Don't fret my pets...I'm back!

Sorry all...had to take a break this weekend which turned into a loooonnnng weekend. I wish I had a good reason but really I'm just lazy.

No reason to rehash the whole weekend but of course the Jags demise must be mentioned. I especially enjoyed this loss since I was in a house full of people rooting for the Jags. Even before the 2-minute warning they were already making excuses why they wouldn't win. I'll sum it up for you...your QB turned into a turnover machine and Rashean Mathis (arguably one of the better corners in the league) really didn't play up to par. I came across this photo in my search for Jacksonville news worth sharing....can this be considered animal cruelty??

• The drama continues for Rich Rodriguez and WVU...wow, this divorce is turning uglier than Britney and K-Fed's. Rodriguez claims he was "trying to take that high road" and knew that there would "be some emotions involved" but say WVU peeps are spreading lines about him and tarnishing his good name. Whatever pal, not sure who is more wacked out....Rich or WVU fans.

• This just in....most kids think clowns are scary....why is this new information? Pennywise has been around since the 80's.

• To paraphase Chris Rock, "I'm not saying he should of done it, but I understand."

• As a Gators fan I am a big fan of Joakim Noah (except for that unfortunate celebration dance). His passion for UF and his competitiveness were second to none during his time in G-ville but of course, the Gators won back to back national championships. Apparently, playing on a team that sucks is a bit of a problem for Jo in Chicago. Benched by your teammates?? That's one I haven't heard before...

Because I actually have a job that pays me I have to cut this short. More to come, stay tuned....

8 straight!

Pens won their eighth straight game ending a 12-game losing streak against Tampa Bay last night winning 4-1. Ty Conklin remains undefeated (9-0-0) and that is amazing considering this kid hanging out in Scranton about a month ago. The Pens seem to be clicking on all cylinders right now and Staal scored for the first time in seven games. Fleury is due back from injury soon but I think Michel Thierrien would be nuts to mess with the vibe on this team right now. Historically Tampa Bay has been a tough place to play for the Pens (they hadn't won there since 2003) so this was a big win on the road. The Pens remain one point behind New Jersey as they travel to Atlanta tomorrow night to take on the Thrashers.

I have been scouring the 'net looking for sports news worth talking about (ok, that I am interested in talking about) when I remembered that for some of you football season isn't over. So I guess it's my obligation to cater to all demographics. On that note, the NFL Playoffs continue tomorrow. It appears that the Jags are no longer the "team under the radar" as I have heard lots of sport folk picking them to upset the Pats this weekend. I expect to see a good game and I do think the Jags have a shot to win in Foxborough. However, I hope Tom Brady lights them up like a Christmas tree. The bandwagon is getting crowded here in Jax...don't strain your backs jumping on! (Reader Mrs. B probably needs a heating pad right now...)

Oh yeah, the Seahawks are traveling to Green Bay tomorrow for the NFC divisional game. Since I wouldn't mind old Brett Farrrvreee winning it all this year I guess the Packers are my pick. Anyone have the over under on how many times the broadcasters will use the following sentences; "He just has so much fun out there!", "That interception wasn't his fault.", or my fave, "He's a gunslinger!!" You can't deny he is a funny guy though. Here's some classic video.

A cool story from Big Ben News....Ben is involved with PROTRADE, a twist on fantasy football where you buy and sell players based on their market value. The winner this year was a guy named Bob from Rochester who traveled to Pittsburgh last month to hang out with Ben. He blogged about his trip and took plenty of pics.

To read Bob's story click this link: http://www.protrade.com/content/DisplayArticle.html?sp=Sb6ae7d38-bf11-11dc-ba00-574828460f5a

Our favorite Brit is up to her old tricks. Whether blondes have more fun has yet to be determined. At least in Amy's case.

Tuesday Sports Talk

LSU - 38

Ohio State - 24

The Blowout Championship Series concluded with LSU's victory against Ohio State last night in New Orleans. I guess I should be happy since I'm hardly and OSU fan and my team plays in the SEC but I have never been one of those "root within your conference" folks. Logically I suppose I should be since who's in your conference in important is important in the rankings but I really couldn't care less about last night's game. Now of course, the debating on if either team really belonged in the National Championship game continues....on that note the SEC and ACC are trying to establish a +1 playoff system. Anything would be an imporvment over the current system but I think they need to go with 16 playoff teams. That would include the 11 conference champions and give bids to five at large teams. We will see if anything comes of it. Of course the Pac 10 and Big Ten both oppose any kind of playoffs. Oh, the politics of sports!!!!

One of my Steelers peeps comments was published in the Jacksonville Times-Union's Monday Morning Quarterback.

"Pittsburgh's prevent offense displayed with three minutes left in the game once again takes the ball out of Ben's hands after scoring on the four previous possessions. The loss is on the Steelers coaching staff."

Well said, Ralph but I still can't forgive our horrendous special teams who did what they did best all year....SUCK! There is so many holes in the team that it really is a wonder looking back we ended up with a winning record this season. The off season agenda should start with Ben restructuring his contract. He has two years left on his original deal and is scheduled to pick up a pretty hefty bonus but considering Charlie Batch's salary was actually more than Ben's this year I can expect something will get done soon. Especially after Romo's outrageous deal in Dallas. Plus I want to go into next season knowing Ben's going to be around for long haul.

In happier 'burgh news Sidney Crosby led all NHL All Star voting again this year with more than 200,000 votes than the next player.

So far, he's the only Penguin heading to Atlanta but the remainder of the rosters will be announced later this week. Speak of the devil, Sid just scored to put the Pens up 2-0 on the Panthers....woot!

No surprise that Fred Taylor was added to the AFC's roster for the Pro Bowl but this did shock me a bit:

"Taylor initially considered turning down a Pro Bowl invitation if either Tomlinson, Addai or Parker couldn't make the trip for the Feb. 10 game -- he even said "maybe the Pro Bowl doesn't deserve Fred Taylor" -- but his wife convinced him otherwise."

He's a good back and has been an important player for Jacksonville but to think he deserved to go over any of those three players...okay, sure. He wasn't even one of the top five rushers this season. When he's been healthy he has been solid for the Jags and reaching the 10,000 yard mark is a great milestone for him but that's a lot of sour grapes to consider turning the invite down.

So American Idol is starting up again here soon. I know millions and millions of folk religiously watch this show and I am not one of them. I did watch quite a bit of the season with Chris Daughtry, Elliott Yamin and company. I love those guys but of course neither one of them won despite being the most talented vocalists. That's why I don't watch, it has nothing to do with who is the best singer. Case in point...this guy.

He was dropped from his record dealwith J Records today. Shocking.

The New Hampshire primaries were today and with a majority of precincts reporting it appears McCain has won the Republican race there. Who says Americans won't vote for the old guy?

The Democratic race is too close to call but Hilldo has a slight lead on Obama at this point. There was record turnout today and that's great to hear. This is one of the most important Presidential races in history and it's good to see that people care.

That's it from me for the day. Until tomorrow....

Black Monday: Part Deux

STEELERS - 29

JAGOFFS - 31

Well, that just sucked. I'm glad the Steelers came back from an 18-point deficit to make a game of it, particularly after a very poor first half of football. Ben took the blame, but honestly two of the int's were just great plays by Jagoff DB Rashean Mathis. Now I'm not saying Ben wasn't a factor in the loss but I would still take him over any of the other QB's that came out of the 2004 Draft. And most certainly over David Garrard who, despite being a winning quarterback out of Wild Card weekend, is still more of a game manager than an elite QB. It's important to win something first unless, of course, you live in Peter King's world. Although that guy flip flops more than a presidential candidate.

I would dissect the game for you but too much beer and a refusal to read or watch anything sports related since Saturday has left me rather uneducated on the stats. However, I saw enough on Saturday and all season long to call our play calling a bit suspect at times. 3rd and 6 and run a QB keeper....for reals???

While the season is over there is much to be determined. Faneca's status as a free agent, how all these injuries are going to heal in the off season and what the hell they plan to to with the o-line issues.

Also, I was called out by an anonymous poster for my lecture given to Steelers fans about their lack of enthusiasm. Being that I don't live in the 'burgh these days I have to rely on the local Pittsburgh news outlets and those I know that still live there. I stand by the fact that I felt there was not the same level of excitement entering the playoffs as we have had in years past. But Steelers Nation showed up at Heinz Field on Saturday night and the place was electric from what I saw and from what I heard from those that were there. My apologies for doubting you all....

P.S. A little foreshadowing on my part by calling Saturday's post: "Saturday Night's alright for fighting" although I wasn't the one throwing punches. I won't get into it but let's say this....Jags fans are the worst winners in the league. To the guy who told me that Ben probably holds the record for INT's in the playoffs....I'm not sure that he does....but this I KNOW; I can guarantee the Jagoffs are the first playoff team to have THREE blackouts in a season. Now there's something to be noted for in the record books. A%#holes.

To cap off a perfectly shitty weekend in Pittsburgh the Panthers dropped their first Big East game to Villanova yesterday. Another 'burgh team to feel the wrath of the injury bug. However, on a lighter note, there is a congratulations is order for the other Panthers. The Pitt women's basketball team upset 15th-ranked DePaul yesterday. The Lady Panthers scored first and never relinquished the lead winning 97-68.

More good news, the Pens shut out the Florida Panthers yesterday capping off what was terrific week for them and certainly a bright spot for Pittsburgh sports fans. Wins against Toronto, Buffalo and Florida puts their win streak at six games. Malkin also had his first career hat trick against Toronto on Thursday in a game where the Pens scored three goals in 48 seconds. Sid's excellence continues and Conklin's goal tending has been above average. It appears after a slow start this season the Pens are finally playing to their potential.

Let's see what else is going on in the world:

And the hits just keep on coming for Brit-Brit. Now Dr. Phil is involved. Apparently he was going to air a show on Britney tomorrow but the plug has been pulled after some of her family members pulled out.

"Britney, you need to get reeeeaalllll!"

Ummm, Reggie Bush is hooking it up with Kim Kardashian? Why didn't I know this? If they get married she can be Kim Bush.....ha ha ha. I can just see that is neon lights, can't you?

Time to check in old Winehouse....passed out on a couch in the airport and dressed to kill. Yep, that's our special girl!

Well, I am going to try and make it through the rest of the day unscathed by all my co-workers who were Jaguars fans for the weekend. One already said she wasn't sure if she was going to root for the Jags or one of her other teams. Seriously, these are the kind of people I deal with. Welcome to my frustration.