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********** 2026-27 NFL SEASON: WEEK 1 – ANALYSIS AND PICKS by Nolan Dalla 2026-27 NFL BETTING RECORD: WINS — 0 LOSSES — 0 PUSH — 0 NET WIN/LOSS — +/- $0 LAST WEEK’S RESULTS — 0-0-0 (+/- $0) STARTING BANKROLL: $10,000. CURRENT BANKROLL: $10,000.
**********
ALL WAGERS ARE FOR $100 EACH AND ARE PRICED AT THE STANDARD 110/100 VIG, (UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE)
—BEST FUTURES BET—
In case you missed it, I posted a report here on this site on the Minnesota Vikings, who I expect will have a much-improved season. Click HERE to read my analysis of Minnesota and analyze the options on betting the Vikings on various futures options.
—PREVIOUS SEASON’S RESULTS (2011-2025—
Readers need to know who they are reading. Here’s a short synopsis.
Since 2012, I have enjoyed 11 winning seasons in handicapping and betting and 4 losing seasons with a net gain in most categories. Full disclosure—–I went broke once (in 2015). But lots of very good years and a few great seasons are in there and have always been posted publicly.
I consider myself a *student* of the game and betting, with lots more to learn. Anyone who claims to be an “expert” in sports gambling….is no expert. Run the other way when someone claims to be that. There are no “experts” in a business that is constantly changing. There are only successful students.
Last season (2025), here at this public website, I enjoyed a very solid year. Final results were 181 wins, 143 losses, 7 pushes —– for a net gain of +38 units above .500 and +18.6 units betting $100 flat. That’s +1,860 in profit based on those metrics. I was about break even until midseason, then went on a rush. Solid numbers, but I warn readers about my slow starts in recent years. Nonetheless, if you can find someone who releases more picks with those results for free, I’d like to hear about it.
The season before (2024) at this site, I finished at 161 wins, 136 losses, and 4 pushes —– for a net gain of +25 games above the .500 mark and a +7.93 units in profit. My Las Vegas handicapping contest results that year were far better, finishing second in the Westgate SuperContest that season out of ~1,200 entrants (netting $186,000) in contest profits.
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All those results are verifiable right here and/or at my personal website, and on Facebook, and other places where I post. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me. Every NFL report I have ever written which contains about 2,500 picks over 15 years can be found to this day at my site: www.nolandalla.com
Forgive the detailed background report because I know most of you just want analysis and picks, but I need to post my record going forward because PAST PERFORMANCE is important. Anyone who does not post VERIFIABLE results of their picks should be avoided. Especially handicappers on TV and those and the major sports websites. 99 percent of them break even at best or should be faded. This is a simple fact proven by history – which is why they almost NEVER show you their betting histories.
I cannot stress this enough: I don’t care what someone thinks about a game until I see the depth of a reliable track record.
This is not easy. It’s not even fun much of the time. It’s work. There are no shortcuts.
Here’s to a new season!
Bring on 2026!
—WEEK 1 ANALYSIS AND PICKS—
Cleveland at Jacksonville Line: Jaguars -8.5 Total: O/U 40.5
This line opened early at JAX -7 but has since moved to -8.5 and -9 in a few spots. It’s easy to see why. Who in their right mind would bet on the Cleveland Browns right now?
Everything looks like a mess for the Browns. New and unproven coaching staff. Two struggling QBs, including some offseason controversy. Plus, the Browns lost their best defensive player. And, oh yeah — Cleveland has an entirely new starting five on the offensive line. When I saw that news, this became a mandatory *lay-the-points” wager, as it’s hard to see anything that inspires confidence on Cleveland so early in the season.
Jacksonville was a very under-the-radar 13-4 in the regular season and comes into 2026 with lots of confidence. Here’s the perfect punching bag at home to start the season off with what should be an easy victory. I just don’t see how the Browns with all their problems go on the road with essentially an entirely new offense and coaching staff and keeps this within a touchdown.
Note: I examined lots of totals and player props, but if Cleveland’s offense is as bad as I think they might be, then Jacksonville may not have to do much statistically and points-wise to win. That makes projecting player stats more difficult. Wagers: Jacksonville -8.5 (-110)
– Tampa Bay at Cincinnati Line: Bengals -4 (even) Total: O/U 50.5
This line opened up at -3, was bet up to -3.5, and is now -4 with added vig in several spots. To me, this looks like sucker money coming in on shaky and overrated Cincinnati.
Both teams have lots of question marks on both sides of the ball. However, Tampa Bay has historically started off strongly, including 5 straight opening day wins, while Cincinnati has been a notorious September team bith SU and ATS with their current personnel. We keep hearing *this* is the year the Bengals will break the early-season curse, but until I see it, I’ll take a veteran opposition team with its own things to prove coming off a disappointing season (including a horrible 1-9 run to close last year, which was riddled with injuries).
We all know CIN QB Burrow’s talent (when he’s healthy), but TB QB Mayfield is right there statistically. Even with problems on his offense, Mayfield still threw for 3,700 yards with 26 touchdowns and only 11 interceptions — so, if that’s the floor in a bad season, he should improve now healthier versus a bad defense (that’s supposedly “improved” — we’ll see.
I expect two veteran QBs and good skill position players will make this a close, higher-scoring game than average. I liked the Bucs at +3.5, and now that I’m catching +4, that’s an even stronger wager.
I’ll also take the Bucs in the 1Q. I was surprised to see them getting +1.5 (-130) instead of the expected .5 (half point). I can’t see any scenario where Tampa Bay’s Mayfield doesn’t throw 40-50 passes and gets enough yardage to break a low total (especially given Bengals’ defensive problems last season). Going OVER on his yardage total of 232.5 (-115) looks obvious. Wagers: Full Game Side: Tampa Bay +4 vs. Cincinnati (-120) First Quarter: Tampa Bay +1.5 (-130) Player Prop: TB QB Mayfield OVER 232.5 passing yards (-115)
– Baltimore vs. Indianapolis Line: Ravens -4 Total: O/U 47.5
This one’s easy. We’re seeing echo chambers of public money moving lines, and it’s not the smart direction. Check the results, so far: Seahawks failed to cover, then Rams failed to cover. Now, here’s another hyped team — the Ravens who are the AFC favorite to reach the Super Bowl, which is ridiculous.
Maybe Baltimore eventually delivers on high expectations, but I see Baltimore as overrated, and QB Jackson as a player with a very slim window to reach the Super Bowl–as he’s never been a winning big game QB. In years past early in the season, Jackson and the Ravens enjoyed the *carryover* momentum of ex-coach Harbaugh’s strong concentration on winning in preseason (recall Baltimore’s unusual pre-season ritual and record results). But he’s gone now, and we don’t know how this new coaching staff will fare. So, the Ravens laying this high a number is hype that I’m happy to fade. Especially until I see they are worthy of all the public adulation and money.
The Colts did start the season off strongly last season and were one of the NFL’s biggest surprises before QB Jones went down with a season-ending injury. I don’t like concentrating on last season’s results, but Indy was 8-2 and then they faced a gauntlet of brutal opponents–KC, HOU, JAX, SEA, JAX, SFO, HOU without their starting QB. With Jones back and RB Taylor as a threat, Indy should be able to keep this one close.
Line opened at -3 and -3.5 in some places and now that +4s are appearing, that’s an easy decision to play the home dog against what might be an overrated team that has yet to prove they belong with this level of confidence. I’m adding an OVER on receiving yardage for IND WR Pierce, who should get more targets now that Pittman is gone from Indy. Jones should get the ball in his hands, especially if the Colts are playing from behind and throwing often. Wagers: Full Game Side: Indianapolis +4 vs. Baltimore (-115) Player Prop: IND WR Pierce OVER 48.5 receiving yards (-115)
– Atlanta vs. Pittsburgh Line: Steelers -6 Total: O/U 41.5
I liked Pittsburgh before lots of breaking news late in the week in this game that played havoc with lots of odds attached to this matchup. The Steelers were widely thought to be in a regression mode, but I’m not so sure there’s not a winning season in the near future ahead.
For one, I expect new coach McCarthy to keep ancient QB Rodgers focused in one last effort. Pittsburgh had decent personnel already, especially on defense, and this combo should be enough to defeat inferior opponents. Perhaps they won’t contend for the division with Balt and Cincy, but Pittsburgh should be able to wallop outclassed Atlanta at home.
The breaking news on Friday was the change at QB for Atlanta. This broke out of nowhere. Acquired from Miami, Tagovailoa was expected to open the season as the starter with Penix Jr. as the backup. However, they are BOTH out for Sunday, which means Dallas/Baltimore washout Cooper Rush will start for Atlanta after joining the team about a month ago. That’s a really bad spot to be thrown into.
I’m not sure many trends and angles apply here, as there has been so many changes on both sidelines. But with good veteran talent on the Pittsburgh sideline, facing a weak team with a clear bench-warming QB, I’m going to lay the chalk, even though it’s approaching a TD. In the Las Vegas handicapping contests, with early stale lines, I took Steelers -3.5 across the board on every ticket. But for purposes of grading, I’ll lay -6 which is now the current number. Wagers: Full Game Side: Pittsburgh -6 vs. Atlanta (-105)
– Buffalo vs. Houston Line: Bills -1.5 Total: O/U 45.5
I love Buffalo and their level of talent ….. but just a feeling here Houston will pull off a minor upset in this attractive opener. We all know Texans field one of the NFL’s best defenses, but what’s been talked about in Houston these past eight months was the Texans weak offense and lingering questions about QB Stroud and his leadership. I expect this pressure will light a fire under Houston and they’ll come out with something to prove, especially on offense. Buffalo with its cast can outscore anyone, but they’re also a unit that often gives up big plays and lots of points. Here, in a tough road game, this showdown has (minor) upset written all over it.
Accordingly, I’m also betting on Stroud to enjoy a successful passing day and pick up ample yardage to break this number. It’s unfathomable the Texans listened to all the criticism and then will come out with a stale game plan. Houston also has some receiver injuries and Schultz is a solid “go to” TE….in a game where Stroud wants to air it out but also keep mistakes to a minimum, the Texans TE should get the ball. Wagers: Full Game Side: Houston +1.5 vs. Buffalo Player Prop: HOU QB Stroud OVER 223.5 passing yards Player Prop: HOU TE Schultz OVER 4 receptions (-115)
– Chicago vs. Carolina Line: Bears -3 Total: O/U 47.5
Taking the Panthers as home underdogs is tempting, and probably the correct side. However, I’m passing on the game given some injuries with Carolina. I see lots of volatility here but see the Panthers at +148 on the moneyline looks to be an attractive value. My thinking is — if you like Carolina at +3, then strongly consider getting nearly 3:2 on the payoff to win the game. That said, I’ll skip making a selection.
– NY Jets vs. Tennessee Line: Titans -1.5 Total: O/U 39.5
I’ve gone back and forth on this game all week long. This early, I don’t have enough trust in either team to make a wager on the side. However, I strongly like TEN QB Ward to enjoy a solid game in the first matchup of his second season. I also look for more points from the Titans than is projected, taking advantage of a win on the key number “20.”
This is a big game for the home field Titans, and especially Ward. The Jets can afford to lose a road game, particularly with the revolving door QB situation and Geno Smith returning after a miserable season in Las Vegas. But Tennessee hosting a bad team like the Jets must deliver sparks or the season could spin down the drain quickly. Hence, I believe new OC Drabell (former NYG head coach) will have the Titans passing game primed and ready. After all, the miserable Jets defense led the league in passing touchdowns allowed last season — and even more remarkable, they didn’t have an interception all season in 2025. This looks like a defense even the young and unproven Ward can exploit, and I expect the Titans’ offensive game plan to certainly try.
I lean to Tennessee laying a small number, but given the importance of the game to Ward and the Titans’ offense along with the Jets’ glaring weaknesses, they should pick up player and team offensive stats better than projected in a number of prop categories. Wagers: Team Total: Tennessee OVER 19.5 (-115) Player Prop: TEN QB Ward OVER 201.5 passing yards (-110)
– Arizona vs. LA Chargers Line: Chargers -9.5 Total: O/U 47.5
I love the direction the well-coached Chargers are going, but this looks like too many points to give any opponent, especially the Cardinals who have enough weapons on offense to keep this within the margin. Line opened at -11.5 and was bet down to -8.5 and now looks like it will settle just shy of double digits.
Arizona is supposedly in a rebuilding year and is forecasted at just 3-4 wins, but vet QB J. Brissett was a surprisingly effective yardage producer last season in the backup role who ended up with the starting job. Combined with a much healthier running game, the Cardinals could keep this competitive. The Chargers also have a new offensive coordinator this season, and so laying a high spread is probably unwise. Cardinals were a woeful 3-14 last season, losing by an average of just under 8 PPG–and with some improvements this season, I’d line this at -7 or 7.5 at highest.
As for Brissett, he likely won’t be the QB the full season with a high draft pick looking over his shoulder and may be with his final team–yet his numbers were prop crushing in most pass stat categories last season. Sure, the Cards were playing from behind in most games, but Brissett went OVER this passing yardage figure in his last 9 straight full games, and 10 of the 12 games he started in 2025. With a legit rushing game, perhaps those numbers decline, still — I like his arm to advance the Arizona offense well over the 221.5 passing yardage on his prop sheet. Wagers: Full Game Side: Arizona +9.5 vs. LA Chargers Player Prop: ARZ QB Brissett OVER 221.5 passing yards (-115)
– More Bets I Like (Late Games):
I’ll take Minnesota -1.5 points at home, as the Vikings should be primed for this important NFC showdown with a fully healthy team for the first time in a long while. I also like new QB K. Murray to enjoy a solid game, backed with the best talent he’s had for his career, and especially a lethal WR corps. Playing at home in a dome against a suspect Packers’ D looks inviting. Wagers: Full Game Side: Minnesota -1.5 vs. Green Bay (-115)
Player Prop: MIN QB Murray OVER 221.5 passing yards (-115)
In the MNF matchup, I’ll take Denver +3 points in a divisional rivalry game. Not sure Kansas City has fixed all their problems that led to a dismal 2025 and a rare off year for them, while Denver ended up as the AFC’s top seed and retains most of the talent that enabled them to win 14 games. Seems like a gift to get +3, even with fears of the Chiefs and their well-deserved reputation as a winner. Still, KC has been a somewhat poor ATS team in recent seasons, especially in Sept. and Oct. Wager: Full Game Side: Denver +3 vs. Kansas City
– No Picks on These Games:
New Orleans / Detroit (no opinion whatsoever)
Miami / Las Vegas (lean Las Vegas, but only at -3)
Washington / Philadelphia (lean Washington +5)
Dallas / NY Giants (lean NYG +3)
—FINAL LIST OF WEEK 1 WAGERS—
(For those who just want the picks)
Full Game Side: Jacksonville -8.5 vs. Cleveland 9-110) Full Game Side: Tampa Bay +4 vs. Cincinnati (-120) First Quarter: Tampa Bay +1.5 (-130) Player Prop: TB QB Mayfield OVER 232.5 passing yards (-115) Full Game Side: Indianapolis +4 vs. Baltimore (-115) Player Prop: IND WR Pierce OVER 48.5 receiving yards (-115) Full Game Side: Pittsburgh -6 vs. Atlanta (-105) Full Game Side: Houston +1.5 vs. Buffalo Player Prop: HOU QB Stroud OVER 223.5 passing yards Player Prop: HOU TE Schultz OVER 4 receptions (-115) Team Total: Tennessee OVER 19.5 (-115) Player Prop: TEN QB Ward OVER 201.5 passing yards (-110) Full Game Side: Arizona +9.5 vs. LA Chargers Player Prop: ARZ QB Brissett OVER 221.5 passing yards (-115) Full Game Side: Minnesota -1.5 vs. Green Bay (-115) Player Prop: MIN QB Murray OVER 221.5 passing yards (-115) Full Game Side: Denver +3 vs. Kansas City
Note: in future weeks, I’ll post links to the site. Plus video. Also, look for most picks to be released by Friday night.
From this point forward, picks will be partially posted here, with the full reports at: HERE
Here’s Why I’m Betting on Something that Hasn’t Happened in 50 Years
by Nolan Dalla
I’m highly optimistic about the 2026 Minnesota Vikings and their chances of enjoying a successful regular season, and potentially a big postseason, as well.
Accordingly, I’ve bet Minnesota on a number of futures propositions. In this report, I’ll explain why I like the Vikings this year on multiple wagering opportunities.
***Numbers and Value: Season Wins Total***
Let’s begin with Minnesota’s projected “Team Total Wins” which is over/under 8.5. I love the OVER.
The Vikings finished with a 9-8 record last season. That was accomplished with the worst quarterback situation in the NFL. Down the stretch, Minnesota was starting a third-string QB. Nonetheless, they ended up with a winning season in what was perhaps the toughest division in pro football.
Asking the Vikings to win 9 or more games in 2026 seems very reasonable.
I made a large wager on the Vikings to go OVER 8.5 wins at -125.
I’ll get into more of the reasons why after a discussion of these futures prices and their values.
***Numbers and Value: Division Winner***
Let’s continue with Minnesota’s projected odds on winning the NFC North. Prices range from around +350 to as high as +480 (you may find numbers different elsewhere – I scanned the numbers at most major land-based and online sportsbooks).
Raw unfiltered odds would pay exactly 3 to 1 (or +300). That’s because there are four teams in the division and each team has a theoretical 25 percent chance to win. By any metric, the Vikings are widely considered longshots to win their division. This is because all four teams are bona fide playoff contenders, and Minnesota is perceived as somewhat inferior to Chicago, Detroit, and Green Bay.
I disagree with this popular assessment. Even if the Vikings are not quite as good as their three rivals, the value of 4 to 1 (or higher) remains a mighty tempting wager. We can also bet the Vikings to make the playoffs – as the YES currently pays +160. That is also a very tempting bet.
Note that I did not make these bets. That’s because I believe there is better value elsewhere (see more below).
***Numbers and Value: NFC Winner***
Continuing with Minnesota’s projected odds on winning the NFC Conference. Prices currently range from around +1600 to as high as +2300 (again, the odds you find could be different by the time you read this report).
I found 23 to 1 odds (+2300) at one of the local sportsbooks here in Las Vegas. Given that’s probably the best price available, I decided to make that wager rather than the “division winner” futures bet which was discussed earlier.
My reasoning is that if Minnesota wins the NFC North, their odds of also winning the NFC are much better than nearly 6 to 1 among the conference playoff teams. In short, the Vikings would have to win two or three playoff games in order to ultimately become the NFC Champions. My logic goes – if Minnesota is good enough to win a tough division, then they’re also more than capable of winning the NFC.
Is Minnesota a longshot? Well, since there are 16 teams in the conference, the Vikings should be priced at +1600 in the raw unfiltered futures odds. However, I am getting a much better price at +2300 odds. So, even if we agree the NFC is stacked with strong teams and loaded with Super Bowl contenders, I believe the assessment that Minnesota’s odds of winning the NFC are simply wrong, and the Vikings are grossly undervalued by the market.
Hence, I bet the Vikings to win the NFC at 23 to 1 odds. I believe this is the best value on the futures board.
***Will the Vikings Buck History?***
Let’s be clear. I’m betting on something that has not occurred in 50 years. Half a century.
The last time the Minnesota Vikings won the NFC and appeared in a Super Bowl game was five decades ago, in 1976. In fact, Minnesota made four Super Bowl appearances — 1970, 1973, 1974, and 1976 — losing all four times. The Vikings have been to 10 NFC championship games, most recently losing in 2017. So, it’s admittedly been a long drought in Minnesota.
Historical markers are interesting, but they also don’t have any bearing on handicapping and assessing value in sports betting. In fact, since the Vikings do not have a reputation as a Super Bowl pedigree franchise, this likely adds to their attractive odds and betting value – especially among contrarian bettors (like me).
***The 2026 Minnesota Vikings: A Quick Assessment***
I won’t spend too much time here on each player and position. Nor will I regurgitate lots of statistics. You can find that information elsewhere.
What I view as highly favorable about the Vikings is their proven recent history as a good team, an experienced and winning coaching staff, excellent skill position players, a top-five defense, and new energy at the quarterback position. If we combine an assessment that rivals may not be as good this season (I expect Bears to decline, Packers to struggle, and Lions are a mystery after finishing last in the division in 2025), that sets up the Vikings strongly to enjoy a winning season, and perhaps advance deeper into the postseason.
A few facts:
– Minnesota Head Coach Kevin O’Connell has an impressive career W-L record of 43-25 (.632) during the regular season. He debuted with the Vikings in 2022 and posted a stellar 13-4 record (with a new veteran QB, Cousins). After struggling with a 7-10 record in 2023, O’Connell’s Vikings went an even more remarkable 14-3 in 2024 (again, with a new veteran QB, Darnold). After a 9-8 season with a horrible offensive situation, he gets yet another new veteran QB to lead the offense. As for top assistants, offensive coordinator Wes Phillips has been in his role since the 2022 season. And, he’s already proven successful twice with veteran quarterback transfers–and now repeats the ritual. Defense coordinator Brian Flores is widely regarded as one of the best in the game.
– Quarterback Kyler Murray is the biggest question mark and the Vikings’ fate in 2026 is likely on his shoulders and arm. The free-agent signing and acquisition from Arizona showed flashes of brilliance in seven inconsistent seasons with the Cardinals. But he also played on some very bad Arizona teams. This is a much better spot for Murray and his dual pass-run skill set, and he’ll be surrounded by talent on both sides of the ball for the first time in his pro career.
Darkhorse Prediction: Murray competes for MVP prize in 2026.
– The Vikings’ receiver corps could be lethal. This is an elite unit and certainly one of the NFL’s best trios – with WRs Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Jawan Jennings. Murray will have plenty of excellent targets. This group of receivers can make any QB look great, so long as everyone stays healthy.
– Minnesota’s defense ranked 3rd in the NFL in yards allowed last season. They ranked 7th in points allowed. If the Vikings retain anywhere near that level of excellence, with an improved offense this will become a complete team.
– Strength of schedule is a valid concern. Minnesota faces the 11th-toughest schedule based on W-L records from last season. However, this is not insurmountable. Playing in a tough division could make the Vikings a better team going forward as we’ve seen from the “bunching effect” of conference winners in recent years who tend to come from tougher divisions and play more difficult schedules.
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It’s important to have mentors. This is true in real life among those people we know personally — such as family and friends and associates. It’s also true with the most influential people we look up to in our society who make us all smarter, or at least provide fresh new perspectives.
I was in a discussion recently about mentors of ideas. That’s a phrase I’m applying here to describe people I’ve never met, but who are well-known, and consistently compel us to think, as well as broaden our horizons. In short, they have made millions throughout the world much smarter, and even entertained us with ideas (even if we don’t agree with them all the time).
In no particular order, I hereby offer these SIX popular writers and thinkers who have been important mentors of ideas for many years. I have most of the books they’ve written and I should probably do a retrospective on each of them at some point:
– Yuval Noah Harari — His work is expansive and he might be my most-admired social commentator and favorite public intellectual working today. Based in Israel, Harari’s numerous writings, interviews, and musings on everything from history to politics to science to high tech is often mesmerizing. I first became aware of YNH about 15 years ago when he released “Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind” followed by “Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow.” Everything he writes and says is worth listening to (and I should share more of his thoughts).
– Sam Harris — Sam Harris’ podcast ranks as my favorite. I’ve been a listener for a decade. He’s always engaging and attracts the greatest minds on many subjects, often in a combative but civil debate format. I’ve always admired Harris’ vanguard activism as an anti-theist (ne atheist). His writings and speeches on religion and similar topics alone would make him a “must” read and listen. However, his more recent expansion into political, social, and cultural issues makes heading Harris’s words even more mandatory.
– Heather Cox Richardson — I only learned about HCR in recent years, mostly through her daily blog/writings/email newsletter which is a blend of American history and contemporary politics and controversies. She’s widely known to many as a historian, but often brings events of the past to life in the sub-context of modern world events. HCR is consistently interesting and always timely. Subscribe to her daily narrative, and I promise — you’ll probably learn something new and often fascinating every day.
– Neil deGrasse Tyson — The popular astrophysicist might be the most watchable and readable thinker and communicator in America today. Whatever subject he covers is always interesting. But it’s his capacity to address so many different issues and talk authoritatively, yet keep things simple, that’s his calling and his gift. For instance, I know almost nothing about science or biology or astrophysics, yet deGrasse Tyson somehow distills the most complex questions about the universe into words and ideas that are informative, entertaining, and even fun. His wonderful sense of humor, combined with a natural gift for teaching, makes deGrasse Tyson a national treasure.
– Malcolm Gladwell — “The Tipping Point” was a major literary event, enabling millions of us to look at subjects we thought we knew, and view them in new ways — make that, very different ways. His many popular books since then have repeated this theme, taking familiar subjects and funneling them through a new lens of perceptions, though nothing he’s written seems repetitive.
– Robert Caro — Caro is the foremost biographer of our time. His masterful work “The Power Broker” (Pulitzer Prize winner 1975) may be the finest political biography ever, and his 4+ look series over the past 45 years on the life and impact of Lyndon B. Johnson is arguably the most dedicated commitment to a subject in modern history. His writings (and other projects) relating to Robert Moses and LBJ are, in effect, the definitive written accounts of both New York City and Texas — which is remarkable given how contrasting these subjects are which have been the focus of his life.
Now, it’s your turn.
If you will, share your 1, 2, 3….or more “mentors of ideas” and tell us why they were important and what they meant (or mean) to you.
Note: I am concentrating on LIVING persons. If we discuss deceased and historical writers, philosophers, and thinkers, I believe that’s too broad to address in a single post. Perhaps we’ll tackle that question later.
Thanks to many of you for sharing!
Note: This video runs about 13 minutes. I believe I made a few mistakes and mispronunciations, which hopefully you can forgive. I didn’t want to have to stop and record again.
On this Labor Day 2026, we must remember that even the most elementary advances in the history of human progress have never been easy.
Liberals with progressive ideas and bold new policies have successfully driven every single significant major advance in American history. Without exception. This is especially true when it comes to rights and conditions for women, minorities, and the working class.
History does not lie. This is a fact.
History and facts show that conservatives have always been on the WRONG side of history. On EVERY single issue. Conservatives fought against ALL of the changes which made America a much better and stronger nation — and more prosperous for everyone. Conservatives have always blocked every initiative to help the middle and lower classes.
History and facts show that progressives and liberals fought for all of these things which made life far better for hundreds of millions of Americans over the last century. This includes:
– Social Security – Medicare – Civil Rights – Voting Rights Act – Equal Rights Act (ERA) – Women’s Reproductive Rights (Roe. v Wade) – Outlawing Child Labor – Anti-Trust Laws (breaking up corporate monopolies) – Minimum Wage Laws – Gay equal rights and legal protections – Ban on Assault Weapons (lapsed under Republicans) – Workplace Safety Laws (OSHA) – 40-Hour Work Week (mandatory overtime pay requirements) – Fair Housing Act (non-discrimination) – Rural Electrification Project (FDR) – Public transportation subsidies – Infrastructure expansion and public works projects – Clean energy and expansion of alternative technologies
Conservatives OPPOSED all of these things. Liberals APPROVED all of these things.
Conservatives often label government intervention on many of these issues as “Socialism.” They’ve been spewing that scare tactic for a hundred years (but then also argue now Social Security and Medicare isn’t really Socialism–go figure), Here are just a few examples (in the photo) of how conservatives use fear and anger and mass ignorance to distort public opinion.
If it were not for Social Security and Medicare, hundreds of millions of Americans would have been impoverished and suffered unfathomable neglect and cruelty not being able to afford essential medical treatments and medicines. Socialism, yes *SOCIALISM* has lifted nearly one third of the American population out of squalor over generations, and we MUST continue to push for an expansion of “Medicare for All.” Liberals want that. Conservatives oppose that (at least they’re consistent–and wrong).
Labor Day is not just a day off, or a national holiday. This date should also be a moment of mass re-calibration to remember which POLITICAL IDEAS and choices in the last made life better for the vast majority of Americans. The answer to this is very clear, and we need more of it.
Time to pucker up, Witless. You favorite mass murderer Vlad is here (hey Vlad, drop your pants–Trump’s boys came all this way to Moscow to show their appreciation).
This is an absolutely sickening scene. A disgrace. An unfathomable embarrassment. Yet, it really happened.
No. Not “fake news.” Not remarks “taken out of context.”
It’s real. Watch the first minute of this nauseating spectacle:
This is a damning display of gushing appreciation and fawning servitude Is there any question who is the real *power* in this room? Buttering up a bloody dictator who invaded a sovereign nation, created immeasurable human suffering on all sides, and who continues to fire-bomb civilian apartment buildings and hospitals has been Trump’s foreign policy position ever since he falsely first promised to “end the Russia-Ukraine War on Day One” of his abysmal second-term.
But oh, the memories! All those glorious memories to be shared with the grandchildren! Hey, kids–I met one of the worst human beings of the 21st Century, let me tell you the story! Memories! They’re gonna’ be grand!
Ladies and gentlemen, this is Trump’s hand-picked grifting real estate leech, a witless silk-suited slug named Steve Witkoff who is shown REPEATEDLY in this video praising a murderous thug. Next, one expects him to ask Putin for his autograph, or offer to service him orally. Meanwhile, Trump’s corrupt son-in-law with the personality of a doorknob and the backbone of jellyfish, a vile child-boy-son-in-law who has plucked hundreds of millions in personal profits from sheik scumbags in the Middle East sits there like a bad case of the mumps.
This is the best of Trump’s best?
This is “leadership?”
This is “standing up to foreign leaders.”
This is “strength?”
No, this is weakness. This is shameful. This is one of the most disgusting and gutless exchanges imaginable.
It is, in fact, what we all knew has been happening for years beyond the scenes, gushing out onto the world stage in front of the cameras with Trump’s two pathetic sock-puppets of treachery personifying America’s national shame and grotesque incompetence.
Proud to be an American — watching this political blowjob on the world stage? Is there any doubt, who is in charge here?
WELL, AT LEAST ONE SECTOR IS DOING VERY WELL IN TRUMP’S ECONOMY — GUESS WHICH ONE?
Next time Trump and Republicans dangle that political canard about “American energy independence” keeping energy prices down and helping average consumers, throw these facts in their lying faces.
Note these despicable RECORD OIL COMPANY PROFITS (in just the last three months!!!) since the idiotic Iran War began. Aside from Israel collaring American foreign policy in the Middle East (another scandal), mega-corporatists recognized this was a golden goose of an excuse to rip-off consumers and pad shareholder profits and rake in those CEO bonuses.
$93 BILLION IN PROFITS FOR OIL COMPANIES IN JUST THAT LAST QUARTER.
Yet, news like this doesn’t even make a headline, nor prompt much of any social media discussion. I guess getting fucked has become normal.
These FACTS (no one can argue these numbers–as they are publicly reported) are deeply, deeply disturbing. Why more working Americans are not outraged at what Trump is doing and how giant oil companies and other mega-corporations are skull-fucking the public is beyond me.
Shaking my head. I can’t figure this misplaced anger out, at all.
But hey, at least the trans kid you don’t know 2,500 miles away got kicked off the junior high softball team. The bizarre misplaced obsessions and sick priorities of Trumper MAGA working-class Americans are something I will never be able to understand.
Enjoy the screw job, and thanks Republican voters.
We just lost a cultural icon. Yet another American lighthouse has gone dark. Gloria Steinem, one of the most important figures in the history of the feminist movement, died yesterday at the age of 92.
Steinem’s death comes only a week after we lost Dolly Parton. Both of these pioneering women of great influence were truly remarkable—-but in very different ways. Their imagery and personas were polar opposites. But their fierce dedication to their beliefs and unwavering devotion to causes bigger than themselves shall outlive them for many decades to come and rightfully becomes their lasting legacy.
Rather than spend time here retelling Steinem’s life story and accomplishments, instead — I’ll just post a photo of her autobiographical narrative I purchased (and read) about ten years ago, which she autographed. There are so many *small* moments told in this book, that become bigger things. Our lives are, in fact, many small moments and encounters on a timeline of who we ultimately become in the now. Some of these moments and encounters morph into unexpected turning points. Typically, the apex of change is other people. Casual conversations laced with unintended insults and outright patronization disturb and then incite a reaction. The unexpected confrontations with misogynistic hostility almost daily made Steinem into a fighter…..and a champion. It wasn’t just people and their archaic attitudes about gender and sexism she was battling. It was a system. A culture. A society. A nearly invincible and impervious beast, immune to change. Steinem confronted and challenged outdated societal norms, admittedly with mixed results. Activists rarely achieve the celebrations of what their life’s work deserves.
In My Life on the Road, I was most moved emotionally by Steinem’s bold revelation she had an abortion when she was much younger. At the time, the procedure was not legal in the U.S. She recalled how that brave doctor in London changed her life and enabled her to live her life on her own terms, making her own decisions about her body and her future. Had that option not been available to Steinem, she admits her life would have been very different and her progressive activism might have never come to fruition. That story made me realize how important reproductive rights are, and why they must be protected (even though, we’ve devolved into oppressive restrictions on this issue).
I don’t have any figures on this, but my guess is Steinem’s book was mostly bought and read by women. And that makes me sad. The audience that most needs to read this, and understand her life and legacy, is MEN. That’s right. We, the men, are most in need of education. Feminism isn’t just about women. It’s about human rights. It’s about personal empowerment. It’s about freedom. It’s about living up to our most noble ideals and ambitions.
Gloria Steinem lived up to her most noble ideas and she surpassed her ambitions. She should continue to be an inspiration — to ALL of us.
Another terrific afternoon lunch here at Beso located on South Buffalo, on the west side of Las Vegas, near Spanish Trails. This might be the greatest unknown gem and least-known restaurant in the area. In a bland world of chains and corporate food, this place is a throwback to old-world authenticity, and mostly at a bargain price. Deserves far more love–especially from locals.
Rant coming: i’m sooooooo….. sick of people complaining about boring food and few family run original restaurants and then when one is here they don’t support it. Quit paying $200 for a meal at a casino restaurant that will never remember your name. Please stop! Support your neighbors and real people who care about food.
Wonderful atmosphere, seating, service, specials, and food is consistently tasty and authentic.
