My banner doesn't fit any more.

• 30Oct 07

  Pictures!

  These are approximately a week old, maybe a little less.

  EDIT: after several attempts to put the pictures into this entry, i'll just direct link them. sheesh.

  http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v215/ncoleman77/Isabel/DSC02619.jpg

  http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v215/ncoleman77/Isabel/DSC02613.jpg

  http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v215/ncoleman77/Isabel/DSC02611.jpg

  • Posted Oct 30, 2007 11:07 am PT
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• 23Oct 07

  Level up! Fatherhood

  My wife had our new baby girl two weeks ago Sunday. Sorry to the people in the fantasy league(s). I've had no motivation or time to produce rankings or check my teams consistently. Sorta preoccupied.

  • Posted Oct 23, 2007 9:47 am PT
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• 11Sep 07

  Power Rankings: Week Awkward Fumbling

  Power Rankings: Week Awkward Fumblings

  Here we go folks. No crying, no fussing-take your medicine and like it.

  1. PinkZebras - Can you hear that? My teeth grinding? Yeah, there's a dog out there with a very well-tanned rear-end. Er, a zebra I mean. Delhomme is usually much more human than that performance; however, Maroney is usually much more productive. I guess that cancels it out, and Zebras have the high point total after week one. As we've seen in the past with the Power Rankings, top points don't guarantee the top spot, so enjoy it for now Zebras-the Franklins are hot on your heels.

  2. The Franklins - The RB situation has cleared itself up. Portis ran well, although still appears to be injured, and Peterson seems to be the real deal. Big matchup with the Housecats in week 2 will show a lot for each team. Franklins management has also officially placed JP Losman on the trading block. Management informs me that they are looking for a WR.

  

  3. Killer Dolphins - Seriously. Plaxico Burress getting almost 30 points? If Burress puts up half that amount Dolphins would've been closer to the upset zone against the Housecats. I don't have a ton of confidence in this team, but I know that Manager Zayas read this column, so I don't want to give him any locker room propaganda. Lord knows he has his own to use.

  4. Prime Timerz - This team seems to awfully hard working, but not necessarily and overachieving one. The PTerz earned a victory in week 1 but I'm in wait and see mode on whether Timerz can move beyond the middle pack.

  5. Housecats - Ok. Let's assume that Housecats players performed up to their predicted potential. Then let's say Burress doesn't freak out and score a billion points. Housecats could be sitting with a solid win over the always tough out Killer Dolphins.

  6. Bad Newz Kennelz - Palmer and Housh did exactly what they were supposed to. PIT D got the benefit of smoking Cleveland. Other than that, the Kennelz were lucky to beat out San Dimas High. This middle pack is going to be interesting if teams keep trading sloppy, hawt blows like this. BNK management issued this press release, "To those who say BNK overachieved we say this to you: you may be right."

  7. Big Willeys - Big Willeys put up a good amount of points but were just unlucky to be playing a team that scored over 100. Because my memory is so short I'm going to say that I predicted playoffs for this team. I still see that in their future, but it will take scores of 80+ to consistently compete. Anything under that sets a team up for a .500 year.

  8. San Dimas High - Lost a nailbiter this week to Bad Newz Kennelz. If Brees would've had his normal game S.D.H. would have gotten the W.I.N. I expect this team to move up just a bit. Potential is here, but they just need the luck.

  9. Maltese Falcons - Really had an underperforming weekend aside from Brady. It will be interesting to see how the Falcons rally against the Big Willeys, who also have something to prove. If the RBs can match the production of Brady, Maltese should be competitive.

  10. Team Deception - Say what? They won last week. But they also beat the Cat Eaters (see below), and scored the least amount of points outside of Maltese. Steven Jackson must perform this week, otherwise Deception is just full of lies.

  11. Cheeseheads - Cheeseheads finally updated their roster with active players, so next week they should be at least functional-look out Cheeseheads opponents. The Franklins hath awoken a monster!

  12. Cat Eaters - Speaking of monsters, Minnie The Monster failed miserably. She's ok with this. Currently she has bigger concerns like avoiding the stroller and playing with her stuffed hedgehog.

  As the weeks start to play out we'll get a better sense for how teams are developing, or not developing. Also next week, more sexual innuendo and potentially modable jokes!

  EDIT: i had some awesome pictures to put into this but hey! GS crapped out somehow and i don't want to put them all back in. maybe later

  • Posted Sep 11, 2007 8:04 am PT
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• 4Sep 07

  GS Fantasy League 3 Season Preview

  You asked for it. You expected it. Here it is. The first official GS Sports League column for Season 3, the Preview Edition.

  In no particular order:

  1. The Franklins (reigning champions)

  QB? Check. WR? Check. TE? Check. RB? Pretty much. No clear #1 for RB but several quality candidates. Lewis and Peterson have been running well early, Deuce has the chance to get a lot of goal line carries, and Portis can payoff well if he's healthy. Issue with the team is that it's not deep at all. No back up WR at the moment (management is waiting to see if Schaub or Losman can get it done in regular season), and DEF is average so although the Franklins will win a lot of games, to call them a true contender depends wholly on whether the RB situation pans out.

  2. Maltese Falcons

  The Falcons seem to be weak at WR. Lee Evans isn't really a #1, and Cleveland may not be able to complete any passes, much less any to Edwards. Stallworth is not a possession receiver, and as far as I know NE has another deep threat who's better than Stallworth. If Edwards and Evans have breakout years the Falcons could really stand to make the playoffs, but I don't see a team going super deep here. The team does have some decent depth, so if injuries hit the Falcons shouldn't lose too much.

  3. The Pink Zebras

  The only hole to fill in this team is quarterback. Delhomme seems to be an adequate QB each year, but not necessarily I guy who will win games for you. The WR corps here is solid, and the RBs are going to produce some TDs. Carrying two kickers can be ill-advised, but overall this team looks pretty solid to challenge for a playoff spot.

  4. The Housecats

  Ah yes, the bitterness seeps out of the pores of this team. Disappointed by last year's playoff hunt Housecats management approached this year's draft with deft and cunning. Huge name players in McNabb, Johnson, and Alexander are supplemented by possible stars in Hackett and Jones-Drew. Jackson is a perennial underachiever but maybe his change of scenery will work out for him. Norwood is a great backup RB, and Baltimore is one of the best DEFs in the league. I expect the Housecats to make the playoffs. Whether they can go deep depends on how they manage the season.

  5. The Cheeseheads

  Well, I'm not gonna spend too much time here. The Cheeseheads might have been a victim of the moving target known as the draft time. I think Cheeseheads management allowed the children of management to select draft priorities. NAs, IRs, and only one start indicate that the Cheeseheads will again be at the bottom of the cheese barrel.

  6. San Dimas High

  I see no gaps in this team, but I see no real deep potential either. Tomlinson will win SDH some games on his own (5 TDs lmao), and Brees will always be a good supplement, but I see nothing else here to help those two out. Marshawn Lynch could really be a good addition but that remains to be seen, and Leinart might be a starter on any other team but here he's stuck behind Brees. Leinart might be good trade fodder later. I see a solid year, but not necessarily a long one.

  7. Team Deception

  Lmao Favor lmao. This is overall a solid team. If Young breaks out and the WR corps produces that's a great anchor to this team. Supplement the team with Steven Jackson who will undoubtedly score points, this is a playoff team in waiting. With Clayton as a solid WR back up, and two good TEs, this team could go far.

  8. Cat Eaters

  This team is not good.

  

  9. Killer Dolphins

  The Dolphins have not entered the league with as much bluster and bravado as they have in recent years. The reasons are apparent. The QB and WRs are better for a team from 2003 than 2007. The RBs have the possibility of being ridiculously productive, but they also have the possibility of being very bust-like, and not in the good bust way. That leaves Todd Heap and the Chicago kicker to score points. I don't know Dolphins. I'm open to being made a believer but work needs to be done.

  10. Big Willeys

  There is a lot to like about this team. Every starting position has quality. Rudi Johnson is a bloody backup on this team although I expect that to change before this weekend. This newcomer to the league could make a big splash with him and his big willey(s).

  11. Bad Newz Kennelz

  Well, you knew the year of fantasy football would be rife with Vick and dog references. Heck, two years ago I was in a league called the Ron Mexico League of Glory. Nuff said. I have it in for BNK because he ganked TJ just before I could get him in the draft. Anyway, I'm running out of steam in this preview so I'm talking about other things than how awesome my team is/crappy everyone else's is. Let's see, Palmer and TJ will win you games with their double points. Moss is Washington's only WR threat but holy cow will they not score any points this year. Parker and Jones had one good year in each of their careers-they have something to prove, if they have substance to back it up. I see playoffs.

  12. Prime Timerz

  Presumably the expectation here is that Gore, McGahee and Rivers will be scoring a ton of points this year. Holt and Ward are possession receivers moving beyond their prime. Calvin Johnson could work out but Lions' "should be good" WRs are a dime a dozen. There are enough players here to get to the playoffs.

  -------

  Post-season predictions

  Champion: Big Willeys

  Runner Up: Bad Newz Kennelz

  Third Place: Franklins

  Fourth Place: Housecats

  Reminders:

  Season starts this Thursday. NO vs. IND. Make sure you have your lineups set by then. I realize it's tough because injuries can clear up from Thursday to Sunday but do your best.

  Good luck everyone. Also, I got no takers on volunteers to write one or more of the weekly columns, so poo to all of you.

  • Posted Sep 4, 2007 5:46 am PT
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• 12Mar 07

  Stuffdates

  Geek stuff. 

  Still playing a lot of WoW.  I hit level 36 over the weekend.  I feel like I’m finally learning to play my clas s and character.  I had to ask Leard some questions about PvP because when I first started getting into skirmishes I was getting owned, but after some practice I can handle most anyone one on one (except the highly skilled pvpers), and occasionally take down two enemies at a time.  What happens a lot to me is that because I solo I’ll get jacked by two low 30’s or high 20’s Warlocks or Warlock/Warrior combos.  I usually mop up the 20s but pairs closer to my level are tougher.  I usually fight through the Warlock’s Fear and kill him first, and if I die it’s at the hands of the Warrior who I’ve almost got killed too but I can’t bubble or heal anymore because the Warlock sapped me before I dispatched of him.  *shrug*

  My guy can be found here.  Anyone familiar with Pallies (or anything, really) are welcome to offer advice.  I’m listed as “hybrid” but I haven’t put a point into anything other than Retribution in several levels.

  Anyway, it’s a lot of fun and has taken over my gaming.  Goose and I ran around STV and had some comical PvP events.  Rumor has it Ducky and Caro play but that’s a lie.  Phreak plays too but he power levels and won’t slow down. 

  What I’m listening to stuff. 

  I’m going to see The Good The Bad and The Queen on Wednesday at the 9:30 Club.  Should be a good show, but I don’t know how long they’ll play.  Their record is only 12 songs.  NPR’s All Songs Considered will be there recording too.  Should be fun. 

  Man, Neko Case’s Fox Confessor was my record of the year last year.  Believe it or not I’d never listened to Blacklisted, and I listened to that a lot this weekend.  Another great record.  Wow. 

  I also picked up Bright Eyes EP called Four Winds.  Conor Oberst was on All Songs Considered recently and said this EP (6 songs) is the stuff that didn’t make the new record coming out in April because it “didn’t fit” or something.  Well, it’s a great EP.  I’ve never been a huge Bright Eyes fan but I really enjoy this one and if this EP is indicative of the newest record it will be a must buy.  Well, I’ll buy it anyway. 

  What else…Shout Out Louds, How Howl Gaff Gaff; the new Arcade Fire but I haven’t given it a full listen yet. 

  Sad stuff.

  I was on the way home from the grocery where I bought all the best foods when I was stopped at a light.  I look behind me and this girl is crying!  It was one of the saddest things ever.  She was sorta young—maybe in her mid to low 20s.  Made me want to get out of the car and hand her an apple I’d just bought. 

  EDIT:  Seriously, are these journal pages still busted?  I write my text in word, paste it into this template, and adjust my tags for the one hyperlink I have.  This editor adds line breaks that weren't there, then tells me to reformat.  You know, reformat to how it looked when you pasted it in. 

  • Posted Mar 12, 2007 7:33 am PT
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• 7Feb 07

  I nabbed a Wii

  Randomly at the Best Buy across the street.  I'd like to thank my dead PSP's replacement plan for making the purchase free.  I picked up WarioWare and the 500kb or so memory card. 

  Anyway, where can I find peeps friend codes?  I have mine!

  Coleman: 7925 9489 0193 2751

  • Posted Feb 7, 2007 5:17 am PT
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• 30Jan 07

  I fell hard and scraped my knee...

  ...on WoW.  It's sad really.  I never thought I'd fall because I've made a few excursions into WoW and never got into it.  Well, this round sunk in.  I'm running a Dranny Paladin on Haomarush with other k & r folks, and I'm hooked.  I'm already at level 22 after two and a half weeks, which is amazing considering how little time I have to play games. 

  My guildmates twinked me out with some gear and some gold, so that makes the level grind MUCH easier, but now I'm actually at a level I can run mutual quests with them.  Awesome. 

  Listening:  The new Shins, Apples in Stereo.

  Playing:  WoW, Mario Strikers

  Reading:  lol.  Trying to finish Ghost Wars, Game of Thrones, Middlesex, and Fast Food Nation. 

  • Posted Jan 30, 2007 8:11 am PT
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• 28Dec 06

  I'm a Bargain Strumpet

  Now that fantasy football season is over, back to regular entries that everyone can love.

  Lately I've been on a spree of buying discount games.  I love Gamefly's year end sale.  Last year I got Chronicles of Riddick and Half Life 2 (XBOX) for very cheap along with a few other titles.  This year I've picked up Super Mario Strikers, Dreamfall, Psychonauts, Chromehounds, and Call of Cthulhu all on the cheap.  Yesterday I picked up Forza Motorsport and Ace Combat: Unsung War at Best Buy for about 5 bucks total after using my rewards points. 

  Maybe it was just the right circumstances for the evening (wife and dog out of town, pizza ordered, six pack in the fridge), but I really enjoyed playing Forza and Ace Combat last night.  I usually do not like seemingly tedious sim-racers, but last night it seemed fresh and enjoyable.  And Ace Combat--wow.  Why was I not told about this series a long time ago?  Although I first started playing flight simulater games way back when on our old Apple II and they're what got me into gaming, I've never played a flight game on gaming console. I played Ace Combat for a while last night and loved it.  I even ordered Belkan War through Gamefly for a cool 15 dollars or so. 

  But last night's experience got me to thinking about why I came to enjoy these games seemingly more than a full price game.  Like much in life, it's all about expectations.  When I plop down 60 hard-earned bills for a game, my expectations have jumped dramatically.  This game better kick my arse.  Whereas a with cheap game, I don't feel like I've gone out of my financial way.  Nay, I feel like I've pulled one over on someone.  Getting a AAA title like Forza for so cheap, knowing how many potential gameplay hours it holds, gives me consumer pride--pride in knowing that the retail store and the game publisher haven't gotten the best of me. 

  Buying bargain games has another tremendous upside:  only proven titles need apply.  No need to conduct extensive research on the initial reviews and impressions of the game.  You know it's good because it's been discussed over a long period of time and has sold X number of copies.  It's a proven commodity. 

  Coupling the bargain value and consumer pride with the raw value of the game, I may try to convince myself (as others have done) to never buy a game at full price again.  I have plenty to keep me occupied.  I can hear the chorus now, "But Coleman, you're a sucker for peer pressure.  You have an undying desire to be accepted by the cool kids."  I know, I know, but maybe I can turn a new leaf.  I'm curious, though, do you think God of War 2 will drop in price by April? 

  Next Entry:  Top 5 games and albums of 2006, although not necessarily released in 2006.

  • Posted Dec 28, 2006 8:46 am PT
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• 26Dec 06

  Champion Crowned! There's Glory in them thar Holes!

  I just have to chuckle.  It was pretty absurd to have the 7 and 8 seeds square off in the finals.  I honestly gave myself no chance of winning once the playoffs started, but as they went on I began to think, "I might actually pull this off."  Now it's not quite the miracle that Greendevils would've pulled off had they won (which they almost did), but still, the story writes itself. 

  Once I saw that the Vikings D got me 23 points on Thursday I thought, "This is just my week."  And it was.  Vince Young threw up a lot of points, and Reggie Bush hooked it up as well.   

  I'm going to make an honorary sig soon, just trying to figure out how to make it work safe.

  In the lmao consolation lmao the Housecats got some redemption, and the Killer Dolphins won the matchup they've been craving with the Deceivers. 

  Thanks to everyone who played this season.  Certainly the most dramatic finish, which was fitting for a very up and down year for most.  I'm kicking myself that I didn't put a prize up this year--would've been an excuse to buy myself a game.  Maybe I'll go pre-order God of War 2. 

  Again, thanks everyone for making this season the blast it was.  We'll be on next year for A GS Football League 3. 

  • Posted Dec 26, 2006 8:10 am PT
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• 20Dec 06

  Playoffs: Viral Marketing

  7 v 8.  Where will you be?

  • Posted Dec 20, 2006 11:03 am PT
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• 12Dec 06

  Playoffs: Pants Party!

  Playoffs:  Pants Party!

  How to begin...last week was the playoff week of the living dead.  Two teams with losing records made the playoffs.  Two other teams square in the middle of the pack also made the playoffs.  Just like in the NFL, teams that have been playing must win situations to end the regular season wind up going deep in the playoffs.  Pittsburgh last year, maybe Cincinnati or Jacksonville this year. 

  But this week’s games tipped off the craziest fantasy football playoff first round I’ve ever been a part of.  For those reading this without being involved in the league, the top 4 seeded teams in the playoffs lost to the lowest 4 teams in the playoffs.  Folks, you’re all invited to the pants party!  Whoever wins this year’s league will savor it for years to come. 

  The Breakdown:

  (8 ) Greendevils 104, (1) Team Deception 63

  This was truly the shocker of the first round (as indicated by the official poll on the board).  Deception got his usual points from Tomlinson, but Greendevils finally had Gore, Jackson, and Leinart live up to expectations, and all in the same week.  It’s clear the trash talking from last week by Deception players motivated the Greendevils, who completely embarrassed the top seed at home.  Greendevils management was ecstatic, as they were seen doing keg stands in the luxury box well after the final whistle had blown. 

  (5) The Housecats 87, (4) Team Irony 80

  This was truly an epic matchup—everything this column led you to believe.  Without a giant day from Jones-Drew Housecats do not advance.  However, at any moment in time a player’s number could be called, so getting the W is the most important task.  Housecats players were happy to get into the locker room for some brushing and stroking by team petters.  Purring was heard well into the night. 

  (6) Low Blows 94, (3) Killer Dolphins 61

  I’ve said all along that the Dolphins just don’t have the tools for a deep run in the playoffs (citations omitted).  I was proved right.  The difference in this game was two players.  First, Rofflecopter actually scored points for the Blows, something he is not usually capable of doing.  Second, Mark Clayton, a solid second to third receiver, scored a season high for the Blows.  The surprise performances only exacerbated some sub-par performances from the Dolphins usual studs.  Thus, an upset is made. 

  (7) The Glory Holes 118, (2) San Dimas High 80

  This was the upset special last week so I can’t take any more credit than I already clearly deserve.  The Holes scoring so many points indicates either a) his team is getting hot at the right time, or b) they blew their load and now they’re going to crap out in the semifinals.  The San Dimas had a great regular season that just seemed to sputter a bit at the end of the year. 

  Previews for the Semi-Finals

  (7) The Glory Holes vs. (6) Low Blows

  This is almost comedic.  Both teams are going to need repeat performances from their studs to move on.  Bush is really coming on for the Holes, as is Young, but if Rofflecopter can carry some points like he did last week this could be a dandy of a game.

  Prediction:  Glory Holes 85, Low Blows 78

  (8 ) Greendevils vs. (5) Housecats

  I’m calling an upset special here.  Leinart will get points against a flopping Denver, and Gore will do the same against Seattle.  Housecats still seem weak at RB despite the ridiculous performance last week of Jones-Drew.  The Cinderella Greendevils will make the finals.  Can you imagine—both lowest rated seeds making the finals?

  Prediction:  Greendevils 88, Housecats 83

  I'm clearly rooting for a 7 vs. 8 matchup in the finals.  It would only be a fitting end to this season, and make writing this column every week much easier.

  Now to the lmao consolation lmao playoffs.

  Well, the big boys finally get a chance to back up all that yackin’ they’ve been doing.  I see the Killer Dolphins going up against Team Deception for the lmao consolation lmao finals. 

  Well there it is folks.  The league is finishing in just about as dramatic fashion as can be imagined.  Think about this—if Greendevils win it all they will do so with a losing record.  Everyone party up then get some rest in--it's gonna be wild!

   

  • Posted Dec 12, 2006 6:27 am PT
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• 6Dec 06

  Playoffs: Week of the Living Dead

  Sorry about the rankings last week. Life goes on.

  Well, here we are. The playoffs. Most teams have been decided for some time now, with only the Greendevils backing into the playoffs in the last week. I don’t know how that worked that they didn’t clinch the week before, but whatever. It’s nice to be able to make the playoffs with a losing record, which happened for two teams this year. But hey, they’re in. The living playoff dead may eat some of the living this week.

  Without further ado let’s break down these matchups.

  (1) Team Deception vs. (8 ) Greendevils

  As I said the Devils backed into the playoffs, and Teh Deceivers got their top seed ( ). I don’t have much hope that the Devils will get the upset by starting two Buffalo receivers and Rex Grossman. The Greendevils camp has been silent this week after last week’s disappointing loss to Musclehead, but Deceivers camp has been vocal. “We’re gonna smoke those pansies. They got nuthin’” If the Devils needed motivation, they’ve found it.

  Prediction: Team Deception 105, Greendevils 64.

  (4) Team Irony vs. (5) The Housecats

  These two teams are more or less identical. Almost same points scored. Same win streak. Each team seems to have great WRs and a top notch QB, but it’s the RB production that will make the difference for each team. If that is the discriminator I have to give the edge to Irony but only by a small margin. Williams could be big for the Housecats. If you watch one game this weekend folks, watch this one.

  Prediction: Team Irony 92, Housecats 88

  (3) Killer Dolphins vs. (6) Low Blows

  I’ve said all year that the Dolphins have a team designed for a deep playoff run (citations omitted). I don’t see how the Low Blows will be able to compete with LJ, Westbrook, Vick, and Ocho Cinco. QB options aren’t spectacular for the Low Blows, but Smith and Gates have the potential for monstrous days. However at the end of the day the Dolphins might be too overwhelming. I hear the Dolphins have already begun printing their semifinal victory t-shirts.  Dewey defeats Truman? 

  Prediction: Dolphins 110, Low Blows 78.

  (2) San Dimas High vs. (7) The Glory Holes

  The Glory Holes had the worst stretch run schedule in GS Fantasy Football League history and came through 1-2. Who was that win against? San Dimas, when San Dimas looked untouchable. Can lightning strike twice? Is the Pope Catholic? Damn right. This is an upset special folks. The Holes have bigger playmakers at RB, and with Vince Young playing the Texans this weekend he’s due for a game equal to last week’s gem. It’s unlikely Bulger will score many points against the Bears defense, so this has upset written all over it. Does a bear crap in the woods folks?

  Prediction: The Glory Holes 82, San Dimas High 75.

  Power Rankings for the playoff run:

  1 (tie) Team Deception
  1 (tie) Killer Dolphins
  3 San Dimas
  4 Housecats
  5 Team Irony
  6 Low Blows
  7 Glory Holes
  8 Greendevils
  
   Next week: A breakdown of the playoffs games, and previews of the upcoming semifinals as well as a breakdown of the lmao consolation playoffs lmao.

  • Posted Dec 6, 2006 6:03 am PT
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• 15Nov 06

  Power Rankings: The Week of Reckoning

  I know I know.  It’s getting old having the same top three, but until something strange happens, this is it.  Everyone at the top took care of business, and the middle of the pack was at least supposed to have sorted itself out. 

  1.  San Dimas High.  Nothing much to say here.  Another week, another win.  Keep in mind that San Dimas plays the Dolphins the last week of the season.  Be ready.  I think it’s being shifted to prime time on a Sunday night.  Adjust your schedules accordingly. 

  2.  Team Deception.  Yawn.  Pasting Saikyo does nothing for me. 

  3.  Killer Dolphins.  I like the way this team beats the teams it’s supposed to.  Very businesslike.  Two big matchups to end the season against Low Blows and San Dimas will test this team’s playoff mettle. 

  4.  Low Blows.  The Blows came out all over the Holes.  It wasn’t really a game at any point—Blows didn’t even seem to be sweating the situation, which is common in such moments.  The Blows may have playoff preview matchup this week with the Dolphins.  Do they have enough to take down one of the top three? **to the right is a Blows tackler pwning a Holes runner**

  5-Team Irony/GreenDevils.  It’s clear that Green Devils and Team Irony deserve to be ranked higher than Housecats and The Holes, but how do we rank one higher than the other?  I know!  Have them play this week and see what happens!  That should determine everything!  Bravo commish.  Fo realz, though, the Ironicals and the Devils picked up solid wins in their respective playoff hunts.  Playing each other this week is GIANT for both teams.  Wins at this point in the season are pure gold.    

  7.  Housecats.  Hello thar Housecats!  So you lost the big matchup last week.  Where do you go from here?  To the playoffs most likely.  Why is that, you ask?  Your last 3 games are against the last 3 teams in the power rankings.  This bodes well for your chances. 

  8.  Glory Holes.  OMFG.  The Holes have the worst stretch run in league history.  San Dimas, Deception, and the Dolphins in that order.  Well, it was nice knowing you playoffs.  At least we made acquaintances.  When asked about this scheduling nightmare, Holes managements only said, “Gulp.”  Fitting indeed.  **To the left you should see the current face of Holes management.**

  9.  CheesyCows.  Woohoo!  Winner of the Rawr Bowl and mother to THE BEST BABY EVAR!  Congrats Jess!  Not only are you kicking ass in the league, you’re kicking ass at giving birth.  We hope all is well.  At this rate you’ll pass the Holes who are likely to lose their next three. 

  10.  PinkZebras.  Tough stretch run to end the season against Deception and Dolphins.  Gotta play ‘em sometime I guess.  It’s all for pride at this point. 

  11.  Team Musclehead.  Vegas is angry at Musclehead.  Such high hopes for this team some people somewhere—prolly some big, angry people—lost a decent chunk of money on this pony. 

  12.  Saikyo Sensations.  Hi Saikyo!  *waves*  I just wanted to say hello and see how things are going.   

  • Posted Nov 15, 2006 5:25 am PT
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• 8Nov 06

  quick post election thoughts

  If you want this week's power rankings, see yesterday's post.

  1. people talk about the dems coming back to the center, but I've never considered anything the dems do to be super liberal. it gets labeled that way by the republicans. the major shift in politics the last 15 years has been the dems have gone to the center, and the republicans have gone to the far right. by courting evangelicals/fundmentalists who disagree with most true democrats on every major social issue i think the democrats run the risk of alienating their own base. it sure creeps me out.
  
  2. time to do something. republicans loved to say democrats don't have a plan, so stick with our crappy one/one that doesn't exist either. democrats need to step up and put pressure on the white house to make change in iraq and start being more responsible domestically. i'll be just as critical of democrats as i have been of republicans. in fact, i'm skeptical right now that the democratic leadership has what it takes. we'll see.
  
  3. if you thought the last 12 years were do-nothing Congresses, wait until this one. Nothing is going to move. People will be too busy fighting and angling for the upcoming Presidential election and their own re-election campaigns, the only true debate that will occur in this country will again be on wedge issues like abortion and stem cell research. social security will not be fixed, no health care approach will be laid out. nothing.
  

  4. the more I think about it this appears to be a hollow victory for the Dems. maybe I'm being pessimistic, but look at the environment they have to operate in. Congress is essentially going to deadlock, presidential elections are 2 years away so posturing for that always takes time. the democrats now have the expectation on them for change, but that takes time and a clear majority, neither of which the dems have. my prediction is that every committee in congress is going to open an investigation so it appears that work is being done, although it's not legislative in nature.

  5.  democrats are generally bad for video games, at least on the national scene.  Lieberman (independent, although he said he will caucus with the democrats) hates fun.  So does Clinton.  the problem lies in that the moral crusade of the republicans registered with a lot of people, so the dems had to piggyback on whatever issue involving judging other people and/or free speech they can.  the old saying was that democrats can't stay out of our wallets and republicans can't stay out of our bedrooms.  i guess democrats can't stay out of our gaming habits either.  *shrug*  i'll be a ripe old 29 next month so it doesn't matter to me but i don't like the curbing of the gaming industry in any way.  it should grow freely based on market forces, not the "values" that parents and guardians should be imposing themselves.  (see, i can be conservative)

  UPDATE

  6.  Rummy out.  not surprised.  his job probably hinged on the results of this election, strangely enough for a cabinet appointee. i can't believe they named a successor so quickly.  i would have assumed the administration would have at least taken a week to get some degree of buy-in and shop around a name or two with  the newly arranged house and senate key figures (both sides of the aisle).  timing makes sense though.  do it during the middle of the storm, not at the end of it.

  • Posted Nov 8, 2006 7:33 am PT
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• 7Nov 06

  Power Rankings: Week Rawr

  No surprises here folks.  Some teams got right, some teams fell back into the thick of the playoff hunt.  Cheesy Cows emerged from the cellar, fittingly so I guess.  Next week hopefully some insider Glory Hole team photos with action shots. 

  Remember the trade deadline is November 17.  My general stance on trades is that I will process them immediately unless there appears to be something nefarious afoot.  Trade protests and commissioner approval are in place to prevent collusion and maintain the integrity of the league, not to prevent someone from doing something dumb. 

  1. San Dimas High—And they keep on winning folks.  They’re only second in league by point total.  San Dimas High neighborhood bully Debo says, “Whatchoo got on my drink GS Football League 2?”  Nothin’ Debo, nothin’.

   2.  Team Deception—I get the sense that Deception management takes umbrage at being ranked second.  Like Manchester United in the Premier League, being ahead by points scored doesn’t carry much weight.  Besides, being number one is much more difficult than being number 2, or…

   3.  Killer Dolphins--…number 3, for that matter.  Like I said last week I think the Dolphins are poised for a deep run.  They’re not the hottest team in the league, but they beat teams that they should beat.  Assuming they get things done against the plummeting Zebras, I wouldn’t fancy a matchup with them in the playoffs. 

  4.  Housecats—Again, Housecats waiver wire whoring is paying off.  Winning a huge game against Team Irony this week probably did miles for locker room confidence.  I asked the Housecat’s mascot Skippy the Cat about their win.  He didn’t say anything, but he did pee on my sofa and scratched my shin.  If that doesn’t say it all I don’t know what does. 

  5.  Glory Holes—Oh how I wish I could find a postable picture for the Holes.  It would depict victory and satisfaction in the way only the Glory Holes know how.  Taking down all comers.  It’s been great.  I thought the streak would end, but it didn’t.  This week is a HUGE matchup with the Low Blows which will go a long way to determining each team’s playoff posture. 

  6.  Team Irony—Hard fought but tough loss to Housecats.  Irony doesn’t fall too far because of the close game and their record is now even with much of the middle of the pack.  This week against San Dimas could be huge for Team Irony’s confidence.  This matchup comes at a rough time where Irony is scratching for playoff position. 

  7.  Low Blows—Don’t take it too hard Low Blows.  San Dimas beats on everyone.  You’ll need more than 50 points to beat the Holes this week, but win that game and you’re right back in the playoff picture. 

  8.  Green Devils—What a season of ups and downs.  Started out so well, this team just can’t seem to get off the ground.  Maybe the Devils can get well against the surging Housecats.  It’s unfortunate that Rex Grossman is starting to play like Rex Grossman again. 

  9.  Pink Zebras—What have you done!?!  You were my upset pick last week and you flopped.  Now it’s the Dolphins this week.  Oh football gods, why dost thou torture the Zebras of Pink!  Ok.  I have a question.  Which part of the zebra is pink?  Is it the black stripe, the white stripe, or is the whole zebra different shades of pink?  I prefer the last option, personally.

  10.  Cheesy Cows—Woohoo!!!  Dominating performance!  Does it match a new arrival?  I’m not sure.  No one tells me anything.  Fantastic win that demonstrates the Cows are capable of points.  This week’s matchup with Musclehead (rawr) could be fun to watch, if only they’d let us. 

  11.  Team Musclehead—Muscleheads, you deserve to be last.  You really do.  Started out 3-1 and have lost 5 big ones in a row.  Laid in egg against Deception, which is fine; they’ve beaten a lot of teams this year, but a favorable matchup this week against Teh Cows (rawr) could be interesting. 

  12.  Saikyo Sensations—The only reason Saikyo is in this spot and Musclehead is not is because Saikyo plays Deception this week.  Musclehead has presumably an even match against the Cheesy Cows.  Oh Mr. Feet of Chicken, what goes on in those weekly coaches’ meetings?  Are there fistfights? 

  • Posted Nov 7, 2006 7:09 am PT
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• 31Oct 06

  Power Rankings: Week OMG!

  1. San Dimas High. I know San Dimas Management is mad at me. They have to be. After taking a hiatus from writing the power rankings, and not giving them due respect even when I was producing the column, San Dimas finally has the top spot. Why not Team Deception? Because San Dimas has reeled off 6 in a row and demolished Deception head to head a few weeks ago. Well deserved number one ranking.

  2. Team Deception. I admit it. I was wrong. I didn’t see a future for The Deceivers early in the year, but they have been workmanlike in taking down opponent after opponent.

  3. Killer Dolphins. The Dolphins seems to be a team of streaks. It seems they’re due for a loss, but if Management can get them warming into post season form they could be lining up for a deep run.

  4. Team Irony. Lose one, win two. Lose one, win two. That seems to be the cycle so far. If I were a betting man, Irony is due to win next week, and lose the week after. Let’s see if it holds.

  5. Low Blows. The reason Low Blows are below Team Irony is because they barely beat Pink Zebras last week. Granted there’s not a large swath of space between GreenDevils (who Irony beat) and the Zebras, but it was enough to drop them a rank.

  6. Glory Holes. Somehow the Holes have swallowed two opponents back to back. Truly an admirable feat, and with the Zebras this week it could be three in a row. The Holes are shameless.

  7. GreenDevils. Oh man was David Carr awful last week. The Green Devils seems to be i