JOBS
Does your job make you feel a bit depressed?  Here's why:
"Most people in today's economy are happy just to have a job -- any job. But work-related factors like long hours, a poor relationship with your boss, and lack of control over daily tasks -- factors that can get worse when the boss is pinching pennies -- can contribute to depression as well.  Clearly having a job is better than not having one when you really need it. Those who are unemployed tend to have higher rates of depression (almost 13 percent) than those who are employed full time (7 percent)."

It's understandable to feel down when you have to work long hours and you have no control.  But I always find it helpful to brainstorm what one CAN do to gain more control...

Meanwhile, a lot of us in this community are very much into using technology and the latest techno-gadgets...and there's nothing necessarily wrong with that.  But texting on your cell phone while driving is a bad, bad idea 

"There's a disturbing number of people texting and driving, according to Vlingo's third annual "Texting While Driving in America Report." Released Thursday, the results show that 35 percent of mobile users

are owning up to the deed, a significant increase from last year's 26 percent.  "Despite the growing awareness of distracted driving, people continue to endanger themselves and their passengers by typing and reading messages behind the wheel," Dave Grannan, Vlingo's president and chief officer, said in a statement.  The study, conducted by independent research firm Toluna, surveyed more than 5,000 consumers. It showed individuals in their 20's to be the worst offenders with a staggering 62 percent admitting to texting behind the wheel. However, the 20-29 age bracket doesn't deserve all of the blame. Fifty-three percent of people ages 16-19 are guilty, as well as 17 percent of drivers 50-59. Idaho is home to the highest percentage of distracted drivers with 45 percent, followed by Kentucky and Missouri with 44 and 43 percent, respectively."

I'd like to think that persons with Moebius Syndrome, who have vision problems anyway, especially when driving, knew...and continue to know...from the get-go that something like texting and driving are a big no-no.  To drive well, you really have to work on seeing all you need to see, and you don't want to be distracted.  Texting distracts you.

And now...

FRIDAY FOOTBALL PICKS

College:

Stanford vs Oregon.  My pick:  CARDINAL.  I was really impressed with Stanford's win last week at Notre Dame--especially with their defense and physical play.  That can win championships.

Texas vs Oklahoma.  My pick:  LONGHORNS.  I know, seems strange...Texas looked awful last week in losing to UCLA, while OU is unbeaten.  But Texas has talent; and it's now a desperate team.  That gives it a mental edge over the Sooners, who are a bit weak defensively, have a young quarterback, and might have a hard time handling being such a favorite.

Michigan State vs Wisconsin.  My pick:  SPARTANS.  Everyone's picking the Badgers.  But I think MSU has the mental edge this time.  They're at home, they will celebrate the return of their coach, they have a strong running game and an experienced QB, and they want revenge for past Badger beatings they've taken.

Michigan vs Indiana.  My pick:  WOLVERINES.  Okay...I'll take the plunge.  I think Michigan's defense, so maligned this year and last, will want to make a point that they CAN stop people (at least once in a while).  And that will be enough, because I think Michigan's offense, engineered by Denard Robinson, will really be able to move the ball.

NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE

New York Jets 8 over Buffalo.  My pick:  BILLS.  They're at home.  They played better last week at New England, behind Ryan Fitzpatrick, putting up 30 points and lots of rushing yards on the Pats.  I think they can keep this game close at home.

Green Bay 10.5 over Detroit.  My pick:  PACKERS.  The Lions are still beat up, they're not a good road team, and they're especially horrible against the pass.  So this week they play against Aaron Rodgers, perhaps the best passer right now in the NFC.  Not good...

New Orleans 12.5 over Carolina.  My pick:  SAINTS.  They should have won last week.  They didn't; they want to put that behind them.  And they can do it this week against a Carolina team led by a raw rookie, Jimmy Clausen.  Rookie QBs on the road in the NFL...not a good combo.

Baltimore even at Pittsburgh.  My pick:  RAVENS.  I have a great deal of respect for the Steelers and what they've done without Big Ben.  But at some point, playing your second-line quarterbacks is gonna hurt you in the NFL...and I think it will here, against the tough Ravens defense.

Philadelphia 7 over Washington.  My pick:  REDSKINS.  They'll keep it close--because Donovan McNabb will be as ready to play tonight, and to prove a point, as he's ever been; and he usually plays well in such situations.  The Redskins--and McNabb--will be the desperate ones tonight, and in the NFL, that's a great mental edge to have.

"It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of
wisdom to listen." -Oliver Wendell Holmes

We'll see if I truly have football "knowledge", though...