TOP 300 MOVIES OF ALL TIME: #288-"CARNAL KNOWLEDGE (1971)

Directed by Mike Nichols, Carnal Knowledge" is largely forgotten for a major film with a very adult theme. Told amidst the peak of the free love era, it tells a different tale.

Jack Nicholson, and Art Garfunkel are best friends from college. We see their friendship evolve through their relationships with women over the years. Art Garfunkel should have stuck with acting, because he's very good.

Jack Nicholson, over the years becomes cynical and exploitive to the point of misogyny where women are concerned.

Candice Bergen and Ann Margaret are the principal women in their lives. Candice Bergen meets Garfunkel in college. The dirty little secret is that she hooks up with Jack. He never quite recovers as she still marries best friend Garfunkel.

Ann Margaret is great in this movie, besides being beautiful.

This is a story with perfect timing in 1971. It portrays the lonely existence of sex without consequence progressively as the characters age from young collegians to middle age. A fine,very mature effort at film making.

TOP 300 MOVIES OF ALL TIME: #289-"THE CABINET OF DR. CALIGARI" (1919)

Directed by Robert Wiene, "The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari" is supposedly a masterwork of German Impressionism. I wouldn't know and don't care in that regard. This silent classic is the first great horror movie.

Werner Krauss plays the title role of Dr. Caligari. A hypnotist, he runs a side show with Conrad Veidt, who when placed in a trance can predict future events.

Events take a turn for the strange as Cesare, played by Veidt is found dead. Many might find a silent film difficult to follow, but this film just engages you and sucks you into an intricate web of suspense.

OBAMA OBSERVATIONS

I thought I'd take a moment to highlight present concerns as regards our President.

On the positive side:

*President Obama has been consistently aggressive with Al Qaeda and
terrorism in general,using drones to target high profile enemies.


*President Obama has butted heads with teaches unions over the reform of public schools, including being supportive of a Rhode Island school superintendant that fired an entire school's staff.


*President Obama has not stubbornly followed through on committments that are at odds with logistical common sense. The failure to close Guantanamo Bay in one year demonstrates a capacity to be flexible to conditions.


*President Obama has opened the door to offshore drilling, which if followed would result in lower gas prices and less reliance on foreign energy.

However:

*President Obama passed a "stimulus plan" of approximately eight hundred billion dollars and the only evidence of progress is an ever expanding, bloated federal government.


*President Obama justified the "stimulus" because he said it was the only way to keep unemployment below 8%. It topped out at 10.4% and has held at 9.7% for several months.


*President Obama justified bailing out General Motors as the only viable alternative to GM filing for bankruptcy protection. Shortly, after the bailout was approved, GM promptly filed for bankruptcy, and the Obama Administration provided that the unsecured creditors (UAW) were given precedence ahead of secure creditors. The opposite as specified by Federal Bankruptcy Law.


*President Obama compelled Chrysler's sale to Italian auto manufacturer FIAT.


*President Obama has tripled President Bush's outrageous deficit spending, raising our annual budget deficit to a conservative 1.3 trillion dollars.


*President Obama's current spending trajectory will add another ten trillion dollars in debt, rounding out our total debt by the end of the decade to a conservative twenty four trillion dollars.


*President Obama's spending policies by the end of the decade results in our debt equalling ninety percent of our GDP.


*President Obama's health care reform requires individual purchase of said insurance or be subjected to a fine. The IRS, as stated in the legislation is the enforcement agent and has said it will hire upwards of sixteen thousand new IRS agents in order to adequately enforce the individual mandate.


*President Obama's health care reform cuts five hundred billion dollars in Medicare and effectively ends Medicare Advantage.

On Foreign policy:

*President Obama unilaterally scrapped missile defense in Poland and the Czech Republic and received no concessions from Vladimir Putin's Russia in return. Many were expecting a quid pro quo from Putin on nukes in Iran, but as it turns out no such understanding was reached.


*President Obama has offended our greatest ally, Great Britain over a new disputes with Argentina over the Falkland Islands by taking a neutral position, thereby tacitly rebuking our ally.


*President Obama has made no efforts to help dissident opposition to the Ayatollahs in Iran, and in turn isolated the opposition by insisting there was no fundamental difference between the two Iranian factions.


*President Obama has consistently failed to find common accord with China and Russia over the issue of Iranian nukes.


*President Obama suported President Zelaya upon his ouster as Honduran President when it was revealed that Zelaya was plotting to undo Honduras's constitution.


*President Obama has insulted,berated and isolated our great ally in Israel, but has literally bowed to the King of Saudi Arabia.


*President Obama has just agreed to a nuclear arms reduction treaty with Putin's Russia, even going so far as to provide an "out" option for Russia.


*President Obama has committed to reducing our nuclear stockpile and seeking no new nuclear technologies. Since the atomic genie is out of the bottle, will any existing or potential adversaries make a similar commitment?


*President Obama, presumably in an effort to curry favor for tough sanctions on Iran, has delayed release of a Treasury Deptartment review that holds China to be intentionally devaluing its currency, with the intent of undermining our economy.

These are just a handful of observations. President Obama is a nice enough guy, but as Leo Durocher said, "nice guys finish last".

TOP 300 MOVIES OF ALL TIME: #290 "JEZEBEL" (1938)

Directed by William Wyler, "Jezebel" is classic Warner Brothers costume drama. It was widely speculated this film was optioned specifically for Bette Davis, who was passed over in favor of Vivien Leigh for "Gone With the Wind". This film lacks the grandiosity of GOTW, but is high drama in any case.

Bette Davis does not disappoint in the role and would go on to win her second and last Oscar in her performance. It is a tour de force.

The rest of the cast, including Henry Fonda as the leading man and husband is fine, but not overly inspiring. It's a Bette Davis show all way.

TOP 300 MOVIES OF ALL TIME: #291-"THE LIFE OF EMILE ZOLA" (1937)

Directed by William Dieterle, "The Life of Emile Zola" is superior film making. The film starts out tracing the early life of Emile Zola, almost as a montage and moves rapidly towards the seminal moment in Zola's life. The Dreyfuss Affair is at center stage.

Few actors in the history of film equal the raw talent and career as Paul Muni. Muni, gives life to Zola in his indefatigable effort to see justice is done. Joseph Schildkraut won a Supporting Actor Oscar for his role as Captain Dreyfuss, a man falsely accused of spying for the Germans and sentenced to Devil's Island.

It is subtly asserted that Dreyfuss being Jewish is the motive behind the frame and subsequent cover up.

The supporting cast is fine throughout, and this stands tall as one of the great courtroom dramas ever filmed, driven by Emile Zola's pursuit of truth and justice.

TOP 300 MOVIES OF ALL TIME: #292-"BLAZING SADDLES" (1974)

"Blazing Saddles" should speak for itself. Mel Brooks' classic western satire is as funny as they get.

Richard Pryor was going to play the lead role, but was viewed as too much of a risk. Fortunately, Cleavon Little proves up to the task. He's sincere in the role and a great straight man for the rest of the cast. Gene Wilder was always at his best under Mel Brooks's direction and he turns in a great comic performance.

Every great western, even a comic western needs a great villain. The late Harvey Korman, as Hedley Lamarr and Slim Pickens as the hired muscle are fine. Alex Karras, as Mongo has the horse punching scene.

The tour de force performance in this movie, is as always by Madeleine Kahn. She performs a great sendup of Marlene Dietrich's role in "Destry Rides Again". It's an Oscar caliber performance.

This is Mel Brooks at his creative peak.

TOP 300 MOVIES OF ALL TIME: #294-"ANATOMY OF A MURDER" (1959)

Otto Preminger,who directed this classic can be thankful that the final product in some respects redeems what may be the most overrated career as a director in film history. Preminger pushed the buttons in his day,but in seeking to annoy conventional morality of the time,he all too often failed to create enduring,classic,quality films with true substance."Anatomy Of A Murder" is an exception.

Ben Gazzara is on trial for murdering a man who was accused of raping his wife played by Lee Remick.Gazzara is clearly the jealous type and the motive for the murder is in doubt. Enter Jimmy Stewart as his lawyer,and assisted,when sober by Arthur O'Connell.Eve Arden is their secretary.

This movie is notable for controversy in its day because Jimmy Stewart's character places Lee Remick's panties as an exhibit for the defense. Stewart, throughout the film expresses suspicion about his client to Arthur O'Connell, but never permits it to deter an aggressive defense.

George C. Scott plays the prosecutor.He is as always exceptional.He was justly nominated for a Supporting Actor Oscar,but lost out to Hugh Griffith who played the Arab in "Ben-Hur".Eleven years later he would win his Oscar for "Patton",but refuse.Years later,as Roger Ebert recalls at the prodding of his wife,the great Scott admitted he refused his Oscar,because he thought he should've won for "Anatomy Of A Murder".

This is a taut and overtly cynical courtroom drama that is in the highest ranks of the genre.

CIVILITY IN THE AGE OF SELECTIVE OUTRAGE

In the wake of the seemingly interminable debate on health care we have been subject to intense rhetorical flourishes about the motives and very nature of those who hold differing perspectives on the matter.

I have always, at least in general found myself capable of passionate, but certainly civil discourse. In recent years, it has been difficult to express my opinions freely, because I wish to avoid being labeled hateful because I dissent from the prevailing view within the company I keep.

Civility is preached, but is rarely practiced when confidently challenged. The confidence in another's opposing view is often perceived as arrogance and ignorance,and sadly in some quarters labeled as hatemongering. The harsh reality is that many people like myself, who have an eye towards polite, but enlivened dissent all too often are reduced to the same category as those whose expressed opinions are not as evenly tempered.

The origins of our mutual disrespect for each others views are grounded in a hard truth. The most vitriolic voices are often given a pass by individuals who share basic core political beliefs, while not approving their tone or conclusions.

Firstly, I believe it is correct to say that most people including myself all too often tolerate excessive commentary if we share a core sentiment on the issues with the commentator. We tolerate this of ourselves, because we find that those on the opposite side of the spectrum make outrageous accusations and are never held to account. It's a vicious cycle. I choose to ignore one set of intemperant dissent because it is perceived to be held to a higher standard than the alternative equivalent.

Someone, who is generally conservative like myself finds it difficult to keep a level head and tone when so many would resort to degrading my views as rooted in hate,heartlessness and a lack of education. I remain intellectually engaged, but ambivalent in expression. I have come to sense that many are like me. We are frustrated, but cornered by our core beliefs. If we challenge the ramblings of someone like minded, you risk becoming a pet for those in the opposite corner.So no one takes the leap. We do not offer olive branches because we are convinced the other side hates olives.

Selective outrage has been quite the fashion. George Bush as the Joker? That's artistic license and free expression. Barack Obama as the Joker? Well, you would have thought it was the first time a President was so portayed. Barack Obama has been labeled everything from Communist,Marxist and a Socialist. An Obama supporter might be outraged by these labels, just as Bush supporters would be offended at his being called a Fascist. Of course, depending on your point of view you might not find any of it offensive. Frankly, I don't, but I'm a Free Speech, Free Expression absolutist. I would argue that the greater tragedy is that we have permitted our politics to disrespect the office if we dissent with the officeholder.

Humanity, being blessed with reason and the complexity it inspires is balanced by creative and destructive impulses. It is the creative mind that seeks to avoid conflict by engaging others whose perspective might seem counterintuitive at a glance. At present, we are cowed to silently ruminate as we are driven by the most severe sophistry. We seek out the like minded because we are weary of warrantless accusations regarding our heart,our mind,our motives and our objectives.

Civility requires a willingness to engage and put aside the slights that are a natural, even if unintended consequence. It means swallowing our pride. It means a concerted effort across the political and ideological spectrum committed to reasoned,passionate and respectful dialogue without ridicule. I'm not offering, but it does not take an olive branch to bridge the divide. It just takes mutual respect, grounded with the knowledge that our opinions are driven by reason and life experience. Just a suggestion. I'll wait and see in the meantime.

TOP 300 MOVIES OF ALL TIME: #296-"THE FURIES" (1950)

Directed by Anthony Mann, "The Furies" is one of the most underrated films of all time. A western, but not stereotypical of the genre. Mann sets a fine black and white visual. The cast is sterling of course.

Barbara Stanwyck, is the daughter of Walter Huston, a domineering rancher who has promised his empire to Stanwyck. The two have genuine affection for each other, but are in a battle of wills. Walter Huston caps off his film career, in this his final role. As ever he chews up every scene in which he appears.

Wendell Corey is the love interest and provides some stability to Stanwyck, It is clearly one of his best performances. Gilbert Roland, one of Stanwyck's former lovers is a sworn enemy of Huston who robbed his family of their land. His end is perhaps the most memorable scenes of the film.

This is a character study of the first order. Stanwyck, as strong as ever and Huston every bit her match.

TOP 300 MOVIES OF ALL TIME: #297-WHERE EAGLES DARE (1968)

Directed by Brian Hutton and written by Alistair Maclean, from his novel of the same name we find a great if comic book like war movie. Richard Burton and Clint Eastwood star as one Britain and one American leading a select group to rescue an American general being held at at a castle in Bavaria.

The movie is a bit too clever by half, but it doesn't matter. I'd call this a roller coaster ride, but the climactic scene is a fight atop a ski lift over the Bavarian Alps. Mary Ure, an underrated actress in her own right gives able support.

Of course, it shouldn't surprise anyone to know that Burton and Eastwood singlehandedly defeat the NAZIS crack fighting unit. It's so much fun for the watching. Beautifully directed,great action and a perfect movie if you've got a lazy day and need to veg out a bit.

TOP 300 MOVIES OF ALL TIME: #298-THE BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN

There have been many great sequels over time, but "The Bride of Frankenstein" remains among the elite film sequels. Director James Whale may have intended this as a "send up" to the whole concept, but in that regard he failed.

Boris Karloff,of course reprises his role as the monster and generates genuine empathy in his demand for a recreated wife. In the original "Frankenstein",the monster surprisingly was viewed in some respects sympathetically by audiences. Hence, a more human dynamic in this sequel.

Of course, the most memorable scene in the film is that of Elsa Lanchester,playing the monster's bride,who upon being brought back to life howls in horror at the sight of the monster who inspired her very creation. It is one of the most memorable scenes in film history.Many have suggested that this is even better than the original "Frankenstein". Obviously,I don't share this view,but it has a great legacy in any regard.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0026138/

TOP 300 MOVIES OF ALL TIME

THE LIST GOES ON:

299.) EAST OF EDEN (1955)

Directed by the brilliant Elia Kazan,the film adaptation of John Steinbeck's novel reeks with tension.Kazan used James Dean and Raymond Massey's dislike of each other to create genuine disaffection as they played father and son.

Dean,tries desperately to impress his father but fails to find commonality.Complicating his efforts are his brother and his pursuit to find and know his mother,played by Jo Van Fleet in an Oscar winning supporting performance.

This is high melodrama that barely avoids going over the top due to Kazan's deft direction.This is just one of many films that demonstrate complex relationships in a common,almost casual way that marks Kazan as one of the great film makers of all time.

300.) STARS IN MY CROWN (1950)

A highly under rated film and a departure for Director Jacques Tourneur. A western, it stars Joel McCrea as a minister in a small town. This is not a typical western. There is no gunfight. It's a simple, eloquent film that deals with the hazards from tainted well water to racial divisiveness and a couple things in between.

I had never heard of this movie until I came upon it a couple years back and it stayed in my head. The antagonist, if there is one is played by James Mitchell, the town doctor who followed in his father's footsteps. The conflict is between Joel McCrea's faith and Mitchell's disdain for all things religion.

The cast also includes Lewis Stone, Alan Hale Sr., Dean Stockwell and Ed Begley Sr. It is Juano Hernandez, however that is at the center of simmering tensions. A lifelong resident of the town and a freedman, he is being intimidated into selling his property at a fraction of its value or be run out by locals in white hoods and sheets. The end of the movie in resolving the matter is refreshing and as moving as any ever filmed.

Here's a link to more information http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0042998/

OBSERVATIONS ON HEALTH CARE

While I do not support a public option in any government health care "reform", I must admit objectively that it would be more attractive if there was a cap limiting the amount of time a person could remain in a public plan. That was, after all the crux of Welfare Reform.

Welfare, without a cap led to intergenerational,endemic poverty. A public option without similiar caps would have risked citizens becoming permanently fixed in a government run plan. Placing a cap on the duration in a public plan would have provided the incentive to pursue private insurance for the individual. More importantly, it would provide a disincentive for businesses to dump their employees onto a new federal plan.

Welfare Reform was signed by Democratic President Bill Clinton after being passed by a REpublican Congress led by Newt Gingrich and Trent Lott. They found a way to legislate real reform in spite of tremendous political and personal disagreements. It resulted in millions of Americans off the welfare rolls and into the workforce, which in some measure resulted in the economic boom of the mid to late 1990's.

It seems to me that the supporters of health care reform (presently) deprived themselves of the requisite objectivity to overcome larger objections. In short, tunnel vision. They thought they had the votes and discarded as unnecessary the need to placate those opponents who distrust such legislation as incrementally steering the nation towards a single payer, government run universal health care System.

I may be opposed to a public option, but I must admit it would be difficult to oppose such a plan if caps had been proposed on tenure in such a plan. 535 Representatives and Senators, a President and Bureacracy never considered this as a means to reach a compromise?

NFL PICKS/ FINAL WEEK 17

I was 7-8 last week. John was 6-9. I am 118-112-3. John is 108-122-3.

Here are this weeks picks.

1.) BUFFALO at home (-8) vs INDIANAPOLIS
Peyton MAnning won't play long enough
BILLS

2.) CLEVELAND at home (-1) vs JACKSONVILLE
It's gonna be cold in Cleveland & the Jags have little hope
BROWNS

3.) CHICAGO (-3) at DETROIT
Detroit's got nothing left in the tank
BEARS

4.) SAN FRANCISCO (-8) at ST LOUIS
49ERS

5.) PITTSBURG (-3) AT MIAMI
Ricky Williams won't play much and the Steelers must win
STEELERS

6.) Minnesota at home (-8) vs New York Giants
The Giants are out & the Vikings must win and get some momentum back. Also, no Brandon Jacobs
VIKINGS

7.) Tampa Bay at home (-2) vs Atlanta
THE PICK OF THE WEEK!!!! Atlanta wants to end 9-7 to finish two consecutive winning seasons for the first time in its 44 year history.
FAlCONS

8.) Carolina at home (-7) vs New Orleans
Drew Brees gets a rest. They get home field, but the wheels are off the Saints cart.
PANTHERS

9.) Houston at home (-7) vs New England
How long will Tom Brady play? I won't take the Texans
PATS

10.) Dallas at home (-3) vs Philadephia
Knock wood. I cannot remember a time in the Reid/McNabb era when the Eagles lost to a Cowboys team IT HAD TO BEAT.
EAGLES

11.) Denver at home (-10) vs Kansas City
Both Brandon Marshall & Tony Scheffler are sitting & this is a rivalry
CHIEFS TO COVER

12.) Baltimore (-11) at Oakland
RAVENS

13.) Arizona at home (-3) vs Green Bay
Both teams want to rest, so it will be very vanilla. I'm betting Rodgers gets sat before 1st half
CARDINALS

14.) San Diego at home (-4) vs Washington
CHARGERS

15.) Tennessee (-6) at Seattle
For some dumb reason, I decided to play ESPN's Fantasy football this year. The guy I'm facing in the finals has Chris Johnson running against Seattle. NUFF SAID
TITANS

16.) New York Jets at home (-10) vs Cincinnati
JETS

NFL PICKS WEEK 16

2010's picks can be seen with any other comment at the following link: http://wardworldfootball.blogspot.com/


All football related subject can be viewed at 
http://wardworldfootball.blogspot.com/
Me and John were both 5-9-1 last week. I am 111-104-3. John is 102-113-3

THIS WEEKS PICKS ARE:

1.) Atlanta at home (-9) vs Buffalo
FALCONS

2.) Cincinnati at home (-14) vs Kansas City
BENGALS, grudgingly

3.) Cleveland at home (-3) vs Oakland
BROWNS

4.) Green Bay at home (-14) vs Seattle
PACKERS

5.) Miami at home (-3) vs Houston
DOLPHINS

6.) New England at home (-9) vs jacksonville
PATRIOTS

7.) New Orleans at home (-14) vs Tampa Bay
SAINTS

8.) New York Giants at home (-8) vs Carolina
GIANTS

9.) Pittsburg at home (-3) vs Baltimore
RAVENS

10.) Arizona at home (-15) vs St Louis
ARIZONA

11.) San Francisco at home (-13) vs Detroit
49ers

12.) Indianapolis at home (-6) vs New York Jets
COLTS

13.) Philadelphia at home (-7) vs Denver
EAGLES

14.) Dallas at home (-7) vs Washington
How can I can take the Redskins to cover after that MOnday Night debacle?
COWBOYS

15.) Minnesota (-7) at Chicago
VIKINGS

NFL PICKS WEEK 15

I was 11-4 last week. John was 7-8. I am 106-95-2. John is 97-104-2

this weeks' picks are:

1.) New Orleans at home (-8) vs Dallas
The Saints have struggled a bit, even in victory. The Cowboys must win & can run the ball. HMMMMMM
SAINTS

2.) New England (-8) at Buffalo
The Pats only road win came in LONDON against the BUCS. Buffalo has played better. But Randy Moss has something to prove
PATRIOTS

3.) Arizona (-13) at Detroit
What little the Lions had to offer has evaporated
CARDINALS

4.) Tennessee at home (-4) vs Miami)
Miami keeps getting better
DOLPHINS

5.) Kansas City at home (-2) vs Cleveland
Ugh! The Browns had the extras rest
BROWNS

6.) Houston (-13) at St Louis
The Texans might be the only team who could blow an easy mark like this, but they won't
TEXANS

7.) Atlanta (EVEN) at New York Jets
Sanchez will start. Ryan won't. Thomas Jones goes wild
JETS

8.) Philadelphia at home (-8) vs San Francisco
The Niners can run, but if the Eagles get up early, look out. The Niners have the secondary. I don't really like the line, but the Niners don't travel well
EAGLES

9.) Denver at home (-14) vs Oakland
Rivalry at 14 points? Charlie Frye instead of Jamarcus Russell? HMMMMM
RAIDERS to COVER

10.) San Diego at home (-7) vs Cincinnati
How will the Bengals come out and play? Seven looks too high
BENGALS to COVER

11.) Pittsburg at home (-1) vs Green Bay
PACKERS

12.) Seattle (-7) at home vs Tampa Bay
SEAHAWKS

13.) Baltimore at home (-11) vs Chicago
Tough call, but Cutler is Cutler
RAVENS

14.) Minnesota (-9) at Carolina
VIKINGS

15.) New York Giants (-3) at Washington
REDSKINS to cover

NFL PICKS WEEK 14

I was 5-10 last week. John was 7-8. I am 95-91-2 & John is 90-96-2

This weeks picks are

1.) New Orleans (-9) at Atlanta
Atlanta is too beat up
I'll take the Saints

2.) Green Bay (-8) at Chicago
Eight is a lot in a rivalry game & a home dog? Pack coming off big Monday night win?
I'll take the BEARS to cover

3.) Indianapolis at home (-7) vs Denver
Denver is back to running the ball, but the Colts keep rolling
I'll take the COLTS

4.) Kansas City at home (-1) vs Buffalo
The Chiefs avoided their first blackout in 19 years. What little they had seems to be breaking down.
I'll take the BILLS

5.) Minnesota at home (-7) vs Cincinnati
All the Favre haters think he's hit the wall in December. The Bengals can stop the run, but they won't score & haven't been lately anyway
I'll take the VIKINGS

6.) New England at home (-14) vs Carolina
As poorly as the Patriots have played, the Panthers have played John Fox right out of a job.
I'll take the PATRIOTS

7.) New York Jets (-4) at Tampa Bay
If you think the BUCS have a shot, you're nuts. Kellen Clemens will hand it to Thomas Jones who will eviscerate the BUCS
I'll take the JETS

8.) Jacksonville at home (-3) vs Miami
The Jags are too inconsistent & the Dolphins are improving.
I'll take the DOLPHINS

9.) Baltimore at home (-14) vs Detroit
Daunte Culpepper starts & the Lions are least giving it their best. But on the road, even against a struggling Ravens and 14 is too much
I'll take the RAVENS

10.) Houston at home (-7) vs Seattle
Screw Houston
I'll take the SEAHAWKS

11.) Tennessee at home (-13) vs St Louis
The Titans are coming off a tight loss, but the Rams are out of steam.
I'll take the TITANS

12.) Oakland (-1) at Washington
The Raiders a road favorite? Yup
I'll take the RAIDERS

13.) Dallas at home (-3) vs San Diego
Will someone explain to me how the Cowboys are favored?
I'll take the CHARGERS

14.) New York Giants at home vs Philadelphia
The Giants can't cover. If they can't get to Donovan, it'll be a long day. They definitely miss S Kenny Phillips.
I'll take the EAGLES

15.) Arizona (-4) at San Francisco
These teams give each other fits.
I'll take the 49ERS to cover

NFL PICKS WEEK 13

John & Me were both 6-6-1 last week. I am 90-81-2. John is 83-88-1

Here are this week's picks


1.) Philadelphia (-5.5) at Atlanta
No Desean Jacksom or Brian Westbrook, but LeSean McCoy,Jason Avant & Jeremy Maclin can fill the void. No Matt Ryan, no Michael Turner & maybe no Roddy White. THat's a void that won't be filled. Falcons are hurting at the wrong time
I'll take the Eagles

2.) Chicago at home (-9) vs St Louis
Only Jay Cutler could screw this up. The Rams are trying but don't have enough. And Kyle Boller doesn't look better. However, the Rams do give it up on the ground.
I'll take the BEARS, regrettably

3.) Cincinnati at home (-13) vs Detroit
The Bengals have come down to earth a little, but are still 8-3.
I'll take the BENGALS

4.) Indianapolis at home (-7) vs Tennessee
Seven points is inexplicable to me. The Titans are red hot & the Colts have been eking out wins
I'll take the TITANS to cover

5.) Denver (-6) at Kansas City
This is a lot for a rivalry game, but Denver stopped their slide with a dominant win over the Giants & have the extra days rest.
I'll take the BRONCOS

6.) New England (-5) at Miami
There is a temptation to think the Dolphins will run and control the clock, but after their beat down by the Saints on national television, I wouldn't want to be playing the PATS
I'll take the PATS

7.) Pittsburg at home (-15) vs Oakland
Pity the poor Raiders
I'll take the STEELERS

8.) New Orleans (-10) at Washington
Pity the poor Redskins too
I'll take the SAINTS

9.) Carolina at home (-6) vs Tampa Bay
No Jake Delhomme?
I'll take the PANTHERS

10.) Jacksonville at home (-1) vs Houston
Enigmas,enigmas everywhere
I'll take the JAGS

11.) San Diego (-14) at Cleveland
PHFFFFFFFTTTTTTTTTTT
CHARGERS

12.) New York Giants at home (-2) vs Dallas
Hmmmmmm. As inconsistent as the Cowboys are, the Giants are in freefall.
I'll take the COWBOYS

13.) San Francisco (-2) at Seattle
Everyone's focused on bad first year coach Eric Mangini in Cleveland, but what about the horrid performance by Jim Mora in Seattle?
I'll take the 49ers

14.) Minnesota (-3) at Arizona
The Cardinals are a better road team.The Vikings keep getting better
I'll take the VIKINGS

15.) Green Bay at home (-3) vs Baltimore
The Packers are blocking better & I don't like the Ravens on the road
I'll take the Packers

NFL PICKS WEEK 12

I was 1-2 & John was 2-1 over Thanksgiving. I am 84-75-1 & John is 77-82-1

This week's picks are:

1.) ATLANTA AT HOME (-13) VS TAMPA BAY
Josh Freeman looks good, but he's too much a rookie on a team in disarray
I'll take the FALCONS

2.) Miami (-4) at BUFFALO
The Bills are ready to give up if they haven't already.
I'll take the DOLPHINS

3.) CINCINNATI AT HOME (-14) VS CLEVELAND
Eric Mangini should be jettisoned by Browns ownership
I'll take the BENGALS

4.) SEATTLE (-4) AT ST LOUIS
The Rams can run, but Marc Bulger is out. Dog of a game
I'll take the SEAHAWKS, grudgingly

5.) NEW YORK JETS AT HOME (-3) VS CAROLINA
The Jets seems to be in a state of panic and freefall.
I'll take the PANTHERS

6.) PHILADELPHIA AT HOME (-9) VS WASHINGTON
I don't like nine points in a rivalry game, but the Skins are hurting in key places
I'll take the EAGLES

7.) INDIANAPOLIS (-4) At HOUSTON
Everyone loves to jump on Houston's bandwagon, but it got lighter this week
I'll take the COLTS

8.) SAN DIEGO AT HOME (-14) VS KANSAS CITY
I don't like fourteen points in rivalry games either, but the Chargers are getting better,healthier and scarier.
I'll take the CHARGERS

9.) SAN FRANCISCO AT HOME (-4) VS JACKSONVILLE
How do the Jags travel out to the west coast?
I'll take the 49ers to cover

10.) TENNESSEE AT HOME (-3) VS ARIZONA
We all love the Vince Young story. Really. The Cardinals in un Cardinal like fashion are 5-0 on the road this year. Like the Chargers, they are quietly getting better,healthier & scarier. LOOK OUT.
I'll take the CARDINALS

11.) MINNESOTA AT HOME (-11) VS CHICAGO
The Vikings momentum continues
I'll take the VIKINGS

12.) BALTIMORE AT HOME (PICK) VS PITTSBURG
Dennis Dixon gets his first start at QB in the NFL. The Raven defense may not be what it used to be, but it still serves up young quarterbacks.
I'll take the RAVENS

13.) NEW ORLEANS AT HOME (-3) VS NEW ENGLAND
Hmmmmmmm. Flip a coin.
I'll take the PATRIOTS

Thanksgiving Day Picks

I was 10-5 last week. John was 4-11!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am 83-73-1 & John is 75-81-1

Here are this weeks Thanksgiving Day picks

1.) GREEN BAY (-12) AT DETROIT
No Matthew Stafford and maybe no Calvin Johnson. That said the Packers failed to cover last week at home. Even though the Lions have been getting creamed on Turkey Day, my guess is that 12 points is too much.
I'll take the LIONS to cover

2.) DALLAS AT HOME (-14) VS OAKLAND
The Cowboys have only score 14 points in the last two weeks & the Raiders have a very good secondary. Call me a fool, but 14 points seems like too much too.
I'll take the RAIDERS to cover

3.) NEW YORK GIANTS (-7) AT DENVER
Denver has been in freefall. The Giants very nearly gave away their fifth straight win after a bye week. Now, they have to fly out to Denver in that altitude on a short week?
I'll take the BRONCOS to cover