Top 5 British Elections that I Have Watched

Earlier this year I made a post about my love for British politics. And, lo and behold, on December 12th of this year, we will have another general election, mostly centered around the Brexit issue. With that in mind, I will name the top 5 British elections that I have watched on YouTube. I know this may bore a lot of people but it's my blog so haha. They are going backwards in time.

2017- Theresa May's Gamble fails

Very similar to Hillary's failed campaign in 2016, Theresa May (C) had a big advantage early. However, critical strategic blunders made in her manifesto (campaign plan) combined with Jeremy Corbyn's (L) shrewd campaigning to the youth vote helped to eliminate May's majority in Parliament, which led to her resignation 2 years later

2015- Collapse of the Lib Dems and Rise of the Scots

The Liberal Democrats had been in coalition government with the Conservatives for 4 years and they paid price. Their vote collapsed over promises by the Lib Dems that were not met. People at first didn't believe it; including former Lib Dem leader, Paddy Ashdown who threatened to "eat his hat" if the initial polls were correct (He ate a cake like hat afterwords) On the other side, the Scottish National Party experienced a buoy in support because of the recent referendum on Scottish independence. They took seats away from Labour in Scotland, allowing the Conservatives to drive on in (and call for a Brexit referendum).

                                 

1997- Tony Blair Exorcises Labour's Demons

After 18 years in the political wilderness, Tony Blair and his transformed New Labour Party (more centralized and less socialist) takes the shattered Conservative Party to the cleaners. There is a sense of hope around this broadcast, partially because by Labour finally winning and by Blair himself, which is kind of awkward viewing this from the future.

                                  

1992- The Upset Election

The election where the polls all got it wrong. Labour was thought to be a shoo-in to form the government, and at least force a hung parliament. But as the night went on, it became clear that the Tories had snatched victory once again, leaving Labour to think "If not now, when?" Look for impressionist Rory Bremner's hilarious joke about Paddy Ashdown at 38:36

                                     

1970- A Swingin' Upset

This is my favorite election of them all to watch. It has everything involved. It is the first general election to be shown in color yet there are still old fashioned number plates. You have an old fashioned feel about it yet there is updated technology. They go to Trafalgar Square, where people are diving into the fountain. Hell, they go to a swinging nightclub at one point to interview the young folk. It is a fun time for all. And it involves what at the time was one of the biggest upsets in British electoral history, with the sitting PM, Harold Wilson (L) being beaten by Edward Heath (C), against all polls. It's really a treat to watch.  

                                     

NFL Picks Week 8

So Last week:

Points: Dolphins, Vikings, Jaguars, Rams, Saints, Cowboys

6-7 that week (counting TNF this week), 50-46 for the year

Victory: Bills, Vikings, Packers, Jaguars, Rams, Niners, Cowboys, Pats, Vikings (TNF)

9-5 that week, 65-40 for the year

So with that in mind, we enter Week #8

Giants @ Lions (-6.5): I think the Lions win, but I can't give away that many points. They are just too meh of a team to do it. Giants will hang in there I think, like they have been doing.

Points: Giants
Victory: Lions

Buccaneers @ Titans (-2.5): I was tempted to have another go at the Titans for an upset (Thanks Melvin Gordon) but I just can't do it. Bucs have the NFL's worst passing defense and Tannehill has looked solid for them. Titans will get them

Points: Titans
Victory: Titans

Chargers @ Bears (-3.5): Tempted again but I just can't (Once again, screw you Melvin Gordon). The Bears will grind down the Chargers in a game that they need to win. But my trust in the Bears offense is doubtful to the point that I will play cautious.

Points: Chargers
Victory: Bears

Seahawks (-6.5) @ Falcons: Seahawks suffered a rare home defeat by Baltimore last week and now are going to take out their frustrations on the Falcons, who have played just well enough to lose. Because they are home and have a close point differential I will again play cautious

Points: Falcons
Victory: Seahawks

Jets @ Jaguars (-6.5): This game scares me betting Jacksonville. I have not liked the way they have talked this week about this game. It almost feels like a trap to me. That being said, the Jets are just too banged up to really push them. They will play close for a 3 quarters and the Jags will pull away late

Points: Jaguars
Victory: Jaguars

Eagles @ Bills (-1.5): PICK'EM!!!!!!!!!!
This is a must win game for Philly to stay in the playoff hunt. The Bills have been a team that has done just well enough to win, kind of the opposite of the Falcons. I think desperation plays out and Philly pulls off a squeaker.

Victory: Eagles

Bengals @ Rams (-12): Nothing to be said here.

Points: Rams
Victory: Rams

Cardinals @ Saints (-10.5): Cardinals have been a game team but playing a well oiled machine in New Orleans in the dome will not go well for them. They will be ground down,

Points: Saints
Victory: Saints

Broncos @ Colts (-5.5): The Colts have been the surprise team in the NFL this year. I expect that to continue against the Broncos, who are just meh. The spread is at the high end of me taking them.

Points: Colts
Victory: Colts

Panthers @ Niners (-5.5): UPSET PICK OF THE WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEKKKK!!!!!!!!!!!!
I was not impressed by the Niners performance against Washington. They should have pounded them more. I know it was rainy, but I thought they would put up more of a dominance than just 9 points. Panthers are the healthiest they've been all year, and the Niners are due for a loss. I think this is it.

Points: Panthers
Victory: Panthers

Raiders @ Texans (-7): I really like what the Texans have been doing. I think they bounce back at home against an "eh" Raiders team. Send those points away

Points: Texans
Victory: Texans

Browns @ Patriots (-11): I think the Browns can come together in a must win situation and put on a respectable performance. I think they will keep this game close; but they won't win.

Points: Browns
Victory: Patriots

Packers (-4) @ Chiefs: With the rule out of Mahomes for this Sunday, this spread should go up, but it's too late to stop me.

Points: Packers
Victory: Packers

Dolphins @ Steelers (-13.5): This one is tough. The Steelers have played close games all year. except for when they beat the Bengals, the only comparable team. Because of that, I will take the Steelers with the points but cautiously

Points: Steelers
Victory: Steelers

New York: The Worst Sports Town in America

Over the last 3 days, New York sports was rocked with 3 bad and heartbreaking losses. And the reaction to said losses has made me rethink my previous posts about fandom and social media etc. And now I think I can safely say this and ask this

Why would any sane athlete want to come into this market and play?

Back in the day, New York was considered a tough town anyway to play, but the money and possibilities were considered high end. Even with being tough,  I don't think there was this cloud of negativity surrounding everything and everyone. Nowadays there is. And it all points back to one thing.

Social Media.

As I have mentioned before, it creates this echo chamber of negativity and allows it to fester and grow until it reaches the players themselves. Now New York had an echo chamber like that already in the form of sports talk radio, but that could easily be negated by turning off the dial and changing the station. But with social media, and the number of different uses it provides, it is almost impossible to escape criticism or negativity. New York fans simply don't laugh off failure and go about their day; it sticks with them as an obsession and personal vendettas.

And then you throw in the taxes situation and the "championship or bust" mentality that has grown in sports the last few years and you find an almost impossible situation to thrive in.

In other words, it's win a title or prepare for your life to be a living hell. And no sane athlete should choose to go through that .

2019 NFL Picks Week #7:

The Chiefs lost Pat Mahomes to injury but still kicked the crap out of Denver to give me the Thursday night win, so after 6 weeks and 1 game:

Spread: 44-39

W/L: 56-35

Approaching the halfway mark of the season; here we go.

Cardinals @ Giants (-3): The Cardinals have been feisty this year, thus my success with them in the Upset Picks, However, this may be the classic "WC team on early EC" game. Bit of a gut pick but I like the Giants, who played OK against NE.

Points: Giants
Victory: Giants

Texans @ Colts (-1): PICK'EM! Texans coming off a massive win against Kansas City, going to Indy in a crucial division game. It will be close, but Deshaun Watson over Brissett will edge the day IMO.

Victory: Texans

Dolphins @ Bills (-17): To get to this spread, the Bills are going to have to score on defense because their offense is okay; it's not great. I wouldn't be surprised if they do it, but it's still too big to me.

Points: Dolphins
Victory: Bills

Vikings (-2) @ Lions: Detroit got beaten by the white and black on Monday and now face the Vikings at home. This is a big test for Minny who have been mercurial. I think the Vikings get it done by more than 3, so give the points

Points: Vikings
Victory: Vikings

Raiders @ Packers (-5): Mahomes' injury opens up possibilities for Oakland, and this could be a trap game for the Packers, looking ahead to the Chiefs. For some reason, I want to proceed with caution on this one.

Points: Raiders
Victory: Packers

Jaguars (-4.5) @ Bengals: The Bengals are going for the tank. Give me the Jags.

Points: Jaguars
Victory: Jaguars

Rams (-3) @ Falcons: Rams got railroaded by the Niners and will be out for vengeance. The Falcons are at home, but their defense is a mess.

Points: Rams
Victory: Rams

Niners (-10) @ Redskins: Redskins lost the Tank Bowl against Miami and now will suffer the consequences.

Points: Niners
Victory: Niners

Chargers @ Titans (-2.5): UPSET PICK OF THE WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Titans are at a crossroads. They just benched Marcus Mariota for Ryan Tannehill. And they had little success of it in Denver. The Chargers are coming east, but they get a 4:00 slot, meaning the time differential means less. Give me the Chargers, who seem to have a better go of it on the road in terms of support

Points: Chargers
Victory: Chargers

Ravens @ Seahawks (-3): Seattle has been on a roll and they get the Ravens at home, who can give their OL some problems. However, I don't know if Lamar has played in an environment such as this. Give me the Seattle to edge them

Points: Seahawks
Victory: Seahawks

Saints @ Bears (-3.5): I usually shy away from picking the opposition on low spreads, but I have a feeling about this game. Two tough defenses, and two iffy QB situations, This one will be close.

Points: Saints
Victory: Bears

Eagles @ Cowboys (-2.5): The two NFC East leaders are struggling. The difference to me in this game will be the Eagles defense. They have not played well. And the Cowboys got going on offense in the second half at the Meadowlands. I will take the Cowboys but not confidently

Points: Cowboys
Victory: Cowboys

Patriots (-10) @ Jets:  The fact that this line has not moved throughout the week is scary. The Patriots defense has been on point but their offense has not. This might be blind faith in me, but I will take the Jets to cover but not to win.

Points: Jets
Victory: Pats

2019 NFL Picks Week #6

Had a very good week last week and I finally won a Thursday night game! (Pats were easy)

Through 5 and 1 game

Spread: 38-34

Victory: 48-29

So onto Week 6:

Panthers (-2.5) @ Buccaneers: London games are always difficult to determine. In this case I am going to go with the better team and that would be Carolina

Points: Panthers
Victory: Panthers

Bengals @ Ravens (-11): I am suspicious about this line. The Ravens could have a letdown after a big OT win against the Steelers. The Bengals will probably play desperate. And its a divisional battle. Caution needed

Points: Bengals
Victory: Ravens

Seahawks (-1.5) @ Browns: PICK'EM! We have no idea what the heck Cleveland is. I do know this. Seattle has a very poor pass defense and if Baker is on, he can pick them apart. I'm going to go out on a limb and pick the Browns, although I don't feel good about it. Gut pick

Victory: Browns

Texans @ Chiefs (-4.5): Has a blueprint got out on how to stop the Chiefs offense? The Colts did a magnificent job of it and I feel the Texans have a tougher defense. If the spread were around 6 I would take the Texans points, but I still give the home edge to Kansas City

Points: Chiefs
Victory: Chiefs

Saints @ Jaguars (-1.5): PICK'EM #2! In this game, the Saints defense, which has been solid will be the difference. And the more Bridgewater plays in the offense, the better he should be. Gimme the road team

Victory: Saints

Eagles @ Vikings (-3): IMO a horrible matchup for Philly. Their secondary is banged up and they have two premier wide receivers to cover. If Cousins can't have a good day against this secondary, I don't know when he will have a good day again

Points: Vikings
Victory: Vikings

Redskins (-3.5) @ Dolphins: THE TANK BOWL!!!!!!!
I'll be honest, I was really considering taking Miami in my upset pick of the week. Washington just fired their coach; the Fins have at least shown some effort. Then I looked at their results. The Dolphins have scored 26 points in 4 games. I can't rely on that!

Points: Skins
Victory: Skins

Niners @ Rams (-3): HUGE game for the Rams who are on a losing skid.And the Niners to show that they are for real. Rams are at home. I think they stand up and get a big win.

Points: Rams
Victory: Rams

Falcons (-2.5) @ Cardinals: UPSET PICK OF THE WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK!!!!!!!!
The Falcons are a mess. Dan Quinn is probably going to be on the hot seat this offseason. And the young Cardinals scored a big road win against Cincy. I think the home crowd will help carry them to another victory.

Points: Cardinals
Victory: Cardinals

Cowboys (-7) @ Jets: A lot of people are surprised at this spread. I am not. I think this is a good tactical spread. This could have been/be a major trap for Dallas. Dallas will want to win, and should  but the spread is not overblown. I will take Dallas.

Points: Cowboys
Victory: Cowboys

Titans @ Broncos (-2): PICK'EM #3! Titans are 0-2 at home and 2-1 on the road. That combined with their positive point differential tells me they should be dangerous against Denver and I think will win this game

Victory: Titans

Steelers @ Chargers (-6.5): This game scares me for the Chargers. The Steelers blew a game they should have won against Baltimore and will come in angry. I think the Chargers will win because of the veteran presence of Rivers, but I will be cautious.

Points: Steelers
Victory: Chargers

Lions @ Packers (-4): The Packers are legit and are coming off a big road win. The Lions are up in the air as usual. Gimme the Pack.

Points: Packers
Victory: Packers

2019 NFL Picks Week #5

So Thursday night was a pick'em. and once again I failed. I picked the Rams. Seattle won by a point.

So after 4 weeks and 1 game my record is:

Spread: 28-30

Victory: 39-24

Ravens (-3.5) @ Steelers: This is a tough one. Steelers blasted Cincy while the Ravens got knocked back by the Browns. Mason Rudolph has been solid but that rivalry is a different test. These games are usually very close. So I will proceed with caution.

Points: Steelers
Victory: Ravens

Bears (-5.5) @ Raiders: The Bears defense has continued to roll and it is the Khalil Mack revenge game. However, with uncertainty for the QB for Chicago, I'm going to play this cautiously too.

Points: Raiders
Victory: Bears

Cardinals @ Bengals (-3): This one could easily be an upset but I'm not going to go for it. Gimme the Bengals

Points: Bengals
Victory: Bengals

Jaguars @ Panthers (-3.5): Might be the most fascinating contest of the week. Two backup QBs who are making noise. However, I think Carolina will have more versatility because of their number of playmakers

Points: Panthers
Victory: Panthers

Vikings (-5) @ Giants: This is a must win game for the Minnesota Vikings. So I expect them to come out guns blazing. Giants will hang in there, but not enough IMO.

Points: Vikings
Victory: Vikings

Patriots (-15.5) @ Redskins: Nothing really needs to be said

Points: Pats
Victory: Pats

Jets @ Eagles (-13.5): Spread is the key with this one. I think Philly, after winning a big game against the Packers and looking forward to a big game at Minnesota, might overlook the Jets a little bit. Sam Darnold's health is also in question. That spread is a bit too big for me.

Points: Jets
Victory: Eagles

Buccaneers @ Saints (-3): The Bucs took advantage of a Rams trap last week. Not so lucky this week I think

Points: Saints
Victory: Saints

Falcons @ Texans (-4): This is a must win game for the Texans after getting upended by the Panthers. The Falcons pass rush scares me a bit so I'm going to play this one cautiously

Points: Falcons
Victory: Texans

Bills @ Titans (-3): UPSET PICK OF THE WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEKKKKKK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Two very similar teams with tough defenses and meh offenses. The key to me will be the choice at QB for Buffalo. They should play this very secretly in order to confuse the Titans. I just have a liking for this Bills squad and I think they get it done on the road

Points: Bills
Victory: Bills

Broncos @ Chargers (-6): This could be a trap game for the Chargers. Broncos are 0-4 and the Chargers are playing the Steelers next on Sunday night. For that reason, I am going to play this cautiously.

Points: Broncos
Victory: Chargers

Packers @ Cowboys (-3.5): The Eagles ran all over the Packers on Thursday Night and now they will have to contend with Zeke and Dak. This game will be tough but I will take Dallas

Points: Cowboys
Victory: Cowboys

Browns @ Niners (-4): Nick Chubb was the key to the Browns offense last week. but the Niners are among the lowers in terms of yardage per attempt allowed. I will take the Niners at home to win.

Points: Niners
Victory: Niners