I'm still angry, so be careful with your questions. But it's not your fault this time. The BBC is talking our Ginseng therapies down. Of course. Because the foreign devils fear our innovations. I'm sure next time, they will talk Lethal Suxxess (TM) down. Because they fear our great motherland's scientific progress.

But nothing will stop us. And no bullying hanjian will stop our great military from achieving Chinese unification at an early date. Lethal Suxxess (TM) and the military are the business of our sacred motherland.

Got to fly now. Never stop thinking of Taiwan. Our poor brothers and sisters are still languishing in the chains of Western imperialism.

The PiRate Pro Ratings

The NFL version of the PiRate Ratings is not the same as the collegiate version.  The NFL version is strictly a statistical formula than could be reproduced by anybody who knew the equations I use to devise the formula.  No subjective data is used.

The formula combines scoring margin, strength of schedule, and early in the season, last year's scoring margin and strength of schedule.  As the season progresses, last year's data decreases to where it has little effect by mid-October. 

The Mean Ratings

Just like the PiRate Ratings, the NFL Mean Ratings are not the same as the collegiate version.  The NFL Mean Ratings consist of a dozen different calculations.  Three calculations consist of different ways to look at point differential and strength of schedule.  Five calculations look at yards gained and allowed rushing and passing and special teams play with the strength of the opponents' rushing and passing.  Point values are assigned based on each set of data.  The remaining four ratings are my old four pro ratings from the 1970's and 1980's.  The 12 ratings are given equal weight, and then I take the average (mean) to get the rating.

The Bias Ratings

The Bias Ratings consist of five of the components of The Mean Ratings.  The five ratings are not given equal weight.  The five ratings are weighted at 37.5%, 25%, 12.5%, 12.5%, and 12.5%.  I have back tested these ratings and found that this weighting gives the rating its best predictive percentage.

NFL Previews-Week Six

Oakland (1-3) at New Orleans (2-3)

Time:           1PM EDT

TV:               CBS

Forecast:     Dome

PiRate:         New Orleans by 15 

Mean:           New Orleans by 7

Bias:             New Orleans by 10

Vegas:        New Orleans by 7     -285/+245  

Ov/Un:        47

Strategy:     Over 37 in 10-point teaser, Over 34 in 13-point teaser

Oakland has a new coach and is coming off a bye week, whereas New Orleans played Monday night.  How will the Raiders respond?  Also, how much can Darren McFadden play?  These are major issues, and I wouldn't begin to pick a side in this one, even in teasers.

The Saints' defense cannot be counted on to stop enemy offenses for 60 minutes.  Given an extra week to tweak their offense, I expect the Raiders to score at least 17 points and as much as 25 points this week.  New Orleans is in a must-win situation this week, as a 2-4 start probably puts them too far behind in their division to dig themselves out.  Therefore, I tend to believe New Orleans will find a way to win, but I don't feel confident enough to pick them at -285 in a money line selection.  I am confident that Drew Brees can pass for 300 yards and direct the offense to 20 or more points, so teasing the Over is how to play this game.

Cincinnati (0-5) at New York Jets (2-2)

Time:           1PM EDT

TV:               CBS

Forecast:     Sunny, light wind, temperature in the upper 60's

PiRate:         Jets by 9    

Mean:           Jets by 6

Bias:             Jets by 11

Vegas:        Jets by 5½         -240/+200   

Ov/Un:        44½  

Strategy:     Jets -240, Jets +4 ½ in 10-point teaser, Jets +7½ in 13-point teaser

The Jets had a bye last week, while Cincinnati had to play a rough game at Dallas.  The 0-5 Bengals must play on the road again this week with a wounded quarterback.  Even if Carson Palmer plays, he won't be close to 100% effective.  The Jets' defense ranks in the bottom half of the league after giving up 83 points in their previous two contests, but I expect a vast improvement following a week off.  Brett Favre should be at peak performance as well, so I like the Jets to win outright.  5½ points is tricky, so I'll go the money line route in this one. 

Only one thing worries me this week: there are still four NFL teams looking for their first win of the season in week six.  How many times in the past have four teams continued to remain winless six weeks into the season?  The odds are heavily in favor of one or more of those winless teams winning this week. So, the 13-point teaser gives the Jets more than a TD at home, which I fell is quite safe.

Chicago (3-2) at Atlanta (3-2)

Time:           1PM EDT

TV:               Fox

Forecast:     Dome

PiRate:         Chicago by 7     

Mean:           Chicago by 5

Bias:             Chicago by 4

Vegas:        Chicago by 3      -145/+135  

Ov/Un:        43½  

Strategy:     Atlanta +3, Atlanta +13 in 10-point teaser, Atlanta +16 in 13-point teaser

Atlanta is the top surprise in the NFC five weeks into the season.  New coach Mike Smith has the Falcons in the playoff hunt and a win in this game might be enough to guarantee the dirty birds a winning season.  The schedule is not that difficult, and at 4-2, it is easy to see 9-7 or even better for this team.

Chicago finds itself alone in first in the old black and blue division.  The Bears are not that far from being 5-0, losing by three at Carolina and in overtime by three to Tampa Bay. 

Teams that play consecutive road games and win the first one usually bounce some in the second road game and perform worse than they did in the previous game.  Many teams play much better at home after playing consecutive road games.  Both of these factors are in play this week, so I like the home team to cover in a close game.  As a double-digit ‘dog in teaser plays, Atlanta looks safe.  Chicago destroyed a weak Detroit team last week, and they will face a much tougher opponent this week.  The Falcons will rough them up, and I wouldn't be surprised to see Matt Ryan have his first 200 yard passing game.  The Bears might be able to shut down Michael Turner, or at least limit his effectiveness, but that will be at the expense of giving Ryan more holes to find in the intermediate zones. 

Detroit (0-4) at Minnesota (2-3)

Time:           1PM EDT

TV:               Fox

Forecast:     Dome

PiRate:         Minnesota by 25      

Mean:           Minnesota by 17

Bias:             Minnesota by 19

Vegas:        Minnesota by 13       -600/+450  

Ov/Un:        45½  

Strategy:     Minnesota -3 in 10-point teaser, Minnesota Pk in 13-point teaser, Over 32½ in 13-point teaser

This game scares me a little.  Minnesota enjoyed a big win Monday night in New Orleans, while Detroit was reduced to fodder at home against the Bears Sunday.  The Lions have nothing to lose from here on out, as they are basically competing with the Rams for the rights to Tim Tebow, Beanie Wells, or whoever is deemed the top draft choice in 2009.

Minnesota is just one game out of first place in the NFC North, where 9-7 could easily win the division title.  Obviously, a loss to the lowly Lions would kill their chances.  The Vikings have an easier schedule left than the Packers, and a win Sunday could possible propel them into a first place tie.

Normally, you could expect Minnesota to come out flat in this situation and lay an egg.  If Detroit was as good as less than mediocre Cleveland, I would pick the Lions as an upset possibility this week.  However, with Jon Kitna likely out for this game and Calvin Johnson probably playing at less than 100% strength, what weapons can Detroit use effectively? 

Adrian Peterson is going to think he is facing the Baylor defense when he played at Oklahoma.  Detroit cannot stop average backs, so expect Peterson to have a memorable day.

St. Louis (0-4) at Washington (4-1)

Time:           1PM EDT

TV:               Fox

Forecast:     Sunny, light wind, temperature around 70

PiRate:         Washington by 39   

Mean:           Washington by 23

Bias:             Washington by 29

Vegas:        Washington by 13½       -625/+450   

Ov/Un:        44

Strategy:     St. Louis +23½ in 10-point teaser, St. Louis +26½ in 13-point teaser, Washington -3½ in 10-point teaser, Washington -½ in 13-point teaser, Over 34 in 10-point teaser, Over 31 in 13-point teaser   

Could this be a mini-trap game?  The Rams find themselves in the same situation as the Raiders this week.  They are coming off a bye with a new head coach to play a road game against a team that was extended for 60 minutes the previous game.  There are two differences between the former L.A. teams. The Raiders at least can play a little defense, whereas the Rams play matador defense.  However, the Rams still have Marc Bulger who is capable of throwing for 300 yards and leading his team on a scoring binge.  That's a remote possibility at best, but the Redskins have to cover by two touchdowns against this possibility.

I won't go with either team at + or -13½.  However, both sides look playable in a 10 or 13-point teaser.  The Redskins have yet to blow out an opponent, so asking them to cover at 23½ or 26½ points is a big stretch.  Likewise, at -3½ or -½, the home team looks great.  Teasing the totals looks promising this week.  The Rams have given up 31 or more points in every game this year, and even if they improve by 14 points off their 37 points per game allowed average, they should score at least 14 themselves this week.    

Carolina (4-1) at Tampa Bay (3-2)

Time:           1PM EDT

TV:               Fox

Forecast:     Thunderstorms possible in the 2^nd half, light wind, temperature in mid 80's and likely dropping if rain occurs

PiRate:         Pick      

Mean:           Pick

Bias:             Carolina by 2

Vegas:        Tampa Bay by 1       -120/+110  

Ov/Un:        36½  

Strategy:     Tampa Bay -1, Tampa Bay +9 in 10-point teaser, Tampa Bay +12 in 13-point teaser, Over 26½ in 10-point teaser, Over 23½ in 13-point teaser 

This game is one where you need to check back Friday evening to peruse the injury report.  Will Brian Griese be able to play Sunday?  If not, then what difference will it make for Jeff Garcia to start?  Garcia has played in two games this year.  The Bucs lost both.  Griese has started and finished three games this year; the Bucs won all three.  The stats of the two QBs are about the same, but Tampa Bay just doesn't score as many points when Garcia runs the offense.

Carolina in week six is a good touchdown or more improved from the team that opened the season.  The Panthers could take a commanding lead in the NFC South with a win and a Falcons' loss this week.

Therefore, I recommend that you use the above sides' strategies only if you are missing one piece of a three or four team parlay.  I do have more confidence in the totals' teasers.

Miami (2-2) at Houston (0-4)

Time:           1PM EDT

TV:               CBS

Forecast:     Partly Cloudy, light wind, temperature in the mid 80's

PiRate:         Miami by 12      

Mean:           Miami by 1

Bias:             Miami by 7

Vegas:        Houston by 3     -150/+130  

Ov/Un:        45

Strategy:     Houston +7 in 10-point teaser, Under 55 in 10-point teaser (but not so hot on these two)

Like the previous game, I am not so hot on this game.  Houston is still a team in flux following the hurricane.  The Texans have the talent to beat Miami by 10 points, but some of the players may be about ready to fold on this season.

Miami is a team on the rise.  The Dolphins have just enough talent and a nice gimmick offense to sneak out of town with their third consecutive victory.  I think they have a 60% chance of winning this game outright, but I believe if they win, the Texans have a 75% chance of losing by less than a touchdown.

I think Miami will try to control the clock and make this game a lower than expected outcome.  Again, I warn only to use the strategies above if you need a third or fourth part of a parlay.

Baltimore (2-2) at Indianapolis (2-2)

Time:           1PM EDT

TV:               CBS

Forecast:     Dome

PiRate:         Baltimore by 6  

Mean:           Indianapolis by 1

Bias:             Pick

Vegas:        Indianapolis by 3½        -190/+160   

Ov/Un:        38½  

Strategy:     Indianapolis -3½, Indianapolis, +6½ in 10-point teaser, Indianapolis +9½ in 13-point teaser, Over 25½ in 13-point teaser   

This game looks like the top play of the week.  Baltimore just played two emotional games against two physical teams and lost both games.  The come into this game with numerous injuries to key personnel (Willis McGahee, Ray Lewis, Fabian Washington, Derrick Mason).  Even if they all play, they won't be nearly as effective as they normally would play.

Peyton Manning now has four games under his belt following his knee surgery.  He missed all of the preseason, so this game is almost like his normal opening game.  His stats have slowly improved as the season has progressed, and the Colts' offense has gotten a little better each week.  If Washington cannot go for the Ravens, Manning will pick apart the Baltimore secondary.  As long as he gets protection, Indianapolis should move the ball more effectively than any Raven opponent to date.

I foresee a Colt double digit win this week.  Their real liability is their run defense, but Baltimore may have to go without McGahee or at the best with him playing on an injured ankle. Le'Ron McClain isn't going to rush for 100 yards and exploit that liability.

I'm going with the Colts to win this one by a score similar to 24-13.  So, my strategies for this game include using the Colts straight up and in teasers, as well as teasing the Over with the belief that Indianapolis will continue to improve offensively and be opportunistic defensively.  

Jacksonville (2-3) at Denver (4-1)

Time:           4:05PM EDT

TV:               CBS

Forecast:     Thunderstorms possible, considerable winds, temperature in the mid 50's

PiRate:         Denver by 9

Mean:           Denver by 2

Bias:             Denver by 5

Vegas:        Denver by 3 -175/+155  

Ov/Un:        48½  

Strategy:     Jacksonville +13 in 10-point teaser, Jacksonville +16 in 13-point teaser, Under 58½ in 10-point teaser, Under 61½ in 13-point teaser

The Broncos' offense has taken a step back in recent weeks after looking more like the 2007 Patriots at the beginning of the season.  Not having Selvin Young, Ryan Torain, Tony Scheffler, and maybe Eddie Royal on hand this week isn't going to make things any better.  Denver will have to pass, pass, pass to a group of less experienced players, and Jacksonville will be able to adjust their blitz packages to take advantage of this fact.

The Jaguars will continue to try to control the clock with the short passing game and power running in short yardage situations.  It's hard to be perfect for long drives all day long on an opponent's field, so they must play better defense if they plan on winning this game. 

This game isn't far from being a tossup given the injuries on the Broncos' side of the field.  If you take the underdog in a teaser, you get a nice amount of points.  Denver might have a 55-60% chance of winning this game, but they have maybe a 10-15% chance of winning by more than two touchdowns.  I'll take the 13 and 16 points in the teasers.  Because I believe Jacksonville will try to shorten the game, I like teasing the Under as well.  If the forecasted rain comes, it could help us a little here.

Green Bay (2-3) at Seattle (1-3)

Time:           4:15PM EDT

TV:               Fox

Forecast:     Sunny, light wind, temperature in upper 50's

PiRate:         Green Bay by 15      

Mean:           Green Bay by 4

Bias:             Green Bay by 4

Vegas:        Seattle by 2       -120/+110  

Ov/Un:        45½  

Strategy:     Green Bay +12 in 10-point teaser, Green Bay +15 in 13-point teaser, Over 35½ in 10-point teaser, Over 32½ in 13-point teaser 

We have two teams going in the same direction in this game, but unfortunately it is the wrong direction.  Seattle was the odds-on favorite to win the NFC West, but injuries have made them a mere shell of their former selves.  They never really play well on the East Coast, but they also lost at home to San Francisco.

Green Bay has dropped three games in a row, and the Packer defense is not getting the job done.  They cannot give up 28 points per game and think about the playoffs much less having a winning season.  Even Brett Favre would be struggling to win games if he was directing the Packers' offense and having to score 30 points every week to win.

I believe the loser of this game will be out of the playoff hunt, so it becomes a must-win game for both teams.  The players on both sides probably realize this, so I expect a great game that goes down to the wire.  As I previously stated, I like teasing the underdog when I perceive a possible tossup game.  It's like getting extra points.  Since I don't have much faith in these two defenses, it's understood that I would like teasing the Over as well.

Philadelphia (2-3) at San Francisco (2-3)

Time:           4:15PM EDT

TV:               Fox

Forecast:     Sunny, considerable wind, temperature in mid to upper 60's

PiRate:         Philadelphia by 12  

Mean:           Philadelphia by 7

Bias:             Philadelphia by 6

Vegas:        Philadelphia by 5     -230/+190  

Ov/Un:        42½  

Strategy:     San Francisco +5, San Francisco +15 in 10-point teaser, San Francisco +18 in 13-point teaser, Over 32½ in 10-point teaser, Over 29½ in 13-point teaser 

Philadelphia's 2008 plight can be summed up by reading the book A Tale of Two Cities.  When Brian Westbrook has been healthy, it has been the best of times in the city of brotherly love.  When Westbrook has been injured, it has been the worst of times in Philly.

Westbrook is out for this game, so I expect something close to the worst of times for the Eagles.  Add to this trouble that Donovan McNabb is far from healthy and Wide out Reggie Brown will miss the game.  Former star Kevin Curtis should finally get on the field for the first time this year, but he won't be ready to have a 100-yard receiving day right out of the box.  I just don't see the Eagles topping 20 points in this game.  Against a weaker than average 49er defense, they will score more than 14, but 17 points may be about their limit unless the defense and/or special teams contribute to the scoring load.

San Francisco is one of the hardest teams to figure out.  J.T. O'Sullivan has proven he is a legitimate starter in the NFL and is running the Mike Martz offense almost as competently as Marc Bulger and Kurt Warner ran it.  Frank Gore is keeping defenses honest.  The 49ers just cannot stop anybody.  Even a wounded Eagles' offense should pick up 300-350 yards and the aforementioned 17 points.

I am going with the 49ers to win this game for a couple of reasons.  First, this is a must-win game for them.  At 2-4, they will be in too much of a hole to make up in a division where only the winner is going to qualify for a playoff spot.  Second, Philadelphia is 10 points weaker without Westbrook than they would be if he was healthy.  Third, Philadelphia is making a cross-country trip a week after being extended to the final gun against Washington, while San Francisco is at home for the second week in a row.  Finally, a loss in this game will start the ball rolling for the dismissal of Coach Mike Nolan. 

I see San Francisco playing their best game of the year this week and pulling off the upset.  So, I like them straight up at +5½ as well as in teasers.  I look for them to win 24-17, so I like teasing the Over as well.  If you can find a money line that has SF +220 or higher, then it might be worth a little bit of a gamble, but I won't pursue that at +190.

Dallas (4-1) at Arizona (3-2)

Time:           4:15PM EDT

TV:               Fox

Forecast:     Sunny, considerable wind, temperature in mid to upper 70's

PiRate:         Pick      

Mean:           Dallas by 1

Bias:             Dallas by 2

Vegas:        Dallas by 5         -220/+180  

Ov/Un:        50

Strategy:     Arizona +15 in 10-point teaser, Arizona +18 in 13-point teaser

Dallas has played a wee bit below their predicted expectations the last two weeks.  Arizona has lived up to their billing as a force to be reckoned with this year.  The Cardinals have the lead in the NFC West, and it looks like 9-7 could get them into the playoffs as division winner.

The Cardinals' two home wins look more impressive now that Miami is playing so much better.  They look strong enough to beat just about anybody at University of Phoenix Stadium.

Dallas has the potential to go on the road and win by 14 or more points, but if they continue to play like they have the best two weeks, they could also find themselves in trouble in this game.

I am going with the percentages and progressions here in this game.  Give me the home team and more than two touchdowns, and I will be happy, especially when I get Kurt Warner and more than two touchdowns.

New England (3-1) at San Diego (2-3)

Time:           8:15PM EDT

TV:               NBC

Forecast:     Sunny, then clear after dark, considerable wind, temperature falling from mid 60's to upper 50's

PiRate:         San Diego by 12      

Mean:           San Diego by 4

Bias:             San Diego by 3

Vegas:        San Diego by 5         -220/+200  

Ov/Un:        45

Strategy:     None

I do not like the two prime time games this week.  This game is between two very inconsistent teams.  Which New England team will we see this week?  Will it be the team that struggled to edge the hapless Chiefs and saw the Dolphins blow them off their home field, or will it be the team that held Brett Favre and the Jets to 10 points and won all the way across the country last week?

San Diego keeps finding ways to lose games, but they also scored like they were a basketball team in their prior prime time game.

I'll leave this one alone.  It is too risky.

New York Giants (4-0) at Cleveland (1-3)

Time:           8:30PM EDT Monday

TV:               ESPN

Forecast:     Partly cloudy, light wind, temperature falling through the 60's

PiRate:         Giants by 16     

Mean:           Giants by 9

Bias:             Giants by 14

Vegas:        Giants by 7½     -325/+265   

Ov/Un:        43½  

Strategy:     None

Sooner or later, Cleveland is going to break through with a big game on offense.  They had a week off to prepare for this game, and they have too many weapons on the attack side not to bust loose eventually.  I watched these two teams play in the preseason, and the Browns gave the Giants 23 points in gifts yet still lost by three.  Obviously, the preseason is not an accurate gauge, but I believe the Browns are itching to show the defending Super Bowl champions their best effort.

The one thing that worries me is the health of Kellen Winslow.  He may not be able to go Monday night, but even if he misses the game, I can still see Cleveland having their best game of the year.

The Giants can still win this game by 10 points even if the Browns play their best game of the year.  Their defense is starting to look like one of those great stop troops of yesteryear.  You know the type I am talking about; I'm referring to those defenses that have been immortalized with a fancy nickname like the Purple People Eaters, the Fearsome Foursome, the Steel Curtain, the Doomsday Defense, the No-name Defense, etc.  They are on pace to give up less than 200 points (that equates to less than 175 points when comparing to the teams from the 14-game schedule era).

Two things worry me this week about the Giants.  First, even with a tough taskmaster like Tom Coughlin on the sidelines, the Giants won with such ease against Seattle last week and can only be a little too cocky this week.  They will definitely bounce some.  Second, New York has played three home games and just one road game, which was at St. Louis.  This is their first road game against a team that has enough talent to score points against their defense.

The problem with this game is that there are too many variables.  I like the Browns' prospects in this game.  I think they have a better than expected chance of keeping this one close and having a shot at the big upset.  However, if this isn't the week they awaken from their offensive slumber, this game could be another snoozer for the fans.  It isn't one to consider in my strategies.

The Imaginary Bank Account Makes It Five-for-Five

It wasn't pretty, but after the smoke cleared Sunday night in Jacksonville, I was a winner for the fifth consecutive week.  My picks finished 7-4 for the week, running my record to 34-16-3 for the season (68%).

Due to the fact that I lost a money line pick, my profit was only $80, bringing my year-to-date profit to $1,345.00.  That gives me a return on investment of 25.4%.  The come from behind victory by Washington was the killer, as if Philadelphia had held on in the fourth quarter, the difference in 7-4 and 8-3 would have been an extra $360.  Oh well, I'll just have to be glad with being able to maintain 100% winning weeks a month and a half into the season.

Last week, it was the straight wagers that won for me, as I went 4-1 in those five picks, while going just 3-3 in the 10-point teasers.  I have noticed that a lot of my teaser losses have come about because one team or one total in the parlay failed to cover by one or two points.  It kills you to watch a team elect to go for a touchdown late in the game and miss on fourth down when a field goal would have covered your wager, but such is life.  Losing by one or two points should be rectifiable by playing some 13-point teasers.  Of course, it could just be the new way to lose by one or two points, and I still have a 100% record of winning weeks, so I could be setting myself up for disaster.  Remember this!  I don't really have anything monetary to worry about since I don't actually wager with money.  So, I can gamble a little with four-team, 13-point teaser parlays and sleep comfortably this weekend. 

Here are my wagers for week six (all wagered to win $100):

1. New York Jets -240 vs. Cincinnati

2. Atlanta +3 vs. Chicago

3. Tampa Bay -1 vs. Carolina

4. Indianapolis -3½ vs. Baltimore

5. San Francisco +5 vs. Philadelphia

6. 10-point teaser

       A. Atlanta +13 vs. Chicago

       B. Minnesota -3 vs. Detroit

       C. Washington -3½ vs. St. Louis

7. 10-point teaser

       A. Tampa Bay +9 vs. Carolina

       B. Indianapolis +6½ vs. Baltimore

       C. Jacksonville +13 vs. Denver

8. 10-point teaser

       A. Green Bay +12 vs. Seattle

       B. San Francisco +15 vs. Philadelphia

       C. Tampa Bay & Carolina Over 26½

9. 10-point teaser

       A. Green Bay & Seattle Over 35½

       B. San Francisco & Philadelphia Over 32½

       C. Arizona +15 vs. Dallas

10. 13-point teaser

       A. New York Jets +7½ vs. Cincinnati

       B. Atlanta +16 vs. Chicago

       C. Minnesota Pk vs. Detroit

       D. St. Louis +26½ vs. Washington

11. 13-point teaser

       A. Detroit & Minnesota Over 32½

       B. Washington -½ vs. St. Louis

       C. Tampa Bay +12 vs. Carolina

       D. Indianapolis & Baltimore Over 25½

12. 13-point teaser

       A. Tampa Bay & Carolina Over 23½

       B. Indianapolis +9½ over Baltimore

       C. Jacksonville +16 vs. Denver

       D. Green Bay +15 vs. Seattle

13. 13-point teaser

       A. Green Bay & Seattle Over 32½

       B. San Francisco +18 vs. Philadelphia

       C. San Francisco & Philadelphia Over 29½

       D. Arizona +18 vs. Dallas              

AND REMEMBER!!!  Do not use these picks for real.  I have no real money on the line in this mathematical experiment.  I won't lose a penny if all nine wagers lose this week, so you shouldn't risk a penny on these picks either.  This is strictly for fun.

Retrouvez le clip "Good Morning"
de Kanye West sur Lafoireolien

"While the United States has been preoccupied with the situation in the Middle East, the Asian balance has been shifting quietly, if inexorably, in the direction of others."

China is replacing the US as many Asian country's main trading partner, and may soon be South Asia's largest training partner, says the report.

To regain influence would require to take both economic links with Asia, and human rights at home into account - the "war against terror" and the American offenses against human rights in the wake of it had diluted the superpower's ability to promote democracy and the protection of human rights.

An article at mediachannel says: "We seem to be confronting a trifecta of failure: a financial failure, a political failure and a media failure - all reinforcing each other. It’s the perfect storm."

The recommendation there to organize teach-ins looks a bit exaggerated to me. After all, America is a country where everyone learns writing, reading, and calculating, and teach-ins don't sound like occasions where judgment is trained. But then, maybe it is still an appropriate American way.

In any case, education is the issue, both in terms of business and ideas. Education would help America to bounce back on the global stage. The chairman of the American Federal Reserve Bank, Ben Bernanke, made a speech on the topic of education a year ago. Isn't it time for the presidential nominees to address this issue - in their own words, and more folksy, if need be? And shouldn't America's competitiveness - as an economy and as a society - be at he center of both big election campaigns - Senator McCain's and Senator Obama's?

"Benefiting society as a whole, educated individuals are more likely to participate in civic affairs, volunteer their time to charities, and subscribe to personal values--such as tolerance and an appreciation of cultural differences--that are increasingly crucial for the healthy functioning of our diverse society. (...) The state of technology is affected both by the creativity and knowledge of scientists and engineers engaged in formal research and development as well as by the efforts of skilled workers on the shop floor who find more efficient ways to accomplish a given task." (Bernanke)

"In Obama's view, free trade can adance only once workers no longer feel threatened by it", writes the Economist. "The Democratic Party is vacillating", writes mediachannel. And "One of the first challenges the next U.S. president will face will be how to respond to China's emergence as a global power", writes US treasury secretary Paulson in Foreign Affairs.

Alright - the Democratic Party may be vacillating. But the Democratic Party is the political organization whose supporters may tilt it into the right direction.

And in the end, it will be up to every voter to judge which of Paulson's recommendations for interaction with China may be in the American interest (and where maybe not). When the sovereign - the voter - can assess the options on the table, he will have nothing to fear.

Image via Wikipedia

Forget trying to count the number of angels on the head of a pin - there's an even more critical theological question weighing on the minds of Vatican astronomers: did God create little green men?

In an interview published today in the Vatican newspaper L'Obsservatore Romano, Reverend Jose Gabriel Funes, the Vatican's chief astronomer and scientific adviser to Pope Benedict, said that there's no conflict between the Christian faith and the existence of extraterrestrials.

But the idea that there might be intelligent life beyond Earth doesn't easily fit into the Christian worldview. According to the Bible, God created Earth as the centre of the universe and men in his own image. Would the Good Book's credibility be compromised by the discovery of alien life? I can just imagine the higher-ups at the Vatican pacing nervously as SETI began searching the sky for ET signals and surveys turned up planet after planet outside the solar system - some of which might be able to host life.

In a clever manoeuvre, the Vatican has pre-empted the threat an alien discovery would pose to Christianity. Now they say they won't be the least bit surprised should we make contact with our "extraterrestrial brothers".

And why should they? According to Vatican astronomer Guy Consolmagno, the Bible is chock full of references to aliens. In Intelligent Life in the Universe, published by the Catholic Truth Society in 2005, Consolmagno wrote:

"There are, unquestionably, nonhuman intelligent beings in the Bible. At least one group of such creatures is familiar to us all: angels. But are the 'holy ones', those 'in the sky', the 'morning stars', and 'heavenly beings' mentioned in Psalms and elsewhere references to angels? Or do they refer to some other kind of life beyond our knowledge?"

"If you're really eager to find a reference to extraterrestrials in the Bible," he writes, "you can't do better than John 10:14-16. 'I am the Good Shepherd . . . I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also . . . so there will be one flock, one Shepherd.'"

Other sheep? Aliens, obviously! And it sounds like they are on their way.

The existence of ET life does leave Consolmagno with some head-scratchers. Are they burdened with original sin? Is there a "cosmic Adam" that predates his Earthly clone? Does one baptise an alien?

When little green men finally make themselves known, the Christians will be ready for them. After all, as Consolmagno says, "Having a soul has nothing to do with how many arms or legs or tentacles you have."

Amanda Gefter, opinion editor

Edgar Cayce predicted that there will be one more pope after John Paul II who will serve a short term. Any way you look at it - the days of religious doctrine and control by church and state are coming to an end.

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Image via Wikipedia

Future president: of the USA (Barrack Obama) According to many visions and dreams I have had and a terrible gut feeling will be assassinated within 3 days or 3 months...the reason is still unknown to me and the details of the assassination are very vague however even if they were not I would not disclose the details and I wont in the future as I know the details will most likely become clear soon...it is not my place to change the future only to prepare those in it.

When ever I have the vision of the president being asassinated I see the number 3 which I am guessing has to do with the time frame however I am NOT God and I could be wrong, his asassination could be done by three people or in a third world country or in the third state etc there is no way to be sure exactly what the 3 represents, it could even represent 3AM which to many is the hour of the beast.

In light of my first posting of my predictions on my blog I will say this the future can NOT be altered no matter how hard you try if a person is due to pass on to a higher existance then this will happen at all costs because unfortunatly we do NOT make the rules, we can prolong it for a little while however fate will catch up no matter what you do before you can even blink, and for those who are non believers in anything other than what is right in front of their faces I tell you this, I am not saying that this is 100% accurate I am simply putting it out there because I feel that the world should be ready for this and hopefully the president...if it does not come to pass then I wont feel bad I will rejoice, murder is NEVER a thing to feel good about, and we all know that who ever is planning this could also change their mind would they ever come across this blog.

As I have said before to many I am but a messenger NOT a God, The Gods can and do change their mind whenever they please and unfortunatly I am left looking dumb or praised for my accuracy but do I ever regret my duty upon this earth? never because that would mean that I regret the creator himself.

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Hmph. So comrade Mingzhao, vice director of the State Council Information Office, has met Jimmy Wales of Wikipedia. Comrade Mingzhao is in charge of censorship.

Just between you and me: comrade Mingzhao is a wussy. He has opened our Sacred Firewall in the run-up to the Olympics, and now, Mr Wales is trying to keep it open, so that Wikipedia can pour a deluge of grunge into this celestial kingdom, uhm, People's Republic.

Rebecca MacKinnon, an assistant professor at the University of Hong Kong, is concerned about the meeting between comrade Mingzhao and that Western guy.

So am I. Very concerned. Rest assured: this aggression will not stand.

The "Thomson Reuters Employees Got Talent" contest was part of the annual employee giving campaign at West which contributes to nonprofit organizations across the globe. Wold, a senior quality assurance specialist at West, donated his prize money to Neurofibromatosis Inc. Minnesota.

Second place of $3,000 went to Roger Holmes for the charity Wishes & More. Roger performed a song he wrote, titled "Never Too Late for Love." And, third place in the contest went to Ryan Luse, who donated $1,000 to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance for his original song "Out West."

The two other finalists, David Brueggemann and Charles Russell each earned $500 for their selected charities, Store to Door and Global Impact.

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.WHERE ARE YOU YEEZY?

..So I'm a really big Kanye fan. Always have been. Back when he was Kanye Chedda and he use to rap about Guns and whips and Killin people...(Yea He use to rap about that too... But thats not why I liked him.) I was feelin' the mixtape Kanye. When The College drop-out came out, I was in Chicago and the streets were Buzzing. I knew we had a star on our hands. He consistently gives us good music. Late Registration and The Graduation were great albums. BUT.... 808's and Heartbreaks? I dunno homey. When I heard Love Lockdown on the VMA's I was like... The drums are hot... Hook is okay... but I wouldn't have touched the Vocorder Ye'.... Maybe it'll grow on me. It Didnt. Then I saw Kanye fixed it and did a remake.... Still wasn't all the way there with it. Then I began to read articles where Kanye was saying that his entire album will consist of him singing with the vocorder instead of rapping... and then I started questioning... Has Kanye gone ALL THE WAY POP? I mean I like the fact that he's different and he loves all kinds of music. He will collaborate with anyone who knows and loves music like he does. Great artists from all genres of music. But he has always put his Hip-Hop flare to it. This time, im afraid to say, I'm not feelin it Kanye. Then he premiered the Video on ELLEN???!?!?!!?...Not Rap City.. Not 106... Not even TRL... ELLEN!!!!!! WAKE UP MISTER WEST!!! You can't just turn your back on your Hip Hop fans to turn to your Brand-new-wasn't-there-in-the-beginning Hip POP fans. I need your Originality. Your Soulful Sound. Your real lyrics. Like Puff said... When I heard your music I fell in love with Hip Hop again... and now she's leaving me. I would hate to agree with 50 cent about the up coming Kanye album and how it's not Hip Hop but its hard not to. Maybe he can convince me otherwise, but for now, I'll put LAST CALL on repeat...

. I AGREE, hahaha there you go D...

DSC_0657, originally uploaded by silverwinnipegboy.

I was in NYC to translate, we were covering business people that were born in Kyushu and have made it in NYC. West has 25+ restaurants in the NYC area. This udon shop is located near NYU where many "real" Japanese restaurants are located.

Kanye West-Love Lockdown[(Official Video)]HD+Lryics

A party of people all joined together on the hillside watching the death and remnants of the death of that most glorious of Days. People together but not knowing each other in the cooling dimness. The shiver of the darkness, touching each and every one, stood in silence, in the solemn and the grand and the wondrous decapitation of Light.

A multitude of eyes together, fixed. A multitude of minds, together, silenced. No thought filled the mind of any of these people, couples, families, lone walkers, each one alone in that Sunset of the West. Each alone witnessing the sky being drenched in red splendour as if beneath the horizon a horrific and violent death had taken place, with blood being diluted and permeating upwards in that afterglow.

Each on there own feels closer to the ones next to them on that burning glow. The fiery nature of that red sky like an ember for the mind, warming despite its dissipating heat, and the cooling air. Warming the soul nullifying the emotional state of the nation, all looking towards the West where the wind blew blustering and sputtering with rain and leaves from the darkest of black clouds which threatened the whole scene.

The thoughts and the pains that run through the mind of man are besieged, are brought down from their prideful place of illuminations and illusions in the scene of the setting of the Sun in the West. The trials and the pains and the frustrations that run through the mind of women are brought down from their prideful place, of illuminations, and illusion in the scene of the setting of the Sun in the West.

© Denis Materna, 2008.

© http://buddymaterna.wordpress.com 2008.

Peace Out!!!

TEHRAN, Iran - Iranian news reports claimed Tuesday that Iran forced down a Western aircraft that accidentally entered its airspace, then allowed the plane to continue to Afghanistan after questioning its passengers. The state-owned Al-Alam, Iran's official Arabic-language television station, quoted an unidentified senior Iranian military official as saying the plane belonged either to a British or Hungarian relief agency. It said Iran forced the aircraft to land on Sunday and then permitted the passengers and crew to leave the following day.

The U.S. military in Iraq issued a statement noting "media reports that a small, civilian passenger jet was forced to land in Iran. This was not a U.S. aircraft and there were no Americans reported on board. All U.S. aircraft are accounted for and none are missing."

White House spokesman