Been watching football games all day, mostly to block the noise of the foot stomping, furniture moving monster that lives above me. The freak moves her furniture around every week, what's up with that? I've been hiding out in my dining room and lying on my fold out futon chair. I moved the chair in there so I wouldn't hear the freak upstairs stomping around, and it's working. I can hear her, but at least I don't feel like it's right over my head. I'm congratulating myself on this brilliant move of mine. My computer is in here too, so I can work in peace if needed.

And, I guess I had too many Maker's Mark Manhattans at my friend's cocktail party last night, because I woke up with a dizzying wicked hangover. Haven't had one of these in years. I think I only had four drinks, but I guess I'm getting old because I think one or two drinks is my limit, although my friend does make her manhattans very strong. Or maybe it's because it was brown liquor and I usually only drink vodka or wine or beer. Who knows? I just know I was severely hung over this morning, and watching football in bed was a delightful idea.

Anyway, watching all these football games makes me marvel at the game of football. The whole playoff scene was a trip. Miami beat New England, but because the NY Jets beat Greenbay, both Miami and New England were eliminated out of the playoffs. But if the NY Jets lost, they'd be in.

How weird is that? To win your game, but then get ousted out of the playoffs because some other team won. And the NY Jets look like they're peaking as well. The NY Giants too.

Is it Oakland's year? It would be interesting to watch Oakland play Tampa Bay, because of the John Gruden connection. Skip Bayless from the Mercury News was right. Oakland didn't need John Gruden, because they've done well without him.

Not sure about the 49ers though. They're a strong team, but other teams looks better. If they play the Falcons, they might get through that game. If they play the red hot NY Giants, well, then maybe next year. The 49ers are still a young team, and I think they need a couple more years before they become superbowl contenders. Maybe if they get a new defensive guy, they'd actually have a chance to win. I've never liked Jim Mora, and don't think he's brought anything to the 49er team.