Andrew in CA

Yeah, for sure. I did not think Locke would be taken off the island this quickly. Also, I did not see Christian Shepard coming- I thought Alpert, or possibly Abaddon. A little more on the smoke monster was nice, but I'm still perplexed by what went down with Rousseau and crew- were they sick? Were they lying about the monster being a security system? Or was Robert trying to kill her to save his own life? This whole season is moving very quickly, and I for one am loving it. It's more gripping than ever, and I can't wait for next week.

The question is whether Birk would agree to a short deal like that. It would be an admission that his career is near completion, already having 11 years under his belt. If the price is right, though, this would be ideal, esp. if would is going to be there in the 3rd.

I love 677- they've got great sushi, too. Beast steak in Albany. McGuire's on Lark and State is a great place, too.

I was staying at my friend's ranch in Argentina, about an hour and a half west of Buenos Aires- he raises cows, chicken, and sheep there. His extended family was coming over, so they killed a lamb- strung it up, bled it out, the whole 9. We ate lamb, chicken, and sausage, with potatoes and homemade bread, and all the Malbec you could drink. For dessert, dulce de leche, pastries, and Dulce de membrillo with cheese. It's goin to take a lot to top that for me.

They are definitely the most talented team in the nation, but you always need some luck to make it through the Frozen Four.

For me, it's like hockey- you've got to see it live before you can really love it. I grew up going to hockey games, but didn't get a chance to see a professional soccer game until 2005, when I was in London and saw Chelsea play. It was riveting. Now, I don't totally follow it, but will definitely watch it if it's on.

Cornell just had an ugly, ugly weekend. However, they will be fine to make the tourney, and easily get an at large if they don't win the ECAC tourney. Good matchup coming up against Princeton this weekend.

Well, that was embarrassing for BC. A good 1st period, aside from Sneep's boneheaded move to allow a goal, was the only time it was even interesting. Muse was horrendous, clearly, but credit still goes to NU for a strong PP and keeping BC down while they continued to build their lead. I missed the first game, which was much more exciting from what I've read. That's one of the things I love about the Beanpot- throw the records out, Harvard, with only 5 wins on the year, gave #1 BU a run for their money until the very end. The final next week will be a major must see, and I will finally get to watch BU for the first time this year. As for BC's season, they need to put this totally behind them, stop with the foolish penalties, and get to work. The rest of their season is manageable, and if they don't take advantage, they could be on the outside looking in come April. If the tourney started right now, they would be.

Says the guy that's had an Obama-themed avatar for the last 8 months.

On second thought, you are right re: Minnesota- though they are 4th in the WCHA, their overall record should be enough to keep them in- I thought they were around #15 nationally, not top 10. Though they looked like crap this weekend, it is the only time I've seen them all year, so they are most likely better than I perceive them to be. I don't doubt at all that BU is legit- though they had a down year last year, the talent was clearly there, so I am not surprised whatsoever to see them where they are. They have as good chance as any- if not the best- to make it to DC. Like you said though, you never know with that gauntlet of a tourney. Thanks for the kind words about York and BC, and I would put York and Parker on equal footing as icons of the sport, but I doubt they have a run like last year left in them- they used a lot of good fortune and Nathan Gerbe to make the run that they did. I think they'll make the tourney, and they have the talent to go far this year, but whether they can put it all together, I don't know. Like last year, the talent is there, but I have not seen the will, so to speak. Enjoy the Beanpot, I'll be watching.

BU is certainly the favorite now, especially since they have doormat Harvard to cruise over in the first round. I haven't gotten a chance to see them play- I've probably seen more CCHA games on TV than Hockey East- but from what I read, they are for real. I'm planning on finding the Beanpot somewhere, so I'm excited to see how they look. Also, great finish to last night's Notre Dame- Michigan game. I think Michigan got robbed at the end there, the refs were too quick to blow the whistle, the puck was still loose. That said, Michigan got outplayed solidly for the first 2 periods. Also, Minnesota St. sweeping Minnesota for the first time ever? This will not look good on Minnesota's resume if they are on the bubble in a month.

No doubt, this is gonna be a good one. I thought NU looked primed for its first Beanpot in 20 or so years, but that loss to UMass last nite does not bode well, considering how they dropped off around this time last season. You going to any of the games? I miss that atmosphere...

Game 2 of the #1 Notre Dame- #8 Michigan home and home is just underway... last night's game was enthralling, ND's goalie is one of the best I've ever seen. Plus, the best meaningless tourney in sports, the Beanpot, is underway Monday. I look forward to it every year.

I think there is something to be said for taking pride in your heritage, community, people, etc., which can exclude the actions of your government. In other words, I think you can still take pride in being African even if a majority of African governments either currently or since liberation have not been a source of pride.

Giants- old ( http://newyorkgiants365.com/uploaded_image...lmet-752264.JPG ) new ( http://nineteen69.files.wordpress.com/2008/01/helmet.jpg ) Cardinals- old ( http://www.hollywoodcollectibles.com/autog...rley_Trippi.jpg ) new- ( http://www.schwartzsports.com/images_x/lei...entic-thumb.jpg ) Seahawks- old ( http://www.hollywoodcollectibles.com/Image...seattle_mid.jpg ) new ( http://www.amincousa.com/zcart/images/nfl/nfl-pn-002-14.gif ) have all changed recently.

Definitely, that was one of his most crucial errors. Instead of building off the existing infrastructure of Rhodesia he went on a revenge path, getting all the skilled farmers off the land to give to anybody in Zanu, regardless of whether he was a farmer. I know that the method of liberation was different for Zim and SA, but if Mugabe could've adopted a tone of reconciliation like Mandela would do, Zimbabwe might be a different story altogether.

http://www.mg.co.za/article/2009-01-30-mdc-takes-the-plunge It doesn't look like MDC got any concessions however- I know that their major holdout was control of the police. According to the BBC, they agreed to power sharing, hoping to not be locked out of the process altogether- http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7860161.stm I really doubt this is going to accomplish anything. Until Mugabe dies or relinquishes power, there is no stopping the tailspin Zimbabwe is in. Even then, it might be too late.

I am a huge fan of Laphroig, and Aberlour is a nice balanced single malt. I received a bottle of Talisker 175 Anniversary for Xmas, which I am saving for a special occasion. I've never tried Talisker before. Pretty psyched to crack it soon!

Yes, but Fringe is a JJ Abrams show, so there won't be any conflict there. Also, a spoiler re: Abbadon: I listen to a Lost podcast that originates in Honolulu, so they sometimes witness scenes being filmed. One of the scenes they saw was of Abbadon and a wheelchair-bound Locke in a cemetery, so it is certain that we have not seen the last of Abbadon.

I just like the music.

Personally, I'd include Pigpen as part of "The Grateful Dead", so 2 out of 6. Still, less than half.

Once he stops his disappearing acts in the World Cup, I'll give him some dap.

Nitpicking, I know, but Alpert actually says, "Next time I see you, I won't know you," not the other way around. I don't think he was referring to their meeting when Locke was a child, if that's what you meant.

Well, I don't know about that. I mean, I am pretty sure Hurley is a pivotal character, one with unique traits a la Desmond, but I don't know that the island "wants" him because of his abilities, per se. The island seems to be fine without Desmond, so there must be another reason it demands the Oceanic 6 + Locke. I don't think it is the same abbey where Desmond was- she must be in LA, since that was where Ben was, correct? If that is the case, then she can't be Faraday's mother, because then she would be at Oxford (unless she's on sabbatical or something). My theory re: the British guys- Widmore's people from an earlier time, perhaps pre-Dharma.

I'm certain Hurley can communicate with the dead, making him a pivotal cog a la Desmond (when Daniel said Desmond was unique, Hurley is in the same boat, just with different capabilities). I remember back in season 4 ep. 2 or thereabouts, when Hurley first saw Charlie, and Hurley said, "You can't be here, you're dead!" And Charlie replied, "I am dead. But I am also here. What does that tell you?"