Lots of things have happened since I last added an entry to the blog. The bane of folks with common sense, Rosie O'Donnell, is leaving The View...Bad news for two sports teams nicknamed Devils (Manchester United Red Devils and NJ Devils) as they both were eliminated in championship hunts...The New York Yankees on-field woes continued, but the announcement of the impending arrival of Roger Clemens was welcome news...and tomorrow yours truly clicks the personal odometer over another year as I mark my 34th year on God's green earth.
Also:
The Imus legacy continues as Opie & Anthony are suspended FROM SATELLITE RADIO for "offensive" humor. This sets a dangerous and ominous tone, in my opinion, satellite radio is NOT governed by the FCC and does not live and die by sponsors' money. It has recently become the home of extreme opinionated radio and outrageous humor...this suspension sets a bad tone for Howard Stern and the others who proudly call the satellite airwaves home.
In related news, the "crusade" by Al Sharpton into rap music lyrics is apparently still in planning stages. Reverend Al was kind of boxed into action due to his "outrage" at Don Imus' comments. Yet, to me this, too, is censorship and very scary for those who believe in free speech. Over 20 years ago, the PMRC forced warning labels onto music over the protests of many in the industry...yet now, it seems that is not enough, they want censorship. I did speak against how repetitious and boring rap music has become, but that does not mean it should be censored. Free speech does indeed seem to be under attack in many segments of society.
On a lighter note, I have finally "discovered" another good program to watch...Discovery Channel's "Mythbusters". On this show, the hosts, who are seasoned professionals in special effects, put urban myths to the test to see if they stand up. Recent tests included whether salsa can be used to break out of prison, and a favorite of mine tested the possibility of shooting the floor out from under yourself in order to flee, as seem in movies. This is a entertaining and informative show, and I found it by accident one night. I heartily recommend it.
Sopranos...
The roller coaster ride that is the final season of The Sopranos continued last Sunday. With only three episodes left, there are many main characters with thousands of possibilities on what may happen next...one can only imagine what David Chase has in store for us all this Sunday night at 9.
(I went out of my way not to disclose anything for those who have not seen the latest episode yet)
It is very nice for those of us who enjoy both dramas that after The Sopranos ends its run on June 10th...two days later on June 12th Rescue Me returns for another season...the drama withdrawal will be short-lived.
Friday, May 18, 2007
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Flood of 2007
It came down in buckets. That is the old cliche about heavy rainfall, but this time it was not far from the truth. From after midnight Sunday morning we had over 8 inches of rain in about 24 hours. I have never seen rain like this, and I lived for years in the rainy Pacific Northwest.
Well, Sunday night the fire trucks came through the neighborhood with sirens and lights blaring. They were telling all residents via the loudspeakers to tune to the local emergency radio station. This was at 11:30pm Sunday night, that was the harbinger that something serious was afoot. More serious than the usual flooding of the flood plain.
I was awakened Monday morning at 5am by the emergency sirens in town. I dressed and walked down to find out how the neighborhood looked. After just over two blocks, I found the river. It was creeping toward the house slowly, as I retreated home the rain mixed with some sleet and snowflakes (what kind of crazy storm was this?).
Luckily, I had found the online river gauges and was monitoring them and alternately going outside to see the river coming closer. By just before noon, the water stopped advancing, it was but 4 houses away. Figuring that we narrowly escaped damage, I headed to the restroom. Imagine my surprise when I heard the unmistakable sound of cascading water coming up from the basement.
The river water was coming up the drains through the sink basin. Not gushing, but steady nonetheless. The Macgyver instinct took over and I set up a makeshift dam around the furnace, had to make sure that pilot light didn't get extinguished by water. Next we corralled all of our trash cans, recycling bins, and buckets from the house and went to work. Filling the large cans and then we had to go, one bucket at a time each, up the stairs and dump the water out back. This began at around noon...by 3pm the hopelessness was tangible. It seemed all we could do was keep the water level barely in the sink, but if we would pause or slow down, it would resume spilling into the basement.
The feeling of despair was palpable, until we got a break by 5pm. One of the two drains in the split sink stopped discharging water. With new found hope, and only about half of the amount of water coming in, a slight relief passed over. We were finally able to get the sink to a very low point and proceeded to jam up the drain with some foam/plastic and then placed heavy pain cans atop of it. It was not sealed completely, but it slowed the flow to a slight stream. We did the same jamming to the other sink drain, and began emptying out the large bins while we had the chance.
Finally, around 630pm, or about 6 and a half hours after we started, the flow of river water virtually stopped. I kept the drains plugged for the time being and continued checking the sinks into the night. Eventually, after 3am, the water remaining in the sinks drained out. We had done it, we saved the house from severe damage.
Tuesday was spent emptying all the other bins we used for water, and for the mopping up of remaining puddles in the cellar. The debris removal was next and we piled up our waterlogged belongings at the curb. Upon completion of this task yesterday, I stood at the end of the driveway and took a look around. The sight was depressing...people pumping out their homes and basements, piling belongings at the curb, many trucks from the power company swarming through the streets, police vehicles on patrol, fire trucks responding to emergencies, and just people in motion like robots.
Sadly, many of these people went through the same thing in 1999. Fortunately, this flood was not quite as bad, but that is like comparing the severity of gunshot wounds....they both hurt a lot and traumatize people, the difference in the degree of suffering is only slight.
The good news is that I have heard no word of fatalities or even serious injuries in town, belongings can be replaced...lives cannot.
God bless those who suffered, and I pray they get their lives back together soon. Let's all hope that this really IS a once-in-a-lifetime storm (like they said the flood of 1999 was).
Well, Sunday night the fire trucks came through the neighborhood with sirens and lights blaring. They were telling all residents via the loudspeakers to tune to the local emergency radio station. This was at 11:30pm Sunday night, that was the harbinger that something serious was afoot. More serious than the usual flooding of the flood plain.
I was awakened Monday morning at 5am by the emergency sirens in town. I dressed and walked down to find out how the neighborhood looked. After just over two blocks, I found the river. It was creeping toward the house slowly, as I retreated home the rain mixed with some sleet and snowflakes (what kind of crazy storm was this?).
Luckily, I had found the online river gauges and was monitoring them and alternately going outside to see the river coming closer. By just before noon, the water stopped advancing, it was but 4 houses away. Figuring that we narrowly escaped damage, I headed to the restroom. Imagine my surprise when I heard the unmistakable sound of cascading water coming up from the basement.
The river water was coming up the drains through the sink basin. Not gushing, but steady nonetheless. The Macgyver instinct took over and I set up a makeshift dam around the furnace, had to make sure that pilot light didn't get extinguished by water. Next we corralled all of our trash cans, recycling bins, and buckets from the house and went to work. Filling the large cans and then we had to go, one bucket at a time each, up the stairs and dump the water out back. This began at around noon...by 3pm the hopelessness was tangible. It seemed all we could do was keep the water level barely in the sink, but if we would pause or slow down, it would resume spilling into the basement.
The feeling of despair was palpable, until we got a break by 5pm. One of the two drains in the split sink stopped discharging water. With new found hope, and only about half of the amount of water coming in, a slight relief passed over. We were finally able to get the sink to a very low point and proceeded to jam up the drain with some foam/plastic and then placed heavy pain cans atop of it. It was not sealed completely, but it slowed the flow to a slight stream. We did the same jamming to the other sink drain, and began emptying out the large bins while we had the chance.
Finally, around 630pm, or about 6 and a half hours after we started, the flow of river water virtually stopped. I kept the drains plugged for the time being and continued checking the sinks into the night. Eventually, after 3am, the water remaining in the sinks drained out. We had done it, we saved the house from severe damage.
Tuesday was spent emptying all the other bins we used for water, and for the mopping up of remaining puddles in the cellar. The debris removal was next and we piled up our waterlogged belongings at the curb. Upon completion of this task yesterday, I stood at the end of the driveway and took a look around. The sight was depressing...people pumping out their homes and basements, piling belongings at the curb, many trucks from the power company swarming through the streets, police vehicles on patrol, fire trucks responding to emergencies, and just people in motion like robots.
Sadly, many of these people went through the same thing in 1999. Fortunately, this flood was not quite as bad, but that is like comparing the severity of gunshot wounds....they both hurt a lot and traumatize people, the difference in the degree of suffering is only slight.
The good news is that I have heard no word of fatalities or even serious injuries in town, belongings can be replaced...lives cannot.
God bless those who suffered, and I pray they get their lives back together soon. Let's all hope that this really IS a once-in-a-lifetime storm (like they said the flood of 1999 was).
[NOTE: The picture at top is of the advancing water at 8am]
Friday, April 13, 2007
The Decline Of Rap Music
It was 1986 and hip hop stars Run DMC just released what would become their most successful album, Raising Hell. On this landmark recording, the rap trio also resurrected the dormant career of rock legends Aerosmith and broke down walls separating the two musical genres. Looking at hip hop music today, one can see many more similarities between rock and rap.
As a child of the 80s, I grew up with the rise and explosion of rap music as well as the dominance of 80's metal. Those who are my age can clearly see the very similar paths that these genres have taken.
In the late 1980s, rap music was a "hip" underground form of entertainment. MTV finally added a rap video program in 1988, and most teens my age became fans of BET (when, as white teens, we couldn't even locate that network previously) since they showed more R&B and rap videos. When the first wave of "gangster rap" music came out with N.W.A., Too Short, 2 Live Crew and others, the uncensored albums were very hard to find. I remember going back and forth across Portland from record store to record store in search of certain albums.
When you were able to buy an N.W.A. album or a Too Short album, it would soon be passed around amongst your peers so everyone could make a dub. I remember wishing that the music was more accessible and more widespread. My first rap concert was in 1990, I went to a Public Enemy show. I had bought a ticket in the second row, and was so excited about seeing Chuck D, Flavor Flav and Terminator X. The show was fantastic, and I even enjoyed the opening act, a NY trio named The Afros. The feeling that I was in on some special musical wave was awesome and indescribable. I would scoff at those in school who were listening to the "top 40" pop stuff.
The perfect timing of my youth enabled me to also be able to enjoy the tidal wave of metal popularity. Def Leppard, Metallica, Skid Row and others dominated my cassette rotation as well. Even though I couldn't see it clearly at the time, I did get a feel that metal was cannibalizing itself. Soon, every new group sounded and looked the same. The same songs would seemingly be released again and again. At the same time, rap began to bubble up to the mainstream. MC Hammer, Ice T, and (ugh) Vanilla Ice brought rap onto the charts.
In the early 90s, a wild whirlwind hit the music industry. Grunge rock hit from Seattle and bumped the deteriorating metal scene into the background. Simultaneously, rap music was becoming more and more popular. N.W.A., Ice Cube, and others became almost mainstream artists, Snoop Dogg came onto the scene, and by the mid 90s rap was incorporated into popular music.
You could easily paint the comparisons right then, one decade earlier, 80s metal bubbled up and became mainstream and then became less and less creative and more corporate. Now, by the late 90s rap music was doing the same thing. You can hear it still today, every rap song that comes out seems to sound just like another and all of the lyrics are basically the same. Just like metal did, rap is cannibalizing itself, and the creativity is being lost.
Looking back at Public Enemy, my favorite rap group of all time, they have been pushed into the underground. Unless you are doing a facsimile of the "gangster rap" genre, the record labels want nothing to do with you. The similarity to when metal became only about big hair, shiny outfits and party songs is very noticeable. Now, metal was both killed and saved when grunge became the big thing in 1991. Many metal bands have regrouped and returned to filled arenas nationwide. I have been, and am still, waiting for the big creative giant to come and overhaul rap music. There needs to be a new voice, a creative new spirit, to redirect rap into a new realm. It is sad to see a once innovative, brilliant, creative musical genre become so stale and lifeless.
As a child of the 80s, I grew up with the rise and explosion of rap music as well as the dominance of 80's metal. Those who are my age can clearly see the very similar paths that these genres have taken.
In the late 1980s, rap music was a "hip" underground form of entertainment. MTV finally added a rap video program in 1988, and most teens my age became fans of BET (when, as white teens, we couldn't even locate that network previously) since they showed more R&B and rap videos. When the first wave of "gangster rap" music came out with N.W.A., Too Short, 2 Live Crew and others, the uncensored albums were very hard to find. I remember going back and forth across Portland from record store to record store in search of certain albums.
When you were able to buy an N.W.A. album or a Too Short album, it would soon be passed around amongst your peers so everyone could make a dub. I remember wishing that the music was more accessible and more widespread. My first rap concert was in 1990, I went to a Public Enemy show. I had bought a ticket in the second row, and was so excited about seeing Chuck D, Flavor Flav and Terminator X. The show was fantastic, and I even enjoyed the opening act, a NY trio named The Afros. The feeling that I was in on some special musical wave was awesome and indescribable. I would scoff at those in school who were listening to the "top 40" pop stuff.
The perfect timing of my youth enabled me to also be able to enjoy the tidal wave of metal popularity. Def Leppard, Metallica, Skid Row and others dominated my cassette rotation as well. Even though I couldn't see it clearly at the time, I did get a feel that metal was cannibalizing itself. Soon, every new group sounded and looked the same. The same songs would seemingly be released again and again. At the same time, rap began to bubble up to the mainstream. MC Hammer, Ice T, and (ugh) Vanilla Ice brought rap onto the charts.
In the early 90s, a wild whirlwind hit the music industry. Grunge rock hit from Seattle and bumped the deteriorating metal scene into the background. Simultaneously, rap music was becoming more and more popular. N.W.A., Ice Cube, and others became almost mainstream artists, Snoop Dogg came onto the scene, and by the mid 90s rap was incorporated into popular music.
You could easily paint the comparisons right then, one decade earlier, 80s metal bubbled up and became mainstream and then became less and less creative and more corporate. Now, by the late 90s rap music was doing the same thing. You can hear it still today, every rap song that comes out seems to sound just like another and all of the lyrics are basically the same. Just like metal did, rap is cannibalizing itself, and the creativity is being lost.
Looking back at Public Enemy, my favorite rap group of all time, they have been pushed into the underground. Unless you are doing a facsimile of the "gangster rap" genre, the record labels want nothing to do with you. The similarity to when metal became only about big hair, shiny outfits and party songs is very noticeable. Now, metal was both killed and saved when grunge became the big thing in 1991. Many metal bands have regrouped and returned to filled arenas nationwide. I have been, and am still, waiting for the big creative giant to come and overhaul rap music. There needs to be a new voice, a creative new spirit, to redirect rap into a new realm. It is sad to see a once innovative, brilliant, creative musical genre become so stale and lifeless.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
NFL Again Leads The Way
A great move by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, he modified the league's "code of conduct" policy with the assistance of the player's association. This groundbreaking (for sports) policy holds all members of each organization responsible for their actions, that alone is a rarity in today's society.
The new rules also state that it doesn't necessarily matter what the courts decide, that the league can discipline you for being involved in bad behavior without a conviction or trial. Two things that make this policy great are: extending the code of conduct to all employees of the league and each team, so from the video guy to the assistant travel secretary everyone is accountable. Secondly, the league is adding counseling for incoming rookies and for policy offenders. THAT is a fantastic addition, not just telling everyone to keep on the straight and narrow, but giving them assistance to do so. In the words of a great beer commercial...BRILLIANT!
The first casualties of the policy are Cincinnati Bengals WR Chris Henry and Tennessee Titans CB Adam "Pac Man" Jones. Henry, who was suspended for a few games last season for a long list of arrests, was suspended for 8 games on 2007 season for having another arrest this off-season. Jones received a more severe penalty, he is suspended for the entire 2007 season. Another addition is that, after suspensions are served, the players must apply for reinstatement, it is not automatic. But, by instituting the counseling assistance as well, the NFL will provide troubled players with the help they may need to straighten out.
This helps everyone. The league can clean it's image, the players can clean themselves up and not throw away promising careers. Again, BRILLIANT! This policy should be used by the NBA and other leagues,too in my opinion. In less than one year on the job, Mr. Goodell has really made a name for himself already. Well done, Mr. Commissioner, well done.
The new rules also state that it doesn't necessarily matter what the courts decide, that the league can discipline you for being involved in bad behavior without a conviction or trial. Two things that make this policy great are: extending the code of conduct to all employees of the league and each team, so from the video guy to the assistant travel secretary everyone is accountable. Secondly, the league is adding counseling for incoming rookies and for policy offenders. THAT is a fantastic addition, not just telling everyone to keep on the straight and narrow, but giving them assistance to do so. In the words of a great beer commercial...BRILLIANT!
The first casualties of the policy are Cincinnati Bengals WR Chris Henry and Tennessee Titans CB Adam "Pac Man" Jones. Henry, who was suspended for a few games last season for a long list of arrests, was suspended for 8 games on 2007 season for having another arrest this off-season. Jones received a more severe penalty, he is suspended for the entire 2007 season. Another addition is that, after suspensions are served, the players must apply for reinstatement, it is not automatic. But, by instituting the counseling assistance as well, the NFL will provide troubled players with the help they may need to straighten out.
This helps everyone. The league can clean it's image, the players can clean themselves up and not throw away promising careers. Again, BRILLIANT! This policy should be used by the NBA and other leagues,too in my opinion. In less than one year on the job, Mr. Goodell has really made a name for himself already. Well done, Mr. Commissioner, well done.
Finally...Vindication, Well Sort Of
For the three young men involved in the now-infamous Duke rape case, closure began yesterday as the last charges were officially dropped by the state attorney general of North Carolina. While making his statement to the media, AG Roy Cooper used language that stunned most legal experts. Instead of using the legalese "we do not have sufficient evidence to continue", Mr. Cooper stated bluntly "Based on the significant inconsistencies between the evidence and the various accounts given by the accusing witness, we believe these three individuals are innocent of these charges." The straight-forward use of the term 'innocent" shows the level of dishonesty that Mike Nifong was using in his prosecution/persecution of these young men.
Now, despite their vindication, these men will forever be linked to the heinous crime that did not happen. Just a quick Google search of the words "Duke case" turns up dozens of articles from the past year trashing these men, with very vicious implications of guilt. The news media, for the most part was as horrible in covering this as Nifong was in his misguided prosecution. From your local newscast and the "big 3" networks, to CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, and others...all had many "experts" who basically convicted these men and trashed them as often as they could.
The sports media jumped into the fray as well, with holier-than-thou sportswriters lamenting the "culture" of racism and sexism that "clouds" Duke University and these WHITE players in the culturally mixed city of Durham. These hypocritical writers continually turn away and ignore any such partying activities by big time college football or basketball programs nationwide, but the Duke lacrosse program is a "cesspool of bad behavior". Ridiculous.
Of course, not every single media person was in on the feeding frenzy. One notable exception was FNC's Bill O'Reilly, who said last summer that all signs pointed to the young men being not guilty. Unfortunately, on that same network and airing after Bill's show was Greta's program which paraded many "experts" who repeatedly trashed and stomped on the reputations of these collegians without remorse. I did not see how Greta handled the dropping off the last charges yesterday.
On ESPN, the sports media spoke about the case yesterday. On the sports talk program "Around The Horn" (which features four sports journalists debating the days sports topics) , all four panelists spoke of the media's over-exuberance in solemn tones. LA Times writer Bill Plaschke was particularly contrite, and even apologized for his own part in jumping on these men. A very impressive show of accountability by Mr. Plaschke. The telling part was when the host asked if the media has learned anything from this case, Bill sadly said "no." I fear that he is correct.
But, most sports and news media types just mentioned the dropped charges and moved on as if nothing had happened. Completely disregarding the fact that these men are forever linked and listed as "accused rapists" and that label is difficult,if not impossible to shed. Events like this further make a jaded person like myself even more cynical of the media as a whole.
Back to the young men involved. Dave Evans, Collin Finnerty, and Reade Seligmann have had their lives forever altered, and not for the better. If I were in their shoes, I would make the lawsuits fly. I would sue the DA Nifong, the University, the city of Durham, the state of NC, and the accuser (who was noticeably absent from the media yesterday). I am no legal expert and do not know how strong any of those cases would be, but they definitely should fire back against the system that tried to railroad them.
DA Nifong should be disbarred and removed from his position. The accuser should be sued,and it's not even the point of how little money she may or may not have, it is to send a message. Apparently she has done this once before, and maybe if her future paychecks are garnished to pay off a lawsuit, she will think before destroying innocent men's reputations. I only wish there were some recourse against the arrogant, destructive media that convicted these men. Holier-than-thou types, such as the NY Times trashed these men daily and are most likely too preoccupied with the Don Imus story to care that these men are INNOCENT.
All in all, this has been a very sad case and an extremely sad display of how the American news media can destroy innocent people whenever they want.
Now, despite their vindication, these men will forever be linked to the heinous crime that did not happen. Just a quick Google search of the words "Duke case" turns up dozens of articles from the past year trashing these men, with very vicious implications of guilt. The news media, for the most part was as horrible in covering this as Nifong was in his misguided prosecution. From your local newscast and the "big 3" networks, to CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, and others...all had many "experts" who basically convicted these men and trashed them as often as they could.
The sports media jumped into the fray as well, with holier-than-thou sportswriters lamenting the "culture" of racism and sexism that "clouds" Duke University and these WHITE players in the culturally mixed city of Durham. These hypocritical writers continually turn away and ignore any such partying activities by big time college football or basketball programs nationwide, but the Duke lacrosse program is a "cesspool of bad behavior". Ridiculous.
Of course, not every single media person was in on the feeding frenzy. One notable exception was FNC's Bill O'Reilly, who said last summer that all signs pointed to the young men being not guilty. Unfortunately, on that same network and airing after Bill's show was Greta's program which paraded many "experts" who repeatedly trashed and stomped on the reputations of these collegians without remorse. I did not see how Greta handled the dropping off the last charges yesterday.
On ESPN, the sports media spoke about the case yesterday. On the sports talk program "Around The Horn" (which features four sports journalists debating the days sports topics) , all four panelists spoke of the media's over-exuberance in solemn tones. LA Times writer Bill Plaschke was particularly contrite, and even apologized for his own part in jumping on these men. A very impressive show of accountability by Mr. Plaschke. The telling part was when the host asked if the media has learned anything from this case, Bill sadly said "no." I fear that he is correct.
But, most sports and news media types just mentioned the dropped charges and moved on as if nothing had happened. Completely disregarding the fact that these men are forever linked and listed as "accused rapists" and that label is difficult,if not impossible to shed. Events like this further make a jaded person like myself even more cynical of the media as a whole.
Back to the young men involved. Dave Evans, Collin Finnerty, and Reade Seligmann have had their lives forever altered, and not for the better. If I were in their shoes, I would make the lawsuits fly. I would sue the DA Nifong, the University, the city of Durham, the state of NC, and the accuser (who was noticeably absent from the media yesterday). I am no legal expert and do not know how strong any of those cases would be, but they definitely should fire back against the system that tried to railroad them.
DA Nifong should be disbarred and removed from his position. The accuser should be sued,and it's not even the point of how little money she may or may not have, it is to send a message. Apparently she has done this once before, and maybe if her future paychecks are garnished to pay off a lawsuit, she will think before destroying innocent men's reputations. I only wish there were some recourse against the arrogant, destructive media that convicted these men. Holier-than-thou types, such as the NY Times trashed these men daily and are most likely too preoccupied with the Don Imus story to care that these men are INNOCENT.
All in all, this has been a very sad case and an extremely sad display of how the American news media can destroy innocent people whenever they want.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Babe Ruth-Greatest Baseball Player Ever
This should not even be up for debate, but George Herman "Babe" Ruth was the greatest player in baseball history. Many other great players have come since the Bambino hung up his spikes in 1935, but none could even compare to the dominance shown by the man from Baltimore.
The best stat that shows how dominant Ruth was is comparing his personal single season home run totals to that of other TEAM TOTALS for that year.
Here,take a look:
http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/R/Babe-Ruth.shtml
1920 Babe Ruth hit 54 home runs, he hit more homers than 14 of the 15 other MLB TEAMS!! This is stunning, only the Philadelphia Phillies (64) hit more than the Babe in 1920. A year later, arguably Ruth's best year, he hit 59 homers,which was more than 8 TEAMS. In 1927, Ruth hit 60 home runs, and that was greater than 12 of the 15 other TEAMS in baseball! And the next season, he hit 54 long balls, and that total was more than 7 TEAMS in MLB. Just the thought that ONE PLAYER hit more home runs than many other entire TEAMS is mind-boggling. To put it in perspective, that is akin to a player hitting close to 200 home runs today.
Babe Ruth played 22 full or partial seasons, with 4 of those spent exclusively as a pitcher and two others where he was part-time pitcher. Only 5 of those 22 years did he hit below .300, but that includes his first year as a pitcher when he hit 2 for 10 and his final year for the Boston Braves where the 40 year old stumbled to a .181 average in 28 games. Disregarding these partial years, Ruth's lowest average was .272 as a pitcher in 1917. In his 16 full seasons as an full-time outfielder, The Babe only hit below .300 twice. The man hit over .370 FIVE times, with a personal best of .393 in 1923.
In 1920, Ruth's 54 home runs led MLB, and the next highest total was 19! He hit almost THREE TIMES the amount of the next best hitter. In 1921, his 59 homers was more than double the next best total of 24. Another example of his complete dominance over the era came in 1923, when he missed 44 games. Ruth only played 110 games and hit 35 home runs. He still was 4th in MLB in homers and 3rd in the AL. Ruth hit only 4 long balls fewer than league leader Ken Williams.
Then there's this: Leaving out his four years he spent exclusively as a pitcher and his final year with the Braves...the 17 other seasons, he was led the American league in home runs 12 times, finished 2nd twice, third once,and 4th one time. Overall in 16 of those 17 years he was in the top 4 in home runs. That is unreal and has never been close to being duplicated.
For his career, the dominance still holds up, even with all the advancements for hitting in the decades since Babe last played. Here are some totals:
we all know the 714 home runs (3rd all time after Aaron and Bonds)
2174 runs scored (tied with Hank Aaron for 3rd all time)
.342 career batting average (tied for 7th all time with Dan Brouthers and Harry Heilmann)
2213 runs batted in (2nd all time to Hank Aaron)
.469 on base percentage (2nd all time to Ted Williams)
.690 slugging percentage (1st all time)
1.159 OPS (1st all time)
5793 total bases (6th all time)
2062 walks (3rd all time after Bonds and Rickey Henderson)
1356 extra base hits (4th all time)
506 doubles (39th all time)
136 triples (71st all time)
2873 hits (38th all time)
AND...
.671 winning percentage as a pitcher (13th all time)
2.28 ERA (would rank 10th all time)
he was 94-46 as a pitcher in his career
Ruth has the 3rd best ERA in World Series history (0.87)
and was 3-0 with 3 complete games in his World Series pitching career,which included TWO championships for the Boston Red Sox!
I could go on and on picking out more Ruth number to show his amazing dominance over that era, but you can click that link and see for yourself.
There should be no debate that George Herman Ruth is without a doubt, the greatest player in baseball history. The myths and legends of his greatness are not exaggerated by very much.
The best stat that shows how dominant Ruth was is comparing his personal single season home run totals to that of other TEAM TOTALS for that year.
Here,take a look:
http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/R/Babe-Ruth.shtml
1920 Babe Ruth hit 54 home runs, he hit more homers than 14 of the 15 other MLB TEAMS!! This is stunning, only the Philadelphia Phillies (64) hit more than the Babe in 1920. A year later, arguably Ruth's best year, he hit 59 homers,which was more than 8 TEAMS. In 1927, Ruth hit 60 home runs, and that was greater than 12 of the 15 other TEAMS in baseball! And the next season, he hit 54 long balls, and that total was more than 7 TEAMS in MLB. Just the thought that ONE PLAYER hit more home runs than many other entire TEAMS is mind-boggling. To put it in perspective, that is akin to a player hitting close to 200 home runs today.
Babe Ruth played 22 full or partial seasons, with 4 of those spent exclusively as a pitcher and two others where he was part-time pitcher. Only 5 of those 22 years did he hit below .300, but that includes his first year as a pitcher when he hit 2 for 10 and his final year for the Boston Braves where the 40 year old stumbled to a .181 average in 28 games. Disregarding these partial years, Ruth's lowest average was .272 as a pitcher in 1917. In his 16 full seasons as an full-time outfielder, The Babe only hit below .300 twice. The man hit over .370 FIVE times, with a personal best of .393 in 1923.
In 1920, Ruth's 54 home runs led MLB, and the next highest total was 19! He hit almost THREE TIMES the amount of the next best hitter. In 1921, his 59 homers was more than double the next best total of 24. Another example of his complete dominance over the era came in 1923, when he missed 44 games. Ruth only played 110 games and hit 35 home runs. He still was 4th in MLB in homers and 3rd in the AL. Ruth hit only 4 long balls fewer than league leader Ken Williams.
Then there's this: Leaving out his four years he spent exclusively as a pitcher and his final year with the Braves...the 17 other seasons, he was led the American league in home runs 12 times, finished 2nd twice, third once,and 4th one time. Overall in 16 of those 17 years he was in the top 4 in home runs. That is unreal and has never been close to being duplicated.
For his career, the dominance still holds up, even with all the advancements for hitting in the decades since Babe last played. Here are some totals:
we all know the 714 home runs (3rd all time after Aaron and Bonds)
2174 runs scored (tied with Hank Aaron for 3rd all time)
.342 career batting average (tied for 7th all time with Dan Brouthers and Harry Heilmann)
2213 runs batted in (2nd all time to Hank Aaron)
.469 on base percentage (2nd all time to Ted Williams)
.690 slugging percentage (1st all time)
1.159 OPS (1st all time)
5793 total bases (6th all time)
2062 walks (3rd all time after Bonds and Rickey Henderson)
1356 extra base hits (4th all time)
506 doubles (39th all time)
136 triples (71st all time)
2873 hits (38th all time)
AND...
.671 winning percentage as a pitcher (13th all time)
2.28 ERA (would rank 10th all time)
he was 94-46 as a pitcher in his career
Ruth has the 3rd best ERA in World Series history (0.87)
and was 3-0 with 3 complete games in his World Series pitching career,which included TWO championships for the Boston Red Sox!
I could go on and on picking out more Ruth number to show his amazing dominance over that era, but you can click that link and see for yourself.
There should be no debate that George Herman Ruth is without a doubt, the greatest player in baseball history. The myths and legends of his greatness are not exaggerated by very much.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
2007 NHL Playoff Preview
It's here!! The 2007 Stanley Cup Playoffs arrive tomorrow night!! The greatest title chase in sports gets underway with 4 series starting up and 4 more on Thursday night.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
(1) Buffalo Sabres vs. (8) N.Y. Islanders
--The amazing run the Isles had just to make the playoffs was incredible. After the Devils scored with 0.9 seconds remaining Sunday afternoon,the stunned looks were caught by TV cameras,and people could feel it all slipping away. But, the exciting shootout win did propel them into this first round match-up with the Sabres. The status of Rick Di Pietro is still undetermined, but even if he plays, the talent differential is huge. This IS the NHL playoffs,though,and anything is possible. The Isles are very capable of winning a game or two on the Island,but asking them to win the series may be too big of a task for this overachieving group.
MY PICK: SABRES IN 5
(2) New Jersey Devils vs. (7) Tampa Bay Lightning
--The Devils are finally healthy again, and as the late rally Sunday afternoon showed, are still playing very aggressively. Brodeur is having his best season ever, Gionta and Elias are back healthy and the team is conjuring up memories of the 2000 squad that rolled to a Cup victory. Tampa has a lot of talent on the ice, but defensively and between the pipes the 'Ning do not match up well with the Devils. This has mismatch written all over it.
MY PICK: DEVILS IN 5
(3) Atlanta Thrashers vs. (6) N.Y. Rangers
--This is a very interesting match-up. The blue shirts have their fans all pumped up for the first time in years. Last year was basically a cameo appearance for NYR, this year they have hopes for a run. The young Thrashers are making their first playoff appearance in the franchises' young history. It's the predominantly young Atlanta team versus the strong vets on the Rangers. This could come down to playoff experience,and I agree with the experts that this series is ripe for an upset.
MY PICK: RANGERS IN 7
(4) Ottawa Senators vs. (5) Pittsburgh Penguins
--Arguably the best first round series in the east, and one of the best overall. This is the first glimpse of the postseason for most of the young Pens. Phenom Sidney Crosby leads his team against the always tough Senators. The late year battle for home ice may very well prove to be the difference maker in this one. Counting just wins and losses,Ottawa was 25-16 at home this year, while the Pens were 21-20 on the road.Two of the top 4 scorers in the NHL will be on display in Danny Heatley and Crosby. This one is so close, that I just have to go with experience and home ice advantage.
MY PICK: SENATORS IN 7
WESTERN CONFERENCE
(1) Detroit Red Wings vs. (8) Calgary Flames
--Interesting tidbit here...one of these teams had the most home wins and best home record this year. It was NOT Detroit! The Flames won 30 games at home to Detroit's' 29. Conversely, that means that Calgary has the worst road record of any playoff team. That will hurt them,as will just the fact they are playing the Red-HOT Wings. Calgary is a better team that the #8 seed would imply,but they are over-matched in this one.
MY PICK: RED WINGS IN 5
(2) Anaheim Ducks vs. (7)Minnesota Wild
--The Wild has the stingiest defense in the league, and that is saying something with NJ,Detroit,Dallas and others featuring great defenses as well. A very fun match-up here, and it is always fun to see playoff hockey in the Twin Cities. It would not feel like a true "upset" if the Wild were to win this series. Indeed, only 6 points separated these teams in the regular season.
Very, very tough one to pick...I will go with my "gut" here and take the Wild to advance.
MY PICK: WILD IN 6
(3) Vancouver Canucks vs. (6)Dallas Stars
--Another great match-up, this has "classic" written all over it. Seven games seem to be in order for this match-up as the westernmost NHL team meets the team from the heart of Texas. For east coast fans, this is the series to stay up late for as the very talented and deep Ducks will battle the equally deep and talented Stars tooth and nail (or bill and wing?). I will go with the hotter goalie,and for once it is NOT Marty Turco...Roberto Luongo has had a season second to, well only Brodeur. Canucks in a classic.
MY PICK: CANUCKS IN 7
(4) Nashville Predators vs. (5) San Jose Sharks
--Even though this match-up makes NHL purists cringe, these are two very talented teams. The Preds are making their playoff debut, and the Sharks are once again in the NHL's biggest stage. The star-packed lineup is too hard to ignore, no matter how tough the Sharks are defensively. I think Nashville makes history in Music City and moves on to the conference semis.
MY PICK: PREDATORS IN 6
Not wanting to hang myself out there too much, I will make my picks on a round-by-round basis. That said, I cannot wait until tomorrow night, when the greatest playoff season in sports kicks off! Most games are on Versus (formerly OLN) and it is available on most standard digital cable packages,and on satellite. Enjoy, and LET'S GO DEVILS!!!
EASTERN CONFERENCE
(1) Buffalo Sabres vs. (8) N.Y. Islanders
--The amazing run the Isles had just to make the playoffs was incredible. After the Devils scored with 0.9 seconds remaining Sunday afternoon,the stunned looks were caught by TV cameras,and people could feel it all slipping away. But, the exciting shootout win did propel them into this first round match-up with the Sabres. The status of Rick Di Pietro is still undetermined, but even if he plays, the talent differential is huge. This IS the NHL playoffs,though,and anything is possible. The Isles are very capable of winning a game or two on the Island,but asking them to win the series may be too big of a task for this overachieving group.
MY PICK: SABRES IN 5
(2) New Jersey Devils vs. (7) Tampa Bay Lightning
--The Devils are finally healthy again, and as the late rally Sunday afternoon showed, are still playing very aggressively. Brodeur is having his best season ever, Gionta and Elias are back healthy and the team is conjuring up memories of the 2000 squad that rolled to a Cup victory. Tampa has a lot of talent on the ice, but defensively and between the pipes the 'Ning do not match up well with the Devils. This has mismatch written all over it.
MY PICK: DEVILS IN 5
(3) Atlanta Thrashers vs. (6) N.Y. Rangers
--This is a very interesting match-up. The blue shirts have their fans all pumped up for the first time in years. Last year was basically a cameo appearance for NYR, this year they have hopes for a run. The young Thrashers are making their first playoff appearance in the franchises' young history. It's the predominantly young Atlanta team versus the strong vets on the Rangers. This could come down to playoff experience,and I agree with the experts that this series is ripe for an upset.
MY PICK: RANGERS IN 7
(4) Ottawa Senators vs. (5) Pittsburgh Penguins
--Arguably the best first round series in the east, and one of the best overall. This is the first glimpse of the postseason for most of the young Pens. Phenom Sidney Crosby leads his team against the always tough Senators. The late year battle for home ice may very well prove to be the difference maker in this one. Counting just wins and losses,Ottawa was 25-16 at home this year, while the Pens were 21-20 on the road.Two of the top 4 scorers in the NHL will be on display in Danny Heatley and Crosby. This one is so close, that I just have to go with experience and home ice advantage.
MY PICK: SENATORS IN 7
WESTERN CONFERENCE
(1) Detroit Red Wings vs. (8) Calgary Flames
--Interesting tidbit here...one of these teams had the most home wins and best home record this year. It was NOT Detroit! The Flames won 30 games at home to Detroit's' 29. Conversely, that means that Calgary has the worst road record of any playoff team. That will hurt them,as will just the fact they are playing the Red-HOT Wings. Calgary is a better team that the #8 seed would imply,but they are over-matched in this one.
MY PICK: RED WINGS IN 5
(2) Anaheim Ducks vs. (7)Minnesota Wild
--The Wild has the stingiest defense in the league, and that is saying something with NJ,Detroit,Dallas and others featuring great defenses as well. A very fun match-up here, and it is always fun to see playoff hockey in the Twin Cities. It would not feel like a true "upset" if the Wild were to win this series. Indeed, only 6 points separated these teams in the regular season.
Very, very tough one to pick...I will go with my "gut" here and take the Wild to advance.
MY PICK: WILD IN 6
(3) Vancouver Canucks vs. (6)Dallas Stars
--Another great match-up, this has "classic" written all over it. Seven games seem to be in order for this match-up as the westernmost NHL team meets the team from the heart of Texas. For east coast fans, this is the series to stay up late for as the very talented and deep Ducks will battle the equally deep and talented Stars tooth and nail (or bill and wing?). I will go with the hotter goalie,and for once it is NOT Marty Turco...Roberto Luongo has had a season second to, well only Brodeur. Canucks in a classic.
MY PICK: CANUCKS IN 7
(4) Nashville Predators vs. (5) San Jose Sharks
--Even though this match-up makes NHL purists cringe, these are two very talented teams. The Preds are making their playoff debut, and the Sharks are once again in the NHL's biggest stage. The star-packed lineup is too hard to ignore, no matter how tough the Sharks are defensively. I think Nashville makes history in Music City and moves on to the conference semis.
MY PICK: PREDATORS IN 6
Not wanting to hang myself out there too much, I will make my picks on a round-by-round basis. That said, I cannot wait until tomorrow night, when the greatest playoff season in sports kicks off! Most games are on Versus (formerly OLN) and it is available on most standard digital cable packages,and on satellite. Enjoy, and LET'S GO DEVILS!!!
Saturday, April 7, 2007
Public Schools: What is going on?
More chaos from public schools nationwide. This is just completely insane. In Spearville,Lousiana, a small town near Monroe in the northern part of the bayou state, 5 fifth graders are facing charge for allegedly HAVING SEX IN THE CLASSROOM!
"Are you kidding me?" Was my first reaction upon hearing this story. I mean, these are ELEVEN year old kids!!! What is going on?
Apparently, the teacher left a class of about 15 students alone for a period of between 15-25 minutes. During that time, a group of students, two eleven-year-old girls, a twelve-year-old boy and a 13 year old boy had sex while other kids watched. this is so insane that I am shaking my head as I type. The fifth student was an 11 year old boy who was allegedly the "guard" during these escapades.
Now, I cannot even fathom why this would enter the minds of kids that age...not wanting to sound dated, but when I was in fifth grade, having sex at all was NOT in my head.
Another question is, why are the kids being charged, but no word on any punishment for the teacher, who CLEARLY should bear some responsibility for this travesty. The school officials are, of course, not commenting on this situation. One teacher was apparently suspended from that school, allegedly after he spoke to the papers about this incident. The teacher appeared on cable news Thursday evening with his lawyer. He was NOT the teacher of these students.
This case is not alone. In March a story came to light over two sixth graders having sex in a classroom WHILE THE TEACHER WAS PRESENT! The teacher, apparently, could not see that portion of the classroom while the incident was occurring. This happened in suburban Indianapolis, and the details are still murky. School officials, once again, are very quiet on this issue.
http://www.woai.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=708d4f98-d082-4529-847f-2222e5e82bba
There are so many disturbing stories from our schools, it would fill a book. Like this one from Ohio:""Middle school student charged with groping teacher""
http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/news/17032689.htm
Or this in Louisiana:""School Violence Targets Teachers, Guards""
http://www.wdsu.com/news/11522228/detail.html
Students having sex in class, groping teachers, bullying others and sometimes fighting teachers....chaos appears to rule the day. This rant doesn't even get into the teachers who have sex with students, that list is miles long.
It is clear, our public schools are in chaos, and something has to be done. Obviously, it starts at home, parents need to be parents. Teach the kids right and wrong and hold them accountable for their actions. The schools need to give out more severe punishments for such over the top actions. They are far too lenient on these trouble makers. And, being kids...once they get away with stuff as a young student, they gradually push the limits until you have...well, the chaos and disorder we see today.
"Are you kidding me?" Was my first reaction upon hearing this story. I mean, these are ELEVEN year old kids!!! What is going on?
Apparently, the teacher left a class of about 15 students alone for a period of between 15-25 minutes. During that time, a group of students, two eleven-year-old girls, a twelve-year-old boy and a 13 year old boy had sex while other kids watched. this is so insane that I am shaking my head as I type. The fifth student was an 11 year old boy who was allegedly the "guard" during these escapades.
Now, I cannot even fathom why this would enter the minds of kids that age...not wanting to sound dated, but when I was in fifth grade, having sex at all was NOT in my head.
Another question is, why are the kids being charged, but no word on any punishment for the teacher, who CLEARLY should bear some responsibility for this travesty. The school officials are, of course, not commenting on this situation. One teacher was apparently suspended from that school, allegedly after he spoke to the papers about this incident. The teacher appeared on cable news Thursday evening with his lawyer. He was NOT the teacher of these students.
This case is not alone. In March a story came to light over two sixth graders having sex in a classroom WHILE THE TEACHER WAS PRESENT! The teacher, apparently, could not see that portion of the classroom while the incident was occurring. This happened in suburban Indianapolis, and the details are still murky. School officials, once again, are very quiet on this issue.
http://www.woai.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=708d4f98-d082-4529-847f-2222e5e82bba
There are so many disturbing stories from our schools, it would fill a book. Like this one from Ohio:""Middle school student charged with groping teacher""
http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/news/17032689.htm
Or this in Louisiana:""School Violence Targets Teachers, Guards""
http://www.wdsu.com/news/11522228/detail.html
Students having sex in class, groping teachers, bullying others and sometimes fighting teachers....chaos appears to rule the day. This rant doesn't even get into the teachers who have sex with students, that list is miles long.
It is clear, our public schools are in chaos, and something has to be done. Obviously, it starts at home, parents need to be parents. Teach the kids right and wrong and hold them accountable for their actions. The schools need to give out more severe punishments for such over the top actions. They are far too lenient on these trouble makers. And, being kids...once they get away with stuff as a young student, they gradually push the limits until you have...well, the chaos and disorder we see today.
Public Education in California: Out Of Control?
Some noteworthy examples of the disintegration of the education system in America recently came to my attention. These examples make me grateful that I finished public school years ago and solidify my belief that should I ever have kids, they will go to private schools.
First, I will start with examples from the Orange County Register showing how schools are dividing kids and discouraging anything American. Here is a link to the entire Op-Ed:
http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/opinion/homepage/article_1640753.php
Now, where to begin? The assembly that separates the students into ethnic groups..I just do not see how this helps anything, especially in such a diverse state as California. These kids need to learn to coexist and to work together and interact, because in the real world they will have to do just that in order to survive. This "division" mentality boggles my mind, kids at younger ages are already prone to prejudice and hatred from inside and outside of their own communities. Segregating them by skin color/ethnicity will only serve to further the divide between races.
The examples given of the French student who was pushed into the African-American group and the Hispanic student who doesn't speak Spanish thrust into a group where English wasn't spoken much, they are just ridiculous. What did those students get out of these assemblies? My own view of California not withstanding, this is just another pea brained idea. Why actually deal with important issues in the schools when you can just add more walls dividing the youth?
Mr. Aaron Hanscom, the writer of that piece, says it best when he opines:
"But what is more disrespectful and condescending than deciding to hold separate pep rallies for students of different ethnicities?"
I am at least thankful that Mr. Hanscom, who is a substitute teacher for the LA School District, sees the problem. Hopefully, with someone inside the system speaking out changes can be made, but we shall have to wait and see.
Th unfortunate part is that this belief seems to be shared across at least the southern portion of California. The teacher in that LA area school who again uses tired phrasing that "The U.S. is the immigrant, not us" just gets me all riled up. You want to get technical? Fine, then none of the Mexicans are true inhabitants either. The American Indians were here first, and even they migrated from Asia across the Bering land bridge centuries ago.
There is nothing wrong with having students learn about where they come from, that is not the issue here. The issue, to me, is widening the gulf that separates the different ethnic groups and that will have disastrous consequences down the road.
*************************************
Now, the Los Angeles charter school listed in that article, La Academia Semillas Del Pueblo, has the LOWEST test scores in the state...even lower than the much-maligned LA Unified School District. That charter school also receives assistance from such groups as MECha...
[the following is from http://www.mayorno.com/WhoIsMecha.html ]
***The acronym MEChA stands for "Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlan." or "Chicano Student Movement of Aztlan."
MEChA is an Hispanic separatist organization that encourages anti-American activities and civil disobedience. The radical members of MEChA who refer to themselves as "Mechistas," romanticize Mexican claims to the "lost Territories" of the Southwestern United States -- a Chicano country called Aztlan. In its national constitution, MEChA calls for self-determination by its members to liberate Aztlan. MEChA's national constitution starts out: "Chicano and Chicana students of Aztlán must take upon themselves the responsibilities to promote Chicanismo within the community, politicizing our Raza with an emphasis on indigenous consciousness to continue the struggle for the self-determination of the Chicano people for the purpose of liberating Aztlán."***
So, we have a separatist group supporting a PUBLIC,TAXPAYER FUNDED school in Los Angeles. This school does not teach the students, as evidenced by the low test scores. So, one can ask, where is the accountability? Why is this man, Mr. Aguilar, and the school allowed to just basically be a tool for him so promote his views (and the views of groups like MECha) at taxpayer expense?
This is, I am sure, but one example of what is happening in our public school system. And, sadly, it is but one of many things glaringly wrong with public education.
First, I will start with examples from the Orange County Register showing how schools are dividing kids and discouraging anything American. Here is a link to the entire Op-Ed:
http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/opinion/homepage/article_1640753.php
Now, where to begin? The assembly that separates the students into ethnic groups..I just do not see how this helps anything, especially in such a diverse state as California. These kids need to learn to coexist and to work together and interact, because in the real world they will have to do just that in order to survive. This "division" mentality boggles my mind, kids at younger ages are already prone to prejudice and hatred from inside and outside of their own communities. Segregating them by skin color/ethnicity will only serve to further the divide between races.
The examples given of the French student who was pushed into the African-American group and the Hispanic student who doesn't speak Spanish thrust into a group where English wasn't spoken much, they are just ridiculous. What did those students get out of these assemblies? My own view of California not withstanding, this is just another pea brained idea. Why actually deal with important issues in the schools when you can just add more walls dividing the youth?
Mr. Aaron Hanscom, the writer of that piece, says it best when he opines:
"But what is more disrespectful and condescending than deciding to hold separate pep rallies for students of different ethnicities?"
I am at least thankful that Mr. Hanscom, who is a substitute teacher for the LA School District, sees the problem. Hopefully, with someone inside the system speaking out changes can be made, but we shall have to wait and see.
Th unfortunate part is that this belief seems to be shared across at least the southern portion of California. The teacher in that LA area school who again uses tired phrasing that "The U.S. is the immigrant, not us" just gets me all riled up. You want to get technical? Fine, then none of the Mexicans are true inhabitants either. The American Indians were here first, and even they migrated from Asia across the Bering land bridge centuries ago.
There is nothing wrong with having students learn about where they come from, that is not the issue here. The issue, to me, is widening the gulf that separates the different ethnic groups and that will have disastrous consequences down the road.
*************************************
Now, the Los Angeles charter school listed in that article, La Academia Semillas Del Pueblo, has the LOWEST test scores in the state...even lower than the much-maligned LA Unified School District. That charter school also receives assistance from such groups as MECha...
[the following is from http://www.mayorno.com/WhoIsMecha.html ]
***The acronym MEChA stands for "Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlan." or "Chicano Student Movement of Aztlan."
MEChA is an Hispanic separatist organization that encourages anti-American activities and civil disobedience. The radical members of MEChA who refer to themselves as "Mechistas," romanticize Mexican claims to the "lost Territories" of the Southwestern United States -- a Chicano country called Aztlan. In its national constitution, MEChA calls for self-determination by its members to liberate Aztlan. MEChA's national constitution starts out: "Chicano and Chicana students of Aztlán must take upon themselves the responsibilities to promote Chicanismo within the community, politicizing our Raza with an emphasis on indigenous consciousness to continue the struggle for the self-determination of the Chicano people for the purpose of liberating Aztlán."***
So, we have a separatist group supporting a PUBLIC,TAXPAYER FUNDED school in Los Angeles. This school does not teach the students, as evidenced by the low test scores. So, one can ask, where is the accountability? Why is this man, Mr. Aguilar, and the school allowed to just basically be a tool for him so promote his views (and the views of groups like MECha) at taxpayer expense?
This is, I am sure, but one example of what is happening in our public school system. And, sadly, it is but one of many things glaringly wrong with public education.
Okay,a correction on Barack Obama
My "prediction" that Hilary Clinton had more money and support from important people than Senator Obama was quite premature, and, as it turns out, erroneous.
From ABC News:
http://www.abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=3010472&page=1
Barack Obama surprised myself, and I would suspect, the Hilary camp as well. He raised over $25 million for the first campaign cycle. Noted political commentators such as Dick Morris have stated how impressive that is to the Clinton camp.
Barack seems to have locked up the internet support, as well as the Hollywood Democrats. Hilary still has plenty of time to make her move, but Barack is much more than a flash in the pan. I still believe that Hilary and her people will use Senator Obama's lack of experience in the political arena against him. We shall see, I suppose. we shall see.
From ABC News:
http://www.abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=3010472&page=1
Barack Obama surprised myself, and I would suspect, the Hilary camp as well. He raised over $25 million for the first campaign cycle. Noted political commentators such as Dick Morris have stated how impressive that is to the Clinton camp.
Barack seems to have locked up the internet support, as well as the Hollywood Democrats. Hilary still has plenty of time to make her move, but Barack is much more than a flash in the pan. I still believe that Hilary and her people will use Senator Obama's lack of experience in the political arena against him. We shall see, I suppose. we shall see.
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Political Polls
Recent poll numbers of notable members of congress,and notable DC figures:
[from Fox News/Opinion Dynamics Poll from 3/27-28]
Here is exact wording of the poll:
"I'm going to read you the names of several individuals and groups. Please tell me whether you have a generally favorable or unfavorable opinion of each one. If you've never heard of someone please just say so. Nancy Pelosi."
Favorable 37%
Unfavorable 31%
Unsure 13%
Never Heard of 19%
*That last category bothers me...these are LIKELY VOTERS and they don't know the Speaker Of The House?*
[This poll is from TIME 3/23-26]
Exact wording:
"Do you approve or disapprove of the way Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is handling her job?"
Approve 55%
Disapprove 32%
Unsure 14%
*I find it interesting that her approval rating is more than twice that of the Presidents'*
[This poll from Pew Research Center 3/21-25]
Exact wording:
"Do you approve or disapprove of the way Harry Reid is handling his job as Senate majority leader?"
Approve 32%
Disapprove 22%
Unsure 46%
*A lot of unsure people out there,it seems*
and lastly...
[this poll from USA Today/Gallup 3/23-25]
Exact wording:
"Next, I'd like to get your overall opinion of some people in the news. As I read each name, please say if you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of these people -- or if you have never heard of them. How about John McCain?"
Favorable 51%
Unfavorable 28%
Never Heard Of 9%
Unsure 12%
*Again,the "never heard of" people bother me*
------------------------------------------------
No telling what these polls mean (except for the high percentage of people who, apparently, don't follow current events at all) but it is always interesting to see some numbers of how people feel about certain high ranking politicians.
Way early in the discussion, but my early take on who will be vying for the Presidency in 2008 is Hilary Clinton vs. Rudy Giuliani. I think the Clinton fame/contacts/money will be too much for upstart Barack Obama to overcome. Should Hilary lose the election in '08,however...I fully expect Barack Obama to be the front runner for 2012. The Republican nominee is a tough one to handicap this early. I picked Rudy for now,but it seems like it will be between Rudy and John McCain. Both are good men and it should be a very interesting campaign (hopefully not too slimy,but that may be inevitable)
Intriguing footnote:
This will be first election since 1952 that does NOT feature either an incumbent President or Vice President on one of the tickets...
1952 was Dwight D. Eisenhower vs. Adlai Stevenson
1956- Eisenhower (incumbent) ran and won
1960- Nixon (incumbent VP) ran and lost
1964- LB Johnson (incumbent) ran and won
1968- Humphrey (incumbent VP) ran and lost
1972- Nixon (incumbent) ran and won
1976- Ford (technically an incumbent) ran and lost
1980- Carter (incumbent) ran and lost
1984- Reagan (incumbent) ran and won
1988- Bush Sr. (incumbent VP) ran and won
1992- Bush Sr. (incumbent)ran and lost
1996- Clinton (incumbent) ran and won
2000- Gore (incumbent VP) ran and lost
2004- GW Bush (incumbent) ran and won
prior to 1952,the last time that happened was 1928 when Alfred Smith ran against Herbert Hoover.
[from Fox News/Opinion Dynamics Poll from 3/27-28]
Here is exact wording of the poll:
"I'm going to read you the names of several individuals and groups. Please tell me whether you have a generally favorable or unfavorable opinion of each one. If you've never heard of someone please just say so. Nancy Pelosi."
Favorable 37%
Unfavorable 31%
Unsure 13%
Never Heard of 19%
*That last category bothers me...these are LIKELY VOTERS and they don't know the Speaker Of The House?*
[This poll is from TIME 3/23-26]
Exact wording:
"Do you approve or disapprove of the way Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is handling her job?"
Approve 55%
Disapprove 32%
Unsure 14%
*I find it interesting that her approval rating is more than twice that of the Presidents'*
[This poll from Pew Research Center 3/21-25]
Exact wording:
"Do you approve or disapprove of the way Harry Reid is handling his job as Senate majority leader?"
Approve 32%
Disapprove 22%
Unsure 46%
*A lot of unsure people out there,it seems*
and lastly...
[this poll from USA Today/Gallup 3/23-25]
Exact wording:
"Next, I'd like to get your overall opinion of some people in the news. As I read each name, please say if you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of these people -- or if you have never heard of them. How about John McCain?"
Favorable 51%
Unfavorable 28%
Never Heard Of 9%
Unsure 12%
*Again,the "never heard of" people bother me*
------------------------------------------------
No telling what these polls mean (except for the high percentage of people who, apparently, don't follow current events at all) but it is always interesting to see some numbers of how people feel about certain high ranking politicians.
Way early in the discussion, but my early take on who will be vying for the Presidency in 2008 is Hilary Clinton vs. Rudy Giuliani. I think the Clinton fame/contacts/money will be too much for upstart Barack Obama to overcome. Should Hilary lose the election in '08,however...I fully expect Barack Obama to be the front runner for 2012. The Republican nominee is a tough one to handicap this early. I picked Rudy for now,but it seems like it will be between Rudy and John McCain. Both are good men and it should be a very interesting campaign (hopefully not too slimy,but that may be inevitable)
Intriguing footnote:
This will be first election since 1952 that does NOT feature either an incumbent President or Vice President on one of the tickets...
1952 was Dwight D. Eisenhower vs. Adlai Stevenson
1956- Eisenhower (incumbent) ran and won
1960- Nixon (incumbent VP) ran and lost
1964- LB Johnson (incumbent) ran and won
1968- Humphrey (incumbent VP) ran and lost
1972- Nixon (incumbent) ran and won
1976- Ford (technically an incumbent) ran and lost
1980- Carter (incumbent) ran and lost
1984- Reagan (incumbent) ran and won
1988- Bush Sr. (incumbent VP) ran and won
1992- Bush Sr. (incumbent)ran and lost
1996- Clinton (incumbent) ran and won
2000- Gore (incumbent VP) ran and lost
2004- GW Bush (incumbent) ran and won
prior to 1952,the last time that happened was 1928 when Alfred Smith ran against Herbert Hoover.
Great Time Of The Year For Sports
There is no sadness as the NCAA tournament fades away into memory. Instead there is joy and excitement as the bland post-Super Bowl period is over, and sports begin taking over once again!
Baseball is underway, and that alone is cause for excitement...6 months of sun-splashed fields, timeless games that are interrupted on TV by commercials only as the game dictates it, not the other way around. The security of almost always having a baseball game to turn on every day until fall. Hearing the announcers piped into your home like an old family friend. April is fantastic as winter gradually recedes, and the warm weather begins...and even fans of the KC Royals can, if only for a brief time , cheer for their team without them being in the cellar.
In addition to the beauty that is baseball, this time of year will bring us the most exciting playoffs in all of sports...the Stanley Cup Playoffs. I love all sports, but nothing can top the heart-pounding action of an overtime playoff game...sudden death, next goal ends the game (and sometimes, a teams season). ANYTHING can happen in the NHL, last year a #8 seed (Edmonton) made the finals. This year, it is possible that BOTH of last years' finalists will miss the playoffs altogether (Carolina is hanging by a thread, Edmonton is out). Every game a great one, every round a 7 game series....there is nothing more exciting.
As if that wasn't enough, the NFL draft will take place at the end of April. The time when all football fans pretend to be GMs and will invariably criticize their teams selections, no matter who they might be. It is actually a day when NFL fans will watch old men talk on the phone and the commissioner read names into a microphone, and the top picks put on baseball caps. To non-football fans, that may sound boring and trite, but it is a great day for football in the middle of the off season.
Speaking of football, another way to get that football fix in the spring is Arena Football. People snicker and sneer at it, but it is what it is, a nice entertaining product that keeps football fans amused while the season is months away.
In addition, Nascar's season is in full bloom, even though they take Easter Weekend off...the kings of the asphalt will be back at it, turning left with the best of them for 31 more weeks (30 points races and the all star event) in a row without a week off.
And even golf gets into the forefront this weekend with the Masters at Augusta. Even the most casual fan seems to have at least a small interest in the most storied tournament in America.
And all of this will keep us sports fans happy and content until fall, when both college and pro football start up again! It is indeed a wonderful cycle.
Baseball is underway, and that alone is cause for excitement...6 months of sun-splashed fields, timeless games that are interrupted on TV by commercials only as the game dictates it, not the other way around. The security of almost always having a baseball game to turn on every day until fall. Hearing the announcers piped into your home like an old family friend. April is fantastic as winter gradually recedes, and the warm weather begins...and even fans of the KC Royals can, if only for a brief time , cheer for their team without them being in the cellar.
In addition to the beauty that is baseball, this time of year will bring us the most exciting playoffs in all of sports...the Stanley Cup Playoffs. I love all sports, but nothing can top the heart-pounding action of an overtime playoff game...sudden death, next goal ends the game (and sometimes, a teams season). ANYTHING can happen in the NHL, last year a #8 seed (Edmonton) made the finals. This year, it is possible that BOTH of last years' finalists will miss the playoffs altogether (Carolina is hanging by a thread, Edmonton is out). Every game a great one, every round a 7 game series....there is nothing more exciting.
As if that wasn't enough, the NFL draft will take place at the end of April. The time when all football fans pretend to be GMs and will invariably criticize their teams selections, no matter who they might be. It is actually a day when NFL fans will watch old men talk on the phone and the commissioner read names into a microphone, and the top picks put on baseball caps. To non-football fans, that may sound boring and trite, but it is a great day for football in the middle of the off season.
Speaking of football, another way to get that football fix in the spring is Arena Football. People snicker and sneer at it, but it is what it is, a nice entertaining product that keeps football fans amused while the season is months away.
In addition, Nascar's season is in full bloom, even though they take Easter Weekend off...the kings of the asphalt will be back at it, turning left with the best of them for 31 more weeks (30 points races and the all star event) in a row without a week off.
And even golf gets into the forefront this weekend with the Masters at Augusta. Even the most casual fan seems to have at least a small interest in the most storied tournament in America.
And all of this will keep us sports fans happy and content until fall, when both college and pro football start up again! It is indeed a wonderful cycle.
NCAA Hoops Recap
Well, my original bracket was a mess, I was only half right on the final four last week, but I got the title game correct!
I said Florida 77-66...actual score Florida wins 84-75.
(pats self on the back)
As for the tourney as a whole, I must say I was disappointed. The opening weekend that is supposed to provide wild endings and cinderella stories, had little of the former and none of the latter (VCU should not have been an 11th seed,so I don't count them as a cinderella).
There were some great games...Xavier and Ohio State comes to mind immediately, but overall I would give the tourney a grade of "B-". 63 games (64 if you count that play in game), and NONE matched the greatness that was shown in the NCAA Men's Division II final between Barton College (NC) and Winona (MN) State. The last 2 minutes are on You Tube and if you haven't seen it, I strongly suggest you check it out. THAT game had all the March Madness I need...until next year.
***Post Script...I have to add a link for that amazing finish to the D II classic ending....check it out:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WzmQmz9Kdc
I said Florida 77-66...actual score Florida wins 84-75.
(pats self on the back)
As for the tourney as a whole, I must say I was disappointed. The opening weekend that is supposed to provide wild endings and cinderella stories, had little of the former and none of the latter (VCU should not have been an 11th seed,so I don't count them as a cinderella).
There were some great games...Xavier and Ohio State comes to mind immediately, but overall I would give the tourney a grade of "B-". 63 games (64 if you count that play in game), and NONE matched the greatness that was shown in the NCAA Men's Division II final between Barton College (NC) and Winona (MN) State. The last 2 minutes are on You Tube and if you haven't seen it, I strongly suggest you check it out. THAT game had all the March Madness I need...until next year.
***Post Script...I have to add a link for that amazing finish to the D II classic ending....check it out:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WzmQmz9Kdc
NHL Playoff Chase-Eastern Conference
The race for the Stanley Cup Playoffs is in high gear...Eastern Conference
x*Buffalo (2 games left) (111 points)
x*New Jersey (1) (106)
*Atlanta (3) (93)
x Ottawa (1) (103)
x Pittsburgh (1) (103)
NY Rangers (1) (94)
Tampa Bay (2) (92)
Montreal (1) (90)
-----------------------
Toronto (1) (89)
NY Islanders (2) (88)
*- division leader
x-clinched playoff berth
thru games of 4/5
x*Buffalo (2 games left) (111 points)
x*New Jersey (1) (106)
*Atlanta (3) (93)
x Ottawa (1) (103)
x Pittsburgh (1) (103)
NY Rangers (1) (94)
Tampa Bay (2) (92)
Montreal (1) (90)
-----------------------
Toronto (1) (89)
NY Islanders (2) (88)
*- division leader
x-clinched playoff berth
thru games of 4/5
Sunday, April 1, 2007
Final Four Revisited
Okay, I was correct on 1 of 2 games yesterday. I expected more from Jeff Green and the Hoyas, oh well. I did get my Gators pick right, but that was a fairly easy pick. One more chance to be wrong, the championship game tomorrow night.
Ohio State vs. Florida
Didn't we just have this game out in Arizona in early January? Oh yeah, that was the BCS Title game. I got that one wrong, too (as did many people). Risking a duplicate feat, I am going to finally give credit where it is due. I think Ohio State has shown through the tourney that they are a team of destiny. That said, I have changed my mind in mid-paragraph. I believe that the Gators will repeat as champions. Florida just has too many weapons. too many star players for any team to defend. Oden's presence will be off set by Al Horford in the middle, and the sharp shooting of Lee Humphrey and Taurean Green. Mike Conley Jr. has had a good tournament, but I think the Buckeyes have just run into the wrong opponent at the wrong time.
Florida 77 Ohio State 66
Ohio State vs. Florida
Didn't we just have this game out in Arizona in early January? Oh yeah, that was the BCS Title game. I got that one wrong, too (as did many people). Risking a duplicate feat, I am going to finally give credit where it is due. I think Ohio State has shown through the tourney that they are a team of destiny. That said, I have changed my mind in mid-paragraph. I believe that the Gators will repeat as champions. Florida just has too many weapons. too many star players for any team to defend. Oden's presence will be off set by Al Horford in the middle, and the sharp shooting of Lee Humphrey and Taurean Green. Mike Conley Jr. has had a good tournament, but I think the Buckeyes have just run into the wrong opponent at the wrong time.
Florida 77 Ohio State 66
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Pro Soccers' Growth In The U.S.
[top to bottom: Toronto Stadium, Salt Lake Park ,Rapids Stadium (CO), Red Bull Park (NJ), Toyota Park (IL), Home Depot Center (CA), Crew Stadium (OH), Pizza Hut Park (TX)]
The MLS enters its 12th season this year. I know, it is hard to believe it has been that long, right?
The American soccer league that lasted the longest was the NASL, which lasted 17 years from 1968 through 1984, THAT league, however, relied on importing star players from across the world to compete here. The MLS, by contrast, emphasizes developing American players. That is why it has been so successful. Naturally, adding a handful of international stars will only help popularity of the league, but you have to be able to promote some home grown talent as well.
Despite what the many soccer-bashers in the media and across the country say, the MLS has been very successful and is growing into exactly what it's founders had envisioned in the mid 90s.
The most obvious example of it's success is the building of several SOCCER-ONLY stadiums all over the United States. Here is a breakdown:
**FC Dallas: plays in Pizza Hut Park, a soccer-only stadium located north of Dallas in Frisco,TX.
The American soccer league that lasted the longest was the NASL, which lasted 17 years from 1968 through 1984, THAT league, however, relied on importing star players from across the world to compete here. The MLS, by contrast, emphasizes developing American players. That is why it has been so successful. Naturally, adding a handful of international stars will only help popularity of the league, but you have to be able to promote some home grown talent as well.
Despite what the many soccer-bashers in the media and across the country say, the MLS has been very successful and is growing into exactly what it's founders had envisioned in the mid 90s.
The most obvious example of it's success is the building of several SOCCER-ONLY stadiums all over the United States. Here is a breakdown:
**FC Dallas: plays in Pizza Hut Park, a soccer-only stadium located north of Dallas in Frisco,TX.
**Columbus Crew: plays in MLSs' 1st soccer-only facility in downtown,not far from OSU
**Los Angeles Galaxy/ Chivas USA: The two LA-based franchises both play in the Home Depot Center, a soccer-only facility located in Carson,CA, just south of LA.
**Chicago Fire: plays in Toyota Park, a soccer-only stadium in suburban Bridgeview,IL.
**Red Bull NY: will move into the soccer-only stadium,Red Bull Park, in 2008. The complex is located in Harrison,NJ, across the river from Newark.
**Colorado Rapids: will move into their own soccer-only park for the 2007 season. Th facility is located in Commerce City,CO.
**Real Salt Lake: The Utah-based franchise will move into it's very own soccer-only stadium in 2008. The complex is being built in Sandy,UT.
**Toronto FC: The MLSs' first Canadian entry will begin play in 2007, and they will do so in their own soccer-only complex located in downtown Toronto.
**DC United: The most storied franchise in MLS is negotiating to build a soccer-only stadium near the Anacostia River.
This leaves only 3 franchises without their own soccer-only stadiums in the works as of 2007. (New England Revolution, Kansas City Wizards, and the Houston Dynamo)
Soccer is, indeed, growing very well in the U.S.A.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Anti-American Sentiment Grows Abroad
The following statistic was very disturbing to read:
"Forty-eight percent of Germans think the United States is more dangerous than Iran, a new survey shows, with only 31 percent believing the opposite. Germans' fundamental hypocrisy about the US suggests that it's high time for a new bout of re-education."
[that comes from Spiegel online]
That is the type of over-the-top anti-American fervor that we have come to expect from Al-Jazeera and the Middle East. Unfortunately, this comes from Germany, allegedly one of our "allies" on the world stage. I don't get it, have the Germans just become blind to what really is or isn't evil?
This ridiculous sentiment is prevalent here amongst the far left extremists, and apparently is becoming widespread across Europe as well. It seems that many people are blinded by their disagreement/dislike for President Bush, and let their common sense go the way of the dodo.
I have engaged people in discussions on several occassions about the war in Iraq, and the state of the U.S. in general. It is very disturbing to see how many people are locked into this view of America as the ultimate evil in the world. It may be due to the fact that if you repeat,or repeatedly hear over and over that "Bush is a terrorist" or "America is the true evil" maybe it gets ingrained in your head.
Many people seem to take disagreement with the war and turn it into HATRED for GWB. I don't get that, but the left-wing media feeds that hatred on a daily basis.
Sites like these do a fine job of exposing this bias in the media:
http://newsbusters.org/
http://www.mediaresearch.org/
It seems like the days of robust debate and dialogue between people with differing ideas has long since passed. And as long as the mainstream media continues to shove their slanted view of the world on the public, the public hatred of the U.S. will continue to grow.
"Forty-eight percent of Germans think the United States is more dangerous than Iran, a new survey shows, with only 31 percent believing the opposite. Germans' fundamental hypocrisy about the US suggests that it's high time for a new bout of re-education."
[that comes from Spiegel online]
That is the type of over-the-top anti-American fervor that we have come to expect from Al-Jazeera and the Middle East. Unfortunately, this comes from Germany, allegedly one of our "allies" on the world stage. I don't get it, have the Germans just become blind to what really is or isn't evil?
This ridiculous sentiment is prevalent here amongst the far left extremists, and apparently is becoming widespread across Europe as well. It seems that many people are blinded by their disagreement/dislike for President Bush, and let their common sense go the way of the dodo.
I have engaged people in discussions on several occassions about the war in Iraq, and the state of the U.S. in general. It is very disturbing to see how many people are locked into this view of America as the ultimate evil in the world. It may be due to the fact that if you repeat,or repeatedly hear over and over that "Bush is a terrorist" or "America is the true evil" maybe it gets ingrained in your head.
Many people seem to take disagreement with the war and turn it into HATRED for GWB. I don't get that, but the left-wing media feeds that hatred on a daily basis.
Sites like these do a fine job of exposing this bias in the media:
http://newsbusters.org/
http://www.mediaresearch.org/
It seems like the days of robust debate and dialogue between people with differing ideas has long since passed. And as long as the mainstream media continues to shove their slanted view of the world on the public, the public hatred of the U.S. will continue to grow.
NFL Overtime Rules
The NFL owners got together recently and the topic of overtime came up once again. Unfortunately, the owners only made a minor tweak to overtime. They moved back the kickoff 5 yards. (Yawn)
This will not do, as overtime is so anti-climactic is needs some changes. On this topic, NASCAR is head and shoulders above the other major sports. Whenever an issue arises in NASCAR, they fix it IMMEDIATELY. There is no "wait and see what happens next year" approach.
The NFL overtime needs an overhaul, most fans will tell you that. Now, how exactly to change it, that is the $1,000,000 question. There have been several options discussed, and I would like to address some of them here.
First up is the NCAA formula. This system gives each team at least one possession inside the opponents territory and the teams drive to score a TD or FG, and then the other team matches or tops the score. On the third possession, a two point conversion is mandatory. That works fine for college, but many NFL people are against it, I can give or take it myself.
Another idea that I have heard mentioned is the "5th quarter" rule. In this scenario, you would play overtime period of shortened length (5 min, 10 min) and would play it just like any other quarter of the game, it would not be sudden death. This is an interesting idea, my take would be, why not just make it a full 15 minute quarter then?
Now, I have an off-the-wall type of idea. It is simple, unique and interesting (and also very unlikely to ever be used). My scenario is this: keep it a sudden death period, BUT...allow NO FIELD GOALS in overtime. In other words, you can only win by a touchdown (or a safety). This eliminates the "one play drives" that occur too often and are followed by a long FG. In my scenario, the coin toss would be less crucial, as the teams would need to march all the way down the field to score and win.
I will defer to the great Bob Costas for the last overtime idea. He spoke of this during last season on NBC. He says that all rules should stay the same, EXCEPT THAT...each team gets one offensive possession. Not like college, not from close in, just from a punt or kickoff like normal. Once again, Mr. Costas' brilliance is too much for me, and for those who run the NFL. This simple, yet superb change would only improve an already wonderful sport.
Alas, much like Bob Costas' ideas for baseball that he outlined in his terrific book "Play Ball", the overtime idea is unlikely to ever be implemented. We can dream though, we can dream.
This will not do, as overtime is so anti-climactic is needs some changes. On this topic, NASCAR is head and shoulders above the other major sports. Whenever an issue arises in NASCAR, they fix it IMMEDIATELY. There is no "wait and see what happens next year" approach.
The NFL overtime needs an overhaul, most fans will tell you that. Now, how exactly to change it, that is the $1,000,000 question. There have been several options discussed, and I would like to address some of them here.
First up is the NCAA formula. This system gives each team at least one possession inside the opponents territory and the teams drive to score a TD or FG, and then the other team matches or tops the score. On the third possession, a two point conversion is mandatory. That works fine for college, but many NFL people are against it, I can give or take it myself.
Another idea that I have heard mentioned is the "5th quarter" rule. In this scenario, you would play overtime period of shortened length (5 min, 10 min) and would play it just like any other quarter of the game, it would not be sudden death. This is an interesting idea, my take would be, why not just make it a full 15 minute quarter then?
Now, I have an off-the-wall type of idea. It is simple, unique and interesting (and also very unlikely to ever be used). My scenario is this: keep it a sudden death period, BUT...allow NO FIELD GOALS in overtime. In other words, you can only win by a touchdown (or a safety). This eliminates the "one play drives" that occur too often and are followed by a long FG. In my scenario, the coin toss would be less crucial, as the teams would need to march all the way down the field to score and win.
I will defer to the great Bob Costas for the last overtime idea. He spoke of this during last season on NBC. He says that all rules should stay the same, EXCEPT THAT...each team gets one offensive possession. Not like college, not from close in, just from a punt or kickoff like normal. Once again, Mr. Costas' brilliance is too much for me, and for those who run the NFL. This simple, yet superb change would only improve an already wonderful sport.
Alas, much like Bob Costas' ideas for baseball that he outlined in his terrific book "Play Ball", the overtime idea is unlikely to ever be implemented. We can dream though, we can dream.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Rosie O'Donnell Goes Off The Wall
It has been previously reported on several media outlets about Rosie O'Donnells' recent rantings. Now,she apparently opens the show "The View" with a commentary each morning,that's no big deal even Regis and Kelly do that. However, in recent weeks her rants have gotten more and more extreme. It reached what very well could be a breaking point Thursday morning.
She had previously this week stated that the Iranian capture of 15 British soldiers in the Gulf was staged, a fake operation. Rosie made a clear reference to the Gulf Of Tonkin incident,which many believe to be a phony attack staged to excuse an escalation of the Vietnam War.
Just when you thought that would be the height of her extreme rants,she spoke again.
Rosie,today went off on a tangent about 9/11 attacks:
HASSELBECK: Do you believe that the government had anything to do with the attack of 9/11? Do you believe in a conspiracy in terms of the attack of 9/11?
O’DONNELL: No. But I do believe the first time in history that fire has ever melted steel. I do believe that it defies physics for the World Trade Center Tower Seven, building seven, which collapsed in on itself, it is impossible for a building to fall the way it fell without explosives being involved, World Trade Center Seven. World Trade Center one and Two got hit by plains. Seven, miraculously, for the first time in history, steel was melted by fire. It is physically impossible.
HASSELBECK: And who do you think is responsible for that?
O’DONNELL: I have no idea. But to say that we don't know it was imploded, that there was implosion in the demolition, is beyond ignorant. Look at the film. Get a physics expert here from Yale, from Harvard. Pick the school. It defies reason.
(that is from the transcript of The View)
So,Ms. O'Donnell is buying into the conspiracy theories about the September 11th attacks now? One has to wonder how Barbara Walters feels about her show being used as a vehicle to spout extremist propaganda.
It was noted on another media program that The View's ratings have tumbled since start of 2007. If that trend is indeed true,then the ratings and loss of revenue will cause Barbara Walters and/or ABC to act.
I see this as just another sign that the extremists are forcing their views into the mainstream.
But,maybe I'm just being paranoid...unlikely.
She had previously this week stated that the Iranian capture of 15 British soldiers in the Gulf was staged, a fake operation. Rosie made a clear reference to the Gulf Of Tonkin incident,which many believe to be a phony attack staged to excuse an escalation of the Vietnam War.
Just when you thought that would be the height of her extreme rants,she spoke again.
Rosie,today went off on a tangent about 9/11 attacks:
HASSELBECK: Do you believe that the government had anything to do with the attack of 9/11? Do you believe in a conspiracy in terms of the attack of 9/11?
O’DONNELL: No. But I do believe the first time in history that fire has ever melted steel. I do believe that it defies physics for the World Trade Center Tower Seven, building seven, which collapsed in on itself, it is impossible for a building to fall the way it fell without explosives being involved, World Trade Center Seven. World Trade Center one and Two got hit by plains. Seven, miraculously, for the first time in history, steel was melted by fire. It is physically impossible.
HASSELBECK: And who do you think is responsible for that?
O’DONNELL: I have no idea. But to say that we don't know it was imploded, that there was implosion in the demolition, is beyond ignorant. Look at the film. Get a physics expert here from Yale, from Harvard. Pick the school. It defies reason.
(that is from the transcript of The View)
So,Ms. O'Donnell is buying into the conspiracy theories about the September 11th attacks now? One has to wonder how Barbara Walters feels about her show being used as a vehicle to spout extremist propaganda.
It was noted on another media program that The View's ratings have tumbled since start of 2007. If that trend is indeed true,then the ratings and loss of revenue will cause Barbara Walters and/or ABC to act.
I see this as just another sign that the extremists are forcing their views into the mainstream.
But,maybe I'm just being paranoid...unlikely.
Final Four Preview
Well, my bracket is totally busted (that happened fairly quickly), but I will still make my predictions amongst the final four teams. I feel that even I can pick 3 games correctly,right? Right?
Let's get started with the National Semifinals on Saturday:
Georgetown vs. Ohio State
This is a great matchup between Georgetowns' technical "Princeton offense" and the Buckeyes slashing guards and big man Greg Oden. Oden has been in foul trouble all tournament, but yet OSU has found ways to win. The Hoyas remarkable comeback against UNC last week was one of the best games in NCAA Tourney history, and the effecient offense John Thompson III runs puts a lot of pressure on the defensive team.
PICK: Georgetown 68 Ohio State 61
UCLA vs. Florida
A rematch of last years Championship Game,which the gators won easily by 16.Afflalo and the Bruins should have revenge on their minds Saturday night. Unfortunately for UCLA, the Gators starting 5 from a year ago is back,and they want to be the first team to repeat as NCAA Champions since 1992.Florida has too much talent,IMO.
PICK: Florida 73 UCLA 63
CHAMPIONSHIP:
I think the Gators run into this years' team of destiny.25 years after UNC beat Georgetown in one of the best title games in history,Georgetown will win the title. The regimented offense and stern defense of John Thompson III is too much for the Gators. Hoyas win a thriller.
PICK: Georgetown 69 Florida 65
Let's get started with the National Semifinals on Saturday:
Georgetown vs. Ohio State
This is a great matchup between Georgetowns' technical "Princeton offense" and the Buckeyes slashing guards and big man Greg Oden. Oden has been in foul trouble all tournament, but yet OSU has found ways to win. The Hoyas remarkable comeback against UNC last week was one of the best games in NCAA Tourney history, and the effecient offense John Thompson III runs puts a lot of pressure on the defensive team.
PICK: Georgetown 68 Ohio State 61
UCLA vs. Florida
A rematch of last years Championship Game,which the gators won easily by 16.Afflalo and the Bruins should have revenge on their minds Saturday night. Unfortunately for UCLA, the Gators starting 5 from a year ago is back,and they want to be the first team to repeat as NCAA Champions since 1992.Florida has too much talent,IMO.
PICK: Florida 73 UCLA 63
CHAMPIONSHIP:
I think the Gators run into this years' team of destiny.25 years after UNC beat Georgetown in one of the best title games in history,Georgetown will win the title. The regimented offense and stern defense of John Thompson III is too much for the Gators. Hoyas win a thriller.
PICK: Georgetown 69 Florida 65
Charles Rangel's Latest Attempt At a Draft
Below is House Resolution 393, it is the latest attempt by NY Stae Rep. Charles Rangel at reinstating a draft. He has proposed such legislation twice before,in 2003 and 2005. Both were soundly defeated by congress.
This one is worded slightly different, as it would mandate service for everyone between 18 and 42. Interestingly, the wording states "all persons in the U.S." it doesn't say "citizens". Does that mean that immigrants are required to serve as well?
It is,of course, much ado about nothing. President Bush has stated that if the bill even made it to his desk, he would veto it quickly.There is no real reason to believe it will even make it to GWB's office.
I just liked to post this info to show exactly what Charles Rangel is doing with his time. He is pursuing a bill that even he knows will never pass, just to make his personal statement (at taxpayers expense) about the war.
I hope all NY voters remember this waste of time come election day.
**TEXT OF HR 393 IS BELOW**
H.R.393 Title: To require all persons in the United States between the ages of 18 and 42 to perform national service, either as a member of the uniformed services or in civilian service in furtherance of the national defense and homeland security, to authorize the induction of persons in the uniformed services during wartime to meet end-strength requirements of the uniformed services, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to make permanent the favorable treatment afforded combat pay under the earned income tax credit, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Rangel, Charles B. [NY-15] (introduced 1/10/2007) Cosponsors (2) Latest Major Action: 2/26/2007 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
This one is worded slightly different, as it would mandate service for everyone between 18 and 42. Interestingly, the wording states "all persons in the U.S." it doesn't say "citizens". Does that mean that immigrants are required to serve as well?
It is,of course, much ado about nothing. President Bush has stated that if the bill even made it to his desk, he would veto it quickly.There is no real reason to believe it will even make it to GWB's office.
I just liked to post this info to show exactly what Charles Rangel is doing with his time. He is pursuing a bill that even he knows will never pass, just to make his personal statement (at taxpayers expense) about the war.
I hope all NY voters remember this waste of time come election day.
**TEXT OF HR 393 IS BELOW**
H.R.393 Title: To require all persons in the United States between the ages of 18 and 42 to perform national service, either as a member of the uniformed services or in civilian service in furtherance of the national defense and homeland security, to authorize the induction of persons in the uniformed services during wartime to meet end-strength requirements of the uniformed services, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to make permanent the favorable treatment afforded combat pay under the earned income tax credit, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Rangel, Charles B. [NY-15] (introduced 1/10/2007) Cosponsors (2) Latest Major Action: 2/26/2007 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
NHL 2007 Playoff Race/Eastern Conference
The race for the Stanley Cup Playoffs is in high gear...
Eastern Conference
Eastern Conference
- x*Buffalo (3 games left) (107 points)
- x*New Jersey (3) (102)
- *Atlanta (3) (93)
- x Ottawa (3) (102)
- x Pittsburgh (3) (101)
- NY Rangers (3) (91)
- Tampa Bay (3) (90)
- Montreal (3) (88)
- Toronto (3) (87)
- Carolina (3) (86)
- NY Islanders (4) (84)
*- division leader
x-clinched playoff berth
thru games of 4/1
Latest Polls For Prez Candidates
The latest polls for potential presidential candidates for each party...
(Gallup Poll)
3/25
Republicans:
Rudy Giuliani 31%
John McCain 22%
*Fred Thompson 12%
Newt Gengrich 8%
Mitt Romney 3%
*assuming Thompson joins the race,he is still undecided.
3/25
Democrats:
Hilary Clinton 35%
Barack Obama 22%
Al Gore 17%
John Edwards 14%
I'll post more polls from time to time as we get closer.
(Gallup Poll)
3/25
Republicans:
Rudy Giuliani 31%
John McCain 22%
*Fred Thompson 12%
Newt Gengrich 8%
Mitt Romney 3%
*assuming Thompson joins the race,he is still undecided.
3/25
Democrats:
Hilary Clinton 35%
Barack Obama 22%
Al Gore 17%
John Edwards 14%
I'll post more polls from time to time as we get closer.
The BNF Top 20 Countdown
Countdown #01...from March 24,2007
This is a Top 20 countdown featuring all kinds of songs in my collection.Hundreds of songs are stored on a hard drive,and after I select random play....the top 20 songs are picked for this list.
This is a Top 20 countdown featuring all kinds of songs in my collection.Hundreds of songs are stored on a hard drive,and after I select random play....the top 20 songs are picked for this list.
- Walking Away - CRAIG DAVID
- Make It Last Forever - KEITH SWEAT
- Something About You - NEW EDITION
- Rub You The Right Way - JOHNNY GILL
- November Rain - GUNS'n'ROSES
- Rock Of Ages - DEF LEPPARD
- Why Me Baby? - KEITH SWEAT featuring L.L. COOL J
- Method Of Modern Love - HALL & OATES
- Poor Georgie - MC LYTE
- Family Affair - MARY J. BLIGE
- Diamonds & Pearls - PRINCE & THE N.P.G.
- School's Out - ALICE COOPER
- Tonight- KOOL & THE GANG
- Shake You Down - GREGORY ABBOTT
- Funkytown - LIPPS,INC.
- Epic- FAITH NO MORE
- Dip Into My Ride - LIGHTER SHADE OF BROWN
- That's The Way Love Is - BOBBY BROWN
- Letitgo - PRINCE
- Play That Funky Music - WILD CHERRY
The BNF Fantasy Baseball Team
After finishing 3rd in 2004,my team finished near or at bottom of lg in 2005 and 2006. In 2007,I have put together a very good team (or at least it seems that way on March 29)
My 2007 Fantasy Baseball Team,with 2006 stats:
C Kenji Johjima,SEA
.291 18hr 76rbi
1B Ryan Howard,PHI
.313 58hr 149rbi
2B Freddy Sanchez,PIT
.344 6hr 85rbi
SS Derek Jeter,NYY
.343 14hr 97rbi
3B Joe Crede,CWS
.283 30hr 94rbi
IF Miguel Tejada,BAL
.330 24hr 100rbi
OF Bobby Abreu,NYY
.297 15hr 107rbi
OF Matt Holliday,COL
.326 34hr 114rbi
OF Eric Byrnes,ARZ
.267 26hr 79rbi
OF Gary Mathews,Jr.,LAA
.313 19hr 79rbi
UT Lyle Overbay,TOR
.312 22hr 92rbi
OF Ken Griffey Jr.,CIN
.252 27hr 72rbi
1B Adrian Gonzalez,SD
.304 24hr 82rbi
2B Luis Castillo,MIN
.296 84runs 25sb
SP Daisuke Matsuzaka,BOS
14-13 2.30era 226so (in Japan)
SP John Smoltz,ATL
16-9 3.49era 211so
SP John Lackey,LAA
13-9 3.56era 190so
SP C.C. Sabathia,CLE
12-11 3.22era 172so
SP Brad Penny,LAD
16-9 4.33era 148so
SP Scott Olsen,FLA
12-10 4.04era 166so
SP Scott Kazmir,TB
10-8 3.24era 163so
SP Kei Igawa,NYY
13-9 3.87era 145so (in Japan)
RP Tom Gordon,PHI
34saves 3.34era
RP Takashi Saito,LAD
24saves 2.07era
RP Justin Duchscherer,OAK
9saves 17holds 2.91era
RP Akinori Otsuka,TEX
32saves 7holds 2.11era
I WILL win the league this year!!
My 2007 Fantasy Baseball Team,with 2006 stats:
C Kenji Johjima,SEA
.291 18hr 76rbi
1B Ryan Howard,PHI
.313 58hr 149rbi
2B Freddy Sanchez,PIT
.344 6hr 85rbi
SS Derek Jeter,NYY
.343 14hr 97rbi
3B Joe Crede,CWS
.283 30hr 94rbi
IF Miguel Tejada,BAL
.330 24hr 100rbi
OF Bobby Abreu,NYY
.297 15hr 107rbi
OF Matt Holliday,COL
.326 34hr 114rbi
OF Eric Byrnes,ARZ
.267 26hr 79rbi
OF Gary Mathews,Jr.,LAA
.313 19hr 79rbi
UT Lyle Overbay,TOR
.312 22hr 92rbi
OF Ken Griffey Jr.,CIN
.252 27hr 72rbi
1B Adrian Gonzalez,SD
.304 24hr 82rbi
2B Luis Castillo,MIN
.296 84runs 25sb
SP Daisuke Matsuzaka,BOS
14-13 2.30era 226so (in Japan)
SP John Smoltz,ATL
16-9 3.49era 211so
SP John Lackey,LAA
13-9 3.56era 190so
SP C.C. Sabathia,CLE
12-11 3.22era 172so
SP Brad Penny,LAD
16-9 4.33era 148so
SP Scott Olsen,FLA
12-10 4.04era 166so
SP Scott Kazmir,TB
10-8 3.24era 163so
SP Kei Igawa,NYY
13-9 3.87era 145so (in Japan)
RP Tom Gordon,PHI
34saves 3.34era
RP Takashi Saito,LAD
24saves 2.07era
RP Justin Duchscherer,OAK
9saves 17holds 2.91era
RP Akinori Otsuka,TEX
32saves 7holds 2.11era
I WILL win the league this year!!
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Baseball Preview 2007
Okay, with only a few days until Opening Day, it's time to make my predictions for 2007.
Starting in the junior circuit, of course...
AL EAST
Starting in the junior circuit, of course...
AL EAST
- NEW YORK YANKEES - (predicted record: 97-65) Still the class of the division. The starting rotation of Wang, Mussina, Pettitte, Igawa, Pavano,and Karstens is very solid and deep. On paper, this is arguably the best lineup we have seen in a long time.The bullpen is solid, and as long as #42 is there for the 9th inning,it's all good.
- BOSTON REDSOX - (predicted record: 91-71) Dice-K joins the staff with Schilling,Wakefield,and Beckett. Papelbon decided to return to his closer role, probably a very good decision for the team.The bullpen is okay,if not great. The 5th spot in rotation is open,at least until Jon Lester can make it back to bigs after cancer surgery last December. The other question mark is rookie Dustin Pedroia at 2B, a .300 hitter with limited power in the minors, Boston is hoping for him to get on base for the big guys to get him home.
- TORONTO BLUE JAYS - (predicted record: 87-75) The Jays are unfortunate in that they are stuck in AL East with Sox and Yanks. Toronto has a good lineup,just not as good as Boston/Yanks. The Blue Jays rotation is okay, Halladay is great but A.J. Burnett is injury prone and Gustavo Chacin has not yet fulfilled his potential. Whenever they have a late lead,B.J. Ryan will lock it down. The double play combo is questionable, too, with aging Royce Clayton and young Aaron Hill.
- BALTIMORE ORIOLES - (predicted record: 75-87) The O's have some good young players, but not nearly enough to compete with the top 3 in AL East. The offense is solid, with Tejada and Ramon Hernandez among the best at their positions. The pitching is a concern, with Eric Bedard anchoring the rotation and Chris Ray at the back of the bullpen. In between those two, there are many questions.
- TAMPA BAY DEVIL RAYS - (predicted record: 73-89) The future may be bright for the sad sack D-Rays. The lineup features several highly touted young players: B.J. Upton, Delmon Young, Rocco Baldelli, Ben Zobrist,and Dionner Navarro. Add to them budding stars Jorge Cantu and Carl Crawford along with Japanese import Akinori Iwamura, and there may be something to cheer for soon in St. Petersburg. The pitching, outside of Scott Kazmir, is poor, but at least it appears that Tampa Bay is heading in the right direction, finally.
AL CENTRAL
- DETROIT TIGERS - (predicted record: 90-72) The defending AL champions are all back,and even added Gary Sheffield to the lineup. Questions of whether the starting pitchers can duplicate last years' success are heightened by Kenny Rogers starting the year on the DL. Count on another good year from Bonderman, Verlander, Robertson, and Maroth regardless of how the aging Rogers fares. The bullpen is maybe the deepest in MLB, with Joel Zumaya and Fernando Rodney backing up closer Todd Jones.Even though they are in a very competitive division, the Tigers should still win 90.
- CLEVELAND INDIANS - (predicted record: 84-78) Cleveland is the trendy surprise pick this year,I just don't see it yet. I do think that the young Tribe can finish just ahead of the Twins and White Sox,but there are still questions such as the corner OF spots.David Dellucci and Casey Blake are among the front runners for LF and RF,respectively.Youth is scattered throughout the offense and pitching staff,with Andy Marte at 3B and Ryan Garko at 1B.You do have to be leery,though,of any team that has Joe Borowski as a closer.
- CHICAGO WHITE SOX - (predicted record: 83-79) The ChiSox are a year older,but have not changed very much from the 2006 model. The lineup still features stars like Paul Konerko, Jermaine Dye, Jim Thome, and Joe Crede. The pitching staff still includes the likes of Jose Contreras, Javier Vasquez, and Mark Buehrlie. But it is that staff that has not been dominant since the 2005 postseason.In this tightly contested division,Chicago will finish in the midst of the Tribe and Twins.
- MINNESOTA TWINS - (predicted record: 82-80) The loss of Francisco Liriano for the season really takes the Twins out of title contention. Johan Santana is amazing, but he can't pitch every day. The exciting lineup that features Joe Mauer, MVP Justin Morneau, and longtime Twin Torii Hunter will keep Minnesota in the race for most of the year. But the starting rotation is just not strong enough this year, Boof Bonser and Matt Garza would need to have huge seasons for the team to win the central.
- KANSAS CITY ROYALS - (predicted record: 62-100) To put it simply: this is not a good team. Up and comers like Mark Teahen and Ryan Shealy are the few bright spots in KC. The pitching staff is relying on Gil Meche as the ace. Nuff said. FA acquisition Octavio Dotel will attempt to make his comeback as a closer,saving what few games the Royals win.
AL WEST
- LOS ANGELES ANGELS OF ANAHEIM - (predicted record: 88-74) More young talent is bubbling up from the Halos deep farm system. Howie Kendrick and Mike Napoli should improve in their first full seasons. The Angels hope the controversy surrounding FA signee Gary Mathews Jr. will not linger throughout the year. Starting pitching is a strength, with several good arms: John Lackey, Jered Weaver, Ervin Santana, and Kelvim Escobar in the mix with Bartolo Colon. Francisco Rodriguez is one of the best in MLB and his setup man, Scot Shields could close for other teams.
- OAKLAND A's - (predicted record: 82-80) Remember a few years ago when it was Mulder, Hudson, and Zito in the rotation? Those days are gone now. Today it is Rich Harden, Dan Haren, Joe Blanton, and Esteban Loaiza. With a balanced,if unspectacular lineup and a weak division, Oakland will be in the race until late in the year. The Angels are better than their rivals from the Bay Area, though.
- SEATTLE MARINERS - (predicted record: 74-88) The M's and Rangers are about equally bad. The Mariners have a solid lineup,and they believe they have the anchor of the rotation in Felix Hernandez.A young double play combo of Yuniesky Betancourt and Jose Lopez are the middle of a good infield that also includes Richie Sexson and Adrian Beltre. The pitching,outside of Hernandez and closer J.J. Putz, is average at best. Jarrod Washburn, Miguel Batista, and Horacio Ramirez are the next 3 in the rotation.
- TEXAS RANGERS - (predicted record: 73-89) Texas' starting pitching is more questionable than the M's.A rotation featuring Kevin Millwood, Vincente Padilla, and Robinson Tejeda is not very strong. Brandon McCarthy is a young pitcher that the Rangers are high on,and the bullpen is solid,especially if Eric Gagne can even be close to the player he once was. Sammy Sosa apparently will go come to Arlington with the team from spring training. It will be interesting to see how much Sosa has left in the tank.
AL DIVISION SERIES PICKS:
NY Yankees over LA Angels in 5 games (NY FINALLY defeats their postseason nemesis)
Boston over Detroit in 5 games (Red Sox outplay the Tigers in intense series)
AL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES:
NY Yankees over Boston in 7 games (yet another fall classic between the arch rivals)
*******************************************************
And now,the Senior Circuit:
NL EAST
- NEW YORK METS - (predicted record: 91-71) The team many felt should have won the NL last year is back, but still with issues in the starting rotation. Pedro Martinez is out until midseason at best, and there is no telling how durable Orlando Hernandez will be in 2007. Stellar setup man Duaner Sanchez is going to be out until July at least. That said, the Mets still have a strong team and I would expect them to be active in the trade market to get some more live arms for the stretch run. The only question about the offense concerns Shawn Green in RF, it seems like only a matter of time until hotshot Lastings Milledge becomes a full time starter.With rejuvenated Jose Valentin at 2B, New York has a very strong lineup and will score a lot of runs this year.
- PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES - (predicted record: 83-79) The Phils are close, but not quite up to playoff level just yet.They have questions at 3B,with Wes Helms penciled in as the starter. Philly is counting on a solid full season from Shane Victorino in RF, based on what we saw in 2006, that is a reasonable expectation. The pitching, like the rest of the team, is solid but unspectacular. That should be enough to take second in the east.
- ATLANTA BRAVES - (predicted record: 82-80) Now, I say this with a disclaimer because Atlanta could very well make a run and take the division, especially if the Mets contin ue to be hit by injuries. Brian McCann,the Joneses, Adam LaRoche, and slugger Jeff Francoeur head a lineup that will definitely strike fear into some opposing pitchers. Don't look now, but the Braves are ready to cultivate another crop of young pitchers. Chuck James will be in the rotation from the start, and kids like Kyle Davies and Anthony Lerew may be in A-town shortly. If you're a Mets fan, you want to win the east this year, because the Braves may be back on top by 2008.
- FLORIDA MARLINS - (predicted record: 81-81) A very solid,young team. This is exactly the type of team that may surprise us all and make a run (like they did in 2003). Outstanding young players all over the roster in SoFla: Miguel Cabrera, Dan Uggla, Hanley Ramirez, Mike Jacobs, Josh Willingham, etc. With the spring training trade for Jorge Julio, the Marlins filled their most glaring need, a closer. The only reason I do not pick this team higher is becuase of the "sophomore slump" that will inevitably hit a couple of their fine young players.
- WASHINGTON NATIONALS - (predicted record: 68-94) The Nats are preparing to have a competitive team by the time they open their new ballpark which is slated to open in April 2008. Washington made several deals, dumping older players for prospects, it is a smart move for the long run, but it will result in a poor team on the field in 2007. The corner infielders are good, even though Nick Johnson will begin season on the DL. The pitching, well... it is questionable at best, but they do have a good closer in Chad Cordero. All in all, DC fans can watch the team this year secure in the knowledge that come 2008, they will be watching an exciting young team in a beautiful new ballpark.
NL CENTRAL
- CHICAGO CUBS - (predicted record: 88-74) I rarely believe the hype about teams over the winter, especially when the team hyped is a cursed franchise like the Cubs. But, there is a very talented team on the north side this year. A lineup that will feature super sluggers Derek Lee AND Alfonso Soriano is very strong, indeed. The pitching staff, for the first time in years, will NOT be counting on Kerry Wood or Mark Prior, the latter will open the season in AAA Iowa. The starters are not great and the closer (Ryan Dempster) is not stellar, but they are all solid enough to win this division.
- ST. LOUIS CARDINALS - (predicted record: 86-76) The defending World Series champions will have a hard time in 2007. Like most champions, there was a bit of "magic" last year when the redbirds won it all. The biggest change is the starting rotation, where Kip Wells, Adam Wainwright, Al Reyes will join Chris Carpenter and an as-yet-undetermined 5th starter. However, any team that features Albert Pujols and Scott Rolen at the corners and in the middle of the lineup will be in the mix.
- MILWAUKEE BREWERS - (predicted record: 81-81) Yes, you read it right, I pick the Brewers to be competitive all year and finish 3rd. The Brew Crew is stacked with offense from young infielders Weeks, and J.J. Hardy to surprise of 2007 Bill Hall. Prince Fielder will only get better at 1B ,and Johnny Estrada is a very solid backstop. The pitching features unheralded lefty Chris Capuano as well as Ben Sheets, Dave Bush, and 2006 WS hero Jeff Suppan. Don't look now, but Milwaukee has a good team.
- HOUSTON ASTROS- (predicted record: 79-83) I wonder, can I make a prediction for Houston with or without Clemens? This prediction assumes they DO have Clemens in 2007. The offense, even with Carlos Lee and Lance Berkman, is not strong up and down the order. The pitching has Oswalt and the Rocket, but after that they are counting on ex-Rockie Jason Jennings and young Wandy Rodriguez to pick up the slack. The bullpen is solid, but the 'stros may not have many leads to hand over to that pen.
- CINCINNATI REDS - (predicted record: 78-84) Bronson Arroyo and Aaron Harang head the rotation, and the lineup features Adam Dunn, Ken Griffey, and up and coming star Brandon Phillips. The remainder of the team,especially the bullpen, is questionable. It's a shame, a great ballpark, and loyal fans, but the Reds will not be in the mix for a playoff berth this year.
- PITTSBURGH PIRATES - (predicted record: 71-91) The Pirates will be good in a year or two, but the young talent isn't strong enough to compete, or even get out of the cellar in 2007. Defending batting champion Freddy Sanchez is joined in the lineup by speedy Chris Duffy, slugging Canadian Jason Bay, and underrated catcher Ronny Paulino. The rotation is thin after Zach Duke and Ian Snell, and the bullpen is so weak, they are counting on journeyman Salomon Torres to be the closer.
NL WEST
- SAN DIEGO PADRES - (predicted record: 89-73) The Pads should make another playoff run in 2007. Despite a hole at 3B (rookie Kevin Kouzmanoff will get the start), the lineup is strong with Adrian Gonzalez, Khalil Greene, the Giles brothers, and Mike Cameron. Pitching is the strength of this team, with Jake Peavy, Chris Young, Greg Maddux, and Clay Hensley starting and Trevor Hoffman at the back of the pen.
- LOS ANGELES DODGERS - (predicted record: 87-75) The Dodgers will struggle to return to the playoffs this year. The rotation is solid once again, as is the bullpen, with Jonathan Broxton ready to take over for Takashi Saito when needed. The lineup is missing some pop, and the bench is thin. Jeff Kent and Nomar are arguably the only power hitters in the order, and youth is being counted on all over the diamond. Andre Ethier, Wilson Betemit, and youngster Russell Martin will try to duplicate their strong 2006's.
- ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS - (predicted record : 83-79) The snakes are improved and will contend in a fairly balanced NL West. Youngsters Conor Jackson, Chris Young, and Carlos Quentin are going to be starting in 2007. The DBacks look for Eric Byrnes to duplicate his breakout 2006 season. J.D. Drew's younger brother, Stephen, gets the start at SS. If all the kids break out,Arizona could go far this year, but with expected growing pains, they may be one year away. The starting pitching is among the best in the NL, with Randy Johnson, Brandon Webb, Livan Hernandez, and Doug Davis, The bullpen features Jose Valverde as the closer and many young pitchers setting up for him.
- COLORADO ROCKIES- (predicted record: 81-81) The Rockies are up and coming, but will fall short this year. The addition of speedy Willy Taveras at the top of the order will prove beneficial for run producers Matt Holliday, Todd Helton, and Garrett Atkins. The question, as it always is in Denver, is with the pitching. Brian Fuentes is a solid closer in a decent bullpen. The rotation is in question, with Jeff Francis and Aaron Cook as the 1-2 starters, but the back end is filled by B.K. Kim, Rodrigo Lopez, and Josh Fogg among others.
- SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS - (predicted record: 77-85) There are two things for SF baseball fans to cheer for in 2007. One is, obviously Bonds "breaking" the HR record, which he surely will accomplish at home. The other is the All Star Game, which will be in the Bay Area for the first time since 1987, when it was in Oakland. The Giants, however, will not give hometown fans much to cheer about this season. As has been the MO in recent years, the team is too old, and the pitching is not good enough.They did add Barry Zito to the staff, he will pair with Matt Cain, the oft-injured Matt Morris, underachieving Noah Lowry, and aging Russ Ortiz. Armando Benitez anchors the bullpen, but ther just won't be enough leads for him to protect this year.
NL DIVISION SERIES PICKS:
NY Mets over St. Louis in 4 games (NY gets some measure of revenge for last year)
San Diego over Chicago in 5 games (SD just has much better pitching than Cubs)
NL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES:
NY Mets over San Diego in 6 games (The Mets seem destined for another Subway Series)
2007 WORLD SERIES PREDICTION:
Subway Series Again!!
NY Yankees defeat the NY Mets 4 games to 3 in an exciting World Series.
Baseball is almost here!
Okay, the baseball season finally gets underway Sunday night! For Yankee fans like myself, it has been a long, anxious winter. Now, all of the nonsense can be put to bed for a while and we can play some ball!
For the Yankees,spring training wasn't really about anyone trying to make the club. The only spots open were backup catcher (Todd Pratt seems to have won that job), and the 5th starter in the rotation (Jeff Karstens won the job, but was injured over weekend). The Yanks, instead spent spring training dealing with the Alex Rodriguez situation. In truth,there isn't much to the "situation" at all, ARod's contract allows for him to opt-out at the end of this season. He likely will opt-out regardless of how this year goes, it's a business move, plain and simple.
Alex has this problem with the media, everytime he tries to speak about something, he makes it worse. ARod just has to finally realize that if he hits well and helps Yanks win, the fans will cheer him. Hopefully that is the last I will write about Alex's situation this year, but somehow I doubt it.
So, the season begins Monday afternoon at 1pm at The Stadium. The first litmus test of the year happens right away as Carl Pavano will start the opener. Since Carl has not pitched since July of 2005, ANYTHING he does will be an improvement. However, I will feel for Pavano if he gets shelled on Opening Day...the boos will be very loud. Conversely, should he pitch well against the Devil Rays, the fans will give him an ovation. Monday is one of the biggest days in Pavano's career.
Elsewhere around MLB in 2007, Barry Bonds will likely break Hank Aaron's career HR record. The wise money would say BB breaks the record at home. With Bonds approval rating outside of the Bay Area not much higher than GWB's, you know that he will limit his playing time largely to home dates. That's good for San Francisco fans, as they won't have much else to cheer about at SBC/AT&T (or whatever they call it now) Park outside of the All Star Game.
The newest phenom comes from Japan and Daisuke Matsuzaka will make his ML debut next week for the Red Sox. As good as "Dice-K" may be, there is no way the man can possibly be as good as the legendary claims about his ability. He does have a large assortment of pitches and is very durable, and Boston is counting on him,Beckett and Schilling to lead the Sox to the postseason.
The Cubs spent a lot of money on free agents, the Cardinals look to defend their title, the Mets try to duplicate last years' run ,while the Padres and Dodgers battle for the West crown. The NL has plenty of strong teams, and it should make for a great year.
In the AL, outside of the usual Boston/NYY race, there is the 4 team race in the Central and a very competitive West. Toronto is a good team, too bad for them they are forced to play in the East with Red Sox and Yankees.
BNF
For the Yankees,spring training wasn't really about anyone trying to make the club. The only spots open were backup catcher (Todd Pratt seems to have won that job), and the 5th starter in the rotation (Jeff Karstens won the job, but was injured over weekend). The Yanks, instead spent spring training dealing with the Alex Rodriguez situation. In truth,there isn't much to the "situation" at all, ARod's contract allows for him to opt-out at the end of this season. He likely will opt-out regardless of how this year goes, it's a business move, plain and simple.
Alex has this problem with the media, everytime he tries to speak about something, he makes it worse. ARod just has to finally realize that if he hits well and helps Yanks win, the fans will cheer him. Hopefully that is the last I will write about Alex's situation this year, but somehow I doubt it.
So, the season begins Monday afternoon at 1pm at The Stadium. The first litmus test of the year happens right away as Carl Pavano will start the opener. Since Carl has not pitched since July of 2005, ANYTHING he does will be an improvement. However, I will feel for Pavano if he gets shelled on Opening Day...the boos will be very loud. Conversely, should he pitch well against the Devil Rays, the fans will give him an ovation. Monday is one of the biggest days in Pavano's career.
Elsewhere around MLB in 2007, Barry Bonds will likely break Hank Aaron's career HR record. The wise money would say BB breaks the record at home. With Bonds approval rating outside of the Bay Area not much higher than GWB's, you know that he will limit his playing time largely to home dates. That's good for San Francisco fans, as they won't have much else to cheer about at SBC/AT&T (or whatever they call it now) Park outside of the All Star Game.
The newest phenom comes from Japan and Daisuke Matsuzaka will make his ML debut next week for the Red Sox. As good as "Dice-K" may be, there is no way the man can possibly be as good as the legendary claims about his ability. He does have a large assortment of pitches and is very durable, and Boston is counting on him,Beckett and Schilling to lead the Sox to the postseason.
The Cubs spent a lot of money on free agents, the Cardinals look to defend their title, the Mets try to duplicate last years' run ,while the Padres and Dodgers battle for the West crown. The NL has plenty of strong teams, and it should make for a great year.
In the AL, outside of the usual Boston/NYY race, there is the 4 team race in the Central and a very competitive West. Toronto is a good team, too bad for them they are forced to play in the East with Red Sox and Yankees.
BNF
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