At the Movies: "Sherlock Holmes" (PG-13)

The newest incarnation of "Sherlock Holmes" is one of the best films of 2009
(Photo Courtesy of Warner Bros.)

Ah the Holiday season. Hollywood saves the best for last as the bulk of the great and high-budgeted movies are released around this time. "Avatar," "Alvin and the Chipmunks," and now "Sherlock Holmes."

One of the most cherished detectives of our time, "Holmes" has appeared in over 122 films with the last being "The Young Sherlock Holmes" in 1985 (grossing around $20 million after opening in 5th place.) After the demise of the last Sherlock movie, would Guy Ritchie and his all-star cast reboot this franchise much like J.J. Abrams rebooted "Star Trek"?

After finally catching serial killer and occult "sorcerer" Lord Blackwood, legendary sleuth Sherlock Holmes (Downey Jr.) and his assistant Dr. Watson (Law) can close yet another successful case. But when Blackwood mysteriously returns from the grave and resumes his killing spree, Holmes must take up the hunt once again. Contending with his partner's new fiancée and the dimwitted head of Scotland Yard, the dauntless detective must unravel the clues that will lead him into a twisted web of murder, deceit, and black magic - and the deadly embrace of temptress Irene Adler (McAdams).

What I really liked about this film was how it jumped right into the action. No need to bore the audience with a background on Holmes and Watson. Everyone should know by now the story of how they came to be and how they are best friends and colleagues. Downey Jr. was fantastic as Holmes and brought a rugged quality not seen in previous films. Holmes has always been seen as clean cut and in fancy clothing. Law was spot on as Watson.

Chris's Rating: 4 out of 4 stars - One of the best films of 2009. As close to perfection as you can get with Sherlock Holmes. Sure to be Guy Ritchie's greatest film and was set up perfectly for a sequel.

DVD Movie Review: "The Hangover" (R)

Most overrated movie of 2009: "The Hangover"

When you see the trailer to "The Hangover," you see four guys (2 best friends, a groom and his future brother-in-law) living it up in Vegas. A typical storyline that has been done since the dawn of time, the hype that built around this movie was so huge, it cast itself in the light of all-time best comedies. This $35 million dollar comedy grossed $277 million dollars in the U.S. alone, so I thought to myself "This must be a great comedy to have grossed this much!" How wrong I was.

Angelenos Doug Billings (Justin Bartha) and Tracy Garner (Sasha Barrece) are about to get married. Two days before the wedding, the four men in the wedding party - Doug, Doug's two best buddies Phil Wenneck (Bradley Cooper) and Stu Price (Ed Helms), and Tracy's brother Alan Garner (Zach Galifianakis) - hop into Tracy's father's beloved Mercedes convertible for a 24-hour stag party to Las Vegas. After a night of partying with no memory of the previous nights events, they try and piece together what happened hoping they can find their friend Doug. As they find clues to his disappearance, things seem to get weirder and weirder leading them all over Vegas trying to get back in time for Doug's wedding day.

The first 20 minutes of this film are grueling. You have all the characters getting setup as to who they are, what their homelives are about, etc. Once they get to Vegas, the tempo picks up only to come back to a hault as they try to piece together the events of the previous night and find the groom Doug. Throughout the film, the jokes are flying but I really only laughed at a few of them. The gross-out humor just isn't funny in an adult comedy. It might work in "American Pie" but not on this level.

I think the breakout acting in this movie has to go to Zach Galifianakis and Ed Helms. Galifianakis made the role of the strange, isolated person named Alan shine and had more laughs than anyone else. Helms was good as "whipped" Stu who refused to dump his controlling girlfriend who cheated on him with a cruise ship worker. Bradley Cooper's performance was ok but the typical "mid-life crisis" guy trying to hang on to his youth.

Chris's Rating: 2 Stars out of 4 - Overrated comedy that had a very lame ending. Has a sequel on the way next May. Hope it's not as overhyped as this one was.

University of Florida: Land of the Wimps

Florida Men's Basketball Coach Billy Donovan (Top) and Football Coach Urban Meyer (Bottom) have a lot in common after crawling back to Florida less than 24 hours after vacating those jobs [Courtesy Photos]

What a crazy weekend in the world of college sports. News Saturday night that Florida Football Coach Urban Meyer was resigning due to health concerns and wanting to be with his family. Then the next day Meyer recants his press release to the media and says he is taking an "indefinite leave of absence" but hopes to be back before the 2010 season. WHA???

Let's give a little background as to what happened. After the Southeastern Conference championship game three weeks ago, Meyer spent several hours in a Gainesville, Fla., hospital because of chest pains. Meyer said Sunday he had experienced similar problems at times this season but had not had a heart attack. Meyer also told Sports Illustrated last month that he suffered from persistent headaches caused by an arachnoid cyst that becomes inflamed by stress, rage and excitement.

Pat Forde describes the situation..."After handing in his resignation Saturday night, Meyer's mind was made up. Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley said when he went to sleep Saturday night he did not think there was any chance Meyer would change his mind.

Meyer then apparently went out to practice and decided that burnout is for losers, and his family may or may not come before his players. They had a spirited practice in unseasonably cold weather and, shazam, Urban's not resigning after all!

Meyer also said family and health come first but clearly, he has put neither first during his intensely successful run as a coach. On Saturday night, Meyer told The New York Times that oldest daughter Nicki rejoiced at the news of his impending resignation, saying, "I've got my daddy back." Now it appears daddy is only back on temporary loan."

Forde sums it up best by stating that Meyer's judgement is a bit cloudy. When he made a sincere resignation from the heart on Saturday, that was the right thing to do. But to go behind your families back and change your mind is a pretty harsh and selfish thing to do.

I hope he takes time to heal from his medical issues and takes time to heal his family where he seems to be non-existant. Whatever the case may be, Meyer must air on the side of caution and not risk his life for a game.

Top 10 Christmas Movies

"It's a Wonderful Life" tops my list of Best Christmas Movies

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Merry Christmas to one and all. After hearing all these entertainment reporters compile their list of Best Christmas Movies, I decided to put in my two cents. Here are my Top 10 Christmas Movies:

#1 - "It's a Wonderful Life" (G) starring James Stewart, Donna Reed

Frank Capra’s "It’s a Wonderful Life" was a box-office flop in 1946 even though it went on to garner 5 Academy Award Nods including Best Picture. James "Jimmy" Stewart was returning from war when he did this movie and you can tell how changed a man he was. The raw emotion of George Bailey, the yearning for a better life and the suicide attempt because he thought of himself as unimportant. All the elements that make a movie a classic and make us all realize we are all put on this earth for a reason.

#2 - National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (PG-13) - starring Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo

A holiday classic from the 1980's, a decade with a slew of holiday classics. Clark Griswold just wants his family to have the perfect old fashioned family christmas. Add him putting up hundreds of thousands of lights on his house, him awaiting a bonus check he really needed and you got the best movie of the "Vacation" series. Classic lines, classic comedy, this is a great holiday movie.

#3 - A Christmas Story (PG) - starring Melinda Dillon, Darren McGavin and Peter Billingsley

"Sons of Bitches...Bumpus's!" An all-time classic from 1983, "A Christmas Story" presents the story of a little boy named Ralphie and what he goes through to get a Red Rider BB Gun for Christmas in the circa 1940's fictional northern Indiana town of Hohman. Funny and just plain genius, it was also considered a flop in Nov. 1983, only making $19 million. FUN FACT: There are two sequels to this film: "Ollie Hopnoodle's Haven of Bliss" (1988) and "It Runs in the Family" (1994).

#4 - Scrooged (PG) - starring Bill Murray

Another classic 80's christmas movie, Bill Murray plays IBC TV Executive Frank Cross whose only goal in life is to make himself and everyone around him miserable. Only caring about money and the bottom line, Cross is visited by three ghosts to try and get him to change his ways and also rekindle a lost love. Murray is brilliant in this contemporary retelling of Charles Dickens classic "A Christmas Carol."

#5 - The Santa Clause (PG) - starring Tim Allen

What started peoples mispelling of "Claus,"Disney and Tim Allen bring Santa to the big screen in a whole new light. When Scott Kalvin finds Santa fallen off his roof, he dawns Santa's clothing (to the urging of his son Charlie) and helps finish delivering the presents to all the children around the world. Not realizing that he was now the new Santa Claus under a binding law known as the "Santa Clause," Kalvin must come to the realization that he is now Santa and accept his new job at the North Pole. Funny, original and very clever, this is definitely one of my favorite holiday classics that the entire family will enjoy.

#6 - Santa Claus: The Movie (G) - starring Dudley Moore, John Lithgow

The most expensive Christmas movie ever made, "Santa Claus: The Movie" came out in 1985. The story is about an evil toy company executive of BZ Toys using a special candy cane, created by one of Santa's Elves (Moore fresh off his "Arthur" fame) that made people fly, to create record profits and start a new holiday called "Christmas II." An orphan and little girl help Santa save the day in this fun, endearing tale. A dud at the box office (only made $23 million of its $50 million back), this holiday classic is endearing to me. I remember going to the ol' Fair Oaks Movie Theater when this came out. I was 5 years old at the time and remember how magical the movie was. It's a fun movie that is sure to bring out the kid in us all.

#7 - Home Alone 1 & 2 (PG) - starring Macaulay Culkin

I decided to group both movies together because they both merit a spot on this list. "Home Alone" starred a virtual unknown Macaulay Culkin as Kevin, a 10-year old boy who gets left at home while his family goes on Christmas Vacation. Unbeknownst to Kevin and his family, thieves (Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern) are casing the neighborhood looking for an easy score while people are out of town. It's up to Kevin to protect his families house from them while his mother tries to get home as quick as she can. In "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York," Kevin gets on the plane this time but it's the wrong one! Instead of getting on a plane to Florida, he's on the plane to New York City. Once there, Kevin checks into The Plaza and gets settled. Lerking in the city are the two thieves from the first movie wanting to strike revenge on unsuspecting Kevin. Once he realizes they are there, it's onto an abandoned building where Kevin must defeat them again and get back to his family. Very funny and great holiday classics.

#8 - Holiday Inn (G) - starring Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire

A classic holiday film, this movie introduces the world to a little song called "White Christmas" which also won the Academy Award in 1942. Crosby and Astaire star as a popular nightclub song-and-dance team. When his heart is broken by his girlfriend, Crosby decides to retire from the hustle-bustle of big city showbiz. He purchases a rustic New England farm and converts it to an inn, which he opens to the public (floor show and all) only on holidays. Great songs by Irving Berlin make this a true classic amongst christmas films.

#9 - Silent Night, Deadly Night (R) - starring Robert Brian Wilson, Gilmer McCormick

I know this isn't your typical holiday film, but I had to include it in this list. A Christmas Tradition my friends and I started last year was to watch "Silent Night, Deadly Night" every Christmas season. This 1984 horror movie classic is about a young boy who watches his parents killed by a thief in a Santa suit. He spends his youth in an orphanage, staying quietly to his self, but his mind is further bent by an ironhanded Mother Superior. When he turns 18, he finally gets a job at a local store, where he finally snaps when he is required to wear a Santa suit, and goes on a killing spree that leads him slowly back to the orphanage. Some classic scenes and is definitely NOT FOR CHILDREN!

#10 - Bad Santa (R) - starring Billy Bob Thornton

Another crude holiday classic, this is Thornton at his comedic best. Two conmen, disguised as Santa (Billy Bob Thornton) and an Elf (Tony Cox), have been traveling across the country for the last seven years during the Christmas season getting jobs at shopping malls, and then robbing them on Christmas Eve. They use the trusting nature of people during this happy time just to rob them blind. Just when all is going according to plan, Willie meets an 8-year old boy, (Brett Kelly) who has this trusting nature, and who shows him the meaning of friendship and Christmas. To complicate matters further, he meets Sue, a sexy bartender who starts to really care for him. Rude, Crass and plain raunchy, this movie is a holiday classic for the adults.

Did I leave any out? Post comments below! Merry Christmas to all!

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

(UPDATED WEATHER MAP AS OF 1:30 PM 12/18)

Courtesy of Weather.com, here are the projections for snowfall.
Chantilly/Fairfax, VA can expect 12-24 inches Friday evening through Sunday

I should have known something was afoot when, while shopping at Giant to avoid the crazy people today, I heard "Let It Snow" on the stores loudspeaker. Not since the likes of the Blizzards of 1993, 1996 or 2006 have we seen snow totals of 1-2 feet predicted. As the bullseye keeps growing, let's take a walk down memory lane and see what those snowstorms impact had on our area:

• 1993: The "Storm of the Century," also known as the ’93 Superstorm, No-Name Hurricane, the White Hurricane, or the "Great Blizzard of 1993," was a large cyclonic storm that occurred on March 12–March 13, 1993, on the East Coast of North America. It is unique for its intensity, massive size and wide-reaching effect. The D.C. area saw 2-3 feet of snow from this classic storm that crippled the area for 2-3 weeks as plows and residents tried to dig out. (I remember missing over a week of school because of this storm!)
  
  


• 1996: The "Blizzard of 1996" was a nor'easter (much like the one that will hit this weekend) that paralyzed the U.S. East Coast with up to 4 feet of wind-driven snow over a three-day period from January 6 to January 8, 1996.
  
  
  Also known as the MLK Storm, Snow began falling in Washington, D.C. and Baltimore during the late evening of January 6 and continued at a consistent rate until mid-afternoon the next day. At that time, the metro area received 13 to 17 inches, and after a few hours of sleet and then a complete stop for several hours, it seemed the worst was over. But overnight, as the storm slowly crawled northward, extremely heavy bands of snow came in from the east. These bands created whiteout conditions as winds gusted past 40 miles per hour, along with thunder and lightning.
  
  
  By the morning of January 8, the bands tapered off, and the metro area was left with a blanket of 15 to 25 inches of snow. Baltimore received 22.5 inches and Washington Dulles International Airport received 24.6 inches. Many areas north and west in Maryland and West Virginia received well over 2 feet with a few locations in the mountains of West Virginia and Virginia receiving up to 4 feet.
  
  
• 2006: The "Blizzard of 2006" was a nor'easter that began on the evening of February 11, 2006. It dumped heavy snow across the Northeast United States from Virginia to Maine through the early evening of February 12 and ended in Atlantic Canada on February 13. The major northeast cities from Baltimore to Boston received at least a foot of snow, with an all-time largest amount of 26.9 inches in New York City, the most since at least 1869, the start of record keeping.
  
  
  According to Dominion Power, over 64,000 people in Northern Virginia lost power in the storm, primarily in the suburban areas adjacent to Washington, D.C. Many locations in the extreme Northeastern portion of the state recorded 10-15 inches of snow, with Falls Church and Fairfax coming in at 13.5 inches and 14.0 inches respectively. Fairfax County and eastern Loudoun County were generally the start of the 12+ inches accumulations, which spread north towards Massachusetts.

Will we be adding 2009 to the list? I am sure with the predictions of 12-24 inches of snow. Be prepared if you live from North Carolina up to Pennsylvania.

Here are a few tips to keep you safe during this storm:

1) Listen to your radio, television, or NOAA Weather Radio for weather reports and emergency information.

2) Eat regularly and drink ample fluids, but avoid caffeine and alcohol.

3) Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. Overexertion can bring on a heart attack—a major cause of death in the winter. If you must shovel snow, stretch before going outside.

4) Cover your mouth. Protect your lungs from extremely cold air by covering your mouth when outdoors. Try not to speak unless absolutely necessary.

5) Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses all of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly.

6) Watch for signs of frostbite. These include loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately.

7) Watch for signs of hypothermia. These include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion.

8) Drive only if it is absolutely necessary. If you must drive, consider the following:
Travel in the day, don’t travel alone and keep others informed of your schedule.
Stay on main roads; avoid back road shortcuts.

SNOW UPDATE AS OF SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20: 26 inches fell in Chantilly, Va.!!!! Roads are terrible with schools closing for the rest of the week and most of DC offices closed Monday.

Brilliant, Shocking End to Dexter Season 4

Arthur Mitchell, aka Trinity (John Lithgow) and Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall) showed why Dexter is the best show of the past decade. (Photo Courtesy of EW.com)

If you have not seen the season 4 finale or any of the season for that matter, DO NOT READ AFTER THIS SENTENCE!

Season four of "Dexter" was the absolute best season since the first. When the season begins, Dexter Morgan finds himself married with a wife (Rita), a new baby (Harrison) and two step-children (Cody and Aster). Moving into a new posh Miami suburb, life seems perfect for the serial-killer hero we have all grown to care about in the first three seasons. But as always, Miami shows its ugly side and some peculiar murders pop up.

A woman found dead in a bath tub, a woman who apparently committed suicide jumping off a building and a man found bludgeoned to death. The cycle of the vicious murderer known as the "Trinity Murders." Special Agent Lundy (from Season 2 fame) is back in Miami to track the man he dubbed Trinity. Dexter is very interested in learning about Trinity and helps Lundy and his sister Deb try and track him down.

After Lundy is killed and Deb shot, Dexter makes it his mission to find Trinity. He finds him and instead of immediately putting him on his table, Dexter decides to learn from him. After all, he has a family and so does Trinity. Befriending Arthur Mitchell as Kyle Butler, Dexter sets out to see what makes this man tick and how he balances family life with his dark passenger.

After many episodes peeling back the insanity and viciousness layer by layer with a Thanksgiving from hell as the climax, Dexter has to put an end to the cycle. But to his astonishment, he soon finds out that Trinity not only killed 3 people but a 4th as 10-year old children were encased in cement in every city the killings happened. With time running out, Dexter finds Trinity as he is putting his latest child victim in cement. Knocking him out with a shovel, the kid is saved by Dexter only to have Trinity escape. Now it's personal.

With Trinity looking for Kyle, Dexter knows it's time to end this madness. As he tries to find Arthur, he doesn't know that Arthur has already found him and knows of his true identity. In the final episode of the season, it's a race against time as Dexter tries to end the days of this evil serial killer once and for all.

The episode starts where it left off last week as Dexter is staring right into the eyes of Arthur Mitchell in Miami-Homicide's office. With an exchange of words, Arthur leaves with Dexter hot on his trail. While speeding down the road, Dexter knocks a rearview mirror off the car of some guy. Not stopping for fear of losing Arthur for good, Dexter finds that he has gone to the bank and withdrawn all his money to leave town. Hiding in the shadows of the parking garage, Dexter uses his syringe and knocks Arthur out.

With Arthur now unconscious in the back of his van, Dexter finds out the man whose mirror he knocked off followed him with the Sheriff's department. Leaving Arthur in the van, Dexter doesn't want to waste time with this matter but loses his cool and gets arrested.

Thinking he might still have a shot at Arthur after being released from jail, Dexter goes back to the bank and finds that he is now gone. But luckily Dexter hid Arthur's money somewhere in the parking garage, forcing him to go home and find anything of value to get money including his wife's wedding ring.

On a side story, Deb was told to go home after witnessing Christine commit suicide in front of her four hours earlier. Not wanting to just sit at home, she finds the name of Kimberly Mosher, an ex C.I. of her father. As she's taken to the house, Deb realizes it was the same house the Ice Truck Killer had taken her to. Connecting the dots, she finds out that Dexter was the Ice Truck Killer's brother. Telling Dexter all this, he seems releaved to find that that is all she knows and that the killings Dexter has been a part of have not surfaced.

Dexter wonders where Arthur could be after disappearing from his family. Finding a car repair receipt in the van, Dexter proceeds to find Arthur with his newly fixed and painted mustang and finally got him on his table. Arthur knows his time is up but won't let Dexter have all the fun. “I was following my path. God led you to me.” With this line from Arthur, Dexter finished the deal and Arthur "Trinity Killer" Mitchell was finally dead.

As he stared into the moonlight, Dexter thought to himself that he wanted to embrace his family life. He cared so deeply for all of them and wanted to try and rid himself of the needs of the dark passenger.

Getting home to pack his bag for the Florida Keys, Dexter's phone starts beeping. A voicemail from Rita was left saying that she had forgotten her I.D. to board the plane but that she was going home and catch the next flight out with Harrison. Dexter hits call back on his phone only to hear the phone in her purse in the dining room. A cry from Harrison shrills through the calm night and Dexter runs to where he hears it. In the bathroom, Harrison is on the floor surrounded in Rita's blood...like Dexter when he was little and his mother had been killed. Rita had been murdered in the tub. Trinity's final opus to Dexter Morgan as his greatest adversary. Dexter picked up Harrison and said "I'm what's wrong...this is fate."

I don't know about any of you but my jaw hit the floor with that ending!! When you go back, the subtle hints from Trinity chill you to the core. "It's over. It's already done" he said to Dexter as he laid on the table. This is the best season of this show by far. If this show does not win Emmys, Golden Globes, Actors Guild Awards, you name it, I will never listen to any advise or watch any awards show they put on ever again.

Michael C. Hall was phenominal as always. Since his break on "Six Feet Under," he has stretched his acting skills to new heights. I mean he takes a Serial Killer (only of the bad people) and turns him into a protagonist that everyone cares about! He deserves all the accolades and awards.

John Lithgow has been the greatest villain on this show. He's a brilliant actor who can show he can be funny (3rd Rock from the Sun) and that he can be chilling (Dexter).

Jennifer Carpenter made Deb totally her own this season. With having to deal with Lundy's death and Christine shooting herself in front of her, she showed a wide range of emotions..not the same ones over and over.

Julie Benz was just right as Rita. I know everyone hated her but she was another great character that showed frustration and conflict as she tried to get Dexter to open up to her and also ultimately paid the price for Dexter's mistakes in the end.

So what will happen next season? To me it seems that Dexter will be a single dad trying to balance this new found hole in their lives. Others are saying Dexter will wake up and it will all be a dream at the start of the season. It's up to the fantastic writers who get better with every season. Thoughts? Post comments on what you think is going to happen!

Bowl Predictions

Don't worry Urban, you're still the odds on favorite to win it all and then you can go to Notre Dame!

It's coming down to the final week of College Football as Florida, Alabama and Texas remain unbeaten. The Florida-Alabama thing will take care of itself Saturday, Dec. 5. As for Texas, all they need to do is beat Nebraska and they're in the BCS Championship. Here are my BCS bowl predictions with a few other bowl games as of Monday, Nov. 23:

BCS National Championship (Pasadena, Calif.) : Florida Gators Vs. Texas Longhorns

Florida looks for it's 3rd National Title in 4 years. Texas is looking for it's first since 2005. If Tebow wins, he will have more national titles than any QB in SEC history.

Orange Bowl (Miami, Fla.) : Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Vs. TCU Horned Frogs

The Horned Frogs are undefeated but will get the shaft thanks to the BCS computer. Tech is in this bowl game if they beat Clemson in the ACC Title Game.

Fiesta Bowl (Tempe, Ariz.) : Boise State Stallions Vs. Iowa Hawkeyes

Two-loss Iowa makes a BCS bowl thanks to the Big 12 not having another viable candidate. Boise State looks to stay undefeated but like TCU get shut out of the big dance. Remember what they did to Oklahoma a few years back?

Sugar Bowl (New Orleans, La.) : Alabama Crimson Tide Vs. Cincinnati Bearcats

Also undefeated are the Cincinnati Bearcats. Another BCA loser unfortunately, the Bearcats will take on the Alabama Crimson Tide after they lose to Florida. Interesting matchup that should be entertaining.

Rose Bowl (Pasadena, Calif.) : Oregon Ducks Vs. Ohio State Buckeyes

One of two conferences not to have a Championship game, the Ducks punched their ticket in after a stunning OT win at Arizona. The Buckeyes also punched their ticket after rolling over Michigan. The Rose Bowl tradition continues with the PAC-10 Vs. Big Ten battle.

Music City Bowl (Nashville, Tn.) : Georgia Bulldogs Vs. Florida State Seminoles

Well, UGA and FSU look to meet for the second time in 10 years only this time in a lower tier bowl game. Both teams have suffered this season as Georgia lost to Oklahoma State, LSU, Tennessee, Florida, and Kentucky. They have Georgia Tech but look for Georgia to be 6-6. FSU is 6-5 with losses to Miami, South Florida, Boston College, Georgia Tech and Clemson. They should finish 7-5 with a win over the terrible Maryland Terrapins. All in all an interesting matchup on Dec. 27 at 8:15 p.m.

Papa Johns.com Bowl (Birmingham, Ala.) : Kentucky Wildcats Vs. South Florida Bulls

After pulling off a huge upset of Georgia, Kentucky is in great shape to get another bowl game. They've gone 3-0 in the last three seasons with two trips to the Music City Bowl and one to the Liberty Bowl last season. This season looks to take them to Birmingham for the Papa Johns.com Bowl. South Florida was a team on the rise but fell flat as the season went on. Should be a great matchup. We'll know for sure after the UK Vs. Tennessee game. If they win for the first time since 1984, Kentucky will be 8-4 and go to a higher tiered bowl.


Look for more matchups as the conference championships get closer!

Will Georgia seriously fire Mark Richt after one lousy season?

UGA VII knows how good Mark Richt has been but will Georgia fire him for Charlie Strong of Florida?

Who knew this Saturday's Georgia-Florida game could mean a job for one of the coaches? Rumors are flying on ESPN and other sports sites that if Georgia gets shallacked by the Gators, Richt will be sent packing for Charlie Strong of Florida. Is this a panic move? Absolutely.

Mark Richt has been phenominal as Georgia's head coach. The last 8 seasons, he has rebuilt the Dawgs into a national powerhouse that is really close to achieving the National Championship. With a career record of 85-23, the Dawgs have won 4 SEC East Titles, 2 SEC Titles, 2 Sugar Bowls and were ranked #2 at the end of the 2007-08 season. He has won 10 games every season since 2002. This season however, has been one of his most challenging.

The Dawgs have just plain out struggled. At 4-3 with losses to Oklahoma State, LSU and Tennessee, Georgia is a team with tremendous talent...they just don't know how to use it. This is the worst season Mark Richt has faced since his first year 7-5 start with a loss in the Music City Bowl. But does this merit him getting fired?

I think Georgia fans need to chill out. Sure we're having a bad year, but we had two of the most prolific athletes to wear Georgia uniforms, Knowshon Moreno and Matthew Stafford, leave early for the NFL. Losing two players of tht stature is enough to give any team a challenge. Unfortunately for the Dawgs it has been a lot tougher than anticipated.

What Mark Richt needs to do is fire defensive coordinator Willie Martinez and give offensive coordinator Mike Bobo a stern warning that he is on the hot seat. Martinez has been a long time coming and the Dawgs need to move on. I know it's tough for Richt to fire his buddy but it needs to happen for the better of the team.

Can Georgia beat the Gators? For their Coach, it's looking like the game needs to be kept close or Georgia needs a win. If this can't happen, the trigger will be pulled.

All Time Low in D.C.

Not even Jim Zorn can yell "ALL IS WELL" at Redskin Park

(Courtesy Photo)

If you're a Redskins fan, my condolences. For me, I am a born and raised Virginian who always cheered for the burgundy and gold. With Coach Joe Gibbs, I saw the Redskins win Super Bowl XXII and XXVI. Yes life was good and being a Redskins fan showed a rich, winning tradition. Then Gibbs stepped down as head coach March 5, 1993. The Redskins have never been the same.

From there, Richie Pettibon (1993), Norv Turner (1994-2000), Terry Robiske (Final 3 games of 2000), Marty Schottenheimer (2001), Steve Spurrier (2002-2003), Joe Gibbs (2004-2008) and now Jim Zorn (2008-????), the Redskins have been so so. The bright spot for Norv Turner was in 1999 when the Redskins won the NFC East and got into the playoffs. The only other time they made the playoffs was with Gibbs 2.0 in 2007. This season, the Redskins are on the brink of disaster. 2-4 with 12 games remaining (7 against NFC East opponents.)

What do the Redskins need to do to succeed?

• Fire Vinnie Cerrato and Jim Zorn.
• Cut ties with Jason Campbell. He's had 4 seasons. The experiment is over and we need to move on.
• Implement and hire a General Manager that can run the team. Mr. Snyder, you need to let go so the team can be run like a REAL team, not some Fantasy Football team.
• Hire a hall of fame coach like Mike Shannahan, Bill Cowher or Mike Holmgren who can coach the QB as well as the team.
• DRAFT WELL! Charlie Casserly was the last great drafter the Redskins had. You need to draft well so you can build your team and not break the bank doing it.
• Instead of blowing $100 million dollars on one player, spend it on multiple players! That way, you can get more bang for your buck.

If the Redskins followed these, they could be back on track to winning. It's not going to be overnight but I am prepared to suffer as long as I see progress. The day Daniel Snyder realizes his control is hurting the team, the better the team will get. They also need to get rid of Zorn and quit this charade of making him think he even has a chance to coach next season. After losing to 3 winless teams, he has got to go.

I have never been so embarrased to be a Redskins fan. I've been through many tough years but none as bad as this. A team that can not score on offense, a team that has no desire to win. The coming weeks will tell us what is on Snyder's to do list. The question remains how bad could it really get? I will say this: at least we have one team we can be proud of -- the Washington Capitals.

KISS Celebrates 35 Years at Verizon Center

(Left) Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley and Tommy Thayer rock out at the Kiss:Alive 35 concert at Verizon Center in Washington, D.C.

"I wanna rock n' roll all night, and party everyday!" No truer words have ever been sung than those by Kiss. For 35 years, they have been rocking arenas around the globe spreading the cheer of great rocking music. For 35 years, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley have been rocking out everyday and getting paid for it. The two original members left, they were on their A game Tuesday night, October 13 at the Verizon Center in Washington D.C.

Unlike the Washington Post's inaccurate count of the audience, the arena was nearly full except for a few rows at the very top. I missed BuckCherry but really, did I miss anything? Got there around 8:30 as they were setting up for Kiss. Around 8:45 like clockwork, Kiss exploded onto the stage starting off with a Gene Simmons classic "Deuce." Stanley's interaction with the crowd was nothing short of awesome as he kept on them to rock to their limit. "Philadelphia was louder," he kept egging on the crowd as boos showered the stage. They rock and rolled and ended with Detroit Rock City as the final song before blasting God Gave Rock n' Roll To You II on the speakers while the video board said Kiss Thanks You Washington!

"You wanted the best, you got the best. The hottest band in the world, KISS!"

With the usual Gene spitting fire and blood, it was a rocking great time. Here is the setlist of what was played:

1. Deuce
2. Strutter
3. Let Me Go, Rock 'N' Roll
4. Hotter Than Hell (Gene blows fire)
5. Got To Choose
6. Modern Day Delilah ("We're playin' a lot of classics tonight, but not all classics are old")
7. C'mon And Love Me
8. She
- Tommy's Solo (he shoots down part of the lights)
9. Parasite
10. 100,000 Years / Eric's spinning drum riser solo / 100,000 Cont.
-Gene spits blood, flies above stage
11. I Love It Loud
- Paul's Stairway to Heaven bit
12. Black Diamond
13. Rock And Roll All Nite (confetti snowstorm, arena was freakin covered in the stuff)

Encore:
14. Shout It Out Loud
15. Lick It Up
16. Cold Gin
17. Love Gun
18. Detroit Rock City

NCAA Football Predictions: Week 7

Not even Uncle Rico's arm could help the Georgia Bulldogs
(Courtesy of 20th Century Fox)

It's week 7 in the NCAA Football season with a lot of separation already happening. Here's what we know:

• The Georgia Bulldogs are a lot worse than realized. Losing 45-19 to Tennessee is a wake up call that your team needs help.
• Two big matchups this weekend are National Championship Implicators: Notre Dame Vs. USC and Oklahoma Vs. Texas.
• The Florida Gators are still the team to beat. They have a few difficult matchups ahead with Arkansas this week then Georgia.
  
  

Without further or due, here are my predictions for week 7:
Chris's 2009 Season Record: 28-14 (Last Week: 4-2)

Arkansas Vs. #1 Florida

Analysis: The Gators are good. Their defense that is. Even with their anemic offense against LSU last week in the 13-3 win, the Gators defense helped them hold onto the win. This is what seperates Florida from the rest. Arkansas has a gunslinger in Mallett but the defense is terrible. Another Gator Chomp this week.

Score: #1 Florida 28 Arkansas 12

#22 South Carolina Vs. #2 Alabama

Analysis: The Crimson Tide look like the best team in the SEC (besides Florida) as they not only have a solid defense but their offense is great under the direction of new QB Greg McElroy. Meanwhile, Steve Spurrier has the Gamecocks crowing at 5-1 and look to play spoiler once more as they knocked off Ole Miss earlier this season. It would be great to see another upset but with the game at Bama and Florida left on the docket, the Gamecocks will drop at least one of those games. I think it will be this one.

Score: #2 Alabama 28 #22 South Carolina 17

#4 Virginia Tech Vs. #19 Georgia Tech

Analysis: What an intrguing matchup. First the Virginia Tech Hokies who have been stellar since their opening game loss to Alabama. Then there's Georgia Tech, whose only slip up has been to the Hurricanes of Miami. Both have high octane offenses but I have to give the edge to Virginia Tech. Georgia Tech has the triple option but not a great passing attack. Hokies win but it'll be close.

Score: #4 Virginia Tech 35 #19 Georgia Tech 21

#6 USC Vs. #25 Notre Dame

Analysis: What a game this might be. It's a toss up between the USC Freshman Barkley and the Notre Dame seasoned QB Clausen. Part of me thinks Notre Dame is going to be too much for the Trojans but then I remember the Michigan game. I will say this, the Irish lose and it's bye bye bye to Charlie Weis and hello hello to Urban Meyer.

Score: UPSET! #25 Notre Dame 17 #4 USC 14

UNRANKED SPECIAL: Georgia Vs. Vanderbilt

Analysis: Who would have thought Georgia would be unranked and sitting at 3-3? Not I. The Dawgs are reeling off losses to LSU and the shocker in Knoxville last week to Tennessee. The Dawgs need to regroup. Whether that is with Joe Cox or Logan Gray remains to be seen. Cox was pulled after an atrocious 3 interceptions were thrown last week. The running game was non-existant as well and needs to emerge without the help of Caleb King who broke his jaw in the LSU game. Richard Samuels and Co. need to step up. Vanderbilt is coming off a loss to Army, a really bad football team. Can they kick Georgia while they're down? Maybe but I'm sticking with my Dawgs to resurrect what's left of their season before a week off then the Gators.

Score: Georgia 35 Vandy 10

I-AA Special! Villanova Vs. JMU

Analysis: After starting out the season 2-1, JMU has hit a wall losing 2 straight in the CAA to Hofstra and Richmond. It doesn't get easier as they host 5-1 Villanova for JMU Homecoming. The Dukes need to get back to basics and run the ball. This is going to be close but JMU will unfortunately fall.

Score: Villanova 24 JMU 14

NCAA Football: Week 5 Predictions

Will Georgia need the magic leg of Blair Walsh to knock off the #4 LSU Tigers? We find out how good LSU is Saturday in Athens.

Week 5 of the College Football season and there is plenty of drama to boot.

• Tim Tebow has the week off after his severe concussion last Sat. against Kentucky. Will he be ready for LSU next Sat.?
• Georgia narrowly defeated Arizona State 20-17 but turnovers are the reason. Georgia has had 11 turnovers and only gotten 3 in return for a -8 differential.
• Will the REAL Penn State please stand up? They have now lost to Iowa 7 straight times now.
  

Here are the predictions for Week 5:

#3 Alabama Crimson Tide Vs. Kentucky Wildcats

Analysis: Kentucky got blasted by Florida last week 41-7 to show that they can't beat the big teams quite yet. Next comes Alabama, a team who is solid on both sides and can make a run for the National Championship. Kentucky just can't cut it against this talented team. God help you Big Blue.

Score: #3 Alabama 42 Kentucky 10

#4 Louisiana State Tigers Vs. #18 Georgia Bulldogs

Analysis: Last season, the Georgia Bulldogs walloped LSU in Baton Rouge 52-38 as they knocked the Tigers out of a National Championship bid. Being at home gives the edge to the Bulldogs who have won three straight after losing their opener to Oklahoma State 24-10. If A.J. Green can get his catches, the running game can get going, the Defense is as solid as last week and the turnovers can come to a hault, Georgia should win this game. If they turn the ball over though, it's going to be another close one.

Score: #18 Georgia 38 #4 LSU 17

#7 USC Trojans Vs. #24 California Golden Bears

Analysis: Both these teams are hurting. After USC's stunning loss to Washington, they bounced back with a 24-7 win over Washington St. California was rolling along until they got thumped 42-3 at Oregon as the Ducks resurgence is showing in a crowded Pac-10 leaderboard. USC lost their star running back Stefon Johnson for the year after a freak weight-lifting accident required emergency surgery on his throat. I have to give the edge to the Golden Bears because USC has been shaky at QB and without Johnson, someone is going to have to step up at runningback.

Score: #24 California 21 #7 USC 17

#8 Oklahoma Sooners Vs. #17 Miami Hurricanes

Analysis: Talk about two teams in need of a quality win. Oklahoma has been on a roll since their shocking opening week loss to BYU but a win over ranked Miami is just what the doctor ordered. The Hurricanes are scratching their heads after starting the season strong with wins over Florida State and Georgia Tech but then running into the buzz saw of Virginia Tech as they got crushed 31-7. Will the REAL Miami please stand up? No Bradford for the fourth straight week but he'll be back next week for sure.

Score: #8 Oklahoma 31 #17 Miami 21

*Spotlight Unranked Matchup: Auburn Vs. Tennessee*

Analysis: The Auburn Tigers are a surprising 4-0. Granted they haven't played the strongest of competition (except for West Virginia) but a win against Tennessee on Saturday puts them in the Top 25 in my book. Tennessee Coach Lane Kiffin needs a win badly before Georgia comes into town next week. 2-3 would not look good and the Dawgs are a tough team to beat.

Score: Auburn 35 Tennessee 17

James Madison Royal Dukes Vs. Hofstra Pride

Analysis: JMU looks to be leaving where they left off last season. Making the semi-finals of the subdivision playoffs, the Dukes want another title to go with their 2004 effort. Hofstra is looking for a big win as they are 0-1 in the CAA while JMU is a healthy 2-0.

Score: JMU 35 Hofstra 10

U2, Muse "Magnificent" at FedEx Field

U2's 360 Tour with opening act Muse rocked FedEx Field with its visuals as well as the music

Finally! After waiting 3-4 months after buying tickets, U2's much anticipated 360 Tour hit FedEx Field in Landover, Md. Tuesday, Sept. 29. With a stage 164 feet high and visuals galore, this concert was going to blow anything U2 had ever done away. With each concert comes an even bigger and mind-bending idea which is why they are the greatest band in the world as of this moment.

The concert started off 30 min. late thanks to techincal problems, but at 7:30 the lights went out and Muse was ready to go. Playing most of their hits off their smash album "Black Holes and Revelations" and their latest hit "Uprising," Muse rocked the stadium for 45 packed minutes and took advantage of the video board as they displayed some really slick graphics and displays.

Sharply at 9 p.m., U2 started blasting David Bowie's "Space Oddity" to get the crowd ready. As smoke billowed in, the music got louder and culminated with a giant neon clock counting down to the start. Bono and Co. came on and started with "Breathe" as they have at most stops on the tour. With the bulk of the songs coming from "All That You Can't Leave Behind," "How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb," and "No Line on the Horizon," the setlist was a great mix of new and old (although they missed some huge songs like "Pride" and "Sometimes you can't make it on your own.")

The complete setlist included:

1. Breathe

2. Magnificent

3. Get On Your Boots

4. Mysterious Ways

5. I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For

6. Elevation

7. Your Blue Room

8. Beautiful Day

9. New Year’s Day

10. Stuck In A Moment You Can’t Get Out Of (Acoustic)

11. The Unforgettable Fire

12. City Of Blinding Lights

13. Vertigo

14. I’ll Go Crazy If I Don’t Go Crazy Tonight (Techno Remix)

15. Sunday Bloody Sunday

16. MLK

17. Walk On

Encore 1:

18. One

19. Where The Streets Have No Name

Encore 2:

20. Ultraviolet (Light My Way)

21. With Or Without You

22. Moment of Surrender

All in all, a great concert worth every penny. Rumors are that U2 will be on another tour sometime in the next year with a new album out by the end of this year or early next year. Hopefully it's a lot sooner than 5 years in between visits!

'30 Rock', 'Mad Men': win at another boring awards night for the Emmys

Excluded on the winners list of Emmy Night were Jon Hamm for 'Mad Men' and Tina Fey for '30 Rock'

Courtesy Photo

Another year, another same old Emmy Awards. The only twist this year was the energetic brilliance of Neal Patrick Harris. The new "King of Award Shows" hosted the Tony Awards in May and the Emmy Awards last night with both stints receiving rave reviews. Will the Grammys or Oscars be next for NPH? We'll see but the story of the night to me was the boring, ho-hum giving out of awards to annual winners "Mad Men" and "30 Rock." Seriously, are these shows REALLY that good? Even the best shows on TV have had dry spells in winning awards because every season was not spectacular. Do you remember "Seinfeld" winning every year? No, that's because it never happened!

What has ended up happening is all these so-called voters nominating the shows they think America likes and running with that. Shows like "Dexter" get shut out every year because the Emmys keep giving the award to one show. Other shows like "Friday Night Lights," "True Blood," or "Battlestar Galactica" aren't even nominated when they are some of the best on TV. The Emmys are getting to be just like the Grammy awards. They are so out of touch with American television.

So will "30 Rock" make it 4 in a row next season? How about "Mad Men" winning its 3rd straight award? If the Emmys keep in the direction they're going, it will happen and the ratings for their precious awards show will drop like a rock.

Major Winners:

* Best Drama - "Mad Men" (2nd year in a row)

* Best Comedy - "30 Rock" (3rd year in a row)

* Best Dramatic Actor - Bryan Cranston "Breaking Bad" (2nd year in a row)

* Best Dramatic Actress - Glenn Close "Damages" (2nd year in a row)

* Best Dramatc Supporting Actor - Michael Emerson "Lost"

*Best Dramatic Supporting Actress - Cherry Jones "24"

* Best Comedic Actor - Alec Baldwin "30 Rock" (3rd year in a row)

* Best Comedic Actress - Toni Collette "The United States of Tara"

*Best Comedic Supporting Actor - Jon Cryer "Two and a Half Men"

*Best Comedic Supporting Actress - Kristin Chenoweth "Pushing Daisies"

* Best Variety, Music or Comedy Series: "The Daily Show" (7th year in a row)

* Best Reality Show: "The Amazing Race" (7th year in a row)

College Football: Week 3

The first two weeks of College Football have been shocking to say the least (Courtesy Photo)

Two weeks of College Football are in the books. What do we know?

• Ohio State still chokes in the big games
• Notre Dame got punched in the mouth by a hungry Michigan team
• Lou Holtz can not predict the National Championship
• That Oklahoma State was a pretender from the start. So why did Georgia lose to them?
  

This week brings some intriguing matchups starting with the Thursday night game. Let's predict some of Week 3's action:

THURSDAY, 9/17 - (14) GEORGIA TECH YELLOW JACKETS (2-0) Vs. (20) MIAMI HURRICANES (1-0)
Analysis: Georgia Tech has been more lucky than good the past two weeks with wins that should have been guaranteed. Last week Vs. Clemson, the Jackets nearly had a monumental collapse but survived thanks to 3 field goals in the second half. Miami has been solid after coming off their shocking defeat of Florida State. This game will be fun to watch...until Georgia Tech eats it in the 2nd half.

Score: Miami 35 Georgia Tech 17

FRIDAY, 9/18 - (10) BOISE STATE VS. FRESNO STATE

Analysis: Boise State has been really solid so far this season. A balanced running and passing attack makes them a dangerous opponent. Coming off two huge victories, the Broncos are in the top 10 and looking to upset the BCS tea party. Although Fresno State should be a good test, the Broncos roll in this one.

Score: Boise State 42 Fresno State 13

SATURDAY 9/19 GAMES TO WATCH

TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS (1-1) VS. (1) FLORIDA GATORS (2-0)

Analysis: There isn't much of an analysis to this one. Tennessee lost 19-10 to a weak UCLA team last week to crush the surgence of hope in their season.Tennessee is gonna lose but by how much depends on them. The only thing that would make Tennessee even have a chance is something happening to Tim Tebow (and that's not bloody likely!)

Score: Florida 56 Tennessee 10

TEXAS TECH RED RAIDERS (2-0) VS. (2) TEXAS LONGHORNS (2-0)

Analysis: Last year, Colt McCoy drove down the field and gave Texas the lead in Lubbock with just under a minute left. Then the unthinkable: Michael Crabtree catching the amazing touchdown to shock the Longhorns and send McCoy and his teammates out of the national title game. This time it's personal. Although the Red Raiders have put up impressive numbers so far, it has been against North Dakota and Rice. I see the Longhorns exacting revenge and keeping the National Championship train on track.

Score: Texas 42 Texas Tech 24

FLORIDA STATE SEMINOLES (1-1) VS. (7) BYU COUGARS (2-0)

Ananysis: After shocking Oklahoma in week 1 (largely in part to Sam Bradford getting injured), the Cougars are looking forward. The Seminoles however are trying to figure out what has gone wrong. After losing their opener to Miami, Florida State nearly did the unthinkable: lose to a subdivision team. With 35 seconds to go, Florida State scored to put themselves ahead 12-9 then a fumble recovery sealed the game 19-9. With the way the Cougars are playing and having a 19-game winning streak at home, the Seminoles got a lot of searching to do.

Score: BYU 38 Florida State 17

(19) NEBRASKA CORNHUSKERS (2-0) VS. (13) VIRGINIA TECH HOKIES (1-1)

Analysis: The Cornhuskers are looking good as they roll into a volatile Blacksburg to take on the Hokies. This game should be a good one as the Hokies have a swagger in their step after defeating Marshall 52-10. Should be a fun one to watch. I smell an upset....

Score: Nebraska 24 Virginia Tech 17

(23) GEORGIA BULLDOGS (1-1) VS. ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS (1-0)

Analysis: The Georgia Bulldogs have a statement game this week. After an opening game loss to Oklahoma State (who then lost to Houston last week), the Dawgs need a solid game to show everyone they can play. After last weeks 41-37 thriller in Athens, the defense needs to step it up and not allow the 400 + yards they did last week. As for the offense, keep on scoring and run the football. They need a 100-yard rusher badly this week. As for the Razorbacks, they bring new QB Ryan Mallett, a transfer from Michigan, and a mediocre running attack. If they're one dimensional, Georgia should be able to control. All in all, a statement game for the victor.

Score: Georgia 38 Arkansas 24

UNRANKED SPECIAL! NOTRE DAME FIGHTING IRISH (1-1) VS. MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS (1-1)

Analysis: In another statement game, both the Irish and Spartans are coming off shocking defeats. The Spartans came down with "LaFevour" as Central Michigan pulled off the shocking 29-27 win. The Irish lost a tough battle at Michigan to dash any hopes of a National Title run. Both teams have something to prove but I think the Irish win this one.

Score: Notre Dame 28 Michigan State 17

That's it for predictions this week. Check back next week as we take a look at more exciting football coming your way!

September 11: 8 Years Later

We will never forget September 11, 2001. Here, the skyline of NYC has two beams of light commemorating where the buildings of the World Trade Center once stood.

We all remember where we were September 11, 2001. Here's what I remember as vivid as it was yesterday:

I was in my second year of college, living at home with my parents and brothers. My first class of the day was at 10 a.m. I got up around 8:30 a.m. to shower and get ready to start what was a normal Tuesday. As I got out of the shower to go get dressed, I saw on T.V. that a plane had just crashed into the World Trade Center. Early reports were a small aircraft had hit and there was no reason for panic. A few minutes later, a second plane crashed in the south tower causing a massive ball of fire. The "no reason" turned into panic as our country was now under attack. Shortly after, a plane had reportedly hit the Pentagon near Washington, D.C. and a plane had crashed in Pennsylvania that was headed for the White House or the Capitol. The world was now in a state of chaos.

Not knowing what to do as I watched the towers fall one by one, I got in my car and drove to class. When I got to my first class on campus, people were just learning of the terrible events unfolding. I had to bring some classmates up to speed that had been in class during the attacks unfolding on T.V. No one was focused to learn. After class was over, the college was shut down and everyone was told to go home. Driving back was really eery was the highways were clear and cell phones were jammed with loved ones trying to make sense of what had happened.

Lately there have been a lot of celebrities and people saying the attacks were "U.S. made," such as Charlie Sheen. The people who have loved ones lost are probably not appreciative of these crack pot theories. Sure President George W. Bush was a terrible president but he would not harm Americans just to further his agenda. That's something a leader like Hitler would do. What these people need to do is stop the madness and accept that the attacks happened.

It has been 8 years since the attacks and the memories are still fresh in my mind. Americans should NEVER FORGET what happened that day. It showed that America, no matter how great a country it is, is vulnerable if we do not guard it to keep it safe. It doesn't mean we get paranoid and blame every Indian, Muslim, or people of different ethnicities (remember Timothy McVeigh?) As Americans, we need to heal once more. Keep a vigilant watch over our security and honor those who lost their lives on such a tragic day. Kids who weren't old enough at the time need to be taught about how America came together in our darkest hour. Remember this day.

Hope the victims and their families find peace.

Recommended Programming:

• World Trade Center (PG-13) Directed by Oliver Stone
• Flight 93 (PG-13) Directed by Paul Greenglass
• Special Programming on any news channel, National Geographic and Discovery
  

2009 College Football Preview - SEC West

Alabama Coach Nick Saban enters his third season as Alabama Coach. Will the Crimson Tide have what it takes to win the West?

We've already estabished the SEC East reigns supreme. But who will contend with them in the SEC West?

SEC West Predictions

1) Alabama Crimson Tide
Key Returning Players: RB Rolando McClain, DE Brandon Deaderick, LB Dont’a Hightower, LB Brandon Fanney, LB Cory Reamer, CB Javier Arenas, CB Kareem Jackson.
Key Losses: QB John Parker Wilson

Key Games: Va. Tech; @ Ole Miss; LSU

Record Prediction: 11-1 (7-1 in SEC)

Nick Saban's Crimson Tide ran the table last year in the SEC only to lose to eventual champ Florida in the SEC Championship and the Sugar Bowl to Utah. This year, QB will be an issue as John Parker Wilson is gone. Taking over will be Greg McElroy, an intelligent QB that hasn't had a lot of playing time but should provide solidity to the position. This team is the best in the West unless Houston Nutt knocks them off like they did Florida last season.

2) Mississippi "Ole Miss" Rebels
Key Returning Players: QB Jevon Snead, RB Cordera Eason, RB Brandon Bolden
Key Games: Alabama; LSU
Record Prediction: 10-2 or 9-3 (6-2 or 5-3 in SEC)

The Ole Miss Rebels under first year coach Houston Nutt shocked the SEC world when they beat Florida last year. With Alabama the only team in their way, Ole Miss could be a force to be reckoned with in the SEC West. With the return of QB Jevon Snead, the Rebels have one mission: to make it to Atlanta and the SEC Championship game. Only speedbumps I see are the usual suspects of Alabama and LSU. In any case, it's going to be a two team race for the SEC west title.

3) Louisiana State Tigers (LSU)

Key Returning Players: RB Charles Scott
Key Losses: QB Ryan Perriloux
Key Games: @ Georgia; Florida; @ Alabama; @ Ole Miss
Record Prediction: 9-3 or 8-4 (5-3 or 4-4 in SEC)

The LSU we all knew is long gone. In a sense of rebuilding, the Tigers are looking for a QB in the absence of Ryan Periloux. With that uncertainty, the Tigers may fall short of my predictions of 9-3 or 8-4. Without a leader for the offense, it is going to be a long season for Tiger fans. RB Charles Scott needs to show what he's made of. It is essential that Scott’s emergence continues and that he is able to post at the very least similar numbers to what he posted last season if not numbers that are superior. I see sure losses to Georgia, Florida and Alabama. If they beat Ole Miss, their season might be salvaged.

4) Arkansas Razorbacks

Key Returning Players: QB Ryan Mallet (Transfer - Michigan), RB Michael Smith, DT Malcolm Shephard.
Key Games: Georgia; @ Alabama; @ Texas A&M; @ Florida; @ Ole Miss; @ LSU
Record Prediction: 7-5 or 6-6 (3-5 in SEC)

Bobby Petrino jumped the sinking NFL Atlanta Falcons ship after Michael Vick was found guilty and headed to Arkansas, leaving Atlanta halfway through their NFL season. Petrino's first year was a rocky one as the Razorbacks struggled to get things going. This season should be an improvement with new QB Ryan Mallet and returning RB Michael Smith. But with a minefield in their schedule of Georgia, Alabama, Texas A&M, Florida, Ole Miss and LSU, I don't see them finishing better than 7-5 and going to a bowl. Petrino has a lot of work ahead of him and this season will be a step in the right direction.

5) Auburn Tigers

Key Returning Players: QB Kodi Burns, S Mike McNeil and S Zac Etheridge.
Key Losses: Defense - Sen’Derrick Marks, Chris Evans, and Jerraud Powers.
Key Games: West Va.; @ LSU; Ole Miss; Furman; @ Georgia; Alabama
Record Prediction: 4-8 (2-6 in SEC)

Gene Chizik. Huh? Former Iowa State reject to coach one of the most notable college programs? Auburn is hurting. After a lackluster year last season, Tommy Tuberville was run out of town. Chiznik has a lot of work the next few seasons to get Auburn back on the map. This season does not look forgiving as they play key games @ LSU and @ Georgia with Alabama coming to Auburn. Just think Tiger fans, in a few years your team will be back. Just be patient. It could be worse. You could be Mississippi State.

6) Mississippi State Bulldogs

Key Returning Players: RB Anthony Dixon, JUCO Transfer DT Pernell McPhee.
Key Games: LSU; Georgia Tech; Florida; Alabama; Ole Miss
Record Prediction: 3-9 (1-7 in SEC)

Former University of Florida coordinator Dan Mullen has his work cut out for him. In his first head coaching job, he inherits a rusty Bulldog team that rised up then crashed down under Sylvester "No Halftime Adjustments" Crum. Returning RB Dixon should help them on offense but their schedule is brutal as they play Florida, Georgia Tech, Alabama and Ole Miss. Losing season for the Bulldogs but be sure that this coach is going to steer the ship and bring Miss. State back to glory.

Prediction: It's a toss up between Alabama and Ole Miss for the SEC West crown. Lot's of teams in rebuilding.

SEC Championship: Alabama/Ole Miss Vs. Florida/Georgia

Let the football season begin!

2009 College Football Preview - SEC East

Can Georgia win without runningback Knowshon Moreno (top) and QB Matthew Stafford?

This is the start of the 2009 College Football Preview on The News According to Chris. We start the 2009 College Football Preview with Part 1 of the SEC Preview.

The last three seasons have been glorious for the SEC. Florida won the National title in 2008 and 2006 while LSU wrapped it up the 2007. No other conference has ever won 4 straight titles. Will the SEC be the first? Let's take a look out East.

SEC EAST PREDICTIONS

1) Florida Gators

Key Returning players: All of their Defense and QB Tim Tebow

Key Losses: RB/WR Percy Harvin

Key Games: @ LSU; Georgia; FSU

Predicted Record: 11-1 (7-1 in SEC)

The 2009 Florida Gators look to be one of the greatest teams college football has ever assembled. The odds on favorite to repeat as National Champions, Tebow goes for his last hurrah as Gator QB. Now Tebow winning his second Heisman? That remains to be seen but I don't see it happening when he has Texas QB Colt McCoy and Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford on his heels. This team is solid but I can see this team slipping up as well. Remember when Georgia was picked to win it all in 2008? If you buy into the hype, you'll get burned. Also look for Urban Meyer to be watching Notre Dame closely. If Charlie Weis has another bad year, Meyer will take his dream job with the Irish.

2) Georgia Bulldogs

Key Returning Players: QB Joe Cox, RB Caleb King, WR A.J. Green

Key Losses: QB Matthew Stafford and RB Knowshon Moreno

Key Games: @ Okla. State; LSU; @ Florida; @ Georgia Tech

Predicted Record: 11-1 or 10-2 (7-1 in SEC)

The mighty Georgia Bulldogs were picked to win it all in 2008. But injuries to their offensive and defensive lines caught up to them when they played Florida last season and got rocked. This season looks to be different. Although not as strong on offense as last season, the Bulldogs boast a lot of experience in their lines. If the linemen can stay healthy and not get injured, this team could surprise some people and sneak into the SEC Championship. In 2005, Georgia was a sleeper team that got in and won the SEC Championship. At runningback, Georgia has three capable backs in King, Thomas and Samuel. Their schedule looks solid as they get the week off before Florida while the Gators run through three games without a rest when Georgia comes to Jacksonville. With the experience and leadership of QB Joe Cox, the dawgs look to shock the SEC and the world.

3) Tennessee Volunteers

Key Returning Players: CB/FS Eric Berry, QB Jonathan Crompton, WR Gerald Jones
Key Games: UCLA; @ Florida; Georgia; @ Alabama; @ Ole Miss
Predicted Record: 7-5 or 6-6 (4-4 or 3-5 in SEC)

Lane Kiffin. Never has a coach seen so much press before a ball was even snapped. Not even coaching his first game yet, Kiffin has made headlines. Whether it's recruiting middle schoolers or ripping off his shirt to pump up his team, you can tell this isn't going to be your grandfathers Vols. With Jonathan Crompton inheriting the QB role, this offense is not going to be very consistent. The only hope the Vols have is with their Heisman-sensation free safety Eric Berry. Hard to judge where this team will end up. If the offense is terrible, a losing season is inevitable. However, if they click they could go as high as 8-4. Two of their first three games are going to be tough as they play UCLA and then go to Florida for their "Welcome to the SEC Lane Kiffin" thrashing.

4) Kentucky Wildcats

Key Returning Players: QB Randall Cobb, CB Trevard Lindley
Key Games: Florida; Alabama; @ Georgia; Tennessee
Predicted Record: 8-4 or 7-5 (3-5 in SEC)

The Kentucky Wildcats are coming off three straight bowl victories: Back-to-back Music City and the Liberty Bowl last season. Can they keep the bowl streak alive? I think they can if QB Randall Cobb is consistent and the play of CB Trevard Lindley is nothing short of extraordinary. However, their SEC schedule is frightening with Alabama then Florida in back to back weeks. Also, will this be the year Kentucky snaps their quarter century losing streak to Tennessee? Coach Brooks has a great thing going. Now he needs to kick it up a notch and go for the SEC Championship.

5) Vanderbilt Commodores

Key Returning Players: RB Jared Hawkins, CB Myron Lewis

Key Losses: CB D.J. Moore

Key Games: @ LSU; Ole Miss; Georgia; Georgia Tech; @ Florida

Predicted Record: 7-5 or 6-6 (3-5 in SEC)

For the first time in a quarter century, Vandy made a bowl game and won it. It was close though as they ripped through the opening half of the 2008 season only to fizzle and barely get the bowl game. Vandy lost a lot of key players but have enough returning to hammer out another bowl-eligible season.

6) South Carolina Gamecocks

Key Returning Players: QB Stephen Garcia, RB Eric Baker

Key Losses: K Ryan Succup, Defense Jasper Brinkley, RB Mike Davis

Key Games: @ NC State; @ Georgia; Ole Miss; @ Alabama; Florida; Clemson

Predicted Record: 5-7 or 4-8 (2-6 in SEC)

When Steve Spurrier came to Columbia, S.C. in the fall of 2005, the school was abuzz with exctiement. This was the man who resurrected the Florida Gators and made them the powerhouse Urban Meyer has today. Now, the honeymoon is over and Spurrier is not the firecracker coach he once was. With the numerous discipline problems and the difficulties of recruiting against the Florida's and Georgia's of the SEC, Spurrier looks to be in the twilight of his career. I mean let's face it, he was never going to get the great recruits that those SEC powerhouses get. Coming off a 7-6 season, S.C. has a schedule that has two ACC opponents they will most likely lose to: N.C. State and Clemson. They also have to play Alabama and Ole Miss from the SEC West. Succup will be missed as their special teams are going to be something to keep an eye on all season long.

RESULT: It's going to be a battle between Georgia and Florida. The Gators are capable of tripping up and Georgia having the week off before this battle puts the advantage towards them. SEC East winner will be one of these teams with the rest lagging far behind. The winner here will win the National Championship.

Pitino disgraces 'Big Blue Nation', Louisville Cardinals

Rick Pitino should step down as coach of the Louisville Cardinals for disgracing them and 'Big Blue Nation'

Never in a million years Rick Pitino. The coach who rebuilt a Kentucky Wildcat basketball program in shambles after years of controversy. The man who led them to the 1996 National Championship and 1997 Runner-up in the NCAA Tournament. The man who failed at the NBA level only to come back to coach Louisville and revive their struggling program. The man who we now know lied to everyone about his character and who he really was.

To say I am in shock is an understatement. One of the greatest coaches in all of college basketball has now been found to have had consensual sex with a waitress in a restaurant and then paid her $3,000 to get an abortion when she found out she was pregnant. This woman, Karen Sypher, then tried to extort more money out of Pitino which led to the FBI investigation arresting her for extortion.

Sypher is definitely in the wrong when she tried to extort $10 million dollars or else she would tell the media and Pitino's wife. But the fact that Pitino A) Committed Adultery and B) Ended the life of a child for his "convenience" really doesn't bode well when it comes to respect and character. Both of those have now crumbled.

What does Pitino need to do? Well, according to Pat Forde of ESPN "Nothing. He hasn't violated anything NCAA wise so he should be fine to continue coaching." OK Pat. Guess we should forget about all the trouble he has caused Louisville since early this year when the extortion plot came to light. Pitino is a distraction to the school and his players. He is a liability now as well as some nut could try something drastic that would make this situation much worse than it really is. He needs to step down as coach and go into hiding for a while.

"Big Blue Nation" is stunned by this news. Growing up on Big Blue Basketball, I remember every year. The way Pitino took this program and brought it back to prominence. When he stepped away after the 1997 National Championship loss, I was devastated. Who was going to fill his shoes? Tubby Smith did the job and won the 1998 title. On the outside, Pitino looked like the typical Italian in fine suits, having a loving family and was a devoted Catholic. Now that this story is out there, I wouldn't be surprised if he isn't a Catholic for much longer.

As the world turns, we will find out more about this story. But in my heart of hearts as a die hard Big Blue fan, I have to say that I have lost every ounce of respect I ever had for him. As Forrest Gump said "That is all I have to say about that."

UPDATE 8/13: Rick Pitino read a statement last night clarifying he did not pay for an abortion, just medical coverage for Sypher. He apologized to everyone and his family and said he hopes to continue coaching Louisville as long as they want him.

Despite Economic Crisis, Capitals Raise Ticket Prices

Washington Capitals Owner Ted Leonsis raised ticket prices significantly for the 2009-10 NHL season (Courtesy Photo)

It's August and already the Washington Capitals are making headlines. With season tickets locked up the Caps are now focusing on "mini-plans" to help keep the money rolling in. They also have decided to make a pricing level depending on the significance of the game: Red, White or Blue.

Goodbye are the days you could buy tickets for a family of 4 for $10 each in the Eagle's Nest and get a great night of hockey and food for under $100. Now, the lowest price for those Eagle's Nest tickets will be $45 and go up as high as $85 per ticket during specific games like Pittsburgh, San Jose, etc. In the midst of a recession and economic turmoil, that is going to alienate the regular joes and families from coming to even one game per season. Sure there are people out there who can afford to pay for this and since that is the case, Ted probably doesn't care as long as the team makes $$$.

I know the payroll is out of this world thanks to Ovechkin, Backstrom and company and that money needs to be made to pay them (also see the Caps Convention for $40 a ticket in Sept.) But I think this is an extreme increase in ticket prices. I thought it was bad when the Eagle's Nest went up to $25-$35 last year. Now to be over $45 a ticket? Also, the 6-pack game plan from last year at $175 is now a 5-game plan and costs $225, an increase of $50 over last season! For one less game? How can you justify that Ted?

Here is a comparison to last season with this season:

Single-Game Tickets

2008-09: Tickets ranged from $25 to $200

2009-10: Tickets will now range from $45 to $280

Ticket Plans

2008-09: 6-game plans - starting at $175 on up

2009-10: 5-game plans - starting at $225 on up

Thank goodness for HDTV because that's where I will be for most of the season. Hopefully the Caps will not get rid of the Bar Crawl or other special discounts to where going to a game is bearable.