Have some people no sense of shame, of self-respect? How else to react the the Nobel committee giving the Peace Prize to BO? Didn't they know/realize they would become laughingstocks to the majority of people? Of course, maybe they don't care??????
But, let's get serious. Even the left is left scratching its collective head. An Amherst classmate of mine, self-described as a "big Barry supporter," wrote, "I don't get it." A left-wing blogger wrote he thought he was reading The Onion! http://lefti.blogspot.com/2009/10/i-swear-i-thought-i-was-reading-onion.html
Where to start? Let's see, Algore, Yasir ("That's My Baby"), and now BO--I'll give, albeit only reluctantly so, you Carter. C'mon! Other than the money involved, who with any sense of self-dignity would accept such an ignominious award after what's been going on with it? It relates back to what I've blogged and written about--people who really deserve such accolades will now be looked upon with suspicion. Who can trust that someone who wins this award really has earned it?
BO was "nominated" two weeks after he was inaugurated. C'mon.... Even Saturday Night Live has made fun of BO for not doing anything yet. (It's really a pretty funny skit.) "I haven't done anything yet...."
Has the Nobel Peace Prize become irrelevant? Mother Teresa, Ralph Bunche, the American Red Cross, Amnesty International, etc. are tarnished and besmirched by this.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Tigers/Twins
I actually watched most, but not all, of the game tonight. It was a tough loss of a dramatic game. But, for a post-season game (in reality, that's what it was), it was not played very well. That, I think, is typical of MLB, not just the Twins and Tigers.
First, let me repeat that it was an entertaining, dramatic game, very much so. That, no doubt, will please most viewers. I'm curious, however, if the "experts" tomorrow call this a "classic," "one for the ages," etc. But the mistakes on both sides, elementary mistakes, were glaring.
In the OF, with a one-run lead in extra innings, the absolute rule is let nothing by. So, what does the LF do? Tries to make a diving catch, allowing the tying run to get to 3B with zero outs. It was a cardinal sin. And the CF, backing up the play, takes just a terrible angle on the ball. Of course, he must have assumed the LF would play the ball the way it was supposed to have been played. What does the other team's LF do, with another absolute rule? He throws to a base where he had no chance of getting the runner, allowing the back-up runner to move up--eliminating any chance of a double play, tying the manager's hands, forcing a walk to a player who didn't deserve a walk. How about the runner on third who didn't tag up early enough and was nipped at the plate on a throw from the OF? (Was he really out or did the hand sneak in to the plate before the high tag on his back???) The rule, from at least high school on, is to return to the bag, with fewer than two outs, if the ball comes off the top of the bat. Apparently this rule wasn't learned and nearly cost the runner's team the game, the playoffs. And the other team? Well, with a man on 3B, bases loaded actually, a very high hopper goes to 2B. It was so high the 2B knows he can't get the DP, so he throws home--where he nails the runner from 3B on the force. How did he get thrown out so easily? The replay showed. First, he had a lousy lead. Second, and most important, he had a lousier break on the ball. The bases were loaded--he didn't need to hold up for anything, with the ball off the bottom of the bat. Again, the runner cost his team a run and a chance to play farther into the night. And there was more....
And what's with all these replacements--pinch runners, defensive replacements (well, he may have had a point there--last week, in very limited viewing, I saw three Tigers just butcher easy fly balls from outs into run-scoring hits; each was a very catchable ball), etc. So, when the pitchers couldn't hold the lead, there were .220 and .230 hitters trying to win the game. I guess the mgr can't be blamed; the guys replaced can't catch.
That said, again, it was an entertaining game. Perhaps it speaks to what our idea of excellence is. Mediocrity has become the standard. Note music and movies (inc. TV), inductions to the halls of fame, etc. Note how we pay millions of dollars to, well, OFs who can't catch the ball or run bases. Note how many schools you pass that have signs proclaiming them "School of Excellence," "Blue Ribbon School," etc. I think part of the problem is far too many people have never been exposed to excellence. I wonder how many noted the poor play tonight (for his part, the color guy on the broadcast was pretty good at picking up things, very good actually). How many teachers can demand rigor or quality when they don't know what rigorous, quality education is; they've never experienced it.
It's too bad the Tigers lost, but I'm a "bandwagon" fan anyway. I don't watch very often and have only been down to the new Tiger Stadium twice or three times, I think. I guess former Neb Senator Roman Hruska was right, when someone labeled him, "mediocre." He replied, "Yes, but mediocre people deserve representation, too."
Go Lions!!!!
First, let me repeat that it was an entertaining, dramatic game, very much so. That, no doubt, will please most viewers. I'm curious, however, if the "experts" tomorrow call this a "classic," "one for the ages," etc. But the mistakes on both sides, elementary mistakes, were glaring.
In the OF, with a one-run lead in extra innings, the absolute rule is let nothing by. So, what does the LF do? Tries to make a diving catch, allowing the tying run to get to 3B with zero outs. It was a cardinal sin. And the CF, backing up the play, takes just a terrible angle on the ball. Of course, he must have assumed the LF would play the ball the way it was supposed to have been played. What does the other team's LF do, with another absolute rule? He throws to a base where he had no chance of getting the runner, allowing the back-up runner to move up--eliminating any chance of a double play, tying the manager's hands, forcing a walk to a player who didn't deserve a walk. How about the runner on third who didn't tag up early enough and was nipped at the plate on a throw from the OF? (Was he really out or did the hand sneak in to the plate before the high tag on his back???) The rule, from at least high school on, is to return to the bag, with fewer than two outs, if the ball comes off the top of the bat. Apparently this rule wasn't learned and nearly cost the runner's team the game, the playoffs. And the other team? Well, with a man on 3B, bases loaded actually, a very high hopper goes to 2B. It was so high the 2B knows he can't get the DP, so he throws home--where he nails the runner from 3B on the force. How did he get thrown out so easily? The replay showed. First, he had a lousy lead. Second, and most important, he had a lousier break on the ball. The bases were loaded--he didn't need to hold up for anything, with the ball off the bottom of the bat. Again, the runner cost his team a run and a chance to play farther into the night. And there was more....
And what's with all these replacements--pinch runners, defensive replacements (well, he may have had a point there--last week, in very limited viewing, I saw three Tigers just butcher easy fly balls from outs into run-scoring hits; each was a very catchable ball), etc. So, when the pitchers couldn't hold the lead, there were .220 and .230 hitters trying to win the game. I guess the mgr can't be blamed; the guys replaced can't catch.
That said, again, it was an entertaining game. Perhaps it speaks to what our idea of excellence is. Mediocrity has become the standard. Note music and movies (inc. TV), inductions to the halls of fame, etc. Note how we pay millions of dollars to, well, OFs who can't catch the ball or run bases. Note how many schools you pass that have signs proclaiming them "School of Excellence," "Blue Ribbon School," etc. I think part of the problem is far too many people have never been exposed to excellence. I wonder how many noted the poor play tonight (for his part, the color guy on the broadcast was pretty good at picking up things, very good actually). How many teachers can demand rigor or quality when they don't know what rigorous, quality education is; they've never experienced it.
It's too bad the Tigers lost, but I'm a "bandwagon" fan anyway. I don't watch very often and have only been down to the new Tiger Stadium twice or three times, I think. I guess former Neb Senator Roman Hruska was right, when someone labeled him, "mediocre." He replied, "Yes, but mediocre people deserve representation, too."
Go Lions!!!!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
The Brooksie
The Brooksie Half Marathon is quickly becoming one of my favorite races. Granted, this is only the second year and it is very challenging, but I enjoyed it all. The hills are tough, quite tough, and one needs to train for them. But, it's a great challenge. How can one not like it?
I felt just great the entire race. I finished strong, but don't think I left anything out on the course. It might have been the best race I could have possibly run on this day.
I had three goals, two of which I met pretty handily. The third I likely would have also met, except for a trip to the porta-potty early on for gastro-intestinal difficulties (Chinese food last night!). It would also have likely placed me second in my age-group. I would never have caught the first-place guy, a good runner on whom I have about 50 lbs.
And, did this race advertise for terrific-looking women????? They were out en masse, as runners and spectators. I know, I know...what a sexist pig!
I'm very happy with my race. I look forward to next year's Brooksie.
I felt just great the entire race. I finished strong, but don't think I left anything out on the course. It might have been the best race I could have possibly run on this day.
I had three goals, two of which I met pretty handily. The third I likely would have also met, except for a trip to the porta-potty early on for gastro-intestinal difficulties (Chinese food last night!). It would also have likely placed me second in my age-group. I would never have caught the first-place guy, a good runner on whom I have about 50 lbs.
And, did this race advertise for terrific-looking women????? They were out en masse, as runners and spectators. I know, I know...what a sexist pig!
I'm very happy with my race. I look forward to next year's Brooksie.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Sat Musings
Bopper's team came close, at least closer, losing 24-18. The opponents scored on four long, long runs (60 yds or more), including 3 of them on 4th and long. Of course, Bopper's team scored on two long runs. He played all right, getting a bit better each week.
The Jeffs improved to 2-0 this afternoon with a 13-12 win over an inspired Bowdoin. I was surprised it was that close. Usually AC doesn't have much trouble with the Maine schools. I heard Trinity whupped Williams, coming from "way behind" to do so. Ah, that NESCAC...on any given week....
MSU beat UM in OT. Let's just say I'm glad, for a variety of reasons. If anyone's interested, I'd be glad to expound.
Grocery shopping this AM, I spent $31.62. Coupons and instore coupons netted savings of $58.72. And, I had some bottles and cans, since I hadn't shopped in a couple of weeks. Cut the coups, shop the sale items.... And this $31.62 included two boxes of Lil Debbie cupcakes, which I have never bought before, corn dogs for Bopper, which I rarely buy, and my once monthly honey. Take away those and my actual bill would have been under $20.
Great bumper sticker today, one all of our DC reps should see: "I Think--Therefore I'm...Dangerous!" Ha Ha. That's how the "anointed" perceive things.
Brooksie Half tomorrow AM. I am excited, thinking I have a good chance to meet each of my three goals. The only concern is my right leg, which seems to have a slightly pulled hammy and continued sore adductors. But, I figure they'll loosen once I start running. It's not like I'll be sprinting at any time. Still, 13.1 miles--the other day I was thinking: "You're going to run 13 miles in a race this Sun. Are you nuts?" Ha Ha. Yep, I am.
Phoeey's is still the best Chinese food I've ever had. K brought some home on her way back from Dbn. Shrimp in Lobster Sauce, Pork Fried Rice, and the Egg Rolls and Won Ton Zuppa! I even love the rolls! Yummmy!
I'm reading Lynn Cheney's book, finally, Telling the Truth. As one of my most astute buddies once said about another book, "If only 1/10 of it is true...." We'd better wake up soon or the future generations are doomed to a much pleasant lifestyle than we've enjoyed. Of course, most of us don't care. After all, we're willing to let gov't borrow on our kids' and grandkids' futures so we are "uncomfortable." I'd recommend Cheney's book if only to get a feel for what is happening before our very eyes. I think much of it can be skimmed.
I loved the article by Bill Press in today's OP. He said, "OK, ACORN has done some nasty things. But let's not let that outweigh the positive work it has done." I'm glad Press never lets me down. "OK, Hitler did some nasty things. But let's not let that outweigh the improvement he achieved in the employment rate of Ger during the Depression or in the self-concept (a key term in any conversation with any of the "anointed") of Germans after the loss of WW1." What a fool, a shill that Press guy is. No wonder his radio show is ranked 104th or something like that.
And remember, the Olympics for 2016 "has went to...." Ha Ha Ha.
Life is good...let's do what we can to make it good for others now and in the future.
The Jeffs improved to 2-0 this afternoon with a 13-12 win over an inspired Bowdoin. I was surprised it was that close. Usually AC doesn't have much trouble with the Maine schools. I heard Trinity whupped Williams, coming from "way behind" to do so. Ah, that NESCAC...on any given week....
MSU beat UM in OT. Let's just say I'm glad, for a variety of reasons. If anyone's interested, I'd be glad to expound.
Grocery shopping this AM, I spent $31.62. Coupons and instore coupons netted savings of $58.72. And, I had some bottles and cans, since I hadn't shopped in a couple of weeks. Cut the coups, shop the sale items.... And this $31.62 included two boxes of Lil Debbie cupcakes, which I have never bought before, corn dogs for Bopper, which I rarely buy, and my once monthly honey. Take away those and my actual bill would have been under $20.
Great bumper sticker today, one all of our DC reps should see: "I Think--Therefore I'm...Dangerous!" Ha Ha. That's how the "anointed" perceive things.
Brooksie Half tomorrow AM. I am excited, thinking I have a good chance to meet each of my three goals. The only concern is my right leg, which seems to have a slightly pulled hammy and continued sore adductors. But, I figure they'll loosen once I start running. It's not like I'll be sprinting at any time. Still, 13.1 miles--the other day I was thinking: "You're going to run 13 miles in a race this Sun. Are you nuts?" Ha Ha. Yep, I am.
Phoeey's is still the best Chinese food I've ever had. K brought some home on her way back from Dbn. Shrimp in Lobster Sauce, Pork Fried Rice, and the Egg Rolls and Won Ton Zuppa! I even love the rolls! Yummmy!
I'm reading Lynn Cheney's book, finally, Telling the Truth. As one of my most astute buddies once said about another book, "If only 1/10 of it is true...." We'd better wake up soon or the future generations are doomed to a much pleasant lifestyle than we've enjoyed. Of course, most of us don't care. After all, we're willing to let gov't borrow on our kids' and grandkids' futures so we are "uncomfortable." I'd recommend Cheney's book if only to get a feel for what is happening before our very eyes. I think much of it can be skimmed.
I loved the article by Bill Press in today's OP. He said, "OK, ACORN has done some nasty things. But let's not let that outweigh the positive work it has done." I'm glad Press never lets me down. "OK, Hitler did some nasty things. But let's not let that outweigh the improvement he achieved in the employment rate of Ger during the Depression or in the self-concept (a key term in any conversation with any of the "anointed") of Germans after the loss of WW1." What a fool, a shill that Press guy is. No wonder his radio show is ranked 104th or something like that.
And remember, the Olympics for 2016 "has went to...." Ha Ha Ha.
Life is good...let's do what we can to make it good for others now and in the future.
The Apocalypse
Yet another sign that the Apocalypse is upon us: The radio news this AM (I don't know the network or the announcer) said, about the Olympic bid, "[it] has went to...." Yep, it has.
I don't think this counts, but a guy on television, doing a football game commented, "mano eee mano." I always thought it was "mano a mano," but Latin's a dead language anyway, I guess.
I don't think this counts, but a guy on television, doing a football game commented, "mano eee mano." I always thought it was "mano a mano," but Latin's a dead language anyway, I guess.
Friday, October 2, 2009
School Bond Issue/Millage
Why I will likely vote against the upcoming bond issue for the local schools:
A local school was given free pencils (that is, free, at no cost!) by a local business. But, teachers complained that the pencils weren't good enough. So, they insisted that other pencils, Ticonderogas!, be purchased to the tune of $1000 or more. Remember, this is only one school. How many other schools or even this one did similar things with freebies? What do they care what they spend? It's not their money and, remember, "It's for the kids."
Reminds me of the incredible boondoggles I witnessed, such as the TV sets that were purchased at 4 or 5 times the cost that could be found at Ollie Fretter's, ABC Warehouse, etc. The justification was that it couldn't be assured that the cheaper sets (the exact same sets, just at another store) were safe (be careful with your own sets; they might not be safe!). And how many computers are at each school, sitting idle most of the time? I watched several teachers this week give tests on Scantrons--those aren't cheap. And, explain, exactly, how Scantrons are "for the kids!" Hey, aren't they supposed to be learning to write????
Can someone assure me that the boondoggle public pools and athletic facilities at the local high schools are revenue neutral, that is, they pay for themselves, instead of taking money from the general fund? Those, too, I suppose, were "for the kids." Certainly they weren't for administrators' ego-gratification, nope.
Too many teachers and administrators are too arrogant, thinking they are doing noble work (some, but too few, of them actually are!) and shouldn't be subjected to silly things like budgets. After all, it's not their money!
There are lots of ways to cut money without touching employees' salaries or benefits, but nobody will listen. It's easier to just call names, isolate (quarantine?), etc. There, then, is the reason I will likely vote against the upcoming school bond issue/millage. (And, I hope I get a call from someone in the district asking for my vote; I'd love to discuss it.)
A local school was given free pencils (that is, free, at no cost!) by a local business. But, teachers complained that the pencils weren't good enough. So, they insisted that other pencils, Ticonderogas!, be purchased to the tune of $1000 or more. Remember, this is only one school. How many other schools or even this one did similar things with freebies? What do they care what they spend? It's not their money and, remember, "It's for the kids."
Reminds me of the incredible boondoggles I witnessed, such as the TV sets that were purchased at 4 or 5 times the cost that could be found at Ollie Fretter's, ABC Warehouse, etc. The justification was that it couldn't be assured that the cheaper sets (the exact same sets, just at another store) were safe (be careful with your own sets; they might not be safe!). And how many computers are at each school, sitting idle most of the time? I watched several teachers this week give tests on Scantrons--those aren't cheap. And, explain, exactly, how Scantrons are "for the kids!" Hey, aren't they supposed to be learning to write????
Can someone assure me that the boondoggle public pools and athletic facilities at the local high schools are revenue neutral, that is, they pay for themselves, instead of taking money from the general fund? Those, too, I suppose, were "for the kids." Certainly they weren't for administrators' ego-gratification, nope.
Too many teachers and administrators are too arrogant, thinking they are doing noble work (some, but too few, of them actually are!) and shouldn't be subjected to silly things like budgets. After all, it's not their money!
There are lots of ways to cut money without touching employees' salaries or benefits, but nobody will listen. It's easier to just call names, isolate (quarantine?), etc. There, then, is the reason I will likely vote against the upcoming school bond issue/millage. (And, I hope I get a call from someone in the district asking for my vote; I'd love to discuss it.)
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