This piece basically says: "yes, I'm with you -- the delay in the warrant story needs to be better explained." He had about thirty five questions unanswered. One might deal with a book on intel that is forthcoming, which probably affected the paper's decision to publish -- to resist being scooped. Does the NYT realize how much face it lost? Do they care?
2006. Well, before needing to do some of the things I need and/or plan to do this year, I can breathe a sign of relief: things started well on the sports front. I was not a lifetime fan, though did stay up late when I was younger watching my old black and white t.v. ... back in the day when NY Yankee games were on Channel 11 (and they weren't that good). The idea back then was to determine if the usual syndicated programs would be on at midnight and beyond (Star Trek, The Honeymooners, etc.), if the game ran late. But, enough on the nostalgia front ... I'm not old enough.
[BTW, horrible loss for San Diego ... playing for basically the chance to knock Kansas City out of the playoffs -- SD was out but have the tie breaker over KS ... they loss their QB instead. Denver played pretty tough for a team that didn't need a win ... SD limped off the scene after beating the Colts two weeks ago.]
The Giants showed their weaknesses last night, and the 30-21 score disguised a much closer game. Thankfully, the terrible Oakland Raiders (led by ex-Giant, and human "second chance" success story when he was at the Giants, Kerry Collins) finally showed their true nature at the end of the game, since the team that scored three points last game (about on par with their recent futility) did not look so offensively challenged yesterday. Likewise, the Giants defense did not look so good for the second straight game at least to that goal line stand. The Giants offense was questionable too, though they had a pair of long touchdowns (and a special team aided TD), stopping in their tracks in three key plays ... two third and short. OTOH, after that slip-up in Seattle, the kicker saved the day ... including a long key field goal.
Ah that goal line stand. Clinging, yes clinging, to a nine point lead ... there was almost four minutes left to play, and a pass interference call made it First and Goal at the 1. Randy Moss -- who had two TD catches for the first time in a long time ... was shunted aside for a run. Well, it is only a yard, right? The Raiders had something like a 4:1 ratio of pass: run, and we saw why here. They did not get that yard. And, it took them (with a failed challenge on 4th and a foot that might very well been a TD) about ninety precious seconds, and three more precious time outs, to do it. But, the Giants still had to start at their own one foot line ... a safety was quite possible, leading to over two minutes for a chance for the tying score -- plenty of time with the Raiders' passing ability. But, chuckle, the Raiders were off sides on the first play. No more safety threat, and only five yards to NFL East leader promise land.
Properly, Tiki Barber (next to his opposite number in Seattle, perhaps the NFL MVP) ran the deciding two plays needed for the First Down. With the team sore and battered, more so after this game, it is unclear how much it has left for the playoffs. It has a home game now and enough veterans/coach passion to not think just getting to the playoffs for the first time in five years is enough. I'm thinking they lose in the second round, especially if they are lucky enough to get more flawed Carolina or Dallas (admittedly, both potentially tough teams, ironically both with former Giants coaches) over the Redskins (though, that team is due to come down from its month plus high) next week. Good season, especially with a rookie QB ... even if 12-4 (and possible a first round bye) was almost for the taking.
I'm hoping for an upset somewhere today ... various games with playoff implications, but only Carolina really has the fear that they will slip. Another thing to look for -- either Carolina or Washington must lose for tonight's game to matter. Go Saints! [One of those very unlikely upsets with playoff implications.]
Update: Guess not. But, the Jets and Green Bay did win.