Election Day Pondering

Many years ago I wrote up a plan for making this country better. Granted, this plan was crafted from my Libertarian/Republican point of view. I didn't exactly write up a plan for liberalism.

So I thought I would review my plan and make amendments, as it were.

The Plan:
1. Get rid of everyone in Washington.
2. Now that the old guard has been taken out of power, we repeal that pesky 17th Amendment.
3. Term Limits.
4. Elections.
5. Special Interest Groups.
6. Campaign Finance.

That's a highlight list of the old plan, from May 2007. Let's revise.

The Plan, Part II:

1. Vote out all incumbents and establish term limits. This is key to returning sanity to our government. Once the old guard is out of power, a limit must be set. I like the notion of either one six-year term, or two four-year terms. That goes for every position in government, with the exception of the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court would no longer be lifetime appointments, but they would be appointed to a single twelve or sixteen year term.

2. Repeal the 17th Amendment. This might come as a shock to you, but the people did not originally vote for Senators. The people voted for the House of Representatives. State governments were accountable for electing Senators. This meant that the people and the states had representation in government. Happily, at least to me, the Tea Party is beginning to push a notion to repeal the 17th Amendment. God bless 'em.

3. Campaign Finance. I once thought that a candidate should only spend up to one cent less than they would make in office, but I've changed my mind. I would cap election spending at $1 million per candidate. This includes personal money and campaign contributions.

4. Special Interest. I would still get rid of them.

5. Gerrymandering and Redistricting. Gerrymandering is when a district is drawn to outrageous designs in order to propel a certain candidate to power. For an example of this, simply look at the 4th Congressional District of Illinois (picture to right). The simple solution to this issue is to establish a law stating that districts must be as compact as possible.

The map below is a district map of Congressional districts near Atlanta. Please note the yellow blob that snakes its way around.

Choose Wisely

Tomorrow is Election Day, and yeah I'm a bit late in writing this.

Election Day is a big day for those of us who still believe that this is an exceptional country. Some of us, stupid as it may seem to others, refuse to believe that the United States of America no longer holds a special place in the world. Some of us actually cringe to see our president bowing to foreign leaders. Last I checked, he was one the same level as they, so no bowing is necessary. We are subject to no foreign nation, at least until congress completes the sale of our birthright to China.

And it just so happens that you, the voter, are given a chance every two years or so to have a say at the national level. This is your golden opportunity to make your voice heard.

You may think that the Democrat-controlled Congress has gone too far. You may think that Barack Obama is the best President ever. You may just hate being taxed every time you turn around. Well, say something about it.

Personally, I plan to deliver a message. I did it once, letting the Republicans know just how unhappy I was. Now, I doubt that the RNC had a meeting to discuss my ballot, but multiply my voice by millions and you get a loud message.

Now, we're seeing a liberal majority that believed the election (or coronation, depending on your feelings about the man) of Barack Obama gave them a mandate to do whatever they wished. They pushed through a healthcare reform monstrosity of a bill, 2500 pages, that our dear sweet Speaker of the House told us had to be passed so we, the people, could find out what was in it.

As town hall meetings were held, and the Democrats learned just how unhappy their constituencies were, they backed away from the forum. Barack Obama held nearly-scripted sessions with pre-screened audiences. Heaven forbid Barack ever be called out for something.

But that's not all. President Obama, recently speaking to a group of Latino voters, said "If Latinos sit out the election instead of saying, ‘We’re gonna punish our enemies and we’re gonna reward our friends who stand with us on issues that are important to us,’ if they don’t see that kind of upsurge in voting in this election, then I think it’s gonna be harder and that’s why I think it’s so important that people focus on voting on November 2."

That's right, a sitting American President referred to people who disagree with your political point of view, in this case majority liberal, as enemies who must be punished. This is not the language of a sitting President. That's the language of a petty little kid who is incapable of handling defeat. Just look at the man's record. He won his first elected position because the other candidates were kicked off the ballot. When he won the Presidency, he basically told the Republicans that certain arguments were over because he had won.

So tomorrow, when you go to the polling place, remember. Remember what each politician has said. Remember what they did after they said those things. But more importantly than any of that... remember that you have the power. People shouldn't fear their government. Government should fear its people. That's freedom.

Choose Wisely.

Cornering my Favorite Corners

As evidenced by this blog over the last two years, I'm a Formula 1 fan. As a result, I issued a challenge to my friend Robert (he who once managed the Skewed View and now has a new blog). Also, check out the picture to the right. That just might be my favorite Lewis Hamilton picture of all time. From the night race at Singapore, then Photoshopped to a neon outline. Simple, easy, and darn pretty.

The challenge: list your five favorite corners in Formula 1. Past, Present, even future, are all available for this challenge. Also, an explanation of why this corner is your favorite can't hurt.

So here is my list of my five favorite corners in Formula 1.

5. Maggotts and Becketts at Silverstone

Silverstone is a course with much history. The Maggotts and Becketts complex is very famous. When Hermann Tilke revealed his initial drawing for the Austin, Texas circuit, a S-curve section immediately drew comparison to Maggotts and Becketts, as well as the Esses at Suzuka.

The turn complex is a fast left-right-left-right section that, is properly aligned, can be taken at or near top speed. A beautiful section if ever there was one.

4. Grand Hotel Hairpin at Monaco

Monaco is all about spectacle. Barring accident, if you aren't up front after qualifying you won't stand much chance here. That said, the Grand Hotel Hairpin is a beautiful bit a spectacle if ever there was one. It is a drastic bit of elevation change. Truthfully, there isn't really a bad corner at Monaco. It's just pretty. But there's something about watching a parade of high-powered vehicles slowly fight through this section of the track.

Once through the hairpin, drivers must navigate the tunnel and a chicane or two, but it amazes me that you don't see more accidents at this point. It's a tight spot, and a place where drivers could get chippy if they so wanted.

3. Turn 8 at Istanbul Park

From the picture provided, you can only see about 1/4 of turn 8 at Istanbul Park. This track is a Tilkedrom, but it is probably his best work. Turn 8 is the shining example of what Hermann Tilke can do if left to his own devices. The entrance to the turn is an uphil sweeping left-hander leading in to a quadruple apex turn. This is another turn that can be taken flat out, and should, or you'll lose position. But, if you don't hit your line right coming out of the turn, the next downhill bit can get tricky. The name, Turn 8, is uninspiring, but lovely in its simplicity. Turn 8 doesn't need a cute nickname, like the SPEED boys tried to give it this year, calling it "Diabolica," a reference to Monza's Curva Parabolica. Just leave it alone. Turn 8 is already a monster, it doesn't need a name to be scary.

2. Turn 1-2-3 at Catalunya

This complex of turns instantly became one of my favorites the first time I saw it during qualifying in 2009. Then, when I picked up F1 2009 for the Wii, I quickly made my way to Cantalunya, just to try out this sector. And it is a blast. If you hit your line right, you can get by with a light tap of the brakes on entry to turn 1, and then go flat out until the pseudo-hairpin that is turn 4.

Catalunya itself is not an amazingly impressive circuit. So many changes have been made that the track barely resembles what it once was, but the turn 1-2-3 complex stands as a testament to what good corners can be.

1. Raidillon and Eau Rogue at Spa-Francorchamps

This is, without a doubt, the best racing circuit on the planet, and I would just about fight to the death with anyone who says it isn't.

As for Raidillon and Eau Rogue, you can't have one without the other. They live in a symbiotic relationship. Neither is great unless the other is paired with it. Imagine you're sitting in an F1 car, going flat out, and you suddenly realize that you are abuot to go through a brief dip and then you're going flying up a hill at break neck speed. Sounds daring, right? Try it in the rain. Now try it 43 more times and you'll understand why F1 drivers are the best on the planet.

*Honorable Mention: Turn 13 at Montreal (Wall of Champions), 130R at Suzuka

As an added bonus, I challenged Robert to list his five favorite circuits. I know what number one on his list is, because it is the same as mine.

5. Albert Park (Australia)

The circuit that runs around Albert Park Lake in Melbourne is a really fun drive, with a fair amount of challenge for a track with very little elevation change.

4. Monaco

Spectacle. Need we say more? A city street course that is possibly the most famous race... cue Jeremy Clarkson... in the world.

3. Silverstone

An old British racing circuit with loads of history and a suddenly redesigned layout. Hermann Tilke was not contracted for the redesign because, according to the track officials, they didn't want to mess it up.

2. Interlagos (Sao Paolo)

The old track in Sao Paolo, site of Lewis Hamilton's amazing last lap clincher for the World Title in 2008. The track has been radically redesigned since its introduction, but it is still loads of fun.

1. Spa-Francorchamps

What else can you say about Spa? It's amazing, it's old, it has great history, it's challenging. I don't know where to stop with this track.

*Honorable Mentions: Monza, Suzuka

A Step into a Much Larger World...

I've been accused of being behind the times. I'm old fashioned, and it doesn't really bother. When I go to work, I carry some CDs and my IPod to listen to while working. For some reason, this really bothers one of my friends, who apparently believes that, with the advent of IPods and MP3s, CDs are no longer relevant. I'm not bothered by this.

But to show that I am learning things about this crazy technological world we live in, today I set up my first YouTube playlist.

Yay me.

Football Future-see Week 9

RECORD:

Week 1 ....... 7-1

Week 2 ....... 4-1

Week 3 ....... 4-1

Week 4 ....... 2-3

Week 5 ....... 4-3

Week 6 ....... 2-3

Week 7 ....... 3-2

Week 8 ....... 4-1

Week 9 ....... 4-3

TOTAL ..... 34-18

5 Michigan State at 18 Iowa_______CORRECT

Sparty sails into Iowa, the land of corn. MSU is a good team, but I’ve yet to see a really dominating performance from them. Iowa had luck last year, and Michigan State has it, seemingly, this year. But, Iowa is a good football team.

FINAL SCORE: Iowa 24, Michigan State 20

6 Missouri at 14 Nebraska_______CORRECT

Mizzou took down the top ranked Sooners last week, and as a reward they travel to the Huskers’ home stadium for an afternoon tilt. I actually hesitate to call this game an upset, because Nebraska is a good team. If this were a neutral site, I’d still lean toward Nebraska.

FINAL SCORE: Nebraska 27, Missouri 21

Florida vs. Georgia_______INCORRECT

This is a neutral site game. Florida is 17-3 in the last 20 meetings between these two teams. That said, Georgia still leads the overall series by a fair margin. On paper, UGA is the better team in this game. They’ve won three in a row while the Gators have dropped their last three. Florida QB John Brantley has a passer efficiency rating of 119, which is good. Georgia QB Aaron Murray has a 157 passer efficiency rating, which is better. Take the Dawgs.

FINAL SCORE: Georgia 31, Florida 17

1 Auburn at Ole Miss_______INCORRECT

If any game on this list will cost me a perfect week, this game is it. Houston Nutt has a tendency to upset someone along the way. Auburn has played three consecutive very tough games, and as of this writing, they are beaten up, battered, tired, and ripe of the taking. Ole Miss will have to play stellar defense to win this game, but Auburn is known to give up points.

FINAL SCORE: Ole Miss 21, Auburn 20

25 Baylor at Texas_______INCORRECT

Texas has lost this year to Oklahoma, UCLA, and Iowa State. For any other team, that would be demoralizing, but it’s likely to have merely angered the Longhorns. Baylor is good, and that Robert Griffiths kid is a pretty darn good athlete. Still, Mack Brown exacts some interconference revenge.

FINAL SCORE: Texas 24, Baylor 21

Colorado at 9 Oklahoma_______CORRECT

Oklahoma is coming off a crushing defeat at the hands of Missouri. The Sooners dropped nine spots in the polls, and they will look to rebound in a big way. Colorado, on the other hand, is on the back-up QB for the rest of the year. Poor Buffs.

FINAL SCORE: Oklahoma 34, Colorado 13

2 Oregon at USC_______CORRECT

USC has not played an opponent the caliber of Oregon, so their defense has yet to be tested. But, this has trap game written all over it for Oregon. This is USC’s de facto bowl game. Oregon is the best team they’ll play this year, and the Trojans cannot go to a bowl. Look for USC to keep it close in the first half, but the Ducks pull away at the end.

FINAL SCORE: Oregon 36, USC 23

Star Wars Movies

Let me preface this post by stating that I am a huge Star Wars fan. This post will be full of Star Wars Expanded Universe spoilers. Let me also add that I make no money off this blog, so George, please don't sue me.

________

So the other day I heard a rumor that George Lucas was planning, once he's finished with releasing the six current Star Wars films in 3D, to begin work on a sequel trilogy. I got me to thinking. Will he use the books of the Expanded Universe? Will he go and totally forget the current "canon" and create his own thing again?

All of that lead to another point: What would the opening crawl look like for a new Star Wars movie? If he uses the original cast, the only books really open to him at the Dark Nest Trilogy and the Legacy of the Force series. These books are set roughly 25-35 years after Return of the Jedi.

If we go for the Legacy series, then here is my take on the opening crawl for Star Wars: Episode VII:

Star Wars

Episode VII

Legacy of the Force I

It has been 36 years since the deaths of the Emperor and Darth Vader. In that time, a lot has happened in the galaxy. The Rebellion became the New Republic. A power struggle to control the Empire spawned various warlords. Coruscant was taken by the New Republic. Grand Admiral Thrawn rose to power and nearly destroyed the New Republic, but he was betrayed by his own bodyguard.

Luke turned to the dark side but he came back. He fought a resurrected Emperor. He won. He then started a Jedi Academy, but was nearly killed by the four-thousand year-old ghost of a Sith Lord. He got better. He met a woman and fell in love, but she left him. Then he fought a trans-dimensional being that looked like an under-cooked steak. He won. Then he fought a mad dark Jedi. He won.

Then Corellia nearly revolted and detroyed the Republic. But Luke, Han, and Leia won, so don't worry about it. Han and Leia are married and have three kids, but one of them is dead now, so don't worry about him. Chewie is dead. That's right.

An extragalactic enemy appeared, but the good guys won that one too. That pretty much brings us to now. If you want the gory details go read the books, we'll wait.

The Weekend in Sports

Looking back at the NFL predictions I threw down in July, let me say that I think my Super Bowl prediction is still rather sound. My NFC Title Game pick, though, looks bad. Atlanta is probably the best team in the NFC, but Dallas is most certainly not a worthy #2 team.

Let's revisit the NFL picks:

AFC Championship Game:

Baltimore vs. Indianapolis NEW Baltimore vs. Pittsburgh

NFC Championship Game:

Atlanta vs. Dallas NEW Atlanta vs. Philadelphia

Super Bowl:

Atlanta vs. Baltimore NEW Atlanta vs. Baltimore

***

ESPN would've loved a Philadelphia-New York World Series. Now, they're stuck with a Texas-San Francisco World Series. Oddly enough, I'm more likely to watch now. I would not want another Phillies-Yankees series.

Prediction:

San Francisco has better pitching and defense than Texas. The Rangers have Cliff Lee, who will start game one. But as they say, defense wins championships.

Giants in six.

***

College Football is a mess. The #1 ranked team has fallen three straight weeks. Georgia lost four straight games, and then they won their last three conference games by an aggregate score of 128 to 45. Auburn is currently the number 1 team in the BCS. Oregon has the highest powered offense since teams learned they could throw the ball. Boise State is still ranked high.

So let's revisit our BCS bowl predictions:

BCS Bowl Games:

Rose Bowl: Oregon vs. Wisconsin NEW Boise State vs. Wisconsin

Sugar Bowl: Georgia vs. TCU NEW Alabama vs Michigan State

Fiesta Bowl: Texas vs. Boise State NEW Missouri vs. Pittsburgh

Orange Bowl: Virgina Tech vs. UConn NEW Virginia Tech vs. TCU

National Championship: Alabama vs. Ohio State NEW Oregon vs Auburn

***

Now the biggie: Formula 1.

The race today at Korea was excellent. It was chaotic. It was a Hermann Tilke track, but it was better than that. The normal Tilkedrom has long straights, a hairpin or two, several chicanes, and speed bumps wherever possible. This track has sections that seemingly fit all cars.

The points after todays race (won by Alonso, Hamilton 2nd, Mass 3rd, DNFs for both Red Bulls) have Alonso in the lead with Webber eleven points back and Hamilton twenty-one points back. Vettel is now twenty-five back, and Button is out. The top four drivers are separated by one victory with two races to go.

I'll state right now that Vettel is not in contention. The gap is too much to overcome, especially with Webber, who will likely drive like a man possessed these next two races. The Ferraris seem to be the best cars at the moment, but the next track, Interlagos, fits McLaren and Red Bull better than the Maranello marque.

Look for Hamilton and Webber to fight for the win in two weeks, making the title fight that much tighter at the top. The last race, Abu Dhabi, fits Red Bull better than any of the others. That means a likely Vettel or Webber win. If Webber takes both races then he obviously is the champ. But if Hamilton can steal a win, that makes things far more interesting.

I'm picking Webber for the title, just because I believe his bad luck is behind him. Ferrari has been riding too high as of late, and Interlagos has a tendency to rise up and bite a driver. Alonso has been here before, he knows how to defend a title. Hamilton knows how to track one down and he knows how to let one slip away. Webber hasn't been in this position in Formula 1. Should be an interesting November.

Football Future-see Week 8

RECORD:

Week 1 ....... 7-1

Week 2 ....... 4-1

Week 3 ....... 4-1

Week 4 ....... 2-3

Week 5 ....... 4-3

Week 6 ....... 2-3

Week 7 ....... 3-2

Week 8 ....... 4-1

TOTAL ..... 30-15

6 LSU at 4 AUBURN_________CORRECT

The only two unbeatens in the SEC face off in Jerdan-Hare. Auburn still has a bit of righeout indignation over what happened six years ago, when they went 13-0 and were left out of the national championship game (a game that USC won 55-19 over Oklahoma). LSU has issues with clock management, and a loud Auburn crowd will not make life easier.

FINAL SCORE: Auburn 31, LSU 20

16 NEBRASKA at 14 OKLAHOMA STATE

_________CORRECT

Nebraska was once a dark horse pick for the national title. Now, one loss to Texas later, they face an uphill climb just to reach the Big XII title game. OKState is a high powered offense. Nebraska plays a strong defense. I think they play a strong enough defense to stop the Cowboys.

FINAL SCORE: Nebraska 24, Oklahoma State 21

GEORGIA at KENTUCKY

_________CORRECT

Georgia is getting hot at the right time in a down division in a conference that has a tendency, more so than any other conference, to cannibalize itself. They are 2-3 in division play, and yet they are only 1/2 game out of first. Kentucky just took down South Carolina, who had just beaten Alabama. Georgia lost four straight then won their next two games by the combined score of 84 to 14.

FINAL SCORE: Georgia 27, Kentucky 17

1 OKLAHOMA at 11 MISSOURI

_________INCORRECT

Oklahoma is number one in the BCS and this week they go to Mizzou. The Tigers are undefeated, like the Sooners. But I don't think they are as good as Oklahoma.

FINAL SCORE: Oklahoma 26, Missouri 13

13 WISCONSIN at 15 IOWA

_________CORRECT

Wisconsin just took down Ohio State, and much like a video game, you beat one tough challenge and then you are handed another. The Hawkeyes are the next test for the Badgers. Wisconsin is good at home, but this is a road game. It's also set up as a let-down game for Wisconsin. Still, I think they ride the wave of their big win last week.

FINAL SCORE: Wisconsin 24, Iowa 21

Sometimes... they just have your number...

It's beautiful outside, but as a result of very sensitive allergies I am stuck inside. So I've turned to the Falcons-Eagles game and less than ten minutes into the first quarter the score is 14-0 Philadelphia. Eagles coach Andy Reid is 7-1 against Atlanta. Atlanta coach Mike Smith is 0-2 against the Eagles. All of which made me realize... sometimes a team just has another team's number.

Final Round of F1 Predictions

On July 22 we said:

Driver's Champion: Lewis Hamilton

That's right, we're sticking with Lewis for the title. He's not only consistent, but he's showing the aggressiveness that made him champion in 2008, only now he's coupled it with the maturity of a few seasons.

Constructor's Champion: Vodafone McLaren Mercedes

Also sticking with McLaren for the Constructor's title. Lewis is driving very well, and Jenson just overcame a P14 in qualifying by driving the wheels off at Silverstone and getting to P4 at the end.

Most wins at the end of the season: Lewis Hamilton

Yes, Webber has 3 now and Lewis only has 2. But Lewis drives well at Hockenheim and Spa, two of the next four races.

First Driver to be replaced: Karun Chandhok, HRT

We are partially right on this one. Bruno Senna was replaced by Sakon Yamamoto at Silverstone, but Karun will be replaced for the next few races by Yamamoto. Although, Renault is stirring the rumor mill with stories about Vitaly Petrov.

Will Bernie go away at season's end?

Still no. In fact, that kooky old man is now threatening to pull the Monaco Grand Prix. Yeah, that'll go over well with fans.

There was a question about USF1's spot. We just don't care anymore.

So? What do we think now?

Driver's Champion: Mark Webber

That's right, we're switching allegiance to Webber. Not that I want to, but let's face it, the Red Bulls are just awesome.

Constructor's Champion: Red Bull Renault

Like I say, those Red Bulls are strong. If Vettel can find some consistency and stop channeling Lewis Hamilton they have the best chance.

Most wins at the end of the season: Fernando Alonso

Yes, Alonso is the driver I can't stand, and I really hate the Ferraris. Still, the Maranello club has put together a good car.

First Driver to be replaced: Karun Chandhok, HRT

We are partially right on this one. Bruno Senna was replaced by Sakon Yamamoto at Silverstone, but Karun will be replaced for the next few races by Yamamoto. Although, Renault is stirring the rumor mill with stories about Vitaly Petrov. Still standing on right.

Will Bernie go away at season's end?

Not just no, but Bernie has announced a Russian Grand Prix in Sochi. And there's a new Indian Grand Prix next year. And the new US Grand Prix in Austin in 2012.

There was a question about USF1's spot. Still don't care anymore.

Football Future-see Week 7

RECORD:

Week 1 ....... 7-1

Week 2 ....... 4-1

Week 3 ....... 4-1

Week 4 ....... 2-3

Week 5 ....... 4-3

Week 6 ....... 2-3

Week 7 ....... 3-2

TOTAL ..... 26-14

1 OHIO STATE AT 18 WISCONSIN______INCORRECT

Camp Randall Stadium. Saturday night. Wisconsin is 40-4 at home since 2004. But Ohio State just became number 1 in the land, and the Buckeyes will do all they can to hold on to it. I would love to call for an upset here, and this might be Ohio State’s biggest test, but Wisconsin still has something to prove… at least to me.

FINAL SCORE: Ohio State 24, Wisconsin 17

ILLINOIS AT 13 MICHIGAN STATE________CORRECT

Illinois played Penn State very tough last week. So tough, in fact, that they won by 20 points. Michigan State is a better team than Penn State. Sparty may be the best team in the Big Ten, but we’ll never know because they don’t play Ohio State this year. Still, look for a close game, but Sparty wins.

FINAL SCORE: Michigan State 30, Illinois 24

VANDERBILT AT GEORGIA_________CORRECT

Georgia came alive last week, after four straight losses, the Dawgs hung 41 on Derek Dooley and the hapless Vols. Vanderbilt was no offensive slouch last week, putting up 52 points against one of the directional Michigan teams. Still, Vandy between the hedges shouldn’t be too difficult.

FINAL SCORE: Georgia 31, Vanderbilt 17

12 ARKANSAS AT 7 AUBURN_________CORRECT

This will probably be one of the better games you see Saturday. Auburn QB Cam Newton is a good ball player, but so is Arkansas QB Ryan Mallet. Auburn is looking to run the table and recapture some of their 2004 magic, when they were locked out of the title game, even though they won the SEC undefeated.

FINAL SCORE: Auburn 30, Arkansas 26

TEXAS AT 5 NEBRASKA______INCORRECT

Nebraska is fast becoming a trendy pick to be in the National Title game. They get Texas this week, with dates against Kansas, Colorado, Oklahoma State, and most likely Oklahoma in the Big XII championship game still to come. Texas is reeling from a couple of losses, and don’t look for things to get easier in Lincoln.

FINAL SCORE: Nebraska 31, Texas 20

Football Future-see Week 6

RECORD:

Week 1 ....... 7-1

Week 2 ....... 4-1

Week 3 ....... 4-1

Week 4 ....... 2-3

Week 5 ....... 4-3

Week 6 ....... 2-3

TOTAL ..... 23-12

17 MICHIGAN STATE AT 18 MICHIGAN______INCORRECT

If this game was at East Lansing, I might favor Sparty, but you're in the Big House and Denard Robinson is perhaps the most dangerous player in all of the Big Ten, if not the NCAA. At a neutral site, this game might be a push, but not in the Big House.

FINAL SCORE: MICHIGAN 28, MICHIGAN STATE 18

TENNESSEE AT GEORGIA_________CORRECT

Georgia is going to break out. At some point this season, which is pretty much already a lost cause, the Dawgs are going to rip into someone. Aaron Murray is getting better each week. AJ Green is back at home. The running game is the only thing that has to really pick up. Tennessee will probably play the role of whipping boy. Vegas has Georgia as 11.5 point favorites, which tells you something about the Vols.

FINAL SCORE: GEORGIA 27, TENNESSEE 13

1 ALABAMA AT 19 SOUTH CAROLINA_______INCORRECT

The Tide is rolling. They're showing why they are the number one team in the country. South Carolina is just a road bump.

FINAL SCORE: ALABAMA 34, SOUTH CAROLINA 13

12 LSU AT 14 FLORIDA

______INCORRECT

Like the MSU-Mich game, this is a pretty evenly matched game. Florida is only in the teens because they lost to Alabama. LSU survived a scare, and was given a gift (some say) against Tennessee. Florida is better than LSU, though I think both teams started out overrated.

FINAL SCORE: FLORIDA 24, LSU 17

3 OREGON AT WASHINGTON STATE

_________CORRECT

All kidding aside, Oregon could possibly hang a hundred on WSU. Oregon is, I think, the second best team in the nation. I know they have a high-powered offense, but defense wins championships. I hope you're listening, Alabama.

FINAL SCORE: OREGON 467, WASHINGTON STATE 3 (AT THE HALF)

Football Future-see Week 5

RECORD:

Week 1..........7-1

Week 2.........4-1

Week 3 ....... 3-1

Week 4 ....... 2-3

Week 5 .......4-3

TOTAL.......20-9

2 OHIO STATE AT ILLINOIS CORRECT

The Buckeyes stand at the same spot they started the year, and QB Terrell Pryor is playing some pretty good football. From the outside, this doesn’t look like much of a challenge. The Illini are not exactly the class of the Big Ten.

FINAL SCORE: Ohio State 37, Illinois 14

21 TEXAS VS 8 OKLAHOMA (NEUTRAL SITE) CORRECT

The Red River Rivalry. This game is interesting in that, as a neutral site game, the tickets are split between the two schools, and the stadium is divided at the 50 yard line. The dynamic created by this split, when the opposing team is driving the field, can be frustrating to players. Texas is coming off a loss to UCLA. Oklahoma is ranked higher than they should be, according to many football pundits. This game brings out the best in both teams… usually.

FINAL SCORE: Oklahoma 27, Texas 21

11 WISCONSIN AT 24 MICHIGAN STATE INCORRECT

This will be an interesting game. Another Big Ten matchup. Wisconsin, I think, can play with any team in the country, but they have those games that should be easy wins which turn out to be hard-fought clashes. I hate to say it, Wisconsin, but this might be one of those hard games.

FINAL SCORE: Wisconsin 24, Michigan State 20

GEORGIA AT COLORADO INCORRECT

I’ve picked Georgia to win close games the last two weeks. They’ve lost both times. Colorado is currently on a self-promotion drive, celebrating their “consensus” National Championship from 1990. Colorado has one or two good players, but Georgia is getting back their game-changer: A.J. Green. Georgia, if you let me down again, I might not pick your games anymore, if that’s counted as punishment.

FINAL SCORE: Georgia 24, Colorado 17

7 FLORIDA AT 1 ALABAMA CORRECT

Alabama is still #1, even after the scare at Arkansas. Florida is another one of those teams that might be ranked higher than they should be. The Gators are still the team to beat in the SEC East, and with Georgia down and South Carolina not looking as strong as they once did, Florida should still take the East. Alabama may have trouble later from Auburn, that to me that looks like their biggest challenge in the West.

FINAL SCORE: Alabama 26, Florida 20

9 STANFORD AT 4 OREGON CORRECT

The Gameday crew will be at Oregon this week, for what looks like the game of the week. Standford, led by QB Andrew Luck, is a good team. I think Oregon, though, could be anybody, anywhere. The Ducks are a force to be reckoned with.

FINAL SCORE: Oregon 31, Stanford 21

16 MIAMI AT CLEMSON INCORRECT

The Hurricanes are ranked 16th in the nation, and some people are questioning that placement. Miami is 2-1, with their only loss a 12-point stumble against #2 Ohio State. Clemson, though, is an absolute spoiler team. The Tigers will choke almost every season, but they’re going to take someone down with them. Interestingly enough, this is the second straight game in which Clemson has played the #16 team in the country. Two weeks ago Clemson lost to Auburn 27-24 in OT. I think this qualifies as an upset, but remember, this game is in Death Valley.

FINAL SCORE: Clemson 24, Miami 21 (possibly in OT)

Football Future-see Week 4

RECORD:

Week 1..........7-1

Week 2.........4-1

Week 3 ....... 3-1

Week 4 ....... 2-3

TOTAL.......16-6

1 ALABAMA at 10 ARKANSAS CORRECT

The top-ranked Crimson Tide go up against the Gunslinger Ryan Mallett, who I've heard mentioned as a Heisman candidate, but take that with a grain of salt, that Shoelace kid a Michigan is good. Mallett has yet to play a defense like 'Bama's. Georgia played them tough last week, and but for a fifty-yard TD, would've forced overtime. Alabama won't allow that.

FINAL SCORE: Alabama 27, Arkansas 21

24 OREGON STATE at 3 BOISE STATE INCORRECT

I said that Oregon State was going to beat either TCU or Boise State, and I picked Boise because their defense isn't nearly as tough as TCU's. I'm going to stand by that, even against my better judgment.

FINAL SCORE: Oregon State 20, Boise State 17

GEORGIA at MISSISSIPPI STATE INCORRECT

Georgia hasn't lost at Starkville since 1951. Georgia has also never lost its first two SEC games under Mark Richt, but they have this year. Don't look for that trend to continue.

FINAL SCORE: Georgia 30, Miss. State 17

12 SOUTH CAROLINA at 17 AUBURN INCORRECT

The War Eagles... er, Plainsmen, er, Tigers... uh... er... the identity-crisis ridden team from Auburn, is looking quite good. Then again, South Carolina has a really good running back. I don't know that Auburn can stop the kid.

FINAL SCORE: South Carolina 24, Auburn 13

22 WEST VIRGINIA at 15 LSU CORRECT

Those other Tigers... also known as the Bayou Bengals... have surprised me this year. I feel like they've out-performed. Their definitely a dark horse team, as far as I'm concerned. West Virginia now looks like the favorite in the Big East, which is kind of like beating up on a group of junior varsity teams.

FINAL SCORE: LSU 27, West Virginia 20

Football Future-see Week 3

RECORD:

Week 1..........7-1

Week 2.........4-1

Week 3 ....... 3-1

TOTAL.......14-3

12 ARKANSAS AT GEORGIA INCORRECT

Georgia lost 17-6 last week, failing to even reach the endzone against South Carolina. Arkansas is steadily climbing the Top 25. Of course, Georgia is back home, and they are a different team between the hedges.

FINAL SCORE: Georgia 24, Arkansas 21

8 NEBRASKA AT WASHINGTON CORRECT

Nebraska travels to Washington, where they very well could lay an egg. Don't look for it, but expect Washington to give the Huskers a run.

FINAL SCORE: Nebraska 17, Washington 13

10 FLORIDA AT TENNESSEE CORRECT

The tenth-ranked Gators travel to the Vols. Neyland Stadium is a tough place to play, but the Ducks last week rolled up 48 points. The Gators offense hasn't completely clicked yet, but they will.

FINAL SCORE: Florida 42, Tennessee 17

MISSISSIPPI STATE AT 15 LSU

The Bulldogs of Mississippi State go to the SEC version of Death Valley. LSU is playing better than expected, but Les Miles is still on the hot seat.

FINAL SCORE: LSU 40, Miss State 20

AIR FORCE AT 7 OKLAHOMA CORRECT

Air Force has a potent offense, and last week they took down the Cougars of BYU. Oklahoma looks a wee bit better after scraping by Utah State in week one. Look for a close game.

FINAL SCORE: Oklahoma 30, Air Force 24

***UPDATE***

Well, Georgia has cost us yet again. It might be of little solace to anyone, but I did get Georgia's score right, I just missed Arkansas's score by ten. Also, the final in the Oklahoma game was Sooners 27-24. Nebraska laid a beating on Washington, and Florida trounced Tennessee.

Post #300

I made it to 300. Looking back to July 10, 2006, I can see that this blog has come a long way. Since I started writing The Right Wing I've graduated college, bought a new car, moved out, started a good job, traveled to Kansas for a month. I've done a lot.

POLITICS:

My political view hasn't really changed. I'm still conservative. In fact, I'm probably more Libertarian than when I started the blog. I really feel like the government should leave us all alone. Sadly, the government got bigger under Bush, and it's getting bigger everyday under Obama. I make it no secret, I feel the Obama is on his way to being the worst president ever. I have buckets of respect for the Office. And I wish Obama the best, and I truly hope the a Republican victory in the midterm elections will moderate Obama as it did Clinton, but I'm not holding on to hope.

SPORTS:

My view on sports, unlike my political view, has changed drastically. I still follow hockey, the NFL and college football. But let's talk motorsports. I once followed NASCAR and no other racing types. But then, in July of 2008, I came across Formula 1. I had heard my friend Robert talk about F1 for years, and I mostly ignored him. That day, though, I saw what he was talking about. If you've followed the blog since then, you'll know that I'm now hooked on F1.

WORK:

When the blog began I was working at a sign and print shop in Buford. Then, in June of 2009, I started working for General Dynamics. I get to travel and work with the military. No complaints.

So that's they story of The Right Wing. I've been doing this for 300 posts over a little more than four years. Maybe we'll have 300 more.

That aside, I feel remiss to not say anything on this, the ninth anniversary of the September 11th attacks. On this day, nine years past, we awoke to a bright Tuesday morning. All was right with the world, as far as most Americans were concerned. Little did any of us know that, at 47 minutes after 8 that morning, our world view would change irrevocably.

I recall sitting in the parking lot at Gainesville College, listening to the start of the Neal Boortz show before going to class. That's when the news broke that a plane had struck the World Trade Center. Initially it was said to be a small plane, but a quick run to the CNN website proved that wrong.

Students gathered in the AV Room and, as the librarian turned on the TV, the second plane struck the towers. I had no clue what was happening or why. I was in my insulated little world. But on that morning, the bright September morning, nineteen Saudis changed my world view.

I went to my teachers for the day, told them that I was going home, and went home. I walked next door to my grandparents, and along the way I heard on the radio that the Pentagon had been hit. Each successive news story tore away a little more of my insulation. We were being exposed to the world.

As I walked through the door my grandmother asked me what was going on. As I tried to explain the news footage changed from the anchor to a shot of the towers, and the first tower was collapsing. It didn't take much more time before the second tower collapsed.

I honestly can't recall when I heard about Flight 93 going down over Shanksville, PA. I was completely shaken. I stared at the devastation on the TV, wondering why it had happened. Then, later in the day, one of the news channels showed footage from the Middle East, and one of the first things they showed was an older-middle-aged Palestinian woman dancing and celebrating in the streets. That's when my bloodlust set in. I hate that it did, but it happened. I was angry.

I quickly calmed, and now with the addition of a few years, I have come to understand things better. Still, though, those of us who remember that day had our lives changed forever.

Football Future-see Week 2 (Post 299)

RECORD:

Week 1..........7-1

Week 2.........4-1

TOTAL.......11-2

The Games:

Michigan at Notre Dame CORRECT

Michigan leaves the Big House for this game. Both teams are seemingly in revival years, returning to the prominence they once enjoyed, or at least that's what they'd have you believe. Michigan took down UConn last week. Notre Dame knocked off Purdue. So what happens this week?

Final Score: Michigan 27, Notre Dame 24

17 Florida State at 10 Oklahoma CORRECT

FSU travels to the Sooners this week, one week after laying 59 points on... whoever it was they played. Oklahoma barely escaped Utah State. Is this an upset?

Final Score: Oklahoma 26, Florida State 20

22 UGA at 24 South Carolina INCORRECT

Georgia is short handed without AJ Green, who was suspended for four games (retroactive) for selling his jersey to what the NCAA deemed was an agent. South Carolina has never beaten Georgia at home under Spurrier. Will they?

Final Score: Georgia 24, South Carolina 21

12 Miami at 2 Ohio State CORRECT

Miami at Ohio State looks like the game of the week. The Hurricanes are a team of potential, the Buckeyes are a known good. Still, as good as they are in the regular season, OSU better hpe they don't meet an SEC team in the bowls.

Final Score: Ohio State 30, Miami 24

18 Penn State at 1 Alabama CORRECT

'Bama put 48 on San Jose State last week. Penn State score 44 points. Neither team will do that this week. Expect a defensive game, but no surprises.

Final Score: Alabama 28, Penn State 17

***UPDATE***

Well, Georgia lost, so already we know this won't be a perfect week. But upsets abound. #13 Virginia Tech fell to FCS power James Madison and #15 Georgia Tech dropped a game against Kansas, who lost 6-3 in week one... to North Dakota State.

***UPDATE 2***

I'm 3-1 through 4 games. Scary, considering I picked Michigan over ND 27-24 and the final was 28-24.

***UPDATE 3***

Well, it's over. 4-1.

An NFL Preview, A Formula 1 Review

This is a two-fold post. The NFL season kicks off Thursday. Formula 1 goes to the storied Monza Circuit Sunday. So let's review Formula 1 first.

Back in July, Formula 1 returned to the Hockenheimring for the first time in two years. The race saw Scuderia Ferrari return to form, as three-quarters through the race Felipe Massa held a slim lead over Fernando Alonso. Then came a radio message that would echo for the rest of the race. Massa's race engineer, Rob Smedley, announced, "Fernando is quicker than you. Can you confirm you understood that message?" Massa then stoically pulled over and allowed Alonso to pass.

Smedley then said, "Good boy. Try to keep up. Sorry." The race ended with Alonso atop the podium and Massa second. Immediately cries went up to the FIA. Ferrari had used team orders, which are not allowed. The stewards, being the upstanding citizens that they are, leveled a $100,000 fine on the team, and it was announced that Ferrari would face a meeting of the World Motor Sports Council on September 8.

Well, today was meeting day. All around the internet speculation was flying as to what punishment Ferrari would receive. Would they be stripped of the driver's and constructor's points from Germany? Would they be banned from the Constructor's Championship for the year? Well, since the FIA is often accused of being Ferrari International Assistance, the punishment meted was laughable.

The WMSC decided that the punishment already handed down was sufficient. So now, for the low, low price of $100,000 any F1 team can issue team orders and alter the outcome of a race, and tick off myriad fans, and expect no more than a light flap on the wrist.

Typical.

******

Now, on to football. It's NFL Prediction time.

Last year the Saints "stunned the world" and "overcame Katrina" do win the Super Bowl. Honestly, and I feel sorry for those that lost so much during that time, but at some point you have to stop using a five-year-old storm as a prop for your city. Anyway, let's look at the divisions and the predicted order of finish. An asterisk beside a team name indicated predicted Wild Card team.

AFC North

Baltimore

Pittsburgh*

Cincinnati

Cleveland

AFC East

New England

New York Jets

Miami

Buffalo

AFC South

Indianapolis

Houston*

Tennessee

Jacksonville

AFC West

San Diego

Denver

Kansas City

Oakland

NFC North

Green Bay

Minnesota

Chicago

Detroit

NFC East

Dallas

Philadelphia*

New York Giants

Washington

NFC South

Atlanta

New Orleans*

Carolina

Tampa Bay

NFC West

San Francisco

Arizona

Seattle

St. Louis

So here's our playoff teams, in a predicted order of seeding.

AFC

1. Indianapolis

2. Baltimore

3. San Diego

4. New England

5. Houston

6. Pittsburgh

NFC

1. Atlanta

2. Green Bay

3. Dallas

4. San Francisco

5. Philadelphia

6. New Orleans

As you can see, we have some surprises. Yes, I think Atlanta can be the Number 1 seed in the NFC. The schedule is favorable, with 10 games in a dome, and all their toughest games seemingly at home. The other surprise is Houston. The Texans have never made the playoffs, but this seems like the year. Matt Schaub is a good quarterback, and Arian Foster looks like the real deal at running back.

So let's predict some conference title games.

AFC Championship

Indianapolis vs Baltimore

NFC Championship

Atlanta vs. New Orleans

The AFC Championship match is no surprise, but the NFC game might be. Atlanta and New Orleans play twice every year. Both times in domes. Why not a third time?

Super Bowl XLV

Atlanta vs Baltimore

The Super Bowl this year will be the battle of the birds. Atlanta's offense will be rather high powered by season's end. Baltimore has added multiple weapons on offense. The Raven's are known for their swarming defense. Atlanta has ayoung, up-and-coming defense. Should be a good game.

Some Notes on Football

Well, with the exception of the Boise State - Virginia Tech game that is in progress as of this writing, Week One of College Football is in the books. Seems then a good time to review the high and low points for each conference.

Big East:

High Point - Syracuse and South Florida win... big. South Florida's next game is Florida, which will be a big test for them. Syracuse probably won't be all that great for the rest of the year, but it only takes 6 wins to reach a bowl game.

Low Point - UConn and Pitt both lose. These are the flagship programs of this conference. UConn has been a program on the rise, but they ran into a revitalized Michigan squad Saturday. Pitt faltered on Thursday, setting a tone for this conference. By the way, Pitt was the #15 team in the nation. They lost to an unranked.

ACC:

High Point - Florida State comes out of the gate in a big way for Jimbo Fisher. All in all, so far, the ACC teams that should win have won.

Low Point - It could be argued that the low point is occurring as I type this, since VaTech has already given up 10 points to Boise, and the Broncos are driving yet again. But so far the low point is UNC, who lost multiple starters to suspension just before the game with LSU.

Big XII:

High Point - Oklahoma State swarmed out of the gate, demolishing poor Washington State 65-17.

Low Point - Kind of a dual low point for the conference. Oklahoma won, but they played very poorly, beating Utah State 31-24. The lowest point so far is the fact that North Dakota State took down Kansas 6-3.

Big Ten:

High Point - Michigan steamrolled UConn 30-10. The Wolverines were rededicating the Big House, and thi was a great way to do so.

Low Point - Illinois built a lead against Missouri that they were not able to hold. The Tigers came back in the second half to disappoint the Illini.

PAC-10:

High Point - Oregon's 72-point victory over New Mexico. The Ducks look like the team to beat in a top-heavy PAC-10.

Low Point - USC coming within a hair's width of losing to Hawaii. The Trojans, stifled under a two-year bowl ban, are playing for pride.

SEC:

High Point - This will definitely sound like a cheer for the home team, but Georgia played a great game in dismantling Louisiana-Lafayette 55-7. The new 3-4 Defense that Todd Grantham installed played great all day, Aaron Murray rocked at QB, as did back-up freshman Hutson Mason. And the kick coverage problems I worried about early in the game sorted themselves out.

Low Point - There are three low points for the SEC, sadly. These are not ranked in any particular order.

1. Florida's offense never once found a rhythm against Miami of Ohio. The Gators won, but it was not pretty.

2. LSU might have beat UNC, but they played a very sloppy game.

3. Lowest of all, though, is Ole Miss. The Rebels dropped a double overtime game 49-48... to Jacksonville State. Shame.

The Return of Football Future-see

Well, I'm sitting here with a vicious head cold. But it struck me the other day that the last time we did a Football Future-see addition was 2008. Of course, we did a bowl edition in 2009, but that's still the 2008 season. So let's bring back the Future-see. That year we went 57-22 over the course of a year.

Remember our rules for this little game. We pick five games a week, opening week is ten games, bow edition is ten games. We pick winner and loser, and just for fun, we give you a predicted score.

Let's get to the games.

21 LSU vs 18 UNC (Neutral Site) CORRECT

This is the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Classic, played in the Georgia Dome. LSU is seemingly a team on the decline in the SEC West, and at the moment North Carolina is facing some possibly stiff penalties from the NCAA, and may be without several players. UNC's defense was supposed to be great, but that is unfortunately where most of their penalized players will come from.

Final Score: LSU 24, UNC 16

15 PITT at UTAH INCORRECT

Pitt is currently the front-runner to win the Big East this year, which is about like saying you're going to win the Tri-County Beauty Pageant. Utah is going to the PAC-10 next year, but this year they aren't even ranked, which is odd to some, but not unexpected in the world of college football. I mean, a couple years back they beat Alabama in the Sugar Bowl.

Final Score: PITT 28, Utah 20

ILLINOIS vs MISSOURI (Neutral Site) CORRECT

This is a state border rivalry, but it has a new undertone to it this year. Missouri wanted to join the Big Ten along with Nebraska. The Big Ten, though, skipped over Mizzou and took the prettier sister, Nebraska. So Missouri is now upset with the Big Ten, and guess which conference Illinois plays for.

Final Score: Missouri 30, Illinois 20

24 OREGON STATE vs 6 TCU (Neutral Site) CORRECT

This may turn out to be the biggest game of the weekend. Oregon State plays both TCU and Boise State this year, and I can't help but feel that they are going to win one of those games. The Beaver's RB, Jacquizz Rodgers, will rip up the Broncos, who are known more for their offense than defense. TCU, though, is a defensive ball club.

Final Score: TCU 24, Oregon State 21

UTAH STATE at 7 OKLAHOMA CORRECT

Let's be honest, this game probably won't be much of a challenge for Oklahoma, but then again, Appalachian State took down Michigan a few years back. Still, not likely.

Final Score: Oklahoma 54, Utah State 10

PURDUE at NOTRE DAME INCORRECT

Notre Dame, for the last few years, has been a trendy pick to win the national title, only to finish the year 7-6 or so each time. Notre Dame is also breaking in a new coach. Purdue may have a chance to take down the Irish, which is actually what I'll predict. Call it going out on a limb.

Final Score: Purdue 24, Notre Dame 20

SOUTH CAROLINA STATE at 16 GEORGIA TECH CORRECT

Georgia Tech starts the year in the top 20, but teams are learning how to defend Paul Johnson's option offense. The only thing is, for SC State, they've never even seen Paul Johnson's offense. Okay, maybe they have, it won't matter.

Final Score: Georgia Tech 56, SC State 14

MIAMI (OH) at 4 FLORIDA CORRECT

Just like Utah State and SC State, Miami of Ohio doesn't really stand much chance here. Florida will be breaking in a new QB, who although never having taken a meaningful snap, is somehow already being considered for the Heisman. I don't get it.

Final Score: Florida 63, Miami(OH) 17

LOUISANA-LAFAYETTE at 23 GEORGIA CORRECT

Georgia is in the same condition as Florida, breaking in a new QB. But Georgia's QB is a redshirt freshman, while Florida has at most two year service from Brantley. LA-Lafayette doesn't have much of a chance.

Final Score: Georgia 49, LA-Lafayette 14

3 BOISE STATE vs 10 VIRGINIA TECH (Neutral Site)

This is the big game of the week, Monday night, Fed-Ex Field. That means this is a virtual home game for VaTech, as Boise State's home field is over 2100 miles further from FedEx Field than Blacksburg. Boise State is needing to make a statement in this game, later in the season against Oregon State, and they'll have to decimate the WAC to play in the National Championship game. Sadly, we don't see it.

Final Score: Virginia Tech 28, Boise State 27

***UPDATE***

Well, Pitt has already cost us the chance at 10-0, as if that chance ever existed. But to be honest, I never make it easy on myself.

***UPDATE #2***

Through six games, I'm 4-2 on the picks. By the way, what happened to Ole Miss? How does an SEC school lose to Jacksonville State?

***UPDATE #3***

Alright, nine games in and the record stands at 7-2.