The Internet Can be Seized and Shut Down by the Govt, If

Does being religious make you a better person?

Or a worse one?   Worst person I ever knew personally was an elderly born-again Christian in a neighborhood I used to live in.  Old guy and his wife would call the town Code Enforcement for every little thing. (Every town has a huge code book - every other property in Anytown,USA has something in violattion)   Once tho, he wanted me to cut an old black walnut tree on my property.  Said the leaves were falling into his little backyard pool. It wasn't a code violation, otherwise he would have dropped a dime on me.   I offered to go up and cut the offending overhanging limbs.  He refuused - because he'd paid a service to cut another tree on his own property, and hey give him a "two for one" price.  Which I didn't know at the time   I heard the noise in the yard one Sat morn,and rushed out.  The tree company was ready to cut. Told me "the owner" gave them permission and paid for it.   I told them NO.  The Christian's wife came over and told me that since they had lived in that house for over 50 years they had the right to cut my tree.   The degenerate in California who kidnapped the 11 year old and kept her for years is a fanatic Christian.   The people who pushed for UIGEA - the law that harassed offshore books regarding using US banks to send withdrawal money - were born-again Christians.  Typically of sneak tactics, they pushed that law thru under cover of an unrelated Port Security bill. &nbs... [More]

USCs QB Mitch Mustain - What is it With This Guy?

Pac 10 longshot winner: UCLA

Being disrespected. Due mainly to crosstown rival USC being picked, as usual, to easily win the P10.   Lindy's and Sporting News has UCLA picked 5 and 6 in P10, I forgot whick mag in what order.   Goldsheet has them as #8 in the league. Two from the bottom.   Altho I still don't see any book that has yet posted odds on the conf championships. I think UCLA will offer a decent price shot, and is likely going to be the only team I bet in any conference,  to upset (I'm not goiing to make a four month long wager on any fave!)   I note that that while the preseasons are all over the Trojans, their pick for second and thrid place is all over the board. Cal.  Oregon. Oregon St. Arizona,   Phil Steele picks UCLA to finish third.  I'm critical of parts of Steele's magazine (tho not hostile to him personally, as one poster here seems to be) but agree with him that UCLA is undervalued.   Let's look first at USC.  3 starters back on Defense. Yes, one is Taylor Mays, safety and maybe one of the best defensive players in the land (sure 1st rounder in last draft, passed on coming out - must really want to win a c'ship!)   And yes, USC has players on bench who could start for many teams.   BUT STILL - the experience is not there. They may be gangbusters at midseason. But by that time they may have already lost a game or two. Like in most years, with far more expience on the O side.   Trojan offen... [More]