"FLY ON THE WALL": Episode III

INT. UNITED CENTER - FRIDAY, MAY 28, 2010, 4:20 P.M.

CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS PRESIDENT JOHN MCDONOUGH sits at his desk having a conversation on speakerphone. 

JOHN

So what's this big news you have for me?

Just a thought (or two): On things like "just a thought (or two)," other tags

This is your song for this weekend. It might be the song for next weekend too, but we'll see. Don't think about it, just play it.

If you scroll on down past all those other wonderful sites I link to there on the right (Hello, new followers!), and the archives I only realized I can actually sift through a few months ago, you'll notice the collection of tags. Most of them are pretty self-explanatory, but two near the top need to be cleaned up.

The first is "notable links," which was probably just created by me when I first began tagging posts more than a year into BMC's life and needed something to affix to the extremely short comments with hyperlinks that made up much of this site's inaugural year and was what I thought constituted blogging. These days, they've got an entire site for that kind of thing. But since then, most everything I post has "notable links" of some sort (they're notable ... aren't they?). So either that tag dies with this post, unless I think of a better way to employ it.

The other tag that has grown to encompass just about everything in it's vagueness is the one in the title of this here post, "just a thought (or two)." Yeah, no shit, Sherlock.

So that tag's going to be reviewed, possibly removed from a number of posts and from now on have its first letter capitalized and hopefully become an occasional feature here at BMC in which I can talk about a couple things on my mind in one post that are NOT me making predictions or posting reaction to those predictions. I mean, we'll have time for that too.

Oh, and whenever I do put up an edition of the new (!!!) "Just a thought," it will feature this picture of Jane Krakowski simply because I fucking love it. I love the way it looks on my Tumblr, I love the way it looks on the other Tumblrs that reblogged it, and of course I still really love that contribution of hers to Esquire. Love it, LOVE IT, LOVE IT!!!

But I will not jack off to it.

No, but I will mention "JACKING OFF" on this blog, because ... well, apparently it gets me hits. Don't take my word for it though:


Yeah, so this post's the first one that comes up on a Google Image search for that top item there. Even though I didn't explicitly use that exact phrase, I'm debating changing the subhead for BMC to that now.

Or maybe I'll just make a tag for it. Bring on the traffic.

Week 16 Power Rankings

I went 12-4 on my picks last week, and while that mark indeed sounds pretty good, the fact that my smallest point miss was the eight I had on the Giants, I obviously didn't fare all that hot in the pools. In the regular non-Yahoo pool, my 92 points was good only for sixth place (out of 10). The front-runner on the year finished two points ahead of me for the week, so her overall lead has now been extended to 14 as we head into the final week. My 1421 points overall does, however, keep me 53 points ahead of the fellow in third place, so barring a really epic disaster this coming weekend, I should finish no worse than second in that particular pool.

That score on the year also has me in second in the Yahoo pool, but the deficit there is 18 points out of first while I'm 55 ahead of third. (Before I pat myself on the back about how good my point allocation is, the guy 18 points ahead of me has the exact same 160-80 record on the year. But the fact that the dudes in third and fourth are both one game better is kinda nice.) So now the only question for the remainder of the week is whether or not to play it safe for this final week.

The good part about going 12-4, of course, is that I share best score of the week honors with ESPN's Adam Schefter. Oh, Ron Jaworski also got 12 right, but only missed three because he had to objectively talk about the difficulty of handling balls.

Elsewhere among my usual group of prognosticators, Seth Wickersham and Merrill Hoge both went 11-5 on their picks, while Mike Golic, Mark Schlereth, Yahoo's Jason Cole and Michael Silver all went 10-6. Eric Allen, Chris Mortensen, Charles Robinson, the bro-in-law and CBS Sports' Pete Prisco all brought up the rear by going 9-7.

Now, on the year (numbers in parentheses still indicating where the dude stood in the rankings last week):

1. (1) Merril Hoge, ESPN: 163-77 (.679)
2. (1) Michael Silver, Yahoo: 162-78 (.675)
3. (3) Chris Mortensen, ESPN: 160-80 (.667)

3. (6) YOURS TRULY: 160-80 (.667)

3. (6) Adam Schefter, ESPN: 160-80 (.667)

6. (4) Charles Robinson, Yahoo: 159-81 (.663)
7. (5) LEV, crazy colored glasses: 158-82 (.658)
8. (13) Ron Jaworski, ESPN: 147-77 (.656)
9. (8) Jason Cole, Yahoo: 157-83 (.654)

10. (9) Mike Golic, ESPN: 156-83 (.653)

11. (10) Mark Schlereth, ESPN: 156-84 (.650)

11. (11) Seth Wickersham, ESPN: 156-84 (.650)

13. (11) Eric Allen, ESPN: 154-86 (.642)

14. (14) Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: 147-93 (.613)

Only one week left and all but five teams are assured to finish on the positive side. Now last year, only three teams finished above 100 for points earned and only one finished in the negative. As of right now, the odds look pretty good that I can end up with just as many teams at 100+ (if not a couple more), but I'm also running the risk of having more teams in the red than last season:

1. (1) ST. LOUIS RAMS

• Last week: Lost to Arizona, 31-10 (+15)
  
• Actual Record: 1-14
• My predicted record: 0-15
• My record at predicting their record: 14-1
  
• Points scored for me with wins: 0
• Points scored for me with losses: +169
• Points taken from me with wins: -6
• Points taken from me with losses: 0
• Plus/Minus: +163
  

When I pick the Niners this coming Sunday (please note that there's no "if" there ...), it will mark the second consecutive year I've gone an entire season without picking the Rams to win. I don't know what one area needs to be fixed in order for me to finally have St. Louis winning a game in 2010, but here's a few suggestions to start with.

2. (2) DETROIT LIONS

• Last week: Lost to San Francisco, 20-6 (+13)
  
• Actual Record: 2-13
• My predicted record: 2-13
• My record at predicting their record: 13-2
  
• Points scored for me with wins: +6
• Points scored for me with losses: +160
  
• Points taken from me with wins: -8
• Points taken from me with losses: -6
  
• Plus/Minus: +152
  

While it's hard to top the suspense of last year's entirely winless run, fans in Detroit do still have to wait to see how high they'll end up in the draft order (It won't be worse than third!).

3. (3) TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

• Last week: Beat New Orleans, 20-17 (-16)
  
• Actual Record: 3-12
• My predicted record: 0-15
• My record at predicting their record: 12-3
  
• Points scored for me with wins: 0
• Points scored for me with losses: +138
• Points taken from me with wins: -38
  
• Points taken from me with losses: 0
• Plus/Minus: +100
  

Raheem Morris is no sure bet to return, but the Bill Cowher to Tampa talk (the guy's name will probably even come up in cities without a coaching vacancy at this rate) is somewhat ridiculous to me considering that The Chin has said he wants to coach a team that's already got a QB in place. I don't think Josh Freeman is what he had in mind.

4. (6) CLEVELAND BROWNS

• Last week: Beat Oakland, 23-9 (+1)
  
• Actual Record: 4-11
• My predicted record: 1-14
• My record at predicting their record: 12-3
• Points scored for me with wins: +1
• Points scored for me with losses: +122
• Points taken from me with wins: -25
  
• Points taken from me with losses: 0
• Plus/Minus: +98

The press has a few things for you to keep in mind, Mr. Holmgren.

5. (7) SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

• Last week: Beat Tennessee, 42-17 (+4)
  
• Actual Record: 12-3
• My predicted record: 10-5
• My record at predicting their record: 13-2
  
• Points scored for me with wins: +89
  
• Points scored for me with losses: +13
  
• Points taken from me with wins: -6
  
• Points taken from me with losses: 0
• Plus/Minus: +96
  

Because some asshole was bound to bring it up sooner or later: When is a decade not a decade?

6. (9) SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

• Last week: Lost to Green Bay, 48-10 (+14)
  
• Actual Record: 5-10
• My predicted record: 8-7
• My record at predicting their record: 12-3
• Points scored for me with wins: +36
• Points scored for me with losses: +75
• Points taken from me with wins: 0
• Points taken from me with losses: -16
  
• Plus/Minus: +95

I'm certainly among those who had higher hopes for this year's Seahawks, but now we're left to discuss things like whether the Matt Hasselbeck of this past decade was as good as the Dave Krieg that was under center for Seattle for essentially all of the 1980s.

7. (5) INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

• Last week: Lost to New York Jets, 29-15 (-11)
  
• Actual Record: 14-1
• My predicted record: 13-2
• My record at predicting their record: 12-3
  
• Points scored for me with wins: +106
• Points scored for me with losses: 0
• Points taken from me with wins: -4
• Points taken from me with losses: -11
  
• Plus/Minus: +91
  

I believe Jason Cole has a point that it was only after the Colts perfect season hopes ended that Jim Caldwell finally started getting his name mentioned. (Wow! A search of this blog for the Indy head coach's name turns up nothing! You know what that means!)

8. (8) WASHINGTON REDSKINS

• Last week: Lost to Dallas, 17-0 (+5)
  
• Actual Record: 4-11
• My predicted record: 6-9
• My record at predicting their record: 12-3
  
• Points scored for me with wins: +29
• Points scored for me with losses: +85
  
• Points taken from me with wins: -11
  
• Points taken from me with losses: -13
• Plus/Minus: +90
  

Jim Zorn isn't having fun this season, but still somehow manages to call the year a "great experience."

9. (4) NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

• Last week: Lost to Tampa Bay, 20-17 (-16)
  
• Actual Record: 13-2
• My predicted record: 12-3
• My record at predicting their record: 10-5
  
• Points scored for me with wins: +115
• Points scored for me with losses: 0
• Points taken from me with wins: -7
• Points taken from me with losses: -22
  
• Plus/Minus: +86
  

Tom Benson: "My bad."

10. (10) ATLANTA FALCONS

• Last week: Beat Buffalo, 31-3 (+6)
  
• Actual Record: 8-7
• My predicted record: 7-8
• My record at predicting their record: 12-3
  
• Points scored for me with wins: +46
• Points scored for me with losses: +46
  
• Points taken from me with wins: -5
• Points taken from me with losses: -5
• Plus/Minus: +82
  

Let's put this possible consecutive winning seasons scenario in perspective.

11. (12) KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

• Last week: Lost to Cincinnati, 17-10 (+12)
  
• Actual Record: 3-12
• My predicted record: 3-12
• My record at predicting their record: 11-4
  
• Points scored for me with wins: +1
  
• Points scored for me with losses: +101
  
• Points taken from me with wins: -21
• Points taken from me with losses: -5
  
• Plus/Minus: +76
  

For the first time in more than three decades, Kansas City won't be sending any players to the Pro Bowl—but Todd Haley thinks knocking the Broncos out of the playoffs would make up for that.

12. (14) NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

• Last week: Beat Jacksonville, 35-7 (+10)
  
• Actual Record: 10-5
• My predicted record: 14-1
• My record at predicting their record: 9-6
• Points scored for me with wins: +99
  
• Points scored for me with losses: 0
  
• Points taken from me with wins: -3
• Points taken from me with losses: -31
• Plus/Minus: +65

Remember which team I picked to win it all this year? Yeah, well, their defense seems to be peaking at just the right time.

13. (17) PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

• Last week: Beat Denver, 30-27 (+7)
  
• Actual Record: 11-4
• My predicted record: 11-4
• My record at predicting their record: 11-4
• Points scored for me with wins: +76
  
• Points scored for me with losses: +9
• Points taken from me with wins: -6
  
• Points taken from me with losses: -19
  
• Plus/Minus: +60
  

Michael Vick: Hardly the on-field presence we once knew him as, but an award-winner all the same.

14. (17) BUFFALO BILLS

• Last week: Lost to Atlanta, 31-3 (+6)
  
• Actual Record: 5-10
• My predicted record: 3-12
• My record at predicting their record: 11-4
  
• Points scored for me with wins: +15
• Points scored for me with losses: +77
  
• Points taken from me with wins: -26
• Points taken from me with losses: -7
• Plus/Minus: +59
  

And with his 1,000th catch last week, let the Hall of Fame questions begin regarding Terrell Owens. (It's not like there's much else to talk about in Buffalo, anyway.)

15. (16) BALTIMORE RAVENS

• Last week: Lost to Pittsburgh, 23-20 (+3)
  
• Actual Record: 8-7
  
• My predicted record: 10-5
• My record at predicting their record: 9-6
  
• Points scored for me with wins: +71
  
• Points scored for me with losses: +8
  
• Points taken from me with wins: -4
• Points taken from me with losses: -18
• Plus/Minus: +57

Rather remarkably, the Ravens only need a win over the Raiders to get into the playoffs. (Cutting back on the league-leading amount of penalties may help.)

16. (11) MINNESOTA VIKINGS

• Last week: Lost to Chicago, 36-30 (-9)
  
• Actual Record: 11-4
• My predicted record: 12-3
• My record at predicting their record: 10-5
  
• Points scored for me with wins: +89
• Points scored for me with losses: +4
  
• Points taken from me with wins: -8
• Points taken from me with losses: -29
• Plus/Minus: +56
  

Getting a head start on the excuses they'll need for being ousted from the playoffs earlier than expected, let's dwell on the officials missing a face mask flag on Monday.

16. (19) DALLAS COWBOYS

• Last week: Beat Washington, 17-0 (+5)
  
• Actual Record: 10-5
• My predicted record: 10-5
• My record at predicting their record: 11-4
• Points scored for me with wins: +75
• Points scored for me with losses: +7
• Points taken from me with wins: -11
  
• Points taken from me with losses: -15
  
• Plus/Minus: +56

Remember last year when the Eagles beat the Cowboys 44-6? Do you remember that? Seriously! I guess you have to ask yourself: Can Dallas really cover the spread?

18. (13) CHICAGO BEARS

• Last week: Beat Minnesota, 36-30 (-9)
  
• Actual Record: 6-9
• My predicted record: 9-6
• My record at predicting their record: 8-7
• Points scored for me with wins: +46
  
• Points scored for me with losses: +34
  
• Points taken from me with wins: -18
• Points taken from me with losses: -11
  
• Plus/Minus: +51
  

Just to make the Vikings fans angry: Hunter Hillenmeyer named Shutdown Corner's defensive player of the week—presumably for face masking Adrian Peterson.

19. (14) CAROLINA PANTHERS

• Last week: Beat New York Giants, 41-9 (-8)
  
• Actual Record: 7-8
• My predicted record: 5-10
• My record at predicting their record: 9-6
  
• Points scored for me with wins: +29
  
• Points scored for me with losses: +60
• Points taken from me with wins: -32
• Points taken from me with losses: -10
  
• Plus/Minus: +47

On the one hand, it sounds like John Fox will be back. On the other hand, Julius Peppers will be ... thinking about it?

20. (21) SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

• Last week: Beat Detroit, 20-6 (+13)
  
• Actual Record: 7-8
• My predicted record: 3-12
• My record at predicting their record: 9-6
• Points scored for me with wins: +24
  
• Points scored for me with losses: +48
  
• Points taken from me with wins: -19
  
• Points taken from me with losses: -7
  
• Plus/Minus: +46
  

I didn't realize Patrick Willis was looking at being the league's leading tackler for the second time in three years.

21. (20) TENNESSEE TITANS

• Last week: Lost to San Diego, 42-17 (+4)
  
• Actual Record: 7-8
• My predicted record: 8-7
• My record at predicting their record: 10-5
• Points scored for me with wins: +34
• Points scored for me with losses: +40
  
• Points taken from me with wins: -8
  
• Points taken from me with losses: -21
• Plus/Minus: +45

Of course Jeff Fisher won't say, but can't we just look at the tape?

22. (23) GREEN BAY PACKERS

• Last week: Beat Seattle, 48-10 (+14)
  
• Actual Record: 10-5
• My predicted record: 11-4
• My record at predicting their record: 10-5
• Points scored for me with wins: +76
• Points scored for me with losses: +6
  
• Points taken from me with wins: -10
• Points taken from me with losses: -31
  
• Plus/Minus: +41
  

They're dreaming about the ways in which the Packers could possibly kick off the playoffs with a Minnesota rematch.

23. (24) OAKLAND RAIDERS

• Last week: Lost to Cleveland, 23-9 (+1)
  
• Actual Record: 5-10
• My predicted record: 1-14
• My record at predicting their record: 11-4
  
• Points scored for me with wins: +4
• Points scored for me with losses: +74
• Points taken from me with wins: -51
  
• Points taken from me with losses: 0
  
• Plus/Minus: +27
  

So Oakland, how you feeling about that Richard Seymour deal?

24. (25) HOUSTON TEXANS

• Last week: Beat Miami, 27-20 (+2)
  
• Actual Record: 8-7
• My predicted record: 9-6
• My record at predicting their record: 10-5
• Points scored for me with wins: +42
• Points scored for me with losses: +17
  
• Points taken from me with wins: -20
  
• Points taken from me with losses: -16
  
• Plus/Minus: +23
  

Michael Silver feels my pain about having higher expectations for the Texans (who could still pull it out! [—but probably won't]).

25. (22) NEW YORK GIANTS

• Last week: Lost to Carolina, 41-9 (-8)
  
• Actual Record: 8-7
• My predicted record: 14-1
• My record at predicting their record: 7-8
  
• Points scored for me with wins: +66
• Points scored for me with losses: 0
• Points taken from me with wins: -6
  
• Points taken from me with losses: -38
• Plus/Minus: +22
  

You bet your ass you're "sorry."

25. (27) JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

• Last week: Lost to New England, 35-7 (+10)
  
• Actual Record: 7-8
• My predicted record: 8-7
• My record at predicting their record: 8-7
• Points scored for me with wins: +27
  
• Points scored for me with losses: +31
  
• Points taken from me with wins: -24
• Points taken from me with losses: -12
• Plus/Minus: +22
  

Never forget.

27. (26) MIAMI DOLPHINS

• Last week: Lost to Houston, 27-20 (+2)
  
• Actual Record: 7-8
• My predicted record: 5-10
• My record at predicting their record: 9-6
• Points scored for me with wins: +14
• Points scored for me with losses: +32
  
• Points taken from me with wins: -16
  
• Points taken from me with losses: -9
  
• Plus/Minus: +21
  

In all honesty, it wouldn't totally stun me if the Dolphins somehow still stumble into the playoffs. I didn't even realize they were still in it.

28. (31) ARIZONA CARDINALS

• Last week: Beat St. Louis, 31-10 (+15)
  
• Actual Record: 10-5
• My predicted record: 8-7
• My record at predicting their record: 7-8
• Points scored for me with wins: +52
• Points scored for me with losses: +6
  
• Points taken from me with wins: -33
  
• Points taken from me with losses: -21
• Plus/Minus: +4

That would admittedly be pretty fucked up if the Cardinals had to play the Packers two weeks in a row.

29. (30) CINCINNATI BENGALS

• Last week: Beat Kansas City, 17-10 (+12)
  
• Actual Record: 10-5
• My predicted record: 7-8
• My record at predicting their record: 6-9
• Points scored for me with wins: +52
  
• Points scored for me with losses: +16
• Points taken from me with wins: -37
• Points taken from me with losses: -28
• Plus/Minus: +3
  

I guess if Cincy needed any motivation going into the playoffs, the total dissing of being the only team in the division they swept without a Pro Bowler might do the trick.

30. (29) DENVER BRONCOS

• Last week: Lost to Philadelphia, 30-27 (+7)
  
• Actual Record: 8-7
• My predicted record: 9-6
• My record at predicting their record: 8-7
• Points scored for me with wins: +25
• Points scored for me with losses: +23
  
• Points taken from me with wins: -19
• Points taken from me with losses: -29
  
• Plus/Minus: EVEN
  

This is is totally fitting, of course. The Broncos were the one team in the negative last year, and now it all depends on their finale with Kansas City as to whether they do it again or not. I'm thinking that a playoff berth riding on the game has to help, but with this team, you never know.

31. (28) NEW YORK JETS

• Last week: Beat Indianapolis, 29-15 (-11)
  
• Actual Record: 8-7
• My predicted record: 8-7
• My record at predicting their record: 7-8
• Points scored for me with wins: +28
  
• Points scored for me with losses: +19
  
• Points taken from me with wins: -28
• Points taken from me with losses: -23
  
• Plus/Minus: -4
  

Well, it'll be hard to do worse than the Giants did in their finale, but it sure sounds like the Jets better be pulling for New England.

32. (32) PITTSBURGH STEELERS

• Last week: Beat Baltimore, 23-20 (+3)
  
• Actual Record: 8-7
  
• My predicted record: 14-1
• My record at predicting their record: 7-8
• Points scored for me with wins: +48
  
• Points scored for me with losses: 0
• Points taken from me with wins: -1
• Points taken from me with losses: -58
  
• Plus/Minus: -11

Considering they'll finish the year with Miami and playoff implications for both, it's one I don't imagine myself wagering real high on. It's amazing to me if last year's Super Bowl Champions do indeed finish at the very bottom for the year.

Everything else is already locked in as either a winning or losing spot (only the one- and three-point games this year were under .500), with the only exception being my six- and seven-point game spots that have come down to the final week:

16-point games: 7-2
15-point games: 7-3
14-point games: 11-2
13-point games: 14-2
12-point games: 16-0
11-point games: 11-5
10-point games: 14-2
9-point games: 10-6
8-point games: 10-6
7-point games: 8-8
6-point games: 8-8
5-point games: 10-6
4-point games: 12-4
3-point games: 6-10
2-point games: 9-7
1-point games: 7-9

Playoff seeding predictions (numbers in parentheses indicates where I had them ranked last week [boldface indicates team has clinched playoff berth, italics indicates team is locked in at seed listed]):

AFC
#1 (1) Indianapolis Colts
#2 (2) San Diego Chargers
#3 (3) New England Patriots

#4 (4) Cincinnati Bengals
#5 (-) Baltimore Ravens
#6 (-) New York Jets

NFC
#1 (1) New Orleans Saints
#2 (2) Philadelphia Eagles

#3 (3) Minnesota Vikings
#4 (4) Arizona Cardinals
#5 (5) Green Bay Packers
#6 (-) Dallas Cowboys

Look! Something genuinely useful on MySpace!

I soon discovered a frequent companion to my cigarette purchases when I tried the vitaminwater with the white cap on it. I'm not crazy about some of the flavors and I usually opted for the XXX flavor (acai, blueberry, and pomegranate) until the white-capped sync flavor (described as "berry-cherry") began showing up in the coolers at the gas stations.

Normally, there's some sort of throwaway copy on the bottles that's supposed to induce a chuckle, but one evening while sitting in a court-ordered group therapy session where one person was blathering on about whatever it was that struck them as an injustice, I actually read the thing and how the MySpace music promotion worked.

Now, I'm not exactly a serial downloader of music. And I certainly haven't spent as much on actual purchases of compact discs in recent years—at least not when compared to how I was a decade ago.

But I was almost always drinking vitaminwater—and as of late, more of this sync stuff.

So I decided that while the bottle caps just contained another alphanumeric code that I see on the bottom of every cap for every other beverage I consume and then throw away without a second thought, I actually began saving the sync caps.

Before I knew it, I had 10.

Now, while my initial hope was just to go and download many of the same songs I had at one time or another used for my profile, the site instead directs you to Amazon.com's music page. And while that initially caused a little bit of concern, it instead proved to be totally hassle-free.

Better yet, each cap earns you roughly a buck and a half in credit, while most downloads are priced at $0.99.

So before we get to how my trial run went, seeing as how I'm still drinking this stuff and still collecting caps, I'm also running low on ideas. Or maybe I'm just eager to ask for suggestions (E-MAIL: murtskered [at] gmail [dot] com). It's getting fun making new mix CDs, like I was in high school again or something.

That said, here's the initial playlist that made me giddy:


I think the track arrangement is pretty obvious; I simply went shortest to longest—and it actually worked out pretty well:

• "Blue Orchid" was actually the first song I downloaded because I for some reason still unknown to me do not own "Get Behind Me Satan." The White Stripes are a band I was slow to come around to, but I'll stand by my assertion that their more recent work is superior to the early material I wasn't as enthusiastic about—although both the video and the actual song, "Fell In Love With A Girl," were legendary, of course.
• The Strokes version of "Mercy Mercy Me" was downloaded mostly just because it's The Strokes and that's good enough for me. It's not my favorite cover song of the moment (and that would've been the first thing I downloaded had they actually had it), but overall, I think the band's version is effective.
• I haven't bought a Weezer disc since the green album, but I'm almost always a fan of their singles and "Troublemaker" is one that can rival the enthusiasm I had for "Buddy Holly."
• Keane's "Is It Any Wonder?" was one of the few songs I actually liked hearing at work. Initially, I related to the lyrics and applied them to my own failed relationship at the time, only to learn that it's actually about the Iraq War.
• The first song transition that made me smirk was the ending line from Keane asking, "Is it any wonder that I feel betrayed?" and led to the synth groan of "Shoulda Known" from Atmosphere that Robert Christgau called beatmaster Ant's "catchiest hook in years." Indeed. Another album I need to buy (just because the title alone is flat-out awesome), as evidenced by the other Atmosphere track I downloaded, "Your Glass House."
• Digitalism's "Pogo" has always been a song I've been a fan of since I first heard it on a year-end mix my friend makes every Christmas. I even made it the profile song for my website's own MySpace page and have no intention of ever changing it. Instant good mood, every time. Wolf Parade's "Shine A Light" also comes courtesy of the damaged year-end disc a friend made a few years back.
• The Chicago Blackhawks really couldn't have picked a better song to be played after every goal the team scored than "Chelsea Dagger." Jeff Cagle posted the Fratellis on his Tumblr each time the Hawks won in the playoffs and while I never once grew tired of hearing the tune, I'm hoping we can actually get it posted 16 times for next year's Stanley Cup.
• Much like that Wings cover by the Foo Fighters I linked to, I especially wanted to find Franz Ferdinand's cover of Gwen Stefani's "What You Waiting For?"—but no such luck. I did however manage to grab the band's version of Blondie's "Call Me," which definitely ain't bad.
• Death Cab For Cutie's "Soul Meets Body" mirrors the Keane tune in that I also discovered the song at work and the song leads into an Atmosphere selection—a transition also mildly amusing with the repeated "melody softly soaring through my atmosphere" leading to the band of that name.
• Another justification via title alone, this time from Hayes Carll: "She Left Me For Jesus"
• And lastly, the disc ends with T. Rex's "Jeepster," which was a tune I came across on Tumblr and just found myself playing repeatedly.
  

So obviously the first disc here was composed moslty of songs found through Tumblr, work and old mixes made by friends. The second disc took a little bit of a different twist, which I'll get to next time. And as for the third, well that, dear reader, is where you come in.

Until then, I'll just be sitting here drinking this damned pinkish-purple beverage, collecting caps and enjoying the tunes.

Week 12 Power Rankings

I scored a season-high 102 points last week, but it was only good enough for a tie for 6th place (out of 24). Still, it was also good enough to bring me to 974 points on this season and bring me up to 3rd place for the year.

I once again went 10-6 for the week, and my 112-64 (.636) mark for the year remains ahead of the median on Yahoo!, although I'm behind more names at ESPN than I'd like to be.

While first place for the season is still going to require something of a miracle, there was a dubious bit of achievement this week for the Power Rankings as we now have a new bottom-feeder (!!!):


1. (1) NEW YORK GIANTS

• Last week: Beat Arizona, 37-29 (+14)
  
• Actual Record: 10-1
• My predicted record: 10-1
• Points scored for me with wins: 125
• Points scored for me with losses: 0
• Points taken from me with wins: 3
• Points taken from me with losses: 12
  
• Plus/Minus: +110
  
• "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":

We can officially call them the best team in the league now that they're tied for the league's best record, right?

2. (2) DETROIT LIONS

• Last week: Lost to Tampa Bay, 38-20 (+16)
• Actual Record: 0-11
• My predicted record: 3-8
• Points scored for me with wins: 0
• Points scored for me with losses: 116
  
• Points taken from me with wins: 0
• Points taken from me with losses: 11
• Plus/Minus: +105
  
• "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":

Michael Silver says he will have them winning when they play N'awlins on Dec. 21.

I still think already having picked them three times was enough for the year.

3. (4) ST. LOUIS RAMS

• Last week: Lost to Chicago, 27-3 (+12)
  
• Actual Record: 2-9
• My predicted record: 0-11
• Points scored for me with wins: 0
• Points scored for me with losses: 104
• Points taken from me with wins: 22
• Points taken from me with losses: 0
• Plus/Minus: +82
  
• "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":

It was fun to recall that the last time we remembered the Rams being good was the year this happened.

Poor B. Doggy.

4. (3) HOUSTON TEXANS

• Last week: Beat Cleveland, 16-6 (+3)
  
• Actual Record: 4-7
• My predicted record: 5-6
• Points scored for me with wins: 32
• Points scored for me with losses: 48
• Points taken from me with wins: 0
  
• Points taken from me with losses: 2
• Plus/Minus: +78
• "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":

No complaints here.

5. (5) SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

• Last week: Lost to Dallas, 35-22 (+11)
  
• Actual Record: 3-8
• My predicted record: 3-8
• Points scored for me with wins: 20
• Points scored for me with losses: 68
• Points taken from me with wins: 3
• Points taken from me with losses: 10
• Plus/Minus: +75
  
• "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":

All alone in second place!

6. (8) TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

• Last week: Beat Detroit, 38-20 (+16)
  
• Actual Record: 8-3
• My predicted record: 7-4
• Points scored for me with wins: 56
• Points scored for me with losses: 21
  
• Points taken from me with wins: 9
• Points taken from me with losses: 8
• Plus/Minus: +60
  
• "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":

Now tied with the Panthers in the South, they're going to be fighting for not just the division, but a first-round bye as well.

7. (8) ARIZONA CARDINALS

• Last week: Lost to New York Giants, 37-29 (+14)
  
• Actual Record: 7-4
• My predicted record: 4-7
• Points scored for me with wins: 37
• Points scored for me with losses: 39
• Points taken from me with wins: 18
• Points taken from me with losses: 0
• Plus/Minus: +58
  
• "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":

Still somewhat amazing that despite the three game differential in their actual record and the one I've predicted for them, they could still rank this high.

8. (8) PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

• Last week: Lost to Baltimore, 36-7 (+6)
  
• Actual Record: 5-5-1
  
• My predicted record: 5-6
• Points scored for me with wins: 38
• Points scored for me with losses: 28
• Points taken from me with wins: 1
• Points taken from me with losses/ties: 15
  
• Plus/Minus: +50
• "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":

It appears the Reid-McNabb era may indeed be coming to an end.

9. (11) MINNESOTA VIKINGS

• Last week: Beat Jacksonville, 30-12 (+7)
  
• Actual Record: 6-5
• My predicted record: 4-7
• Points scored for me with wins: 29
• Points scored for me with losses: 33
• Points taken from me with wins: 16
  
• Points taken from me with losses: 0
• Plus/Minus: +46
  
• "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":

Thank you for not screwing the pooch against the Jags.

Much appreciated.

10. (14) SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

• Last week: Lost to Washington, 20-17 (+10)
  
• Actual Record: 2-9
• My predicted record: 4-7
• Points scored for me with wins: 10
• Points scored for me with losses: 57
  
• Points taken from me with wins: 10
• Points taken from me with losses: 13
• Plus/Minus: +44
  
• "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":

When they start moving up like they have been, it can only mean they're bound to pull off an upset and go tumbling back down again.

Luckily it wasn't this past week, although they certainly made it a little closer than I would have preferred.

11. (13) BALTIMORE RAVENS

• Last week: Beat Philadelphia, 36-7 (+6)
  
• Actual Record: 7-4
• My predicted record: 5-6
• Points scored for me with wins: 37
• Points scored for me with losses: 25
  
• Points taken from me with wins: 16
• Points taken from me with losses: 4
• Plus/Minus: +42
  
• "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":

While they're going to get a softball in the Bengals this week, they can't rest up.

The three weeks after that has the Redskins and Steelers coming to town before they go to Dallas. Could be rough.

11. (18) CINCINNATI BENGALS

• Last week: Lost to Pittsburgh, 27-10 (+15)
  
• Actual Record: 1-9-1
• My predicted record: 3-8
• Points scored for me with wins: 1
• Points scored for me with losses: 76
• Points taken from me with wins/ties: 15
• Points taken from me with losses: 20
  
• Plus/Minus: +42
• "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":

One thing I can be certain of: They'll still be tied with the Ravens in these Power Rankings next week.

Bet the farm on it.

13. (19) PITTSBURGH STEELERS

• Last week: Beat Cincinnati, 27-10 (+15)
  
• Actual Record: 8-3
• My predicted record: 9-2
• Points scored for me with wins: 59
• Points scored for me with losses: 0
• Points taken from me with wins: 8
• Points taken from me with losses: 10
• Plus/Minus: +41
  
• "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":

It's not like the Ravens are the only ones with pressure on them; the Steelers have three of their next four on the road (in New England, Baltimore and Tennessee [!]).

And the one home game in that span is the Cowboys.

14. (6) OAKLAND RAIDERS

• Last week: Beat Denver, 31-10 (-13)
  
• Actual Record: 3-8
• My predicted record: 0-11
• Points scored for me with wins: 0
• Points scored for me with losses: 77
• Points taken from me with wins: 38
• Points taken from me with losses: 0
• Plus/Minus: +39
  
• "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":

Just when they'd cracked the top ten, they go and pants the Broncos on their own field.

Nice.

15. (7) CAROLINA PANTHERS

• Last week: Lost to Atlanta, 45-28 (-9)
  
• Actual Record: 8-3
• My predicted record: 7-4
• Points scored for me with wins: 61
• Points scored for me with losses: 4
• Points taken from me with wins: 11
• Points taken from me with losses: 17
• Plus/Minus: +37
  
• "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":

I'm officially done giving credit to the Panthers' run defense (410 yards and six touchdowns allowed on the ground over the past three games——two of which were against the Raiders and the Lions [!]).

15. (17) INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

• Last week: Beat San Diego, 23-20 (+8)
  
• Actual Record: 7-4
• My predicted record: 9-2
• Points scored for me with wins: 52
• Points scored for me with losses: 3
  
• Points taken from me with wins: 6
  
• Points taken from me with losses: 12
• Plus/Minus: +37
  
• "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":

Still very capable of making the playoffs, although I don't know I'd see them doing anything once they got in.

17. (12) KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

• Last week: Lost to Buffalo, 54-31 (-1)
• Actual Record: 1-10
• My predicted record: 3-8
• Points scored for me with wins: 0
• Points scored for me with losses: 64
  
• Points taken from me with wins: 13
• Points taken from me with losses: 15
• Plus/Minus: +36
  
• "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":

And that's enough of that. Had they put up just a little more of a fight against the Bills, I'd have considered putting one more point on them for the third straight week.

They really are as bad as their record.

18. (14) NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

• Last week: Beat Green Bay, 51-29 (-2)
  
• Actual Record: 6-5
• My predicted record: 6-5
• Points scored for me with wins: 35
• Points scored for me with losses: 17
• Points taken from me with wins: 3
  
• Points taken from me with losses: 17
• Plus/Minus: +32
• "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":

First back-to-back wins of the season, but is it too late?

19. (14) NEW YORK JETS

• Last week: Beat Tennessee, 34-13 (-5)
  
• Actual Record: 8-3
• My predicted record: 6-5
• Points scored for me with wins: 53
• Points scored for me with losses: 5
  
• Points taken from me with wins: 17
• Points taken from me with losses: 12
• Plus/Minus: +29
  
• "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":

It doesn't seem all that long ago that the Jets were doing exactly as I was predicting.

Now they've been making me pay for underestimating them and the beating they gave the Titans erased just about any doubts I had.

20. (21) SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

• Last week: Lost to Indianapolis, 23-20 (+8)
  
• Actual Record: 4-7
• My predicted record: 5-6
• Points scored for me with wins: 19
• Points scored for me with losses: 20
• Points taken from me with wins: 2
  
• Points taken from me with losses: 14
  
• Plus/Minus: +23
  
• "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":

The AFC West: "Somebody's gotta' win it!"

21. (20) TENNESSEE TITANS

• Last week: Lost to New York Jets, 34-13 (-5)
  
• Actual Record: 10-1
• My predicted record: 6-5
• Points scored for me with wins: 42
  
• Points scored for me with losses: 0
• Points taken from me with wins: 19
• Points taken from me with losses: 5
• Plus/Minus: +18
• "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":

At least we won't have to hear from Mercury Morris again for the rest of the season.

21. (26) WASHINGTON REDSKINS

• Last week: Beat Seattle, 20-17 (+10)
  
• Actual Record: 7-4
• My predicted record: 7-4
• Points scored for me with wins: 37
• Points scored for me with losses: 20
• Points taken from me with wins: 20
• Points taken from me with losses: 19
  
• Plus/Minus: +18
  
• "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":

Their season could very well rest on this week's game with the Giants.

23. (28) CHICAGO BEARS

• Last week: Beat St. Louis, 27-3 (+12)
  
• Actual Record: 6-5
• My predicted record: 9-2
• Points scored for me with wins: 36
• Points scored for me with losses: 10
  
• Points taken from me with wins: 1
  
• Points taken from me with losses: 30
• Plus/Minus: +15
• "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":

We crushed the friggin' Rams!

We're really on our way now!

23. (24) CLEVELAND BROWNS

• Last week: Lost to Houston, 16-6 (+3)
  
• Actual Record: 4-7
• My predicted record: 3-8
• Points scored for me with wins: 3
• Points scored for me with losses: 41
  
• Points taken from me with wins: 21
• Points taken from me with losses: 8
• Plus/Minus: +15
  
• "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":

That's a f#*king rough week in Cleveland.

23. (27) DALLAS COWBOYS

• Last week: Beat San Francisco, 35-22 (+11)
  
• Actual Record: 7-4
• My predicted record: 8-3
• Points scored for me with wins: 46
• Points scored for me with losses: 13
  
• Points taken from me with wins: 14
• Points taken from me with losses: 30
• Plus/Minus: +15
  
• "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":

I hate it to put it like this Big D, but if you flop against the Seahawks, you'll have a losing record against the NFC West.

That's not something any team wants to admit to.

26. (22) GREEN BAY PACKERS

• Last week: Lost to New Orleans, 51-29 (-2)
• Actual Record: 5-6
• My predicted record: 6-5
• Points scored for me with wins: 15
• Points scored for me with losses: 20
  
• Points taken from me with wins: 13
• Points taken from me with losses: 11
• Plus/Minus: +11
  
• "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":

Well, at least Brett Favre will be in the playoffs, right?

27. (22) NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

• Last week: Beat Miami, 48-28 (-4)
  
• Actual Record: 7-4
• My predicted record: 8-3
• Points scored for me with wins: 34
  
• Points scored for me with losses: 4
• Points taken from me with wins: 7
• Points taken from me with losses: 22
  
• Plus/Minus: +9
• "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":

Will you please stop fucking with me already!?

28. (24) MIAMI DOLPHINS

• Last week: Lost to New England, 48-28 (-4)
  
• Actual Record: 6-5
• My predicted record: 4-7
• Points scored for me with wins: 21
  
• Points scored for me with losses: 27
• Points taken from me with wins: 32
• Points taken from me with losses: 8
• Plus/Minus: +8
• "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":

Thanks for nothing, fish.

29. (31) BUFFALO BILLS

• Last week: Beat Kansas City, 54-31 (-1)
  
• Actual Record: 6-5
• My predicted record: 6-5
• Points scored for me with wins: 28
• Points scored for me with losses: 5
• Points taken from me with wins: 16
  
• Points taken from me with losses: 17
  
• Plus/Minus: EVEN
  
• "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":

Not positive, yet not negative either.

How fitting.

30. (29) ATLANTA FALCONS

• Last week: Beat Carolina, 45-28 (-9)
  
• Actual Record: 7-4
• My predicted record: 4-7
  
• Points scored for me with wins: 18
• Points scored for me with losses: 19
• Points taken from me with wins: 34
• Points taken from me with losses: 10
• Plus/Minus: -7
  
• "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":

They've cost me 19 points over the last two weeks, so I'm not particularly a fan of theirs at the moment.

31. (32) JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

• Last week: Lost to Minnesota, 30-12 (+7)
  
• Actual Record: 4-7
• My predicted record: 5-6
• Points scored for me with wins: 3
  
• Points scored for me with losses: 21
• Points taken from me with wins: 13
• Points taken from me with losses: 21
• Plus/Minus: -10
  
• "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":

OMG! 31st! Who'd have thought?

32. (31) DENVER BRONCOS

• Last week: Lost to Oakland, 31-10 (-13)
  
• Actual Record: 6-5
• My predicted record: 10-1
• Points scored for me with wins: 26
  
• Points scored for me with losses: 0
• Points taken from me with wins: 10
• Points taken from me with losses: 38
• Plus/Minus: -22
  
• "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":

I suppose I still detest the Jags more, but the Broncos are certainly running a close second.

16-point games: 4-0
15-point games: 3-2
14-point games: 10-1
13-point games: 9-3
12-point games: 10-2
11-point games: 10-2
10-point games: 9-3
9-point games: 7-5
8-point games: 6-6
7-point games: 7-5
6-point games: 7-5
5-point games: 3-9
4-point games: 8-4
3-point games: 7-5
2-point games: 6-6
1-point games: 6-6