Another sign that the Apocalypse is upon us

There really isn't much more that needs to be said about this. I don't see how you can be a real football team if your best player is a kicker. A kicker!!!!! A freakin’ kicker!!!!!!!! I hate kickers. It is the most useless position in football. If I was the Czar of College Football, the second thing I would do is eliminate the kicker. (The first would be to make Alabama start every game by spotting the other team 28 points)

I think the player that scores the touchdown should attempt the extra point. As for field goals, you can attempt them if you want, but if you miss, your opponent gets three points and the ball.

Dumbest Idea in the World

Okay, maybe hyperbole isn't the right approach, but can someone please tell me how in the name of God's green Earth a windfall profits tax is going to lower gas prices? I just don't see it. So, I'm supposed to trust the government to give me money that they collect in taxes. Has this ever worked before? What will happen is that the tax will be imposed, corporations will raise the prices they charge to cover the tax, no money will be returned to the people, and we will be right where we are at the moment.

The notion that companies will reduce their prices to get out of paying the tax is completely ludicrous. First off, let's assume that the big oil companies (ExxonMobil, BP, Shell, etc.) directly controlled the price that is charged at the pump. Why would they reduce the price the charge below the price they paid? As crude supply price keeps rising these corporations would lose more money then if they charged higher prices and paid the tax. Of course, this is in the alternate reality that assumes that big oil companies control the price that you as the consumer pay at the pump. The owner of the gas station sets the price at the pump. Yes, the oil companies own some stations, but by and large, small, independent companies that would not fall under this tax own the stations. This would be like charging a profits tax on Proctor & Gamble. P&G sells nothing directly to the consumer, they sell their products to Wal-Mart, Target, or your local grocery store who marks it up and sells it to you. So, how is the profits tax on P&G going to lower prices that you pay for dish detergent?

The real tragedy is that politicians are playing the American public's heartstrings to get votes. Not a big surprise, this is what politicians do. However, a Windfall Profits Tax is essentially and indirect price control and we know how well those worked out the last time.

"Lights Out" Lidge Gets Lit Up

My trip to the Astros/Dodgers game ended with this image. Brad Lidge is not the same since that dinger Albert Pujols hit that monster off him in the NLCS. Watching from behind home plate last night, I think Lidge is overpitching. He is trying to locate the ball too hard. Just sit back and rock it. But what am I saying, as a Redbirds fan, I'm juiced that he has this hangup. I can't wait to see a Lidge/Pujols rematch when the Cards visit next week.

On a positive note, Mrs. Nomar Garciaparra was in attendance last night.

An Auburn Fan Dreams.....

Under the title, "Oh Please, Oh Please Lord, I won't ask for anything ever again," goes this story about Reggie Bush. There are a couple different angles to go with this one. Will it effect Bush's draft stock? What are the implications for the housing market in Houston?

But the sincere hope amongst this orange and blue bib overall wearing Auburn fan is that USC has to forfeit the national title and it goes to Auburn. Is it a long shot? Oh you better believe it. But hey I can dream.