Kensington เป็นเพื่อนบ้านในโอกาสใกล้ Brooklyn Park และ Greenwood ป่าช้า. คือการผสมผสานศิลปะอาคาร deco, บ้านแถวและเดี่ยว, Victorians ครอบครัวเดี่ยว. มันเป็นหนึ่งในละแวกใกล้เคียงน้อยในพื้นที่ที่ยังไม่ได้เป็น gentrified และอาศัยอยู่ใน Kensington จะให้มาถึงใหม่ไปนิวยอร์คดูจริงในชีวิตในเมือง.

ที่พักอาศัยใน Kensington ไม่เกือบเป็นราคาแพงในละแวกใกล้เคียงใกล้เคียงอื่นๆแต่ยังแพ่งที่กำหนดว่าใน New York.หนึ่งบ้านครอบครัวเริ่มต้นที่ประมาณ 650,000 $ แต่หนึ่ง condos ห้องนอนสามารถได้สำหรับน้อยได้ตาม $ 150,000. หากคุณกำลังมองหาที่เช่าหนึ่งพาร์ทเมนต์ห้องนอนจะราคาประมาณ $ 1,500 ชัดขึ้นอยู่กับพื้นที่ที่แน่นอนและสถานะปัจจุบันของที่พัก.

อยู่ใน Kensington คุณจะพบกับกลุ่มหลากหลายมากของผู้คนจากทุกเดินชีวิต. คนมาจากทุกชนิดที่รวมถึงบังคลาเทศปากีสถาน, จีน, แอลเบเนีย รัสเซียเม็กซิโกและแคริบเบียนในหมู่ประเทศอื่นๆ. ชานเมืองจะทำส่วนใหญ่ของครอบครัวชนชั้นกลางที่ย้ายออกจากพื้นที่ gentrified เพิ่มเติมที่พบในส่วนอื่นๆของ Brooklyn. ในขณะที่ปลอดภัยโดยทั่วไปบางส่วนมีอัตราอาชญากรรมที่สูงกว่าส่วนที่เหลือของ Brooklyn. ถนนฝั่งเพื่อนบ้านได้เงียบเป็นธรรมก่อนจึงจะแจ้งเตือนและคุณไม่ควรมีปัญหาใดๆ.

Kensington ไม่มีดีขนาดที่จอดของมันเองแต่เพียงในระยะที่เดินหรือขี่จักรยานสั้นลงไปภาคใต้ของโอกาส Park ซึ่งมีสนามเทนนิสเพชร baseballs และสนามฟุตบอล. หากคุณค่อนข้างจะใช้เวลาของคุณบ้าน, Shenanigans ผับใน Caton Avenue มี vibe แถวใหญ่ไปกับรสชาติของไอร์แลนด์, ที่นั่งกลางแจ้งและคาราโอเกะในคืนเสาร์. Denny ของสเต็กผับเป็นอีกทางเลือกที่ดีในพื้นที่ที่มีความสุข 2 ชั่วโมง 2. ฉากร้านอาหารใน Kensington สะท้อนถึงชุมชนที่หลากหลายกับทุกอย่างตั้งแต่ค่าโดยสารยุโรปตะวันออกอาหารอินเดียเลือก.

แหล่งชอปปิ้งอำเภอใน Kensington Church Street คือมีพื้นที่ว่างช็อปปิ้งแต่ downscale. มีทุกสิ่งที่คุณอาจต้องการและหากไม่ได้มีขนาดเล็กบางพื้นที่ช้อปปิ้งพร้อม Ditmas Avenue และ Cortelyou ถนนเป็น. มีซุปเปอร์มาร์เก็ต Foodtown ขยายตัวเมื่อเร็วๆนี้ใน McDonald Avenue สำหรับทุกความต้องการของร้านขายของชำของคุณ. เวลา เดินทาง บนรถไฟน์ที่แมนฮัตตันเป็นประมาณ 45 นาทีและอีกต่อไปในวันหยุดสุดสัปดาห์. รถไฟ Q คือเดินอีกต่อไปแต่ยังมีบริการด่วน. โชคดีที่ยังมีเส้นทางรถบัสจำนวนมากเพื่อให้ได้ซึ่งคุณต้องไป.

Kensington ไม่ใช่แถวฉูดฉาดแต่เป็นตัวอย่างที่ดีของชีวิตในชานเมืองนิวยอร์คสิ่งที่ควรจะเป็นเช่น. อยู่ใน Kensington จะให้มาถึงใหม่ๆไปนิวยอร์ครสดีที่เมืองทั้งหมดเกี่ยวกับความหลากหลายของ.

Miami Hurricanes 62″ Golf Umbrella Review

Feature

Overview
Show your NCAA pride out on the golf course with our exclusively designed Miami Hurricanes golf umbrella.

• Windproof design
• Four logo’d areas

Well, the college football bowl season is upon us.  The ACC has quite a slate to offer during the next several days.  So, without further ado, here are my picks:

• Meineke Car Care – PITTSBURGH vs. North Carolina
• Emerald – USC vs. Boston College
• Music City – Kentucky vs. CLEMSON
• Champs Sports – Wisconsin vs. MIAMI
• Chick-Fil-A – Tennessee vs. VIRGINIA TECH
• Gator – West Virginia vs. FLORIDA STATE
• Orange – Iowa vs. GEORGIA TECH

Worth Noting:

• It’s no secret that the Gator Bowl will indeed serve as Bobby Bowden’s swan song.  He ends an amazing 34-year run with the Seminoles, although it could have continued for another season had that option been made available.  Still, his legacy will continue on campus in an entirely different form.
• You can call the Meineke Car Care Bowl a match between two teams that lost to the Wolfpack.  Pitt suffered a 38-31 defeat back in Week 4, while UNC went down 28-27 in Week 13.   Both contests took place in the friendly confines of Carter-Finley Stadium, which is a 2 1/2 hour drive from Charlotte’s  Bank of America Stadium.  Hopefully neither team will encounter a sea of red in the Queen City.
• Boston College will take on a USC team in unfamiliar territory.  The Emerald Bowl will be the first non-BCS bowl for the Trojans since the 2001 Las Vegas Bowl.  They lost three of their last five games to end up making the trek to San Fran, although the bowl organizers there seem to be thrilled.
• Hopefully the third time will be the charm for Virginia Tech as they make their way back to Atlanta for the Chick-Fil-A Bowl.  They also hope to break a four-game drought against SEC opponents.  Better hope UT coach Lane Kiffin isn’t up to his bag of tricks again.
• The Orange Bowl should be an interesting matchup, given Iowa’s stellar defense and GT’s amazing triple-option.  The outcome will likely depend on which side blinks first and who can capitalize on the most available opportunities down the stretch.

For ACC Football fans everywhere, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Tom Donnelly

ONE OF the real positives to emerge from the 2009 season is the sudden depth at lock. Put simply, the number of quality options New Zealand rugby has in second row has never looked better.

And that’s a good thing, as far as  Yours Truely is concerned, because there was a time when the cupboard was looking a little sparse and the lineout a tad shaky.

One only has to cast their mind back a season or two when Chris Jack, Greg Rawlinson, Troy Flavell, Keith Robinson and James Ryan – all of whom had worn the black jersey – announced they were either cashing up and heading to greener pastures overseas or pulling the pin on their respective careers.

That left a gaping hole, and although Graham Henry and co. were able to fill the void, there was a feeling that if injuries struck, the selectors would be scrapping the bottom of the barrel to find suitable replacements to do the business.

Fortunately those fears have been alleviated following the emergence of some fantastic exponents of second row play this year.

Top of the list would be Otago and Highlanders beanpole Tom Donnelly.

Although the tough-as-teak southerner has been on the scene since 2002 and has come close to cracking the national side in the last couple of seasons, it was this year he came of age and showed his wares after being gifted a chance against the Wallabies in the final Tri Nations match of the season.

The 28-year-old grabbed the opportunity with both hands, bringing some much-needed organisational skills, simplicity and stability to what had been a farcical All Black lineout display up until that point by doing the type of stuff he had been doing at super and provincial level for a number of years.

The fact the men in black dominated the airways during their recent European jaunt had much to do with Donnelly, who has made every post a winner in his six tests since his debut at the Cake Tin and is now an integral cog in the All Black machine.

Brad Thorn

On the subject of integral cogs, one cannot look past Brad Thorn, who in his second season of his second All Black coming continued to produce consistent displays that defy his 34 years of age.

NZ Rugby World editor Gregor Paul named the former Brisbane Broncos star as the player of the tour and described him as “the glue that held the All Blacks together” in December/January’s issue of the magazine.

It is a pretty accurate assessment, for not only did Thorn perform strongly on tour, his heavy workload in the trenches, around the fringes and up the guts were at the fore during all 14 internationals the All Blacks played this year.

The fact he also played every minute of every test, except for the final 15 minutes against the Frogs in Marseilles, was a testament to his ability and value to the team.

So inspirational were Thorn’s performances in the black jersey, it is hard to believe the second rower was not nominated for the big gong at last week’s Steinlarger Rugby Awards.

Another to have caught the eye with some scintillating displays was young Isaac Ross, who, after initially struggling to buy a start for the Crusaders, was an All Black by the end of the Super 14.

Isaac Ross

The son of former All Black Jock did a superb job deputising for the injured Ali Williams in his debut season and by the time the Tri Nations rolled around, he had become well known for his mobility, aerial prowess and honest attitude.

His career may have stalled somewhat after being unfairly dropped for the final Tri Nations test and then being left at home to bulk up while the All Blacks jetted to Europe, but the 24-year-old looks a world class player in the making and it will be interesting to see how he comes back in 2010.

Others on the comeback trail include ‘Comical Ali’ and Hawke’s Bay lock Bryn Evans, who like Ross, could not crack the Hurricanes starting XV, but did enough in his limited appearances to impress the three wise men with his skill set and earn two caps for the All Blacks before injury curtailed his season.

Throw All Black tourists Anthony Boric and Jason Eaton – as well as proven performers like Jeremy Thrush, Craig Clarke, Kevin O’Neil, Josh Bekhuis, Hayden Triggs and the returning Jack – into the mix and it appears our stocks in the locking department are overflowing.

All of which means messers Henry, Hansen and Smith have some difficult decisions to make as they look ahead with one eye to the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Did anyone else find that game a tad boring?

1)Man alive, for the first two periods of the game the players looked completely lethargic. The first goal against the Rangers was just a terrible BS goal. If Avery would have taken the body to Samsonov instead of trying to poke check him with his stick Hank would have had his second shutout of the season.

2) SHOOT DAMMIT! This isn’t criticism, but dammit Gaborik shoot the puck! Don’t try to go all finesse and slide it through his pads. Gabby could of had a trick last night if would have just shot the puck. But, this isn’t criticism as he is the best and most gifted player on the ice most nights.

3) Dubinsky’s goal was pretty. First he makes a great play to keep the puck in the zone and keep the play alive. Then Prospal with a great cross-ice pass to Gabby who shuffled it to Dubi who back-handed it over Ward and into the net.

4) Gaborik always seems to be in the right place at the right time, eh? That shot by Rozsival where he broke his stick and it hit the backboards and Dubinsky just flung it out in front of the net. The defenseman for the Hurricanes, I think it was Gleason, had the puck on his stick and Gaborik just stole the puck and put it away into the emptied net.

5) Hey Drury, Marc Staal can score from his own zone and you can only hit the post? Take some notes, eh?

6) Hank, as usual, stole the game once again. He didn’t have to make the spectacular saves like he did in Philly, but damn did he keep the team in the games or what? This is now eight of the last nine games where he has kept opponents to two goals or less.

Bill Evans, a real-life meteorologist (weatherman, not an expert in meteors), and collaborator Marianna Jameson, bring their combined expertise to the novel Cateogry 7 (2007), in which a killer hurricane destroys New York City.

Andre Taylor

HURRICANES and Manawatu outside back Andre Taylor will ply his trade for Taranki in next year’s Air New Zealand Cup.

According to the Taranki Daily News, the 21-year-old Taylor has inked a two-year deal with the amber and blacks with the hope of wearing the No.15 shirt for his new province. CLICK HERE to read more.

Meanwhile, the Southland Times is reporting that Tony Koonwaiyou and James Wilson failed to secure contracts with Southland for 2010.

The news will be a bitter pill to swallow for Wilson, as the first five-eight-cum-fullback is an former Chiefs and Highlanders rep and has played over 50 matches for the Stags. CLICK HERE to read more.

The New York Rangers travel down to Raleigh, Carolina to face the league worst Carolina Hurricanes.

With a win tonight and a win on Wednesday against the Panthers the Rangers could propel themselves back into a playoff position.

Copying the format of the BlueSeatBlogs.com here we go with the preview.

Carolina Hurricanes (9-20-6) 24 pts. 1 game winning streak.

Leading scorer: Ray Whitney, 10-14-24 pts.

Starting Goalie: Cam Ward, 4-11 with a 3.12 GAA and a .896 SV%

New York Rangers (16-16-3) 35 pts. 2 game winning streak.

Leading Scorer: Marian Gaborik, 24-21-45 pts.

Starting goalie: Henrik Lundqvist, 14-13 with a 2.50 GAA and a .920 SV%

The Rangers have won two in a row and with a win tonight can move into a tie for eighth place with the Panthers who they play on Wednesday. Lundqvist has been on fire as I mentioned in the previous post and should look to continue upon that.

Prediction: 4-1 Rangers. Drury, 1 goal and 1 assist. Gaborik, 2 goals. Callahan 1 goal. Lundqvist with 33 saves on 34 shots.

from http://www.guelphmercury.com by Rob Massey

GUELPH — After a couple of weeks of practising with the Guelph Hurricanes, Drew Pegrum will get his first start in net with the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League team.

“It’ll be great to get a game in this weekend,” Pegrum said.

Hurricanes goalie Drew Pegrum

Pegrum was part of the Hurricanes’ blockbuster deal with the Listowel Cyclones that saw them send top scorers Dan Mohle and Ken Rolph to the Cyclones for youngsters Blair Goss and Jake Weidner. Pegrum came to Guelph a week later after Listowel acquired goaltender Brock Hansell from the Thorold Black Hawks.

“We ended up sending two 20-year-olds up there and we got two 17-year-olds and an 18-year-old back,” Hurricanes head coach Jim MacEachern said. “The goal here is to get younger. That’s what we’re trying to do. We have until Jan. 10th and if something else comes up, we might take advantage of that, too.”

Pegrum has a 4-5-0-1 record this season, with two of his wins coming against the Hurricanes. He has a 4.29 goals-against average and a .876 save percentage. He played five games in September and two early in October before hurting his left knee. He’s played three games since Oct. 10 – a win over Guelph, a loss to Brantford and a shootout loss to Kitchener – as Guelph native James Prigione, a veteran with the Cyclones, increased his playing time.

“I was playing a bunch at the start of the season and I got injured,” Pegrum said. “Prigione stepped up when I was injured and he started playing really good, so he got a lot of time after that.”

Pegrum said his knee is fine now.

“It’s better now,” he said. “It’s been strong for about four weeks.”

With the Hurricanes, Pegrum is expected to be the main backup to Chris McDougall, who has appeared in 19 of Guelph’s 31 games. McDougall will get the start Saturday night against the Welland Canadians at the Sleeman Centre while Pegrum will get the call Sunday afternoon against the Dutchmen in Kitchener.

“Chris is our No. 1, I’m not going to deny that,” MacEachern said. “Again, we’ve got to look out for the future. I would expect and I would hope that Doogs (McDougall) is playing for the Peterborough Petes next year. Drew is going to go as much as Doogs here. When we get into the playoffs or down the stretch, I’ll probably go with the guy who is hot.”

Until then, it’ll be a rotation of sorts, likely with McDougall getting two starts for every one that Pegrum gets.

Read the rest of the article here: http://news.guelphmercury.com/Sports/article/577393

Just days after scoring in the Midwestern All-Star game Tyson Theaker scored 2 goals in regulation time and added another in the shootout to lead the Hurricanes to a 4-3 victory over the visiting Welland Canadians last night (Guelph Minor Hockey night) at the Sleeman Centre.

Theaker scores for the Hurricanes

Just hours after #9 Matt Sisca scored the game winning goal for the Guelph Storm over the Plymouth Whalers, #9 Martin Kudla scored the shootout winner for the Hurricanes.

The win is the 10th of the season for the Hurricanes and 2nd in their last 3 games and it moves Guelph into 7th place in the Midwestern Conference 2 pts. ahead of the Kitchener Dutchmen.

The Hurricanes next game is in Kitchener against the Dutchmen at 2:00 pm. This is the last one before the Christmas break. 

Guelph’s next home game will be Saturday January 2nd when they host the Dutchmen at Victoria Road Arena. The puck drops at 7:30 pm.

Thomas, Brett and Connor enjoy the game on Guelph Minor Hockey night

Alexander, Andrew and Branden cheer on the Hurricanes

After more than a month-long hiatus, College FootBlog is back and ready for this year’s bowl season.  On December 29th, the ACC’s Miami Hurricanes (9-3) will take on the Big Ten’s Wisconsin Badgers (9-3) in the Champs Sports Bowl.  In this match up, the ‘Canes will look to show the college football world that they were overlooked for a New Year’s Day bowl, while the Badgers will try to redeem themselves after getting blown out by Florida State in their bowl game last season.

College FootBlog will break down this match up, analyze the strengths and weaknesses of each team, and will conclude with a score prediction.

Quarterback Jacory Harris will try to use his weapons at WR against the Badgers (google images)

Miami

Strengths:  With sophomore Jacory Harris as the trigger man, the Hurricane’s passing attack has put up some big numbers in 2009.  After splitting time with Robert Marve last season, Harris has really developed since taking over as the full-time QB.

His corps of receivers has helped as well.  Junior wideout Leonard Hankerson leads the group with 773 yards and six touchdowns on the season, and if Laron Byrd can come up with 69 yards and Travis Benjamin can come up with ten yards, the ‘Canes would finish the season with three WR’s with at least 500 yards on the year.

Key Concern:  Despite having a ton of speed and athleticism, Miami has been very inconsistent on defense.  The ‘Canes rank 25th in yards per game on defense, they have given up some points.  In fact, the ‘Canes have given up over thirty points four times this season.

The bright side for Miami in this match up is their ability to stop the run, led by linebacker Colin McCarthy.

Wisconsin

Strengths:  As sophomore running back John Clay goes, so does the Badgers’ offense.  The bruising 248-pound back enters this bowl game just four yards shy of 1,400 and has rushed for 16 TD’s on the year.  Clay has enjoyed another great year, following the traditional stellar offensive line that consistently produces NFL talent.  

At 248 pounds, John Clay is a load coming out of the Wisconsin backfield (google images)

Key Concerns:  At nearly 220 yards passing allowed per game, the Badgers have not exactly been stingy this year, especially considering the Big Ten is not known for throwing the football around.

Wisconsin ranks 66th nationally against the pass, and despite shutting down pass-happy Hawaii and limiting them to ten points and 214 total yards, the Badger defensive backs will face much more speed than they have seen so far this season.

The Badgers will need a big day from their secondary if they want to stay in this game.

Wisconsin Offense vs. Miami Defense

Although Miami has seen a couple of dominant running teams this season in Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech, they have not faced an offensive line like this.  Look for the ‘Canes to stack the box and force quarterback Scott Tolzien to beat them. 

Still, Clay will easily eclipse the 1,400 yard mark on the season, and he should make a real run at 1,500.  Slight EDGE:  Wisconsin

Miami Offense vs. Wisconsin Defense

As previously mentioned, the Wisconsin secondary should have their hands full with the speed and the talent that the ‘Canes possess at wide receiver.  The silver lining for the Badgers could be that Miami’s senior offensive tackle Jason Fox is out for this game. 

The Badgers will have to get pressure on Jacory Harris, or it will be a very long day.  Mix in Graig Cooper’s receiving ability out of the backfield, and Miami could score and score quickly.  EDGE:  Miami

Special Teams

The big difference here could be the return men.  Wisconsin’s David Gilreath is a dangerous returner on kick offs and punts.  Miami counters will very dangerous tandem of Travis Benjamin and Graig Cooper.   Both kickers, Miami’s Matt Bosher and Wiconsin’s Phillip Welch have been solid this season as well.  Slight EDGE:  Miami

Prediction

The Big Ten had another let down of a season in ‘09, but the ACC didn’t exactly light things up this year, either.  Wisconsin was supposed to have the big advantage last year against Florida State with their ability to run the football.  Things did not go so well for the Badgers, as the Seminoles rolled to a 42-13 win.

Like last year’s match up, the Badgers will likely have a difficult time keeping up with Miami’s speed on offense.  Wisconsin has shown that they can be vulnerable to the pass, and they could be facing the best passing offense they have gone against in a couple years.  Look for Miami to roll.  Score Prediction:  Miami 34, Wisconsin 17

How are holidays like hurricanes?

I saw a blog today that I loved — http://reversedecision.wordpress.com/ . The author, David, compared holidays to hurricanes. Here’s what he says on July 4, 2008:

“The Fourth of July is a class three holiday. I categorize holidays like hurricanes. Thanksgiving and Christmas are typically class five. Birthdays are class two. Presidents day or Columbus day are tropical storms at best. Because the Fourth involves food but it is not the focus of the celebration, I thought it would be a good testing area for my new “method” for sailing through rough dietary waters.”

David goes on to agree with me (go figure!) that it’s not mentally healthy to deny ourselves of all the food that surrounds us, particularly on Category Three through Category Five days. What is healthy and good for us is to evaluate each food’s nutritional value and satiety value, and partake in moderation of those foods that we really want and love.

My motto is, If it’s calorie- and/or fat-laden, then it better be REALLY good. Otherwise, I’m not going there.

What’s your food philosophy? Feel free to share—and share what works for you in your quest to conquer calories.

’Til tomorrow, stay confident and resolute! Love ya!

The Sleeman Centre will be a busy place tomorrow. (Saturday December 19th, 2009)

First the Guelph Storm host the Plymouth Whalers at 2:00pm in OHL action.  This will be a chance to see newly acquired defenceman Ryan Gottschalk.

Then Chris McDougall and the Guelph Hurricanes host the Welland Canadiens at 7:30 pm in GOJHL action. Remember that Guelph Minor Hockey Players wearing their hockey jerseys will get in Free to the Hurricanes / Canadiens matchup.

by Joanna Manley, Production Coordinator, Jungles/Oceans team

Being the Production Coordinator on the Jungles and Oceans team means I’m responsible for sending Tom, Charlotte, Willow and Rachael to Jungles and Oceans all over the world.  I seem to be in a constant state of organised chaos and even though I get left behind with the damp life jackets and lingering smell of the Jungle whilst the team flies off to the next amazing destination, I love my job and my team. 

This is me testing out a poncho before it leaves on location

I have several time zones set on my phone which I continuously update as teams leave, come back, move on and go out again.  It’s sometimes difficult to keep track of where everyone is and invariably they all phone at the same time (usually just as I’m trying to get some lunch!) needing a new camera, flights changed or just someone back in reality to talk to when they’re in the middle of a wet jungle with broken kit and infected feet!

On Human Planet we’re often dependent on people and animals being the same place at the same time when the conditions are right.  This is how not to do it….

We had;

Jon in Indonesia trying to film a Whale Hunt close to two earthquakes

Charlotte trying to film a shark whilst there was a tsunami warning for the area

Willow in Bristol trying to track Hurricanes to film in the Caribbean and there weren’t any

Tom and Rachael leaving for the Philippines to live on a boat for 7 days in the midst of the worst typhoon season the Philippines have seen in years.

How typical!

Rolling up a thermarest bed roll amongst the pre-shoot chaos

With so many shoots going off and coming back and with heaps of kit needed, our office has got a reputation for a being a bit of a muddle.  Danny who delivers post to our office says he has nightmares about it and grumbles it’s like an assault course trying to get from one side of the room to the other.  To be honest he’s right, especially as there is a camouflage theme to a lot of the objects such as hammocks, tarps, tents and thermarests.  We’ve got wetsuits and life jackets hanging off the back of the door, waterproof bags and jungle ponchos in a heap behind my desk with a solar shower perched on top and on Tom’s desk at the moment is a pile of coconut shells used to call sharks in Papua New Guinea. 

My two sets of desk drawers are filled with all sorts of things not usually found in an office drawer…

 Muddy batteries from the jungle

Leaking bottles of anti mosquito repellent 

 Boxes of antibacterial hand wash  

A box of latex gloves for covering radio mics

Several dead Central African Republic bees 

A tangle of 4 way plug adaptors and extension leads

The contents of my drawers

 I’ve got a heap of tapes, gaffer tape and loose cable ties all over my desk and a pair of size 12 flippers along with three Mauritanian jilbabs the team wore whilst filming in Mauritania to the side of my drawers.

 Even though I don’t get to see the places we’re filming in person I get a good idea of what’s it like there even before I see the footage.  From the smells emerging from their kit bags when they get back, to the sound of pouring rain and bugs I hear in the background when I’m talking to them on the Satellite phone.

You need a sense of humour in this job! Here I'm wearing wooden goggles from Bajau divers and a lifejacket, next to some shark-calling coconuts

  Our next shoot is going off to Brazil on 8^th January so we’re battling through our Christmas party hangovers to get everything packed up and ready so we can take a much needed break before another crazy year on Human Planet starts!

So I’m sitting watching a recent weathercast, wondering if it’s another effect of Global Warming that we seem to have tons more ”Nor’easters” these days than when I was little, where maybe I remember reading the term only in Moby Dick dialogue or something.  Turns out the resident lexicographer* at The Boston Globe, appropriately enough, was a few years ahead of me (scroll down): It seems to be nothing more than a recent weather “journalist” fad.  Keep in mind she’s only referring to print usage.  I’d guess it’s even more prevalent in TV and radio: ‘Be afraid, be very afraid, here comes another Nor’easter!‘

(In that post two years ago to the day — spooky! – I forgot to mention explicitly that weather hype is considered to boost audiences … hence they can charge more for advertising, for delivering more ears and/or eyes.)

Of course, bad ones are a PIA, almost like a hurricane, in some ways worse.  But what’s with all the hype about beach erosion, too?  Wasn’t there plenty in the billions of years before humanity came along and built beachfront condos and resorts?  You’d think the original U.S. eastern shore was halfway out in the Atlantic!  That’s right, it’s not plate tectonics, just beach erosion!  I say anyone who builds in such places deserves what they get.  Now we all enjoy a beach any time of year, and maintaining them in desert perfection costs coastal towns, states, and countries mondo bucks.  That’s gonna get more fun with Climate Change too….

(*–I’ll tell this joke on myself: Originally instead of lexicographer I wrote logothete.  Guess I’ve been reading too much Byzantine history in conjunction with my [informal] Orthodoxy studies!)

I know the 2009 Atlantic hurricane season ended just a few weeks ago, but the researchers at Colorado State University have released their first thoughts about the upcoming 2010 hurricane season, and what it may bring. Since we still have 5 and a half months until June 1st, it’s practically impossible to predict exact numbers, but the report issued on December 9 states that 11 to 16 named storms, 6 to 8 hurricanes, and 3 to 5 major hurricanes are possible. The 2009 season was very slow compared to the short and long-term averages, primarily due to the El Nino conditions across the entire Caribbean Sea and Atlantic ocean. However, it appears that these conditions should weaken over the winter and spring, thus allowing for a more average or slightly above average year to occur.

REMEMBER….these are just outlooks to determine what kind of season we MAY have. Don’t look at these numbers and be alarmed. We may have 20 storms in a season and not one effect land. Vice-versa, we may only have 2 or 3 storms and one be a storm like Hurricane Katrina, and that blows the whole season to be a bad year. Be equally prepared every year. It is never too early to review hurricane disaster plans. I will have my predictions as well as an update of Colorado State University and NOAA’s predictions in May of 2010.

Brash, brazen, and bold.  These words describe the the University of Miami Hurricane football team in the 1980s and early 90’s.  They might very well also describe Billy Corben’s documentary about that team, called The U.  Possibly the most anticipated film in ESPN’s 30 for 30 series so far, The U gives a look at the Hurricane dynasty through game highlights and former player interviews.  It was a fantastic romp through the evolution of Miami from a football laughingstock to a dominant team and possibly the most feared and intimidating squad in college sports, though it was not without its shortcomings.

The documentary begins with a punch – fast-paced hip-hop music, interspersed with some highlights from The U’s glory days.  It dives quickly into the story of coach Howard Schnellenberger, who started Miami’s ascent into the national spotlight.  The picture of early 80’s Miami painted by The U is not a good one – poverty, violence, and racial tension.  Still, the film leaves no doubt that there was a large amount of raw talent in local high school football.  Players talk about how football was a way of life from an early age in the area.  Schnellenberger was the first Miami coach that was able to harness that local power and bring it to The U.

The film moves quickly into Miami’s success – it wasn’t long before the story moved onto Schnellenberger’s resignation and the hiring of Jimmy Johnson.  An especially poignant moment comes when Schnellenberger looks back on his decision to leave for a USFL job that would never materialize and he’s brought to tears by what he still sees as a mistake some 25 years later.  Once Jimmy Johnson arrives, the focus of the film shifts from the building of the program to the building of its reputation.  Johnson was a contrast to Schnellenberger – not only did he put up with the players’ bold celebrations and hit-you-in-the-mouth attitude, but he encouraged it.  This is where Miami became “The U”.

Football highlights and player interviews abound throughout the program, as it moves further forward through the Johnson era and into the Dennis Erickson-led teams.  As much as we are led to believe that the team was in a state of controlled chaos under Johnson, under Erickson it seems to be teetering on the brink.  Still, they continue to win despite shooting themselves in the foot with their attitude and their “below the belt” play.

In its goal of telling the story of Miami football, the film definitely succeeds.  The viewer is left with a great sense of the evolution of the program, and it is quite impressive how success was maintained through not just three different head coaches, but three completely different coaching styles and attitudes.  The player interviews give you a sense of just how much pride alumni of the program have in their team, and how much the team meant to the city of Miami.

The sensory impact of the film is outstanding as well.  Old highlights are played with in-your-face music.  At the end of the program, talk of the end of the winning era at Miami is set against a backdrop of bulldozers tearing down the Orange Bowl, longtime home of the Hurricanes.  Finally, an ending montage of player intros from “The U” reinforces the pride of the players.

Its two hour running time still left a little to be desired, however.  As well as it did in telling the story of the “The U”, it did not totally fulfill its potential of explaining the impact of Miami football off of the football field.  The topic of racial tension in Miami and the Hurricanes’ role in easing that is broached, but not expanded on.  But even more disappointing is how little explanation is given of how Miami changed college football as a whole – the types of athletes that were recruited, the style of the game, and the way the players acted on the field.  Corben touches on the NCAA’s anti-celebration rule changes briefly, but does not discuss how the showtime act that Miami displayed has spread like wildfire throughout all levels of football in the 90s and into today.  Miami also helped start the demise of the “three yard in a cloud of dust” era of college football and bring about fast, agile, athletic teams.  You obviously get that impression from watching the film, but further analysis of that could have made for a more complete film.

All in all, The U, while not without its shortcomings, was an extremely entertaining romp through college football history.  If you missed it on Saturday or don’t have it on your DVR, I’d definitely recommend checking it out on one of ESPN’s replays.

Play-offs?!?  Who needs the play-offs?!?  Certainly not Division 1 football or the Kansas City Chiefs (or Joe Flacco, sadly). 

What better way to reward a season-long of bitter in-fighting than with a series of meaningless games geared toward economic stimulation of numerous cities across the country (the #1 reason to keep the current system)?  I’m excited and can’t wait (which I’m sure is not the feeling in Boise, Ft. Worth, and Cincinatti… But those are the breaks.  All the proposed plans for the four-team play-offs would’ve left one or two of you out, anyway.)

Without further ado, here’s my guide to the bowl season:

New Mexico – December 19^th

            Wyoming v. Fresno State

The last time Wyoming played in a bowl game, Michael Jordan was dominating the NBA, milk and a galloon of gas cost a little over a dollar, and Barack Obama was a barely visible community organizer on the south side of Chicago.  Needless to say it’s been awhile.  Expect the Cowboys to be distracted by the vibrant, Albuquerque nightlife (don’t laugh… ‘querque is LA compared to Laramie)

            Prediction: Fresno State 31, Wyoming 17

St. Petersburg – December 19^th

            Rutgers v. Central Florida

Here’s a battle of Knights, version red and golden.  Rutgers coach Greg Schiano prides himself on being able to recruit in Florida, so this game will have a little more riding on it than the average bowl game.  Mid-tier recruits notwithstanding (seriously, no blue chipper from the Sunshine State is going to Jersey or Orlando unless they’ve been charged with a felony… Even then, they’ll probably elect to go to Tennessee), look for Rutgers to grind out a fairly, easy win.

            Prediction: Rutgers 26, Central Florida 13 

New Orleans – December 20^th

            Middle Tennessee v. Southern Miss

Southern Miss can score points in bunches (Just ask Houston) and Middle Tennessee’s marquee win was when they barely beat Maryland, possibly the worst team in a major conference.  This one won’t be for the defensive minded fan, but I don’t think people usually turn on the New Orleans Bowl for clinical football.

            Prediction: Southern Miss 55, Middle Tennessee 35

Las Vegas – December 22^nd

            BYU v. Oregon State

This one is the lone, marquee match-up in this year’s first week of bowls (sorry, USC-BC).  Can BYU slow down the Rodgers brothers?  Not Likely.  Will Max Hall write one last, statistically-insane chapter to his legend?  Perhaps (OSU slowed down Jeremiah Masoli, but not Andrew Luck and Matt Berkley).  This one is a toss-up, I just hope the scoreboard in Sin City has been serviced recently because it’ll get a workout with this game.

            Prediction: Oregon State 51, BYU 49

Poinsetta – December 23^rd

            Utah v. California

In the season’s first bowl game not named for a place, two schools, named for a place, play each other.  Utah is far removed from last year’s dream 13-0 season, but still has a talented squad.  Matt Riley’s Golden Bears are every bit as talented, and soft, as any squad he’s ever coached.  I’ll take heart and Mormonism in this one.

            Prediction: Utah 24, California 19

Hawaii – December 24^th

            SMU v. Nevada

This game will be a Homecoming for once favorite son, SMU Coach June Jones, who established an exciting program at the Univeristy of Hawaii.  Look for his SMU team to relish their first post-season visit in like 2934873 years with another high-scoring game against the Wolfpack.  Both teams are big on offense and not so much on defense.  I give the edge to Nevada since they have Hawaii in their conference, they shouldn’t be too fazed by the environment.

            Prediction: Nevada 62, SMU 45

Meineke Car Care – December 26^th

            UNC v. Pittsburgh

This should be titled the letdown bowl.  After promising expectations (in Pitts case, a great 9-3 season which saw them 1:45 away from being BCS-bound.  A horrible exchange… No offense, Charlotte), both these teams are left to rue over another pre-New Year’s bowl.  Which team will use this to launch their season for next year?  I’m guessing the Tar Heels, which only lose two starters combined on offense and defense and should threaten for a conference (and even National) championship next season.  Though, we’ve heard this before.

            Prediction: UNC 27, Pitt 21

Little Caesars – December 26^th

            Ohio v. Marshall

The only thing that tops my shock that Little Caesars still exists, and that they can sponsor a bowl game, is the fact that Marshall is playing in a bowl game.  Does this game pit the MAC #8 and MAC#9 teams?  Wow.  Does it even matter who wins this game?  I guess this doubles as some sort of rivalry.

            Prediction: Ohio 24, Marshall 10

Emerald – December 26^th

            USC v. Boston College

Ah… In one corner, we have the class of the college football world for the past decade finally having a mortal season.  In the other corner, we have Boston College who is just happy to be here.  If USC were to play like this were a gateway back to prominence for next season, this game wouldn’t be close.  However, I feel they’ll play pretty uninspired, dissatisfied with themselves and their season, and hoping to get over as soon as possible.  Unfortunately, Boston College doesn’t possess 1/5^th the talent to trouble the hapless Trojans.

            Prediction: USC 30, Boston College 17

Music City – December 27^th

            Kentucky v. Clemson

Like Pittsburgh, Clemson came oh so close to playing in a BCS game (the Pitt-Clemson ratings would’ve been abysmal.  The Orange Bowl Committee is much happier with the GT-Iowa matchup.  MUCH HAPPIER).  Alas, they’ll have to content themselves with Nashville, a definite downgrade from Miami.  Unfortunately for Kentucky, Dabo Swinney is now coaching the Tigers, as opposed to Tommy “I can’t win after Halloween” Bowden.  At least Kentucky can save on air fare and tell their grandkids they played against C.J. Spiller.

            Prediction: Clemson 44, Kentucky 27

Independence – December 28^th

            Georgia v. Texas A&M

Jerrod Johnson made himself a household name by leading in undermanned Aggies squad in a just-short upset bid over rival, Texas.  This game will determine whether he’s the frontrunner for All-Big 12 and (possibly) Walter Camp honors next year, or whether he’ll follow fellow underclassmen, Jimmy “Glass Jaw” Clausen into the draft.  Looking at what fellow Big 12 QB, Josh Freemen, was able to accomplish last year with a good combine (1^st round pick despite a largely mediocre, college career), Johnson might try his luck.  I think he could use another year, but who’d turn down guaranteed millions?

            Prediction: Texas A&M 38, Georgia 23

Eagle Bank – December 29^th

            UCLA v. Temple

Up until Saturday, this was going to be a three-way brawl (as the original line had Army/UCLA v. Temple), terrordome-style or Rick Neuheisel was waiting to the 11^th hour, trying to convince his team to fly cross country to beat up on an opponent of no consequence (In all seriousness, Army needed to beat their rivals, Navy, in order to secure the requisite win total to be bowl-eligible.  They didn’t.  Their loss is UCLA’s sorta gain).  The Owls, making their first bowl bid seemingly since Jim Thorpe spurned their Letter of Intent to sign with the Carlyle School, are ecstatic to have a post-season to play in and would’ve taken either opponent.  Unfortunately, Navy really wanted that Commander-and-Chief trophy.

            Prediction: UCLA 20, Temple 16

Champ Sports – December 29^th

            Miami (FL) v. Wisconsin

In what is now becoming a yearly rite of passage, Wisconsin will travel down to sunny Florida to get the crap kicked out of them by a more athletic, annoyed ACC team.  Last year, Florida State scored about 381294872 points on them after a lackluster season.  This year, look for Jacorry Harris and Company to take out a late season collapse on the Badgers.  This one will be over by halftime.

            Prediction: Miami (FL) 51, Wisconsin 17

Humanitarian – December 30^th

            Idaho v. Bowling Green

Welcome to big-time football, Idaho!  As a reward, you get to be featured, nation-wide televised, at your bigger, better in-state rival.  That’s gotta leave every Vandal smarting just a little bit… They can score and will do so often on the Falcons.

            Prediction: Idaho 63, Bowling Green 41

Texas – December 30^th

            Missouri v. Navy

This bowl might be over in less than three hours.  Neither team is particularly in love with the forward pass; Navy, because their triple option attack is so lethal, and Missouri, because they’re just not that good.  Navy almost upset Ohio State and finished off Notre Dame in South Bend.  Missouri plays in the weakest division in major college football and didn’t come close to winning the division. 

            Prediction: Navy 27, Missouri 16

Holiday – December 30^th

            Arizona v. Nebraska

San Diego is this year’s location for the official “Bride’s maid” Bowl.  Arizona saw their Rose Bowl dreams vanish in a Jeremiah Masoli OT TD, Nebraska saw their Fiesta Bowl dreams evaporate on a fortuitous, instant replay reversal which allowed Texas’ escape.  Ndamukong Suh will be the reason Nebraska wins this one…  I’m glad he didn’t win the Heisman.  That’s why they have the Outland Trophy.

            Prediction: Nebraska 23, Arizona 13

Armed Forces – December 31^st

            Air Force v. Houston

The Falcons are back to where long-time coach Fisher DeBerry constantly had the team back in the “hey day”s of the 90s.  While not ready to challenge Navy for the Commander-and-Chief Trophy, they’re not a far way off.  However, they’re a far way off of challenging Houston. 

            Prediction: Houston 59, Air Force 20

Sun – December 31^st

            Stanford v. Oklahoma

The Toby Gearhart bowl should be one of the most highly talked about bowls that have no real bearing on the future of anything.  Part of the talk will deal with Sooner coach Bob Stoops.  As one of the game’s highest paid coaches in especially recession-hit Oklahoma, Stoops’ salary, as well as the Sooners 7-5 record, will be the talk of bloggers.  Expect Gearhart to play with Heisman vengeance.

            Prediction: Stanford 23, Oklahoma 21

Insight – December 31^st

            Minnesota v. Iowa State

This game wins the “Wait… those teams are bowl eligible!?!?!” award.  The Gophers have a QB identity crisis and the Cyclones (who have an identity crisis of their own… they look like they’re wearing USC’s uniforms) were the first to expose the world to the fact that the Cornhuskers have no offense.  This one isn’t worth missing a New Year’s Eve party over.  Though, it does beat the slew of New Year’s eve specials.

            Prediction: Minnesota 14, Iowa State 12

Chick-Fil-A – December 31^st

            Virginia Tech v. Tennessee

Some games, especially this one, feel like they should be rivalry games and played on a semi-regular basis.  These two, separated by 236 loosely populated miles, have been brand names in the College Football world for quite some time that it’s a wonder how they haven’t found a way to renew acquaintances more often.  The similarities don’t stop there as Lane Kiffin seems to be bringing a Frank Beamer-esque toxic atmosphere to the banks of Knoxville.  Look for Tyrod Taylor and friends to save some face for a lackluster 2009 season in emphatic fashion.

            Prediction: Virginia Tech 31, Tennessee 7

Outback – January 1^st

            Northwestern v. Auburn

The Gene Chizik Era started off with “Told you so!” enthusiasm (5-0) and finished with a more expected result (2-5, with one win over a FBS team).  However, I do give Chizik credit for assembling a staff of “us vs. the world”ers (headlined by the always vengeful Gus Malzahn and his super powered offense).  Now, the test will be what he does next year in a loaded SEC West.  A good start would be to beat an overmatched Wildcat squad.  If betting were legal, I’d take Northwestern to cover the spread.

            Prediction: Auburn 27, Northwestern 24

Capital One – January 1^st

            Penn State v. LSU

Joe Paterno must be loving life right now.  With Bobby Bowden’s retirement, he stands alone, with no other challengers within sight, at the precipice of the coaching profession (in terms of wins).  I expect him to coast for the next few years, getting eight to nine wins in the “competitive” Big 10, and calling it a career, handing over the reins to his son.  That being said, look for Penn State to win most of the games they should, and none of the ones they shouldn’t.  This game falls into the latter category.

            Prediction: LSU 20, Penn State 9

Gator – January 1^st

            Florida State v. West Virginia

Here’s the final curtain call for two legends as long-time Defensive Coordinator, Mickey Andrews, and Hall of Fame Head Coach, Bobby Bowden, take the sideline for the final time (at least as Florida State coaches).  The whole notion of “win one for us” will be out there from every news outlet with even a semblance of coverage for the game and it will carry the day.  Unfortunately, this middling-to-average Seminole squad should’ve invoked that strategy against a flawed Gator team in the season finale as opposed to a very limited Mountaineer team.  Oh well, look for Noel Devine and Tavon Austin to make it interesting.

            Prediction: Florida State 30, West Virginia 24

Rose – January 1^st

            Ohio State v. Oregon

The Granddaddy of them all isn’t exactly your granddaddy’s Rose Bowl.  The Buckeyes and Ducks should put on an aerial display with two of the game’s most exciting QBs in Jeremiah Masoli and Tyrelle Pryor, but the game will hinge on defense.  Unfortunately, the Buckeyes haven’t really stepped up their game and will need a Herculean effort from Pryor to overcome the Ducks.  Unfortunately, Pryor hasn’t brought one of those this season (see: Ohio St.-USC and Ohio St.-Purdue) and Masoli has twice (see: Oregon-Arizona and Oregon-Oregon State).

            Prediction: Oregon 34, Ohio St. 23

Sugar – January 1^st

            Florida v. Cincinnati

Last we saw wunderkid, Tim Tebow, he was pulling an Adam Morrison as the final moments of the SEC Championship game ticked away.  Now, as he makes his annual Award show circuit, he’ll be reminded daily of his teary eyed defeat and we’ll get a chance to see the real Tim Tebow.  Will he wilt, lose his confidence, and fade into oblivion (a la Adam Morrison) or will he show resolve, fire up his teammates, and obliterate the Bearcats in New Orleans?  I’m thinking somewhere between the two (not that he’s not tough, but he’s only lost seven times out of fifty four career games, two of his last twenty-six… this is an unusual feeling for him and his teammates).  I’m expecting a tough, gritty Gator win (this was written before Brian Kelly took the Notre Dame job… Florida is going to knock the Bearcats back to irrelevance)

            Prediction: Florida 41, Cincinnati 13

International – January 2^nd

            South Florida v. Northern Illinois

It has been quite some time that we’ve seen a four-year, successful starter so easily forgotten in the wake of a true freshmen’s promise (last occurrence: Florida 2006), yet, that is the case at South Florida.  B.J. Daniels has all but erased program-maker Matt Groethe (for good reason… Daniels is superior in every single way.  Speaking of that, Brother A.J. made a funny remark about the Yankees recently signing Curtis Granderson in relation to Johnny Damon: “That’s it for Damon.  Granderson is better in every conceivable way that one can be better than someone else.  He’s faster, younger, more successful with the ladies… his charities raise more money.  He’s better!”.  South Florida in a blowout, unless the Toronto cold prevails.

            Prediction: South Florida 34, Northern Illinois 16

Papajohns.com – January 2^nd

            Connecticut v. South Carolina

Still reeling from the death of star Cornerback, Jasper Howard, UCONN has pressed through this season, courageously and unified.  While that didn’t show up on the scoreboard the first three games after Howard’s murder, it has the past few weeks in a major way.  Look for the Huskies to keep the streak going in one more tribute to their fallen brother and for Coach Randy Edsell to be on a short list of the various, coaching vacancies.  Though, how could he leave a school, and players, after forming such a permanent bond with them?  How could he stay at a school with that dark mark hanging over him?

            Prediction: Connecticut 20, South Carolina 16

Cotton – January 2^nd

            Mississippi v. Oklahoma State

Here is a bowl featuring two teams that were expected to have an outside shot at getting to Pasadena for the BCS Championship.  Once again, we find, championships aren’t won in August (but through luck and follow-through).  Mike “I’m still a man!  I’m 41!!” Gundy is in more dire straits as his team gagged away a BCS bowl berth down the stretch and his star QB had a total loss of confidence, Flacco Fever (yes, I’m bitter this very attainable, Ravens season is slipping away before my eyes).  Houston Nutt, the king of gadgetry, is the ultimate trickster who will relish three weeks to game plan.

            Prediction: Mississippi 34, Oklahoma State 26

Liberty – January 2^nd

            East Carolina v. Arkansas

This game is usually an annual blowout waiting to happen.  Conference USA is, usually, not in the same league as the SEC (which is why we don’t have a play-off).  However, this year may be an exception.  Though, that has nothing to do with the caliber of Skip Holtz’ Pirates (they’re good), but, more so, with the rebuilding going on with Bobby Petrino’s Razorbacks.  Ryan Mallet is going to be a star; he’s just not there yet.  This one will be close, but I give it to the hogs and their superior athletes.

            Prediction: Arkansas 30, East Carolina 19

Alamo – January 2^nd

            Michigan State v. Texas Tech

I can’t pretend to care about this game.  I’m tired of reading articles about “how smart” and “how advanced” Bob Leach, and his Red Raiders’ offenses, has become over the years.  Until he can pretend to care about defense, I can’t take them seriously (obviously, last year was an exception.  Though, Crabtree is just that good).  On the other side, you have the Spartans which are abysmal in every sense.  This one won’t be pretty.

            Prediction: Texas Tech 44, Michigan State 23

Fiesta – January 4^th

            TCU v. Boise State

Here is a game that should’ve happened during the regular season.  I think that, in order to end all of this mid-major for BCS conversation, the Mountain West champion should play the WAC champion.  That way, we’ll have one qualified winner come out that should contend with the rest of the major conference teams.  That’s unfair, you say?  Then these programs should dedicate their athletic programs to reaching the level of a major conference and apply for membership.  Beside the point, I know, TCU has too much defense and just enough offense.

            Prediction: TCU 27, Boise State 22

Orange – January 5^th

            Iowa v. Georgia Tech

How did the 2-loss Hawkeyes get into a BCS bowl?  No one really knows.  Though, it has more to do with other team’s deficiencies than the merits of Iowa.  Look for their slow defense to be run ragged by the misdirection of the Yellow Jackets triple option attack. 

            Prediction: Georgia Tech 37, Iowa 17

GMAC – January 6^th

            Troy v. Central Michigan

The victory lap for prolific Chippewas’ QB, Dan LeFevour, will be as impressive as his four years at Central Michigan.  Lost in all the Tim Tebow hoopla are the otherworldly stats that LeFevour has put up in his career.  LeFevour is the only player in NCAA history to have over 12,000 passing yards and 2,500 rushing yards and is the record holder for most total touchdowns in a career.  Look for him to substantially add to both totals in this one.

            Prediction: Central Michigan 56, Troy 31

BCS Title Game – January 7^th

            Texas v. Alabama

Congratulations to Mark Ingram, the second sophomore to win the Heisman trophy.  Unfortunately, this may be the highlight of his career.  Check the track record of running backs, not named Herschel Walker, who absorb this much of a beating so early in their career.  Doesn’t look good.  I think he may have peaked, athletically, and may not be able to make the transition to being an elite Sunday player.  I see a lot of Eric Rhett in him.  Speaking of not translating, poor Colt McCoy.  Four years of winning and big stats and success without major hardware to show for it (he had the unfortunate luck to be placed in an era of other, prolific QBs).  Finally, McCoy is getting his shot at a national title.  Regrettably, he also has his weakest supporting cast.  The, supposed, equalizer was the weak play of Alabama’s QB, Greg McElroy, which was disproved in the SEC title game.  Nick Saban and the Tide will clinch their first National title since 1993.

            Prediction: Alabama 27, Texas 17

All the predictions, all the warnings and more recently, all the forecasts have heralded a change in the Earth’s climate and weather systems. Most recently, Ike made us all painfully aware of just how severe the weather is becoming. Remember a few short years back when we used to crack wise about naming conventions for hurricanes or when we bitched about gas selling for almost a dollar per litre? Remember when a few hurricanes per year had us going on in the news about weather predicting and how to track hurricanes? Things have changed, that is for sure. Now they are going to have to come up with a queuing system for the vast number of hurricanes; that doesn’t just apply to the hurricane season anymore either.

We can no longer stick our heads in the sand and say that it isn’t all that bad. If off shore is where we get our oil from, we had better find new ways of extracting it I think. Ike ripped through Galveston and threatened the stock market while sky rocketing the price at the gas pumps by 13 cents per litre in one felled swoop.

Scientists and the media are screaming in a vain attempt to bring our attention to the seriousness of our crisis. We are merely beginning to experience the repercussions and I feel it is safe to say we are in a crisis. If the price of fuel isn’t enough to convince you maybe we should examine the consequences of the effects of the weather in recent (past few years).

The most devastating media coverage of late is the tsunami in Asia and the shocking loss of life. We’ve also seen reports on flooding and landslides from all around the globe. England comes to a stand still in many regions annually according to the news I’ve seen. I also get some information from my contacts in Devon. New Brunswick, especially in the southern regions, is also renowned for flooding and the areas affected are increasing annually it seems.

Some would argue that floods have always been reported and that it is simply because we have more media coverage that we hear of these things. I would say to these people that they should read the paper more. Flooding is news and there weren’t always reports of annual flooding in the Moncton Times that I recall. As for my friends in the UK, they rarely experienced flooding let alone on an annual basis.

Then there is the drought and wild fires. Without going into the horrors of that side of the weather I think it is sufficient to say that there is no questioning the physical evidence of the extreme weather we are experiencing. It is the second day of October and it is almost 30 degrees Celsius in Edmonton and the surrounding areas.

Politicians and a small handful of scientists are claiming that it is a natural cycle and that it may simply right itself. I will guarantee you this; every one of those people is making a lot of money. I’m not arrogant enough to claim to know the exact reason for this. I would submit that there could be more to this weather phenomenon. If meteorologists and professional scientists can’t predict the weather 100% then I’m no one to argue. Most of them do say that we are experiencing extreme weather at the very least.

I’ve tried to fathom why the governments of the world aren’t hopping up and down screaming that we need to change. I’ve heard it rumored that the reason that we haven’t charged down the road of commencing some sort of recovery effort (and by recovery I mean something other than make promises of reduction) is because the global effects may be due to other forces. There was speculation that we are heading toward a black hole or something and that the weather phenomenon is something symptomatic to this event and not systemic from our own doing. There was even a theory put forth that the mantle of the Earth is slipping as the core heats. This is causing us to slide creating weather anomalies and extreme conditions.

That is the only way I could imagine the government representatives remaining idol during such an obviously crucial period of the human development. It is the only thing that makes sense to me. The only reason you wouldn’t insist that we fight for our lives is if you know it is a futile effort.

“If you know there is something wrong, why don’t you right it? … If your world is all screwed up, rearrange it!” Those are some of the lyrics of the band Trooper from the song Raise a Little Hell.

In my mind, there is no question. We broke Earth. We must now fix Earth! I am however, not rich and I am not a politician. I cannot influence government because I, alone, am insignificant. Doesn’t it make sense in your mind that even if it isn’t due to the ozone depletion or any other human influencing factor that we should try to fix our part of the problem anyway? If we are spinning off to oblivion or even if the apocalypse itself is upon us, should we not at least be heading to our destination knowing that we did everything we could to save our planet?

Whether you think it is greed or some kind of doomsday, you cannot ignore the extreme weather we are experiencing. The predictions are only calling for worst. Whether we caused it or not, we should be doing something. Greed is the real reason I believe to be the force behind the inaction. Big business is behind it and we are not the ones the government reps are speaking for; it is big business running the government. It is politics that is raising the temperature of our globe and they are already raising hell of their own.

“The meek shall inherit the Earth” say the scriptures. I feel pretty meek right now, I can honestly tell you that. I also feel a song welling up inside of me too – you know the song… So meek or mighty I ask you to join me to “Dig in your heels and see how it feels to raise a little hell of your own “.