connoisseur series500

Alexandra Kosteniuk of Russia

Eagles offered a giant contract to a defensive back who was not impressing them in camp at all. Asante has his money. He's a pretty good corner, but not a great one. He gambles in order to get interceptions. He would be a helpful addition to any team but is definitely not worth the money and cap room he just received.

I would say those two teams are the clear favorites to reach the Super Bowl. Perhaps you see them as overrated because most people view them as locks for the big game. On paper, the Pats are stronger and deeper than they were last year, imo. I recently saw a replay of the Super Bowl on NFL Network and realized that the Giants had to pull that win out of their butts. On the final drive, the Pats had them stuffed, but Manning avoids a sure sack and throws it to a journeyman wideout who makes a miraculous, if not accidental catch as the ball lands on his body and Rodney Harrison contesting it all the way. The Pats were that close to a perfect season. I believe they will lose a game or two this year, but they'll finish with the Lombardi trophy. Of course, we will have to see about injuries, but every team contends with them, and the Pats are very deep.

Also looking to emerge this year are the following who are either young players or who are recent acquisitions: OLB Pierre Woods (starting to emerge) DB Brandon Merriweather (1st round pick in 2007) (should be a factor this year) TE David Thomas (3rd round pick a couple of years ago who was on IR in 2007. Has incredible hands.) DB Fernando Bryant (impressive camp) ILB Victor Hobson (played OLB for the Jets and is starting his fifth season in the league.) RB Lamont Jordan (recently acquired after Raiders released him.) RB Sammie Morris (bounce back from last year on IR) WR Jabar Gaffney (having a terrific camp) WR Chad Jackson (2nd round pick a couple of years ago. Very young player with all the physical tools. Starting to show some maturity.) DB/LB Tank Williams (Belichick has been using him at ILB on special situations requiring coverage) Yes, the Pats are a very deep club again this year.

Here's the skinny on the New England draft picks: (taken from: http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/reiss_pieces/ A snapshot look at the Patriots' draft class and some of the first impressions after watching them through 10 training camp practices: LB Jerod Mayo (1st round) -- Takes control when called upon in sub packages. Shows a little bit of everything a team would want in a linebacker -- power (in rush drills), speed (in 11-on-11 work, covering a RB), and smarts (leading the defense). CB Terrence Wheatley (2nd round) -- Has shown speed and ability to change directions, while not backing down from the challenge of facing Randy Moss. The recent absence of Jason Webster has elevated him to the first unit, and he hasn't backed down. OLB Shawn Crable (3rd round) -- His pure physical presence (6-5, 243) makes him stand out among the crowd, and he's shown up in pass-rush work (several pressures, a deflection) coming off the defensive right side. QB Kevin O'Connell (3rd round) -- Has been the fourth quarterback to take part in drills, but in the limited 11-on-11 full-team work in which he's participated, he's shown signs of promise. CB Jonathan Wilhite (4th round) -- Most recently has been working in the slot and showed up in the kicking game as a gunner at a recent practice. WR/S/KR Matthew Slater (5th round) -- Has seemingly worked more at receiver than safety, and is one of the faster players on the field, which is seen in kickoff return work.

Glad to hear the good news. Keep on vibin'!

Gotta admit that Jim is making a good point here. If music is to sell it has to be played and heard. The masses hear only tunes selected by the media and promoted by big labels. In the old days they used payola, right? Maybe these blogs represent a way to bypass all that.

Nice stuff, Agg. Sometimes I wish I were living farther South than I do.

WGM Pogonina Natalija, Russia, rated 2469

How do you know that BB's blues wasn't the best vehicle for his expression as an artist? Perhaps people threw money because they recognized some genuine art. I guess we're going nowhere on this discussion. We'll let Free tell his point of view if he ever sees this thread.

And I'm not interested in that kind of vapid crap. Again, that's Hannah Montana. At the core of it, artists do what they do because they have to. Hopefully, they can make some cash along the way, but that is secondary. If money becomes the greater impetus, then you get art crap. This is pretty universal. Tell Jim, and Joe, and Randy that they do what they do for money, or because they just don't want to get a real job! I don't think so, Dan. I know Free doesn't do what he does for $. No way, Jose!

Are you telling me, Dan, that people become musicians for financial reasons? Surely this can't be true. As for those who might do so, there's little chance I would be interested in their music. That's Hannah Montana stuff, no?

Sounds fixable anyway.

I am not a musician but I've been an artist in other endeavors. I'm pretty sure that this is not the primary purpose of music, unless you are a pretty vapid musician. The primary purpose of art in general resides in personal issues with the artist himself. Artists make art for themselves. It's great if others end up appreciating it, but we make music, or paint pictures, or write books, or create chess games for ourselves primarily. But then I'm being picky here.

Main thing is that you are okay, Allen. My cd sale still kicks yours in the ass, though, Lowe.

This is the kind of stuff we have to listen to on live chat.

Give us the news of your team in training camp. Rookie LB Jerrod Meyo is raising eyebrows at Pats camp. Who will be the two starters at ILB out of the trio of Bruschi, Victor Hobson, and Meyo? I say Hobson and Bru starts while Meyo starts to make an impact by mid season.

Horror story, Allen. Rx=scary shit. I would tell your doctor and get off that stuff.

Can't believe I have never posted on this thread before, but there's always a first time! I was a big prog rock fan between 1977-1984. Recently, I sold off or gave away all my LPs before I left the States in 1984, and have only now begun to buy back some of my favorite prog rock stuff on cd format. I'm still missing tons of the old stuff, but here are my current favorites. Some of the bands might not be considered prog, but they've got prog elements: Camel Rain Dance (used to have Snow Goose in the old days but don't care as much for that one.) Pink Floyd Animals Wish You Were Here Dark Side Yes Yes Album Close to theEdge Yes Songs Genesis Foxtrot Selling England By the Pound (my favorite Genesis) Lamb Lies Down Trick of the Tail King Crimson Lizard missing a ton of KC here. Used to have all the albums chronologically up to Discipline. UK UK (really dig this one--an old favorite.) Rush 2112 (lots of proggy moments) Jethro Tull Stand Up Benefit Aqualung ok, some proggy and pastoral moments in their music, but they're not quite a prog band. Renaissance Scheherazade Turn of the Cards Ashes are Burning Still missing a ton here as well. If you guys aren't familiar with this wonderful band, then you've got a treat ahead of you. These guys might be my favorite prog rock band of all time. ELP Haven't bought any cds yet. Used to have a ton of these guys but I find that their music doesn't hold up for me as it used to. I've really got to beef up my Crimson collection.

Happy Birthday Chris!

Horrifying story. It could happen to anyone of us. Hope everyone fully recovers soon.

Wastin' your time, dude. Serena digs white guys.

Thanks for sharing, Bruce. We're fully in your corner. Hoping for a good result on 7/28.

To the only fellow who live chats while at work! Happy Birthday mate!

Stupendous Jarrett is still available. I'll take $8 which will cover all shipping costs to US addresses. Can ship abroad but postage would have to be paid.