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.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
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.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Prop 8 Gay Marriage Ban
Let me stray from the sports world today. Have you ever read about injustices such as slavery, the decimation of American Indians or segregation, and wondered what you would have done had you "been there?" I would like to believe that I would have been on the side of the progressives and spoken up, but living in those times, who knows.
I'm writing this article because I want you to be on the right side of history. Trying to sell the ban on gay marriage at best sounds like (and is) discrimination and at worst, plain old bigotry.
Anyway, rather than have me spew some long, angry, sarcastic rant, check out this comprehensive and very well-researched essay about the arguments for the ban and their rebuttals. This essay was written by Scott Bidstrup.
http://www.bidstrup.com/marriage.htm
There's more to say, but unfortunately I have 2 big tests this week and I think there's an election tomorrow.
Vote No on Prop 8 in CA or in any state that wants to ban gay marriage~
Victor
I'm writing this article because I want you to be on the right side of history. Trying to sell the ban on gay marriage at best sounds like (and is) discrimination and at worst, plain old bigotry.
Anyway, rather than have me spew some long, angry, sarcastic rant, check out this comprehensive and very well-researched essay about the arguments for the ban and their rebuttals. This essay was written by Scott Bidstrup.
http://www.bidstrup.com/marriage.htm
There's more to say, but unfortunately I have 2 big tests this week and I think there's an election tomorrow.
Vote No on Prop 8 in CA or in any state that wants to ban gay marriage~
Victor
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Florida vs. Georgia, Texas vs. Texas Tech, NFL, NBA
Before I get to talk this week's games, I'd like to bring up last week's. First, what happened in that Penn St./Ohio St. game? I know it was a defensive game, but I don't think either team's defense is that good.
Do you think Texas, Alabama, Oklahoma, USC, Florida or every other top team not in the Big Ten won't light both of these teams up? I certainly don't think so.
Penn St., I applaud you for ramming the ball down Ohio St.'s throat with Daryl Clark out and score late to seal the game. But that won't cut it when it counts. Enjoy your bye week. You'll need it.
Florida Vs. Georgia
Florida is winning this game big. I'm talking running up the score stuff. Remember that entire team celebration you guys did last year when you beat Florida?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xj_yqJtmE2w
Basically the only reason Florida isn't undefeated is because they missed an extra point against Ole Miss. Their average margin of victory is 35 points. Demps is averaging nearly 12 yards a carry and Tim Tebow has been playing well.
Side conversation: anybody else think he will carry the Florida tradition of quarterbacks and be absolutely terrible as a pro? I sure do. Long live Danny Wuerffel.
Texas Vs. Texas Tech
If you told me that Texas won this game big or lost big, I would believe you. If you told me Tech won big or lost big, I would believe you. Tough game to call. This isn't the usual Texas Tech team and this isn't the usual college football anymore.
Texas has played 3 tough games in a row. They barely pulled that one out and their schedule "easy" after this game. Tech has been building up for this game and licking their chops. They're ready enough, they're good enough and they're at home. I'm taking Tech to win this one.
The rest of college football looks a bit uneventful, unless one of the top teams blows it. I think the Nebraska/Oklahoma game could be interesting out of pride, but Nebraska ain't what they used to be.
NFL
There are 17 teams with either 3 or 4 losses at this point, and 16 are playing this week. We're (pretty much) at the halfway point now. These teams need to define themselves and get to or get over a .500 winning percentage.
New York Jets at Buffalo Bills
Brett Favre was the goat and then the hero of last week's game. Buffalo struggled in that loss Miami. Chad Pennington threw for 300 yards! That doesn't bode well with the Favre passing attack. I'll take the Jets in this game.
Green Bay at Tennessee
Well, Tennessee put me in my place last week. I knew their defense was good, but I didn't know it was that good or that mean. Ouch. Their smash mouth offense and timely passing attack is tough to beat.
That said, Tennessee, 8-0? No way. THIS is the week that Kerry Collins stinks it up. It HAS to be. Just has to be. Remember when everyone was trying to sell us Jake the Snake Plummer in his Denver days? Same story. Green Bay gets win number 5.
Miami at Denver
Denver got smoked two weeks ago. Miami looked pretty good against Buffalo and passed their way to victory. Unfortunately, Denver had a timely bye week to get their offense read and maybe pretended to draw up a defense during it.
I like Denver in this game simply because Denver is a tough place to play. Miami is tough though. Maybe that AFC isn't so paltry after all, huh?
Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants
This game should be a blowout. Problems for Dallas: Romo's out, Brad Johnson's in, T.O., suspect defense, and so on. New York just had that comeback win against Pittsburgh (in Pittsburgh). They're the defending champs looking to smack Dallas around.
When divisional teams play each other, all bets are off, especially in the NFC East. I picked against Dallas last week, but I won't do it this week. They seem to have an identity at the moment (run the ball, short passing game, their defense played well last week). Dallas it is. You heard it here first. And of course, I'll be wayyyyy wrong.
New England Patriots at Indianapolis Colts
Do you remember when this game was serious prime time? In just a year, it's actually kind of sad. The Patriots are 5-2, but without Brady, this game doesn't have the same feel. And the Colts are just trying to get back to .500 and get in the playoffs.
The Colts just aren't very good right now (key words, "right now", they still care me). They could very easily be 1-6 (thanks to that sorry Vikings game and the Sage Rosenfels Air Show). They've got way too many injuries. Manning hasn't found his timing quite yet. Marvin Harrison isn't himself. Bob Sanders and Joe Addai might play, but they're beat up.
The Patriots win another close game in Lucas Oil Stadium.
Pittsburgh at Washington
I like this match-up. The Redskins play like the Steelers used to with a heavy running attack and an opportune quarterback. The Steelers have "gone rogue" you might say. They're spreading it out, allowing sacks, not running as consistently as they used to, etc.
Funner to watch, but not Steeler football. But...The Steelers blew it last week with that bizarro safety snap thing. They should have beaten New York and they're going to beat Washington. The 'Skins just aren't dynamic enough and the Steelers D will force Campbell to finally make a mistake or 3. Steelers it is.
NBA thoughts:
I'll be nice and say the Lakers looked scary good. I watched both of their first two games and their second time was pulling off some serious showtime. That team can run and gun and even played a little defense (won't happen in June, but I said I'd be nice, for now).
I was told Greg Oden is Sam Bowie 2.0. That's an insult to Sam Bowie. At least he played 5 full seasons (along with his injury-plauged other seasons). I just want Oden to play and have a long career (or at least a play 20 games for crying out loud), but man, he was limping around even before he hurt himself.
Be sure to watch the Celtics play the Bulls Friday night on ESPN. Derrick Rose looked awesome in his first game and the Celtics are ready to defend that title. That was an emotional win against the Cavaliers.
I loved that Hack-a-Shaq moment and Poppavich giving Shaq the thumbs up. Shaq, hit your free throws man! It's cheap, but if you can't hit your free throws (at least more than half of them), I can't feel sorry for you. The Hornets looked great against the Suns tonight, by the way. I miss James Posey.
We've got a Rockets coming out of the West prediction on my comments list (Tim) and man they looked good tonight. Artest almost got involved in a fight, but that seemed to fire him up and he went on a scoring binge. If he doesn't murder anyone, the Rockets really could take the West. The Lakers coulda used a guy like that.
World Series
Congratulations to the Phillies for winning the worst series in recent memory (I won't say all-time; hyperbole like that is uncalled for). The Rays weren't able to duplicate that power display that they pulled on the Sox.
You can go ahead and dismiss the "they'll be back talk." Remember the Rockies? Didn't think so. They'll crap the bed next year and then the team will split up, signing lucrative deals elsewhere.
Let the Manny-Mania off-season begin.
So tell me know what your picks and thoughts are so I can go ahead and disagree with you.
~Vic
Do you think Texas, Alabama, Oklahoma, USC, Florida or every other top team not in the Big Ten won't light both of these teams up? I certainly don't think so.
Penn St., I applaud you for ramming the ball down Ohio St.'s throat with Daryl Clark out and score late to seal the game. But that won't cut it when it counts. Enjoy your bye week. You'll need it.
Florida Vs. Georgia
Florida is winning this game big. I'm talking running up the score stuff. Remember that entire team celebration you guys did last year when you beat Florida?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xj_yqJtmE2w
Basically the only reason Florida isn't undefeated is because they missed an extra point against Ole Miss. Their average margin of victory is 35 points. Demps is averaging nearly 12 yards a carry and Tim Tebow has been playing well.
Side conversation: anybody else think he will carry the Florida tradition of quarterbacks and be absolutely terrible as a pro? I sure do. Long live Danny Wuerffel.
Texas Vs. Texas Tech
If you told me that Texas won this game big or lost big, I would believe you. If you told me Tech won big or lost big, I would believe you. Tough game to call. This isn't the usual Texas Tech team and this isn't the usual college football anymore.
Texas has played 3 tough games in a row. They barely pulled that one out and their schedule "easy" after this game. Tech has been building up for this game and licking their chops. They're ready enough, they're good enough and they're at home. I'm taking Tech to win this one.
The rest of college football looks a bit uneventful, unless one of the top teams blows it. I think the Nebraska/Oklahoma game could be interesting out of pride, but Nebraska ain't what they used to be.
NFL
There are 17 teams with either 3 or 4 losses at this point, and 16 are playing this week. We're (pretty much) at the halfway point now. These teams need to define themselves and get to or get over a .500 winning percentage.
New York Jets at Buffalo Bills
Brett Favre was the goat and then the hero of last week's game. Buffalo struggled in that loss Miami. Chad Pennington threw for 300 yards! That doesn't bode well with the Favre passing attack. I'll take the Jets in this game.
Green Bay at Tennessee
Well, Tennessee put me in my place last week. I knew their defense was good, but I didn't know it was that good or that mean. Ouch. Their smash mouth offense and timely passing attack is tough to beat.
That said, Tennessee, 8-0? No way. THIS is the week that Kerry Collins stinks it up. It HAS to be. Just has to be. Remember when everyone was trying to sell us Jake the Snake Plummer in his Denver days? Same story. Green Bay gets win number 5.
Miami at Denver
Denver got smoked two weeks ago. Miami looked pretty good against Buffalo and passed their way to victory. Unfortunately, Denver had a timely bye week to get their offense read and maybe pretended to draw up a defense during it.
I like Denver in this game simply because Denver is a tough place to play. Miami is tough though. Maybe that AFC isn't so paltry after all, huh?
Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants
This game should be a blowout. Problems for Dallas: Romo's out, Brad Johnson's in, T.O., suspect defense, and so on. New York just had that comeback win against Pittsburgh (in Pittsburgh). They're the defending champs looking to smack Dallas around.
When divisional teams play each other, all bets are off, especially in the NFC East. I picked against Dallas last week, but I won't do it this week. They seem to have an identity at the moment (run the ball, short passing game, their defense played well last week). Dallas it is. You heard it here first. And of course, I'll be wayyyyy wrong.
New England Patriots at Indianapolis Colts
Do you remember when this game was serious prime time? In just a year, it's actually kind of sad. The Patriots are 5-2, but without Brady, this game doesn't have the same feel. And the Colts are just trying to get back to .500 and get in the playoffs.
The Colts just aren't very good right now (key words, "right now", they still care me). They could very easily be 1-6 (thanks to that sorry Vikings game and the Sage Rosenfels Air Show). They've got way too many injuries. Manning hasn't found his timing quite yet. Marvin Harrison isn't himself. Bob Sanders and Joe Addai might play, but they're beat up.
The Patriots win another close game in Lucas Oil Stadium.
Pittsburgh at Washington
I like this match-up. The Redskins play like the Steelers used to with a heavy running attack and an opportune quarterback. The Steelers have "gone rogue" you might say. They're spreading it out, allowing sacks, not running as consistently as they used to, etc.
Funner to watch, but not Steeler football. But...The Steelers blew it last week with that bizarro safety snap thing. They should have beaten New York and they're going to beat Washington. The 'Skins just aren't dynamic enough and the Steelers D will force Campbell to finally make a mistake or 3. Steelers it is.
NBA thoughts:
I'll be nice and say the Lakers looked scary good. I watched both of their first two games and their second time was pulling off some serious showtime. That team can run and gun and even played a little defense (won't happen in June, but I said I'd be nice, for now).
I was told Greg Oden is Sam Bowie 2.0. That's an insult to Sam Bowie. At least he played 5 full seasons (along with his injury-plauged other seasons). I just want Oden to play and have a long career (or at least a play 20 games for crying out loud), but man, he was limping around even before he hurt himself.
Be sure to watch the Celtics play the Bulls Friday night on ESPN. Derrick Rose looked awesome in his first game and the Celtics are ready to defend that title. That was an emotional win against the Cavaliers.
I loved that Hack-a-Shaq moment and Poppavich giving Shaq the thumbs up. Shaq, hit your free throws man! It's cheap, but if you can't hit your free throws (at least more than half of them), I can't feel sorry for you. The Hornets looked great against the Suns tonight, by the way. I miss James Posey.
We've got a Rockets coming out of the West prediction on my comments list (Tim) and man they looked good tonight. Artest almost got involved in a fight, but that seemed to fire him up and he went on a scoring binge. If he doesn't murder anyone, the Rockets really could take the West. The Lakers coulda used a guy like that.
World Series
Congratulations to the Phillies for winning the worst series in recent memory (I won't say all-time; hyperbole like that is uncalled for). The Rays weren't able to duplicate that power display that they pulled on the Sox.
You can go ahead and dismiss the "they'll be back talk." Remember the Rockies? Didn't think so. They'll crap the bed next year and then the team will split up, signing lucrative deals elsewhere.
Let the Manny-Mania off-season begin.
So tell me know what your picks and thoughts are so I can go ahead and disagree with you.
~Vic
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
The NBA? Already?
After the Red Sox lost game 7 to the Rays, I thought to myself, "well, at least I'll be able to get some stuff done." I switched over to ESPN and saw the ad promoting "Celtics/Cavs and Lakers/Portland, opening night, NBA on TNT!" So much for getting anything done.
I'm so happy the NBA regular season means something again. Had the Celtics not had the best record in the league, which led to home court advantage throughout, they would not have won the championship. They didn't win a road game until the third round for crying out loud.
Moral of the story, teams like Detroit and San Antonio can't just coast through the regular season. And this season, there are a lot of hungry teams.
Out west, New Orleans, Portland, Utah and Houston want it real bad. The Aging San Antonio Spurs want to make that final run. The Lakers were absolutely embarrassed in game 6 and I'm sure have revenge in their hearts.
Speaking of the Lakers, you're hearing a lot of hype about them right now. And deservedly so, with the potential to throw 3 7 footers out at one time (Bynum, Odom, Gasol). But unless they stopped being soft and if Bynum actually plays the whole season, I'm not buying it.
They will have a great regular season but I just feel the Lakers were exposed in the Finals.
So who do I like in the West? The Spurs are going to win the West, as much as it pains me to say it. Don't forget, they made it to the Conference Finals last year. I know Manu's hurt, but no team is better at the above mentioned (and hated) cruise control regular season than the Spurs. Watch out.
In the East, it has to be the Celtics. Don't think that Pierce, Garnett, Allen and crew are getting fat and happy over one championship. The last one was about redemption, but those guys are competitors. Between the hunger to repeat and the awesome home crowds, the Celtics won't be stopped.
The big question is the loss of James Posey. They really wouldn't have won without him and Posey just may help the Hornets win one.
The Cavs will fight to the death again, but I just don't know what more Lebron can do for his team and who else is going to pick up the slack. Lebron needs to chill on the 3 pointers as well, unless he learned to shoot them 2 weeks ago.
So, to recap, Celts/Spurs finals. And yes, I will be wayyyy off, as usual.
Tonight's Picks:
I like the home teams. Celtics over Cavs (TNT), Chicago (can't wait to see Rose) over Milwaukee (WGN) and the Lake-Show over Portland (TNT).
I can't wait to see Oden in his first game as well as Derrick Rose. And I can't wait for more Isiah Thomas stories this year. What is going on with that guy??
I'm so happy the NBA regular season means something again. Had the Celtics not had the best record in the league, which led to home court advantage throughout, they would not have won the championship. They didn't win a road game until the third round for crying out loud.
Moral of the story, teams like Detroit and San Antonio can't just coast through the regular season. And this season, there are a lot of hungry teams.
Out west, New Orleans, Portland, Utah and Houston want it real bad. The Aging San Antonio Spurs want to make that final run. The Lakers were absolutely embarrassed in game 6 and I'm sure have revenge in their hearts.
Speaking of the Lakers, you're hearing a lot of hype about them right now. And deservedly so, with the potential to throw 3 7 footers out at one time (Bynum, Odom, Gasol). But unless they stopped being soft and if Bynum actually plays the whole season, I'm not buying it.
They will have a great regular season but I just feel the Lakers were exposed in the Finals.
So who do I like in the West? The Spurs are going to win the West, as much as it pains me to say it. Don't forget, they made it to the Conference Finals last year. I know Manu's hurt, but no team is better at the above mentioned (and hated) cruise control regular season than the Spurs. Watch out.
In the East, it has to be the Celtics. Don't think that Pierce, Garnett, Allen and crew are getting fat and happy over one championship. The last one was about redemption, but those guys are competitors. Between the hunger to repeat and the awesome home crowds, the Celtics won't be stopped.
The big question is the loss of James Posey. They really wouldn't have won without him and Posey just may help the Hornets win one.
The Cavs will fight to the death again, but I just don't know what more Lebron can do for his team and who else is going to pick up the slack. Lebron needs to chill on the 3 pointers as well, unless he learned to shoot them 2 weeks ago.
So, to recap, Celts/Spurs finals. And yes, I will be wayyyy off, as usual.
Tonight's Picks:
I like the home teams. Celtics over Cavs (TNT), Chicago (can't wait to see Rose) over Milwaukee (WGN) and the Lake-Show over Portland (TNT).
I can't wait to see Oden in his first game as well as Derrick Rose. And I can't wait for more Isiah Thomas stories this year. What is going on with that guy??
Friday, October 24, 2008
Big Sports Weekend
There are a lot of big games this weekend. We have Game 3 of the World Series (is anyone watching it?), Penn St./Ohio St., Texas/Oklahoma St and the Giants/Steelers match-up to look forward to.
World Series:
The World Series between the Phillies and the Rays reminds me of the Sox/Rays series. Phillies won game 1 but the hard-nosed Rays came out and won game 2.
Hey, Ryan Howard, when there are 10 guys sitting in short right field, don't hit it to short right field. Enough already. Big Papi didn't (couldn't??) go to left field and it hurt the Sox. Hit the ball the other way. You sure as hell have the power to.
The Rays hitters hit for power and come through clutch, so I see them roughing up Jamie Moyer and his 30 mph fastball. I like the Rays in this series (in 6), but hate them for beating my Red Sox.
College Football:
I'm excited for the Penn St/Ohio St football game. I know the Big Ten has suffered some painful BCS losses recently, but I'm still a sucker for their conference games. I love the tremendous pride these teams have when they slug it out.
Not to mention everything at stake in this particular game. Penn St. wants to stay in the National Championship picture and Ohio St. wants to get back into it.
I see Ohio St. keeping that home winning streak alive (Penn St. hasn't won there since '78) and getting back into the National Championship picture (and getting smoked in their BCS game, but we'll save that prediction for later in the season). Penn St. seems to shrink in the big games these past few years. They always play tough though, so this game will be close.
The other big college game on my plate is Texas and Oklahoma St. Texas wins this one big at home. I think because #6 Oklahoma State is playing so well, Texas will be more prepared for this game than they have been in the past. That said, I HOPE Texas loses. Big. Huge. Bring down the BCS!
NFL
The Tampa Bay/Dallas game is definitely on my watch list. Unless you're a Dallas fan, there's nothing better than watching this train wreck of a season. And come on, it was so predictable.
What did Jerry Jones think was going to happen when he signed T.O.? What did he think was going to happen when he signed Pacman Jones? And why bring in Wade Phillips? That guy has no influence over this team. Say what you will about Parcells, at least he had the Cowboys focused on the games and kept T.O. in check (sorta).
So yeah, Tampa Bay wins this game. By the way, did Jon Gruden overhear Garcia calling him "Chucky" or something? Why did Gruden bench him earlier in the season? Strange...
The Pittsburgh/NYG game is the game of the week. As much as I hate the Giants for beating my Pats, why do people keep doubting these guys? I know Pittsburgh is at home, but New York is looking to bounce back after that loss to Cleveland and mash these guys.
Look for lots of Brandon Jacobs and Plaxico Burress, who probably wants to scorch his old team (if he's not busy driving his kid to school for 3 days, or whatever that strange story was all about). Also, let's keep track of how many of Eli's passes SHOULD have been picked off but either seem to get dropped or fall JUST in between 11 Pittsburgh defenders.
The Indianapolis/Tennessee game on Monday night should be a good one. I like Indy in this game. Kerry Collins is absolutely due for one of his 4 INT games and Peyton Manning and crew were embarrassed in Green Bay last week.
Oh, and one last game. I have to write about the New England game. Not just because of my bias, but because, well, because of my bias. St. Louis went from the joke of the league to knocking off two NFC East "powerhouses."
Of course, the NFL is the league where experts and pundits don't hop on the wave when it's forming but love to hop on waves when they're about to crash. What does that horrible analogy mean? I'm not sure. But New England will remind the Rams that just because they're better with out ex-coach Scott Linehan, they're still not good.
What are your games to watch and what your picks? Let me know~
Vic
World Series:
The World Series between the Phillies and the Rays reminds me of the Sox/Rays series. Phillies won game 1 but the hard-nosed Rays came out and won game 2.
Hey, Ryan Howard, when there are 10 guys sitting in short right field, don't hit it to short right field. Enough already. Big Papi didn't (couldn't??) go to left field and it hurt the Sox. Hit the ball the other way. You sure as hell have the power to.
The Rays hitters hit for power and come through clutch, so I see them roughing up Jamie Moyer and his 30 mph fastball. I like the Rays in this series (in 6), but hate them for beating my Red Sox.
College Football:
I'm excited for the Penn St/Ohio St football game. I know the Big Ten has suffered some painful BCS losses recently, but I'm still a sucker for their conference games. I love the tremendous pride these teams have when they slug it out.
Not to mention everything at stake in this particular game. Penn St. wants to stay in the National Championship picture and Ohio St. wants to get back into it.
I see Ohio St. keeping that home winning streak alive (Penn St. hasn't won there since '78) and getting back into the National Championship picture (and getting smoked in their BCS game, but we'll save that prediction for later in the season). Penn St. seems to shrink in the big games these past few years. They always play tough though, so this game will be close.
The other big college game on my plate is Texas and Oklahoma St. Texas wins this one big at home. I think because #6 Oklahoma State is playing so well, Texas will be more prepared for this game than they have been in the past. That said, I HOPE Texas loses. Big. Huge. Bring down the BCS!
NFL
The Tampa Bay/Dallas game is definitely on my watch list. Unless you're a Dallas fan, there's nothing better than watching this train wreck of a season. And come on, it was so predictable.
What did Jerry Jones think was going to happen when he signed T.O.? What did he think was going to happen when he signed Pacman Jones? And why bring in Wade Phillips? That guy has no influence over this team. Say what you will about Parcells, at least he had the Cowboys focused on the games and kept T.O. in check (sorta).
So yeah, Tampa Bay wins this game. By the way, did Jon Gruden overhear Garcia calling him "Chucky" or something? Why did Gruden bench him earlier in the season? Strange...
The Pittsburgh/NYG game is the game of the week. As much as I hate the Giants for beating my Pats, why do people keep doubting these guys? I know Pittsburgh is at home, but New York is looking to bounce back after that loss to Cleveland and mash these guys.
Look for lots of Brandon Jacobs and Plaxico Burress, who probably wants to scorch his old team (if he's not busy driving his kid to school for 3 days, or whatever that strange story was all about). Also, let's keep track of how many of Eli's passes SHOULD have been picked off but either seem to get dropped or fall JUST in between 11 Pittsburgh defenders.
The Indianapolis/Tennessee game on Monday night should be a good one. I like Indy in this game. Kerry Collins is absolutely due for one of his 4 INT games and Peyton Manning and crew were embarrassed in Green Bay last week.
Oh, and one last game. I have to write about the New England game. Not just because of my bias, but because, well, because of my bias. St. Louis went from the joke of the league to knocking off two NFC East "powerhouses."
Of course, the NFL is the league where experts and pundits don't hop on the wave when it's forming but love to hop on waves when they're about to crash. What does that horrible analogy mean? I'm not sure. But New England will remind the Rams that just because they're better with out ex-coach Scott Linehan, they're still not good.
What are your games to watch and what your picks? Let me know~
Vic
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Become a Vegan (or at least a vegetarian)
Recently, thanks to my lady and all of the books/material I've read, I decided to become a vegetarian (and then a vegan).
What were my reasons? If I was taking a test, I would say "all of the above." Here are the reasons, in a nutshell:
1. Cruelty: Animal cruelty is out of control. We've seen the commercials with forklifts shoving cows to their feet so they can get butchered. This happens because laws state that a cow cannot be killed unless it can stand on its own.
Cows have to be "stunned" by a metal bolt before getting slaughtered. Unfortunately, the meat industry overload and a lack of training, employees, etc, the "stunner" misses its mark quite frequently. The cow has to be stunned and stunned again. You get the picture. If not, find some video online.
That is not even the beginning of the horror stories.
2. Health: Meat and dairy products are just plain unhealthy. How many tons of meat recalls do you hear about every day, week, month, etc.? Did you know that milk products can actually CAUSE osteoporosis? Did you know milk is linked to cancer, thanks to bovine treatments?
I've lost 25 pounds since becoming a vegetarian (and then a vegan) and have never felt better.
3. Political: Between ads targeting children, the joke that is the USDA, the meat and dairy lobbyists in government, there are many reasons to "Trust No One." We're just being plain old duped. The standards for food overseas far outweigh the disaster of a system we have here. And it's not for not knowing. It's to save pennies.
4. Environmental: For you green freaks, yup, eating meat and consuming milk is bad for the environment. The high demand for cattle leads to deforestation. Cow gas also leads to the a larger output of methane gas, adding to our Global Warming problem. So on and so forth.
5. Excess: Eating meat is bad for many reasons, but do we really need sausages and bacon for breakfast, hamburgers and chicken wings for lunch, and steaks and hot dogs for dinner?
Look at the American diet and the obesity epidemic we face. This meat craze has led to the unbalanced diets we now have.
Sorry if this post is long and sorry if it's a bit vague scientifically or lacking in the anecdotal sense.
For in depth reasons, read Skinny Bitch (Hilarious, but really hits home), Fast Food Nation (one of the most comprehensive books I've ever read about anything), and The China Study.
Visit these websites, read those books mentioned (or, if you don't feel like reading them, ask me about them, I will be glad to tell you!) and raise your awareness of what you're putting into your body.
http://www.vegan.org/
http://milksucks.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China_Study
What were my reasons? If I was taking a test, I would say "all of the above." Here are the reasons, in a nutshell:
1. Cruelty: Animal cruelty is out of control. We've seen the commercials with forklifts shoving cows to their feet so they can get butchered. This happens because laws state that a cow cannot be killed unless it can stand on its own.
Cows have to be "stunned" by a metal bolt before getting slaughtered. Unfortunately, the meat industry overload and a lack of training, employees, etc, the "stunner" misses its mark quite frequently. The cow has to be stunned and stunned again. You get the picture. If not, find some video online.
That is not even the beginning of the horror stories.
2. Health: Meat and dairy products are just plain unhealthy. How many tons of meat recalls do you hear about every day, week, month, etc.? Did you know that milk products can actually CAUSE osteoporosis? Did you know milk is linked to cancer, thanks to bovine treatments?
I've lost 25 pounds since becoming a vegetarian (and then a vegan) and have never felt better.
3. Political: Between ads targeting children, the joke that is the USDA, the meat and dairy lobbyists in government, there are many reasons to "Trust No One." We're just being plain old duped. The standards for food overseas far outweigh the disaster of a system we have here. And it's not for not knowing. It's to save pennies.
4. Environmental: For you green freaks, yup, eating meat and consuming milk is bad for the environment. The high demand for cattle leads to deforestation. Cow gas also leads to the a larger output of methane gas, adding to our Global Warming problem. So on and so forth.
5. Excess: Eating meat is bad for many reasons, but do we really need sausages and bacon for breakfast, hamburgers and chicken wings for lunch, and steaks and hot dogs for dinner?
Look at the American diet and the obesity epidemic we face. This meat craze has led to the unbalanced diets we now have.
Sorry if this post is long and sorry if it's a bit vague scientifically or lacking in the anecdotal sense.
For in depth reasons, read Skinny Bitch (Hilarious, but really hits home), Fast Food Nation (one of the most comprehensive books I've ever read about anything), and The China Study.
Visit these websites, read those books mentioned (or, if you don't feel like reading them, ask me about them, I will be glad to tell you!) and raise your awareness of what you're putting into your body.
http://www.vegan.org/
http://milksucks.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China_Study
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
First Post
Welcome to my wonderful page. My wife once told me, "I know you love the sound of your own voice, but will you shut the $#@! up and listen to me?" Unfortunately, I can't hear my voice now, but this is the next best thing. Until I start my podcasts and video blogs in the future, of course.
Don't be alarmed by the "adult content" warning when visiting my page. This is not a porn site and I will not be cursing like a sailor. If anyone actually visits this page, they may leave comments that are not pleasing to the ear, or to the eye, since you will be reading it.
I don't like small talk, but I do love having intellectual discussions/arguments, hearing other opinions and voicing my own. It's a great way to learn (and get really frustrated).
I mentioned a few topics in my heading (politics, sports, movies, etc.), but really I will talk about ANYTHING.
An actual topic post will come soon, so relax already.
Thanks for stopping by~
Victa
Don't be alarmed by the "adult content" warning when visiting my page. This is not a porn site and I will not be cursing like a sailor. If anyone actually visits this page, they may leave comments that are not pleasing to the ear, or to the eye, since you will be reading it.
I don't like small talk, but I do love having intellectual discussions/arguments, hearing other opinions and voicing my own. It's a great way to learn (and get really frustrated).
I mentioned a few topics in my heading (politics, sports, movies, etc.), but really I will talk about ANYTHING.
An actual topic post will come soon, so relax already.
Thanks for stopping by~
Victa
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