So here we are: the final day of 2008. Was the last year good to you, dear readers? Yeah, I know there was that pesky recession and crappy economy to worry about, but think about it: just pick up a new offshore sportsbook and you might be able to break a new, tidy profit…think about it! (Just don’t bet your house or kids’ college funds or anything, okay? That’s not cool.)

Also, a source of good cheer to kick off the new year right: college bowl games by the dozen! Well, okay, there’s actually nine to choose from on New Year’s Day, but still — nine! Since I’m going to be preoccupied by the Blackhawks vs Red Wings line earlier that day, I’ll be picking up the action first with the Rose Bowl at 4:30 and then the Orange Bowl at 8 PM.

As far as Rose Bowl odds go, it’s a toughie — Penn State’s been looking great, and I think too many people have been writing them off. Yet the USC Trojans have had a bombastic year, and given the fact that they have a semi-homefield advantage, it’d be wise to bet on the Trojans — they’re a 10-point favorite, after all.

With the Orange Bowl odds, I’m going to have to retract my earlier pick and go with Virginia Tech. True, they’re not the best of the NCAAF teams and neither are Cincinnati, but this should be a defensive showdown for the agres. Virginia Tech will have a bit more of an edge in this matchup.

Oh yeah, and if you’re the industrious or imaginative sort, here are a couple of cute recipes to try out for tomorrow: football cupcakes and Rice Krispie mini-footballs. How cute!

They could also double for Super Bowl goodies — lest we forget, the big game’s only a month away! Be sure to keep checking up on the 2009 Super Bowl odds so you won’t be left out when February 1st rolls around.

Happy ‘09 to all of you, and see you in the new year!

Right now, I have to admit that I’m cheating on my hometown and having a love affair with Chicago.

There’s just something about Chitown that inspires adoration and devotion. The architecture is a stunning mix between vintage restoration and contemporary modernism, the food is fantastic, and there’s a sense of romantic history about the entire city — rather like New York City, but less crowded and polluted. And to me, Chicago is also synonamous with hockey, as the first Stanley Cup playoff series I can ever remember watching was between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Pittsburgh Penguins (yay!).

You’ve never been to Chicago? Go. Right now. Especially because you definitely don’t want to miss this year’s NHL Winter Classic - Red Wings vs Blackhawks - being held at Wrigley Field on New Year’s Day.

The 2009 NHL Winter Classic line is a tricky one to cap. Normally, you’d look at the matchup of up-and-comers on the Blackhawks (who are, once again and finally, possible Stanley Cup contenders) versus the veterans of the Red Wings (who are, obviously, the current Stanley Cup holders), and you’d automatically lean towards the boys of Motor City. But, given that two of the Red Wings’ key players - defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom and goaltender Chris Osgood - are day-to-day with injuries (Lidstrom may be back as early as tomorrow though), there may just be a chance for Chicago’s young guns yet.

Not to mention they’re a bunch of hot young hockey foxes.

(You can’t tell from that picture, but oh baby. Put ‘em up there next to the roster of Vancouver Canucks - MINUS Mats Sundin, thanks - for Alice’s holiday wish list.)

Still, if you’re a smart betting woman, you’ll know that hotness doesn’t necessarily win games — experience and skill does. And while the ‘Hawks are rising in those terms, the Red Wings have them licked when it comes to “big games” and the pressure that comes with it. I love the underdog here, but my overall sportsbook pick would be the Red Wings. Much as I’m still bitter that they beat my poor Pens in the playoffs last year…sighhh.

I’m not sure if I particularly get the Tony Romo thing. Eli and/or Peyton Manning, sure thing; Tom Brady, most definitely. But Romo? Er…maybe it’s because I’m not a fan of the Cowboys or Jessica Simpson, but count me out.

He looks sort of like a computer programmer, or Andy Samberg’s not-as-hot older brother. Yeah, no.

However, as much as I can’t see Tony on a GQ cover anytime soon, you can’t deny the man’s mad football skillz. He’s having a great season, and for that reason alone I’d have to pick the Cowboys in the upcoming Cowboys vs Eagles line. Putting a wager on the matchup is only going to make the game more exciting, I think — I mean, seriously, consider how much is already potentially on the line here: Donovan McNabb’s career. Wade Phillips’ job. Playoff spots. And now, my cash. Come onnnnn, Cowboys, Alice needs a new pair of Louboutins!

That said, yes, head to your favorite sportsbook right away and pick the Cowboys to win on the 28th. There’s too much sickness and too many injuries with the Eagles to make them a true fighting contender here. I know I’M looking forward to relaxing with a glass of (low-fat) eggnog and catching this post-holiday game. Drop a non-Spam comment and let me know what you’re thinking!

As I mentioned earlier, there’s no better way to cut the post-holiday tension between inebrieted in-laws and relatives than with a little NCAAF bowl game action. Fortunately, we’ve got just the thing for you this year: Emerald Bowl betting!

Taking place on December 27th in San Franscisco, this year’s pairing features a Miami vs California line. And it should be an easy pick, just in case you’re having trouble waking up from a Christmas-feast-induced slumber: California Golden Bears all the way. Just take a look at the Miami Hurricanes: They’re young, and while that’s good for us female-types who like seeing sporting fit young men, it’s not the best advantage on the field. And although coach Randy Shannon has really turned them around, I don’t think it’s gonna be enough — especially considering that the Bears will have home advantage.

If you’re tempted by your favourite sportsbook here, I say raise the stakes with your man of choice and wager for a nice piece of emerald jewelry on this one. Hey, it’s only appropriate.

Monday morning sports love: the controversies, mostly the ones stemming from athletes running their mouths when they shouldn’t have (ie. whenever their agents aren’t around to keep ‘em on a tight leash).

Again, I attribute my love of villainous athletes to my adolescent addiction to the WWE which, although it was completely scripted, based its entire storylines around the babyfaces (good guys) and heels (bad guys) of the league. But like I said, these guys were probably all pretty nice people in real life. (Well, except for Chris Benoit…sorry, had to say it) But these guys? These guys are the real deal. And really, thank god for these guys, because they keep things interesting.

King heel Triple H approves. (P.S. Sorry to hear about your loss at Armageddon, Hunter…but mmmmm Jeff Hardy)

First off, we had the Sean Avery controversy. Old news so I’m not going into it now, but here is a rather neat feminist take on it as well as some Leafs commentary on Avery’s expulsion from the Dallas Stars. Now we have Terrell Owens ripping ESPN’s Ed Werder a new one, because apparently Eddie wrote some untruths about an alleged Cowboys conspiracy (Romo and Witten scheming behind the team’s back? Perish the thought!).

For your viewing pleasure, the rebuttal. T.O., if you please:

Really makes me wish my sportsbook had odds on which athlete is going to fly off the handle next.

While we’re waiting, check out the embattled Cowboys as they take on the Ravens in NFL lines (that’s Saturday, so you have an excuse to get out of last-minute Christmas shopping!), and then we’ve got Colts vs Jaguars odds coming up on Thursday. And, of course, the usual parade of drama, lawbreakers and scandal that permeates the National Football League. Would we really want it any other way?

You know, I love this time of year. Not just because of the sprinklings of snow and the Christmas lights and the general holiday cheer (aside from the stampeding-crowd mentality and rabid consumerism at any of your nearby shopping malls, that is), but because by now the regular NHL season has been in full swing for two months, and things are getting interesting both in the sportsbook and on your TV. Granted, nothing so interesting as this, but what can you do with all the concern this season over concussions and injuries and possible death on ice:

(hey, unintentional tie-in to my last blog post — check out the soundtrack!) Now that there, ladies and gentlemen, is a hockey fight — actually, hockey fights, plural. Sure, it’s a bit of an oldie (Chara on the Sens!), but man oh man, it just keeps giving. Makes me feel sort of bad for the linesmen. The spirit of the Hanson Brothers lives on! (and I think it’s only appropriate that one of the commentators sounds like Jerry “The King” Lawler)

Even if, as I mentioned earlier, the general spirit of Hockey Fight In Canada (and elsewhere) is being intentionally toned down, there’ll still be plenty of action with the NHL lines tonight. The biggest matchup on the board is between two of the biggest teams in the league: the Ducks vs Sharks odds are here. Should be an easy enough pick; although the Ducks are literally flying this season, the Sharks have been taking a nasty bite out of all their opponents and currently stand at 14-0-2 at home. Insanity.

Anybody else remember when the Ducks were owned by Disney and had that stupid logo? Yep. (Though apparently it’s the top-selling logo of any of the teams, so what do I know)

As for me, I’m gonna be tuning in to the Islanders vs Penguins, maybe alternating with Tampa Bay vs Montreal. Gotta see if the Lightning are gonna bite back at Melrose, after all. Don’t get me wrong though, not much will be distracting me from this tonight:

Go get `em, Sid!

With the end of the year comes the tidal wave of critics’ annual picks for January through December, and the world of music is no exception. What IS a surprise this year is the resurgence of 80’s metal bands who’ve been putting out some pretty excellent new efforts in 2008 (see: Motley Crue, Judas Priest, AC/DC). So, as much of a blast from the past as it may be, it’s not a bad bet to expect to see Metallica on many music critics’ year-end lists.

With their new album Death Magnetic being the best effort that Lars and the boys have put out in years, it’s also a boost to Metallica’s odds at getting inducted into the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame. My girl Summer did a nice little wrapup of the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame odds, and concluded rightfully that Metallica have a spot all but locked down. (My vote also goes to the Stooges - yay Iggy! - and Run-DMC) And with the line at -280, that’s some rockin’ value. Get thee to your favorite offshore sportsbook and start the headbanging.

By the way, although it’s hardly relevant anymore (Metallica has finally embraced file sharing, or whatever), if you haven’t seen “Napster Bad”, check it out for giggles:

It’s Monday afternoon in early December, which means it’s time to get back down to business: NCAA football bowl game odds, of course. Bowl game matchups just appeared yesterday, and some of `em look to be doozies. Although I can’t speak for the amount of viewers who’ll be tuning in to the Meineke Car Care Bowl or the Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl, I DO know that there’s quite a few matchup gems in that list that I won’t be missing, and neither should you.

What does this mean for my fine readership? Picks and previews! And also, for my fellow bitchin-in-the-kitchen sportsfan ladies out there, I’m throwing in a Bowl-themed recipe for each matchup. While not really traditional bowl-snackin’ food, I am a vocal supporter of good food and fun cooking, so I urge you to try these out for either dinner on bowl day, or - why not? - as game-time munchies. Bowl games come but once a year, even though you’ll definitely have your pick. Here’s the best of the lot:

Rose Bowl odds: Penn State vs. USC
USC’s the familiar face in this matchup, having had the most Rose Bowl appearances in history at 32 — and the most wins at 23. For those reasons alone, it might be in your best interest to bet on USC for this New Year’s Day game.
Recipe: Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosted Cupcakes (via Open Source Cupcakes)

Sugar Bowl odds: Utah vs. Alabama
Again, another repeat champion appears: Alabama, who’ve won themselves eight Sugar Bowls in the past. Unsurprisingly, they are the favorite in this matchup, and look to leave Utah in the dust. Follow up your Rose Bowl betting with this game on January 2nd, 2009, and make sure you have some sugary goodies on hand to go with.
Recipe: Linzer Cutout Cookies (via Serious Eats)

Fiesta Bowl odds: Ohio State vs. Texas
Feeling spicy? We’ve got a red-hot Fiesta Bowl pick for you here between Ohio State and Texas. Appropriately, it’s the state closest to the southern border that has the edge in this gridiron battle, so pick the boys of Texas to take this one in Arizona.
Recipe: Fiesta Grilled Chicken (via Allrecipes)

Orange Bowl odds: Cincinnati vs. Virginia Tech
Here’s another bowl game option for you on New Year’s Day, and one that has a more even matchup: Virginia Tech and Cincinnati laying the beats down in Florida. It’s a close one here, but put your money on Cincinnati U. They’ve been looking better this season.
Recipe: Mixed Green Salad with Oranges, Dried Cranberries and Pecans (via Epicurious)

Chick-fil-A Bowl odds: LSU vs Georgia Tech
One of the finer examples of “anybody can have a bowl game named after their franchise,” Atlanta’s bowl game (formerly known as the Peach Bowl) boasts LSU against Georgia Tech this year. As for a pick, I’m gonna go out on a limb (wing?) here and say LSU, if only because they’ve got a longer winning record at 4 victories so far.
Recipe: Peach-Spiced Chicken (via Southern Food)

So the Pacquiao vs De La Hoya line is now pretty much skyrocketing, as I could’ve predicted for you in my last post. Really, this is shaping up to be the PPV event of the decade, not to mention guaranteed rioting in the Phillipines either way (anybody got an over/under on that?). So tomorrow’s all well and good for the old-fashioned boxing-match fans, but what about us gals who want something a little more, well…physical?

That’s an easy one: more UFC odds!

We’re a lucky lot of MMA-lovin’ women this time around, as there’s not one but two events to be looking forward to. First up is some UFC Fight Night betting on December 10, and although this event isn’t as high-profile as some others - it’s the annual “Fight for the Troops” show, though the extra dose of patriotism certainly doesn’t hurt the WWE when they do it - it’s got a great bout upcoming between Josh Koscheck and Yoshiyuki Yoshida. Although Koscheck lost his last fight at UFC 90, Yoshida hasn’t even fought since UFC 89 (though he put in a stunning performance then), so it’s pretty easy to see who might have the advantage here. Sure enough, MMA lines put Koscheck as the better pick. Go for it.

Also, if you’re not big on the Emerald Bowl betting on December 27, then try some UFC 92 odds on for size. It’s the Griffin vs Evans show here, and although I have my doubts about any contestant culled from a reality show, you can’t argue that it’s not an interesting matchup for a headlining fight. Griffin is simple stylistically, but quite literally packs a punch. Evans is the more flashy fighter, but he can’t be underestimated either. Sure enough, the Griffin vs Evans line may favor Griffin for his hard-hitting style, but I’m going to have to go with Evans here. More stamina. More fun to watch. Perfect when you want to have fisticuff entertainment during the holidays that doesn’t involve drunken in-laws.

Happy holidays!

Boxing is a funny sort of sporting event, whether or not you take into account its constant presence in offshore sportsbooks. Although it feels like it gets eclipsed by the larger-than-life personalities of its offspring - WWE and UFC, respectably - there’s still plenty of oldskool lovers of the old-fashioned ring out there and, as the saying appropriately goes, boxing isn’t going down without a fight.

Rocky agrees. (Though I’m more interested in his son, one Mr. Ventimiglia…rrrrrrr)

But wait! We have a Rocky-style star-studded matchup coming to us live this Saturday, and while it doesn’t feature Mr. T or any prototypical boxer character from a video game, it does have a ring champ taking on a national superstar. Ladies and gentlemen, the Pacquiao vs De La Hoya line.

C’mon now, everybody’s heard of Oscar De La Hoya. He’s one of the household names when it comes to the boxing world (and when I say household, I’m not just talking about George Foreman and his grilling contraptions). So while De La Hoya may already be a legend, it’s the up-and-comer, Manny Pacquiao, that’s holding more of my interest in this bout. Turns out Pacquiao is probably the most popular man in the Phillipines, complete with singing career and the ability to sway the presidential election. And now he’s moving up two weight classes just to take on De La Hoya. In a word, whoa. What’s that say for your boxing odds, hmmm?

Anyway, while there won’t be much man candy to ogle in this event (I dunno, that’s just my preference — but then again, I’m a puck bunny, so what does that say about my love for mullets?), there will be plenty of beatdowns to cheer on. Although it seems like Pacquiao has the disadvantage here weight class-wise - and the betting lines reflect that - he has “heavyweight power” and the distinct advantage of still being in his prime. It’s not quite another Lesnar vs Couture, but this is still a matchup of youth vs. experience, and it looks to me like Pacquiao might claim the throne. At least until Foreman gets tired of inventing grill machines.

Or, you know, until they let Laila Ali take `em all out. Go girl!