believe. and friggin vote!!!

"I just closed my eyes again,
And climbed aboard the dream weaver train ...
Tried to take away my worries of today,
And leave tomorrow behind ...

Ooh, dream weaver!
I believe you can get me through the night!
Ooh, dream weaver!
I believe we can reach the morning light ...

Fly me high through the starry skies,
Maybe through an asteroid plane,
Across the highways and fantasies,
Help me to forget today's pain ...

Ooh, dream weaver!
I believe you can get me through the night!
Ooh, dream weaver!
I believe we can reach the morning light ...

Though the dawn may be coming soon ...
There may still be some time ...
To fly me away to the dark side of the moon ...
And meet me on the other side ..."

-- "Dream Weaver" by Gary Wright ...

----------------------

The dawn is coming soon. Tuesday morning, to be exact.

And still there may be some time.

To vote McCain / Palin!

The polls are tightening up. Big time.

Folks, its simple.

If you want to be taxed out of your ass, vote Barry. If you want common sense radio shows silenced, just like Barry kicking the Dallas Morning News off his plane today for having the audacity to endorce McCain, if you want censorship, if you want "screw you, the only thing that matters is my way" politics to come to America ... if you want us to become the 2nd coming of the USSR, vote Barry.

If you give a shit about this country (notice the unedited word ...), if you give a shit about this country, vote McCain / Palin. Do it on Tuesday. November 4th. Do you part. Mobilize. Vote. Do whatever the (another unedited word coming), do whatever the fuck it takes. Vote McCain / Palin! Do your part! Save this nation from what Barry proposes to drag us down to.

We are NOT second class citizens! Our best days are NOT behind us! And we CAN win the war in Iraq! If we stay the course!

McCain will. Barry will wave the white flag.

(And yes, I am flat out saying, to any anonymous posters, grow a pair. At least identify yourself if you disagree with a McCain victory. Simply identifying yourself, gives you a bigger pair than your candidate possesses ...)

We have a job to do folks. And that is vote McCain! However many times ACORN registration will let us! Do your part! Missouri is a key. I still believe McCain will this thing. I refuse to give in to whatever bullshit (hey, another unedited naughty word!), I refuse to give in to whatever bullshit, whatever fucking bullshit, OMSNBC, OCNN, ONBC, OCBS try to sell us.

(Although to be fair, I'm somewhat proud that the last bastion of fairness is ABC. They refused to air Barry's infomercial. Steffy is as unbiased as they come, as evidenced by his backing Hillary to the bitter end, and asking Barry about his shady associations, his shady connections, his utter unqualifications for office. Somewhere in heaven, Peter Jennings is smiling down with pride at his network being the one source for unbiased coverage ...)

This election is NOT over. Do your part. Show up Tuesday. Vote your conscience. And drive anyone, everyone, that is registered to the polls.

Look it, I want McCain to win. My wallet, my checking account, is on a 72 hour fast to will McCain to victory. But if more legitimate voters put Barry into power, good for them. The process works.

And I'll be the first one to praise Barry for a great campaign, and line up behind him come Wednesday if he wins. He'd be MY President. Unlike certain partisans on either side of the aisle, that has meaning to me.

I want McCain. I encourage every reader of this site to vote McCain, multiple times if that's necessary (because ACORN registered you). But if its Barry ... so be it. I will always support MY President.

Whoever it is.

(Because he cannot possibly be worse than what we have now ...)

a brief statement

Since some people apparently have an issue with me blogging on the NBA, allow me to state the following.

This is MY site.

And I will blog on what interests ME.

I apologize if you are not an NBA fan. Or if you aren't a basketball fan in general. But I LOVE the NBA. I freaking LOVE it.

I drop $170 on the League Pass every year, I enjoy it so much.

So, if you don't like the NBA, spare me the "dumbass" comments. Spare me the "I like the crazy Chiefs rants, but not much else" comments.

(Seriously, what is "crazy" about my Chiefs posts? I want Carl fired. I'm fine with Herm getting canned. I blame our current predicament on 6 straight failed drafts under Carl. Where is the "crazy" in my thoughts?!?!)

This is not a Chiefs-centric site. I follow more than just the local NFL team. I love politics, for example. (Vote McCain / Palin, please!!!) I love the NBA. I blog about my work life, as frustrating as it currently is. (I took a "mental health recovery day" today, if that's an indication ...)

This is "steve's site". I will blog about whatever the hell I want to blog about. So if OUR Milwaukee Bucks happen to dominate the posts for the next couple months, deal with it.

Buy a t-shirt at nba.com and support OUR team!!! ... oh, and party on for November 7th, we have 8 confirmed for the first Bucks Watching Party and counting, including 3 hot as hell chicks ... so Ash, don't be upset if I send you a "take the shirt off" text next Friday ... you're in my house now ... :)

the week nine predictions

"Every day I hear a different story,
People saying that you're no good for me,
So you're loving with another and she's making
A fool of you, oh oh ...

If you love me baby, you'd deny it,
But you laugh and tell me I should try it,
Tell me I'm a baby and
I will understand ...

But you know that I'll forgive you,
Just this once ... twice ... forever,
Cause baby, you could drag me to hell and back,
Just as long as we're together,
And you do ...

I don't want your freedom!
I don't want to play around!
I don't want nobody baby,
Part time love just brings me down.
I don't need your freedom --
Girl all I want right now is you ...

Like a prisoner who has his own key,
Girl, I can't escape until you love me,
I just go from day to day knowing all about
The other boys ...

You take my hand and tell me I'm a fool to
Give you all that I do ...
I bet you someday baby, someone
Says the same to you ...

But you know that I'll forgive you,
Just this once ... twice ... forever,
Cause baby, you could drag me to hell and back,
Just as long as we're together,
And you do ... oh ...

I don't want your freedom!
I don't want to play around!
I don't want nobody baby,
Part time love just brings me down.
I don't want your freedom --
Girl all I want right now is you ...

(you know you're tapping along to the piano solo right now ... I know I am ...)

But you know that I'll forgive you,
Just this once ... twice ... forever,
Cause baby, you could drag me to hell and back,
Just as long as we're together,
And you do ... oooooooh ...

I don't want your freedom!
I don't need to play around!
I don't want nobody baby,
Part time love just brings me down.

I don't want your freedom!
I don't want to play around!
I don't want nobody baby,
Part time love just brings me down.

I don't want your ...
I don't want your ...
I don't want your ...
I don't want your ..."

-- "Freedom" by Wham!

-----------------------

Last Week SU: 9-5-0
Season to Date SU: 62-52-0

Last Week ATS: 7-7-0
Season to Date ATS: 59-54-1

Last Week Upset / Week: looked good at the half ...
Season to Date Upset / Week: 2-6-0
This Week's Upset / Week: Chiefs are home dogs. Take a f*cking guess folks. Take a mother f*cking guess ...

The Non-Chiefs Predictions:

* Texans (+4 1/2) 31, at Vikings 20.
* Jaguars (-8) 28, at Bengals 10.
* at Browns (-1 1/2) 34, Ravens 13.
* at Bills 21, Jets (+5 1/2) 20.
* at Rams (+3) 38, Cardinals 30.
* at Bears (-12 1/2) 24, Lions 3.
* at Titans (-5) 27, Packers 21.
* at broncos (-3 1/2) 41, Dolphins 10.
* Falcons (-3) 24, at raiders 10.
* at Giants (-8 1/2) 21, Cowboys 6.
* at Seahawks (+6 1/2) 21, Eagles 20.
* Patriots (+6) 27, at Colts 24.
* at Redskins (-2) 27, Steelers 21.

The Chiefs Prediction:

What a weird, sad, frustrating position to be in.

For the first time since 2001, the Chiefs enter the first weekend of November with no realistic hopes at playing in January. Consider:

2007: the Chiefs entered this weekend at 4-3, in sole possession of first place in the AFC West, hosting the Green Bay Packers.

2006: the Chiefs entered this weekend at 4-3, in third place in the AFC West, heading to St. Louis.

2005: the Chiefs entered this weekend at 4-3, in second place in the AFC West, hosting the oakland raiders.

2004: the Chiefs entered this weekend at 3-4, in third place in the AFC West, heading to Tampa to face (ironically) this week's opponent.

2003: the Chiefs entered this weekend at 7-0, in sole possession of first place in the AFC West, hosting the Buffalo Bills on Sunday Night Football.

2002: the Chiefs entered this weekend at 3-4, in third place in the AFC West, hosting the reeling oakland raiders.

Yeah. 2008? Nothing like the last 6 years. Other than, like 2004, we play Tampa in what should be one of the defining games of the season.

It will be. For Tampa. At 5-3, they need this one badly.

I can't explain it. I don't know why I feel this way. We can't stop the run. I have no idea how we're putting together 150 yards of offense.

But on a beautiful, 70 plus degree November Sunday ... we're winning this damned game.

at Chiefs (+9) 13, Bucs 10, on a last second Connor Barth 41 yard FG. Hope you'll show up and enjoy it! Even if I am a "dumbass", as "anonymous" posted today, for showing up at 7am, so be it. Be a "dumbass" with me! Show up! Be loud! Let's win this one! For one last amazing, magical Sunday, let's turn back the rebuilding, let's re-established Arrowhead as "Terrorhead"! Let's make our mark, for one final Sunday in this lost season! Make it count! With every last one of us in the house!

Save for the person this week's song choice was specifically aimed at. For you sir ... get in the f*cking car, drive to Tyler, and win her back, kid! Trust me pal. Ignore every negative signal. Ignore every negative text message. Go win her heart back, champ. Go be with her. Tonight.

Or, as the late, great Toadies sang in "Tyler" ...

"We can drive to anyplace ...
Day and night, across this state,
And in the morning, into Mexico,
We will wake up ...
We will wake up ...
We will, yeah yeah ...
I will be with her ... yeah yeah ...

(long interlude ... and yeah, if you know the song, you're bobbing the head along with me ...)

I finally went out in the kitchen,
While I had myself the urge,
Rummaged through the refrigerator,
Poured myself a beer.

Can't believe I'm really here,
And she's lying in that bed.
I can almost feel her touch,
And her anxious breath ...

I stumble into her way,
Outside the bedroom door,
I hear her call out to me,
I hear the fear in her voice ...

She pulls the covers tighter,
I press against the door ...

I will be with her tonight, yeah!
I will be with her tonight!
I will be with her tonight, yeah!
I will be with her tonight!

I will be with her ... yeah ..."

Go be with her, champ! Go be with the one! Before you wind up like me ... 31, single, and full of regret over the relationships that didn't happen ...

ready to rise!!!

OUR Milwaukee Bucks got back to .500 last night with a woodshed beating of the "Stolen Team from Seattle". Solid night all around by the Green and ... uuh, Green.

Home Opener is Saturday against those mean people from north of the border, the Raptors. If you're in Milwaukee, show up and root us on!!!

(If you're in KC, I'll be home in plenty of time to open the house up and have the game on ...)

Some KC Bucks Fans related developments:

* a letter has been sent to numerous higher ups with the Milwaukee Bucks informing them of our decision to adopt them as our team. Hope that turns out well.

* just because you aren't named "dusty" or "damien", doesn't mean you can't hop on the Bucks Bandwagon! We want any willing-to-be Bucks fan on board! We've already added the incredibly hot-as-hell Meagan. And hope to add any other hot chicks who actually find this entertaining. (And guys as well, this is the "To Hit the Big Shot, You Gotta Smoke Pot" express ...)

* looks like Friday, November 7th is the first Bucks Party!!! Get the Cattail Ale on ice, and get those cheese curds ready to fry, because Bucks! Celtics! Its on like friggin Donkey Kong!

* But if the 7th doesn't work ... OUR Bucks play the Knicks on Sunday at 5pm on NBA TV. I'm not saying that the "drive 10 minutes from Arrowhead to Steve and Dusty's house to watch OUR team in person" excuse should be in play, but ... it's in play. Even factoring in the 40-50 minute postgame tailgate, I'm always back to Russ and Mona's by 4:15, 4:20, which puts me home by 4:45. 15 minutes to spare for tipoff. With the deep fried wings ready to go by the end of the first ...

to copy this week's bs report ...

I'll predict the over / under for each NBA team!

All over / under season victory lines taken from listening to this week's BS Report at espn.com ...

Atlantic Division:
Boston 55 1/2: over. I have Boston winning 58, top in the East's regular season.
Toronto 47 1/2: over. I have Toronto at 50. Bosh, Calderon, O'Neal. Believe.
Philly 48 1/2: under. Bet the f*cking mortgage! No way they win more than 45!
New York 32 1/2: under. Someone was high on something setting this line.
New Jersey 27 1/2: under. I have them in the 25 win range. Close call.

Central Division:
Cleveland 47 1/2: over. Way over. I have Cleveland winning at least 52.
Detroit 48 1/2: under. Barely. I have them at 48.
Milwaukee 30 1/2: over! KC Bucks Fans Unite!!! 7th Seed Here We Come!!!
Chicago 40 1/2: under. I'm not a fan of this roster, or the coach.
Indiana 34 1/2: under. Not by much, they'll probably win 31, 32. Tough call.

Southeast Division:
Orlando 47 1/2: over. I have them in the 50 win range. Easy division.
Miami 37 1/2: over. I have Miami at 38, 39 wins, last team in, in the East.
Washington 37 1/2: under ... barely. I have the Bullets at 36 wins.
Charlotte 35 1/2: under. If Charlotte wins 30, I'd be stunned. Let alone 36.
Atlanta 37 1/2: under. Way, way, way, way under. If they win 20 I'll be stunned.

Northwest Division:
Utah 51 1/2: over. I have them at 62 and top team in the regular season.
Portland 45 1/2: under. I have them at 44, 45 wins. Fun team to watch though.
Denver 46 1/2: under. Fire sale time. If they win 40 I'll be stunned.
Minnesota 32 1/2: under. This one won't come even close to covering.
Oklahoma City 26 1/2: under. I'm smelling 20-62 or worse.

Pacific Dvision:
LA Lakers 55 1/2: over. I have LA at 60, just behind Utah.
Golden State 37 1/2: over. I have them at 45 and last team in.
Phoenix 46 1/2: under. I have Phoenix at 44 wins and first team out.
LA Clippers 33 1/2: over. I have them at 40 wins, close but not quite in.
Sacramento 27 1/2: over. I believe they can win 30. Decent starting 5.

Southwest Division:
New Orleans 51 1/2: over. Way beyond over.
San Antonio 48 1/2: over. I have them 2nd in the division, meaning at least 50.
Dallas 46 1/2: over. Way over - I have them in the 50 range minimum.
Houston 53 1/2: under. Not by much - I have them in the 50 win range maximum.
Memphis 23 1/2: under. Tough call. I have them at 22, 23 wins. Tough call.

steve and friends adopt a team ...

The email below says it all. First "Bucks Party" can't arrive soon enough! Oh, and speaking of can't arrive soon enough, (steve ordering luke ridnour t-shirt at nba.com ...)

And to anyone who thinks you can't have fun in Milwaukee, scroll down to the July posts and choose the "old: a weekend in milwaukee" post and read it. Three words pal: Lake. Front. Brewery. Three more words: Rock. Bottom. Brewery.

And the best words of all: "cause we'll do it our way! yes our way! make all our dreams ... come true ... for me and you ..."

------------------------------

from: steve
to: dusty, damien
cc: brent, gregg, steve
date: tuesday, october 28, 4:04pm
subject: a special nba invite ...

Brent heard about a great idea during his trip to The Great Outdoors this past weekend. As with all great ideas, alcohol was involved. And when someone's drinkin', there's usually some rock solid thinkin' going on. As is the case here. And the idea is this:

As sports fans, we all root for different teams. Some of us are die-hard KU, some MU, some (gag) Duke. Some love the Chiefs, some love other teams. Some love the Royals, some worship at the feet of Fredbird and his Cardinals. Even the NHL we have divided loyalties; I love the Stars, Brent loves the Hurricanes.

But there's one sport where none of us (save for me) has a rooting interest.

So, since we don't have a pro team in Kansas City ... let's adopt an NBA team!!!

Brent's pals decided to find a common NFL team (they're from Kentucky). They'd each buy a t-shirt or something to denote their new loyalty, and jump on the bandwagon. They decided to pick the Tennessee Titans. Damned good pick so far.

So ... Brent, Gregg and I have decided steal their fun idea, and "adopt" an NBA team to root for. And we'd like to invite you all to "join" us in that adoption and become a fan of a NBA team!

The rules for picking the team were simple:

1. They have to suck ass recently, or be blatant underachievers, so we can't ever be accused of being bandwagon fans.
2. They have to have at least one player worth rooting for.
3. They have to be within doable driving distance, so we can (hopefully) schedule a weekend getaway to catch some professional hoops this winter.
4. The city has to be fun to visit.
5. They have to be someone none of us have a rooting interest in prior to this, and
6. You have to set aside any prior loyalties and jump in with the new team. (I believe I am the only person getting this email that this rule affects).

With the ground rules set, we narrowed down the search to 6 teams initially:

Memphis, Dallas, Chicago, Oklahoma City, Minnesota, and denver.

Gregg ruled out denver on principle, and I seconded that motion. Brent ruled out Memphis because "i hate the city and i hate oj mayo". OK then. Dallas might be declining and may have underachieved, but they're still too good for this. Plus, I can't claim I wouldn't have entered that without a rooting interest, given my ties to the Metroplex. The Bulls, I'm sorry, I can't bring myself to do it. That part of the Knicks fan in me will never let go of 1991 ... or 1992 ... or especially 1993 ... or 1996 ... or what would have been 1998 had Miami not induced the melee in game 5 ...

Anyways.

Minnesota is intriguing, because they have a decent past (Western Finals as recently as 4 years ago), and Al Jefferson, Ryan Gomes, Kevin Love, and Mike Miller is a solid building foundation ... but as long as Kevin McHale calls the shots, its a lost cause. Note the ground rules say a team that has "sucked recently", not a team with "no hope or future".

And Oklahoma City, I argued, is out. You can't root for a team stolen from Seattle by shady, sleazy ownership like the Thunder were. Even if they do have Durant.

And then, it hit me.

The perfect team.

Let's run through the checklist.

* they have to suck recently, or be blatant underachievers, so we can't ever be accused of being bandwagon fans. The last time this team won a playoff series was 2001. The last time this team was relevant, was 2001. Since then, they have been the very definition of "sucky". (check).

* they have to have at least someone worth rooting for. I argue they have 5 guys at least "worth watching", 6 if you count this year's first round pick (and I do). (check).

* they have to be within doable driving distance. I've made this trip in 8 hours (albeit going 85 plus most of the way). Plus they have two awesome weekend games -- they host the Cavaliers on Friday February 20th, and host the Celtics on Selection Sunday (March 15th). There's other "less attractive" weekend games to pick from too, but I would kill to see LBJ in person. I'm just saying. (check).

* a fun place to visit. Believe me, it is. Even in the middle of the winter, its an awesome city to visit. And if I'm giving props to someplace cold, you know it kicks ass, because (all together now) Steve f*cking hates the cold!!!

* they have to be someone none of us have a rooting interest in. Seeing as how Brent and I are two of the only 3 NBA die hards in this city (along with my brother), this one is easy. (check).

* and setting aside any prior loyalties. I don't know of any one team Brent is a "die hard" for. I will always have a soft spot for the Knicks ... but I do for the Jets as well, and you two know I was rooting like holy hell for a Chiefs win on Sunday. So I think I can do this. Done and done. All six criteria checked off.

So ... this is your formal invite to hop on the bandwagon with me, Gregg and Brent, and become a fan of YOUR ... Milwaukee Bucks!!!

Look over the roster at nba.com, there's some talent there. Redd, Villanueva, Bogut, Jefferson, and Ridnour is a solid starting 5. Local kid Tyronn Lue off the bench. First rounder Joe Alexander ready to step in once Charlie gets hurt loafing down the floor. A solid coach now in Scotty Skiles.

And ... it gives us all an excuse to get together a couple times a month, fire up my favorite winter time splurge (aka "The NBA League Pass"), order up some pizza, deep fry some wings, drink some beer, and watch OUR team play! (And drink a lot of beer, like a true Milwaukee citizen would ... and yes, in case you were wondering, this idea did originate in a bar ...)

Anyways, we picked you two to open the "fandom" up to first, because well, we like you. We think this would be fun.

We're looking at 3 potential dates for the first "Bucks Watching Party": Friday November 7th (Bucks at Celtics), Tuesday November 11th (Bucks at Cavaliers) and depending on when KU / Texas kicks off, Saturday November 15th (Celtics at Bucks). We'll have to get together at Dusty's obviously, since we're the ones with the League Pass.

As I noted on the blog in my NBA Preview post:

Milwaukee hired a solid coach in Skiles, added a solid presence in Richard Jefferson, and still have Bogut, Villanueva, and Michael Redd on the floor. Someone in the East is getting into the postseason at 38-44, why not the Bucks?

Why not the Bucks! Especially with a KC Chapter of their fanbase on board!!!

The three of us are in. Hope you two want on board. If you know anyone else who likes hoops and would find this at least entertaining, feel free to send this on to them, the more the merrier. (da da, da da da da!) Go Bucks Go! (da da, da da da da!) Go Bucks Go!

a life update

Since my one "track this blog" follower blogs on her life, I figured I'd update you on mine. Sadly, its nowhere near as fun, exciting, or fulfilling as hers is. But it is far more frustrating, angering, maddening, and causes you to literally not sleep for two straight days from stress. So I've got that going for me.

First off, I apologize for the lack of a live blog today. I had family obligations, a buddy of ours was over to watch the game, the taco soup was as good as its ever been, and I had to stay relatively sober for said family obligation afterwards. Probably best for all involved that I didn't blog it.

I will get my thoughts up eventually though, probably sometime tomorrow morning.

So ... the point of this post.

Its been an, uuh, trying week professionally for me. I'll spare you the ugly details, but I have finally reached the end of my patience in my current job.

Since I only know of one co-worker that reads this blog on an active basis, I'm not overly concerned about making that statement. (Especially since said co-worker is the roommate and has witnessed this past week first hand). Even if all my co-workers and superiors started reading this though, its not like that statement would come as any sort of a shock.

I have decided it is time to actively seek employment elsewhere than where I currently am employed. I applied for three positions this weekend, and plan to expand my search as the week(s) go along.

I do this very regrettably. I wish to stress, for anyone reading this, that the job itself is not why I want out. If the tools and support promised me were actually delivered to me, I'd probably retire doing what I do now.

I also wish to stress, for anyone reading this, that my direct reporting line has nothing to do with this decision. If anything, they've made this far more difficult than it should be. I have an incredible boss that I report to. Her boss is every bit as incredible. Two awesome women I respect that I don't want to screw over by abandoning them. But this past week, just underscored the point: us pee-ons at (insert steve's employer here) don't matter. Its all CYA for the uppers when things don't go according to script.

So, I refuse to be "guy on 3rd floor who is so utterly incompetent, everyone in the company thinks he's a f*cking joke"'s CYA anymore. You throw me under the bus once pal? I can get past it. You do it for a second month in a row, blow out of proportion something that isn't my fault, that I had no control over, and dump it in my lap to save your ass?

Good luck replacing me pal. Good luck finding anyone dumb enough to take my job. Its probably why my badge still worked on Wednesday morning, my bosses even noted it, "you're not going anywhere, we can't find anyone dumb enough to take your job".

Well, start looking. Because as good as the two of you have been to me, everyone else above you has decided I'm the scapegoat. Sometimes, its best to vacate the house before the lynch mob shows up.

The Rubicon has been crossed, to haul out a historical reference. There's no turning back. As Al Gore famously said at the 1992 DNC, "the clock is ticking, and it is time. Its time for (steve) to go! Its time for (steve) to go!"

The job I applied for that I am most hoping to at least get an interview for, is with a local non-profit. After checking with someone I trust and respect ... this organization seems legit. She said they're solid, and well led. (Unlike another non-profit I was actively involved with. They were legit, but leadership was, uuh, p*ss poor. And still is. Which is why they're in trouble). Anyways.

So if the posts start slowing down for a while, blame it on the job search and potential new employment. I'm not saying they will slow down; I hope they don't. But if they do, you know why.

My roommate says that "the saddest thing you can endure in life is to be without companionship". He sent me that line the day after he and "former girlfriend" broke up last summer. And I thought "you know what, he's got a freaking point! The kid must not be off in (roommate)land!"

But he's wrong.

The saddest thing you can endure in life, is to hate your life as it currently exists. When you reach that point, of just utter frustration and despair and "why the hell continue this way, it ain't worth it" bitterness, crazy and scary thoughts begin to enter your head. Thoughts I want no part of. (And no, I would never act on them, I've seen the fallout first hand). But yeah, I need a change.

So wish me luck. I want my next job to not only bring meaning and value and satisfaction to me, I hope it gives back (which is why I am focusing on non-profit jobs). Anyone can take. I'd like to be someone to give.

And if not, hey. My dad and I still throw in $10 apiece to the Powerball every week, it has to pay off eventually, right? Right? (crickets chirping ...)

sorry to disappoint but ...

no live blog today. I honestly don't have any real interest in doing it for just a quarter or a half, which is about all I can do today because of family obligations this afternoon.

That, and the 15-20 (conservative estimate) fuzzy navel and triple sec jello shots I consumed last night are catching up with me.

If you need a fix though, you can re-read any other live blog on here, or read the two posts from this morning, my NBA picks and a look back at the worst KU game in nearly 5 years.

steve's nba predictions

Two days until the season tips off with a rematch of one of the great game 7s of all time, Cavaliers! Celtics! Only on ... TNT! Season on!!!

Eastern Conference

Atlantic Division:

1. Boston Celtics
2. Toronto Raptors
3. Philadelphia 76ers
4. New Jersey Nets
5. New York Knicks

Reasoning: until proven otherwise, the defending champs are the class of this division. I don't think they'll win 66 again ... but 58-24 seems about right, a solid 8-10 games clear of the divisional field. I like this Raptors team a lot, but it all depends on Jermaine O'Neal staying healthy. Picking them 2nd in the 48-50 win range says I think he will. The 76ers are a tough read. Great season last year to break through and get back to the postseason, and they have a solid young nucleus, plus added Elton Brand. I just can't help but think they're still a season away from getting past 44, 45 wins and into top 4 status. The Nets could surprise, there's still some talent there, they could sneak in as the last team in ... but they're far more likely to unload VC and embrace rebuilding full on around Yi, Devin Harris, and (in my opinion) underrated Sean Williams. The Knicks are at least two seasons away from being mediocre.

Central Division:

1. Cleveland Cavaliers
2. Detroit Pistons
3. Milwaukee Bucks
4. Chicago Bulls
5. Indiana Pacers

Reasoning: I loved the Mo Williams trade for the Cavs. Adding him, plus the midseason additions last year of Pavlovic, Ben Wallace, and Delonte West, plus a full season of Varejao, should be enough to propel them to 52 wins and the Central title. Detroit changed coaches and not much else. I'll pencil them in for their usual 48-50 wins and top 4 seed. Milwaukee hired a solid coach in Skiles, added a solid presence in Richard Jefferson, and still have Bogut, Villanueva, and Michael Redd on the floor. Someone in the East is getting into the postseason at 38-44, why not the Bucks? I don't like this Bulls team at all, and hated the Del Negro hire. Pacers are in full on rebuild mode, probably a wise decision.

Southeast Division:

1. Orlando Magic
2. Miami Heat
3. Washington Wizards
4. Charlotte Bobcats
5. Atlanta Hawks

Reasoning: does any team, in any division, have an easier path to the division title than Orlando? Holy Lord, they might be the only plus .500 team in the Southeast. I've got them at 55 wins, 15 clear of the divisional field, and top 2 seed in the East. Miami should be better, and I think Beasley (and Jerryd Bayless) will be the two best players from this draft when its all said and done. Washington should have started over. Instead, they'll continue to tread water around .500. If Larry Brown thought the Knicks were poorly run, he'll really see incompetence in Charlotte. Atlanta reverts back to its usual 20 win status.

East Seeding:
1. Boston Celtics
2. Orlando Magic
3. Cleveland Cavaliers
4. Detroit Pistons
5. Toronto Raptors
6. Philadelphia 76ers
7. Milwaukee Bucks
8. Miami Heat
--------------------
9. Washington Wizards
10. New Jersey Nets
11. Chicago Bulls
12. Indiana Pacers
13. Charlotte Bobcats
14. Atlanta Hawks
15. New York Knicks

East Playoffs:

1 Celtics over 8 Heat, 4-1
2 Magic over 7 Bucks, 4-1
3 Cavaliers over 6 76ers, 4-3
5 Raptors over 4 Pistons, 4-2

1 Celtics over 5 Raptors, 4-3
3 Cavaliers over 2 Magic, 4-2

3 Cavaliers over 1 Celtics, 4-2

Eastern Conference Champions: Cleveland Cavaliers.

Western Conference

Northwest Division:

1. Utah Jazz
2. Portland Trail Blazers
3. Denver Nuggets
4. Minnesota Timberwolves
5. "Kevin Durant's Team"

Reasoning: Wow, Utah's road to the playoffs figures to be pretty easy too. I have them as the top team in the league, at 62 wins. Portland breaks through and reaches the postseason, but they're still a year of playing together away from really being a force. I have no idea what the Nuggets are building towards, and expect a fire sale by early January. Minnesota is rebuilding. "Durant's team" is rebuilding as well.

Pacific Division:

1. Los Angeles Lakers
2. Golden State Warriors
3. Phoenix Suns
4. Los Angeles Clippers
5. Sacramento Kings

Reasoning: As good as the Lakers were last year after the Gasol deal ... they figure to be only better this year with a healthy Andrew Bynum. I have them at 60 wins, breathing down Utah's neck for home court throughout the postseason. Golden State, I can't explain it, but I like this team's makeup. I think they sneak in as the last team in at 45 wins. Phoenix is beginning to slide. Shaq is done, Nash won't be as effective with Terry Porter calling the shots as he was with D'Antoni, and they're going to miss Marion. The Clippers are treading water, and the Kings are a couple years away from respectability.

Southwest Division:

1. New Orleans Hornets
2. San Antonio Spurs
3. Dallas Mavericks
4. Houston Rockets
5. Memphis Grizzlies

Reasoning: the best division in league history? Any of the top four teams can not only win the division, they can win it all. I have all four in the 50-56 win range. I have New Orleans in first because I think Paul is the best point guard in the league, and David West really emerged last year as a force, plus Tyson Chandler is finally living up to his potential. I have the Spurs second because of Popovich, he's much better than Carlisle or Adelman. I have Dallas third because I just trust the roster makeup more than Houston's. The Rockets are the most volatile team in this division, they're the toughest to peg a slot for. The Grizzlies are an afterthought.

West Seeding:

1. Utah Jazz
2. Los Angeles Lakers
3. New Orleans Hornets
4. San Antonio Spurs
5. Dallas Mavericks
6. Houston Rockets
7. Portland Trail Blazers
8. Golden State Warriors
--------------------
9. Phoenix Suns
10. Denver Nuggets
11. Los Angeles Clippers
12. Sacramento Kings
13. Minnesota Timberwolves
14. Memphis Grizzlies
15. "Kevin Durant's Team"

West Playoffs:

1 Jazz over 8 Warriors, 4-1
2 Lakers over 7 Trail Blazers, 4-2
3 Hornets over 6 Rockets, 4-3
5 Mavericks over 4 Spurs, 4-2

1 Jazz over 5 Mavericks, 4-3
2 Lakers over 3 Hornets, 4-2

2 Lakers over 1 Jazz, 4-2

Western Conference Champions: Los Angeles Lakers

NBA Finals: Lakers over Cavaliers, 4-3

NBA Champions: Los Angeles Lakers.

an old school saturday

Friday, I got an email as we were working out the details for the trip up to Lawrence for the KU / Texas Tech game, and one thing in it stood out.

"It's gonna be just like old times".

He had no idea how right he was ...

* Left at 9am-ish for the trip up. After an uneventful drive, we once again managed to score primo free parking on 9th Street at Ohio. (Meaning I didn't need the inhaler for the walk in. Whew).

* I figure to be on a first name basis with the hippy dude at Jensen Liquors by the end of this season at the rate things are going. On the other hand, anytime you see a hippy dude working a counter, I can only think of one thing ...

(peter griffin) hey, don't I know you from somewhere?
(hippy guy) uuh, no.
(peter griffin) did you go to North Providence High?
(hippy guy) no.
(peter griffin) are you friends with Gary down at the dry cleaners?
(hippy guy) no!
(peter griffin) are you Jesus Christ?

I might have to break that one out next week ...

* (student section voice) Char-les Gor-don! (clap clap clap clap clap!) Chuckles was signing autographs at the AT&T deal.

* Upgrade 2.0 (aka the next step in being a Hawk Football season ticket holder): we need a tailgating tent on the Hill. Cracking open a beer on the corner of 9th and Ohio just ain't the same as having a friggin tent on the Hill. Someone win the lottery and get on that. Or at least convince Jayhawk Illustrated to bring back the free tailgate for its subscribers, I miss the free Boulevard Pale Ale and brats in the pregame ...

* speaking of which, on the walk in at about 10th and Mississippi, 9:30 in the morning, this bombed KU fan, college kid, is working his way through a 30 pack of the High Life, and asks if we'll help him finish off the 30 pack. If it had been Coors Light, I might not have made kickoff. But High Life? Uuh, no thanks pal.

* The Danny Darrell ticket taking theory worked like a charm. The guy just shook his head seeing the "youth" ticket, laughed ... and scanned me in.

* Got our usual spot, row in the high 20s, section 20 on a aisle. Right next to "the step". No matter how bad things get on the field, at least you can laugh as unsuspecting students continuously trip over the awkward step up as the aisles come together. Although sadly, noone dropped a pretzel or nachos again this week and left them for the section to enjoy.

* Both Gregg and I questioned the red jerseys when KU took the field for warmups. Uuh, fellas? We're playing the "Red" Raiders, might want to avoid giving them even 1/1000th of a reason of motivation to feel like they're being slighted.

* I have said it before, and I will say it again: college girls are so much hotter now than they were when I was in school a decade ago. Holy Lord. What I wouldn't give to be 21 and an undergrad again for just a weekend ...

* No Mangino PSA, no "ribbons" encouraging the new kickoff chant. Thank God. Again, free speech nazis on the west side of the field? Its a fad. It will fade. If you just ignore it. You keep drawing attention to it, its only going to keep growing in noise.

* Flyover during the National Anthem. I continue to stand behind my claim that there is no bigger waste of taxpayer dollars than a flyover. But if Barry wins in 9 days, I'm sure he'll find something to spend our money on that's more wasteful than that.

* The first play of the game, was a pass that lost 8 yards to Kerry Meier. Here's what I don't get. If you see three defenders coming at you, and your QB is attempting a dumpoff to you that deep in the backfield, why do you catch the pass? Just knock it down! 2nd and 10 is better than 2nd and 18, right? I guess I just think things through too much.

* The first Texas Tech touchdown was just a thing of beauty. And a textbook example in how NOT to play cover 3 defense. There was no safety help on that play at all, despite 3 safeties being in the defensive backfield.

* Solid answer by KU after the first two Tech TDs to tie the game at 14 after the 1st quarter. I liked our offensive gameplan, move the chains, nothing deep, just safe middle range stuff to keep their offense off the field. For 17 1/2 minutes, it worked.

* On the other hand ... what the hell was our defensive gameplan yesterday? We defended everything at the line by playing 4 down lineman every down. We defended everything deep by dropping either 3 safeties or 2 safeties and Mike Rivera into cover 3 zone on nearly every down. And left the middle of the field WIDE, WIDE open every damned down! Graham Harrell just abused us with the screen pass, the quick slant, everything 5-20 yards downfield was completely uncovered all day long. It was pathetic.

* Speaking of Graham Harrell ... (steve getting fired up) ... what an arrogant friggin prick. I have no problems with QBs trying to draw penalties. But he was whining to the official after every play, regardless of whether he was hit or not. What a friggin baby.

And his "celebrations" after every play, especially touchdowns. Just irritating as hell. He acted like a friggin 5 year old out there. Show some class dude. You're up 49-14, you just snuck it in from the 1, good for you. Don't showboat. Act like you've been there before. Because you had at least 7 times already that game alone.

(In case you can't tell, I hate Graham Harrell with a passion. I dropped the "its time to take a personal foul for the good of the team, guys" blast about 15 times yesterday. Although the guy next to me screaming "take out his f*cking knees!" would have worked just as well).

* the moment I knew we were in trouble: down 28-14, Reesing hit, turns around, trips over a fallen Hawks lineman, fumbles, recovery Texas Tech. We needed a touchdown on that possession to get it within 7 at the half, and we were driving. Instead, Tech punches it in a couple minutes later, leads 35-14 at the half, with the ball. Uh oh.

* The only 3rd down Texas Tech failed to convert in the first 3 quarters yesterday ... was a 3rd and 25 running out the clock at halftime. And they still got 23 on the play. Call me crazy, but when you convert 10 of 11 3rd downs, you're probably going to win.

* Old guy with the baton at halftime! Nice to see old as dirt alumni still able to be active on Homecoming.

* I still think the biggest non-personnel mistake of the Carl Peterson years is dumping "Sweet Child of Mine" from player intros. We've never recovered as a franchise from that decision. A mistake highlighted by "The Pride of Kansas"' awesome rendition of it at halftime.

* No White Owl sighting yesterday. Hope all is well there, a KU game just isn't the same without that guy in the stands.

* Tech's opening drive of the 3rd quarter was just a thing of beauty. If you love the game of football, love teams that execute the little things that can be the margin between victory and defeat, that drive was just awesome to watch. Simple precision passing. Running back stopping for a split second after the handoff to identify the bigger hole. QB waiting until the last possible second to execute the screen, to maximize the gap between defenders pursuing it.

I like Mike Leach, always have. But I never really realized just how fundamentally sound that team is until yesterday. They don't screw up. That offense is not a "playground, draw it up in the dirt" gimmick. That thing is just awesome to watch when it executes like it did yesterday.

* Todd Reesing attempted 4 passes in the 3rd quarter yesterday. One fell incomplete. The other three were caught by Darcel McBath. Unfortunately, Mr. McBath plays for Texas Tech.

* like I noted above, it was an "Old School Saturday". Just me and Gregg. 3rd quarter shuffle underway early in the 2nd half. Our offense shooting itself in the foot. Our defense unable to stop anyone. Empty liquor bottles everywhere in the student section. As was noted to me late in the 3rd quarter, "this is the KU Football I know and love!"

* you know its ugly when you begin entertaining yourself with random "Family Guy" references. Which Gregg and I did for a solid 10 minutes before we left the game, and for the entire walk back to the car.

* on the bright side, we're still just one win away from bowl eligibility, and the only defense worse than ours right now rolls into Lawrence on Saturday. On the down side, our margin for error if we want the mizzou game to be for the North title is now zero. We can lose to Texas, but noone else. Which means we have to beat our arch rivals from the farm this week, and win in Lincoln for the first time since the Johnson Administration. I'm not liking our chances, based on yesterday ...

previewing the site's next few days ...

* new poll is up. Not sure there's really a "wrong" answer, all 5 have their reason for being there. But one is "more correct" than the others. Good luck.

* week eight picks are up. I'll be honest: I struggled for a "theme intro" this week. But that's the song that popped up on the ITunes as I was looking, and given my favorite team's current status, it fit.

* plan to post a recap of Red Raiders / Jayhawks sometime this weekend. And yes, I am in abject shock and awe that Kansas FOOTBALL!!! is a 1 1/2 point favorite (per USA Today) over the #8 team in the nation. (matchbox 20 voice) let's see how far we've come! let's see how far we've come!

* I plan to live blog at least part of the Chiefs / Jets game. Emphasis on "plan"; I have 3 Halloween parties I am supposed to make an appearance at on Saturday afternoon / evening ... (ok, two to make an "appearance" at, one to "pass out" at ...), plus a day spent in Lawrence for Hawk Football ("Drink like a Champion Today!"). Plus, I have my cousin's kids first birthday party at 4pm on Sunday. I'll try to at least slug out a quarter or so of the game blog-style.

* hope to have my NBA predictions up sometime this weekend as well. I'm not writing a 4 day, 25,000 word preview like The Sports Guy ... but as one of the only three confirmed NBA addicts in KC, I care enough to post my preseason thoughts. (Although Knicks Live! on MSG just won't be the same this year without a riot-ready crowd prepared to storm the court at the first sign of Zeke in the tunnel ...)

* finally, as for Election Night ... I'm leaning towards no live blog. Partly because I just want to watch the night unfold. (And begin packing my bags to (kenny chesney voice) sit right here and have another beer in mexico if Barry wins ...) But mostly, because HD Net and Mark Cuban gave me my hope and prayer, and are unleashing Dan Rather ... live ... on uncensored cable, for Election Night coverage. (And I don't have HD Net in the computer room). Dan Rather. Live. Uncensored. Who knew the Fake Guard Documents would pay off for a 2nd straight election ...

the week eight predictions

"You used to be the best.
You made life be life to me.
And I hope that you're still out there,
And you're like you used to be.

We'll have ourselves a time!
And we'll dance until the morning sun!
And we'll let the good times come in,
And we won't stop until we're done ...

We'll be back in the high life again!
All the doors we closed one time, will open up again!
We'll be back in the high life again!
All the eyes that watched us once,
Will smile and take us in ...

And we'll drink and dance,
With one hand free,
And have the world so easily!
Won't we be a sight to see?
Back in the high life again ...

-- "Back in the High Life Again", best version performed by the late, great Warren Zevon ... seriously, if you've never heard his version of this song, you have to check it out. Same deal as the last Johnny Cash cd, recorded as he was dying. Just incredible. In a classic rock instead of classic country kind of way ...

----------

Last Week SU: 7-6-0
Season to Date SU: 53-47-0

Last Week ATS: 7-6-0
Season to Date ATS: 52-46-1

Last Week Upset / Week: close. But not quite from 54 for the Browns ...
Season to Date Upset / Week: 2-5-0
This Week's Upset / Week: Colts (+3 1/2) over Titans.

As always, all lines from today's USA Today.
As always, any (NL) pick counts both SU and ATS.

The Non-Chiefs Prognostications:

* at Ravens (-6 1/2) 31, raiders 3.
* Chargers (-3) 28, vs Saints 21 (London).
* Bills (-1 1/2) 20, at Dolphins 10.
* Bucs (NL) 24, at Cowboys 23.
* at Eagles (-8 1/2) 45, Falcons 3.
* at Patriots 21, Rams (+7 1/2) 20.
* at Panthers (-4 1/2) 31, Cardinals 24.
* Redskins 13, at Lions (+7 1/2) 10.
* at Jaguars 17, Browns (+ 6 1/2) 14.
* Giants (+2 1/2) 27, at Steelers 20.
* Seahawks (+5 1/2) 28, at 49ers 20.
* at Texans (-10) 48, Bengals 3.
* Colts (+3 1/2) 21, at Titans 17.

The Chiefs Pick:

68 days of misery to go folks. 68 days of abject crap-tacular, utterly unwatchable football to endure. Then we can begin to find our way back to the "high life" again. And I ain't talking about crappy Miller Beer's version of that phrase.

(Which is my way of saying ...)

Chiefs! Jets! Steve's two favorite teams thrown down in the Meadowlands for the final time! You're damned right there will be a live blog!!!

(At least for a half ...)

The NFL record for both points in a game, and margin of victory, is 73. I firmly believe, given our lack of a pass rush, lack of secondary depth, and the fact its Favre and a talented crew of WRs in a virtual must-win situation ... that number's in play.

at Jets (-13 1/2) 70, Chiefs 0. Remember: every week that passes, brings me one step closer to living out my ultimate nightmare, the boast I've been saying for years. "I can even live with 1-15 and still renew (my tickets), so long as the 1 is denver at home ..."

sometimes, gretz puts it best

I don't know Larry Johnson.

I've met him once, at the Coach Herm show last September at Paddy O's in Lee's Summit. And like Bob mentions in his post I'm about to hype ... I've rarely if ever met a more down to earth, decent human being than LJ. Despite his media handlers saying that only "50 lucky lottery winners" would get a couple seconds with him to sign something ... LJ not only signed for every person who came up, he posed for pictures, he conversed with fans.

I know, I know. "He's paid to do that". Uuh, no, he's not. I'm sure he's compensated for his 30 minutes of airtime ... but LJ stuck around for 1 1/2 hours after the show ended to interact with the folks that were there. (Trust me, my bar tab that night would prove this out). Compare that to the very next week, when Tony Gonzalez was the guest ... and was out the door within 2 seconds of his segments ending, signing for virtually nobody.

But of course, Tony's a God in this town, and LJ's a thug.

To everyone except me, I guess.

And Bob Gretz.

I feel for LJ in many regards. I don't want to really delve into my shady past ... but suffice it to say, I've effed up a time or two in my life. Sometimes minor, "no harm no foul" choices. But sadly, some "what the hell were you thinking" moments as well. One in particular that to this day, I refuse to adequately deal with. Which probably explains the insanity that is me most of the time ...

But anyways, my point is this:

LJ's a decent guy. He's got a solid heart. He's got a solid foundation. He's just f*cked up recently.

Just like me a few times in my life. Just like most of my readers a few times in your life.

I'm not saying spitting on a chick in a night club is acceptable. Its not. What I am saying is ... he showed remorse today. He deserves a chance to make this right, to prove to the Chiefs, his teammates, the fans, that he can get his life going in a forward, positive direction again.

Most of all, he deserves the chance to prove to himself that can happen. My hope for LJ is that he realizes change can only come when you decide to be something different than what you are. You don't have to accept the idea that "you are what you are". You can be something better. It took me far too long in life to reach that conclusion.

You can do it LJ. (joe biden voice) You can do it champ! If I can turn the wreckage that my life was into something better, you can too.

If you want to.

Which is what Gretz notes in his awesome column tonight, located at:

http://www.bobgretz.com/chiefs-football/a-message-for-larry.html

Give it a read. Then give LJ a chance to get his act together. Here's hoping he does ...

why i'm single, i guess ...

and no, it has nothing to do with frequenting a "reputable singles site" known by most of you as a three letter acronym ...

I got home today early, because we're moving floors at my job, so they let us leave at lunch. (I'd say "hooray me", but work conditions are pretty crappy right now, I probably should have stayed to work it through).

Anyways, I get home, I'm online for a while, then figure "I'm paying for TV, let's see what's on".

The last time I had NBA TV activated on my setup ... was (I believe) April 17th. It was sometime in the middle of April when "former roommate's failure to pay DirecTV caught up with us".

Anyways, I noticed they not only had a fantasy preview, but a replay of Game 6 of Boston / LA from the Finals last year. I had yet to see a second of the game live; I was listening to it driving home from the College World Series.

I haven't had NBA TV in 6 months. Last year's clinching game is on. And the season starts a week from tonight.

As I used to text when the Chiefs saved their season every year ...

Season! F*cking! On!!!

So I called up my friendly Time Warner Cable representative (since their TiVo box is still in the 1980s and you can't order from your remote ...) and after about 25 punches of the buttons, encountered a wonderfully pleasant woman named Sarah who was supposed to handle my "programming needs".

Only, she didn't.

After realizing my "phone number" for the account wasn't a Time Warner issued number (why pay for home phone if you don't have to ...), she shipped me off to the "customer service" department.

After literally spending 25 friggin minutes on hold ... seriously 25 minutes? To GIVE you $169 of my dollars?!?! And to think basic cable wonders why they're going under ... anyways, I finally reach Rhonda.

Allow me, to say, for the record ... Rhonda is too good to work for Time Warner Cable.

Within literally 20 seconds, she not only signed me up for the NBA League Pass (my one winter splurge ...), she not only confirmed with me that "NBA TV is working, right Steve? You do have a picture?" ... she backlogged me into the "Early Bird" pass to save me a friggin payment on the League Pass!

Rhonda ... whoever you are ... on behalf of me, this site, Dusty, Damien, my brother, Mark, Mickey, God knows how many others will spend a "got nothing else to do" night over here this fall watching the package and, uuh, "losing their mind" watching professional hoops ... thank you.

Season. F*cking. On!!! (In a week!!!)

The NBA! Its STILL Fan ... Tastic!!!

(Even if the Knicks aren't even anything remotely approaching that ...)

powell endorses obama. which begs the question ...

We're now 14 days, a mere two weeks, from Election Day.

And two days ago, former Joint Chief of the General Staff, former Secretary of State, and (from all accounts) all around decent guy Colin Powell endorsed Barack Obama for President.

Mr. Obama proudly accepted his endorsement, and has begun highlighting it, both on the campaign and on his website.

(And predictably, OMSNBC, OCNN, OKC Star, you name it, has breathlessly reported on what this endorsement means, that it shows even the alleged best and the brightest of the military see Barry is qualified!)

Certainly Mr. Powell is entitled to endorse who he wants. And honestly, most of Mr. Obama's endorsements, I could care less about. Pretty much everyone behind Barry is either certifiably nuts, or well on their way to the designation. (Save for Hillary, who has no choice if she wants a future in this doomed party ...)

But this one? This endorsement? I just have one little problem with this. And I'm still waiting for anyone in the "mainstream Obama media" to note this.

What was the primary issue Mr. Obama used to separate himself from everyone else in the primaries? And continues to use to separate himself from Mr. McCain?

Iraq, right?

I think we can all agree on this, right? Whether you're like me and cannot stomach the thought of Mr. Obama in the White House, or whether you fear another 4 years of Republican rule more than taking a chance on Mr. Obama, both sides I think can agree that Iraq is the key dividing issue between Mr. Obama and his opponents.

(done and done).

Having noted and agreed upon that, tell me this:

Who the hell led the charge for invading Iraq? Who went before the Senate armed with mountains of evidence of Iraq's WMDs and the need to attack now? Who went before the UN, in a famous late 2002 speech, and warned of the grave consequences if the world sat by and did nothing?

Who was the man that sold the war to our elected officials, the nation, even the world? Who was the face behind the war push?

Colin Powell.

So let me see if I understand this. Barry's number one key issue, key reason for running for President, is to end a war ... that Colin Powell is directly responsible for starting.

Barry is "proud" to accept the endorsement of "this experienced military leader, a general, someone who is the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who was Secretary of State ...", and who, as Secretary of State, pushed for, got us into, and then oversaw the disaster that was Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Barry wants as his military adviser ... the man who directly got us into the mess in Iraq in the first place.

(col. hannibal smith voice) Nice BA. Nice ...

That's the "change we need"! That's "shaking up the establishment"!

Barry using Colin Powell's endorsement to highlight, to show his competence for command. How's that for irony ...

(steve voice) you have to be a dog, cat, or a corpse in Cook County, or mentally retarded, to vote for Obama / Biden. Or a rodent; I hear Barry's ACORN fellas have registered a few mice lately ...

(frank the) tankapaloosa on!

I would like to believe, that the moment I chose to walk out today, was rock bottom. For my own sanity, I have to believe, that Chris Johnson's 66 yard touchdown run and ensuing celebration, was rock bottom.

To recap: its 27-3 Titans. Chris Johnson takes a simple handoff ... and is gone. Down the Titans sideline. He leap dives into the endzone ... then heads over to the TD Pack Band, and starts playing Patti DiParto-Livergood's bongo drums like a kid turned loose in a recording studio.

While noone affiliated with the Chiefs organization does a damned thing about it.

He played OUR band's drums, in OUR house, in the ultimate act of humiliation ... and nobody on our sideline gave enough of a damn to rush the field and pound his ass into a coma.

Nobody with the Chiefs did anything. Other than stand around and watch.

(steve sighing in disgust). At that point, I decided, if the paid professionals don't give a sh*t, why should I. So off to the bus I went. But I'll say this: for all the crap DT and Wayne Simmons and other defenders took for the "Monday Night Meltdown" 10 years ago come November 16th ... at least they had enough pride to not allow the ultimate humiliation in their house to go unchallenged. Our roster is so devoid of pride, of respect, of anything even approaching a love for what the Red and Gold stands for ... that we let a mother f*cking rookie play the TD Pack Band's bongo drums.

And nobody did a damned thing about it.

(steve sighing in disgust) 71 days until regime change must arrive at One Arrowhead Drive. Let's get through this ...

* arrived at 7:15am. We were 2nd in line. The die hards are fading fast, Mr. Hunt. They are fading fast. You might want to get that succession plan for Carl firmed up over the next 71 days, sir ... and if you don't want to wait until December 29th, I'm cool with that too ...

* hadn't been down to the Grigsby's tailgate in a while. Good to see good people doing, uuh, good.

* walked back up about 10am after seeing Gordon and Jenni ... and walk into the unquestioned Highlight of the Game. As the good folks with a video camera, a huge Price Chopper Chopper Shopper card, and the real $100 Prrrrrrrrice Chopper gift card show up. Yup, for the 2nd time in less than 2 years, we were the Price Chopper Tailgaters of the Game!!! (More on this later, it was, as The Sports Guy would put it, the Ultimate Eff-U! tailgating moment of a lifetime ...)


(back row from left: Russ, Mona, buddy of Davey's, me, Davey. front row from left: Monty, Austin, Amanda, Sheila, Tracey, Nancy. photo: Monty).

(also, the youtube! link of the winning video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-kNlxXp8J8 Enjoy!)

* after winning, what do you do? Crack open the champagne. OK, fine, it was already cracked open, but still, now it tasted better.

* seriously. Let this sink in for a second. We first got this designation at the last "huge" game played at Arrowhead, the Thanksgiving Night game against denver. I mean, you win it for a primetime, national contest, on Thanksgiving no less, you're rocking the house. To win it for the 2nd time in less than 2 years? Call me crazy ... but I think we know how to tailgate. If colleges offered Tailgating 101, we'd write the friggin textbook.

(My way of saying: if I send you the "here's the tailgating menu today, hope you show up" email that goes out every gameday week? It means two things. (1) You might want to show up, because we know how to party on. And (2) You might want to show up ... because I think you are good enough to tailgate with us. The best tailgaters at Arrowhead. Consider yourselves honored if I forward on the menu to you. Also, consider showing up ...)

* after some more serious partying, some beer bonging with the always reliable neighbors (their beer bong kicks serious ass, its a double spouter. Unbelievable.), anyways, after another solid hour of partying like a rock star, time to break down and head in.

* Nobody sat in Randy's seat today. First time since the Falcons game in 2004. That game was by choice; this one ... probably not a bad thing, because it got pretty warm in the lower bowl. Sweatshirts were coming off.

* from the "Yup, I'm a member of the "reputable singles site" whose initials contain an a, a f, and a f" department ... for the 2nd straight home game, I arrive at my seat to the following text:

(11:30:01am) "are you going to take off your shirt today?"

Uuh, no. It was nice outside today ... but not that nice.

Then after replying "depends what its worth to you, "fake ashley"", I get this:

(11:33:12am) "do you know who tip is?"

I assume Jenni meant "this". But yeah, I knew. Seriously. Jenni is a great friend, an awesome person ... but there is no sexual attraction there. At least on her part. So why G put her up to it ... actually I know why, to get a rise out of me somewhere other than (rimshot!). So it worked.

(steve bashing head on desk in frustration at falling for g's latest p*ss steve off all in good fun campaign ...)

* Emmitt Thomas got his HOF ring in the pregame stuff. That was neat. Carl Peterson? Nowhere to be seen.

(Really, if you don't have the balls to face your paying public as a GM ... WHY ARE YOU A GM?!?!)

* KC Wolf sketch. Awful.

* For the first time this year, the seats next to me got used. Speaking of seats ...

* We had a neat little sticker on our seats letting us know what our seat number would be next year. Apparently, the Chiefs have entered the ... uuh ... BC era? The Crusades? Anyways, starting next year in the lower bowl, seat numbers will begin on the aisle, as opposed to the middle of the row. (Meaning next year, this (no longer!) self described hot as hell 30 something year old will be in seat 14 next year, instead of seat 2 ...)

* The anthem was rock solid. I forget the group's name, something like One Falls Down? But anyways, add them to the Steve approved Anthem rotation.

* I knew we were done when Bironas nailed the almost 50 yarder into the wind with room to spare. Actually, check that. I knew we were done before I arrived, hence my 31-3 predicted final. But yeah, that one just nailed home how hopeless today was.

* Gun on the sidelines! Didn't help. Although ... Gun. If you're gonna return to the sidelines, at least haul the track pant suit out of retirement. I miss that thing. And not just because I went to Halloween 2005 as Gun in said track pant suit ... with yellow sunglasses to boot ...

* Croyle's injury. Yikes. He was 9 of 10 when he went down (although we trailed 10-0). But man ... yikes. He got leveled. Poor kid. His career ends 0-8.

* The play calling ending the half. What. The. Hell? I'm fine with running out the clock down 17. Really, I am. But why go deep to Tony G after bleeding 20 seconds off the clock? It made zero sense. Honestly, the clock management of Herm Edwards makes Barack Obama's tax proposals seem sensible. The clock management of Herm Edwards makes Barack Obama's "we quit" plan for defeat in the war on terror seem smart. The clock management of Herm Edwards makes Barack Obama's ... ok, you get the point.

(Vote McCain / Palin!)

* 2nd half, the second best highlight had to be Baghead. A dude in our section put a bag on his head and started working the section with said bag on his head. Pal, we get blown out in the Meadowlands on Sunday, I'm with you.

* But the highlight ...

Think back to winning "Tailgaters of the Game". There is one person in particular who has been at our tailgate for a while, that we don't really care for. This person embodies the worst in a Chiefs fan. So, we changed the rules to go against said person. We started charging to tailgate with us in the hopes that this person would go away.

Today, this person didn't show. They didn't show.

And we won "Tailgaters of the Game" without them.

On the walk out, after the Bongo Drum Fiasco ... Mona, Russ and myself ran into this person at the spiral ramp near 132.

We rubbed it in. Specifically, Mona rubbed it in. Turned on the charm. The "Can you believe it? We won!" excitement. And the look on this person's face ... like I said, the Eff U Tailgating Moment of a Lifetime.

They done effed up. And we done got ourselves a $100 gift card and (for the second time in two years) a stadium wide designation as THE place to tailgate.

Yeah. Eff U.

Which pretty much sums up my thoughts on everything affiliated with this team right now ...

Coming tomorrow (hopefully): Steve unloads on "chicken sh*t" Carl Peterson for not having the balls to show up for Alumni Weekend ...

the week seven predictions

"Turn my mic up louder, I got to say somethin',
Lightweight step it aside when we comin'.
Feel it in your chest, the syllables get pumpin',
People on the street, they panic and start runnin'.

Words on loose leaf sheet complete comin',
I jump on my mind, I summon the rhyme I'm dumpin',
Healin' the blind, I promise to let the sun in,
Sick of the dark ways, we march to the drummin'.

Jump when they tell us they want to see jumpin'?
F*ck that! I wanna see some fists pumpin'!
Risk somethin'! Take back what's yours!
Say somethin' that you know they might attack you for!

'Cause I'm sick of bein' treated like I have before!
Like I'm stupid standin' for what I'm standin' for!
Like this war's really just a different brand of war!
Like it doesn't cater to rich and abandon poor!

Like they understand you in the back of the jet!
When you can't put gas in your tank --
These f*ckers are laughin' their way to the bank and cashin' the check!
Askin' you to have compassion, to have some respect?!?!

For a leader so nervous in an obvious way,
Stutterin' and mumblin' for nightly news to replay;
And the rest of the world watchin' at the end of the day,
In their livin' room laughin' like "What did he say?"

Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen ..."

"Hands Held High", by Linkin Park

-------------------------

Last Week SU: 8-5-0
Season to Date SU: 46-41-0

Last Week ATS: 6-7-0
Season to Date ATS: 45-41-1

Last Week Upset / Week: winner!
Season to Date Upset / Week: 2-4-0
This Week's Upset / Week: Browns (+7 1/2) over Redskins.

The Non-Chiefs Prognostications:

* at Bills (+1) 24, Chargers 21.
* Steelers (-10) 45, at Bengals 10.
* at Dolphins (-2 1/2) 13, Ravens 10.
* Cowboys 24, at Rams (+7) 20.
* Vikings (+3 1/2) 27, at Bears 20.
* at Panthers (+3) 24, Saints 20.
* at Giants (-11) 61, 49ers 3.
* at Texans (-9 1/2) 41, Lions 10.
* J E T S Jets Jets Jets! (-3) 41, at raiders 10.
* Browns (+7 1/2) 31, at Redskins 20.
* at Packers (+1 1/2) 24, Colts 23.
* at Bucs (-11) 17, Seahawks 3.
* broncos (+3) 24, at Patriots 7.

The Chiefs Prediction:

I chose that song by Linkin Park as this week's theme ... because I got to say somethin'.

Even the most cynical, skeptical, ask-questions-first person that knows me ... knows my feelings, my passion, for the Red and Gold.

I'm there an hour and a half before the gates open ... and usually still there an hour and a half after the game is over.

I wear my emotions for this team, our team, on my sleeve. I tend to view the Chiefs through Kool-Aid laced glasses, rather than reality. I almost always can find a way to envision a Red and Gold victory. I've only picked us to lose once so far, at New England, a no brainer. I can always summon the positive when it comes to these guys.

Until this week.

Enough is enough.

Sunday is Alumni Weekend. Curley Culp enters the Ring of Honor. Emmitt Thomas receives his Hall of Fame ring. Tony Gonzalez is honored for setting every conceivable record a tight end can set (including whiny b*tchfests when he puts himself ahead of the team, nice job 88!)

Sunday might be the last chance we, as Arrowhead Nation, have to let Carl Peterson know what we think of the piss poor job he has done as our general manager since Marty left town.

More importantly, its a chance we have, as Arrowhead Nation, to let Clark Hunt know what we think of the job Carl Peterson has done as a general manager since Marty left town.

Be loud. Be vocal. Don't be violent, don't chuck bottles and stuff on the field, that's not cool. But be LOUD. Be VOCAL. Let Carl effing Peterson, the man who puts pride ahead of on-field results, who puts ticket sales ahead of rebuilding, let him know exactly what we, the whizzed on fans who are the sole reason for his meaningless existance, let him know what we think.

Raise two middle fingers. Boo the hell out of him. Send an undeniable, unhidden message to the craptacular, pathetic owner of this franchise that enough is enough.

Matt Millen only got 7 non-postseason victory season with the Lions. Carl's had 15 and counting. Let Clark Hunt hear what you think of that.

The Arizona Cardinals have won a playoff game in the last 15 years. On the road, in Dallas, to boot! We haven't won a playoff game since January 16, 1994. I was a junior in high school. A lot of my loyal fanbase was younger. Let Clark Hunt know what you think of that.

When Carl joined the Chiefs in late 1988, our division was comprised of the broncos, raiders, Chargers, Seahawks, and us, the Chiefs. In the 20 years since his hire ... (steve sighing in disgust at stating the obvious ...) every single one of those teams has reached the Super Bowl! We have yet to get there. Let Clark Hunt know what you think of that.

Enough is enough. The only reason to show up Sunday is to demand regime change come to One Arrowhead Drive. Its finally coming to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in 96 days. Make it come to Arrowhead in 74.

Titans (-8) 31, at Chiefs 7, in what should be the final game in the sole reason to justify Carl's existance, his precious sellout streak ...

the "eyes" have it ...

If you missed tonight's debate, please, do yourself a favor, and watch it. Either online, on demand, on something.

And focus on Barry's eyes.

As someone that has had to tell a tale or two in his life, I know this much. When someone is outright lying to you ... their eyes can't focus on you.

Watch Barry's eyes.

He can't focus. On McCain. On Bob Scheiffer (who did an incredible job tonight). On anything other than the desk he's sitting at, or some distant object in the audience.

McCain won tonight convincingly. Its the win he, and this nation, needed. I'll just wrap up my thoughts with an actual conversation between me and mom as the debate ended (and again ... we do not agree politically on just about anything ...)

(phone) "it comes from a long line ... of sinners like me"
(steve) (notices its "'rents home")
(steve) (sighs) why not. hello?
(steve's mom) hey!
(steve) hey to you! how was ayden today?
(steve's mom) (sighs in frustration) I thought I'd retired! I guess not! I'm telling you, that kid is gonna crawl out of the house and I'm not gonna be able to find him!
(laughs all around)
(steve's mom) listen, did you watch tonight?
(steve) yup.
(steve's mom) (anticipation ...) and?
(steve) (resigned to fate) I asked this question earlier and I'll ask it again.
(steve's mom) (hopeful ...) ok?
(steve) where did you get the McCain sign in the yard?
(steve's mom) from Bill (last name deleted). (pauses) Why?
(steve) (resigned to fate) I want one.
(steve's mom) wait. (excited ...) You're ...?
(steve) (exhaling ...) yup. For the first time ever, I believe. We agree! We're backing the same guy. Go Johnny Go!
(steve's mom) wow. Just ... wow. (yelling at my dad) Al? Steve's back in the will!

Just watch the last 30 minutes of the debate. If you have a conscience, if you have any semblance of a moral foundation, of a semblance of right and wrong, just watch the abortion question answer.

(And again, to Bob Scheiffer's credit, he let both candidates state their position).

And if after watching that, you can vote for Barry ... then may God have mercy on your soul. Because whatever your position on abortion ... to vote "no" on a bill to protect the lives of kids born after botched abortions, and to vote "present" on another bill authorizing the same act ...

Well, "as you do unto the least of these, you do unto me". Here's hoping the American electorate does to Barry Obama what he'd do to the special needs among us, and aborts his mother f*cking campaign 19 days from now ...

johnny! barry! the final debate live blog ...

4:18pm CT: I will be back on in time for the debate to start. Until then, if I were Senator McCain, here is what I would do tonight.

First, Barry's associations do matter, no matter what the clowns at OMSNBC or ONBC or CNN try to tell you. (CNN hasn't completely gone in the tank yet, but they're getting close to the "O" designation). But one association matters more to me than any other, and I really think McCain can nail him if he confronts Barry properly on this.

That association ... is Rev. Jeremiah Wright.

Bill Ayers doesn't really bother me. Granted, it should; the guy's a terrorist, he tried to blow up the Pentagon. And it makes for a great line, "he launched his career in the living room of a terrorist". But I'm not gonna fault Barry for sitting on a board with the guy. That's honestly something that's probably beyond his control. Should Barry have resigned? OK, fine, you can argue that, but if he felt the greater good was served by staying on the board, I'm fine with his decision.

What infuriates me is Wright. To sit in that man's church for 20 years is a conscious decision. Its not an accident, its not an association, its not a board member affiliation. Its a f*cking choice! "Senator, you sat for 20 years under the tutelage, under the teaching, of a man who preached that September 11th was simply America's chickens coming home to roost. Could you please clarify for the American public why you not only did not express outrage and resign the congregation in protest, as your good friend Oprah Winfrey did, but you continued to sit under Rev. Wright's teaching for another 6 1/2 years, only cutting ties with him after Senator Clinton raised this as an issue last March?"

(Can you tell I feel passionately about this?)

McCain needs to nail Barry on Rev. Wright. Most Americans, no matter what their faith or personal beliefs, hate religious kooks. Rev. Wright is the very definition of a religious kook. Nail Barry on this. He has no defense for staying in that church outside of political opportunism. None. And it will show through in his answer.

I'd also hammer Barry on his comments about how our troops are raping women and children and pillaging villages in Iraq. "Senator, given your comments about our troops actions in Iraq, about the atrocities you claim they have committed, how can you serve as commander in chief with the full faith and confidence of the troops you have disparaged?"

Also ... haul out the best comeback Bush ever had in 2000, the moment I began to fear he'd beat Gore. "Senator, you have espoused a tremendous admiration for John Kennedy, an admiration I share with you. Like him, you represent the good that this nation can bring forth. (applause). But Senator, my question to you is what did President Kennedy do to lift this country out of the recession he inherited? He cut taxes, on everyone and everything, across the board. From 72% to 20% tax rates. Senator, why do you believe tax hikes, on everything and everyone, will get us out of this current recession if Senator Kennedy and my hero, President Reagan, have successfully shown that the opposite is true?"

Hit him on entitlements. "Senator, we currently have two social programs, Social Security and Medicare, that I believe we can both agree are vital and necessary, and that I believe we can both agree have a funding crisis about 10 years away from occurring. My question to you Senator, is that given your health care plan mandates coverage for all citizens, regardless of ability to pay, how do you propose to fund the massive expansion of the Medicare system your plan will result in?"

Don't attack him personally. Phrase the questions in a way that point out the differences ... point out some areas of agreement ... yet nail the point home that this guy is in over his head!

I don't "fear" an Obama Presidency. But I certainly prefer the alternative. And if McCain doesn't hit him where it counts tonight, in a manner that's not shrill or seems desperate, the alternative doesn't have much of a chance of occurring.

I'll be back by 7:45 to get this thing going. Like I said earlier, I'll go until I can't stomach Barry's lies anymore. Which not coincidentally, will probably be about the same point that my constant bashing of the TV in frustration at Barry's lies causes the picture to black out ...

------------

7:53pm CT: whew, I is here. Close, close call, bowling ran long tonight and I had to pick up a 12 pack. You can't watch Barry without booze.

I am logged into Windows Live Messenger as teamtito15@yahoo.com if you want to chat. Don't know if you need the @yahoo part or not, but there you go.

Will be watching this on ABC, the last bastion of unbiased coverage in this nation.

I also made sure I (burgess meredith voice) picked up a pack of Camels! in Barry's honor on the way home. (Just kidding, but I will have the (hopeful) victory cigar for McCain lit here shortly).

Gas is down to $2.47 / gallon at Bannister and Raytown. That's sweet.

"This is an ABC News Special". And OMSNBC, ONBC, CBS, CNN, and MFOX News.

Hi Bob! A proud TCU alumnus (as am I ...)

HRC supposed to be in the house. Trust me fellow Dems, 20 days from now, you'll know buyers remorse ... a HRC / Biden ticket wins 400-138 in the Electoral ...

Both candidates looking dapper. Or is that ... napper! (napper the dog voice) hello! my name is napper!

I keep waiting for Barry to sit there with a lit cigarette and an ash tray. Actually, I think that would be kind of cool.

First question: why is your economic plan better than your opponents?

McCain attempting to tap into the anger those of us who have seen a 27% loss in our 401k in 3 months are feeling.

McCain stealing Hillary's idea from 6 months ago. Again, fellow Dems: our supers FAILED to side with the candidate who SAW THIS COMING SIX MONTHS AGO! And instead picked the guy who employs Fannie Mae's former CEO who made off with $90 plus million dollars during his tenure bankrupting that agency ...

I almost hate to say this ... in fact, I dread saying this ... but Barry looks Presidential so far tonight. Looks can be deceiving ... but he looks Presidential. McCain looks scared. Let's hope this reverses itself.

Barry with 3 solid ideas out of 4. Not a fan of tapping your 401k without penalty. Nothing says "market collapse" like draining every last ounce of liquidity out of it.

I am cringing. This is NOT working for McCain so far. He's stammering.

Barry knows he's about to nail this response, the smirk shows up.

I am so damned sick of this 95% tax cut crap. The top 5% pay 82% of the taxes Barry! Cut the taxes of folks who actually PAY the taxes!

98% of small businesses earn LESS than $250,000? I find that incredible hard to believe Barry.

McCain trying to exploit Barry's "spread the wealth" slip-up from earlier this week.

McCain FINALLY nailing an effective tax point.

Barry getting defensive. McCain has him slightly rattled. Good.

What the hell does "they can afford to pay a little more" have to do with capitalism? What the f*ck does "fairness" have to do with the American dream? Why the hell isn't McCain saying this?!?!

First TV smack. Hang on, have to hit it again to get the picture back.

That took 8 smacks to get the pic back. Note to self: might want to start smacking the guest bed behind me instead.

Schieffer cuts them off. Good call.

We're staring a $1 trillion deficit in FY 2009. But hey, Bush is a conservative who loves Jesus, so its all good. (steve bashing head on desk over utter stupidity of 565 Florida voters in 2000 ...)

Since when do Americans have to sacrifice a damned thing? We GROW our economy! We don't SETTLE!

Scheiffer calls Barry on his bs answer so far. "Name specific programs, sir". Barry visibly struggling, like McCain in his first answer. (steve exhaling slowly in slight relief ...)

I'd suggest tonight's drinking game should be "take a chug every time Barry proposes an unfunded mandate", but I don't want to overwhelm the ERs of south KC by 8:45 ...

McCain back on the Hillary mortgage rescue plan from 6 months ago. HEY, he credits her for it! The lesson, as always? Republicans have no original ideas? (yup).

Scheiffer trying to get McCain onto the question. Proposes across the board spending freeze. Sure, you'll freeze the military budget. I'll believe that when I see it, sir.

Hey, Johnny Mac naming some specific ideas. McCain 1, Barry 0 in my eyes. Then again, I'm biased.

Amen! Its high damned time we get a line item veto! Even Jeff Davis in the old Confederacy had a line item veto!

From the "what the hell" file ... Barry's wearing a flag lapel. McCain is not. But of course, Barry is completely unpatriotic and hates America, but McCain is the sh*t when it comes to patriotism.

Bush only had 5 budgets? What the hell Barry?

AMEN MCCAIN! "Senator Obama, I am not George Bush. If you wanted to run against George Bush, you should have run 4 years ago". A Effing Men!

McCain just tore Barry a new one with his response.

Although Barry with a solid comeback so far.

Barry with a GREAT cheap shot at MFOX News.

Although maybe it should be PFOX News, they're more in the tank for Palin than McCain.

McCain gets a solid last word.

Oh come on Bob. This campaign hasn't even BEGUN to turn nasty yet.

Schieffer with a GREAT question. Will you admit what you really think about the other campaign?

McCain blasting Rep. Lewis. GOOD! The depths of desperation the Dems have sunk to is beyond despicable.

Hit him! Hit him hard! Its not the McCain camp injecting racism into this thing!

McCain is DRILLING him a new one! This is double anal at this point. Awesome!

Barry has NO legitimate comeback to McCain's truthful assertations regarding his bailing on public financing.

He tried. He failed. McCain hammering him again.

I loved this exchange though:

(mccain) if you tuned in when my Arizona Cardinals defeated the Dallas Cowboys --
(barry) (smart ass) congratulations!

For once ... go barry go ...

Barry STILL won't repudiate Rep. Lewis. On the other hand, Barry with a solid response here about "terrorist" and "kill him" at Palin rallies. Wait, I'm confused again.

He'd "probably" gone over the line? Probably? He accused McCain of wanting to reinstate segregation! That's not just going over the line, that's taking a squat and defecating on it, Barry!

Jesus, I'm just about done. I'm just about done.

YOU DO PAL AROUND WITH TERRORISTS PAL! Bill Ayers! Tried to blow up the Pentagon! You launched your political career in his living room champ!

McCain HAMMERING Barry right now. Hell f*cking yes! And yes, McCain HAS told his kooks to shut up. Barry funds his (ACORN).

This is going VERY VERY well so far. If you give a sh*t about this country.

Barry is rattled. He has NO answer for this question, he's dodging the question. And Scheiffer is ready to drill him for it.

"Mr. Ayers, I don't care about that old washed up terrorist, we need to know about Mr. Obama's relationship with ACORN ..." YES! YES! HELL FUCKING YES!!! I am literally in tears right now. FINALLY! FINALLY! FINALLY!

Barry attempting to explain away Bill Ayers.

The Tribune is a "republican leading newspaper"?!?! What the f*ck?!?!

Good luck explaining ACORN pal.

His explanation of ACORN is so laughable that ... yeah, I'm literally crying from laughing so hard.

Please, tell us who you "associate" with, Barry.

McCain hauls out the "he launched his career in Bill Ayers living room line". YES! Jesus Christ, I sound like Rush Limbaugh right now ... who cares! YES! YES! FIGHT WITH US JOHN! FINALLY!

Wow. McCain just NAILED that sequence. If he keeps this up ...

Scheiffer with another solid question, why is your running mate better than the other.

Solid defense of the man I have a man crush on. I love ya Joey.

Watch Barry's eyes though. He is REELING. He did NOT expect to be hit like this tonight. You can almost hear David Axelrod dropping "holy f*cking sh*t" blasts backstage ...

God I love Gov. Palin. Go Johnny Go!

YES! NAIL Barry on special needs families! NAIL him! Abortion is NOT the answer! (Wait, I am a Democrat right ... yup, still favor gay marriage, whew).

Obama talking about "taking a scalpel" to funding for autism. Yeah, Barry. You would take a "scalpel" to autistic kids ... if you knew they were autistic 4 months into the pregnancy.

Actually, I still think Biden was right about particioning Iraq.

McCain: "why do we always have to spend more? That's always Senator Obama's answer!" AMEN!

McCain hitting Barry hard on NAFTA and oil. What can Barry reply with? He opposes drilling, opposes nuclear energy ...

There is a God. At least, so far, tonight.

I can't wait to see how the O Kansas City Star spins this for Barry. It's going to be so laughable that the last shred of dignity they have left will be evaporated.

Because NO sane person can be watching this and conclude anything other than McCain is destroying him so far.

Barry, how do you expand domestic production without more drilling?

Yes, we CAN drill our way out of the problem! Because we haven't tapped jack sh*t in the Gulf, the Pacific, or Alaska Barry!

He knows he's lying through his teeth. Just watch his eyes. He can't look at ANYONE when he lies, his eyes go down to the table. And he's been staring at the table or off into space a LOT tonight.

The first thing I notice in a chick ... is her eyes. (Hang on, I'm going somewhere with this ...). You can tell if someone's lying by their eyes. Watch Barry respond to this question, then watch McCain. Barry is staring at the desk, into space, he won't focus on a person. McCain is locked into Schieffer's eyes. One of these guys is telling the truth. You be the judge.

Live blog suspended. I'm too ecstatic over this. I'll post my recap later, but seriously, the rest of the way ... WATCH BARRY'S EYES! Any teacher can tell you, if you're lying, you won't look someone in the face. Barry's eyes CONSTANTLY look down at the table, off in the distance. Then watch McCain's eyes. ALWAYS on Scheiffer.

One of these guys believes in what he's saying. The other one doesn't. Don't f*ck this up America. Vote for the man who tells the truth. Vote for McCain.

a few quick site notes

Thanks to the 5 unique individuals who voted in last week's "Family Guy" poll! I did not vote ... so my readership is up 2 in a week! Wow, at this rate, I might have like 12 readers in time for Election Night's live blog! (And hopefully all 12 do the smart, sensible, responsible thing, and join the Stop Obama Express, and send Barry back to the Land of Lunacy ...)

Anyways, some updates:

* new poll is up.

* "The Mentalist" effing rocks. Give it a chance on (brent musburger voice) CBS ... tonight at 8pmCT.

* my thoughts on Tony G were posted prior to this post.

* also posted in the last week: Steve beats (and blasts) the "al davis of the 2 Legit 2 Colquitt" League ... Steve admits what this month's fantasy is for him ... I praise McCain for finally pointing out how utterly unelectable that tool Barry Obama is ...

* also posted: I offer MU fans "words of comfort" ... I recap a beautiful day in Lawrence ... I offer my week 6 picks (and yup, I finally nailed an "Upset of the Week") ... I list my top 10 played songs on my IPod ... and in a drunken rage, I go off on the utter stupidity of Barry supporters, and conclude that "if you give a sh*t about this country, you'll vote McCain. If you don't, you'll vote Obama".

What else needs to be said ... other than Live, from New York, its ... Saturday Night!!!

No wait. I mean, Live, from Steve's Computer Room, its ... the Final Debate Live Blog tomorrow night!!! I'll be here by 7:50ish, assuming I'm sober enough after bowling. I'll go until I can't take Barry's lies anymore. Hope you'll join in, I'll be logged into Windows Live Messenger as teamtito15@yahoo.com ...

(steve arriving in 132 sunday chant voice) carl must go! carl must go!

I would like to think that the non-trade of Tony Gonzalez today was my official breaking point as a fan of this team.

Sadly, I still plan to show up Sunday. So I haven't been broken yet. But I'm getting pretty damned close.

I encourage any Chiefs fan in the comments section to explain to me why Tony Gonzalez is still on the roster tonight. (Hint: there's only one reason why, and if you want to buy a vowel, its s_ll t_ck_ts). I can think of 5 reasons he shouldn't be:

1. That 4th rounder the Giants offered us? Will be of far more use to us 3 years from now, when this team is hopefully in contention, than Tony Gonzalez will.

2. The Tight End position is the single most overrated position in football. We're not getting a 1st rounder for Tony. Or a 2nd. A 3rd was a pipe dream. Hell, the fact that Carl was AIMING for a 3rd should tell you how unrealistic that was, Carl NEVER aims for fair compensation, he always aims to win in every negotiation!

3. A rebuilding team has zero, zip, nada, no use for a whiny malcontent who puts getting 3 yards ahead of sealing a victory. Sorry, Chiefs fans. Tony G lost me forever with his b*tch fest after the denver win. I will not be standing and applauding his "record" on Sunday.

4. For all his record-setting accomplishment ... Tony has played on 3 playoff teams in 11 years (soon to be 3 in 12). He has never won in the postseason. Obviously, that's not entirely on him, or even a majority on him ... but the bottom line is, he's never won a postseason game. But worst of all:

5. I'm sorry, but the only reason you keep Tony G at this point ... is to preserve the "precious" sellout streak. The ONLY justifiable reason to NOT get ANYTHING you can for someone who doesn't want to be here ... is to sell tickets.

Sorry fellow Chiefs fans, but there's no other way to put it. Carl kept Tony to milk as many ticket sales as he could. He put profit ahead of ultimate on-field success. He put greed ahead of the good of the franchise.

Hopefully for the final time.

Because if Carl Peterson is back next year ... well, I'm about one more retarded decision away from reaching my Gordon Memorial Breaking Point with this franchise. In the last three years, we have endured a 15% ticket hike. We have endured the worst season in a generation. We have endured loyal fans in the club level being kicked to the curb in the name of greed. And now, we endure this, the ultimate slap in the face: a general manager who puts selling that one extra ticket, ahead of the long term good of the franchise.

If Carl had any dignity, he'd resign today. He has clearly lost all touch with the reality of what is good for the franchise. Of course, he doesn't have any dignity, so he won't resign.

But something tells me that while he has no clue what reality is for the franchise he dominates ... he does have a grasp on the reality of his status with Arrowhead Nation. Which is why he won't be on the field Sunday, to honor Emmitt Thomas, to honor Curley Culp, and to honor Tony G. He has no problems telling us fans what he thinks of us, via ridiculous rate hikes, mistreatment of club level season ticket holders, and a sh*tty ass on field product that is arguably worse than anything else in the league. But he's got enough grasp on reality to not put himself on that field Sunday, to let us know what we think of him ...

(steve sighing in frustration ...) 11 more dark, frustrating weeks to go. On the bright side, the shady Apple Market going out of business means I loaded up on the heavily discounted liquor ...

putting an old theory to the test ...

Back when the greatness that is Marty Schottenheimer coached the Chiefs, he re-instilled into the fanbase and the players a hatred of the raiders.

Most importantly, he went 18-3 against oakland in 10 seasons, including a win in the only postseason matchup. The secret to his success was simple. "Just hang in there, and have the ball at the end with a shot to win. Its the raiders. They'll fold".

In the "2 Quit 2 Colquitt" fantasy football league, the biggest rivalry ... is probably the Angry Beavers (Gregg) against the Salty Bananas (Brent). They've combined for 3 of the last 4 championships, and usually are in the playoffs. In terms of rivalry, this is Patriots / Colts. Evenly matched, each breaks through half the time.

But there's another rivalry, just as passionate, just as annoying ... only, completely lopsided. Me (team tito) and Sebree (various names, but most famously, Joey's Cayman Buddy).

side note: the guy named his team after Joey Harrington, who he met on a cruise. No, I am not making that up. Makes me think of only one thing:

(peter griffin) my mustache says I am poorly educated, there is a 90% chance I am illiterate, and I possess large quantities of high quality porn.
(brian griffin) gay.
(peter griffin) my mustache does not make me gay!
(brian griffin) gay.
(peter griffin) well, if wearing a mustache makes you gay, then Freddie Mercury was gay.
(brian griffin, in shock) Freddie Mercury? Of Queen? He was incredibly gay!

When you name your fantasy football team after a failed QB you meet on a cruise ship ... (joe biden voice) you're gay pal. No doubt about it, champ.

But no, my point. Our rivalry, once the best in the league (mainly due to the cluelessness of one owner and the drunken drafting of the other ...), has become as lopsided as the old Chiefs / raiders games in the Marty years.

All traceable to one transaction. That forever altered two "franchises".

tito entered week 5 at 1-3, reeling. Buddy entered at 3-1, "Under .500 Should Win It" division leaders. I was up sh*ts creek with a turd for a paddle, with my only running back not on a bye (Cadillac Williams) out for Tampa that week. Desperate times call for desperate measures.

I made a trade with Sebree.

From the history of the league at espn.com:

Friday, October 7, 2005:
tito trades WR Joe Horn, WR, Saints
tito trades WR Steve Smith, WR, Panthers
Buddy trades WR Michael Clayton, WR, Bucs
Buddy trades WR Laveraneus Coles, WR, Jets
Buddy trades RB Larry Johnson, RB, Chiefs.

That weekend, week 5 2005, the rivalry swung into tito's direction. And the direction of two franchises directly changed forever. All thanks to one trade.

Since that deal, the results:

week 5 2005: at tito 92, Buddy 90
week 12 2005: tito 95, at Buddy 68 (clinched division title for tito)
week 5 2006: at tito 93, Buddy 52
week 12 2006: tito 88, at Buddy 53 (clinched bye for tito)
week 6 2007: tito 128, at Buddy 64
week 11 2007: at tito 94, Buddy 48 (eliminted Buddy from playoff contention)

Since that trade, tito has won or tied for the division title every season. Buddy has failed to reach the postseason winners bracket.

I mention this because tonight, the Marty Theory is being put to the test. Despite serious bye and injury issues, tito is hanging in there. I've put myself in position to win. Now its time to sit back and watch Sebree implode.

The score entering the night: tito 72, at Buddy (or whatever his latest team name is) 81. I have Plaxico still to play; Buddy is done.

Plax made a 25 yard catch midway through the 2nd quarter on the Giants first scoring drive. And then, right before the half, Touchdown! Plax! From 3 yards out!

Its 80-81 Buddy at the half. I need two yards out of Plax to tie. I need two points out of Plax to win.

3rd quarter: Eli completes one pass. Unfortunately, its to a Browns defender.

With 14:00 to go, victory? A 16 yard completion to Plax ... only, personal foul on the Giants negates the catch.

10:45 left, 3rd and 2 to Burress ... YES! tito has at least a tie, and survey says ...

Yes! Yes! Yes! tito 82! Buddy 81! Plax with 45 yards and a touch, for 10 safe points!

Sometimes you have to sweat it out ... but sometimes, things are so predictable that they're bound to occur. Like Marty's Chiefs beating the raiders.

Or team tito beating the Al Davis of the "2 Legit 2 Colquitt" league ...