I planned my day around today’s 1:00 ESPN day game… the Chicago White Sox at the Detroit Tigers. Being a die-hard Sox fan, this was a big game, made bigger by the fact that at about 1:05 I learned that the Sox can win the division even though their magic number is 2! This only made me more excited… and then I thought, hey let’s rip off the Sports Guy and run a running journal of the game! In the booth for ESPN is Steve Stone and Steve Phillips providing color, and some guy that they’re trying to break in before the playoffs. Here’s what transpired:
1:28pm Eastern – My God! The White Sox can clinch the division today even though the Indians can still tie them?!?! What kind of rule is that?!? I’ll take it though, I don’t want to have to win a game in Cleveland this weekend. So if the Sox win, they’ll win the AL Central. It’s 3-0 White Sox already thanks to an Everett two run triple in the first and a sac fly from Podsednik to score AJ Pierzynski. I love Polish people.
1:30 – But first I’ve got to make a sandwich… wait I need chips. Off to the Quckie Mart!
1:43 – I’m having a tuna sandwich with Utz ruffled chips! And a coke! And since I’m unemployed and playing poker tonight, I bought champagne! And I’m a little too excited right now, but it’s 3 zip White Sox and the sun just came out on a near perfect day. Life is good! They better win this game.
1:45 – Just sat down again, it’s a commercial… it’s the Burger King commercial with the King! I love these commercials. Best ads out there right now if you ask me. What a great ad agency that is.
1:46 – Sox still winning 3-0 in the bottom of the third. Good I didn’t miss anything.
1:49 – I just realized that I bought champagne. I need a job.
1:51 – Freddy Garcia, who’s pitching for the Sox today, just took his time on a come backer, Polanco reached first and Shelton just singled, all this with two outs. And now Maggs is up. I don’t like this…
1:54 – Maggs hits it back up the middle, but Harris throws him out. That was too close for comfort. Of course it got the announcers talking about the bad blood between Maggs and the Sox, especially Ozzie. It’s always fun to think of Ozzie’s words for Maggs, “He’s just another Venezuelan bleep.” And "Who the (bleep) is Magglio Ordonez". Oh Ozzie…
1:57 – YES!! I just intercepted a pass for CUA. That’s right, I’m playing NCAA ’06, created my school (Catholic University) and myself along with some friends… we’re down 28-38 @ Rutgers early in the 4th. I’m down because I let the computer play, and they of course we’re blowing the game…
1:58 – We’re still talking about the MVP race? Yeah, Ortiz has had a nice year, but A-Rod actually plays! This is the biggest no brainier in a while. It’s A-Rod. Sox go down 1, 2, 3.
2:02 – Touchdown CUA! 35-38 now, with 2:54 remaining.
2:04 – We’re getting the ball with 1:41… meanwhile Garcia just struck out the first two batters in the 4th.
2:06 – Touchdown… I have the lead, but still 0:37 left. I didn’t want to score, but I was forced in. Damn computer.
2:10 – On third down, the computer makes up a pass interference call against me. They don’t want me to win… Sox are done in the 5th.
2:12 - I get a sack to end the game, I win. Bottom of the 5th, and Phillips and Stone are just making fun of each other. If I didn’t enjoy some of their baseball analysis (read Steve Stone), I might have to turn the TV down. On no… they’re talking about how they got lost on the way to the game and making Windsor, Ontario jokes… spare me.
2:14 – Juan Uribe just threw someone out from two or three steps into left field. I love Uribe and no one ever talks about Uribe as one of the best short stops in the game. Yet we still care about Nomar.
2:16 – Tigers go 1, 2, 3, and this game is getting sort of boring. And the champagne won’t be cold if this game goes any quicker.
2:19 – Home run Konerko! 4-0 White Sox! The 40th of the year for him! Yay! Yay! Paul-ie! Paul-ie! Paul-ie! Paul-ie! Paul-ie! Paul-ie! Paul-ie! Paul-ie! Paul-ie! Paul-ie!
2:27 – Now we’re talking about drug testing in baseball… I’m about to go to sleep. I’m so sick of this. Congress drags down baseball so they can look good. And no one talks about the NFL even though we know at least six men have done ‘roids in the NFL in the last two years. But let’s shit on baseball.
2:34 - Sox are done in the 7th… this might be the most boring clinching game of all time. The good news is that they showed some life early in the game and Garica looks great. Of course, I didn’t think about doing this journal until after that had happened.
2:35 – Great moments in my life… finding out there is a new Sports Guy article WHILE that Burger King commercial with the lumberjack and the King is on. I feel like John Madden talking about Brett Favre right now.
2:37 – Damn it…back to back singles to start the 7th for the Tigers. Come on, 6-4-3 Freddy!
2:38 – Harris makes another nice play and gets the guy on second. Even though it wasn’t a double play, Garcia could still get the double play here. Nice job, Willie!
2:39 – Apparently Steve Stone wants us to lose or he’s God. He starts talking about how Garcia has 19 wild pitches this year… and on cue Garcia throws a wild pitch. 4-1 Sox and a man on second now.
2:40 - Garcia gets Infante to strike out, two dead. And damn it, UConn is up big on CUA in the first half… time to take over. Garcia gets the third out, on to the 8th.
2:50 – They just showed the stat of White Sox career home run leaders… Frank Thomas is first with 448, Baines is next with 200 something, then Fisk with 215 or something, and then Konerko at 208. Yep that’s how bad the White Sox have been… all four guys have played for the Sox during my lifetime, that’s 24 years, even though the Sox have existed for over 100 years. And how Konerko is in fourth place is beyond me. He’s only been on the Sox like six years or something.
2:53 – After a walk to Konerko and a single for Everett, the human rally killer, Aaron Rowand, pops out. I’m starting to hate Rowand as much as Ahman Green. (And that’s not only because I have him on my fantasy team, but it is a factor).
2:56 – As Ozzie pulls Garica after going 7 strong inning, allowing one run (well there is a man on first, but no matter)… I’m starting to look at NCAA and NFL games this weekend. Of course, I couldn’t be more off this year so far with my picks. But it isn’t over until we say it is!
3:00 – I’m like 5 and 938 against the spread this year, only winning both Badger games and both games going against the Jets… and now the Jets are starting Brooks Bollinger this weekend! So a former Badger QB is starting an NFL game for the Jets… I could probably talk about this for two days, but I won’t. I’m going to stop… but… BROOKS BOLLINGER IS STARTING FOR THE JETS!!!! If that doesn’t want to make you gamble then nothing will.
3:02 – After Uribe leads us on an adventure on a pop up to shallow left, Maggs blasts one to right center, and it’s an RBI double for Maggs. It’s 4-2 now… Ozzie is pulling Politte and Neal Cotts is coming on. I’m not going to worry. I’m not going to worry.
3:04 – I’m telling you, I’m not going to worry.
3:08 – Cotts is in a battle with Pena, but Pena strikes out! Two outs! And Ozzie pulls Cotts and here comes Jenks. If you don’t know, when Ozzie calls for Jenks, well let’s just say once again I feel like John Madden talking about Brett Favre. Ozzie does one of two things:
1) Puffs his cheeks
2) Puts his arms out as if he’s imitating a fat guy
Ozzie went with option two this time.
3:10 – Yep that’s right, I used that Madden and Favre joke again. I could have switched it to Paul McGuire, but I liked Madden more than McGuire. Stay True I say. And in case you missed it: BROOKS BOLLINGER IS STARTING FOR THE JETS!!!!
3:11 – Jenks just threw a ball about 53 feet. The ball ended up going off the netting. Never seen that before… not a good time for the first time ever to see it I might add.
3:12 – Jenks gets the job done, getting Monroe to ground out. We are three outs away.
3:13 – I’m going to be honest, I don’t know anyone who enjoys X-Men or the X-Men video game. So why ESPN shows that ad, I have no clue.
3:14 – Every interview with Ozzie should be broadcast on ESPNews… they just showed an interview with him talking about him maybe quitting if the Sox win it all. I think he told Stone that they are from the same town… little know fact, Steve Stone is from Venezuela, because I know for a fact that Ozzie isn’t from Cleveland.
3:18 – After another sacrifice, if the Sox win this game, it pretty much encompasses the entire season in a nutshell. Moving guys over, base hits, good starting pitching, low scoring and close game, sacrifice bunts and flies, a home run here and there… all we need is a stole base and we’ve pretty much done it all.
3:20 – And just to back me up… Joey Cora for some reason sends A.J. on a weak base hit to left off of Pods bat. A.J. was easily out and Joey Cora, even though he’s the best third base coach in baseball (tm Hawk), costs this team another run. Thanks Joey!
3:21 – Crede grounds out to kill the rally officially. Gosh Cora sucks. Well Sox only need three outs.
3:24 – Jenks starts this inning, but the pen is up and running. Inge singles to lead off the inning. Not that I’m hung up on this, but have I mentioned how Joey Cora cost us a run last inning? I could tell from watching on TV that AJ should have held at third. What the hell is Cora thinking?
3:25 – Vance Wilson is up and quickly goes down 0-2, a chopper to third and Crede drops the ball. We’ve officially entered “Let’s give everyone on the South Side a heart attack and make sure they don’t enjoy this at all” stage of the game. Remember how I was saying this game is the Sox season in a nutshell… it’s even got the part where at the end of the game/season the Sox try to give the game away! Great start, sluggish middle, try to give it away at the end. If that’s not the 2005 Chicago White Sox, I’m not sure what is.
3:27 – My Uncle just called me, we both just started laughing. Only the White Sox, I know Red Sox and Cub fans would beg to differ, but come on… this is a day game! Who clinches the division on a day game? Only the White Sox and they have to make this interesting on top of it.
3:27 – With Dmitri Young up, Jenks gets him down 0-2… and Jenks gets him on the curve! One out!
3:28 – Jenks just got Granderson looking! Two outs! Sox are one out away from winning the division!
3:29 – A line drive and Konerko comes up with it! Sox Win! 2005 American League Central Division Champs! YES!!!! I would love to hear Hawk call this right now. I wouldn’t be surprised if he punched DJ in the face.
3:31 – Ozzie and company are slappin’ five and givin’ hugs. This is great. It’s over! Finally we don’t have to worry about the damn Indians any more. YES!!! And they keep showing the last out… this was mosdef a sigh of relief more than a celebration. At first everyone jumped up, and then was like… ‘ummm we don’t have to worry any more right? This is all over right?’
3:32 – Phillips is talking to Konerko, and Konerko just said what I’m thinking, “this is more a relief… we’ve just been waiting to do this for a while…”
3:35 – Phillips is now interviewing Ozzie and my dad is calling me too… decisions, decisions. I end up answering and I put the phone up to the TV speaker to attempt to understand what the hell Ozzie is talking about… this is what I’ve figured out:
“Ozuna… played hard… managed… Maggs es el diablo... my guys… Konerko… pitching... you know… Chicago… played hard… Odio el mexicano... champions… pitching… it’s been hard… hahahaha… you know…proud of my players… jugamos difícilmente... they play good…. Alkdjfalkdjfa… unity of the team… super star… Soy el más grande... respect New York and Boston… Cleveland puede aspirarlo...” Sox fans were chanting “Ozz-ie! Ozz-ie! Ozz-ie! Ozz-ie!” in the background.
4:04 – I’m done with my dad after we talked about whom we’ll probably face in the first round, I’m thinking Boston. He didn’t really say anyone. I’m now watching ESPNews and enjoying shots of them spraying champagne on each other. I think I also just saw Jenks shot gun a beer! Anyway, speaking of that champagne… hey Steve Stone likes our chances in the playoffs!
4:07 – I realized that I’ll be in Boston next weekend… could this possibly work out?
4:08 – Well that’s all for me, it’s been a blast. And hey, the Sox are the 2005 American League Central Division Champs!
29.9.05
The Finish Line Is Near
With four games to go, the White Sox sit in first place with a three game lead. Their magic number sits at two, their playoff magic number sits at one. At this point the Sox are all but in the playoffs, and the media can now stop talking about them choking.
So I’m in a good mood, it’s amazing how this team can affect my outlook on life. Most of the year I’ve just been in such a damn good mood that I haven’t been down much this year, but the past two weeks I’ve been a bit nervous and even found myself pissed off the other day when they had lost to the Tigers. But for now, I can let that all go. The Sox are going to the playoffs, and probably will have home field advantage on top of that.
I know this team is so flawed at this point that it’s amazing that they’ve gotten this far. Their starting pitching, which was great, has let them down in the second half. Their bullpen is just good enough, but my no means great. They only have one real power hitter in Konerko, and while Dye has done a fine job this year, he’s hitting in the five hole when he should be hitting sixth. They don’t have a number three hitter, which will probably be the demise of this team in the end.
Then again, this team knows how to create runs since they’ve been doing it all year. They have the hottest pitcher in baseball in Jose Contreras. Their other three starters can come on and shutout anyone. Pods stole a base yesterday, so maybe he can run again. Crede and Uribe have been very good at the bottom of the line up over the last month. If some how Rowand and Everett can stop being the black holes that they’ve been in the second half, the Sox have good as shot as anyone else.
Anyway, if I had to guess, the AL playoffs are going to look like this:
White Sox vs Red Sox
Yanks vs LAAofA (nothing gives me more pleasure than typing LAAofA... it's so outrageous, it's so Calli, it's so perfect, someday I hope they're the LAAofAintheOC. A man can dream as the great Martin Luther the King, Jr. once said).
So I’m in a good mood, it’s amazing how this team can affect my outlook on life. Most of the year I’ve just been in such a damn good mood that I haven’t been down much this year, but the past two weeks I’ve been a bit nervous and even found myself pissed off the other day when they had lost to the Tigers. But for now, I can let that all go. The Sox are going to the playoffs, and probably will have home field advantage on top of that.
I know this team is so flawed at this point that it’s amazing that they’ve gotten this far. Their starting pitching, which was great, has let them down in the second half. Their bullpen is just good enough, but my no means great. They only have one real power hitter in Konerko, and while Dye has done a fine job this year, he’s hitting in the five hole when he should be hitting sixth. They don’t have a number three hitter, which will probably be the demise of this team in the end.
Then again, this team knows how to create runs since they’ve been doing it all year. They have the hottest pitcher in baseball in Jose Contreras. Their other three starters can come on and shutout anyone. Pods stole a base yesterday, so maybe he can run again. Crede and Uribe have been very good at the bottom of the line up over the last month. If some how Rowand and Everett can stop being the black holes that they’ve been in the second half, the Sox have good as shot as anyone else.
Anyway, if I had to guess, the AL playoffs are going to look like this:
White Sox vs Red Sox
Yanks vs LAAofA (nothing gives me more pleasure than typing LAAofA... it's so outrageous, it's so Calli, it's so perfect, someday I hope they're the LAAofAintheOC. A man can dream as the great Martin Luther the King, Jr. once said).
From Bad to Worse
Things really can't get much worse for the GOP right now. The war in Iraq was bringing down Bush... until Katrina hit and the government, with a lot of help from FEMA, didn't react fast enough. No matter how hard they tried to blame others, some of the egg ended up on their face. Then Senate Majority Leader Frist came under scrutiny because of stock dealings (the case sounds a lot like insider trading). And now Tom DeLay, who is an asshole, was indicted on corruption charges (they've got a fantasier name, but it was corruption).
So now, the GOP the parties that loves family values, looks like a party of do nothings and criminals. Although Roberts was confirmed today to be the next Cheif Justice, that isn't much a victory considering that everyone pretty much assumed that was going to happen.
So what's next? The mid-term elections are still a little more than 13 months away. Things should probably get a little better for the GOP. But still, Iraq (or at the very least the hangover from Iraq) will still be felt. Katrina will be more of an after thought, but what if a year from now there is another bad huricane and it brings back the bad memories from Katrina? Then what?
The GOP have one thing going for them though... basically every state has been gerrymandered to the point where there aren't many competive House races any more. While both parties are guilty of doing this, something needs to be done soon about it. The gerrmandering that has taken place is not democracy, in fact it has more in common with the Soviet Union than it does with the United Kingdom or France.
Even though the GOP are licking their wounds, they don't have too much too fear. Sure the Senate might go to the Dems in 2006, but that's unlikely, odds are they'll pick up three or four seats tops. And the chances of the House going to the Dems is nil to none at this point because of the gerrmandering. The race for the White House is still three years away. In other words, as bad as things are right now, they could be worse.
It could be late September of 2006.
So now, the GOP the parties that loves family values, looks like a party of do nothings and criminals. Although Roberts was confirmed today to be the next Cheif Justice, that isn't much a victory considering that everyone pretty much assumed that was going to happen.
So what's next? The mid-term elections are still a little more than 13 months away. Things should probably get a little better for the GOP. But still, Iraq (or at the very least the hangover from Iraq) will still be felt. Katrina will be more of an after thought, but what if a year from now there is another bad huricane and it brings back the bad memories from Katrina? Then what?
The GOP have one thing going for them though... basically every state has been gerrymandered to the point where there aren't many competive House races any more. While both parties are guilty of doing this, something needs to be done soon about it. The gerrmandering that has taken place is not democracy, in fact it has more in common with the Soviet Union than it does with the United Kingdom or France.
Even though the GOP are licking their wounds, they don't have too much too fear. Sure the Senate might go to the Dems in 2006, but that's unlikely, odds are they'll pick up three or four seats tops. And the chances of the House going to the Dems is nil to none at this point because of the gerrmandering. The race for the White House is still three years away. In other words, as bad as things are right now, they could be worse.
It could be late September of 2006.
26.9.05
The IRA says "Peace Out"
I'm sure us American can still fund the IRA, it's just that now it won't be going to towards guns and bombs to hurt and kill people. Why? Because the IRA today said that the last arms that they had are now decommissioned. This is of course great news and hopefully will lead to years and years of continued peace in the area.
If you don't know the history of the conflict in Ireland, check it out here.
If you don't know the history of the conflict in Ireland, check it out here.
23.9.05
Picks, Conspiracy, and The Strokes
Okay now some more up lifting thoughts and my picks for the weekend...
I got my hands on the Strokes new single “Juicebox” and I love it. It’s not the Strokes that we heard on the first two albums, but it’s still the Strokes. It’s different and I’m happy they’re ‘taking a chance’ by exploring their sound and song writing abilities. I’m shocked that I like “Juicebox” considering that the first time I heard the Strokes on Sept. 18, 2001, they didn’t do anything for me. Then about three weeks later I heard “Last Night” and fell in love with the band and “Is This It?”. Then on their follow up album, I remember my reaction to “12:51”... I couldn’t stand it. It seemed to be trying too hard or something. Eventually after listening to “Room on Fire” I enjoyed it (especially “Under Control”, “Whatever Happened” and “Meet Me In the Bathroom”), but I didn’t love it. So hopefully this is a sign of good things to come. So Juicebox gets a thumbs up.
No on to my picks... I haven’t posted any so far, but it has not been a good start. In week one I was 1-3, winning the Kansas City game but losing with the Chargers, Eagles, and Minnesota. Week two was even worse... 1-4 (winning the Eagles, losing with Buffalo, Atlanta, Minnesota, and Baltimore). I faired a bit better in college going 2-1 last week, (winning with the Badgers and Michigan State, losing the Miami game barely). Considering I suck so far this year, I’m not sure why I’m going do keep doing this, but what the hell right?
NCAA
Iowa State -17 at Army
Iowa State is giving 17 to Army? Really that’s it? This seems too good to be true. Iowan State beat Iowa two weeks ago, and I watched Army get killed by Boston College two weeks ago. I know the game is at West Point, but that’s it? 17? I’m not touching this... classic somebody knows something I don’t know game. (Yeah Iowa State’s my pick, but I’m not putting money down in Vegas either).
Illinois +101⁄2 vs Michigan State
Classic let down game for MSU. Michigan is next week also. And Illinois played Cal really tough on the road. Home dogs in the Big Ten and you’re getting 10 1/2? Don’t think twice, it’s all right. -- Illinois
Alabama -15 vs Arkansas
Again, only 15? Arkansas got KILLED by USC last week, lost to Vandy the week before, and ‘Bama looked really good against South Carolina last week. And the game is at Alabama. Roll Tide.
Wisconsin +21⁄2 vs Michigan
This is a night game in Madison. Michigan stinks this year. Badgers destroyed UNC at UNC last week (the game was not as close as the score said it was). Again this is a night game in Madison. Camp Randall is going to be going crazy... Michigan is giving points. I swear to God, the NFL may be near impossible to pick thanks to the conspiracy going on between Tags and Vegas, but for some reason people want us to make money with NCAA games. This might be even a bigger no brainier than the ‘Bama game. Badgers not only cover, they win.
NFL
I’ve had a theory working for two years now that the reason why there is so much parity in the NFL is that it’s a big conspiracy between Paul Tagliabue and Vegas. One year in high school I was something like 75 games over .500 picking every game for fun. That’s right a 16 year old kid picking games every Friday morning half asleep eating cereal. If I was picking winners, everyone was picking winners. It was time for someone to step in. And they did... suddenly the NFL completely changed. The 2001 Patriots, easily the worst Super Bowl Champs of all time, won the Super Bowl. Anything and everything was possible in the NFL now. By the time I was finishing college a good week would be picking 9 winners, again for fun. It was becoming impossible to pick games... Vegas had to be making a killing off of gamblers.
And this year is much of the same. Sure Vegas gives us games still for fun... but come on. Just look at the NFC West and North... most of those games any gambler with half a brain won’t touch those teams and the games they played (expect for the always easy Minn (+3.5) and Chicago... I’m telling you if I was betting this game every year since I was 10 and I put ten bucks on the game and then took the winnings and bet the game the next year (so the ten became 20), I’d have about a eighty-thousand dollars by now. I’m not kidding. Minnesota always gets a field goal and never even WINS at Soldier Field. Last time the Viks won in Chicago... 2000)
Okay that rant aside...the thing is... it gets harder and harder each year to pick the winners. To the point now where you think you’ve got a sure winner, but the moment the game starts you start to wonder and doubt yourself. It’s like that feeling you get the moment you leave a test you didn’t study for... you thought you knew the stuff, but then you realized about an hour after the test that you didn’t know any of it.
Now with all that... here are my worthless picks this week (home team in caps):
BEARS (+3) over Bengals
Since I’m a Bears fan, I would never ever put money on the Bears... but they are 2-0 against the spread this year, they’re at home, and their D is really good. I’m not sure the Bengals are ready for a tough game yet.
Jaguars (+3) over JETS
Really the Jags are getting 3? Wow... just when you think games are too though to pick, they give us a game like this. Have we seen the Jets this year? They stink. And the Jags are better than I thought.
COLTS (-13.5) over Browns
I hate big lines... but come on. The Browns went on the road last week and beat a bad Packers team who still put up a bunch of points. The Colts will be looking to score 100 this week (seeing that Texas Tech will score 100 points tomorrow, Manning will take it on as a challenge).
Buccaneers (+3.5) over PACKERS
The Packers suck... they’re going up against a good D... they can’t stop the run and Tampa can run the ball...I’d feel a lot better about this line if it was only 3.
Cowboys (-6.5) over 49ERS
I know it kills me because I’m just waiting for the Cowboys to start sucking it up... but they’ve gotten two ‘easy’ games in a row after San Diego gift rapped their Week One win. I’m not sure how they lost to the Redskins, (which by the way killed me, that means the Skins are 2-0 and there is SUPER BOWL talk in DC. I can’t stand Skin fans). they some how blew the Monday Game, and now they play the bad 9ers. They should be 3-0 after Sunday, but instead they’ll be 2-1. Still the 49ers are really bad, it goes to show how bad of a coach Martz is to lose that game... then again the Rams stink on the road. Unless it’s Seattle.
I’m staying away from the Seahaws and Rams (at home) because I have no clue how those two will play. I’m not touching Minnesota the rest of the year (expect when they play the Bears at Soldier Field) and the fact that they’re playing the Saints makes them even that much more STAY AWAY, the Bills/Falcons game is your classic Russian roulette game and I’m not going to play, so that leaves these games...
Raiders (+7.5) Eagles
DOLPHINS (+3.5) Panthers
Giants (+5) CHARGERS
Patriots (+3) STEELERS
Chiefs (+3) BRONCOS
One home dog, a Raider team that’s played two of the four best teams so far this year close, two of the four best teams in the NFL, an AFC West match up, and the Giants going cross country... all five games pretty much sum up what I hate about gambling:
1.) Team that puts up points going on the road and getting a touchdown
2.) Home Dogs
3.) East Coast team going cross country
4.) Three point lines
5.) AFC West games
Okay I’m not touching the AFC West game, I’m not touching the Pats/Steelers game, so those two are out. I like the Giants, but you figure that one of these games the Chargers are going to win... and while they’re giving five, the Giants are going cross country on a short week, so forget it. I can’t gage the Dolphins... I really like the Panthers to win, but I just don’t have the faith that they’ll win by four. So...
Eagles (-7.5) over Raiders
I know the Raiders have looked pretty good... but they make too many mistakes, in other words, they get way too many penalties. And while I worry about the fact that the Birds can’t run the ball, I checked how Moss did against the Eagles last year in two games... and you know what... not that great. One touchdown, 11 catches, and about 120 yards. That shows me that the Eagles do an okay job against Moss.
Thoughts going into the Weekend
As VFLOB heads into the weekend a nervous wreak about the White Sox and hoping for the best in Texas and Louisiana with Rita bearing down on them, just a few thoughts and articles to check out...
First up, just when things seem to be getting better in New Orleans by them taking two steps forward, they take a step back. The death toll reached over a thousand yesterday and now today it appears that a levee has broken again. And while Rita won’t be a direct hit on New Orleans, it will cause it to rain a lot in the area. Rain is the last thing they need there.
As Texas and Louisiana brace for Rita, 24 people died on a bus leaving the area today. Such sad news.
Speaking of Rita, it appears that we are, as a country and the area of impact, a lot more prepared for the ‘Cain. This of course is one hurricane too late, but it’s nice to know that the government on the local, state, and federal level learned from their mistake. Of course Rita hasn’t it, so there is a chance things could go as badly as they did when Katrina hit, but I’m going out on a limb (a short one) and guessing that things go a little smoother this time.
And finally this op-ed is two years old, but I stumbled across it because it’s still relevant today. It basically asks why Americans (or people in general) enjoy mean spirited TV shows and uses the extremely bias and negative FOX News and Bill O’Reilly as an example.
First up, just when things seem to be getting better in New Orleans by them taking two steps forward, they take a step back. The death toll reached over a thousand yesterday and now today it appears that a levee has broken again. And while Rita won’t be a direct hit on New Orleans, it will cause it to rain a lot in the area. Rain is the last thing they need there.
As Texas and Louisiana brace for Rita, 24 people died on a bus leaving the area today. Such sad news.
Speaking of Rita, it appears that we are, as a country and the area of impact, a lot more prepared for the ‘Cain. This of course is one hurricane too late, but it’s nice to know that the government on the local, state, and federal level learned from their mistake. Of course Rita hasn’t it, so there is a chance things could go as badly as they did when Katrina hit, but I’m going out on a limb (a short one) and guessing that things go a little smoother this time.
And finally this op-ed is two years old, but I stumbled across it because it’s still relevant today. It basically asks why Americans (or people in general) enjoy mean spirited TV shows and uses the extremely bias and negative FOX News and Bill O’Reilly as an example.
22.9.05
Free Beer
This is great... the first team to beat Bayern Munich will get some unGodly ammout of free beer. Who doesn't love the Germans since 1989?
This article from the Guardian wonders where women's waists have gone. An interesting read on how woman are starting to look more like men. It's amazing how much bigger woman (and men) are compared to just fifty years ago.
This article from the Guardian wonders where women's waists have gone. An interesting read on how woman are starting to look more like men. It's amazing how much bigger woman (and men) are compared to just fifty years ago.
The White Sox and Indians
So the Sox are 2.5 up with 11 to play, 10 to play for the Tribe. Their magic number sits at 9. They have a three game lead in the loss column, which should be a good thing. They still have three games left against the Indians to finish the season. It's still hard to figure how the Sox could lose the division, if the Indians go 7-0 or 6-1 going into those last three games, then who knows anything could happen. But even if that happened, the Sox would have to play very bad to trail going into that final series. Anyway a quick look at what each team could/has to do in this race...
If the Tribe go:
7-0 (Sox have to go 6-2 be tied with the Tribe)
6-1 (Sox have to go 5-3)
5-2 (Sox have to go 4-4)
4-3 (Sox have to go 3-5)
3-4 (Sox have to go 2-6)
2-5 (Sox have to go 1-7)
Let's assume the Sox go 5-3 over their next 8 considering who they're playing and how they are playing. That would but the Sox at 96-63.
Now if the Tribe goes:
7-0, they'd be at 96-63 and tied, who ever won two of three that weekend would win the division.
6-1, they'd be at 95-64 and down one game and have to win two of three to tie the Sox.
5-2, they'd be at 94-65 and down two games needing a sweep to win the division.
4-3, they'd be at 93-66 and down three needing a sweep to force a playoff.
3-4, they'd be at 92-67 and the race would be over, Sox win.
The way the Indians are playing (aka the 1927 Yankees) they could easily go 6-1 and really force the Sox to play well. If the Sox can take three of four from the Twins and Tigers, they're magic number would be three or lower going into the Tribe series and probably only need one win to win the division.
The bullpen blowing that game on Monday is huge right now.
And I'll say it again, the Tribe are 35-12 since July 31st... that's amazing. They are playing way over their heads... sort of like the Sox in May and the A's in July. It's a matter of time before the Tribe cool off, it's just a matter of when. If it's this week, then they might not make the playoffs, if it's in two weeks, that's the first round of the playoffs. The Tribe are playing like the 1951 Giants who went 37-8 to finish the year and caught the Dodgers who had a 13.5 game lead when the Giants run started (meaning the Dodgers went about 24-21). When a team is that hot, it's hard to say that the other team choked. But if the Sox have a chance to win the division with those three games left against Indians and not win it... well then they choked.
If the Tribe go:
7-0 (Sox have to go 6-2 be tied with the Tribe)
6-1 (Sox have to go 5-3)
5-2 (Sox have to go 4-4)
4-3 (Sox have to go 3-5)
3-4 (Sox have to go 2-6)
2-5 (Sox have to go 1-7)
Let's assume the Sox go 5-3 over their next 8 considering who they're playing and how they are playing. That would but the Sox at 96-63.
Now if the Tribe goes:
7-0, they'd be at 96-63 and tied, who ever won two of three that weekend would win the division.
6-1, they'd be at 95-64 and down one game and have to win two of three to tie the Sox.
5-2, they'd be at 94-65 and down two games needing a sweep to win the division.
4-3, they'd be at 93-66 and down three needing a sweep to force a playoff.
3-4, they'd be at 92-67 and the race would be over, Sox win.
The way the Indians are playing (aka the 1927 Yankees) they could easily go 6-1 and really force the Sox to play well. If the Sox can take three of four from the Twins and Tigers, they're magic number would be three or lower going into the Tribe series and probably only need one win to win the division.
The bullpen blowing that game on Monday is huge right now.
And I'll say it again, the Tribe are 35-12 since July 31st... that's amazing. They are playing way over their heads... sort of like the Sox in May and the A's in July. It's a matter of time before the Tribe cool off, it's just a matter of when. If it's this week, then they might not make the playoffs, if it's in two weeks, that's the first round of the playoffs. The Tribe are playing like the 1951 Giants who went 37-8 to finish the year and caught the Dodgers who had a 13.5 game lead when the Giants run started (meaning the Dodgers went about 24-21). When a team is that hot, it's hard to say that the other team choked. But if the Sox have a chance to win the division with those three games left against Indians and not win it... well then they choked.
19.9.05
Where Have We Seen This Before?
The German election was yesterday... and no one knows who the winner is! It's like living in the US in Nov. of 2000! What fun. Hopefully things will go as peacefully there as they did here. But it is interesting to see such close elections in the US the last two times around, and now in Germany less than five years later. Democracy in action? I'm not sure. But it does appear that the West is trying to figure out where their future is and where it should lead. Since the fall of the Soviet Union first in 1989 and then finally in 1991, the West is sort of been a rudderless ship, attempting to figure out what direction it should take on. One thing is clear though, globalization and government privatization are and have been the champions of the past twenty years. And I think we're trying to figure out what that means to us in the West.
15.9.05
A declaration of war "against Shias in all of Iraq"
Is Iraq sliding into civil war? It sure seems that way after this quote from Abu Musab al-Zarqawi and the car bombs going off there almost daily. I didn't think things in Iraq could get much worse a few months ago, but it sure seems like they have and will.
Which has to have the people of New Orleans scared as shit... seeing what Bush has done in Baghdad, you really have to wonder if he's the best guy to lead the rebuilding of New Orleans. In fact, I don't want to see how Nero is going to mess up the rebuilding of yet another city. Let someone else, like John Kerry, rebuild New Orleans.
Which has to have the people of New Orleans scared as shit... seeing what Bush has done in Baghdad, you really have to wonder if he's the best guy to lead the rebuilding of New Orleans. In fact, I don't want to see how Nero is going to mess up the rebuilding of yet another city. Let someone else, like John Kerry, rebuild New Orleans.
13.9.05
The Tables Are Turning
As this Washington Post article points out, the press seems to be turning on Bush a bit. In the past few days, articles in various publications have begun to protray Bush as more of who "he really is."
Judging from the blistering analyses in Time, Newsweek, and elsewhere these past few days, it turns out that Bush is in fact fidgety, cold and snappish in private. He yells at those who dare give him bad news and is therefore not surprisingly surrounded by an echo chamber of terrified sycophants. He is slow to comprehend concepts that don't emerge from his gut. He is uncomprehending of the speeches that he is given to read. And oh yes, one of his most significant legacies -- the immense post-Sept. 11 reorganization of the federal government which created the Homeland Security Department -- has failed a big test.
So why did it take five years for this Bush to appear in the media? Were people in the media that scared of him or did the White House have that much control over not only the media, but Bush too.
I've said for years now that Bush was a back room idea and compromise, in the late 90s a few conservative Republicans decided that Bush was going to be their man. He was going to be the down-home, conservative, neo-Reagan, and they were going to support him and force him though the GOP primaries. All along W has been along for the ride, he's never really been the one in total control of the situation or in power, the most obvious example is Sept. 11, 2001, the day itself where we found Bush... in a plane and far far away from Washington, DC. We were told that he was informed and in 'control' of the situation... but still why would the President be so far from the center and command of the situation, especially by early afternoon when all flights had been grounded? But back to my original point here, Bush (Nero) is the face of the movement, not the actual idea, intellect, or leader of it. He was a back room compromise mainly because those in that backroom (Rove, Chaney, and Rummy were probably three of many) knew that they could control Bush while letting him believe he was in power and control.
Judging from the blistering analyses in Time, Newsweek, and elsewhere these past few days, it turns out that Bush is in fact fidgety, cold and snappish in private. He yells at those who dare give him bad news and is therefore not surprisingly surrounded by an echo chamber of terrified sycophants. He is slow to comprehend concepts that don't emerge from his gut. He is uncomprehending of the speeches that he is given to read. And oh yes, one of his most significant legacies -- the immense post-Sept. 11 reorganization of the federal government which created the Homeland Security Department -- has failed a big test.
So why did it take five years for this Bush to appear in the media? Were people in the media that scared of him or did the White House have that much control over not only the media, but Bush too.
I've said for years now that Bush was a back room idea and compromise, in the late 90s a few conservative Republicans decided that Bush was going to be their man. He was going to be the down-home, conservative, neo-Reagan, and they were going to support him and force him though the GOP primaries. All along W has been along for the ride, he's never really been the one in total control of the situation or in power, the most obvious example is Sept. 11, 2001, the day itself where we found Bush... in a plane and far far away from Washington, DC. We were told that he was informed and in 'control' of the situation... but still why would the President be so far from the center and command of the situation, especially by early afternoon when all flights had been grounded? But back to my original point here, Bush (Nero) is the face of the movement, not the actual idea, intellect, or leader of it. He was a back room compromise mainly because those in that backroom (Rove, Chaney, and Rummy were probably three of many) knew that they could control Bush while letting him believe he was in power and control.
7.9.05
Some Advise for Bush
"Cheer up the worst is yet to come."
Also, rumor has it W and company are considering building new dams in Texas and Kentucky to fight the water there instead of fighting the water in New Orleans.
Friedman seems to nail it here. I'd encourage all to read it.
And for those who don't know, 30% of the LA National Guard are in Iraq. Half of their equipment is in Iraq. The Army Corps of Engineers asked for money to re-enforce the levies in New Orleans, but Bush and others didn't give them the money. It got tied up in Iraq.
Really though, what a great job by Bush. Maybe Mr. Kanye West was right... "Bush doesn't care about black people."
Also, rumor has it W and company are considering building new dams in Texas and Kentucky to fight the water there instead of fighting the water in New Orleans.
Friedman seems to nail it here. I'd encourage all to read it.
And for those who don't know, 30% of the LA National Guard are in Iraq. Half of their equipment is in Iraq. The Army Corps of Engineers asked for money to re-enforce the levies in New Orleans, but Bush and others didn't give them the money. It got tied up in Iraq.
Really though, what a great job by Bush. Maybe Mr. Kanye West was right... "Bush doesn't care about black people."
6.9.05
The AFC East and North
I’m going to take a break from the News Of the World and USA for a few days and get down to some NFL predictions! Today, the AFC. Here is the AFC East and North.
AFC East:
4.) Miami Dolphins -- 5-11 -- I don’t think they’re as bad as last year, but then again, they still don’t have a quarterback. I can’t see them being any better than 8-8, and their schedule is sort of tough and they play in a tough division... But Ricky Williams is back in four games which should be fun just for the sake of his quotes to the media. Ronnie Brown may be a stud when it’s all said and done, and their D isn’t that bad. But again, teams with average QBs usually finish around 8-8. Teams with bad QBs never win more than 6 games.
3.) New York Jets -- 9-7 -- I thought the Jets had a great, boarder line, miracle season last year... but this is the NFL and they could win the Super Bowl for all we know. Curtis Martin is about 90 years old, but he’s still running for 1,500 yards and scoring touch downs... I have no clue about this team. All I know is that Jet fans usually are tortured. Every Jet fan I knew in college wanted to run and hide every time I brought them up. So in a way, White Sox fans and Jets fans have that in common. That said, when your fan base is as schizophrenic as it is, that’s never a good thing. I missed it, but did Dan Marino thank the Jets and their fans when he was induced to the Hall of Fame?
2.) Buffalo Bills -- 10-6 -- Again, this is a “I have no clue” pick. They finished strong last year, which I liked. They’ve got a stud in McGhee who should have a near MVP season this year. But again, the QB position. I’m guessing that Losman doesn’t lose them games and they’re a force not to be messed with.
1.) New England Patriots -- 12-4 -- Come on, they’re the best team in the division and the AFC until someone beats them. I know they lost a lot of ‘parts’ last year, but this is a team that wins. And in a NFL when above average and stability equals Super Bowls, well things aren’t changing. No I don’t think they’re as good as most of the teams from the NFC in the 80s, those early 90s Cowboys and 49er teams, or even the Denver teams of the mid to late 90s. But the NFL is so ‘average’ right now the Pats formula of success will keep them winning.
AFC North
4.) Cleveland Browns -- 5-11 -- I have no doubt that the Browns will be better this year. They might even win 7 games. They get the Bears, Dolphins, and Lions at home which means 5 wins isn’t out of the question. Sure they may or may not have any sort of a running game. But their D should be better and they’ve upgraded their QB position by default.
3.) Pittsburgh Steelers -- 8-8 -- Let’s just say, in Today’s NFL this shouldn’t come as a shock. The Ravens and Bengals are on the rise. Last year they caught every single break possible including a Bus that decided he was 25 again. Their D played out of their minds... it just caught up with them in the AFC Championship Game. This year, things even out a bit, they get stuck with a few more injuries, Hines Ward is doubled teamed all year, both running backs are banged up...
2.) Cincinnati Bengals -- 9-7 -- They’re D has to be better right? And doesn’t it feel like this is the year that they get better? After everyone ‘loving’ them the past few seasons and saying “this is a sleeper team” doesn’t this year actually feel like that year since they’ve got pretty much every offensive position in place? Palmer has to improve, but I think he will. They get to play the NFC North (and get the Vikings at home) which will only help them. This isn’t that bad of a team and should be fun to watch even though they have some of the worst uniforms of all time (in 20 years we’ll look back on the Bengals unis and say, wow, that’s the 21st century 1980s Houston Astros!).
1.) Baltimore Ravens -- 10-6 -- You know how Ray Lewis was a super human from 2000-2003? That it seemed like he could beat an entire team by himself? Things got so crazy that I’m sure some people were even wondering what would happen if Lewis played Ditka in a game, one on one. Well Lewis isn’t what he was... but Ed Reed? My Lord... this guy is a football player. Probably my favorite guy to watch play right now. And John Madden needs to start sucking up to him like he does to Farve pronto. Anyway, Boller isn’t as bad as everyone says he is (he was a second year QB for crying out loud) and should have Heap back this year. Add a little Mason and J. Lewis? Ten wins seems about right.
AFC East:
4.) Miami Dolphins -- 5-11 -- I don’t think they’re as bad as last year, but then again, they still don’t have a quarterback. I can’t see them being any better than 8-8, and their schedule is sort of tough and they play in a tough division... But Ricky Williams is back in four games which should be fun just for the sake of his quotes to the media. Ronnie Brown may be a stud when it’s all said and done, and their D isn’t that bad. But again, teams with average QBs usually finish around 8-8. Teams with bad QBs never win more than 6 games.
3.) New York Jets -- 9-7 -- I thought the Jets had a great, boarder line, miracle season last year... but this is the NFL and they could win the Super Bowl for all we know. Curtis Martin is about 90 years old, but he’s still running for 1,500 yards and scoring touch downs... I have no clue about this team. All I know is that Jet fans usually are tortured. Every Jet fan I knew in college wanted to run and hide every time I brought them up. So in a way, White Sox fans and Jets fans have that in common. That said, when your fan base is as schizophrenic as it is, that’s never a good thing. I missed it, but did Dan Marino thank the Jets and their fans when he was induced to the Hall of Fame?
2.) Buffalo Bills -- 10-6 -- Again, this is a “I have no clue” pick. They finished strong last year, which I liked. They’ve got a stud in McGhee who should have a near MVP season this year. But again, the QB position. I’m guessing that Losman doesn’t lose them games and they’re a force not to be messed with.
1.) New England Patriots -- 12-4 -- Come on, they’re the best team in the division and the AFC until someone beats them. I know they lost a lot of ‘parts’ last year, but this is a team that wins. And in a NFL when above average and stability equals Super Bowls, well things aren’t changing. No I don’t think they’re as good as most of the teams from the NFC in the 80s, those early 90s Cowboys and 49er teams, or even the Denver teams of the mid to late 90s. But the NFL is so ‘average’ right now the Pats formula of success will keep them winning.
AFC North
4.) Cleveland Browns -- 5-11 -- I have no doubt that the Browns will be better this year. They might even win 7 games. They get the Bears, Dolphins, and Lions at home which means 5 wins isn’t out of the question. Sure they may or may not have any sort of a running game. But their D should be better and they’ve upgraded their QB position by default.
3.) Pittsburgh Steelers -- 8-8 -- Let’s just say, in Today’s NFL this shouldn’t come as a shock. The Ravens and Bengals are on the rise. Last year they caught every single break possible including a Bus that decided he was 25 again. Their D played out of their minds... it just caught up with them in the AFC Championship Game. This year, things even out a bit, they get stuck with a few more injuries, Hines Ward is doubled teamed all year, both running backs are banged up...
2.) Cincinnati Bengals -- 9-7 -- They’re D has to be better right? And doesn’t it feel like this is the year that they get better? After everyone ‘loving’ them the past few seasons and saying “this is a sleeper team” doesn’t this year actually feel like that year since they’ve got pretty much every offensive position in place? Palmer has to improve, but I think he will. They get to play the NFC North (and get the Vikings at home) which will only help them. This isn’t that bad of a team and should be fun to watch even though they have some of the worst uniforms of all time (in 20 years we’ll look back on the Bengals unis and say, wow, that’s the 21st century 1980s Houston Astros!).
1.) Baltimore Ravens -- 10-6 -- You know how Ray Lewis was a super human from 2000-2003? That it seemed like he could beat an entire team by himself? Things got so crazy that I’m sure some people were even wondering what would happen if Lewis played Ditka in a game, one on one. Well Lewis isn’t what he was... but Ed Reed? My Lord... this guy is a football player. Probably my favorite guy to watch play right now. And John Madden needs to start sucking up to him like he does to Farve pronto. Anyway, Boller isn’t as bad as everyone says he is (he was a second year QB for crying out loud) and should have Heap back this year. Add a little Mason and J. Lewis? Ten wins seems about right.
5.9.05
The Final Touches of Nero
I’m going to stick to a bunch of links today... mostly about the Hurricane.
First the Guardian... Blair apologies to those from the UK in New Orleans who haven’t received much help from the UK government... Shockingly Bush is trying to blame local officials for the lack of action and response from the government. This is just insane of course, I know I know one can’t really blame only Bush or the federal government but the blame also cannot be placed on any one level of government. It was a total melt down on every level from the local to state to federal level and across all parity lines. What gets me about this is that Bush is trying to wipe his hands clean of any mistakes. He’s a gosh darn wimp, the Buck Never Stops Here, should be his motto... In case anyone cares, and you should, there is going to be an election in Germany on Sept. 18 and you know what, it looks like Merkel is going to win. She also did well in the TV debate last night (and I guess this was the most watched TV show in Germany since the Germans lost to Brazil in the 2002 World Cup).
The New York Times...Rehnquist died on Saturday night and that means there is to be a new person to be appointed to the Court (along with Roberts) and a new Chief Justice... And who might that new Chief Justice be? John Roberts. Yep you read that right, Roberts was appointed to be the next Chief Justice. What a crazy fucking week... Some great op-eds in the NY Times today, I’ll only post two. First one is Herbert ripping Bush for failing to be a leader. I’ve been saying for years that Bush is the 21st Century Nero. He sits around as the world goes up in flames. First it was reading “My Pet Goat” after learning about the attacks on the World Trade Center. Then it was a day of flying around on Air Force One for reasons we’ll never know. But I’ll go with he was too scared to go any where near the East Coast or any urban center for that matter. The came the disaster in Iraq. Then came numerous problems across the world that he turned an blinds eye to. And now the Hurricane in the Gulf. As the Gulf and New Orleans was destroyed, Bush was on vacation, far far way from from the White House, talking about his failed Social Security plan, and then decided to come back his from vacation two days early. He didn’t bother to send in the National Guard until Friday, a good four days after the ‘Cane hit. He was playing on his bike as New Orleans flooded. The 21st Century Nero. Hey maybe he can turn New Orleans into a big fucking lake and stage fake wars in the lake like Nero did!... Krugman rips the government here too. He singles out the federal government here, but says blame is across the board. And you’ve got to love this story about the U.S.S. Bataan with six operating rooms and no patients, what’s the point of the ship even being down there? And don’t ask Nero because he’ll blame someone else.
The LA Times and then I’ll stop... here’s a story on how the moves Nero is making the the Supreme Court may end up helping him. Nero needs a break considering that he’s done nothing but sit around for days on end. The luck has to change right? What a disaster. He’s going down as one of the worst and his term isn’t even up. Amazing.
And here the Sports Guy, Bill Simmons, writes and eulogy to the city of New Orleans, a city he loved.
First the Guardian... Blair apologies to those from the UK in New Orleans who haven’t received much help from the UK government... Shockingly Bush is trying to blame local officials for the lack of action and response from the government. This is just insane of course, I know I know one can’t really blame only Bush or the federal government but the blame also cannot be placed on any one level of government. It was a total melt down on every level from the local to state to federal level and across all parity lines. What gets me about this is that Bush is trying to wipe his hands clean of any mistakes. He’s a gosh darn wimp, the Buck Never Stops Here, should be his motto... In case anyone cares, and you should, there is going to be an election in Germany on Sept. 18 and you know what, it looks like Merkel is going to win. She also did well in the TV debate last night (and I guess this was the most watched TV show in Germany since the Germans lost to Brazil in the 2002 World Cup).
The New York Times...Rehnquist died on Saturday night and that means there is to be a new person to be appointed to the Court (along with Roberts) and a new Chief Justice... And who might that new Chief Justice be? John Roberts. Yep you read that right, Roberts was appointed to be the next Chief Justice. What a crazy fucking week... Some great op-eds in the NY Times today, I’ll only post two. First one is Herbert ripping Bush for failing to be a leader. I’ve been saying for years that Bush is the 21st Century Nero. He sits around as the world goes up in flames. First it was reading “My Pet Goat” after learning about the attacks on the World Trade Center. Then it was a day of flying around on Air Force One for reasons we’ll never know. But I’ll go with he was too scared to go any where near the East Coast or any urban center for that matter. The came the disaster in Iraq. Then came numerous problems across the world that he turned an blinds eye to. And now the Hurricane in the Gulf. As the Gulf and New Orleans was destroyed, Bush was on vacation, far far way from from the White House, talking about his failed Social Security plan, and then decided to come back his from vacation two days early. He didn’t bother to send in the National Guard until Friday, a good four days after the ‘Cane hit. He was playing on his bike as New Orleans flooded. The 21st Century Nero. Hey maybe he can turn New Orleans into a big fucking lake and stage fake wars in the lake like Nero did!... Krugman rips the government here too. He singles out the federal government here, but says blame is across the board. And you’ve got to love this story about the U.S.S. Bataan with six operating rooms and no patients, what’s the point of the ship even being down there? And don’t ask Nero because he’ll blame someone else.
The LA Times and then I’ll stop... here’s a story on how the moves Nero is making the the Supreme Court may end up helping him. Nero needs a break considering that he’s done nothing but sit around for days on end. The luck has to change right? What a disaster. He’s going down as one of the worst and his term isn’t even up. Amazing.
And here the Sports Guy, Bill Simmons, writes and eulogy to the city of New Orleans, a city he loved.
4.9.05
The poor Poor
I was talking to a few kids here at Yale about the situation in the Gulf, specifically New Orleans. We all agreed that the response from the national, or federal, government was much too slow. One of the guys had a friend who was able to get out before the storm, and then on Wednesday said to the family, “Okay guys, where do you want to live.” Everyone who had some savings is in the process of starting a new life somewhere other than the Gulf or Mississippi Delta. For those that have insurance, it will take months, if not years for them to ‘cash in’ or receive their money because insurance agents have to go to each and every home and appraise it (or what’s left of it). Since NO is under water, that is impossible right now. We went on talking about those left in the city, and as we all know, the people who were left in the city were the poor. The people unable to leave for economic reasons.
I wonder if the tax brakes helped them back in 2000/2001? And I wonder how many people are beginning to realize that there are some very, very poor people in the US. They aren't bad people. They don't choose to be poor. And that this isn't their fault, that the inequalities that this country has fostered has 'created' (and I use that loosely) this. We have let them down for years and years and years, and to 'blame' them for looting or being trapped or whatever it may be or thought is viewing the situation incorrectly. These are real people with real feelings. They aren’t all bad people who some how are receiving justice. No, they are the victims of a situation. Victims of those who want to keep their wealth for themselves. Victims of the few and the powerful, those who control the wealth.
There always was, is, and will be the debate of who holds power? Many people say it’s the politicians. Others say it is the military. Others say it’s those who control the wealth and money. Of course there isn’t once single answer. The politicians are powerless without (in the US and Europe) being elected and having character traits that are appealing to the masses. And once elected, they are powerless without the support of the military. The military is powerless without funding and organization and some sort of infrastructure that the politicians are able to provide. But the answer that I always side with is it is the wealthy, those who control the wealth that are the most powerful. And there is plenty of history to back it up (the classic example is who controlled the land and water routes between Europe and the Middle East with India and China). The wealth are able to acquire the means of not only luxury, but also necessity. If something ‘breaks’ or is unable to be used, for the wealthy they can quickly acquire a new item of better or equal value. They can afford the cars. They can afford more than the necessities and begin to acquire items that are as necessary (an extra mirror here, vase here, and summer home there). They are able to buy the people they want elected by donation, and dinners, and special events where they can talk to those with political power... there is a reason lobbyist make so much money. Why firms lobby on the Hill and spend so much money. Because the can, they can ‘hire’ the politicians to protect their interests. Be it acquiring mining rights in Idaho or getting a sweet heart deal to build a skyscraper in New York or more their head quarters to Chicago (Goldman Saks and Boeing respectively). And by saving that much money, but burden must be placed some where else. On the masses. And when we buy a home, we don’t get the sweetheart deal because, ala, we are just one of many. If we don’t want to move there, someone else will.
So it is, in the end, the poorest who suffer. It’s just that we don’t see it, or more likely, we choose to ignore it every day. And when a situation like this occurs in the Gulf, it’s thrown in our face and we are forced to realize that this is what it is. And we can either say “they deserve it” or we can say “they are the real victims of society and we should help them not only today, but everyday.”
I wonder if the tax brakes helped them back in 2000/2001? And I wonder how many people are beginning to realize that there are some very, very poor people in the US. They aren't bad people. They don't choose to be poor. And that this isn't their fault, that the inequalities that this country has fostered has 'created' (and I use that loosely) this. We have let them down for years and years and years, and to 'blame' them for looting or being trapped or whatever it may be or thought is viewing the situation incorrectly. These are real people with real feelings. They aren’t all bad people who some how are receiving justice. No, they are the victims of a situation. Victims of those who want to keep their wealth for themselves. Victims of the few and the powerful, those who control the wealth.
There always was, is, and will be the debate of who holds power? Many people say it’s the politicians. Others say it is the military. Others say it’s those who control the wealth and money. Of course there isn’t once single answer. The politicians are powerless without (in the US and Europe) being elected and having character traits that are appealing to the masses. And once elected, they are powerless without the support of the military. The military is powerless without funding and organization and some sort of infrastructure that the politicians are able to provide. But the answer that I always side with is it is the wealthy, those who control the wealth that are the most powerful. And there is plenty of history to back it up (the classic example is who controlled the land and water routes between Europe and the Middle East with India and China). The wealth are able to acquire the means of not only luxury, but also necessity. If something ‘breaks’ or is unable to be used, for the wealthy they can quickly acquire a new item of better or equal value. They can afford the cars. They can afford more than the necessities and begin to acquire items that are as necessary (an extra mirror here, vase here, and summer home there). They are able to buy the people they want elected by donation, and dinners, and special events where they can talk to those with political power... there is a reason lobbyist make so much money. Why firms lobby on the Hill and spend so much money. Because the can, they can ‘hire’ the politicians to protect their interests. Be it acquiring mining rights in Idaho or getting a sweet heart deal to build a skyscraper in New York or more their head quarters to Chicago (Goldman Saks and Boeing respectively). And by saving that much money, but burden must be placed some where else. On the masses. And when we buy a home, we don’t get the sweetheart deal because, ala, we are just one of many. If we don’t want to move there, someone else will.
So it is, in the end, the poorest who suffer. It’s just that we don’t see it, or more likely, we choose to ignore it every day. And when a situation like this occurs in the Gulf, it’s thrown in our face and we are forced to realize that this is what it is. And we can either say “they deserve it” or we can say “they are the real victims of society and we should help them not only today, but everyday.”
3.9.05
A few Thoughts
What is up with the Pictures of Bush down in the Gulf only with Whites? I have yet to see one picture of Bush with blacks in that area on the NYTimes web site.
Glad to know it took the National Guard only four days to get there.
Seriously, where was the response? Was no one ready for this? This is something that we’ve known could have happened for years and no one had any sort of a plan? I don’t get it. But what a utter disaster the Federal Government has been. People going days without food or water... the government really dropped the ball on this one. The lack of action and response, on every level, is a shame.
The images of the people in the Gulf are so upsetting. My heart and prayers go out to them.
Glad to know it took the National Guard only four days to get there.
Seriously, where was the response? Was no one ready for this? This is something that we’ve known could have happened for years and no one had any sort of a plan? I don’t get it. But what a utter disaster the Federal Government has been. People going days without food or water... the government really dropped the ball on this one. The lack of action and response, on every level, is a shame.
The images of the people in the Gulf are so upsetting. My heart and prayers go out to them.
1.9.05
A Hurricane Leaves Questions
The disaster in along the Gulf coast, specifically New Orleans, is awing. The fact that New Orleans will be an empty city for two months is beyond my belief. I just can’t fantom something like that... and it also goes to show that no matter how rich, powerful, or ‘advanced’ you are (as a people) there is almost nothing that we can do to prevent, or even slow down, the effects of nature.
And maybe that’s why this disaster has been easier to take than say, 9/11. The death tolls look to be about the same (as I sit here right now) as that infamous day. But unlike 9/11 the devastation is worse, an entire city has been, for all intensive purposes, destroyed. And that’s just for starters, I’m sure millions are homeless. It will be months before anything is back to ‘normal’, if ever. The media coverage has been sufficient, but compared to 9/11 it’s been next to nothing. In the days that followed 9/11 every TV channel was showing the news. The networks were commercial free for days. All it was were the images of those two planes flying into the World Trade Center. And this was the coverage for days on end. And here we have a disaster, a natural disaster, impacting millions and destroying millions of people... and the media continues on as it does every day.
And I’m not blaming the media here. I think they’ve done a good job and I also think that it’s a bit difficult to ‘capture’ the Hurricane. In many ways, the further and further we get from 9/11 (it’s been almost four years) the more I begin to realize that it was the ‘perfect’ story. It was in New York. It was so unbelievable, so much so that it became surreal. It was an act of hate. It was beyond our minds or intellect. On 9/10 no one could ever think of people flying planes in to a building. It just wasn’t any where in our minds, thoughts, or scope of knowledge.
The Hurricane on the other hand is and was within our scope of knowledge. Last year I remember seeing a story on TV about what a direct hit of a hurricane could wipe out the city of New Orleans. And unfortunately it’s happened. So the ‘shock’ of the Hurricane isn’t as unbelievable as 9/11. It’s a terrible thing, one that we’ll live with and remember for the rest of our lives. But since it’s a natural disaster, we’re able in some sense to say ‘that’s what nature can do.’
But then again, why? What did these people do? It’s easier to understand ‘hate’ than it is to understand something like a natural disaster in fact. For some reason on 9/11 those men were filled with so much hate (and why or what fueled their hate isn’t very important) that they carried out those attacks. But what did the people of New Orleans or Mississippi or Alabama do to ‘deserve’ this Hurricane? How does one justify that? How does one even start to figure the reasons or try to understand how evil can take place on a scale such as that? Is it just nature being nature? Is it just something that we shrug and say, “Oh well, I hope everyone is okay?”
I think the Hurricane is much harder for us to understand, so we don’t even bother with it. There is no one or anything that we can get mad at or be reactive too. 9/11 was an act of hate and evil carried out by misguided and hateful men. We as a people and nation could react to that, we could find the people behind the attacks and punish them. Get some sort of revenge or closure to the attacks (even if we’re still looking for those people). But the Hurricane does not give us that. The Hurricane is what it is, it has occurred and we have to ‘live with it’. Our lives can continue on because it wasn’t an act of hate, it was an act of nature or at least that seems to be the rational of it all.
And here’s the important thing, I’m not comparing the two disasters or the lack or over coverage of the two events. That’s unfair to everyone from the media to the victims to those sitting at home in Seattle or some town in New Hampshire. Rather, I’m trying to figure the psychological impact of the two events.
It’s been a some what sad year so far in 2005. The Pope died, the blasts in London, the constant chipping away at our morale in Iraq, and now this Hurricane.
And maybe that’s why this disaster has been easier to take than say, 9/11. The death tolls look to be about the same (as I sit here right now) as that infamous day. But unlike 9/11 the devastation is worse, an entire city has been, for all intensive purposes, destroyed. And that’s just for starters, I’m sure millions are homeless. It will be months before anything is back to ‘normal’, if ever. The media coverage has been sufficient, but compared to 9/11 it’s been next to nothing. In the days that followed 9/11 every TV channel was showing the news. The networks were commercial free for days. All it was were the images of those two planes flying into the World Trade Center. And this was the coverage for days on end. And here we have a disaster, a natural disaster, impacting millions and destroying millions of people... and the media continues on as it does every day.
And I’m not blaming the media here. I think they’ve done a good job and I also think that it’s a bit difficult to ‘capture’ the Hurricane. In many ways, the further and further we get from 9/11 (it’s been almost four years) the more I begin to realize that it was the ‘perfect’ story. It was in New York. It was so unbelievable, so much so that it became surreal. It was an act of hate. It was beyond our minds or intellect. On 9/10 no one could ever think of people flying planes in to a building. It just wasn’t any where in our minds, thoughts, or scope of knowledge.
The Hurricane on the other hand is and was within our scope of knowledge. Last year I remember seeing a story on TV about what a direct hit of a hurricane could wipe out the city of New Orleans. And unfortunately it’s happened. So the ‘shock’ of the Hurricane isn’t as unbelievable as 9/11. It’s a terrible thing, one that we’ll live with and remember for the rest of our lives. But since it’s a natural disaster, we’re able in some sense to say ‘that’s what nature can do.’
But then again, why? What did these people do? It’s easier to understand ‘hate’ than it is to understand something like a natural disaster in fact. For some reason on 9/11 those men were filled with so much hate (and why or what fueled their hate isn’t very important) that they carried out those attacks. But what did the people of New Orleans or Mississippi or Alabama do to ‘deserve’ this Hurricane? How does one justify that? How does one even start to figure the reasons or try to understand how evil can take place on a scale such as that? Is it just nature being nature? Is it just something that we shrug and say, “Oh well, I hope everyone is okay?”
I think the Hurricane is much harder for us to understand, so we don’t even bother with it. There is no one or anything that we can get mad at or be reactive too. 9/11 was an act of hate and evil carried out by misguided and hateful men. We as a people and nation could react to that, we could find the people behind the attacks and punish them. Get some sort of revenge or closure to the attacks (even if we’re still looking for those people). But the Hurricane does not give us that. The Hurricane is what it is, it has occurred and we have to ‘live with it’. Our lives can continue on because it wasn’t an act of hate, it was an act of nature or at least that seems to be the rational of it all.
And here’s the important thing, I’m not comparing the two disasters or the lack or over coverage of the two events. That’s unfair to everyone from the media to the victims to those sitting at home in Seattle or some town in New Hampshire. Rather, I’m trying to figure the psychological impact of the two events.
It’s been a some what sad year so far in 2005. The Pope died, the blasts in London, the constant chipping away at our morale in Iraq, and now this Hurricane.
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