Panni

Does anybody else get the feeling that the NL Central is looking more and more like Milwaukee Brewers for the taking, especially now that Wainwright is down for the year? If Greinke pitches like an ace, which I think he will, Gollardo has another solid year, and the lineup produces like it should, I think we may see the Brewers head all the way to the NLCS.

How can you criticize the Nets for upgrading a position they didn't need to upgrade and then go ahead and claim that Utah made the biggest splash here. They added Derrick Favors to an already young PF core that consists of Al Jefferson & Milsap. Now I'm sure they will go ahead and trade one of them, but until that happens its not much of an upgrade at all. Also, referring to Devin Harris as Derron Williams-lite is like referring to Wilson Chandler as Carmelo Antony-lite. I'm a Knicks fan, and I honestly feel we had the best week by adding a top 10 player to an already solid core. However, the Nets most certainly improved here. Remember it was a trade for Jason Kidd that turned the Nets from last place in east to the NBA Finals. Now the NBA is different, and Williams won't have that big of an impact, but there is at least hope. You have to give up some in order to get a top 10 pick, and that's what both the Knicks and Nets did. I find it very hard to praise one of those two trades and slam the other. Now, if Williams doesn't resign this is a bad move, but until that is the case this is a great risk for the Nets.

This is a great deal for the Nets, especially if Derron Williams signs the extension, which I think he'll wind up doing. They are getting the number 1 or 2 point guard in the entire NBA, as well as keeping a strong role player in Brook Lopez. While I did expect Derrick Favors to be a beast in a few years, the uncertainty wasn't worth keeping this deal from not happening. Personally, I think they're better off trying to add good-very good role players as opposed to hoping to land Dwight Howard. I just don't see Dwight choosing Brooklyn over the Lakers. Instead, they should get another big, someone such as David West who will become a free agent, and then attempt to grab a guy like Wilson Chandler. If Golden State makes a decent push in the second half, which I doubt, the Nets will also be able to get a middle of the round 1st round pick in this year's draft. Overall, the idea that the Knicks and Nets are soon going to be playing relevant games really excites me. If the season started over right now I could see the Knicks being a 3-5 seed, and the Nets being a 7-8 in the East. Love the idea of a meaningful cross-town rivalry.

I was really happy to see Eminem pick up those awards, and his performance with Rihanna and Dre was fantastic. Speaking as a big fan of his, I wish he would show some personality like he used to. I understand that he has matured in life, but come on, it's not lame to crack a smile every once in a while.

I was really hoping the Knicks would be able to hold onto Gallo, but as they lose these games they are also losing a ton of leverage. Denver knows the New York fans are getting impatient and putting the team in a bad bargaining position. I still say they shouldn't give up all three of Gallo/Chandler/Fields, given the position they are still in, but if that's the deal-breaker they're gonna have to pull the trigger. Like someone mentioned earlier if they don't get Melo they will be outraged. It reminds me a lot of the Cliff Lee situation where everybody just assumed he was coming to New York and then were left shocked when he went elsewhere.

I thought Community was mediocre last night with one exception. The character Magnitude "Pop Pop" was absolutely hysterical. His small little moments throughout the episode were easily my favorite of the night.

I'm watching the Cavs game as well. It's hysterical how it has a "playoff atmosphere" type of feel to it.

Earlier today I was thinking about where Jimmer Fredette could end up in next year's draft. If his stock falls a bit I could see both the Lakers and the Heat looking to draft him. I really hope he winds up playing on a quality team so I can see a lot of him on television, but if he becomes a member of the Heat I guess i'll have to stop liking him. Teams like the Wolves, Kings, & Nets have had top 10 picks for a few years now and most likely will again next year. I think all of those teams have good young cores, but it's hard to see where they would wind up. Sometimes a bunch of top 10 picks in a row works out, like in Atlanta & OKC, but then again there's teams like the Warriors and Clippers who just never seem to get over the hope. I wouldn't be surprised either way if in three years any of teams a) become a legitimate playoff team or b) continue to stay at the bottom of the league.

Steelers 30 - Packers 23 Originally I thought the Packers would win, but now I think Roethlisberger wins yet again on a late drive.

1. Black Swan 2. The Social Network 3. The Fighter 4. Inception 5. Toy Story 3 6. True Grit 7. Shutter Island 8. Get Him to the Greek

There is no doubt in my mind the Yankees will have added a decent-big named pitcher by trading deadline. Right now the most likely candidate is Chris Carpenter, with a long shot being King Felix. The only way I don't see them adding someone is if their young pitchers really step up and Burnett has a big bounce-back year.

I think this Laker team needs to make a big move soon. If they go into the playoffs with this squad it will be very tough for them to get past San Antonio. If they do I would expect Boston or Miami to bounce them in like five games.

Yea I'm extremely optimistic. Rex will get guys to fit the system well, and they'll be around for years to come. It sucks though having to go through another whole year before I get my next battle with Tom Brady and the Patriots. This year has been all sorts of fun, and I was extremely confident if Sanchez touched the ball again we would have won. Hats off to the Steelers though. The Super Bowl will be great, even though a bit depressing for Jet/Bear fans. Right now I'd say Packers take it, but that can change several times before the game starts.

The haters will keep hating, but that was as exciting of a Jet season as I've seen. There isn't a team that could have gone through that playoff schedule. With Sanchez in command they will get a Super Bowl, I'm positive. That kid was a beast in the second half, and shows time and time again he's a big game Quarterback.

The interactions between Michael and Erin are always fantastic. Their celebration of Holly being single literally had me laughing out loud. Community was great too, with several excellent Chang moments.

If the Steelers outplay the Jets Sunday I'll be fine with it. This has been a great year. Although the Jets have ran their mouths about winning a Super Bowl, I wouldn't consider the year a failure given the big wins they've had. Plus, with Ryan and Sanchez at the helm things look very bright for the next several years. That being said, I still expect the win from Gang-Green, and I predict they do get it 24-16. However, nothing will break my heart more than seeing Nick Folk cost this team an opportunity to go to the Super Bowl. Like I said, if the Steelers outplay them so be it...but please God don't let Folk end this run.

The idea that Ben Roethlisberger is better than Peyton Manning and Tom Brady is absolutely insane. He's a great big game quarterback, but come on dude let's be serious, he's nowhere close to those two guys. They are both arguably in the top five quarterbacks of all-time. Right now I don't even consider Ben the best QB in the playoffs...Aaron Rodgers is head and shoulders above the rest. Rodgers just needs to prove that in the big spot.

What I find amazing is that at the beginning of the year Peter King, head writer of Sports ILlustrated, picked Green Bay and Pittsburgh to meet in the Super Bowl. I've had Sports Illustrated for years, and they never seem to get a championship prediction right, especially something as unpredictable as the NFL's Super Bowl (as opposed to the NBA where you know it will come down to a combination of 4 or 5 teams). That being said, I don't think it will ultimately happen. I do think the Packers are going to knock off the Bears, but I won't be surprised if Chicago pulls out the win. As a Jets fan I'm going to be rooting for the Bears because I fear the Packers a bit more. But I'm going to predict the Jets keep this hot streak rolling and beat Pittsburgh something like 17-13. Rex Ryan calls winning in Indy then in New England and then in Pittsburgh "Mission Impossible." That's a great term because that's honestly what it felt like, even as a fan of the team. Now they have us believing it can be done...which would sadly make the possible heart-break even worse.

To add more fuel to this Jets/Pats fire I have a question for you guys. What do you think of Bill Belichick's chances when it comes to getting into the Hall of Fame? I'll be honest as a coach he's absolutely brilliant. He is probably the best coach of this generation. But Spygate seems to be such a glaring problem. As far as cheating goes does it get any worse than what Belichik did? In my books its' far worse than baseball players using Steroids, and as of now it seems they won't be getting into the Hall. Oddly enough though people just don't seem to remember or talk about it anymore, and announcers speak of him as a sure-fire Hall of Famer as if it didn't matter. I don't think that's necessarily fair though.

The Jets pass defense was incredible tonight. They stopped the Pats on multiple third and shorts. I don't like hearing them talk themselves up, but tonight they backed it up! JETS Baby!

JETS BABY!!!! Absolutely incredible!

I watched a great episode of Buffy last night on Netflix. This episode involved Buffy & Cordelia running for Homecoming Queen during Slayerfest 98. Trick was a great side character, and obviously the Mayor was awesome. I think the Mayor goes down as my second or third favorite Big Bad only behind Angelus due to his history with Buffy. Season 3 was a great season. I've only begun rewatching the episodes recently, and I noticed Spike isn't in it yet. Does he return during this season, or does he come back later on?

What I meant to say was that the episode of Dexter would be the one most likely to be spoiled by my synopsis. People who have recently gotten into Dexter or expect to soon may not have seen that episode yet. On the other hand, all the other episodes on the list happened like 5-10 years ago, so it's much less likely they intend on starting to watch the shows soon. If they've watched the series then they've probably already seen those episodes. But yea, after reading what I wrote over again, I guess it would be hard to read it how I meant it to be understood.

I've been re-watching the Sopranos recently, and I'm convinced that it's the best show I've ever seen on television. The other day I watched the episode entitled College, and I sincerely believe its one of the best episodes of anything I've ever seen on television. I figured I'd name some of my other favorite episodes of television, and see what episodes of major shows you guys enjoy. "College" - Sopranos - This is an unbelievable episode of television, its like an excellent short film. Seriously, if you have never seen this show just watch this episode, and you'll love it. "Festivus" - Seinfeld - I absolutely love this episode of Seinfeld. Each of the four characters are involved in fantastic storylines. It is also responsible for creating the Festivus holiday, the Human Fund, Kramer's strike from H&H Bagels, as well as a countless amount of great lines. Frank Costanza's Festivus speech cracks me up every time i see it. "Afternoon Delight" - Arrested Development - Yea, me in the 7 thousand dollar suit is gonna hold the door for someone who doesn't make that it in a week...Come On! Far and away my favorite episode of Arrested Development. "Becoming Part 2" - Buffy the Vampire Slayer - Buffy is one of those shows that I loved both in my childhood and when I got older. I've always been a bigger fan of the earlier seasons, with this one being my favorite episode. The battle between Angel and Buffy is absolutely compelling. "Casino Night" - The Office - Casino Night in the Office displays how great this show can be as a comedy and a drama. In this episode we see the climax of the romantic Jim/Pam storyline as well as the hysterical Michael/Toby relationship. "Hello, Dexter Morgan" - Dexter - This is the newest episode on my list, so it is probably one that most people haven't seen. When Lithgow utters those words it gave me chills. Although the finale had the great twist, this episode involved more interactions between Dexter and his nemesis.

Here are my projections for the playoffs Wild Card Round Baltimore Ravens d. Kansas City Chiefs Indianapolis Colts d. New York Jets New Orleans Saints d. Seattle Seahawks Philadelphia Eagles d. Green Bay Packers Divisional Round Pittsburgh Steelers d. Indianapolis Colts New England Patriots d. Baltimore Ravens New Orleans Saints d. Atlanta Falcons Philadelphia Eagles d. Chicago Bears Conference Championships New England Patriots d. Pittsburgh Steelers Philadelphia Eagles d. New Orleans Saints Super Bowl New England Patriots d. Philadelphia Eagles