ATTENTION MOMS AND DADS
What factors encouraged really smart kids to become, well, really smart--besides their natural ability and all?  CNN today explores this:
"Parents should encourage their children to ask questions like "why" and "what if," rather than stifling those inquiries, Carson said.  "When they explore the environment, if they're rewarded for that, that encourages that behavior and they're more likely to do that in the future," she said.  Jolisa, one of two students to have earned straight A's at her school every quarter, has an inexhaustible love of reading; without prodding, she will read books faster than her parents can afford to buy new ones. But they also join in -- right now, she and her mother are reading "Outcasts United," about a refugee soccer team, together....Parents should observe and cheer on their children, but should not be attached to outcomes, said said Robyn McKay, a psychologist and creativity researcher at Arizona State University. Some kids will rebel and drop an activity if they believe their parents have too many expectations about it.   "My advice to parents who have a child who does have that passionate interest is to roll with it, to be curious and interested about the child's interest and to do some research to find teachers and lessons and activities that support your child's talent," she said."

Read the whole thing...

FOOTBALL PICKS:
I was only 3-5 last week.  Ugh!

COLLEGE FOOTBALL:

Oklahoma at Missouri.  My pick:  TIGERS.  There just seems to be something in the air.  #1 teams are in danger these days.  And I haven't come across anyone who sees Oklahoma as a true powerhouse.  They're still too young and inexperienced; and here, they're on the road.

Wisconsin at Iowa.  My pick:  HAWKEYES.  The Badgers just won a huge game.  But now they have to go on the road, AND it's tough to maintain focus after knocking off the #1 team, AND they play a tough opponent in Iowa.  Go with the Hawks...

Nebraska at Oklahoma State.  My pick:  HUSKERS.  Sure, it seems an easy pick--Okie State is riding high, Nebraska just suffered a stunning loss, so OSU should be in the driver's seat, right?  But remember this--Nebraska's defense remains very, very good.  And good defense wins games.  Hint:  Oklahoma State's defense is not very good at all.

NFL PICKS:
Atlanta 4 over Cincinnati.  My pick:  FALCONS.  Because the Bengals have been so, so inconsistent and mistake-prone.

New Orleans 14 over Cleveland.  My pick:  SAINTS.  Usually I don't pick a 14 point fave to cover.  That's too many points.  But in this case I have the sense the Saints are getting it together (see their dismantling of Tampa Bay on the road last week) and the Browns must again start rookie QB Colt McCoy.

San Francisco 3 over Carolina.  My pick:  49ERS.  They finally got their first win under their belt.  The Niners defense is playing well.  And Carolina remains in turmoil...so 3 points shouldn't be too hard for San Fran to cover.

San Diego 3 over New England.  My pick:  CHARGERS.  I've heard a lot of Patriots talk this week--people suggesting the smart bet here is on the Pats.  I wonder.  Yes, they snuck out a win last week.  But New England still have defensive issues, especially with that secondary.  And the Chargers are at home, they still have a very capable offense able to exploit Patriot defensive weaknesses, and frankly, you've got to believe San Diego has too much talent to continue struggling as they have.  Go with the Fighting Norvs.