Last week on "Mike and Mike," Mike Golic and Mike Greenberg talked about which current NFL players are locks for the Hall of Fame...their "crack" staff came up with a list for each position...today we will look at the quarterback and running back positions...
Quarterback Brett Favre - he is a lock despite being an asshole the last 3 years...he is a first ballot lock - LOCK
Tom Brady - a Super Bowl record of 3-1, 2-time Super Bowl MVP, League MVP...even if he doesn't throw another pass, Brady is in on his first ballot - LOCK
Peyton Manning - barring injury, Manning should hold every quarterback record when he retires...he is 1-0 in Super Bowls; Super Bowl MVP; 3-time League MVP...first ballot - LOCK
Kurt Warner(photo) - before this season Warner was going to fall into that just missed catergory...but after a resurgence and leading the Cardinals to the Big Show, Warner is in...he is 1-1 in Super Bowls; Super Bowl MVP; 2-time League MVP...first ballot - LOCK
Donovan McNabb - McNabb is interesting...some will hold it against him that he was 1-4 in NFC Championship Games...he has thrown for 194 TDs and almost 30,000 yards...in his prime he was a dual threat at running and throwning the ball...is a 5-time Pro Bowl Selection...McNabb will not make it on his first, second, nor third ballot...he will have a problem getting in at first, but after about five or six years, I believe he will be in the Hall - WILL MAKE IT AFTER A WAIT
Running back LaDainian Tomlinson - it seems just like yesterday he racked up 30 TDs, now there is talk that his better days are behind him...he has rushed for 11,760 yards and 141 overall TDs...he was the League MVP...last week on The Dan Patrick Show, McLuvin mentioned an interesting point that many of LT's TDs were of the 1-yard variety and that his TD numbers are a little deceiving...no matter how far out he scored, LT will be in Canton...but I could see him not making it on his first try because of his recent injuries during the playoffs...some writers will hold that against him - CANTON BOUND
Edgerrin James - just like Warner, Edge was a borderline Hall of Famer...but after helping the Cards to the Super Bowl, he will eventually make it to Canton...I don't see him being a first ballot lock, but he makes it...through this season he has rushed for 12,121 and 91 overall TDS - second ballot - LOCK
Shaun Alexander - Alexander has had a weird career...he was never really appreciated because he played up in the Northwest...he was the League MVP in 2005 when he had that monster season...he was a 3-time Pro Bowl selection and helped Seattle make the Super Bowl...but I would not vote Alexander in because of the Ottis Anderson Syndrome...if Alexander makes it, then Anderson has to be inducted too...Alexander has rushed for 9,453 and 112 overall TDs...Anderson finished with 10,273 yards rushing and 86 overall TDs...he was a Super Bowl MVP; 2-time Pro Bowl selection; NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year; and NFL Comeback Player of the Year...Alexander was a beast for about a 3-year period, but that is not enough in my book to put him in Canton - NO WAY
Fred Taylor - Taylor is one of those running back who have good numbers, but that is all...he has 11,271 yards rushing and 70 overall TDs...the early part of his carer was marred by injuries...his best season came in 2003 when he ran for 1,572 yards...Taylor was always underappreciated...he has had a good career, but he never has done anything to stand out...he was never a true difference maker...sorry - NO WAY
Warrick Dunn(photo) - thru a 12-year career, Dunn has rushed for 10,987 yards...he has compiled 15,306 yards rushing and receiving for an overall total of 64 TDs...he is a 3-time Pro Bowl selection and was the Offensive Rookie of the Year...he is also one of the greatest human beings off the field...but despite those numbers, he has never stood out and was not a differenc maker - NO WAY
Jamal Lewis - Lewis falls into the Roger Maris category...Maris had two monster seasons, but will never make the Baseball Hall...ditto for Lewis...plus, Lewis' off the field problems will hurt him - NO WAY
We all know the horrific hit that Arizona wide receiver Anquan Boldin took earlier this year when the Cardinals played the Jets...his toughness and love of the game is not questioned...but do not let that devasting play cloud your overall opinion of Boldin...let's face the facts, Anquan Boldin is a turd...he is an asshole...he is a selfish douche bag...
Boldin is ticked off because he was not used during the winning drive that put his team into the Super Bowl...once again, Boldin is just another high priced arrogant professional athlete who only knows the words "me, myself, and I"...
Once the game ended, the two-time Pro Bowl selection left the field quickly without celebrating. According to one postgame account, which he disputed, Boldin was seen leaving the locker room via a back door.
"I didn't leave through a back door. I tried to get in and out as quickly as possible to beat the media," he said. "I didn't want the story line to be me and Todd getting into it." ...
If this was Terrell Owens, the national media would be crucifying him...but because this is Anquan Boldin, the media spotlight is not burning as bright on a player who is just as self-centered as Owens...
Steve Spagnuolo - St. Louis Rams Bernie Miklasz of the St. Louis Dispatch writes he happy with the choice of Spags as the new Rams coach... "But “Spags” certainly has established credentials that are worthy of this opportunity." ...
Bryan Burwell of the St. Louis Dispatch is also pleased with the hiring despite the theatrics... "If you love theatrics, you have to love the Rams, who are the only folks who can turn the simple pursuit of a new head coach into a brilliant Hollywood whodunnit, filled with heroes and villains, mystery men and fall guys, suspense and intrigue, confusion and .... well ... more confusion followed by careening plot twists that somehow led us to — we think, we hope, we pray — a true happy ending." ...
Scott Pioli (GM) - Kansas City Kent Babb of the Kansas City Star writes how the Chiefs want Scott Pioli to turn the team into the same mold of the Steelers... "The “Pittsburgh Model,” they call it; that’s the direction Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt is taking his team, and he’s charging Pioli with the details." ...
Jim Schwartz - Detroit Lions Carlos Monarrez of the Detroit Free Press writes about new Lions head coach Jim Schwartz and his work ethic... "As determined as he was on the field, Schwartz also distinguished himself intellectually. He graduated near the top of his class and was named the top student in English and social studies." ...
Raheem Morris - Tampa Bay Buccaneers Joey Johnson of the Tampa Tribune writes that new Bucs head coach Raheem Morris stands out... "Morris might be considered the most famous alumnus of Irvington (N.J.) High School - were it not for a couple of former students named Jerry Lewis and Queen Latifah." ...
Josh McDaniel - Denver Broncos Woody Paige of the Denver Post writes that Denver owner Pat Bowlen put his neck on the line by hiring the 32-year-old McDaniel... "He will be denounced in halves throughout Broncountry and the nation for naming McDaniels as coach — because of his lack of background as a head coach (and even as any kind of coach) and because Belichick's assistants (Romeo Crennel, Charlie Weis and Eric Mangini) have not succeeded elsewhere and because of McDaniels' youth and because the Broncos need defense, not D-offense." ......
On January 13th, Rivals.com updated their Top 100 high school players...the following is the list of the top 30 and where they have verbally committed to..
1. Bryce Brown, rb, Wichita, Kansas - Miami (Fla) 2. Rueben Randle, wr, Bastrop, Louisiana - Alabama, LSU, Oklahoma, Notre Dame 3. D.J. Fluker, ol, Foley, Alabama - Alabama (photo, right) 4. Sheldon Richardson, dt, St. Louis, Missouri - Missouri 5. Matt Barkley, qb, Santa Ana, California - Southern Cal 6. Trent Richardson, rb, Pensacola, Florida - Alabama 7. Russell Shepard, qb, Houston, Texas - LSU 8. Devon Kennard, de, Phoenix, Arizona - Arizona State, Cal, Southern Cal, Texas 9. Vontaze Burfict, lb, Corona, California - Southern Cal 10. Jelani Jenkins, lb, Olney, Maryland - Florida, Penn State
11. Dre Kirkpatrick, db, Gadsden, Alabama - Alabama, Clemson, Florida, Texas 12. Mani Te'o, lb, Honolulu, Hawaii - BYU, Southern Cal, Stanford, Notre Dame, UCLA 13. Ray Ray Armstrong, ath, Sanford, Florida - Miami (Fla) 14. Alex Okafor, de, Pflugerville, Texas - Texas (photo, right) 15. Jacobbi McDaniel, dt, Greenville, Florida - Florida State 16. Donte Moss, de, Jacksonville, North Carolina - North Carolina 17. Janzen Jackson, db, Lake Charles, Louisiana - LSU 18. Garrett Gilbert, qb, Austin, Texas - Texas 19. Patrick Hall, ath, Ventura, California - Southern Cal 20. Craig Loston, db, Aldine, Texas - LSU
21. Andre Debose, ath, Sanford, Florida - Florida 22. Christine Michael, rb, Beaumont, Texas - Texas A&M 23. Gary Brown, dt, Quincy, Florida - Florida 24. Darius Winston, db, West Helena, Arkansas - Arkansas (photo, right) 25. Chris Davenport, dt, Mansfield, Louisiana - LSU 26. William Campbell, dt, Detroit, Michigan - Michigan 27. Greg Reid, ath, Valdosta, Georgia - Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Mississippi State 28. Branden Smith, db, Atlanta, Georgia - Georgia 29. Mason Walters, ol, Wolfforth, Texas - Texas 30. T.J. McDonald, db, Fresno, California - Southern Cal
Ricardo Gonzalo Pedro Montalbán Merino died on Wednesday...during the late 1970s, he was the spokesperson in automobile advertisements for the Chrysler Cordoba (in which he famously extols the "Corinthian leather" used for its interior)...from 1977 to 1984 he starred as Mr. Roarke in the television series Fantasy Island...he also played the villainous Khan Noonien Singh in both the 1967 "Space Seed" episode of the first season of the original Star Trek series, and the 1982 film Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan...
If I were fortunate enough to be a part of the selection process, here are the people who would have my support to be part of the 2009 Hall of Fame Class...
1. Bob Hayes, wide receiver - before selecting any other candidate, the injustice of Bullet Bob Hayes not being in the Hall of Fame needs to be rectified immediately...
Hayes was close to being inducted in 2004, but was denied the opportunity...the decision was marred by controversy, with many claiming that the Hall of Fame Senior Selection Committee had a bias against members of the Dallas Cowboys...others believe Hayes' longstanding problems with drug abuse hurt his chances...because of this, long-time Sports Illustrated writer Paul Zimmerman resigned from the Selection Committee in protest of the decision to leave Hayes out of the Hall...
Hayes for a two sport star...he won the 100 meters at the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo...he then went on to star for the Dallas Cowboys where he held all the team's receiving records for many years...he was named to the Pro Bowl three times and All Pro four times...he helped Dallas win five Eastern Conference titles, two NFC titles, played in two Super Bowls, and was instrumental in Dallas' first ever Super Bowl victory...making Hayes the only person so far to win both an Olympic gold medal and a Super Bowl ring...
2. Bruce Smith, defensive end - Smith is probably the easiest choice of the 17 finalists...he was a force at DE and was the anchor for those great Buffalo teams that went to four consecutive Super Bowls...
3. Rod Woodson, cornerback/safety - Woodson was a hybrid player in the secondary...he was an All-Pro at both corner and safety who always had a knack for making big plays...in his younger days, he was also a good punt returner...Woodson played for four teams, but his glory years were with the Pittsburgh Steelers...therefore, she should go in as a Steeler... 4. Russ Grimm, guard - it seems like Grimm is always a finalist who falls short...he was the best pulling guard in the game during the Redskins heyday of the 1980s...he opened holes for Riggins, Byner, Smith, Rogers, etc...
5. Ralph Wilson, owner - Wilson (photo, left) was one of the founding fathers of the AFL...he has owned the Bills since 1960...he proved that professional football could flourish in a "small market" city like Buffalo...it would be a fitting tribute to honor Wilson, who is 90-years-old, while he is still living instead of posthumously in years to come...
6. Richard Dent, defensive end - Dent was the best pure pass rusher in the game during the mid-to-late 80s...Dent does not have the gaudy stats of Bruce Smith, but he often forced offenses to double team him...like Woodson, Dent played for four difference teams, but his prime years were with the Chicago Bears...
She is hard to ignore because of her bubbly personality and neon make-up...all us sports fans have seen her during commercials of late...but who really is Flo, the Progressive Insurance Girl?...oddly enough, she has gained a cult following of men who think she is hot...and in a weird way, I agree...well, here is the answer to who she really is...this piece appeared in the Austin American Statesman...
By Chris Garcia AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF Monday, October 20, 2008
She's bubbly and beaming, high-volume, with a flip of dark hair and a face like a lollipop. She irks as she endears, bemuses as she bewitches. She's a bundle of energetic contradictions, bursting here, retracting there. Her expressions blink and change like a neon sign. Her eyes are popping globes. And she just sold you a bunch of car insurance.
Flo is her name. She's the spokeswoman for Progressive Auto Insurance, lighting up televisions in a series of commercials in which her perky cashier pitches the money-saving merits of Progressive to customers. She works in a sterile, all-white big-box store, and her florid makeup stands out like paint spilled in snow.
First she caught our eye; now she's snatched our heart. Viewers are smitten. They're crushin'. They want to know: Who's that girl?
From a recent blog at HoustonPress.com, with the headline "The Cult of the Progressive Car Insurance Chick":
"Am I the only one completely and totally enamored of the woman in the television ads for Progressive car insurance? You know, the ones starring that babelicious brunette named Flo with her 'tricked-out name tag' and her '60s style eye makeup and her kissable red, red lips?"
No, sir, you are not. There's more where that mash-note came from, out there in the blogosphere's infinite confessional space: "She's hot." "She's weird but, God, she's fine!" Others have naughtier ideas that they're perfectly comfortable sharing with the world, even if we can't do so here.
"It's so weird," says Stephanie Courtney, the actress who plays Flo.
We spoke to Courtney because we had to. We had to know if she was real or just a cartoon character. If she was at all like the effervescent Flo. If she really wore that much make-up and, hey, who does your hair?
Courtney, 38, has been playing Flo for about a year, and was recently signed to do 12 more Progressive ads. Which makes her the face and voice of Progressive, a peer of the Geico gecko (do they ever hang out, compare rates?) and the Verizon guy. She follows in a heady tradition of corporate mascots, from Palmolive's Madge to Tony the Tiger.
It's been quite a ride for Courtney, a senior member of famed Los Angeles improv troupe the Groundlings. (Courtney and the group performed in September during the Out of Bounds Improv Sketch Comedy Festival in Austin.)
It began with a simple audition for a commercial last fall. She showed up in a polo shirt and ponytail. She did some improvisation.
"They wanted someone with a lot of personality," Courtney says by phone from her Los Angeles home.
They liked her and signed her.
Then, the look. That look.
They cut her hair, gave her bangs. They subjected her to two hours of hair and make-up.
"They tease my hair, spray it and stick the headband in it," Courtney explains.
"And the makeup is like painting a portrait on my face," she says, laughing. "It's insane. It totally changes things on my face. It's like having a mask on."
One of Flo's best-known lines is: "Wow! I say it louder." (You had to be there.)
Courtney has popped up in the movies "The Heartbreak Kid" and "Blades of Glory," and was one of four leads in the smart adult comedy "Melvin Goes to Dinner," which won the audience award at South by Southwest in 2003. She also has a recurring role as a gossipy switchboard operator on the hit show "Mad Men." And you can see her doing yoga in a new Glade commercial.
How much is Courtney like flamboyant Flo? "It's me at my silliest," she says. "You start off with a script, but at the end they usually let me put a little zinger in there. We put a little mustard on it. That's when it gets fun.
"Flo could be one of my improv characters, always on and sort of cracked in a weird way."
But who is Flo? What is she? People wonder ...
Like this blogger: "Is it her fabulous comic timing, her over-the-top facial expressions, her cute-as-a-button retro flip? Or is it the slight hint of a bad girl that lies just under the surface? The promise of a tattoo under that checkout girl uniform? The possibility of a motorcycle parked out back?"
Her character has been compared to a vintage Vargas pin-up girl, '50s burlesque dancer Betty Page and, adds Courtney, a "fetish chick."
"I don't know what it is," she says. "The way I play her, she's pretty much the most asexual thing on TV right now. I think the Geico lizard puts out more sexual vibes than Flo does. But I do think the cavemen are totally crushable."
Though Courtney is engaged to a sixth-grade teacher, Flo appears alluringly single. So pine away, in the same brunette-crush way you did with Mary Ann on "Gilligan's Island" and Velma on "Scooby-Doo."
Because things couldn't get much stranger than they already are for Courtney. Top this: People are dressing up as Flo for Halloween.
"That makes me so happy. But I do have to warn them that it takes two hours in hair and make-up," she says. "I wish them luck."
Last week, the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced the 17 finalists for the 2009 enshrinement...listed alphabetically, the 17 finalists with their positions, teams, and years active follow:
Cris Carter – Wide Receiver – 1987-89 Philadelphia Eagles, 1990-2001 Minnesota Vikings, 2002 Miami Dolphins Dermontti Dawson – Center – 1988-2000 Pittsburgh Steelers Richard Dent – Defensive End – 1983-1993, 1995 Chicago Bears, 1994 San Francisco 49ers, 1996 Indianapolis Colts, 1997 Philadelphia Eagles Russ Grimm – Guard – 1981-1991 Washington Redskins Bob Hayes – Wide Receiver – 1965-1974 Dallas Cowboys, 1975 San Francisco 49ers Claude Humphrey – Defensive End – 1968-1978 Atlanta Falcons, 1979-1981 Philadelphia Eagles Cortez Kennedy – Defensive Tackle – 1990-2000 Seattle Seahawks Bob Kuechenberg – Guard – 1970-1984 Miami Dolphins Randall McDaniel – Guard – 1988-1999 Minnesota Vikings, 2000-01 Tampa Bay Buccaneers John Randle – Defensive Tackle – 1990-2000 Minnesota Vikings, 2001-03 Seattle Seahawks Andre Reed – Wide Receiver – 1985-1999 Buffalo Bills, 2000 Washington Redskins Shannon Sharpe – Tight End – 1990-99, 2002-03 Denver Broncos, 2000-01 Baltimore Ravens Bruce Smith – Defensive End – 1985-1999 Buffalo Bills, 2000-03 Washington Redskins Paul Tagliabue – Commissioner – 1989-2006 National Football League Derrick Thomas – Linebacker – 1989-1999 Kansas City Chiefs Ralph Wilson – Team Founder/Owner – 1960-Present Buffalo Bills Rod Woodson – Cornerback/Safety – 1987-1996 Pittsburgh Steelers, 1997 San Francisco 49ers, 1998-2001 Baltimore Ravens, 2002-03 Oakland Raiders
Four first-year eligible players, John Randle, Shannon Sharpe, Bruce Smith, and Rod Woodson, are among the 17 finalists who will be considered for election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame when the Hall’s Board of Selectors meets in Tampa, Florida on Saturday, January 31, 2009...
Joining the four first-year eligible players, are nine other modern-era players, two contributors and two players nominated earlier by the Hall of Fame’s Senior Committee.
The contributor finalists are former National Football League Commissioner Paul Tagliabue and Buffalo Bills founder/owner Ralph Wilson, Jr. The Senior Committee nominees, announced in August 2008, are former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Bob Hayes and former Atlanta Falcons defensive end Claude Humphrey. The other modern-era player finalists include wide receiver Cris Carter; center Dermontti Dawson; defensive end Richard Dent; guard Russ Grimm; defensive tackle Cortez Kennedy; guard Bob Kuechenberg; guard Randall McDaniel; wide receiver Andre Reed; and linebacker Derrick Thomas.
Hayes and Humphrey were selected as senior candidates by the Hall of Fame’s Seniors Committee at their August 2008 meeting. The Seniors Committee reviews the qualifications of those players whose careers took place more than 25 years ago. The remaining 15 modern-era finalists were determined by a vote of the Hall’s 44-member Board of Selectors from a list of 133 preliminary nominees that earlier was reduced to a list of 25 semifinalists. To be eligible for election, modern-era players and coaches must be retired at least five years while a contributor need not be retired.
At the 2009 election meeting, the selectors will thoroughly discuss the careers of each finalist before narrowing the field to seven candidates (two senior and five modern-era). At least four candidates must be elected but the total class cannot number more than seven.
If you were on the committee, who would you select for the 2009 class?...leave your thoughts in the comments section...remember, you can only select between 4-7...I will present my selections tomorrow...
Rich Rodriguez hopes freshman quarterback Tate Forcier is the real deal...if not, Rich Rod's days in Ann Arbor may be numbered...
Tate Forcier, QB, 6'1"/184 San Diego, California/Scripps Ranch High - Graduated in December, already enrolled at Michigan - Runs the 40 in 4.55 - Listed as the 6th best dual threat QB by Rivals - Ranked 143 of the ESPN Top 150
As of January 10, 2009, ESPN had this report on Forcier: In stature, arm strength and production, Forcier looks like a West Coast version of 2009 classmate Blaine Dalton. Forcier lacks ideal height, but he makes a ton of plays with both his arm and feet. He has excellent speed for the position, but he's really a passer who happens to be athletic enough to run a spread or read-option attack with ease.
Has a style similar to that of Jeff Garcia, another riverboat gambler who finds ways to get the job done. Has good mobility within the pocket, and pulls the occasional rabbit out of his hat when a play breaks down. Can sidestep the rush and has a very quick release. He isn't afraid to take off on the run. Can create second chances with his feet and pick up a first down. Often breaks containment, and can throw on the run to either side with very good accuracy. He's a timing passer who likes to get the ball out of his hand quickly.
His size limits his vision if he isn't on time with his reads, leading to some unnecessary scrambles. Has had to play out of the shotgun often in order to see the entire field. Has ideal skills for his team's offense--excellent pre-snap reads, a quick release and great accuracy. Has adequate zip and arm strength for the scheme, but he's more of a timing passer than a gunner. Show a tough side and scrappiness when working to make things happen. Forcier needs to find the right scheme to make the most of his abilities, but he shows outstanding intangibles, anticipation and savvy in the passing game. He's an excellent prospect who finds ways to overcome his size deficiencies.
LSU head coach Les Miles got a stud at quarterback when dual-threat Russell Shepard of Houston, Texas committed to the Tigers...
Russell Shepard, QB, 6'1"/179 lbs Houston, Texas - Cypress Ridge High - Runs the 40 in 4.4... - Is rated the fifth best high school player in the country by Rivals...is rated the number one QB by Rivals... - Rivals stated, "Called the most dynamic offensive playmaker in Houston since Vince Young and his numbers speak for themselves. In 12 games as a senior, Shepard has rushed for 1,947 yards and 29 touchdowns. His passing numbers are just as impressive with 1,849 through the air and 18 touchdowns. He’s also only thrown four interceptions." ... - Is rated the number one high school player in the country by ESPN...
As of January 7, 2009, ESPN had this assessment of Shepard... Shepard is a rare athlete who resembles University of Florida receiver Percy Harvin when lined up at quarterback--a scary thought. Shepard is lean, flexible and plays with a lot of wiggle. He might seem like just a great athlete playing quarterback at first, but he's the real deal as a complete player. Still, he makes most of his plays with his legs, either on called runs or on scrambles after the initial play unravels. Causes headaches for defenses because he can break down a defender in the open field as well as anyone. Stays low to the ground and doesn't take a lot of big hits. Has excellent vision and the lateral mobility to bounce runs outside after starting inside.
Excels at locating cutback lanes. Takes little time to reach his top speed. Has the burst to get through holes quickly and to turn the corner. Accelerates out of cuts, changes directions quickly and shows fluid suddenness in space. Wins most footraces. Has a smooth, fluid release and a quick, compact delivery on his throws. Flashes the ability to place the ball anywhere on the field when on time. Shows some zip on underneath throws and can fit balls into some tight spots in the short range. Has good touch and timing on the deep ball. Throws on the run very well and has the arm strength to throw off balance and across his body.
He's explosive in all areas: change-of-direction skills, elusiveness, speed and arm. Shepard is much further along as a passer than Terrelle Pryor was at this stage, and Shepard is more explosive. He's the type of player any college program would want to get his hands on the ball as often as possible because he is a gamebreaker. He will be given every opportunity to remain at quarterback, but also has the elite skills to play a number of spots which gives him possibly the biggest value of any prospect in this class.
Where is he headed? Shepard verbally committed to LSU on December 5, 2008...it is a solid verbal commitment...he also had offers from Michigan, Notre Dame, USC, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M, and Florida...
According to Rivals.com, Jelani Jenkins is the top rated high school defensive player...
Jelani Jenkins, olb, 6'2"/220, Olney, Maryland/Our Lady of Good Counsel High - Runs the 40 in 4.45...has 4.0 GPA... - Is ranked 9th overall by ESPN...
As of January 5, 2008, Rivals.com had this assessment of Jenkins after his performance at the Under Armour game... Assets: A smart and athletic linebacker prospect with good speed. He plays downhill and is very physical. Areas for improvement: Jenkins needs to play with more discipline. What was most impressive in the game: Jenkins had a huge collision with White running back Trent Richardson when trying to tackle him. He made some nice plays running sideline to sideline. Jenkins finished with five tackle. Conclusion: At only 16 years of age Jenkins future is so bright. He's just an explosive linebacker prospect that can make plays all over the field.
Has proved it all season long that he’s one of the nation’s best players, but recent performance on national television sealed the deal to make him now the nation’s top defensive prospect.
As of January 5, 2008, ESPN had this assessment of Jenkins: Jenkins is a tough, rangy outside linebacker prospect who plays fast and physical on every snap and has tremendous upside. He has a tall, leaner frame and lacks ideal bulk at this point, but he should fill out very well while retaining his natural explosiveness in space. Possesses great fast-twitch athleticism and packs the punch of a much bigger linebacker. Generates striking speed over a short-area. He's a very strong tackler who wraps up low and drives through with great power from his hips and lower body. Gets great jumps on the ball and is a very reactive athlete. Steps down quickly when filling vertically and delivers great power at the point of attack. Also excels when pursuing laterally and sifting through the wash. Gets over trash fluidly while maintaining sharp pursuit angles. Hits the run seams inside-out to make plays at or behind the line of scrimmage. Has good change-of-direction quickness to make up for false steps. Flashes great range and a high motor when chasing sideline to sideline. Shows great blitz ability off the edge with his first-step quickness and good acceleration. Demonstrates good run instincts, coverage instincts and a nose for the ball. Could get more consistent depth on his coverage drops to effectively utilize his good closing speed. Sometimes struggles to disengage the blocks of uncovered linemen. Needs to add bulk and increase his upper-body strength to improve his shedding ability. Most of Jenkins' weak spots can be addressed with proper coaching or weight-room work. His ability to both make plays in space and stack the run between the tackles is highly-coveted in an outside linebacker prospect. Excellent prospect.
Where is he headed? Jenkins has visited and/or will visit Florida and Penn State...he also lists Illinois, Miami, Michigan, Notre Dame, USC, Stanford, and Virginia Tech as favorites...
Earlier this week Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith was voted the Associated Press NFL Coach of the Year...the AP has been presenting this award since 1957...when looking over the list of other coaches who have won this award, there were some interesting facts that I wanted to share with my readers...
- Despite winning four Super Bowls, Chuck Noll (photo, left) of the Pittsburgh Steelers was never named Coach of the Year...
- Other notable non-winners include: Paul Brown (Browns, Bengals), John Madden (Oakland), Tom Flores (Oakland), George Seifert (San Francisco, Carolina), Hank Stram (Kansas City, New Orleans) and Tony Dungy (Buccaneers, Colts)...
- Vince Lombardi, Tom Landry, and Bill Walsh only won the award one time each...together, they combined to win seven Super Bowls...
- Lombardi won the award in 1959, his first year with the Green Bay Packers...he never won the award again despite dominating the entire decade of the 1960s...
- There was only one tie...that happened in 1967 when George Allen of the Rams shared it with Don Shula of the Colts...
- Only three coaches ever won the award in back-to-back seasons: Allie Sherman of the Giants (1961-62); Don Shula of the Colts (1967-68); and Joe Gibbs of the Redskins (1982-83)...
- In 1957, George Wilson of the Detroit Lions was the first recipient of the award... (Wilson is in the bowtie in the picture on the right)
- Don Shula received this honor the most - four times...(Colts 1964, 67, 68 and Dolphins 72)...
- Chuck Knox is the only coach to win the award with three different teams - (Rams 1973, Bills 1980, Seahawks 1984)...
- Despite taking the Buffalo Bills to the Super Bowl four straight years, Marv Levy never received the Coach of the Year award...
- Ray Rhodes was the first African-American coach to win the award...he received this honor in 1995 as coach of the Eagles...Lovie Smith of the Bears is the only other African-American to take this honor...
- Despite their "Commitment to Excellence," no Raiders head coach was ever named Coach of the Year...
- Some of the forgotten names to win the award include: Buck Shaw, Eagles, 1960; Red Miller, Broncos, 1977; Jack Patera, Seahawks, 1978; Lindy Infante, Packers, 1989; Wayne Fontes, Lions, 1991...
Today's feature is high school running back Bryce Brown...
Bryce Brown, rb, 6'0"/215, Wichita, Kansas/Wichita East High - Brown is listed as the 2nd best high school player in the country by Rivals.com... - Brown is listed as the top running back in the country by Rivals... - In 2008, Brown rushed for 1,873 yards and 29 touchdowns in just nine games... - Good receiving skills... - He was co-MVP of the U.S. Army All-American game where he ran 6 times for 45 yards...he also caught 2 TD passes (60 and 45 yards)... - "Bryce is the best player in the country," U.S. Army East coach Terry Smith said. "This kid is dynamic, he's explosive, he's strong, he's quick, he has every asset you need in a big player."... - Is listed as the 11th best player overall and 2nd best RB by ESPN... - Is rated the 2nd best high school player by Scouts.com - His older brother Arthur signed with Miami (Fla) in the 2008 recruiting class...
Here is what Rivals wrote about Brown after the U.S. Army game: Assets: Has very good speed, quickness and is a multi-purpose, every-down back that can do it all. Areas for Improvement: Brown is a leader through his ability and I would like to see him become a more outspoken leader. What was most impressive in the game: Just like all week in practice he demonstrated his ability to slip out of the backfield and become a vertical threat in the passing game. Conclusion: He proved to the whole country on a national stage that he is the top running back in the nation. The only question now is will he end up a Hurricane?
As of January 3, 2009, here is what ESPN has about Brown: Brown is a highly productive back with a rare combination of speed and power. He runs with the kind of explosiveness his brother Arthur displayed as a top linebacker prospect in 2008. He has a solid, thickly built frame and the compact body structure necessary to be a workhorse type at the next level. Presses the hole, but also has a great blend of vision, balance and decisiveness to hit the cutback lane sharply and burst through the line of scrimmage. Squares his shoulder pads quickly out of his cuts and instantly generates excellent north-south speed. He's a bit straight-lined, but he has the smooth hips, body control and suddenness to avoid defenders through initial traffic. Makes subtle cuts to sidestep trash without losing much in transition. His low center of gravity and ability to reach top speed in an instant gives him the power to break initial arm tackles consistently. Needs to watch body tilt as he can run high but demonstrates a strong lower body, good determination and relentless leg drive on contact. Picks up extra yards and finishes runs. Flashes the speed to bounce outside, turn the corner and go the distance. Has the explosive extra gear in space to separate. Shows adequate hands and receiving skills, and the strength to chip and pick up the blitz. Brown's somewhat questionable open-field elusiveness and level of competition are the only real concerns at this point, but he definitely has the physical gifts to make an early impact at the next level.
Where he is headed? Committed to Miami (Fla) in February 2008, however, there is talk that he may change his mind...Oregon may be his other choice...
Here is a 3:41 clip of highlights from Brown's performance as a RB:
With signing day fast approaching, Stiles Points will be featuring various players who may be the next stud in college...today's feature is Rueben Randle who is listed as the top high school player in the country by Rivals.com...
Rueben Randle, wr, 6'3"/195 - Bastrop, Louisians/Bastrop High - In 2008, Randle played QB for his team...he threw for 2,207 yards and 19 touchdowns and rushed for 607 yards and 12 scores... - Randle had 7 receptions for 75 yards in Saturday's U.S. Army All-American game... - Randle is ranked 6th overall on the ESPN Top 150...he is the top rated wide receiver... - Randle is listed as the 2nd best wide receiver by Scouts.com...
This is what Rivals wrote about Randle after the U.S. Army game... Assets: Excellent height, soft hands and superior body control. Areas for Improvement: Needs to get back into the swing of running routes on a regular basis since he played quarterback this year. What was most impressive in the game: Leading receiver in the game with seven catches for 75 yards, and he was not at full strength all week because of a pulled hamstring which happened during the first practice. Conclusion: Will have a similar impact as a freshman as Julio Jones, A.J. Green, Michael Floyd and DeAndre Brown wherever he ends up.
As of January 4, 2009, ESPN has this breakdown on Randle: Explosive and fluid for a size receiver, Randle resembles a taller Josh Jarboe (class of 2008). He is big and strong, but athletic for his size. Plays fast and has explosive playmaking skills. His size and speed make him a legitimate deep threat. He's versatile and able to play multiple spots in a formation to create mismatches. Struggles to get off press coverage against talented, savvy cornerbacks--like most young receivers. He's tough and fearless over the middle. Makes tough catches in traffic and secures the ball even when absorbing a big hit. He's a bit high-cut, but shows little stiffness in his hips. Has more explosiveness running vertical routes than he has after the catch, but his initial burst and second gear still make him a threat to go the distance. Shows surprisingly fluid athleticism with the ball in his hands and isn't strictly straight-lined in his movements. He isn't exactly shifty in space, but he has natural cutting ability. Catches the ball in stride and has enough elusiveness to make multiple defenders miss. Can turn a short catch into a big play. Has very long arms and can high-point the ball in traffic. His size gives him natural red-zone tools, and he can make the acrobatic catch. Has a wide catch radius and very impressive focus. Has very good return skills and vision in the open field. Needs to polish his route-running skills, but that should come with time and experience. Randle has the blend of size, speed and playmaking ability to create mismatch problems on the perimeter or in the slot at the college level.
Where is he headed? Randle has visited or will visit the following schools: Alabama, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State
Also has a shot: Georgia, LSU, Ole Miss, Notre Dame, USC
John Branch of The New York Times wrote a fascinating article about the inexact science about how football officials determine a first down... "Since 1906, football teams have needed to gain 10 yards for a first down. From the sideline, far from the action, two sticks connected by a chain have measured the required distance, their placement estimated by eyesight." ...
John Branch also did a side-bar article of how the men on the chain gang operate and thier duties.. "The N.F.L.’s chain gang is actually a seven-person crew, hired for game-day duty by the home teams." ...
Michigan locked up a huge recruit at Saturday's U.S. Army High School game...Detroit Cass five-star nose tackle William Campbell announced he will be a Wolverine..."One analyst on the telecast said, “It’s the first sign of good news in Ann Arbor for awhile now.” ...
Thayer Evans of The New York Times writes how high school running back Cierre Woods gets ribbed because he is going to Notre Dame... "Wood, a 6-foot, 192-pound tailback, has had people laugh in his face, crack jokes and mock him about his college choice. Some have even referred to the Fighting Irish as the “Lirish” for their recent losing ways." ...
Woody Wommack of the Orlando Sentinel writes how high school recruits are getting weary as signing day looms... "While a lot of teams are showing late interest, Debose said he wanted to make a decision tonight, partially to relieve some pressure he has received from coaches and recruiting services eager to learn of his decision." ...
Pete Thamel of The New York Times writes how Dan Mullen is juggling two jobs as Florida prepares for the national title... "He realized that he was missing one of his two cellphones, the tangible signs of the dual life he had been leading. Mullen’s phone with the 352 area code represents the job he will finish this week as Florida’s offensive coordinator. His 662 phone number signifies his new position as the coach at Mississippi State." ...
David Wharton of The Los Angeles Times writes about the falling career of Vince Young... "The 25-year-old former college superstar and NFL rookie of the year has lost his starting job with the Tennessee Titans amid questions about his ability to handle pressure. There was a bizarre, and much-publicized, incident earlier this season that by various accounts had him sulking, depressed, even suicidal, all of which he has denied." ...
Michael Wilbon of The Washington Post writes how these are not your great grandfather's Cardinals... "The Cardinals, left for dead weeks ago during a string of amateurish and lopsided defeats, did the stuff they're known to do, like throwing the ball beautifully, and some things they rarely resort to, like running the ball and playing resourceful, turnover-forcing defense." ...
This was from Jayson Stark of ESPN.com...a few strange but true incidents in Major League Baseball in 2008...
Strangest but truest Hall of Fame feat of the year We've always thought that nobody was a bigger threat to stretch a home run into a single than that fabled sprint champ, Bengie Molina. But this year, the Giants' always-innovative catcher did something even more impossible:
He hit a home run -- but DIDN'T SCORE A RUN.
So how'd he become the first man in major-league history to pull that off? It took a rare, Molina-esque combination of muscle, lead-foot-itude and modern technology. But it happened, all right. Here's how:
On Sept. 26, Molina lofted a fly ball that looked as if it hit the top of the right-field wall at AT&T Park. So Molina stopped at first. Emmanuel Burriss trotted out to pinch-run for him. And nothing seemed amiss -- until Omar Vizquel told Giants manager Bruce Bochy he thought he'd heard the ball clank off the metal roof just above the wall.
So Bochy asked the umpires to use replay. And whaddayaknow, the call was reversed and Molina had himself a two-run homer. But the umps WOULDN'T let Molina come back to finish his trot because they ruled Burriss was already in the game and couldn't exit. So Burriss finished circling the bases. And Molina wound up with a box-score line that went 3-0-1-2 -- on a night he hit a home run.
Want to know how impossible that is? Our buddy, Andy Baggarly, of the San Jose Mercury News, checked in to tell us that when official scorer Michael Duca tried to enter this sequence into his computer, the computer program wouldn't let him do it -- because even computers know a guy can't hit a home run without scoring a run. Right?
So check the box score over at baseball-reference.com. It still doesn't believe this happened. But it did. In actual life. And all us Strange But True Feats of the Year fans will be eternally grateful that it did.
Five all-time strange but true-isms of 2008
• BEWARE OF MAD DOG DEPT.: The only Padre to steal a base in the entire month of July was that world-famous base bandit, Greg Maddux.
• EQUAL TIME DEPT.: CC Sabathia tied for the lead in shutouts in BOTH leagues in the same season.
• CRIME DOESN'T PAY DEPT.: Willy Taveras stole five bases in one game on June 14 -- but still didn't score a run.
• SIX OF ONE, HALF-DOZEN OF THE OTHER DEPT.: Matt Holliday reached base six times in one game April 17 -- but didn't score OR drive in a run.
• DÉJÀ VU DEPT.: And the Padres somehow won four games in a row in June by exactly the same score -- namely, 2-1. So how insane was that? (A) They had only one other stretch all year in which they won four games in a row by ANY score. And (B) they were the first team in history, according to the Elias Sports Bureau, to win four straight games with exactly the same score of any size, shape or numerical denomination.
Today I am 40-years-old...I was trying to decide what to do for my blog on this landmark birthday when The Zone Blitz ran a blog entry of CNBC's new commercial in which their anchors describe who they are...I liked it...so, at 40-years-old, here is who I am:
I am a passionate person...
I bleed Maize and Blue...and despise scarlet and gray...
I love dogs...
I battled depression and won...
I completed 2 marathons...
I am 40-years-old and still feel young...
Give me a gloomy fall day anytime...
I hate bullshitters...
When I go to work, I feel I can make a difference in people's lives...
It is our duty to help the less fortunate...
I have a caring heart that often gets me hurt...
I enjoy writing...
My dad is my hero...
I love sports...and I love watching sports on my HD television...
Ice cream is the best comfort food...
I took 60 stitches in my forehead when I was 6-years-old after being in a car accident...
I fear flying...
Humiliation is wetting your pants in kindergarten...
I like to make people laugh...life should not be taken too seriously, we are only here for a short time...
I'm warning you now, don't ever cross me...
My mother died when I was 23, but her values still live with me...
Here are various reports from the recent firings on Monday of three NFL coaches...
New York Jets - Eric Mangini My thoughts - it seemed like yesterday that Mangenius was having dinner with Tony Soprano...now he is out of work...that is the way it is in the big city...take a hike Mangenius...
Rich Cimini of The Daily News writes how Mangini's downfall began when Brett Favre joined the club... "On the surface, Eric Mangini's downfall began five weeks ago, when the Jets started a late-season meltdown with an ugly loss to the Broncos. In reality, it started much earlier, with the blockbuster trade for Brett Favre in August." ...
Steve Serby of The New York Post writes how Jets management is still in love with Brett Favre... "If Johnson and GM Mike Tannenbaum are really serious about staying with Favre and a right arm that needed an MRI yesterday, a scattershot right arm that will be 40 years old in October, then they aren't moving forward." ...
Cleveland Browns - Romeo Crennel My thoughts - RAC, as he was known to his players, had to go...personally, Crennel seems like a nice guy who knows his football, but he lacks that certain something to be a successful head coach in the NFL...this was a good move...
Tony Grossi of The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer breaks downs the firing of Romeo Crennel... "With Cowher no longer a viable candidate for head coach, Lerner prefers to have the executive position filled first, but will proceed, he said, to line up interviews with prospective head coach candidates." ...
Detroit Lions - Rod Marinelli My thoughts - just like RAC, Marinelli seems like a good guy who was caught in a bad situation...the Lions had no choice but to fire him after going 0-16...
Mitch Albom of the Detroit Free Press writes that Lions ownership should have fired more than just Rod Marinelli... "This team, the Detroit Lions, needs a total overhaul, and that means everyone, everywhere, most especially the front office. Instead, on Monday, William Clay Ford Sr., the most inept owner in the NFL, did the easiest thing. He fired the coach. Wow. How tough is that? Your team went 0-16. What else were you going to do, give him a raise?" ...
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Those eager to put 2008 behind them will have to hold their good-byes for just a moment this New Year's Eve.
The world's official timekeepers have added a "leap second" to the last day of the year on Wednesday, to help match clocks to the Earth's slowing spin on its axis, which takes place at ever-changing rates affected by tides and other factors.
The U.S. Naval Observatory, keeper of the Pentagon's master clock, said it would add the extra second on Wednesday in coordination with the world's atomic clocks at 23 hours, 59 minutes and 59 seconds Coordinated Universal Time, or UTC.
That corresponds to 6:59:59 p.m. EST (23:59:59 GMT), when an extra second will tick by -- the 24th to be added to UTC since 1972, when the practice began.
UTC is the time scale kept by highly precise atomic clocks around the world, accurate to about a billionth of a second per day, the Naval Observatory says. For those with a need for precision timing, it has replaced Greenwich Mean Time, or GMT.
The decision to add or remove a second is the responsibility of the International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service, based on its monitoring of the Earth's rotation.
The goal is to make sure clocks vary from the Earth's rotational time by no more than 0.9 seconds before an adjustment. That keeps UTC in sync with the position of the sun above the Earth.
Mechanisms such as the Internet-based Network Time Protocol and the satellite-based Global Positioning System depend on precision timing.
The first leap second was introduced into UTC on June 30, 1972. The last was added on December 31, 2005.
They have been added at intervals ranging from six months to seven years, Daniel Gambis, head of the IERS Earth Orientation Center at the Observatoire de Paris, wrote in an explanatory piece this month (http://hpiers.obspm.fr/eop-pc/).
Among the reasons for Earth's slowing whirl on its axis are the braking action of tides, snow or the lack of it at the polar ice caps, solar wind, space dust and magnetic storms, according to the U.S. Commerce Department's National Institute of Standards and Technology, another timekeeper.
By contrast, a leap day, February 29, occurs once every four years because a complete turn around the sun -- our year with all its seasons -- takes about 365 days and six hours.
In 1970, an international agreement established two time scales: one based on the Earth's rotation and another on highly accurate atomic clocks.
The U.S. Naval Observatory's master clock is based on a system that now includes 50 atomic clocks, 36 based on the element cesium and 14 known as hydrogen masers.
With the Earth's rotation gradually slowing, the periodic insertion of a leap second into the atomic time scale is needed to keep the two systems within a second of each other.
This article was taken from The New York Times - Monday, December 29, 2008...
The coaches and players with this season’s 0-16 Detroit Lions will always be associated with the worst season in N.F.L. history, but at least they can share in the blame. Terry Felton, a pitcher with the Minnesota Twins from 1979 to 1982, holds a dubious record all by himself.
Felton was 0-16 in his career. That is the most losses by a pitcher without a victory since 1900. In 1982, at age 24, he broke a record that had stood since 1914 when he lost his 14th straight decision, the most from the start of a career. Guy Morton was the previous record-holder with the Cleveland Indians.
Felton did retire all six batters he faced in his major league debut in 1979, and he saved three games in his career, but he finished with an earned run average of 5.53 in 55 games and was plagued by control issues.
In an interview with The New York Times after a loss in 1982 in which he made a throwing error, Felton said: “I messed up again. It’s not funny anymore. When I first heard about the record, it was funny and I didn’t really think I’d ever do it.
“I thought I’d get a win before now. It doesn’t happen to everybody. It only happened to two people.”
Steve Serby of the New York Post writes how Chad Pennington is ready for his showdown in Gotham... "How ironic that with two seasons and perhaps one head coach's job on the line, Pennington comes to Giants Stadium on Sunday sturdier and healthier than the NFL's indestructible Cal Ripken. How ironic that Favre will suddenly need more help from his new teammates than Pennington does from his new teammates." ...
Gary Myers of The Daily News writes that Brett Favre should not retire after the season... "Favre owes the Jets. He owes them one more season after all they went through to get him." ...
Israel Gutierrez of the Miami Herald writes how the Dolphins must finish off their storybook season with a win on Sunday... "If the Dolphins don't complete this tale with a playoff invitation, then all the buildup was just that. It would be like one of those infuriating independent films with a sudden and incomplete ending." ...
Jeff Darlington of the Miami Herald writes that lost in the Pennington-Favre brouhaha, former Miami kicker Jay Feely now kicks for the Jets... "Veteran kicker Jay Feely, who was cut by the Dolphins during training camp in favor of undrafted rookie Dan Carpenter, would be the player lining up for the Jets in that situation. Carpenter would be the one kicking for the Dolphins." ...
Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald writes about the parallels between the 1970 Dolphins and today's team... "And more importantly, the 1970 team, which laid the foundation for three Super Bowl appearances, suggests greater things might be in the offing for today's Dolphins." ...
Brian Costello of the New York Post encourages fans to cheer for Pennington if they want to see Mangenius fired... "That's right. Go to your closet Sunday morning, dig through the sweaters and dress shirts and find that old green jersey with the No. 10 peeling off, throw it on over your sweatshirt and when you get to the Meadowlands root like hell for Chad Pennington." ...
When Dwyane Wade heard the plight of a South Florida woman whose nephew accidentally burned down her home - and ruined all the family's possessions - the Miami Heat star knew he had to do something.
So he helped the family move into a new home, just in time for Christmas.
Wade presented Dawn Smith with the ultimate Christmas gift on Wednesday - the keys to a her new house, along with some furnishings, clothing and gifts to make sure her family has a joyous holiday, something that didn't seem likely just a few weeks ago.
His Wade's World foundation will make some payments on the home, while Smith and her family get back on their feet.
"That's what I try to teach my kids," said Wade, whose foundation has hosted several charity events this holiday season, mostly for needy children. "It's not about what you're going to receive - it's what you can give to others from what you've received."
Smith couldn't hold back happy sobs when she saw the home for the first time.
"A big-time relief," Smith said, clearly overcome by emotion. "Thank you so much. Thank you so much. Oh, God, thank you so much."
The NBA's leading scorer this season had a simple message: "Hopefully, you'll like it."
Wade's other holiday events this year included a party for 350 children on Monday, and hosting 100 kids at Tuesday night's Heat game against the Golden State Warriors. He also donated $10,000 to each of three children's organizations, but said he was particularly touched by being able to assist the Smith family.
"We can help this family have a new beginning," Wade said.
While the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe is a long-standing and Christmas tradition, the mistletoe plant itself is anything but romantic.
A parasitic plant that grows on trees along the eastern coast of North America, mistletoe was believed to have been spread through bird droppings. In fact, the word "mistel" is an Anglo-Saxon word meaning "dung" and "toe" means "twin". So mistletoe quite literally means "dung on a twig."
If that image doesn't make you want to pucker up, consider this: Mistletoe has also long been believed to carry magical powers. The Druids believed that mistletoe, which also grows on oak trees throughout Europe, represented the tree's soul and sexual prowess. The mistletoe would be gathered mid-summer and mid-winter and used to decorate one's home. During the Middle Ages, mistletoe branches were hung to protect homes from evil spirits. Northern Europeans believed that mistletoe could help ward off witches.
The very first people to believe in the magic of mistletoe were the ancient Greeks. The ancient Greeks thought that mistletoe was imbued with the powered fertility, an antidote to poison, and also a powerful aphrodisiac.
In fact, during the festival of Saturnalia, the ancient Greeks would kiss under the mistletoe, which later became customary during marriage rites as well.
The tradition of kissing under the mistletoe on Christmas emerged in Europe during the Middle Ages. The original custom held that each time a man kissed a woman under a twig of mistletoe, he should remove one of the berries. Once all the berries were gone, no more kissing could take place under that twig.
Every kid always leaves cookies for Santa...I was checking through the web about this tradition and came across this interesting information...
1. Make fresh cookies. Whether you plan on leaving chocolate chip or Santa's favorite, frosted sugar cookies, Santa prefers homemade to store-bought cookies.
2. Put the cookies on a decorative Christmas plate. Imagine the twinkle in Santa's eyes as he picks up the last cookie only to reveal his jolly face or a beautiful Christmas tree.
3. Leave at least ten cookies. Make sure that there will still be cookies for Santa after Mom and Dad have eaten a few themselves.
4. Leave a glass of milk or eggnog with the cookies. Keep the milk or eggnog in the refrigerator and have Mom and Dad put it out before they go to bed. Santa loves icy cold milk.
5. Leave the cookies in a place where Santa will see them. Place them on the fireplace hearth or near the Christmas tree. Leave a note to tell Santa where the cookies are if you have to hide them from the dog.
6. Leave a napkin for Santa to dab his mustache. Santa loves festive napkins, but a plain napkin will do as well.
7. Leave a note by the cookies. Let Santa know how thankful you are for his visit to your house. Sometimes Santa has been know to write notes back to good children.
Tips and Warning - Leave chocolate sandwich cookies if you have to resort to store bought. They are his favorite. - Leave carrots for the reindeer. Cookies give reindeer tummy aches. - Use plenty of sprinkles to decorate the cookies.
Who can forget the memorable musical tidbit put on by Mr. Heatmiser and Mr. Snowmiser from the Christmas show "The Year Without a Santa Claus"... enjoy!!!!
(I always wondered what was figgy pudding...in fact, over the holidays I planned on buying some figs and throwning them in the blender..but before I did that, I wanted to find out more about figgy pudding...this was taken from the website www.webgeek.com)
It's amazing what a brief mention in one Victorian-era Christmas carol can do for an obscure little dessert called figgy pudding. Every year, thousands of people around the world become curious about the figgy pudding mentioned in the secular English carol "We Wish You a Merry Christmas." Apparently, the party-goers mentioned in the lyrics refuse to leave until they get some figgy pudding from their host. This must be some seriously good pudding.
In actuality, figgy pudding is more of a cake than a pudding. There have been recipes for figgy pudding since the 15th century, although its popularity as a Christmas dessert probably reached its peak during the late 19th century. Several factors have significantly hampered the wholesale expansion of the figgy pudding industry, including an interminably long cooking time, an exotic ingredients list and a cringe-inducing dependency on saturated fats for texture.
There are numerous recipes for figgy pudding, from a traditional steamed version similar to modern bread pudding to a pastry-covered blend of figs, dates, fruits and spices. Nearly all figgy pudding recipes call for three or four hours of steaming. This is accomplished by placing a metal bowl with the figgy pudding mixture into a larger bowl partially filled with boiling water. The indirect heat generated by the boiling water cooks the figgy pudding evenly and slowly. This is equivalent to using a bain marie water bath for individual ramekins filled with batter.
The most traditional figgy pudding recipe is very similar to a carrot cake base blended with a custard. Chopped figs are added for flavoring and texture, along with chopped dates or apples when available. The spices in a figgy pudding are similar to carrot or spice cake - cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg are commonly used. Heavy cream, eggs, sugar and milk help to create the custard. For additional flavoring, many traditional figgy pudding recipes also call for liqueurs such as cognac or rum. Non-alcoholic extracts can also be used.
Some figgy pudding recipes call for a loaf of fig-infused bread to be crumbled into the mixture, while others suggest standard breadcrumbs. As if this weren't enough, the most faithful recipes also call for the addition of an animal fat called suet. Suet is a form of fat found near an animal's kidneys. Pure butter and shortening can be substituted if suet is not available locally. All of these ingredients are mixed together in a metal bowl or pudding mold and placed in a larger pot for steaming over a fire.
Only three or four short hours later, those house-squatting carolers demanding their figgy pudding can finally be appeased. Steaming was a very popular cooking method before the days of regulated heating. Even if the source of the heat were inconsistent, the food itself would still cook fairly evenly. Even so, the unveiling of a figgy pudding was often a defining moment for the cook. The dessert would be either a solid success or a soggy mess. Charles Dickens hints at this figgy pudding moment-of-truth during the Cratchit's dinner in his novel, A Christmas Carol.
y is in on his first ballot - LOCK
t is all...he has 11,271 yards rushing and 70 overall TDs...the early part of his carer was marred by injuries...his best season came in 2003 when he ran for 1,572 yards...Taylor was always underappreciated...he has had a good career, but he never has done anything to stand out...he was never a true difference maker...sorry - NO WAY
