By Rick Morris
The sheer amount of sewage churned out about yesterday’s Glenn Beck rally at the Lincoln Memorial would be unbelievable in any other age, but not this one, unfortunately.
Much of the innuendo has been hurled by Tingle Up The Leg Matthews, who is eager to hurl as much mud as he can to stave off his hero’s coming demise in the midterm elections. His scummy suggestions of racism – as is the norm these days, not with the actual nards to make an accusation, but subtle editorializing – have included some of the following questions:
1 “Restoring honor? Who are you saying stole it?”
2 “Take back our country? From whom?”
For the benefit of the mentally unfortunate who find Matthews profound, let me answer both of them:
1 Beck is speaking of a general restoration of honor that is necessary. The path that our country is going down – not “Capital S Socialism,” but the softer, Western European style – has been in the works for many decades. Essentially, Obama represents the third wave of progressive action in this country, with FDR’s New Deal in the 1930s having come first and LBJ’s Great Society in the 1960s having built upon it. There are those who find this consolidation disturbing and not in the spirit of our Founding Fathers and they are entitled to raise their voices about it – yes, Mathews, even if a black guy is president at the time. Imagine that!
2 Beck is speaking, in general, of taking back our country from those who are taking us down the aforementioned path and leading us into an unsustainable economic future that could only result in national bankruptcy. Again, horror of horrors to the progressives, the right to free speech in this country was not repealed when a minority moved into the Oval Office.
Having said that, I’m glad that Beck banned signs from the rally, not because I fear Tea Party folks showing racism – from the one event I’ve been to, race could not have been further from the agenda and I strongly believe that is the norm – but because lefties have been talking about crashing Tea Party events with their own racist signs to cause bad publicity.
Now, do I believe in everything that all of these people believe? No, of course not. I’m not in agreement with Beck’s recent libertarian pronouncement on gay marriage. And Sarah Palin’s recent turn towards hard-core militarism (showing that she may have been sadly brain-napped by the bloodthirsty Bill Kristol in the same way that Dubya once was) alarms me. But I’m not going to be out there wetting my pants about them gathering up a bunch of good, decent Americans the way that so many weeping liberals are.
Here are Beck and Palin addressing those patriots on the National Mall yesterday.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
FDH Fantasy Newsletter: Volume III, Issue XXXIV
By Rick Morris
For the most part, we keep our fantasy content on our fantasy website and fantasy blog and keep this site for content on all subjects. It allows our readers to find specific content more easily that way. However, it has come to our attention that because our new fantasy sports newsletter is published on the older Blogger platform that our readers may be limited in their ability to subscribe to it. There does not appear to be a way to have content on the FantasyDrafthelp.com blog forwarded to an aggregate news reader -- however, we know that we have that ability here. So we will link to that newsletter each week right here when it is published. Here is this week's newsletter.
For the most part, we keep our fantasy content on our fantasy website and fantasy blog and keep this site for content on all subjects. It allows our readers to find specific content more easily that way. However, it has come to our attention that because our new fantasy sports newsletter is published on the older Blogger platform that our readers may be limited in their ability to subscribe to it. There does not appear to be a way to have content on the FantasyDrafthelp.com blog forwarded to an aggregate news reader -- however, we know that we have that ability here. So we will link to that newsletter each week right here when it is published. Here is this week's newsletter.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Gangrene (Jets) star power -- can it work?
By Jason Jones (posted by Rick Morris)
There are as many blueprints to building a successful NFL franchise as there are NFL franchises. The question is, "do all of them work?"
Consider the Indianapolis Colts. Hall of Fame quarterback, elite wide receivers, running back by committee, a blue collar offensive line, and a relative no-name defense (excluding Dwight Freeney).
New England Patriots? 90% of their dynastic franchise was all no-names and system-grown talent (minus Randy Moss).
I could go on, but the point is almost conclusive: every successful NFL franchise in history has been constructed with a healthy blend of star power, role players, and team-grown talent. However, that is clearly not the approach that the 2010 New York Jets are taking. Can it work?
Let's take a look at the players still around from just a few years earlier. D'Brickashaw Ferguson (first-round pick), Nick Mangold (later first-round pick, same year), Jerricho Cotchery, Shaun Ellis, and David Harris...all drafted by the Jets or a longstanding member of the team (at least three years).
As for recent draft picks and highly-touted acquisitions, the Jets spared no draft value, trade pieces or free agent dollars. Dustin Keller, Damien Woody, Braylon Edwards, Mark Sanchez, Kellen Clemens, Kevin O'Connell, Shonn Greene, Tony Richardson, Kris Jenkins, Bart Scott, Calvin Pace, Darrelle Revis, Brodney Pool, and Jim Leonhard.
Now if that were the end of the story, then so be it. That still leaves a level of balance between star power and role players. That is, of course, unless even more guys are brought in to take the place of those role players. Especially if those new acquisitions are considerably older and potentially past their primes comparatively to their younger role-playing counterparts.
As a generality, I tend to defer to younger, bigger, and faster players, but that is a conversation for a different time. In this instance, I as an onlooker, am in a complete wait-and-see mode. However, if for some reason you have neglected to notice the 2010 offseason moves of the New York Jets, here's a refresher: the Hall of Fame-bound LaDainian Tomlinson, the lifelong Jet-hater Jason Taylor, the opportunistic Antonio Cromartie, and former Super Bowl MVP Santonio Holmes.
As an unbiased fan of football, this is clearly a fan's dream. Not one single hole at any position. Imagine your team; now, imagine going into this season with not one single glaring hole devoid of talent. Not only that but in Tomlinson's case, there is a logjam at one position. In the Braylon Edwards vs. Santonio Holmes situation, are there enough balls to spread around to a receiver corps that as an average is accustomed to somewhere in the ballpark of 2,500 yds and 20 touchdowns? Incorporate the passing game to include Shonn Greene, Tomlinson, Joe McKnight, and Dustin Keller, and if math serves, that would put Mark Sanchez among the top five of quarterback production -- which may be a stretch.
As for defense, that's a pill that is easier to swallow. Shaun Ellis, Kris Jenkins, and Mike Devito/Rodrique Wright total a legit 3-4ish 900-plus pounds. Jason Taylor, Bart Scott, David Harris, and Calvin Pace may actually be the best linebacker unit in the NFL by a considerable margin. If that isn't enough, the secondary simply defies the opponent to throw. Peyton, Brady, Brees, and Aaron Rogers would all be out of their minds to not alter their approach at least slightly. Let's hope their offensive coordinators don't get a hero complex. As for the Vince Youngs, Jake Delhommes, Kyle Ortons, and Alex Smiths of the league...they might as well get used to handing the ball off...a lot.
Get one thing straight. I "nothing" the Jets. What that means is exactly what it sounds like. I don't love them and I don't hate them, I nothing them. Depending on the matchup, I will either root for them or against them. I am a huge fan of concepts otherwise disproven by lack of results. For example, defense wins championships. I by no means disagree that the axiom is true. I am however, always in search of some team that has an insane offense and a disgraceful defense to find a way and win. In this regard, I will be rooting hard for a team loaded with star power and name recognition to defy convention and win where every other example of this nature has come up short. So while I will be rooting for my home team and adoptive team as I always will, short of those games, I say, "J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets".
There are as many blueprints to building a successful NFL franchise as there are NFL franchises. The question is, "do all of them work?"
Consider the Indianapolis Colts. Hall of Fame quarterback, elite wide receivers, running back by committee, a blue collar offensive line, and a relative no-name defense (excluding Dwight Freeney).
New England Patriots? 90% of their dynastic franchise was all no-names and system-grown talent (minus Randy Moss).
I could go on, but the point is almost conclusive: every successful NFL franchise in history has been constructed with a healthy blend of star power, role players, and team-grown talent. However, that is clearly not the approach that the 2010 New York Jets are taking. Can it work?
Let's take a look at the players still around from just a few years earlier. D'Brickashaw Ferguson (first-round pick), Nick Mangold (later first-round pick, same year), Jerricho Cotchery, Shaun Ellis, and David Harris...all drafted by the Jets or a longstanding member of the team (at least three years).
As for recent draft picks and highly-touted acquisitions, the Jets spared no draft value, trade pieces or free agent dollars. Dustin Keller, Damien Woody, Braylon Edwards, Mark Sanchez, Kellen Clemens, Kevin O'Connell, Shonn Greene, Tony Richardson, Kris Jenkins, Bart Scott, Calvin Pace, Darrelle Revis, Brodney Pool, and Jim Leonhard.
Now if that were the end of the story, then so be it. That still leaves a level of balance between star power and role players. That is, of course, unless even more guys are brought in to take the place of those role players. Especially if those new acquisitions are considerably older and potentially past their primes comparatively to their younger role-playing counterparts.
As a generality, I tend to defer to younger, bigger, and faster players, but that is a conversation for a different time. In this instance, I as an onlooker, am in a complete wait-and-see mode. However, if for some reason you have neglected to notice the 2010 offseason moves of the New York Jets, here's a refresher: the Hall of Fame-bound LaDainian Tomlinson, the lifelong Jet-hater Jason Taylor, the opportunistic Antonio Cromartie, and former Super Bowl MVP Santonio Holmes.
As an unbiased fan of football, this is clearly a fan's dream. Not one single hole at any position. Imagine your team; now, imagine going into this season with not one single glaring hole devoid of talent. Not only that but in Tomlinson's case, there is a logjam at one position. In the Braylon Edwards vs. Santonio Holmes situation, are there enough balls to spread around to a receiver corps that as an average is accustomed to somewhere in the ballpark of 2,500 yds and 20 touchdowns? Incorporate the passing game to include Shonn Greene, Tomlinson, Joe McKnight, and Dustin Keller, and if math serves, that would put Mark Sanchez among the top five of quarterback production -- which may be a stretch.
As for defense, that's a pill that is easier to swallow. Shaun Ellis, Kris Jenkins, and Mike Devito/Rodrique Wright total a legit 3-4ish 900-plus pounds. Jason Taylor, Bart Scott, David Harris, and Calvin Pace may actually be the best linebacker unit in the NFL by a considerable margin. If that isn't enough, the secondary simply defies the opponent to throw. Peyton, Brady, Brees, and Aaron Rogers would all be out of their minds to not alter their approach at least slightly. Let's hope their offensive coordinators don't get a hero complex. As for the Vince Youngs, Jake Delhommes, Kyle Ortons, and Alex Smiths of the league...they might as well get used to handing the ball off...a lot.
Get one thing straight. I "nothing" the Jets. What that means is exactly what it sounds like. I don't love them and I don't hate them, I nothing them. Depending on the matchup, I will either root for them or against them. I am a huge fan of concepts otherwise disproven by lack of results. For example, defense wins championships. I by no means disagree that the axiom is true. I am however, always in search of some team that has an insane offense and a disgraceful defense to find a way and win. In this regard, I will be rooting hard for a team loaded with star power and name recognition to defy convention and win where every other example of this nature has come up short. So while I will be rooting for my home team and adoptive team as I always will, short of those games, I say, "J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets".
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
FDH Lounge Show #116: next week, September 1, 2010
By Rick Morris
The Sports Talk Network is streaming best-of programming all week while necessary upgrades are being installed. We return with a brand-new episode of THE FDH LOUNGE at our usual time of Wednesday, 7-10 PM EDT next week and it will be of a tremendous and typically unique nature: for the first time, we will be producing an entire show devoted to the start of the football season. Pro, college, fantasy and even a bit of a look towards the state of today's high school football and the developing international scene for American football ... it will all be under discussion with our FDH Lounge Football Think Tank. You first heard this crew during our 100th Episode back in April and arguably, our segment in that show was the foundation of that event. Next week, the panel reconvenes and we'll get you set for the next five months of America's most popular sport, football. Don't miss it!
The Sports Talk Network is streaming best-of programming all week while necessary upgrades are being installed. We return with a brand-new episode of THE FDH LOUNGE at our usual time of Wednesday, 7-10 PM EDT next week and it will be of a tremendous and typically unique nature: for the first time, we will be producing an entire show devoted to the start of the football season. Pro, college, fantasy and even a bit of a look towards the state of today's high school football and the developing international scene for American football ... it will all be under discussion with our FDH Lounge Football Think Tank. You first heard this crew during our 100th Episode back in April and arguably, our segment in that show was the foundation of that event. Next week, the panel reconvenes and we'll get you set for the next five months of America's most popular sport, football. Don't miss it!
Sunday, August 22, 2010
FDH Fantasy Newsletter: Volume III, Issue XXXIII
By Rick Morris
For the most part, we keep our fantasy content on our fantasy website and fantasy blog and keep this site for content on all subjects. It allows our readers to find specific content more easily that way. However, it has come to our attention that because our new fantasy sports newsletter is published on the older Blogger platform that our readers may be limited in their ability to subscribe to it. There does not appear to be a way to have content on the FantasyDrafthelp.com blog forwarded to an aggregate news reader -- however, we know that we have that ability here. So we will link to that newsletter each week right here when it is published. Here is this week's newsletter.
For the most part, we keep our fantasy content on our fantasy website and fantasy blog and keep this site for content on all subjects. It allows our readers to find specific content more easily that way. However, it has come to our attention that because our new fantasy sports newsletter is published on the older Blogger platform that our readers may be limited in their ability to subscribe to it. There does not appear to be a way to have content on the FantasyDrafthelp.com blog forwarded to an aggregate news reader -- however, we know that we have that ability here. So we will link to that newsletter each week right here when it is published. Here is this week's newsletter.
Friday, August 20, 2010
2010 Big Ten preview
By Nate Noy
The college football season is less than two weeks away and I spent about 100 hours this summer analyzing ever matchup for every game this upcoming season. This should be a VERY interesting year for college football. There are 35 Bowl games, meaning 70 teams will be playing in the “postseason”. However, I only predict 68 teams to reach the magic number of six wins. This could be a subplot to the season if the NCAA has to issue a few exemptions to allow teams with losing records to play in December.
Over the next two weeks, I will share my predictions for all of the teams in the Bowl Division of college football. Today, I’ll start with the Big Ten. (NOTE: the records are my predictions for the upcoming season).
(1) Ohio State 8-0 (12-0). Bowl: BCS National Championship. Key games: Oct. 16 at Wisconsin; Nov. 20 at Iowa; Nov. 27 v. Michigan. Key player: QB Terrelle Pryor. #2 Pre-season USA Today Coaches Poll.
THE Ohio State University is the odds on favorite in Vegas to win the National Title (4 ½ to 1). They also are the favorite in every game they play (-3 ½ at both Wisconsin and Iowa and larger in all other games). Pryor is the #2 pick behind defending Heisman winner Mark Ingram to take home the trophy this year at 5 to 1. They open the season at #2 in the USA Today Coaches poll and in my opinion have the most clear path to the title game of all the contenders. Nine starters return on offense and six on defense for a team that lost by three to USC in Week 2 (when they were still good) and found a way to lose at Purdue. Pryor has matured a lot in the past two years and this team has 8-9 other players as well that should be first-team All Big Ten. (NOTE: I do have a degree from OSU but that did not influence my analysis). Anything short of the title (national, that is) will be a disappointment to fans this year.
(2) Iowa 6-2 (10-2). Bowl: Rose. Key games: Oct. 2 v. Penn State; Oct. 16 at Michigan; Nov. 20 v. Ohio State. Key player: QB Ricky Stanzi. #10 Pre-season USA Today Coaches Poll.
Many people think Iowa will make the Rose Bowl this year. They return eight starters of D and six on O from a team that went 11-2 with a victory over Ga Tech 24-14 in the Orange Bowl last year. They were on track to win the Big Ten last year, then they were caught looking ahead to the Ohio State game, lost Stanzi to injury and lost to Northwestern at home 17-10 as a 15-point favorite. Then, they took the game to overtime the following week to the Bucks in Columbus as a 16 ½ point underdog without Stanzi, losing 27-24. Stanzi is 2nd-team All Big Ten on most people’s list and should have a strong senior season. I don’t think Iowa can beat the Bucks and I also predict a loss to a resurgent Michigan team in the Big House on Oct. 16.
(3) Penn State 6-2 (9-3). Bowl: Capital One. Key games: Oct. 2 at Iowa; Oct. 30 v. Michigan; Nov. 13 at Ohio State. Key player: RB Evan Royster. #14 Pre-season USA Today Coaches Poll.
PSU returns eight starters on O and five of D from a team that defeated LSU in the Capital One Bowl last year 19-17 and was 11-2 overall. Last year, an early season loss at home to Iowa 21-10 and the late season 24-7 home loss to OSU landed the Nittany Lions a tie for 2nd in the Big Ten. The head-to-head loss to Iowa was the difference that sent Iowa to the Rose and PSU to the Capital One. Royster is a solid senior, gaining almost 1,200 yards rushing last year; he is clearly the 2nd-best RB in the league and should be the 2nd of the two first-team All Big Ten backs. This team plays at Alabama in Week 2 on September 11 and is currently an 11 ½ point underdog. If they pull the miracle there, then watch out Big Ten. I predict the two losses in conference to be at Iowa and at OSU; pull an upset in either and it would likely be a trip to the Rose Bowl if they handle the games where they will be favored.
(4) Michigan 6-2 (9-3). Bowl: Outback. Key games: Oct. 16 v. Iowa; Oct. 30 at PSU; Nov. 27 at Ohio State. Key player: QB Tate Forcier. NR Pre-season USA Today Coaches Poll.
Which team has the 2nd-best record the past ten years in Big Ten conference play? Yes, it is UM, even after posting a 1-7 league record last year and 2-6 the year before, they still are 53-27 the last ten years -- trailing only OSU, who is 64-16. It is serious do-or-die time for Rich Rodriguez who likely will be without a job next year if the Wolverines do not equal or exceed the prediction I have for them here. They return seven starters on O and eight on D, and the third season is historically the year when a new head coach has the personnel in place to win under his system. Forcier is a true sophomore and learned a lot last year, as he completed 57.7% of his passes, threw for 2,050 yards and had a 13-10 TD to Int ratio. UM will need home wins over Iowa and Wisconsin to finish in this position and I don’t predict them to win at PSU or as a early 15-point underdog in Columbus. They should dominate the lower teams in the league, but anything short of a finish near the top will not be acceptable for the team that has won 40 more games in its history than ANY other team in college football.
(5) Wisconsin 5-3 (9-3). Bowl: Gator. Key games: Oct. 16 v. OSU; Oct. 23 at Iowa; Nov. 20 Michigan. Key player: RB John Clay. #12 Pre-season USA Today Coaches Poll.
Most other experts will tell you I’m off-base with a 5th-place prediction for Wisconsin this year. They have 10 starters back on O and six on D. They are led by senior John Clay, who had 1,517 yards rushing and 18 TDs last year. They were 10-3 and defeated Miami in the Champs Bowl 20-14. However, I think they will lose at Iowa, at Michigan and at home against OSU. All of these games should be close and if things break their way, then the Badgers could find themselves in the Rose Bowl as well -- but I think the teams I have ahead of them have an advantage in the games they will lose.
(6) Michigan State 4-4 (8-4). Bowl: Insight. Key games: Oct. 9 at Michigan; Oct. 30 at Iowa; Nov. 27 at PSU. Key player: QB Kirt Cousins . #NR Pre-season USA Today Coaches Poll.
They were 6-7 last season with the bowl loss to Texas Tech. Cousins makes many lists as the third-best QB in the league; he had a 60.4%, 2680 yds and a 19-9 TD/INT ratio last year. Cousins is a senior and this team will be in most of their games to the end; they return seven on O and six on D. Like last season, they are a .500-level team that should play in a late-December bowl game.
(7) Illinois 4-4 (7-5). Bowl: Texas. Key games: Oct. 30 v. Purdue; Nov. 13 v. Minn; Nov. 20 v. NW (at Wrigley). Key player: RB Mike Leshoure. #NR Pre-season USA Today Coaches Poll.
They were 3-9 last year with five back on O and seven back on D. Leshoure is a junior who is 2nd-team all-conference on a number of lists. I like the Illini to win all three home games (Ind, Pur, and Minn) and win in Wrigley against NW on Nov. 20. Ron Zook may not have been able to live up to expectations in Florida, but he is a good coach, and if the Illini win the games they should this year, then I project a return to a bowl.
(8) Purdue 2-6 (5-7). Bowl: None. Key games: Oct. 9 at NW; Oct. 16 v. Minn; Nov. 27 v. IU. Key player: RB Al-Terek McBurse. #NR Pre-season USA Today Coaches Poll.
They were 5-7 last year, with five back on O and six on D. They have no true standout players, but sophomore McBurse could raise some eyebrows this year. For Purdue to make a bowl, they must beat one of the teams I predict them to lose to: at Notre Dame, at Northwestern, at Ohio State, at Illinois, at Michigan State or at home against Wisconsin or Michigan.
(9) Northwestern 1-7 (4-8). Bowl: None. Key games: Oct. 2 at Minn; Oct. 9 v. Purdue; Nov. 20 v. NW (at Wrigley). Key player: K Stefan Demos. #NR Pre-season USA Today Coaches Poll.
They were 8-5 last year, with seven back on O and six on D. They lost to Auburn in overtime in the Outback Bowl. QB Mike Kafka is graduated from a year ago and without him, I don’t think NW has what it takes to be competitive in the league this year. It says something when your best player is your kicker, and Demos is one of the best in the Big Ten. Too bad NW won’t likely be in many situations where he can win them a game this year.
(10) Indiana 1-7 (5-7). Bowl:l None. Key games: Oct. 30 v. NW; Nov. 27 at Purdue. Key player: WR Tandon Doss. #NR Pre-season USA Today Coaches Poll.
They were 4-8 last year, with nine back on O and four on D. Doss should surpass his 77-catch, 962-yard numbers from last year and be a 1,000+ yard WR, but he may be the lone bright spot for a team that won’t be able to stop anyone from scoring. They should be able to take NW at home, but this may be their only league win this year. For Indiana to make a bowl they beat one of the teams I predict them to lose to: at Ohio State, at Illinois, at Wisconsin, at Purdue, at home against Michigan or Iowa or in Landover against Penn State.
(11) Minnesota 1-7 (3-9) Bowl: Non. Key games: Oct. 2 v. NW; Nov. 13 at Illinois. Key player: QB Adam Weber. #NR Pre-season USA Today Coaches Poll.
They were 6-7 last year, with nine back on O and two on D. Weber is a senior, but this team is so bad, they open as an underdog (4 ½ points) at a Sun Belt Conference team (Mid Tenn St.). Weber’s TD/INT ratio was 13-15 last year and expect him to throw more INTs than TDs once again. Not much hope for the Gophers this year.
NOTE: if two Big Ten teams make the BCS, then I project the Texas Bowl, Dallas Football Classic, and Little Caesar’s Pizza Bowl to be forced to pick backup teams. I think there is a good chance the Rose could pass on Iowa and take Nebraska, who I think will be 12-1. This would drop all teams down one bowl. Also if the Buckeyes stumble and miss the Title Game then the Big Ten could fill the Texas Bowl.
The college football season is less than two weeks away and I spent about 100 hours this summer analyzing ever matchup for every game this upcoming season. This should be a VERY interesting year for college football. There are 35 Bowl games, meaning 70 teams will be playing in the “postseason”. However, I only predict 68 teams to reach the magic number of six wins. This could be a subplot to the season if the NCAA has to issue a few exemptions to allow teams with losing records to play in December.
Over the next two weeks, I will share my predictions for all of the teams in the Bowl Division of college football. Today, I’ll start with the Big Ten. (NOTE: the records are my predictions for the upcoming season).
(1) Ohio State 8-0 (12-0). Bowl: BCS National Championship. Key games: Oct. 16 at Wisconsin; Nov. 20 at Iowa; Nov. 27 v. Michigan. Key player: QB Terrelle Pryor. #2 Pre-season USA Today Coaches Poll.
THE Ohio State University is the odds on favorite in Vegas to win the National Title (4 ½ to 1). They also are the favorite in every game they play (-3 ½ at both Wisconsin and Iowa and larger in all other games). Pryor is the #2 pick behind defending Heisman winner Mark Ingram to take home the trophy this year at 5 to 1. They open the season at #2 in the USA Today Coaches poll and in my opinion have the most clear path to the title game of all the contenders. Nine starters return on offense and six on defense for a team that lost by three to USC in Week 2 (when they were still good) and found a way to lose at Purdue. Pryor has matured a lot in the past two years and this team has 8-9 other players as well that should be first-team All Big Ten. (NOTE: I do have a degree from OSU but that did not influence my analysis). Anything short of the title (national, that is) will be a disappointment to fans this year.
(2) Iowa 6-2 (10-2). Bowl: Rose. Key games: Oct. 2 v. Penn State; Oct. 16 at Michigan; Nov. 20 v. Ohio State. Key player: QB Ricky Stanzi. #10 Pre-season USA Today Coaches Poll.
Many people think Iowa will make the Rose Bowl this year. They return eight starters of D and six on O from a team that went 11-2 with a victory over Ga Tech 24-14 in the Orange Bowl last year. They were on track to win the Big Ten last year, then they were caught looking ahead to the Ohio State game, lost Stanzi to injury and lost to Northwestern at home 17-10 as a 15-point favorite. Then, they took the game to overtime the following week to the Bucks in Columbus as a 16 ½ point underdog without Stanzi, losing 27-24. Stanzi is 2nd-team All Big Ten on most people’s list and should have a strong senior season. I don’t think Iowa can beat the Bucks and I also predict a loss to a resurgent Michigan team in the Big House on Oct. 16.
(3) Penn State 6-2 (9-3). Bowl: Capital One. Key games: Oct. 2 at Iowa; Oct. 30 v. Michigan; Nov. 13 at Ohio State. Key player: RB Evan Royster. #14 Pre-season USA Today Coaches Poll.
PSU returns eight starters on O and five of D from a team that defeated LSU in the Capital One Bowl last year 19-17 and was 11-2 overall. Last year, an early season loss at home to Iowa 21-10 and the late season 24-7 home loss to OSU landed the Nittany Lions a tie for 2nd in the Big Ten. The head-to-head loss to Iowa was the difference that sent Iowa to the Rose and PSU to the Capital One. Royster is a solid senior, gaining almost 1,200 yards rushing last year; he is clearly the 2nd-best RB in the league and should be the 2nd of the two first-team All Big Ten backs. This team plays at Alabama in Week 2 on September 11 and is currently an 11 ½ point underdog. If they pull the miracle there, then watch out Big Ten. I predict the two losses in conference to be at Iowa and at OSU; pull an upset in either and it would likely be a trip to the Rose Bowl if they handle the games where they will be favored.
(4) Michigan 6-2 (9-3). Bowl: Outback. Key games: Oct. 16 v. Iowa; Oct. 30 at PSU; Nov. 27 at Ohio State. Key player: QB Tate Forcier. NR Pre-season USA Today Coaches Poll.
Which team has the 2nd-best record the past ten years in Big Ten conference play? Yes, it is UM, even after posting a 1-7 league record last year and 2-6 the year before, they still are 53-27 the last ten years -- trailing only OSU, who is 64-16. It is serious do-or-die time for Rich Rodriguez who likely will be without a job next year if the Wolverines do not equal or exceed the prediction I have for them here. They return seven starters on O and eight on D, and the third season is historically the year when a new head coach has the personnel in place to win under his system. Forcier is a true sophomore and learned a lot last year, as he completed 57.7% of his passes, threw for 2,050 yards and had a 13-10 TD to Int ratio. UM will need home wins over Iowa and Wisconsin to finish in this position and I don’t predict them to win at PSU or as a early 15-point underdog in Columbus. They should dominate the lower teams in the league, but anything short of a finish near the top will not be acceptable for the team that has won 40 more games in its history than ANY other team in college football.
(5) Wisconsin 5-3 (9-3). Bowl: Gator. Key games: Oct. 16 v. OSU; Oct. 23 at Iowa; Nov. 20 Michigan. Key player: RB John Clay. #12 Pre-season USA Today Coaches Poll.
Most other experts will tell you I’m off-base with a 5th-place prediction for Wisconsin this year. They have 10 starters back on O and six on D. They are led by senior John Clay, who had 1,517 yards rushing and 18 TDs last year. They were 10-3 and defeated Miami in the Champs Bowl 20-14. However, I think they will lose at Iowa, at Michigan and at home against OSU. All of these games should be close and if things break their way, then the Badgers could find themselves in the Rose Bowl as well -- but I think the teams I have ahead of them have an advantage in the games they will lose.
(6) Michigan State 4-4 (8-4). Bowl: Insight. Key games: Oct. 9 at Michigan; Oct. 30 at Iowa; Nov. 27 at PSU. Key player: QB Kirt Cousins . #NR Pre-season USA Today Coaches Poll.
They were 6-7 last season with the bowl loss to Texas Tech. Cousins makes many lists as the third-best QB in the league; he had a 60.4%, 2680 yds and a 19-9 TD/INT ratio last year. Cousins is a senior and this team will be in most of their games to the end; they return seven on O and six on D. Like last season, they are a .500-level team that should play in a late-December bowl game.
(7) Illinois 4-4 (7-5). Bowl: Texas. Key games: Oct. 30 v. Purdue; Nov. 13 v. Minn; Nov. 20 v. NW (at Wrigley). Key player: RB Mike Leshoure. #NR Pre-season USA Today Coaches Poll.
They were 3-9 last year with five back on O and seven back on D. Leshoure is a junior who is 2nd-team all-conference on a number of lists. I like the Illini to win all three home games (Ind, Pur, and Minn) and win in Wrigley against NW on Nov. 20. Ron Zook may not have been able to live up to expectations in Florida, but he is a good coach, and if the Illini win the games they should this year, then I project a return to a bowl.
(8) Purdue 2-6 (5-7). Bowl: None. Key games: Oct. 9 at NW; Oct. 16 v. Minn; Nov. 27 v. IU. Key player: RB Al-Terek McBurse. #NR Pre-season USA Today Coaches Poll.
They were 5-7 last year, with five back on O and six on D. They have no true standout players, but sophomore McBurse could raise some eyebrows this year. For Purdue to make a bowl, they must beat one of the teams I predict them to lose to: at Notre Dame, at Northwestern, at Ohio State, at Illinois, at Michigan State or at home against Wisconsin or Michigan.
(9) Northwestern 1-7 (4-8). Bowl: None. Key games: Oct. 2 at Minn; Oct. 9 v. Purdue; Nov. 20 v. NW (at Wrigley). Key player: K Stefan Demos. #NR Pre-season USA Today Coaches Poll.
They were 8-5 last year, with seven back on O and six on D. They lost to Auburn in overtime in the Outback Bowl. QB Mike Kafka is graduated from a year ago and without him, I don’t think NW has what it takes to be competitive in the league this year. It says something when your best player is your kicker, and Demos is one of the best in the Big Ten. Too bad NW won’t likely be in many situations where he can win them a game this year.
(10) Indiana 1-7 (5-7). Bowl:l None. Key games: Oct. 30 v. NW; Nov. 27 at Purdue. Key player: WR Tandon Doss. #NR Pre-season USA Today Coaches Poll.
They were 4-8 last year, with nine back on O and four on D. Doss should surpass his 77-catch, 962-yard numbers from last year and be a 1,000+ yard WR, but he may be the lone bright spot for a team that won’t be able to stop anyone from scoring. They should be able to take NW at home, but this may be their only league win this year. For Indiana to make a bowl they beat one of the teams I predict them to lose to: at Ohio State, at Illinois, at Wisconsin, at Purdue, at home against Michigan or Iowa or in Landover against Penn State.
(11) Minnesota 1-7 (3-9) Bowl: Non. Key games: Oct. 2 v. NW; Nov. 13 at Illinois. Key player: QB Adam Weber. #NR Pre-season USA Today Coaches Poll.
They were 6-7 last year, with nine back on O and two on D. Weber is a senior, but this team is so bad, they open as an underdog (4 ½ points) at a Sun Belt Conference team (Mid Tenn St.). Weber’s TD/INT ratio was 13-15 last year and expect him to throw more INTs than TDs once again. Not much hope for the Gophers this year.
NOTE: if two Big Ten teams make the BCS, then I project the Texas Bowl, Dallas Football Classic, and Little Caesar’s Pizza Bowl to be forced to pick backup teams. I think there is a good chance the Rose could pass on Iowa and take Nebraska, who I think will be 12-1. This would drop all teams down one bowl. Also if the Buckeyes stumble and miss the Title Game then the Big Ten could fill the Texas Bowl.
MLB power rankings for mid-August
By Rick Morris
Start of August power rankings in parentheses.
TOP TIER (Playoff Contenders)
1 New York Yankees (1)
2 Tampa Bay (2)
3 San Diego (5)
4 Atlanta (8)
5 Cincinnati (7)
6 Minnesota (12)
7 Philadelphia (11)
8 San Francisco (6)
9 Boston (4)
10 Texas (3)
11 Chicago White Sox (9)
12 St. Louis (10)
SECOND TIER (Playoff Longshots)
13 Toronto (13)
14 Colorado (14)
15 Los Angeles Dodgers (15)
16 Los Angeles Angels (19)
17 Florida (20)
18 New York Mets (16)
19 Oakland (17)
20 Detroit (18)
21 Milwaukee (21)
THIRD TIER (The Dregs)
22 Washington (22)
23 Houston (23)
24 Kansas City (25)
25 Chicago Cubs (24)
26 Cleveland (26)
27 Seattle (28)
28 Arizona (27)
FOURTH TIER (The Worst of the Worst)
29 Baltimore (30)
30 Pittsburgh (29)
BIGGEST RISERS: Minnesota (6 spots), Atlanta and Philadelphia (4 spots), Florida and Los Angeles Angels (3 spots)
BIGGEST FALLERS: Texas (7 spots), Boston (5 spots)
Start of August power rankings in parentheses.
TOP TIER (Playoff Contenders)
1 New York Yankees (1)
2 Tampa Bay (2)
3 San Diego (5)
4 Atlanta (8)
5 Cincinnati (7)
6 Minnesota (12)
7 Philadelphia (11)
8 San Francisco (6)
9 Boston (4)
10 Texas (3)
11 Chicago White Sox (9)
12 St. Louis (10)
SECOND TIER (Playoff Longshots)
13 Toronto (13)
14 Colorado (14)
15 Los Angeles Dodgers (15)
16 Los Angeles Angels (19)
17 Florida (20)
18 New York Mets (16)
19 Oakland (17)
20 Detroit (18)
21 Milwaukee (21)
THIRD TIER (The Dregs)
22 Washington (22)
23 Houston (23)
24 Kansas City (25)
25 Chicago Cubs (24)
26 Cleveland (26)
27 Seattle (28)
28 Arizona (27)
FOURTH TIER (The Worst of the Worst)
29 Baltimore (30)
30 Pittsburgh (29)
BIGGEST RISERS: Minnesota (6 spots), Atlanta and Philadelphia (4 spots), Florida and Los Angeles Angels (3 spots)
BIGGEST FALLERS: Texas (7 spots), Boston (5 spots)
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
FDH Lounge Show #115: August 18, 2010
By Rick Morris
After last week’s show that was completely given over to the 7th annual FDH Fantasy Football Mock Draft – results here – we expand back into diversity of our content in a very decisive manner on THE FDH LOUNGE (Wednesdays, 7-10 PM EDT on SportsTalkNetwork.com).
We lead as always with The Opening Statements of The FDH Lounge Dignitaries and our look at This Week in The FDH Lounge before bringing a very distinguished guest in-studio (for only the third time out of our several dozen guests!). Tom Piatak is a Cleveland-based writer who is a contributing editor to Chronicles Magazine and is also published in Taki’s Magazine, The American Conservative and other fine outlets. He’s going to help us examine a common-sense political philosophy shared by paleocons like himself. It represents an antidote to the failures of both of the last presidential administrations. Every poll shows that the American people are frustrated and looking for answers. We’re calling your bluff, America! Tune in and get those answers. By the way, our column that was posted over the weekend lays out the philosophy in at least a bit of detail.
In Hour Two, we bring you a special edition of THE GOON SQUAD, our first hockey show-within-a-show in awhile, as we take a quick overview of our initial expectations for the season’s standings and also the best fantasy pool performers. From there, we welcome in a very unique individual, probably the only prominent pro wrestling journalist who is also a worker, and therefore, one of “the boys.” Bryan Alvarez wrestles in his spare time and also covers the business and MMA for Figure Four Weekly and the Wrestling Observer – where he is partnered with the man who basically founded the grapplin’ news business in the 1980s, Dave Meltzer. He’s covering all the big stories right now, from SummerSlam to the ill-fated ECW revival in TNA to the unfortunate passing of Lance Cade and we’ll talk about all of that and more.
In Hour Three, our colleague from The 21st Century Media Alliance, Tom Denk from Mr. Flatstick comes in for a review of the PGA Championship from the breathtaking Whistling Straits – and we are also joined by golf analyst Kevin Currie from The Sports Network. We’ll look back at all aspects of the weekend that was, from rules controversies to those who stood out for good and for ill – and we’ll look ahead to the season’s remaining big events and the intrigue surrounding the Ryder Cup.
We close as usual with THE FANTASYDRAFTHELP.COM INSIDER as we review last week’s aforementioned football mock draft. We have some outside eyeballs to help judge us in the form of a past guest who we are happy to have back, Tim Heaney from KFFL. We’ll also be sure to remind you of the endless usefulness of our draft guide for this season, FANTASY FOOTBALL DRAFTOLOGY 2010, a joint effort of your favorite 21st Century Media Alliance entities – with the fantasy content powered by your pals at FantasyDrafthelp.com, of course!
As always, we urge you to watch the show live (or listen if you’re on dial-up), but if you can’t catch this as it’s happening, you can always catch the FDH archives 24-7 right here or catch us now on iTunes. Also, you can now catch THE FDH LOUNGE VAULT, a compilation of our best interviews and roundtables, now every weeknight from 6-7 PM, also on SportsTalkNetwork.com.
After last week’s show that was completely given over to the 7th annual FDH Fantasy Football Mock Draft – results here – we expand back into diversity of our content in a very decisive manner on THE FDH LOUNGE (Wednesdays, 7-10 PM EDT on SportsTalkNetwork.com).
We lead as always with The Opening Statements of The FDH Lounge Dignitaries and our look at This Week in The FDH Lounge before bringing a very distinguished guest in-studio (for only the third time out of our several dozen guests!). Tom Piatak is a Cleveland-based writer who is a contributing editor to Chronicles Magazine and is also published in Taki’s Magazine, The American Conservative and other fine outlets. He’s going to help us examine a common-sense political philosophy shared by paleocons like himself. It represents an antidote to the failures of both of the last presidential administrations. Every poll shows that the American people are frustrated and looking for answers. We’re calling your bluff, America! Tune in and get those answers. By the way, our column that was posted over the weekend lays out the philosophy in at least a bit of detail.
In Hour Two, we bring you a special edition of THE GOON SQUAD, our first hockey show-within-a-show in awhile, as we take a quick overview of our initial expectations for the season’s standings and also the best fantasy pool performers. From there, we welcome in a very unique individual, probably the only prominent pro wrestling journalist who is also a worker, and therefore, one of “the boys.” Bryan Alvarez wrestles in his spare time and also covers the business and MMA for Figure Four Weekly and the Wrestling Observer – where he is partnered with the man who basically founded the grapplin’ news business in the 1980s, Dave Meltzer. He’s covering all the big stories right now, from SummerSlam to the ill-fated ECW revival in TNA to the unfortunate passing of Lance Cade and we’ll talk about all of that and more.
In Hour Three, our colleague from The 21st Century Media Alliance, Tom Denk from Mr. Flatstick comes in for a review of the PGA Championship from the breathtaking Whistling Straits – and we are also joined by golf analyst Kevin Currie from The Sports Network. We’ll look back at all aspects of the weekend that was, from rules controversies to those who stood out for good and for ill – and we’ll look ahead to the season’s remaining big events and the intrigue surrounding the Ryder Cup.
We close as usual with THE FANTASYDRAFTHELP.COM INSIDER as we review last week’s aforementioned football mock draft. We have some outside eyeballs to help judge us in the form of a past guest who we are happy to have back, Tim Heaney from KFFL. We’ll also be sure to remind you of the endless usefulness of our draft guide for this season, FANTASY FOOTBALL DRAFTOLOGY 2010, a joint effort of your favorite 21st Century Media Alliance entities – with the fantasy content powered by your pals at FantasyDrafthelp.com, of course!
As always, we urge you to watch the show live (or listen if you’re on dial-up), but if you can’t catch this as it’s happening, you can always catch the FDH archives 24-7 right here or catch us now on iTunes. Also, you can now catch THE FDH LOUNGE VAULT, a compilation of our best interviews and roundtables, now every weeknight from 6-7 PM, also on SportsTalkNetwork.com.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
The paleocon (common-sense) approach
By Rick Morris
Our FDH LOUNGE (Wednesdays, 7-10 PM EDT on SportsTalkNetwork.com) prides itself on covering the widest array of topics anywhere. Having said that, unless we are in the middle of a presidential election, we may go a few weeks here and there without talking politics and public policy. I love the subjects, but it’s business-first at FDH and in my role as executive producer of the show, I refuse to get too far out in front of the public’s appetite for the subjects. So it’s always fun when I allow us to indulge on these matters – much less what we’ve got lined up this week, which I believe will really deliver some answers at a time when the American public seems desperate for them.
Because our show is geared to a national or international audience, we rarely get to have guests in-studio. There’s not too many who are within driving distance of our headquarters city of Cleveland who we know are going to have stories that resonate to our wider viewership. Of our several dozen guests on 100+ shows, we’ve actually only had two in-studio: Ziggy cartoonist Tom Wilson and the head of one of the finest new media/social media operations in all of professional sports, the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Mike Maleski (who is due back sometime in the next two months, incidentally). Now, we’re not complaining about this: it’s not like we told Bob Barker, Tommy Lasorda and our other great guests, “Hey, either show up here or it’s no-go!” We took them over the phone, gratefully.
But it’s outstanding to have somebody who can appear with us and deliver on a great level in terms of content. The man joining us in-studio this week can do just that. Tom Piatak is a Cleveland-based writer who is a contributing editor to Chronicles Magazine and is also published in Taki’s Magazine, The American Conservative and other fine outlets. But it gets even better. He is uniquely positioned, because he writes about it all the time, to help break down the philosophy of paleoconservatism.
Now, I have discussed very often my subscription to this very same philosophy and my belief that it is going to become an ascendant force to contend with left-liberalism and the neoconservatism that marginalized it in the Republican/conservative ranks once the unifying force of Ronald Reagan had faded from the scene. After all, while the American people are gagging on the stale statist porridge of Barack Obama, only the fools and knaves calling the shots in the Republican Party could possibly think that the American people have already forgotten the pain and disappointment of the Bush/Cheney neocon adventurism. It may seem biased for me to believe that my philosophy represents the future … but it does represent the future. What, do you want me to lie? :-)
So at a time when the Tweedledumbs and Tweedledumbers of the world are lining up to push their false choices and dueling idiocies on the American people, it’s going to be great to have the reinforcement of an authority like Tom as we dissect real, substantive policy alternatives to those that the Demo-publicans are shoving down our throats. Additionally, for a program like ours that tries to be different in its approach whenever possible (without being hacky in doing so), it’s certainly a plus for us to be covering a school of thought that is so criminally underrepresented in the rest of the media.
I developed these bullet points to sum up the paleocon philosophy and I will be asking Tom where he agrees and disagrees with my characterizations:
^ Foreign policy: Neither the pansy pacifism of the post-Sixties left nor the reflexive militarism of the neocons (best exemplified by William Kristol calling for the United States to invade Iran as a means of settling the Israel-Hezbollah war of ’06) – instead, a common-sense non-interventionism that calls for (overwhelming) force only in those rare instances in which America’s vital national interest is truly at stake.
^ Trade: Neither the trade-wars-be-damned protectionism of the ivory-tower left nor the unrestricted free trade of the neocons that leads to unilateral economic surrender – but a fair-trade policy that seeks a level playing field with our trading partners around the world.
^ Economics: Neither the Marx-inspired hate-for-the-sake-of-hate approach to Big Business of the left nor the blind worship of all things demanded by the Fortune 500 on the neocon side - but the knowledge that Big Business is a force that operates solely according to what is best for it (for good or for ill), often eager to co-opt Big Government to crush the real backbone of America, small business.
^ Border security and national sovereignty: The commitment to preserving the sanctity of the nation’s borders that the neocons have been dragged to kicking and screaming but have never advanced an inch.
^ Social issues such as defense of traditional marriage, protection of innocent unborn life, respect for religious holidays and institutions, etc.: Commitment (stemming from respect for the historic successes of Western Civilization) to carry out the positions that the neocons mouth half-heartedly but do not implement.
^ Opposition to Big Government and respect for the Tenth Amendment: See social issues.
Additionally, the paleocon philosophy allows for a great deal of bridge-building with libertarians. While they are not simpatico on social issues (and may, in fact, be a few degrees closer to liberals on non-Big Government matters), they share a large part of the liberal/neocon critique with what has been referred to as the Old School Right.
How do the paleos get from here to there in terms of amassing the political power to implement smart policies? Well, fortunately, there is an opening right now in terms of the most motivated force in politics, the Tea Party. The reenergized voters under the auspices of this movement need to be convinced that the Republican Party self-destruction that led to Obama’s rise happened because the neocon death grip on the GOP made it inevitable. We will know that the proper positioning of the Tea Party movement is in the process of succeeding when the following counterintuitive take becomes mainstream: “Barack Obama’s biggest mistakes have come from doubling down on the ones made by George W. Bush.” And of course, we will know this because it will mean that the feeble Bush-rehabilitation clowns like Karl Rove and Sean Hannity have been shouted down as they deserve to be.
There are three more links that could lead to a better understanding of the paleocon philosophy:
^ One of the first columns we ever ran at The FDH Lounge: the definitive deconstruction of George W. Bush from the right.
^ An outstanding explanation by the very smart Southern Avenger Jack Hunter about how reflexive anti-Obama partisanship hurts real conservatism.
^ The Wikipedia page on paleoconservatism, which breaks it down in exquisite detail.
Our FDH LOUNGE (Wednesdays, 7-10 PM EDT on SportsTalkNetwork.com) prides itself on covering the widest array of topics anywhere. Having said that, unless we are in the middle of a presidential election, we may go a few weeks here and there without talking politics and public policy. I love the subjects, but it’s business-first at FDH and in my role as executive producer of the show, I refuse to get too far out in front of the public’s appetite for the subjects. So it’s always fun when I allow us to indulge on these matters – much less what we’ve got lined up this week, which I believe will really deliver some answers at a time when the American public seems desperate for them.
Because our show is geared to a national or international audience, we rarely get to have guests in-studio. There’s not too many who are within driving distance of our headquarters city of Cleveland who we know are going to have stories that resonate to our wider viewership. Of our several dozen guests on 100+ shows, we’ve actually only had two in-studio: Ziggy cartoonist Tom Wilson and the head of one of the finest new media/social media operations in all of professional sports, the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Mike Maleski (who is due back sometime in the next two months, incidentally). Now, we’re not complaining about this: it’s not like we told Bob Barker, Tommy Lasorda and our other great guests, “Hey, either show up here or it’s no-go!” We took them over the phone, gratefully.
But it’s outstanding to have somebody who can appear with us and deliver on a great level in terms of content. The man joining us in-studio this week can do just that. Tom Piatak is a Cleveland-based writer who is a contributing editor to Chronicles Magazine and is also published in Taki’s Magazine, The American Conservative and other fine outlets. But it gets even better. He is uniquely positioned, because he writes about it all the time, to help break down the philosophy of paleoconservatism.
Now, I have discussed very often my subscription to this very same philosophy and my belief that it is going to become an ascendant force to contend with left-liberalism and the neoconservatism that marginalized it in the Republican/conservative ranks once the unifying force of Ronald Reagan had faded from the scene. After all, while the American people are gagging on the stale statist porridge of Barack Obama, only the fools and knaves calling the shots in the Republican Party could possibly think that the American people have already forgotten the pain and disappointment of the Bush/Cheney neocon adventurism. It may seem biased for me to believe that my philosophy represents the future … but it does represent the future. What, do you want me to lie? :-)
So at a time when the Tweedledumbs and Tweedledumbers of the world are lining up to push their false choices and dueling idiocies on the American people, it’s going to be great to have the reinforcement of an authority like Tom as we dissect real, substantive policy alternatives to those that the Demo-publicans are shoving down our throats. Additionally, for a program like ours that tries to be different in its approach whenever possible (without being hacky in doing so), it’s certainly a plus for us to be covering a school of thought that is so criminally underrepresented in the rest of the media.
I developed these bullet points to sum up the paleocon philosophy and I will be asking Tom where he agrees and disagrees with my characterizations:
^ Foreign policy: Neither the pansy pacifism of the post-Sixties left nor the reflexive militarism of the neocons (best exemplified by William Kristol calling for the United States to invade Iran as a means of settling the Israel-Hezbollah war of ’06) – instead, a common-sense non-interventionism that calls for (overwhelming) force only in those rare instances in which America’s vital national interest is truly at stake.
^ Trade: Neither the trade-wars-be-damned protectionism of the ivory-tower left nor the unrestricted free trade of the neocons that leads to unilateral economic surrender – but a fair-trade policy that seeks a level playing field with our trading partners around the world.
^ Economics: Neither the Marx-inspired hate-for-the-sake-of-hate approach to Big Business of the left nor the blind worship of all things demanded by the Fortune 500 on the neocon side - but the knowledge that Big Business is a force that operates solely according to what is best for it (for good or for ill), often eager to co-opt Big Government to crush the real backbone of America, small business.
^ Border security and national sovereignty: The commitment to preserving the sanctity of the nation’s borders that the neocons have been dragged to kicking and screaming but have never advanced an inch.
^ Social issues such as defense of traditional marriage, protection of innocent unborn life, respect for religious holidays and institutions, etc.: Commitment (stemming from respect for the historic successes of Western Civilization) to carry out the positions that the neocons mouth half-heartedly but do not implement.
^ Opposition to Big Government and respect for the Tenth Amendment: See social issues.
Additionally, the paleocon philosophy allows for a great deal of bridge-building with libertarians. While they are not simpatico on social issues (and may, in fact, be a few degrees closer to liberals on non-Big Government matters), they share a large part of the liberal/neocon critique with what has been referred to as the Old School Right.
How do the paleos get from here to there in terms of amassing the political power to implement smart policies? Well, fortunately, there is an opening right now in terms of the most motivated force in politics, the Tea Party. The reenergized voters under the auspices of this movement need to be convinced that the Republican Party self-destruction that led to Obama’s rise happened because the neocon death grip on the GOP made it inevitable. We will know that the proper positioning of the Tea Party movement is in the process of succeeding when the following counterintuitive take becomes mainstream: “Barack Obama’s biggest mistakes have come from doubling down on the ones made by George W. Bush.” And of course, we will know this because it will mean that the feeble Bush-rehabilitation clowns like Karl Rove and Sean Hannity have been shouted down as they deserve to be.
There are three more links that could lead to a better understanding of the paleocon philosophy:
^ One of the first columns we ever ran at The FDH Lounge: the definitive deconstruction of George W. Bush from the right.
^ An outstanding explanation by the very smart Southern Avenger Jack Hunter about how reflexive anti-Obama partisanship hurts real conservatism.
^ The Wikipedia page on paleoconservatism, which breaks it down in exquisite detail.
The Multimedia Magazine celebrates 3 years
By Rick Morris
Three years ago today, we launched this site as part of our continuing expansion into as many aspects of New Media as possible. We’ve recapped our brand’s accomplishments many times previously, so it would probably be excessive to do so again here, but I want to express on behalf of the FDH partners and everyone who has been a part of the FDH family our appreciation to those who have followed us and appreciated the path we have blazed. This is an absolutely unique media property in its scope and ambition and it could not have even been remotely possible prior to the digital age because we have had to build it on a shoestring. As I have said before, it has evolved into the kind of creative entity that I had subconsciously sought my entire life and I’m not alone in the FDH ranks in feeling that way. In a world of constant change, you can count on this: nothing is off-topic with us and nothing ever will be.
Three years ago today, we launched this site as part of our continuing expansion into as many aspects of New Media as possible. We’ve recapped our brand’s accomplishments many times previously, so it would probably be excessive to do so again here, but I want to express on behalf of the FDH partners and everyone who has been a part of the FDH family our appreciation to those who have followed us and appreciated the path we have blazed. This is an absolutely unique media property in its scope and ambition and it could not have even been remotely possible prior to the digital age because we have had to build it on a shoestring. As I have said before, it has evolved into the kind of creative entity that I had subconsciously sought my entire life and I’m not alone in the FDH ranks in feeling that way. In a world of constant change, you can count on this: nothing is off-topic with us and nothing ever will be.
FDH Fantasy Newsletter: Volume III, Issue XXXII
By Rick Morris
For the most part, we keep our fantasy content on our fantasy website and fantasy blog and keep this site for content on all subjects. It allows our readers to find specific content more easily that way. However, it has come to our attention that because our new fantasy sports newsletter is published on the older Blogger platform that our readers may be limited in their ability to subscribe to it. There does not appear to be a way to have content on the FantasyDrafthelp.com blog forwarded to an aggregate news reader -- however, we know that we have that ability here. So we will link to that newsletter each week right here when it is published. Here is this week's newsletter.
For the most part, we keep our fantasy content on our fantasy website and fantasy blog and keep this site for content on all subjects. It allows our readers to find specific content more easily that way. However, it has come to our attention that because our new fantasy sports newsletter is published on the older Blogger platform that our readers may be limited in their ability to subscribe to it. There does not appear to be a way to have content on the FantasyDrafthelp.com blog forwarded to an aggregate news reader -- however, we know that we have that ability here. So we will link to that newsletter each week right here when it is published. Here is this week's newsletter.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
FDH Lounge Show #114: August 11, 2010
By Rick Morris
EDIT: Picks being added below! And in a nod to time constraints, we are having to drop the D/ST position.
THE FDH LOUNGE (Wednesdays, 7-10 PM EDT on SportsTalkNetwork.com) is given over completely this week to the show-within-a-show THE FANTASYDRAFTHELP.COM INSIDER as we convene The FDH Lounge Dignitaries and selected outside guests for the 7th annual FDH mock draft program (meaning that yes, it does pre-date The Lounge itself!). Check this space during the draft, because we will be updating results as the night ensues!
Also, for your own draft needs, be sure to utilize the wonderful free guide FANTASY FOOTBALL DRAFTOLOGY 2010, a joint effort of your favorite 21st Century Media Alliance entities – with the fantasy content powered by your pals at FantasyDrafthelp.com, of course!
Here’s the format for our mock draft: it's 12 owners, 12 rounds, with 2 QB, 3 RB, 3 WR, 1 RB/WR flex, 1 TE, 1 D/ST, 1 K. It is a "Draftmaster Format," where there are no transactions past the draft date and EVERY player selected would be used every week.
Scoring is as follows: 4 points per passing TD, 1 point per 25 yards passing, 1 point per passing 2-point PAT, 6 points per receiving or rushing TD, 1 point per 10 yards rushing or receiving, 2 points per rushing or receiving 2-point PAT, 2 points per “big play touchdown” (50 or more yards), 1 point per kicking PAT, 3 points per FG, with a 1-point bonus at 45 yards, a 2-point bonus at 50 yards and a 3-point bonus at 55 yards, 6 points per defensive or special teams TD, 1 point per interception, sack or fumble recovered and 2 points per safety.
We will select the order for this standard serpentine draft at the outset of the program with The FDH Tumbler. Here are the participants for this year’s event:
FDH Managing Partner Rick Morris
FDH Senior Editor Jason Jones
FDH Senior Producer Steve Cirvello
FDH Entertainment Editor Samantha Jones
FDH Lounge Dignitary Nate Noy
FDH Lounge Dignitary Jeff Maslanich
FDH Chief NASCAR Correspondent Mike Ptak
Russ Cohen of Sportsology and Card Corner Club
Evan Roberts, talk show host at WFAN in New York
Joe Staszak, sportscaster at Fox 29 in Philadelphia
Jim Louderback, CEO of the Internet TV network Revision3
Charles Latibeaudiere, co-executive producer of TMZ on TV
As always, we urge you to watch the show live (or listen if you’re on dial-up), but if you can’t catch this as it’s happening, you can always catch the FDH archives 24-7 right here or catch us now on iTunes. Also, you can now catch THE FDH LOUNGE VAULT, a compilation of our best interviews and roundtables, now every weeknight from 6-7 PM, also on SportsTalkNetwork.com.
1 Charles Latibeaudiere, co-executive producer of TMZ on TV
2 Russ Cohen of Sportsology and Card Corner Club
3 Jim Louderback, CEO of the Internet TV network Revision3
4 FDH Lounge Dignitary Nate Noy
5 FDH Managing Partner Rick Morris
6 FDH Entertainment Editor Samantha Jones
7 Joe Staszak, sportscaster at Fox 29 in Philadelphia
8 Evan Roberts, talk show host at WFAN in New York
9 FDH Lounge Dignitary Jeff Maslanich
10 FDH Senior Editor Jason Jones
11 FDH Chief NASCAR Correspondent Mike Ptak
12 FDH Senior Producer Steve Cirvello
ROUND ONE
1 Charles: Chris Johnson
2 Russ: Adrian Peterson
3 Jim: Maurice Jones-Drew
4 Nate: Ray Rice
5 Rick: Frank Gore
6 Samm: Michael Turner
7 Joe: Steven Jackson
8 Evan: Shonn Greene
9 Jeff: Andre Johnson
10 Jason: DeAngelo Williams
11 Mike: Drew Brees
12 Steve: Larry Fitzgerald
ROUND TWO
12 Steve: Ryan Grant
11 Mike: Rashard Mendenhall
10 Jason: Randy Moss
9 Jeff: Reggie Wayne
8 Evan: Peyton Manning
7 Joe: Aaron Rodgers
6 Samm: Calvin Johnson
5 Rick: Roddy White
4 Nate: Matt Schaub
3 Jim: Miles Austin
2 Russ: Greg Jennings
1 Charles: Philip Rivers
ROUND THREE
1 Charles: DeSean Jackson
2 Russ: Ryan Mathews
3 Jim: Tony Romo
4 Nate: Sidney Rice
5 Rick: Tom Brady
6 Samm: Marques Colston
7 Joe: Steve Smith CAR
8 Evan: Brandon Marshall
9 Jeff: Knowshon Moreno
10 Jason: Anquan Boldin
11 Mike: Jamaal Charles
12 Steve: Carson Palmer
ROUND FOUR
12 Steve: Dallas Clark
11 Mike: Chad Ochocinco
10 Jason: Cedric Benson
9 Jeff: Matt Forte
8 Evan: Beanie Wells
7 Joe: Pierre Thomas
6 Samm: Joseph Addai
5 Rick: Antonio Gates
4 Nate: Pierre Garson
3 Jim: Steve Smith NYG
2 Russ: LeSean McCoy
1 Charles: Michael Crabtree
ROUND FIVE
1 Charles: Brent Celek
2 Russ: Dwayne Bowe
3 Jim: Vernon Davis
4 Nate: Brett Favre
5 Rick: Jonathan Stewart
6 Samm: Jason Witten
7 Joe: Jermichael Finley
8 Evan: Tony Gonzalez
9 Jeff: Mike Wallace
10 Jason: Ronnie Brown
11 Mike: Vincent Jackson
12 Steve: Brandon Jacobs
ROUND SIX
12 Steve: Robert Meachem
11 Mike: Kellen Winslow, Jr.
10 Jason: Terrell Owens
9 Jeff: Marion Barber
8 Evan: Mike Sims-Walker
7 Joe: Mario Manningham
6 Samm: TJ Houshmandzadeh
5 Rick: Donald Driver
4 Nate: Felix Jones
3 Jim: CJ Spiller
2 Russ: Donovan McNabb
1 Charles: Ahmad Bradshaw
ROUND SEVEN
1 Charles: Kevin Kolb
2 Russ: Hakeem Nicks
3 Jim: Hines Ward
4 Nate: Ricky Williams
5 Rick: Eli Manning
6 Samm: Joe Flacco
7 Joe: Matt Ryan
8 Evan: Matt Leinart
9 Jeff: Chad Henne
10 Jason: Jay Cutler
11 Mike: Kenny Britt
12 Steve: Ben Roethlisberger
ROUND EIGHT
12 Steve: Arian Foster
11 Mike: Jerome Harrison
10 Jason: Dez Bryant
9 Jeff: Wes Welker
8 Evan: Cadillac Williams
7 Joe: Nate Kaeding
6 Samm: Thomas Jones
5 Rick: Reggie Bush
4 Nate: Steve Breaston
3 Jim: Clinton Portis
2 Russ: Matthew Stafford
1 Charles: David Akers
ROUND NINE
1 Charles: Derrick Mason
2 Russ: Jahvid Best
3 Jim: Santana Moss
4 Nate: Braylon Edwards
5 Rick: Ryan Longwell
6 Samm: Mark Sanchez
7 Joe: Devery Henderson
8 Evan: Jerricho Cotchery
9 Jeff: David Garrard [NOTE: Michael Bush was the initial selection, but in the process of coordinating the draft and the broadcast, it was not caught until after the draft that he needed one more QB, not RB. At that time, this pick was made.]
10 Jason: Matt Hasselbeck
11 Mike: Antonio Bryant
12 Steve: Johnny Knox
ROUND TEN
12 Steve: Willis McGahee
11 Mike: Mason Crosby
10 Jason: Stephen Gostkowski
9 Jeff: Rob Bironas
8 Evan: Fred Jackson
7 Joe: Steve Slaton
6 Samm: LaDainian Tomlinson
5 Rick: Justin Forsett
4 Nate: Visanthe Shiancoe
3 Jim: Garrett Hartley
2 Russ: Owen Daniels
1 Charles: Donald Brown
ROUND ELEVEN
1 Charles: Jeremy Maclin
2 Russ: Robbie Gould
3 Jim: Alex Smith
4 Nate: Lawrence Tynes
5 Rick: Percy Harvin
6 Samm: Jeff Reed
7 Joe: Jacoby Jones
8 Evan: Matt Prater
9 Jeff: Dan Carpenter
10 Jason: Greg Olsen
11 Mike: Vince Young
12 Steve: Jay Feely
EDIT: Picks being added below! And in a nod to time constraints, we are having to drop the D/ST position.
THE FDH LOUNGE (Wednesdays, 7-10 PM EDT on SportsTalkNetwork.com) is given over completely this week to the show-within-a-show THE FANTASYDRAFTHELP.COM INSIDER as we convene The FDH Lounge Dignitaries and selected outside guests for the 7th annual FDH mock draft program (meaning that yes, it does pre-date The Lounge itself!). Check this space during the draft, because we will be updating results as the night ensues!
Also, for your own draft needs, be sure to utilize the wonderful free guide FANTASY FOOTBALL DRAFTOLOGY 2010, a joint effort of your favorite 21st Century Media Alliance entities – with the fantasy content powered by your pals at FantasyDrafthelp.com, of course!
Here’s the format for our mock draft: it's 12 owners, 12 rounds, with 2 QB, 3 RB, 3 WR, 1 RB/WR flex, 1 TE, 1 D/ST, 1 K. It is a "Draftmaster Format," where there are no transactions past the draft date and EVERY player selected would be used every week.
Scoring is as follows: 4 points per passing TD, 1 point per 25 yards passing, 1 point per passing 2-point PAT, 6 points per receiving or rushing TD, 1 point per 10 yards rushing or receiving, 2 points per rushing or receiving 2-point PAT, 2 points per “big play touchdown” (50 or more yards), 1 point per kicking PAT, 3 points per FG, with a 1-point bonus at 45 yards, a 2-point bonus at 50 yards and a 3-point bonus at 55 yards, 6 points per defensive or special teams TD, 1 point per interception, sack or fumble recovered and 2 points per safety.
We will select the order for this standard serpentine draft at the outset of the program with The FDH Tumbler. Here are the participants for this year’s event:
FDH Managing Partner Rick Morris
FDH Senior Editor Jason Jones
FDH Senior Producer Steve Cirvello
FDH Entertainment Editor Samantha Jones
FDH Lounge Dignitary Nate Noy
FDH Lounge Dignitary Jeff Maslanich
FDH Chief NASCAR Correspondent Mike Ptak
Russ Cohen of Sportsology and Card Corner Club
Evan Roberts, talk show host at WFAN in New York
Joe Staszak, sportscaster at Fox 29 in Philadelphia
Jim Louderback, CEO of the Internet TV network Revision3
Charles Latibeaudiere, co-executive producer of TMZ on TV
As always, we urge you to watch the show live (or listen if you’re on dial-up), but if you can’t catch this as it’s happening, you can always catch the FDH archives 24-7 right here or catch us now on iTunes. Also, you can now catch THE FDH LOUNGE VAULT, a compilation of our best interviews and roundtables, now every weeknight from 6-7 PM, also on SportsTalkNetwork.com.
1 Charles Latibeaudiere, co-executive producer of TMZ on TV
2 Russ Cohen of Sportsology and Card Corner Club
3 Jim Louderback, CEO of the Internet TV network Revision3
4 FDH Lounge Dignitary Nate Noy
5 FDH Managing Partner Rick Morris
6 FDH Entertainment Editor Samantha Jones
7 Joe Staszak, sportscaster at Fox 29 in Philadelphia
8 Evan Roberts, talk show host at WFAN in New York
9 FDH Lounge Dignitary Jeff Maslanich
10 FDH Senior Editor Jason Jones
11 FDH Chief NASCAR Correspondent Mike Ptak
12 FDH Senior Producer Steve Cirvello
ROUND ONE
1 Charles: Chris Johnson
2 Russ: Adrian Peterson
3 Jim: Maurice Jones-Drew
4 Nate: Ray Rice
5 Rick: Frank Gore
6 Samm: Michael Turner
7 Joe: Steven Jackson
8 Evan: Shonn Greene
9 Jeff: Andre Johnson
10 Jason: DeAngelo Williams
11 Mike: Drew Brees
12 Steve: Larry Fitzgerald
ROUND TWO
12 Steve: Ryan Grant
11 Mike: Rashard Mendenhall
10 Jason: Randy Moss
9 Jeff: Reggie Wayne
8 Evan: Peyton Manning
7 Joe: Aaron Rodgers
6 Samm: Calvin Johnson
5 Rick: Roddy White
4 Nate: Matt Schaub
3 Jim: Miles Austin
2 Russ: Greg Jennings
1 Charles: Philip Rivers
ROUND THREE
1 Charles: DeSean Jackson
2 Russ: Ryan Mathews
3 Jim: Tony Romo
4 Nate: Sidney Rice
5 Rick: Tom Brady
6 Samm: Marques Colston
7 Joe: Steve Smith CAR
8 Evan: Brandon Marshall
9 Jeff: Knowshon Moreno
10 Jason: Anquan Boldin
11 Mike: Jamaal Charles
12 Steve: Carson Palmer
ROUND FOUR
12 Steve: Dallas Clark
11 Mike: Chad Ochocinco
10 Jason: Cedric Benson
9 Jeff: Matt Forte
8 Evan: Beanie Wells
7 Joe: Pierre Thomas
6 Samm: Joseph Addai
5 Rick: Antonio Gates
4 Nate: Pierre Garson
3 Jim: Steve Smith NYG
2 Russ: LeSean McCoy
1 Charles: Michael Crabtree
ROUND FIVE
1 Charles: Brent Celek
2 Russ: Dwayne Bowe
3 Jim: Vernon Davis
4 Nate: Brett Favre
5 Rick: Jonathan Stewart
6 Samm: Jason Witten
7 Joe: Jermichael Finley
8 Evan: Tony Gonzalez
9 Jeff: Mike Wallace
10 Jason: Ronnie Brown
11 Mike: Vincent Jackson
12 Steve: Brandon Jacobs
ROUND SIX
12 Steve: Robert Meachem
11 Mike: Kellen Winslow, Jr.
10 Jason: Terrell Owens
9 Jeff: Marion Barber
8 Evan: Mike Sims-Walker
7 Joe: Mario Manningham
6 Samm: TJ Houshmandzadeh
5 Rick: Donald Driver
4 Nate: Felix Jones
3 Jim: CJ Spiller
2 Russ: Donovan McNabb
1 Charles: Ahmad Bradshaw
ROUND SEVEN
1 Charles: Kevin Kolb
2 Russ: Hakeem Nicks
3 Jim: Hines Ward
4 Nate: Ricky Williams
5 Rick: Eli Manning
6 Samm: Joe Flacco
7 Joe: Matt Ryan
8 Evan: Matt Leinart
9 Jeff: Chad Henne
10 Jason: Jay Cutler
11 Mike: Kenny Britt
12 Steve: Ben Roethlisberger
ROUND EIGHT
12 Steve: Arian Foster
11 Mike: Jerome Harrison
10 Jason: Dez Bryant
9 Jeff: Wes Welker
8 Evan: Cadillac Williams
7 Joe: Nate Kaeding
6 Samm: Thomas Jones
5 Rick: Reggie Bush
4 Nate: Steve Breaston
3 Jim: Clinton Portis
2 Russ: Matthew Stafford
1 Charles: David Akers
ROUND NINE
1 Charles: Derrick Mason
2 Russ: Jahvid Best
3 Jim: Santana Moss
4 Nate: Braylon Edwards
5 Rick: Ryan Longwell
6 Samm: Mark Sanchez
7 Joe: Devery Henderson
8 Evan: Jerricho Cotchery
9 Jeff: David Garrard [NOTE: Michael Bush was the initial selection, but in the process of coordinating the draft and the broadcast, it was not caught until after the draft that he needed one more QB, not RB. At that time, this pick was made.]
10 Jason: Matt Hasselbeck
11 Mike: Antonio Bryant
12 Steve: Johnny Knox
ROUND TEN
12 Steve: Willis McGahee
11 Mike: Mason Crosby
10 Jason: Stephen Gostkowski
9 Jeff: Rob Bironas
8 Evan: Fred Jackson
7 Joe: Steve Slaton
6 Samm: LaDainian Tomlinson
5 Rick: Justin Forsett
4 Nate: Visanthe Shiancoe
3 Jim: Garrett Hartley
2 Russ: Owen Daniels
1 Charles: Donald Brown
ROUND ELEVEN
1 Charles: Jeremy Maclin
2 Russ: Robbie Gould
3 Jim: Alex Smith
4 Nate: Lawrence Tynes
5 Rick: Percy Harvin
6 Samm: Jeff Reed
7 Joe: Jacoby Jones
8 Evan: Matt Prater
9 Jeff: Dan Carpenter
10 Jason: Greg Olsen
11 Mike: Vince Young
12 Steve: Jay Feely
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