PreSeason NFL Rankings

One man's opinion of the upcoming NFL season and how each team stands as of now in relation to the other 31 teams.

1) IND *
2) NENG*
3) SD *
4) NORL *
5) DEN *
6) CHI *
7) PHIL *
8) NYJ *
9) BLT *
10) PGH
11) SEA *
12) STL *
13) CAR *
14) TENN
15) JAX
16) CINC
17) SF
18) WASH
19) DAL
20) NYG
21) DET
22) BUF
23) GB
24) KC
25) ATL
26) MIA
27) OAK
28) HTN
29) TB
30) ARIZ
31) MINN
32) CLE

* - probable playoffs teams

Predictions and forecasts for the upcoming regular season will be posted here the first week of September.

Monday 23 July News Articles and Observations

Here are a few news articles for Monday 23 July and some brief observations on them.


A. Ron Paul For President


The Texas US Representative is a longshot for the nomination of his party, let alone actually winning the election, but he is probably the most true uncorrupt pure Republican running and compared to the laughable candidacies of Guilliani and Romney, the one who merits the support of grass roots and traditional Republican Party members and supporters.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/22/magazine/22Paul-t.html?ei=5070&en=028fefe235639742&ex=1185768000&emc=eta1&pagewanted=all


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B. More Widespread Broadband Internet Access in Automobiles Coming


This is a pretty good idea for most if done right and if concentrating on driving remains number one. I would like it so I could listen to internet radio stations and internet feeds of commercial stations that are not able to be picked up where I am. Audio feeds of TV news would be great as well. And internet feeds from the NWS would be nice also.


http://autos.msn.com/advice/article.aspx?contentid=4024874&topart=passenger


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C. Economic Downturn Nears


The more one reads between the lines and take into consideration other factors such as the looming war with Iran, the more one understands that a downturn will happen and it could be rough.


http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/07/23/2694/


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D. The Top Ten of Looming Troubles Today

There are probably a few not included here, such the impact of global warming and climate change, Chinese treachery on trade and commerce, the sinking dollar, and the increasing widespread crime wave occuring in larger metro areas in the eastern half of the nation. #4 on the list posted below is of a particular curious unnerving concern...


http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/07/22/2686/


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E. American Military Strike Imminent in Pakistan ?


There is growing scuttlebutt and chatter about this potential looming military development, and it is really not all that surprising given the circumstances that exist in South Asia.


http://torontosun.canoe.ca/News/Columnists/Margolis_Eric/2007/07/22/pf-4359095.html


http://www.boston.com/news/world/asia/articles/2007/07/23/us_wont_rule_out_force_in_pakistan/



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F. Rich Wealthy American Cretons Gone Wild !


Hopefully, the bell will toll for thee very soon for these hapless consumption-drunk greedy maniacs.


http://observer.guardian.co.uk/world/story/0,,2131974,00.html


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G. Fine Information Source to Learn More About Peak Oil


http://www.energybulletin.net/31332.html


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H. $100 a Barrel Oil is in Our Very Near Future


Prior projections were for this to happen not for another two years, but analysts now forecast this price level to be attained perhaps as soon as this autumn. This would result in a one-third increase in gasoline fuel prices, with the cost of a gallon of gasoline surpassing the $4.oo level and perhaps even nearing $4.50. This would indeed be a staggering and profound development on most people.


http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20670001&refer=home&sid=ajxtV4oWcHk0


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I. Could Gasoline Rationing Be an Answer for America's Problems ?


On the surface, one would say yes. Limiting households to 25-50 gallons of gasoline and diesel fuel per week and setting up an exchange program where one could buy and sell "credits" for additional consumption is something that is very workable. But we have evolved into a society where commuters exist that drive 250 miles roundtrip daily for employment, education, and recreation. I know individuals personally who have an hours drive or more to meet those kind of obligations. Mass transit is not an option because of time, cost, or availability. Most vehicles in use get atrocious gas mileage, particularly those ever-present SUV's. Thus, one would have to conclude that any kind of fuel consumption controls will not occur anytime soon unless there is an unimaginable epic jolt across the globe.


http://www.alternet.org/environment/57501/


http://www.teqs.net/


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J. Employee Free Choice Act Dies in US Senate This Time...


I believe this legislation will be enacted in '09 after the Corporacy-supported GOP is swamped in the '08 General Election. The benefits to working people of this legislation will be tremendous, resulting in higher wages, greater benefits, better working conditions, a possible increase in mandated paid time off, and a start towards a reduction in income inequality.


http://www.dmiblog.com/archives/2007/03/employee_free_choice_act_passe.html


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K. Large Numbers of Fires Across the West as Drought Deepens Across Region


Millions of acres of rangeland and forest is on fire and has burned as I post. The forecast is only for this to worsen and increase. Like 1988 and 2002, this year many of these fires will continue to burn until the first good snow of the autumn.


http://www.drought.unl.edu/dm/monitor.html


http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/expert_assessment/seasonal_drought.html


http://activefiremaps.fs.fed.us/lg_fire2.php


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