In memoriam - 2010

Potpourri

• 49ers fire Mike Singletary. 
• I quite enjoy Candace Swanepoel in Christmas garb.
• HitFix rates the Worst 10 movies of 2010. 
• RIP Teena Marie.
• Sarah Palin's favorability ratings are not too hot in Alaska.
• NFL Pro-Bowl rosters announced.
• Brett Favre fined, not suspended, for sexting his penis. 
• Chuck Liddell retires, it's about time.
• Elisabetta Canalis in a bikini again, no complaints here.
• Say a prayer for Harmon Killebrew.
  

The Pacific

I just finished watching "The Pacific" on DVD.  What another great mini-series from HBO, I'd rate it maybe a bit below "Band of Brothers" but right up there with "Generation Kill".  I highly recommend all 3 series, they all give a good perspective on some very historic military actions.  I hope they keep on making similar series going forward, they've still got WWI, Korea, Viet Nam and Afghanistan to cover if they so choose.  Well done HBO.

Random Hot Girl Dancing

Vikings 24, Eagles 14

WTF?  The 14 point underdog Minnesota Vikings knocked off the Philadelphia Eagles 24-14 tonight, I wasn't expecting that.  The Eagles just did not look like they showed up to play tonight, they looked lethargic from the get go, that can't happen in the NFL.  This win moves the Vikings to 6-9 on the year, as nice as the win was, a loss would have probably helped the Vikings out more long term (in that they'd get a higher draft pick).  Other observations?  1) This win could have sewn up the head coaching job for Leslie Frazier, he had them ready to play tonight, the stability of keeping mostly the same coaching staff together would probably give them a head start on next season (given how many coaches seem in line to be fired shortly and given what appears to be upcoming labor strife).  2) Joe Webb is a freak, he also looked pretty good tonight, I'm not ready to crown him the QB of the future quite yet, but I was impressed, he looked very poised, very athletic, he didn't turn the ball over, he has a chance to be a good one.  3) Antoine Winfield is without a doubt the best CB the Vikings have ever had, the guy is tough as nails, they need more like him.  4) Adrian Peterson had another nice game, they really need to get him locked up long term soon.  5) Next week, in Detroit to take on the Lions to close the season.

Lucky SOB's

Potpourri

• This just in, Emanuela De Paula is hot. 
• Snowball Gate is the epitome of everything that is wrong with this country. 
• RIP Bud Greenspan.
• Hugh Hefner engaged again.
• Newsweek Magazines Top 10 Movies of 2010. 
• Vikings vs Eagles snowed out, moved to Tuesday night. 
• Could the Vikings play outdoors in 2011?
• Check out the most intriguing Arizonans of 2010 here.
• Marisa Miller gets naked for skin cancer.
• Brandon Webb signs with the Texas Rangers.
  

Cardinals 27, Cowboys 26

Cards win 27-26 tonight on a late FG by Jay Feeley.  As hard as they tried to give it away (they were up 21-3 at one point), they somehow managed to pull it out.  They really got pretty lucky in this one though, they returned 2 INT's for TD and John Skelton hit Andre Roberts on a 74 yard TD after the CB fell down.  Outside of those 3 plays they for the most part weren't too impressive.  Other observations?  1) They probably would have been better off with a lose, the higher draft pick would have been more beneficial than a meaningless win.  2) Calais Campbell had another good game, I think he is set at DE for quite some time to come.  3) I'm still uncertain about John Skelton, he didn't make any glaring mistakes tonight and his game winning scoring drive was impressive but I honestly wasn't blown away either.  Still, he's a better long term option than Max Hall or Derek Anderson.  4) Andre Roberts had a decent game, he may push injury prone Early Doucet for playing time next year.  5) O'Brien Scofield looks like he may have a chance to be a decent DE/OLB also, I be interested to see him next year when he's completely healthy and has gone through a full off season of workouts.  6) The season wraps up next week in San Francisco against the 49ers, as much as I dislike the 49ers I wouldn't mind seeing them knock off the Cards in a close game (hey, the higher the draft pick the better right?). 

Merry Christmas and ......

Happy Festivus!

Best Christmas Movies

1. A Christmas Story - 1983 - Peter Billingsly
2. It's a Wonderful Life - 1946 - Jimmy Stewart
3. Christmas Vacation - 1989 - Chevy Chase
4. Elf - 2003 - Will Ferrell
5. A Christmas Carol - 1951 - Alistair Sim
6. Scrooged - 1988 - Bill Murray
7. Bad Santa - 2003 - Billy Bob Thornton
8. Home Alone - 1990 - Macaulay Culkin
9. The Santa Clause - 1994 - Tim Allen
10. The Polar Express - 2004

Potpourri

• 'Austerity' is name the 2010 Word of  the Year. 
• Count me as a fan of chicks with washboard abs.
• RIP Steve Landesberg.
• UConn women basketball team breaks consecutive wins record.
• Oregon's Chip Kelly named AP NCAA football Coach of the Year.
• Popeaters best Christmas movies of all time. 
• The hammer drops on the Ohio St University.
• Rex Ryan apparently has a bit of a foot fetish. 
• Barack Obama had a quite impressive lame duck session. 
• You've got to like the NHL Ice Girls. 
  

Megan Fox

Just because......

Tru Grit

The Coen brother's remake of 'True Grit' opens today, given the track record of the Coen brothers I'm guessing this will be a good movie.  Anyways, here's my list of the Top 10 Western movies:

1. Unforgiven - 1992  - Clint Eastwood
2. Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid - 1969 - Robert Redford & Paul Newman
3. The Outlaw Josey Wales - 1976 - Clint Eastwood
4. Pale Rider - 1985  - Clint Eastwood
5. Jeremiah Johnson -1972 - Robert Redford
6. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly - 1966 - Clint Eastwood
7. Dances With Wolves - 1990 - Kevin Costner
8. Tombstone - 1992 - Kurt Russell & Val Kilmer
9. 3:10 to Yuma - 2007 -  Russell Crow & Christian Bale
10. Wyatt Earp - 1994 - Kevin Costner

Black Swan

I really need to see "Black Swan" with Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis.

Bears 40, Vikings 14

It really is amazing how far the Vikings have fallen this year, they are just not a good football team, the Bears kicked them all over the field again tonight, 40-14.  It was a pretty disgusting performance, I saw very little effort out anyone in purple.  Other observations?   1) It was good to see the Vikings playing outside for the first time in 29 years, that was about the only good thing about the game.  It'll be interesting to see if they consider an outdoor stadium if/when they build a new stadium for the Vikings.  The positives would be that it would be much cheaper to build, the upkeep would be cheaper too (no heating or A/C required), the main negative being that it would only be used 10-15 times a year (a dome could be put to use year round).  2) It was a valiant effort on the part of Brett Favre to play today, but he should have just stayed on the sidelines, he has nothing to prove to anyone at this point.  3) The Vikings secondary is just horrendous, outside of Antoine Winfield, none of them has shown me anything, they really need an upgrade or 3 here.  4) The Vikings offensive line is also just horrendous, especially with Steve Hutchinson out with an injury (not to mention Anthony Herrera), they really need an upgrade or 2 here too.  5) Joe Webb is not the answer at QB, with his athletic ability they need to get him back to WR next year.  6) My feelings about bringing back Leslie Frazier as head coach are slowly eroding, I've seen almost no effort out of anybody the last 2 weeks, that's not a good sign.  Bill Cowher has said he's open to a return to coaching, Zygy Wilf needs to empty the vault to bring him to Minnesota.  7) Next week, in Philadelphia to take on the Eagles, bet the house on the Eagles.

Potpourri

• I miss "My Name is Earl", especially Nadine Velazquez.  
• Study finds FOX News viewers the most 'misinformed'.   
• Diamondbacks sign Xavier Nady & Henry Blanco. 
• Zack Greinke traded to the Brewers.
• Gilbert Arenas traded to the Magic.
• Roger Ebert names his 10 Best Movies of 2010.
• I love it when pictures of Megan Fox in a bikini hit the web!
• LA Times calls out FOX News on their biased news coverage.
• Lindsey Vonn named AP's 2010 Female Athlete of the Year.
• The 50 Greatest Minnesota Vikings of all time. 
  

Greatest Kick Return Ever....

Panthers 19, Cardinals 12

Another loss for the Cardinals, this time to the 1-12 Carolina Panthers, yes, they had won just 1 game this year.  I guess it's for the best though, the playoffs are out of the question (well not mathematically in the anemic NFC West, just realistically) and they are better off with a higher draft pick.  Weird how they can kick the Broncos all over the field last week then struggle against the hapless Panthers this week.  Other observations?  1) I liked some of the things I saw out of John Skelton at QB but nothing really made me think he is the clear future at QB either.  He seemed to struggle some when needing to get the ball down field, arm strength didn't seem to be the issue, just finding the open receiver and hitting him (I'm guessing experience and work with his receivers can solve some of that).  Still, I don't think he's ready just yet, finding a stop gap QB (Donovan McNabb?) may be required whether Skelton is their future QB or whether they draft someone this spring.   2) Some of the young defensive players are becoming more and more noticeable, Dan Williams & Darryl Washington specifically, I think they will just get better and better as time goes on.  3) Was Early Doucet hurt again?  Yikes, they need him healthy.  4) Next week, the Cowboys at home, the Cowboys have played much better since Jason Garrett took over, I'd put my money on them. 

Potpourri

• RIP Blake Edwards.
• Find PolitiFact's '2010 Lie of the Year' here. 
• Kyle Singler is the 2010 Sporting News College Athlete of the Year.
• Twins sign Tsuyoshi Nishioka.
• Candace Swanepoel is looking good. 
• Yao Ming out for the remainder of the season.  
• UMD wins NCAA Division II football championship.  
• UW-Whitewater wins NCAA Division III football championship.
• Mike Leach lands at Maryland?
• "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" repealed. 
  

Suns/Magic trade

Reportedly, the Suns have agreed to a 6 player trade with the Orlando Magic to bring Vince Carter to the Suns.  Coming to the Suns are Vince Carter, Marcin Gortat, Mickael Pietrus & a 2011 first round draft pick, going to the Magic are Hedu Turkoglu, Jason Richardson & Earl Clark.  At first glance, I like it, Turkoglu was never a good fit in Alvin Adam's offense, Richardson for Carter is basically a wash, Gortat gives them another big that they really need with Robin Lopez's history of injury, Pietrus is a solid veteran, Earl Clark never fit in and just may benefit from a fresh start someplace else, plus getting a number 1 draft pick is an added bonus.  The Suns were 12-13 so far this year, their roster is really flawed (from Robert Sarver playing GM), changes really needed to take place.  It wouldn't surprise me if they aren't done yet either, they seem a bit heavy at the wing positions, they could really use a true PF (Anthony Randolph?).  Anyways, as of now, the Suns depth chart will look like this:  PG-Steve Nash & Goran Dragic; OG-Vince Carter & Josh Childress; SF-Grant Hill, Jared Dudley & Mickael Pietrus; PF-Hakim Warrick & Gani Lawal; C-Robin Lopez, Marcin Gortat & Channing Frye (others=Earl Barron & Garret Siler).

Little Fockers....

....with Ben Stiller & Robert DeNiro opens 12/22/10.   I loved the first two movies in this series ("Meet the Parents" & "Meet the Fockers"), I fully expect that I'll enjoy this movie too.  Anyways, it got me thinking, what are the best Ben Stillers movies?  So here's my Top 10 list:

1. There's Something About Mary
2. Zoolander
3. Meet the Parents
4. Meet the Fockers
5. Tropic Thunder
6. The Heartbreak Kid
7. Flirting with Disaster
8. Dodgeball:  A True Underdog Story
9. Starsky & Hutch
10. Greenberg

Potpourri

• Mark Zuckerberg is Time Magazine's Person of the Year. 
• Golden Globe nominee's announced. 
• Is something finally going on to stop the taxi kickbacks in Vegas?
• Count me in favor of Pole Dancing becoming an Olympic sport.
• Roy Halladay is named Sporting News Pro Athlete of the Year.
• Nicole Scherzinger looks good in a bikini. 
• Matt Guerrier signs with the LA Dodgers.
• Jesse Crain signs with the Chicago White Sox. 
• RIP Bob Feller. 
• School Board shooting caught on tape. 
  

Conan O'Brien.....

......cracks me up!

Heather Vandeven ......

......is my December flavor of the month.  She's got a website too, check it out.

Potpourri

• Cam Newton wins the Heisman Trophy. 
• Florida hires Will Muschamp to replace Urban Meyer.
• Miami hires Al Golden to replace Randy Shannon. 
• Brett Favre's streak ends at 297. 
• Shocking news, John Travolta allegedly swings both ways. 
• RIP Richard Holbrooke. 
• Cliff Lee spurns the Yankee's and signs with the Phillies.  
• Adrianne Curry is fucking hot!!
• Big Ten reveals conference names. 
• John Boehner:  "Weeper of the house".
  

Giants 21, Vikings 3

I didn't get a chance to watch the Vikings game tonight, it wasn't on local TV, but from the sounds of it that's not such a bad thing because they apparently really stunk up the place in losing to the Giants 21-3.  It really shouldn't surprise anybody though, they played without Brett Favre, Percy Harvin, Steve Hutchinson & Ray Edwards.  This loss drops the Vikings to 5-8 on the season, they've got 3 games left, the best they could finish is now 8-8, that pretty much eliminates them from any chance at the playoffs (although they may still have a statistical shot). Other observations?  1) Tarvaris Jackson struggled, I'm not sure if that was due to having no line and being thin at WR or due to the fact that he's just not that good.   Either way, I don't think he's the long term answer at QB, he makes a solid back up though.  2) As mentioned above Percy Harvin missed another game due to his migraine problems, this is starting to become a problem, the guy has got unbelievable talent but he needs to be on the field not on the sidelines.  3) I'm guessing that this game certainly didn't do much to convince Vikings owners Zygy Wilf to keep Leslie Frazier around as head coach next year.  I still wouldn't be opposed to it though, unless they could somehow convince Bill Cowher to take the job that is.  4) Next week is the Bears on Monday night, in Minneapolis (maybe, depending upon how they resolve their issues at the Metrodome, sounds like they could also be playing at TCF Stadium on the University of Minnesota campus). 

Cardinals 43, Broncos 13

I'm  not quite sure what got into the Cardinals today, I haven't seen that team show up in quite some time, 43-13 Cardinals over the Broncos.  That win moves the Cardinals to 4-9 on the season, they've got 3 left, best case scenario would be 7-9, believe it or not they still have a statistical chance to win the NFC West, don't count on it though.  Other observations?   1) Gutsy call to have Jay Feeley run in a fake FG attempt for a TD, it was only the 4th time in the last 40 years that a kicker had run a fake field goal for a TD.  2) John Skelton started at QB and looked presentable, at least much more so than Derek Anderson and Max Hall have looked thus far this year.  I think he's got a future in the league, he's a big, strong kid with a cannon of an arm, I'm not sure if it's as a starter though.  3) Nice game for Tim Hightower, 148 yards on 18 carries plus 2 TD's, he averaged 8.2 yards per carry.  He needs to hold on to the ball though as he fumbled yet again.  4) The Broncos are bad, I didn't realize how bad until this week, but they've got lots of problems.  5) Next week they are in Carolina to take on the Panthers, the Panthers are 1-12 on the season, they are a bad football team, there's no reason the Cardinals can't win that game.  

Metrodome Collapses

Yikes!  Maybe now the Vikings will get their new stadium.

Potpourri

• There's no question that Tila Tequilla is nuts, also no question that she is hot!
• Twins deal JJ Hardy to the Orioles for a couple middling minor league relievers. 
• Carl Crawford signs with the Red Sox.  What happened to competitive balance?
• The 10 Most Overrated Things of the Decade.
• Senate rejects "Don't Ask, Don't Tell".
• Howard Stern signs new contract with SiriusXM. 
• Oprah proclaims "I am not even kind of a lesbian". 
• Jim Morrison pardoned of indecent exposure charges.
• Nothing like a December shot of Alessandra Ambrosio in a bikini. 
• More from nutcase Michelle Bachman. 
  

The Fighter....

......with Mark Wahlberg opens in theaters today.  I love boxing movies.  It got me to thinking, what are the best boxing movies?   Here's my Top 10 list: 

1. Rocky - Sylvester Stallone
2. Raging Bull - Robert DeNiro
3. Cinderella Man -Russell Crowe
4. Million Dollar Baby - Clint Eastwood
5. Rocky II - Sylvester Stallone
6. The Hurricane - Denzel Washington
7. Ali - Will Smith
8. Rocky Balboa - Sylvester Stallone
9. Play it to the Bone - Woody Harrelson, Antonio Bandaras
10. Rocky III - Sylvester Stallon, Mr T

Potpourri

• RIP Elizabeth Edwards.
• WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange arrested.
• Investigator recommends disbarment for Andrew Thomas.  I concur. 
• Tax cut deal reached.
• John Sickel's Top 20 Arizona Diamondback prospects for 2011.
• John Sickel's Top 20 Minnesota Twins prospects for 2011.
• Urban Meyer steps down at the University of Florida.
• Further proof that Michelle Bachman is a hypocritical nutcase. 
• It's already been 30 years since John Lennon was murdered.
• Have I mentioned that I'm a big fan of 'The Hi-Liter' in Phoenix?

Random Hot Girl Dancing

Ok, she's not really a random girl, it's Carmen from CamWithHer.

Potpourri

• BCS Championship game set, Auburn vs Oregon. 
• 2010-2011 Bowl match ups set.
• Diamondbacks trade Mark Reyonlds and acquire JJ Putz. 
• Padres trade Adrian Gonzales to the Red Sox. 
• Tax cut myths.
• Gisele Bundchen looks damn good in "V" Magazine.
• RIP "Dandy" Don Meridith. 
• Denver Broncos fire Josh McDaniel. 
• Aspirin found to reduce cancer deaths.
• Heisman Trophy finalists named.
  

Victoria's Secret 2010 Holiday Commerical

Very effective!

Rams 19, Cardinals 6

Oh how fast the Cardinals have fallen, they stunk it up yet again today in their 19-6 loss to the Rams.  This loss drops them to 3-9 on the season and pretty much eliminates any hope of them making the playoffs (even in a weak NFC West).  I'm not quite sure what to say that I haven't already said.   At this point a loss may just be the best thing for them so that they can get a higher draft pick (hello Andrew Luck or Ryan Mallett).  Other observations?  1) The QB play was just abysmal once again, it is by far the biggest factor in the teams horrid start.  Put Kurt Warner back on the team and I'm pretty sure they'd have a least another couple wins.  2) I'm much higher on the potential of John Skelton than Max Hall, if they are giving time to one of them it should be Skelton.  3) I don't care how many intangibles Max Hall has, he hasn't looked good at all, his arm is too weak, he's too small, he's too slow, I just don't see him as the future QB of this team.  4) They had better not bring Derek Anderson back next year, if they need a stop gap type QB to fill in while they develop a young guy there should be many better candidates than Derek Anderson out there (examples:  Charlie Batch, Kyle Orton, Byron Leftwich, Tarvaris Jackson, David Carr, Alex Smith, Shaun Hill)  5) The defense did play better today than it has played in quite some time, still, that's not saying much.  6)  Next week they've got the Broncos in Glendale, the Broncos are struggling this year too but I fully expect that they'll be able to beat the Cards. 

Vikings 38, Bills 14

The Vikings blasted the Bills 38-14 today at the Metrodome.  I was expecting a much more competitive game but the Bills flat out stink.  They did it with Brett Favre on the bench for most of the game too, he was injured on the second offensive play of the game.  This win moves the Vikings to 5-7 on the year, they've got 4 more games to go, best case scenario is still 9-7, they've still got a slim shot at a playoff spot but I wouldn't bet on it.  Other observations?  1) The Vikings are now 2-0 under Leslie Frazier, they seem like a much looser bunch, they are not playing quite some tight, at this point I'd be all in favor of Frazier getting the interim removed from his title, they may as well keep him and the coaching staff together (that includes Darrell Bevell as OC and Fred Pagac as DC).  2) I really wish they'd keep Favre on the bench for the last 4 games, they really need to take a good look at Tarvaris Jackson at QB so that they can decide if he is their future QB, he had his good and bad moments today, for the most part I was happy, he just needs to be a bit smarter with the ball and not try to force it in (he had 3 INT's, I wasn't really his fault, the other 2 were ill advised).  3) I really like the way the defense plays with Fred Pagac calling the defensive signals, he seems much more aggressive than Frazier was and it's working, at least to this point.  4) Adrian Peterson looked great once again, he did it on an injured ankle too, the guy is a stud.  5) Sidney Rice had a nice game, it is becoming more and more evident just how missed he was over the first half of the season when he was out with an injury.  6) Next week, the NY Giants at the Metrodome, that'll be a tougher one. 

University of Minnesota hires Jerry Kill

The University of Minnesota officially announced the hiring of Jerry Kill (from Northern Illinois) as their head football coach today.  He's not exactly my first choice, actually he's not even one of my first dozen choices, he is a solid, experienced football coach though.  I'm finding myself a little disappointed with this hire.  Expectations were set much higher, the implication from Athletic Director Joel Maturi was that they'd be able to get a big name coach, he even referenced a "Tubby Smith like hire", they also implied that they were willing to pay big time money to bring in a big time coach, they also implied that they needed to make a splash, to generate some excitement and buzz around the program.  Jerry Kill doesn't do any of that.  How do they hire him without even talking to somebody like Mike Leach who actively campaigned for the job and who would have created a great deal of excitement and buzz?  I can only assume that there was less interest in the position than Joel Maturi had anticipated and they wound up with the best they could find.  Now, all that being said, I'm willing to give him a chance, while he may not be the sexy hire, he has won everywhere he's been, he does run an offense that is entertaining to watch, he really is a good football coach, perhaps things will work out for him at Minnesota, and I love the name, it's very marketable. 

GOP Senators Reject Tax Cut Plan

The GOP apparently is willing to put the upper 2% above the bottom 98%.  Nice priorities. 

Bernie Sanders sums it up nicely:

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., called out Republicans for pushing tax breaks for the wealthy after "time and time again coming down to the floor of the Senate and saying, 'We have a huge deficit! We have a huge national debt!'

"And today what they want to do is drive that national debt up by $700 billion over the next ten years.

"Isn’t it enough for you that the top one percent earns more income than the bottom 50%?" Sanders said. "Isn’t it enough for you that in the last 25 years almost all new income has gone to the top one percent? Do you really think that the CEOs of Wall Street who will make hundreds of millions of dollars a year really need a tax break?"

"Let’s not give tax breaks to millionaires who in many ways have never had it so good," he said.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/12/04/politics/main7116715.shtml

Tom Harkins on Tax Cut debate

He makes some good points doesn't he?

Potpourri

• Will higher taxes on the wealthy really kill jobs?
• Grammy nominee's announced.
• Irina Shayk looking exceptional in GQ Spain. 
• Top 10 dates that lead to the bedroom.
• LeBron drops 38 on the Cavs in his return to Cleveland.
• Russia & Qatar to host 2018 & 2022 World Cups.
• NASA discovers new life form.
• Count me as a fan of Christie's Cabaret in Phoenix, AZ.
• Arizona State knocks off Arizona to win the Territorial Cup.
• RIP Ron Santo.
  

Ms TPSG on Conan

Potpourri

• Drew Brees named SI's Sportsman of the Year for 2010.  
• NBADraft.net is a great place to look for early 2011 NBA Mock Drafts. 
• The Black Eye Peas score Super Bowl halftime show. 
• I'm conflicted about Paris Hilton, sometimes she looks hot, other times not so much.
• TCU set to join the Big East.
• Ann Hathaway & James Franco to co-host the 2011 Academy Awards.  Huh?
• Jake & Taylor, Hollywoods new "it couple".
• Howard Fineman on GOP obstruction. 
• Dems to vote on middle class tax cuts.  
• The World's 10 best economically performing cities. 

Derek Anderson Meltdown

I always get a kick out of these meltdowns.

49ers 27, Cardinals 6

The Cardinals took another one on the chin last night losing 27-6 to the 49ers.  This loss drops them to 3-8 on the season, with 5 games left their best case scenario is 8-8, judging by their performance last night, that ain't happening, as a matter of fact they way they looked I don't see them winning again this year.  They just stunk up the place both offensively and defensively, it was tough to watch.  Other observations?   1) The defense is just horrendous, the 49ers manhandled the Cards DL.  2) Derek Anderson stinks, I don't want him back next year even in a back up role.  3) Hopefully, this will be a wake up call for coach Whisenhunt, I get the feeling that he was starting to think he could walk on water, this team was completely unprepared for this game.  4) Larry Fitzgerald isn't going to want to stick around unless they find him a decent QB, I hope they pull out all the stops to find somebody this off season (unlike last off season).  5) Darnell Dockett sure talks a good game, he signed his big contract before this season started and hasn't been seen since, he's been almost invisible on the field.  6) Next week, St Louis at home, I predict another loss.

Potpourri

• Tom Delay convicted of money laundering.
  
• Twins win negotiation rights to Japanese batting champ Tsuyoshi Nishioka.
• Coach K wins his 800th game at Duke.
• 'Baseball Americas' Top 10 Twins prospects.
• I'm not quite sure what to think of Taylor Swift's new look.
• Does ASU suddenly have a QB controversy.
• Why Sarah Palin's North Korea flub matters.  
• The 50 Best Butts in sport. 
• The idiots at Wikileaks.com are at it again. 
• Montreal Alouettes win second straight Grey Cup.
  

RIP Leslie Nielsen

RIP Leslie Nielsen. 

Vikings 17, Redskins 13

Vikings knock off Redskins 17-13 in Leslie Frazier's debut as head coach of the Vikings today.  It was a pretty underwhelming performance by both teams but I guess a road win is a road win (it was their first road win this season).  This victory moves the Vikings to 4-7 on the season, there's 5 games left, best case scenario is 9-7 on the season (that would lead to an outside chance at a Wildcard spot, don't bet on it though).  At this point they just may have been better off losing so that they could get a higher draft pick (and a chance to land either Andrew Luck or Ryan Mallet).  Other observation?  1) I really didn't see much difference from a Leslie Frazier coached team and a Brad Childress coached team (same defense, same predictable offense).  2) The Redskins are not that good, how they got 5 wins is beyond me.  3) Toby Gerhart looked good filling in for a banged up Adrian Peterson, he finished with 77 yards on 22 carries and scored 1 TD.  4) The Vikings really need to throw the ball down field more, way too many short passes, they need to keep the offenses honest with some deep throws.  5) Error free game by Favre, Viking win, coincidence?  6) Next week they have Buffalo at home, that's another game that they should win. 

Minnesota 27, Iowa 24

What a nice way to finish the season for the Gophers, knocking off arch rival Iowa 27-24 and taking back Floyd of Rosedale.  Jeff Horton did a very nice job as interim coach, leading the Gophers to 2 victories to end the season.  It just goes to show that there is some talent on this roster, they just need better coaching to bring it out.  The Gophers finish the year 3-9 (2-6 in the Big Ten), I don't think anybody saw that coming, hopefully next year will bring better things with a new coach.  Observations?   1) The Gophers were really hyped up for this one, much more so than Iowa, their sideline looked electric.  2) Good to see Adam Weber go out with a win, I can't say that I'll miss him though, I think he was actually holding them back much of his time at Minnesota.  From everything I've heard about him though, he was a great teammate and person.  2) MarQueis Gray looked very good running out of the Wildcat formation, I wouldn't mind seeing the new coach run some sort of version of the Spread or Pistol offense next season so that they can take advantage of some of his talents.  3) Gary Tinsley has really improved since the beginning of the season, he was all over the field.  4) Expect the coaching search to really heat up with most teams completing their seasons this weekend, I wouldn't be surprised if they have a new coach within the next couple weeks (if not sooner).  Most of the attention this past week has centered on 5 candidates (Brady Hoke-San Diego St, Al Golden-Temple, Randy Edsall-UConn, Troy Calhoun-Air Force & Dan Mullen-Mississippi St), all of them are quality candidates, none of them knock my socks off though.  Of those 5, I'd rate them Mullen, Golden, Hoke, Edsall, Calhoun.  Late steam seems to be centered on Hoke, I won't be shocked if he get's the job. 5) I'm guessing the new coach will bring his own assistants with him but if he did choose to keep some of the current Gophers assistants, I wouldn't be upset by it (specifically Jeff Horton, Steve Watson & Thomas Hammock).  6) Off to the basketball team for Bryant Allen.

Random Hot Girl Dancing

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!  I am thankful for Marisa Miller!!!
Is there really any doubt why she is Ms TPSG?  Beautiful, intelligent, loves football.

Potpourri

• I'm crushing on Addison Rose at the moment.  
• Joey Votto wins NL MVP award.  
• Justin Bieber & Rhiana are the big winners at the 2010 AMA's.
• Denise Milani knows how to wear a bikini.
• GOP not interested in governing. They'd rather sabotage the economy.
• Jennifer Grey wins 'Dancing With the Stars'.  
• Josh Hamilton wins AL MVP award. 
• My new favorite website is MyFreeCams.com
• North Korean leadership really is nuts.
• Corporate profits hit all time records, why are workers struggling?
  

Revised list of potenial Gopher Coaches

Since the Gophers didn't have a football game this past week I thought I'd give a revised list of potential new Gopher football coaches.  From the criteria that AD Joel Maturi has laid out (i.e. someone with head coaching experience at the collegiate level, someone who has been successful as a head coach at the collegiate level, someone who has built a program into a winner & someone without baggage) we can eliminate quite a few potential candidates.  Gone as candidates are NFL/Pro candidates (Mark Trestman, Leslie Frazier, Scott Linehan, Darrell Bevell, Jim Zorn, Denny Green), top collegiate assistants (Paul Chryst, Kirby Smith, Carl Pelini, Don Treadwell, Chuck Martin, Brent Venables, Luke Fickell, Gus Malzahn, Dana Holgorsen, Mike Markuson, Jim McElwain, Shawn Watson, etc), coaches with some baggage (Mike Leach, Mark Mangino, Dan McCarney, Jim Leavitt), guys who have all but eliminated themselves already (Tony Dungy, Jim Harbaugh, Mike Bellotti), finally I think a few others are also safe to eliminate just because it wouldn't make much sense for them to leave their current positions (Mark Richt, Kyle Whittingham & Gary Pinkel come to mind).  So check out the next page for my top 14, in my order of preference.

Lupe Fuentes

More Lupe Fuentes, just because.  Look at that ass!  Check out her site.

Vikings fire Brad Childress

After yesterdays dismal performance it came as no shock to me that Vikings fired head coach Brad Childress today.  They have underperformed all year, he had obviously lost the team.  Leslie Frazier takes over on an interim basis.  I was never a fan of Childress, IMO this isn't the first year they have underperformed, when he first took over the team they had won 10 games the previous year and he coached them to 6 wins.  I'd credit last years run to Brett Favre's great year more so than with Childress's coaching.  He's also made some really boneheaded moves (cutting Marcus Robinson on Christmas Eve, fining Troy Williamson for taking too long of a bereavement break, cutting Randy Moss without consulting anybody to name just a few), and don't get me started on his boring/predictable "kick ass" offense.  Hitching his wagon to Brett Favre in retrospect wasn't the greatest idea either (at least this year).  So I say good riddance.  I'm not sold on Leslie Frazier as a full time replacement either, the Vikings defense has also underperformed this year.  I guess he deserves a shot though, although if he doesn't get them playing better I'd like to see them go outside the organization.

Potpourri

• Colorado Rapids win the 2010 MLS Cup. 
• RIP Pat Burns.
• Diamondbacks acquire Juan Miranda from the Yankees.
• MILB.com names the Twins 2010 Organizational All Stars. 
• Gophers wins Puerto Rico Tip-Off Classic.
  
• Prince William is doing ok for himself, Kate is a hottie.
• David Ferreira of FC Dallas voted MLS MVP.
• Jimmie Johnson wins record 5th straight NASCAR Spint Cup title.
• RIP Rob Lytle.
• Alessandra Ambrosio looks mighty tasty in lingerie. 
  

Chiefs 31, Cardinals 13

The Cardinals lost their 5th straight game today, 31-13 to the Chiefs.  Oddly enough, it was not even as close as the score indicates, they Chiefs dominated this game from start to finish.  This loss drops the Cardinals to 3-7 on the season, just like the Vikings a playoff appearance appears very unlikely.  They just look like a bad football team as this point.  Other observations?   1) I sure would have liked to see what Matt Leinart could have done at QB for the Cards, Derek Anderson is clearly not the answer, he's got a cannon of arm but his accuracy is sorely lacking.  2) Is it too early to envision Andrew Luck at the helms next season?  3) Why aren't they pounding the rock?  What happened to the Steeler brand of football they were planning on using?  4) Todd Haley seems to have surpassed Ken Whisenhunt in at least one area, bringing in quality assistant coaches (specifically OC Charlie Wies and DC Romeo Crennel), it might be time for Whiz to bring in a legitimate OC and DC.  

Packers 31, Vikings 3

What a disaster this season has become for the Vikings.  The Packers completely dismantled them today, 31-3 at the Metrodome no less.  That drops the Vikings to 3-7 on the season, they've lost 4 of their last 5, they've got 6 more games to go, best case scenario is 9-7, I'm not sure if even that would qualify them for a Wildcard spot, it's not going to happen anyways, not the way they're playing.  Other observations?  1) Brad Childress has lost the team, he is obviously not well liked, his players aren't playing hard for him.  I would not be shocked if he is fired soon and Leslie Frazier takes over for next weeks game against the Redskins.  Seems to me that they've under performed for him since he got the job so I would not be opposed to that move.  2) Brett Favre continues to look old, he was missing receivers all over the place.  It's certainly not only his fault, they are still really thin at WR and the OL has struggled all season.  It just may be time for him to take a seat so that they can further evaluate Tavaris Jackson and/or Joe Webb.  3)  They really, really miss Cedric Griffin at CB, Chris Cook and Asher Allen were toasted all afternoon by Aaron Rodgers and company.  4) Lots of sideline discord today, that's not a good sign.  5) It couldn't have been hard to see this coming, they made a deal with the devil to get Brett Favre in purple and it can clearly be seen that they are paying for it.  His lack of off season work with his teammates just set the completely wrong tone for this team.  They also became real old very quickly, they desperately need an infusion of youth.

Buffett on Tax Cuts for the Wealthy

"I think that people at the high end, people like myself, should be paying a lot more in taxes. We have it better than we've ever had it," he told ABC's Christiane Amanpour in a clip played on "This Week" on Sunday.  When Amanpour pointed to critics' claims that the very wealthy need tax cuts to spur business and capitalism, Buffett replied, "The rich are always going to say that, you know, 'Just give us more money, and we'll go out and spend more, and then it will all trickle down to the rest of you.' But that has not worked the last 10 years, and I hope the American public is catching on."

Potpourri

• Felix Hernandez wins AL Cy Young Award. 
• Time Magazine raises a good point, shouldn't the economy come before the deficit?
• Injury prone Greg Oden injured yet again, to miss the remainder of the NBA season.
• Natalie Portman in a thong is a sight to behold. 
• I can't get enough of Candace Swanepoel.
• More 2010 Victoria's Secret Fashion shows pictures, I just can't get enough.
• We need more Republican's like Bob Inglis not less.
• I do rather enjoy 'Sonny's Cabaret' in Chandler, AZ.
• Must see more Sophie Turner.
• Arizona State gives football coach Dennis Erickson a vote of confidence.
  

CJ Miles

Sexiest Asian girl on the web.  Check out her website.

Potpourri

• Roy Halladay wins the NL Cy Young Award.
• Salvatore Giunta awarded the Medal of Honor Award.
• Count me as a fan of 'Bourbon Street' in Phoenix.
• You've got to love the 'Homemaking Hotties'!
• Ron Gardenhire named AL Manager of the Year Award.
• Bud Black named NL Manager of the Year Award.
• The Beatles are now available on iTunes.
• This is an awkward handshake.
• Tony Parker cheated on this. 
• Time Magazine asks "Marriage, What's It Good For?"
  

Random Hot Girl Dancing

Potpourri

• Neftali Feliz wins the AL Rookie of the Year Award.
• Buster Posey wins the NL Rookie of the Year Award.
• Am I wrong to think Brooke Hogan looks good in a bikini?
• Bret Bielma is not making many friends.
• Anybody else with Yellow Fever?
• Prince William and Kate Middleton to tie the knot.
• Keep an eye out for Sofija Milosevic.  
• The State of Arizona really does need to reform it's pension system.
• Scarlett Johansson is GQ's Babe of the Year.
• More updates for Facebook.
  

Seahawks 36, Cardinals 18

The Cards lost their fourth straight game today, 38-16 to the Seahawks.  It's the first four game losing streak under head coach Ken Whisenhunt, I'm thinking he's losing some of his wonder boy luster.  They are just not a good football team, offensively or defensively.  I don't know what else to say, even in a weak conference, I don't see them being a threat the rest of the way.  They're in Kansas City next week to take on Todd Haley and the Chiefs, I'm honestly not expecting a win. 

Brianna Frost

Have I mentioned that I'm a big fan of Briana Frost?  Check out her website.

Bears 27, Vikings 13

A real lackluster performance today by the Vikings in their 27-13 loss to the Bears.  This loss drops them to 3-6 on the season, their chances at making the playoffs have dropped significantly, they'd probably have to run the table and the way they are playing I don't see that happening (they have 7 games left, if they win them all they'd finish 10-6).  4 more turnovers for Brett Favre (3 INT's, 1 fumble) doomed the Vikings, he's really not playing anywhere near last years level.  Granted, it didn't help Favre that he had no Sidney Rice, no Bernard Berrian, no Randy Moss to throw to, and a banged up Percy Harvin, it made their offense even more predictable than usual.  Defensively, they are really overrated, it still hasn't seemed to sink in to them that they cannot get a pass rush from their front four alone, they are just not getting to the QB, Cutler was picking them apart, they need to try something different, like an occasional blitz maybe?   The lack of a pass rush further magnifies their poor secondary, it 's just a vicious circle.  3rd downs are killing them too, offensively and defensively (they were 1-9 on 3rd down, the Bears were 11-19).  The special teams really failed them today too, that's usually not a problem, perhaps today they should have considered kicking away from Devin Hester.  To sum up?  A very disappointing effort today, I don't see Brad Childress coaching this team next year, they are much to talented to playing as poorly as they have and much of that needs to fall on Childress.  

Potpourri

• K-Love nets NBA's first 30/30 night in 28 years.
• RIP Andy Irons.
• I really enjoy The Hi-Liter in Phoenix. 
• Manny Pacquiao solidifies his claim as best pound for pound boxer.  
• Candace Swanepoel at the Victoria's Secret fashion show. 
• Myanmar releases Democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
• Arizona legalizes medicinal marijuana.
• I just can't get enough of Irina Shayk. 
• Wal-Mart offers free shipping for the holiday season.
• Not surprisingly, Sarah Palin's unfavorability ratings are quite high. 
  

Minnesota 38, Illinois 34

Nice road win today for the Gophers, 38-34 in Champaign.  That moves them to 2-9 on the season. It showed me a couple of things, 1) they still have some heart and pride, and  2) they do have some talent, they just need better coaching (and more experience) to bring it out.  1 game left, in 2 weeks, against Iowa.  Things have been really quiet on the coaching search front.  They've come out and said the following, 1) they want an experienced & successful NCAA head coach (which would rule out NFL coaches and top NCAA assistants), 2) they want someone who has actually built a winning program (not inherited one), and  3) they are willing to pay top dollars for the right candidate (in both money and years).  Given that criteria, I think you could make a case for Brady Hoke (San Diego St), Randy Edsall (UConn) or Al Golden (Temple).  I could live with any of those 3, I'm guessing none of those 3 will get the job though, time will tell.

Potpourri

• National League names Gold Glove winners. 
• Count me as a Kini Lee fan.
• Dave Meggett sentenced to 30 years in prison.
• Brad Childress not a player favorite in Minnesota. 
• Spearmint Rhino in Las Vegas is the pinnacle of strip clubs.
• Must see photos of the 2010 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.  More here.
• Brad Paisley wins the 2010 CMA Entertainer of the Year Award.
• You've got to like the "Thong of the Day"!
• What a mess of a cruise. 
• Cam Newton, the best QB a college can buy.
  

Serenity Now

Sometimes I just feel like yelling out "Serenity Now".

Ms TPSG

Here's why Marisa Miller is Ms TPSG!

Potpourri

• Jonathan Duhamel wins the 2010 World Series of Poker. 
• Cowboys fire Wade Phillips.
• Carmen Electra is still looking good.
• I really like Elizabeth Warren. 
• Conan O'Brien is back, on TBS!
• 'Travel & Leisure' says the most attractive people live here.
• American League Gold Glove winners named.
• Colorado fires Dan Hawkins.
• ESPN breaks up the Jon Miller & Joe Morgan duo. 
• Sara Jean Underwood still looking good!
  

More Eliana Franco!

Vikings 27, Cardinals 24

The Vikings pulled out a close one today, 27-24, over the Cardinals in OT.  I like both these teams so this was a fun one to watch, even though I now live in Arizona I grew up a Vikings fan so I was happy about the outcome. The Vikings trailed by 14 with less than 4 minutes to play and were somehow able to score 2 quick TD's to take the game into OT.   It really shouldn't have been that close though, the Vikings dominated most of the statistics, the Cards kept it close (or I guess I should say held the lead) due to a kickoff return for a TD and a fumble return for a TD, outside of those 2 plays it really was all Vikings.  Anyways, other observations?   1) Brett Favre had a nice game, he passed for a career high 446 yards, given how long he's played and with all that he's accomplished, I'm a bit surprised he's never throw for more than that.  2) Did anybody else notice the Bernard Berrian sighting?  He had a nice game, 9 catches for 89 yards, he really stepped up when they needed him to.  3) Greg Camarillo had a really nice game too, he averaged 12.3 yards on 7 punt returns, he also had 4 catches for 66 yards and his stripping the ball from Kerry Rhodes as he as going into the endzone for a TD was huge. 4) Adrian Peterson had another solid game (81 yards rushing on 15 carries, plus 4 catches for 63 yards). 5) It was nice to see the pass rush make an appearance, the Vikes had 6 sacks today, that matches their total for the season, it really made a difference.   6) Speaking of the pass rush, Jared Allen also finally showed up, he had 2.5 sacks.   7) In Chicago to face the first place Bears next week, that will be a huge game.  As for the Cardinals?  1) Derek Anderson, while not playing great, limited his mistakes, he is clearly the better option than Max Hall at this point.  2)  Joey Porter had a nice game, 2 sacks and 2 TFL, he seems to be heating up.  3) Not much else really stood out to me about their performance.  4) Next week they've got the Seahawks at home, they really need a W in that game.  

Potpourri

• Republicans win big in the mid-term elections.
• Republicans win big in Arizona elections. 
• Joe Paterno wins number 400.  
• RIP Jill Clayburgh.  
• Next for GOP leaders?  Stopping Palin. 
• Keith Olberman suspended by MSNBC. 
• RIP Sparky Anderson.  
• WSOP down to their final 2.  Duhamel vs Racener. 
• Jordana Brewster is looking good.
• Sure enough, the GOP is misreading the election results. 
  

Michigan St 31, Minnesota 8

Make it stop already, yet another loss for the Gophers, this time 31-8 to Michigan St, they are now 1-9 for the season.  I can't wait for the season to end so that they can start building for the future (yet again), 2 games left.  If there was any positive to take out of the game, it was that MarQueis Gray finally did get some PT in at QB, he looked a little rusty back there but overall I liked what I saw, he'd be a really good fit in a spread offense (if they move in that direction).   Otherwise, I saw no energy, no emotion, a lack of coaching, basically just a team going through the motions.   Next week, at Illinois.  Again, make it end already.  

Victoria's Secret Commercial

Count me as a fan!

Mid-Term Election Results

I must admit, I'm not real happy with the mid-term election results, but in all honesty they did not surprise me in the least, when times are tough changes are generally made (even if it is sometimes mis-directed change).   The GOP did an excellent job of sowing discontent and rallying their base, I give them credit.  They also did a good job of taking advantage of the recent Supreme Court decision allowing corporations to be treated as people and as such were able to raise record amounts of cash (much of which we have no way of tracing BTW), which they used to mislead the public on a number of issues (socialism, taxes, failed stimulus, failed TARP, health insurance, immigration, need I go on?).  I'm really not too concerned though, the Dems still control the Senate and they have the Presidents veto power in their back pocket, maybe this will be catalyst for congress to actually work together to get things done (I know, wishfuly thinking, why would politicians put the country ahead of their party). 

Potpourri

• The San Francisco Giants win the World Series. 
• Fergie looks pretty good in a bikini. 
• Would a Sharron Angle victory steer the Senate further left?  
• Speaking of Sharron Angle, she's no longer speaking to the media. 
• Ron Jaworski is not a big fan of Max Hall as a QB.
• At what point does Clarence Thomas's conflict of interest become an issue?
• Why more people don't use the Virgin Mobile cell phone service is beyond me.
• Some in GOP acknowledging that it's health care plan offers little new.
• RIP Maurice Lucas.
• It's official, Randy Quaid has gone off the deep end.

Vikings release Randy Moss

The Minnesota Vikings cut Randy Moss today only 4 games into his second tenure as a Viking.  Apparently coach Brad Childress didn't care much for his attitude, his work ethic or the comments he made after the Vikings loss to the Patriots yesterday.   This is just bizarre on so many levels.  It seems that Chilly has final say in the 53 man roster, he wanted no more to do with Moss, he decided to release him without consulting with the front office.  From the sounds of it the front office was not too pleased with this decision after giving up a 3rd round pick and a boatload of cash for him.  It also severely depletes the WR position once again (Percy Harvin is all beat up, Sidney Rice is not healthy yet), plus they now again don't have a deep threat, which will allow other teams to stack the line to stop Adrian Peterson.   From the sounds of it Percy Harvin was also not too happy with this move, with the added attention that Moss drew it really freed him up and he has really thrived the last few games with Moss lined up out wide.   It sounds like Chilly was just trying to regain control of the locker room, I'm thinking it's too late for that given the kid gloves used on Brett Favre.  Chilly is now squarely on the hot seat, a 2-5 start on a veteran laden team, off field issues with Favre and Moss, failure to consult with the front office before releasing Moss, I would not be shocked if he is shown the door as soon as they are eliminated from playoff contention (I'm sensing they don't want to lose Leslie Frazier like they lost out on Mike Tomlin, Bill Cowher is still out there also). 

Random Hot Girl

Buccaners 38, Cardinals 35

The Cards drop to 3-4 on the season with today's 38-35 loss to the Bucs.  The Cards hung tough, they had a chance to win, but Max Hall's 2 pick-6's were too much to overcome.  Other observations?  1) Derek Anderson threw a boneheaded INT late in the game when they are already in FG range, but otherwise played ok, he really should be the starter next week, Max Hall is clearly not ready.  2) They really need to cut down on the turnovers if they want to stay in playoff contention.  3) Steve Breaston was really missed when he was out injured, he had a nice game today (8 catches for 147 yeards).  4) Kerry Rhodes had another nice game (10 tackles).  5) Next week, the Vikings in Minneapolis, it's shaping up as a must win for both teams.

Patriots 28, Vikings 18

Another Sunday, another loss for the Vikings, this time 28-18 to the Patriots in Foxboro.  The Vikes drop to 2-5 for the season.  With 9 games left they're are looking at needing at a minimum of a 7-2 finish to make the playoffs.  That's doable but they need to play much better than they have been.  There just seems to be something missing this year, maybe they just got old and lazy, I don't know.  Other observations?   1) Would somebody send out an Amber Alert on Jared Allen already?  Yet again, no sacks for Allen, he's got 1 sack in 7 games.  Perhaps he needs the mullet back.  2) Speaking of sacks, Jared Allen isn't the only one with the lack of them, they've got only 6 all year, that's in 7 games, that is ridiculous, perhaps they need to try more than a 4 man rush on occasion.  3) The lack of a pass rush has also not helped their porous secondary much, you give a QB like Tom Brady to find an open receiver and he probably will.  Back to the secodary, Asher Allen continues to underwhelm with his play at CB, Madieu Williams didn't impress me much either at DB.  4) What happened to the OL?  Favre is getting the hell beat out him week in and week out, I realize that he's not as mobile as he used to be but much of the blame also needs to fall squarely on the play of the OL.  5) I'll give Favre some credit, he didn't play bad considering he has 2 fractures in his foot, still, that being said, I'm really not sure if he put the team first by playing today, he's not as young as he used to be, there's still a long season ahead, he's got a bum ankle and a sore elbow (and now a sore chin), a week off may have helped immensely.  6) Why are they not using Randy Moss more (1 catch for 8 yards today)?  Isn't that why they brought him in?  Find a way to get him the ball already.  7) The offense is just way too predictable, run, run, pass, run, run, pass, they need to do a better job of mixing things up.  8) Does Brad Childress start getting some heat?  This team is under performing big time with a veteran laden roster, the owners need a winning team to sell the public on a new stadium, they've got a coach in waiting in Leslie Frazier, it could get interesting.  9) They've got the struggling Cardinals next week in Minneapolis, it's really a must win (actually, a must win for both teams). 

Hypocrisy on the Stimulus

Good stuff.  Please think before you buy into the anti-stimulus hype.