Thursday Night NFL Pick

Indianapolis.

NFL Picks Week 13

I really fizzled out last week after a hot start, finishing 11-5. So I was 104-72 on the year heading into the week. ESPN Experts here and here.

The Bears took a giant step forward last week, so I'm fearful of them falling down this week. The Lions are still a year or two from being good, so I think they'll pull through.

The Rams seem to be getting stronger as the year goes on. They look like the favorites in the NFC West. I know, that is not saying much. But the Rams have to be very thankful they picked Sam Bradford first in the last draft. He has been sensational. That team is one to watch next year, and as they continue to mature this season, could be an upset pick come playoff time this year.

Usually I try to ignore the northeast slant of ESPN, but this Monday's game is clearly the best match-up on Monday Night Football this season. The Jets are definitely the funnest team around.

Which means the game will probably be a blowout and not worth the time.

New Orleans.
Chicago.
Green Bay.
Jacksonville.
Kansas City.
Miami.
Minnesota.
Giants.
San Diego.
Seattle.
Atlanta.
St. Louis.
Indianapolis.
Baltimore.
New England- Monday Night.

Thursday Night NFL Pick

Philadelphia.

NFL Picks Week 12

After last's weeks 12-4, my first double digit victory week of the season, I was at 93-67 heading into this week. So far I'm 3-0 this week, although Thanksgiving's games were less than difficult to predict the outcome of.

ESPN Experts here and here.

Whether it is a fluke or a trend for the second half of the season remains to be seen. But I've felt a little more comfortable making picks, for the first time this season, actually.

I want to get excited about the Bears, but it is still hard. This week's game will go a long way to answering my questions about the team. The defense seems to be on top of its game, and with Devin Hester on the field, they are definitely exciting to watch on special teams. But that offense...???

Now is the time of year the good teams really start to rise up above the rest. If the Bears can pull it off against the Eagles, I'll have more hope than I have since '06.

Lots of toss ups this week.

Atlanta.
Pittsburgh.
Cleveland.
Giants.
Minnesota.
Houston.
Seattle.
Oakland.
Denver.
Chicago.
Baltimore.
Indianapolis.
Arizona- Monday Night.

Thanksgiving Picks

New England.
New Orleans.
Jets.

NFL Picks Week 11

Like everyone else, I struggled last week to an 8-6 record. Now, with Thursday Night's loss, I'm sitting at 81-64. ESPN Experts here and here. I'm in 7th place out of 13 "pickers", so considering how hard this year has been, I'm okay with it.

Check out Tom Jackson. His record is 93-52. Had the best record last year also. Unbelievable. He knows and understands football better than anyone else I've ever seen.

Anyway, I think I'd do much better if I excused myself from picking Bears games. I seem to lose most of these games. I'm either too optimistic or too pessimistic about their chances. This year has definitely been a pessimistic year.

It's like a conflict of interest- I'm too invested in the team to really be able to make an unbiased pick.

Anyway, here's something I don't say often- "Go Vikings."

How many times this year has Philadelphia, Washington, New England or one of the NY teams been on Sunday, Monday or Thursday Night national telecasts? Seems like every time you turn around it's one of them playing at night.

Finally, a full slate of games ahead this week.

Cincinnati.
Dallas.
Tennessee.
Kansas City.
Minnesota.
Jets.
Pittsburgh.
Baltimore.
Jacksonville.
Tampa Bay.
New Orleans.
Atlanta.
New England.
Philadelphia.
San Diego- Monday Night.

Thursday Night NFL Pick

Miami.

NFL Picks Week 10

Last week was a little more successful at 9-4. Coupled with Thursday Night's win, I'm up to 74-57. ESPN Experts here.

Unfortunately for me, this weekend's games include a lot of tossups. Good for watching, not good for picking.

The Bears unquestionably have their biggest game of the year. If they win, they might have a legitimate shot at the playoffs. Lose, and they may go the rest of the year without winning.

I take that back. Whether they win or lose, they may not win the rest of the year. Their schedule is just too tough.

This is the last bye week, so my chances of getting at least 10 wins in a week should go up greatly next week.

Buffalo.
Chicago.
Jets.
Tampa Bay.
Houston.
Indianapolis.
Tennessee.
Kansas City.
Giants.
Arizona.
San Francisco.
Pittsburgh.
Philadelphia- Monday Night.

Thursday Night NFL Pick.

Atlanta.

NFL Picks Week 9

The season will be half over after today for most teams. I continue to struggle, finishing last week at 7-6. For the season I am only 64-53.

To put things in perspective, last year, after 8 weeks I was 79-37. At least I'm not the only one struggling.

Of course it makes sense that I'm struggling as bad as they are, given I get most of my NFL info from ESPN.

I'm resigned that this isn't my year. But I'll keep trying.

Atlanta.
Buffalo.
New England.
Jets.
New Orleans.
Baltimore.
Houston.
Minnesota.
Giants.
Indianapolis.
Oakland.
Green Bay.
Pittsburgh- Monday Night.

NFL Picks Week 8

My whole season has been as scary as the first Halloween movie, so there's no reason to think there won't be plenty of fright in today's games.

Last week's 9-5 record gets me to 57-47. ESPN records here.

Who doesn't have a case of Favre fatigue by now? But the media won't let this crazy cat's behavior go. Does any sane person really believe he won't start today? Yet the media is creating a story that he possibly won't. Give me a break. Media manufactured hooey.

We're almost half way through the season. Which means Thanksgiving and Christmas are drawing close. I'll have my wish list done soon.

One thing that would be a surprise gift would be a double digit week. Looking at the schedule, I might be able to get it this week.

If it weren't for the fact there's only 13 games.

Miami.
Dallas.
Washington.
Kansas City.
St. Louis.
Jets.
San Francisco.
Tennessee.
Arizona.
New England.
Oakland.
Pittsburgh.
Indianapolis- Monday Night.

NFL Picks Week 7

We're in week 7 and I still don't know what's going on. Hence my lack of a double digit win total in any week.

Last week was 8-6. For the season I'm at 48-42. ESPN Experts here and here.

I'm disappointed in the Bears, almost as much as myself. I'm not sure how you can expect to win with a Swiss cheese offensive line and a quarterback who can't get rid of the ball. I'm not sure which is more to blame, but it is ugly. That they are 4-2 is a complete mirage.

Almost as ugly as my picks. This has not been as fun of a season so far as I thought it would be.

But there's still 10 weeks left after this one, plenty of time to right the ship.

Atlanta.
Washington.
Tampa Bay.
San Francisco.
Baltimore.
Tennessee.
Kansas City.
Pittsburgh.
New Orleans.
Seattle.
San Diego.
Denver.
Minnesota.
Giants- Monday Night.

NFL Picks Week 6

Look out, the sky is falling!

No, really, it is.

I've spent the week trying to figure out some way to distract myself from my 5-9 record last week. So, I'm thinking of natural disasters a lot.

By the way, did you hear the one about the idiot who picked the Panthers to beat the Bears? Maybe coming up with a suitable punchline will help.

Or denial. I made all those lousy picks last week as a joke...err, I bet someone I would do that...err...

I wasn't the only one who picked poorly. Look at everyone else- they're records were just as bad, heck, Hoge was 4-10.

I suppose that's rationalization.

But then reality sets in. Last week was just one of those bad weeks where nothing goes right, a once every few years scenario. So I guess I have that out of my system until 2014.

Anyway, enough lamenting. I'm only 40-36 for the year. But in comparison to the ESPN Experts, I'm not doing that badly. I'm still ahead of a few. I feel worse for them than I do for myself. They make a living doing this stuff.

This week has a few good games. Baltimore-New England should be good. And we have the Desperation Bowl- Dallas v. Minnesota.

There are a bunch of games that are a coin flip. This season is going to be ugly.

Chicago.
Green Bay.
San Diego.
Baltimore.
New Orleans.
Giants.
Atlanta.
Pittsburgh.
Houston.
San Francisco.
Jets.
Minnesota.
Washington.
Tennessee- Monday Night.

NFL Week 5 Picks

We're about 1/4 of the way through the season- who'd have thunk it?

I have yet to get in double digit wins for any week. Had some good things happen last week to put me at 9-5. But the last second wins were balanced by a couple last moment losses, so I'm okay with it.

I'm only 35-27 for the year. ESPN experts here. And here. Tom Jackson is the king of picking games.

I've been laying off picking the Bears. I get mad enough when they lose, so if I pick against them at least I've got a win out of it. Does that make any sense?

Sam Bradford looks good so far. If he stays healthy, the Rams could actually win their division.

I can't believe I just typed that.

Which is a bigger surprise- the Chiefs or the 49ers? Gotta be the 49ers. I had them in the Super Bowl! But, since they're in such a weak division, they may still make the playoffs.

I almost went for the Chiefs today, but the Colts are too good at home. I've been impressed by Kansas City's energy and speed.

Cincinnati.
Atlanta.
Houston.
Indianapolis.
Green Bay.
Jacksonville.
Baltimore.
Carolina.
St. Louis.
New Orleans.
San Diego.
Dallas.
San Francisco.
Jets- Monday night.

NFL Picks Week 4

I see a trend here. I'm not doing so hot.

Last week was another 9-7, so I'm 26-22 for the year. Still barely better than the coin flip.

But it's a new week. And the Bears are 3-0, so I'll take it. And, my "colleagues" at ESPN aren't fairing that great either. Except for Tom Jackson.

Loved the Bears' uniforms the other night. I want to see a game with them wearing helmets with a white C, though. I like this look.

No way I'm picking against Pittsburgh's defense anymore. They are single-handedly winning games.

Not as much action this week as the bye-weeks are starting. Let's get to it.

Atlanta.
Cincinnati.
Jets.
St. Louis.
Tennessee.
Green Bay.
Pittsburgh.
New Orleans.
Indianapolis.
Houston.
Philadelphia.
San Diego.
Giants.
New England- Monday Night.

NFL Picks Week 3

Last week's 9-7 was not the result I was wanting but did propel me over .500 for the year, where I stand 17-15. I could have flipped a coin and possibly done better. Not good. ESPN Expert picks here. Still, I'm only 3 games back, so it's not time to panic yet.

This is the last full slate of games until week 11. The big match up is Monday night. But a lot of interesting games that could make or break seasons will occur today.

Usually when the Bears are on Monday night against the Packers, they get demolished. Let's hope that won't happen this time, but I'm not picking them.

Giants.
Pittsburgh.
Cincinnati.
Baltimore.
Houston.
Kansas City.
Minnesota.
New England.
New Orleans.
Washington.
Philadelphia.
Arizona.
San Diego.
Indianapolis.
Miami.
Green Bay- Monday Night.

NFL Picks Week 2

I struggled to break even last week, starting the year 8-8. The first week of the season usually brings surprises, and we weren't disappointed. ESPN Experts did a little better, but I'm not out of yet after the first week. Since Mort went 8-8, I don't feel too bad.

I think the two biggest surprises were how good the two Missouri teams looked after years of futility. Kansas City looks even more improved than I gave them credit for in my seasonal forecast. And the Rams should have won last week, Sam Bradford looked like the quarterback they've looked for since Kurt Warner left town, and they also are going to win more games than I originally predicted.

On a couple of uniform notes, I thought it was odd for the Bears to wear white at home last week. I don't like it, and fortunately it has only happened a handful of times in their history. But a lot of teams did it. Also, I absolutely loved to see the Redskins return to wearing yellow pants with burgundy jerseys at home. That look is so much better for them.

With a win last week, Pittsburgh is definitely back in the playoff hunt. I didn't know what their record would be after the first four weeks without Roethlisberger, but if they end up 2-2 I think they'll be thrilled.

No teams looked better than the Ravens and Patriots. On paper and on the field last week, these are clearly the two best teams. Right now.

This week has a few good games to watch. I almost picked the Rams over the Raiders, but the Raiders supposedly do have a pretty good defense to combat Bradford with. I also almost went with the Lions over the Eagles. We'll see if I regret not sticking my neck out on those two.

Tennessee.
Minnesota.
Atlanta.
Baltimore.
Kansas City.
Dallas.
Philadelphia.
Green Bay.
Carolina.
Denver.
Oakland.
Houston.
New England.
San Diego.
Indianapolis.
San Francisco- Monday Night.

Even Though This Season Was A Waste...

...at least the Cardinals have come back home. This is the best Cardinals news all year.

I've missed "Live at Shannon's" the past few seasons because KTRS was a joke of a radio station to begin with. KMOX comes in fairly well 24/7. KTRS comes in well only during the day. Forget it at night.

On a national level, KMOX is as big as they come. The only states that can't pick it up are Alaska and Hawaii. To maintain a viable national market, the Cardinals had to do this.

Even an organization making such boneheaded moves as trading Ryan Ludwick realized the mistake they had made. Good for them this time.

Although I got a chuckle about this:
"I don't think there are any regrets," DeWitt said about the original decision to leave KMOX."

Really? I can think of millions of people who would disagree with that statement.

NFL Picks Week 1

Hard to believe football is here. In just two months it'll be Thanksgiving!

Last year was one of my best years, in regards to the regular season. I struggled once again in the post-season. I do that so often you'd think Tony LaRussa was managing me.

The week's already started, and with New Orleans' win, I can still hope for an undefeated season.

There are two games tomorrow night and one game tonight. That leaves just 13 games this afternoon. It's going to be awesome.

The Bears have a rough schedule to start, and given their preseason performance, it's surprising to me I had them down with 6 wins. But they should get one today.

All I can say is, it's nice football is back when baseball has been so disappointing.

ESPN expert picks here.

Giants.
Atlanta.
Cleveland.
Denver.
Indianapolis.
Miami.
Chicago.
Tennessee.
New England.
Arizona.
San Francisco.
Philadelphia.
Dallas.
Baltimore- Monday.
San Diego- Monday.

This Is How It Will Go Down

Or not. Which is the most likely scenario.

It's time once again to hold myself up to national ridicule by attempting to prognosticate the NFL. Although it wasn't too bad last year, I did have the two Super Bowl teams not even making the playoffs.

This year I made it even worse on myself by attempting to predict final records, based on each team's individual schedules.

What I came up with surprised even me. There is definitely a disparity of scheduling in the NFL.

There are some great games coming up this year also.

I see Baltimore and San Francisco returning to prominence this year. New Orleans could repeat...or miss the playoffs altogether. They have a tough schedule.

I have the Ravens over the 49ers in the Super Bowl. Which most likely means neither team has a chance.

But you can all come back and laugh at me when it's all over.

NFC EAST
Philadelphia 9-7.
Dallas 9-7.
Giants 9-7.
Washington 7-9.

NFC NORTH
Green Bay 9-7.
Minnesota 8-8.
Chicago 6-10.
Detroit 4-12.

NFC SOUTH
Atlanta 13-3.
New Orleans 10-6.
Tampa Bay 5-11.
Carolina 1-15.

NFC WEST
San Francisco 12-4.
Arizona 12-4.
Seatle 3-13.
St. Louis 2-14.

AFC EAST
New England 13-3.
Jets 11-5.
Miami 9-7.
Buffalo 4-12.

AFC CENTRAL
Baltimore 12-4.
Cincinnati 9-7.
Pittsburgh 8-8.
Cleveland 4-12.

AFC SOUTH
Indianapolis 13-3.
Houston 11-5.
Tennessee 9-7.
Jacksonville 2-14.

AFC WEST
San Diego 11-5.
Denver 8-8.
Oakland 7-9.
Kansas City 6-10.

In the NFC Playoffs, I have New Orleans over Green Bay and Philadelphia over Arizona in the Wild Card Round, San Francisco over Philadelphia and New Orleans over Atlanta in the Divisional Playoffs, and San Francisco over New Orleans in the NFC championship.

In the AFC Playoffs, I have San Diego over the Jets and Baltimore over Houston in the Wild Card Round, Baltimore over New England and San Diego over Indianapolis in the Divisional Playoffs, and Baltimore over San Diego in the AFC championship.

Lots of big games to look forward to this year. The week 11 match up of Indy-New England is always big, and I see Indy still being undefeated until that week.

But all the games should be good. Anybody got Red Zone?

I Didn't Forget

I just couldn't post my pick Thursday because my modem went down in flames.

I'm back up now though, just in time for tomorrow's opening Sunday.

I did have New Orleans, just so you know, although I think just about everyone did.

Not Just Tennessee Tuxedo

Sitcoms have always been my favorite form of TV. I've always been a big fan of Dick Van Dyke, Mary Tyler Moore, Andy Griffith, Seinfeld, and Frasier. More recently, I've started watching and liking The Office.

And, of course, there's Lucy. Better not forget that one.

But there is one often overlooked sitcom that has probably made me laugh out loud more than any other. Of course, with Mel Brooks and Buck Henry involved, it had to be great.

I don't know how, but YouTube has done it again. Here is the beginning of the pilot episode in 1965 of Get Smart. I defy you not to laugh at this.



Or this.

Twilight Princess

The only time I could be described as great at video games would have been in the early 1980s when I was in college, had very quick reflexes, and ruled the Intellivision universe.

I played Intellivision until around '91, when I first got a Nintendo system. It was then that I was introduced to the Zelda universe. And although I enjoy playing Mario, Zelda is the crown jewel of the Nintendo game systems. I actually played Zelda II before Zelda I. I can't remember why now, except I think I bought Zelda II by mistake first.

I upgraded in '94 to SNES. I still consider "A Link To The Past" to be the best Zelda game ever. Recently the young Angus bought it at a nice price, and I enjoyed watching him play it. He also got "Zelda" and "Zelda II".

Last Christmas, Santa Claus purchased a Wii and delivered it to our house. With it was a new Zelda game. New to me, that is. Having not played a Zelda game in over 10 years, I was concerned about my playing skills.



I started playing "Twilight Princess" around New Year's Day. It took me approximately 97 hours to finish playing over the past 7 1/2 months, but I have finally reached the end and completed the adventure.

Where would I rank it? A close second to "A Link To The Past". I could have done without the interruptions in play for the little movies to start and stop. That really slowed the game up for me.

I found the bosses to be a little too easy to defeat this time. One of the things I remember about the previous Zelda games was the bosses could do a lot of damage and take a lot of punishment. These bosses could do neither, with the exception of Ganondorf in the finale, who I didn't think would ever die.

The game was visually spectacular. The Hyrule world was a joy to gaze upon. But the fields were way too big for the amount of action that took place in them. Even on horseback, it took a long time to go from one end of a field to another.

I thoroughly enjoyed the new Midna character. It was good to have a travel companion and someone to turn to for help at times. I enjoyed the sarcasm and wit as well.

Some of the side quests did not seem to tie in well to the game itself. The amnesia thing- what was that about? And the Poes? Why bother? I tried a few of the other games within the game, the games of chance, the flying games at Lake Hylia, but was unsuccessful and really didn't want to waste too much time on them. Perhaps if I play again.

Although the bosses were easier to defeat, playing the game required more help. I got stuck more in this game than on any of the previous games. I had to go online to figure out what to do next. I think that is partly due to the fact I'm not as patient as I once was, that I don't have as much time to play as I once did, and that the worlds are so big it just takes forever to explore.

The most enjoyable dungeon to me was in Lake Hylia- lots of puzzles to figure out. The least enjoyable I thought was the Goron Mines. Which is all relative anyway- they were all likable.

I liked the snowboarding and horseback riding. The fishing was something I didn't get into at all. I only caught a few fish.

The music was great. Right on par with "A Link To The Past's" soundtrack.

I found the most frustrating part of the whole game was trying to escort the covered wagon and keep it from burning up. I don't know how many times I did this part of the game until I finally figured out what to do to keep the wagon from turning away and going in circles.

I didn't enjoy the Twilight world as much, either. It has been written that the Twilight world is taken directly from "A Link To The Past". But only the idea, not the execution, due to the fact Link becomes a wolf in this world in this game version. I didn't enjoy playing as a wolf as much as playing as Link, due to not having any weapons.

I didn't find all of the howling stones, either, something I shall try to rectify should I choose to play again.

Which is most certain to occur should I live long enough. Heck, I even started playing Zelda I again earlier this summer. I just need to wait until I forget how to get through everything. I mean, what's the point of playing a game you already know how to get through?

Final grade of this game- "A".

You Had Your Chance

To say something nice about the Cubs, that is. But now it's time to finish them off.

Go to the final poll at Uni Watch and vote for the best home MLB uniform. It's the Cardinals, Cubs, Tigers, A's, Yankees, Dodgers, Braves, Red Sox and Giants in the final battle.

Quick- Say Something Nice About The Cubs!

And I don't mean complimenting their generosity in trading Lou Brock, or in letting Bruce Sutter walk away.

Although it goes against every fiber of my outward persona, I'm about to give the Cubs a straight up compliment, with no hidden back-handed slap.

Here it is- I have always thought they have nice uniforms.



The great website Uni Watch is conducting a poll- What are the best MLB home uniforms?

Please go there and vote for up to 10 of your favorites. The top 9 vote getters will advance to a playoff round. Voting will continue through next week.

Right now the Tigers lead the Cardinals by 14 votes, which is only .06%! The Dodgers are next only 100 votes back. Your vote could make the difference.

Did I vote the Cubs in the top 10? Of course. Should they be voted ahead of the Cardinals? Only Ocho Cinco knows for sure.


"Child please."

Another Reason I Love YouTube!

'Cause where else can you see Batting Stance Guy?

There is truth in humor, and this is so funny because this guy always nails it so well.

Here he is doing the Cardinals:



Who can ever forget Tom Lawless flipping his bat after homering off of Frank Viola in Game 4 of the 1987 World Series?

Obviously not Batting Stance Guy.

Or Joe Sports Fan, who described that moment as "the equivalent of the Loch Ness Monster popping out of the Mississippi River and eating center fielder Dan Gladden."

My Kind Of Meeting

I hate meetings. In general, I find them a waste of valuable time, tempting attendees to bloviate endlessly about minutiae.

I probably would have liked working with Whitey Herzog.

Here's a great article by Tim Kurkjian about the greatest baseball man alive, Whitey Herzog, who is being inducted into the Hall Of Fame today.

Finally. And I think maybe at my behest, no?

Below is an excerpt from the article:

"I don't remember him ever having a team meeting except for one time, which Whitey had in front of a thousand people," said former Cardinals outfielder Andy Van Slyke, who played for Herzog from 1983 to 1986. "In 1985, we started out 1-6. At the team's 'Welcome Home Luncheon,' Whitey got up in front of the crowd and said something like, 'I know a lot of you thought we had a pretty good club here this year. I thought we did, too.' Then he looked down the line of players at the luncheon and said, 'It's time to s--- or get off the pot.' Then he just sat down. He was talking to players, not the fans. I'll never forget that."

Short, sweet, and to the point, might sum up that meeting. Must have worked, too, as that team won 101 games and the NL pennant that year.

And if you haven't read Whitey's book, you're missing something. There are a lot of such stories in it.

Growing Season

Thanks to a new computer this summer, I've been able to start getting some things done. Like posting more.

One of the things I've been able to accomplish is getting a load of pictures off my camera and into files and then backed up.

This year I've been able to get a lot of plant pictures. I thought some of them turned out nicely, so I thought I'd share some over the next few weeks.

To get things started, I'd like to return us to Spring. You remember Spring, right? It was that few days in between the time it was icy and now, when it is unbearable to stay out past noon.

Spring always means tulips. I've had a bed full of Triumph Red tulips for 5 years now. Which is a long time in the tulip universe, considering all the critters in my backyard who like to make meals of bulbs.

The weird thing this year is that I had one lone tulip, in a sea of red, that came out looking like a candy cane. The only one that wasn't solid red, but red and white.

Here's what I've gotten to look forward to for 5 years. (I've also had a bed of taller yellow Big Smile tulips, but sadly, during the winter, they succumbed to both tree squirrels and chipmunks, so only a few survived).










Now, check this out.



I took this next photo at dusk with a flash and am pleased with how it turned out.



If you click on the pictures, you'll get an even better look.

So next year, I'll be looking for the return of the candy cane. Maybe he'll bring some friends. If he doesn't maybe I'll just call in "The Gunny" again.

Not Really Random Thoughts

I don't do Twitter, but these brief holiday weekend thoughts are probably things I could have twote.

Frustration, humor, and frustration summed up my July 4th weekend.

First was a little frustration.

I was reminded this past weekend that, aside from Halloween and New Year's, Independence Day is about the lamest holiday we have.

Not the idea behind it, but the execution of it.

When else can you get an endless serenade of little neighborhood explosions from the crack of dawn until you're trying to fall asleep that night?

After say, I don't know, the 2nd time you set off a firecracker, doesn't it all just get a little old? Who can sit there all day and light firecrackers? Apparently, some can.

Some of us do not enjoy the seemingly infinite barrage of disruptions in our attempt at a little tranquility. But it never fails to amaze me what entertains people.

I'm not down on fireworks, done professionally in capable hands. I am down on those whose idea of being neighborly is to subject the rest of the neighborhood to what can only be described as disturbing the peace.

Now for a little humor. I have learned to appreciate what a great announcer David Wells is after his performance this weekend.

On Sunday's TBS All Star Selection Show, he attempted to pronounce the name of Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt when discussing Phillies 3rd baseman Scott Rolen's selection to the team.

Only he left out the "m" sound in Schmidt's name. Fortunately, he quickly corrected himself. Since I wasn't sure if I heard what I thought I heard, I hit the rewind button on the DVR a few times, and sure enough, each time I listened I got the same result.

Didn't anyone else hear this?

Thanks for the laugh, David Wells. And big props to him, as well as Dennis Eckersley and Cal Ripken, for not bursting out into laughter.

Finally, back to frustration. Summed up in 3 words. St. Louis Cardinals.

But it was good to see that someone else is fed up with the Cardinals' descent into mediocrity. Boos at Busch? That takes a lot of screwing up.

There. Now I feel better.

Was this too long to be a twit?

I Heard This Song Today

I don't remember a lot about the day other than it was very hot. But in August 1980, incredibly now 30 years ago, I went to see this artist at the Illinois State Fair.

The other thing I remember about that day is stopping by the Republican tent and getting a Reagan for President button to wear.