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The Apple iPhone arrived in Toronto this week to a Beatles-like reception

It’s arguably the most-hyped consumer electronics gadget in history and Apple’s iPhone is finally available in Canada through Rogers Wireless. With all the media hoopla surrounding this sexy smartphone there’s probably very little you don’t already know about it.

Here are the things people are saying they love about the iPhone 3G, and the things they don’t, as compiled by the Toronto Star last week:

What people love

1. It’s so wireless. Ten different radios are under the hood of the iPhone 3G, including Wi-Fi (to surf the Net while on a wireless network), Bluetooth (for hands-free headsets), GPS (to navigate to a destination) and 3G connectivity for high-speed wireless connectivity through Rogers’ HSPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) network.

2. The display. The 3.5-inch multi-touch screen makes it a breeze to navigate through the phone’s features. Use your fingertip to flick down your contacts like a digital Rolodex. Pinch and expand to zoom into your photos. Tap to preview and play music via the iTunes Wi-Fi store.

3. Shhh, it’s really a computer. You haven’t surfed the Net on a phone until you’ve used an iPhone, thanks to a real HTML-based Safari browser with support for photos and some videos (such as QuickTime). Turn the iPhone sideways and the built-in accelerometer automatically flips the screen horizontally.

4. It’s an iPod. Store up to 8GB or 16GB (depending on the model) of music, podcasts, audio books, photos and videos – all copied over when synched with your iTunes software. But unlike any previous iPod, the iPhone also has a built-in speaker so you don’t need ear buds if you don’t want to wear them.

5. Programs galore. Apple opened up the platform for third-party developers. The AppStore means you can download thousands of applications to run on the iPhone, ranging from 3-D video games and song-writing software (think GarageBand for your pocket) to medical encyclopaedias and digital cookbooks with video tutorials.

6. It’s stable. The operating system is rock solid. We haven’t experienced a crash once. Any time you want to get out of a program you don’t have to look for an “X” to tap in order to close it – simply tap the solitary “Home” button at the bottom of the iPhone. It might not be a sexy feature, but there’s nothing more un-sexy than a crashing OS with a complicated interface.

7. Coffee is close by. Type in something you’re looking for in the Google Maps search field – such as “coffee,” “gas station,” “Indian food,” “CIBC” or “hotel” – and you’ll immediately see pushpins fall onto the satellite image. Tap the closest “point of interest” and it will present the phone number (tap to call), website, address and directions.

What don’t people love about the iPhone 3G?

1. The soft QWERTY keyboard takes some getting used to – especially for those with fat thumbs. And while you can hold it horizontally while surfing the web (to make the keyboard bigger), emails must be typed on the vertical layout.

2. No video recording. What gives? Plus, the 2-megapixel camera is the same as last year’s model (5 megapixels would’ve been nice).

3. No MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) support. You can take a photo and email it to someone but you can’t send it to a friend’s phone with a message.

4. No voice-activated dialling (e.g. “Call Home”), as you can with most other phones. On a related note, there is no voice recording feature (an invaluable tool as a journalist).

5. Google Maps doesn’t give you audio-based turn-by-turn instructions, so it’s basically useless while driving.

6. You can’t copy and paste text on the iPhone, such as a copying some words from a website to the Notes section. With any luck this oversight will be fixed with a firmware update.

7. More memory, please. Rumour has it a 32GB version is in the works. At the very least offer support for expandable memory cards, no?

– Compiled by Marc Saltzman, special to the Toronto Star

Series previews and predictions including a breakdown on Toronto’s first-round matchup

THE STARS

Toronto Chris Bosh 22.3 ppg, 8.7 rpg
Orlando Dwight Howard 20.7 ppg, 14.2 rpg

Two diametrically opposed players: Bosh is finesse and quickness, Howard is power and strength. They won’t guard each other very often – neither team wants to subject its player to foul trouble – and how they handle what defences are thrown at them could determine the outcome. Bosh has seen every imaginable double-team and must be decisive with his moves. The Raptors might want to guard Howard straight up with Rasho Nesterovic and stay home on Orlando’s shooters.

THE ROLE PLAYERS

Toronto T.J. Ford, Anthony Parker, Jamario Moon, Rasho Nesterovic
Orlando Jameer Nelson, Maurice Evans, Hedo Turkoglu, Rashard Lewis

This is the group that could be the deciding factor in the series. Lots of similarities among them. They both have good shooters who can get red-hot or go stone-cold on a moment’s notice and they generally operate off what the big men give them. There really isn’t a lock-down defender in the bunch, so open shots should abound.

THE BENCHES

Toronto Jose Calderon, Andrea Bargnani, Carlos Delfino, Jason Kapono
Orlando Keyon Dooling, Keith Bogans, Adonal Foyle, Pat Garrity

Magic will be without Brian Cook, who can stretch defences with his shooting, which gives Toronto another edge. Dooling and Bogans are just the kind of guys who can get hot and score in a hurry. The inconsistent Bargnani has to be good for Toronto to really have a chance, but Calderon should be able to put Orlando in pick-and-roll hell.

THE X-FACTOR

The Raptors are a wretched 10-26 heading into the post-season and while they talk a good game about being able to turn things around in a hurry there’s been no evidence that they’re capable of it. But if shots fall and they decide to defend, who knows? Magic’s breakout season really never hit a lull. They have been third-best in the East all season and go in brimming with confidence.

THE COACHES

Toronto Sam Mitchell
Orlando Stan Van Gundy

The playoffs are all about adjustments in the coaching ranks. Little wrinkles for Game 1 have to be dealt with in Game 2 and everyone’s going to be trying to come up with something new every night. Van Gundy’s been through the wars with Pat Riley for more than a decade and has 17-11 playoff record. Mitchell’s in his second post-season series; he went 2-4 against New Jersey last year.

SEASON SERIES

Orlando won two of three from the Raptors. In Toronto’s lone win, Bosh went off for 40 points. Howard dominated both Orlando wins, as to be expected.

PREDICTION

The stars could very well cancel each other out and it’s going to come down to which team gets – and makes – more open shots. Toronto’s defensive deficiencies might be too much to overcome. Magic in seven.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Boston vs. Atlanta
Hawks’ first post-season since 1999, young squad might find itself overwhelmed. . . Even if Hawks aren’t overwhelmed, Boston’s new incarnation of the Big Three will make it nearly impossible for Atlanta to win a game, let alone the series. . . . Rookie Al Horford gets to guard Boston’s Kevin Garnett? Good luck with that. … Celtics sent message by hammering Hawks in final week of regular season to complete three-game season sweep.
Celtics in 4

Detroit vs. Philadelphia
Pistons are weird; they coast for periods and then turn it on in a second. That’s a dangerous way to approach the playoffs. . . . Sixers love to run and press and play with youthful exuberance, which is not something that the Pistons really enjoy. . . . Philly has been second-hottest team in East for a month, wonder how much they have left in the tank. . . . Philly split the four-game season series.
Pistons in 6

Cleveland vs. Washington
Repeat of last year’s first-round series, won in seven by Cavs when Gilbert Arenas blew huge free throws. . . . Trash-talking Wizards (”We want Cavs”) may want to tone down rhetoric, a riled-up LeBron James can be dominating. . . . Cavs so-so since big February trade and are without injured Sasha Pavlovic. . . . Agent 0 Arenas seems a big “team-first” guy, but he’ll always take last shot.
Wiz in 6

WESTERN CONFERENCE

L.A. Lakers vs. Denver
It’s hard to imagine a team less concerned with stopping people than the Nuggets and defence wins in the post-season. . . . Kobe Bryant seems on a mission to deliver another title and Denver really doesn’t have anyone to guard him. . . . Marcus Camby makes it difficult for opponents to get to the rim, but Pau Gasol should be able to draw him out from the basket. . . . Lakers do everything a wee bit better than the Nuggets.
Lakers in 5

New Orleans vs. Dallas
Surprising Hornets were second overall in the West behind Chris Paul, who is younger and perhaps better right now than his opponent, Jason Kidd. . . . Peja Stojakovic has never shot better than the 44.1 per cent he shot from the field this season. . . . Dallas was 5-3 in April after a rocky start to the Kidd era. . . . They split the season series with New Orleans winning in Dallas in Kidd’s Mavericks debut.
Hornets in 7

San Antonio vs. Phoenix
This would be a marquee matchup for a conference final; it’s a shame it has to come in the first round. . . . Shaquille O’Neal’s presence in Phoenix took some getting used to, but he seems pretty acclimated now and so do his teammates. Tim Duncan against Amare Stoudemire might be the most intriguing matchup of any in the entire first round. . . . Championship window closing on each franchise.
Suns in 6

Utah vs. Houston
Rockets took off without Yao Ming, but after that 22-game winning streak they were just so-so. Get home court despite worse record. . . . Tracy McGrady, for all the good he’s done, has never won a playoff series. . . . It’s a rematch of last year, when Utah rallied from down 3-2 and won Game 7 at Houston. . . . Rockets’ Shane Battier might be best defender in the league.
Jazz in 6

Now Milton, what do you think?

Can the Southeast Division Champion Washington Capitals continue their torrid pace led by the dynamic Alexander Ovechkin?

Well, here it is: Wednesday is opening night of the Stanley Cup playoffs 2008 edition, featuring some juicy matchups in what is arguably the best round of playoffs in any sport.

And what a wrap-up to the season we just witnessed, with many of the playoff races going right down to the wire. Alexander Ovechkin led the Capitals’ unreal 2nd half surge to the Southeast Division title, leapfrogging a bunch of “better” clubs into the #3 seed (in a related note, how has Carolina missed the playoffs now for two straight seasons after copping the cup in ‘05? Strange.)

On the other hand, the Senators dropped like a stone from the #1 seed in the East most of the year to barely scraping into the postseason.

The Sharks are the hottest team going into the playoffs, but many questions surround the club yet again - do they have what it takes to finally reach their potential and win the West led by Joe Thornton?

The Wings are the President’s Trophy winners yet again, but do they have the toughness to grind it out with Nashville first, then teams like the Ducks, Sharks or Flames?

Get set for the best two weeks if you’re a hockey fan, so ladies, find a good reality TV show like The Bachelor or America’s Next Top Model and leave us guys alone. You can find us surgically attached to our favourite couch/armchair with adult beverage in hand for the next few weeks…. Until our favourite team/playoff hockey pool loses out anyway….

Now onto the predictions:

EASTERN CONFERENCE

(1) Montreal vs. (8) Boston
These two teams always seem to find each other during the final days of playoff positioning, don’t they? Kinda like the Leafs/Sens a few years ago. This should be a barn-burner, although you have to think the Habs should handle the Bruins handily. They simply have more offensive weapons to counteract the Bruins’ trapping system and Carey Price is playing out of his mind right now after Gainey’s shrude move at the deadline, trading away Huet to the Capitals. Um, oh yeah, did anyone notice Montreal is 8-0 vs. the Bruins this year?
Canadiens over Bruins 4-1

(2) Pittsburgh vs. (7) Ottawa
I have a weird hunch that Ottawa is going to put up a better fight than most think. I know, I know, a few of their better players are out, the team has been horrible down the stretch and there’s internal strife and a goaltending controversy….. But, they’ve been there before - they’re playoff tested. Pittsburgh is still very inexperienced despite their solid season and promise for the future. That said, I can’t see Ottawa winning this one, but I see a competitive six-game series with some OT thrown into the equation.
Penguins over Senators 4-2

(3) Capitals vs. (6) Flyers
This old Patrick Division battle should be a goodie. The Caps’ new/old logo and red/blue colour scheme harkens back to the series’ these two played in the late 80’s - you know: Pete Peeters/Dale Hunter v Ron Hextall/Tim Kerr et cetera…. This is a tough one to call. The Flyers struggled a bit in the 2nd half, dropping from near the top of the East to barely scraping into the postseason, while the Capitals’ run to the finish has been well-documented. Here’s the thing though: how much does Washington have left in the tank? Teams on these crazy streaks always seem to run out of gas - they’re guaranteed 4 games now - they don’t HAVE to win every one. They’re also short on playoff experience. The Flyers have some experienced guys, plus you have to like young guys like Richards and Carter who play a smarter playoff-brand of hockey. I think they’ll grind down the Capitals who may just be happy to have made a playoff appearance this year. Also, I think the Flyers’ strategy is pretty simple: shut down one guy, #8.
Flyers over Capitals 4-2

(4) New Jersey vs. (5) New York Rangers
Another Patrick Division clash which brings back memories of the 1994 Eastern Conference Final. This should be a tight, nasty series. A year or two ago, and I would give the Rangers no chance with a roster full of fancy, schmancy Czech players. Shanahan and Avery give this team a little bit of grit and experience which should serve them well against the Devils, but hey, New Jersey is New Jersey. Lou Lamoriello has been able to re-shape this club while barely missing a beat. How? It all starts in net. You can’t go against Martin Brodeur. Yet.
Devils over Rangers 4-3

WESTERN CONFERENCE

(1) Detroit vs. (8) Nashville
As I mentioned earlier, the big question is: can Detroit handle the grittier, tougher teams in the playoffs? They’ve been ousted by tough, hard-skating teams in the last three seasons in Calgary, Edmonton and Anaheim. Can Nashville knock them off? The short answer is: no. I don’t see this Red Wing club going all the way - they’re old at a few key positions and I don’t think Datsyuk and Zetterberg, despite great regular season numbers, have what it takes to lead them to the promised land. They should beat Nashville rather easily however, before they are really tested.
Red Wings over Predators 4-2

(2) San Jose vs. (7) Calgary
Here we go again. Everyone’s perennial Stanley Cup dark horse is the Sharks again this year, and they’re also everyone’s biggest question mark again this year…. Will they finally live up to their potential? I think the answer is yes - this is the team and this is the year they could emerge from the West. One little problem: the Flames are a reeeeeally bad matchup for them, especially in round one. Calgary plays San Jose tough, winning the season series 3-1. If Kiprusoff can get hot, and the team can quickly come together and reach its potential behind the leadership of Iginla on the ice and Keenan off it, then look for an upset here. Actually, I think I just talked myself into picking the Flames, but I have to go back and pick the team I think will win the West this year…. This series will be worth the late start times, though and promises to be a long, hard battle. If San Jose does hope to advance past the 2nd round, they need to stay injury-free which may be hard to do for the winner of this grudge match.
Sharks over Flames 4-3

(3) Minnesota vs. (6) Colorado
I honestly don’t see or know too much about these clubs. I think this should be a very even series however, going to seven games with the Wild coming out on top thanks to a little more toughness, attention to detail defensively, goaltending and just enough scoring punch. Can the Avs seriously go with Theodore in net and hope to win a series??
Wild over Avalanche 4-3

(4) Anaheim vs. (5) Dallas
Calgary/San Jose: worth staying up late; Anaheim/Dallas: catch the highlights and get some sleep. If you like 1-0, 2-1 games with shot totals at 15-12 and the like, this is the series for you…. Granted, there should be some tough physical play, but this one has multiple OT’s written all over it. The Stars inexplicably have had a nice season, but it comes to an end here - the Ducks are the defending champs and don’t let their #4 seed fool you. I fully expect they will be playing in the Conference Final yet again.
Ducks over Stars 4-2

Okay, there you have it. Take these picks to the bank and here’s to a magnificent, channel-surfer’s dream round one of the NHL playoffs (remember to avoid carpal tunnel by stretching during commercial breaks).

Now, what do you think, Milton?

The Milton Sports Guy breaks down the Jays’ chances in 2008 after a 4-2 start, fresh off series’ vs. the Yankees and Red Sox

After sweeping the defending champs this weekend, Jays’ fans have high hopes for 2008. Do the Jays actually have a chance to make the postseason for the first time in 15 years, or will it be yet another third place finish in the AL East?

J.P. Ricciardi’s offseason moves landed the Blue Jays some serious depth even if some of them were questionable, which bodes well if the injury bug hits the team hard again this season. Don’t kid yourselves though, this team will need to stay healthy to have any kind of chance to clinch a postseason berth.

I liked the Glaus for Rolen swap of two oft-injured third basement. They lose Glaus’ power, but his range at third base was rapidly declining and it was getting increasingly painful to watch him lumber around the bases. Rolen shores up the defence at the hot corner and hits for a better average. If Thomas and Wells can rebound after poor offensive seasons last year, then Glaus’ home run total won’t be missed. The key for Rolen: stay healthy. How’s he doing with that so far? He currently has a pin in his broken finger, so I’d say not good.

I also liked the signing of the scrappy David Eckstein, although they had just finished signing John McDonald supposedly as their everyday shortstop. You gotta love Johnny Mack, arguably one of the best defensive shortstops in the AL, but if you want to compete with the Yankees and Red Sox, you have to hit. Eckstein gives them the fiesty, leadoff slap/contact hitter they need to set the table at the top of the order, even if he doesn’t have the defensive prowess of McDonald. And he’s a winner, celebrating World Series championships for Anaheim and St. Louis in 2002 and 2006 respectively, a trait you can’t underestimate.

The infield depth comes in the form of backup SS McDonald, and utility man Marco Scutaro, currently playing third base in Rolen’s absence. Both players are capable Major League starters which bodes well for the Jays if the infield starts to get banged up.

The outfield looks good too, even if I still don’t get the release of Reed Johnson. Ricciardi brings in Shannon Stewart to fight for the left field job, then Johnson, by all accounts outplays and outhits him in Spring Training looking to rebound after back injuries sidelined him for most of 2007 – and then gets cut by the club??

The only saving grace is that the Jays have Buck Coats, Adam Lind and Travis Snider coming up in the system, which maybe left Johnson expendable - I’m thinking his back problems may have been more serious than we know. Anyhoo, for now it’s Stewart (who can “fall outta bed and hit” according to J.P.) and Matt Stairs sharing the duties in LF, with Stairs able to fill in for the Big Hurt at DH if necessary and one of the aforementioned youngsters ready to step in if injuries require them to do so.

Centre field and right field are set for years to come with Vernon Wells and the newly signed Alex Rios, as long as Wells can rebound and hit like he did in 2006 and Rios can continue his progression into one of the game’s top young stars.

Another interesting move by Riccardi was the signing of catcher Rod Barajas who shunned the Jays last year, agreeing to a contract in principle, then bolting and signing with the Phillies. Barajas had an impressive 2006 with Texas, followed by a terrible 2007 campaign. Now he’s here in Toronto as Gregg Zaun’s backup - how long is debatable. Zaun struggled at the plate last year, leading me to believe that you could see Barajas if Zaun doesn’t step it up both offensively and, um, memo to Mr. Zaun: you might want to throw out a baserunner once in awhile, ok?

Then there’s the pitching staff, one area where most experts agree the Jays can compete with the Red Sox and probably have an advantage over the Yanks.

Roy Halladay promises to be in Cy Young contention as usual, and after him in the rotation, there is a lot of promise, but a lot of questions as well….

Shaun Marcum and Dustin McGowan had breakout seasons last year and it certainly seems as if each is ready to get over the hump of mediocrity and take their games to the next level. A.J. Burnett has pitched like, well, um… like A.J. Burnett during his tenure in Toronto, struggling with injuries and inconsistency. He dominated the Yankees last week, but as is always the case with Burnett, who knows how he’ll perform the next time he takes the mound. He’s a key to the Jays’ chances - he needs to have a breakout season. Then there’s the #5 spot which is currently held by Jesse Litsch, who just has to basically not suck.

The bullpen looks solid with the likes of Downs, Tallet, League and last year’s closer, Jeremy Accardo. The bullpen would look much better of course with the injured Casey Janssen and B.J. Ryan back, but Accardo has racked up 3 saves so things look ok until Ryan can come back from elbow surgery.

On paper, things look good for the Jays - if they can a) stay healthy; b) have everything go right for them (ie. all of the players who need to have big years do indeed have big years); c) benefit from the Yankees and/or Red Sox struggling and d) stay healthy. That’s a lot to ask. You thought so too, right?

Looking at the rest of the divison, I’d say you have to favour the Red Sox again. They have both the offence and pitching, and a great combination of vets and fiesty young players like outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury and pitcher Clay Buchholz. Baltimore looks to be absolutely horrible, despite their hot start, and Tampa looks like they could surprise everyone, although I think it’s more likely they’ll either get off to a fast start then fade over the last half of the season, or get off to a brutal start and finish red hot in September once the games don’t matter anymore.

That leaves the Yankees as the wild card. Again this year, they look like the team the Jays could beat out. They’ve struggled out of the gate the last two years, but have managed to turn it on in June/July/August behind their unstoppable lineup. The question again for New York will be pitching. Chein Ming Wang is solid, and Phil Hughes is a great prospect, but it’s time for Mike Mussina to be put out to pasture. Pettite is on the downside of his career and now has the whole Clemens/steriod thing following him around this year. Joba Chamberlain looks to be lights out in the ‘pen, and Rivera could go either way. He’s still a dominant closer but he’s not getting any younger so who knows when he’ll just go “Trevor Hoffman” and just lose it as all closers eventually do?

The Yankees could possibly be beat, but again, the stars will need to align for the Jays to do just that. The chances of the Yankees not being able to figure things out and the Jays staying healthy and playing flawless ball: not great. Look for Toronto to be nicely sandwiched in third in the AL East come September with Tampa closing in.

If I’m correct on this, it will be time for ownership to look a little more closely at J.P. Ricciardi. He’s in his 7th season leading the Blue Jays with nary a playoff berth to show for his efforts. Yep, it’s an important year in Toronto, and the good news for Jays’ fans is that so far, it does look like the team is playing with a bit more of a sense of urgency.

All we have to do now is sit back and wait to see how the next, oh 156 games or so to play out…

Here’s how I see the standings this year:

AL East
x-Boston
y-New York
Toronto
Tampa Bay
Baltimore

AL Central
x-Cleveland
Detroit
Chicago
Minnesota
Kansas City

AL West
x-Los Angeles
Seattle
Texas
Oakland

NL East
x-New York
Atlanta
Philadelphia
Florida
Washington

NL Central
x-Chicago
Milwaukee
Cincinnati
St. Louis
Houston
Pittsburgh

NL West
x-Arizona
y-Los Angeles
San Diego
Colorado
San Francisco

(x-division winner; y-wild card)

Now Milton, what do you think?

The following post is by Mark Ihnat. Please visit Mark Ihnat’s Smart Home Research Blog here:

In Canada, Bell has jumped on the smart home bandwagon offering smart home safety and security. Targeting families and the aged, Bell’s system is based on motion detectors, sensors, keypads and notification through wireless and the internet. An interesting system and although rather simple (it sort of reminds me of a basic X10 security system package) it seems Bell has beaten other telecommunication companies to the punch…

To continue reading this column, go to Mark Ihnat’s Smart Home Research Blog.

Tom Brady and the Patriots are one win away from immortality. The Milton Sports Guy thinks they will cap off a legendary 19-0 season Sunday - but the toughest question comes from the gambling angle: will they cover the 12 points against the upstart Giants?

Well, here we go folks - Super Bowl XLII in Glendale (basically suburban Phoenix for the geographically challenged) where the New England Patriots look to win their 4th Championship under Tom Brady and cap off the first ever 19-0 season. They face the upstart New York Football Giants who have willed their way to Arizona against all odds - 3 wins on the road against supposedly superior competition, led by the supposedly questionable Eli Manning. I’m definitely not a fan of either team, but lemme tell ya, this is one worth watching…..

The fact that the Patriots, even though they lacked the dominance they showed earlier in the season, made it to this point, makes this Super Bowl a ratings winner. This one will go down in history. Either they go undefeated and will be known as undoubtedly the best NFL team ever, or the Giants stun them leading underdog supporters rejoicing the world over and Patriot followers sick at the thought of how close they were.

Can you imagine the Patriots losing this game? Not only would the 19-0 dream go up in ashes, but they would also fail to be recognized as Super Bowl champs - something I’ve pretty much annointed them the title of, since oh, about week 4. As big as a Patriots’ win would be - thinking of it now, a loss would be equally as monumental. The only downside for fans rooting for the big, bad Patriots to lose, would be the yearly footage of the geezers from 1972 Dolphins obnoxiously, smugly swilling champagne. I think everyone outside of south Florida would agree with me when I say that’s something I would love to see come to an end.

Anyway, onto the big game. What will happen? How will this all play out? Who will win and more importantly to some, who beats the spread?

That leads me first, to the Milton Sports Guy’s prediction:

NEW ENGLAND (-12) over N.Y. Giants

That’s right. I’m calling the Pats to cover despite the fact that I’ve been burned by this very same train of thought over the last few weeks of the regular season and throughout the playoffs when it comes to New England.

I got so sucked by their huge early-season landslide victories, that I just kept taking them to cover huge spread after huge spread, even though it was apparent by about week 12 or 13 that this definitely wasn’t the same team from early on. Either they got a little banged up or the weight of an undefeated season was finally starting to get to them (probably a bit of both). Whatever the case, they have come seriously back to earth over the course of the last 2 months.

But what did I do? I still called them to cover a large spread in both playoff tilts vs. Jacksonville and San Diego. Each time, the Patriots did just enough to win by a comfortable-but-not-outrageous margin. Two weeks ago, both of my predictions bombed when the Giants stunned the Packers right in Green Bay (after Green Bay walked all over my Seahawks in the snow a week earlier). I figured the Giants’ road success was sure to end in Green Bay, but how did I know Favre was going to finally cough up a hairball and play like the pre-2007 Favre?

Anyhoo - my ‘note to self’ after the conference championships was: “when in doubt, take the points.” That’s right - good teams have trouble covering once you get into playing games outdoors in January. It’s not only that - teams are also more equally matched, but the inclement weather definitely levels the playing field.

So I took the Giants (+12) right? Uh…. no. I’m following my instinct here, definitely not my head on this one….

What I’m thinkin’ is this: If the Giants were going to beat the Patriots, the stage was set for week 17. That’s when all the chips fell into place for New York, and yet they still couldn’t pull it off. They were at home, playing well and had a huge lead late in the game against the 15-0 Patriots who certainly looked anxious in carrying the weight of expectations of a perfect regular season. That was their chance - and the Patriots rallied and did just enough to escape with the victory.

Now, granted, the Giants have been more than impressive in the post-season. Led by Eli Manning, somehow they’ve knocked off the favoured Bucs, Cowboys and Packers in hostile territory. They did play the Patriots tough as well, so they’re not intimidated. I think this one comes down to New England though.

First of all, I would take the Patriots to cover 12 points based on this fact alone: Bill Belichick has had two weeks to prepare to face the Giants in the biggest game of his career.

That’s all I really needed, but I thought of a few other reasons: The rest of the players have also had time to rest, heal and contemplate their place in history. They’ll be pumped - they have something to prove, and remember ’spygate?’ - yeah, they’ve still got that chip on their shoulders as well. They’re hungry for this perfect season - a dream season for anyone who’s dreamed of putting on an NFL uniform. They’ll be ready.

And the final reason: I think their Brady-to-Moss led offence will finally get on track and look as good as it’s looked in weeks now that they’re out of the elements, playing in perfect conditions on the fast track in Glendale.

Oh yeah, and then there was my internal struggle over this decision and the way irony likes to toy with me: I was clearly going with the Giants until I thought “wouldn’t it be ironic if i took the points in what should be a close game after being burned all postseason for doing the opposite, and then out of nowhere, the Patriots rise to the occasion and trounce the G-men by 35 points?” I could so picture that exact scenario occuring to me - that was the final straw. I swung my pick around and began to focus on the reasons above in justifying all of this….

How will this game play out? I see the Patriots’ offence coming out red hot and going from there. The Giants will exploit the Patriot D and score their points, but I think Brady and Moss will just keep coming and New York will eventually fade.

Oh, and a final score you ask?

Patriots 41 Giants 24.

Okay, that’s it. What an NFL season it’s been - the best in quite some time in my opinion. I had started to sour on the NFL a few years ago - I just couldn’t get into any of the teams or storylines. Peyton upsetting the Pats and winning his first Super Bowl last year started to bring me back, but this whole ongoing Patriots’ undefeated/juggernaut story has really intrigued me, with the re-emergence of the Cowboys and Packers as tasty subplots.

A special thanks again also to the Milton Pigskin Prognosticator who was our featured NFL expert on most of the 19-week season here in this space. The quality research he brought to this column I’m sure was appreciated by all, compared to my statistically-lacking predictions…. Thanks MPP and enjoy the big game!

Okay Milton, it’s your turn. Who’s your pick for Super Bowl XLII?

After the Packers’ convincing win vs. the Seahawks and because the Giants’ stunned Dallas, Favre and co. are one home win away from a berth in the Super Bowl.

Well, we’ve arrived at my second-favourite weekend of the NFL season, the Conference Championships (#1 is the divisional playoff weekend, ie. last weekend - 4 usually intriguing matchups over two days). I love the AFC and NFC Championship games because it usually involves two great teams facing each other, usually some kind of rivalry or history, and unlike the Super Bowl which is contested in either warm weather cities or inside of a domed stadium, these matchups are the most important NFL games which still involve the elements. With this Sunday’s games being played in New England and Green Bay, it’s clear that the elements will indeed be a factor.

How about last week’s games, specifically Sunday’s double-underdog uprising which was thrilling, stunning and shocking all at the same time.

Those words barely begin to scratch the surface of describing a Norv Turner-led team on the road without at times, Phil Rivers and LaDainian Tomlinson, upsetting Peyton Manning and the defending champion Colts. I didn’t see that game playing out any other way than a drubbing for Indy. I just didn’t. Even with San Diego up late, I figured Manning would buckle down and lead the Colts efficiently down the field for the winning score. Give the Chargers credit for exploding for some big plays on offence and putting the clamps on Indy late for the win.

The late game went as I wrote last week, although I was still surprised to see it play out. Dallas was flat (I’m sure Romo’s bye week off with Jessica Simpson in Cancun had nothing to do with it), and the Giants continued their inexplicable success on the road this year. Even more inexplicable may have been Terrell Owens’ post-game tearful meltdown defending Tony Romo, given how well he typically gets along with his quarterbacks….

Anyhoo, don’t hold your breath waiting for the underdogs to pull out victories this weekend - the Milton Sports Guy sees both favourites easily advancing to what would be a classic Super Bowl between America’s team (and QB), Favre and the Packers, and America’s villains, the undefeated juggernaut Patriots.

On to the picks (Home team in CAPS)

NEW ENGLAND (-14) over San Diego

I think we can all agree that New England will win this one outright - the question is the spread. 14 is a lot of points to give, especially in an AFC Championship game. It would be a tough decision if the Chargers were healthier - Rivers seems doubtful and LaDainian Tomlinson may not play the whole game. A Norv Turner/Billy Volek-led team with LT at far less than 100% on the road at the 17-0 Patriots? That’s not even factoring in my other rule that you never take the warm weather team on the road vs. a cold weather team. This has blowout written all over it - but again, that’s what I thought last week. Somehow the Turner/Volek combo teamed up for some huge plays and San Diego’s D came up big as well in the clutch. Then there’s New England who aren’t the same unstoppable force they were early in the season. In recent weeks, the Eagles, Ravens, Giants and Jags have given them a real challenge. Teams are figuring out that if you double-team Moss and avoid crucial turnovers, you have a chance. Ahhh, now there’s the key: “crucial turnovers.” This is what I predict will be the difference. With no LT and Volek more than likely leading the offence in the frigid conditions, you have to think the Patriots will force at least two Charger turnovers that will swing the game in their direction or turn a close game into a laugher. Therefore, I’ll try my chances once again taking the Pats to cover the big spread. I think Jacksonville was a tougher opponent than San Diego and they won by 11 last week, so 14 isn’t out of the question against this banged-up bunch.

GREEN BAY (-7) over N.Y. Giants

Although Eli Manning and the Giants have been unconscious on the road all season, and they’re fresh off a huge win vs. a bitter rival, don’t forget the roll that Brett Favre and the Packers are on… Even after finding themselves down by 14 early in last week’s game didn’t phase them, as they went on to outscore the Seahawks 42-6 from that point on. As I mentioned last week, the Packers are a team that can get a lead and then extend it. Also, Favre is a great cold weather QB while Eli Manning has admitted that he hates playing in the cold. And it promises to be cold in Green Bay on Sunday. Don’t you have to think that this road winning streak the Giants have going has to end at some point?? I think this is the week it all falls apart for the G-men. Imagine this scenario: the Packers get the ball, march down the field and score a TD. Now it’s 7-0, and Eli runs out there with his hands in his pockets and his teeth chattering. They hand off twice, and his third throw flies over Amani Toomer’s head and nearly kills Green Bay’s equipment manager. As he’s running off the field with his teeth chattering, Fox cuts to Archie Manning sitting in the stands with one of those, “I should have smacked him around more when he was little” looks on his face. Then they cut to Favre on the Packers sidelines, who’s standing there with a big grin and thinking, “Holy crap, this is gonna be easier than I thought.” All of that doesn’t seem too far-fetched now, does it.

And the juicy matchup between Favre and the Packers and the 18-0 Patriots will be set. If that’s how this plays out, this year’s Super Bowl will be one for the ages.

Now Milton, what do you think?

4 intriguing matchups are on tap for this weekend, including the Seahawks venturing into the unfriendly confines of Lambeau Field to take on the Pack.

NFL Divisional Playoff Picks (Home Team in CAPS)

GREEN BAY (-7.5) over Seattle

As a Seahawk fan, I get the feeling this one is going to sting. A matchup with the Packers at Lambeau reminds me of 2004 (I believe) when the Seahawk/Packers Wild Card matchup went to OT. The Seahawks won the coin toss and the cameras caught Matt Hasselbeck’s humble response: “We’re taking the ball and we’re gonna score!” before trotting back to the sidelines. He prompty threw an interception which was returned for the winning touchdown. Not good. Let’s hope Mr. Hasselbeck has left his crystal ball back in Seattle this week.

I’d love to see my Seahawks stroll into Lambeau and escape with a gritty, hard fought narrow victory and advance to the NFC final, but it’s just not going to happen. Two years removed from an MVP season and leading his team to the Super Bowl, Shaun Alexander has all but disappeared and has become a non-factor. His backup, known in Seattle as ‘Triple M’ (Mediocre Maurice Morris) is hardly the answer, so the Seahawks are NOT running the ball. Then there’s the nagging injuries to D.J. Hackett and Deion Branch. Do you feel even remotely confident that the Seahawks could come from behind vs. Favre and the Pack? Neither do I.

Let’s look at Green Bay. They’ve won their last seven games by 11, 34, 14, 11, 31, 19 and 21 points. You know what that tells me? That they can protect and expand a lead.

The Seahawks were fortunate to beat a 9-7 Redskins team - why would anyone think they can hang with a 13-3 team on the road when they haven’t had a good road win all season? Besides, we have a team that never gets calls (Seattle) going against the current America’s Team (the Packers). No official wants to be the one who made the iffy call that screwed up Brett Favre’s storybook season. Come on.

The Pack will win this one in a romp.

NEW ENGLAND (-13) over Jacksonville

The Jags have become everyone’s sexy pick this postseason. I’ve noted in this column before that SI’s Peter King himself believes the Jags are New England’s biggest playoff threat this year. Built like a northern team with a solid running game, the Jaguars at a glance do seem like they could give the Patriots a real fight, especially in the cold and snow of Foxboro in January.

Well, I’m going to buck the trend a little. I think the Patriots have re-grouped after some close games toward the end of the season as the pressure of an undefeated regular season began to wear on them. I think they’ll come out this weekend refreshed and firing on all cylinders and I’m going with them to cover.

Let’s also remember last week, when the Jaguars were lucky to escape Pittsburgh with the win, after some shaky coaching decisions from the Steeler sideline. The Steelers dropped 19 points on the Jags in about five seconds last weekend once they started chucking the ball every down and I think we can agree that the Patriots’ passing game is a leeeetle bit better than the Steelers’. Another factor against Jacksonville is the fact that the weather will be quite balmy for New England in January. A cold, snowy, muddy surface may have evened the field a little…

Here are a couple of other stats to chew on:

• Belichick’s playoff record in New England: 14-2
• Brady’s playoff record at home: 6-0
• Belichick’s record against Jack Del Rio: 3-0
• New England’s lifetime record against Jacksonville: 7-1
• New England’s 2007 regular-season record: 16-0
• Number of ‘07 Patriots wins by 14-plus points: 11
• Record of ‘07 Jags after falling behind by more than seven points: 0-4

Take the Pats to win big.

INDIANAPOLIS (-8) over San Diego

With the exception of the rain-soaked Sunday night victory over a depleted Indy team, San Diego has shown consistently that they take too long to get going against every other quality opponent, falling behind to New England by 24, Green Bay by 10, Jacksonville by 14, Tennessee by 14 and Tennessee by six in the playoffs. Why would Round 2 be any different?

Here’s how I see this one playing out: Indy comes out like gangbusters at home, Phil Rivers looks lost, Norv Turner looks shellshocked, LaDainian Tomlinson sulking by the second quarter and eventually, the Chargers roll over and play dead. You can’t fall behind to the Colts in Indy unless you have Tom Brady and Randy Moss on your team.

For the Chargers to win this, their defence will have to chip in big-time by scoring at least 14 points and I just don’t see it.

From my point of view, you gotta go with Dungy and Manning at home in this one.

N.Y. Giants (+7.5) over DALLAS

My first instinct was to go with the Giants because as divisional rivals, they always seem to play Dallas tough. I also like the way Eli Manning has been playing of late, and they’re a strong road team.

Then, I swung to the Cowboys thinking of their potent offence, the fact that they’re at home and looking to prove their top-ranked NFC status, and maybe because the Giants are going to pull the ‘ol ‘one good game and then roll over and call it a season’ playoff routine we see so often (see last year’s Seahawks, and soon to be this year’s Seahawks).

Now, thinking about how the Cowboys’ offence revolves around big plays (see: Romo, Tony passing to Owens, Terrell), I’m a little concerned about T.O.’s injury. Will he be at 100%? Probably - he’s a big game performer, but the Cowboys’ offense doesn’t look so imposing anymore, and their collective limp to the finish looms as an enormous red flag. Maybe taking the Giants and the points doesn’t look so bad anymore….

Then, consider these points: as I mentioned, they played them tough in the previous two games, (hey, don’t I need one underdog covering in Round 2?), Eli seems to look better on the road than at home, and could the wave of Giants’ running backs eventually wear Dallas down?

Move to coaching and who inspires more confidence, Tom Coughlin or, ahem, Wade Phillips?

That last sentence alone makes me feel even more shaky about the Cowboys and I have to take the points. The Giants could even win this game outright and I think they will with a late field goal.

Go with the New York Football Giants.

Okay, those are my picks - take ‘em to the bank. Now Milton, what do you think?