"My rule of life prescribed as an absolutely sacred rite smoking cigars and also the drinking of alcohol
before, after and if need be during all meals and in the intervals between them." - Winston Churchill

Hear Here


"Information is moving -- you know, nightly news is one way, of course, but it's also
moving through the blogosphere and through the Internets." - George W. Bush

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

T.O. Demands “I Want The Ball”


By DAVE GOLDBERG, AP Football Writer

(AP) — Terrell Owens’ love affair with Tony Romo and the rest of his Dallas teammates may be turning down the rocky path that his relationships with Donovan McNabb and Jeff Garcia followed. At least it seemed that way after the Cowboys lost Sunday for the first time this season.

“I’m a competitor and I want the ball,” T.O. said after the 26-24 loss to the Redskins, ending the speculation that Dallas might emulate New England and go 16-0 this season, finishing the deal in the Super Bowl, which the Patriots didn’t.

That was a silly dream. What the Patriots did was a once-in-35 years kind of thing. Moreover, as Washington demonstrated, this season’s NFC East is not last year’s AFC East, through which New England breezed.

But beyond that, we all know that the Cowboys’ worst enemy is not the opposition, nor their slightly overrated talent level - not all 13 Pro Bowlers last year deserved it. The enemy is themselves: an owner who is also general manager who thinks of himself as a coach; a head coach laid back enough to accept input from above; and an offensive coordinator who has been effectively designated by said owner as the current coach’s successor.

Plus a locker room with at least three players who were run off other teams for reasons unrelated to their talent.

So here was the most prominent and skilled of those three after Sunday’s game, whining that he should have been involved in more than 20 of the 58 offensive plays the Cowboys ran against the Redskins.

Yes, he was implicating the coaching staff for not recognizing that he must be the focal point of the offense. He also was implicating Romo, the same “friend” he defended with tears after the unexpected playoff loss to the Giants last January, saying from behind dark glasses: “You can point the finger at him …. and if you do that, it’s really unfair. That’s my teammate. My quarterback. We lost as a team.”

Funny he didn’t utter the “T as in team” word on Sunday. The only “T” involved was the first initial of his first name.

First of all, give some credit to the Redskins.

Then blame Jerry Jones (”Coach Jones” for long periods during his 20 years of ownership); coach Wade Phillips; and Jason Garrett, the offensive coordinator and head coach in waiting.
For the most obvious stat to come out of the loss was not Owens’ seven catches for 71 yards; 11 yards rushing on two reverses; and 11 other plays designed for him.

It was that Marion Barber got just eight carries for 26 yards and that Felix Jones did not touch the ball from scrimmage.

Barber came in with 285 yards rushing for a 4.6 average and four touchdowns in three games. Jones, the explosive rookie, had scored in all three games and had 148 yards on 18 carries, an 8.2 average. One of the touchdowns was a 60-yard run, another a 98-yard kickoff return.
Were Jones, Phillips, Garrett and Romo catering to T.O at the expense of the running game? Were they scared of the Redskins’ run defense? Washington ranked 16th in a 32-team league against the run, allowing 108 yards per game. Although to be fair, almost half those yards, 154, came in their opener against the Giants, their only loss. They improved markedly against the Saints (55 yards) and Cardinals (116).

But does that mean the Cowboys had to stop trying to run? Barber is a punishing runner who can wear down opponents in the second half and it wasn’t as if they got way behind and had to throw on every play. They trailed 17-10 at the half and it was 17-17 in the third quarter.
None of this might matter in the long run. The Cowboys might finish 15-1. Or, more likely, 13-3 or 12-4 because they play in the NFL’s best division.

But what happened Sunday demonstrates anarchy of a sort that doesn’t afflict other good teams. Randy Moss, even more notorious as a “me first” receiver for his first nine NFL seasons, discovered when he got to New England last year that playing a team game can be liberating and good for your stats. His stats - a record 23 TD catches - speak to that.

T.O. seemed to have gotten that message during his first two seasons in Dallas. But Sunday’s outburst is more suggestive of the kind he had weekly in San Francisco and in his second year in Philadelphia.

“Everybody recognized that I wasn’t really getting the ball in the first half,” Owens said. “I’m pretty sure everybody watching the game recognized it, people in the stands recognized it. I think my team recognized it.”

That’s the “I” word three times in three sentences.

Bill Belichick or Tom Coughlin or Andy Reid or Bill Parcells would end that immediately. Reid, in fact, suspended Owens in Philadelphia in 2005, and Coughlin suspended the Giants’ star receiver, Plaxico Burress, when he declined to show up for practice last Monday.

Phillips doesn’t have that power.

Jones brought Owens to Dallas and he also gave Phillips a third head coaching job when Parcells left after the 2006 season. By several accounts, the Tuna was tired of dealing with the distractions.

The biggest distraction is T.O.

In a season when the Cowboys remain a solid favorite to win the Super Bowl, Owens may be the reason they won’t. If one loss sets him off this way, imagine what happens when Dallas inevitably loses another game or two.

In other words, the Cowboys may be the team that has the best shot of depriving the Cowboys of an NFL title.

Illegal Immigrants Beware

Monday, September 29, 2008

Thanks for Coming


Sunday, September 28, 2008

Hail Victory!




Hey Coach; I think I'm getting the hang of it.

Big Game Today


Hail to the Redskins!
Beat Dallas' Ass Today!

Maryland Gets a Tiger by it's Tail

Terrapins show up to play in Happy Valley for 2nd 1/2 of game yesterday and show the nation who's for real
What do you mean it wasn't a first down?

The Terps must have received one big ass chewing at half time, by Coach Ralph Friedgen, yesterday. When they came out to play, they were a different team than in the 1st half, proving that they can come from behind and be competitive with the nations best teams. This win should place them in the top 25 and knock Clemson out.

You guys were here
and now we're here
You were here
and now we're here...

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Academy Award Winning Screen Legend, Paul Newman Passes Away at 83

Paul Newman

There is very sad news today about 'Hollywood great', Paul Newman, passing away. Paul Newman is arguably one of the best actors in movie history. He is certainly one of my favorite. He transcended multiple generations of film making and was never out of place in any film he did.

I had the pleasure of meeting Paul Newman and his wife of 50 years (something you never see in Hollywood), Joanne Woodward, 20 years ago. Working for Budget Rent a Car, I had the good fortune to be on shift the day Paul Newman reserved a vehicle. I was 21 years old and already a big fan of Newman's. Needless to say, I was very excited about meeting him.

I cleaned up the newest and best looking Lincoln Town Car we had, the night before. The next day I showed up for work and was surprised to see everyone who worked for our office also showed up; most of them weren't even on the clock. I was a little ticked off and embarrassed that Newman would have to walk in and see all of the people gawking at them.

About a week before, I watched a Barbara Walters special in which she interviewed Newman. He indicated that he was uncomfortable with a lot of attention and stated, after being asked weather it was true that he never signed autographs, that he never does. I told everyone this and they all just shrugged it off and some made fun of me for watching a Barbara Walters special. No kidding, it is probably one of two maybe three I've watched.


When he was schedule to arrive, I was to pick him up from the train station. I parked the Town Car in an area where there were not a lot of other vehicles. After about 10 minutes after the train had arrived and departed, I noticed that Newman had not walked out. I decided to walk into the station to see if I could find him. I walked all the way up to the platform and sure enough, he was standing there with Joanne Woodward, all alone. Until this point, it had not occurred to me that Woodward would be accompanying Newman but they are married to each other.


It was obvious, to me, that they were waiting for the people to dissipate. Newman was wearing a low brimmed hat and aviator sun glasses. He also had a mustache. I walked up to them and introduced myself and they were grateful to have help, when I grabbed their bags.

We walked to the car and I let them know that the Town Car would be their rental. He immediately bristled and said he had never driven a car that big.

I was shocked!

I thought to my self, 'you drove a car this big in the 'Color of Money' but I didn't say anything. I suggested that he drive it back to our office, where he had to sign it out anyway and he agreed. 'What could happen', I thought. It was only 2 miles away and he probably could afford the car.

Well...; Newman has a bit of a lead foot, probably from all of the racing he's done, and he took off out of the station pretty quickly. That was surprising but it got scary when he almost t-boned a little Asian woman in an intersection when he sped up to make the light. I'll never forget the look on that woman's face as I starred at her over the shoulders of two Hollywood greats.

As we arrived at the rental car office, I let them know about all of the people who showed up to get a look at them. Newman told his wife to wait in the car and walked in with me. There they were. Fifteen smiling morons huddled behind the 15' wide and 4' 3/4" high counter.

Newman signed the car out and sure enough one of the idiots asked him for his autograph. He looked at her for a few seconds and graciously said... "sure". Then we walked outside and gave the car a final inspection.

I apologized to him for the scene inside and thanked him for his business. I then said, "I wasn't going to ask you but since the embarrassing woman inside, who's not even supposed to be here, did; can I have your autograph too." He said no problem, thanked me for all of my help and drove off.

They were both genuine and warm and seemed as if they were someones grand parents. I always wished I had asked for Joanne Woodward's autograph too. True story.

Cowboys vs. Redskins; But Do Rivalries Still Matter?

washingtonpost.com - The League


Pro Bowl Defensive Lineman
Charles Mann 12-year veteran lineman, elected four times to the Pro Bowl.

First of all, when I played we absolutely looked at Skins vs. Boys differently. You pointed to those games during the off season; you circled them on the calendar. There was more meaning, everybody knew that. It came from the coaches on down. The marching orders were different. We would even run plays the week before just to mess with the Cowboys heads. We knew if we won that game we were battle tested.

But it doesn't seem like there's as much hoopla among the fans now. When I played, in the 80's and 90's, there was a lot more talk during Dallas week. They'd have to shut down Georgetown; people would be hanging on the lamp posts. It's no where near that big now because the Skins haven't been that dawg gone competitive in a while. It's hard to have a rivalry when one of the teams stinks. But I think that's turning around. The Skins have grown and become more competitive with Campbell. He's picking up what Zorn wants him to learn, and the NFC East is once again the most dominant division in football. That's how it should be.

But as far as the players caring about the rivalry, one memory from 1985 comes to mind. It was the time of Riggo, and he was the trend setter -- everyone wanted to copy him. So going into the season opener in Texas Stadium, he starts the idea of not wearing suits. We're going to war, not to a wedding, so let's dress appropriately -- camouflage and boots. Everyone ran out to the surplus store.

I remember getting the largest size boots they had, 13 -- I wear 15s. But the pain in my feet was nothing compared to how nervous I was about what Coach Gibbs was going to say. He always watched what I was wearing because I dressed so well. When I got on the bus to go to the airport he just looked at me, and didn't say anything.

About 60% of us were wearing that fatigues on the plane, and somehow the media got wind of it. When we landed in Dallas they were waiting for us with cameras. So what do we do, but march across the tarmac, army style, and get onto our bus? We then marched into Texas Stadium and whooped Dallas 44-14 -- we had to. After what we pulled if we hadn't Coach Gibbs would have had our butts. So we wrecked them. You think players don't treat rivalry games different, think again.

Here's how it all got started.

But...
Rivalries don't mean anything to some players apparently...

Report: Elway to marry former Raiders cheerleader - NFL on Fox
DENVER (AP) - Denver Broncos Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway is reportedly engaged to a former Oakland Raiders cheerleader.

The Rocky Mountain News reported Friday that the two-time Super Bowl winner proposed to 41-year-old Paige Green during a trip to Italy last week.

Elway told the newspaper he was "looking forward to a long life together" with Green.
A telephone message left with Elway's secretary wasn't immediately returned.


The 48-year-old Elway was previously married to Janet Elway for 18 years. They have four children.

Elway met Green during a celebrity golf tournament three years ago.
Can you blame him?

Friday, September 26, 2008

What are Dallas Writers Writing About This Week?



FROM RICK GOSSELIN OF THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS

The Redskins spent top-10 draft picks on All-America safeties Sean Taylor and LaRon Landry in a span of four Aprils, selecting Taylor fifth overall out of Miami in 2004 and Landry sixth overall out of LSU in 2007.

Taylor already had carved out his spot among the NFL’s elite, earning a Pro Bowl berth in 2006, and the Redskins expected Landry to join him in Hawaii soon. Landry started alongside Taylor on opening day in 2007.

“There was a lot of hype when I got here,” Landry said, “and we bought in. We knew we could be the best ever – and we were looking forward to it. It was up to us. We were so much on the same page and so much the same type of player that we could have done anything. Anything.” But the dream tandem lasted only nine weeks.

Taylor suffered a sprained knee in the ninth game of the season against Philadelphia that knocked him from the lineup. Less than three weeks later, Taylor was fatally shot in Miami in a home invasion.

Landry is now teamed with Reed Doughty – a safety pairing the Cowboys will see Sunday when the Redskins visit Texas Stadium. Fate deprived Landry of the chance to play with someone he idolized. “I grew up with two role models – Ronnie Lott and Sean,” Landry said. “I watched Ronnie as a kid.

When I watch tape of the Skins defense, I am amazed at Landry’s play. He has great range and plays the game with incredible toughness. He is all over the field and has the instincts to anticipate the throw. He is best when he is coming on the blitz. When the Skins put him in the box, he plays the game like a linebacker.

What people forget about Ronnie Lott was his ability to play corner and the athletic skills he possessed. Lott was a rare one-of-a-kind player and although Landry does not have Lott’s man-to-man skills, he does play with the same type of physical intensity.

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Hail to the Redskins


Beat Dallas!

Monday, September 22, 2008

Democratic Help for Denver?


By Adamned Schefter

Democrats in Denver have even more reason to love their party; democrats in San Diego even less.

Before the real controversial play in which Denver was handed a victory by way of a shameful call reminiscent of plays called by NBA referee, Tim Donaghy, was another less controversial play in which Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey stripped the football from Chargers wide receiver Chris Chambers as they fell to the ground.


The ruling on the field was a fumble, and when official, Ed Hochuli, went to the booth to see if the on-field call stood, the replay machine was not working.


Not working?

Well, it turns out that the replay machine was removed from its usual spot for the Democratic National Convention. It was reinstalled for the Broncos’ first home game since the convention, just before game time. An equipment glitch kicked in at the least opportune time, for the Chargers`.

The NFL states that the play would probably not have been overturned anyway and that the correct call was more than likely made. Still, Bronco fan Democrats, in Colorado, have reason to love their party even more while Democrats in San Diego have reason to love theirs less.

San Diego Democrats will now probably vote for McCain, according to the latest polls.

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Perfect Weekend

Santana Moss and Ed Reed Score Touchdowns

Today's Wins by the Redskins and Ravens
Capped off a Perfect Weekend.
The Weather was Great,
the Terps Won on Saturday
and then my NFC and AFC Teams did too.
It's a Copy Cat League Even in Celebration
(Last week and then this week)

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Terps Win Again; Defeat Eastern Michigan, 51-24

We thought we were playing the easy U of M; Go Blow!

The World Must Join Arms and...

...Save the Pubs of England.

Friday, September 19, 2008

West Virginia Gets Horned by Colorado



The formerly ranked Mountaineers lose for the 2nd consecutive week after showcasing their 1 dimensional offense. Run White, Run Devine, Throw a Short Pass, Run White, Run White, Run White.


Colorado fans go wild after OT win.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Congratulations to Redskins Rookie Safety Chris Horton for Winning...

...NFC Defensive Player of the Week

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

If I go to work for Obama, do I have to vote for him?



The Baltimore Examiner - September 14, 2008

Physician, heal thyself - Obam'a inequal pay for staff.

The details: Barack Obama has repeatedly made an issue of "equal pay" for women, but columnist Deroy Murdock discovered that women on his staff earn just 83 cents for every dollar men earn. But John McCains's women staffers make $1.04 for every male dollar earned.

Monday, September 15, 2008

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Redskins get 1st Win for New Coach, Zorn

So Much for Reggie Bush Trash Talk

"That just leaves... Gates & Sienfeld!"

"I have never seen that giraffe before, in my life."
"I'm disappointed in the both of you."

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Who are the California Golden Bears?

They were a 'Top 25' team until they met
The University of Maryland Terrapins!

Mr. Speaker - Defense, Offense & The Qualified

"...and by the way Joe Biden, himself, has said she would have been a better Vice Presidential candidate than he is." - Newt Gingrich quoting Joe Biden on Hilliary Clinton

The Republican Candidate

Straight Talk from John McCain

Friday, September 12, 2008

Faith the Nation

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Question

September 11, 2001
Do You Need to be Reminded?

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

The Surge is Working


This morning the news is reporting that McCain/Palin surged ahead 2 points ahead of Obama/Biden in the voter polls.

Yesterday, Obama took a new defensive posture in his attacks speeches on Palin. The usually clear speaking candidate fumbled for words while he attacked her for once being for the 'Bridge to Nowhere' and changing her mind when her constituents made it clear they didn't want it.

Correct me if I'm wrong; aren't you supposed to represent your constituents when you're an elected official? So what if she was for the project and changed her mind.

Obama also mocked McCain for choosing a candidate who is reflective of change. Oh the Hypocrisy.

Oh yeah! What faith is Obama? In a recent interview with George Stephanopoulos, he seemed to forget himself.

Monday, September 8, 2008

Tobey Maguire to suit up for more 'Spidey' movies



Actor Tobey Maguire will team up with director Sam Raimi once again for the fourth and fifth installments of the hugely successful 'Spider-Man' franchise, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

"The studio never considered any other actor. Tobey was our only choice and the only person we've discussed the role with," Columbia Pictures (Sony) studio spokesman Steve Elzer tells the industry publication.


In an effort to cut costs, Columbia may shoot the films back-to-back starting in fall 2009, Elzer is quoted as saying. "Spider-Man" is the studio's most successful movie franchise, with the first three films grossing $2.5 billion worldwide.


Laura Ziskin, who will produce with Avi Arad, had said she would like to aim for a May 2011 release for "Spider-Man 4," nine years after the original movie's debut, the Hollywood Reporter says.

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Rally Round the Rookie's



The Baltimore Ravens new era lead by Rookie's, Head Coach John Harbaugh and Quarterback Joe Flacco was off to the races today.

The Ravens rushed for a combined 229 yards with 4 carriers; the quarterback having the least amount with 37 yards and a touchdown.

The Defense played as we have come to expect them to; Fantastic! They recovered 2 fumbles, 1 interception, allowed 3 runners only 65 yards rushing, 6 receivers 99 yards receiving and allowed only 4 points total.

The play by 2nd year Running Back Le'Ron McClain was one of the best stories of the game as he had a combined 100 yards, rushing for 86 and receiving for 24.

If not for a fumble by Rookie Running Back Ray Rice, who otherwise played very well with 64 yards rushing and 19 yards receiving, the Bengals would not even have found the End Zone. Sure-footed, 19 year veteran, Matt Stover missed a field goal.

Most peculiar, to me, was the play of Todd Heap who seemed to have left his hands in the locker room, as he missed ball after ball; including a sure touchdown in the back of the End Zone. He also lost a fumble. Not a good day for Heap. Todd has missed a lot of football due to injury this preseason and the last few seasons. He has got to step up his play. My advise; stop praying so much, practice more and sign a damned autograph once in while you stuck up non-NFL star... I digress.

Bottom Line: The Ravens played inspired football today and look like they could compete this season, with a lot of young talent, if they stay focused and healthy.

Saturday, September 6, 2008

Game of the Day

Yes, The Terps Suck too but at Least They Weren't Ranked

Friday, September 5, 2008

This is Not Exactly the Game Plan We had in Mind

I said go for a completion; what was it you didn't understand?

The Redskins stumbled out of the gate, for a loss (16-7), as they opened their season last night against the New York Giants. They were never able to find a rhythm and the offense sputtered some how managing to put points on the board late in the 1st half.

Clinton Portis ran pretty well and would have had more yards had Jason Campbell been able to establish a sustained passing attack. Despite that, Antwaan Randle El had decent numbers gaining 73 yards on 7 catches. Rock Cartwright was a beast gaining 145 yard on 5 returns with a 29 yard per carry average and almost broke a long run for a touchdown.

The Defense allowed 154 yard rushing, Brandon Jacobs getting 116 of them and Plaxico Burress had 10 catches for 133 yards.

They only allowed 1 touchdown, though! On a 1 yard Eli Mannning run.

Bottom Line: It was frustrating to watch and that was just the expression Jim Zorn had.

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Why is Chris Cooley the Coolest Player in the NFL?

Watch These...
Let's go with Lendale White.
Yeah... That's a gay pick.

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Poor Sport Tatum Bell Takes His Ball and Other Things and Goes Home



New Lion Johnson: Bell took my luggage

ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) - Detroit running back Rudi Johnson said Wednesday that the player who was waived to make room for him on the Lions' roster — Tatum Bell — took his luggage from team headquarters.

"All this happened when he got released," Johnson said. "He came in to get some stuff out of his locker and that's when he scooped up the bags."

After being cut by the Cincinnati Bengals, Johnson came to Detroit to work out for the team and meet with Lions president Matt Millen on Monday. During the meeting, which ended with Johnson agreeing to a free-agent contract, the two Gucci bags that he had received as a Pro Bowl gift were taken from inside the team's headquarters.


A message seeking comment was left Wednesday with Bell's agent, Kennard McGuire.
Johnson met with the Detroit media for the first time Tuesday, and talked about Bell in a positive manner — saying they had discussed the Lions and that Bell, also a running back, had given him advice on the team and the city.


However, shortly after Johnson praised Bell, team security director Ricky Sandoval showed him footage from the team's surveillance system.

"Ricky showed me the tape Tuesday afternoon," Johnson said. "What makes this crazy is that I've talked to him after games, and I talked to him a couple hours prior to this — I guess it was before he found out he was going to be released."

Johnson said a woman returned the bags to the practice facility Tuesday evening, but that the contents were gone.

"I got the bags back — empty," he said. "So he's got a bunch of my underclothes. What he's going to do with that, I don't know. He's got some socks and boxers."

Johnson said he was also still missing about $200 in cash along with his ID and the credit cards, but said that he did not plan to involve the authorities.

"I don't need the police for this," he said. "I got my bags back and the credit cards are canceled."
Johnson did speak with Bell after the bags were returned.


"I didn't want to talk to him, but I let him know where I stand," he said. "He knows how I feel about it, and it isn't anything positive."

Lions coach Rod Marinelli declined to comment on the issue after Wednesday's practice, but the team issued a short, uncredited statement before Johnson confirmed the reports that had started on the Internet Tuesday night.

"We are aware of the media reports regarding former player Tatum Bell," the statement said. "Our sole focus continues to be on our regular season opener in Atlanta. We will not have any further comment on the media reports involving Tatum Bell."

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Joe Flacco Gets the Nod as He is the Last Man Standing




The Joe Flacco era starts earlier than expected. As he is the only healthy option, for new coach John Harbaugh. Flacco will start the season opener.

According to Flacco, he prefers it this way. He says it's the only way he know how to learn. The Ravens would have preferred a different route but must go with plan C.

Baltimore is snake bitten having once thrown a 1st round Quarterback selection, Kyle Boller, into immediate action. That did not go so well, as they found Boller to be impetuous under center. For all of his arm strength he lacked the mental fortitude to be a reliable starter and seems more destined to be a very good backup.

Flacco, on the other hand, appears to be a full package QB. At 6'6", 230 lbs., he has a very commanding presence. He has a 1000 mile stare and a very good arm.

What the Ravens will have to do to make Flacco successful is grow up quickly on the line of scrimmage, as they are very young. They will also have do better at the receiver positions, stay healthy at tight end and establish the run. The latter will have to be done by a rookie as well, Ray Rice, as Willis McGahee is banged up. Rice looks to have some pretty good skills, tough. In addition, the Ravens also acquired Redskins Tailback Marcus Mason, who lead the league in rushing this pre-season. Mason will start on the Ravens practice squad.

Bottom line: The Ravens have a long road to go but the Harbaugh era is only getting started. As long as he gives his QB the proper tools and protection the Ravens should be pretty successful. Hey! it took Brian Billick 2 seasons to win a Super Bowl.