a little strong.  It comes off as cocky young millionaire athletes being out of touch and disrespectful to their fans, when they are simply saying, "we'd love for more fans to come out, support the team, and share in our success."  I believe they are good intentioned. 

Unfortunately, the real problem is Tampa Rays baseball is one of many franchises in professional sports that should not exist.

This list includes, but is not limited to: Tampa Rays, Florida Marlins, Washington Senators, Oakland A's, Kansas City Royals, Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Hornets, Charlotte Bobcats, Orlando Magic, Jacksonville Jaguars, Carolina Panthers, Atlanta Thrashers, Phoenix Coyotes, Ottawa Senators, Tampa Bay Lightning, Florida Panthers, Carolina Hurricanes, and Anaheim Ducks.

One team that should have never been ripped from it's home and should be restored ASAP is the Seattle Supersonics.  That is a topic for another post.

Notice I am particularly biased against recent expansion and moves into new markets.

The basic reason for all of this, of course, is greed.  Leagues and team owners see more short term money in expanding or moving teams and having venues built for them; "building the brand".  They will expand overseas as soon as they can figure out how to make it ("cough") work.  Same concept as the NFL moving to an 18 game schedule.  It has little to do with the need for a preseason, and everything to do with preseason games not generating the same revenue.  So, expanding the regular season is an untapped revenue stream.  We will soon learn the impact because it's probably going to happen soon.

Let's get back to over-expansion in sports.  Leagues hold cities hostage for new venues at taxpayer expense.  Many markets do not have the business presence, individual wealth, population, or interest to fill overpriced seats and luxury suites (see hockey below the Mason-Dixon Line).  Canadian teams were also at a disadvantage due to the exchange rate.  Player unions don't mind because it means a greater job and salary pool.  Yet talent is diluted, and competitive imbalance (which already exists due to operational incompetence) grows.  The product suffers.  The cycle completes itself when fans of bad teams stop showing up for games.  Advances in cable and high-definition television make it preferable to just stay home (blackout or not).

In the case of the Rays, years of futility, on and off the field, finally contributed to the Rays becoming a team loaded with affordable young talent.  They became good in spite of being utterly incompetent in every area except drafting.  But drafting is made easier when you're among the worst teams every year.  You get top draft picks, such as Longoria and Price.  Eventually those picks improve the team (looking at you Pittsburgh Pirates).  Signing Longoria to a long-term deal was a brilliant move by new management.  Maybe this is an indication they will continue to move the team away from their legacy of losing.  However, as with recent Florida Marlins and Cleveland Indians teams, there is talk that Tampa will not be able to keep their core intact after this season.

In other words, Rays fans should enjoy their success while it lasts.  It will likely be short lived.

Poker Tip #1: Follow the action

Don't look at your hand until it is your turn to act.  Instead, carefully watch your opponents.  They may give away information about how they play, the strength of their hand, or how they intend to act.  Do this preflop, as well as when cards are being dealt to the board.  In addition, when it is your turn, look to your left before you act.  The next player may be preparing to fold, call or raise.

Three easy examples to demonstrate the point:

Example #1:  I was playing late at night at the Mirage, and it was easy to tell from watching that a woman across the table was falling asleep.  She would generally look at her hand quickly, fold, and go back to napping until the next hand.  Often, the dealer would have to prompt her to act.  One time, she lazily looked at her hand, suddenly perked up, and raised.  I could not fold fast enough.  When the hand was over, it was revealed she had QQ.  Her actions that were out of the ordinary were correctly interpreted as her having a very strong hand.

Example #2:  It was my turn to act and I was deciding whether to call, raise, or fold during a hand at Foxwoods.  As I looked at my hand, I glanced to my left as the person to act after me was also looking at his hand.  When he saw his two cards, he literally jumped in his chair and reached for chips.  My decision to fold was easy.  My neighbor raised, and eventually doubled or tripled up with AA.

Example #3:  The other day, my girlfriend and I were playing in the dining room.  As I dealt the river card, her smile let me know that the 5 had completed the straight she was drawing to.  She made a very small bet.  Since it was cheap, I told her what she had, paid her off, and made her show me the winning hand.  Had it been expensive, or a real casino game, I would have known to fold and not lose any more money with my two pair.

I'll try to post a poker tip every now and then.  If you have a question, please leave it in the comments section.  I will either respond there or create a new post.  Until then, I'll assume nobody reads this anyways.

Best Arkansas Razorback RB in the NFL?

While college teammates Darren McFadden and Felix Jones carried the load at Arkansas, and were both first round draft choices; this guy may end up having a better NFL career than both of them.

Illegal Use of Hands

Shaun Smith must be stopped.

I Don't Care, Fire Him

After losing Saturday to perennial SEC bottom feeder Mississippi State, the Georgia Bulldogs fell to 1-3, 0-3 in the SEC.  A poor start to this season following an 8-5 record last year is more than enough to fuel speculation regarding the future of head coach, Mark Richt.  Add recent player arrests, defections to the NFL, as well as the dismissal of former AD, Damon Evans and you've got a program that is down from its customary top 10 ranking.  

Should UGA fire Mark Richt? 

Unless there is something I am missing, the answer is absolutely not.  Recent results have not been good, but Richt has a proven track record of success at the highest level of college football, including two SEC championships.  Richt is a good man.  He recruits good players and graduates and/or sends them to the NFL.  Until recently, he has won games.  Richt has three years and around $9M left on a contract that is reported to be guaranteed if he is fired, so UGA would be on the hook for that money in addition to the salary of a new coaching staff. 

From Wally Butts to Vince Dooley, UGA has a history of keeping coaches.  Dooley had some poor records in his years coaching and the school stuck with him.  He went on to win a national championship.

UGA plays in the best conference in college football.  Each season their schedule includes Tennessee, Florida, South Carolina, Georgia Tech and others (this season Arkansas and Auburn).  They are going to lose some games. 

Mississippi State is the bad loss this season.  The loss indicates they have reached a down time or a bump in the road.  Their best player, AJ Green, has not played this season due to NCAA suspension for selling a game jersey.  Green is eligible for their next game, against Colorado.

No doubt, Richt will look to improve all areas of the program.  If that has not happened when his contract expires, UGA may look not to renew.  Until then, Richt should be given the opportunity to recruit, choose staff, and coach the team out of this low point and back into the BCS bowl picture.

A Model Idiot?

This is what you love to hear from the guy your team gave a record contract and expected to be a pillar of your franchise.  How did the Redskins ever think that signing this guy was a good idea?

Albert Haynesworth bristles over deal

If there is one constant in sports, or any work environment, it is change.  Most normal people understand and accept this, welcoming the challenge of becoming better under different circumstances.  In this case, the change was hiring Mike Shanahan, a two-time Super Bowl champion head coach, with a different defensive scheme.  After all, the change was made because the Redskins have been the worst team in the NFC East for most of the last decade. 

Not Albert.  He has a different take on the situation.

"I mean, I'm not for sale. Yeah, I signed the contract and got paid a lot of money, but ... that don't mean I'm for sale or a slave or whatever."

Ok, now I understand exactly where he's coming from.  Way to be a team player, and not just in it for yourself Albert. 

Redskins fans must love this guy.

Colbert "Entertains" Congress

Comedian Stephen Colbert spoke in character before Congress this week, testifying before the Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law.  Colbert's comedy routine was presumably meant to add publicity to the issues of illegal immigration and migrant farm workers in America. 

Colbert tells Congress farm work 'really hard'

I wish I could say something this ridiculous surprises me, but no.  That would be giving politicians too much credit for governing with direction, clarity and common sense. 

I certainly can't blame Colbert for seizing the moment.  This is the type of stunt his program, The Colbert Report, exists for; issue-oriented and funny.  He would have been a fool not to take advantage of the opportunity.  Unfortunately, the floor of Congress was the platform, and not the set of his show.

Colbert can easily justify his actions by saying he brings notoriety to the issues and, "right now migrant workers suffer and have no rights."  Really, he struck comedy gold.  

Congress, and subcommittee chairwoman Zoe Lofgren, D-Calif, should have exercised better judgment, and not allowed this to happen.

Weekend Watching

Amy Poehler hosts the season premiere of Saturday Night Live, with musical guest Katy Perry.  Saturday at 11:30 pm EST (NBC).

I'll watch it if I'm home and awake, otherwise I already set the DVR.  True, SNL isn't as good as it used to be; but it's far from as bad as many people like to say.  It's probably a matter of high expectations as well as people tending to remember their old favorites, forgetting there are always a lot of mediocre to bad skits in between.  Not every Will Ferrell skit is a classic.

Not a big fan of Katy Perry (admittedly only know "I Kissed a Girl", "Hot N Cold", "California Girls").  She passes the Shania Twain theory - looks good and sounds better on mute.

Top 20 Senior Prospects - National Football Post

The National Football Post is one of the best resources for all things football. Here is a look at Wes Bunting's current top 20 senior prospects.

Top 20 Senior Prospects National Football Post

This is a scouting view of the best professional prospects, not the best senior college players. Many of the top college players (including Heisman Trophy winners) do not have skill sets that translate well to the NFL. In addition, many of the best professional prospects are unknown to the casual fan until their name is called on draft day. How many people out there are thinking, "man, I sure hope our team drafts Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State"?

I like Texas A&M OLB Von Miller and look forward to seeing him become an outstanding player in the NFL.

I agree with Wes Bunting's assessment of Marvin Austin. He is a force on the football field, but there are enough red flags with the player to strongly consider staying away from him on draft day. Teams have between now and April to make up their mind on Austin, Ryan Mallett (assuming he enters the draft), and others.

Should a team draft to fill an obvious need, and what spot represents taking an acceptable risk on a player? Drafting JaMarcus Russell or Andre Smith early in the first round may be a mistake, but so can passing on Randy Moss or Warren Sapp when it was obvious they were top talents.

Once determining any off the field or character issues will not interfere with on the field potential - I want the best player, or the best fit for my team. For example, a top wide receiver who had an isolated alcohol arrest in college may be determined to be worthy of drafting; while a talented lineman who has a history of bad knees and weight issues may not represent an acceptable risk.

A lot of teams may regret passing on Dez Bryant, but I would have also passed, up until around where Dallas got him, at #24.

Moss and Sapp should have been top 5 picks. All things considered, that is as obvious today as it was to me the day they were not drafted there.

Visit the National Football Post at http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/

Weekend Football Picks

College

KANSAS STATE -7 vs. Central Florida
PENN STATE  -13.5 vs. Temple
Georgia +1 vs. MISSISSIPPI STATE
Oklahoma -13.5 vs. CINCINNATI
Alabama -7 vs. ARKANSAS

NFL

NEW ORLEANS -4 vs. Atlanta
Dallas +3 vs. HOUSTON
Pittsburgh -3 vs. TAMPA BAY
Tennessee +3.5 vs. NY GIANTS
NEW ENGLAND -14.5 vs. Buffalo
BALTIMORE -11 vs. Cleveland
Cincinnati -3.5 vs. CAROLINA
San Francisco -3 vs. KANSAS CITY
Detroit +11 vs. MINNESOTA
Washington -4 vs. ST. LOUIS
Philadelphia -3 vs. JACKSONVILLE
Indianapolis -6 vs. DENVER
SEATTLE +6 vs. San Diego
Oakland +4.5 vs. ARIZONA
NY Jets +2 vs. MIAMI
Green Bay -3 vs. CHICAGO