NFL PICKS WEEK 11

I was 6-7-1 last weel. John was 5-8-1. I am 73-68-1. John is 71-70-1

This week picks are:

1.) DALLAS AT (-11) VS WASHINGTON
The Redskins may be disappointing but the Cowboys are unpredictable in a bad way. Eleven points even in Dallas is too much for this rivalry.
I'll take the REDSKINS to cover

2.) DETROIT AT HOME (-4) VS CLEVELAND
Cleveland has nothing to offer officially now that Josh Cribbs is out. Detroit at home before their traditional Thanksgiving DAy game.
I'll take the LIONS

3.) GREEN BAY AT HOME (-7) VS SAN FRANCISCO
The Packers always play well at home and stunned everyone by beating the Cowboys. But, they still casn't block & Mike Singletary will bring the heat. Not to mention a steady diet of Frank Gore.
I'll take 49ers to cover

4.) Pittsburg (-10) at Kansas City
The Chiefs don't have enough, but Coach Haley is getting as much blood from that stone as can be expected.
I'll take the STEELERS

5.) MINNESOTA AT HOME (-11) VS SEATTLE
Seattle was overrated coming into this season. Not as much talent as they thought.
I'll take the VIKINGS

6.) NEW YORK GIANTS AT HOME (-7) VS ATLANTA
Both teams have hit hard times. Both have had harder schedules, especially the Falcons. Home or not, I think seven is too much for the Giants as their secondary can be exploited.
I'll take the FALCONS to cover

7.) NEW ORLEANS (-11) AT TAMPA BAY
The Bucs have found a bright future with rookie QB Josh Freeman and the Bucs have played well, their record aside. Reggie Bush is out, but the Saints still have too much.
I'll take the SAINTS

8.) JACKSONVILLE AT HOME (-9) VS BUFFALO
The Bills just fired Head Coach Dick Jauron. They don't travel well
I'll take the JAGS

9.) BALTIMORE AT HOME (-2) VS INDIANAPOLIS
The Colts a dog?
I'll take the COLTS

10.) ARIZONA (-9) AT ST LOUIS
The Rams can run with Steven Jackson. Head Coach Steve Spagnuolo has like Todd Haley in KC gotten as much as he can out of this team.
I'll take the CARDINALS

11.) DENVER AT HOME (-4) VS SAN DIEGO
Momentum just isn't with Josh McDaniels and the Broncos. The Chargers look like they're getting better and about to peak. Add to that a hobbled Kyle Orton and I don't see a Broncos win. Even so, four points is way too much
I'll take the CHARGERS

12.) Cincinnati (-10) at OAKLAND
The Jamarcus Russell era ends. The Bruce Gradkowski era begins?
I'll take the BENGALS

13.) New ENGLAND AT HOME (-11) VS NEW YORK JETS
Rivalry says eleven is too much, but after Belichick's Bizarro World play calling last week, I would not want to be the Jets.
I'll take the PATRIOTS

14.) PHILADELPHIA (-3) AT CHICAGO
How's Jay Cutler look now as a franchise QB?
I'll take the EAGLES

15.) HOUSTON AT HOME (-5) VS TENNESSEE
The Titans are hot. The Texans are off a bye week. Five is too much
I'll take the TITANS

NFL PICKS WEEK 10

I was 8-5 last week. John was 7-6. I am 67-61. John is 66-62.


THIS WEEKS PICKS ARE:


1.) TENNESSEE AT HOME (-8) OVER BUFFALO
Vince Young has brought a lot more energy to the Titans and it shows.
I'll take the TITANS

2.) NEW ORLEANS (-14) VS ST LOUIS
The Rams can run, but not enough.
I'll take the SAINTS

3.) MIAMI AT HOME (-10) OVER TAMPA BAY
Joey Porter is sitting this one out. Ten looks like too much as the Fish have played too many close games.
I'll take the BUCS to cover

4.) MINNESOTA AT HOME (-17) VS DETROIT
The Vikings are coming off a bye week.
I'll take the VIKINGS

5.) NEW YORK JETS AT HOME (-7) VS JACKSONVILLE
Seven points is high. The Jets are off a bye week
I'll take the JETS, grudgingly

6.) PITTSBURG AT HOME (-7) VS CINCINATI
The Bengals won in dramatic fashion earlier in the year & the Steelers are looking to even the score. The Steelers are in a short week from a tough road win in Denver. The Bengals play close in those odd years they win more than they lose.
I'll take the BENGALS to cover

7.) DENVER (-4) AT WASHINGTON
The Broncos are on a short week after a tough loss to the Steelers. Fortunately, they're playing the Redskins.
I'll take the BRONCOS

8.) Atlanta (-2) at Carolina
I'll take the FALCONS

9.) OAKLAND (-2) AT HOME VS KANSAS CITY
The Raiders won the early match. Can the Chiefs exact revenge?
I'll take the CHIEFS

10.) Dallas (-3) at Green Bay
The Packers are losing the trenches and mediocre as a result
I'll take the COWBOYS

11.) Arizona at home (-9) over Seattle
I'll take the CARDINALS

12.) San Diego (-1) at home vs Philadelphia
The Eagles flying to the west coast again. Last time with an embarrassing defeat in Oakland. Will Andy Reid commit to the run to shake the pass rush?.
I'll take the EAGLES

13.) INDIANAPOLIS AT HOME (-3) OVER NEW ENGLAND
Here we go again. The Colts are finding ways to win and are laying at a professional life as if by clockwork.
I'll take the COLTS

14.) BALTIMORE (-11) AT CLEVELAND
A testament to Eric Mangini's incompetence. Everyone thought the Browns had two franchise QB's, but he's ruined both franchises.
I'll take the RAVENS

NFL PICKS, WEEK 9

I was 8-5 last week. John was 7-6. I am 60-55. John is 57-54 (?) I'll check the math later. That doesn't add up. It didn't last week either. I will correct before next week

UPON FURTHER REVIEW WE ARE BOTH 59-56 FOR THE SEASON


This weeks' picks are:

1.) ATLANTA AT HOME (-10) OVER WASHINGTON
The Redskins can't score. The Falcons are just better
I'll take the FALCONS

2.) Chicago at home (-3) over Arizona
Warner got his 5 INT week out of the way last week.
I'll take the CARDINALS

3.) Baltimore (-3) at Cincinnati
The Bengals are coming off a bye week.
I'll take the BENGALS

4.) Indianapolis at home (-9) vs Houston
Too many points
I'll take the TEXANS to cover.

5.) New England at home (-11) over Miami
The Patriots are off a bye week & Chad Henne gets exposed
I'll take the PATRIOTS

6.) Green Bay (-10) at Tampa Bay
Really? Just 10??? I'll take the PACKERS

7.) Jacksonville at home (-7) vs Kansas City
The Chiefs are off a bye. Jacksonville steps up.
I'll take the JAGS

8.) Seattle at home (-10) vs Detroit
The Lions can't stop the Seahawks running game, but at least they're not at home
I'll take the SEAHAWKS

9.) New Orleans at home (-14) vs Carolina
I'll take the SAINTS

10.) New York Giants at home (-5) vs San Diego
I don't see the Giants covering.
I'll take the CHARGERS to cover

11.) San Francisco at home (-5) vs Tennessee
TITANS to cover

12.) Philadelphia at home (-3) vs Dallas
I'll take the EAGLES

13.) Pittsburg (-3) at Denver
Did Denver meet their Waterloo last week? Are they about to reverse course? The Steelers are off a bye week.
I'll take the STEELERS

NFL PICKS WEEK 8

I was 6-7, John was 7-6. I Am 52-50 & John is 50-48 for the season

This weeks picks are:


1.) Houston (-4) at Buffalo
The Texans are on a roll and much better than the Delhollme led Panthers
I'll take the TEXANS

2.) Chicago at home (-14) vs Cleveland
The Bears were thumped the last two times out. The Browns have modest success running the ball, but not IN Chicago.
I'll take the BEARS

3.) Dallas at home (-10) vs Seattle
10 points is a lot, even at home. The Seahawks are coming off a bye week, The Cowboys took it to the Falcons. The Cowboys, however are inconsistent.
I'll take the SEAHAWKS to cover.

4.) Detroit at home (-4) vs St Louis
This is the best chance for the Rams to win. The Lions are coming off a bye week, but 4 points is a lot against a Rams team that still has Steven Jackson
I'll take the RAMS to cover

5.) Indianapolis at home (-14) vs San Francisco
Alex Smith gets the start at QB for San Francisco. He gave them a late spark against the Texans, but the Colts are much better. The 49ers don't have ENOUGH defense to stop the Colts, even at 14.
I'll take the COLTS

6.) New York Jets at home (-4) vs Miami
This is a rivalry and 4 is too many
I'll take the DOLPHINS to cover

7.) Philadelphia at home (-2) vs New York Giants
Without Westbrook at 100% it is difficult projecting an Eagles victory. Can the Eagles block Justin Tuck like they did not Richard Seymour? Can Donovan get set to get deep on a suspect Giants secondary? These games turn on weird plays.
I'll take the EAGLES

8.) Baltimore at home (-3) vs. Denver
Both teams are coming off a bye week. This seems like a bad match for Denver, but all six teams they've beaten were bad matches. Can Baltimore give Flacco the protection to get the ball deep?
I'll take the BRONCOS

9.) Tennessee at home (-3) vs Jacksonville
Both teams are off a bye week too.Vinve Young gets a start. The Titans are too good to be winless & I've got a gut feeling
I'll take the TITANS

10.) San Diego at home (-17) vs Oakland
17 points in a divisional rivalry? Why not?
I'll take the CHARGERS

11.) Arizona at home (-11) vs Carolina
I'll take the CARDINALS

12.) Green Bay at home (-3) vs Minnesota
The Packers still cant block Jared Allen
I'll take the VIKINGS

13.) New Orleans at home (-11) vs Atlanta
I'm tired of waiting on someone to show up the Saints
I'll take the SAINTS

NFL PICKS WEEK 7

I was 6-8 last week & John was 4-10. I am 46-43 for the season & John is 43-46

This weeks picks are:

1.) Houston at home (-3.5) over San Francisco
Houston actually won a road game last week, but the Niners are coming off a bye. Houston is tough at home, but is historically inconsistent, therefore perenially mediocre. Can the Niners get to Matt Schaub? The loss of Frank Gore is effecting the Niners.
I'll take the TEXANS

2.) San Diego (-4.5) at Kansas City
Tough loss on Monday night for the Chargers. The Chiefs play hard and with confidence, but they still don't have the Chargers talent.
I'll take the CHARGERS

3.) Indianapolis (-13) at St Louis
I'll take the COLTS

4.) New England (-14) VS Tampa Bay in London
I'll take the PATS. What an abysmal game for the BRITS

5.) Pittsburg (-4) at home VS Minnesota
Is this the Vikings Waterloo? Rashard Mendenhall has stepped up & Polamalu is back. But Aaron Smith is out for the season.
I'll take the VIKINGS to cover

6.) Green Bay (-6.5) at Cleveland
PACKERS

7.) Carolina at home (-7) vs Buffalo
Buffalo does not travel
I'll take the PANTHERS to even their record

8.) New York Jets (-6.5) at Oakland
Will the Jets adjust to Richard Seymour the way the Eagles did not? Mark Sanchez has come down to earth. Will he right himself against a very good Raiders secondary with merely adequate wideouts while they blitz him all day? 6.5 is too much
I'll take the RAIDERS

9.) Cincinnati at home (-2.5) vs. Chicago
Cincinnati came down to earth against Houston last week. Chicago lost a competetive game against a better Atlanta team, but Chicago always seems to lose the highly contested close games in recent years. Cedric Benson is on a mission as well
I'll take the BENGALS

10.) Dallas at home (-3) over Atlanta
HUH????????????? Cowboys are coming off a bye week, but the Falcons are clearly the better football team! Bizarre
I'll take the FALCONS

11.) New Orleans (-6.5) at Miami
Do I dare pick against the Saints again? It's in Miami, the Dolphins can run the ball against anybody. It may depend on which team wins the coin toss and can score first. I like the Dolphins to run hard.
I'll take the DOLPHINS to cover

12.) New York Giants at home (-7) over Arizona
Seven is a lot, but the Giants are looking to rebound
I'll take the GIANTS

13.) Philadelphia (-6.5) at Washington
Thankfully, Richard Seymour does not play for the Redskins. Rivalry or not, the Skins are just dreadful.
I'll take the Eagles

NFL PICKS WEEK 6

We were both 8-6 this week. I am 40-35 & John is 39-36.

Picks this week:

1.) CINCINNATI AT HOME (-4.5) OVER HOUSTON
Houston is explosive, but the Bengals defense is one of the best at this point.
I'LL TAKE THE BENGALS

2.) GREEN BAY (-11) AT HOME OVER DETROIT
The Packers are coming off a bye, but the Lions are playing confidently.
I'll take the LIONS to cover

3.) JACKSONVILLE AT HOME (-10) OVER ST. LOUIS
JAGS

4.) MINNESOTA AT HOME (-3) OVER BALTIMORE
Baltimore's defense is not as vaunted as it used to be and I'm not confidfent their offense can make up the difference
I'll take the VIKINGS

5.) NEW ORLEANS AT HOME (-3) OVER NEW YORK GIANTS
The Saints are coming off a bye week. The Giants offense is ideally suited for handling the Saints. Ball control & clock management will keep Brees & Co. on the sidelines.
I'll take the GIANTS

6.) PITTSBURG AT HOME (-13.5) OVER CLEVELAND
Can Eric Mangini deflate the Browns enough that they will roll over for this historic rivalry? The Steelers are hurting.
I'll take the BROWNS to cover.

7.) CAROLINA (-3) OVER TAMPA BAY
PANTHERS

8.) WASHINGTON AT HOME (-6) OVER KANSAS CITY
The Redskins don't cover against anyone
I'll take the Chiefs to cover

9.) Philadelphia (-14) at Oakland
EAGLES

10.) Seattle at home (-3) over Arizona
SEAHAWKS

11.) NEW ENGLAND AT HOME (-9.5) OVER TENNESSEE
PATRIOTS

12.) NEW YORK JETS AT HOME (-9.5) OVER BUFFALO
jets

13.) ATLANTA AT HOME (-3) OVER CHICAGO
falcons

14.) SAN DIEGO AT HOME (-3.5) OVER DENVER
THE CHARGERS ARE COMING OFF A BYE WEEK, BUT 3.5 IS TOO MUCH IN A DIVISION GAME ON NATIONAL TELEVISION.
I'll take the BRONCOS

HOLLYWOOD & HARVEY WEINSTEIN: COWARDS AND RAPIST SYMPATHIZERS

"WHATEVER YOU THINK OF HIS "SO CALLED" CRIME, POLANSKI HAS SERVED HIS TIME"

Those are the immortal words of Hollywood heavyweight Harvey Weinstein. He goes on.

"HOLLYWOOD HAS THE BEST MORAL COMPASS, BECAUSE IT HAS COMPASSION".

Compassion for a man who drugged and raped a 13 year old girl.

Mr. Weinstein, has initiated a petition to demand the release of Roman Polanski from a Swiss jail and deny a request by Los Angeles County Prosecutors' that he be extradited. Among the signatories (100 or more now) are Harrison Ford,Martin Scorcese,Jonathan Demme,Tilda Swinton,Salman Rushdie, etc.

It is unlikely, given the furor that has ensued that other big name celebrities will sign.

Harvey Weinstein and all those who sign the petition can only properly be labeled as "rapist sympathizers". How else to explain support for such a degenerate criminal as Roman Polanski?

Is it possible they just don't know the facts? Maybe. But why sign onto something without a clear understanding of the facts? Ignorance is no defense. If not ignorance, it is indifferent to the charges for which he pled guilty. If it is indifference, that speaks for itself.

Moreover, there is a deafening silence from many other celebrities. You can almost hear the crickets chirp in the absence of expressed outraged in the effort to free Mr. Polanski. After all, what right thinking person with an iota of conscience could remain silent in the midst of such a vile effort to free a vile man?

Harvey Weinstein and Martin Scorcese are powerful and influential men in Hollywood. They can "make you or break you". The silence of our celebrity culture demonstrates a willingness to sacrifice human dignity on the altar of self preservation. They turn a blind eye to criminality, if those who hold sway seek to shelter the criminal. The influence of these two men, among others have cowed the conscience of an entire community. Those in Hollywood who remain silent for fear of career retribution are guilty of possessing a tragic character flaw: COWARDICE

What a wonderful world Hollywood is. A community consisting of cowards and those who sympathize with rapists.

NFL PICKS WEEK 4

I FINISHED 11-5 & JOHN FINISHED 10-6. WE ARE BOTH 26-21 FOR THE SEASON.

THIS WEEKS PICKS ARE:


1.)CHICAGO AT (-10.5) OVER DETROIT

DETROIT IS RIDING A HIGH. IS IT ENOUGH TO COVER? I THINK SO.
I'LL TAKE THE LIONS TO COVER

2.)CINCINNATI (-4.5) OVER CLEVELAND AT CLEVELAND
CLEVELAND IS IN TOTAL DISARRAY.
I'LL TAKE THE BENGALS

3.)HOUSTON AT HOME (-9.5) OVER OAKLAND
Gary Kubiak is reportedly on the hot seat this week. The Texans are an enigma. The Raiders are just strange, but on the road, they're abysmal.
I'll take the Texans

4.)INDIANAPOLIS (-10.5)AT HOME OVER SEATTLE
If this was in Seattle, the line would be too high. Can the Colts cover 10.5 without Dwight Freeney? g with the points
I'll take the SEAHAWKS to cover, but lose

5.)TENNESSEE (-2.5) AT JACKSONVILLE
I would not want to be the Jags facing an 0-3 Titans. I don't see them going 0-4
I'LL TAKE THE TITANS.

6.)NEW YORK GIANTS (-9) AT KANSAS CITY
GIANTS

7.)NEW ENGLAND (-2) AT HOME OVER BALTIMORE
BALTIMORE WINS OUTRIGHT

8.)WASHINGTON (-7.5) OVER TAMPA BAY
As bad as the Redskins have played, the Bucs can't stay with them. I think. Maybe.Probably
I'LL TAKE THE REDSKINS

9.)BUFFALO (-1) AT MIAMI
The Bills on the road? Chad Henne? Miami in October? Flip a coin.
I'll take the Dolphins

10.)NEW ORLEANS (-6.5) AT HOME OVER NEW YORK JETS
The Saints can score, but soft on defense. They've also lost Jamaal Brown to block. Look for the Jets to take advantage of it. They will also eat the clock and keep Brees on the sideline. 6.5 is too much
I'll take the JETS

11.)DALLAS (-3) AT DENVER
Denver has been criticized for easy wins. Contenders beat the teams they're supposed to beat. They won't contend, but they will win a lot under the much maligned Josh McDaniels. The Cowboys will prove to be a bad road team and it starts to prove in Denver. The signing of Brian Dawkins by Denver pays huge dividends this week, as Mr. Dawkins has a history of handling the Cowboys. Look for his influence and presence in a dominant fashion.
I'll take the BRONCOS

12.)SAN FRANCISCO AT HOME (-10) OVER ST. LOUIS
Interesting matchup. The Rams, believe it or not rallied under Kyle Boller's leadership after Marc Bulger went down last week. Steve Spagnuolo has them playing as hard as they can. It's not enough.
I'll take the 49ers

13.)PITTSBURGH AT HOME (-6) OVER SAN DIEGO
High line for two championship caliber teams. The Chargers under achieve, and the Steelers have a hangover. I don't like 6, even if they fly across the country.
I'll take the Chargers to cover.

14.)Minnesota at home (-3) over Green Bay

The Packers have no shot! They can't protect Aaron Rodgers, Ryan Grant is uninspiring and as good as Rodgers is, his WR's don't lay out for him like they did Favre. Look for A.P. to get back on track.

I'll take the VIKINGS

Roman Polanski and Hollwood

Harvey Fierstein,Martin Scorcese,Woody Allen,Harrison Ford, along with many others in Hollywood are outraged that Swiss authorities have detained Director Roman Polanski with the intent of extraditing him to Los Angeles. Polanski pled guilty in 1977 to raping a 13 year old girl. He gave her alcohol,qualudes and then raped her vaginally and anally. The girl pleaded for him to stop and he did not. While on bail, he fled the country and has been there ever since.

Apparrently, the criminal depravity of a film director is to be excused if he makes good movies. Apparrently, in Hollywood's mind, raping a 13 year old is acceptable if you direct such "classics" as "Rosemary's Baby", "Chinatown" & "The Pianist". If some young black man from South Central Los Angeles had committed this crime would Hollywood rally to them? No,of course not. Only "artists" are above the law I guess.

Whoopi Goldberg said he did not what she called "commit 'rape rape'". What does that mean? How can anybody, much less a host on a show dedicated to "the View" of women excuse such premeditated predatory crimes?

Hollywood has a penchant for expressing elitist sentiments grounded in contempt for the common man which it deems unworthy of consideration in the shadow of their "genius". How else can one explain a willingness to support such a villain as Polanski?

Such a strong and narcissistic expression of support for Polanski best represents how disconnected the film community in Hollywood is from reality,common sense and simple human dignity. It is shameful. They ought to be ashamed. They are not embarassed or ashamed and will no doubt lecture the common folk on the folly of superstitious morality.

It's time we stopped supporting enterprises that endorse a man who raped a 13 year old girl.

NFL PICKS WEEK 3

John went 9-7 last week. I was 8-8. He is 16-15 on the season & I am 15-16

This weeks picks are


1.)BALTIMORE AT HOME (-13) OVER CLEVELAND

The Browns can't score. It's just that simple. 13 is a lot, but a new high powered Ravens offense at home with their defense against an anemic Browns offense?
I'LL TAKE THE RAVENS

2.)NEW YORK GIANTS AT TAMPA (-7) OVER TAMPA BAY

The Bucs are awful in the secondary. The Giants have holes that have yet to be exploited, but the Bucs won't exploit them either.
I'LL TAKE THE GIANTS

3.)GREEN BAY AT ST LOUIS (-6.5) OVER ST LOUIS

The Pack just lost Chad Clifton & they can't protect Rodgers at RT. Three sacks by Ogunleye & Five sacks by Antwan Odom. That's 8 sacks altogether from the right side. The Packers are better than the Redskins who did not cover, but a weak point can be exploited.
I'LL TAKE THE RAMS TO COVER

4.)PHILADELPHIA AT HOME (-8.5) OVER KANSAS CITY.

Forget the Vick hype. The Chiefs can't block. If you can't block at all, in Philly, on the road against a zone blitz package, you have no shot. They'll hang for a little while, but not long enough.
I'LL TAKE THE EAGLES

5.)NEW ENGLAND AT HOME (-4) OVER ATLANTA

This might be the week that the Patriots finally break out. The Falcons are developing a swagger and confidence level.
I'LL TAKE THE FALCONS TO COVER

6.)MINNESOTA AT HOME (-6.5) OVER SAN FRANCISCO

Minnesota starts slow but makes up for it. The 49ers are riding high but overachieving.
I'LL TAKE THE 49ERS TO COVER

7.)HOUSTON AT HOME (-4.5) OVER JACKSONVILLE

The Jags are done. Del Rio is finished.Texans on a roll.
I'LL TAKE THE TEXANS

8.)WASHINGTON (-6.5) AT DETROIT

This game is blacked out in Detroit, and Jason Campbell stinks as a QB for the Redskins. Many people will b e tempted to take the Lions, given the strange performance of the Redskins. I can't bring myself to do that yet.
I'll take the Redskins, regrettably

9.)NEW YORK JETS AT HOME (-2.5) OVER TENNESSEE

The Titans are a surprising 0-2 against a better Jets team. Enigmas
I'll take the JETS

10.)NEW ORLEANS (-4.5) AT BUFFALO
PFFFFTTTTT!!!
I'LL TAKE THE SAINTS

11.)CHICAGO (-1.5) OVER SEATTLE AT SEATTLE
I'll take the Bears

12.)Pittsburgh (-4.5) at Cincinnati
The Bengals are playing very good defense. The spread is too high
I'll take the Bengals to cover

13.)Oakland at home (-2.5) over Denver
I'll take the Broncos

14.)SAN DIEGO AT HOME (-6) OVER MIAMI

The Chargers start lackluster under Norv Turner every year.
I'll take the DOLPHINS to cover

15.)ARIZONA AT HOME (-2) OVER INDIANAPOLIS
ILL TAKE THE COLTS

16.)DALLAS AT HOME (-9.5) OVER CAROLINA
ILL TAKE THE PANTHERS TO COVER

THE UKRAINE & GEORGIA: PRESENT AND FUTURE (?)

January 17, 2010. Mark it on your calender! Why? As inconsequential as it may seem to us, that is the day the Ukraine holds its Presidential election.

In 2004 Viktor Yushchenko was elected President in a run off election, defeating the Russian backed candidate, Viktor Yanukovych. It was a run off ordered by the courts due to substantial voter fraud in the initial polling. It has been assumed and likely correct that the Russian party rigged the election. But, in what is now called the "Orange Revolution", the Ukrainian people elected the pro western Yushchenko.

In September 2004, Yushchenko was rushed to Austria for an illness that was later determined to be "Dioxin Poisoning", and was permanently disfigured as a result. Lacking evidence, no one has ever been charged, but suspicion falls on former Russian KGB.

The 2004 election in the Ukraine was met with enthusiasm in the west and pressure was applied to ensure an accurate outcome. Will President Obama continue to support a Ukrainian administration that is seeking genuine independence? Will he seek assurances that Vladimir Putin and his cronies do not unduly affect an inaccurate outcome? President Obama's decision to alter defense agreements with Poland and the Czech Republic quite obviously embolden Vladimir Putin's designs to restore the hegemony of the former Soviet Union.

We are a little more than a year from Russia's invasion of Georgia in August of 2008. The invasion of Georgia was initiated on the pretext of protecting ethnic Russians in the Georgian breakaway Republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The Russians have officially recognized both as independent nations. It was revealed today that Russia has now established treaties that provide bases in both "Republics". This violates the cease fire from 2008. It has received little attention.

Georgia and the Ukraine at present have a tenuous hold on a genuine democratic government. The alteration of defense agreements with Poland and the Czech Republic, besides emboldening Putin, energizes pro Russian advocates in both Ukraine and Georgia and undermines Pro western, Pro Democracy regimes. A pro Russia regime in either or both countries would effectively end the autonomy of both nations.

President Obama, like President Bush before him in 2004, with our NATO allies must be certain of an accurate outcome on January 17th 2010. We must have strong monitors to insure their validity. The struggle and triumph of the Cold War must not be undone for lack of vigilance at a moment when the forces of oppression seek to reinstate old dominions and reinvigorate historic divisions.

It may SEEM inconsequential, but mark it down anyway.

ASSESSING UNITED STATES FOREIGN POLICY IN EASTERN EUROPE

Yesterday, President Obama and Defense Secretary Robert Gates publicly scrapped a land based missile defense system for our allies in Poland and the Czech Republic. It should be noted that President Obama's decision to retain Robert Gates at defense has momentarily given him cover on this matter. It was after all Secretary Gates who presented the option to former President Bush and he is on board with the President in scrapping it.

One must be fair and note that the President has not suggested that our allies will be denied missile defense. The details are unknown yet, but it has been stated that mobile land defense and sea based AEGIS defense will likely be the alternative to a fixed missile defense. This move is prompted in the belief that the threats to Eastern Europe are short and medium range missiles, not long range missiles as has been speculated of Iran.

The President's decision has been met with a stunning measure of silence from our allies in Eastern Europe. The original missile defense plan was ostensibly approved in principle to defend against long range missiles from Iran. Russia was dismissive of this notion. Vladimir Putin has long supported providing nuclear technologies to Iran, publicly stating his belief that the Ayatollahs of Iran have only the most peaceful of intentions. He therefore has suggested that a missile defense is actually designed to be offensive and intended for use in a future conflict with Russia.

It would be naive to dismiss Vladimir Putin's concerns out of hand. A missile defense system in Poland and the Czech Republic could after all deflect any aggressive actions by Russia in the region. If that were his intention. Clearly, I do believe Eastern Europe given the harsh conditions for 40 years under Soviet occupation, is seeking to check any "potential" Putin designs.

Vladimir Putin is not an idiot. He clearly understands that the Ayatollahs in Iran are not pursuing nuclear technology for exclusively peaceful objectives. Such a notion if it is to believed can only be rationalized by the naive and foolish.

Where does this leave us? The terrible reality of this decision by President Obama is that it raises historic fears in Poland and the Czech Republic that once again they are about to be abandoned. If there is to be an alternative defense plan presented, why not provide details of the alternatives alongside the announcement? Our allies deserve to have some peace of mind. The failure to provide a bona fide alternative has undermined confidence in the President's leadership and our commitment to them, our allies.

There is a larger issue at hand. It has been speculated that missile defense could be used as a bargaining chip in return for Russian guarantees to support stronger sanctions against Iran. The following questions must be asked: First, was there an agreement reached with Putin for increased sanctions on Iran? If the answer is yes, then the decision can credibly be defended, at least in a geopolitical context.
If, on the other hand this decision was reached without any tacit understanding from Russia, then why not hold out for one?

How will this be interpreted by Vladimir Putin? If, you believe as I do that Putin fancies himself as a 21st Century Peter the Great, then he clearly views this decision by our President as a sign of weakness. If one holds an inexplicably high opinion of Putin, in spite of the body of evidence to the contrary, well good luck with that.

Vladimir Putin has accomplished more than he likely thought possible. He continues to support Iranian nuclear enhancement, thereby complicitly endangering world peace. Until our President provides a viable alternative to our former defense agreement with Poland, it can quite reasonably be determined that it has empowered both Vladimir Putin, the Ayotollahs in Iran and risks extending their influence well beyond their present capacity.

It may be quite unfair and perhaps inaccurate, but I suspect Mr. Putin and his buddies in Tehran are sipping a little champagne and celebrating an unexpected,inexplicable and potentially incendiary victory.

POLAND: A HISTORY of BETRAYAL & ABANDONMENT

In light of yesterday's events, I'm going to recite a brief history of Modern Poland as a baseline to express genuine concern over President Obama's decision to forgo prior missile defense agreements with Poland and the Czech Republic.

Poland, has a storied history as a great Medieval country that tragically ended in 1795 when the Kingdoms of Russia,Prussia, and Austria divided up the remains and annexed the country for themselves. Of all these, Austria is the most notable, because it was in 1683 that Polish King Jan Sobieski relieved the Austrian capital of Vienna from an Ottoman army that was breaching its walls. He came to the aid of a sometimes enemy and spared them occupation and annihilation under the Turks. Austria would never repay the favor.

At the end of World War I and the terms of the Treaty of Versailles, Poland was recreated as a nation. A nearly forgotten chapter in Polish history is the war fought with Lenin's Russia between 1918-1921 just as Poland was in rebirth. For nearly two weeks in August 1920, The Poles fought Russian troops advancing on their capital Warsaw and delivered a crushing defeat to the new Bolshevik army. The rest of the world caught in a "red scare" hysteria breathed a sigh of relief as any territorial ambition by the new Soviet Union were checked by Pilsudski's Polish Army. Once again the West, as at Vienna was spared an invasion, this time by an ideologically driven Russian Army.

The new Polish nation, between the World Wars secured defensive alliances with Great Britain and France. They were guaranteed that both great nations would come to their defense if attacked. They were wrong. On September 1st, 1939, Adolph Hitler unleashed his "Blitzkrieg" for the first time to an astonished world. France and Great Britain declared war to honor their pact with Poland, but decided to hide behind France's Maginot Line and offered no immediate aid to their Polish allies. As Poland fought vainly but valiantly against the Nazi war machine, they were met with more duplicity when Stalin's Russia invaded on September 17th 1939. Stalin and Hitler, the ultimate Fascist and Communist had agreed to once again divide and partition Poland.

Poland and Russia have a centuries old hatred and animosity. Their modern relationship has its origins with the Katyn Forest Massacre. On March 5th, 1940 Joseph Stalin issued an order to execute upwards of 22,000 Polish officers,soldiers, and dissidents. The graves were discovered by the Nazis in 1943 and Russia officially acknowledged in 1990 that the Soviet Union carried out the excutions and buried them in mass graves.

At the end of the 2nd World War, Poland and the rest of Eastern Europe were handed over by treaty to the Soviet Union. Joseph Stalin promptly set up a puppet communist government that took its orders directly from Moscow.

In the post Cold War Era, Poland was free from Soviet influence and it seemed Russia was moving towards democracy. It was, until Vladimir Putin showed up on the scene. Since becoming President and Prime Minister of Russia successively, Vladimir Putin has transformed a promising Russian democracy into a virtual autocracy.

Under Putin's guidance, independent journalism has been suppressed, or quite literally shot dead in a back alley. He has used natural gas to effectively blackmail Ukraine, Poland and Germany to effect domestic policy favorable to Russia. He has imprisoned wealthy opposition and confiscated their wealth. And it could be argued that he has had a hand in poisonings in the UK and the near fatal poisoning of Ukrainian President elect Yushchenko, who defeated a Soviet backed opponent in a run off. Massive voter fraud, with Russian support was implicated but overcome.

The Polish dream of a peaceful future with a democratic Russia has been shattered by Putin's designs.

Yesterday, on September 17, 2009, seventy years to the day that Russia invaded Poland, the United States of America dropped its previous commitments for a missile defense system in Poland. Bad timing is an understatement. It remains to be seen whether or not there will be a just or ample alternative provided. But something must be provided. We must keep our word to a nation that has demonstrated great faith in us. I'll elaborate my views on this at length in future posts, but for the moment, we must not permit history to repeat itself and bear witness to a great people being subject to the tyrannical designs of Vladimir Putin.

NFL PICKS WEEK 2

HERE ARE THIS WEEKS PICKS

1.)ATLANTA AT HOME (-6.5) OVER CAROLINA

Can Jake Delholmme get any worse? Statistics suggest no, but statistics lie a lot. The Falcons defense was better than expected, Matt Ryan was a little rusty. But contending teams persevere when playing below expectations. The Falcons will contend because they have the character. The Panthers will pretend because they don't get it. I'll take the Falcons

2.)WASHINGTON AT HOME (-10) OVER ST. LOUIS

If it weren't for Jason Campbell, the Redskins would have the talent to win a championship, but also he is the QB. The Rams have some talent but no depth. They were shutout by Seattle on the road and their defense is not nearly on the level of the Redskins. I'll take the Redskins

3.)TENNESSEE AT HOME (-7) OVER HOUSTON

Can the Titans score enough points on the road? Can Houston win on the road or just cover? The Texans did not score an offensive touchdown at home, but the Titans, unlike the Jets don't blitz as much and like to rush with their down linemen. I'll take the Texans to cover, but lose a tough divisional game

4.)PHILADELPHIA AT HOME (PIC EM) VS NEW ORLEANS

People aren't sold on Kevin Kolb. Why not? This is his first opportunity to open as the starter and practice with the 1st team EVER! It's his chance, he must seize it. His performance in the 2nd half against the Ravens was typical for many veteran QB's against the vaunted Ravens defense. The SAints offense led by Drew Brees is light years better than the Jake Delholmme led Panthers, but the Saints did give up 27 points at home to the LIONS. Whenever the Eagles look doomed, they step up. I'll take the Eagles

5.)NEW ENGLAND (-5) AT NEW YORK JETS

Jets players insist on treating this game as their Super Bowl, which explains why they won't get there this year. The Patriots take it seriously, but see it as a 16 game journey a 4th Super Bowl ring. Tom Brady always steps up when trash talk is expressed. I'll take the Patriots

6.)KANSAS CITY (-3) AT HOME OVER OAKLAND

Ca the Raiders recover from Monday night. Who cares? This game is a dog, despite the intense rivalry. I'll take the Chiefs

7.)JACKSONVILLE (-3.5) AT HOME OVER ARIZONA

Can the Cardinals stop the Jags running game? Can the Jags cover Boldin & Fitzgerald? The Cardinals won't be so anemic 2 weeks in a row, but boy they are horrid on the road. I'll take the jags to cover

8.)GREEN BAY AT HOME (-9) OVER CINCINNATI

I'll take Green Bay.

9.) Minnesota (-10) at Detroit

Adrian Peterson cannot be stopped by Detroit. I'll take the Vikings

10.)Buffalo at home (-4.5) over Tampa Bay

Tampa has a gaping wound called Sabby Piscitelli at safety. The Cowboys recognized the wound, burnt it, forced the Bucs linebackers out of the box and into coverage. They promptly took advantage of newly created running lanes and overpowered the Bucs DL. But the Bills find ways to win and are hurting on defense. That said, I look for Trent Edwards to progressively pic apart the SCAB at safety. I'll take the BILLS

11.)San Francisco at home (-1.5) over Seattle

The 49ers are overachievers and Seattle ran all over the RAms. The 49ers are better. I'll take the 49ers

12.)Pittsburg (-3) Over Chicago

How many former Vanderbilt Quarterbacks does it take to screw up a franchise? With any luck, just one and not for long. Jay Cutler's bloom is off the Chicago rose and in just one week! WOW! Four INT'S against Green Bay? Now the STEELERS??? Get out your hankees and shed a tear for Bears fans as their Super Bowl dreams fade like a foul ball at Wrigley Field. Are you kidding me? I'll take Steelers

13.)Denver at home (-3) over Cleveland

Denver's defense was quite impressive & that late win must come with a boost. Cleveland does not have enough. I'll take the Broncos

14.)San Diego at home (-3.5) over Baltimore

The Chargers start sluggishly ever year and you can't lie down against the Ravens.
I'll take the Ravens

15.)Dallas at home (-3) over New York Giants

The opening of the new stadium matters. It'll be packed. Both teams won last week, but were a mixed bag in victory. The Giants don't have the defensive holes like the Bucs, but the Cowboys have the secondary to force a Hakeem Nicks less WR corps to make plays. Which QB makes more mistakes? Eli with pics? or Romo being sacked? Toss a coin. I'll take the Cowboys

16.)Indianapolis (-3) at Miami

The Colts have enough. I'll take the Colts

NFL FOLLOW UP WEEK 1

John and myself both finished 7-8

NFL PICKS WEEK 1

JOHN AND I ARE BACK TO PICKING EVERY GAME WITH THE POINTS THIS YEAR. HERE THEY ARE FOR WEEK ONE.


1.)PITTSBURG AT HOME -5 OVER TENNESSEE

Mike Tomlin has the Steelers focused & they are returning 21 of 22 starters. Jeff Fisher will make up for the loss of Haynesworth with a rotation, but this game promises to be a braw. Five points is a lot especially in a game dominated by defense and power. That being said, I'll the Steelers

2.)ATLANTA AT HOME -4 OVER MIAMI

Atlanta has lost veteran defensive leadership, but head coach Mike Smith has a positive track record to overcome it. I am hard pressed to think of just how the Dolphins improved in the off season. The "wildcat" is a fad and old news and can they rely on Chad Pennington to give two straight solid seasons at QB?
Matt Ryan is only getting better and the defense are either young,untalented or both in the defensive backs. I'll take the Falcons

3.)BALTIMORE AT HOME -10 OVER KANSAS CITY

It has yet to be determined if Matt Cassell will start for the Chiefs this week.It doesn't matter. In fact, it would probably be best if he sat against that Ravens defense and avoided further injury. The Ravens will run all over this team and the Chiefs offense will be on its back the spare moments its actually on the field.
I'll take the Ravens

4.)PHILADELPHIA AT CAROLINA -1 OVER CAROLINA

It pains me to recognize that this a horrible opening start for the Eagles. No effective middle linebacker, a rookie safety against a power running Panthers team and a veteran WR like Steve Smith exploiting rookie safety coverage on play action. If the Eagles can control the clock on offense and keep Donovan upright, they can win, but not in the first week. I'll take the Panthers

5.)CINCINNATI AT HOME -4 OVER DENVER

This may be an ugly high scoring affair. Who can run the ball more effectively? I simply just don't trust the Bengals with four points. I'll take the Broncos to cover

6.)MINNESOTA AT CLEVELAND -4 OVER CLEVELAND

This is a joke, right? Just four points? I know it's in Cleveland, but they've got nothing. Was Eric Mangini really creating a competetive edge by not announcing whether Quinn or Anderson is the starting QB? I'll take the Vikings to treat the Browns like a medieval monastery and annihilate them.

7.)HOUSTON TEXANS AT HOME -4.5 OVER THE JETS

This is an intriguing matchup. The Texans have the DL & the LB, but not DB's. The Jets have an OL, a running game and a rookie QB. The Texans have Andre Johnson & Steve Slaton, but can't block for QB Matt Schaub against a Jets defense that is going to be a lot more aggressive under Rex Ryan. I'll take the Jets

8.)INDIANAPOLIS AT HOME -7 OVER JACKSONVILLE

Historically, the Jags have given the Colts fits, but they can't block & I don't think can keep Garrard healthy. The Colts are getting younger. The Jags are running out of steam. I'll take the Colts

9.)NEW ORLEANS AT HOME -13 OVER DETROIT

This game can only be intriguing if the Saints historically porous defense lets the Lions run the ball and control the clock. As promising as Stafford may be at QB, the Saints should score at will on Detroit and their defense can get to Stafford as well. I'll take the Saints

10.)DALLAS AT TAMPA -5 OVER TAMPA BAY

People are down on the Bucs with some good reason. CAn the Bucs run successfully against the Cowboys defense? Five points are too many. I'll take the BUCS to cover.

11.)ARIZONA AT HOME -6.5 OVER SAN FRANCISCO.

Frank Gore is healthy and Mike Singletary will force the run. But Shaun Hill at QB? Arizona will get the ball often enough to score and unless Gore unloads on a suspect Cardinal defense, I'll take the Cardinals

12.)NEW YORK GIANTS AT HOME -6.5 OVER REDSKINS

Six and a half points in an NFC EAST game? In a game without Plaxico and no offensive playmakers on the Redskins. This game has 3-2 written all over it. I'll take the REDSKINS to cover

13.)SEATTLE AT HOME -7.5 OVER ST. LOUIS

Are the Seahawks really back? Can Steve Spagnola get better play out of his defense? I'll take the RAMS to cover

14.)GREEN BAY AT HOME -3.5 OVER CHICAGO.

That's too many points in this historic rivalry. I'll take the BEARS

15.)NEW ENGLAND AT HOME -10.5 OVER BUFFALO

The Bills have no OL and no shot. I'll take the PATRIOTS to obliterate the BILLS on national television.

16.)SAN DIEGO AT OAKLAND -9 OVER OAKLAND

This is a rivalry, but a poor one of late. How bad does it get for Oakland? Richard Seymour hasn't spoken, much less appeared. I'll take the CHARGERS

NFL PREVIEW

Miami Dolphins

Everyone will be ready for the wildcat, which destined to be a fad. Tom Brady is back. Can Chad Pennington put two straight quality seasons? No

They work hard and play hard

8-8 at best

NFL PREVIEW

Kansas City Chiefs

Todd Haley has the right temperment for this job, but no talent to match.

Matt Cassell has only Dwayne Bowe, but he'll get double teamed

3-13

NFL PREVIEW

Jacksonville Jaguars

It seems that this team has lost its energy and is running on fumes. David Garrard will get killed behind a porous OL. Can Maurice Jones Drew take all the load? especially since Garrard is likely destined to get hurt?

The defense is sagging too. This team is a house of cards. Don't get buried in the debris.

Seven wins is generous at best. Very generous but maxes out there.

NFL PREVIEW

Indianapolis Colts

Jim Caldwell won't miss a beat

Bill Polian proved value AGAIN by landing Donald Brown

And then there's Peyton Manning

12-14 wins