Month Power Rankings

Despite the recent surge of mild temperatures in Central Illinois, the month of February sucks. How much does it really suck though? How does the overlying cloud that is February compare to the eleven other months? Let's take a look.

Month Power Rankings

1. June
I think we all can agree that June weather is the best of all the months. Everyday is going to be 60-80 degrees, who can complain about that? Every school is out by the start of June and summer is in full swing. The month is consumed with graduation parties which gives everyone their well-deserved fill of pulled pork sandwiches and cake. I don't have the exact statistics on when families go on vacation, but if Steve Harvey from Family Feud asked me "What month is the best for vacationing?" during 'Fast Money', I am certain June would be the first month to come to mind. Assuming I don't completely freeze up and reply with "Disney World". Also, the NBA Finals and Father's Day always fall in June.

2. May
This is the first month where you can wake up in the morning and not second-guess whether or not you should wear shorts. You wear your shorts with confidence knowing that not only is the weather ideal for shorts, but that the opposite sex is wearing shorts as well, where have those legs been all winter? The weather is turning into summer weather, school is winding down, those flowers that were budding last month are now prized Zinnia's. The number of cotton tailed rabbit sightings probably double from April to May. May is host to Mother's Day and Memorial Day, both are underrated holidays.

3. September
September is an exciting time, students get reunited with all their college buddies and a whole new year of school starts fresh. Sure there are some incredibly hot, muggy days, but then there are unparalled strolls around town at night. The NFL season starts in mid-September as well as college football. Football leads to tailgating, and tailgating is at its finest in the month of September. This only adds to the 30 day euphoria that is September. September is also harvest time, and it has been reported that some scholars consider September "Hammer Time" as well.

4. July
Not only is July Uncle Sam's favorite month, Katy Perry likes it too. Highlighted by it's lone holiday, The 4th of July, July offers many outdoor activities. Cookouts, pool parties and picnics are all reasons why ants love July. Those are also the same reasons why I selected July to be placed in the #4 slot. By this point in the summer, odds are you skin is substantially sun-kissed, which leads me into my next question, is it sun-kissed enough to melt a popsicle? Probably not. I suppose if you were laying out for two hours and then placed a popsicle on your scalding hot back it could possibly melt. You gotta remember that it's not going to be an instant reaction. I would have to say that the popsicle would melt, but it would take around 2-4 minutes for the popsicle to actually change states.

5. August
Like always, August will follow July. August has it's moments, emphatically warm moments, but moments nonetheless. By this point in the summer, people are getting annoyed with the consistent 90 degree temperatures. August marks the end of summer for almost all schools, which is good and bad. Sure, it sucks that summer is ending, but who isn't excited to come back to another year of school? If you didn't go on that family vacation I was talking about back in June, you better go in August because it your last opportunity to have a family bonding experience before the Melissa goes to State, Craig takes that internship with Goodyear Tires, and Nathan embarks on his final year of high school. Boy, they sure do grow up fast.

6. December
Breaking away from all the months with tropical climates, the #6 spot goes to December. A lot of people around the midwest hate the frigid climate, but come on it's not that bad. Take out the fact that the average temperature is below freezing, December is about family. December, more than any other month, is adored because it's habitual way of bringing families together. Other than the Grinch and probably Kevin Garnett, there isn't anyone in this country who doesn't love Christmas. Excluding people with crappy jobs, Americans get a lot of time off in December to spend with their families, which is fantastic. Oh, and you can't forget the last day of the year, aka "New Year's Eve" lands in December. Besides the fact the holiday almost always leaves those who celebrate with great disappointment after their inflated expectations turned into just another night of drinking with friends and taking an album worth of pictures.

7. March
I am still bitter about not placing March higher, but my peer reviewers kept knocking it down. I believe I can make a pretty good case that March deserves elite month status. Let's see, it has much milder weather, March Madness, and the beginning of the MLB season. On most years, March is highlighted by three major holidays: St. Patrick's Day/Unofficial, Easter and my birthday (22nd). The NCAA Tournament is one of sport's most excited three weeks. Nothing beats filling out brackets and tuning into hours upon hours of quality hoops. March has been known to roar in like a lion, that can't hinder its case as a Top 3 month. For a huge baseball fan like myself, the start of a new season excites me more than logging into Facebook to see 8 Notifications that I didn't foresee coming. What else haven't I said about March? Did I say Easter? Yeah, Easter's cool.

8. April
It isn't going to be easy to defend a month whose motto is, "Out like a lamb". April has to possess the least amount of street cred of all the months. April reminds me of a student with a 2.9 GPA and a fair amount of friends. April goes out and stuff, but lacks in personality. Don't get me wrong, people enjoy April's company, but if April didn't show up to a party, I don't think May and June would notice. The grass turns green in April, the air couldn't be anymore mild, and the birds are finishing up the last few parts of their nests, I mean, they have the foundation and 3 bedrooms done, but they still have to gather a decent amount of twigs to put the finishing touches on the guest bedroom and the kitchen. There are plenty of opportunities to play outside in April especially that the days are longer now, so that's a plus.

9. October
By far the spookiest month of them all, October's childhood charm solidifies itself as #9 on the countdown. October is a pretty month, the foliage is at its peak as far as cosmetic appearance goes. The shades of leaves in the Midwest are just to die for! Football is in full swing by now, the World Series is going on in baseball and the weather is beginning to shift to a chillier alternative. Children love Halloween, shoot, I think we all love Halloween. Who doesn't love dressing up and running around town? I'll tell you who, probably not a Police Officer. I say this because that's literally what they do all day, put on their uniform and patrol streets all day, so odds are Halloween doesn't rank very high on their list. Same goes for Paramedics, Fire Fighters and Jimmy John's Delivery Boys.

10. January
The first month of the year, the 10th month on my list. January offers new beginnings for all, especially those overweight people who determine that this is the year they will lose weight. Yeah, those people. The new year brings hope to the guy who is experimenting on the elliptical with jeans and a collared shirt on, and I couldn't make that up. January offers pretty crummy weather, but it does have the NFL Playoffs and multiple College Football Bowls. If you like snow, this is the month for you. If you like quirky romantic comedies, "When Harry Met Sally" is the movie for you.

11. November
November is very thankful for it's location on this poll, if it weren't for those pilgrims, November would probably be hanging out in the cellar alongside Sloth from the Goonies. Goonies reference, check. Not quite freezing weather, but cold weather regardless. Nothing too crazy goes down in November, there are some sports going on, but nothing notable. Thanksgiving is a great holiday, sometimes people overlook it, but all in all, very respectable holiday. Other than Squanto's incredible cornbread, November doesn't offer a whole lot.

12. February
We are all experiencing the inferior factors that make February the crappy month it is. It is host to the most overrated holiday in the US, Valetine's Day (Don't worry Casimir Polaski, I got your back). There is a better chance of Chris Bosh actually being a Raptor, than there is of having a sunny day in February. It is the dullest month, the sky is continually gray, as well as my overall mood. Seriously though, is there anything positive that comes from February? Crappy weather, boring/lazy days and no major holidays.

Month Power Rankings
1. June
2. May
3. September
4. July
5. August
6. December
7. March
8. April
9. October
10. January
11. November
12. February


I would love to see what all you have to say. If you would be so kind to leave your Top 12 in the comment box, that'd be great. Thank you reading everyone! If you have any ideas for the next post, write them on a blank piece of paper and place them in the box.

Classic Match-Ups

Remember that post a month back about College Sports Rivalries? This is kind of similar. There is a lot of down time in a college lifestyle, which leaves me with ample time to brainstorm ridiculous sporting scenarios.

1. Here is my finest creation:

Who: Quincy HS(IL) Varsity Baseball Team
vs.
Bill Hall, David Weathers, and 7 tame Porcupines
What: Baseball Game (7 Innings)
Where: Miller Park (Milwaukee, WI)
When: Let's say June-ish

I have been working on this match-up for years. Here is my logic, Quincy is an incredibly mediocre high school baseball program (If you are unfamiliar with Quincy, insert your local high school baseball team). Quincy routinely finishes amongst the middle of their conference. They have a decent line-up, let's say they have two All-Conference infielders, an ace pitcher and a coach that has experience dueling against wildlife.

Recipe for success? Possibly. Let's look at their opponents, the Porcupines + 2 MLB players. The casual baseball fan probably doesn't know Bill Hall. David Weathers is an interchangeable Middle Reliever in the MLB. He is a journey-man as well, playing with 10 MLB clubs in his 18 year career. Joining these 2 MLB players, are 7 recently rescued porcupines (Ages ranging from 3-7). These porcupines spent 3 weeks at Fred McGriff's Baseball World learning the art of taking pitches and trotting the bases. In addition to the baseball training, the porcupines were also given multiple Rabies vaccinations and all passed extensive Sports Physicals. 7 world-class porcupines. Now that you understand the rosters, who has the edge?

My Outlook:

With a crowd of around 1,200 parents, baseball enthusiasts, and people just curious about seeing a porcupine field a slow rolling ground ball filing into Miller Park, the Blue Devils (Quincy) finished their round of infield/outfield. Bill Hall and Weathers lean over the dugout fence trying to decide if they should chew tobacco or settle with Ranch Sunflower Seeds. Their logic is that it a game being governed by standard IHSA rules and if they get kicked out of the game, that leaves them with 7 porcupines and an almost impossible task of winning. Okay, game on. I'm saying that there is no chance Quincy wins. David Weathers can still fire balls in around 90mph, velocity the Blue Devils have no experience with.

Bill Hall (looking exceptionally hard in the picture to the right) played Catcher in the Minor Leagues, so he is at Catcher. The 'pines trot out and fill the positions 3-9. In the event that Quincy puts a ball in play, Weathers will have to chase it down on foot. The only major weakness with the porcupines is their fielding capabilities. They can't catch, aren't very agile and would probably die if they were hit by the ball. So Quincy will probably get doubles, triples and inside the park home runs if they put the ball in play. That's a big IF though. If the Blue Devils get a rally going, then Bill Hall may have to take over on the mound. I'm sure Hall would be a serviceable reliever, he has a major league arm. I just don't see Quincy stringing too many consecutive hits together against MLB pitching. Weathers will strike out their 6-9 hitters without a sweat. The 1-5 hitters for the Devils might put it in play.. Okay, Now let's look at Quincy in the field. The Devils elected to deposit their ace on the mound. The Porcupines line-up will be:

1. Porcupine (LF)
2. Porcupine (2B)
3. Porcupine (SS)
4. Bill Hall (C)
5. Porcupine (1B)
6. Porcupine (3B)
7. Porcupine (CF)
8. David Weathers (P)
9. Porcupine (RF)

Quincy's pitcher is considerably accurate, he just recently signed with a local Junior College where he will pursue an Associate's Degree in Nursing. But how accurate is he?

Can he throw strikes to a porcupine? Porcupines range from 8-11 inches in height, making their strike zones about 3-5 inches. That's a tiny spot to hit consistently. The pitcher doesn't have to worry about the rodents swinging which with help with his pitch selection, exclusively fastballs. I'm gonna have to say that the porcupines draw walks over 80% of the time, which leads to many base runners for Hall and Weathers to drive them in. Hall is a pretty good hitter, and I'm sure he will tee off of the high school pitching. Even if they walk Hall & Weathers, odds are that will result in runs being scored. The porcupines will consistently draw walks. The porcupines will more than likely bat around the order in the 1st inning and score about 5 runs. Every inning will be about the same, Porcupines will score 3-7 runs every inning. The Blue Devils have a remote chance to score more than 3 run in an innings because Weathers is just too good, and he knows how to get out of jams. In the event that one of the porcupines injures a quad, or a quill perhaps.. That really doesn't hurt them in the field, but they will have to take an automatic out when the disabled rodent is slotted to bat. The porcupines will rally behind the wounded mammal and pull together as one and will exhibit a "refuse to lose" mentality. I would like to hear what you all think, does any disagree with my reasoning?

My Prediction: Porcupines win 31-14 (5 Innings)

_____________________________________________________
2. Indiana Pacers vs. 5 Lamar Odoms
Sent in by Jack Cassidy
Odom is one of the NBA's most versatile players, now imagine seeing 5 of them across from you? 6'11, long, brown basketball machines. The Pacers are ehh.. Not terrible, not good. Odom's multifaceted skill set makes him a nightmare to cover. Can the Pacers take advantage of their guards quickness? This is a tough one. 5 Khloe Kardashians are not included.

3. Junior College Basketball Star vs. LeBron James (wearing a suit of armor)
Sent in by Jack Cassidy & Thomas Bruch
Keep in mind that the suit of armor weighs around 40 pounds which drastically hinders the mobility of James. I think his jump shot will be affected, and his overall leaping ability almost cut in half. He can't use his armor to harm the JUCO star either. One on One basketball at it's finest.

4. UCONN Women's Basketball vs. Kerry Kittles + 1A Varsity Boys Basketball team

Kittles, a former NBA role player faces he toughest test yet when he brings his hick town associates to battle against UCONN, and a veteran Husky team.

Let's say the game is at Pepsi Center in Denver and the crowd couldn't be any more neutral. These girls are good, they compiled the longest winning streak in NCAA history, but then again, they are females. They are also very well coached by Geno Auriemma. My guess is that UCONN puts together a solid gameplan to halt Kittles, but then again Kerry Kittles can hit from the outside. Oh, and Kerry Kittles has been wearing Shape-Ups since he received them in a Gift Exchange this holiday season.


Comment on the bottom with your picks please, or use the Facebook link to answer.

Also, if you have a funny match-up... Let me know, I'll post it.

Super Bowl vs. Puppy Bowl

I can't believe I am even contemplating this. I've been an avid supporter of the Puppy Bowl, I have been a PB advocate since its inception in 2004. The idea is genius, the participants are exponentially cuter than the NFL players and you are automatically in a better mood when you tune in. Each of these games are special in their own regard. Both have distinct characteristics that will allow these great American games to live on in the upcoming decades. Now we just have to figure out which one is better. Let's take a look.



Super Bowl XLV is different, my Green Bay Packers will be playing. I can assure you all right now that I am not going to miss a snap of Super Bowl XLV, even if the Puppy Bowl is close. I can also promise you that if the Bears would've beat the Packers in the NFC Championship, my 22" Toshiba would be tuned into Animal Planet from pre-game coverage, to the Pedigree Post Game Show. I have watched kibbles and bits of every single Puppy Bowl to date, and with the capabilities of a DVR, I won't miss a bark from this years either.


Super Bowl vs. Puppy Bowl (Head-to-Head)


Action
The NFL is the most popular sport in the USA right now because of its hard hitting and high flying action. Football is arguably the most exciting sport in the world due to its format. Less plays, more implications compared to basketball and baseball. Every play matters rather the 2-1 pitch that's... just a bit outside in the World Series. The Puppy Bowl is not structured, at all. It is simply puppies running around having the time of their lives (8-12 months). Let's see, what is more intense... A scrum for a fumble in the NFL or two pooches fighting over the final chew toy available on the field. Yep, the Super Bowl offers much better action.
Edge: Super Bowl



Drama
The Super Bowl is the pinnacle of sports. It beats the hell out of the World Series, which I probably watched 1 1/2 innings (The last 9 outs of Game 5). The Super Bowl is one game, one shot, one opportunity... to seize everything you ever wanted (Lose Yourself beat playing slowly in the background). The SB has 2 weeks leading up to it to maximize the drama. The reporters will try to nit pick any sort of conflict or story to increase interest. The Puppy Bowl doesn't have any drama, unless two pups were sniffing that Australian Sheep Dog that the Beagle clearly called dibs on earlier in the game.
Edge: Super Bowl


Commercials
Not even close. The Super Bowl offers the best spread of commercials throughout the whole year. There are even a handful of casual football fans that tune in just to watch the commercials. I can't remember, but I bet the Puppy Bowl probably has those Sarah McLachlan commercials for 'Dog Abuse'. That commercial is probably the last thing I want to see in between Puppy Bowl action, it would be the ultimate buzz kill.
Edge: Super Bowl



Halftime Show
And, finally the Puppy Bowl gets off the schneid. Bruce Springsteen isn't fun to watch anymore and The Who have been playing music since Super Bowl I. Maybe the Black Eyed Peas ignite the crowd this year in Dallas, but we'll have to wait and see. The Puppy Bowl is consistent, they know what the people want to see and they give them that. The Kitty Halftime Show is a tremendous change-up from over an hour of solely puppy action. I wouldn't say I am an avid kitten supporter, but I have been known to interact with a friendly cat from time to time.
Edge: Puppy Bowl



Referees
I haven't seen the list of officials for the big game, but we'll more than likely be seeing Ed Hocculi's swoll ass, some other white refs and a token black ref. They will make some calls, mostly correct ones and maybe make some mistakes, but they are human after all. I doubt they will make an incorrect game-altering call. For the people out there that will be experiencing their inaugural Puppy Bowl this Sunday, I will warn you that the referee is arguably the funniest part of the game. Just watch this clip, it is the ref practicing his calls.
Edge: Puppy Bowl



After I started typing this post, I gradually started to realize that this match-up isn't even close. The Super Bowl is the ultimate sporting event and the Puppy Bowl is an event for only a niche population (Middle-Aged Dog Owners with no interest in the NFL, or popular culture as a whole).
Final Edge: Super Bowl.





I can't just do a post about the Super Bowl and not give my prediction.



I like the Packers in this one. The offense has been incredible potent throughout the playoffs, Chicago game excluded. With another quick start and favorable field conditions, the Packers offense will roll a quick lead on the Steelers. The Steelers, a team built completely for ball control and lead protection, will then play out of their element when they try to win a shootout against a superior offense. Don't forget that the Packers Defense has been giving opponents fits all season long with an array of blitz packages and coverages. The defense has made their name in the playoffs by shutting down notable QB's. Vick, Ryan and Cutler all played their worst games of the season vs. this GB unit. Roethlisberger very well could be the next victim of Dom Capers' D, this is excluding Capers' wife, of course. If James Starks adds in a run here and there, then good night Terrible Towels. This game has all the ingredients for a great Super Bowl: Great teams, great organizations and great signal callers. Aaron Rodgers will ascend from the shadows of Favre, and give the world one of his patented Championship Belt gestures. If in fact the Packers pull it off, Rodgers then will be the People's Champion of the World.

Prediction: Packers 31, Steelers 27

Offensive Gem: James Jones and Andrew Quarless have career days, and each add a score.
Defensive Gem: Nick Collins puts the game on ice with a clinching interception late in the 4th Quarter.
MVP: Clay Matthews (2.5 sacks, Fumble Forced)

Everybody Loves A Good Remix...

Fly Like A Cheesehead




Green & Yellow