Falcons 29, Cardinals 18

The Cardinals fell to the Falcons 29-18 today in Atlanta.  The Cardinals fall to 9-3 on the season.  Is it time to press the panic button?  The Cardinals have not looked good the last 2 weeks and their remaining schedule in brutal (Chiefs, Rams, Seahawks, 49ers).  On the bright side, they are still in first place, but you have to be concerned at this point.

Observations:

• No Palmer, No Fitzgerald, No Ellington, No offense.  
• The Cardinals went 10 quarters without scoring an offensive touchdown. 
• There really is a noticeable drop off from Carson Palmer to Drew Stanton. 
• Larry Fitzgerald's value to the Cardinals is very noticeable when he misses time. 
• The Cardinals really cannot afford to lose Andre Ellington to injury.  
• Rashad Johnson has really developed into a nice defensive back.  
• David Zastudil is very much missed by the Cardinals this year.  
• So much for that much vaunted Cardinals secondary.  
• Total Plays:  Falcons 76, Cardinals 50
• Total Yards:  Falcons 500, Cardinals 329
• Time of Possession:  Falcons 37:03, Cardinals 22:57
• Turnovers:  Cardinals 3, Falcons 1
• I'm interested to see what Michael Bush can bring to the Cardinals offense.  
• Wasn't this suppose to be Michael Floyd's breakout season?   
• I liked Mike Smith decision to go for the TD on 4th down early in the game.
• Julio Jones definitely had the better of Patrick Peterson today. 
• You know things are going bad when the Cardinals give up a 100 yard rusher. 
• How did the officals miss that out of bounds call on Julio Jones?  
• What was with the horrible punt coverage on Devin Hester of all people.  
• Where did Harry Douglas come from?  
• Up next?  Kansas City Chiefs @ University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale. 

Vikings 31, Panthers 13

The Vikings knocked off the Panther 31-13 today in Minneapolis.  The Vikings improve to 5-7 on the season.  Today was a prime example of why they shouldn't put a roof on their new stadium, the Panthers looked like they wanted no part of that cold weather in Minneapolis, that's a huge advantage.  Anyways, it was a nice win today for the Vikings, they continue to make progress under Mike Zimmer.

Observations:

• 2 blocked punts returned for TD's for the Vikings, you don't see that often. 
• Teddy Bridgewater continues to show progress. Deep ball still an issue though.
• Xavier Rhodes has come a long way since the beginning of the season. 
• 2 sacks & a fumble return for a TD for Everson Griffen.  
• Today was probably Chad Greenwood's best game of the season. 
• Don't write off Greg Jennings just yet, he's got some life in him.  
• Having a healthy Kyle Rudolph really helps the Vikings offense.  
• Blair Walsh seems to be proving that he can kick outside too. 
• Time of Possession:  Panthers 35:48, Vikings 24:12
• First Downs:  Panthers 23, Vikings 12
• Total Yards:  Panthers 348, Vikings 210
• Ben Tate looked like he has some life left in him.  
• Mike Harris seemed to struggle replacing Phil Loadholt.  
• Charles Johnson continues to show some promise at WR for the Vikings. 
• A cold day like today would have been a nice time to have Adrian Peterson.  
• Cordarrelle Patterson appears to be in the dog house.  
• Like him or not, but the Vikings special teams play well under Mike Priefer.  
• Luke Kuechly is good at football, the Vikings could use him. 
• Kelvin Benjamin is a promising looking young WR for the Panthers.  
• I'm guessing that Cam Newton hasn't progressed as much as the Panthers had hoped. 
• Up next?  New York Jets @ TCF Bank Stadium next Sunday. 

Wisconsin 34, Minnesota 24

The Gophers fell to the Badgers 34-24 today in Madison.  The Gophers finish their regular season with a 8-4 record. The Gophers offense was just way too one dimensional today, once the Badgers took away their running game, they really had no chance.  8 wins is quite the accomplishment though, they continue to show improvement every year under Jerry Kill.  To take that next leap though, they will need to find a way to improve their passing game.  It was a good effort, they played hard, but in the end I do think that the better team won.

Observations:

• Minnesota was up 17-3, then were outscored 31-7 the rest of the way. 
• There were a lot of questionable calls that went against the Gophers today. 
• There is no holding Gopher RB David Cobb back!  118 yards rushing. 
• Why did it take so long to get Maxx Williams involved?  
• That horrible hands to the face call on Tommy Olson probably cost the Gophers 4 points. 
• I'm not quite sure why the Gophers punted down 2 scores late in the game.  
• Total Yards:  Wisconsin 450, Minnesota 272
• Passing Yards:  Wisconsin 215, Minnesota 95 
• Mitch Leidner runs the ball so much better than he throws it.  
• That fumble by David Cobb resulted in a six point swing to close the first half.  
• The lack of a Gophers pass rush gave Joel Stave way too much time to throw.  
• The Gophers defense continued to struggle on 3rd and long. 
• Peter Mortell averaged 51 yards per punt on 7 punts.  All Big Ten?  
• Today was the first time that Jerry Kill had lost at Minnesota when leading at halfime.
• Are there 2 bigger kickers in the country than Rafael Gaglianone & Ryan Santoso? 
• Wisconsin WR Alex Erickson really killed the Gophers today.   
• These B1G running backs are just unbelievable!  David Cobb included. 
• I got nervous everytime that Melvin Gordon touched the football.  Heisman? 
• The Badgers will be in good hands when Corey Clement takes over for Gordan next year.
• On the bright side, the Gophers did beat the spread. 
• The Paul Bunyan Axe stays in Madison for at least one more year.  
• Up next?   Bowl game, time and place yet TBD. 

Star Wars The Force Awakens Teaser

The geeks were excited yesterday!

Arizona 42, Arizona State 35

The Sun Devils fell to Arizona 42-35 today in Tucson.  The Sun Devils finish their regular season with a 9-3 record.  They had their chances in this one, they just made too many costly mistakes.  What really hurts too is that Stanford trounced UCLA and the winner of this game won the PAC12 South.  Arizona will now take on Oregon next Friday for the PAC12 title.  You can't be unhappy with the season from a Sun Devils perspective though, it was a rebuilding year for them, they lost a lot from last years team and they are a pretty young, inexperience team, yet they still won 9 games, their future looks bright.

Observations:  

• That goal line stand by Arizona was a real killer for the Sun Devils.  
• Taylor Kelly hasn't really looked the same since he returned from his foot injury. 
• Mike Bercovici provided a nice spark, that interception really hurt though.
• D.J. Foster doesn't look as explosive as he did earlier in the season. 
• Demario Richard may just be the best 17 year old college football player in the nation.
• Not having Jordan Simone on the field didn't help Arizona State's cause. 
• Arizona State's short yardage rushing offense really needs work.  
• Those 2 fumble return touchdowns evened themselves out didn't they? 
• I have a feeling that Jaelen Strong will not be playing in next years Territorial Cup.
• The Sun Devils really need Laiu Moeakiola on the field.  
• I don't think that I've ever seen a better pooch punter than Taylor Kelly.
• Had Arizona State scored late, they were set to go for a 2 point conversion!
• There was a total of 24 tackles for loss in this game, that's amazing. 
• Rich Rodriguez has done a really nice job at the University of Arizona. 
• I didn't realize that there was animosity between Rich Rodrigues & Todd Graham. 
• Anu Solomon is a pretty good QB for a freshman, Arizona is in good hands moving forward.
• Nick Wilson had a heckuva game running the ball for Arizona. 
• Not only does he have a great name, but Scooby Wright is really good at football. 
• The Territorial Cup returns to the University of Arizona. What a great rivalry.  
• Up next?   Bowl game, time and place TBD.  

Lewis Black on Black Friday

Funny stuff!

The Daily Show

POTpourri

• President Obama signs Immigration Executive Order. 
• Yet another report clears the Obama administration on Benghazi.
• You can make a strong case that John Boehner is the Worst Speaker Ever. 
• Things are not looking good for Bill Cosby. 
• "Better Call Saul" set for February 8 debut on AMC.
• Adrian Peterson suspended for remainder of season.
• No indictment in Ferguson.  Was the fix in? 
• Darren Wilson's story has hole's in it.  Dorian Johnson's testimony seems more credible. 
• Jim Webb forms 2016 Presidential exploratory committee. 
• RIP Mike Nichols, Pat Quinn, Victor Tikhonov, Murray Oliver, Phil Hughes & Marion Barry.
• Baseball America released their list of the Twins Top 10 Prospects for 2015.
• What happened to the three day work week? 
• No GOP women selected to head any congressional committees. 
• If you can handle the cold weather, Minneapolis is a great city! 
• Why do we allow global corporations to buy our elections?  
• Nathan the Bloodhound wins Best in Show at 2014 National Dog Show.
• It's long past time to put the environment over the economy. 
• I like the Twins addition of Eddie Guardado to their coaching staff. 
• Why are Republicans suddenly opposed to Executive Orders? 
• Have I mentioned how much I enjoy Twin Peaks Restaurants? 
• Why don't journalists cover local elections?  
• A vote for a Republican, is a vote against the Middle Class.  
• You can find the American Music Awards winners list here. 
• Is it just me or is that Xerox commercial spokewoman hot! 
• Are you familiar with college football's new "$5 Bits of a Broken Chair" Trophy?

More Hot A$$ Women

TPSG Top 10 Movies of 1987

Continuing with my look at the best movies of years gone by.

Top 10 Movies of 1987:

1. Full Metal Jacket - Matthew Modine, Adam Baldwin
2. The Princess Bride - Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin
3. Lethal Weapon - Mel Gibson, Danny Glover
4. Less Than Zero - Andrew McCarthy, Robert Downey Jr, 
5. No Way Out - Kevin Costner, Sean Young. 
6. Good Morning, Vietnam - Robin Williams, Forest Whitaker
7. Wall Street - Charlie Sheen, Michael Douglas
8. Fatal Attraction - Michael Douglas, Glenn Close
9. Raising Arizona - Nicholas Cage, Holly Hunter
10. House of Games - Lindsay Crouse, Joe Mantegna

Look at that list, 1987 was a great year for movies!  Stanley Kubrick made a masterpiece in "Full Metal Jacket", the brutality of war really sticks with you after watching this one, the performances of R Lee Ermey & Vincent D'Onofrio were also truly unforgettable.  "The Princess Bride" is hilarious and the cast is great, it's a film a whole family can enjoy, I loved it.  Back when he was sane, Mel Gibson made some very entertaining movies, "Lethal Weapon" being one of them.  "Less Than Zero" is one of those rare movies that will stick with you for awhile.  I'm still shocked by the ending of "No Way Out".  "Good Morning Vietnam" was the perfect movie to fit Robin Williams talents.  Gordon Gekko is one of cinema's great characters, he and Charlie Sheen are fantastic in "Wall Street".  Married men everywhere had nightmares after watching "Fatal Attraction".  "Raising Arizona" was one of the Coen Brothers early gems.  If you like twists and turns, you'll love "House of Games".

Odell Beckham Jr.

Nice catch Odell Beckham Jr!!!

Seahawks 19, Cardinals 3

The Cardinals fell for only the second time this season, 19-3 today against the Seahawks in Seattle.  The Cardinals fall to 9-2 on the season.  The Cardinals still hold onto the number 1 seed in the NFC though.  It was clearly the Cardinals worst performance of the season, they struggled in all facets of the game today.  It was bound to happen though, hopefully they can right the ship and get back on track next week.  The Cardinals do still control their own destiny.  Shake it off Cards!

Observations:

• Drew Stanton really struggled, that has to be concerning.
• The Cardinals defense was really bringing the heat. 
• Calais Campbell had better make the Pro Bowl this season.  
• The Cardinals offense hasn't scored a touchdown now in 7 quarters. 
• The Cardinals really need to get their rushing game on track. 
• It sounded really loud in Seattle, that's a tough environment to play in.
• That dropped touchdown pass from Jaron Brown really hurt. 
• The Cardinals don't usually lose when they give up less than 20 points. 
• Having 10 players on the field for that Seahawks blocked punt is inexcusable. 
• The Seahawks didn't look ready to cede their title. 
• Time of Possession:  Seahawks 35:27, Cardinals 24:33
• Can it really surprise anyone anymore when the Cardinals block a kick?  
• WR John Brown continued to impress for the Cardinals. 
• Was that a Kevin Minter sighting?  I haven't really noticed him before. 
• That may have been Bobby Massie's worst game of the season. 
• Josh Mauro is looking like a nice mid-season pick up. 
• It was nice to finally see Jonathan Cooper back on the field. 
• Can't the Cardinals find a better option at punter than Drew Butler?  
• Not having Larry Fitzgerald on the field really hurt the Cardinals offense. 
• I was hoping for more out of Michael Floyd with Larry Fitzgerald shelved. 
• Russell Wilson is just so good at scrambling and extending plays
• No fourth quarter rally this week out of the Cardinals. 
• Seahawks DB Earl Thomas is a heckuva football player.  
• Up next?  @ Atlanta Falcons next Sunday.  

Packers 24, Vikings 21

The Vikings fell to the Packers 24-21 today in Minneapolis.  The Vikings fall to 4-7 on the season.  The Vikings just couldn't get a big stop when they needed one and their offense continued to slug along.  They really need some playmakers on both sides of the ball.  At least it was a much more competitive game than that shellacking the Vikings took back in early October.  Despite their record, you can see some clear progress being made, it's just going to take awhile to get there.

Observations:

• Teddy Bridgewater is slowly improving, accuracy is still an issue though.
• Why not try some no huddle offense with Bridgewater?  Less thinking, more reacting. 
• I thought that the Vikings should have tried an onside kick late in the game. 
• Shouldn't Adrian Peterson really be back on the field already?  
• It was nice to see Joe Banyard get some playing time.  
• Hate to say it, but it's all about developing young guys at this point.
• I wouldn't mind seeing Audie Cole getting some of Jasper Brinkley's snaps. 
• Xavier Rhodes continues to improve, he did a nice job on Jordy Nelson. 
• Charles Johnson is showing some promise at WR for the Vikings. 
• On the bright side, the Vikings defense looks competent again. 
• That Bridgewater interception in the 2nd quarter was a killer. 
• Eddie Lacey is a load of a running back to bring down.  
• No Sharrif Floyd today for the Vikings.  He has played well this season. 
• How do you let Aaron Rodgers scramble for 18 yards on 3rd and long? 
• Hopefully, Phil Loadholt doesn't miss extended time.  
• Is there a quarterback playing better than Aaron Rodgers right now? 
• I kind of wish the Vikings weren't putting a dome on their new stadium. 
• Viking draft needs?   OL, WR, RB, DB, CB, LB
• You've got to love the Gjallarhorn.  Props to Sgt Thomas Block too. 
• Up next?  Carolina Panthers next Sunday at TCF Bank Stadium. 

Gabriella Lenzi

She's gorgeous, she needs more PR!

Arizona State 52, Washington State 31

The Sun Devils knocked off Washington State 52-31 today at Sun Devil Stadium.  Arizona State improves to 9-2 on the season.  They are still in the running for the PAC12 South Championship, they will need a bit of help though.  Arizona State started out real slow in this one but once they started rolling they looked unstoppable.  It helped that Washington State kept shooting themselves in the foot too.  The Territorial Cup on Friday looms large for both ASU and the UA!

Observations:

• After trailing 21-7, ASU outscored WSU 45-10.  
• That slow start from the Sun Devils offense had me worried. 
• What can't D.J. Foster do?  Great talent! 
• Taylor Kelly looks to be back in form.
• Arizona State has been deadly in the red zone this season. 
• Mike Leach really likes to throw the football. 
• Arizona State does a real nice job of turning turnovers into points.
• Total Yards:  Washington State 622, Arizona State 330
• Rushing Yards:  Arizona State 98, Washington State 21
• Passing Yards:  Washington State 601, Arizona State 232
• Turnovers:  Washington State 5, Arizona State 0
• Not having Jaelen Strong playing didn't help ASU today.  
• Cameron Smith really stepped up his game today.
• Did the early start time effect the Sun Devils??  
• Arizona State needs to keep Jordan Simone healthy and on the field. 
• Marcus Hardison was in beast mode today.
• Zane Gonzales just continues to roll.  
• Matt Haack is quietly having a nice season as punter for Arizona State.
• Luke Falk is really flying under the radar.  Nice player. 
• Screw you PAC12 Network!  Get a deal already! 
• Up next?  @ Arizona this coming Friday!  

Minnesota 28, Nebraska 24

The Gophers went into Lincoln today and knocked off Nebraska 28-24.  The Gophers improve to 8-3 on the season.  I cannot recall a bigger win for this program in recent memory.  They were trailing 21-7 at the half, on the road, against a quality opponent, with their best player on the bench and they never quit, remarkable.  The Gophers are now just one upset win away from the Big Ten Championship game!  Now get that Axe!  Go Gophers!

Observations:

• These slow starts by the Gophers are maddening. 
• The game plan was obviously to run Mitch Leidner today. 
• David Cobb is a really good running back.  
• Hopefully, David Cobb's injury is not serious. 
• Props to Jerry Kill on that 4th down touchdown call. 
• Briean Boddy-Calhoun makes yet another big play! 
• Steven Richardson Jr was clearly held on that long pass to Kenny Bell. 
• Mitch Leidner is really good on those short yardage keepers.   
• The Gophers third down defense still needs a lot of work. 
• Second Half Score:  Minnesota 21, Nebraska 3
• This is the type of game I would have liked to have seen some Chris Streveler. 
• That return of the blocked field goal for a touchdown by Nebraska hurt.
• Athletic quarterbacks really give the Gophers problems. 
• I really like the Gophers running back depth.  
• It was not Cameron Botticelli's best game as a Gopher. 
• The Gophers offensive line did a nice job today. 
• Miles Thomas continues to impress at fullback.  
• The officiating did the Gophers no favors today.  Just saying. 
• The Gophers were giving Nebraska way too much time to throw the ball. 
• Healthwise, Nebraska took a beating in this game.  
• Up next?  @ Wisconsin next Saturday. 

Ronald Reagan on Immigration

Explain this one GOP!



More here.

Obama/Democratic Agenda

My thoughts on the next 2 years for President Obama & the Democratic Party?

• Elections do have consequences, just like the 2 elections that elected Barack Obama as President, the people put him in power and he needs to exercise his power, whether that's through more executive actions, or through his veto power.  
• I was not a fan of the filibuster when the Republicans used it and I would not be a fan of the filibuster if used by the Democrats.  The Democrats needs to show America how congress is suppose to act and it's not by being a sore loser and blocking and obstructing anything and everything.  If you don't like a bill, just vote 'nay' on it and hope the President uses his veto power.  If the bill has broad bipartisan support and a veto can be overridden it's probably not a bad thing, let it pass and move on.  
• Do not cave in on your principles to appease the Republicans, it's a mistake, it was a mistake for Bill Clinton, it would be a mistake for Barack Obama.  Things like immigration reform and the Keystone Pipeline come to mind. 
• Hillary Clinton needs a Democratic opponent to run against her in the 2016 primary to keep her from moving too far to the middle.  The more populist that opponent the better.  In my opinion making inequality the driving force for 2016 is the way to go.  
• Do not let the hawks on the right goad you into a bigger commitment in the Middle East. The ISIS problem needs to be dealt with by the Arab nations, not the U.S. otherwise it will be seen by many in the region as an illegitimate occupation and we will be right back where we started.  It's also long past time that region clean up their own radical Islamic problem anyways.  Go ahead and offer aid and air support, but no ground troops please! 
• Don't worry about polls, most people don't vote anyways, just stick with your principles.  It's not like President Obama is running for re-election.  
• Do not pass the Trans Pacific Partnership!  Have we learned nothing from NAFTA?  It's nothing but a gift to the 1% and a race to the bottom, that's the exact wrong direction for us to be moving.    

AZ Tidbits

• Metro Phoenix awarded 2017 NCAA Final Four. 
• John McCain is reportedly leaning towards a 2016 re-election bid. 
• Diamondbacks deal two prospects for starting pitcher Jeremy Hellickson.  
• Arizona State set to take their hockey program to NCAA Division 1.  
• Will Carson Palmer retire after his latest ACL injury? 
• Cardinals rookie WR John Brown makes the cover of Sports Illustrated.
• Did you read the Rolling Stone feature on Todd Graham?  
• Should Arizona move statewide elections to Presidential years? 
• 10 Ways Phoenicians Know It's Fall?  
• Is Arizona State University "Dumb and Dumber Too"? 
• Is Martha McSally perhaps jumping the gun a tad? 
• Cardinals extend Defensive Coordinator Todd Bowles for 3 more years. 
• Don't ever let anyone tell you that your vote doesn't count. 
• Are you familiar with Arizona's rich baseball tradition? 
• How the heck did Diane Douglass get elected as Superintendent of Public Instruction?
• Salt River Rafters win the 2014 Arizona Fall League title. 
• Is it time for Arizona to move to an all Vote By Mail system? 
• Arizona's unauthorized immigrant numbers are falling. 
• Baseball America released their list of the Top 10 Arizona Fall League Prospects.
• Does Scottsdale rival Las Vegas for a weekend getaway?  

Porn Stars Explain Net Neutrality

Are you listening Ted Cruz?



Or perhaps Al Franken can do a better job or explaining?

POTpourri

• Weed was more popular than many candidates this past election.
• Do we really need more evidence that the fossil fuel industry owns the GOP? 
• Mike Trout & Clayton Kershaw win AL & NL MVP Awards.  
• I've often wondered which states produce the most NBA Players?  
• Can we just give Melvin Gordon the Heisman Trophy right now?
• New study finds that more guns equal more crime.  Isn't that be common sense?
• Earth has warmest October on record.  It doesn't take a scientist to see that. 
• RIP Diem Brown & Glen A Larson.
• Do Republicans oppose Net Neutrality simply because Democrats favor it? 
• Clayton Kershaw & Corey Kluber win 2014 NL & AL Cy Young Awards.  
• This past midterm election had the lowest voter turnout in 72 years. 
• There are plenty of ways to address Income Inequality if we really wanted to.
• The NFL's race to Los Angeles is heating up.  
• "Blackfish" has not been good to SeaWorld's bottom line. 
• Jose Abreu & Jacob deGrom win 2014 AL & NL Rookie of the Year Awards. 
• I did not realize that Club Paradise in Las Vegas was closed.  
• 2014:  The Year of No Ideas by the least productive congress ever. 
• The Minnesota Twins unveil new uniforms for 2015.  
• How confident are you in those electronic voting machines?  
• Matt Williams & Buck Showalter named NL & AL Managers of the Year.
• Have you seen Kim Kardashian's moneymaker all oiled up and ready for action? 
• Did the murder of 43 students push Mexico past the tipping point? 
• Rosetta Spacecraft Philae lands on comet. 
• I cannot imagine that Doritos flavored Mountain Dew gets a green light. 
• Don't overdue it on the weed kids, there may be some long term implications. 
• Kevin Harvick wins his first NASCAR Championship. 

You Didn't Build It!

Why can't anyone articulate this as well as Elizabeth Warren?



Well, except for George Lakoff of course.  Get it right Dems, it's a winner!

Cardinals 14, Lions 6

The Cardinals defeated the Lions 14-6 today at the University of Phoenix Stadium.  The Cardinals improved to an NFL best 9-1 record on the season.  They now have a 3 game lead in the NFC West with just six games to go.  What a season they are having, even a quarterback change can't slow them down. The remaining schedule is pretty brutal, I think we are about to find out just how good this team is.  Nice win Cardinals!!!

Observations:

• Welcome back Michael Floyd!  2 touchdown receptions! 
• The Cardinals have now won six games in a row.  
• Drew Stanton is now 3-1 as a starting NFL quarterback!
• The Cardinals never trailed in this one. 
• Who the heck is Robert Hughes?  I think I like him.  
• Was that Deone Bucannon's best game as a Cardinal?  
• The Cardinals did a nice job of slowing down Calvin Johnson. 
• Drew Stanton has got a nice arm, he can make all the throws. 
• The Cardinals only averages 1.8 yards per rush, that has got to get better. 
• First Downs:  Cardinals 18, Lions 11
• Total Yards:  Cardinals 352, Lions 262
• 2 sacks for Alex Okafor!  He is stepping up his game.
• The Lions defense really stepped it up after the first quarter. 
• Golden Tate was a nice pick up for the Lions. 
• 9 penalties for 80 yards on the Lions. Weren't they suppose to be more disciplined?
• Frostee Rucker is a very under the radar player for the Cardinals. 
• The Cardinals have really dominated teams outside of the NFC West lately.
• Great challenge by Bruce Arians on that Jeremy Ross punt return. 
• Why did they put a retractable roof on the University of Phoenix Stadium again? 
• Up next?  @ Seattle next Sunday to take on the Seahawks.