Palin's remake, Favre's fake...

As the campaign trail nears what seems to be Donner Pass, we're hit with the really important news that the GOP spent $15000.00 to spiff up Sarah Palin for the run for veep. I guess you can put lipstick on a pig, her cosmetics tab alone was over four grand at Nieman Marcus in St. Louis (now there's a fashion hot spot if there ever was one), and the rest must have been spent on hair extensions and stiletto heels from Fredericks of Hollywood. I wonder how much they paid Frances McDormand to teach her that Minnesota accent? Now less than two weeks out, I'll declare it officially over, again. This incident sort of makes that $4000.00 haircut Edwards supposedly got look a little petty. Hey, does anybody out there think these guys are going into their closets for their wardrobes and coiffures? Hell no, sartorial expenses take a huge chunk from those political war chests. Funny, I can't tell if they over spent or under spent in Palin's case.

Brett Favre is embroiled in his biggest beef since the percocet days. New York is all a twitter because Brett spent time on the phone telling Matt Millen and his pals how to beat the Packers. First of all Brett was really pissed when he threw six TD passes in a game, and the New York tabloids had the Mets all over the back page as they were circling in their NL death spiral. Then he tells Peter King the phone call to Millen was , "BS", via text message. During his press conference today the NYC media drilled him for fifteen minutes about his discussion with Millen. He came back finally that he had spoken with him, but it was about hunting. In the end, Harry Potter couldn't help the Lions win on any given Sunday. Packer fans are pissed that he'd diss his old team, and Jets fans are wondering why he isn't learning the new playbook instead of helping somebody beat his old team. If that wouldn't give you a headache, hey, see the team doctor, he might have some...

Cole Hammels will be the pivotal player in the Series. If he can't handle the Devil Rays at least two times, maybe three, the Phillies are history. The youth of Tampa Bay can cause some suspicion, but Philadelphia is not a playoff tested team either. I will stick with the Devil Rays in six, and Longoria as the MVP. Tonight's first at bat for the Devil Rays third baseman will tell a lot.

Colorado at Missouri this weekend, family rivalry, seems like the Buff's aren't quite the cupcake you'd want for homecoming. Missouri is coming off an asss whuppin' by Texas, so if I were a betting man I'd lay the 21 and 1/2...you know Missouri is going to score forty plus, let's call it 48-17...with apologies to certain readers. I know one reader is pulling heavily for Rice to be bowl eligible, Tulane this weekend, a solid maybe...and they still have Army on the menu. Four wins in the bank, I think they'll make it. For the serious gambler, and I'm doing better than the stock market since I started this, Alabama should handle Tennessee giving six and 1/2. Breeder's Cup selections soon. Remember it's now two days, with the distaff side running on Friday.

Went to a High School soccer game this afternoon...friggin' cold...later, biff

Boston justice & hypocrisy...Joba juiced...

You have to love Boston justice. With the Sox being pounded 7-0 the other night, a rather rotund Boston fan in the first row down the first base line decided to remove his shirt and lead some sort of rally cheer in the almost quiet Fenway Park. This is not an uncommon sight in sports all over the country. Okay, some back-bay-bitch called security and the goon squad descended upon him quickly and made him put his shirt back on. They gave him the ejection threat and were back to watching for other improprieties. Shortly after that the Sox famous (ugh!) comeback started. The fan, Nick Melanson, said frig' it, and stripped the shirt off, went into a horrendous dance routine, and warily eyed the security guys. Their response, "Forget it dude, it's working." After the game the phone-whiner has her photograph taken with the XL cheerleader. Bean town hypocrisy at its finest.

While on Boston sports (way too much of that lately), we had another case of "which body part is hurt." We all remember the story about Manny not knowing which knee he needed to have an MRI on during his revolt to leave town. Now the Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo sprains his ankle in a pre-season game, and the obvious question is asked, "Is it the same one you sprained against the Lakers during the playoffs last year?" No chicanery here...he honestly didn't know.

It's one of the biggest nights in Tampa Bay sports history tonight. Not only is the seventh game of the ALCS going on, but one of the worst Sunday night Football games in history will be taking place also; Buccaneers hosting Seattle. No problem, the two venues are twenty-five miles apart...and separated by, what else, Tampa Bay.

Kelly Pavlik was schooled by old man Bernard Hopkins last night. I love it when the old dudes (except Roger Clemens) manhandle much younger opponents.

Joba Cahmberlain was arrested for speeding, DUI and open container last night. Let's see how the rabid NY press treats this incident. I have an inkling that they'll be preaching the "slap on the wrist" philosophy for the young, hard throwing almost matinee-idol Yankee. I'm sure if it had been Jose Reyes or ARod the reportage would be much different. The tabloids missed a shot of one of the all-time back page headlines, JOBA JUICED.

Tonight's dinner includes the tail end of the constant gardener's (Karen) tomatoes and arugula. But that's nothing compared to the fact the lime juice was provided buy one of our own indoor/outdoor trees. Connecticut is not known for citrus tree production. Besides the lime tree, we have an orange, lemon and banana to go with it. In the winter we walk them like a dog on sunny days. This year she's going to try and winter over a banana tree outside. After the first heavy frost she's going to chop it to ground level, and then cover it heavily with mulch. I suggested a layer of plastic or newspaper... a stern no was shot my way. Hey, couldn't we use recycled plastic bags?

Bret Farve, rather clumsily, just led the Jets to an overtime defeat by the lowly Oakland Raiders. It's funny, his drug past (he confused percocet with M & M's for a few years) never seems to come up when they're (endlessly) taking about his consecutive game streak. Some guys have all the luck...

The Devil Rays should win. If they don't the Red Sox will be well ensconced as the grittiest team of the century already. Horrid thought.

Christmas crap is out in the stores! Did I miss Halloween and Thanksgiving?

Coiln Powell, my man...later, biff