Week Five NFL Picks, 7-8 October

The NFL picks for 7-8 October, Week Five:

Sunday 7 October

NOrl (-3) v Car: Saints 20, Panthers 17
Jax (-2) @ KC: Jaguars 24, Chiefs 17
Wash (-3 1/2) v Det: Redskins 24, Lions 2o
Tenn (-8) v Atl: Titans 27, Falcons 20
Htn (6 1/2) v Mia: Texans 33, Dolphins 21
Pgh (-6) v Sea: Steelers 26, Seahawks 17
NEng (-17) v Cle: Patriots 44, Browns 10
Ariz (-4) @ StL: Cardinals 30, Rams 23
NYG (-4) v NYJ: Giants 17, Jets 7
Ind (9 1/2) v TB: Colts 30, Buccaneers 14
Den (even) v SD: Broncos 19, Chargers 16
SF (+3 1/2) v Balt: FortyNiners 13, Ravens 10
GB (-3 1/2) v Chi: Packers 23, Bears 16

Monday 8 October

Buf (-11 1/2) v Dal: Bills 34, Cocaineboys 30


IDLE: CINC MINN OAK PHIL

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College Football Picks for Week Six, 4-7 October

Here are the college football picks for some of the games being played from Thursday 4 October to Sunday 7 October.

Thursday 4 October

#18 South Carolina (-3 1/2) 27, #8 Kentucky 20 + +

Friday 5 October

Utah (+ 14 1/2) 38, Louisville 34 + +

Saturday 6 October

# 1 Southern Cal (-40 1/2) 55, Stanford 10 X X
#7 Florida (+7) 16, # 2 Louisiana St 13 UPSET X +
# 3 California: IDLE
*20 Purdue (+7 1/2) 23, # 4 Ohio St 20 UPSET X X
# 5 Wisconsin (+1) 24, Illinois 22 UPSET X X
# 6 Boston College (-21) 38, Bowling Green 10 + +
# 9 South Florida (-17 1/2) 27, Florida Atlantic 10 + +
#10 Oklahoma (-13) 42, #16 Texas 17 (@ Dallas) + X
#11 Georgia (-1) 27, Tennessee 23 X X
#12 West Virginia (-27) 44, Syracuse 13 + +
#13 Oregon: IDLE
#15 Hawaii (-42) 63, Utah St 20 + X
#23 Nebraska (+6) 29, #17 Missouri 27 UPSET X X
#19 Arizona St (-10) 47, Washington St 23 X +
#21 Rutgers (-4) 28, #24 Cincinnati 24 X +
#22 Clemson (-5 1/2) 24, #14 Virginia Tech 21 X +
#25 UCLA (-20 1/2) 23, Notre Dame 16 X +
Wyoming (-3) 16, Texas Christian 13 + +
Nevada-Las Vegas (+5) 31, Air Force 27 UPSET X X
Colorado St (-13 1/2) 37, San Diego St 23 X X
Colorado (-9 1/2) 27, Baylor 10 + +
Texas Tech (-25) 54, Iowa St 31 + +
Oklahoma St (+6 1/2) 27, Texas A&M 24 UPSET X +
Indiana (-13 1/2) 29, Minnesota 10 + +
Michigan St (-16) 27, Northwestern 17 + X
Miami FL (-6 1/2) 31, North Carolina 20 X X
Michigan (-29 1/2) 37, Eastern Michigan 10 + +
Kansas St (-3 1/2) 26, Kansas 23 + +
Maryland (+3) 24, Georgia Tech 21 UPSET + +
Auburn -(9 1/2) 30, Vanderbilt 16 + +
Wake Forest (-8 1/2) 27, Duke 13 + X
Mississippi (-18 1/2) 37, Louisiana Tech 17 + +
Alabama (-11 1/2) 34, Houston 28 + +
Penn St (-10) 27, Iowa 16 + +
Florida St (-17 1/2) 37, North Carolina St 7 + X
Fresno St (+3) 31, Nevada 29 UPSET + +
San Jose St (-6 1/2) 28, Idaho 20 + +
Oregon St (-3) 20, Arizona 13 + +
Tulane (+6 1/2) 24, Army 22 UPSET X +
Troy (-19) 35, Florida Int'l 17 + +
Virginia (-10 1/2) 38, Middle Tennessee 14 + X
East Carolina (+4 1/2) 34, Central Florida 27 UPSET + +
Tulsa (-3 1/2) 34, Texas-El Paso 27 X X

Sunday 7 October

Boise St (-25 1/2) 37, New Mexico St 17 + X

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Colorado Rockies Take 2-0 NLDS Lead

The Colorado Rockies continue to accomplish the improbable as they took the first two games in one of the NLDS with solid victories over the hometeam Phillies. The best of five series resumes Saturday night at Coors Field at 7:30pm with the threat of inclement weather looming and forecasts for even worse weather should a game four be necessary Sunday night at 8pm. I, however, have confidence the Rockies will end it Saturday making it a sweep. Arizona is winning game two of the other NLDS as this post went to press which could make it 2-0 for the Diamondbacks. We may get an NLCS with two teams not even picked to be the two best in their own division. And it would be the first professional sports championship involving both teams from the Mountain Time Zone.

I did get to attend the NL wildcard tiebreaker at Coors Field on Monday 1 October and I must say it was probably the best game I have ever seen in person. Thats a pretty tall statement considering I have attended over 200 games in person, be it regular season or spring training games. It was a once in a lifetime trainload of thrills and I was fortunate to be accompanied by my brother and share in this unbelievable event with all the excitement that ensued. Getting tickets to the NLCS would seem to be impossible or too costly which is disappointing. I could have gone to the NLDS game on Saturday with my friend Matt in Denver, but my work is holding its bi-annual inventory which will prevent my being able to even watch the game let alone attend it. Alas, sometimes life is unfair, but at least I was able to attend one game in this postseason.

Lets go Rockies...keep it going...two down, one to go...then on to the NLCS !

Sunday 30 September News Articles and Observations

Here are some of the Sunday 30 September news articles and my observations concerning them.


A. McCain on the Rebound ?

The Arizona Senator may yet make a comeback and contend more seriously for the GOP Presidential nomination.


http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/0930mcc.html


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B. Significant Split Occuring in Republican Party


The Guilliani candidacy is completely unacceptable to many that make up the core of the Republican Party, and that could mean yet another third party candidate in the mix in '08.
I would assume it would be a low level GOP politician or perhaps former Judge Roy Moore of Alabama.


http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2007/09/30/giuliani/?source=whitelist


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C. Disgusting Evil Limbaugh to be Condemned on the Floor of Congress

If only we could exile him to Burma or the Sudan. Limbaugh is the living epitome of Satan and Hitler and Stalin. The sooner he shuts his yap, the better we all will be.


http://tpmelectioncentral.com/2007/09/exclusive_dem_rep_to_introduce_house_resolution_condemning_rush_limbaugh_on_monday.php


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D. New Supreme Court Session Faces Controversial Legal Questions


It is probably easy to project what the rulings will be on all these cases, as the sitting judges on the Court seemed to be ideologically entrenched with little room for open-mindedness as often what is needed when dealing with cases of magnitude and significance like these.


http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/01/washington/01cnd-scotus.html?_r=1&hp=&oref=slogin&pagewanted=all


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E. Unrest, Violence in Burma Only to Increase


This SE Asian nation, self-named Myanmar by the military dictatorship, appears to be at a point where change could occur, or a repeat of Budapest in 1956 and Prague in 1968 will happen. I am not optimistic as the Bush Junta is all smoke no fire on this issue.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070930/ap_on_re_as/myanmar;_ylt=AhH0FmSgUZbJ6xjGZWyu51Ws0NUE


http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/28/AR2007092802029.html?hpid=topnews


http://www.alternet.org/rights/63773/

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F. The Lessons of History Repeating Itself


Lets hope that the future is indeed brighter with wiser men formulating policy that is beneficial to most everyday citizens.


http://www.lastchancedemocracycafe.com/?p=1041


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G. Chemicals Equal Cancer


There are so many destructive and harmful synthesized and man-made chemicals in our environment nowadays. They are everywhere from what we eat and drink to what we wear to where we live and work. The longterm consequences of this chemical interaction with living beings, be it animals or humans, is still poorly understood in many cases and ways. Looking back in history, there was nothing anything like the cancer rate we have had in the last 50 years when you look at society back a century ago or more. That would seem to indicate there is a smoking gun...


http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-ddt30sep30,0,3451847.story?coll=la-home-center


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H. We Are Now Past The Tipping Point Environmentally on Global Warming and Climate Change


I am convinced it is now too late to reverse the trends and changes that are underway and that will only significantly worsen in a relatively short time. Within five to ten years, the catastrophic consequences will be quite evident.


http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSL2815198120070928?sp=true


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I. Greenspan Chose Lining the Pockets of Wealthy Corporations and Capitalists Over Making a Better World


The Neo-Gilded Age over which he largely reigned is coming to a close and not soon enough.


http://www.alternet.org/story/63768/?page=entire


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J. Commuter Rail Thriving in New Mexico


Its shocking to see the Land of Enchantment on the vanguard of a change. Usually the Land of Manana trails elsewhere by many years in addressing change, let alone making it. Arizona is in desparate need of expanding mass transit across the sprawling and traffic clogged Valley of the Sun.


http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/news/articles/0930commuterrail0930.html


http://www.azrail.org/trains/


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commuter_rail_in_North_America


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K. Small Town Wyoming: The Best of the Good Life

Maybe you can go home again and step back into the past.


http://www.laramieboomerang.com/news/more.asp?StoryID=107179


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WE WIN !!!! WE'RE IN !!!!

Incredibly breathtaking, amazing and wonderful ! The Colorado Rockies win 4-3 over Arizona and with San Diego losing to Milwaukee, they qualify for the wild card play-in game to be played Monday at 5:30pm at Coors Field against the San Diego Padres with the winner going on to play the Philadelphia Phillies in NLDS !

What a fantastic cap to a crazy fun exciting regular season ! Thank you Milwaukee Brewers !

THANK YOU !!! THANK YOU !!! THANK YOU !!!

YEEHAW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WAY TO GO ROCKIES !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WHAT A SEASON !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Y E A H !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


http://www.denverpost.com/ci_7046291


http://scores.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=270930127

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ALDS Schedule Set

With Cleveland losing Saturday evening at Kansas City, the Boston Redsox clinched the best record in the American League for the regular season. The Redsox chose to take the "B" schedule for playoff games against Anaheim.

Here is the schedule of games on a daily basis with gametimes yet to be determined.

WED 3 Oct Anah @ Bsn GAME 1 Lackey v Beckett 4:30pm MDT

FRI 5 Oct Anah @ Bsn GAME 2 Escobar v Schilling 6:30pm MDT

SUN 7 Oct Bsn @ Anah GAME 3 Weaver v Matsuzaka 1pm MDT

MON 8 Oct Bsn @ Anah GAME 4 Lackey v Beckett 7:30pm MDT

WED 10 Oct Anah @ Bsn GAME 5 Escobar v Schilling 6:30pm MDT

In the other ALDS, Cleveland and New York will play their best of five series over a seven day period rather than the eight days Boston and Anaheim could take. This could be advantageous from a pitching standpoint.

THR 4 Oct NYY @ Cle GAME 1 Wang v Sabathia 4:30pm MDT

FRI 5 Oct NYY @ Cle GAME 2 Pettitte v Carmona 3pm MDT

SUN 7 Oct Cle @ NYY GAME 3 Clemens v Westbrook 4:30pm MDT

MON 8 Oct Cle @ NYY GAME 4 Mussina v Byrd 4pm MDT {changed to 5:30pm MDT}

WED 10 Oct NYY @ Cle GAME 5 Wang v Sabathia 3pm MDT

This year marks the start of a change in the scheduling length for both the LDS and LCS. Previously the LDS was conducted over a six day period and LCS an eight day period. The LCS starting this season will take place over ten days.

The National League schedule will be known in about eighteen hours and we should be made aware of the gametimes sometime later on Sunday for the TBS exclusive broadcasts. FOX does not broadcast the LDS any longer and only the ALCS. TBS has the NLCS, which starts on Thursday 11 October, one day before the ALCS commences. The 103rd World Series broadcast by FOX starts on Wednesday 24 October in the city of the AL Pennant winner with a Game Seven if necessary scheduled for Thursday 1 November. It could be really cold in Boston or Cleveland if that eventuates.

**UPDATE** HERE IS THE NLCS SCHEDULE:

WED 3 OCT COLO @ PHIL Game 1 Francis v Hamels 1pm MDT

THR 4 OCT COLO @ PHIL Game 2 Morales v Kendrick 1pm MDT

SAT 6 OCT PHIL @ COLO Game 3 Moyer v Jimenez 7:30pm MDT

SUN 7 OCT PHIL @ COLO Game 4 Lohse v Redman 8pm MDT

TUE 9 OCT COLO @ PHIL Game 5 Francis v Hamels 4:30pm MDT

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WED 3 OCT CHI @ ARIZ Game 1 Zambrano v Webb 8pm MDT

THR 4 OCT CHI @ ARIZ Game 2 Lilly v Davis 8pm MDT

SAT 6 OCT ARIZ @ CHI Game 3 Hernandez v Hill 4pm MDT

SUN 7 OCT ARIZ @ CHI Game 4 Zambrano v Owings 11am MDT

TUE 9 OCT CHI @ ARIZ Game 5 Lilly v Webb 8pm MDT

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Unlikely Results Give the Rockies a Chance Still on the Season's Last Day

Going into Saturday 29 September it seemed unlikely the Colorado Rockies would live to see another day. But they got a lot of help and then took care of their own business decisively. Milwaukee knocked off San Diego in extra innings and Washington surprised Philadelphia, setting up the possibility still of the Rockies making the postseason yet.

THE DREAM LIVES !!!!!!!!!

Here are the pertinent standings at the close of the day Saturday 29 September MDT:


Wild Card

San Diego................89.....72......553.....-
Colorado..................88.....73......547.....1
Philadelphia............88.....73......547.....1
New York................88.....73......547.....1

Arizona has clinched the NL West and Chicago captured the Central A number of playoff and tie scenarios exist going into the last day. It is safe to say if San Diego loses and any of the other three win, things will need to be seriously sorted out. An up to four team playoff for the wildcard could be necessary. This link gives some idea of how complicated the scenarios are.


http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3038686


Sunday's gametime starts are pretty staggered. New York starts at 11am, Philadelphia at 11:30, San Diego at Noon, and Colorado at 1pm. I believe TBS may provide cut-in action on the three early games with FSN-RM covering the Rockies game. For radio listeners, ESPN radio (1600 AM in Denver) will be on top of all the games; and the Rockies game, normally on 850 KOA, will be on 630 KHOW due to the Denver Broncos game having higher broadcast priority.

We really need a miracle. Its Glavine v Willis at Shea, a real good pitching matchup. At Citizens, its the ageless Jamie Moyer for the Phils against respectable Jason Bergmann for the Nats. Up at Miller, Tomko is slated for the Padres against Suppan for the Brewers. You cannot rule out Peavy pitching though, either as the starter or in relief. And at Coors, Uvaldo Jiminez goes for the Rockies against the tough Doug Davis for the Diamondbacks, another good looking pitching matchup. I would have to say the three other contenders have an edge in all three games, and if the Padres win, its all over for Colorado, so we really need a super effort from Milwaukee to keep us alive to at least have a chance to get in.

So after Friday night's disappointments, its time to crank it up one more time:

GO ROCKIES !!!!!!!!!!! BEAT THE DIAMONDBACKS !!!!!!!!!!!

GO BREWERS !!!!!!!!!! BEAT THE PADRES !!!!!!!!!!!!!

GO MARLINS !!!!!!!!!! BEAT THE METS !!!!!!!!!

GO NATIONALS !!!!!!!! BEAT THE PHILLIES !!!!!!!!!!


HOLD ON TIGHT, TO YOUR DREAMS (ELO)

DON'T STOP BELIEVIN" (JOURNEY)

GONNA FLY NOW (BILL CONTI, from ROCKY)

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Saturday 29 September News Articles and Observations

Here are some recent news articles for Saturday 29 September and some brief observations on them.


A. The Collapse of the American Middle Class Economy

Over a quarter century of overall Republican leadership and the utter failure of Democrats to maintain focus on economic issues rather than special interests combined with a complete dedication to greed and immorality by corporate executives and management have put most Americans into a no-win situation and a declining quality of life.


http://www.prospect.org/cs/articles?article=the_rise_of_the_havenots


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B. The Entire Fish is Rotten and Stench Ridden in Alaska

The Republican Party throughout Alaska is so ridden with corruption, graft, and criminal actions that is without any credibility whatsoever. Lets hope the voters there do not have their heads buried in the snow and tundra.


http://newsminer.com/2007/09/28/9086


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C. The Whole Story and Timelime about George W Bush's Evasion of Military Service


Dan Rather was made a scapegoat in his effort to make the facts about this public. Clearly there have lies after lies and a widespread coverup about the treasonous actions of Bush for many, many years.


http://www.dailykos.com/story/2005/1/12/132214/106


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D. We are not the America We Were


America was not without grave injustices and flaws in the past, but watching the miniseries on PBS about World War II by Ken Burns plainly shows that we have lost much more as nation and a people in the over sixty years since then. I expect more insightful columns by observers in the coming days and weeks as introspection and contemplation by viewers and thinkers coalesce.


http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bob-cesca/america-used-to-be-really_b_66370.html


http://commonsense.ourfuture.org/bet_wetter_nation


http://commonsense.ourfuture.org/hitler_and_tojo_combined


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E. Is the Bush Junta "War on Terror" Nothing but Propanganda and Lies ?


There does appear to be a hidden more lucrative reason behind the actions and decisions of this administration: to strengthen and enrich corporations at any and all costs, particularly ones who are involved with oil.


http://www.alternet.org/waroniraq/63632/?page=entire


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F. Gingrich Bows Out

The pompous, bombastic, egotistical, iconoclastic former Speaker of the House and US Representative from Georgia shows some rare wisdom in deciding not to enter the race for the Presidency in '08.


http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2007-09-29-gingrich-run_N.htm?csp=34


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90th National Hockey League Season Starts Saturday 29 September in London

Hockey season is here with the opening weekend of special games being played across the pond in London, England between the defending Stanley Cup Champion Anaheim Ducks and their cross Southland rival Los Angeles Kings. The two games are the first regular season NHL games ever played outside of North America. The second of the two games will be at 10am MDT Sunday 30 September and be televised by Versus, the regular national broadcaster of NHL games. Regular nationally televised games by Versus will be on Mondays and Tuesdays. NBC broadcasts Sunday afternoon games starting in January, and they will have a special broadcast on Tuesday 1 January, New Years Day, when Buffalo hosts Pittsburgh in a game being played outside at Ralph Wilson Stadium where a sellout crowd of around 80,000 or more will be in attendance. The NHL previously successfully staged an outside game in Edmonton a few years back. Lets hope it is good weather for outdoors hockey that day. In recent years Buffalo has had some days in the 60s and low 70s deep into December.

I will post my NHL forecast in the next few days before the rest of the league starts their seasons this coming Wednesday 3 October. The Colorado Avalanche open up that evening with an 8pm tilt against the Dallas Stars that will be nationally televised. With the regular season going for over six months to the first Sunday in April, most weeks teams will have 2-4 games per week. I hope to catch many if not most of the Avalanche games this upcoming season as the team will be very good this year and should win their division. Every Avalanche game is scheduled to be broadcast this season with 74 of the 82 games on Altitude with the other 8 games either on Versus or NBC. If things work out, I might even attend a game or two at the Pepsi Center in downtown Denver perhaps against Detroit and the New York Rangers. The Rangers were my favorite team when I was young and first started following hockey 38 years ago. When I was in my early adult years, my favorite teams were the Los Angeles Kings, the Edmonton Oilers, and Pittsburgh Penguins. Later I was a fan of the San Jose Sharks, but since the creation of the Colorado Avalanche in 1995, they have been clearly my favorite team.

GO AVALANCHE ! WIN A THIRD STANLEY CUP !

http://www.nhl.com/nhl/app?articleid=338494&page=NewsPage&service=page

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East Pacific La Nina Means Warmer Drier Winter for Southwest, Central Rockies

Analysis by climatologists and meteorologists strongly indicate a La Nina is forming and gaining strength in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. If this phenomena reaches its anticipated peak, the climate and weather from California eastward and across the Central Rockies and High Plains will be much nicer than normal with above normal temps and below normal precipitation, including snow. After last winter, a radical swing to weather that would be the opposite of what we endured would be greatly welcome by us flatlanders. I know the livestock, agriculture, and water resources managing folks will think otherwise.


http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/psr/pns/ENSOFactSheet_Sep20.pdf

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It All But Comes To An End

Close but no cigar. Thats about all that can be said now after the Rockies dropped a 4-2 decision to Arizona Friday night. Colorado drops to 87-73 and has their eleven game winning streak snapped. The Diamondbacks victory means they clinch a playoff spot and eliminate Colorado from contention for the NL West title. With San Diego winning in Milwaukee, the Padres pull two ahead of the Rockies with two left and all but eliminate Colorado from the wild card race as well. With the Padres having two games left against the now eliminated and disappointed Milwaukee Brewers, San Diego should win at least one to clinch a playoff spot. Arizona will continue to play hard as well tomorrow and Sunday to clinch the best record. If that happens they will matchup with the newly crowned NL Central Champions Chicago one of the NLDS series. The other NLDS series may very will matchup San Diego against Philadelphia. The Phillies have assumed sole possession of the NL East lead over the collapsing Mets, and its hard to imagine New York regaining their poise and swagger to catch the Phillies in what will be the greatest choke in baseball history for a September leader. The Mets had a seven game lead only two weeks ago. We will see what happens over the next two afternoons.

Meanwhile, although Colorado has come up short, I am very pleased and elated to see them to have gotten as far and as close this season as they have. It was truly a great run with a lot of highlights and exciting moments. I greatly look forward to the '08 season and maybe I can even figure out a way to get down to Tucson for some spring training games.

NFL Predictions for Week Four, 30 September-1 October

Here are my picks for the NFL games upcoming for week four, Sunday 30 September and Monday 1 October.

Sunday 30 October

MIA (-4) v OAK: Dolphins 20, Raiders 17
HTN (-4) @ ATL: Texans 27, Falcons 13
CLE (+6) v BLT: Browns 16, Ravens 13 UPSET
CHI (- 3 1/2) @ DET: Bears 27, Lions 16
GB (-3) @ MINN: Packers 23, Vikings 16
STL (+14) @ DAL: Rams 31, Cowboys 27 UPSET
BUF (+3 1/2) v NYJ: Bills 27, Jets 23 UPSET
CAR (-3) v TB: Panthers 24, Buccaneers 20
SF (+2 1/2) v SEA: Forty-Niners 26, Seahawks 23 UPSET
PGH (-7) @ ARIZ: Steelers 30, Cardinals 24
SD (-11 1/2) v KC: Chargers 27, Chiefs 17
IND (-10 1/2) v DEN: Colts 38, Broncos 30
PHIL (-3 1/2) @ NYG: Eagles 32, Giants 19

Monday 1 October

NENG (-7 1/2) @ CINC: Patriots 45, Bengals 20

NORL; WASH; TENN; JAX: idle

For the season so far:
30-18 .625 straight up
33-15 .688 against the spread
5-6 .455 on the upsets

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11 Straight Victories !!! "Don't Stop Believin' -- Hold on to That Feeling !"

Eleven consecutive victories !!! What we fans of baseball and the Colorado Rockies are witnessing is nothing short of incredible and amazing ! And it is so Wonderful and Fantastic ! Tonight, the Rockies finished off a sweep of the hated rival Los Angeles Dodgers and the Southern California roadtrip. The professionalism and dedication of all the Rockies players and coaches is something very great and special to have observed and witnessed day in and day out all season long. And now we reach the final weekend and three games of the regular season with some very sweet rewards in place for the taking. Colorado is but two games back of Arizona going into the weekend series. Keep the winning up and the first big prize is theirs, the NL WEST PENNANT ! Granted San Diego is still ahead of the Rockies at 88-71 and also is eyeing the NL West flag, but part of this all is believing Milwaukee will take two of three from the Padres to keep them at bay.

In my life, I have only had a couple of times concerning baseball with feelings of elation like this. The first was in 1969 when the wunderkind Mets came from nowhere to win it all. I also had this joy in 1979 when the Pittsburgh Pirates and Willie Stargell's We are Family became world champions. And of course, three years ago, when the Boston Redsox came back from the dead against the Yankees to win the AL pennant and sweep St Louis to win their first world championship in 86 years. Can this be another year of those level of accomplishment ? Lets BELIEVE !

Everyone else that I wanted to lose generally won Thursday. Arizona salvaged the finale at Pittsburgh; San Diego clobbered Milwaukee; Philadelphia eliminated Atlanta; but plunging New York and Chicago did lose. These results set up a weekend of many important games with enormous crucial implications. The pertinent standings at the end of the day Thursday 27 September MDT:

Arizona............89.....70.....560.....-
San Diego........88.....71......553.....1
Colorado..........87.....72......547.....2

Chicago............83.....76......522.....-
Milwaukee......81.....78.......509....2

Philadelphia....87.....72.......547.....-
New York........87.....72.......547.....-

For the upcoming weekend, Colorado hosts Arizona (6pm Friday & Saturday, 1pm Sunday); San Diego is at Milwaukee (6pm Friday, 1:55 Saturday, Noon Sunday); Washington @ Philadelphia (5pm Friday, 1:55 Saturday, 11:35 Sunday); Florida @ New York (5pm Friday, 11am Saturday & Sunday); and Chicago @ Cincinnati (5pm Friday, 1:55 Saturday, 11:15 Sunday). What needs to happen is for the Rockies to sweep the Diamondbacks; the Brewers to win 2 of 3 against the Padres; Chicago lose at least two; and Philadelphia and New York to lose at least once each. There are three other largely or somewhat meaningless series this last weekend in the NL: San Francisco @ Los Angeles; St Louis @ Pittsburgh; and Atlanta @ Houston.

I will have my eyes and ears tuned to follow everything as closely as possible the next three days and I BELIEVE the best will happen !

KEEPIN' THE FAITH !!! BELIEVIN' !!!

GO ROCKIES ! BEAT ARIZONA !

GO BREWERS ! BEAT SAN DIEGO !

GO REDS ! BEAT CHICAGO !

GO MARLINS ! BEAT NEW YORK !

GO NATIONALS ! BEAT PHILADELPHIA !

Think of the Journey song: "Don't Stop Believin' "! Thats my pick for the theme song for these wonderful Rockies. Other who have posted on a Denver Post Rockies blog have some other great ideas. The theme from the movie "Rocky" is another splendid choice.

This weekend coming up is the most fun you can have with your clothes on !

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Thursday 27 September News Articles and Observations

Here are some recent news articles from Thursday 27 September and some brief observations on them.


A. Rutgers Professor Speaks the Truth About the Hypocrisy of Big Time College Athletics


By big time college athletics, that means college football and mens college basketball. The other college sports for men are guilty on limited occasions and at certain schools (re: Arizona State and college baseball). Virtually no womens sports are in the mix with the possible exception of womens college basketball in the SEC and perhaps a few other high profile programs around the country. But to back to the point, the college professor is absolutely right and I am in complete agreement with him. It is time to eliminate college athletic scholarships for football and mens basketball and force the NFL and NBA to create and fund their own farm system rather than virtually exclusively relying on a wholly taxpayer subsidized system to grow and mature their future athletes and players. Most college players are a walking joke as college students in football and mens basketball across the nation. But it will never change...


http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/news?slug=ap-rutgers-controversialquotes&prov=ap&type=lgns


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B. What State Has the Best Quality of Life and Economy ?


The answer is Idaho and there can be little argument.


http://www.usatoday.com/printedition/news/20070927/1a_cover27.art.htm


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C. Invaders Beginning to Withdraw


This is very good news, and hopefully the numbers of the invaders withdrawing back to their own countries will only continue to increase. More states need to enact harsh laws against these criminals to further encourage their departures.


http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2007-09-26-moving_N.htm


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D. Ecosystem Crisis in the Making


What is not said here is not surprising. Foraging animals need to have natural predators in their ecosystems, and for these deer and antelope that means a greater number of cougars, mountain lions, bears, coyotes, and particularly wolves are needed to control the growing and increasingly destructive populations of these foragers. Man cannot do it alone.


http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/local/article/0,1299,DRMN_15_5708169,00.html


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E. Only in History Will We Know


Very strong words and an argument from this writer, but it is premature to draw any conclusions of these magnitude.


http://www.smirkingchimp.com/thread/10121


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F. Technology to Greatly Aid Chicago Police


I look for this technological application to be in widespread use, particularly in urban and suburban areas where crime is known to occur and where riffraff and other questionable people are known to congregate, within about a decade.


http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D8RTSNE84&show_article=1


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G. Tennessee Goes After Cigarette Smugglers


Nice to see that state employees in Tennessee have so much free time on their hands.


http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2007/sep/27/cigarette-surveillance-program-begins-today/


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H. New Citizenship Test


The sad thing is that a clear majority of graduating high school seniors, college students, government employees, corporate executives, and American adults would fail this test.


http://www.ocregister.com/news/new-test-citizenship-1853131-exam-immigrants


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I. Likelihood of War With Iran Continues to Grow


These two articles only strengthen the opinion of many, including yours truly, that military action is forthcoming against Iran, perhaps as soon as in days or weeks.


http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=070927092137.ds7oql03&show_article=1


http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=070927013841.qmnowmi7&show_article=1


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J. Cheyenne Plans for Future with Huge Park, Open Space


The city of Cheyenne has been endowed with land that exceeds the size of the city itself and is largely in original and undeveloped condition. It will be interesting to follow what the city does with this prized resource in the coming years. It will become a significant revenue generating place for the city with the development of wind energy turbines as well as a great place to enjoy the scenery, nature, and wildlife within minutes of civilization.


http://www.wyomingnews.com/articles/2007/09/27/local_news_updates/19local_09-27-07.txt


http://www.belvoirranch.org/index.php


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K. Insight from One of the Greatest, Vin Scully


I am very thankful to have had the honor of meeting this legendary man a few years back when I drove him from Coors Field to his hotel in downtown Denver in my cab.


http://www.latimes.com/sports/baseball/mlb/dodgers/la-sp-sound27sep27,1,3442758,full.story?coll=la-headlines-sports-mlb-dodger&ctrack=7&cset=true


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Ten In A Row !!!! Don't Stop Believin' !!!!!

The Colorado Rockies won their franchise best tenth consecutive game this evening as they topped the Dodgers in Los Angeles, 2-0. They are an unprecedenteed 5-0 on this Southern California road trip ! Colorado's won-lost record moves to 86-72 with their 17th win in 24 games in September. They remain one game behind the San Diego Padres as the Padres smoked San Francisco to keep up the pace. Philadelphia also won over Atlanta, basically eliminating the Braves, to stay even with Colorado. Good news from the other games though. Pittsburgh crawled out of the coffin again to beat the NL West leading Diamondbacks for a second night, reducing Arizona's lead to just one over SD and two over Colorado. Amazingly, the Washington Nationals wrapped up a three game sweep of the NL East leading New York Mets at Shea Stadium. The Mets' lead is now down to one over the Phillies. In Miami, Florida knocked off the Chicago Cubs, but the Cubs maintain their two game lead over Milwaukee as the Brewers fell at home to St Louis.

Only four days remain in the regular season now. Colorado faces another critical game in the finale at Chavez Ravine Thursday Night against the Dodgers. Meanwhile, the many of the other teams change opponents or travel for their upcoming weekend series. San Diego is at Milwaukee for the opener of a tension-packed four games series at Miller Park. Chicago finishes their series in Florida with the third game Thursday night. All of Wisconsin will be rooting for the South Florida Fish. Most of Illinois will be rooting for the Cubs. Philadelphia hosts the Atlanta Braves in the finale of their three game set. Reeling New York has a makeup game at Shea against the Cardinals. And Arizona wraps up their trip to Pittsburgh before heading back west for the weekend to Colorado.

The pertinent NL standings as of the end of the day Wednesday 26 September MDT:

Arizona.............88....70....557.......-
San Diego..........87....71....551.......1
Colorado...........86.....72...544.......2

Chicago.............83.....75....525......-
Milwaukee.......81.....77.....512......2

New York.........87.....71.....551......-
Philadelphia.....86.....72.....544......1
Atlanta.............83......75.....525.....4

I have not talked about the AL with all the excitement going in the NL. Boston has a magic number of two to win the AL East. New York has clinched the wild card. Cleveland is trying to finish up with the best record in AL having wrapped up the Central. And Anaheim won the AL West but they are asleep at the wheel this week so far as lowly Texas swept them in Arlington. The ALDS matchups look as if it will be Anaheim v Boston and Cleveland v New York. We will perhaps know for sure as early as Friday.

What a September to remember with great pennant races in the National League !

GO ROCKIES !!!! BEAT LA !!! COMPLETE THE SWEEP !!!

KEEPIN' THE FAITH !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

B E L I E V I N ' !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GO PIRATES ! BEAT THE DIAMONDBACKS !

GO BREWERS ! BEAT THE PADRES !

GO BRAVES ! BEAT THE PHILLIES !

GO MARLINS ! BEAT THE CUBS !

GO CARDINALS ! BEAT THE METS !

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College Football Picks for Week Five, 27-29 September

Here are some picks for many college football games being played between Thursday 27 September and Saturday 29 September.

Thursday 27 September

Arkansas St (-6) 27, Memphis 13 + X
Boise St (-11 1/2) 34, Mississippi St 26 + X

Friday 28 September

#5 West Virginia (-7) 24, #18 South Florida 22 X +

Saturday 29 September

#1 Southern Cal (-21 1/2) 48, Washington 23 + X
#2 Louisiana St (-42) 51, Tulane 6 + X
#3 Florida (-18 1/2) 40, Auburn 16 X X
#4 Oklahoma (-24) 44, Colorado 13 X X
#6 California (+5 1/2) 35, #12 Oregon 33 + X
Kansas St (+14 1/2) 26, #7 Texas 23 UPSET + +
#8 Ohio State (-27) 67, Minnesota 13 + X
#9 Wisconsin (-7 1/2) 29, #23 Michigan St 20 + X
#10 Rutgers (-17 1/2) 31, Maryland 21 X +
#11 Boston College (-35) 43, Massachusetts 12 + +
#13 Clemson (-4 1/2) 24, Georgia Tech 17 X X
#14 Virginia Tech (-17 1/2) 29, North Carolina 7 + X
#15 Kentucky (-23 1/2) 54, Florida Atlantic 24 + +
#16 Georgia (-15) 38, Mississippi 16 + +
#17 Hawaii (-27) 56, Idaho 17 + +
#19 Penn State (-4 1/2) 30, Illinois 20 X X
#20 Missouri: IDLE
#21 South Carolina (-13 1/2) 29, Mississippi St 7 + +
#22 Nebraska (-21) 54, Iowa St 20 + X
#24 Alabama (even) 23, Florida St 20 (@ Jacksonville) X X
#25 Arizona State (-16 1/2) 37, Stanford 17 + +
Brigham Young (-5 1/2) 33, New Mexico 27 + +
Utah (-20 1/2) 28, Utah St 14 + +
Cincinnati (-13 1/2) 37, San Diego St 24 + +
Nevada-Las Vegas (+5 1/2) 29, Nevada 24 UPSET X X
Texas Christian (-10 1/2) 23, Colorado St 16 + X
Air Force (+2) 16, Navy 13 UPSET X X
Texas A&M (-16 1/2) 27, Baylor 16 + X
Texas Tech (-34) 66, Northwest St 24 + +
Oklahoma St (-32) 37, Sam Houston St 10 + +
Arizona (-2 1/2) 17, Washington St 14 + +
Oregon St (even) 31, UCLA 27 X X
Purdue (-21 1/2) 40, Notre Dame 16 + X
Virginia (-7) 28, Pittsburgh 20 + +
Texas El Paso (+1 1/2) 20, Southern Meth 17 UPSET + +
Northwestern (+16 1/2) 23, Michigan 20 UPSET X +
Miami FL (-24) 24, Duke 9 + +
Louisville (-23) 55, North Carolina St 34 + +
Iowa (-11) 24, Indiana 17 X +
Houston (-10 1/2) 33, East Carolina 23 X +
Army (-6) 27, Temple 20 + +

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The Dream Lives on Through Tuesday !

[Because of no internet connection on Tuesday evening, this post comes about 19-20 hours late.]

The maximum desired optimum results almost occurred on Tuesday. Everyone that needed to win and everyone that needed to lose did with one exception. San Diego rallied in the 9th for a 6-4 victory over San Francisco that keeps the Padres ahead the Rockies by one game in the wildcard playoff race. Of great importance were the losses by Arizona and Philadelphia. It was also fine to have Chicago and New York lose and Milwaukee win. All the matchups that occurred Tuesday continue today, although the pitching matchups overall are a little less favorable.

Of greatest and primary importance is having the Colorado Rockies win tonight again in Los Angeles against the now eliminated Dodgers. Tuesday night's 9-7 win was not as pretty as one would like at this time of the season, but a win is a win and we will take it. It was the Rockies' ninth consecutive victory which ties the club record set back in 1997. Of the three games in LA, this is the one I believed would be the least difficult but we will all have to see as everyday is different and unpredictable.

So with just FIVE days left in the regular season, Colorado and Philadelphia are tied, one game behind San Diego for the wild card. Of interest as well, Arizona is three up on Colorado; Chicago leads Milwaukee by just two for the Central; and New York leads the Phillies by two for the East. It is a great finish in the making...

GO ROCKIES !!! BEAT LA !!!

GO GIANTS ! BEAT SAN DIEGO !

GO BRAVES ! BEAT PHILADELPHIA !

GO PIRATES ! BEAT ARIZONA !

GO NATIONALS ! BEAT NEW YORK !

GO BREWERS ! BEAT ST LOUIS

GO MARLINS ! BEAT CHICAGO !

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Monday Goes Well

Everything that could go right did go right on Monday for the idle Colorado Rockies in their pursuit of a wild card postseason berth. Primarily, the San Diego Padres were routed by the San Francisco Giants, 9-4, at AT&T Park. The loss drops San Diego to 85-71 and into a tie with Philadelphia for the wildcard lead and only one game ahead of the Rockies. The Phillies were idle on Monday. The Phillies also gained ground on New York as the Mets fell to Washington 13-4 which drops the lead in the NL East to two games. And in the other important game, Milwaukee routed St Louis 12-5 to remain in contention for the NL Central flag. It is important the Brewers keep winning against the Cardinals as they need to be fighting hard when San Diego comes to Brewtown for four games starting Thursday. We also need the Florida Marlins to put in a superb effort the next three days and get the better of the Chicago Cubs. And Atlanta needs to do the same when they start their three games against the Phillies also on Tuesday. And if all those good things can happen, it would only be better if the Pirates show some life and stun Arizona in their series starting Tuesday in Pittsburgh which might this upcoming weekend's series between the Rockies and Diamondbacks at Coors Field take on an even greater meaning !

Six days left in the regular season, but by far the most important thing is for the Rockies to take care of their own business and play well and win at Dodger Stadium starting tomorrow night and through Wednesday's and Thursday's games also.

KEEPIN' THE FAITH ! BELIEVIN' !

GO ROCKIES ! BEAT LOS ANGELES !

GO GIANTS ! (over San Diego)

GO BRAVES ! (0ver Philadelphia)

GO BREWERS ! (over St Louis)

GO MARLINS ! (over Chicago)

GO NATIONALS ! (0ver New York)

GO PIRATES ! (over Arizona)

...only one meaningless series in the NL this part of the last week... Houston @ Cincinnati...

Monday 24 September News Articles and Observations

Here are some recent news articles and some brief observations on them.





A. Excellent High Quality TV Not To Be Missed



PBS is running a week-long series entitled "The War". It is an in-depth study of World War II. I am into the second night of watching the production and it is truly outstanding. I have already learned several facts I was not aware of. This program documents the history of the most important event in recent world history that still is effecting all our lives today. Early reports indicate large numbers of people are watching. Please set your TIVOs and VDRs to record this exceptional historical presentation compiled by the legendary filmmaker Ken Burns.





http://www.pbs.org/thewar





http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D8RS38K81&show_article=1





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B. Wolf Recovery Exceeds Expectations Across Northern Rockies





This is very good and welcome news, but enemies of the wolf are still determined to minimize or eliminate these essential creatures from the ecosystems that so desparately need their presence.





http://billingsgazette.net/articles/2007/09/23/news/local/26-wolf.txt





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C. Bozeman, MT: The Place to Be





Bozeman is quite an attractive place to live with virtually everything that one may need within easy access and a high quality of life. But as word gets out about all the positives of this area, housing costs are soaring relative to wages and the traffic is getting unpleasant.





http://billingsgazette.net/articles/2007/09/23/news/business/30-haveyouheard.txt





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D. The Usurpment of Adam Smith





Much like what has happened with the Bible, the writings and words of this economist have been warped and corrupted by others using his name for their own greed and power.





http://www.wvgazette.com/section/Opinion/Op-Ed+Commentaries/200709226





http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/09/23/4046/





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E. Recommended Book to Read





http://www.amazon.com/Brief-History-Neoliberalism-David-Harvey/dp/0199283273/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-3499701-3864922?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1190684417&sr=1-1





http://www.buzzflash.com/store/reviews/780





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G. Private Health Insurance Companies Need to Be Eliminated





Americans very well may get a national health insurance plan, but unfortunately, it looks as if a large number of big corporation insurance companies will have their snouts in the public trough, inhaling taxpayer money and driving up costs. The Kucinich Health Care Plan and the Conyers House Bill that create a single payer plan are the only way to go.





http://www.alternet.org/story/63352/





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H. Limbaugh, Rosen, Fox News Talking Heads All Unquestionable Hypocrites





These Republican mouthpieces and brain dead morons are complaining about something they themselves are very clearly themselves guilty of. A pox on all of them !





http://mediamatters.org/items/200709220003





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I. Is Another Depression Looming ?





It would seem unlikely, but not impossible. You look at all the issues -- our collapsing currency; the housing bubble crisis; an out of control federal budget and deficit; a virtual complete loss of the American manufacturing economic sector to foreign labor; an endless war that looks to only grow and expand; financing the wars by just printing more and more money without any kind of standard; the aging of the major American demographic towards their senior years; rampant corporacy and the stark decline of the middle class; wealthy people and corporations not paying taxes as needed; a serious drop in ethics and morality across the nation; and energy costs spiraling out of control; and many other problems as well -- and it does seem to be within the realm of possibility. And what will rapid sudden climate change mean to our economy as well ?





http://www.prospect.org/cs/articles?article=the_bubble_economy





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J. Troubling and Disturbing Article to Read





I would have to agree with the conclusions in this article and the book it is citing.





http://www.alternet.org/sex/62833/





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K. A Return to Nixon Era Dirty Tricks and Crime





It will be interesting to see if any further information about this comes forth.





http://www.harpers.org/archive/2007/09/hbc-90001266





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L. Housing Woes Extend into Wyoming





We may seem to be in a place that is far away from many of America's problems, but housing costs are a serious issue across the state. My own rent is about 40 to 45 per cent of my monthly net income. And that is typical for many people here.





http://www.wyomingnews.com/articles/2007/09/23/news/20local_09-23-07.txt





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M. Social Security: What is to Be Done ?



Nothing will get done on this vital issue in the next 16 months with the lameduck Bush Junta at the helm, but policy recommendations hopefully will be forthcoming between 2009 and 2010 as the first of the Baby Boomers start to cross the 65 year old age threshold. I would think the income ceiling needs to be removed on paying SSN taxes; a cash payout of all SSN taxes paid to wealthy retirees needs to be an option to them when they reach age 70 that also gives them some interest on their investment; and the COLA needs to be adjusted on retirees who have other sources of income for their retirement. This is a very complex and deeply personal problem set for those who will be looking into how to make Social Security solvent long term, if that is even possible. Of a more looming and critical concern are Medicaid and Medicare. Lets hope the Health Coverage Legislation that emerges in the coming years takes huge steps towards solving the financial problems of those two programs that are seriously looming within a decade.





http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070925/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/bush_social_security;_ylt=Ar2tKLzBj3ovVPRVKQFK7iis0NUE





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The Dream Continues To Live On !

The young amazing Colorado Rockies continue to astound and bring excitement (!!!) and smiles :) :) to fans like me as the last week of the MLB regular season starts. The Rockies have now won eight straight -one game shy of tying a club record - and today (Sunday 23 September) wrapped up an completely unexpected three game sweep of their fellow postseason aspirants San Diego Padres at Petco Park in San Diego. Colorado now stands at 84-72 - a new club record for victories - and are but a game and half out of the wild card spot. San Diego stands at 85-70 while Philadelphia sits at 85-71. The Padres play their last seven games on the road with three at San Francisco starting Monday and wrapping up their season with four at Milwaukee starting Thursday. Philadelphia plays their last six games at home with three starting Tuesday against the still alive tough Atlanta Braves and ending with three against the Washington Nationals over the next weekend. Colorado has three challenging games in Los Angeles starting Tuesday and wrap up their regular season at home starting Friday with three against the probable NL West Division Champion Arizona Diamondbacks.

Arizona is 88-68, just four games ahead of the Rockies and only 2 1/2 in front of the Padres, but before the Diamondbacks close their regular season with three in Denver against the Rockies, they have three games in Pittsburgh starting Tuesday against the hapless Pirates and should win at least two if not all of of those three games considering what is at stake for the D-backs. With the challenges facing San Diego and Colorado in this last week, it would seem unlikely they will be able to overtake Arizona for the divisional flag. Colorado needs to keep winning and hope to get some help from San Francisco, Milwaukee, Atlanta, and Washington this week. I would think 89 is the number the wild card winner will need to have. 5-1 is a tall order for the Rockies, but given what has happened so far, it is realistic and foreseeable. I will be intently watching and listening all week to see what eventuates.

GO ROCKIES !!!!!!

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20070923&content_id=2225810&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb

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