On October 17th I wrote a quick piece comparing Matt Cassel and Tom Brady. Well I guess I was a little ahead of the reporting curve. This week, everywhere you look you can find articles comparing the two QBs through their first 7 games. All of these articles came to the same conclusion I did; Hey these stats are pretty close.
I'm confused. Two weeks ago; I was showing everyone how close their stats were. Everyone else was screaming for Matt Cassel to be benched in favor of Kevin O'Connell. Now here we are on Halloween and folks all over southern New England, from the Providence Journal to the Boston Globe; are singing my tune.
I'd like to point out that even though Cassel's numbers to Brady are comparable through this short time, I am not saying Cassel is as good or will every be as good as Brady. I was simply pointing out that people around New England were suffering selective memory. People remember Brady being perferct because we won the Super Bowl that year. He wasn't perfect. He was good, just not great. Also, I wanted to show that Cassel wasn't as bad as everyone thought.
You can find my post below. To see the ProJo's comparison, follow this link:
http://www.projo.com/patriots/bradyvscassel/movie.html
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
OPEC took a shot...
Recently I took a look at OPEC's attempt to drive a nail into the coffin of the American economy. I put out a call to keep passing at the pump. If we kept driving demand down it would offset OPEC's cut in production and keep gas trending down. Oil is down to $65.88/barrell and the national price of a gallon of gas is at it's lowest point since 2005. OPEC took it's best shot, but America slipped the punch and counter-punched with a hooked to the body. Great job America! Keep it up!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Let me know what you think!
I have corrected the settings so you should be able to leave comments on my posts. Please do so, I would love everyone's feedback.
Take care and God bless.
Take care and God bless.
OPEC wants to hit your wallet...HIT BACK!
Let me ask you a question; would you rather pay $2.70/gal or $4.50/gal? Dumb question right? Well there is a group who wants to make sure you are paying $4.50/gal...or more, much more, they are called OPEC.
OPEC, which stands for Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, is a 13 member nation board that has extrodinary power to influence the price of oil. They are having an emergency meeting this friday to discuss drastically cutting oil production. I know what you're thinking, you're saying "Yeah, how does that affect me?" Simple, it comes down to supply and demand.
When Oil peaked this summer at $147/barrell and Americans were paying as much as $5.00/gal in some areas; The American populace decided en masse that they could not afford it and would not stand for it. The result? America stopped going to the pump as often. That, combined with other economic factors that have been putting the clamps on our wallet, drove down the demand for oil. In turn, there was a lot more oil out there than we were using. Simply put, the supply greatly outweighed the demand. This sent the price of oil/barrel and at the pump into a two month nose dive, the benefits of which we are now reaping in the form of $2.70/gal gasoline.
If OPEC drastically cuts production, they will drive the supply levels below the demand. This will spike the price at the pump, just as sure as the sun will rise tomorrow. At that point you, I and everyone else in the U.S. will be lining the pockets of Hugo Chavez and Mahmoud Ahmadinejād. Personally, I can't think of a more revolting thought. To make those people and their governments even richer, just for the privilege of driving to work.
So I say hit back, you've already curbed your habits to bring down the price. Now real changes are required. Ride your bike or walk to the corner store. Take the bus or train to work. Unless you really have to, leave the car in the garage. OPEC wants to hijack your wallet, don't let them. They want to deliver the knockout blow to our economy, I remember an American that would never go down with out a fight.
OPEC, which stands for Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, is a 13 member nation board that has extrodinary power to influence the price of oil. They are having an emergency meeting this friday to discuss drastically cutting oil production. I know what you're thinking, you're saying "Yeah, how does that affect me?" Simple, it comes down to supply and demand.
When Oil peaked this summer at $147/barrell and Americans were paying as much as $5.00/gal in some areas; The American populace decided en masse that they could not afford it and would not stand for it. The result? America stopped going to the pump as often. That, combined with other economic factors that have been putting the clamps on our wallet, drove down the demand for oil. In turn, there was a lot more oil out there than we were using. Simply put, the supply greatly outweighed the demand. This sent the price of oil/barrel and at the pump into a two month nose dive, the benefits of which we are now reaping in the form of $2.70/gal gasoline.
If OPEC drastically cuts production, they will drive the supply levels below the demand. This will spike the price at the pump, just as sure as the sun will rise tomorrow. At that point you, I and everyone else in the U.S. will be lining the pockets of Hugo Chavez and Mahmoud Ahmadinejād. Personally, I can't think of a more revolting thought. To make those people and their governments even richer, just for the privilege of driving to work.
So I say hit back, you've already curbed your habits to bring down the price. Now real changes are required. Ride your bike or walk to the corner store. Take the bus or train to work. Unless you really have to, leave the car in the garage. OPEC wants to hijack your wallet, don't let them. They want to deliver the knockout blow to our economy, I remember an American that would never go down with out a fight.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Selective Memory
For all of you Pats fans screaming for Matt Cassel’s head and everyone else around the country yelling about how it was Brady not Belicheck, let’s check the facts shall we. Let’s see if you can pick which year is 01 vs 08 based on the stats
After 5 games;
Stat Line A
Record 3-2;
COMP ATT COMP% YDS TD INT
92 142 64.8% 910 3 4
Stat Line B
Record 2-3;
COMP ATT COMP% YDS TD INT
63 111 56.7% 664 2 0
Now which stat line is Brady’s in 01 and which is Cassel’s in 08? Stat Line A belongs to Cassel, surprised? Now I’m not saying Cassel will ever become Brady or even be close. However, Brady wasn’t Brady until Belichek’s system. Give Cassel time, he may yet become a good NFL QB.
One major difference in the stat line I didn’t show you is that Brady had only been sacked 4 times while Cassel has been sacked 19 times. Sure some of those sacks can be attributed to him holding the ball to long, but not all of them. Let’s say half of them are on Cassel; that leaves 10 left. 6 more than Brady was sacked in total. The offensive line really needs to step up.
So can everyone just relax and enjoy the season and please check your selective memory at the door.
After 5 games;
Stat Line A
Record 3-2;
COMP ATT COMP% YDS TD INT
92 142 64.8% 910 3 4
Stat Line B
Record 2-3;
COMP ATT COMP% YDS TD INT
63 111 56.7% 664 2 0
Now which stat line is Brady’s in 01 and which is Cassel’s in 08? Stat Line A belongs to Cassel, surprised? Now I’m not saying Cassel will ever become Brady or even be close. However, Brady wasn’t Brady until Belichek’s system. Give Cassel time, he may yet become a good NFL QB.
One major difference in the stat line I didn’t show you is that Brady had only been sacked 4 times while Cassel has been sacked 19 times. Sure some of those sacks can be attributed to him holding the ball to long, but not all of them. Let’s say half of them are on Cassel; that leaves 10 left. 6 more than Brady was sacked in total. The offensive line really needs to step up.
So can everyone just relax and enjoy the season and please check your selective memory at the door.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Back to the lighter side of life...
Apparently the Vice Presidential debate was a tie. I have come to that conclusion because every Democrat I've spoke with; has said Sen. Biden won. While every Republican I've spoke with; said Gov. Palin won. If no one won anyone over, we have status quo, and a tie. However, taken in context, a tie is really a win for Palin. How did I make that leap you ask? Easy, people on both sides of the fence (including Conservative writers Rod Dreher and Kathleen Parker) were predicting a landslide win for Sen. Biden. Since he failed to deliver on that expectation and Gov. Palin did better than expected, she comes out looking better.
On to sports, The playoffs are underway and both NLDS series have one team up over the other 2-0 in a best of five series, quite anti-climactic. This could be the quickest NLDS round since the inclusion of the wild card. I really don't see either of the losing teams avoiding the sweep. In one NLDS series, the West Sox...err Dodgers are absolutely obliterating the Cubs. Sorry Cubs fans, unless the Cubbies have a dramatic comeback in them, it looks like the streak will extend to 101 years.
Likewise in the other NLDS the Phillies are putting it to the Brew Crew. It has not been the completely one-sided scoring affairs that have plagued the Dodgers/Cubs series. No, this series has been domination through great pitching and defense with just a touch of timely hitting. Shane Victorino provided some Poi Power as the native Hawaiian went deep for a game winning grand slam.
In the ALDS the series are both quite intriguing. Game 2 in both series will be played tonight, so the since of finality you have in the NLDS is not present. Also, both series have compelling story lines.
In the first ALDS, the 100 win Angels are down 1-0 to the defending champion Red Sox. Jon Lester was nothing short of terrific in game 1 and some timely hitting by Jason Bay and Jacoby Ellsbury put them over the top. Ellsbury reached base 5 times, stole 2 bases, and stole a hit from Angels slugger; Mark Texiera on an absolutely phenomenal diving catch on a sinking blooper. Game two tonight features All-Star Ervin Santana against 18-3 Daisuke Matsuzaka. Matsuzaka-san is 9-0 on the road but can be difficult watch. He walks way too many batters and rarely gets out of the sixth inning. He can't afford to issue too many free passes against this Angels line up. If he does, it will be a long night for everyone staying up in Boston to watch the game.
In the second ALDS, the upstart, AL East Champs, Tampa Bay Rays (it still seems weird to say that) beat the Chicago White Sox in game 1, 6-4. Evan Longoria was insane in his playoff debut. He hit 2 HR's and drove in 3 RBI's. The game also got a little chippy at the end with White Sox 2nd basemen, Orlando Cabrera getting upset with the Tampa Bay pitcher and kicking dirt at him. The Rays pitcher, Grant Balfour proceeded to strike Cabrera out and then added insult to injury by telling Cabrera what he thought of him...I'm sure he used very gentlemanly language...stay tuned this could get good!
I'll start posting college football thoughts next week and will have my thoughts on week 5 in the NFL up tomorrow. For those few of you who care; I also be talking Hockey over the next few months. As always thanks for reading.
This has been my slightly obstructed view.
On to sports, The playoffs are underway and both NLDS series have one team up over the other 2-0 in a best of five series, quite anti-climactic. This could be the quickest NLDS round since the inclusion of the wild card. I really don't see either of the losing teams avoiding the sweep. In one NLDS series, the West Sox...err Dodgers are absolutely obliterating the Cubs. Sorry Cubs fans, unless the Cubbies have a dramatic comeback in them, it looks like the streak will extend to 101 years.
Likewise in the other NLDS the Phillies are putting it to the Brew Crew. It has not been the completely one-sided scoring affairs that have plagued the Dodgers/Cubs series. No, this series has been domination through great pitching and defense with just a touch of timely hitting. Shane Victorino provided some Poi Power as the native Hawaiian went deep for a game winning grand slam.
In the ALDS the series are both quite intriguing. Game 2 in both series will be played tonight, so the since of finality you have in the NLDS is not present. Also, both series have compelling story lines.
In the first ALDS, the 100 win Angels are down 1-0 to the defending champion Red Sox. Jon Lester was nothing short of terrific in game 1 and some timely hitting by Jason Bay and Jacoby Ellsbury put them over the top. Ellsbury reached base 5 times, stole 2 bases, and stole a hit from Angels slugger; Mark Texiera on an absolutely phenomenal diving catch on a sinking blooper. Game two tonight features All-Star Ervin Santana against 18-3 Daisuke Matsuzaka. Matsuzaka-san is 9-0 on the road but can be difficult watch. He walks way too many batters and rarely gets out of the sixth inning. He can't afford to issue too many free passes against this Angels line up. If he does, it will be a long night for everyone staying up in Boston to watch the game.
In the second ALDS, the upstart, AL East Champs, Tampa Bay Rays (it still seems weird to say that) beat the Chicago White Sox in game 1, 6-4. Evan Longoria was insane in his playoff debut. He hit 2 HR's and drove in 3 RBI's. The game also got a little chippy at the end with White Sox 2nd basemen, Orlando Cabrera getting upset with the Tampa Bay pitcher and kicking dirt at him. The Rays pitcher, Grant Balfour proceeded to strike Cabrera out and then added insult to injury by telling Cabrera what he thought of him...I'm sure he used very gentlemanly language...stay tuned this could get good!
I'll start posting college football thoughts next week and will have my thoughts on week 5 in the NFL up tomorrow. For those few of you who care; I also be talking Hockey over the next few months. As always thanks for reading.
This has been my slightly obstructed view.
A Personal Note...
As many of my friends and family are well aware, I served seven years in the U.S. Navy. I have always found that generally, the quality of people who serve on active duty to be the very best. They are people of character and principles. You will not find any more loyal and true friends than the men and women I served with. They are in fact, not friends but family. For the ties that bind us, were forged under the most strenuous pressure. As the saying goes; "The hotter the fire, the stronger the steel."
However, lately I have noticed a very disturbing trend. The rate of domestic violence in the military is skyrocketing. I realize soldiers and sailors have had it tough in this war, no one understands better than I. You just can not use that as an excuse to beat on your wife. Let me be very clear; for that there is no excuse! Let me remind us all of the oath we took the day we enlisted;
"I, _____, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God."
I bring to your attention the part about our enemies, foreign and domestic for a reason. After you have dealt with the foreign threats, don't come home and become the domestic threat. Do what you must, seek counseling, talk to a priest, and for heaven's sake, talk to your wife. She wants to help you. I don't want to hear about another soldier killing his wife.
I'd like to dedicate this post to three soldiers who this year were murdered by their loved ones;
Sgt. Christina E. Smith, USA 29 yrs old
Spc. Megan Touma, USA 23 yrs old
2nd Lt. Holley Wimunc, USA 24 yrs old
God bless you and your families, I will keep you all in my prayers.
As for those who prematurely stole your lives away, may God forgive you. I'm not sure if your fellow servicemen can.
To the rest of the servicemen out there, look at what happened to these men and ask yourself "Is a few hours a week in counseling harder than life in that hell hole they call Ft. Leavenworth, KS?"
Brendan Smith
U.S. Navy 1996-2003
Fair winds and following seas
This time my view is not slightly obstructed, it's quite clear...Thanks for reading and remember to keep all of our servicemen and women in your prayers.
However, lately I have noticed a very disturbing trend. The rate of domestic violence in the military is skyrocketing. I realize soldiers and sailors have had it tough in this war, no one understands better than I. You just can not use that as an excuse to beat on your wife. Let me be very clear; for that there is no excuse! Let me remind us all of the oath we took the day we enlisted;
"I, _____, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God."
I bring to your attention the part about our enemies, foreign and domestic for a reason. After you have dealt with the foreign threats, don't come home and become the domestic threat. Do what you must, seek counseling, talk to a priest, and for heaven's sake, talk to your wife. She wants to help you. I don't want to hear about another soldier killing his wife.
I'd like to dedicate this post to three soldiers who this year were murdered by their loved ones;
Sgt. Christina E. Smith, USA 29 yrs old
Spc. Megan Touma, USA 23 yrs old
2nd Lt. Holley Wimunc, USA 24 yrs old
God bless you and your families, I will keep you all in my prayers.
As for those who prematurely stole your lives away, may God forgive you. I'm not sure if your fellow servicemen can.
To the rest of the servicemen out there, look at what happened to these men and ask yourself "Is a few hours a week in counseling harder than life in that hell hole they call Ft. Leavenworth, KS?"
Brendan Smith
U.S. Navy 1996-2003
Fair winds and following seas
This time my view is not slightly obstructed, it's quite clear...Thanks for reading and remember to keep all of our servicemen and women in your prayers.
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