At a time when we should be celebrating our nation’s independence, our nation is mourning its shame, its hatred, and the lives lost as a result of the actions of our own. At a time in our lives when terrorism is a word that children have had to understand, this week we terrorized ourselves. When will it stop? How can we defend our country against evil and protect our own backs at the same time?
You see, that seems to be where we are moving – to a time when we cannot turn our backs towards one another for fear of being harmed. What logic in what planet and in whose mind thinks that killing the innocent ones protecting us in Dallas justifies, rectifies, indemnifies an innocent life lost in another state? This logic does not even equate to the “an eye for an eye” laws of the old lands.
Why is the first part of the story, the root cause that sets everything in motion, always overlooked; unstated, unquestioned when relatives stand in front of a microphone and tell the story but beginning in the middle of the book? It is omitted from the crazy ass “logic” people use when they think that they can resist arrest, burn down their own towns, try to run over police officers, act upon their prejudices, portray racism or cry racism, and then dare to be held accountable.
How is it that only white people are racist when organizations such as the Black Caucus, Black Social Workers Union, BET television, the black panthers, the Association of Black Psychologists, NAACP, the African American Planning Commission, National Association of Black Journalists, the UNCF and so many, many others exist? Suppose the word “White” was used in front of all of these committees and organizations where the word “Black” or “Colored” belongs? The race war that everyone seems to be working towards would be in progress. Just flashback a month or so ago at the comments and innuendos during the last Grammy or Emmy or Whatever Awards.
Is there really such a thing as a “peaceful protest”? The video clips I have seen have depicted words of hatred, shown people with baseball bats in their arms, and members of the black panthers with their arms in the air. Do these behaviors promote peace or do they incentivize anger in young black or white men? Black and white people alike march in these protests, often holding hands and with both colors carrying signs. The media does not show much of this. Would the Dallas killings have been avoided if the media did not show the bad cops killing the two young men this week? Awareness is a great thing, but unharnessed can be dangerous.
Our Presidential Nominees have their slogans, such “Let’s Make America Great Again,” and whatever Clinton’s is. I suggest that we make America America again. We cannot build bridges to join the racial gaps if groups of people – bad cops or bad people – are destroying the foundation as quickly as it is laid down. We are living in a time when we need to stand together in unity so that we can defend our nation from the evilness of other nations that WILL BE coming to our homeland just as it is said in the Bible. Are we going to self destruct and make it easier for Satan’s army?
Black Lives Matter (BLM)
How about we change that to ALM or simply LM?
All Lives Matter.
Friday, July 8, 2016
Thursday, April 21, 2016
One Blade of Grass
But, my little morkie does not share the same sentiment. He is peculiar, gets distracted easily, and then once he has regained his focus, he is back to being peculiar. He may have held that little nugget until the muscles of his rear end have cramped, but he is not letting go until he finds that one special blade of grass. Earlier, it was 30 feet from where it was yesterday. Tomorrow, it may not even exist in our yard. For that one blade of grass is elusive, or so it would appear, based on the bulging of Elvis's eyes and the puckering of his rectum, both visible from my view on the other end of a tautly pulled leash. Frantically, he searches for it, so it is not completely his fault - he does put forth quite a bit of effort. But, still, he searches deeply and methodically into the grass, which often reminds me of that time I lost a contact lens while hunting.
"It's just a turd, push it out, and let's get back inside," I often tell him, not that it helps. But, to me, I feel like I am encouraging him and so maybe it does. Otherwise, we may spend days out there, still searching...for that one blade of grass that in a dog's eyes reads, Bathroom.
As humans, we have heard the cliche about the grass being greener on the other side of the fence when contemplating a career change, or knowing someone who is. I guess for our little furry friends, they have their version of greener grass. Somehow, there is one blade among the thousands that is greener than the rest.
Apparently, the little fellow can read minds as well; he is now ringing a bell which indicates it is time to go search again. I hope we find that blade of grass close to the sidewalk this time; I am very tired today.
Friday, March 4, 2016
Saturday, January 9, 2016
Tonight I Was Reminded of Why I Quit Watching Pro Football
The city and fans of Cincinnati should be ashamed of themselves for allowing a football team, coaching staff, and fan base to behave as it did tonight. I tuned in to watch AJ McCarron, AJ Green, and a few other SEC players, likely future stars, and the current stars, such as Big Ben. People who play with heart and for the love of the game; who get back on the field after being injured. People like McCarron who was making the most out of his third start and only getting this big stage because the true starter, Andy Dalton, was injured.
Instead, I was reminded why I stopped watching professional sports: many of these guys are overly paid to induce violence. Anyone who can be seen on the sideline smiling while their team is losing is not a competitor. This can be see any week in the NFL. Perhaps it is that smile instead of passion and competitiveness that is the reason one's team is losing. Losing is supposed to hurt - not be something for which you smile.
What Vontaze Burfict did in the last offensive play by the Steelers should be reviewed by league officials and he should be barred from the game. That was nothing short of assault, of cheapness, and savagery, and had his intentions been successful, another player would have been severely injured. Severely. Watch the replay.
So, Burflict and Jones, you can sleep tonight, or party, or go get another tattoo or whatever it is you like to do, but do it knowing you cost your team a rare...a RARE...chance to advance in the playoffs. You cost a rookie QB who is only playing because the starter is injured, and second-year WR Green, and the others who hustled and blocked, what was a great comeback drive.
Burflict should have been benched early in the game as anyone could see he was eventually going to be a detriment to his team. I guess winning at any cost is acceptable to Marvin Lewis, so he rolled the dice. I hope they roll in your favor when your contract is reviewed. While I understand that winning is important, you have a sideline of capable people to replace that one individual. If your team relies on one person to win, you are in trouble.
How about trying to win one the way AJ and AJ did? Or with courage as Big Ben did? How about with focus as the kickers had to do in those conditions? How about with patience as a stadium full of wet fans sat waiting for an outcome? With actions such as seen tonight by the NFL, the fights of the NHL, and fake violence and real attempt at sexiness of the WWE, video games such as Grand Theft Auto, and less and less authoritative involvement by two-parent households, it is no wonder our world is going to hell and the future is dimmer.
To those fans who cheered and threw things while Big Ben was being carted off: I hope someone posts your actions on Facebook. If they will send them to me, I'll post them on the three blogs I own.
To the owners and management of the Bengals: Does your coach not have control of his team? Disregard, I know the answer to that one. You had must have held your heads down in shame throughout much of this game. You could not see the field for the rain, and between clouds you saw people on your payroll act uncivilized. And when you closed your eyes to pray for a chance at victory, you heard your fans cheering a hurt player. The next time you are writing million-dollar checks to these players, please send me one for a couple hundred thousand. You see, I am permanently on the IR list and need help with my bills. Before that, I was busting my ass at a 9 to 5 job for a few hundred bucks a week. I did it with pride, compassion, and competitiveness and did not have to put a hand on anyone.
To Tomlin: where is the leadership and control of your COACHES? More than a couple of times were they involved in the game - the last one being on the field in the midst of Bengal players when the last flag was thrown.
To AJ and AJ and the other young men on the Bengals' team: Ask to be traded. The playoffs are not worth being associated with these kinds of people. Besides, look at the Bengal's history in the playoffs. I realize this is your greatest chance to start, but please do not let this override your dignity.
I am sure that McCarron was exposed to more discipline, professionalism, and self-control when playing under Saban than he is seeing in the NFL.
Any 9 to 5 employee would play professional sports for their current salary and play like hell to win. These over-paid thugs, some with hair that hides their names on their jerseys, that predominantly make up the NFL are not deserving of the money they get and most will file bankruptcy before they are 40 years old.
Sorry AJ and AJ. I wanted you to win since you were in the light.
Ben, you have overcome more than a shoulder injury and I hope to see on the field next week. It is through hard, honest work that one is successful (wins, in your case) and that is why you won tonight. Congratulations.
Instead, I was reminded why I stopped watching professional sports: many of these guys are overly paid to induce violence. Anyone who can be seen on the sideline smiling while their team is losing is not a competitor. This can be see any week in the NFL. Perhaps it is that smile instead of passion and competitiveness that is the reason one's team is losing. Losing is supposed to hurt - not be something for which you smile.
What Vontaze Burfict did in the last offensive play by the Steelers should be reviewed by league officials and he should be barred from the game. That was nothing short of assault, of cheapness, and savagery, and had his intentions been successful, another player would have been severely injured. Severely. Watch the replay.
So, Burflict and Jones, you can sleep tonight, or party, or go get another tattoo or whatever it is you like to do, but do it knowing you cost your team a rare...a RARE...chance to advance in the playoffs. You cost a rookie QB who is only playing because the starter is injured, and second-year WR Green, and the others who hustled and blocked, what was a great comeback drive.
Burflict should have been benched early in the game as anyone could see he was eventually going to be a detriment to his team. I guess winning at any cost is acceptable to Marvin Lewis, so he rolled the dice. I hope they roll in your favor when your contract is reviewed. While I understand that winning is important, you have a sideline of capable people to replace that one individual. If your team relies on one person to win, you are in trouble.
How about trying to win one the way AJ and AJ did? Or with courage as Big Ben did? How about with focus as the kickers had to do in those conditions? How about with patience as a stadium full of wet fans sat waiting for an outcome? With actions such as seen tonight by the NFL, the fights of the NHL, and fake violence and real attempt at sexiness of the WWE, video games such as Grand Theft Auto, and less and less authoritative involvement by two-parent households, it is no wonder our world is going to hell and the future is dimmer.
To those fans who cheered and threw things while Big Ben was being carted off: I hope someone posts your actions on Facebook. If they will send them to me, I'll post them on the three blogs I own.
To the owners and management of the Bengals: Does your coach not have control of his team? Disregard, I know the answer to that one. You had must have held your heads down in shame throughout much of this game. You could not see the field for the rain, and between clouds you saw people on your payroll act uncivilized. And when you closed your eyes to pray for a chance at victory, you heard your fans cheering a hurt player. The next time you are writing million-dollar checks to these players, please send me one for a couple hundred thousand. You see, I am permanently on the IR list and need help with my bills. Before that, I was busting my ass at a 9 to 5 job for a few hundred bucks a week. I did it with pride, compassion, and competitiveness and did not have to put a hand on anyone.
To Tomlin: where is the leadership and control of your COACHES? More than a couple of times were they involved in the game - the last one being on the field in the midst of Bengal players when the last flag was thrown.
To AJ and AJ and the other young men on the Bengals' team: Ask to be traded. The playoffs are not worth being associated with these kinds of people. Besides, look at the Bengal's history in the playoffs. I realize this is your greatest chance to start, but please do not let this override your dignity.
I am sure that McCarron was exposed to more discipline, professionalism, and self-control when playing under Saban than he is seeing in the NFL.
Any 9 to 5 employee would play professional sports for their current salary and play like hell to win. These over-paid thugs, some with hair that hides their names on their jerseys, that predominantly make up the NFL are not deserving of the money they get and most will file bankruptcy before they are 40 years old.
Sorry AJ and AJ. I wanted you to win since you were in the light.
Ben, you have overcome more than a shoulder injury and I hope to see on the field next week. It is through hard, honest work that one is successful (wins, in your case) and that is why you won tonight. Congratulations.
How I Let My Dog Down......
Jack is a 14 year old lab with a young heart. He thinks he's a puppy despite his slow moving joints. All he wants is to sit in your lap; he does not care much for running and retrieving. He is just a friend. Though he lives in a large fenced backyard, he gets plenty of attention. On the rare cold nights in the southeast, he and our terrior, December, have a heater to keep them warm inside their insulated dog houses. A lit floodlight keeps Jack secure and calms his seemingly fear of the dark.
We have struggled in recent months as to handle Jack's debilitating health. You see, he is almost completely blind. We have to be within 10-12' feet of him for him to know where we are standing when we talk to him. Until then, he looks around, confused. Once he identifies our location, however, he wags his tail and security overcomes that unsettled look in his face. We have had to feed him canned food by hand to ensure that he gets proper nutrition.
Although December is a few years younger than he, she is the dominant one. She is also the mischievous one as she climbs the fence and/or digs underneath it. Jack barks for her when she is away; he barks for her when she will not play. As I said, Jack is still a puppy in his heart and mind. Yet, December is more of a serious personality and plays on her own terms.
This week, December met us in the front yard when we got home. Like before, we opened the gate and put her in the backyard. Unlike before, we failed to close it completely. The next day, December left again - probably going underneath the fence. It was a windy day, and the gate was blown open since it wasn't properly latched, so she might have just walked right out of the gate. In trying to be at her side as always, Jack did.
He left through the gate that we left open. I have looked for him for several days as have our neighbors and Facebook friends in the surrounding area. Unfortunately, we have not found him. In all of the years of keeping the heater on when it was cold, the floodlights on because he didn't like the dark, and putting him on the screened porch when neighbors were playing with fireworks because he didn't like the noise, we let Jack down this week by forgetting to latch the gate.
It has rained several times since he has been gone, so I do not know if he can find his way back with his nose. God, if Jack cannot find his way back, please do not let him suffer. We let Jack down; please lift him up.
We have struggled in recent months as to handle Jack's debilitating health. You see, he is almost completely blind. We have to be within 10-12' feet of him for him to know where we are standing when we talk to him. Until then, he looks around, confused. Once he identifies our location, however, he wags his tail and security overcomes that unsettled look in his face. We have had to feed him canned food by hand to ensure that he gets proper nutrition.
Although December is a few years younger than he, she is the dominant one. She is also the mischievous one as she climbs the fence and/or digs underneath it. Jack barks for her when she is away; he barks for her when she will not play. As I said, Jack is still a puppy in his heart and mind. Yet, December is more of a serious personality and plays on her own terms.
This week, December met us in the front yard when we got home. Like before, we opened the gate and put her in the backyard. Unlike before, we failed to close it completely. The next day, December left again - probably going underneath the fence. It was a windy day, and the gate was blown open since it wasn't properly latched, so she might have just walked right out of the gate. In trying to be at her side as always, Jack did.
He left through the gate that we left open. I have looked for him for several days as have our neighbors and Facebook friends in the surrounding area. Unfortunately, we have not found him. In all of the years of keeping the heater on when it was cold, the floodlights on because he didn't like the dark, and putting him on the screened porch when neighbors were playing with fireworks because he didn't like the noise, we let Jack down this week by forgetting to latch the gate.
It has rained several times since he has been gone, so I do not know if he can find his way back with his nose. God, if Jack cannot find his way back, please do not let him suffer. We let Jack down; please lift him up.
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
Kicking the POT(S)
Four years into my bout with Hyperadrenergic Postural Othostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (Hyperadrenergic POTS), I still find myself on some days trying to cope. I have somewhat made peace with the idea that there isn't a cure, but struggle with the idea of just treating the symptoms since I am a "root cause" kind of person (type A, I know). My symptoms are all over the place. I have a better chance of chasing down my little Morkie who loves to steal my glasses than I do keeping all of my symptoms under control. One or another of them always interjects itself into my day or night.
The hardest part that I am sure anyone who lives with a chronic illness will say is adjusting to the "new" you. Learning the boundaries or limitations, telling people where you are going and when you will return, asking for help; the new me. The expression commonly said by our parents or grandparents about getting too old to do the things they once did becomes reality a little too early in life for those with chronic illness. To know the struggles that I currently have and have had for four years is one thing, but to realize that I haven't reached "old" yet makes looking forward a little dim.
One thing is for certain, however. We can adapt to our disabilities and keep doing the things we always enjoyed using those adaptations, or we can sit on the couch. I chose a long time ago to adapt. Now, I just need to get my body to play along.
The hardest part that I am sure anyone who lives with a chronic illness will say is adjusting to the "new" you. Learning the boundaries or limitations, telling people where you are going and when you will return, asking for help; the new me. The expression commonly said by our parents or grandparents about getting too old to do the things they once did becomes reality a little too early in life for those with chronic illness. To know the struggles that I currently have and have had for four years is one thing, but to realize that I haven't reached "old" yet makes looking forward a little dim.
One thing is for certain, however. We can adapt to our disabilities and keep doing the things we always enjoyed using those adaptations, or we can sit on the couch. I chose a long time ago to adapt. Now, I just need to get my body to play along.
Sunday, November 1, 2015
The Poll System and Mike Leech - Two Collegiate Travesties for 2015
Mike Leech may have a great mind when it comes to the offensive side of football, but he is a bozo when it comes to the fundamental parts, such as winning. With the ball in WSU's hand on the Stanford side of the 50 yard line, the lead, and four minutes remaining, he still had his team in "hurry up" mode and snapping the ball with 25 seconds left on the play clock. They even through a couple of passes, one which was incomplete and saved Stanford a timeout, and another which was a costly interception.
Even after failing to work the game clock and giving up the late interception, WSU still managed to hold Stanford to a field goal. Needing a field goal of their own, WSU's quarterback connected on a deep post route which put them in field goal position with a minute or so remaining. During this drive, on a third and short - real short, about a football's length - Leech still had his offense in shotgun formation with the running back about 8 yards from the line of scrimmage. He was stopped for a loss on the hand off which lead to the need of the amazing fourth down conversion by WSU's tough ass quarterback. Why not line up under center and do a sneak on third instead of putting that much pressure on your quarterback and offensive line, Mike Leech?
In the end, WSU's kicker, who was 5-5 on the night, unfortunately missed the winning field goal attempt. It should have never come down to needing a 43 yard field goal in the rain with time expiring. The "hurry up" mode should have downshifted a few gears at the four minute mark, allowing them to claim only their second win since 1941 against an AP Top 10 school.
Mike Leech, Gus Malzaln, and these other coaches who think they have an advantage in this fast-break type of football are only showing that they are not teachers of the game, not teachers of a winning strategy or fundamental football with clock management (which translates to time management when 95% of the players enter the workforce), but promoters of a strategy akin to today's societal behaviors where people take advantage of others and are not held responsible for their own failures. These kids will only attend college and play football once, and many of them will have their seasons shortened due to injury. These coaches of this kind exploit the talents of these kids and risk injury to them in an effort to glorify their coaching careers - to better their careers.
Do you think Mike Leech wants to remain at WSU? Do you think Gus Malzaln can chew his gum any faster? Maybe one of the silly signs being held up on Auburn's sideline should be a reminder to him to close his mouth while chewing. Even better, maybe an opposing team will hold a sign up on their sideline to remind him.
WSU did everything their coach asked of them last night. They let him live out his fantasy of fast-paced football through their pain, mistakes, and unsafe playing conditions. After loosing a 12-point lead, they battled back to go ahead by one. These young men did their jobs and played with heart. Mike Leech let them down. A good coach, such as David Shaw on the other sideline, would laugh at his method. The TV commentators did laugh.
With decisions such as Leech's, and this year's horrid pre-season polls that ultimately impact all teams for the rankings that will be released this week, a true NCAA Football champion will never be known. One will be crowned, sure, but the efforts of WSU, Memphis, Temple, Iowa, and others prove that the ranking system is nothing more than a lottery. Those at the top, get a chance to play while the others get to watch - just as Leech watched his team leave their hearts on the field last night in defeat because of his carefree coaching style.
Even after failing to work the game clock and giving up the late interception, WSU still managed to hold Stanford to a field goal. Needing a field goal of their own, WSU's quarterback connected on a deep post route which put them in field goal position with a minute or so remaining. During this drive, on a third and short - real short, about a football's length - Leech still had his offense in shotgun formation with the running back about 8 yards from the line of scrimmage. He was stopped for a loss on the hand off which lead to the need of the amazing fourth down conversion by WSU's tough ass quarterback. Why not line up under center and do a sneak on third instead of putting that much pressure on your quarterback and offensive line, Mike Leech?
In the end, WSU's kicker, who was 5-5 on the night, unfortunately missed the winning field goal attempt. It should have never come down to needing a 43 yard field goal in the rain with time expiring. The "hurry up" mode should have downshifted a few gears at the four minute mark, allowing them to claim only their second win since 1941 against an AP Top 10 school.
Mike Leech, Gus Malzaln, and these other coaches who think they have an advantage in this fast-break type of football are only showing that they are not teachers of the game, not teachers of a winning strategy or fundamental football with clock management (which translates to time management when 95% of the players enter the workforce), but promoters of a strategy akin to today's societal behaviors where people take advantage of others and are not held responsible for their own failures. These kids will only attend college and play football once, and many of them will have their seasons shortened due to injury. These coaches of this kind exploit the talents of these kids and risk injury to them in an effort to glorify their coaching careers - to better their careers.
Do you think Mike Leech wants to remain at WSU? Do you think Gus Malzaln can chew his gum any faster? Maybe one of the silly signs being held up on Auburn's sideline should be a reminder to him to close his mouth while chewing. Even better, maybe an opposing team will hold a sign up on their sideline to remind him.
WSU did everything their coach asked of them last night. They let him live out his fantasy of fast-paced football through their pain, mistakes, and unsafe playing conditions. After loosing a 12-point lead, they battled back to go ahead by one. These young men did their jobs and played with heart. Mike Leech let them down. A good coach, such as David Shaw on the other sideline, would laugh at his method. The TV commentators did laugh.
With decisions such as Leech's, and this year's horrid pre-season polls that ultimately impact all teams for the rankings that will be released this week, a true NCAA Football champion will never be known. One will be crowned, sure, but the efforts of WSU, Memphis, Temple, Iowa, and others prove that the ranking system is nothing more than a lottery. Those at the top, get a chance to play while the others get to watch - just as Leech watched his team leave their hearts on the field last night in defeat because of his carefree coaching style.
Subscribe to:
Posts
(
Atom
)