Oscar nominations are out.

Here are this year's Oscar contenders. If you're a gambler, the safe money is on Brokeback Mountain for best picture and Ang Lee for best director. If you want to take a risk, go with Terrence Howard as the dark horse in the best lead actor category. I will be making a concerted effort to see most of these movies in the next few weeks so I can give a more detailed analysis and predictions as the big night gets closer.

Let's hope the clock is at 14 minutes and counting.

When Cindy Sheehan first started making headlines due to her son's death in Iraq, I cut her some slack. She was a grieving mother exercising her right to speak out against a war she didn't believe in. But now that she is openly talking about a run for Senate, (h/t: Road Hammer) and is a delegate at the World Social Forum, she has completely crossed the line from "mother of a dead soldier" to public personality (and I would argue that she actually crossed that line a long time ago). Therefore any and all criticism of her is 100% fair game. She is now using her son's death for her own gains, and she has grown to love the attention and spotlight it has afforded her. She is nothing but a broken record repeating the same weak talking points ad nauseam, and staging protests outside Bush's ranch. Her posing for pictures with Venezuelan strongman (or if you prefer "President") Hugo Chavez, and his endorsement of her is utterly hilarious. I personally hope she does run for Senate, only so I can see her get her ass handed to her. No doubt Michael Moore is at the ready to make a documentary about her campaign.

Sad or Scary? You Decide.

YIKES!

And to think as a kid I idolized this guy when he was on Knight Rider.

(Hat tip to indamanda)

It's Seinfeld Time.

I'm a big list guy and huge Seinfeld fan. Watching the reruns recently I decided we had to figure out who the best recurring characters are on the show (excluding of course Jerry, Elaine, George, and Kramer). To qualify the characters had to appear at least twice, not including the series finale. That means no Soup Nazi or Sidra. There will be a list for them another time. I need your input. This will be my only post until Monday afternoon. After much contemplation here are my top five:

5. J. Peterman. Elaine's boss at the Peterman catalogue, he was a magnificent story teller and had an unapologetically massive ego. When he had Elaine ghost write his autobiography and told her to throw herself into the mix of his sex life, he cemented his position in my top characters.

4. Mr Kruger. George's boss at Kruger industries who had to be the worst owner in TV history. We can only wish our own office meetings were 10% as entertaining as the ones at Kruger. The episode he dubbed George "Coco the Monkey" was my favorite Kruger moment.

3. Jackie Chiles. Kramer's Johnny Cochrane inspired lawyer. He was absolutely hilarious whenever he was on the screen. From taking on coffee houses to big Tobacco you could always count on Kramer giving Jackie yet another one of his many public humiliations.

2. Frank Costanza. George's father and probably the single biggest reason George turned out the way he did. From "serenity now," to his days as an army cook, to Festivus, to his TV Guide collection, he was nothing short of hysterical. The single best moment for Frank was when he gave Steinbrenner shit in his living room for trading Jay Buhner for Ken Phelps. It was the stuff of legend.

and the number one all time Seinfeld recurring character...

1. David Puddy. Elaine's on again off again boyfriend. This blithering fool did it all. Grease monkey, high fiver, face painter, bible thumper (the one that shocked me most), fur coat and 8 ball jacket wearing, sex move stealer, and fast food lover, among others. Many a time have I said to my wife around dinner time - "Feels Like an Arby's night."

The list could have been as many as twenty but I had to keep it to five. So honorable mentions go to, in no particular order: Newman, Mr. Pitt, Micky, Susan, Morty Seinfeld, Uncle Leo, Bania, Big Stein, Lloyd Braun, Tim Wattley, and Baboo.

Who are your favorite five?

Friday Election Musings...

Now that the dust is starting to settle on Monday's election here are some thoughts I have had the last few days...

Harper may be anti-choice and anti-gay marriage, but I think the main reason Liberals fear him is because he may actually be competent. That would force the Grits to come up a coherent policy platform next time around. Come to think of it, a policy platform period would be a start for them.

The next time some smug arsehole tells you how polarized the US is between blue state/red state, point out our election results to them. The only left of center support in any concentration is in Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver. It's urban vs. rural, the exact same way that it is in the US.

As I was watching the NDP seat count go up Monday night I was actually hoping for the Tories count to stay in the low 120's. I just couldn't stand to watch Jack Layton with that shit eating grin on his face give a speech thinking he held the balance of power.

I think Harper will lead us to a revitalized foreign policy. As I've said before, doing whatever the UN does and doing the opposite of what the US does is not a foreign policy. Harper's apparent refusal to recognize Hamas is a very good start.

Olivia Chow is going to win the "Svend Robinson Media Whore of the Year Award" for at least the next two years. The hacks in the Ottawa press corps are going to love her. She'll be their headline maker during the dull times in parliament.

We're about to find out whether or not Duceppe is a good politician or not. To this point leader of the BQ has been the easiest political job in Canada. Being a city councillor in Flin Flon has been tougher. Now that he has a PM who says he is willing to give provinces more power, we'll see how Gilles reacts.

The Tories need to put gay marriage to a vote immediately. Harper won't win it in a minority and he can say he tried his best and put the whole issue to bed (pun intended). There's nothing they can gain from this issue.

Harper needs to be very aggressive in his first budget. The capital gains tax deferral has to be put through, GST cut, corporate tax cuts, etc. None of the other parties are in a position to force an election now and the Liberals will want to cooperate for a while to show they still have a clue how an economy is supposed to function. Throw some money at the cities and the Grit will be happy. This will be the Tories best shot at getting things done because the other parties will get things together by next year.

A change in Raptorland

The Toronto Raptors have fired Rob Babcock. Although my favorite team has been paying better lately this firing was still deserved. The Vince Carter trade was a complete disaster and his drafting has been very poor up until this year. Letting him go sends a strong message to Chris Bosh that they are serious about winning, and his resigning is the team's number one priority. They have a decent nucleus and if they can get a semi capable big man and another double digit scorer, they can make the playoffs next year in the weak eastern conference.

Artest headed west.

The Indiana Pacers finally unloaded Ron Artest to the Sacramento Kings yesterday. The question I have is why the hell anyone would want this guy? When a guy as legendary as Larry Bird publicly supports you and then you bail on him it says a lot about your character. Artest has torpedoed the Pacers for two year's running and has never shown the least bit of contrition for going into the stands last year in Detroit to pummel on fans. Only the Maloof's would be willing to take a chance on this guy. When you own The Palms in Vegas and you have the money they do, I guess you can take the gamble. But Ron-Ron isn't going to go over to well in a quiet place like Sac town. The guy can play when he wants to, but he is not worth the headaches. The Pacers got Peja Stojakovic in return, though I'm sure it hardly matters to them who they got.

Next up for Kanye - Taking on Bono.

First noted political pundit Kanye West enlightened us by saying George Bush "doesn't care about black people" after Hurricane Katrina, now he is trying to make headlines dressing as Jesus on the cover of Rolling Stone. In the article, he refers to himself as "great" a number of times. I'll be the first to admit I can't get "Golddigger" out of my head, but this guy is two years and one pet cause away from giving Bono a run for his money in the "most full of shit musician" category.

R.I.P. Chris Penn

Chris Penn was found dead today at his Santa Monica condo. This talented actor will be remembered for roles in such movies as All the Right Moves, Rumble Fish, Mulholland Falls, and Starsky & Hutch. But to me he will forever be "Nice Guy Eddie" from Reservoir Dogs. He was a truly great character actor who was a frequent scene stealer playing support roles throughout his career.

We need a Canadian "Celebrity Big Brother"

In today's National Post, Steven Edwards has an article about George Galloway, the far-left MP from Britain, who is a current contestant on the British "Celebrity Big Brother" TV show. Apparently his antics, including meowing, purring, and dancing in a tight leotard, are not going over to well with his constituents.

This got me thinking about a Canadian version of this show. I think possible contestants could be: Olivia Chow, Mitsou, that knob from the Canadian Tire commercials, Theo Fleury, Sonja Smits, and Iron Mike Sharpe. Tell me you wouldn't watch that.

Let me know who else you think should be on the show before I pitch the idea.

The fact is, it was all your fault. And other election notes...

January 23, 2006 - The day Paul Martin officially became the biggest disappointment in Canadian political history. But don't worry Mr. Former PM, you only have yourself to blame. Sure you'll blame your predecessor, a media out to get you, and a lot of others, but that will only add to your embarrassment. You lead an unceremonious coup within your own party for leadership, got rid of everybody who opposed your coronation, all the while dreaming aloud of 200 plus seat majorities. You promised everything to everybody because you had a pathological need to be liked by everyone. You centralized power within the PMO and gave your staff more power than most senior cabinet ministers. You abandoned all principles that you claimed to have as finance minister, threw money around like a sailor on leave, gave cabinet assignments to floor crossers to keep you alive, and let a party with 19 seats write your budget for you, all in a desperate attempt to keep power for keeping powers sake. Then you ran an inept and slanderous campaign with no real policy vision to speak of. Some people have said you have been Shakespearean and I would agree. You were a modern day Hamlet - years avenging your father's defeat, completely incapable of making decisions, to weak to lead, and dead in the end. You created the lofty expectations you carried into office and turned a Liberal empire into defeat in 24 months. The fact is, it was your fault.

Having grown up in Toronto I know a bit about Olivia Chow. And if you don't like Jack Layton, you are going to hate Olivia Chow.

124 seats has to be a small disappointment to the Tories and does not give them much breathing room. Stick to your five essential campaign promises and you'll be fine. No other party can disagree with or force a vote on issues like government accountability, waiting times for health care, and criminal reforms. Those issues should get you through a couple of years.

The Liberals are a regional party. And that region is large cities Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver (the maritimes doesn't really count because they never defeat incumbents regardless of circumstance). Now the rest of the country and media can stop pretending they are the only federal option.

The Tories breakthrough in Quebec makes them the only truly national party. Look for Jim Flaherty and Tony Clement to play a large role in Cabinet to help gain seats in Toronto next time around.

If you can get 2-1 odds on Frank McKenna as the next leader of the Grits, take it.

Thank God Svend lost.

With "Friends" like these.

It appears the cast of Friends has decided they just can't stay away from their old characters. I guess they have all finally come to the same conclusion that the rest of us have - They can't act and their careers are, for the most part, over. Perry, Le Blanc, and Schwimmer are especially bad and will be typecast forever. It's no coincidence that Aniston was the last one to sign on, because she is the only with any kind of career left. It's also no coincidence that she signed on shortly after Rumor Has It... bombed both critically and at the box office.

Does $64,500 a year make you wealthy?

As I pointed out on this site a few weeks ago, high income earners in Canada get screwed at tax time. I am also firmly in favor of a flat income tax. The following article by Lorne Gunter appears in today's National Post and helps support that theory.

Money for nothing

Alexander Fraser Tytler, an 18th-century Scottish economist, is sometimes quoted as having said, "A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until the voters discover that they can vote themselves largesse from the public treasury. From that moment on, the majority always votes for the candidates promising the most benefits."
There are reasons to believe Tytler didn't say this (not the least of which is that the book the quotation is alleged to have come from doesn't exist). But whether Tytler's or not, the prediction is coming true in Canadian politics. Regardless of who wins today's election, the disconnect will continue to grow between those who vote for more benefits and those who are obliged to pay for them.
As the overwhelming share of the tax burden is shifted on to the backs of fewer and fewer wealthy taxpayers -- all in the name of fairness and progressivity, of course -- the majority of voters are getting used to voting for big-time benefits, while at the same time being pretty confident someone else will be made to pay for their new booty.
According to a StatsCan report released last April, "the one-tenth of Canadian tax filers who were in the highest earnings bracket provided more than one half of the revenue from federal personal income tax in 2002 ... In addition, their share of the tax pie has been increasing since 1990."
Meanwhile, everyone else's share has been decreasing.
"In 1990, this 10% of tax filers accounted for 46% of total federal personal income tax; by 2002, this group accounted for 52.6%."
That's only fair, you say. The rich should pay more.
OK. Except in Canada you don't have to be truly "rich" to be in the top 10% of earners. The top 10% in the United States starts at around $130,000 (in Canadian dollars) a year. Here, it kicks in at $64,500. That means a lot of teachers, nurses, reporters and tradesmen are in the top 10%, not career groups one normally associates with being "rich."
Changes made to federal income taxes in late 2000 resulted in nearly all Canadians' tax payments flattening out, or even falling (slightly), beginning in 2001. But they fell least for the top group.
Income for the top 10% rose 4% in real terms between 1990 and 2002. And, admittedly, they were the only Canadians to see an increase after inflation. The bottom 50% suffered an income decline of 2.1%. And the 40% of Canadians often termed middle class witnessed a 4.3% decline.
But for both low-income earners and the middle class, income losses were more than offset by tax reductions; whereas with upper earners, income gains were more than consumed by tax increases. Over the 1990-2002 period, top earners were the only group that fell back in net terms.
The bottom half of tax filers --those earning $23,000 or less in 2002 -- saw their share of the national income pie drop 2.1%, but that was accompanied by a drop of 2.3% in their tax share. Middle-class filers -- those making more than $23,000, but less than $64,500 -- saw their share of total national income fall 1.9%, but their share of the tax burden fell 4.3%. Meanwhile, the top 10% saw their incomes go up 4.0%, but their taxes shot up 6.6%, a net loss of 2.6%.
All the gains made by the lower 90% came directly out of the pockets of the top 10%.
We now have a situation in Canada where the bottom 50% of filers earn 16.9% of the income, but pay just 4.4% of the taxes. Middle-income earners earn 47.4% of the income, but pay just 43% of the personal income tax, while the top 10% earn 35.7% of the income, yet -- as noted above -- pay 52.6% of tax.
Almost half of Canadian income earners can now feel confident in voting themselves more benefits from the public treasury without seeing their own income taxes raised to pay for them. They might even see their taxes lowered as their payments from government are raised -- it happened in the 1990s.
This creates a dangerous imbalance in a democracy.
If you can have virtually limitless benefits for "free" ... well, who wouldn't vote for that? But it badly distorts the public policy choices made when only a fraction of citizens has to pay for the desires of the majority.

Four points jump out at me from this article:

1. Those who vote in favor of more social programs are not likely to be the ones who actually have to pay for them. Gunter correctly points out that this disconnect will only grow in the future.

2. "The bottom 50% of filers earn 16.9% of the income, but pay just 4.4% of the taxes." How is this in any way, shape, or form a fair tax system? Especially when "the top 10% earn 35.7% of the income, yet -- as noted above -- pay 52.6% of tax."

3. The top ten percent of income earners in Canada starts at $64,500. That boggles my mind and my first thought is that it's a typo. That figure is utterly depressing and shows how repressive corporate taxes have artificially dragged down wages in this country. Salaries are not even close to where they should be for such a developed and educated country as Canada. It makes me think of when Svend Robinson claimed anyone making over 60K was wealthy. Most of my peer group makes over 60K and I would hardly consider us to be wealthy.

4. The current Conservative Party has lost their conviction and will do very little to change any of these facts. Count me among those who are completely and utterly disappointed with Stephen Harper's recent policy overhaul.

Election Predictions

Here's how I think it's going to shake out tonight.

Conservatives 133
Liberals 86
Bloc 59
NDP 30

I think a lot of ridings in and around Toronto will stay Liberal despite what previous polls may have shown. People can handle a Harper minority, but are scared of a majority. I also think Stronach squeaks back in and McLellan loses by 2,000 votes in Edmonton.

Does anybody else think that the likes of Graham, Stronach, Pettigrew, and McCallum are actually hoping they lose their ridings? I can't see them being too happy about losing the Minister salary, limousine, etc. to sit on the back bench. There are going to be a lot of by-elections in the next 6-8 months.

NFL Playoff Picks

So far this playoffs I'm 7-1, with the Peyton Manning's choke job being the only blemish. This week gets tougher because I think both games could go either way. Only one team, the '85 Patriots, have ever won three playoff road games to get to the Super Bowl. This week Pittsburgh and Carolina are both trying to equal the feat.

Pittsburgh Steelers (11-5) at Denver Broncos (13-3) 3:00 pm, CBS, Global

I don't know what to make of this game. Is Pittsburgh really that good, or did Indy really play that bad? Is Denver better than they showed last week despite beating New England? I think the latter is the more important question because Denver has home field, and yes, they are better than they showed last week. The Steelers can't be as blitz happy as they were last week because QB Jake Plummer is mobile and is more effective rolling out of the pocket. Denver's offensive line is also better than the Steeler's defensive line, which means the 'Broncs will return to their vaunted running game this week. If the Steelers decide to come out throwing and let QB Ben Roethlisberger win the game they will win. But I don't think coach Bill Cowher will be smart enough to do that and the Steelers will fall to 1-5 in conference championship games under him. Denver 28, Pittsburgh 20.

Carolina Panthers (11-5) at Seattle Seahawks (13-3) 6:30 pm, Fox, Global

It has finally stopped raining in Seattle which helps Carolina. WR Steve Smith will be able to run down field and get open and they won't have to rely too much on their running game. Which is good because they have to go with their #3 running back due to injury. The Panther defense has played well the past two weeks but has been inconsistent all year. Not having Julius Peppers at 100% is going to be tough to overcome because the Seahawk offensive line is great. With RB Shaun Alexander expected to play, the edge in this game has to go to Seattle on home turf. QB Matt Hasselback also showed last week he is ready to be recognized as on e of the top QB's in the league. Carolina's best shot is if their QB, Jake Delhomme, already recognized as one of the game's best, carries them past Seattle. In the end I think going for three in a row on the road is too much to ask though. Seattle 24, Carolina 17.

The case against Proportional Representation

I'm still predicting a Tory minority on Monday, but in case they do pull out a majority, I want to be on record against PR so I'm not accused of being against it because the Tories have a mandate. I will make a detailed case on Tuesday after the final vote results are in.

This is what the left has come to.

With the Tories set to take over, can we expect more of these leftist fringe groups to start popping up telling us the apocalypse is upon us? Note to Buzz Hargrove: You have never been on the winning side of any political fight you have thrown your support behind. Do you think maybe it might have something to do with the fact that your ideas are stale leftovers from the '60's?

Daylight come and me wanna quote Noam

In light of UNICEF distancing itself from Harry Belafonte after his comments of last week (calling Bush a terrorist among other remarks about the benefits of Central American socialism), this article by Steven Edwards asks if Hollywood stars really help or hurt their pet causes. You have to be a paid subscriber to the National Post so I've put the full text below.

Beneath a picture showing a pregnant Angelina Jolie in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, are the words: "Angelina Jolie and lover Brad Pitt visit a school supported by Yele Haiti, a charity established by Haitian-born musician Wyclef Jean."
That's the entire coverage the New York Post gives to the charity on the couple's visit to the troubled Caribbean republic.
Not that the newspaper should have focused in any greater detail on the organization just because Hollywood's hottest couple decided to don its T-shirts in a bid to get out the word about its good work.
As newspaper and magazine sales show, editors are constrained by readers' demands for celebrity tidbits rather than in-depth pieces on the plight of the world's poor and underprivileged.
Which raises the question: Wouldn't all the cash and time expended in briefing and providing security for these celebrities be better spent directly aiding the world's needy?
Haiti and the political violence there are one of the 10 most under-reported humanitarian stories of 2005, says a recent report by the French-based Doctors Without Borders.
The sweeping visit by Jolie and Pitt isn't likely to change that.
What Jolie has achieved since she began supplementing her acting career with humanitarian excursions is access to the world's humanitarian officials. They, in turn, take time away from their their work to educate her and other celebrity activists on the world's problems.
One of Jolie's latest and most comprehensive briefings took place in November at the Geneva headquarters of the UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), for which she has been a Goodwill Ambassador since August, 2001.
Before a trip to Pakistan to see first-hand the well-publicized plight of the October earthquake victims, she met senior UNHCR officials.
"This time I've been looking deeper into specific issues that affect refugees' daily lives," she said afterward.
The UN explained she had been brought up to speed on such topics as violence against women and children, HIV/AIDS, trafficking of women, micro-credit lending programs, clean-water delivery, site planning, emergency operations, and refugees and the environment.
Not that Jolie isn't sincerely concerned, but are the victims of poverty and violence benefiting substantially from the time spent educating her?
If the media are eclipsing her causes as they take advantage of the photo opportunities to snap pictures of her, it's because they have their priorities, says Pitt.
It should be noted his interest in humanitarian affairs became apparent only after his split with wife Jennifer Aniston in favour of Jolie, his co-star in the movie Mr. and Mrs. Smith.
He shared his view of the media's approach to humanitarian coverage in an interview with ABC's Diane Sawyer after returning from Africa. "It drives me mental seeing what I've seen and knowing that it doesn't show up in our news every day," he said. "I mean, literally, thousands of people died today."
And yet the media are responding to the same market forces he targets in making movies.
Admittedly, the couple, especially Jolie, gives generously to charity. Pitt, the father of the child she is expecting, has also applied to adopt her two adopted children: Maddox, 4 (from Cambodia), and Zahara, 1 (from Ethiopia).
But amid the plethora of other humanitarian celebrity spokespeople -- cellist Yo Yo Ma will soon add his name to a UN list that includes environmentalist Jane Goodall, former heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali and actor Michael Douglas -- some are arguably doing harm to the causes they represent.
Only last week the UN children's fund UNICEF rushed out a press statement distancing itself from goodwill ambassador Harry Belafonte after comments he made in Venezuela.
The 78-year-old singer, famous for his calypso-inspired tunes, had called George W. Bush, the U.S. President, the "greatest terrorist in the world" in a television appearance with Hugo Chavez, the Venezuelan President.
Belafonte made the comments "as a private citizen and was not speaking as a UNICEF ambassador nor acting in an official capacity on behalf of the organization," the release said.
Perhaps he would have been better off visiting or speaking about some of the other nine under-reported crises highlighted by Doctors Without Borders. They include: deprivation and violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo; a war of attrition in Chechnya; political violence in northeastern India; displacement amid conflict in northern Uganda; and a lack of coverage of research into AIDS and HIV treatments.

I think he raises some valid points, specifically about how much time is wasted getting celebs up to speed on their pet causes. UN organizations already waste enough time and money, why do celebs deserve that time and money? I have no problems at all with celebrities having causes to fight for because almost everyone has charities they support (notice the Terry Fox Foundation link to the right for example). My problem is with the media giving them so much attention and thinking the opinion of some Hollywood star is somehow more valid or informed than the average charity contributor. As I've said about this before, shooting a movie in Italy doesn't make you an expert on Proportional Representation.

Don't dink and drive

First they told us masturbation causes blindness, now Viagra and Cialis may too. But only sudden blindness in one eye. Howard Dean will be holding a press conference on Thursday to prove a conspiracy between Big Pharma and the Republicans to kill low income sex drives.

I guess babysitting alone won't pay the bills.

Michael Jackson is job hunting. He would like to be a consultant for a company that is "setting up theme parks and music academies throughout the Middle East." In other words, places where children are present. This story is really it's own punch-line.

See where you stand.

This may help you if your still undecided on who to vote for.

My results:

Harper 100%
Layton 68%
Duceppe 52%
Martin 25%

I guess that makes me a missile loving, environment hating, fiscal conservative, social libertarian with a soft spot for Montreal ripper joints.

I always liked that Anne...

In these dying days of the Liberal Empire I would like to say a few kind words about Anne McLellan because I don't think she's going to make it this time around. "Landslide Annie" has always been the first to admit that she wins her seat so that at least one Alberta Liberal can be at the table. With the Liberals sunk I think she's done though. No more election night drama over whether she wins her seat by 300 or 400 votes. Parliament will miss her. She was well spoken, professional, intelligent, and a fierce debater. She was also one of the few current Liberals to recognize that bashing Americans is pretty childish, and had a strong relationship with them. She also somehow became the only MP Martin ever actually listened to. That alone is proof she did her job well. I'm sure she will enjoy a 300k pseudo private sector job and her MP pension she actually earned.

Isn't it ironic? Don't cha think.

The Liberal ad denouncing Mike Harris is pretty funny. Who did Harris support for the federal Tory leadership? Wasn't it the Liberal candidate in Newmarket-Aurora? Belinda something or other? Yeah it was.

And the bandwagon jumper of the year award goes too...

La Presse! Once again proving themselves to be a province of frontrunners, the editorial board gives Harper it's endorsement. I've said all along the best way for the Tories to do well in Quebec was to do well in Ontario. It's an unsightly dance these two provinces do together isn't it? Ontario won't vote for a party that doesn't poll well in Quebec. But Quebec slowly jumps on side with Ontario which boosts Tory numbers in Quebec. Which then boosts Tory numbers in Ontario. Which then boosts Tory numbers again in Quebec. Which then...Christ! It all gives me a headache. Wake me up on Tuesday morning.

Drew Carey does Hollywood proud

This one is for my good buddy The Road Hammer. The following is quote by Drew Carey on the role of government. (scroll to the bottom of the link)

"The less the better. As far as your personal goals are and what you actually want to do with your life, it should never have to do with the government. You should never depend on the government for your retirement, your financial security, for anything. If you do, you're screwed."

"I'm only doing this to put myself through school."

Everyone gets three guesses how Cherish gets the money for tuition. My one and only guess involves a pole and 4 inch heels.

Toss Up: Eminem or Britney?

All right all you gamblers out there, it's toss up time. Now that Mr. Mathers has remarried Kim, which unholy alliance do you think will unravel first, Eminem-Kim or Spears-Federline. Bonus points if you predict the date their offspring land in the same prison cell.

A tale of two Quarterbacks

In the who's better argument between Peyton Manning and Tom Brady, I have always said Peyton Manning. My rationale was that Brady played on a team with a great defense while Manning didn't. After yesterday's brutal performance I can no longer say Peyton is better. (check this out for an even harsher assessment) Brady would have won that game. Ignore Brady's poor performance on Saturday against the Broncos because he had to do it himself as the Pats were not the same team this year as they were in previous years. But this year's Colts were better than any of the Super bowl winning Pats teams. And Peyton blew it. Yes the Steelers blitzed like crazy and got to him. I don't care. It was his game to win in the final 5 minutes and he didn't deliver. He threw a horrible pick (which was incredulously overturned) that should have sealed it in the dying minutes. Then he couldn't get his team into the endzone in the final two drives. On the second last play of the game he decided to be greedy instead of gaining five or six yards to make it a 40 yard field goal (sure Vanderjadt missed but the Colts should have won already). Tom Brady has won this kind of game repeatedly, Peyton Manning hasn't. Brady is better. Period.

Is there life without Fergie? We'll find out next year.

Black Eyed Peas front man Will I Am is starting his own label. He expects to have his first solo album out by next June. Considering that the BEP's were virtually unheard of before Fergie joined, I am not expecting great things from Will's solo offering. However, I do look forward to the next BEP album, whenever that may be.

A potential second wife Notwithstanding...

In light of this , it needs to be asked. Would Paul Martin still favor the elimination of the Notwithstanding Clause?

This week's NFL playoff picks.

I was 4-0 last week, including getting the final score right in the 'Skins-Bucs game. Brilliance or fluke? I say a lot of both. This week's quartet of games should be much more competitive and tougher to pick, and all four games are rematches of regular season games. Here goes:

Washington (10-6) at Seattle (13-3) Saturday, 4:30pm. Fox, Global

Washington won at home 20-17 in OT on Oct 2, but they ain't winnin' this one. Their offense looked absolutely horrible last week against Tampa and they are really banged up. There defense is playing pretty well but they are going to give up points to Seattle's high powered offense. Look for MVP RB Shaun Alexander to have a big game and QB Matt Hasselback throwing a couple of first half touchdowns forcing the 'Skins to play catch up. This one could get ugly. Seahawks 27, Redskins 10.

New England (10-6) at Denver (13-3) Saturday, 8:00pm. CBS, Global

Denver beat the Pats at home on Oct. 16, 28-20. Pats QB Tom Brady is 10-0 all time in the playoffs, but this is not as good a team as the three he lead to Super Bowl victories. Despite beating Jacksonville easily last week, they did not look good doing it. Their secondary can be exploited and Denver's offensive line, the best in the league, is better than the Pats defensive line. The Broncos also have a fast and physical defense. The difference in this game will be how well QB Jake Plummer plays for the Broncs. He's played smart all year and I don't see that changing now. This game will be close but in the end home field is the difference maker for my Broncos, and Brady suffers his first playoff defeat. Broncos 24, Patriots 21.

Pittsburgh (11-5) at Indianapolis (14-2) Sunday, 1:00pm CBS, Global

At home on Nov. 28 the Colts spanked the Steelers 26-7 and the game wasn't even that close. Pittsburgh comes in on a role and their running game is as strong as ever. Their defense is still strong and they have the best safety in the league in Troy Polamalu. He may slow down WR Marvin Harrison, but then WR Reggie Wayne will kill them. Or RB Edgerrin James. Or QB Peyton Manning. The Colts have too many weapons and their defense is quick and relentless. The Colts will score early and often and make the Steelers win with QB Ben Roethlesberger having to do it through the air. The bye week will have helped the Colts refocus after the death of coach Tony Dungy's son and nothing stops their march to the Super Bowl. Colts 31, Steelers 21.

Carolina (11-5) at Chicago (11-5) Sunday, 4:30pm Fox, Global

The Bears won an ugly 13-3 game in Chicago on Nov. 20. This game could be just as ugly. The Bears are giving QB Rex Grossman his first platyoff start, and only his second start of this year. That's how desperate their offense is. Luckily they have the best defense in the league. This team reminds me of the Raven team that won the Super Bowl a few years ago, but the Bears have a little less offense. The Panthers have been inconsistent all year but looked great last week against the Giants. Which means they could lay an egg this week. Their defense is playing well and QB Jake Delhomme has a lot of guts. This game is tough to call but since the weather looks to be pretty good in Chicago I go with the Panthers in a slight upset. Panthers 10, Bears 6.

What took so long?

New York Islander fans can finally rejoice. Mike Milbury is out as GM. How this guy survived 10 years and 8 coaching changes is beyond me. But leave it this guy to not even give the fans the pleasure of a firing as he somehow stays with the team in some other capacity. He has to have pictures of the owners. There's no other reasonable explanation. This guy was the worst GM in the history of the NHL.

That whimpering sound is bisexuals everywhere crying into their steamed lattes.

Entertainment rag The Globe, reports that Brad Pitt has told Angelina Jolie she can no longer bring home other women for three-ways. This blows my whole belief system to bits. If you can't count on Hollywood A listers, especially Jolie, engaging in cheap and tawdry sexual encounters, what can you count on in this crazy mixed up world?

A right wing wish list

Up until a few days ago I was planning to spoil my ballot. My rational was that because the Red Tories have taken over Conservative policy, the Tories have not done much to earn my vote. However, I've decided that I will vote Tory with my nose in the air in hopes that they can win a minority and learn to govern and prove they are not so scary. Here is a wish list of things that I would like to see done and said that will earn my vote next time around. In no particular order:

1. Reduce corporate taxes. These cuts would allow companies to invest in new technologies and research, allow them to hire more employees, and just as importantly, if not hire more employees then allow them to maintain current staff levels. It would also increase dividends paid to shareholders and increase the value of everyone's portfolio.
2. "High income earners in Canada carry an unfair burden at tax time." The next time someone says the wealthy need to "pay their fair share" point out to them that higher income earners pay more taxes both in terms of absolute dollars and as a percentage of their total income. A true "fair share" would be to....
3. Implement a flat income tax. People with higher incomes should not be penalized for it. A flat tax would also encourage more investment and spending in Canada.
4. Reduce the capital gains tax to 18%. This will instantly benefit people at all income levels and spur new investment in to the Canadian economy. It will also add much needed income for many seniors.
5. Reduce the size and spending of the federal government. Holding govt. spending to 2% below inflation will still allow for surpluses despite lost revenue through decreased taxes. Federal spending has nearly doubled in the past 10 years to about $180 billion. This is unacceptable and needs to be reined in.
6. Pay down the debt aggressively. Take advantage of current surpluses and low interest rates by paying down significant amounts of our debt now and we will save exponentially later. When the baby boomers start needing increased health care in 10 years time debt relief now will give us added breathing room. No pun intended.
7. Sell Petro-Canada immediately and apply all money from the sale to the debt. The government has no business competing against private companies. Use Jim Flaherty's litmus test - If it's in the phone book, Sell it. (thanks to the BC for reminding me of that great quote).
8. Stop funding the CBC. See #7.
9. More Rona Ambrose. Much more. She's the future of the party. Smart, articulate, bilingual, conservative, and attractive. In other words everything Belinda was supposed to be but isn't. And Rona's popularity in Canada will skyrocket when Clinton inevitably starts hittin' on her.
10. "Health Care, Education, and Day Care are provincial jurisdictions". Federal parties need to stop buying votes on issues that are not primarily theirs, and start getting back to federal priorities.
11. "We are confederation of 10 provinces and three territories, all with unique cultures and needs". We now have a population of 30 million. The time for a strong and ever present central government has passed.
13. Allow provinces to try a private parallel health care system. Our current system is economically unsustainable as it is and will only get worse when boomers start needing further care. We can't let a dogmatic and monopolistic approach to health care stand in the way of caring for Canadian citizens.
14. Be hard but fair with Quebec. The paradox with Quebec is that the more they give them the more they resent the federal government. When the PM has the guts to stand up and say to them "We will work with you but you can't bend us over" they are far more cooperative.
15. Get rid of the gun registry. Law abiding gun owners who already undergo very stringent steps to legally own firearms are not reason gun crime is on the rise.
16. Less Peter MacKay. Much less.
17. Opt out of Kyoto. The science is not conclusive. Everyone conveniently forgets that 40 years ago we were worried about global cooling.
18. Go further than NAFTA. Work with the US and Mexico for total free trade and a seamless North American economy. This means no taxes or tariffs on anything crossing between North American borders. This will stimulate trade and put an end to disputes such as softwood lumber.
19. "We are a country with a proud military history. We are the country of Vimy Ridge, Normandy, and Dieppe." Go to the Remembrance Day ceremony in Ottawa and call the veterans peacekeepers. I'm sure they would just love that. We have proud soldiers who have a history of restoring and creating peace. We are not social workers in nice uniforms. Put money back into restoring the military.
20. Develop an independent foreign policy. So little attention has been paid to this area that our current FP amounts to doing whatever the UN does, or childishly doing what the US doesn't. Developing a policy that allows us to act on our own would go a long way to restoring our international image.
21. Eliminate the Wheat Board.
22. Fast track programs recognizing foreign credentials. I'm tired of taking cabs in Ottawa driven by Lebanese Doctors and engineers who can't get work in their field. Set up 6 month apprenticeships with standardized tests at their conclusion.
23. Open up debate on immigration. Questioning current immigration rules does not make you a racist. Conservatives, contrary to popular belief, are very pro-immigration. With our declining birthrate it is absolutely essential. We need to discuss how to assimilate new immigrants into the work force in a fair and balanced discussion.
24. Open up domestic air travel to competition. And let Air Canada have their head office wherever they want.
25. Get rid of bilingual requirements for senior civil service positions. Only 22% of Canadians are considered Francophone. The current language requirements preclude 78% of the population from senior bureaucratic jobs.
26. Spend more money on developing helpful technologies for third world countries and stop pretending 0.7% of GDP going to Africa does the continent any good. Teach a man to fish...
27. "As Prime Minister I promise to never meet with Bono". He might be the only mainstream celeb in the world phonier and more full of shit than Michael Moore.
28. Money for Olympic athletes. The US Olympic Committee sends one delegate for every six athletes to the Olympics. Canada sends two delegates for every one athlete. The problem isn't a need for more money, it's athletes actually getting the money.
29. Revoke Celine Dion's citizenship. No explanation required.

Does Mark McGwire belong in the Hall of Fame?

Next year Tony Gwynn, Cal Ripken Jr., and Mark McGwire all become eligible for the baseball Hall of Fame. Gwynn, and Ripken are locks to be voted in, and I would go so far as to say I think Ripken has a shot to be the first person to ever get 100% of the vote. Both he and Gwynn were tremendous assets to the game both on and off the field and will continue to be great ambassadors for baseball.

McGwire used to be baseball's biggest asset. But he can hardly be called that anymore, not after the performance in front of congress about steroids in baseball. It's sad that his star has fallen so far that many now question whether he should be voted into the Hall. I'll be the first to say that I think McGwire is the most overrated player in the history of the game. He was a bad first baseman with no range and a weak arm. He only hit .300 in a season where he had more than 400 at bats once. He only had 252 doubles in his career, a strangely low number for a guy with his power. And he struck out in 25% of the time. But he was also the greatest home run hitter of the 90's and helped save baseball after the strike. 583 careers should get him into the hall automatically. But will it?

I made a case yesterday for Andre Dawson being in the Hall. He was a much better all around player than McGwire and had more career RBI's. What could he have done on steroids? What would McGwire have done without 'roids? Questions like that are part of the legacy McGwire leaves behind and must live with.

I ultimately think he will get in, but voters are going to punish him and make him wait a while. He did hit 49 homers as a rookie and probably would have come close to the magic 500 career mark without steroids. He also wasn't the only guy in the league taking steroids and I don't think you can leave out an entire generation of players. If I were a voter I would vote for him. I still think he belongs in Cooperstown.

Bizzaro Election

Is it just me or have roles been reversed in this election? You could always count on the Liberals running a fairly cohesive and professional campaign, and the Tories to fall apart at the seems. To the shock of many, myself included, it seems to be the Tories running a disciplined race, and Liberal strategists crying foul on every TV appearance. With the new Liberal attack ads on Harper is it just a matter of time 'til the term "hidden agenda" makes a comeback?

Welcome to the Hall Bruce Sutter. But Where's Andre Dawson?

Star closer Bruce Sutter was the only new inductee voted into the BaseBall Hall of Fame today. I'm glad to see relief pitchers finally starting to get their due. Rollie Fingers, and Dennis Eckersley are the only other closers in the hall. Sutter was a great choice as he was as dominant as anyone has ever been in the role and did it for a good 10 years. Most closers are only dominant for a couple of years then flame out (think John Wetteland, Rob Dibble) due to poor mechanics and the stress of the job. Part of the reason so few closers have been inducted is that the closer role has really only existed for about 30 years and soon guys like Trevor Hoffman, Mariano Rivera and potentially Eric Gagne will be headed to Cooperstown.

As a Sox fan (the real ones in Boston, not Chicago) it may seem natural to be pissed that Jim Rice once again didn't make it, but I am on the fence about him and can't make a strong enough case for him to get in. I can make a strong enough case for Andre Dawson though. This guy was what every player should aspire to be and everything scouts look for, a true five tool player and no outfielder was better in the late 70's and 80's. He had 438 career home runs, 1591 RBI's and 314 stolen bases, mostly playing on artificial turf in Montreal that helped destroy his knees. He played through injury, was an 8 time Gold Glove outfielder, 8 time all-star, 1987 NL MVP on a last place Cubs team (is there any other kind of Cubs' team?), showed up to work every day, and never complained. He deserves to be voted in.

Has Las Vegas jumped the shark?

Over the Christmas holidays a lovely and charming friend of I and the Ms. asked me if I thought Las Vegas (Mondays 9:00pm on NBC) had jumped the shark. I didn't have the stomach to admit it but after last nights episode I'm worried it may have. How can a show based in Pursuit of Leisure's Official Most Fun Place On Earth have gone downhill so quickly? The whole Monica Mancuso (Lara Flynn Boyle) owning the casino thing was a disaster. Having a gust of wind take her half way across the strip to her death was mind boggling (though one look at Boyle's bony frame doesn't rule out the possibility), but at least it got her off the show. Until last night when her ghost was "haunting" the Montecito. Add in the fact that there was a shameless plug for NBC's winter Olympic coverage from Turino (for God sakes' people, Vegas is in the middle of the desert!) and it leaves me to wonder who is writing this stuff. I also miss Nessa Holt more than I thought I would. She and Mike Cannon (James Lesure) had a great chemistry. I am not writing off this show though. The "Everything old is you again" episode from earlier this season was fantastic and the cast is still arguably the hottest in prime time (Molly Sims, Nikki Cox, Vanessa Marcil for the men, Josh Duhamel, Lesure for the women). Plus the show is still based in Vegas so literally anything goes as far as potential plots. Not many shows allow for that kind of creativity so I look for the show to rebound and finish this year strong now that Ed Deline (James Caan) and crew are back running the Montecito.

Debatzzzzzzzz.......

The debates last night screwed up my sleep pattern terribly. They put me to sleep from 8:30 to 9:30 which meant I tossed on turned until 2am. The format is not that bad but I would like to see a little more time for the leaders to really have a go at one another. Then again with these leaders it still may not amount to anything worth hearing. Some notes from what I was awake to see:

I find it funny when Jack and Paul talk about more women being elected adding civility to parliament. When I think of Sheila Copps, Carolyn Parrish, Hedy Fry, and Cheryl Gallant, civility is not the first word that comes to mind.

Paul Martin looks pathetic, tired, and defeated. He announces during a televised debate he wants to open up constitutional talks? All so he can win points on gay marriage, which is essentially a done deal and will cease to be an issue in two years. Yet he refused to open up constitutional talks for something as important as reforming the Senate. On my next drive down Sussex I will drop off some moving boxes.

I think I liked the old Jack Layton better than the new one. At least I could mock his "we're talking about missiles that could kill people" whining. He doesn't look comfortable at all and seems overly contrived. Maybe next time he can find a happy medium. I typically don't slag the NDP too much because I would rather just ignore them, but I have to say they are the party with the least credibility on Proportional Representation. For the past 20 years both the Federal and Provincial NDP have been begging for PR. Yet when they had majority governments in Ontario, BC, and Saskatchewan they did not change the first past the post system. Why? Because they were in power. Shut up and find other things to run on.

Harper did well. All he had to do was reiterate a few key issues like accountability, crime, GST, etc., smile once every 15 minutes, and not say anything stupid. He did that. One thing you have to give him credit for is a consistent public image. He's not very charismatic, not overly articulate, and you wouldn't ask him over to watch the Super Bowl with your buddies, but he knows that and doesn't try to be something he's not.

I will make no comments about Duceppe because he doesn't belong in the debates. And discussing any policy of the Bloc would be a way of legitimizing them. And I also just realized that running spell check over Duceppe gives me the word "dupe". Coincidence?

Striking while the iron's hot

University of Texas quarterback and Rose Bowl hero Vince Young announced yesterday he is skipping his senior year and entering the NFL draft. Good move by him financially because of two reasons. First, his stock couldn't be higher after his Rose Bowl performance. Second, because going back to school another year will just prove this guy can't throw the football. As I said the day after the Rose Bowl, he didn't complete a pass of more than 15 yards. He also doesn't lead his receivers well which means they can't do anything but get hit once they catch it. He is inevitably going to be compared to Michael Vick, but Vick has a strong enough arm to keep defenses honest, which is why he runs so effectively. Young will go in the top three and be out of the league in 5 years.

Exhibit A in a case against CANCON

I had planned to write a full review of the new Canadian show "Falcon Beach" today. After watching this insipid mess last night it's not even worth the time. It was truly awful. The writing was connect the dots from a teen melodrama starter kit, the acting made the old gang at 90210 look Shakespearian, and the water-skiing montage was cringe inducing. Which all would have been fine if the show was supposed to be a nudge, nudge, wink, wink play on the genre, however it actually takes itself seriously. Don't waste your time.

NFL Playoff Picks

It's Wildcard weekend so here go my fearless predictions....

Washington (10-6) at Tampa Bay (11-5), Saturday 4:30pm.

The Skin's won their last five games to get into the playoffs and are on a roll. Tampa has played consistently all year and Chris Simms has managed games well in a controlled offense. The Bucs won the Nov. 13 meeting 36-35 but there is no way this game will be that high scoring. I think RB Clinton Portis has a big game for Washington and QB Mark Brunell's playoff experience outplay Simms' whose making his playoff debut. Redskins 17, Bucs 10.

Jacksonville (12-4) at New England (10-6), Saturday 8:00pm

The Jags have been a trendy pick based on their 12-2 record against teams not named Indianapolis, and the Pats won 10 games in a weak division. I just don't see an upset here though. Jags QB Byron Leftwich gets the start coming off injury and the Pats D is back to nearly full strength. It seems to me like lambs to the slaughter. Pats QB Tom Brady is still Tom Brady which means he moves to 10-0 in the playoffs today. Pats 24, Jags 7.

Carolina (11-5) at New York Giants (11-5), Sunday 1:00pm.

Which Carolina team shows up today will determine this game. Is it the team that shows up every other week and looks like the pre season Super Bowl pick that runs the ball down other teams throats and plays stifling D, or the team that shows up every other week and can't stop the run. They better hope it's the former or Giants RB Tiki Barber, who had a career year, will turn this game into a route. My hunch is that the better Panthers team shows up today. I think the bad taste from the Super Bowl two years ago fuels them. I also think Giants QB Eli Manning is a year or two away from being an effective playoff starter. He still throws too many balls into coverage and will get picked off a couple times today. Panthers 24, Giants 20.

Pittsburgh (11-5) at Cincinnati (11-5), Sunday 4:30pm.

Coventional wisdom says if this a grind it out affair the Steelers win, and if the score gets up there go with the Bengals. The Steelers still have their great D, a great coach in Bill Cowher, and a punishing running game with Willie Parker and Jerome Bettis, and QB Ben Roethlisberger who just knows how to win. The Bengals have coach Marvin Lewis, superstar in the making QB Carson Palmer and WR Chad Johnson healthy and ready to have a coming out party in their first palyoff game. Unfortunately for them Steelers safety Troy Polamalu is going to be the one having the party. He is the best safety in the league and after he shuts down Johnson every one will know it. Screw conventional wisdom, I see points being scored and the Steelers winning it on the strength of the running game. Steelers 34, Bengals 24.

More of Martin's Mad Money

So Paul Martin now thinks it's a good idea to give taxpayer dollars to post secondary students by paying half their tuition in their first and last year's. This is ridiculous policy and bad politics. First of all, the demographic this is aimed at is traditionally among the lowest in voter turnout. Also, if you adjust for inflation, university tuition is less expensive now than it was in the 40's and 50's and the percentage of the population enrolled has increased. Study after study has also shown that the cost of education is not a barrier to attaining post secondary education. In my opinion the two biggest barriers are people not having the marks to get in and people's own expectations. A lot of people either don't believe university is worthwhile (and it is not the be all and end all by any means) so they don't go even if they could, or they choose to do go into a career that doesn't require a degree. On top of that we still have about a 40% dropout rate for first year students. In other words, you and I are going to be paying for Jimmy and Suzie to get drunk, skip class, screw each other and flunk out. How does that make us more competitive? It doesn't.

If we are to be more competitive we need to make it more attractive for the private sector to help contribute to post secondary programs in the sciences and R&D. Special tax breaks could be set up for equipment or funds given or donated, and more emphasis should be put on coop programs. Most of the people I know who had coop placements ended up getting full time employment with the employer directly after graduation.

Look, there is no shame in being a starving student. I busted my ass in the summers working as a carnie to put myself through university debt free, and I had roommates who worked 70 hours a week in sweatshop factories and dug gas lines in 35 degree heat all summer to do the same. Would we do it all over again? Hell yes. It taught us to be self reliant and to understand the financial difference between wants and needs. It is commonally estimated that a post secondary diploma or degree is worth at least an extra $500,000 in career earnings. Would you spend 60K for an education knowing you would get a 500K return? Of course you would. Finally, the person who benefits most from your education is you, therefore you should be expected to pay for the bulk of it, not other people.

Great TV

Don't know if too many people caught Ted Nugent on Donny Deutsch last night but it was great TV. For those of you who haven't kept up with Mr. Nugent, he is a gun loving survivalist and sits on the board of directors for the NRA. Over the course of the hour he said Washington DC's crime rates are so high because not enough people there own firearms, ripped on Cindy Sheehan, and called PETA a terrorist organization. You can always count on Ted to tell it like it is. He also served Donny some random food he'd shot and told him "the cuter the critter, the sweeter the meat." I think we've officially found the motto for this site. Thanks Ted!

Welcome!

I have started this site under the pretense of "everyone else is doing it, why can't I?". I solemnly swear not to take myself too seriously or to think I can change the world based on the writings and rants you will find here.

I would consider myself somewhat worldly. As such, I intend to concentrate on issues of grave importance such as Sports, TV, Movies, Music, Travel, Books, and Politics. It is intended as a welcome respite from the working world where one can truly discuss their own pursuit of leisure. I hope you enjoy future posts, not take anything too personally, and leave comments if you agree with what you read, or more importantly if you disagree with what you read.

My only promise is to not engage in personal smear campaigns. Except against Michael Moore of course. That fat, phony bastard deserves every bad word written about him.

Sad Day in SoCal

As if 3 hour commutes and a dense fog of pollution wasn't enough for the good folks of LA, the city's biggest sporting attraction, USC Trojans, threw away their chance at immortality last night losing the BCS championship game to Texas, 41-38.

I will say that this was the most exciting college football game I have ever watched. It was for the national championship after all. But I also need to say that it was nowhere near the best. Yes, it was decided by three points. Yes, the second half provided offensive highlight after offensive highlight. Yes, the game was an upset. Sorry, but No - it wasn't very well played, officiated, and definately not well coached by Pete Carroll.

How many times did Texas fumble the ball only to recover it themselves. At least three by my count. They also missed a PAT, short field goal attempt (these are not paid professional athletes so I won't single out the kicker who missed), and tackle after tackle. Vince Young also couldn't complete a pass of more than 10 yards (a small quibble for a guy who went over 400 all purpose yards). But give them credit, they made the plays when they had too and had sense enough to leave the ball in the hands of Young.

The Big Ten officials were clearly too used to boring, slug it out east coast ball to keep up with these high paced offenses. Texas' first touchdown came after a lateral with Young on his knees longer than Paris Hilton on a Saturday night. Then they blew a late fumble and USC recovery that they called an incomplete Texas pass. I'd say that cost USC the game but they did that themselves.

What was Reggie Bush thinking with that lateral attempt inside the Texas 20? Unbelievable. Then Matt Leinart burns a timeout early in the third quarter because he can't get a play off in time? No excuse for that when you know you are headed to a tight finish and will need at least two timeouts in the last five minutes. And what was with the Trojan defense? They missed more tackles last night than Lindsay Lohan's missed meals the past three months. What finally did them in though, was terrible coaching by Carroll. 2nd and 7 with just over 3:00 to play, needing to run down the clock and he calls for a short pass play to the right side. Are you kidding me? Incomplete. A run of no gain would have run 30 more seconds off the clock (and in case you were wondering, Young scored the winning touchdown with 19 seconds left). After a 5 yard run they are left with 4th and 2 on their own side of the field. You punt and make Texas go 80-90 yards when Young hasn't thrown a pass more than 10 yards all night don't you? Apparently not. They had been killing Texas with short pass plays to the left and LenDale White up the middle the enitre second half. The key was that Texas never knew which of those options they were going to choose. So maybe going for it and clinching the game may have been the right call. But then again, if you had Heisman winner Bush, the best running back in college, considered by many to be the greatest back in college history, on your team wouldn't you have him ON THE FIELD for 4th and 2? Again, apparently not. Sitting him on that play let aliens on Mars know that they were running up the middle. Surprise! They get stuffed. Then after Texas scores the go ahead touchdown you blow your last timeout on defending a 2 point conversion. It's a sad day in SoCal when you are outcoached by Mack Brown.

Other observations from this game:

I've watched Texas three times this year and Vince Young made the right choice be deciding to go back to Texas next year. He needs to develop his passing game. He was 30/40 last night but there weren't many run after catch yards. He doesn't lead his receivers very well and NFL Defensive Backs will ight up his receivers if he passes like that in the pros. He also needs to work on arm strength because he doesn't have much on the ball downfield.

They are both Heisman winning QB's from USC but it is unfair to compare Leinart to Carson Palmer. Plamer is stronger, more mobile and has a much better arm than Leinart. I think Leinart is better version of Tampa Bay QB Chris Simms. He makes good decisions, thrives under pressure, throws with accuracy, and is a strong presence in the huddle. However, he lacks mobility and doesn't throw the deep ball very well because he has limited arm strength. Having said that, I would be more than happy to see Broncos move up and draft him as a the future QB after Jake Plummer.

No matter where Reggie Bush ends up he is going to be a star. He is only 200 pounds but he is has blinding speed, great hands, and that rare quality of making tacklers miss him. He's the next Marshall Faulk.

LenDale White should return for his senior year and put on more muscle. He could be the next Jerome Bettis.