Training camps are now in full swing, and I will be updating much more frequently now that football season has begun (Woo-Hoo!).
I want ot start by talking about how awesome 4th and Long was. Nevermind the former Cowboy greats, watching Joe Avezzano (bizzarro Christopher Lloyd), and countless slow, backlit shots of Irvin dressed in black. All of those things were exciting, but the insight into each of the players vying for a shot on Dallas' 80 man roster was phenomenal. I won't recap everything here, but the show was every bit as good as Hard Knocks. Jesse Holley was my favorite from the get go, and I was very pleased that he won. I think he could actually make the 53 man roster.
What? I'm crazy? Think about it- Isaiah Stanback is a converted QB (to WR) and can't stay healthy. Sam Hurd can't stay healthy. Kevin Ogletree, Manuel Johnson, and Julian Hawkins are rookies. Holley is big (6'2"), strong (215lbs), and has the fire you want to see in players. He can help on special teams and in the red zone. After watching him go through grueling drill after grueling drill and never giving up or slacking off (EVER), this is a guy I want on my team.
In other news, Dallas' 3rd round pick, Robert Brewster, was injured and will likely miss the year. Why in the world am I talking about a 3rd round pick? For two reasons. The first is that he was Dallas' highest draft pick, and the second is that OL depth is an issue for this team. When your top pick goes down, it is not a good thing. If for no other reason than to push everyone else, I wanted to see what he could do. Guess I'll wait til next year (shit- have I become a secret Cubs fan?).
As camp progresses, I will comment further. I can't wait til they start hitting other teams!
02 August 2009
01 May 2009
Long Time Gone
With all that has been happening in my life, I found that keeping up with this blog is very low on my priority list. I'm not going to make promises because I know I won't keep them. But I do have a rant...
Ok, I am sick of this Swine flu shit. I mean, really. 1 child (and I don't mean to be insensitive, because the loss of every person is sad) dies in Texas and the whole world goes ballistic. Schools shut down, sporting events cancelled, Vice Presidents make stupid statements (ok- so you knew that was inevitable), and the country is whipped into a flu-fearing frenzy. It's on every news show, every radio broadcast, hell- I got 2 emails at work reminding me to wash my hands!
Give me a break. There are 300 million people in the US, and under 100 reported cases. Further, the death rate for Influenza is .6 per 100,000 in the US. IT'S A FUCKING COLD!!!
I would much rather the media spend their time telling me how 800 billion dollars is unaccounted for than to ramble on about a disease that has killed 7 people. 7. Give me a fucking break. Ingrown toenails have killed more people (suggestion not backed in fact).
After Bowling for Columbine came out, I read a book called the Culture of Fear which chronicled the many instances of media fear mongering and how that was unhelpful to actual living Americans. This is just the latest example of how the media love to distort small things into a frenzy, which panics the population and ultimately hurts the economy. Damn the media.
Ok, I am sick of this Swine flu shit. I mean, really. 1 child (and I don't mean to be insensitive, because the loss of every person is sad) dies in Texas and the whole world goes ballistic. Schools shut down, sporting events cancelled, Vice Presidents make stupid statements (ok- so you knew that was inevitable), and the country is whipped into a flu-fearing frenzy. It's on every news show, every radio broadcast, hell- I got 2 emails at work reminding me to wash my hands!
Give me a break. There are 300 million people in the US, and under 100 reported cases. Further, the death rate for Influenza is .6 per 100,000 in the US. IT'S A FUCKING COLD!!!
I would much rather the media spend their time telling me how 800 billion dollars is unaccounted for than to ramble on about a disease that has killed 7 people. 7. Give me a fucking break. Ingrown toenails have killed more people (suggestion not backed in fact).
After Bowling for Columbine came out, I read a book called the Culture of Fear which chronicled the many instances of media fear mongering and how that was unhelpful to actual living Americans. This is just the latest example of how the media love to distort small things into a frenzy, which panics the population and ultimately hurts the economy. Damn the media.
28 January 2009
As the Gary Turns
So yesterday I finally gave up on Gary. Today, the Baltimore Sun reports that Gary and the MD Athletic Department are publicly sparring over the two recruits MD lost over the summer. It's bad enough that the Terps can't compete on the court, but know they have to fight off it?
Understand that Gary tried to pull rank here, citing his 20 years as head coach and his title, then insulted the deputy AD. Why would the deputy AD be addressing Gary publicly you ask? Becasue the AD, Debbie Yow, is mourning the loss of her sister, NC State coach Kay Yow, to breast cancer over the weekend. Read that last sentence again. I'll wait. Gary insulted the deputy AD, who is filling in for a grieving sister. How low class can you get?
To top it off, MD announced today that Jin Soo Kim, the first Korean to play Division I basketball, ineligible for the spring semester. So not only can Gary not keep his players competitive ON the court, he can't keep them eligible to play at all. Coming on the heels of Chris McCray not being enrolled in the minimum number of classes (that would be 1), we have a major problem here.
While Gary restored honor to a school that had lost plenty after Bob Wade took over from Lefty, he is now returning the Terps to that Wade level- uncompetitive and academically fraudulent.
Understand that Gary tried to pull rank here, citing his 20 years as head coach and his title, then insulted the deputy AD. Why would the deputy AD be addressing Gary publicly you ask? Becasue the AD, Debbie Yow, is mourning the loss of her sister, NC State coach Kay Yow, to breast cancer over the weekend. Read that last sentence again. I'll wait. Gary insulted the deputy AD, who is filling in for a grieving sister. How low class can you get?
To top it off, MD announced today that Jin Soo Kim, the first Korean to play Division I basketball, ineligible for the spring semester. So not only can Gary not keep his players competitive ON the court, he can't keep them eligible to play at all. Coming on the heels of Chris McCray not being enrolled in the minimum number of classes (that would be 1), we have a major problem here.
While Gary restored honor to a school that had lost plenty after Bob Wade took over from Lefty, he is now returning the Terps to that Wade level- uncompetitive and academically fraudulent.
27 January 2009
Disappointment
I think the saying goes something like" if it happens twice it's a coincidence. If it happens three times it's a pattern", or some such thing. Well, after tuning in to the second half of the Mayland game tonight vs. Boston College (against my better judgement- I watched the first half of the Duke debacle on Saturday), I have come to this conclusion: Maryland sucks. How the Terps fell from National Champions in 2002 to NIT first round elimination locks in 2009 is beyond me.
But I do know this: If Maryland is up by double digits at halftime, they will lose. Maryland has now blown that big of a lead 4 times in the last 5 games (the 5th game being vs Duke, when they almost didn't SCORE double digits.) Miami, Florida State, Virginia, and now BC. While they rallied to beat UVA, they squandered huge leads in the other games. This is unacceptable. I can deal with MD not having the horses to keep up with the UNC's and Duke's of the world, losing to basketball also-rans after blowing huge leads is the final straw.
Gary must go.
But I do know this: If Maryland is up by double digits at halftime, they will lose. Maryland has now blown that big of a lead 4 times in the last 5 games (the 5th game being vs Duke, when they almost didn't SCORE double digits.) Miami, Florida State, Virginia, and now BC. While they rallied to beat UVA, they squandered huge leads in the other games. This is unacceptable. I can deal with MD not having the horses to keep up with the UNC's and Duke's of the world, losing to basketball also-rans after blowing huge leads is the final straw.
Gary must go.
20 January 2009
Inauguration Day
Finally, we have a president who doesn't mangle the English language! While Chief Justice Roberts tried his best to flub the one sentence oath of office, President Obama (the oath started at 4 minutes past noon, making him the president already, as per the Constitution) stood there and smiled at the gaffe. He seemed genuine, a figure of respect- a sharp contrast to the ill-timed smirks and defensive posture of his predecessor. It made me very happy.
I hope that the next four years bring to this country all of the things Obama has to offer, including a dialogue on race. I will never call Obama the country's first black president, mostly because he's not black. He is our first mixed race president that looks like a minority. Symbolically, that means a lot, but I hope that the discussion of how we define race is what comes of it. I know I've ranted on this before, but I feel we close ourselves in by trying to place into one box or another citizens of this country that come from all backgrounds.
A place to start is the Census. Taken every ten years, the census measures the country on many things (number of TV's, household income, mismatched socks) and race is one of those boxes. There is no box for mixed race (my wife says "potpourri," I say mullatto). This needs to change.
The United States is unique among countries in that there is no "native" population (mostly because it was the policy of the Government to exterminate them.) But what of children of mixed race marriages? Which box are they to choose? Why limit them with four choices?
Race is a social construct. The amount of melanin in a human's skin should have no bearng on their place in society. I realize that this sounds ridiculously naive, but if we are not learning from the mistakes and tragedies of the past, then we have failed as a nation.
The founding documents that Obama so eloquently referred to in his Inaugural Address make no mention of race. Shouldn't we adopt their blindness?
I hope that the next four years bring to this country all of the things Obama has to offer, including a dialogue on race. I will never call Obama the country's first black president, mostly because he's not black. He is our first mixed race president that looks like a minority. Symbolically, that means a lot, but I hope that the discussion of how we define race is what comes of it. I know I've ranted on this before, but I feel we close ourselves in by trying to place into one box or another citizens of this country that come from all backgrounds.
A place to start is the Census. Taken every ten years, the census measures the country on many things (number of TV's, household income, mismatched socks) and race is one of those boxes. There is no box for mixed race (my wife says "potpourri," I say mullatto). This needs to change.
The United States is unique among countries in that there is no "native" population (mostly because it was the policy of the Government to exterminate them.) But what of children of mixed race marriages? Which box are they to choose? Why limit them with four choices?
Race is a social construct. The amount of melanin in a human's skin should have no bearng on their place in society. I realize that this sounds ridiculously naive, but if we are not learning from the mistakes and tragedies of the past, then we have failed as a nation.
The founding documents that Obama so eloquently referred to in his Inaugural Address make no mention of race. Shouldn't we adopt their blindness?
16 January 2009
Omissions
When writing my New Year post, I forgot two points I wanted to make.
Myron Rolle- The FS from Florida State won a Rhodes Scholarship, then decided to skip the NFL draft, and go to Oxford. Awesome. He is the shining example of a "student-athlete" that is rare in major college athletics. That he comes from a family of football Rolles is even better. I cannot say enough about this kid. I hope Dallas drafts him in 2010.
Gaza Strip- Let's see, rockets are launched into Israel and kill less than 10 people. So the Israelis bomb the Strip (an ethnic ghetto) and kill hundreds, and the US (which supplies Israel with military items) declares that the Israelis are justified. Hmmm, why do Islamic extremists hate us again? I know that the US will always publicly support Israel, and that the conflict is the thrid rail of world politics, but something has to change. While I do not condone shooting rockets into populated areas, I understand the frustration felt by Palestinians. They live as second-class citizens in a country that was artificially created due to European guilt after WWII. Living conditions are horrible, poverty is rampant, and they look across the (heavily guarded) border and see Israelis living in comparable heaven.
I realize that there are more pressing national security concerns, but can't help but think that the battle for the hearts and minds of Muslims might be made easier if the US didn't blindly support Israel.
Myron Rolle- The FS from Florida State won a Rhodes Scholarship, then decided to skip the NFL draft, and go to Oxford. Awesome. He is the shining example of a "student-athlete" that is rare in major college athletics. That he comes from a family of football Rolles is even better. I cannot say enough about this kid. I hope Dallas drafts him in 2010.
Gaza Strip- Let's see, rockets are launched into Israel and kill less than 10 people. So the Israelis bomb the Strip (an ethnic ghetto) and kill hundreds, and the US (which supplies Israel with military items) declares that the Israelis are justified. Hmmm, why do Islamic extremists hate us again? I know that the US will always publicly support Israel, and that the conflict is the thrid rail of world politics, but something has to change. While I do not condone shooting rockets into populated areas, I understand the frustration felt by Palestinians. They live as second-class citizens in a country that was artificially created due to European guilt after WWII. Living conditions are horrible, poverty is rampant, and they look across the (heavily guarded) border and see Israelis living in comparable heaven.
I realize that there are more pressing national security concerns, but can't help but think that the battle for the hearts and minds of Muslims might be made easier if the US didn't blindly support Israel.
13 January 2009
The New Year
It's a new year, and I have some observations/reflections on 2008 and a look forward to 2009.
2008
NFL- What a disappointing season. I hate to say it, but I hope that Jason Garrett gets offered one of the openings and he takes it. Dallas' offense was terrible all season long, and there needs to be some change. Since JJ won't fire him, I hope for the next best thing. JJ should fire Wade, but he wont. Getting rid of Pacman and Tank is a good start. To be fair, I was all for the trade that brought Pacman to Dallas, but ulimately, he didn't show enough to keep around. And he's a criminal.
Politics- I am glad Bush is (almost) gone. What a disaster.
Entertainment- With more time that I had perviously had now available (due to the birth of my son), I have gotten to watch a rack of movies that I hadn't gotten around to. I was most impressed with a movie that I re-watched recently- The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford. Just outstanding. Casey Affleck should have won the Oscar.
My favorite albums of 2008 are Attack and Release by the Black Keys (and produced by Danger Mouse- I am now officially in the "if Danger Mouse is involved, I'm buying it" camp), Fight With Tools by Flobots, and Dig Out Your Soul by Oasis.
I have also joined the "Trillion Man March"- the followers of a hilarious blog written by a member of the Ohio State men's basketball team. Club Trillion refers to the box score (1 minute played, zeros the rest of the way). Good stuff, even if he does play for a Big Ten school.
2009
Dallas- Having spent their 1st round pick on Roy11 (a trade I would do every day, regardless of his performance this year. From all reports, Roy11 had Mark Price Disease. He'll be healthy next year), Dallas' first pick is #51 (2nd round) but they have 9 overall picks. They need depth at LB, OL, DL, and CB. A fast, field-stretching WR would be nice, but not necessary. I'll have more on this as the draft draws closer.
Like I said before, the biggest changes need to come with the coaching staff. There is no accountablility for players or management for mistakes. That has to change if JJ wants to open his new stadium with a trophy.
Maryland B-ball- I truly don't know how to feel about this team. I am a dyed-in-the-wool ACC fan, and I don't particularly like the grind it out style this team is forced to play due to their lack of offensive fire power. I watched the UNC-Wake game Sunday night, and loved it not only because UNC lost, but the tempo of the game was great. MD can't run like that with this team. Too bad.
2008
NFL- What a disappointing season. I hate to say it, but I hope that Jason Garrett gets offered one of the openings and he takes it. Dallas' offense was terrible all season long, and there needs to be some change. Since JJ won't fire him, I hope for the next best thing. JJ should fire Wade, but he wont. Getting rid of Pacman and Tank is a good start. To be fair, I was all for the trade that brought Pacman to Dallas, but ulimately, he didn't show enough to keep around. And he's a criminal.
Politics- I am glad Bush is (almost) gone. What a disaster.
Entertainment- With more time that I had perviously had now available (due to the birth of my son), I have gotten to watch a rack of movies that I hadn't gotten around to. I was most impressed with a movie that I re-watched recently- The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford. Just outstanding. Casey Affleck should have won the Oscar.
My favorite albums of 2008 are Attack and Release by the Black Keys (and produced by Danger Mouse- I am now officially in the "if Danger Mouse is involved, I'm buying it" camp), Fight With Tools by Flobots, and Dig Out Your Soul by Oasis.
I have also joined the "Trillion Man March"- the followers of a hilarious blog written by a member of the Ohio State men's basketball team. Club Trillion refers to the box score (1 minute played, zeros the rest of the way). Good stuff, even if he does play for a Big Ten school.
2009
Dallas- Having spent their 1st round pick on Roy11 (a trade I would do every day, regardless of his performance this year. From all reports, Roy11 had Mark Price Disease. He'll be healthy next year), Dallas' first pick is #51 (2nd round) but they have 9 overall picks. They need depth at LB, OL, DL, and CB. A fast, field-stretching WR would be nice, but not necessary. I'll have more on this as the draft draws closer.
Like I said before, the biggest changes need to come with the coaching staff. There is no accountablility for players or management for mistakes. That has to change if JJ wants to open his new stadium with a trophy.
Maryland B-ball- I truly don't know how to feel about this team. I am a dyed-in-the-wool ACC fan, and I don't particularly like the grind it out style this team is forced to play due to their lack of offensive fire power. I watched the UNC-Wake game Sunday night, and loved it not only because UNC lost, but the tempo of the game was great. MD can't run like that with this team. Too bad.
21 December 2008
Perhaps Not So Bleak
I wrote yesterday that Dallas did not deserve to make the playoffs. That remains to be true; however, apparently no other team (save ATL) in the NFC is prepared to make Dallas pay for its transgressions. The Bucs, Iggles, and Vikings all lost games that would have given them control over their playoff qualification.
So now I can root for my team with a clear conscience. Win and they're in. Sweet.
So now I can root for my team with a clear conscience. Win and they're in. Sweet.
20 December 2008
You're Kidding Me
I understand blogging is supposed to be your first reaction to something...
Tonight's game had 3 "you're fucking kidding me" moments. The first was the ball inexpicably bouncing away from Ken Hamlin and right to a one-armed Derrick Mason on a LeRon McClain fumble. The second was Willis McGahee's 77-yard run after Dallas' offense finally decided to start playing. Hamlin makes that tackle 80% of the time. Ugh. The third was McClain's 83-yard run after the offense had gutted out another long drive to pull within 2. The last two runs happened within 3 minutes of each other. Ridiculous.
These are plays that happen on Madden, not in the NFL. How can any self-respecting defense NOT make those tackles. To be honest, I didn't watch the McClain run but hte once, so I can't really offer any explanation- but know that those types of runs rarely happen once- let alone twice- in games. For the D to play so well for 3.5 quarters then fall apart is devestating.
Dallas does not deserve to make the playoffs. I have no idea what that means- long term. Should Wade lose his job? I dunno. Should TO be cut? Dunno. Is Romo the real deal? Dunno. Can Dallas win a game of importance in December/January? Dunno- but know that they need to in order to be taken seriously. Too many questions, and not enough answers. Ugh.
Tonight's game had 3 "you're fucking kidding me" moments. The first was the ball inexpicably bouncing away from Ken Hamlin and right to a one-armed Derrick Mason on a LeRon McClain fumble. The second was Willis McGahee's 77-yard run after Dallas' offense finally decided to start playing. Hamlin makes that tackle 80% of the time. Ugh. The third was McClain's 83-yard run after the offense had gutted out another long drive to pull within 2. The last two runs happened within 3 minutes of each other. Ridiculous.
These are plays that happen on Madden, not in the NFL. How can any self-respecting defense NOT make those tackles. To be honest, I didn't watch the McClain run but hte once, so I can't really offer any explanation- but know that those types of runs rarely happen once- let alone twice- in games. For the D to play so well for 3.5 quarters then fall apart is devestating.
Dallas does not deserve to make the playoffs. I have no idea what that means- long term. Should Wade lose his job? I dunno. Should TO be cut? Dunno. Is Romo the real deal? Dunno. Can Dallas win a game of importance in December/January? Dunno- but know that they need to in order to be taken seriously. Too many questions, and not enough answers. Ugh.
13 December 2008
On Terrell
With the rumor mill swirling and ESPN falling over itself trying to invent a story, I thought I'd talk a little about the media's favorite go to story, TO.
First of all, I seriously doubt the credibility of the two lead reporters on this story, Ed Werder and Matt Mosley. Both of these guys have been covering the 'Boys since the mid 90's, and in my opinion, always present the news out of Valley Ranch with a jaundiced eye. The criticism that comes from these two guys is never constructive and more often than not portrays the organization as dysfunctional.
Now, I understand that Dallas' place as America's Team places them in the spotlight more than other franchises- they are the Yankees of the NFL. No matter what Dallas accomplishes, the success of the past will always be used as the measuring tool. And I'm OK with that. In fact, I invite it. America loves to build players and teams up so they can watch them fall and complain about it along the way. Virtually since its inception, Dallas has enjoyed unprecedented success- 8 Super Bowl appearances, 5 Super Bowl titles, 20 straight 10-win seasons. The Star is one of the most recognizable logos in popular culture.
That said, I tire of media types looking for reasons to declare the Cowboys locker room a disaster area. Most of these talking heads were the same one slurping the 'Boys in preseason. Now, the flavor of the week is Dallas' doomsday (pun intended).
The facts are these: Romo is in this 3rd year as a starter (Peyton Manning didn't win a meaningful game until his 6th year), and has a bit of Favre-ishness in him. You take the good (scrambling around for 10 seconds, then finding TO in the back of the end zone) with the bad (pass to Deshea Townsend). He and TO have combined for more TD passes than any other duo since 2006. Romo looks for the open receiver and gets them the ball. If it's Witten, TO, Crayton, Barber, Bennett, whoever. That is how you want your QB to play.
Does Romo have a level of confidence in Witten that he doesn't with TO, Crayton and Roy11? Of course- Roy11 has played 3 games with him, Crayton dropped a very catchable ball in last years playoff loss vs the G-men and broke off a route that would've won the game, and TO drops balls like his name is Braylon. I can remember only one game that Witten dropped a ball- Week 6 vs Arizona. Witten and Romo room together on the road, went to Cabo together during the bye week last year, and are great friends. Aikman had a similar relationship with Jay Novacek. None of these things are bad.
This whole thing is blown out of proportion- and it will all go away when the 'Boys beat the Giants on Sunday.
First of all, I seriously doubt the credibility of the two lead reporters on this story, Ed Werder and Matt Mosley. Both of these guys have been covering the 'Boys since the mid 90's, and in my opinion, always present the news out of Valley Ranch with a jaundiced eye. The criticism that comes from these two guys is never constructive and more often than not portrays the organization as dysfunctional.
Now, I understand that Dallas' place as America's Team places them in the spotlight more than other franchises- they are the Yankees of the NFL. No matter what Dallas accomplishes, the success of the past will always be used as the measuring tool. And I'm OK with that. In fact, I invite it. America loves to build players and teams up so they can watch them fall and complain about it along the way. Virtually since its inception, Dallas has enjoyed unprecedented success- 8 Super Bowl appearances, 5 Super Bowl titles, 20 straight 10-win seasons. The Star is one of the most recognizable logos in popular culture.
That said, I tire of media types looking for reasons to declare the Cowboys locker room a disaster area. Most of these talking heads were the same one slurping the 'Boys in preseason. Now, the flavor of the week is Dallas' doomsday (pun intended).
The facts are these: Romo is in this 3rd year as a starter (Peyton Manning didn't win a meaningful game until his 6th year), and has a bit of Favre-ishness in him. You take the good (scrambling around for 10 seconds, then finding TO in the back of the end zone) with the bad (pass to Deshea Townsend). He and TO have combined for more TD passes than any other duo since 2006. Romo looks for the open receiver and gets them the ball. If it's Witten, TO, Crayton, Barber, Bennett, whoever. That is how you want your QB to play.
Does Romo have a level of confidence in Witten that he doesn't with TO, Crayton and Roy11? Of course- Roy11 has played 3 games with him, Crayton dropped a very catchable ball in last years playoff loss vs the G-men and broke off a route that would've won the game, and TO drops balls like his name is Braylon. I can remember only one game that Witten dropped a ball- Week 6 vs Arizona. Witten and Romo room together on the road, went to Cabo together during the bye week last year, and are great friends. Aikman had a similar relationship with Jay Novacek. None of these things are bad.
This whole thing is blown out of proportion- and it will all go away when the 'Boys beat the Giants on Sunday.
10 December 2008
Oops
Ok, so I've been a little lax- par for the course. So many things- so little time. Here are some things I've been thinking about...
Cowboys Update- With 3 games to go, the 'Boys are currently in 6th place in the NFC. Had Romo not decided to give the ball back to the Steelers 4 times, they would still be in 6th (thank you for the chicken-shit punt, Mike Smith!), but in a better position as compared to the teams chasing them for the final playoff spot. Hosting the G-Men this week and the Nevermores (thank you, TMQ!) next- in what will be the final home game in Texas Stadium-, then traveling to Philly to finish the season, the 'Boys need to win at least 2 to get in. Preferably, they will win the 2 NFC games.
Regardless, I cannot understand why Jerry Jones threw Marion the Barbarian under the bus this week. I know JJ is all about JJ (he loves him some him- thanks TO!), but why question the toughness of the most physical back in the league? What purpose does that serve? Baffling.
Addictions-Besides the aforementioned TMQ (that's Tuesday Morning Quarterback Gregg Easterbrook on ESPN.com- I'd give a link but he has no dedicated home page- look for it anyway), I have been reading as much from the National Football Post as I can. Good stuff. Matt Bowen's player column is outstanding, even if he is a Deadskin.
In non-football related addictions, the Planet Money podacst from NPR is an outstanding take on the current financial climate. I also enjoy My History Can Beat Up Your Politics podcast.
In music, I am currently playing out the new Oasis album, Dig Out Your Soul, the Flobots album Fight With Tools, and The Mouse and the Mask by Danger Doom.
As for books, I just bought American Brutus by Michael Kauffman, The Wordy Shipmates by Sarah Vowell, and More Information Than You Require by John Hodgman. I highly recommend them all.
Politics- Can I buy a Senate seat? Damn!
Cowboys Update- With 3 games to go, the 'Boys are currently in 6th place in the NFC. Had Romo not decided to give the ball back to the Steelers 4 times, they would still be in 6th (thank you for the chicken-shit punt, Mike Smith!), but in a better position as compared to the teams chasing them for the final playoff spot. Hosting the G-Men this week and the Nevermores (thank you, TMQ!) next- in what will be the final home game in Texas Stadium-, then traveling to Philly to finish the season, the 'Boys need to win at least 2 to get in. Preferably, they will win the 2 NFC games.
Regardless, I cannot understand why Jerry Jones threw Marion the Barbarian under the bus this week. I know JJ is all about JJ (he loves him some him- thanks TO!), but why question the toughness of the most physical back in the league? What purpose does that serve? Baffling.
Addictions-Besides the aforementioned TMQ (that's Tuesday Morning Quarterback Gregg Easterbrook on ESPN.com- I'd give a link but he has no dedicated home page- look for it anyway), I have been reading as much from the National Football Post as I can. Good stuff. Matt Bowen's player column is outstanding, even if he is a Deadskin.
In non-football related addictions, the Planet Money podacst from NPR is an outstanding take on the current financial climate. I also enjoy My History Can Beat Up Your Politics podcast.
In music, I am currently playing out the new Oasis album, Dig Out Your Soul, the Flobots album Fight With Tools, and The Mouse and the Mask by Danger Doom.
As for books, I just bought American Brutus by Michael Kauffman, The Wordy Shipmates by Sarah Vowell, and More Information Than You Require by John Hodgman. I highly recommend them all.
Politics- Can I buy a Senate seat? Damn!
15 October 2008
Recap
Ok, not much new here. The same tired attack lines, Obama's unflappability.
A couple of points:
A couple of points:
Federalists, led by Alexander Hamilton and John Adams, believed in the federal government's supremacy over the states. They also believed in an elite, ruling class. Modern conservatives are only Federalists in that they believe in the elite ruling class. Of course, in my humble opinion, the Civil War was ultimately over federal supremacy. The underlying issue was slavery, but the ideological fight was over whether or not the federal government had the right to tell states to fall in line. The federal government won the war. To me, that should have ended the argument. I realize that this is a very simplistic analysis, but it cuts to the heart of the matter. Thematically, our country's history after 1865 can be seen through the prism of federal assertion of power. Labor Reform, Civil Rights, Voting Rights all fit thematically into government assertion of supremacy. States rights advocates scream bloody murder whenever the federal government wants them to do something, yet comes running to the teat of the federal coffers when they run out of money, and cry foul if restrictions are placed on those monies.
For all the crying about earmarks, one would think that the federal budget was weighed down by the immensity of bridges to nowhere. But it is those kinds of "sweeteners" that get more important policies enacted. It buys votes, which is necessary both for legislators, who can go back to their constituents and point to this money they got, and to the country as a whole.
As far as transparency in government goes, Fareed Zakaria made and excellent point in his book, The Future of Freedom: Illiberal Democracy at Home and Abroad, that "sunshine laws" which supposedly offer more transparency to government actually undermine the democratic system. Since the average person doesn't spend their time sifting through the intricacies of the government, they don't get much benefit. However, lobbying groups do. I encourage everyone to read it.
In summation, if Obama hasn't wrapped up this election with his performace tonight, then Americans really have been damaged by four years of Bush far more than we thought.
The End (My Friend)
9:56- Health Care- I am curious to hear how McCain will twist Obama's policy here. Obama is very concise and clear.
9:58- McCain: Cost of health care rising. Health care records on line, obesity, employee rewards for being in shape. $5,000 tax credit. Back to Joe the plumber. He just seems out of touch with the realities of the system already in place.
10:02- Obama attacks McCain's policy in a easy going manner. There is no way (unless race rears its ugly head) Obama should lose this election.
10:03- McCain seems petty. And keeps bringing up Joe the plumber. I am beginning to resent Joe the plumber. He's gotten more mentions than Biden, Palin and Nancy Reagan combined.
Senator Government. I like the slip. Not as good as "that one", but good nonetheless.
10:06- Abortion. Uh, oh. If McCain is a Federalist, why does he want to give states all the power? Becaue he doesn't understand what a Federalist is. I will expand on this in my post game report.
10:09- Obama understands the role of the Federal government vs state governments, and wants women to decide. Shocking concept.
10:11- McCain wants the government to leave businesses alone, but wants to impose moral mandates on citizens. I don't understand this conservative position at all. It is totally incongruous. Will someone please explain it to me? Seriously.
10:15- McCain seems more agitated as we go. Not good. More and more like Stadler and Waldorf.
10:17- Education. Obama links education ot national security. Well done.
I like the $4,000 credit for service. Good idea.
Civil Rights issue= Education? Uh, ok. Gay Rights? Nah.
Blame the schools. Excellent. Reward good teachers, fire bad ones. Amazing. Where does he come up with these ideas? Oh, right- NCLB.
Can we talk about how not every person needs to go to college? Nevermind.
Feds in Schools- hot topic. Local control. Obama is correct in pointing out the unfunded mandates, in both NCLB and Special Ed.
McCain is really going to bring up the DC school system as his example? Really? Jeebus, he is clueless.
Does Joe the plumber have children with autism?
I think this talk about autism is code for this conservative movement to blame vaccinations, which is irresponsible. And wrong.
McCain closes with a snarky comment. Fitting.
10:27- Final Remarks. McCain- I just want to point out that service in the military does not automatically qualify someone for office, nor does lack of military service automatically disqualify someone for office. Yet, "putting country first" is the common call of conservatives who believe that military service is the be-all, end-all of service to the nation. The hardest part of my job is having to listen to that nonsense all the time. Oh, and McCain talked about the stock market as if it were the barometer of economic health. It's not. Another conservative myth.
Obama- Not easy, not quick. He took the straight talk to McCain. Blowout.
9:58- McCain: Cost of health care rising. Health care records on line, obesity, employee rewards for being in shape. $5,000 tax credit. Back to Joe the plumber. He just seems out of touch with the realities of the system already in place.
10:02- Obama attacks McCain's policy in a easy going manner. There is no way (unless race rears its ugly head) Obama should lose this election.
10:03- McCain seems petty. And keeps bringing up Joe the plumber. I am beginning to resent Joe the plumber. He's gotten more mentions than Biden, Palin and Nancy Reagan combined.
Senator Government. I like the slip. Not as good as "that one", but good nonetheless.
10:06- Abortion. Uh, oh. If McCain is a Federalist, why does he want to give states all the power? Becaue he doesn't understand what a Federalist is. I will expand on this in my post game report.
10:09- Obama understands the role of the Federal government vs state governments, and wants women to decide. Shocking concept.
10:11- McCain wants the government to leave businesses alone, but wants to impose moral mandates on citizens. I don't understand this conservative position at all. It is totally incongruous. Will someone please explain it to me? Seriously.
10:15- McCain seems more agitated as we go. Not good. More and more like Stadler and Waldorf.
10:17- Education. Obama links education ot national security. Well done.
I like the $4,000 credit for service. Good idea.
Civil Rights issue= Education? Uh, ok. Gay Rights? Nah.
Blame the schools. Excellent. Reward good teachers, fire bad ones. Amazing. Where does he come up with these ideas? Oh, right- NCLB.
Can we talk about how not every person needs to go to college? Nevermind.
Feds in Schools- hot topic. Local control. Obama is correct in pointing out the unfunded mandates, in both NCLB and Special Ed.
McCain is really going to bring up the DC school system as his example? Really? Jeebus, he is clueless.
Does Joe the plumber have children with autism?
I think this talk about autism is code for this conservative movement to blame vaccinations, which is irresponsible. And wrong.
McCain closes with a snarky comment. Fitting.
10:27- Final Remarks. McCain- I just want to point out that service in the military does not automatically qualify someone for office, nor does lack of military service automatically disqualify someone for office. Yet, "putting country first" is the common call of conservatives who believe that military service is the be-all, end-all of service to the nation. The hardest part of my job is having to listen to that nonsense all the time. Oh, and McCain talked about the stock market as if it were the barometer of economic health. It's not. Another conservative myth.
Obama- Not easy, not quick. He took the straight talk to McCain. Blowout.
The Middle
9:34- Obama has so much more respect for the campaign as a whole than McCain does. Why are we going back to ACORN? Can we talk about Keating? No, beacuse Obama has too much class to bring it up, and is correct about the tenor of politics- making each other seem evil instead of attacking ideas. And he won't go to McCain's associattions (go to the New Yorker magazine and the article by Hendrik Hertzberg for details).
9:41- Running mates! This should be good...
Palin is a role model? She has a pregnant teen and opposes premarital sex, she abused the power of her office for a personal vendetta, and she has no clue about international politics. Ok, a role model for conservative idealogues.
Again, Obama has a respectful answer. Well done. McCain claims that it was obvious that we had to go into Iraq the first time. It is? Really? Because we did? Nice circular logic. And good use of the word cockamamie. McCain sounds like Stadler & Waldorf.
9:48- Obama talking directly into the camera. Except when he looks at his ring finger. Does he have crib notes there?
9:50- NAFTA- Obama brings it up, and McCain's eyes light up. Uh,oh. Where is he gonna take this?
Offshore drilling will not be feasible for ten years. Which is not now. And is definitely not McCain's now. Or then. Eeesh.
Drug War! Let us PLEASE talk about this. Oh, wait. Drugs kill kids. Nevermind.
9:55- McCain back on the attack- restrict trade, raise taxes, Hoover. Nice. Wrong, misleading, and disingenuous, but typical.
9:41- Running mates! This should be good...
Palin is a role model? She has a pregnant teen and opposes premarital sex, she abused the power of her office for a personal vendetta, and she has no clue about international politics. Ok, a role model for conservative idealogues.
Again, Obama has a respectful answer. Well done. McCain claims that it was obvious that we had to go into Iraq the first time. It is? Really? Because we did? Nice circular logic. And good use of the word cockamamie. McCain sounds like Stadler & Waldorf.
9:48- Obama talking directly into the camera. Except when he looks at his ring finger. Does he have crib notes there?
9:50- NAFTA- Obama brings it up, and McCain's eyes light up. Uh,oh. Where is he gonna take this?
Offshore drilling will not be feasible for ten years. Which is not now. And is definitely not McCain's now. Or then. Eeesh.
Drug War! Let us PLEASE talk about this. Oh, wait. Drugs kill kids. Nevermind.
9:55- McCain back on the attack- restrict trade, raise taxes, Hoover. Nice. Wrong, misleading, and disingenuous, but typical.
The Beginning
9:00 p.m. EDT- I am watching on PBS, so I don't have to see the ridiculous crawl on CNN (or listen to Wolf "they are so poor, and they are so black" Blitzer), or hear the ridiculous commentary from everyone else. I wish the Daily Show would cover these things live.
9:02- Starting with new programs. I don't understand what all these programs have to do with the credit freeze, but ok. What I see is all of these programs promote MORE government spending. I am not against government spending, just large deficit spending. And what happens if China refuses to lend us any more money?
9:04- McCain puts the blame for the housing failures on Fannie and Freddy. Ugh. Here we go again...
9:06- Obama actually has something new to say!! Huzzah! I like the idea of taking away tax breaks for outsourcing. I like that. McCain is telling a story about a plumber. Huh? Oh, he's talking about tax brackets. And bullshit is coming out his ear. Nice comeback by Obama. By my count, Obama 2, McCain 0.
9:11- Now McCain is talking about money redistribution. Typical Republican boilerplate. I hate Republicans. Obama seems so much more calm and at ease. Even McCain's laugh is phony. Ugh.
9:13- Bob Shiffer is doing a great job as moderator. I like this format, with the candidates sitting. It's more like a discussion. Obama is talking in circles, and is reverting back to Democratic boilerplate. Ugh. McCain is talking about Depression-era programs that purposefully excluded minorities. Yeah, we should go back to that.
9:18- McCain keeps telling me that he knows how to do stuff, but offers no details. Except going back to pork-barrel spending. Line-item veto alert! Uh, the Supreme Court ruled that unconstitutional. Case closed. Earmarks are such as small part of the budget, which Obama smartly points out. Damn, he's good.
9:21- States "balance" their budgets because the federal government subsidizes them. How can Senators not know this?
9:24- High road question- nice. Well formulated, too. Let's see them run around this...McCain's up first. We go to Lewis. Unfortunate. He wants Obama to repudiate Lewis' remarks, but won't repudiate Palin's (pals with terrorists). Hypocrite. Obama is handling this well. He makes good points, and is very classy. He just seems more presidential.
9:30- Fuck you, McCain for bringing up the Dallas loss.
Why is the amount of money Obama spends on ads relevant? And why do we have to get back to redistribution of wealth? Dammit.
9:02- Starting with new programs. I don't understand what all these programs have to do with the credit freeze, but ok. What I see is all of these programs promote MORE government spending. I am not against government spending, just large deficit spending. And what happens if China refuses to lend us any more money?
9:04- McCain puts the blame for the housing failures on Fannie and Freddy. Ugh. Here we go again...
9:06- Obama actually has something new to say!! Huzzah! I like the idea of taking away tax breaks for outsourcing. I like that. McCain is telling a story about a plumber. Huh? Oh, he's talking about tax brackets. And bullshit is coming out his ear. Nice comeback by Obama. By my count, Obama 2, McCain 0.
9:11- Now McCain is talking about money redistribution. Typical Republican boilerplate. I hate Republicans. Obama seems so much more calm and at ease. Even McCain's laugh is phony. Ugh.
9:13- Bob Shiffer is doing a great job as moderator. I like this format, with the candidates sitting. It's more like a discussion. Obama is talking in circles, and is reverting back to Democratic boilerplate. Ugh. McCain is talking about Depression-era programs that purposefully excluded minorities. Yeah, we should go back to that.
9:18- McCain keeps telling me that he knows how to do stuff, but offers no details. Except going back to pork-barrel spending. Line-item veto alert! Uh, the Supreme Court ruled that unconstitutional. Case closed. Earmarks are such as small part of the budget, which Obama smartly points out. Damn, he's good.
9:21- States "balance" their budgets because the federal government subsidizes them. How can Senators not know this?
9:24- High road question- nice. Well formulated, too. Let's see them run around this...McCain's up first. We go to Lewis. Unfortunate. He wants Obama to repudiate Lewis' remarks, but won't repudiate Palin's (pals with terrorists). Hypocrite. Obama is handling this well. He makes good points, and is very classy. He just seems more presidential.
9:30- Fuck you, McCain for bringing up the Dallas loss.
Why is the amount of money Obama spends on ads relevant? And why do we have to get back to redistribution of wealth? Dammit.
Presidential Debate Live Blog, Part Dos
Ok, I'm going to try this again, but this time from the beginning. Or until I can't stand watching anymore. Part of the reason I took a sabattical from the political scene was due to the tone of the campaign. I really thought the tenor of this campaign would be different. I was wrong.
I am tired of divisive politics. Now, I don't think that this phenomenon is new, nor do I think that it was "better in the old days." Politics is dirty and I get that, but I don't have to like it. Call me an idealist. Go on, do it. Thanks. I feel better now. I'd rather be an idealist than have to suffer through more spurrious claims and half-truths. I would love for there to be a civilized discourse between the parties that addressed the major issues facing our country. Ok, I'm a dreamer, too.
I am tired of divisive politics. Now, I don't think that this phenomenon is new, nor do I think that it was "better in the old days." Politics is dirty and I get that, but I don't have to like it. Call me an idealist. Go on, do it. Thanks. I feel better now. I'd rather be an idealist than have to suffer through more spurrious claims and half-truths. I would love for there to be a civilized discourse between the parties that addressed the major issues facing our country. Ok, I'm a dreamer, too.
14 October 2008
How 'Bout Them Roy Williamses?
So news out of Valley Ranch was mixed today, after a tough weekend. On the bad side, Adam "make it rain" Jones was suspended for at least 4 games for getting into a fight with the guy who was supposed to keep him out of trouble and breaking a mirror in an upscale Dallas hotel bathroom. I fully understand that Pacman was, as JJ put it, walking on a tightrope with no net, but 4 games? For fighting with a bodyguard? I think it should have been handled in-house, but I'm not the commissioner. I am all for this "zero-tolerance" policy, but it is being enforced so erratically that you would think Goddell was doing his best John McCain impression ("You know who got suspended? THAT ONE!) My buddy Kenny talks about my racial hypothesis (untested- theory is tested, like Evolution) in his post on these issues, so I won't delve deep into it here. Suffice it to say that Matt Jones (JAX) is still playing after getting caught snorting cocaine in a car prior to the season.
On the injury front, Romo is out 4 weeks due to a broken pinkie, Felix Jones is out at least 2 weeks with a partially torn hamstring, T-New is out 4 weeks after sports hernia surgery, and Matt McBrier broke his foot on the play that lost the game Sunday. Good Times! Normally I wouldn't complain about injuries, but these are important players in all phases of the game. Fortunately, Kyle Kosier should be back by week 8, and Roy Williams38 should as well. I have to make the numerical distinction now because Roy Williams11 now plays for the Cowboys, making Dallas one step closer to having all the athletic Roy Williamses (if only we can convince Roy WilliamsUNC to join the staff as a motivational speaker or something). I am pleased with the Roy11 acquisition because 1) we get immediately better at WR, 2) we get immediately younger at WR, and 3) teams can't afford to double team TO anymore. Even with 90 year old Brad Johnson at QB for the next 3 games, out offense got more explosive. If that were possible. Now all we have to do is block.
On the injury front, Romo is out 4 weeks due to a broken pinkie, Felix Jones is out at least 2 weeks with a partially torn hamstring, T-New is out 4 weeks after sports hernia surgery, and Matt McBrier broke his foot on the play that lost the game Sunday. Good Times! Normally I wouldn't complain about injuries, but these are important players in all phases of the game. Fortunately, Kyle Kosier should be back by week 8, and Roy Williams38 should as well. I have to make the numerical distinction now because Roy Williams11 now plays for the Cowboys, making Dallas one step closer to having all the athletic Roy Williamses (if only we can convince Roy WilliamsUNC to join the staff as a motivational speaker or something). I am pleased with the Roy11 acquisition because 1) we get immediately better at WR, 2) we get immediately younger at WR, and 3) teams can't afford to double team TO anymore. Even with 90 year old Brad Johnson at QB for the next 3 games, out offense got more explosive. If that were possible. Now all we have to do is block.
07 October 2008
Presidential Debate Live Blog
So I'm gonna try this...even though I'm late starting.
9:58- the discussion is on health care, and both Obama and McCain talk all around the issue. What kills me is how McCain is trying to ham it up for the crowd. Then he goes back to American Exceptionalism, and talking about how great America is.
10:00- Foreign Policy- What I disagree most about it is the belief that the only sacrifice Americans ever make is sending soldiers to die. That only those who die in wars are American heroes. Bullshit. I get tired of the bloody flag.
10:06- I like the idea of moral responsiblity that Obama is talking about. I think that is the ignored part of leftist thinking. That America can act out of its moral responsiblity rather than purely national security concerns. Oh- and I'm really sick of McCain calling me his friend, my friends. The idea that national security is the only role of the US government is fundamentally flawed. As it says in the preamble to the Constitution, the government is responsible for: establishing justice, ensuring domestic tranquility, providing for the common defense, promoting the general welfare, and securing the blessings of liberty. That would mean that national security is only 20% of what the government should be concerned with. But McCain wants to freeze spending on everything but the military. (shakes head)
10:18- McCain keeps attacking Obama without actually answering any question. Good Times! I love it when politicians in the middle of a crisis refuse to address the issues and instead revert to character assassination and drum old drumbeats of partisan divide.
Obama seems less confident when dealing with Russia and our relationship with Putin. However, that's what Biden is for, I guess. Obama still demonstrates a command of the larger picture, much more so than does McCain. I think that is important.
10:25- Israel. Why is this being discussed? I know Israel is our ally and all, but still.
Regardless, McCain talks about how Iran acquiring nuclear weapons would lead to every country wanting them. Duh! Israel ALREADY has nukes, which would seem to me to be why (at least partly) Iran wants them. Pakistan got nukes because India had them. The USSR got nukes because we had them. Makes perfect sense to me. I don't like the framing of this question.
10:31- Final "Zen" question. Obama nailed the beginning (the toughest challenges are those you don't expect), then fell right back into his backstory. I don't need that at this juncture of the campaign.
McCain blew me away by telling me that we don't know what the future holds, and that he specifically doesn't know the future. He ran his own backstory. Awesome!
How in the world does McCain hope to pass himself off as the "steady hand on the till"? All of his actions on this campaign seems to me to be anything but steady.
9:58- the discussion is on health care, and both Obama and McCain talk all around the issue. What kills me is how McCain is trying to ham it up for the crowd. Then he goes back to American Exceptionalism, and talking about how great America is.
10:00- Foreign Policy- What I disagree most about it is the belief that the only sacrifice Americans ever make is sending soldiers to die. That only those who die in wars are American heroes. Bullshit. I get tired of the bloody flag.
10:06- I like the idea of moral responsiblity that Obama is talking about. I think that is the ignored part of leftist thinking. That America can act out of its moral responsiblity rather than purely national security concerns. Oh- and I'm really sick of McCain calling me his friend, my friends. The idea that national security is the only role of the US government is fundamentally flawed. As it says in the preamble to the Constitution, the government is responsible for: establishing justice, ensuring domestic tranquility, providing for the common defense, promoting the general welfare, and securing the blessings of liberty. That would mean that national security is only 20% of what the government should be concerned with. But McCain wants to freeze spending on everything but the military. (shakes head)
10:18- McCain keeps attacking Obama without actually answering any question. Good Times! I love it when politicians in the middle of a crisis refuse to address the issues and instead revert to character assassination and drum old drumbeats of partisan divide.
Obama seems less confident when dealing with Russia and our relationship with Putin. However, that's what Biden is for, I guess. Obama still demonstrates a command of the larger picture, much more so than does McCain. I think that is important.
10:25- Israel. Why is this being discussed? I know Israel is our ally and all, but still.
Regardless, McCain talks about how Iran acquiring nuclear weapons would lead to every country wanting them. Duh! Israel ALREADY has nukes, which would seem to me to be why (at least partly) Iran wants them. Pakistan got nukes because India had them. The USSR got nukes because we had them. Makes perfect sense to me. I don't like the framing of this question.
10:31- Final "Zen" question. Obama nailed the beginning (the toughest challenges are those you don't expect), then fell right back into his backstory. I don't need that at this juncture of the campaign.
McCain blew me away by telling me that we don't know what the future holds, and that he specifically doesn't know the future. He ran his own backstory. Awesome!
How in the world does McCain hope to pass himself off as the "steady hand on the till"? All of his actions on this campaign seems to me to be anything but steady.
20 August 2008
Olympics
Like my friend Kenny, I wanted to stay away from commentary on the Olympics. They are my favorite event (whether Summer or Winter), and I love watching hours and hours of sports I wouldn't watch otherwise. I have no evaluation of the game-play on Madden 09 because I haven't really played- I've been watching Olympics. I have watched maybe 100 snaps of Exhibition NFL games (and I have NFL Network, so I have the opportunity to watch every preseason game) due to the Olympics. And I don't care. The Olympics are special. Occuring only quadrennially, they take precedence over my "normal" routine.
I have tried to record as much of the Games during the day (I LOVE my DVR!!!), so I can watch them in the dead time (Boxing on Universal HD) before the evening primetime broadcast begins. I have stayed up much later than I should to watch events live. My cable provider added an Olympic basketball AND Olympic soccer channel!
As a sports fan, I have been overwhelmed by the level of competition. Phelps and Bolt are the unquestioned stars of these Games. As a TV viewer, I have been underwhelmed with the braodcasts. Bob Costas has been horrendous, openly asking why he was there ('cuz Jim McKay died, Bob!) and being generally goofy and unorganized- nothing like what I normally enjoy about Costas.
The use of Mary Carillo and Cris Collinsworth as reporters is worse than terrible. Carillo has had too many BoTox tretments and can't speak properly. Collinsworth is an idiot, and should not be allowed to come into contact with successful athletes, lest the Bungle in him spread. He tried to tell Alicia Sacramone that losing two Super Bowls was akin to falling off two apparatuses. I understand wanting to show empathy, but c'mon. Fool sucker.
The soccer coverage has been abysmal, especially in light of the tremendous coverage ESPN had of Euro2008. Shouldn't NBC get the best (or at least competent) commentators? And I've been disappointed with the soccer channel in general. While CNBC and Universal HD have shown every boxing bout, the soccer (and baskeball, for that matter) channel has not shown continuous tape of the matches. For those of us who work during the day (night, and therefore primetime in Bejing), it is hard to catch the games live. I would be more than happy to watch taped rebroadcasts. Having to do so for the last two Games (Sydney in 2000 and Athens in 2004), I'm used to it.
But the absolute worst has been Al Troutwig. He has covered gymnastics for as long as I can remember, yet he seems to lack the basic understanding of the sport. He makes wild observations that his partner is quick to distance himself from. I have been pleased with the lack of wall-to-wall coverage of gymnastics, but even when I want to watch I have a hard time due to Al and his idiocy.
Ok, too much negativity. Back to the thrill of victory: Phelps was dominating and deserves the accolade thrown his way. He has accomplished a feat that may take another 30+ years to match. I will not add to the gushing over him, but I have thouroughly enjoyed watching him make history. Kudos to the Baltimorean!
Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh have been outstanding all tournament. Beach volleyball is one of my favorite Summer Games sports, and I have not been disappointed.
But Usain Bolt is amazing. If you haven't seen his 100m run, go to nbcolympics.com and do so. I have never seen a World Record get blown up like this, especially in a event that is measured by hundredths of a second. Jamaicans is fast!
Well, that's all for now- I'm going back to watching the Games!
I have tried to record as much of the Games during the day (I LOVE my DVR!!!), so I can watch them in the dead time (Boxing on Universal HD) before the evening primetime broadcast begins. I have stayed up much later than I should to watch events live. My cable provider added an Olympic basketball AND Olympic soccer channel!
As a sports fan, I have been overwhelmed by the level of competition. Phelps and Bolt are the unquestioned stars of these Games. As a TV viewer, I have been underwhelmed with the braodcasts. Bob Costas has been horrendous, openly asking why he was there ('cuz Jim McKay died, Bob!) and being generally goofy and unorganized- nothing like what I normally enjoy about Costas.
The use of Mary Carillo and Cris Collinsworth as reporters is worse than terrible. Carillo has had too many BoTox tretments and can't speak properly. Collinsworth is an idiot, and should not be allowed to come into contact with successful athletes, lest the Bungle in him spread. He tried to tell Alicia Sacramone that losing two Super Bowls was akin to falling off two apparatuses. I understand wanting to show empathy, but c'mon. Fool sucker.
The soccer coverage has been abysmal, especially in light of the tremendous coverage ESPN had of Euro2008. Shouldn't NBC get the best (or at least competent) commentators? And I've been disappointed with the soccer channel in general. While CNBC and Universal HD have shown every boxing bout, the soccer (and baskeball, for that matter) channel has not shown continuous tape of the matches. For those of us who work during the day (night, and therefore primetime in Bejing), it is hard to catch the games live. I would be more than happy to watch taped rebroadcasts. Having to do so for the last two Games (Sydney in 2000 and Athens in 2004), I'm used to it.
But the absolute worst has been Al Troutwig. He has covered gymnastics for as long as I can remember, yet he seems to lack the basic understanding of the sport. He makes wild observations that his partner is quick to distance himself from. I have been pleased with the lack of wall-to-wall coverage of gymnastics, but even when I want to watch I have a hard time due to Al and his idiocy.
Ok, too much negativity. Back to the thrill of victory: Phelps was dominating and deserves the accolade thrown his way. He has accomplished a feat that may take another 30+ years to match. I will not add to the gushing over him, but I have thouroughly enjoyed watching him make history. Kudos to the Baltimorean!
Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh have been outstanding all tournament. Beach volleyball is one of my favorite Summer Games sports, and I have not been disappointed.
But Usain Bolt is amazing. If you haven't seen his 100m run, go to nbcolympics.com and do so. I have never seen a World Record get blown up like this, especially in a event that is measured by hundredths of a second. Jamaicans is fast!
Well, that's all for now- I'm going back to watching the Games!
12 August 2008
Madden 09
Through the years, Madden is the only video game that I have consistently played (NHL 95 was great, tho- breaking heads, fighting, dekes...) and I always look forward to its release. I picked up my copy last night (this morning?) at 12:05 a.m. I got home, put it in, and off I went...
So here is my rant. Rosters on the game are never completely accurate, but there are a few head scratchers. For example, WR Chris Henry is listed as a free agent even though he is suspended for the first 4 games of the season by the NFL. Pacman "Making it Rain" Jones is not in the game at all. Before you start screaming "homer!" (for the Cowboys, not the fat yellow man), I can understand not including a player currently under suspension from the league. But how can you include the "One Man Crime Spree" and exclude Pacman? Pacman has a far better shot of actually playing this season than does Henry.
But the coup-de-gras is this: Michael Strahan and Brett Favre retired around the same time. Favre is on the cover of the game. Yet Gap Tooth is still listed on the Giants roster while Favre is not in the game AT ALL! WTF?!?!
I realize that rosters were set months ago, but still. How hard is it to add a player? In previous years, undrafted rookies appeared in the free agent pool as did retired players. I am completely outraged that EA couldn't stop production long enough to at least get Favre in the game, regardless of the team. HE'S THE FUCKING COVER BOY!!!!!!!!
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