The Jeff Dunham Show

I finally had a chance to watch the series premiere of The Jeff Dunham Show tonight on Comedy Central in its last re-airing. In its original airing, it was reported to have broken a ratings record for the network, having the biggest audience for a season premiere in Comedy Central's history at 5.3 million viewers. Jeff Dunham's Christmas special from 2008 still holds the top spot for any Comedy Central telecast.

The first episode incorporated four of his characters in different situations, sort of like the way Chappelle's Show ran (since they made a reference to it, I will, too). The first episode featured Walter and Jeff at a couples therapist, Achmed doing stand-up comedy, Peanut on a date with Brooke Hogan, and Bubba J meeting a man who likes guns and beer. Again, like Chappelle's Show, Dunham introduced the skits first while doing some comedy through the form of ventriloquism.

The whole show flowed smoothly, and the comedy was pretty good. I came in with a really open mind, so I definitely laughed out loud a few times. The thing that bothered me, which I guess had to happen, is when the puppets were standing alone without Dunham's hand in their backs. The puppets still moved, so I am guessing they filmed the scenes with Dunham beforehand and then digitally removed him rather than just animated the characters. It was weird to see them without their puppeteer on screen, however. With the skits created for the show, the characters were able to go outside of their usual roles of just talking, but they still stayed true to their personalities.

While I'm worried about the characters becoming stable with only a stable of seven available right now, maybe this will allow Dunham to try out some new ones and see if they stick. It looks like there should be a lasting audience as long as the material stays good. Finally, take a look at the size of that live audience! I will be looking forward to upcoming episodes of this unique show, which airs new episodes at 9:00 on Thursdays, repeated at 10:30 and various other times throught the week.

Week 7 Football Picks

Totally forgot these until now, but it looks like I'm doing well so far. I was worried about picking so many road teams.

Packers (-9) @ Browns: also Survivor pick

Chargers (-4.5) @ Chiefs

Colts (-13) @ Rams

Vikings (+4.5) @ Steelers

Patriots (-14.5) @ Buccaneers (in London)

Texans (-3) vs. 49ers

Jets (-6) @ Raiders

Bills (+7) @ Panthers

Bengals (-1) vs. Bears

Falcons (+4) @ Cowboys

Dolphins (+6) vs. Saints

Giants (-7) vs. Cardinals

Eagles (-7) @ Redskins

Week 6 Football Picks

This week looks fairly easy, but that's always when they get you. I've been doing uncharacteristically well picking games without the spread, being ahead of most of the pack on three different games, in the running for some prizes.

The Saints get to play both New York teams at home two games in a row with a bye week in between, so it's the Giants' time to visit the Superdome this week. It will be Eli Manning's first game there despite growing up as a football player in Louisiana. The Saints (-3) did better than I expected on defense against the Jets, so I think they will continue their good work this week, despite finally facing an established starter (previously: Stafford, Kolb, Edwards, Sanchez). Drew Brees has gone two weeks without throwing a touchdown, so that obviously has to stop against the Giants injured secondary.

The Jets started 3–0 after beating the Texans, Patriots, and Titans but then lost to the Saints and Dolphins. The latest game likely caused the defense to feel that they need to prove themselves. The Bills are in disarray and it's about time for Terrell Owens to go crazy, which just might happen while he has to face Darrelle Revis on Sunday. It should be a pretty easy road for the Jets (-9.5) if they do in fact get their defense back into its correct form.

Regrettably, it has to be another divisional rivalry for survivor this week. It's a rough week, with few clear good-bad matchups. The Eagles on the road against the Raiders would be the easiest pick, but I already used them against the Chiefs. The Packers are at home against the Lions, but they aren't the laughing-stock of the league this season. That honor falls to the Browns, who won the season's worst game last week 6–3 against the Bills. The Steelers (-14) are going to roll over the Browns, despite Pittsburgh's defensive injuries.

And the rest:

Bengals (-5) vs. Texans: surprisingly good Bengals defense

Packers (-13.5) vs. Lions: another season of big lines for the Lions

Ravens (+3) @ Vikings: it's time for the Vikings to lose a game

Panthers (-3.5) @ Buccaneers: would be a much bigger line in Carolina

Chiefs (+6.5) @ Redskins: so little faith in the Redskins

Rams (+9.5) @ Jaguars: Bulger is back and the Jaguars were shut out last week

Eagles (-14) @ Raiders: the Raiders didn't even come close last week

Seahawks (-3) vs. Cardinals: that home stadium makes a big difference

Patriots (-9.5) vs. Titans: time for Brady to get right against this defense

Falcons (-3.5) vs. Bears: both offense and defense clicking for the Falcons

Broncos (+3.5) @ Chargers: the better team is the underdog on the road

Week 5 Football Picks

A little late and short, but here they are. Forgot to mention that week three won me $80 in my dad's office pool. :)

Browns (+6) @ Bills: questions on both sides of the ball for both teams

Steelers (-10.5) @ Lions: Stafford is out, and Lions look like losers of old

Cowboys (-8.5) @ Chiefs: despite Romo's struggles, this should be a blowout

Vikings (-10) @ Rams: many think this is a trap after the Vikings' short week

Raiders (+15.5) @ Giants: Manning will be limited and Giants back off a little

Eagles (-14.5) vs. Buccaneers: McNabb and Westbrook both back in the lineup

Panthers (-3.5) vs. Redskins: time for Panthers to get back on track against terrible team

Bengals (+8.5) @ Ravens: should keep it within a touchdown margin

49ers (-2.5) vs. Falcons: going back and forth on this close game

Broncos (+3) vs. Patriots: looking for the student to beat the mentor

Cardinals (-5.5) vs. Texans: should be a high-scoring game, but maybe only for one side

Seahawks (-.5) vs. Jaguars: great home crowd; Hasselbeck is back

Colts (-3.5) @ Titans: can't see the Titans beating an undefeated team

Jets (-1.5) vs. Dolphins: the wildcat is great and all, but it's Henne's second start.

Survivor pick is the Eagles routing the Buccaneers with all of their weapons in the game for the first time.

NHL preview, Rangers Top 10, Week 4

My NHL Eastern Conference standings prediction:

1. Capitals - solid forwads, Varlamov/Theodore tandem nice

2. Penguins - can't make it to the top in regular season

3. Bruins - will start slow, Thomas falls back a bit

4. Devils - How do they do it? Brodeur is back

5. Rangers - Gaborik, Lundqvist, and Staal lead the crew

6. Senators - rid of Heatley, counting on Leclaire and Kovalev

7. Hurricanes - just have a feeling Ward will do well

8. Panthers - young players are coming around

9. Sabres - Miller not quite strong enough. but Olympics starter

10. Lightning - still unproven in net and on defense

11. Flyers - goaltending issues and too many "depth" players

12. Canadiens - what a traveshamockery; midgets on top line

13. Maple Leafs - just toughnesss won't make the playoffs

14. Islanders - more decent goalies than proven good forwards

15. Thrashers - hope they play well early and Kovalchuk signs

Ten members of the New York Rangers were on the Late Show w/ David Letterman on Wednesday night to present the Top 10 List of Things Never Before Spoken By a Hockey Player.

10. Instead of fighting, why don't we work things out over brunch? (Donald Brashear)

9. Between you and me, I have no idea what the hell icing is. (Dan Girardi)

8. What this team needs is a skating kitty. (Marian Gaborik)

7. I really wish these fans would watch their language (Brandon Dubinsky)

6. High scorer gets to pick which Barbara Streisand CD we listen to on the bus (Chris Drury)

5. Forget all the goals and the awards, Gordie Howe has one nice looking butt. (Marc Staal)

4. For good luck, I lick the puck. (Christopher Higgins)

3. My real dream is to work at an insurance company. (Ryan Callahan)

2. Who could concentrate on hockey when Jennifer Aniston still hasn't found love? (Henrik Lundqvist)

1. I wish Letterman was on at ten. (Sean Avery)

I like numbers four, seven, and eight the best. Staal, Lundqvist, and Avery did the best delivering the lines, along with Higgins and Dubinsky doing a good job. Kitty! I'm guessing number three is an inside joke to the show that I missed, and number one is related to Jay Leno. Avery should have been given a better one!

The week four Survivor pick is the New York Giants on the road against the Kansas City Chiefs. Coming off of a road shutout, the Giants are facing an even weaker team. While I don't expect back-t0-back shutouts, they should also be able to cover the spread of 8.5. For the rest:

Lions (+10) @ Bears: line so big when Lions showed they can play

Bengals (-5.5) @ Browns: the Browns are pathetic and line should be bigger

Seahawks (+10.5) @ Colts: surprised by how well Seneca Wallace played last week

Ravens (+2) @ Patriots: could go either way, but choosing defense

Redskins (-7) vs. Buccaneers: battle of underachievers

Titans (-3) @ Jaguars: no chance the Titans go to 0–4

Raiders (+9) @ Texans: no reason to trust the Texans defense, so high-scoring

Dolphins (+2) vs. Bills: not feeling good about this one with no Pennington

Saints (-7) vs. Jets: would have gone with the Jets, but two cornerbacks injured

Broncos (+3) vs. Cowboys: only for home-field advantage

49ers (-9.5) vs. Rams: Gore out, but 49ers will be upset about last-second loss last week

Chargers (+6.5) @ Steelers: probably decided by a field goal; Polamalu trying to play

Packers (+3.5) @ Vikings: Rodgers wants to beat his old mentor

Pacing break!,

Week 3 Football Picks

The Jets and Giants play at the same time this week due to Yom Kippur. The Jets were originally scheduled for the late afternoon, but people would not get home before sunset. The Yankees-Red Sox was also move to 1:00 for this reason. I'm taking the Titans (+3) over the Jets because their defense needs to get back on track. Kerry Collins will have a hard time throwing against Darrelle Revis, but he is a smart quarterback with good running backs behind him. The Giants (-7) should take care of the Buccaneers fairly easily. Derrick Ward has not done anything to emerge as the clear number-one RB and Byron Leftwich is only serviceable.

For the survivor pick this week, I go against my own rules and pick an in-division matchup, as the Ravens should blow away the Browns. I'm also taking the Ravens (-13) against the spread. Their rushing game and defense is dominating, as expected. They might even be able to knock Brady Quinn out of the game in favor of Derek Anderson. For the rest of the picks:

Lions (+6.5) vs. Redskins: good chance to break the losing streak with Redskins struggling

Rams (+6.5) vs. Packers: injuries to Packers should make this close; Packers win outright

49ers (+6.5) @ Vikings: 49ers have played well and could win this one behind Frank Gore

Patriots (-4.5) vs. Falcons: Patriots will definitely be out to avenge last week's close loss

Eagles (-9) vs. Chiefs: Michael Vick is back and the Chiefs are a mess

Texans (-3.5) vs. Jaguars: surprised this line is so low as the Texans should roll

Saints (-4) @ Bills: the Saints' traveling offensive show continues

Bears (-1) @ Seahawks: starting quarterback Matt Hasselbeck out for the Seahawks

Steelers (-4.5) @ Bengals: Steelers have looked shaky, but should be in top form in division

Broncos (+2.5) @ Raiders: Raiders looked awful in a win last week, especiall JaMarcus Russell

Chargers (-6.5) vs. Dolphins: very shaky on this one, as the Dolphins could actually win

Colts (+1) @ Cardinals: also could go either way, but Peyton Manning performs in primetime

Panthers (+10) @ Cowboys: should be close with Cowboys winning outright

First football Sunday

To lead off the day's action that is important to me, the Jets were in Houston to face the Texans. I was very pleased with the way the team played, and they convinced a skeptical fan. I did not expect Rex Ryan's tough defense to show up this early, especially with two key players suspended and against one of the top offenses in the NFL. However, the Texans went the whole first half without scoring.

After a three-and-out on their first drive, the Jets offense got down to business in their second drive. The team looked very inconsistent, except on third downs, when Mark Sanchez went 3–4 for 43 yards, setting a tone for a good day on third downs. The only incompletion led to a Jay Feely field goal.

Two offensive drives later for the Texans, it looked like they were rolling towards their first points. Just after entering the red zone, Steve Slaton fumbled at the end of an 18-yard rush when Mike DeVito put his helmet on the ball. On the ensuing drive for the Jets, Chansi Stuckey had one reception for 20 yards and a second reception for 30 yards when he was left wide open for a touchdown; both of these receptions were on, you guessed it, third down.

On the Jets first drive of the second half, Sanchez was 4–4 and both Thomas Jones and Leon Washington ran the ball, with Jones picking up the one-yard touchdown run. After a couple of punts, for some reason, the Texans thought it would be a good idea to go for it on 4th and 2 at their own 49 with just under four minutes left in the fourth quarter. An incomplete pass by Matt Schaub meant that the Jets got the ball, but they went three-and-out.

Sanchez's only big mistake of the game came in the early fourth quarter when he threw an interception to John Busing. Busing fumbled as he was getting tackled, but Dominique Barber picked up the ball and ran 48 yards for the touchdown. The Jets quickly recovered on their next possession: Keller had a 40-yard reception and Jones ran 38 yards for a touchdown. After lining up in victory formation at the end of the game, Sanchez first gave the ball to the referee, then realized he might want to keep it as a memento. 24–7

The Giants game at home against the Redskins seemed to be very similar, as Eli Manning was also throwing for conversions on third downs and the scoring started with a Lawrence Tynes field goal on the first drive. After a long rush by Clinton Portis to start the Redskins offense, Antwaan Randle El was sacked on a play where he should have thrown the ball away after receiving the toss from the quarterback. That stalled the Redskins on their first drive.

The Giants then drove down to the three-yard line and gave the ball to Brandon Jacobs on 3rd and 1 after failing to convert with Ahmad Bradshaw on the first drive. The first quarter ended with no gain, and the second quarter opened the same way, as Jacobs and the offensive line again failed on fourth down. The Redskins only gained three yards, which left the Giants in good field position after the punt. Manning made two completions on third down, the second going to Mario Manningham who avoided tacklers and racked up yards after the catch on a 30-yard touchdown reception.

The defense and special teams ruled the rest of the quarter. Corey Webster intercepted Jason Campbell, keeping his feet inbounds on the sideline. Andre Carter sacked Manning and forced a fumble. Osi Umenyiora made his presence felt in his first game back from injury sacking and forcing and recovering a fumble from Campbell and taking the ball into the endzone. The two-minute drill worked well for the Redskins, but it looked like they would only get a field goal before halftime. However, punter and holder Hunter Smith easily ran the ball in for a touchdown on a fake field goal attempt.

DeAngelo Hall intercepted Manning on the fourth series of the second half, running the ball back to the Giants' 11-yard line. It looked like the Reskins had that one play that would swing the momentum in their favor, but the defense held strong and Shaun Suisham kicked a field goal, and the Giants then answered with two straight drives that ended in Tynes field goals. The Redskins had a little over three minutes left to score 13 points and only used half of that time to score a touchdown on a pass to Chris Cooley, but they could not recover the onisde kick, which meant the Giants could use the victory formation. 23–17

Both teams were shaky against midde-of-the-pack teams, but that can be attributed to the first week of the season. They also showed the reasons why they can be considered good teams this year. The Jets have a tough schedule in the next few weeks while the Giants have it easier after the Cowboys in week two.

Personally, I am still alive with both of my suicide/survivor picks, Saints over Lions and Ravens over Chiefs. I did not do so well picking against the spread in week one, but I was not very confident in my picks. Thanks to Drew Brees for giving me over 60 points in a fantasy football league that awards half of a point for each pass completion and six points for a touchdown pass (Brees had six). No Adrian Peterson love for me, since I did not have a high pick in any league.