As briefly mentioned, I haven't been able to get on here due to the birth of my little guy. He's already almost four months now and I haven't completely lost my mind. Amazing.
Due to my lack of a J-O-B and being a full-time student, I stay at home with the munchkin. It is, without a doubt, the most challenging thing I have ever done in my life and it's only going to get harder.
Every minute of every day, I am constantly thinking of his feeding schedule, analyzing his cries, planning for his future, etc. I'm lucky if I take a shower every two days.
The struggle isn't so much with him as it is with getting everything else done. My lady works hard at her job and at home and I take five classes, so it's pretty difficult finding the time to get our work/chores/homework done when the kid priority comes first.
That's enough for now since my baby brain won't let me write much more. I just wanted to get back on here and express myself a bit. Writing has always been cathartic for me and now I have something even greater to write about-my new son!
Be back soon...in about 8 months or so.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Friday, January 9, 2009
Real Bush Legacy
Between finals and the birth of my baby boy, it's been pretty hard to get on here and type. With Bush on his way out, I wanted to post a great perspective of Bush's legacy as said by Keith Olbermann. Enjoy.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Where does the time go?
Since I write here now, I went to my old Xanga account in order to delete it. I couldn't figure out how, so in my laziness, I figured I would just delete my posts.
I was surprised that I had actually written quite frequently. I guess I hadn't realized how often I posted. No wonder I probably have carpal tunnel syndrome.
It was also trippy just reading my old posts. It was like looking into the past. Some of it was nice and some if it I am more than happy to forget. The big thing I took away from the experience was how much I've changed since then.
I started writing here so that I would become better at expressing myself. Even though I only have a few readers, it's extremely important to me that I have all (or as many as possible) of the facts before I publish a post. Being on the record has been challenging, but it has taught me to be more patient before coming to a conclusion.
Just seeing those old posts made me realize how fast time goes by and how much can change. The things that used to consume me seem so petty now with a baby on the way, being married and finishing my college education.
It's nice to know that I'm finally "growing up."
Now if you'll excuse me, I need to finish my homework so I can play Madden on my XBOX.
I was surprised that I had actually written quite frequently. I guess I hadn't realized how often I posted. No wonder I probably have carpal tunnel syndrome.
It was also trippy just reading my old posts. It was like looking into the past. Some of it was nice and some if it I am more than happy to forget. The big thing I took away from the experience was how much I've changed since then.
I started writing here so that I would become better at expressing myself. Even though I only have a few readers, it's extremely important to me that I have all (or as many as possible) of the facts before I publish a post. Being on the record has been challenging, but it has taught me to be more patient before coming to a conclusion.
Just seeing those old posts made me realize how fast time goes by and how much can change. The things that used to consume me seem so petty now with a baby on the way, being married and finishing my college education.
It's nice to know that I'm finally "growing up."
Now if you'll excuse me, I need to finish my homework so I can play Madden on my XBOX.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Who did what?
I should have been really happy today when I found out Dustin Pedroia had won the American League MVP award. I love the Red Sox and I love the way DP plays. Unfortunately, because the regular season ended a month ago and the World Series ended three weeks ago, the first thing I thought was, "what's baseball?"
Leave it to baseball to hand out their regular season awards a month after the regular season. In the era of people with no attention spans and being inundated with sports, technology and information, we're expected to remember the MVP race between a bunch of guys with 30 home runs or 18 game winners.
When I heard that Tim Lincecum won the NL Cy Young Award, I was reminded of how horrible the Giants were, not how well he pitched. I would love to debate that choice, but who even remembers how he pitched and really, who even cares? Call me when spring training starts. I'm busy with sports that are actually being played.
One of the great things about giving out the MVP is that the debate is answered in the playoffs. Remember Dirk Nowitzki, the MVP 2 years ago, getting bounced by the 8th seeded Warriors and then having to accept the award soon after? The look on his face was straight when he was forced to accept the award said it all. Remember Karl Malone winning the '97 MVP and then getting schooled by Jordan? It was laughable any time Jordan didn't win the MVP (once he won a championship) and he proved that to Malone.
Remember Albert Pujols' season for the fourth place finishing St. Louis Cardinals? Me either.
Leave it to baseball to hand out their regular season awards a month after the regular season. In the era of people with no attention spans and being inundated with sports, technology and information, we're expected to remember the MVP race between a bunch of guys with 30 home runs or 18 game winners.
When I heard that Tim Lincecum won the NL Cy Young Award, I was reminded of how horrible the Giants were, not how well he pitched. I would love to debate that choice, but who even remembers how he pitched and really, who even cares? Call me when spring training starts. I'm busy with sports that are actually being played.
One of the great things about giving out the MVP is that the debate is answered in the playoffs. Remember Dirk Nowitzki, the MVP 2 years ago, getting bounced by the 8th seeded Warriors and then having to accept the award soon after? The look on his face was straight when he was forced to accept the award said it all. Remember Karl Malone winning the '97 MVP and then getting schooled by Jordan? It was laughable any time Jordan didn't win the MVP (once he won a championship) and he proved that to Malone.
Remember Albert Pujols' season for the fourth place finishing St. Louis Cardinals? Me either.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Slamball!
I'm trying to make up for lost time with a bunch of posts here. Anyway, while overdosing on football last Sunday, I stumbled across the Slamball championship. I gotta say, it was awesome!
It takes the physicality of football and adds it to basketball. It's intense. If you haven't seen it, check out the video below. It's like watching NBA Jam with actual people.
It takes the physicality of football and adds it to basketball. It's intense. If you haven't seen it, check out the video below. It's like watching NBA Jam with actual people.
~Prop 8 Edit~
I left out the Yes on Prop 8 Mormon Churches and corrected that in my last post. Of course, I don't want to single anyone or any group out. Like I mentioned in my last post, Steve Young, famous ex-quarterback, is a Mormon, has donated to the church his whole life, but still said No to 8. So it's never all right to blame the whole group. A lot of things led to the ban being passed.
There's a lot of hostility already about the ban passing and attention is being focused on the Mormons and because of the statistics regarding minorities, some blame is being shifted there.
Let's leave the hate out. The answer to discrimination isn't reverse-discrimination. The answer is to protest, speak out, but keep it positive. We'll all get there together.
Sincerely,
Victor
There's a lot of hostility already about the ban passing and attention is being focused on the Mormons and because of the statistics regarding minorities, some blame is being shifted there.
Let's leave the hate out. The answer to discrimination isn't reverse-discrimination. The answer is to protest, speak out, but keep it positive. We'll all get there together.
Sincerely,
Victor
Friday, November 7, 2008
Potluck Post
Good afternoon, evening, whatever. Sorry I haven't written in a while, but I do have an excuse. Besides, the only people who read this post are my parents and the friends who feel sorry for me. Even my wife won't allow herself to be bored to tears by reading my "ramblings."
So why is this the potluck post? Originally, it was supposed to mean "there's something for everyone." Then I remembered the horrible Pot Luck school lunch days where they fed you whatever they found that was still frozen on the floor, nuked it up and said "Here, you poor bastard who can't afford to bring a real lunch."
So pick and choose what you want to read by finding the headline of the topic you care to read (but read them all anyway).
POLITICS (If you're sick of politics, I have sports picks 8 miles down)
This week I had two BIG tests with another one on the way Tuesday. Ironically, my Political Science teacher decided to have a 5 chapter test the day after the election. I had my laptop set to every electoral vote website imaginable, the election coverage-mix channel on the tv, and my notebook next to me in case I actually looked at it. Am i worried about how I did on the test? No, 'cuz I'm a freakin' genius. So yeah, I failed that test and probably the other one.
But you know what? Who cares. Barack Obama is the President, in case you haven't heard. He didn't just beat John McCain or the Republican Party. He beat the politics of division and fear. Politics will always be divisive, ever since the time the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists first fought for months about how the Constitution should be written.
There is no need to add to that tension by insulting people on a personal level (when untrue or uncalled for) instead of showing how your policies and views would work better than theirs.
Like one newscaster so eloquently put it, "the Republicans of recent history have been really good at winning elections and really good at dividing the country." If McCain had won, I feel a lot of Obama supporters would have had a hard time forgetting about McCain/Palin calling him a communist, socialist, terrorist sympathizer, etc. Even now, after trying to spend weeks calling him commie, socialist, etc., Rove is now trying to say that Obama ran a center-right campaign. What? Just go away, please.
Was the campaign a referendum on John McCain? No, I don't think so. I thought Senator McCain was great in 2000 and before, despite whatever disagreements I may have had with him socially/economically/foreign policy-wise, etc. But he had an open mind and did what he thought was best for his country.
Unfortunately, he ran against Bush and the Karl Rove smear machine in 2000, which said that his Bangladeshi adopted daughter was actually the result of an affair with a black woman; said that his wife, Cindy, was a drug addict; and said that he was a homosexual and that he was an unstable vet.
McCain gave a great speech where he called Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell "agents of intolerance" in 2000. This, along with the smear campaign, led to his demise.
He spent the next 4 years being a "maverick" and voting against Bush at every turn. Then, in 2004, as he was preparing for his 2008 campaign, he decided it was time to win. He started voting with Bush, as we all know now, 90% of the time. He met with Jerry "the Agent of Intolerance" Falwell to get in favor with the Evangelical Right.
He hired the same people who smeared him in 2000 for this campaign. He chose Sarah Palin as his running mate to stir up the base that booed him in 2000.
Meanwhile, Obama's message has been the same since 2002. He's "not opposed to wars, just dumb wars." In 2004 at the DNC, he told the world we are not "blue states and red states, we are the United States."
So, if you voted for McCain, take solace in the fact that there will be a President with an open mind and won't say things like, "you're either with us, or you're against us." Be glad that he already has a team in place which will ensure a smooth transition. Be excited that organized his campaign in a way we've never seen, even from the usually capable Republicans and that his Presidency will have the same sense of urgency.
And be glad that Sarah "Africa is a country" Palin isn't Vice President. Be grateful the American people told her, "Thanks, but no thanks." I could easily insult her on a personal level, but that would go against everything I wrote above. Suffice it to say she was unqualified (to put it nicely). That said, will I be using her euphemisms every once in a while? "You Betcha!"
If you want to look at the bright side of the loss as a Republican, going back to the drawing board isn't such a bad thing. It's like your favorite team firing a really bad coach. Your party needs new leadership. You guys went so far to the right, you scared away the middle, moderates, center-lefts, etc. Democrats can't do it alone and we'll need you to balance us off. So get rid of the bozos, come to the table and let's figure this thing out.
That said, Obama's work is only beginning. Bush has showed us how bad a President can be. You are not allowed to ignore the Constitution, just because you're President. You are not allowed to scare us in order to get us to believe you anymore. I don't care if it's Barack Obama running the country or Ghandi, tell us the truth because we're going to factcheck.org your butt from now until Judgement Day.
On a symbolic level, you've probably heard a lot of, "it doesn't where you're from, what you look like what your name is, you truly could be President of the United States." I recently read a great article in the L.A. Times that talks about how this shows minority kids that you don't have to be rappers, actors or athletes or bust. Obama shows a lot of them that it's intelligence is cool and that going to college for an education.
I'd like to add to that by saying it's not always about making it to the mountain top. You don't have to be rich or be the President. If you make yourself a better person, you can make those around you better as well. Obama alone won't solve all or even most of our problems. It's up to us to do the groundwork.
The great poet once known as the Notorious B.I.G. once said, "either you sell crack rock or you got a wicked jump shot." It's nice to know we don't have to believe that anymore.
Whew, next topic.
PROP 8
The Joy of Barack Obama also brought the sadness of Prop 8 passing. We can thank to the Mormons (but not Steve Young, who took a stand against his church), their magic underpants, millions of dollars and lots of energy.
In an irony of ironies, 7 out of 10 African-American voters voted "yes" on Prop 8, more than half of Latino voters (53%) voted "yes" on Prop 8, with the white vote being split. So, without their vote, no Barack Obama, but with their vote, gay marriage ban won closely.
I think the percentage that voted Yes did so due to the minority community tending to be a bit more religious (specifically, Christian/Catholic), but since I don't have numbers on that guess, don't quote me.
So what are some of the arguments for the ban? Like I said before, the argument always starts off nicely, then ends up at the root of the sentiment.
"A man and a woman get married so that they can reproduce and have a family." What if the man is sterile? What if the woman is sterile? What if the man or woman used to be a woman or a man? And like that's the only reason people get married.
"We need to protect marriage." Okay, first, what does that even mean? Similar to my election sentiments above, I'm sick of the FEAR tactics. This notion that there will never be a straight marriage again or something similar is just plain absurd.
Second, the divorce rate in this country is 50 percent. Not to sound like Joe Biden, but I'll say it again. 50 percent. Will banning gay marriage help this?
The divorce rate is so high because this country believes that the main point of marriage is because of love (or money). We don't have arrnaged marriages, thankfully. Once there's no love (or no money, or I can get half of his/her money) then it's divorce time. Not because Jim and Joe got married.
"It's not natural..." Okay, now we're getting to the meat. Homosexuality has been documented in over 400 species and observed in over 1500. The nature vs nurture or nature and nurture arguments remain to be solved, but it clearly goes on elsewhere.
Here's a quick link for that topic:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homosexuality_in_animals
"But in the Bible..." Okay, now we're onto something. First of all, the Bible has been used to justify just about anything. Murder, slavery, polygamy, bans on gay marriage, etc. You name it, and the Bible excuse has been used.
I'm guessing that a lot of people who want to use the Bible to create law either haven't read Leviticus, Deuteronomy, or even any of the Old Testament, or have read it all, but have decided to pick and choose what is socially acceptable to say today. Of course, there are some people who are in favor of literal interpretation and want to stone us if we work on Sunday. To them, I say, "Yikes!"
Second, there's that thing called separation of church and state. So, while we're all free to practice our religion, we are not free to insert it into law. Freedom of religion also allows freedom FROM religion. The early pilgrims came here because they were forced to believe something else...only to force their beliefs on everyone else. Let's stop the cycle, please.
And third...I don't know, I'll stop numbering and quoting because my wrists hurt. But if you've had a piece of legislation written against you, then you should or would know how this felt/feels. It's just messed up. Whatever your opinions are, equality is equality.
Even if you're uncomfortable, at least believe in the Constitution. The 14th amendment calls for equal protection; separate, but equal was overturned by the Supreme Court, and the State Supreme Court of CA already said same-sex marriage is a civil right.
SPORTS
Well, if you didn't stop reading even though you disagree with me on everything I said, or you do agree with me, and you aren't sick of reading, Thank you.
There are some fantastic games this weekend and much to talk about. So here goes nothing.
College Football:
Any game involving BYU, Boise St., Utah, etc:
Do I think College Football should have a playoff? You Betcha! Is there a chance in hell that Utah would beat Alabama? Let's just say a 40 point Alabama 1st quarter lead isn't out of the question.
Look, I believe College needs a playoff system. That doesn't mean we have stick two undefeated teams in the National Championship. After seeing Hawaii get crushed by Georgia last year and Boise State in 2007 need hook and ladders, chutes and ladders and statue of liberty 2 point conversions to beat 7th ranked Oklahoma, I'm all set with hearing, "Utah should be playing! Down with the BCS!"
A playoff would eliminate the pretenders, but the WAC needs to stop playing a WHACK schedule.
Alabama at LSU
Nick Saban, the traitor, returning to the scene of the crime. 'Nuff said. LSU wins big.
Oklahoma St. at Texas Tech
Man, that Texas Tech game was awesome last week. Big question: Can anyone tell these Big 12 teams apart? It's either whose spread offense has the ball last, or who plays defense once in a while. Great quarterbacks, pathetic defenses.
I think Texas Tech wins this game close because they're home. They've got to win this game if they want that Oklahoma game in two weeks to mean anything.
Cal at USC
Recent history has shown USC blow an early, winnable game (Oregon St. twice) to ruin their national title hopes, bounce back into the picture only to have their title hopes taken away again (Stanford, UCLA).
I mention those games because I think Cal will win this game. Despite what Pete or the team says, USC is more focused on the BCS than the games they need to win. Their are supremely talented but they seem to find a way to play down to the competition. So I've Cal, in an upset.
NBA
Allen Iverson was traded to the Nuggets for Chancey Billups the other day. I really don't get this trade on either side. I understand trading AI because his contract is up next year, but getting Chauncey in return? I don't see how that puts the Nuggets over the top in the West (if that was their intention). And bringing AI to Detroit (or anywhere) doesn't make sense.
I love AI's game, but I don't see how you can win a championship with it. The main job of a point guard is to make your team better. It's okay to be a good shooting point guard (Deron Williams, Steve Nash), but shoot first, pass second PGs just aren't cool anymore. I heard something like, "AI plays point guard like it's 1999." Great point. He'll always have his "practice?" montage.
Oklahoma City is 1-3 and I couldn't be happier. No disrespect to the players and fans, but the Sonics were hijacked and Seattle fans are heartbroken and will never forget that. Neither will I.
Something's gotta happen with Stephon Marbury. I own a bunch of his $8 sneakers, but man, he has to go. I know it's hard to buy out that insane $21 million a season contract, but that's only as insane as Stephon himself. I heard Stephon wants to coach High School. Please Stephon, leave them alone. If you read my above comment, the era of the Shoot First Point Guard has not worked out. Ask your old buddy, Steve Francis.
That "Phoenix is better than you might think" talk is looking pretty true right now. Amare is playing like the beast he is. It all boils down to the motivation of Shaq. I know Shaq was a beast in his heyday, but imagine if he really worked on the fundamental aspects of the game. He would be able to use size and skill to combat the age factor. Anyway, the Suns aren't bad.
And that does it for my NBA segment.
College Basketball:
March Madness starts this Tuesday. I'll only make two predictions: UCLA will lose in the Final Four and someone will fix that typo that says Notre Dame is ranked 9th. They won't even be 29th by the first week. I can't stand pre-season rankings in any sports. It's just absurd. Adrian is the College b-ball expert, so I will defer to him for now.
NFL
San Francisco at Arizona
Okay, who's watching this game Monday? I know Arizona's all right, but I will never trust them when it counts. The "Kurt Warner for MVP" talk has begun but it will stop long before the Cardinals finish 8-8. And Mike Singletary singling out a player by kicking him off the field, then pulling his pants down or whatever...I'm just not watching this game Monday, so let me know how it goes.
Denver at Cleveland
I'm picking Denver in this one. Just kidding. Jay Cutler was awesome last night. That guy has a cannon and makes some gutsy throws. Brady Quinn looked solid, but reminded me of his days in Notre Dame. I know it's only one game, but he's never had the late-game Magic.
Cleveland will never get anywhere with Romeo Crennell as the coach. Take a hike buddy. Your team is always under-prepared and constantly blows the game when it counts.
New York Giants at Philadelphia
I'll take Philly because they NEED to win this game. They're 0-2 in their division and practically the whole conference is fighting for a wild card spot.
Buffalo Bills at New England
The Patriots lost a tough one last week. The Colts came to fight and Dave Thomas (the Tight End, not the Wendy's deceased founder) decided to blow the game with that atrocious late hit. The Gaffney drop sucked, but that happens. Belichick blew some timeouts and that's your ballgame.
Buffalo was riding high, sitting on top of the division. Then they actually started playing division games. They lose Sunday and they're in last place in the division. Wow. As always, I'll be taking the Patriots.
Green Bay at Minnesota
You know who's second on Green Bay with rushing attempts? Aaron Rodgers. You know who's second on Green Bay with rushing yards? Aaron Rodgers. You know who has the best rushing average on Green Bay? Aaron Rodgers, but it's paltry a 3.9.
Ryan Grant needs to get going and fast, or this team is doomed. Not as doomed as the Gus Frerotte show. Packers are taking this game.
Indianapolis Colts at Steelers
Big Ben or no Big Ben, I'll take the Colts. Bob Sanders is back and the Colts look like they have a rhythm. I'd write more, but I'm tired.
Thanks for reading, if you did, and if you didn't, I understand.
So why is this the potluck post? Originally, it was supposed to mean "there's something for everyone." Then I remembered the horrible Pot Luck school lunch days where they fed you whatever they found that was still frozen on the floor, nuked it up and said "Here, you poor bastard who can't afford to bring a real lunch."
So pick and choose what you want to read by finding the headline of the topic you care to read (but read them all anyway).
POLITICS (If you're sick of politics, I have sports picks 8 miles down)
This week I had two BIG tests with another one on the way Tuesday. Ironically, my Political Science teacher decided to have a 5 chapter test the day after the election. I had my laptop set to every electoral vote website imaginable, the election coverage-mix channel on the tv, and my notebook next to me in case I actually looked at it. Am i worried about how I did on the test? No, 'cuz I'm a freakin' genius. So yeah, I failed that test and probably the other one.
But you know what? Who cares. Barack Obama is the President, in case you haven't heard. He didn't just beat John McCain or the Republican Party. He beat the politics of division and fear. Politics will always be divisive, ever since the time the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists first fought for months about how the Constitution should be written.
There is no need to add to that tension by insulting people on a personal level (when untrue or uncalled for) instead of showing how your policies and views would work better than theirs.
Like one newscaster so eloquently put it, "the Republicans of recent history have been really good at winning elections and really good at dividing the country." If McCain had won, I feel a lot of Obama supporters would have had a hard time forgetting about McCain/Palin calling him a communist, socialist, terrorist sympathizer, etc. Even now, after trying to spend weeks calling him commie, socialist, etc., Rove is now trying to say that Obama ran a center-right campaign. What? Just go away, please.
Was the campaign a referendum on John McCain? No, I don't think so. I thought Senator McCain was great in 2000 and before, despite whatever disagreements I may have had with him socially/economically/foreign policy-wise, etc. But he had an open mind and did what he thought was best for his country.
Unfortunately, he ran against Bush and the Karl Rove smear machine in 2000, which said that his Bangladeshi adopted daughter was actually the result of an affair with a black woman; said that his wife, Cindy, was a drug addict; and said that he was a homosexual and that he was an unstable vet.
McCain gave a great speech where he called Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell "agents of intolerance" in 2000. This, along with the smear campaign, led to his demise.
He spent the next 4 years being a "maverick" and voting against Bush at every turn. Then, in 2004, as he was preparing for his 2008 campaign, he decided it was time to win. He started voting with Bush, as we all know now, 90% of the time. He met with Jerry "the Agent of Intolerance" Falwell to get in favor with the Evangelical Right.
He hired the same people who smeared him in 2000 for this campaign. He chose Sarah Palin as his running mate to stir up the base that booed him in 2000.
Meanwhile, Obama's message has been the same since 2002. He's "not opposed to wars, just dumb wars." In 2004 at the DNC, he told the world we are not "blue states and red states, we are the United States."
So, if you voted for McCain, take solace in the fact that there will be a President with an open mind and won't say things like, "you're either with us, or you're against us." Be glad that he already has a team in place which will ensure a smooth transition. Be excited that organized his campaign in a way we've never seen, even from the usually capable Republicans and that his Presidency will have the same sense of urgency.
And be glad that Sarah "Africa is a country" Palin isn't Vice President. Be grateful the American people told her, "Thanks, but no thanks." I could easily insult her on a personal level, but that would go against everything I wrote above. Suffice it to say she was unqualified (to put it nicely). That said, will I be using her euphemisms every once in a while? "You Betcha!"
If you want to look at the bright side of the loss as a Republican, going back to the drawing board isn't such a bad thing. It's like your favorite team firing a really bad coach. Your party needs new leadership. You guys went so far to the right, you scared away the middle, moderates, center-lefts, etc. Democrats can't do it alone and we'll need you to balance us off. So get rid of the bozos, come to the table and let's figure this thing out.
That said, Obama's work is only beginning. Bush has showed us how bad a President can be. You are not allowed to ignore the Constitution, just because you're President. You are not allowed to scare us in order to get us to believe you anymore. I don't care if it's Barack Obama running the country or Ghandi, tell us the truth because we're going to factcheck.org your butt from now until Judgement Day.
On a symbolic level, you've probably heard a lot of, "it doesn't where you're from, what you look like what your name is, you truly could be President of the United States." I recently read a great article in the L.A. Times that talks about how this shows minority kids that you don't have to be rappers, actors or athletes or bust. Obama shows a lot of them that it's intelligence is cool and that going to college for an education.
I'd like to add to that by saying it's not always about making it to the mountain top. You don't have to be rich or be the President. If you make yourself a better person, you can make those around you better as well. Obama alone won't solve all or even most of our problems. It's up to us to do the groundwork.
The great poet once known as the Notorious B.I.G. once said, "either you sell crack rock or you got a wicked jump shot." It's nice to know we don't have to believe that anymore.
Whew, next topic.
PROP 8
The Joy of Barack Obama also brought the sadness of Prop 8 passing. We can thank to the Mormons (but not Steve Young, who took a stand against his church), their magic underpants, millions of dollars and lots of energy.
In an irony of ironies, 7 out of 10 African-American voters voted "yes" on Prop 8, more than half of Latino voters (53%) voted "yes" on Prop 8, with the white vote being split. So, without their vote, no Barack Obama, but with their vote, gay marriage ban won closely.
I think the percentage that voted Yes did so due to the minority community tending to be a bit more religious (specifically, Christian/Catholic), but since I don't have numbers on that guess, don't quote me.
So what are some of the arguments for the ban? Like I said before, the argument always starts off nicely, then ends up at the root of the sentiment.
"A man and a woman get married so that they can reproduce and have a family." What if the man is sterile? What if the woman is sterile? What if the man or woman used to be a woman or a man? And like that's the only reason people get married.
"We need to protect marriage." Okay, first, what does that even mean? Similar to my election sentiments above, I'm sick of the FEAR tactics. This notion that there will never be a straight marriage again or something similar is just plain absurd.
Second, the divorce rate in this country is 50 percent. Not to sound like Joe Biden, but I'll say it again. 50 percent. Will banning gay marriage help this?
The divorce rate is so high because this country believes that the main point of marriage is because of love (or money). We don't have arrnaged marriages, thankfully. Once there's no love (or no money, or I can get half of his/her money) then it's divorce time. Not because Jim and Joe got married.
"It's not natural..." Okay, now we're getting to the meat. Homosexuality has been documented in over 400 species and observed in over 1500. The nature vs nurture or nature and nurture arguments remain to be solved, but it clearly goes on elsewhere.
Here's a quick link for that topic:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homosexuality_in_animals
"But in the Bible..." Okay, now we're onto something. First of all, the Bible has been used to justify just about anything. Murder, slavery, polygamy, bans on gay marriage, etc. You name it, and the Bible excuse has been used.
I'm guessing that a lot of people who want to use the Bible to create law either haven't read Leviticus, Deuteronomy, or even any of the Old Testament, or have read it all, but have decided to pick and choose what is socially acceptable to say today. Of course, there are some people who are in favor of literal interpretation and want to stone us if we work on Sunday. To them, I say, "Yikes!"
Second, there's that thing called separation of church and state. So, while we're all free to practice our religion, we are not free to insert it into law. Freedom of religion also allows freedom FROM religion. The early pilgrims came here because they were forced to believe something else...only to force their beliefs on everyone else. Let's stop the cycle, please.
And third...I don't know, I'll stop numbering and quoting because my wrists hurt. But if you've had a piece of legislation written against you, then you should or would know how this felt/feels. It's just messed up. Whatever your opinions are, equality is equality.
Even if you're uncomfortable, at least believe in the Constitution. The 14th amendment calls for equal protection; separate, but equal was overturned by the Supreme Court, and the State Supreme Court of CA already said same-sex marriage is a civil right.
SPORTS
Well, if you didn't stop reading even though you disagree with me on everything I said, or you do agree with me, and you aren't sick of reading, Thank you.
There are some fantastic games this weekend and much to talk about. So here goes nothing.
College Football:
Any game involving BYU, Boise St., Utah, etc:
Do I think College Football should have a playoff? You Betcha! Is there a chance in hell that Utah would beat Alabama? Let's just say a 40 point Alabama 1st quarter lead isn't out of the question.
Look, I believe College needs a playoff system. That doesn't mean we have stick two undefeated teams in the National Championship. After seeing Hawaii get crushed by Georgia last year and Boise State in 2007 need hook and ladders, chutes and ladders and statue of liberty 2 point conversions to beat 7th ranked Oklahoma, I'm all set with hearing, "Utah should be playing! Down with the BCS!"
A playoff would eliminate the pretenders, but the WAC needs to stop playing a WHACK schedule.
Alabama at LSU
Nick Saban, the traitor, returning to the scene of the crime. 'Nuff said. LSU wins big.
Oklahoma St. at Texas Tech
Man, that Texas Tech game was awesome last week. Big question: Can anyone tell these Big 12 teams apart? It's either whose spread offense has the ball last, or who plays defense once in a while. Great quarterbacks, pathetic defenses.
I think Texas Tech wins this game close because they're home. They've got to win this game if they want that Oklahoma game in two weeks to mean anything.
Cal at USC
Recent history has shown USC blow an early, winnable game (Oregon St. twice) to ruin their national title hopes, bounce back into the picture only to have their title hopes taken away again (Stanford, UCLA).
I mention those games because I think Cal will win this game. Despite what Pete or the team says, USC is more focused on the BCS than the games they need to win. Their are supremely talented but they seem to find a way to play down to the competition. So I've Cal, in an upset.
NBA
Allen Iverson was traded to the Nuggets for Chancey Billups the other day. I really don't get this trade on either side. I understand trading AI because his contract is up next year, but getting Chauncey in return? I don't see how that puts the Nuggets over the top in the West (if that was their intention). And bringing AI to Detroit (or anywhere) doesn't make sense.
I love AI's game, but I don't see how you can win a championship with it. The main job of a point guard is to make your team better. It's okay to be a good shooting point guard (Deron Williams, Steve Nash), but shoot first, pass second PGs just aren't cool anymore. I heard something like, "AI plays point guard like it's 1999." Great point. He'll always have his "practice?" montage.
Oklahoma City is 1-3 and I couldn't be happier. No disrespect to the players and fans, but the Sonics were hijacked and Seattle fans are heartbroken and will never forget that. Neither will I.
Something's gotta happen with Stephon Marbury. I own a bunch of his $8 sneakers, but man, he has to go. I know it's hard to buy out that insane $21 million a season contract, but that's only as insane as Stephon himself. I heard Stephon wants to coach High School. Please Stephon, leave them alone. If you read my above comment, the era of the Shoot First Point Guard has not worked out. Ask your old buddy, Steve Francis.
That "Phoenix is better than you might think" talk is looking pretty true right now. Amare is playing like the beast he is. It all boils down to the motivation of Shaq. I know Shaq was a beast in his heyday, but imagine if he really worked on the fundamental aspects of the game. He would be able to use size and skill to combat the age factor. Anyway, the Suns aren't bad.
And that does it for my NBA segment.
College Basketball:
March Madness starts this Tuesday. I'll only make two predictions: UCLA will lose in the Final Four and someone will fix that typo that says Notre Dame is ranked 9th. They won't even be 29th by the first week. I can't stand pre-season rankings in any sports. It's just absurd. Adrian is the College b-ball expert, so I will defer to him for now.
NFL
San Francisco at Arizona
Okay, who's watching this game Monday? I know Arizona's all right, but I will never trust them when it counts. The "Kurt Warner for MVP" talk has begun but it will stop long before the Cardinals finish 8-8. And Mike Singletary singling out a player by kicking him off the field, then pulling his pants down or whatever...I'm just not watching this game Monday, so let me know how it goes.
Denver at Cleveland
I'm picking Denver in this one. Just kidding. Jay Cutler was awesome last night. That guy has a cannon and makes some gutsy throws. Brady Quinn looked solid, but reminded me of his days in Notre Dame. I know it's only one game, but he's never had the late-game Magic.
Cleveland will never get anywhere with Romeo Crennell as the coach. Take a hike buddy. Your team is always under-prepared and constantly blows the game when it counts.
New York Giants at Philadelphia
I'll take Philly because they NEED to win this game. They're 0-2 in their division and practically the whole conference is fighting for a wild card spot.
Buffalo Bills at New England
The Patriots lost a tough one last week. The Colts came to fight and Dave Thomas (the Tight End, not the Wendy's deceased founder) decided to blow the game with that atrocious late hit. The Gaffney drop sucked, but that happens. Belichick blew some timeouts and that's your ballgame.
Buffalo was riding high, sitting on top of the division. Then they actually started playing division games. They lose Sunday and they're in last place in the division. Wow. As always, I'll be taking the Patriots.
Green Bay at Minnesota
You know who's second on Green Bay with rushing attempts? Aaron Rodgers. You know who's second on Green Bay with rushing yards? Aaron Rodgers. You know who has the best rushing average on Green Bay? Aaron Rodgers, but it's paltry a 3.9.
Ryan Grant needs to get going and fast, or this team is doomed. Not as doomed as the Gus Frerotte show. Packers are taking this game.
Indianapolis Colts at Steelers
Big Ben or no Big Ben, I'll take the Colts. Bob Sanders is back and the Colts look like they have a rhythm. I'd write more, but I'm tired.
Thanks for reading, if you did, and if you didn't, I understand.
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