addiction

I'm not sure what Ice Cream USA is putting in these but the DEA & FDA ought to check into it. I'm good for three in a sitting. This could be the begining of my fat story.

mysterious produce

A cart of oranges appeared on my street a few days ago. Much like the toilet(which eventually disappeared) there was no explanation. My roommate saw the mailman grab a couple of them. Freshly squeezed juice sounds delicious but I'm left with questions.

Are they up for grabs? Should you trust them?

Did the owner just get tired of pushing the cart or is she/he a good samaritan trying to help ease the impending citrus shortage?

i'm gonna be here a while

Hugo Chavez in 2005

"I promise I'll give the power back once things are straigtened out."

Venezuela's Chavez gets powers to rule by decree
Christian Oliver, Reuters, 1/31/07

CARACAS (Reuters) - Venezuela's Congress on Wednesday granted President Hugo Chavez powers to rule by decree for 18 months as he tries to force through nationalizations key to his self-styled leftist revolution.

The lawmakers, all loyal to Chavez after opposition parties boycotted the 2005 congressional elections, flaunted their populist credentials by taking the unusual step of holding their vote in public in a square in downtown Caracas.

The boycot even if the elections were engineered was probably not the wisest choice.

correct order

Most brewery tours are backwards, not at Abita.

Abita Brewing Company

"Our tour begins in our tasting room, where you can sample the various brews that make our brewery so successful. Don't forget to grab a "Full One" before the tour begins. You may get thirsty!"

Buy some Restoration Ale.



One dollar from every six-pack of Restoration Ale is donated to the Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation, which is dedicated to the relief and long-term recovery of our citizens. 100% of the proceeds from Restoration Ale merchandise sales is also donated to the LDRF.

To date, Abita Restoration Ale has contributed $550,000 to the recovery effort.

semantics

Agency Says Higher Casualty Total Was Posted in Error
Denise Grady, NY Times, 1/30/07
The Veterans Affairs Department’s Web site temporarily changed the number of American troops wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan from 50,508 to 21,649.

"Which number is correct? The answer depends on a larger question, the definition of wounded. If the term includes combat or “hostile” injuries inflicted by the enemy, the definition the Pentagon uses, the smaller number would be right."

"But if it also applies to injuries from accidents like vehicle crashes and to mental and physical illnesses that developed in the war zone, the meaning that veterans’ groups favor, 50,508 would be accurate."

Why should the "how" or anything but the "where" matter when talking about total casualties?

"No one disputes that more 50,000 troops have been injured in Iraq and Afghanistan or that nonhostile injuries can be serious. Of the more than 3,000 deaths that have occurred, 600 have been listed as nonhostile."

That's 20%, which is a slightly higher than the 18.5% during the Vietnam War.

From the Department of Vetrans Affairs fact sheet:

Vietnam War (1964-1975)
Battle Deaths............................................47,424
Other Deaths (In Theater)................................10,785

obscurity lost

In Culver City, Calif., Art and Food Turn a Nowhere Into a Somewhere
NY Times, 1/28/07

We've been found.

(the leg resides in CC, CA)


The Munchkins from The Wizard of OZ, cross Washington Blvd in Culver City, 1938.

"...she noticed coming toward her a group of the queerest people she had ever seen. They were not as big as the grown folk she had always been used to; but neither were they very small. In fact, they seemed about as tall as Dorothy, who was a well-grown child for her age, although they were, so far as looks go, many years older."

After OZ, circa 1981.


This is how Carrie Fisher spent her time between Empire Strikes Back & Return of the Jedi.

Time Bandits also premiered in 1981. It was a big year for little people. (groan)

oink

The year of the swine is nearly upon us. Eat your bacon.


photo via bbc.com

hard core sitting

Aaron "Wheels" Fotheringham


Wheelchair backflip

180

unreachable

Toileting aids from the folks at dynamic living.


"Bottom Buddy Toilet Tissue Holder - A personal hygiene toiletry aid for when reaching is difficult!"

"Travels easily in it's own travel pouch."

From the product review section:

"I highly recommend the Bottom Buddy for those whose toileting difficulty is obesity related"


"Self Wipe Tissue Holder is an invaluable toiletry aid that extends your reach."

"Once you are done cleaning yourself, you simply open the clamp to release the soiled tissue into the toilet bowl."


"The EasyWipe extends your reach for better cleaning of the anal or vaginal area after toileting."

From the product review section:

"The only two things that I believe should be changed are: 1-Remove the writing on the case. I would like it to be plain and be anonymous to any one seeing it. . . "

For those requiring a more thorough clensing:


"This Portable Personal ComfortSeat is a cost effective solution to personal hygiene in the bathroom."

"A Personal Bidet travels with you for the utmost in personal cleanliness!"

"There are times traditional toilet paper does not clean as well as you would like. Perhaps your skin is irritated and the friction of tissue adds to the inflammation. A portable hand-held bidet offers cleanliness in the form of a soothing stream of water that you control."

"ComfortSeat Personal Solution Features: Discreet carrying bag, Uses 1 AA battery."

Tragic coincidence

I had no idea that the three tragedies that have befallen the U.S. space program all occured at the same time of year.

"On January 27, 1967, tragedy struck the Apollo program when a flash fire occurred in command module 012 during a launch pad test of the Apollo/Saturn space vehicle being prepared for the first piloted flight, the AS-204 mission. Three astronauts, Lt. Col. Virgil I. Grissom, a veteran of Mercury and Gemini missions; Lt. Col. Edward H. White, the astronaut who had performed the first United States extravehicular activity during the Gemini program; and Roger B. Chaffee, an astronaut preparing for his first space flight, died in this tragic accident." ~nasa.gov

"On Jan. 28, 1986, space shuttle Challenger exploded 73 seconds after liftoff from Cape Canaveral, killing all seven crew members." ~NY Times

"On February 1, 2003, Columbia disintegrated during re-entry over Texas, on its 28th mission; all seven crew members aboard perished." ~Wikipedia

does he name them ?

Man with mannequin fetish sent to prison
AP, January 25, 2007

PONTIAC, Mich. --A man who acknowledged a sexual fetish for female-shaped mannequins was sentenced Thursday to more than a year in prison after repeatedly breaking into storefront windows.

Ronald Dotson, 39, of Detroit, was sentenced to 18 months to 30 years on charges of breaking and entering and being a habitual criminal.

That's kind of a large window. It's called the as long as we feel like it sentence.

He was arrested in October after police in the Detroit suburb of Royal Oak spotted him near a smashed storefront window containing a mannequin wearing a French maid outfit.

The arrest came less than a week after he had been paroled for his sixth breaking-and-entering conviction in 13 years.

Some of the previous cases also involved mannequins. Police once found him in an alley behind a women's clothing store with three mannequins dressed in lingerie.

Once recovered were the mannequins reused or were they retired?

"I've never been able to take care of myself," Dotson told Judge Denise Langford Morris at sentencing.

Morris acknowledged that Dotson had never assaulted a person but said his behavior "strikes fear in the community."

look ma no hands

The doctor gave me the go ahead to walk in the house without crutches. I'm suppose to use crutches outside. Return trip scheduled for two weeks. Hopefully, I'll be able to ditch the crutches altogether after that. I start physical therapy in a month. My first fight is in the spring.

ubiquitous

I guess the DEA reads the free papers. Here's a rundown of the medical marijuana related ads in two of LA's free papers. The January 18th issue of City Beat had 19 marijuana related ads. The number of marijuana ads in City Beat is second only to their adult services (hookers/phone sex) ads. The LA Weekly, which is about three times larger than the Beat has a more diverse stable of advertisers (and I imagine higher advertising rates) but there were still 22 marijuana related ads in the latest issue.

City Beat ~ 1/18/07, 56 pages
15 (including one duplicate) for dispensaries, care givers, care centers, farmacy (actual spelling), collectives, co-ops (aka pot shops)
3 ads for Medical Marijuana Evaluations (aka prescriptions, A Dr's RX is required in order to obtain medical marijuana)
1 for hydroponic supplies (for Home gardening/grow your own)

LA Weekly ~ 1/18/07, 172 pages
17 ads for dispensaries
4 ads for Medical Marijuana Evaluations
1 for hydroponic supplies

"They're giving it away!"

Here are some of the offers from the ads.

Free gram of cannabis with membership
Free Jar
Free samples
%10 off with this add
Free gram to new patients
Free glass pipe for new patients
receive 1 Free gram with each referral and 2 gram purchase
Free medication with first donation
One free joint per purchase
Free Gift w/AD
New Patients receive a free gift
Free Medicine to new patients

Get Marijuana with this card

lone ranger creed

Dear Mr. President,

Over the past year I have sent you a few quotes from Mr. Rogers and FDR that I thought might move you and help fill in the gaps in your upbringing. I fear those fell on deaf ears. Perhaps a creed from such a man as John Reid will appeal to both your piousness and your cowboy dreams.


"I believe that to have a friend,
a man must be one.

That all men are created equal
and that everyone has within himself
the power to make this a better world.

That God put the firewood there
but that every man
must gather and light it himself.

In being prepared
physically, mentally, and morally
to fight when necessary
for that which is right.

That a man should make the most
of what equipment he has.

That 'This government,
of the people, by the people
and for the people'
shall live always.

That men should live by
the rule of what is best
for the greatest number.

That sooner or later...
somewhere...somehow...
we must settle with the world
and make payment for what we have taken.

That all things change but truth,
and that truth alone, lives on forever.

In my Creator, my country, my fellow man."

~The Lone Ranger

completely wrong

I predicted a Pats Saints Superbowl. Both teams will be cleaning out their lockers this week while the Bears & Ponnies start preparing for Superbowl XLI.

Bears v. Saints - Bears win 39-14

Note to the producer: I know longer need to know what size cleat the players are wearing. I'll assume if the field is muddy or the weather inclement that they'll be playing with longer spikes in hopes of improved traction.

I've picked against the Bears since the playoffs started. They have proven me wrong two weeks in a row. Their defense showed up and stopped the formerly explosive Saints offense. The Saints lone highlight was Reggie Bush's 88 yard TD run. Their defense was unable to stop Chicago's running tandem of Thomas Jones (19 carries for 123 yards & 2 TD's) and Cedric Benson (24 carries for 60 yards & 1 TD). The Saints might wanna beef up their run defense (23rd in the regular season) this off season. I thought Chicago's inability to score TD's on their first three scoring drives might end up hurting them, especially when the Saints began showing a little life at the end of the first half. The Saints scored a TD at the end of the first half and Bush's run came at the beginning of the third but they let things get out of hand in the fourth quarter. The Bears reeled off 21 unanswered points on the strength of Thomas and Benson while Rex Grossman didn't hurt his team.

One team was set. Could there be a rematch of the 1985 Bears Patriots Superbowl? Could the Patriots avenge their 36 point loss from 22 years ago?

Pats v. Colts - Colts win 38-34

It wasn't meant to be. Two or three plays (i.e. Reche Caldwell's two drops, one a would be TD & a 12 men on the field penalty) the other way and the Patriots could be headed to Miami instead of the Colts. After dominating the first half and going into the locker room with a 21-6 lead the Patriots were outscored by the Colts 32 to 13 in the second half. The fourth quarter felt like penalty kicks in soccer it was going to come down to who blinked, who missed or who had to settle for a field goal.

Colts TE Dallas Clark (6 recptions for 137 yards) was the MVP of the game.

I'm not sure why the Patriots didn't call a time out when the Colts were driving late in the fourth quarter. After the Colts scored, they were faced with the nearly impossible task of driving 79 yards for a touchdown, with less than a minute to go. A time out would have given them 20-30 more seconds which allows time for 2-3 more plays.

I watched the game with a buddy who dressed his infant daughter in a Colts onesy. A really low tactic, what was I suppose to do, run out and find a child to dress in Patriots gear? She soiled the outfit before the half and had to be changed. I thought it was a good sign for Belichick's team but it turned out to be more of a comment on the Colts' first half.

Note: Patriots coach Bill Belichick used Colts DT Dan Kleko(who had a one yard TD grab yesterday) on offense in 2003 and 2004. I guess imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

Looking Ahead

The Patriots have two first round draft picks (numbers 24 & 28) in this year's draft courtesy of the Deion Branch trade.

Draft needs include defensive back (especially if Samuels is allowed to bolt), wide receiver (despite using a second round pick on Chad Jackson last year) and linebacker(especially with Tedy Bruschi hinting at retirement).

Asante Samuels is going to cost a bundle to resign. Samuels should be in the Pro Bowl. His ten regular season interceptions tied the league lead. He had two interceptions in the post season including one yesterday for a touchdown.

Junior Seau wants to play next year. Will it be in New England? After suffering a Theismanesque broken arm on November 26th against the Bears, Seau had a plate and 14 screws inserted to hold his arm together but he's already started lifting weights. He would be 38 next season not a permanent solution at linebacker having played primarily on 1st and 2nd down before his injury but depending on his health he could figure in the mix next year.

Superbowl Pick

Colts

The Retirement

Does anyone really think Bill Parcells is done coaching? Had Carrie Underwood's boyfriend not bunggled the snap would he be returning next season or did he have a problem with owner/GM Jerry Jones? Parcels will sit out the 2007 season and return within three years as has been his habit. Until then enjoy the highlights from Parcels' press conferences throughout the years.

"Going backwards into the future"

~ Ralph Nader on GM executives



Watch the movie.

To GM, big oil & the politicians they own:

atrophy

I wondered if there was a band named Atrophy. There are a few Atrophys out there but the best is the now defunct thrash metal band.

one with the machine

In what I think must have been a show of solidarity my wheelchair leg broke on my last trip to county. Conviently, it blew up as I entered the hospital. I had to carry it around for the rest of the day.


Good Leg


Bad leg

I'll have to call the pit crew for a swapout.

I'm afraid they'll replace my racer model with a granny chair. Spokes are lame. I prefer mag wheels on my chair.


The Sunrise ~ sleek, lightweight & fast. Push button leg release, plus the legs jack up way past 180 degrees


Granny or the Airport Model ~ note the fixed legs

deluge

I wonder if the mailman hates netflix or whether it's all just mail to him.

back to the street

Officials suprised by DEA raid on pot clinics
Tami Abdollah, LA Times, 01/17/07

Federal drug agents raided eleven medical marijuana outlets in Los Angeles Wednesday afternoon, seizing several thousand pounds of processed marijuana, along with weapons and money, as part of an ongoing investigation, a Drug Enforcement Administration spokeswoman said.

At least three people in West Hollywood were taken into custody in a raid of five outlets there. Six other outlets in Venice, Hollywood, Sherman Oaks and Woodland Hills were also raided.

In West Hollywood, agents in bullet-proof vests, dark sunglasses, gloves and face masks piled out of a storefront with boxes and black trash bags stuffed full, as 50 protestors gathered, booing and shouting "States' Rights". The evidence was loaded into dark blue SUVs and vans.

At one dispensary, The Farmacy on Santa Monica Boulevard, amateur videographers and others mobbed officers piling three cars with evidence.

West Hollywood city officials said the raid took them by surprise. The West Hollywood Sheriff's station was not notified until 2 p.m., a half-hour before the raid began, said Lt. David Smith.

City spokeswoman Helen Goss said West Hollywood has a "long-standing commitment" to the use of medical marijuana for people suffering from illnesses like HIV and AIDS, and city officials said they were taken by surprise, learning of the raid as it was going on.

California voters approved Proposition 215, the Compassionate Use Act in 1996, which made marijuana available by prescription for medicinal uses. The federal drug agency, which does not recognize California laws legalizing medical marijuana use, recently stepped up enforcement, contending that the amount of money involved proves that the burgeoning dispensaries are nothing more than fronts for high-stakes drug dealing.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Federal law does in fact supersede state law. We fought a war (at least in part) over that one in the 1860's.

Prop 215 was passed over a decade ago. The wheels of federal justice grind slowly.

I wonder if this is just an intimidation tactic or if there will actually be any prosecutions as result of the raids. The last federal prosecution, U.S. vs. Edward Rosenthal, ended with Rosenthal receiving a one day sentence for his crime, a sentence which was subsequently overturned. Fear not though, the federal government is gearing up for a retrial. Much like today's raids an excellent use of government resources.

meow

AP, 1/11/07
"Tiffany Noreuil, an animal care technician at the Oregon Humane Society, holds temporarily-named feline Goliath, Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2007, in Portland, Ore. Goliath, a 20-pound stray whose girth got him stuck in a pet door while trying to plunder some dog food, is back with his owner. His name isn't really Goliath, but it's close. It's Hercules, says owner Geoff Ernest, who was reunited with his tubby tabby Thursday at the society. Gresham, Ore., resident Jadwiga Drozdek found the feline stuck in the dog door of her home a few days ago, helped free him and gave him a plate of food on her patio." (AP Photo/The Oregonian, Benjamin Brink)

That's just what lil' Hercules needed, more kibble. The Humane Society is giving Herc back to his owner, shouldn't they be putting him on a diet? I guess there's no law against having a fat pet.

musta' been a pothole

Hit-and-run driver critically injures man in wheelchair
(click the link for video of the chair)
Michael Muskal, LA Times, 01/16/07

A 47-year-old double amputee in a wheelchair was critically injured this morning in a hit-and-run accident, Los Angeles police said.

The unidentified man was crossing San Pedro Street at 61st Street about 12:15 a.m. when he was struck by a gray or dark blue compact, according to LAPD Officer Marjan Mobasser.

"It's possible the driver didn't notice that the person was hit," she said.

Great work Officer, I smell a promotion. Did you see the chair? How could someone, even in a Hummer not realize they flattened a man & his wheelchair? How intoxicated do you think the driver was?

The man was taken to a hospital in critical condition, Mobasser said.

The name of the victim was withheld pending notification of his family.

lights out ?

Maybe at your house Mr. Merriman.

NFL Playoffs
Three games were decided by a field goal.

Pats v. Chargers
Head coach Marty Shottenhiemer looked and sounded beaten in his post game press conference.

"I would never react like that. I was very upset," Tomlinson said. "When you go to the middle of our field and start doing the dance Shawne Merriman is known for, that is disrespectful. They showed no class and maybe that comes from the head coach."~LaDainian Tomlinson

Please Mr. MVP, give us a lesson in class, would it be Sean Merriman's victory prediction or his post sack chicken dance. Or maybe it was in limiting sales of tickets to the game to southern California residents. If an opponent had referred to himself as "lights out", in fact shaved it in his hair, predicted my teams' loss two weeks in a row and danced after he sacked my quarterback, I think I might do my own dance upon victory. Respect is a two way street LT. As for the swipe at Belichick, we'll just chalk that up to your lack of class.

Merriman was almost invisible yesterday. He finished with two tackles including one sack and no assists. Fellow linebackers Sean Phillips (2 tackles, 1 assist, a sack & a forced fumble) and Donnie Edwards (10 tackles, 3 assists & 1 interception) both had bigger games.

New England punter Todd Sauerbrun bailed out the Patriots all day.

Bears v. Seahawks
I predicted a Bears loss. I was wrong. What happened to Seattle tight end Jerramy Stephens? After grabbing five passes for 77 yards and two TD's against the Cowboys he had two catches for 18 yards against the Bears.

Colts v. Ravens
Seven field goals of total offense equals a boring game for those not in the Baltimore or Indianapolis camps. Peyton looked a little like Eli on his two interceptions. Indy's defense appears like they're here to stay.

Saints v. Eagles
In his day after interview, Saints head coach Sean Payton looked like he had partied pretty hard after the Saints win over the Eagles.

NFC Championship - Saints v. Bears
It's been a while.

The Saints have never been to the title game while prior to yesterday the Bears hadn't won a playoff game since Ronald Reagan was in office. The Saints would be the feel good story. Can the Bears defense contain the high flying Saints' offense?

AFC Championship - Pats v. Colts
Take your pick of hypeable angles: Peyton Manning v. Tom Brady, Manning's history versus the Patriots, Adam Vinetieri's change of address, the Colts' five pro bowl selections v. the Patriots' one, will Manning and the Colts offense regain their explosiveness?

Manning & Brady were both harassed and confused by strong defenses in the divisional round of the playoffs.

Superbowl pick - Pats v. Saints

welcome back

2007 is the year of the sequel in cinema. The number of trilogies(5) has to be a record. Here's a list of repeat offenders coming to a theater near you.

Dupes
Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (This is actually the third FF movie if you count the 1994 Roger Corman backed film.)
28 Weeks Later (Could 28 Years Later be far behind?)

Triads
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End
Spider-Man 3
Shrek the Third (A fourth Shrek movie and a Puss in Boots spin off are already in the works)
Ocean's Thirteen (According to director Steven Soderbergh there will not be a fourteen.)
Rush Hour 3 (There was a Rush Hour 2?)

One side of the triangle
The Golden Compass (Barring a box office bomb, this is the first chapter in Philip Pullman's "His Dark Materials" trilogy)

Pentagon headed for a heptagon
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (This is the 5th Potter movie, a 6th book is already in the bank & another is due in the near future.)

glug glug

If I never hear the word again it'll be too soon.

unecessary duplication

Rutger Hauer and C. Thomas Howell not to mention a young Jennifer Jason Leigh cannot be replaced. Hollywood is truly out of ideas. Do yourself a favor and rent the original.

round one

Colts v. Chiefs

Kansas City failed to capitalize on it's three interceptions of Peyton Manning and Indy 's run defense finally showed up, holding the Chiefs to 43 yards rushing after giving up 173 yards per game this season. I wonder how many interceptions Ty Law has had against Peyton Manning for his career. It's gonna be a long off season for Trent Green.

I skipped the half time analysis in favor of, Soul Train's Greatest Hits on another channel. Al Green was performing at the height of his power. Long stemmed roses covered the stage and quite a few of the men dancing in the audience had them in their mouths. The Reverend must have had a broken arm as his arm was in a rust colored sling that matched his outfit.

Indianapolis Defensive Tackle Bugger Mcfarland (real name Anthony) has the best name in the NFL. Condolences to runner up Chicago Nose Tackle Tank Johnson.

Dallas v. Seattle

A botched field goal attempt cost Dallas the game. Though the field goal might not have been necessary if Terry Glenn's fumble hadn't led to a safety. I hope Carrie Underwood was on hand to console Tony Romo.

Seattle tight end Jerramy Stephens(5 receptions for 77 yards & two TD's) seems to have found his hands.

The most over used phrase come playoff time is, "At this point in the season everyone is banged up." It's used so often that it could be turned into a drinking game.

For the half time show I choose the Frank Sinatra(live from Ceasar's Palace 1978) concert on PBS. Excellent show, The Chairman closed the show with, My Way & America.

Patriots v. Jets

Chargers linebacker Sean Merriman was interviewed at half time. Merriman was wearing a thin strapped black tank top, presumably to show off his tattoos and drug enhanced physique. He predicted a Jets' win despite the fact that New England had just scored a touchdown to go up 17 to 10. To which I have to say, put a shirt on juicehead!

hungry ?

I cleaned out the refrigerator & cupboard. There was plenty of dehydration, decomposition & mold but the battleship gray hotdog bun was the best find. Fruit and fireworks added for color comparison.

the naked leg

Actual leg photos ommitted out of concern for those with weak stomaches. Here are a few leg pictures.

could you repeat that

I got a call from the County collections department today.

Collections Rep: "Where, (pause) at what point was your leg amputated?"

CMF: "Um, it wasn't thankfully. They rebuilt it."

CR: "Yes that's a good thing. I must have written that down incorrectly."

half steppin'

I had a leg appointment today. The Doctor said I can now put fifty percent of my weight on the leg. Forward Progress. Return in three weeks.

madame marie

"Well the cops finally busted Madame Marie for tellin' fortunes better than they do" ~ Bruce Spingsteen

After week two in the NFL, I made my playoff predictions. Here are the results.

AFC Picks

San Diego - #1 Seed
LT was amazing this season (1815 rushing yards & 28 TD's, 508 receiving yards & 3 TD's and two passing TD's) though he might have some competition in the amazing stat category next year from Steven Jackson. Jackson went out with a bang yesterday, running for 142 yards and three TD's on 25 carries. He also had two receptions for 24 yards and one TD.

Baltimore - #2 Seed
"Just enough offense and as always defense." The same holds true today.

New England - #4 Seed
"The running tandem of Dillon & Maroney will only become more potent as the new receivers (Gabriel & Jackson) get acclimated to the Patriots." Well, the running tandem continued to produce as evidenced by yesterday's game. Dillon ran for 67 yards & two TD's on 12 carries. Dillon also had two receptions for 59 yards. While Maroney ran for 73 yards & one TD on 13 carries. You can't split the running duties much more evenly than that. As for the receivers I was laughably off the mark. Jackson missed significant time due to a hamstring injury and never really got going. He finished the regular season with 13 receptions for 152 yards and 3 TD's. Doug Gabriel fell out of favor after fumbling in New England's loss to the Jets in week nine and was never really heard from again. He's back in Oakland, who never should have traded him especially in light of the Jerry Porter fiasco. New England's number one receiver Reche Caldwell (14 games started, 61 receptions for 760 yards and four TD's all career highs) wasn't even mentioned in my prediction.

Cincinnati - Out of the playoffs.
Final record of 8 and 8. Their potent offense sputtered and they lost three in a row to end the season. Ocho Cinco beats out Denny Green (condolences on getting sacked) for best press conference of the year.



NFC Picks

Atlanta - Out of the playoffs.
Final record of 7 and 9. The defense suffered from injuries (Patrick Kerney was put on IR & John Abraham was never at full strength) and no one on offense could hold onto the ball. Nothing was more pathetic this season than watching coach Jim Mora drop to his knees during the New Orleans game. Who knows Jim, maybe the Washington job will open up.

Dallas - #5 Seed
This pick produced the funniest prediction, "Despite all the speculation on benchings and cutting Bledsoe & Vanderjagt will be fine." Bledsoe is on clipboard duty and Vanderjagt will be looking for a team next fall.

Giants - #6 Seed
Two major losses on defense (Lavar Arrington & Michael Strahan) and Eli's back sliding almost cost them a playoff spot but thanks to a strong start to the season and Tiki's monster game on Saturday (284 yards, 3 TD's & 3 receptions for 24 yards) the Giants are in. At this point Coach Tom Coughlin owes his job to Tiki.

Seattle - #4 Seed
"Picking up where they left off last year. Deion Branch only makes them better." Seattle weathered the loss of Hasselbeck (missed four games) & Alexander (missed six games) to get back to the playoffs but their one and three record over the last month of the season is not a good sign.

Playoff Thoughts

Despite their 13 and 3 record, the Bears could make a second round exit. I'd point to a first round exit but that's impossible thanks to a first round bye

The first round of the AFC playoffs features two coaches going up against their former bosses. Herm Edwards versus Tony Dungy and Eric Mangini versus Bill Belichick. I'm sure the networks will hype that.

The Colts haven't been able to stop the run all year and now they get to face Larry Johnson who ran for 138 yards and three TD's on 33 carries.

Quote of the Week

"I don't know if global warming is fact or myth but it's 50 degrees in Chicago (on New Years Eve)." ~Al Michaels

Al Gore should send him a copy of, An Inconvenient Truth.