McCain needs to reschedule his speeches...

ʇnoʇs s,ɹǝpunoɟ

ɥɔıɹ uıɐƃɐ noʎ ƃuıǝǝs ʇɐǝɹƃ 'ʎɐʍʎuɐ

ʇnoʇs s,ɹǝpunoɟ ɥɔnɯ ooʇ pɐɥ ı ǝqʎɐɯ

˙llǝʍ puɐ ǝʌılɐ sı ʎɹǝʍǝɹq ɐʞɐʍɐɥsıɯ ǝɥʇ ʇɐɥʇ punoɟ ı ʎɐpıɹɟ ʇsɐl pu ƃuıʇısıʌ ɹǝʇɟɐ llǝʍ

Colmes Grows a SACK!!

"in the 21st century nations don't invade other nations"

Remarkable.

Is there any hope for ND Football

Ever since he grew his long hair, I always thought Clausen kind of looked like an East German woman. Well this definitely proves he is the catcher of the team.

John Edwards

I have nothing to say. I'm simply stunned.

Well, okay, one thing. When you're a politician, you bet the reputation of yourself and your family. That's pretty big. You also ask for the support, time and money of your supporters. Edwards' affair is a huge betrayal (in my opinion) of those supporters.

Perhaps they don't care. In that case, coming full circle, I have nothing to say. I'm just stunned.

1,555,223 ways to please your man

'Cosmopolitan' Institute Completes Decades-Long Study On How To Please Your Man

The Straight Talk Express

Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, often mentioned as a possible running mate for Republican presidential candidate John McCain, said Wednesday GOP candidates would do well to adopt a positive tone like that of McCain's Democratic rival, Barack Obama.

Wall Street is investing heavily in Barack Obama.

Barack Obama has collected nearly twice as much money as John McCain
BY DAVID SALTONSTALL
DAILY NEWS SENIOR CORRESPONDENT
Updated Tuesday, July 1st 2008, 4:23 AM

Zurga/Bloomberg
Wall Street firms have chipped in more than $9 million to Barack Obama.

Wall Street is investing heavily in Barack Obama.
Although the Democratic presidential hopeful has vowed to raise capital gains and corporate taxes, financial industry bigs have contributed almost twice as much to Obama as to GOP rival John McCain, a Daily News analysis of campaign records shows.
"Wall Street wants change and wants a curtailment in spending. It wants someone who focuses on the domestic economy," said Jim Cramer, the boisterous host of CNBC's "Mad Money."
Cramer also does not discount nostalgia for the go-go 1990s, when Bill Clinton led the largest economic expansion in history.
"It wants a Clinton like in 1992, but not a Hillary Clinton," he said. "That's Barack Obama."

In contrast to Mike's post I am not going to state that McCain's economic policy will be the end of the world; actually it is pro-business. But...

http://www.prospect.org/cs/articles?article=mccains_delusional_tax_plan

He proposes cutting the corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 25 percent, costing $100 billion a year, but fails to eliminate a single corporate tax break. A 25 percent rate would be below the average rate of other industrialized countries and the lowest among G-7 countries by a significant margin.

But McCain does not stop there. He would let companies immediately write off all investment in equipment and technology. Companies would get an immediate up-front deduction for their investments, rather than being forced to deduct their costs over time. The change is very valuable for companies because a $100 deduction today is worth a lot more than $10 a year for ten years. For the same reason, it is very expensive for the Treasury -- to the tune of about $75 billion a year.

McCain's top policy advisor Douglas Holtz-Eakin claims that such a write-off has no long-term cost. In fact, when Holtz-Eakin headed the Congressional Budget Office, it concluded that a similar, smaller proposal cost $440 billion over a decade. Reagan tax official Ron Pearlman labeled Holtz-Eakin's claim "so intellectually dishonest it's outrageous."

Maverick McCain stated that payroll taxes might be necessary to fix social security until his campaign reminded him that he was the Republican nominee. Moreover, despite the fact that his website is still selling Obama Energy Plan Tire Gauges, he contradicted his campaign with “Obama said a couple of days ago says we all should inflate our tires. I don’t disagree with that. The American Automobile Association strongly recommends it." Unfortunately, he did not add that it would return more barrels of oil than new off-shore drilling he proposes. 

I need feedback

Because I'm not going to fuss with the weekly picks if people have out grown it.  If no one expresses an interest I'll let it die on the table, if you would rather do something else football related (fantasy or a weekly picks league on Yahoo or something) let me know.  Thats all, you may resume political ramblings...

States Red Ink: Does this correlate to the Federal level? I think so!

States Red Ink: Does this article extend / correlate to the Federal level? I think so! If you are more Anti-Business at the Federal level (read if Obama is elected) are we headed for more trouble in the economy?

http://www.realclearmarkets.com/articles/2008/08/antibusiness_states_awash_in_r.html

Paris Hilton Responds to McCain

See more Paris Hilton videos at Funny or Die

Now this is Funny!

A little preseason housekeeping...

So I'd like to get this done now so I can have a working system set up in time for preseason warm-ups.  So I'd like your comments about the following ideas:

1) Who all is interested in participating?

2) Any issues with the Google spreadsheet we used last year?

3) Any issues with everyone putting their own scores into the spreadsheet, rather than me entering them all?

4) Do we want to modify the scoring?  Last year it was a sum of differences model, with a margain of victory tiebreaker.

5) Anything I missed?  Throw up some ideas in the comments section, its a flexible structure.

Welcome back football, my how we have missed you...

On a lighter note....

The future is FINALLY starting to arrive.  For all of you wondering when you could hop from Mishawaka to campus with your jetpack, its here, and better yet, it runs on premium unleaded gas.  

For those of you with a longer commute, or looking to get back for football games, now you can knock some of that out in the air with your flying car.  

Thats all for now, but the show goes on all week, stay tuned!

While we're throwing gas on the fire...

I think the Colts will go 9-7. My margin of error is no more than 2 games.

Details in the comments -- you're welcome to match my prediction.

Obama: To destroy the economy, lose a war, and basically do nothing but talk!

On the Economy:
About economics
http://www.city-journal.org/2008/18_3_economics.html
Obama's Plan
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121728762442091427.html?mod=opinion_main_commentaries

On the War:
http://www.commentarymagazine.com/viewarticle.cfm/obama-in-iraq-s-quicksand-11869

On his Resume/Accomplishments:
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2008/07/what_has_obama_accomplished.html

Are you really going to vote for this guy?!!! You must be kidding!!! I guess eloquence is more important than actual substance and character.

McCain is a Maverick!! If you really want change he's your guy!! Plus he won't destroy the economy or lose a war.

Andrew Giuliani = Giant Douche

It took me a while to realize that this kid was immortalized in an SNL sketch by Chris Farley. No surprise he turned out to be a huge turd.

Downloading

Thought this was an interesting article. And I swear this isn't me Rich!

Greg Oden is funny

See more funny videos at Funny or Die

New Career Paths....

And credit to NPR's Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me...   for this gem.  I must say, as a pilot there are 2 kinds of people telling you where to go.  Absolutely great folks who do an outstanding job (about 90% of ATC) and, well, people I'm convinced filled out this form...

Want to work for British ATC?

Because you can never have too many pee jokes....

From the NASA Watch.com website, just another way you can help NASA maintain our dominance in space...  by marking your territory.

Check it out...

Awesome!

Is this an insult to Homer Simpson?

Proof Jesus Rode Dinosaurs

View the first link and then read the second...

Raptor Jesus

Raptor Jesus does not approve of the previous post....

Jesus Horses

This picture will make you go blind from sheer awesomeness!

Med Chem Symposium anyone?

Is anyone going to the National Med Chem Symposium?

One of my postdocs and I will be there. If you're going and want to hook up with an one of the oldest Taylor Group members let me know.

Steve

New training camp drills?

I can just see Peyton out there for scrimage in water wings...   Brought to you by Mother Nature, Lost Creek, and Rose-Hulman, the training camp location for the Colts.  Gives new meaning to Dwight Freeny's swim move, doesnt it?

Round 1....

Ok, so here's the deal, I want gut reaction electoral college predictions and popular vote percentage predictions.  What I'll do is post the Electoral College maps from 2000 and 2004 .  Respond in the comments section with a list of the states you expect to go for each party and the total electoral college tally.  This is supposed to be a first guess, we'll do it again after the Conventions when we know full tickets.  We'll find some kind of bragging rights trophy for the winner, a hanging chad or something.  So there ya go, Pick 'em!  (man, I can't wait to say that about football again....)

* Note* - The 2008 Electoral College is the same as 2004, so use the right tallies!

America, this is our moment.

This is our time. Our time to turn the page on the policies of the past. Our time to bring new energy and new ideas to the challenges we face. Our time to offer a new direction for this country that we love.

The journey will be difficult. The road will be long. I face this challenge with profound humility, and knowledge of my own limitations. But I also face it with limitless faith in the capacity of the American people. Because if we are willing to work for it, and fight for it and believe in it, then I am absolutely certain that generations from now, we will be able to look back and tell our children that...

this was the moment when we began to provide care for the sick and good jobs for the jobless; 

this was the moment when the rise of the oceans began to slow and our planet began to heal; 

this was the moment when we ended a war and secured our nation and restored our image as the last, best hope on Earth.

This was the moment -- this was the time -- when we came together to remake this great nation so that it may always reflect our very best selves, and our highest ideals.

Let the nano-wars begin!

Courtesy of an old friend...

http://www.sciencehumor.org/2007/nanobot-nanohell/

I hope those damn nano-cars can drive pretty fast!

George McCain?

Keeping his ties very close with the current regime cannot be good for his campaign. What does everyone think?

The "Id"-iocy of the Unconscious Mind...

A couple of months ago, Hayden and I were having dinner at Cici's pizza. Hayden will bounce between the small game room and the table to occasionally take a bite between dumping quarters for superballs and plastic bling. At the table next to me was two teenage girls embedded in conversation covering the expected range of topics. I tried to drown out the chaos by watching the news until the girls conversation switched to something more interesting, the democratic nomination. Believe it or not, it was back in early March that Obama had been placed in a position to inevitably win. "He will be shot, " one of the girls said to the other. "A black won't be president for long." Maybe I am naive, but this was the first time, this horrible potentiality had crossed my mind. I spent the next few moments wondering if I was more uncomfortable with the subject or the fact the girl made the statement with the same tone and inflection as her previous blabber about "The Hills."

A new Taylor group member

Megan was born this morning at 5:02 AM PDT. 8 pounds, 3 ounces, 20.5 inches long. Mother is fine, if just a little worse for the wear.

Check this out...

Our myriaporone synthesis is in an MIT professor's lecture slides...

http://stuff.mit.edu/afs/athena/course/5/5.511/www/12-05-07.pdf

Loofa Bill Rage

For the hell of it....

Funny, but foul.

This is a pretty funny little video, but I might note that it contains some awfully naughty words and violates Godwin's law.

A short description: an imagined conversation between Hillary Clinton and her advisors.

I might note that the video and audio has also been attributed to a certain European leader and his love of the Dallas Cowboys.

Our Next President...

A brief pause for chemistry

Highlight of the day:

Hearing a Nobel laureate (when asked to comment/improve on a low yielding reaction) say "You know, it's hard to help improve a reaction when you don't know the byproducts. What else is in there?"

Someday, I'm going to wake up in a cold sweat in the middle of the night, asking "Where's the rest of the material?"

We now return to you to your regularly scheduled Obama-hoping.

Hoth and Endor Superdelegates Support Obama...

Unfortunately, Endor is destroyed on May 31, 2008 (nuclear option).

Prediction: NC, Obama by 7, Indiana, Clinton by 5. Obama increases lead in both delegate count and popular vote but Clinton claims victory.

Indiana is an open primary. If you are registered to vote in Indiana (R, D, or I) please vote.

Media *Hearts* McCain

Why does the media love this man so much? He has received ZERO questions about his constant flip-flopping on foreign policy, the economy and torture. In addition to this no one has brought up McCain's crazy pastor Hagee and his hatred towards pretty much everyone who isn't Evangelical. Obama can't fart with someone catching a whiff, and this guy may be bat shit crazy and it receives no attention from the MSM.

Roger, Roger, why do you persecute me?

With the lucky 13th pick, the Carolina Panthers selected Jonathan Stewart, the running back from the University of Oregon. I like him, but I am unconvinced by the wisdom of this selection. Prove me wrong, J-Stew.

NFL Commissioner/Sheriff Roger Goodell just committed the cardinal Oregon sin of pronouncing the Beaver State as "Or-A-Gone". For those unaware, the correct pronunciation of my state, land of the setting sun, is "Orygun."

"Cuff and Link" hope for a surprise!

an engineer's guide to cats

Rich, do you still have those cats?

and if you have about 7 minutes to kill check this out. I think even those who aren't wild about cats will enjoy it (assuming all of you haven't seen it yet)




SEP

LinkedIn?

I've had the interesting experience of talking to two recruiters in two days; they both asked if I had a LinkedIn profile, which I do. Nothing huge came of the conversations, I don't think, but they were enjoyable.

It'd be great to get everyone in the group on here; it's like Facebook, but job-related. Signing up isn't hard, either.

Hope everyone's having a good day out there.

Gridlock!

From the "You just can't make this stuff up" file.....

It doesn't even qualify for a darwin award, but i feel like somehow it should get some kind of honorable mention...

DEEPWATER, Mo. -- Officials are trying to decide whether to file charges against a Missouri man who fatally shot his wife while trying to install a satellite TV system in their home.

Patsy Long, 34, of Deepwater, died after being shot in the chest with a .22-caliber handgun on Saturday. Her husband, Ronald Long, fired the shot from the inside of their home after several unsuccessful efforts to punch a hole through the exterior wall using other means.

Henry County sheriff's deputies said the woman was hit by the second of two shots fired by her husband.
Long was given CPR by neighbors and family until medics arrived, police said. She was transported by air ambulance, but was pronounced dead at the hospital just after 6 p.m.

Sheriff's department spokesman Maj. Robert Hills said a person involved in such a case normally would be charged with manslaughter, but that was up to the prosecutor.

"Once we complete a diagram of the incident, we will be submitting everything to the prosecuting attorney and let him decide if he wants to press criminal charges," Hills said.

On Tuesday morning, Henry County Prosecuting Attorney Richard M. Shields said he has yet to receive the case from the sheriff's department.

Henry County Coroner Scott Largent declined to release details about Patsy Long's death until the sheriff's department completes its investigation.

Neighbor Mark Lassince said he believed it was a tragic accident.

He was taking a shower when the woman’s son knocked on his door and told him that his mother had been shot. Lassince went to try to help, but Patsy Long was already dead, he said.

Lassince described Patsy Long as a good person who always took care of her family.

Tournament Time!

I have took the liberty of setting up a league for Yahoo's annual College Basketball Tournament Pick'em. To join this group click on this link and sign in with group ID:Taylor Group, and the password:taylorgroup.

Note: Some of you will have to sign up for a Yahoo account before you can join the group.

The ID # is 150871

Six Degrees to Sir Francis Bacon

Heartbreaking. I thought this guy was going all the way to the White House. Unfortunately, he did not wait to get there before cheating on his wife.

The CNN writers show their age with this tidbit about the man and his days as attorney general of New York...

"Tabloids labeled him 'Elliot Ness' after the hero in the crime drama 'The Untouchables,' because of his reputation for rooting out corruption..."

CNN also reports that many people see Barack Obama as the next John F. Kennedy. No, not the former president but the character played by Martin Sheen in the 1983 miniseries entitled "Kennedy." Interestingly, Elliot Ness (Kevin Kostner) later starred as Jim Garrison in the movie 'JFK' and as Kenny O'Donnell, Kennedy's campaign manager and top aide in the movie '13 Days'. 

Freaky isn't it. 

Larry David

Larry David, the mastermind behind George Costanza and Curb Your Enthusiasm, has wrote an insightful piece on Hillary's "Red Phone" ad.

An intemperate and unwise blast at the Buckeye State

Hi, Ohio:

So I see you've decided to vote for Clinton. Bully for you. I see you've decided to lap up all the politicians pandering to you on NAFTA. I've got a little to say about it:

Those manufacturing jobs? NOT YOUR JOBS. They're just jobs, not Ohio's jobs, not America's jobs, just jobs. Every single freakin' one of us not involved in immediate hands-on occupations (ER surgeon, plumber, hairdresser, etc.) has to compete for our positions on a global basis. It's not changing back to the good ol' days, where wages were high and so was job security. Sorry. I wish it were so.

Stand up, Ohio, and look at yourself. You have a large and well-educated population. You're relatively wealthy and have two great American metropolises. You have two three high-powered universities that can compete on a global basis. It's not so bad -- you're not Mississippi.

Quit whinging about NAFTA and get to work building your own future.

And one from the political coverage...

I think Apple is missing a huge marketing opportunity here, I mean, as I watch CNN (good thesis-writing background noise), the screens are basically what the iPhone uses. Can't you see it, Super-Jumbo sized iPhones positioned around the studio, and then when they are done with the coverage they can push the home button, open the SMS feature, and send huge harassing text messages to KO (ok, that part was for me). Seriously though, if you watch the anchors they even use the drag apart zoom, Apple, get on the ball here!

Signs of the Apocalypse?

No, sorry all, this isnt a political entry.

We've seen the first 2 signs, right? I mean, the Patriots lose the superbowl and now Brett Favre actually retires, so whats the next sign we'll see that the world (the football world, no politics here) is imploding? For my amusement I think it would be if Brady Quinn ever puts on a helmet other than to free his right hand to write on the clipboard in his left hand... but thats just me. What do you think?

When will this thing be over?

Put your Texas-Ohio predictions in the comments.

Now here is a true patriot wearing his lapel pin....

All joking aside, this patriot argument against Barack Obama is absolutely insane. Almost more insane than my mom telling me he is a Muslim and how he didn't hold is hand over his heart during the pledge of allegiance.

Obama for Heisman

He should do this IF he wins Ohio and Texas!

Literature sentence of the week

From "Palladium-Catalyzed Methylation of Aryl C-H Bond by Using Peroxides", Zhang et al., JACS, ASAP. (doi: 10.1021/ja0775063)

"Ru and Rh complexes are the hors d'oeuvres of effective catalysts which have succeeded in performing carbo-functionalization of aryl C-H bonds by reacting with olefins or aryl organometallic reagents."

Even taking into account both the literal and common meaning of "hors d'oeuvres", I don't get it. Anyone else understand this?

DAM!

This is an actual letter sent to a man named Ryan DeVries regarding a pond on his property. It was sent by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Quality, State of Pennsylvania . This guy's response is hilarious, but read the State's letter before you get to the response letter.

SUBJECT: DEQ File No.97-59-0023; T11N; R10W, Sec. 20; Lycoming County

Dear Mr. DeVries:

It has come to the attention of the Department of Environmental Quality that there has been recent unauthorized activity on the above referenced parcel of property. You have been certified as the legal landowner and/or contractor who did the following unauthorized activity: Construction and maintenance of two wood debris dams across the outlet stream of Spring Pond.

A permit must be issued prior to the start of this type of activity. A review of the Department's files shows that no permits have been issued. Therefore, the Department has determined that this activity is in violation of Part 301, Inland Lakes and Streams, of the Natural Resource and Environmental Protection Act, Act 451 of the Public Acts of 1994, being sections 324.30101 to 324.30113 of the Pennsylvania Compiled Laws, annotated.

The Department has been informed that one or both of the dams partially failed during a recent rain event, causing debris and flooding at downstream locations. We find that dams of this nature are inherently hazardous and cannot be permitted.

The Department therefore orders you to cease and desist all activities at this location, and to restore the stream to a free-flow condition by removing all wood and brush forming the dams from the stream channel. All restoration work shall be completed no later than January 31, 2008.

Please notify this office when the restoration has been completed so that a follow-up site inspection may be scheduled by our staff. Failure to comply with this request or any further unauthorized activity on the site may result in this case being referred for elevated enforcement action.

We anticipate and would appreciate your full cooperation in this matter. Please feel free to contact me at this office if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

David L. Price

District Representative and Water Management Division.

Here is the actual response sent back by Mr. DeVries:

Re: DEQ File No. 97-59-0023; T11N; R10W, Sec. 20; Lycoming County

Dear Mr. Price, Your certified letter dated 11/25/07 has been handed to me to respond to. I am the legal landowner but not the Contractor at 2088 Dagget Lane, Trout Run,Pennsylvania .

A couple of beavers are in the (State unauthorized) process of constructing and maintaining two wood "debris" dams across the outlet stream of my Spring Pond. While I did not pay for, authorize, nor supervise their dam project, I think they would be highly offended that you call their skillful use of natures building materials "debris."

I would like to challenge your department to attempt to emulate their dam project any time and/or any place you choose. I believe I can safely state there is no way you could ever match their dam skills, their dam resourcefulness, their dam ingenuity, their dam persistence, their dam determination and/or their dam work ethic.

These are the beavers/contractors you are seeking. As to your request, I do not think the beavers are aware that they must first fill out a dam permit prior to the start of this type of dam activity.

My first dam question to you is:

(1) Are you trying to discriminate against my Spring Pond Beavers, or

(2) do you require all beavers throughout this State to conform to said dam request?

If you are not discriminating against these particular beavers, through the Freedom of Information Act, I request completed copies of all those other applicable beaver dam permits that have been issued.

Perhaps we will see if there really is a dam violation of Part 301, Inland Lakes and Streams, of the Natural Resource and Environmental Protection Act, Act 451 of the Public Acts of 1994, being sections 324.30101 to 324.30113 of the Pennsylvania Compiled Laws, annotated.

I have several concerns. My first concern is, aren't the beavers entitled to legal representation? The Spring Pond Beavers are financially destitute and are unable to pay for said representation -- so the State will have to provide them with a dam lawyer. The Department's dam concern that either one or both of the dams failed during a recent rain event, causing flooding, is proof that this is a natural occurrence, which the Department is required to protect. In other words, we should leave the Spring Pond Beavers alone rather than harassing them and calling them dam names.

If you want the stream "restored" to a dam free-flow condition please contact the beavers -- but if you are going to arrest them, they obviously did not pay any attention to your dam letter, they being unable to read English.

In my humble opinion, the Spring Pond Beavers have a right to build their unauthorized dams as long as the sky is blue, the grass is green and water flows downstream. They have more dam rights than I do to live and enjoy Spring Pond. If the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection lives up to its name, it should protect the natural resources (Beavers) and the environment (Beavers' Dams).

So, as far as the beavers and I are concerned, this dam case can be referred for more elevated enforcement action right now. Why wait until 1/31/2008? The Spring Pond Beavers may be under the dam ice then and there will be no way for you or your dam staff to contact/harass them.

In conclusion, I would like to bring to your attention to a real environmental quality, health, problem in the area. It is the bears! Bears are actually defecating in our woods. I definitely believe you should be persecuting the defecating bears and leave the beavers alone. If you are going to investigate the beaver dam, watch your step! The bears are not careful where they dump!

Being unable to comply with your dam request, and being unable to contact you on your dam answering machine, I am sending this response to your dam office.

THANK YOU,

RYAN DEVRIES & THE DAM BEAVERS

Brady Quinn is sensitive towards gays...

If there was ever a case of the pot calling the kettle black...




http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2008/02/brady_quinn_part_of_rowdy_grou.html

Two Super Days...

Everyone has been waiting for me to chime in so I waited for last nights results. I was hoping for a more decisive victory but there is still "hope." But I guess it is time to donate...Yes, We Can!

Consider looking at the following blog to see how even Giant fans view Eli (http://www.bakaraptor.com/EliManning/index.php)

A detailed look at every Giant game this year. A great quote from the site..."The Giants won! As a Giants fan, I could not be happier. Eli still sucks, but since the Giants won the Super Bowl, I'll give Eli a break and quit blogging about him."

Super Tuesday

I'll cede to Rich any comment on the Superbowl. All I have to say is: Wow.

Put your Super Duper Wooper Tuesday predictions in the comments. I suggest simple rankings, as there are too many categories (states, pure vote counts, percentages overall, delegates).

Why I am rooting for the New York Giants

Without a doubt, the New England Patriots are the best team I've personally seen play in the NFL. I really started watching football around 1999, with the advent of the quick-strike Rams. They were really something, but it was so obvious that the Rams always had a fatal flaw. They can hardly be called a dynasty; neither can any of the other teams that have won since the Patriots' first win.

The NFL has quite a bit balance: it's difficult to assemble a great team, phenomenal individual performers have always been on poor teams (Barry Sanders, anyone?) and championship winners who don't stand out. Quick: name a defensive player on the '72 Dolphins. I can't (there's that Nick something-or-other, I think) -- can you?

The '07 Patriots put a hole in all of that. They don't appear to have a fatal flaw. They pass well, run well, stop the pass and can stop the run (although less so, recently.) The O-line is great, the D-line's pretty good too. They've won two big individual honors and they're going to win (most likely) the two biggest team honors: an undefeated season and a Superbowl championship.

Eli Manning and the Giants will have to play the game of their lives tomorrow. They could do it -- they're a good team. America is depending on you, Giants, and so am I.

P.S. Put your predictions in the comments.

Tis the season...

While walking down the street one day a US senator is tragically hit by a truck and dies. His soul arrives in Heaven and is met by St. Peter at the Golden Gate. "Welcome to Heaven," says St. Peter. "Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem. We seldom see a high official around these parts, you see, so we're not sure what to do with you." "No problem, just let me in," says the man. "Well, I'd like to, but I have orders from higher up. What we'll do is have you spend one day in Hell and one in Heaven. Then you can choose where to spend eternity." "Really, I've made up my mind. I want to be in Heaven," says the senator. "I'm sorry, but we have our rules. "And with that, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to Hell. The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a green golf course. In the distance is a clubhouse and standing in front of it are all his friends and other politicians who had worked with him. Everyone is very happy and in evening dress. They run to greet him, shake his hand, and reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich at the expense of the people. They play a friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster, caviar and champagne. Also present is the devil, who really is a very friendly guy who has a good time dancing and telling jokes. They are having such a good time that before he realizes it, it is time to go. Everyone gives him a hearty farewell and waves while the elevator rises...The elevator goes up, up, up and the door reopens on Heaven where St Peter is waiting for him. "Now it's time to visit Heaven. "So, 24 hours pass with the senator joining a group of contented souls moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing. They have a good time and, before he realizes it, the 24 hours have gone by and St. Peter returns. "Well then, you've spent a day in Hell and another in Heaven. Now choose your eternity."The senator reflects for a minute, then he answers: "Well, I would never have said it before, I mean Heaven has been delightful, but I think I would be better off in Hell." So St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to Hell. Now the doors of the elevator open and he's in the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage. He sees all his friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags as more trash falls from above. The devil comes over to him and puts his arm around his shoulder. "I don't understand," stammers the senator. "Yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and clubhouse, and we ate lobster and caviar, drank champagne, and danced and had a great time. Now there's just a wasteland full of garbage and my friends look miserable. What happened?" The devil looks at him, smiles and says,

"Yesterday we were campaigning..... Today you voted."

Why I admire the 2007 New England Patriots

There’s a lot to admire in the New England Patriots. I really admire the great play of their offensive line. It’s no stretch to say that Tom Brady is an excellent quarterback; he’s clearly one of the two best in the league and quite possibly the best. The Patriots’ run game is good and the passing game – well, enough said.

I think the New England defense is great (duh!) – Asante Samuel has recovered nicely from the victimizing that Peyton Manning subjected him to in that Week 9 game in the 2005 season to become a great cornerback. The linebacking corps is undoubtedly old, but plays so smart. They always come up with the key tackle.

I admire the Patriots’ attitude, most of all. I love the fact that stars play special teams. I like that they managed not to crow too much about going undefeated so far. Mercury Morris’ talk has been annoying – I haven’t heard too much responding. They have cute but meaningful traditions in training camp: to get a day off, special teams players have to teach young offensive linemen to catch a punt and not drop it. I admire Belichick’s stoicism; it speaks to a great deal of self-control.

Part II coming: Why I’m rooting for the Patriots to lose

Tornado in So Cal

Interesting ...

The last time I remembered a tornado touchdown in LA basin was I was a junior at Cal Poly. It also happened during a massive winter storm, although eventually they were not sure if it was a tornado or just a microburst or even a gustnado.


From WNDU:

A rare tornado has touched down in Southern California.

It started as a waterspout last night in the Pacific and came ashore at the Point Mugu Naval Air Station up the coast from Malibu, ripping a roof off a hangar. It scattered debris on a tarmac but nobody was hurt and flight operations were not affected.

The small tornado was from a much bigger storm system that's been causing problems in Southern California, pounding the region with heavy rain and deep snow and triggering at least two tornado warnings last night.

Hundreds of cars and tractor trailers had been left stranded on a major highway north of Los Angeles. One driver says he was stuck on the road for 24 hours.

Another storm coming up from Mexico is expected to dump up to an inch of rain in the Los Angeles area today.

Gummy Reaction

Seems interesting....

I liked it.

The Smith group's latest on their 2nd-gen synthesis of phorboxazole A is quite enjoyable reading. (DOI:10.1021/jo7018152) Note Taylor group alum and third author Jeff Ciavarri (aka Chico.)

Get Muffet on the Phone

Madeleine scored her very first basket last night in a thrilling triple-overtime victory. I tried to take a picture, but apparently I had the camera on the wrong setting and didn't take the picture, though the camera told me it did. I'm still confused myself.

She had a chance to win the game at the end of regulation but her shot came about a second after the final horn sounded. Her line for the game: 2 pts, 1 for 3, 2 rebounds, 1 steal, 0 knees to the midsection of opposing players.

Start the recruiting process now.

The Justice League...

Brady in Cast?

Maybe he will have to wear protection during the Super Bowl.....

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs07/news/story?id=3207592

Stand in the gap!

That was a great, great game. Eli Manning, you're my new hero.

Beat the Patriots, Eli Wan-Kenobi -- you're still my only hope.

Championship Weekend

Put your predictions in the comments. I'm getting crazy.

Nice game pretty boy...

Well lets get this ball rolling. Name EVERYTHING you hate about Tom Brady in the comments section. The picture of him getting paid to be handsome should be enough to inspire hatred.

Four reasons why the Patriots cannot win the Superbowl

1. Tom Brady would be allowed to get any woman in the continental US pregnant.
2. Randy Moss' car would have parking attendants as rim spinners.
3. For the rest of our lives, drunk Boston sports fans would be completely insufferable (except you, Bill), especially if the Celtics are any good this year. "Nomah!"
4. Belichick would be become Pope.

Put your division game weekend predictions in the comments.

UFO's in San Diego?

Did you see this Jim?

news:ufo footage near san diego 1_1_2008
Uploaded by sizemen

I for one welcome our Clintonian overlords.....

Not good....

I knew people were effected by women crying, but come on? And Slick Willy pandering for votes by spewing lies about records, and even playing the 9/11 card ( I thought that was reserved strictly for Rudy 9/11). I know the election season is early, but this just shows how easy it is to manipulate.

OBAMA in 2008!

New Hampshire!

Put your New Hampshire primary predictions in the comments.

Worth tooting.

Bruce is too modest to mention it, but I will. In an e-mail to me, he correctly predicted the Obama win in Iowa. And I quote:

"Obama 37%
Edwards 33%
Clinton 30%

btw, The Huckster is gonna walk with this thing."

Very nice, Bruce. I will have to settle for the consolation prize of having correctly predicted Fred Thompson's 3rd place finish. Ka-ching!

Anyone for predicting the playoffs? Mine in the comments.

I'll also get crazy and predict Dallas winning it all.

Iowa caucus speculation

I'm sure we can agree that if we were to design a primary, it would not look like the one we that have.

Nevertheless, place your Iowa predictions for both party primaries in the comments.

The Regular Seson is over...

And the results are in.

1) Chris
2) Rich
3) Jim
4) Vince
5) Dave
6) Bruce

Actual tallies in the link on the sidebar, bring on the playoffs! great season everyone.

IT MUST NOT BE ALLOWED TO HAPPEN.

God help me, the Patriots cannot be allowed to both 1) go undefeated through a 16 game season and 2) win the Superbowl.

Can you imagine what a catastrophe it would be if this happened? The conventional wisdom would crown the Patriots the greatest NFL team of all time. We'd have to move the White House from Washington, D.C. to Boston. Tom Brady would be the greatest quarterback of all time (especially if he held the single-season TD record.) Randy Moss would become the greatest wide receiver of all time. ESPN would move from Bristol to Foxboro. Bill Belichick would become as a god. Wes Welker would be the greatest white-guy receiver since Steve Largent. Peyton Manning would no longer be allowed to do TV commercials! This cannot be allowed to stand! We can have Chris win the pick-off three years in a row, but we cannot have this!

I call on all that is holy (and possibly some that isn't) for a team, any team to defeat the New England Patriots during this season or the playoffs. This is Horatio on the Bridge! This is the Alamo! This is the meteor from Armageddon heading towards Earth with Tom Coughlin as the Bruce Willis character. Don't drop the detonator, Tom!

If a Taylor Group member's team (Colts or Giants, primarily) beats the Patriots, I will personally buy and ship a bottle of the finest $9.99 champagne to the vanquisher of the Beast from Massachusetts.

Until next week, I will be hoping beyond hope that the New York Football Giants will win this game. Help me, Eli Wan-Kenobi, you're my only hope.

Merry Christmas & Week 16

Who will get playoff presents? Who will get coal? We could also start a side bet about who will just get fired, but thats 2 weeks away. Cast your vote, and your score!

Thursday, December 20
Pittsburgh @ St. Louis

Saturday, December 22
Dallas @ Carolina

Sunday, December 23
Cleveland @ Cincinnati
Kansas City @ Detroit
Houston @ Indianapolis
Green Bay @ Chicago
NY Giants @ Buffalo
Oakland @ Jacksonville
Philadelphia @ New Orleans
Tampa Bay @ San Francisco
Atlanta @ Arizona
Miami @ New England
Baltimore @ Seattle
NY Jets @ Tennessee
Washington @ Minnesota

Monday, December 24
Denver @ San Diego

Week 15

Week 15... Back from the dead, not quite, but i found enough time to do this so I'm posting my scores now and updating the spreadsheet in the next 20 minutes.

Pick'Em....
Thursday, Dec. 13
Denver @ Houston

Sunday, Dec. 16
Cincinnati @ San Francisco
Tennessee @ Kansas City
Baltimore @ Miami
NY Jets @ New England
Buffalo @ Cleveland
Seattle @ Carolina
Arizona @ New Orleans
Atlanta @ Tampa Bay
Green Bay @ St. Louis
Jacksonville @ Pittsburgh
Indianapolis @ Oakland
Detroit @ San Diego
Philadelphia @ Dallas
Washington @ NY Giants

Monday, Dec. 17
Chicago @ Minnesota

need extra cash?

For those of you who might need some extra cash:

http://www.hr.duke.edu/jobs/descr_campus/select.php?ID=1206

too freakin busy....

Get your picks in now for the week's games, i'm rather swamped tonight, so how about if I just direct you all to www.nfl.com for the week's schedule, scores in the comments section as usual, and I will get the spreadsheet updated ASAP. Thanks!

Chris

And now... those OTHER games....

And the rest of the week:

Sunday, December 2
San Francisco @ Carolina
Buffalo @ Washington
Houston @ Tennessee
Atlanta @ St. Louis
Seattle @ Philadelphia
Detroit @ Minnesota
Jacksonville @ Indianapolis
San Diego @ Kansas City
NY Jets @ Miami
Denver @ Oakland
Cleveland @ Arizona
Tampa Bay @ New Orleans
NY Giants @ Chicago
Cincinnati @ Pittsburgh

Monday, December 3
New England @ Baltimore

Tonight...

Post your scores for Green Bay @ Dallas! Or as jim put it, Superman vs. Jesus (Where does Chuck Norris weigh in on this? Oh, wait, who is Ref'ing the game, because if its the crazy buff ref (name escapes me) i think Chuck Norris comes down on the side of the officials... should be interesting!)

I'll put up the rest of the games tomorrow. Stay Tuned!

Great Stuff....

http://www.themishmash.com/2007/11/8-telltale-sign.html

$5 for Olberman's tongue on a platter....

Oh My God,

I have never had a great fascination with Keith Olberman, but until now I had no tremendous need to see him rendered mute. Please, NBC, do us all a HUGE favor and pull the man. Its not bad enough that he can't commentate a highlight reel, or can't pronounce players names (I understand that one, i mean, it was a little no-name guy from San Diego, what was it again, some guy named Merriman?) But the man has more bad impressions and terrible or aloof jokes than Dennis Miller, and they managed to run him off ABC. I'm willing to make a deal, pull Olberman and put a trained monkey or Dan Dierdorf (same thing) in, and take Olberman where he belongs, late-night 2nd rate sports right behind Miller's new show. Just a thought, just please get him off the Sunday Night Football.

Week 12 and a Happy Thanksgiving

So here is the deal, get in your Thursday picks by the start of the first game, get the rest in by the start of the Sunday action.
Good luck...

Oh, by the way, I added an overall rank column to the standings page, just for amusement. so you can easily spot how well you have to do to jump up a place. Ok, now pick 'em....

Thursday, November 22
Green Bay @ Detroit
NY Jets @ Dallas
Indianapolis @ Atlanta

Sunday, November 25
New Orleans @ Carolina
Oakland @ Kansas City
Houston @ Cleveland
Buffalo @ Jacksonville
Seattle @ St. Louis
Tennessee @ Cincinatti
Washington @ Tampa Bay
Minnesota @ NY Giants
San Francisco @ Arizona
Baltimore @ San Diego
Denver @ Chicago
Philadelphia @ New England (I think John Madden has just moved into an all-you-can-eat seafood restaurant up there)

Monday, November 26
Miami @ Pittsburgh

Upstate doesn't count, buddy...

Taken from the CNNSI Boxscore in-game blog...

Darryl Johnston...go back to Dallas.
03:42 PM | As a New Yorker, I can admit that Eli Manning does get a lot of scrutiny in NYC, but this week's headlines were all about A-Rod and the feud between Marbury and Isiah Thomas with nothing about the Giants. I don't know what Darryl is talking about but Eli actually got a break from the criticism this week. Sad thing is, after looking so unimpressive in this victory, it might return on Monday | J. Heck Goree

PASSING
Manning
CP/AT 28/39
YDS 283
TD 1
INT 0

RATING 100.694

But you are right, people are giving him a break from criticism.

for all you Huckabee lovers out there...

I thought this was hilarious and quite clever! Huckabee may very well be that dark horse candidate that the Republicans need in '08. Apparently, his sense of humor is well known...

plus, Chuck Norris said so...lol

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDUQW8LUMs8&eurl

Week 11, back to a full slate of games

Which means lots of catch-up chances... pick your winners!

Sunday, November 18
Tampa Bay @ Atlanta
Cleveland @ Baltimore
NY Giants @ Detroit
Miami @ Philadelphia
Oakland @ Minnesota
San Diego @ Jacksonville
Kansas City @ Indianapolis
Arizona @ Cincinatti
Carolina @ Green Bay
New Orleans @ Houston
Pittsburgh @ NY Jets
Chicago @ Seattle
St. Louis @ San Francisco
Washington @ Dallas
New England @ Buffalo

Monday, November 19
Tennessee @ Denver

I feel like talking smack, but as soon as I do the football gods will do something worse than frowning... pick 'em....

Sunday, November 11
Atlanta @ Carolina
Minnesota @ Green Bay
Denver @ Kansas City
Buffalo @ Miami
St. Louis @ New Orleans
Cleveland @ Pittsburgh
Jacksonville @ Tennessee
Philadelphia @ Washington
Cincinatti @ Baltimore
Detroit @ Arizona
Dallas @ NY Giants
Chicago @ Oakland
Indianapolis @ San Diego

Monday, November 12
San Francisco @ Seattle

What's a methylene amongst friends?

Doubtless you've heard about the Chinese-made toy "Aquadots" that is being pulled for having a compound that metabolizes into GHB. The Washington Post says that the culprit is a simple compound switch:

"Moose Enterprises said Bindeez and Aqua Dots are made at the same factory, which is in Shenzhen in southern Guangdong province. Last week, the government announced an export ban on more than 700 toy factories in the region because of shoddy products. The company said the product is distributed in 40 countries.

The toys were supposed to use 1,5-pentanediol, a nontoxic compound found in glue, but instead contained the harmful 1,4-butanediol, which is widely used in cleaners and plastics. The Food and Drug Administration in 1999 declared the chemical a Class I Health Hazard, meaning it can cause life-threatening harm. Both chemicals are manufactured in China and elsewhere, including by major multinational companies, and are also marketed over the Internet.

It's not clear why 1,4-butanediol was substituted. However, there is a significant difference in price between the two chemicals. The Chinese online trading platform ChemNet China lists the price of 1,4 butanediol at between about $1,350-$2,800 per metric ton, while the price for 1,5-pentanediol is about $9,700 per metric ton."

I doubt there was any malicious intent involved in this. One feels sorry for the poor supply clerk who saw the price difference and jumped at it. Didn't take any med chem courses?

A good day for CNN....

So I can't decide which story makes me laugh the most today, there are so many options. I mean, there is this...
http://www.wsbtv.com/news/14535338/detail.html
proof that heroism isnt dead, even after 5 bullets.

then there is this one, reason to realize that all that chineese lead could be a lot worse....
http://money.cnn.com/2007/11/07/news/international/toys_drug.ap/index.htm?cnn=yes

but best of all, without a doubt, is the worst way to get your steak.... airmail.
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/offbeat/2007/11/07/cow.drops.onto.minivan.king

Smallmouth bass

2 lbs 8 oz smallmouth bass: caught in St. Joe river (County canoe landing in South Bend off Riverside road). What a fight!

Interesting British Law

Extracted from Yahoo.com (11/7/7):

Respondents were given a shortlist and asked to vote.

Most ridiculous British law:

1. It is illegal to die in the Houses of Parliament (27 percent)

2. It is an act of treason to place a postage stamp bearing the British monarch upside-down (seven percent)

3. In Liverpool, it is illegal for a woman to be topless except as a clerk in a tropical fish store (six percent)

4. Mince pies cannot be eaten on Christmas Day (five percent)

5. In Scotland, if someone knocks on your door and requires the use of your toilet, you must let them enter (four percent)

6. A pregnant woman can legally relieve herself anywhere she wants, including in a policeman's helmet (four percent)

7. The head of any dead whale found on the British coast automatically becomes the property of the king, and the tail of the queen (3.5 percent)

8. It is illegal to avoid telling the tax man anything you do not want him to know, but legal not to tell him information you do not mind him knowing (three percent)

9. It is illegal to enter the Houses of Parliament in a suit of armour (three percent)

10. In the city of York it is legal to murder a Scotsman within the ancient city walls, but only if he is carrying a bow and arrow (two percent)

Week 9, Happy November!

Sunday, November 4
San Francisco @ Atlanta
Cincinnati @ Buffalo
Denver @ Detroit
Green Bay @ Kansas City
San Diego @ Minnesota
Jacksonville @ New Orleans
Washington @ NY Jets
Carolina @ Tennessee
Arizona @ Tampa Bay
Seattle @ Cleveland
New England @ Indianapolis
Houston @ Oakland
Dallas @ Philadelphia

Monday, November 5
Baltimore @ Pitsburgh