In a disturbing trend of late, I agree with Tilam.
I have a 15 year old daughter. And I would mutilate, maim, kill, and/or otherwise render completely useless critical parts of anyone's anatomy who dared to assault or molest her. Artist? I'd crush hands. Athlete? I'd crush leg bones. Something to take away that which that person prides most, because by doing the heinous crime upon my child he/she would have done the same thing - but on an emotional level, where wounds don't heal for a looooong time.
He is too deep into the Middle East, far more knowledgeable than I. Posting my opinion about the ME would only be a detriment; "better to keep your mouth shut and let people think you are an idiot than to open it and prove them right". At least about this part of world politics.
But, never short with my opinions about the sports world:
Walks will kill you. Scott Proctor walked TWO batters in the top of the 9th last night then give up a 747 jet over the left center wall. PITCH, don't dance...
Oh, and the Sawx are near death in the AL East.
Anyone who said that Greg Maddux was old and done ought to be flogged.
Throwing 3 TD passes in his debut isn't enough for Carson Palmer of Cincinnati. Even thought the media is falling all over themselves to pronounce him back - that is more for HIS confidence than anything else. See what happens when he runs in a real game and takes a real hit. THAT will be the proving ground...
In the NBA...wait, no one gives a shit about the NBA...
Tiger's won 4 straight. Golf bloggers are sporting more wood than that California sequoia forest. But let's remember...his last victory came against Stewart (can't) Cink (a shot to save his life). As in "his tournament victory prospects are Cinking".
Speaking of golf, can anyone name any of the Ryder Cup team after Tiger and Phil? Then again, maybe the 4 rooks (Wetterich, Johnson, Taylor, and Henry) won't be so used to getting pummelled by the Euro's and won't succumb to the pressure and actually perform? Nahhhhh...
What has Gene Wojciechowski been smoking?! Aside from having a near unspellable and unpronounceable last name, he annoints Tiger Woods the "Greatest Individual Athlete" of all time. Mind boggling. Tiger's dominance of golf is akin to MJ's on the court, Wayne's on the ice, Martina's on the other court, hell, even Tyson's in the ring during his heyday, but "Greatest Individual Athelete" of all time? Didrickson, Owens, Thorpe, all were clearly head and shoulders above their peers. I'm sorry, someone turn on my light here.
Is anyone else besides me routing for Andre Agassi at the US Open? He won't win, of course, he might not even make the semis. Possibly not the quarters either. He's injured but soldiers on. Agassi is an athlete who might have taken a long time, but took the time nevertheless to finally "get it". He was an image, fluff, all smoke and mirrrors many years ago; now he's a family man, classy, mature, and someone we should all get behind. I've always liked him; now I just love him. He will retire as one of the US's greatest tennis pro's, and he will retire with dignity and class. We will miss him from that day forward.
8.31.2006
Vigilante Justice
From my home county:
A father comes home to hear his wife say that a neighbor (who has exposed himself to others and been shouting obscenities to kids while drunk) has molested his 2-year old daughter. The father - a lawyer who no doubt realizes that the legal system will do NOTHING to protect the innocent - breaks into the neighbors house and stabs him to death.
If I were on that jury, I vote "NOT GUILTY!"
UPDATE: Okay, I am pre-supposing a lot. Mea Culpa. I will track this story and see what else is up. But I know what I would do if anyone molested my daughter...
A father comes home to hear his wife say that a neighbor (who has exposed himself to others and been shouting obscenities to kids while drunk) has molested his 2-year old daughter. The father - a lawyer who no doubt realizes that the legal system will do NOTHING to protect the innocent - breaks into the neighbors house and stabs him to death.
If I were on that jury, I vote "NOT GUILTY!"
UPDATE: Okay, I am pre-supposing a lot. Mea Culpa. I will track this story and see what else is up. But I know what I would do if anyone molested my daughter...
8.30.2006
An Idiot's Guide to the ME
So what happened and where are we in the Middle East? While I posted a few things early on in the fighting, I have been silent ever since. Frankly, I have held back because my views were far enough out of the mainstream interpretation, that I was a bit hesitant about posting them. In particular, I thought the “Hezbollah Won” line of thinking was so off base that I was concerned there was something here I was missing. Ultimately time will tell, but here are several thoughts, mostly not in the mainstream.
Now, the “Hezbollah Won!” theme has yielded to the “Hezbollah Lost” theme, I am more comfortable that the state of things is the same: no one has a clue. I am now willing to throw my two cents in.
Hezbollah neither won nor lost. As the coverage implies, Hezbollah certainly won the immediate PR war – an important, but superficial battle. This is because a) Hezbollah is unconstrained by the truth and b) the Western media east it up in its quest to damage the US and President Bush. But fake photos; staged photos ops; and the like have created a backlash. Ultimately, reality wins.
I do not agree with Steven den Beste that “it's not even clear that Hezbollah is trying to win against Israel; their primary goal at this time may be to try to dominate Lebanon.” Dominate Lebanon by fighting Israel? He makes a case, but it’s not a good one. I am not sure I would classify the battles as "guerilla"; rather they started out as a terrorist action that turned into a defensive battle. What was the outcome Hezbollah wanted? It is not clear enough to justify den Beste's case.
The IDF was not beaten, but did not distinguish itself either. Like Marines in Iraq, there is no way they could “win” against the insurgency. A victory is redefined as a “war crime” and a defeat is, well, a defeat. That said, the IDF learns. And it certainly did here. The next time, things will go differently. The IDF dealt with the symptom not the cause. It has to plan, at the very least, to decapitate Syria next time around. And there will be a next time.
Prime Minister Ohmert was the big loser; setting expectations that were unrealistic and inexpertly managing the campaign. There will be leadership changes in Israel and for the better. More then anything, this was a political failure by Israel. Made even more acute by the tacit “support” Israel received from the Arab League – how many time can Israel count on that!
Iran put the world on notice that it is a force to be reckoned with…and I do not think that was smart. In a world where the US has plenty to focus on, Iran continues to try and draw our attention. Iran became Job 1. Nor did they win any allies in the Arab world. Iran as a non-Arab, Shiite state, stands in sharp contrast to the other Arab, Sunni nations of the Mideast. Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and the liberal Gulf Coast emirates will not accept Iran as the “lead” Middle Eastern nation. Even within Shiite Islam, the Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani of Iraq is the generally recognized leader of Shiite Muslims., not the Iranian ayatollahs. And all indications are that al Sistani is conscience of the need for Muslims (Shiite and Sunni) to get along. (Sunnis and Shiites have been fighting since the death of Mohammed in 632.)
The US has been tarred with the media defeatist brush. While this is untrue, what the US does regarding Iran in the next few years will determine a significant part of the future of the Middle East. But the table has been set nicely. There is no doubt of the ambitions of Iran, so the US can count on more cooperation from the Arab states.
Then there is France. Chirac needs to go for the good of the Republic. Promising to lead the UNIFIL force in southern Lebanon, France offers only 200 troops out of 15,000 needed. Finally, when the Italians stepped up, Gallic pride prompted them to increase the force to 2,000 troops. I would emphasize that the lack of backbone of the politicians should not be extended to the French soldiers, who have served very well in world hot spots in the past few decades. But I just wish France would stop being so damn French.
The big unknown to me is how the Arab Mideast reacts to all this. Spewing anti-Western slogans and embracing victimhood have served the likes of Hosni Mubarak and the House of Saud well over the years. Do they recognize that this is a different beast? They do not need to make speedy progress toward tolerance, but steady tolerance.
And finally, Iraq. We must get it right in Iraq. A large, educated middle class, relatively moderate clerics, and, so far, a fervent desire for liberty makes this the best opportunity for the emergence of an Arab democracy.
All, of course, is not lost. The post-Camp David payoffs of Egypt showed that over time, nations can respond incentives. (Egypt is NOT a liberal democracy, but they are slowly moving in the right direction.) "Tactical restraint" is a meme being touted by Robert Wright on Bloggingheads.tv and the NYTimes and he uses Zidane as a metaphor. I think that approach needs to be used in most instances; saving pre-emption and the Bush Doctrine for the "hard" cases. (Is Iran a "hard case"? No, but they are getting there.) The trade-off is time: do we have enough time to be patient?
That no one knows.
Now, the “Hezbollah Won!” theme has yielded to the “Hezbollah Lost” theme, I am more comfortable that the state of things is the same: no one has a clue. I am now willing to throw my two cents in.
Hezbollah neither won nor lost. As the coverage implies, Hezbollah certainly won the immediate PR war – an important, but superficial battle. This is because a) Hezbollah is unconstrained by the truth and b) the Western media east it up in its quest to damage the US and President Bush. But fake photos; staged photos ops; and the like have created a backlash. Ultimately, reality wins.
I do not agree with Steven den Beste that “it's not even clear that Hezbollah is trying to win against Israel; their primary goal at this time may be to try to dominate Lebanon.” Dominate Lebanon by fighting Israel? He makes a case, but it’s not a good one. I am not sure I would classify the battles as "guerilla"; rather they started out as a terrorist action that turned into a defensive battle. What was the outcome Hezbollah wanted? It is not clear enough to justify den Beste's case.
The IDF was not beaten, but did not distinguish itself either. Like Marines in Iraq, there is no way they could “win” against the insurgency. A victory is redefined as a “war crime” and a defeat is, well, a defeat. That said, the IDF learns. And it certainly did here. The next time, things will go differently. The IDF dealt with the symptom not the cause. It has to plan, at the very least, to decapitate Syria next time around. And there will be a next time.
Prime Minister Ohmert was the big loser; setting expectations that were unrealistic and inexpertly managing the campaign. There will be leadership changes in Israel and for the better. More then anything, this was a political failure by Israel. Made even more acute by the tacit “support” Israel received from the Arab League – how many time can Israel count on that!
Iran put the world on notice that it is a force to be reckoned with…and I do not think that was smart. In a world where the US has plenty to focus on, Iran continues to try and draw our attention. Iran became Job 1. Nor did they win any allies in the Arab world. Iran as a non-Arab, Shiite state, stands in sharp contrast to the other Arab, Sunni nations of the Mideast. Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and the liberal Gulf Coast emirates will not accept Iran as the “lead” Middle Eastern nation. Even within Shiite Islam, the Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani of Iraq is the generally recognized leader of Shiite Muslims., not the Iranian ayatollahs. And all indications are that al Sistani is conscience of the need for Muslims (Shiite and Sunni) to get along. (Sunnis and Shiites have been fighting since the death of Mohammed in 632.)
The US has been tarred with the media defeatist brush. While this is untrue, what the US does regarding Iran in the next few years will determine a significant part of the future of the Middle East. But the table has been set nicely. There is no doubt of the ambitions of Iran, so the US can count on more cooperation from the Arab states.
Then there is France. Chirac needs to go for the good of the Republic. Promising to lead the UNIFIL force in southern Lebanon, France offers only 200 troops out of 15,000 needed. Finally, when the Italians stepped up, Gallic pride prompted them to increase the force to 2,000 troops. I would emphasize that the lack of backbone of the politicians should not be extended to the French soldiers, who have served very well in world hot spots in the past few decades. But I just wish France would stop being so damn French.
The big unknown to me is how the Arab Mideast reacts to all this. Spewing anti-Western slogans and embracing victimhood have served the likes of Hosni Mubarak and the House of Saud well over the years. Do they recognize that this is a different beast? They do not need to make speedy progress toward tolerance, but steady tolerance.
And finally, Iraq. We must get it right in Iraq. A large, educated middle class, relatively moderate clerics, and, so far, a fervent desire for liberty makes this the best opportunity for the emergence of an Arab democracy.
All, of course, is not lost. The post-Camp David payoffs of Egypt showed that over time, nations can respond incentives. (Egypt is NOT a liberal democracy, but they are slowly moving in the right direction.) "Tactical restraint" is a meme being touted by Robert Wright on Bloggingheads.tv and the NYTimes and he uses Zidane as a metaphor. I think that approach needs to be used in most instances; saving pre-emption and the Bush Doctrine for the "hard" cases. (Is Iran a "hard case"? No, but they are getting there.) The trade-off is time: do we have enough time to be patient?
That no one knows.
Race Based Justice
Let me understand this. In Colorado, a man who has confessed to rape and murder is released because there is no evidence of his DNA at the scene of the crime.
In North Carolina, three men who have denied raping a women and at least two of whom have relative solid alibis are still being prosecuted even though there is no evidence of their DNA at the scene of the crime.
The difference: race.
The Duke lacrosse case is not over yet. See KCJohnson and Liestoppers.
In North Carolina, three men who have denied raping a women and at least two of whom have relative solid alibis are still being prosecuted even though there is no evidence of their DNA at the scene of the crime.
The difference: race.
The Duke lacrosse case is not over yet. See KCJohnson and Liestoppers.
8.22.2006
Physical Therapy
From the President's Challenge for Kids
Pull-ups: The child hangs from a horizontal bar at a height he or she can hang from and still have their feet free from the floor. The child pulls up until the chin is above the bar and then lowers back to a full-hang starting position.
-- A 6-year-old boy should be capable of two pull-ups and a 6-year-old girl should be capable of two pull-ups.
-- A 10-year-old boy should be capable of six pull-ups and a 10-year-old girl should be capable of three pull-ups.
-- A 15-year-old boy should be capable of 11 pull-ups and a 15-year-old girl should be capable of two pull-ups.
A 10-year-old girl should be capable of doing more pull-ups then a 15-year-old girl? Is that right?
But let's take this a bit farther.
-- A 20-year-old girl should be able to just stand there and look good.
-- A 25-year-old girl should be able to have her boyfriend do 15 pull-ups for her.
Pull-ups: The child hangs from a horizontal bar at a height he or she can hang from and still have their feet free from the floor. The child pulls up until the chin is above the bar and then lowers back to a full-hang starting position.
-- A 6-year-old boy should be capable of two pull-ups and a 6-year-old girl should be capable of two pull-ups.
-- A 10-year-old boy should be capable of six pull-ups and a 10-year-old girl should be capable of three pull-ups.
-- A 15-year-old boy should be capable of 11 pull-ups and a 15-year-old girl should be capable of two pull-ups.
A 10-year-old girl should be capable of doing more pull-ups then a 15-year-old girl? Is that right?
But let's take this a bit farther.
-- A 20-year-old girl should be able to just stand there and look good.
-- A 25-year-old girl should be able to have her boyfriend do 15 pull-ups for her.
8.21.2006
Ideas on Dominance
No, Tilam, down boy, I said "dominance", not "domination"...freak!
Dominance is, and ever will be, the topic of useless debate. Coffee machine pundits debate for too many hours (there goes Monday morning productivity at the office!) about "who's better, Tiger or Jack?". "Tiger or Roger?". "1999 Yanks or 1978 Yanks or 1927 Murderer's Row?". "Niners or Cowboys or Steelers?" As american sports fan, we are obscenely obsessed with labelling everything as "the greatest" or "most dominant" when, in fact, there are too many points on both sides of the coins to come up with an answer.
Tiger is dominant in a sport that does NOT require him to beat his opponents, just the course. However, as Tilam suggested, Tiger's dominance is still noticeable, albeit an intellectual or emotional or mental dominance; in majors, how many times has he played top golf in the last group only to see bodies litter the course, through which he strolls to another victory? Tiger's (and Jack's, frankly) dominant alpha male role comes from the fact that they can handle the pressure, and all other KNOW that they need to play their "A" game to win, and ultimately they collapse under the strain (except for Bob May and Chris DiMarco, who lost in playoffs to Tiger). Duval, Ogilvy, Donald, Love III, Goosen, PHIL, Garcia (multiple times, including fading badly at least twice this year), the list goes on and on. Tiger and Jack instill doubt and a little trepidation in their opponents (including the course, who I'm sure shivers at their coming), at least 3/4 of whom are done before teeing off. Is their game THAT much better? Nah, probably not on the grass, but between the ears, it's light years ahead. And EVERYONE knows it.
Roger Federer's dominance is direct, except for Rafael Nadal on clay. Otherwise, pretty much lights out.
Do you measure NFL greats by how many Super Bowls? Franchise winning percentage? What?
The assignment of "the greatest" is merely a prelude to a ranpamt and spirited and beer-laden discussion for guys of all ages and background, who come together to yap and debate and have fun with the topic.
The Yankees-Sawx series is a wipeout so far for Boston. I mean not even close. Last night Papelbon served up a big ol' boner in the top of the 9th. I was hooting at 1am as Giambi took the cheese on a silver platter from Hansen and sent it into the bullpen. Then Georgie hooked a line drive around the pole, and it's done. Today is just the ending of the ass-whooping that is this series. But I'd sure like to know what Theo Epstein is smoking: "Things haven't changed because we lost three games, things haven't changed because we're thinner pitching-wise than we want to be. We're still on the road to get where we want to be. You don't start questioning everything about your processes because of a moment like this." And this was BEFORE last night's debacle. The Yankees have turned a 3½-game deficit into a 5½-game lead in just one month...I'd say it's time to start sweating if you're a resident of Boston...today is pretty much meaningless except to salvage a little pride for Boston...and I stress "a little".
Frankly, I'm pretty surprised that they took the Ramsey murder suspect back to the states in "business class", where he dined on king prawns and drank champagne. WHAT THE HELL! Fundamentally, it doesn't bother me except for the fact that I bet that the US taxpayers are footing the bill for that stuff. Put him in cattle class...
Dominance is, and ever will be, the topic of useless debate. Coffee machine pundits debate for too many hours (there goes Monday morning productivity at the office!) about "who's better, Tiger or Jack?". "Tiger or Roger?". "1999 Yanks or 1978 Yanks or 1927 Murderer's Row?". "Niners or Cowboys or Steelers?" As american sports fan, we are obscenely obsessed with labelling everything as "the greatest" or "most dominant" when, in fact, there are too many points on both sides of the coins to come up with an answer.
Tiger is dominant in a sport that does NOT require him to beat his opponents, just the course. However, as Tilam suggested, Tiger's dominance is still noticeable, albeit an intellectual or emotional or mental dominance; in majors, how many times has he played top golf in the last group only to see bodies litter the course, through which he strolls to another victory? Tiger's (and Jack's, frankly) dominant alpha male role comes from the fact that they can handle the pressure, and all other KNOW that they need to play their "A" game to win, and ultimately they collapse under the strain (except for Bob May and Chris DiMarco, who lost in playoffs to Tiger). Duval, Ogilvy, Donald, Love III, Goosen, PHIL, Garcia (multiple times, including fading badly at least twice this year), the list goes on and on. Tiger and Jack instill doubt and a little trepidation in their opponents (including the course, who I'm sure shivers at their coming), at least 3/4 of whom are done before teeing off. Is their game THAT much better? Nah, probably not on the grass, but between the ears, it's light years ahead. And EVERYONE knows it.
Roger Federer's dominance is direct, except for Rafael Nadal on clay. Otherwise, pretty much lights out.
Do you measure NFL greats by how many Super Bowls? Franchise winning percentage? What?
The assignment of "the greatest" is merely a prelude to a ranpamt and spirited and beer-laden discussion for guys of all ages and background, who come together to yap and debate and have fun with the topic.
The Yankees-Sawx series is a wipeout so far for Boston. I mean not even close. Last night Papelbon served up a big ol' boner in the top of the 9th. I was hooting at 1am as Giambi took the cheese on a silver platter from Hansen and sent it into the bullpen. Then Georgie hooked a line drive around the pole, and it's done. Today is just the ending of the ass-whooping that is this series. But I'd sure like to know what Theo Epstein is smoking: "Things haven't changed because we lost three games, things haven't changed because we're thinner pitching-wise than we want to be. We're still on the road to get where we want to be. You don't start questioning everything about your processes because of a moment like this." And this was BEFORE last night's debacle. The Yankees have turned a 3½-game deficit into a 5½-game lead in just one month...I'd say it's time to start sweating if you're a resident of Boston...today is pretty much meaningless except to salvage a little pride for Boston...and I stress "a little".
Frankly, I'm pretty surprised that they took the Ramsey murder suspect back to the states in "business class", where he dined on king prawns and drank champagne. WHAT THE HELL! Fundamentally, it doesn't bother me except for the fact that I bet that the US taxpayers are footing the bill for that stuff. Put him in cattle class...
Dominant
Okay, Thew and I have had an off-blog conversation on Tiger's dominance. It was inspired by a PTI question, "who is more dominant, Tiger Woods or Roger Federer?" I think that it is an interesting debate...made harder by Sunday at Medinah.
There are many ways to describe dominance. Tiger is now 12-for-12 when leading in the last round of the majors. The three guys in the last two twosomes finished 2-over, 1-over and 2-over.
Sundays at a Major are about as close as one gets to mano-a-mano in golf. And in these circumstances, Tiger has been dominant. I think the big factor here is between the ears. Tiger manages to not only remain focused, but causes his opponents to lose focus. The pattern is too consistent to dismiss.
Is Tiger the greatest of all time? I have not been willing to say that, but maybe he is.
There are many ways to describe dominance. Tiger is now 12-for-12 when leading in the last round of the majors. The three guys in the last two twosomes finished 2-over, 1-over and 2-over.
Sundays at a Major are about as close as one gets to mano-a-mano in golf. And in these circumstances, Tiger has been dominant. I think the big factor here is between the ears. Tiger manages to not only remain focused, but causes his opponents to lose focus. The pattern is too consistent to dismiss.
Is Tiger the greatest of all time? I have not been willing to say that, but maybe he is.
8.18.2006
17 Second Quickie, including begging
Whenever you feel low, you can always be comforted by the downward spiral of stupidity and idiocy that was, and is, Maurice Clarett's life. Amusing is the only word I can really use for this pathetic series of decisions. And when the Israeli mob gets a hold of him, lights out...
Is ANYONE in the sports world going to be watching anything other than the Yanks-Sawx series this weekend? Okay, the PGA Championship is on, but still, what's more exciting, Tiger-Phil or New York-Boston? I'm a golfer, and I'm going to be riveted to MLB for the next few days.
In NBA news...wait, no one gives a shit about the NBA...
Glen Wesley of the Carolina Hurricanes took his day with the Stanley Cup and went to Camp Leujune, NC, to share the Cup with marines who had been wounded in the Middle East (and some other jarheads who were stationed there). Helluva guy, doing that for the boys in fatigues...
Is ANYONE in the sports world going to be watching anything other than the Yanks-Sawx series this weekend? Okay, the PGA Championship is on, but still, what's more exciting, Tiger-Phil or New York-Boston? I'm a golfer, and I'm going to be riveted to MLB for the next few days.
In NBA news...wait, no one gives a shit about the NBA...
Glen Wesley of the Carolina Hurricanes took his day with the Stanley Cup and went to Camp Leujune, NC, to share the Cup with marines who had been wounded in the Middle East (and some other jarheads who were stationed there). Helluva guy, doing that for the boys in fatigues...
8.16.2006
Tougher than a $2 Steak
Ignorance is bliss, that's why I am always happy...
The eternal optimist ALWAYS thinks there is a way out. Stubborn, that's me. But I must concede the point; unless you have walked the mile in someone's shoes, do not presume to know what they think nor understand their outlook/views...
And OMG, anyone who's ever seen Underworld, either movie, knows that Kate Beckinsale is the shizznitz!
The eternal optimist ALWAYS thinks there is a way out. Stubborn, that's me. But I must concede the point; unless you have walked the mile in someone's shoes, do not presume to know what they think nor understand their outlook/views...
And OMG, anyone who's ever seen Underworld, either movie, knows that Kate Beckinsale is the shizznitz!
When There is No Hope
The depths of despair that cause one to contemplate suicide is something you have to experience to understand.
Consolidation loans? What if your credit rating does not allow this? Home equity? Sure, unless the IRS and past litigants have liens on your house.
And then there are the phone calls. All hours of the day until about 10:00 pm. From dinner time to bed time there will be 30 calls. The dialing is automatic, just a computer doing its job. Then a machine will leave a message. The next morning there will be dozens of new messages. All the same: "please call us."
Every ring is a reminder of your situation. Every ring destroys your hope, ruins your marriage and fuels your fear: What if I can't get out from underneath this?
Like I said, all you have to do is make it look like an accident. You "lose control" on the highway going a little too fast. And insurance money comes and saves the day.
Lose their Daddy? What if they have "lost" their Daddy already? Years of living under pressure have changed Daddy, made him into something he is not. You have ceased being a Daddy, husband, son, brother, whatever. You look in the mirror and wonder what has happened to you.
And if everything is suddenly made right, it will be years before he can return to normal...whatever "normal" is now.
Thew, life is complicated. And sometimes it traps you. It is easy to say, you can do this or that, but sometimes you can't. You can't turn to friends or family tell them how things really are. You can't look to your wife for support becuase she is looking to you to solve the problem. You maintain a brave and solid exterior and die slowly inside.
At some point, I can understand that someone finally believes they are dead, but for the dying.
At that point, the dying part is easy.
Consolidation loans? What if your credit rating does not allow this? Home equity? Sure, unless the IRS and past litigants have liens on your house.
And then there are the phone calls. All hours of the day until about 10:00 pm. From dinner time to bed time there will be 30 calls. The dialing is automatic, just a computer doing its job. Then a machine will leave a message. The next morning there will be dozens of new messages. All the same: "please call us."
Every ring is a reminder of your situation. Every ring destroys your hope, ruins your marriage and fuels your fear: What if I can't get out from underneath this?
Like I said, all you have to do is make it look like an accident. You "lose control" on the highway going a little too fast. And insurance money comes and saves the day.
Lose their Daddy? What if they have "lost" their Daddy already? Years of living under pressure have changed Daddy, made him into something he is not. You have ceased being a Daddy, husband, son, brother, whatever. You look in the mirror and wonder what has happened to you.
And if everything is suddenly made right, it will be years before he can return to normal...whatever "normal" is now.
Thew, life is complicated. And sometimes it traps you. It is easy to say, you can do this or that, but sometimes you can't. You can't turn to friends or family tell them how things really are. You can't look to your wife for support becuase she is looking to you to solve the problem. You maintain a brave and solid exterior and die slowly inside.
At some point, I can understand that someone finally believes they are dead, but for the dying.
At that point, the dying part is easy.
The things you thought you knew about people...
I must be cut from a different mold...
suicide, in my opinion, is the way of the lazy and speaks of cowardice. And I forgive Tilam his ignorance, since there is much he does not know about my friend's sister's situation; heck, there is much *I* do not know about it.
But my post was a global post, not a post specific to this situation. "Jane Doe" had financial troubles, but she also had the love and support of her children and husband, and she was a stay at home mom, so financial troubles can be held at bay were she to get a job. Her life was a shambles many years ago but she met this man and things turned around for her. There are many ways to overcome financial difficulties, suicide is NOT one of them. As a matter of fact, her family would have been WORSE OFF after her death because I don't believe insurance companies pay benefits in the event of a suicide, at least not the last I heard.
My question goes to this...how low must one go before one considers taking your own life as an option? Teens do it all too often, many adults do it as well. I'm the eternal optimist, I'm always thinking there is some way out of many situations. Addicted to drugs? Get in a program. Financial troubles? Get some advice, even from a friend, and consolidation loans. Get up off your lazy butt and face the problem, don't run and hide. The ONLY situation I can see is euthanasia, assisted suicide for the terminally ill and wracked in pain. THEN I would consider it. But to "end my life's pain" and leave nothing but the SAME (financial) problems on my family after my death (and add to it my funeral costs? start digging a hole in the yard honey), not to mention hears of grief and sadness and possibly therapy, only exponentially compounds the problems left to the people who stood by and loved my, while supposedly ending them.
This is a side to Tilam that I never knew, this opinion about suicide. I must admit I'm somewhat taken aback. And to his post I ask THIS question: "do you think your family would rather have you and troubles, or just troubles? do you think your kids would give a damm about "creditors" if their daddy wasn't around? what about Mrs Tilam, do you think that she'd be able to go it alone if you offed yourself and the insurance benefit was exactly $ZERO?" The Thew brood would rather have a destitute and poor father around than no father at all...
suicide, in my opinion, is the way of the lazy and speaks of cowardice. And I forgive Tilam his ignorance, since there is much he does not know about my friend's sister's situation; heck, there is much *I* do not know about it.
But my post was a global post, not a post specific to this situation. "Jane Doe" had financial troubles, but she also had the love and support of her children and husband, and she was a stay at home mom, so financial troubles can be held at bay were she to get a job. Her life was a shambles many years ago but she met this man and things turned around for her. There are many ways to overcome financial difficulties, suicide is NOT one of them. As a matter of fact, her family would have been WORSE OFF after her death because I don't believe insurance companies pay benefits in the event of a suicide, at least not the last I heard.
My question goes to this...how low must one go before one considers taking your own life as an option? Teens do it all too often, many adults do it as well. I'm the eternal optimist, I'm always thinking there is some way out of many situations. Addicted to drugs? Get in a program. Financial troubles? Get some advice, even from a friend, and consolidation loans. Get up off your lazy butt and face the problem, don't run and hide. The ONLY situation I can see is euthanasia, assisted suicide for the terminally ill and wracked in pain. THEN I would consider it. But to "end my life's pain" and leave nothing but the SAME (financial) problems on my family after my death (and add to it my funeral costs? start digging a hole in the yard honey), not to mention hears of grief and sadness and possibly therapy, only exponentially compounds the problems left to the people who stood by and loved my, while supposedly ending them.
This is a side to Tilam that I never knew, this opinion about suicide. I must admit I'm somewhat taken aback. And to his post I ask THIS question: "do you think your family would rather have you and troubles, or just troubles? do you think your kids would give a damm about "creditors" if their daddy wasn't around? what about Mrs Tilam, do you think that she'd be able to go it alone if you offed yourself and the insurance benefit was exactly $ZERO?" The Thew brood would rather have a destitute and poor father around than no father at all...
The Wisdom of William S.
Hamlet had the best reflection on suicide EVER.
...[A]nd by a sleep to say we end
The heartache, and the thousand natural shocks
That flesh is heir to. 'Tis a consummation
Devoutly to be wished...
There are many thing I did not understand in my youth, that I understand (better) now. Suicide is one.
Financial troubles steal your soul of hope. The constant calls from creditors (day and night), the tears of your spouse, depriving your children, the guilt of buying a cup of Starbucks coffee. The despair is pervasive. It is with you every waking minute and when you dream. There is simply no escape.
And then comes the realization that there are $3.5 million reasons your family would be better off without you. And your job is to make it look like an accident. Yes, I understand very clearly what might cause Thew's friend to think the unthinkable.
We will all die, why not now?
Suicide may be a selfish act, but maybe the idea that you simply want to see your kids grow up and are willing to make everyone continue to suffer for this right is selfish too.
...[A]nd by a sleep to say we end
The heartache, and the thousand natural shocks
That flesh is heir to. 'Tis a consummation
Devoutly to be wished...
There are many thing I did not understand in my youth, that I understand (better) now. Suicide is one.
Financial troubles steal your soul of hope. The constant calls from creditors (day and night), the tears of your spouse, depriving your children, the guilt of buying a cup of Starbucks coffee. The despair is pervasive. It is with you every waking minute and when you dream. There is simply no escape.
And then comes the realization that there are $3.5 million reasons your family would be better off without you. And your job is to make it look like an accident. Yes, I understand very clearly what might cause Thew's friend to think the unthinkable.
We will all die, why not now?
Suicide may be a selfish act, but maybe the idea that you simply want to see your kids grow up and are willing to make everyone continue to suffer for this right is selfish too.
8.15.2006
Blog...Interrupted
Serious matters...
I got a call from one of my best friends in the world (no, not YOU Tilam). Her sister tried to take her own life today.
But what makes a person get to that point? Perhaps I'm sheltered in my nice job, my nice household income, and my nice family life. But life is truly the second best gift we've been given (next to Christ's sacrifice on the cross), and given freely by the lord, I really have no concept of how low a person must go to get to a point of actually ending it all. Not to mention that it's considered a sin in the Catholic faith. I cannot fathom looking in a mirror and deciding that I (as well as my family and friends, and frankly, the world in general) would be better off dead. Life is just too beautiful a gift to just throw away (or, if you are a buddhist, to "regift"), at least in my humble opinion. I cannot imagine leaving before my time (and by my own hand too!), never growing old with Mrs Thew (although this option might sound appealing to her) and never seeing my kids and grandkids. Never having suffered THAT much in my life, it's so alien a thought that simply have no concept of this urge.
The good news is that at the last minute she changed her mind and got herself to the hospital in time to be saved, and she is now resting comfortably in the bed. Alone with her thoughts and fears and demons, but soon to be buttressed by the love and support of he husband, kids, and family.
Okay, back to Thew's Tantrum...
So Phonak is disbanding in the wake of Floyd Landis' doping scandal. Is anyone surprised? Of COURSE there are no buyers for this team - Landis isn't the first one to be caught! Do people forget that Phonak's image had already been badly damaged by 10 other doping cases since the Swiss-based team was launched seven seasons ago. In face, the International Cycling Union refused to issue Phonak a racing license for 2005 because of the team's doping record after three Phonak riders - 2004 Olympic time trial champion Tyler Hamilton, Oscar Camenzind and Santi Perez - were all found guilty of doping violations in 2004 and fired. SHEESH!
So the Atlanta Falcons are scuffling all over the place at pre-season camp. Nice to see they are hitting something this early in the season...
So Matt Leinart finally signed a deal with the Cardinals. Butt, meeting bench pine; after losing most of camp is there any doubt that he's wasted too much time to just step in? Apparently he isn't that good at feeling the game around him, because if he had looked into his backfield, he'd see EDGERRIN JAMES! Hello, McFly *tap* *tap*... Oh, and his contract could pay him more if is plays more - hmm, wonder if he considered the fact that he's going to see limited action until he actually practices and understand the Cardinal's offense. Mind-boggling...
In the category of "nature or nurture", we have to point that so far, the Leo Mazzone Magic is still nowhere to be found in Baltimore: since the All-Star break, Orioles pitchers have posted an unsightly 5.84 ERA. Perhaps it's just that he had that GREAT pitching staff in Atlanta and didn't ruin a good thing...
On the NBA front...wait, no one gives a shit about the NBA...
Wayne Rooney is truly misunderstood...everyone thinks he's really a nice guy. BUT: The English Football Association rejected an appeal from Manchester United to overturn the three-match ban of Wayne Rooney who was sent off in a 3-1 preseason win over FC Porto in Amsterdam on Aug. 4 for violent conduct (Rooney picked up a red card). Million dollar talent, 5 cent head...
I got a call from one of my best friends in the world (no, not YOU Tilam). Her sister tried to take her own life today.
But what makes a person get to that point? Perhaps I'm sheltered in my nice job, my nice household income, and my nice family life. But life is truly the second best gift we've been given (next to Christ's sacrifice on the cross), and given freely by the lord, I really have no concept of how low a person must go to get to a point of actually ending it all. Not to mention that it's considered a sin in the Catholic faith. I cannot fathom looking in a mirror and deciding that I (as well as my family and friends, and frankly, the world in general) would be better off dead. Life is just too beautiful a gift to just throw away (or, if you are a buddhist, to "regift"), at least in my humble opinion. I cannot imagine leaving before my time (and by my own hand too!), never growing old with Mrs Thew (although this option might sound appealing to her) and never seeing my kids and grandkids. Never having suffered THAT much in my life, it's so alien a thought that simply have no concept of this urge.
The good news is that at the last minute she changed her mind and got herself to the hospital in time to be saved, and she is now resting comfortably in the bed. Alone with her thoughts and fears and demons, but soon to be buttressed by the love and support of he husband, kids, and family.
Okay, back to Thew's Tantrum...
So Phonak is disbanding in the wake of Floyd Landis' doping scandal. Is anyone surprised? Of COURSE there are no buyers for this team - Landis isn't the first one to be caught! Do people forget that Phonak's image had already been badly damaged by 10 other doping cases since the Swiss-based team was launched seven seasons ago. In face, the International Cycling Union refused to issue Phonak a racing license for 2005 because of the team's doping record after three Phonak riders - 2004 Olympic time trial champion Tyler Hamilton, Oscar Camenzind and Santi Perez - were all found guilty of doping violations in 2004 and fired. SHEESH!
So the Atlanta Falcons are scuffling all over the place at pre-season camp. Nice to see they are hitting something this early in the season...
So Matt Leinart finally signed a deal with the Cardinals. Butt, meeting bench pine; after losing most of camp is there any doubt that he's wasted too much time to just step in? Apparently he isn't that good at feeling the game around him, because if he had looked into his backfield, he'd see EDGERRIN JAMES! Hello, McFly *tap* *tap*... Oh, and his contract could pay him more if is plays more - hmm, wonder if he considered the fact that he's going to see limited action until he actually practices and understand the Cardinal's offense. Mind-boggling...
In the category of "nature or nurture", we have to point that so far, the Leo Mazzone Magic is still nowhere to be found in Baltimore: since the All-Star break, Orioles pitchers have posted an unsightly 5.84 ERA. Perhaps it's just that he had that GREAT pitching staff in Atlanta and didn't ruin a good thing...
On the NBA front...wait, no one gives a shit about the NBA...
Wayne Rooney is truly misunderstood...everyone thinks he's really a nice guy. BUT: The English Football Association rejected an appeal from Manchester United to overturn the three-match ban of Wayne Rooney who was sent off in a 3-1 preseason win over FC Porto in Amsterdam on Aug. 4 for violent conduct (Rooney picked up a red card). Million dollar talent, 5 cent head...
8.14.2006
Comic Relief
Well, a couple of observations about Tilam's post.
I laughed my ass off about Scott Adam's post. I'm not sure if women really truly understand the things that men go through with the old plumbing, especially in public...spontaneous wood (just as the class ending bell rings), some days your long dong silver, some days wee willie winkie, shrinkage, and a whole slew of others. Oh, and my favorite: splitting the streams...
I had no idea who this Ali-G guy was before this video, and I still don't know who the hell he is, but he's much funnier than Dame Edna, I'll tell you that. And although I didn't find it as "pee in my pants funny" as Tilam did, it was still very humourous, and Posh/Becks were very game and good sports about his questions and comments. I might check out more of his comic relief in the future.
And on that note, a tentative yet hearty "welcome back" to Barbaro, who as we all know suffered horrific and life-threatening injuries in the Preakness, but who is taking short strolls out in the yard and starting back on the road to recovery outside the equine ICU.
I laughed my ass off about Scott Adam's post. I'm not sure if women really truly understand the things that men go through with the old plumbing, especially in public...spontaneous wood (just as the class ending bell rings), some days your long dong silver, some days wee willie winkie, shrinkage, and a whole slew of others. Oh, and my favorite: splitting the streams...
I had no idea who this Ali-G guy was before this video, and I still don't know who the hell he is, but he's much funnier than Dame Edna, I'll tell you that. And although I didn't find it as "pee in my pants funny" as Tilam did, it was still very humourous, and Posh/Becks were very game and good sports about his questions and comments. I might check out more of his comic relief in the future.
And on that note, a tentative yet hearty "welcome back" to Barbaro, who as we all know suffered horrific and life-threatening injuries in the Preakness, but who is taking short strolls out in the yard and starting back on the road to recovery outside the equine ICU.
Wardrobe Malfunction
On the lighter side, Scott Adams of Dilbert fame has "issues." Haven't we all?
The beautiful Mrs. Tilam can not understand the occasional "realignment." When I point out to her that occasionally women need to adjust the over-the-shoulder-boulder-holders, she replies in typical female fashion, "that is different."
Also, Ali G interviews the Beckhams on Comic Relief. (NOT family friendly.) But I dare you not to laugh. I admit that Posh and Becks are really good sports, I can't see either set of Mr. and Mrs. Ts handling it as well.
Q: So, Mr. T, you mean to tell me you ain't never been caught offsides?
A: How offsides?
The beautiful Mrs. Tilam can not understand the occasional "realignment." When I point out to her that occasionally women need to adjust the over-the-shoulder-boulder-holders, she replies in typical female fashion, "that is different."
Also, Ali G interviews the Beckhams on Comic Relief. (NOT family friendly.) But I dare you not to laugh. I admit that Posh and Becks are really good sports, I can't see either set of Mr. and Mrs. Ts handling it as well.
Q: So, Mr. T, you mean to tell me you ain't never been caught offsides?
A: How offsides?
Memorial
Farewell, Heather Clarke. A classy and wonderful woman who showed courage and aplomb even as she was being attacked relentlessly by cancer. She won the first battle yet ultimately lost the war, as the big C came back with a vengeance. We thank God that she is happy and free in a better place. He has truly called an angel to his side.
Our condolences and sympathies to her husband and pro golfer, Darren Clarke. As fond of cigars and ale as he was of kicking US ass during the Ryder Cup, he showed his true devotion and support as well as his loving soft side during Heather's battle against a nearly undefeatable foe. We pray for healing and grace during this time of loss in his life.
"Heather's courage and bravery throughout the last two years when she was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer has been an inspiration," Clarke said in a statement. "Heather never complained once throughout her ordeal and we will all miss her greatly. She was a wonderful and enormously supportive wife, mother and friend."
Heather Clarke was 39...
Our condolences and sympathies to her husband and pro golfer, Darren Clarke. As fond of cigars and ale as he was of kicking US ass during the Ryder Cup, he showed his true devotion and support as well as his loving soft side during Heather's battle against a nearly undefeatable foe. We pray for healing and grace during this time of loss in his life.
"Heather's courage and bravery throughout the last two years when she was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer has been an inspiration," Clarke said in a statement. "Heather never complained once throughout her ordeal and we will all miss her greatly. She was a wonderful and enormously supportive wife, mother and friend."
Heather Clarke was 39...
8.11.2006
Ramblings
Okay, the golf matched sucked. The fact that there was a late scoring controversy only allows us a re-match. Ugh. There was no part of Thew's or my game that did not suck. But the deal breaker was on the ONE freakin' hole that Thew manages to play like he normally does and has a tap-in birdie, the Kid manages to snake in a right-to-left 20 footer for a net EAGLE! Crap. And that was the only clutch putt they made. (Of course, the way we played, they did not need to be clutch.)
Maurice Clarett. Just amazing.
Michelle Wie now has a SI pictorial on the Biggest Controversies of Michelle Wie's Career. There are 7 slides, which amounts to 7 more wins then she has. There are finally rumblings about the fact that her behavior and attitude might well overshadow her potential.
Red Sox are swept by the Royals. Ugh. They are now 3 back of the Yankees and 2 behind the Other Sox in the WC race. They are 12-15 since the All-star break, when they were 3 ahead of the Yankees. It ain't over, but the Curse seems to be making a comeback.
Tiger v. History. Too soon to tell and too tough to compare. I think Thew has it right...the equipment differences alone are enough to really wonder if Tiger is the best of all time. The competition factors in also. The modern pros can earn quite a good living without winning, so you wonder about the incentive. What drives Phil? The stories of Jack and Dot driving the kids around in a station wagon from match to match in the summer are charming, but also speak to the reality that an up-and-coming pro like Nicklaus, J. did not have the advantages of a Woods, E. Tiger has 15 or so more years before we can start to judge.
Okay, done for now.
Maurice Clarett. Just amazing.
Michelle Wie now has a SI pictorial on the Biggest Controversies of Michelle Wie's Career. There are 7 slides, which amounts to 7 more wins then she has. There are finally rumblings about the fact that her behavior and attitude might well overshadow her potential.
Red Sox are swept by the Royals. Ugh. They are now 3 back of the Yankees and 2 behind the Other Sox in the WC race. They are 12-15 since the All-star break, when they were 3 ahead of the Yankees. It ain't over, but the Curse seems to be making a comeback.
Tiger v. History. Too soon to tell and too tough to compare. I think Thew has it right...the equipment differences alone are enough to really wonder if Tiger is the best of all time. The competition factors in also. The modern pros can earn quite a good living without winning, so you wonder about the incentive. What drives Phil? The stories of Jack and Dot driving the kids around in a station wagon from match to match in the summer are charming, but also speak to the reality that an up-and-coming pro like Nicklaus, J. did not have the advantages of a Woods, E. Tiger has 15 or so more years before we can start to judge.
Okay, done for now.
8.09.2006
The final tumble?
Maurice Clarett is done, both in football and in life. Good Riddance. I'm sorry to say this is particularly satisfying...
Michelle Wie fired her caddie VIA HER AGENT after her finish at the Women's British Open. Hmm, a guy who won 4 majors while caddying for Juli Inkster seems to have become the scapegoat for Michelle's issues? Not sure what they were thinking, but the mature, professional thing to do would have been at least, as the caddy said, "for someone named Wie to speak to me". So now she's a choker AND classless.
Michelle Wie fired her caddie VIA HER AGENT after her finish at the Women's British Open. Hmm, a guy who won 4 majors while caddying for Juli Inkster seems to have become the scapegoat for Michelle's issues? Not sure what they were thinking, but the mature, professional thing to do would have been at least, as the caddy said, "for someone named Wie to speak to me". So now she's a choker AND classless.
8.07.2006
Thew art richeer!
Tiger wins #50 the quickest in golf history. Worthy of noting - I believe that in 20 years there will be a HUGE case for Tiger to be named the best of all time...and little to refute that. However, comparing players and teams of different eras is a very sticky conversation - better to say he was the best of his era. Points to ponder: what if he wins the most majors but never a grand slam? what if he passes Jack but not Sam Snead's 84 wins? what if he passes Slammin' Sammy but not Jack? what if he wins the grand slam but falls short of both Jack and Sam? Too many variables to consider. What would Jack do if he played with today's clubs and balls in his prime? How would Tiger fare with persimmon woods and that nappy MacGregor ball that Jack used? Better to call out "best golfers of eras" instead of all time. But you COULD make a case for Tiger anyway.
I'm not even going to comment on Floyd Landis. Idiot...
So the MLS all-stars took down reigning EPL champs Chelsea 1-0. Normally I'd be very ethno-centric here, but the MLS all-stars are NOT a mixture of all Yanks, it's a mixture of the melting pot of MLS players - still, I think it shows that the MLS is getting better and better. Fueled (unfortunately) by foreign players, yes, but forcing the american players to show up and represent can't be a bad thing. Not sure if Chelsea didn't consider this anything important, and didn't make the effort, but still, a feather in the cap of the MLS.
Note to the BoSox...that thing in your rear-view mirror is...WAIT, that thing AHEAD of you in the AL East are, yes, the Yankees. I think it's a credit ot the Yankees that they've been able to catch and overtake the Sawx without Matsui, Cano, and Shef. It'll be a test of the Sawx' character now that THEY have some injury issues. Again, the best rivalry in sports - stay tuned, baseball fans...
Tilam makes an excellent point about the Hezbollah. They are like a hydra - cut off a head and 2 will spring to take the place. As long as you have people who will continue to carry the torch, it doesn't matter if they get pushed back into hiding now, they will arise later. Like Al Queda. Killing Bin Laden would be a victory, but mostly an ineffective one at best. Why? Because those nameless, faceless (mask wearing) cowards will multiply like cockroaches, always an infestation somewhere in the world. The best way to defeat them is to obtain total, global (well, mostly global, say 95%) disapproval and non-cooperation for them - we know the french will always cave in because they have no spine. But no support, no haven, no funding, will be the BEST way to rid the world of terrorists; sure, there will be conflicts here and there, but all nations have to realize that while they are focused on a few countries, this is becoming a global issue, and many other countries will feel pain. But ultimately, you have to have guts and resolve and determination to fight terrorism, and at this point not enough countries have that...
On the Tilam-Thew golf front...we got smoked, but it's under protest since Tilam got shafted on his strokes. Tilam played like an epileptic monkey, and he was the GOOD golfer on our team. Of course, I'd have picked the Kid had I known then what I know now. I am very close to completing a Ian Baker-Finch or David Duval like plummet from the ranks of "low-to-middle single digit handicap" to just plain "handicapped". I will not comment on Michelle Wie this week - she played solid but ultimately not good enough at the Women's British Open.
Mel Gibson...pathetic is the best word that children under 13 can read that I can use to describe him. Fundamentalism at it's best - "honey, I'll wave to you from heaven because you're going to hell when you die." It boggles the mind that a man who is THIS fervent in his beliefs even married the woman. And producing children? In the words of Doc Holliday in "Tombstone" - Mel's "...hypocrisy knows no bounds...". Welcome to the list of my "moronic stars that I will no longer tolerate" - consisting of Sarandon, Robbins, Gere, Hilton, and a few others. There is simply no concept or touch with reality with these people - sometimes it's the press artificially creating, and sometimes it's the star doing the idiocy work...but nevertheless, it's a case for "dood, get in touch with the real world".
I'm not even going to comment on Floyd Landis. Idiot...
So the MLS all-stars took down reigning EPL champs Chelsea 1-0. Normally I'd be very ethno-centric here, but the MLS all-stars are NOT a mixture of all Yanks, it's a mixture of the melting pot of MLS players - still, I think it shows that the MLS is getting better and better. Fueled (unfortunately) by foreign players, yes, but forcing the american players to show up and represent can't be a bad thing. Not sure if Chelsea didn't consider this anything important, and didn't make the effort, but still, a feather in the cap of the MLS.
Note to the BoSox...that thing in your rear-view mirror is...WAIT, that thing AHEAD of you in the AL East are, yes, the Yankees. I think it's a credit ot the Yankees that they've been able to catch and overtake the Sawx without Matsui, Cano, and Shef. It'll be a test of the Sawx' character now that THEY have some injury issues. Again, the best rivalry in sports - stay tuned, baseball fans...
Tilam makes an excellent point about the Hezbollah. They are like a hydra - cut off a head and 2 will spring to take the place. As long as you have people who will continue to carry the torch, it doesn't matter if they get pushed back into hiding now, they will arise later. Like Al Queda. Killing Bin Laden would be a victory, but mostly an ineffective one at best. Why? Because those nameless, faceless (mask wearing) cowards will multiply like cockroaches, always an infestation somewhere in the world. The best way to defeat them is to obtain total, global (well, mostly global, say 95%) disapproval and non-cooperation for them - we know the french will always cave in because they have no spine. But no support, no haven, no funding, will be the BEST way to rid the world of terrorists; sure, there will be conflicts here and there, but all nations have to realize that while they are focused on a few countries, this is becoming a global issue, and many other countries will feel pain. But ultimately, you have to have guts and resolve and determination to fight terrorism, and at this point not enough countries have that...
On the Tilam-Thew golf front...we got smoked, but it's under protest since Tilam got shafted on his strokes. Tilam played like an epileptic monkey, and he was the GOOD golfer on our team. Of course, I'd have picked the Kid had I known then what I know now. I am very close to completing a Ian Baker-Finch or David Duval like plummet from the ranks of "low-to-middle single digit handicap" to just plain "handicapped". I will not comment on Michelle Wie this week - she played solid but ultimately not good enough at the Women's British Open.
Mel Gibson...pathetic is the best word that children under 13 can read that I can use to describe him. Fundamentalism at it's best - "honey, I'll wave to you from heaven because you're going to hell when you die." It boggles the mind that a man who is THIS fervent in his beliefs even married the woman. And producing children? In the words of Doc Holliday in "Tombstone" - Mel's "...hypocrisy knows no bounds...". Welcome to the list of my "moronic stars that I will no longer tolerate" - consisting of Sarandon, Robbins, Gere, Hilton, and a few others. There is simply no concept or touch with reality with these people - sometimes it's the press artificially creating, and sometimes it's the star doing the idiocy work...but nevertheless, it's a case for "dood, get in touch with the real world".
8.03.2006
Mel's Mea Culpa
Mel Gibson has published not one, but two apologies. The second specifically speaks to Jewish people (okay, I have a beef, the term "Jews" seems derogatory along the lines of Juden and the "Jewish people" seems condescending).
So we will see. Gibson's anti-Semitism has had no consequences thus far, but this incident is different. Some Jews will accept the apology and some will not. Some non-Jews (my wife for example) will be ready to forgive, while others (your truly) need to see him live the life he proclaims he want to live.
My problem with Mel Gibson is not his faith (I am Catholic), but his hypocrisy. I respect orthodox practices (whether Christian, Jews, Muslim, whatever) when they live the life they proclaim. (Okay, I am not sure what life real orthodox Muslims would live...kill all infidels?) But Gibson doesn't. He a drunken womanizer who feels he is superior to everyone else (remember he has said his wife is going to hell because she is not Catholic). Was that Christ's life? Did he throw back a dozen goblets, fondle Mary Magdalene and laugh at the Jews, Romans and Arabs? If so, I missed that Chapter in the Bible.
Being pious is wonderful, assuming your own piety while living like an asshole is pathetic.
So we will see. Gibson's anti-Semitism has had no consequences thus far, but this incident is different. Some Jews will accept the apology and some will not. Some non-Jews (my wife for example) will be ready to forgive, while others (your truly) need to see him live the life he proclaims he want to live.
My problem with Mel Gibson is not his faith (I am Catholic), but his hypocrisy. I respect orthodox practices (whether Christian, Jews, Muslim, whatever) when they live the life they proclaim. (Okay, I am not sure what life real orthodox Muslims would live...kill all infidels?) But Gibson doesn't. He a drunken womanizer who feels he is superior to everyone else (remember he has said his wife is going to hell because she is not Catholic). Was that Christ's life? Did he throw back a dozen goblets, fondle Mary Magdalene and laugh at the Jews, Romans and Arabs? If so, I missed that Chapter in the Bible.
Being pious is wonderful, assuming your own piety while living like an asshole is pathetic.
8.02.2006
Where Art Thew?
The dearth of Thew posts (posts unusually recognized by the incoherent rambling and multiple appearances of the words "Wie" and "over-hyped" in the same sentence) is due to his and the lovely Mrs. Thew's travel up toward Tilam land.
Actually, we are meeting in Connecticut for a golf match. In an effort to avoid the direct confrontation with me on the course (and the inevitable drubbing that occurs), he has deftly managed a team match and has cleverly paired himself up with me. The good news is we are playing the Old Man and the Kid. The bad news is we are spotting them like 1,000 strokes.
Afterward, I am heading out on vacation for a few days, but will post a hole by hole account of our match upon return.
And, Thew, when you read this, I did not say who drubs who...
Actually, we are meeting in Connecticut for a golf match. In an effort to avoid the direct confrontation with me on the course (and the inevitable drubbing that occurs), he has deftly managed a team match and has cleverly paired himself up with me. The good news is we are playing the Old Man and the Kid. The bad news is we are spotting them like 1,000 strokes.
Afterward, I am heading out on vacation for a few days, but will post a hole by hole account of our match upon return.
And, Thew, when you read this, I did not say who drubs who...
8.01.2006
On a Less Serious Note
So Mel, how's that head feeling? Gibson gets drunk and spews forth anti-Semitic bile. Dan Drezner summarizes this non-event. Missing is the sexist comments: he allegedly said to a female sergeant, "what are you looking at sugar tits?" Members of the Jewish community suggest we re-examine the Passion of the Christ in light of these new circumstances.
Uh, no.
As a Catholic, I think at his core, Mel is an anti-Semite. He may cover up well during sober, daylight hours, but deep down he is his father's son. Whatever you feel about his movies, as Hitchens says, "One does not abruptly decide, between the first and second vodka, or the ticks of the indicator of velocity, that the Protocols of the Learned Elders of Zion are valid after all." (NOTE: this remark is funny, but Hitchens is BRUTAL to Gibson and lets his animus overwhelm his prose. Proceed at your own risk.)
That said, the POTC was very moving to me. True to the New Testament, the Jews were the bad guys, no doubt, but that was not my focus (nor was that the focus of any Catholic I have talked to). Never once did I look at the movie and say to myself, "those damn Jews." Gibson's rant does not change the power of watching the Passion for me.
In fact, the religion of the mob and Sanhedrin were of little import. As a post-Vatican II, suburban American Catholic, I was not brought up to focus on the culpability of the Jews in Christ's death. Mel Gibson was raised differently.
I understand the sensitivity of the Jews to this sort of portrayal. I can get pretty prickly when I sense anti-Catholicism, so I think I can appreciate when others perceive anti-religion prejudice. And I acknowledge that I am in no position to judge the movie in that way, but I am in a position to judge Gibson's remarks: Reprehensible.
Uh, no.
As a Catholic, I think at his core, Mel is an anti-Semite. He may cover up well during sober, daylight hours, but deep down he is his father's son. Whatever you feel about his movies, as Hitchens says, "One does not abruptly decide, between the first and second vodka, or the ticks of the indicator of velocity, that the Protocols of the Learned Elders of Zion are valid after all." (NOTE: this remark is funny, but Hitchens is BRUTAL to Gibson and lets his animus overwhelm his prose. Proceed at your own risk.)
That said, the POTC was very moving to me. True to the New Testament, the Jews were the bad guys, no doubt, but that was not my focus (nor was that the focus of any Catholic I have talked to). Never once did I look at the movie and say to myself, "those damn Jews." Gibson's rant does not change the power of watching the Passion for me.
In fact, the religion of the mob and Sanhedrin were of little import. As a post-Vatican II, suburban American Catholic, I was not brought up to focus on the culpability of the Jews in Christ's death. Mel Gibson was raised differently.
I understand the sensitivity of the Jews to this sort of portrayal. I can get pretty prickly when I sense anti-Catholicism, so I think I can appreciate when others perceive anti-religion prejudice. And I acknowledge that I am in no position to judge the movie in that way, but I am in a position to judge Gibson's remarks: Reprehensible.
The End Game
So it seems now that my thought of a wider war on Syria by Israel was off the mark. So now, the logical question is what is the end game for Israel? There is no doubt that time is running short as the drum beat of media shows Lebanese "victims" of Israel. No matter about the questions related to Qana, the media is right on track to help the terrorists.
So what now. Hezbollah can not be defeated. It is the nature of the organization to melt away prior to destruction and reform later. Destroying is rocket arsenal is a good thing, but these can be replaced. Assassinating Hassan Nasrallah? Okay, again good, but someone new will emerge. My point? No one will declare Hezbollah defeated. There is no one to surrender. Absent such a clear cut victory, the world media will declare Hezbollah the winner thereby compounding the problem. (Truth is irrelevant and consequences are unimportant given the opportunity to repudiate the Bush administration and its "proxy" Israel.) Cowering at the Iranian embassy, surrounded by children (as shields), Nasrallah will commend the courage and bravery of his terrorists fighters and their "victory."
I think that there is a way for Israel to "win." First, they must degrade Hezbollah significantly and I am not sure how they would know when that is accomplished. Second, after winning, Israel must make a "Grand Gesture" toward peace with the Lebanese and Sunni Muslims (Hezbollah and the Iranians are Shiites). I need some time to think through what a "Grand Gesture" would look like (an Israeli Marshall Plan for Lebanon?), but the "Grand Gesture" would allow Israel to immediately seize back the moral high ground and not allow Hezbollah, the Iranians; the anti-Israel Europeans and the media acolytes to make up "war crimes" against the IDF.
Withdrawing within Israel's borders will not work. The Knesset needs to think this one through. This battle may have been rough going for the IDF, but it is a cake walk compared to the next one if Hezbollah gains face.
So what now. Hezbollah can not be defeated. It is the nature of the organization to melt away prior to destruction and reform later. Destroying is rocket arsenal is a good thing, but these can be replaced. Assassinating Hassan Nasrallah? Okay, again good, but someone new will emerge. My point? No one will declare Hezbollah defeated. There is no one to surrender. Absent such a clear cut victory, the world media will declare Hezbollah the winner thereby compounding the problem. (Truth is irrelevant and consequences are unimportant given the opportunity to repudiate the Bush administration and its "proxy" Israel.) Cowering at the Iranian embassy, surrounded by children (as shields), Nasrallah will commend the courage and bravery of his terrorists fighters and their "victory."
I think that there is a way for Israel to "win." First, they must degrade Hezbollah significantly and I am not sure how they would know when that is accomplished. Second, after winning, Israel must make a "Grand Gesture" toward peace with the Lebanese and Sunni Muslims (Hezbollah and the Iranians are Shiites). I need some time to think through what a "Grand Gesture" would look like (an Israeli Marshall Plan for Lebanon?), but the "Grand Gesture" would allow Israel to immediately seize back the moral high ground and not allow Hezbollah, the Iranians; the anti-Israel Europeans and the media acolytes to make up "war crimes" against the IDF.
Withdrawing within Israel's borders will not work. The Knesset needs to think this one through. This battle may have been rough going for the IDF, but it is a cake walk compared to the next one if Hezbollah gains face.
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