763. Thanks Michael Phelps

A shout out is necessary for an individual who not only display his success as an Olympic swimmer and collector of gold for decades. but also an individual whose DEDICATION and EFFORTS got him there despite all hurdles. Being a swimmer myself (Sam did super well too) I know the work and dedication to be the greatest. I chose a different path, so I didn't really experience Michael Phelps' in full and don't know if that would even had been possible. However, Michael captured my thoughts and inspired me just like I hope he has inspired others in showing that hard work, thinking positive, beliefs, and dedication can get you to your goals whatever they are. Think positive and go to work. Thank you Michael Phelps. I wish you the same or greater success in whatever your pursue now.

697. Get Your 6-packs on the table

I like the new 2015 MLB rules to speed up baseball. I CANNOT watch an entire game! I'm bored after 1 hours and that's only 3 innings! It should be interesting to see the game return to hustle. I'm almost in favor of issuing a softball tournament rule I played in: batter steps in with 3 balls and 2 strikes on him. Well, maybe not for baseball. Heck, a player with a $10M/year salary to play 9 innings, each with about 6 pitches per batter, would get paid $10M for 1/6 of a batting effort, plus the time saved in the field. Heck, the MLB could triple the number of games and his salary will still be over $30M for the year.

Anyway, the games must be sped up. The new rules restricting the time a batter can be out of the box or the time the pitcher has before throwing the ball are steps in the right direction. Now, how about just shooting goals in hockey instead of playing the game? Or having only 5 rounds in a boxing match instead of having to watch the guys/gals dance around for 60% of the rounds? I love playing the games, but hate watching because of the length of them.

687. Patriots by 7

Why am I sitting here today when I could be watching all the Super Bowl hype and advertisements? We need events like this to get people excited about spending money! I don't need further enticement though. All the hype is noise to me. I may turn in to the game in the fourth quarter, and unlike the last Patriot rout, I see a close game in the first half with the patriot strength capitalizing in the second half. I'll predict the Patriots by 7.

677. Thanks Joe Paterno

As said in previous posts, I still do not condone Joe's moral decision on not following up on Sandusky's issues. However, I am thankful that an individual as considerate and dedicated as Joe was has again regained is title as most winningest coach. Joe had done so much for Penn State and deserves this. I am also glad PSU was given an early chance at the bowls again, winning over Bostin College in a squeaker (Pinstripe Bowl). Go State,

403. The Pennstater

I received my alumni magazine today. It's cover was BLACK to the point you could barely see the text. It's theme for this issue's magazine was re the Dark days at Penn State. Would you believe they thought the ENTIRE issue should be dedicated to the Sandusky scandal? Even had his pictures (many) on inside covers smiling at us. This was totally distasteful and unnecessary. I had already dismissed Penn State from the mess when they started to investigate and removed individuals potentially involved in some way, not necessary guilty of anything. So, they started with watering-down the way things got reported or not reported based on some psychologist. Then, not in order, they focused on the positive things Paterno did for Penn State, articles about abuse victims, etc. Well, after months of seeing this on TV, there was NOTHING new. It just REOPENED wounds that had a band aid on and were trying to heal. I had already focused on Penn State as a positive university. It was Sandusky and the individuals that didn't pursue the alleged crimes that were wrong. Let's separate the university which had the policies in place from the culprits who chose not to follow them. A few bad eggs should take down the egg business.

I look forward to reading about the successes throughout Penn State, as well as, their involvement outside the university to help mankind. I enjoy the articles about alumni who became successful and students who excel. Well, this issue was a joke! I did not need a university thinking it needed to teach me something. Maybe they should have had a course once per year for those who ignored the abuse! Not me. No glory in this issue -- only doom and gloom and a feeling that they know something that I don't and were responsible to educate me!                      *** Stop State ***

313. What Do I Think About PSU Scandal?

Penn State has been implicated in one of the most tragic sex scandals I can think of. Jerry Sandusky, a name common around every Penn Stater dinner table re his development of linebackers at Penn State, FINALLY got caught with his pants down literally! What a sleaze bag. I know everyone is innocent until proven guilty, but after reading the actual Grand Jury report re to his case involving 8 young male victims, I am disgusted! To read that he was first investigated in 1998 and NOT prosecuted was even more disturbing, only to then have the District Attorney DISAPPEAR and later assumed and declared dead.

I feel for those who reported the 2002 incident, see this time line article, who maybe THOUGHT the University wouod follow the legal reporting of the incident; namely, McQueary and Paterno. They appear to have followed the University rules and reported the incident to the Athletic Director and V.P. of Finance. It was the latter two who were obligated to report the incident to The University Police and Child Abuse agency (whatever it's called in PA). They did NOT. Thus, the pervert Sandusky victimized other boys.

So, what do I think of the Board of Trustees decision to can both the President, who was also informed AND coach Paterno who's record with Penn State has all been spectacular as a coach and individual? It took only the reading of the Grand Jury report to conclude that the Board made the right decision. I do NOT agree with the way they implemented though. If I had a say, I would have informed Joe Pa first and would have asked him to submit an immediate resignation; he had previously submitted one for the end of the season. I, however, agree that the image of the University had to be the number one consideration; keeping Joe on would have caused continuous negative media hounding that the University could not risk. Sorry Joe. You said it yourself you should have done more. Yes, you should have. I know if I had that position, I certainly wouldn't risk my job across another 3 years by ignoring such a critical abuse. I would have insisted that the University report the incident as required BY LAW! Joe, you made a grave, grave mistake; instead of a hero you became a fool. Sorry. I love you Joe. No one did more and gave a University so much heart than you. But, you have to face the piper when you screw up.

I'll definitely be following this case, not daily for the media is always 99% wrong or ignorrant of the real facts, but to see who else gets implicated. I sincerely believe this might go beyond the university.

I am proud of the Penn State students. Yes, a few rioted over the Joe Pa decision, but a couple of hundred ill-informed students without the details and only angry is a minute percent of the student body. As an alumnus I will be proud to see the "blue out" this Saturday at the Nebraska game in the name of calling attention to abuse. Shorts are on sale for $9.99 where ALL proceeds go to an abuse charity. Penn State Proud. The student body will pull us out of this respectfully. Go State.

312. Go State

Penn State football will get a lift from yesterday's losers: Michigan and Alabama. As a matter of fact, they are holding #12 today. Go State.

308. Sad Night for the Rangers

OUCH! Up 2 in the 9th, the Rangers gave up 2 runs to St. Louis forcing extra innings. After getting 2 runs back in the 10th, they again gave the Cardinals 2 to go into the 11th. There the Cards were since the 9th without any bench players other than pitchers to substitute and they still came through with a HR in 11th to tie the series 3-3. Game 7 tonight. I'm afraid tonight might be the time for Pujohls, I believe 0 for about 17 his last bats, comes alive. I hope not though -- gotta root for the home team. Go Rangers.

285. Way to go DILLAS

Just a local cheer for the local baseball team, the Amarillo Dillas, which won its third successive United League championship last night against Edinberg 10-8. The game was fantastic withe the Dillas giving up 4 runs early and even went 5 runs behind until the bottom of the seventh when they let loose. Alberto Cruz, their first baseman, smacked two homers in the game after hitting one the previous night also. I love these games. Every seat is great and two beers for $3.00 is a bargain. Plus, $6 to get into all series games made the Labor Day weekend two cheap nights out. The Dillas won the previous game 13-3.

283. Go State!

YES! Joe Pa starts a Freshman QB, Robert Bolden, and wins 44-14. It could be an interesting 4 years -- 2 Freshman QBs and 2 SO QBs. Youngstown State gave the Lions a challenge the first quarter and even 2Q, but the Nittany Lions blew them out in the second half, giving them one with 44 seconds left in the game. Go State!

184. Rally Upended By Depressing News

The expected rally at the end of the year, despite fairly positive news re unemployment and housing numbers, seemed to be overshadowed by the terrorism, protectionism, and foreign country abandonment of the U.S. Now you and I would realize this and the reasons why, but it continues to seem that the O making decisions wants to continue to play Chicago bully against the equals where diplomatic relationships can work, but a forgiving mommy with the terrorists and evil countries where diplomatic relationships won't work. If this isn't a conceived plan to destroy America, what is it? I would love to find something positive to say about O -- and would -- but I can't. And DO get rid of Eric Holder who has the largest skin in the game with Yemen through his legal firm connections. I smell more than one rat. Anyway, back to the market which is now near the falling point. I can't bail out in 2009, but Monday I will take a serious look.

170. Penn State Women's Volleyball #1

Did you see the fantastic Penn State Women's Volleyball Lions kick butt the last three matches of the national championship against Texas. After trailing in matches 0-2, the gals came on strong to win the last 3 matches to claim their third consecutive national championship and finish the year undefeated. They now hold the record for most consecutive match wins of 102 -- last lost match was in 2007. Way to go ladies. Read more here.

153. Get Serious - The Congress Bowl

Doesn't the government control enough? Now they want to control the college bowl games! See this for details.

142. Good Job Lions

Like all the other games the Lions came on in the second half after a dismal first half. But, we'll take the 42-14 victory over Michigan State. Clark had 4 TD passes. Suhey starred again with some good runs and a TD pass reception on top of his always excellent blocking. Looks like the Capital One Bowl or Outback Bowl for the Nittany Lions.

134. Roar

We Are Penn State. Another scary come-from-behind game. Down 10-0, the Lions woke with 24 unanswered points and ended the game a winner 31-20 against Indiana.

Tomorrow its the Steelers vs. Bengals, Cowboy vs. Packers, and Bromcos vs. Redskins. Surely the Broncos will get back on the win schedule. Steelers should be victorious and I'll predict a very, very close Cowboy win over Packers.

131. Meow, Meow Lions

The Lion meows after a 24-7 loss to Ohio State. Did they do anything right? Play calling sucked, defensive corners were terrible, safeties were sitting on their cans, Clark thought he was a cannon instead of a target rifle, Royster thought he was a Franco Harris and tried running always to the middle. Only little 182 lb. Zug showed some spunk, as did Boone who saved a touchdown making a tackle on about the Penn State 40 yard line on the runner who received his punt on their 3 yard line. OS was just too fast for the linebackers. Back to school!

116. Broncos Pull Up Lame; Boys slay Seahawks

While the Broncos pulled up lame after a 30-7 beating from the Ravens, the Cowboys rounded up and devoured the Seahawks 38-17. Loss number 1 for the Broncos -- soon to be 2 when the Steelers show up at Mile High Monday , November 9th (Steelers had a bye this week).

112. We Are!

We Are Penn State...and a very nice victory over Northwestern 34-13. However, the first half was not only lackluster for the Lions, but scary. The defense didn't show up until the second half when Odrick,Crawford, and Lee unloaded. Clark (71% completions and 274 yards) and the offense followed suit with great offensive line blocking, super running by both Royster (another 123 yards) and Beachum, and exceptional pass receiving by Moye. Plus, if you were looking at the hidden stars, you would have noticed Suhey cleaning the lanes for Royster. Let's hope all the remaining games are like the solid second half.

Today: Broncos behind at the moment, Cowboys are up, and the Steelers off.

103. Yeah Team

As the Broncos rest their hooves this week, the Steelers got a break in the last 2 minutes on an Favre interception when Peterson missed an easy one and the ball relected into a Steeler's hands for an 80+ yard interception TD. Steelers 27 - Vikings 17. I din't watch much of the Cowboy game, but they appear to have walked over Atlanta 37-21.

101. Roar Lions Roar

Convincing 35-10 victory at Michigan. The Lions were solid on both Offense and Defense. Clark threw 4 TD passes, Royster ran for another 100 yards+. Offensive line has improved greatly. And who can ignore the linebackers. Bowman was spectacular. Safeties also made important plays. Fight on State.