Okay, so I'll chat a bit about this.
It might make sense to conservatives and religious right wingers to lump abortion into the bucket of heinous crimes, but I think it's more complicated than that. So let's throw some stuff out into the primordial soup of the Tilam blog...
Legalize Abortion - the woman has domain over her body, she chooses her actions, and after all is said and done, she is held accountable, either by God or no one should we just to the dirt nap when the ride is over. She can listen to the doctor, weigh the risks, then hopefully make an informed decision about her course of action. But again, she holds sway and control over herself, her body, and her destiny.
Overturn it and contest it - hmm, here is where the slippery slope causes some heartache. Okay, so abortion is illegal. Let's enter ONE of the many situations where this becomes a difficult topic.
Rape is a horrible enough crime. What if a woman gets pregnant as a result of this violent act? Are you going to FORCE her to have a child because abortion is illegal? Bear the child of a rapist criminal, who could be on drugs or crazy or worse? A child changes everything, anyone who is a parent knows that. Artificially imposing parenthood on someone who has just undergone a horrendous emotion (and physical) event is not a good thing, not to mention the daily reminder to the poor woman of the result of her rapist - something who will look into her eyes every day for the rest of her own life.
Okay so in special cases of rape, you can have an abortion. How many cases of rape do you think will be reported as a result? Don't you think that rape will become the new birth control? "Oh doc, I was raped, I need an abortion". Miss Jones will claim rape rather than admit that Mr Smith got her knocked up during a night of drunken wild sex (which is a good thing but you get my point). So she goes to her doctor and says "I was raped, I need an abortion". Quick abortion, DNC, done. Ready made birth control. BUT, what does the doctor do? If he hears that Miss Jones was raped, does he report it to the local authorities? If he does, Mr Smith will be pulled and testing done and BAM, they'll find out that he's the father and the rapist. But wait, he isn't the rapist, he's just the sperm donor. Does he do time because he's fingered as the rapist? Or does Miss Jones relent and admit she's pregnant because she's stupid. That creates bad blood and the relationship goes south and next thing you know there's another unwed mother in the world.
Bottom line, unless the federal or state authorities can account for EVERY permutation of the many loopholes of overturning Roe v Wade and possibly making abortion illegal (or something close), then you might as well just leave it as it is. Because as you have seen many times in the past, the government should not get too involved in personal issues like this, and cannot without creating a SNAFU the size of the Grand Canyon.
Gearing up for a flaming post from Tilam...
3.08.2006
Take a DEEP breath and get ready to spew Thew!
The auto-flush toilet...let it NEVER be said that this blog tackles ONLY esoteric topics, we cover the entire gamut of human existence. But Thew, in his high and mighty wisdom, will not wax upon this subject, as I cannot remember the last time I put my hands on a public toilet; call me an old soccer god, but the foot flushes just as easily as the hand with 1% of the germs. Besides, WHO CRAPS IN PUBLIC bathrooms anyway?! Mrs Thew told me that her arse never touches the seat in a public restroom, she just squats and aims...sort of. (Hey, kinda like...oh, sorry, TMI!) If it ain't the Crown Room, or a high quality hotel, then my poo will not grace the toilet sides - I shall remain a hold out until I can defecate in my own personal loo. 'Nuff said.
Okay, on to other stuff...
Reddick is tired. The bench is not deep, JJ has to play a ton of minutes. And he's showing a little wear and tear this late in the season. If I had to vote for a PotY, well, I'd split my vote - Rudy Gay is, of course, OUT. He is too soft, not aggressive enough. Talent through the roof, OMG, but no killer instinct. Adam Morrison get's my nod over Reddick because he creates a buttload of his own shots with his skill. Reddick gets my nod over Morrison because he is the best pure shooter in the land. And since Tilam is going to badge me until I fall off the fence one way, I'll go with Morrison with a RRCH of a margin.
Let's SLAM Tilam. So Kirby kept his demons quiet during his career? Well, hell, so did Pete Rose. We didn't hear about his gambling problems until AFTER he retired as a full time player. Duh...wtf is your point here? But that aside, I can't think of a person who played with more passion, enjoyment, verve, and treated those around him like friends and family, more than Kirby Puckett. A man who took a chess players body and became an all-star and World Series hero. Regardless of his personal issues, he was a player (and based on his extra-cirriculars, a player in more than the baseball sense of the word) and the baseball world is a sadder and diminished place from his passing.
Michelle Wie...RANKED #3?! Where the HELL did this number come from? She didn't win in Juniors, she hasn't won on the LPGA, and hasn't even MADE THE CUT at a men's event! So she finished in the top ten a few weeks ago, BFD! Her 2nd place standing going into the LPGA last year was followed by a Jason Gore like phenomenal collapse into obscurity on the final day. THAT is not indicative of the 3rd ranked player in the world. My gosh, she's not even in my top 10 LPGA hotties list (hellooooooo, Natalie Gulbis). So as I meander through this topic, I think of two possibilities: either the LPGA FUBARED the rankings because the new commish and her ranking team are a bunch of morons, or they put her 3rd to create controversy, excitement, opinions, and consequently...publicity. Personally, I think they are morons. Now, she MIGHt be ranked #3 in EGO without success and hype without results, much like Bode Miller and this year's Olympics, but #3 in the LPGA? I wonder who she blew tew get almost to tew, it sure wasn't Thew.
Barry Bonds...okay, what Grizzly Adams, no city livin', cave dweller is NOT surprised by this new news of his steroid use?! Jeebus! But here's another point - before he started juicing, he was 400/400 HR/SB already, and had won 3 MVP's. So he was ALREADY a playa. But what happened was the ego went south, and he decided to juice up his power, so that when a fantastic hitter got solid contact, it went yard. We forget that Mark McGwire hit 49 HR's as a rookie in 1988. So he just got bigger and better, but he was already good. Barry Bonds was already at the top of the heap, so to do what he did for the reasons listed in that book is incredible. Does he get into the HoF? Here we go again. I'm going to sit on my personal commode (see above) and ruminate upon this subject until more public information becomes available. But you AGAIn get into the sticky discussion of personality vs performance. If this is true, I'd vote Pete Rose into the HoF before Barry Bonds, because Pete's numbers are pure, he just gambled on baseball. Bonds' numbers are tainted, increased and juiced by artificial means. He would have been a Hall of Famer if he'd just continued at the same pace before 1999. So okay, I'll vote him my asswipe of the week.
On the serious subject of Roe v Wade, I have to pretty much agree with Tilam. How far do government entities (federal or state) intrude into our personal space and physical being has always been a heated debate. Mostly because Tilam and I have known each other for a long time and have had a great many discussions about this over a barley beverage, I have to pretty much agree with him. Sticky subject, very personal, I HATE to get into this in public. Too many time the federales try to intrude upon our very personal decisions, and that chaps my ass. So I'll pass over this one...
The other day I received my SI Swimsuit Issue. You know, maybe it's old age (though I doubt it), but I'm just no longer impressed with that. Too many pictures of skinny, emaciated, not-very-attractive models (well, some of them) - although the cover with all the ex-models was great. Elle, Rachel, Rebecca, they are all healthy and have a proper amount of body, not some 1 piece of bread and lettuce eatin' bulimic bich body. Rachel Hunter has vaulted her way onto my top 10 list...especially if you've ever seen the video for "Stacie's Mom" - woof woof!
Carolina, still at the top of the NHL.
Yankees, still the favorite of the AL East.
T-Wolves, back into the cellar, watch for KG to sulk and the team to miss the playoffs.
Vikings, the poster boys for underachievers.
Okay, on to other stuff...
Reddick is tired. The bench is not deep, JJ has to play a ton of minutes. And he's showing a little wear and tear this late in the season. If I had to vote for a PotY, well, I'd split my vote - Rudy Gay is, of course, OUT. He is too soft, not aggressive enough. Talent through the roof, OMG, but no killer instinct. Adam Morrison get's my nod over Reddick because he creates a buttload of his own shots with his skill. Reddick gets my nod over Morrison because he is the best pure shooter in the land. And since Tilam is going to badge me until I fall off the fence one way, I'll go with Morrison with a RRCH of a margin.
Let's SLAM Tilam. So Kirby kept his demons quiet during his career? Well, hell, so did Pete Rose. We didn't hear about his gambling problems until AFTER he retired as a full time player. Duh...wtf is your point here? But that aside, I can't think of a person who played with more passion, enjoyment, verve, and treated those around him like friends and family, more than Kirby Puckett. A man who took a chess players body and became an all-star and World Series hero. Regardless of his personal issues, he was a player (and based on his extra-cirriculars, a player in more than the baseball sense of the word) and the baseball world is a sadder and diminished place from his passing.
Michelle Wie...RANKED #3?! Where the HELL did this number come from? She didn't win in Juniors, she hasn't won on the LPGA, and hasn't even MADE THE CUT at a men's event! So she finished in the top ten a few weeks ago, BFD! Her 2nd place standing going into the LPGA last year was followed by a Jason Gore like phenomenal collapse into obscurity on the final day. THAT is not indicative of the 3rd ranked player in the world. My gosh, she's not even in my top 10 LPGA hotties list (hellooooooo, Natalie Gulbis). So as I meander through this topic, I think of two possibilities: either the LPGA FUBARED the rankings because the new commish and her ranking team are a bunch of morons, or they put her 3rd to create controversy, excitement, opinions, and consequently...publicity. Personally, I think they are morons. Now, she MIGHt be ranked #3 in EGO without success and hype without results, much like Bode Miller and this year's Olympics, but #3 in the LPGA? I wonder who she blew tew get almost to tew, it sure wasn't Thew.
Barry Bonds...okay, what Grizzly Adams, no city livin', cave dweller is NOT surprised by this new news of his steroid use?! Jeebus! But here's another point - before he started juicing, he was 400/400 HR/SB already, and had won 3 MVP's. So he was ALREADY a playa. But what happened was the ego went south, and he decided to juice up his power, so that when a fantastic hitter got solid contact, it went yard. We forget that Mark McGwire hit 49 HR's as a rookie in 1988. So he just got bigger and better, but he was already good. Barry Bonds was already at the top of the heap, so to do what he did for the reasons listed in that book is incredible. Does he get into the HoF? Here we go again. I'm going to sit on my personal commode (see above) and ruminate upon this subject until more public information becomes available. But you AGAIn get into the sticky discussion of personality vs performance. If this is true, I'd vote Pete Rose into the HoF before Barry Bonds, because Pete's numbers are pure, he just gambled on baseball. Bonds' numbers are tainted, increased and juiced by artificial means. He would have been a Hall of Famer if he'd just continued at the same pace before 1999. So okay, I'll vote him my asswipe of the week.
On the serious subject of Roe v Wade, I have to pretty much agree with Tilam. How far do government entities (federal or state) intrude into our personal space and physical being has always been a heated debate. Mostly because Tilam and I have known each other for a long time and have had a great many discussions about this over a barley beverage, I have to pretty much agree with him. Sticky subject, very personal, I HATE to get into this in public. Too many time the federales try to intrude upon our very personal decisions, and that chaps my ass. So I'll pass over this one...
The other day I received my SI Swimsuit Issue. You know, maybe it's old age (though I doubt it), but I'm just no longer impressed with that. Too many pictures of skinny, emaciated, not-very-attractive models (well, some of them) - although the cover with all the ex-models was great. Elle, Rachel, Rebecca, they are all healthy and have a proper amount of body, not some 1 piece of bread and lettuce eatin' bulimic bich body. Rachel Hunter has vaulted her way onto my top 10 list...especially if you've ever seen the video for "Stacie's Mom" - woof woof!
Carolina, still at the top of the NHL.
Yankees, still the favorite of the AL East.
T-Wolves, back into the cellar, watch for KG to sulk and the team to miss the playoffs.
Vikings, the poster boys for underachievers.
3.07.2006
Maybe All Technology is Not Grand
Over at Slate, Nick Schulz condemns the auto-flush toilet. Warning it is funny enough to soil yourself.
Me: there is a manual button on auto-flushes, Nick! Okay, one could quibble with the accessibility of the thing, but dang: DO THE RESEARCH! Thank God for the blog revolution, so that readers can be totally informed. With reporting like that, he could be on 60 Minutes II. Would that make Tilam the PowerLine of the potty world?
Me 2: I can't believe I blog about this crap.
Me: there is a manual button on auto-flushes, Nick! Okay, one could quibble with the accessibility of the thing, but dang: DO THE RESEARCH! Thank God for the blog revolution, so that readers can be totally informed. With reporting like that, he could be on 60 Minutes II. Would that make Tilam the PowerLine of the potty world?
Me 2: I can't believe I blog about this crap.
A Row over Roe?
South Dakota has passed a law directly challenging Roe v. Wade. (See Captain's Quarters for a start.)
Roe is a funny beast legally. It merges two distinct issues (legal and moral) into one case with passionate feeling on BOTH issues from the right and left. The legal question is whether the "right to privacy" - an unarticulated "right" in the Constitution - is sufficiently enumerated to overcome federalism. That is, is regulation of abortion the right of the federal government or the states? Overturning Roe will not make abortion illegal, it will simply pass the question on to the states.
The moral question is "when does life begin?" "Life" here means when do we become human (or human enough) thus making abortion murder. To this I would add an often overlooked, but to me no less important, question: under what conditions may a government entity to assume control of a woman's body? I think this is important because if you believe that life begins at conception (as oppose to, say, viability or a beating heart) and ban abortion, you force a woman who might not want a child (putting aside for a second the reasons why) to surrender herself for nine months to incubate the child. I have worked hard to try and find an analogy, but I can't.
The legal question, for me, is easy. The "right to privacy" is not a right enumerated in the Constitution and thus cannot serve as a basis for ignoring the Tenth Amendment. ("The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.") This is a state question.
Of course, there has been a whole host of rulings using the "right to privacy" to justify themselves. (Overturning state anti-sodomy laws, for example.) So overturning the basis of Roe v. Wade will have a far greater impact then just on abortion laws. But the negative impact is no reason to retain a fundamentally flawed ruling.
The moral question are trickier. Yours truly believes that a women must retain some "right" to control her body post-conception, but at some point - viability; a beating heart - a women becomes a custodian for a brand new citizen of the United States, with all the rights, privileges and protections that come with that status. The trap that this "logic" springs is where do you draw the line? "Viability" is certainly a squishy concept, but it is generally "viable" at 28 weeks. But at 25 weeks there is a 60% chance that the baby will survive and babies have survived earlier births than 25 weeks.
Using the "beating heart" standard puts you at 9 - 12 weeks or at the end of the first trimester.
Readers know my opinions of the "right to die": I believe in assisted suicide with medical verification of terminal illness from two or more doctors; I believe in the ability of loved ones to withdraw life support, if that is the will of the patient and I believe in some limited ability of a woman to abort her pregnancy, BUT I am open to debate the details. What I abhor is federal government interference with these decisions. While I do understand that government must weigh in on these matters, it should be the government most responsive and accountable to its people - in our system that is the state.
Allowing the states to come up with "solutions" will only further the debate and allow the "right" answer to emerge over time.
So, go South Dakota, it is time to abort Roe.
Roe is a funny beast legally. It merges two distinct issues (legal and moral) into one case with passionate feeling on BOTH issues from the right and left. The legal question is whether the "right to privacy" - an unarticulated "right" in the Constitution - is sufficiently enumerated to overcome federalism. That is, is regulation of abortion the right of the federal government or the states? Overturning Roe will not make abortion illegal, it will simply pass the question on to the states.
The moral question is "when does life begin?" "Life" here means when do we become human (or human enough) thus making abortion murder. To this I would add an often overlooked, but to me no less important, question: under what conditions may a government entity to assume control of a woman's body? I think this is important because if you believe that life begins at conception (as oppose to, say, viability or a beating heart) and ban abortion, you force a woman who might not want a child (putting aside for a second the reasons why) to surrender herself for nine months to incubate the child. I have worked hard to try and find an analogy, but I can't.
The legal question, for me, is easy. The "right to privacy" is not a right enumerated in the Constitution and thus cannot serve as a basis for ignoring the Tenth Amendment. ("The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.") This is a state question.
Of course, there has been a whole host of rulings using the "right to privacy" to justify themselves. (Overturning state anti-sodomy laws, for example.) So overturning the basis of Roe v. Wade will have a far greater impact then just on abortion laws. But the negative impact is no reason to retain a fundamentally flawed ruling.
The moral question are trickier. Yours truly believes that a women must retain some "right" to control her body post-conception, but at some point - viability; a beating heart - a women becomes a custodian for a brand new citizen of the United States, with all the rights, privileges and protections that come with that status. The trap that this "logic" springs is where do you draw the line? "Viability" is certainly a squishy concept, but it is generally "viable" at 28 weeks. But at 25 weeks there is a 60% chance that the baby will survive and babies have survived earlier births than 25 weeks.
Using the "beating heart" standard puts you at 9 - 12 weeks or at the end of the first trimester.
Readers know my opinions of the "right to die": I believe in assisted suicide with medical verification of terminal illness from two or more doctors; I believe in the ability of loved ones to withdraw life support, if that is the will of the patient and I believe in some limited ability of a woman to abort her pregnancy, BUT I am open to debate the details. What I abhor is federal government interference with these decisions. While I do understand that government must weigh in on these matters, it should be the government most responsive and accountable to its people - in our system that is the state.
Allowing the states to come up with "solutions" will only further the debate and allow the "right" answer to emerge over time.
So, go South Dakota, it is time to abort Roe.
King Kirby
I know Thew joins me in mourning the death of Kirby Puckett.
I was in Minneapolis during the World Series in '91 and watched the rabid fervor of the Minnesota fans up close and personal. At the top of the pyramid of worship was Kirby Puckett - and deservedly so. Puckett exemplified "class act" and gave generously to the community - and the community responded in spades to him.
We wish his family the best during these times.
UPDATE: Baseball Crank remembers the good and bad of Kirby. Whatever his private demons, he seemed to keep those hidden during his career. I wish the same could be said of all athletes.
I was in Minneapolis during the World Series in '91 and watched the rabid fervor of the Minnesota fans up close and personal. At the top of the pyramid of worship was Kirby Puckett - and deservedly so. Puckett exemplified "class act" and gave generously to the community - and the community responded in spades to him.
We wish his family the best during these times.
UPDATE: Baseball Crank remembers the good and bad of Kirby. Whatever his private demons, he seemed to keep those hidden during his career. I wish the same could be said of all athletes.
3.06.2006
J.J. Having Problems with the J
In the Duke-UNC game, Dickie V. was talking about the "awful" slump Reddick was in. Since the Miami game at Cameron, here are Reddick's numbers for the last four games:
Opponent FGM TPM PPG
@GT 5-21 1-6 22
@Temple 3-10 1-6 11
@FSU 10-28 4-14 30
UNC 5-21 2-10 18
Total 23-80 8-36 20 (average)
% 29% 22%
Every player has a slump, but Dickie V. was right, Reddick is in a big one (for him). Of course, coming out of it right about now would be good timing, but it goes to the point below about looking tired.
UPDATE: The table above looks like crap and I am too lazy to figure out tables in Blogger. You get the point...
Opponent FGM TPM PPG
@GT 5-21 1-6 22
@Temple 3-10 1-6 11
@FSU 10-28 4-14 30
UNC 5-21 2-10 18
Total 23-80 8-36 20 (average)
% 29% 22%
Every player has a slump, but Dickie V. was right, Reddick is in a big one (for him). Of course, coming out of it right about now would be good timing, but it goes to the point below about looking tired.
UPDATE: The table above looks like crap and I am too lazy to figure out tables in Blogger. You get the point...
Duke v. UNC & Big Ten Thoughts
Saturday, I definitely needed a little rest, so I thought I'd watch Duke/UNC for just a minute at the start of the second half. Like they say, you can't just have one.
What a game. Watching that game two thoughts came up: first is that Duke looked tired. UNC just out hustled Duke and Reddick looked beat. At one point, Dickie V. says, "someone else needs to step up..." and noone did. DeMarcus Nelson made a couple of three pointers near the end to give the Cameron Crazies some hope, but Duke looked emotionally drained. This is not to say they are done, they simple are not, but they need a shot in the arm.
Second, UNC will be scary next year. Roy Williams has really taken this squad of freshmen and molded an Elite 8 team and a potential pre-season Top 3. Of course, there have been disappointments in the past, most notably the Georgia Tech squad that came back intact from the title game in 2004, but you get the impression these guys are different.
On a related matter, the pro sports writers have the Big 10 with as many as seven bids. Huh? With the ACC on having 4? Readers of this blog (Mom and Dad, you know who you are) know that I don't think that losses in the conference season against conference opponents mean as much as most think. That is, I don't believe one or two conference losses makes a trend. But conference wins are the same way. Indiana beating Michigan should not put them in the tourney over, say, Florida State. The ACC and Big Ten should get 5 bids apiece. Further, I would note that the ACC won the Big 10-ACC Challenge (again). I don't think the ACC is as strong this year as some years, but I don't think they are weaker then the Big 10.
Give the extra bid to the SEC who should have 6 bids this year...
What a game. Watching that game two thoughts came up: first is that Duke looked tired. UNC just out hustled Duke and Reddick looked beat. At one point, Dickie V. says, "someone else needs to step up..." and noone did. DeMarcus Nelson made a couple of three pointers near the end to give the Cameron Crazies some hope, but Duke looked emotionally drained. This is not to say they are done, they simple are not, but they need a shot in the arm.
Second, UNC will be scary next year. Roy Williams has really taken this squad of freshmen and molded an Elite 8 team and a potential pre-season Top 3. Of course, there have been disappointments in the past, most notably the Georgia Tech squad that came back intact from the title game in 2004, but you get the impression these guys are different.
On a related matter, the pro sports writers have the Big 10 with as many as seven bids. Huh? With the ACC on having 4? Readers of this blog (Mom and Dad, you know who you are) know that I don't think that losses in the conference season against conference opponents mean as much as most think. That is, I don't believe one or two conference losses makes a trend. But conference wins are the same way. Indiana beating Michigan should not put them in the tourney over, say, Florida State. The ACC and Big Ten should get 5 bids apiece. Further, I would note that the ACC won the Big 10-ACC Challenge (again). I don't think the ACC is as strong this year as some years, but I don't think they are weaker then the Big 10.
Give the extra bid to the SEC who should have 6 bids this year...
3.02.2006
That is Why it is Called Madness
First off, I failed to comment on Thew's post below because...I agree. I think he was/is shocked that such an event occurs. (Psychologists call this "projecting" - since Thew can't let a post go by without some gratuitous smack down, he assumes I can't either. Ooops. I guess THAT was a gratuitous smack down.) Overall, on the Olympics, I do think USA Olympics need to get their collective act together. That fact is, most of the hype just ended up being embarrassing. I also disagree with the pundits who point to the time delay as the ratings problem for NBC. There were simply fewer compelling story lines.
Now on to the real story. The difference between Joe Lunardi and yours truly is that yours truly will not have to contort his logic this morning to justify his past positions. Duke's loss last night was not a shocker. They are tough, but fragile. They just beat FSU (at Cameron Indoor) last time with some home cooked refereeing, so without the zebras to help out Williams...he fouls out.
I will say, what was Coach K thinking? Pulling his team off the field...for safety sake? More like, let's end the humiliation and run and hide.
So, where does that leave us? In truth, no different then yesterday. Barring a total collapse, the four number 1s are UConn, Duke, Villanova and Memphis. How could this change? Losing the last game? A quick out in the conference tourney? Both? Well, the generally accepted 5-8 teams, Gonzaga, Texas, SW and Pitt, are simply not number 1 worthy in my humble opinion. There is a fair chance the Selection Committee will not have a tough choice. I would suspect that there is a 90% chance all the number 1s either win or make it to the championship game of their conference tournaments.
Of course, things could change...that is why they call it madness.
One final note. It is assured that either UConn or Villanova will not win the conference tournament. IF it is a Huskies-Cats final, regardless of the outcome, they each should keep the number one seed.
Now on to the real story. The difference between Joe Lunardi and yours truly is that yours truly will not have to contort his logic this morning to justify his past positions. Duke's loss last night was not a shocker. They are tough, but fragile. They just beat FSU (at Cameron Indoor) last time with some home cooked refereeing, so without the zebras to help out Williams...he fouls out.
I will say, what was Coach K thinking? Pulling his team off the field...for safety sake? More like, let's end the humiliation and run and hide.
So, where does that leave us? In truth, no different then yesterday. Barring a total collapse, the four number 1s are UConn, Duke, Villanova and Memphis. How could this change? Losing the last game? A quick out in the conference tourney? Both? Well, the generally accepted 5-8 teams, Gonzaga, Texas, SW and Pitt, are simply not number 1 worthy in my humble opinion. There is a fair chance the Selection Committee will not have a tough choice. I would suspect that there is a 90% chance all the number 1s either win or make it to the championship game of their conference tournaments.
Of course, things could change...that is why they call it madness.
One final note. It is assured that either UConn or Villanova will not win the conference tournament. IF it is a Huskies-Cats final, regardless of the outcome, they each should keep the number one seed.
2.27.2006
UConn 'Nova II
This was a very good game for the Huskies. My big knock on the Huskies is that they lose interest occasionally. They lost interest in UConn 'Nova I and let Villanova back in to win it. Not this time. Despite a couple of lapses, the Huskies looked very strong. The game was closer then the 14 point margin, but it was a game were digging out of a 6 point hole looked nearly impossible.
So, it is back to Devils #1 and Huskies #2. As I have maintained, you could make an argument for that or UConn #1 and Duke #2, but what has impressed me is that you can easily see Villanova in the title game as well.
All the arguments are moot until the Tournament. I still suggest that UConn and Villanova will be best prepared coming out of conference play and the tournaments because of the strength of the Big East. The "weakness" of the ACC, Big 12 and CUSA hurts Duke, Texas and Memphis, but all have a legitimate shot. I am not a big fan of Gonzaga, though Morrison is a player, and GW really has not shown me anything exciting, so I am looking at Pitt, Georgetown, and the Big Ten pair of OSU and Illinois. (But WHAT is up with the Big Ten???)
It would be a crying shame if Notre Dame did not get into the Tournament, though I do not think they will at this point. That team comes to play every night and has had enough heart breakers to last a lifetime, the latest against UConn. But the Selection does not reward "close, but."
One final UConn note, in the 'Nova loss and ND game, it was the rapid three's that got 'Nova and ND back into the game. I wonder how this plays out in a Duke game.
So, it is back to Devils #1 and Huskies #2. As I have maintained, you could make an argument for that or UConn #1 and Duke #2, but what has impressed me is that you can easily see Villanova in the title game as well.
All the arguments are moot until the Tournament. I still suggest that UConn and Villanova will be best prepared coming out of conference play and the tournaments because of the strength of the Big East. The "weakness" of the ACC, Big 12 and CUSA hurts Duke, Texas and Memphis, but all have a legitimate shot. I am not a big fan of Gonzaga, though Morrison is a player, and GW really has not shown me anything exciting, so I am looking at Pitt, Georgetown, and the Big Ten pair of OSU and Illinois. (But WHAT is up with the Big Ten???)
It would be a crying shame if Notre Dame did not get into the Tournament, though I do not think they will at this point. That team comes to play every night and has had enough heart breakers to last a lifetime, the latest against UConn. But the Selection does not reward "close, but."
One final UConn note, in the 'Nova loss and ND game, it was the rapid three's that got 'Nova and ND back into the game. I wonder how this plays out in a Duke game.
2.26.2006
The Things We Do for Love
My wife, who is a beautiful statuesque 5'9" irish redhead, once told me "you don't ever have to purchase me flowers on any day, they just last for a week then die". So, being the man that I am, I took her words to heart. Bad move. So this past Valentine's Day, I purchased her a dozen overpriced red roses, dinner at a swank local bistro, and tickets to see Bon Jovi in concert. But what takes the cake in our marriage is the exact thing I'm doing while writing this blog...sitting with her watching reality tv - and not just reality, the cheesiest, made for tv spectacle, "Dancing with the Stars". Somewhere a tattooed biker with pieces of food in his beard and a beer belly you can fit a basketball in is wretching. I will be sure to check my manhood after this, but such is the thing we men do for love...and booty points. But 30 mins of Stacy Kiebler is a small consolation that I will live with.
Ok, on to more salient points:
Lindsay Jacobellis - you are the BEST IN THE WORLD and the other people who raced with you know it - they weren't within a long distance phone call near the end. One little mistake should not define you, regardless if it was in the Olympics. Stick it to 'em in 2010.
Bode Miller - goodbye. Have a fun free fall into obscurity. If we're lucky we'll never hear any of your bullshit again. Say goodbye to your endorsements. I hope you had fun "partying like the Olympics", because you are done.
USA Hockey - you are passionless, apathetic, old, and slow. I'd rather lose with young, hungry players than with old and tired relics like Mike Modano, who used to be a classy player until his petulant little hissy fit of an exit. Chris Chelios, you are the only bright spot in a sea or darkness.
Zach Lund - sorry you got busted for Propecia. It was legal for a while, but it's illegal now. And YOU SHOULD HAVE KNOWN! You should have been up on the latest laws and rules, missing that was unforgiveable, and the result is a disqualification and suspension. Come back bald but better.
Michelle Kwan - with grace and dignity, you left us. American figure skating is better for having you be a part of it.
Shani Davis - maybe I am not completely up on this, but cut it with the ghetto attitude. You're an Olympian, not a black Olympian. Enough, the shtick is getting old.
Joey Cheek - I bow down to your integrity and generosity. Donating $45k then challenging corporate america to match it is mind boggling in this day of selfish and whiny athletes.
I don't understand the flood of "X Games" sports in the Olympics, but they are certainly exciting (snowboard xcross - wow). Frankly, since the other sports are for the most part pretty boring (except for hockey), the Olympics are only interesting for the first few days.
Curling - OH MY GOSH I've become interested in this sport. I like it. That makes me a boring person, I guess. But Pete Fensen and the USA Curling program made a MAJOR statement in beating the Brits for the bronze medal. Congrats to Pete!
The one beef I read and had myself was the simple fact that the Olympics lose their attractiveness for the TV audience when the results are posted on the Internet 8 hours before we get to watch them. Suspense gone. Desire to view the games...gone.
UCONN - 'Nova today; sure, revenge is sweet, and 'Nova made the Huskies look lost in the last meeting. But the most important thing to take away from this game was the simple fact that a QUALITY front court of big men will make 'Nova suffer. Tilam will have more insight into who has a deep and tall frontcourt, but I believe that today's game shows that 'Nova's quickness is great and is a force, but that they are vulnerable to a deep and quality set of towers, and Josh Boone and Hilton Armstrong (with backups Nelson and Adrian) proved that today.
Florida - these guys were #2 at one point? I didn't see much passion, much verve, much go-get-'em today, as a result they lose to Alabama (unranked Alabama). Look for them to NOT make the Sweet Sixteen in the big dance.
Ok, on to more salient points:
Lindsay Jacobellis - you are the BEST IN THE WORLD and the other people who raced with you know it - they weren't within a long distance phone call near the end. One little mistake should not define you, regardless if it was in the Olympics. Stick it to 'em in 2010.
Bode Miller - goodbye. Have a fun free fall into obscurity. If we're lucky we'll never hear any of your bullshit again. Say goodbye to your endorsements. I hope you had fun "partying like the Olympics", because you are done.
USA Hockey - you are passionless, apathetic, old, and slow. I'd rather lose with young, hungry players than with old and tired relics like Mike Modano, who used to be a classy player until his petulant little hissy fit of an exit. Chris Chelios, you are the only bright spot in a sea or darkness.
Zach Lund - sorry you got busted for Propecia. It was legal for a while, but it's illegal now. And YOU SHOULD HAVE KNOWN! You should have been up on the latest laws and rules, missing that was unforgiveable, and the result is a disqualification and suspension. Come back bald but better.
Michelle Kwan - with grace and dignity, you left us. American figure skating is better for having you be a part of it.
Shani Davis - maybe I am not completely up on this, but cut it with the ghetto attitude. You're an Olympian, not a black Olympian. Enough, the shtick is getting old.
Joey Cheek - I bow down to your integrity and generosity. Donating $45k then challenging corporate america to match it is mind boggling in this day of selfish and whiny athletes.
I don't understand the flood of "X Games" sports in the Olympics, but they are certainly exciting (snowboard xcross - wow). Frankly, since the other sports are for the most part pretty boring (except for hockey), the Olympics are only interesting for the first few days.
Curling - OH MY GOSH I've become interested in this sport. I like it. That makes me a boring person, I guess. But Pete Fensen and the USA Curling program made a MAJOR statement in beating the Brits for the bronze medal. Congrats to Pete!
The one beef I read and had myself was the simple fact that the Olympics lose their attractiveness for the TV audience when the results are posted on the Internet 8 hours before we get to watch them. Suspense gone. Desire to view the games...gone.
UCONN - 'Nova today; sure, revenge is sweet, and 'Nova made the Huskies look lost in the last meeting. But the most important thing to take away from this game was the simple fact that a QUALITY front court of big men will make 'Nova suffer. Tilam will have more insight into who has a deep and tall frontcourt, but I believe that today's game shows that 'Nova's quickness is great and is a force, but that they are vulnerable to a deep and quality set of towers, and Josh Boone and Hilton Armstrong (with backups Nelson and Adrian) proved that today.
Florida - these guys were #2 at one point? I didn't see much passion, much verve, much go-get-'em today, as a result they lose to Alabama (unranked Alabama). Look for them to NOT make the Sweet Sixteen in the big dance.
2.17.2006
More Blowhards
Mrs. Tilam accuses me of being too hard on Michelle Wie. In the interest of fairness, allow me to point out two other annoying blowhards.
First off, I have a love/hate relationship with the Winter Olympics. I truly enjoy watching sports that I never see at any other time (womens' curling anyone???). But I also think the Winter Olympics are REALLY high in the blowhard factor.
Bode Miller has been all over the place: TV, magazines, the web. I am not sure why. The guy has not performed during the season and has looked lame in the Olympics. Why is the media obsessed with this drunk slacker?
Johnny Weir, just shut up already. Missed the bus and that threw you off? You did not feel good? You choked, you had the silver and you choked. Now you can go home and be just another male figure skater of questionable sexuality. Your ten minutes are up.
On the flip side, Joey Cheek gives his $25,000 medal bonus to famine relief. Now, that is a true Olympian.
First off, I have a love/hate relationship with the Winter Olympics. I truly enjoy watching sports that I never see at any other time (womens' curling anyone???). But I also think the Winter Olympics are REALLY high in the blowhard factor.
Bode Miller has been all over the place: TV, magazines, the web. I am not sure why. The guy has not performed during the season and has looked lame in the Olympics. Why is the media obsessed with this drunk slacker?
Johnny Weir, just shut up already. Missed the bus and that threw you off? You did not feel good? You choked, you had the silver and you choked. Now you can go home and be just another male figure skater of questionable sexuality. Your ten minutes are up.
On the flip side, Joey Cheek gives his $25,000 medal bonus to famine relief. Now, that is a true Olympian.
2.15.2006
Thew is So Reserved
Really, Thew. Don't sugar coat it, tell me how you really feel.
There is no doubt Williams had an awful game. He had been playing really well until that point, so I am not sure what got into him. With a double digit lead, there is no time to be show boating. I do think credit is due to Villanova, though. They hung in there and played a great game.
As an aside, I wonder how much the media controversy has affected the team...
I did not think UConn would make it through the next few games unscathed. In fact, this is the game I expected them to lose. Now they are playing UWV, fresh off of a "bad loss" to Seton Hall. But the game that will most show the character of the team is the next Villanova game. If you are a UConn fan, that game will tell you more than anything.
Barring a complete disaster, I think three of the teams you will see in the Final Four have not changed in my mind: Duke, UConn and Villanova. If any of those teams lose, I just do not see it affecting anything major. I think UConn and Villanova are in the toughest spot because there is a fair chance they will play twice more. Assuming UConn wins next week and they meet in the Big East Tournament, will the loser deserve a #2 seed??? Assuming those are the only losses, I would say not.
But no one has asked me...
There is no doubt Williams had an awful game. He had been playing really well until that point, so I am not sure what got into him. With a double digit lead, there is no time to be show boating. I do think credit is due to Villanova, though. They hung in there and played a great game.
As an aside, I wonder how much the media controversy has affected the team...
I did not think UConn would make it through the next few games unscathed. In fact, this is the game I expected them to lose. Now they are playing UWV, fresh off of a "bad loss" to Seton Hall. But the game that will most show the character of the team is the next Villanova game. If you are a UConn fan, that game will tell you more than anything.
Barring a complete disaster, I think three of the teams you will see in the Final Four have not changed in my mind: Duke, UConn and Villanova. If any of those teams lose, I just do not see it affecting anything major. I think UConn and Villanova are in the toughest spot because there is a fair chance they will play twice more. Assuming UConn wins next week and they meet in the Big East Tournament, will the loser deserve a #2 seed??? Assuming those are the only losses, I would say not.
But no one has asked me...
2.14.2006
Knowing your job!
I don't know what is up with Marcus Williams, but someone needs to tell him that THE POINT GUARD IS NOT SUPPOSED TO BE THE LEADING SCORER! His performance last night was horrible, and truly the cause of the UCONN loss. Hey Marcus, you moron, this is NOT your playground streetball, those bullshit moves you try to do don't work! 5 assists and 6 turnovers (or is it 6 & 5?) SUCKS! You are supposed to find the open man first, not take the shot first. You are NOT Stephon Marbury, who by the way, hasn't done anything but get coaches fired and himself traded...
This guy is a black hole. Ball goes in, ball doesn't come out. He takes to cool little floaters in the lane that look so great if you actually make 'em, which he doesn't. Why the point guard is jacking up a 3 pointer with Rudy Gay wide open on the wing is frikkin beyond me! WTF is his problem - and why isn't Calhoun pulling him behind the treeline and pummelling him with the CLUE hammer?!
But now I know why Rudy Gay doesn't light it up - THE POINT GUARD DOESN'T PASS IT TO HIM! Lack of touches means lack of shots - lack of shots means less points. This holds true of Josh Boone as well as Rashad Anderson - GET THEM THE FUGGIN BALL you idiot!
UCONN will NEVER win a national championship (and this from a UCONN graduate) with this guy at the point unless he figures this out. I am worried sick come March...
This guy is a black hole. Ball goes in, ball doesn't come out. He takes to cool little floaters in the lane that look so great if you actually make 'em, which he doesn't. Why the point guard is jacking up a 3 pointer with Rudy Gay wide open on the wing is frikkin beyond me! WTF is his problem - and why isn't Calhoun pulling him behind the treeline and pummelling him with the CLUE hammer?!
But now I know why Rudy Gay doesn't light it up - THE POINT GUARD DOESN'T PASS IT TO HIM! Lack of touches means lack of shots - lack of shots means less points. This holds true of Josh Boone as well as Rashad Anderson - GET THEM THE FUGGIN BALL you idiot!
UCONN will NEVER win a national championship (and this from a UCONN graduate) with this guy at the point unless he figures this out. I am worried sick come March...
2.08.2006
Lunardi's Blind Spot
Continuing down this Duke - UConn thread, Joe Lunardi weighs in in Bracketology about UConn's non-conference SOS. In particular, he rips UConn (among others) for their light non-conference schedule. In UConn's case, it is the December "Tour of New England" I have written about before.
I am not sure if Lunardi's point is that the Selection Committee does things this way and he agrees with them or that the Selection Committee does things this way and he does not agree. I suspect it is the former because a) his schtick (Bracketology) requires him to anticipate the Committee and it helps if your biases are consistent with the Committee's and b) he just writes with such conviction on the subject.
So....
Duke sneaks past another conference opponent as UConn get set to play Syracuse tonight. Lunardi still gives the overall #1 seed to Duke and states "How close are UConn and Duke at this point? Both won at Indiana by exactly eight points." He clearly did not watch the two games. With Duke/Indiana, IU was actually up one with 6:40 left in the game and Duke's largest lead was around 10 points. With UConn/Indiana, Indiana got no closer then 6 and IU struggled to get back to the 8 point difference. But other then that, I guess the games were equal.
UConn has a tough schedule ahead: after Syracuse, they have a resurgent Seton Hall, two games against #4 'Nova, #10 West Virginia and Notre Dame. The chances of UConn winning all of these are small. Does that make them less worthy of a #1 seed?
I will again add that I think Duke (regardless of the strength of the ACC) and UConn are number 1 seeds at this point and am not sure EITHER Duke or UConn will cut down the nets in April, but come on Joe Lunardi you get paid to analyze not just read the box score and say "those teams are equal."
I am not sure if Lunardi's point is that the Selection Committee does things this way and he agrees with them or that the Selection Committee does things this way and he does not agree. I suspect it is the former because a) his schtick (Bracketology) requires him to anticipate the Committee and it helps if your biases are consistent with the Committee's and b) he just writes with such conviction on the subject.
So....
Duke sneaks past another conference opponent as UConn get set to play Syracuse tonight. Lunardi still gives the overall #1 seed to Duke and states "How close are UConn and Duke at this point? Both won at Indiana by exactly eight points." He clearly did not watch the two games. With Duke/Indiana, IU was actually up one with 6:40 left in the game and Duke's largest lead was around 10 points. With UConn/Indiana, Indiana got no closer then 6 and IU struggled to get back to the 8 point difference. But other then that, I guess the games were equal.
UConn has a tough schedule ahead: after Syracuse, they have a resurgent Seton Hall, two games against #4 'Nova, #10 West Virginia and Notre Dame. The chances of UConn winning all of these are small. Does that make them less worthy of a #1 seed?
I will again add that I think Duke (regardless of the strength of the ACC) and UConn are number 1 seeds at this point and am not sure EITHER Duke or UConn will cut down the nets in April, but come on Joe Lunardi you get paid to analyze not just read the box score and say "those teams are equal."
2.06.2006
Duke v. UConn 2
Nice to know the cognoscenti are catching up. Gregg Doyle jumps on the Tilam and Thew bandwagon.
In Boston, Duke blew a big lead. At home, Duke could not get 5 points of separation against Florida State. Andy Katz at ESPN says the close games will help Duke in the NCAAs. While I agree with the sentiment regarding BC, a Florida State-Duke match-up is like a second rounder. If the Blue Devils are having trouble getting to the Sweet 16, we are in a parallel world. I still think Duke is a Final Four team, but the "fear factor" of playing them this year is going away. I would also note that the Duke-BC crew are being reviewed for the non-call on Williams and the Duke-Florida State crew received a suspension for give FS a technical foul, Alexander Johnson's fifth (Williams picked up the T for bumping Johnson).
UConn's win at Indiana was not as close as the final score. UConn was giving up uncontested baskets at the end to run down the clock. Indiana made two great runs in the early first half and mid-way through the second half, but the outcome was never really in doubt. As Doyle says above, it was a 15 point game. But what was up with the refs??? In the very beginning of the IU comeback they must have blown (and I mean blown) about four or five calls in a row. I would not say that they were one way (though the offensive foul call against Rudy Gay on a defensive rebound was just nuts and hitting Killingsworth with his third foul at the time hurt IU). Not quite raising to the "suspicions of bribery" level of the pro-Duke calls, but WTF?
In Boston, Duke blew a big lead. At home, Duke could not get 5 points of separation against Florida State. Andy Katz at ESPN says the close games will help Duke in the NCAAs. While I agree with the sentiment regarding BC, a Florida State-Duke match-up is like a second rounder. If the Blue Devils are having trouble getting to the Sweet 16, we are in a parallel world. I still think Duke is a Final Four team, but the "fear factor" of playing them this year is going away. I would also note that the Duke-BC crew are being reviewed for the non-call on Williams and the Duke-Florida State crew received a suspension for give FS a technical foul, Alexander Johnson's fifth (Williams picked up the T for bumping Johnson).
UConn's win at Indiana was not as close as the final score. UConn was giving up uncontested baskets at the end to run down the clock. Indiana made two great runs in the early first half and mid-way through the second half, but the outcome was never really in doubt. As Doyle says above, it was a 15 point game. But what was up with the refs??? In the very beginning of the IU comeback they must have blown (and I mean blown) about four or five calls in a row. I would not say that they were one way (though the offensive foul call against Rudy Gay on a defensive rebound was just nuts and hitting Killingsworth with his third foul at the time hurt IU). Not quite raising to the "suspicions of bribery" level of the pro-Duke calls, but WTF?
Super Thoughts
Some post-Super Bowl thoughts:
1. Being a Northeasterner, the thought of Steelers-Seahawks Super Bowl was a bit - oh - boring. (Okay, Pittsburgh did strike my interest and gave a team to cheer on.) But I found myself watching until the last seconds. It was a fun Super Bowl. I did not really have a dog in this fight, notwithstanding my promise to root for Mrs. Thew's Steelers, so it was fun to watch. I was always hoping the losing team would come back.
2. The "better" team lost. The general sense of the two dozen sports fans at the party where I was, was that Seattle outplayed Pittsburgh. I think Hasselback outplayed Roethlisberger (67.8 rating v. 22.6!!) though I thought both quarterbacks showed real touchness. But there was also a general sense that Seattle did not go in for the kill. (Imagine if Jerramy Stevens could actually catch a pass.) Pittsburgh had Seattle's lunch on one play and one play only. But...who cares? What matters is the score at the end.
3. The Zebras determined the game...again. I do not think the Roethlisberger touchdown was the determining factor, but the holding call bring back the pass to Stevens and the personal foul on Hasselback really swung the momentum the other way.
4. Al Michaels and John Madden were good. Madden, especially, showed a glimpse of his former self and is made for the Super Bowl. Simply put, the Super Bowl is often a coaches duel and insight into coaching is what Madden does best. Most importantly, they did not distract from the game.
5. Finally, what the heck happened at the end of the game? Madden's advice was dead on. Get the points, onside kick and then shoot for the endzone. It was the only time I felt Hasselback was losing his composure and it was a bad time to do so.
1. Being a Northeasterner, the thought of Steelers-Seahawks Super Bowl was a bit - oh - boring. (Okay, Pittsburgh did strike my interest and gave a team to cheer on.) But I found myself watching until the last seconds. It was a fun Super Bowl. I did not really have a dog in this fight, notwithstanding my promise to root for Mrs. Thew's Steelers, so it was fun to watch. I was always hoping the losing team would come back.
2. The "better" team lost. The general sense of the two dozen sports fans at the party where I was, was that Seattle outplayed Pittsburgh. I think Hasselback outplayed Roethlisberger (67.8 rating v. 22.6!!) though I thought both quarterbacks showed real touchness. But there was also a general sense that Seattle did not go in for the kill. (Imagine if Jerramy Stevens could actually catch a pass.) Pittsburgh had Seattle's lunch on one play and one play only. But...who cares? What matters is the score at the end.
3. The Zebras determined the game...again. I do not think the Roethlisberger touchdown was the determining factor, but the holding call bring back the pass to Stevens and the personal foul on Hasselback really swung the momentum the other way.
4. Al Michaels and John Madden were good. Madden, especially, showed a glimpse of his former self and is made for the Super Bowl. Simply put, the Super Bowl is often a coaches duel and insight into coaching is what Madden does best. Most importantly, they did not distract from the game.
5. Finally, what the heck happened at the end of the game? Madden's advice was dead on. Get the points, onside kick and then shoot for the endzone. It was the only time I felt Hasselback was losing his composure and it was a bad time to do so.
2.03.2006
NCAA (cont)
I think Tilam is correct in this discussion as well. We've seen pretty much the best that Duke has to offer college hoops. UCONN is the enigma - we've seen pretty much the gamut of that talent EXCEPT for Mr UCONN, Rudy Gay. This guy is on cruise mode 90% of the time - if Calhoun can light a fire under his ass then look out world, he's gonna light it up. Take his all-college talent and put a mental outlook, approach, and edge in his head like the one in JJ Redick, and you have the concensus Player of the Year and a much better than average chance for UCONN to win it all. However, until Rudy Gay "gets it" and "the light goes on", UCONN will always be no more than a threat rather than a probably. Time will tell, but someone needs to say "Hey Rudy, bro, you aren't impressing the pro scouts with your easy going game, you need to ramp it up." But ultimately, no one can make Rudy Gay play except for Rudy Gay.
Welp, I might as well jump on the Super Bowl bandwagon. I'm routing for a good game, truth be told. I like Holmgren and Hasselbeck, and wouldn't mind seeing them bring a championship to Seattle because they are just a bunch of good guys. But I'm also a BIG fan of Troy Palamalauallslgau and Ben Rothleigshermsefersuger, and since Mrs Thew was born and raised in Pittsburgh, well, I really to keep my eyes on the faction markers.
OMG, so someone broker of celebrity porn (and a known broker, btw) is selling off a bunch of Paris Hilton's personal diaries and effects; some detailing Paris in various stages of undress and such. Like who hasn't see her like this before? My FAVORITE part of this is the fact that when these items were stored in a facility, a "bureaucratic snafu" resulted in payments for the storage unit not being credited to Paris. Like who the hell is going to believe that? Someone got paid a crap load of money so someone ELSE can get paid a crapload of money. Paris feels victimized. Get over yourself you useless waste of female bodyparts. You want fame, fortune, public visibility, etc, DEAL WITH IT and stop whining. Although frankly, you weren't impressive in that video, so I can't imagine what excitement anyone would get from this crap except for receiving the $20 million asking price.
On the "STUPID CONSUMER" front, A Louisiana man claims in a lawsuit that Apple's iPod music player can cause hearing loss in people who use it. The iPod players are "inherently defective in design and are not sufficiently adorned with adequate warnings regarding the likelihood of hearing loss," according to the complaint, filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court in San Jose, California, on behalf of John Kiel Patterson, of Louisiana. HOW ABOUT TURNING DOWN THE VOLUME YOU STUPID MORON?! I cannot believe this will ever get to trial - if it does, then it just shows the assinine state of stupid consumers controlling products that are not used correctly - if you turn it up loud, you'll go deaf. Duh...
Here is a great story for Tilam. Hey dude, how would you like to have Ebola in your backyard?!
The boss calls, Thew out - see you on the flip side of the Steelers' victory.
Welp, I might as well jump on the Super Bowl bandwagon. I'm routing for a good game, truth be told. I like Holmgren and Hasselbeck, and wouldn't mind seeing them bring a championship to Seattle because they are just a bunch of good guys. But I'm also a BIG fan of Troy Palamalauallslgau and Ben Rothleigshermsefersuger, and since Mrs Thew was born and raised in Pittsburgh, well, I really to keep my eyes on the faction markers.
OMG, so someone broker of celebrity porn (and a known broker, btw) is selling off a bunch of Paris Hilton's personal diaries and effects; some detailing Paris in various stages of undress and such. Like who hasn't see her like this before? My FAVORITE part of this is the fact that when these items were stored in a facility, a "bureaucratic snafu" resulted in payments for the storage unit not being credited to Paris. Like who the hell is going to believe that? Someone got paid a crap load of money so someone ELSE can get paid a crapload of money. Paris feels victimized. Get over yourself you useless waste of female bodyparts. You want fame, fortune, public visibility, etc, DEAL WITH IT and stop whining. Although frankly, you weren't impressive in that video, so I can't imagine what excitement anyone would get from this crap except for receiving the $20 million asking price.
On the "STUPID CONSUMER" front, A Louisiana man claims in a lawsuit that Apple's iPod music player can cause hearing loss in people who use it. The iPod players are "inherently defective in design and are not sufficiently adorned with adequate warnings regarding the likelihood of hearing loss," according to the complaint, filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court in San Jose, California, on behalf of John Kiel Patterson, of Louisiana. HOW ABOUT TURNING DOWN THE VOLUME YOU STUPID MORON?! I cannot believe this will ever get to trial - if it does, then it just shows the assinine state of stupid consumers controlling products that are not used correctly - if you turn it up loud, you'll go deaf. Duh...
Here is a great story for Tilam. Hey dude, how would you like to have Ebola in your backyard?!
The boss calls, Thew out - see you on the flip side of the Steelers' victory.
Duke vs. UConn
It is amusing to read the "Power Rankings" and "Power 16" analysis on SI and ESPN respectively. Duke or UConn, UConn or Duke as number 1. I humbly submit that this is an interesting question, but there is still a better then even chance that NEITHER one will cut down the nets in April.
Duke or UConn? In Duke's favor are simply two things: J.J. Reddick and Sheldon Williams. Andy Katz says that Duke's resume is stronger, but I do see that as the case. Duke should should have lost the BC game. The no-call saved them. The only thing on Duke's resume that is impressive is the win over Texas (more impressive at the time though then now). They beat Indiana at IU by 8 when the Hoosiers were getting their act together and beat Memphis by 3 at Cameron. And they lost to Georgetown at GTown. Duke is mopping up the ACC, but the ACC is less impressive this year. But Reddick and Williams are money.
UConn has beat Gonzaga on a neutral court and Pitt by 4 in Hartford. UConn also beat Arizona at a neutral court, though time has deminished the significance of that win. UConn's loss came at Marquette on Marcus Williams' first game back. UConn is the far deeper team, but there is no clear go-to guy. Rudy Gay clearly has the potential but has been inconsistent. UConn is also playing a much tougher conference schedule then Duke.
As an aside, don't throw UConn's December schedule in its face. In the Calhoun era, December is about touring New England and giving teams that would NEVER have the chance to play a top ranked team the opportunity. Calhoun does not do it to play a soft schedule, but does it to "spread the wealth." This same pundits will be lamenting the fact that the mid-majors and smaller conferences "never get the chance" to play the big boys, so never get any respect come March. You can't have it both ways.
So who is the best team?
Two weeks ago, I felt it was Duke by a nose. Now I feel that in 10 games, the teams would split 5-5. In two weeks, I think UConn will be better by a nose. In summary, I think Duke is as good as they will get, UConn has more room to get better.
That said, I think there are several team that have the opportunity to cut down the nets: 'Nova, Illinois, Texas, Pitt, West Virginia, Michigan State. I do not think Memphis will do it because CUSA is just the wrong training ground for the NCAAs. (That said, Memphis is far more likely to be there then Gonzaga.)
Of course, there is still a lot of basketball to play.
Duke or UConn? In Duke's favor are simply two things: J.J. Reddick and Sheldon Williams. Andy Katz says that Duke's resume is stronger, but I do see that as the case. Duke should should have lost the BC game. The no-call saved them. The only thing on Duke's resume that is impressive is the win over Texas (more impressive at the time though then now). They beat Indiana at IU by 8 when the Hoosiers were getting their act together and beat Memphis by 3 at Cameron. And they lost to Georgetown at GTown. Duke is mopping up the ACC, but the ACC is less impressive this year. But Reddick and Williams are money.
UConn has beat Gonzaga on a neutral court and Pitt by 4 in Hartford. UConn also beat Arizona at a neutral court, though time has deminished the significance of that win. UConn's loss came at Marquette on Marcus Williams' first game back. UConn is the far deeper team, but there is no clear go-to guy. Rudy Gay clearly has the potential but has been inconsistent. UConn is also playing a much tougher conference schedule then Duke.
As an aside, don't throw UConn's December schedule in its face. In the Calhoun era, December is about touring New England and giving teams that would NEVER have the chance to play a top ranked team the opportunity. Calhoun does not do it to play a soft schedule, but does it to "spread the wealth." This same pundits will be lamenting the fact that the mid-majors and smaller conferences "never get the chance" to play the big boys, so never get any respect come March. You can't have it both ways.
So who is the best team?
Two weeks ago, I felt it was Duke by a nose. Now I feel that in 10 games, the teams would split 5-5. In two weeks, I think UConn will be better by a nose. In summary, I think Duke is as good as they will get, UConn has more room to get better.
That said, I think there are several team that have the opportunity to cut down the nets: 'Nova, Illinois, Texas, Pitt, West Virginia, Michigan State. I do not think Memphis will do it because CUSA is just the wrong training ground for the NCAAs. (That said, Memphis is far more likely to be there then Gonzaga.)
Of course, there is still a lot of basketball to play.
2.01.2006
No Mas Hamas Redux
In looking over the last post, I am pretty sure that I did not explain my first sentence. How it is the best possible outcome?
Basically, reality wins and now Hamas and the West will have to face the reality of the choice of Hamas as the governing party. It also exposes the power of democracy: the "peaceful" ascendance of a non-peaceful party. How much the tyrannies of the Middle East will learn is debatable, but it certainly has made an (continued) impression on the masses. Now what happens if Hamas reverts to dictatorship? Simply put, Hamas cannot hide.
I am less concerned about the Palestinian-Israeli relations. Hamas is no match for the IDF and if they continue to misbehave, the Israelis will smack them down. Sharon (late, but to his credit) correctly decided to implement his version of peace based on the reality of the eventual (two-state) outcome. Certainly 2005 was the right time to do this under Israel's terms. It is unclear that the near future would offer that opportunity.
This is definitely the "dog catches the car" moment for Hamas. Oh shit, now what do I do?
UPDATE: One interesting dynamic here is that the Palestinians will hopefully see the consequences of their actions. The apologists in the West have been doing everything they can to avoid this, but now there should be no option. They have been behaving like petulant children in desperate need of adult supervision (the Palestinians, not the Western apologists...wait, nevermind) and now it is time to grow up. You want a nation and respect? Earn it.
Basically, reality wins and now Hamas and the West will have to face the reality of the choice of Hamas as the governing party. It also exposes the power of democracy: the "peaceful" ascendance of a non-peaceful party. How much the tyrannies of the Middle East will learn is debatable, but it certainly has made an (continued) impression on the masses. Now what happens if Hamas reverts to dictatorship? Simply put, Hamas cannot hide.
I am less concerned about the Palestinian-Israeli relations. Hamas is no match for the IDF and if they continue to misbehave, the Israelis will smack them down. Sharon (late, but to his credit) correctly decided to implement his version of peace based on the reality of the eventual (two-state) outcome. Certainly 2005 was the right time to do this under Israel's terms. It is unclear that the near future would offer that opportunity.
This is definitely the "dog catches the car" moment for Hamas. Oh shit, now what do I do?
UPDATE: One interesting dynamic here is that the Palestinians will hopefully see the consequences of their actions. The apologists in the West have been doing everything they can to avoid this, but now there should be no option. They have been behaving like petulant children in desperate need of adult supervision (the Palestinians, not the Western apologists...wait, nevermind) and now it is time to grow up. You want a nation and respect? Earn it.
1.31.2006
No Mas Hamas?
The Hamas victory in the Palestinian elections represents - simply - the best possible outcome for the future of the Middle East.
This is not to say it is a step forward. (I do not think so, but time will tell.) But it is clarifying. Hamas will have to make choices that will have consequences for their people and themselves. (I am sure there are a few school girl giddy Israeli generals contemplating the idea of being able to decapitate the leadership in one fell swoop. "And I commit to you that we will engage in more suicide bombing to destroy the Zionist oppres... Boom.) The West contributes $9 out of $10 to the Palestinian authority. Well, used to. How do you pay those suicide bombers now? Further, there is still a heavily armed internal resistance - Fatah.
It is a kluge.
And contrary to the fantasy world of the Left, the Palestinians are generally considered the scum of the Arab world BY THE ARABS. (In my Mid East dealings, I have heard a racial slur beginning with "n" used when talking about the Palestinians. OUCH!)
I suspect, though, the reality will be much of the same with Fatah and Hamas exchanging roles. Hamas will "fix the potholes" and Fatah will supply the suicide bombers. It will take these organizations awhile to realize this, but they both have too much "invested" in Terror, Inc. to back out now.
Of course, the West encourages this, so why change?
This is not to say it is a step forward. (I do not think so, but time will tell.) But it is clarifying. Hamas will have to make choices that will have consequences for their people and themselves. (I am sure there are a few school girl giddy Israeli generals contemplating the idea of being able to decapitate the leadership in one fell swoop. "And I commit to you that we will engage in more suicide bombing to destroy the Zionist oppres... Boom.) The West contributes $9 out of $10 to the Palestinian authority. Well, used to. How do you pay those suicide bombers now? Further, there is still a heavily armed internal resistance - Fatah.
It is a kluge.
And contrary to the fantasy world of the Left, the Palestinians are generally considered the scum of the Arab world BY THE ARABS. (In my Mid East dealings, I have heard a racial slur beginning with "n" used when talking about the Palestinians. OUCH!)
I suspect, though, the reality will be much of the same with Fatah and Hamas exchanging roles. Hamas will "fix the potholes" and Fatah will supply the suicide bombers. It will take these organizations awhile to realize this, but they both have too much "invested" in Terror, Inc. to back out now.
Of course, the West encourages this, so why change?
1.17.2006
I've Seen Tilam's Sister
She could use a makeover, so getting a "sister kiss" is a truly, umm, less-than-exciting experience.
Steelers over Colts...wow, I was rooting for a good game, but in the midst of the exciting second half, the zebra MISSED the call badly. I have NO earthly idea what the heck that referee was looking at on the replay, but it sure wasn't that game. At that point, I shifted alliance to pull for the Steelers. And that is NOT because Mrs Thew is from Pittsburgh and I was hoping to get a little play. You just hate to see a game decided by a bad referee call. I can only imagine what the fallout would have been had Indy won the game.
Kudos to Mike Vanderjagt. He basically said "i missed it, there are no excuses, i get paid to make those kicks and i didn't perform". But I have to feel bad for him, he was complete jinxed the minute that the announcers said "Mike Vanderjagt is the most accurate kicker in NFL history". Don't those morons understand karma?
Denver over NE...ick, ugly Patriot game. But I tell you, it goes to show you what Jake the Snake Plummer can do with a quality supporting cast around him.
Upcoming weekend, I have to go with Pittsburgh's "we have destiny on our side" attitude, I think that Jake will fold a bit under the pressure of a championship game.
I tell you, I'm worried about Carolina if I'm a Seattle fan. Can anyone stop Steve Smith? As much as I'd like to see Seattle win, I have a feeling that Carolina will pull it off because they've been there and won it before. Heart goes with the Seahawks, but the betting head goes with Carolina.
So I guess in Thew's world, it's a Steelers-Panthers Super Bowl.
Peyton Manning get's the "whiner of the week award" for calling out his o-line and saying "we had a lot of trouble with protection". Umm, hello, did you notice the fact that you sucked? Maybe the o-line should say "well, we had some trouble at the QB position". Will Indy ever win "the big one"? Hmm, not sure after this year - without NE in their way, they still looked rusty and like a bunch of rookies, and basically screwed the pooch and didn't look in sync doing it. Thew wonders how many more opportunities they'll get - and Thew MUST agree with Tilam on his point; DO NOT rest the starters, you need to continue to work together and keep on the roll.
In other sports news, Terry O'Neill proved that he is a TRUE FAN. Check this out.
The best NHL team you've never heard of - yup, my Carolina Hurricanes, #1 in the league.
Thew out...
Steelers over Colts...wow, I was rooting for a good game, but in the midst of the exciting second half, the zebra MISSED the call badly. I have NO earthly idea what the heck that referee was looking at on the replay, but it sure wasn't that game. At that point, I shifted alliance to pull for the Steelers. And that is NOT because Mrs Thew is from Pittsburgh and I was hoping to get a little play. You just hate to see a game decided by a bad referee call. I can only imagine what the fallout would have been had Indy won the game.
Kudos to Mike Vanderjagt. He basically said "i missed it, there are no excuses, i get paid to make those kicks and i didn't perform". But I have to feel bad for him, he was complete jinxed the minute that the announcers said "Mike Vanderjagt is the most accurate kicker in NFL history". Don't those morons understand karma?
Denver over NE...ick, ugly Patriot game. But I tell you, it goes to show you what Jake the Snake Plummer can do with a quality supporting cast around him.
Upcoming weekend, I have to go with Pittsburgh's "we have destiny on our side" attitude, I think that Jake will fold a bit under the pressure of a championship game.
I tell you, I'm worried about Carolina if I'm a Seattle fan. Can anyone stop Steve Smith? As much as I'd like to see Seattle win, I have a feeling that Carolina will pull it off because they've been there and won it before. Heart goes with the Seahawks, but the betting head goes with Carolina.
So I guess in Thew's world, it's a Steelers-Panthers Super Bowl.
Peyton Manning get's the "whiner of the week award" for calling out his o-line and saying "we had a lot of trouble with protection". Umm, hello, did you notice the fact that you sucked? Maybe the o-line should say "well, we had some trouble at the QB position". Will Indy ever win "the big one"? Hmm, not sure after this year - without NE in their way, they still looked rusty and like a bunch of rookies, and basically screwed the pooch and didn't look in sync doing it. Thew wonders how many more opportunities they'll get - and Thew MUST agree with Tilam on his point; DO NOT rest the starters, you need to continue to work together and keep on the roll.
In other sports news, Terry O'Neill proved that he is a TRUE FAN. Check this out.
The best NHL team you've never heard of - yup, my Carolina Hurricanes, #1 in the league.
Thew out...
1.16.2006
A Sister Kiss
Okay, 2 out of 4. Seattle and Carolina advance, while NE and Indy do not.
NE just stunk. Enough said. Indy was doomed, I just was surprised it was the Steelers (who played very well, no knock intended on them).
I was pulling for Indy until they mailed it in the last two weeks. The Bye Week is meant to have you recuperate, not weeks 16 and 17. I understand the injury concern, but Manning played like he hadn't played in a nearly a month...which, well, he hadn't. Better luck next year.
The rookie quarterbacks (Manning, Simms, Grossman, Leftwich) performed unsurprisingly bad. (Carson Palmer never had a chance to break the trend.) But watching NE play this weekend was painful. Uncharacteristically sloppy. Brady, Vinatieri, Brown should have shown much more poise. Tom Brady throws for 341 yards and the Pats only score 13? Shows what 5 (count'em, 5) turnovers can do to your Super Bowl hopes.
As for next week, I still think Seattle will win and I expect Denver to be there also. But I think these are evenly matched teams.
NE just stunk. Enough said. Indy was doomed, I just was surprised it was the Steelers (who played very well, no knock intended on them).
I was pulling for Indy until they mailed it in the last two weeks. The Bye Week is meant to have you recuperate, not weeks 16 and 17. I understand the injury concern, but Manning played like he hadn't played in a nearly a month...which, well, he hadn't. Better luck next year.
The rookie quarterbacks (Manning, Simms, Grossman, Leftwich) performed unsurprisingly bad. (Carson Palmer never had a chance to break the trend.) But watching NE play this weekend was painful. Uncharacteristically sloppy. Brady, Vinatieri, Brown should have shown much more poise. Tom Brady throws for 341 yards and the Pats only score 13? Shows what 5 (count'em, 5) turnovers can do to your Super Bowl hopes.
As for next week, I still think Seattle will win and I expect Denver to be there also. But I think these are evenly matched teams.
1.13.2006
House Majority Leader
There is a battle brewing that the liberal main stream press do not give two bits about, but could be the most important battle in the last dozen years. With Tom DeLay resigning as Majority Leader in the House, there is an election for the new Majority Leader. The current candidates are Roy Blunt (MO), John Boehner (OH) and John Shadegg (AZ).
The reason this is important is that the Majority Leader in the House has a tremendous influence on the legislative agenda. (Bills are introduced only in the House, not the Senate.) Given the Abramoff "scandal" (which looms large) and, more importantly, the lack of fiscal discipline shown by the republicans recently, this may turn out to be critically important in the 2006 mid-term races.
In my humble opinion, Shadegg and maybe Boehner have the potential to be the next Newt Gingrich in terms of influencing reform. Roy Blunt has a ways to go to convince me that he is serious about reform.
Real conservatives (in the classic Reaganite mold) need to flex some muscles in the Republican Party. The current leadership is looking an awful lot like Jim Wright and the Democrats of the early 90s - and we know what happened there.
Stop the pork, stop the obscene level of spending growth, start being conservative again.
The reason this is important is that the Majority Leader in the House has a tremendous influence on the legislative agenda. (Bills are introduced only in the House, not the Senate.) Given the Abramoff "scandal" (which looms large) and, more importantly, the lack of fiscal discipline shown by the republicans recently, this may turn out to be critically important in the 2006 mid-term races.
In my humble opinion, Shadegg and maybe Boehner have the potential to be the next Newt Gingrich in terms of influencing reform. Roy Blunt has a ways to go to convince me that he is serious about reform.
Real conservatives (in the classic Reaganite mold) need to flex some muscles in the Republican Party. The current leadership is looking an awful lot like Jim Wright and the Democrats of the early 90s - and we know what happened there.
Stop the pork, stop the obscene level of spending growth, start being conservative again.
Today we mourn...
We mourn the passing of yet ANOTHER opportunity for the LPGA's resident side show freak, Michelle Wie, to make the cut at a men's event. I have stated this before, she NEEDS to win and prove that she can compete on the ladies tour before she make so many efforts at making the cut on the men's tour. Pretty soon, the sponsor's invites are going to stop coming in - yesterday she posted an embarassing 79 (good for the rest of us shluffs though), good enough for DEAD LAST. Michelle, take a step back, take a deep breath, and get out of the spotlight. It is shining too brightly on you and it is too hot. Stay in your OWN sandbox for a while, competing against the likes of Annika, Morgan, Paula, and the rest of the top notch players on the LPGA tour is going to harden your skill and mental game enough to where you will make a cut on the men's tour. Until then you are just a circus act, and a failure at that.
We mourn the passing of Marcus Vick's NFL contract and big signing bonus.
We mourn the passing of Steve Francis' class and professionalism, for refusing to enter a game with his team getting their asses kicked.
We mourn (and celebrate) the passing of NY Rangers' jersey number 11, aptly retired, never to be used again by anyone not named Messier.
We mourn the passing of the USC bullets, Leinart, Bush, and White...good luck at the next level boys.
We mourn the passing of Marcus Vick's NFL contract and big signing bonus.
We mourn the passing of Steve Francis' class and professionalism, for refusing to enter a game with his team getting their asses kicked.
We mourn (and celebrate) the passing of NY Rangers' jersey number 11, aptly retired, never to be used again by anyone not named Messier.
We mourn the passing of the USC bullets, Leinart, Bush, and White...good luck at the next level boys.
1.12.2006
Common Sense Round-up of Other News
James Frey and Oprah: Okay, this is another scandal I have a tough time with. Frey exaggerated and made stuff up and called it non-fiction. Oprah was moved. Random House offers to refund money based on a misrepresentation of the genre. The fur flies. Sales pop.
I am not sure why I should give a crap. If the story is moving (it was for Oprah) and offers a powerful message (no argument that it does), what is the scandal? I guess Frey tried to peddle it as a fiction novel first, but did not get a bite. SO, he did what any recovering addict/convict would do and bent the truth a bit. In the realm of things he has done, I assume it was not a great leap.
Fiction represented as fact? Frey has got a future with the NY Times.
NSA: The only people who have their knickers in a bunch on this question are a) those with something to hide and b) partisan political opponents. This is one of those "scandals" that display the hypocrisy of the NY Times to its utmost. Does the NY Times really believe that the Echelon program is a grave threat to civil liberties? As you might suspect, it depends on who is President?
Sam Alito: We need to have a bit of a reality check here. Notwithstanding the high profile judicial appointments and a few sensational judicial rulings (such as 6 months jail term for child molestation because the judge now believes "punishment does not work") the VAST majority of judges, whether from the liberal or conservative side of the political spectrum, are like Sam Alito: hard working, conscientious and apolitical on the bench. Since they are like the rest of America (just doing their jobs), they do not make the news. It is the trend toward SEEKING activist judges that has caused such a sensation and has conservatives (who do not like judicial activism) in an uproar and Democrats (who are projecting their own agenda) desperate to block any conservative. But even so, the judiciary is, by and large, incredibly professional and understand that it is the legislature that sets the laws, not judges.
The confirmation spectacle gives a very different (and incorrect) version of reality.
UPDATE: Lots of typos to correct. And that was before the Friday afternoon Scotch...
I am not sure why I should give a crap. If the story is moving (it was for Oprah) and offers a powerful message (no argument that it does), what is the scandal? I guess Frey tried to peddle it as a fiction novel first, but did not get a bite. SO, he did what any recovering addict/convict would do and bent the truth a bit. In the realm of things he has done, I assume it was not a great leap.
Fiction represented as fact? Frey has got a future with the NY Times.
NSA: The only people who have their knickers in a bunch on this question are a) those with something to hide and b) partisan political opponents. This is one of those "scandals" that display the hypocrisy of the NY Times to its utmost. Does the NY Times really believe that the Echelon program is a grave threat to civil liberties? As you might suspect, it depends on who is President?
Sam Alito: We need to have a bit of a reality check here. Notwithstanding the high profile judicial appointments and a few sensational judicial rulings (such as 6 months jail term for child molestation because the judge now believes "punishment does not work") the VAST majority of judges, whether from the liberal or conservative side of the political spectrum, are like Sam Alito: hard working, conscientious and apolitical on the bench. Since they are like the rest of America (just doing their jobs), they do not make the news. It is the trend toward SEEKING activist judges that has caused such a sensation and has conservatives (who do not like judicial activism) in an uproar and Democrats (who are projecting their own agenda) desperate to block any conservative. But even so, the judiciary is, by and large, incredibly professional and understand that it is the legislature that sets the laws, not judges.
The confirmation spectacle gives a very different (and incorrect) version of reality.
UPDATE: Lots of typos to correct. And that was before the Friday afternoon Scotch...
1.11.2006
Marcus Vick
Well, that did not take long... Marcus Vick arrested for pulling a gun on some students who were taunting him. PULLING A GUN!
WTF? You simply have to shake your head and wonder what is going on in this kid's head. What the hell is he carrying a gun for? For Mo Clarett, it was a matter of months before he went from football loser to criminal. Marcus Vick did it in days.
BTW, if he manages to rehabilitate himself from this, someone should mention to him that there are a few defensive linemen in the NFL who might say an unkind word to him while he is over center. I hope his feelings won't be hurt...
WTF? You simply have to shake your head and wonder what is going on in this kid's head. What the hell is he carrying a gun for? For Mo Clarett, it was a matter of months before he went from football loser to criminal. Marcus Vick did it in days.
BTW, if he manages to rehabilitate himself from this, someone should mention to him that there are a few defensive linemen in the NFL who might say an unkind word to him while he is over center. I hope his feelings won't be hurt...
1.09.2006
Puking Crow
Is this the opposite of eating crow?
A wise man once said, "I am a big believer in experience and coaching in the playoffs. That would make Washington, New England, Carolina and Pittsburgh winners this weekend." That wise man was me and that is Trip 4s for all you. (Four for four.)
I was especially sorry to see the G-men lose, but Eli is just not there yet. Four turnovers (3 picks and a fumble) in his post-season debut. I can say, though, that it will not be like this the next time.
Of course, I am too stupid to declare victory and walk away, so this week I see Indy, NE, Carolina and Seattle.
A wise man once said, "I am a big believer in experience and coaching in the playoffs. That would make Washington, New England, Carolina and Pittsburgh winners this weekend." That wise man was me and that is Trip 4s for all you. (Four for four.)
I was especially sorry to see the G-men lose, but Eli is just not there yet. Four turnovers (3 picks and a fumble) in his post-season debut. I can say, though, that it will not be like this the next time.
Of course, I am too stupid to declare victory and walk away, so this week I see Indy, NE, Carolina and Seattle.
1.06.2006
Some People Just Shouldn't Procreate
Latest breaking news...Marcus Vick was unceremoniously tossed off the Va Tech football team for a string of asshole-ish behavior. Frankly, if I'm Michael, I'm taking his stupid ass out behind the treeline, where there are no witnesses, and giving him a whoopin. Goodbye round 1 of the NFL draft for that dumbass.
I'm sorry that Tilam leaves the college football predictions to me, cuz I seem to such at them. PSU over FSU was spot on, although it took a couple of tries. But USC? OMG, where do I start? The brain-fart of Reggie Bush's lateral? The assinine decision to go for it on 4th and 2 at MIDFIELD instead of punting (hey Pete, vY has been lighting you up all night, why give him a 30 yard head start?)? The stupid mistake of the "incidental face mask" penalty, giving Texas 5 yards after they fell 4 yards short? Sheesh. Good thing I wasn't a betting man...
Vince Young...not going to make it big in the bigs. Ultimately, he's a true Vick prototype, but you sense as he plays the game that he progresses through his reads way too quickly, then abandons, improvises, and usually runs the ball. Wait, same as Vick. Atheletes? Yes. Weapons? Yup. Quarterbacks? Nah. Prove me wrong...
Matt Leinart? He's a talent, but ultimately he has just shown that he can't win the "big one" against a tough, fast, and athletic defense. With a first half performance like that, I'm surprised his stock hasn't fallen a bit. But I think he'll be a good quality NFL QB.
Parenting...man, I have no idea where to start with this discussion. These days it seems that parents want to be their kids' best friend, not a parent. I know parents who allow their kids to sip beer at FOUR YEARS OLD! Other parents who let their kids drink at their house because "it's better than going out and drinking and driving". Unbelievable. Then, there's the ghastly example of the mother in NW USA who actually SPONSORED alcohol and sex parties for her high school son, even to the point of having sex with his friends! WHAT THE F**K? Did these people lose 100 point of IQ or all their common sense? I shake my head and just ponder the idiocy of it all. Where was euthanisa when you needed it for these people?
I'm sorry that Tilam leaves the college football predictions to me, cuz I seem to such at them. PSU over FSU was spot on, although it took a couple of tries. But USC? OMG, where do I start? The brain-fart of Reggie Bush's lateral? The assinine decision to go for it on 4th and 2 at MIDFIELD instead of punting (hey Pete, vY has been lighting you up all night, why give him a 30 yard head start?)? The stupid mistake of the "incidental face mask" penalty, giving Texas 5 yards after they fell 4 yards short? Sheesh. Good thing I wasn't a betting man...
Vince Young...not going to make it big in the bigs. Ultimately, he's a true Vick prototype, but you sense as he plays the game that he progresses through his reads way too quickly, then abandons, improvises, and usually runs the ball. Wait, same as Vick. Atheletes? Yes. Weapons? Yup. Quarterbacks? Nah. Prove me wrong...
Matt Leinart? He's a talent, but ultimately he has just shown that he can't win the "big one" against a tough, fast, and athletic defense. With a first half performance like that, I'm surprised his stock hasn't fallen a bit. But I think he'll be a good quality NFL QB.
Parenting...man, I have no idea where to start with this discussion. These days it seems that parents want to be their kids' best friend, not a parent. I know parents who allow their kids to sip beer at FOUR YEARS OLD! Other parents who let their kids drink at their house because "it's better than going out and drinking and driving". Unbelievable. Then, there's the ghastly example of the mother in NW USA who actually SPONSORED alcohol and sex parties for her high school son, even to the point of having sex with his friends! WHAT THE F**K? Did these people lose 100 point of IQ or all their common sense? I shake my head and just ponder the idiocy of it all. Where was euthanisa when you needed it for these people?
First New Year's Musings
I will leave all the NCAAFB predictions to Thew. I simply do not follow college football enough to opine. (I can hear it now..."that has not stopped you from blabbering about everything else")
UConn: Ouch. Nothing you can say about that. Time will tell if it was indicative of the talent or a character building fluke. What does not seem to be a fluke is Rudy Gay's performance. If that guy does not want to stay in college for another year, he better start stepping up. If he goes 3 for 12 with 5 turnovers with regularity he can kiss the first round (and the first round $$$) good bye.
Clarett: Stupid is as stupid does. It just shows that the guy was born for prison, it just took him a while to figure it out.
Lesbian Cheerleaders: Whatever happen to the girls? A quick Google search does not turn up anything new. Dang.
Herm Edwards: Seems to be the choice for the Chiefs. Herm make be a very good coach, but it not obvious to me that he is. Sure, the Jets had a wasted year with injuries and whatnot, but injuries are part of the game, and isn't a great coach someone who can overcome those obstacles? We'll see and good luck to him.
NFL Playoffs: I am a big believer in experience and coaching in the playoffs. That would make Washington, New England, Carolina and Pittsburgh winners this weekend.
Super Bowl: Current feeling is New England v. Seattle.
Taking Week 17 Off: What the hell was this trend of the top teams rolling over in the final week? Okay, okay, I hear you: why risk injuries in a meaningless game. But come on. Bunch of pussies.
Local News Goes National: A local story has hit it big: the Murphy sisters were two popular local girls who were killed when the older sister wrapped her folks Landrover 10 feet up a telephone pole in town. Read the story for why, in trying to keep the details private, it has blown up into national news.
There, of course, is a backstory here. One that noone seems to want to discuss and is frankly causing passions to flare in town. (Technically in two towns as we share a "regional" high school.) These sweet, young girls were part of a "group" of high school students were drinking was a major part of their lives. Okay. Fine. Now for the "no one shall discuss it" part: this culture was (and is) encouraged by a group of parents. (I am NOT saying the Murphys were part of this...I have no first hand knowledge of their attitudes or knowledge towards their daughters' drinking. But I am saying that it is "common knowledge" around town that certain parents are involved.)
It is unclear why the parents are not being responsible here: maybe because they do not want to seem "uncool" (Which is a big problem, because most of the parents I know around here WERE uncool in HS and seem to be over compensating with their kids.) But the fact is, these parents are playing roulette with their kid's lives. Further, I would like to say this is an isolated incident, but it is not either in the region or even at our HS. Unfortunately, it will not be the last time this happens.
When I was in high school, the legal age was 18. We did not lose any students to drunk driving. I have asked a number of early 40s adults and drunk driving fatalities were very rare in HS. A fluke? A sign of today's greater access to cars? Maybe, but I would posit that our parties had a lot more adult supervision. Nowadays, kids hide and sneak alcohol. Frankly, they are simple not responsible or mature enough to conduct this "clandestine" activity.
Now the drinking age is 21. I do not agree with this, but it is the law and I expect my kids (who are not yet 18) to live by it. Further, I expect the parents of my kids' friends to live by it. Unfortunately, there is a fair amount who don't.
Early indications are that no adult will held responsible. I only hope that this changes in the future. If not, this tragic story will be repeated.
UConn: Ouch. Nothing you can say about that. Time will tell if it was indicative of the talent or a character building fluke. What does not seem to be a fluke is Rudy Gay's performance. If that guy does not want to stay in college for another year, he better start stepping up. If he goes 3 for 12 with 5 turnovers with regularity he can kiss the first round (and the first round $$$) good bye.
Clarett: Stupid is as stupid does. It just shows that the guy was born for prison, it just took him a while to figure it out.
Lesbian Cheerleaders: Whatever happen to the girls? A quick Google search does not turn up anything new. Dang.
Herm Edwards: Seems to be the choice for the Chiefs. Herm make be a very good coach, but it not obvious to me that he is. Sure, the Jets had a wasted year with injuries and whatnot, but injuries are part of the game, and isn't a great coach someone who can overcome those obstacles? We'll see and good luck to him.
NFL Playoffs: I am a big believer in experience and coaching in the playoffs. That would make Washington, New England, Carolina and Pittsburgh winners this weekend.
Super Bowl: Current feeling is New England v. Seattle.
Taking Week 17 Off: What the hell was this trend of the top teams rolling over in the final week? Okay, okay, I hear you: why risk injuries in a meaningless game. But come on. Bunch of pussies.
Local News Goes National: A local story has hit it big: the Murphy sisters were two popular local girls who were killed when the older sister wrapped her folks Landrover 10 feet up a telephone pole in town. Read the story for why, in trying to keep the details private, it has blown up into national news.
There, of course, is a backstory here. One that noone seems to want to discuss and is frankly causing passions to flare in town. (Technically in two towns as we share a "regional" high school.) These sweet, young girls were part of a "group" of high school students were drinking was a major part of their lives. Okay. Fine. Now for the "no one shall discuss it" part: this culture was (and is) encouraged by a group of parents. (I am NOT saying the Murphys were part of this...I have no first hand knowledge of their attitudes or knowledge towards their daughters' drinking. But I am saying that it is "common knowledge" around town that certain parents are involved.)
It is unclear why the parents are not being responsible here: maybe because they do not want to seem "uncool" (Which is a big problem, because most of the parents I know around here WERE uncool in HS and seem to be over compensating with their kids.) But the fact is, these parents are playing roulette with their kid's lives. Further, I would like to say this is an isolated incident, but it is not either in the region or even at our HS. Unfortunately, it will not be the last time this happens.
When I was in high school, the legal age was 18. We did not lose any students to drunk driving. I have asked a number of early 40s adults and drunk driving fatalities were very rare in HS. A fluke? A sign of today's greater access to cars? Maybe, but I would posit that our parties had a lot more adult supervision. Nowadays, kids hide and sneak alcohol. Frankly, they are simple not responsible or mature enough to conduct this "clandestine" activity.
Now the drinking age is 21. I do not agree with this, but it is the law and I expect my kids (who are not yet 18) to live by it. Further, I expect the parents of my kids' friends to live by it. Unfortunately, there is a fair amount who don't.
Early indications are that no adult will held responsible. I only hope that this changes in the future. If not, this tragic story will be repeated.
1.03.2006
Not all THAT bad on predictions...
*burp*
Time to chow on some (not too much) humble pie...
Alabama - gotta remember that defense wins
Florida - Urban Meyer is the real deal
VA Tech - whoa, got this one right
Wisconsin - bye Barry, we'll miss ya :)
Ohio State - BAH, they killed me
Georgia - no comment...
Okay, I got 2 more chances to look marginally intelligent - PSU over FSU and USC over the 'Horns.
Time to chow on some (not too much) humble pie...
Alabama - gotta remember that defense wins
Florida - Urban Meyer is the real deal
VA Tech - whoa, got this one right
Wisconsin - bye Barry, we'll miss ya :)
Ohio State - BAH, they killed me
Georgia - no comment...
Okay, I got 2 more chances to look marginally intelligent - PSU over FSU and USC over the 'Horns.
1.02.2006
Musing of the Big Bowl Day
We have a victory! We have redepmtion! We have Maurice Clarett arrested for robbery! You know, as much as I hate to say it, "time and public opinion prove us right, as always". Clarett is the poster boy for the...well, hell, the list goes on. You know the deal, spoiled punk athelete who has NOTHING besides his (lack of) talent to carry him forward, head up his ass, thinking he deserves everything. Now he's got nothing but his gang friends and a criminal record (see: Todd Marinovich, Ryan Leaf). We are redeemed here at Tilam's blog. :)
Charlie Weis won the Eddie Robinson award as the nation's top college coach. Who is against this? A great coach won the award named for a great man and coach. Perfect.
Thew's college bowl predictions:
Cotton Bowl - Texas Tech over Alabama
Outback Bowl - the Australians (both Iowa and Florida suck)
Gator Bowl - VA Tech (much as I hate to root for anyone named Vick) over Louisville
Capital One - Wisconsin over Auburn
Fiesta Bowl - Irish over Buckeyes
Sugar Bowl - GA over West Va (go DAWGS!)
Orange Bowl - Not sure how FSU got into this one, but Penn State will send 'em home unhappy
Rose Bowl - the advertisers and networks - USC will finish in second place, Texas in third (too one dimensional, even though Vince Young is a college football stud who won't amount to much in the pros)
Tilam and I are still (mostly) on the same page, the NFL is still Seahawks-Colts in the championship game. Look out for the Giants and Patriots, they have potential. All others are pretenders...
Charlie Weis won the Eddie Robinson award as the nation's top college coach. Who is against this? A great coach won the award named for a great man and coach. Perfect.
Thew's college bowl predictions:
Cotton Bowl - Texas Tech over Alabama
Outback Bowl - the Australians (both Iowa and Florida suck)
Gator Bowl - VA Tech (much as I hate to root for anyone named Vick) over Louisville
Capital One - Wisconsin over Auburn
Fiesta Bowl - Irish over Buckeyes
Sugar Bowl - GA over West Va (go DAWGS!)
Orange Bowl - Not sure how FSU got into this one, but Penn State will send 'em home unhappy
Rose Bowl - the advertisers and networks - USC will finish in second place, Texas in third (too one dimensional, even though Vince Young is a college football stud who won't amount to much in the pros)
Tilam and I are still (mostly) on the same page, the NFL is still Seahawks-Colts in the championship game. Look out for the Giants and Patriots, they have potential. All others are pretenders...
12.22.2005
Yowsa
Johnny Damon is a Yankee. You know, who gives a crap how well he does at the plate (and believe, the Yankee fans do...), King George is copping some wood having pulled him away from the Sawx! OMG, Lucchino and the Red Sox leadership is dropping a load in their pants: Damon, Jeter, Sheff, A Rod, Giambi, Matsui, Posada, Williams (HUH?), Cano. Heck, Thew is nursing a chubby just looking at the bats and runs in that lineup.
However, on to point number 2. It is obvious that the Yankees are allowing Bernie Baseball to close out with some dignity. Personally, the guy is old, can't run, has no gun (then again, Damon's arm isn't THAT much better), can't hit, but the pride and loyalty and performance (who has the most postseason HR's?) he has shown the Yankees over the years has earned him a nice, relaxing, DH filled, farewell tour. Small kudos to King George and Cashman for giving this to him, nice to see that Bernie is rewarded with some good will from the ballclub.
Experience is the ONLY reason I can see the Canadians selecting Todd "blindside you and break your neck beatch" Bertuzzi over Sidney "the next REALLY good one" Crosby. But at least, in their desire to become a mainstream sport, the NHL is becoming much like the NBA and NFL; you can be an asshole and commit a heinous act on the playing field (or even off it, in the case of Mr Lewis) and we'll forgive you and welcome you back. Welcome to the new NHL, where we'll forgive pretty much anything, just like the others...
Is there anyone in the world who thinks Reggie Bush is going to return to college ball?
Jeremy Roenick is still one of my favorite NHL players, but he's starting to become an egotistical, self-centered, mouth. We don't care how well, you've been playing this year, Jeremy, your numbers suck, and points are more important than moral victories when determining the USA hockey squad. Shuddup and play.
Stay tuned for some harsh news and reporting on the supposed 'euthansia attitude' at the Memorial Hospital in New Orleans after Katrina. I'm waiting to hear more, but initially, as I read the story, it seems that hospital workers were discussing who would stay and who would go in terms of evacuation priority, and what would be done with the remaining patients, i.e. put them out of their misery. WOW. I need to read more on this...either it's a very humanitarian decision (they said they focused on the DNR patients), or the most baseless, horrific, and "we're gonna sue you" mistake you'll find this year.
That's it for now...everything else will fall under the old favorites of "stupidass athlete" or "buttplug terrorist" or "Darwin awards candidate".
However, on to point number 2. It is obvious that the Yankees are allowing Bernie Baseball to close out with some dignity. Personally, the guy is old, can't run, has no gun (then again, Damon's arm isn't THAT much better), can't hit, but the pride and loyalty and performance (who has the most postseason HR's?) he has shown the Yankees over the years has earned him a nice, relaxing, DH filled, farewell tour. Small kudos to King George and Cashman for giving this to him, nice to see that Bernie is rewarded with some good will from the ballclub.
Experience is the ONLY reason I can see the Canadians selecting Todd "blindside you and break your neck beatch" Bertuzzi over Sidney "the next REALLY good one" Crosby. But at least, in their desire to become a mainstream sport, the NHL is becoming much like the NBA and NFL; you can be an asshole and commit a heinous act on the playing field (or even off it, in the case of Mr Lewis) and we'll forgive you and welcome you back. Welcome to the new NHL, where we'll forgive pretty much anything, just like the others...
Is there anyone in the world who thinks Reggie Bush is going to return to college ball?
Jeremy Roenick is still one of my favorite NHL players, but he's starting to become an egotistical, self-centered, mouth. We don't care how well, you've been playing this year, Jeremy, your numbers suck, and points are more important than moral victories when determining the USA hockey squad. Shuddup and play.
Stay tuned for some harsh news and reporting on the supposed 'euthansia attitude' at the Memorial Hospital in New Orleans after Katrina. I'm waiting to hear more, but initially, as I read the story, it seems that hospital workers were discussing who would stay and who would go in terms of evacuation priority, and what would be done with the remaining patients, i.e. put them out of their misery. WOW. I need to read more on this...either it's a very humanitarian decision (they said they focused on the DNR patients), or the most baseless, horrific, and "we're gonna sue you" mistake you'll find this year.
That's it for now...everything else will fall under the old favorites of "stupidass athlete" or "buttplug terrorist" or "Darwin awards candidate".
12.16.2005
I have to come out as a blogger...
I have to admit, in the past I have found the prospect of "blogging" a vast and empty waste of time. After all, I'm not sure who was the pundit who said "opinions are like assholes...everyone has one and they all stink". Who the hell cares about other peoples' opinions when all they are going to do is rant and rave about variable societal and world injustices, situations, and bullshit.
However, I have come around. Tilam has allowed a ray of light to come into my closet, and now I find blogging amusing and a nice, if only minor, distraction to the long and incessant conference calls that occupy my daily activities. But my philosophy is slightly different than Tilam's; quite frankly, I do not have the time that Tilam apparently takes (who's running the company while you're reading the 'net?!) to read all those blogs. So, in effect, my check list is to check our blog for Tilam's inevitable stupid and contentious comment(s), which provides us with plenty of fodder for our own little PTI discussion and the source of our much amusements, as well as check MSN and CNN as well as the sports pages in SI and ESPN for interesting and worthwhile news and events that will allow me to hop up on that soapbox and begin my diatribe. And frankly, like Tilam, sometimes the facts are not as important as the rant and the point we are trying to get across. And as always, a potshot at Tilam's expense is guaranteed to cheer me up. :)
I wonder if Tilam minds sleeping on the dog's bed while our great dane, Apollo, sleeps on the guest room...
However, I have come around. Tilam has allowed a ray of light to come into my closet, and now I find blogging amusing and a nice, if only minor, distraction to the long and incessant conference calls that occupy my daily activities. But my philosophy is slightly different than Tilam's; quite frankly, I do not have the time that Tilam apparently takes (who's running the company while you're reading the 'net?!) to read all those blogs. So, in effect, my check list is to check our blog for Tilam's inevitable stupid and contentious comment(s), which provides us with plenty of fodder for our own little PTI discussion and the source of our much amusements, as well as check MSN and CNN as well as the sports pages in SI and ESPN for interesting and worthwhile news and events that will allow me to hop up on that soapbox and begin my diatribe. And frankly, like Tilam, sometimes the facts are not as important as the rant and the point we are trying to get across. And as always, a potshot at Tilam's expense is guaranteed to cheer me up. :)
I wonder if Tilam minds sleeping on the dog's bed while our great dane, Apollo, sleeps on the guest room...
12.14.2005
Honey, I Forgot Our Anniversary
Thew and I have been blogging for over a year now. Funny, the anniversary of the start (9/30) and Thew's joining me (11/16) just kind of passed. Where's the cake?
Blogging has been fun and frustrating. I am a voracious reader of blogs despite the relatively short list on the left. My morning starts with a perusal of Instapundit, Power Line, Captain Ed, the Belmont Club, the Corner on NRO, Kaus, Malkin and Real Clear Politics. I make sure to catch Chris Muir first thing. I have also added Dilbert to the list for humor, though I do enjoy Scott Adams' take on things.
I also find myself reading blogs in spurts: Protein Wisdom's Martha Stewart's Diary in jail was one of the funniest things I have read period. LGF, VodkaPundit, Dan Drezner (Go UofC!) and Patterico are a few that I can find myself checking in on a lot depending on the issue.
There are some that have lost me. Andrew Sullivan being the most notable. What happened? Wonkette was funny for a while, but her humor got old.
Some old friends simply faded away... Steven de Beste and Michael King come to mind.
I don't blog as much as I want. The fact is, too many things are higher on the priority list, whether I want them to be or not. And I find that I lose interest in a topic after a bit of a delay. I also find that, for me, the back and forth rants with Thew are the most fun. The large philosophical posts are harder because I take the content seriously. (Who knows, Glenn might show some Insta-interest.) If I botch an NCAA post, I simply do not care.
Next week I will be down in Thewland seeing Thew, Mrs. Thew and the two Thewlets. The last time this happened was last year. Blogging has allowed us to stay in better touch and that ends up being the best reason to continue.
Blogging has been fun and frustrating. I am a voracious reader of blogs despite the relatively short list on the left. My morning starts with a perusal of Instapundit, Power Line, Captain Ed, the Belmont Club, the Corner on NRO, Kaus, Malkin and Real Clear Politics. I make sure to catch Chris Muir first thing. I have also added Dilbert to the list for humor, though I do enjoy Scott Adams' take on things.
I also find myself reading blogs in spurts: Protein Wisdom's Martha Stewart's Diary in jail was one of the funniest things I have read period. LGF, VodkaPundit, Dan Drezner (Go UofC!) and Patterico are a few that I can find myself checking in on a lot depending on the issue.
There are some that have lost me. Andrew Sullivan being the most notable. What happened? Wonkette was funny for a while, but her humor got old.
Some old friends simply faded away... Steven de Beste and Michael King come to mind.
I don't blog as much as I want. The fact is, too many things are higher on the priority list, whether I want them to be or not. And I find that I lose interest in a topic after a bit of a delay. I also find that, for me, the back and forth rants with Thew are the most fun. The large philosophical posts are harder because I take the content seriously. (Who knows, Glenn might show some Insta-interest.) If I botch an NCAA post, I simply do not care.
Next week I will be down in Thewland seeing Thew, Mrs. Thew and the two Thewlets. The last time this happened was last year. Blogging has allowed us to stay in better touch and that ends up being the best reason to continue.
12.13.2005
Well, Look Who's Back
Well, it is good to have Thew back, even if he is all about the shoes.
A couple of points back at you.
World Cup: Using your criteria, it was Italy who got screwed, drawing the #2 (Czechs) and #8 (Americans) in their draw. As a partisan American, it is all about how the world looks to screw us, but it is the Squadra Azzure (#12) who got the short end of the stick.
Tookie: Okay, you got me going. "Murder" just does not quite describe what Tooks did to Albert Owens and to the Yang Family. "Execution" is a better word. But unlike the State of California, Took-meister had no reason. The 26 year old Albert was brought into the back room of the convenience store, made to lie face down and was shot, twice, in the back with a shotgun. According to the coroner, Albert dies instantly, which is better then the Yangs, who were shot first, then robbed. The Yang's son ran in to the office where is parents and sister lay and found the elder Yangs still alive. Mrs. Yang was curled up in a fetal position bleeding and breathing through the shot holes in her chest. Total take: $100. In each instant, the victim was shot at very close range.
And Thew, you are wrong. Tookie NEVER admitted the crimes or repented. He never "realized his mistakes." He claimed his innocence until the end. What he realized is that he could create a freak show by publishing a few books (total sales of such books ~12 copies) and playing the PR game, complete with the obligatory appearance by Jesse Jackson. Unfortunately for Tookie, noone but the moonbats bought his crap.
Stanley Williams is shaking hands with Lucifer right now and thinking, "that's what crimson smells like. Holy Shit that hurts." I am only slightly consoled that maybe he will take Mohammed Atta as one of his bitches.
A couple of points back at you.
World Cup: Using your criteria, it was Italy who got screwed, drawing the #2 (Czechs) and #8 (Americans) in their draw. As a partisan American, it is all about how the world looks to screw us, but it is the Squadra Azzure (#12) who got the short end of the stick.
Tookie: Okay, you got me going. "Murder" just does not quite describe what Tooks did to Albert Owens and to the Yang Family. "Execution" is a better word. But unlike the State of California, Took-meister had no reason. The 26 year old Albert was brought into the back room of the convenience store, made to lie face down and was shot, twice, in the back with a shotgun. According to the coroner, Albert dies instantly, which is better then the Yangs, who were shot first, then robbed. The Yang's son ran in to the office where is parents and sister lay and found the elder Yangs still alive. Mrs. Yang was curled up in a fetal position bleeding and breathing through the shot holes in her chest. Total take: $100. In each instant, the victim was shot at very close range.
And Thew, you are wrong. Tookie NEVER admitted the crimes or repented. He never "realized his mistakes." He claimed his innocence until the end. What he realized is that he could create a freak show by publishing a few books (total sales of such books ~12 copies) and playing the PR game, complete with the obligatory appearance by Jesse Jackson. Unfortunately for Tookie, noone but the moonbats bought his crap.
Stanley Williams is shaking hands with Lucifer right now and thinking, "that's what crimson smells like. Holy Shit that hurts." I am only slightly consoled that maybe he will take Mohammed Atta as one of his bitches.
Back after a short hiatus
It has been a while since I've posted, and that has not been because Tilam, as usual, has inserted his size 6 feet (you know what they say about a man's foot size) into his big mout', but because I've been extremely busy with the holiday season coming up.
Okay, so that aside, here are my current musings and rantings:
Duke is the real deal, I believe that Texas was the over-rated team. How can you NOT somehow handle JJ Reddick?! My gosh, it's not like he sneaks up on you, the guy has been in the papers and on the news for what, this entire decade? Allowing him to drop 41 on your ass was a egregious lack of proper game planning...
Goodbye Ron Artest. Goodriddance Ron Artest. You're a self-centered locker room cancer, Ron Artest.
Who'd have expected the Vikings Defense (yes, the VIKING DEFENSE) to step up and dominate like they have been?! Of course, Brad Johnson is back and putting up points with the offense, so what has changed in Minnesota? Honestly, I have no frikkin clue! ROFL It certainly isn't Mike Tice's coaching skill. But my Vikes are winning and I will not complain - breathe down the necks of da Bears a little more boys! Next week: a tough test with the Steelers.
Where is TO? Throwing a failed birthday bash for himself it seems...
Ugueth Urbina...welcome to prison. Note so self: if you hack at poeple with a machete and try to set them on fire, you will do time...
World Cup...Well, gee, here's a surprise, the US is in the toughest bracket (at least world ranking-wise), with the Czech's and US being the top 2 seeds (#2 and #8) in group E. And, the US has by FAR the toughest 3 opponents (world ranking-wise) than ANYONE else when you look at the other 3 teams in their bracket. Tougher than #9 seed England (total ranking of opponents: 104), #5 seed France (damm the frogs, with 126, by far the easiest), and #6 Spain (106). Boy, for a random draw, it seems again that the US got the big stiff in terms of group members. Host Germany is only seeded #16, which is a surprise. Group C is going to be tough (you can, perhaps, make a case for this one being the toughest bracket, but it DOES contain world #41 Ivory Coast and world #47, Serbia&Montenegro), with the world #'s 3 & 4 (Netherlands and Argentina) but it should be a cake-walk for the Argentines, since every World Cup the Dutch are a high seed and consequently choke the chicken.
So I might have to replace my inherent cynicism of the fabled "do not call list", after Direct TV was slapped with a $5.35 million fine for violating it. WHOA, the FTC showing some teeth. You go get 'em boys!
So Tookie Williams, the famed founder of the Crips was executed today for the murder of 4 poeple in 1979. I realize that he was reformed, and took the time to speak out against gangs and gang violence, but that has to be only the second half of his legacy. He was convicted and sentenced to death row, and paid for his crimes in the manner that our judicial system directed. Nothing like a stint on death row to make a man repent and speak out against his crimes. I prefer to remember Tookie as the man who DID realize his mistakes, and encouraged people to avoid them. However, you did the crime, you must do the punishment. I applaud his message, but like a child, simply saying "I'm sorry and it was wrong" should not preclude you from facing the consequences. I only hope that his message has reached his intended audience loud and clear.
FEMA is a clusterf**k of an organization. That is pretty much all I have to say about that, and really all that needs to be said..
That's pretty much the good rantings that I can do here...
On a holiday note. After a long and arduous process, it seems that Mrs Thew and I will be welcoming an addition to the family sometime mid-2006. Here's to hoping that he or she has all the mother's good looks and none of the father's cantankerous personality.
And a holiday season wish to Tilam and his brood. As one of my best friends in the whole world, for Christmas I wish him all the health, wealth, and happiness that life has to offer - here's to hoping that when we play golf in 2006, he will actually beat me...
Okay, so that aside, here are my current musings and rantings:
Duke is the real deal, I believe that Texas was the over-rated team. How can you NOT somehow handle JJ Reddick?! My gosh, it's not like he sneaks up on you, the guy has been in the papers and on the news for what, this entire decade? Allowing him to drop 41 on your ass was a egregious lack of proper game planning...
Goodbye Ron Artest. Goodriddance Ron Artest. You're a self-centered locker room cancer, Ron Artest.
Who'd have expected the Vikings Defense (yes, the VIKING DEFENSE) to step up and dominate like they have been?! Of course, Brad Johnson is back and putting up points with the offense, so what has changed in Minnesota? Honestly, I have no frikkin clue! ROFL It certainly isn't Mike Tice's coaching skill. But my Vikes are winning and I will not complain - breathe down the necks of da Bears a little more boys! Next week: a tough test with the Steelers.
Where is TO? Throwing a failed birthday bash for himself it seems...
Ugueth Urbina...welcome to prison. Note so self: if you hack at poeple with a machete and try to set them on fire, you will do time...
World Cup...Well, gee, here's a surprise, the US is in the toughest bracket (at least world ranking-wise), with the Czech's and US being the top 2 seeds (#2 and #8) in group E. And, the US has by FAR the toughest 3 opponents (world ranking-wise) than ANYONE else when you look at the other 3 teams in their bracket. Tougher than #9 seed England (total ranking of opponents: 104), #5 seed France (damm the frogs, with 126, by far the easiest), and #6 Spain (106). Boy, for a random draw, it seems again that the US got the big stiff in terms of group members. Host Germany is only seeded #16, which is a surprise. Group C is going to be tough (you can, perhaps, make a case for this one being the toughest bracket, but it DOES contain world #41 Ivory Coast and world #47, Serbia&Montenegro), with the world #'s 3 & 4 (Netherlands and Argentina) but it should be a cake-walk for the Argentines, since every World Cup the Dutch are a high seed and consequently choke the chicken.
So I might have to replace my inherent cynicism of the fabled "do not call list", after Direct TV was slapped with a $5.35 million fine for violating it. WHOA, the FTC showing some teeth. You go get 'em boys!
So Tookie Williams, the famed founder of the Crips was executed today for the murder of 4 poeple in 1979. I realize that he was reformed, and took the time to speak out against gangs and gang violence, but that has to be only the second half of his legacy. He was convicted and sentenced to death row, and paid for his crimes in the manner that our judicial system directed. Nothing like a stint on death row to make a man repent and speak out against his crimes. I prefer to remember Tookie as the man who DID realize his mistakes, and encouraged people to avoid them. However, you did the crime, you must do the punishment. I applaud his message, but like a child, simply saying "I'm sorry and it was wrong" should not preclude you from facing the consequences. I only hope that his message has reached his intended audience loud and clear.
FEMA is a clusterf**k of an organization. That is pretty much all I have to say about that, and really all that needs to be said..
That's pretty much the good rantings that I can do here...
On a holiday note. After a long and arduous process, it seems that Mrs Thew and I will be welcoming an addition to the family sometime mid-2006. Here's to hoping that he or she has all the mother's good looks and none of the father's cantankerous personality.
And a holiday season wish to Tilam and his brood. As one of my best friends in the whole world, for Christmas I wish him all the health, wealth, and happiness that life has to offer - here's to hoping that when we play golf in 2006, he will actually beat me...
12.10.2005
Tastes Like Chicken
Crow that is.
31 points. 41 by Reddick. They looked much better then they had. Texas looked out of sync. But I guess Texas was beat so badly that maybe THEY were the overrated team.
But as they say, it just does not matter until April...
31 points. 41 by Reddick. They looked much better then they had. Texas looked out of sync. But I guess Texas was beat so badly that maybe THEY were the overrated team.
But as they say, it just does not matter until April...
12.06.2005
Another Duke Rant
Does Duke look like they are a #1 team? Of course they do because...well, they are Duke. If they were from the Big Ten or Big East, they certainly would have suffered in the rankings due to their narrow escape against unranked VTech (at home, no less) and their less then impressive performance at the NIT.
Well, they play Texas at Texas in a few days. So, I will either apologize or crow...
UPDATE: Luke Winn at SI also sees some injustice. I do not necessarily believe UConn should be #1, but I do think that the #1 votes are lopsided. At this point, Texas, UConn and Villanova all could claim that they have played well enough for a #1 vote.
Well, they play Texas at Texas in a few days. So, I will either apologize or crow...
UPDATE: Luke Winn at SI also sees some injustice. I do not necessarily believe UConn should be #1, but I do think that the #1 votes are lopsided. At this point, Texas, UConn and Villanova all could claim that they have played well enough for a #1 vote.
12.05.2005
Atom Feed Test
Okay, we pause for a brief test. I am testing the ATOM feed feature of Blogger and a service called Attensa that has a reader for Outlook in Beta.
In 2006, I am committed to take my company deeper into the media/research/education mix, but I am trying to put out a product that is not a hash. It amazes me what an echo chamber the Tech world is and just because something is the "next big thing" does not mean squat when selling a product or service.
My challenge is to find the mechanism to filter RSS or Atom feeds to get specific posts. I don't need "CNN News," I need "Madrid Protocol." That level of specificity.
So this is just a test...
In 2006, I am committed to take my company deeper into the media/research/education mix, but I am trying to put out a product that is not a hash. It amazes me what an echo chamber the Tech world is and just because something is the "next big thing" does not mean squat when selling a product or service.
My challenge is to find the mechanism to filter RSS or Atom feeds to get specific posts. I don't need "CNN News," I need "Madrid Protocol." That level of specificity.
So this is just a test...
11.30.2005
Light Posting Lately
Posting does seem to go in fits and spurts - I don't know how the Big Bloggers do it on a regular basis. The pace of work and the holidays (not to mention the kids) seem to eat up a lot of time.
I have had a hankering to post on something more substantial then the sexapades of the NFL. Over at the Belmont Club, Wretchard's post commenting on Chester's views at the Adventures of Chester got me thinking about globalization, the Internet, higher consciousness and the implications for the future. I will be posting on that shortly.
To add to the perspective, I offer Nonzero by Robert Wright, which has greatly influenced my thinking on human interaction and God's Debris by Scott Adams, which offers an interesting take on human progress.
With that, back to work...
I have had a hankering to post on something more substantial then the sexapades of the NFL. Over at the Belmont Club, Wretchard's post commenting on Chester's views at the Adventures of Chester got me thinking about globalization, the Internet, higher consciousness and the implications for the future. I will be posting on that shortly.
To add to the perspective, I offer Nonzero by Robert Wright, which has greatly influenced my thinking on human interaction and God's Debris by Scott Adams, which offers an interesting take on human progress.
With that, back to work...
11.08.2005
The NFL Can Do No Wrong
Jeez. The NFL seems to get everything right, even scandals.
Last year, we saw the hoodlums of the NBA jump into the stands and start a fight with fans. David Stern tries to implement a dress code and there are shrieks and howls from the "gangsta wannabes" - they have NO interest in cleaning up their act.
This past summer, we were treated to the spectacle of baseball and steroids. Now Ugueth Urbina charged with attempted murder in Venezuela.
The NFL? Sex cruises and lesbian cheerleaders. (Or, if you are typical male sports fan, "blah, blah, blah and LESBIAN CHEERLEADERS!) The lovely Renee and Angela claim it was a case of mistaken identity. (Maybe they thought the bathroom of Banana Joe's was a cruise ship on Lake Minnetonka.) But considering the line that usually forms at the ladies room, I doubt there are not a few witnesses. Police report is here.
Unfortunately, I was not among them...
I hope the intrepid reporters of SI & ESPN stay on top of this story.
UPDATE: Penthouse is making an offer to the girls. (Link requires free registration.)
UPDATE 2: Renee Thomas is denying there was any sexual misconduct. Arghhh! Don't ruin it for the 100 million men who soooo want it to be true.
Last year, we saw the hoodlums of the NBA jump into the stands and start a fight with fans. David Stern tries to implement a dress code and there are shrieks and howls from the "gangsta wannabes" - they have NO interest in cleaning up their act.
This past summer, we were treated to the spectacle of baseball and steroids. Now Ugueth Urbina charged with attempted murder in Venezuela.
The NFL? Sex cruises and lesbian cheerleaders. (Or, if you are typical male sports fan, "blah, blah, blah and LESBIAN CHEERLEADERS!) The lovely Renee and Angela claim it was a case of mistaken identity. (Maybe they thought the bathroom of Banana Joe's was a cruise ship on Lake Minnetonka.) But considering the line that usually forms at the ladies room, I doubt there are not a few witnesses. Police report is here.
Unfortunately, I was not among them...
I hope the intrepid reporters of SI & ESPN stay on top of this story.
UPDATE: Penthouse is making an offer to the girls. (Link requires free registration.)
UPDATE 2: Renee Thomas is denying there was any sexual misconduct. Arghhh! Don't ruin it for the 100 million men who soooo want it to be true.
11.07.2005
Monday Morning Musings...
Hockey is still exciting (attendance is up 4%)...and my Carolina Hurricanes are taking advantage of the new rules. Go Canes! One caveat - attendance is up AT THE VENUES - need to have viewership up ON THE TV! That will ensure hockey's return to prominence.
Who says public inebriation, lewd behavior, beligerence with police, and fighting are the sole calling of professional football players - now we have cheerleaders (and bull dyke lesbians to boot) shouldering the load of stupidity and lecherous public behavior - check this article out.
So TO got into a fistfight (well, a skirmish) with TO. Nice to see that SOMEONE on the playing field has the balls to stand up to TO. Quite frankly, I think that Donovan McNabb NEEDS to stand up and call bullshit on that stupid ass. Forget a "team only" private meeting - since TO is taking it all public, I'm sorry, McNabb needs some sort of public show of strength and leadership. At least in my humble opinion.
It is truly to see that last gasp of Brett Favruh. The team around his isn't very good, he's pressing, and the Pack are looking horrible. The bad part of this is the fact that he'll hang on next to go out on a good note. And maybe duplicate the debacle that is this season. Phooey, a lousy end to a great quarterback.
On the MLB basepaths, here's a tid bit: Kim Ng, a vice president and assistant general manager for the Los Angeles Dodgers the past four years, became the first candidate to interview for the team's vacant GM job. Team spokesman Josh Rawitch said Ng was interviewed Saturday. If hired to succeed Paul DePodesta, she would become major league baseball's first female GM. Before joining the Dodgers, the 36-year-old Ng served as vice president and assistant general manager for the New York Yankees from 1998-2001. Trial by fire with the Yanks? Interesting to follow this story; going to be interesting to see how the "boys of the GM club" will accept a female compadre, no matter how qualified she might be.
In NBA news...ah, screw it, who cares? The only vaguely interesting story line is Ron Artest's return. Million dollar game, 5 cent head. Time to see if he's really over the incident in Detroit and has changed, or if he's still the same old thug...
Who says public inebriation, lewd behavior, beligerence with police, and fighting are the sole calling of professional football players - now we have cheerleaders (and bull dyke lesbians to boot) shouldering the load of stupidity and lecherous public behavior - check this article out.
So TO got into a fistfight (well, a skirmish) with TO. Nice to see that SOMEONE on the playing field has the balls to stand up to TO. Quite frankly, I think that Donovan McNabb NEEDS to stand up and call bullshit on that stupid ass. Forget a "team only" private meeting - since TO is taking it all public, I'm sorry, McNabb needs some sort of public show of strength and leadership. At least in my humble opinion.
It is truly to see that last gasp of Brett Favruh. The team around his isn't very good, he's pressing, and the Pack are looking horrible. The bad part of this is the fact that he'll hang on next to go out on a good note. And maybe duplicate the debacle that is this season. Phooey, a lousy end to a great quarterback.
On the MLB basepaths, here's a tid bit: Kim Ng, a vice president and assistant general manager for the Los Angeles Dodgers the past four years, became the first candidate to interview for the team's vacant GM job. Team spokesman Josh Rawitch said Ng was interviewed Saturday. If hired to succeed Paul DePodesta, she would become major league baseball's first female GM. Before joining the Dodgers, the 36-year-old Ng served as vice president and assistant general manager for the New York Yankees from 1998-2001. Trial by fire with the Yanks? Interesting to follow this story; going to be interesting to see how the "boys of the GM club" will accept a female compadre, no matter how qualified she might be.
In NBA news...ah, screw it, who cares? The only vaguely interesting story line is Ron Artest's return. Million dollar game, 5 cent head. Time to see if he's really over the incident in Detroit and has changed, or if he's still the same old thug...
11.06.2005
Never thought I'd say this...
God Bless the Philadelphia Eagles...
Are you like me? Are you hoping that they NEVER let TO back in an Eagles' uniform? Are you hoping that maybe he breaks a bone or tears a ligament or injures himself such that he's out for the season? Are you hoping that NO OTHER NFL TEAM picks up his sorry ass? God, what a jerk...
Cancer. That's the only term for a self-centered arrogant asshole like TO. STFU and play. You're a cancer in the locker room, a cancer in the huddle, and regardless of your talent and ability to play, I would NEVER want you on my team. Jaromir Jagr in hockey. Manny Ramirez in baseball. Pretty much 1/2 the league in the NBA. People whose egos run out of check, who consider themselves better than the rest of the players; team killers, coach killers, championship killers...
Makes me happy to just be a regular joe in the world. Well, almost.
Are you like me? Are you hoping that they NEVER let TO back in an Eagles' uniform? Are you hoping that maybe he breaks a bone or tears a ligament or injures himself such that he's out for the season? Are you hoping that NO OTHER NFL TEAM picks up his sorry ass? God, what a jerk...
Cancer. That's the only term for a self-centered arrogant asshole like TO. STFU and play. You're a cancer in the locker room, a cancer in the huddle, and regardless of your talent and ability to play, I would NEVER want you on my team. Jaromir Jagr in hockey. Manny Ramirez in baseball. Pretty much 1/2 the league in the NBA. People whose egos run out of check, who consider themselves better than the rest of the players; team killers, coach killers, championship killers...
Makes me happy to just be a regular joe in the world. Well, almost.
10.26.2005
NHL 2006
Okay, I do have to admit it, I am really liking the "new" hockey. Yes, you heard it right.
The pace is faster, the goonage has decreased and the scoring is up. What is not to like? But make no bones about it, this step is much like the one Cadillac took with its edgy design: the attempt to appeal to a broader or new audience runs the risk of alienating the old. My straw poll suggests that many more people like the new format than not, but none of these folks would be considered "hard core" fans.
So later in winter when I am up and flipping channels and I see Ottawa v. Calgary on ESPN, I'll let you know if I tune in.
The pace is faster, the goonage has decreased and the scoring is up. What is not to like? But make no bones about it, this step is much like the one Cadillac took with its edgy design: the attempt to appeal to a broader or new audience runs the risk of alienating the old. My straw poll suggests that many more people like the new format than not, but none of these folks would be considered "hard core" fans.
So later in winter when I am up and flipping channels and I see Ottawa v. Calgary on ESPN, I'll let you know if I tune in.
10.18.2005
I am sincere...really, I am!
Let's expand upon the discussion of "truth in our daily lives" and "insincerity". Nah, let's not. Tilam has yet again shattered the stereotype and really hit the nail on the head. Despite the beliefs of many of the "beautiful" people, you never really "own" any material things this go 'round. What you DO own is your thoughts and feelings - your integrity, your honestly, your emotions and conduct. If you throw it away how is anyone supposed to rely on you, how is anyone supposed to trust you, how is anyone supposed to believe what you say and do? Too many times it gets thrown away because as a society we have become fairly selfish and self-centered, and we do things which benefit ourselves above all others in all situations, apparently with the feeling of impunity and lack of consideration for the effect on others. Yeah Yeah, there are exceptions, but...
Okay, let's get to the fun stuff:
Sox out via the broom, Yanks out in 4. (NOTE: 4? Thew, in my number system, it goes 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5! In our world, 3 + 2 does not equal 4, but 5. Even more sloooooowly....fiiivvve. ) While I think it's good for baseball that Chicago and the Anaheim/California/LA Angels of Anahiem/whateverthefriktheirnameis battled it out, ultimately I find it somewhat unsatisfying that NY and Boston are not slugging it out again. The offseason is going to be VERY interesting - some key players from both teams are free agents (Matsui, Damon, etc), I don't envy Cashman and Epstein.
Hockey is back to a big splash. Arenas are full again, the game is more exciting, more offensively oriented, more high scoring. BUT, the big litmus test will be the ratings on TV. Because ultimately, hockey will NEVER become a draw until you can attract the fans who sit at home watching the tube. That was, is, and will be the challenge for the economic future of hockey.
Now, based on what I believe to be her selfish and self-centered reasons, her lack of loyalty to her professional sport LPGA, and the fact that she's a "phenom" who has won two events (Diddly and Squat - hehe), I root against Michelle Wie. BUT, I have to tell you that it's pathetic when a fan or reporter (in this case) can call tournament officials and get a player DQ'd. This isn't the first time this has happened, several times in the past fans have called in and questioned players on their conduct (Stadler kneeling on that towel, etc). This is bullshit. Do we allow fans with instant replay to call the crew chief of a baseball game and get a call changed? Basketball and Football have challenges and instant reply upon occasion, but fans sticking their noses into a golf tournament, not to mention doing it AFTER THE TOURNAMENT, thus costing the player her livelihood. Fans sticking their noses into ANY sporting event, affecting outcomes and being seen as watchdogs, is just bad precedent...
Yankees got permission to speak with wonder pitching coach, Leo Mazzone - who coulda predicted that?! :)
'Nuff for now...
Okay, let's get to the fun stuff:
Sox out via the broom, Yanks out in 4. (NOTE: 4? Thew, in my number system, it goes 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5! In our world, 3 + 2 does not equal 4, but 5. Even more sloooooowly....fiiivvve. ) While I think it's good for baseball that Chicago and the Anaheim/California/LA Angels of Anahiem/whateverthefriktheirnameis battled it out, ultimately I find it somewhat unsatisfying that NY and Boston are not slugging it out again. The offseason is going to be VERY interesting - some key players from both teams are free agents (Matsui, Damon, etc), I don't envy Cashman and Epstein.
Hockey is back to a big splash. Arenas are full again, the game is more exciting, more offensively oriented, more high scoring. BUT, the big litmus test will be the ratings on TV. Because ultimately, hockey will NEVER become a draw until you can attract the fans who sit at home watching the tube. That was, is, and will be the challenge for the economic future of hockey.
Now, based on what I believe to be her selfish and self-centered reasons, her lack of loyalty to her professional sport LPGA, and the fact that she's a "phenom" who has won two events (Diddly and Squat - hehe), I root against Michelle Wie. BUT, I have to tell you that it's pathetic when a fan or reporter (in this case) can call tournament officials and get a player DQ'd. This isn't the first time this has happened, several times in the past fans have called in and questioned players on their conduct (Stadler kneeling on that towel, etc). This is bullshit. Do we allow fans with instant replay to call the crew chief of a baseball game and get a call changed? Basketball and Football have challenges and instant reply upon occasion, but fans sticking their noses into a golf tournament, not to mention doing it AFTER THE TOURNAMENT, thus costing the player her livelihood. Fans sticking their noses into ANY sporting event, affecting outcomes and being seen as watchdogs, is just bad precedent...
Yankees got permission to speak with wonder pitching coach, Leo Mazzone - who coulda predicted that?! :)
'Nuff for now...
10.14.2005
Untruths
Professor David Gelernter has an article in the L.A. Times commenting on insincerity in politics. My two comments are 1) insincerity is too kind a word and 2) it is not limited to politics.
"Insincere" implies a sort of self-awareness that is lacking in the discourse Gelernter mentions as examples. Maybe self-awareness is wrong, but I am insincere when I apologize for something I really did not think was wrong. Lying for the purpose of personal destruction is something quite different.
In my position (I am an executive in a corporation), I am occasionally sued. The first time I read a complaint directed against me, my jaw dropped. The claims made were demonstrable lies. I called my attorney and was politely informed that there was no "perjury" in a complaint and their purpose was to get into court, not win the case. They lie, they get settlement money, end of story.
In one deposition, caught in one of these lies, the plaintiff assured everyone that the statement wasn't a lie, but an "untruth." An untruth, you see, is not a lie. I guess it is a strategy.
Truth is one of the basic fabrics of our civil life, not a weakness. The state of discourse, whether in politics or in life, does seem to have slid into "insincerity." That is unfortunate, as individuals, we have every few things that we can truly call our own, but one of them is our honesty. One should think hard before one throws it away.
"Insincere" implies a sort of self-awareness that is lacking in the discourse Gelernter mentions as examples. Maybe self-awareness is wrong, but I am insincere when I apologize for something I really did not think was wrong. Lying for the purpose of personal destruction is something quite different.
In my position (I am an executive in a corporation), I am occasionally sued. The first time I read a complaint directed against me, my jaw dropped. The claims made were demonstrable lies. I called my attorney and was politely informed that there was no "perjury" in a complaint and their purpose was to get into court, not win the case. They lie, they get settlement money, end of story.
In one deposition, caught in one of these lies, the plaintiff assured everyone that the statement wasn't a lie, but an "untruth." An untruth, you see, is not a lie. I guess it is a strategy.
Truth is one of the basic fabrics of our civil life, not a weakness. The state of discourse, whether in politics or in life, does seem to have slid into "insincerity." That is unfortunate, as individuals, we have every few things that we can truly call our own, but one of them is our honesty. One should think hard before one throws it away.
10.06.2005
Various Items
Around the horn on the goings on in various parts...
Young Athletes
I agree with Thew: what happen for pay for performance? Further, tell me what is appealing about Michele Wie? If you want pretty golfers there is Paula Creamer, Natalie Gulbis or Anna Rawson. Looking for better golfers there is...nearly everyone else. More power to her for snagging dollars for nothing, but it won't last if she does not win.
Harriet Miers
There is nothing "wrong" with Miers as a Justice. Quite frankly, the idea of an "outsider" (read not a professor or professional judge) on the court is appealing. People who have worked with her are very supportive, the rest of us just don't know...yet. The problem for the President is that conservatives are fed up with his approach to pretty much everything except the GWOT. In particular, the President has allowed Congress to spend like a drunken sailor. What happened to the party of small government? A huge drug entitlement, more bureaucracy, and $250 billion for Katrina (or $400K for every affected family!).
I don't disagree with Miers' profile, but I have no faith in the President's ability to do the right thing for conservative principles. Conservatives talk about Miers being a "stealth nominee," but George Bush is fast becoming (in retrospect) the the "stealth nominee" - talking a good game on the campaign trail, but acting very differently in office.
2008
All of the above bodes badly for a Guiliani or Powell or McCain or other moderate conservative candidate for the GOP in 2008. The Base has been betrayed and they are not likely to forget.
Interestingly, the person most likely to suffer is Jeb. Given the "conservative" track record of 41 & 43, why would the GOP nominate another Bush??
Baseball
I was hoping for a Yankees-Red Sox Championship. Not happening and that is Too Bad. The Sox look just beat up. And the White Sox seem to have awoken from their late year stupor.
As for the Yankees, the pitching continued its late season performance, but A-Rod Sheffield and Matsui really fell apart in the clutch. Ortiz for MVP.
And Giambi is definitely back on the juice.
Unlike last year, I am a St. Louis believer. Now true, it is only San Diego, but Edmonds, Pujols and Sanders are hitting well. With last year under its belt, the Red Birds should show up a different team.
And hats off to the Astros and Braves for what could have been the best playoff game ever.
College Terror
A fizzy soda can in Penn Station is front page news, but a Islamic convert who blew himself up after trying to enter the OU-KState football game last week is buried. Hinrichs tried to buy alot of ammonium nitrate a week earlier and blew himself up with TAPT, the same stuff that the Richard Reid, the Shoe Bomber used. Thankfully, it is highly volatile and he go *poof*.
And it seems Georgia Tech is the latest campus to have a possible terror threat or cell.
Of course, this makes perfect sense. Campuses are hotbeds of far left radicalism that embraces "any means necessary" to make their point. It is also fill with impressionable youth who have little or no understanding of the consequence of their actions. One can't help but imagine Ward Churchill is pleased with these developments (as ;ong as he isn't hurt, that is).
UPDATE (Sort of): UCLA also? Uh-oh. I really believe the next terrorist attack will be a small (15 - 25 dead) attack on a soft target. A college campus makes perfect "sense."
South Asia Earthquake
Obviously, George Bushes fault.
Seriously, it does put Katrina in perspective. While the overall numbers certainly do not matter to those who lost a loved one, the South Asia Earthquake certainly puts the Katrina rants in a different light. 30,000 vs. 3,000. 3 million homeless. These poor ARE really poor. (Not "poor" in the US version, but in the "real world" version. That is, dirt freakin' poor.)
Oh, well. Gotta jet.
Young Athletes
I agree with Thew: what happen for pay for performance? Further, tell me what is appealing about Michele Wie? If you want pretty golfers there is Paula Creamer, Natalie Gulbis or Anna Rawson. Looking for better golfers there is...nearly everyone else. More power to her for snagging dollars for nothing, but it won't last if she does not win.
Harriet Miers
There is nothing "wrong" with Miers as a Justice. Quite frankly, the idea of an "outsider" (read not a professor or professional judge) on the court is appealing. People who have worked with her are very supportive, the rest of us just don't know...yet. The problem for the President is that conservatives are fed up with his approach to pretty much everything except the GWOT. In particular, the President has allowed Congress to spend like a drunken sailor. What happened to the party of small government? A huge drug entitlement, more bureaucracy, and $250 billion for Katrina (or $400K for every affected family!).
I don't disagree with Miers' profile, but I have no faith in the President's ability to do the right thing for conservative principles. Conservatives talk about Miers being a "stealth nominee," but George Bush is fast becoming (in retrospect) the the "stealth nominee" - talking a good game on the campaign trail, but acting very differently in office.
2008
All of the above bodes badly for a Guiliani or Powell or McCain or other moderate conservative candidate for the GOP in 2008. The Base has been betrayed and they are not likely to forget.
Interestingly, the person most likely to suffer is Jeb. Given the "conservative" track record of 41 & 43, why would the GOP nominate another Bush??
Baseball
I was hoping for a Yankees-Red Sox Championship. Not happening and that is Too Bad. The Sox look just beat up. And the White Sox seem to have awoken from their late year stupor.
As for the Yankees, the pitching continued its late season performance, but A-Rod Sheffield and Matsui really fell apart in the clutch. Ortiz for MVP.
And Giambi is definitely back on the juice.
Unlike last year, I am a St. Louis believer. Now true, it is only San Diego, but Edmonds, Pujols and Sanders are hitting well. With last year under its belt, the Red Birds should show up a different team.
And hats off to the Astros and Braves for what could have been the best playoff game ever.
College Terror
A fizzy soda can in Penn Station is front page news, but a Islamic convert who blew himself up after trying to enter the OU-KState football game last week is buried. Hinrichs tried to buy alot of ammonium nitrate a week earlier and blew himself up with TAPT, the same stuff that the Richard Reid, the Shoe Bomber used. Thankfully, it is highly volatile and he go *poof*.
And it seems Georgia Tech is the latest campus to have a possible terror threat or cell.
Of course, this makes perfect sense. Campuses are hotbeds of far left radicalism that embraces "any means necessary" to make their point. It is also fill with impressionable youth who have little or no understanding of the consequence of their actions. One can't help but imagine Ward Churchill is pleased with these developments (as ;ong as he isn't hurt, that is).
UPDATE (Sort of): UCLA also? Uh-oh. I really believe the next terrorist attack will be a small (15 - 25 dead) attack on a soft target. A college campus makes perfect "sense."
South Asia Earthquake
Obviously, George Bushes fault.
Seriously, it does put Katrina in perspective. While the overall numbers certainly do not matter to those who lost a loved one, the South Asia Earthquake certainly puts the Katrina rants in a different light. 30,000 vs. 3,000. 3 million homeless. These poor ARE really poor. (Not "poor" in the US version, but in the "real world" version. That is, dirt freakin' poor.)
Oh, well. Gotta jet.
10.05.2005
Here's to cute young chick athletes
I discovered something the other day:
If you rearrange the letters in "Anna Kournikova" you get "Michelle Wie". Another cute young athlete who has major hype and who hasn't (and probably won't) win anything...but who needs to win with the kind of endorsement money they get?
If you rearrange the letters in "Anna Kournikova" you get "Michelle Wie". Another cute young athlete who has major hype and who hasn't (and probably won't) win anything...but who needs to win with the kind of endorsement money they get?
9.25.2005
And you laugh that *I* play "fantasy games"?!
Do not question my intentions, you should know better. You assume that *I* would behave in such a manner. I am talking in generalizations here - that society as a whole is becoming self centered and selfish, with little regard for anything and anyone outside their immediate influence.
I don't believe I have it wrong in my post, I think you are blinding yourself to the reality that exists in society today. When the shit hits the fan, we regress to our survival instinct - and the trade off between our own individual freedoms and others'? You seem to state that even given the repeal of our entire set of laws governing life we would still recognize the benefit of working together and society would not collapse, is that true? Dangerous drivers with little regard for things such as "traffic laws". Parents who sit there and let their children run wild, interfering with other people's fun. Babies and cell phones in movies despite repeated requests that we silence them. We fight each other for no reasons. People are shot over parking spaces. We are willing to put up with fatless potato chips even though it might cause abdominal cramping, diarhea, and bloody stools, because we are too lazy to exercise and show some dietary restraint? And you don't think society is degenerating? Dang, I want what you're smoking...the ONLY reason we behave in a lawful way is because we have laws. Take away those laws and we won't "work together", anarchy will take over. As for your assertion that "it is wrong but morally justifiable to commit a crime given an emergency" that's hogwash - what constitutes an emergency? "I'm sorry, but my kid pooped in his pants and I don't have any diapers, this is an EMERGENCY, I need to steal diapers and break the law". Have another beer dude...
Sure, and I cannot dispute, there are many instances of selfless people helping others. I in my heart that I would one of these people. That's the way I was raised. But I am becoming more and more convinced that I (should I say "WE"?) are the exception.
Society is getting better and better? Drugs. Crime. They have been holding steady, that is good. But I'm not talking about murders. I'm talking about people in general - their "I don't give a shit attitude" about anyone else but themselves. Why are we improving as a nation? Well, we are technologically WAY MORE advanced than in 1905...what an assinine assertion! Cars are better, the internet, Satellite TV, we have been to the moon, Voyager past Saturn (incredible pics), the Hubble Telescope, we can fly across the country and connect in less than a few hours, society is improving because we are inventing and discovering and making better things. But attitude wise, we are a bunch of idiots in general (present company excluded!). hehe
I don't believe I have it wrong in my post, I think you are blinding yourself to the reality that exists in society today. When the shit hits the fan, we regress to our survival instinct - and the trade off between our own individual freedoms and others'? You seem to state that even given the repeal of our entire set of laws governing life we would still recognize the benefit of working together and society would not collapse, is that true? Dangerous drivers with little regard for things such as "traffic laws". Parents who sit there and let their children run wild, interfering with other people's fun. Babies and cell phones in movies despite repeated requests that we silence them. We fight each other for no reasons. People are shot over parking spaces. We are willing to put up with fatless potato chips even though it might cause abdominal cramping, diarhea, and bloody stools, because we are too lazy to exercise and show some dietary restraint? And you don't think society is degenerating? Dang, I want what you're smoking...the ONLY reason we behave in a lawful way is because we have laws. Take away those laws and we won't "work together", anarchy will take over. As for your assertion that "it is wrong but morally justifiable to commit a crime given an emergency" that's hogwash - what constitutes an emergency? "I'm sorry, but my kid pooped in his pants and I don't have any diapers, this is an EMERGENCY, I need to steal diapers and break the law". Have another beer dude...
Sure, and I cannot dispute, there are many instances of selfless people helping others. I in my heart that I would one of these people. That's the way I was raised. But I am becoming more and more convinced that I (should I say "WE"?) are the exception.
Society is getting better and better? Drugs. Crime. They have been holding steady, that is good. But I'm not talking about murders. I'm talking about people in general - their "I don't give a shit attitude" about anyone else but themselves. Why are we improving as a nation? Well, we are technologically WAY MORE advanced than in 1905...what an assinine assertion! Cars are better, the internet, Satellite TV, we have been to the moon, Voyager past Saturn (incredible pics), the Hubble Telescope, we can fly across the country and connect in less than a few hours, society is improving because we are inventing and discovering and making better things. But attitude wise, we are a bunch of idiots in general (present company excluded!). hehe
9.23.2005
Good to Have You Back
Note to self: in a crisis, shoot Thew before he shoots you.
Seriously, I am sure the lovely Mrs. Thew is quite comforted by your words. At least she know why you would abandon her when the shit hits the fan.
Oh, maybe you were not talking about her. Surely, the precocious Thew children were covered by your "every man for himself" remark. Hmmmm. Maybe not?
In summary, you have got pretty much everything wrong in that post. Society, by definition cannot be base and selfish. Members of society certainly can, but we are all together because we, as individuals, recognize the benefit of working together. We recognize that there is a trade off between our own complete individual freedom (which would allow us to, say, kill the b*&%$ in the minivan/SUV talking on her cellphone and not paying attention) and others' complete individual freedom (which would allow them to toast me on those rare moments when I am driving and not paying attention).
Society can break down - it did in New Orleans (Firing guns at emergency personnel! For God's sake!) But even that was more than outweighed by the selflessness of hundred of individuals who helped directly and indirectly. Of course, if it bleeds - it leads. The MSM is not interested in showing the milk of human kindness, they are interested in blaming President Bush.
One fine point: it is wrong, but morally justifiable to steal necessities during an emergency. Food, water, diapers, batteries, even clothes, I understand. Big screen TVs? I don't think so.
Finally, I simply disagree with your fundamental assertion: society is getting worse. Society is getting better and better and better. We ARE improving as a nation. Sometimes we take a step back and, of course TV and the internet allows us to observe the seedier side, up close and personal. But I would take your average American today, then your average American from 1905 any day.
Seriously, I am sure the lovely Mrs. Thew is quite comforted by your words. At least she know why you would abandon her when the shit hits the fan.
Oh, maybe you were not talking about her. Surely, the precocious Thew children were covered by your "every man for himself" remark. Hmmmm. Maybe not?
In summary, you have got pretty much everything wrong in that post. Society, by definition cannot be base and selfish. Members of society certainly can, but we are all together because we, as individuals, recognize the benefit of working together. We recognize that there is a trade off between our own complete individual freedom (which would allow us to, say, kill the b*&%$ in the minivan/SUV talking on her cellphone and not paying attention) and others' complete individual freedom (which would allow them to toast me on those rare moments when I am driving and not paying attention).
Society can break down - it did in New Orleans (Firing guns at emergency personnel! For God's sake!) But even that was more than outweighed by the selflessness of hundred of individuals who helped directly and indirectly. Of course, if it bleeds - it leads. The MSM is not interested in showing the milk of human kindness, they are interested in blaming President Bush.
One fine point: it is wrong, but morally justifiable to steal necessities during an emergency. Food, water, diapers, batteries, even clothes, I understand. Big screen TVs? I don't think so.
Finally, I simply disagree with your fundamental assertion: society is getting worse. Society is getting better and better and better. We ARE improving as a nation. Sometimes we take a step back and, of course TV and the internet allows us to observe the seedier side, up close and personal. But I would take your average American today, then your average American from 1905 any day.
9.22.2005
Time for a Reality Check
Time for the cynical Thew to rear his ugly head. Where have I been? Well, new job with long hours, no gems from Tilam to crush under the weight of my keen mind, etc. Bottom line, been busy.
"My brother's keeper". Hmm, interesting quote. And no matter how TRUE that might be, when the shit hits the fan, and there is no help in immediate sight, the sheer baseness of the human existence take control, then it becomes every man for himself. Why do people loot? Why do people steal and attack each other in the middle of the misery and devastation? Because deep down inside we are selfish animals. Our basic need for power, dominance, and survival produce actions that go against "normal human behavior". Of course, many of the people who looted where the poor and (possibly) homeless, determining that "if you are not going to help me, at least I'm going to get something for nothing out of this". The basic need for humans to be selfish also takes place during celebrations and public parties - smash, steal, loot, and get something for nothing. But it is real, and as we move forward in time, you can see too many instances of society lowering itself to the lowest common decency of behavior. We are getting more and more angry, more beligerent, and less concerned with anything outside our close circle.
Is this a socio-economic issue? Maybe. Because as I stated, the impression is that only the people of lesser income and means are the ones who do this - since they cannot afford it, the "mob mentality" is to get your hands on everything and claim it. But society is degenerating in too many places - we are becoming less than animals in many instances, not even enough of a "pride" to take care of our own.
Enough instances of people helping people prove me wrong enough in this, but still, I put forth society as base and selfish...
"My brother's keeper". Hmm, interesting quote. And no matter how TRUE that might be, when the shit hits the fan, and there is no help in immediate sight, the sheer baseness of the human existence take control, then it becomes every man for himself. Why do people loot? Why do people steal and attack each other in the middle of the misery and devastation? Because deep down inside we are selfish animals. Our basic need for power, dominance, and survival produce actions that go against "normal human behavior". Of course, many of the people who looted where the poor and (possibly) homeless, determining that "if you are not going to help me, at least I'm going to get something for nothing out of this". The basic need for humans to be selfish also takes place during celebrations and public parties - smash, steal, loot, and get something for nothing. But it is real, and as we move forward in time, you can see too many instances of society lowering itself to the lowest common decency of behavior. We are getting more and more angry, more beligerent, and less concerned with anything outside our close circle.
Is this a socio-economic issue? Maybe. Because as I stated, the impression is that only the people of lesser income and means are the ones who do this - since they cannot afford it, the "mob mentality" is to get your hands on everything and claim it. But society is degenerating in too many places - we are becoming less than animals in many instances, not even enough of a "pride" to take care of our own.
Enough instances of people helping people prove me wrong enough in this, but still, I put forth society as base and selfish...
9.12.2005
My Brother's Keeper
We were driving home after dinner last night, our kids started discussing a few passages from the Old Testament. (We are not religious fanatics - it started when one of my sons said it would be cool to have a flaming sword like the angel guarding the Garden of Eden, which he remembered....how?)
One story that does always draws their curiosity is the story of Cain and Abel. Why bring this up? Well in all the commentary and blame and defensiveness surrounding Hurricane Katrina, it struck me that the one pearl of wisdom you could pass along to everyone is that "we are all our brother's keepers."
Given a tragedy, be it natural or man-made, the government will help...eventually. But be it an hour, a day, week or month, there will be a time before that organized help arrives. In that time, the fact remains that we are all dependent on our families, neighbors and fellow citizens for help. Conversely, we all must heed the call to help others.
When that bond fails, you have lawlessness, grief and violence. When it holds, you have heroism, comfort and hope.
The Mayor, Governor or President, no matter how powerful or prescient, can not help any of us then. At that moment, we need each other.
One story that does always draws their curiosity is the story of Cain and Abel. Why bring this up? Well in all the commentary and blame and defensiveness surrounding Hurricane Katrina, it struck me that the one pearl of wisdom you could pass along to everyone is that "we are all our brother's keepers."
Given a tragedy, be it natural or man-made, the government will help...eventually. But be it an hour, a day, week or month, there will be a time before that organized help arrives. In that time, the fact remains that we are all dependent on our families, neighbors and fellow citizens for help. Conversely, we all must heed the call to help others.
When that bond fails, you have lawlessness, grief and violence. When it holds, you have heroism, comfort and hope.
The Mayor, Governor or President, no matter how powerful or prescient, can not help any of us then. At that moment, we need each other.
8.25.2005
Michael Yon
Michael Yon is a writer/reporter in Iraq. From his website: "Michael Yon is an independent, informed observer chronicling the monumentally important events in the efforts to stabilize Iraq. His dispatches have the benefit of his life experiences without drawbacks based on deadlines or demands of marketplace."
His dispatches are some of the most powerful, gripping reporting on the actual goings on in Iraq. Go visit.
His dispatches are some of the most powerful, gripping reporting on the actual goings on in Iraq. Go visit.
8.23.2005
Thoughts Online
After an Instapundit referral, I have added "Thoughts Online" to the blog roll. Steve Sturm puts together some well thought out pieces. I don't necessarily agree with everything, But Tilam abhors the echo chamber.
Check out the site.
Check out the site.
8.22.2005
It's Been Awhile
since Thew or I posted. We can't let August go by without something, can we? I have been absent because of vacations and a job related thing which I will recount at some point. And 'Tilam' blog is not popular enough to entice guest bloggers.
No links, just some passing thoughts.
So around the horn:
Able Danger: Is it me or is anyone else getting sick of "independent" inquiries and commissions that are suppose to get to the bottom of the matter, but only serve to whitewash the problem. CBS, Oil-for-Food, Idol (tee, hee) and now the 9/11 commission. It is not clear to me how important Able Danger is to the fighting the GWOT in the future, but I am concerned that a bi-partisan commission that was supposed to take a hard look at the intelligence failures prior to 9/11 has seemed to ignore important information rather than embarrass a commission member.
Can't we get this independent commission thing right?
UPDATE: Steve Sturm has articulated my feelings nicely.
Iraqi Constitution: I pray to God for its success. I am less concerned about what it looks like today: I believe that if the process is successful, as time goes on and participation in the political process becomes more wide spread a "true" constitution will emerge. (Remember it took the US a couple of tries to get it right.) So getting right, in the long run, means creating a system of government that allows the people to make choices as to the role or religion, women and federalist principles. While I think chartering a "less then equal" role for women would be a mistake, I also remember that women's suffrage was not a notion high on the Founders' mind in the late-18th century.
Give the Iraqis time, they will get it right.
Cindy Sheehan: Terri Schaivo, Elian Gonzales. All tragic personal stories that become pawns in partisan politics. Willing or unwillingly.
AL East: This might end up being a race. But the Indians and A's will have something to say about who gets the chance to face the White Sox in the ALCS and then the Cardinals in the WS.
Lefty: Good on you. He's got a few more in him. How about Tiger: two majors and loses the other two by a combined 4 strokes. That is still dominant in my books.
No links, just some passing thoughts.
So around the horn:
Able Danger: Is it me or is anyone else getting sick of "independent" inquiries and commissions that are suppose to get to the bottom of the matter, but only serve to whitewash the problem. CBS, Oil-for-Food, Idol (tee, hee) and now the 9/11 commission. It is not clear to me how important Able Danger is to the fighting the GWOT in the future, but I am concerned that a bi-partisan commission that was supposed to take a hard look at the intelligence failures prior to 9/11 has seemed to ignore important information rather than embarrass a commission member.
Can't we get this independent commission thing right?
UPDATE: Steve Sturm has articulated my feelings nicely.
Iraqi Constitution: I pray to God for its success. I am less concerned about what it looks like today: I believe that if the process is successful, as time goes on and participation in the political process becomes more wide spread a "true" constitution will emerge. (Remember it took the US a couple of tries to get it right.) So getting right, in the long run, means creating a system of government that allows the people to make choices as to the role or religion, women and federalist principles. While I think chartering a "less then equal" role for women would be a mistake, I also remember that women's suffrage was not a notion high on the Founders' mind in the late-18th century.
Give the Iraqis time, they will get it right.
Cindy Sheehan: Terri Schaivo, Elian Gonzales. All tragic personal stories that become pawns in partisan politics. Willing or unwillingly.
AL East: This might end up being a race. But the Indians and A's will have something to say about who gets the chance to face the White Sox in the ALCS and then the Cardinals in the WS.
Lefty: Good on you. He's got a few more in him. How about Tiger: two majors and loses the other two by a combined 4 strokes. That is still dominant in my books.
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