Back in the Groove

Hey, look, it's only been a week since my last entry. See, I still love you, my faithful readers. And as it turns out, my little joke about there being only four of you didn't hold water. I got a lot of folks telling me they were reader #5, so that was nice to hear.

Let's go back to randomness, shall we?

• It was a real shame that Adele -in the 30 Rock vernacular- had to shut it down for the remainder of the year. She's been having the year of her life (even bigger than when she burst onto the scene a few years ago), and then it takes her toll and her throat gets all messed up. I'll tell you what the positive of all of this is... That awards season we all thought she'd sweep coming up (American Music Awards/Grammys)? Well, that's an absolute lock, now. First of all, the Grammy nomination process for the year ended a month ago, so nothing new can be put into any of the categories (I'm looking at you, Coldplay). Now, add on the definite sympathy bump she'll get from voters. I'm not saying she'll win every category in which she's nominated with 100% of the vote, but I'm saying she'll be tough to beat. Great album, great P.R. year, reason for sympathy? The engraver is already at work.
  
  
• Let's just ask ourselves this question: is anyone truly surprised as to what is happening to Herman Cain? A month ago, this guy was the "fresh face," he was the one who could possibly come out of nowhere to capture the nomination, he was "not your typical Republican." Well, let's see... he's got a tax plan that most economists say can't work, he gets fiesty with the press when they dare to ask him questions about anything relevant or otherwise, and he apparently likes the ladies a little too much. Nope, that sounds like a typical Republican to me. I'm just waiting for the inevitable implosion. He doesn't have the right team in place to help him deal with scandal, and his head is more than likely going to explode very soon. I'm just hoping it's during one of the 10,000 debates between now and January. It'll finally be the one thing that makes it worth watching.
  
  
• So, as I sit here and type, the World Series of Poker's Main Event Final Table is being played live on ESPN. This just goes back to my statements back in the summer about how live poker just isn't exciting. It's exciting when it's edited, the commentators can crack wise, and I can watch no more than two hours worth of coverage at any given time. Today's coverage is set to last 6 and a half hours... AND THEN THERE'S MORE ON TUESDAY NIGHT. I mean, c'mon. I have to admit, after seeing some of the live poker earlier this summer, I didn't watch any of the recorded coverage that I have watched on an annual basis since 2003. I knew who the final nine were. I just no longer cared. And now, in trying to make it a more climactic event, they're making it less climactic by breaking up the final table over 2 nights. They'll start live with 3 people on Tuesday. Live poker versus The Biggest Loser. People losing weight wins.
  
  
• It's not enough that the St. Louis Cardinals won the World Series. Now Ryne Sandberg is an official candidate to replace Tony LaRussa as their manager. Now, I honestly don't think he's going to get the gig -Pujols wouldn't play for someone new to the MLB ranks like that, and they want to keep Pujols- and I couldn't begrudge Ryno for taking the gig if it were offered, but the thought of his wearing a Cardinals uniform makes my shirts cry. I understand that Theo Epstein wants to get someone in the Cubs' dugout that already has MLB experience, but here's the thing... YOU almost hired him for your AAA club, and the Cubs not going for him last year was no fault of his own. He's put in his dues, and given clubs for 2 different organizations winners. Oh, and did I mention he's a Cub legend? Give him an interview. Even if you're not going to give him the job, give him an interview. He might just blow your socks off.
  
  
• No matter who Epstein hires, I just hope it's someone competent. We're still going to be saddled with the Soriano and Zambrano contracts, so any manager we have is going to need to be creative with the other players he gets next year, including a new third baseman... something I was so happy not to have to say season after season for the last 8 years.
  
  
• That was a nice Bears' win in London a couple of weeks ago. Now, unfortunately, they have to head to Philadelphia for a suddenly surging Eagles' squad. I make no predictions about that game tomorrow night, as while Philly's been on the rise, so have the Bears. It'll be interesting to see who can keep that momentum up... and if I can still be awake by the time the game ends. THAT might be the bet to make in Vegas... I'm looking at you, Andy.

That's all. Happy November, everyone.