Oback Barama's historic nomination of Timothy Geithner at precisely 3 o'clock on an options-expiring Friday afternoon sent the stock market into a massive rally, and cheered American pocketbooks everywhere. (We'll see how the selection of a NY Finance industry insider works of the longer term (see Henry Paulson)).
But even more surprising--and historic (i.e. back-to-back women)--was the choice of Hillary Clinton as Secretary State. Lucky Hillary. She enters at a time when America's international esteem has never been higher. Whether it's France, the Middle East, Asia or Russia, she'll be welcomed with open arms thanks to all the groundwork of the Bush administration and Condolezza Rice.
The real news here, however, is tremendous stroke of luck of one William Jefferson Blythe III, who gets to experience what every man in America has only dreamed about:
"The DO-OVER"
Think for a minute. How many times have you said in conversation, "If only I could go back to College with what I knew now.........I'd be like a God walking the Earth!"
Well, lucky Bill is licking his chops already. And it's a good thing, because he was getting supremely, supremely, bored:
But all that's about to change:
1) Virtually endless supply of free cocktails and high end meals.
2) Increased proximity to "the command center/romantic hideaway" known as the Oval Office
3) Access to literally hundreds of aspiring young political aides who are certain to be star-struck by the twin power of Hillary and Bill.
Oh, to be a fly on the wall when the Clintons were arguing about whether or not to accept the nomination:
H: You know Bill, those White House years weren't the happiest moments in our marriage.
B: I know, I know, but we've been over that. I'm a changed man. Please, pretty please, let me go me back to Washington.
H: Will you'll promise me no scandals while I'm in office?
B: I will do everything in my power not to repeat the same mistakes I made then.
(i.e., if I could go only back and have a DO-OVER).
Stay tuned. It's only a matter of time before the book-makers start laying odds on a White House scandal (seriously) and there will be names attached.
Finally, there is justice in the world. One of the most over-the-top and ridiculous sports figure of the modern era, tennis star, Jimmy Connors, was arrested last night as he attended a college basketball game (UNC/UC-Santa Barbara "the Gauchos"). At first blush, this looks like an impossible accomplishment--they don't even serve lagers at college games. But perhaps you need a little refresher course in some of Mr. Connors' previous behavior:
A classic case of someone who just couldn't leave it on the court.....We'll wait and see what is given as "the reason." But you can be arrested for being a dickhead.
It was almost a perfect day for the Top yesterday. We'll leave aside the soccer (because we know most of you do). As predicted, Ohio State ran right through Michigan, easily covering the 20.5 points.
Stanford should have covered against Cal. They had three chances to score (including a second and 1 on the 1 yard line) in the first half, but could only manage 3 points. An early second half interception was a huge momentum swing and they were done.
And as we said, the Oklahoma game was a track meet, and even though 76 seemed like a lot, somehow, a 65-21 score puts that to rest.
Today, we have perhaps the best NFL line-up of the year. We're half-tempted to predict every game, but we'll focus on the ones we like:
Houston/Cleveland, Over/Under 50.5
What a ratty, meaningless game. Which is exactly our point. Houston is 9-1 against the over and I doubt this will be any different. Quinn has three games under his belt and the horse race will continue under favorable conditions in Cleveland.
Play the over
Atlanta/Carolina, Over/Under 42.5
Carolina is coming off a come from behind victory over Detroit and visits an Atlanta team inclined to run. This is a huge game from a divisional standpoint and I think they will play it close the vest. Carolina is 7-3 on the under. Seems like a 20-17 type of game.
Play the under
Dallas/SF, Dallas at home giving 9.5, Over/under is 46.
This is a tricky one. Dallas has not beaten anyone by more than 9 all year. Was last Sunday's road win at Washington the catalyst. Is this their breakout game?
SF also managed a win (albeit against St. Louis). This isn't my favorite game, but I think you will see ample, ample doses of Frank Gore and Marion Barber and I think the Niners will keep it reasonably close.
SF +9.5, and the under
Indianapolis +2.5 at San Diego, O/U 49
I don't want to say "back up the truck", but the over in this game seems highly probable. Peyton is in mid-season groove. Neither team can stop anyone and both teams can score. And it's in San Diego!
Play the over
Finally, if you are so inclined, there are a number of road and away underdogs (and intriguing over/unders) that could pay handsomely on a mulitple bet, parlay ticket:
KC + 3 (teams going in different directions, KC at home)
NE (I just don't believe in Miami)
NYJ +5.5 (the only unaminous upset pick among the press gurus, but why not take the points!)
Indy +2.5 (any time I can get Indy as an underdog, I'm taking them)
Green Bay +2.5 (and the over at 51.5)
NYG/AZ over 48
So, get all your work done now, send the kids or the girlfriend or the wife to the movies and nestle in for the long haul. It's what Bill would do.
Good Luck and Happy Hunting--
Go Stuff
The Top
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