Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

If ‘weird’ was the finish line, they ran through the tape and kept running.

Second rate reporter says what?

This isn’t Democrats spending madly. This is government catching up.

Too often we confuse noise with substance. too often we confuse setbacks with defeat.

“I never thought they’d lock HIM up,” sobbed a distraught member of the Lock Her Up Party.

Pelosi: “He either is stupid, or he thinks the rest of us are.” Why not both?

He seems like a smart guy, but JFC, what a dick!

Just because you believe it, that doesn’t make it true.

It’s not hopeless, and we’re not helpless.

Wow, I can’t imagine what it was like to comment in morse code.

Let’s delete this post and never speak of this again.

The line between political reporting and fan fiction continues to blur.

🎶 Those boots were made for mockin’ 🎵

Republicans: slavery is when you own me. freedom is when I own you.

So many bastards, so little time.

The real work of an opposition party is to oppose.

There is no right way to do the wrong thing.

Never entrust democracy to any process that requires republicans to act in good faith.

You don’t get to peddle hatred on saturday and offer condolences on sunday.

Republican obstruction dressed up as bipartisanship. Again.

Nothing says ‘pro-life’ like letting children go hungry.

I really should read my own blog.

The republican ‘Pastor’ of the House is an odious authoritarian little creep.

They traffic in fear. it is their only currency. if we are fearful, they are winning.

You are here: Home / Open Threads / Home Crap Home (and AFC Championship Open Thread)

Home Crap Home (and AFC Championship Open Thread)

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Made it home in one piece, had a joyous reunion with the dogs, and I am just glad as hell to be out of Indiana. The reason I went was because I am the Grand Chapter Advisor for the Alpha Sig fraternity I was in while in college, and they had their annual weekend learning academy for all the officers. None of them had cars, so it was just cheapest for me to drive them there and crash in a hotel for the weekend than it would have been to fly them all there, so I did. Gave me some good quality time with the boys on the ride there. I know lots of you are all down on fraternities, but these are really good kids. They work on their grades, they all like each other, they do tons of charity work and are just good kids.

At any rate, glad to be back home, and I am getting ready to watch the Ravens at the Pats, and will be rooting for the Pats because the idea of two weeks of listening about the Harbaugh brothers is enough to make me hate football. I think they are both classless assholes.

Reader Interactions

272Comments

  1. 1.

    PsiFighter37

    I am a Jets fan and utterly detest the Pats, but I can stand Ray Lewis and the Ravens even less. It probably explains why I find Sexy Rexy so detestable as well, given his pedigree.

    Go Pats. I also think Pats-49ers will be a helluva exciting Super Bowl, given how their first meeting turned out.

  4. 4.

    PsiFighter37

    I’ve also had 3 beers today, and I can tell the noticeable effect it is having on my form. Goddamn, I hate getting old like this. And I’m not even 27 yet.

  6. 6.

    PsiFighter37

    Really, a country group singing the national anthem in the Northeast?

    Get that shit off my teevee. I can endure/understand it if it’s Hotlanta, not Boston.

  7. 7.

    dr. bloor

    @PsiFighter37: You must really, really hate the Ravens.

    If they get there, I don’t think the NE defense can contain the SF offense. They’re maybe one top-drawer defender away from getting the job done.

  10. 10.

    dr. bloor

    @PsiFighter37:

    Really, a country group singing the national anthem in the Northeast

    Hey , their last senator wore a barn coat and drove a pickup truck, and the new one is from Oklahoma.

  13. 13.

    sb

    I’m a fan but haven’t been following relgiously. I can understand the hate for the San Francisco Harbaugh but the Baltimore version? Por que?

  16. 16.

    gogol's wife

    I had trouble sleeping last night, and among other strange thoughts floating through my head, it hit me that John Cole is a professor. Can you imagine being John Cole’s student? Wouldn’t that be the best?

  18. 18.

    ulee

    Glad you’re home with the critters. I’m sure they are overjoyed, though they don’t understand why you stare at that box with it’s flashing odorless images, they support your behavior, however strange.

  19. 19.

    sb

    @Nalbar: I think it’s more accurate to suggest someone gets stabbed at halftime, Ray knows who did it and doesn’t say a thing.

  20. 20.

    cathyx

    @PsiFighter37: My daughter was watching a rerun of King of Queens and I noticed the theme song is a country song. Was there no blue collar song they could use that would be more appropriate for a sitcom set in a borough of New York City?

  21. 21.

    PsiFighter37

    @dr. bloor: Yes, I do dislike them immensely. It’s difficult – I actually don’t hate Brady as much as I hate guys like Welker, Edelman, and Woodhead. Those little skeeters always cause problems, even though given how tiny they are, they have no business being on a football field.

    @Mr Stagger Lee: Very true. That said, Affleck has reinvented himself as quite the director. I thought he was done for sure after Gigli. And my high school self was jealous of him being able to land Jennifer Garner (during her Alias days) despite his failures.

    @JWL: There’s a good rebuttal for this, but I don’t want to make the comment given that I’m a bit ashamed of my slothfulness today.

    @dr. bloor: Point taken, but I still hate country/bluegrass music with the same amount of fire as I did when I was younger, when my mother made me endure Alan Jackson, Alison Krauss, Garth Brooks, Kathy Mattea, and all that other weepy crap. I cannot stand that genre AT ALL.

  23. 23.

    Raven

    When my old man came home from WWII he went to Illinois and pledged Sigma Nu. They didn’t haze vets for obvious reasons and he really liked it. He wanted me to do the same when I came home but I said “fuck that shit”. Few years later I learned that house was a great source of weed!

  24. 24.

    PsiFighter37

    @cathyx: Like some Springsteen, perhaps? Given it’s a pretty unfunny show, probably not worth wasting good music on it.

    And, why is my last comment in moderation? Was it about how I was jealous Ben Affleck married Jennifer Garner despite his utter fail at life around the time they get married?

  27. 27.

    SteveinSC

    Elsewhere in the world of Sunday sports news, Spurs tied ManU and (America’s hope for the World Cup) Clint Dempsey did it in the 93rd minute. “He scores from the left, he scores from the right, our boy Dempsey makes Drogba look like shite.” Go Spurs, Go Furman, Go Dempsey.

  28. 28.

    sb

    @Corner Stone: Looked the Ravens had that pretty well defended; I honestly thought they’d let it play out because I don’t think New England was going to snap the ball.

  29. 29.

    Raven

    Harbaugh v Harbaugh wouldn’t be the first brothers to face off in the superbowl. That would be Smith v Dungy. Booo YA!

  36. 36.

    Corner Stone

    @sb: Nah, it was a long 2 to go. They weren’t running a play in their field position.
    That’s why I said it was a waste for BAL to call their TO.

  39. 39.

    ulee

    I’m just glad that Sympathy for the Devil is being associated with Mercedes Benz. God help us.

  40. 40.

    Alison

    @SteveinSC: That was fucking awesome. I also loved how he gave the merest hint of a smile in the postmatch interview and for him that’s like leaping around the room screaming in joy. Dude is a touch stoic, for the most part :) But I love him.

  43. 43.

    Citizen_X

    @JWL:

    Simple solution: stop staring at mirrors, you peacock.

    I’ve always felt that if vanity helps motivate me to get in shape, well then one and a half cheers for vanity!

  44. 44.

    PsiFighter37

    @Raven: You have fine willpower and are a better person for it. I have colleagues at work who drink far more, and far more frequently, than I do. I kind of view it as a ‘you need to outrun the fat guy, not the bear’ kind of situation. Probably not the best idea, but tI’ll live with it for now.

    @Corner Stone: True, but again – 1st half, not that worked up about it.

    Unless you’re the Seattle Seahawks at the Atlanta Falcons, roughly one week ago. It really should’ve been the Hawks vs. Niners today.

  45. 45.

    PsiFighter37

    @ulee: Is Cole a huge fan of country? I can’t imagine him rawking out to Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, and whoever the F that was out singing the national anthem in Atlanta and Bostno today.

  46. 46.

    sb

    @PsiFighter37:

    Unless you’re the Seattle Seahawks at the Atlanta Falcons, roughly one week ago. It really should’ve been the Hawks vs. Niners today.

    I’m a Bronco fan. I am currently living in the nether world of woulda, coulda, shoulda.

  48. 48.

    ulee

    @PsiFighter37: He was in Indiana. You think he got out of there clean? He’s the same Cole. I just hope is isn’t afraid of rats. They have a way of changing one’s perspective.

  51. 51.

    PsiFighter37

    @sb: More like, “Why the fuck was Jack Del Rio not playing 8 really kinda deep with 30 seconds and no timeouts?”

    That was an absolutely mind-blowing fail. Even when the safety drifted over, it was like he was giving half-effort instead of realizing the game was on the line.

    I feel for you, but I am enjoying a fine craft brew (Tommyknocker Black IPA) from the great state of Colorado right now. You guys make great beers, even if the secondary on the NFL team is questionable.

  54. 54.

    sb

    @PsiFighter37: I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your detailed re-telling of what happened there.

    (sobs uncontrollably… can’t get a Tommyknocker because I live in L.A.; sobs some more)

  55. 55.

    Corner Stone

    @sb: If I’m a DEN fan I hire a private investigator to check the bank accounts of that safety Rahim Moore.

  56. 56.

    PsiFighter37

    @Raven: I am definitely more aware this year of how much I’ve been drinking and am controlling myself much better. Granted, we’re only 3 weeks in, but you start somewhere.

    And I just got a cheesesteak from the best cheesesteak joint in NYC (Shorty’s). Mmmmm…come here, you cheesy, greasy, hunk of beef between soft buns…

  58. 58.

    Fezzik

    I can’t think of any less likable finalists for the SB, in terms of coaches, players, fanbases or franchises. GAWD.

    I would have given anything to watch Denver v. Seattle in the Super Bowl. :(

  59. 59.

    cathyx

    @PsiFighter37:

    ‘And I just got a cheesesteak from the best cheesesteak joint in NYC (Shorty’s). Mmmmm…come here, you cheesy, greasy, hunk of beef between soft buns…”

    That’s what she said.

  60. 60.

    Corner Stone

    @PsiFighter37:

    Mmmmm…come here, you cheesy, greasy, hunk of beef between soft buns…

    I beg your pardon! You haven’t even taken me to the movies or dinner yet!

  61. 61.

    sb

    @Corner Stone: I honestly can’t ever remember being that stunned by a sporting event. I’m a lifelong sports fan, just love the games. But that… it was just moment of unreality, like “did that just happen?” I was too shocked to be pissed.

  63. 63.

    Mr Stagger Lee

    Does Leslie Moonves president of CBS, has a cult of personality?
    Why is important for Tom Nantz to point that out the his boss is sitting with Bob Kraft? Just like why did Jim Rome have the guy on his show last week? Back to the game.

  64. 64.

    PsiFighter37

    @sb: Get yourself an Oaked Arrogant Bastard ale, it will pick you right back up.

    Okay, I’m sorry of rubbing it in a little bit.

    And btw – someone should tell Tom Brady that doing a running play in hurry-up may only work well if you have a half-decent running back, not some no-name.

  66. 66.

    Ted & Hellen

    @gogol’s wife:

    I had trouble sleeping last night, and among other strange thoughts floating through my head, it hit me that John Cole is a professor. Can you imagine being John Cole’s student? Wouldn’t that be the best?

    Creepy.

  70. 70.

    ulee

    @Fezzik: You don’t have to like them, just know they are the best. The only thing I regret is that I’m a Patriots fan, and I believe they will win. And there will be no token animal symbols in the Super Bowl.

  71. 71.

    sb

    And I just got a cheesesteak from the best cheesesteak joint in NYC (Shorty’s). Mmmmm…come here, you cheesy, greasy, hunk of beef between soft buns…

    Is it wrong that I’m incredibly turned on by this?

  73. 73.

    CoastalMike

    Pro tip: the Harbaugh brothers may be classless assholes, but classless assholes are what football is all about. You think Vince Lombardi was a classy guy? Bill Bellichek? Name 3 NFL coaches in history who have been classy and successful. Hint: Bill Walsh. Now you only need two.

    The Patriots are overrated and will be scorched by SF. But today, the Ravens will only score ten points…will that be enough? no.

  77. 77.

    PsiFighter37

    I do have to say that it’s interesting that given Coach Genius Manboy’s apparent defensive genius, when was the last time that New England had a defense ranked anywhere near the top of the NFL?

    He’s been coasting on Tom Brady for a long time…when he retires, he’s going to be fired within 3 years, guaranteed, unless he pulls a Peyton Manning/Andrew Luck kind of situation.

  82. 82.

    sb

    @CoastalMike: And even with Walsh, you had a team that reveled in crackback blocks. Russ Francis I think it was who said he refused to do it. IIRC, he said he’d make the block, he just refused to “cut him” and the coaches would give him all kinds of grief.

  85. 85.

    PsiFighter37

    Nothing soothes the soul like Jim Nantz advertising some shitty-ass CBS show that no one in real ‘Murika likes.

  86. 86.

    PsiFighter37

    @Corner Stone: Not me. The brunette’s a looker, but that doesn’t cover up the crap writing.

    I should’ve ordered more than one cheesesteak. Papa’s still hungry.

  88. 88.

    sb

    @Corner Stone: Not one of my students–I asked because I heard it was one of the most watched shows in the country? None of my colleagues, none of my family members. I seriously took my on little informal poll. Because… well, I’m still looking for a reason why I did that.

  90. 90.

    Anonymous At Work

    Question: Are either or both the Harbaughs bigger assholes or more clueless than Bill Bellichek? I mean, the only difference I can tell is that Bellichek doesn’t give a crap more than anyone else.

  92. 92.

    SiubhanDuinne

    @John Cole:

    Made it home in one piece, had a joyous reunion with the dogs,

    And Tunch? What about Tunch, eh? What have you done with TUNCH??

  93. 93.

    Mr Stagger Lee

    @PsiFighter37: Well Fox’s endless flogging of Yippy Ky Yay was over the top irritating.
    Somebody here at BJ said it best about the Die Hard franchise: Just Die already!

  94. 94.

    PsiFighter37

    This game is pretty goddamn boring so far. Just based on entertainment factor, I take SF in 2 weeks.

  97. 97.

    Ted & Hellen

    @ulee:

    Why, cause Cole is insightful and self-effacing and puts an emphasis on truth and learning? This creeps you out?

    Man…wow, you got it bad.

    (“…emphasis on truth and learning” lol)

    Take a break from circling Cole’s block while touching yourself and call a mental health professional.

    As for “wife” up above, she’s laying in bed at night fantasizing about being a student in a class taught by someone she has never met in the flesh. That’s creepy.

    Does teacher keep her after class for spankings?

  99. 99.

    sb

    @Anonymous At Work: I think this was brought up above but it’s very, very difficult to be a successful NFL coach and *not* be an a-hole.

    It’s second hand here so take it for what it’s worth but there were guys I worked with when I was a small time sportscaster who would have sent Jimmy Johnson to sea on a cement-bottom boat. But again, that’s second-hand and I’m assuming he’s changed in retirement.

  100. 100.

    Roy G.

    Nice Peggy Noonan impersonation, Cole. How dare those gauche Harbaugh brothers crash your Village party? The nerve!

  101. 101.

    PsiFighter37

    The Patriots suck at tackling.

    No one answered my question above – which was, when was the last time New England actually fielded a top-flight defense?

    Thought so.

  103. 103.

    ulee

    The Patriots are taking their time, know what they’re doing. Brady loves last minute comebacks.–*whistling past graveyard*

  104. 104.

    Studly Pantload, the emotionally unavailable unicorn

    Meh. I’m still mad at football.

    /grumpy Broncos fan

  106. 106.

    The Dangerman

    @PsiFighter37:

    This game is pretty goddamn boring so far.

    Agreed; about the only thing exciting so far has been that Genie on the ad. I feel a nap coming on.

  107. 107.

    22over7

    @cckids:

    My tortie is a pip, no doubt about it. But I don’t know if even she could do that kind of trek. She’s too, um, sturdy. She’s like an East German swimmer kind of cat, big in all the wrong places. Clumsy and lazy, too, but gives me nose kisses when she’s in the mood.

  110. 110.

    PsiFighter37

    I just can’t understand Hawaii 5-0 – there’s no way Hawaii is big enough to have that much crime on the islands.

    Heck, for most crime shows that are on CBS (America’s #1 Rated Network, folks!), there’s no way the amount of crime that takes place in this fictional universe actually happens.

    The old Hawaii 5-0 opening theme is pretty cool, though.

  112. 112.

    PsiFighter37

    @Mr Stagger Lee: I would say their D ain’t that good anymore. It’s getting old. They’re like the Yankees, circa now (unfortunately for me). It’s going to get ugly for Prince Harbaugh the Elder (I think?) when Ray Lewis and Ed Reed are gone.

  113. 113.

    Mark S.

    @PsiFighter37:

    He’s been coasting on Tom Brady for a long time…when he retires, he’s going to be fired within 3 years, guaranteed

    And what I love is Belichek had no fucking clue how good Brady was. If Bledsoe didn’t get hurt, Brady never would have played. I’m not ready to anoint this guy greatest coach ever when it was pure dumb luck that got him the best qb of the last decade.

  114. 114.

    PsiFighter37

    @sb: I don’t think you can call the 2007 defense very good if they can’t break up helmet catches.

    /SHAZZAM!

  115. 115.

    ulee

    @Ted & Hellen: Yea, I would never have taken a class with ee cummings unless I had met him in the flesh. I would be touching myself instead of reading his material and then signing up.

  116. 116.

    mir13

    @Darkrose: I dunno about the car (although it *is* a German car), but Mick and Keef are deffo satanic. Don’t take my word for it. Just look at ’em, fer corn’s sake!

  117. 117.

    sb

    @PsiFighter37: There was a program on the NFL network, I think it’s called “NFL Life” or something and Belichek was profiled. I got sucked in, ended up genuinely liking the guy (and yeah, I hope to get over that soon) but anywho, Belichek and Brady are talking prepping for the Ravens and they are just worshipping Ed Reed (no other word for it). “We can’t fool him”… “Don’t even try…” “He reads the quarterback perfectly”… before the game, Belichek says hello, says he can’t believe he made the play he did the previous week and calls him the best free safety who ever lived. Good stuff, to be frank.

  119. 119.

    Litlebritdifrnt

    @Omnes Omnibus:

    That is the thing with cats, you can be gone 5 minutes or 5 days and a dog will greet you at the door with “OMG I have missed you so much, I am so glad to see you, I thought you would be gone forever, I love you, I love you, I love you”. You walk in the door after 5 minutes or 5 days and the cat looks at you and greets you with “where the fuck have you been minion, my water bowl is almost empty and I may run out of food in a week”.

  123. 123.

    PsiFighter37

    @sb: I can’t get sucked into the mythology of it all. That why I really hate when Peter King gets over-reverential talking about football. It’s a goddamn game, it’s entertainment – I couldn’t care less who scores goddamn NFL films – it’s a fucking game that grown men get paid millions for; am I supposed to get a boner when there’s epic music playing through the highlight clips?

    So no, in short, never saw it, never plan to watch something like it. Heck, I think if there’s one thing the whole Manti Te’o episode proves, it’s that sports journalists are probably even worse than the hacks who work at joints like TMZ.

  125. 125.

    YellowJournalism

    @PsiFighter37: I almost watched the show just because of the brunette. She was great in Nick and Nora’s Infinite Playlist and good comic relief in Thor, but the commercials keep me away.

    @Ted & Hellen: I get the whole stalker/dittohead thing youre aiming for, but please note that you’re the one who turned it sexual, and you’ve had more direct contact with Cole than the rest of us.

  126. 126.

    Raven

    @Litlebritdifrnt: Hey, I was wanting to ask you about Shameless. We just started watching it and it is killin us! It says it’s a Channel 4 show. Pretty racy for regular TV.

  130. 130.

    PsiFighter37

    @YellowJournalism: That’s where she looks familiar from. While I liked the movie concept, I really cannot stand music and movies that reek of emo-crap, and that movie was awesomely full of it (Juno was at a manageable level, which is why I liked it a lot more). Also, Michael Cera is the main reason the Arrested Development additional episodes/movie was held up for so long, so I dislike him a great deal. Fuckhead thought he could build a career off of Superbad…and then he just played the same awkward, lanky teenager who always happens to like indie rock in every movie thereafter.

    Excepting everything above, the Scott Pilgrim movie was kind of fun. Mainly to see that douchebag Brandon Routh play a douchebag vegan and get destroyed.

  131. 131.

    trollhattan

    Welker is all-world today. Don’t know if that’s enough, but it’s what’s working right now.

  132. 132.

    Yutsano

    @YellowJournalism:

    you’ve had more direct contact with Cole than the rest of us

    You can make this up to me with either brain bleach or Tylenol 3. Either will be acceptable.

  133. 133.

    geg6

    As for NFL coaches who aren’t complete and utter assholes, I nominate Chuck Noll. Yeah, they called him the Emperor, but I never saw him act in any way without class, he was always turned out well whether at a game or IRL (unlike that slob Belichick), and he didn’t have tunnel vision about the game, having many outside interests that are lightyears away from football (collecting rare books and becoming a wine expert, fir just two). He also never cashed in by having his own tv or radio show, never appeared in commercials, and lived quietly here in the ‘Burgh after retirement. Classy guy.

    As for tonight’s game, I’m wishing there was a way for both teams to lose. I can’t think of two teams I detest more. Okay, there’s the Flyers, but that’s the wrong sport.

  135. 135.

    geg6

    As for NFL coaches who aren’t complete and utter assholes, I nominate Chuck Noll. Yeah, they called him the Emperor, but I never saw him act in any way without class, he was always turned out well whether at a game or IRL (unlike that slob Belichick), and he didn’t have tunnel vision about the game, having many outside interests that are lightyears away from football (collecting rare books and becoming a wine expert, fir just two). He also never cashed in by having his own tv or radio show, never appeared in commercials, and lived quietly here in the ‘Burgh after retirement. Classy guy.

    As for tonight’s game, I’m wishing there was a way for both teams to lose. I can’t think of two teams I detest more. Okay, there’s the Flyers, but that’s the wrong sport. I’ll be cheering for the Niners in two weeks, I guess. I find the Youngstown Mafia less objectionable than the Ravens or Pats.

  136. 136.

    mir13

    @Ted & Hellen: Somebody here doesn’t want to share. C’mon, Spats, every KinderKid knows about sharing and caring. You try it this time. We’re all with you. And by all I mean those people here who have openly expressed their like of you (and you know who you are).

    Oh, right. Erm, carry on.

  137. 137.

    PsiFighter37

    @geg6: The Flyers? You can’t mention sports teams that play in minor athletic leagues.

    Yes, I just said that, the NHL is not a major American sport.

    And that was a sneaky play by Danny fuckin’ Woodhead.

  140. 140.

    geg6

    Oh, and FYWP.

    I hate the mobile site. It’s always telling me my comment failed and then I see double or triple posts. Grrrrrrrrr!

  141. 141.

    YellowJournalism

    @Yutsano: They don’t sell Tylenol 3 over-the-counter up here anymore, unfortunately. I’ll ship you a couple gallons of Clorox!

  143. 143.

    PsiFighter37

    @PsiFighter37: It’s party time, bitches. And by party time, I mean shower time.

    See you in the 3rd quarter!

    And that was shitty clock management by the Greatest Coach Who Ever Coached (TM).

  144. 144.

    Yutsano

    @geg6:

    I can’t think of two teams I detest more. Okay, there’s the Flyers, but that’s the wrong sport

    Heh. I just got this exact rant from a yinzer earlier today.

    @YellowJournalism: Well that bites. I guess the American export market was causing issues and Harper decided to pull a dick move.

  150. 150.

    Jay C

    @PsiFighter37:

    Hey, “the brunette” from “2 Broke Girls” has a name: JFTR, it’s “Kat Dennings“, and she is not only tres hot (and Jewish too, just as a bonus); but has one of those marvelously anachronistic faces and figures (’40s film-noir femme fatale) that you don’t see much on TV.

    That said, her talents (and Beth Behr’s) probably aren’t optimally shown off in the show; which,pace The Dangerman:, isn’t quite a “Laverne and Shirley” knockoff. Even if Laverne and Shirley had been prone to lace their dialogue with p3nis and ma$turbation jokes….

  151. 151.

    PsiFighter37

    @Heliopause: Jeebus, this AR-15 seems to be really popular. And yet, the NRA would like us all to believe that the only way to prevent these kinds of crimes is to give everyone AR-15s.

    Also, too, the pre-crime technology from Minority Report will keep us all safe.

    I really hate Wayne LaPierre. Shouldn’t we be able to make ‘Real Amurika’ hate him because of his French-sounding last name?

  153. 153.

    trollhattan

    @Heliopause:

    We’re a fun bunch, what with all our guns and opportunity to use them. This probably fell off the radar, too.

    Four bald eagles were found shot dead in a Granite Falls lake last week, and Washington Fish and Wildlife has posted a reward for information leading to the conviction of their killer.

    Officers suspect the birds were shot from their perches in the trees.

    “They dropped into the lake, and that’s where they were found floating,” said Department of Fish & Wildlife Sgt. Jennifer Maurstad.

    http://seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2020158331_deadeaglesxml.html?prmid=obindomain

    The only thing that can stop an armed bad guy is an armed good guyeagle.

  154. 154.

    sb

    @Heliopause: Well, what’s truly important there is that the reporters get the gun, caliber and clips accurately described. /snark at NRA

    And seriously? Jesus Christ. A man, a woman, and three kids. Awful doesn’t begin to describe this.

  155. 155.

    PsiFighter37

    Joe Flacco is kind of like Kyle Boller was supposed to be for the Ravens, except a bit more successful.

  159. 159.

    PsiFighter37

    The thing I don’t get – are there really so many shitty defenses out there that NE can run up 40-50 points in a lot of their games? Their offense has never been that impressive, and when they go up against a semi-good defense, they tend to be that much less impressive (see: their 2 Super Bowl losses, games against Ravens in the playoffs, etc.)

    I honestly feel like SF is just going to destroy them. Tom Brady can’t play for all 53 players.

  161. 161.

    PsiFighter37

    This game sucks. And it’s not because the defenses are good, either. It’s just mediocrity both ways. Tempted to fire up Diablo 3 and get some leveling up in while this snoozefest continues, and then come back for the final 2 minutes.

  163. 163.

    Just Some Fuckhead

    @PsiFighter37:

    Joe Flacco is kind of like Kyle Boller was supposed to be for the Ravens, except a bit more successful.

    Yeah. Flacco holds the NFL record for most regular season wins by a quarterback in their first five seasons and is the only quarterback in NFL history to win at least one playoff game in his first five seasons.

    Otherwise, yes, he and Boller are both white.

  164. 164.

    The Dangerman

    Would it be possible to be less successful than Kyle Boller? I don’t recall him doing a thing.

  165. 165.

    burnspbesq

    @Anonymous At Work:

    Question: Are either or both the Harbaughs bigger assholes or more clueless than Bill Bellichek?

    If I said that all I need to know about Bill Belichik is that he’s best buds with Dave Pietramala, it would probably be lost on this crowd.

  168. 168.

    sb

    We (Denver and damned right I said ‘we’) outplayed the Ravens, too. We (see above) had that game won eight ways to Sunday.

    The Ravens are not going away in this game. It may be dull but this game will be close.

  170. 170.

    sb

    @burnspbesq: Lost on me. I had to google him. I still don’t know what I’m supposed to know. He coaches Lacrosse, they’re buds… and?

    Granted my research was less than extensive.

  172. 172.

    cckids

    @22over7: Hermione (my tortie), I believe could. She has more determination than any cat I’ve ever known, & completely dominates our household (3 cats, 1 dog) even though she’s by far the smallest. I’ve seen her go up to the comfiest ped bed, with one of the male cats sleeeping on it, & just stare. After 30 seconds or so, they startle awake, get up & leave it to her. She’ll settle down matter-of-factly, because she is the empress. I love her so much, mainly because of that attitude.

  173. 173.

    ZenHousecat

    Damn, Cole, you’re an Alpha Sig?! Not many of us around–Nu chapter (Berkeley) ’85 here, livin’ in NC.

  174. 174.

    burnspbesq

    @sb:

    Pietramala is the second-biggest dick in the world of college lax (Dom Starsia is number one).

  175. 175.

    Corner Stone

    @burnspbesq: How about you tell me what my balls taste like and I’ll tell you how a JHU LAX coach is relevant in some smug, yet completely stupid and irrelevant fucking way to an NFL head coach.

  176. 176.

    Just Some Fuckhead

    @Corner Stone:

    How about you tell me what my balls taste like and I’ll tell you how a JHU LAX coach is relevant in some smug, yet completely stupid and irrelevant fucking way to an NFL head coach.

    Wow, yer pretty salty tonight.

  177. 177.

    Raven

    Aite, DVR the rest and pick it up after the Abbey. This means I won’t get to listen to you weenies argue about some stupid shit.

  182. 182.

    sb

    @Raven: I just don’t want to be in the middle of that fight (CStone v. Burnespq and apologies for the spelling).

    I’m on west coast time so Abbey ain’t on for another three hours yet. Enjoy it, Raven.

  186. 186.

    Just Some Fuckhead

    @Corner Stone: no way, the replay clearly shows the new england rb spearing pollard with his helmet and knocking himself out.

    offensive players routinely lower their head and use their helmet as a battering ram but never get flagged for it.

  190. 190.

    mainmati

    Fraternities are for losers. Sorry, I’m from the 1970s and maybe frats are different now but back then they were mostly reactionary no-nothing or elitists orgs. Sororities were no better.

  192. 192.

    PsiFighter37

    Looks like them Patriots are gonna lose.

    Although it’s the worse of 2 evils, I hope people will start seriously considering that Tom Brady, not Bill Belichick, is responsible for the Patriots’ success. In other words, you can only get so far with a good quarterback; you actually need personnel on both sides of the ball as well.

    Still think the Niners will win it all.

  201. 201.

    PsiFighter37

    The game’s over.

    Hope the Niners win. But from a political standpoint, a true-blue blue-state, heavily blue city will win the Super Bowl. Reason enough for celebration?

  204. 204.

    PsiFighter37

    Well, maybe not over yet for sure. Don’t understand how you go 3-and-out in less than a minute. That was stupid.

  211. 211.

    PsiFighter37

    Now it’s over. Maybe the Ravens will decide to burn a little more clock this time around.

  213. 213.

    FridayNext

    @BruceFromOhio:

    A couple of weeks ago I kept hearing people say they were looking forward to Denver crushing the Ravens.

    This week everyone was saying how much they were looking forward to the Pats crushing the Ravens.

    People keep using that word “crushing.” I don’t think you folks mean what you think it means.

  214. 214.

    FridayNext

    @BruceFromOhio:

    A couple of weeks ago I kept hearing people say they were looking forward to Denver crushing the Ravens.

    This week everyone was saying how much they were looking forward to the Pats crushing the Ravens.

    People keep using that word “crushing.” I don’t think it means what you folks think it means.

  216. 216.

    Mr Stagger Lee

    For the record, I canNOT root for the Ravens. Sorry Seahawk fans this Browns fan will NOT debase himself for the birds! (I used to live in San Jose during the 49er glory years, so I can cheer for the Niners)

  221. 221.

    Corner Stone

    Anything that makes Bill Simmons choke on his own tongue is good with me. Just disgusted it was a Harbaugh that made it happen.

  222. 222.

    Badmoodman

    How was that Pollard helmet-to-helmet hit on Ridley that caused the big fumble not a penalty? NFL rules are nonsensical and unenforceable consistently.

  223. 223.

    2liberal

    The Pats needed a play to win this game. This time it is the Ratbirds making the plays. I personally thought Ridley was down – didn’t his forearm hit the ground before the ball came out?

  224. 224.

    Just Some Fuckhead

    You haters can throw feces everywhere but someday when they’re NOT talking about Tom Brady being the greatest quarterback in the history of the universe, you can thank the Ravens.

  225. 225.

    BruceFromOhio

    @FridayNext: Hmm interesting. I’ve been underground, so haven’t paid much attention since the games last week. It was pretty much foregone (to me anyway) that Falcons would fall, and that the Pats/Ravens would be a toss-up … yeah yeah, favorites and Vegas line and all, but shut up and play already.

    You raise a good point thought, in these victories the key stat has been turnovers. Broncos were favorites but, uh oh, turnovers. Falcons were hot coming in, but turnovers. Now Patriots are going home (short drive tonight, fortunately) because of … turnovers.

    So I’ll go out on a small branch and say, whoever turns it over more will lose in 2 weeks. Ravens and ‘Niners are both really good teams, and the determinant from my view is ‘Niners turning it over to Ravens D. Keep that stat zero, and it’s SF’s game. Turn it over, even *once*, and these Gaia-damned birds are the champs.

  226. 226.

    Joel

    Some part of me wants the Ravens to win the Superbowl, because at least their fans stab each other, and not fans of other teams.

    And whenever the Patriots piss me off with a crushing loss, I remember his SOTU appearance in 2004 and it comforts me some that Brady is taking the loss. Love/hate relationship, if you will.

  229. 229.

    Just Some Fuckhead

    @Corner Stone:

    I’m pretty sure those two yoinks against the Gints may count for a little as well.

    You’d like to think so but as early as 10 minutes before this game started, the pregame show experts were in agreement that Brady is the greatest quarterback EVER.

  231. 231.

    Suffern ACE

    @2liberal: some can explain that. The NFL hates fumbles. I’m happy that was a fumble. But then I believe that the ground can cause them, despite proclaimations to the contrary.

  232. 232.

    Mark B.

    @2liberal: the ball was already loose because his knee dislodged it just before his elbow was down. It was very close. If he hadn’t been knocked unconscious he would have easily kept control.

  233. 233.

    Just Some Fuckhead

    We’re going to the Superbowl. Get over here, lil stagger lee and lemme taste those sweet sweet tears!

  235. 235.

    BruceFromOhio

    @Joel: Some part of me wants the Ravens to win the Superbowl, because at least their fans stab each other, and not fans of other teams.

    LOL. Dude, low bar much?

    @Badmoodman: That’s a dry twig.

    Indeed, it is. Best NFL of the year is past us now, alas.

    Niners by 4.

    @Just Some Fuckhead: … the pregame show experts were in agreement that Brady is the greatest quarterback EVER. Those vertically fornicated ex-jocks are just-well paid fanboys. They’ll say whatever they are told to say.

    Kinda like a DC pundit.

  238. 238.

    PsiFighter37

    I’ll take the Niners in 2 weeks.

    That said, I will be very happy once I can stop hearing about how fucking awesome John + Jim Harbaugh are.

  239. 239.

    sb

    On turf where the Niners have played twice.

    Line predictions? I think Niners by 6 and maybe 7 for openers.

  245. 245.

    PsiFighter37

    @Just Some Fuckhead: Well, they’re all fucking idiots. Mainly because a) there are QBs who won more than Brady (like Joe Montana), and b) New England hasn’t won it all since 2004. That’s 9 years ago…a pretty long fuckin’ time.

    I am telling you, when Brady retires, the whole house of cards falls apart.

  246. 246.

    Just Some Fuckhead

    @PsiFighter37:

    That said, I will be very happy once I can stop hearing about how fucking awesome John + Jim Harbaugh are.

    Each took this team to the championship game last year and the Superbowl this year. That’s pretty fucking awesome.

  247. 247.

    Joel

    As is customary when the Patriots are not in the Superbowl, I’m rooting for the meteor strike. I would expect no less of others.

  249. 249.

    Green Caboose

    The Patriots Lose!!!!! Yes yes yes!!! At least one more year in which we don’t have to hear the NorthEast-centric Sports Media ™ declare that BELICHECK AND BRADY ARE THE BEST EVER. They tried SOOO hard to do so back in January 2008. Indeed, Peter King declared the 2007 Pats the best team of the decade despite their super bowl loss.

    Gotta say, VERY IMPRESSED with John Harbaugh’s team. 28-13. ZERO POINTS by the Pats in the second half. Freaking amazing. There were NO BLITZES in the second half. I love blitzes, but it worked for the Ravens. Just a great job.

    And what about Jim Caldwell. In a year where the NFL got back to their segregationist roots (how many black coaches has Jerry Jones hired? None? Yeah, that makes sense) Jim Caldwell turned the Ravens offense around. Good for you, Jim.

  252. 252.

    Badmoodman

    Adding injury to insult:

    An Atlanta Falcons fan was stabbed in the neck by a San Francisco 49ers fan outside the Georgia Dome during an altercation after Sunday’s NFC Championship Game, Channel 2 Action News in Atlanta reported.

    Witnesses told Channel 2 that the victim punched the 49ers fan, and the 49ers fan responded by stabbing the Falcons fan in the throat area.

    The injured fan was taken to a hospital, but his condition was unknown as of Sunday evening.

  254. 254.

    Brother Shotgun of Sweet Reason

    It’s less than 10 minutes after the game is over and they’re touting Harbaugh vs. Harbaugh. Gonna be a long two weeks.

  256. 256.

    Joel

    I see that the Onion took down their “Ben Roethlisberger is on the cusp of being a decent human being” article. Maybe they’re busy substituting Ray Lewis’ name in there.

  257. 257.

    Just Some Fuckhead

    @PsiFighter37:

    Mainly I hate storylines that enable lazy-ass sportswriters to jizz themselves nonstop for 2 weeks.

    whatevs. knobslobbering is a sportswriter’s job.

  265. 265.

    ulee

    Congrats to the Ravens. Those dark souled cawing doublecrossing feathered familiars who shall be squashed by our gold seeking all american gold diggers.

  268. 268.

    Corner Stone

    @burnspbesq: How about you tell us how in the fuck Bill being friends with a JHU LAX coach is relevant to any assessment whatsoever?
    IOW, how about you shut your god damn stupid smug bitch fucking mouth you fucking stupid god damn piece of shit?
    Now go fuck yourself.

  269. 269.

    lucslawyer

    Say what you will about the Harbaugh boys, they have teams that give everything and more for them and isn’t that what you want in a HC?

  270. 270.

    James E. Powell

    The Football Gods brought their odd justice to the conference championship games. Last year, the 49ers & Ravens would have been in the Super Bowl but for a couple of fluke mistakes each: A muff & a fumble by a punt returner for the 49ers, a dropped TD and a shanked FG for the Ravens.

    For fans of those teams, this has to feel pretty good.

  271. 271.

    2liberal

    Cole, i want to thank you for rooting for the Patriots. I KNEW I could count on you. This gives me some solace in this dark hour.

  272. 272.

    Dr. Squid

    @CoastalMike:

    Dick Vermeil did pretty well for himself. His grinning mug still greets you on the Walt Whitman Bridge, and he hasn’t coached there in thirty years.

    On the get to but not win the Super Bowl, I give you Bud Grant and Marv Levy.

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