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.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
It's Football Time
West Virginia high school football begins tomorrow. College football kinda began tonight and the real stuff starts Saturday. West Virginia football begins at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday. So, it's time for some predictions. I'm tired, so nothing much except for predictions that don't mean anything...
East Fairmont 24 - Elkins 21 - I've said it before, I'll say it again: East Fairmont always beats Elkins. I don't know why...it just always happens. If East goes 1-9, they'll beat Elkins. Sorry Tigers...
West Fairmont 31 - RCB 16 - RCB has never turned into the football powerhouse they should be. West Fairmont should be pretty good this year.
University 34 - North Marion 12 - The losing streak is definitely not ending in Week 1.
Morgantown 27 - Morgantown 24 - This should be a good game. Morgantown was definitely down last year. Don't expect them to be there long.
Alabama 27 - Clemson 17 - Welcome to Alabama, Coach Saban!
Utah 32 - Michigan 28 - Welcome to Michigan, Coach Rodriguez!
West Virginia 56 - Villanova 13 - And, lastly, welcome home Coach Stewart!
East Fairmont 24 - Elkins 21 - I've said it before, I'll say it again: East Fairmont always beats Elkins. I don't know why...it just always happens. If East goes 1-9, they'll beat Elkins. Sorry Tigers...
West Fairmont 31 - RCB 16 - RCB has never turned into the football powerhouse they should be. West Fairmont should be pretty good this year.
University 34 - North Marion 12 - The losing streak is definitely not ending in Week 1.
Morgantown 27 - Morgantown 24 - This should be a good game. Morgantown was definitely down last year. Don't expect them to be there long.
Alabama 27 - Clemson 17 - Welcome to Alabama, Coach Saban!
Utah 32 - Michigan 28 - Welcome to Michigan, Coach Rodriguez!
West Virginia 56 - Villanova 13 - And, lastly, welcome home Coach Stewart!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Shock on First Day of Football
Shock. Confusion. Dismay. Anger. All words that could describe the atmosphere following the shocking outcome of Saturday's game as West Virginia faced Division I FCS (formerly Division II) opponent Villanova. The #8 Mountaineers struggled down the stretch and couldn't score at the end of the game when it mattered most and lost to the Wildcats 17-14.
"Dagggummit," said new WVU head coach Bill Stewart. "I just don't know what happened out there. Pat's injury hurt us but we're playing a Division II team for goodness sake. Probably shouldn't lose those."
Senior quarterback Pat White was injured early in the second quarter while attempting a punt return and never returned to the game.
"It seemed like a good idea," White said following the game. "I'm fast and tough. I can return a punt if I want to. Who's going to tell me no? I should be fine before the East Carolina, thankfully."
The Mountaineers quickly exhausted the depth chart as starting running back Noel Devine was called out on a family emergency, backup QB Jarrett Brown went to the hospital with Pat White and the first team defense was at King Family Restaurant.
"It was Villanova. And we were hungry," said Reed Williams. "They play Division II football at Villanova. I honestly thought it was another scrimmage. You mean that really counts?"
The loss reminded many of Michigan's loss to Appalachian State last year. Which is ironic considering who is at Michigan now.
"Those things happen. They wouldn't have happened if West Virginia had given me what I had earned but, hey, I'm happy to be a Wolverine for the rest of my days," said the Coach that will not be named.
The Mountaineers had high hopes for a BCS title game coming into the season. That would seem far-fetched at this point in the season.
"Well, I guess it's back to the drawing board," Coach Stewart said in the post-game interview. "I just can't believe the defense didn't show up. Literally, they weren't there. I guess they went to King's Family Restaurant and had the buffett. I mean, it's a good buffett but there's football to play. It's pretty disappointing. I was hungry too but there was a game."
Disappointing might be putting it mildly for Mountaineer fans who paid a substantial increase in tickets to see a Mountaineer squad that is supposed to challenge for a national title.
"Are you kidding me?" said one Mountaineer fan who didn't want to be identified. "I spent my kid's college money to watch the Mountaineers and they lost to Villanova. I think I'm going to be sick."
It was an ugly scene in Morgantown on Saturday night as Mountaineer fans took to the street demanding some satisfaction. None was to be found though, so they just went home. The Mountaineers try to get back on track next Saturday as they travel to Greenville, NC to face East Carolina. Hopefully the defense makes the trip and Pat White decides to play quarterback. Only time will tell what longterm damage has been done to this one-time national contender.
-----------------------------
This was satire. I don't want WVU to lose. They won't lose. I was just bored. (But can you imagine the absolute outpouring of disgruntled fans if they did. It would pale in comparison to what I typed...)
"Dagggummit," said new WVU head coach Bill Stewart. "I just don't know what happened out there. Pat's injury hurt us but we're playing a Division II team for goodness sake. Probably shouldn't lose those."
Senior quarterback Pat White was injured early in the second quarter while attempting a punt return and never returned to the game.
"It seemed like a good idea," White said following the game. "I'm fast and tough. I can return a punt if I want to. Who's going to tell me no? I should be fine before the East Carolina, thankfully."
The Mountaineers quickly exhausted the depth chart as starting running back Noel Devine was called out on a family emergency, backup QB Jarrett Brown went to the hospital with Pat White and the first team defense was at King Family Restaurant.
"It was Villanova. And we were hungry," said Reed Williams. "They play Division II football at Villanova. I honestly thought it was another scrimmage. You mean that really counts?"
The loss reminded many of Michigan's loss to Appalachian State last year. Which is ironic considering who is at Michigan now.
"Those things happen. They wouldn't have happened if West Virginia had given me what I had earned but, hey, I'm happy to be a Wolverine for the rest of my days," said the Coach that will not be named.
The Mountaineers had high hopes for a BCS title game coming into the season. That would seem far-fetched at this point in the season.
"Well, I guess it's back to the drawing board," Coach Stewart said in the post-game interview. "I just can't believe the defense didn't show up. Literally, they weren't there. I guess they went to King's Family Restaurant and had the buffett. I mean, it's a good buffett but there's football to play. It's pretty disappointing. I was hungry too but there was a game."
Disappointing might be putting it mildly for Mountaineer fans who paid a substantial increase in tickets to see a Mountaineer squad that is supposed to challenge for a national title.
"Are you kidding me?" said one Mountaineer fan who didn't want to be identified. "I spent my kid's college money to watch the Mountaineers and they lost to Villanova. I think I'm going to be sick."
It was an ugly scene in Morgantown on Saturday night as Mountaineer fans took to the street demanding some satisfaction. None was to be found though, so they just went home. The Mountaineers try to get back on track next Saturday as they travel to Greenville, NC to face East Carolina. Hopefully the defense makes the trip and Pat White decides to play quarterback. Only time will tell what longterm damage has been done to this one-time national contender.
-----------------------------
This was satire. I don't want WVU to lose. They won't lose. I was just bored. (But can you imagine the absolute outpouring of disgruntled fans if they did. It would pale in comparison to what I typed...)
Monday, August 25, 2008
Erase Five Bands
Kinda interesting to see and hear what bands people would erase from history. It sounds pretty simple...pick five bands you really hate and erase them. But when I got to thinking about it, I realized that it was very, very difficult to pick only five. I'm going to go through some bands that just missed the cut...and, don't get mad, I even own CDs from some of these groups...I'm just not sure it's necessary.
There's a whole genre of new rock out there that I can't stand. The group "Type O Negative" epitomizes this music. I could look beyond the heaviness of the rock if it weren't for all the screaming. There's actually a little musicality there but I can't stand screaming and growling in music. Sing the song with some god-given talent...don't just yell in a microphone. Not all their songs are like that either...just had to make some though. I would erase all those bands if I could.
I could probably also do without all the artists like Backstreet Boys, NSYNC, Britney Spears, Avril Lavigne, etc., but it's not worth the effort to put them on the list. Also, dump Country music all together...it's basically turned into pop music anyway so I'm not sure why it remains its own genre (except for the lyrics...) And I could do without a lot of one-hit wonder groups, especially the dance ones like Los Del Rio, Rednex, Quad City DJs and Toni Basil.
Anyway, here goes:
Kid Rock
Metallica - Yeah, I cannot stand Metallica. Get over it.
U2 - This is not the greatest band ever.
New Bon Jovi - A country album? Are you serious?
Aerosmith - One the '90s hit, this band sucked. "Crazy," "Cryin'" -- how about pukin'.
So, those are 5 "artists" I would definitely erase if I could. There are far more that I would put on the chopping block but those five are pretty good. Popular and poor, in my not so humble opinion.
Feel free to keep contributing your ideas. I was surprised to see Nirvana on a couple lists...but, hey, to each his or her own, right?
There's a whole genre of new rock out there that I can't stand. The group "Type O Negative" epitomizes this music. I could look beyond the heaviness of the rock if it weren't for all the screaming. There's actually a little musicality there but I can't stand screaming and growling in music. Sing the song with some god-given talent...don't just yell in a microphone. Not all their songs are like that either...just had to make some though. I would erase all those bands if I could.
I could probably also do without all the artists like Backstreet Boys, NSYNC, Britney Spears, Avril Lavigne, etc., but it's not worth the effort to put them on the list. Also, dump Country music all together...it's basically turned into pop music anyway so I'm not sure why it remains its own genre (except for the lyrics...) And I could do without a lot of one-hit wonder groups, especially the dance ones like Los Del Rio, Rednex, Quad City DJs and Toni Basil.
Anyway, here goes:
Kid Rock
Metallica - Yeah, I cannot stand Metallica. Get over it.
U2 - This is not the greatest band ever.
New Bon Jovi - A country album? Are you serious?
Aerosmith - One the '90s hit, this band sucked. "Crazy," "Cryin'" -- how about pukin'.
So, those are 5 "artists" I would definitely erase if I could. There are far more that I would put on the chopping block but those five are pretty good. Popular and poor, in my not so humble opinion.
Feel free to keep contributing your ideas. I was surprised to see Nirvana on a couple lists...but, hey, to each his or her own, right?
Friday, August 22, 2008
Stolen from Fark.com
Yes, I'm borrowing this from Fark...answer if you want. Or don't...I just don't have any opinions this morning:
You get to erase 5 bands from music history. Who do you choose?
Submit your answers and I'll give mine on Monday probably.
You get to erase 5 bands from music history. Who do you choose?
Submit your answers and I'll give mine on Monday probably.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Lower Drinking Age?
I don't know that I even want to get into this one too deep. 100 university presidents recently came out in favor of lowering the legal drinking age from 21 to 18. Their argument in support of a lower drinking age is the abundance of binge drinking on college campuses. By lowering the drinking age, students won't "binge" because, well, they'll have easier access to alcohol. If you have access, you won't feel like you need to drink excessively when alcohol is available. Opponents say that lowering the drinking age won't end binge drinking, will make alcohol more accessible to younger people and will increase drunk driving.
Honestly, I don't have much of an opinion either way. The fact is that the legal drinking age isn't enforced rigorously at this point so changing the age doesn't matter. Even with all the regulations in place, people under 21 can still walk into a liquor store and buy whatever they want without hassle. Police could easily track underage parties and bust them up but they choose to look the other way. If no one enforces the laws that are currently on the books, then what makes the difference on whether the age is 21, 29 or 12. Lowering the age is not going to prevent binge drinking. Only education of the dangers will make any difference. But, as Obama said, these decisions are "above my pay grade."
More disconcerting to me, and receiving less attention, is the recent report from the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse. The report states that nineteen percent of teenagers found it easier to purchase prescription drugs than cigarettes, beer or marijuana, compared with 13 percent a year ago. A quarter of the teens said it is easiest to buy marijuana, with 43 percent of 17-year-olds saying they could buy the drug in less than an hour.
Why is this not receiving the attention it deserves? There is a serious drug problem in this country and the accessibility for high school students (and younger) has never been higher. Lowering the drinking age is a distraction from the real problems facing our culture. The abuse of prescription pills and other drugs is real and it's happening everywhere and no one will recognize the problem. Some counties in West Virginia have stated planned initiatives for addressing the issue but it's too little. Some people act as though it's not a real issue because, hey, doctors prescribe these drugs so how bad can it be?
School officials need to work with police to begin addresses these problems now. They're already out of control...allowing them to build will make it impossible to ever change. Students are not afraid of getting caught because no one is attempting to catch them. Without even the fear of punishment, why would anyone ever change their ways? Do students have to die before people local officials will admit there is an issue? Give it time and it will happen. It's a shame we have to wait that long.
Anyway, got off on a tangent there a bit...but, really, it's all related in some way. Hopefully someone will address these issues sooner than later.
Honestly, I don't have much of an opinion either way. The fact is that the legal drinking age isn't enforced rigorously at this point so changing the age doesn't matter. Even with all the regulations in place, people under 21 can still walk into a liquor store and buy whatever they want without hassle. Police could easily track underage parties and bust them up but they choose to look the other way. If no one enforces the laws that are currently on the books, then what makes the difference on whether the age is 21, 29 or 12. Lowering the age is not going to prevent binge drinking. Only education of the dangers will make any difference. But, as Obama said, these decisions are "above my pay grade."
More disconcerting to me, and receiving less attention, is the recent report from the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse. The report states that nineteen percent of teenagers found it easier to purchase prescription drugs than cigarettes, beer or marijuana, compared with 13 percent a year ago. A quarter of the teens said it is easiest to buy marijuana, with 43 percent of 17-year-olds saying they could buy the drug in less than an hour.
Why is this not receiving the attention it deserves? There is a serious drug problem in this country and the accessibility for high school students (and younger) has never been higher. Lowering the drinking age is a distraction from the real problems facing our culture. The abuse of prescription pills and other drugs is real and it's happening everywhere and no one will recognize the problem. Some counties in West Virginia have stated planned initiatives for addressing the issue but it's too little. Some people act as though it's not a real issue because, hey, doctors prescribe these drugs so how bad can it be?
School officials need to work with police to begin addresses these problems now. They're already out of control...allowing them to build will make it impossible to ever change. Students are not afraid of getting caught because no one is attempting to catch them. Without even the fear of punishment, why would anyone ever change their ways? Do students have to die before people local officials will admit there is an issue? Give it time and it will happen. It's a shame we have to wait that long.
Anyway, got off on a tangent there a bit...but, really, it's all related in some way. Hopefully someone will address these issues sooner than later.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
The Phelps Effect
Michael Phelps won 8 gold medals. That's pretty impressive. So he's a national celebrity now, which is cool. And he'll come back to the States to a hero's welcome, which he deserves. But, honestly, 2 months from now will it really matter? Sure, he'll always be able to do a television commericial or two and years from now he'll show up at the Olympics and everyone will be impressed (Hello, Mary Lou...) but, let's face it, it's swimming.
I'm not saying anything bad about swimming. Everyone can swim but not at a competitive level. It's a very demanding sport. But it's not going to translate into everyone deciding to swim. Phelps can't impact the sport of swimming like Lance Armstrong impacted cycling or Tiger Woods impacted golf. Everyone can buy a bicycle and go for a ride and everyone can buy some clubs and give it a go but not everyone can, or will, hop in a pool. What I'm saying is that the long-term effects of Phelps' amazing feats will pale in comparison to those of Woods and Armstrong.
Does it really matter? No. Phelps will still be a millionaire many times over and will always have loving fans. But don't pretend like Phelps is going to make millions of swimmers out of the American populace. Just isn't going to happen. Just isn't the right sport.
I'm not saying anything bad about swimming. Everyone can swim but not at a competitive level. It's a very demanding sport. But it's not going to translate into everyone deciding to swim. Phelps can't impact the sport of swimming like Lance Armstrong impacted cycling or Tiger Woods impacted golf. Everyone can buy a bicycle and go for a ride and everyone can buy some clubs and give it a go but not everyone can, or will, hop in a pool. What I'm saying is that the long-term effects of Phelps' amazing feats will pale in comparison to those of Woods and Armstrong.
Does it really matter? No. Phelps will still be a millionaire many times over and will always have loving fans. But don't pretend like Phelps is going to make millions of swimmers out of the American populace. Just isn't going to happen. Just isn't the right sport.
Monday, August 18, 2008
The Jonas Desk
Well, I just returned from a week out of the office and fully anticipated the worst. I figured I would have to spend my first 3 hours back trying to clean up the mess that was left for me. Would it be cups half full of water? My office full of balloons? Or maybe worse?
To my surprise, I was able to get in my office this morning and the damage was, thankfully, minimal. I now have the Jonas Brothers desk...which was clever and well executed. The inconvenience is just minimal enough that I haven't bothered to remove it yet but the embarassment I feel from everyone who sees it is just enough to make it very annoying. It will take a good half hour or so to remove the packing tape that is holding down the pictures and I haven't found the time or will to start cutting yet. So, on the scale of good office pranks, it ranks pretty high in my opinion. Here are the pictures for your enjoyment:
Pretty funny if you ask me. Of course, I question why someone would be able to so quickly find so many pictures of the Jonas Brothers. Perhaps the assailant is a member of the Jonas Brothers fan club? Yeah, that's probably it. Regardless, it was funny and it really livens up my office...
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Olympics or Gasoline
What do you think Americans are more excited about: Olympic medals or lower gas prices? My money goes on the gas prices. Driving through Bridgeport Friday, I noticed gas is down to $3.66 and is expected to drop to $3.50 by the end of the month. Sixty-cents off per gallon, which will save me about $10.00 per fill-up. That's not chump-change...adds up to $40.00 in savings per month. Which is nice. Who would have guessed oil would eventually drop and the dollar would strengthen? Oh, that's right, me.
As for the Olympics, they're sometimes entertaining. There's a lot of boring sports...and a lot of sports that the United States doesn't really care about. NBC's coverage might be a little over the top and, in case I don't remember, Tiki Barber is a horrible, horrible reporter. I caught him on TV this morning and he was just absolutely horrendous. The US leads in overall medal count but the Chinese lead in gold. The track stuff is still to come though and that's where the US will probably dominate. Or they should at least. I'm not sure how much average Americans are watching...obviously NBC has spent a ton of money on this spectacle and I'll be anxious to see the final results for them. I know I'm watching more than I really want to.
In other news, we're only 2-weeks from football season for the Mountaineers. On August 30th, WVU will host the football powerhouse of Villanova. If the Mountaineers win by less than 40, it will be an upset. This should be an interesting year considering the firepower in the backfield of White and Devine. If White has some receivers and has improved his accuracy, it could be a long year for defenders. The 2 out-of-conference games against Colorado and Auburn could be huge stumbling blocks. If the stars align, it could be a special season. I'm not counting any chickens yet though...lots of tough tests before the season is over.
Lastly, keep an eye on the Georgia/Russia saga going on. For some reason, it hasn't garnered much attention but it should. If you're worried about what a hiccup in Middle East oil could do to this country, imagine making the Russians mad and them turning off the tap. Russia produces nearly 9.4 million barrels per day while Iran produces 4 million barrels per day. Of course, Russia cannot afford to lower their production as it is really their only means of keeping their economy afloat but if the US plays hardball, don't be surprised if they play the oil card. So, maybe low prices are just temporary? Sure hope not...
As for the Olympics, they're sometimes entertaining. There's a lot of boring sports...and a lot of sports that the United States doesn't really care about. NBC's coverage might be a little over the top and, in case I don't remember, Tiki Barber is a horrible, horrible reporter. I caught him on TV this morning and he was just absolutely horrendous. The US leads in overall medal count but the Chinese lead in gold. The track stuff is still to come though and that's where the US will probably dominate. Or they should at least. I'm not sure how much average Americans are watching...obviously NBC has spent a ton of money on this spectacle and I'll be anxious to see the final results for them. I know I'm watching more than I really want to.
In other news, we're only 2-weeks from football season for the Mountaineers. On August 30th, WVU will host the football powerhouse of Villanova. If the Mountaineers win by less than 40, it will be an upset. This should be an interesting year considering the firepower in the backfield of White and Devine. If White has some receivers and has improved his accuracy, it could be a long year for defenders. The 2 out-of-conference games against Colorado and Auburn could be huge stumbling blocks. If the stars align, it could be a special season. I'm not counting any chickens yet though...lots of tough tests before the season is over.
Lastly, keep an eye on the Georgia/Russia saga going on. For some reason, it hasn't garnered much attention but it should. If you're worried about what a hiccup in Middle East oil could do to this country, imagine making the Russians mad and them turning off the tap. Russia produces nearly 9.4 million barrels per day while Iran produces 4 million barrels per day. Of course, Russia cannot afford to lower their production as it is really their only means of keeping their economy afloat but if the US plays hardball, don't be surprised if they play the oil card. So, maybe low prices are just temporary? Sure hope not...
Friday, August 08, 2008
Brett Favre / Olympics / Etc.
First, I am so disappointed that Brett Favre was traded to the J-E-T-S, Jets Jets Jets. I was really hoping he'd stick around Green Bay for a few weeks and make everyone miserable and then decide to retire again. Some people will always blame the Green Bay administration for the Favre debacle but I think Favre is truly to blame. He's been this way for years and only now do people see that he has to be the center of attention. He might have a good season in New York. I don't think he will...but, one thing is for sure, it will be entertaining.
The Olympics start this evening. Talk about a debacle. Obviously the Chinese are coming under some pretty harsh criticism already for attempting to control the media's coverage of the Olympics and restricting Internet access. What did you expect from a Communist country that has a severe human rights issue? The funniest thing to me though is that more people are focusing on China's environmental issues than their human rights issues. In some people's minds abusing the environment is a far worse crime than actually abusing people. That is sad to me.
Some people might look at this as a chance for China to make improvements. I see just the opposite. If the world is willing to stand by and watch China oppress its citizens and actually reward the country for such behavior, why would they ever change? Make no mistake about it, China is the future of tyranny in the world. A scary, scary world.
Lastly, I'll be out of town for a week. So, I apologize in advance for not keeping up...but, hey, I'm a busy person. Sometimes.
The Olympics start this evening. Talk about a debacle. Obviously the Chinese are coming under some pretty harsh criticism already for attempting to control the media's coverage of the Olympics and restricting Internet access. What did you expect from a Communist country that has a severe human rights issue? The funniest thing to me though is that more people are focusing on China's environmental issues than their human rights issues. In some people's minds abusing the environment is a far worse crime than actually abusing people. That is sad to me.
Some people might look at this as a chance for China to make improvements. I see just the opposite. If the world is willing to stand by and watch China oppress its citizens and actually reward the country for such behavior, why would they ever change? Make no mistake about it, China is the future of tyranny in the world. A scary, scary world.
Lastly, I'll be out of town for a week. So, I apologize in advance for not keeping up...but, hey, I'm a busy person. Sometimes.
Monday, August 04, 2008
Losers in Green Bay
Brett Favre is now unretired. Wow. Once again Favre proved that he cares about only one thing and that is Brett Favre. Again he held the Packer organization hostage and, again, the Packer organization bowed to him. Princess Favre proved himself the prima donna I always knew he was and several others have now seen the light.
So, Favre is going to compete for a start spot with the Packers. Let's see how that plays out. If Favre wins, he continues to hold the Packers organization hostage, like always. He'll complain about McCarthy and the ownership and continue to poison the franchise by undermining the staff and, well, be Favre-like. And then, when he does actually leave, he'll leave them in shambles because they'll have a backup quarterback whose confidence is completely broken by the fact he was beat out by a retired quarterback.
Oh, but if Rodgers wins the starting job...well, it doesn't get much better. How about the first game that Rodgers would start that breaks Favre's consecutive start streak? Imagine the crying that John Madden will do if that occurs. The obligatory shots of Favre sitting on the bench following every Rodger's incomplete pass or interception. And don't forget the Favre apologists will be out there trying to pressue the Pack to start Favre and floating the theory that Favre is only on the bench to punish him for coming out of retirement. How could any quarterback thrive in that environment?
Either way, this thing has been a debacle and it has not been fair to Aaron Rodgers or the Green Bay Packers. If Favre was half the team player he proclaims to be, he would have remained in retirement and not caused all this grief for an organization that gave him everything. But, like I've said countless times, Brett Favre only cares about Brett Favre.
So, Favre is going to compete for a start spot with the Packers. Let's see how that plays out. If Favre wins, he continues to hold the Packers organization hostage, like always. He'll complain about McCarthy and the ownership and continue to poison the franchise by undermining the staff and, well, be Favre-like. And then, when he does actually leave, he'll leave them in shambles because they'll have a backup quarterback whose confidence is completely broken by the fact he was beat out by a retired quarterback.
Oh, but if Rodgers wins the starting job...well, it doesn't get much better. How about the first game that Rodgers would start that breaks Favre's consecutive start streak? Imagine the crying that John Madden will do if that occurs. The obligatory shots of Favre sitting on the bench following every Rodger's incomplete pass or interception. And don't forget the Favre apologists will be out there trying to pressue the Pack to start Favre and floating the theory that Favre is only on the bench to punish him for coming out of retirement. How could any quarterback thrive in that environment?
Either way, this thing has been a debacle and it has not been fair to Aaron Rodgers or the Green Bay Packers. If Favre was half the team player he proclaims to be, he would have remained in retirement and not caused all this grief for an organization that gave him everything. But, like I've said countless times, Brett Favre only cares about Brett Favre.
Friday, August 01, 2008
A Traumatic Experience at Sams
Headed up Sam's way last evening to purchase some chips and water (seriously, just chips and water) and had a very poor time of it. First, let's talk about Eastpointe Plaza. Is there any worse area to try in which to drive in and out? On my way in, I could see traffic was backed up all the way to Kroger. The stoplights to get in and out of the area are poor, at best. And given the way most people drive, nothing goes smoothly up that way. I wanted to go down towards Anmoore to leave but I couldn't get turned left. The car in front of me couldn't pull the trigger and go...so I sat there for 5 minutes, counting the number of times I could have made the turn. Finally she gave up and turned right and within 10-seconds I hda made the left turn.
Anyway, back to Sams. Arrived and nearly got hit by some other Sams patron who apparently didn't understand that only the right lane turns right. As they cut me off, I patiently waited. I knew it was coming...but that didn't mean I liked it...but I tried to be nice about it. After waiting for all the people leaving Sams to waddle across the walk area, I was finally able to park.
I entered the store and grabbed a buggy. Or three to be more exact. I spent the next 30 seconds or so trying to separate the buggies from themselves. I finally ended up with one buggy that only had one bad wheel. Not too shabby. For the next 15 minutes I maneuvered my way around carts and buggies and people who are either too lazy or too stupid to clear the aisle. At one point, I tried to squeeze between two rather robust people who both decided to move towards the center and proceeded to crush me between their carts. After lying unconscious on the ground for 5-minutes, I got up and retrieved my water and sun chips. I threw in a can of nuts just for good measure.
Now it was time for the dreaded checkout. I proceeded to the "shortest" line, which contained only 83 people. Or maybe it was 7 people with enough groceries for 83. Apparently one of the Sams workers saw me with my can 'o nuts and chips and took pity on me as she opened a new line and invited me over. God bless that lady. I was home free...or it would seem. But I had to now navigate my way to the exit. With buggy obstacles lining the way, I cut through the tables that no one was sitting at to try to escape. But, alas, I was cut off at the pass by two double-decker buggies running side-by-side with two sssslllllloooooowwwww drivers moving them down. I was trapped. So, I slowly walked behind them until we reached the final destination...the receipt checker guy.
Now, first of all, why do you really need the receipt checker guy? I've never really seen a receipt checker go through every item to mark them off. It seems pretty useless. Well, until last night that was. Apparently this receipt checker thought these behemoths of shopping might be trying to smuggle out a roast or something because he proceeded to check through both buggies while I stood there in awe of the fact someone is actually checking through the buggies. After a good 2 minutes of searching, he was satisfied that they were not taking anything and allowed them to proceed through the exit. I was next and, since I had a whopping 5 items, he quickly moved me out the door.
I departed the shopping center where I was nearly plowed over in the same walk area that I had so patiently waited for other patrons to cross earlier. I returned to my vehicle where I placed my newly purchased goodies securely in the trunk. I then proceeded to return my three-wheeled grocery chariot to the store as the nearest cart return was a good mile away. And then I left Sams, which was obviously the best part. Just another trip to Sams really. It could have been worse though...I could have gone to Wal-Mart.
Anyway, back to Sams. Arrived and nearly got hit by some other Sams patron who apparently didn't understand that only the right lane turns right. As they cut me off, I patiently waited. I knew it was coming...but that didn't mean I liked it...but I tried to be nice about it. After waiting for all the people leaving Sams to waddle across the walk area, I was finally able to park.
I entered the store and grabbed a buggy. Or three to be more exact. I spent the next 30 seconds or so trying to separate the buggies from themselves. I finally ended up with one buggy that only had one bad wheel. Not too shabby. For the next 15 minutes I maneuvered my way around carts and buggies and people who are either too lazy or too stupid to clear the aisle. At one point, I tried to squeeze between two rather robust people who both decided to move towards the center and proceeded to crush me between their carts. After lying unconscious on the ground for 5-minutes, I got up and retrieved my water and sun chips. I threw in a can of nuts just for good measure.
Now it was time for the dreaded checkout. I proceeded to the "shortest" line, which contained only 83 people. Or maybe it was 7 people with enough groceries for 83. Apparently one of the Sams workers saw me with my can 'o nuts and chips and took pity on me as she opened a new line and invited me over. God bless that lady. I was home free...or it would seem. But I had to now navigate my way to the exit. With buggy obstacles lining the way, I cut through the tables that no one was sitting at to try to escape. But, alas, I was cut off at the pass by two double-decker buggies running side-by-side with two sssslllllloooooowwwww drivers moving them down. I was trapped. So, I slowly walked behind them until we reached the final destination...the receipt checker guy.
Now, first of all, why do you really need the receipt checker guy? I've never really seen a receipt checker go through every item to mark them off. It seems pretty useless. Well, until last night that was. Apparently this receipt checker thought these behemoths of shopping might be trying to smuggle out a roast or something because he proceeded to check through both buggies while I stood there in awe of the fact someone is actually checking through the buggies. After a good 2 minutes of searching, he was satisfied that they were not taking anything and allowed them to proceed through the exit. I was next and, since I had a whopping 5 items, he quickly moved me out the door.
I departed the shopping center where I was nearly plowed over in the same walk area that I had so patiently waited for other patrons to cross earlier. I returned to my vehicle where I placed my newly purchased goodies securely in the trunk. I then proceeded to return my three-wheeled grocery chariot to the store as the nearest cart return was a good mile away. And then I left Sams, which was obviously the best part. Just another trip to Sams really. It could have been worse though...I could have gone to Wal-Mart.
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