American Idol: probably one of the most loved and loathed reality TV shows out there. But whatever side you fall on with one of the grandaddies of talent shows, it’s hard to deny that the sportsbooks are all over the odds for this thing. (Although I think that, with the last election, America finally has more political voters than AI voters. Or maybe it’s an even split now, I dunno.)

We’re now into season 8 of the show and, as it seems to be losing steam ratings-wise, the producers are utilizing new additions that will hopefully punch up their numbers. The addition of a fourth judge! The wavering success of former winners! The cameo possibilities! The impeding downward spiral of Paula Abdul’s substance abuse! (okay, so I don’t think that one’s intentional, but you have to admit watching Paula’s on-camera breakdown is entertaining)

Right now, the American Idol 8 betting lines are evenly matched at -115 for a male or a female winner. My girl Summer even managed to find some time out from her busy schedule of tanning and driving her convertible to do up a piece on American Idol 8 odds, so props to her (she’s predicting a female winner, by the way). Could do with some more pics of David Cook, though.

That’s better.

When I manage to pry myself away from the sportsbook long enough to visit some of the competitors’ forums, it’s really stuff like this – and any other misogynistic forum or site that lists “rules for girlfriends to follow” – that just pisses me off. Okay, I KNOW I’m an anomaly when it comes to girls watching sports off their own free will, but it’s a grand mal misconception that every girl is a hair-twirling airheaded bimbo who’d rather shop and watch chick flicks (personally, I got five minutes into The Notebook before my gag reflex kicked in) than settle in for some good touchdown action. This chick’s guide to Super Bowl Sunday is more along my lines. (and oh for the love of god DO NOT bring your sports-hating girlfriends along. Especially if they’re your friends who love Sex and the City. Full-body shudder.)

Still, while we’re not quite at the big day yet, there’s plenty of Monday Night Football betting to be had. It’s a little late for today’s matchup, but next Monday we’ve got Browns vs Bills odds for ya, and the matchup looks like a doozy. The Bills are only SLIGHTLY more favored with odds of -4½ -110, but we’ll see how it goes closer to the date.

In the meantime, the Jets vs Patriots line for Thursday’s game! Head coaches that can’t stand each other? I’m in. (So long as said rivalry includes 1. red-faced screaming and 2. throwing of Gatorade bottles) The spread favors the Patriots by four points, by the way. Looks like Favre can’t help `em now.

And because I have to (no really, my chromosomes say so), a picture of Tom Brady:

Really now — Romo who?

Although it’d be more appropriate to open up this new womens’ betting blog with an offshore sportsbook‘s entertainment prop odds, I’d rather stay true to my tomboy heritage and, in the spirit of UFC 91 this Saturday, give a quick post about our unexpected love for, well, bloodsport. Reading this article this morning about Diana Ocampo – the brains (and beauty to boot) behind Total Combat MMA promotions – was inspiring, to say the least. That there is a role model, fightin’ ladies. Take notes.

Anyway, turns out UFC is something of a phenomenon among women, including female sports bettors. I dunno if it’s because there’s a bunch of us left over from the heyday of the WWE (if that’s the case, then I’d wager that the majority of female UFC fans will be rooting for Brock Lesnar), but there’s just something about two muscle-y shirtless dudes pummelling each other that gets a girl’s blood going.

I’m not a girl who goes for the `roids, but seriously! Look at that guy! That’s just stupid and amazing. And according to MMA lines for UFC 91 betting, Lesnar’s got the edge in this bout, what with the youth and the talent and the current experience and- yeah, just look at that picture again. Couture will put up a good fight but ultimately not stand a chance.

So, take off your press-on nails and get your ass into a seat at the nearest pub this Saturday to cheer on the big boys along with, uh, the boys. The more women that get into MMA and UFC, the possible less ridiculous Jell-O wrestling and diva catfights we’ll have to suffer through on the small screen. Well, a girl can hope, anyway.