The bailout fails, stocks plunge and everyone panics. That was today. This evening, let's play the blame game. Democrats blame Republicans. Republicans blame Democrats. Obama blames McCain. McCain blames Obama. And round and round we go until everyone pays the price.
Honestly, I'm not crying because this bailout failed. Sure, my 401K is taking a hit...but it can't go down too much further. Nothing from nothing is nothing. As I have said before, the American taxpayers shouldn't be burdened for the failures of major corporations. Yes, everyone suffers when banks fail but pushing through a half-hearted, semi-debated and rushed bailout plan seems to be the wrong path.
Of course I do believe the government should do something to prevent another Great Depression. And if that means pumping some money into the private market, so be it. But to hand out $700 billion dollars seems a bit hasty. The government giving away money just further undermines the dollar which means inflation will rise again, possibly at record paces. And with the economy grinding to a halt, we are just a bailout away from stagflation.
Honestly, I don't believe we have the brains in Washington to develop a plan that will spur growth, control inflation and restore faith in the market. And whatever the next administration is going to bring can't be much better. It's going to be a long road ahead for the American taxpayers. I just hope they're paying attention and prepared.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Some Football Predictions
Eh, they're just predictions...don't take them personally:
Bridgeport 35 - East Fairmont 17 - What Morgantown did to East Fairmont last Friday was beastly. I'm not sure if it exposed East as weak or Morgantown as amazing. Regardless, Bridgeport is really good and shouldn't have a problem. I hope they do...but they shouldn't.
Preston 37 - North Marion 14 - I keep saying that Preston is good this year. Lost to West Fairmont by only a touchdown. Poor North Marion.
Morgantown 45 - Buck. Up. 17 - Morgantown is the truth. Obviously the coach lit them up following their Week One loss and they've never looked back. The Mohawk Bowl should be amazing this year.
Alabama 24 - Georgia 21 - Nick Saban leads his team to their biggest win yet. Either SEC football is the most exciting football on earth or the most boring. I wouldn't be surprised if this game is really 7 to 3.
Steelers 17 - Ravens 14 - Was last week just a mistake or are there serious chinks in the Steelers armor? This week will tell since the Ravens are probably Pittsburgh's only competition in the AFC North.
West Virginia 24 - Marshall 17 - Good ol' Coach Stewart will do everything in his power to keep this as close as possible. Can West Virginia run for 24 points this year? That's the question. Oh, the aggravation. If Marshall wins, security may want to get Bill Stewart and Joe Manchin to Zimbabwe as quick as possible.
That's all I have. Really. Go away now.
Bridgeport 35 - East Fairmont 17 - What Morgantown did to East Fairmont last Friday was beastly. I'm not sure if it exposed East as weak or Morgantown as amazing. Regardless, Bridgeport is really good and shouldn't have a problem. I hope they do...but they shouldn't.
Preston 37 - North Marion 14 - I keep saying that Preston is good this year. Lost to West Fairmont by only a touchdown. Poor North Marion.
Morgantown 45 - Buck. Up. 17 - Morgantown is the truth. Obviously the coach lit them up following their Week One loss and they've never looked back. The Mohawk Bowl should be amazing this year.
Alabama 24 - Georgia 21 - Nick Saban leads his team to their biggest win yet. Either SEC football is the most exciting football on earth or the most boring. I wouldn't be surprised if this game is really 7 to 3.
Steelers 17 - Ravens 14 - Was last week just a mistake or are there serious chinks in the Steelers armor? This week will tell since the Ravens are probably Pittsburgh's only competition in the AFC North.
West Virginia 24 - Marshall 17 - Good ol' Coach Stewart will do everything in his power to keep this as close as possible. Can West Virginia run for 24 points this year? That's the question. Oh, the aggravation. If Marshall wins, security may want to get Bill Stewart and Joe Manchin to Zimbabwe as quick as possible.
That's all I have. Really. Go away now.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Why You Should Always Test
There's a reason that software vendors tell you to test your software before you push it out to all users. And, once again, we've had to learn that lesson the hard way.
We moved from Symantec Antivirus 10 to Symantec Endpoint Protection 11. Unfortunately, we kinda jumped the gun on pushing it out to end users. Luckily my office was spared because I wanted a test group of 20-30 user before making a mass push. Not everyone agreed with that standpoint and they pushed it out to 200 or so users.
Well, needless to say, it caused a bit of an issue. Namely, it disabled or at least "jacked up" a percentage of those users NIC cards. And the only way to get them fixed was to actually uninstall the NIC and reinstall. It also screwed up the wireless cards. Good stuff. I mean, when I say messed up, it was more like blocking traffic.
We're now on day 2 of trying to figure out why it's blocking traffic despite up making the exceptions. Probably should have been addressed before installing it on a number of machines. But, live and learn. Or maybe just repeat the same mistakes over and over again...either way, we'll get it figured out.
And here's a couple other dumb things for you:
We moved from Symantec Antivirus 10 to Symantec Endpoint Protection 11. Unfortunately, we kinda jumped the gun on pushing it out to end users. Luckily my office was spared because I wanted a test group of 20-30 user before making a mass push. Not everyone agreed with that standpoint and they pushed it out to 200 or so users.
Well, needless to say, it caused a bit of an issue. Namely, it disabled or at least "jacked up" a percentage of those users NIC cards. And the only way to get them fixed was to actually uninstall the NIC and reinstall. It also screwed up the wireless cards. Good stuff. I mean, when I say messed up, it was more like blocking traffic.
We're now on day 2 of trying to figure out why it's blocking traffic despite up making the exceptions. Probably should have been addressed before installing it on a number of machines. But, live and learn. Or maybe just repeat the same mistakes over and over again...either way, we'll get it figured out.
And here's a couple other dumb things for you:
Civilization in decline? HA!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
The Economic Mess
So, what do you do when the dollar is worth nothing? $100 for a loaf of bread? $150 for some milk? Serioulsy. What do you do when the dollar is worthless? At the rate the Fed is going, the dollar's buying power will be zip in another year.
Sure, that's a rather dire prediction but continued bailouts for companies that over-extended themselves continues to weaken the dollar in the world economy. Oil shoots up $25 in one day. Why? Weak dollar. Inflation flies? Weak dollar. Granted, we can't let the economy collapse but putting the entire burden of failed corporations on the back of the American taxpayer hardly seems like a solution.
Far be it for me to agree with Hilary Clinton but I caught her this morning on the Today Show and she was talking about oversight for these bailouts. And I agree. These companies should not be given blank checks. There has to be some checks and balances in place and considering the administration change that is coming soon some type of independent oversight is needed. The American government is in no place to give away money. American taxpayers must demand that not on do these companies pay back the money lent to them but do so with profit. And the government, who wants to give away our money, should be forced to do their own cutting to ease the burden on the taxpayers.
It's a real mess. You can't let the economy just collapse but continuing the prop up failed companies hardly seems like a solution. But it's too late to turn back now. I guess America is ready to give communism a try? Seriously...we're getting closer than you think.
Sure, that's a rather dire prediction but continued bailouts for companies that over-extended themselves continues to weaken the dollar in the world economy. Oil shoots up $25 in one day. Why? Weak dollar. Inflation flies? Weak dollar. Granted, we can't let the economy collapse but putting the entire burden of failed corporations on the back of the American taxpayer hardly seems like a solution.
Far be it for me to agree with Hilary Clinton but I caught her this morning on the Today Show and she was talking about oversight for these bailouts. And I agree. These companies should not be given blank checks. There has to be some checks and balances in place and considering the administration change that is coming soon some type of independent oversight is needed. The American government is in no place to give away money. American taxpayers must demand that not on do these companies pay back the money lent to them but do so with profit. And the government, who wants to give away our money, should be forced to do their own cutting to ease the burden on the taxpayers.
It's a real mess. You can't let the economy just collapse but continuing the prop up failed companies hardly seems like a solution. But it's too late to turn back now. I guess America is ready to give communism a try? Seriously...we're getting closer than you think.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Football is bad
Obviously, WVU loses on Thursday. East Fairmont loses on Friday. Rutgers loses to NAVY!! on Saturday. East Carolina also loses on Saturday. And the Steelers lose on Sunday. Not a good weekend for football really. I don't like football anymore. The US won the Ryder Cup so golf is the only sport I like from now on. Well, until tomorrow when I decide I want to watch football again.
Marshall comes to town on Saturday. If WVU loses to Marshall, things are going to go very far south in a hurry. There's already mounting pressure against Stewart. And there's a new site you can visit to see some grievances. http://www.billstewartmustgo.com/ Obviously, if Stewart turns it around, the site would quickly become moot. But another loss or two and I figure the list of complaints will grow exponentially. That's about it...more nonsensical ramblings tomorrow.
Marshall comes to town on Saturday. If WVU loses to Marshall, things are going to go very far south in a hurry. There's already mounting pressure against Stewart. And there's a new site you can visit to see some grievances. http://www.billstewartmustgo.com/ Obviously, if Stewart turns it around, the site would quickly become moot. But another loss or two and I figure the list of complaints will grow exponentially. That's about it...more nonsensical ramblings tomorrow.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Another Game, Another Loss
I haven't had an opportunity to hear Bill Stewart's post-game interview from Thursday night. (Nor do I want to.) I'm guessing it went something like this:
BILL STEWART: Well, daggummit, we had them where we wanted them. If I could have punted the ball one more time on 4th and short, the outcome would have been different. But that's only 2 losses this season. Together, this team can still lose 9 more games. Questions?
REPORTER 1: Bill, do you lay the blame for the loss on the offense or defense?
B.S.: Eh, who wants to lay blame? Everyone played as inept as possible. I thought the defense played a little better than I would like but they still managed to give up a lot of 3rd down plays. Pat White tried to get the offense cooking but I made sure we punted on every 4th and short play we could and we narrowed the playbook as much as possible.
REPORTER 2: At the beginning of the year, you said you were going to let Pat White throw the ball. But it sure seemed like the Mountaineers abandoned the passing game against ECU and has never looked back. Why?
B.S.: Throwing the ball would open up the running game for White and Devine, right? Sure it would. So, we don't throw the ball. Pat and Noel need to gain their yards the old-fashioned way and earn them. No shortcuts here. No spreading a defense. You get those yards the hard way, you hear me? If they can't do it, that's not my fault. But we're going to run, run, run. I don't remember saying anything about passing. Are you sure that was me?
REPORTER 1: Fourth and short and you punt every time. Why?
B.S.: I don't want there to be too much continuity on defense. See, I said continuity...that's a big word so stop making fun of me for being a hometown boy. Anyway, I like punting. Pat McAfee likes to punt too. Makes him part of the game.
REPORTER 3: Speaking of McAfee, what about that missed field goal? What was up with that missed field goal man?
B.S.: Well, obviously Pat's disappointed. We put him in the worst possible position we could. Ran a sweep to lose a yard on 3rd-and-one and then gave him a bad angle to kick the ball. We did everything we could to set him up to fail and he didn't disappoint.
REPORTER 2: Looking back, do you wish you went for some of those 4th and shorts?
B.S.: Can't live in the past. Might have won the game if we did. Might not have. I don't make those calls anyway. I just stand here and look happy :)
REPORTER: 3: Clock management seemed to be lacking at the end of the game. What was up with that? Seriously dude.
B.S.: Eh, we forgot the games were timed. Easy mistake to make. Besides, time management is for business people, not football teams. Like oxygen is for astronauts. Ya'll should laugh at that now.
REPORTER 4: Marshall up next. What do you think of your chances against the Thundering Herd?
B.S.: Probably good. We're gonna get out there and run that ball against them. Open up the offense with some draws and bubble screens. Maybe run Devine 25 or 30 times. Punt the ball a good number of times and see how things turn out. I feel confident we can keep the Herd in the game and let it come down to the wire.
Hey boys, it's been fun but I'm gonna head on back to the hills. I got some adoring fans back home that want to greet me with nice signs and stuff. And, just for the record: gosh darnit, dag nabbit and well, i'll be the son of a monkey's uncle. See ya'll in a week or so.
BILL STEWART: Well, daggummit, we had them where we wanted them. If I could have punted the ball one more time on 4th and short, the outcome would have been different. But that's only 2 losses this season. Together, this team can still lose 9 more games. Questions?
REPORTER 1: Bill, do you lay the blame for the loss on the offense or defense?
B.S.: Eh, who wants to lay blame? Everyone played as inept as possible. I thought the defense played a little better than I would like but they still managed to give up a lot of 3rd down plays. Pat White tried to get the offense cooking but I made sure we punted on every 4th and short play we could and we narrowed the playbook as much as possible.
REPORTER 2: At the beginning of the year, you said you were going to let Pat White throw the ball. But it sure seemed like the Mountaineers abandoned the passing game against ECU and has never looked back. Why?
B.S.: Throwing the ball would open up the running game for White and Devine, right? Sure it would. So, we don't throw the ball. Pat and Noel need to gain their yards the old-fashioned way and earn them. No shortcuts here. No spreading a defense. You get those yards the hard way, you hear me? If they can't do it, that's not my fault. But we're going to run, run, run. I don't remember saying anything about passing. Are you sure that was me?
REPORTER 1: Fourth and short and you punt every time. Why?
B.S.: I don't want there to be too much continuity on defense. See, I said continuity...that's a big word so stop making fun of me for being a hometown boy. Anyway, I like punting. Pat McAfee likes to punt too. Makes him part of the game.
REPORTER 3: Speaking of McAfee, what about that missed field goal? What was up with that missed field goal man?
B.S.: Well, obviously Pat's disappointed. We put him in the worst possible position we could. Ran a sweep to lose a yard on 3rd-and-one and then gave him a bad angle to kick the ball. We did everything we could to set him up to fail and he didn't disappoint.
REPORTER 2: Looking back, do you wish you went for some of those 4th and shorts?
B.S.: Can't live in the past. Might have won the game if we did. Might not have. I don't make those calls anyway. I just stand here and look happy :)
REPORTER: 3: Clock management seemed to be lacking at the end of the game. What was up with that? Seriously dude.
B.S.: Eh, we forgot the games were timed. Easy mistake to make. Besides, time management is for business people, not football teams. Like oxygen is for astronauts. Ya'll should laugh at that now.
REPORTER 4: Marshall up next. What do you think of your chances against the Thundering Herd?
B.S.: Probably good. We're gonna get out there and run that ball against them. Open up the offense with some draws and bubble screens. Maybe run Devine 25 or 30 times. Punt the ball a good number of times and see how things turn out. I feel confident we can keep the Herd in the game and let it come down to the wire.
Hey boys, it's been fun but I'm gonna head on back to the hills. I got some adoring fans back home that want to greet me with nice signs and stuff. And, just for the record: gosh darnit, dag nabbit and well, i'll be the son of a monkey's uncle. See ya'll in a week or so.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Stewart's Wild Adventure
Tomorrow night at 8:30 p.m., Bill Stewart will lead his 1-1 West Virginia Mountaineers onto Folsom Field in front of a hostile 53,000+ Colorado fans. It will be a defining moment in the short career of Bill Stewart. Come back 2-1 and fans will forget the debacle in Greenville. Come back 1-2 and face a backlash not seen since George H.W. Bush rasied taxes after promsing not to raise taxes. (Bad example but I thought I could use the "Read my lips: No new taxes" line.)
Fair or not, the expectations for the Mountaineers are very, very high. Considering the Mountaineers started the season with arguably the best offensive line in the nation and two legitimate Heisman trophy threats in the backfield, it is almost unacceptable to score only 3-points against East Carolina. And most Mountaineer fans agree with that assessment. Losing to Colorado would only further perpetuate the feeling that something is amiss with the coaching staff. The players haven't changed enough to make that big of a difference.
As with the last game, I am not going to make a prediction. Not only should the Mountaineers be able to compete against the Buffaloes but they should be able to beat Colorado handily. I know that for a fact. But my gut has major concerns about the ability of the Mountaineers, and particularly the coaching staff, to perform up to the potential they obviously possess. It should definitely be an interesting game and if Stewart doesn't want to lose this season in a hurry he'll figure out a way to bring home a victory. Week Three shouldn't determine a season but it certainly seems like it could for this Mountaineer squad.
Fair or not, the expectations for the Mountaineers are very, very high. Considering the Mountaineers started the season with arguably the best offensive line in the nation and two legitimate Heisman trophy threats in the backfield, it is almost unacceptable to score only 3-points against East Carolina. And most Mountaineer fans agree with that assessment. Losing to Colorado would only further perpetuate the feeling that something is amiss with the coaching staff. The players haven't changed enough to make that big of a difference.
As with the last game, I am not going to make a prediction. Not only should the Mountaineers be able to compete against the Buffaloes but they should be able to beat Colorado handily. I know that for a fact. But my gut has major concerns about the ability of the Mountaineers, and particularly the coaching staff, to perform up to the potential they obviously possess. It should definitely be an interesting game and if Stewart doesn't want to lose this season in a hurry he'll figure out a way to bring home a victory. Week Three shouldn't determine a season but it certainly seems like it could for this Mountaineer squad.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
It's the Economy, Stupid
How would you like to be the guy deciding how to handle the US economy today? Should we continue to inject money into the financial market to prop up businesses that have an overwhelming burden of debt and increase US debt or should we allow these companies to fail and increase worries and suffering? The government can't buy every company. It's anti-capitalistic. Yet we can't stand idly by and watch the US economy crash. That would be...well, bad.
On one hand you can lower interest rates and make it easier for debt-ridden companies to borrow money from the government but stoke inflation fears or you can keep interest rates the same or raise them and stregthen the dollar but hurt companies that need cash.
At the end of the day, this correction or adjustment or crash, depending on your view, is going to happen. The government isn't in a position to stop the bleeding and things won't get back to normal until some companies fail and some people are hurt. That's just a fact. Housing prices must stabilize before the mortgage mess is finally sorted out and that's when we'll know the real damage. All the government can do at this point is try to cushion the landing or make the descent a little slower. Instead of a burst, we're trying to just let a little air out at a time. Maybe that's better but either way the balloon will eventually be empty. But don't fret, things will turn around...it's just going to be painful getting there.
On one hand you can lower interest rates and make it easier for debt-ridden companies to borrow money from the government but stoke inflation fears or you can keep interest rates the same or raise them and stregthen the dollar but hurt companies that need cash.
At the end of the day, this correction or adjustment or crash, depending on your view, is going to happen. The government isn't in a position to stop the bleeding and things won't get back to normal until some companies fail and some people are hurt. That's just a fact. Housing prices must stabilize before the mortgage mess is finally sorted out and that's when we'll know the real damage. All the government can do at this point is try to cushion the landing or make the descent a little slower. Instead of a burst, we're trying to just let a little air out at a time. Maybe that's better but either way the balloon will eventually be empty. But don't fret, things will turn around...it's just going to be painful getting there.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Don't Call Stewart Dumb
Following the loss to East Carolina, Bill Stewart wasted little time in signing his six-year contract with West Virginia University. Coincidence? Unlikely. Stewart isn't stupid and knows that without a contract he is essentially an at-will employee and the university could cut ties with him with no penalty. If WVU comes back from Colorado this week with a 1-2 record, the vultures will be out in force and Stewart may need that contract to save his skin.
Stewart might be a hometown boy with the "aw shucks" personality but he's still the coach of a major university football program and he knows how to play the game. Had WVU remained undefeated deep in the season, he probably would have renegotiated the contract before signing, getting some more money. But since WVU has already faltered, he had to sign. Stewart has an agent and, regardless of what anyone wants to believe, he answers to the almighty dollar just like everyone else. He might have lost to ECU but the guy isn't dumb.
In other news, when I speak of dumb, I speak of the SEC officials. I tried to watch the Georgia - South Carolina game, or at least half of it, and was amazed by how the ineptitude of SEC officials. They are the slowest officials I have ever seen. They can't make a call without talking to every official and they're calls are usually confusing, even to the announcers. This isn't the first time I watched an SEC game and was amazed by how poor their officiating can be. For being the best football conference in America, you would think they can get some decent officials.
I feel bad for the people stuck in Texas following Hurricane Ike. But were they not repeatedly warned to evacuate? I remember reading that everyone should leave or else they will face the consequences on their own. I'm not saying people shouldn't go in there and try to help those who weren't wise enough to leave. That would be very bad. I'm just waiting to see how those people stuck in Texas are going to blame Bush for their problems. You know it's going to happen.
Oil is at it's lowest price in six months and gas prices have shot up. That really doesn't seem very fair, does it? I had to pay $4.09 today for gas. It was like $3.68 the other day. Where is John Veasey when you need him?
Stewart might be a hometown boy with the "aw shucks" personality but he's still the coach of a major university football program and he knows how to play the game. Had WVU remained undefeated deep in the season, he probably would have renegotiated the contract before signing, getting some more money. But since WVU has already faltered, he had to sign. Stewart has an agent and, regardless of what anyone wants to believe, he answers to the almighty dollar just like everyone else. He might have lost to ECU but the guy isn't dumb.
In other news, when I speak of dumb, I speak of the SEC officials. I tried to watch the Georgia - South Carolina game, or at least half of it, and was amazed by how the ineptitude of SEC officials. They are the slowest officials I have ever seen. They can't make a call without talking to every official and they're calls are usually confusing, even to the announcers. This isn't the first time I watched an SEC game and was amazed by how poor their officiating can be. For being the best football conference in America, you would think they can get some decent officials.
I feel bad for the people stuck in Texas following Hurricane Ike. But were they not repeatedly warned to evacuate? I remember reading that everyone should leave or else they will face the consequences on their own. I'm not saying people shouldn't go in there and try to help those who weren't wise enough to leave. That would be very bad. I'm just waiting to see how those people stuck in Texas are going to blame Bush for their problems. You know it's going to happen.
Oil is at it's lowest price in six months and gas prices have shot up. That really doesn't seem very fair, does it? I had to pay $4.09 today for gas. It was like $3.68 the other day. Where is John Veasey when you need him?
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Some Football Predictions
First, I should mention that today is September 11th. It was 7 years ago today that a group of suicidal fanatics staged the greatest attack ever on American soil. I point that out since it appears the American media has all but forgotten the attacks that occurred seven years ago. Maybe they're afraid to mention the 9/11 attacks since it could possibly play into the upcoming election considering the relative historic weakness (or perceived weakness) of the Democrat party on matters of national security. I'm not sure the reason but for an event of such historic magnitude in recent history, I would think it would get a little more airplay. But, hey, what do I know?
I do know how to predict some football games. Here goes...
West Fairmont 31 - Morgantown 21 - Say what you want...Morgantown is still struggling and West Fairmont could be the best team in the NCAC. Of course, the same could be said about University.
RCB 16 - North Marion 13 - It just never gets any easier for the Huskies.
Elkins 24 - Preston 19 - Is Elkins really that bad? Maybe. But I'll go for the upset.
East Fairmont 27 - Nicholas County 21 - Pretty much a must-win for East Fairmont. Morgantown is next and if they end September at 1-3, the playoff run could come to a quick stop.
Kansas 38 - South Florida 35 - Only two undefeated Big East teams coming into this weekend. Why not? Kansas isn't as good as last year but, after seeing USF struggle against UCF, I'm not sure South Florida is either.
USC 45 - Ohio State 17 - Sorry...saw that Ohio game. Ohio State just isn't that. Saw that Virginia game and USC is that good. So, when bad meets good, good usually stomps bad.
That's it...mark it down. Place your bets. Just don't call me if you're broke on Monday.
I do know how to predict some football games. Here goes...
West Fairmont 31 - Morgantown 21 - Say what you want...Morgantown is still struggling and West Fairmont could be the best team in the NCAC. Of course, the same could be said about University.
RCB 16 - North Marion 13 - It just never gets any easier for the Huskies.
Elkins 24 - Preston 19 - Is Elkins really that bad? Maybe. But I'll go for the upset.
East Fairmont 27 - Nicholas County 21 - Pretty much a must-win for East Fairmont. Morgantown is next and if they end September at 1-3, the playoff run could come to a quick stop.
Kansas 38 - South Florida 35 - Only two undefeated Big East teams coming into this weekend. Why not? Kansas isn't as good as last year but, after seeing USF struggle against UCF, I'm not sure South Florida is either.
USC 45 - Ohio State 17 - Sorry...saw that Ohio game. Ohio State just isn't that. Saw that Virginia game and USC is that good. So, when bad meets good, good usually stomps bad.
That's it...mark it down. Place your bets. Just don't call me if you're broke on Monday.
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
The McCain Surge
Wow. What a difference a week can make. Obama was up by 8-points and had all but been annoited as the next leader of the free world. And a week later it appears as though John McCain has found his mojo and is ahead by as much as 10-points according to some polls. That's a pretty dramatic shift considering the only thing new is McCain's running mate.
It's funny to watch the Obama campaign actually struggle for the first time. The one thing they're trying to pound on is Palin's inexperience. That strategy is poor though considering Obama's relative inexperience. Shoot, compared to Obama, Hilary Clinton was more than adequately prepared to be president and there were plenty of people out there complaining about Hilary's greenness.
Playing even more into the McCain campaign is the fact the American people don't know that much about Palin. Much like Obama, citizens can paint her with whatever brush they see fit. The caring and sensitive mother? Check. The hunter? Check. The "soccer / hockey mom?" Check. The fiscal conservative? Check. The progressive? Check. I could go on. That's how Obama gained his following. Say little and never show where you stand.
Unfortunately for the Obama campagin, he had to start taking actual stands on issues and his ideas, or lack thereof, have become apparent. And his overall inexperience is beginning to take center stage. Unlike Palin, who will just be backing up the much experience John McCain, the Obama campaign is trying to put someone with little experience in the driver's seat. And, as the election approaches, more people are beginning to realize they would rather have someone they know in that driver's seat than a huge question mark.
Still 56-days before election day. The media will do its best to drag Palin through the mud between now and then and try to ruin that clean gloss that covers her today. The attacks on McCain, Obama and Obama's running mate (is it Biden?) will obviously get much, much harsher. It actually may get exciting now. I'm looking forward to a good election season. Has to be better than Mountaineer football at this point...
It's funny to watch the Obama campaign actually struggle for the first time. The one thing they're trying to pound on is Palin's inexperience. That strategy is poor though considering Obama's relative inexperience. Shoot, compared to Obama, Hilary Clinton was more than adequately prepared to be president and there were plenty of people out there complaining about Hilary's greenness.
Playing even more into the McCain campaign is the fact the American people don't know that much about Palin. Much like Obama, citizens can paint her with whatever brush they see fit. The caring and sensitive mother? Check. The hunter? Check. The "soccer / hockey mom?" Check. The fiscal conservative? Check. The progressive? Check. I could go on. That's how Obama gained his following. Say little and never show where you stand.
Unfortunately for the Obama campagin, he had to start taking actual stands on issues and his ideas, or lack thereof, have become apparent. And his overall inexperience is beginning to take center stage. Unlike Palin, who will just be backing up the much experience John McCain, the Obama campaign is trying to put someone with little experience in the driver's seat. And, as the election approaches, more people are beginning to realize they would rather have someone they know in that driver's seat than a huge question mark.
Still 56-days before election day. The media will do its best to drag Palin through the mud between now and then and try to ruin that clean gloss that covers her today. The attacks on McCain, Obama and Obama's running mate (is it Biden?) will obviously get much, much harsher. It actually may get exciting now. I'm looking forward to a good election season. Has to be better than Mountaineer football at this point...
Sunday, September 07, 2008
And There You Have It
Where to begin? I didn't put up football predictions this week. I just wasn't sure what was going to happen. The Villanova game didn't instill the amount of confidence in me that I would have liked and seeing ECU defeat Virginia Tech supplied a bit of concern. But we're talking about the potent WVU offense against a non-BCS team, right? And after seeing ECU defeat Virginia Tech, there's no way WVU would come out flat against the Pirates, correct?
First, the WVU offense couldn't run over the non-BCS team and, second, the team did play flat. And, obviously, lost 24-3. No serious drives. No serious threats. No outcome in question. Just a whipping in Greenville. So what happened?
I'm not going to lay the blame for the loss with Coach Bill Stewart but there were obviously some coaching issues in the game. For a team to play as badly as WVU played (and I don't want to take anything away from the good play of ECU) lies at the doorstep of the coaches. While the WVU defense played well at times, their soft schemes continue to frustrate Mountaineer fans. And the WVU offense fell into a similar pattern as the Pittsburgh game last year. There were no attempts to move the ball down the field and Pat White was singularly relied upon to make plays with his legs.
Following the Villanova game, Coach Stewart indicated that WVU had not opened up the playbook on the Wildcats and there were some new wrinkles that would be unveiled. Well, I didn't see anything that looked any different than the offense the Rich Rodriguez has run for the past 6 years. If anything, it looked as though the playbook was actually reduced in size. Once again it goes to coaching. The execution wasn't there which means the players were not properly practiced for the game and when it became evident that the plays were not going to work, there was no attempt to make any changes to fix the broken system. Instead, WVU relied on the same old plays that created the deficit, much like last year's Pittsburgh game.
So, where do we go from here? A tough game at Colorado and then we get to come home for games against Marshall, Rutgers, Syracuse and Auburn. There are probably 2 guaranteed wins in there but games against Colorado, Rutgers and Auburn could be tough. If we're coming out of October with 3 or 4 losses, expect Mountaineer fans to begin jumping ship and demanding the head of Coach Stewart. Those that aren't now, anyway. And, if this team doesn't improve immensely over the next 10-days, the Mountaineers could be sporting a losing record when they return to Milan-Puskar Stadium.
I'm not giving up yet. The Big East is very weak this year and it's still very possible WVU could have just had a bad week and turn it around, win the Big East and go to another BCS bowl. But what I have seen the first two weeks of the season doesn't necessarily give me a lot of confidence. If this team falters and posts a poor record, we could be seeing a rapid demise of Mountaineer football. It's too soon to say, but if things go south, they could stay there for a long time.
First, the WVU offense couldn't run over the non-BCS team and, second, the team did play flat. And, obviously, lost 24-3. No serious drives. No serious threats. No outcome in question. Just a whipping in Greenville. So what happened?
I'm not going to lay the blame for the loss with Coach Bill Stewart but there were obviously some coaching issues in the game. For a team to play as badly as WVU played (and I don't want to take anything away from the good play of ECU) lies at the doorstep of the coaches. While the WVU defense played well at times, their soft schemes continue to frustrate Mountaineer fans. And the WVU offense fell into a similar pattern as the Pittsburgh game last year. There were no attempts to move the ball down the field and Pat White was singularly relied upon to make plays with his legs.
Following the Villanova game, Coach Stewart indicated that WVU had not opened up the playbook on the Wildcats and there were some new wrinkles that would be unveiled. Well, I didn't see anything that looked any different than the offense the Rich Rodriguez has run for the past 6 years. If anything, it looked as though the playbook was actually reduced in size. Once again it goes to coaching. The execution wasn't there which means the players were not properly practiced for the game and when it became evident that the plays were not going to work, there was no attempt to make any changes to fix the broken system. Instead, WVU relied on the same old plays that created the deficit, much like last year's Pittsburgh game.
So, where do we go from here? A tough game at Colorado and then we get to come home for games against Marshall, Rutgers, Syracuse and Auburn. There are probably 2 guaranteed wins in there but games against Colorado, Rutgers and Auburn could be tough. If we're coming out of October with 3 or 4 losses, expect Mountaineer fans to begin jumping ship and demanding the head of Coach Stewart. Those that aren't now, anyway. And, if this team doesn't improve immensely over the next 10-days, the Mountaineers could be sporting a losing record when they return to Milan-Puskar Stadium.
I'm not giving up yet. The Big East is very weak this year and it's still very possible WVU could have just had a bad week and turn it around, win the Big East and go to another BCS bowl. But what I have seen the first two weeks of the season doesn't necessarily give me a lot of confidence. If this team falters and posts a poor record, we could be seeing a rapid demise of Mountaineer football. It's too soon to say, but if things go south, they could stay there for a long time.
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Palin and the Election
I've said it before and I'll say it again: I just can't get excited for this election. McCain took a risk in picking Alaska governor Sarah Palin as his running mate. It made me yawn. Obama's pick of Joe Biden was even more boring. Even the controversy surrounding Palin and her daughter hardly draws my attention for more than a second. From the election coverage I'm seeing, I might be alone in being bored by the matchup of the elder John McCain against the empty-headed agent of "change," Barack Obama. (By empty-headed, I mean that guy doesn't have any real ideas...he speaks purely in grandiose terms without giving any idea of a real agenda...)
So, McCain picks Palin in an obvious attempt to excite the former Hilary Clinton supporters. Even Hilary herself heaps praise on McCain and Palin for making the move. But the Democrats obviously weren't so happy. First they attack Palin for her 17-year old daughter being pregnant. Lord knows that has never happened in any family before. And now, this morning on the Today Show, they are attacking Palin for being a working mother. Wow. I thought Democrats wanted all mothers to be working? I thought the Democrats stood up for the working mother? Oh, that's right...only if they're Democrat.
Of course, the sword cuts both ways. The far right has long complained about working mothers and teen pregnancy. And now they want to elect a working mother with a pregnant teen. The hipocrisy is deep on all sides here. And here I am, and probably you too, stuck in the middle...not really caring if Palin has a pregnant teenage daughter and understanding that she can work and take care of her children's needs at the same time.
But, it's election season and any reasonable thoughts have to be thrown out the window. A working mother is horrible. A working mother is a model for all women. A pregnant teen is unacceptable. A pregnant teen is someone who needs the support of all those around her. There's no middle ground...it's all or nothing. The election is in November. Good luck.
So, McCain picks Palin in an obvious attempt to excite the former Hilary Clinton supporters. Even Hilary herself heaps praise on McCain and Palin for making the move. But the Democrats obviously weren't so happy. First they attack Palin for her 17-year old daughter being pregnant. Lord knows that has never happened in any family before. And now, this morning on the Today Show, they are attacking Palin for being a working mother. Wow. I thought Democrats wanted all mothers to be working? I thought the Democrats stood up for the working mother? Oh, that's right...only if they're Democrat.
Of course, the sword cuts both ways. The far right has long complained about working mothers and teen pregnancy. And now they want to elect a working mother with a pregnant teen. The hipocrisy is deep on all sides here. And here I am, and probably you too, stuck in the middle...not really caring if Palin has a pregnant teenage daughter and understanding that she can work and take care of her children's needs at the same time.
But, it's election season and any reasonable thoughts have to be thrown out the window. A working mother is horrible. A working mother is a model for all women. A pregnant teen is unacceptable. A pregnant teen is someone who needs the support of all those around her. There's no middle ground...it's all or nothing. The election is in November. Good luck.
Monday, September 01, 2008
Return of the Big Least
I hate to say the Big Least is back...but, geesh, what else can I say? The Big East laid a huge egg in the first week of college football. Pittsburgh, supposedly in contention for the Big East title, lost to Bowling Green from the MAC. The Wannstache once again proves he can't coach...recruiting is not coaching. Pittsburgh is going to be a below average team until they get a real coach. That doesn't mean they can get lucky now and then...but there's no consistency.
Syracuse lost to Northwestern. Not much of a shock there, really. Syracuse is just really, really bad. It's going to take more than a coaching change to get that team back on the right track. Louisville scored a whopping 2-points against Kentucky. TWO POINTS?!? What happened to the Louisville offense? And it's not like Kentucky is a great SEC team...not as bad as they used to be but not a major team.
And then, today, Rutgers proved they have no offense either by losing to Fresno State 24-7 at home. Granted, Fresno State is a decent team but they're not a BCS team. That made the Big East 0-4 against "Divsion I" teams. Thankfully the other Big East teams decided to play "Division II" teams and get a few wins. But if this is an indication of how the season is going to go, it's going to be a long, long year for Big East fans. The conference has worked very hard to shed the weak label but after this week, I'm not sure.
On a positive note, Michigan lost to Utah. East Carolina beat Virginia Tech. And, well, Pittsburgh lost, which is funny. West Virginia played well against Villanova but I'm a bit nervous about this game against ECU this week. East Carolina's quarterback is good and the WVU secondary is suspect. And playing in Greenville will present a real test. I feel pretty good about the offense and Pat White definitely looked sharp. Villanova was a nice warmup game but the real tests obviously still lay ahead.
Syracuse lost to Northwestern. Not much of a shock there, really. Syracuse is just really, really bad. It's going to take more than a coaching change to get that team back on the right track. Louisville scored a whopping 2-points against Kentucky. TWO POINTS?!? What happened to the Louisville offense? And it's not like Kentucky is a great SEC team...not as bad as they used to be but not a major team.
And then, today, Rutgers proved they have no offense either by losing to Fresno State 24-7 at home. Granted, Fresno State is a decent team but they're not a BCS team. That made the Big East 0-4 against "Divsion I" teams. Thankfully the other Big East teams decided to play "Division II" teams and get a few wins. But if this is an indication of how the season is going to go, it's going to be a long, long year for Big East fans. The conference has worked very hard to shed the weak label but after this week, I'm not sure.
On a positive note, Michigan lost to Utah. East Carolina beat Virginia Tech. And, well, Pittsburgh lost, which is funny. West Virginia played well against Villanova but I'm a bit nervous about this game against ECU this week. East Carolina's quarterback is good and the WVU secondary is suspect. And playing in Greenville will present a real test. I feel pretty good about the offense and Pat White definitely looked sharp. Villanova was a nice warmup game but the real tests obviously still lay ahead.
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