Begging Bush to Put Israel on the Front Burner

Warren Christopher, Clinton's Secretary of State, sees an historic opportunity to solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and implores Dubya to seize the day this piece in today's NY Times. Registration Req'd.

Walker clears the air

Think Metros goalkeeper Jonny Walker was upset about being on the club's unprotected list in the MLS expansion draft? Andrew Monfried gives Walker a shot in this interview.

My Top Eleven Movies of the Year

Now I didn't see as many movies in 2004 as I had in past years, but saw enough to pick the wheat from the chaff. With three days left in the year, I plan to see two more movies that may make the cut: Wes Anderson's "The Life Aquatic," and Alexander's Payne's "Sideways."

Here are my top 11 movies from January 1st-December 29th, 2004

11. The Village
Yeah, I know it was a glorified episode of The Twilight Zone, but Ron Howard's kid was terrific, as was William Hurt and M. Night Shamalamadingdong's regular, Joaquin Phoenix. Movies are about being taken to a different place, even if, well, you're here. Nice parable to post-9/11 paranoia.

10. Mean Girls
Adria and I were the two oldest peeps in the theatre on opening night. An 80's-style high school movie written by Tina Fey of SNL. Pre-hysteria Linsday Lohan was great, and it's always nice to see Tim Meadows getting work.

9. Man on Fire
Saw this on Pay-per-view at my in-laws. A great character study by Denzel, who blows his stack when the little girl who warms his heart is kidnapped. The moral: don't go to Mexico City. Ever.

8. Super Size Me
Watching Morgan Spurlock's body turn against him is terrifying, though he does show the guy who eats five Big Macs a day, and is the picture of health. A frightening expose on public school lunch programs.

7. Garden State
Oh, Natalie Portman. So cute, and so so young. Zach Braff is a S. Orange native, so now I can claim him as a neighbor. A smartly written riff on The Graduate, with less adultery.

6. Collateral
Love, love, love that Michael Mann. While I've heard that Jamie Foxx was terrific in Ray, he really impressed me as the cab driver who picks up the wrong fare. LA at night can be a scary place. The moral: don't go to Asian dance clubs after 2am.

5. The Incredibles
Not sure if I buy into Brad Bird's message on saving praise to only those truly special, but the animation, the plot, the evil lair, Elizabeth Pena's voice, and Edna Mode made for a super film.

4. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Finally, this franchise moves away from the candy-colored, to-the-book world of Chris Columbus do the forboding look of Cuaron. The dementors were super, as was the great scene with Harry and Snape in the dark hallway with Snape's wand producing a hypnotic, pulsing light. Shame we're shifting directors again for #4.

3. Farenheit 9/11
Was it gratutious? Yes, but with so much that the Bush administration has to answer for, extremely welcome. Not that it made a bit of difference in November. G-d help us all.

2. Spider Man 2
A sequel that surpassed its orginal. Alfred Molina made for a great villian in this truly character-driven superhero movie. The scene when Peter told Aunt May that he was responsible for Uncle Ben's death, and her reaction, was priceless.

1. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
I'm sure glad that I'm not Charlie Kaufmann. I'm really glad that I get to enjoy his work. An original fantasy about the real crap of failed relationships, with superb acting, editing and effects, pushed this title to the top. I really forgot that Jim Carrey was in this movie, a testament to his acting skills. Mark Ruffalo is great in everything he did this year, including Collateral and 13 Going on 30.

2004 movies I didn't see, that may make this list someday:
Million Dollar Baby, In Good Company, Hero, House of Flying Daggers, Ray, Kill Bill Vol. 2, Bourne Supremacy, Shaun of the Dead, Dodgeball, Team America:World Police, Hidalgo, Before Sunset, Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle.

How to Help Victims of the South Asia Tsunami

This is a time when we reflect on the year almost complete, and the year to come. Thousands and thousands of people are thinking about where their family members are and how they're going to find something to eat.

Please visit Tsunami Help for information on international charities. Please help.

Poor Martian Manhunter

The only member of the Justice League of America without a movie deal.

Could Labor Spat Threaten World Cup Qualification?

Ives Galarcep of ESPN.com surmises a big challenge for US Soccer if they can't get their act in gear with the players association. Also, Sean Wheelock of Fox Sports World recently sat down with player rep Mark Levinstein:

Having a Bad Day?

THESE guys are having a bad day.

Metro 2005 Opening Day Set

The NY Times reports today that the MetroStars will open their 10th season on Saturday, April 2nd vs. expansion team Real Salt Lake. RSL is on the verge of signing former Metro Clint Mathis to their first-year squad. Should make for an interesting opener.

Spanking New at BU

Here's a link to some photos of BU's new Harry Agganis Arena, set to open on 1/3/05 vs. the Golden Gophers of Minnesota. The new place seats 6,300, up from Walter Brown Arena's 3,800, where the Terriers have played since the early 70's. Can't wait for my first trip!

COMMISHKIN Standings, Week 15

With two weeks to go for the inaugural Commishkin Prize, Andy Brown continues to lead the pack. Here's the top ten with 2 weeks to go.

Rank: Player: Fantasy-Pick 'Em-Suicide (Standing for each game), then Commishkin Points earned for each game (x denotes not participating, t denotes tie):
1: Andy Brown: (1-4-t1) 8-13-11.5: 32.5 Points
2: David Cutler: (x-1-t1) 0-16-11.5: 27.5
3: Brian Perkis: (x-2-t1) 0-15-11.5: 26.5
4: Mark Fishkin: (5-3-t11) 4-14-3: 21
5: Dan Fox (x-6-t5) 0-11-8: 19
6: Mike Steele: (x-7-t5) 0-10-8: 18
7: Drew Sumter: (x-t11-t1) 0-5.5-11.5: 17
8: Eric Broder: (6-t11-t9) 3-5.5-5.5: 14
9: Brett Friedman (8-10-t9) 1-7-5.5: 13.5
10: Will Caligiuri (x-5-x): 0-12-0: 12

First Three US Hexagonal Times/Dates Set

Despite a salary dispute between the US Soccer Federation and the US National Team Players Association, the first three dates of the hexagonal have been set:

Wed. Feb. 9 at Trinidad & Tobago at 2:30 pm
Sun. Mar. 27 at Mexico at 1 p.m
Wed. Mar. 30 vs. Guatemala at Legion Field in Birmingham, Ala. at 8pm on ESPN2

The USSF considers the players to be on strike, and is prepared to play the TTO match on 2/9 with "replacement" players, if necessary. Not an ideal way to start the final phase of WC qualifying.

Frank Rich on the Culture War

Why do some members the hate-spewing religious right get air time on the nation's 24-hr cable shows? Because they're louder and more outrageous than their more moderate counterparts, surmises Frank Rich in last Saturday's Times. Reg. Req'd.

US Soccer Readies for the WC 2006 Hexagonal

Last night, the US Men's National Soccer team finished the World Cup 2006 CONCACAF Semifinal qualifying round with a 1-1 draw vs. Jamaica in Columbus. Dallas Forward Eddie Johnson scored for the US, for his 5th goal in three matches this year.

The US won its group handily with a 3-0-3 record, and along with second-place finisher Panama, advances to next year's qualifying finals, along know as "The Hexagonal." Qualifying from other groups were Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, and Trinidad & Tobago.

The top three finishers of the 2005's year-long "Hex" will qualify directly for World Cup 2006 in Germany, and the fourth-place finisher will play the 5th place Asian team in a home-and-away series for a World Cup berth. On paper, the US should have little trouble qualifying for Germany.

The team's record vs. Hex opponents since 2000:
vs. Costa Rica: 3-2-1
vs. Guatemala: 1-0-1
vs. Mexico: 6-1-1
vs. Panama: 1-0-1
vs. Trinidad: 1-0-1
TOTAL: 12-3-5

The US, currently ranked 11th in the world by FIFA, finished its 2004 season with a 8-1-6 record, with the lone loss coming vs. Holland in Amsterdam in February. The US finished the season with a 13-match unbeaten streak. Since 2000, the US record is 45-19-19. The US also has a 29-match unbeaten streak against CONCACAF opponents, dating back to a 0-2 loss in Costa Rica on 9/5/2001.

The schedule for the Hex will be determined next month. The first matchday is February 9th.

COMMISHKIN Standings, Week 10

Andy Brown continues to lead the pack after 10 weeks of Commishkin play. Big jump is from Matt Feldman (+2), big drop is from Charlie Conrad (-2).

This Week (Change from last week): Player: Fantasy-Pick 'Em-Suicide (Standing for each game), then Commishkin Points earned for each game (x denotes not participating, t denotes tie, nc denotes no change):

1 (nc): Andy Brown: (1-6-t1) 8-11-11.5: 30.5 Points

2 (nc): David Cutler: (x-1-t1) 0-16-11.5: 27.5

3 (nc): Brian Perkis: (x-t4-t1) 0-12.5-11.5: 24

4 (+1): Mark Fishkin: (5-3-t11) 4-14-3: 21

5 (-1): Mike Steele: (x-t4-t5) 0-12.5-8: 20.5

6 (nc): Dan Fox: (x-8-t5) 0-9-8: 17

t7 (nc): Drew Sumter: (x-12-t1) 0-5-11.5: 16.5

t7 (+1): Brett Friedman: (8-7-t9) 1-10-5.5: 16.5

9 (+1): Will Caligiuri: (x-2-x) 0-15-0: 15

10 (+1): Eric Broder: (6-11-t9) 3-6-5.5: 14.5

11 (-2): Charlie Conrad: (x-t13-t5) 0-3-8: 11

12 (nc): Susie Fox: (x-t9-t11) 0-7.5-3: 10.5

13 (+1): Steve Scheer: (x-t9-x) 0-7.5-0: 7.5

14 (-1): Rob Shapiro: (2-0-0) 7-0-0: 7

15 (-1): Anthony Palomba: (3-0-0) 6-0-0: 6

16 (nc): "Grande Poobah": (4-x-x) 5-0-0: 5

t17 (nc): Adam Lavinsky: (x-t13-x) 0-3-0: 3

t17 (nc): Adam Tarsitano: (x-x-t11) 0-0-3: 3

t17 (+2): Matt Feldman: (x-t13-x): 0-3-0: 3

t20(-1): Dana Atkinson: (7-x-x): 2-0-0: 2

t20(-1): Kevin West: (x-16-13): 0-1-1: 2

The next Commishkin standings will be published by November 24th.

COMMISHKIN Standings, Week 9

The top three players remain unchanged for the fourth straight week of Commishkin play.Big jump is from Steve Scheer(+2), big drop is from Adam Lavinsky (-4).

This Week (Change from last week): Player: Fantasy-Pick 'Em-Suicide (Standing for each game), then Commishkin Points earned for each game (x denotes not participating, t denotes tie, nc denotes no change):

1 (nc): Andy Brown: (1-t5-t1) 8-11.5-11.5: 31 Points
2 (nc): David Cutler: (x-1-t1) 0-16-11.5: 27.5
3 (nc): Brian Perkis: (x-2-t1) 0-15-11.5: 26.5
4 (+1): Mike Steele: (x-t5-t5) 0-11.5-8: 19.5
5 (-1): Mark Fishkin: (6-4-t11) 3-13-3: 19
6 (-2): Dan Fox: (x-7-t5) 0-10-8: 18
7 (nc): Drew Sumter: (x-12-t1) 0-5-11.5: 16.5
8 (nc): Brett Friedman: (8-8-t9) 1-9-5.5: 15.5
9 (+1): Charlie Conrad: (x-10-t5) 0-7-8: 15
10 (-1): Will Caligiuri: (x-3-x) 0-14-0: 14
11 (nc): Eric Broder: (5-t13-t9) 4-3.5-5.5: 13
12 (nc): Susie Fox: (x-9-t11) 0-8-3: 11
13 (+1): Rob Shapiro: (2-x-x) 7-0-0: 7
t14 (+1): Anthony Palomba: (3-0-0) 6-0-0: 6
t14 (+2): Steve Scheer: (x-11-x) 0-6-0: 6
16 (nc): "Grande Poobah": (4-x-x) 5-0-0: 5
17 (-4): Adam Lavinsky: (x-t13-x) 0-3.5-0: 3.5
18 (nc): Adam Tarsitano: (x-x-t11) 0-0-3: 3
t19 (+1): Dana Atkinson: (7-x-x): 2-0-0: 2
t19 (+1): Matt Feldman: (x-15-x): 0-2-0: 2
t19 (-1): Kevin West: (x-16-13): 0-1-1: 2

The next Commishkin standings will be published by November 17th.

COMMISHKIN Standings, Week 8

The top three players remain unchanged for the third straight week of Commishkin play.
Big jump is from Brett Friedman (+4), big drop are from Conrad, Sue Fox, and Grande Poohbah(-2).

This Week (Change from last week): Player: Fantasy-Pick 'Em-Suicide (Standing for each game), then Commishkin Points earned for each game (x denotes not participating, t denotes tie, nc denotes no change):
1 (nc): Andy Brown: (1-4-t1) 8-13-11.5: 32.5 Points
2 (nc): David Cutler: (x-1-t1) 0-16-11.5: 27.5
3 (nc): Brian Perkis: (x-t4-t1) 0-45.5-11.5: 26
4 (+1): Dan Fox: (x-t5-t5) 0-11.5-8: 19.5
5 (-1): Mike Steele: (x-7-t5) 0-10-8: 18
6 (-1): Mark Fishkin: (6-t5-t11) 3-11.5-3: 17.5
7 (nc): Drew Sumter(x-t11-t1) 0-5-11.5: 16.5
8 (+4): Brett Friedman: (7-t8-t9) 2-8.5-5.5: 16
9 (nc): Will Caligiuri: (x-t2-x) 0-14.5-0: 14.5
10 (-2): Charlie Conrad: (x-t11-t5) 0-5-8: 13
11 (-1): Eric Broder: (5-14-t9) 4-3-5.5: 12.5
12 (-2): Susie Fox: (x-10-t11) 0-7-3: 10
13 (nc): Adam Lavinsky: (x-t8-x) 0-8.5-0: 8.5
14 (+1): Rob Shapiro: (2-x-x) 7-0-0: 7
15 (+2): Anthony Palomba: (3-x-x) 6-0-0: 6
t16 (nc): Steve Scheer: (x-t11-x) 0-5-0: 5
t16 (-2): "Grande Poobah": (4-x-x) 5-0-0: 5
t18 (nc): Adam Tarsitano: (x-x-t11) 0-0-3: 3
t18 (+2): Kevin West: (x-15-13): 0-2-1: 3
t20 (nc): Dana Atkinson: (8-x-x): 1-0-0: 1
t20 (nc): Matt Feldman: (x-16-x): 0-1-0: 1

The next Commishkin standings will be published by November 10th.

COMMISHKIN Standings, Week 7

The top five players remain unchanged for the second straight week of Commishkin play. The Suicide pool concluded this week as all four remaining players' picks went down to defeat.

Big jump is the Commishkin himself (+3), big drop is Brett Friedman (-2).

This Week (Change from last week): Player: Fantasy-Pick 'Em-Suicide (Standing for each game), then Commishkin Points earned for each game (x denotes not participating, t denotes tie, nc denotes no change):

1 (nc): Andy Brown: (1-t4-t1) 8-12-11.5: 31.5 Points

2 (nc): David Cutler: (x-1-t1) 0-16-11.5: 27.5

3 (nc): Brian Perkis: (x-2-t1) 0-15-11.5: 26.5

4 (nc): Mike Steele: (x-t4-t5) 0-12-8: 20

t5 (nc): Dan Fox: (x-7-t5) 0-10-8: 18

t5 (+3): Mark Fishkin: (6-t4-t11) 3-12-3: 18

7 (-1): Drew Sumter(x-t11-t1) 0-5.5-11.5: 17

8 (-1): Charlie Conrad: (x-t9-t5) 0-7.5-8: 15.5

9 (nc): Will Caligiuri: (x-3-x) 0-14-0: 14

t10 (+1): Eric Broder: (5-t14-t9) 4-2.5-5.5: 12

t10 (+1): Susie Fox: (x-8-t11) 0-9-3: 12

12 (-2): Brett Friedman: (7-13-t9) 2-4-5.5: 11.5

13 (nc): Adam Lavinsky: (x-t9-x) 0-7.5-0: 7.5

14 (nc): "Grande Poobah": (2-x-x) 7-0-0: 7

15 (nc): Rob Shapiro: (3-x-x) 6-0-0: 6

16 (+1): Steve Scheer: (x-t11-x) 0-5.5-0: 5.5

17 (-1): Anthony Palomba: (4-x-x) 5-0-0: 5

18 (nc): Adam Tarsitano (x-x-t11) 0-0-3: 3

19 (-1): Matt Feldman: (x-t14-x) 0-2.5-0: 2.5

20 (nc): Kevin West: (x-16-13) 0-1-1: 2

21 (nc): Dana Atkinson: (8-0-0) 1-0-0: 1

The standings will be next updated by November 3rd.

Jon Stewart Throws Down on "Crossfire"

Here's the transcript...

http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0410/15/cf.01.html

Suskind Article in the 10/17 NY Times

Registration is required. Go to www.bugmenot.com toget a username/password if you don't want to registeron your own.

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/10/17/magazine/17BUSH.html?pagewanted=3&oref=login

"Without a Doubt," by Ron Suskind

An excerpt...''You think he's an idiot, don't you?'' I said, no, Ididn't. ''No, you do, all of you do, up and down theWest Coast, the East Coast, a few blocks in southern Manhattan called Wall Street. Let me clue you in. Wedon't care. You see, you're outnumbered 2 to 1 by folks in the big, wide middle of America, busy working people who don't read The New York Times or WashingtonPost or The L.A. Times. And you know what they like? They like the way he walks and the way he points, the way he exudes confidence. They have faith in him. Andwhen you attack him for his malaprops, his jumbled syntax, it's good for us. Because you know what thosefolks don't like? They don't like you!'' In this instance, the final ''you,'' of course, meant the entire "reality-based community."

COMMISHKIN Standings, Week 6

The top five players remain unchanged after six weeks of Commishkin play. Six players took one step up this week, big drop is Anthony Palomba (-3).

This Week (Change from last week): Player: Fantasy-Pick 'Em-Suicide (Standing for each game), then Commishkin Points earned for each game (x denotes not participating, t denotes tie, nc denotes no change):
1 (nc): Andy Brown: (1-t3-t1) 8-13.5-11.5: 33 Points
2 (nc): David Cutler: (x-1-t1) 0-16-11.5: 27.5
3 (nc): Brian Perkis: (x-2-t1) 0-15-11.5: 26.5
4 (nc): Mike Steele: (x-5-t5) 0-12-8: 20
5 (nc): Dan Fox: (x-6-t5) 0-11-8: 19
6 (+1): Drew Sumter: (x-11-t1) 0-6-11.5: 17.5
7 (-1): Charlie Conrad (x-10-t5) 0-7-8: 15
8 (nc): Mark Fishkin: (6-t8-t11) 3-8.5-3: 14.5
9 (+1): Will Caligiuri: (x-t3-x) 0-13.5-0: 13.5
10 (-1): Brett Friedman: (7-12-t9) 2-5-5.5: 12.5
t11 (nc): Eric Broder: (5-15-t9) 4-2-5.5: 11.5
t11 (+1): Susie Fox: (x-t8-t1) 0-8.5-3: 11.5
13 (nc): Adam Lavinsky: (x-7-x) 0-10-0: 10
14 (+1): "Grande Poobah": (2-x-x) 7-0-0: 7
15 (+1): Rob Shapiro: (3-x-x) 6-0-0: 6
16 (-3): Anthony Palomba: (4-x-x) 5-0-0: 5
17 (nc): Steve Scheer: (x-13-x) 0-4-0: 4
t18 (+1): Matt Feldman(x-14-x) 0-3-0: 3
t18 (nc): Adam Tarsitano: (x-x-t11) 0-0-3: 3
20 (-1): Kevin West: (x-16-13) 0-1-1: 2
21 (nc): Dana Atkinson: (8-0-0) 1-0-0: 1

The standings will be next updated by October 26th.

COMMISHKIN Standings, Week 5

Andy Brown remains on top after five weeks of Commishkin play across three NFL fantasy games, and Dana Atkinson remains in the cellar. Big movers are Dan Fox, Mark Fishkin, and Steve Scheer (+2 in the standings), big drop is Matt Feldman (-2).

This Week (Change from last week): Player: Fantasy-Pick 'Em-Suicide (Standing for each game), then Commishkin Points earned for each game (x denotes not participating, t denotes tie, nc denotes no change):
1 (nc): Andy Brown: (1-t3-t1) 8-13.5-11.5: 33 Points
2 (nc): David Cutler: (x-1-t1) 0-16-11.5: 27.5
3 (-1): Brian Perkis: (x-2-t1) 0-15-11.5: 26.5
4 (nc): Mike Steele: (x-5-t5) 0-12-8: 20
5 (+2): Dan Fox: (x-6-t5) 0-11-8: 19
6 (-1): Charlie Conrad: (x-8-t5) 0-9-8: 17
7 (-1): Drew Sumter (x-12-t1) 0-5-11.5: 16.5
8 (+2): Mark Fishkin: (6-7-t11) 3-10-3: 16
9 (-1): Brett Friedman: (7-t9-t9) 2-7-5.5: 14.5
10 (-1): Will Caligiuri: (x-t3-x) 0-13.5-0: 13.5
11 (nc): Eric Broder: (5-t13-t9) 4-3.5-5.5: 13
12 (-1): Susie Fox: (x-t9-t11) 0-7-3: 10
t13 (+1): Adam Lavinsky: (x-t9-x) 0-7-0: 7
t13 (nc): Anthony Palomba: (2-x-x) 7-0-0: 7
15 (nc): "Grande Poobah": (3-x-x) 6-0-0: 6
16 (nc): Rob Shapiro : (4-x-x) 5-0-0: 5
17 (+2): Steve Scheer: (x-t13-x) 0-3.5-0: 3.5
18 (nc): Adam Tarsitano (x-x-t11) 0-0-3: 3
t19 (-2): Matt Feldman: (x-15-x) 0-2-0: 2
t19 (+1): Kevin West: (x-16-13) 0-1-1: 2
21 (nc): Dana Atkinson: (8-0-0) 1-0-0: 1

The next Commishkin standings will be published no later than October 19th.

COMMISHKIN Standings, Week 4

Andy Brown remains the man to beat after week fourof Commishkin play across three NFL fantasy games, put his lead is slipping. Dana Atkinson remains in the cellar. Big mover is Drew Sumter (+3 in the standings), big drop is Susie Fox (-4).

This Week (Change from last week): Player: Fantasy-Pick 'Em-Suicide (Standing for each game), then Commishkin Points earned for each game (x denotes not participating, t denotes tie):

1 (-): Andy Brown: (1-t3-t1) 8-13-11.5: 32.5 Points

t2 (+1): David Cutler: (x-t1-t1) 0-15.5-11.5: 27

t2 (-): Brian Perkis: ((x-t1-t1) 0-15.5-11.5: 27

4 (-1): Mike Steele: (x-t3-t5) 0-13-8: 21

5 (-): Charlie Conrad: (x-6-t5) 0-11-8: 19

6 (+3): Drew Sumter: (x-t9-t1) 0-6.5-11.5: 18

7 (-2): Dan Fox: (x-t7-t5) 0-9-8: 17

8 (-): Brett Friedman: (7-t9-t9) 2-6.5-5.5: 14

9 (+2): Will Caliguiri: (x-t3-x) 0-13-0: 13

10 (+2): Mark Fishkin: (6-t9-t11) 3-6.5-3: 12.5

t11 (-1): Eric Broder: (5-t14-t9) 4-2.5-5.5: 12

t11 (-4): Susie Fox: (x-t7-t11) 0-9-3: 12

13 (-): Anthony Palomba: (2-x-x) 7-0-0: 7

14 (+1): Adam Lavinsky: (x-t9-x) 6-0-0: 6.5

15 (-1): "Grande Poobah": (3-x-x) 6-0-0: 6

16 (-1): Rob Shapiro : (4-x-x) 5-0-0: 5

17 (-): Matt Feldman: (x-13-x) 0-4-0: 4

18 (-): Adam Tarsitano (x-x-t11) 0-0-3: 3

19 (-): Steve Scheer: (x-t14-x) 0-2.5-0: 2.5

20 (-): Kevin West: (x-16-13) 0-1-1: 2

21 (-): Dana Atkinson: (8-0-0) 1-0-0: 1

The next Commishkin standings will be published no later than October 12th.

COMMISHKIN Standings, Week 3

Andy Brown remains the man to beat after week three of Commishkin play across three NFL fantasy games. Dana Atkinson now occupies the cellar. Big mover is Dan Fox (+4 in the standings), big drop is Steve Scheer (-9).

This Week (Change from last week): Player: Fantasy-Pick 'Em-Suicide (Standing for each game), then Commishkin Points earned for each game (x denotes not participating, t denotes tie):

1 (-): Andy Brown: (1-t1-t1) 8-15-10: 33 Points
2 (+1): Brian Perkis: (x-t1-t1) 0-15-10: 25
t3 (+1): David Cutler: (x-t4-t1) 0-12-10: 22
t3 (+1): Mike Steele: (x-t4-t1) 0-12-10: 22
t5 (-3): Charlie Conrad: (x-t7-t1) 0-9.5-10: 19.5
t5 (+4): Dan Fox: (x-t7-t1) 0-9.5-10: 19.5
7 (-3): Susie Fox: (x-t1-t10) 0-15-3: 18
8 (-4): Brett Friedman: (6-9-t8) 3-8-5.5: 16.5
9 (+1): Drew Sumter: (x-t10-t1) x-5-10: 15
10 (-2): Eric Broder: (5-14-t8) 4-3-5.5: 12.5
11 (-1): Will Caligiuri: (x-t4-x) 0-12-0: 12
12 (+3): Mark Fishkin: (7-t10-t10) 2-5-3: 10
13 (-): Anthony Palomba: (2-x-x) 7-0-0: 7
14 (+2): "Grande Poobah": (3-x-x) 6-0-0: 6
t15 (-2): Adam Lavinsky: (x-t10-x) 0-5-0: 5
t15 (+3): Rob Shapiro : (4-x-x) 5-0-0: 5
17 (-): Matt Feldman: (x-13-x) 0-4-0: 4
18 (+1): Adam Tarsitano (x-x-t10) 0-0-3: 3
t19 (-9): Steve Scheer: (x-15-x) 0-2-0: 2
t19 (-): Kevin West: (x-16-13) 0-1-1: 2
21 (-2): Dana Atkinson: (8-0-0) 1-0-0: 1

The next Commishkin standings will be published no later than October 5th.

High School Reality

Two Blind Brook High School alums are currently starring (?) in two of the top-rated reality series on television:

Twenty-seven year-old Amanda Lawrence (BBHS '95) has survived the first cut on ABC's The Bachelor, Wednesdays at 9pm.

Twenty-six year-old Stacey Rotner (BBHS '96) is in the final fifteen contestants on NBC's The Apprentice, Thursdays at 9pm.

Best of luck to these former Trojans!

COMMISHKIN Standings, Week 2

After week two of Commishkin play across three NFL fantasy games, Andy Brown has taken the lead. Kevin West is now in the cellar. Big mover is Brett Friedman, big drop is the Commishkin himself.

This Week (Change from last week): Player: Fantasy-Pick 'Em-Suicide (Standing for each game), then Commishkin Points earned for each game (x denotes not participating, t denotes tie):

1 (+1): Andy Brown: (2-t6-t1) 7-11-9: 27 Points
2 (+2): Charlie Conrad: (x-2-t1) 0-16-9: 25
3 (-1): Brian Perkis: (x-t3-t1) 0-14-9: 23
t4 (-): David Cutler: (x-t6-t1) 0-11-9: 20
t4 (+4): Mike Steele: (x-t6-t1) 0-11-9: 20
t4 (+7): Brett Friedman: (6-t9-t1) 3-8-9: 20
t4 (-3): Susie Fox: (x-1-t10) 0-17-3: 20
8 (+2): Eric Broder: (4-t12-t1) 5-5-9: 19
9 (+4): Dan Fox: (x-t9-t1) 0-8-9: 17
t10 (-6): Drew Sumter: (x-t12-t1) 0-5-9: 14
t10 (-1): Will Caligiuri: (x-t3-x) 0-14-0: 14
t10 (+4): Steve Scheer: (x-t3-x) 0-14-0: 14
t13 (+4): Anthony Palomba: (1-x-x) 8-0-0: 8
t13 (-1): Adam Lavinsky: (x-t9-x) 0-8-0: 8
15 (-8): Mark Fishkin: (8-15-t10) 1-3-3: 7
16 (+2): "Grande Poobah": (3-x-x) 6-0-0: 6
t17 (-3): Matt Feldman: (x-t12-x) 0-5-0: 5
18 (+2): Rob Shapiro (congrats on your new son!): (5-x-x) 4-0-0: 4
t19 (+2): Dana Atkinson: (7-17-x) 2-1-0: 3
t19 (-3): Adam Tarsitano: (x-x-t10) 0-0-3: 3
t19 (-): Kevin West: (x-16-13) 0-2-1: 3

The next Commishkin standings will be published on September 29th.

Help the Folks Hurt By the Hurricanes

Folks, the Southeastern US has been hit pretty hard by hurricanes Frances and Ivan, and there are more storms on the way. Sending even $25 to the following charities can help the people in need rebuild:

The American Red Cross
American Jewish World Service
Florida Hurricane Relief Fund

Thanks!

COMMISHKIN Standings, Week 1

After the first week of Commishkin play across three NFL fantasy games, Susie Fox leads the pack on the strength of her strong Pick 'Em performance. Dana Atkinson brings up the rear after cellar-dwelling in both Fantasy and Pick 'Em.

Standings
Standing: Player: Fantasy-Pick 'Em-Suicide (Rank for each game), then Commishkin Points earned for each game (x denotes not participating, t denotes tie):

1: Susie Fox: (x-1-t1) 0-17-7.5: 24.5 Points
t2: Andy Brown: (1-t8-t1) 8-8-7.5: 23.5
t2: Brian Perkis: (x-t2-t1) 0-16-7.5: 23.5
t4: Charlie Conrad: (x-t4-t1) 0-12.5-7.5: 20.0
t4: David Cutler: (x-t4-t1) 0-12.5-7.5: 20.0
t4: Drew Sumter: (x-t4-t1) 0-12.5-7.5: 20.0
7: Mark Fishkin: (7-t8-t1) 2-8-7.5: 17.5
8: Mike Steele: (x-t8-t1) 0-8-7.5: 15.5
9: Will Caligiuri: (x-3-x) 0-15-0: 15
10: Eric Broder: (4-16-t1) 5-2-7.5: 14.5
11: Brett Friedman: (6-15-t1) 3-3-7.5: 13.5
12: Adam Lavinsky: (x-t4-x) 0-12.5-0: 12.5
13: Dan Fox: (x-t13-t1) 0-4.5-7.5: 12.0
t14: Matt Feldman: (x-t8-x) 0-8-0: 8.0
t14: Steve Scheer: (x-t8-x) 0-8-0: 8.0
16: Adam Tarsitano: (x-x-t1) 0-0-7.5: 7.5
17: Tony Palomba: (2-x-x) 7-0-0: 7.0
18: "Grande Poobah": (3-x-x) 6-0-0: 6.0
19: Kevin West: (x-t13-13) 0-4.5-1: 5.5
20: Rob Shapiro: (5-x-x) 4-0-0: 4.0
21: Dana Atkinson: (8-17-x) 1-1-0: 2.0

The next Commishkin standings will be published on September 21st.

US Squeaks Out of The Zone with a Point

They... can't... finish.

The US Men's National Team's inability to finish scoring chances nearly cost them this past Wednesday night at the Estadio Rommel Fernandez in Panama City, Panama. Playing before a small but vocal Panamanian crowd, the US squandered chance after chance in the game's first 30 minutes, until the Canaleros switched from a 4-4-2 to a 4-3-3 formation. The extra attacker brought life to the home side, which dominated the World Cup Qualifier throughout the remainder of the match. After a 70th minute Panamanian goal, the US sulked and skittered their way toward their first loss in 26 matches against CONCACAF opponents.

However, Coach Bruce Arena's subbing intuition paid off again as late sub Cobi Jones, in his 163rd appearance with the National team, knocked home a loose ball in the second minute of injury time, to give the US a valuable draw and road point in the qualifying semis. If the US wants to reach Germany 2006, they must find a way to score early in matches, and often. They need to finish their opportunities. It'll only get harder from here.

Come Back Again..

...some other day! Apparently the NYC area survived the RNC convention without a scratch, but the remains of hurricane Frances put a major crimp in the morning's commute. NJ Transit suffered a disabled train between Secaucus & NYC, adding 45 minutes on to a 30-minute morning train ride. The rain also cut off subway service above 42nd Street, and as of 1pm, service was still out or delayed on the A, B, C, D, F, M, N, Q, V, 1/9, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 trains. Boy, if something really bad happens the city, look out.

Well, THAT Happened.

Well, the elephants came and went, messing up a perfectly easy commute for a week. Taking the ferry between Hoboken & W. 38th St. was a nice change of pace, though. What a bizzare time that we live in.

Our Fearless Leader, who skipped out on his service in the Air National Guard, actually has a two-tour war veteran on the ropes for his service record. The NYPD's suspended Habeus Corpus for the week. The Governator had the most memorable line of the week, "girlie men," that Dana Carvey and Kevin Nealon used to ridicule him.

Makes you wonder if we'd better off splitting into two nations: Red America, where it's a bright, uneducated, Jeebus-loving, W-monarchy, sunshiney day every single day, and Blue America: where people actually pay attention to what's going on. Oh well, time for fun down the shore...

21 Ready To Go For First "Commishkin Prize"

Twenty-One NFL fanatics are ready to go for the first-ever "Commishkin" Prize, having entered one or more of three Yahoo! NFL fantasy football games:

-Fantasy Football group: "Heroes of the Gridiron 2004"
-Pro Football Pick' em group: "Psychic Swamis 2004"
-Survival Football group: "Psychic Swamis Suicide '04"

Over the course of the season, the players: Dana Atkinson, Eric Broder, Andy Brown, Will Caligiuri, Charlie Conrad, Dave Cutler, Mark Fishkin, Dan Fox, Susie Fox, Matt Feldman, Brett Friedman, Adam Lavinsky, Anthony Palomba, Brian Perkis, Steve Scheer, Rob Shaprio, Mike Steele, Drew Sumter, Adam Tarsitano, Kevin West, and "Grande Poobah," will be able to follow their combined prognostication prowess on the Kin of Fish blog site. Points/game will be doled out as follows...

Fantasy Football: 8 pts for 1st place, 7 for 2nd, etc.
Pick 'em: 17 pts for 1st, 16 for 2nd, etc.
Survival: 13 pts for 1st, 12 for 2nd, etc.

The player with the most points at the end of the season will win 2 tickets to a 2005 NFL game.

Kickoff is only 8 days away! Enjoy!

Welcome Jessica!

Today at 7:45am, Jessica Anne Broder was born at Stamford Hospital! She weighed 7 lbs. 10 oz. and was 18 inches long! Mom, Dad, and brother Matty are doing great. Congrats to the Broder clan!

What a Wedding!

What a terrific day for Andrew and the newest Mrs. Fishkin, Amy. The happy couple looked smashing, the band was super, and the guests all seemed to have a great time. Kudos to the sisters Korn for their touching Maid of honor speeches. A&A head to Hawaii tomorrow for some deserved R&R. We love you!

The COMMISHKIN Prize

This season, I'm playing 3 NFL Fantasy Games on Yahoo!
-Fantasy Football
-Pick 'Em
-Survival (Suicide) Pool

To increase participation & have a little more fun, I'm putting up the first "Commishkin" Prize: 2 tickets to a 2005 NFL game (your choice of team) to the person that is the greatest pigskin prognosticator.

Here's how it'll work:
For each game, players will receive points for their weekly ranking. i.e. 1st place among 8 teams = 8 pts. 2nd place = 7 pts, Last place= 1 pt. The person with the most points across all three games will be the winner.

Weekly standings will be posted on my little-used blog, The Kin of Fish at http://thekinoffish.blogspot.com/

Obviously, it behooves you to enter as many of the three games as possible. To find out how, send me an email at mfishkin@yahoo.com.

The 2nd Best Time of the Year

Growing up, there was something magical about June 17th. School was out, or almost out. Daylight lasted until nearly 9pm. The Good Humor Man was making his rounds. The sounds in the burbs consisted of sprinklers and kids laughing and playing. All was well in the universe. Short of a mid-October hike in the woods, June 17th would top my list.