Tuesday, June 24, 2008
RIP: George Carlin
One of the great lights of comedy has gone out. In many ways Carlin was one of the true developers of stand up comedy as we know it now. His seminal "the 7 words you can't say on TV" bit remains one of the gold standards of stand up comedy that remains as brilliant today as when he first uttered it. Though the development of pay cable has largely enabled those words to be uttered on TV now(mostly on the show Deadwood), it was still relevatory stuff at its time.
On a personal note, my college senior trip to Las Vegas was highlighted by a Carlin show at the then Bally's Casino. I got hammered, rolled at the tables and laughed my ass off at his show; it was in short one of the greatest nights of my life and for that Carlin will always have a place in my heart. May he forever play to the big crowd in the sky. Here is Carlin's bit on the differences between football and baseball another classic...
On a personal note, my college senior trip to Las Vegas was highlighted by a Carlin show at the then Bally's Casino. I got hammered, rolled at the tables and laughed my ass off at his show; it was in short one of the greatest nights of my life and for that Carlin will always have a place in my heart. May he forever play to the big crowd in the sky. Here is Carlin's bit on the differences between football and baseball another classic...
The Rhythm is strong in this one...
The defining pop culture forces of the 80s collide, with fantastic results...
See more funny videos at CollegeHumor
Monday, June 23, 2008
College Football: The consensus Top 25...
Largely because I have no life I have taken the trouble to search the 'net for various college football rankings and compile them into a consensus Top 25. I used 15 rankings all of which were added since late April, that way, spring ball has been factored into the equation, and I eliminated polls from right after the bowls last season, which were a bit too knee jerk for my liking. I used, websites, preview magazines, and the columns of numerous CFB pundits. Here is the end result:
1. Ohio St.- Rank Avg. 2.13 The Buckeyes were picked number 1 by 4 polls, number 2 by 7 polls, and number 3 by 3 polls. The outlier was the AJC's Tony Barnhart who ranked them 5th. (Probably largely to assuage local SEC fans who would like to see any other team play in the national title game). There are lots of reasons to like the Bucks' chances, 18 returning starters, NC game experience, and the rest of the Big 10 looks ripe for the beating.
2. Georgia- Rank Avg. 2.73 Georgia was the most popular number 1 pick, with 5 polls choosing the Dawgs. The opinions were more varied than OSU's after that though, with 5 no. 2 rankings, 1 no. 4, 2 no. 5s and Phil Steele placing UGA 9th. UGA is loaded with returning talent, led by duel Heisman candidates QB Matt Stafford and RB Knowshon Moreno. The D looks to be stout as well with 9 starters back. The only caveat is a schedule that features 10 teams who were bowl eligible a year ago, 6 away from Athens.
Do you Know-shon?
3. USC- Rank avg. 2.93 The Trojans had 3 no. 1 rankings, 3 no. 2s, 3 no. 3s, 4 no. 4s, and 2 no. 5s. Everyone agrees that Pete Carroll's bunch is a top 5 team, they merely disagree where to slot them. USC must replace their QB, but they have a boatload of skill positon talent and a stout D. The winner of the Sept 13 showdown between USC and Ohio St. is a likely NC game participant.
4. Oklahoma- Rank avg. 4.6 The Sooners highest ranking was number 3(5 times), they also had 4 no. 4s, one 5, 3 6s, one 7 and Rivals.com has them 8th. Led by QB Sam Bradford OU is clearly the class of the big 12 and the favorite to reach another BCS bowl. Of course BCS bowls have not been kind to them recently.
First Boise St, now this, ugh.
5. Florida- Rank avg. 5.06 The Gators appear to be the consensus no. 2 pick in the SEC. They had 2 no. 1 rankings, 2 no. 3s, 2 no. 4s, 3 no. 5s, 3 no. 6s, 1 no. 7 and 2 no. 10s. Returning Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow, leads one of the nations best offenses. However it's the defense, last in the SEC in pass D last season, that will decide the Gator fate this fall.
The only question here is did he spike the baby, or did he just hand it to the ref like he's been there before?
6. Missouri- Rank avg 5.4 Chase Daniel, Jeremy Maclin, and a solid D make this a team to be reckoned with. If they can figure out the Sooners they might have a chance to make the NC game. The pollsters gave them 1 no. 3, 4 no. 4s, 4 no. 5s, 2 no. 6s, 2 no. 7s and 2 no. 8s, so there was a fair amount of consistency there.
7. West Virginia- Rank avg 7.8 Most people seem to think the Mountaineers won't be hurt to much by the departure of Rich Rodriguez to Michigan. The outlier is Southern Pigskin.com whose preseason poll has WVU no.1, the other rankings are 3 no. 6s, 3 no. 7s, 1 no. 8, 5 no. 9s, a no. 10, and Stewart Mandel of SI who has the 'eers ranked 14th.
8. LSU- Rank avg 8.93 The Bayou Bengals are the defending national champs and despite some significant personnel losses are still accorded much respect. They have a no.5 ranking, 3 no. 6s, 3 no. 7s, 1 no. 8, 2 no. 9s, 1 no. 11, 2 no. 12s, 1 no. 13 and CBSSportsline's Dennis Dodd has them at 16.
Many will argue that losing this guy may actually be addition by subtraction.
9. Clemson- Rank avg. 9.6 Given their penchant for losing to teams they shouldn't I often blanche when I see Clemson ranked high in the preseason. However, their schedule is Charmin soft and they have a lot of talent back so it's not hard to see why the punditocracy likes them. Phil Steele has them number 5 followed by 1 no. 6, 3 no. 7s, 4 no. 9s, 2 no. 10s, 1 no. 11, 1 no. 12, 1 no. 13 and College Football News has them 20th.
As long as this guy coaches them, they are fully capable of losing to say, Georgia Tech.
10. Texas- Rank avg. 10.8 The Horns are a few years removed from their national title, but they have a shot at getting back to the Top of the Big 12, it all hinges as usual, on their game with OU. The pundits were pretty consistent here with 5 no. 8s, 1 no. 9, 2 no. 10s, 2 no. 11s, 2 no. 13s and 3 no. 15s.
11. Auburn- Rank avg. 12.8 With 2 new coordinators, there is some wonder at what transitional pains might occur here. Still AU is talented and they get LSU at home, a key factor since that game might decide the SEC West. Athlon's likes the WarTigerPlainsmen giving them a no. 8 ranking. Sure Fire Scouting on the other hand said not so fast and ranked them 25th. In between were, 2 no. 9s, 4 no. 10s, 1 no. 11, 1 no. 12, 1 no. 13, 1 no. 14, 1 no. 15, 1 no. 18, and 1 no. 19.
12. Texas Tech- Rank avg. 13.9 Is this the year the Red Raiders really make noise in the Big 12 South. Stewart Mandel thinks so ranking TT no. 8. Matt Hayes of the Sporting News is less sanguine about their chances ranking them 21st. The rest run the gamut, 1 no. 9, 1 no. 10, 3 no. 11s, 1 no. 13, 1 no. 14, 3 no. 16s, 1 no. 17, and 2 no. 18s.
Reach for the sky Coach Leach.
13. Wisconsin- Rank avg. 14 As what appears to be the closest thing to competition that Ohio St. has in the Big 10, Wisconsin holds the hopes of SEC fans everywhere. Their run first pound it offense impressed College Football News who has them 7th. The rest are as follows 1 no. 10, 1 no. 11, 2 no. 12s, 2 no. 13s, 1 no. 14, 3 no. 15s, 1 no. 16, 2 no. 18s and Phil Steele bringing up the rear at 21st.
14. Kansas- Rank avg. 14.4 Can the Jayhawks recapture last year's magic? Will they actually play someone this year? Will Mark Mangino again be spotted gracing the sidelines in what appeared to be a satin tracksuit? Stay tuned for the answers, as for the pundits... 1 no. 7, 1 no. 8, 1 no. 10, 2 no. 11s, 3 no. 13s, 1 no. 14, 3 no. 15s, 1 no. 18, 1 no. 20, and they were unranked by Phil Steele. For teams that are outside the top 25 in a poll I just went with no. 26 for that poll, since there is often no way of knowing where a pollster might have ranked that team outside the top 25. That keeps it fair and balanced, or something like that.
Hey, it's no dumber than wearing a mumu.
15. BYU- Rank avg. 15.8, Meet this year's Hawaii. They'll have a chance to crack the BCS party if they can run the table. And they'll win the chance to likely get massacred by some major conference champion. On to the rankings... 2 no. 12s, 1 no. 13, 3 no. 14s, 4 no. 16s, 2 no. 17s, 2 no. 19s, and a no. 22.
16. Illinois- Rank avg. 15.9 The Fighting Zooks, er, Illini did knock off Ohio St. last year, but the sledding will be tougher this year sans Rashard Mendenhall. I'm still dying to see these guys play UF in a bowl game. Not that I think they'd win, but the possibility that they could would be enough to make Gator sphincters clench across the globe. Ah, yes the rankings... Tony Barnhart has them 8th, they also received, 4 no. 12s, 1 no. 14, 2 no. 16s, 3 no. 18s, 3 no. 19s, and Phil Steele felt them unworthy of ranking.
17. Arizona St.- Rank Avg. 16.3 The Sun Devils are the number 2 Pac 10 team and win the distinction of being UGA's most exotic road trip this year. Their offence looks potent while the D appears to need some work. Still they are the closest thing to competition for USC in the West this year. Rankings say.... Sure Fire Scouting has ASU 10th, they also have a no. 12, 1 no. 13, 3 no. 14s, 1 no. 15, 2 no. 16s, 3 no. 17s, 1 no. 18, and neither Phil Steele nor College Football News ranked them.
Arizona State, wait there's a game being played?
18. Virginia Tech- Rank avg. 18.06 This is the second best team in the ACC? And I thought the All Cupcake Conference thing was a joke. I can't wait for the Clemson-Va Tech Champ Game which will undoubtedly attract hundreds to Jacksonville. Sigh, on to the rankings... 2 no. 11s, 2 no. 13s, 1 no. 16, 3 no. 17s, 1 no. 19, 1 no. 20, 2 no. 21s, 1 no. 23 and Lindy's and Sure Fire Scouting left them out of the rankings.
19. Tennessee- Rank avg. 18.33 I am of course required by marriage to say something nice about Tennessee, so here goes... something nice about Tennessee. Whew, that was hard. In all honesty though, the Vols may surprise this year if their new QB is the real deal. Plus Fulmer's teams seem to play their best when no one is talking about them and this is that kind of year. As for the pundits... 2 no. 12s, 3 no. 15s, 2 no. 17s, 1 no. 18, 3 no. 20s, 1 no. 21, 1 no. 23, 1 no 24 and Sure Fire Scouting did not rank the Vols.
Yes Linus, there is a Great Pumpkin.
20. Penn State- Rank avg. 20.5 The Lions are hoping to get back in the Big 10 mix this year with a squad that returns plenty of talent and doesn't return QB Anthony Morelli which is seen as a blessing in Blue and White circles. Noted contrarion Phil Steele likes the Lions alot ranking them 10th, they also received 2 no. 11s, a no. 18, 2 no. 20s, 1 no. 21, 2 no. 23s, 2 no. 24s, a number 25 and were left unranked by Dennis Dodd, CSTV, and Lindy's.
21. S. Florida- Rank avg. 21.13 The Bulls rose to prominence last year early and then crashed down hard late. There is talent enough here for them to make noise in the wide open Big East race. Phil Steele embraces his inner anarchist with a No. 8 pick for the Bulls, nobody else is even close to that with 1 no. 14, 1 no. 17, 2 no. 19s, 1 no. 20, 2 no. 21s, 1 no. 22, and they were left out of 6 top 25s(AJC, College Football News, Dallas Star, Schlabaugh at ESPN, Matt Hayes and Stewart Mandel)
Phil Steele likes you, he really, really likes you.
1. Ohio St.- Rank Avg. 2.13 The Buckeyes were picked number 1 by 4 polls, number 2 by 7 polls, and number 3 by 3 polls. The outlier was the AJC's Tony Barnhart who ranked them 5th. (Probably largely to assuage local SEC fans who would like to see any other team play in the national title game). There are lots of reasons to like the Bucks' chances, 18 returning starters, NC game experience, and the rest of the Big 10 looks ripe for the beating.
2. Georgia- Rank Avg. 2.73 Georgia was the most popular number 1 pick, with 5 polls choosing the Dawgs. The opinions were more varied than OSU's after that though, with 5 no. 2 rankings, 1 no. 4, 2 no. 5s and Phil Steele placing UGA 9th. UGA is loaded with returning talent, led by duel Heisman candidates QB Matt Stafford and RB Knowshon Moreno. The D looks to be stout as well with 9 starters back. The only caveat is a schedule that features 10 teams who were bowl eligible a year ago, 6 away from Athens.
Do you Know-shon?3. USC- Rank avg. 2.93 The Trojans had 3 no. 1 rankings, 3 no. 2s, 3 no. 3s, 4 no. 4s, and 2 no. 5s. Everyone agrees that Pete Carroll's bunch is a top 5 team, they merely disagree where to slot them. USC must replace their QB, but they have a boatload of skill positon talent and a stout D. The winner of the Sept 13 showdown between USC and Ohio St. is a likely NC game participant.
4. Oklahoma- Rank avg. 4.6 The Sooners highest ranking was number 3(5 times), they also had 4 no. 4s, one 5, 3 6s, one 7 and Rivals.com has them 8th. Led by QB Sam Bradford OU is clearly the class of the big 12 and the favorite to reach another BCS bowl. Of course BCS bowls have not been kind to them recently.
First Boise St, now this, ugh.
5. Florida- Rank avg. 5.06 The Gators appear to be the consensus no. 2 pick in the SEC. They had 2 no. 1 rankings, 2 no. 3s, 2 no. 4s, 3 no. 5s, 3 no. 6s, 1 no. 7 and 2 no. 10s. Returning Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow, leads one of the nations best offenses. However it's the defense, last in the SEC in pass D last season, that will decide the Gator fate this fall.
The only question here is did he spike the baby, or did he just hand it to the ref like he's been there before?
6. Missouri- Rank avg 5.4 Chase Daniel, Jeremy Maclin, and a solid D make this a team to be reckoned with. If they can figure out the Sooners they might have a chance to make the NC game. The pollsters gave them 1 no. 3, 4 no. 4s, 4 no. 5s, 2 no. 6s, 2 no. 7s and 2 no. 8s, so there was a fair amount of consistency there.
7. West Virginia- Rank avg 7.8 Most people seem to think the Mountaineers won't be hurt to much by the departure of Rich Rodriguez to Michigan. The outlier is Southern Pigskin.com whose preseason poll has WVU no.1, the other rankings are 3 no. 6s, 3 no. 7s, 1 no. 8, 5 no. 9s, a no. 10, and Stewart Mandel of SI who has the 'eers ranked 14th.
8. LSU- Rank avg 8.93 The Bayou Bengals are the defending national champs and despite some significant personnel losses are still accorded much respect. They have a no.5 ranking, 3 no. 6s, 3 no. 7s, 1 no. 8, 2 no. 9s, 1 no. 11, 2 no. 12s, 1 no. 13 and CBSSportsline's Dennis Dodd has them at 16.
Many will argue that losing this guy may actually be addition by subtraction.
9. Clemson- Rank avg. 9.6 Given their penchant for losing to teams they shouldn't I often blanche when I see Clemson ranked high in the preseason. However, their schedule is Charmin soft and they have a lot of talent back so it's not hard to see why the punditocracy likes them. Phil Steele has them number 5 followed by 1 no. 6, 3 no. 7s, 4 no. 9s, 2 no. 10s, 1 no. 11, 1 no. 12, 1 no. 13 and College Football News has them 20th.
As long as this guy coaches them, they are fully capable of losing to say, Georgia Tech.
10. Texas- Rank avg. 10.8 The Horns are a few years removed from their national title, but they have a shot at getting back to the Top of the Big 12, it all hinges as usual, on their game with OU. The pundits were pretty consistent here with 5 no. 8s, 1 no. 9, 2 no. 10s, 2 no. 11s, 2 no. 13s and 3 no. 15s.
11. Auburn- Rank avg. 12.8 With 2 new coordinators, there is some wonder at what transitional pains might occur here. Still AU is talented and they get LSU at home, a key factor since that game might decide the SEC West. Athlon's likes the WarTigerPlainsmen giving them a no. 8 ranking. Sure Fire Scouting on the other hand said not so fast and ranked them 25th. In between were, 2 no. 9s, 4 no. 10s, 1 no. 11, 1 no. 12, 1 no. 13, 1 no. 14, 1 no. 15, 1 no. 18, and 1 no. 19.
12. Texas Tech- Rank avg. 13.9 Is this the year the Red Raiders really make noise in the Big 12 South. Stewart Mandel thinks so ranking TT no. 8. Matt Hayes of the Sporting News is less sanguine about their chances ranking them 21st. The rest run the gamut, 1 no. 9, 1 no. 10, 3 no. 11s, 1 no. 13, 1 no. 14, 3 no. 16s, 1 no. 17, and 2 no. 18s.
Reach for the sky Coach Leach.
13. Wisconsin- Rank avg. 14 As what appears to be the closest thing to competition that Ohio St. has in the Big 10, Wisconsin holds the hopes of SEC fans everywhere. Their run first pound it offense impressed College Football News who has them 7th. The rest are as follows 1 no. 10, 1 no. 11, 2 no. 12s, 2 no. 13s, 1 no. 14, 3 no. 15s, 1 no. 16, 2 no. 18s and Phil Steele bringing up the rear at 21st.
14. Kansas- Rank avg. 14.4 Can the Jayhawks recapture last year's magic? Will they actually play someone this year? Will Mark Mangino again be spotted gracing the sidelines in what appeared to be a satin tracksuit? Stay tuned for the answers, as for the pundits... 1 no. 7, 1 no. 8, 1 no. 10, 2 no. 11s, 3 no. 13s, 1 no. 14, 3 no. 15s, 1 no. 18, 1 no. 20, and they were unranked by Phil Steele. For teams that are outside the top 25 in a poll I just went with no. 26 for that poll, since there is often no way of knowing where a pollster might have ranked that team outside the top 25. That keeps it fair and balanced, or something like that.
Hey, it's no dumber than wearing a mumu.
15. BYU- Rank avg. 15.8, Meet this year's Hawaii. They'll have a chance to crack the BCS party if they can run the table. And they'll win the chance to likely get massacred by some major conference champion. On to the rankings... 2 no. 12s, 1 no. 13, 3 no. 14s, 4 no. 16s, 2 no. 17s, 2 no. 19s, and a no. 22.
16. Illinois- Rank avg. 15.9 The Fighting Zooks, er, Illini did knock off Ohio St. last year, but the sledding will be tougher this year sans Rashard Mendenhall. I'm still dying to see these guys play UF in a bowl game. Not that I think they'd win, but the possibility that they could would be enough to make Gator sphincters clench across the globe. Ah, yes the rankings... Tony Barnhart has them 8th, they also received, 4 no. 12s, 1 no. 14, 2 no. 16s, 3 no. 18s, 3 no. 19s, and Phil Steele felt them unworthy of ranking.
17. Arizona St.- Rank Avg. 16.3 The Sun Devils are the number 2 Pac 10 team and win the distinction of being UGA's most exotic road trip this year. Their offence looks potent while the D appears to need some work. Still they are the closest thing to competition for USC in the West this year. Rankings say.... Sure Fire Scouting has ASU 10th, they also have a no. 12, 1 no. 13, 3 no. 14s, 1 no. 15, 2 no. 16s, 3 no. 17s, 1 no. 18, and neither Phil Steele nor College Football News ranked them.
Arizona State, wait there's a game being played?
18. Virginia Tech- Rank avg. 18.06 This is the second best team in the ACC? And I thought the All Cupcake Conference thing was a joke. I can't wait for the Clemson-Va Tech Champ Game which will undoubtedly attract hundreds to Jacksonville. Sigh, on to the rankings... 2 no. 11s, 2 no. 13s, 1 no. 16, 3 no. 17s, 1 no. 19, 1 no. 20, 2 no. 21s, 1 no. 23 and Lindy's and Sure Fire Scouting left them out of the rankings.
19. Tennessee- Rank avg. 18.33 I am of course required by marriage to say something nice about Tennessee, so here goes... something nice about Tennessee. Whew, that was hard. In all honesty though, the Vols may surprise this year if their new QB is the real deal. Plus Fulmer's teams seem to play their best when no one is talking about them and this is that kind of year. As for the pundits... 2 no. 12s, 3 no. 15s, 2 no. 17s, 1 no. 18, 3 no. 20s, 1 no. 21, 1 no. 23, 1 no 24 and Sure Fire Scouting did not rank the Vols.
Yes Linus, there is a Great Pumpkin.
20. Penn State- Rank avg. 20.5 The Lions are hoping to get back in the Big 10 mix this year with a squad that returns plenty of talent and doesn't return QB Anthony Morelli which is seen as a blessing in Blue and White circles. Noted contrarion Phil Steele likes the Lions alot ranking them 10th, they also received 2 no. 11s, a no. 18, 2 no. 20s, 1 no. 21, 2 no. 23s, 2 no. 24s, a number 25 and were left unranked by Dennis Dodd, CSTV, and Lindy's.
21. S. Florida- Rank avg. 21.13 The Bulls rose to prominence last year early and then crashed down hard late. There is talent enough here for them to make noise in the wide open Big East race. Phil Steele embraces his inner anarchist with a No. 8 pick for the Bulls, nobody else is even close to that with 1 no. 14, 1 no. 17, 2 no. 19s, 1 no. 20, 2 no. 21s, 1 no. 22, and they were left out of 6 top 25s(AJC, College Football News, Dallas Star, Schlabaugh at ESPN, Matt Hayes and Stewart Mandel)
Phil Steele likes you, he really, really likes you.
22. Oregon- Rank Avg-. 21.46 The Ducks looked like a sure shot NC contender last season until Dennis Dixon's knee injury, but it unraveled quickly after that. With Dixon and Jonathan Stewart now gone this figures to be a bit of a rebuilding campaign. Matt Hayes really likes the Ducks, ranking them 14th, other ranks include, 1 no. 15, 1 no. 16, 1 no. 19, 1 no. 21, 3 no. 22s, a no. 23, a no. 24, and 4 polls that didn't rank them(CBSSportline, CSTV, SouthernPigskin.com, and SureFireScouting).
The Ducks make some odd sartorial selections for the playing field.
23. Wake Forest- Rank Avg. 23.2 Ah, I remember the days when they were referred to as "Weak Forest." But in todays ACC every dog truly has his day, or Demon Deacon in this case. Jim Grobe has done a fine job here with limited talent, but you do wonder how they would look in a better conference. I can't help but think Bobby Johnson looks at Grobe and wishes Vandy was in the ACC. And the pundits give them... 1 no. 17, 3 no. 21s, 1 no. 22, 3 no. 23s, 2 no. 24s , 1 no. 25 and 4 polls who thought them not worthy of rank at all(CBSSportsline, the Dallas Star, Phil Steele, and Stewart Mandel).
24. Pitt- Rank Avg. 23.4 After the upset heard round the world last year, there are those that are convinced that a Pitt resurgence is at hand(Cough, Tony Barnhart, cough, 18th ranking). And I'll admit on the surface there are some impressive things about the Panthers, Tyler Palko, LeSean McCoy and a stout D to name a few. But the moment I start to think they might be good, I remember one simple thing, their coached by Dave Wannstedt. Most of the pundits seem to agree, 1 no. 19, 4 no. 22s, 2 no. 23s, 2 no. 25s and 5 DNRs(Athlon's, College Football News, National Champs.net, Rivals.com, and SureFire Scouting).
This man can coach any talent to disaster.
The Ducks make some odd sartorial selections for the playing field.
23. Wake Forest- Rank Avg. 23.2 Ah, I remember the days when they were referred to as "Weak Forest." But in todays ACC every dog truly has his day, or Demon Deacon in this case. Jim Grobe has done a fine job here with limited talent, but you do wonder how they would look in a better conference. I can't help but think Bobby Johnson looks at Grobe and wishes Vandy was in the ACC. And the pundits give them... 1 no. 17, 3 no. 21s, 1 no. 22, 3 no. 23s, 2 no. 24s , 1 no. 25 and 4 polls who thought them not worthy of rank at all(CBSSportsline, the Dallas Star, Phil Steele, and Stewart Mandel).
24. Pitt- Rank Avg. 23.4 After the upset heard round the world last year, there are those that are convinced that a Pitt resurgence is at hand(Cough, Tony Barnhart, cough, 18th ranking). And I'll admit on the surface there are some impressive things about the Panthers, Tyler Palko, LeSean McCoy and a stout D to name a few. But the moment I start to think they might be good, I remember one simple thing, their coached by Dave Wannstedt. Most of the pundits seem to agree, 1 no. 19, 4 no. 22s, 2 no. 23s, 2 no. 25s and 5 DNRs(Athlon's, College Football News, National Champs.net, Rivals.com, and SureFire Scouting).
This man can coach any talent to disaster.
25. Fresno State- Rank Avg. 24.13 Oftentimes when making out a Top 25, I will stick a non BCS team on the end of my poll to A. throw the little guys a bone and B. attempt to catch the right sleeper team in a bottle preseason. With Hawaii decimated by departures the Bulldogs become your odds on favorite in the WAC, and that makes them a prime candidate for non BCS success. As for the pundits, apparently many of them think like me, because 7 of them have ranked Fresno either 24 and 25 in their polls. The details... 1 no. 20, 1 no. 21, 1 no. 22, 1 no. 23, 3 no. 24s, 4 no. 25s and 4 DNRs(CollegeFootballNews, Phil Steele, Stewart Mandel and SureFire Scouting).
Oil prices, how high will they go?
From May, 2007 to May, 2008, oil prices increased at about 6% per month. In June, we are on track for another 6% range increase:
$125.50 + 6% = $133
For the time being at least, a price increase of 6% per month appears necessary to balance demand against declining net oil exports. What is happening now is a continuation of what started in 2005 in poorer countries: a smaller number of consumers paying a higher unit price for a smaller volume. It's just that forced energy conservation has moved up the food chain, and it is now having widespread effects in wealthier countries(goodbye suburbs).
The big story this year (which with some important exceptions, is being still largely ignored in the Media) is the ongoing export decline from Russia, Norway, Mexico and Venezuela--key nearby sources of imported oil for Europe and the US respectively.
Current estimates show that Mexico's net oil exports fell from about 1.4 mbpd in 9/07 to about 1.1 mbpd in 5/08. At this rate, they would be exporting zero oil in about three years (from 9/07), roughly the Fall of 2010. If they manage to slow their decline rate by half, they might make it to the Fall of 2013. Either way the third largest source of imported oil for the US is only a very short time away from being able to provide no oil at all to the world market.
In this enviroment of falling exports and declining production it is no stretch to think that oil prices will continue there rapid rise. If they continue the 6% monthly increase of the past year, these are the barrel prices we'll be looking at:
Jul 08= $141.00
Aug 08= $149.46
Sep 08= $158.42
Oct 08= $167.93
Nov 08= $178.00
Dec 08= $188.68
Jan 09= $200.00
Feb 09= $212.01
Mar 09= $224.73
Apr 09= $238.21
May 09= $252.50
Jun 09= $267.66
Jul 09= $283.71
By next fall at these prices, the modern market economy could be in complete ashes. I sincerely doubt that Western lifestyles will exist as we know them now, with energy costs at that level. It appears that only massive painful demand destruction will have any real impact on oil prices.
$125.50 + 6% = $133
For the time being at least, a price increase of 6% per month appears necessary to balance demand against declining net oil exports. What is happening now is a continuation of what started in 2005 in poorer countries: a smaller number of consumers paying a higher unit price for a smaller volume. It's just that forced energy conservation has moved up the food chain, and it is now having widespread effects in wealthier countries(goodbye suburbs).
The big story this year (which with some important exceptions, is being still largely ignored in the Media) is the ongoing export decline from Russia, Norway, Mexico and Venezuela--key nearby sources of imported oil for Europe and the US respectively.
Current estimates show that Mexico's net oil exports fell from about 1.4 mbpd in 9/07 to about 1.1 mbpd in 5/08. At this rate, they would be exporting zero oil in about three years (from 9/07), roughly the Fall of 2010. If they manage to slow their decline rate by half, they might make it to the Fall of 2013. Either way the third largest source of imported oil for the US is only a very short time away from being able to provide no oil at all to the world market.
In this enviroment of falling exports and declining production it is no stretch to think that oil prices will continue there rapid rise. If they continue the 6% monthly increase of the past year, these are the barrel prices we'll be looking at:
Jul 08= $141.00
Aug 08= $149.46
Sep 08= $158.42
Oct 08= $167.93
Nov 08= $178.00
Dec 08= $188.68
Jan 09= $200.00
Feb 09= $212.01
Mar 09= $224.73
Apr 09= $238.21
May 09= $252.50
Jun 09= $267.66
Jul 09= $283.71
By next fall at these prices, the modern market economy could be in complete ashes. I sincerely doubt that Western lifestyles will exist as we know them now, with energy costs at that level. It appears that only massive painful demand destruction will have any real impact on oil prices.
