I will go with Thew's flow here. It was not the approach I was thinking about, but hey, it works fine. So taking his topics and adding or deleting, this is what I see.
But before I go forward there is one item Thew did not mention that I believe is critical to EVERYTHING.
Batteries - The next 30 years will see a huge revolution in batteries. And without this revolution much of what we are talking about will be inhibited. The efficiency of using electricity in devices will go up (mitigating somewhat the advancements in batteries required), but soon we will see the power in a car battery being stored in a 9-volt size battery.
Personal Communication - I do agree that "form factor" advances will dictate and we will have variations of "faster, smaller, cheaper." Form factor is interesting in the sense that as forms become compact, HOW a person uses things becomes important. In other words, we all are hardwired to do things in a certain way and each of us has a different way we are comfortable (generally, think men v. women, teenagers v. adults). When a form factor becomes compact, it limits the "how" - often severely.
Personal Transportation - I actually do not see us getting away from people on wheels. What I do see is a big change in the organization of highways. With a combination of GPS, positioning makers and super cruise control, drivers will "log into" the highway system and relinquish control of the car. The car will then chauffeur the passengers to or near to their intended destination. This system is impractical on back roads, but will speed up travel and alleviate congestion.
Long Distance Travel - I expect travel to finally become comfortable. That would be enough of an advance for me.
Space Travel - Vacation plans in space will happen, but I also think we will plan (if not launch) a manned space mission to Mars. Further, I do expect a larger, permanent manned presence in space, either in a new and improve ISS or a manned facility on the Moon.
Genetics - Growing new organs is promising and should be common place. Identifying genetic defects or negative propensities (high blood pressure) will also become available. I think we will wrestle with moral questions on this. Is a defect enough to abort a baby? These are difficult moral questions.
We will see very targeted killer agents, either organic or inorganic (nanobots). We will not eliminate cancer, but the ability to successfully treat the disease will increase and the side effects of treatment will drastically diminish.
I also predict we will see one substantial plague or other biological disaster in the next 90 years. This will either be by accident or through warfare.
Energy - By the end of this century, oil will not be the dominant source of energy. In fact, the era of big, centralized energy production is about to end. Photovoltaics and pyroelectrics will allow builders to create homes that generate enough electricity to significantly reduce or eliminate drawing power from the grid. I also believe that we will harness naturally occurring static electricity (think lightning) where conditions allow it.
Bots - I am skipping "Bionics" to talk Bots. Whether you are talking about nanobots or the more garden variety (think ASIMO or P3 from Honda), robot will emerge as significant aide to many of the things we do. Nanobots are fascinating in the variety of things that are possible, but most are thought experiments in the sense that building useful THINGS are still quite a ways away.
ID Improvements - I view this as a convenience thing that consumers will adapt as they get comfortable with any real or perceived complications. My dog has a chip in him right now in case he gets lost. You will have a chip in you at some point, because THEY ARE HERE! The benefits are plenty, but people do believe that the risk of "loss of privacy" is too great. I say, "bunk!" I would love to have a tracking chip in my children. LoJack tor Tilam Jr. and his siblings! (I am sure Mrs. Tilam would approve of a tracking chip for me!)
The Singularity - Of course, whether technological singularity will happen in the way Vinge thought it would is open to debate, but few people thought Moore's Law would continue either. My basic disagreement with the concept of singularity is that I am unconvinced that AI can show enough creativity to guide technology development. Understand that practical technology development is a very, very small subset of what technological development is possible. For instance, a computer can develop a automobile for a twelve handed creature. Advanced? Certainly. Practical. Not so much.
As an aside, for this reason, I am unafraid of Asimov's "I, Robot" problem. Self-awareness is required (and assumed) for any of the robotic doomsday predictions. (One of my favorites is Colossus: the Forbin Project.) But self-awareness is not universal. It has been found in humans, apes, dolphins and elephants (and I assume that it will be found in other vertebrates), but I question whether it can be programed.
Okay, I am done.
8.07.2007
8.06.2007
Looking into my crystal ball...
TILAM's challenge is a difficult one for me, probably for you too oh gentle readers. It is difficult to speculate about specific inventions that have yet to be thought out and made, it's a bit easier to think of things that will be improved significantly. And if you scout out for "new inventions" on the web for ideas, you find millions upon millions of links and such, which is totally useless to me, I don't have time to search for all that nonsense.
So, to take the coward's way out, I will not list 10 specific inventions, but list 10 areas where I think life changing and significant improvements will be made in the next 100 years (hell, probably 50 years, maybe even 25)...
Personal Communication - we are already having streaming video, texting, etc being lumped into a personal device. I'm thinking that the personal mobile phone, internet, email, etc will be combined into a single micro unit contained in, say, a pair of sunglasses. We already see this with mp3 players (Oakley), I expect the gizmo's added to the glasses to expand.
Personal Transportation - hover cars, "in air" highways where we drive these hover cars in vertical lanes not horizontal, no more traffic jams, WOO!.
Long Distance Travel - forget human transporters (disassemble here and assemble there), I don't think that is going to happen. But high speed travel, either via tubes or something else, will be revolutionary. I'm talking inTER-continental and inTRA-continental.
Casual Space Travel - Vacation Destinations above the stratosphere will be offered for a small fee to those beautiful people who can afford them.
Medicinal Cures - Cancer, Leukemia, even the common cold will be come passe, the only thing stopping us from living long enough to annoy the hell outta our kids will be that great equalizer, old age - or getting hit by a bus.
Genetics - we'll be able to "manufacture" solid and healthy gene strands, using this to fix problems that might occur in people while they are in cell form - and to take it even further, transplants (or curing, like the earlier item) will become a matter of manipulating genetic material in order to manufacture or fix unhealthy or broken organs.
Energy - at some point OPEC will go broke, due to our final decision to become completely independent from fossil fuels - and screw those bastards anyway. Solar, Wind, not sure which one, but Energy use will become cheap and easy. Perhaps recycling waste?
Bionics - no, not the $6million dollar man, but prosthetic/artificial limbs (and from one inventor, chips to enhance brain capabilities) will have significant improvements.
ID Improvements - I really don't see this as a "omg big brother is watching you", but personal identification chips/codes/implants of some sort. I see the upside of this, not the downside. Monitoring criminals, checking in at the local airport, voting, anything that requires an ID will be improved. Consumer Purchasing via scanners tied to your personal identification device; linked to the banking system, no more need for credit cards or debit cards or atm cards - BAM, instant ID and cash/goods.
Leisure Activities - virtual reality chambers will present a variety of activities from playing in a rock band in concert to role playing games to sports to, well, probably sex. The personal leisure device will offer anything and everything to the paying customer - we'll never have to leave the house!
8.03.2007
Hope for Michael Vick
This is very funny.
So if you are a Congressman or woman, you are 40% LESS popular than a guy who kills dogs for the fun of it!
So if you are a Congressman or woman, you are 40% LESS popular than a guy who kills dogs for the fun of it!
8.02.2007
Hmmmm, Interesting Pattern
Thew, you seem to have a distinctly "modern" flavor to your invention list. The oldest was invented in 1460, the next oldest, the steam engine, in 1689. I am through half the list before I hit the steam engine at #6. This is not a critique as much as an observation.
So, the next List is what are the Top Inventions of the 21st Century. That is, you are writing in the year 2110 (my, you look mahvalous for 145) and looking back at the greatest modern inventions.
The bone I will throw to both of us is that you the technology does not have to exist today, but needs to be technically feasible at a reasonable cost. That is, I would call BS on a Space Elevator not because it is not possible, but the cost would be prohibitive under any reasonable set of circumstances.
UPDATE: There is an estimate that the Space Elevator could cost as little as $40 billion. This is pure, unvarnished fantasy. The Big Dig was thought to cost $5 billion and ended up over $15 billion. That the total distance was (maybe) 7 miles. On earth.
And no Fusion-o-Matic....
So, the next List is what are the Top Inventions of the 21st Century. That is, you are writing in the year 2110 (my, you look mahvalous for 145) and looking back at the greatest modern inventions.
The bone I will throw to both of us is that you the technology does not have to exist today, but needs to be technically feasible at a reasonable cost. That is, I would call BS on a Space Elevator not because it is not possible, but the cost would be prohibitive under any reasonable set of circumstances.
UPDATE: There is an estimate that the Space Elevator could cost as little as $40 billion. This is pure, unvarnished fantasy. The Big Dig was thought to cost $5 billion and ended up over $15 billion. That the total distance was (maybe) 7 miles. On earth.
And no Fusion-o-Matic....
Why did they invent a game and call it "golf"?
Cuz by that time, the word "fucked" was already taken! HaHaHa
Tilam comes up with some TRULY insightful points here. I would have never considered the astrolabe/sextant (I would have thought sextant was one step beyond menage a trois, frankly) in my list, which is a great item for Tilam to include. Same with a couple of others, although Metallurgy is a double edged sword (pardon the pun), while gunpowder is a "woowee for fireworks" it's also a "INCOMING Ordnance" argument - pretty sure the Chinese intended the former, everyone else decided to add the latter as a quality use for the compound. So as I run through my own list, I actually found that I had a few granular categories into which I could lump my choices:
Communications
The Telephone
The telephone is an instrument that converts voice and sound signals into electrical impulses for transmission by wire to a different location, where another telephone receives the electrical impulses and turns them back into recognizable sounds.
The Computer
There are many major milestones in the history of computers, starting with 1936, when Konrad Zuse built the first freely programmable computer. Kudos to Al Gore for inventing peer to peer communication via a large network; the internet is for porn!
Television
In 1884, Paul Nipkow sent images over wires using a rotating metal disk technology with 18 lines of resolution. Television then evolved along two paths, mechanical based on Nipkow's rotating disks, and electronic based on the cathode ray tube. American Charles Jenkins and Scotsman John Baird followed the mechanical model while Philo Farnsworth, working independently in San Francisco, and Russian émigré Vladimir Zworkin, working for Westinghouse and later RCA, advanced the electronic model.
The Printing Press
The printing press was the first one of many communication mediums, changing how information was collected, stored, retrieved, criticized, discovered, and promoted. It has been implicated in the Reformation, the Renaissance and the Scientific Revolution. Centerfolds sure would be hard to pull off without it. Mmm, centerfolds...
Transportation
The Automobile
In 1769, the very first self-propelled road vehicle was invented by French mechanic, Nicolas Joseph Cugnot. However, it was a steam-powered model. In 1885, Karl Benz designed and built the world's first practical automobile to be powered by an internal-combustion engine. In 1885, Gottlieb Daimler took the internal combustion engine a step further and patented what is generally recognized as the prototype of the modern gas engine and later built the world's first four-wheeled motor vehicle.
Da Plane, Da Plane
Bicycle manufacturers, the Wright brothers, accomplished the first motorized flight in 1903 while British engineer Frank Whittle filed the first patent for a jet engine in 1930. Parallel tests in Germany made that country the first to fly a jet-powered plane, the Heinkel He 178, in 1939. Thirty years later, the Boeing 747 Jumbo jet made international air travel fast, comfortable and affordable -- just don't tell that to the passengers of the Concorde.
The Steam Engine
Thomas Savery was an English military engineer and inventor who in 1698, patented the first crude steam engine. Thomas Newcomen invented the atmospheric steam engine in 1712. James Watt improved Newcomen's design and invented what is considered the first modern steam engine in 1765. Normally I'd say "big whoop" on this, but the impact to current and future transportation simply cannot be discounted.
Quality of Life
The Laser
Forty years after Einstein drew up the concept of the stimulation of light waves, a doctoral student earned a patent on Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation (LASER) and the resulting beam to cut, heat and measure. Consumers love lasers thanks to CD players and laser printers. Doctors love lasers because they simplify and quicken cosmetic and eye surgery. Scientists love lasers for their precision and power. We love lasers because of faster lines at the beer store.
The Light Bulb
Contrary to popular belief, Thomas Alva Edison didn't "invent" the light bulb, but rather he improved upon a 50-year-old idea. In 1809, Humphry Davy, an English chemist, invented the first electric light. In 1878, Sir Joseph Wilson Swan, an English physicist, was the first person to invent a practical and longer-lasting electic lightbulb (13.5 hours) with a carbon fiber filament. In 1879, Thomas Alva Edison invented a carbon filament that burned for forty hours.
Penicillin
Not truly an "invention" but a discovery, I thought I'd include it by using a little poetic license. Penicillin was discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928. Andrew Moyer patented the first method of industrial production of penicillin in 1948.
Honorable Mentions
The radio (who can forget "fireside chats" with the president)
Velcro (don't even ask)
The cotton gin (HUGE impact to life)
The distllation process (without this, Tilam could never pay me the victory beer he inevitably owes me after we play golf)
The post-it note (how else would Mrs Thew remind me of my Honey-Do's?)
The microwave (for when I'm in the doghouse and need to re-heat dinner)
Lingerie (WOO for sexi undi's)
The use of electricity (again, not an invention but a harnessing, but still, where would we be without it?)
Indoor Plumbing (and considering that I roomed with Tilam at one point, the bathroom fan)
And in homage to sexist male chauvanistic males all around the world, as I browsed the internet for nominees I found, listed in the top 10 inventions of all time on AskMen.com. The Pill:
This mixture of two hormones that suppress ovulation unleashed a sexual and social revolution. Overnight, women gained effective control over their fertility, smashing constraints on women's sexual freedom. We love the Pill.
Tilam comes up with some TRULY insightful points here. I would have never considered the astrolabe/sextant (I would have thought sextant was one step beyond menage a trois, frankly) in my list, which is a great item for Tilam to include. Same with a couple of others, although Metallurgy is a double edged sword (pardon the pun), while gunpowder is a "woowee for fireworks" it's also a "INCOMING Ordnance" argument - pretty sure the Chinese intended the former, everyone else decided to add the latter as a quality use for the compound. So as I run through my own list, I actually found that I had a few granular categories into which I could lump my choices:
Communications
The Telephone
The telephone is an instrument that converts voice and sound signals into electrical impulses for transmission by wire to a different location, where another telephone receives the electrical impulses and turns them back into recognizable sounds.
The Computer
There are many major milestones in the history of computers, starting with 1936, when Konrad Zuse built the first freely programmable computer. Kudos to Al Gore for inventing peer to peer communication via a large network; the internet is for porn!
Television
In 1884, Paul Nipkow sent images over wires using a rotating metal disk technology with 18 lines of resolution. Television then evolved along two paths, mechanical based on Nipkow's rotating disks, and electronic based on the cathode ray tube. American Charles Jenkins and Scotsman John Baird followed the mechanical model while Philo Farnsworth, working independently in San Francisco, and Russian émigré Vladimir Zworkin, working for Westinghouse and later RCA, advanced the electronic model.
The Printing Press
The printing press was the first one of many communication mediums, changing how information was collected, stored, retrieved, criticized, discovered, and promoted. It has been implicated in the Reformation, the Renaissance and the Scientific Revolution. Centerfolds sure would be hard to pull off without it. Mmm, centerfolds...
Transportation
The Automobile
In 1769, the very first self-propelled road vehicle was invented by French mechanic, Nicolas Joseph Cugnot. However, it was a steam-powered model. In 1885, Karl Benz designed and built the world's first practical automobile to be powered by an internal-combustion engine. In 1885, Gottlieb Daimler took the internal combustion engine a step further and patented what is generally recognized as the prototype of the modern gas engine and later built the world's first four-wheeled motor vehicle.
Da Plane, Da Plane
Bicycle manufacturers, the Wright brothers, accomplished the first motorized flight in 1903 while British engineer Frank Whittle filed the first patent for a jet engine in 1930. Parallel tests in Germany made that country the first to fly a jet-powered plane, the Heinkel He 178, in 1939. Thirty years later, the Boeing 747 Jumbo jet made international air travel fast, comfortable and affordable -- just don't tell that to the passengers of the Concorde.
The Steam Engine
Thomas Savery was an English military engineer and inventor who in 1698, patented the first crude steam engine. Thomas Newcomen invented the atmospheric steam engine in 1712. James Watt improved Newcomen's design and invented what is considered the first modern steam engine in 1765. Normally I'd say "big whoop" on this, but the impact to current and future transportation simply cannot be discounted.
Quality of Life
The Laser
Forty years after Einstein drew up the concept of the stimulation of light waves, a doctoral student earned a patent on Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation (LASER) and the resulting beam to cut, heat and measure. Consumers love lasers thanks to CD players and laser printers. Doctors love lasers because they simplify and quicken cosmetic and eye surgery. Scientists love lasers for their precision and power. We love lasers because of faster lines at the beer store.
The Light Bulb
Contrary to popular belief, Thomas Alva Edison didn't "invent" the light bulb, but rather he improved upon a 50-year-old idea. In 1809, Humphry Davy, an English chemist, invented the first electric light. In 1878, Sir Joseph Wilson Swan, an English physicist, was the first person to invent a practical and longer-lasting electic lightbulb (13.5 hours) with a carbon fiber filament. In 1879, Thomas Alva Edison invented a carbon filament that burned for forty hours.
Penicillin
Not truly an "invention" but a discovery, I thought I'd include it by using a little poetic license. Penicillin was discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928. Andrew Moyer patented the first method of industrial production of penicillin in 1948.
Honorable Mentions
The radio (who can forget "fireside chats" with the president)
Velcro (don't even ask)
The cotton gin (HUGE impact to life)
The distllation process (without this, Tilam could never pay me the victory beer he inevitably owes me after we play golf)
The post-it note (how else would Mrs Thew remind me of my Honey-Do's?)
The microwave (for when I'm in the doghouse and need to re-heat dinner)
Lingerie (WOO for sexi undi's)
The use of electricity (again, not an invention but a harnessing, but still, where would we be without it?)
Indoor Plumbing (and considering that I roomed with Tilam at one point, the bathroom fan)
And in homage to sexist male chauvanistic males all around the world, as I browsed the internet for nominees I found, listed in the top 10 inventions of all time on AskMen.com. The Pill:
This mixture of two hormones that suppress ovulation unleashed a sexual and social revolution. Overnight, women gained effective control over their fertility, smashing constraints on women's sexual freedom. We love the Pill.
Greatest Inventions
Wow. I thought of 20 very fast. Moved several in and out of the list, but it comes down to "what criteria defines greatest invention." So I used the following:
-Originality. Something from nothing. That is, adapting a natural process into a mechanical process is adaption, not invention.
-Impact. Did the invention fundamentally change human affairs? How quickly did it do so?
-Thing Not a System. I discarded "Banking" and "Plumbing" as systems, not things.
These are arguably too restrictive, but, hey, argue with me. Without further ado...
1) Metallurgy (40,000 BC [gold] and 3,000 BC [bronze]). The ability to consistently create bronze (copper and tin) led to the first great age of advancement in human history.
2) Astrolabe (Hipparchus 150 BC). The astrolabe guided seafarers for over a thousand years before the sextant improved on the basic concept. But the ability to navigate accurately without reference to land enabled brave souls to explore beyond the horizon.
3) Gunpowder (China 800 AD). Oh my. The start of technology based arms race. "You can get more with a kind word and a gun than you can get with just a kind word." - Al Capone. Upside - fireworks!
4) The Printing Press (Gutenberg 1450). "What gunpowder did for war, the printing press has done for the mind.” - Wendall Phillips. I don't consider this the single greatest invention, but the impact of cheaply distributing the printed word can not be underestimated.
5) Calculus (Newton/Leibnitz 1680). Greek philosopher Zeno saw an arrow fly and wondered: If at any instant in time, an arrow travelling through space is in a fixed position, so how do you explain "movement"? By infinite series. Derivatives and integrals gave me fits in school, but form the basis of all modern engineering and applied science.
6) Steam Engine (Newcomen 1712). I am giving Newcomen credit, though many others can claim credit, because his steam engine was the first widespread practical industrial engine. And it is really the "industrial" part I am focusing on.
7) Cotton Gin (Whitney 1793). I have been torn on what I would call agricultural inventions. You could argue the Plow was a great invention, though I would argue the Combine, which allowed farmers to produce a surplus of grain, had a bigger impact. But the combine owes its basis to the cotton gin, which mechanized the production of cotton fiber. The downside is that the cotton gin (gin, BTW, is short for "engine") was so successful in advancing cotton production that it prolonged slavery.
8) Radio (Tesla 1893). Next time you access WiFi at Starbucks remember Nicola Tesla. Until wireless communication there needed to be a physical connection (cable or sight) between communicating parties. Radio was the first step in drastically shrinking our world.
9) Penicillin (Fleming 1928). This was a coin toss with Vaccines, Anesthesia and Pasteurization. But the impact of Penicillin to basic health has been miraculous.
10) Transistor (1947 Bardeen/Brittian/Shockley). The movement from pure conductors (say copper wire) to semi-conductive material initiated the Electronic Age, the Information Age and all things beyond.
So some of the items that did not make the list, but could have: Alphabet, the Lightbulb, the Battery, the Zipper (don't laugh) and Atomic Bomb.
-Originality. Something from nothing. That is, adapting a natural process into a mechanical process is adaption, not invention.
-Impact. Did the invention fundamentally change human affairs? How quickly did it do so?
-Thing Not a System. I discarded "Banking" and "Plumbing" as systems, not things.
These are arguably too restrictive, but, hey, argue with me. Without further ado...
1) Metallurgy (40,000 BC [gold] and 3,000 BC [bronze]). The ability to consistently create bronze (copper and tin) led to the first great age of advancement in human history.
2) Astrolabe (Hipparchus 150 BC). The astrolabe guided seafarers for over a thousand years before the sextant improved on the basic concept. But the ability to navigate accurately without reference to land enabled brave souls to explore beyond the horizon.
3) Gunpowder (China 800 AD). Oh my. The start of technology based arms race. "You can get more with a kind word and a gun than you can get with just a kind word." - Al Capone. Upside - fireworks!
4) The Printing Press (Gutenberg 1450). "What gunpowder did for war, the printing press has done for the mind.” - Wendall Phillips. I don't consider this the single greatest invention, but the impact of cheaply distributing the printed word can not be underestimated.
5) Calculus (Newton/Leibnitz 1680). Greek philosopher Zeno saw an arrow fly and wondered: If at any instant in time, an arrow travelling through space is in a fixed position, so how do you explain "movement"? By infinite series. Derivatives and integrals gave me fits in school, but form the basis of all modern engineering and applied science.
6) Steam Engine (Newcomen 1712). I am giving Newcomen credit, though many others can claim credit, because his steam engine was the first widespread practical industrial engine. And it is really the "industrial" part I am focusing on.
7) Cotton Gin (Whitney 1793). I have been torn on what I would call agricultural inventions. You could argue the Plow was a great invention, though I would argue the Combine, which allowed farmers to produce a surplus of grain, had a bigger impact. But the combine owes its basis to the cotton gin, which mechanized the production of cotton fiber. The downside is that the cotton gin (gin, BTW, is short for "engine") was so successful in advancing cotton production that it prolonged slavery.
8) Radio (Tesla 1893). Next time you access WiFi at Starbucks remember Nicola Tesla. Until wireless communication there needed to be a physical connection (cable or sight) between communicating parties. Radio was the first step in drastically shrinking our world.
9) Penicillin (Fleming 1928). This was a coin toss with Vaccines, Anesthesia and Pasteurization. But the impact of Penicillin to basic health has been miraculous.
10) Transistor (1947 Bardeen/Brittian/Shockley). The movement from pure conductors (say copper wire) to semi-conductive material initiated the Electronic Age, the Information Age and all things beyond.
So some of the items that did not make the list, but could have: Alphabet, the Lightbulb, the Battery, the Zipper (don't laugh) and Atomic Bomb.
Kill All the Lawyers
Eric over at Classical Values (quickly becoming a daily read for me) has a really good post on creating wealth vs. redistributing wealth. As an attorney and having practiced in the "real world" I will say that the vast majority of lawyers I knew were good people trying to help clients.
But I am a creator of wealth by nature which is why I found lawyering professionally unsatisfying.
What struck me about the post, though, is that as I look at and back upon my professional career my closest professional friendships have been creators and my worst professional enemies have been thieves...er, redistributors.
Furthermore, it seems to crystallize my political views also. I care less whether a person had an "-R" or "-D" after their name then whether they are out to tax me more and/or squander my money. Ted Stevens is taking our tax dollars and funnelling it to his family...that is thievery. I don't give a shit that he is Republican. This entitlement attitude of Congress is the one area of real bipartisanship and proof we need term limits.
Finally, EXCELLENT challenge. I will post on this later today.
But I am a creator of wealth by nature which is why I found lawyering professionally unsatisfying.
What struck me about the post, though, is that as I look at and back upon my professional career my closest professional friendships have been creators and my worst professional enemies have been thieves...er, redistributors.
Furthermore, it seems to crystallize my political views also. I care less whether a person had an "-R" or "-D" after their name then whether they are out to tax me more and/or squander my money. Ted Stevens is taking our tax dollars and funnelling it to his family...that is thievery. I don't give a shit that he is Republican. This entitlement attitude of Congress is the one area of real bipartisanship and proof we need term limits.
Finally, EXCELLENT challenge. I will post on this later today.
8.01.2007
Opinions are like rectums...
I was speaking with a client during the normal course of business, and it came up as a sidebar the sport of golf. The corporate sport, wheeling and dealing on the golf course, etc etc etc.
The question was posed to me about my golf game, and when I responded that I was a lower single digit handicapper, the response was "whoa, you must play good golf all the time". I wish. I have my days, and as a joke, I responded with "well, most of the time - but I could have a breakdown and then it's ugly." I'm sure I have invented new swear words on a truly bad hole, especially if said breakdown causes me to lose a match to Tilam.
But this conversation got me thinking...since I have seen fit to invent new ways of cursing a golf ball, golf course, the greenskeeper, and my caddie, I also wondered aloud today's challenge...
What would you consider the top 10 inventions of all time?
The question was posed to me about my golf game, and when I responded that I was a lower single digit handicapper, the response was "whoa, you must play good golf all the time". I wish. I have my days, and as a joke, I responded with "well, most of the time - but I could have a breakdown and then it's ugly." I'm sure I have invented new swear words on a truly bad hole, especially if said breakdown causes me to lose a match to Tilam.
But this conversation got me thinking...since I have seen fit to invent new ways of cursing a golf ball, golf course, the greenskeeper, and my caddie, I also wondered aloud today's challenge...
What would you consider the top 10 inventions of all time?
Ouch
Of course, I COULD talk some grammatical smack talk "he was not think" should really probably be "he was not thinkING", but in the end, I f**ked up royally with my history memory.
The pain of Tilam's laughing voicemail will haunt me forever.
The pain of Tilam's laughing voicemail will haunt me forever.
Bluto Blutarsky View of WWII
Bluto: "Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?"
Otter: "Germans?"
Boon: "Forget it, he's rolling."
FDR was not thinking at all when the Bomb was dropped...he was dead. Truman decided to drop the Bomb.
Nonetheless, FDR is a very worthy dinner guest for all sorts of reasons.
UPDATE: Doh! "Think" has been corrected...
Otter: "Germans?"
Boon: "Forget it, he's rolling."
FDR was not thinking at all when the Bomb was dropped...he was dead. Truman decided to drop the Bomb.
Nonetheless, FDR is a very worthy dinner guest for all sorts of reasons.
UPDATE: Doh! "Think" has been corrected...
Good List
Well, we are thinking somewhat alike. My Top 5 are:
Jesus Christ. #1 by a long shot. Fraught with risk, but, as a Christian, talking to the Son of God would be spectacular.
John Adams. Thew's comment on the Founding Fathers is dead on...my choice is Adams. I read David McCollough's book and was hooked. Few people realize that Adams defended the soldiers who shot the protesters at the Boston Massacre.
Socrates. The ultimate conversationalist.
Admiral Lord Nelson. I would love to spend time with him on the HMS Victory during the Battle of Trafalgar. Oddly, of all the military leaders to talk to, Nelson is my top guy.
Jacques deMolay. Who??? The last Grand Master of the Knights Templar. Burned at the stake because he refuse the corrupt King Philip and Pope Clement demand to confess to heresey. Cursed his accusers who both died that same year. But I really want to know where is the Holy Grail.
The last few people to be dropped from the invite list were Cleopatra, Sun Tzu, Shakespeare and Saladin.
Next challenge Thew???
Jesus Christ. #1 by a long shot. Fraught with risk, but, as a Christian, talking to the Son of God would be spectacular.
John Adams. Thew's comment on the Founding Fathers is dead on...my choice is Adams. I read David McCollough's book and was hooked. Few people realize that Adams defended the soldiers who shot the protesters at the Boston Massacre.
Socrates. The ultimate conversationalist.
Admiral Lord Nelson. I would love to spend time with him on the HMS Victory during the Battle of Trafalgar. Oddly, of all the military leaders to talk to, Nelson is my top guy.
Jacques deMolay. Who??? The last Grand Master of the Knights Templar. Burned at the stake because he refuse the corrupt King Philip and Pope Clement demand to confess to heresey. Cursed his accusers who both died that same year. But I really want to know where is the Holy Grail.
The last few people to be dropped from the invite list were Cleopatra, Sun Tzu, Shakespeare and Saladin.
Next challenge Thew???
Like missing a 2 footer for birdie...
Hmm, it does seem I screwed up. Augusta was on my original list, not sure where it got deleted when I made the post. Take off the TPC @ Sawgrass and replace it. Thew records a double bogey with this omission.
Clarification: I played Oakmont East. Not THE Oakmont, otherwise known as Oakmont West. Beat Oakmont East into submission, but that's a hollow victory at best.
Onward...
**********
Wow, what a tough question! Thoughful and insightful, something not normally evident during conversations with Tilam.
FDR - I'd very VERY interested in the process this man went through when deciding to drop the atomic bomb on Japan.
Da Vinci - this man was a creative thinker and artist decades ahead of his time, to be able to chat with him about his thoughts and how they pertain to the world while he was alive would be fascinating to me
Albert Einstein - just to pick his brain about the universe, the theory of relativity, and all the science stuff would be a neat thing
Benjamin Franklin - really any of the Founding Fathers would be an excellent conversation about liberty, revolution, and plans for a new nation (Jefferson, Washington, Madison, Adams, Hamilton, Hancock, and et al)
God - cuz I want answers about Life, the Universe, and Everything
Other notable people who would be an excellent dinner conversation:
King Arthur
Julius Caesar
Winston Churchill
Karl Marx
Cortes
Confucious
Buddha
Atilla the Hun
Ramses II
Christopher Columbus
Charles Darwin
**********
Kudos to the Bravo's for making some excellent MLB trades. Do you think that acquiring Eric Gagne was more about Boston NOT letting the Yankees get him? Nice to see that Kevin McHale still plays for the Celtics - anyone who knows even a smattering about the NBA will look at his trading of Kevin Garnett to Boston for a bunch of shitheads and scrubs as the stupid GM move of the NBA season. I hope whoever blew McHale swallowed too.
Well, Gary Player was right. Alessandro Pissilli was found guilty of using a banned substance. The bad news is that he is facing a 2 year ban from Italian Professional Golf. The good news is that he's already qualified for the Tour de France next year.
Thew out...
Clarification: I played Oakmont East. Not THE Oakmont, otherwise known as Oakmont West. Beat Oakmont East into submission, but that's a hollow victory at best.
Onward...
**********
Wow, what a tough question! Thoughful and insightful, something not normally evident during conversations with Tilam.
FDR - I'd very VERY interested in the process this man went through when deciding to drop the atomic bomb on Japan.
Da Vinci - this man was a creative thinker and artist decades ahead of his time, to be able to chat with him about his thoughts and how they pertain to the world while he was alive would be fascinating to me
Albert Einstein - just to pick his brain about the universe, the theory of relativity, and all the science stuff would be a neat thing
Benjamin Franklin - really any of the Founding Fathers would be an excellent conversation about liberty, revolution, and plans for a new nation (Jefferson, Washington, Madison, Adams, Hamilton, Hancock, and et al)
God - cuz I want answers about Life, the Universe, and Everything
Other notable people who would be an excellent dinner conversation:
King Arthur
Julius Caesar
Winston Churchill
Karl Marx
Cortes
Confucious
Buddha
Atilla the Hun
Ramses II
Christopher Columbus
Charles Darwin
**********
Kudos to the Bravo's for making some excellent MLB trades. Do you think that acquiring Eric Gagne was more about Boston NOT letting the Yankees get him? Nice to see that Kevin McHale still plays for the Celtics - anyone who knows even a smattering about the NBA will look at his trading of Kevin Garnett to Boston for a bunch of shitheads and scrubs as the stupid GM move of the NBA season. I hope whoever blew McHale swallowed too.
Well, Gary Player was right. Alessandro Pissilli was found guilty of using a banned substance. The bad news is that he is facing a 2 year ban from Italian Professional Golf. The good news is that he's already qualified for the Tour de France next year.
Thew out...
7.31.2007
Retort and Challenge
No Augusta? I am a bit surprised, but a solid list and also rans are all worthy. But I thought you played Oakmont...
Okay, the next challenge is something completely different. You have a time machine that will take you to any time and any place in the past. (It gives you the give of tongues, also.) You have five trips.
Who are the five people you would visit in history? Why? Feel free to describe what you might say or do.
Rules: you can't alter the space-time continuum, so any attempt to kill Hitler will not succeed.
Okay, the next challenge is something completely different. You have a time machine that will take you to any time and any place in the past. (It gives you the give of tongues, also.) You have five trips.
Who are the five people you would visit in history? Why? Feel free to describe what you might say or do.
Rules: you can't alter the space-time continuum, so any attempt to kill Hitler will not succeed.
Winter Rules Everywhere!
Interesting list. Actually, we don't have very many in common, looking at them. I live near Pacific/Bandon Dunes here in the pacific NW, I'm dying to play there, I've heard people fawning all over themselves to compliment this course. Medinah would have been on my list had I a month to live, but alas, not if it's only a week. An old girlfriend told me to kiss her where it smells, so I drove to New Jersey and planted one; no interest in Pine Valley. The only thing that would drag me back to New Jersey is a Bon Jovi concert (mostly because Mrs Thew would be soupy at seeing Jon strut his stuff). Anyway, here ya go, my last week on earth golfing:
Sunday - Oakmont - maybe if I land in the CHURCH pews I'd get a diving reprieve?
Monday - Pinehurst
Tuesday - Winged Foot
Wednesday - Bethpage Black
Thursday - TPC @ Sawgrass
Friday - Pebble Beach
Saturday - St. Andrews
Professional courses I've actually played:
Oak Hill in Rochester, NY. Made a decent enough accounting of myself, shot an 81.
Kapalua (since I've already played this gorgeous gem, I will not play it again before I die) in Maui. Windy yes, but the slick greens are the big monster at this place. Shot an 82.
Couer d' Alene in Idaho (1994 Andersen Championships for those of you "out of the loop") could not withstand my assault, a solid 76 at this Pac NW Gem. Got to play a 19th hole that night too. *grin*
The Monster @ the Concord Resort in Lake Kiamesha, NY? I have played there before, it's a really angry course. My best score is in the mid to high-80's (last time I played there was age 16?) after a stellar 40 on the front started my round off nicely. I know I'd do WAY better at 42 than anything prior to 30.
Tilam, your turn to choose topic?
Sunday - Oakmont - maybe if I land in the CHURCH pews I'd get a diving reprieve?
Monday - Pinehurst
Tuesday - Winged Foot
Wednesday - Bethpage Black
Thursday - TPC @ Sawgrass
Friday - Pebble Beach
Saturday - St. Andrews
Professional courses I've actually played:
Oak Hill in Rochester, NY. Made a decent enough accounting of myself, shot an 81.
Kapalua (since I've already played this gorgeous gem, I will not play it again before I die) in Maui. Windy yes, but the slick greens are the big monster at this place. Shot an 82.
Couer d' Alene in Idaho (1994 Andersen Championships for those of you "out of the loop") could not withstand my assault, a solid 76 at this Pac NW Gem. Got to play a 19th hole that night too. *grin*
The Monster @ the Concord Resort in Lake Kiamesha, NY? I have played there before, it's a really angry course. My best score is in the mid to high-80's (last time I played there was age 16?) after a stellar 40 on the front started my round off nicely. I know I'd do WAY better at 42 than anything prior to 30.
Tilam, your turn to choose topic?
Fore! I Mean My Top 7 Courses...
One week. Shall I assume that "private" courses have a terminal illness clause? One other caveat: I have played The Country Club, so I have been able to strike that from the list and .
Sunday: Augusta - I just want to make sure I get this round in.
Monday: Pebble Beach - Seeing it so many times on the tube makes it seem like a neighborhood course.
Tuesday: Pacific Dunes - And its neighbor, Bandon Dunes, become instant classics.
Wednesday: Kapalua - I hate windy courses, but I am dying in a few days anyway...how much worse could my mood get?
Thursday: Medinah - A diamond in the Midwest.
Friday: Pine Valley - The only nice thing in NJ.
Saturday: The Monster - Sentimental reasons. Let's see if I do any better at 44 then at 14.
Back at you...*croak*
Sunday: Augusta - I just want to make sure I get this round in.
Monday: Pebble Beach - Seeing it so many times on the tube makes it seem like a neighborhood course.
Tuesday: Pacific Dunes - And its neighbor, Bandon Dunes, become instant classics.
Wednesday: Kapalua - I hate windy courses, but I am dying in a few days anyway...how much worse could my mood get?
Thursday: Medinah - A diamond in the Midwest.
Friday: Pine Valley - The only nice thing in NJ.
Saturday: The Monster - Sentimental reasons. Let's see if I do any better at 44 then at 14.
Back at you...*croak*
7.30.2007
When Silver Equals Gold
So the 49ers were famous for their activities in and surrounding the gold rush - but many will remember Bill Walsh's striking SILVER when hoisting the Lombardi trophy as the NFL Super Bowl champion. His legacy will live on long beyond his passing - the sport has lost a real pioneer.
One of Michael Vick's co-defendents is pleading guilty and stating that he will cooperate fully with the federal government and that this is NOT a deal to bury Vick. Seems like friendship for mah homie only goes so far...
Okay, back to the debate:
TILAM, you have 1 week to live, and you can play golf on ONE course per day. Pick 'em...
One of Michael Vick's co-defendents is pleading guilty and stating that he will cooperate fully with the federal government and that this is NOT a deal to bury Vick. Seems like friendship for mah homie only goes so far...
Okay, back to the debate:
TILAM, you have 1 week to live, and you can play golf on ONE course per day. Pick 'em...
Then Miner, 49er, Soon Began to Peak and Pine
Bill Walsh has died. Most people forget that the success of the NFL is a 20-25 year phenomenon. After the Bradshaw/Noll Steelers and Staubach/Landry Cowboys peaked the public's interest, along came a quarterback named Montana and a classy Coach by the name of Bill Walsh. On January 10, 1982, Dwight Clark caught a pass which became know as The Catch and the Niners beat the Cowboys in the NFC Championships and the torch was passed. Walsh leaves behind an impressive legacy of proteges.
With the Michael Vick saga grabbing the front page, it is important to remember the Class Acts in the sport.
Requiescat in Pace
With the Michael Vick saga grabbing the front page, it is important to remember the Class Acts in the sport.
Requiescat in Pace
Hmmmmm, Not Quite What I was Expecting
We do agree, as it turns out, on more than a few of these. I have a few to add, though I am guessing that these are a bit obscure. But first a story...
When I was a Little Tilam, my folks went out to eat and left my younger brother, my younger cousin and me at home with our much older cousin babysitting. That night we were watching a horror flick called "The Crawling Eye." I was probably 8 or 9 and the other two were 6 or 7. We were on the couch scared out of our minds watching this thing when my cousin went to the bathroom. As a joke, she let out a blood curdling scream. I have never been more scared in my life. At that age, there were Crawling Eyes and it definitely had just eaten our cousin.
Horror movies suck you in and make you believe.
The ones we agree:
Psycho. Hitchcock at his horrible best. I still get scared.
Alien. Classic haunted house genre done perfectly. Deleted scenes too much for even jaded audiences.
Exorcist. The grandpappy of the "possession" thrillers, so Rosemary's Baby and The Omen don't make it.
Jaws. "You're gonna need a bigger boat," to knock out this movie.
The Shining. "Here's Johnny!" Nicholson at his creepy best.
Caveat: I have not seen Saw, but more then Thew place it in the Top 10...
The next five:
The Sixth Sense. Loved it and the final twist just made the movie.
Manhunter. The much better prequel to Silence of the Lambs. Dark and disturbing.
Halloween. The original slasher is still the best.
The Other. The movie was just as scary as the book. Several plot twist keep you guessing.
The Changeling. George C. Scott overlooked pants pisser. Makes a rubber ball bouncing down the stairs terrifying.
There several honorable mentions. I loved Poltergeist. In particular the use of kids to create the suspense got to me. I need to tip my hat to Willard. Another 70s throwback that scared the shit out of me (and everyone else). I also loved Se7en with Brad and Gweneth, and thought the end was great. Kudos also to Jurassic Park which managed to peg the "oh, shit" meter a few times.
Here is another perspective from the Boston Globe.
Finally, I would be remiss in not mentioning Resident Evil. No, not the movie, but the game. The music, the undead, CLASSIC!
When I was a Little Tilam, my folks went out to eat and left my younger brother, my younger cousin and me at home with our much older cousin babysitting. That night we were watching a horror flick called "The Crawling Eye." I was probably 8 or 9 and the other two were 6 or 7. We were on the couch scared out of our minds watching this thing when my cousin went to the bathroom. As a joke, she let out a blood curdling scream. I have never been more scared in my life. At that age, there were Crawling Eyes and it definitely had just eaten our cousin.
Horror movies suck you in and make you believe.
The ones we agree:
Psycho. Hitchcock at his horrible best. I still get scared.
Alien. Classic haunted house genre done perfectly. Deleted scenes too much for even jaded audiences.
Exorcist. The grandpappy of the "possession" thrillers, so Rosemary's Baby and The Omen don't make it.
Jaws. "You're gonna need a bigger boat," to knock out this movie.
The Shining. "Here's Johnny!" Nicholson at his creepy best.
Caveat: I have not seen Saw, but more then Thew place it in the Top 10...
The next five:
The Sixth Sense. Loved it and the final twist just made the movie.
Manhunter. The much better prequel to Silence of the Lambs. Dark and disturbing.
Halloween. The original slasher is still the best.
The Other. The movie was just as scary as the book. Several plot twist keep you guessing.
The Changeling. George C. Scott overlooked pants pisser. Makes a rubber ball bouncing down the stairs terrifying.
There several honorable mentions. I loved Poltergeist. In particular the use of kids to create the suspense got to me. I need to tip my hat to Willard. Another 70s throwback that scared the shit out of me (and everyone else). I also loved Se7en with Brad and Gweneth, and thought the end was great. Kudos also to Jurassic Park which managed to peg the "oh, shit" meter a few times.
Here is another perspective from the Boston Globe.
Finally, I would be remiss in not mentioning Resident Evil. No, not the movie, but the game. The music, the undead, CLASSIC!
Oh, the horror!
For my money, if it's a horror flick, and no one dies in the first 5 minutes, it's not worth the money. But as Tilam says, good horror flicks are not about blood, gore, entrails, and nakes co-eds (well, maybe naked co-eds), good horror flicks affect your mind, not your eyes. Splatterfests with flying karo syrup and body parts, drooling nasties feasting on the innards of poor women, these were de facto for a long time. Now we see a change back to the psychological horror movies, movies that scare the shit outta you with suspense, not with boogeymen leaping out of the close and cutting you up with a meat cleaver (which, btw, can be kinda cool looking).
So, in response to Tilam's conversational segue, I present Thew's top 10 horror flicks:
Psycho
Jaws
Carrie
Saw
The Exorcist
Alien
the Hitcher Rutger Hauer is AWESOME
Texas Chainsaw Massacre
The Omen
The Shining
Honorable mention goes to a few others, in my opinion. Bram Stoker's Dracula is a great movie just because of Gary Oldman's portrayal of the Count, at least in the earlier part of the movie - he brings a power and, well, sexiness to the character never before seen. Also props to the "big three" of the 80's (or so), Halloween with a young hottie named Jamie Lee Curtis, Friday the 13th with a young Kevin Bacon, and Nightmare of Elm Street with a young Johnny Depp. The Sixth Sense was not so much of a "psychological horror flick" but was a great suspense movie and kudos for a GREAT ending twist. The Amityville Horror probably should make it on the list, but I'm kinda "so so" about it - oooo, spooky spooky, but ultimately not as much of an impact as I'd like. I'm going to get slammed for not including Silence of the Lambs, but I don't see it as a "horror flick", it's more of a crime drama. But based on Anthony Hopkins' creepy joi de verve in playing Hannibal the Cannibal, it must be mentioned. I'd give some props to Salem's Lot but ultimately have a real difficult time praising a HORROR moving starring Hutch and Lance Kerwin, one of the boy toys of the 70's.
So, in response to Tilam's conversational segue, I present Thew's top 10 horror flicks:
Psycho
Jaws
Carrie
Saw
The Exorcist
Alien
the Hitcher Rutger Hauer is AWESOME
Texas Chainsaw Massacre
The Omen
The Shining
Honorable mention goes to a few others, in my opinion. Bram Stoker's Dracula is a great movie just because of Gary Oldman's portrayal of the Count, at least in the earlier part of the movie - he brings a power and, well, sexiness to the character never before seen. Also props to the "big three" of the 80's (or so), Halloween with a young hottie named Jamie Lee Curtis, Friday the 13th with a young Kevin Bacon, and Nightmare of Elm Street with a young Johnny Depp. The Sixth Sense was not so much of a "psychological horror flick" but was a great suspense movie and kudos for a GREAT ending twist. The Amityville Horror probably should make it on the list, but I'm kinda "so so" about it - oooo, spooky spooky, but ultimately not as much of an impact as I'd like. I'm going to get slammed for not including Silence of the Lambs, but I don't see it as a "horror flick", it's more of a crime drama. But based on Anthony Hopkins' creepy joi de verve in playing Hannibal the Cannibal, it must be mentioned. I'd give some props to Salem's Lot but ultimately have a real difficult time praising a HORROR moving starring Hutch and Lance Kerwin, one of the boy toys of the 70's.
The Cooler King
C'mon. Give me a hard question.
Kudos to Animal House, which I should have considered more seriously and bumped Fletch. Same with Bachelor Party, which certainly deserves a mention, though is not Top 10 material.
The seems to be an Ahnold bias with both Terminator and Predator in the Thew Top 10. Oddly, I was torn about including an Ahnold flick, but my favorite Schwarzenegger movie is Total Recall. Terminator is a close second.
But the fact is that there at least 20 Top 10 Guy Movies. I just don't think you can narrow it down to a "definitive" 10.
Now, I pass the leadership hat back to Thew and ask for his Top 10 Horror Films. Caveat, we do not measure "horror" by the amount of blood, we measure "horror" by the minutes of sleep lost and the number of heart attacks during the movie.
Kudos to Animal House, which I should have considered more seriously and bumped Fletch. Same with Bachelor Party, which certainly deserves a mention, though is not Top 10 material.
The seems to be an Ahnold bias with both Terminator and Predator in the Thew Top 10. Oddly, I was torn about including an Ahnold flick, but my favorite Schwarzenegger movie is Total Recall. Terminator is a close second.
But the fact is that there at least 20 Top 10 Guy Movies. I just don't think you can narrow it down to a "definitive" 10.
Now, I pass the leadership hat back to Thew and ask for his Top 10 Horror Films. Caveat, we do not measure "horror" by the amount of blood, we measure "horror" by the minutes of sleep lost and the number of heart attacks during the movie.
7.27.2007
Firing the Movie Critic Bullitt(s)
I wouldn't say "screwed up", I'd merely offer different points and theatrical fodder.
"Stand by Me" is a movie for guys...who are just entering puberty. It's not a movie I'd throw in the DVD player and watch with a bunch of men, scratching burping farting and oogling. "Die Hard" is a great flick, but it's still off my radar, mostly because of Bonnie Bedelia's cocaine snorting dickhead co-worker. But "yippie ki yay mother f*****r" is a great line to repeat when you have the chance. I've never seen "the Magnificent Seven" so I cannot comment on that movie - although it must have been good to have a movie "Seven Samurai" branched from it - or is that the other way around? "Fletch" is a great movie, Chevy Chase was great, but I'd still pick "National Lampoon's Vacation" over this one. "Ben Hur" is awesome, but it's way too long to hold the attention of "guys"...
Okay, you're right, you screwed up badly with "Stand by Me".
So without further adieu, I offer THEW's Top 10 GUY movies...
Tombstone "You die first, get it? Your friends might get me in a rush, but not before I turn your head into a canoe."
Terminator "I'll be back"
Gladiator "Stick a sword into a man's flesh, and they will applaud your for it"
Scarface "Say hello to my little frien'!"
Rollerball "Jonathan!"
Predator "Get to duh choppah!"
Animal House "Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?"
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid "What do you mean you can't swim - the fall will probably kill ya!"
The Blues Brothers "We're on a mission from God"
Dirty Harry "Do ya feel lucky? Well, do ya punk?"
But since *I* feel there are so many quality movies, here are my honorable mentions.
Troy Heads the list of "conflict" movies - containing battles, wars, fights, as the primary setting or storyline. Next comes Apocalype Now, The Great Escape (TILAM! What was Steve McQueen's nickname in the movie?!), and The Dirty Dozen. Lest we forget our neighbors from down unda, Mad Max also deserves a footnote.
Comedies are well represented above, and with some quality near misses: Monty Python and the Holy Grail is one of the best, and who can not be moved to tears by the Bachelor Party scene at the end of the movie ("Hi, come on in. Drugs to the right, hookers to the left."). Rodney Dangerfield is hilarious in Back to School, never count this classic movie out either.
Deliverance I don't really see as a guy movie, mostly because of the rampant inbreeding insinuations as well and Ned Beatty taking it up the ass ("Squeal like a pig!").
Speaking of that, Raging Bull is a near miss (and I mean NEAR) in addition to having one of the great all-time smackdown lines - "You punch like you take it up the ass". THAT is Oscar material folks. But men beating the hell out of each other can be a common theme in this list, thus an honorable mention to Fight Club.
There has to be some cheese in here as a near miss, Top Gun takes this spot. And even though it's a great movie, a guy movie, and cannot be ignored, Rocky is still slightly cheesy.
Organized crime enters the zip code with a couple of classic movies, old AND new: The Godfather always makes us an offer we can't refuse when asked to watch, while Goodfellas is always asking "Do I amuse you?".
Amazon Mars Babes, Wild Sorority Girls from the Planet Playtex, Wild Things, Debbie Does Dallas, Behind the Green Door, the Devil in Miss Jones, and Deepthroat also cum to mind, but I think that category is sort of ... well, out there.
"Stand by Me" is a movie for guys...who are just entering puberty. It's not a movie I'd throw in the DVD player and watch with a bunch of men, scratching burping farting and oogling. "Die Hard" is a great flick, but it's still off my radar, mostly because of Bonnie Bedelia's cocaine snorting dickhead co-worker. But "yippie ki yay mother f*****r" is a great line to repeat when you have the chance. I've never seen "the Magnificent Seven" so I cannot comment on that movie - although it must have been good to have a movie "Seven Samurai" branched from it - or is that the other way around? "Fletch" is a great movie, Chevy Chase was great, but I'd still pick "National Lampoon's Vacation" over this one. "Ben Hur" is awesome, but it's way too long to hold the attention of "guys"...
Okay, you're right, you screwed up badly with "Stand by Me".
So without further adieu, I offer THEW's Top 10 GUY movies...
Tombstone "You die first, get it? Your friends might get me in a rush, but not before I turn your head into a canoe."
Terminator "I'll be back"
Gladiator "Stick a sword into a man's flesh, and they will applaud your for it"
Scarface "Say hello to my little frien'!"
Rollerball "Jonathan!"
Predator "Get to duh choppah!"
Animal House "Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?"
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid "What do you mean you can't swim - the fall will probably kill ya!"
The Blues Brothers "We're on a mission from God"
Dirty Harry "Do ya feel lucky? Well, do ya punk?"
But since *I* feel there are so many quality movies, here are my honorable mentions.
Troy Heads the list of "conflict" movies - containing battles, wars, fights, as the primary setting or storyline. Next comes Apocalype Now, The Great Escape (TILAM! What was Steve McQueen's nickname in the movie?!), and The Dirty Dozen. Lest we forget our neighbors from down unda, Mad Max also deserves a footnote.
Comedies are well represented above, and with some quality near misses: Monty Python and the Holy Grail is one of the best, and who can not be moved to tears by the Bachelor Party scene at the end of the movie ("Hi, come on in. Drugs to the right, hookers to the left."). Rodney Dangerfield is hilarious in Back to School, never count this classic movie out either.
Deliverance I don't really see as a guy movie, mostly because of the rampant inbreeding insinuations as well and Ned Beatty taking it up the ass ("Squeal like a pig!").
Speaking of that, Raging Bull is a near miss (and I mean NEAR) in addition to having one of the great all-time smackdown lines - "You punch like you take it up the ass". THAT is Oscar material folks. But men beating the hell out of each other can be a common theme in this list, thus an honorable mention to Fight Club.
There has to be some cheese in here as a near miss, Top Gun takes this spot. And even though it's a great movie, a guy movie, and cannot be ignored, Rocky is still slightly cheesy.
Organized crime enters the zip code with a couple of classic movies, old AND new: The Godfather always makes us an offer we can't refuse when asked to watch, while Goodfellas is always asking "Do I amuse you?".
Amazon Mars Babes, Wild Sorority Girls from the Planet Playtex, Wild Things, Debbie Does Dallas, Behind the Green Door, the Devil in Miss Jones, and Deepthroat also cum to mind, but I think that category is sort of ... well, out there.
Top Ten Guy Movies
You know to be fair to Thew, it is easy to sit back and criticize a pioneer. So I thought I would take the liberty and post the next list first. That way he can say something like, "Tilam, that jerk, how could he forget the BEST GUY MOVIE EVER!!!"
I would offer some criteria, while there is nothing more most guys would like to do then watch Neve Campbell and Denise Richards kiss, Wild Things is not a guy movie. Now part of the indication of it being a guy movie may be your wife/girl friend/date says, "Ugh! No way," but that is merely one positive contributing factor.
Okay, so here it goes:
- Stand By Me. This is definitely the definitive guy move for the late-Boomers.
- Deliverance. Dueling banjos. Burt Reynolds (who narrowly missed the last list). Total suspense. It also allows me to grudgingly not put Smokey and the Bandit on the list.
- Dirty Harry. With all the Clint Eastwood movies there have been, especially The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, it is really hard to choose.
- Die Hard. Yippee Ki Yay. Love it the 10th time.
- The Godfather. My homage to James Caan, not Marlon Brando.
- The Great Escape. Beats out some outstanding war movies like Apocalypse Now, The Longest
Day, Saving Private Ryan, Midway and To Hell and Back. There are a bunch more great war flicks, including my sleeper favorite, Rambo II.
- Gladiator. Beats out Ben Hur and 300 in the same genre. Leaving Charlton Heston off the list is just hard.
- The Magnificent Seven. This is freakin' heart-breaking because it means I leave Gary Cooper (High Noon) and John Wayne (The Alamo, True Grit, Rio Lobo) off the list. Something is not right.
- Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid. "Who are those guys?" And Katharine Ross, too.
- Fletch. Sorry, I have to respect the guy comedy...and Caddyshack was on the other list.
Other I thought really hard about are The French Connection, and Bullitt, but there so many more. This was much tougher then the last category.
Thew, I am anxious to hear where I screwed up...
I would offer some criteria, while there is nothing more most guys would like to do then watch Neve Campbell and Denise Richards kiss, Wild Things is not a guy movie. Now part of the indication of it being a guy movie may be your wife/girl friend/date says, "Ugh! No way," but that is merely one positive contributing factor.
Okay, so here it goes:
- Stand By Me. This is definitely the definitive guy move for the late-Boomers.
- Deliverance. Dueling banjos. Burt Reynolds (who narrowly missed the last list). Total suspense. It also allows me to grudgingly not put Smokey and the Bandit on the list.
- Dirty Harry. With all the Clint Eastwood movies there have been, especially The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, it is really hard to choose.
- Die Hard. Yippee Ki Yay. Love it the 10th time.
- The Godfather. My homage to James Caan, not Marlon Brando.
- The Great Escape. Beats out some outstanding war movies like Apocalypse Now, The Longest
Day, Saving Private Ryan, Midway and To Hell and Back. There are a bunch more great war flicks, including my sleeper favorite, Rambo II.
- Gladiator. Beats out Ben Hur and 300 in the same genre. Leaving Charlton Heston off the list is just hard.
- The Magnificent Seven. This is freakin' heart-breaking because it means I leave Gary Cooper (High Noon) and John Wayne (The Alamo, True Grit, Rio Lobo) off the list. Something is not right.
- Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid. "Who are those guys?" And Katharine Ross, too.
- Fletch. Sorry, I have to respect the guy comedy...and Caddyshack was on the other list.
Other I thought really hard about are The French Connection, and Bullitt, but there so many more. This was much tougher then the last category.
Thew, I am anxious to hear where I screwed up...
Whoa! Now for Some Serious Debate and a Major Sports Movie Gaff
Okay, some quick thoughts on the movie list. There are a few omissions in the consideration category at least. And he did not even THINK about the GREATEST SPORTS MOVIE EVER!
But without further delay...
I agree with:
Raging Bull
Hoosiers
Caddyshack
I did not see (gasp!!):
Friday Night Lights
Remember the Titans
Million Dollar Baby
Would have in my Top 10 no matter what:
Breaking Away
The Rookie
Miracle
So some other point one should consider. First, Bull Durham is not even Kevin Costner's best baseball movie...it is second behind For the Love of the Game and in front of Field of Dreams.
I would also look at Glory Road, Invincible and The Longest Yard (original).
He is also not considering two soccer movies: Goal and The Game of Their Lives.
Of the comedies, I would only have Caddyshack in my Top 10. Overall, I have a preference for "feel good" come from behind types of sports movies. I loved Slap Shot and Major League.
But I am shock, nay beyond shock, that he did not even call out the best, I mean THE BEST, sports movie ever.
The Pride of the Yankees. OMG, High Noon in Pinstripes.
All the others...well, I just don't think they cut it. So my Top 10 are:
The Pride of the Yankees
Breaking Away
Hoosiers
Miracle
The Rookie
Raging Bull
For the Love of the Game
Invincible
Glory Road
Caddyshack
The only caveat is to swap out the movies I did not see at some future date.
And I would swap out Jennifer Garner for Ashley Judd in a heartbeat...
And on September 21, Faith Hill for Jody Foster
Oh, and Kate Hudson for Jessica Simpson...
Oh, and Mrs. Tilam for all of the above.
But without further delay...
I agree with:
Raging Bull
Hoosiers
Caddyshack
I did not see (gasp!!):
Friday Night Lights
Remember the Titans
Million Dollar Baby
Would have in my Top 10 no matter what:
Breaking Away
The Rookie
Miracle
So some other point one should consider. First, Bull Durham is not even Kevin Costner's best baseball movie...it is second behind For the Love of the Game and in front of Field of Dreams.
I would also look at Glory Road, Invincible and The Longest Yard (original).
He is also not considering two soccer movies: Goal and The Game of Their Lives.
Of the comedies, I would only have Caddyshack in my Top 10. Overall, I have a preference for "feel good" come from behind types of sports movies. I loved Slap Shot and Major League.
But I am shock, nay beyond shock, that he did not even call out the best, I mean THE BEST, sports movie ever.
The Pride of the Yankees. OMG, High Noon in Pinstripes.
All the others...well, I just don't think they cut it. So my Top 10 are:
The Pride of the Yankees
Breaking Away
Hoosiers
Miracle
The Rookie
Raging Bull
For the Love of the Game
Invincible
Glory Road
Caddyshack
The only caveat is to swap out the movies I did not see at some future date.
And I would swap out Jennifer Garner for Ashley Judd in a heartbeat...
And on September 21, Faith Hill for Jody Foster
Oh, and Kate Hudson for Jessica Simpson...
Oh, and Mrs. Tilam for all of the above.
A Flurry of Guy Opinions
Political Candidates, Sports Idiots, Bombs in the Middle East, when will all the BS end? Not sure, but here's a good opportunity for a break and points for discussion - Thew's Top 10 Sports Movies!
Not in any specific order.
Hoosiers
Caddyshack
Friday Night Lights
Remember the Titans
Bull Durham
Slap Shot (I still have my Hanson #17 jersey!)
Major League
Pumping Iron
Million Dollar Baby
Raging Bull
No, Happy Gilmore didn't make it.
Neither did A League of their Own, which was a good movie but not top 10 material.
The Natural was too schlocky for me.
Brian's Song was a good movie, but ultimately missed the cut.
Rocky? An easy choice, but Raging Bull is more visceral, and DeNiro is head and shoulders above Sly as an actor.
Cinderalla Man was THIS close, but Million Dollar Baby was ultimate more enjoyable and kept my attention better.
Tin Cup was a fun movie, but Caddyshack ("big hitter da lama") is the "cinderella story outta nowhere", and is the classic golf movie.
Dead Solid Perfect is another good movie, enjoyed with popcorn and beer at Tilam's casa so many years ago, but it was too dull at times.
*************
Not to be outdone by the Sports World, since we're talking about favorite guy things, here is a list of my top hotties (by age group!):
Top 5 under 30
Jessica Alba
Jessica Simpson
Jessica Biel built and in shape - woof woof
Jennifer Love-Hewitt
Kate Beckinsale
Top 5 30-40
Rebecca Romijn
Jennifer Anniston
Jennifer Garner
Penelope Cruz Kudos for dumping Cruise
Evangeline Lilly I'd like to be LOST with her on an island
Top 5 40+
Diane Lane
Jody Foster
Rachel Hunter (2 words: Stacy's Mom!)
Renee Russo (you might forget she played Mel Gibson's ass kicking girlfriend in Lethal Weapon 14)
Demi Moore
Not in any specific order.
Hoosiers
Caddyshack
Friday Night Lights
Remember the Titans
Bull Durham
Slap Shot (I still have my Hanson #17 jersey!)
Major League
Pumping Iron
Million Dollar Baby
Raging Bull
No, Happy Gilmore didn't make it.
Neither did A League of their Own, which was a good movie but not top 10 material.
The Natural was too schlocky for me.
Brian's Song was a good movie, but ultimately missed the cut.
Rocky? An easy choice, but Raging Bull is more visceral, and DeNiro is head and shoulders above Sly as an actor.
Cinderalla Man was THIS close, but Million Dollar Baby was ultimate more enjoyable and kept my attention better.
Tin Cup was a fun movie, but Caddyshack ("big hitter da lama") is the "cinderella story outta nowhere", and is the classic golf movie.
Dead Solid Perfect is another good movie, enjoyed with popcorn and beer at Tilam's casa so many years ago, but it was too dull at times.
*************
Not to be outdone by the Sports World, since we're talking about favorite guy things, here is a list of my top hotties (by age group!):
Top 5 under 30
Jessica Alba
Jessica Simpson
Jessica Biel built and in shape - woof woof
Jennifer Love-Hewitt
Kate Beckinsale
Top 5 30-40
Rebecca Romijn
Jennifer Anniston
Jennifer Garner
Penelope Cruz Kudos for dumping Cruise
Evangeline Lilly I'd like to be LOST with her on an island
Top 5 40+
Diane Lane
Jody Foster
Rachel Hunter (2 words: Stacy's Mom!)
Renee Russo (you might forget she played Mel Gibson's ass kicking girlfriend in Lethal Weapon 14)
Demi Moore
7.26.2007
Around the Political Horn
Now that sports are done (for now), let's see what is going on in the political world. (The answer is, alot, but these are the things that interest me, and allow me another excuse to show a picture of a congressional staffer.)
Democrat Candidates. Like it or not, Hillary is lapping the field. Obama v1.0 is showing his inexperience with answers like, "Of course, I will meet (and legitimize) every petty despot in the world." Now I believe in diplomacy as well as the next guy, but you really need a negotiating partner who makes a good faith effort to come to terms and honor its agreement. Obama, I have two words for you: Neville Chamberlain. Don't be fooled.
John Kerry. Has there been a more disgraceful representative of the Commonwealth? While most analyst agree that the bloodshed in Iraq will get significantly worse if the US leaves, the great Senator compares those forecasts with the concern with about pulling out of Vietnam: "We heard that argument over and over again about the bloodbath that would engulf the entire Southeast Asia, and it didn't happen."
It didn't happen. 1-2 million Cambodians dead at the hands of Pol Pot, 100Ks of Vietnamese and Laotians shipped to "reeducation" camps. All Neo-Con propaganda. Nope. Did. Not. Happen. I think we are seeing the Democrats strategy for the aftermath of a US withdrawal.
Eliot Spitzer. To any objective observer, the guy has been a total shithead thug for years. Bullying innocent, but high profile, targets to extort ransom from their corporations. Did he ever land a big fish? Usually, his vehicle of choice were anonymous leaks of exagerated claims or outright lies. Now, he has been caught. Freud called this behavior "projection."
Fred Thompson. Readers know I am a Thompson fan, but enough already. Shit or get off the pot. Declare or say no. Fred, you are starting to look like an ego-maniac more concerned with the attention then service.
Democratic Congress. After riding into town on a wave of public discontent with the way Republicans were behaving, they proceed to take this as an indictaor that the public wants them to behave even worse. More pandering to special interests, MORE pork (I hardly thought that possible), more socialized Medicine (the lesson of HillaryCare: keep things secret!) and more anti-Bush rhetoric. Governing? Let's see...nope, to paraphrase Senator Kerry, it ain't gonna happen.
The result: lower approval ratings then the President! I hardly thought THAT possible!
Work calls...
Democrat Candidates. Like it or not, Hillary is lapping the field. Obama v1.0 is showing his inexperience with answers like, "Of course, I will meet (and legitimize) every petty despot in the world." Now I believe in diplomacy as well as the next guy, but you really need a negotiating partner who makes a good faith effort to come to terms and honor its agreement. Obama, I have two words for you: Neville Chamberlain. Don't be fooled.
John Kerry. Has there been a more disgraceful representative of the Commonwealth? While most analyst agree that the bloodshed in Iraq will get significantly worse if the US leaves, the great Senator compares those forecasts with the concern with about pulling out of Vietnam: "We heard that argument over and over again about the bloodbath that would engulf the entire Southeast Asia, and it didn't happen."
It didn't happen. 1-2 million Cambodians dead at the hands of Pol Pot, 100Ks of Vietnamese and Laotians shipped to "reeducation" camps. All Neo-Con propaganda. Nope. Did. Not. Happen. I think we are seeing the Democrats strategy for the aftermath of a US withdrawal.
Eliot Spitzer. To any objective observer, the guy has been a total shithead thug for years. Bullying innocent, but high profile, targets to extort ransom from their corporations. Did he ever land a big fish? Usually, his vehicle of choice were anonymous leaks of exagerated claims or outright lies. Now, he has been caught. Freud called this behavior "projection."
Fred Thompson. Readers know I am a Thompson fan, but enough already. Shit or get off the pot. Declare or say no. Fred, you are starting to look like an ego-maniac more concerned with the attention then service.
Democratic Congress. After riding into town on a wave of public discontent with the way Republicans were behaving, they proceed to take this as an indictaor that the public wants them to behave even worse. More pandering to special interests, MORE pork (I hardly thought that possible), more socialized Medicine (the lesson of HillaryCare: keep things secret!) and more anti-Bush rhetoric. Governing? Let's see...nope, to paraphrase Senator Kerry, it ain't gonna happen.
The result: lower approval ratings then the President! I hardly thought THAT possible!
Work calls...
7.25.2007
The Zombie Watch
Posting has been incredibly lite for both of us for the last month. For me, it was a surprise as summer is normally a slower time at work...but not necessarily this summer.
Anyway, regarding some of Thew's points:
I can't imagine a worse Baseball Commish then Selig. At least in the sense that I just don't think he gives a rat's ass about the average fan. And, as Thew has said, he does not respect the Game. Finally, though, someone has bitch-slapped some sense into him. That said, the Brew Crew has got to be one of the "feel good" stories in the MLB.
The NBA...Nothing But Assholes. When is the NCAA season starting?
My favorite soccer story is not Beckham right now, but the Asian Cup. After beating the South Koreans in PKs, the Iraqis play the Saudis, who beat Japan. Politics aside, this has got to be a tremendous boost to the people of Iraq. (The terrorists expressed their displeasure.) I think its time that the European clubs will take a flyer on a few players.
Any word on Michelle Wie?
In other sports news, Ben Rothisnvhvhnzcm is dating Missy Peregrym of Heroes and Stick It fame. Which is just an excuse to add a picture of her.
Anyway, Yankees are creeping up and the fact that the Red Sox are beating the Indians, leaders for the AL Wildcard, makes the Sox-Tribe series a win-win for the Yankees. They do have a tough stretch coming up though, which will make or break the season. 4 games against Detroit (in NY), travel for 3 against the Angels, 4 more at Detroit after which they come home and play 3 against the Red Sox. 14 straight games against division leaders.
In other sports news, I have a nasty taste in my mouth after my girls' soccer season. No, not because we lost, but we only placed one player on the 2007-08 Select (All Star) Squad. Now let me get this straight: the team mops the floor with the opposition, only has 1 or 2 close games and one ONE All-star Selection? A bitter, bitter pill. I take total blame, of course. They took the team concept to a very high level and did not cut it as individuals in the try-outs.
Well, work calls....
Anyway, regarding some of Thew's points:
I can't imagine a worse Baseball Commish then Selig. At least in the sense that I just don't think he gives a rat's ass about the average fan. And, as Thew has said, he does not respect the Game. Finally, though, someone has bitch-slapped some sense into him. That said, the Brew Crew has got to be one of the "feel good" stories in the MLB.
The NBA...Nothing But Assholes. When is the NCAA season starting?
My favorite soccer story is not Beckham right now, but the Asian Cup. After beating the South Koreans in PKs, the Iraqis play the Saudis, who beat Japan. Politics aside, this has got to be a tremendous boost to the people of Iraq. (The terrorists expressed their displeasure.) I think its time that the European clubs will take a flyer on a few players.
Any word on Michelle Wie?
In other sports news, Ben Rothisnvhvhnzcm is dating Missy Peregrym of Heroes and Stick It fame. Which is just an excuse to add a picture of her.
Anyway, Yankees are creeping up and the fact that the Red Sox are beating the Indians, leaders for the AL Wildcard, makes the Sox-Tribe series a win-win for the Yankees. They do have a tough stretch coming up though, which will make or break the season. 4 games against Detroit (in NY), travel for 3 against the Angels, 4 more at Detroit after which they come home and play 3 against the Red Sox. 14 straight games against division leaders.
In other sports news, I have a nasty taste in my mouth after my girls' soccer season. No, not because we lost, but we only placed one player on the 2007-08 Select (All Star) Squad. Now let me get this straight: the team mops the floor with the opposition, only has 1 or 2 close games and one ONE All-star Selection? A bitter, bitter pill. I take total blame, of course. They took the team concept to a very high level and did not cut it as individuals in the try-outs.
Well, work calls....
7.24.2007
Back from the Dead
Okay, musings into the world of sports, after an extended period of, well, amusement at the travesty of people in the sports world today...
Does ANYONE give a damm about the Tour de France after yet ANOTHER doping incident?! When will this sport go away? You think steroids in baseball or football are out of control?!
Speaking of steroids in baseball - SHAME ON YOU Bud Selig for avoiding the inevitable breaking of the career Home Run record. Yes, it's Barry Bonds. Yes, the circumstantial evidence to indicate he took steroids is off the charts. But this is AMERICA, where you are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, and he owes it to the GAME to be there when the record is broken. Not doing do, not making at least some mention and ceremony about it, means that in his mind he's already convicted Bonds of using performance enhancing drugs without due process. Did Bonds use 'em? Probably, hard to imagine he didn't. But "imagining" and "having definitive proof" are two different things, and say what you want, Selig needs to be there. Well, in any event, regardless of this, I think he's an asshole anyway...never like the guy, he's got a major Napoleonic complex.
And in the "holy shit I thought the athletes were assholes!" department, we present Tim Donaghy. Almost makes the asshole punk ghetto thugs in the NBA seem like stand up guys...well, almost...
Here comes the Yankees? Several weeks ago, in the middle of an 11 game winning streak, I said "looks like they are making their charge". I was wrong then. I might be wrong now. They certainly are a Jeckyll and Hyde team this year. But the Sawx can hear footsteps behind them now, a once near insurmountable 14 game lead is now down to 7 1/2 games. The Yankees are playing with a fair amount of confidence now, I wonder what is going through the minds of the Boston players.
Becks, we hardly see ya mate! Your much ballyhoo'd inagural appearance in MLS was a late game substitution, and now you're out of action with that ligament injury. Here's to hoping you begin what I hope to be a successful career in the US.
Do I need to add anything to the Michael Vick story than you've probably been overloaded with at this point? Are they targeting him because he's high profile? Maybe a little. But to bring down a hydra like this you have to chop off the heads. The fact that he IS high profile makes this a fundamentally different case and message - it provides a platform to get a MAJOR player in the dogfighting subculture, and a chance to show other people that fame means nothing - if you are committing a FEDERAL crime, we will get you. If this were Bill Gates, Andrew Young, it'd still be the same. This might also show that you cannot lie and say "I didn't know what was going on with my homies". Frankly, judging from the rampant stupidity displayed by his younger brother, Marcus, Michael's idiocy isn't particularly surprising.
Is there a sadder story of an old out-of-the-spotlight athlete trying to get his face into the public issues than Gary Player? Had anyone seen Jason Gore? Phil Mickelson? Hell, John Daly?! The guys on the tour don't have any of the physiques that would indicate that they took steroids at all - well, except maybe for *GASP* Tiger Woods. Tiger is a workout freak, that is known, but steroids? He's not hitting it any longer than he used to - matter of fact, I think he lost some distance. Also, Adam Scott, Sergio Garcia, Camillo Villegas - young, in shape, slim men who probably haven't tried a day in their life to bulk up. HEAR IT NOW - If ANYONE in the PGA has done steroids, based on the players' builds, they have failed miserably! *lol* The only guy who made a real significant change in his physique is Bill Glasson, and his was probably 10 or so years ago. I'm not sure what Gary Player is trying to accomplish here, but if he is trying to bring attention to the "best bodies" in golf, you need only look at the #1 player in the world. Is this a veiled accusation? Hmmm. Gene W has an interesting article on Gary's vague statements, calling him to the carpet...
Speaking of Sergio, what a whiner! Hitch up your big boy britches and admit you played a lousy 18 holes on the final day of the British Open and lost the tournament. Don't piss and moan about your "fate" and the "bad breaks". "I didn't miss a shot in the playoff and hit unbelievable putts. But they just didn't go in." Umm, if you hit unbelievable putts, they would have dropped. Unbelievable putts don't miss, they go straight in the clown's mouth! After a birdie at the third hole gave him a four-shot lead, he made bogeys at the fifth, seventh and eighth holes to let the world back into the tournament. Were all those bogeys bad luck? Don't think so. What about other golfers? Wonder how Andres Romero feels about his second shot on the 17th hole that barely missed clearing the burn, but somehow ricocheted directly to the right and out of bounds? Or what about Harrington, whose tee shot at the home hole narrowly missed bouncing across a bridge to safety only to find the burn? Or Ernie Els, who missed a playoff by two strokes and is wondering how a couple of back-nine putts stayed out of the hole? PUHLEEZE! It is a game of bad breaks, of cruel bounces, of putts that spin out of the cup. Sergio should know that. Stop hiding behind the excuse of "bad luck" and admit that you didn't close the deal - then go back out, settle down, and win one of 'em.
Does ANYONE give a damm about the Tour de France after yet ANOTHER doping incident?! When will this sport go away? You think steroids in baseball or football are out of control?!
Speaking of steroids in baseball - SHAME ON YOU Bud Selig for avoiding the inevitable breaking of the career Home Run record. Yes, it's Barry Bonds. Yes, the circumstantial evidence to indicate he took steroids is off the charts. But this is AMERICA, where you are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, and he owes it to the GAME to be there when the record is broken. Not doing do, not making at least some mention and ceremony about it, means that in his mind he's already convicted Bonds of using performance enhancing drugs without due process. Did Bonds use 'em? Probably, hard to imagine he didn't. But "imagining" and "having definitive proof" are two different things, and say what you want, Selig needs to be there. Well, in any event, regardless of this, I think he's an asshole anyway...never like the guy, he's got a major Napoleonic complex.
And in the "holy shit I thought the athletes were assholes!" department, we present Tim Donaghy. Almost makes the asshole punk ghetto thugs in the NBA seem like stand up guys...well, almost...
Here comes the Yankees? Several weeks ago, in the middle of an 11 game winning streak, I said "looks like they are making their charge". I was wrong then. I might be wrong now. They certainly are a Jeckyll and Hyde team this year. But the Sawx can hear footsteps behind them now, a once near insurmountable 14 game lead is now down to 7 1/2 games. The Yankees are playing with a fair amount of confidence now, I wonder what is going through the minds of the Boston players.
Becks, we hardly see ya mate! Your much ballyhoo'd inagural appearance in MLS was a late game substitution, and now you're out of action with that ligament injury. Here's to hoping you begin what I hope to be a successful career in the US.
Do I need to add anything to the Michael Vick story than you've probably been overloaded with at this point? Are they targeting him because he's high profile? Maybe a little. But to bring down a hydra like this you have to chop off the heads. The fact that he IS high profile makes this a fundamentally different case and message - it provides a platform to get a MAJOR player in the dogfighting subculture, and a chance to show other people that fame means nothing - if you are committing a FEDERAL crime, we will get you. If this were Bill Gates, Andrew Young, it'd still be the same. This might also show that you cannot lie and say "I didn't know what was going on with my homies". Frankly, judging from the rampant stupidity displayed by his younger brother, Marcus, Michael's idiocy isn't particularly surprising.
Is there a sadder story of an old out-of-the-spotlight athlete trying to get his face into the public issues than Gary Player? Had anyone seen Jason Gore? Phil Mickelson? Hell, John Daly?! The guys on the tour don't have any of the physiques that would indicate that they took steroids at all - well, except maybe for *GASP* Tiger Woods. Tiger is a workout freak, that is known, but steroids? He's not hitting it any longer than he used to - matter of fact, I think he lost some distance. Also, Adam Scott, Sergio Garcia, Camillo Villegas - young, in shape, slim men who probably haven't tried a day in their life to bulk up. HEAR IT NOW - If ANYONE in the PGA has done steroids, based on the players' builds, they have failed miserably! *lol* The only guy who made a real significant change in his physique is Bill Glasson, and his was probably 10 or so years ago. I'm not sure what Gary Player is trying to accomplish here, but if he is trying to bring attention to the "best bodies" in golf, you need only look at the #1 player in the world. Is this a veiled accusation? Hmmm. Gene W has an interesting article on Gary's vague statements, calling him to the carpet...
Speaking of Sergio, what a whiner! Hitch up your big boy britches and admit you played a lousy 18 holes on the final day of the British Open and lost the tournament. Don't piss and moan about your "fate" and the "bad breaks". "I didn't miss a shot in the playoff and hit unbelievable putts. But they just didn't go in." Umm, if you hit unbelievable putts, they would have dropped. Unbelievable putts don't miss, they go straight in the clown's mouth! After a birdie at the third hole gave him a four-shot lead, he made bogeys at the fifth, seventh and eighth holes to let the world back into the tournament. Were all those bogeys bad luck? Don't think so. What about other golfers? Wonder how Andres Romero feels about his second shot on the 17th hole that barely missed clearing the burn, but somehow ricocheted directly to the right and out of bounds? Or what about Harrington, whose tee shot at the home hole narrowly missed bouncing across a bridge to safety only to find the burn? Or Ernie Els, who missed a playoff by two strokes and is wondering how a couple of back-nine putts stayed out of the hole? PUHLEEZE! It is a game of bad breaks, of cruel bounces, of putts that spin out of the cup. Sergio should know that. Stop hiding behind the excuse of "bad luck" and admit that you didn't close the deal - then go back out, settle down, and win one of 'em.
6.15.2007
Luciano Watch Out...
In contrast, here is a phenomenally inspirational video. I love this guy!
And he is on to the finals. Go Paul!
Now, okay, he is not quite the "shower singer" bumpkin and has performed opera on stage, but, dude, he does sell car phones for a living!
And quite frankly, anyone who can make Amanda Holden weep twice is mensch in my book.
And he is on to the finals. Go Paul!
Now, okay, he is not quite the "shower singer" bumpkin and has performed opera on stage, but, dude, he does sell car phones for a living!
And quite frankly, anyone who can make Amanda Holden weep twice is mensch in my book.
Who's Responsible?
Okay, I am tremendously conflicted on this. Six teenagers hit a stalled train and the four in the back seat were killed. The father of one of the victims is very upset in the video. (He lost a niece also.)
How can I be conflicted? The drivers were 15, the victims were 14. It was 3:30 am. The vehicle was stolen.
I really feel for the guy's loss (nice Father's Day, huh), but he goes off on how the grade crossing was dangerous. Well, yes. ALL grade crossing are dangerous. The train was stalled, there were no lights; it was an accident waiting to happen.
But what the hell is his 14 year old doing out at 3:30 am? What prompted her to participate in the theft of a vehicle?
This was a tragedy of parenting as well as a tragic loss of life.
How can I be conflicted? The drivers were 15, the victims were 14. It was 3:30 am. The vehicle was stolen.
I really feel for the guy's loss (nice Father's Day, huh), but he goes off on how the grade crossing was dangerous. Well, yes. ALL grade crossing are dangerous. The train was stalled, there were no lights; it was an accident waiting to happen.
But what the hell is his 14 year old doing out at 3:30 am? What prompted her to participate in the theft of a vehicle?
This was a tragedy of parenting as well as a tragic loss of life.
6.14.2007
No Brotherhood Afterall
From Captain's Quarters:
"'They're firing at us, firing RPGs, firing mortars. We're not Jews,' the brother of Jamal Abu Jediyan, a Fatah commander, pleaded during a live telephone conversation with a Palestinian radio station.
Minutes later both men were dragged into the streets and riddled with bullets."
This no surprise. Nor will it clarify the problem (Islamists addiction to violence) to those who have not understood this yet. The most prevalent motivation in the Middle East for centuries is "hate." You cannot build anything on hate. You can only destroy.
But at least they are destrying each other.
"'They're firing at us, firing RPGs, firing mortars. We're not Jews,' the brother of Jamal Abu Jediyan, a Fatah commander, pleaded during a live telephone conversation with a Palestinian radio station.
Minutes later both men were dragged into the streets and riddled with bullets."
This no surprise. Nor will it clarify the problem (Islamists addiction to violence) to those who have not understood this yet. The most prevalent motivation in the Middle East for centuries is "hate." You cannot build anything on hate. You can only destroy.
But at least they are destrying each other.
6.06.2007
The Candidates
One other comment of the GOP field. It is a truly deep field. Mike Huckabee from Arkansas and Duncan Hunter from California have neither the name recognition or the money to be a viable candidate, but would make excellent presidients as well. With the exception of Ron Paul (TX) and Tom Tancredo (CO) who are, IMHO, niche candidates the rest of the field has the chops to be president.
This may be because I do not know enough about, say, Tommy Thompson to dislike him, but I don't think so.
This may be because I do not know enough about, say, Tommy Thompson to dislike him, but I don't think so.
In Bed with Fred
No, this is not a sordid follow-on to Thew's Porky's problems. While I happen to support Mitt Romney in the current field of Republican candidates, I do support the phantom candidacy of Fred Thompson. (See Donation Box on lower left.) I find I don't agree with him only a few issues (tort reform and campaign finance), but think he represents a different set of perspectives - perspectives needed in the GOP field.
The good news for the GOP is that all the front-runners - Giuliani, McCain and Romney - would make fine presidents, while only two Democrats - Clinton and Biden - would have that potential. (While I would not support Hillary, my gut feel is that she would do the right thing once she has no need to pander to the Far Left and would ultimately be a better president then Bill.)
The bad news is that the GOP I love stands for freedom (personal and economic) and SMALL government. None of the current Big Three has come out for decisively reducing the size of government. Fred has.
Of course, the last actor turned president didn't do half bad.
The good news for the GOP is that all the front-runners - Giuliani, McCain and Romney - would make fine presidents, while only two Democrats - Clinton and Biden - would have that potential. (While I would not support Hillary, my gut feel is that she would do the right thing once she has no need to pander to the Far Left and would ultimately be a better president then Bill.)
The bad news is that the GOP I love stands for freedom (personal and economic) and SMALL government. None of the current Big Three has come out for decisively reducing the size of government. Fred has.
Of course, the last actor turned president didn't do half bad.
Whoa, Trigger
I guess my response is "I don't care." I am just saying that having broken down in the travel lane, it is reasonable to assume that someone might be coming and take extra care. Late at night, it is possible that the person might be impaired. What precautions (flares, reflectors, etc.), if any, the tow truck driver took are important to understand before you say he is off the hook.
6.05.2007
Location Location Location
A car is stalled in the travel lane. Where is the tow truck SUPPOSED to park? Haven't you ever been in a traffic jam caused by an accident or a stall? To get the vehicle on the flatbed you have to usually pull it on the truck bed using a winch of some sort - you can't do that from the side unless you have the ability like that of the cranes they use to life indy cars off the track. WTF dood?
Doesn't matter whether I was the Porkee or Porker, it's still rude and inconsiderate and perpetuates a stereotype of the "horny fag on the prowl leering at anyone and everyone". I don't appreciate it in the damm men's locker room.
Doesn't matter whether I was the Porkee or Porker, it's still rude and inconsiderate and perpetuates a stereotype of the "horny fag on the prowl leering at anyone and everyone". I don't appreciate it in the damm men's locker room.
Hold on a Sec
Wait, while I do not agree with the "sue the world" approach and believe Josh Hancock was responsible for his drinking, I understand the towing truck was in the travel lane, not off to the side. I think the towing service has some 'splaining to do.
As for your other "issue", dude, you just got Porky'd. It sucks being a sex object...
As for your other "issue", dude, you just got Porky'd. It sucks being a sex object...
6.04.2007
More Victims of Stupidity
Now, let me first say that this is a TRADGEDY, the kind that snuffs out a life prematurely, a child/husband dead, the family left grieving. My sympathies and prayers go out to the family of Josh Hancock, tragically killed in an automobile accident.
HOWEVER. It appears you CAN put a price on life. His father is suing everyone and their grandmother, saying that THEY are the cause of his death, not Josh himself.
Let's break down the list of defendents:
Mike Shannon's Restaurant, owned by the longtime Cardinals broadcaster who starred on three World Series teams in the 1960s, is being held liable because, as the father claims, "It's our understanding that from the moment Josh Hancock entered Mike Shannon's that night that he was never without a drink."
Justin Tolar, the driver whose stalled car on Interstate 64 was being assisted by Eddie's Towing driver Jacob Hargrove. The lawsuit claimed Tolar was negligent in allowing his vehicle to reach the point where it stalled on the highway and for failing to move it out of the way of oncoming traffic.
Eddie's Towing, the company whose flatbed tow truck was struck by Hancock's sport utility vehicle after stopping to assist with the stalled vehicle of Tolar. The report said he told officers he was there five to seven minutes before his truck was hit by Hancock's SUV, although Hancock's lawyer says "it might have been there up to 15 minutes".
Officially: Authorities said the 29-year pitcher had a blood alcohol content of nearly twice the legal limit when he crashed into the back of the tow truck. He was also speeding and using a cell phone and wasn't wearing a seat belt, police chief Joe Mokwa said after the accident.
I'm sorry Dean Hancock, but your son is dead because he was stupid. HE got his own ass into these circumstances, HE could have said "NO" to any offered drink, HE could have worn a seatbelt, HE might have been a little high. FREE CHOICE, he wasn't forced to drink, and he CHOSE to not wear his seatbelt. I'm sorry your son is dead, but to hold those people responsible is playing the victim, trying to profit from your son's accident. I mourn the passing of a good baseball player, but I hope this case gets tossed out of court.
EDIT: yay for some common sense.
**********
TIME FOR AN ANTI-GAY RANT:
KEEP IT PRIVATE! PLEASE. I work out at the gym every day, and of course, I endeavor to make myself pleasant afterward so that my fellow employees don't say "whoa that Thew, he's tough to be around..."
But I found something disturbing in the men's shower. There are holes cut into the plastic curtains at eye level, obviously meant for someone to either look out (or *gasp*, IN?!) at another person in the shower.
This is BULLSHIT. You want respect, respect others. You want people to accept your homosexuality, stop pulling this kinda shit; stuff that makes people like me (i.e., straight men) pissed off at your being intrusive. Do I really think you're gazing at another gay man? Nope, you're gazing at ANY naked man who strolls into the shower area, all the while probably polishing the bishop behind the curtain. It's despicable and instrusive, and creates negative feelings towards "rabid horny gay" men and perpetuates anti-gay sentiment. Do men masturbate to Playboy? Of course. Do gay men masturbate to Playgirl? I'd think so. But keep it in the privacy of your own home; too damm bad, shit like this just pisses off ANY person - hell, I've known gay men who think this is so lame, they are ashamed to be on the same team as these people.
Like I said, you want respect, respect others. You want consideration, consider the feelings of others. You want to pull this kind of shit, prepare to be vilified; by both gay and straight men. You'll never get accepted into "the mainstream of society" while you piss off that same group of people.
**********
2 of 3 for the Yanks against the Sawx. Here's to hoping they will turn it around after what should be a real confidence building series. Dominated 'em in game 1, lost the lead in game 2 to get beat badly, lost a 4 run lead in ONE INNING but hung on, clawed back, and won it in the top of the ninth. Come on boys, time to play!
HOWEVER. It appears you CAN put a price on life. His father is suing everyone and their grandmother, saying that THEY are the cause of his death, not Josh himself.
Let's break down the list of defendents:
Mike Shannon's Restaurant, owned by the longtime Cardinals broadcaster who starred on three World Series teams in the 1960s, is being held liable because, as the father claims, "It's our understanding that from the moment Josh Hancock entered Mike Shannon's that night that he was never without a drink."
Justin Tolar, the driver whose stalled car on Interstate 64 was being assisted by Eddie's Towing driver Jacob Hargrove. The lawsuit claimed Tolar was negligent in allowing his vehicle to reach the point where it stalled on the highway and for failing to move it out of the way of oncoming traffic.
Eddie's Towing, the company whose flatbed tow truck was struck by Hancock's sport utility vehicle after stopping to assist with the stalled vehicle of Tolar. The report said he told officers he was there five to seven minutes before his truck was hit by Hancock's SUV, although Hancock's lawyer says "it might have been there up to 15 minutes".
Officially: Authorities said the 29-year pitcher had a blood alcohol content of nearly twice the legal limit when he crashed into the back of the tow truck. He was also speeding and using a cell phone and wasn't wearing a seat belt, police chief Joe Mokwa said after the accident.
I'm sorry Dean Hancock, but your son is dead because he was stupid. HE got his own ass into these circumstances, HE could have said "NO" to any offered drink, HE could have worn a seatbelt, HE might have been a little high. FREE CHOICE, he wasn't forced to drink, and he CHOSE to not wear his seatbelt. I'm sorry your son is dead, but to hold those people responsible is playing the victim, trying to profit from your son's accident. I mourn the passing of a good baseball player, but I hope this case gets tossed out of court.
EDIT: yay for some common sense.
**********
TIME FOR AN ANTI-GAY RANT:
KEEP IT PRIVATE! PLEASE. I work out at the gym every day, and of course, I endeavor to make myself pleasant afterward so that my fellow employees don't say "whoa that Thew, he's tough to be around..."
But I found something disturbing in the men's shower. There are holes cut into the plastic curtains at eye level, obviously meant for someone to either look out (or *gasp*, IN?!) at another person in the shower.
This is BULLSHIT. You want respect, respect others. You want people to accept your homosexuality, stop pulling this kinda shit; stuff that makes people like me (i.e., straight men) pissed off at your being intrusive. Do I really think you're gazing at another gay man? Nope, you're gazing at ANY naked man who strolls into the shower area, all the while probably polishing the bishop behind the curtain. It's despicable and instrusive, and creates negative feelings towards "rabid horny gay" men and perpetuates anti-gay sentiment. Do men masturbate to Playboy? Of course. Do gay men masturbate to Playgirl? I'd think so. But keep it in the privacy of your own home; too damm bad, shit like this just pisses off ANY person - hell, I've known gay men who think this is so lame, they are ashamed to be on the same team as these people.
Like I said, you want respect, respect others. You want consideration, consider the feelings of others. You want to pull this kind of shit, prepare to be vilified; by both gay and straight men. You'll never get accepted into "the mainstream of society" while you piss off that same group of people.
**********
2 of 3 for the Yanks against the Sawx. Here's to hoping they will turn it around after what should be a real confidence building series. Dominated 'em in game 1, lost the lead in game 2 to get beat badly, lost a 4 run lead in ONE INNING but hung on, clawed back, and won it in the top of the ninth. Come on boys, time to play!
Stupidity, Yes, But Whose?
Thew asks an interesting question: is there liability there? I will put aside the issue for now as to WHO is liable, because Speaker claims he was told traveling was fine.
First off, to be liable, someone has had to suffer damages. It is not enough to be anxious you might have caught TB, but you must have caught it. (That said, if one could prove demonstrable suffering based on the incident, it MIGHT be compensable.)
But even if someone catches TB and dies, I am unclear if the law will award damages. One could claim civil assault (an intentional act which causes a reasonable and imminent apprehension of a harmful or offensive contact which is unconsented), but the "intention" has to be there. (Battery of assault & battery fame is the physical contact part.) In addition, I don't know how much time can pass before "reasonable and imminent" is no longer applicable. (Someone shoots an arrow at you, but misses...you do not notice, but find out later. Assault?) Here you would have to argue that "imminent" extends through the phase of being tested and cleared of TB...a logical position.
Now "intention" can also be a disregard for safety so reckless that any reasonable man (that term, again) would have understood the action to pose a threat. But on the facts as I know them...I am not sure that is the case. The tests did not come back showing the drug resistant strain until he was in Europe. So anyone on the flights until that point he can't be accused of reckless endangerment.
But I would also point out that this is a very slippery slope. Suing someone you catch a cold from? That forces you out of your hourly job for three days? I am just not sure we want to go there.
First off, to be liable, someone has had to suffer damages. It is not enough to be anxious you might have caught TB, but you must have caught it. (That said, if one could prove demonstrable suffering based on the incident, it MIGHT be compensable.)
But even if someone catches TB and dies, I am unclear if the law will award damages. One could claim civil assault (an intentional act which causes a reasonable and imminent apprehension of a harmful or offensive contact which is unconsented), but the "intention" has to be there. (Battery of assault & battery fame is the physical contact part.) In addition, I don't know how much time can pass before "reasonable and imminent" is no longer applicable. (Someone shoots an arrow at you, but misses...you do not notice, but find out later. Assault?) Here you would have to argue that "imminent" extends through the phase of being tested and cleared of TB...a logical position.
Now "intention" can also be a disregard for safety so reckless that any reasonable man (that term, again) would have understood the action to pose a threat. But on the facts as I know them...I am not sure that is the case. The tests did not come back showing the drug resistant strain until he was in Europe. So anyone on the flights until that point he can't be accused of reckless endangerment.
But I would also point out that this is a very slippery slope. Suing someone you catch a cold from? That forces you out of your hourly job for three days? I am just not sure we want to go there.
6.01.2007
ProBono Work
So Tilam, any legal ramifications from Andrew Speaker's stupidity?
Reckless Endangerment? Is there a crime or lawsuit possibility if no one gets sick? What's the scoop?
Reckless Endangerment? Is there a crime or lawsuit possibility if no one gets sick? What's the scoop?
5.31.2007
Send in the clowns
Michelle Wie amusement, since I haven't laughed at her clown-like sideshow in a long time...
Wie withdrew from the Ginn Tribute on Thursday after shooting 14 over par through 16 holes, aggravating a wrist injury that sidelined her since January. After Wie bogeyed the par-4 seventh, the 17-year-old star (WHY THE HELL DO THEY CALL HER A STAR?) from Hawaii told an LPGA tour official: "We're not going to play anymore."
Wie wore bandages on her wrists during the round and said her withdraw was because she "tweaked" the injury and not because of an LPGA rule that bans nontour members for the year if they shoot 88 or higher. Wie was two bogeys from that scenario when she stopped.
Round highlights:
- Wie's round included a 10 on the par-5 third hole, when her first drive hit a parked car and rolled down a roadway drain. After her provisional tee shot went way left, Wie's third drive landed in the rough and she went on to a quintuple bogey.
- Wie drove into a pond on the 11th for a bogey.
- She hit a tree with her tee shot on the next hole and made double bogey.
- On her first par-3, the 14th, Wie landed in the woods right of the green. She chose to re-tee and again went right. A chip and two putts later, Wie had made a triple bogey.
- Wie's problems continued on the par-5 16th as she pushed her drive into clumps of grass. She took relief about 80 yards behind her ball for yet another bogey.
"I had issues with my wrist," she said. "Shooting 88 is not what I think about." Surely you don't expect us to believe that!?!
Wie withdrew from the Ginn Tribute on Thursday after shooting 14 over par through 16 holes, aggravating a wrist injury that sidelined her since January. After Wie bogeyed the par-4 seventh, the 17-year-old star (WHY THE HELL DO THEY CALL HER A STAR?) from Hawaii told an LPGA tour official: "We're not going to play anymore."
Wie wore bandages on her wrists during the round and said her withdraw was because she "tweaked" the injury and not because of an LPGA rule that bans nontour members for the year if they shoot 88 or higher. Wie was two bogeys from that scenario when she stopped.
Round highlights:
- Wie's round included a 10 on the par-5 third hole, when her first drive hit a parked car and rolled down a roadway drain. After her provisional tee shot went way left, Wie's third drive landed in the rough and she went on to a quintuple bogey.
- Wie drove into a pond on the 11th for a bogey.
- She hit a tree with her tee shot on the next hole and made double bogey.
- On her first par-3, the 14th, Wie landed in the woods right of the green. She chose to re-tee and again went right. A chip and two putts later, Wie had made a triple bogey.
- Wie's problems continued on the par-5 16th as she pushed her drive into clumps of grass. She took relief about 80 yards behind her ball for yet another bogey.
"I had issues with my wrist," she said. "Shooting 88 is not what I think about." Surely you don't expect us to believe that!?!
Random Thoughts on A Conversation at Starbucks
Man: You should come diving with me.
Woman: Nah, I got certified a few years ago, but I did not enjoy it.
Man: That seems to happen to a lot of woman divers. I don't know why...
Me: Maybe because you can't talk non-stop while diving...
Woman: Nah, I got certified a few years ago, but I did not enjoy it.
Man: That seems to happen to a lot of woman divers. I don't know why...
Me: Maybe because you can't talk non-stop while diving...
5.29.2007
The Worst, the Best and Just PlainSports
I am really un-interested in the whole dog-fighting thing. It should be stopped, period. If Vick is involved, he should be thrown out of the NFL. SI has a big article on what is going on for those interested. Be warned, the details are not pretty.
* * *
This weekend had two phenomenal lacrosse games. First, Duke beat Cornell 12-11 in the second semi-final and the right to play Johns Hopkins. After being down as much as 10-3, Big Red came back and tied the game with 17 seconds left! Duke wins the face off and as time wound down, Matt Greer put the ball in the net. Time remaining: 0:03.
The title game was just as exciting without the last second heroics. But it was the Blue Jays up 10-4 at the half and Duke coming back. Duke was poised for another Cinderella like ending, but the blistering shot with 9 seconds left was kicked away (yes, kick save!) by the Jays goalie. Final Johns Hopkins 12-11.
But hats off to Duke. Given the total crap they went through with the false allegations of rape, the spinelessness of the Duke administration and faculty, cancelling their 2006 season and the scrutiny they were under this year, it is truly amazing what they accomplished.
* * *
The CONCACAF Gold Cup starts next week after a US-China warm-up. Comments and analysis to follow. This is Coach Bradley's first real competition as permanent head coach, so it will be interesting to see how the players respond.
Of course, this is just a warm-up for Copa America later this year...
* * *
This weekend had two phenomenal lacrosse games. First, Duke beat Cornell 12-11 in the second semi-final and the right to play Johns Hopkins. After being down as much as 10-3, Big Red came back and tied the game with 17 seconds left! Duke wins the face off and as time wound down, Matt Greer put the ball in the net. Time remaining: 0:03.
The title game was just as exciting without the last second heroics. But it was the Blue Jays up 10-4 at the half and Duke coming back. Duke was poised for another Cinderella like ending, but the blistering shot with 9 seconds left was kicked away (yes, kick save!) by the Jays goalie. Final Johns Hopkins 12-11.
But hats off to Duke. Given the total crap they went through with the false allegations of rape, the spinelessness of the Duke administration and faculty, cancelling their 2006 season and the scrutiny they were under this year, it is truly amazing what they accomplished.
* * *
The CONCACAF Gold Cup starts next week after a US-China warm-up. Comments and analysis to follow. This is Coach Bradley's first real competition as permanent head coach, so it will be interesting to see how the players respond.
Of course, this is just a warm-up for Copa America later this year...
Despicable Acts of Cruelty
Michael Vick has been identified by a confidential source as a dog fighting "heavyweight". A prominent figure who brings quality dogs and a ton of money to bet and move around the event. That is despicable. He SHOULD go to jail, but who knows what will happen if he is convicted, since he's a famous athlete. Fame = minimal culpability. Others will take the fall for him. He won't do time. And if any "normal" person has seen any footage of 2 poor animals tearing each other part, pretty much to the death, the loser whining and writing in agony, ripped and bleeding, torn and broken, like I have, and feels no emotion at that, then you are without a soul. This is a HUGE button push for me, simply cruel to good hearted dogs who have been raised to die horribly. Just once, I'd like to take the "promoters" and put THEM in a cage and have THEM fight TO THE DEATH. See how they like it. Enough on this, it makes me physically ill.
**********
If anyone missed the NHL Stanley Cup Finals game 1 yesterday, you missed quality hockey. And you're a worse person for it. It did NOT disappoint - heavy hitting, fast play, missed chances, buried goals. Everything that Tilam hopes hockey is about as opposed to the regular season "goon fest" as he calls it. Little chippy play too, which is always good for the fan. :)
Tilam and I have blasted Michelle Wie time and again for her LACK OF accomplishments, and we (or at least *I*) constantly root against her on the PGA because she's nothing more than a sideshow, as bad as that sounds. But HERE is a young lady that deserves our cheers and hope. Good luck MacKinzie!
And in the world of high priced asswipes, flagrant demonstrations, selfish promotion, there is a hero who, tragically, gave his life to become so. Farewell and godspeed, Marquise Hill, rest in peace, your sacrifice saved the life of another. One person is alive because of your gift...
**********
If anyone missed the NHL Stanley Cup Finals game 1 yesterday, you missed quality hockey. And you're a worse person for it. It did NOT disappoint - heavy hitting, fast play, missed chances, buried goals. Everything that Tilam hopes hockey is about as opposed to the regular season "goon fest" as he calls it. Little chippy play too, which is always good for the fan. :)
Tilam and I have blasted Michelle Wie time and again for her LACK OF accomplishments, and we (or at least *I*) constantly root against her on the PGA because she's nothing more than a sideshow, as bad as that sounds. But HERE is a young lady that deserves our cheers and hope. Good luck MacKinzie!
And in the world of high priced asswipes, flagrant demonstrations, selfish promotion, there is a hero who, tragically, gave his life to become so. Farewell and godspeed, Marquise Hill, rest in peace, your sacrifice saved the life of another. One person is alive because of your gift...
5.24.2007
An Old Warrior
I attended the burial of my Uncle yesterday. My Uncle and I were not close as he lived in the Virgin Islands and did not seem to time his trips to my home state of Connecticut based on my schedule. But he was one of those great Uncles - young, handsome and an absolute rapscallion. Married a very pretty women, tended bar and, overall, led a life that a 13 year old thinks is very cool, until he grows up...
He was also a Vietnam War vet and many of his troubles have been blamed on his war experiences: both combat and non-combat, if you get my drift. He joined the US Army in 1968, qualifying Jump School with the 101st Airborne. He was a recipient of the Army Commendation Medal w/"V" Device, the Vietnam Service Medal w/4 Bronze Service Stars, a Parachutist Badge, and a Combat Infantry Badge.
He died young (age 60). As he was divorced, childless and without a will, the family decided to have him buried in a military cemetery in Connecticut.
Now let me say that I hate funerals. Really hate them. This is because of my own awkwardness regarding the situation: what do you say to someone who has lost a loved one? "I am sorry"? "He/she is in a better place"? Nothing seems adequate. Yesterday was different.
The day was beautiful and the cemetery was solemn and dignified with rows of white marble headstones neatly in formation. The two marines assigned to the burial were great treating the family with respect. My father asked me to read my Uncle's commendation letter to start things off and you could tell that this was unknown to most of the two dozen or so attendees. When I read that my Uncle's actions were a credit to "him, his unit and to the tradition of the United States Army", the emotion was palatable.
The folding of the flag was next with an accompanying 9 gun salute. The tri-folded flag was presented to my father as the family scion with a sharp salute and my father then turned and presented the flag to my Uncle's ex-wife. In the background, trumpeter unseen to any of the attendees, "Taps" was played. I can not convey the sense of higher purpose prevalent in this ceremony. It was beautiful and moving with a nobility not often found today.
My Uncle spent many years bucking the system and fighting the man. Later in life, he seemed to reconcile with friends and family in a meaningful way. I know he did not look fondly back on the Vietnam War (no surprise) and also did not think highly of the Army, but I think just maybe he looked down on the cemetery yesterday and came full circle on his military service also.
God Bless You, Uncle Peter.
He was also a Vietnam War vet and many of his troubles have been blamed on his war experiences: both combat and non-combat, if you get my drift. He joined the US Army in 1968, qualifying Jump School with the 101st Airborne. He was a recipient of the Army Commendation Medal w/"V" Device, the Vietnam Service Medal w/4 Bronze Service Stars, a Parachutist Badge, and a Combat Infantry Badge.
He died young (age 60). As he was divorced, childless and without a will, the family decided to have him buried in a military cemetery in Connecticut.
Now let me say that I hate funerals. Really hate them. This is because of my own awkwardness regarding the situation: what do you say to someone who has lost a loved one? "I am sorry"? "He/she is in a better place"? Nothing seems adequate. Yesterday was different.
The day was beautiful and the cemetery was solemn and dignified with rows of white marble headstones neatly in formation. The two marines assigned to the burial were great treating the family with respect. My father asked me to read my Uncle's commendation letter to start things off and you could tell that this was unknown to most of the two dozen or so attendees. When I read that my Uncle's actions were a credit to "him, his unit and to the tradition of the United States Army", the emotion was palatable.
The folding of the flag was next with an accompanying 9 gun salute. The tri-folded flag was presented to my father as the family scion with a sharp salute and my father then turned and presented the flag to my Uncle's ex-wife. In the background, trumpeter unseen to any of the attendees, "Taps" was played. I can not convey the sense of higher purpose prevalent in this ceremony. It was beautiful and moving with a nobility not often found today.
My Uncle spent many years bucking the system and fighting the man. Later in life, he seemed to reconcile with friends and family in a meaningful way. I know he did not look fondly back on the Vietnam War (no surprise) and also did not think highly of the Army, but I think just maybe he looked down on the cemetery yesterday and came full circle on his military service also.
God Bless You, Uncle Peter.
5.22.2007
Party at the Vick House: Korean Dinner After!
Clinton Portis gives new meaning to the phrase "backwards-ass country black". And gives the true measure of his intelligence with following MENSA worthy comment:
"I don't know if he was fighting dogs or not, but it's his property, it's his dog," Portis said. "If that's what he wants to do, do it. I think people should mind their business."
When told that dog fighting is a felony, Portis replied, "It can't be too bad of a crime." Citing he was from deep back woods Mississippi, he stated "I know a lot of back roads that have the dog fighting if you want to go see it."
Here's a CLUE. It's a FELONY you frikkin' moron. Looking it up in the dictionary, which is something you're obviously not familiar with, give us "One of several grave crimes, such as murder, rape, or burglary, punishable by a more stringent sentence". That means it's a SERIOUS crime, and AGAINST the law, and you GO TO JAIL for it.
Just goes to show you that athletic prowess has NOTHING to do with and NO COLRRELATION with intelligence nor common sense. It just boggles the mind...
*****
Steroids in MLB. I have always been both a forgiver and comdemner of juiced baseball players. On one hand, steroids don't make you better able to hit a pitched baseball, which is still IMHO one of the, if not THE, toughest things in sports (next to Tilam beating me at golf and getting any married woman to play pelvic ping-pong). So from that standpoint, steroids are a worthless investment.
However, steroids DO make warning track power 3 row home runs, and THAT is the big issue here. 20 more feet from the warning track is a round tripper, so high flies will travel over the fence easier than they would if you had not done the sauce.
Then again, the difference between hitting a ball 385 feet to dead center and 405 feet over the wall is probably a millimeter on the bathead, steroids don't help you align that better.
Conversely, if you're off that millimeter and you DO steroids, then it's a home run.
See? I can debate myself all day...
Jason Giambi. Hmm, what to say about him. Well, he's already admitted to using 'roids, but he swears that he did not use them after signing the Yankee contract, which is all of a sudden in doubt. And now the Yankees are going to consider voiding the contract with Giambi if it's found that he did do 'roids after signing with New York. Again, as with Barry Bonds (unfortunately), unless something is PROVEN, you can't accuse and act upon speculation. I'm NOT in favor of voiding the contract of Giambi now for stuff he did a few years ago. Water under the bridge.
Oh, and Bud Selig, it's UNFORGIVEABLE that you don't plan on being there when Bonds breaks Aaron's career MLB home run record. Sure, he's at the center of the BALCO investigation. Sure, we have testimony that he did performance enhancing drugs. BUT YOU HAVEN'T PROVEN ANYTHING. And this is a significant record, and you SHOULD be there. I've always thought you were an asshole anyway, now that you no longer own the Brewers they are doing well, but this is an honor in baseball you need to recognize. If Bonds is proven to have done drugs later, react as you will. But to have accusations that are basically unproven guide you conduct, makes you a big asshole. I don't like Bonds much, and I believe he's done "something", but without proof he's another baseball player who will break a record, and you owe it to the GAME to be there, regardless of your personal feelings towards Barry and his alleged drug use.
I thought we were innocent until proven guilty?
"I don't know if he was fighting dogs or not, but it's his property, it's his dog," Portis said. "If that's what he wants to do, do it. I think people should mind their business."
When told that dog fighting is a felony, Portis replied, "It can't be too bad of a crime." Citing he was from deep back woods Mississippi, he stated "I know a lot of back roads that have the dog fighting if you want to go see it."
Here's a CLUE. It's a FELONY you frikkin' moron. Looking it up in the dictionary, which is something you're obviously not familiar with, give us "One of several grave crimes, such as murder, rape, or burglary, punishable by a more stringent sentence". That means it's a SERIOUS crime, and AGAINST the law, and you GO TO JAIL for it.
Just goes to show you that athletic prowess has NOTHING to do with and NO COLRRELATION with intelligence nor common sense. It just boggles the mind...
*****
Steroids in MLB. I have always been both a forgiver and comdemner of juiced baseball players. On one hand, steroids don't make you better able to hit a pitched baseball, which is still IMHO one of the, if not THE, toughest things in sports (next to Tilam beating me at golf and getting any married woman to play pelvic ping-pong). So from that standpoint, steroids are a worthless investment.
However, steroids DO make warning track power 3 row home runs, and THAT is the big issue here. 20 more feet from the warning track is a round tripper, so high flies will travel over the fence easier than they would if you had not done the sauce.
Then again, the difference between hitting a ball 385 feet to dead center and 405 feet over the wall is probably a millimeter on the bathead, steroids don't help you align that better.
Conversely, if you're off that millimeter and you DO steroids, then it's a home run.
See? I can debate myself all day...
Jason Giambi. Hmm, what to say about him. Well, he's already admitted to using 'roids, but he swears that he did not use them after signing the Yankee contract, which is all of a sudden in doubt. And now the Yankees are going to consider voiding the contract with Giambi if it's found that he did do 'roids after signing with New York. Again, as with Barry Bonds (unfortunately), unless something is PROVEN, you can't accuse and act upon speculation. I'm NOT in favor of voiding the contract of Giambi now for stuff he did a few years ago. Water under the bridge.
Oh, and Bud Selig, it's UNFORGIVEABLE that you don't plan on being there when Bonds breaks Aaron's career MLB home run record. Sure, he's at the center of the BALCO investigation. Sure, we have testimony that he did performance enhancing drugs. BUT YOU HAVEN'T PROVEN ANYTHING. And this is a significant record, and you SHOULD be there. I've always thought you were an asshole anyway, now that you no longer own the Brewers they are doing well, but this is an honor in baseball you need to recognize. If Bonds is proven to have done drugs later, react as you will. But to have accusations that are basically unproven guide you conduct, makes you a big asshole. I don't like Bonds much, and I believe he's done "something", but without proof he's another baseball player who will break a record, and you owe it to the GAME to be there, regardless of your personal feelings towards Barry and his alleged drug use.
I thought we were innocent until proven guilty?
5.18.2007
Ruff Life
Again, this is something I will never understand. God has given you talent and opportunity and you just throw it all away. Even when you get a second, third and fourth chance, you keep on throwing it away.
I am not sure what it is. I don't think it is a race thing (white and Hispanic athletes also do it), but WTF is he thinking?
I have mentioned on many occasions that the NFL generally produces "good" characters (as oppose to the nuts of the NBA). But there are exceptions...
* * *
In other news, Floyd Landis' doping hearing got more interesting. Greg Lemond revaled that he was sexually abused as a child and that Landis' manager threaten to reveal that information if Lemond testified against Landis. Now, Lemond is a total asshole, but WTF. What are these people thinking?
* * *
Jason Giambi has admitted to using steroids. Is anyone surprised? Of course, now that the Yankees pitching has settled down, the bats have gone quiet. Good news is they are back in 2nd place, the bad news is that they are 9 1/2 back and the Red Sox are paying .700 ball. (Is it time to Panic? No, let's wait to see how the Red sox do after the All-Star break - Ed.) But at least there is finally harmony in the clubhouse. Oh, wait.
* * *
The Girls are 5 - 0 (7 - 2 as split squads) and generally dominating. As a coach, you definately enjoy these seasons more then the 0 - 5 seasons. I have seven of my 11 girls going for all-stars, but it was funny to watch my girls (who are competeing against their own grade and the next grade up) struggle against the bigger, older girls. They did well, but there were 60 eight and nine year olds trying out for about 33 slots. And, as is usual, the Top 10 are pretty obvious, the Bottom 10 probably apparent, and the remaining 40 girls are all good and very close in skills. I think I am more nervous then they are...
I am not sure what it is. I don't think it is a race thing (white and Hispanic athletes also do it), but WTF is he thinking?
I have mentioned on many occasions that the NFL generally produces "good" characters (as oppose to the nuts of the NBA). But there are exceptions...
* * *
In other news, Floyd Landis' doping hearing got more interesting. Greg Lemond revaled that he was sexually abused as a child and that Landis' manager threaten to reveal that information if Lemond testified against Landis. Now, Lemond is a total asshole, but WTF. What are these people thinking?
* * *
Jason Giambi has admitted to using steroids. Is anyone surprised? Of course, now that the Yankees pitching has settled down, the bats have gone quiet. Good news is they are back in 2nd place, the bad news is that they are 9 1/2 back and the Red Sox are paying .700 ball. (Is it time to Panic? No, let's wait to see how the Red sox do after the All-Star break - Ed.) But at least there is finally harmony in the clubhouse. Oh, wait.
* * *
The Girls are 5 - 0 (7 - 2 as split squads) and generally dominating. As a coach, you definately enjoy these seasons more then the 0 - 5 seasons. I have seven of my 11 girls going for all-stars, but it was funny to watch my girls (who are competeing against their own grade and the next grade up) struggle against the bigger, older girls. They did well, but there were 60 eight and nine year olds trying out for about 33 slots. And, as is usual, the Top 10 are pretty obvious, the Bottom 10 probably apparent, and the remaining 40 girls are all good and very close in skills. I think I am more nervous then they are...
5.16.2007
2 Woofs, a Yip, and a Woof
Well, the Michael Vick case just keeps getting more interesting...
Now, despite the fact that Vick has said that he was rarely at the Virginia house he owned where officials have found evidence of dog fighting and that he never took part in the practice, investigators don't agree. Kathy Strouse, the animal control coordinator for the City of Chesapeake in Virginia which is investigating the case at the Smithfield home, has spoken with individuals who can "put Vick on that property" during matches. Saying she is "very confident" that Vick will be tied directly to the dog fighting on the property, Strouse has challenged Surry County Commonwealth attorney Gerald Poindexter to bring charges.
But Michael Vick is famous...
"I'm not going to be a party to a witch hunt," Poindexter said, according to the Journal Constitution. "This [process] will not be driven by people who hate Michael Vick, love Michael Vick or people who love animals."
What the hell is this guy smoking? Make no mistake, something really bad was happening around that house, a house that Vick owned but "left to my family members and cousins". I call bullshit. Lately, reports regarding his involvement in the operation keep surfacing.
- Police conducting a drug investigation at the end of April raided the Vick-owned house and reported finding dozens of dogs, some injured and emaciated
- Investigators also discovered items associated with dog fighting, including veterinary supplies, blood-soaked carpeting, treadmills used for training and tools used to pry apart a dog's jaws.
- Sports Illustrated reported on its Web site on Thursday that two friends of Vick said the QB knew about the dog fighting operation at the home.
- WAVY-TV in Norfolk reported that clerks at a store near the property said Vick bought items such as syringes typically used in dog fighting.
But make NO mistake, this is about protecting your local famous athelete. This is about protecting the sterling (?) image of Surry County, VA, that it is not some back woods redneck shithole where people play banjos and watch dog fighting. More to come, but now, as you look at the Vick family, you begin to realize that the dickhead younger brother Marcus is not the exception, but the rule; and now, apparently coming to light, big bro Michael is the same way.
Now, despite the fact that Vick has said that he was rarely at the Virginia house he owned where officials have found evidence of dog fighting and that he never took part in the practice, investigators don't agree. Kathy Strouse, the animal control coordinator for the City of Chesapeake in Virginia which is investigating the case at the Smithfield home, has spoken with individuals who can "put Vick on that property" during matches. Saying she is "very confident" that Vick will be tied directly to the dog fighting on the property, Strouse has challenged Surry County Commonwealth attorney Gerald Poindexter to bring charges.
But Michael Vick is famous...
"I'm not going to be a party to a witch hunt," Poindexter said, according to the Journal Constitution. "This [process] will not be driven by people who hate Michael Vick, love Michael Vick or people who love animals."
What the hell is this guy smoking? Make no mistake, something really bad was happening around that house, a house that Vick owned but "left to my family members and cousins". I call bullshit. Lately, reports regarding his involvement in the operation keep surfacing.
- Police conducting a drug investigation at the end of April raided the Vick-owned house and reported finding dozens of dogs, some injured and emaciated
- Investigators also discovered items associated with dog fighting, including veterinary supplies, blood-soaked carpeting, treadmills used for training and tools used to pry apart a dog's jaws.
- Sports Illustrated reported on its Web site on Thursday that two friends of Vick said the QB knew about the dog fighting operation at the home.
- WAVY-TV in Norfolk reported that clerks at a store near the property said Vick bought items such as syringes typically used in dog fighting.
But make NO mistake, this is about protecting your local famous athelete. This is about protecting the sterling (?) image of Surry County, VA, that it is not some back woods redneck shithole where people play banjos and watch dog fighting. More to come, but now, as you look at the Vick family, you begin to realize that the dickhead younger brother Marcus is not the exception, but the rule; and now, apparently coming to light, big bro Michael is the same way.
5.07.2007
Joie de Vivre
As the world community gets smaller, the importance of things happening abroad grow. A very important thing happened this past weekend: an adult was elected to lead France.
Now I enjoy calling the French surrender monkeys as much as the next bloke, but there are two things to keep in mind. The first is the the common Frenchman is no more like the French politician as I am like Harry Reid. So while I agree that Chirac "est un Ver" I don't attribute his failings to the common Frenchman.
Second, we need a strong and vital France as much as we need a strong and vital England, Australia, Germany, Japan, Canada, Mexico...you get my drift. To a certain extent, it is MORE important. The French have had a nasty habit of dealing with unsavory regimes and going around the US and UN sanctions. Why? $$$$ A vibrant economy will take some pressure off of the French multi-nationals to make deal with such regimes simply for the money.
The problems the French face are tough, but not insurmountable. The solutions require the nation to take some risks, but Sarkozy seems to have been very up front about that and still won walking away. But if he can break the unions, revive the economy and give the French a boost of confidence, France can be a formitable player on the international stage. With the Brits flagging, Germany content and Japan tied up with North Korea, the US needs that right now.
Now I enjoy calling the French surrender monkeys as much as the next bloke, but there are two things to keep in mind. The first is the the common Frenchman is no more like the French politician as I am like Harry Reid. So while I agree that Chirac "est un Ver" I don't attribute his failings to the common Frenchman.
Second, we need a strong and vital France as much as we need a strong and vital England, Australia, Germany, Japan, Canada, Mexico...you get my drift. To a certain extent, it is MORE important. The French have had a nasty habit of dealing with unsavory regimes and going around the US and UN sanctions. Why? $$$$ A vibrant economy will take some pressure off of the French multi-nationals to make deal with such regimes simply for the money.
The problems the French face are tough, but not insurmountable. The solutions require the nation to take some risks, but Sarkozy seems to have been very up front about that and still won walking away. But if he can break the unions, revive the economy and give the French a boost of confidence, France can be a formitable player on the international stage. With the Brits flagging, Germany content and Japan tied up with North Korea, the US needs that right now.
5.02.2007
Maybe He has Changed...
Now this is interesting...
Brady restructures his contract to get Moss under the cap.
Moss tears up his $9+MM contract AFTER the trade and gets $3MM up to a possible $5MM.
Maybe, just maybe, Randy has had an epiphany.
Brady restructures his contract to get Moss under the cap.
Moss tears up his $9+MM contract AFTER the trade and gets $3MM up to a possible $5MM.
Maybe, just maybe, Randy has had an epiphany.
5.01.2007
A Rolling Stone Gathers No...
Moss. Bill Simmons' comments are funny and dead-on. Favorite line: Brady to Belichick, "COULD YOU GET ME SOME HELP PLEASE! THERE'S A CHANCE MY EX-GIRLFRIEND PULLED THE GOALIE ON ME THIS WINTER, COULD YOU THROW ME ONE EFFING BONE HERE!" "Pulled the Goalie"?! I nearly pissed myself.
I think Moss is thinking two things: One, there are more important things then money. He will never post HoF numbers in Oakland nor will he ever win a Super Bowl in Oakland. Both are quite possible in New England. Two, there is nothing more important then money and I will be worth nothing in two years if I stay in Oakland. Sooooo, where do I go? I need a top quarterback; a deeper receiving core and an offensive line that will give said QB time. And I want to put up numbers in the play-offs. Hmmmmmm.
Count me as optimistic this is a good move for New England and Moss.
Quinn. Two words: Eli Manning. No one wanted to make that mistake again.
Russell. Good fit in Oakland. He needs a year, but won't get it. The question is is he the next Randell Cunningham or Drew Bledsoe.
Landis. Is there reasonable grounds to believ..Zzzzzzzzzzzzzz. I love to bike, but I hate TDF politics. The French were going to strip him of the title because he is American.
Yankees. Tom Verducci says they are done. We will see. True Yankee fans see April through September as pre-season ball. Let's talk again in October. They are 5 games below .500, but it is very early.
My Girls. Are 3-0 (5-0, if you view split squads as separate games) for the season and are looking pretty solid. This is my last season with this group of kids, so I am hoping to run the table. The games have been relatively close, but we really have not been threaten yet. We are lucky, we have 4-5 very good players who are very good, but our younger girls (first graders) make our team. It is clear that we have a much stronger young squad then the other teams. Normally, you are happy that the youngsters don't mess up too badly, but we have girls who really contribute.
I think Moss is thinking two things: One, there are more important things then money. He will never post HoF numbers in Oakland nor will he ever win a Super Bowl in Oakland. Both are quite possible in New England. Two, there is nothing more important then money and I will be worth nothing in two years if I stay in Oakland. Sooooo, where do I go? I need a top quarterback; a deeper receiving core and an offensive line that will give said QB time. And I want to put up numbers in the play-offs. Hmmmmmm.
Count me as optimistic this is a good move for New England and Moss.
Quinn. Two words: Eli Manning. No one wanted to make that mistake again.
Russell. Good fit in Oakland. He needs a year, but won't get it. The question is is he the next Randell Cunningham or Drew Bledsoe.
Landis. Is there reasonable grounds to believ..Zzzzzzzzzzzzzz. I love to bike, but I hate TDF politics. The French were going to strip him of the title because he is American.
Yankees. Tom Verducci says they are done. We will see. True Yankee fans see April through September as pre-season ball. Let's talk again in October. They are 5 games below .500, but it is very early.
My Girls. Are 3-0 (5-0, if you view split squads as separate games) for the season and are looking pretty solid. This is my last season with this group of kids, so I am hoping to run the table. The games have been relatively close, but we really have not been threaten yet. We are lucky, we have 4-5 very good players who are very good, but our younger girls (first graders) make our team. It is clear that we have a much stronger young squad then the other teams. Normally, you are happy that the youngsters don't mess up too badly, but we have girls who really contribute.
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