Tuesday, October 31, 2006

Keep Talking, John


Not a day goes by where I don't thank God this man isn't in the White House.

Monday, October 30, 2006

We're #260!

According to this year's poll compiled by Morgan Quitno Press, Savannah attained the distinction of being America's 260th safest city. The list contains only cities that sent in reports, so obviously, it's not complete. A total of 371 cities responded. The safest city this year is Brick, NJ, where even Ryan can be a badass. Suprisingly, St. Louis was deemed the least safe at #371, with Compton, CA coming in at #368.

I don't give a shit what you say, I'd much rather be in St. Louis than in Compton.

Offensive!

In the PC world we live in, this commentator was probably fired two seconds after he made this comment. Shame, because it's pretty damn hilarious.

Friday, October 27, 2006

Fried Chicken

Stephen will LOVE this.
www.ebaumsworld.com/2006/09/fried-chicken-song.html
You might have to cut and paste because for some reason I waas having trouble cutting and pasting the link. Deal with it.

Vox Populi: Gems of the Week

Ladies and Gentlemen: The Gems of the Week.

Dishonorable Mention:
"We had a live mink in our yard on Wilmington Island last Saturday."
- Sweet.

Dishonorable Mention:
"This whole gas situation was never about having $3-a-gallon gas. It was about making us grateful for 'only' $2 a gallon. We have been manipulated."
- No you haven’t. Shut up.

Third Runner-up:
"I really miss the S&S Cafeteria on Abercorn. We sure do need another good cafeteria."
- It amazes me that old people could love S&S so much. They’d pile in there for dinner every day… at 3:30 in the afternoon.

Second Runner-up:
"Why is it we don't have one political candidate that discusses uniting the parties? Seems like since Bush took office, there has never been a bigger wedge between us."
- Hippie, the political parties will never be united. There is too great of a difference in ideology. Go toss your Frisbee.

First Runner-up:
"If you think $3 a gallon for gas is highway robbery, what about restaurants charging $2 or more for a Coke?"
- Precisely my point! You bitch about the price of gas, yet continue to spend your money on other things without batting an eye. Think about this: the average price you can expect to pay for a 12 oz can of Coke is 50 cents (Obviously, buying two liter bottles will make Coke cheaper per volume and buying at a restaurant will make it more expensive, but bear with me.). There are 128 ounces in 1 gallon. Let’s do some math:

128/12 = 10.67 ~ This is how many 12 oz servings are in one gallon.
10.67 * $.50 = $5.33 ~ This is the price of Coke per gallon.

That means that Coke is $5.33 a gallon. That’s more than $2 higher than $3 a gallon gas you were bitching about. Does that mean the Coca Cola Company is greedy? Cokes used to cost a nickel in the 1950’s, were they less greedy then?
(Don’t get me wrong, however; I love Coca Cola. I believe their product is vastly superior to that Yankee piss-water also known as Pepsi.)

And your Gem of the Week:
"I called the Chatham non-emergency police number to report shootings on my block and was asked, 'What do you want us to do? There are shootings everywhere.'"
- If you called the non-emergency line to report a shooting, then this probably wasn’t the first shooting in your ’hood. It probably won’t be the last either. Stay inside or move.

Happy Friday, folks.

Thursday, October 26, 2006

Evil, Evil Wal-Mart

How evil, you ask? The horrible, disgusting capitalist company is rolling out its $4 generic prescription drug program to its stores in 12 more states, including its 139 stores in Georgia. From the Atlanta Business Chronicle:

The $4 generic program includes 314 generic prescriptions available for up to a 30-day supply at commonly prescribed dosages. The list of 314 generic prescriptions is made up of as many as 143 compounds in 24 therapeutic categories.

Bentonville, Ark.-based Wal-Mart (NYSE: WMT) said it concluded the list of $4 prescription medications represents nearly 25 percent of generic prescriptions currently dispensed in its pharmacies. According to the www.rxlist.com, the list also represents 14 of the top 20 prescribed medications in the United States. Generic medicines have an estimated cost that is 30 to 60 percent lower than an equivalent brand name product.


And to make PROVE to you capitalism doesn't work: Target has matched the $4 drug program in Florida and plans to everywhere else, including here in Georgia.

Viva La Gwinnett


Like any of you care about the immigration state in Atlanta, here is a sad article of how Mexicans have taken over neighborhoods in outer Atlanta now that they have nowhere else to go in the inner city. You may have to register to read it. For those of you who don't venture to the big city much, it really does seem like there are more and more every day. And I'm sure they will be moving en masse to the smaller cities soon if they haven't already.

Tuesday, October 24, 2006

Preview Day Six of 24

Normally I would wait for this to go up on YouTube and just embed it here on the site. However, it won't be up until late tonight probably, the quality would be worse, and it might get taken down. At 3:00 this afternoon, www.24trailer.com premiered the first look at Season Six of the Greatest Show on Earth. Read the next paragraph after you've watched it.

This is about as perfect a tease as I could hope for - it gives you the gist of what's to come but doesn't give away too much. In fact, one of the best things about it is that I still can't tell what exactly Jack will be used for. He sure does look mighty haggard and empty, though, and that's always a good sign. I really like the use of small scale terrorists attacks as the driving plot point; a very realistic possibility here. Looking pretty grim, but that's part of the show.

Monday, October 23, 2006

Patrick's Five Best Albums of All Time

Some of these were tough. I want to start out by saying there’s tons of R&B stuff from the 60s and 70s that deserve to somehow be on here, but because we’re dealing with best albums, and not the best songs, it’s pretty much impossible to fit them in. So most of this stuff consists of white rock bands, but if I could put in my 25-song Motown/Beach Music CD mix, it would easily make the top 3. Anyway, here we go...

1. Rubber Soul – The Beatles (1965)





No surprise here. I know I’ll get criticized for being really cliché because most VH1/Rolling Stone lists have this somewhere at the top as well. But I can’t help it -- I just really like this album. This is Lennon and McCartney collaboration at its finest. This album proves you can get really creative without getting weird. If you counted which CDs get played the most in my car, this one easily tops the list.

Best tracks: all of it, every single goddamn song, in order.


2. Help! – The Beatles (1965)




For the same reasons as Rubber Soul, this one comes in a close second.

Best tracks: “Help,” “You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away,” “Ticket to Ride,” “You’re Going to Lose That Girl”


3. Chronic Town – REM (1982)





Any early-to-mid 80s REM album would do here (Murmur, Reckoning, or Fables of the Reconstruction), but I settled on Chronic Town (which isn’t even a full-length album but a 5-song EP) as the best because it typifies everything that early REM was about: jangly guitar chords, driving bass lines, mumbled lyrics. Before this time it would have been unthinkable to make music that was a mix between, say, The Byrds and The Sex Pistols. REM did it and created an energetic sound that was much greater than the sum of its parts.

Best tracks: “Wolves, Lower,” “Gardening at Night,” “Carnival of Sorts”


4. Synchronicity – The Police (1983)





I’ve heard one rock critic put it best: what the Beatles were in the 60s, what Led Zepplin was in the 70s, The Police were in 1983. This band kicked ass, sold out the biggest arenas and stadiums, appealed to teenagers and thirty-somethings alike, and it’s a shame we don’t have anything remotely resembling them 23 years later.

Best tracks: “Synchronicity I,” “Synchronicity II”, “Wrapped Around Your Finger,” “Every Breath You Take,” “King of Pain”


5. Pet Sounds – The Beach Boys (1966)





I know, another VH1 chart-topper. But this record, like Rubber Soul, does a great job of presenting creativity without any expense to accessibility, and that’s why it’s on here. It also has the best opening song of any album I can think of.

Best Tracks: “Wouldn’t it Be Nice, “Caroline, No,” “Sloop John B.,” “God Only Knows”


Honorable mentions: Revolver - The Beatles, The White Album - The Beatles, Green – REM, Zenyatta Mondata – The Police, What’s Going On – Marvin Gaye, Moondance – Van Morrison, Off the Wall – Michael Jackson, Remain in Light – Talking Heads

Sunday, October 22, 2006

Best Albums

I was looking on RollingStone.com and found this article:
http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/5938174/the_rs_500_greatest_albums_of_all_time
I know these come out about once every year, but they are always interesting to look at. One thing that kind of shocked me was Dark Side of the Moon being ranked at #43. Pretty much everyone of these lists I have ever seen has had that album at least in the top ten. That puts albums by The Band, The Ramones and The Eagles ahead of them. These are three of the most over-rated bands of all time. Especially the Ramones. I would rather listen to "The Most Annoying Sound Ever" by Lloyd Christmas than a Ramones album. I am gald Johnny Ramone is dead. Anyway, this list got me thinking about my favorites and I ask everyone to post their top 5 albums. I kind of know where Pat and Stephen will be on this but am interested especially in Joe, TC and Ryan's list. And we should save this for a few months because I promise you that Ryan's list will be completely different. So, here is my list of top five albums in no particular order:
Abbey Road-The Beatles
No Code-Pearl Jam
Pink Floyd-Dark Side of the Moon
Radiohead-Kid A
And I couldn't decide on a fifth. Any Beatles album from Rubber Soul on would fit here as well as Pearl Jam's Vitalogy or STP's Purple or Tiny Music...

Friday, October 20, 2006

Showdown in Guyton

A lot's on the line tonight. I think it'll be a pretty low-scoring game, as both teams are evenly-matched and will try to control the ball for as long as possible. BC will of course keep it on the ground all night attempting to wear down the Mustang defense. Each week it seems the Cadets come close and closer to perfecting the wishbone. When a team lacks size and speed, constantly facing superior opponents, sheer discipline is all you have left to rely on, and that's what BC has demonstrated over the past few weeks.

But then again, what the hell do I know about this stuff. I was a damn waterboy for Christ's sake. I guess I'll just jump on the Ryan Smith bandwagon of talking nonsense about a sport I was too scared to play.

Prediction:

BC - 21
South Effin'ham - 17

P.S. - I had a good 10-15 minute one-on-one discussion with Justice Thomas this morning at a Federalist Society meeting. We talked a lot about BC and Savannah. More on this later.

Vox Populi: Gems of the Week

It’s 9:15 in the AM and you’re reading the Gems of the Week!

Dishonorable Mention:
"Where is there a really cute pumpkin patch that sells pumpkins?"
- “I’m looking for a cute little pumpkin patch to purchase some cute little pumpkins with my cute little kids and our cute little dog. Do you know where I can find one? Oh I just love cute little pumpkins.”

Dishonorable Mention:
"DFACS workers need to treat their clients more politely."
- DFACS doesn’t really deal with clients. They deal with people who neglect and beat their children, but no clients.

Third Runner-up
"Thank you Paula Deen for bringing R ratings to the Food Network. Bleep it, girl."
- Don’t thank Paula Deen for anything. She’s a skank.

Second Runner-up:
"This is the South, and there are a lot of us country boys that love to drink. Why doesn't Savannah have a good country bar?"
- Y’all had the Cavalier on Abercorn, but you let it get away. Now it’s Club Ice. Way to go.

First Runner-up:
"The main reason for the Revolutionary War was to break away from British control and taxation without representation. Over 200 years later we are right back to taxation without representation."
- Good for you. You’re comparing a time in our past to today! Wow! Good for you! You obviously have no idea how our government works, but good for you!

And your Gem of the Week:
"Your parents didn't like your music or the way you danced. Why be so critical of cheerleader and marching band routines? Don't take the fun out of being a teenager just because their mama don't dance and their daddy don't rock 'n' roll."
- Yeah. Don’t be hatin’. WHAT?! I’m Rick James. OKAAAYYY! Nobody don’t care nothin’ ‘bout Jody Chapin’s hair. YEAAAHH! Lean wit’ it. Rock wit’ it. BIATCH!

Happy Friday, folks. Go Cadets!

Goodbye, Mets



I really hate the Mets. They represent a city and a fanbase so devoid of morals, personalities, attractiveness, class, and decency that I get an extra bit of joy when they lose. The baseball team with Florida colors lost in the best way last night, going impotent in Game 7 of the NLCS in front of all their trash fans in Shea Stadium. Even sweeter is that they lost in the 9th to a kid who A) has never closed games before this postseason, B) is from Brunswick, and C) was originally drafted by the Braves.

I'd like to point out that at the top of the Mets official website all year was their 2006 motto: "The Team. The Time." It has been taken down. It's been ten years that the NL East champion has not won a World Series, which officially is now a curse.

Thursday, October 19, 2006

CNN- Communist News Network

I'm not sure why I keep going back to cnn.com at work, but now I know not to anymore. The front page this morning was absolutely appalling:

U.S. troops in snipers' line of fire
Almost 2,800 Americans have been killed so far in Iraq and one of the most dangerous insurgent opponents is the sniper. CNN has obtained graphic video from the Islamic Army of Iraq, one of the most active insurgent organizations in Iraq, showing its sniper teams targeting U.S. troops. The Islamist Army says it wants talks with the United States and some Islamist Internet postings call for a P.R. campaign aimed at influencing the American public. The video is disturbing to watch but CNN believes the story, shocking as it is, needs to be told.

They are streaming the video. Unbelievable.

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

I know no one cares, but...

Clarence Thomas is on campus, and will be teaching my constitutional law class tomorrow.

Born and raised in Pin Point, and vilified by just about everyone here at the law school, Thomas is arguably the most conservative member of the United States Supreme Court. While most other members of the court look to precedent to resolve constitutional disputes, Thomas is considered an "originalist," meaning he looks directly back to what the language of the Constitution says in determining where he stands. He is also a staunch opponent of affirmative action (probably because he grew up pennyless, was raised by a single-mother during the worst days of Deep South segregation, and still managed to become a member of the nation's highest court).

I've heard some people say that he attended BC for awhile, but this remains unconfirmed. I do know he's hardcore Catholic: he even went into the seminary for a while before going to law school.

You can find Justice Thomas' bio here.

The average American: 1967 and today

Forbes.com/MSNBC.com had this article comparing the incomes our grandparents and parents earned to what, on average, we earn today (except for Ryan). It seems the author cannot figure out why we beleive "the Good Ol' Days" are better than today. I wanted to hear from yall two things: if you think we are better off today and the reasons why or why not. I'll start: we are NOT better off today. Reason: the rap/hip-hop culture.

Tuesday, October 17, 2006

BC Memorabilia for Sale

This is a once in a lifetime offer! But, I'm not sure where I'd put the damn thing if I bought it. Here's the email I received today.

Attention all Alumni and Friends!

Here's your chance to own a piece of BC history. As most of you are aware, thanks to a very successful tuition raffle last year, we have begun to install new lockers in the academic building. Fortunately, the replacement provides a unique opportunity for you, as alumni and friends, to have a piece of memorabilia from the halls of Benedictine. What might you use an old BC locker for you may ask. How about putting them in your garage or play room for storage. Or how about putting a block of lockers in your place of business for your employees to store their belongings?

Currently we have 4 blocks of 14 lockers (7 on top and 7 on bottom) and 1 block of 16 lockers (8 on top and 8 on bottom) available. Each locker is double tiered and measures approximately 34" x 9"x12". If you are interested in purchasing a piece of BC history, please contact Dotty DeHaven in the business office (644.7005).

Pamella L.Veiock
Director of Marketing & Public Relations
Benedictine Military School
6502 Seawright Drive
Savannah, GA 31406
(P): 912.644.7008 (F): 912.356.3510


Any takers?

You Are Not Doing Anything at 8:00pm

After last week's incredible episode, I feel compelled to campaign one more time for Friday Night Lights. I couldn't put it into words as perfectly as this article that was published today. This show might get cancelled, because more people would rather watch Jerry Springer dance to the Brian Setzer Orchestra. That's a shame, since FNL offers what a lot of people who normally can't stand television shows would like to see that's never been done before.

Meltdown

If you didn't see the Bears game last night, don't worry; ESPN will certainly shove it down your throat for the rest of the week. The Bears came back in the last half from being down 23-3 and won in the most insane NFL game I've ever seen. The whole point of this post, though, is to share with you the hilarious meltdown of the Cardinals coach, Denny Green. Witness (before YouTube takes it down) the thousands of synapses firing off in his brain as the despair and rage swarms over him like a sea of flesh-eating beetles.

Friday, October 13, 2006

Hephzibah Hijinks

Patrick, Timothy, and I will be at the Georgia 4th-Quarter game. Joe will be futilely coaching some kids I've never met in a sport I don't even approve of, only to follow it up by encouraging Chris Lane to get 45 times more drunk than he should in Statesboro. TC will be in Atlanta pondering if it's really worth it to be living in that city because "that's where the money is." Michael Leonard will be watching every second of the Georgia game with fingernails in the arm-rests just hoping Georgia loses, only to discover his weird fascination with the Bulldogs has made him forget whether or not Tech is playing.

That leaves you, Stephen and Will. I know you guys "love college football," but you have to take advantage of that 6:00 Saturday BC game. If I were in Savannah this weekend, I would be getting to Memorial at 3:00 at the latest. Please, for all of us here at BMBS, get Pat Whitledge-Captain Morgan-passing-out-in-the-bathroom drunk. Show them folks they've hired a good one, Colonel.

Vox Populi: Gems of the Week

It's that time again. Here are your Gems of the Week!

Dishonorable Mention:
"Thanks to all you little meth makers, my wife has to show ID to buy her allergy medicine."
- Does your wife have something to hide? She’s probably cooking up crank in your attic right now.

Dishonorable Mention:
"I'm a lover, not a fighter. Let's quit all this fighting and do some loving."
- Shut up, hippie.

Dishonorable Mention:
"Regarding the Mexican mom that got her baby back, is she an illegal immigrant like her husband? Also, who is going to pay the bills to take care of the child's medical needs, and where is she living? Is this also getting paid by taxpayers?"
- It’s called welfare. It’s where a lot of your tax dollars go. It’s nothing new.

Dishonorable Mention:
"It was stinky Thursday again in Savannah from the industrial poison in the air and time again to feel bad for the weekend with compromised immune systems. I don't know why the mayor or EPA can't stop this."
- That’s the smell of money, honey. Also, to the ones who transcribe the Vox messages, I think this caller meant “weakened” instead of “weekend.” Either that or you just can’t spell.

Third Runner-up:
"The headline 'Our father, "howled" be thy name' is extremely offensive. How much lower is the Savannah Morning News going to stoop? Please don't let this happen again."
- Here's what this caller was thinking:

“I am offended. This pun, this play on words, offends me. This goes against my beliefs as a person and please do not use words in ways other than their intended uses because it offends my sense of self. I do not deserve to be offended.”

Shut up.

Second Runner-up:
"Why are we having horrendous police chases in the middle of the streets of Savannah? This isn't Los Angeles. This is a small city. These chases should not be taking place, and the police department should be held responsible."
- Okay. Let’s just stop pursuing criminals. Let’s see how it goes when criminals lose even more respect for the law once they figure out the police can’t chase them.

First Runner-up:
"Georgia Power has asked for another rate increase. The government should pull a coup d'etat and seize Georgia Power and make it a nonprofit organization so that the people won't have to deal with their bottom line."
- I love it when dumb people try to sound smart. It’s the same thing every time. They find a hot-button issue (energy price increases), throw in some buzz words (coup d’etat; nonprofit organization; bottom line), and then they’re experts all of a sudden. I’m not fooled.

And your Gem of the Week:
"Whenever you get in a real bind, just ask yourself: 'What would Oprah do?'"
- Oprah is never in a “real bind.” She’s one of the richest women in the world and she can buy her way out of anything. I hope she gets genital warts. That would be a real bind for Oprah.

Happy Friday, fellas. Go Eagles.

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

Weekly Poll

Which picture turns you on more?



Jessica Simpson, or...



The 1984 Presidential Electoral Map?

Reaganomics At Work

The evidence just keeps coming in.

Yet another illustration that Washington has a spending problem, not a taxing problem.

Tuesday, October 10, 2006

Ted Turner

This video shows Ted pondering the age old question: which side to take in the War on Terror, the United States' or the terrorists'?

Monday, October 09, 2006

Borat visits the Sand Gnats

In anticipation of what is likely to be one of the funniest movies of all time - Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan - here is a clip from Da Ali G Show when he visited Grayson Stadium.


Sunday, October 08, 2006

Dream Job

Effective Monday, October 23, 2006, I will assume the role of Director of Admissions at Benedictine Military School. I will be charged with the responsibility of boosting enrollment and getting kids excited about being a Cadet. I am blessed to have this opportunity and look foward to the challenge.

The Colonel Returns

It's official. One of our own has infiltrated the administration at BC. As the new Head of Admissions, fellow BMBS contributor Will Fleming now has the ears of the elite and powerful. Personally, I couldn't think of a better guy for the job (nor a better job for the guy). In conversation after conversation, Fleming has expressed a traditional, no nonsense approach when it comes to how BC should be run and how it should compete with other private schools.

But remember Will: after being anti-establishment for all these years, you're now part of the establishment. Remember that absolute power corrupts absolutely. Burke and Jude will try and coax you with the power of privilege now to try and get you to "see things their way," leading you astray from your principled beliefs. They will let you use the B-wing doors, and they will let you go in the teachers' lounge now. They might even let you leave campus for more than 47 minutes and make it to where you don't even have to sign out with Mrs. Rogers. But please, don't let these newfound entitlements sway you from the job you have set out to do. Don’t get too comfortable with that new front-row parking spot, or with the ability to devour candy bars after lunch while sitting on the plaza’s concrete benches. They still need someone to update the school website at least once every 3 and-a-half years.

Below are some suggestions for how to conduct day-to-day business.

Standard Attire:
- dress shirt, with sleeves unbuttoned and loosely rolled up (tie optional)
- khacki pants
- penny loafers or top-siders
- no socks
- a stopwatch in your side pocket with maroon nylon cord hanging out the side (twirl as necessary)

Standard practices:
- every morning around 10:30 or so, be sure to run down to Enmark (or get a Senior to go down there for you) to get a 40 oz. fountain Diet Coke
- take up dipping (tobacco), and use the 40 oz. styrafoam cup for spit as the day progresses
- when roaming the halls, whistle the theme song of any sitcom from the 1950s
- go out and get yourself a used Ford Ranger, and be sure the radio is always preset to either I-95 or Q105.3
- become overweight

Congratulations, and good luck.

Friday, October 06, 2006

10 Weeks of Hell, Week 5

"I think there's something you need to be prepared for. We're gonna lose, and we're gonna lose huge." - Tom Cruise, A Few Good Men.

Prediction:

#4 Thomson - 41
BC - 7

Vox Populi: Gems of the Week

Here’s this week’s dose Vox Gems. Open wide…

Dishonorable Mention
"I hate 'Fabulous Football Friday' on WTOC. I don't know who any of these players are and I don't care. Sounds like it would be a great web cast program rather than taking away time from the news."
- I’m sure that WTOC is not the only channel you get unless, of course, you’re in jail. Watch something else.

Dishonorable Mention:
"Where do watermelons go in the wintertime? John Cougar's Melon Camp."
- This joke sucks.

Dishonorable Mention:
"Where have all the good girls gone? Why is there only half-naked, blaspheming pop tarts portrayed on television? Please re-pave this road with wholesome women."
- I sure do hate it when my Pop Tarts unwrap themselves and start blaspheming on television. Breakfast pastries shouldn’t behave that way.

Third Runner-up
"Can someone tell me where to find bean pies here in Savannah?"
- Shabazz at the corner of Victory Drive and MLK. Come strapped. (That means arm yourself with a weapon, preferably a firearm.)

Second Runner-up:
"Regarding the comments about rude people and obesity, I am unusually thin and face comments almost daily. I've been accused of being on drugs, being anorexic or dying of a disease. How we feel about ourselves should not be based on comments but should come from within."
- I hope you wear heavy shoes because a stiff breeze might blow you away. Ha ha! Seriously though, kick the habit.

First Runner-up:
"Kiteboarders need some kind of certification. It is terribly dangerous for them and for the people below them in the water, not to mention the lifeguards who might be in danger because someone doesn't know what they are doing."
- Kiteboarding is also really gay.

And your Gem of the Week:
"Tybee's Pirate Fest is nothing more than an opportunity to drink and drink more. It has no class and no redeeming value for anybody, and is certainly not beneficial for Tybee Island."
- Who wouldn’t want to go to a party where guests dress up like pirates and get wasted? I just heard about Pirate Fest this year and I want to go. I’ll bet you have no friends. Loosen up, and most importantly: drink.

Happy Friday, everyone. Go Cadets!

Wednesday, October 04, 2006

Tommy Tuberville

Here are some quotes taken from the ESPN front page. Yeah, nothing new, but I like it when the coaches talk about how ridiculous it is that NCAA football does not have playoffs.

"I've about had it with this playoff deal," Tuberville said after a lengthy, emotional argument for a playoff. "We all understand in our conference how tough it is. In our conference, that's about the only chance we'd have to make it. There is no reason on this earth why we can't have the best four and then play one more," Tuberville said. "That's the legitimate thing to do. We added a BCS game -- for what in the world? -- I understand we're avoiding lawsuits and making money. But let's take care of the players."

"The problem we have is you have 120 universities that are I-A and probably 25 would say they have a legitimate chance each year," he said. "And you have presidents that for some reason look at it more as for the money than having a national championship on the field. They keep coming up with lame excuses about academics. Football players miss fewer classes than anybody. Presidents take the money and go spend it, but they don't worry about the business of making it better," Tuberville said. "They keep coming up with excuses, yet we're playing [the national championship game] Jan. 8. It's hypocritical."

Friday Night Lights

Behold, one of the best series premieres I have ever seen, and yes, I have seen quite a few. I probably watch more television than everyone on this blog combined, and for that reason, I originally was going to pass this one up. There's only so much use you can get out of cable. But then I started to see the commercials with review quotes calling it "fantastic," "amazing," and even "the best pilot I've ever seen." And after watching it, I think I have to agree with these statements.

Unfortunately, I have not seen the movie yet, but I'm learning that it is very similar in style to the show. So if you've seen the movie and liked it, this has to be an automatic. A lot of the actors improvise their lines, and with the way it's shot, it feels like you're watching the real thing. Nothing is phony or forced. If you liked the use of music in the movie, they use the same band here, too, and it's the best use of music in a show or movie that I've ever seen.

If I summarized the plot of the episode you would think it's unoriginal and nothing special. That's not the point, though. It's all in how they put it together with the editing, the direction, the acting, and the music. If the rest of the season maintains the quality of the first episode, it will go down as one of the best series ever on television. You can either watch it on www.nbc.com, or catch the rebroadcast tonight at 8:00.

Tuesday, October 03, 2006

Milton Friedman on Limited Government


This man nails just about everything I've ever tried to argue about economics/politics in less than 30 minutes. The interview is from the 70s, but this makes it even better because his views were considered so out of the mainstream then, and his message is just as relevant, if not more so, now than it was 30 years ago.

Don't buy Nigerian bulldogs.

Replying to a classified ad on SavannahNow, Mindy Gorman unearthed the latest internet scam involving English bulldogs being shipped to the US from Nigeria. The ad claimed the dogs were free to adopt, but required $500 for shipping. Funds were ordered to be transferred to Lagos, Nigeria via Western Union. Of course, the dogs are never shipped because they don't exist. Ms. Gorman did not follow through with the sale, but another victim lost $900 to this same scam.

It baffles me that people fall for things like this. The article goes on to describe how to keep safe from online auction fraud and how to avoid snake oil salesmen.

http://new.savannahnow.com/node/148535

Sunday, October 01, 2006

October Outlook

1. Georgia. For the first time since my freshman year here ('01), Tennessee should be the clear favorite for Saturday night. This is probably a good thing. Since I'm already assuming the "built-in" loss we'll have against Florida, we need the upset this weekend. The last time we played the Vols here at night, Brian Friedenberg got on Sportscenter while hanging from the east endzone goalposts. While that probably won't happen again, Charlie Webber is coming up so things ought to still be interesting. He says he plans on wearing his Klu Klux Klan costume up here so he can offend the 9 black people that live in Athens.

2. BC. Even though the Cadets will be demolished by 4th-ranked Thomson this Friday, they still have a decent shot at making this a winning month. Hephzibah, South Effingham, and Richmond Hill all make for relatively tolerable opponents. As usual, the Homecoming game on the 27th against the Wildcats is required attendance for all members of BMBS nation. While the Herndon Honeymoon may be over, and things haven't gone as pleasantly as seasons have under previous first-year BC coaches (think Walsh in '70, Brackett in '95), this team may still be poised for a small turnaround.

3. Midterm Elections. Gas prices have dropped a considerable amount since August, but they probably won't drop much more. Bush is back in the 40s because of renewed focus on terrorist threats and the cheaper gas, but it's virtually impossible for him to get any higher with Iraq dampening everything. The economy is the best it's been in years, but it's not reported on the front page. If failures in Iraq and emails to 16-year old boys dominate the headlines for the next 5 weeks, which they likely will, we're screwed. At this point the best bet for Republicans may be to cut out the photo immediately above, make copies, and use them as Halloween masks.