Goes to show you what I know.
The ink isn’t even dry on my prediction that Tebow would go to the Jaguars and it gets announced that he’s headed for the Big Apple and the Jets.
Look out Broadway, here comes Tim.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
The Saints pay for Bounty System
The NFL came down pretty hard on the New Orleans Saints for the illegal bounty system they had running under ex-defensive coordinator Greg Williams.
The head coach, Shaun Peyton, has been suspended without pay for the entire 2012 season; the GM was suspended without pay for the first eight games of the 2012 season and the team has been fined $500,000 and stripped of second round draft choices in 2012 and 2013.
Mr. Bounty himself, Greg Williams, has been suspended indefinitely with a review to occur after the 2012 season. That puts the Rams, who just hired Williams, in the market for a defensive coordinator I suppose.
The $500,000 is almost a joke but the suspensions and loss of draft choices have some teeth. I would have taken away both first and second round choices myself or a first round in 2012 and a second round in 2013.
But at least it was more than a slap on the wrist.
The head coach, Shaun Peyton, has been suspended without pay for the entire 2012 season; the GM was suspended without pay for the first eight games of the 2012 season and the team has been fined $500,000 and stripped of second round draft choices in 2012 and 2013.
Mr. Bounty himself, Greg Williams, has been suspended indefinitely with a review to occur after the 2012 season. That puts the Rams, who just hired Williams, in the market for a defensive coordinator I suppose.
The $500,000 is almost a joke but the suspensions and loss of draft choices have some teeth. I would have taken away both first and second round choices myself or a first round in 2012 and a second round in 2013.
But at least it was more than a slap on the wrist.
Peyton Manning
As an ardent NFL fan I was very much interested in where Peyton Manning would play next season.
Originally I thought it might be Miami or the Jets to set up twice yearly confrontations with Tom Brady. But the Jets, correctly I think, stuck with Mark Sanchez and the Dolphins are just too dysfunctional a franchise right now to attract a Peyton Manning.
For a while I thought it might be the Redskins but, again, they made the right move by trading up in the draft for Robert Griffin III. I should be spending many future afternoons watching the Giants defense chasing him all over MetLife Stadium.
It finally seemed to come down to the Titans, Broncos and 49ers.
I still think the 49ers were the best option as the most Super Bowl ready team. After watching them in them in the NFC Championship game it was clear their biggest question mark was Alex Smith at quarterback.
Don’t get me wrong, Smith is a decent quarterback, but Manning, assuming he’s healthy, would have been a significant upgrade especially with the addition of Mario Manningham as a target. I think Manningham needs an “I got it all under control” QB like Peyton or his brother Eli. I’m not sure Smith is there yet after the years of crap he’s been handed in SF.
But what do I know? Manning decided that Denver was the place for him.
That sort of extended the soap opera because now the question becomes what happens to Terrific Tim Tebow? The latest rumor is he goes to either Jacksonville or the Jets. The Jets!? You can’t do that to that nice boy. I can see it now, Broadway Tim Tebow, hanging out in all the NYC best places.
I suspect it will be Jacksonville though since Tim wants to go home.
As for Peyton, the pressure to bring a championship to Denver is going to be enormous. In 2012, since they won the division in 2011, the Broncos get Houston and New England in addition to the six games against divisional opponents, the AFC North and the NFC South. The Chargers, who I suspect will be their primary antagonist in the AFC West, get the Jets and Titans instead.
It should be interesting to watch. I’m already assuming the Giants will have a big down year next year, as they always seem to do after winning a championship, so I’ll need something to keep me amused.
In 2013 the Broncos get the NFC East. The Giants should be resurgent by then, Robert Griffin III should be coming into his own and the Eagles and Cowboys should be pretty tough as well. If the Eagles don’t win it all in 2012 they should be downright wide-eyed and foaming at the mouth by 2013.
The Super Bowl for the 2013 season is also at MetLife Stadium. Now wouldn't it be something if Peyton won a ring in Eli's house?
Originally I thought it might be Miami or the Jets to set up twice yearly confrontations with Tom Brady. But the Jets, correctly I think, stuck with Mark Sanchez and the Dolphins are just too dysfunctional a franchise right now to attract a Peyton Manning.
For a while I thought it might be the Redskins but, again, they made the right move by trading up in the draft for Robert Griffin III. I should be spending many future afternoons watching the Giants defense chasing him all over MetLife Stadium.
It finally seemed to come down to the Titans, Broncos and 49ers.
I still think the 49ers were the best option as the most Super Bowl ready team. After watching them in them in the NFC Championship game it was clear their biggest question mark was Alex Smith at quarterback.
Don’t get me wrong, Smith is a decent quarterback, but Manning, assuming he’s healthy, would have been a significant upgrade especially with the addition of Mario Manningham as a target. I think Manningham needs an “I got it all under control” QB like Peyton or his brother Eli. I’m not sure Smith is there yet after the years of crap he’s been handed in SF.
But what do I know? Manning decided that Denver was the place for him.
That sort of extended the soap opera because now the question becomes what happens to Terrific Tim Tebow? The latest rumor is he goes to either Jacksonville or the Jets. The Jets!? You can’t do that to that nice boy. I can see it now, Broadway Tim Tebow, hanging out in all the NYC best places.
I suspect it will be Jacksonville though since Tim wants to go home.
As for Peyton, the pressure to bring a championship to Denver is going to be enormous. In 2012, since they won the division in 2011, the Broncos get Houston and New England in addition to the six games against divisional opponents, the AFC North and the NFC South. The Chargers, who I suspect will be their primary antagonist in the AFC West, get the Jets and Titans instead.
It should be interesting to watch. I’m already assuming the Giants will have a big down year next year, as they always seem to do after winning a championship, so I’ll need something to keep me amused.
In 2013 the Broncos get the NFC East. The Giants should be resurgent by then, Robert Griffin III should be coming into his own and the Eagles and Cowboys should be pretty tough as well. If the Eagles don’t win it all in 2012 they should be downright wide-eyed and foaming at the mouth by 2013.
The Super Bowl for the 2013 season is also at MetLife Stadium. Now wouldn't it be something if Peyton won a ring in Eli's house?
Remake America
Yahoo is tracking six families struggling in the soft economy. So far I’ve looked at two of the stories and, to be honest, while I sympathize, you really can’t say they’re in the mess they’re in due solely to bad luck.
Let’s consider the family from Little Falls New Jersey.
The short video shows them with a stack of bills and a balance sheet showing $5700 in income and $5300 in expenses, not including food, for six people. Husband, wife, three high school age children and the wife’s 74 year old father.
They also have $350,000 in debt including three maxed out credit cards and two mortgages. The husband has been out of work since July.
I’ve having a lot of problems with this. First of all, how do you rack up $350,000 in dept including maxing out three credit cards and having a second mortgage? This didn’t happen in the six or seven months hubby has been unemployed.
Second of all, on the income side, I didn’t see any contribution from the wife’s father. He must have some income. Social Security if nothing else. Where’s his contribution? Even $300 or $400 a month would be enough to get them out from under water.
Third of all, let’s talk about the credit cards, at least one of which hubby groans he’s paying 27% interest on. He says that’s ridiculous, and he’s right, it is ridiculous. The question is how did it get that high? For an interest rate to be that high, your credit rating has to be disastrous and it’s unclear that it could dive bomb to that level in six months.
I think it’s likely the family has been in debt and was making some bad financial decisions well before Hubby got laid off. Losing his job was the final nail so to speak.
But that’s all water under the bridge, the question is what do you do now?
I have two suggestions. The first is to figure out a way to get rid of the credit card debt because 27% interest is going to kill anyone. My second suggestion would be based on the question of why grandpa wasn’t contributing anything to the balance sheet? He must have some income and a couple of hundred dollars would go a long way toward getting this family above water.
The second family is a couple that, according to the video, planned to retire at 59 but hubby had a stroke at 55. He couldn’t continue to function at his executive position so he was let go.
At that point, rather than go on long term disability, they decided to open a hardware store. And not just any hardware store, a huge affair in a strip mall. Unfortunately that business went belly up and they’re trying again with a store of more modest size.
Owning a small business is always tough and this is no exception. Sounds to me like they’re barely surviving.
Again, I’m having some problems with this. If you were planning on retiring at 59, how far away could you have been at 55? Opening a massive hardware store at that age was a high risk decision especially since, given the age of the couple, there was no obvious recovery path.
At age 55, given the health issues, extreme financial conservatism was called for not a high risk new venture.
But , again, that’s water under the bridge, now what?
Clearly these folks are in worse shape than the first family and most of my sympathy goes to them. I really have no idea what our hardware store entrepreneurs should do other than dump the store and live as best they can on Social Security. I think the problem right now is they continue to sink assets into a losing proposition.
The first two cases got me so depressed I think I’m going to skip the other four.
Let’s consider the family from Little Falls New Jersey.
The short video shows them with a stack of bills and a balance sheet showing $5700 in income and $5300 in expenses, not including food, for six people. Husband, wife, three high school age children and the wife’s 74 year old father.
They also have $350,000 in debt including three maxed out credit cards and two mortgages. The husband has been out of work since July.
I’ve having a lot of problems with this. First of all, how do you rack up $350,000 in dept including maxing out three credit cards and having a second mortgage? This didn’t happen in the six or seven months hubby has been unemployed.
Second of all, on the income side, I didn’t see any contribution from the wife’s father. He must have some income. Social Security if nothing else. Where’s his contribution? Even $300 or $400 a month would be enough to get them out from under water.
Third of all, let’s talk about the credit cards, at least one of which hubby groans he’s paying 27% interest on. He says that’s ridiculous, and he’s right, it is ridiculous. The question is how did it get that high? For an interest rate to be that high, your credit rating has to be disastrous and it’s unclear that it could dive bomb to that level in six months.
I think it’s likely the family has been in debt and was making some bad financial decisions well before Hubby got laid off. Losing his job was the final nail so to speak.
But that’s all water under the bridge, the question is what do you do now?
I have two suggestions. The first is to figure out a way to get rid of the credit card debt because 27% interest is going to kill anyone. My second suggestion would be based on the question of why grandpa wasn’t contributing anything to the balance sheet? He must have some income and a couple of hundred dollars would go a long way toward getting this family above water.
The second family is a couple that, according to the video, planned to retire at 59 but hubby had a stroke at 55. He couldn’t continue to function at his executive position so he was let go.
At that point, rather than go on long term disability, they decided to open a hardware store. And not just any hardware store, a huge affair in a strip mall. Unfortunately that business went belly up and they’re trying again with a store of more modest size.
Owning a small business is always tough and this is no exception. Sounds to me like they’re barely surviving.
Again, I’m having some problems with this. If you were planning on retiring at 59, how far away could you have been at 55? Opening a massive hardware store at that age was a high risk decision especially since, given the age of the couple, there was no obvious recovery path.
At age 55, given the health issues, extreme financial conservatism was called for not a high risk new venture.
But , again, that’s water under the bridge, now what?
Clearly these folks are in worse shape than the first family and most of my sympathy goes to them. I really have no idea what our hardware store entrepreneurs should do other than dump the store and live as best they can on Social Security. I think the problem right now is they continue to sink assets into a losing proposition.
The first two cases got me so depressed I think I’m going to skip the other four.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Racist Chant in NCAA Game?
In the NCAA tournament game between the University of Southern Mississippi and Kansas State, the USM student body got on Kansas State’s star Angel Rodriguez with a chant of “where’s your green card.”
Well, no one expects class from anyone from Mississippi anyway and Rodriguez got his revenge with an “in your face” 13 point and 4 assist performance in Kansas State’s 70-64 win.
Now here’s where it gets surreal.
Southern Miss president Martha Saunders felt obligated to issue a formal apology. The only problem was she MISSPELLED Angel’s name as “RODRIQUEZ.”
Sort of makes you doubt the sincerity of the apology doesn’t it?
Apparently even the presidents of universities in Mississippi are idiots. I wonder if she’s part of the 60% of people in Mississippi that think Barack Obama is a Muslim or the 25% that think interracial marriage should be illegal?
Like Phil Ochs said, “Mississippi find yourself another country to be part of.”
Well, no one expects class from anyone from Mississippi anyway and Rodriguez got his revenge with an “in your face” 13 point and 4 assist performance in Kansas State’s 70-64 win.
Now here’s where it gets surreal.
Southern Miss president Martha Saunders felt obligated to issue a formal apology. The only problem was she MISSPELLED Angel’s name as “RODRIQUEZ.”
Sort of makes you doubt the sincerity of the apology doesn’t it?
Apparently even the presidents of universities in Mississippi are idiots. I wonder if she’s part of the 60% of people in Mississippi that think Barack Obama is a Muslim or the 25% that think interracial marriage should be illegal?
Like Phil Ochs said, “Mississippi find yourself another country to be part of.”
New Frog Species
Scientists discover new animals species with great regularity, especially when they venture into remote or uncharted territory.
You know, uncharted territory, like Yankee Stadium in New York City.
I kid you not. A team from LSU and UCLA has discovered a new species of Leopard Frog who’s habitat centers around Yankee Stadium in the Bronx.
Of course, one has to wonder why they were LOOKING around Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. There aren’t enough frogs in Louisiana?
You know, uncharted territory, like Yankee Stadium in New York City.
I kid you not. A team from LSU and UCLA has discovered a new species of Leopard Frog who’s habitat centers around Yankee Stadium in the Bronx.
Of course, one has to wonder why they were LOOKING around Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. There aren’t enough frogs in Louisiana?
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Santorum calls Global Warming a Hoax
Ok, he’s entitled to his opinion. But the amount of ignorance demonstrated in this next quote is embarrassing. It’s embarrassing that someone this dumb may still figure out a way to be the candidate for president of a major political party.
"The dangers of carbon dioxide? Tell that to a plant, how dangerous carbon dioxide is.”
I don’t know about you Rick, but I’m not a plant. Tell you what, let’s lock you in a room and slowing replace the air in it with more and more carbon dioxide and see how well you do?
Hell, it couldn’t make you any dumber.
Now let’s address the whole hoax idea. A hoax perpetrated by who and why? Are you really this stupid or do you just think people in Mississippi are (well, he might have a point there)?
Feel free to challenge the overwhelming consensus of the scientific community on the interpretation of the evidence if you want. But to caverlierly dismiss the issue as a "hoax" is idiotic if not downright criminal.
The stupidity of the American public, that anything over a minuscule percentage would vote for this idiot, never ceases to amaze me.
"The dangers of carbon dioxide? Tell that to a plant, how dangerous carbon dioxide is.”
I don’t know about you Rick, but I’m not a plant. Tell you what, let’s lock you in a room and slowing replace the air in it with more and more carbon dioxide and see how well you do?
Hell, it couldn’t make you any dumber.
Now let’s address the whole hoax idea. A hoax perpetrated by who and why? Are you really this stupid or do you just think people in Mississippi are (well, he might have a point there)?
Feel free to challenge the overwhelming consensus of the scientific community on the interpretation of the evidence if you want. But to caverlierly dismiss the issue as a "hoax" is idiotic if not downright criminal.
The stupidity of the American public, that anything over a minuscule percentage would vote for this idiot, never ceases to amaze me.
An Impeachable Offense
Representative Walter Jones from North Carolina has introduced a bill warning the Obama administration that it is an impeachable offense for a president to authorize military action against another country without consent from congress.
The specific issue is possible intervention in Syria.
Well praise the Lord and pass the ammunition; it’s about time that congress put its foot down.
Granted, the president is Commander and Chief of the armed forces, and there are instances that require action without delay, but Syria is not one of them just like Libya was not one of them.
You go Representative Jones. I couldn’t agree with you more.
The specific issue is possible intervention in Syria.
Well praise the Lord and pass the ammunition; it’s about time that congress put its foot down.
Granted, the president is Commander and Chief of the armed forces, and there are instances that require action without delay, but Syria is not one of them just like Libya was not one of them.
You go Representative Jones. I couldn’t agree with you more.
Monday, March 12, 2012
11,000 Missiles
It’s pretty stupid to give the impression to a much stronger potential adversary that you’re a threat.
Iran seems determined to do that.
The latest insanity was dual statements. One was to the effect that Iran has 11,000 missiles ready to launch against Israel and the U.S. The second was to the effect that they weren’t afraid of western military weapons.
There is a thin line between courage and stupidity.
Iran is assuming that the U.S. will keep Israel on a leash and not support military action against Iran. That’s only a good assumption as long as the U.S. and the rest of the west doesn’t view Iran as a real threat.
As soon as that line is crossed, and the Iranians are getting awfully close to it, then all bets are off.
I’d really prefer it if we could figure out a way to avoid another war. Attacking Iran would firmly entrench its theocracy for another 20 years.
Iran seems determined to do that.
The latest insanity was dual statements. One was to the effect that Iran has 11,000 missiles ready to launch against Israel and the U.S. The second was to the effect that they weren’t afraid of western military weapons.
There is a thin line between courage and stupidity.
Iran is assuming that the U.S. will keep Israel on a leash and not support military action against Iran. That’s only a good assumption as long as the U.S. and the rest of the west doesn’t view Iran as a real threat.
As soon as that line is crossed, and the Iranians are getting awfully close to it, then all bets are off.
I’d really prefer it if we could figure out a way to avoid another war. Attacking Iran would firmly entrench its theocracy for another 20 years.
Friday, March 09, 2012
Flight Attendant Flips
How you would you like to be on an airplane and have the flight attendant come on the intercom and proclaim that the plane is going to crash?
That would be a bit of a downer.
Apparently that’s what happened on American Airlines Flight 2332 from Dallas to Chicago. Luckily the plane hadn’t taken off yet and the captain returned to the gate while passengers subdued the flight attendant. Police met the plane and the apparently two female flight attendants were taken to local hospitals.
As for the passengers, some chose to get off the plane and make other arrangements but most stayed around while AA replaced the flight crew (can you say career in a shambles five times fast?) and the flight took off about a hour and a half late at 9:45 AM. It landed safely in Chicago around noon.
You know that hour and a half late isn’t bad these days. Maybe AA could arrange for a loony flight attendant on my next flight?
I have lots of airplane war stories but the best one was on a short Continental flight from Boston to Newark. It was during serious weather and, since long flights take priority, we were about three hours late taking off. It was nighttime and the thunder and lightning were the stuff of legend.
We finally managed to get the plane loaded with the flight attendant announcing to everyone to grab any seat so we get off the ground before we got delayed again. That’s when the pilot came on and announced that this was going to be a very rough flight and, if there was anyone on board that didn’t want to subject themselves to it, they should consider getting off the plane and flying the next day.
I had never heard that kind of announcement on a flight. Several people actually got off the plane. There was one lady that couldn’t decide and kept walking up and down the aisle. Finally the flight attendant told her firmly that she had to either go or sit down. She decided to go and got off.
The kicker was the flight wasn’t that bad at all.
That would be a bit of a downer.
Apparently that’s what happened on American Airlines Flight 2332 from Dallas to Chicago. Luckily the plane hadn’t taken off yet and the captain returned to the gate while passengers subdued the flight attendant. Police met the plane and the apparently two female flight attendants were taken to local hospitals.
As for the passengers, some chose to get off the plane and make other arrangements but most stayed around while AA replaced the flight crew (can you say career in a shambles five times fast?) and the flight took off about a hour and a half late at 9:45 AM. It landed safely in Chicago around noon.
You know that hour and a half late isn’t bad these days. Maybe AA could arrange for a loony flight attendant on my next flight?
I have lots of airplane war stories but the best one was on a short Continental flight from Boston to Newark. It was during serious weather and, since long flights take priority, we were about three hours late taking off. It was nighttime and the thunder and lightning were the stuff of legend.
We finally managed to get the plane loaded with the flight attendant announcing to everyone to grab any seat so we get off the ground before we got delayed again. That’s when the pilot came on and announced that this was going to be a very rough flight and, if there was anyone on board that didn’t want to subject themselves to it, they should consider getting off the plane and flying the next day.
I had never heard that kind of announcement on a flight. Several people actually got off the plane. There was one lady that couldn’t decide and kept walking up and down the aisle. Finally the flight attendant told her firmly that she had to either go or sit down. She decided to go and got off.
The kicker was the flight wasn’t that bad at all.
Thursday, March 08, 2012
Argument against Gay Marriage
I was on a Christian web site the other day dedicated to the argument against homosexuality in general and gay marriage in particular.
Most of the site focused on deflecting criticism of gay marriage opposition but it also established a positive argument which went something like this:
1. Homosexuality is a lifestyle choice
2. Homosexual behavior is inherently harmful
3. Society should not encourage harmful behavior
The support for point 1 was basically the “large number” of gays which have left the gay lifestyle and are now happy heterosexuals.
The support for point 2 was a Center for Disease Control (CDC) report indicating that the overwhelming majority of Aids infection due to sexual activity was via homosexual encounters. The site quoted 82% but my arithmetic indicated it was closer to 79%. Given the relatively rarity of homosexual sex to heterosexual sex this is a pretty amazing number. The site also quoted a CDC report indicating the high incidence of syphilis among gay men.
Point 3 is a philosophical position but one which I have a hard time arguing with. They’re right, society should not encourage harmful behavior.
So what do I make of this?
On the face of it it’s not a bad argument and I suspect it’s one that might convince some people but it really doesn’t hold up under closer examination.
Let’s start with the idea that homosexuality is a lifestyle choice. The current scientific position supported by both the American Psychological Association and the American Psychiatric Association is that for sexual orientation this isn’t true. While it’s unclear what determines sexual orientation, there is compelling evidence that it is determined either before birth or very, very early in a child’s development.
So what about all these “ex-gays?”
Well, first let’s understand that engaging in homosexual activity is certainly a choice just like engaging in heterosexual activity is a choice. One can choose to remain celibate. Let’s also understand that sexual orientation isn’t a binary thing. The Kinsey scale has seven positions ranging from exclusively heterosexual on one end to exclusively homosexual on the other. In between are five levels of bi-sexuality. A bi-sexual can also choose to restrict themselves to only heterosexual or only homosexual activity.
So point 1 is not terribly well supported. But so what? One could still argue that even if it’s not a choice that fact that it is inherently harmful should preclude society from encouraging it.
The problem is the transmission of STDs is more a matter of education and taking the proper precautions than inherent in any one form of sexual activity. Condoms would guard against it in both cases. Why homosexuals tend to eschew taking the proper precautions is unclear to me but the argument that homosexual sex is inherently, rather than statistically, more harmful is not established simply by quoting statistics.
So the case doesn’t really hold water. As I’ve said before, I don’t know why some small segment of the population has its sexual wires crossed but I don’t see any harm in extending to them the financial, cultural and emotional benefits of marriage and I’ve yet to see any compelling argument against doing so.
The fact of the matter is that Christians are against it because they interpret the Bible as saying it's wrong. Everything else is an attempt to justify with non-religious arguments a religious viewpoint. That's why the arguments are all so weak.
Why can't Christians just be honest about it? Honesty seems to be something, whether we're talking about gay marriage, evolution or prayer in the schools, that Christians have a hard time dealing with.
This tendancy toward dishonesty is what convinces me that Christianity is a bankrupt philosophy unworthy of adherence or respect.
Most of the site focused on deflecting criticism of gay marriage opposition but it also established a positive argument which went something like this:
1. Homosexuality is a lifestyle choice
2. Homosexual behavior is inherently harmful
3. Society should not encourage harmful behavior
The support for point 1 was basically the “large number” of gays which have left the gay lifestyle and are now happy heterosexuals.
The support for point 2 was a Center for Disease Control (CDC) report indicating that the overwhelming majority of Aids infection due to sexual activity was via homosexual encounters. The site quoted 82% but my arithmetic indicated it was closer to 79%. Given the relatively rarity of homosexual sex to heterosexual sex this is a pretty amazing number. The site also quoted a CDC report indicating the high incidence of syphilis among gay men.
Point 3 is a philosophical position but one which I have a hard time arguing with. They’re right, society should not encourage harmful behavior.
So what do I make of this?
On the face of it it’s not a bad argument and I suspect it’s one that might convince some people but it really doesn’t hold up under closer examination.
Let’s start with the idea that homosexuality is a lifestyle choice. The current scientific position supported by both the American Psychological Association and the American Psychiatric Association is that for sexual orientation this isn’t true. While it’s unclear what determines sexual orientation, there is compelling evidence that it is determined either before birth or very, very early in a child’s development.
So what about all these “ex-gays?”
Well, first let’s understand that engaging in homosexual activity is certainly a choice just like engaging in heterosexual activity is a choice. One can choose to remain celibate. Let’s also understand that sexual orientation isn’t a binary thing. The Kinsey scale has seven positions ranging from exclusively heterosexual on one end to exclusively homosexual on the other. In between are five levels of bi-sexuality. A bi-sexual can also choose to restrict themselves to only heterosexual or only homosexual activity.
So point 1 is not terribly well supported. But so what? One could still argue that even if it’s not a choice that fact that it is inherently harmful should preclude society from encouraging it.
The problem is the transmission of STDs is more a matter of education and taking the proper precautions than inherent in any one form of sexual activity. Condoms would guard against it in both cases. Why homosexuals tend to eschew taking the proper precautions is unclear to me but the argument that homosexual sex is inherently, rather than statistically, more harmful is not established simply by quoting statistics.
So the case doesn’t really hold water. As I’ve said before, I don’t know why some small segment of the population has its sexual wires crossed but I don’t see any harm in extending to them the financial, cultural and emotional benefits of marriage and I’ve yet to see any compelling argument against doing so.
The fact of the matter is that Christians are against it because they interpret the Bible as saying it's wrong. Everything else is an attempt to justify with non-religious arguments a religious viewpoint. That's why the arguments are all so weak.
Why can't Christians just be honest about it? Honesty seems to be something, whether we're talking about gay marriage, evolution or prayer in the schools, that Christians have a hard time dealing with.
This tendancy toward dishonesty is what convinces me that Christianity is a bankrupt philosophy unworthy of adherence or respect.
Wednesday, March 07, 2012
Proof that Jesus is God?
I do read sites and watch videos that argue against my views. It’s an intellectually honest exercise or at least it can be if you don’t go into it strictly with the idea of shooting down anything the other guy comes up with out of hand.
My most recent excursion was a YouTube video with “proof” that Jesus is God.
The argument for Jesus as God was actually quite simple and based upon only two assumptions both related to Mark 13:2.
Mark 13:2 “Do you see all these great buildings?” replied Jesus. “Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”
The first assumption is that this is a prophecy of the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple fulfilled by the Romans in 70 CE. The second is that Jesus actually said it and Mark recorded it prior to 70 CE.
The poor guy then goes on to “prove” that Jerusalem and the Temple were actually destroyed. The one point that no one was going to argue with him about.
The idea that Jesus may not have actually said this never enters into his head.
Even if Jesus did say it, it’s not clear from the context of Mark 13 that he isn’t talking about incidental destruction occurring at the same time as wide spread and large scale destruction.
In Mark 13:3-31 Jesus describes the destruction of Mark 13:2 as part of the end times when “people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.”
Well, unless everyone missed it, that didn’t happen when Jerusalem was destroyed in 70 CE so that couldn’t have been what Jesus was talking about.
The other problem of course is Mark 13:30 where Jesus says “Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.”
So, again, unless everyone missed it, “all these things” most certainly did not happen before that generation passed away unless you think there are some 2,000 or so year old people hiding somewhere.
So, while it’s possible he’s right, there are several weak points in the argument that keep it from being anything close to the slam dunk “proof” he appears to think it is.
My most recent excursion was a YouTube video with “proof” that Jesus is God.
The argument for Jesus as God was actually quite simple and based upon only two assumptions both related to Mark 13:2.
Mark 13:2 “Do you see all these great buildings?” replied Jesus. “Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”
The first assumption is that this is a prophecy of the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple fulfilled by the Romans in 70 CE. The second is that Jesus actually said it and Mark recorded it prior to 70 CE.
The poor guy then goes on to “prove” that Jerusalem and the Temple were actually destroyed. The one point that no one was going to argue with him about.
The idea that Jesus may not have actually said this never enters into his head.
Even if Jesus did say it, it’s not clear from the context of Mark 13 that he isn’t talking about incidental destruction occurring at the same time as wide spread and large scale destruction.
In Mark 13:3-31 Jesus describes the destruction of Mark 13:2 as part of the end times when “people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.”
Well, unless everyone missed it, that didn’t happen when Jerusalem was destroyed in 70 CE so that couldn’t have been what Jesus was talking about.
The other problem of course is Mark 13:30 where Jesus says “Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.”
So, again, unless everyone missed it, “all these things” most certainly did not happen before that generation passed away unless you think there are some 2,000 or so year old people hiding somewhere.
So, while it’s possible he’s right, there are several weak points in the argument that keep it from being anything close to the slam dunk “proof” he appears to think it is.
Super Tuesday
Ten states had primaries. Mitt Romney won six, including the all important state of Ohio, Rick Santorum three and Newt Gingrich one. Ron Paul won nothing to keep his streak alive. In delegates it was Romney 198, Santorum 84, Gingrich 68 and Paul 21.
That brings the current delegate count up to Romney 404 (55.3%), Santorum 161 (22.0%), Gingrich 105 (14.4%) and Paul 61 (8.3%).
Romney is slowly, but surely, edging his way toward the nomination. Assuming he doesn’t spike himself on the left edge of his tongue prior to the convention, I don’t see any way he loses it. Intrade has him at 89%.
That brings up the question of Romney vs. Obama.
You can be sure that Mitt will beat a hasty retreat from anything remotely associated with the culture wars and pound away at the economy, the deficit and jobs. Which is precisely what he should do.
The latest RCP average shows Obama leading Romney by about 5 points 49.5% to 44.3%. The latest electoral estimates at RCP show 227 for Obama, 181 for the Republican candidate and 130 undecided. Obviously that may change once Romney becomes the clear nominee.
The winner is going to be the one that manages to stir up the enthusiasm in their base. Obama hasn’t delivered on his 2008 promise and conservatives aren’t all that happy with Romney. They’re not happy now, wait until rubber boy springs back to the center. Both of those attitudes translate into not bothering to vote and that could be significant in the battleground states. Intrade has Obama at 60% at the moment.
I might be able to live with Romney as president if he wasn’t a Republican. It’s the party baggage he brings with him that worries me.
That brings the current delegate count up to Romney 404 (55.3%), Santorum 161 (22.0%), Gingrich 105 (14.4%) and Paul 61 (8.3%).
Romney is slowly, but surely, edging his way toward the nomination. Assuming he doesn’t spike himself on the left edge of his tongue prior to the convention, I don’t see any way he loses it. Intrade has him at 89%.
That brings up the question of Romney vs. Obama.
You can be sure that Mitt will beat a hasty retreat from anything remotely associated with the culture wars and pound away at the economy, the deficit and jobs. Which is precisely what he should do.
The latest RCP average shows Obama leading Romney by about 5 points 49.5% to 44.3%. The latest electoral estimates at RCP show 227 for Obama, 181 for the Republican candidate and 130 undecided. Obviously that may change once Romney becomes the clear nominee.
The winner is going to be the one that manages to stir up the enthusiasm in their base. Obama hasn’t delivered on his 2008 promise and conservatives aren’t all that happy with Romney. They’re not happy now, wait until rubber boy springs back to the center. Both of those attitudes translate into not bothering to vote and that could be significant in the battleground states. Intrade has Obama at 60% at the moment.
I might be able to live with Romney as president if he wasn’t a Republican. It’s the party baggage he brings with him that worries me.
Monday, March 05, 2012
Iran, Israel and Nukes
I’d prefer Iran not to have nuclear weapons. I also prefer India and Pakistan not to have nuclear weapons. As a matter of fact, I wish nobody had nuclear weapons.
Unfortunately, nuclear weapons exist and I can understand Iran’s desire to have them. Of course allowing a Theocracy to have nukes may well be the worst idea in the history of civilization.
On the other hand, starting another war in the middle east doesn’t strike me as a very good idea either.
I find it hard to believe that even Iran’s mullahs would be suicidal enough to use nuclear weapons except as a last resort. The bigger danger is a fanatical group getting their hands on a small nuke and getting it to Tel Aviv or New York and, the more countries that have nukes, the more likely something like that could happen.
Israel seriously needs to keep it in their pants and let the economic sanctions being put in place have a chance to work. Enough with the saber rattling.
If they act on their own, then I say we leave them to fight it out by themselves while working to restore peace as quickly as possible. I’m not willing to fight a war over what might well be an imagined threat. Have we forgotten the “weapons of mass destruction” fiasco already?
Unfortunately, nuclear weapons exist and I can understand Iran’s desire to have them. Of course allowing a Theocracy to have nukes may well be the worst idea in the history of civilization.
On the other hand, starting another war in the middle east doesn’t strike me as a very good idea either.
I find it hard to believe that even Iran’s mullahs would be suicidal enough to use nuclear weapons except as a last resort. The bigger danger is a fanatical group getting their hands on a small nuke and getting it to Tel Aviv or New York and, the more countries that have nukes, the more likely something like that could happen.
Israel seriously needs to keep it in their pants and let the economic sanctions being put in place have a chance to work. Enough with the saber rattling.
If they act on their own, then I say we leave them to fight it out by themselves while working to restore peace as quickly as possible. I’m not willing to fight a war over what might well be an imagined threat. Have we forgotten the “weapons of mass destruction” fiasco already?
Friday, March 02, 2012
Then there were Eight
Maryland became the eighth state to legalize same sex marriage yesterday.
The battle isn’t over of course as opponents have vowed to put the measure on the ballot in November.
In New Jersey, governor “fat man” Christie vetoed the same sex marriage bill that passed the legislature so it’s still Civil Unions in New Jersey.
As many as three states will have gay marriage on the ballot in November. Opponents are trying to get it on the ballot in Washington as well as Maryland and proponents, hopeful that it will pass this time, have already gotten it back on the ballot in Maine.
In New Jersey a measure is working its way through the courts and gay marriage supporters have refused to place it on the ballot since their position is that rights are not a matter for popular vote.
I think they should put it on the ballot for two reasons. First, there’s a damn good chance it will pass and second it would stretch the resources of the forces of darkness across four states.
Any victory at the ballot could bring the whole rotten infrastructure opposing gay marriage crashing down. Three or four victories would almost vaporize it. On the down side, a majority of defeats would set things back and four defeats would be devastating.
So the question becomes, how much faith do you have in the American electorate in those four states? We’re probably going to have three votes anyway so what the hell already, let’s fight. Put it on the ballot in New Jersey as well.
The battle isn’t over of course as opponents have vowed to put the measure on the ballot in November.
In New Jersey, governor “fat man” Christie vetoed the same sex marriage bill that passed the legislature so it’s still Civil Unions in New Jersey.
As many as three states will have gay marriage on the ballot in November. Opponents are trying to get it on the ballot in Washington as well as Maryland and proponents, hopeful that it will pass this time, have already gotten it back on the ballot in Maine.
In New Jersey a measure is working its way through the courts and gay marriage supporters have refused to place it on the ballot since their position is that rights are not a matter for popular vote.
I think they should put it on the ballot for two reasons. First, there’s a damn good chance it will pass and second it would stretch the resources of the forces of darkness across four states.
Any victory at the ballot could bring the whole rotten infrastructure opposing gay marriage crashing down. Three or four victories would almost vaporize it. On the down side, a majority of defeats would set things back and four defeats would be devastating.
So the question becomes, how much faith do you have in the American electorate in those four states? We’re probably going to have three votes anyway so what the hell already, let’s fight. Put it on the ballot in New Jersey as well.
Rush Limbaugh is Total Slime
I should really apologize to the slime for saying that.
Sandra Fluke, a student at Georgetown University Law School, testified on the importance of contraception. Limbaugh’s initial reaction was to call her a slut and he followed that up with suggesting that she post sex videos.
Limbaugh also compared her to a prostitute because, as he puts it, she wants to be paid to have sex.
One observation I’d like to make is that Limbaugh is lucky that Fluke isn’t my daughter or he’d be setting up dental appointments for a new set of teeth.
However, let’s ignore for the moment Limbaugh’s boorish comments and focus on Ms. Fluke’s testimony.
She testified that contraception can cost a woman $3,000 during law school. One has to wonder what type of contraception Ms. Fluke and her fellow students are using?
Birth control pills are the most common form of birth control and cost anywhere from $20 to $40 per month. Using the highest rate, and throwing in two $100 doctors visits, yields $40x12+$200 = $680 per year times three years gives us $2,040.
Even if one assumes the use of female condoms, a relatively ineffective method, these run $2-$4 each. Again, using the highest cost of $4 and $1,000 per year, yields some 250 sexual encounters per year or five times a week. If you do the numbers with male condoms, which run about $1 each, we’re talking almost three sexual encounters per day.
Clearly something is wrong with the math here unless Sandra is doubling up for extra protection or law students are having a hell of a lot more sex than I ever imagined.
I also have to admit that in many ways I’m a bit naïve and old fashioned. When the topic of contraception came up, I was really thinking about married working women and not unmarried students.
Some 80% of health insurance policies cover contraception primarily in the form of birth control pills. Contraception is a fact of life and I still maintain that this is an employer-employee issue and not a religious freedom issue. So I’m still not convinced that the church, as an employer, should get an exemption from providing health care coverage that includes contraception.
Sandra Fluke, a student at Georgetown University Law School, testified on the importance of contraception. Limbaugh’s initial reaction was to call her a slut and he followed that up with suggesting that she post sex videos.
Limbaugh also compared her to a prostitute because, as he puts it, she wants to be paid to have sex.
One observation I’d like to make is that Limbaugh is lucky that Fluke isn’t my daughter or he’d be setting up dental appointments for a new set of teeth.
However, let’s ignore for the moment Limbaugh’s boorish comments and focus on Ms. Fluke’s testimony.
She testified that contraception can cost a woman $3,000 during law school. One has to wonder what type of contraception Ms. Fluke and her fellow students are using?
Birth control pills are the most common form of birth control and cost anywhere from $20 to $40 per month. Using the highest rate, and throwing in two $100 doctors visits, yields $40x12+$200 = $680 per year times three years gives us $2,040.
Even if one assumes the use of female condoms, a relatively ineffective method, these run $2-$4 each. Again, using the highest cost of $4 and $1,000 per year, yields some 250 sexual encounters per year or five times a week. If you do the numbers with male condoms, which run about $1 each, we’re talking almost three sexual encounters per day.
Clearly something is wrong with the math here unless Sandra is doubling up for extra protection or law students are having a hell of a lot more sex than I ever imagined.
I also have to admit that in many ways I’m a bit naïve and old fashioned. When the topic of contraception came up, I was really thinking about married working women and not unmarried students.
Some 80% of health insurance policies cover contraception primarily in the form of birth control pills. Contraception is a fact of life and I still maintain that this is an employer-employee issue and not a religious freedom issue. So I’m still not convinced that the church, as an employer, should get an exemption from providing health care coverage that includes contraception.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Michigan and Arizona Results
Well, Mitt managed a win in Michigan with 41.1% of the vote to Santorum’s 37.9% with Paul, 11.6%, and Gingrich, 6.5%, well back. As expected Romney rolled to an easy win in Arizona with 47.3%. Santorum was second with 26.6%, Gingrich third with 17.8% and Paul was last with 8.5%.
That brings the delegate count to Romney 142 (56.1%), Santorum 59 (23.3%), Gingrich 32 (12.6%) and Paul 20 (7.9%). Romney needs 1,144 to win the nomination which is an eyelash over 50% so, at least so far, he’s on pace to win if just barely.
There is a non-binding caucus in Washington on Saturday and then comes March 6, “Super Tuesday,” where 10 states have activity and 480 delegates are at stake.
The big prizes Tuesday are Ohio, with 66 delegates, and Georgia, Newt Gingrich’s home state, with 76 delegates.
The latest available polls show the leaders as:
Georgia 76 delegates: Gingrich 34%, Santorum 25%, Romney 21.5%, Paul 8.8%
Massachusetts 41 delegates: Romney 64%, Santorum 16%, Paul 7%, Gingrich 6%
Ohio 66 delegates: Santorum 34.3%, Romney 26%, Gingrich 18%, Paul 10.8%
Oklahoma 43 delegates: Santorum 41%, Romney 20.5%, Gingrich 20%, Paul 7.5%
I couldn’t locate any recent information on the other six states. These numbers could easily change with the double victory yesterday but, if they don’t, I don’t see this race converging anytime soon.
The so-called experts think a protracted primary season would be bad for the GOP. They said the same thing about the protracted Democratic primary season in 2008, but it didn’t seem to work out that way.
Let’s be realistic. It’s the economy stupid. If the economy continues to improve and gas prices stay within reason, then none of the three whack jobs, Santorum, Gingrich or Paul has much of a chance against Obama. Santorum and Gingrich are too far right and Paul is just too weird. Any of them will self destruct sooner or later by saying something utterly stupid. They won’t be able to help themselves.
Romney is a different story. If he can play the economic drum alone and stay away from social issues, I think he has a very good chance of winning assuming the Mormon thing doesn’t blow up in his face.
That leads me to something of a quandary. Do I want Romney to win the nomination or not? Yes, as much as I distrust Mitt, having one of the other three running for president, even though I expect them to destruct, is just too risky.
When the effect would be so catastrophic, even a million to one shot is too high a risk.
That brings the delegate count to Romney 142 (56.1%), Santorum 59 (23.3%), Gingrich 32 (12.6%) and Paul 20 (7.9%). Romney needs 1,144 to win the nomination which is an eyelash over 50% so, at least so far, he’s on pace to win if just barely.
There is a non-binding caucus in Washington on Saturday and then comes March 6, “Super Tuesday,” where 10 states have activity and 480 delegates are at stake.
The big prizes Tuesday are Ohio, with 66 delegates, and Georgia, Newt Gingrich’s home state, with 76 delegates.
The latest available polls show the leaders as:
Georgia 76 delegates: Gingrich 34%, Santorum 25%, Romney 21.5%, Paul 8.8%
Massachusetts 41 delegates: Romney 64%, Santorum 16%, Paul 7%, Gingrich 6%
Ohio 66 delegates: Santorum 34.3%, Romney 26%, Gingrich 18%, Paul 10.8%
Oklahoma 43 delegates: Santorum 41%, Romney 20.5%, Gingrich 20%, Paul 7.5%
I couldn’t locate any recent information on the other six states. These numbers could easily change with the double victory yesterday but, if they don’t, I don’t see this race converging anytime soon.
The so-called experts think a protracted primary season would be bad for the GOP. They said the same thing about the protracted Democratic primary season in 2008, but it didn’t seem to work out that way.
Let’s be realistic. It’s the economy stupid. If the economy continues to improve and gas prices stay within reason, then none of the three whack jobs, Santorum, Gingrich or Paul has much of a chance against Obama. Santorum and Gingrich are too far right and Paul is just too weird. Any of them will self destruct sooner or later by saying something utterly stupid. They won’t be able to help themselves.
Romney is a different story. If he can play the economic drum alone and stay away from social issues, I think he has a very good chance of winning assuming the Mormon thing doesn’t blow up in his face.
That leads me to something of a quandary. Do I want Romney to win the nomination or not? Yes, as much as I distrust Mitt, having one of the other three running for president, even though I expect them to destruct, is just too risky.
When the effect would be so catastrophic, even a million to one shot is too high a risk.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Michigan and Arizona
I’ve always said that Evangelical Christians are the greatest threat to Western Democracy that has ever existed. These people have managed the trick of being the most blatantly self-righteous morons in the history of civilization.
They’re what’s keeping Rick Santorum in the GOP race. While Romney should win Arizona handily today, the Michigan race is too close to call due to the large margin of support for Santorum among Evangelicals.
Let’s review the situation. This is a man who says college is for snobs, who doesn’t believe in the Separation of Church and State and who mocked, while totally misconstruing, John Kennedy’s religion speech in 1960.
That this man hasn’t been laughed out of the political process is a disgrace; a disgrace that can be placed squarely on the shoulders of Evangelical Christians. If I needed any additional evidence that Christianity is a bankrupt philosophy unworthy of adherence or respect, the support of Evangelicals for this idiot would have more than adequately satisfied that need.
They’re what’s keeping Rick Santorum in the GOP race. While Romney should win Arizona handily today, the Michigan race is too close to call due to the large margin of support for Santorum among Evangelicals.
Let’s review the situation. This is a man who says college is for snobs, who doesn’t believe in the Separation of Church and State and who mocked, while totally misconstruing, John Kennedy’s religion speech in 1960.
That this man hasn’t been laughed out of the political process is a disgrace; a disgrace that can be placed squarely on the shoulders of Evangelical Christians. If I needed any additional evidence that Christianity is a bankrupt philosophy unworthy of adherence or respect, the support of Evangelicals for this idiot would have more than adequately satisfied that need.
Friday, February 17, 2012
The Catholic Church and Contraception
Ok, I understand that Catholic Church believes contraception is wrong. They look upon sex as necessary for procreation and ignore the idea of sex as entertainment.
I understand the position. I think it’s unrealistic, medieval and, given the world’s population just topped seven billion, idiotic but I know what it is.
Now let’s talk about the current uproar. Aside from the absurdity of a male dominated, and celibate males at that, organization making up rules about female contraception, we have the situation where the church hires non-Catholic employees to work in church affiliated institutions.
They have to. Even if employment discrimination wasn’t illegal, they would have to in order to get the mix of skills they need at a reasonable cost. It’s just a fact of life.
Similarly, they’re not going to attract the right people they need if they don’t provide reasonable benefits such as health care.
So the Church employs non-Catholics who do not share the view of the Catholic Church when it comes to contraception. So how is providing access to contraception through a third party health insurance company violating anyone’s religious freedom? If anything it’s supporting the religious freedom of the employees.
Catholic employees don’t have to use the contraceptive access if they don’t want to. It’s their choice. Non-Catholic employees should have the same choice.
In a secular society religion has no authority over anyone other than its own flock of sheep. It does have freedom of speech so it can try and persuade people that its view of morality is correct and people should follow it but it can’t force anyone.
In terms of a Catholic affiliated institution, since it hires non-Catholics, it’s an employer just like every other employer and needs to toe the line that applies to all employers.
Sounds to me like the church is asking for special privileges.
I understand the position. I think it’s unrealistic, medieval and, given the world’s population just topped seven billion, idiotic but I know what it is.
Now let’s talk about the current uproar. Aside from the absurdity of a male dominated, and celibate males at that, organization making up rules about female contraception, we have the situation where the church hires non-Catholic employees to work in church affiliated institutions.
They have to. Even if employment discrimination wasn’t illegal, they would have to in order to get the mix of skills they need at a reasonable cost. It’s just a fact of life.
Similarly, they’re not going to attract the right people they need if they don’t provide reasonable benefits such as health care.
So the Church employs non-Catholics who do not share the view of the Catholic Church when it comes to contraception. So how is providing access to contraception through a third party health insurance company violating anyone’s religious freedom? If anything it’s supporting the religious freedom of the employees.
Catholic employees don’t have to use the contraceptive access if they don’t want to. It’s their choice. Non-Catholic employees should have the same choice.
In a secular society religion has no authority over anyone other than its own flock of sheep. It does have freedom of speech so it can try and persuade people that its view of morality is correct and people should follow it but it can’t force anyone.
In terms of a Catholic affiliated institution, since it hires non-Catholics, it’s an employer just like every other employer and needs to toe the line that applies to all employers.
Sounds to me like the church is asking for special privileges.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Let’s Talk Jeremy Lin
Another totally unexpected sports success story catapults into the media spotlight. Jeremy Lin joins Victor Cruz on the “where the hell did he come from podium?”
That podium is right across from the “I told you he wasn’t any good” podium where a smiling Alex Smith and Tim Tebow stand waving across at Jeremy and Victor.
Granted, being in New York often makes a story bigger than it is, but in this case, as incredible as it sounds, the story may be bigger than the hype.
It makes you wonder how many super stars we’ve lost out on simply because the so-called experts couldn’t recognize talent when they saw it.
Just before the Laker game I was watching ESPN’s Pardon the Interruption (PTI) with two of those “experts.” They were discussing the interview with Kobe Bryant where Kobe claimed he didn’t know much about Jeremy Lin. The key point was they both assumed that Kobe was going to torch Lin at the Garden that night. In fact, Lin torched Kobe! Bryant knows who Lin is now and will most likely be ready for him next time but wow!
I’m not sure Lin or Cruz or Smith or Tebow can sustain their performance. Lin took teams by surprise the first time around. Cruz couldn’t possibly have another year like the one that just passed because, again, teams know he’s there now. Some of Smith’s potential vulnerabilities were highlighted during the NFC Championship game against the Giants and what Tebow accomplished was just ridiculous.
Still, you never know. Youngsters could do a lot worse than having role models like Lin, Smith, Cruz and Tebow to look up to and emulate.
That podium is right across from the “I told you he wasn’t any good” podium where a smiling Alex Smith and Tim Tebow stand waving across at Jeremy and Victor.
Granted, being in New York often makes a story bigger than it is, but in this case, as incredible as it sounds, the story may be bigger than the hype.
It makes you wonder how many super stars we’ve lost out on simply because the so-called experts couldn’t recognize talent when they saw it.
Just before the Laker game I was watching ESPN’s Pardon the Interruption (PTI) with two of those “experts.” They were discussing the interview with Kobe Bryant where Kobe claimed he didn’t know much about Jeremy Lin. The key point was they both assumed that Kobe was going to torch Lin at the Garden that night. In fact, Lin torched Kobe! Bryant knows who Lin is now and will most likely be ready for him next time but wow!
I’m not sure Lin or Cruz or Smith or Tebow can sustain their performance. Lin took teams by surprise the first time around. Cruz couldn’t possibly have another year like the one that just passed because, again, teams know he’s there now. Some of Smith’s potential vulnerabilities were highlighted during the NFC Championship game against the Giants and what Tebow accomplished was just ridiculous.
Still, you never know. Youngsters could do a lot worse than having role models like Lin, Smith, Cruz and Tebow to look up to and emulate.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Your freedom ends where my freedom or safety begins
Conservatives can’t seem to understand this little point.
They’re always talking about “freedom,” however they never seem to consider that what they call “freedom” often has a negative effect on someone else. You do not have the right to endanger someone else with your “freedom.”
Your right to throw punches ends where the other guy’s nose begins. I might point out that this is the strongest argument the so-called pro-life folks have. If you can establish that a fetus has rights, then an abortion clearly violates this principle.
Another obvious example of this is Christians constantly trying to enforce their superstitions or morality on those of us that think they’re laughable. Constructing crosses on government land, school prayer and posting of the Ten Commandments are examples of this. So, to my mind, are “In God we Trust” and “…under God” in the pledge.
But there are other situations as well.
Conservatives arguing that the government shouldn’t regulate business or environmental standards because it violates “freedom” is a crock. As long as that “freedom” has the potential to harm me or mine you better damn well know the government can regulate it.
I feel the same way about guns. I saw a TV documentary showing a room of gun supporters nodding in agreement with some fool talking about how gun education wasn’t necessary. According to this bozo, all you need to know is where the bullet comes out. The number of people accidentally killed by firearms every year gives the lie to this position.
Guns are dangerous. So dangerous that I’d prefer it if 95% of the people who have them didn’t. Ignorance or stupidity coupled with a firearm is a really bad combination. A bad combination that endangers other people.
Like I’ve said previously, you can have all the guns you want, I’ll just regulate the bullets. I’d have no problem if the only people the gun whackos can accidentally shoot are other gun whackos.
The bottom line is that Conservatives, and especially Evangelical Christians, need to get over themselves. Your freedom, your morality and your rights, end where the where the other guy’s begin and that includes being safe from your stupidity.
They’re always talking about “freedom,” however they never seem to consider that what they call “freedom” often has a negative effect on someone else. You do not have the right to endanger someone else with your “freedom.”
Your right to throw punches ends where the other guy’s nose begins. I might point out that this is the strongest argument the so-called pro-life folks have. If you can establish that a fetus has rights, then an abortion clearly violates this principle.
Another obvious example of this is Christians constantly trying to enforce their superstitions or morality on those of us that think they’re laughable. Constructing crosses on government land, school prayer and posting of the Ten Commandments are examples of this. So, to my mind, are “In God we Trust” and “…under God” in the pledge.
But there are other situations as well.
Conservatives arguing that the government shouldn’t regulate business or environmental standards because it violates “freedom” is a crock. As long as that “freedom” has the potential to harm me or mine you better damn well know the government can regulate it.
I feel the same way about guns. I saw a TV documentary showing a room of gun supporters nodding in agreement with some fool talking about how gun education wasn’t necessary. According to this bozo, all you need to know is where the bullet comes out. The number of people accidentally killed by firearms every year gives the lie to this position.
Guns are dangerous. So dangerous that I’d prefer it if 95% of the people who have them didn’t. Ignorance or stupidity coupled with a firearm is a really bad combination. A bad combination that endangers other people.
Like I’ve said previously, you can have all the guns you want, I’ll just regulate the bullets. I’d have no problem if the only people the gun whackos can accidentally shoot are other gun whackos.
The bottom line is that Conservatives, and especially Evangelical Christians, need to get over themselves. Your freedom, your morality and your rights, end where the where the other guy’s begin and that includes being safe from your stupidity.
Gay Marriage in New Jersey
The state legislature is expected to replace Civil Unions with Gay Marriage approval over the next two weeks. Governor Christie has said he will veto the bill and it’s unlikely the legislature has the two-thirds needed to override the veto.
On the same day that the New Jersey Senate is expected to vote, Governor Christine Gregorie is scheduled to make Washington the seventh state legalizing Gay Marriage by signing a bill already approved by the Washington legislature.
And the Zeitgeist moves on.
Christie believes the Gay Marriage question should be put on the ballot where it may very well win. If Christie vetoes the bill, that could be where it ends up changing New Jersey into a circus along with Maine for the next 9 months or so.
This year could well be a defining moment for Gay Marriage. The latest polls show that a majority of Americans now approve and the number of states lining up to legalize appear to be growing. In addition to Washington, Maine and New Jersey, there appear to be serious considerations in Maryland and Illinois.
I find it “ironic” that the same people that violently opposed Civil Unions in 2006 are now touting Civil Unions as the solution to the issue in 2012.
No they’re not the solution. Different is inherently unequal.
It should be interesting to see where this goes and whether Christie thinks better of his veto. I doubt he will so I’m hoping to be able to vote AYE for Gay marriage in New Jersey in November.
On the same day that the New Jersey Senate is expected to vote, Governor Christine Gregorie is scheduled to make Washington the seventh state legalizing Gay Marriage by signing a bill already approved by the Washington legislature.
And the Zeitgeist moves on.
Christie believes the Gay Marriage question should be put on the ballot where it may very well win. If Christie vetoes the bill, that could be where it ends up changing New Jersey into a circus along with Maine for the next 9 months or so.
This year could well be a defining moment for Gay Marriage. The latest polls show that a majority of Americans now approve and the number of states lining up to legalize appear to be growing. In addition to Washington, Maine and New Jersey, there appear to be serious considerations in Maryland and Illinois.
I find it “ironic” that the same people that violently opposed Civil Unions in 2006 are now touting Civil Unions as the solution to the issue in 2012.
No they’re not the solution. Different is inherently unequal.
It should be interesting to see where this goes and whether Christie thinks better of his veto. I doubt he will so I’m hoping to be able to vote AYE for Gay marriage in New Jersey in November.
The Contraception Controversy
It feels like the 1920s. It’s incredible that we’re arguing about contraception in the 21st Century, but we are.
The big issue is whether institutions associated with a religion, such as universities and hospitals, must provide access to contraception as part of their health plans. The administration says yes, the Catholic Church says no because it views contraception as immoral.
Let’s put aside the fact that the Church’s position, with the world's population now exceeding 7 billion people, is idiotic, it is what it is. Does the Federal Government have the right to dictate to an employer what health benefits it must provide?
Well, starting with work place safety, minimum wage, overtime rules, vacations and other work related issues, it already regulates just about everything else. So why not regulate health care coverage?
It’s the old First Amendment getting in the way again isn’t it?
Church’s themselves would be exempt. So if you worked directly for the Catholic Church you would have no access to contraception in your health care plan. However if you worked for Notre Dame University, then you would have access.
If you exempt institutions associated with the Church, then what about businesses owned by Catholics? Why not exempt them as well? You have to draw the line someplace and I think the administration is drawing it in precisely the right place.
The Catholic Church really needs to pull itself out of the 16th Century.
The big issue is whether institutions associated with a religion, such as universities and hospitals, must provide access to contraception as part of their health plans. The administration says yes, the Catholic Church says no because it views contraception as immoral.
Let’s put aside the fact that the Church’s position, with the world's population now exceeding 7 billion people, is idiotic, it is what it is. Does the Federal Government have the right to dictate to an employer what health benefits it must provide?
Well, starting with work place safety, minimum wage, overtime rules, vacations and other work related issues, it already regulates just about everything else. So why not regulate health care coverage?
It’s the old First Amendment getting in the way again isn’t it?
Church’s themselves would be exempt. So if you worked directly for the Catholic Church you would have no access to contraception in your health care plan. However if you worked for Notre Dame University, then you would have access.
If you exempt institutions associated with the Church, then what about businesses owned by Catholics? Why not exempt them as well? You have to draw the line someplace and I think the administration is drawing it in precisely the right place.
The Catholic Church really needs to pull itself out of the 16th Century.
Wednesday, February 08, 2012
Minnesota, Colorado and Missouri
It was a clean sweep for Rick Santorum which sort of makes you wonder what the people in those states are thinking.
Of course none of the votes are binding which sort of makes you wonder why they bothered.
The Romney camp is playing down the losses but, if nothing else, it extends the primary battle. Even if you include the non-binding votes from Colorado and Minnesota Romney, with 87, still has more delegates than the others combined. Santorum has 35, Gingrich 32 and Paul 13.
Of the four remaining candidates only Romney strikes me as even mildly rational. Strangely enough I find Santorum, even though I think he’s a moron, more acceptable than either Gingrich or Paul.
I still feel confident that Romney will get the nomination. It just appears that it’s going to take longer than previously expected.
Tuesday, February 07, 2012
Meanwhile, in Non-Super Bowl Related News.
Karen Handel, the reported anti-abortion architect of the Susan G. Komen decision to stop funding Planned Parenthood, has resigned due to what she calls “gross mischaracterizations” of the Komen decision.
Riiight, and pigs can fly and creationists are honest. Do we look that damned stupid?
And, in California, the 9th Circuit in a 2-1 vote has decided that the lower court was correct in declaring Proposition 8 unconstitutional. Here’s the key quote:
"Proposition 8 serves no purpose, and has no effect, other than to lessen the status and human dignity of gays and lesbians in California, and to officially reclassify their relationships and families as inferior to those of opposite-sex couples."
The fights not over yet and you know this is going all the way to the Supreme Court but the precedents are piling up. All in all it’s been a bad day for the forces of darkness.
Riiight, and pigs can fly and creationists are honest. Do we look that damned stupid?
And, in California, the 9th Circuit in a 2-1 vote has decided that the lower court was correct in declaring Proposition 8 unconstitutional. Here’s the key quote:
"Proposition 8 serves no purpose, and has no effect, other than to lessen the status and human dignity of gays and lesbians in California, and to officially reclassify their relationships and families as inferior to those of opposite-sex couples."
The fights not over yet and you know this is going all the way to the Supreme Court but the precedents are piling up. All in all it’s been a bad day for the forces of darkness.
Move over Tebow
The Rector of Historic Trinity Church, Rev. Dr. James H. Cooper sporting a Giants cap, blesses the Giants floats as they roll through Manhattan during the Super Bowl victory parade.
This has got to be a picture for the ages.
I also got a kick out of George Will saying he was rooting for the Giants because it would make the most liberals unhappy. He needs to check which political party the New York Football Giants contribute to.
This has got to be a picture for the ages.
I also got a kick out of George Will saying he was rooting for the Giants because it would make the most liberals unhappy. He needs to check which political party the New York Football Giants contribute to.
The Super Bowl Tickets III
Well, I’m back. I’m not exactly a conquering hero but I’ve lived a tale to carry back to the east coast from the heartland.
Let’s start with the game. I only read one article prior to the game by a sports writer that spoke about facts and myths surrounding it. I remember specifically his closing line predicting the game was “going to be epic.”
Well he got that one right didn’t he? Was it better than Super Bowl XLII? I wouldn’t go that far but it was a hell of a game. Talk about a roller coaster ride and heart palpitations. I’m really glad Belichick decided to let Bradshaw score because, if it had come down to Tynes having to kick even a chip shot field goal, I don’t think my heart could have taken the strain.
So the Giants win 21-17 and turn back the Patriots once again.
Now on to the experience.
The trip out went as well as trips out can go. There were a number of folks on the flight from Newark to Chicago that were headed for Indianapolis.
Chicago was Chicago. We caught some lunch in Chili’s since we had about a three hour layover and then found out our flight to Louisville was delayed due to “Operations” for 20 minutes. In other words it was raining like hell in parts of the Midwest.
When we finally arrived it was pouring. Nothing I could do about that so we grabbed our Hertz car and headed north on I-65. It was an easy drive to Seymour and I was entertained along the way by my daughter's various reactions to the Indiana countryside. She had never been west of eastern Pennsylvania before and if taking a farm girl to the city is a culture shock, then taking a suburban girl to farmlands is also a culture shock.
It took us about an hour to cover the 55 miles to Seymour and the Knights Inn was easy enough to locate about 300 yards from the highway. I was a little surprised that it consisted of single story room blocks. You know the kind where you park right in front of the room. I had two rooms but my daughter decided she didn’t want to stay alone. Finally she slept on the couch in my room and was quite content. I couldn’t cancel so I ended up paying for a empty room for two nights but that didn’t bother me one bit.
Right next door was a K gas station with a convenience store and an eatery called Ryan’s which was a buffet place. We ate breakfast at Ryan’s on Sunday but hit Applebee’s down the road for dinner Saturday night.
When we got back we went over an e-mail with a traffic survival guide I had gotten from the parking garage where I had a reservation. We fired up Google Maps on my travel laptop and traced and memorized the route they gave for locating the garage with the least hassle. The e-mail was a life saver. If they hadn’t sent directions I might still be wandering around trying to get to the parking garage.
We headed for Indianapolis Sunday around 10 AM under overcast skies but along the way the clouds broke and the sun came out. By the time we covered the 62 miles on I-65 North to Indianapolis it was bright sunshine.
From I-65 from got on I-70 West and got off exit 79B as instructed. Instant gridlock. I couldn’t even turn onto McCarty Ave to follow the “Super Route.” I finally figured out that much of the issue was cars attempted to enter a parking area and skirted around in the right lane. Turning onto Delaware was exciting because cars going north on Delaware were literally ignoring the traffic light on the corner of McCarty and Delaware. An Indianapolis police officer showed and put a quick end to that though.
All in all it took no more than ten minutes to turn left onto Delaware. We took that to Michigan, then turned left on Capitol in search of Maryland Ave. The e-mail had warned about pedestrian congestion at Capitol and Maryland and it was right. But with a little careful navigation we managed the left and the garage was right on the corner. We presented our voucher and the girl asked if we planned to be out by 6 AM. I blinked. 6AM!! Yeah, I think you can count on that. Along the way we had seen parking offers for anywhere from $60 to $175. I was more than content with my $99 prepaid parking.
The location was perfect and put us right in the middle of the activities.
My only real complaint was the idiotic arrangement for getting into the stadium. Basically they had the entire area closed except for one small entry. I asked one of the volunteers whether they were actually going to let us into the stadium or were we just going to admire it from afar.
The security was tight. Not only did they pat us down but we had to do the airport take everything out of your pockets and go through a metal detector AND they did a wand search after the detector. In an exchange that could only occur in the naïve Midwest a security type asked about if I had measured the lens on my camera. I assured him I had done so after reading there was a six inch limit and the lens was only five inches long. I suppose since I knew there was a six inch limit, he decided to take my word for it (I really did measure it and it really was five inches).
We had arrived in Indianapolis around 11 AM and spent about 4 hours taking in the party atmosphere around the stadium. I got saved by Jesus at least four times and had my first personal experience with the Westboro Baptist Church morons but generally it was pretty calm. I got a kick out of St. John the Evangelist Catholic church which was right in the middle of the chaos providing free face painting and inviting everyone to come in and take a rest. Above us were people sky lining between two towers constructed for the event. There were tents with food and bars, an ice sculpture and various decorations all over. In general the crowd was quiet, polite and thoroughly enjoying itself.
There were stages set up from local and national media including a big glass booth with the ESPN crew from which Chris Carter playfully teased the crowd outside. On one radio stage someone was doing an interview with a pro-Patriots analyst and Giants fans couldn’t resist drowning out the whole affair with chants of “Let’s Go Giants.” The female interviewer looked pretty upset about the whole thing.
I even got to introduce my daughter to the joys of White Castle burgers although I’m not sure she completely appreciated the experience.
Lucas Oil Stadium is gorgeous and I couldn’t believe how good our seats were. The Terrace Level was basically the mezzanine with five rows of seats. There were two permanent rows and three folding chair rows in section 520 located at the corner of the end zone on the Giants side of the field. We had row 1, seats 1 and 2 which were the seats most toward the center of the field. Sitting in the first row was great. Being on the end wasn’t so great as you had to get up every time someone exited and entered. We also had lots of company as standing near the bottom of the steps was a favorite picture spot.
There were rest rooms and concession stands right in back of our section and, since it was so small, there were no crowds at all.
Since the Giants won we stuck around for the trophy award ceremony, collected some souvenir confetti and wandered out around 11 PM. It was easy enough to find our way back to the garage which, surprisingly, was still pretty empty and we were out onto Maryland Ave in about two minutes. From there it was a short run in little traffic to I-65 South and the hour or so drive back to Seymour.
On Monday we ate in a Waffle House, where the waffles are as good as I remember them, and rewound the trip. The only complaint was the 40 minutes it took to get the luggage to the carousel in Newark. My limo driver told that it’s an intentional slow down by employees unhappy with the Continental and United merger. I have no way of knowing how true that is however. We got home around 11 PM.
So now I can say I’ve been to a Super Bowl. It was fun but there is no way you could get me to do it again.
How much did it cost? Good question. Tickets: $1,800, Airfare: $1,143, Lodging: $489, Rental Car: $85, Airport Limo: $250, Gas: $22, Parking: $99, Program: $20, Lanyards: $30, Beads: $5 (don’t ask), Food and Drink: $120. Add it all up and we’re talking around $4,042 for the two of us.
That’s more than it costs me for my three season tickets including parking which I’m sure is going to go up next year. I’m figuring at least $25 a ticket plus an extra $5 for parking.
And I’m not anywhere near the 1%.
Am I embarrassed that I splurged on something that millions of people in this country couldn’t afford? A little, but then again, I earned every penny of that $4,042 so why the hell not?
In the meantime my daughter has decided she wants to volunteer for Super Bowl XLVIII in the Meadowlands. I wish her luck. I'm watching from my recliner.
Let’s start with the game. I only read one article prior to the game by a sports writer that spoke about facts and myths surrounding it. I remember specifically his closing line predicting the game was “going to be epic.”
Well he got that one right didn’t he? Was it better than Super Bowl XLII? I wouldn’t go that far but it was a hell of a game. Talk about a roller coaster ride and heart palpitations. I’m really glad Belichick decided to let Bradshaw score because, if it had come down to Tynes having to kick even a chip shot field goal, I don’t think my heart could have taken the strain.
So the Giants win 21-17 and turn back the Patriots once again.
Now on to the experience.
The trip out went as well as trips out can go. There were a number of folks on the flight from Newark to Chicago that were headed for Indianapolis.
Chicago was Chicago. We caught some lunch in Chili’s since we had about a three hour layover and then found out our flight to Louisville was delayed due to “Operations” for 20 minutes. In other words it was raining like hell in parts of the Midwest.
When we finally arrived it was pouring. Nothing I could do about that so we grabbed our Hertz car and headed north on I-65. It was an easy drive to Seymour and I was entertained along the way by my daughter's various reactions to the Indiana countryside. She had never been west of eastern Pennsylvania before and if taking a farm girl to the city is a culture shock, then taking a suburban girl to farmlands is also a culture shock.
It took us about an hour to cover the 55 miles to Seymour and the Knights Inn was easy enough to locate about 300 yards from the highway. I was a little surprised that it consisted of single story room blocks. You know the kind where you park right in front of the room. I had two rooms but my daughter decided she didn’t want to stay alone. Finally she slept on the couch in my room and was quite content. I couldn’t cancel so I ended up paying for a empty room for two nights but that didn’t bother me one bit.
Right next door was a K gas station with a convenience store and an eatery called Ryan’s which was a buffet place. We ate breakfast at Ryan’s on Sunday but hit Applebee’s down the road for dinner Saturday night.
When we got back we went over an e-mail with a traffic survival guide I had gotten from the parking garage where I had a reservation. We fired up Google Maps on my travel laptop and traced and memorized the route they gave for locating the garage with the least hassle. The e-mail was a life saver. If they hadn’t sent directions I might still be wandering around trying to get to the parking garage.
We headed for Indianapolis Sunday around 10 AM under overcast skies but along the way the clouds broke and the sun came out. By the time we covered the 62 miles on I-65 North to Indianapolis it was bright sunshine.
From I-65 from got on I-70 West and got off exit 79B as instructed. Instant gridlock. I couldn’t even turn onto McCarty Ave to follow the “Super Route.” I finally figured out that much of the issue was cars attempted to enter a parking area and skirted around in the right lane. Turning onto Delaware was exciting because cars going north on Delaware were literally ignoring the traffic light on the corner of McCarty and Delaware. An Indianapolis police officer showed and put a quick end to that though.
All in all it took no more than ten minutes to turn left onto Delaware. We took that to Michigan, then turned left on Capitol in search of Maryland Ave. The e-mail had warned about pedestrian congestion at Capitol and Maryland and it was right. But with a little careful navigation we managed the left and the garage was right on the corner. We presented our voucher and the girl asked if we planned to be out by 6 AM. I blinked. 6AM!! Yeah, I think you can count on that. Along the way we had seen parking offers for anywhere from $60 to $175. I was more than content with my $99 prepaid parking.
The location was perfect and put us right in the middle of the activities.
My only real complaint was the idiotic arrangement for getting into the stadium. Basically they had the entire area closed except for one small entry. I asked one of the volunteers whether they were actually going to let us into the stadium or were we just going to admire it from afar.
The security was tight. Not only did they pat us down but we had to do the airport take everything out of your pockets and go through a metal detector AND they did a wand search after the detector. In an exchange that could only occur in the naïve Midwest a security type asked about if I had measured the lens on my camera. I assured him I had done so after reading there was a six inch limit and the lens was only five inches long. I suppose since I knew there was a six inch limit, he decided to take my word for it (I really did measure it and it really was five inches).
We had arrived in Indianapolis around 11 AM and spent about 4 hours taking in the party atmosphere around the stadium. I got saved by Jesus at least four times and had my first personal experience with the Westboro Baptist Church morons but generally it was pretty calm. I got a kick out of St. John the Evangelist Catholic church which was right in the middle of the chaos providing free face painting and inviting everyone to come in and take a rest. Above us were people sky lining between two towers constructed for the event. There were tents with food and bars, an ice sculpture and various decorations all over. In general the crowd was quiet, polite and thoroughly enjoying itself.
There were stages set up from local and national media including a big glass booth with the ESPN crew from which Chris Carter playfully teased the crowd outside. On one radio stage someone was doing an interview with a pro-Patriots analyst and Giants fans couldn’t resist drowning out the whole affair with chants of “Let’s Go Giants.” The female interviewer looked pretty upset about the whole thing.
I even got to introduce my daughter to the joys of White Castle burgers although I’m not sure she completely appreciated the experience.
Lucas Oil Stadium is gorgeous and I couldn’t believe how good our seats were. The Terrace Level was basically the mezzanine with five rows of seats. There were two permanent rows and three folding chair rows in section 520 located at the corner of the end zone on the Giants side of the field. We had row 1, seats 1 and 2 which were the seats most toward the center of the field. Sitting in the first row was great. Being on the end wasn’t so great as you had to get up every time someone exited and entered. We also had lots of company as standing near the bottom of the steps was a favorite picture spot.
There were rest rooms and concession stands right in back of our section and, since it was so small, there were no crowds at all.
Since the Giants won we stuck around for the trophy award ceremony, collected some souvenir confetti and wandered out around 11 PM. It was easy enough to find our way back to the garage which, surprisingly, was still pretty empty and we were out onto Maryland Ave in about two minutes. From there it was a short run in little traffic to I-65 South and the hour or so drive back to Seymour.
On Monday we ate in a Waffle House, where the waffles are as good as I remember them, and rewound the trip. The only complaint was the 40 minutes it took to get the luggage to the carousel in Newark. My limo driver told that it’s an intentional slow down by employees unhappy with the Continental and United merger. I have no way of knowing how true that is however. We got home around 11 PM.
So now I can say I’ve been to a Super Bowl. It was fun but there is no way you could get me to do it again.
How much did it cost? Good question. Tickets: $1,800, Airfare: $1,143, Lodging: $489, Rental Car: $85, Airport Limo: $250, Gas: $22, Parking: $99, Program: $20, Lanyards: $30, Beads: $5 (don’t ask), Food and Drink: $120. Add it all up and we’re talking around $4,042 for the two of us.
That’s more than it costs me for my three season tickets including parking which I’m sure is going to go up next year. I’m figuring at least $25 a ticket plus an extra $5 for parking.
And I’m not anywhere near the 1%.
Am I embarrassed that I splurged on something that millions of people in this country couldn’t afford? A little, but then again, I earned every penny of that $4,042 so why the hell not?
In the meantime my daughter has decided she wants to volunteer for Super Bowl XLVIII in the Meadowlands. I wish her luck. I'm watching from my recliner.
Friday, February 03, 2012
Susan G. Komen
The breast cancer charity started a small war by cutting funding for Planned Parenthood cancer screenings.
It has now, under enormous pressure, reversed course and says the funding will be restored.
So what was the deal here? Planned Parenthood is a favorite target of anti-abortion groups and they’ve managed to get House Republicans to start a “congressional investigation” of the agency.
This was the reason (excuse?) given by Komen for dropping the funding. The reality however may have more to do with a number of right wing anti-abortion folks at the higher levels of the Komen organization.
While the restoration of funding is welcome, I suspect that Komen has damaged its credibility irreparably with this little fiasco. I know they’re now off my list of organizations that I’m willing to support.
It has now, under enormous pressure, reversed course and says the funding will be restored.
So what was the deal here? Planned Parenthood is a favorite target of anti-abortion groups and they’ve managed to get House Republicans to start a “congressional investigation” of the agency.
This was the reason (excuse?) given by Komen for dropping the funding. The reality however may have more to do with a number of right wing anti-abortion folks at the higher levels of the Komen organization.
While the restoration of funding is welcome, I suspect that Komen has damaged its credibility irreparably with this little fiasco. I know they’re now off my list of organizations that I’m willing to support.
Alcohol Abuse
Everyone knows someone who drinks more than he should. Alcohol abuse is a daily problem for a lot of people. It’s especially an issue for an athlete however.
Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers has a history of alcohol related problems. He’s been sober for so long it appeared he had finally won his fight. Unfortunately, a report today indicates that he may have relapsed into his old habit.
I feel sorry for Hamilton, especially given his utter dismay over the incident last summer where a father fell to his death trying to catch a ball tossed into the stands by Hamilton. That wasn’t Josh’s fault but I can’t help wondering how often he thinks “if only” about that incident. If only I hadn’t tossed the ball; If only I’d thrown it harder; If only I’d thrown it differently and over and over.
That kind of thing could drive you crazy.
On the negative side Hamilton has always claimed that his Christian faith is what helped him overcome alcohol. Oh well, so much for depending upon Jesus.
If Hamilton wants to lay the alcohol demon to rest once and for all, he has to realize that he has to accomplish it all by himself because that’s what he needs to happen. You can’t substitute the crutch of religion for the crutch of booze. Both are equally unreliable and, ultimately, equally destructive.
I hope Hamilton works it out. I also hope he realizes when he does that he did it all by himself without Jesus or God or whatever holding his hand.
Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers has a history of alcohol related problems. He’s been sober for so long it appeared he had finally won his fight. Unfortunately, a report today indicates that he may have relapsed into his old habit.
I feel sorry for Hamilton, especially given his utter dismay over the incident last summer where a father fell to his death trying to catch a ball tossed into the stands by Hamilton. That wasn’t Josh’s fault but I can’t help wondering how often he thinks “if only” about that incident. If only I hadn’t tossed the ball; If only I’d thrown it harder; If only I’d thrown it differently and over and over.
That kind of thing could drive you crazy.
On the negative side Hamilton has always claimed that his Christian faith is what helped him overcome alcohol. Oh well, so much for depending upon Jesus.
If Hamilton wants to lay the alcohol demon to rest once and for all, he has to realize that he has to accomplish it all by himself because that’s what he needs to happen. You can’t substitute the crutch of religion for the crutch of booze. Both are equally unreliable and, ultimately, equally destructive.
I hope Hamilton works it out. I also hope he realizes when he does that he did it all by himself without Jesus or God or whatever holding his hand.
Thursday, February 02, 2012
The Gay Marriage Battle Grounds
There is a Gay Right firestorm brewing. The Long March is over and the counter offensive is in full swing. In Washington, Maine, Maryland and New Jersey the battle has been joined.
Washington is on the brink of legalizing Gay Marriage with support in both houses of the legislature and the governor’s office. However the opposition is promising a referendum to overturn the legislative action.
In Maine, Equality Maine has put the issue back on the ballot after losing in 2009. If Maine votes for Gay Marriage it would represent an enormous victory. Unfortunately the measure lost by a large margin in 2009.
In Maryland the governor is pushing the legislation and it is working its way through the legislature. The Maryland Attorney General, also a supporter, has warned that if the bill passes, the final battle will most likely be a referendum in November.
In New Jersey the legislature is pressing forward on a bill even though Governor Chris Christie has vowed to veto it. Christie has proposed putting it on the ballot. The latest poll in New Jersey, January 2012 from Quinnipiac University, found support for Gay Marriage at an all time high of 52%-42% so Christie is being very coy and trying not to jeopardize either his approval rating or standing with the Republican Party.
All of this means there could be as many as four Gay Marriage votes in November. Any one of which could become the first election approval of Gay Marriage. If I was a Gay Marriage opponent I would be afraid, I would be very afraid. A victory at the polls could very well break the dam of opposition. Imagine what four victories would do?
As I noted above, in the latest polls, New Jersey indicates in favor by 52%-42%; Maryland indicates in favor by 50%-42%; in Washington a poll indicates that the electorate would uphold the bill by 55%-38% and in Maine supporters claim that 54% are ready to reverse the decision of three years ago.
Still, we all know better than to be overly optimistic. A lot will depend upon how the presidential election goes and how successful the get out the vote campaigns are. The religiously based opposition has tended to have more success getting the faithful to the polls than the Gay Marriage supporters.
But can you imagine four election victories?
Washington is on the brink of legalizing Gay Marriage with support in both houses of the legislature and the governor’s office. However the opposition is promising a referendum to overturn the legislative action.
In Maine, Equality Maine has put the issue back on the ballot after losing in 2009. If Maine votes for Gay Marriage it would represent an enormous victory. Unfortunately the measure lost by a large margin in 2009.
In Maryland the governor is pushing the legislation and it is working its way through the legislature. The Maryland Attorney General, also a supporter, has warned that if the bill passes, the final battle will most likely be a referendum in November.
In New Jersey the legislature is pressing forward on a bill even though Governor Chris Christie has vowed to veto it. Christie has proposed putting it on the ballot. The latest poll in New Jersey, January 2012 from Quinnipiac University, found support for Gay Marriage at an all time high of 52%-42% so Christie is being very coy and trying not to jeopardize either his approval rating or standing with the Republican Party.
All of this means there could be as many as four Gay Marriage votes in November. Any one of which could become the first election approval of Gay Marriage. If I was a Gay Marriage opponent I would be afraid, I would be very afraid. A victory at the polls could very well break the dam of opposition. Imagine what four victories would do?
As I noted above, in the latest polls, New Jersey indicates in favor by 52%-42%; Maryland indicates in favor by 50%-42%; in Washington a poll indicates that the electorate would uphold the bill by 55%-38% and in Maine supporters claim that 54% are ready to reverse the decision of three years ago.
Still, we all know better than to be overly optimistic. A lot will depend upon how the presidential election goes and how successful the get out the vote campaigns are. The religiously based opposition has tended to have more success getting the faithful to the polls than the Gay Marriage supporters.
But can you imagine four election victories?
Wednesday, February 01, 2012
Rick Santorum is an Idiot
According to Santorum colleges are centers of indoctrination. Allow me to quote the moron in chief.
"It's no wonder President Obama wants every kid to go college. The indoctrination that occurs in American universities is one of the keys to the left holding and maintaining power in America. And it is indoctrination."
The problem Rick is that much of what you hold to be true is in fact false and universities focus on reality and not wishful thinking. I might also point out there are more than a few right wing Christian centered universities.
“If they taught Judeo-Christian principles in those colleges and universities, they would be stripped of every dollar. If they teach radical secular ideology, they get all the government support that they can possibly give them.”
One wonders what Santorum thinks is “radical secular ideology.” Evolution perhaps?
“Because you know 62 percent of children who enter college with a faith conviction leave without it.”
Maybe that’s because once someone with at least half a brain and an ounce of courage learns to think critically and learns about the history of Christianity, he would be something of a fool if he didn’t drop his faith conviction.
Why is it that religions and conservatives fear education? Perhaps because reality has a liberal bias and it is clear from every study that the the more intelligent an individual is and the more education he has, the higher the probability is he will reject both religion and most social conservative positions.
An educated population is necessary to effectively compete in a global economy but a man who wants to be the presidential candidate for a major political party doesn’t understand that.
Rick Santorum is an idiot.
Anyone who votes for Rick Santorum is an idiot.
And, until the party manages to expunge idiots like Rick Santorum from positions of influence within the party, anyone who votes for the Republican party is an idiot.
"It's no wonder President Obama wants every kid to go college. The indoctrination that occurs in American universities is one of the keys to the left holding and maintaining power in America. And it is indoctrination."
The problem Rick is that much of what you hold to be true is in fact false and universities focus on reality and not wishful thinking. I might also point out there are more than a few right wing Christian centered universities.
“If they taught Judeo-Christian principles in those colleges and universities, they would be stripped of every dollar. If they teach radical secular ideology, they get all the government support that they can possibly give them.”
One wonders what Santorum thinks is “radical secular ideology.” Evolution perhaps?
“Because you know 62 percent of children who enter college with a faith conviction leave without it.”
Maybe that’s because once someone with at least half a brain and an ounce of courage learns to think critically and learns about the history of Christianity, he would be something of a fool if he didn’t drop his faith conviction.
Why is it that religions and conservatives fear education? Perhaps because reality has a liberal bias and it is clear from every study that the the more intelligent an individual is and the more education he has, the higher the probability is he will reject both religion and most social conservative positions.
An educated population is necessary to effectively compete in a global economy but a man who wants to be the presidential candidate for a major political party doesn’t understand that.
Rick Santorum is an idiot.
Anyone who votes for Rick Santorum is an idiot.
And, until the party manages to expunge idiots like Rick Santorum from positions of influence within the party, anyone who votes for the Republican party is an idiot.
Romney Wins Big in Florida
Despite a temporary apparent surge by Gingrich, Mitt Romney has managed a big win in Florida with 46.4% of the vote. Gingrich was a distant second with 31.9% followed by Santorum with 13.4% and finally Paul with 7%.
So again the handwriting appear to be on the wall with Romney the clear frontrunner and most likely winner. Of course I’ve said that before.
So again the handwriting appear to be on the wall with Romney the clear frontrunner and most likely winner. Of course I’ve said that before.
Monday, January 30, 2012
The Super Bowl Tickets II
Ok, I got the tickets. I stood on line for two hours with other mature gentlemen to spend $1,800 to watch grown men play a kids game.
There is something fundamentally wrong with my paying close to $4,000 to have two of us go see a football game. There is even something more fundamentally wrong with the fact that almost no one I know sees a problem with this.
While on line I learned that Lucas Oil Stadium’s location is more like Yankee Stadium than MetLife Stadium. It’s smack dab in the middle of an urban area with no parking. Waiting until I arrived at the stadium to find a place to put the car could have been a disaster.
Apparently you park in commercial garages and it’s a good idea to reserve a spot unless you want to walk a mile to the stadium.
I went on-line to check for parking and almost fell off my chair. The prices ranged from around $50 to $300 for a stinking parking space for the day.
I plunked down $99 for a reserved spot about a quarter of a mile from the stadium.
Why am I getting the feeling that, after this game, I’m going to really appreciate MetLife Stadium?
As for the tickets, they’re in section 520, row 1, seats 1 and 2. No, the 520 doesn’t mean I’ll need oxygen; they’re at the corner of the end zone in the Terrace Level just above the loge area. Row 1 may, or may not, be a good thing. It depends upon how much room there is between the seats and what appears to be a wall. Seat 1 may not be a good thing, with people exiting and walking up and down the stairs, but I'll survive. I'll probably put my daughter in seat 2 assuming there isn't some yahoo in seat 3.
So, I think I got everything I need including a car to and from Newark and printed driving directions from Louisville to Seymour to Indianapolis and back. Obviously I can’t control the weather or flight delays but I think I’ve done everything I can.
All that’s left is to pack and go.
There is something fundamentally wrong with my paying close to $4,000 to have two of us go see a football game. There is even something more fundamentally wrong with the fact that almost no one I know sees a problem with this.
While on line I learned that Lucas Oil Stadium’s location is more like Yankee Stadium than MetLife Stadium. It’s smack dab in the middle of an urban area with no parking. Waiting until I arrived at the stadium to find a place to put the car could have been a disaster.
Apparently you park in commercial garages and it’s a good idea to reserve a spot unless you want to walk a mile to the stadium.
I went on-line to check for parking and almost fell off my chair. The prices ranged from around $50 to $300 for a stinking parking space for the day.
I plunked down $99 for a reserved spot about a quarter of a mile from the stadium.
Why am I getting the feeling that, after this game, I’m going to really appreciate MetLife Stadium?
As for the tickets, they’re in section 520, row 1, seats 1 and 2. No, the 520 doesn’t mean I’ll need oxygen; they’re at the corner of the end zone in the Terrace Level just above the loge area. Row 1 may, or may not, be a good thing. It depends upon how much room there is between the seats and what appears to be a wall. Seat 1 may not be a good thing, with people exiting and walking up and down the stairs, but I'll survive. I'll probably put my daughter in seat 2 assuming there isn't some yahoo in seat 3.
So, I think I got everything I need including a car to and from Newark and printed driving directions from Louisville to Seymour to Indianapolis and back. Obviously I can’t control the weather or flight delays but I think I’ve done everything I can.
All that’s left is to pack and go.
Frog and Pig Fight Back
Last December Eric Bolling of Fox “News” (I put “News” in quotes because we all know that, whatever Fox does, it isn’t news) criticized “The Muppets” as an example of how the “liberal media” tries to “brainwash our kids” against big business and, in particular, big oil.
At a London news conference promoting the film Kermit and Miss Piggy took Fox to task. Kermit asked pointedly if they were so much against big oil, then why did they spend the movie riding around in a Rolls Royce which isn’t exactly known for its fuel economy.
Miss Piggy was even more blunt and said the brainwashing charges were “…almost as laughable as accusing Fox News of being ... news."
Even the pig understands.
At a London news conference promoting the film Kermit and Miss Piggy took Fox to task. Kermit asked pointedly if they were so much against big oil, then why did they spend the movie riding around in a Rolls Royce which isn’t exactly known for its fuel economy.
Miss Piggy was even more blunt and said the brainwashing charges were “…almost as laughable as accusing Fox News of being ... news."
Even the pig understands.
Friday, January 27, 2012
The Super Bowl Tickets
What a freaking nightmare.
You know the plot about something of value causing nothing but misery? Well, I have now experienced it.
Let’s start at the beginning.
I was one of the few Giants season ticket holders to be offered Super Bowl tickets. My immediate reaction was to refuse the tickets and remain safely at home to watch the game.
There were two problems with this reaction. The first is that it is difficult to have something of value without trying to get some advantage out of it. I suspect that’s simple human nature. The second problem was that everyone else was of the opinion I should go.
I looked around at Super Bowl travel packages. They ran around $5,000 per person not including the $900 ticket price. That means, for two, we’re talking about $12,000. That was not going to happen.
So if you don’t go, everyone says sell them. The problem with this is, unless you know someone to sell them to, putting them up for sale involves a bit of a process. A process that can’t begin until you have the tickets in hand and I wouldn’t have them in hand for almost a week. That leaves a fairly short window in which the tickets can sell. The reality is you risk $1,800 to make about $2,000 which is clearly just not worth the grief.
That leaves one with refuse the tickets or go.
Then there is the question of who goes with you? There is no good way to resolve that question. My resolution was actually the result of a misunderstanding on my part. But, once it was in place, I stuck with it. That disappointed someone else that I didn’t mean to disappoint, but it is what it is. No matter what I did, someone would have been disappointed.
So now I’m apparently on my way to Indianapolis. Or at least I have an $1,800 cashier’s check that I’m shortly going to take to MetLife stadium in an attempt to retrieve the two tickets. I also have something of a Rube Goldberg set of travel reservations that are going to run me around $1,700 dollars.
It’s going to be, on Saturday, fly from Newark to Chicago to Louisville. In Louisville, pick up Hertz car and drive to Seymour Indiana. Stay overnight in Seymour and then, on Sunday, drive about an hour to Indianapolis. Find stadium, find place to park, go to stadium, watch game, find way back to car and drive back to Seymour. Finally, on Monday, reverse the flights going from Louisville to Chicago to Newark.
With my luck the Giants will completely lay an egg and Monday’s paper will read something like “Worst Super Bowl in the History of the Game.” Watch Brady throw seven touchdown passes so I can be thoroughly miserable the whole trip back wishing I had my $3,500 dollars back.
I was miserable all week because I couldn’t decide what to do and I’m still miserable because I disappointed someone and now, once I get the tickets, assuming that doesn’t go wrong somehow, I have to worry about the safety of the damn things until the game.
I now know how Frodo and Bilbo felt about that stupid ring.
I should have had the courage to stick with my initial reaction. More to follow on this I’m sure.
You know the plot about something of value causing nothing but misery? Well, I have now experienced it.
Let’s start at the beginning.
I was one of the few Giants season ticket holders to be offered Super Bowl tickets. My immediate reaction was to refuse the tickets and remain safely at home to watch the game.
There were two problems with this reaction. The first is that it is difficult to have something of value without trying to get some advantage out of it. I suspect that’s simple human nature. The second problem was that everyone else was of the opinion I should go.
I looked around at Super Bowl travel packages. They ran around $5,000 per person not including the $900 ticket price. That means, for two, we’re talking about $12,000. That was not going to happen.
So if you don’t go, everyone says sell them. The problem with this is, unless you know someone to sell them to, putting them up for sale involves a bit of a process. A process that can’t begin until you have the tickets in hand and I wouldn’t have them in hand for almost a week. That leaves a fairly short window in which the tickets can sell. The reality is you risk $1,800 to make about $2,000 which is clearly just not worth the grief.
That leaves one with refuse the tickets or go.
Then there is the question of who goes with you? There is no good way to resolve that question. My resolution was actually the result of a misunderstanding on my part. But, once it was in place, I stuck with it. That disappointed someone else that I didn’t mean to disappoint, but it is what it is. No matter what I did, someone would have been disappointed.
So now I’m apparently on my way to Indianapolis. Or at least I have an $1,800 cashier’s check that I’m shortly going to take to MetLife stadium in an attempt to retrieve the two tickets. I also have something of a Rube Goldberg set of travel reservations that are going to run me around $1,700 dollars.
It’s going to be, on Saturday, fly from Newark to Chicago to Louisville. In Louisville, pick up Hertz car and drive to Seymour Indiana. Stay overnight in Seymour and then, on Sunday, drive about an hour to Indianapolis. Find stadium, find place to park, go to stadium, watch game, find way back to car and drive back to Seymour. Finally, on Monday, reverse the flights going from Louisville to Chicago to Newark.
With my luck the Giants will completely lay an egg and Monday’s paper will read something like “Worst Super Bowl in the History of the Game.” Watch Brady throw seven touchdown passes so I can be thoroughly miserable the whole trip back wishing I had my $3,500 dollars back.
I was miserable all week because I couldn’t decide what to do and I’m still miserable because I disappointed someone and now, once I get the tickets, assuming that doesn’t go wrong somehow, I have to worry about the safety of the damn things until the game.
I now know how Frodo and Bilbo felt about that stupid ring.
I should have had the courage to stick with my initial reaction. More to follow on this I’m sure.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Fidel has it Right
Now I don’t agree with Fidel Castro on a lot of things but I have to give the devil his due. Castro was absolutely correct when he said about the Republican primary contest:
"The selection of a Republican candidate for the presidency of this globalized and expansive empire is — and I mean this seriously — the greatest competition of idiocy and ignorance that has ever been."
And that’s after two of the biggest lunatics, Bachmann and Cain, have been ousted.
"The selection of a Republican candidate for the presidency of this globalized and expansive empire is — and I mean this seriously — the greatest competition of idiocy and ignorance that has ever been."
And that’s after two of the biggest lunatics, Bachmann and Cain, have been ousted.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
South Carolina
Newt Gingrich’s win in South Carolina throws things up in the air again doesn’t it?
It wasn’t just a win either. It was a big win. Gingrich finished with 40.4% of the vote, followed by Romney a distant second with 27.8%, then Santorum with 17% and, bringing up the rear, Paul with 13%.
The win almost instantly impacted Florida where, in the latest round of polls, Gingrich has taken a 7.4 point lead over Romney with Paul and Santorum way back.
Hey, fight it out guys. The longer this goes on the better things get for Obama.
A Gingrich nomination might be the best thing for the nation and the Republican Party. There’s nothing like a crushing defeat to help you straighten your act out and the Republicans seriously need to straighten their act out.
It wasn’t just a win either. It was a big win. Gingrich finished with 40.4% of the vote, followed by Romney a distant second with 27.8%, then Santorum with 17% and, bringing up the rear, Paul with 13%.
The win almost instantly impacted Florida where, in the latest round of polls, Gingrich has taken a 7.4 point lead over Romney with Paul and Santorum way back.
Hey, fight it out guys. The longer this goes on the better things get for Obama.
A Gingrich nomination might be the best thing for the nation and the Republican Party. There’s nothing like a crushing defeat to help you straighten your act out and the Republicans seriously need to straighten their act out.
Monday, January 23, 2012
The NFL Championship Games
Sometimes football games are won, and sometimes they’re lost. Sunday we saw two games lost.
That’s not to take anything away from the winning teams. You have to be in the game to take advantage of the breaks when they come.
First it was the Ravens, trailing the Patriots by 23-20, driving in the final seconds of the AFC Championship game. Joe Flacco put the ball into the hands of wide receiver Lee Evans in the end zone for what could have been the winning touchdown only to see the ball stripped by Patriots defender Sterling Moore. Two plays later kicker Billy Cundiff missed a 32 yard field that could have sent the game into overtime.
The missed field goal was actually on coach John Harbaugh. Rather than calling time out in order to give the field goal team time to set up, the whole play was rushed. It was obvious watching that Cundiff wasn’t ready to kick the ball and the result was he missed. End of game, the Ravens go home and the Patriots go to Indianapolis.
A rain drenched, old fashioned, smash mouth defensive battle in San Francisco followed. In a game that made it feel like the 1980s, the 49er’s and Giant renewed a rivalry from two decades ago. The 49er’s defense dominated the second half. Eli Manning spent more time on the ground than standing up as the Niners sacked him six times and seemed to knock him down on every play.
But Eli and the Giants soldiered on.
Finally, with the 49er’s leading 14-10, a punt bounced off of punt returner Kyle Williams knee and was picked up by Devin Thomas. The bounce was missed by the refs and Tom Coughlin had to challenge. Amazingly they got it right after review and a few plays later Manning hit Mario Manningham to give the Giants a 17-14 lead. The Niners tied it at 17-17 and then began the punting duel.
Neither team could score and the game went into overtime.
The punting duel continued until Jacquian Williams managed to strip the ball from punt returner Kyle Williams and Devin Thomas was Johnny on the spot again to set up the Giants at the 49er’s 29 yard line. A couple of snaps later Lawrence Tynes kicked the Giants into the Super Bowl for the second time in OT with a 31 yard field goal.
You have to feel sorry for Kyle Williams. He wasn’t even the 49er’s regular punt returner and to have to return punts in the cold, windy and rainy Candlestick Park was a tough assignment. I was really impressed with the 49er’s defense. They should come into next season with a chip on their shoulders about a mile wide. I’m betting on them now to be in Super Bowl XLVII.
So the Giants leave behind another stadium full of broken dreams and head for a rematch with the Patriots in Eli’s brother Payton’s home field in Indianapolis. The Patriots can get revenge for Super Bowl XLII or the Giants can frustrate the Patriots again. I’m not even going to try and analyze this one since I clearly suck at it finishing a dismal 4-6 for the Play-offs. Besides, the NFL has clearly succeeded in making the games about as unpredictable as possible. You might as well flip a coin.
As a Giant’s season ticket holder, and by winning a lottery, I have the opportunity to buy two tickers to Super Bowl XLVI at $900 each. I almost choked when I saw the price. And that doesn’t include getting to and staying in Indianapolis.
With the understanding that this will mostly likely be my last chance to attend a Super Bowl, I’m thinking about it. Maybe if the game was in a warm venue I might be tempted. But Indianapolis?
Practicality will probably win and I’ll pass. I may try to sell the tickets but I’m wondering if it’s worth the effort. More to follow on this I’m sure.
That’s not to take anything away from the winning teams. You have to be in the game to take advantage of the breaks when they come.
First it was the Ravens, trailing the Patriots by 23-20, driving in the final seconds of the AFC Championship game. Joe Flacco put the ball into the hands of wide receiver Lee Evans in the end zone for what could have been the winning touchdown only to see the ball stripped by Patriots defender Sterling Moore. Two plays later kicker Billy Cundiff missed a 32 yard field that could have sent the game into overtime.
The missed field goal was actually on coach John Harbaugh. Rather than calling time out in order to give the field goal team time to set up, the whole play was rushed. It was obvious watching that Cundiff wasn’t ready to kick the ball and the result was he missed. End of game, the Ravens go home and the Patriots go to Indianapolis.
A rain drenched, old fashioned, smash mouth defensive battle in San Francisco followed. In a game that made it feel like the 1980s, the 49er’s and Giant renewed a rivalry from two decades ago. The 49er’s defense dominated the second half. Eli Manning spent more time on the ground than standing up as the Niners sacked him six times and seemed to knock him down on every play.
But Eli and the Giants soldiered on.
Finally, with the 49er’s leading 14-10, a punt bounced off of punt returner Kyle Williams knee and was picked up by Devin Thomas. The bounce was missed by the refs and Tom Coughlin had to challenge. Amazingly they got it right after review and a few plays later Manning hit Mario Manningham to give the Giants a 17-14 lead. The Niners tied it at 17-17 and then began the punting duel.
Neither team could score and the game went into overtime.
The punting duel continued until Jacquian Williams managed to strip the ball from punt returner Kyle Williams and Devin Thomas was Johnny on the spot again to set up the Giants at the 49er’s 29 yard line. A couple of snaps later Lawrence Tynes kicked the Giants into the Super Bowl for the second time in OT with a 31 yard field goal.
You have to feel sorry for Kyle Williams. He wasn’t even the 49er’s regular punt returner and to have to return punts in the cold, windy and rainy Candlestick Park was a tough assignment. I was really impressed with the 49er’s defense. They should come into next season with a chip on their shoulders about a mile wide. I’m betting on them now to be in Super Bowl XLVII.
So the Giants leave behind another stadium full of broken dreams and head for a rematch with the Patriots in Eli’s brother Payton’s home field in Indianapolis. The Patriots can get revenge for Super Bowl XLII or the Giants can frustrate the Patriots again. I’m not even going to try and analyze this one since I clearly suck at it finishing a dismal 4-6 for the Play-offs. Besides, the NFL has clearly succeeded in making the games about as unpredictable as possible. You might as well flip a coin.
As a Giant’s season ticket holder, and by winning a lottery, I have the opportunity to buy two tickers to Super Bowl XLVI at $900 each. I almost choked when I saw the price. And that doesn’t include getting to and staying in Indianapolis.
With the understanding that this will mostly likely be my last chance to attend a Super Bowl, I’m thinking about it. Maybe if the game was in a warm venue I might be tempted. But Indianapolis?
Practicality will probably win and I’ll pass. I may try to sell the tickets but I’m wondering if it’s worth the effort. More to follow on this I’m sure.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Perry Quits
So after much initial fan fare, another of the GOP lunatic fringe throws in the towel.
Perry ended his presidential bid and endorsed Newt Gingrich. That leaves three little ducks left, Romney, Santorum and Newt and one space cadet, Paul.
In the meantime, the final count in Iowa actually has Santorum winning by 34 votes which makes an interesting historical footnote, but probably isn’t going to help him much now.
Perry ended his presidential bid and endorsed Newt Gingrich. That leaves three little ducks left, Romney, Santorum and Newt and one space cadet, Paul.
In the meantime, the final count in Iowa actually has Santorum winning by 34 votes which makes an interesting historical footnote, but probably isn’t going to help him much now.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Huntsman Calls it Quits
Jon Huntsman has apparently decided to drop out of the GOP race and has thrown his support to Mitt Romney.
That leaves only Santorum, Gingrich, Paul and Perry in the lists opposing Romney. Perry is rapidly working his way toward buffoon of the decade everytime he opens his mouth and Gingrich appears to be pissing everyone off so that sort of means that, realistically, only Santorum stands between Mitt Romney and the GOP nomination. As for Paul, it's only a matter of time before even the dense U.S. electorate figures out that he's orbiting Alpha Centauri.
Having Santorum in your way is sort of like a paper curtain trying to slow down a runaway freight train.
I don't see this seriously going beyond Florida. There may be some die hardism but Romney, barring some catastrophe, appears to have it wrapped up.
Then we can move on to the main event.
Romney can beat Obama. He and Huntsman were the only Republicans that realistically could. I have two problems with Romney. First, has has Robert Bork as an advisor on judicial appointments and I don't want anything to do with anyone that Robert Bork thinks should be on any judicial bench in the country.
Bork is no friend of the First Amendment and would cheerfully scuttle not only the accepted meaning of the Establishment Clause but also Freedom of Speech. In December 2005, Bork wrote an article in the National Review calling for government censorship of popular culture, including television, film and music. In a wonderful application of the principle of “newspeak” Bork declared that "liberty in America can be enhanced by reinstating, legislatively, restraints upon the direction of our culture and morality.”
My second problem with Romney is his supposed embrace of Mormonism. To my mind Mormonism is demonstrably false. Archeology and Genetics both strongly indicate this with literally no compelling counter argument that I am aware of. To call it a cult is to give it more than its due. It was, and continues to be, a con job thought up by a third rate con man.
The 1st Amendment guarantees freedom of religion. Romney can believe anything he wants. But I'm also free to think what he believes indicates a lack of adequate skeptical thinking. We don't need another Bush who knows what's right regardless of what the evidence says.
That leaves only Santorum, Gingrich, Paul and Perry in the lists opposing Romney. Perry is rapidly working his way toward buffoon of the decade everytime he opens his mouth and Gingrich appears to be pissing everyone off so that sort of means that, realistically, only Santorum stands between Mitt Romney and the GOP nomination. As for Paul, it's only a matter of time before even the dense U.S. electorate figures out that he's orbiting Alpha Centauri.
Having Santorum in your way is sort of like a paper curtain trying to slow down a runaway freight train.
I don't see this seriously going beyond Florida. There may be some die hardism but Romney, barring some catastrophe, appears to have it wrapped up.
Then we can move on to the main event.
Romney can beat Obama. He and Huntsman were the only Republicans that realistically could. I have two problems with Romney. First, has has Robert Bork as an advisor on judicial appointments and I don't want anything to do with anyone that Robert Bork thinks should be on any judicial bench in the country.
Bork is no friend of the First Amendment and would cheerfully scuttle not only the accepted meaning of the Establishment Clause but also Freedom of Speech. In December 2005, Bork wrote an article in the National Review calling for government censorship of popular culture, including television, film and music. In a wonderful application of the principle of “newspeak” Bork declared that "liberty in America can be enhanced by reinstating, legislatively, restraints upon the direction of our culture and morality.”
My second problem with Romney is his supposed embrace of Mormonism. To my mind Mormonism is demonstrably false. Archeology and Genetics both strongly indicate this with literally no compelling counter argument that I am aware of. To call it a cult is to give it more than its due. It was, and continues to be, a con job thought up by a third rate con man.
The 1st Amendment guarantees freedom of religion. Romney can believe anything he wants. But I'm also free to think what he believes indicates a lack of adequate skeptical thinking. We don't need another Bush who knows what's right regardless of what the evidence says.
The Championship Games
Ok, I only got one out of three of the Divisional Games right. I was right about defense but I should have figured the Giants rather than the Broncos.
The only game I got right was the Ravens over the Texans. The one that surprised me the most was the 49ers taking down the Saints. Drew Brees looked unstoppable in the previous two games. As for the Giants and Packers, clearly the Packers were rustier than I thought.
So now what? The only way I can make things worse is to go 0-2 which I figure I have a pretty good shot at.
Let’s make it short and sweet. I like the 49ers and the Patriots.
The only game I got right was the Ravens over the Texans. The one that surprised me the most was the 49ers taking down the Saints. Drew Brees looked unstoppable in the previous two games. As for the Giants and Packers, clearly the Packers were rustier than I thought.
So now what? The only way I can make things worse is to go 0-2 which I figure I have a pretty good shot at.
Let’s make it short and sweet. I like the 49ers and the Patriots.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
New Hampshire
Romney wins handily amassing 39.3% of the vote and matching the combined total of Ron Paul, in second with 22.9%, and Jon Huntsman in third with 16.9%.
Gingrich and Santorum ended up basically tied for 4th with 9.4% of the vote. Perry didn’t even show up, preferring to concentrate on South Carolina, and had only 0.7% of the votes.
If he wasn’t there before, Romney is now in position to end this fiasco early. The latest poll showed Romney with a 10 point lead over Santorum and Gingrich and 20 points over Paul. I doubt Romney’s win yesterday is going to cause an erosion in those numbers.
I expect Romney to win South Carolina with Santorum second. I also expect Perry’s campaign to end after another dismal showing. As for Gingrich, who knows?
Gingrich and Santorum ended up basically tied for 4th with 9.4% of the vote. Perry didn’t even show up, preferring to concentrate on South Carolina, and had only 0.7% of the votes.
If he wasn’t there before, Romney is now in position to end this fiasco early. The latest poll showed Romney with a 10 point lead over Santorum and Gingrich and 20 points over Paul. I doubt Romney’s win yesterday is going to cause an erosion in those numbers.
I expect Romney to win South Carolina with Santorum second. I also expect Perry’s campaign to end after another dismal showing. As for Gingrich, who knows?
Monday, January 09, 2012
On to the Division Games
Ok, so my pet goat Frankie is as good as I am at picking NFL games. Shows that the NFL marketing strategy is working.
My 2-2 in the Wild Card games is about what you’d expect picking the winners randomly such as letting a pet goat (enter Frankie, stage left) select them with his hooves.
Bengals-Texans was a bit of a toss-up but I thought the QB inexperience would doom the Texans. Oh well, wrong again. As for the Giants, where the hell has that team been all year? I just hope they, and not the guys that played the Redskins, go to Green Bay.
As for Tim Terrific, I’m going to resist saying “I TOLD YOU SO,” although I really shouldn’t. I saw the Steelers 4th quarter comeback and Tim’s one play OT bomb shell at home after watching a good part of the 3rd Quarter at Appleby’s. It was watch Giants mangle Falcons, leave Giants game, go home, get wife, go to Appleby’s, go home, watch Tim confuse all the so-called experts again. In other words, a pretty good Sunday.
As for the Saints, that was a no brainer. An interesting side note, is that all the Wild Card Teams lost. I don’t remember that ever happening previously.
So, on to the Divisional Games where the big boys take on the Wild Card weekend survivors.
Let’s start with the Giants at Green Bay. This could be interesting but I find it hard to believe the Packers are going to stumble against the Giants. They’re rested, but not rusty, and they scored almost at will against the Giants in the Meadowlands. The Giants defense is healthier, but not that much healthier. I’m going with Green Bay.
I also think Drew Brees and company will send the 49ers home for the winter. The Saints offense is scary and don’t see how San Francisco is going to slow them down.
As for the Texans and Ravens, the QB situation catches up to the Texans and the Ravens defense ends the first post season entry for Houston.
Now you knew I was going to leave New England and the Broncos for last right? Again we have the plot elements for a continuation of Tim Tebow’s march to the Super Bowl. The Patriot’s defense has been awful. So we have a offense that thinks it can do miracles versus a defense that could use some miracles and a great offense against a tough, stingy defense. Call me old fashioned, but defense wins championships. I’m going with Denver to upset New England.
My 2-2 in the Wild Card games is about what you’d expect picking the winners randomly such as letting a pet goat (enter Frankie, stage left) select them with his hooves.
Bengals-Texans was a bit of a toss-up but I thought the QB inexperience would doom the Texans. Oh well, wrong again. As for the Giants, where the hell has that team been all year? I just hope they, and not the guys that played the Redskins, go to Green Bay.
As for Tim Terrific, I’m going to resist saying “I TOLD YOU SO,” although I really shouldn’t. I saw the Steelers 4th quarter comeback and Tim’s one play OT bomb shell at home after watching a good part of the 3rd Quarter at Appleby’s. It was watch Giants mangle Falcons, leave Giants game, go home, get wife, go to Appleby’s, go home, watch Tim confuse all the so-called experts again. In other words, a pretty good Sunday.
As for the Saints, that was a no brainer. An interesting side note, is that all the Wild Card Teams lost. I don’t remember that ever happening previously.
So, on to the Divisional Games where the big boys take on the Wild Card weekend survivors.
Let’s start with the Giants at Green Bay. This could be interesting but I find it hard to believe the Packers are going to stumble against the Giants. They’re rested, but not rusty, and they scored almost at will against the Giants in the Meadowlands. The Giants defense is healthier, but not that much healthier. I’m going with Green Bay.
I also think Drew Brees and company will send the 49ers home for the winter. The Saints offense is scary and don’t see how San Francisco is going to slow them down.
As for the Texans and Ravens, the QB situation catches up to the Texans and the Ravens defense ends the first post season entry for Houston.
Now you knew I was going to leave New England and the Broncos for last right? Again we have the plot elements for a continuation of Tim Tebow’s march to the Super Bowl. The Patriot’s defense has been awful. So we have a offense that thinks it can do miracles versus a defense that could use some miracles and a great offense against a tough, stingy defense. Call me old fashioned, but defense wins championships. I’m going with Denver to upset New England.
Friday, January 06, 2012
Bachmann Quits
Apparently Michelle Bachmann has "suspended" her presidential campaign.
I saw something to this effect yesterday and was expecting some sort of headline somewhere but, at least for the moment, none of the major news outlets I check appears to care much about it.
So much for the vaunted Iowa straw poll winner.
I suppose it's too much to hope that she's never heard from again?
I saw something to this effect yesterday and was expecting some sort of headline somewhere but, at least for the moment, none of the major news outlets I check appears to care much about it.
So much for the vaunted Iowa straw poll winner.
I suppose it's too much to hope that she's never heard from again?
The NFL Play-offs
Ah yes, the early winter when a young man’s fancy turns to thoughts of the NFL Play-offs. I’m already sick of all the analysis and predictions by people who should know by now that the entire marketing strategy of the NFL is to make the games as unpredictable as possible.
I’m sort of upset because I’ll be at the Falcons-Giants game at 1 PM on Sunday and the only other game I’m really interested in is the Steelers-Broncos game and that’s also Sunday at 4:30 so it’s not likely I’ll get to see much of that.
I should however make it home in time to watch Tim pull off another late game miracle. So there’s my first prediction, screw logic, Tebow and the Broncos upset a banged up Steelers team.
As for the game I’ll be at, I don’t see the suspect Giants defense holding the Falcons in check and I can’t rely on Victor Cruz to break another 80 or 90 yard touchdown run after catch so I’m afraid the Falcons win that one.
As for the Saturday games, I’m thinking the Bengals over the Texans and the Saints over the Lions.
I’m sort of upset because I’ll be at the Falcons-Giants game at 1 PM on Sunday and the only other game I’m really interested in is the Steelers-Broncos game and that’s also Sunday at 4:30 so it’s not likely I’ll get to see much of that.
I should however make it home in time to watch Tim pull off another late game miracle. So there’s my first prediction, screw logic, Tebow and the Broncos upset a banged up Steelers team.
As for the game I’ll be at, I don’t see the suspect Giants defense holding the Falcons in check and I can’t rely on Victor Cruz to break another 80 or 90 yard touchdown run after catch so I’m afraid the Falcons win that one.
As for the Saturday games, I’m thinking the Bengals over the Texans and the Saints over the Lions.
Thursday, January 05, 2012
The Iowa Results
Well, the results are in and Mitt Romney appears to have a “victory” by a stunning 8 votes. Yes, you heard me, 8 votes over Rick Santorum 30,015 to 30,007. That comes out to 25% each and 11 delegates each.
Ron Paul finished 3rd with 21% and the final 3 delegates. After that it was Newt Gingrich with 13%, Rick Perry with 10%, Michelle Bachmann with 5% and Jon Huntsman with 1%.
So what does it mean? Not much yet. Let’s remember that Mike Huckabee won Iowa in 2008 with 34% of the vote. Romney was second with 25% and, the eventual nominee, John McCain was 4th with 13%. If you believe in numerology that would put Gingrich in good shape but he doesn’t have the kind of New Hampshire support that McCain had.
New Hampshire is a week away followed by South Carolina 11 days later and then Florida on the 31st. In 2008 McCain won all three and established himself as the GOP heir apparent.
Evangelical Christians (also known as the Village Idiots) fueled Huckabee in 2008 and appear to have fueled Santorum in 2012. They’re not a big factor in New Hampshire but might be in South Carolina. Huckabee managed a paltry 11% in New Hampshire in 2008 but surged back to almost 30% in South Carolina so I suspect that Santorum, unfortunately, will be around for a while.
As for those finishing near the bottom of the pack, both Bachmann and Gingrich say they’re staying in the race; Perry is “reassessing” and I haven’t heard anything about Huntsman. Personally, with the possible exception of Gingrich, they’re all kidding themselves. Huntsman’s potential constituency has apparently picked Romney and Bachmann’s Santorum. Perry has just made a mess of things and, since integrity means something even to Republicans, I don’t see Gingrich staging that much of a comeback.
I expect Romney to win in New Hampshire with Paul second and Santorum a distant 3rd if he’s lucky. He could easily be eclipsed by Gingrich. That would set the stage for South Carolina where people still long for the antebellum days so who the hell knows what’s going to happen there.
The latest poll had Gingrich ahead by 12 points but that was in mid December and a lot has happened since then so we shall see.
So what’s the best case scenario? Well, that depends upon what you mean by “best case scenario?”
If you think Obama needs to be gotten out of office, then Mitt Romney has the best chance of accomplishing that and the sooner he becomes the obvious winner the better his chance will be. So you would be looking for Romney to steamroll New Hampshire, South Carolina and Florida.
If you think Romney is the inevitable candidate in any event but believe an Obama re-election would be best, then you want to see the GOP primary, as scary as the thought of a Santorum or Paul presidency might be, drag on and get increasingly bloody.
If you’re a really greedy Liberal, you’ll hope that somehow Santorum, Paul or Gingrich manage to win which could well lead to the greatest national electoral disaster in GOP history. To my mind even the small chance of a Santorum, Paul or Gingrich victory in the general election makes this far too terrifying a scenario.
I would like to see a Romney candidacy following by a frank and honest discussion of the issues facing the country. I figure I have two chances, slim and none.
Then there’s Vice President. A victorious Romney could still well choose a Santorum or Bachmann type as his running mate to shore up conservative support which would be almost as scary, and maybe even more scary, than a Santorum or Paul candidacy.
I guess I’m hoping for a long bloody Republican process that would leave most of the country fed up with Republican nonsense. I’m willing to give Obama four more years.
Ron Paul finished 3rd with 21% and the final 3 delegates. After that it was Newt Gingrich with 13%, Rick Perry with 10%, Michelle Bachmann with 5% and Jon Huntsman with 1%.
So what does it mean? Not much yet. Let’s remember that Mike Huckabee won Iowa in 2008 with 34% of the vote. Romney was second with 25% and, the eventual nominee, John McCain was 4th with 13%. If you believe in numerology that would put Gingrich in good shape but he doesn’t have the kind of New Hampshire support that McCain had.
New Hampshire is a week away followed by South Carolina 11 days later and then Florida on the 31st. In 2008 McCain won all three and established himself as the GOP heir apparent.
Evangelical Christians (also known as the Village Idiots) fueled Huckabee in 2008 and appear to have fueled Santorum in 2012. They’re not a big factor in New Hampshire but might be in South Carolina. Huckabee managed a paltry 11% in New Hampshire in 2008 but surged back to almost 30% in South Carolina so I suspect that Santorum, unfortunately, will be around for a while.
As for those finishing near the bottom of the pack, both Bachmann and Gingrich say they’re staying in the race; Perry is “reassessing” and I haven’t heard anything about Huntsman. Personally, with the possible exception of Gingrich, they’re all kidding themselves. Huntsman’s potential constituency has apparently picked Romney and Bachmann’s Santorum. Perry has just made a mess of things and, since integrity means something even to Republicans, I don’t see Gingrich staging that much of a comeback.
I expect Romney to win in New Hampshire with Paul second and Santorum a distant 3rd if he’s lucky. He could easily be eclipsed by Gingrich. That would set the stage for South Carolina where people still long for the antebellum days so who the hell knows what’s going to happen there.
The latest poll had Gingrich ahead by 12 points but that was in mid December and a lot has happened since then so we shall see.
So what’s the best case scenario? Well, that depends upon what you mean by “best case scenario?”
If you think Obama needs to be gotten out of office, then Mitt Romney has the best chance of accomplishing that and the sooner he becomes the obvious winner the better his chance will be. So you would be looking for Romney to steamroll New Hampshire, South Carolina and Florida.
If you think Romney is the inevitable candidate in any event but believe an Obama re-election would be best, then you want to see the GOP primary, as scary as the thought of a Santorum or Paul presidency might be, drag on and get increasingly bloody.
If you’re a really greedy Liberal, you’ll hope that somehow Santorum, Paul or Gingrich manage to win which could well lead to the greatest national electoral disaster in GOP history. To my mind even the small chance of a Santorum, Paul or Gingrich victory in the general election makes this far too terrifying a scenario.
I would like to see a Romney candidacy following by a frank and honest discussion of the issues facing the country. I figure I have two chances, slim and none.
Then there’s Vice President. A victorious Romney could still well choose a Santorum or Bachmann type as his running mate to shore up conservative support which would be almost as scary, and maybe even more scary, than a Santorum or Paul candidacy.
I guess I’m hoping for a long bloody Republican process that would leave most of the country fed up with Republican nonsense. I’m willing to give Obama four more years.
Monday, January 02, 2012
Iowa Ready
With the Iowa caucuses tomorrow I thought I’d put down a few thoughts.
Now that Herman Cain is history, I have to say that the only two GOP candidates that don’t scare the hell out of me are Jon Huntsman and Mitt Romney. And, to be honest, I’m not that sure about Romney.
It’s hard to decide which of the other four lunatics, Paul, Bachmann, Santorum or Gingrich, would make the worst candidate and, heaven forbid, even worse president.
I’m going to go with Rick Santorum at the bottom of the list followed by Michelle Bachmann. I find it almost unbelievable that I think someone would make a worse president than Bachmann but I do. Then I’ll go with Paul and, at the best of the worst position, I’ll put Newt Gingrich.
Don’t ask me again next week because I could easily reverse Santorum and Bachmann or Paul and Gingrich.
I just realized I forgot all about Rick Perry. Perhaps that's because he proved so effective at pulling defeat from the jaws of victory. I don't know what to do with Perry. Perhaps I'll add him to the top of the lunatic pile because I suspect he's more of a crook than a lunatic.
Now that Herman Cain is history, I have to say that the only two GOP candidates that don’t scare the hell out of me are Jon Huntsman and Mitt Romney. And, to be honest, I’m not that sure about Romney.
It’s hard to decide which of the other four lunatics, Paul, Bachmann, Santorum or Gingrich, would make the worst candidate and, heaven forbid, even worse president.
I’m going to go with Rick Santorum at the bottom of the list followed by Michelle Bachmann. I find it almost unbelievable that I think someone would make a worse president than Bachmann but I do. Then I’ll go with Paul and, at the best of the worst position, I’ll put Newt Gingrich.
Don’t ask me again next week because I could easily reverse Santorum and Bachmann or Paul and Gingrich.
I just realized I forgot all about Rick Perry. Perhaps that's because he proved so effective at pulling defeat from the jaws of victory. I don't know what to do with Perry. Perhaps I'll add him to the top of the lunatic pile because I suspect he's more of a crook than a lunatic.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
The Bill Maher Tweet
Bill Maher, famous for his anti-religious outlook, got into the Tebow mania by tweeting a less than complimentary comment about the Broncos blowout loss to the Bills. Allow me to quote Bill:
"Wow, Jesus just f***ed Tim Tebow bad! And on Xmas Eve! Somewhere ... Satan is tebowing, saying to Hitler 'Hey, Buffalo's killing them.'"
I think it precisely captures the stupidity that some Christians have been throwing around that Jesus is helping Tim Terrific win football games.
No one but Tim, backed up by strong defensive efforts, helped the Broncos win. But sooner or later an unbalanced team gets nailed. You need both defence and offence playing a full 60 minutes to be a championship football team. You can't rely on the defense to always hold while the offense fritters away three quarters. Or worse, like Saturday, hands the other team four picks.
Still, I think Tebow has demonstrated that he deserves a chance to play in the NFL.
In the meantime, no one seems to be paying a lot of attention to what Cam Newton has been doing. Put a few more quality players around him and shore up the Jaguars defense and they're going to be unstoppable.
"Wow, Jesus just f***ed Tim Tebow bad! And on Xmas Eve! Somewhere ... Satan is tebowing, saying to Hitler 'Hey, Buffalo's killing them.'"
I think it precisely captures the stupidity that some Christians have been throwing around that Jesus is helping Tim Terrific win football games.
No one but Tim, backed up by strong defensive efforts, helped the Broncos win. But sooner or later an unbalanced team gets nailed. You need both defence and offence playing a full 60 minutes to be a championship football team. You can't rely on the defense to always hold while the offense fritters away three quarters. Or worse, like Saturday, hands the other team four picks.
Still, I think Tebow has demonstrated that he deserves a chance to play in the NFL.
In the meantime, no one seems to be paying a lot of attention to what Cam Newton has been doing. Put a few more quality players around him and shore up the Jaguars defense and they're going to be unstoppable.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Proof, Evidence and Christianity
People throw the words "proof" and "prove" around somewhat carelessly. The fact of the matter is that technically, outside the realm of mathematics, it is pretty much impossible to prove anything.
For example, can you "prove" that the sun rises in the east? No, technically you can't. The most you can do is demonstrate that throughout all of recorded history it has risen in the east and the odds are pretty good it will rise there tomorrow. As a matter of fact, the odds are so good that not to accept the conclusion "the sun rises in the east" would be somewhat irrational. But, still, technically, it cannot be proven to 100% certainty.
So much for technicalities. Let's talk about practical day to day existence. Most people would consider something "proven" if not to accept it as true would be irrational like not accepting the conclusion that "the sun rises in the east" is irrational.
But we're still really talking about probabilities. You can't "prove" to 100% certainty but you can get pretty darn close.
Now let's consider evidence. Evidence is anything that you believe increases or decreases the probability of something being true. When you present evidence to someone, the critical issue is how credible is that evidence.
This is where most Christians miss the point. They always claim they have lots of evidence for God, Jesus and Christianity. The problem is that none of it is terribly credible.
The most credible evidence is physical evidence. It's hard to argue with finger prints, DNA, blood, burn marks etc. The reason for this is physical evidence doesn't change and it is very difficult to forge or modify.
Next in credibility is documentary evidence because again, it doesn't change over time but it's much easier to forge or modify.
The least credible evidence is human eye witness testimony and the further away you get from the original source, the more it degrades. As a matter of fact most courts will not accept evidence which it even only once removed. It's called "hearsay" and is usually inadmissable."Hearsay" is still evidence, but very, very weak evidence. In addition, if the witness has a known agenda then the evidence is virtually worthless.
Here's the problem with all of the Christian's evidence. They have no physical evidence. They do have some documentary evidence in the Bible but (1) the authorship of the bible is unknown and anonymous testimony must always be viewed with suspicion and (2) with the possible exception of the Gospel of John, all of the testimony is at best "hearsay" and all of the gospels, including John, have an agenda. Paul I dismiss as so far removed from the events as to be completely worthless and the epistles attributed to Peter are considered by most reputable scholars to be forgeries.
The problem with John is even if it was written by the Apostle John, it was written so long after the events, and is so different from the Synoptic Gospels, it can't be considered credible. It is a known fact that human memory changes over time.
That leaves us with, at best, second and third removed hearsay which is basically useless.
So what about the "prophecies?"
I have to be honest that I just don't find the so-called prophecy passages terribly compelling. Most aren't even prophecies. Just passages that happen to be similar to some gospel event. The others are either clearly backfits after the fact or cases of heroic exegesis, reading into the passages something that simply is not there.
What about the "would the apostles be willing to die for a lie" argument?
Well, the word "lie" implies knowing something is untrue while claiming it's true anyway. It's not hard for humans to delude themselves into thinking something is true and then be willing to do ridiculous things to support or demonstrate their faith in that delusion. The apostles were ignorant peasants. That they deluded themselves into believing something doesn't surprise me. It is telling that no educated intellectuals accepted Christianity in it's earliest stages. That only came later when Christianity had managed to acquire some power.
So when Christians say they have lots of evidence, they do, None of it is very good though and none of it, in my opinion, justifies accepting Christianity as true.
For example, can you "prove" that the sun rises in the east? No, technically you can't. The most you can do is demonstrate that throughout all of recorded history it has risen in the east and the odds are pretty good it will rise there tomorrow. As a matter of fact, the odds are so good that not to accept the conclusion "the sun rises in the east" would be somewhat irrational. But, still, technically, it cannot be proven to 100% certainty.
So much for technicalities. Let's talk about practical day to day existence. Most people would consider something "proven" if not to accept it as true would be irrational like not accepting the conclusion that "the sun rises in the east" is irrational.
But we're still really talking about probabilities. You can't "prove" to 100% certainty but you can get pretty darn close.
Now let's consider evidence. Evidence is anything that you believe increases or decreases the probability of something being true. When you present evidence to someone, the critical issue is how credible is that evidence.
This is where most Christians miss the point. They always claim they have lots of evidence for God, Jesus and Christianity. The problem is that none of it is terribly credible.
The most credible evidence is physical evidence. It's hard to argue with finger prints, DNA, blood, burn marks etc. The reason for this is physical evidence doesn't change and it is very difficult to forge or modify.
Next in credibility is documentary evidence because again, it doesn't change over time but it's much easier to forge or modify.
The least credible evidence is human eye witness testimony and the further away you get from the original source, the more it degrades. As a matter of fact most courts will not accept evidence which it even only once removed. It's called "hearsay" and is usually inadmissable."Hearsay" is still evidence, but very, very weak evidence. In addition, if the witness has a known agenda then the evidence is virtually worthless.
Here's the problem with all of the Christian's evidence. They have no physical evidence. They do have some documentary evidence in the Bible but (1) the authorship of the bible is unknown and anonymous testimony must always be viewed with suspicion and (2) with the possible exception of the Gospel of John, all of the testimony is at best "hearsay" and all of the gospels, including John, have an agenda. Paul I dismiss as so far removed from the events as to be completely worthless and the epistles attributed to Peter are considered by most reputable scholars to be forgeries.
The problem with John is even if it was written by the Apostle John, it was written so long after the events, and is so different from the Synoptic Gospels, it can't be considered credible. It is a known fact that human memory changes over time.
That leaves us with, at best, second and third removed hearsay which is basically useless.
So what about the "prophecies?"
I have to be honest that I just don't find the so-called prophecy passages terribly compelling. Most aren't even prophecies. Just passages that happen to be similar to some gospel event. The others are either clearly backfits after the fact or cases of heroic exegesis, reading into the passages something that simply is not there.
What about the "would the apostles be willing to die for a lie" argument?
Well, the word "lie" implies knowing something is untrue while claiming it's true anyway. It's not hard for humans to delude themselves into thinking something is true and then be willing to do ridiculous things to support or demonstrate their faith in that delusion. The apostles were ignorant peasants. That they deluded themselves into believing something doesn't surprise me. It is telling that no educated intellectuals accepted Christianity in it's earliest stages. That only came later when Christianity had managed to acquire some power.
So when Christians say they have lots of evidence, they do, None of it is very good though and none of it, in my opinion, justifies accepting Christianity as true.
The Religious are Ridiculous
Saudi Arabia is a Theocracy. If you want to see what Fundamentalist Christians would like to see here if they have a chance, just look at Saudi Arabia.
In it's latest idiocy, a 60 year old woman was executed for practicing Sorcery!
From the description it sounds like she was either daffy or a bit of a con artist. She would convince the ignorant that, for a fee, she could cure illness. Sort of the same way Christian faith healers convince the flock here.
If she really believed it, she was mentally ill; if she didn't, then she was a crook. Either way I'd say that execution by beheading for something NO ONE can do is barbaric.
In it's latest idiocy, a 60 year old woman was executed for practicing Sorcery!
From the description it sounds like she was either daffy or a bit of a con artist. She would convince the ignorant that, for a fee, she could cure illness. Sort of the same way Christian faith healers convince the flock here.
If she really believed it, she was mentally ill; if she didn't, then she was a crook. Either way I'd say that execution by beheading for something NO ONE can do is barbaric.
Bears Dismiss Tebow
Apparently the Bears weren't impressed with Tim Terrific's 13-10 come from behind miracle victory. Maybe not, but he did manage, with a lot of help from his friends, to whip your butts when it counted didn't he?
Actually, more credit needs to be given to the Bronco's defense. This is football and if your offense stinks up the field for three quarters, then your defense kept you in the game. It's not likely Tebow would be working miracles if instead of 10 points or so down, the Broncos were 30 points down.
Still, you have to acknowledge that he continues to manage the near impossible week after week even if last Sunday it was more a case of the Bears losing it and one hell of a field goal kicker putting through 59 and 51 yarders in the clutch.
But here's the point, a player like Tebow makes EVERYONE play better. If you believe in the guy then the defense just keeps saying to itself "all we have to do is keep it close" and once Tim's gets started, everyone gets pumped up.
Morale and determination win lots of victories even when the edge in talent is on the other side. I can't explain it, but I damn well know it's true.
Actually, more credit needs to be given to the Bronco's defense. This is football and if your offense stinks up the field for three quarters, then your defense kept you in the game. It's not likely Tebow would be working miracles if instead of 10 points or so down, the Broncos were 30 points down.
Still, you have to acknowledge that he continues to manage the near impossible week after week even if last Sunday it was more a case of the Bears losing it and one hell of a field goal kicker putting through 59 and 51 yarders in the clutch.
But here's the point, a player like Tebow makes EVERYONE play better. If you believe in the guy then the defense just keeps saying to itself "all we have to do is keep it close" and once Tim's gets started, everyone gets pumped up.
Morale and determination win lots of victories even when the edge in talent is on the other side. I can't explain it, but I damn well know it's true.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Now That's Ridiculous
I hadn't actually witnessed any of the Tebow magic. I'd just read about. Now I've seen it with my own eyes and I think I need to get them checked.
Through three quarters, nada. Only 3 completions in 16 tries and trailing the Bears 10-0. Then the 4th quarter begins and look out! It's super Tebow.
First Tim Terrific leads the Broncos on a touchdown drive and scores with 2:08 remaining to make it 10-7. That 8 seconds is significant because the Broncos get a free clock stop at 2 minutes.
The onside kick doesn't work. That takes the clock to the 2 minute warning and then I assume the Broncos called their last timeout on the 1st down play because I joined the game with 1:55 left, it was second down and the Broncos were out of timeouts.
Let's translate that 1:55 into football time. That's 115 seconds and you get 40 seconds on the clock after each play. That means before 3rd and 4th downs you can eat away 80 seconds and it's not unusually for a running play to take 7 or 8 second so this game is just about over.
Assuming the runner stays in bounds that is.
Marion Barber is an experienced and a good running back. On second down he got the call to stretch out a run wide and chew up clock. All he needed to do was stay in bounds. Incredibly, that's what he didn't do.
By going out of bounds, the clock stopped. The Bears failed to convert on 3rd down and were forced to punt back to the Broncos with 35 seconds left.
That's were things got a little spooky. Denver's field goal kicker had a career long of 59 yards. Guess how far the Broncos manged to get? Just enough for a 59 yard attempt which was of course good to tie the game at 10-10.
The Bears won the toss to start overtime (nothing like a little drama) and marched down the field to a 3rd down on the Bronco's 38. That's a long 55 yard field goal but the Bears still had one play left. They gave the ball to the same Marion Barber who popped through the left side and looked like he was heading for a big gain when a Bronco defender managed to jar the ball loose.
Needless to say the Broncos recovered. They moved into field goal range thanks to a circus catch or two and put the game away with another 50 yard plus field goal.
If I was a Bears fan I'd be pulling my hair out. You can't make this stuff up. No one would believe you. I never saw anything like it. There are certain truths one learns to take for granted in football. Games just don't end like this. Or at least they didn't before.
I feel sorry for Barber. Talk about a double set of goat horns. This is really starting to be a lot more than interesting. This is simply incredible. I can't wait to see what happens next.
Through three quarters, nada. Only 3 completions in 16 tries and trailing the Bears 10-0. Then the 4th quarter begins and look out! It's super Tebow.
First Tim Terrific leads the Broncos on a touchdown drive and scores with 2:08 remaining to make it 10-7. That 8 seconds is significant because the Broncos get a free clock stop at 2 minutes.
The onside kick doesn't work. That takes the clock to the 2 minute warning and then I assume the Broncos called their last timeout on the 1st down play because I joined the game with 1:55 left, it was second down and the Broncos were out of timeouts.
Let's translate that 1:55 into football time. That's 115 seconds and you get 40 seconds on the clock after each play. That means before 3rd and 4th downs you can eat away 80 seconds and it's not unusually for a running play to take 7 or 8 second so this game is just about over.
Assuming the runner stays in bounds that is.
Marion Barber is an experienced and a good running back. On second down he got the call to stretch out a run wide and chew up clock. All he needed to do was stay in bounds. Incredibly, that's what he didn't do.
By going out of bounds, the clock stopped. The Bears failed to convert on 3rd down and were forced to punt back to the Broncos with 35 seconds left.
That's were things got a little spooky. Denver's field goal kicker had a career long of 59 yards. Guess how far the Broncos manged to get? Just enough for a 59 yard attempt which was of course good to tie the game at 10-10.
The Bears won the toss to start overtime (nothing like a little drama) and marched down the field to a 3rd down on the Bronco's 38. That's a long 55 yard field goal but the Bears still had one play left. They gave the ball to the same Marion Barber who popped through the left side and looked like he was heading for a big gain when a Bronco defender managed to jar the ball loose.
Needless to say the Broncos recovered. They moved into field goal range thanks to a circus catch or two and put the game away with another 50 yard plus field goal.
If I was a Bears fan I'd be pulling my hair out. You can't make this stuff up. No one would believe you. I never saw anything like it. There are certain truths one learns to take for granted in football. Games just don't end like this. Or at least they didn't before.
I feel sorry for Barber. Talk about a double set of goat horns. This is really starting to be a lot more than interesting. This is simply incredible. I can't wait to see what happens next.
Friday, December 02, 2011
Bachmann is an Idiot
I know that’s not a big surprise to anyone but she’s dumber than I thought.
I was watching a town meeting video with her discussing both Gay Marriage and prayer in school. Let’s start with Gay Marriage.
Her position was that the law allows marriage between a man and a woman and therefore allowing marriage between individuals of the same sex would be a “special privilege.” After all, gays are free to marry individuals of the opposite sex just like heterosexuals. The problem with this argument is you can use it to justify any law that is unfair. No one is questioning what the law says; the point is that the law is wrong. You could justify laws that prohibit interracial marriage with the same argument.
Marriage includes the right to marry someone to whom you are sexually attracted. If your sexual orientation is to the same sex, then you are prohibited from doing that if Gay Marriage is not legal. So it's not a "special privilege," it's a comparable right to heterosexual marriage.
In the second half of the video Bachmann addresses school prayer. She states that she would eliminate the Department of Education (DOE) which she claims would somehow then let local school boards decide whether or not school prayer should be allowed.
Where the hell did she get her law degree?
Here’s the deal. The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) was passed in 1965 as a part of the War on Poverty and was amended and reauthorized in 2002 as part of the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) initiative of the Bush Administration. NCLB has an almost unbelievable 621 sections. Sec. 9524 relates to school prayer and states “The Secretary shall provide and revise guidance … to State educational agencies, local educational agencies, and the public on constitutionally protected prayer in public elementary schools and secondary schools, including making the guidance available on the Internet.”
Now the secretary and the DOE aren’t making the rules, they are just providing a summary of the current state of the law. Sec. 9524 goes on to state “The guidance shall be reviewed, prior to distribution, by the Office of Legal Counsel of the Department of Justice for verification that the guidance represents the current state of the law concerning constitutionally protected prayer in public elementary schools and secondary schools.”
Get it? The DOE is simply providing, in layman’s term, guidance on the current state of Constitutional Law. The executive department is not making up the rules, the judiciary is, and eliminating the DOE isn’t going to change things one bit.
The last guidance was issued in February of 2003 and provides the bottom line on school prayer as follows, “The Supreme Court has repeatedly held that the First Amendment requires public school officials to be neutral in their treatment of religion, showing neither favoritism toward nor hostility against religious expression such as prayer… the First Amendment forbids religious activity that is sponsored by the government but protects religious activity that is initiated by private individuals.”
“Students may pray when not engaged in school activities or instruction, subject to the same rules designed to prevent material disruption of the educational program that are applied to other privately initiated expressive activities. Among other things, students may read their Bibles or other scriptures, say grace before meals, and pray or study religious materials with fellow students during recess, the lunch hour, or other noninstructional time to the same extent that they may engage in nonreligious activities.”
Again, it needs to be noted that the DOE is not making up the rules. Rather it is enforcing laws (the ESEA and NCLB) passed by congress and legal directives established by the Supreme Court of the United States.
The only school prayer related activities that are proscribed are school or teacher promoted prayer. The school and the teacher are extensions of the state and as such are restricted by the Constitution in the same way any other government agency is restricted. They must be neutral. They cannot encourage nor discouage prayer. They certainly cannot prevent a student from praying on his or her own time.
If Bachmann doesn’t know this then she’s a bigger idiot than I thought. If she does know, but is simply saying what the under 80 IQ Republican base wants to hear, then she’s dishonest. Either way, having her as even a second tier candidate for the Presidential nomination of a major political party is an embarrassment.
I was watching a town meeting video with her discussing both Gay Marriage and prayer in school. Let’s start with Gay Marriage.
Her position was that the law allows marriage between a man and a woman and therefore allowing marriage between individuals of the same sex would be a “special privilege.” After all, gays are free to marry individuals of the opposite sex just like heterosexuals. The problem with this argument is you can use it to justify any law that is unfair. No one is questioning what the law says; the point is that the law is wrong. You could justify laws that prohibit interracial marriage with the same argument.
Marriage includes the right to marry someone to whom you are sexually attracted. If your sexual orientation is to the same sex, then you are prohibited from doing that if Gay Marriage is not legal. So it's not a "special privilege," it's a comparable right to heterosexual marriage.
In the second half of the video Bachmann addresses school prayer. She states that she would eliminate the Department of Education (DOE) which she claims would somehow then let local school boards decide whether or not school prayer should be allowed.
Where the hell did she get her law degree?
Here’s the deal. The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) was passed in 1965 as a part of the War on Poverty and was amended and reauthorized in 2002 as part of the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) initiative of the Bush Administration. NCLB has an almost unbelievable 621 sections. Sec. 9524 relates to school prayer and states “The Secretary shall provide and revise guidance … to State educational agencies, local educational agencies, and the public on constitutionally protected prayer in public elementary schools and secondary schools, including making the guidance available on the Internet.”
Now the secretary and the DOE aren’t making the rules, they are just providing a summary of the current state of the law. Sec. 9524 goes on to state “The guidance shall be reviewed, prior to distribution, by the Office of Legal Counsel of the Department of Justice for verification that the guidance represents the current state of the law concerning constitutionally protected prayer in public elementary schools and secondary schools.”
Get it? The DOE is simply providing, in layman’s term, guidance on the current state of Constitutional Law. The executive department is not making up the rules, the judiciary is, and eliminating the DOE isn’t going to change things one bit.
The last guidance was issued in February of 2003 and provides the bottom line on school prayer as follows, “The Supreme Court has repeatedly held that the First Amendment requires public school officials to be neutral in their treatment of religion, showing neither favoritism toward nor hostility against religious expression such as prayer… the First Amendment forbids religious activity that is sponsored by the government but protects religious activity that is initiated by private individuals.”
“Students may pray when not engaged in school activities or instruction, subject to the same rules designed to prevent material disruption of the educational program that are applied to other privately initiated expressive activities. Among other things, students may read their Bibles or other scriptures, say grace before meals, and pray or study religious materials with fellow students during recess, the lunch hour, or other noninstructional time to the same extent that they may engage in nonreligious activities.”
Again, it needs to be noted that the DOE is not making up the rules. Rather it is enforcing laws (the ESEA and NCLB) passed by congress and legal directives established by the Supreme Court of the United States.
The only school prayer related activities that are proscribed are school or teacher promoted prayer. The school and the teacher are extensions of the state and as such are restricted by the Constitution in the same way any other government agency is restricted. They must be neutral. They cannot encourage nor discouage prayer. They certainly cannot prevent a student from praying on his or her own time.
If Bachmann doesn’t know this then she’s a bigger idiot than I thought. If she does know, but is simply saying what the under 80 IQ Republican base wants to hear, then she’s dishonest. Either way, having her as even a second tier candidate for the Presidential nomination of a major political party is an embarrassment.
Thursday, December 01, 2011
Text Book Calls Creationism a Biblical Myth
Now here’s the shoe on the other foot.
A text book approved for use by the Knoxville Tennessee school board describes Creationism as a “Biblical Myth.”
This has at least one parent up in arms and the man has demanded that the book be banned. So far at least the school board has pretty much ignored him. Fox News, on the other hand, provided him a soapbox to stand on. You’d think there might be a few more important things for Fox to focus on wouldn’t you?
So what’s the deal here? Now a “myth” need not be false but I think most people would interpret the text as stating that the bible account is untrue. The domino effect is once you declare Genesis wrong, then the bible is not inerrant and therefore the bible is not the word of god.
This implication directly contradicts conservative fundamentalist Christian teaching. The fact that it happens to be accurate, and Christians have their heads up their asses, is irrelevant.
It’s irrelevant because the Constitution requires the state to be NEUTRAL with respect to religion. Not only can’t the state promote religion it can’t be hostile to it either. One can imply that Genesis is allegorical by stating the facts and conclusions of science about the age of the universe or evolution but the state is prohibited from deciding which religious tenets are true and which are false.
As crazy as it sounds, the text book has stepped over the line and the “Biblical Myth” claim should be removed in the next revision. Banning the book is a bit much. Christians are always ready to ban books they don’t like which is why they cannot be trusted to uphold democracy.
A text book approved for use by the Knoxville Tennessee school board describes Creationism as a “Biblical Myth.”
This has at least one parent up in arms and the man has demanded that the book be banned. So far at least the school board has pretty much ignored him. Fox News, on the other hand, provided him a soapbox to stand on. You’d think there might be a few more important things for Fox to focus on wouldn’t you?
So what’s the deal here? Now a “myth” need not be false but I think most people would interpret the text as stating that the bible account is untrue. The domino effect is once you declare Genesis wrong, then the bible is not inerrant and therefore the bible is not the word of god.
This implication directly contradicts conservative fundamentalist Christian teaching. The fact that it happens to be accurate, and Christians have their heads up their asses, is irrelevant.
It’s irrelevant because the Constitution requires the state to be NEUTRAL with respect to religion. Not only can’t the state promote religion it can’t be hostile to it either. One can imply that Genesis is allegorical by stating the facts and conclusions of science about the age of the universe or evolution but the state is prohibited from deciding which religious tenets are true and which are false.
As crazy as it sounds, the text book has stepped over the line and the “Biblical Myth” claim should be removed in the next revision. Banning the book is a bit much. Christians are always ready to ban books they don’t like which is why they cannot be trusted to uphold democracy.
Interracial Couple Banned
A Baptist Church in Kentucky has voted to ban interracial couples from becoming members of the church.
The issue came to a head when a long time member showed up with her black fiancée. The church claims it will promote “greater unity among the church body.”
As I’ve said for a long time, scratch a fundamentalist Christian and you’ll find a Jim Crow, KKK adherent underneath the outer skin of respectability.
The people who are today denying gays equal rights are the psychological twins of those that supported segregation in the 1960s and before that slavery in the 1860s. If you give them a chance, they’ll be quite happy to roll back all of the progress made in the last 100 years.
In other words they’re complete assholes that you don’t come to an accommodation with, rather you do everything possible to eradicate them from the face of the earth.
The issue came to a head when a long time member showed up with her black fiancée. The church claims it will promote “greater unity among the church body.”
As I’ve said for a long time, scratch a fundamentalist Christian and you’ll find a Jim Crow, KKK adherent underneath the outer skin of respectability.
The people who are today denying gays equal rights are the psychological twins of those that supported segregation in the 1960s and before that slavery in the 1860s. If you give them a chance, they’ll be quite happy to roll back all of the progress made in the last 100 years.
In other words they’re complete assholes that you don’t come to an accommodation with, rather you do everything possible to eradicate them from the face of the earth.
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