Friday, November 22, 2002
The Longest Yard
Bah! Rod puts some more touch on that pass, and we're headed to overtime. Damn. Alas, it wasn't to be. No moral victories for us anymore; winning is the only acceptable outcome. Much credit goes to all the Pitt players who let it all hang out on the field and kept nothing back. Let's beat the Hoopies and go to the Gator Bowl, probably against Maryland. That would be one helluva game.
Thursday, November 21, 2002
Iron Bowl
How could I forget one of the fiercest rivalries ever? D'oh! Francione schools Tuberville as the elephant metaphorically stomps all over War Eagle.
'Bama 32, Auburn 7.
More Fearless Predictions
Hopefully more accurate this week ... only 7 correct picks. Kansas State and Georgia were the best picks of the week. Congrats to the WVU Hoopies for knocking off a now-demoralized VaTech squad. If Pitt knocks off Miami tonight, it will be the Brawl for it All. Anyway, on to the picks!
- Pitt at Miami: 31-0 vs 14-2. Dorsev vs. Rutherford. McGahee vs. Miree. Winslow vs. Wilson. Canes vs. Panthers. Big East Championship in the balance. Pitt shocks the world on the strength of a late Pick 6 by Torree Cox. Pitt 27, Miami 24.
- Michigan at Ohio State: No more Woody and Bo, but Carr and Tressel have something interesting going this week. tOSU is vulnerable, but Michigan is probably the least-impressive Top 10 team I've ever seen. Could the Fiesta Bowl be a tOSU-Wazzou rematch? tOSU 20, Michigan 13.
- USC at UCLA: OK, USC is for real. UCLA is not. Carson Palmer is a legit Heisman candidate, though he won't win. USC 33, UCLA 19.
- Washington at Washington State: OK, the Huskies had one hell of a game vs. Oregon. They'll put up a fight against the Cougs, but Jason Gesser is too much. Wazzou looks to the Fiesta Bowl. Washington State 31, Washington 22.
- Texas Tech at Oklahoma: Don't underestimate Kliff Kingsbury. Don't underestimate Oklahoma's defense or their running game. Boomer Sooner carries OU into a rematch with Colorado for the Big XII title. OU 26, TT 21.
- Florida State at NC State: The Wolfpack have a shot, only because it's a home game. FSU wins the ACC. Free Shoes University 28, NCSU 10.
- Maryland at Virginia: Maryland had a rough start, but they've turned it around significantly. They're a good team. Virginia is still a year or two away. Maryland 30, UVA 20.
- Ole Miss at LSU: LSU bounces back from an old-fashioned 'Bama whuppin'. What the hell happened to Eli Manning? Oh yeah, he plays for Ole Miss. LSU 17, Ole Miss 7.
- Michigan State at Penn State: Let's hear it for the Land Grant Trophy! Come on! It's a great "rivalry!" What's that you say, JoPa? It's not working out? You wish you could play Pitt every year? Want to avenge the 12-0 loss you'll take to your grave? You think Pitt should join the Big 10? You won't admit your school made an idiotic move joining a midwestern conference? Yeah, I thought not. Go de-pants some refs. NitWits 37, Michigan State 13.
- Giants at Texans: Upset Special The Gi'nts are vulnerable. The Texans are due. David Carr pulls it out with a last minute drive. Texans 20, Giants 18.
- Packers at Buccaneers: Favre vs. Sapp. 8-2 teams. Hell of a game. Packers 24, Bucs 17.
- Eagles at 49ers: McNabb is gone. So is Cortez. McNabb is a bigger loss. 49ers 21, Eagles 15.
Until next week!
Thursday, November 14, 2002
This Week's Picks
This will likely become a major feature as, well, I'm always very sports-oriented. Grad school keeps me from doing too much politicizing.
Last Week: 10-3, straight up. Particularly prescient picks for the Terps, the Titans, and the Rams. I had the gist of the Pitt-Temple and KSU-ISU game, though the scores were way off. Falcons and Steelers kiss their sisters, though both teams could easily have won the game. As for the MNF pick ... let's pretend that one never happened. On to this week!
- NC State at Virginia: NC State is still a house of cards, but the winds in Charlottesville won't topple them. Al Groh's gang is still two years from contending. NC State 24, UVA 13.
- Washington at Oregon: Vastly underrated rivalry, particularly with no love lost between Neuheisel and Belotti. Oregon's ugly-ass uniforms prevail over the purple and gold, though, with Onterrio Smith running for 2 TDs. Oregon 36, Washington 30.
- Nebraska at Kansas State: Any hope the Huskers had of saving their season with a victory here dies quickly. KSU romps. K State 44, Nebraska 17.
- Arizona State at USC: UPSET ALERT Carson Palmer goes head-to-head with Andrew Walter in what promises to be an offensive shootout. Both teams average over 300 yds passing, and ASU's defense has been shaky of late, but a hungry Sun Devils team catches the Trojans on a bad day. ASU 38, USC 35.
- Bowling Green at South Florida: Both teams are good. Not great, but good. Bowling Green avenges its loss to NIU last week by running the ball daonw the Bulls' throats. BGSU 27, USF 21.
- Texas at Texas Tech: Kliff Kingsbury vs. Chris Simms. TTU holds their fate in their hands in the Big XII South. Texas wrests it from them by giving them an old-fashioned Texas whuppin' in Lubbock. Longhorns 33, Red Raiders 16.
- Georgia at Auburn: Dawgs avoid the letdown against an erratic Auburn squad, capturing the SEC East crown in the process. UGA 24, Auburn 10.
- Ohio State at Illinois: The Illini have gone from bad to worse this season, while the Buckeyes are looking forward to Michigan. It doesn't matter, as Ohio State's D shuts Illinois down early. tOSU 20, Illinois 6.
- Alabama at Louisiana State: Probably the game of the week between two fairly evenly-matched squads. 'Bama has something to prove, while LSU is coming off the incredible Hail Mary play to beat Kentucky. Defense dominates, but the Tide's rushing attack wears down the Tigers for a late score. Alabama 13, LSU 10.
- Temple at Rutgers: Battle for the bottom of the Big East. Temple's D is mighty impressive. Rutgers just sucks. Temple 24, Rutgers 14.
- Syracuse at Boston College: A suddenly resurgent Orangemen squad takes on conference-winless Boston College in the Big East GotW. BC gets that first win easily. BC 19, 'Cuse 10.
- Jaguars at Texans: Texans complete the sweep. Tom Coughlin loses his job at the end of the season. Texans 20, Jags 10.
- Bears at Rams: Bulger continues to look good. It's the system, folks. Rams 28, Da Bears 13.
Thursday, November 07, 2002
The Big Finish ... For This Week
Pardon the BloggEruption will be taking the rest of the week off, since I will be with my gorgeous lady friend this weekend back in the 'Burgh. Also, I'll be attending the first game Pitt has played as a ranked team since 1991, and I'll be grabbing dinner at my favorite Indian restaurant Friday night. No, I will not be at TRASH regionals at CMU. I have precious few days with the SO, and I'm going to spend as much time as possible with her. (Love you, ALD)
In the meantime, though ... The Big Finish ...
- Pitt vs. Temple: Always a tough game for the Panthers. They may be emotionally drained after a huge win over VT, and they could be looking ahead towards the Thursday night showdown with Miami. Still, Pitt's got too much talent to let the Owls hang for more than 2 1/2 quarters. Pitt 31, Temple 10.
- Ohio State at Purdue: Big game for the Boilermaker Dad. Purdue's coming off a bye week, and Joe Tiller has a history of having good offensive outputs after bye weeks. Ohio State's D is still too much, and Purdue's new uniforms stink. Buckeyes 22, Purdue 17.
- Oklahoma at Texas A&M: Kiss RC Slocum goodbye, you wacko Aggies. Stoops conquers. Boomer Sooner 27, Wrecked Crew 13.
- Miami at Tennessee: Coker will have the 'Canes ready for this game. Tennessee's ego has been severely bruised at Rocky Top recently with Alabama winning in a romp. Still, there will be no Volunteer magic this week in what promises to be an offensively-rich game. Miami 44, Tennessee 23.
- Oregon at Washington State: The Cougs of Wazzou are for real. Too bad we can't say the same for those of Houston. Oregon makes it interesting late, but doesn't pull it out. Gesser is as good a Heisman candidate as we'll see all year. WSU 17, Oregon 14.
- NC State at Maryland: The Wolfpack's 9-0 start was built like a house of cards. November winds bring them crashing down as the Terps find their stride late in the season. Maryland 23, NC State 10.
- Virginia at State Penn: The Nits take some revenge after the Cavaliers ended their bowl hopes last year. Much as I hate to say it, they've got a decent team in Happy Valley this year, though nowhere near worthy of a #19 ranking. P-E-N-N-S-T Sucks 30, UVA 18.
- Iowa State at Kansas State: Wildcats win easily over a fading Cyclone squad. Iowa State quarterbacks continue to have funky names. KSU 29. ISU 20.
- Lions at Packers: Favre continues the streak. Green Bay continues to roll. Go Pack Go! GB 24, Detroit 9.
- Texans at Titans: As much as I'd love to watch Bud Adams collapse and cry like a baby after the game, it's not going to happen until the season finale. TENN 17, HOU 7.
- Chargers at Rams: Neither team is the Real Deal this year, but Marshall Faulk beats LaDanian Tomlinson in a running back duel. STL 28, SD 21.
- Falcons at Steelers: Kordell has been emulating Vick in Steeler practices. Or, at least trying to. Can the real #7 run all over the Big Nasty D? Will the king of my XFLFFL (Maddox) reign supreme? Atlanta's just not quite there. PIT 24, ATL 21.
- Raiders at Broncos: MNF's 500th game. Highlights of the top 5 games keep it interesting as the Broncs romp. The Raiders need walkers to get onto the field in the first place. DEN 37, OAK 13.
Wednesday, November 06, 2002
More Election Rundown
Colorado: Sen. Wayne Allard knew something no one outside of Colorado seemed to know -- he was never in any serious danger.
Florida: Ditto.
Maryland: Ehrlich's win over Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, while historically unexpected, was no major shock. She ran a very weak campaign and was seriously hindered by an unpopular outgoing Democrat governor (Glendening). More unnoticed by the media was Ehrlich's running mate, Michael Steele. Steele, an African-American, may have pulled a number of votes from the normally-monolithic black community, particularly since KKT did not choose a black running mate (she was under much pressure to do so). Congressionally, the GOP loses two seats to the Democrats here, but that was not particularly surprising. Redistricting by the Democratic legislature and shifting Maryland demographics had sealed that fate a while ago.
Missouri: As has been stated before, sympathy only extends so far. The Widow Carnahan kept it close with Jim Talent, largely due to overwhelming support coming out of St. Louis (which raises some issues in and of itself ... STL has become the modern Chicago of voter fraud). I would expect Talent to retain the office in 2006, barring any personal scandals. Missouri's a fairly moderate to conservative state, and incumbents have historically performed well (albeit in squeakers) here.
Minnesota: As I predicted (though not on this page), Mondale tanked in the days leading up to the election, most notably after the Wellstone memorial fiasco. Coleman was the clear winner of Monday morning's debate, though it is certainly questionable as to what effect, if any, that had on the race. My gut tells me that the debate's effect was limited to reducing Mondale's numbers, rather than increasing Coleman's. While this is highly speculative, I'm going to say that if Wellstone doesn't die, Coleman still wins. Pawlenty's victory in the wide-open gubernatorial race with 46% of the vote is promising for GOP prospects here in 2004, particularly if the younger, independent-minded Ventura crowd can be wooed with promises of Social Security and tax reform.
I could go on, but I think that's enough for now.
All Your Congress Are Belong To Us
What happen!?!? Somebody set us up the sweep! Those who know me know that I'm a small-"L" libertarian, largely vote GOP in the big races, and vote Libertarian whenever possible for the smaller ones. Basically, after watching coverage through about 2AM Central last night, I haven't been this politically pumped since November 1994. It is a great day for Republicans, one that should translate to a victory for personal freedom, economic freedom, states' rights, and national security.
Democrats are generally pissing themselves, as well they should -- they should have had this election handed to them on a silver platter, and they totally blew it. The Dems have no ideas, no agenda, and no reasons to give people to vote for them, instead of against Republicans. Hence, the lesson of negative campaigning -- it works on an individual level, when you can contrast and individual candidate's supposedly bad record / qualities with the positive record / qualities of the opposition candidate. On a general level, most people just will not buy the idea that "Republicans are eeeeeeeeeevil," especially not with a Republican president as popular as Bush.
(Incidentally, any talk of Lincoln Chafee jumping ship is pure bunk -- he's successful because of his father's legacy, and his father was always staunch about party loyalty, even if he voted moderate to liberal on occasion. If anything, Jumpin' Jim Jeffords is lamenting his switch. He will wallow in total irrelevance for the next two years. If Talent is to take office quickly, look for the new Minn. senator to caucus with the Republicans.)
So, what does yesterday's victory mean for American politics as a whole? Potentially a lot, but probably very little. The nation continues to be split about 49/49 GOP / Dem, though I think we might say that the ratio may have changed a bit over the past year, something akin to 49.5 / 48.5. Attribute this to some Reagan Democrats switching after 9/11. The ball is entirely in the Republicans' court right now to put up or shut up, and I suspect that they'll be fairly successful at getting most of the core agenda through. Judicial confirmations will speed up drastically, potentially starting now.
"All politics is local," according to Tip O'Neill, though, and it's worth taking a look at some key races and results:
Texas: Victories by Perry and Cornyn were expected. Dewhurst's victory in the Lt. Governor race was about as tight as we thought going in to the home stretch, but I think this may be the end of John Sharp's political career in Texas. Dewhurst was very vulnerable. A GOP sweep of all the statewide offices continues recent trends, but most importantly, Republicans captured the Texas House for the first time since Reconstruction. Democratic Speaker Pete Laney is expected to keep his seat, though, attesting to the very conservative nature of successful Texas Dems. The state Senate remains solidly Republican. Basically, Texas cancels out California.
Georgia: Huge gains for the Republicans with Saxby Chambliss knocking off Max Cleland in the Senate, and Sonny Perdue crushing the national hopes of incumbent Democratic governor Roy Barnes. Georgia is once again trending solid Republican, but does this mean the popular Zell Miller is in trouble a few years from now? Not likely, though if the GOP makes consistent gains in 2004, he is a definite possiblility to switch parties.
More analysis to come later tonight.
Sunday, November 03, 2002
Hail to Pitt!
Hail to Pitt, indeed! How about a grand old Alleghanee Genac Genac Genac! Congratulations to the Panthers, Walt Harris, and the whole of the Pitt community for knocking off the #3 Hokies! How 'bout them Panthers!!!
My orignal prediction was VaTech 30, Pitt 17, but I'm happy as can be that we pulled this one off. Bring on the Owls, the Canes, and the Hoopies! We control our own destiny in the Big East, so I have high hopes for the rest of the season. We should be at least #21 this week. Hail to Pitt!!!!!
(Can you tell I'm excited?)
Saturday, November 02, 2002
State Flags -- What Do You Think?
Texas, with a score of 39, was the clear winner of the contest. Some of you will say that I'm biased, being a native Texan and current resident. Well, this might be true, but I'm going to let my readership chime in with comments and votes of their own. In the spirit of fairness, I'd also like to hear what you think the worst flag was. So, here we go:
Top 6 Flags
- Texas ... 39
- New Mexico ... 34
- Maryland ... 32
- Tennessee ... 32
- Arizona ... 30
- Colorado ... 30
Bottom 6 Flags
- Georgia ... 0
- Oregon ... 1
- Michigan ... 5
- Connecticut ... 9
- Pennsylvania ... 9
- New York ... 9
Please submit your votes, comments, etc., either through the comment doohickey here or through my e-mail. Results will be posted by Wednesday.
State Flags, Day 10 -- The Conclusion
VIRGINIA
Deep blue field features state seal of Virginia on center. Seal features female figure Virtue, standing atop a fallen tyrant (signified by the fallen crown, scourge, and chain). Seal reads "VIRGINA" above and "SIC SEMPER TYRANNIS" below.
Yeah, it's a seal with words and detailed figures. But come on, it says "Sic Semper Tyranis." How many other flags have the words of assassins on them? Or a cool scene straight out of early American ideology?
Harkens back to revolutionary time. And the assassination of Lincoln.
Seal does read "VIRGINIA."
At least the seal's not too cluttered.
Virtue really needs to learn how to properly hold a sword. Somebody's going to get hurt.
WASHINGTON
Green field with the state seal in the center. Seal featues the bust of George Washington.
I like the green field, but I just don't like putting people on flags. Let alone real, historical ones. That never even came close to visiting the place his visage now represents.
OK, they named the state after him. Is that all they have to say? Guess so.
Well, if you can't recognize GW from the dollar bill, they do say "WASHINGTON" on the seal.
Well, at least you don't have to try to include Washington's smallpox scars ...
OK, we definitely need a state flag rejuvenation project.
WEST VIRGINIA
White field with a blue border. Center of field contains state coat of arms. Coat of arms features two figures, a farmer and miner, flanking a rock with the date "JUNE 20, 1863" inscribed upon it. A "Liberty Cap" is atop two crossed rifles, and beneath that is a ribbon reading "MONTANI SEMPER LIBER!". The shield is surrounded by a rhododendron wreath and another ribbon reading "STATE OF WEST VIRGINIA."
I like the blue border / white field effect, but the coat of arms is a bit much.
Coat of arms does a good job describing the Hoopie State.
As always.
Detailed figures, etc.
Shoot, Gomer, them Hoopies done good!
WISCONSIN
Dark blue field with state coat of arms in center. Above coat of arms is "WISCONSIN" and below it is "1848." Coat of arms features a sailor, a miner, a badger, a cornucopia, a pile of lead, various equipment, an Old Glory shield in the center, and a ribbon reading "FORWARD."
Ugh, this is as busy as can be. With words. And the Gordon's Fisherman.
Remember those maps in the encyclopedias that have the little figures showing the natural resources of various states and countries? WI's flag looks a bit like that.
HELLO, My name is ______.
Yeah, sure.
Again, I repeat my call for flag rejuvenation.
WYOMING
Blue field with a thin white inner border and thicker red outer border. A white bison dominates the field, and the b&w state seal is centered on its heart. Seal features a cowboy, a miner, and a bunch of words.
Despite the presence of the seal, I've always liked Wyoming's flag. I mean, it looks like they use it for target practice!
Bison = western, and the seal. Equal rights, etc.
Pretty well known, I think.
Again, the detailed seal.
If it didn't have the seal, it would be even cooler.
And thats it, boys and girls! Thanks for reading!
Friday, November 01, 2002
State Flags, Day 9
Almost there!
SOUTH DAKOTA
Sky blue field with the state seal in the center. Seal is surrounded by a 24-point blazing sun. Arround the seal and sun are the words "SOUTH DAKOTA THE MOUNT RUSHMORE STATE." State seal is black/white and features an agrarian scene and lots of words.
Aside from the plethora of words and the seal, this one actually doesn't look that bad. I'm thinking it's the sun on the sky blue field that saves it.
Well, it says "MOUNT RUSHMORE STATE" but doesn't have Rushmore on there. The seal is pretty bland, too, and the sun in the sky I'd associate more with Montana. Sorry.
If you don't get the "MOUNT RUSHMORE STATE" reference, "SOUTH DAKOTA" might do it for you.
The seal.
Not bad for a cookie-cutter flag.
TENNESSEE
Crimson field broken by a thin vertical blue stripe at the fly end, with a white border. The center of the flag is a blue circle (again with white border). Within the circle are three white, five-pointed stars.
Very solid.
The central circle's three stars stand for the three land types in TN. Not too exciting.
The central circle is pretty well known.
Odd angles of the three stars limit it here.
One of our nation's best flags.
TEXAS
A blue union, 1/3 of the flag's fly, occupies the full hoist, while the remainder of the field is divided equally, with a white bar atop a red bar. At the center of the blue field is a lone, white, five-pointed star.
About as simple a flag as they come, while retaining much individual flair. Easy colors, easy shapes, strong lines. "Honor the Texas Flag. I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas -- one and indivisible."
Too much history to go into, but the lone star, coupled with US colors tell the story. Declare your solitary independence. Become a nation. Look to join the US. Retain your individuality. Be a Lone Star.
Unless you're from Chile, this flag instantly means Texas all around the world.
So simple, millions of kindergarteners draw it every year in Texas.
Hands down, the winner of the contest. The Texas flag would likely fare extremely well in the international competition, too.
UTAH
Blue field with state coat of arms at the center. Seal features a central beehive on a shield bearing the words "INDUSTRY" and "UTAH." A bald eagle sits atop the shield, and crossed American flags are behind. Below the shield are the dates 1847 and 1896.
Very lame; violates so many laws. I'm starting to think that there should be some Corrolarys to my Flag Laws. #1. Dates suck even more that words. #2. Flags should generally not feature other flags. (The last one might or might not apply to certain Commonwealth states. Depends on how it fits in.)
The Beehive State. The dates are significant with Mormon settlement and statehood.
Boy, when I think "Industry," I think "Utah." Or not.
Detailed figures, words, etc.
Blah.
VERMONT
Blue field with the state coat of arms in the center. Coat of arms features a pine tree, a cow, and wheat. Shield is surrounded by pine branches and topped by a deer's head. Below the shield is a ribbon reading "VERMONT FREEDOM AND UNITY".
The coat of arms actually looks pretty nice. It's got a cow! But still, as a flag ... no.
Not a whole lot of significance with the pines. The Green Mountains are in the scene, but that's it.
"VERMONT" is small on the ribbon.
The shield's border and the pine boughs are so intricate as to be ridiculous.
As a flag ... zzzzzzzzzzzz.
