The Press Release Presents... The List

The Best (and worst) In and Around SEC Football- 2008

~The Best Upset: Ole Miss over Florida. The Rebels became the only team to defeat the Gators in the regular season. Better yet, they did it in the Swamp by blocking an extra point kick.
Out of Conference Honorable Mention: Texas Tech over Texas over Lubbock. Graham Herrel threw the winning TD pass to Michael Crabtree in the final seconds of the game.
~The Best Rivalry Week Upset: Georgia Tech over UGA in Atlanta. Tech broke a 7 year losing streak in the Tech-UGA rivalry game. The game was one of three losses the needed to be wins for UGA to have a successful season. (Bama and Florida were the other two.)
Interconference Honorable Mention: Clemson over South Carolina
~Heartbreaker of the Season: Bama over LSU in Baton Rouge. LSU was unable to make good on their Nick Saban Vendetta. Rashad Johnson intercepted the would-be winning TC thrown by Jarrett Lee giving the Tide new hope. Bama won in overtime, clinching the SEC West, locking up their spot in the SEC championship against Florida.
Honorable Mention: UGA over Kentucky in Lexington
~Most Improved Team Since Last Year: Alabama
~Most Improved Team Over the Season: Arkansas
~Most Improved Quaterback Since Last Year: John Parker Wilson (Alabama)
~Most Improved QB Over the Season: Jevan Snead (Ole Miss)
~Up and Coming QB for 2009: Tie- Randall Cobb (Kentucky) and Jefferson (LSU)
Honorable Mention: McCelroy (Alabama)
~Miss 'em When He's in the NFL: Mathew Stafford (UGA)
~Most Meaningful Victory: Alabama over LSU
~Breakout Freshman of the Year: Julio Jones (Alabama)
~Most Troubled Team: Auburn
~Team Most Likely to Crumble Next Year: LSU
~Coach of the Year: Nick Saban (Bama)
Honorable Mention: Houston Nutt (Ole Miss)
~Best Play: Rashad Johnson's interception of LSU's would-be winning TD in overtime
Honorable Mention: Casey Dick's TD pass to give Arkansas the win over LSU in the final seconds.
~Most Disappointing Season: UGA
~Most Shocking Coaching Move: Tommy Tubberville 'resigning' from Auburn
~Team That Went the Most Unnotices: South Carolina
~Team Most Likely to Bounce Back in 2009: Tennessee
~Most Intense Matchup: Alabama vs. Florida
~Most Shocking Points: Bama 41-30 over UGA
Honorable Mention: Florida 56-6 over South Carolina
~Best 'Too Close for Comfort' Game: Bama over Kentucky 24-21

Defining a season, a team and a tradition

You know when you're down, you can't make sense of anything and can't find meaning. Your'e searching for light, wishing you could go back and do it again. You're sad ,mad, disappointed and frustrated?

Well, that in so many words, is how it feels to be heartbroken.

NO, I didn't just get dumped.

Nope, I'm broken-hearted because I am a Bama fan who watched our boys play three quarter of fantastic football, before losing the fourth quarter, and eventually, the SEC Championshp to Florida.

I am by no means am down on my team or disappointed in them. They have done more than anybody thought they could. They have defined a season, a team and a tradition.

They have had a perfect regular season, and showed the college football nation that Bama is back, and isn't going anywhere. We don't need Tebow and all his damn awards. We don't need Stafford, Moreno, Harvin, or any of those guys. We aren't superstars. No, we're nitty gritty. We don't win with style points. We are down and dirty, in your face. You don't hear too much hype about our 'star players' because we aren't about 'star players' and the glam it brings. We are not about John Parker Wilson, Glen Coffee, Terrence Cody and Javier Arenas. We are about THE OFFENSIVE LINE, THE DEFENSIVE LINE, THE SPECIAL TEAMS, THE TEAM AS A WHOLE!!! Think we're lacking? Yea, the only thing we're lacking is a loss in the regular season. We are 12-0. Hmmm 12 seems like a familiar number. Oh, that's because Bama has 12 national titles, more than any team in college football history, so put that in your prayers Tebow.

I am proud of these players, coaches and what they've done. This one loss, does not define their season, the resilience from last year, the 12-0 'building year' ... that defines the season.

Thank you, Crimson Tide, for defining your season, and your fans, your team and above all, your tradition.

"Time and the Tide wait for no man."

What I've learned Part Two

And now, another edition of "What I've learned from college football" Part Two: "What I've learned from being a Crimson Tide fan"

- You can be a gracious loser
- Defense wins (almost) all the time
- Georgia fans are the most arrogant, whiny fans in the SEC
- Beating 12 opponents of 12 opponents is not enough to make 'them' believe
- Often ,credit is NOT given where credit is due
- Nick Saban is worth every penny of $4 million a year
- Building is just slang for 'kicking your ass with freshman'

Tide Pride

A nation gathered as one today, that is the Crimson nation, to watch the most anticipated matchup of the season, and arguably the biggest game to ever be played in the Georgia Dome. By the time I sadly got into my car to go to work smack dab in the middle of the first quarter, it was clear that if Florida wanted to beat us, they were going to have to earn it. No more of their juggernaut offensive football would work. They would have to fight off the most potent defense in the country, and for most of the game, they were unable to do so. Bama once again reminded anybody who had forgotten, just who we were and how we got here, Blood, Sweat and Tears, that's how, and we weren't going down without a fight, not on your life baby!

I am saying all this to remind everyone, especially the tide nation, and even myself of something that speaks very loudly to who the Tide is and what we are all about. Lets not forget that at this time last year we were hanging by the skin of our teeth just to come away with a winning record, A win in the Independence Bowl would be just enough to bump us over .500. Everybody knew that Florida would contend this year. Everybody knew that they could do it, win 11 or 12 games and go to the SEC championship. But let me remind you what else everybody KNEW about this season...

- Everybody KNEW that Georgia would be a great team and probably play in the national championship;
- Everybody KNEW that USC would go to the national championship;
- Everybody KNEW that Philip Fulmer was the head coach of Tennessee, Tommy Tubberville was the head coach of Auburn and Sylvester Croome was the head coach of Miss St.;
- Everybody KNEW that Clemson would win the ACC; AND
- Everybody KNEW that Alabama would only be improved from last year, and probably at best, make a 9-3 run for it

Imagine what else we'll know at the beginning of next season.

I say all this to bring me back the pride of the Tide. In a world where everybody knew Bama would be 'building' and was still a year away, we taught them a valuable lesson. Our building year can beat your polished, glamorous year.

And, throughout all of this, the Tide players and coaches handled the success with class, never taunting their opponent or their fans, never bragging, but instead briefly celebrating with grace and then without skipping a beat, turning their focus to the next game. They did all this, going 12-0 that is with little respect, being told they CAN'T do it by many anxiously awaited the moment the Tide would fall, the week they would lose and prove their 'weaknesses' true to their critics. But, that didn't happen. Week in and week out they improved, as individuals and as a team. Week in and week out they ignored the naysayers proving themselves where it counts, on the turf, only to quiet the criticism. But never once did the players or head coach Nick Saban mention the pessimism of their peers. In fact, the Tide, recognized the volatility of college football, recognizing that sleeping on their opponent, any opponent, would only turn into a nightmare. They played each and every opponent as tough as the one before. They did it with only 9 starting seniors, the fewest in the SEC.

When all is said and done, the Tide held the Gators to 31, impressive considering they had scored almost 50 points a game, outscoring opponents by 40 or more points on six occasions. Furthermore, the Tide led the game for nearly a quarter and gave Florida just about all they could handle.

But Florida took control of the fourth quarter, but the Tide walked away without looking ridiculous, looking like a team that deserved to be there, a team that could come out alive after Florida. That's more than most of Florida's opponents could say (LSU, Kentucky, UGA, South Carolina)!!

The Tide has shown resilience -- shown that we are somebody, and we aren't going to be left in your dust.

Oh, and next year, we'll be back and the 'early warning' we unleashed against Clemson in week one, is only the beginning. We will only get better, and you see what Saban can do with top recruits -- boys to men baby!

Despite this SEC championship loss, life is still sweet for the Tide, because we're going to the Sugar Bowl.

They are the Crimson Tide, and we are just getting started .... You want some, come and get it! See you next year, and if you think you saw us this year, you ain't seen nothing yet.

The Iron Bowl blowout

For six years, Auburn has beat Alabama in the annual Iron Bowl. With a season in the toilet, the Tigers hoped to wash the bitter taste away with a swish of victory over the Tide on Saturday, continuing their streak and ruining Bama's perfect season.

But Alabama had something else in mind. After a slow start, The Tide would shut out Auburn, 36-0 in a beautiful performance in front of a sold out crowd of 92,138.

Bama had a 10-0 lead at the end of the half. Seconds before the half was over, Auburn threatened to cut the lead by three with a field goal. But as the rookie Auburn kicker placed one perfectly down the middle, Saban called a timeout, forcing the kick again. This time, the Auburn kicke was blocked keeping Auburn scoreless into the half and sending Saban into a rare but short celebration.

But in the second half, Bama would unleash the fury. They forced three fumbles, all were converted into touchdowns. In less than six minutes, The Tide expanded their lead to 22-0 after capitalizing on two consecutive fumbled possesssions.

The first two came on consecutive possessions in the third quarter and extended Alabama's 10-point lead to 22-0 in less than six minutes. On Auburn's first drive of the half, Kareem Jackson forced a Brad Lester fumble that was recovered by Rolando McClain at the Tigers' 39. One play later, quarterback John Parker Wilson hit Nikita Stover for a 39-yard touchdown to put the Tide up 16-0.

On Auburn's next drive, quarterback Kodi Burns fumbled the snap, which was recovered by Terrence Cody at the Auburn 45. After a pair of first downs, Alabama punched the ball in the end zone on a 1-yard run by tailback Mark Ingram to go up 22-0.

Ingram would score a second touchdown in the next drive puting Bama up 29-0.The touchdown was the first of two for Ingram on the afternoon.

Bama also gave Aurburn as strong cup of Coffee, Glen Coffee that is. Coffee owned the ground attack, carrying the ball 20 times for 144 yards and the tide's first touchdown of the game.

Auburn's defense was the only hope they had before the game. Having givin up only four rushing touchdonws all season and allowing 130 yards per game, Auburn gave up three rushing TDs and 234 rushing yeards to Bama.

A spectular defense is just on piece of the Bama puzzle. THe strong offensive line makes Coffee's job easy. He said this: "[The offensive line] showed up like they do every game," Coffee said. "Running behind them doesn't really give us that much to do except hit those holes full speed and take care of the rest."

And it doesn't stop there. Wilson finished the game 8-of-16 for 134 yards and a score.

Saban would honor his seniors and his starters by taking them out one by one in the fourth, allowing each of them to enjoy the crowd's cheer. But their replacements didn't just fill in, they added to the lead.

Backup quarterback Greg McElroy finished 2-of-2 for 44 yards and a touchdown, which came with 2:49 to go in the game to put the Tide up 36-0. Marquis Maze caught McElroy's touchdown pass, finishing with one catch for a 34-yard touchdown. In total, Alabama rolled up 412 yards against the Tigers. Amazingly, the Tide had only ONE penalty!

JPW was ecstatic but showed focus and maturity when he said, "To come out and score all these points, it feels good, but we have a lot left that we have to do," Wilson said. "We will learn from this game and get ready for the next one."

Of Auburn's 14 possessions, 9 of them ended in punts, 1 blocked FG and three turnovers.

Saturday's shutout was Alabama's first against the Tigers since a 17-0 win in 1992. The 36-point win was the largest margin of victory in the Iron Bowl since Alabama beat Auburn 38-0 in 1962.

"It means a lot to earn the shutout," safety Rashad Johnson said. "We were just trying to get better every week. We practiced hard and were able to finish the game."

With the SEC championship game just around corner, Bama will look to Florida. Stay tuned for a breakdown and to see why Bama and Florida is a match made in college football heaven.

To finish off the recap, Saban said, "It was obviously a great win for our fans, and it was a great win for our players," said Alabama coach Nick Saban. "We don't have a player on our team who has experienced this before so that was our goal." When told by the of field reporter that Bama was considered the underdog next week, Saban replied, "That doesn't bother me."

And you know what? it doesn't bother me either. Anybody out there who belives that Bama doesn't have a chance against Florida, or that somehow our position is not legitimate is a f*cking idiot. Don't forget who you're talking to.

And just for fun, I will paste below a blong entry I posted in on Feb. 2, 2007.

Alright already! We get it...as Bama fans we have become accustom to your "hating" and constant trash talk. However, we have a little message for all of you out there. You know who you are, so lets not make small talk. The following was in an email that my dad sent me. The writer of this testimony said it better than I ever could so I will allow him or her to do so.

Hey my Bama faithful, you know... I was reading the article about us being on probation for the last 15 years and I realized that if most other schools had sustained a blow of the magnitude and duration that we've had to endure they would simply fold and vanish into the realm of football has been's. Sure we haven't been the usual dominate Alabama of the past, but we have been far from slouches. During these past 15 years we've had some teams that could hang with anybody and I think our 1999 SEC championship team could have been national champions if it had not been for that mental fart (LA Tech game)we lost that year. My point is...it shows our strength and why we are the Epitome of college football...second to none!!!

See below: THE DECLARATION OF THE CRIMSON TIDE...YOU DON'T HAVE TO LIKE IT...YOU JUST HAVE TO ACCEPT IT!

LISTEN UP!! TENNESSEE, BARNERS, LSU AND EVERYONE ELSE OUT THERE, HEAR ME LOUD AND CLEAR. YOU'RE DAYS ARE NUMBERED!!! NO LONGER WILL YOU BE ABLE TO WREAK HAVOC AND CHAOS OVER THE SEC AND COLLEGE FOOTBALL WORLD DUE TO YEARS OF OPPRESSION OF THE BAMA PROGRAM. THE RIGHTFUL KING OF NCAA FOOTBALL IS BACK. WE WILL SHOW YOU WHAT A JUGGERNAUT PROGRAM IS ALL ABOUT. YOUR GREATEST DAYS ARE BEHIND YOU (hope you enjoyed). TIC TOC, TIC TOC, TIC TOC....THOSE ARE THE SECONDS THAT WILL FEEL LIKE YEARS AS YOU WALK DOWN THIS GREEN MILE. DON'T BOTHER STEPPING DOWN BECAUSE WE WILL KNOCK YOU DOWN AND WHILE YOU'RE DOWN THERE....BOW!!! YOUR KING IS HERE!

---

Well, only 9 months after the kingship was declared, The Tide fulfilled every prediction of the entry. And with that, I will end by welcoming The Tide back to Atlanta knowing they have earned their spot.

Get out your pen and paper, this one's gonna rewrite history.

ROLL TIDE

Lessons learned

What I have learned from college football:

- Sharing toys good; Sharing titles bad
- Beating rivals is the only form of job security
- BCS stands for BITCH, COMPLAIN, SULK
- Offense gets you ahead; Defense keeps you ahead
- People in Baton Rouge are f*ckin crazy
- Stafford is such a good QB, that he couldn't possibly screw up; it must be the wind
- They don't call 'em Rebels for nothing
- A blocked kick can ruin a season
- Mark Richt is God; Nick Saban is the Antichrist; and Tim Tebow is the Angel of Death
- The cost to get rid of a coach in the ACC: $3 million; The cost to get rid of a coach in the SEC: $6 million; The cost to get rid of a Notre Dame coach $16 million
- Vandy isn't just doctors and lawyers anymore
- Bulldog's bark is bigger than their bite
- Pete Carrol won't shut the hell up
- Nick Saban is worth $4 million a year
- Two minutes is a world of time
- Missed extra points will come back and bite ya

The tale of the Tide

It seems like only yesterday the Alabama Crimson Tide arrived at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta for their opening game against the then-No.9 ranked team, the Clemson Tigers. Bama had barely busted through the gates of the pre-season BCS rankings, standing at No. 24. And who can fault the BCS for placing Bama in that spot? After coming off a medeocre season at best, 2008 was expected to be a 'building year,' a process that would take time to pay dividends under Nick Saban. Saban's $4 million contract was heavily criticized. However, while haters were hating, while Mark Richt was shopping for black jersies and while LSU was drafting their vendetta, Saban was compiling an arsenal. The recruiting genious was bringing in top talent from all over the place. The team wasn't the his only project. He rebuilt the entire program, everything from top recruits and the best coaching staff, to team celebration time limitations and a detailed, "one game at a time" philosophy.

When the big day in Atlanta arrived, Clemson's shining stars, Thunder and Lightning were less than the perfect storm, if a storm at all. By halftime, Clemson looked like they were at funeral, and the Tide, well the Tide was dancing on their grave. A team that was barely on the BCS radar, was suddenly grabbing everybody's attention. Even Sports Illustrated jumped in on the media frenzy, featuring the Tide as their cover story with a headline advisory: SEC Beware, The Tide sends out an early warning.

What was an early warning in Week One, turned into an unbelievable season -- a season in which the Tide re-established themselves as a dominant force in the SEC and in college football. Yep, the program that put the SEC on the map, began reclaiming their territory. The Tide has thier last regular season game this Saturday -- an annual "out for blood Alabama affair" against thier ultimate rivals, the Auburn Tigers.

But how did an "early warning" become the only only undefeated BCS team in the country in the final week of the season? Well, The Tale of the Tide goes something like this ...

After the big victory in Week One,The Tide would go under the radar as they played Tulane and Western Kentucky. While mildly struggling against Tulane, the Tide, as great teams do, found a way to win. Then, they stomped W. Kentucky 41-7.

Week four would bring about a familiar foe, The Arkansas Hogs. Once a competitive SEC West team, the Hogs folded under the pressure of the Tide, losing 49-14 at home. Guess I was right about them Hogs...they are far inferior after losing Coach Houston Nutt to Ole' Miss and Darryn McFadden and Felix Jones to the NFL. Who knows, maybe Petrino will turn things around, but no such luck this time around.

With four games and four wins behind them, the Tide would face UGA in a much-anticipated matchup Between the Hedges in Athens. A matchup in the past only seen every 5 years or so had reared its ugly head, lining Bama and UGA up for the second year in a row. The Dawgs gloated about their big win over the Tide last year, foolishly forgetting the the Tide took them into double overtime before ultimately losing. The Dawgs would use this matchup to rally the fans into a blackout. The Dawgs took the field in their much-reverred black jersies, but their bark would prove to be bigger than their bite. The Tide scored 31 points in the first half completely dominating. While the Tide cooled off the second half, the hole, or should I say grave, was too deep for the Dawgs to reconcile and they lost, 41-30, but atleast the Dawgs were dressed for the occassion.

Now the Tide had passed the test. UGA was preseason No. 1, but you wouldn't know it come 10 pm on Saturday Sept. 27. But as puzzling as UGA's descent down the BCS ladder, was Bama's near misses against Ole' Miss and Kentucky.

In what Saban called "a clinic on how to keep the other team in the game," the Tide would squeak by Kentucky, redeeming themselves of 10 penalties. With a 24-3 lead at the half over Ole' Miss, the Tide would once again, squeak by in "find a way to win" fashion. But nonetheless, with the season halfway over, the Tide was undefeated at 7and 0 and climbed through the top ten, sitting pretty at No. 2

As the plot thickened in college football, The Tide beat the struggling Tennessee Vols in Knoxville before rolling back to Tuscaloosa for homecoming against Arkansas State, a game they won 35-0. But outside of Tuscaloosa, the college football fan nation would watch as the race to the top became a "last man standing" battle. Top five teams such as Texas, Penn State and Oklahoma became victims of upsets, dropping like flies and leaving a room for rent at the top.

The Tide was on the winning side of BCS deal, sitting even prettier in the No.1 spot. The power came with responsibilty -- the responsibility to NOT screw it up --and as the BCS continued shifting, it seemed that it was only a matter of time before the Tide would become like the one's before them, No. 1 has-beens.

But that was just the beginning of the uphill battle ahead. The Tide was only one win away from clinching the SEC West, guarenteeing them a spot in the SEC Champoinship. But not just any win would do it. The Tide would have to beat one specific team. The timing was perfect, because just their dumb luck, the one team they had to beat was next up on the schedule. Hollywood couldn't have scripted it any better. The one team that stood between Bama and a spot in the SEC championship was none other than thier SEC West rival,and defending national champs, the LSU Tigers, aka, The Rajun' Cajuns.

Bama would arrive in Baton Rouge for a homecoming, minus the warm welcome and hospitality. While the intense rivalry reared its ugly head, LSU fans had another bone to pick. Just a few years ago, after leading them to a national championship, Saban left for a bid in the NFL. His stint in the NFL was a failure, and Saban was on the hunt for a coaching job back where he was best, college. But after sending Saban off with a farewell and best wishes, LSU was mad as hell to see Saban reappear in the SEC as the head coach at Alabama.

Bitter and out for blood, LSU would give Saban a good-old-fashioned welcome for his first return to Baton Rouge since the leaving. LSU relished the opportunity to come back and haunt Saban as the potential spoiler of the Tide's perfect season.

The Brawl in the Bayou kicked off at 3:30 on a sunny afternoon. After the Tide's far from perfect first half, hat made every Bama fan want to crawl out of their skin, it appeared that LSU was on their way to making good on their vendetta -- the promise to wreck Bama's perfect season, thus trashing any national championship hopes.

The second half ensued. The afternoon brightness started to fade. And as the sun went down, you could begin to feel that change in the air, that spooky feeling. It was nightfall in Baton Rouge, and you could feel it in the pit of your stomach. Nighttime in Baton Rouge is creepy, something weird happens down there at night. Everybody knows night games at Tiger Stadium are no good.

But as darkness arrived, the Tide began to turn. Bama would take a lead, only to lose it, then gain it back. This tug-of-war brought the game to a field goal. The Tide lined up to kick for three and take the win, but in true LSU/Bama fashion, it wouldn't be that simple. Liegh Tiffin's would-be winning feild goal was blocked.

Overtime was the last hope for either team. But LSU made a fatal mistake ... The young Jarret Lee got greedy in their first possession of OT, throwing a deep pass into the endzone that intercepted by Rashad Johnson. After the turnover, JP Wilson would go long to Julio Jones, and at with only inches standing between the Tide and an SEC West title clinching win, JPW would leap his way into the endzone to close the deal.

While the Bayou Brawl, an instant classic, would reveal both teams' weakenesses, it would also, once again, showcase the Tide's ability to come through, even if they have to find a way to win.

After the physically and emotionally exhausing game at LSU, The Tide returned to Tuscaloosa to take on Mississippi State, led by former Bama Center and coach, Sylvester Croome. After beating us in the last two matchups, the Tide had to settle the score. After a rough start, the Tide unleashed on the Bulldogs. Javier Arenas would return a punt for a touchdown. This, along with JPW, Ingram and a solid performance from the kicking team, would lead the Tide to a 32-7 victory.

Still sitting pretty at the top, the Tide looks to their final challenge of the regular season. With one away from perfect 12-0 season, the Tide will host the Auburn Tigers. The rivalry, played out annually in the Iron Bowl, seems like a matchup the the Tide can handle After all, Auburn has struggled mightily this season and the Tide has had tremendous success this season. What could possible go wrong?

Well, despite Auburn's pitfalls, they do have thing... defense. As a matter of fact, the Auburn defense may be the toughest defense the Tide will face. Sounds funny, huh? But with a season in the toilet, a result of ineffective offense and a circle of rumors surrounding the leadership of the team, this could be the chance Auburn will finally capitalize on. Auburn lost to UGA in their last game, however they fought hard and showcased their strengths. UGA, once again, won in spite of themselves, but only by 3 in a 17-14 game. UGA had trouble breaking through Auburn's defense, but Auburn struck first, showing that their offense is improving. And not a moment too soon. But will the Tide rewrite 6 years of Iron Bowl history, or will Auburn come out on top with ONE win that can wipe out SIX losses?

And now, here we are, just days before the Iron Bowl. But after the Auburn chapter is written, The Tide, will return to the Dome, to where it all began 13 weeks ago. Except this time, a national championship is on the line against an opponent who has averaged almost 50 points a game, wiping teams like South Carolina and Vandy off the map. Will the SEC championship be the final chapter in the Tale of the Tide, or the beginning of a dynasty?

Stay tuned ........



Wrapping up, here a just a few of the highlights of the Tide's season:

John Parker Wilson (QB) has not put up big numbers, but he had done something just as important -- manage the game. He has showed poise and discipline and shined as a true leader.

The rushing game: The Tide has dominated with their running game using running back Glenn Coffee with Andre Smith as his blocker. Freshman Mark Ingraham has also had his share of carries adding to a dynamic offensive line.

Terrance "Mount" Cody: A junior college transfer, Cody has stopped offenses as the nose tackle. Teams have trouble finding a way to get through him and are forced to spread or put more than one of their guys up agianst him. And according to Cody, "He is living the dream"

Julio Jones: A highly recruited kid, JJ has made big plays at WR. And he doesn't look like a freshman. His stature and athleticism will land him in the NFL. And the best part: YAC -- he not only makes the big catches, but fights for yards with churning legs that often drag 1 or 2 along with them.

Special teams: Karim Jackson snuck in on Miss St today to block a punt. Javier Arenas returned at 90-something punt return for a TD, today. Rashad Johnson intercepted the would-be winning touch down last week to put the Tide back in the game, and the kicking team has done a good job of managing opponents' field position.

Ahhh... The First Kiss Chronicles: Part 2: The second (and third and fourth and fifth) kiss

It just keeps getting sweeter. While I considered not to continue blogging about my romantic life, I have decided to do so even if it means only that others can experience romance vicarously through me. But also because I believe that although flirting, romance, intamacy, love and everything in between are personal, discussing it in a public forum, as long as details are kept to a minimum and names anonymous, can help people in their lives, as well as help me deal with the ever-confusing world of dating. Read on for more from "Ahhh ... The First Kiss Chronicles"

Last night I see Mr. New New (not be confused with Mr. New Old) at the watering hole and we had a great time like I expected.

He kept kissing me at the bar, which I guess is ok. Its just awkward the first time you kiss someone in front of other people, especially HIS friends.

Anyway, he drives me home and of course, I am totally nervous and he could tell. But whatever, I am allowed to be nervous. I think it gave me a little bit of sex appeal. I gave him a nervous tour of the house and kissed him in my room. Too bad about the rents, because that could have been fun ...

Then he left, but not before kissing me by his car, among other things. I spare details.

I am on Cloud 9 and I don't want to leave. Could this be the start of the next chapter in my book of love, or is it just another Mr. New, soon to be an old fling?

Stay tuned for more of "Ahhh ... The First Kiss Chronicles"

Post-season, SEC commentary

(AP Photo/Butch Dill)

I simply couldn't help myself. I saw this on ESPN.com shortly before Game 3 of the Dodgers, Cubs series began, a game the Cubs would have to win to keep their post- season hopes alive. While everyone cheers for the quintessential underdogs, The Chicago Cubs, I couldn't help but laugh out loud as I read this comment posted by an ESPN blogger...

"My broom is working, and I need to start sweeping. Oh let's say 9 p.m. PT. "
brianz0009

Another fantastic football Saturday is almost over and bigger than the Bama win over the tough UK is Vandy's heroic defeat of Auburn. Go Vandy. I'm rooting for you to keep this up. I have always respected you guys and in a recent post, I said this:

If you are a Vandy fan, you are probably hopeful, thats what a win over The Evil Genius Steve Spurrier's Gamecocks will do for you. Keep it up and you may be able to ruin somebody else's Saturday this season...I would put money on it.

And I was correct. Good for you guys!

And because I was at work during the Bama Kentucky game, I will leave it to other bloggers to share their thoughts on today's game as well as other matchup. It's a little lazy, but some of these comments are great... I couldn't have said them better myself. Read on and enjoy:

I'll agree, Kentucky SHOULD be ranked, even with that loss. And I'm not saying that to inflate Bama heads either. UK deserves it. 4-1 is a respectable start.

I will freely admit that Bama is a great team...maybe the best in the nation??? not sure yet. But if Hartline didn't drop that ball and give up a freebie TD, KY wins this game 14-10. I think some attention should be given to that.

Well... outscoring your opponents 88-0 in the first quarter and not trailing at all in the first six games IS pretty amazing and it's a huge accomplishment, so the media will tag that as well.

Hey look at it this way; Vandy won, but they keep hearing that it's their first 5-0 start since WWII. Now how would that make you feel to hear after beating Auburn for the first time this century?

Congrats to Bama. They played a great game. Being a cats fan I was very happy. We gave up the big play early with the 80 yard run and then gave away the fumble for the score but they held on and played hard. Bama made some mistakes too to make up for what UK did early in the game and then it got interesting. It showed to me that the cats defense is good, REAL good, and that they SHOULD be in the top 25 and could be up there with the rest of the powerhouses in the SEC. Good game Bama and good luck. GO CATS!!

Kentucky is a good team, and makes Alabama's resume that much better at the end of the season. I'll vouch for that even against other Bama fans.
If Alabama could have capitalized on a few more of those mistakes though, it might would have been a wider margin.

Kentucky is not a bottom feeder. They have come off of two winning seasons and two bowl victories. They were one of only two teams to beat the national champs last year. They held their own against the nation's best team. YEAH,I SAID IT. Alabama is the best team in the nation. Oklahoma just looks good playing against crap competition.

I guarentee you'll hear about how close that game was more than you will about the win. But, on the other hand, it is a pretty big deal when one player rushes for 200+ yds. against the nation's scoring defense leader. And that is a compliment to Kentucky as well.

Good game, it had me on my heels.

I love some of these idiots knocking Kentucky. Kentucky played with Bama the entire game. Alabama is an awesome team so it speaks volumes when Kentucky only loses by 3. Are some of you really comparing Baylor to Kentucky? That is absolutely idiotic.

Bama is great and Kentucky has turned the corner. A win over LSU should have told you guys to wake up. Kentucky is no longer a pushover. They are a legitimate team.

Shoulda, woulda, coulda....bottom line it's a win for Alabama.....bottom line for Auburn...you loose

I don't understand why it is if you listen to the media discuss this game (CBS, ESPN, etc), they just talk about how much rushing yards Bama had, how well they played in the first half, and how they moved on to be 6-0. They barely mention the final score, and don't say a damn word about Kentucky, and how well they played.

Alabama played horribly, and Kentucky played very well. There was horrific officiating, which may have affected the tide more than UK. The Tide's Coffee needs to get better at holding onto the ball, this has been a problem for him all season long. Bama should have scored much more than it did, but UK's impressive defense was able to keep them under control. Unfortunately, Bama's pass defense hasn't been great at preventing first downs all season long, which allowed Kentucky's strong passing offense to score some much needed points on the board. Alabama got lucky this game, because according to the skill, and how well both teams played, UK should have come away with the victory. The win can be attributed to the Tide's defense, and Coffee, who put the team in the position to make the game point.

People expect good teams to have blowouts. That rarely happens in SEC conference games because almost all SEC teams are good teams. The SEC doesn't have any "high school" teams masquerading as college football teams. The SEC has talent.

I second this. The SEC is the BEST conference by far.

Thank you..a win is a win is a win! I just think people did not give enough credit to UK...it's not like they are a Baylor team..they are an SEC team.

Good, Bad, Ugly, Pretty, Penalties, No - Calls,Fumbles. Talk is talk. The game is over. Kentucky and Bama both have a good football team and this was just a classy SEC matchup that proved Kentucky is a good team. Alabama is not overrated, if anything Kentucky is underrated. Still, good game and congrats to the Wildcats and good luck the rest of the season. Talk all you want, but Bama is still 6-0. dmccullough007 (35 minutes ago) Report Violation Goodness...a little too close for comfort...but all is well...a win is a win...especially in the SEC! Roll Tide...Ole Miss in two weeks.

This speaks more about Kentucky than it does UA. That defense for the 'Cats did not quit, but their young QB did them in. That being said UK isn't a homecoming game anymore and UA showed why they're one of the top teams in the SEC. hogwild1989 (42 minutes ago) Report Violation good job Bama.. now that you got that little hickup out.. roll the rest of the season and then crush whoever you're up against in Miami Catsbyfive (46 minutes ago) Report Violation Alabama was the better team. They made a lot of mistakes and maybe a few bullsh*t penalties, but the tide's defense is definitely better than the cats. I think UK showed a lot of heart and character today though, especially without the help of micah, cobb, lumpkin, and jeffries. If even 3 of those 4 are healthy for the rest of the season, I think UK could potentially beat anyone at home, I know that's a bold statement but i was impressed with their play today. Hopefully we will pull one out against the old ball coach for once next weekend.

You're right,UK was really, really good. Excellent test for our Bama team ("Mt. Cody" hasn't breathed that hard all season). They needed that little smack in the mouth to keep them humble for the rest of the season. We cannot sleep on Ole Miss.

We are, once again, back in the position of being every SEC team's rival. It's a savory spot to be in, but we haven't had a group of players that are used to that kind of pressure in a long, long while. It will be interesting to see how they handle being that heavily targeted -- esp. by teams that most people will not consider real competition for 'Bama. Those are the teams that can pull out one of those Boise St. Statue of Liberty-type stunners (God forbid...).

This is neither a Coach Bryant nor a Coach Stallings type team. The players on those teams signed with 'Bama because they wanted to play for the school and contribute to the program's winning tradition. This group of players signed with 'Bama because they wanted to play for Saban. Totally different vantage point. Totally different mentality.

Will be very interesting to see if these kids can keep their heads.

Saban didn't let Bama down like Nutt did in the Ole Miss game after a big win.

I hope mizzou does jump lsu in the polls this week because rankings mean nothin right now

Congrats to Kentucky on a tough game. The cats are the real deal for sure. This was the first team to test the Tide all year, and this game was the hardest hitting contest Bama has been in. In a way, I'm glad the Tide played such a physical opponent that they couldn't easily push around. Even though they lost, Kentucky still looked like a top 20 team. I'm sure that Bama's players and fans would agree. Again, good game Cats. Your team is damn good.

I hear u brother! all u can do is laugh at some of these post! I hear the scenery in Lexington is nice this time of year w/ Keeneland and SEC football

Cat fans be proud you will go bowling again, hope Vandy goes. Now we need to finish Bama.

Hats off to the CATS, They played their butts off against one of the best teams in the country! great job with both programs, hell of a game!

Ahhh....... The First Kiss Chronicles: Part 1: The First Kiss

The way your heart races so fast it almost jumps out of your chest. The way your hands shake and your legs tingle. The way the world as you know it disappears from your mind. I am talking of course, about a first kiss. There is nothing more glorious than that first kiss as you lean in, the way you wish it would never end and the way you are gleefully consumed by it for days. So new and exciting that I felt compelled to write about it here.

Is this a softer side of Scoops? I think so. Normally I am blogging about SEC football, baseball or how I dislike liberal policy. But today, I too, am gleefully consumed by a first kiss. Only 2 months after The Break Up from my longtime beaux, I have found myself immersed in singleness. I am wading around in the scary waters of dating, finding that this it is a f*cking blast and wishing I had done it sooner. How come nobody from the single team sent me a Memo about this? Eh, they were probably too busy enjoying singlehood. Since the breakup however I have been fortunate enough to reunite with an old friend and make some new ones at a local watering hole that has become my second home, and the people, a new family. The old friend is out of my league in my play book, but he disagrees. We went out a few times and eventually the innocent flirting turned into not so innocent slumber parties. However, recently he chose not to call me back regarding plans we made and has yet to answer as to why. While I am not mad (anymore) I am a little disappointed. Unsure where that was going, if it was going anywhere at all, I continued on my quest to have a good time.

Last night, just as my anger faded from the unreturned phone call from Mr. New a week ago, a somewhat unexpected event occured. An attractive, Paul Newman-esque gentlemen who I was social with at my local watering hole, began to show some interest in me. He was the last of the crew to flirt with me, the others were overly eager. It started last week with playful flirting that spilled over into last night. We bonded as partners in a game of beer pong (sarcasm of course) and then inched closer to each other at the bowling arcade game in the back corner. He distracted me during our bowling game, I'll spare the details, but it was quite nice, and I found myself in a place that I haven't been to in so long I almost forgot what it was like. For those precious moments I wasn't the woman who over thinks every little detail of every aspect of my life. I wasn't the SEC expert talking defensive spreads or the uptight, overworked, underpaid maverick. I was instead a free spirit, an innocent girl who jumped up and down and cheered every time I bowled a stike and giggled as he kissed my neck and sqeezed my behind. I was the girl who leaned closer to him while we played that arcade game and smiled as he looked at me. Oh, it felt so good.

As the bar cleared out and Laura hollered 'Last Call!!!!' we found ourselves alone at a table. Then we went outside as the night winded down. We leaned against the concrete column smoking and talking, and then, it happened. He kissed me and I kissed him and all the world around us stopped. Laura and Trish came outside to continue a catfight and Guido followed, but none of that mattered. He held me so close and I couldn't help but wrap my arms around him and go with it. After all, it felt good, so good. This continued by my car.

Once the makeout session was over, I pulled out, smiling ear to ear, a smile that has remained on my face all day today despite my hangover and being at work. I don't know what will happen now... Maybe nothing, maybe everything, but it is fun and it feels just like a should, a first kiss.

Oh, and by the way, Bama won today over Kentucky 17-14.

The Tide has rolled in

Crimson Tide defeats UGA in an upset 41-30 between the hedges.

Ok, so I promised that I wouldn't talk trash to Georgia fans during the game. I did this for two reasons.

1. A game can shift momentum at any time and...
2. I have more class than that

But... the game is over, and now the insult to injury can begin and my class can go out the window. I think I'll start with the blackout. How foolish does UGA look after their mega-loss to the Crimson Tide after all the hype about the spiffy black jersies? I warned in my last post that all the black jersies and barking wasn't going to win UGA anything, but their talent would. Well at least I was right about one thing! I think it's safe to say that the Tide put an end to UGA's infamous blackouts for awhile. See, I told you guys black jersies wouldn't win you anything.

Next, Knowshon Moreno was more like 'No'shon Moreno. Where the hell was he? All I heard about for days before the game was Knowshon this and Knowshon that. Don't get me wrong, I know he is talented, but apparently the Tide was too much for Moreno to handle. And just because low blows are kinda fun ... What was up with that stupid mohawk?

The offensive line for UGA is young and one that will certainly grow as the season progresses and probably mold into a strong line in a year, but they were no match for our defensive line stacked with our center, Mount Cody, Dont'a Hightower and our offense is far superior at this point. Andre Smith, Antoine Caldwell, Mark Ingram, Glen Coffee and need I even mention Julio Jones all had fantasic games.

Quarterback control is key to this game and John Parker Wilson had a near perfect game. His arm strength, although, not what he is known for, was fantasic. He was in complete control the entire game, never faltering. He carried himself like a true leader. Stafford on the other hand had a tough game. Poor guy, probably is still sleeping off our wrath.

Nick Saban straight up outcoached Richt and Bobo. He was prepared for the game and instead of worrying himself with how his players would dress, he stuck to calling the shots. (Ouch, even that was too harsh for me). Let's just say those White jersies work just fine for us.

But now that all is said and done I will give UGA a much needed pep talk. Don't worry. I am certain UGA will bounce back from this. It is likely that you will contend in the SEC East, and if that is true, then it is also likely that the Tide will see you again in the SEC championship. Except maybe this time, you guys will stick to your more traditional red jersies : )

Let the Munson bashing begin

For those of you who liked Larry Munson, I advise you to NOT read this. But for the rest of us with a sense of humor, please enjoy this Munson bashing e-mail as written by my father. NOTE: My father passionately disliked this man. ENJOY!

After 43 years of mediocrity UGA will finally be forced to put a professional announcer in the booth. Larry Munson, a joke of a man, has seen fit to retire and give all of us a break. This poor-mouthing weasel, who wouldn't know a spread formation from a power "I" if it bit him on his bulldog ass has finally decided to spare us anymore of his histrionics and retire to a life of fondling college girls in dark movie theaters. Back in '66 this buffoon couldn't find work up North so he wandered aimlessly to Georgia, where after a quick stop in Nashville, he convinced Vince Dooley that he was capable of handling the announcers chores. His worn out phrases and complaining about everything from the weather to the stadiums to the buses became old twenty years ago. Now a real announcer with a family to support will have the opportunity to call play by play and bring the game to life. This day could not have come any quicker to suit me. There is a reason why Woody Harrelson's character in "Kingpin" was named Munson. One of the great losers of our time.

College football preview: Tide rolls into Athens this weekend

A look back:

Greetings my faithful football fans. I think its safe to say that once again, another fantastic football Saturday has ended, and some of us are more pleased than others...

If you are an Auburn fan, chances are you are pissed off, as you should be, over your loss to Les Miles and his crew of misfits, a.k.a. The Ragin' Cajuns. I get your angst, but I do not sympathize with you, as we have all been beat by the Cajuns. Besides, we all know Miles is an idiot, who without the talent -- recruited by Nick Saban -- would not be where he is today. But more on Cajun bashing later.

If your a Tennessee fan, chances are you are feeling hopeless, as you should be, over your garbage can of a season thus far. You guys have problems, major problems, starting with an offense that is out of sync. Your special teams are anything but, and your coach... well I will leave that one alone.

If you are a Georgia fan, than there is no doubt you are feeling superior, as you should not, because you haven't played a real game yet this season. Joe Cool, aka Coach Mark Richt and your team will have your challenges this season, starting with your black out game against, No. 8, Bama. All your barking and black jersies will not win you anything, but your talent will, so stick with that. I will keep my critisism of you to a minimus for two reasons: One, we play you this Saturday, and two, you do have talent that will take you to the championship.

If your an LSU fan, there is no doubt you are also feeling superior, as you should be as the reiging National Champtionship team, but mark my words Baton Rouge ... Your days are numbered!! You guys just won't go the hell away!

If your an Arkansas fan, you have realized that you are a drastically different, and far inferior team without Houston Nutt, Felix Jones and Darryn McFaden. Too bad so sad. Petrino's best hope right now: Start planning for next year buddy.

If you are a Florida fan, good for you. I dont like you, Urban Meyer or Tim Tebow the annointed one, but I dont have to. However, I do have to except that you are playing great football and that you will contend in the SEC this year and will, WITHOUT A DOUBT win some big games... Cocktail Bowl anyone?

If you are a Vandy fan, you are probably hopeful, thats what a win over The Evil Genius Steve Spurrier's Gamecocks will do for you. Keep it up and you may be able to ruin somebody else's Saturday this season...I would put money on it.

And, if you are an Alabama fan like me, you are smiling ear to ear, but nervous as you should be. John Parker Wilson has come back this year a completely different QB than last year. Terrence Cody, Mark Ingrahm, Julio Jones, Andre Smith, Caldwell, Grant and Javier Arenas have SHOWED up big so far. While Saban's second year as the King of Tuscaloosa is already ahead of schedule, we have no easy season ahead of us. Let's start with Georgia and go from there. this will be no easy win, if a win at all, neither will our games in Baton Rouge, and dare I say Knoxville. So lets not get ahead of ourselves. We are far better than anyone, even us, thought we would be this year, but are we good enough to beat Georgia? We will know soon enough!

Braves break come in form of angels

After arriving in southern California after a 5-plus hour flight from Chicago, a town we just couldn't get out of fast enough after a sweep from the mighty Cubs, things looked bleak for the Bravos. The starting pitching staff went thin with, Glavine, Jierjunns on the disabled list, Smoltz way beyong the disabled list. As if that isn't bad enough, the team couldn't put together a multi-run inning, or an ANY run inning for several games, the 'bull'pen became the 'bear'pen, as relievers, came in late (actually pretty early in some games) and gave away leads that were, in most cases, not more than one or two runs. Even the broadcasters were somber at the start of game one against the Anaheim Angels, criticizing the young players for not performing well during their opporutnity to play in the Bigs.

As the division rivals, and quite possibly the best team in the National League, The Phillies stayed hot, as the Braves went on to break the record for losing the most one-run games on the road ( twenty-something I believe) . Things couldn't any worse. And then, they did.

Only minutes prior to the first pitch in Anaheim, Chipper, one of only two consistant performers (the other being McCan), and the backbone of the team, gets injured, quite freakishly, during batting practice. A ball hit off his bat, ricashaid off the metal in the batting cage and got Chipper on the cheek. The injury, although sounds silly, actually looked painful, as Chipper winced in pain, walked off the field with excorts and his cheek immediately began to swell. He left the premisis to get x-rays. And once again, the cards we were dealt, were a a bad hand, stacked with a whole bunch of nothing. But ol' Luke was right because "sometimes nothin' is a real cool hand,: because 'nothing' turned into something.

Something happened. We took the lead on Vlad Guierro and the Angels. Jo-Jo Reyes, a pitcher recongnized by Braves broadcasters as a genuine, eager to learn pitcher, threw a beauty of a game after recovering from two speedbumps, one being a leadoff homer.

Blanco hit a two-run double, getting the Braves in the lead, one that would stay a lead and turn into a bigger lead. Jo-Jo put faith in his defense, piching to allow contact, but trusting the guys to take care of it... And they did.

Brandon Jones, the new guy in the lineup had a fantastic debute batting in the lower part of the order, went on a hitting spree with Blanco and Franceour, who, as the three-player entourage, gave the lower end of the order most of the credit for the runs produced. For the first time a week, the Braves came out on a top beating National League-style coach Mike Scocia and the American :eague Angels 5-2.

Then, I there is the mlb.com sports reporter, who lead his game coverages story stating that nothing has gone according to script for the Braves. What scipt? There is no script..."You can't script October" ringing any bells?

There is still plenty of baseball to be played. The Braves are going to come out of this. Maybe not now, but soon enough.

Did we just get lucky tonight? Did the Angels play below their abilities tonight? I don't know. But I do believe that everything happens for a reason. Chipper going down while the ship was sinking is no exception. Maybe there was a spark. Maybe Bobby game em' hell in the dugout before the game. Or maybe, it was a sign, a message telling use to disperse our egges more wisely and not rely on Chipper to carry us. A sign directing us to a different road, one we have taken yet.

However, to contend, not just win, but pose an October threat, the Bravos hasve some holes to fill in.

- WITH A QUICKNESS: Speed, we need it. We need a speedy Gonzalen lead-off man, a base-stealer, someone to give us that edge, Blano, while swift, is not a "smart" runner, a skill that be honed to be effective.
-BAG OF TRICKS: picking off runners, catching guys trying steal, lineup order shake-up, small ball by with the old get em' on, get em' over, get em' in tactice,sqeeze plays ...
-CONSISANCY ALL AROUND: hitting, piching.........
-INSURANCE RUNS: A hotel room is refuge, something to support a family by providing a place to sleep when their house burns down ... insurace is a something you pay into over time, but helps to get the displaced family through to the other end.
The point? Run support just gives us a lead for a little while, insurance runs are consistant throughout the game, an accumulation that helps the team to the
other end allowing breathing room for everyone.

The Obvious:
ability to take a lead, and keep it
ability to come from behind
leave less Braves players on the basepads
make opponent pay for mistakes (error, up and in pitches, walks, lack of hussle ... etc.
starting pitchers staying in deeper
And so on......
Let's just hope we can keep our hales.

I am glad that I did not see it ... but it still happened!

So, last night, Friday June 6, my boyfriend and I found ourselves at our old watering hole, the bar we used to frequent twice a week when we first met, now we make an appearance about once a month, if that. However, Steve the bartender welcomed us with Jager bombs and cold beers. The night turned into a drunk fest and as the innings went on in the Braves game, as well as the Sox/Mariners and Cards/Astros on the adjacent TVs I lost myself in the scene, drank too much and do not remember if I paid my tab. I am pretty sure I didn't because I do not see it on my debit card ... OOOPS! Nor did I see or even think to check the Braves game after a huge blowout with my man and a night that ended in a drunken rage, that poured over to this morning and well into the afternoon that included a fight with my mom and a call to AAA to recover keys presumed to be locked in my vehicle. I am not proud of my actions ... so much so that I am embarrassed and have sworn off alcohol for at least a week.

Anyway, I read today on atlantabraves.com that we lost the first of three at the Ted against the Phillies, aka, the biggest pain in the ass in the NL East for the Braves. Not only did we LOSE, we GAVE the game away after Huddy's gem pitching performance, a two run homer hit by (???) I read that we made rookie errors, I think the phrase used was 'comedy of errors' including base running mishaps, another Acosta blown save and a pop-fly dropped by Johnson which officially was the end of the end for a game that we already, and I quote, "did not deserve to win."

All I can say about it is this: Because I do not get down my guys because... that is reserved for fans of teams such as Red Sox, Yankees, Mets and Phillies... I have to be reserved and say I am glad I did not see it ... but it still happened!

Because they said so

Alright. We get it: the housing market is in a slump, foreclosures are high, credit is tight, stocks are down and oil is up. The soaring price of black gold is straining every aspect of American life from middle class Americans to multimillion dollar conglomerates. Many experts, analysts and investors are sure that as the sun is hot, the U.S. is in a recession. But Uncle Sam didn't just wake up one day in the midst of troubled times. When did we (the American people) decide that the economy was so bad? The answer: when the media said so. The media is merely the beast that feeds itself. By constantly reminding everyone that the economy is bad, 'the beast' feeds the public, manifesting fear; causing panic thus worsening the economic situation and, in turn, giving 'the beast' more bad news to report about the economy. But did anyone do more than accept the negative economic climate, such as question the validity of the claim? Did anybody ask how and when the economy took a turn for the worst? Well, some did. I wonder what those few discovered though. See, I'm not sure because nobody filled me in. Maybe nobody did ask after all.

And did anybody else note the ever-so impeccable timing of the bad news? As Sen. Hillary Clinton and Sen. Barack Obama fight til the death for the Democratic nomination, President Bush prepares for his White House goodbye. Certainly the prospect of a slumping economy occurring during the Bush tenure doesn't give Democrats any ammunition in their fight to win the White House. And certainly the bad news doesn't give Democrats someone, or something to blame. And certainly this someone, or something to blame is not conservative, right? Did the democrats make it up to exploit voters? I wouldn't put it past them, but no, they didn't come up with the bad economic forecast. But much like a guy with lemons, they are making lemonade. Ah, another evil that merely fuels the fire.

I believe there misconceptions in this situation that are creating both a divide between parties and uncertainty among Americans. At the end of the day, the GOP and the Dems aren't that different; we all want the same things, but it is how we go about getting it that divides us. Another fallacy: Republicans are rich and therefor their interest in a tumbling economy, is just that, theirs, not the American people. Did it ever occur to anyone that the economic situation may actually hurt the big, bad wealthy Republicans the most? And did anyone stop to wonder what it would be like if the economy never slumped? The strength of a free market is also the weakness. If the economy never fell, than it would never rise either. Maybe things are bad right now, but playing victim all the time is tiring.

And of course gas prices are pinching everyone, but haven't they always? When gas rose to $2 a gallon, we were outraged, at $3 we went ballistic, and now at nearly $4, well you get the picture. Our dependency on oil, thus our dependency on foreign oil, is the culprit but we have to lay in the bed we made.

As far as foreclosures, key interest rates, credit crisis, tightened loans, net profit losses and futures, buyouts, mergers and takeovers, and any other Washington jargon, I don't know the solution, or the problem for that matter. But I do know that as a society we have so blindly accepted the notion of a bad economy, and on what grounds? ... Because the media said so?

All I contend is that we take the economic situation with a grain of salt, recognizing that the sheer act of claiming its weaknesses and failures only worsens the blow.

The new face of the Atlanta Braves

When the Braves traded Ole' reliable, shortstop Edgar Renteria, I was disappointed. Renteria, although not a 'finesse' player, had a way of quietly putting up great, consistent numbers and doing so with class- no whining or edgy comments to the press.

But then we got an unknown- a young Cuban by the name of Yunel Escobar- who sparked mix reviews by both the fans and the local press. However, only a short while after skeptical Atlanta fans, myself included, almost wrote him off, he grabbed our attention ... and I mean GRABBED! Already the 25-year-old second round amateur draft pick has starred in a highlight video of a beautiful spinning defensive play in the home opener against Pittsburgh, not to mention 7 RBI, more than the beloved Chipper and Franceour.

His presence on the Braves club, in the dugout, at the plate and in the field is just as likable as his numbers. He possesses that youthful smile and that twinkle in his eyes that just tell you as a fan 'This is OUR guy ... He is going to be a difference maker, a force that will continue to turn heads in the stadium, frustrate ace pitchers who just can't wear him out and infuriate runners who are a half-a-step behind his rocket arm.'

He will be the guy that you just can't stop ... he will battle during tough at bats, he will steal bases and he will OWN shortstop.

I love our guys- Chipper, B-Can, Diaz, Frenchy, Tex etc ...- but there is a new sheriff in town and I think I speak for most, if not all, Braves fans when I say ... Yunel, welcome to Atlanta.

Back to the blog

It has been almost a year since my last posting. I am going to start keeping up with this blog. I swear. What to look forward to:
-Obama has the right attend any church he wants & and Americans have the right to complain about it.
-Major League Baseball is oh so close
-The Crimson criminals- why can't those Bama boys stay out of trouble?
-Gatlinburg...here we come