Scottius Maximus

NFL Conference Championship Week Picks

2012-01-22T12:48:00.003-06:00

This is my favorite weekend of the NFL season. Usually there are good games with great teams with championships at stake. And none of the excess of what will come in 2 weeks.

Also, I'm reminded of the old NFL and AFL championships. Pre-merger. If I have one criticism of the NFL to mention today, it's that there's too much interleague play. I prefer a thicker conference boundary.

The Giants appear to be the NFL's version of the 2011 Cardinals. They got in the playoffs on the final day of the season and appear to be the hottest team left. They also have already dispatched the best team in their league in the playoffs.

For that reason I'm picking them today, against all my instincts to pick the 49ers.

And I just don't see the Patriots losing, although I'd like them to do so.

So, unfortunately, I foresee a NY-NE Super Bowl. Again.

But I'm rooting for a San Fran-Baltimore match up.

New England.
New York.

ESPN Experts here.

NFL Divisional Round Picks

2012-01-14T06:01:00.003-06:00

I split four games last week. I'll take that. Even though I lost the game, it was hard not to root for the Broncos last week.

And even harder not to this week. They're definitely my second favorite team now.

But that doesn't mean I'm picking them.

ESPN Expert picks here.

New Orleans.
New England.
Baltimore.
Green Bay.

World Series Game Six And The Calls Of History

2012-01-08T18:13:00.006-06:00

This is one of those posts that has been over 2 months in the making.

For baseball's most famous home runs, most are associated with one particular announcer's call. Even though more than one person would have called these games on TV and radio. It's just that the others are largely forgotten.

For example:
Bobby Thompson in 1951- "The Giants Win The Pennant!"- Russ Hodges
Carlton Fisk in 1975- "There It Goes...A Long Drive...If It Stays Fair...Home Run!"- Dick Stockton
Ozzie Smith in 1985- "Smith Corks One Into Right Down The Line, It May Go...Go Crazy Folks, Go Crazy!"- Jack Buck
Kirk Gibson in 1988- "This Is Going To Be A Home Run...Unbelievable!...A Home Run For Gibson...And The Dodgers Have Won The Game 5-4...I Don't Believe What I Just Saw!"- Jack Buck
Kirby Puckett in 1991- "And we'll see you tomorrow night!"- Jack Buck
Joe Carter in 1993- "Well Hit Down The Left Field Line...Way Back And Gone!"- Sean McDonough

Does anyone remember any other announcers calls of the above? Probably not. Although a few might remember Vin Scully's call of Gibson.

In the aftermath of the 2011 World Series, I figured Joe Buck's call on Fox would probably be forever associated with David Freese's Game 6 walk-off.

However, the past two months I have been scouring YouTube for videos of the Game 6 miracle, and I've found several calls of Freese's home run that are from various broadcasts of the game.

Feeds from ESPN Radio's broadcast, ESPN's TV broacast outside the US, the BBC, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN Brasil.

Which one will go down in history? Probably Buck's. I like it, but that doesn't mean it's my favorite.

Here's Buck's again:

Here's the ESPN Radio call from Dan Shulman:

Here's Gary Thorne's call on ESPN's world wide TV feed:

Here's the BBC's Simon Brotherton! Great stuff here:

Here's ESPN Deportes Ernesto Jerez:

Now comes the epic calls from ESPN Brasil. Does anyone speak Portugese?

I have know idea who these people are, or most of what they are saying, but they sure know how to capture the excitement of the World Series! I couldn't find a call just of David Freese's 11th inning blast, so you have to sit through a couple of innings, starting with the Freese's 9th inning heroics. But it is SOOOO worth it! The color man especially, is like Brazil's answer to Mike Shannon!

These last two videos just go to show you that baseball has it's own language- you don't have to speak the announcer's language to understand the thrill of it all.

So, I'm sure Joe Buck's call will stand the test of time. But there is no way, NO WAY, that these others should be forgotten. I wanted to make sure they were preserved for posterity.

(And for those of you who appreciate the Brazilian announcers like I do, here are all of their calls of all the Game 6 scoring. The internet doesn't get any better than stuff like this!)

NFL Picks Wild-Card Weekend

2012-01-07T09:14:00.002-06:00

So, congratulations are in order. To me!

Last week's 13-3 record led to my finishing this season in 1st place amongst the humans, with a 168-87 overall record. It's my first "championship" in my head to head against the ESPN Experts, something I've done for a number of years now.

Thank you. I finished a game in front of Schlereth and Wickersham. Okay, so the computer did the best and Schlereth has forgotten more about football than I'll ever know, but who cares about that?

Now comes the playoffs. Always the hardest part of the season to predict. The games are for the most part a toss-up. A coin-flip, if you will.

And you know what that means! Just in time for the playoffs, it is the return of my trusty quarter to see if it can best me.

Who'd have thought we would ever have seen playoff games featuring Houston against Cincinnati and Detroit against New Orleans? And yet, today it is happening.

My quarter likes:
Cincinnati.
New Orleans.
Giants.
Denver.

I like:
Cincinnati.
New Orleans.
Giants.
Pittsburgh.

ESPN Experts like:
Go here. But why bother? I can pick better than those guys!

NFL Picks Week 17

2012-01-01T11:22:00.002-06:00

Happy New Year!

Last week I was 11-5, making my record 155-84 for the season. ESPN records here. I'm just two games out of first place. So anything could still happen. Their are 8 games in which I have picked differently than the two leaders.

Last weeks are hard to predict. Some teams are resting starters, others desperate to make the playoffs, and others ready to go home.

It's hard to believe we've come to the end of another football season. The Bears were eliminated last week, which means they have absolutely nothing to play for this week. Except to escape any more injury. Let's hope they escape and look forward to training camp this July.

It's really a shame because of what might have been had Cutler and Forte not been hurt 6 weeks ago. The Bears defense isn't getting any younger and neither is Devin Hester. The window of opportunity just got smaller, and with the rise of the Lions this year could possibly have slammed shut. The Lions will gain playoff experience this year and should get better, while the Bears really needed to put it together this year.

In other words, this may have been their best opportunity for the foreseeable future. And now its over.

There's a little drama heading into the last day. There are a few playoff scenarios to be played out. But for the most part, it's on to the playoffs.

Which start tonight for the Cowboys and Giants. Loser goes home. Just like the playoffs.

Anyway, I did far better this year than I could have ever imagined. I actually have 8 more victories than I managed last year. Not bad.

New Orleans.
New England.
Minnesota.
Miami.
San Francisco.
Green Bay.
Philadelphia.
Jacksonville.
Tennessee.
Arizona.
Denver.
Atlanta.
Baltimore.
Pittsburgh.
Oakland.
Giants.

Bethlehem Star

2011-12-24T15:08:00.005-06:00

Saw this guy's video a few months back. It is very fascinating and worth a look if you've never seen it.

The evidence this guy presents is pretty compelling. Not being an astronomer, I have no idea whether he is right or wrong. Perhaps it is easily discounted by someone more knowledgable, but I know of no one so far who has.

Whether it is the way things happened or not is not ultimately important, as one's faith does not hang on one man's research.

But if it is really true all I can say is...

"Awesome! Totally awesome!"

NFL Picks Week 16

2011-12-24T06:01:00.002-06:00

Last week's 7-8 record was the disaster I didn't need. My overall record this year is now 144-79. ESPN Experts here. I'm in third place, but I'm now 4 games behind first place with only 2 weeks to go. Doesn't look good.

Kansas City.
Tennessee.
New England.
Cincinnati.
Denver.
Pittsburgh.
Jets.
Washington.
Carolina.
Baltimore.
Detroit.
Philadelphia.
San Francisco.
Green Bay- Sunday Night.
New Orleans- Monday Night.

Thursday Night NFL Pick

2011-12-22T18:52:00.000-06:00

Houston.

So tempted to pick Indy, though.

NFL Picks Week 15

2011-12-18T07:07:00.003-06:00

Last week's 11-5 showing gave me a 137-71 record entering this week's games. And I missed out on a win last night. I knew there were Saturday games in December, but forgot about it in the end. Too bad, the Cowboys would have been an easy win.

Anyway, I'm still in contention, although now 3 games behind Schlereth and 1 behind Wickersham, in 3rd place among the ESPN Experts who are human.

The Bears surprised me last week in almost winning against the Broncos. That's how sad the season has become, I'm satisfied with the result of almost-winning. I'm just anxious for the season to end now.

It's even worse than that. I'm just happy to see the Bears put points put on the board. Which is why I can't pick them today, either, even though almost everyone else is.

Fourteen games today. At last we have good Sunday Night and Monday Night games. There are a lot of coin flip games late.

This week could be great or ugly. My rank in the final NFL Picks standings will likely be decided today.

Houston.
Giants.
Buffalo.
Seattle.
New Orleans.
Cincinnati.
Tennessee.
Green Bay.
Oakland.
New England.
Jets.
Arizona.
Baltimore.
San Francisco- Monday Night.

Thursday Night NFL Pick

2011-12-15T19:31:00.001-06:00

Atlanta.

NFL Picks Week 14

2011-12-11T07:21:00.002-06:00

I limped into a 10-6 record last week. For a while I thought it would be the worst week of the season but managed to pull out all but one of the late games. I am 126-66 for the year. ESPN Expert records here. I'm alone in 2nd place, still two games behind the first place human Schlereth, although the computer is now 7 games in front.

It's safe to say the Bears are out of it. I would not be surprised if they lost the rest of their games. What little remains of their offense will struggle against Denver today. It will be interesting to see if they just give up, but I doubt it.

It's funny how Houston has also been riddled with injuries but continued to win.

San Diego could still win the AFC West.

I think we're going to have a team go undefeated and another go winless in the same year.

Giants-Dallas should be a good late game. Not a lot of thrilling match-ups today otherwise.

And another dud Monday Night game.

Jets.
Tampa Bay.
New England.
Atlanta.
Baltimore.
Miami.
Detroit.
New Orleans.
Cincinnati.
Denver.
San Francisco.
San Diego.
Green Bay.
Dallas.
Seattle- Monday Night.

The Business Of Business Is Business

2011-12-10T06:41:00.002-06:00

I don't agree that baseball is a business, just as I don't agree that it's a game.

Then what is it exactly? The answer, like most things, is "it depends".

What we all saw last October was clearly that baseball is a game. To be enjoyed. And there is no better example of this than the 2011 World Series.

But now, this time of year, baseball is a business. So the parties involved in the business have to do what's in their best interests.

Which is the beauty of the Albert Pujols signing this week by the Angels. I think all the principal actors in it won. At least for awhile.

Albert won the second biggest contract in MLB history. No doubt it would have been the biggest ever if the Yankees and Red Sox had not already had 1st basemen.

This signing fits perfectly for Pujols, who will undoubtedly benefit from being a DH later in his career.

But the biggest reason this is good for Pujols is, of course, "the money". (I'm overlooking the fact, for the moment, that on numerous occasions Pujols said it wasn't about "the money" and that he already had plenty of it. That's fodder for another post).

The Angels won, at least for the immediate future, in that they get the best hitter in the game. Ask me again in 5 or 6 years if they are still "winners" on this point and I might have a different opinion. I've watched Albert Pujols closely these last 11 years, and the Albert Pujols of today is definitely not the Albert Pujols of 5 years ago. I don't see any reason why this trend will not continue. (If I may paraphrase Toby Keith, "he ain't as good as he once was, but he's as good once as he ever was." Nowhere was this more evident than in the World Series, where he had 1 game where he was the best ever, but really did not do a lot in the other 6).

Which brings me exactly to the reason why the Cardinals also won in this deal. They are not going to be handcuffed by an expensive contract to an aging player when he is past his prime, allowing them much more flexibility in an uncertain economic era.

They have Molina, Wainwright, Freese and Craig to take care of in the future. No way that was happening with a huge Albert contract.

A lot of people think the Cardinals should take the money they were trying to come up with for Pujols and get 2 or 3 other players. But I don't. For it is the spending of the money they supposedly don't really have, whether to Pujols or others, that is the the handcuffing factor. Mid-season deals are easier to make if one remains flexible.

And the Cardinals farm system is loaded right now. With or without Albert, the Cardinals can still contend.

In the business sense, everyone wins right now. As a fan, I'm disappointed it happened like this. I would rather have Albert than not have him. But at this time of year baseball is a business, and it doesn't operate in the realms of hope and sentimentality.

Fortunately, it won't stay this way. I'm already looking forward to spring training, when all that game stuff will start again.

Thursday Night NFL Pick

2011-12-08T19:03:00.002-06:00

Pittsburgh.

More to come.

NFL Picks Week 13

2011-12-04T08:05:00.002-06:00

Last week's 11-5 puts me at 116-60 on the year. I'm in fourth place amongst humans heading into the week but only two games out of first. This whole thing is up for grabs this year. And Thursday night's win helped my cause.

The Bears offense looked bad again last week. If they have any playoff hopes remaining they've got to beat Kansas City today.

I can't believe how many people are picking the Giants over the Packers. There should be, like, zero.

That's really the only interesting matchup in games starting after noon today. And Monday's game is one of the biggest duds in years.

And, yes, I'm riding the Tebow wagon until it crashes again.

Tampa Bay.
Pittsburgh.
Atlanta.
Jets.
New England.
Oakland.
Denver.
Buffalo.
Chicago.
Baltimore.
Dallas.
Green Bay.
San Francisco.
New Orleans.
San Diego- Monday Night.

Thursday Night NFL Pick

2011-12-01T18:26:00.001-06:00

Seattle.

A Slight Misunderstanding

2011-11-28T22:16:00.002-06:00

I found out, too late, that today was actually "Cyber Monday".

I had never heard of this before. I wish I had paid closer attention.

Because I could have swore they said today was "Fiber Monday". Not good.

Oooooh {shudder}. Going to be a long night.

NFL Picks Week 12

2011-11-27T07:42:00.002-06:00

A 10-4 record last week puts me at 105-55 for the year. I'm just a game out of first place amongst the ESPN humans. Wickersham came from nowhere and went 13-1 last week, tying him with Allen for 1st place. Those two are usually in the back by this time of the season. It's been a weird year.

Anyway, the Bears have a tough one today. Should be a good game to watch. Despite the QB injury, I would like to think they still have a shot at the playoffs. Atlanta and the Giants are right behind.

The Bears need for the Lions to keep losing and someone to keep the Falcons and Giants down. I don't think I can count on the Vikings today, however. I probably can count on the Saints tomorrow.

This looks like the Colts best chance for a victory this season, as the rest of their schedule looks tough.

Houston.
Jets.
Cincinnati.
Atlanta.
St. Louis.
Carolina.
Tennessee.
Chicago.
Seattle.
San Diego.
New England.
Pittsburgh.
New Orleans- Monday Night.

Did I Misremember?

2011-11-25T09:26:00.007-06:00

"My intention was not to kick anybody, as I did not, removing myself...I was on top of a guy, being pulled down, and trying to get up off the ground -- and why you see me pushing his helmet down, because I'm trying to remove myself from the situation, and as I'm getting up, I'm getting pushed, so I'm getting myself on balance." - Ndamukong Suh.

That's an interesting statement about yesterday's incident. He was just trying to maintain his balance and used another player to do it.

But I could have swore I saw this guy stomp on another player.

I guess I'm not the only one, though. There are over 5000 comments on this statement from ESPN's article about his explanation.

This is one of my all time favorite comments:

"When I left for work yesterday morning I slipped on a patch of ice. I didn't want to fall, I mean who does, right? As I was slowly and awkwardly careening towards the earth, I was able to reach out and slam a passerby's head into the ground a few times, before finishing him off with a perfectly executed stomp. Thanks random pedestrian! If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have regained my balance." - Ketelnutzz.

Thanksgiving Picks

2011-11-24T07:21:00.002-06:00

Finally some good match-ups on Thanksgiving. Every game has potential.

It would be best for the Bears that the Packers win today. The Bears aren't going to win the division, but their position in the playoff seedings is up for grabs with the Lions.

However, I'd hate to see the Packers run the table and go undefeated. So part of me wants to see the Lions win. Which I think they will.

Miami is hot and so is Dallas.

But the most intriguing match-up to me is tonight's Baltimore-San Francisco game on NFL Network. I think we'll finally see how good the 49ers are.

Detroit.
Dallas.
Baltimore.

NFL Picks Week 11

2011-11-20T07:07:00.003-06:00

Last week was the week I had been expecting all season, only at the beginning of the year. A total flame out.

I don't think any of my picks were particularly bad, but I just got on a bad losing streak. Ended up 6-10, putting me at 95-51 on the year. It was a huge shake up last week as well for the ESPN Experts. Now I'm a game in back of Allen, who I don't believe has ever been in the lead, as far as humans are concerned.

But I really didn't feel that horribly afterwards, since the Bears had put a beat down on the Lions.

The Lions remind me of the Milwaukee Brewers. They show a lot of cockiness for a team that has won absolutely nothing. It's so sweet to beat teams like that.

But I am hoping to right myself this week. I'm not off to a good start, however, as I had the Jets Thursday night.

I'm finding the Tebow thing fascinating. The NFL "Experts" are just dumbfounded by this guy. They look for ways to castigate him every week, even though he keeps on winning. That's also so sweet to watch.

This is the last bye-week of the season, four teams resting this time.

Green Bay.
Detroit.
Cleveland.
Oakland.
Buffalo.
Dallas.
Baltimore.
San Francisco.
St. Louis.
Atlanta.
Chicago.
Giants.
New England- Monday Night.

Pretty Amazing

2011-11-16T22:10:00.003-06:00

Of course Game Six was amazing.

But similarly incredible was that Joe Buck's call of David Freese's walkoff, "we will see you tomorrow night!", came exactly 20 years and 1 day after his father, Jack, made the same call about Kirby Puckett's World Series Game Six walkoff.

I don't know if it was in tribute, or by some wild coincidence, but I thought it was pretty cool.

And Tim McCarver was the sidekick in both instances.

A lot of people noticed it, and someone put the calls back to back on YouTube.

NFL Picks Week 10

2011-11-13T06:10:00.005-06:00

I'm coming off my worst week of the season and have fallen into 2nd place with the ESPN humans. A record of 7-7 will not carry the day. I am 89-41 on the year.

I think there are a lot of toss up games this week. I didn't find any of last weeks games particularly interesting, except Monday Night's game, so I was suprised I did so poorly. This week is the exact opposite.

I'm not sure where to start. Of course there's Bears-Lions. The Bears are right back in it with a win today. I think they can do it.

I look for Indianapolis to get their first win and Miami to get its second.

Then there's Pittsburgh-Cincinnati, San Francisco-Giants, and New England-Jets, which should all be excellent matches.

I could end up today much worse than the 7-7 last week.

And, last but not least, I missed picking the Thursday Night game. It really snuck up on me. But I would have picked San Diego anyway, so I'll count that in the loss column.

Philadelphia.
Carolina.
Tampa Bay.
Miami.
Indianapolis.
Kansas City.
Dallas.
Atlanta.
Cleveland.
Pittsburgh.
Baltimore.
San Francisco.
Chicago.
Jets.
Green Bay- Monday Night.

NFL Picks Week 9

2011-11-06T06:51:00.003-06:00

Rounding the half way point and heading back in, the season is in full swing. The good teams are starting to rise and the pretenders will start making their fade. Only 14 games this week, 4 teams with a bye.

Last week I was 9-4. I must have been crazy to pick Seattle.

Anyway, I'm 82-34 on the year. I'm tied with Golic for 1st place amongst humans, although the Accuscore computer is a game better.

The Bears are getting Philadelphia at the wrong time of year. Too bad this game wasn't 6 weeks ago. Although the Bears defense usually plays Vick well, I don't see them prevailing this time.

Good games this week.

Kansas City.
Atlanta.
New Orleans.
Buffalo.
Dallas.
Houston.
San Francisco.
Cincinnati.
Oakland.
New England.
Arizona.
Green Bay.
Pittsburgh.
Philadelphia- Monday Night.

I Knew It!

2011-11-03T22:42:00.003-05:00

Game 6. This is the ESPN feed of the game, I think they broadcast the game to the outside world. At any rate, it's clear to see what happened. For some reason the Fox cameras didn't pick it up.

But watch closely as Freese is about to swing in the bottom of the 9th and as he kneels at 3rd. It's our best friend, LOL! The legend lives!

RALLY SQUIRREL!

A Temporary Post

2011-10-30T21:31:00.002-05:00

I'm sure MLB will pull it soon, but for now they are allowing the embed of this video. So I can't not post it.

I Know That Guy

2011-10-30T19:29:00.002-05:00

It's our very own Angus, who trekked down to Busch Stadium Friday Night to join in the fun. He even got in to the ballpark later after the game.

NFL Picks Week 8

2011-10-30T11:10:00.003-05:00

Football seems like such a letdown after the events of this week. The experience of it all proves once again that, for pure excitement and unbridled joy, baseball is still king.

But, this season will soon pass into a memory, and football marches on.

Last week was my poorest performance of the year, an 8-5 mark. For the year that puts me at 73-30. ESPN Experts here. That's first place for me!

Another 3 games missing as there are 6 teams with byes. Including the Bears, who could use a week off. The next month of their schedule looks brutal.

Good looking game Monday Night, my initial instinct was for San Diego. But I'm no longer going against the teams that have momentum.

Baltimore.
Carolina.
Houston.
Giants.
New Orleans.
Tennessee.
Detroit.
Buffalo.
Seattle.
San Francisco.
Pittsburgh.
Philadelphia.
Kansas City- Monday Night.

I Don't Know Why I'm So Tired

2011-10-29T06:27:00.002-05:00

"Is this really happening, Bill?" - Jack Buck at the end of Game 1 1988 World Series.

It's just a silly game with sticks and balls, right?

Then why do I feel so great?

Thanks to the Cardinals for the most thrilling month of baseball I can remember.

NFL Picks Week 7

2011-10-23T06:00:00.002-05:00

What's going on here?

Last week's 10-3 makes my record on the year 65-25. Last year it took me until week 13, in December, to reach 40 games over .500.

This surely won't continue.

I feel funny even posting about football with the World Series going on. But it's difficult to blog about baseball right now. Long time readers know of my unwillingness to comment on baseball series while they are going on, although I have occasionally broken that rule.

But I'll make one baseball comment as it relates somewhat to football. Last night's game featured a blown call that may or may not have had something to do with the outcome of the game. The NFL doesn't allow that to happen due to instant replay. You've got to get it right when two teams are playing for a championship. The baseball powers have to do something about their lack of instant replay usage.

At any rate, back to football picking. I'm in second place, one game behind Golic. The rest of the ESPN Experts picks are here.

Six teams have a bye this week, thirteen games on the slate.

And there are still 3 winless teams- St. Louis, Miami and Indianapolis. I'm starting to become a believer, that it's possible any of them could run the table in reverse like the Lions 3 years ago. Having two teams do it would be awesome.

Jets.
Chicago.
Carolina.
Detroit.
Cleveland.
Miami.
Tennessee.
Oakland.
Pittsburgh.
Green Bay.
Dallas.
New Orleans.
Baltimore- Monday Night.

World Series Eve

2011-10-18T19:03:00.003-05:00

"It's official and I now can admit it. I have absolutely no clue what this Cardinals team is going to do or where they are going to finish. Or what cartoons they like to watch in the clubhouse (although I sincerely hope Jonny Quest and Pink Panther are in the mix).

Injuries to key people, blown saves, and losing streaks equal first place.

This season is just plain inexplicable.

But it is fun to watch." -- Scottius Maximus July 5, 2011.

Little did I know...

Right now, on the eve of the World Series, I'm strangely relaxed. Just like I was at the start of the NLDS against the Phillies.

But that didn't last long. In fact, after the Cardinals jumped out to a first inning lead in Game 1, I really thought they had a good chance to win. And when you think you have a chance, the relaxation ends. I was hooked and reeled in at that point.

What followed was lots of baseball fueled anxiety only a playoff situation can engender. Every pitch becomes a possible game changer, heightening and sharpening one's senses to the slightest shift in momentum.

It's a good feeling when it's over, although not so much while it's occurring.

That's wrong...it's not a good feeling- a great feeling! Sunday night I couldn't help but recall the exhilaration of the 2006 pennant.

That feeling you get from winning the pennant...is just a "very Brady" feeling:

Five years ago, no one gave the Cardinals a chance. At least this year, no one has said "Rangers in three", like they did with the Tigers.

For the first time in 29 years, the Cardinals have home field advantage in the World Series. I hope it ends like the last time the Cardinals got 4 games at home.

Then, of course, there's going to be the lack of sleep for the next week. Because the games go on and on, the adrenaline is going, and then one must watch the post-game interviews on ESPN News or MLB Network. Makes for some late nights.

But who'd trade a World Series appearance for a few hours more of sleep?

NFL Picks Week 6

2011-10-16T06:41:00.002-05:00

Last week's record of 10-3 puts me at 55-22 for the year. I am now in a tie for second place with the ESPN Experts, a game behind Hoge.

At least this week I won't have to pick between watching the Bears or the Cardinals like I did on last Monday night...oh no, wait a minute, I see the Cardinals-Brewers game has been changed to a night game now that Texas has finished off Detroit. That's nice.

The Bears looked hideous last Monday night. I mostly watched baseball, flipping back to football to check the score from time to time. What I saw when I did watch was an embarrassment. The entire offensive line including coaching is a nightmare right now.

And they've done the impossible. They've turned Jay Cutler into a sympathetic figure.

I'm sure NBC is very happy to have the Bears on their only game of the week. They'll certainly have a lot to talk about.

Six teams once again have byes this week, leaving us with only 13 games. A lot of potentially good games this week.

I'm shocked at the number of people still picking Philadelphia at this point. And I'm shocked at how bad the Rams and Colts are. At least the Colts have an excuse.

Detroit.
Green Bay.
Atlanta.
Cincinnati.
Giants.
Pittsburgh.
Washington.
Baltimore.
Oakland,
New England.
New Orleans.
Chicago.
Jets- Monday Night.

Tuesday Reading

2011-10-11T20:03:00.002-05:00

The Maps.

The umpires in the NLCS are terrible. They are inconsistently calling balls and strikes and missing plays as well. I hope they don't cost someone the series.

Not that an umpires call could cost a team a championship or anything.

Weekend Reading

2011-10-10T22:30:00.002-05:00

Revelation 17-22.

Hard to believe but we've done it again. And in record time. Although I doubt we'll win anything.

I'm not sure why, but we're done more than 6 weeks sooner than last time we did this in 2009. Did we miss something?

Anyway, thanks for playing. We'll do it again some time.

NFL Picks Week 5

2011-10-09T11:19:00.002-05:00

Last week was another 11-5 week, the 3rd time in 4 weeks with that record. For the year I am 45-19. That's good enough for a 5th place tie with the ESPN NFL Experts.

The quarter was 8-8, 29-34 on the year. I think it's fair to say the experiment is over. I CAN do better than a coin flip this year.

First bye week of the year, six teams are sitting it out this week. So there are only 13 games.

And, of course, there's a Bears game Monday night. Which brings me to an ethical dilemma, what do I watch tomorrow night?

Why they are having baseball opposite Monday Night Football is beyond me. But I'll bet there will be complaints about the MLB NLCS ratings being down this year. It isn't hard to figure out. They stick the game opposite the Bears on MNF. And they stick it on a remote outpost of a channel on TBS.

And they wonder why ratings keep falling. The baseball powers are just stupid. Playoff games should begin late afternoon or evening, and be only on the big 4 networks. Period.

But I digress, this is supposed to be a football post.

The Jets are in trouble, just like the Bears, who will probably fall 3 games off the pace this week.

Pittsburgh.
Giants.
Cincinnati.
New Orleans.
Houston.
Buffalo.
Indianapolis.
Minnesota.
San Francisco.
New England.
San Diego.
Green Bay.
Detroit- Monday Night.

RALLY SQUIRREL! RALLY SQUIRREL!

2011-10-07T22:12:00.002-05:00

Oh, and Carpenter helped, too.

Thursday/Friday Reading

2011-10-07T17:31:00.004-05:00

Revelation 9-16.

This is hilarious! The Rally Squirrel is really quite cheeky. Wish I'd have thought of this, but I do not twit. He does have over 17,000 followers in just a few days. Hat tip to ESPN Page 2.

Update- this is also great!

Tuesday And Wednesday Reading

2011-10-05T22:01:00.002-05:00

Revelation 1-8.

Great playoff series so far. Looks like Carpenter will go again on Friday. There's no one else on the team right now or in the past 24 years who I'd rather see get the ball with everything on the line. Even if he isn't what he used to be.

Monday Reading

2011-10-03T17:56:00.002-05:00

2 John, 3 John, Jude.

It's amazing how I am not at all "relaxed" anymore about the playoffs, even though 2 days ago I was. I'm going to lose a lot of sleep again this year thinking about and watching these games.

NFL Picks Week 4

2011-10-02T11:18:00.002-05:00

Last week's 12-4 was another excellent week. I am now 34-14 on the year. Never expected to get out this fast. ESPN Experts here. I'm one game back of Golic, tied for second with Schefter, Schlereth and Wickersham.

My quarter on the hand, is struggling, a disastrous 6-10 last week, 21-26 for the year. If it doesn't do better this week, the great quarter picking experiment will be declared over. It wouldn't be ethical to continue on.

The Bears, of course, got jammed by the refs last week. Not that they deserved to win that game, they were clearly outplayed, but they still could have won if it wasn't for 2 bad calls. The Bears season is on the line this week.

I'm not surprised, I fully expected to see them fall back to the pack this year.

We have Minnesota and Kansas City in the Futility Bowl this week. Minnesota has been less awful, but I'm going for the home team.

The Chiefs nemesis, the Raiders, look great, however. They appear to be back. The Raiders should run all over the Patriots mediocre defense.

Last week before the byes.

My picks:
Dallas.
Chicago.
Buffalo.
Cleveland.
Kansas City.
Washington.
New Orleans.
Houston.
Philadelphia.
Giants.
Atlanta.
San Diego.
Oakland.
Green Bay.
Baltimore.
Tampa Bay- Monday Night.

Quarter picks:
Dallas.
Carolina.
Buffalo.
Cleveland.
Kansas City.
St. Louis.
Jacksonville.
Pittsburgh.
San Francisco.
Giants.
Atlanta.
San Diego.
Oakland.
Green Bay.
Baltimore.
Indianapolis- Monday Night.

Sunday Reading

2011-10-02T11:12:00.002-05:00

1 John.

I stopped watching after the top of the 6th. So...the Cardinals won, right? Right? Please tell me they did.

What? What could have possibly went wrong?

I can't believe LaRussa is gambling tonight, throwing Carpenter out there with 3 days rest, something the old guy has never done in his career. Just proves that desperate people do desperate things. I like it. Why not? It's going to take some risk taking to win this series.

Saturday Reading

2011-10-01T08:14:00.002-05:00

2 Peter.

No worries this playoff round. As far as I'm concerned the Cardinals are playing with house money, fortunate to even be in the mix. I'm just going to sit back and enjoy the ride.

Kind of like 2006, when no one gave the Cardinals a chance, it appears even fewer than no one is giving them a chance this year. I don't dispute that the Cardinals aren't the favorites, but to give this team "no chance", as Baseball Tonight's Karl Ravech said on Scott Van Pelt's radio program, is a bit of a stretch.

Really? No chance?

Then again, St. Louis hasn't won a post-season game since this.

Friday Reading

2011-09-30T17:30:00.003-05:00

1 Peter 4-5.

Well now, I guess there was good reason not to declare the Cardinals dead a couple weeks back. I just couldn't do it and I'm glad I didn't.

I'm still in shock the Cardinals are still standing.

The late Jack Buck sums up my feelings just right:

Jack Buck don't believe what I just saw!

And I need to give credit to the GM, John Mozielak, who I torched last month. Two playoff appearances the past 3 years now gives him a pass.

Finally, I can't forget to give credit to LaRussa. He makes inexplicable moves which make all of us bang our heads. But he is tough-minded enough to hold a team together when things aren't going so well, and I give him credit for leading the team back.

Thursday Reading

2011-09-30T06:03:00.003-05:00

1 Peter 1-3.

I could be wrong, but I doubt he'll be back. Dude needs some help.

Wednesday Reading

2011-09-28T23:07:00.004-05:00

James 4-5.

This has been the most exciting and incredible night of baseball I have ever witnessed. I cannot believe what I saw tonight, and I'm not even talking about the Cardinals.

Braves-Phillies and Rays-Yanks went deep into extra-innings. The most stunning happening was perhaps the Orioles coming from nowhere with 2 outs in the 9th against Papelbon to KO the Red Sox.

Of course, you could argue the Rays coming back from a 7-0 deficit in the 8th inning was more stunning.

Or maybe Dan Johnson's tying HR, or Longoria's walk off, was greater.

My clicker finger is sore.

I may not sleep tonight my adrenaline is pumping at such a high level. I'm speechless. Don't think I will ever see another night like this the rest of my life. WOW.

Tuesday Reading

2011-09-28T06:21:00.002-05:00

James 1-3.

Lots of stuff to contemplate here. LSB has a lot to say here.

And why does baseball make you lose so much sleep?

Sunday And Monday Reading

2011-09-26T20:20:00.002-05:00

Hebrews 6-13.

I really enjoy listening to Jon Gruden. His QB Camp shows in the offseason are brilliant, he's a good interviewer, and he is very interesting on Monday Night Football. I hope he never finds another coaching job he wants, although I doubt he'll pull a "Madden" and never return.

NFL Picks Week 3

2011-09-25T11:32:00.002-05:00

So far I am out-dueling the quarter, so my worth at least exceeds 25 cents.

Last week I was 11-5, overall 22-10 on the year. I am very surprised I am out of the gate this fast, as I really have not been sure what I am doing. If it weren't for the 49ers and Bengals, I'd be even better.

The quarter bombed out at 7-9, 15-16 for the season. I'm not ready for it to throw in the towel, but it's looking like it will fare no better than a coin flip.

ESPN Experts picks and records here.

This week we have the Bears matching up against the Packers yet again. I feel like going out on a limb and picking the Bears. Call me a contrarian, although I'm certainly not alone.

I want with every fiber of my being to pick the Bills today against the Pats, but my mind says no.

I can't wait to see how many yards Cam Newton gets today against the lowly Jaguars.

I can't believe what a mess the Chiefs are.

The way everyone's talking about them, let's go ahead and crown the Lions now.

And nobody likes the Seahawks. Except me this week.

My picks:
New Orleans.
Philadelphia.
Carolina.
New England.
Cleveland.
San Francisco.
Tennessee.
Detroit.
Baltimore.
Jets.
San Diego.
Seattle.
Tampa Bay.
Chicago.
Pittsburgh.
Dallas- Monday Night.

Quarter picks:
Houston.
Giants.
Jacksonville.
New England.
Miami.
Cincinnati.
Tennessee.
Detroit.
St. Louis.
Jets.
Kansas City.
Seattle.
Tampa Bay.
Green Bay.
Indianapolis.
Washington- Monday Night.

Saturday Reading

2011-09-25T07:04:00.002-05:00

Hebrews 1-5.

Need the "Natinals" to come through again. Otherwise, tonight will probably be ol' Albert's Busch Stadium swan song.

Friday Reading

2011-09-24T08:14:00.002-05:00

Titus and Philemon.

Watched the first Office episode of the season. It was pretty funny, but I was a little disappointed in James Spader's character, Robert California (love the name, though).

He had a great performance during the interview show at the end of last season, an intimidating almost-Svengali-type. But he seemed to have a much less overwhelming presence in his first regular appearance.

And Andy as the new regional manager? Maybe that's why the ratings weren't that great.

Wednesday And Thursday Reading

2011-09-22T21:13:00.003-05:00

1 Timothy and 2 Timothy.

"OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH! DAGNABBIT! CRAZY FLEA-BITTEN BIRDS ARE A-KILLIN' ME DEAD!"

Tuesday Reading

2011-09-20T20:43:00.002-05:00

2 Thessalonians.

I'm trying very hard not to get sucked back into the baseball season, but I find myself still watching games and the scoreboard. I haven't been able to bury the Cardinals just yet.

The frustrating thing is the same as last year- this team plays to the level of their competition. Good against good teams, terrible against the bad. Which doesn't bode well from here on out.

Sunday And Monday Reading

2011-09-19T21:37:00.002-05:00

Colossians and 1 Thessalonians.

Talked about this article a little in Bible class yesterday. America is what it is.

NFL Picks Week 2

2011-09-18T07:18:00.002-05:00

Due to a good showing in week 1, the great 2011 coin flip experiment will continue.

I thought I did pretty well last week for my lack of knowledge, finishing at 11-5. My trusty quarter also did well, finishing 8-7.

So we'll go another week, man vs. quarter.

Shockingly, I am in first place against the ESPN Experts, tied with Wickersham and Schefter.

My picks:
Detroit.
Buffalo.
Minnesota.
New Orleans.
Baltimore.
Indianapolis.
Jets.
Pittsburgh.
Washington.
Green Bay.
San Francisco.
New England.
Houston.
Cincinnati..
Atlanta.
Giants- Monday Night.

Coin flip picks:
Detroit.
Oakland.
Tampa Bay.
Chicago.
Baltimore.
Indianapolis.
Jacksonville.
Pittsburgh.
Arizona.
Green Bay.
Dallas.
San Diego.
Miami.
Cincinnati.
Atlanta.
Giants- Monday Night.

Saturday Reading

2011-09-18T06:59:00.002-05:00

Philippians.

I keep wanting to pronounce the Cardinals season over, but for some reason I can't just yet. Which is frustrating. I want to know whether it's time to move on. Declare yourselves already!

Thursday/Friday Reading

2011-09-16T20:37:00.001-05:00

Ephesians.

Gotta love this book. I think there are, pound for pound, more quotable verses in this book than any other book of the Bible. It's chock full of nuggets.

Wednesday Reading

2011-09-14T19:03:00.002-05:00

Galatians 4-6.

This year's Design Star was ultimately disappointing in its outcome. I cannot believe Meg was the winner.

It reminds me of Season 2 when Kim Myles won over Todd for no apparent reason. I don't want to imply the fix was in again, but I also cannot believe the judges couldn't see that Mark and Karl were light years better. I didn't like Meg's designs, didn't like her voice, and don't believe she has star quality at all.

Tuesday Reading

2011-09-13T19:16:00.001-05:00

Galatians 1-3.

After I regained consciousness from reading this, I had to laugh at the absurdity. Check out the urologist's name.

Monday Reading

2011-09-12T20:27:00.003-05:00

2 Corinthians 9-13.

Bears looked great yesterday, but I'd much rather have them finish the season looking great than starting it. And what happened to Kansas City and Indy? Total ugliness.

NFL Picks Week 1

2011-09-11T06:35:00.002-05:00

Here's to an undefeated season!

At least I won't go winless after Thursday's Green Bay victory. But I fear not being able to do much better than flipping a coin this year.

Which isn't a bad idea. I think I'll experiment this year. I'm going to have two sets of picks this year, at least for awhile. One that is real, and one that is a coin flip.

Hope I can do better than the flip. Even if I'm picking the Bears.

ESPN Experts picks here.

My Picks:
Chicago.
Cleveland.
Kansas City.
Philadelphia.
Detroit.
Tennessee.
Baltimore.
Houston.
Arizona.
San Diego.
San Francisco.
Giants.
Jets.
New England- Monday Night.
Denver- Monday Night.

Coin Flip:
Atlanta.
Cincinnati.
Buffalo.
St. Louis.
Tampa Bay.
Tennessee.
Pittsburgh.
Houston.
Arizona.
Minnesota.
San Francisco.
Washington.
Jets.
New England- Monday Night.
Denver- Monday Night.

Should be interesting.

Sunday Reading

2011-09-11T06:30:00.002-05:00

2 Corinthians 5-8.

I was flipping channels and ran across the NASA channel. I don't watch much NASA. But I did learn an interesting piece of information. You can actually view the international space station at various times. There is even a schedule of when it will be visible in your area.

Saturday Reading

2011-09-10T16:57:00.003-05:00

2 Corinthians 1-4.

We have a new portable phone at our house. It has the standard caller ID, of course, but it also "speaks" the ID of the caller. How it does that I don't know, but it's one of those weird computer voices.

One of the few organizations that call the house from time to time is the NRA. Which is funny, because the phone announces for all to hear that the caller is not the initials N.R.A., but the word "nra". At first I didn't believe it, so I let it keep ringing, and heard it over and over..."nra...nra...nra...". In that weird computer voice, of course.

I give the phone 5 stars for effort in trying to pronounce a non-existent word.

Friday Reading

2011-09-10T05:12:00.002-05:00

1 Corinthians 13-16.

Cardinals are still hanging by a thin thread after beating the Braves. They'd need an epic win streak to topple the teams ahead of them, however. I just don't see that happening.

Thursday Reading

2011-09-09T06:08:00.001-05:00

1 Corinthians 9-12.

I know I haven't watched as much this month. Or this year, for that matter.

Thursday Night NFL Pick

2011-09-08T18:22:00.002-05:00

Hard as it is to believe, the NFL season kicks off tonight! Seems like just a few weeks have passed since the Super Bowl, doesn't it?

I really feel more lost this year than any other recent year. I haven't kept up on many player transactions and haven't read any forecasts for the year.

Feel free to stop me from embarrassment this year. But I'm forging ahead anyway.

Anyone else in for picks this year? I'd welcome some company.

I'm anxious to see some new uniforms, also.

Anyway, without further fanfare, let's get it started.

Green Bay.

Wednesday Reading

2011-09-08T06:09:00.002-05:00

1 Corinthians 5-8.

Hard to believe that in about a month we'll have finished the New Testament as well.

Tuesday Reading

2011-09-06T19:38:00.002-05:00

1 Corinthians 1-4.

NFL starts playing games in 2 days, and I have suddenly realized I really don't know much about the upcoming season. Time for a crash course, or I'm not going to fare too well with my picks this year.

Weekend Reading

2011-09-04T16:25:00.002-05:00

Romans.

Hard to believe it's been 5 years since Steve Irwin died. I've recently watched a little bit of his shows again, they were pretty entertaining.

Friday Reading

2011-09-02T22:01:00.001-05:00

Acts 25-28.

Great photo gallery of Cardinals history from 1960s to present day, featuring none other than Mike Shannon.

Thursday Reading

2011-09-01T19:11:00.003-05:00

Acts 21-24.

This year's campaign has begun. Go here to vote for Mike Shannon for the Baseball Hall of Fame's Ford Frick award.

What I like best are the calls on that page, including the famous Glenn Brummer call. I like the vintage calls, with Ted Simmons, Ken Reitz and Lonnie Smith the best.

Wednesday Reading

2011-09-01T06:29:00.001-05:00

Acts 17-20.

Two wins over the Brewers is not going to cut it, but two sweeps could. That's the only way to draw me back into this season.

Monday And Tuesday Reading

2011-08-31T05:18:00.002-05:00

Acts 9-16.

Getting behind on posting lately. Been playing too much Wii Sports Golf, I guess. That will change...once Skyward Sword is released. Looks like November 20th is the latest release date.

Sunday Reading

2011-08-29T06:04:00.002-05:00

Acts 5-8.

I can't believe how much time was wasted on the news covering this hurricane. The media will jump on anything.

Saturday Reading

2011-08-27T21:09:00.002-05:00

Acts 1-4.

Although Willie McGee is a shy person, he did make this hilarious commercial with Ozzie Smith after his return to the Cardinals in 1996.

Friday Reading

2011-08-27T06:28:00.002-05:00

John 17-21.

Willie McGee will always be one of my favorites. Just a quite, humble, unassuming regular guy who happened to win two batting titles, three Gold Gloves and the 1985 MVP award. Nice to see him honored once again.

The 1980s Cardinals teams always had a lot of speed, and I think Willie was the fastest of them all. Willie McGee running the bases after hitting one in the gap turned in to one of the most exciting plays in baseball. It is speed that makes baseball exciting. Heck, it's speed that makes any sport exciting.

Which is why the game today is not as good as it was in the 1980s. Now the offense consists of getting a guy on base and waiting for a home run. It's a little boring.

Those 1980s clubs had constant action. Once someone got on base, every pitch was a cat and mouse moment between pitcher, baserunner and hitter. It was just very interesting to watch.

The thing about Willie was he looked so awkward playing the game (except when he was accelerating or running the bases). Watching him hit made me nervous. First of all, he always looked uncomfortable, like he really didn't want to be in the batters box. This impersonation says it all.

And he'd swing at balls out of the strike zone all the time, looking bad doing it. I think the reason why he did this is because a lot of times he'd hit them. But he sure seemed to be fighting an 0-2 count most of the time.

And it always seemed to be at a critical moment that this would happen. Which is why in the post-season watching him could reach the brink of unbearable.

But he'd come through.

It's no wonder the Yankees traded him for pitcher Bob Sykes at the start of the 1982 season. The Cardinals would have never won that year without him. That trade was perhaps a steal greater than Brock-Broglio, although certainly less famous.

Here is a nice website devoted to Willie, which has a link to a 1998 article that attempts to explain why Willie is Willie.

He's definitely a St. Louis icon.

Thursday Reading

2011-08-26T06:27:00.002-05:00

John 13-16.

Go here to see what candidate you should support for President.

Wednesday Reading

2011-08-25T07:22:00.001-05:00

John 9-12.

Wow. The natives are getting restless. Lots of interesting comments.

Tuesday Reading

2011-08-23T19:37:00.001-05:00

John 5-8.

Interesting factoid from tonight's Dodgers-Cardinals game. It's almost hard to believe.

Since 1892, the Cardinals and Dodgers have played each other 2001 times. The Cardinals have won 1001 games and the Dodgers 1000.

That's hard to believe.

Monday Reading

2011-08-22T19:57:00.003-05:00

John 1-4.

It's once again 8/22, one of the most famous days in Cardinals history. I get at least 3 or 4 hits a month from people searching for it.

And after 29 years, I found the video and the call, on MLB.com! Gotta love Mike Shannon!

Sunday Reading

2011-08-22T08:40:00.001-05:00

Luke 21-24.

Nice article which explains the Cardinals position in the standings.

Saturday Reading

2011-08-20T15:26:00.002-05:00

Luke 17-20.

I don't understand the attraction of Facebook or Twitter. What can it do that Blogger can't?

Friday Reading

2011-08-20T15:20:00.002-05:00

Luke 13-16.

The Cardinals have been looking awful. Another late inning loss. If the Cardinals miss the postseason again, that will make 4 out of the last 5 years they've missed. Should never happen with their payroll.

Since the Cubs just fired their GM, maybe it's time for the Cardinals to do the same. He is not fielding championship quality teams. And I can't say the manager is helping that much, either.

Thursday Reading

2011-08-18T21:19:00.003-05:00

Luke 9-12.

My favorite Beatles album is Abbey Road. My favorite part of the album is the final medley of "Golden Slumbers/Carry That Weight/The End". Forty two years ago today, that last song, The End, the last song recorded collectively by all four Beatles, finished recording.

I never realized, prior to Wikipedia, that the last guitar sequence was played in rotation by McCartney, Harrison and Lennon. But it makes sense when you listen with this knowledge.

Per Wikipedia:
"The first two bars are played by McCartney, the second two by Harrison, and the third two by Lennon, then the sequence repeats.^[1] Each has a distinctive style which McCartney felt reflected their personalities: McCartney's playing included string bends similar to his lead guitar work on "Another Girl" from the Help! album; Harrison's was melodic with slides yet technically advanced; and Lennon's was rhythmic, stinging, and had the heaviest distortion. "

After the third repetition comes what I believe to be Chris Farley's favorite line: "And, in the end, the love you take/ Is equal to the love you make".

Wednesday Reading

2011-08-18T07:17:00.001-05:00

Luke 5-8.

Brewers have won 19 out of 21. Which means their only 2 losses in 3 1/2 weeks were their 2 losses to the Cardinals. Why can't anyone else beat them?

Tuesday Reading

2011-08-17T07:08:00.001-05:00

Luke 1-4.

Strange reading about the Christmas story in the middle of summer. Which reminds me- it's only 4 months until Christmas and none of you has asked for my wish list.

Monday Reading

2011-08-16T07:44:00.002-05:00

Mark 13-16.

Six games back with 40 to play. Difficult but not impossible. If Milwaukee just plays .500 baseball the rest of the way, St. Louis would have to play .675.

Despite all the injuries, with the lineup they have the Cardinals appear to have underachieved two years in a row. Kind of disappointing.

Sunday Reading

2011-08-14T17:48:00.002-05:00

Mark 9-12.

Tonight's the finale of Food Network Star. I don't care who wins, really, as I like all 3 finalists.

But I think it will be Jeff. He would probably be the most interesting/entertaining.

Saturday Reading

2011-08-14T08:44:00.002-05:00

Mark 5-8.

It was a wet spring. I should have known it wouldn't continue. As usual, there's been almost no rain since summer started. I'm sure my plants don't know what to "think" anymore.

I hope it gets wet again soon. And I can't believe I just typed that. Never content, I guess.

Friday Reading

2011-08-13T08:27:00.002-05:00

Mark 1-4.

With the NFL season around the corner, I've been exercising my NFL uniform eye. One of the websites I follow is, of course, Uni Watch, which has an amazing page called White At Home In The NFL.

It is an historical record of every time an NFL team has worn white jerseys for home games since 1957.

Since the Bears have worn white at home only a handful of times (4 to be exact), I've naturally always been a fan of team wearing their colors at home. I've never understood, for example, why the Cowboys almost always wear white at home, when their blue uniforms give them one of the best, if not the best, uniforms in the league.

Only 1 team, the Seahawks, has never worn white at home. Which is a shame, because they have one of the ugliest uniforms in existence. They are the exception to the rule.

Each year there are uniform tweaks. I know the Bills have gotten rid of their hideous uniforms and gone to a more classic look.

I'm not sure who else has made a change, but I'm looking forward to the new season to see the winners and losers- in the uniform arena, too.

Thursday Reading

2011-08-11T22:06:00.001-05:00

Matthew 25-28.

It's good to finally get a win, especially when it's a must-win.

Wednesday Reading

2011-08-10T20:13:00.002-05:00

Matthew 21-24.

Another one drops. Man, why are the Cardinals players so fragile?

Tuesday Reading

2011-08-09T21:39:00.003-05:00

Matthew 17-20.

I was looking through the maps of my Lutheran Study Bible tonight, and I couldn't help noticing that the island of Kittim somewhat resembles the shape of the contiguous United States.

Monday Reading

2011-08-08T21:33:00.001-05:00

Matthew 13-16.

Total surprise that Tyler went home on tonight's Design Star. I thought sure it would be Kevin. But that Cathy is the one who really needs to go.

Sunday Reading

2011-08-07T23:04:00.002-05:00

Matthew 9-12.

The offense is rolling but the Cardinals aren't making up any ground. They're not getting any help, so they'll have to do it themselves, which is as it should be anyway. Big series starting Tuesday. Better bring the A game, or it could be over by the end of the week.

Saturday Reading

2011-08-06T14:28:00.002-05:00

Matthew 5-8.

A great day for Bears fans as Richard Dent makes it to the Hall Of Fame. I haven't watched the '85 Bears for awhile.

What a fun year that was. The Bears might win another Super Bowl some day, but there will never be another year like that one.

Friday Reading

2011-08-05T20:19:00.002-05:00

Matthew 1-4.

Too bad the Pirates are fading fast. I was hoping they could make a run at the division title, even hoped they would win if the Cardinals didn't. Since that isn't going to happen, at least they have a shot at being over .500 again.

Thursday Reading

2011-08-04T20:54:00.002-05:00

Malachi.

And so ends the Old Testament. Hold on to your hats, we're about to enter the New. Be prepared to be undone.

Wednesday Reading

2011-08-03T20:39:00.003-05:00

Zechariah 11-14.

Bubba Smith died. I remember him on the Colts, and that he was huge, but remember him best in this commercial. I can't remember if he was on the "tastes great" or "less filling" team.

That was one of the greatest series of ads in TV history. This one was one of my favorites.

Tuesday Reading

2011-08-02T19:59:00.002-05:00

Zechariah 7-10.

So, Busch Stadium is falling apart. What'd that take, 5 years?

I say tear it down and put the old stadium back up. In all the years it stood, I don't remember pieces of it falling to Earth.

Monday Reading

2011-08-01T21:48:00.002-05:00

Zechariah 3-6.

Down now to the final four on Food Network Star. Jeff is the clear favorite. I was surprised Mary Beth survived this week, and think she'll be the next to go home. Then Vic will be next, and finally Susie, which will leave Jeff the winner.

I think this has been the most enjoyable group to watch since I started watching this show, which was the year Aaron McCargo won. I wouldn't mind seeing any one of the remaining contestants win. Good bunch.

Sunday Reading

2011-07-31T16:17:00.002-05:00

Haggai. Zechariah 1-2.

It's amazing how being sick zaps you of strength. I've tried to keep up with my exercise the past 4 days, but tire so easily I can only do about 1/2 what I normally can do. Which makes me always marvel at Michael Jordan's 1997 Game 5.