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Settlements & the Two State Solution (Friendly Fire)

The problem in making peace in the Middle East is neither geographical nor intellectual. Were there a will for peace, both sides know how to carve up the borders and exchange land in Israel for West Bank towns. They know how to tie Gaza and the West Bank together with a land corridor (If the Palestinian Authority on the West Bank really wanted either peace or to be linked to Hamas controlled Gaza). Were there a will for peace--and the ability of a Palestinian leader to deliver peace (and not wake up dead in the morning)--even Jerusalem is not beyond our ability to have cooperative ownership of holy sites.

But this ongoing tragedy is not about intellectual or geographic challenges. It is existential. There is no acceptance, now or in the last 50 years, of Israel as an independent Jewish state. Every war from the beginning has been fought to put Israel out of business and to "push the Jews of the 'Zionist entity' into the sea." The West Bank and Gaza were Palestinian, controlled by Jordan and Egypt respectively, and still they did not accept the existence of Israel. Wars were fought, and after each war the Arabs said, give us back what you just took and maybe we'll make peace. There has always been a cry for the status quo ante-bellum.

Now with discussions having gone on for nearly 16 years with Israel stipulating to the holy grail of the "two state solution," our good friend and the second largest recipient of American foreign aid, Hosni Mubarak of Egypt says, " Yes, we want a two state solution. Israel should be free within secure borders but it can't be a Jewish state." WHAT?!

What have we been talking about? This is back to square one. Israel can exist but a Jewish identity is still a racist outrage on the dignity of the neighbors? There are how many Islamic nations? (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Quwait, the Gulf States, Turkey, Afghanistan, Pakistan--leaving out Sub-Saharan Africa and South East Asia.) And that's all okay. But a land that is Jewish is racist on the face of it?

Yes, the optics of the settlements are not helpful, but what reason is there for Israel to be more helpful in a world that wants to deny its existence as a Jewish state? The issues are not insurmountable given a will for peace. Mubarak shows what the real problem is, but does his outrageous demand get press coverage and appropriate outrage? You know the answer.
©2009 Jonathan Dobrer
www.Dobrer.com

Spin Doctor, Part II (Inside USC with Scott Wolf)

The BCS hired George W. Bush's former press secretary to improve its image. After working on Bush's image, this should be a breeze.

Johnson Follow-Up (Inside USC with Scott Wolf)

Oregon cheerleader Katelynn Johnson talks about getting hit by a bottle after the Ducks' victory over Arizona.

Nice Line (Inside USC with Scott Wolf)

Arizona freshman forward Derrick Williams had 25 points and eight rebounds last night against Wisconsin. Williams signed with USC last year before he asked for his release from his letter of intent.

Tuesday's Column: Galaxy Must Get Younger (100 Percent Soccer)

Read it here.

Beck names his team (The Sausage Factory)

Newly appointed LAPD Chief Charlie Beck named his top command staff Monday and set up two new offices - including a special services division that will oversee counter terrorism and the detectives bureau - in a reorganization designed to "increase efficiency and improve effectiveness." Daily News.

In a briefly worded department memo, Beck promoted Deputy Chief Michel Moore, who now heads the Valley Bureau, to assistant chief in charge of the new Office of Special Services.

Moore, who was in the running with Beck for the job of chief, is one of three assistant chiefs and one of six direct reports to Beck.

Home sales steady (The Sausage Factory)

Home sales in the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles County are not likely to spike in October by the same impressive amount as the national average, a sign that the local housing market is in stronger shape, industry watchers said Monday. Bob Strauss in the Daily News.

Whereas home sales rose nationally by 36 percent for the month, California October home sales figures - due out on Wednesday - are expected to come in closer to 30 percent.

"We actually started seeing an increase in sales starting late last year," said Jim Link, CEO of the Southland Regional Association of Realtors, which covers multiple listings services for the San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valleys.

LAUSD hiring freeze (The Sausage Factory)

n the face of a multimillion-dollar budget deficit, Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Ramon Cortines ordered an immediate hiring freeze Monday and cut other expenses, including travel, conferences and food at district meetings. Daily News.

Cortines said the district is facing an estimated $50 million to $60 million deficit this year and a possible $480 million deficit for the 2010-11 school year.

"As a result of the financial challenges that we are facing, it is imperative that we ensure that every dollar we spend is essential to the operation of this district, and more importantly, supports our instructional mission," he said. "Therefore, effective immediately, I am placing a freeze on the hiring and filling of vacancies; travel, conference and convention attendance; procurement of contracted professional development services; the rental of non-district facilities and the purchase of catering or refreshments to be served at employee meetings."

AEG, city in talks (The Sausage Factory)

Councilwoman Jan Perry said Monday she is talking to officials at Anschutz Entertainment Group about reimbursing at least some of the $3.2 million in taxpayer money spent on the Michael Jackson memorial.

At her request, the City Council's Public Safety Committee - which was supposed to take up the issue Monday - postponed the discussion for a week.

HS FOOT: Notre Dame-Mission Viejo switched to 8 p.m. (Daily News High School Spotlight)

Good news and bad news about the Notre Dame-Mission Viejo playoff game Friday.

The good news is the event is on TV on Fox Sports Prime Ticket.

The bad news, if you're going, is kickoff time has been pushed to 8 p.m. in Mission Viejo, so it's going to be a late night.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Black Eye For The Program (Inside USC with Scott Wolf)

Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen reportedly received a black eye during an altercation outside a bar in South Bend.

Morning Buzz (Inside USC with Scott Wolf)

Some mixed views of whether wide receiver Damian Williams will play and the USC-UCLA rivalry means more to a couple players and their father.

UCLA 71, Pepperdine 52 (Inside UCLA with Jon Gold)

Malcolm Lee took care of the penetration
Michael Roll handled the outside game.
Drew Gordon did the rest.

Lee had 13 points, including nine in the first half, Roll had 17 points and five 3-pointers, and Gordon had 18 points, nine rebounds and three blocks as the Bruins defeated Pepperdine 71-52.

Lee hit 4-of-8 shots and had three steals, including a swipe-and-layup on the first play of the game.

With sophomore point guard Jerime Anderson sidelined early in the second half with a right leg cramp, Lee took over the role of primary penetrator. Lee got into the lane and slashed through Pepperdine's young backcourt trio of sophomores Keion Bell - who led all scorers with 22 points - and Lorne Jackson and freshman Joshua Lowery.

When Gordon wasn't clogging the lane, that is.

Gordon had seven points in the first half on 3-of-4 shooting, including a monster dunk on a putback, and was a force in the paint, hauling in six rebounds as the Bruins built an eight-point halftime lead.

HS FOOT: Taft's Morgan won't play Wednesday in quarterfinal (Daily News High School Spotlight)

Just got word that Taft's star running back, D.J. Morgan, is out for a City quarterfinal Wednesday against visiting Gardena because of a knee injury, though the results of an MRI exam will have to wait until Tuesday.

Here's hoping it's not too serious.

-- Gerry Gittelson

On UCLA (Inside USC with Scott Wolf)

USC offensive coordinator John Morton on UCLA's defense.
``They're tough and disciplined. They don't do a lot of stuff but know what they are doing. We have to play a perfect game.''
A perfect game hardly describes USC's losses to Oregon and Stanford. Or its victory over Arizona State for that matter.

UCLA-Pepperdine In-game Chat (Inside UCLA with Jon Gold)

InsideUCLA-Pepperdine Hoops - Fullscreen

HS FOOT: Oaks Christian, Harvard-Westlake readying for quarterfinal (Daily News High School Spotlight)

Harvard-Westlake of Studio City pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the regular season by defeating then-state-ranked Alemany of Mission Hills 24-20 in October.

It would be even more of an upset if Harvard-Westlake (7-3) were to pull off a miracle Friday in the Northwest quarterfinals against visiting Oaks Christian of Westlake Village (11-0), which has won 32 games in a row and six consecutive section titles, and is ranked No. 1 in the state by Cal-Hi Sports and No. 5 in the nation by USA Today.

"I was at that Harvard-Westlake game against Alemany with a couple of my teammates, and they're very well-coached. We have to take them seriously," Oaks Christian defensive back Max Napolitano said. "I've got some friends on Harvard-Westlake's team, too, so I'm excited to get to play them. If we play how we play, we should be fine."

A key part of Oaks Christian's game plan is to contain Harvard-Westlake's Jackson Ligouri, who has 40 receptions and 10 touchdowns.

"He's one of the better wide receivers around," Napolitano said.

-- Gerry Gittelson

HS FOOT: Crespi kids could use a lifesaver candy (Daily News High School Spotlight)

It's been a little over a week since Crespi of Encino lost its final game of the regular season to fall out of playoff contention -- the second year in a row since advancing to the 2007 Pac-5 final that the underachieving Celts (6-4) fell out of the state top 20 and failed to qualify for the postseason.

"I'm disappointed. I'm especailly disappointed for our 25 seniors who worked really hard and gave it everything they had," coach Jeremiah Ross said. "Unfortunately, sometimes the ball doesn't bounce your way. But I'm proud of our guys. They played hard. Sometimes when you play a really tough schedule, it comes back to bite you."

-- Gerry Gittelson

HS FOOT: In Bray's defense (Daily News High School Spotlight)

One of the City Section's top running backs and return specialists, Antonio Bray of Arleta is proving himself as a cornerback, too. In a 41-13 playoff victory Thursday over Reseda, Bray had a leaping interception in the end zone, his second of the season, along with 141 yards rushing and two touchdowns, including an 80-yard run.

As a cornerback, Bray has helped Arleta hold opponents to an average of 10.2 points heading into a City Section Div. II quarterfinal against visiting Cleveland of Reseda (8-3) on Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Monroe High in North Hills.

"With coach (Jeff) Engilman, there is no such thing as playing just offense or just defense. We do both," Bray said. "I do what he tells me to do. In the beginning, I didn't like play cornerback, but now I really like it. But as far as the next level, I'm a running back and kick returner."

-- Gerry Gittelson

HS FOOT: Will Moorpark head of Camarillo at the pass (Daily News High School Spotlight)

Camarillo's Jeff Matthews has eclipsed most of legendary Joe Borchard's passing records this season. The 6-foot-4, 230-pound Matthews has passed for 3,066 yards and 35 touchdowns for the Scorpions (10-1) heading into a Northern Division quarterfinal at Moorpark (10-1) on Friday at 7:30 p.m.

Moorpark is Camarillo's nemesis, eliminating the Scorpions from the playoffs four times over the past seven seasons, including a 45-21 first-round victory last year.

"Moorpark is pretty good. They've been a very good program for a long time," Matthews said. "We want to show people we can be just as good. It's been a fun ride so far, and we want to keep it going."

Another quarterback who has set a school record and surpassed 3,000 yards is Max Leffler of Grace Brethren of Simi Valley. Leffler has 3,083 yards after throwing for 373 yards on Saturday in a 20-15 victory at Sage Hill of Newport Beach.

Leffler has a streak of four consecutive 300-yard performances heading into an East Valley quarterfinal Friday at at Oak Hills of Hesperia, a seniorless first-year program that knocked off third-seeded Kern Valley last week.

Oaks Hills' Jeremiah Armstead has rushed for 1,700 yards and scored 16 touchdowns.

HS FOOT: Defense key for Paraclete (Daily News High School Spotlight)

Defending Mid-Valley champion Paraclete of Lancaster (7-4) has posted four shutouts over the past five games heading into a quarterfinal Friday against top-seeded Monrovia (11-0) at Antelope Valley College.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Griffen Practices (Inside USC with Scott Wolf)

Defensive end Everson Griffen appears to be 100 percent and practiced full speed Monday after being hobbled with turf toe for several games.

O'Neill Quote (Inside USC with Scott Wolf)

``It is very unfortunate for Kasey and his family. It is a ral blow o our team. We wish him the best with his probable surgery and rehab and want him to remain part of our team.''
-- USC coach Kevin O'Neill on news forward Kasey Cunningham tore his ACL for the fourth time.

Partial transcript from conference call with Jon Artz, Nikola Dragovic's attorney (Inside UCLA with Jon Gold)

Opening statement:
"We intend to enter a not-guilty plea at the arraignment. My client, just like everybody else, is presumed innocent. He is entitled to have a fair trial. They characterized the person who went into the glass as the victim. He was the aggressor, and there was heavy drinking."

On the situation:
"Dragovic left the floor, left the concert, and (the man) threatened my client by saying he had a knife and was going to kill him. (Nikola) thought he was defending the life of his friend. We intend to let the evidence speak. I've instructed my client to not talk to anybody, including the press."

On the status of the case:
"Let's wait until we see what the evidence is before they judge him. I would ask everybody to hold off in forming the judgment."

On UCLA suspending Dragovic:
"It's not my position to tell any other entity, including UCLA, my alma mater, how to conduct its business. Don't penalize this young man more than any other student. I think Dragovic was protecting his friend. He tried to retreat. He tried to leave the third floor. Let the evidence play out. He should be allowed to play. There's a presumption of innocence in our country."

On Dragovic's surprise arrest:
"After he went to (the UCPD), and I don't know the facts of how, he was under the impression that, 'OK, this was basically a bar fight,' and there were going to be no charges. Nikola was unpleasantly surprised when the LAPD went and got a warrant. Everyone originally thought this wasn't going to be a case.
"I spoke to Nikola a week or two weeks after the incident. He told me he'd gone to the UCLA PD and I said great, and didn't think anything about it."

On Dragovic's prior incidents coming up again:
"They haven't contacted me, but I think that incident is a dead letter. I can't speak for UCLA or city attorney, but I'm pretty sure it is. I don't think that old misunderstanding is going to read its head again."

On Dragovic's 2008 suspension on misdemeanor battery charges that were quickly dropped.
"I would ask anybody who's ever had a girlfriend or been married, have you ever had an argument? There was no physical touching, there was no case filed. To this extent that, 'Oh, these athletes are spoiled,' I would suggest to them that no criminal case was filed."

On the other party in the case:
"My understanding is he's about 6-5 and about 210 pound and approx 40. I look forward to finding his full name, to find out what he's willing to say."

Clubs Release Lists of Players Available in Wednesday's MLS Expansion Draft (100 Percent Soccer)

The Galaxy has 14 players the Philadelphia Union can choose from Wednesday. Remember, each team may only lose one player.

Available players: Todd Dunivant, Alecko Eskandarian, Alan Gordon, Leonard Griffin, Bryan Jordan, Jovan Kirovski, Chris Klein, Eddie Lewis, Yohance Marshall, Stefani Miglioranzi, Kyle Patterson, Tony Sanneh, Josh Saunders, Julian Valentin.

Here are the 11 players the Galaxy chose to protect then: David Beckham, Gregg Berhalter, Chris Birchall, Edson Buddle, A.J. DeLaGarza, Landon Donovan, Sean Franklin, Omar Gonzalez, Dema Kovalenko, Mike Magee, Donovan Ricketts.

As a Generation adidas player, forward Tristan Bowen of Van Nuys is automatically protected.

Here's who Chivas USA protected: Jonny Bornstein, Justin Braun, Yamith Cuesta, Jorge Flores, Maykel Galindo, Sacha Kljestan, Michael Lahoud, Paulo Nagamura, Jesus Padilla, Maicon Santos, Zach Thornton.

So, Chivas USA's available players are: Jon Conway, Jim Curtin, Kevin Harmse, Ante Jazic, Dan Kennedy, Eduardo Lillingston, Jesse Marsch, Ante Razov, Marcelo Saragosa, Bojan Stepanovic, Claudio Suarez, CareyTalley, Shavar Thomas, Mariano Trujillo, Sasha Victorine, Chucky Chukwudi Gerson Mayen, and Lance Parker.

The complete list of available and protected players from around the league.

I'll have more in Tuesday's column.

Bowl Hopes (Inside USC with Scott Wolf)

BCS guru Jerry Palm has USC playing Texas Tech in the Holiday Bowl. Stanford plays Florida State in the Emerald Bowl.

Kip Smith commits UCLA (Inside UCLA with Jon Gold)

Scout.com's No. 10 kicker Kip Smith, out of Colorado's Broomfield Legacy High committed to UCLA after his official visit this weekend.
Smith was committed to Minnesota, but his profile has risen greatly throughout the season, after he booted a 67-yard field goal earlier this year.

10 Questions with Alterraun Verner (Inside UCLA with Jon Gold)

For coming closest to correctly predicting the UCLA v. Washington State final score, Maltbaa won a chance to ask any 10 questions of a selected UCLA football player.
His choice: Alterraun Verner.

1) Before choosing UCLA, which schools were you seriously considering?
UCLA was definitely the top, but before they gave me the offer, it was Oregon, Washington and Boise State.

2) Who did you stay with on your official visit to UCLA and what were the activities you participated in while on your visit?
My host was Aaron Ware, and he showed me the basic college life. Took me out, let me meet the players, and I felt a good bond off the top with Aaron. We continue that friendship to this day.

3) Besides the NFL, what would you like to do after you graduate? Is grad school in the equation?
Grad school can definitely be in the equation. Especially in today's society, a bachelor's doesn't do that much. It's almost like a high school diploma. Eventually I'm trying to get my teaching credential or maybe do statistical analysis.

4) What was the feeling around the team in the locker room after Washington game?
It was a feeling of relief. All that weight on us the past couple weeks let off of us. We were able to mesh and built on that momentum all the way up to today.

5) What parts of your game do you feel need improvement?
Being more physical on my press coverage, my eyes - sometimes I let the quarterback draw me away from my coverage - those are the main things

6) What does the rivalry with USC mean to you?
It means everything. I grew up a UCLA fan, and this was always the one big game you worked on. Now it has so many implications this year.

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7) Are you happy you stayed for your senior year? Why or why not?
Definitely happy. I was able to experience another year of being a part of this. I would've missed this. I was able to enjoy some of those senior moments - bonding with the team, hanging with the guys, watching the freshmen grow up.

8) The team seems to be showing progress, do you believe the team is progressing and becoming stronger?
Yes, and you'll see the continuance of it past this year.

9) Do you feel extra pressure to play well when the offense struggles?
No, as a defense we take it upon ourselves to be flawless anyway.

10) Two part question, what was your proudest athletic experience and your proudest non athletic experience at UCLA?
On the field was the win against USC. That was definitely something I'll always relish. We're the one team in the decade to do it. Non-athletic, the 'Big Moment' commercial I did. That was an honor, and something I'll never forget.

Spin Doctor (Inside USC with Scott Wolf)

New BCS executive director Bill Hancock offered his wisdom on the Dan Patrick show.

]]> On the BCS poll:

``It is so true that the BCS is the best way to match number one and number two and preserve the bowl system. If you think the BCS is controversial wait until you get a playoff. It will be even more contentious.''

If Cincinnati goes undefeated, what do you say to Brian Kelly when they don't get to play for the National Championship:

``Well Brian is a great friend by the way and I have great friends on both sides of this issue. As you know I was the director of the Final Four for thirteen years and I would say to Cincinnati the same thing that I would always say to coaches who were left out of the tournament or got a bad seed in the tournament. You guys have had a great season and you guys are to be congratulated for it. (Host: Yes but these teams aren't undefeated. How do you say it to Cincinnati?) That is what you say. You guys had a great season. Yeah they are undefeated but right now there are six of them that are undefeated. Not everybody can play.''

Jim Buss on Ron Artest (Inside the Lakers)

Jim Buss, the Lakers' VP in charge of player personnel, had this to say about the signing of Ron Artest as a free agent last summer: "I think Artest is an incredible defender and he's a perfect fit for this team. I think we improved. He enjoys locking down top, quality players on the other team. He enjoys it. It's hard to find those kinds of guys. He looks forward to going against Carmelo Anthony. He looks forward to going against LeBron James.

"Not too many people say that. He's impressive to me when we sat down and talked to him. I know he's got that reputation, but when you talk to him you can't see it. He's been good for years. The circumstances that happened, he's even asked for his money back. I think he's a good guy. I think he realizes what he really wants, and that's a ring."

AP Poll Note (Inside USC with Scott Wolf)

USC is ranked 24th by the AP, its lowest ranking going into a game since the 2001 Las Vegas Bowl, when it was unranked.

A Jackson Memorial Deal? (Daily News Podcast)

Ken Jeffries talks with veteran Daily News City Hall reporter Rick Orlov who says two city council comittees have reschedued discussions about the Jackson memorial service cost amid word of behind-the-scenes talks...the Council is also slated (again) to take up the issue of medicinal marijuana clinics on Tuesday..despite all the changes made to the proposed ordinance last week.

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Answer Monday! (Non-Football Forum) (Inside USC with Scott Wolf)

At least no one asks about coaching changes or underachieving in this forum.

]]> Q: Brad'03 said:
I saw the mention of Jenna Dewan on the last forum and no doubt she is totally hot and a great credit to USC. Now to take this one step further, the country is currently going vampire crazy and there is nothing hotter these days than True Blood. Were you aware the hot young vampire on that show is played by USC graduate Deborah Ann Woll? Any chance we can make her this year's Pflu?

A: I have not seen the show but I'm always open to the readers' suggestions for a new sensation. So I'll throw it open to the readers.

Q: Gordon said:
Have you heard Sporty Spice will be making her theatre debut with a six month stint in "Blood Brothers" in London's West End? Is it on your itinerary for the next time you are in London?

A: Does the character weigh 95 pounds and weigh five-inch heels? I like to stop in the West End but I don't know if I'll enjoy mingling with the entourage.

Q: SCman said:
Wolfie,
Which Girls Gone Aloud song do you like the most?
Thanks in advance for your answer.

A: I'll go with The Promise or the remake of Jump.

InterLiga Teams, Schedule Announced & More (100 Percent Soccer)

Tickets to the annual competition that determines two of three Mexican participants in Copa Libertadores went on sale (to Visa card holders only) today. Tickets to the general public go on sale in a week.

Home Depot Center will host doubleheaders Jan. 9 between Santos and Atlante, while Club America plays against Tecos and Jan. 10 with Puebla and Tigres facing off before Monterrey and Jaguares do battle.

Carson also hosts the two finals Jan. 13.

Full details here.

CD Guadalajara won last year's tournament.

Also:

* Sunday's college scores.

*Former Galaxy coach Sigi Schmid remained hospitalized Sunday. Updated 9 p.m. from a Sounders press release: Schmid was released from Bellevue 's Overlake Hospital on Monday after being hospitalized for four nights after being diagnosed with pneumonia.

"I'd like to thank all of the friends and fans for their good wishes," said Schmid. "I'm feeling much better and I plan to spend the holiday with family and be back in the office next week."

POW: Final Score of UCLA/USC (Inside UCLA with Jon Gold)

Readers: Post your final score prediction. Closest to actual score with correct winning team gets to give me 10 questions to ask a player of their choosing, within reason.
NEW RULES: The 10 questions will go to the reader who gets the winner correct with the closest total score; tie-breaker will go to whoever has the closest winner's score.
Matt A. came closest this week, so please shoot me those questions, too, at jon.gold@dailynews.com.
I'll be asking Maltbaa's 10 questions for Alterraun Verner this week, and I'll try to get Matt A.'s in, also.

Thanks
JG

Answer Monday! (GA Forum Answers) (Inside USC with Scott Wolf)

This is supposed to be a spirited week, so let's remember that UCLA is second only to Oregon in one category and we're not talking football or basketball.

]]> Before we begin, it's time to wish a happy birthday to UCLA cheerleader Elise, who posed with us in last year's photo.

Q: The Promenade said:
Are the Oregon cheerleaders dressing up for Halloween as USC Song Girls when the Ducks play the Trojans? Dressing up as USC Song Girls means they will still cheer for Oregon, right?

A: They dressed as Oregon cheerleaders, thankfully, because being an Oregon cheerleader is the new being a USC song girl.

Q: Sharkeez Happy Hour said:
There was a ton of irony when Posh Spice was a judge on a singing show (American Idol) and now comes an announcement she will be judging dancing talent on So You Think You Can Dance. Does the irony never end with Posh Spice?

A: No it doesn't. Nor her husband who tragically lost the MLS Cup yesterday and missed his all-important five minute appearance for an England cap against Brazil in the process. Tough two weeks for Becks and Posh.

O'Brien Finalists (Inside USC with Scott Wolf)

Shockingly, the final three list did not include anyone from USC. Here's the list:

]]> Case Keenum, University of Houston
Colt McCoy, University of Texas
Tim Tebow, University of Florida

Answer Monday (Non-Football Forum) (Inside USC with Scott Wolf)

Things have been so crazy the past few weeks, it's finally time to enjoy life again.

]]> Q: JamesUSC99 said:
We have been talking lately about how we are happy Paris Hilton has decided to take her act over to London and leave us in California alone. But I was sad to hear about Madonna moving back to the United States following her divorce from Guy Ritchie. We did not really want her back.
But what about Gwen Stefani, AKA "The Pride of Anaheim"? She is now living in London and that is clearly a major and tragic loss for the people of Southern California.
So could this blog start a "Bring Gwen Back Home" campaign? In return for Gwen coming back to Southern California, we will send over Kristin Cavallari, Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Mueller.

A: I'm hearing that it's over between Jennifer Mueller and a certain former USC QB.

Q: Trojan in Redondo said:
Did you see the Soviet military general's outfit Cheryl Cole is wearing in her video for "Fight For This Love"? Is that because Cheryl is the only person who can bring order to the streets of Newcastle?

A: I did see her performance on the X Factor and can only hope she brings order to Los Angeles around the turn of the year.

Q: Harpoon Harry said:
Are you following Nadine Coyle on Twitter?
http://twitter.com/nadineworldwide

A: I will now.

Mackey Finalists (Inside USC with Scott Wolf)

Anthony McCoy, injured the past three games, did not make the cut for the Mackey Award Finalists.

]]> Dorin Dickerson of Pittsburgh
Aaron Hernandez of Florida
Dennis Pitta of BYU

Worry Of The Week (Inside USC with Scott Wolf)

Since two of the past three teams USC played scored more against the Trojans than they ever had before (Stanford breaking their old high by 20), is it important to note that UCLA's high against USC is the 48 it scored in 1996?