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.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
The 2008 Playoffs Are Underway!
Finally, after a grueling 162 game season (163 for the ChiSox and Twins) we finally have that sweetest of fall treats, playoff baseball. Their really is nothing like it. The leaves are changing colors, there is a slight chill in the air and winter will be here soon. However, for eight cities, hope springs eternal. All over the country parents are letting their children stay up late to watch games, even on school nights! Office cooler talk around the country is revolving around did you see that catch, pitch, home run and why did I think it was a good idea to drink on a work night?
The hopes and dreams of baseball fans nationwide are the same and different all at once. The Cubs fans are praying with all of their hearts to end 100 years of misery, Southsiders and those of us from Boston can empathize. In 2005, one year after the BoSox ended their curse the ChiSox did the same. Well, the BoSox won again last year so, the Southsiders are all hoping for a repeat of that scenario. Meanwhile the BoSox fans are just hoping for a repeat. Tampa Bay! Yes, I said Tampa Bay is in the playoffs. I won't cheepen that with any over used cliches, the statement speaks for itself.
Congratulations to them and if my Sox can't win it, I'll be pulling for the worst to first! The Angels fans just would like to beat the Red Sox at this point and with the team they have; they may be poised to do it. Although, how clutch was Lester for the Sawx last night?
Philly, Philly, Philly could there be any more tortured fan base across all four sports? I don't think so. Good luck. The Brewers? really? Wow!, good on them. When do you think the fans up there started drinking for last night's game? Monday? That leaves me with the West Sox featuring Joe Torre...err...the Dodgers. These aren't your father's Dodgers, nope, they are your older brother's Red Sox. If you're and L.A. fan, thank Dodger owner and Boston native Frank McCourt.
Playoff Baseball my favorite time of the year!
Quick Recap of the games
Boston 4, LAA 1.
John Lester was WICKED AWESOME. 7ip, 0er, and 7k's. More important than the stats, when the Red Sox took a 2-1 lead on Jason Bay's home run, he kept the momentum rolling for Boston by not letting the Angels reach base in the bottom of the inning. In impressive style, he struck out the side. His preformance was Andy Pettitte esque.
LA Dodgers 7, Cubs 2.
The Dodgers hit 3 homeruns, all with runners on due, to Cubs pitcher; Ryan Dempster's inability to find the strike zone. Walks will hurt you in the regular season, they'll kill you in the playoffs.
Phillies 3, Brewers 1
Cole Hamels, FLAT OUT NASTY! 8ip 0er. Brewers ace CC Sabathia goes in game 2 and it's a must win for the Brewers. If they loose with THEIR guy on the hill that will be devestating.
and today...
Tampa Bay 6, ChiSox 4
Jamie Shields makes 1 mistake by Evan Longoria was huge homering in his first two at bats. Tampa Bay keeps rolling along. Chicago is in trouble, stay tuned...
...More as the playoffs unfold.
The hopes and dreams of baseball fans nationwide are the same and different all at once. The Cubs fans are praying with all of their hearts to end 100 years of misery, Southsiders and those of us from Boston can empathize. In 2005, one year after the BoSox ended their curse the ChiSox did the same. Well, the BoSox won again last year so, the Southsiders are all hoping for a repeat of that scenario. Meanwhile the BoSox fans are just hoping for a repeat. Tampa Bay! Yes, I said Tampa Bay is in the playoffs. I won't cheepen that with any over used cliches, the statement speaks for itself.
Congratulations to them and if my Sox can't win it, I'll be pulling for the worst to first! The Angels fans just would like to beat the Red Sox at this point and with the team they have; they may be poised to do it. Although, how clutch was Lester for the Sawx last night?
Philly, Philly, Philly could there be any more tortured fan base across all four sports? I don't think so. Good luck. The Brewers? really? Wow!, good on them. When do you think the fans up there started drinking for last night's game? Monday? That leaves me with the West Sox featuring Joe Torre...err...the Dodgers. These aren't your father's Dodgers, nope, they are your older brother's Red Sox. If you're and L.A. fan, thank Dodger owner and Boston native Frank McCourt.
Playoff Baseball my favorite time of the year!
Quick Recap of the games
Boston 4, LAA 1.
John Lester was WICKED AWESOME. 7ip, 0er, and 7k's. More important than the stats, when the Red Sox took a 2-1 lead on Jason Bay's home run, he kept the momentum rolling for Boston by not letting the Angels reach base in the bottom of the inning. In impressive style, he struck out the side. His preformance was Andy Pettitte esque.
LA Dodgers 7, Cubs 2.
The Dodgers hit 3 homeruns, all with runners on due, to Cubs pitcher; Ryan Dempster's inability to find the strike zone. Walks will hurt you in the regular season, they'll kill you in the playoffs.
Phillies 3, Brewers 1
Cole Hamels, FLAT OUT NASTY! 8ip 0er. Brewers ace CC Sabathia goes in game 2 and it's a must win for the Brewers. If they loose with THEIR guy on the hill that will be devestating.
and today...
Tampa Bay 6, ChiSox 4
Jamie Shields makes 1 mistake by Evan Longoria was huge homering in his first two at bats. Tampa Bay keeps rolling along. Chicago is in trouble, stay tuned...
...More as the playoffs unfold.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Al Davis and his Commitment to Crazy..err..Excellence
Al Davis finally fired Lane Kiffin last night. Well, I am almost as shocked as I was; when I heard Tony Mandaritch admitted using steroids in college.
Look, everyone has known for years that Al Davis was crazy. However, his current conduct and his smear campaign against head coach Lane Kiffen, have really gone way over the line. In his whole crazy, incoherent and rambling press conference yesterday, he only spoke two lines that were not half-truths, or outright lies. The two lines were, "Today, I have fired Lane Kiffen, he is no longer the coach of the Raiders." Also, "I didn't hire the person I thought I hired."
To me, that second line was the key line, in the spectacle that was yesterday's press conference. Al thought he had hired a young impressionable kid that he could control, a yes man. He thought Coach Kiffen would be just thrilled to make 2 million per/yr at his age and would say, "Yes, Sir!" every time Al put one of his ridiculous decisions in play. However, Al hired a young man with a backbone. Who, come hell or high water was going to do the right thing by his team. Heaven forbid!
Now we have a ticked off and crazy Al on the warpath(hey that's kind of catchy "Crazy Al" I'm calling him Crazy Al from now on!) So, Crazy Al is on the warpath. That punk who he hired to run the team actually thinks he's gonna run the team. What is Crazy Al to do? Does he fire him? No, why you ask? Easy, if Crasy Al fired Coach Kiffen he would have to do two things he didn't want to do. First, he would be admitting he made a mistake. Second, he would have to pay the remainder of Kiffen's salary.
What did Crazy Al do? Everything he accused Coach Kiffen of in his press conference. He lied, he leeked false stories to the media, and at the press conference produced a letter from himself to the Coach. A letter which the Coach most likely never saw. Why didn't he see it? I'm guessing because it was written yesterday morning. Not two weeks ago as Crazy Al claimed.
Why did Crazy Al do all this? So he could fire Coach Kiffen "with cause." That way, Crazy Al could get out of paying the Coach the money owed to him. He would still have to admit he made a mistake, but that was a pill Crazy Al could swallow far more easily, when covered in 2 million dollar candy coating (which is the approximate sum of money he saves by not paying Kiffen this year.)
Roger Goodell are you watching this? It is your duty to do what is best for the league. At this point that means Crazy Al must go! I'll grant you it wouldn't look good to do it now. However, start queitly putting together packages from buyers and let Crazy Al take a buyout at the end of the season. He's getting up there now, he can use the "for health reasons" excuse, it's tried and true. Then maybe, just maybe, the Raiders can get back to what they were about before Crazy Al went completely nuts; "Just Win Baby!"
That's my slightly obstructed view.
Thanks for reading.
Look, everyone has known for years that Al Davis was crazy. However, his current conduct and his smear campaign against head coach Lane Kiffen, have really gone way over the line. In his whole crazy, incoherent and rambling press conference yesterday, he only spoke two lines that were not half-truths, or outright lies. The two lines were, "Today, I have fired Lane Kiffen, he is no longer the coach of the Raiders." Also, "I didn't hire the person I thought I hired."
To me, that second line was the key line, in the spectacle that was yesterday's press conference. Al thought he had hired a young impressionable kid that he could control, a yes man. He thought Coach Kiffen would be just thrilled to make 2 million per/yr at his age and would say, "Yes, Sir!" every time Al put one of his ridiculous decisions in play. However, Al hired a young man with a backbone. Who, come hell or high water was going to do the right thing by his team. Heaven forbid!
Now we have a ticked off and crazy Al on the warpath(hey that's kind of catchy "Crazy Al" I'm calling him Crazy Al from now on!) So, Crazy Al is on the warpath. That punk who he hired to run the team actually thinks he's gonna run the team. What is Crazy Al to do? Does he fire him? No, why you ask? Easy, if Crasy Al fired Coach Kiffen he would have to do two things he didn't want to do. First, he would be admitting he made a mistake. Second, he would have to pay the remainder of Kiffen's salary.
What did Crazy Al do? Everything he accused Coach Kiffen of in his press conference. He lied, he leeked false stories to the media, and at the press conference produced a letter from himself to the Coach. A letter which the Coach most likely never saw. Why didn't he see it? I'm guessing because it was written yesterday morning. Not two weeks ago as Crazy Al claimed.
Why did Crazy Al do all this? So he could fire Coach Kiffen "with cause." That way, Crazy Al could get out of paying the Coach the money owed to him. He would still have to admit he made a mistake, but that was a pill Crazy Al could swallow far more easily, when covered in 2 million dollar candy coating (which is the approximate sum of money he saves by not paying Kiffen this year.)
Roger Goodell are you watching this? It is your duty to do what is best for the league. At this point that means Crazy Al must go! I'll grant you it wouldn't look good to do it now. However, start queitly putting together packages from buyers and let Crazy Al take a buyout at the end of the season. He's getting up there now, he can use the "for health reasons" excuse, it's tried and true. Then maybe, just maybe, the Raiders can get back to what they were about before Crazy Al went completely nuts; "Just Win Baby!"
That's my slightly obstructed view.
Thanks for reading.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Get it together Republicans
Ok, we finally have a deal in principle. The only problem is it might not pass the House because President Bush's own party can't get past their own ideological rhetoric. Even today, prominent members of the Republican party like Newt Gingrich are calling this "An un-American bailout of Wall Street!"
Well Mr Gingrich, I beg to differ. This is a bailout of Main St. not Wall St. and it's not even really a bailout. First of all, in a bailout I give you money for nothing to cover your losses. What we have here is a transaction; Money for Goods. The goods? Are the loans that the government will buy with the intention of reselling at auction. Does it sound like a bailout to you? Nah, me neither, more like speculative investing. On top of that, this will free up cash for banks to actually lend money. Helping the folks on Main St. (small business owners) get the loans and credit they need to operate. Small business can then grow, providing jobs for the Average Joe on the unemployment line. Are you following me Mssrs. Pence and Gingrich?
Another fact of life the Republicans need to wake up to; contrary to popular belief, the government stepping in to steady the economy in times of crisis, does not go against their own economic policies. I realize, the Republicans are all for smaller government and to let the economy work, so am I. However, there are times when the economy gets so out of whack, that government intervention is not only a good thing, it also happens to be a necessary thing.
This just so happens to be one of those times. The President sees that, the Democrats see that, why can't the Republicans see that?
The Republicans have gaffed this up so badly, they may have caused John McCain the election. The Democrats look like they are the ones to get this plan done with the President. Also they were able to put in constraints on the plan, which may or may not prove to be wise, but are definitely popular with the average American. In short, they look like the party that wants to help the economy and by way of the economy, the average American. While the Republicans appear to be playing the part of Nero; strumming the fiddle to their heart's content...while Rome burns. In my humble opinion any momentum McCain had picked up by choosing Gov. Palin has now been forfeit.
The Republicans will live to rue the day they could not see past their own stubborn noses. President Obama will be a constant reminder for four to eight years.
As always, this has been my slightly obstructed view...from the cheep seats.
Well Mr Gingrich, I beg to differ. This is a bailout of Main St. not Wall St. and it's not even really a bailout. First of all, in a bailout I give you money for nothing to cover your losses. What we have here is a transaction; Money for Goods. The goods? Are the loans that the government will buy with the intention of reselling at auction. Does it sound like a bailout to you? Nah, me neither, more like speculative investing. On top of that, this will free up cash for banks to actually lend money. Helping the folks on Main St. (small business owners) get the loans and credit they need to operate. Small business can then grow, providing jobs for the Average Joe on the unemployment line. Are you following me Mssrs. Pence and Gingrich?
Another fact of life the Republicans need to wake up to; contrary to popular belief, the government stepping in to steady the economy in times of crisis, does not go against their own economic policies. I realize, the Republicans are all for smaller government and to let the economy work, so am I. However, there are times when the economy gets so out of whack, that government intervention is not only a good thing, it also happens to be a necessary thing.
This just so happens to be one of those times. The President sees that, the Democrats see that, why can't the Republicans see that?
The Republicans have gaffed this up so badly, they may have caused John McCain the election. The Democrats look like they are the ones to get this plan done with the President. Also they were able to put in constraints on the plan, which may or may not prove to be wise, but are definitely popular with the average American. In short, they look like the party that wants to help the economy and by way of the economy, the average American. While the Republicans appear to be playing the part of Nero; strumming the fiddle to their heart's content...while Rome burns. In my humble opinion any momentum McCain had picked up by choosing Gov. Palin has now been forfeit.
The Republicans will live to rue the day they could not see past their own stubborn noses. President Obama will be a constant reminder for four to eight years.
As always, this has been my slightly obstructed view...from the cheep seats.
Friday, September 26, 2008
How Partisan Politics Are Hurting You...Right Now.
Over the last several years this country has increasingly been defined along ideological lines. This phenomena can be summed up in the phrase "Red State Vs Blue State." The political establishment and the national media would have us believe; that we, as a country are divided down the middle along Conservative/Liberal lines. Why has it gotten this way? Because the vast majority of us who are not an Ultra-Conservative Right Wing Nut job or an Ultra-Liberal Left Wing Lunatic do not raise our collective voices. The exceedingly vocal minorities on either end of the spectrum and their envoys (better known as lobbyists) have taken over your government while you were busy going about your life.
This hurts all of us, on either end of the spectrum. The simple fact is; that these small groups are the ones pouring money into the campaigns of our elected leaders. Therefore; their wants, opinions, and requests our the ones most valued by your congressmen and senators. This situation has created a political traffic jam that would even make most Los Angelinos cringe.
This inaction by congress has now reached the tipping point, a critical mass if you will. We have moved from what one could call partisan politics into, what I as a former military man would call; dereliction of duty. I do not use that term lightly either. In the military you take a sacred oath to defend America and obey the orders of the men and women appointed over you. When you fail in your duties to this oath, you are charged with dereliction of duty. To be charged with this is a disgrace your career may never recover from, if you are lucky enough to survive the charge with a career at all. Let me explain why I think Congress is now in dereliction of their duty.
Right now our country is embroiled in a very serious economic crisis. Banks are dropping like flies. Action must be taken, everyone knows this. Your much embattled President and his top economic advisers have a plan. Last night our President called together all the leaders of Congress and his relevant cabinet members to; discuss their plan and hammer out the fine details of an economic bailout package. This package would have eased tensions in the market and had far reaching positive effects on the economy as a whole. What was the result of this meeting you ask? Nothing happened. Shocked? I'm not...
Instead of rising above party/ideological lines and producing a smart and useful piece of legislation that could help Americans right now and not 5, 10, or 20 years from now, they blew it. They could not see past the end of their party's own rhetoric. Had they come together and got this done both sides could have claimed victory, which would have been fine. At least the average Joe would have received the help he needs from his Uncle Sam. Instead, we have more of the same. One side blaming the other for inaction and that side is blaming the first for irresponsible ideas. Haven't we heard this song before?
As I write this the three major U.S. stock indices (DOW, NASDAQ, and S&P 500) are down and average of 1% and they have only been open for 45 minutes! Wall Street is taking the news of Washington's inaction as badly as they should. However, the question is; will you?
Will the economic crisis and Washington's failure to act finally shake the silent majority out of it's apathy and galvanize you into action; forcing our leaders to take measures which are sorely needed to give our economy time to right itself? If recent history is correct, the answer is; sadly no.
So, if the answer is no and we collectively bury our heads in the sand, than we are the only ones to blame. When gas is $4.50 or gasp! $5.00/gal, blame yourself. When taxes have been raised to record rates and energy costs are through the roof and you wonder; "Where did my paycheck go?" blame yourself. For your inaction, has now become as derelict in your duty as a citizen of this country, as the inaction of your elected Representatives.
This has been my slightly obstructed view...from the cheep seats.
This hurts all of us, on either end of the spectrum. The simple fact is; that these small groups are the ones pouring money into the campaigns of our elected leaders. Therefore; their wants, opinions, and requests our the ones most valued by your congressmen and senators. This situation has created a political traffic jam that would even make most Los Angelinos cringe.
This inaction by congress has now reached the tipping point, a critical mass if you will. We have moved from what one could call partisan politics into, what I as a former military man would call; dereliction of duty. I do not use that term lightly either. In the military you take a sacred oath to defend America and obey the orders of the men and women appointed over you. When you fail in your duties to this oath, you are charged with dereliction of duty. To be charged with this is a disgrace your career may never recover from, if you are lucky enough to survive the charge with a career at all. Let me explain why I think Congress is now in dereliction of their duty.
Right now our country is embroiled in a very serious economic crisis. Banks are dropping like flies. Action must be taken, everyone knows this. Your much embattled President and his top economic advisers have a plan. Last night our President called together all the leaders of Congress and his relevant cabinet members to; discuss their plan and hammer out the fine details of an economic bailout package. This package would have eased tensions in the market and had far reaching positive effects on the economy as a whole. What was the result of this meeting you ask? Nothing happened. Shocked? I'm not...
Instead of rising above party/ideological lines and producing a smart and useful piece of legislation that could help Americans right now and not 5, 10, or 20 years from now, they blew it. They could not see past the end of their party's own rhetoric. Had they come together and got this done both sides could have claimed victory, which would have been fine. At least the average Joe would have received the help he needs from his Uncle Sam. Instead, we have more of the same. One side blaming the other for inaction and that side is blaming the first for irresponsible ideas. Haven't we heard this song before?
As I write this the three major U.S. stock indices (DOW, NASDAQ, and S&P 500) are down and average of 1% and they have only been open for 45 minutes! Wall Street is taking the news of Washington's inaction as badly as they should. However, the question is; will you?
Will the economic crisis and Washington's failure to act finally shake the silent majority out of it's apathy and galvanize you into action; forcing our leaders to take measures which are sorely needed to give our economy time to right itself? If recent history is correct, the answer is; sadly no.
So, if the answer is no and we collectively bury our heads in the sand, than we are the only ones to blame. When gas is $4.50 or gasp! $5.00/gal, blame yourself. When taxes have been raised to record rates and energy costs are through the roof and you wonder; "Where did my paycheck go?" blame yourself. For your inaction, has now become as derelict in your duty as a citizen of this country, as the inaction of your elected Representatives.
This has been my slightly obstructed view...from the cheep seats.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Dallas loses game 4
In a great game...if you like defense and good goaltending, San Jose managed to stay alive for one more game. Back to the west coast we go for game 5 on Friday night. Go Stars...more thoughts on this game and others when I've sobered up...don't worry we took the train to and from the game, no drinking and driving for my friends and I. We may not be brilliant but we aren't dumb either....
Thats my slightly obstructed view...from the cheap seats.
Thanks for listening
Thats my slightly obstructed view...from the cheap seats.
Thanks for listening
Welcome to the Cheap Seats
I'd like to welcome everyone to my favorite cheering section; the cheap seats. Where, I will do my best to humbly offer my opinion on the different sports topics of the day. Thoughts, comments, constructive criticisms and suggestions are all welcome and encouraged. In case you are wondering; the url pays homage to those of us who were "priveleged?" to sit in the old Boston Garden and in the grandstands at Fenway Park. Where we became so accostumed to the poles that obstructed our view of the game, they became like an old friend. So much so infact, I've heard some people even complain that the TD Banknorth Garden just isn't the same because there are no poles.
On to the topics of the day...
Roger, Roger, Roger, I'd like to say I'm shocked about all of this Mindy McCready nonsense, but I"m not. This guy has thrown everyone, including his wife and mother under the bus during the steriod controversy. Now it comes out; he may have been unfaithful with a woman half his age, and I'm not shocked. There is nothing that could come to light at this point, short of murder, that would shock me about Roger Clemens.
As a young child growing up in the Boston area during the 80's, I idolized Roger. I practiced pitching everyday, trying to emulate his delivery. If I had a sports hero growing up, it was Roger.
Back then my father warned me about Roger, he never liked him. "There is something not right about that man." He would say. Ofcourse being the awestruck kid I was, I thought my Dad was nuts. While my father was in the tiniest of minorities when it came to Roger in New England, he was not alone. The late, great Boston sports writer, Will McDonough liked to call Clemens the "Texas Con Man" McDonough, like my father could see the true character of this man.
Roger, I emplore you, just go away. You are going into the hall, pick a damn cap and shut up. No one really cares anymore. There is actuall baseball to worry about. So please, no more law suits to "save your reputation" it's gone. No more press confrences to try and convince me how badly you've been attacked. You did it to yourself. Please stop raging against the dying of the light and please do go quietly into that good night.
Elsewhere,
The NHL playoffs are in full swing and the conference semis are well...pretty much over. Hardly a match in any of them. Here is hoping that the conference finals provide a bit more drama. I will say this though, being a recent transplant to Dallas, the Stars sure are fun to watch. I will be in attendance tonight at the American Airlines Center as they go for the sweep of San Jose.
The NBA playoffs aren't much better in their first round match-ups. However, the Boston - Atlanta series is proving to be 100 times more interesting than everyone thought. Being a lifelong Celtics fan, I am ofcourse rooting for them. However, it's nice to see an 8 seed taking some pride in their game and coming to play. Hopefully, win or lose, this will give the Atlanta franchise something to really build on. Besides I'm so sick of the Eastern conference being the Leastern confrence. We need some teams to step up.
In MLB, I woke up to see the Orioles and Rays fighting for first place? Did I wake up in another dimension? Good for them, the O's fans certainly deserve it, and the Rays like Carl Crawford do as well. There was great pitching duel in the AL East where cancer survivor and Red Sox lefty Jon Lester 8 ip, 1 hit, 0 er, out dueled Toronto ace Roy "Doc" Halladay. Although the Sox couldn't put a run accross the plate til the ninth inning, so Lester got a no decision. I'll have a more complete rundown of the MLB tomorrow.
In the NFL, teams are now getting ready for mini camps and working on signing their draft picks. Who did you think were the winners and losers this draft weekend. Leave a comment and let me know.
Thanks for dropping by and this has been my slightly obstructed view...
From the Cheap Seats
On to the topics of the day...
Roger, Roger, Roger, I'd like to say I'm shocked about all of this Mindy McCready nonsense, but I"m not. This guy has thrown everyone, including his wife and mother under the bus during the steriod controversy. Now it comes out; he may have been unfaithful with a woman half his age, and I'm not shocked. There is nothing that could come to light at this point, short of murder, that would shock me about Roger Clemens.
As a young child growing up in the Boston area during the 80's, I idolized Roger. I practiced pitching everyday, trying to emulate his delivery. If I had a sports hero growing up, it was Roger.
Back then my father warned me about Roger, he never liked him. "There is something not right about that man." He would say. Ofcourse being the awestruck kid I was, I thought my Dad was nuts. While my father was in the tiniest of minorities when it came to Roger in New England, he was not alone. The late, great Boston sports writer, Will McDonough liked to call Clemens the "Texas Con Man" McDonough, like my father could see the true character of this man.
Roger, I emplore you, just go away. You are going into the hall, pick a damn cap and shut up. No one really cares anymore. There is actuall baseball to worry about. So please, no more law suits to "save your reputation" it's gone. No more press confrences to try and convince me how badly you've been attacked. You did it to yourself. Please stop raging against the dying of the light and please do go quietly into that good night.
Elsewhere,
The NHL playoffs are in full swing and the conference semis are well...pretty much over. Hardly a match in any of them. Here is hoping that the conference finals provide a bit more drama. I will say this though, being a recent transplant to Dallas, the Stars sure are fun to watch. I will be in attendance tonight at the American Airlines Center as they go for the sweep of San Jose.
The NBA playoffs aren't much better in their first round match-ups. However, the Boston - Atlanta series is proving to be 100 times more interesting than everyone thought. Being a lifelong Celtics fan, I am ofcourse rooting for them. However, it's nice to see an 8 seed taking some pride in their game and coming to play. Hopefully, win or lose, this will give the Atlanta franchise something to really build on. Besides I'm so sick of the Eastern conference being the Leastern confrence. We need some teams to step up.
In MLB, I woke up to see the Orioles and Rays fighting for first place? Did I wake up in another dimension? Good for them, the O's fans certainly deserve it, and the Rays like Carl Crawford do as well. There was great pitching duel in the AL East where cancer survivor and Red Sox lefty Jon Lester 8 ip, 1 hit, 0 er, out dueled Toronto ace Roy "Doc" Halladay. Although the Sox couldn't put a run accross the plate til the ninth inning, so Lester got a no decision. I'll have a more complete rundown of the MLB tomorrow.
In the NFL, teams are now getting ready for mini camps and working on signing their draft picks. Who did you think were the winners and losers this draft weekend. Leave a comment and let me know.
Thanks for dropping by and this has been my slightly obstructed view...
From the Cheap Seats
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