The Ghost of Sammy Sosa

NFL Picks: Week 9 (Shorty vs Lovins)

Shorty vs. Lovins

Jacksonville (-7)<-------->Jacksonville (-7)
Baltimore (-3) $50 <-------->Baltimore (-3) $50
Indianapolis (-9) <-------->Houston (+9)
Atlanta (-10) <--------> Atlanta (-10) $50
Green Bay (-10) <--------> Green Bay (-10) $50
Arizona (+3) <--------> Chicago (-3)
New England (-11) <--------> Miami (+11)
Carolina (+13.5) <--------> New Orleans (-13.5)
San Diego (+4.5) <--------> NY Giants (-4.5) $50
Detroit (+10) <--------> Seattle (-10)
San Francisco (-4.5) $50 <--------> San Francisco (-4.5)
Philadelphia (-3) $50 <--------> Philadelphia (-3)
Pittsburgh (-3) $50 <-------> Denver (+3)

The United Brothers, "Throw the Mortgage on it", Absolutely 110%, Sure Thing Teaser of the Week = Falcons (-4) & Packers (-4)

Eight Week Totals
Shorty (62-53-1) -$200 (4-3) teaser
Lovins (63-52-1) $200 (4-3) teaser

Shorty's $$$ Picks of the Week...

"Shorty's $$$ Picks of the Week" is a weekly feature where I link to a few blog posts which I found interesting during the week. Every Friday we focus on sports, movies, television and whatever else is going on in the world. The weekly feature regularly showcases new music downloads and video clips. I hope you enjoy...

Chad Dawson to honor Jasper Howard on Saturday Night - Hartford Courant

Shaq hooking up with Gilbert Arenas' fiance? - Young, Black & Fabulous

Alec Baldwin & Steve Martin to host the Oscars - I Watch Stuff

NFL Fastest Man Competition - The Big Lead

Bill Simmons' Book of Basketball is up next on my Kindle - Mediaite

27 Random Thoughts

1. It was nice to see Matsui lock up the MVP in what was very likely his final series with the Bombers. There is just no way the Yankee front office can justify carrying both he & Johnny Damon moving forward, especially with Austin Jackson in the fold...

2. Mariano Rivera is not human. He looked just as dominant this postseason as he did way back in the late 90's. The pivotal game five was the epitome of his performance in the series as he came in after Brad Lidge imploded in the top of the inning to shut down the Phillies on only eight pitches and three consecutive groundouts to first base...

3. Speaking of first base, Mark Teixiera doesn't need to put up huge offensive numbers if he's going to flash that kind of leather. He is the best defensive first baseman to play in the Bronx since Donnie Baseball...

4. The Red Sox (not the Yankees) are the team of this decade. The Bombers won two titles which bookended this decade, but Boston overcame nearly a century of hardship to capture two titles in four seasons in the middle of the decade...

5. It's amazing the frequency with which 50 Cent positions himself in the middle of calculated beef...

6. South Park hasn't been nearly as solid this season as it was last year...

7. ESPN's 30 for 30 series has been even better than I anticipated up until this point...

8. If I were to re-order my All-Time Horror movie list, Paranormal Activity would fall somewhere in my top three...

9. Michael Jackson's This Is It was a fitting tribute to the greatest performer of our generation. It's also a bittersweet movie going experience because you are only seeing glimpses of MJ's greatness and never actually get to see him going all in...

10. Speaking of 'All In', there is something about Phil Ivey that makes me want to watch the World Series of Poker final table this year...

11. Film versions of two of my favorite novels ever both open nationwide in the next month and a half. Hopefully The Road & Shutter Island come across better on the big screen than Jose Saramago's Blindness did last year...

12. Andy Pettitte is not a Hall of Fame pitcher. He is an all-time Yankee and their official 'Big Game Hunter' but let's not forget that he did get destroyed in Game 6 in 2001 in Arizona and also spit the bit against Boston in 2003. That said, he is the all-time winningest postseason pitcher and no one got a bigger ovation from the Yankee Stadium crowd last night than Andy...

13. A-Rod's postseason was downright magical. The guy who had earned a reputation for never coming through in the clutch in his first few years in the Big Apple, is now officially the one guy you don't wanna see at the plate in a key moment if you are in the opposing dugout...

14. Mike Francesca is never wrong...about anything...don't believe me? Just ask him...

15. Is George Steinbrenner a vegetable at this point?

16. Last night was the loudest I have heard the new building. The Who's Your Daddy? chants got things started early and the fans were on their toes for the remainder of the game...

17. It took a while, but we finally got to see what all the fuss was about in terms of Damaso Marte. If you had told me even just a few weeks ago that the former Pirate would wind up being the secret Yankee weapon out of the bullpen, I would have called you a liar...

18. John Sterling's radio Home Run calls are epic...

19. Dexter is my most disappointing show this season. Following up on a tremendous third season which featured an outstanding performance by Jimmy Smits, the producers have underutilized John Lithgow and spent far too much time on Deb Morgan who is easily the least likeable character on television...

20. Sons of Anarchy is a show that just continues to get better week by week. The sophomore season premiered with a bang and hasn't slowed down since...

21. ABC's two new Sci-Fi attempts at replacing LOST have failed to impress me at this point. That said, I'd say that V has a better chance of success than the tedious Flash Forward...

22. Gambling on NBA Basketball is nowhere near as fun as throwing money on NFL Football. The same could be said for fantasy for each sport...

23. Is Brandon Spikes the only one who realized just how terrible an act his eye gauging incident was?

24. Can't wait to hear the full version of the new Nas Just Blaze produced track, the Scientist...

25. I initially wanted to use this photo for this week's Hump Day Hottie, but thought better of it...

26. Derek Jeter's career postseason numbers speak for themselves: .356 10 HR 23 RBI 37 Runs & 5 Championship Rings in 7 World Series appearances...

27. The Yankees will get number 28 next season...

Hump Day Hottie

Josie Maran

Election Day 2009

Minimal Thoughts Monday

I'm still drained from the English Language Learners class I attended all weekend, so I'm not sure where this post is headed...your guess is as good as mine. I'm probably just going to vomit whatever thoughts I have about the weekend onto this page and call it a day. Let me start by saying that nobody around these parts has a better steak & cheese grinder than D'Angelos. Now, with my weekend course and the Yankees in Philadelphia I barely even noticed that it was Halloween. I've mentioned previously that October 31 is far and away my least favorite holiday, although I do enjoy a good horror flick. I attempted to watch John Carpenter's 'The Thing' on Friday night but passed out approximately 8 minutes into the film. Hopefully I'll find time to watch it over the next few weeks but who knows with school these days. I didn't set out to accomplish this before hand, but for whatever reason I did not have one single piece of chocolate/candy over the weekend. Crazy...

So the Yanks are now just one victory away from locking up their first title since 2000. Although neither Sabathia nor A-Rod have had a huge World Series, they both had a major hand in last night's victory. Game Four was critical for the Pinstripers for several reasons, number one being that they needed to be up in the series heading into tonight's match-up with Cliff Lee. Additionally, the Pedro Feliz homer off Joba with two outs in the eighth had all the makings of a series shifting at bat. Chamberlain looked dominant up until that point overpowering both Jason Werth & Raul Ibanez, only to give up the bomb to the Phillies third baseman. All of that is forgotten, however, thanks to the dramatic two stolen bases on one play by Johnny Damon and subsequent clutch double by A-God. Damon has taken the lead in the MVP voting since the series shifted to Philadelphia with Jeter and Rivera follwing close behind both looking for their second individual award...

Despite not getting to see it live, the most rewarding aspect of my weekend was most definitely the Miami Dolphins pulling off the season sweep of the overrated New York Jets. The Fish managed to muster merely 104 total yards of offense but were sparked by two consecutive Ted Ginn kickoff returns. Ginn does not appear to have the hands to be even an average NFL wide receiver, however, his speed is top notch and he proved yesterday that he can still be quite the dangerous weapon for Miami moving forward. The Dolphins head to Foxboro next weekend to take on the first place Pats in a game they desperately need if they plan on keeping any hope of qualifying for the postseason. The 3-4 Dolphins could very easily be 5-2 at this point, but there's no use in crying over spilled milk...

Finally, my new favorite blog, Complex comes through yet again this week with a solid top ten list of the greatest Beanie Sigel-Jay Z collabo's in honor of the ongoing feud between the former Roc-A-Fella partners. Here's the Average Cat download for those of you who haven't heard it yet. Parting shot: take the Falcons (+12) & the Over (55) tonight...risk $25 to win $65...

NFL Picks: Week 8 (Shorty vs Lovins)

Trick or Treat Scumbags!!!!

Shorty vs. Lovins

Baltimore (-3) $50<-------->Baltimore (-3)
Cleveland (+14)<--------> Cleveland (+14)
Houston (-3.5) $50 <-------->Houston (-3.5) $75
San Francisco (+13.5) <--------> Indianapolis (-13.5)
NY Jets (-3.5) <--------> Miami (+3.5)
St. Louis (+4) <--------> Detroit (-4)
Seattle (+10) <--------> Dallas (-10)
NY Giants (-1.5) $75 <--------> NY Giants (-1.5)
Oakland (+17) <--------> Oakland (+17) $25
Jacksonville (+3) $25 <--------> Jacksonville (+3)
Minnesota (+3) <--------> Minnesota (+3) $50
Carolina (+10.5) <--------> Arizona (-10.5)
Atlanta (+11) <-------> Atlanta (+11) $50

The United Brothers, "This Is It", "Throw the Mortgage on it", Absolutely 110%, Sure Thing Teaser of the Week = Raiders (+23) & Vikings (+3)

Seven Week Totals
Shorty (54-48-1) -$200 (4-2) teaser
Lovins (56-46-1) even (4-2) teaser

Shorty's $$$ Picks of the Week...

"Shorty's $$$ Picks of the Week" is a weekly feature where I link to a few blog posts which I found interesting during the week. Every Friday we focus on sports, movies, television and whatever else is going on in the world. The weekly feature regularly showcases new music downloads and video clips. I hope you enjoy...

Andre Agassi was a major fan of Crystal meth - Drug Addiction Treatment

Strat-o-Matic adds Negro League players - Sly Oyster

Entire Lil' Wayne: No Ceilings Mixtape - Ill Roots

Caron Butler cuts down on Mountain Dew habit - Sports By Brooks

Michael Jackson: This Is It review - Film School Rejects

Paranormal Activity: Original Ending

This ending is nowhere near as frightening as the theatrical release. Legend has it that Steven Spielberg is actually the one who suggested an alternate ending after loving the original film but being a wee bit disappointed in the final few moments. Thankfully, the powers that be came up with the now infamous closing scene. Entertainment Weekly has a terrific article on their website comparing this film with it's natural older brother The Blair Witch Project. In my opinion, it's hard to match the originality of Blair Witch; imagine watching Paranormal Activity in a theater filled with nearly half the audience thinking that what they are viewing are 'real' events. The ingenious marketing strategy of Dreamworks has done wonders for what is for all intents & purposes, the scariest horror film of the decade. Yet, the Blair Witch campaign was so shrewd that literally millions of people went to the theaters on opening night in 1999 convinced they were watching a snuff film. I LOVED both of these films and have a difficult time deciding which one I liked better...so I won't. I will say this, however, when it comes to scary movies the ending is generally what sets the good ones apart from the great ones. In this case of The Blair Witch Project, the final scene features an eye opening "Oh Sh*t" moment that scrambles your brain. Meanwhile, Paranormal Activity provides far less room for mental thought as the you clench your armrest and jump halfway out of the theater. Either way, in my estimation they are two of the top five scariest films ever made...

World Series Preview

I'm honestly not too sure where to go with this particular blog post. Normally, I would make my predictions, drop a few notes and be on my merry way. However, this marks the first time that one of my teams has reached the Championship Round since I officially began blogging over three years ago now. Thus, I'm left in a no win situation: if I picked the Yankees I risk jinxing them, yet I sure as sh*t can't pick against them. Therefore, there will be no predictions, but instead I will tell you which specific areas I see each team having the advantage. Let's start with the everyday lineups which I think are dead even. Sure the Bronx Bombers have A-Rod, Jeter and Tex but the Fightin Phils counter with Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley and Ryan Howard. In the games played at Yankee Stadium the Yanks might have a slight advantage due to the DH, but when the series shifts to Philadelphia the Yankees will lose either Matsui or Posada (or perhaps both) while the Phillies will keep the likes of Victorino and Jason Werth in theirs. Both teams boast decent benches with Philly having the advantage in defensive replacements and power hitters, but the Yankees having Brett Gardner ready to be a menace on the basepaths. Lineup & Bench = Push

In terms of starting pitching I again think it is a push. CC has been dominant, but former teammate Cliff Lee has been nearly unhittable. Andy Pettitte seems to have saved his best for the postseason and so has the ageless Pedro Martinez. Both teams have a wild card in their respective rotations who could make or break the series. AJ Burnett has been hit or miss all season long and it will be interesting to see how Joe Girardi manuevers around the possibility of Burnett pitching to Jorge Posada in a potential game five scenario at Citizens Bank Park. For Philly, reigning World Series MVP Cole Hamels has not looked good during the playoffs, but if he can return to his old ways, the Phillies may very well be on their way to a repeat. Starting Rotation = Push

The one area in which I give the Pinstripes the clear advantage is the same place that they hold a distinct advantage over everyone else in baseball. Mariano Rivera. Brad Lidge has reverted back to his winning ways this posteason after a horrendous regular season and he will be assisted by a few starting pitchers being utilized in the Phillies bullpen including rookie J.A. Happ. The Yankees young guns haven't been nearly as consistent with both Joba & Phil Hughes having roller coaster postseasons thus far. Bullpen = Advantage Yankees

BET Cypher: Mos Def, Black Thought & Eminem

Hump Day Hottie

Suleika

NBA Preview/Predictions

Eastern Conference

1. Boston Celtics: Health will be the biggest factor for the C's who added Rasheed Wallace to bolster their thin frontcourt. This may be the year of Rajon Rondo's emergence...
2. Cleveland Cavaliers: LeBron's last stand in Cleveland before inevitably abandoning his home state for the Big Apple...
3. Orlando Magic: Not sold on the defending conference champs replacing Turkolu w/ Vinsanity from a team chemistry persepctive...
4. Atlanta Hawks: Joe Johnson may very well be the league's most underrated player and the Hawks are stacked with young talent...
5. Philadelphia 76ers: If Elton Brand can stay on the court, they might be able to compete for home court in the first round...
6. Washington Wizards: w/ Caron Butler emerging as a star in his absense, Arenas will need to share the ball for them to make the postseason...
7. Miami Heat: Need to make the most of Dwayne Wade while he's still in South Beach; Their young nucleus will be lost without him...
8. Detroit Pistons: Gotta go with the UConn Pistons to edge out Chicago for the last postseason slot. Am I the only one who believes the Bulls are going to miss Ben Gordon big time?

Western Conference

1. Los Angeles Lakers: The only question is whether their chances of repeating will be helped or hindered by Ron Artest. My guess is that Kobe will keep the 'Warrior' on a short leash...
2. San Antonio Spurs: The addition of Richard Jefferson infuses some much needed athleticism for a team which simply couldn't run with L. A. last season...
3. Portland Trail Blazers: One of the deepest bench's in the league should help Brandon Roy lead the Blazers towards the top of the conference. If Greg Oden can produce anything close to his potential, Portland could be a handful out West...
4. Denver Nuggets: Carmelo Anthony probably still needs a capable wingman, but their frontcourt is experienced and Chauncey Billups is the quintescential backcourt leader...
5. Dallas Mavericks: Mark Cuban's boys will need Dirk to put last season's off court drama behind him. Dallas should be the percect fit for Shawn Marion...
6. Utah Jazz: Deron Williams & company will have to deal with an unhappy Carlos Boozer who can't possibly like the idea of Paul Milsap making that much money...
7. New Orleans Hornets: Chris Paul & David West are too talented a combo for the Hornets to not qualify for the postseason despite the fact that Okafor is already looking like a problem...
8. Los Angeles Clippers: Blake Griffin will resurrect this franchise...as soon as he recovers from his broken kneecap...

Minimal Thoughts Monday

This is going to have to be brief since I have about an hour to finish a ton of Spanish homework. Let me start by saying that as happy as I am to see the Yankees back in the Fall Classic, their victory last night did not totally wash away the anguish caused by the emotional loss for the Connecticut Huskies on Saturday in Morgantown or the devastating choke-job of my beloved Miami Dolphins yesterday afternoon. The Huskies came up and played some of their best football of the season in honor of their fallen teammate Jasper Howard, but in the end their defense was unable to contain West Virginia's Noel Devine. The Mountaineer speed demon is exactly the type of offensive playmaker whom Randy Edsall has failed to recruit to Storrs so far in his tenure. Donald Brown was a workhouse back who evolved into a top tier NFL Draft Pick, but even he did not have the type of game changing speed which UConn is going to need if they hope to take their program to an elite level...

In the case of the Miami Dolphins, it's not neccesarily the fact that they blew a 24-3 lead at home, but rather the manner in which it occurred. just seconds prior to the half, Head Coach Tony Sparano called a timeout when it appeared as though the Saints were willing to settle for a field goal. Instead, Drew Brees persuaded Sean Payton to go for six point on fourth down and snuck in a TD to cut the deficit to two scores. Immediately following halftime Ted Ginn had one of his several dropped passes fall into the arms of Darren Sharper who proceeded directly to the other end zone (although replays showed without the ball: should have been a touchback) and suddenly the Fish were involved in a dogfight. The Dolphins still had a ten point lead at the start of the fourth quarter but again the coaching staff let the team down by abandoning the running game. In the end, Chad Henne's numbers are going to look hidious, although neither of the two interceptions thrown were his fault. The Dolphins are eventually going to be very very dangerous, although I suspect we are still a year (& an impact receiver) away...

While I finally got to check out Paranormal Activity (which I loved BTW) this weekend, the hectic sports schedule did not allow me to see every event. For example, I still haven't seen the controversial Dragon Machida decision over Shogun Rua and I caught only brief glimpses of last evening's NY Giants game since my attention was focused on the Bronx Bombers. I hope to have my World Series Baseball Preview up on Wednesday and my plan is also to have the November Mixtape up and running by the end of this week. Have a terrific week everyone!

November Mixtape: Let The Wild Rumpus Start!

Mixtape now available on the right side of the page ----->

NFL Picks: Week Seven (Shorty vs Lovins)

Shorty vs. Lovins

San Diego (-5.5) $50<-------->San Diego (-5.5) $50
Indianapolis (-14) $50<-------->Indianapolis (-14) $50
Green Bay (-7) <-------->Green Bay (-7)
Minnesota (+5) <--------> Minnesota (+5) $50
New England (-15.5) <-------->New England (-15.5)
San Francisco (+3) <--------> San Francisco (+3)
Carolina (-7) <-------->Carolina (-7)
NY Jets (-7) <--------> Oakland (+7) $50
Chicago (+1) <--------> Cincinnati (-1)
New Orleans (-7) $50 <--------> New Orleans (-7)
Dallas (-4) <--------> Atlanta (+4)
NY Giants (-7) $50<--------> Arizona (+7)
Philadelphia (-7) <-------> Philadelphia (-7)

The United Brothers, Bounce Back, Feel it in the Air Tonight, "Throw the Mortgage on it", Absolutely 110%, Sure Thing Teaser of the Week = Panthers (-1) & Packers (-3) $1,000

Six Week Totals
Lovins (48-42) even + (3-1) Teaser
Shorty (46-44) -$300 + (3-1) Teaser

UFC 104- Machida vs. Shogun

Remember when you were a kid and you played dodgeball and there was always one kid that was so elusive that he never got out. Sometimes he would even taunt other players by running real close to them and yet still not get hit. That was so frustrating that you just wanted to nail him with a shot to the face with the red rubber playground ball just to say "I got you! Ha, Ha" with almost an arrogance of someone that just earned the title of "King of Dodgeball"

Well, Machida is that player. Although very humble and a very determined fighter, "The Dragon" is so elusive that it's almost impossible to get a solid punch on him. Is it Shogun Rua who will become the new king or is it just another player who is living in the shadows of the champ? I guess that really depends on which Shogun shows up. Is it the one who knocked out Chuck Liddell or the one who had lack luster performances against Mark Coleman and Forrest Griffin. I'd prefer the prior. But I expect it to be more of the same as the rest of Machida's matches, he punches, kicks and dominates. If Shogun wants to have a chance, he needs to get off his offense first and be accurate, not wild. Machida will pick him apart if Shogun is not assertive.

In other fights, Cain Velasquez faces former IFL Heavyweight champ, Ben Rothwell. Rothwell is replacing Shane Carwin, who was bumped up to face Brock Lesnar. Rothwell is a big tough country strong fighter who is making his UFC debut and doesn't want to disappoint. Also, Spencer Fisher and Joe Stevenson will have an action packed fight. Both of these fighters need this win BAD, in order to still be considered relevant and worth watching. There will be 7 fights televised between Spike and PPV and all the fights will be action packed. Also on the card is Anthony "Rumble" Johnson, Ryan Bader and Pat Barry. The one fight that isn't being televised and might be one of the best fights of the night is Yushin Okami and Chael Sonnen. Okami has been one of the most active and exciting fighters since coming to UFC. His only loss was a decision to Ace Franklin (not too shabby). Hopefully, a couple of fights will end quick and we will see the best fight of the night. As I have done in the past, is pick the winners for the entire night Let's see who can outdo the Dodgeball champ.

Chase Gormley vs. Stefan Struve- Gormley by 1st Rd KO

Kyle Kingsbury vs. Razak Al Hassan- Al Hassan by 1st Rd TKO

Jorge Rivera vs Rob Kimmons- Rivera by 2nd Rd submission

Okami vs Sonnen- Okami by Unanimous Decision

Antoni Hardonk vs. Pat Barry- Barry by 2nd Rd KO

Bader vs Schafer- Bader by 1st Rd TKO

Johnson vs Yoshida- Johnson by 1st Rd KO

Fisher vs Stevenson- Fisher by Split Decision

Gleison Tibau vs Josh Neer- Tibau by Split Decision

Velasquez vs Rothwell- Velasquez by 2nd Rd TKO

Machida vs. Shogun- Machida by 3rd Rd KO

Shorty's $$$ Picks of the Week...

"Shorty's $$$ Picks of the Week" is a weekly feature where I link to a few blog posts which I found interesting during the week. Every Friday we focus on sports, movies, television and whatever else is going on in the world. The weekly feature regularly showcases new music downloads and video clips. I hope you enjoy...

Magic & Isiah's relationship a sham - Deadspin

Weezy F. Baby's about to do a bid - Rolling Stone

Did Donald Trump truly kill the USFL? - Shutdown Corner

Top 100 Video Games of the Past Decade - Complex

Early look at possible Oscar Nominations - Reel Fanatic

Rhyme of the Month: 88 Keys

Uh, yeah! My name is 88-Keys & that’s the name you’ll see on the manifest on Oceanic Flight 815. We’ve been Lost for a few weeks now. I don’t think anybody’s coming for us. Man… I remember this like it was yesterday; When I lost my bag on day one.

1st Verse:

I woke up from a concussion
With sand on my feet
No futher discussion
I’m a son of a beach

Where’s my briefcase?
It was in reach
I gotta drill these people
Just like a prez before he gets impeached

Let me go straight to the liar & pack rat
Scratch that
Take it to the man
With the desire for that hatch

Locke – Don’t give me that
Philosophical crap
I know is gonna spew
From you esophagus track

Just tell me where my box is
Before I let everybody know
You couldn’t use your limbs
Where your sock is

Save it!
I’ll just ask Sawyer
Now let’s face it
He’ll say he didn’t take it

So now I gotta go to Kate
To sweet talk Sawyer
Just to get my briefcase
For a kiss like cheap dates

Sawyer doesn’t have it
Nobody said they grabbed it
Now they’re all acting like
I’m chasing down a white rabbit like Jack did

Chorus:

My bag got lost
So now I’m looking for it
My bag wasn’t found
I got tooken for it – Lost
Have you see it
Anywhere around here? – Lost
Tell me if you see it
When the ground clears

I’m not taking orders from Jack
Like I’m his soldier
I don’t trust Katie
As far as my arms could throw her
Expect the unexpected
When they do drop bombs so
YouMightWantToConsiderHikingBoots.com

2nd Verse:

Gotta investigate this matter further
This madam that I never heard of
Using words
So absurd to

Me & everybody else
Except for Shannon
Distress calls
Who got balls like cannon?

To tell me where my briefcase is
How ’bout you Michael?
You know us brothers gotta
Stick together

I tried to play the race card
But my plan faultered
The only one he’s cares about
His lil’ man Walter

That’s the kid
Who could
Make reality
Alter

I ain’t messing with him
So I slid
Back to Shannon
Just to see if I could find Sayid

And he’s over there
Talking to Boone
Let me see if I could get closer
And get the scoop like a spoon

I heard him say,
“Stay the Hell away from my sister!”
Mr. Overprotective brother
Not only does he lover her but he used to kiss her… Under the covers

Chorus:

My bag got lost
So now I’m looking for it
My bag wasn’t found
I got tooken for it – Lost
Have you see it
Anywhere around here? – Lost
Tell me if you see it
When the ground clears

I’m not taking orders from Jack
Like I’m his soldier
I don’t trust Katie
As far as my arms could throw her
Expect the unexpected
When they do drop bombs so
YouMightWantToConsiderHikingBoots.com

3rd Verse:

Now I searched all over the island
For my stuff
Man it’s rough
When these dead bodies are piled in

There’s only so much
That Jack can do
With polar bears running through the forrest
Attacking you

Now let’s not forget Claire
She needs the prenatal
Care – Make the wrong move
And Charlie makes it fatal?

I’m not really here for friends
Just my bag
I don’t care about you, your drugs
Or Drive Shaft

Now why did Sun laugh
If she only speaks Korean?
There’s something she ain’t telling
There’s something Jin ain’t seeing

She making ginseng
Just to poison human beings
And everybody on the cave & beach
Disagreeing

I should’ve asked Hurley
Early
‘Cause he took a head count
He knows everybody on the island

I described my baggage
He said he knows who had it
Now we gotta figure out
Why Ethan’s name wasn’t added to the manifest

Chorus:

My bag got lost
So now I’m looking for it
My bag wasn’t found
I got tooken for it – Lost
Have you see it
Anywhere around here? – Lost
Tell me if you see it
When the ground clears

I’m not taking orders from Jack
Like I’m his soldier
I don’t trust Katie
As far as my arms could throw her
Expect the unexpected
When they do drop bombs so
YouMightWantToConsiderHikingBoots.com

88 Keys - Baggage Claim

Hump Day Hottie

Kate Rodriguez

RIP - Jasper Howard

STORRS, Conn. - A Connecticut football player who was an expectant father was stabbed to death early Sunday after an on-campus dance, just hours after helping his team to a homecoming victory.

Jasper Howard, 20, of Miami, and another student were stabbed during a fight after a fire alarm was pulled during a university sanctioned dance at the UConn Student Union just after 12:30 a.m., police said.

Police had not identified a suspect or released the name of the other victim.

Connecticut coach Randy Edsall said the team was heartbroken and devastated over the loss of Howard, a junior and the team's starting cornerback who came to the school to get away from the violence on the streets of his hometown. He became the first person in his family to go to college.

"I know this," Edsall said, his eyes red and welling with tears, "he loved UConn; he loved his teammates; he loved everything about this."

NFL Picks: Week Six (Shorty vs Lovins)

Shorty vs. Lovins

Kansas City (+6.5) <--------> Washington (-6.5)
Houston (+5.5) <--------> Houston (+5.5)
Minnesota (-3) $50 <-------->Minnesota (-3)
Cleveland (+14) <--------> Pittsburgh (-14) $50
St. Louis (+10) <--------> Jacksonville (-10)
NY Giants (+3) $50 <--------> NY Giants (+3) $25
Carolina (-3) $75 <--------> Carolina (-3) $25
Green Bay (-14) <--------> Green Bay (-14)
Oakland (+14.5) <--------> Philly (-14.5) $50
Arizona (+3) <--------> Seattle (-3)
NY Jets (-10) <-------->NY Jets (-10) $50
New England (-9.5) <-------->New England (-9.5)
Chicago (+3.5) <-------> Atlanta (-3.5)
San Diego (-3.5) $25 <-------> Denver (+3.5)

The United Brothers 'City That Never Sleeps', "Throw the Mortgage on it", Absolutely 110%, Sure Thing Teaser of the Week = Giants (+9) & Jets (-4) $1,000

Four Week Totals
Lovins (42-34) $150 + (3-1) Teaser
Shorty (37-39) -$250 + (3-1) Teaser

Shorty's $$$ Picks of the Week...

"Shorty's $$$ Picks of the Week" is a weekly feature where I link to a few blog posts which I found interesting during the week. Every Friday we focus on sports, movies, television and whatever else is going on in the world. The weekly feature regularly showcases new music downloads and video clips. I hope you enjoy...

The (Mis)adventures of Balloon Boy - Dipped in Cream

Super Six Middleweight Boxing Tournament kicks off Saturday - Showtime

The plight of the white Running Back - The Big Lead

Jets defense is packed full of whiners - Phinsider

Plotting 'Empire State of Mind' on Google Maps - Fast Company

This Week in Movies...

It's been nearly two months since I last saw a movie in the theaters. Wow, that previous sentence was depressing. With school in session, the start of football season and MLB Playoffs all coming together this month it's been nearly impossible to find time to see any films. Combine that with the fact that once the summer ends, the quality of the nationwide movie releases seems to dip until around Holiday season and you come to understand why my movie watching has taken a serious hit. Things seem to be on the up & up the next few weeks however as the Maurice Sendak timeless children's classic Where the Wild Things Are comes to the big screen tomorrow. The film version was directed by Spike Jonze and combines live action with CGI and other special effects. The movie features performances by James Gandolfini, Forrest Whitaker, Paul Dano & Catherine Keener who plays Max's mother.

The film I am most excited about seeing makes it's national release next weekend as Paranormal Activity will finally make its way to the Constitution State. The independent film which is drawing comparisions to cult hit Blair Witch Project can thank the twitter/facebook era for building an unprecedented amount of internet buzz that vaulted the film from indie hit to nationally demanded feature film. The commercials making the rounds right now are brilliant; showing actual audience members in various states of pure terror at the movie screen. In my estimation, the scariest films are always the low budget productions which deal with out innermost fears of dark, night, alone and unknown. As Halloween quickly approaches and we are forced to deal with a sixth version of the Saw series, I find it refreshing to be able to check out a movie that will attempt to scare the bejesus out of me and not just shock me with a gruesome amount of gore and elaborate murder plans...

Extract -> C+
Away We Go -> C- State of Play - B-

Uniform Watch (Sweet & Sour Edition)

Sweet = AFL Legacy Helmets

Sour = Broncos Uniforms (Steelers colors/putrid striped socks)

Sweet = Rams Retro Uniforms

Sour = Rams Current Players & Uniforms

Hump Day Hottie

Emily Scott

Random Thoughts Tuesday

It's difficult for me to truly put into words just how satisfying a victory it was last night for the Miami Dolphins. The dramatic, come from behind win over the division leading Jets was one of the more memorable regular season victories in years for several reasons. First off, Rex Ryan and his boisterous defense have turned up the heat on already explosive rivalries with both the Fish and the Patriots. In the offseason, the outspoken Jets coach never hesitated to get into a war of words with Dolphin linebacker Channing Crowder. Last night in front of a national audience, Miami ran the Wildcat right down the throats of a supposedly 'dominant' Jets defense. As if that weren't enough, Dolphins quarterback of the future Chad Henne had a coming out party which included a 50 yard bomb to Ted Ginn Jr. who apparently had no problem escaping from Revis Island. After an 0-3 start, there is suddenly new life in South Beach and despite a still greuling schedule down the stretch, it appears as though our franchise QB is ready to shine. The Miami secondary is a work in progress and I still don't think they put enough consistent pressure on the opposing team's signal callers, but with Henne's deep threat ability combined with the Wildcat the Dolphins may truly have one of the most dangerous offenses in the league...

Could the Divisional Round of the MLB playoffs been any less exciting? Sure, as a Yankee fan it was an awesome weekend with Clutch-Rod hitting the biggest HR of his career in friday night's classic game and Papelbon's implosion on Sunday afternoon, but overall we had three sweeps and zero game fives. The Cardinals absolutely no showed their series proving to be the only series I called incorrectly (I went 3-1 in the 1st round). I just never would have guessed that Carpenter and Wainwright would both fall in the first two games in Los Angeles. Now Joe Torre has the Dodgers ready to take on the defending champion Phillies in what should be a terrific series. The question for L.A. remains their starting pitching, but despite picking against them in the St. Louis series, I sense a huge series from Clayton Kershaw and trust the Dodger bullpen much more than Brad Lidge's circus act. Therefore, I'm going with the Dodgers in Six in the NLCS. Over in the AL, the Yanks will meet the Angels in what has all the makings of a classic series. If I broke it down on paper I would give the Yanks the edge in just about every category, however, the Halos have perhaps the best manager in baseball in Mike Scioscia and are a scrappy bunch who always seems to have the Bombers number. California's starting pitching is strong and with Phil Hughes recent struggles they probably have the edge in middle relief. Additionally, the Angels will undoubtedly attempt to run rampant over the basepaths in this series on an aging Jorge Posada. In the end, I just get the sense that this is the Yankees year and hope/pray/BELIEVE that A-Rod will continue his winning ways with Kate Hudson by his side. Yankees in Seven in ALCS.

Minimal Thoughts Monday

I'm pressed for time this afternoon with Spanish class set to commence in a few moments, but as I sit here pondering what to think about this half holiday known as Columbus Day (is this even a national holiday anymore? it seems like only about 10% of Americans have this day off & at this point what are we even celebrating? a racist rapist who 'discovered' an already inhabited country?) I figured I'd let you know what is in store tomorrow when I drop a much more detailed random thoughts edition. I'll be sure to tackle the AFL Legacy uniforms which made a major mark in yesterday's NFL action while providing some thoughts on the Divisional Round of MLB's postseason, including the outstanding performance of Clutch-Rod. For now though, just get yourselves settled in and enjoy a Monday Night edition of one of the greatest rivalries the NFL has to offer as Rex Ryan and the Jets head to Miami in the hopes of shutting down the Wildcat and gaining sole possession of first place in the AFC East...

NFL Picks: Week Five (Shorty vs Lovins)

Week Five: "Picking Up The Pieces"

Shorty vs. Lovins

Minnesota (-10.5) <--------> Minnesota (-10.5)
Dallas (-9) <--------> Dallas (-9)
Carolina (-3.5) $25 <--------> Carolina (-3.5) $25
Cleveland (+6) <--------> Cleveland (+6)
NY Giants (-16) <--------> NY Giants (-16)
Cincinnati (+8.5) $25 <--------> Baltimore (-8.5)
Tampa Bay (+15.5) <--------> Philadelphia (-15.5) $25
Pittsburgh (-11) <--------> Pittsburgh (-11) $50
Atlanta (+3) <--------> Atlanta (+3)
Houston (+5.5) $25 <--------> Arizona (-5.5)
New England (-3.5) $25 <-------->Denver (+3.5)
Seattle (pk) <-------->Seattle (pk)
Indianapolis (-4) $100 <-------> Indianapolis (-4) $100
NY Jets (-2) <--------> Miami (+2)

The United Brothers "Throw the Mortgage on it", Absolutely 110%, Sure Thing Teaser of the Week = Falcons (+9) & Panthers (+2.5) $1,000

Four Week Totals
Lovins (32-30) $100 + (3-0) Teaser
Shorty (30-32) -$300 + (3-0) Teaser

WEC- CERRONE VS. HENDERSON

Wow! It feels like forever since I have last did a preview for a MMA event. I haven't really watched or kept up with some of the latest news that may have occurred with what is going on in the world of MMA. Honestly, as some of you father's know, trying to keep up with your own little cage fighters is time consuming. But when I had a chance to check out the card for this upcoming event on Versus, I thought this would be a good time to check back in and give my two cents.

The main event is a little weak but I like Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone. He has fought some tough fighters in his time with the WEC. He gave champion Jaime Varner all he could handle and has improved with every fight. He has proven to have a good chin and warrior spirit. In every fight that I have seen with him, he has shown good stand up and submission games. In this fight tonight against Ben Henderson, Cerrone will use is height (6'0) and reach to keep the 5'9 Henderson at bay. He is a better striker and more the competent grappler to battle with the active ground game of Henderson's. Henderson has also shown potential of being a decent striker in his couple matches in WEC. I don't think the fight will go the distance. If it does Cerrone is taking a step back in his progression. He needs to be able to finish fights in order to move up among the elite. I think he will: Cerrone by KO in the 2nd round.

As for the rest of the card, it will have some action. That's the great thing about watching the little guys fight. On the card, veterans like Richard Crunkilton, Manny Tapia and Damacio Page are also in action; all should win against lesser fighters and an ultra talented BJJ fighter in Wagney Fabiano will get a test before he is considered a top contender for the 145 crown. I believe he is already a contender but is still relatively new to WEC. When he wins tonight, he'll get a shot for the title.

All in all, the fights that the WEC put on always have action with great stand up battles and active grappling.

Shorty's $$$ Picks of the Week...

"Shorty's $$$ Picks of the Week" is a weekly feature where I link to a few blog posts which I found interesting during the week. Every Friday we focus on sports, movies, television and whatever else is going on in the world. The weekly feature regularly showcases new music downloads and video clips. I hope you enjoy...

Think you're having a tough day? Try being Matt Holiday - Ken Rosenthal

Real life 'Catch Me If You Can' kid becomes Facebook folk hero - Mashable

Dez Bryant suspended for hangin w/ Deion Sanders - Deuling Couches

Jim & Pam's Office Wedding incorporates 'Forever' intro - Cinema Blend

Hova takes exception to Eminem's ommision from Hottest Mc's list - Nah Right?

Random Thoughts Thursday

What a week it has been in sports. Just yesterday I awoke to news that the Jets had acquired disgruntled Browns wide receiver Braylon Edwards and the first place San Francisco 49ers finally came to terms with rookie wideout Michael Crabtree. All this NFL news coming sandwiched between the AL Central classic between the Twins & the Tigers and the Yankees first victory on their way toward title number 27. Derek Jeter continued to cement his legacy, CC earned his pinstripes and Phil Hughes showed exactly why he is expected to be the bridge to Mariano ala Mo was to Wetteland a decade ago...

In music news, MTV finally revealed the entire top ten hottest mc's list and like many others I'm wondering how Slim Shady was left off the list entirely. His album, while not his best ever, was better than most critics originally let on and Marshall is just coming off a guest spot where he annihilated three of the top four on this very list. I can't really hate on the remainder of the list although I just don't see what everyone gets excited over Gucci Mane for. His style, flow and demeanor all seem played out to me. I realize I'm probably in the minority on this one, but I'm just not feelin' homey.



Now, last year when the list was released my biggest gripe was with a current Slaughterhouse member being excluded. At the time, Joe Budden was spitting straight fire on multiple Green Lantern Invasion freestyles and had a buzz that should have put him in the top ten. This time around it's his fellow group member Royce the 5'9 who has the streets buzzin hard with several sick verses ever since the voting concluded. For my money, Royce is that dude to watch in 2010. His flow on this Dinner Time joint with Busta is so hungry and check out the tough freestyle above from Peter Parker's show...

Taking a step away from Hip-Hop for the moment we find the dopest track I've heard in weeks from Strokes frontman Julian Casablancas. 11th Dimension is another rock/synthesizer hit from the same family tree as some of the MGMT and Santogold songs I have linked on here over the last few months. Casablancas' first solo project Phrazes for the Young is scheduled to release on the 20th of October...

I never watched Arrested Development, so I can't really say whether or not the comparisons hold any weight, but I can tell you that Modern Family is probably the funniest show on network television. While Al Bundy is the big name star of the show, Ty Burrell truly shines as the dad who tries just a little too hard to be hip and finds himself in Stiller-esque predicaments. Speaking of hysterical television, if you haven't been watching the first three episodes of Curb Your Enthusiasm, you are missing out. Larry David has been at his best trying to win back his ex-wife over the last season & a half and now he prepares to helm the Seinfeld reunion in what should be classic television...

Hump Day Hottie

Katy Perry