Deus Ex Machina

                  

The National Football League is often called the NO FUN LEAGUE.  This is mainly due to them levying fines on players, teams and various other people involved with the league due to anything from conduct (no problem here) to dress code (you mean I can't wear a bandana, under my helmet?).  They are the most strict governing body in major American sports, IMO.  The expert talking heads that "analyze" and tell you what the teams are thinking, take themselves way too seriously.  I remember a couple of years ago when Tom Jackson from ESPN made the statement, "The Patriots hate their coach."  Aren't these guys on a national show supposed to be...I don't know...Objective.  Not have a dog in the fight?  Remove your personal feelings from your analysis?  So, if they can't do it, who can?  I know....THIS GUY...thumbs pointing at himself, or for you the reader, at your screen.

I have a crack staff of dedicated researchers that have spent minutes and when pushed and promised sugary treats, hours...on the analysis of the league of national football, I'm about to present to you.  We here at, For Lack of a Better Title, do not promote betting and honestly, if you use any of this info for that purpose...you need some serious help, but if you do and happen to win a sum of "fictional" money...we want a cut.  I'd say at least 75%, since we did all the work for you.  We can discuss it later...I'm very reasonable.  We'll go region by region and if you don't believe any of my excellent info, I can prove it on an Etch-A-Sketch.  I believe it was Nietzsche who said, "Let's get this party started."

NFC East

Dallas Cowboys:  Wade Phillips will be able to keep his job provided he keeps washing Jerry's car every week and they win some football games.  Wade is one of those coaches that has a good team, but could lose his job, because Jerry Jones wakes up with a stiff neck.  Notable game:  Will be their home game against the Saints, which they will win.  Mark it down.  Overall Predicted Record: 11-5 (Playoff spot)

New York Giants:  They are the team that New York forgot, as everyone is focusing on the J-E-T-S.  They have the third best Manning to ever play in the NFL.  Yes, Eli has a Super Bowl ring, but Archie was a better QB...I think we all know that.  I can't name five guys on the team, but they some how get it done.  Notable game:  Will be the 2nd game of the season against the Colts.  They will lose the game, but Eli will prevent Peyton from giving him a wedgie, only to fall victim to a wet willie.  OPR: 11-5 (Playoff Spot)

Washington Redskins:  Yes, they have Donovan McNabb and Mike Shanahan, but McNabb was traded within the division.  So, that means the Eagles, who traded him, aren't worried about him.  Tough call here really, he'll improve the Redskins from 5-11, but they'll just miss the playoffs.  Notable game:  Will be when they play the Eagles, both times.  McNabb will play defense for a couple of series, so he can pull out all the old school wrestling moves he knows.  Dropping elbows, knees and the deadly, but effective "Worm" on Kevin Kolb.  OPR: 10-6 (Just miss)

Philadelphia Eagles:  Oh man, where do I start?  Kevin Kolb could be like Aaron Rodgers of Green Bay, "the star in waiting," but I wouldn't hold my breath.  I think they are in for a long season, with Kolb running around a lot screaming, "Mommy!"  Notable game:  Will be one of their few wins, an upset at home over the Giants.  OPR: 3-13 (Are you kidding?)

AFC East

New York Jets:  You heard it here first, the Jets will go 0-84.  They will not only lose all of their league games, but will lose to the Miami Sharks, Boston University Terriers and the high school team, Ampipe.  The "Sanchize" will throw a late interception to Stefen Djordjevic of Ampipe.  Rex Ryan thought just playing the regular schedule would be too easy, so he scheduled every team he could think of real or otherwise.  Notable game:  Will be the home game against the Patriots, when Rex gets to try out his sniper towers to eliminate any "looky-loos" on the Pats sideline.  OPR: 12-4 (Playoff spot)

New England Patriots:   Bill Belichick is like Chuck Norris and The Most Interesting Man in the World combined.  He's never wrong.  He's just letting Rex Ryan think he's got the best team.  He has hidden jewels all over his team, but they are so hidden, they can't be recognized yet.  The long run of the Patriots is just about over.  Moss is complaining, Welker is coming off the knee injury and Brady doesn't have a new contract yet (as of this writing).  Belichick is running out of smoke and mirrors, but will have just enough this year.  Notable game:  Will be against the Steelers, when a distracted Brady has a horrible game, because Ben Roethlisberger was seen talking to Giselle, Brady's sisters and his mom, before the game.  OPR: 10-6 (playoff spot)

Miami Dophins:  The other team in Miami, other than the Heat.  They will show improvement over last season, but that isn't that hard.  Other than that, nobody really cares...They don't have a coach with the big personality of Ryan nor the evil genius that is, Bellichick.  They also aren't the yearly mess that is Buffalo, but we'll get to them in a minute.  They are just there...scraping and scratching in the AFC East.  Notable game:  They will upset both the Pats and Jets at home, early in the season, that will be their season.  OPR: 8-8 (Thanks for playing)

Buffalo Bills:  This is the team my old boss would root for every year.  He was more successful than this franchise has been the past 10 yrs.  They try to build a team, but it never seems to work out for them.  They drafted CJ Spiller, who I think is going to be a really good running back, but I think he'd be more interesting if his name was OJ Spiller.  That's about all I think about the Bills.  Notable game:  Will be the one against the Bears in Canada.  Who wins here?  Not the Canadians...the Bills and Bears, really...no thanks.  So, nobody will win this game, they will tie.  OPR:  4-11-1 (Ummm...Nope)

NFC North 

 Minnesota Vikings:  I don't know if you've heard out there in readerland and I don't know if I'm breaking any rules in media world, but I think Brett Favre is coming back.  Holy Crap, this better be his last season.  Another summer focused on that guy.  Who does he think he is, Darrelle Revis?  They have a good team, but they already have injury questions.  I guess we'll see, just like everything.  Notable game:  After a pretty good start, they run into the Jets on the road.  This should tell the Vikes where they stand.  OPR: 12-4 (Playoff spot)

Green Bay Packers:  A lot of people are picking them for the Super Bowl, along with this year being Aaron Rodgers year to solidify his so-called greatness.  He could be everyone's top QB in fantasy world, but without a championship, it's all he is.  It's put up or shut up time...it's football, not rocket surgery.  Alright, enough with the cliches.  Notable game:  A win on the road in New England to show the league they have arrived to stay.   OPR: 12-4 (Playoff spot)

Detroit Lions:  The Lions are no longer the kid that gets stuffed in the locker.  They might get a swirlie every once in a while, but there's an understanding now.  They aren't the worst anymore...they still aren't good, hell they aren't even mediocre.  They are the team you don't want to lose to.  Notable game:  Will be an upset win over Washington at home to dash their playoff hopes.  OPR:  5-11 (If the record was reversed)

Chicago Bears:  A team that would be best served if they could just skip the season.  No harm, no foul...just pack it in.  I bet Jay Cutler wishes he was still in Denver.  Notable game:  After a win against Detroit in the first game of the season, it'll all be down hill.  OPR:  4-11-1 (Same team that tied the Bills)

AFC North

Baltimore Ravens:  They are still the team to beat in the North.  I know the Bengals have improved, by bringing in T.O., but to quote Omar Little, "You come at the king, you best not miss."  The Ravens still have that swagger, just a notch above everyone else.  Notable game:  They smack around Miami when the fish come for a visit.  OPR: 10-6 (Playoff spot)

Cincinnati Bengals:  Well this should be entertaining.  They have two players that could literally have a fist fight on the field over who has the biggest ego.  It's not about how many points the Bengals will score in the season, but how much money will OchoCinco and T.O. be fined collectively for teaming up on TD celebrations.  You know it's going to happen, because neither one of them can be out of the spotlight for 10 seconds.  Notable game:  The first game of the season, a loss against the Patriots will end up taking them out of the playoff picture.  OPR: 10-6 (It's not my fault, it's his)

Pittsburgh Steelers:  Where to begin?  Their only legitimate quarterback is suspended for the first quarter of the season for being naughty.  Count your blessings he's not in jail Steeler fans.  Then the backup gets hurt, so now they're dealing with the third stringer, Willie Beamon.  So, Jamie Foxx will run all over the field for the first four games and then they'll put, Dennis Quaid in...I mean Big Ben, to save the season...Survey Says...XXX  I just want to see someone take Troy Polynomial down by his hair, just once.  That would be awesome.  Notable game:  A win in Baltimore still won't get them in, too little too late.  OPR: 9-7 (It's Ben's fault...Easy)

Cleveland Browns:  I've found it very difficult to do the teams that are usually bad.  It's like having a friend that just got dumped and you see his ex-girlfriend already out with someone else and that someone else is your friend's brother, but your friend doesn't know yet and thinks there's still a chance they'll get back together.  Now you have to tell him.  That's the Browns to me...make sense?  Didn't think so...Notable game:  On a happier note, Cleveland will be 1-1 after two games, with a victory over KC.  OPR: 2-14 (Suicide watch)

NFC South

New Orleans Saints:  The defending champions aren't getting much respect.  I don't understand why, they play in an easy division.  They should be able walk through the season, barring injuries of course.  Great quarterback, good coach and a ton of talent.  The only annoying thing about them is that "Who Dat?" chant.  I find Drew Brees a hard person to dislike.  Reggie Bush is a different story.  Notable game:  One blip on the screen for the Saints will be a loss in Dallas.  OPR:  14-2 (Out of control, yes...Playoff spot)

Atlanta Falcons:  Matt Ryan tries to get back to where he was, after last year's tumble.  They will improve, but it just won't be enough.  Which I'm actually fine with, because we don't need the "Dirty Bird" back in the league anytime soon.  Sorry Falcons fans...maybe next year.  Although, my fantasy team hopes Michael Turner runs for 3,000 yds.  Notable game:  Big win of the season will be against the up and coming 49ers.  OPR: 10-6 (Whoops)

Carolina Panthers:  It's a changing of the guard in the Carolinas.  Jake Delhomme is no longer home...I know it was horrible, what do you want from me?  Do you see how many words I'm writing here?  I just don't think they have what it takes to be a good team.  They will lose the close ones and the not so close ones.  Notable game:  None really, they will sweep Tampa Bay...how about that?  OPR:  5-11 (If we change the rules they'll get in)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers:  Tampa, Tampa, Tampa...what are we going to do with you?  Coach Raheem Morris almost got fired last year, but he made it through to the end and got to come back.  He's going to start the season 2-1 going into the Bye at week 4.  The Bucs will sign him to a contract extension and then the ship will fall apart.  He seems like a good guy...so I wanted him to get paid, because he'll be fired before the end of the season.  Sorry, dude...I hope I'm wrong...let's face it...I probably am.  Notable game:  Week 3 victory over Pittsburgh.  OPR: 3-13 (Our house is burning down)

AFC South

Indianapolis Colts:  I'm not sure how Peyton Manning became, Mr. Commercial.  He's everywhere or has been for the past couple of years.  Most spots have been pretty funny.  The competition between Manning and Brady is always going on, even when the TV is off.  Both have been on Saturday Night Live and both were very funny, but Peyton's sketch/fake commercial for the Big Brother program is the best.  So, Brady has more rings, Giselle and is better looking, but Manning is funnier, in more commercials and...forget it...you can't beat Giselle...sorry Peyton.  Notable game:  Houston catches them by surprise on the road opening weekend.  OPR:  13-3 (Playoff spot)

Tennessee  Titans:  Vince Young has pulled his head out of his rear end and played well last year.  I think he's proven that he was the better player over Matt Leinart.  The Titans will be a sleeper pick.  I think they will play spoiler for a few teams and will sneak into the playoffs.  Notable game:  Taking out Miami on the road.  OPR: 10-6 (Playoff spot)

 Houston Texans:  They are the "almost" team.  They will almost make an improvement this season.  Matt Schaub is almost a star.  They will almost make the playoffs, well, not really.  Since they've come into the league in the 2002 season, I've hoped they'd do well.  It just never really happens.  All because, I like their logo.  They are getting better.  Matt Schaub is way better than David Carr...so they are going in the right direction, but just aren't there.  Notable game:  A late season win on the road in Denver, just won't be enough to get them into the playoffs.  OPR:  9-7 (So close)

Jacksonville Jaguars:  I'd personally rather play in Cleveland than Jacksonville, FL.  At least the fans in Ohio are passionate.  No offense Disney corporation, I love the mouse.  Other than Maurice Jones-Drew and sometimes David Garrard, do they really have any players?  Drew needs to get himself out of town and on a good team before he gets too old or hurt.  Notable game:  They beat the Eagles, but so does everyone.  OPR:  4-12 (Ugh..)

NFC West

San Francisco 49ers:  Is this the season that Alex Smith grows up?  Mike Singletary sure hopes so.  Vernon Davis, Frank Gore and Patrick Willis are all very good young players.  If they can all manage to stay healthy, this team could be very scary.  It would be nice if the Niners came back into prominence.  At least, they aren't the guys from across the Bay.  Notable game:  Will start a nice winning streak in Philly, that will end in Green Bay.  OPR:  11-5 (Playoff spot)

Arizona Cardinals:  They have switched places with the Niners.  Who is the QB?  I know his last name is Anderson and he played for a time in Cleveland.  He got out of Cleveland at least, he's got that going for him.  No more "Super" Kurt Warner and Anquan Boldin.  Their RB is up in the air, so it's going on the shoulders of Larry Fitzgerald.  As good as he is, he can't throw the ball to himself.  The team is going backwards, never a good thing.  Notable game:  Opening weekend loss to St. Louis.  OPR:  8-8 (Mediocre)

St. Louis Rams:   They are going the path of Peyton Manning and Troy Aikman, by letting the rookie start.  It took some time, but it worked for both the Colts and Cowboys.  Sam Bradford will do some bad things, some good things and possibly, some great things this season.  As long as the fan base knows it will be bumpy, it shouldn't be so bad.  The team is paying him the money, let him earn it.  Notable game:  Late season upset of San Francisco at home.  OPR:  7-9 (Try next year)

Seattle Seahawks:  You guys have Pete Carroll as your coach, but it's not college.  He left the USC  program in shambles, how much worse could he do here?  He got rid of TJ Who'sYoMomma (Housmanzdadeh) and he traded for his guy LenDale White, only to cut him later, but White got hurt...so he was a prophet.  There are way too many question marks up in the Great Wet North.  Notable game:  Ending the season on an up-note, with an upset of St. Louis.  OPR:  3-13 (Gaak!!)

AFC West

San Diego Chargers:  Another team that has always seemed like it has a lot of talent, but never really goes anywhere.  Phil Rivers, can I call you Phil?  Thanks...Phil Rivers sounds like a local morning show host in Dubuque, IA.  Anyways, Rivers is a second tier quarterback, he's good, just not great...yet.  He's shown flashes of greatness, but Eli Manning he's not...kidding.  I still like when they bring back the powder blue uniforms for a game or two each year.  Go Lance Alworth!  Notable game:  Losses to New England and Indy, still prove the Chargers are a step behind.  OPR:  10-6 (Playoff spot)

Denver Broncos:  The only quarterback you heard about as much as Farva, (I know that's not how you spell his name, but if you get the reference, you'll get one platinum star) was Tim Tebow.  I know Josh McDaniels is hoping to catch lightning in a bottle, but you don't pick experiments in the first round.  Notable game:  Big win late in the season in Arizona.  OPR:  8-8 (Not quite)

Oakland Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs:  I will combine them, because if you've been kind enough to read this entire thing...you don't need to get depressed and I'm really tired.  Both teams aren't good...the Raiders are hoping to finish with a good enough record to not give the Patriots another high pick, since they own their first round pick.  The Chefs...would be great if they worked in a restaurant.  No Notable games and both OPR's:  3-13 (Give me a break) 

Super Bowl Prediction:  New Orleans over Baltimore 

The Hall of Mediocrity

 

  

Mediocre means neither good nor bad.  Just kinda, there.  You're alright, not the worst, but certainly not the best.  There are a variety of Hall of Fames and Hall of Shames, but no Halls of Mediocrity...that I'm aware of, at least.  So, why not have one?  We will eventually cover a variety of subjects, but today I'm focusing on music.  Specifically, Rock music...since the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is what gave me the idea.  My arguments with their induction methods will be another blog for another time.

I will be using the Rock Hall Induction Rules, as well as a couple of my own, which are as follows:

1.  There are no novelty, one hit wonder bands, such as Jimi Hendrix and The Grateful Dead...just seeing if we're paying attention.  Although, technically...they are one hit wonders.

2.  No band/performer will be inducted into the Hall of Mediocrity that are already in the "real" Hall of Fame.  I'm not taking anyone out that is already in, regardless of how I really feel about the band or performer.  You got lucky Aerosmith...very lucky.

3.  All bands being inducted are currently eligible for the Rock Hall and should they ever be inducted into the "real" Rock Hall, will be asked to leave immediately.  Those Hall of Fame bands get real egotistical, very quickly.  Plus, let's face it...they graduated to the big leagues...I'd never hold them back from going.

On with our show....

Our first inductee into mediocrity is....

Journey

They have sold an estimated 75 million albums, many Top 40 singles and sold out tours all over the world, but what are they best known for?  The Power Ballad.  That and their overall happiness with being an Arena Rock staple.  When you have a guitar prodigy in the band (Neal Schon, started playing at 5, joined Santana about a decade later), I expect more.  Besides Mr. Schon, you have had talent the likes of drummer Steve Smith, Gregg Rolie/Jonathan Cain on keyboards and the pipes of, Steve Perry.  I guess they were destined for mediocrity once the dude from American Idol, Randy Jackson, joined on bass, near the end of Perry's initial run with the band.  They just have no influence on rock music.  The next time you hear someone say Journey is an influence for them, will be the first time.

We'll combine the next two performers.

Pat Benatar

Cyndi Lauper

I think there needs to be more women in the Rock Hall.  Pat Benatar and Cyndi Lauper certainly don't lack record sales or hit singles.  The problem they have is living up to the women that were inducted before them.  Madonna, Aretha Franklin, Joni Mitchell, Janis Joplin, Chrissie Hynde and Deborah Harry, amongst many others, of course.  Cyndi and Pat fail the eyeball test.  They may have more hits than say Patti Smith, but lack her influence.  They can't live up to Diana Ross or Tina Turner, who went from a group setting to successful solo careers.  To tell you the truth, I'm not sure who the next woman that will be inducted into the Rock Hall will be.  It's a tougher road than the men have, you have to be beyond exceptional.

Steve Miller Band

 

If the Steve Miller Band was a new band coming up these days, they would've been dropped by their record label.  Thankfully, Steve started in the late 60's.  He's a great guitarist, his band was always really tight and he has had some monster albums, but he's been active for the better part of 40 yrs and his main success encompasses less than a 10 yr period.  When he was on, there were none better, but there are a lot of misses in his catalog.  Steve Miller is the one person on this list I could see getting into the Rock Hall, but it would really have to be a down year.

Last but, certainly not least...

Motley Crue

All flash and no substance is perhaps too harsh for Motley Crue, IMO.  Although, they didn't do themselves any favors until later in their career, when they decided to show they really could play a little.  It resulted in their best selling and my favorite album by them, Dr. Feelgood.  Drug use, divorces, run-ins with the police, in fighting and near death (in the case of Nikki Sixx, real death) experiences, can really derail your career.  They have reformed the classic lineup, squashed any bad feelings toward one another and have continued to forge ahead.  After everything they've been through alone and together, they are definitely survivors in my book.  Maybe that's enough for them, because they aren't significant enough to get into the Rock Hall.

This is the first class heading into the Hall of Mediocrity.  So congratulate them, but not too much...they could have been so much more.  The next class will be inducted in December and the subject will be determined at a later date.  Probably, around Thanksgiving. 

Editor's Note: This is not a dig at any of their careers, because any band would kill for the success that any of these people have had.  I also like all of these performers, just to a varying degree.  Also, if there is any subject that you would like me to tackle for the Hall of Mediocrity, let me know.  Remember, it could be for anything...TV shows, Movies, Actors/Actresses...etc.  The topic will be voted on, but I will name the inductees...something has to be a secret....right?

I Will Break Your Back Like So....With My Knee

Before each UFC event I will give my picks for the main card fights.  Do I have any legitimate qualifications to pick these fights?  Not really, but most of the people that weigh in on MMA are former boxing writers that are trying to hold onto a job.  So, in my mind, I'm just as good, if not better than those guys.  I've been watching the UFC from the beginning.  Back in the days when they had swords, shields and ray guns.  Just trying to see if you're paying attention, but they at one time didn't have weight classes.  I also attended UFC 35 way back in 2002, at the Mohegan Sun Casino in CT.  Pretty spiffy qualifications, don't you think?  Enough about that...onto the picks!

Welterweight - Nate Diaz (12-5) vs. Marcus Davis (17-6)

I'm surprised Nate Diaz is still fighting at welterweight.  He's long, lean and his height/reach would be hard to deal with in the lightweight division.  In fact, it'll be hard for Marcus Davis to deal with as well.  Diaz will have a 6 inch reach advantage.  That's gigantic in any striking sport, especially if you rely on boxing, which both Diaz and Davis do.  Diaz has really great hand speed.  He won't exactly hurt you with his strikes, but still makes you pay attention to them.  Davis, on the other hand is known as the "Irish Hand Grenade."  If he touches you, he'll hurt you.  Diaz has something that Davis doesn't, world-class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.  I think Diaz can counter Davis and his boxing, but Davis will have no answer for Diaz and his BJJ.

Result - Diaz via submission

Middleweight - Demian Maia (12-2) vs. Mario Miranda (10-1)

This is Maia's first fight in the octagon since the calamity in Abu Dhabi against Anderson Silva.  Where, if you follow the UFC or MMA, Silva dominated Demian for a couple of rounds and then ran around like a moron for the remainder of the fight.  Embarrassing himself and Maia in the process, but I digress.  I know Maia does not make the fights, but I will have to hand it to him for accepting this fight.  Miranda is no pushover.  They are both BJJ black belts.  Miranda has a height and sleight reach advantage, but neither of them are known as strikers.  This one is tough to call.  I'm sure Maia wants to get right back in the cage and prove that he belongs as one of the top middleweights in the UFC.  I've only seen Miranda fight the two times in the UFC and he's 1-1.  Maia is the more decorated BJJ practitioner, having competed for years at the highest levels.  I think with that experience, Maia will pull out a victory, but Miranda will make him work for it.

Result - Maia via decision

Lightweight - Kenny Florian (13-4) vs. Gray Maynard (9-0)

I like both of these fighters, so this will be the hardest fight I pick.  Kenny Florian is the definition of "thinking man's fighter."  He has fantastic ability to pick apart his opponents weaknesses, train specifically for that and incorporate it into his game plan.  Gray Maynard is a supreme wrestler.  He's 11th all-time in wins at Michigan State University, with 106.  He is stronger than Florian and a better natural grappler.  Kenny however has a huge advantage when they are standing with his Muay Thai background.  A 4 inch reach advantage also helps Florian.  So who wins this battle of wills?  The wrestler/boxer in Maynard or the muay thai/BJJ practitioner in Florian.  The answer comes down to who finishes fights?  That fighter is Florian.  13 of his 14 wins have been by KO or submission.  Whereas, Maynard has gone to decision in 7 out of his 9 wins.  The winner of this fight will get a title shot at whomever is the lightweight champion.  There are so many finishes that could happen, but my prediction is...

Result - Florian by TKO

Heavyweight - Randy Couture (18-10) vs. James Toney (0-0)

This is something fight fans have debated for years.  Who would win, a Boxer or MMA fighter?  Now we get a chance to see what will happen.  I know Randy Couture is 47 yrs old, but he's in better shape than I or just about anyone I've ever known.  That's the fact, Jack.  Couture has Olympic level Greco-Roman wrestling skills, he was a three-time alternate for the Olympic team.  James Toney is a multiple time world champion in boxing, but he's never fought off of his back.  Another fact, Jack...please pay attention.  If Randy was going to fight James in a boxing ring with boxing rules.  Toney would knock him out, but it's MMA, not boxing.  Toney has never had to defend a kick to his lead leg, a flying knee or takedown that will drop him on his head.  So, if Randy stands with James, he'll get KO'd, but I think Randy takes him down and grounds and pounds him until it's stopped by the referee.

Result - Couture via TKO strikes

Lightweight Title Fight - Frankie Edgar (12-1) vs. BJ Penn (15-6-1)

Frankie Edgar is the lightweight champion of the world, but he's also the one that has to prove it wasn't a fluke.  He needs respect and the only way he gets it is by doing the nigh impossible.  Beat BJ Penn a second time.  When BJ Penn is motivated, he's a very scary fighter.  It seems like whatever he thinks of doing in the cage, he can do.  He's been known as the "Prodigy" as long as I can remember.  He's the first non-Brazilian to ever win a World Jiu Jitsu Championship in the black belt division.  He just gets bored.  At least, it seems that way.  Maybe since he lost to Edgar, he'll have the hunger he needs.  You can't take anything away from Edgar.  He won the title.  He fought a smart fight and he'll need to do it again.  They are a closer match than most people think.  Edgar is a Division 1 Wrestler with BJJ skills, but Penn is one of the most gifted MMA fighters I've ever seen.  So, since I have to make a pick...it's going to be.

Result - Penn via TKO

Let me know what you think about my "expert" predictions.  I'll let you know how I did when I do the next UFC picks.  

Odds and Sods 2

Second verse same as the first, a little bit louder and a little bit worse.

Surprisingly, I managed to fit in well at a rather large cookout/party we went to last weekend.  It was a lot of fun, but it surprised me, because I have a tendency to fight myself on participation.  The more people there are, even if I know all of them, the more I withdraw and just watch.  I've always had something against "small talk."

VH1 or whomever makes the Classic Albums series, needs to do more.  Suggestions would be London Calling and Aqualung.  Also, they need to replay the couple I missed.  Damn the Torpedoes and 2112/Moving Pictures really need to be shown multiple times.  Such a great series for music nerds like myself.  I just like to sit there and absorb the information.  I didn't know Alan Parsons was the engineer on Dark Side of the Moon, but I do now.  This just made me laugh at how meaningless this is to just about everyone, but me.

I'll be playing Fantasy Football this season.  Yes, yet another nerdy thing I do...I have embraced my inner nerd.  Don't you understand being a nerd these days is equivalent to being the "big man on campus" from years past.  Think about it...smart guy/girl...creative...interesting...go to a good college...have a career plan...etc.  The jock gets that injury and boom...you have an overweight gym teacher.  Ok, rant over...I digress.  Where was I?  Fantasy Football, right, check...I normally just play Baseball.  I've always followed MLB and it's my favorite sport.  Hockey is very close to being tied for 1st.  I have played Fantasy Football in the past and have done well...I think I do pretty well in all the fantasy sports I play.  I tend to be in contention most of the time.  The past couple of years however, I've watched less and less of the NFL.  It just doesn't really interest me anymore.  I committed to the league, so we'll see how it goes.  I'll keep you updated.  I'm currently in 2nd place in my Fantasy Baseball league with a playoff spot wrapped up.

Hall Passes:

Mr. Big are currently writing songs for a new album.  The original lineup of Sheehan, Gilbert, Martin and Torpley are back.  Paul Gilbert is touring Europe starting in November.  They will probably begin recording at the beginning of 2011.  Yes, I'm obviously super excited about this.

The Black Crowes are celebrating the 20th anniversary (believe it or not) of Shake Your Money Maker, which was their debut album.  One of the greatest American bands in the past 20 years.  Just grossly overlooked.

Detentions:

There is a sun tan place near me in Providence, RI trying to bring in customers with this ad: "Come on in, you could look like Snooki or Pauly D from the Jersey Shore."  I guess if your one of those people that spray tan or lie in tanning beds this would be effective advertising, but really, the Jersey Shore.  Do you lose brain cells while you tan?

Expulsions:

Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt keep themselves in the media eye.  It's all they have and it's sad.  We're divorced, plastic surgery and now we're back together.  I predict a murder/suicide for their final act one of these days and I don't care.  

You Know, The One With Those Guys and They Do That Thing

I'm sure everyone has favorite movies, that when brought up in conversation, people stare at you.  They don't have big stars, didn't do well at the box office or are just forgotten about.  This is just a small list of favorite movies that I feel are highly underrated.  Just my opinion and you may or may not agree.  May Contain Spoilers: Although, I will do my best not to ruin anything.

Requiem For a Dream (2000, Darren Aronofsky)

One of the more misunderstood movies in recent memory.  It's not just a drug movie...it's a lot more than that.  We all have dreams in life.  Imagine, working towards those dreams and getting within reaching distance...so close you can taste it.  You just need a little more time or that one last thing, but you don't quite get there.  Not only don't you get there, you're worse off than when you started...not only worse off, but your life has completely changed, you don't know what happened, who you are anymore and most importantly, how you got there.  In a vague nutshell, this is our story. 

Fletch (1985, Michael Ritchie)

Possibly, Ok let's get real here...EASILY, Chevy Chase's best role.  Most movies that Chevy have been in are ensembles or his role is as a supporting character.  Some would say Clark Griswold in the "Vacation" movies is his best role and it's hard to disagree with, but I'm about to.  Clark is a moron and Fletch is a genius.  Did I convince you?  No?  I'm not really trying to, as it's clearly personal preference.  I do stand by my statement.  Irwin R. Fletcher, is an investigative journalist, quick with a quip and great with the ladies, so he'd have you believe.  It's a well written movie, with smart dialogue, a good story and a very strong supporting cast.  It's also something that is very rare with a Chevy Chase movie...it's funny.

The Game (1997, David Fincher)

What do you get a man that has every possession one could want or buy?  Life.  That's pretty much the premise to the movie.  Michael Douglas' brother, played by, Sean Penn, get's him a birthday present he'll never forget.  This is a classic thriller.  You're on the edge of your seat the entire time, trying to figure out what to do next.  The movie is very smart from top to bottom.  Well acted, which you would expect from heavyweights like Douglas and Penn.  I love the way David Fincher tells a story.  His style is very evident in this movie.  It did well at the box office, but it's not one of those movies that get's talked about often.  The same could be said for our next film.

Ronin (1998, John Frankenheimer)

Action...you want action?  80 cars were destroyed making this film.  There is one of the best car chases in the history of action movies in this film.  Plus, Robert DeNiro isn't in the mob.  It did do decent at the box office, like The Game, but again is never really talked about.  The cast is really top notch, although you might not know their names, you'll definitely recognize all of them.  David Mamet helped with the writing of the screenplay, but he did so under an assumed name.  Ronin is more than just a shoot 'em up action flick.  You do have to pay attention to what's going on, as there is a lot of espionage and it's hard to pinpoint who is on what side?  Also, a great movie to watch if you have a home theater.

Grandma's Boy (2006, Nicholaus Goossen)

What can I say about this movie?  If you took Animal House and added Cheech and Chong, you'd be off to a good start.  This movie did so horrible at the box office, I didn't even know it was released.  I stumbled upon this one day flipping channels.  I laughed so hard, that I went out and bought it later that same day.  It's that funny, but it's specific funny.  Video game, comic book, geek humor and for good measure, drug humor.  I could see if you aren't into any of that, you'd find this movie dumb, crass or rude.  Nick Swardson (Jeff), who co-wrote the movie with Allen Covert (Alex), is just brilliant and really makes the movie.  It's a great escape film.  Turn the brain off and laugh for awhile.

The Little Things (or Ones)

The little things can really make your day.  Sometimes, they are better than things you've been waiting or hoping for.

I'm standing at the service desk at my supermarket waiting to buy some stamps.  I hear a little voice say, "Hi, nice to meet you."  I look down and see a small boy no older than four, looking at me.  I say "Hi" back to him.  Now years ago, you could get down to his level and start talking to the kid.  These days...not so much...I don't want mom to get the "Creepy Old Guy" vibe.  He was there with his mom and older sister, who was about 6 or 7.

5 words from a little kid made my day today.  I just thought it was great that he actually knew how to use it in context.

Listening To You

The music business is incredibly hard to succeed at.  I've always felt that it's a lowest common denominator thing.  Meaning you have to have something for everyone, so people will buy your music and put your singles on the charts.  So you can get famous, make lots of money and be on MTV.  No wait, they don't play music videos anymore.  Ok then...VH1...no they don't do it either.  Forget it, where was I?

Then there are some of us that don't listen to that music, because it's...ummm...crap.  Some bands...in fact most bands...create music, because they have to.  It's in their DNA...they were born to do it.  These are the bands we are devoted to and love.  We own all their albums and see every show we can.  These are the bands that should be huge, but never will be...sadly.  Maybe they'll be huge in Belgium, right Cliff.

 One of the bands that should be huge is Ted Leo and the Pharmacists.  I've just recently gotten into this band and have yet to hear a bad song.  This is what pop music should sound like.  It's original...not the same cookie cutter stuff "they" tell you is good.  Strong melodies, lyrics and musicians that can play their instruments.  Don't take my word for it...watch the videos and then follow the link to buy all their albums.  Seriously...ENJOY!!!







I'm always looking for "New Music To Me."  If there is anything you want to suggest, please do.  Cheers!!