Saturday, February 28, 2009

the chiefs make a trade ...

If you live in KC, you know we got some significant snow today. About noon, I get a call from Dusty inviting me to meet him and Kellie for lunch up at Wild Wings in Raytown. Yeah, like I'm gonna pass up lunch at Wild Wings. I'm like the post office when it comes to that place: nothing is keeping me away.

So, its now about 12:30. We're sitting on the upper tier in Wild Wings, where our Chiefs group usually sits for road games / post games during the season. And I look to my left, over towards the bar, to try to see the status on my second captain and coke ... and I see the TV on the wall is tuned into the NFL Network.

And the "breaking news" says it all: "Chiefs Trade for Matt Cassel".

Immediately, I motion to Dusty that he should check out the TV ... and within two seconds we're both texting away. Gregg eventually checks in with the news that we got Cassel AND Mike Vrabel for our second rounder (number 34 overall) in this year's draft.

(I should also probably note: Kellie is a huge broncos fan. Not your typical "steve wants to take a tire iron and beat them senseless" broncos fan, but a legitimate "wow, she actually understands football" broncos fan. There aren't many of those around. But anyways, she didn't take the news all that well. Hee hee hee ...)

Anyways.

My first thought was "are you friggin kidding me?"

My second thought was "wait, I've been here before ..."

And my third thought was "and last time, it worked out pretty well".

Because flash back to April 2001, the Friday before the draft. Me, Gregg and Jasson were headed to the old 54th Street Grill on College and Pflumm when the news broke that the Chiefs had traded for a franchise quarterback. We'd sent the 12th selection in the next day's draft to St. Louis for Trent Green.

Let this one sink in Chiefs fans. Eight years ago, we sent the 12th pick in the draft to our cross state rivals for a QB coming off a brutal knee injury, a QB who'd not proven he could stay healthy, and a QB who'd lost far more than he'd won in the league (although to be fair, the 98 Redskins team he QB'd was horrid).

All that QB did was start 81 straight games, reset the record books, and preside over one of the funnest and most potent offense of the decade. That's a pretty solid return for the 12th pick of the draft. Especially considering the guy St. Louis picked never amounted to anything.

Today? We sent a 2nd rounder to a conference rival for not only the QB who went 10-5 for them last year ... but a solid locker room presence LB as well.

As of this posting, Cassel does not have a new deal with the Chiefs. He is still under the one year franchise contract he signed with the Pats as far as anyone knows.

Which I think is the best part of this deal.

Because right now, we have nothing to lose.

Vrabel will give us 3 solid years at linebacker, barring horrific injury. The odds are, he'll start 42 of the next 48 games, he'll be a solid locker room presence, and maybe he can impart wisdom to DJ that's been sorely missing in his four years in the league so far. For that alone, this trade is a winner.

But with Cassel on a one year deal right now ... I like it. Let him prove he can do it in Todd Haley's system. Let him prove he can be respectable without Randy Moss and Wes Welker to throw to. If he does, you can give him a 7 year, 100 million contract in November. If he doesn't, you walk away after the season with no damage done, because we are so far under the cap that absorbing Cassel's franchise contract won't hurt us this year.

That, and no Chiefs fan thinks this is a bad gamble.

Seriously, we gain who our braintrust believes to our QB of the future. We gain a valuable linebacker who can, in essence, quarterback the defense. And we get them both for the 34th pick in the draft. Are you freaking kidding me?

(tim mcgraw voice) I like it! I love it! I want some more of it! I love this trade. Its yet another offseason home run out of One Arrowhead Drive.

And I can't wait to see what's next. Because the unsung part of this trade is that the Chiefs can do anything they want at the number 3 slot right now. Anything.

(I still advocate trading down into the teens and drafting Knowshan Moreno, if you can find a trading partner, but ...)

If you can't trade down, you can go defense with LB Aaron Curry from Wake Forest. You can go OL with Monroe from Virginia or Smith from Baylor. (Or if you trade down, you could possibly steal the sliding OL guy from Alabama whose name escapes me at midnight on a Saturday night after consuming a 12 pack of Coors Light).

Or you can go skill position and take a flyer on Michael Crabtree, to play the Larry Fitzgerald role in this offense. Or maybe we trade a 2010 conditional pick for Anquan Boldin to play that role.

The point is, there's so many options on the table, that its fun to be a Chiefs fan again. Hope has returned to One Arrowhead Drive.

And it friggin rocks.

Thursday, February 26, 2009

ai top 36, week dos

I didn't watch "Idol" live last night, because (a) I have bowling league on Wednesday nights, and (b) "Lost" is priority uno on the TV on Wednesdays. So anyways, with some tape delayed action, here we go.

As with last week, I haven't seen any of these people perform yet, and I've intentionally avoided reading anything about them so far. Because until "Idol" gets to this point, its unwatchable for me. If I wanted to see people that are abject trainwrecks on stage make an ass out of themselves in front of America, I'd tune into CSPAN and watch the Democrat controlled Congress. But anyways. First up ...

* Jasmine Murray, "Love Song". I was hoping it'd be the 311 song by this name, which is just an awesome, awesome song. But she chose Sara Barellies' song instead.

The hoop earrings are distracting. And she doesn't really have the voice to carry this song. Once she hit the chorus, it literally is making me sick to listen to this. This is not good. And it gets worse as it goes along. Really, why do people choose songs that they can't connect to or with? She's just going through the motions and it shows. Or so says Steve.

Randy says it was pitchy, and agrees with me that she made a bad song choice. New judge not a fan either. Pauler on board the "goodbye, you're gone" express, albeit incoherently. And what the hell is up with her eyes? She's barely able to keep them open, and the bangs over the forehead doesn't help matters. I'm guessing .13 on the BAC and sliding. Simon likes her, but didn't like the performance.

Moving on.

* Matt Giraud, "Viva la Vida". Crap, I hate this song. That isn't good, because just seeing the look back so far, I like this kid. Anyone who shows up for the biggest audition of his life in a plain white t-shirt is my kind of guy.

He comes out and starts oversinging it from moment one. He's trying to be a Justin Timberlake here? And its actually kind of working for me. Granted, he's no Justin, but this isn't bad. Kind of a mediocre finish, but it was bearable. I don't see him advancing though.

Whoa, new judge goes first? Since when does Randy not go first? That's outrageous. Anyways, his journey's done, so say the judges (and steve).

* Jeanine Vailes, "This Love". Ugh. Only one person has ever covered this song properly on this show. The man who should have won season six. My favorite Idol contestant ever. The greatness that is Blake Lewis. But anyways, let's see what this chick can do with it.

She's already blown it. The opening to this song is so key, and she slowed it down. Insane. Plus her lips are distracting as hell. Too glossy and too collagen injected. Its like watching Lisa Rinna at the height of her greatness on "Melrose Place" all over again. Only this chick is nowhere near as hot as Lisa Rinna.

I agree with Simon. It was terrible. It was painful at times, it was a struggle ... goodbye, and good luck.

* Nick Mitchell, "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going". Holy crap this kid is a freak. Red headband?!?! That outfit? Oh my effing God. Seriously, how has this trainwreck made it this long?

His voice is awful. His wardrobe makes me literally want to gag. And now he's stripping on stage? Somewhere David Hernandez realizes he missed his calling last season. The judges are openly laughing at him. Jesus, get off the stage already. THIS is why I don't tune into Idol until this point, to avoid assholes like this. I don't even care to listen to the judges comments, just get rid of this dipsh*t and now.

* Allison Iraheta, "Alone". Another song that only one Idol contestant should ever be allowed to perform, Carrie Underwood from season four. Oh well, if you insist on trying, I guess I can listen.

She kind of looks like Kelly Clarkson to me. I'm sure probably a million people have said or written that, but hey, I'm new to the party.

And I'm actually kind of liking this. Whereas Carrie went for the huge moment with this song, she's kind of laying back on the verse. And then the chorus. Holy Lord, she's pulling this off! She doesn't have the vocal power of Carrie Underwood, but this is actually pretty damned good. And I kind of like the deeper voice on the slower parts. I am actually digging this. Actually, I am really digging this!

(steve standing and applauding!)

Very, very good! Randy agrees with me, we've got "real singing". Well, compared to the sh*tshow that just left the stage, I'm a real singer. But I get his point. Next up ...

* Kris Allen, "Man in the Mirror". I'll give him this: I can't recall a single "Idol" performer that has ever done this song before. So we're at least getting something original. Let's see what he can do to a song that I like a lot.

Starts off pretty good. I like that he took it down an octave. I like this arrangement, the sound of it. Scratch that. I am LOVING this performance. Once he hit the chorus and didn't blow it out, just kept it as the same coffeehouse type performance, he won me over. This is really good. This is incredibly good. Especially as he hits the freestyle part. Bravo! Hang on.

(steve standing and applauding!)

Seriously, this had a kind of Matt Nathanson / Patrick Park vibe to it. I loved it. I absolutely loved it.

New judge didn't like it. Says it was the "wrong song, completely wrong". Uuh, ok. Pauler "disagrees completely". Oh sh*t, I agree with Pauler. Well, then again, we're both probably drunk while watching this, so. Simon agrees with the "drunken duo" of Pauler and Steve! Randy liked it as well. See, we don't need no stinkin' new judge!

* Megan Joy Corkrey, "Put Your Records On". Ugh. I am not a fan of this song. Or of Corinne Bailey Ray. But let's see what she has to offer.

Well, at least we have a Carly Smithson replacement this year. Not a fan of the full arm length tat. This is actually a decent performance. Again, I hate this song. But she did pretty well with it. Figures to be a solid top 5, 6 performance tonight, and if she doesn't advance, will get a wildcard invite.

* Matt Brietzke "If You Could Only See". He's in this for his family. Wonderful. I'm not a big fan of this song, but its bearable.

He opens up ok. Its a decent performance. Its nowhere near as good as Kris' was. Or Allison's. I guess he'd finish 7th or 8th in the voting.

Simon is "frustrated". I'm "underwhelmed". Let's move on before everyone piles on the guy.

* Jesse Langseth, "Bette Davis Eyes". Now THIS has potential. This is a very, very, very intriguing choice to me. I can't wait to see how this unfolds.

And I'm liking this early. Started a little slow, but once she hit the chorus, I like it. A lot. She's got the vocals down pretty good, right down to the breathy finish to each line that Kim Carnes used. She's struggling to the finish line though, kind of struggled a little bit at about the minute mark. Overall, not bad. She's the second best chick so far, definite contender for the 3rd advance slot.

Randy not a fan. And thank GOD he's back to being the first judge. Don't screw with the rotation guys. Randy, Pauler / new judge, and Simon at the finish. Its worked for 6 years (season one, ironically, Randy was in Simon's seat, and vice versa), so why screw with it. New judge thought it was decent. OK, let's move on, I don't want to hear Pauler's incoherent rant or Simon's probable trashing.

* Kai Kalama, "What Becomes of the Broken Hearted". Great song. Tough to cover. Survey says ...

OK, first off, his facial expressions are just scary. Its totally screwing his performance. Which vocally hasn't been that bad. But its not that good either. And the hair, I can't figure out if its Kai, or Sayid from "Lost" on my screen right now. Did my TiVo melt the two shows together? Or is the Island now on "Idol"'s stage? I'm confused.

Meanwhile, this is yet another "underwhelming" performance. Waste of time and space. But not talent, I'm not seeing much on stage at this point.

Pauler and new judge mention the pitch issues. I was too busy being freaked out by the facial tics and the hair to notice. Simon calls it old fashioned, corny ... let's move on. Because this kid is moving out.

* Mishavonna Henson, "Drops of Jupiter". Ooh, a Train song. This has potential.

My first thought is, her name is Mishavonna and she's not black? Wow. Don't mean to sound racially biased, because I'm not but man. Would not have expected her to be white.

She's slowed it down ... and I'm liking it. She needs the nose stud though. It would, uuh, complete her look. Anyways, the performance is not bad. She's the second best female tonight. And since she's the last one, I guess that means she's the, uuh, 2nd best one in my book. Not a fan of the final couple seconds, but overall, very good performance. She'll be in the mix for that third advance slot.

Pauler didn't like it. She wasn't excited. Get her another vodka stat! Simon says she's "too serious" to win this. I'm voting for this girl -- "too serious" people deserve some love too dammit! Randy going off about the alphabet song, come on, focus RJ, focus. New judge thinks she needs to "loosen up". Again, what's wrong with not being a "loosened up" person? I'm "too serious" and I need to "loosen up"!

Oh.

Wait.

Never mind. I just kind of, uuh ... yeah, let's just move on. To our final performance of the night if I've counted right ...

* Adam Lambert, "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction". Wow, the Stones on Idol! Somewhere Keith Richards is rolling over in his grave! What, Keith is still alive?!?! I swear, I watched the Stones at the Garden concert on HBO and he looked dead! (rimshot!) Yeah, that was awful. Just ... Chuck, stand up Chuck! Oh, God love ya, what am I talking about! (rimshot!) I tell you what, you're making an awful lot of people stand up though pal! (rimshot!) I tell you what, stand up for Chuck! (rimshot!) Thank you, thank you very much. Good to see you pal, you can tell I'm new (rimshot!)

Really, Gregg and I talked about this the other day: why has no reality TV show been developed yet to follow the Vice President in his every day life? You're telling me you WOULDN'T tune in to see Joe Biden unplugged? Really? The biggest gaffe machine of our lifetimes unplugged and uncensored? Why has this not happened? Someone get on the phone with CSPAN already, this is how they can actually generate a 0.1 rating.

Anyways, sorry, I digress. Adam Lambert doing the Stones. Let's get it on!

So anyways, this kid looks interesting. A little freaky, but there's nothing wrong with freaky. Holy crap, he does have the David Cook hairdo. I like how he opened slow ... then opens it up.

But black fingernail polish? (verne lundquist voice) oh my goodness! He might play a (bill raftery voice) mantoman! defense (rimshot!) Good God, this is a bigger trainwreck than that headband wearing kook 40 minutes ago. I really want to throw the glass of shiraz at the screen, its that bad. This is AWFUL. This is HORRIBLE. This is (chuck barkley voice) TURRIBLE!

And Pauler is clapping like a seal and standing. That just about sums it up. She's the only judge who finds it decent, I'm guessing. She's literally speechless over this performance. Either I missed something, or Pauler's pushing .26 right now. Simon finds parts great, parts "excruciatingly bad". Its a love it or hate it performance. I hated it. RJ loved it. He's an idiot. He's a freaking idiot. Calls him one of the "most current artists we've ever had on the show". Dude. Dog. Hit the blunt again. Calls it "da bomb". Yeah, if by "da bomb" you mean the thing you leave in the toilet after the $2.99 all you can eat buffet at Pancho's Mexican Buffet. (steve raising the flag for a new plate ... god i miss pancho's ...)

And, that's it. My guess is that Allison gets the female auto pass to the top 12. I'd put Kris Allen through for the male auto pass. And the third non-gender specific spot, I'd probably give to Mishavonna or Megan. Whichever one ponies up for the nose stud first, gets the vote. Mishavonna seems like she'd go for it, so I'll tab her. Curious to see what the results show says.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

the (not quite) sotu ... live blog

To review the ground rules from other live blogs on this site involving politics (which are all still posted for your amusement):

1. I did not back Barry at any point. I backed Hillary in the primary, McCain in the general. So if you're an Obama fanatic, well, deal with it.

2. I am logged into Yahoo! IM as teamtito15 if you want to participate. Or you can post in the comments section.

3. Tonight's adult beverage of choice to soldier through this is Yellowtail Shiraz. Yellowtail Shiraz: a beverage Bill Williams and I have enjoyed many a bottle of at the pool ...

and we're back after a slight delay due to a phone call.

I'm watching on OMSNBC. Can't wait to see what Chris Matthews feels up his leg tonight.

The Supreme Court taking its place. Ginsburg looks pretty decent for having pancreatic cancer.

Seeing Biden up there as 2nd in command ... puts a huge smile on my face. Wonder what he calls Pelosi first: doll, broad, or toots?

Olbermann, Maddow, and Matthews on OMSNBC. The verbal fellating of this administration is literally making me drink. Look it, I didn't like Bush any more than these people did, but for God's sake, have at least an ounce of objectivity.

Madame Speaker, the President's Cabinet! Hooray! Hillary looks amazing tonight, red suit coat, black shirt. Remind me again why we tossed experience and competence aside for what Obama is?

The Asian dude in the cabinet looks like Uncle Benny. Fied Rice! Fied Rice!

Olbermann just used the phrase "Jimmy Cartering the economy". Uuh, Keith, you might not want to admit that on the air.

Matthews looks blitzed. Oh wait, that might just be my perception. I did bowl tonight for some practice. Lost game one to Dusty by 110. Won game two by 8. Won game 3 on a miracle hambone in 9/10 to win by 3. Lost game four by 10. And with the $1 games at Laurel Lanes on the line ... promptly pulled a Steve, and choked away any shot at victory. Yay?

Maddow: "Everybody has heard how bad the economy is". ya think?

Barry in the background.

Madame Speaker! The President of the United States!

(Hooray!)

Even I can applaud the President. Even if I have my doubts.

(steve applauding in the computer room ...)

(still applauding ...)

Black suit, red tie. Solid choice. He looks good.

Although I agree with Rush: how funny would it be if the teleprompter failed like Clinton in the 94 SOTU? Clinton could think on his feet. Barry can't.

I actually agree with Olbermann, let this moment set in. For the first time EVER, an African American will address Congress as the leader of the free world. This is beyond historic. Allow me to stand and clap again for awhile.

(steve applauding in the computer room ...)

(still applauding ...)

Wow, Barbara Boxer with the friendly back rub on Barry.

Another wow, Barry and Hillary embrace and share a friendly kiss ... and NEITHER one looks in the other's eyes.

Class move by both Barry and Justice Thomas to share a warm handshake.

Another class move by Barry to share a moment with Justice Ginsburg.

Wait, the guy I accused of being a mafia hit guy for taking out the Clintons, I just said showed class? I need another glass (of shiraz ...)

Yes, this is a high privilege and distinct honor. Let me stand and applaud again.

Biden just said "knock 'em dead champ!"

Nice shoutout to the wife.

She looks amazing tonight too. I know I'm in the minority, but I totally dig Michelle. Her confidence is such a turn on.

Biden isn't paying attention already.

Yank the plug on the teleprompter! Let's see him think on the fly!

Biden STILL isn't paying attention.

Great line. No matter how down we get, this is still America. We will emerge from this. (Hopefully not as socialistic as France though).

Biden STILL can't focus. Good God, this guy is more out of it than me in the 4th quarter of a Chiefs loss to denver.

What happened to the pearls Pelosi rocked at the Convention?

We import more oil than ever before because my effing party won't allow us to drill!

Chris Dodd looks 5 cocktails in.

People bought homes they knew they couldn't afford from banks that knew they couldn't afford them. Ya think?

Now is the time to act boldly and wisely. Ya think?

I hate "Dingy" Harry Reid.

How can you create jobs when you tax small business out of existance?

The stimulus is a joke, sir. Its a mother (effing) joke.

You DON'T BELIEVE IN BIG GOVERNMENT? Jesus Christ, that's the biggest lie a President has ever told!

Save or create? What does it matter? Why save a job that's outdated and a waste of space?

Great, we saved 57 cops jobs with the stimulus. I'm sure Jasson is sleeping soundly.

Steve just screamed at the TV for the first time. Tax cut my mother f*cking ass.

The McCain voter track on OMSNBC just flatlined. Kind of like his campaign after Sarah Palin stopped speaking at the convention.

Biden leading a tough oversight effort. Even the chamber is laughing hysterically.

Hell, even Biden is laughing.

Why wasn't recovery.gov up and running for the effing stimulus bill?!?!

Agreed, we have to resume lending. Agreed, the flow of credit IS the lifeblood of the economy. Not agreed, how he's speaking to the lowest common denominator here. Who DOESN'T know that credit is the lifeblood of the economy? (Answer: your typical Obama voter).

Like I said on the way home, Obama is what happens when you let Mickey and his family determine an election. I love ya buddy, but you and your family, you're retarded when it comes to politics.

Long applause. Time for a refill.

WHAT lower interest rates? And why are we helping the losers of life with their mortgage?

The FDIC already acts with the full force of the federal government to secure my deposits.

If what he's saying ISN'T nationalization of the banks, I don't understand economics.

Why did the Republicans stand on that line? This is socialism, pure and simple! BOO THIS MAN ALREADY!

What's wrong with a private jet? They're paid for 3 years in advance!

Lieberman looks ... uncomfortable.

Steve screaming at the TV again. This TV might not make it through this speech.

"Yield to the politics of the moment". That's EXACTLY what we did when we nominated you sir!

I'm pretty sure Dusty just laughed at me in the next room at me slamming the television with multiple hats. WALL STREET DRIVES AMERICA SIR! How can ANYONE not understand that who has a 2nd grade education?!?!

THERE'S NO SUCH THING AS AN OPEN ENDED RECESSION! Christ Jesus, this man is dumber than Priest!

Here we go. The budget submisssion.

The trillion dollar tax hike.

He's actually making some sense in that government can play a role in recovery. The key is, PLAY a role, not be the rolemaker.

Yeah, government created the conditions for enterprise to thrive by CUTTING TAXES! Christ, are you really this dumb sir? Are you really this mentally retarded? That you can't see this?

Again, WHY ARE THE REPUBLICANS APPLAUDING THIS?

Energy. The party that has f*cked us with a stick up the ass, is now lecturing us on energy. Wonderful. Please, let me drop my shorts, grab my ankles, and assume the position for this portion of his speech ...

How can America lead again on energy when YOU WON'T LET US DRILL? Drill Now! Drill Now! Drill Now!

What good is renewable energy for TODAY? Your plan can't focus solely on the future sir. What good is a future if there is no hope for the present?

How can ANYTHING you propose be profitable? You're just going to tax it out of existance anyways.

Biden's glass of "water", I swear, has a yellowish tingle to it. "Vo and water" perhaps?

Why shouldn't we protect the Big 3 from their bad practices? We're doing it for loser homeowners aren't we?

Again, tell me Biden's glass of water is just "water".

No, THE major reason small businesses close their doors is because we have the highest corporate tax rate on the planet by 7%! And now you want to mandate health coverage on people that can't afford it? You're a f*cking idiot sir. A f*cking idiot.

Dusty applauding my latest diatribe against the TV. Hooray?

You smoke! Of course you've had cancer! Christ, that's like saying my liver is going to fail in the next 15 years.

We wouldn't be in this health care mess if we'd adopted Hillarycare in 94. Even the great Gordon wasn't that upset with Hillarycare back in the day. I remember that, because my term paper junior year, I interviewed him on why Hillarycare was a good idea.

And with that line, "health care will not wait another year", you can kiss the best health care in the world goodbye.

No, the most valuable skill you can sell isn't knowledge it's ... uuh ... ok, well, I refuse to go further for risk of incriminating myself, but knowledge isn't the greatest "skill" you can sell ...

Every child ALREADY HAS ACCESS TO THE GREATEST EDUCATION IMAGINABLE! Its called public education! And it costs you nothing other than what you pay in taxes!

Just say "No Child Left Behind is No More", and you've won me over.

What good does "one year" of higher ed do you?

GREAT LINE! "Quitting on your high school education is not quitting on yourself, it is quitting on your country". GREAT LINE! Hooray!

I completely agree with this proposal: give back to the community, the city, we guarantee you an affordable higher education. Amen! Pass the Kennedy/Hatch education plan!

Amen! Turn off the video game and READ to your child!

Amen! Responsibility for your child's education must begin at home! And that is NOT a partisan issue!

Great moment there. "See I knew we could find some consensus in here!" He does have a sense of humor. I'll be damned.

A recovery plan free of earmarks? Cracked.

Just say it: give me the line item veto amendment already! Even the Confederacy had the foresight to write that into their Constitution.

The "billions" wasted in Iraq are not dollars sir, they are cells. As in human cells. Representing life. But then again, we're the party of abortion on demand so hey, what does life matter?

And AMEN! No tax breaks for shipping jobs overseas! Long overdue!

He's so lying through his teeth! The recovery plan's tax cut just got taken back by repealing the Bush tax cuts!

The wealthiest 2% pay 76% of the taxes in this country, by the way, via irs.gov data. So yeah, let's put MORE of a burden on them. Because clearly, the other 98% of us are paying our fair share.

You already ALLOW TERRORISTS TO PLOT AGAINST US! YOU'RE NEGOTIATING WITH IRAN!

No we're not united! The Democrats have pissed and defacated on troops sacrifice every day since 9/11! Yes, I said pissed and defecated! Its reality!

I literally want to throw my glass of shiraz on this man. He's lied more in 60 minutes than Bill Clinton did in 60 months. And pick the 60 months.

How is closing Gitmo a good thing?

I literally just puked. Torturing those whose bottom line is your death is NOT a bad thing. The USA SHOULD torture those who wish us death. You CANNOT negotiate with those whose base line negotiation is your death.

Its the G8! Not the G20! Good God, he doesn't even know the G!

"Watching. Waiting." But I'm no puppeteer, Kevin ... the opening line(s) to my favorite scene from my favorite movie, "The Devil's Advocate". Ooh. Call me dad.

Great, we highlight a kook who gave away $60 million he earned. Good God, are we still in America?

Greensburg, Texas. Try again, Barry.

What the hell! Barry's daughters aren't there but some SC school girl is? Next to the First Lady? This is pathetic.

You ARE quitters! If you are ASKING YOUR GOVERNMENT FOR HELP, YOU ARE A MOTHER F*CKING QUITTER!

Yes, I want this country to succeed. Its just that we have NO F*CKING CHANCE of that happening with you in the White House! Sir.

The McCain voters line no longer appear on OMSNBC.

And that's it. 65 some odd minutes. I literally want to puke. The country that I knew and loved at this time last year, is no more. I just ... please, Mr. President. Don't tax my booze. Its all I have to get through your remaining 3 years, 10 months, and 27 days ...

Thursday, February 19, 2009

time to get back on board the idol express ...

I love "American Idol". But I usually don't start watching until the show gets down to audience voting.

I can't stand the audition rounds. I have no desire to watch people with hideous voices and no talent stand in front of a judging audience and make complete and total asses out of themselves. I've been there, done that. At a Peoria Chiefs baseball game, as three drunk cougars in the front row were urging me on as I sang "Born to Be Wild" for a free Monical's Pizza.

(Ain't we lucky we got 'em? Good Times!!!)

But, once "Idol" gets to the point where the viewing public controls the outcome, I tune in with a passion.

So, here's my thoughts on Tuesday's performances as they unfold in front of me. I have not watched more than 3 minutes of "Idol" so far this year, so I'm pretty sure this will be my first introduction to this year's cast of characters. (marvin gaye voice) Let's get it on!

(Note: because I'm a freaking idiot, I am Youtube!ing the performances, based off the list on ew.com, and basing my reactions on that. Apparently, I forgot that last year, "Idol" auto-recorded on DirecTV ... and this year, I have Time Warner, so its not set up to record. D'oh!)

* Ricky Braddy, "A Song For You". I have never heard of this song, which is probably a good thing. The kid kind of looks a little like David Hernandez, although his voice is nowhere near as good as the adult entertainer's was last year. I say he's oversinging this. This is a perfectly mediocre 2 minute performance. I've heard worse, but far better.

Randy likes it. The new judge loves it. I guess I'm tone deaf, I wasn't a big fan. Pauler is nearly in tears verbally fellating this kid. Simon had the same reaction as me: it was decent, but it didn't rock the house.

* Danny Gokey, "Hero". Oh Christ, don't let it be the Penny Steinbrink version. She forever ruined this song for me. This kid looks goofy as hell. But his voice is pretty damned good. Actually this is pretty decent. I'm liking this a helluva lot more than Ricky's song. Pretty solid effort. One of the contenders to advance for sure.

Sweet Jesus, the new judge is going ape-sh*t over this. Randy loved it. So did she. Pauler struggling for words. "Sold out arenas"? How is that two words with hyphens Pauler? Simon: good but not fantastic. Exactly. I'm liking this new judge though, she's willing to throw down with the "randy Brit". At least verbally.

* Anoop Desai, "Angel of Mine". Ugh. I hate this song. Let's see what he can do with it. The way the band played the open, I actually started to sing "show me that smile again (show me that smile ...)". Totally opening riff sounded like the opening to the "Growing Pains" theme song. Oy. This is just not working. At all. Loving the crotch shot there, FOX. Side note: I've always loved how conservative the news division of FOX is, and how liberal the entertainment division is. Its neat. Anyways, thoroughly forgettable performance. Let's see what the judges think.

Randy, "Anoop Dogg in the house". Oh my, that's awful. Randy going off about pitch issues. New judge says it was a "hard song to sing". Huh huh, she said "hard". Pauler in full on seal clapping mode. I guess this kid has the fanbase to survive? Wait, are you kidding me, Pauler just compared him to Brian McKnight. Are you freaking kidding me? Listen to "Anytime" and tell me this kid is even in the ballpark with the great Brian McKnight. Simon not a fan either.

* Michael Sarver, "I Don't Wanna Be". ANYONE who knows me, knows this is one of my 5 or 6 favorite songs of all time. Hell, click on my profile on this site, its the first words that will greet you. I effing LOVE Gavin DeGraw. I effing LOVE this song. So I'll probably be too harsh on this kid. Here we go.

Three notes in, and its a trainwreck. He butchered the 2nd line of the first verse, bastard. The chorus, which should be uplifting, inspiring, dance-inspiring awesome, has me not even singing along. Good f*cking God this is awful. Go away. And he has this sh*t eating grin that just annoys me.

And now, he has the BACKUP singers doing THE key part of the song, when it goes acapella for "I don't wanna be anything other than what I've been lately ..." as you come out of the bridge? Jesus Christ, this guy is NOT getting my vote. BOO! BOO! (steve throwing rotten vegetables at computer monitor) BOO!

Time for the judges. Randy can't find a good part. The new judge trying to be polite. Its not working. Pauler: "I thought you did a real good job". Uuh, no, he didn't. He did piss poor. (bruce willis in "armageddon" voice) No, not poor. I said piss poor! She's noting all the solid "Idol" contestants who didn't defecate on this song. Simon admits he likes the guy, but the only way he's surviving is if his like for this guy translates in the vote. Simon urging America to give the guy another chance. Sorry champ. You f*ck up a top 10 Steve song, you don't deserve to survive.

* Brent Keith, "Hicktown". I'm not a Jason Aldean fan. We'll see how this goes. Hell, he already sounds better than Jason Aldean, that's a positive. Then again, my dog snoring at night sounds better than Jason Aldean, so I might be biased. Still, this is awful. He's going home. I'm pulling the plug, he just f*cked up the chorus. Goodnight and good luck.

* Stephen Fowler, "Rock With You". Interesting choice. Interesting. Rocking the late 70s Qaina shirt, I like it. This isn't that bad. The backup singers are awful, but this kid isn't that bad. No judges comments available, but I'm guessing he's got about a 20, 25 percent shot of getting through.

That's six guys, I assume six (joe biden voice) broads ... dolls ... toots ... are up next.

* Alexis Grace, "I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You". Another song I've never heard of. This is actually pretty good. So far the best performance of the night. She looks a little freaky, which is neat. I like the pink highlights in the hair. All she needs is the nose stud that so f*cking turns me on ... anyways, back to the performance. Decent job. She's top 3 potential.

Randy talks about "dirtying herself up". Yeah. New judge: "the genie is out of the bottle with you!" Pauler on an incoherent ramble. Christ, I think I'm more sober typing this than Pauler is judging this. Simon liked it, says she reminds her of Kelly Clarkson. Uuh, I wouldn't go that far. Yet, anyways.

* Tatiana Del Toro, "Saving All My Love For You". Full disclosure: apparently Gregg hates this chick with a passion, so after giggling at his anti-Tatiana texts the last few weeks, I expect I'll agree with him. And taking on Whitney Houston? This early in the competition? Really? Is she nuts?

The first few lines are inaudible, she's down an octave. Not good. And then ... she starts to rally. This actually isn't that bad. She's singing this an octave too low, but its not bad. And she's hit the stretch, and she's doing pretty good. Although looking at her, the thought of "making love the whole night through" does NOT want me to bring the "slump" to an end. She needs a nose stud too.

* Ann Marie Boskovich, "Natural Woman". Another full disclosure moment: Carole King's "Tapestry" is probably my favorite cd, album, whatever you want to call it, it f*cking rules the world. Seriously, that cd just rocks the house. I know half my readers are like "wait a second, Aretha sang that song". Yes, yes she did. Just like James Taylor sang "You've Got a Friend". Both songs are on "Tapestry", because Carole King wrote them and performed them first. Anyways, my point being, I'm probably not going to enjoy this ...

On the other hand, she looks pretty hot ...

the morning rain / ah oop! ... feel uninspired / ah oop! another day / ah oop! so tired / ah oop!

The first verse was good. Hell, I was doing the Murphy Brown "ah oop!"s along with her performance. But the chorus ... yikes. This fell apart fast.

Not gonna do it. Wouldn't be prudent. Not advancing to the top 12.

* Jackie Tohn, "A Little Less Conversation". Another song I have no idea what the hell it is. This actually isn't half bad. Actually, this is really good. She's the best chick on tonight so far. I am actually digging this. Good job! I'd put her through to the top 12. Then again, I'm still angry, broken and bitter over Blake not winning two years ago, so what do I know.

* Stevie Wright, "You Belong to Me". Holy crap, how the hell is this girl in the top 36? Her voice is AWFUL! I'd rather listen to myself sing, and my voice is just about the worst sound in the world. And she f*cked up the opening. Nice. Goodbye.

* Casey Carlson, "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic". One of my favorite Police songs. And she immediately earns my wrath by changing the lyrics. To say nothing of not having the voice to pull this off. I'm pulling the plug, she has no chance to advance.

My guess is Alexis, Danny, and Anoop advance. Per ew.com, the advancees are ...

Alexis! Danny! And Michael?!?! Are you kidding me? He aborted "I Don't Wanna Be" worse than ... well, Dr. Tiller in a Wichita Planned Parenthood clinic. He absolutely murdered that song. And he advances over "Anoop Dogg"?!?! (tony bruno voice) Its an outrage!

Anyways, more next week. When the next group of 12 show down, hoe down, throw down for a shot to become the next singer to fail to make a mark on the American public. Hooray?

Thursday, February 12, 2009

go buKCs go!

One clear of the field at the All Star Break.

Despite Michael Redd and Andrew Bogut being out for the year, despite Luke Ridnour being out until mid-March, despite Dan Gadzurik still drawing a paycheck, the BuKCs somehow, someway, would be "in" if the playoffs started today.

The last three games, have just been awesome. The last three BuKCs games are why I freaking love the NBA. 121 in a loss to Detroit. 124 in a win over Houston. 122 in last night's win over the Pacers.

Three straight games over 120! I love how Coach Skiles has basically said "hey, three of our best players are out, two of them tremendous defenders ... so screw it, we're going up tempo, we're pushing it, and we're just gonna outgun you on offense". Its just been awesome to watch.

Can't wait to see how this resumes after a (sadly) BuKC free All Star weekend.

Here's the latest in the push for the playoffs:

Sunday, February 8, 2009

what a week!

I just got done watching the Blazers edge the Knicks at the buzzer on a (steve man crush) Brandon Roy layup as time expired.

This, after watching two incredible games over at the brother's this afternoon -- the Celtics melting down in the final minute, allowing the Spurs to score 7 points in 1.4 seconds to see a 3 point lead with :44 to go turn into a 6 point loss, and the Lakers complete an incredible three game road swing at NY / at Bos / at Cle by dominating the last 16 minutes to hand the Cavs their first loss at home.

Three epic, awesome games in an 8 hour span. That alone qualifies this as a great week of basketball. And yet, these three weren't even the best games of the last week!

You also had Friday night's awesome Celtics / Knicks game that saw the Celtics overcome a huge deficit, drop 38 on the Knicks in the 4th, and win in the Gahden. This, less than 24 hours after the Lakers and Celtics needed an extra 5 minutes to decide their latest jaw-droppingly sweet classic.

And that classic less than 24 hours after LeBron went for 50 on the Knicks. Which came less than 48 hours after Kobe had the Gahden faithful (or the 231 of them that remain from the glory days) chanting "MVP!" "MVP!" as he dropped 61 on the Knicks.

And of course, the underrated, under the radar epic from last night. As the BuKCs sadly blew a 45 point outing from Ramon Sessions to lose, in overtime, to the Pistons by 5.

Yeah, its been a brutal month for BuKCs fans. First, Michael Redd blew out both his MCL and ACL diving for a loose ball, meaning we won't see Redd on the court in meaningful action until at least November. Then, after a month of "misdiagnosis" by the BuKCs medical staff, it was revealed that Andrew Bogut was done for the season with a broken back. And as if losing 40% of the starting lineup (and your two best players) wasn't bad enough ... strike three fell in practice on Thursday, as starting point guard Luke Ridnour broke his thumb. He's out a month.

Throw in Tuesday's frustrating defeat in New Jersey (the Nets were handing that game to us, we just didn't take advantage) and last night's heartbreaker, and its a pretty crappy time to be a BuKCs fan right now.

But, I choose to remain optimistic. Just look around the League! Even if the BuKCs are all but finished, what a final 8 week sprint to the playoffs this is gonna be! (And what a postseason this is going to be ...)

Anyways, here's the week ahead for BuKCs fans:

Current Standings:

Team Rec GB Hollinger Schedule
7. 76ers 25-24 ---- 89.0% in Mon vs Phx, Wed vs Mem
8. Nets 24-28 ---- 30.7% in Tue vs SA
9. BuKCs 24-29 0.5 29.7% in Mon vs Hou, Wed vs Ind
10. Bulls 22-29 1.5 48.4% in Tue vs Det, Thu vs Mia
11. Knicks 21-29 2.0 17.7% in Tue at GS, Wed at LAC

Saturday, February 7, 2009

we got a coach. so now what?

I like this hire.

Scratch that. I love this hire.

A few weeks ago when some friends and I were having an email discussion regarding who Scott Pioli should hire, my top choice was Todd Haley. My reasoning was this:

* he comes from the Parcells tree.
* he would bring back the aggressive offensive style of the Vermeil years, which never should have departed, and
* he's not afraid to adapt to his players, rather than force his players to adapt to his system.

Everything I saw yesterday, just reinforced my opinions of the guy, and left me very satisfied with this hiring.

Now the real fun begins. Here's the five key things I think the Chiefs need to focus on over the next few weeks, as free agency and the draft begin to approach:

Priority one has to be the defensive coordinator. There's three "name" candidates out there right now that can be had for nothing: Romeo Crennel, Ted Cottrell, and as of yesterday, Clancy Pendergast. Of the three, the only one I would want is Pendergast. Crennel has always struck me as a baffoon. And Cottrell ... good God. The guy couldn't put together a top 15 defense with the Chargers talent. He'd be a catastrophe here.

Pendergast though, is intriguing. The Cards forced more turnovers (13) than any other team in the postseason. Yes, the Steelers mounted an incredible, historic drive for the ages to win the Super Bowl, but how did they get to that point? Because Clancy's D forced 3 straight punts and a safety in the four drives prior to that, to help turn a 13 point deficit into a 3 point lead.

My preferred style of defense is a 3-4 cover 2. I'm not a huge blitz guy, although I see nothing wrong with sending the OLB or the blind side corner 3-4 times a game to try to force the situation. Defense I view like a chess game. Strategically place your pieces and then pounce once you see what's coming at you. This is the way Pendergast coaches. I'd like to see him get a chance here to work his magic.

Priority two is Tony Gonzalez. Look it, I don't care what he said about the coaching hire. Who cares if he dropped an expletive to describe one of the candidates. The problem with Tony Gonzalez is that at this point, the only thing he gives a sh*t about is stats. He wants to ensure his status as the game's greatest tight end. Well, wonderful. Good luck with that. In another city.

I'd trade Gonzalez to a contender (hello, Giants!), if I could get a 3rd and a conditional in 2010, or a 4th and 6th this year. Put it this way: the Chiefs have NEVER won a playoff game with Tony Gonzalez on the roster. I'm not saying he's the reason why. I'm just saying that keeping a me-first malcontent on the roster isn't the solution.

However, if Tony says he wants to stay, or if you can't at least get multiple day two picks for him, then keep him. He may be a whiny malcontent, he might be a me-first guy, but he's not a cancer. He's not going to quit on this team (as last year showed) even if he doesn't get what he wants. He is a professional. Really, we can't lose in this situation. Unlike ...

Priority three is LJ. This one hurts, because I genuinely like LJ. I'm not one of the "mean fans" who "boo him" everywhere he goes. Hell, I still wear my jersey t-shirt with pride around town. But its probably best for all parties to seek a trade, see if you can maybe fleece a conditional 2010 pick for him, or if you're lucky a 4th rounder in 2009. In a dreamworld, you'd have a contending team willing to do a Randy Moss type trade (a 4th rounder and a conditional the next year). I know everyone thinks New England or Dallas ... but what about Arizona? Edge James isn't coming back. I don't think Hightower is a franchise back. He's certainly not as good as LJ is. How about New Orleans? Deuce coming off another major knee surgery, and is Reggie Bush a 25 carry guy? The point is, there might be a market for him. But if not, cut him and move on. (or move out).

Priority four is that 3rd pick in the draft. I hate being in this slot. I prefer to trade down, pick up an extra pick or two for our consideration, save some cash on the signing bonus, and still pick up a stud player or two. The key is that someone has to be there to generate an interest in trading up. We'll see if that happens. If I was the Chiefs, knowing LJ is out of here, knowing Kolby Smith and Jamaal Charles can't stay healthy, I'd make RB my top priority, and I'd try to move back into the 10-13 range and draft Knowshon Moreno, the RB from Georgia.

I know the Chiefs will be pass happy next year. And I'm perfectly good with that. I am going to LOVE the return to an agressive, quick strike, hit you where it counts offensive style. But you still have to have some semblance of a running game. Ideally with a RB who has great receiving ability (because as I've long argued, a 4-5 yard swing pass is every bit as effective at moving the clock as a 4-5 yard offtackle run is). Moreno has that ability. (So does Charles, but again, he can't stay healthy).

If you can't get out of the 3rd slot, well, that would suck. But let's say we're stuck. Nobody wants to move up, there's nobody on the board that intrigues another team enough to make a move. Why not build to your intended strengths at that point? I know everyone will say "defense! defense!" I say "Michael Crabtree!" He gives us two stud options at WR (ala Arizona). He solves our kick and punt return issues. And how can anyone argue that he isn't the best player on the board at that point? He's THE game-changer in this draft. God forbid we get a guy like that.

Finally, priority five is free agency. I don't expect the Chiefs to go after the big name guys. Its not Pioli's style. But there are some solid below-the-radar additions to be had. Seriously, just scroll through the list (easily available at http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/fa You don't have to be an ESPN Insider to see the list or player stats, but you do need access to read Scouts Inc's take on each player).

Should be a fun-filled busy couple of months at One Arrowhead Drive. I can't wait to see how it unfolds.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

let the biggest half of the season begin ...

at Nets 45, Bucks 37, halftime.

I am having "minor differences" with Time Warner right now, so I am watching the game online in addition to blogging half number two.

If the BuKSs can rally, and win this one ...

(marvin gaye voice) Let's get it on!

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

YES! Network feed, Marv Albert and someone. Sounds like the Czar of the Telestrator.

Devin Harris would be a cheetah if he could be an animal. OK. His tat on the left arm is atrocious. But that's my opinion.

Devin playing against his hometown team, the Milwaukee BuKCs.

Nets easy bucket by Anderson. 37-47.

CHUCK E CHEESE! For 3! 40-47 Nets.

Carter bricks. Elson boards.

Yikes, Sessions blocked out of bounds. Bucks ball under the hoop.

Hassell for 2. RJ for 3! 43-49 Nets.

Chuck E Cheese and RJ both with 10 makes.

Anderson from 3. 43-52 Nets. Might want to cover that guy.

RJ from DOWNTOWN! 46-52. Jesus, I miss Marv Albert on national broadcasts.

Christ, Ryan Anderson can't miss! 46-55 Nets.

RJ fouled. Solid pass by Ridnour. 8:43 left in the 3rd, Bucks down 9.

RJ gets one of two. Bucks down 8.

Crap. Lopez an easy dunk. Bucks down 10.

Ridnour to Elson as the clock expires. Whew. Bucks down 49-57.

Christ, Lopez is wide, WIDE open. 49-59.

Awful sequence, but Harris misses the three. Wow. SHADY offensive foul called on Lopez. Bucks down 10.

RJ misses from 3, but Elson board, pass to Ridnour. Free throws upcoming. At 89%, these should be automatic.

First one is. Ditto number two.

Foul on RJ. Nets hit both. 51-61 Nets.

SHADY blocking foul on the nets as RJ drove. Violet Palmer on the call. Shady, that was a charge.

RJ drills it. 52-61.

Hits both. Down 8.

Carter fouled by Sessions, decent foul. Carter would have scored.

The Czar of the Telestrator attempting to coach from the broadcast booth.

Crap. Devin Harris from 3. He's 7 of 9. Good f*cking God.

CHUCK E CHEESE! He has 11. 55-64 Nets.

VINSANITY! 55-66 Nets. Awesome dunk.

RJ throws it away.

Board Gadzuric. Bad shot by NJ.

Chuck E Cheese misses from 15.

Awful, AWFUL defensive sequence. Nets up 13. 55-68 Nets. TO Bucks. We needed it.

Why the NBA would choose to feature a "where amazing happens" commercial with a towel over Kobe's private area, I have no idea. I'm pretty sure that chick in Colorado doesn't think that's "where amazing happens".

Marv hyping some Latin artists performance on Saturday night. I liked him better when he was hyping biting and panties.

Ryan Anderson is en fuego. 17 and counting, and his team's up 13.

Sessions botches a layup. Foul on VC. Mbah a Moute to the line? Nope. RJ with a bad miss, Lopez with the board.

This one is slipping away.

Harris fouled on the shot. Seriously, his tat is awful. Absolutely awful.

Harris hits both. Nets up 15. Cracked.

It IS the Czar of the Telestrator! Fratello cracking jokes about Mbah a Moute being actual royalty!

"The Prince" hits a foul shot. Not sure how he wound up at the line.

Hits both. Nets up 13.

Sessions! Steal! Stuff! Timeout Jersey, up 11!

I believe I just heard "Keyon Dooling" on the broadcast. (raise the "what, me?!?!" expression now ...)

So the roommate left 30 minutes ago ... and I have no idea where he and the chick of the moment went. I honestly thought she was leaving, because she said "bye Steve" ... only its D's car that's gone, and hers is in the driveway. In a related development, I must find another wall to bash my head against, since D can score anyone and I can't even nail myself at this point.

OK, Nets up 11, with 2:50 to go. Lopez brick but board Nets.

Yes, it IS Keyon Dooling. He bricks from 3.

RJ draws the foul on our (no doubt) inbred friend from Missouri.

RJ bricks. Crap.

Cannot piss away points like this in a must win game.

Hits the 2nd. 60-70 Nets, 2:15 to go in the 3rd.

Dumb foul on Lopez. Bucks ball at midcourt.

CHUCK E BELL! Or Chuckie Bell, from 3. 63-70 Nets.

8-0 run for the BuKCs.

F*cking Keyon Dooling drills the 3.

RJ with an AWFUL pass. Nets ball. Anderson bricks it. So awful Nets get the board.

Bucks hold, but nearly turn it over. :38 to go, down 9, Bucks ball.

Wow, Violet Palmer is a truly AWFUL official. Some Nets dude just got mugged and she didn't call it.

Nets to the foul line on an unrelated foul.

Hit both. Nets up 11.

Bucks can pretty much hold for the last shot.

AWFUL shot by RJ. Bucks 63, Nets 74 after 3.

Nets start the 4th by drawing a foul on Bell. Good call.

Ryan Anderson is 7 of 9, Brooke Lopez has 15. Cracked Magazine.

WOW! Offensive foul on the Nets under the hoop. Seemed shady to me.

Ridnour brick, Gadzuric board. Ridnour tries to pass ... foul. Ridnour to the line. Hits the first. Hits the 2nd.

Bucks down 9, 11:04 to go.

Fratello talking about a "tweak". What the hell.

RJ called for a travel after a Harris offensive foul. I'd call this officiating a Mickey Mouse operation, but no sense offending the rodents who might read this.

Anderson to the bench. 19 points, 6 boards for NJ. Rock solid.

Are you kidding me? Ridiculous away from the ball foul on Sessions. Even Marv Albert is questioning this "officiating" crew.

Boone misses the dunk! Gadzuric on the other end! Its down to 7 ...

Boone bricks. Ridnour board.

Sessions drives ... Gadzuric board ... mugged! Two shots upcoming!

Bucks 18 of 26 at the line ... make that 18 of 27.

CDR checks in for NJ. Didn't know he was a Net.

Hits the 2nd. Bucks down 6, 9:24 to go.

Awful shot by Carter. Bucks board!

HORRID foul by Harris. That's what you do when you have one to give and need the TO. Oh wait, that's what happened. Harris' 3rd. 68-74 Nets, 9:05 to go.

Ridnour brick. Nets drive ... BELL DRAWS THE CHARGE!

8:57 to play, Bucks down 68-74. We're in this one. Without Bogut, without Redd, without Dusty, who's off having fun somewhere no doubt. Seriously, I'm running out of walls to bash my head into ...

I kid, I kid. There's still at least 15, 16 walls I haven't head butted yet.

How we're in this game, I have NO idea.

RJ called for a walk. Barbra Streisand.

Fratello making no sense.

BLOCK by Gadzuric! And he gets the dunk on the other end!

(marv albert voice) Its down to 4!

BuKCs 7, Nets 0 in the 4th quarter.

Vinsanity brick! Go BuKCs Go!

Ridnour ... NO. But Gadzuric with the board! And fouled!

Wow.

Non shooting foul. Shady.

Bell with an awful shot. Nets ball.

70-74 Nets, 7:26 to go.

Christ almighty. Dooling fouled on a three, and it went in.

I f*cking HATE Keyon Dooling. He got the free throw. HUGE shift potentially.

Sessions drops the "f u" layup on NJ in response.

Lopez with a shady hook that goes in. 72-80 NJ.

RJ bricks a horrid 3. Stupid, STUPID shot selection. Devin Harris hits the follow up on the other end. Really, why wouldn't you try from 27 feet when you can give the opposition a layup. Cracked.

72-82 Nets, 5:54 to go.

Allow me today, the NBA League Pass Broadband freaking Rocks! This reception on my work laptop ... is better than I get on my freaking TV. Awesome, AWESOME job by nba.com to make this work.

The Yankees spring training facility is now named Steinbrenner Field. Cracked.

Harris on the bench after his 5th.

Sessions hits the first. Hits the 2nd.

GOOD GOD! FOUL HIM! Lopez WIDE OPEN in the lane. Nets up 10.

Nets play RJ as we should be playing Lopez. FOUL HIM!

RJ to the line. Hits the first. "The Czar" just dropped the "eyebrow of irony" line. I LOVE the NBA League Pass ...

Hits both. 76-84 Nets.

VC bad shot, Sessions board.

VC gets the steal, stupid Sessions drive.

VC mugged.

Hits both. Nets up 10, 4:47 to go.

Yikes, Chuck E Cheese bricks a layup.

VC draws the foul. Both teams over the limit.

76-86 Nets, 4:25 to go.

VC hits both. Down 12.

Sessions good. Down 10.

Crap. Dooling hits a 3. That's probably lights out. 78-91 Nets with 3:51 to go. Dooling has 15. Excuse me while I puke.

Still no word from D or the chick of the night. And in a related development, a couple walls have head imprints. Good God, my life sucks ass.

AWFUL shot by Gadzuric. That should all but end it.

Lopez hits. Down 15.

RJ hits from 3 with 3:03 to go, down 12.

BS foul, 2:41 to go. Vince misses the foul shot.

I hear a car in the driveway. Its the roomie.

Violet Palmer can suck my c*ck. AWFUL call on that play.

Bucks 81, Nets 94. Make that 96. Christ, we suck.

Nets up 15 with less than 2 to go. Time to call it a night. Especially since the roomie is home and his trip was for the good stuff.

week twelve picks

The Statisticals. Last Week SU: 8-6-0. Season to Date SU: 98-62-1. Last Week ATS: 7-7-0. Season to Date ATS: 75-80-6. Last Week Upset / ...