We have a new leader!!!

You've all seen when Hulk Hogan steps into the ring, waves his hand, and then holds it up to his ear for screams and applause, right? Well Rick can pretty much do the same after his performance today. Flat out, he put the Smackdown on us. Unfortunately, I don't know that Rick has as much spare time on his hands as some contenders, which may require us to use our imagination as to what he might post on this blog.

This was one of those days that changes everything. Anyone who chose Georgia Tech lost 15 points, and anyone who picked LSU got at least 16. That's quite a change in things. But there are still days left for yet another turn around (12 games left, so anything can happen). Here are the scores, ending the year for us in 2008:

Rick 123, Giles 103, Kent 103, Troy 92, Alexis and Quinn 86, Ben 71, Judy 69, Jim 66, Scott 62, Lance 61, Steve 60, Marilee 59, Christian 58, Paul 57, Jill 52, Amanda 46, Carma 40, Liz 37, Robbs 20.

So after 22 bowl games so far, I must ask a few questions:
Robbs: Doing ok and then. . .what happened?
Scott: Keep it up! It'd be awesome if you won!
Lance: Right on Scott's heels and poised to come out of nowhere for the win!
Rick: Where is the crystal ball?
Giles: A question, for the purposes of this blog, is defined as the act of asking; interrogation; inquiry; as, to examine by question and answer. Also defined as examination with reference to a decisive result; investigation; specifically, a judicial or official investigation; also, examination under torture.
Kent: Hey, can I have your Zune?
Jimmy: You're doing great -- a speedbump today, but still doing well!
Alexis and Quinn: Your daddies have taught you well!
Judy: Can you tell him to go to bed?
Carma: I'd be in the lead if I were taking Vita-Lea.
Troy: I'm waiting to see how you devised a way to lose and give your points to Jill on this one...
Marilee: Just because you're so nice and can make instant friends with anyone doesn't mean that you should give it all away here!
Steve: Remember when you were laughing at Scott's score?
Liz: Can you let Steve come out and play? Oh, wait, this is Steve's #2.....entry, that is.
Jill: If you're Jill Puffer Parker, I guess I'll cheer for you. But if it's just Jill Parker, well....hey, way to go Liz!

Let's give it up for Lance!!!!

Ladies and gentleman:

Amidst the banter among us football fans, each one professing their undying devotion to their respective team(s), I invite you all to set aside your allegiances, your differences, your opinions, and acknowledge a true fan. Yes, a fan that may not win it all, who may not put that many points on the board, but whose story truly brings tears to our eyes.

Tonight we recognize my brother, Lance. Some of you may remember Lance as the guy who road a Schwinn bike to school. Who later on in life drove a 1980 Rabbit -- WITH A 1985 GTI ENGINE. Yes, many notable accomplishments in his lifetime. But none can hold a candle in comparison with Lance's spectacular rise from the pits of doom to his present score. Please join me as we step into Lance's shoes for just one brief moment and experience the wild ride that we call Lance's Bowlgame Showdown, 2008.

Day 1
A bright and snowy morning. Flakes fall from the sky. The greater Portland area is enveloped in a winter storm. But at the end of the day, it is a calm storm in comparison to Lance's bowl game stats. That's right, Lance is in the red. Negative 10.
Day 5
A crushing blow sends Lance reeling to negative 13. Negative 13!!! We're talking government bailout numbers here, folks!
Day 11
In an amazing turn of events, Lance has risen to 61 points. That's a rise from 18th place all the way to 10th place -- amazing!!!

So, while some of you will undoubtedly choose to continue the status quo of Bowlgame Showdown, we might all just find a place in our hearts for the guy who may not win it all, but will win all of our hearts. Tonight, we forget the scores and all their meaningless hoopla. Tonight we give it up for Lance.

P.S. (thanks for teaching me how to dance. And no, I never did drive the Rabbit above 23MPH in 1st gear) Love, Ben

Pioneer children talked smack as I traveled, and traveled, and traveled

Now that I'm back in football country, I've realized the effect that being in Oregon had on my football bowlgame selections. It's too bad that I didn't make my selections before leaving, but alas, I digress.

Scott Birk is making the comeback of a lifetime. He's pulled ahead of a few folks. That's not saying much, but for going 0-8 to start out, this is probably like the Oklahoma Thunder winning the NBA championship. Rick and Steve are making similar jumps of their own, and Jim and Christian have been turning it on, too.

And Giles, way to go. I really, really hope that you can keep that lead. I'd be really sorry to see you lose it. Losing the lead now would be like grasping defeat from the jaws of victory. (Kudos to my physiologist...er...psychologist. Sorry, it's my stigma that keeps me from seeing the right keys on the keyboard.)

Giles 75, Rick 73, Steve 70, Christian 68, Jim 64, Paul 62, Kent 61, Troy 61, Alexis and Quinn 54, Ben 50, Lance 48, Liz 48, Scott 39, Amanda 36, Judy 36, Marilee 33, Robbs 29, Jill 21, Carma 2

Misery beats Northwestern

Giles (since you believe I single you out whenever I can) do you take that vitamin supplement called '1-a-day'? Because you've been holding the lead for quite some time now, but I think that's a function of there not being many football games on. We've pretty much had 1-a-day (We've had 14 games in the past 10 days. Just as a comparison, we'll have 13 games over the next 3 days.)

So what am I saying? I'm sure it's been a fun ride. But with any roller coaster, you always puke once it ends. Enjoy it while it lasts.



Scores as of the end of the day:

Giles	66
Paul	60
Jim	59
Christian	58
Kent	57
Rick	57
Steve	50
Troy	46
Ben	45
Amanda	41
Liz	38
Lance	35
Robbs	34
Marilee	31
Alexis and Quinn	29
Jill	26
Judy	19
Scott	19
Carma	-3

Papa's are in the lead after the PapaJohn's Bowl

PapaGiles and PapaPaul have risen to the occasion and are leading the pack currently. But the game is tightening up, with PapaGiles never quite able to pull away. I predict it's only a matter of time before he drops back. (Much like his son has been doing lately.)

But a few people have really pulled through! Congrats to Jim, who is coming on strong, the Robbs (aka Shelby as we now know) who are pulling along steadily, and Scott, who has overcome a dismal start to get ahead of my sister Jill (for the purposes of this blog, she's a Parker, not a Puffer). On that note, I think it would be interesting to see average scores of the families involved in this competition (minimum 3 family entries to be considered in the 'family' showdown. ) As said before, Parkers, you get Jill, which is only fair since Puffers are taking Liz and Amanda....and Lance.

Average family scores: Parkers 175/4=43.75, Puffers 370/11=, 33 &4/11ths. So now I know the reason why Butch didn't put in an entry this year, much less Kyle and Rachel.

Here are the individual scores:

Giles	61
Paul	55
Kent	52
Rick	52
Christian	51
Jim	51
Steve	42
Ben	40
Troy	38
Robbs	34
Amanda	34
Liz	30
Lance	27
Marilee	23
Alexis and Quinn	19
Judy	14
Scott	14
Jill	11
Carma	-3

Boys rule!!!

I wasn't the one to notice this, but it was pointed out to me, so I'm runnin' with it. The men are winning this showdown! In fact, the first 8 places belong to men (that's if you count the Robbs as being the highest-placing female representation. Kyle does have a soft side to him, haven't you noticed? Then again, Shelby is probably the only female who is obsessed with football in this contest). And if you don't count the Robbs as the highest-placing female, then it is Amanda (sorry, being totally HOT doesn't get you any points in this showdown. But it does with me!!!). So girls, are you bringing up the rear or what?

By the way, Lance (a.k.a. the ladies' man in high-school) is living up to his name. He's stuck with the females. Scott is down in the cellar out of obligation (you think he wants to burn bridges with females in the ward? Smart thinking Scott, even if it does cost you a win in this showdown!)

Giles	61
Paul	45
Kent	42
Christian	41
Ben	40
Rick	37
Jim	36
Troy	33
Robbs	28
Steve	27
Amanda	27
Alexis and Quinn	19
Lance	19
Marilee	15
Liz	15
Judy	14
Jill	6
Scott	-1
Carma	-3

Puffers on the way up, Parkers on the way down

I gotta say it's a pretty satisfying feeling to see 3 Puffers pull ahead of Troy during the last game. It's appearing that the Parker swagger will backfire, much like that seen in one of Troy Parker's favorite movies (Karate Kid). Down with the Cobra Khan!!!


By the way, tomorrow's game could potentially shake things up...Kent, Steve and Alexis/Quinn were the only ones to choose Northern Illinois to win. Now's the chance to show your spirit before that game changes things.

Two Puffers in the top 5! Go Puffers!!!

Those in the lead should officially watch their backs! Puffers on the loose! We're comin' for ya'!!!

The scores, as of the end of the day on Saturday:

Giles			46
Kent			42
Christian			36
Paul			30
Ben			30
Rick			28
Steve			27
Troy			25
Jim			21
Alexis and Quinn			19
Robbs			13
Amanda			12
Judy			9
Lance			9
Marilee			8
Liz			5
Jill			1
Scott			-6
Carma			-18

Here's the scores

Giles			46
Paul			30
Christian			29
Kent			27
Ben			25
Troy			25
Rick			20
Steve			20
Jim			14
Amanda			12
Judy			9
Robbs			5
Alexis and Quinn			4
Jill			1
Lance			1
Marilee			0
Liz			-2
Scott			-6
Carma			-18

FSU 42, Wiscansen 13

You bottom-dwellers out there can take solace in the fact that we're less than 1/3 of the way through the bowl season so far....after the FSU/Wisconsin game, we're 10 games into a 34-game bowl charade. Way too many games, really.

Liz and Jill demonstrated sheer talent in picking Wisconsin. They narrowly missed losing 15 points each on the game. But a 10-point deficit ain't too bad.

That's about all I know about the scores for now, since Amanda has hijacked the laptop. I think she's checking out some Twilight stuff. As much as I love football, I know when asking a question can put me in the doghouse, and Twilight is one of those times. Troy, do you still have that copy of Die Harder? It's kinda lookin' like a 'guys night out' thing.

Pictured here: My wife hanging out with her Twilight friends, at the Twilight set. I'll include photos of her Twilight shrine next week.Me after I told Amanda Twilight was stupid:

UNC loyalty

My brother-in-law Kent went to UNC. I've never set foot at the place. Never even set foot in the state. But hey, when it's family, you vote family.

So thanks, Kent. And remember, just because they're the Tarheels, it doesn't mean they have to play like like they've got Tar Heels.

That all said, sometimes UNC is just plain too compelling. I mean, sometimes, when you see who the competition is, you've gotta pick UNC!

Scores: Giles 41, Paul 25, Christian 24, Kent 22, Troy 20, Ben 20, Rick 15, Steve 15, Jill 11, Jim 9, Liz 8, Amanda 7, Judy 4, Robbs 0, Alexis/Quinn -1, Lance -4, Marilee -5, Carma -8, Scott -11

Noteable feats this game:

1. UNC's coach calls timeout right when they get the ball (4 minutes left, their last timeout, and they needed the next drive to win the game). Stupid!

2. Robbs move from negative territory to the score of 0. Keep it up!

3. Scott gets his first positive points of the showdown. He's on a roll! No stopping the Birk point machine!!!

Where are the comments you lazy scallywags!!!

I'm putting up this post due to the dismal efforts (collectively) to place comments on the Smackdown page. I can only assume the best, that is, you are a bunch of computer-illiterate loafers (you're being called this by someone who lives in the South). So perhaps if I don't start seeing comments, I'll break my own rules and begin posting comments under your own names. Here are some examples:

Carma: When does Auburn play?

Robbs: Oregon State shoulda been in the Rose Bowl! Safeway is part of the conspiracy!

Giles: I can't understand these rules....I get 5 points for picking the winning team? Where is that in the rules? Where did I put my trifocals? Oh my knee! Oh my other knee!

Amanda: When is somebody going to pick a real mascot? Go Goatmilkers!!! (It rolls right off the tongue)

Steve: Yes, Liz. Of course, Liz. You're always right, Liz.

Scott: . . . . .(sigh). . . .

Troy: Ya know, the SEC does look pretty good. In fact, I think I'm in love with the SEC, the premier conference of the NCAA!!!

Judy: I picked Georgia Tech because they have the most fabulous dance team...a true work of art!!!

Lance: I realize that it's the 4th quarter with 15 seconds to go, but can I change my pick?

Kent: I'm not sorry that I picked Arizona over BYU...why should I be sorry, for that or anything else? Loyalties? Heh!

Scott Birk and Lance Puffer to travel to Washington DC and plead for a Motor City bailout!!!

In the face of a complete meltdown by the Chippewa's in Motor City, Scott Birk and Lance Puffer have agreed to travel to Washington DC and face questioning by Congress. Among the questioning will likely be intense scrutiny over their bowl picks that in many ways could represent us all (BYU? Really?). Scott and Lance, our destinies lie with you. You are our only hope! (Note: Please do not take the Smackdown jet.)

Giles			36
Kent			20
Ben			20
Troy			20
Christian			19
Paul			16
Jill			11
Rick			10
Steve			10
Jim			4
Liz			3
Amanda			2
Alexis and Quinn			-1
Judy			-5
Marilee			-5
Robbs			-6
Carma			-8
Lance			-13
Scott			-20

Notre Dame beats Hawaii? In Hawaii? The WAC is weak!!!

So for those naysayers who talked up BSU, Hawaii, Fresno State..you know, the WAC wannabe's, how do you explain losing to Notre Dame.....at home?

This was one of those games that can change everything. Christian, previously behind by a ways, is now in contention for being the only person to select Notre Dame. (Giles, I think you are beginning to sweat). And Scott, it takes some serious skill to go 0-7. Whereas Lance is taking up the rear for the Puffers. (C'mon, where's the family pride?)

If there's one consolation in this game (for picking the wrong team), it's that now there is another team that looked more foolish than BYU on TV. Here are the scores:

Giles			21
Kent			20
Ben			20
Troy			19
Christian			19
Paul			16
Jill			11
Rick			10
Steve			10
Jim			4
Liz			3
Amanda			2
Judy			-5
Marilee			-5
Alexis and Quinn			-6
Robbs			-6
Carma			-8
Lance			-13
Scott			-20

BSU! BSU! BSU stinks! (click here to see user comments below)

So I was asking my brother Steve why he picked BSU to win...and he said because BSU is so good. I shake my head, why is it that so many people believe the hype? Just because a team is winning doesn't mean they're good! (I cite Ball State and Buffalo as future examples of what I'm talking about). When the only teams you play are losers, it's not to hard to be a winner. So on that note, I leave you with tonight's scores:

Giles			31
Kent			30
Ben			30
Troy			29
Paul			26
Jill			21
Rick			20
Steve			20
Jim			14
Christian			14
Liz			13
Amanda			12
Judy			5
Marilee			5
Alexis and Quinn			4
Robbs			4
Carma			2
Lance			-3
Scott			-10