Debate rages:  Was it a big birthday bash or private Picks party?

The neighbors could clearly see a celebration was underway Sunday afternoon on West Goebel Drive.  There were balloons on the porch handrails, cars parked out front, and excitement bubbling from inside the house.  The party was definitely on, but what exactly was the occasion?

The answer seems to be a split decision with no clear winner, and the responses vary depending on who is asked.  D.J. turned 17 that day, and the hoopla was for her, some say.  Others pointed to a silver anniversary celebration for the Sunday Football Picks, which launched its 25th season.  Either way, it appeared that a good time was had by all.

"Uh, I was there," said an anonymous teen who bears a striking resemblance to Harry Potter.  "Balloons and streamers were frickin' everywhere in that family room.  It was so strange that I was afraid to ask what was going on.  The people are a little weird over there.  I just like the older girl."

Another anonymous source, who said he was going to be old enough to join the Sunday Football Picks next year, indicated the extravaganza had to be about football because the family engaged in a silly 25-question Picks quiz that rewarded the top three scorers (QT 19, Mark 19, Nicki 15) with jumbo-size candy bars.  And then everyone received an engraved silver key chain to commemorate the event.

"My dad seemed to be missing lots of those questions, and I really wanted a candy bar," said the boy, admitting the thought of losing a huge Nestle Crunch bar brought tears to his eyes.  "We got it, though."

After the fun and games and celebrating whatever was being celebrated, QT spoiled D.J.'s birthday by posting a 9-4 record to win Week 1 of the highly anticipated 2004 season.  QT actually called her victory, just like Babe Ruth famously pointed to the outfield seats before slamming a home run.

"Week 1's winning picks ... don't bother reading anyone else's," stated the subject line on QT's e-mail when she submitted her selections.  Apparently too much "Apprentice" has Donald Trump's ego rubbing off on her.

Defending Picks champ Mark was 8-5 and D.J. was 7-6, but at least Girlie has a new flat-screen television with a built-in DVD player to console her.  Ali, Nicki and Blaine got off on the wrong foot with 6-7 records.  That ended Blaine's four-year streak of beginning the season 9-5.  Interestingly enough, his last Picks title was the year before the streak, when he started 6-8 in 1999.  "History better be repeating itself," the veteran said.