Sono in ritardo

So, I'm not going to lie. I've been eating instead of blogging. What do you want for free? I got all jacked up yesterday preparing for Thanksgiving and decided that today was the last possible Sunday of the semester where getting some extra sleep was possible, so I did some catching up.

By the way, I love it that I can go to the Schnucks on a Saturday at 6pm and run into both alumni and the Chairman of the Board of Trustees. From now on, I'm calling all Faculty Meetings right next to the sweet potatoes. Seems like everyone's already there.

Michael smoked me last week by one game, but I'm back for mine. Here you have it. Straight from the horse's ass. I mean mouth, though I've been called the former on more than one occasion. And, yes, I know that the games are already 2/3 through the first quarter, but I do these picks on Thursday and procrastinate until Sunday with them. Allez!

You know I was wrong about Carolina. Drat.

Indy's going to beat Baltimore, but it'll be a game unlike the one we expect. The Ravens are playing to not start recalibrating for next year and the Manning3000 will probably get about that many completions. He's boring, but victorious by 10.

Challenge: name a game that I could care less about. I bet you can't. I'd rather watch the Brown out in Detroit than this battle of NFC East idiots. Maybe after the CowPies beat the Redskins Obama will make Dan Snyder the ambassador to Idiotistan and solve more than one problem. The team that plays in Texas by 14.

Cleveland at Detroit is going to be epic. Epic. The Keystone Kops against the Three Stooges. Dan Quayle vs. Sarah Palin. The proverbial toilet bowl. I was going to say Detroit, but I'm going with the Browns, if only to support Notre Dame before Quinn washes out of the league. Browns, by 10, even though I know they're already winning by 14.

The 49ers will put up a good fight, but the post-Favre Pack needs to not look like everyone's missed pick of the preseason. It'll happen by about 10 and Aaron Rodgers will regain a few fans.

The Bills can't beat the Jags. I mean, who are we kidding? Dear Mr. Wilson. Memphis needs a pro team. They could play the Titans somewhere on I-40 in the Tennessee Bowl. The Jags have MJD, which spells WIN by 17.

Pittsburgh, the most depressingly unamazing team of the year, will beat the Chiefs, but I don't know if they'll look particularly championish doing so. But they'll win by 14.

The Seahawks have no chance. None. Everything about the Vikings is frightening. I just hope that the Vikings and the Saints play each other in the playoffs, so the Eagles can Wild Card this one to Miami. Favretastic to the power of 14.

The Falcons will get close to beating the Giants, but it won't happen. Eli's got to get it together if he wants to stay in the hunt. And the Falcons are beat up in the wrong way. NY's dubious secondary won't wreck it for them. Hey, someone tell Brandon Jacobs that the Chiefs need a back. He's not doing much for the Giants these days. Too bad, he's a beauty to watch when he plays well. Maybe today. Maybe he'll score the winner, but they'll probably win by 6.

Arizona at St. Louis could've been amazing. The old Cardinals coming home, Warner back to light up the turf. Damn. Too bad the Rams are shameful and the came won't be worth watching. The old Cards will come back and remind St. Louis what a terrible, terrible mistake it was to not close the borders when the team packed up. Serves you right. St. Louis bleeds Cardinal red, and the Rams will too, by 20.

Bolts vs. Broncos should be pretty great, and pretty important. Rivers and everyone he passes or hands the ball to seem to really know what they're doing. The Broncos are looking a bit tamed, so I'm betting on the Bolts, even though I'm playing the Broncos defense in fantasy. LT and Sproles, one scores the winner, the other twists the dagger, and they win by 14.

Jets vs. Pats. Look, it's the battle of the --ts. The Jets are yesterday's news. Congratulations for Rex Ryan for finding his tear ducts. And salutations for the hilarious self-deprecation over the event. Bless his heart, but his team is D-E-A-D. By A T-O-N. Brady might give them the ol' Tennessee treatment. But I'll be conservative and say by 21.

I sure hope that Cincy beats the bejesus out of the Raiders. I'm out of sympathy for JaMarcus, which won't matter, because he's not named Gradkowski, who won't matter, because he's not named Palmer. Or Esteban. Someone call Marvin Lewis and tell him to release Larry Johnson. I mean, I appreciate a good talking out of turn, but if you make homophobic remarks, bye bye. Stripes over Swords by 20.

Birds blast Bears. I hope Cutler throws six this week. Stupid stupid stupid. After the last few weeks, I want the Eagles to look like a team that can play in January. Will I get it? Dunno. Let's hope. Eagles win it by 14 in a boring, but great NFC battle. Necessito snow.

Monday Night's Titans vs. Texans game will be the best game of the week. All the rest of the country won't know why, but I've been watching this rivalry for a few years, and I can tell you that the AFC South is a division in which any team can beat any other team any day of the season. Proof positive will come on Monday when the Titans eke one out. Now that he's winning consistently, Fisher will take the reigns off of Vince's two feet and things will be zingy, by 7, in dramatic fashion.

Bushwacked!

From our patron Saint in the 504. Beat my predictions by 1 last week. I think this makes us even Stevens, but it still made me say uhh. Na na na na.

Tonight is Miami without Ronnie Brown vs Carolina. Carolina is playing good ball the past two weeks. They smell a shot at the playoffs. Dont like that! I like the underachieving Panthers much better. The only thing different about tonight for Miami is EVERYTHING. Ronnie Brown out for the year (my second highest RB on my fantasy team... i was reduced to replacing him with Beanie Wells on waivers). So, maybe this is good. Forcing Miami to play like a pro team instead of a college team. They might develop their QB more this way. It wont happen tonight. If the Panthers stick with the run and time of possession, they take this game by 10. Henne vs a top pass defense... look out.

Ind vs Bal- Ya know that the Ravens aren't just going to lay down and take this one, but the QB has been playing erratic lately. Manning will be manning... mr mvp. I'm gonna take Ind by default... by 3.

Was vs Dal- Who friggin knows? Dallas... you cant predict what they will do week to week. Washington has been playing better now that Zorn (that sounds like an evil character from something i swear) can't blow it up for their offense... but their defense is really good when they want to be. THis one was close to my upset special of the week but i'm gonna say Dallas outlasts Washington. D by 3

Cle vs Det- So the play that almost took out Clevelands star player Cribs at the end of last weeks Monday night game was not the call of Mangenius, but was an audible by Quinn. WoW. So not only did he suck all night at throwing the ball but turns out he makes the second dumbest call of the week in a desperate attempt at avoiding a shutout. Now I'm Done (in my B. Quinn voice). This club is just awful. Detroit improves on the season today. Detroit by 10

****upset special of the week ******

SF vs GB- This is another game that's hard to call because you dont know what you get from these teems week to week. Say what you want about the Browns... at least they're consistent! Green Bay should win this... but I just have a gut feeling that the pantless coach (superhero name) will have his team ready to kick ass and take names today. I'm taking SF to win by 3

Buf vs Jac- haha, I've been picking against Jacksonville all season because they just didnt seem to be a team to have it all together in the beginning of the season. Seems like their on a roll... who am i to deny them... Jacksonville by 7

Pit- vs KC- no contest.... and dwayne bowe is out for KC. I'm taking Pit by 17

Sea vs Min- I'm hoping for an upset here, but there won't be. Its the Brett Farves by 10.

Atl vs Nyg- Ok... really hoping for the Giants to get over the losing streak they've been on since the saints handed their asses to them on a platter in week 6. But... it won't happen. Atlanta will beat them by 7. Sorry New York...maybe next week.

NO vs TB- New Orleans is sitting a bunch of injured players. We even picked up the retread chris mcalllister for the secondary. I dont know. I have a bad feeling about this game, but I'm sticking with the undefeated Saints... by 10.

Ari- Stl- This game sounds boring. Ari by 10.

GAME TIME IN 1 MIN... RACING THROUGH THE REST OF THE PICKS !!! HAHA

SD vs Den- SD by 10

NYJ vs NE- NE by 10

Cin vs Oak- Cin by 10

Phi vs Chi- Phi by 10 :)

Ten vs Hou- Ten by 10

amazing how all those games are won by ten!

Better Late Than Never

Sorry, I'm late. I was running errands (chamomile tea and ice cream) and then was trying to watch a helicopter fly over my house, but it was moving so slow I couldn't stand to wait any longer.

Anyway, Carolina's going to win tonight. Believe it or not, I think it will be because they have a more experienced (not better) QB. Smarter decisions, and a win by a touchdown.

We # 1

I just watched some show on the Travel Channel about BBQ.

Memphis, Kansas City, The Republic of Texas, North Cackalack.

At the end, they had a bunch of pretty serious and critical cowboys score them.

Memphis got 45 points.

#2 got 30.

Know that.

"20 g's will get your ass chopped up like some Rendezvous barbecue"

Juicy J

Three 6 Mafia

Knock tha Black Off Yo Ass

Most Known Unknown

I Can't Get the Picture Function to Work

Ok, I stole this from a guy on the FaceSpace, but it was too genius to not pass on.

About Southern Cooking, and he ain't lying:

I like to take sticks of butter, wrap em in bacon, batter, fry....

An Open Letter to Memphis

Dear Memphis,


It's not you.


It's me.


I need to be honest about something.


Something I've been thinking about for a while.


Something that I've been faking for some of that while.


I don't care about the Tigers.


I don't care about college basketball at all.


See, here's the thing. I'm not from here. I'm a transplant. And I teach at your art college, so it's odd for me to be a fan of another of your colleges. I'm a fan of my college. Neither the University of Memphis nor its basketball team mean anything particularly important to my sports weltanschauung. That means world view for the non-German speakers. It's a useful word. It means not only your view of the world, but also in the sense that it is part of the way that you see other or new parts of the world as well.


So, if I'm not from here, I didn't go to the University of Memphis, and I don't work for the University of Memphis, why should I be expected to care?


The part that I care about is my friend Bill who works there. Maybe he needs moral support. Cause he's not from here either and he's in the eye of the storm.


And I care about Memphis and Memphis people, like Sherry, at work, who will probably think I'm silly for not caring about the Tigers. Or the Librarian, who won't leave me alone about it. In fact, she's so nutty for it all that I texted her to find out when the game started and what channel, but she hasn't emailed me back. She's clearly with all the other people who aren't on the road right now because they're either watching the game or gearing up before the game starts. See, I still don't know when it starts. A little help?


But, seriously, I just looked out the window and there was noone on the road. And if you know Memphis, you know that's weird.


But I digress. See, I just can't find the reason to care about the Tigers. I have no connection to them other than proximity. My sister-in-law lives in Boston and I still hate the Patriots and Red Sox, so that clearly isn't compelling.


What I care about is the mental well-being of my city. And all the people who are probably going to kick my ass for writing this. Because it's so clearly the case that the mental well-being of Memphis is dependent upon the win total of the Tigers.


Ask them about last season.


I tried to convince someone that all the fun they had, all the teams that they beat, all the memories they had were all still real. They looked at me as if I told Calipari to get to the Big Dance without cheating.


I mean, it's a problem.


And, Memphians, I can sympathize. I went to Notre Dame. They lost my first game there to the University of Cacking Michigan on a final-play field goal. It ruined four years of my life and I'm not yet convinced that the program has ever recovered. So I'm with you on investing emotionally in a sports team.


But this just ain't my team. And I just don't care.


Go Tigers Go!


Love,


Adrian

A Rather Complex Dilemma

So, I'm befuddled.

Recently, or at least more prominently than usual in my memory's length, there have been a number of reports in the media discussing things that we've really all already known concerning sports and their ill effects upon those who play them.

First there was the issue of the NFL and brain damage and mental illness. Which has been mostly crystal clear to anyone who has ever looked at football being played or considered the anatomy of the human body.

Then, there's this Andre Agassi autobio that's recently come out to significantly better reviews than dear Mme. Palin's similar but different tome. I read the segment published in Sports Illustrated and was pretty impressed by the candor and insight of both Agassi and the text. He's a frightening and redemptive example of the negative impact sports can have on children. Here's hoping that we don't have to find out similar things about Tiger or the Williams sisters or who knows how many others.

So, here's the quandry. I love sports. Always have. Am watching football right now, have been all day, and intend to do so until about 11:30 tonight. It's what I do instead of going to church.

But what is the depth of my complicity as a single watcher of sports? I support it with my time, my attention, my money, certain of my allegiances, aspects of my identity.

But am I making a mountain out of a molehill? I would imagine that the arts have similar effects. Dancers, actors, lots of other professions suffer similar ailments.

But there's something so terrible, profoundly dark side of advanced capitalist consumption about the way that the industry of sports rears, trains, lures, and excretes so many people, many of whom are in part thrusting themselves into these situations because of their own financial, emotional, social, and other needs.

But then there's all the stories of people who endure what may come only to be able to offer a better life to so many others through sports.

It's really complicated.

Can somebody give me something good to read about this sort of thing? I mean, who are the big moralist philosophers of sport?

Back to Double Digits?

9-4 last week. I want 10.

Atlanta vs Carolina: Carolina’s playing better and Jake DelInterception is throwing them at a lesser rate. Whatever. ATL's gonna roll. Falcons by 14.

TB vs Mia: Such a shame that Miami's a better team. Because I'd love to see the Bucs get a little roll going. Those old uniforms are awesome, no matter what people say. And Josh Freeman had a week as good as anyone last week. Here's hoping it'll continue, but probably not this week. Fins by 10.

Det vs Min: I wonder if we ought to just give out byes for games like this. Keep Favre healthy, you know, to see what'll happen next. Poor Detroit. At least the Titans played reasonably well last year, so the shock is different than the sustained disaster in the D. Clearly, the Vikings are going to demolish the Lions. Dome-o-lition. Maybe Sage and Tavaris will get some tv time. Nords by 21.

Jac vs NYJ: What the hell is going on with the Jets? Free. Free fallin'. I really would like to see the Jets do well this year, so I can watch Rex Ryan talk out of turn, but the Jags are in the midst of a respectability battle in the AFC South. They'll win by about 10, but it'll hinge on MJD and what that Jets front 7 does.

Cin vs Pit: Game of the week, first sweep of the division for the Bengals, blah blah blah. They're threatening to play this game instead of the Titans game. And, no offense to either team, but I live in Tennessee. WTBJTTSMS? Defending champs by 7. At home, the Pitt Panthers already set a winning precedent for this weekend, and you always bet on the champ. Somebody's gonna kiss the baby.

NO vs STL: Another game between dome teams. This one, like the other, is a no brainer. The Saints are just smoking everybody. The Rams might want to call Limbaugh back. They're going to need some painkillers after this.

Buf vs TN: A-ha! Remember my email about trifectas? This could be it. Three in a row, baby! That's what a friend of mine would say, but he's not in town this weekend. We'll win it. Too bad I probably won't see it on TV. Us by 14. The road to redemption begins here. I wonder what the odds are that we'll win out and get to the playoffs.

Den vs Was: Oompa loompa Washington stinks. Zorn's career is right on the brink. They won't win cause Denver can flow. Oompa loompa, Snyder must go! Joe Lieberman's not the only loser in DC. Broncos by 21.

KC vs Oak: Whoa. J'e' pense que les Raiders sont plus crap. And Chris Chambers is making the Chiefs less disastrous. And Cassel's still putting up respectable numbers here and there. Larry Johnson is a wanker, hey, hey, hey, good-bye. Sans moronitude, the Chiefs roll. By 5, in a Keystone Kops routine.

Sea vs Ari: I'm going with Arizona on grounds of fantasy football, where my record is as bad as the Titans' except that I have one tie. But Arizona looks like a team that's gaining its footing, and Seattle doesn't. Too bad, because I wanted everyone to have to learn to spell Houshmandzadeh. Desert birds by 10.

Dal vs GB: Once again, Dallas screws me. Philly-San Diego, a game with two real quarterbacks is on opposite and I get to watch the Tony-Aaron show, where you never know just how dicey it might get. I'm saying Pack at home, because they're at home. By 14.

Phi vs SD: Remember a few weeks ago, how I said that the Eagles needed to beat the Raiders because of the postseason. Yeah, well, that's the one they needed to win because they may not win this one. I really hate to say it, but I think the Chargers are going to win this by at least one touchdown. F.

NE vs Ind: Hey, has anyone heard this described as the battle for best ever? Let me make something really clear. Unless your name is Otto, Terry, or Joe, you don't qualify for that competition. When Tommy Bundchen wins his next ring, we'll put him in there, but let's not get premature, huh? NE by 6, on a final drive touchdown, if not overtime. I'm saying this because Bob Sanders is out. And because I don't know who's going to win, and Bob Sanders is the only legitimate reason I have to make a choice.

Bal vs Cle: I just played this game on Madden a few days ago. I was the Ravens, and I won by 11. The same or worse will happen here, except the real Joe Flacco will throw for more yards. For reasons that I really can't explain except to say that I lived in Maryland for three years while going to the University of Delaware, but I really find the Ravens profoundly satisfying to watch. Ravens by 17.

Bettin' on the Bayou

Here they are, from N'Orleans, or however you spell that unbelievable molasses accent. Mine are coming next, but breakfast calls. Had to sleep off that Pitt game. Ugh.

SF vs Chi- SF to win by a touchdown. Pantless Coaches!

****upset special of the week****

Atlanta vs Carolina- Carolina to win by 3. Carolina played pretty well against the Saints and they look to play hard the second half of the season.

TB- Mia- the creamsickles did great last week, but was turnovers that did it for them. You wont get that out of Miami and their run game. Miami takes this by 14.

Det vs Min- This one shouldnt be much of a contest though i wont be sad if Minnesota takes a loss here. Minnesota by 17

Jac vs NYJ- New York... lets be what you were in the beginning of the season. The Sanchise! Jets get a win here by 7

Cin vs Pit- Wow.. this should be a good game. I dont know what happened to Cincy, but its nice to see them playing 4 quarters. I dont know... flip a coin on this one. I think Cincy owns it by 3

NO vs. Stl- This is a good week to rest up some nicked up starters for New Orleans. I'll take the st. louis rams in this one... HAHAHHAHA yea, lets get off the lollercoaster and hop back into reality... NOLA wins it by 21

Buf vs Ten- Tennessee has given me every reason to doubt them all year long. I should just stick with Buffalo on this, but I'll say Tennessee, VY, take it by 7

Den vs Was- Do you think that the Broncos want to look like total jackasses by losing three in a row after going 6-0 to start it off??? Me neither. Plus no Portis. Denver rolls over Washington.

KC vs Oak- Ya know... I'm thinking Oakland gets this with all the distractions in KC this past week. Too bad. These are both bottomfeeders. Oakland by 10

Sea vs Ari- Is this at home for Arizona. its the tail of two teams here. sucks for fans who shell out money to see a team get OWNED at home and to slaughter teams on their home fields. Arizona... looks to improve home field wins... they take it by 10

Dal vs GB- I don't know. I hate you Dallas. I really do. Ya know what, screw it, I'm taking GB out of Spite. haha. GB, you dont deserve my love, but here ya go... you win by 7

Phi vs SD- I don't know if this is considered an upset or not, but I'm thinking San Diego will get this in a shootout. Close game ends with the Bolts win by 3.

NE vs Ind- My man crush on Peyton vs my hatred towards all of New Englands franchise. Indy... you're gonna let me down aren't you. AREN'T YOU! bastards. New England by 14

Bal vs Cle- How in the F*** did this game deserve a Monday Night Football slot? I'm gonna blame the GOP for this. The Saints have more defensive TDs than Cleveland has offensive TDs. Sad Sad Sad. No contest. Baltimore big... 17.

Before I Forget

49ers tonight by 10.

And, by the way, Mr. New Orleans Saints. You better be happy we didn't bet on our predictions. 9-4 Me. 7-6 You.

America, keep this in mind. While the rest of you are off doing whatever you're doing, it is now possible to watch at least one new football game per day every day of the week.

Sunday: Games

Monday: Night Football

Tuesday: Replay on NFL Network

Wednesday: Tuesday

Thursday: Night Football on the NFL Network and UFL on Versus

Friday: College

Saturday: Notre Dame

LeChiam.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

You know what I don't understand? Really, properly don't understand? What the hell is going on with these Christmas decorations being out already. I was talking to my students about this earlier. It was a minor diversion from a lecture filled with amazing paintings. Anyway, I was telling my students that I couldn't wait to get pissed off about Christmas. One of them actually asked if I was going to ruin Christmas for them, "too." Which made me think that I must have ruined something else for them at some point. Since I don't know what I ruined, I'm not going to feel bad about it yet. Anyway, the getting pissed off about Christmas thing is funny, because someone who I know reads this was joking with me about the next episode would come out when I got mad about something. I don't really think I'm that much of a hater. I just believe in righteous anger. And sometimes things get me righteously angry.

Like these damn Christmas ornaments. Don't get it twisted, I love Christmas. After my birthday, it's my favorite holiday. I was hollering at my students today about how I do not understand how the hell Christmas ornaments are already out. I could probably go to a dozen or more places within 10 minutes of my house and get kitted out for Jesusmas like it was happening tomorrow. I just don't understand why I need that now. I mean, damn, we're hardly two weeks out of Halloween, and I know you've all been out there celebrating that. Every year, everyone's celebrating Halloween. And then there's Thanksgiving, which still hasn't happened yet. If I was Thanksgiving, I'd be mad for real. Fo' real.

If I was Thanksgiving and you were Christmas, let's just say it wouldn't be me getting carved up with a side of smashed tuber.

What the hell is so wrong with this stupid country that we need to get our Christmas decorations before Thanksgiving?

Why can we not appreciate each holiday?

Why do we need to be worried about the next one before we even get to this one?

I don't understand. It's making me really angry.

Cash Money is an Army

So, Michael, my New Orleans native comrade-in-painting, thinks he can out guess me on the football games.

Here's what he's predicting. I'm glad there's no money riding on this.

Washington vs Atlanta- Its really a no brainer. Atlanta knowing it has to keep pace in the NFC south will have to win this and every other game or they will lose even hopes for a wild card slot. ATL big... maybe by 21.

Arizona vs Chicago- Both teams have identity crises. I want to go with Chicago this game but I think Arizona wins it in a close one. Arizona by 3.

Baltimore and Cincy- I think Baltimore was embarrassed by the last loss to Cincy and that's enough fuel for the fire. The only caveat to this game being the obscene penalties the Ravens defense is capable of. If they control their emotions, Ravens win by 7. They had the last game but blew it with penalties.

****UPSET SPECIAL OF THE WEEK****

While others are predicting the Panthers to take down the Saints as their upset of the week. I'm going with Houston over Indy

Houston vs Indianapolis- Houston has been playing good ball the past few weeks. Moats seems to have something to prove and Slaton seemingly wants to lose the starting job by fumbling his way out of it. Indy loses their Safety and their starting Corner this week, combined with a backup kicker. Prescription for a shootout. However, I think Houston's D will be better than Indy's. Indy is the first of the last two winless teams to fall. Houston by 7.

Kansas City vs Jacksonville- I feel sorry for these poor fans. I know, I used to be there when the Saints were the Aints. This game has potential to be the lowest attendance in Jacksonville history. However, I pick Kansas to be the one legged loser in an ass kicking contest. Jacksonville by 14.

Miami vs New England- GOD I HATE JOEY PORTER. Joey, please, FYI, shut up when your team is losing. I get so tired of his commentary week after week. I'm hoping New England knocks a snot bubble in his sorry azz. I hate New England, but after some soul searching, apparently I hate New England much less than I hate Porter. Boom. NE by 17

Green Bay vs Tampa Bay- Ohhh no... Green Bay has no film on the new Tampa starting QB. That might ... nevermind. It won't matter one iota. Tampa is probably wishing they stuck with Gruden by now... and as he sips his pina colada after getting his makeup refreshed during half time on his new Monday night gig, I'm sure he is chuckling inside. Packers by 21

New Orleans vs Carolina- I know the Panthers haven't lost in the Superdome since the 2001 season and Jake Delhomme is 8-2 vs Saints, but you've got to go with the stats and not history. While Carolina may have come on in the past 3 weeks, I don't think their ready for the big boy pants yet. There is a reason the line on this game is the largest in Vegas this weekend. Saints are 13 point favorites in Vegas and 3 to 1 to win the Superbowl. They don't make these lines to lose money in Vegas. I'm going with the home team and will be one of the 12th man on the field in the Saints first 8-0 start in franchise history. Saints by 7.

Detroit vs Seattle- Really. This game bores me even talking about it. I'll actually take Detroit in this game I could care less about. Seattle has the potential to win it, but they don't know who they are right now. I'll take the hungry Detroit by a TD.

San Diego vs New York- You know, you would think the Giants would have enough pride to not let a 4 game slide happen here, but the past three weeks, when they have come up against some actual competition, the Giants are who we thought they were. And, I don think San Diego will let them off the hook. San Diego by 14.

Tennessee vs San Francisco- Hoooray that the Titans came out of the 0 win column, however, this won't be the game where they put a two in that win category. San Fran is playing great ball. They should have beaten Indy last week. I think the San Fran Linebackers will have a good time working Vince Young. Chris Johnson will be Chris Johnson and still get his in a losing effort because he is one of only 4 people playing on his team (not to mention my star fantasy football RB combined with Ronnie Brown). I'll take the San Francisco treats over the Titans by 10.

Dallas vs Philadelphia- This is gonna be a good game. I really don't like Dallas, However I think that a Philly win will only give them more confidence as we move into the last half of the season. I don't want Philly to be confident because if we have to play them in the playoffs, I'd like them to be that team that backed in. I think Dallas is the weaker team of the two by far, however, I'd rather have Dallas with the fluke win.... all in preparation for post season hopes that is. That being said. Philly takes it by 10

Pittsburgh vs Denver- Ok, so Denver was doing well until they got spanked by the Ravens. I think the spankings continue this week when Pittsburgh puts it on them. I actually heard talks 2 weeks ago of Orton being in the same class as Payton, Brees, Brady... Orton. Ummmm No. Orton feeds the ball to the burgh D this week. Defending champs win by 3.

Anne Siems

Check this out. I just saw a show of her work at David Lusk Gallery. There is also a show there of Don Estes's paintings, which is also quite excellent.

But if any of you are weirdo English Renaissance Franz Snyders Gainsborough Tarot perverts, this show is for you. It's really pretty wild. But be careful. If kids spook you, you will have the bejesus scared out of you.

Onward and sideward. I have had two consecutive weeks of 10-3 predictions. And I have outperformed every celebrity predictor on NFL Total Access. OK, everyone. Let's harness the power of the interwebs. If any of you out there knows someone who knows someone who knows someone who knows Rich Eisen or any of the dudes at NFL Total Access, tell them that you know a guy who would be great at football commentary.

So here's what I think this week. The Ninth. We're past the halfway point. Groan.

Washington at Atlanta: At Atlanta. AtLanta. ATLanta. ATL by about 14. I think they're going to have a rebound moment right here, this week. That team is too capable to be playing as middle of the pack as they've been playing. Matt Ryan's going to pull it together and start firing one salvo after another. Michael Turner's production won't even matter.

AZ at Chicago: I feel bad saying it, but I think Arizona's on a downward pitch. And it's not because Kurt Warner's old. It's because their running game is too much half-and-half and not enough 100 yard days. And because those receivers don't really seem to be the ridiculousness that they were last season. And the Bears are probably not desperate yet, but can tell that it's going to get desperate if they don't win this one, at home, in the cold. Bears by 9.

Ravens at Bengals: It's not that I don't belive in the Bengals, it's just that I believe in the Ravens more. And, for the same reasons that make me thing the Falcons are going to roll, I think the Ravens won't give a damn that they're not playing at home and play like they are. And like they did last season and earlier this season when they would light teams up on both sides of the ball. They won't light up the Bengals, or that Bengals offense'll score a bunch anyway, but Ravens by 14. And it'll be a scoring festival. Maybe could be the best game to watch this weekend.

Houston at Indianapolis: Rod Woodson said that this was his sleeper upset for the week, and I really do see what he's saying about Houston being able to beat Indy because of Matt Schaub and all that. And I love that Ryan Moats is doing well, but I just don't see it happening. The Manningtron 2009 is running smooth. All systems go on that offense, so I'm not even sure it matters what happens on the defensive side of things. Colts by 10, maybe could be a slaughter.

KC at Jacksonville: People of Jacksonville. The NFL is gonna take your team away from you if you don't go to the games. Now, I know that Jake DelHomme should maybe not have been given that extension, and certainly isn't earning any of that paycheck, but your team is going to win this one. By a respectable margin I think, maybe even 17.

Fins at Pats: In which category of American male uber-studs do we place Tom Brady? Montana? Jordan? Bogart? Sinatra? I mean, this fool chose to go to the University of Michigan and I don't even hold that against him. And I hate the University of Michigan. Their god-forsaken kicker destroyed my first game in Notre Dame Stadium. I hate them. But this Brady guy is nuts. And the commentators are right. That incident with the Wildcat from last season will not be left unremembered. Watson will kill the shark. Pats by 21.

Green Bay at Tampa Bay: The Battle of the Bays. They need a trophy for this, like that wooden bucket thing. I'm still not sure why I need to be overwhelmed by the Packers, but I am damn sure that they're going to pound the Bucs. It'll be nice. Like a vacation in Florida, with a full dress practice. But maybe Freeman'll get a chance to do something exciting. Pack by a stack about 17 high.

Carolina at New Orleans: The only thing I care about New Orleans is if they're going to be this good if the Eagles have to play them in the playoffs. They're going to murder Carolina. Maybe they'll get so far ahead Daniel and Brunell can both get in enough to toss a touchdown or two. Saints by 28.

Detroit at Seattle: ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ. Seattle by 14.

Chargers at Football Giants: Tee hee, the Giants are getting killed. I'm not saying that they're not good, but I am saying that the Eagles beat the crap out of them last week and that their confidence has to be shaken. And the Chargers are having some really nice aerial distribution this year. New York'll keep it close, but I see a Chargers comeback and a bunch of idiotic speculation about a certain draft. Chargers by 7, if not 6 in OT.

Tennessee at San Francisco: What the hell? I just saw a commercial yesterday for the San Francisco-Chicago game. That's next week. These "professionals" at the NFL Network aren't even giving this game it's own week? I am offended. I'm glad that Vince is going to at least play some games to earn all that cash, and I think the Titans are going to surprise some people with a road win. It'll be a ground battle, and the Titans will win, by 10.

Eagles: I hope the Eagles destroy these idiots. And I hope everyone that supports that bunch of overhyped underachievers will enjoy when the Eagles fly to the top of the NFC East. JerSean MacJack'll score a bunch of touchdowns. I'd love if Weaver had a repeat performance. Eagles by 14.

Pittsburgh at Denver: I think Denver's capable of beating the Steelers, but they're not going to, even though they're at home. It's that time of year when streaky teams don't streak anymore and the real good teams start getting better. I just hope Ryan Clark stays at home and watches the game on the TV. I don't want to watch him die for no good reason. Steelers win. By 7.

I'm out. Let's hope Rich Eisen calls.

This Must've Happened to Maine's Brains

That's all I'm saying.

But I'd sort've like to do this to any state that doesn't legalize gay marriage immediately.

Down With It

Sometimes the universe just plain kicks ass.

Listen to this one.

Not only did the Irish pound the Cougars, but the Eagles pounded the Giants, and even the Titans won. Trifecta.

That last one was part miracle. Vince, good to see you're back in form. No negative plays, baby. That's what we need more of.

And it gets wilder.

I'm currently making food. That's what it'd say if I was on the FaceSpace. Adrian Duran is making food. Actually, it wouldn't. I try to be less mundane.

Anyway, on the TV, right now--or whenever right now will be--is the World Series. As it stands, the Phillies are on the way to tying the series, which just makes this World Series even more The Best World Series Ever.

And in three minutes, or whenever three minutes from now will be, the Monday Night Football Game is on, which was going to be my priority in August, except now the Central Jersey Series is on. And later, the Grizzlies are playing.

Trifecta.

Pretty cool, huh?

And the best part is that trifectas are supposed to happen in threes.

I wonder what's next.

With my luck, it'll be paper cut, cat puke, and some form of head cold.

OMG!

Am I the only one who's really excited about this? Youth of America, say it with me: "Ninjas are awesome."

I also just noticed a link on the blogger dashboard that says "report abuse." Should I tell them about having to watch the Cowboys game?

By the way, OMG sucks. So does LOL. Cut it out. Do they speak English in What?

Join the Revolution

So, I went to this thing called Creative Conversations this past week. Now, for someone who is more of an Analytic Antisocial, it was pretty good. I learned a lot of things about Memphis that I didn't know.

One of them was the existence of Revolutions Community Bicycle Shop. I'm not a bicycle rider, mainly because I am unsafe. I'm a believer in bicycle riding, but I almost killed myself by running into a German senior citizen once and let's just call that a deal-breaker.

Anyway, Revolutions is a community bike shop that recycles and rehabilitates old bicycles--over 1500 to date--for a city that desperately needs to rid itself of its automobile addiction.

They also organize community events and film festivals, so we're three for three. Check it out.

Who Took My Tea Leaves?

This has been one hell of a weekend already. Friday night, the Grizzlies recovered from what may have been the most pathetic home opener in the history of the NBA to have a come from behind victory over the presumed-superior Raptors. That was pretty nice. Good ball movement, Zach Randolph scored a million or so points, El Gasol looked sharp, Rudolph had at least one trifecta of SportsCenter-worthy jams, and DeMarre is finally looking like a first rounder.

Then, yesterday, the Irish totally handled the Washington State Cougars, or whatever they're called. Probably not a big surprise, but the Irish have a tendency to, as my friend Art said so sagely about another unmentioned team, "play down to their opponents." Someone needs to start saying Golden Tate out loud during these Heisman discussions. No offense to the Passing Pickle, but Golden Tate's been sick as a pig with the swine flu.

And this World Series? De-lightful.

Now, of course, things get tense. Another beisbol game tonight, the Griz take on the McNuggets, and there's a certain NFC East battle that has me all wound up. Plus, the redebut of VY should be an event of some something.

By the way, I was 10-3 with my predictions yet. I have not yet received any offers from a single sports broadcast channel or any off-shore wagering institutions. All I'm saying is that big business is not getting invited to the BBQ.

And away we go...

Denver @ Baltimore: Ooooh, this is gonna be great. Denver's seemingly the real thing. The Ravens are still pretty damn good, and this is in Baltimore with their pride and probably season getting close to being on the line. The AFC North is super-duper tough, and the Ravens can't afford to get beat again. My money's on their offense-defense Ray-Ray echo. Big games from everyone, including their underachieving secondary. Ravens by 7.

Houston @ Buffalo: See, we've gotten to that point in the season where certain teams don't matter any more. Buffalo, welcome to the club. I feel really bad, because I really like T.O., always have, and, as a supporter of the Titans, I now have infinite wells of understanding for teams that stink. But Houston's rolling and healthy. Houston by 14.

Cleveland @ Chicago: Remember how I didn't care about Buffalo-Carolina last week? Ditto. One team really stinks, the other has an underachieving back and a quarterback who I really think has overstayed his welcome. Chicago by 17.

Intermezzo: The NFL Network just referred to "The Great State of New Jersey." That's right.

Seattle @ Dallas: I saw an ad on Fox yesterday that said that they were going to broadcast the Eagles-Giants game. I just checked on my guide, and it said that they were playing the Cowboys game. So did tvguide.com. I am hereby inviting you all to join my Facebook Group "Stop Broadcasting Cowboys Games in Memphis." Go to your FaceSpace and type "Stop Broadcasting Cowboys Games in Memphis" in the search box and help stop the insanity. It's in the First Amendment, for God's Sake. I think Bob Marley said it best..."Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery. None but ourselves can free our mind." I'd like to see Seattle beat the bejesus out of those idiots, but I'm just not sure. Idiots by 7.

St. Louis @ Detroit: Oh, yeah, this is going to be amazing. This is exactly the kind of game I love. Two teams that stink playing to not be the one that stinks worse. Amazingness. I actually think the Rams are going to do it, and the reason is named Steven Jackson. Poor Detroit, though. I'd love to see the Motor City catch a break. Rams, 10-5.

Minnesota @ Green Bay: Hand wringing, head shaking, media hyping. I have absolutely no damn sense of who is going to win this game. Both teams are good enough to win. But I have to go with the Vikings. Favreaggedeon! Not because of him, alone, though knowing the environmental conditions at Lambeau and having played with a lot of those guys and most of that playbook is quite an advantage. But because of Allen, All Day, Harvin, the Williams Wall, and a guy named Bernard. Experience and talent always trump homefield, even at Lambeau. Vikings by 10.

SF @ Indy: I'm happy to see Alex Smith playing well, and glad to not have to hear anything else about Crabtree's idiocy. But Indy's freaky good, by which I mean undefeated. They'll stay that way, especially because they're at home. Indy by 21.

Miami @ NY Jets: People act like the Wildcat can win every game. It can, but it won't. People are figuring it out, and even the absence of Jenkins won't be so deadly to the Jets. I think this one's going to be pretty close, and aided by the winds of The Great State of New Jersey. The only Titans team that has won this year by 7. Sorry, Ronnie Brown, but score me a bunch of fantasy points.

Jacksonville @ Tennessee: VY! VY! VY! Domineus pater universalis salve latinus wordus vince youngus no interceptus terzu quarterus. Did I mention that the Titans are the new Raiders? All we need is a fist fight to erupt in the locker room (I'd like to give Chuck Cecil a little love tap here and again) and we're the new wave of futility. I'm ready to see Vince take it over and get it done. Bring on the Super Bowls. Bring on the Hall of Fame. Bring it. I'm sitting right here waiting. I'll be waiting. Probably until next week. Why do people pronounce it Jac-why-ers? Why can't the Titans win? 0-7, by about 10.

Oakland @ San Diego: Speaking of...Gonna be a shame to watch a mildly improved, desperately in need of a glimmer of home Raiders team get smoked. But that's what's gonna happen. The Chargers are gonna blast Oakland into next Wednesday. I still won't care about the Chargers until the playoffs, but they sure are fun to watch. Me likey vertical passing. Bolts by a dozen.

Carolina @ Arizona: Zzzzzzzz. I've got Beanie Wells and Larry Fitzgerald on my fantasy team. Let's hope I don't have to waive them after this. Cards, who looked pretty capable last week, will outdo the freakishly stubborn Carolina QB decision makers. I mean, even the Titans are switching quarterbacks. AZ by 17.

Giants @ Eagles: Jesus. This is nerve-wracking. They're playing in Philly, Eli's got that turf toe thing, Steve Smith may have a slightly-torn rotator cuff. None of that matters. I expect to see lots of blood on lots of jerseys. I also expect to see this game on Fox at noon. Comcast, you here me? I got the AT&T U-verse phone number right here. I'll use it. Don't think I won't. Please don't let me jinx them, but Birds by 7. Late and ugly, but a win's a win.

ATL @ New Orleans: If you read this regularly (I think my Mom's the only one) keep your eyes peeled. My friend Michael, who is my New Orleans sports link, may be posting his predictions on this blog. I can't wait for this game. Did I mention vertical passing? Someone called the Saints' receiver corps an "armada." That's about the best way I've heard it put. I want a gunfight. Last team with the ball wins. I'll probably get Drew Brees torching the Falcons for about 40, but that's what I expect. Saints march by 14.

Best World Series Ever.

I hereby declare this the Central Jersey Series.

08902

We win!

The Best Art Show You Never Saw

You missed it.

A few weeks ago, October 11-17 if I'm not mistaken, I had an art show at MCA's No Exit Gallery.

I occupied the space, mentally, with an art show.

I didn't make anything or put anything in it.

Just the mental art show in the space.

I didn't even sign the sheet to reserve the gallery.

I just saw the opening and took it.

Mentally.

Doesn't even matter if there were other objects in the gallery.

Mentally, it was mine.

The only evidence that I have of this art show of mine is a text message sent to me in regards to my inquiring about the availability of the space, and a subsequent telephone conversation with the same person regarding my writing about this show on this blog.

One of its primary themes was fraudulence.

Of the artist, as such discursively and in practice.

Of the critical voice and industry as arbiter of artistic and academic validity, discursively and in regard to taste.

Of the art object itself, discursively and in actuality.

And the process of its creation, both physically and mentally.

It was simultaneously, and continues to be, a referendum of the audience concerning the rate of acceptance of this art show as an art show unto itself.

References available upon request.

Notredamus Predicts

Congrats, Irish, on beating the heretical sect of D1 football. But you need to get a whole lot better at covering those middle routes, and someone needs to give the corners a primer on man coverage. That was not comforting. Thank you Golden Tate, for making up for everyone else's errors.

Anyway, after last week's repeat mediocrity (57.9% rate of prediction) I'm going for something better. I mean, 57.9% isn't even enough to pass one of my tests. After two, I'd advise myself to drop my own class, so now you know how impressed I am with myself. But Jamie Dukes was 8-6 and Mike Mayock was 7-7. And those guys have jobs on NFL Total Access, so I'm at least keeping up with the industry standard.

So, in my quest towards Eisendom, here goes.

Chicago @ Cincy: Chicago just isn't good enough, and even though I mistakenly drank the Cincinnati Kool-Aid last week, I still think that the Bengals are too broadly talented and, more importantly, clicking in a way that the Bears are not. Sorry Jay, but you're still overrated and underwhelming. Cincy, by 7. Notice how conservative my lines have become? That's cause I don't know what I'm doing.

GB @ Cleveland: Zzzzzz. Cleveland has become such a bore, so depressing. I read somewhere that anybody could go out on the field (that's the pitch, for you Euros) and throw the ball directly into the ground and earn a better passer rating than Cleveland's QBs. And Donald Driver wears green. We've lost track of the Pack amidst the Favrexcitement in Hot Dish. Curly's boys by 14.

Minnesota @ Pittsburgh: Ooooh, girl, this is gonna be grrrrr-eat. I'm already on the couch, facing the TV, sort of drooling on myself a bit. This could go either way. Two greats, with great offenses, stellar defenses. Can I just call this Super Bowl XLIII.5? Pittsburgh by 3 for two reasons. They're at home. They're the defending champs. Even if I thought the Vikings could win, which they could, you've got to bet on the Champs, if only for ideological reasons.

SF @ Houston: You know, I want Houston to do well this year. They've been the afterthought of the AFC South for a while, and now that the Titans have been sucking like a vacuum cleaner, I'm all in for the Texans to improve. Whether or not they show up today is the mystery. They're terribly inconsistent, despite their huge lineup of power: Schaub, Johnson, Slaton, Jacoby Jones is a secret weapon, even Owen Daniels is capable of big stuff. And their defense is more than capable. SF has a shot here, especially if Houston blows it, which they've done before. But I'm going with Houston, by 10, at home, which explains why.

SD @ KC: I am so damn sick of San Diego being the team that I have to pay attention to because they have all the weapons. And then they never get anywhere. When was the last time they were in the Super Bowl? When was the last time they even got into the Conference Championship Game? I'm done with them until they do something that actually counts. That being said, the Chiefs stink like stank. Chargers by 14, but the only reason that I care is named Coryell.

Indy @ The Lou: How boring. Peyton Manning is a robot. I've got Donald Brown and their Defense on my fantasy team, which I hope, with Lawrence Maroney, will bring me an upset of our league leader. Let me say this again, Peyton Manning is dull. Dullsville. Dullicity. Dullacious. All he does is post numbers and win games. Many would say that's about all you can ask. Not me. I want drama, history, compelling stressful hair-pulling tension. All this idiot does is pass for 300 yards a game. If I want that, I'll play Tecmo. By the way, St. Louis should give the Rams to LA. They should also ask for a refund. Manning-tron 2009 by 28.

NE @ TB, in UK: Can I say this out loud? Americans, American football media, National Football League...the British don't give a rat's ass about our game. Deal with it. I don't see anyone broadcasting cricket over here, which is a remarkably cool game once you learn the rules, like football, and, like football, looks a lot like a bunch of dudes standing around waiting for the second fractions when important things happen. Interviewing Angles in front of Big Ben so that we can laugh at them when they don't know who Tom Brady is is like going to Nebraska and asking whether Wayne Rooney scores on goals or WAGs. And, after last week, Mr. Bundchen is so high up on my list that I don't even want to talk about him until he can sit around a table with Terry Bradshaw and wear the same number of rings. Nueva Inghilterra by 21. I hope Michael Strahan was sent over with his video camera again.

Buffalo @ Carolina: God, talk about boring. One team can't get their act together. The other one is playing them in this battle of the teams that won't make the playoffs. I still think Carolina's experience is the key here, as is Buffalo's lack of damn near everything, to say nothing of an injured QB. That Jets game was Sanchez getting himself beat, not Buffalo beating them. Panthers by 7.

Jets @ Oakland: Ok, everyone. Don't watch the game. Watch the headlines in the Daily News and the Post tomorrow. If the Jets win, it'll be all sorts of We Love You Mark Sanchez, We Love Rex Ryan's Defense, We Love the Jets. If not, it'll be like Torquemada's back in town. But, after last week's debacle, I think that the Raiders are too one-dimensional (throw to the Tight End) and really didn't do as much good as the Eagles O-line did bad. Jets by 10, though Marky Mark might end up riding the pine if he keeps throwing the ball away.

New Orleans @ Miami: Forget it. Nobody can keep up with Drew Brees. He's been scary since college, Reggie's actually scoring now, and the defense is being consistent. The Wildcat is going to look like a gimmick more than ever this week. It'll be cute for a few yards, but ugly when the Saints are up by 24 or so. New Orleans by 24 or so.

ATL @ Dallas: This is what I have to watch this weekend, because Fox stinks and apparently Western Tennessee and Dallas are related. Maybe I'll get lucky and they'll play the New Orleans game. Maybe I'll just run a wire from my neighbor's DirecTV dish. Good thing for Matt Ryan and that ATL offense. At least I'll have something fun to watch. ATL by 14.

Arizona @ NY Giants: Somebody, during yesterday's Notre Dame game, called the Cardinals offense high-powered. They have 112 points for vs. the Giants 178. They do, however, have fewer points against. I don't care. Larry Fitzgerald's on my fantasy team, and he's not been doing biblity-squat all year. The Giants are at home, the winds are swirling, the weather is filthy. I hope Larry's got a big game in him, but I just don't see the Giants losing under these circumstances. Let's not forget that they were undefeated until Mr. Brees invited them over, which means that they're still undefeated by normal NFL teams. Football Giants by 17.

Philly @ Redskins: If the Eagles can't win this, I'm going to die. I do, however, recognize that this game is like a mimeographed version of last week's. Hey, kids, remember mimeographs? Mmm, analog copy technology. 90 minute Maxell tapes, anyone? Anyway, the Redskins have QB concerns, front office woes, an underperforming set of offensive weapons. Oh, no. Someone tell the O-line that this is on them. Don't ruin my Monday night gentlemen. Eagles by 7.