Last mission to repair the Hubble telescope Hubble space telescope discoveries have enriched our understanding of the cosmos. In this special report, you will see facts about the Hubble space telescope, discoveries it has made and what the last mission's goals are.
For their own good Fifty years ago, they were screwed-up kids sent to the Florida School for Boys to be straightened out. But now they are screwed-up men, scarred by the whippings they endured. Read the story and see a video and portrait gallery.
Five topics suitable for inane debate on talk radio:
WHAT THE #%&$?: Your running game has stumbled for three hours, your placekicker has stunk for three weeks, then you gamble your season that they'll come through in the final minute? That's like betting on the Christians after hearing the lions might go vegan.
HOLDING YOUR OWN: Michael Pittman has been on a heck of a run. He has averaged a combined 120 yards rushing/receiving and scored nine TDs in six games. He also has lost four fumbles; no back in the league has lost more. Four fumbles in a season is a lot. Four in six games is unacceptable.
ONE SCARY DUDE: Having intimidated Martin Gramatica, Panthers punter Todd Sauerbrun is getting bold. Heard he was talking smack with ball boys.
KICKED TO THE CURB: Speaking of Gramatica, there is no way he should attempt another field goal this season. Something is wrong, either physically or mentally, and he needs time to get it right. Since Oct. 18, the Bucs are 0-for-6 on field goals longer than 22 yards.
TIME FOR WHINING IS OVER: Carolina has lost three Pro Bowl players and one of the most accurate placekickers in history. The point? Injuries will forever be a part of the NFL. The challenge is adapting and having quality players ready to step in. The Bucs have not been unfortunate. They've been unprepared.
A LIST OF FIVE
Five signs the season is slipping away:
5. For pregame motivation, players watched Alfie.
4. Several players using senior-citizen shuttle to the game.
3. New placekicker delayed by Senate confirmation process.
2. Cheerleaders hitting on opposing players.
1. Practice canceled because of disinterest.
FIVE QUESTIONS TO PONDER TODAY
1. WHY RUN ON THIRD AND 6? There is simply no justification. At that point, Bucs running backs had 25 rushes and only once had gained as much as six yards. So, statistically, there was a 96 percent chance the play would fail. On the other hand, Brian Griese was 10-of-13 for 167 yards and two TDs on third down. That was not a play call, it was a white flag.
2. WHY LEAVE TORRIE COX ALONE? The Bucs blitzed with a linebacker and a defensive back on Carolina's final TD. That left Cox man-to-man on Keary Colbert. There were 27 seconds remaining and Carolina had no timeouts. Heck of a time to gamble on a nickel back who came in with six career tackles.
3. WHY AM I STILL ASKING ABOUT CHARLES LEE'S WHEREABOUTS?
4. WILL THE RAMS COOPERATE? Should the Packers beat the Rams tonight, the Bucs will remain one game behind the leaders for the second wild-card spot.
5. WHY NOT HAVE TWO PLACEKICKERS? If you believe Gramatica is merely in a slump, why not have a second kicker as a short-term alternative? Don't talk about roster space. Bill Schroeder hasn't caught a pass in two months or gotten in a game since October. A sixth receiver cannot be more important than a second kicker.
FIVE SUPER PICKS
Checking out the best bets for Super Bowl XXXIX in Jacksonville:
1. PATRIOTS: Schedule about to get ridiculously easy.
2. STEELERS: Jerome Bettis? Best backup since the Pips.
3. COLTS: Could outscore the Pacers.
4. EAGLES: And now, a five-week vacation.
18. BUCS: Haven't beaten a team with a winning record since Oct. 26, 2003.
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Fifty years ago, they were screwed-up kids sent to the Florida School for Boys to be straightened out. But now they are screwed-up men, scarred by the whippings they endured. Read the story and see a video and portrait gallery.
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