Another nation has moved to restrict citizens access to online gaming. Argentina has been added to the list of countries seeking to ban online gambling but at the very least it appears the Argentian proposals are aimed at eventual regulation and not an outright ban. However, the extremist measure to ban first and legislate regulations after is both harsh and contrary to keeping markets open and functioning, which would seem a reasonable goal for any government in these financially questionable times.

This is the second legislative proposal presented in Argentina aimed at disrupting the activities of online gaming companies, this proposal in the province of Santa Fe follows the similar move last week in Buenos Aires.

The latest bill includes penalties for local companies that do not block internet sites providing games of chance for money. Once again a government puts the burden of regulation onto private companies, just as the United States attempted to ban online gaming through banking regulations.

Fortunately, as mentioned, there are some sane voices in the Argentian debate:

“We understand that gambling is a part of social behaviour and increasingly popular online, but the fact that citizens in our province have access to this method of gambling does not mean that the State should refrain from exercising control over it.”

The spokesman added that it was the responsibility of the state to guarantee that games are offered “only via legal channels” in order to be able to collect taxes for subsequent investment in social programs.

Good news: Stew Force One has successfully landed in the greater St. Petersburg/Tampa area and it is readily apparent Rays Mania has taken over the region.

Everyone I’ve come in contact with - well, everyone except for the Mohawked young man behind the rental car counter who said he’s had the ‘do for years and should no way be confused for a Rayhawk - was talking up the Rays and how they believe they’re ready to put away the Red Sox tonight.

Heck, even the rental cars seem to be getting into the act. When I walked out to the lot, the car waiting for me was a sky blue Toyota Highlander - a color found in the Rays’ uniform scheme.

Today marks the start of a BLS roadtrip through the end of the postseason and I’ll be bringing you plenty of on-location goodness throughout the next week or two. It’s time to head to the Trop, so enjoy a few pictures I took from the airport to hotel (a nice little number that is not only located next to a Chick-Fil-A but d a Bob Evans, a Panda Express and a gas station selling Cuban food).

* * *

* * *

* * *

* * *

This isn’t to say interim Clemson coach Dabo Swinney, who took over the Tigers after Tommy Bowden "resigned" this week, has no chance of keeping the job permanently once the season ends. This is to say Swinney has almost no chance of keeping the gig. In a loss to Georgia Tech, Clemson played as bad as they had under Bowden, lacking any sense of cohesion or collective focus.

The Tigers gave up six turnovers, including four turnovers spread between three passers. But Swinney lost his tenuous hold on the job in final minutes, when Clemson A.D. Terry Don Phillips joined the team on the sideline. With 2-1/2 minutes left, down four and facing fourth and 22, Swinney called the ol’ hook and ladder. FAIL.

After the shocking fumble, Phillips could be seen talking smack at a flustered Swinney, who looked more embarrassed than anything. Swinney paced, Lane Kiffin looked up South Carolina real estate, and Ga. Tech ran down the clock. Forced to punt with about 10 seconds left, the Jackets watched Swinney send all 11 Tigers in an attempt to block the kick. No one in orange got close, and precious seconds ticked down as Tech watched the ball settle to the turf with nary a Tiger around.

The Hail Mary got picked off. Swinney made various motions to get his team to huddle up and leave the field together. One player responded. Everyone else in orange wandered aimlessly. Something tells me the Clemson players aren’t buying Swinney’s continued leadership either.

Making the postseason meant a lot to the eternal October fishermen in Milwaukee, even if the playoffs amounted to a sacrificial offering laid at the feet of Philadelphia. Those good feelings have opened up the ol’ pocketbook, as Brewers GM Doug Melvin tells ESPN’s Buster Olney the Crew will make a strong run at keeping C.C. Sabathia.

Sabathia might be up for Zito money, and the teams after C.C. include big-dollar squads like the Yanks and Dodgers, so bidding could get even more ridiculous. How much will Milwaukee allow its payroll to expand? Sabathia at $11 million was the highest-paid Brewer last season; if his salary prospects double, will the Brewers hang? Never say never, but it would look less than likely.

Meanwhile, Dale Sveum is out of a job. Melvin told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel earlier today that the Crew is looking for an experienced, successful manager to replace the guy who replaced Ned Yost late in the season. Bob Brenly and Willie Randolph have gotten some early pub. If Milwaukee is somehow successful in keeping Sabathia, I imagine the pay budgeted for said experienced, successful manager will be quite low.

The sons of football coaches aren’t assumed to be any more straight-laced than the common collegian male. Plenty of coach’s sons get into trouble, and it’s always embarrassing.

In Iowa, where Kirk Ferentz faces the prospect of losing his job precisely because his program has become a feeder team for the Iowa City Jail, things get worse than usual. Ferentz’s kid James, a freshman lineman, got pinched on underaged drinking (shock!) charges. The crime is of questionable import until you figure it might take Dad from the hot seat to the guillotine.

Of course, put a six-pack in front of a 19-year-old and Dad’s employment situation isn’t really central to the thought process. Millions of students get away with intoxication, though; how hard is it to be especially discreet given the situation? Coach Ferentz, for his part, is making an example of the kid in an effort to either exhibit good parenting or save his job. Or both.

H/T: FanHouse.