Guilty on all three counts

 Derek Chauvin found guilty on all three charges -- manslaughter, 3rd degree murder, 2nd degree murder. A few thoughts:

• I am somewhat surprised Chauvin got Murder Two, but given the enormous fear this region has been feeling ever since this all began, it's not a complete surprise. A jury that did not deliver what the mob wanted was gonna get doxxed and threatened. 
• Chauvin may have a chance at an appeal because of Maxine Waters, but he'd have had a better chance in a state where the judiciary isn't a wholly owned subsidiary of the DFL. This would have gone down very differently across the St. Croix, I think.
• And that's part of what sticks in my craw about all this. I don't hold any brief for Chauvin, who was the bully boy cop from central casting. Police are, at best, a necessary evil, and this dude was not a hero by any means. Having said that, Chauvin was doing what he was asked to do. And that means we should stop asking the Chauvins of the world to do such bidding. All regimes hire rough men to protect the vulnerable, but if we're not serious about protecting the vulnerable any more, and based on the available evidence we aren't serious, we should stop with the bullshit half measures.
• And therein lies the larger question: why are Chauvin, and by extension all police, doing the things they are asked to do? George Floyd might have died that day anyway, given that he had a likely lethal amount of fentanyl in his system. The danger to the public, I suppose, is if he drove off and caused a pileup on the interstate. That's a hypothetical. What officers actually do is more about financial considerations. Many of the tasks police pursue are revenue generation and not public safety. That question is even more relevant in the Daunte Wright case -- he was stopped because of an expired license tab. That's not a public safety issue, but the Wright case became a public safety issue because we ask our law enforcement to do these penny ante shakedowns. And since the cop in that instance had a brain fart and shot the guy, we've been living in fear for weeks.
• Finally, we need to be honest about the precise reasons we live in fear around there. We have seen vast swathes of our city burned and looted and our elected (not be me, mind you) representatives have ceded control of the city to the woke and their grasping acolytes. This town is chock full of grifters and grievance entrepreneurs at all times, but we also now import 'em, too. This screen shot (h/t Mitch Berg) sums things up nicely:

Grievance is lucrative

• Seriously, get back on yer plane and leave us alone, Al. 

Where we are

 Writing for PJ Media, Victoria Taft says it out loud:

When antifa and BLM stir as much fear as Pablo Escobar and his henchmen, which prevents you from doing your damned job and following the Constitution, we’ve arrived at Banana Republic status.

Welcome to Medellín, Minnesota, where judges, elected officials, and cops are afraid of the race cartels.

Do you dispute that idea? If so, tell me why. 

Dreary Brearley and the Brooklyn Center Extravaganza

 I have no idea who Andrew Gutmann is, but he has been paying north of 50K/year to have his daughter educated at Brearley, a hyper-exclusive all-girls prep school in New York. But he's had enough. Bari Weiss has the details:

I object to the view that I should be judged by the color of my skin. I cannot tolerate a school that not only judges my daughter by the color of her skin, but encourages and instructs her to prejudge others by theirs. By viewing every element of education, every aspect of history, and every facet of society through the lens of skin color and race, we are desecrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and utterly violating the movement for which such civil rights leaders believed, fought, and died. 

He's just getting warmed up:

I object to Brearley’s vacuous, inappropriate, and fanatical use of words such as “equity,” “diversity” and “inclusiveness.” If Brearley’s administration was truly concerned about so-called “equity,” it would be discussing the cessation of admissions preferences for legacies, siblings, and those families with especially deep pockets. If the administration was genuinely serious about “diversity,” it would not insist on the indoctrination of its students, and their families, to a single mindset, most reminiscent of the Chinese Cultural Revolution. Instead, the school would foster an environment of intellectual openness and freedom of thought. And if Brearley really cared about “inclusiveness,” the school would return to the concepts encapsulated in the motto “One Brearley,” instead of teaching the extraordinarily divisive idea that there are only, and always, two groups in this country: victims and oppressors.

In the current environment, mentioning the Chinese Cultural Revolution is likely prima facie evidence of racism. Stop Asian Hate, pal. But let's keep going:

We have today in our country, from both political parties, and at all levels of government, the most unwise and unvirtuous leaders in our nation’s history. Schools like Brearley are supposed to be the training grounds for those leaders. Our nation will not survive a generation of leadership even more poorly educated than we have now, nor will we survive a generation of students taught to hate its own country and despise its history. 

There are obvious consequences to all this and we are seeing it unfold on our doorstep now. Our leaders in Minnesota are as Mr. Gutmann describes -- unwise and unvirtuous. We have the specter of mob rule hanging over Minneapolis and Brooklyn Center. And beyond the lack of virtue, there's also a lack of competence:

Initially, the city planned no curfew for the first time this week to "take a different approach," the mayor said in a statement. But around 10:30 p.m., Operation Safety Net announced the mayor had declared an emergency curfew that starts at 11 p.m. Friday until 6 a.m. Saturday.

The curfew followed unrest outside the police department. Shortly after 9:30 p.m. Friday, protesters breached the secondary barrier surrounding the Brooklyn Center police department. In response, law enforcement used flash bangs and pepper spray to push the crowd back. Officials repaired the fence. Protesters continued to throw items, such as glass bottles, over the barricades.

And the officials are pointing fingers at one another:

 Col. Matt Langer of the Minnesota State Patrol expressed frustration that the same strategy was not as effective Friday night. Authorities say a small group carrying bats were among the agitators.

At an overnight press conference, law enforcement laid out items, including cans, umbrellas, paint cans and wooden shields, that had been brought into the rally by protesters.

"If we want change in policing, we want reform in policing - let's do that. Let's get together and start reform," said Hennepin County David Hutchinson. "This profession needs help. We can admit that. We're not perfect. We can be better. But these people are not people you should be supporting." 

You can't act clearly unless you operate from clear moral principles. Unfortunately, at our current moment, the principle in place is might makes right. We may not have as many Mean Tweets, but there's a meanness in the land. We're at a tipping point.

Under Curfew

 We're okay here. I don't think a curfew is necessary, but whatever. About the only way our neighborhood would go up in flames is if we were in the midst of an apocalypse. And despite some of the rhetoric we're hearing lately, we are not in an apocalypse. We are, most certainly, in a time where cynics and opportunists are in the saddle.

The Golden Ticket

 So I got my vaccine yesterday, amusingly enough at the Vikings headquarters in Eagan:

Purple pride

It was the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine, which requires only a single dose, so I will not have to return to the Vikings fortress. After 24 hours, the side effects have been minimal; a little bit of a runny nose and general fatigue, but I've been able to work and approach normal productivity. And if everything goes as it should, I will be able to say I'm fully vaccinated within a month. 

Most importantly, I have my card, which may shape up to be the most important document in my possession if the gubmint has anything to say about it:

As coronavirus vaccinations slowly release the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic, a new question is emerging: Should countries and the private sector embrace the idea of a digital vaccine passport for travel, working and dining? Though proving you're vaccinated to travel isn't a new concept (some countries have required yellow fever vaccines for years), doing so for COVID-19 would be on a far grander scale than ever before.

This is a terrible idea, for all the obvious reasons. If your ability to travel, to conduct your life in a normal fashion, to have a life at all, are contingent on jumping through a hoop of Joe Biden's choosing, we're well and truly screwed. But why should I worry? Dobie Gray explained it to us way back in '65:

I'm in with the in crowd (Do-do-do)

I go where the in crowd goes (Do-do-do)

I'm in with the in crowd (Do-do-do)

And I know what the in crowd knows (Da-da-da-da)

It's worth noting I got my vaccine because I got the call from the State of Minnesota, after providing the grandees a lot of information that has nothing to do with my actual need for the vaccine. At this point, it's still a lottery and there are others I know who likely are at greater risk than I was, but they wait. But I have the card, the golden ticket. Does it make sense?

The blog is still alive

Have not written lately. Obviously.

Needless to say, much is going on. I will get back to weighing in soon. Thanks for reading!

Welcome back my friends, to the Chauvin that never ends

 We're going to be starting the Derek Chauvin trial tomorrow and Minneapolis will again be in the spotlight. I haven't gone downtown much in recent months to see the fortifications for myself, but there's enough concertina wire and barricades up around the government center to stop much from happening at the place where the trial will take place. 

Tunnel of love

I don't know who the grandees are trying to protect, but this sort of fortification suggests an extraordinary level of fear. The trial is going to last for at least a few weeks and while there are certainly going to be all manner of protesters downtown, it's highly unlikely that anyone is going to breach the perimeter, but I also think the problems will be elsewhere in town. 

The problem for the local government is simple enough -- the optics of George Floyd's demise are both egregious and potentially incorrect. Although Keith Ellison and his merry band of prosecutors will never admit it publicly, they don't have an airtight case. It's quite possible Floyd was already a dead man by the time Chauvin got to the scene. He had a lot of fentanyl in his system at the time of death, quite possibly a lethal dose. His defense team will certainly present evidence to that effect to the jury. 

I sincerely hope Ellison and his team have an answer prepared. If not, someone may end up on the business end of that concertina wire.

RIP, Rush Limbaugh

 It's on his site:

Sui generis

I didn't listen to Rush that much -- he was on the air while I was at work and the only times I would hear him was if I had a day off or was in transit as part of something I was doing on the job. It would have been impossible to work and listen to him at the same time, because he would command your attention.

When I first became of aware of Limbaugh and his program, I assumed he would be destroyed, labeled a modern-day Father Coughlin, driven from the airwaves and polite company generally. He was driven from ESPN, but that was a side gig. He always engaged a massive audience with his microphone and his show was appointment radio for tens of millions of listeners for over 30 years. 

I am friends with two guys who are weekend talk show hosts and bloggers here in the Twin Cities, Mitch Berg and Brad Carlson. I've been on Brad's show several times over the years, mostly to talk about football and a few times to discuss Catholic issues. Doing radio well is hard work -- you have to engage your audience every time or you'll be gone soon. Even as a guest, it's a challenge. You have to be able to present your ideas quickly and cogently and keep things moving. The list of successful long-time talk show hosts is short, precisely because it's so tough to do. Rush Limbaugh made it seem effortless, but it wasn't. He had to be able to buttress every utterance he made. He had enemies who spent three decades trying to chase him from the air. He had to be on guard every moment. And he pulled it off. He towered over his enemies and challengers. No one was ever close to him.

Rush leaves the microphone at a parlous time. His detractors control the executive and legislative branches and they are in a hurry to change the world. These same detractors are eager to control discourse; wokeness is loose upon the land and hatred is in the saddle. Our voices may not be as authoritative or engaging as Rush Limbaugh's, but we have to make our voices heard.

Artifact

One of our usual Wednesday night stops during the summer of 1983. As you can see from the flyer, it was easy to get altered for a low, low price: 

We liked the Vulcan Mind Probes WAAAAY too much

Factored for inflation, the 2021 cost of one of these drinks would be about $3.50. You can't actually get something like this for less than $10 any more. Sin is not as cost-effective as it used to be.

You should not find it surprising...

... that the modern Democratic Party is full of scoundrels. But in case you weren't sure, spend two minutes with this video.

 

Creeps in this petty place

 The title isn't precisely what Shakespeare wrote. But for our purposes, it works. Your betters have a pronouncement:

Told by an idiot

No, it's Shakespeare. The full passage:

Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow,

Creeps in this petty pace from day to day,

To the last syllable of recorded time;

And all our yesterdays have lighted fools

The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle!

Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player,

That struts and frets his hour upon the stage,

And then is heard no more. It is a tale

Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,

Signifying nothing.

Andrea Mitchell, it should be noted, has a degree in English from the University of Pennsylvania, a member in good standing of the Ivy League. By the way, she shares alumni status at Penn with the Bad Orange Man, but that's a secondary issue here.

Ted Cruz was correct. Andrea Mitchell was wrong. Jennifer Rubin is non compos mentis on her best days. Our betters, who hold the commanding heights of power and influence in this moment, are dumb. Especially when they try to dunk on other people on Twitter. 

Benster and D Pick Your Games---Super Bowl Mercenary Bucs Edition

 Yes, I'm still here, and not bitter at all about the NFC Championship Game. Life goes on, and we can talk about the Super Bowl. 

Well, I'm bitter. But there's not much to be done about it now, so yeah, on with the Superb Owl. And let's have some halftime entertainment!

That ain't The Weeknd, old dude. And I've never seen so many rugby shirts in my life, by the way.

Nah, it's Up With People, as compared to most Super Bowl halftime shows these days, which are usually Up Yours.

Left Shark does not approve. 

But anyway, back to the game. The one thing that is clear for me is that 99% of America is rooting for the Chiefs. The only people rooting for the Bucs are Bucs fans, Brady bandwagon fans that followed him from the Patriots, and AFC West rivals. I'm not one of those three groups of people. I never have rooted for the Bucs, I don't like Brady, and I root for the Packers, who last I checked play in the NFC North. 

A useful sorting out, Grasshopper. Very well done. By the way, what are you feeling?

I am still feeling the HYYYYYYPPPEEEEE!, and it is time to watch me work.

Kansas City Chiefs (-3) vs. Tampa Bay Bucs The Chiefs are back to defend their title and return to face a Bucs team that they beat in this very stadium in late November. It must be acknowledged that the Bucs have a huge advantage in not being able to travel, and will make history as the first team to play a Super Bowl in their home stadium. My big question is how in the world did the Bucs get so many mercenaries under the salary cap? It's like they were borrowing tips from the Saints. Tampa has a lot of unlikeable people on their roster. Brady is a proven cheater thanks to Deflategate, and was part of Patriots teams that was caught breaking NFL rules multiple times. AB is the dictionary definition of a diva wideout and is one of the few players I never want the Packers to sign or trade for. Suh is a dirty player, and Gronk just annoys me with his frat bro stuff. Yeah, I know that Tyreek Hill has his own legal troubles, but the Bucs have far more people who football fans can find easy to hate. The Chiefs will have a healthier Patrick Mahomes. Sorry Patrick, you are not the MVP of the league. The MVP wears 12 and plays for Green Bay. The Chiefs have more experience than the Bucs, and should be the first team to repeat since the Patriots back during their first dynasty. I also love how explosive the Chiefs can be on offense, and they have a better defense than people think. Chiefs 35, Mercenary Bucs 21.

That's all spot-on. The Chiefs can deal destruction in multiple ways and in Mahomes they have a quarterback for the ages. Brady has done amazing things in his career and he was just barely good enough to beat a Packers team that went moronic at the worst possible time. The Chiefs are simply a better team, top to bottom. Bet the chalk and take the points. Kansas City 34, Tampa Bay 26.

Enjoy your football this weekend, and thanks for reading this feature all season long. Until September, Ben out. 

No one for the Hall?

 We'll get the announcement this evening -- will anyone make the Baseball Hall of Fame this year? To be honest, I doubt it. Here's the list of candidates:

Curt Schilling -- I think he's worthy. The only guy with a shot this year. His tendency to be a conservative loudmouth has hurt his candidacy. It shouldn't matter, but sportswriters tend to be PC and it's hurt him. He has one more year on the ballot and the writers may decide to throw him a bone then; otherwise, he's a cinch on a Veterans' Committee in the future.

Bloody socks and bloody shirts

Roger Clemens -- Steroid guy; not proven but strongly suspected. Also a prickly personality. He was clearly the greatest pitcher of his generation and probably top 5-6 of all time, but he's probably not going to make it.

Barry Bonds -- Mr. BALCO. If he'd been able to control his jealousy at McGwire and Sosa and had stayed off the juice, he'd have been in the HOF years ago. Now, probably not.

Omar Vizquel -- great defensive player and ended up close to 3000 hits. Unfortunately, he seems to be a domestic abuser as well. Don't think he's gonna make it.

Scott Rolen -- one of the best third basemen in history, but he wasn't flashy and didn't attract attention to himself, so he's underrated. He's climbing the ladder and should make it as early as 2022 or 2023.

Billy Wagner -- dominant lefty relief pitcher. Not sure he's special enough to make it.

Gary Sheffield -- a legitimately fearsome hitter, but has the steroid taint and was also roundly considered a bad dude. Not likely to make it.

Todd Helton -- climbing the ladder; he played his entire career for the Rockies, so his power numbers are suspect, but he was a great hitter and won three Gold Gloves. Not this year, but eventually, yes.

Manny Ramírez -- like Sheffield, a legitimately great hitter and one of the most colorful characters in the history of the game. But he's lousy with steroids so he's not going to make it.

Jeff Kent -- a great hitter at a traditional defensive position (second base); has the numbers, but never seems to get the traction. A candidate for the Veterans Committee in the future.

Andruw Jones -- defensively elite center fielder who also hit more than 400 home runs, but his career fell off a cliff at the age of 30. He may make it eventually primarily for his defensive excellence, but he's a borderline case in any event.

Sammy Sosa -- over 600 homers and while he's never admitted to steroid use, everyone thinks he did. He's gotten weird post-career as well. No chance.

Andy Pettitte -- great pitcher, but a serious steroid taint. Not likely to overcome the stigma.

Bobby Abreu -- a modern-day Ken Singleton or Dusty Baker; a talented player who is seriously underrated. But no one thinks Baker or Singleton is a Hall of Famer, either.

There are three first year players who I think could stay on the ballot, although I don't see any of them making the HOF during the normal 10-year process. They are:

Mark Buehrle -- a high-quality lefty who mostly pitched for the White Sox. He's a lot like Mickey Lolich, but only old guys like me remember Lolich. 

Torii Hunter -- like all Twins fans, I love Torii Hunter. And he was a hell of a player, one of the best center fielders of his era. But he's not going to make it.

Tim Hudson -- a good righthander who won over 200 games in his career. His career numbers are quite similar to Catfish Hunter, who is in the HOF, but Hudson's taste in teammates wasn't as good. 

The rest of the 1st year players (Dan Haren, Barry Zito, Aramis Ramirez, Shane Victorino, A. J. Burnett, Nick Swisher, LaTroy Hawkins, and Michael Cuddyer) aren't going to make it. Even die-hard Twins fans would admit Hawkins and Cuddyer aren't worthy.

Benster and D Pick Your Games----Aaron Gets What He Wanted Edition

 Old dude, the Packers don't have to travel for the NFC Championship Game for once. This time, a team has to come to Lambeau in the snow. 

Yes. Here's a picture of Tom Brady arriving at Austin Straubel Airport for the game with some of his teammates:

Indeed, Geritol Fan, it is Tom Brady and his band of mercenaries who have to come up to the proving ground of the NFL.

Indeed. And let me guess -- might there be some, uh, hype involved.

You've been part of this for at least ten years. You know the answer. Of course I am feeling HYYYYYYPPPEEEEEEEE!, and it is time to watch me work.

Tompa Bay Bucs (+3.5) vs. Glorious Green Bay Packers Some people say that Aaron Donald is still getting blocked by Elgton Jenkins to this very day. In all seriousness, that was a great performance by the Packers to beat a very good Rams defense, and earn a rematch against the Bucs. Obviously, we all know what happened in October, but that was a long time ago. Yes, I know that the Bucs are healthier on defense, but it is important to note that the Packers have played a lot better on defense. What is especially encouraging is that the Packers have had success against teams that run the football well. The Packers shut down in consecutive games Derrick Henry, David Montgomery, and Cam Akers to a large extent. It's also important to note that Allen Lazard did not play in October down in Florida, and he had a great game against the Rams even with the drop of a touchdown pass earlier in the game. This game will not be easy, as the Bucs play good defense and we all know that Brady is used to this stage. But I like the Packers to move on in a close game and send the Bucs back home without a home Super Bowl. Packers 24, Bucs 21.

At first, I hated this matchup. But as the week has gone on, I feel better about it. Brady was only okay against the Saints last week and that was in a dome. It will be snowy and windy in Green Bay and it's been noticeable that Brady struggles with long horizontal throws. I think there's a pick six coming on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Packers have had a chance to devise a game plan for Devin White and Lavonte David, who destroyed them last time. Don't let White come downhill; make him chase Robert Tonyan all over the field. Bucs will not go down easily, but they will go down. Packers 33, Tampa 24.

Buffalo Bills (+3.5) vs. Kansas City Chiefs Kansas City dodged a major bullet last week, thanks to Chad Henne playing well in relief of a concussed Patrick Mahomes. Mahomes has been cleared to return to action, and obviously tilts the field in favor of the defending champions. However, the Bills have been playing very well lately and did play the Chiefs close in the regular season. Kansas City throughout their run the past few years have had wins that were aided by a bit of fortune. Last year they survived 3 double digit deficits, and last week Dan Sorensen should have been flagged for a hit to the head on the controversial fumble late in the first half. I have nothing against the Chiefs, but those points have to be acknowledged. In fact, I think the Bills can hang in there, and pull off a major upset. Nobody Circles The Wagons Like The Buffalo Bills 35, Chiefs 34.

I was tempted to pick Buffalo, but we do need to disagree on one. Mahomes may not be 100%, but 85% of Mahomes is better than 95% of the league. Buffalo's weak running game will prevent the Bills from holding a lead should they get one. It'll be a shootout, but I like the Chiefs. Kansas City 38, Buffalo 28.

One question, old dude. Did our buddy Brad Carlson pick games this week?

Yes. Yes he did. You can see his picks here.

Enjoy your football weekend. Ben out. 

Hey, have fun with it

 An early live look at President Biden's inaugural address:

My "dumb" tag is gonna get a lot of work over the near future.

Benster and D Pick Your Games----Get Aaron What He Wants Edition

Old dude, the Packers have had their week of rest and should be in good shape to get Aaron a chance to play at Lambeau next week for the first time in his career. But the Rams will not make it easy, as they looked good at Seattle last weekend.

They did. Or perhaps the Seahawks looked bad. It's difficult to be sure.

Divisional weekend is always fun, because you have had to do something impressive to get here. I am feeling the HYYYYYYYYYYPPPEEE!, and it is time to watch me work.

Los Angeles Rams (+6.5) vs. Glorious Green Bay Packers The Rams had the most impressive win on the NFC side last week with an impressive display against the Seahawks. But, the victory came at a cost. Aaron Donald and John Wolford left the game with injuries, and Jared Goff was struggling with his injured thumb. Of course Donald is going to play and still be a factor, and the Packers need to block him up along with Leonard Floyd. The challenge for the Rams is going to be how well Goff is going to play in a cold weather venue. As for the Packers, pretty much everyone is in better shape except Kingsley Keke. The biggest worry outside of the usual things the Rams throw at you is a fake punt. Johnny Hekker is one of the best fake punt guys, and the Packers have struggled all year with special teams. I wouldn't be surprised if Jalen Ramsey travels with Davante, so someone like MVS, Lazard, Big Dog, or Big Bob might need to step up a bit. On defense, Snacks Harrison probably is going to need to make a play against Cam Akers. I'm also going out on a limb to say that at least one of Amos and Savage need to make a play. The Packers can win this game, but it won't be easy. Thankfully, the fans in the stands should help the team get a win. Packers 31, Rams 28.

Winter is coming?

The Rams are a very good defensive team. The pick six on Russell Wilson last week was the play that changed the game. Aaron Rodgers is more careful than Wilson, so he's unlikely to make a similar mistake. The key will be getting the running game going. Aaron Jones, Jamaal Williams, A.J. Dillon -- if the three of them combine for 200 yards, the Packers win easily. If they total 100, it's going to be bad. I don't think the Rams will be able to score enough on offense to win the game -- Akers is a nice running back, but Goff will struggle in the cold weather, especially with a surgically repaired thumb on his throwing hand. Packers win, but it won't be easy. Packers 27, Rams 20.

Baltimore Ravens (+3) vs. Buffalo Bills I have to start by apologizing for calling out Lamar Jackson last week. He played very well against the Titans, and I'm happy to admit that he proved me wrong and showed that he can win in the playoffs. It also was a great win for the Bills last week. Getting a home playoff win in front of Bills Mafia was fun to watch. As for the game, the Bills have the better defense, though obviously Jackson is a dynamic playmaker and is more explosive than Josh Allen. This game could go either way, but I like the Bills, especially because they look to be peaking at the right time and recovered nicely from the Hail Murray. Nobody Circles The Wagons Like the Buffalo Bills 24, Ravens 10.

Lamar Jackson could win this all by himself. The Bills have to be disciplined on defense and keep Jackson in the pocket. I believe they will. The Ravens have a decent defense, but they may not hold up in the end. Bills 24, Ravens 23.

Cleveland Browns (+10) vs. Kansas City Chiefs I know that everyone wants to laugh at the Steelers for getting blown out to the Browns and light into Big Ben and Mike Tomlin, but the Browns deserve a whole lot of kudos. Winning a playoff game without their head coach, key starters, and less practice time is very good. Browns fans, you deserve this moment of triumph after all of the jokes I and the rest of America lobbed at you over the years. Heck, that makes the news of the Lindor trade a lot less crushing. (Sorry for that, I'm a big Twins fan and enjoy making fun of an AL Central rival. The Central is going to be won by either us or the Chi Sox.). The Chiefs are the big favorites, but there is a couple of things that worry me about them. First, they rested their starters against the Chargers and lost. They are going to have some rust. Second of all, the Browns are coming in hot, and have nothing to lose. The final concern I have for the Chiefs is that during their run last year, they cheated death 3 times. By all rights, the Texans should have won in Arrowhead last year. Thanks to Bill O'Brien having an epic meltdown, they dodged the bullet. They also survived the Titans last year. They also narrowly survived the Niners in the Super Bowl. That's right, I'm picking the Browns to pull off another huge upset. Sorry Mahomie. I still love you in fantasy football. Don't Clown With The Browns 21, Chiefs 17.

The Browns are a nice story. The story does not have a happy ending. Chiefs 34, Browns 21.

Tompa Bay Bucs (+3) vs. New Orleans Blame the Refs This might be the last ride for Drew Brees, and might be the last home game for him as well. I would say that about Brady, but he wants to return to Foxboro next year to stick it to Darth Hoodie. The Saints beat the Bucs twice in the regular season, but it's very hard to beat a good team 3 times in one season. Of course, 2001 Duke and 2000 Michigan State basketball say otherwise. The Saints are healthy for once, and Brady has finally gotten in sync with Bruce Arians. I think the Saints have the better offense, and they look to be on a mission. I just hope they have to travel up to Wisconsin to get their rematch of Week 3. Saints should win big. Saints 35, Tompa Bay 0.

Uh, no. No way the Saints pitch a shutout. I think they win, though. I wonder if the Bucs can handle adversity and they'll be facing it. I could see a meltdown or two on their sidelines, as their team has a plethora of divas. Saints 35, Bucs 29.

One last thing, Seabiscuit -- here are our friend Brad Carlson's picks.

Enjoy your football this week. Also, live positive and test negative. Ben out. 

Shit's getting old

 Inevitable:

The House impeached President Trump for the second time Wednesday, charging him for behavior they believe caused the violent Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol that left five dead, dozens injured, and the historic building defaced and damaged.

Ten House Republicans joined all House Democrats to pass a single impeachment article accusing Trump of inciting an insurrection.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat, must now decide when to send the article to the Senate, which is not scheduled to be in session until Jan. 19 and is unlikely to consider it until after Trump leaves office.

Trump’s term ends on Jan. 20 at 12 p.m.

Ya know, maybe if the Dems hadn't done the impeachment thing before over the Ukraine bullshit (you know it was bullshit because Biden never campaigned on the issue; of course there was an obvious reason for that, but whatever) this latest spasm of self-congratulation might have meant something. This is more like a medieval king exhuming an enemy's corpse to hang it.

The Dems have fears, though, doncha know:

But Democrats made the case during the one-day proceeding that Trump is too dangerous to remain in office a moment longer, coming to the floor to suggest Trump may incite additional violence, move to pardon the protesters charged in the Capitol siege, or even start a nuclear war during his final days in office.

“He must go,” Pelosi said on the House floor. “He is a clear and present danger to the nation we all love.”

There's not a chance in hell Trump will start a nuclear war. He might pardon some people, but the greater danger is that he will declassify a bunch of information the Democrats would prefer remain buried. And I hope he does.

If I'm Trump, my to-do list is as follows:

1. Pardon Julian Assange and Edward Snowden
2. Declassify everything
3. Pardon Hunter Biden, but only after issuing formal charges
4. Pardon Joe Biden
5. Pardon Hillary
6. Don't pardon Obama

The Democrats deserve to have their fears exposed, as well as their rampant malfeasance. I want to pardon some of them because it will make them look like the vindictive weasels they are and frankly I don't need to see any more witch hunts, even though Biden richly deserves the treatment Trump received, because he is a straight up corrupt politician. But it's over now. Biden will reveal who he is every time he opens his pie hole. He can't hide any longer -- this isn't FDR in 1944.

Shut up, they’ve explained

 I am 57 years old. I have always been free to speak my mind. Free speech is sacrosanct. Or at least it was. Not sure it is any more. Choose your words carefully. We are in a dangerous place.

Benster and D Pick Your Games----Don't Talk About Playoffs Edition - Update, with link to Brad's Picks

 Old dude, the good news is that Facebook and Twitter can't suspend this feature. I mean, it's not like taking shots at football teams breaks any rules. But if A School in Columbus takes over social media, then I am screwed.

Facebook and Twitter, no. But I continue to keep my head on a swivel.

Well, the Packers get a week off to chill out, and hopefully all the NFC games go into overtime. And by overtime, I mean multiple overtimes.

Can they play until Tuesday? That would be good.

I am feeling the HYYYYYYYPPPEEEEE!, and it is time to watch me work.

Indianapolis Colts (+6.5) vs. Buffalo Bills The Bills probably are the one team that can beat the Chiefs on the AFC side. But they haven't won a playoff game since the 1990s, and they really need this one badly. The Colts have a good formula for winning, and Phillip Rivers is probably on his last ride. I would expect JT to control the clock, and the Bills will have to take all of their chances on offense to win. If the Bills don't win, then serious questions have to be asked about their core. But thankfully the Bills have the better team and this is the week they can celebrate a playoff win. Nobody Circles The Wagons Like The Buffalo Bills 28, Colts 7.

If the Colts can play keep away, they have a chance. Buffalo will miss their fans in the stands for sure. But I agree, the Bills are the better team. Bills 28, Colts 20.

Los Angeles Less Annoying Showtime on Turf (+3) vs. Seattle Seachickens The Rams have major question marks at quarterback. Jared Goff might go, but he is probably going to have some trouble with the thumb. The Rams are the real Showtime in LA, and the reason I say it is because they don't have the annoying bandwagon fanbase the Fakers Lakers have and also don't have LeBron James. The Seahawks won't have the aid of their Microsoft and Boeing bro fanbase, but they are experienced and haven't lost a home playoff game in quite a while. As much as it would crack me up to see Cheat Carroll lose, his team is too talented and the Rams are too inconsistent week to week. Are There Real Seachicken Fans? 25, Rams 0.

I tend to agree with this assessment as well. You're being remarkably level-headed this week? Do you need some of my Geritol? Seahawks 24, Rams 21.

Tompa Bay Bucs (-7.5) vs. Washington Name Redacted The Name Redacted is an amazing story, and deserve a lot of props for being here. Yes, they may have won a horrible excuse of a division in the NFC Least, and did get help from the Eagles screwing over the Giants. Seriously, that ticked me off. The only reason I am not doing a Very Special Comment on benching Hurts is because I have to save it for another game. Riverboat Ron beat cancer during a year where it was very scary to have cancer, and Alex Smith is deservedly Comeback Player of the Year for showing the mental strength to get back on the football field after what he went through. The Bucs are inconsistent, and I think they will struggle to keep Brady upright. Look for the Name Redacted to pull the upset. Oh, and get ready for sports talk shows to endlessly debate who won the Brady divorce for the 1000th time this year. Name Redacted 17, Tompa Bay 8.

Another cogent analysis. I think the Bucs win it late, but I would not be surprised if the WFT knocks Brady out of the game early and takes it. Buccaneers 20, WFT 16.

Baltimore Ravens (-3.5) vs. Tennessee Titans This game is a rematch of the stunning upset in Baltimore last year, and there is more pressure on the Ravens than the Titans. Lamar Jackson is a great player, there is no doubt about that. The problem is that he has yet to win a playoff game, and really blew a golden chance last year in light of the Patriots being knocked out the week before. If the Ravens lose this game, then Lamar might need to be considered for replacement. There, I said it. The Titans didn't impress me when they were up at Lambeau, but they can run the clock, and Derrick Henry is still a beast. The Titans know their identity better than just about anyone in the league, and should win a home playoff game for the first time in a while. Remember the Titans 35, Ravens 10.

It took a while, but you finally made a ridiculous observation in re Jackson. I knew you had it in you! The Titans are not good on defense. This will be a shootout. Ravens 40, Titans 34.

Bear Down Chicago Da Bearz Still Suck (+10) vs. New Orleans Blame The Refs Da Bearz backed into the playoffs, and even Gino would agree with me on that one. As a Packers fan, nothing would please me more than ownership extending Ted Phillips, Ryan Pace, Matt Nagy, and Mitch Trubisky. All four of them have done a great job this year, and really have the Bears going in the right direction. As for the Saints, this probably is the last ride for Drew Brees, and the Alvin Kamara story will be monitored up until game time. The fact that this game is on Nickelodeon is just hilarious. The Saints should win this game, unless the refs find a way to screw them over again. Saints 70, Da Bearz Still Suck 0.

SpongeDrew SquareBrees vs. da Bearz. It's only sad the NFL didn't think of this while Sid and Marty Krofft were prowling the airwaves. 

Archie Manning and Bears Coach Abe Gibron, pregame 1973

The Bears aren't very good, either, but one exceptionally weird thing seems to happen in every Wildcard Round. So, even though I have no reason to believe this will actually happen... Bears 20, Saints 17.

Cleveland Browns (+6) vs. Pittsburgh Yinzers That's not a misprint. The Browns actually made the playoffs. But unfortunately they are playing without several key players and their head coach. As for the Steelers, they are fully rested after sitting their stars against the Browns last week. However, there are problems for the Steelers. Their defense has some depth issues, and Big Ben has clearly started to decline this year down the stretch. Also, when did JuJu turn into such a diva? The guy was likeable his first two years in the league, but has now been dancing on logos and making himself a target of ire for opposing defenses. It's clear that the Steelers might not have been as good as we thought earlier this year. If the Steelers were to lose, then it would be hilarious and I probably would listen to Pittsburgh sports radio for the meltdowns. Browns 20, This Week On Days Of Our Steelers 17.

The Browns are getting bit by the COVID bug. That will be enough to derail them, unfortunately. Steelers 24, Browns 20.

A School In Columbus (+8) vs. Alabama Crimson Tide, in South Florida Before the axe gets used, some praise towards Alabama. Don't worry Tide fans, you did nothing wrong. This might be the best team Nick Saban has worked with, and probably the best Alabama team of all time if you go back. They have no weaknesses, and I'm honestly impressed. I've been critical of Saban before, but this time I'm rooting for him heavily with a hazmat suit and a strong need to take a shower after the game. It's time for a Very Special Comment.

This should be a fun game, but only one team can say that they actually got there entirely without help from above. I find it hilarious that some of the Buckeye fans on the internet believe these outlandish conspiracy theories on how ESPN, the SEC, the ACC, and me are out to get them and hinder them when they brush under the rug that they got here in part because the Big Ten overturned their dumb 6 game rule. It's too late to change it now, but I have one thing to say. Barry Alvarez went to bat for the Buckeyes in their hour of need. If at any time in the future the Badgers need lobbying to get into the playoff, I expect Gene Smith to do the same thing willingly to repay his debt. You can say I should be rooting for the Buckeyes because of Big Ten honor. Well, that's not how it works. I'm rooting for Alabama. Do you know how terrible that is? I really dislike Alabama, but at least the one good thing I can say is that the SEC never overturned rules during the season to benefit the Tide. If you need a rule change during the season to even get to the title game, then that's not a title earned. The Big Ten pulled a move by doing this that made Vince McMahon think that it was too scripted. The football gods see all, and their justice will be coming.

I think the Tide should just dominate because they are better. Also, it's a shame because Ohio State actually has a likeable team this year. Nothing against the players or coaching staff. My beef is with those above them. Roll Tide 150, IU Got Screwed 0.

IU lost to Ole Miss. The Hoosiers didn't get screwed -- they are a nice team that, in a different year, would have been playing in the Duke's Mayo Bowl. As for this game, I agree -- this is as formidable an Alabama team as I have seen. Buckeyes are worthy, but they won't be able to hang with the Tide. Alabama 45, Ohio State 31.

Enjoy your football this weekend. Ben out. 

Update from D: Brad Carlson's picks for Saturday are here.

Jack Dorsey Settles All Family Business

 

"Oh, I'm fine Mom, how's Washington?"

 Game on:

Best comment of the day, from a guy I know on FB:

It's a good thing when the ruling class has to have its head on a swivel.

If this sort of thing sends you to the fainting couch, I would suggest you'd better get the ol' fainting couch reinforced. For all his bluster and suboptimal bedside manner, it's important to understand that, for the last four years, Trump was asking nicely. 

Dems own the world

 I haven't been writing much about politics, because I could see what was going to happen. And it has. The Dems have won (stolen, most likely, but it's a meaningless distinction) Georgia. And so by the narrowest of margins, they control Washington. 

But they will control Washington. And they will control America. And they will control you. As a practical matter, they already have for some time now. Donald Trump fought like hell, but he couldn't overcome the forces arrayed against him. 

I am certain the Dems will do horrible things. But as we have learned from their laboratories in California, once they take control, they will not cede it. Your rights as a citizen are whatever your betters decide they are. Now put on your fucking face mask and get to work.

Benster and D Pick Your Games-----Get That Bye/D Forgets to Post Edition

 Old dude, the Packers need to get one more win to get that vital bye and the top seed. But it is fitting that the last hurdle is going to be the most difficult one in Chicago. Best of luck to you in fantasy this week. Hopefully you get that title. 

I hope so, too. I was engrossed in it that I forget to post this, and now the games are already in progress. 

You're just senile. Don't worry about it.

That's reassuring.

I'm here for you, Geritol Fan! Meanwhile, the Vikings have some important decisions to make about who will be around next season.

This guy is waiting to make decisions:

Thank you for coming, everybody!

Ziggy is Waluigi. No doubt in my mind. Meanwhile, I am feeling the HYYYYYYYPPPPEEEEE!, and it is time to watch me work.

Minnesota Vikings (-7) vs. Detroit LOLions So, some say that Alvin Kamara is still scoring touchdowns against the Vikings defense at the Dome to this very day. This game matters only if you root for one of these teams or if you are playing for a fantasy football title and have someone going. The Vikings have some decisions to make after this year, which quite frankly was not successful. The Purple have little cap room, especially since the cap won't go up much if at all due to a certain virus. The LOLions are probably moving on from Stafford, which is a shame. The guy deserved better from management. Then again, these are the LOLions. I think the Vikings will win, and then maybe we might see some people get fired. Vikings 35, LOLions Gonna LOLions 0.

So the game is already in progress, but I'm not watching it. I am picking the Lions just to be a contrarian. Lions 24, Vikings 20.

Glorious Green Bay Packers (-4.5) vs. Bear Down Chicago Da Bearz Still Suck This game on the other hand matters a lot to both teams. If the Packers win, we get the bye and a week off. If Da Bearz win, they get a trip to the playoffs and might save some jobs. This game is winnable for the Packers, but there are some concerns. Da Bearz are healthier than they were around Thanksgiving, and Trubisky has been looking better recently. But the Packers also have looked a lot better since Thanksgiving. The game against the Titans was their best performance under LaFleur, and the Packers especially looked very good against Derrick Henry. I've been very critical of Mike Pettine and his scheme, but he had the defense prepared. This game will be difficult because of the nature of the rivalry and the stakes, but the Packers should win and get the bye. Packers 31, Da Bearz Still Suck 20.

It won't be easy. But it will be a win. Packers 28, Bears 20.

Enjoy your football this weekend, and we'll also talk about the Buckeyes and Tide next weekend. Ben out. 

Bye, 2020

 

Times Square, 1940

I don't know what Times Square will look like tonight, when the ball drops and 2021 arrives. The New Year arrives no matter whether people gather this evening or not. 

I don't have great faith that the coming year will be better than year we've just experienced, but I am ready to face it. And I hope the coming year is better for you.

It was always Mary Ann

 RIP, Dawn Wells:

2020 has sucked in so many ways.

Benster and D Pick Your Games----Big Vikings Trouble In New Orleans Edition

 Old dude, the Vikings will not be having an easy Christmas Day down in the Dome. The Saints are going to be hoping for a slip up to get the top seed. 

Is Santa a Saints fan?

Also, I heard rumors of a boat crime at Camp Randall. A bunch of Badgers just flat out capsized a boat carrying some Gophers with an Axe. I heard that the boat capsized in an #Elite manner. You really hate to see it. 

That's not showing the Christmas spirit, Seabiscuit. P.J. Fleck certainly has elfin qualities.

Maybe he's like this elf!

Like pulling teeth

Too much hair for Hermey. You know that, right?

His hairline is borderline for sure, as is his coaching. PJ can talk all he wants, but he has only beat his two biggest rivals only once, and he never has won a home rivalry game. 

Trophies leave the Bank a fair amount, but don't you have other games to pick?

Yes, but I always make time to dunk on PJ. I am feeling the HYYYYYPPPPEEEE!, and it's time to watch me work.

Wake Forest Demon Deacons (+7) vs. Wisconsin Badgers I am picking this game now, because it's scheduled for the middle of next week and I may not get back to it otherwise. Besides which, we need to celebrate the glory of the Duke's Mayo Bowl! 

Close to the actual payout for the winning team

The Badgers have not played well this year, but accepting a bowl bid was the right move. You want the extra practices, and winning against Wake and keeping the Axe would be a good ending to a bad year. Wake is kinda middle of the road in the ACC, which to be fair is incredibly top heavy this year with Clemson and Notre Dame. By the way, seeing the Domers in a conference title game in football is so 2020. I look for the Badgers to play well in Charlotte, and send the seniors out the right way. Badgers 35, Wake 14.

I hope the trophy for the Duke's Mayo Bowl has a use-by date. Meh. Badgers 24, Wake Forest 20.

Minnesota Vikings (+7) vs. New Orleans Blame The Refs The NFL this year is pulling something out that I never thought would be possible. They will have played a game every day of the week, and this game should be very interesting. The Saints have recently had two brutal playoff defeats to the Vikings, including in the playoffs last year. Well, things have changed since that afternoon in the Dome. I love Drew Brees, but the man clearly didn't look like himself against Kansas City. Also, the Saints don't have a lot of wideouts to throw to. The Vikings quite frankly need this one badly after losing to Da Bearz at home. This is the type of game that the Vikings signed Kirk Cousins for, and he needs to deliver. I'm torn. As a fan of a division rival, it would be good if the Vikings got eliminated so my beloved Packers wouldn't have to see Dalvin run all over us again. But it would also help us if the Saints lose, so the Packers would look better to get the top seed in the NFC. I think the Vikings are just not good enough, and they are still flawed. In fact, I think Mike Zimmer is coaching for his job right now. Pray for Ron Johnson and Corey Cove. Plus, even though Sean Payton is annoying, the guy can coach up backup quarterbacks. The fact that New Orleans was competitive the past few years without Brees is the number one example. Blame the Refs, Not the Team 24, KFAN Vikings Whine Line 10.

There's no reason to pick the Vikings in this one. So I will. Vikings 28, Saints 24.

Los Angeles Rams (+1.5) vs. Seattle Seachickens This game is being picked because it directly impacts the Packers in terms of the top seed in the NFC playoff hunt. Seattle is leading the NFC West do in large part to one of the most hilarious results I have ever seen. The Rams somehow lost to the Jets. The Jets are so bad, that their fanbase was mad because they wanted to get Trevor. Seattle is at home, though the Microsoft and Boeing bro bandwagon fans will not be in attendance. A Rams win would be very nice and all of Wisconsin is rooting for them to get it done. I think they can, as the Seachickens have no defense, and lost to the freaking Giants at home. Rams 35, Seachickens 10.

The Seahawks lost to the Giants, but the Rams lost to the freaking Jets. Can't trust either side. Pick the home team. Seahawks 34, Rams 22.

Tennessee Tuxedos (+3.5) vs. Glorious Green Bay Packers Last week was not exactly a work of art, but the Packers were the better team on the field against the Panthers. This week is the real test, and the one that the Packers fanbase has been dreading. The Titans are in the mix for the AFC South title, and have the thing that scares even a delusional homer like myself. That would be an elite running back. Derrick Henry is probably the best in the league, and we all know what he can do. The Packers thankfully can still clinch the bye against Da Bearz, but you don't want to have to worry about playing a desperate team at home. I think that the defense will stand up for itself and Mike Pettine will have the best defensive performance of his tenure in Green Bay on Sunday Night Football. Packers 31, The Fall of the Titan King Henry 10.

Wish I were that confident. You've seen Derrick Henry, right?

That's terrifying. I am picking the Packers, but if we see some of this, it could be a tough one. Packers 35, Titans 31.

Enjoy your football. Ben out. 

Benster and D Pick Your Games----Big Ten Did Something Right Edition

 Old dude, the Big Ten actually did the right thing and actually improved something this year. The Axe game is back as the last game of the year, as it should be. Both Badgers and Gophers fans would agree that it is the correct decision.

Let me Axe you a question

Given the alternatives, yes. Certainly more compelling than a visit from Rutgers.

Plus, the Packers hold all the cards in the NFC. Life is good. The Pack is back, and I can feel the HYYYYYYPPPEEEEEE! Watch me work.

Minnesota Golden Elite Rowers of the Boat (+13.5) vs. Beloved Wisconsin Badgers I think it's fair to say that this year has hit both schools hard. The Badgers have struggled to find their footing because of all the delays, and the Gophers have a younger team. Yes, the Badgers need to strongly consider playing Jack Coan this time around, but you can say that the Gophers have struggled all year. The Badgers can easily lose this game, but they will be up for this game. Look for the offense to improve, and for a senior class to be sent off the right way, hopefully. Badgers 24, Row Row Row Your Boat Elitely 10.

Hopefully? Hedging your bets, good sir? The Gophers are a very poor defensive team, but the Badgers have been 1977-level bad the last three weeks. It's a matter of pride at this point and I hope the Badgers have enough pride to get this done. The point spread is absurd, by the way. Badgers 17, Gophers 13.

Bear Down Chicago Da Bearz Still Suck (+3) vs. Minnesota Vikings Both of these teams have had their moments, but quite frankly are flawed. I think Da Bearz were broken by the double doink, despite their offense doing very little that day. Funny, I don't hear Bears fans mentioning that. Hopefully they keep Matt Nagy and the front office around. As a Packers fan, they have done a great job, and have Bears football trending in the right direction for the future. The Vikings played decently well against the Bucs, but Dan Bailey had a terrible day. The Vikings had a golden chance in 2017, but the Minneapolis Miracle was the worst thing to happen to Mike Zimmer. There, I said it. That play covered up the fact that the Mike Zimmer's defense almost cost them the game, and he would have been lucky to not be fired had Diggs not bailed the Vikings out. Many Vikings fans conveniently choose to ignore that the Vikings blew a 17 point lead. The Vikings then foolishly disrespected the Eagles, and assumed that they had a god given right to play in a Super Bowl at their home stadium. The Vikings got blown out in a game that was never close, and the fanbase ignored the warning signs. Because the front office believed that the Vikings were closer than they were, they signed Kirk Cousins. History repeated itself last year. As much as Kirk Cousins gets the credit for the playoff game in the Superdome, the Vikings defense let the Saints get it to overtime. Oh, and Kyle Rudolph pushed off. The Vikings then got destroyed against the Niners, and it's been downhill ever since. The Vikings can win this game, and it's better for the Packers to do so. Both the Vikings and Da Bearz committed the greatest sin in pro football. They ignored the warning signs that they had flawed teams, and both are paying the price.  Vikings 23, Da Bearz Still Suck 10.

Shorter version: they both need better management. I think Zimmer does a good job with what he has on hand, which isn't much because Cousins has all the money. As for da Bearz, the Khalil Mack trade is not looking so good now; he seems to be a declining player and he's owed a lot of money. I think the Vikings are marginally better, but that's all. Vikings 20, Bears 17.

Carolina Panthers (+8) vs. Glorious Green Bay Packers The Packers had everything go right last week. They clinched the NFC North, finished a game off and banked that experience, and took control of the top seed in the NFC thanks to the Eagles beating the Saints. They have two home games left, and the Saints have a couple of tough games on their schedule remaining. The Panthers are going to be easier to beat without Christian McCaffery, but they are a team that plays hard and they have a competent coaching staff. Also, it's important to remember that the Packers literally won by inches last November on the goal line. I think that the Packers can win this game, but they can't sleepwalk into a trap game. Packers 35, Panthers 21.

Packers seem to be hitting their stride now. Panthers are better than their record indicates, but they aren't going to win at Lambeau this year. Packers 33, Panthers 24.

Kansas City Chiefs (-3) vs. New Orleans Saints This game is going to be a lot of fun. I'm picking this game because the Saints are tied with us in terms of record, but the Packers hold the tiebreaker. The Chiefs need a win to stay ahead of the Steelers in the AFC side. Kansas City is probably the best team in the league, and I appreciate Patrick Mahomes for his contributions in fantasy football, even though I didn't make the playoffs. I expect points, and obviously Drew Brees being back with the Saints will help out. The Saints don't have the best secondary, and will lose in a track meet. Chiefs 70, Saints 51.

Bet the over? I think you underrate the Saints defense, which is actually pretty good. I think it's a closer game than you do. Chiefs 28, Saints 27.

Enjoy your football this weekend. Ben out. 

Thanks, King!

You may also pull his finger at 50% capacity

 This guy:

Indoor restaurants and bars will stay shut down, but fitness clubs and other venues will reopen under a new plan by Gov. Tim Walz to try to control the spread of COVID-19 and buy time for wide distribution of vaccine against the infectious disease.

But he has a generous offer for those restaurants under his boot:

One concession to the industry was the allowance of outdoor bar and restaurant service at 50% capacity, though that has limited benefit in the heart of Minnesota's winter. Closing time must be 10 p.m., and tables of no more than four people must be kept six feet apart.

Outdoor bar and restaurant service. Beginning on December Fucking 18th. No COVID, but hypothermia. In related news, King Walz is allowing Minnesotans to slide down bannisters at 50% capacity, as long as the bannisters have a razor blade attached on the bottom.

Benster And D Pick Your Games----B1G Rule Change Edition

Hi everyone. That title is intentional, and refers to a certain decision by the Big Ten to change the 6 game requirement for the title game. That noise you hear in the background is a sharpening of an axe, because I have some thoughts.

No -- you have thoughts? There's a headscratcher.

Yep, gotta keep some people honest.

And you use an axe to do that?

When necessary, yes.

Hmm.

Read on, old dude. In other news, the Badgers will actually be playing for consecutive weeks. And the Packers can clinch the North this week. I'm feeling the HYYYYYYPPPEEE! and it is time to watch me work.

Minnesota Golden Elite Rowers of the Boat (+10.5) vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers The Gophers have returned to play, and they will be going to the team who likes to take credit for this season to be happening. PJ Fleck can keep coming up with his usual sayings, but his team has struggled all year. To be fair to him, not knowing if you are going to be playing is hard, and he has a young team. However, every team in the conference has had to deal with that. Nebraska ain't much better, and they really have been at war with Kevin Warren more than focusing on the games at hand. Scott Frost will get the time because he is the Nebraska version of Bart Starr. What I mean by that is that Frost is a link to the glory days and has the trust of the Husker faithful as he knows what it takes. Even if Frost fails as head coach, his legacy is secure. As for the game, I have to favor the desperate team at home. Stuck In the 1990's 31, Row Row Row Your Boat Elitely 10.

I'd forgotten about the Gophers. They haven't played in a while. As I recall, they're okay. Snow in Lincoln overnight, so we'll see how that plays. Nebraska 31, Gophers 27.

Beloved Wisconsin Badgers (-2) vs. Iowa Hawkeyes Well, the Badgers looked awful again last week, and yet are somehow favored going into a game at Iowa City. Graham Mertz looked great against Michigan and Illinois, but looked horrible against Northwestern and Indiana. The defense is not the problem, and to be fair the Badgers have not gotten to play in consecutive weeks yet this year. Iowa is going to be your typical Iowa squad that plays good defense and wants to run the ball. The Badgers can win, but this is going to be hard. The offense needs to step up and actually do something. Badgers 21, Iowans 13.

This a tough one. I don't think the Badgers have it this year. Success will return to Madison, but let's write this year off. Iowa 17, Wisconsin 10.

Minnesota Vikings (+6.5) vs. Tampa Bay Bucs The Vikes are back in the playoffs based on a tiebreaker over the Cardinals. Last week, the Vikings were very loose in the turns and almost lost another "easy game". This time, the Vikings are not at home and facing a desperate team in the Bucs. It's clear that Tom Brady has had growing pains learning a new offense, and the Bucs are a team that has had a lot of internal discord supposedly swirling around. Both teams need to win to stay in the playoff hunt, and there will be a lot of Packer fans watching this game with interest. Even though the Bucs are not as good as they were when the Packers went down there, you have to honor the "desperate team at home" theory. If the Vikings lose, pray for Ron Johnson and Corey Cove. Bucs 28, Vikings 17

The Vikings have been scraping by against bad teams lately. The Bucs are a good team. Tampa 31, Minnesota 20.

Glorious Green Bay Packers (-9) vs. Detroit LOLions The Packers are in a great position. All of their goals are within reach, and they can clinch a playoff spot with a win and some help. In fact, if the Vikings lose and the Packers win, the North can be won on Sunday. The LOLions did beat da Bearz last week, and are better than people think. I know that sounds crazy, but they have been in some close games this year, and did jump out to a lead at Lambeau. Plus, Matthew Stafford has a good track record against the Packers. If you remember, last year the Packers had to fight to get that win at Ford Field to get the playoff bye. Packers 24, LOLions 18

I am a bit nervous about this game. The key is the Lions defense is terrible. Shootout! Packers 38, Lions 28.

And now it's time for a Very Special Comment. This will probably come off to you as yet another Benster ripping of the Buckeyes. I know that is part of who I am, and I admit that I have a hatred of Ohio State football. But please hear me out.

So the Big Ten announced that Ohio State would be allowed to play Northwestern next week for the conference crown. That is despite the fact that the conference decreed that a team needs to play in 6 conference games to qualify. Look, Ohio State is a good team, and I don't blame them for taking the offer. You can make an argument that the 6 game rule was dumb in the first place, and that the conference never should have included it. But it was the rule coming in, and the Big Ten was arrogant enough to believe that it wouldn't be a problem. Well, the league decided that Ohio State should get a pass, because they are undefeated. This is a week before the title game. Everyone knew the rules, and now the conference changed them in the middle of the game. Indiana got screwed. Yes, the Hoosiers had their chance to win in the Horseshoe. But under the rules that every school agreed to, Indiana was the team that qualified. Plus, Northwestern is getting boned. Not only do they have to prepare for a new opponent, but they have to play a rivalry game against Illinois while Ohio State gets a bye week. The Big Ten not only changed the rules for a "brand name" school, but gave said school every possible advantage. If Ohio State loses, then it would be one of the worst losses in the history of Buckeye football. They would have had every possible advantage, and thrown it away. 

Now, of course the Big Ten is not the only league screwing with their title game. The ACC canceled games for Notre Dame and Clemson to give them extra rest. But at least in that case, the Irish and Tigers both come into the game on even footing. The Big Ten can say that this is about being fair and making money, but that is missing the point. Big Ten football has gotten a lot more competitive and richer than the 1970s. Back then, it was the Big 2 of Michigan and Ohio State, and the Little 8 of everyone else. Now, there is more strength in depth in the conference, and they can sell Fox and ESPN on the fact that teams like Michigan State, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Minnesota that can be successful. All of those schools have won big bowl games, and have been positive stories in the Big Ten recently outside of Michigan and Ohio State in football. Heck, the basketball product is the most deep and consistent than at any point in league history. It behooves a conference to favor conditions that help everyone, and not just a handful of schools. Want to know why Nebraska left the Big 12? It was in part because the Big 12 favors Texas and gives the Longhorns a huge cut of revenue. Maryland was a founding member of the ACC, and had deep ties with a lot of those schools. Well, the ACC has constantly been accused of favoring basketball and in particular the Tobacco Road schools. Maryland left in part because that favoritism.

You can argue it is because of money, and there is a good reason why it behooves the conference to respect what each school brings. The Big Ten Network was founded in order to make it easier to make money and showcase all the teams in the league. The conference is strong because every school contributes on the field in different ways. Indiana and Michigan made the College World Series recently, Minnesota has a great hockey tradition, Iowa brings wrestling, Maryland brings great lacrosse, Wisconsin brings consistently good teams in basketball and football. Nebraska brings great baseball and legions of fan support. I love this conference because every team makes the same amount of money, and the various fanbases respect each other and get each other. Ohio State may contribute a lot in football, but they are one school. It's not the Ohio State Invitational League. It's the Big Ten conference. No school is bigger than the league, and every school brings something to the table. It's a shame that Kevin Warren doesn't understand that. If I were a Buckeye fan, I wouldn't accept this. In fact, read this article from an Ohio State fan about why this is wrong. 

Well, that's done. I hope you enjoy the football this weekend. Ben out. 

Election

 There's no doubt in my mind -- the Democrats cheated like hell in the election. There's also no doubt in my mind that Joe Biden is utterly unfit to be Leader of the Free World. 

Still, the case before the Supreme Court brought by Texas almost certainly has to fail. If it succeeds, states can sue other states for things that happen within their borders. And federalism, attenuated as it is, would be dead.

We're in a bad place. Civil war is a distinct possibility now. Frankly, I'm afraid.

Benster and D Pick Your Games---NFL Is a Clown Show Edition

 Old dude, I really have a bone to pick with the NFL over certain things. But I need to sharpen the axe. 

Glad you're doing it. You're keeping this enterprise afloat in a sea of rage.

And I have a suggestion for the Big Ten, but I don't need to sharpen the axe for that. I am feeling the HYYYYYYYYPPPPEEE! for a couple of these games, and we are going to learn a lot about people this weekend. It's time to watch me work.

Windiana Hoosiers (+13.5) vs. Beloved Wisconsin Badgers Well, the Badgers get to keep the Axe, as the Gophers have bigger problems to deal with on their end. The suggestion I have for the Big Ten is simple. There has been rumblings that Michigan might not be able to play against A School in Columbus next week, meaning that the Buckeyes would not have played in the 6 games needed to qualify for the conference title game. It also has been reported that the Big Ten is going to let A School in Columbus play in Indy even if they don't get that 6th game. Well, should the Badgers win out and Northwestern lose next week, then it is only fair that the Badgers get the nod to play. It's only fair, and would be a better test for Ohio State. But, the Badgers can't worry about that. Indiana has been the story of the year so far in the league. I know that Michael Penix Jr. will not be playing, but the Hoosiers are a disciplined team that is well-coached under Tom Allen. The Badgers played like absolute crap at Ryan Field, and yet somehow still could have won the game. Oddly, this is going to be the 2nd and last game at Camp Randall. This will be tough, but the Badgers can win and send the seniors away from Madison with a good memory. Badgers 24, Hoosiers 17.

A good Indiana football team is a rarity, but in a rare year it seems oddly fitting. The Hoosiers have two excellent receivers with strange names (Whop Philyor and Trey Freyfogle), who can catch the ball no matter who is throwing it to them. The Hoosiers also play good defense. But the game is at Camp Randall and the Badgers gotta have it, so I think they win. But they won't cover a -13.5 spread. Wisconsin 23, Indiana 14.

Jacksonville Jaguars (+10.5) vs. Minnesota Vikings The Vikings did get it done against Carolina, but dodged a massive bullet thanks to terrible clock management by the Panthers. Kirk Cousins got it done, and is probably back in the good graces of the fickle Vikings fans who blame him for the failure of management. The Jags are a team that will play tough and can hang in there even when they are outgunned, as evidenced by their inspired play at Lambeau a few weeks back. This is a trap game for the Vikings, and they need to have learned their lesson from last week. If you come out flat, you will lose. Thankfully, the Vikings have learned their lesson. Vikings 31, Jags 10.

Or have they? Jags 24, Vikings 23.

Philadelphia Eagles (+7.5) vs. Glorious Green Bay Packers The Packers had no trouble at all against Da Bearz last week, and it was great to have some people in the stands at Lambeau. The Eagles are a mess. Carson Wentz looks like he has regressed, and the fanbase openly wants Jalen Hurts to play more. Well, this is a trap game for the Packers. If you remember last year, the Eagles came in and were the better team. Plus, thanks to the NFC Least making the 2010 NFC West and 2014 NFC South look like competent divisions, the Eagles still have a shot at a division title. I think that the Packers can win as they have more talent, and the pass rush finally looks like doing something. But there is danger in this game. Something in my gut tells me that, and hopefully I am wrong. Packers 31, Eagles 27.

I agree with your assessment. Eagles will give the Packers their best shot. It won't be enough. Packers 28, Eagles 20.

And now, it's time for A Very Special Comment.

So, the NFL seems to have had a bad week. The Steelers and Ravens game was a complete mess. The Steelers have not been getting much luck in when they have played certain teams. They lost their bye week thanks to the Titans mess, and then lost their mini bye thanks to the Ravens having a staffer just totally not following league rules and infecting multiple players. That Ravens-Steelers game was postponed from Turkey Day, to Sunday, to Tuesday, to Wednesday afternoon. Yes, you read that right. They had to play an NFL game on a Wednesday afternoon because apparently a Rockefeller Center tree lighting can't be moved by NBC. Now, the Steelers have to play on short rest for the next couple of games, and are likely to lose one of those games, meaning that Kansas City could sneak in and get the AFC bye. The Steelers have gotten hosed, and hopefully Art Rooney II can raise a stink at the next owners meeting. Plus, they lost Bud Dupree for the year. That game was a complete mess, and ruined one of the games that a lot of people were curious about. 

But the one thing that angers me the most is what happened in Denver. The Broncos lost their entire quarterback stable. Now, I know that Drew Lock was not following the league rules. But the Broncos game didn't get postponed, and they had to start Kendall Hinton, a practice squad receiver, at quarterback. The dude played as well as he could considering he had to learn the offense and got very short notice. Guess who the Broncos played on Sunday? The New Orleans Saints. Guess who is fighting with the Saints for the NFC bye? The Packers, the team I love through thick and thin. The Saints got a free win, as they didn't even have to try. Before you come at me with the excuse that Drew Brees didn't play, just remember that Taysom Hill at least is a quarterback, and knows the offense. He at least gave the Saints a fair chance. The Broncos didn't get the same luxury. Why did the Broncos not get the game postponed to Monday or Tuesday? Maybe then, they would have actually had a chance. You almost have to try and be this incompetent. Heck, the reason this happened was because the Broncos have an ownership dispute involving Pat Bowlen's kids. The Broncos have an awesome fanbase; the fanbase really knows their football, and the Broncos have been a model franchise for most of my lifetime. I hope that Hilton gets a fair chance on the Broncos to show what he can do as a wideout. Heck, he is welcome on the Packers anytime. I'll even buy him a beer. 

Roger Goodell was interviewed at halftime Wednesday by Mike Tirico. He claimed that the NFL was doing a great job this year. Uh, that was a lie. Look, I don't care what you think about the response (or lack thereof) by leaders. All of them screwed up, and that stands for both Republicans and Democrats. To make matters worse, the 49ers have to play games in Arizona because the local California leaders out there don't want there to be football in Santa Clara County. In fact, there are even rumors that the Rams and Chargers might have to leave the state to play. Where are those teams going to play?  This is a freaking dumpster fire. Heck, Rob Manfred and Gary Bettman did a better job with the MLB and NHL seasons respectively. Do you realize how hard it is to do that? I'm a baseball fan, and Manfred is a terrible commissioner who might not even like baseball. That being said, I loved what he did with the opening round of the playoffs that gave us wall to wall ballgames all day and did a great job by getting fans back for the NLCS and World Series. Bettman is hated by NHL fans, but he pulled out a great playoffs in Canada, and I really enjoyed watching the playoffs this year with all the games in the opening round being fun. The NFL had months before the season started to observe other sports leagues. It's clear they haven't come up with any contingency plans. Maybe Goodell is secretly Kevin Warren. Whatever the reason, the NFL is a joke. I remember when they were able to protect the shield. Not anymore. Please fire Goodell and hire Greg Sankey. Sankey actually has a chance to play all the games he scheduled with fans in attendance in the SEC. When I have to praise the SEC, that's when you know something is wrong.

Ben is fired up!

Yeah, I am. Despite all that, enjoy your football this weekend. Ben out.