Pick one: Tiger Woods or the State of Mississippi

Let’s say that you have the chance to play a round of golf with Tiger Woods. Jubilation is the foremost thing that one might expect you to feel. I can think of few who would turn down such an offer. But what if there was a conflict in your schedule?

What in the world might cause you to cancel a round of golf with the arguably greatest golfer ever? Well if you were Peyton Manning, and the scheduling conflict was with the State of Mississippi honoring your entire family with an official Manning Day, you can imagine the problem. Which would you choose?

I have to say that Manning took the option that I would have. He went to play with Tiger Woods, Mississippi be damned.

Yep. While his brother Eli Manning of the New York Giants and dad, former New Orleans Saint, Archie Manning were signing autographs for the entire Mississippi State Legislature Peyton was busy watching birdies.

“I got a text message this morning that said, ‘(Woods) just birdied the first hole,"' [Archie] Manning told senators. "About 15 minutes later I got another one that said, ‘He just birdied the second hole.' I texted back that he was just lucky.”

Now to give Peyton his due, it is reported that he is no slouch when it comes to golf. With a handicap of just over 3, he is more than capable of beating the average duffer any day. I’m sure that on most any course he can hold a respectable score against many of the professional golfers in the world. But he was playing Woods.

There is no official news of what the score ended up being out in Florida where Manning and Woods were playing. Then again, considering the text messages, does anyone doubt that it was a crushing defeat for Manning?

Still I have to wonder how the rest of Mississippi took the news. Brushing off a huge honor from an entire State had to have lost him a fan or two. Even considering that playing Woods is an honor of its own, at least for golfers.

Of course there were no reports on where Cooper Manning was at the time either. Maybe he was caddy for his little brother?

Fantasy football - for women too

Ah the joys of Sunday watching football. It’s a tradition that goes back generations. It’s a moment that can be pictured with ease. A father and son watching the television, maybe with grandfather and/or local friends as well.

Of course now that the internet has become a staple in the lives of virtually every American there is an added benefit. Fantasy football has expanded the drive of millions to see the pig iron game. Untold additional hours are being spent to get the perfect team, and taking the top prize – even if there is nothing more than being known as number 1 as the prize.

Of course this joyous image is not being met with the same pleasure everywhere. In fact there are nearly as many women upset about fantasy football as the actual game. Football widows are now finding that fantasy football means even more of the dreaded game invading their lives.

I even read about the fact that a site has gone up called Women Against Fantasy Sports. And many of these women are angry. Even though the site is a bit on the lighter side of the issue.

The site recalls many of the perils these women share, and ideas about crushing the dreaded enemy once and for all. And have no doubt there are hordes of women that are joining up.

To be honest, if a guy is spending untold hours committed to a dozen fantasy leagues, I can understand some annoyance. Ignoring the significant other is never the best plan for wedded bliss. But there is another way to view fantasy sports. Get involved.

I know many women that are avid fans of this or that football team. I know a slightly smaller group of women that are equally at ease with their fantasy teams. These women have a great time talking about the game and hanging out with the guys every Sunday. Their significant others love that they are as into the game as they are. And they often compete, or get tips on how to do better in their fantasy league from their spouse.

I also know of a very small group of women that have no care in the world about the Sunday without their other half. I’d say more about these women but I know so few and see them so rarely that I really can’t say more.

So let me say this to the men out there. Fantasy leagues are a great bit of fun. Being in 1 or 2 leagues is fantastic, and really amps up the game Sunday and Monday night. But if the game is keeping you up at night, and making your better half wonder what your name is and why you have a key to the house, slow down. Maybe even try to teach her about the league and the sport.

You might be surprised by how involved she may become. Especially if her picks are whopping your butt.

and by the way - Go Giants!

Quick message from Michael Vass - 2.6.2008.1

I'm a little behind on the latest news here, particularly the way that the media has been treating recent events like the Sean Bell trial, coverage of the Wesley Snipes victory, comments by Snoop Dogg and 50 cent about their Presidential candidate picks and a few other items. Please bear with me.

The win by the Giants, which was sweet and should have been expected since historically Giants always have a good defense, resulted in a bit of a hangover that I'm sure many fans shared.

Add to that the launch of my I Love America That's Why I Vote! campaign, which you can find out more about by clicking the hyperlink above or visiting VASS and it was a busy start to the week.

Then all the activity from Super Tuesday (results of which, and my thoughts, can be seen at the aforementioned VASS) and you can imagine the backlog.

But never fear, I'm working hard and for your continued readership. In the meantime, if you would like to join the support for the That's Why I Vote! let me know, or visit my online store and see the dedicated clothing line showing your pride and Constitutional Right to vote, and/or you can make a donation to help me continue my efforts.

No matter what, thank you for visiting the site.

Vote! Your voice matters!

New York Giants are going to the Super Bowl

Wow, what a close game. The New York Giants did it in overtime. After field goal kicker Tynes screwed up multiple attempts to win the game in regular time the playoff game went into overtime.

It was looking bad when Green Bay had the possession of the ball until Webster made a critical interception for the Giants. This lead to Tynes having another, and the longest, field goal attempt. 47 yards. The pit of my stomach felt empty considering his earlier attempts.

But he made the kick, with barely enough height to cross the bar. Now the Giants will be making it to the Super Bowl! I am pleased, especially with all those that thought they couldn’t do it.

Do I expect the Giants to win? Always. I can’t bet on their games because everyone knows I always bet for them. The Super Bowl will be no different.

So I congratulate the New York Giants on their win today, in the 3rd most cold football game on record.

Go Giants!