I have returned to offer my thoughts on the college football weekend after a week hiatus. I came down with a terrible fever and cough last week and was not up to blogging about anything from week 13. A couple things to note from the previous week were that USF finally got back on the winning track by beating UConn, Miami pissed away its ACC title hopes by letting Georgia Tech run all over them, and Texas Tech was finally defeated (convincingly) by Oklahoma.
This week was rivalry week and it was a pretty good one. On Thursday, Texas took care of their rival Texas A&M quite easily 49-9. Texas is a team that is deserving of a shot at the title, but time and pollsters will have to determine if they are worthy enough to get into the BIG 12 Championship over Oklahoma (I say no). On that note it was Oklahoma traveling to Stillwater to face their foe Oklahoma State in the prime time match up of the weekend. The Sooners prevail 61-41 in an offensive shootout. They look like the 2nd hottest team in the nation at the moment and I would love nothing more to see them play Florida in the BCS Championship.
On Friday there were some excellent battles. Over in the Big East, Pittsburgh defeated West Virginia 19-15 for the second straight season in the backyard brawl. Pitt's victory guaranteed the Cincinnati the Big East title and a trip to the Orange Bowl (most likely). Also on Friday, LSU let down the people of Louisiana once again as they lost to a 5-7 Arkansas 31-30.
On Saturday my Miami Hurricanes laid an egg against North Carolina State and lose 38-28. The Canes continue to struggle to find an identity on offense. As I've sad several times this season they need to choose one QB and stick with him during the game. OC Patric Nix is not giving Robert Marve or Jacory Harris a chance to get into a groove. I would prefer to see Harris back there, but Marve was doing fine and they took him out on Saturday. Ryan Hill cannot tackle, get him off the field.
Virginia Tech defeated Virginia 17-14 clinching the ACC Coastal. They will play Boston College next week in the ACC Championship after the Eagles held off Maryland 28-21 and kept Florida State out of the title game. Speaking of Florida State, they got destroyed by Florida 45-15. The Gators continue to look like an unstoppable force and next week should be a great game as they play Alabama in the SEC Championship. Alabama took care of hated rival Auburn 36-0 in the Iron Bowl.
In an upset, Georgia Tech beat Georgia 45-42 in the most entertaining game of the day. It's a shame they the Yellow Jackets do not have a chance to play in the ACC game because they are the best team in the conference in my opinion. Staying with the upsets, Kansas beat Missouri in the border war 40-37. Missouri will still play in the Big 12 Championship, but 10-2 would have looked a lot better to end the regular season than 9-3. Now they'll probably head to their bowl game 9-4 and play in something like the Holiday Bowl. Oregon pounded Oregon State 65-38, ending the Beavers' hopes at a Pac-10 title and Rose Bowl berth. Oregon has a chance to win it now if USC somehow loses to UCLA. My instinct says the Trojans win the Pac-10 yet again.
Tune in next week for Championship Week when all the conference champions will be crowned and the bowls will be set. Not too mention...The ARMY-NAVY game.
Here is my new Top 25:
1. Alabama
2. Florida
3. Oklahoma
4. Texas
5. USC
6. Utah
7. Texas Tech
8. Penn State
9. Boise State
10. Ohio State
11. Cincinnati
12. Ball State
13. TCU
14. Oklahoma State
15. Georgia Tech
16. Oregon
17. Missouri
18. Boston College
19. Georgia
20. Pittsburgh
21. Michigan State
22. Northwestern
23. BYU
24. Mississippi
25. Oregon State
30 November 2008
23 November 2008
Winterhook Winter Ale
I am quite partial to tasting all the seasonal flavors that are offered round this time of the year, and to kick off the holiday season I chose Winterhook Winter Ale by Red Hook Ale Brewery. I have not been disappointed in the past from this brewers offerings (especially the Longhammer IPA), and this did not disappoint. Poured a deep dark Amber with a nice size head. The one distinct characteristic in its appearance was the lace it left on the glass. The scent was overwhelming of the holiday season with a piny/floral aroma and the taste matched with a nice bite of holiday spice and subtle caramel flavors. Some what of a bitter after taste, but that is expected of an ale. Enough to keep me warm on these cooler nights. Great drinkability that kept me wanting to go back for more. Finished three of them in the span of one football game. Highly recommend for the winter season.
Happy Drinking.
Happy Drinking.
16 November 2008
College Football Thought (Week 12)
This was a week with little national implications, and as I stated last week it was a bit boring. However, I come to this blog bearing many thoughts as I got a pretty good idea how a lot of things could play out the rest of the season.
I'll start off by commenting on my favorite teams, USF and Miami. From what I can see, USF has counted their losses (now 4) and given up on the season. I witnessed a team that has lost all of their heart and pride in the last three games they have played, especially in yesterday's 49-16 loss to a Rutgers team that came into the game 4-5. Head coach Jim Leavitt has lost complete control of a squad that many considered seasoned veterans. We returned 10 starters on offense and cannot move the ball. Quarterback Matt Grothe has been figured out by the all the defenses and his legs are as much a threat as his arm, and by throwing eight interceptions in the last three games you get a sense of how much of a threat that is. I am completely behind a change in the program's direction, and if that means canning the beloved Leavitt so be it. Unfortunately I do not think they will change a damn thing because he is already the highest paid coach in the Big East and the school will not be willing to fund a buyout and go for anyone better. This team does not deserve a bowl game, although it will be tough for the St. Pete Bowl to pass on us because of the proximity to the school.
Miami on the other hand looks to be headed in the opposite direction. It will not be long before The U is a top power again. They defeated a very respectable Virginia Tech team 16-14 on Thursday night, a game in which I felt would prove whether they were ready to compete for an ACC title this year. Sure enough they control their own destiny as the leaders of the Coastal division. Win out and they are in the conference championship. This coming Thursday at Georgia Tech will be another tough challenge. I am a bit nervous about this one since Tech is the 14th team in total defense and the Canes have struggled to move the ball (100th in total offense). Fortunately Miami boasts an even tougher defense, 10th, while doing particularly well against the run which is all the Jackets have. Should be a great, LOW SCORING, game. I say something in the realm of 25-30 points and either team can walk away victorious.
Staying in the ACC, Florida State shot themselves in the foot during a game they needed badly losing to Boston College 27-17. They now have to beat Maryland in College Park, and hope Maryland beats Boston College and Boston College beats Wake Forest for them to earn a bid in the ACC Championship (I stand corrected Matt). I'm hoping they can pull it off because I want Miami to get another shot at them. The problem with the Noles seems to be Rick Trickett's little offensive linemen philosophy clashing with Jimbo Fisher's game plan, and since Jimbo Fisher is the head coach in waiting it may be bye-bye for Trickett. When your punter is the leading rusher in a game you certainly have a problem. Quarterback Chrisitian Ponder is looking like the second coming Chris Rix.
The last team I am going to spend a little time on is the Florida Gators. Two weeks ago I said I expect to see this team in the BCS Championship, and after yesterday's beat down 56-6 of #24 South Carolina (a game that was supposed to be one of the week's best). They took it to the Old Ball Coach accumulating 351 yards on the ground. If Florida keeps riding this domination train, there is not a team in the nation that will be able to contend with them. As my friend Matt stated they reminded him of another UF team that dominated after losing a fluke game. Alabama will lose to them in the SEC title game, and the Gators will be playing in Miami on January 8.
There were another couple notable games, but the top half of the polls got through yesterday unscathed. As stated earlier, the ACC saw another shakeup this week with Maryland upsetting #17 North Carolina 17-15, and North Carolina State defeating Wake Forest 21-17 (FSU should be kissing the Wolfpack's asses right now). #23 Tulsa gets a taste of their own medicine, getting railed by Houston 70-30. Thought I was looking at a basketball stat line from the 80s. #13 Georgia Squeaked by an awful Auburn team 17-13. Guess the Dawgs are not the team we all thought they would be. How overrated is Matthew Stafford? LSU has been another SEC let down. Yesterday they had to come back from 28 down against...dare I say?...Troy to win 40-31. First time in quite a few years the SEC has not been the top conference in the land. The Big 12 will hold that trophy this season.
In news off the field, Syracuse coach Greg Robinson was unsurprisingly fired. I feel bad for the guy taking over that position. In a basketball dominated school with some of the worse weather it is remarkable the Orange were ever relevant in the college football world. How do you recruit anyone to go there? Not since the departure of Donovan McNabb has anyone cared about this team.
Stay tuned this week as we have several awesome games. The nation will be tuned in to Texas Tech at Oklahoma for a prime time match up, a game that will have the biggest national implications so far this season. Michigan State takes on Penn State in a game to determine the Big 10 Champion. If Penn State wins it is theirs. If Michigan State wins and Ohio State lays an egg against Michigan we will see the Spartans in the Rose Bowl. Ohio State can take the crown if they defeat Michigan and Michigan State wins. BYU and Utah will battle it out for the Mountain West Conference. A Utes victory almost guarantees them a BCS bowl. The top two teams in the Big East go head to head as Pitt visits Cincinnati.
Here is my new Top 25:
1. Texas Tech
2. Alabama
3. Florida
4. Texas
5. Oklahoma
6. USC
7. Utah
8. Boise State
9. Penn State
10. Oklahoma State
11. Missouri
12. Georgia
13. Ohio State
14. Michigan State
15. Ball State
16. Pittsburgh
17. TCU
18. Cincinnati
19. Georgia Tech
20. LSU
21. Maryland
22. Oregon State
23. North Carolina
24. Miami
25. Northwestern
I'll start off by commenting on my favorite teams, USF and Miami. From what I can see, USF has counted their losses (now 4) and given up on the season. I witnessed a team that has lost all of their heart and pride in the last three games they have played, especially in yesterday's 49-16 loss to a Rutgers team that came into the game 4-5. Head coach Jim Leavitt has lost complete control of a squad that many considered seasoned veterans. We returned 10 starters on offense and cannot move the ball. Quarterback Matt Grothe has been figured out by the all the defenses and his legs are as much a threat as his arm, and by throwing eight interceptions in the last three games you get a sense of how much of a threat that is. I am completely behind a change in the program's direction, and if that means canning the beloved Leavitt so be it. Unfortunately I do not think they will change a damn thing because he is already the highest paid coach in the Big East and the school will not be willing to fund a buyout and go for anyone better. This team does not deserve a bowl game, although it will be tough for the St. Pete Bowl to pass on us because of the proximity to the school.
Miami on the other hand looks to be headed in the opposite direction. It will not be long before The U is a top power again. They defeated a very respectable Virginia Tech team 16-14 on Thursday night, a game in which I felt would prove whether they were ready to compete for an ACC title this year. Sure enough they control their own destiny as the leaders of the Coastal division. Win out and they are in the conference championship. This coming Thursday at Georgia Tech will be another tough challenge. I am a bit nervous about this one since Tech is the 14th team in total defense and the Canes have struggled to move the ball (100th in total offense). Fortunately Miami boasts an even tougher defense, 10th, while doing particularly well against the run which is all the Jackets have. Should be a great, LOW SCORING, game. I say something in the realm of 25-30 points and either team can walk away victorious.
Staying in the ACC, Florida State shot themselves in the foot during a game they needed badly losing to Boston College 27-17. They now have to beat Maryland in College Park, and hope Maryland beats Boston College and Boston College beats Wake Forest for them to earn a bid in the ACC Championship (I stand corrected Matt). I'm hoping they can pull it off because I want Miami to get another shot at them. The problem with the Noles seems to be Rick Trickett's little offensive linemen philosophy clashing with Jimbo Fisher's game plan, and since Jimbo Fisher is the head coach in waiting it may be bye-bye for Trickett. When your punter is the leading rusher in a game you certainly have a problem. Quarterback Chrisitian Ponder is looking like the second coming Chris Rix.
The last team I am going to spend a little time on is the Florida Gators. Two weeks ago I said I expect to see this team in the BCS Championship, and after yesterday's beat down 56-6 of #24 South Carolina (a game that was supposed to be one of the week's best). They took it to the Old Ball Coach accumulating 351 yards on the ground. If Florida keeps riding this domination train, there is not a team in the nation that will be able to contend with them. As my friend Matt stated they reminded him of another UF team that dominated after losing a fluke game. Alabama will lose to them in the SEC title game, and the Gators will be playing in Miami on January 8.
There were another couple notable games, but the top half of the polls got through yesterday unscathed. As stated earlier, the ACC saw another shakeup this week with Maryland upsetting #17 North Carolina 17-15, and North Carolina State defeating Wake Forest 21-17 (FSU should be kissing the Wolfpack's asses right now). #23 Tulsa gets a taste of their own medicine, getting railed by Houston 70-30. Thought I was looking at a basketball stat line from the 80s. #13 Georgia Squeaked by an awful Auburn team 17-13. Guess the Dawgs are not the team we all thought they would be. How overrated is Matthew Stafford? LSU has been another SEC let down. Yesterday they had to come back from 28 down against...dare I say?...Troy to win 40-31. First time in quite a few years the SEC has not been the top conference in the land. The Big 12 will hold that trophy this season.
In news off the field, Syracuse coach Greg Robinson was unsurprisingly fired. I feel bad for the guy taking over that position. In a basketball dominated school with some of the worse weather it is remarkable the Orange were ever relevant in the college football world. How do you recruit anyone to go there? Not since the departure of Donovan McNabb has anyone cared about this team.
Stay tuned this week as we have several awesome games. The nation will be tuned in to Texas Tech at Oklahoma for a prime time match up, a game that will have the biggest national implications so far this season. Michigan State takes on Penn State in a game to determine the Big 10 Champion. If Penn State wins it is theirs. If Michigan State wins and Ohio State lays an egg against Michigan we will see the Spartans in the Rose Bowl. Ohio State can take the crown if they defeat Michigan and Michigan State wins. BYU and Utah will battle it out for the Mountain West Conference. A Utes victory almost guarantees them a BCS bowl. The top two teams in the Big East go head to head as Pitt visits Cincinnati.
Here is my new Top 25:
1. Texas Tech
2. Alabama
3. Florida
4. Texas
5. Oklahoma
6. USC
7. Utah
8. Boise State
9. Penn State
10. Oklahoma State
11. Missouri
12. Georgia
13. Ohio State
14. Michigan State
15. Ball State
16. Pittsburgh
17. TCU
18. Cincinnati
19. Georgia Tech
20. LSU
21. Maryland
22. Oregon State
23. North Carolina
24. Miami
25. Northwestern
13 November 2008
Shiner Hefeweizen
Here is an update of my latest beer tasting and the six-pack of the week is Shiner Hefeweizen. Being a fan of Shiner Bock I have decided to give each of Spoetzl Brewery's creations that I come across. I have to say this is the worst of the three brews I have sampled (the third was Bohemian Black Lager). It had the look of a typical hefeweizen which is golden and cloudy due to it being unfiltered. This also led to a decent foamy head which reduced, but stayed throughout the drinking process. The beer lost points when it came to taste though. A nice wheat taste on initial contact, but way too much emphasis on the lemon which gave it a sour after taste. Not unbearable, but, by no means was it great. I would not recommend.
Happy drinking.
Happy drinking.
11 November 2008
College Football Thoughts (Week 11)
Sorry I am couple days late reporting my thoughts on the 11th week of the college football season, but hey it's only Tuesday. As I expected this was not THAT exciting of a week since it had very few enticing match ups, but it is still college football and it must be watched and reviewed.
Thursday gave us a pivotal Mountain West Conference match up in which Utah beat Texas Christian 13-10 to remain undefeated and in the hunt to play in a BCS game. If they take care of BYU they should be a lock. You may ask how the MWC can have a pivotal match up, but just look at their record against the "ever mighty" PAC-10...they owned them this year (6-1). Do not try to tell me the Big East is the worst conference in the BCS...it is clearly the PAC-10. And without USC, they could probably one of the worst of all the conferences. The ACC also saw a shakeup on Thursday as Virginia Tech took care of Maryland 23-13. After this week the ACC is still up for grabs with Florida State and Wake Forest tied for the lead in the Atlantic division, and a three way tie between North Carolina, Miami, and Virginia Tech in the Coastal. Wake Forest and North Carolina would have it if the season ended today because of tie breakers.
On Saturday the prime time game was #2 Texas Tech hosting #8 Oklahoma State. Not much to comment on the shellacking Tech did of the Pokes (56-20) except that they are now my new #1 team. The tandem of Graham Harrell and Michael Crabtree seems unstoppable. Next week will be a true test as they face Oklahoma in Norman. This is a game which I can foresee a Red Raider loss, but I am hoping Texas Tech can continue to win to keep Florida out of the BCS championship.
Alabama remained atop the BCS standings with their 27-21 overtime win over #15 LSU. Sure Bama won, but I am not sure they are the best team in the nation. With the way Florida is playing it will be shown in the SEC Championship (mark my words).
The big upset of the week came with Iowa defeating undefeated #3 Penn State. All I can say about this is thank you Kirk Ferentz and the Hawkeyes for keeping a Big 10 team out of the title hunt. The last thing I wanted to witness was another team from this conference getting pummeled in a championship game (playoffs anyone?)
Other games of note were #19 North Carolina beating #22 Georgia Tech 28-7, #7 Southern Cal defeating #21 California 17-3, and Boston College shutting out Notre Dame 17-0 to extend their winning streak to six over the Irish (nothing better than ND losing).
If you thought this week was a bit of a snooze (like I did), then get your sleeping gear prepared for the the coming set of match ups. The only top 25 teams that will playing each other are Florida and South Carolina. I anticipate the Gators will win by at least 2 touchdowns.
Here is my new top 25:
1. Texas Tech
2. Alabama
3. Florida
4. Texas
5. Oklahoma
6. USC
7. Utah
8. Boise State
9. Penn State
10. Oklahoma State
11. Missouri
12. Georgia
13. Ohio State
14. North Carolina
15. Michigan State
16. Ball State
17. Florida State
18. Pittsburgh
19. TCU
20. Cincinnati
21. Georgia Tech
22. LSU
23. Tulsa
24. Oregon State
25. Virginia Tech
Thursday gave us a pivotal Mountain West Conference match up in which Utah beat Texas Christian 13-10 to remain undefeated and in the hunt to play in a BCS game. If they take care of BYU they should be a lock. You may ask how the MWC can have a pivotal match up, but just look at their record against the "ever mighty" PAC-10...they owned them this year (6-1). Do not try to tell me the Big East is the worst conference in the BCS...it is clearly the PAC-10. And without USC, they could probably one of the worst of all the conferences. The ACC also saw a shakeup on Thursday as Virginia Tech took care of Maryland 23-13. After this week the ACC is still up for grabs with Florida State and Wake Forest tied for the lead in the Atlantic division, and a three way tie between North Carolina, Miami, and Virginia Tech in the Coastal. Wake Forest and North Carolina would have it if the season ended today because of tie breakers.
On Saturday the prime time game was #2 Texas Tech hosting #8 Oklahoma State. Not much to comment on the shellacking Tech did of the Pokes (56-20) except that they are now my new #1 team. The tandem of Graham Harrell and Michael Crabtree seems unstoppable. Next week will be a true test as they face Oklahoma in Norman. This is a game which I can foresee a Red Raider loss, but I am hoping Texas Tech can continue to win to keep Florida out of the BCS championship.
Alabama remained atop the BCS standings with their 27-21 overtime win over #15 LSU. Sure Bama won, but I am not sure they are the best team in the nation. With the way Florida is playing it will be shown in the SEC Championship (mark my words).
The big upset of the week came with Iowa defeating undefeated #3 Penn State. All I can say about this is thank you Kirk Ferentz and the Hawkeyes for keeping a Big 10 team out of the title hunt. The last thing I wanted to witness was another team from this conference getting pummeled in a championship game (playoffs anyone?)
Other games of note were #19 North Carolina beating #22 Georgia Tech 28-7, #7 Southern Cal defeating #21 California 17-3, and Boston College shutting out Notre Dame 17-0 to extend their winning streak to six over the Irish (nothing better than ND losing).
If you thought this week was a bit of a snooze (like I did), then get your sleeping gear prepared for the the coming set of match ups. The only top 25 teams that will playing each other are Florida and South Carolina. I anticipate the Gators will win by at least 2 touchdowns.
Here is my new top 25:
1. Texas Tech
2. Alabama
3. Florida
4. Texas
5. Oklahoma
6. USC
7. Utah
8. Boise State
9. Penn State
10. Oklahoma State
11. Missouri
12. Georgia
13. Ohio State
14. North Carolina
15. Michigan State
16. Ball State
17. Florida State
18. Pittsburgh
19. TCU
20. Cincinnati
21. Georgia Tech
22. LSU
23. Tulsa
24. Oregon State
25. Virginia Tech
07 November 2008
Why is Boxing Dead?
I am writing to express my concern in the decline of the GREAT sport of boxing. Boxing has seen a decline in popularity the last few years and I cannot understand why, especially since it has taken a back seat to mixed martial arts. MMA may be entertaining for about the first 10 seconds of a fight, but the combatants are quickly on the floor competing in a cuddle session of grapples. In boxing there are no surprises. You have to guys that will stay on their feet and continually throw punches. Boxing has withstood the tests of time as an American standard, but needs to come back into the mainstream of sports popularity. However, I cannot blame the people for not sticking with it. Can you imagine having to pay $50 to watch the Super Bowl? Unfortunately you have to pay a lot of money to see top fights, or make your way to a bar that is willing to purchase it (and if living in small town this can be really hard to come by).
I beg of everyone to give boxing a chance or rediscover their love for the sport. The last two months of the year will have many action packed bouts. Tomorrow we see undefeated Joe Calzaghe go against the legend Roy Jones Jr. Calzaghe claims he will be retiring after the fight, but I foresee the winner going against Bernard Hopkins in an old-guy showdown. It is a PPV fight, but this will be an epic battle, so head to your best sports bar which SHOULD have it. Other top notch November fights include Jeff Lacy vs. Jermain Taylor (Nov. 15 on HBO). Jeff Lacy is one of my five favorite boxers at the moment and I would love nothing more than for him to kick the crap out of the cocky Taylor. If you are a fan of the smaller fighters then you will not want to miss Steve Molitor vs. Celestino Cabellero in a fight for the vacant junior featherweight IBA title (Nov. 21 on Showtime). November 22 will pit the top two junior welterweight fighters as Paulie Malignaggi tries to take away the Ring Magazine belt from Ricky Hatton. Check that out on HBO. Then we close out November with a fight for the vacant WBO junior middleweight title as Verno Phillips takes on Paul Williams. I expect Phillips to win this handily, but my main interest in this evening lies in the under card. Local Tallahassee boy, Travis Walker, will fight top IBF heavyweight contender Cris Arreola. A win for Walker will see him facing Wladimir Kiltischko for the belt, and bringing the heavyweight title back to the states. These two fights can be seen on HBO, November 29.
Tune in to all (or at least one) of these fights and I assure you no disappointment.
I beg of everyone to give boxing a chance or rediscover their love for the sport. The last two months of the year will have many action packed bouts. Tomorrow we see undefeated Joe Calzaghe go against the legend Roy Jones Jr. Calzaghe claims he will be retiring after the fight, but I foresee the winner going against Bernard Hopkins in an old-guy showdown. It is a PPV fight, but this will be an epic battle, so head to your best sports bar which SHOULD have it. Other top notch November fights include Jeff Lacy vs. Jermain Taylor (Nov. 15 on HBO). Jeff Lacy is one of my five favorite boxers at the moment and I would love nothing more than for him to kick the crap out of the cocky Taylor. If you are a fan of the smaller fighters then you will not want to miss Steve Molitor vs. Celestino Cabellero in a fight for the vacant junior featherweight IBA title (Nov. 21 on Showtime). November 22 will pit the top two junior welterweight fighters as Paulie Malignaggi tries to take away the Ring Magazine belt from Ricky Hatton. Check that out on HBO. Then we close out November with a fight for the vacant WBO junior middleweight title as Verno Phillips takes on Paul Williams. I expect Phillips to win this handily, but my main interest in this evening lies in the under card. Local Tallahassee boy, Travis Walker, will fight top IBF heavyweight contender Cris Arreola. A win for Walker will see him facing Wladimir Kiltischko for the belt, and bringing the heavyweight title back to the states. These two fights can be seen on HBO, November 29.
Tune in to all (or at least one) of these fights and I assure you no disappointment.
05 November 2008
Congrats Senator Obama
I wanted to send out my congratulations to Senator Barack Obama on becoming our new president-elect. January 20, 2009 cannot come soon enough. It is about we finally get W. out of office. The confidence in our nation has dwindled, and I am hoping I made the right choice in my vote.
In addition it is good to see that the Democratic party picked up some more seats in Congress. With a party majority it will be nice to see us get some new legislation passed. First off, we need to get our troops out of the Middle East. We have done all we can, and if they decide to keep fighting over religious reasons then there is nothing we can do to change that. Why are we trying to persuade their citizens to stop fighting when they are in a war over ideals most of the United States cannot understand as a Christian nation?
Secondly, I would love to see Obama come through on his less that $250,000 income tax cut promise as that would certainly benefit me. And amongst other things, a reformation on gun laws would be fantastic. There is no reason a citizen needs an AK-47 or M-16 sitting around their house. You have nothing but bad intentions with a weapon like that.
Here's a toast to Obama and the next four years. Salud.
In addition it is good to see that the Democratic party picked up some more seats in Congress. With a party majority it will be nice to see us get some new legislation passed. First off, we need to get our troops out of the Middle East. We have done all we can, and if they decide to keep fighting over religious reasons then there is nothing we can do to change that. Why are we trying to persuade their citizens to stop fighting when they are in a war over ideals most of the United States cannot understand as a Christian nation?
Secondly, I would love to see Obama come through on his less that $250,000 income tax cut promise as that would certainly benefit me. And amongst other things, a reformation on gun laws would be fantastic. There is no reason a citizen needs an AK-47 or M-16 sitting around their house. You have nothing but bad intentions with a weapon like that.
Here's a toast to Obama and the next four years. Salud.
02 November 2008
Beck's Oktoberfest
Since I let myself go a little (weight wise) I've cut back on my beer consumption by about half to get my ass back in shape. I was doing a 12 pack a week for a while, but have cut it to a 6 pack (usually not even drinking all of it). In order to expand my beer horizons I chose to try a new beer each time I go to the store. After going through college drinking the stand by Buds and Heinekens I've switched to drinking lesser known import and craft beers. I will come on here to give you my thoughts on the new beers I try.
This week's choice was a six pack of Beck's Oktoberfest (in bottles) and for $6.99 I felt it worth the try even though I am not too much a fan of the regular Beck's pilsner. It had the characteristics of a Marzen style, but it was not malty enough for my taste. The aroma was not too full, and I felt it was more of a light Oktoberfest style. The head was also very thin, and I enjoy thick heads when drinking a "seasonal" beer. If you are in the mood for a beer labeled Oktoberfest I would go for the Sam Adams version which is a lot more distinct in it's malt flavor and has a deeper copper color.
Happy drinking.
This week's choice was a six pack of Beck's Oktoberfest (in bottles) and for $6.99 I felt it worth the try even though I am not too much a fan of the regular Beck's pilsner. It had the characteristics of a Marzen style, but it was not malty enough for my taste. The aroma was not too full, and I felt it was more of a light Oktoberfest style. The head was also very thin, and I enjoy thick heads when drinking a "seasonal" beer. If you are in the mood for a beer labeled Oktoberfest I would go for the Sam Adams version which is a lot more distinct in it's malt flavor and has a deeper copper color.
Happy drinking.
College Football Thoughts (Week 10)
In what promised to be a great weekend of college football, week 10 did not disappoint. In fact it exceeded my expectations. Starting in the top 25 we saw six games in which the higher seed lost (BCS rankings). The game of the night was certainly the #7 Texas Tech Red Raiders pulling the shocker by beating the #1 Texas Longhorns. I knew the Raiders had a chance, but thought the Horns would finally prevail in the end. However, Graham Harrell came through and made an incredible throw to Michael Crabtree who then shook off two defenders and took it in for a 28 yard score with one second remaining. Tech wins 39-33. After watching this game, Crabtree has my vote for best player in the country.
In addition to Texas going down, the #8 Florida Gators makes an absolute mockery of Matt Stafford and his #6 Georgia Bulldogs winning 49-10. This game showed me that no one should want to play Florida right now. With the exception of their loss to Ole Miss, the Gtors are the best team in the country. They are extremely fast and no one seems to have an answer for their offense. I expect to see this team in the BCS Championship.
Around the rest of the top 25, #15 Florida State loses to Georgia Tech 31-28. FSU running back Marcus Sims fumbles the ball while going in for the go ahead score, and Tech wins it in thrilling fashion. Northwestern heads into Minnesota and beat the #17 Golden Gophers 24-17. A fabulous game in which the Northwestern defense returns a late interception for a touchdown to seal the victory. The potent offense of the #18 Tulsa Golden Hurricane were surpressed by the Arkansas Razorbacks losing 30-23. Another undefeated non-BCS school goes down and only Utah, Boise State, and Ball State remain. The last top 25 team to go down was the #24 Oregon Ducks at the hands of Cal 26-16.
There were also several great games outside of the top 25 that need to be mentioned. The first of note was my Miami Hurricanes (#2 team to USF) taking out Virginia 24-17 in overtime and avenging the last season lost to the Cavaliers. The Canes are starting to come around on offense especially with Jacory Harris under center. There is no reason he should not be starting over Robert Marve for the remainder of the season. Pitt defeat (the everhated) Notre Dame 36-33 in a game so good it needed four overtimes. In a battle of scholarly schools Wake Forest squeaks by the surprising Duke Blue Devils 33-30 in overtime. Duke needed to win this to have a shot at a bowl eligibility, but I do not think they do it this season still needed two more wins. What happened to Wake Forest? Guess that little run in the top 25 was short lived. Michigan will not be going to a bowl for the first time in 33 years after losing to Purdue 48-42. I love seeing Rich Rodriguez struggling. I suppose the West Virginia faithful were right when they said he would regret leaving.
If you missed out on yesterday's action, I certainly feel sorry for you. Here is my new top 25:
1. Alabama
2. Texas Tech
3. Penn State
4. Florida
5. Texas
6. Oklahoma
7. Southern Cal
8. Oklahoma State
9. Utah
10. Boise State
11. Missouri
12. Georgia
13. Ohio State
14. TCU
15. LSU
16. Georgia Tech
17. North Carolina
18. Michigan State
19. Ball State
20. Florida State
21. Maryland
22. Pittsburgh
23. West Virginia
24. California
25. Northwestern
In addition to Texas going down, the #8 Florida Gators makes an absolute mockery of Matt Stafford and his #6 Georgia Bulldogs winning 49-10. This game showed me that no one should want to play Florida right now. With the exception of their loss to Ole Miss, the Gtors are the best team in the country. They are extremely fast and no one seems to have an answer for their offense. I expect to see this team in the BCS Championship.
Around the rest of the top 25, #15 Florida State loses to Georgia Tech 31-28. FSU running back Marcus Sims fumbles the ball while going in for the go ahead score, and Tech wins it in thrilling fashion. Northwestern heads into Minnesota and beat the #17 Golden Gophers 24-17. A fabulous game in which the Northwestern defense returns a late interception for a touchdown to seal the victory. The potent offense of the #18 Tulsa Golden Hurricane were surpressed by the Arkansas Razorbacks losing 30-23. Another undefeated non-BCS school goes down and only Utah, Boise State, and Ball State remain. The last top 25 team to go down was the #24 Oregon Ducks at the hands of Cal 26-16.
There were also several great games outside of the top 25 that need to be mentioned. The first of note was my Miami Hurricanes (#2 team to USF) taking out Virginia 24-17 in overtime and avenging the last season lost to the Cavaliers. The Canes are starting to come around on offense especially with Jacory Harris under center. There is no reason he should not be starting over Robert Marve for the remainder of the season. Pitt defeat (the everhated) Notre Dame 36-33 in a game so good it needed four overtimes. In a battle of scholarly schools Wake Forest squeaks by the surprising Duke Blue Devils 33-30 in overtime. Duke needed to win this to have a shot at a bowl eligibility, but I do not think they do it this season still needed two more wins. What happened to Wake Forest? Guess that little run in the top 25 was short lived. Michigan will not be going to a bowl for the first time in 33 years after losing to Purdue 48-42. I love seeing Rich Rodriguez struggling. I suppose the West Virginia faithful were right when they said he would regret leaving.
If you missed out on yesterday's action, I certainly feel sorry for you. Here is my new top 25:
1. Alabama
2. Texas Tech
3. Penn State
4. Florida
5. Texas
6. Oklahoma
7. Southern Cal
8. Oklahoma State
9. Utah
10. Boise State
11. Missouri
12. Georgia
13. Ohio State
14. TCU
15. LSU
16. Georgia Tech
17. North Carolina
18. Michigan State
19. Ball State
20. Florida State
21. Maryland
22. Pittsburgh
23. West Virginia
24. California
25. Northwestern
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