Aqua Teen Terror Force

Two men were arrested today in connection for their part in a "hoax terror campaign" that left millions fearing for their lives in Boston...except this "hoax terror campaign" was a promotion for the upcoming Aqua Teen Hunger Force movie. And the hoax was a magnetic sign of everyone's favorite (well, everyone not in government) Mooninites, placed in a position to give the maximum number of people passing by the finger. Oh, what's more, the signs had been up for three weeks previous to this, but only caused this level of fury now--which signifies two things: 1. the publicity campaign did not work too well and 2. people are pretty retarded when it comes to things like this.

C'mon Boston. I didn't see three-week old warnings posted onto the World Trade Center of a boxy looking thing giving America the finger. Then I could understand the reaction this garnered. But this? This is ridiculous. Honestly, I'm ashamed to be an American right now. Out of all the things that have happened to possibly shame me the most, this takes the cake, and if people know me, they should know I never use a phrase like "this takes the cake." But I did, because I am outraged.

Even my mother turned to me, earlier in the day, laughing and saying "doesn't this show how paranoid we are?" My mother laughing, my mother who when there is an electrical storm and the power is knocked out, wonders if its terrorists in the neighborhood. Even she thought this was ridiculous. Boston mobilized bomb squads, shut down subways, damn. What's the point of actually setting bombs, if you could put up a Mooninite and cause the same level of damage. A perfectly non-violent way of destroying America.

Now, the promotional company is at some fault. They probably should have informed the city of their intentions, just to make sure it was kosher--and the hanging wires out of the device probably didn't help their cause too much, but still. Aqua Teen Terror Force? Nah, I don't think so. Where was the stoner kid who could have saved the day by informing them of who these signs were supposed to represent? Probably at home watching re-runs of AQHF.

So. How does this relate to Sports Investing? Well, since you ask, there is a tendency to get freaked out at certain news, and to change the status quo. For example. Golden State was on the road against Cleveland, the other day, and Lebron was injured. A lot of people placed big money on Golden State, even though Golden State was a terrible road team and the Cavaliers were one of the league's better home teams. I stuck to my guns, placed a normal wager on Cleveland, and the Lebron-less Cavaliers won by 20, easy and done--money in my pocket. You see, Cleveland is 8-2 without Lebron. One man does not make a team, and the trend, no matter what was being said on the news, was too great to ignore.

Other examples are good news coming out, and the individual raising the amount of money they place bets with, ultimately to ruin--or maybe not, but most likely yes. No. Listen to the news, it's just more information to use, but stick to your money management system, stick to your plan, stick to your status quo. When you see news like this, well, my guess your only action would be to cancel a road trip to Boston because of all the people freaking out...and that's about it. You're better than that. That's what Sports Gamblers do. You're a Sports Investor. Chill out. Relax. Watch all the people go crazy...and laugh. And remember, stay sharp, play smart.

Maverick Showdown

The NBA is all abuzz about the Phoenix Suns, winners of 18 straight before losing to Minnesota a couple days ago. Nash for a third MVP, Amare healthy, six great players on one team all working together under their on/off the court general, this is their time, this is their year...

Except for one Lone Star team standing in their way, before they can even dream of making it to the final round of the NBA playoffs. The fourth team covered in our ongoing profiles of possible championship teams is the Dallas Mavericks, the only team to beat the Phoenix Suns twice this year (2 out of 2, on November 9th and December 28th...but what if this is Phoenix laying a trap? Doubt it...highly doubt it...).

Similar to the Suns, or at least constructed to take on any team at any time, they are undoubtedly my favorite to win the whole thing this year, due to the fact that they essentially have the same team who won the championship last year--oh, sorry, lost to Dwayne Wade and the refs last year, just kidding. Until there is a new champion, though, people will be saying that until they are blue in the face, but for a good reason--so it doesn't happen again.

Anyway, the Mavericks are able to dictate every game they play. They have a deep bench. Sure they lost some locker room presence in the off-season, but they were able to replace this with several key reserve players, like young Croshere or the old D. George. Plus, winning produces all the locker room cohesion a team can ever need, and this team is winning. They have defenders to guard their hoop (Dampier and Diop), speed players to run the court (Harris), two experienced warriors in Stackhouse and Terry, and then to top it all off, Dirk--one of the top 5 players in the league, easy.

It's like the last scene in Maverick, the movie. Everyone shows a hand one better than the previous guy, culminating in Mel Gibson's famous scene--no, not his drunken rant, but in the movie, which I won't spoil...entirely. Listen, the hero wins, you don't need a movie critic to tell you that, it's pretty obvious. Anyway, that's Dirk, the guy who completes your hand and makes it, potentially, unbeatable.

Then there is Coach Avery Johnson, who is young still, so he still has all the fire of a coach with a great squad, hungry to win--the whole organization is hungry, from owner Marc Cuban all the way down to the people who run the snack stand (sorry, bad joke). But the fact remains, there is no letdown in this team. Able to rattle off huge win streaks, win at home (17-3) or away (16-6), they bring it every night.

They have lost only one game to a sub-.500 team (true, Phoenix has lost none...but they are equal to the Mavs in preparation and heart). There is no relaxation here. Tops in most of the categories, the one area of concern is assists (26th in the league.) That stat is a little misleading, as they are capable of great ball movement, but play a certain style of game that isn't conducive to the Steve Nash type of assist machine--and hey, if it ain't broke, don't fix it, and this machine can run. They average more points in every quarter VS their opponents this year, and you don't need a statistician to tell you that when that happens, wins happen.

It's easy to see the Mavericks are going to go far this year, the only question is how far, and a Suns-Mavericks best of seven will be one for the ages--but hey, you don't need me to tell you that. You know this team is quality.

The next team I plan on covering is the Pistons, as they are quite the interesting team. Look for that in a week or so. Stay sharp, play smart.

Flyers, possibly flying?

Well, here we are, post-All Star break, and this is exactly the time I said the Flyers had to show up. Their season is over, but are they gonna try and win a few games? Or put away the skates, and I thought these guys would have some pride.

They beat the Atlanta Thrashers, one of the better teams, 2-1. Their ten game losing streak snapped. I had sent a pick out to the guys at Power Position Betting, showing some good research in Philly's favor, but they all said it was too risky. I had to agree, I mean, the Flyers are terrible. I didn't bet on them, but I should have--oh man, I should have. Oh well. How many stories do you hear like that? Not interesting...NEXT!

All I have to say though, is that I said this in our newsletter from January, I repeated it on this blog, and hopefully it happens. And not just for me, because of course I'm money, but for the Philly fans. Seriously. They deserve a winning streak right about now. C'mon Flyers, don't play like a bunch of asses. Sports Investors, I repeat, keep your eyes open. Still a very risky play, here, but let's stay aware...

Sports Investing VS. Sports Gambling

I hate to pull a Jeff Foxworthy--or, truth be told, steal his act--but it's time to once again go over differences between Sports Investing and Sports Gambling. This may end up becoming a semi-regular blog entry, maybe even a newsletter article, so we might as well have some fun with it. Here we go. Let's do... Seven this week. Lucky number seven...

1. If you are frothing at the mouth, cursing at the heavens, beating holes in the walls of your apartment, just because it's halftime and the Cleveland Cavaliers are down to the 76ers by 16 points at halftime, and that dime you dropped is gone, gone, gone...

Well, you might be a Sports Gambler then. But if you casually turn on the television as you slip into bed, watch the highlights, relax, see that the Cavaliers won by 8 points--as if there was any doubt--well, that's what we call Sports Investing.

2. If you lose a game, see a crazy line and double your usual wager on the off hand chance that if this hits, you'll be up higher than what you would have been if you never lost in the first place, well my friends, that's Sports Gambling. If you're into Sports Investing, you swallow any bitterness and stick to your money management system, no matter what.

3. If you can't sleep at night because the Charlotte Bobcats were on the road in Denver earlier, +500 on the money line and you had a strong feeling they would win--but, it's Iverson and Anthony, so it was just too risky, even to take the points. Then, the Bobcats win by 4 and now all you can think of is your failure to win all that money...well, that's Sports Gambling. Sports Investing, on the other hand, turns that game into more grist for the mill. The game becomes more information to take into consideration. You'll get it in the long run.

4. Sports Gambling is represented by a person who bets on six, seven game parlays, with prop bets thrown in and some other crazy jive, betting 100 dollars to win 14 gazillion. Right, good wager there. If you keep a slow and steady approach, however, and research each game, stay away from any sucker bets, and keep things as simple as possible--well then, friends, you are a part of Sports Investing.

5. If you bet 10,000 dollars on one of the few mortal locks in the sports wagering universe, Roger Federer against a tough kid named Gonzalez, all to win a hundred dollars...that is Sports Gambling. A wager like that goes against all the principles of Sports Investing. A wager like that is the exact opposite of steady growth, an extraordinary risk to gain a small monetary sum--even if the game was a lock, it's never worth taking part in that kind of action.

6. Sticking with tennis, if you bet a boat load just because you think Maria Sharapova is hot, once again, this is Sports Gambling. If you did your research, saw Serena Williams' play the last couple of weeks, recognized the passion, the desire to win again, and then you bet accordingly on what turned out to be a dominant performance dedicated to a sister no longer on this earth-- always a strong push for athletes--then that is Sports Investing. And of course, you downloaded pictures of Sharapova afterward...because she is hot.

And finally...

7. If you are willing to bet another boat load on the Super Bowl according to a simulation done by the Madden video game, you are Sports Gambling through and through, my friend. But if you, once again, do your research, keep your mindset slow and steady--and, if nothing really sticks out at you, avoid wagering in the first place, then you are the epitome of Sports Investing.

Remember, just because it's the Super Bowl doesn't mean you have to put money on it. One game doesn't make or break a person--or, it shouldn't. If it does, then you're Sports Gambling ass better get Power Position Betting's product that's all about Sports Investing, because gambling like that is no way to go through life, my friends.

And as always, stay sharp, play smart.

Roddick, Cuban, and Randomness

Andy Roddick claimed that he really felt he had bridged the gap between him and Federer. Maybe that's true. Who knows. I just know Evil Knievel wouldn't try to jump that gap, no matter if you gave him all the money that Marc Cuban has...

Speaking of Cuban, I was watching ESPN with the Positioning Group crew, doing the monthly audio CD our members should be receiving shortly, when up flashed an interview between Cuban and...someone not important, evidently. Doesn't matter, the appearance of Cuban must have put everything else out of mind. He has aged four hundred years in the span of a month or two, drugs, alcohol, late night partying with the Donald? Who knows. Maybe he should take a break from basketball, get some shut eye. Something. Dude, you're a billionaire. Relax.

Seriously. It reminded me of the Picture of Dorian Gray. Not a pretty picture.

Marty Brodeur keeps on chugging along, nine shutouts now. You know what's great? In my fantasy hockey draft--yes, I have a fantasy hockey team. I know, no, really, I know. Trust me, I have a girlfriend. I have a life. Sort of. Anyway, my friend was doing his first ever fantasy draft for hockey, I knew he was a Devils fan, and since he was drafting behind me, I let him take Marty. Why not, give the kid a break. I end up with Jonathan Cheechoo, not bad, not bad--I knew he was overrated, but I love the name. Cheechoo.

9 shutouts. 30 wins. See what happens when I'm nice? And I don't care that I'm in first place. I should be in, uber first place.

I like how I spend hundreds of dollars in football fantasy, the sport I'm best in, but consistently finish last, meanwhile I'm raking up baseball, hockey, and basketball leagues for paltry sums of money. It's what you call...intelligence.

Like what Chris Harris, Bears safety has--sure, just goofing around, but words spoken in jest, well, are still words. When you say, "hey, it's on tape, if we go to the super bowl, he's coming." Harris, man, you're on public access television, why, why would you ever promise that? To make good television? Nobody watches that crap, man. Well, at least the guy, Bryan Lange, got a pity ticket from some brokerage firm, so it all works out.

Of course, one must realize I would say, and then do the same exact thing in that situation. Me and you Harris, WE BELIEVE!

Are Bears fans holding those signs up, those signs that saturated every baseball stadium come playoff time? Because, well, that's about the only thing Bears fans can do. You know you can't trust in Grossman, you can't love Rex--until after the fact--and you can't expect him to do anything but lose the game from a statistical point of view, so what's left but belief. Well, Rex, I believe, I really do. This was the National League's year to win the World Series, and this is the NFC's year to win the Super Bowl. I don't care about numbers, all I care about is my belief.

Of course, I won't take action on those beliefs. Hey, I'm a modern man over here.

Maybe I will. How do you like them apples.

It is ridiculous how much information is available in this day and age. Incredible. And most people don't look for it, just like in the old days. See, the problem in the old days was that there wasn't enough information, it was a lot of work to find it. Now there is too much, and there is even more work to wade through all the bullshit. It's best to let someone do it for you, I guess, and so in that regard, I advise everyone to go to www.powerpositionbetting.com, it's just a sales letter, for now, but it's people who look for trends and info for you, and recommend wagers. If you like it, rock it. If not, hey, I gotta show love to the hand that feeds me, right?

Let me relay a story. I was so confident that Serena Williams was going to win, I told my friend I was betting on her. "Dude," he says, "If you bet on woman's tennis, you officially lose your testicles. Gone. Done. Over." And I actually thought about that, and was like...hmm...maybe he has a point. After all, what do I know of woman's tennis? Or tennis in general...

Fast-forward to 6-1, 6-2 domination, and all I said to my friend, "Hey, who needs 155 bucks? I still have my balls." He just nodded, said, "yeah. Balls are nice."

These are my friends.

I would like to take this time, tucked away way at the bottom of this post, to announce a new venture. In addition to chronicling various possible NBA champions this year (so far I've gone over, briefly, the Jazz, Cavaliers, and Suns), in addition to a new column I will be doing comparing Sports Investing to Sports Gambling, I will be working on a book detailing my rise--or fall--in the Sports Investing world. Beginning with 500, I am going to go over, in some detail, my various wagers and chronicle what happens. The goal is to start from this small sum, and to build, well, as much as possible, obviously. Along the way I hope to show various money-management strategies, the various research that goes into making a solid pick, the trials and tribulations, the times I fail to pull the trigger (working with a small bank roll is tough, in this way)...

Hopefully it works out nice. Well, until I yargle again, good luck and good night.

A-Rod, the Cursed Nickname

Hey ya'll, so, Nadal is out down under, not only out but hurt, so...Federer, easy cruise to victory? Not so fast, you have to get past the surging American, under the inspiring tutelage ofhall of famer Jimmy Connors, a former up-and-coming star who is back, bigger, stronger than ever, the one, the only...America's tennis pride...A-Rod! AROD! A...

Um, isn't he that baseball player who chokes in big games? Isn't he that tennis player who chokes in big games? Though to be fair, Roddick has at least won a grand slam title. Not to worry, I'm sure the Yankees will get one sooner or later with Arod at third, will that be enough to change the perception of him? Depends. A lot also depends on this tennis match coming up. Can Andy Roddick beat Roger Federer, when it counts? When the stakes are huge? After learning from one of the legends of tennis, can he do it?

Or will he choke?

This begs the question, what is with the nickname Arod? Here are two modern athletes of considerable skill in their respective sport, admired--sort of, by ladies and men and fans--and respected, sort of. But both have a habit of not winning the big one, like a curse that attaches to one's self, a shadow of suckitude. Is this a coincidence? There has to be some story, right? Some Greek fable, some god influencing human events to bring about two great athletes, cursed with his name and his luck. Is there?

You betcha. And the story goes a little something like this.

A long time ago, after the Olympians, led by Zeus, overthrew the Titans, a young man of twenty years or so dreamed of one day becoming as strong as Cronus, or Oceanus, Hyperion, Themis, Eros, before the Romans turned him into an insipid Cupid, or perhaps even Atlas, who led the Titans in the great battle for rule of the earth, punished specially in defeat, forced to hold the entire world on his back. This young man, nameless, watched the Titans fall, banished from the world to Tartarus, a deep-dark void, beneath even the Underworld.

This young man watched the Titans fall, from a safe distance of course, and one day, against the urgings of his fellow men, ventured forth to find Atlas. Small, inconsequential, drunk on their victory, the Olympians did not spy this mortal man approaching their defeated foe. The young man called out to Atlas, and perhaps dreaming of a revenge plot, Atlas granted the young man as much strength as his mortal body could hold. The young man, the strongest man in the world now, thanked Atlas and returned home, where he showed off his muscles with feats of great daring. The gods on top of Olympias, still drunk, finally took notice of him, but only as a frog takes notice of a gnat.

Wherever he went, people marveled in wonder, and he told them all his name--Arod, a short name, of strength, of power, of glory. All the mortal world began to talk of this Arod, swelling his head, calling him the strongest man by far, stronger than any cyclops, stronger than, perhaps, the gods themselves. This is when the gods took notice, but first a game of patience. Sure that this mortal had gained his strength from Atlas during their drunken celebration, they waited to see what this Arod would do with it...and what he wanted to do was to get even stronger.

Everyone exhorted him not to go, to be happy with his strength, to do great deeds for the peoples of the world and to work as one, as a team--but Arod, thirsting for even more strength--for he was just a mortal before, what power could this body hold? So he went down into the void, trying to break his way into Tartarus, where the other Titans were imprisoned, to gain their power when the gods struck with great vengeance, and cursed him, saying that he could retain the strength granted to him by Atlas, but when the situation arose when he most needed it, his strength would do him no good as he failed miserably at his task.

Following this pronouncement, Arod found himself in a far-green country, rolling fields and great trees rising from the earth. Traveling near a village, he heard cries of panic, pleas for help, when the villagers spied him, Arod, a man who they had seen previously uprooting those great trees and throwing them for miles. Word got out that Arod was here, and there was great cheer. A young girl, one of the prettiest in all the land, had been involved in a terrible accident, and if Arod did not help, she would die. Trapped by a fallen tree, one not even as big as Arod had been tossing around, all he had to do was lift it.

But when he grabbed it, his muscles bulged, veins popped out, but the tree did not move. The cries of the distressed maiden grew fainter, and the puzzled looks of the villagers angrier. For here was Arod, strongest in the land, and now he couldn't lift a tree half the size of what earlier in the day he was throwing for miles? What insanity was this? Who was he kidding? And as the maiden died, pleading for rescue no more, the villagers threw sticks and stones at Arod, breaking his spirit as he retreated into a dark hole in the earth, alone. The strongest man in the world at his time, but when it came time to save an innocent, he couldn't lift a little log.

Is this to be Andy Roddick's fate? Now, obviously Federer is well, Federer, and Andy Roddick no where near the greatest or strongest player in the world--but regardless, he could go down in history as just another Arod, and tonight, in just a couple hours, he can change all that. It'll be almost 4 o'clock here on the east coast when the match begins, but you better believe I'll be watching, because I want Andy to save that girl.

I want him to be a hero again.

Super Bowl Time

All right, after going 4-0 basing my picks on entertainment value, I went 1-1 last weekend, choosing to buck an 0-9 trend (when dome teams play outdoors in the championship game), all because of the entertainment quality that would have been a Saints-Colts showdown. But Bears and Colts is a good match up, right?

Well...it certainly is interesting. The Colts are an exciting team, and watching Manning either fail or succeed (right now, seems to be a coin flip situation to me) will be equally rewarding. Hester? Here's hoping you do something special, kid. Bears special teams have been ridiculous all season long, now is the time to step up. And Grossman? You can always pencil him in for a play that makes you go ooh, and a play that makes you go WTF!?

So it should be fun. The country will be watching, let's hope for a good show, let's hope for some hot wings, chips and dip, beer, pigs in blankets, fries, burgers, steaks, onion rings, loads of gravy, mashed potatoes, broccoli--smothered in grease and suffocated in cheese--let's hope for good times for all, a good game to watch, good commercials, and good laughs.

Oh, and all those ridiculous bets too. We'll be going into more detail, obviously, but for now, let's just hope it's fun.

Positioning Group Salutes the Bears and Colts

Well, everything went according to plan this weekend, and it sets up a great Super Bowl. Congratulations are due for both the Bears and the Colts, and for any of our members looking over this blog, our audio cd will be sent out soon, breaking down the big game and going over several other important topics. So stay tuned for that, and for all of us here, we can't wait till Feb. 4th.

Weed Water Bottles and NFL Head Coaches

Did anyone see SNL tonight? The Weekend Update segment about Mike Vick was hilarious, and I wholeheartedly recommend everyone to go on youtube and find it...because it is so true. Also, isn't it strange that as soon as the Falcons are without a head coach, here comes marijuana and their star QB combining to make a story. It's like a kid going off to college, without the direct influence of his father at home, pulling some ridiculous stunt like trying to smuggle a tiny bit of marijuana onto a plane (to borrow SNL's joke, smuggling an illegal substance by hiding it within another illegal substance). Where was the thought? Where was the logic?

Anyway, I want to make quick mention of two head coach signings, one good, one bad.

The Cardinals got the perfect coach, and this time next year, everyone is going to be calling Ken Whizenhunt the new Eric Mangini. All the offensive pieces are in place in Arizona except for the one key component--offensive line. This is what Whizenhunt will look to fix immediately, by any means necessary, he will improve the O-Line. You improve the O-Line, and just watch the fireworks explode. Then, in the great tradition of the Steel Curtain (though I am not suggesting any sort of replica in the desert), the Cardinals D is going to start showing up as well and the whole team will improve.

The converse of this logic is that, sort of like the Madden Curse where the athlete will follow his appearance on the cover with a terrible injury-plagued year, the Arizona Cardinals are a cursed franchise and the team that experts across the country, including yours truly, tab to be the new Cinderellas (again), will implode worse than that Bears game I was able to watch in person, thanks to the Positioning Group.

It's a great stadium out there, the fans are thirsty, and Ken Whizenhunt is a great choice to raise a good team out of the desert sand. Finally, right?

Then, on the other hand, you have the Dolphins. I know I started off this coaches talk by saying one signing was good and the other bad, but let me retract that statement a bit. I was just a little surprised. Nothing about Cam Cameron screams, NFL coach. Sure, he was the offensive coordinator for the Chargers. Um, hand the ball off to Tomlinson, win the game. I think I could handle those duties. He had a pretty bad collegiate career, and I mean, being with Marty these last few years, do you think Marty's luck has rubbed off? We speak of the Cardinals being cursed, but what about Marty?

Still, he seems like the kind of coach that is able to weasel his way into the organization, to work with everybody, to be relatively popular with the players, to make his team show up on Sundays...I just don;t see big things for him as a coach or for the team. Maybe they'll go 8-8, maybe they'll make playoffs, but they aren't going far.

That's just the truth.

Now, in about 12 hours or so, we have the Saints VS the Bears, and then, Colts Patriots Round Whatever. I love Colts/Patriots games, and is this the year that Manning pulls out a victory? Is it? I can't stand the wait...

Oh yeah, sleep. Easy way to knock off 8 hours. Will do, this is CollegeBoy saying goodnight and hopes for a great bunch of games tomorrow--though, historically speaking, these championship games usually fizzle more than do any sort of bang, but let's hope for some good, close games. C'mon NFL, you have been great all year long. This is not the time to stop.

Night folks.

Scorching Suns

So far I have done two quick profiles on the Utah Jazz and the Cleveland Cavaliers, on possible NBA championship teams...and now it's time to hit one of the big boys, if not the biggest bully on the block: the Phoenix Suns.

First and most important, there is a stat I need to throw out that I saw on ESPN the other day. The Suns are the only team in the league to have no double-digit losses this year. This is a streak of 39 games, of which only a few teams have had better, the overall streak being in the 40's by one of the Michael Jordan led Bulls teams. ESPN showed 5 or 6 teams with that sort of streak up there, and half of them went on to win championships. That's pretty good odds.

Second, what do you call a two-time MVP winner who comes back with a chip on his shoulder, is having a career, year, who cuts off his hair to look more hardcore (I guess, the Canadian is tired of being the nice guy, because nice guys finish last and he does not want to finish anywhere but on top), and leads his team in some truly inspiring and astounding basketball...

Three-peat, and very possibly, NBA Finals MVP.

This team shows up every night. They are in every game. If you go up 15 on them in the middle of the third quarter, the game is far from over. Amare is back, maybe not 100%, but playing near the level of where he left off, providing a spark for his team as soon as he became the regular starter. Sulking on the bench, Mike Antoni saw that wouldn't work and threw him in and the Suns haven't looked back...who, with Amare patrolling the paint, have a true shot blocker to compliment the pretty good defense of Marion and Bell--and Barbosa ain't too shabby either, and Nash, yeah...he's meaner and is actually playing some all right D too.

Not the greatest D, but better. And their offense is just as good, if not better. They are an absolute joy to watch, unless they happen to be dismantling your favorite team before your bittersweet eyes.

Are the Suns the best team in the league? Maybe, maybe not. That distinction may belong to the Mark Cuban team (who have beaten the Suns twice), who came back this year with a collective chip on their shoulder the size of Dwayne Wade's "fouled" body...but that's in a blog post yet to come.

Can the Suns win this year? Of course. 18-3 at home = huge advantage in a best of seven series. The worry is that they will fade in the latter part of the season and in the playoffs, and while that is cause for concern, conventional wisdom states this is foolish and not enough to doubt the power of this team.

Phoenix has a fitting name for its franchise, for this team is hot, is bright, and is capable of lighting up every team in the league.

Power Position Betting: Hockey News

Hey, been some time since we hit the ice, so let's go for a quick skate around the league. As you may or may not remember, a little while back I, CollegeBoy, stated in this blog that the Devils were looking to be my favorite to win it all--and how did they respond? By going on a 10-1-2 streak, playing some overall great hockey. Marty Brodeur looks like he wants to become the overall shutout leader this season, and while I do not believe that they will maintain this level of play for the rest of the season, honestly, I really like what I see from this group. As long as everyone stays healthy, that is...

One just has to look at Anaheim to see what a big injury can do to a team. Giggy with it pulls a muscle, can't play, and the Ducks go 2-6-2 over the next 10 games. That in itself was a bit of a shock to me, as I thought with the overall skill this team has that if any team could pull out victories without their number one in net, it would be them...but apparently, Giguere is without doubt their MVP--I mean, just look at his numbers. 23-4, with a .217 GAA and a save % of .924, just nasty. 4 shutouts = verrah nice...and when he returns, watch out and bet accordingly.

In a follow-up to my article in the Positioning Group's monthly newsletter, the time for the Flyers to show up this season is now. So far, no good, but after a tough game coming up against Jersey, which they will probably lose, is their chance. It all depends how they play against the Devils. If they can play well, keep it close, that should be enough of a boost to get them going. Or not. Regardless, I will be watching with great interest...

Poor Philly fans, huh? The Flyers are by far, no doubt, the worst team in the league. Can't the sport gods give Philly a break? C'mon, give em a nice winning streak. Do it.

San Jose is playing some great hockey (two goalies capable of winning a big game, always key for a team to make a long run), as are the Canucks (I still have doubts about Luongo carrying them all the way though). These are both two teams that can make it to the finals, though they will not be the favorites by any means. A surprising favorite emerging in the Western Conference is the Nashville Predators who have become the overall number 1 seed and the team with the most points. Great move getting Kariya, huh? And, like the Sharks, the team has two goalies capable of winning the big game. The 4th seed last year, they were pretty much dismantled in the first round by the Sharks, but look for them to get much, much farther this year. Being the number 1 seed and having the best home record in the league = huge advantage. Also, a year of experience will only benefit a team like this, and with only 2 Americans on their roster, hey, can't get any better than that, eh?

Not that there are any overwhelmingly American-led teams in the league...

Some tough luck down in Florida. Sure they win at the collegiate level, but the Dolphins were terrible, the Marlins were eh (but young and growing again, those bas----s), and their hockey team is the only team with double-digit overtime losses, as they languish in last place of the Southeast Division.

Anybody else think Pittsburgh should be higher in the standings? Just wait though, this is a really good situation brewing here, which makes talk of a move all the more disconcerting. Here is an exciting, energetic franchise capable of some electric performances...and yeah, let's move this team out. The excitement is too much for Pittsburgh fans...right...

Lightning, playing much better lately. This is always a scary team to face, if only they had a real solid goalie in net, how scary would they become then... I kind of want them to put in Karri Ramo and see if any of the Romo power from Dallas could transfer...

That's one of the more sillier ideas I've had lately, just to let you know.

All right though. All you hockey fans, keep on watching. There are some great games going on, it's just that sometimes it's so hard to catch a game. So everybody, watch sportscenter's top plays, and the fact that you always see a hockey play on there lately goes to show you something... I'm not saying hockey is back, because it was never really here...but hockey is certainly doing something good, so here's hoping to some more great puck action.

Power Position Betting: Fantasy Football Review/Preview (Podcast)

Join the Positioning Group in a quick review of this year's football fantasy season, as well as taking a look to next year's top draft picks!

Listen to this week's podcast as Pete Masters, James Sharpe, and CollegeBoy argue over next year's top position players. How high should you draft Philip Rivers? How about Reggie Bush? Mike Furrey? T.O.? Stephen Jackson? Vernon Davis? And more...

To submit any questions for our fantasy experts, either send an email to pete@positioninggroup.com or leave a comment to this post.

The key behind a Sports Investors' success is information, and with the PPB Podcast, we are giving you information that will not only help you in your Fantasy leagues, but in your Sports Gambling as well.

CollegeBoy 4-0 and going strong...

It's always nice when the week-end goes along just how you said it would, especially when some of the picks were based on entertainment value, as in who I would prefer to see the following week. It almost feels as if I've stumbled onto a conspiracy over the course of this year, perpetrated by the government and the owners to make the games as exciting as possible to...

Oops. Wrong blog. I thought I was writing in my "CollegeBoy's School of Conspiracy" blog.

So who goes to the Super Bowl, CollegeBoy? Well, my original super bowl pick is still alive, so why change it--the Colts VS Saints. Let's take a quick look though at what happened this weekend, beginning with the NFC.

The Saints were a black wall against the green Eagles, Deuce was Loose and could not be brought to the ground, Bush was amazing, and Brees did just enough. Garcia put up a valiant fight, but that false start penalty just destroyed them and you knew, watching, that Philly was just punched in the gut after that, no hope. The Bears-Seahawks was a great game as well...

Actually, all four games this weekend were well worth the price of admission. Any team could have won their game, all the games decided by less than a touchdown. This was one of the more exciting playoff weekends in recent years, and next weekend is shaping up to be just as good, if not better.

Returning back to the games, Alexander had a few fantastic runs that gashed the vaunted Bears D, but ultimately this game was won by Rex Grossman and a kicker who wasn't even in the league last year. A pair of unlikely heroes for good old Chicago. The Seahawks were unable to finish the game, both at the end of the fourth quarter and in overtime, where they received the ball first. A shanked punt and a 30-yard third-down conversion, and the game was over.

So, why do the Saints win next weekend, on the road, in the cold and wind of Chicago? Because the Saints have a great offense and a defense capable of handling the Bears O. I also just do not trust Grossman to lead the Bears to victory, I just can't. He had a good enough game against Seattle, but I just don't trust him. I know defense wins championships, and while the Bears certainly have the better D, I think it's time for the Saints D to step up and lead the Saints to Miami. With Grossman helping them out, it shouldn't be too hard.

Plus, it also would be much more entertaining to watch the Saints. Now, for the AFC.

The Colts, as the blog has already stated after the game on Saturday, are playing great D and doing just enough on offense to win the game. Manning is clearly having his January issues, but the team is winning and that is the most important thing. Their win over Baltimore was a step in the right direction as they bring home-field back into the equation, and you know how big home-field is for a team like the Colts.

Then there are the Patriots, or, as I should say, the mighty Patriots, the Rocky Balboa of the NFL who take a pounding and just keep on bringing it. Bounces and momentum go their way, it's the way of the world, and we need to get used to that fact. Brady was 27-51, for 280 yards, two touchdowns, but THREE INTERCEPTIONS! Who is he trying to be, Peyton Manning? But still, the Patriots won because they forced four turnovers from a team that gave the ball up fifteen times during the regular season, and they forced them at just the right time. That fourth down interception/fumble that gave the Patriots life? Straight kick to the throat of all San Diego fans. The Patriots weathered the Tomlinson storm as best as they could, then relied on Brady who did what he has always done...win the game.

Now it's Patriots Colts for the super bowl, and knowing New England's track record, knowing the history between these teams, knowing all the trends and streaks that are in play for this game, how can I possibly pick the Colts? Because this is the perfect anti-trend play, as all the factors are in place for a New England collapse at the hands of their arch-enemies, Peyton Manning and his Colts.

New England has always been the somewhat lovable underdog, the team that made all the right moves and played their hearts out. Now there is a ridiculous feud between Belichick and Jets coach Mangini, and word of Patriots players imitating Merriman's dance on the Chargers logo after the game, enough to get Tomlinson--near Buddha like Tomlinson--riled up and ready to fight. Hmm...who does that? Oh yeah, T.O. Not the comparison I think Patriots fans want to see. Throw in Bob Kraft giving one of his super bowl rings to Vladimir Putin, not signing the greatest clutch kicker because of pride (who is now lining up against them, oh please oh please kick the game winner against the Patriots with no time left, oh please...), leaving Brady high and dry, and well, you have an organization just asking to be served a slice of humble pie...

And with Peyton Manning, of all people, serving the pie? That is going to hurt. Like hell.

Of course, the Patriots could win after Vinatieri misses the potential game-winner, and I could then continue to hate them passionately for doing everything right. But I don't think that will happen. According to entertainment value, a Saints-Colts game would be pretty f'in ridiculous by my standards, and I would love to see the show those two would put on.

Oh, and just so everyone knows, I have the Saints winning the whole thing. Been saying that for a month or two now, been saying Saints VS Colts, and here we are, so close to having it happen...

Adam, whoop whoop!

7 field goals between the Colts and Ravens. Five by Adam Vinatieri, the most ridiculous kicker alive. Defense VS defense, and the Colts won out due in large part to the Ravens offense...I wonder...what is Jim Fassel thinking? Told you so, maybe?

That's all right though, it was a well played, tough-nosed game, leaving all the fireworks for prime time in an exciting NFC matchup. 4th and 10...Garcia blitzed, throws it up, to who, where, what, oh damn it's a catch! It's a catch! It's a...a...the first false start penalty of the game against the Eagles? The first false start...you have to be kidding me. I live in Jersey, and I could hear the collective sigh and following curse loud and clear from Philly's direction. If I was a Philly's fan...oh screw it, I have enough misery in my life. I would never be a Philly's fan. Words cannot describe their torment...at least you guys can always watch A.I. fizzle out a great...oh...oops. Sorry, Philly. That's all I can say. Sorry.

In more positive news, CollegeBoy is 2-0...and do I want to change any of my picks for tomorrow? Hell's no. Everybody wants Pats VS Colts, and we're halfway there. C'mon Marty, do what you do best. As for the Bears, I want Rex Grossman to get the Saints into the Super Bowl, so let's go. Do it.

Quick note to Real Madrid: Look, grudges never did anything for the world except prove to America how ugly Donald Trump and Rosie O'Donnell both are...imagine their child? Damn, that would be one ugly baby, inside and outside. Anyway, put Beckham in the lineup and let him bear the full force of the fans displeasure, all the snide remarks from other players, force him into every uncomfortable interview about his leaving for the inferior soccer of the States. What are you thinking of benching him? C'mon Real Madrid, pull your heads out of your ass.

Beckham = 250 million?

I don't usually talk about soccer on this blog, except when it's related to the World Cup (easily the greatest tournament in the world), so maybe the 250 million dollars that the LA Galaxy are paying Beckham is working...except I know better. Or actually, I think this may work. We still have hockey, right?

So 1,000 new season tickets were sold, the club averages 22-23k in a 27k stadium, so expect full sell outs and sell outs on the road for games where Beckham plays, expect to see Beckham in commercials, on TV shows, talk shows, even movies and whatever else LA is willing to do for him...and what I was originally going to say was, just like the grand time of US soccer, when the Cosmo's ruled the streets in the late 70's but then folded when all the big stars brought over from Europe retired, the same is going to happen here--you know, history repeats itself and what not. Except I think things are changing here in America.

Soccer is becoming more acceptable, noticeable, more relevant...and as the US team improves--both men and women--then the mainstream audience will tune in. Soccer is a popular youth sport, the problem being once those youths grow up. Having a star like Beckham around can retain a fan from when he or she was playing soccer as a ten year old...for life. Beckham is one of those stars who can become a true spokesperson for their sport, and with the combined good looks of him and his wife giving everyone in America something to look at, well...who knows. You know what I always say, what the lotto says...anything is possible.

Can America learn to love soccer? Most of me says probably not, but a part of me, the tiny part that still remembers playing soccer on Sunday afternoons...that part of me says hell yeah, bring it on.

Bonds... What a Dick

So let's get this straight. When you, Mr. Barry Bonds, tested positive for steroids, it was because your trainer was giving you them without telling you what they were. Your big head obviously was a result of your ego, and not any performance enhancing drug...all right. Sure.

Now, when you test positive for amphetamines...it's Marc Sweeney's fault. You sir, Mr. Barry Bonds, are a dick. You have always been a dick, so this move only reaffirms your dickness, but now the question becomes...does this dick make the Hall of Fame?

I would say yes, but with an asterisk shaped like a fat-pig-headed dick *()* right next to his name.

Jason Kidd's Abusive Wife

So that time Jason Kidd slapped his wife a few years ago...he was really just trying to protect himself. The clouds have parted and I see the light! Poor Jason Kidd, not only is he stuck on an underachieving team who should be dominating the Eastern Conference (and they will still go on a run, soon, mark my words all you sports investors, and when they do...make sure to hop on board.)...he's also married to a hot wife who beats him.

Poor, poor Jason Kidd.

The only thing I can really say about this, though, is to reaffirm my belief that Jason Kidd is on eof the scariest looking athletes. Seriously. Mike Tyson may say that he will eat your children, Jason Kidd actually will. Chris Kaman is also ridiculous frightening, but he's more of a villain like Jason, Michael Myers, or some other cheesy horror flick. Jason Kidd is pure evil looking, he'll eat your children, spit them out, and eat them again.

I wouldn't mess with Jason Kidd. And if I was married to him, hell, I'd probably would beat the shit out of him too because I'd be confused--as in, why is Satan coming into my bedroom? Get out, Satan! Get out!

Positioning Group Salutes the Florida Gators!

The Positioning Group congratulates the Florida Gators on their National Championship. I see CollegeBoy is still ranting and raving about having a playoff system in place (one of his excuses as to why Ohio State lost, their 51-day layoff was too much, fair, but c'mon)--hey, it'll happen when it will happen. Nothing should get in between Florida and the crown, as this team truly deserves the honor after dismantling the Buckeyes. The Positioning Group had a lot of confidence in this team, and even Ohio State's opening return for a td didn't rattle us. We knew Florida would show up, they did, and everyone is happy. Good night, everyone. Stay sharp, play smart, and celebrate hard...another great college football season has ended.

Power Position Betting Quick Hits WildCard Review

Well, this went almost as expected. Both New York teams out, Colts advancing, and Seattle winning on their home field.

But the actual games were, as always, a different story. Let's start with the Colts. I was saying before the game, though not on the blog because I'm an idiot, that the Colts D should not be slept on. I didn't think Larry Johnson and his five billion carries in the regular season would be able to take on the Colts, not in Indy, not in a wild card game. What I did not expect was that Peyton would throw a complete clunker of a game. I know Ty Law was lining up against him, I know Ty Law owns him, but c'mon, it was the wild card. This is Manning's time to shine--and I know, hey, what about that game against the Jets, believe me I didn't forget, but that was away. In the dome, it is Manning's home. So what does this mean for next week? Will the Ravens smack him in the mouth? Smack him back to the television screen where hundreds of commercials, half idiotic versions of him, play almost non-stop?

The trend would say yes, but it may be anti-trend time, and I actually expect Manning to handle the Ravens D all right. I think the Colts pull out with a victory next week.

J-E-T-S time. The team completely fell apart after Vince Wilfork recovered the backward pass that turned into a fumble. I fell apart too, watching the game, because I knew it was over. Not that I actually thought we would win, but because we were keeping it close, and if you keep things close in any sports...hey, you never know. So now the Pats are off for San Diego, where team officials are making it illegal basically to sell a ticket to a Pats fan, and what can we expect there? The Chargers have a great D, the Tomlinson factor, and Antonio Gates. The Pats have...um...Tom Brady. But the Pats have the better coach, and they will pull out a win from the rookie Rivers and the perennially frustrated Marty.

Because that would set up Pats VS Colts, in Indy...and who doesn't want to see that game.

Might as well start with the Blue men, feeling a bit blue. They tie the game, but give the other team just enough time to win the game. Hmm...where have we seen that before? Oh yeah, a couple weeks ago. Good job Giants. Garcia did just enough, and now it's Eagles VS the Saints and let's not get too ahead of ourselves with these upsets, the Saints are going to win.

The Saints are going to the Super Bowl.

In the other game, oh...the other game. Oh...the other game. Romo, oh Romo, where for art thou Romo? Hopefully some place far away...because people in Dallas are bitter and you know all about them crazy Texans and their guns, they ain't ashamed to deal some justice...because man did you give that whole state a blow to the face. There is nothing left to say about that game, except that it sets up a Seahawks/Bears game in Chicago which will result in a Bears victory.

Two underdogs in the AFC, two favorites in the NFC...at least...that's how CollegeBoy sees it, and wants to see it... It makes for better entertainment, and that's all I care about now. See you folks.

A Cavalier Attitude...

All right, we did a brief profile on the Utah Jazz recently in our blog-series where we take a quick look at possible NBA champions. Ideally I would like to go back and forth between the two leagues, but the fact of the matter is that, as we all know, the Eastern Conference sort of, you know, sucks. Not to say that the champion can't come from there, however, because they certainly can. And one possible Eastern champ is the Cleveland Cavaliers, due to their number one reason...

1. Lebron James
James is not scoring ridiculous amounts of points like Carmelo Anthony, but there is no doubt who is king of this team. Everything rests on his shoulders, and as everyone knows and can see, biting his fingernails is not a symbol of nervousness--it's just one of those habits...

James spreads the ball, grabs rebounds, has improved his D, and is capable of taking over a game whenever he chooses to do so. There is little that he cannot do, the only question resides on what the rest of the Cavaliers can do, and here it becomes a little shaky.

Drew Gooden leads the team in rebounds and FG%, and lately has shown more consistent play. He followed a thirty+ point/15 rebound game with another double-double (11th of the year), and will be a key to their continued success. Another key is Big Z who is having an up and down year. At 7 foot 3, the man has to be more of a presence. Always had a sweet jump shot, he needs to become more of a presence in the paint on both ends of the court. 1.4 blocks is just not enough. The Cavs need Big Z to step up and slap the ball right back down the other team's throat. If these two power men can stay healthy, they form a solid enough front court complimenting the many abilities of Mr. James.

Dare we say Larry Hughes is back to some sort of respectable everyday player? Hurt again this year, he came back after ten games and has shown his ability to not only make big shots, but to make shots in general, especially from beyond the arc. If these three people can bond together under their general, expect big things. On paper, this is a fine team, it's just a matter of executing. Their fifth player, Eric Snow, is the veteran presence who has been having a quiet but productive-enough season. Approaching 35, he has, and will continue, to provide a nice compliment to King James.

Varejao is the X factor, with his funky hair, coming off the bench. He's got the energy. Donyell Marshall can resemble a tank running through Polish cavalry at times, and is capable of huge numbers as evidence by his 30 point/10 rebound performance against the Milwaukee Bucks. That's the thing though, do these guys have it when it counts? They put up a huge fight against the Pistons last year in the playoffs, and look for them to improve on their performance this year.

Heading off on a seven game road trip, it's going to be important for the Cavs to come back with at least four wins. They have shown their ability to play at home, rolling out to a 15-3 record for one of the best in the league--but are a dismal 6-9 on the road. Those numbers have to improve. Otherwise, this is a team that has played well together, that has experience together, and unlike a lot of teams in the East--and even in the West--show a healthy amount of team play, unselfish and respective of each other.

Can they win the championship? Hey...anything is possible.

Positioning Group Presents: CollegeBoy Bowl-ing...

CollegeBoy here with a look at this year's bowl season...which will be wholly inadequate.

You see, with the exception of the Boise State game (which I was lucky to watch, and very thankful), Rutgers (my old school), the USC-Michigan game (which I stopped watching), the Notre Dame-LSU game (which I stopped watching as well, thoroughly impressed with JaMarcus Russel, however, who could prove to be a poor man's Vince Young next season), and maybe a smattering of other games, I really didn't watch too many games. So the full title of this posts is simply, CollegeBoy Bowl-ing over in disgust...

Honestly, there are only so many times I can harp on the same topic. Was the Boise State game incredible? Of course it was. And there were other good moments this year as well, there always are--Texas Tech pulling out a win after Minnesota ran up the score was memorable, as was the Oregon St. game, the Navy game VS BC, and so on--but it just boggles the mind how we do not have a college tournament in place for football. Even something as silly as a 4-team playoff would improve the game immensely...

It's time to give the people what they want. Sure the Bowl games make a lot of money, but I don't understand why there can't be a compromise. And until a playoff system is put in place, consider me a somewhat bored observer, who checks out the games when they are on--especially during the regular season, which I still love--but when it's time for next year's Champs Sports Bowl, don't expect much of a comment from me. Unless something incredible happens...a.k.a. Boise State. But there are only so many games like that...

And how much better would it have been if they advanced in a tournament on a win like that? (me screaming in frustration)...but all right people. Enjoy the "title" game. Like we're gonna keep listening to these BCS machines tell us what to do and who to play. Come on people...we're the humans. We're the masters. Let's have a tournament already...apologies for the small print, but this is me grumbling to myself.

Positioning Group Salutes Boise State = Incredible

It is a fact of this world that life goes on, so that on a day when a country loses a rising NFL star to such a senseless act, like so many senseless acts, here we go sports world and the rest of the world in general, let's make some magic for all the living and the dead...

And did Boise State make some magic, in perhaps two of the craziest minutes ever in a bowl game capped off by a stunning overtime--all of which had me feeling so much pity for not only the Oklahoma fans (for suffering such an odd and disquieting season, beginning with that Oregon game earlier), but for all of college football fans. How does Boise State not get a chance to play for the title, after their season and the heart they showed winning that game, after the gutsy and brilliant play calling...one of the all-time great games...

In any event, on one day, after writing how I would not be writing for at least a few days to enjoy vacation, here are two completely different stories dragging me away from my vacation. That is the power of the sports world.

I hope everyone had a great new year, and I'll be back--well, at this rate, tomorrow.

Positioning Group Wishes All a Happy New Year

We here at the Positioning Group extend a happy new year wish to all our members and to anyone reading this: the new year is not only starting off with a bang (both New York teams in the playoffs in what has been a season for the ages, some great hockey being played, great basketball, great everything), the new year is also starting off with the grand opening of our new site. I know, I know, we've been saying this for a month or two now, but it is finally ready--or, so close it's as if it's already done. Plus, we are finally bringing up the various units of our organization all up to speed, just in time to begin this new year right.

So there are exciting times for all of our members to all make a great deal of money. As always, remember to stay sharp and play smart, a new year is upon us people, let's make some money.

A New Year, Begins with a Terrible Loss

I was, as many of us were, saddened when I found out that Darrent Williams died early Monday morning, a victim of a drive-by shooting--all stemming from an argument inside a club where he and his friends had been celebrating the New Year. Apparently, if you feel that your pride has been injured, the only option is to spray a person's limo with bullets.

The worst part is that most of us hear about this and recognize it as a terrible tragedy, but the truth of the matter is, we only hear about it because the victim was a rising NFL star. Incidents like this happen far too often in our country, in our world, and it is time that we seriously address what is one of the greatest threats/problems facing our world--violence from within.

A lot of media attention is paid, understandably so, to the situations in Iraq and Darfur and any other country not our own embroiled in conflict. But there is a situation here in our own country, in our own world, and it is a time like this where we must force our gaze inward. I know this blog is connected to sports and sports gambling, and I know that the last thing many of you want is to be reading a lecture of any sort about our country, but this is our country and this is our problem and this is our time here on this planet to try and fix it.

The world will move on, we will continue to make money wagering, and we will laugh and we will stay sharp and play smart--but this problem remains unless we do something. What can we do? That's something each of us has to figure out, and the sooner the better. You see, this blog, all of us here at Positioning Group, we're not just about making money for ourselves and for our clients. We're here to subtly try and improve the world, in however small a way as we can, little by little by offering sound advice and a forum for ideas where you possibly would least expect it. The more people that start talking, the more of a chance we have.

This is a sad way to begin a new year, with a reminder of a problem that is all too prevalent. It's 2007, people...you would think that we would have figured most of this stuff out already...