Next time you look across at that pink filet calling you, remember where it came from.

Consumer Reports has come out with their Top Picks for 2008…and there are some surprises.  To create this list, CR conducted road tests with cars, accessed the manufacturer’s reliability, and reviewed safety info for each car.

The most surprising thing to me was that Hyundai won two categories:  small sedan and Midsized SUV.  It’s not that I have anything against korean cars…it’s just that when korean cars started coming out they were so horrible and so unreliable that it’s weird to see them on this list.  They win points for being affordable and well equipped…and even their safety record is pretty good.

Still, it’s the first time a korean auto-maker has made the Consumer Reports list.  Looks like things may be really turning around for Hyundai…but still there is no way any self respecting jap can ever purchase a korean car.

The Infiniti G35 won for best upscale sedan…and I love Infinitis.  I think their styling is way more slick than the other boring Japanese brands and pricing for Infinitis is much lower than similarly outfitted models.  Who needs a Bimmer when you can get more car for less money, all along with Japanese reliability.

Of course you have the standard Honda Accord on the list, along with the Toyota RAV4 and Sienna.  And oddly, in the ‘fun to drive’ category the Mazda Miata won…which means the ‘fun to drive’ category is really picking ‘cute cars for girls.’

The top luxury sedan?  The Lexus LS, of course.  I’m sure it’s a comfortable car with lots of features, but the thing screams boring Japanese businessman.

And finally, in the hybrid category…guess who won?  The Prius.  Big surprise.  I mean, why even have this award?  Toyota is half a decade ahead of anyone in the hybrid game.  Their only fault is that the Prius looks absolutely horrible.

So, interesting list…but not really anything that groundbreaking.  In my opinion, all of these cars are pretty boring…with the possible exception of the G35.

And sorry bear, the rabbit did not make the list.

The NFL is exciting.  Like, all year round.  Even when no one’s playing you got free agent signings, draft picks…I can’t wait till next year’s Lawyer Bowl.

Today, Randy Moss signed a 3 year deal with the Pats for $27 million.  Not bad for a guy who caught 23 TDs last year and helped the Pats go 16-0 in the regular season.  Too bad he dropped off the map in the playoffs though.

Big Ben also signed a HUGE deal today worth $102 million over 8 years, making the 26 year old one of the highest paid players in the league.  I’m not really sure with such a long term investment in Roethlisberger though…he has a pretty bad history with injuries, although he did improve significantly last year.

One of the top RB free agent prospects this year, Michael Turner, signed with the Falcons last week.  Turner backed up LT in San Diego last year and the back had some pretty good moments.  But he moves to a time-sharing role in Atlanta in what is likely to be a rebuilding year.

One team that’s gonnna have a rough season next year is the Bears.  They went from the Super Bowl to a 7 and 9 season.  Then, they resigned Rex Grossman for another year while losing top receivers Berrian and Muhammad.  This pretty much ensures that any QB taking snaps for the Bears will have no one to throw to.  Unless Grossman is the starter…he’ll have 11 defensemen to target.

I’m really excited for the draft too…and I’m particularly interested in the fate of Colt Brennan.  Although he lead Hawaii to a perfect regular season Brennan has likely dropped to the second round this year…kind of sad considering he turned down an almost certain first round selection last year.

So who’s in the market for a QB?  Well, the Dolphins have the first pick, and they could sure use a QB.  Then you have the Rams, Falcons and Jets that have lots of questions to answer in the QB position.  The Bears and Bucs could use a QB as well.

Lots to watch this off season.  Can’t wait for the Feral Cats to make another strong showing in the Lawyer Bowl.