Monday, November 30, 2009

Monday AM QB

Colts 35 - Texans 27

Blueprint, blueprint, blueprint!!!! Only one problem, Houston didn't close out the game. So evidently this was not the right one.

All kidding towards Greg aside, this was the right game plan for Houston or anyone for that matter. But it has to be executed, without penalties and turnovers.

The Colts got their asses handed to them in the 1st half and by that fact alone, it was hard to believe that Houston could have blown it. But in true Houston form, they found a way to get to the line and still not cross it. They just cannot seem to get over the hump, when it counts the most.

With this win and Jacksonville's loss, the Colts clinch another AFC South Division title. But the Colts will need to be alert next week, when the rejuvenated Titans come to town.


Philadelphia 27 - Skins 24

I actually got to see a little of this while in the bar at Buffalo Wild Wings. Washington was actually ahead and looked like they could pull it out. I left before the game was over and this is the score I found, when I checked it out later.

Sorry, Rocket. Maybe Santa will be extra good to you this year, to compensate.


Vikings 36 - Bears 10

Bears looked good at first, then the old man and his team took charge. I think the Vikings are the best team in the NFL right now. They are solid at every position, the way NE was a few years ago.


Chargers 43 - Chiefs 14

Must be nice for the overrated Chargers to feel good about beating up on a pathetic team. I suppose the sports pundits will be singing their praises all week for it. But the fact remains that 5 of their 8 wins have come against losing teams. And the rest of their schedule looks pretty cushy except for the Bengals and Titans.


Titans 20 - Cardinals 17

Tennessee continues ti impress in its bid to return to normalcy. Who knows? If they can win out, they may just get a wild card spot.


New England at New Orleans
(Monday Night Football, 8:00PM EST)


Should be a very good game, the winner will be the one that does what they do best. That may mean the last team to score will win it.

It will be important for the defenses to play well when it matters most. Because it is not realistic that either defense can completely shut down the other offense.

While I cannot see NE losing another big game to another good team, the Saints will have home field. The thing that makes me lean toward NE most is Tom Brady. He has the experience in these types of games, while Brees is not used to this kind of success (despite the fact he is no rookie).

As I said, it will be a great game (one that will be on too late for me). Prediction: NE 30 - NO 28.



UPDATE:

Saints 38 - Pats 17


I guess I was wrong. Maybe the Saints are the team that has been getting overlooked, in the mix of things. The media has been giving the Colts and the Vikings much of the attention. But meanwhile, the Saints have been racking up wins, and now they have soundly beaten one of the better teams of the decade.

I didn't watch the game, because my day starts earlier than most other people's and I need the rest for what I must do. But imagine my shock as I see the score and look at the stats.

First Downs were NE 23 and NO 18, but total net yards were NO 480 to NE's 366. That means the Saints were able to get the ball down the field better. The thing that stood out when I saw the box score: Brees 158.3/Int 0, Brady 55.0/Int 2. That was a shocker. I guess one must credit the NO defense for making the plays they needed to, when they needed to do it.

As far as going undefeated goes, the Saints still have to play all of their division rivals one more time. Atlanta is the best of that lot and will not roll over. Other than those games, the rest of their games include Dallas and Washington. Unless they rest their players, I see them as a one loss team.

As for the Pats, they should run the table on the rest of their games. None of the teams left on their schedule have a winning record, right now. If they do and get some help, they could still get a bye week when the playoffs start.


Saturday, November 28, 2009

Another Blast From The Past

Sometimes an artist is a much better songwriter than a performer. Not that he is a bad performer, but I think Leo Sayer was one of the better songwriters of the 70s. The problem for him at first was to get people to take him seriously.

When he first came out, he wore a clown suit to draw attention to himself while performing live. In his case it worked. Because while people were checking out the "dude in the clown suit", they were quickly finding the guy could write some darned good tunes and wasn't a bad singer as well.

If you mention his name today, you will likely invoke memories of his later music when his commercial success was more disco/bubblegum than I cared for. What many of those same people may not know or remember is, his best music came from when he wore that silly clown suit.

In this first song, we see that Leo could really rock. Here is a quintessential 70s rock song with some pretty poignant lyrics for a late 20 something:



I happen to think this next one was his best ever. It's a mellow and pensive tune about destitution and loneliness, and some of the misunderstandings that come with them:



Here is one from his later years that I was able to get into. It was a commercial success, but I still thought it was a great love song:



Enjoy.


Friday, November 27, 2009

Friday Funnies

Many of us here at PYY know Mustang as the decorated career Marine that he is, but what some may not know is he also had a second stellar career, as an educator in the public school system. After many conversations with him over past few years, I have realized that his vast talent was wasted at that level.

Here is what Mustang may have looked like (sans the hair) at the college level where I think he could have done his best work:

(WARNING: Language Alert)



Featuring the late comedians Sam Kinison and Rodney Dangerfield.

(BTW-Mustang is back posting on a semi-regular basis, be sure to check his latest at the link above.)


Thursday, November 26, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving

I truly hope this holiday message finds all of my readers well and in good spirits.

Life has a way of keeping us humble, especially when things aren't always going well. I know that in my life, I wish there were some things that were a little different from time to time. But then again, when I take a minute and think about it I have to conclude that I do not have it nearly as bad as many people I see on a daily basis.

Bottom line is, I have much to be thankful for and one of those things is the fellowship we have had here at PYY the past few years. People have come and people have left. But the core group of you, who still hang out here and add your two cents worth now and then, have brought much to the discussions. I have enjoyed it immensely and look forward to many more, as time goes on.

I wish all of you a safe and Happy Thanksgiving.


Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Update: Ky Census Worker Death Ruled Suicide

Remember the story about the census worker who was found hanging in Kentucky with the word "fed" carved into his chest?

It seems it came at a time when people on the left were wanting to cast aspersions on some others, mainly because they were not be in lock-step and alignment with the Administration's policies. You know, a dangerous bunch of people, anti- government types.

Look who ran with it.

Well hold on to your hats, because this has taken a little turn. And if you haven't already heard about it, I think should be made aware of it.

I doubt that many of the people, who openly cast an anti-government shadow on this case, will even address the latest.

Read this:

A part-time U.S. Census worker found dead near a secluded Clay County cemetery killed himself but tried to make the death look like a murder, authorities have concluded.

Let's see if Maddow and Kos print the updated version of the story.

So far, nothing.

Even so, I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for the mainstream media to file a report on this. It may not happen as prominently as it did when the story originally broke.

Just know that we, the fine staff here at PYY, are here to keep you informed.


A Real And Modern Persecution

If you have ever wondered about how Islamic radicals respond when someone in their society who is not Muslim commits a heinous act, look no further than this AFP story.

Hundreds of Muslim protesters on Saturday burnt Christian-owned shops in southern Egypt and attacked a police station where they believed a Christian accused of raping a Muslim girl was being held, a police official said.


A Muslim man in the military shoots up an army installation killing innocent people, and the cry from all Muslims (moderate and otherwise) is to exercise caution and restraint. Here we have a Christian in Egypt who is being accused of a heinous crime. He is being held in jail, but evidently that's not good enough. Instead of hearing the same crowd calling for restraint in situations like this, we hear nothing.

This is the perfect moment, for those who claim moderation within the framework of what they call a "peaceful" religion, to take that very same step and call for their brothers to exercise restraint. This would be an optimal time to call a news conference and condemn this act of retaliation. But alas, there is nothing happening. They are silent.

Some may even seek to rationalize this violent reaction, in various ways. They may say these people are merely airing their grievances and that to deny these people a chance to do so is to suppress their rights as Muslims in a predominately Islamic country. To which I say, whatever.

There is a long history of Muslim suppression against other religions in regions where Muslims are a majority. Many have been driven out, forced to emigrate to other areas with more religious freedom and tolerance. But the Egyptian Coptic community has not.

Here is an excellent article to read on this community, read it when you get a moment. It's a story of perseverance and survival in the midst of a hate-filled and often times violent persecution. If after you read this and want to address someone who truly believes Muslims are being persecuted in this country, you can point them to this story.


Monday, November 23, 2009

Monday AM QB

Colts 17 - Ravens 15

A very tough football game, this one wasn't decided until the last possession.

The most obvious reason to as why this game went the way it did was the Colts' red zone defense. Anytime a team can hold the opposition to FGs while scoring TDs, it makes it tough.

Put this with the late game interception, the late hit penalty that kept the ball in Indy's hands right after a loss, and Harbaugh calling a timeout and then immediately challenging a spot - which he lost - and it doesn't make for a good ending. That last stunt depleted their timeouts.

If that wasn't enough, on his way down to the ground, Ed Reed tried to lateral the ball forward on the final kickoff with seconds left and it was ruled a fumble. The Colts recovered it and took a knee to run the clock out.

I am always tickled to see the Colts beat Baltimore, because of the unforgiving nature of those fans who still hate the Colts for leaving their city a quarter of a century ago. I remember the hatred because Indy stole the Colts right out from underneath, but in true hypocritical fashion those same fans embraced the Ravens when Baltimore stole them from Cleveland.

It is nice to be undefeated, but I am not ecstatic about it. Because the longer a streak like this goes, the more pressure it puts on a team. From my point of view, I am ready for the team to get a loss and get it out of the way.


Vikings 35 - Seahawks 9

The old man just keeps on keeping on. Credit the entire Minnesota team for making it look easy for Favre. But we have to ask, could Tarvaris Jackson have this team 9-1 at this point in the season?

I doubt it.


Chiefs 27 - Steelers 24
Not sure about Ben's status after getting knocked out of the game in OT, but it was the Pittsburgh defense that lost this one. I don't know, maybe this is the beginning of the decline for the Steelers. It's very hard to repeat in this league, losing to the hapless Chiefs this late in the year doesn't send any messages to anyone, for the playoffs.


These are the only games I have time to comment on this weekend. Any omission of anyone's team is purely coincidental and it leaves an opening for my faithful NFL commenters (all 4 of them) to put more into their weekly comments. All rights reserved, no refunds.


Saturday, November 21, 2009

Another Blast From The Past

This week we have a couple of artists from the mid to late 60s, whose songs remind me of listening to the old stereo console and the transistor radio I carried while walking around the neighborhood, in San Bernardino. These tunes were just two of the many staples heard frequently on the old KFXM 59 and KMEN 129, on your AM dial.

Needless to say, these bring back some memories for me. I hope they will with you too.

Here is one from 1969:



This 1965 song was the man's only #1 hit. I liked it, but I thought it sounded a little too much like Frankie Valli. See what you think:



This was a British act that had some soul in them. Great lyrics and catchy melodies made both of these run through my head - when I couldn't listen. This one is from 1967 and reached #1 in both the UK and US.



This one only reached #2 here in the US, but I happen to like it a smidgen better that the previous tune. Not a whole lot, but a little. It's from 1968:



Enjoy.


Friday, November 20, 2009

Friday Funnies

I found this one in the PYY mailbag:


Over five thousand years ago, Moses told the children of Israel: "Pick up your shovel, mount your asses and camels, and I will lead you to the Promised Land."

Nearly 75 years ago, Franklin Roosevelt said: "Lay down your shovels, sit on your asses, and light up a Camel; this is the "Promised Land."

Now we have your president, Barack Obama who: Has nationalized your shovel, taxed your asses, raised the price of Camels, and mortgaged the Promised Land.


Thursday, November 19, 2009

Buying Votes

We know it happens, but do we expect it to be officially entered into a bill?

Take a look at this one, from ABC.

What does it take to get a wavering senator to vote for health care reform?

Here’s a case study.

On page 432 of the Reid bill, there is a section increasing federal Medicaid subsidies for “certain states recovering from a major disaster.”

The section spends two pages defining which “states” would qualify, saying, among other things, that it would be states that “during the preceding 7 fiscal years” have been declared a “major disaster area.”

I am told the section applies to exactly one state: Louisiana, the home of moderate Democrat Mary Landrieu, who has been playing hard to get on the health care bill.


Sweet little Mary, you know the one. She's the moderate from Louisiana and the one who said she would punch George Bush, if he or anyone from his administration criticized the miserable response from the New Orleans Police in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

As it turns out she may have been holding out, but not because it's a bad idea. She's been holding out for a cash payout for her district. I suspect that most of the so-called moderates (like my Senator Evan Bayh) are doing so too.

I would like to take a moment to remind my citizens in the great state of Indiana that Sen. Bayh is up for re-election next year. And I would also like to add that we don't need no damned earmarks here. We will survive just fine without putting my grandson into hock, before he graduates kindergarten. It just isn't worth it

Barack's Limbo: How Low Can He Go?

With the healthcare debacle playing out in Congress, wheels spinning and going nowhere fast in Afghanistan, the handling of the Ft. Hood terrorist attack, and the idiotic decision to try the admitted mastermind of the 9/11 attack in New York, Obama's numbers continue to drop.

In this Quinnipiac poll just released, he has dipped below 48% approval rating. If you look at the numbers closer, you will see an even more alarming finding in this poll. While the findings are not unusual along party lines, his disapproval rating among independents is higher than his approval.

You will also note a remarkably high spread in this area, when you look at the military family numbers. This means he is losing the confidence of the rank and file military.

Basically, the only people he is maintaining a lock on is the moonbat population and those who do not want to admit they screwed up badly, by voting for him. But one by one, slowly, they are beginning to eat humble pie. And when all is said and done, he is looking more like a one-termer everyday.


Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Thanks For The Mammaries

We are keeping this medical for now, so let's keep our mind right for a moment and take a look at this.

Women in their 40s should not get routine mammograms for early detection of breast cancer, according to updated guidelines set forth by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.

Before having a mammogram, women ages 40 to 49 should talk to their doctors about the risks and benefits of the test, and then decide if they want to be screened, according to the task force.


Task force? Now there's a term I'd like to explore for a moment.

Just what was the make-up of this "so-called" government task force?

Well, the article tells us what it was NOT:

The task force is composed of 16 health care experts, none of whom are oncologists. The group reviews medical data and bases recommendations on effectiveness and risks involved.


This is where the entire thing loses any possibility of having any credibility, at all.

Welcome to Obamacare. Welcome to government run healthcare. Here we have a government entity formulating policy on cancer prevention, and not one of the members was an oncologist. Welcome to the age of Orwellian philosophy, as it was written.

The story says "16 health care experts". Does this mean they are doctors, nurses, radiologists, healthcare administrators, or bean-counters at an HMO? Maybe, some of them were housekeepers in a hospital.

This is what happens when the government is awarded too much power. Luckily, most doctors are probably going to disregard the advice. But what if you or someone you love falls into this age group, after being forced into a public option? How would you feel?

If I were you, I'd be afraid of what the government says and does (especially when they put us all at risk).


Monday, November 16, 2009

Monday AM QB

Colts 35 - Pats 34

I didn't stay up to watch this one, because my day starts so early and lingers on so late. At my age, sleep is more important than a regular season football game (even if it is a rivalry like this). But can you imagine my surprise to wake up and find that NE's Coach Belichick had given Indy the game, by making a stupid call late when the game was on the line.

I know. It's one of those things that makes you a genius when it works, but an idiot when it fails. But I will be most interested to see how the Boston media treats this. In fact, I am anxiously awaiting to hear the weekly lambasting from Greg. (Maybe Eli and the Giants are off the hook this week.)

In everything I read and heard this morning, the Pats had this game and should have won it. Hell, I was even predicting a NE win; because the Colts haven't really beaten the same quality of opposition that the Pats have. Meanwhile the Colts haven't been playing very well the last two games, and the Pats have. And injuries, well, the Colts defense is riddled with them.

But the big thing is plain and simple. Everyone that has ever followed Peyton Manning's career knows that if you hand him the ball in your own territory, with 2 minutes or more to go in a close game, there's a far better chance you'll get burned than not. The man that many have termed a coaching genius should have known this. Maybe he's human after all.

If his Chrstmas spirit did arrive early, I have to say thanks to Coach Bill and maybe we'll see you back here in January. Hell, I'll even buy you some lunch at Scotty's Brewhouse.


Bengals 18 - Steelers 12

They have swept Baltimore, now they have swept the Steelers. If anyone doubts the reality of Cincinnati being one of the elite teams in the NFL, they don't know football very well. It wasn't done with bombs to Coles or Ochocinco, it wasn't done with Benson grinding out a methodical running game. It was done with good old fashioned powerhouse defense. The Bengals did not allow the Pittsburgh offense, one single TD.


Skins 27 - Broncos 17

Shock and disbelief are the words I use to describe this score. I knew Denver was overrated, I knew they had some injuries. But going into this game thinking that Washington had a chance to win this game was an extreme miscalculation on my part.

(Oh... to have had a crystal ball, $100,000 in expendable cash, and physically be in Vegas with nothing else to do. Mr. Sunsett could have made Mrs. Sunsett very happy, after collecting the winnings.)


Panthers 28- Falcons 19

Another shocker. Atlanta is still a game ahead of Carolina, but a mile behind the Saints. The Falcons are fighting for a wild card spot, therefore they must win the games they are supposed to win - no ifs, ands, or buts.


Dolphins 25- Bucs 23

All of you Tampa fans who called for (and were pleased with) the firing of Gruden, how do you like this? Last year this time, your team was competing for the division. Now... all your team is vying for is a high draft pick.

Way to go, Tampa.

Go team go.


Saints 28 - Rams 23

I cannot imagine why NO played this one so close. I know they weren't looking ahead to next week's big matchup....with Tampa Bay. They must be looking ahead to two weeks from now, and their match with the Pats. They need to watch out. TB is a division rival that no matter how lousy they may be, this is still the NFL.


Titans 41 - Bills 17

Three in a row with Young at the helm. Makes one wonder what could have happened, if he'd been the man from the jump.

No matter.... the future of the team is now in his hands. My advice to him is to refrain from whining, take advantage of the opportunity (which is a great second chance to prove himself) and win games.

If this is truly his team, he needs to grow up and take charge of it like a man and not a kid. Play time is over Vince....you hold the key to your own success, and a franchise's future.


Saturday, November 14, 2009

Another Blast From The Past

This week, we go back to the 50s and listen to some tunes that were part of the transition from big band to rock and roll. This first artist's career was tragically cut short in a plane crash, with several other rising talents of that day. But as short as his career and life were, his music has influenced many after him and is still revered as one of the premier songwriters of all-time.

This is one of the sweeter melodies and songs I have ever heard:



This next artist was one that had moments where he was hailed as one of the more versatile talents of his generation. In this song, you can hear the influence of Sinatra in his voice and style:



This next song was one that my parents loved immensely. I think it's a timeless classic:



Another timeless classic, in my book, I am hard pressed to find a better song from any era. It always makes me think of the movie of the same name, which is also one of the better flicks I have seen (it describes much of what I felt as a young boy, the same feelings and emotions as those characters described in their dialogues):



Enjoy.


Friday, November 13, 2009

Friday Funnies

When I was but a young lad, Saturday night was Carol Burnett night. This week, we take a look at one of that fine show's many recurring skits. See if you are old enough to remember this one and if you are not, give it a look anyway.



This is funny stuff.


Thursday, November 12, 2009

A Time To Listen

Did you hear about this incident?

A prominent Columbia architecture professor punched a female university employee in the face at a Harlem bar during a heated argument about race relations, cops said yesterday.

Police busted Lionel McIntyre, 59, for assault yesterday after his bruised victim, Camille Davis, filed charges.

McIntyre and Davis, who works as a production manager in the school's theater department, are both regulars at Toast, a popular university bar on Broadway and 125th Street, sources said.

The professor, who is black, had been engaged in a fiery discussion about "white privilege" with Davis, who is white, and another male regular, who is also white, Friday night at 10:30 when fists started flying, patrons said.


The poor black university professor, who is being kept down by the white man, hits a white WOMAN because she disagreed with him on race relations. A man who thinks he has gotten a raw deal in life (because he is black) punches a female who works at his university, but probably does not have the same level of education nor does she have the same name recognition. I'll bet she probably voted for Obama.

But let's be careful not to jump to conclusions here. It may be that poor Lionel was having a bad day. I am sure race played no part in it whatsoever.

Already we are able to read the watering down of this act, by those who claim to agree with Lionel.

Call me crazy, but I understand how Lionel McIntyre felt. I would never punch out anyone from the frustration I've felt when dealing with white privilege, but then again, that is probably why I chose not to drink alcohol, since I am genuinely concerned about how I might react to the stinging pain of consistent racism. What is also true is that although some black scholars are afraid to admit it, many of us have felt incredibly angry and irritated by the arrogant nature of white privilege within academia. It's not that black scholars dislike their white colleagues, it's that many of us are tired of being thought of as second-class citizens.


Written by another black university professor, Boyce Watkins PhD.

No doubt, he too has been kept down by whitey, even though he has a doctorate. If he got it as a result of affirmative action, what the hell does he care? He got his, didn't he? If he worked his butt off for it like many others do and got nothing from government grants, what the hell does he care? He obviously didn't need help. Did he?

But more importantly, we are seeing a frightening pattern of behavior develop among black academics. First we had the Gates incident, now we see this one taken to a higher level; probably because the lady this bastard punched was not a cop, and was a woman not likely to fight back. What a brave man he is.

Dr. Watkins in his weak argument did make one statement that I agree with:

While no one needs to be punched, there certainly needs to be a conversation.


He's right, but with one caveat. A conversation has two components: Listening and talking. And might I remind these race baiting professors whose names appear in this post, the number of organs that are used for both -- show a 2-1 margin.

Lecturing is not a conversation and if that's all they are prepared to do, it will fail.

Calling a man a klansman is not a conversation and if that's all they are prepared to do, it will fail.

Punching a woman in the face is not a conversation either. But it is a statement. Are you out there women's groups?


Wednesday, November 11, 2009

A Veterans Day Wish

Today is Veterans Day, which is usually filled with some measure of celebration. Parades and other gatherings will take place across the country today, some will give speeches and many will hear them. Maybe there will be music, food, and something to drink as we remember those who served as protectors of the nation. And as always, I would exhort all who read this to thank a veteran if you know one. I know that the vast majority do appreciate it, even though many are quite humble about it.

But this year as we go about our day, I would like to ask that all who can, please stop if only for a moment. Stop and say a prayer for those who are grieving the loss of the 13 soldiers at Ft. Hood. This is not a day in which those families will feel like watching a parade, hearing a speech, or hearing music blaring from trumpets and other horns. They are mourning a significant loss in their lives and deserve to be in our thoughts and prayers.

Thanks to all who read PYY, and please have a safe day.

Monday, November 09, 2009

Some Reflections On The Ft. Hood Shooting

In the days that have followed the mass slaughter in Ft. Hood, a number of things have been revealed and reported. Many have spoken, many condemning the act but some have praised it as "the right thing to do". We have heard stories about the dead and the injured, along with their families. We have heard a detached President make a half-hearted attempt at a statement, after he gave several shout-outs at an American Indian conference. We have also heard him and many of the American Muslims warn against rushing to judgment, stating that people should not blame Islam.

From the Indy Star this past Saturday, we see what one leader in the local Muslim community had to say. We were also treated to two other articles on the subject, this one and this one.

In the midst of all this "so-called" condemnation, I cannot help but wonder about some things:

Are these people sincerely appalled at this senseless act of terrorism? Or are they simply afraid of the possibility of a backlash against them?

It's not enough to be sorry after the fact. After years of watching attack after attack on Americans, Israelis, Brits, Spaniards, and even other Muslims, we heard nothing from these people. Rockets are casually sent into Israel from Gaza and Lebanon and these people cannot bring themselves to say one damned thing. But now that there is a sense of anger as a direct result of this bastard's dirty deed, they suddenly have words to express their outrage. Personally, I think they are full of fecal material and believe they are scared of whatever may be coming their way.

Don't get me wrong here. Let me say that I DO NOT approve of retaliation of any kind against Muslims. (Repeat...DO NOT approve.) I do believe that there are some who really are not on the same page as this murderous coward, and the many who came before him. But how is anything like this ever going to be stopped from occurring, unless the people who claim to be members of "moderate Islam" have the guts to speak up for what is right here?

How about the next time someone hears a hate-filled speech in a mosque, someone has the courage to object and/or leave?

How about the next time someone hears anti-American rhetoric calling for the destruction of this nation, someone can exhibit the courage to report them?

How about the next time Hamas or Hezbollah kills innocent Jews, we hear the imams who are calling for calm right now, speak up and condemn it?

How about the next time the Taliban blows up innocent people in Pakistan or Afghanistan, we hear someone from these mosques hold a news conference and speak out for peace?

Maybe, just maybe, if these damned people would have been calling these kinds of acts what they really are instead of trying to justify them by mincing words and blaming the victims, this kind of thing could have been prevented back when the bastard was exhibiting his erratic behavior.

Instead, their endless complaints through CAIR and the ACLU made it difficult for people to act on these kinds of suspicions. They made people afraid to speak out and report their observations for fear they would be labeled a xenophobe and a racist. They couldn't investigate for fear that they would be sued and the media would be reporting it as some irrational fear and/or paranoia.

Until they do any of these things I have listed of their own free will and volition, I reserve the right to blame whoever the hell I want. And f I want to blame Islam, someone from Islam needs to prove me wrong.



Sunsett Out


Monday AM QB

Colts 20 - Texans 17

The Colts took every opportunity to give this one to Houston. The Texans had ample opportunity to take control of the game, but could not quite break through the self-imposed barriers that they have historically erected, when playing Indy. They seem to always, almost be there. But in this league, that won't count for much in January.

Penalties hurt Houston, some were uncalled for and are ominous signs that the team still is in the maturation process. But the thing that most people will remember is the missed FG and the very end that would have tied the game and sent it to overtime. It was a 42 yd attempt, after an earlier 56 yarder was good. That's the lind of clutch play a team needs to elevate them from mediocrity to being one of the elite teams.

Make no mistake on my take here, I am not happy with the play of the Colts.

They have some excuse on the defensive side of the ball. Some key players are out for the year, to include perennially hurt Bob Sanders. Even so, the offense has struggled for the last two weeks and they still have not played the toughest teams on the schedule yet.

Next week, Greg's Patriots come to town and it's beginning to look like he will have bragging rights for the season after next Sunday. And then........ depression will certainly set in.


In other NFL news from yesterday:


Falcons 31 - Skins 17

I do not want anymore complaints registered from across the pond, so I feel it is my ethical and moral responsibility to report that Washington lost another game. The neat thing is, no one can say they lost to a lousy team. Our condolences to Rocket and would ask that any further complaints be sent to Irwin R. Shuyster JD.


Bucs 38 - Packers 28

Anyone that still believes that Green Bay is the real deal, I'd like to hear your rationale. But congrats to Tampa Bay for finally winning a game. At this time last year, they had six of them. So much for needing a coaching change, right? Go team go.


Bengals 17 - Ravens 7

These guys are slipping in under the radar. Right now, they have a better team than the Colts. No head to head with them this year, but Indy does play Baltimore in two weeks. We'll see how that one goes after playing a streaking NE team.


Pats 27 - Dolphins 17

This is Greg's chance to fill us in on the particulars. Rest assured, I am picking NE to beat Indy next week. With my lifetime of watching the NFL, I am placing all pertinent data into my brain for analysis and this is the prediction that keeps coming out.

More than anything, I think it is an important test for both teams.

If either wants to send a message to the rest of the league, they can only make that statement with a win. A win in this kind of rivalry always sets the tone for seedings and psychological edges, later on in the playoffs. But, after the week is over, both will have to play another team so it will mean little until January.


Chargers 21 - Giants 20

I switched back and forth with the NO-Carolina game, and this one. Basically, the Giants are done. If they cannot beat SD at home, they cannot be successful in the playoffs. They may not even MAKE the playoffs.

But that's not the worst part.

The worst part is not having to say they lost to the punk Philip Rivers and his overrated team, it's having to admit that HE is the one who beat them on a last minute drive.


Saints 30 - Panthers 20
Carolina got out of the gate early. But as is becoming habit, the Saints came back strong in the latter part of the game and did what they needed to do .... to win it.


Saturday, November 07, 2009

Another Blast From The Past

Traditionally, after the annual Halloween music post we make an attempt to soothe and mend the frazzled nerves that may have come undone, during the presentation the week before. So, here is a wholehearted attempt to introduce some musical benzodiazapines to reduce anxiety, while tackling some issues that may induce the anxiety in the first place. In other words, the music in this week's post is much more relaxing, while the words carry a much deeper meaning.

I have made no bones in past posts about my affinity for the music of Supertramp. Their works are the perfect blend of classical, jazz, and rock; they have created a distinct and unique sound that has yet to lose its luster. It is moving, soothing, and pensive work all wrapped into a neat little package. This week, we feature some great tunes from the 1974 release, Crime Of The Century.

Starting it off is a live cut that tells an interesting story about a young man who struggles with reconciling dreams and imaginations, with reality. It's simply called, Rudy:



Next we have a song that is lyrically, in some way, a cynical look at the education system. It appears to be written in a way that gives way too much responsibility to the educators. Even so, this is one one of my favorites, the musical composition is absolutely fantastic:



Next up, a song that describes a battle to overcome introversion. It is a song of hope and encouragement:



Finally, I must say that whoever blended this next song, with this video, did a good job. I am not sure they fully understand the implications and the meaning of the events that produced this montage of shots. But if put into the proper perspective, one can reap a rather poignant message from it and the song:



Enjoy.


Friday, November 06, 2009

Nothing Funny Today

As most know by now, a senseless carnage took place at Fort Hood yesterday. As a result of this tragedy, I do not feel it to be appropriate to post a Friday Funnies today.

I have some thoughts about this incident, but I have been too short on time to organize them into a reasonably cogent post and there are just too many questions that have not been answered. One can only hope that the authorities are asking the same questions that are popping into our minds and will make those answers public at such time as it is appropriate. But with the current leadership in Washington being remiss in the vast majority of their duties, I have my doubts.

Rest assured, those in the blogosphere who seek and understand wholesale truths will be asking tough questions and demanding answers. PYY will be there, also.


Wednesday, November 04, 2009

Message '09

It's not coming in a bottle, nor is it coming in a telegram. It's coming from people. It's coming from people who feel they are not being heard right now, people who are being overrun by an out of control government. The message is loud and it is clear.

But will they hear?

Robert Gibbs said that the President would not be watching returns last night. Maybe it was true, maybe Obama wasn't watching. But I guarantee you, someone in his Administration was paying close attention. And not only that, I can assure all of you that Congress was watching, especially the blue dog Democrats and corrupt incumbents in both parties.

Will they take heed? Or will they continue on the same destructive path?

CNN's analysts are saying the result of lat night's two state GOP victory isn't a referendum on Obama. It's tempting to say this is in part an attempt to spin away from the discontent that has been developing agaisnt the President. But I think in a larger light, we must view this as discontent against an ideology of big government. People have said through the tea parties, they are tired of high taxes, the indiscriminate spending of their hard earned money, and huge deficits that are mounting up and will be placed on the shoulders of our children and grandchildren. Yesterday, many of them got to demonstrate their unhappiness in the ballot box.

So these dimwitted pundits can spin this anyway they wish, but they must know that the same ideology being promoted by the President is the one that was beaten back yesterday. It is the same ideology shared with an out of control Congress led by the progressive wing of the Democratic party.

Let's look at some things for a moment, shall we?

Just one year ago, Obama won the state of Virginia 53%-47%, which is a 6% spread. Yesterday, the GOP's McDonnell beat the Democrats' candidate Deeds 59%-41%, an 18% spread. That is a 24% swing in 12 months. I'd say this is significant.

New Jersey, a state that is saturated with community organizers and union thugs, couldn't even steal this one. Christie won over the incumbent Corzine, by a 4% margin. It may have been even more had the Independent candidate not been on the ballot. You must keep in mind that NJ went for Obama 57%-42%, and it will be easy to see that this is a strong message.

So, as a progressive Democrat, you may want to point to the NY-23 race where the Democrat Owens beat back a withdrawn RINO and a Conservative Party newcomer, in a traditional GOP district. And that's fine, but let's consider this further than the superficial surface.

What the dimwitted pundits may not point out is the fact that Hoffman was drafted around a month ago, because the GOP candidate shared as much of a progressive ideology as any Democrat. In one month's time, he was able to significantly out-poll the RINO which caused her to tuck her tail between her legs and support the Democrat, after some concern from high profile Dems in the state like Charles Schumer. They did share a conversation just prior to her announcing her withdrawal and her announced public support for the Democrat.

Think about it. In just one month, this political tea party newbie has garnered around 46% of the vote in what is primarily a GOP district. So, to think that the tea partiers are not making a difference in the political climate in this country, would be a strong delusion of the largest magnitude. Keep telling yourself this, Dems. This is precisely what we want you to believe.

With all of this in mind, we can see and hear the message that has been sent. The naysayers will do what they do best, but it's still there for all to see.

Message 2009 is over. Now it is time to look toward next year, where we can (and will) create a wholesale turnover of the filth and slime that is known as the U.S. Congress.

So if you are a blue dog Democrat, it would be wise to study each and every proposal that comes down the pike from here on out. Maybe you would do well to stop talking and lecturing to your constituents, and listen to them for a change. Because if you don't, you will be hearing from them next year and you had better have an updated resume in hand.

Maybe this is why Harry Reid and company are now saying there will be no healthcare bill by the end of the year. We have stalled it, but it has not been defeated. So, more work will need to be done until it is no longer being discussed and other more pressing items can be dealt with, appropriately.


Monday, November 02, 2009

Monday AM QB

Colts 18 - 49ers 14

I said in the beginning of the season that the Niners were going to be one of the most improved team in the NFL. I hate to gloat, but this game validated my suspicions.

SF looked impeccable on defense. They effectively neutralized the run and consistently took away the deep routes. And if that wasn't enough, they sacked Manning three times and put pressure on him almost every passing play. This caused overthrows, underthrows, and a lot of hurried passes.

This is his how bad it got for Indy. The only TD pass was from Joseph Addai to Reggie Wayne. That's it. The rest of the points came from Matt Stover FGs when well engineered drives stalled out. Otherwise, there were plenty of 3 and outs that can be credited to the aggressive nature of the Niner defense.

The thing that kept Indy in it was their defense. Other than allowing a long TD run early on, they didn't let Frank Gore get into a rhythm and would not allow Alex Smith to get in one, either. They made the big plays down the stretch, when they really needed to.

Bottom line, the Colts showed enough weaknesses against an underrated 3-4 defense, to provide the rest of their opponents some quality film to study.


Ravens 30 - Broncos 7

Finally the dream has been put on delay, Denver's offense has met a premier defense and looked a little human in the process. That said, the biggest storyline in this game was the Denver defense allowing the mediocre Baltimore offense to do more than enough to win the game.

The real test for Denver will be how they bounce back against a rejuvenated Steeler team next week.


Vikings 38 - Packers 26

I give some credit for guts to Aaron Rodgers for making it interesting down the stretch. In fact, he didn't play too badly for an overrated QB. But as we can see from the outcome of this game, Mr. Favre is the superior QB. The old man is phenomenal.


Titans 30 - Jags 13

Long awaited, long overdue, and much needed, congrats to Tennessee on their first win of the year. I am glad it was against the Jags, who will probably fire Jack Del Rio at the end of the year.




In other NFL news this weekend, I think it is important to note that KC, TB, and Washington did not lose this week. All three had bye weeks. Congrats to them too.